"
Jephthah's handwriting was of a bold description doing honour to his
tutors, but the letter was very brief, though to the purpose--
"Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"This is to do you, to wit, that by the grace of Heaven on my poor
endeavours I am come to high preferment. A goodly spoil hath fallen
unto me, namely, the castle and lands of Ballyshea, and therewith the
daughter of the owner, deceased, by name Ellen Roche, whom I have
espoused in marriage, and am bringing to the light of truth. I have
castle, lands, flocks and herds, men-servants and maid-servants in
abundance, and I give thanks to Him who hath rewarded His servant.
"Therefore I wholly resign to you, my brethren, Steadfast and Benoni,
any rights of heirship that may be mine in respect of the farmstead
of Elmwood, and will never, neither I nor my heirs, trouble you about
it further. Yet if Ben, or my sisters Patience and Jerusha, be
willing to cross over to me in this land of promise they shall be
kindly welcome, and I shall find how to bestow them well in marriage.
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