Beloved of my Heart.
I arrived safe in the Bay of Cadiz on the 7th of June, at 11 a Clock in the Morning, and as a Vessel was ready to sail your Way, I embrac’d the Opportunity to send you these Lines, before going ashore to see my Friends. I hope you enjoy your Health, in company with your good Father, Mother and Sisters, to whom pray remember me most cordially.
I am extreamly melancholy, my dear Katey, with Concern for your Health, and a thousand Desires to see you, and the Uncertainty whether you still remember your Laureano. You know I love you very much, and gave you a Father’s Advice, which pray remember. Preserve a cautious Conduct, and put no Confidance in Men. Be prudent, and beg of God to make you a Saint; for which End it is necessary to shun Men, and take care to guard against their Deceits. Trust in God, and he will always help you.
By your Letter, which I receiv’d in Salem, I judge you had been 18 Days from home. Your Parents will greatly rejoice to see their Katey again, as I should myself very much, and hope God will grant me that Pleasure before a Year passes. Remember, Child, what I told you one Sunday Evening, which you promised not to forget, as it was said in the Presence of God. Remember my Advice, and trust in me, and take care of your self for my sake. I have no other to care for. I have not been at Cadiz, so can write you nothing about my Brother and Sister.
Endeavour to keep the safe middle Way, and be neither lifted up nor cast down to your hurt. Eat and drink so as to preserve your precious Health, and remember your loving Spaniard and Very humble Servant