It was, in my humble opinion, the most decadent and expensive celebration I had ever attended. The gentlemen gleemed from head to toe, and the ladies were enthroned in lace and satin. What a glorious night it was indeed! Wine and spirits flowed like a river, as did the latest news of commerce in Europe. Why I can scarcely conceal my glee at the fortune our company has stumbled upon in the country you discussed in your last letter. The final preperations are very much in order, and if lady luck smiles upon both of us my friend, our children's children will need not worry about money ever again. Now the effort of putting together words on paper has left me lightheaded (I fear I may have indulged a touch last night), and I shall clo-
[The rest of the letter has been burned away.]
