It has grieved and shocked me beyond expression; but, my dear friend, I am innocent so far as the intent goes.

I call God to witness that in the whole course of my life I never heard one syllable of Mr.Lamb or his family.

I knew not that he ever had a sister, or that he had parents living, or that he or any person connected with him had ever manifested the slightest tendency to insanity.

In a word, I declare to you _in the most solemn manner_ that all I ever knew or ever heard of Mr.Lamb was merely his name.

Had I been aware of one of the circumstances which you mention, I would have lost my right arm sooner than have written what I have.