Arthur Dixon letters

good fellow, the joy of the prospect almost choked me when I first felt it. I have seemed to breathe freer ever since. – It is rather more than usually pleasing to me to have this business to talk about on the evening. It reminds me so freshly & so delightfully of old times. Saturday evening was part of the charter of our Friendship. I ever made sure of your society then. It seems we brought into port then, and the fears and the distresses and the hopes and plans and anticipations of our voyage all found full oft on that evening an interest or discussion or sympathy in the heart of the other. On this Evening we have planned many a happy day. – How often have we been happy together after this day was done! We have inspirited each other to the work before us, and mutually enjoyed the congeniality which the past had produced. Like the Sailor ashore, I still love the Saturday night, and when it recurs, though my shipmates away, I like to bring to, and enjoy the remembrance of pleasures richly and dearly associated with them that are far away, my Friend and the old days of our Friendship. You may fancy me John, if ever such a chap comes into your head, seated in my cabin on this most invariable evening, alone, the chair where you were wont to sit, unoccupied, reminding me of your most noble company, and speaking to my memory most eloquently of traits too delightful to be forgotten, too dear that I should not take pleasure in cherishing their remembrance.
Will you not be my companion again? Come back my dear Boy, here’s a bright fire and a warm heart to welcome you.