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Friendship is the affectionate unity, which exists between two or more and endears them to each other, by the strongest ties. There may be felt in true friendship some of the most pure and disinterested emotions that this earth can afford. But we should be careful, and select only wise and virtuous for our companions; and put confidence in none but those whom we have learned to be true by a long acquaintance. There are many who are friends (or pretend to be) in prosperity but if adversity should visit us, will forsake us, and we cannot consider them as real friends. It is those who will stand by us in trouble as well as in prosperity, who will sympathize with us and pour consolation into our bosoms, that we should prize above all others. That such may be yours is the wish of your sincere friend...

Harriet B. Davis Minot