[dateline] Weymouth March 16 1763
[salute] Dear Cousin1
Tis no small pleasure to me, to hear of the great proficioncy you have made in the
French tongue, A Tongue Sweet, and harmonious, a Tongue, useful to Merchants, to Statesmen;
to Divines, and especially to Lawyers and Travellers; who by the help of it, may traverse
the whole Globe; for in this respect, the French language is pretty much now, what
I have heard the Latin formerly was, a universal tongue.
By the favor of my Father I have had the pleasure of seeing your Copy of Mrs. Wheelwrights
Letter, to her Nephew, and having some small acquaintance with the French tongue,
have attempted a translation; of it, which I here send, for your perusal and correction.
2
{ 4 } I am sensible that I am but ill qualified for such an undertaking, it being a maxim
with me that no one can translate an author well, who cannot write like the original,
and I find by Experience that tis more difficult to translate well, than to write
well.
You will see that I have endeavourd to translate the letter as literally as I could,
without treading on the heels of my Lady abbess, Esteeming literal translations to
be the best as well as truest. Should be glad if you would favor me with your translation,
for you, being taught the French language by one of the greatest masters, I make no
doubt but that your performance shines in all the beauty and perfection of Language.
[salute] That you may daily grow in virtue and useful Learning, and be a bright Orniment in
Church or State is the sincere wish of Dear Cousin Your affectionat Friend,
[signed] Nabby Smith
N B. How the Lady abbess came to subscribe herself Serviteur, which you know is of
the masculine Gender I cannot devise unless like all other Ladies in a convent, she
chose to make use of the Masculine Gender, rather than the Feminine.
Excuse the wri[ting] for tis late at night.