y. They saw the danger they were in,
and the consequent necessity of forming a definite conclusion as to the
nature of their future relations. They must either live together in
perfect confidence, or else they must separate. "My friend, my dear
friend," she wrote him, "examine yourself well,--I am out of the
question; for, alas! I am nothing,--and discover what you wish to do,
what will render you most comfortable; or, to be more explicit, whether
you desire to live with me, or part forever! When you can ascertain it,
tell me frankly, I conjure you! for, believe me, I have very
involuntarily interrupted your peace." The determination could not be
made in a hurry. In the meantime Mary knew it would be unwise to remain
idle, meditating upon her wrongs. Forgetfulness of self in active work
appeared the only possible means of living through the period of
uncertainty. Imlay had business in Norway and Sweden which demanded the
personal superintendence either of himself or of a trustworthy agent. He
gave it in charge to Mary, and at the end of May she started upon this
mission. That Imlay still looked upon her as his wife, and that his
confidence in her was unlimited, is shown by the following document in
which he authorizes her to act for him:--

May 19, 1795.

Know all men by these presents that I, Gilbert Imlay, citizen of
the United States of America, at present residing in London, do
nominate, constitute, and appoint Mary Imlay, my best friend and
wife, to take the sole management and direction of all my affairs,
and business which I had placed in the hands of Mr. Elias Bachman,
negotiant, Gottenburg, or in those of Messrs. Myburg & Co.,
Copenhagen, desiring that she will manage and direct such concerns
in such manner as she may deem most wise and prudent. For which
this letter shall be a sufficient power, enabling her to receive
all the money or sums of money that may be recovered from Peter
Ellison or his connections, whatever may be the issue of the trial
now carrying on, instigated by Mr. Elias Bachman, as my agent, for
the violation of the trust which I had reposed in his integrity.

Considering the aggravated distresses, the accumulated losses and
damages sustained in consequence of the said Ellison's disobedience
of my injunctions, I desire the said Mary Imlay will clearly
ascertain the amount of such damages, taking first