Dear Sir,

...the disagreement subsisting between
yourself and my late honored father always gives me much uneasiness; and since I
have had the great misfortune of losing him, I have frequently wished to heal the
breach. My mind however was made up on the subject, for having received
my ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the
patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose bounty and benevolence has preferred
me to the valuable rectory of this parish. As a clergyman I feel it my duty to establish
the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence. I flatter myself
that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable, and that the
circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly
overlooked on your side and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. If you
should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the
satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, May the eighteenth by four
o’clock. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters,
your well-wisher and friend, William Collins.

(re-write to follow)