phrase: by such means as are within my reach

[Sweetpumpkin]

Hi,

This is a phrase in Persuasion by Jane Austen- the first line of Wentworth's letter to Anne. He has been writing to someone else when he happens to listen to Anne's conversation with Captain Harville in which she shows her love to Wentworth. After the conversation, he hands the letter to Anne.

I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach.

I think the meaning of the sentence is "I must speak to you by these means because they are within my reach." In other words, "I must speak to you by writing because paper and pen are right beside me."

1) Is my translation right?
2) I'm curious if that kind of structure is still used; doesn't it sound a bit old? (by such means as are within my reach)

Thanks,
sweetpumpkin

[Kitosdad]

Hello SP, we meet again!

"he hands the letter to Anne."

He used what was convenient. (Pen and paper). Nowadays he would have used SMS. :)

This manner of speaking is not used at all nowadays.

Kitos.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Cerberus™]

[Sweetpumpkin]

Thank you both for attention! Unfamiliar grammar in classics are always interesting to look at. :)