To this I directed my steps, and here I paused to examine the contents of the pocket-book.
I found three bank-notes, each of fifty dollars, enclosed in a piece of blank paper.

Besides these were three letters, apparently written by his wife, and dated at Baltimore.

They were brief, but composed in a strain of great tenderness, and containing affecting allusions to their child.
I could gather, from their date and tenor, that they were received during his absence on his recent voyage; that her condition was considerably necessitous, and surrounded by wants which their prolonged separation had increased.
The fourth letter was open, and seemed to have been very lately written.
It was directed to Mrs.Mary Watson.

He informed her in it of his arrival at Philadelphia from St.Domingo; of the loss of his ship and cargo; and of his intention to hasten home with all possible expedition.
He told her that all was lost but one hundred and fifty dollars, the greater part of which he should bring with him, to relieve her more pressing wants.

The letter was signed, and folded, and superscribed, but unsealed.
A little consideration showed me in what manner it became me, on this occasion, to demean myself.