last letter / John Sheares, 1798

Letter dated Wednesday night July 11th 1798, prayer for Julia and his Family. Written by John Sheares shortly before his execution. Wednesday night, July 11th It is now eleven o'clock and I have only time to address my beloved Julia in a short eternal farewell. Thou sacred Power, whatever by thy name and nature, who hast created us the frail and imperfect things we are, hear the ardent prayer of a Creature about to enter on an awfull Unknown Change. If thy divine providence can be affected by mortal Supplication, hear and grant I beseech you the last wishes of a heart, that has ever adored your Goodness. Let peace and happiness once more visit the bosoms of my beloved family. Let a mild grief succeed the miseries they have endured, and when this debt be paid to the Rest of him, who has caused it, let all their ensuing days glide in Union and domestic harmony… Enlighten my beloved Brother… to him and his invaluable wife grant the Undisturbed enjoy- ment of their mutual Love, and as they advance, let their means of providing for the sweet Pledges of their attachment increase. Let my Julia, my feeling, too feeling Julia feel the consolation she so often fought for others. Let her soul repose at length and in the consummation of all the wishes of her Excellent heart. Let her taste that happiness her Virtues have so well merited. For my other Sisters provide those comforts their situations required. To my Mother…Oh Eternal Power! What gift shall I ask for my Matchless Parent. Restore her to that Peace which I have torn her from. Let her forget me in the Ceaseless affections of her Remaining Children, and in their growing prosperity, let her taste that happiness which is best suited to her affectionate heart. And when at Length she is called hence, let her find in everlasting bliss, the due reward of a Life of Suffering virtue. Adieu Julia, my light is just out, the approach of darkness is like that of Death, since both alike require I should say farewell for ever. Oh my dear family farewell, farewell for ever. M. Sheares (on back for the addressed);