William Short to John Mayo, [January 1785]

 I recieved with great Pleasure a few Days ago yours of the 30^th. of December. That which you mention to have been sent by the November Packet has by some Means or other miscarried, having never yet come to my Hands.—

You will readily ^^believe I hope, Sir, that no Intelligence could have afforded me more Pleasure than that of your happy Connexion with the 'Object of your Wishes'. As your Friend I could not but wish it with a real Ardor— As a Citizen of Virginia I cannot but feel myself interested in the Event if it gives M^rs Mayo to Richmond.— You know me to well Sir, to suppose I can flatter one whom I esteem; & believe me I was never less influenced by it than when I assure you that I think M^rs Mayo will by her Charms & her improved Understanding both ornament & enrich the Society of our Capital.— I congratulate you most sincerely on this desirable Change from Celibacy, that solitary, monastic, wearisome State of Existence, to all the tender Affections & alluring endearments of Matrimony.— — It is the State, I am sure for which Man was formed, is certainly that where alone he can find Happiness, if he remains on that Side of the Atlantic.— Domestic Pleasures alone are those which are worth possessing there— & if they are not more exquisite, more brilliant, more bewitching & more rapturous than those which are run after by all the World in this Place— yet I am sure that they are more innocent, & more lasting & consequently better deserve the Pursuit & Enjoyment of a rational Mind. Do not suppose Sir, that I affect that degree of Stoicism which renders us superior to the Enchantments & ineffable Delights