of Melmoth, except in one or two
places, where it differs much from the ordinary text. The letters are
given entire, though some parts are rather specimens of style than good
examples of description.

"Your request that I should send an account of my uncle's death, in
order to transmit a more exact relation of it to posterity, deserves my
acknowledgments; for if this accident shall be celebrated by your pen,
the glory of it, I am assured, will be rendered forever illustrious.
And, notwithstanding he perished by a misfortune which, as it involved
at the same time a most beautiful country in ruins, and destroyed so
many populous cities, seems to promise him an everlasting remembrance;
notwithstanding he has himself composed many and lasting works; yet I
am persuaded the mention of him in your immortal works will greatly
contribute to eternize his name. Happy I esteem those to be, whom
Providence has distinguished with the abilities either of doing such
actions as are worthy of being related, or of relating them in a manner
worthy of being read; but doubly happy are they who are blessed with
both these talents; in the number of which my uncle, as his own writings
and your history will prove, may justly be ranked. It is with extreme
willingness, therefore, that I execute your commands; and should,
indeed, have claimed the task if you had not enjoined it.

"He was at that time with the fleet under his command at Misenum. On
the 24th of August, about one in the afternoon, my mother desired him to
observe a cloud which appeared of a very unusual size and shape. He had
just returned from taking the benefit of the sun, and, after bathing
himself in cold water, and taking a slight repast, had retired to his
study. He immediately arose, and went out upon an eminence, from whence
he might more distinctly view this very uncommon appearance. It was not
at that distance discernible from what mountain the cloud issued, but it
was found afterward to ascend from Mount Vesuvius. I cannot give a more
exact description of its figure than by comparing it to that of a pine
tree, for it shot up to a great height in the form of a trunk, which
extended itself at the top into a sort of branches; occasioned, I
imagine, either by a sudden gust of air that impelled it, the force
of which decreased as it advanced upwards, or the cloud itself being
pressed back again by its own weight, and expanding in this manner: it
appeared sometimes bright, and s