"when you open this letter" (so the first began), "look first at the signature. the signature will tell you all, so that i need explain nothing, nor attempt to justify myself. were i in any way on a footing with you, you might be offended at my audacity; but who am i, and who are you? we are at such extremes, and i am so far removed from you, that i could not offend you if i wished to do so."