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If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Letters of the Late Ignatius Sancho, an African - To which are Prefixed, Memoirs of his Life - -Author: Ignatius Sancho - -Release Date: December 8, 2021 [eBook #66908] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Tim Lindell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at - https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive/American - Libraries.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF THE LATE IGNATIUS -SANCHO, AN AFRICAN *** - - - - - - Transcriber's note: Italic font is indicated by _underscores_. - Small upper-case letters are indicated by +plus signs+. - - - - -LETTERS - -OF THE LATE - -IGNATIUS SANCHO, - -AN AFRICAN. - -To which are prefixed, - -+MEMOIRS of his LIFE+. - - -THE THIRD EDITION. - - -LONDON: - -PRINTED BY J. NICHOLS; -+And Sold by C. DILLY, in the POULTRY+. - -MDCCLXXXIV. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - -THE Editor of these Letters thinks proper to obviate an objection, -which she finds has already been suggested, that they were originally -written with a view to publication. She declares, therefore, that no -such idea was ever expressed by Mr. Sancho; and that not a single -letter is here printed from any duplicate preserved by himself, but -all have been collected from the various friends to whom they were -addressed. Her motives for laying them before the publick were, the -desire of shewing that an untutored African may possess abilities equal -to an European; and the still superior motive, of wishing to serve his -worthy family. And she is happy in thus publicly acknowledging she has -not found the world inattentive to the voice of obscure merit. - - - - -THE LIFE - -OF - -IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - “Quamvis ille niger, quamvis tu candidus esses.” - +Virgil.+ - -THE extraordinary Negro, whose Life I am about to write, was born -A. D. 1729, on board a ship in the Slave trade, a few days after it -had quitted the coast of Guinea for the Spanish West-Indies; and, at -Carthagena, he received from the hand of the Bishop, Baptism, and the -name of Ignatius. - -A disease of the new climate put an early period to his mother’s -existence; and his father defeated the miseries of slavery by an act of -suicide. - -At little more than two years old, his master brought him to England, -and gave him to three maiden sisters, resident at Greenwich; whose -prejudices had unhappily taught them, that African ignorance was the -only security for his obedience, and that to enlarge the mind of their -slave would go near to emancipate his person. The petulance of their -disposition surnamed him Sancho, from a fancied resemblance to the -’Squire of Don Quixote. - -But a patron was at hand, whom Ignatius Sancho had merit enough to -conciliate at a very early age. - -The late Duke of Montagu lived on Blackheath: he accidentally saw the -little Negro, and admired in him a native frankness of manner as yet -unbroken by servitude, and unrefined by education--he brought him -frequently home to the Duchess, indulged his turn for reading with -presents of books, and strongly recommended to his mistresses the duty -of cultivating a genius of such apparent fertility. - -His mistresses, however, were inflexible, and even threatened on angry -occasions to return Ignatius Sancho to his African slavery. The love -of freedom had increased with years, and began to beat high in his -bosom.--Indignation, and the dread of constant reproach arising from -the detection of an amour, infinitely criminal in the eyes of three -Maiden Ladies, finally determined him to abandon the family. - -His noble patron was recently dead.--Ignatius flew to the Duchess -for protection, who dismissed him with reproof.--He retired from her -presence in a state of despondency and stupefaction. - -Enamoured still of that liberty, the scope of whose enjoyment was now -limited to his last five shillings, and resolute to maintain it with -life, he procured an old pistol for purposes which his father’s example -had suggested as familiar, and had sanctified as hereditary. - -In this frame of mind the futility of remonstrance was obvious. The -Duchess secretly admired his character; and at length consented to -admit him into her household, where he remained as butler till her -death, when he found himself, by her Grace’s bequest and his own -œconomy, possessed of seventy pounds in money, and an annuity of thirty. - -Freedom, riches, and leisure, naturally led a disposition of African -texture into indulgences; and that which dissipated the mind of -Ignatius completely drained the purse. In his attachment to women, -he displayed a profuseness which not unusually characterizes the -excess of the passion.--Cards had formerly seduced him; but an -unsuccessful contest at cribbage with a Jew, who won his cloaths, had -determined him to abjure the propensity which appears to be innate -among his countrymen.--A French writer relates, that in the kingdoms -of Ardrah, Whydah, and Benin, a Negro will stake at play his fortune, -his children, and his liberty. Ignatius loved the theatre to such a -point of enthusiasm, that his last shilling went to Drury-Lane, on -Mr. Garrick’s representation of Richard.--He had been even induced to -consider the stage as a resource in the hour of adversity, and his -complexion suggested an offer to the manager of attempting Othello and -Oroonoko; but a defective and incorrigible articulation rendered it -abortive. - -He turned his mind once more to service, and was retained a few months -by the Chaplain at Montagu-house. That roof had been ever auspicious -to him; and the present Duke soon placed him about his person, -where habitual regularity of life led him to think of a matrimonial -connexion, and he formed one accordingly with a very deserving young -woman of West-Indian origin. - -Towards the close of the year 1773, repeated attacks of the gout and a -constitutional corpulence rendered him incapable of farther attendance -in the Duke’s family. - -At this crisis, the munificence which had protected him through various -vicissitudes did not fail to exert itself; with the result of his -own frugality, it enabled him and his wife to settle themselves in a -shop of grocery, where mutual and rigid industry decently maintained -a numerous family of children, and where a life of domestic virtue -engaged private patronage, and merited public imitation. - -In December, 1780, a series of complicated disorders destroyed him. - - -Of a Negro, a Butler, and a Grocer, there are but slender anecdotes -to animate the page of the biographer; but it has been held necessary -to give some sketch of the very singular man, whose letters, with all -their imperfections on their head, are now offered to the public. - -The display those writings exhibit of epistolary talent, of rapid and -just conception, of wild patriotism, and of universal philanthropy, may -well apologize for the protection of the great, and the friendship of -the literary. - -The late Duchesses of Queensberry and Northumberland pressed forward to -serve the author of them. The former intrusted to his reformation a -very unworthy favourite of his own complexion.--Garrick and Sterne were -well acquainted with Ignatius Sancho. - -A commerce with the Muses was supported amid the trivial and momentary -interruptions of a shop; the Poets were studied, and even imitated -with some success;--two pieces were constructed for the stage;--the -Theory of Music was discussed, published, and dedicated to the Princess -Royal;--and painting was so much within the circle of Ignatius Sancho’s -judgement and criticism, that several artists paid great _deference_ to -his opinion. - - -Such was the man whose species philosophers and anatomists have -endeavoured to degrade as a deterioration of the human; and such -was the man whom Fuller, with a benevolence and quaintness of phrase -peculiarly his own, accounted - - “God’s Image, though cut in Ebony.” - -To the harsh definition of the naturalist, oppressions political and -legislative have been added; and such are hourly aggravated towards -this unhappy race of men by vulgar prejudice and popular insult. To -combat these on commercial principles, has been the labour of Labat, -Ferman, and Bennezet--such an effort here would be an impertinent -digression. - -Of those who have speculatively visited and described the slave-coast, -there are not wanting some who extol the mental abilities of the -natives. D’Elbée, Moore, and Bosman, speak highly of their mechanical -powers and indefatigable industry. Desmarchais does not scruple to -affirm, that their ingenuity rivals the Chinese. - -He who could penetrate the interior of Africa, might not improbably -discover negro arts and polity, which could bear little analogy to the -ignorance and grossness of slaves in the sugar islands, expatriated in -infancy, and brutalized under the whip and the taskmaster. - -And he who surveys the extent of intellect to which Ignatius Sancho had -attained by self-education, will perhaps conclude, that the perfection -of the reasoning faculties does not depend on a peculiar conformation -of the scull or the colour of a common integument, in defiance of that -wild opinion, “which,” says a learned writer of these times, “restrains -the operations of the mind to particular regions, and supposes that a -luckless mortal may be born in a degree of latitude too high or too low -for wisdom or for wit.” - - - - -LETTERS. - - - - -LETTER I. - -TO MR. J-- W----E. - - - Charles Street, Feb. 14, 1768. - - MY WORTHY AND MUCH RESPECTED FRIEND, - -POPE observes, - - “Men change with fortune, manners change with climes; - “Tenets with books, and principles with times.” - -+Your+ friendly letter convinced me that you are still the same--and -gave in that conviction a ten-fold pleasure:--you carried out (through -God’s grace) an honest friendly heart, a clear discerning head, and -a soul impressed with every humane feeling.--That you are still the -same--I repeat it--gives me more joy--than the certainty would of -your being worth ten Jaghires:--I dare say you will ever remember -that the truest worth is that of the mind--the best rectitude of the -heart--the conscience unsullied with guilt--the undaunted noble eye, -enriched with innocence, and shining with social glee--peace dancing -in the heart--and health smiling in the face--May these be ever thy -companions!--and for riches you will ever be more than vulgarly -rich--while you thankfully enjoy--and gratefully assist the wants (as -far as you are able) of your fellow-creatures. But I think (and so will -you) that I am preaching. I only meant in truth to thank you, which -I most sincerely do, for your kind letter:--believe me, it gratifies -a better principle than vanity--to know that you remember your -dark-faced friend at such a distance. But what would have been your -feelings--could you have beheld your worthy, thrice worthy father--joy -sitting triumphant in his honest face--speeding from house to house, -amongst his numerous friends, with the pleasing testimonials of his -son’s love and duty in his hands--every one congratulating him, and -joining in good wishes--while the starting tear plainly proved that -over-joy and grief give the same livery? - -You met with an old acquaintance of mine, Mr. G----. I am glad to hear -he is well; but, when I knew him, he was young, and not so _wise_ as -_knowing_: I hope he will take example by what he sees in you--and you, -young man, remember, if you should unhappily fall into bad company, -that example is only the fool’s plea, and the rogue’s excuse, for doing -_wrong_ things:--you have a turn for reflection, and a steadiness, -which, aided by the best of social dispositions, must make your company -much coveted, and your person loved.--Forgive me for presuming to -dictate, when I well know you have many friends much more able, from -knowledge and better sense--though I deny--a better will. - -You will of course make Men and Things your study--their different -genius, aims, and passions:--you will also note climes, buildings, -soils, and products, which will be neither tedious nor unpleasant. -If you adopt the rule of writing every evening your remarks on the -past day, it will be a kind of friendly _tête-a tête_ between you -and yourself, wherein you may sometimes happily become your own -Monitor;--and hereafter those little notes will afford you a rich fund, -whenever you shall be inclined to re-trace past times and places.----I -say nothing upon the score of Religion--for, I am clear, every good -affection, every sweet sensibility, every heart-felt joy--humanity, -politeness, charity--all, all, are streams from that sacred spring;--so -that to say you are good-tempered, honest, social, &c. &c. is only in -fact saying, you live according to your +Divine Master+’s rules, and -are a Christian. - -Your B---- friends are all well, excepting the good Mrs. C----, who is -at this time but so, so. Miss C---- still as agreeable as when you knew -her, if not more so. Mr. R----, as usual, never so happy, never so gay, -nor so much in true pleasure, as when he is doing good--he enjoys the -hope of your well-doing as much as any of your family. His brother John -has been lucky--his abilities, address, good nature, and good sense, -have got him a surgeoncy in the batalion of guards, which is reckoned -a very good thing. - -As to news, what we have is so incumbered with falshoods, I think it, -as Bobadil says, “a service of danger” to meddle with: this I know for -truth, that the late great Dagon of the people has totally lost all his -worshipers, and walks the streets as unregarded as Ignatius Sancho, and -I believe almost as poor--such is the stability of popular greatness: - - “One self-approving hour whole years outweighs - “Of idle starers, or of loud huzza’s,” &c. - -Your brother and sister C--d sometimes look in upon us; her boys are -fine, well, and thriving; and my honest cousin Joe increases in sense -and stature; he promises to be as good as clever. He brought me your -first letter, which, though first wrote, had the fate to come last; the -little man came from Red-Lion Court to Charles Street by himself, and -seemed the taller for what he had done; he is indeed a sweet boy, but I -fear every body will be telling him so. I know the folly of so doing, -and yet am as guilty as any one. - -There is sent out in the Besborough, along with fresh governors, and -other strange commodities, a little Blacky, whom you must either have -seen or heard of; his name is S----. He goes out upon a rational -well-digested plan, to settle either at Madrass or Bengal, to teach -fencing and riding--he is expert at both. If he should chance to fall -in your way, do not fail to give the rattlepate what wholesome advice -you can; but remember, I do strictly caution you against lending him -money upon any account, for he has every thing but--principle; he will -never pay you; I am sorry to say so much of one whom I have had a -friendship for, but it is needful. Serve him, if you can--but do not -trust him.--There is in the same ship, belonging to the Captain’s band -of music, one C-- L--n, whom I think you have seen in Privy Gardens: he -is honest, trusty, good-natured, and civil; if you see him, take notice -of him, and I will regard it as a kindness to me. I have nothing more -to say. Continue in right thinking, you will of course act well; in -well-doing, you will insure the favour of God, and the love of your -friends, amongst whom pray reckon - - Yours faithfully, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER II. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 7, 1768. - -+Lord+! what is Man?--and what business have such lazy, lousy, -paltry beings of a day to form friendships, or to make connexions? -Man is an absurd animal--yea, I will ever maintain it--in his -vices, dreadful--in his few virtues, silly--he has religion without -devotion--philosophy without wisdom--the divine passion (as it -is called) love too oft without affection--and anger without -cause--friendship without reason--hate without reflection--knowledge -(like Ashley’s punch in small quantities) without judgement--and wit -without discretion.--Look into old age, you will see avarice joined -to poverty--letchery, gout, impotency, like three monkeys, or London -bucks, in a one-horse whisky, driving to the Devil.--Deep politicians -with palsied heads and relaxed nerves--zealous in the great cause of -national welfare and public virtue--but touch not--oh! touch not the -pocket--friendship--religion--love of country--excellent topics for -declamation!--but most ridiculous chimera to suffer either in money or -ease--for, trust me, my M----, I am resolved upon a reform.--Truth, -fair Truth, I give thee to the wind!--Affection, get thee hence! -Friendship, be it the idol of such silly chaps, with aching heads, -strong passions, warm hearts, and happy talents, as of old used to -visit Charles Street, and now abideth in fair G----h House. - -I give it under my hand and mark, that the best receipe for your aching -head (if not the only thing which will relieve you) is cutting off your -hair--I know it is not the _ton_; but when ease and health stand on -the right--ornament and fashion on the left--it is by no means the Ass -between two loads of hay--why not ask council about it? Even the young -part of the faculty were formerly obliged to submit to amputation, -in order to look wise.--What they sacrificed to appearances, do thou -to necessity.--Absalom had saved his life, but for his hair. You -will reply, “Cæsar would have been drowned, but his length of hair -afforded hold to the friendly hand that drew him to shore.” Art, at -this happy time, imitates Nature so well in both sexes, that in truth -our own growth is but of little consequence. Therefore, my dear M--, -part with your hair and head-achs together; and let us see you spruce, -well-shorn, easy, gay, debonnair--as of old. - -I have made enquiry after L----’s letter. My friend R---- went to -demand the reason for omitting to publish it, and to reclaim the copy. -The publisher smiled at him, and bid him examine the M. C. of J. 13, -where he would find L. and the same paper of the 20th instant, where -he would also find P---- B----’s very angry answer.--Indeed the poor -fellow foams again, and appears as indecently dull as malice could with -him. I went to the coffee-house to examine the file, and was greatly -pleased upon the second reading of your work, in which is blended the -Gentleman and the Scholar. Now, observe, if you dare to say I flatter, -or mean to flatter, you either impeach my judgement or honesty--at -your peril then be it.--For your letter of yesterday, I could find -in my conscience not to thank you for it--it gave a melancholy tint -to every thing about me. Pope had the head-ach vilely--Spenser, I -have heard, suffered much from it--in short, it is the ail of true -Geniuses.--They applied a thick wreath of laurel round their brows--do -you the same--and putting the best foot foremost--duly considering the -mansion--what it had suffered through chance, time, and hard use--be -thankfully resigned, humble, and say, “It is well it is no worse!” - -I do not wish you to be any other than nice in what new acquaintance -you make. As to friendship, it is a mistake--real friendships are not -hastily made--friendship is a plant of slow growth, and, like our -English oak, spreads--is more majestically beautiful, and increases -in shade, strength, and riches, as it increases in years. I pity your -poor head, for this confounded scrawl of mine is enough to give the -head-ach to the strongest brain in the kingdom--so remember I quit -the pen unwillingly, having not said half what I meant; but, impelled -by conscience, and a due consideration of your ease, I conclude, just -wishing you as well as I do my dear self, - - Yours, +I. SANCHO+. - - - Your cure, in four words, is - CUT--OFF--YOUR--HAIR! - - - - -LETTER III. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Sept. 17, 1768. - -I AM uneasy about your health--I do not like your silence--let some -good body or other give me a line, just to say how you are.--I will, -if I can, see you on Sunday;--it is a folly to like people, and call -them friends, except they are blest with health and riches.--A very -miserable undone poor wretch, who has no portion in this world’s -goods but honesty and good temper, has a child to maintain, and is -very near in a state of nature in the article of covering, has applied -to me.--I do know something of her--no greater crime than poverty and -nakedness.--Now, my dear M----, I know you have a persuasive eloquence -among the women--try your oratorical powers.--You have many women--and -I am sure there must be a great deal of charity amongst them--Mind, -we ask no money--only rags--mere literal rags.--Patience is a ragged -virtue--therefore strip the girls, dear M----, strip them of what -they can spare--a few superfluous worn-out garments--but leave them -pity--benevolence--the charities--goodness of heart--love--and the -blessings of yours truly with affection, or something very like it, - - I SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER IV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Sept. 20, 1768. - -OH! my M----, what a feast! to a mind fashioned as thine is to gentle -deeds!--Could’st thou have beheld the woe-worn object of thy charitable -care receive the noble donation of thy blest house!--the lip quivering, -and the tongue refusing its office, thro’ joyful surprize--the heart -gratefully throbbing--overswelled with thankful sensations--I could -behold a field of battle, and survey the devastations of the Devil, -without a tear--but a heart o’ercharged with gratitude, or a deed -begotten by sacred pity--as thine of this day--would melt me, although -unused to the melting mood. As to thy noble, truly noble, Miss ----, -I say nothing--she serves a Master--who can and will reward her as -ample--as her worth exceeds the common nonsensical dolls of the -age;--but for thy compeers, may they never taste any thing less in this -world--than the satisfaction resulting from heaven-born Charity! and -in the next, may they and you receive that blest greeting--“Well done, -thou good and faithful,” &c. &c. Tell your girls that I will kiss them -twice in the same place--troth, a poor reward;--but more than that--I -will respect them in my heart, amidst the casual foibles of worldly -prejudice and common usage.--I shall look to their charitable hearts, -and that shall spread a crown of glory over every transient defect.---- -The poor woman brings this in her hand;--she means to thank you--your -noble L----, your good girls--her benefactors--her saviours. I too -would thank--but that I know the opportunity I have afforded you of -doing what you best love, makes you the obliged party--the obliger, - - Your faithful friend, - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER V. - -TO MR. K----. - - - Richmond, Oct. 20, 1769. - -WHAT, my honest friend K----, I am heartily glad to see you, quoth -I--long look’d for, come at last.--Well, we will have done with -that;--you have made ample amends for your silence--have approved -yourself, what I ever esteemed you--an honest, hearty, good lad.--As -to your apologizing about your abilities for writing--’tis all a -humm--you write sense;--and verily, my good friend, he that wishes -to do better must be a coxcomb.--You say you was thrown from your -horse but once--in my conscience, I think once full oft enough--I am -glad, however, you escaped so well.--The description of your journey -I return you thanks for--it pleased me much--and proved that you -looked rather farther than your horse’s head.--A young man should turn -travel--home--leisure--or employment--all to the one grand end of -improving himself. From your account of Dalkeith, I now view it “in -my mind’s eye” (as Hamlet says), and think it a delightful spot.--I -was wrong, I find, in my notions of the Edinburghers--for I judged -them the grand patterns for--cleanliness--politeness--and generosity. -Your birth-day entertainments made a blaze in our papers, which said, -amongst other things, that the puncheons of rum flood as thick in -your park as the trees--oh; how I licked my lips, and wished the -distance (400 miles) less between us.--You do not say a word about -coming back again.--Poor Pat has paid his last debt--peace and bliss -to his spirit! rest to his bones!--his wife and daughter (both with -child) and his youngest child all came down;--what a scene had I to be -spectator of!--trust me, James, I cry’d like a whipt school-boy!--But -then my noble master--Great God, reward him!--Tell me not of ninety -covers--splendour--and feasting--To wipe away the tears of distress, -to make the heart of the widow to sing for joy--may such actions ever -(as they have long been) be the characteristic of the good Duke of -M----! Dr. James, thy favourite, twice came here:--at his first visit -he gave no hope--the next day he came, and poor Pat had resigned up -his spirit two hours before he got here;--his Grace paid him the -tribute, the rich tribute, of many tears--and ordered me to get a -lodging for his widow and children:--in the evening he ordered me to -go to them for him--and acquaint Mrs. W---- how very sensible he was -of her great loss, as well as his own--that he would ever be a friend -to her--and as to the boy--though he was perfectly well satisfied -with his conduct in his place--yet, if he would like any trade better -than continuing his servant--he would put him out, and support him -through his apprenticeship;--and he would give him a year to consider -it.--Pat has chose to stay, and his Grace promises whoever uses him -ill shall be no servant here:--on the night of his interment, after -all was over, the Duke wrote to the widow himself, and inclosed a -twenty pound bill--and repeated his promises.--Your own heart, my -dear James, will make the best comment--which is grandest--one -such action--or ten birth-days;--though in truth the latter has his -merit--it creates business, and helps the poor.--I suppose you will -expect me to say something of our family. Her Grace, I am truly sorry -to say it, has been but poorly for some time--and indeed is but -indifferent now--God of his mercy grant her better health! and every -good that can contribute to her happiness!--The good Marquiss is with -us--Are not you tired? This is a deuced long letter.--Well, one word -more, and then farewell. Mrs. M---- is grown generous--has left off -swearing and modelling. S---- is turned Jew, and is to be circumcised -next Passover. W---- is turned fine gentleman--and left off work--and -I your humble friend, I am for my sins turned Methodist.--Thank God! -we are all pretty hobbling as to health.--Dame Sancho will be much -obliged to you for your kind mention of her--she and the brats are very -well, thank Heaven! Abraham gives up the stockings--and monkey Tom his -box--they both, with all the rest, join in love and best wishes to -your worship.--I, for my own share, own myself obliged to you--and -think myself honoured in your acknowledging yourself my pupil; were I -an ambitious man, I should never forgive you,--for in truth you by far -excel your master:--go on, and prosper, “Render unto Cæsar the things -which are Cæsar’s;”--laugh at all the tall boys in the kingdom.--I -rest, dear Jemmy, thy true friend and obliged fellow-servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER VI. - -TO MRS. F----. - - - Richmond, Oct. 20, 1769. - -I SENT you a note in Mrs. Sancho’s name this day fortnight--importing -that she would hope for the pleasure of seeing you at Richmond before -the fine weather takes its leave of us:--neither hearing from nor -seeing you--though expecting you every day--we fear that you are not -well--or that Mr. F---- is unhappily ill--in either case we shall -be very sorry--but I will hope you are all well--and that you will -return an answer by the bearer of this that you are so--and also when -we may expect to have the pleasure of seeing you;--there is half a bed -at your service.--My dear Mrs. Sancho, thank God! is greatly mended. -Come, do come, and see what a different face she wears now--to what -she did when you kindly proved yourself her tender, her assisting -tender friend.--Come and scamper in the meadows with three ragged wild -girls.--Come and pour the balm of friendly converse into the ear of -my sometimes low-spirited love! Come, do come, and come soon, if you -mean to see Autumn in its last livery.--Tell your coachman to drive -under the hill to Mr. B----’s on the common, where you will be gladly -received by the best half of your much and greatly obliged friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER VII. - -TO EDWARD YOUNG, ESQ. - - - On the death of Lord ----, Son to the Duke of ----. - - Richmond, April 21, 1770. - - HONOURED SIR, - -I +bless+ God, their Graces continue in good health, though as yet -they have not seen any body--I have duly acquainted his Grace -with the anxious and kind enquiries of yourself and other of his -noble friends.--Time will, I hope, bring them comforts. Their -loss is great indeed; and not to them only. The public have a -loss--Goodness--Wisdom--Knowledge--and Greatness--were united in him. -Heaven has gained an Angel; but earth has lost a treasure. Hoping you -are as well as you wish your friends, I am, honoured Sir, - - Your most obedient and grateful - humble servant to command, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER VIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - March 21, 1770. - - “He, who cannot stem his anger’s tide, - “Doth a wild horse without a bridle ride.” - -IT is, my dear M----, the same with the rest of our passions; we have -Reason given us for our rudder--Religion is our sheet anchor--our -fixed star Hope--Conscience our faithful monitor--and Happiness the -grand reward.--We all in this manner can preach up trite maxims:--ask -any jackass the way to happiness--and like me they will give vent to -picked-up common-place sayings--but mark how they act--why just as -you and I do--content with acknowledging a slight acquaintance with -Wisdom, but ashamed of appearing to act under her sacred guidance.--You -do me much more honour than I deserve, in wishing to correspond with -me--the balance is entirely in your favour--but I fancy you were -under the malady of your country, hypp’d for want of fresh air and -exercise--so, sitting in a pensive attitude, with lack-lustre eye, and -vacant countenance--the thought obtruded on your fancy to give Sancho a -letter--and after a hard conflict ’twixt laziness and inclination--the -deed was done.--I verily believe you commit errors--only for the sake -of handsomely apologizing for them, as tumblers oft make slips to -surprize beholders with their agility in recovering themselves.--I saw -Mr. B-- last night--who by the way I like much--the Man I mean--and -not the Genius (tho’ of the first rate) he chattered and laughed like -a soul ignorant of evil. He asked about a motley creature at ----. I -told him with more truth than wit--that you was hypp’d.--I inclose -you a proof print:--and how does Mad. M----, &c. &c.? Is Miss S---- -better?--Is Mrs. H----, Mrs. T----, Mrs. H----? Lord preserve me! what -in the name of mischief have I to do with all this combustible matter? -Is it not enough for me that I am fast sliding down the vale of years? -Have not I a gout? six brats, and a wife?--Oh! Reason, where art -thou? you see by this how much easier it is to preach than to do! But -stop--we know good from evil; and, in serious truth, we have powers -sufficient to withstand vice, if we will choose to exert ourselves. -In the field, if we know the strength and situation of the enemy, we -place out-posts and centinels--and take every prudent method to avoid -surprize. In common life, we must do the same;--and trust me, my honest -friend, a victory gained over passion, immorality, and pride, deserves -_Te Deums_, better than those gained in the fields of ambition and -blood.--Here’s letter for letter, and so farewell, - - Yours--as you behave, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER IX. - -TO MR. K----. - - - Dalkeith, July 16, 1770. - Sunday. - -ALIVE; alive ho!--my dear boy, I am glad to see you?--Well, and -how goes it?--Badly, sayest thou--no conversation, no joy, no -felicity!--Cruel absence, thou lover’s hell! what pangs, what soul-felt -pangs, dost thou inflict! Cheer up, my child of discretion--and comfort -yourself that every day will bring the endearing moment of meeting, so -much nearer--chew the cud upon rapture in reversion--and indulge your -fancy with the sweet food of intellectual endearments;--paint in your -imagination the thousand graces of your H----, and believe this absence -a lucky trial of her constancy.--I don’t wonder the cricket-match -yielded no amusement--all sport is dull, books unentertaining--Wisdom’s -self but folly--to a mind under Cupidical influence.--I think I behold -you with supple-jack in hand--your two faithful happy companions by -your side--complimenting like courtiers every puppy they meet--yourself -with eyes fixed in a lover-like rumination--and arms folded in sorrow’s -knot--pace slowly thro’ the meadows.--I have done--for too much -truth seldom pleases folks in love.--We came home from our Highland -excursion last Monday night, safe and well--after escaping manifold -dangers.--Mesdames H----, D----, and self, went into the post-coach, -and were honour’d with the freedom of Dumbarton. By an overset, the -ladies shewed their--delicacy--and I my activity[1]--Mr. B---- his -humanity;--all was soon to rights--nothing broke--and no one hurt--and -laughter had its fill.--Inverary is a charming place--the beauties -various--and the whole plan majestic;--there are some worthy souls on -the spot, which I admire more than the buildings and prospects.--We -had herrings in perfection--and would have had mackarel; but the -scoundrels were too sharp for us--and would not be caught. The -Loch-Loman--Ben-Loman--Domiquith--and Arsenhoe--with Hamilton and -Douglas houses--are by much too long for description by letter.--We -paraded to Edinburgh last Friday in a post coach and four;--H---- -D----, Mrs. M----, housekeeper, and self, were the party;--we saw -the usual seeings, and dined at Lord Chief Baron’s, but--dare I tell -you?--H--’s figure attracted universal admiration.--True!--Alas, poor -K----!--but, man, never fret--my honesty to a rotten egg--we bring her -home sound.--We read a shocking account in the papers of a storm of -rain at Richmond Gardens, and distress, &c. &c. is it true? if so, why -did not you mention it? H---- sends her service to you, M---- his best -respects--and all their best wishes to you and birds.--Your confounded -epistle cost me seven pence;--deuce take you, why did not you inclose -it?--So you do not like Eloisa--you are a noddy for that--read it till -you do like it.--I am glad you have seen Cymon;--that you like it, -does but little credit to your taste--for every body likes it--I can -afford you no more time--for I have three letters to write besides this -scrawl.--I hear nothing of moving as yet--pray God speed us southward! -though we have fine weather--fine beef--fine ale--and fine ladies. - -Lady Mary grows a little angel;--the Dutchess gets pretty round--they -all eat--drink--and seem pure merry--and we are all out of mourning -this day--farewell. - - Yours, &c. &c. - I. SANCHO. - -[1] Mr. Sancho was remarkably unwieldy and inactive, and never gave a - greater proof of it than at this overset, when he and a goose-pye - were equally incapable of raising themselves. - - - - -LETTER X. - -TO MISS L----. - - - August, 31, 1770. - -DO not you condemn me for the very thing that you are guilty of -yourself;--but before I recriminate--let me be grateful, and -acknowledge that heartfelt satisfaction which I ever feel from the -praise of the good.--Sterne says--‘every worthy mind loves praise’--and -declares that he loves it too--but then it must be sincere. Now I -protest that you have something very like flattery;--no matter--I -honestly own, it pleases me--Vanity is a shoot from self-love--and -self-love Pope declares to be the spring of motion in the human -breast.--Friendship founded upon right judgement takes the good and bad -with the indulgence of blind love;--nor is it wrong--for as weakness -and error is the lot of humanity--real friendship must oft kindly -overlook the undesigning frailties of undisguised nature.--My dear -Madam, I beg ten thousand pardons for the dull sermon I have been -preaching:--You may well yawn.--So the noble! the humane! the patron! -the friend! the good Duke leaves Tunbridge on Monday--true nobility -will leave the place with him--and kindness and humanity will accompany -Miss L---- whenever she thinks fit to leave it.--Mrs. Sancho is pretty -well, pretty round, and pretty tame! she bids me say, Thank you in the -kindest manner I possibly can--and observe, I say, Thank you kindly.--I -will not pretend to enumerate the many things you deserve our thanks -for:--you are upon the whole an estimable young woman--your heart is -the best part of you--may it meet with its likeness in the man of -your choice!--and I will pronounce you a happy couple.--I hope to hear -in your next--(that is, if--) that you are about thinking of coming -to town--no news stiring but politics--which I deem very unfit for -ladies.--I shall conclude with John Moody’s prayer--“The goodness of -goodness bless and preserve you!”--I am dear Miss L----’s most sincere -servant and friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XI. - -TO MR. S----N. - - - Dalkeith, Sept. 15, 1770. - -IT was kindly done of my worthy old friend to give me the satisfaction -of hearing he was well and happy.--Believe me, I very often think of -and wish to be with you;--without malice, I envy you the constant -felicity of being with worthy good children--whose regards and filial -tenderness to yourself--and christian behaviour to each other--reflect -honor to themselves and credit to you. But the thing I have much at -heart you are provokingly silent about--is my sweet Polly married yet? -has she made Mr. H---- happy? May they both enjoy every comfort God -Almighty blesses his children with! And how comes it my dear Tommy does -not give me a line? I hope he is well, hearty, and happy--and honest -downright Sally also;--tell Tommy he has disappointed me in not writing -to me.--I hope Mrs. Sancho will be as good as her word, and soon pay -you a visit.--I will trust her with you, though she is the treasure of -my soul.--We have been a week in the Highlands, and a fine country it -is.--I hear nothing of coming home as yet--but I fancy it will not be -long now.--Mrs. H---- sends her love to you and yours--and I my double -love to self and the four young ones--with my best wishes and respects -to Mrs. B----y, and tell her I am half a Methodist:--here is a young -man preaches here, one of those five who were expelled from Oxford--his -name is M----n; he has a good strong voice--much passion--and -preaches three times a day--an hour and a half each time;--he is -well-built--tall--genteel--a good eye--about twenty-five--a white -hand, and a blazing ring--he has many converts amongst the ladies;--I -cannot prevail on Mrs. H---- to go and hear him--I have been four or -five times, and heard him this day--his text was the epistle in the -communion service.--I am, dear friend, yours sincerely, and all your -valuable family’s sincere well-wisher, and, were it in my power, I -would add friend, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -Their Graces are all well--and Lady Mary grows every day--she is a -sweet child.--Remember me to Mrs. ----, and tell her Mrs. M---- is -quite the woman of fashion:--she is pretty well in every thing except -her eyes, which are a little inflamed with cold--and she does not -forget they are so. Once more my cordial love to the girls; and to the -worthies, Tommy, Mr. H---- B----, and self. Adieu. - - - - -LETTER XII. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Richmond, Dec. 22, 1771. - -YOU cannot conceive the odd agreeable mixture of pleasure and pain I -felt on the receipt of your favor;--believe me, good friend, I honor -and respect your nobleness of principle--but at the same time greatly -disapprove of your actions.--My dear Madam, bribery and corruption -are the reigning topics of declamation;--and here, because I happen -to be a well-wisher, you are loading us with presents.--One word -for all, my good Mrs. H---- must not be offended when I tell her it -hurts my pride--for pride I have--too much, God knows. I accept your -present this time--and do you accept dame Sancho’s and my thanks--and -never aim at sending aught again--Your daughter Kate brought me your -letter: she seemed a little surprized at my being favoured with your -correspondence--and I am sure wished to see the contents.--As I -from my soul honor filial feelings--it hurt me not to gratify her -honest curiosity--but I do not chuse to let her know any thing of -the matter--to save her the anxiety of hope and fear. She is very -well, and rules over us--not with an iron sceptre--but a golden one. -We tell her we love her too well--in truth I can never return her -a tithe of the kindnesses she has shewn my family--but what’s all -this to you?--I shall tire you with a jargon of nonsense; therefore -I shall only wish you all many happy returns of this season--good -stomachs--good cheer--and good fires.--My kind remembrance to Madam -Tilda--tell her, if she’s a good girl, I will try to recommend her -to Mr. G---- the painter, for a wife;--he is really, I believe, a -first-rate genius--and, what’s better, he is a good young man--and -I flatter myself will do honor to his science, and credit to his -friends.--Kitty looks like the Goddess of Health--I am sure, every drop -of blood in her honest heart beats for the welfare and happiness of her -parents.--Believe me ever your obliged servant and friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XIII. - -TO MR. B----. - - - London, July 18, 1772. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -NOTHING could possibly be more welcome than the favor of your truly -obliging letter, which I received the day before yesterday.--Know, my -worthy young man--that it’s the pride of my heart when I reflect that, -through the favor of Providence, I was the humble means of good to so -worthy an object.--May you live to be a credit to your great and good -friends, and a blessing and comfort to your honest parents!--May you, -my child, pursue, through God’s mercy, the right paths of humility, -candour, temperance, benevolence--with an early piety, gratitude, and -praise to the Almighty Giver of all your good?--gratitude--and love -for the noble and generous benefactiors his providence has so kindly -moved in your behalf! Ever let your actions be such as your own heart -can approve--always think before you speak, and pause before you -act--always suppose yourself before the eyes of Sir William--and Mr. -Garrick.--To think justly, is the way to do rightly--and by that means -you will ever be at peace within.--I am happy to hear Sir W---- cares -so much about your welfare--his character is great, because it is -good;--as to your noble friend Mr. Garrick--his virtues are above all -praise--he has not only the best head in the world, but the best heart -also;--he delights in doing good.--Your father and mother called on me -last week, to shew me a letter which Mr. Garrick has wrote to you--keep -it, my dear boy, as a treasure beyond all price--it would do honor to -the pen of a divine--it breathes the spirit of father--friend--and -christian!--indeed I know no earthly being that I can reverence so -much as your exalted and noble friend and patron Mr. Garrick.--Your -father and mother, I told you, I saw lately--they were both well, and -their eyes overflowed at the goodness of your noble patrons--and with -the honest hope that you would prove yourself not unworthy of their -kindness. - -I thank you for your kindness to my poor black brethren--I flatter -myself you will find them not ungrateful--they act commonly from their -feelings: I have observed a dog will love those who use him kindly--and -surely, if so, negroes in their state of ignorance and bondage will not -act less generously, if I may judge them by myself--I should suppose -kindness would do any thing with them;--my soul melts at kindness--but -the contrary--I own with shame--makes me almost a savage.--If you -can with conveniency--when you write again--send me half a dozen -cocoa-nuts, I shall esteem them for your sake--but do not think of it -if there is the least difficulty.--In regard to wages, I think you -acted quite right--don’t seek too hastily to be independent--it is -quite time enough yet for one of your age to be your own master.--Read -Mr. Garrick’s letter night and morning--put it next your heart--impress -it on your memory--and may the God of all Mercy give you grace to -follow his friendly dictates!--I shall ever truly rejoice to hear -from you--and your well-doing will be a comfort to me ever; it is not -in your own power and option to command riches--wisdom and health -are immediately the gift of God--but it is in your own breast to be -good--therefore, my dear child, make the only right election--be good, -and trust the rest to God; and remember he is about your bed, and about -your paths, and spieth out all your ways. I am, with pride and delight, - - Your true friend, - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XIV. - -TO MR. S----E. - - - Richmond, Oct. 11, 1772. - -YOUR letter gave me more pleasure than in truth I ever expected from -your hands--but thou art a flatterer;--why dost thou demand advice -of me? Young man, thou canst not discern wood from trees;--with -awe and reverence look up to thy more than parents--look up to thy -almost divine benefactors--search into the motive of every glorious -action--retrace thine own history--and when you are convinced that -they (like the All-gracious Power they serve) go about in mercy doing -good--retire abashed at the number of their virtues--and humbly beg -the Almighty to inspire and give you strength to imitate them.--Happy, -happy lad! what a fortune is thine!--Look round upon the miserable fate -of almost all of our unfortunate colour. Superadded to ignorance, see -slavery, and the contempt of those very wretches who roll in affluence -from our labours superadded to this woful catalogue--hear the ill-bred -and heart-racking abuse of the foolish vulgar.--You, S----e, tread -as cautiously as the strictest rectitude can guide you--yet must -you suffer from this--but, armed with truth--honesty--and conscious -integrity--you will be sure of the plaudit and countenance of the -good;--if, therefore, thy repentance is sincere--I congratulate thee as -sincerely upon it--it is thy birth-day to real happiness.--Providence -has been very lavish of her bounty to you--and you are deeply in -arrears to her--your parts are as quick as most mens; urge but your -speed in the race of virtue with the same ardency of zeal as you have -exhibited in error--and you will recover, to the satisfaction of your -noble patrons--and to the glory of yourself.--Some philosopher--I -forget who--wished for a window in his breast--that the world might -see his heart;--he could only be a great fool, or a very good man:--I -will believe the latter, and recommend him to your imitation.--Vice -is a coward--;--to be truly brave, a man must be truly good; you hate -the name of cowardice--then, S----e, avoid it--detest a lye,--and shun -lyars--be above revenge;--if any have taken advantage either of your -guilt or distress, punish them with forgiveness--and not only so--but, -if you can serve them any future time, do it--you have experienced -mercy and long-sufferance in your own person--therefore gratefully -remember it, and shew mercy likewise. - -I am pleased with the subject of your last--and if your conversion -is real, I shall ever be happy in your correspondence--but at the -same time I cannot afford to pay five pence for the honour of your -letters;--five pence is the twelfth part of five shillings--the -forty-eighth part of a pound--it would keep my girls in potatoes two -days.--The time may come, when it may be necessary for you to study -calculations;--in the mean while, if you cannot get a frank, direct to -me under cover to his Grace the Duke of ----. You have the best wishes -of your sincere friend (as long as you are your own friend) - - +Ignatius Sancho.+ - - -You must excuse blots and blunders--for I am under the dominion of a -cruel head-ach--and a cough, which seems too fond of me. - - - - -LETTER XV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Nov. 8, 1772. - -BRAVO! my ingenious friend!--to say you exceed my hopes, would be to -lye.--At my first knowledge of you--I was convinced that Providence -had been partial in the talents entrusted to you--therefore I -expected exertion on your side--and I am not disappointed; go -on, my honest heart, go on!--hold up the mirror to an effeminate -gallimawfry----insipid, weak, ignorant, and dissipated set of -wretches--and scourge them into shame--the pen--the pencil--the -pulpit--oh! may they all unite their endeavours--and rescue this once -manly and martial people from the silken slavery of foreign luxury -and debauchery!--Thou, my worthy M----, continue thy improvements; -and may the Almighty bless thee with the humble mien of plenty and -content!--Riches ensnare--the mediocrity is Wisdom’s friend--and that -be thine!--When you see S----, note his behaviour--he writes me word -that he intends a thorough and speedy reformation;--I rather doubt him, -but should be glad to know if you perceive any marks of it--You do -not tell me that you have seen Mr. G----; if you have not, I shall be -angry with you--and attribute your neglect to pride:--pray render my -compliments most respectful and sincere to Mrs. H----, and the little -innocent laughing rose-bud--my love to my son.--I am heartily tired of -the country;--the truth is--Mrs. Sancho and the girls are in town;--I -am not ashamed to own that I love my wife--I hope to see you married, -and as foolish. - - I am yours, sincerely, &c. &c. - - +Ign. Sancho.+ - - - - -LETTER XVI. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 1, 1773. - - MY DEAR AND RESPECTED MADAM, - -I HAVE sincere pleasure to find you honour me in your thoughts--to have -your good wishes, is not the least strange, for I am sure you possess -that kind of soul, that Christian philanthropy, which wishes well--and, -in the sense of Scripture, breathes peace and good-will to all.--Part -of your scheme we mean to adopt--but the principal thing we aim at is -in the tea, snuff, and sugar way, with the little articles of daily -domestic use.--In truth, I like your scheme, and I think the three -articles you advise would answer exceedingly well--but it would require -a capital--which we have not--so we mean to cut our coat according to -our scanty quantum--and creep with hopes of being enabled hereafter to -mend our pace.--Mrs. Sancho is in the straw--she has given me a fifth -wench--and your worthy Kate has offered her the honour of standing for -her sponsor, but I fear it must be by proxy.--Pray make my respects -to Mrs. Matilda--I hope she enjoys every thing that her parents wish -her.--I shall dine with Mr. Jacob some day this week--I saw him at -Dodd’s chapel yesterday--and, if his countenance is to be believed, -he was very well--I could not get at him to speak to him.--As soon as -we can get a bit of house, we shall begin to look sharp for a bit of -bread--I have strong hope--the more children, the more blessings--and -if it please the Almighty to spare me from the gout, I verily think -the happiest part of my life is to come--soap, starch, and blue, with -raisins, figs, &c.--we shall cut a respectable figure--in our printed -cards.--Pray make my best wishes to Mr. H----; tell him I revere his -whole family, which is doing honor to myself.--I had a letter of yours -to answer, which I should have done before, had my manners been equal -to my esteem.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in respectful love and thanks. I -remain ever your much obliged servant to command, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XVII. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - February 9, 1774. - -IT is the most puzzling affair in nature, to a mind that labours under -obligations, to know how to express its feelings;--your former tender -solicitude for my well-doing--and your generous remembrance in the -present order--appear friendly beyond the common actions of those -we in general style good sort of people;--but I will not teaze you -with my nonsensical thanks--for I believe such kind of hearts as you -are blest with have sufficient reward in the consciousness of acting -humanely.--I opened shop on Saturday the 29th of January--and have met -with a success truly flattering;--it shall be my study and constant -care not to forfeit the good opinion of my friends.--I have pleasure -in congratulating you upon Mrs. W----’s happy delivery and pleasing -increase of her family;--it is the hope and wish of my heart--that -your comforts in all things may multiply with your years--that -in the certain great end--you may immerge without pain--full of -hope--from corruptible pleasure--to immortal and incorruptible -life--happiness without end--and past all human comprehension;--there -may you and I--and all we love (or care for) meet!--the follies--the -parties--distinctions--feuds of ambition--enthusiasm--lust--and anger -of this miserable motley world--all totally forgot--every idea lost, -and absorbed in the blissful mansions of redeeming love. - -I have not seen Sir Jacob near a fortnight--but hope and conclude -him well.--R---- is well, and grows very fat--an easy mind--full -purse--and a good table--great health--and much indulgence--all these -conduce terribly to plumpness.--I must beg, when you see Mr. ----, if -not improper or inconvenient, that you will inform him--that where -there is but little--every little helps;--I think he is too humane to -be offended at the liberty--and too honest to be displeased with a -truth.--I am, with greatful thanks to Mr. H----, your sincerely humble -servant and poor friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - -My best half and Sanchonetta’s are all well. - - - - -LETTER XVIII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 26, 1774. - -YOUNG says, “A friend is the balsam of life”--Shakespear says,--but -why should I pester you with quotations?--to shew you the depth of my -erudition, and strut like the fabled bird in his borrowed plumage. In -good honest truth, my friend--I rejoice to see thy name at the bottom -of the instructive page--and were fancy and invention as much my -familiar friends as they are thine--I would write thee an answer--or -try, at least, as agreeably easy--and as politely simple.--Mark -that; simplicity is the characteristic of good writing--which I have -learnt, among many other good things, of your Honor--and for which I -am proud to thank you;--in short I would write like you--think like -you (of course); and do like you; but, as that is impossible, I must -content myself with my old trick;--now what that trick is--thou art -ignorant--and so thou shalt remain--till I congratulate you upon -your recovery.--_A propos_, you began your letter ill, as we do -many things in common life;--ten days elapsed before you finished -it--consequently you finished it well.--My dear friend, may you, -thro’ God’s blessing, ever finish happily what you undertake--however -unpromising the beginning may appear to be!--I want you much in -town--for my one sake--that’s a stroke of self-love.--And do you mean -to bring any candles up with you?--that’s another!--I do not wonder -at your making your way amongst the folks of Hull--although there -are four of the same profession;--we love variety.--I will give them -credit for admiring the Artist;--but if they--that is two or three -of them--have penetration to look deeper--and love the Man--then I -shall believe that there are souls in Hull.--So--my cramp epistle fell -into the hands of thy good and reverend farther--_tant pis_--why, -he must think me blacker than I am.--Mons. B---- goes on well:--I -suppose you know he has opened an Academy in St. Alban’s Street--at -two guineas a year--naked figures three nights a week--Mr. Mortimer -and several eminent names upon his list--and room left for yours--he -hops about with that festivity of countenance which denotes peace -and good-will to man.--I have added to my felicity--or Fortune more -properly has--three worthy friends--they are admirers and friends of -Mortimer and Sterne;--but of this when we meet.--You are expected at -B---- House upon your return--and I hope you will call on them, if -consistent with your time--and agreeable to you.--My friend L---- is -in town, and intends trying his fortune among us--as teacher of murder -and neck-breaking--alias--fencing and riding.--The Tartars, I believe, -have few fine gentlemen among them--and they can ride--though they have -neither fencing nor riding masters;--and as to genteel murder--we are -mere pedlars and novices--for they can dispatch a whole caravan--or -a hoorde--and eat and drink--wench and laugh--and, in truth, so far -they can match our modern fine gents.;--they have no acquaintance with -conscience--but what’s all this to you?--nothing--it helps to fill up -the sheet--and looks like moralizing;--the good-natured partiality of -thy honest heart will deem it--not absolutely nonsense.--Alas!--thus it -often happens--that the judgement of a good head is--bum-fiddled--and -wrong-biass’d by the weakness of a too kind heart;--under that same -weakness let me shelter my failings and absurdities--and let me boast -at this present writing--that my heart is not very depraved--and has -this proof of not being dead to virtue;--it beats stronger at the sound -of friendship--and will be sincerely attached to W---- S----, Esq; -while its pulsations continue to throb in the brest of your obliged - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -Do pray think about returning--the captain--the girls--the house--the -court, stand all--just where they did--when you left them.--Alas! Time -leaves the marks of his rough fingers upon all things--Time shrivels -female faces--and sours small-beer--gives insignificance, if not -impotency, to trunk-hose--and toughness to cow-beef.--Alas! alas! -alas!-- - - - - -LETTER XIX. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - Charles Street, July 4, 1775. - - DEAR MADAM, - -IT would be affronting your good-nature to offer an excuse for the -trouble I am going to give you--my tale is short.--Mrs. O---- is -with us--she was, this day, observing poor Lydia with a good deal of -compassion--and said, she knew a child cured by roses boiled in new -milk;--observed, that you had, at this very time, perhaps bushels of -rose-leaves wasting on the ground.--Now my petition is--that you would -cause a few of them to be brought you--(they will blush to find their -sweetness excelled by your kindness)--they are good dryed, but better -fresh--so when you come to town think of honest Lydia.--Mrs. O---- this -morning saw your picture in Bond Street.--She approves much--and I -fancy means to sit--she thinks that you enriched me with the strongest -likeness--but the whole length the best.--I have the honor to transmit -the compliments of Mesdames A---- and Sancho--to which permit me to -add mine, with the most grateful sensibility for the recent favor of -favors.--I am, dear madam, - - Your most obliged, - humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XX. - -TO MISS L----. - - - July 26, 1775. - - DEAR MADAM, - -I HAVE just now had the pleasure of seeing a Gentleman who is honoured -in calling you sister.--He suspended the pain in my foot for full -five minutes, by the pleasing account he gave of your health.--I -delivered my charge[2] safe into his hands--he viewed it with an -eye of complacency--from which I conclude he is not unworthy your -sister’s hand;--we commonly behold those with a sort of partiality who -bring good tidings from our friends--in that view I could not forbear -thinking him a very good kind of man. I have to thank you for a very -obliging and friendly letter--which I should have done much sooner, -could I have complied with your kind wishes in giving a better account -of myself;--my better self has been but poorly for some time--she -groans with the rheumatism--and I grunt with the gout--a pretty -concert!--Life is thick-sown with troubles--and we have no right to -exemption.--The children, thank God! are well--your name-sake gets -strength every day--and trots about amazingly.--I am reading Bossuet’s -Universal History, which I admire beyond any thing I have long met -with: if it lays in your way, I would wish you to read it, if you have -not already--and if you have, it is worth a second perusal. Mrs. Sancho -rejoices to hear you are well--and intrusts me to send you her best -wishes.--I hope you continue your riding--and should like to see your -_etiquette_ of hat, feather, and habit. Adieu.--May you enjoy every -wish of your benevolent heart--is the hope and prayer of your much -obliged humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -If the Universal History of Bossuet, Bishop of Meaux, and Preceptor to -Louis XV. should be difficult to find at Tunbridge--when you return -to town, and give us the pleasure of seeing you--he will be exceeding -proud of the happiness (and what Frenchman would not,--although a -bishop?) of riding to Bond Street in your pockets. - -[2] Miss L----’s picture. - - - - -LETTER XXI. - -TO MISS L----. - - - Charles Street, June 20, 1775. - -I PROTEST, my dear Madam, there is nothing so dangerous to the -calm philosophic temper of fifty--as a friendly epistle from a -pretty young woman;--but when worth--benevolence--and a train of -amiabilities--easier felt than described--join in the attack,--the -happy receiver of such an epistle must feel much in the same manner -as your humble servant did this day;--but I did not mean to write -a starch complimentary letter--and I believe you will think I have -flourished rather too much;--here then I recover my wits--and the first -use I make of them is to thank you, in Mrs. Sancho’s name, for your -friendly enquiries--and to assure you, we both rejoice that you had so -pleasant a passage--and that you enjoy your health. We hope also, that -your young gallant will repay your humane attentions--with grateful -regard--and dutiful attachment.--I beg your pardon, over and over, for -my blundering forgetfulness of your kind order--it was occasioned by -being obliged to say goodbye.--Taking leave of those we esteem is, in -my opinion, unpleasant!--the parting of friends is a kind of temporary -mourning. Mrs. Sancho is but indifferent--the hot weather does not -befriend her--but time will, I hope;--if true worth could plead an -exemption from pain and sickness--Miss L---- and Mrs. Sancho would, -by right divine, enjoy the best health--but, God be blessed! there -is a reward in store for both, and all like them--which will amply -repay them for the evils and cross accidents of this foolish world. I -saw Miss and Mrs. S----, and Johnny, at church last Sunday--they all -looked pleasant, and told me they had heard you were well.--I would -recommend a poem, which, if you have not, you should read--it is called -Almeria; I have not read it--but have heard such an account of it as -makes me suspect it will be worth your notice. This end of the town -is fairly Regatta-mad--and the prices they ask are only five shillings -each seat.--They are building scaffoldings on Westminster-hall--and the -prayers of all parties is now for a fine evening--May your evenings be -ever fair--and mornings bright! I should have said nights happy--all in -God’s good time! which, you must be convinced, is the best time.--Lydia -mends--she walks a little--we begin to encourage hope--Kitty is as -lively as ever--and almost goes alone--the rest are well.--Mrs. Sancho -joins me in cordial wishes for your health and wealth.--I am, dear -Madam, - - Your most sincere friend, - and obliged humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXII. - -TO MR. R----. - - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -THOU hast an honest sympathizing heart--and I am sure will feel -sorrow to hear poor Mr. W---- has paid the debt to Nature:--last -Sunday heaven gained a worthy soul--and the world lost an honest -man!--a Christian!--a friend to merit--a father to the poor and -society--a man, whose least praise was his wit--and his meanest virtue, -good-humour;--he is gone to his great reward;--may you, and all I love -and honor, in God’s good time, join him!--I wish to hear about you--how -you all do--when you saw Johnny--and whether Mrs. O---- holds in the -same mind--if so, she is on the road for London, and Johnny on the -road for B----. Pray have you heard from Mr. L----? A spruce Frenchman -brought me a letter from him on Thursday; he left him well and in -spirits--he wishes we would enquire for a place for him--he longs to be -in England;--he is an honest soul, and I should feel true pleasure in -serving him;--pray remember he wants a place.--I know not what words to -use in way of thanks to Mrs. C----, for the very valuable present of -her picture.--I have wrote to her--but my pen is not able to express -what I feel--and I think Mr. Gardner has hit off her likeness exceeding -well;--my chimney-piece now--fairly imitates the times--a flashy fine -outside--the only intrinsic nett worth, in my possession, is Mrs. -Sancho--whom I can compare to nothing so properly as to a diamond in -the dirt--but, my friend, that is Fortune’s fault, not mine--for had -I power, I would case her in gold.--When heard you from our friend -Mr. J---- N----? when you see or write to him--tell him we still care -for him--and remember his easy good-nature and natural politeness,--I -will trouble you with the inclosed without any ceremony--for I have -been so often obliged to you, that I begin now to fancy I have a -right to trouble you. Commend me to squire S----, and all worthy -friends.--Lydia sends her love to you--she trots about amazingly--and -Kitty imitates her, with this addition, that she is as mischievous as -a monkey.--Mrs. Sancho, Mrs. M----, and Mrs. B----, all think well of -you, as well as yours. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXIII. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - Charles Street, July 31, 1775. - - DEAR MADAM, - -IF aught upon earth could make mortals happy--I have the best right to -believe myself so.--I have lived with the great--and been favoured by -beauty--I have cause to be vain--let that apologize for my boasting. -I am to thank you for the best ornament of my chimney-piece--your -picture, which I had the joy to receive from Mr. Gardner, and which -(exclusive of the partiality I have to your resemblance) I think a very -good one;--it proves, unquestionably, three things--your goodness--Mr. -Gardner’s skill--and my impudence!--in wishing so pleasing a prize.--If -Kitty should live to woman’s estate--she will exultingly tell -folks--that’s my godmother’s picture!--and the next generation will -swear the painter was a flatterer--and scarce credit there was ever a -countenance so amiably sweet--in the days of George the Third--except a -Hamilton or Lady Sarah.--Mrs. Sancho desires her thanks may be joined -with mine--as the thanks of one flesh.--Mr. M---- is well--and hopes, -in concert with the Sanchos, that you had a pleasant journey--and -good health your companion.--That health and pleasure--with love and -friendship in its train--may ever accompany you--is the wish, dear -Madam, of your greatly obliged humble servant, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXIV. - -TO MISS L----. - - - Charles Street, August, 7, 1775. - -I NEVER can excuse intolerable scrawls--and I do tell you, that for -writing conversable letters you are wholly unfit--no talent--no -nature--no style;--stiff--formal and unintelligible;--take that--for -your apology--and learn to be honest to yourself.--The Dutchess -of Kingston and Mr. Foote have joined in a spirited paper-war--(I -should have said engaged)--but I fear her Grace will have the worst -of it:--had she either the heart or head of our friend Miss L----, I -should pity her from my soul--and should muster up gallantry enough -to draw a pen (at least) in her defence; as it is--I think--in -principles they are well-matched;--but as her Grace appears to me to -want temper--I think the Wit will be too hard for her. I am pleased -with the Tunbridgians for their respectful loyalty on his Royal -Highness’s birth day;--it is too much the fashion to treat the Royal -Family with disrespect.--Zeal for politics has almost annihilated good -manners.--Mrs. Sancho feels the kindness of your good wishes;--but -we hope you will be in town before she tumbles in the straw, when a -Benjamin mess of caudle will meet your lips with many welcomes.--Mrs. -Sancho is so, so--not so alert as I have known her;--but I shall -be glad she holds just as well till she is down--My silly gout is -not in haste to leave me--I am in my seventh week--and in truth am -peevish--and sick of its company.--As to Dr. D----, the last I heard -of him was, that he was in France;--he has not preached for these nine -Sundays at Pimlico.--You did not tell me the name of your Suffolk -preacher;--I fancy it is Dr. W--ll--ton--who is reckoned equal to -D----; I am glad you have him--as I would wish you to have every thing -that God can give you conducive to your love and pleasure.--Mrs. -Sancho joins me in respects and thanks--good wishes, &c. &c. - - I am, dear Madam, - Your ever obliged, humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXV. - -TO MR. B----. - - - August 12, 1775. - - DEAR SIR, - -IF I knew a better man than yourself--you would not have had this -application--which is in behalf of a merry, chirping, white-toothed, -clean, tight, and light, little fellow!--with a woolly pate--and face -as dark as your humble;--Guiney-born, and French-bred--the sulky -gloom of Africa dispelled by Gallic vivacity--and that softened again -with English sedateness--a rare fellow!--rides well--and can look -upon a couple of horses--dresses hair in the present taste--shaves -light--and understands something of the arrangement of a table and -side-board;--his present master will authenticate him a decent -character--he leaves him at his own (Blacky’s) request:--he has served -him three years--and, like Teague, would be glad of a good master--if -any good master would be glad of him.--As I believe you associate -chiefly with good-hearted folks--it is possible your interest may be of -service to him.--I like the rogue’s looks, or a similarity of colour -should not have induced me to recommend him.--Excuse this little scrawl -from your friend, &c. - - +Ignatius Sancho.+ - - - “For conscience, like a fiery horse, - “Will stumble if you check his course; - “But ride him with an easy rein, - “And rub him down with worldly gain, - “He’ll carry you through thick and thin, - “Safe, although dirty, to your Inn.” - - - - -LETTER XXVI. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - August 14, 1775. - - DEAR MADAM, - -I AM happy in hearing that the bathing and drinking has been of -real service to you.--I imagine you rise out of the waves another -Venus--and could wish myself Neptune, to have the honor of escorting -you to land.--Mr. P---- has sent me a pretty turtle, and in very good -condition.--I must beg you will do me the honor to accept of it;--it -will attend you at Privy Gardens, where (had turtles a sense of -ambition) it would think itself happy in its destination.--Pray my best -respects to their honors R---- and Squire S----. I live in hopes of -seeing you all next week. - - I am, dear Madam, - Your much obliged, - humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXVII. - -TO MISS L----. - - - August 27, 1775. - -JUST upon the stroke of eleven--as I was following (like a good -husband) Mrs. Sancho to bed--a thundering rap called me to the -street-door--A letter from Tunbridge, Sir!--thanks many thanks--good -night.--I hugged the fair stranger--and--as soon as up stairs--broke -open the seal with friendly impatience--and got decently trimmed, for -what? why, truly, for having more honesty than prudence.--Well, if -ever I say a civil thing again to any of your sex--but it is foolish -to be rash in resolves--seriously, if aught at any time slips from my -unguarded pen, which you may deem censurable--believe me truly and -honestly--it is the error of uncultivated nature--and I will trust -the candour of friendship to wink at undesigned offence;--not but -I could defend--and would against any but yourself--the whole sad -charge of flattery--but enough.--I paid a visit in Bond Street this -morning.--Your sister looked health itself--she was just returned -from the country, and had the pleasure to hear from you at her first -entrance. - -Your friendly offer for the little stranger is in character--but if I -was to say what my full heart would dictate--you would accuse me of -flattery.--Mrs. Sancho is more than pleased--I won’t say what I am--but -if you love to give pleasure, you have your will.--Are you not pleased -to find Miss Butterfield innocent?--It does credit to my judgement, -for I never believed her guilty--her trial proves undeniably that one -half of the faculty are very ignorant.--I hear she intends suing for -damages--and if ever any one had a right to recover, she certainly -has;--and were I to decree them--they should not be less than 400_l._ -a year for life, and 5000 pound down by way of smart-money.--In my -opinion, the D----ss of K---- is honoured, to be mentioned in the same -paper with Miss Butterfield--You should read the St. James’s Evening -papers for last week--you will easily get them at any coffee-house--the -affair is too long for a letter--but I will send you some black poetry -upon the occasion: - - With Satire, Wit, and Humour arm’d, - Foote opes his exhibitions; - High-titled Guilt, justly alarm’d, - The Chamberlain petitions. - - My Lord, quoth Guilt, this daring fiend - Won’t let us sin in private; - To his presumption there’s no end, - Both high and low he’ll drive at. - - Last year he smoak’d the cleric[3] gown; - A D----ss now he’d sweat. - The insolent, for half a crown, - Would libel all the Great. - - What I can do, his Lordship cries, - Command you freely may: - Don’t licence him, the Dame replies, - Nor let him print his play. - -Poor Lydia is exceedingly unwell.--They who have least sensibility -are best off for this world.--By the visit I was able to make this -morning--you may conclude, my troublesome companion is about taking -leave. May you know no pains but of sensibility!--and may you be ever -able to relieve where you wish!--May the wise and good esteem you more -than I do--and the object of your heart love you, as well as you love -a good and kind action!--These wishes--after the trimming you gave in -your last--is a sort of heaping coals on your head--as such, accept it -from your sincere--aye, and _honest_ friend, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho says little--but her moistened eye expresses--that she -feels your friendship. - -[3] Dr. Dodd. - - - - -LETTER XXVIII. - -TO MISS. L----. - - - Sept. 12, 1775. - -THERE is nothing in nature more vexatious than contributing to the -uneasiness of those, whose partiality renders them anxious for our -well-doing--the honest heart dilates with rapture when it can happily -contribute pleasure to its friends. You see by this that I am coxcomb -enough to suppose me and mine of consequence!--but if it is so--it -is such as you whose partial goodness have grafted that folly on -my natural trunk of dulness.--I am, in truth, in a very unfit mood -for writing--for poor Lydia is very so, so--Mrs. Sancho not very -stout;--and for me, I assure you, that of my pair of feet--two are -at this instant in pain! This is the worst side--but courage! Hope! -delusive cheating Hope! beckons Self-love, and enlists him of her -side--and, together, use their friendly eloquence to persuade me that -better times are coming.--Your beloved wife (cries Self-love) will have -a happy time, and be up soon, strong and hearty.--Your child (cries -Hope) will get the better of her illness--and grow up a blessing and -comfort to your evening life--and your friend will soon be in town, -and enliven your winter prospects.--Trust, trust in the Almighty--his -providence is your shield--’tis his love, ’tis his mercy, which has -hitherto supported and kept you up.--See, see! cries Hope! look where -Religion, with Faith on her right, and Charity on her left, and a -numerous train of blessings in her rear, come to thy support.--Fond -foolish mortal, leave complaining--all will be right--all is -right.--Adieu, my good friend--write me something, to chase away idle -fears, and to strengthen hope.--Too true it is, that where the tender -passions are concerned, our sex are cowards. - - Yours sincerely, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho sends her best wishes. - - - - -LETTER XXIX. - -TO MISS L----. - - - Charles Street, Oct. 4, 1775. - - Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclin’d, - ’Tis education forms the tender mind. - - So says +Pope+. - - Children like tender osiers take the bow, - And as they first are fashoned, always grow. - - +Dryden.+ - -THE sense of each is just the same, and they both prove an opinion -which I have long been grounded in--that the errors of most children -proceed in great part from the ill cultivation of the first -years.--Self-love, my friend, bewitches parents to give too much -indulgence to infantine foibles;--the constant cry is, “Poor little -soul, it knows no better!”--if it swears--that’s a sign of wit and -spirit;--if it fibs--it’s so cunning and comical;--if it steals--’tis -only a paw trick--and the mother exultingly cries--My Jacky is so -sharp, we can keep nothing from him!--Well! but what’s all this to -you?--You are no mother.--True, my sincerely esteemed friend, but -you are something as good--you are perhaps better--much better and -wiser I am sure than many mothers I have seen.--You, who believe -in the true essence of the gospel--who visit the sick, cover the -naked, and withdraw not your ear from the unfortunate:--but I did -not intend to write your elogium--it requires the pen of one less -interested--and perhaps less partiality and more judgement would also -be requisite.--Jacky S---- is the occasion of this prefatory vast shew -of learning. I do believe him a fine child spoil’d for want of proper -management--he is just now in high disgrace--he is wrong enough in all -conscience, I believe--but are they, who are about him, right?--We will -talk about this matter when I have the pleasure of seeing you;--you -shall forgive my impertinent meddling--I will ask pardon, and sin -again--so we serve Heaven--so complain, if you dare.--Mrs. Sancho is -yet up;--if I pray at all, it’s for the blessing of a happy moment, -with little pain for her;--as to what she brings, I care not about its -sex--God grant health to the mother!--and my soul and lips shall bless -his holy name.--We cannot remove till after Mrs. Sancho is up.--The -house will not be ready till towards Christmas, which is not the most -desirable time of the year for moving--but we must do as we can, not as -we would. - -At Charlotte Chapel, we had last Sunday a most excellent discourse -from Mr. H----n, whom I suppose you have heard preach--if not, he is -well worth hearing--to please me--for to the best of my knowledge, -he reads prayers better than most--Mr. B---- not excepted; there -is a dignity of expression in his Psalms, which catches the whole -attention--and such an animated strength of devotion in his Litany, -as almost carries the heart to the gates of Heaven--he is fine in the -pulpit;--but comparisons are unfair--if H---- reads prayers, and D---- -preaches, at the same church--I should suppose greater perfection -could not be found in England.--I have to thank you for the honor of -your correspondence--and can laugh in my sleeve like a Dutch Jew--to -think that I get sterling sense for my farrago of absurdities--but you -will, I hope, soon be in town.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in every sentiment -of gratitude and sincerity.--I am, as much as a poor African can be, -sincerely - - Yours to command, - - IGN. SANCHO - - -We are in great hopes about poor Lydia.--An honest and ingenious -motherly woman in our neighbourhood has undertaken the perfect cure of -her--and we have every reason to think, with God’s blessing--she will -succeed--which is a blessing we shall owe entirely to the comfort of -being poor--for, had we been rich, the doctors would have had the honor -of killing her a twelvemonth ago.----Adieu. - - - - -LETTER XXX. - -TO MISS L----. - - - Thursday Morning, Oct. 16, 1775. - -MY worthy and respected friend, I hear, has protracted her stay.--I -am greatly obliged to Miss L----’s goodness, who has given me this -opportuity of addressing my good friend.--I am very low in heart--poor -Mrs. Sancho is so indifferent--and Lydia, though upon the whole better, -yet weak and poorly.--I am sufficiently acquainted with care--and I -think fatten upon calamity.--Philosophy is best practised, I believe, -by the easy and affluent.--One ounce of practical religion is worth -all that ever the Stoics wrote.--Mrs. Sancho smiles in the pains which -it has pleased Providence to try her with--and her belief in a better -existence is her cordial drop,--Adieu; bring health with you, and the -sight of you will glad us all. - - Yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXI. - -TO MR. R----. - - - Oct. 18, 1775. - -I BEGIN to fear with you that our friend L---- is sick or -married--or--what I would rather hope--is on his way to England.--Thanks -to our Suffolk friends--you take care we shall not starve.--I -was for five minutes, when dinner was on table, suspended, in -inclination, like the ass between the two loads of hay--the turtle -pulled one way, and a sweet loin of pork the other--I was obliged to -attack both in pure self-defence;--Mrs. Sancho eat--and praised the -pork--and praised the giver.--Let it not, my worthy R----, mortify -thy pride--to be obliged to divide praise with a pig; we all echoed -her--O---- and R---- were the toasts--I know not in truth two honester -or better men--were your incomes as enlarged as your hearts, you would -be the two greatest fortunes in Europe. But I wrote merely to thank -you--and to say Mrs Sancho and Mrs. M---- are both better than when -I wrote last night--in short, Mrs. M---- is quite well--I pray God -to send my dear Mrs. Sancho safe down and happily up--she makes the -chief ingredient of my felicity--whenever my good friend marries--I -hope he will find it the same with him--My best respects to Mesdames -C. and C. and take care of my brother.--I fear this will be a raking -week.--Compliments to Master S---- and the noble Mr. B----. - - Yours, &c. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXII. - -TO MR. L----. - - - Friday, Oct. 20, 1774. - -IN obedience to my amiable friend’s request--I, with gratitude to the -Almighty--and with pleasure to her--(I am sure I am right)--acquaint -her, that my ever dear Dame Sancho was exactly at half past one -this afternoon delivered of a--child.--Mrs. Sancho, my dear Miss -L----, is as well as can be expected--in truth, better than I feared -she would be--for indeed she has been very unwell for this month -past--I feel myself a ton lighter:--In the morning I was crazy with -apprehension--and now I talk nonsense through joy.--This plaguy scrawl -will cost you I know not what--but it’s not my fault--’tis your foolish -godson’s--who, by me, tenders his dutiful respects. I am ever yours to -command, sincerely and affectionately, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXIII. - -TO MISS L----. - - - Charles Street, Dec. 14, 1775. - -THERE is something inexpressibly flattering in the notion of your -being warmer--from the idea of your much obliged friend’s caring -for you;--in truth we could not help caring about you--our thoughts -travelled with you over-night from Bond Street to the Inn.--The next -day at noon--“Well, now she’s above half way--alas! no, she will not -get home till Saturday night--I wonder what companions she has met -with--there is a magnetism in goodnature, which will ever attract its -like--so if she meets with beings the least social--but that’s as -chance wills!”--Well, night arrives--“And now our friend has reached -the open arms of parental love--excess of delightful endearments gives -place to tranquil enjoyments--and all are happy in the pleasure they -give each other!”--Were I a Saint or a Bishop, and was to pass by your -door, I would stop, and say, “Peace be upon this dwelling!”--and what -richer should I leave it?--for I trust, where a good man dwells, there -peace makes its sweet abode.--When you have read Bossuet, you will -find at the end, that it was greatly wished the learned author had -brought the work down lower--but I cannot help thinking he concluded -his design as far as he originally meant.--Mrs. Sancho, thank Heaven, -is as well as you left her, and your godson thrives;--he is the type -of his father--fat--heavy--sleepy;--but as he is the head of the -noble family, and your godson, I ought not to disparage him.----The -Dutchess of K---- is so unwell, that she has petitioned for a longer -day:--they say that her intellects are hurt;--though a bad woman, she -is entitled to pity.--Conscience, the high chancellor of the human -breast, whose small still voice speaks terror to the guilty--Conscience -has pricked her;--and, with all her wealth and titles, she is an -object of pity.--Health attend you and yours!--Pleasure of course will -follow.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in all I say, and the girls look their -assent.--I remain--God forgive me! I was going to conclude, without -ever once thanking you for your goodness in letting us hear from you -so early:--there is such a civil coldness in writing, a month perhaps -after expectation has been snuffed out, that the very thought is enough -to chill friendship;--but you--like your sister Charity, as Thomson -sweetly paints her (smiling through tears)--delight in giving pleasure, -and joy in doing good.--And now farewell--and believe us, in truth, -our dear Miss L----’s - - obliged and grateful friends, - - +ANNE+ and +I. SANCHO+. - - - - -LETTER XXXIV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Jan. 4, 1776. - -I KNOW not what predominates in my worthy friend--pride or -good-nature;--don’t stare--you have a large share of both:--happy it -is for you--as well as your acquaintance--that your pride is so well -accompanied by the honest ardor of youthful benevolence.--You would, -like the fabled pelican--feed your friends with your vitals. Blessed -Philanthropy!--Oh! the delights of making happy--the bliss of giving -comfort to the afflicted--peace to the distressed mind--to prevent the -request from the quivering lips of indigence!--But, great God!--the -inexpressible delight--the not-to-be-described rapture, in soothing, -and _convincing_ the tender virgin that “_You alone_,” &c. &c. &c. -(Prior’s Henry and Emma see.)--But I think you dropt a word or two -about flattery.--Sir,--honest friend,--know, once for all--I never yet -thought you a coxcomb:--a man of sense I dare not flatter, my pride -forbids it;--a coxcomb is not worth the dirty pains.--You have (through -the bounty of your great Creator) strong parts, and, thank the Almighty -Goodness, an honest sincere heart;--yes, you have many and rare -talents, which you have cultivated with success:--you have much fire, -which, under the guidance of a circumspect judgement, stimulates you to -worthy acts;--but do not say that I flatter in speaking the truth;--I -can see errors even in those I half reverence;--there are spots in the -Sun--and perhaps some faults in Johnny M----, who is by far too kind, -generous, and friendly, to his greatly obliged friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -P. S. I tell you what--(are you not coming to town soon?)--F---- and -venison are good things; but by the manes of my ancestors--I had rather -have the pleasure of gossipation with your sublime highness.--What -sketches have you taken?--What books have you read?--What lasses -gallanted?--The venison is exceeding fine, and the cleanest I ever -saw;--to-morrow we dress it;--a thankful heart shall be our sweet -sauce:--were you in town, your partaking of it would add to its -relish.--You say I was not in spirits when you saw me at G----; why, -it might be so--in spight of my philosophy--the cares and anxieties -attendant on a large family and small finances sometimes overcloud the -natural chearfulness of yours truly, - - I. SANCHO. - - -N. B. A very short P---- S----. - - - - -LETTER XXXV. - -TO MR. R----. - - - June 25, 1776. - -YOU had a pleasant day for your journey--and after five or six miles -ride from town--you left the dust behind you;--of course the road and -the country also improved as you drew nearer B----. I will suppose you -there--and then I will suppose you found Mrs. C---- well in health, and -the better for the preceding day’s motion;--she and Miss C---- meet -you with the looks of a Spring-morning--I see you meet in fancy;--I -wish I could see you in reality;--but of that hereafter.--I want to -know how Mrs. C---- does--and what Miss C---- does;--what you intend -to do--and what Mr. S---- will never do.--This letter is a kind of -much-ado-about--what--I must not say nothing--because the ladies -are mentioned in it.--Mr. and Mrs. B---- have a claim to my best -respects.--Pray say what’s decent for me--and to the respectable table -also--beginning with my true friend Mrs. C----, and then steering right -and left--ending at last with your worship. Tell Mrs. C---- that Kitty -is as troublesome as ever; that Billy gets heavier and stronger.--Mrs. -Sancho remains, thank God, very well--and all the rest ditto.--Let -me know how you all do--and how brother O---- does.--As to news, -all I hear is about Wilkes;--he will certainly carry his point--for -Administration are all strongly in his interest:--betts run much in -his favor:--for my part, I really think he will get it--if he can once -manage so--as to gain the majority.--I am, my dear R----, yours--(much -more than Wilkes’s--or indeed any man’s, O----’s excepted) in love and -zeal, - - Ever faithfully, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXVI. - -TO MR. STERNE. - - - July, 1776. - - REVEREND SIR, - -IT would be an insult to your humanity (or perhaps look like it) to -aplogize for the liberty I am taking.--I am one of those people whom -the vulgar and illiberal call “_Negurs_.”--The first part of my life -was rather unlucky, as I was placed in a family who judged ignorance -the best and only security for obedience.--A little reading and -writing I got by unwearied application.--The latter part of my life -has been--through God’s blessing, truly fortunate, having spent it in -the service of the best families in the kingdom.--My chief pleasure -has been books.--Philanthropy I adore.--How very much, good Sir, am I -(amongst millions) indebted to you for the character of your amiable -uncle Toby!--I declare, I would walk ten miles in the dog-days, to -shake hands with the honest corporal.--Your Sermons have touched me -to the heart, and I hope have amended it, which brings me to the -point.--In your tenth discourse, page seventy-eight, in the second -volume--is this very affecting passage:--“Consider how great a part of -our species--in all ages down to this--have been trod under the feet -of cruel and capricious tyrants, who would neither hear their cries, -nor pity their distresses.--Consider slavery--what it is--how bitter -a draught--and how many millions are made to drink it!”--Of all my -favourite authors, not one has drawn a tear in favour of my miserable -black brethren--excepting yourself, and the humane author of Sir George -Ellison.--I think you will forgive me;--I am sure you will applaud -me for beseeching you to give one half-hour’s attention to slavery, -as it is at this day practised in our West Indies.--That subject, -handled in your striking manner, would ease the yoke (perhaps) of -many;--but if only of one--Gracious God!--what a feast to a benevolent -heart!--and, sure I am, you are an Epicurean in acts of charity.--You, -who are universally read, and as universally admired--you could -not fail.--Dear Sir, think in me you behold the uplifted hands of -thousands of my brother Moors.--Grief (you pathetically observe) is -eloquent;--figure to yourself their attitudes;--hear their supplicating -addresses!--Alas!--you cannot refuse.--Humanity must comply--in which -hope I beg permission to subscribe myself, - - Reverend Sir, &c. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXVII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 12, 1776. - - “We have left undone the things we should have done,” &c. &c.---- - -THE general confession--with a deep sense of our own frailties--joined -to penitence--and strong intentions of better doing--insures poor -sinners forgiveness, obliterates the past, sweetens the present, and -brightens the future;--in short, we are to hope that it reconciles us -with the Deity;--and if that conclusion is just, it must certainly -reconcile us in part to each other.--Grant me that, dear M----, -and you have no quarrel towards me for epistolary omissions:--look -about you, my dear friend, with a fault-searching eye--and see what -you have left undone!--Look on your chair!--those cloaths should -have been brushed and laid by--that linen sent to wash--those shoes -to be cleaned.--Zooks! why you forget to say your prayers--to take -your physick--to wash your ----. Pray how does Mrs. H----? Lord what -a deal of rain! I declare I fear it will injure the harvest.--And -when saw you Nancy?--Has the cat kittened?--I suppose you have -heard the news:--great news!--a glorious affair! (and is two _ff’s_ -necessary?)--O! Lord, Sir!--very little bloodshed--pity _any_ -should--how!--do not you admire!--How so?--Why this, Sir, is writing, -’tis the true sublime--and this the stuff that gives my friend -M---- pleasure:--thou vile flatterer! blush! blush up to thine -eyelids!--I am happy to think I have found a flaw in thee:--thou art -a flatterer of the most dangerous sort, because agreeable.--I have -often observed--there is more of value in the manner of doing the -thing--than in the thing itself--my mind’s eye follows you in the -selecting the pretty box--in arranging the pickled fruit.--I see you -fix on the lid, drive the last nail, your countenance lit up with -glee, and your heart exulting in the pleasure you were about giving -to the family of the Sancho’s--and then snatch the hat and stick, and -walk with the easy alacrity of a soul conscious of good.--But hold, -Sir, you were rather saucy in a part or two of your letter:--for which -reason I shall not thank you for the fruit;--the good woman and brats -may--and with reason; for they devoured them: the box, indeed, is worth -thanks; which, if God, gout, and weather permit, you may probably hear -something of on Sunday next, from yours, with all your sins, &c. &c. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XXXVIII. - -TO MR. K----. - - - August 28, 1776 - - MY WORTHY FRIEND, - -I SHOULD have answered your billet as soon as received--but I wanted -to know the quantum that I was to wish you joy of--as nothing has yet -for certainty transpired.--I will hope your legacy from Mrs. ---- is -handsome:--you can easily imagine the pleasure I felt--in finding -she had so amply remembered poor Mrs. M----. That one act has more -true generosity in it, aye, and justice perhaps, than any thing I -ever knew of her in her long life:--it has removed an anxiety from -me which (in spite of self-felt poverty--and the heart-felt cares -of a large family) troubled me greatly;--as to myself, she used to -promise largely formerly, that she would think of me:--as I never -believed--I was not disappointed.--More and more convinced of the -futility of all our eagerness after worldly riches, my prayer and hope -is only for bread, and to be enabled to pay what I owe. I labour up -hill against many difficuties; but God’s goodness is my support, and -his word my trust.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in her best wishes, and gives -you joy also: the children are well--William grows, and tries his -feet briskly--and Fanny goes on well in her tambour-work;--Mary must -learn some business or other--if we can possibly atchieve money;--but -we have somehow no friends--and, bless God!--we deserve no enemies. -Trade is duller than ever I knew it--and money scarcer;--foppery runs -higher--and vanity stronger;--extravagance is the adored idol of this -sweet town.--You are a happy being;--free from the cares of the world -in your own person--you enjoy more than your master--or his master into -the bargain.--May your comforts know no diminution, but increase with -your years!--and may the same happen, when it shall please God, to your -sincere friend I. Sancho and his family! - - - - -LETTER XXXIX. - -TO MR. M----. - - - September 1, 1776. - -YOU have the happiest manner of obliging!--How comes it that--without -the advantages of a twentieth generationship of noble blood flowing -uncontaminated in your veins--without the customary three years -dissipation at college--and the (nothing to be done without) four -years perambulation on the Continent--without all these needful -appendages--with little more than plain sense--sheer good-nature--and a -right honest heart--thou canst-- - - “Like low-born Allen, with an aukward shame, - “Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame!” - -Now, by my grandame’s beard--I will not thank you for your -present--although my ears have been stunned with your goodness and -kindness--the best young man!--and, good Lord! how shall we make him -amends? &c. &c.--Pshaw! simpleton, quoth I, do you not plainly ken, -that he himself has a satisfaction in giving pleasure to his friends, -which more than repays him?--so I strove to turn off the notion of -obligation--though, I must confess, my heart at the same time felt -a something--sure it was not envy--no, I detest it--I fear it was -pride--for I feel within myself this moment, that I could turn the -tables in repaying principal with treble interest--I should feel -gratified--though perhaps not satisfied.--I have a long account to -balance with you--about your comments upon the transcript:--you are -a pretty fellow, to dare put in your claim--to better sense--deeper -thinking--and stronger reasoning than my wise self.--To tell you the -truth (though at my own expence) I read your letter the first time with -some little chagrin;--your reasoning, though it hurt my pride--yet -almost convinced my understanding.--I read it carefully a second -time--pondered--weighed--and submitted--Whenever a spark of vanity -seems to be glowing at my heart--I will read your letter--and what -then?--Why then, humbled by a proper sense of my inferiority, I shall -still have cause for pride--triumph--and comfort--when I reflect that -my valued Censor--is the true friend of his sincerely affectionate - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XL. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Dec. 4, 1776. - -I FORGOT to tell you this morning--a jack-ass would have shewn more -thought--(are they rationals or not?)--the best recipe for the gout, -I am informed--is two or three stale Morning-Posts;--reclined in -easy chair--the patient must sit--and mull over them--take snuff at -intervals--hem--and look wise;--I apply to you as my pharmacopolist--do -not criticize my orthography--but, when convenient, send me the -medicine--which, with care and thanks, I will return. - - Yours, - - Dismal +SANCHO+. - - -Pray how do you do? - - - - -LETTER XLI. - -TO MR. M----[4]. - - - January 4, 1777. - -I HAVE read, but have found nothing of the striking kind of sentimental -novelty--which I expected from its great author--the language is good -in most places--but never rises above the common pitch.--In many of our -inferior tragedies--I have ever found here and there a flower strewn, -which has been the grace and pride of the poetic parterre, and has made -me involuntarily cry out, Bravo!--From dress--scenery--action--and -the rest of play-house garniture--it may shew well and go down--like -insipid fish with good sauce;--the Prologue is well--the Epilogue -worth the whole--such is my criticism--read--stare--and conclude your -friend mad--though a more Christian supposition would be--what’s true -at the same time--that my ideas are frozen, much more frigid than the -play;--but allowing that--and although I confess myself exceeding cold, -yet I have warmth enough to declare myself yours sincerely, - - I. SANCHO. - - - Love and many happy new years to the ladies. - -[4] On reading the Tragedy of Semiramis, _from the French of Mons. - Voltaire_. - - - - -LETTER XLII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - February 9, 1777. - -ZOUNDS! if alive--what ails you? if dead--why did you not send me -word?--Where’s my Tristram?--What, are all bucks alike!--all promise, -and no--but I won’t put myself in a passion--I have but one foot, -and no head--go-to--why, what a devil of a rate dost thou ride at -anathematizing and reprobating poor ----! pho! thou simpleton--he -deserves thy pity--and whoever harbours a grain of contempt for his -fellow-creatures--either in the school of poverty or misfortune--that -Being is below contempt--and lives the scorn of men--and shame of -devils.--Thou shalt not think evil of ----; nor shall he, either by -word or thought, dispraisingly speak or think of M----. - -In regard to thy N----, thou art right--guard her well--but chiefly -guard her from the traitor in her own fair breast, which, while it -is the seat of purity and unsullied honor--fancies its neighbours to -be the same--nor sees the serpent in the flowery foliage--till it -stings--and then farewell sweet peace and its attendant riches. - -I have only time to thank you for the leaves, and to lament your want -of perspicuity in writing.--My love to George when you see him--and two -loves to Nancy--tell her I could fold her to my bosom with the same -tender pressure I do my girls--shut my eyes--draw her to my heart--and -call her Daughter!--and thou, monkey-face, write me a decent letter--or -you shall have another trimming from yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Look’ye Sir, I write to the ringing of the shop-door bell--I -write--betwixt serving--gossiping--and lying. Alas! what cramps to poor -genius! - - - - -For THE GENERAL ADVERTISER. - - The outline of a plan for establishing a most respectable body of - Seamen to the number 20,000, to be ever ready for the manning a - fleet upon twelve days notice. - - -THE proposer is humbly of opinion, that his plan is capable of many -wholesome improvements, which he thinks would prove no unprofitable -study, even to the Lords of the Admiralty. - -Ist, Let the number of seamen, now upon actual service, be each man -inrolled upon his Majesty’s books, at the rate of 5_l._ _per annum_ for -life; let them also receive the same quarterly, or half-yearly, upon -personal application. - -IIdly, Let books be opened for them in all his Majesty’s different -yards and sea ports, and there their dwelling, age, time they have -served, &c. to be fairly entered; each man to bring a certificate from -his ship, signed by the captain, or some one he shall please to depute. - -IIIdly, As an encouragement to his Majesty’s service and population at -the same time, let there be instituted in each of the ship-yards, or -ports, &c. of these Kingdoms, a kind of asylum, or house of refuge, -for the sons of these honest tars, to be received therein at the age -of six years; there to be taught navigation, or, after the common -school learning, to be bound to such parts of ship-building as they by -nature are most inclined to; such as chuse sea service, to be disposed -on board his Majesty’s ships at fifteen years old, and to be enrolled -upon the pension-books after ten years faithful service, unless better -provided for. - -Might not there be some plan hit on to employ the daughters, as well -as sons of poor sailors? Does not our Fisheries (if they should ever -happen to be attended to) open many doors of useful employment for both -sexes? - -To defray the above, I would advise the following methods: - -First, The pension of 5_l._ _per_ man for 20,000, amounts only to -100,000_l._: let this be taken from the Irish list; it will surely be -better employed, than in the present mode for Pensioners of noble blood. - -Secondly, Let the book and office keepers at the different yards, -ports, &c. be collected from under-officers who have served with -reputation; it will be a decent retreat for them in the evening of -life, and only a grateful reward for past service. - -May some able hand, guided by a benevolent heart, point out and -strongly recommend something of this sort, that the honoured name of -England may be rescued from the scandalous censure of man-stealing, and -from the ingratitude also of letting their preservers perish in the -time of peace! - - I am, Sir, yours, &c. - - +Africanus.+ - - - - -LETTER XLIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - July 27, 1777. - -GO-TO!--the man who visits church twice in one day, must either -be religious--curious--or idle--whichever you please, my dear -friend;--turn it the way which best likes you, I will cheerily -subscribe to it.--By the way, H----n was inspired this morning; his -text was from Romans--chapter the--verse the--both forgot;--but the -subject was to present heart, mind, soul, and all the affections--a -living sacrifice to God;--he was most gloriously animated, and seemed -to have imbibed the very spirit and manners of the Great Apostle. Our -afternoon Orator was a stranger to me--he was blest with a good, clear, -and well-toned articulate voice:--he preached from the Psalms--and took -great pains to prove that God knew more than we--that letters were -the fountain of our knowledge--that a man in Westminster was totally -ignorant of what was going forward in Whitechapel--that we might have -some memory of what we did last week--but have no sort of conjecture of -what we shall do to-morrow, &c. &c.--Now H----n’s whole drift was, that -we should live the life of angels here--in order to be so in reality -hereafter:--the other good soul gave us wholesome matter of fact;--they -were both right--(but I fear not to speak my mind to my M----, who, -if he condemns my head, will, I am sure, acquit my heart.)--You have -read and admired Sterne’s Sermons--which chiefly inculcate practical -duties, and paint brotherly love--and the true Christian charities--in -such beauteous glowing colours--that one cannot help wishing to feed -the hungry--cloathe the naked, &c. &c.--I would to God, my friend, -that the great lights of the church would exercise their oratorical -powers upon Yorick’s plan:--the heart and passions once listed under -the banners of blest philanthropy--would naturally ascend to the -redeeming God--flaming with grateful rapture.--Now I have observed -among the modern Saints--who profess to pray without ceasing--that they -are so fully taken up with pious meditations--and so wholy absorbed -in the love of God--that they have little if any room for the love of -man:--if I am wrong, tell me so honestly--the censure of a friend is -of more value than his money--and to submit to conviction, is a proof -of good sense.--I made my bow to-night to Mrs. H----; the rest of the -rogues were out--bright-eyed S---- and all.--Mrs. H---- says that you -are hypped--nonsense!--few can rise superior to pain--and the head, -I will allow, is a part the most _sensible_, if affected;--but even -then you are not obliged to use more motion than you like--though I -can partly feel the aukward sensations and uneasy reflections, which -will often arise upon the least ail of so precious a member as the -eye--yet certain I am, the more you can be master of yourself (I mean -as to chearfulness, if not gaiety of mind) the better it will of course -be with you.--I hope G---- is well--and that you ride often to see -him I make no doubt.--I like the monkey--I know not for why, nor does -it signify a button--but sure he is good-tempered and grateful;--but -what’s that to me?--Good-night:---- the clock talks of eleven. - - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XLIV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - July 23, 1777. - -YES--too true it is--for the many (aye, and some of those many carry -their heads high) too true for the miserable--the needy--the sick--for -many, alas! who now may have no helper--for the child of folly poor -S----, and even for thy worthless friend Sancho.--It is too true, that -the Almighty has called to her rich reward--she who, whilst on earth, -approved herself his best delegate.--How blind, how silly, is the -mortal who places any trust or hope in aught but the Almighty!--You -are just, beautifully just, in your sketch of the vicissitudes of -worldly bliss.--We rise the lover--dine the husband--and too oft, -alas! lay down the forlorne widower.--Never so struck in my life;--it -was on Friday night, between ten and eleven, just preparing for my -concluding pipe--the Duke of M----’s man knocks.--“Have you heard the -bad news?”--No.--“The Dutchess of Queensbury died last night!”--I felt -fifty different sensations--unbelief was uppermost--when he crushed my -incredibility, by saying he had been to know how his Grace did--who was -also very poorly in health.--Now the preceding day, Thursday (the day -on which she expired) I had received a very penitential letter from -S----, dated from St. Helena;--this letter I inclosed in a long tedious -epistle of my own--and sent to Petersham, believing the family to be -all there.--The day after you left town her Grace died;--that day week -she was at my door--the day after I had the honour of a long audience -in her dressing-room.--Alas! this hour blessed with health--crowned -with honors--loaded with riches, and encircled with friends--the -next reduced to a lump of poor clay--a tenement for worms!--Earth -re-possesses part of what she gave--and the freed spirit mounts on -wings of fire:--her disorder was a stoppage--she fell ill the evening -of the Friday that I last saw her--continued in her full senses to -the last.--The good she had done reached the skies long before her -lamented death--and are the only heralds that are worth the pursuit -of wisdom:--as to her bad deeds, I have never heard of them.--Had it -been for the best, God would have lent her a little longer to a foolish -world, which hardly deserved so good a woman;--for my own part, I have -lost a friend--and perhaps ’tis better so.--“Whatever is,” &c. &c.--I -wish S---- knew this heavy news, for many reasons.--I am inclined to -believe her Grace’s death is the only thing that will most conduce -to his reform.--I fear neither his gratitude nor sensibility will be -much hurt upon hearing the news--it will act upon his fears, and -make him do _right_ upon a _base_ principle.--Hang him! he teazes me -whenever I think of him.--I supped last night with St----; he called -in just now, and says he has a right to be remembered to you.--You -and he are two old monkeys--the more I abuse and rate you, the better -friend you think me.--As you have found out that your spirits govern -your head--you will of course contrive every method of keeping your -instrument in tune;--sure I am that bathing--riding--walking--in -succession--the two latter not violent--will brace your nerves--purify -your blood--invigorate its circulation:--add to the rest -_continency_--yes, again I repeat it, _continency_;--before you -reply, think--re-think--and think again--look into your _Bible_--look -in _Young_--peep into your own breast--if your heart warrants what -your head counsels--act then boldly.--Oh! _apropos_--pray thank my -noble friend Mrs. H---- for her friendly present of C-- J--; it -did Mrs. Sancho service, and does poor Billy great good--who has -(through his teeth) been plagued with a cough--which I hope will not -turn to the whooping sort;--the girls greet you as their respected -school-master.--As to your spirited kind offer of a F----, why when you -please--you know what I intend doing with it. - -Poor Lady S----, I find, still lingers this side the world.--Alas! -when will the happy period arrive, that the sons of mortality may -greet each other with the joyful news, that sin, pain, sorrow, -and death, are no more; skies without clouds, earth without -crimes, life without death, world without end!--peace, bliss, and -harmony, where the Lord God--All in all--King of kings--Lord of -lords--reigneth--omnipotent--for ever--for ever!--may you, dear M----, -and all I love--yea the whole race of Adam, join with my unworthy weak -self, in the stupendous--astonishing--soul-cheering Hallelujahs!--where -Charity may be swallowed up in Love--Hope in Bliss--and Faith in -glorious Certainty!--We will mix, my boy, with all countries, colours, -faiths--see the countless multitudes of the first world--the myriads -descended from the--Ark--the Patriarchs--Sages--Prophets--and Heroes! -My head turns round at the vast idea! we will mingle with them, and -try to untwist the vast chain of blessed Providence--which puzzles and -baffles human understanding. Adieu. - - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XLV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 8, 1777. - - “Know your own self, presume not God to scan; - “The only science of mankind, is man.” - -THERE is something so amazingly grand--so stupendously affecting--in -the contemplating the works of the Divine Architect, either in the -moral or the intellectual world, that I think one may rightly call -it the cordial of the soul--it is the physic of the mind--and the -best antidote against weak pride--and the supercilious murmurings -of discontent.--Smoaking my morning pipe, the friendly warmth of -that glorious planet the sun--the leniency of the air--the chearful -glow of the atmosphere--made me involuntarily cry, “Lord, what is -man, that thou in thy mercy art so mindful of him! or what the son -of man, that thou so parentally carest for him!” David, whose heart -and affections were naturally of the first kind (and who indeed had -experienced blessings without number), pours forth the grateful -sentiments of his enraptured soul in the sweetest modulations of -pathetic oratory;--the tender mercies of the Almighty are not less to -many of his creatures--but their hearts, unlike the royal disposition -of the Shepherd King, are cold, and untouched with the sweet ray -of gratitude.--Let us, without meanly sheltering our infirmities -under the example of others--perhaps worse taught--or possessed -of less leisure for self-examination--let us, my dear M----, look -into ourselves--and, by a critical examination of the past events -of our lives, fairly confess what mercies we have received--what -God in his goodness hath done for us--and how our gratitude and -praise have kept pace in imitation of the son of Jesse.--such a -research would richly pay us--for the end would be conviction--so -much on the side of miraculous mercy--such an unanswerable proof -of the superintendency of Divine Providence, as would effectually -cure us of rash despondency--and melt our hearts--with devotional -aspirations--till we poured forth the effusions of our souls in -praise and thanksgiving.--When I sometimes endeavour to turn my -thoughts inwards, to review the power or properties the indulgent -all-wise Father has endow’d me with, I am struck with wonder and with -awe--worm, poor insignificant reptile as I am, with regard to superior -beings--mortal like myself.--Amongst, and at the very head of our -riches, I reckon the power of reflection:--Where? where, my friend, -doth it lie?--Search every member from the toe to the nose--all--all -ready for action--but all dead to thought--it lies not in matter--nor -in the blood--it is a party, which though we feel and acknowledge, -quite past the power of definition--it is that breath of life which -the Sacred Architect breathed into the nostrils of the first man--image -of his gracious Maker--and let it animate our torpid gratitude--it -rolls on, although diminished by our cruel fall, through the whole -race.--“We are fearfully and wonderfully made,” &c. &c. were the -sentiments of the Royal Preacher upon a self-review--but had he been -blessed with the full blaze of the Christian dispensation--what would -have been his raptures?--The promise of never, never-ending existence -and felicity, to possess eternity--“glorious, dreadful thought!” to -rise, perhaps, by regular progression, from planet to planet--to behold -the wonders of immensity--to pass from good to better--increasing -in goodness--knowledge--love--to glory in our Redeemer--to joy in -ourselves--to be acquainted with prophets, sages, heroes, and poets -of old times--and join in symphony with angels!--And now, my friend, -thou smilest at my futile notions--why preach to thee?--For this very -good and simple reason, to get your thoughts in return.--You shall -be my philosopher--my Mentor--my friend;--you, happily disengaged -from various cares of life and family, can review the little world of -man with steadier eye, and more composed thought, than your friend, -declining fast into the vale of years, and beset with infirmity -and pain.--Write now and then, as thought prompts, and inclination -leads--refute my errors--where I am just, give me your plaudit.--Your -welfare is truly dear in my sight;--and if any man has a share in my -heart, or commands my respect and esteem, it is I---- M----. - - Witness my mark, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XLVI. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 14, 1777. - -MY dear M----, I know full well thy silence must proceed from ill -health. To say it concerns me, is dull nonsense--self-love without -principle will inspire even Devils with affection;--by so much less -as thou apprehendest thy friend has diabolical about him--so may’st -thou judge of his feelings towards thee.--Why wilt thou not part -with thy hair? most assuredly I do believe it would relieve thee -past measure--thou dost not fancy thy strength (like Sampson’s the -Israelite) lieth in thy hair. Remember he was shorn thro’ folly--he -lost his wits previous to his losing his locks--do thou consent to -lose thine, in order to save thy better judgement,--I know no worse -soul sinking pain than the head-ach, though (thank heaven) I am not -often visited with it.--I long to see thee--and will soon, if in -my power:--some odd folks would think it would have _been_ but good -manners to have thanked you for the fawn--but then, says the punster, -that would have _been_ so like _fawn_-ing--which J. M---- loves not, -_no_, nor Sancho either;--’tis the hypocrite’s key to the great man’s -heart--’tis the resource of cowardly curs--and deceitful b--p--s--it is -the spaniel’s sort--and man’s disgrace--it is--in short, the day is so -hot--that I cannot say at present any more about it--but that the fawn -was large, fresh, and worthy the giver, the receiver, and the joyous -souls that eat it.--Billy has suffered much in getting his teeth--I -have just wished him joy by his mother’s desire, who says that he took -resolution at last, and walked to her some few steps quite alone. -Albeit it gave me no small pleasure--yet, upon consideration, what I -approve of now, perhaps, (should I live to see him at man’s estate) I -might then disapprove--unless God’s grace should as ably support him -through the quick-sands--rocks--and shoals of life--as it has happily -the honest being I am now writing to.--God give you health!--your own -conduct will secure peace--your friends bread.--As to honors, leave it -with titles--to knaves--and be content with that of an honest man, - - “the noblest work of God.” - -Shave--shave--shave. - - Farewell, yours sincerely, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XLVII. - -TO MISS C----. - - - August 15, 1777. - -I WAITED, in hopes that time or chance might furnish me with -something to fill a sheet, with better than the praises of an old -man.--What has youth and beauty to do with the squabbling contentions -of mad ambition?--Could I new-model Nature--your sex should rule -supreme:--there should be no other ambition but that of pleasing the -ladies--no other welfare but the contention of obsequious lovers--nor -any glory but the bliss of being approved by the Fair.--Now, confess -that this epistle opens very gallant, and allow this to be a decent -return to one of the best and most sensible letters that L---- Wells -has produced this century past.--I much wish for the pleasing hopes -raised by your obliging letter--that my good friend’s health is -restored so fully, that she has by this time forgot what the pains -in the stomach mean,--that she has sent all her complaints to the -lake of Lethe--and is thinking soon to enliven our part our world, -enriched with health--spirits--and a certain bewitching benignity of -countenance--which cries out--‘Dislike me if you can!’--I want to -know what conquests you have made--what savages converted--whom you -have smiled into felicity, or killed by rejection;--and how the noble -Master of Ceremonies acquits himself, John S---- Esq; I mean.--I hear -my friend R---- will be in town this week, to my great comfort;--for, -upon my conscience, excepting my family, the town to me is quite -empty.--Mrs. R---- is gone to Bury--and the good man is toiling a -lonely and forlorne object.--Mrs. Sancho joins in every good and -grateful wish for your amiable friend, with, dear Miss C----, your -obliged friend and humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XLVIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 25, 1777. - - +Jack-asses.+ - -MY gall has been plentifully stirred--by the barbarity of a set of -gentry, who _every morning_ offend my feelings--in their cruel parade -through Charles Street, to and from market:--they vend potatoes -in the day--and thieve in the night season.--A tall lazy villian -was bestriding his poor beast (although loaded with two panniers -of potatoes at the same time), and another of his companions was -good-naturedly employed in whipping the poor sinking animal--that the -gentleman-rider might enjoy the two-fold pleasure of blasphemy and -cruelty:--this is a too common evil--and, for the honor of rationality, -calls loudly for redress.--I do believe it might be in some measure -amended--either by a hint in the papers, of the utility of impressing -such vagrants for the king’s service--or by laying a heavy tax upon -the poor Jack-asses.--I prefer the former, both for thy sake and -mine:--and, as I am convinced we feel instinctively the injuries of our -_fellow creatures_; I do insist upon your exercising your talents in -behalf of the honest sufferers.--I ever had a kind of sympathetic (call -it what you please) for that animal--_and do I not love you?_--Before -Sterne had wrote them into respect, I had a friendship for them--and -many a civil greeting have I given them at casual meetings:--what has -ever (with me) stamped a kind of uncommon value and dignity upon the -long-ear’d kind of the species, is that our Blessed Saviour, in his -day of worldly triumph, chose to use that in preference to the rest -of his own blessed creation--“meek and lowly, riding upon an ass.” I -am convinced that the general inhumanity of mankind proceeds--first, -from the cursed false principle of common education;--and, secondly, -from a total indifference (if not disbelief) of the Christian -faith;--a heart and mind impressed with a firm belief of the Christian -tenets, must of course exercise itself in a constant uniform general -philanthropy:--such a being carries his heaven in his breast!--and such -be thou! therefore write me a bitter Philippick against the misusers of -Jack-asses;--it shall honor a column in the Morning Post--and I will -bray--bray my thanks to you:--thou shalt figure away the champion of -poor friendless asses here--and hereafter shalt not be ashamed in the -great day of retribution. - -Mrs. Sancho would send you some tamarinds.--I know not her reasons;--as -I hate contentions, I contradicted not--but shrewdly suspect she -thinks you want cooling.--Do you hear, Sir? send me some more good -news about your head.--Your letters will not be the less welcome for -talking about J---- M----; but pray do not let vanity so master -your judgement--to fancy yourself upon a footing with George for -well looking:--if you were indeed a proof-sheet--you was marred in -the taking-off--for George (ask the girls) is certainly the fairest -impression. - -I had an order from Mr. H---- on Thursday night to see him do -Falstaff;--I put some money to it, and took Mary and Betsy with me:--it -was Betty’s first affair--and she enjoyed it in truth--H----’s Falstaff -is entirely original--and I think as great as his Shylock;--he kept the -house in a continual roar of laughter:--in some things he falls short -of Quin--in many I think him equal.--When I saw Quin play, he was at -the height of his art, with thirty years judgement to guide him. H----, -in seven years more, will be all that better--and confessedly the first -man on the English stage, or I am much mistaken. - -I am reading a little pamphlet, which I much like: it favours an -opinion which I have long indulged--which is the improbability -of eternal Damnation--a thought which almost petrifies one--and, -in my opinion, derogatory to the fullness, glory, and benefit -of the blessed expiation of the Son of the Most High God--who -died for the sins of all--all--Jew, Turk, Infidel, and -Heretic;--fair--sallow--brown--tawney--black--and you--and I--and every -son and daughter of Adam.--You must find eyes to read this book--head -and heart--with a quickness of conception thou enjoyest--with -many--many advantages--which have the love--and envy almost of yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Respects in folio to Mrs. H----. - - - - -LETTER XLIX. - -TO MR. R----. - - - August 27, 1777. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -WHETHER this finds your officially parading on Newmarket turfs--or -in the happier society of the good geniuses of B---- house--may it -find you well--in good joyous spirits--gay, debonnair--happy at -heart--happy as I have seen my meaning expressed in the countenance -of my friend Mrs. C----, where humanity--humility--and goodwill--have -outshone beauty--in one of the finest faces of your country--but this -between ourselves;--and pray how does the aforesaid lady do?--does she -ride, walk, and dance, with moderation?--and can you tell me that she -continues as well as when she first went down--and still finds good -from her western expedition?--And the little Syren Miss C----?--Have -there no letters, sent by Cupid’s post, sticking on the arrow’s point, -been picked up about your grounds, blown by western breezes across the -country?--Tell her nothing can ever hurt her but Love and Time.--May -Love bring her happiness, and Time honour!--As to wealth--may she -have no more than she can manage with comfort and credit!--Monsieur -L----’s letter is a good one--and I think it would make one laugh -even in the gout.--God bless this old boy--for he is a true type of -beggarly pride--cunning--narrow-hearted--vain and mean--one of Satan’s -dupes--who do his dirty work for a little worldly trash--and cheat -themselves at last.--I know a man who delights to make every one he -can happy--that same man treated some honest girls with expences for -a Vauxhall evening.--If you should happen to know him--you may tell -him from me--that last night--three great girls--a boy--and a fat old -fellow--were as happy and pleas’d as a fine evening--fine place--good -songs--much company--and good music--could make them.--Heaven and -Earth!--how happy, how delighted, were the girls!--Oh! the pleasures -of novelty to youth!--We went by water--had a coach home--were gazed -at--followed, &c. &c.--but not much abused.--I must break off before I -have half finished--for Mr. ---- is just come in--you are not the first -good friend that has been neglected for a fop. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER L. - -TO MR. M----. - - - September 3, 1777. - -I FEEL it long since I heard from you--very long since I saw you--and -three or four days back had some notion, I should never, in this paltry -world, see thee again--but (thanks to the Father of Mercies!) I am -better, and have a higher relish of health and ease, from contrasting -the blessings with the pains I have endured.--Would to God you could -say that your dizzy dismal headachs were flown to the moon, or -embarked for Lapland--there to be tied up in a witch’s bag--and sold to -Beelzebub with a cargo of bad winds--religious quarrels--politics--my -gout--and our American grievances!--But what are you about in your last -(where you dropt the candid friend and assumed the flatterer)?--You -hinted as if there was a chance of seeing you in Charles Street: I wish -it much.--My friend, I have had a week’s gout in my hand, which was -by much too hard for my philosophy.--I am convinced, let the Stoics -say what they list--that pain is an evil;--in short, I was wishing for -death--and little removed from madness--but (thank Heaven)! I am much -better--my spirits will be mended if I hear from you--better still to -see you.--I find it painful to write much, and learn that two hands -are as necessary in writing as eating.--You see I write, like a lady, -from one corner of the paper to the other.--My respects--and love--and -admiration--and compliments--to Mrs. ----, and Mrs. and Miss ----. Tell -M----l, he kept his word in calling to see us before he left town!--I -hope--confound the ink!--what a blot! Now don’t you dare suppose I was -in fault--no, Sir, the pen was disabled--the paper worse--there was a -concatenation of ill-sorted chances--all--all--coincided to contribute -to that fatal blot--which has so disarranged my ideas--that I must -perforce finish before I had half disburthened my head and heart:--but -is N---- a good girl?--and how does my honest George do? Tell Mrs. -H---- what you please in the handsome way of me.--Farewell, I will -write no more nonsense this night--that’s flat. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -How do you like the print:--Mr. D---- says, and his wife says the -same--that you are exceedingly clever--and they shall be happy -to do any thing which is produced by the same hand which did the -original--and if Mr. D---- can be of any service to you in the -etching--you may command him when you please. - - - - -LETTER LI. - -TO MR. M----. - - - September 16, 1777. - -SIR, he is the confounded’st dunderhead--sapscull--looby--clodpate, -nincompoop--ninnyhammer--booby-chick--farcical--loungibuss-- -blunderbuss--this good day in the three kingdoms!--You would -bless yourself, were it possible for you to analyze such a being--not -but his heart is susceptible of a kind of friendly warmth--but then -so cursed careless--ever in a hurry--ever in the wrong, at best but -blundering about the right.--Why now, for example, when you sent -the ----, I can make oath, if need be--that the dunce I speak of -longed more for a letter than the animal. The basket was searched -with hurry--not care;--no letter? well, it can’t be help’d--his head -ach’d--he had not time, &c. &c.--the P---- was disengaged from the -basket--the straw consigned to the chimney:--this being rather a -coolish morning, a little fire was thought necessary--and in raking -up the loose dirty waste stuff under the grate, there appeared a -very bloody letter, which seemed unopened:--your hand-writing was -discernible through the dirt and blood;--curiosity and affection ran -a race to pick up and examine it--when, behold, it proved to be the -companion of the P----, but so effaced with blood--that very--very -little of my friend’s good sense could be made out.--Your poor letter -is a type of what daily happens--merit oppressed and smothered by -rubbish.--Alas, poor letter! it shared the fate the poor world, which -we inhabit, will hereafter undergo:--one bright gleam of imitation -of the mind that dictated it--some few sparks.--Alas! alas! my poor -letter--pass but a few years--perhaps a few months--thy generous -friendly compost may--thy friend whose heart glows while he writes--who -feels thy worth--yea, and reveres it too.--Nonsense, why we know the -very hinges of our last cradles will rust and moulder;--and that, -in the course of another century, neither flesh, bone, coffin, nor -nail--will be dicernible from mother earth.--Courage--while we live, -let us live--to Virtue--Friendship--Religion--Charity--then drop (at -death’s call) our cumbrous (you are thin) load of flesh, and mount -in spirit to our native home.--Bless us, at what a rate have I been -travelling!--I am quite out of breath--Why! my friend, the business -was to thank you for the pig.--Had you seen the group of heads--aye, -and wise ones too--that assembled at the opening of the fardel--the -exclamations--Oh! the finest--fattest--cleanest--why, Sir, it was a -pig of pigs;--the pettitoes gave us a good supper last night--they -were well dressed--and your pig was well eat--it dined us Sunday and -Monday.--Now, to say truth, I do not love pig--merely pig--I like -not--but pork corned--alias--salted--either roast or boiled--I will eat -against any filthy Jew naturalized--or under the bann.--On Saturday -night the newsman brought me two papers of J---- 13th and 20th;--right -joyful did I receive them:--I ran to Mrs. Sancho--with, I beg you -will read my friend’s sensible and spirited defence of--of, &c.--She -read--though it broke in upon her work--she approved;--but chance or -fortune--or ill-luck--or what you ever mean by accident--has -played us a confounded trick;--for since Saturday they have--both -papers--disappeared--without hands--or legs--or eyes--for no one has seen -them;--bureau--boxes--cupboards--drawers--parlour--chamber--shop--all--all -has been rummaged--pockets--port-folio--holes--corners--all been -searched;--Did you see them?--did you?--where can they be?--I know -not--nor I--nor I--but God does!--Omnipotence knoweth all things.--It -has vexed me--fretted dame Sancho--teazed the children--but so it -is;--hereafter I suppose they will be found in some obvious (though now -unthought of) place, and then it will be, Good Lord, who could have -thought it! - -Where is the _Jack-ass_ business?--do not be lazy--I feel myself a -party concerned--and when I see you, I have a delicious morsel of true -feminine grace and generosity to shew you.--I shall not apologize for -this crude epistle;--but mark and remark--I do thank you in the name -of every Sancho but self--they eat, and were filled;--I have reason to -thank you;--but as I do not affect pig--in a piggish sense--I hold -myself excepted;--and, although I did eat--and did also commend, yet I -will not thank you, that’s poss. - - I. SANCHO. - - -The papers are found, as you will see:--here is one and a piece; it has -suffered through ignorance;--but what cannot be cured, must be endured. - - - - -LETTER LII. - -TO MR. R.----. - - - September 17, 1777. - - MY RESPECTED FRIEND, - -I FEEL myself guilty of an unmannerly neglect, in delaying to give my -good Mrs. C---- some account of the little commissions she honoured -me with.--You must exert your friendly influence, in making my peace -with her;--not but that I well know mercy has the blest preponderancy -in her scale--nor can kindness or mercy be lodged in a fairer -breast;--in faith, I am scarce half alive;--yet what really is alive -about me--hungers to hear news from B----: first, how Mrs. C---- got -down--and her good companion;--how her health is: tell her, I hope -she left all her pains behind her;--if so, I believe I have taken -possession of them all. Alas, my friend, I never was but half so bad -before;--both feet knocked up at once; plenty of excruciating pains, -and a great lack of patience.--Mrs. Sancho has had a blessed week of -it;--for my companion did not contribute much to the sweetening my -temper--it was the washing-week, which you know made it a full chance -and half better.--she was forced to break sugar, and attend shop.--God -bless her, and reward her!--she is good--good in heart--good in -principle--good by habit--good by Heaven! God forgive me, I had almost -sworn.--Tell me how the ladies got down--how they do; and what they -do;--how you do;--and how ---- feels, now the broom is hung on his door -top.--The certainty that B---- and his connexions are all alive and -merry--will be a cure for my gout--and thou shalt be sole doctor, as -well as first friend, to thy ever obliged true friend. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - September 20, 1777. - - “What Reason warrants, and what Wisdom guides, - “All else is tow’ring frenzy, or rank folly.” - -SO says Addison-- - ---And so well knoweth my friend I. M----. Well, and what then? why -it follows of course--that, instead of feeling myself delighted and -gratefully thankful, for--I will and must speak out--yet if these -kindnesses cost the pocket of my friend--they are not kindnesses -to the Sanchos.--For innate goodness of heart--greatness of -spirit--urbanity--humanity--temperance--justice--with the whole sweet -list of heaven-born manly virtues--I do, without flattery, give thee -(and with pride do I avouch it) credit--I respect thy person, and -love thy principles;--but, my good M----, there is a prior duty--which -I dare believe you will never willingly be deficient in--and yet -your generosity of soul may let even such a worm as I break into -it;--now, that should not be--for--take me right--I do not mean any -thing derogatory to your rank in the world--or to the strength of your -finances--what Sterne said of himself that think I of you--that you -are as good a gentleman as the King--but not quite so rich.--I honor -thy feelings--and am happy that I can honestly say, that I conceive -them;--the joy of giving and making happy is almost the attribute of a -God--and there is as much sweetness conveyed to the senses by doing a -right well-natured deed, as our frame can consistently bear--_So much -for chastisement--a pretty way of thanking!_--Well, I have critically -examined thy song--some parts I like well--as it is a maidenhead, it -should be gently treated--But why N---- Oh! Nature! A true passion -is jealous even of the initials of its mistress’s name.--Well, N---- -let it be--I will certainly attempt giving it a tune--such as I -can--the first leisure--but it must undergo some little pruning -when we meet.--I have had another little visit from the gout--and -my hand yet remembers the rough salute; my spirits have been rather -low.--Young’s ninth night, the Consolation, has been my last week’s -study. It is almost divine;--how many times has it raised, warmed, and -charmed me!--and is still new. I hope you found your mother and honest -George as well as you wished--and had the full enjoyment of maternal -and filial affections.--The girls are rampant-well--and Billy gains -something every day.--The rogue is to excess fond of me--for which I -pity him--and myself more.--My respects and kind enquiry to your old -horse.--Tell him, I wish him better--and am a real friend to honest -brutes--some I could almost envy.--To say I am rejoiced to hear you -are better, is telling you no news--be but as well as I wish you--as -rich--and as good--Sampson, Solomon, and the Duke de Penthievre, will -never be comparisons more.--Adieu. - - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -I am as melancholy--as a tea-kettle when it sings (as the maidens calls -it) over a dead fire. - -Oh!--but is it N---- indeed?--now don’t you be after humming me; -believe me, honey--if I never find out the truth, I shall know it for -all that. - - - - -LETTER LIV. - -TO MR. S----. - - - October 24, 1777. - -I DENY it. That I ought to have acknowledged your favour two weeks ago -I confess--but my silence was not so long--nor broad--nor rusty--nor -fusty as yours.--Blithe health--festive hours--and social mirth--be -thine, my friend! Thy letter, though late, was truly welcome--it -unbended the brow of care--and suspended, for some hours, disagreeable -thoughts.----By St. Radagunda! quoth I--(ramming my nostrils with -Hardham) he has catched the mantle.--Alas, poor Yorick! oh! that thou -hadst, by divine permission, been suffered a little--little longer, -amongst the moonstruck children of this namby-pamby world! Father of -light and life! thy will be done;--but surely--half the wit--half the -good sense--of this present age--were interred in Sterne’s grave. His -broad philanthropy--like the soul-cheering rays of the blessed sun, -invested his happy spirit, and soared into Heaven with it--where, in -progressive rise from bliss to bliss, he drinks in large draughts of -rapture, love, and knowledge, and chants the praises of redeeming love, -with joy unbounded, and unceasing vigour.--Your invocation has mounted -me, Merry-Andrew like, upon stilts.--I ape you as monkeys ape men, by -walking upon two.--That you have recovered the true tone of your health -and spirits, I rejoice--to be happy in despight of fortune, shews the -Philosopher--the Hero--the Christian. I must confess, my fortitude -(which is wove of very flimsy materials) too oft gives way in the -rough and unfriendly jostles of life:--Madam Fortune, who by the way -is a bunter (and such I love not), has been particularly cross and -untoward to me since you left us. They say she is fond of fools--’tis -false and scandalous--she hates me--and I have the vanity to say and -believe--that if folly, sheer folly, had any charms--I should stand -as fair in her esteem--as A. B. C. D. E. F.--or any of Folly’s family -through the whole alphabet.--You halted at Burleigh--you did just -what I wished you to do--and left it, I trust, as well in health as -you entered that sweet mansion--stopp’d at Retford--and found your -venerable parents well--and contributed to their happiness--increased -their felicity by the many nice little attentions of filial love--which -the good heart delights in--and even angels approve.--And how do the -worthy souls of Hull and its environs?--Do they credit themselves -by esteeming a good-enough kind of mortal?--You cannot imagine what -hold little Billy gets of me--he grows--prattles--and every day -learns something new--and by his good-will would be ever in the -shop with me. The monkey! he clings round my legs--and if I chide -him or look sour--he holds up his little mouth to kiss me;--I know -I am the fool--for parent’s weakness is child’s strength:--truth -orthodox--which will hold good between lover and lovee--as well as -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -. Mrs. Sancho and her virgins are so, so. -Mr. Sancho, the virgins, well as youth and innocence, souls void of -care and consciences of offence, can be.--Dame Sancho would be better -if she cared less.--I am her barometer--if a sigh escapes me, it is -answered by a tear in her eye;--I oft assume a gaiety to illume her -dear sensibility with a smile--which twenty years ago almost bewitched -me;--and _mark_!--after twenty years enjoyment--constitutes my highest -pleasure!--Such be your lot--with a competency--such as will make -œconomy a pleasant acquaintance--temperance and exercise your chief -physician--and the virtues of benevolence your daily employ--your -pleasure and reward! And what more can friendship wish you?--but to -glide down the stream of time--blest with a partner of congenial -principles, and fine feelings--true feminine eloquence--whose very -looks speak tenderness and sentiment.--Your infants growing--with the -roseate bloom of health--minds cultured by their father--expanding -daily in every improvement--blest little souls!--and happy--happy -parents!--such be thy lot in life--in marriage;--but take a virgin--or -a maiden--to thy arms;--but--be that as thy fate wills it.--Now -for news.--Two hours ago (in tolerable health and cheary spirits) -considering his journey not so fatigued as might be expected--followed -by four superb carriages--their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Dutchess -of Gloucester arrived in town. As to America, if you know any thing -at Hull, you know more than is known in London.--Samuel Foote, Esq; -is dead--a leg was buried some years since--and now the whole _foote_ -follows.--I think you love a pun.--Colman is the gainer, as he -covenanted to give him 1600_l._ _per annum_, for his patent;--in short, -Colman is happy in the bargain--and I trust Foote is no loser.--I have -seen poor Mr. de Groote but once--and then could not attend to speak -with him, as I had customers in the shop.--I waited by appointment for -Mr. ----, to get your honor’s address--and then three weeks before I -could get the franks--a fortnight since for Mr. ---- writing to you--I -call this a string of beggarly apologies.--I told M---- you expected a -line from him--he wanted faith.--I made him read your letter--and what -then? “truly he was not capable--he had no classical education--you -write with elegance--ease--propriety.”----Tut, quoth I, pr’ythee give -not the reins to pride--write as I do--just the effusions of a warm -though foolish heart:--friendship will cast a veil of kindness over thy -blunders--they will be accepted with a complacent smile--and read with -the same eye of kindness which indulges now the errors of his sincere -friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -A true Genius will always remember to leave a space unwritten--to come -in contact with the wax or wafer--by which means the reader escapes -half an hour’s puzzle to make out a sentence;--and ever while you -live--never omit--no--not that--what?--what!--dates! dates!--am not I a -grocer?----Pun the Second. - - - - -LETTER LV. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 5, 1777. - -NOW, whether to address--according to the distant, reserved, cold, -mechanical forms of high-breeding--where polished manners, like a horse -from the manage, prances fantastic--and, shackled with the rules of -art, proudly despises simple nature;--or shall I, like the patient, -honest, sober, long-ear’d animal, take plain Nature’s path, and address -you according to my feelings?--My dear friend--you wanted to know the -reason I had never addressed a line to you;--the plain and honest truth -is, I thought writing _at_--was better than writing _to_ you;--that’s -one reason:--now a second reason is--I know my own weakness too well to -encounter with your little friend--whom I fear as a critic--and envy -as a writer:--another reason is--a case of conscience--which some time -or other you may have explained:--reason the fourth--a secret--and so -must be--till the blessed year 1797;--and then, if you will deign -to converse with an old friend--you shall know all.--Kitty sends her -respects to Nutts--and her duty to her godmother.--Billy looks wisely -by turns--and will speak for himself--if you should ever come to town -again.--The girls all improve in appetite. Mrs. Sancho is tolerably -well--and I am yours very seriously, - - I. SANCHO. - - -P. S. I wrote to my friend R----, and then made some modest demands -upon your good-nature--There are a sort of people in the world (one or -two in a large extent of country) rare enough to meet with--and you -are one whom nature hath left entirely defenceless to the depredations -of knaves;--for my part, I own I have no remorse when I tax your -good-nature--which proceeds from your having obliged me so much--that I -think with the street paupers--when they cry--“Good your Ladyship, give -me something--you always used to remember your poor old woman!”--Well -but to conclude--we courtiers are all alive upon this great good -news--the Queen, God bless her--safe;--another Princess--Oh the cake -and cawdle!--Then the defeat of Washintub’s army--and the capture of -Arnold and Sulivan with seven thousand prisoners;--thirteen counties -return to their allegiance;--all this news is believed--the delivery of -her Majesty is certain--pray God the rest may be as certain--that this -cursed carnage of the human species may end--commerce revive--sweet -social peace be extended throughout the globe--and the British empire -be strongly knit in the never-ending bands of sacred friendship and -brotherly love!--Her good Grace of P---- is just arrived:--the gardens -would look as they were wont--but for you. But to conclude--the little -dance (which I like because I made it)--I humbly beg you will make -Jacky play--and amongst you contrive a figure.--The Dutchess of ---- -visits the Queen this evening--which being a piece of news you may -credit--and of the utmost consequence--I close my very sensible decent -epistle with--And so God bless you!--Pray tell Mr. K---- my thanks for -his obliging letter--and that I join him and all his friends in honest -gladness--upon his brother’s account.--I fear, also, he has had, and -still has, too much practice.--I have this opinion of him, that his -humanity will ever be found equal to his skill--and that he will be a -credit to his profession--as well as a blessing to his patients.--My -humble respects and best wishes attend Miss ---- and Messieurs B---- -and S----, &c. - -The grand news is not yet officially authenticated--as no express is -yet arrived from the Howes--the Isis man of war, which is supposed -to have the dispatches, not being got in;--but the K---- and Cabinet -believe the news to be true, though brought by hear-say--at sea. - - - - -LETTER LVI. - -TO MR. S----. - - - December 20, 1777. - -WITH the old story of the Season, &c. &c. most sincerely, and amen. - -When Royal David--in the intoxication of success and fullness of -pride--imprudently insisted upon the numbering of his people--we are -told, the Prophet was sent to announce the Divine displeasure--and to -give him the choice of one of the three of the Almighty’s heaviest -punishments:--in his choice--he shewed both wisdom and true piety--you -know the rest.--Now, my friend--thou knowest my weakness;--I -sincerely believe the Sacred Writ--and of course look upon war in -all its horrid arrangements as the bitterest curse that can fall -upon a people; and this American one--as one of the very worst--of -worst things:--that it is a just judgement, I do believe;--that the -eyes of our rulers are shut, and their judgements stone-blind, I -believe also.--The Gazette will give you a well-drest melancholy -account--but you will see one thing in it which you will like--and -that is, the humane solicitude of General Burgoyne--for the safety -and good treatment indiscriminately of all his camp-artificers and -attendants:--he is certainly a man of feeling--and I regard him -more for the grandeur of his mind in adversity--than I should in -all the triumphal pomp of military madness.--But let me return, if -possible, to my senses:--for God’s sake! what has a poor starving -Negroe, with six children, to do with kings and heroes, and armies and -politics?--Aye, or poets and painters!--or artists--of any sort? quoth -Monsieur S----. True--indubitably true.--For your letter, thanks--It -should have come sooner--better late, &c. &c.--What have I to do with -your good or evil fortune--health or sickness--weal or woe?--I am -resolved from henceforth to banish feelings--Misanthrope from head -to foot!--_Apropos_--not five minutes since I was interrupted, in -this same letter of letters, by a pleasant affair--to a man of no -feelings.--A fellow bolted into the shop with a countenance in which -grief and fear struggled for mastery.--“Did you see any body go to my -cart, Sir?”--“No, friend, how should I? you see I am writing--and how -should I be able to see your cart or you either in the dark?”--“Lord in -heaven pity me! cries the man, what shall I do? oh! what shall I do?--I -am undone!--Good God!--I did but go into the court here--with a trunk -for the lady at Captain G----’s (I had two to deliver), and somebody -has stole the other;--what shall I do?--what shall I do?”--“Zounds, -man!--who ever left their cart in the night with goods in it, without -leaving some one to watch?”--“Alack, Sir, I left a boy, and told him I -would give him something to stand by the cart, and the boy and trunk -are both gone!”--Oh nature!--oh heart!--why does the voice of distress -so forcibly knock at the door of hearts--but to hint to pride and -avarice our common kindred--and to alarm self-love?--Mark, I do think, -and will maintain it--that self-love alone, if rightly understood, -would make man all that a dying Redeemer wills he should be.--But this -same stolen trunk;--the ladies are just gone out of my shop--they have -been here holding a council--upon law and advertisements;--God help -them!--they could not have come to a worse--nor could they have found -a stupider or sorrier adviser:--the trunk was seen parading between -two in the Park--and I dare say the contents by this time are pretty -well gutted.--Last Sunday I met, coming from church, Mr. C----; he -looks well, better than when you left him.--I took occasion, as we were -prating about and about your worship--to pin Mr. de Groote’s interest -upon the skirts of his feelings;--he desired, when I saw him next, -I would send him into Crown-street--which I religiously performed, -but have not seen Mr. de Groote since;--in truth, there is (despight -of his nose) so much of the remains of better times--somewhat of the -gentleman and artist in ruins--something creative of reverence as well -as pity--that I have wished to do more than I ought--though at the -same time too little for such a being to receive without insult from -the hands of a poor Negroe--(pooh, I do not care for your prancings, I -can see you at this distance).--We have agreed upon one thing;--which -is, I have undertaken to write to Mr. G---- for him, in the way of -local relief;--I will wager a tankard of porter I succeed in some -sort;--I will aim at both sides of him--his pity and his pride--which, -alas!--the last I mean, finds a first-floor in the breast of every -son of Adam. S---- called on me this day, and left a picture for you -at your lodgings--and a very spirited head in miniature, of your own -doing, with me--which I like so well--you will find it difficult to get -it from me--except you talk of giving me a copy--Self-love again!--How -can you expect business in these hard times--when the utmost exertions -of honest industry can scarce afford people in the middle sphere of -life daily provisions?--When it shall please the Almighty that things -shall take a better turn in America--when the conviction of their -madness shall make them court peace--and the same conviction of our -cruelty and injustice induce us to settle all points in equity--when -that time arrives, my friend, America will be the grand patron of -genius--trade and arts will flourish--and if it shall please God to -spare us till that period--we will either go and try our fortunes -there--or stay in Old England and talk about it.--While thou hast -only one mouth to feed--one back to cloath--and one wicked member to -indulge--thou wilt have no pity from me--excepting in the argument of -health. May that cordial blessing be thine--with its sweet companion -ease!--Peace follows rectitude--and what a plague would’st thou have -more?--Write soon if thou dar’st--retort at thy peril--boy--girls--and -the old Duchess, all pretty well--and so, so, is yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LVII. - -TO J. S----, Esq. - - - Charles Street, December 26, 1777. - -I HAD the favor of a letter--replete with kindness which I can never -deserve--and have just now received the valuable contents--of which -said letter was harbinger--without either surprize or emotion--save a -kind of grateful tickling of the heart--the child of respect--and I -believe twin-brother of gratitude.----Now had I heard of an A--hb--p -(at this sacred season especially)--gladdening the hearts of the -poor, aged and infirm--with good cheer--informing the minds of the -young with Christian precepts, and reforming his whole See by his -pious example--that would have surprized me:--had I been informed of -a truly great man--who, laying aside party and self-interest, dared -to step forth the advocate of truth, and friend to his country; or -had any one told me of a lord--who was wise enough to live within -bounds--and honest enough to pay his debts--why it would have surpriz’d -me indeed.--But I have been well informed there is a Mr. S---- at -Bury--and I think I have seen the gentleman--who lives in a constant -course of doing beneficent actions--and, upon these occasions, the -pleasure he feels constitutes him the obliged party.--You, good -Sir, ought of course to thank me--for adding one more to the number -you are pleased to be kind to--so pray remember, good Sir, that my -thanks--(however due in the eye of gratitude) I conceive to be an act -of supererogation--and expect that henceforth you will look upon the -Sancho’s--as a family that have a rightful call upon your notice.--Mrs. -Sancho joins me in repetition of the customary wishes.--Give me credit -for having a heart which feels your kindness as it ought.--That Heaven -may lengthen your days for the good of mankind--and grant every wish of -your heart--is the true conclusion of - - Your greatly obliged - and respectful humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LVIII. - -TO MR. F----. - - - Charles Street, January 27, 1778. - -FULL heartily and most cordially do I thank thee, good Mr. F----, for -your kindness in sending the books--that upon the unchristian and most -diabolical usage of my brother Negroes--the illegality--the horrid -wickedness of the traffic--the cruel carnage and depopulation of the -human species--is painted in such strong colours--that I should think -would (if duly attended to) flash conviction, and produce remorse, in -every enlightened and candid reader.--The perusal affected me more -than I can express;--indeed I felt a double or mixt sensation--for -while my heart was torn with the sufferings which--for aught I -know--some of my nearest kin might have undergone--my bosom, at the -same time, glowed with gratitude and praise toward the humane--the -Christian--the friendly and learned Author of that most valuable -book.--Blest be your sect!--and Heaven’s peace be upon them!--I, who, -thank God! am no bigot--but honour virtue and the practice of the -great moral duties equally in the turban or the lawn-sleeves--who -think Heaven big enough for all the race of man--and hope to see -and mix amongst the whole family of Adam in bliss hereafter--I with -these notions (which, perhaps, some may style absurd) look upon the -friendly Author--as a being far superior to any great name upon your -continent.--I could wish that every member of each house of parliament -had one of these books.--And if his Majesty perused one through before -breakfast--though it might spoil his appetite--yet the consciousness -of having it in his power to facilitate the great work--would give -an additional sweetness to his tea.--Phyllis’s poems do credit to -nature--and put art--merely as art--to the blush.--It reflects nothing -either to the glory or generosity of her master--if she is still his -slave--except he glories in the _low vanity_ of having in his wanton -power a mind animated by Heaven--a genius superior to himself. The list -of splendid, titled, learned names, in confirmation of her being the -real authoress, alas! shews how very poor the acquisition of wealth -and knowledge are--without generosity--feeling--and humanity.--These -good great folks all knew--and perhaps admired--nay, praised Genius in -bondage--and then, like the Priests and the Levites in sacred writ, -passed by--not one good Samaritan amongst them.--I shall be ever glad -to see you--and am, with many thanks, - - Your most humble servant. - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LIX. - -TO MR. W----E. - - - Charles Street, March 12, 1778. - -WILL you forgive me--if I take the liberty to trouble you with getting -my enclosed plan inserted in the General Advertiser, or Morning -Intelligencer, as speedily as they conveniently can, if after you have -perused it, you think it admissable?--if not, destroy it; for I have -not yet vanity sufficient to think whatever I privately approve must -of course be approveable.--I send you the copy of what real affection -made me draw up for the late unfortunate Dr. Dodd[5] (which, as it -never was inserted, I must believe the learned editor thought it too -insignificant for the laudable service it was meant to help).--My -respects attend your whole family.--I am, dear Sir, - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -I prefer Mr. Parker’s paper for many reasons;--let me have your opinion -of my plan--for, in serious truth, I think it ought to be put in -execution. - -[5] Mr. Sancho also wrote to Dr. Dodd when in prison. - - - - -For THE GENERAL ADVERTISER. - - - Palace Yard, March 12, 1778. - - SIR, - -THE Romans were wont to decree public honors on the man who was so -fortunate as to save the life of a citizen; a noble act of policy, -founded on true humanity, to stimulate the endeavours of every -individual towards acts of benevolence and brotherly regard to each -other. Actuated by zeal to my prince, and love to my country--I mean -to deserve well of both, by publishing, through the channel of your -paper, a plan for greatly diminishing the national debt; or, in case -a war with the House Bourbon should be inevitable, for raising three -or four years supplies, without oppresing the merchant, mechanic, -or labouring husbandman; in short, without abridging one needful -indulgence, or laying any fellow-subject under the least self-denying -restraint. - -Mr. Editor, we all know that in noble families plate is merely ideal -wealth--and in very many houses of your first connexions and over-grown -fortunes, there are vast quantities of it old and useless, kept merely -for the antiquity of its fashion, and the ostentatious proof of the -grandeur of ancestry. Our neighbours the French (if I mistake not) in -the last war had the spirit (when the treasures of their Grand Monarque -were nearly exhausted) to send their plate generously to the mint, -in aid of national honour and security. Their churchmen have often -shewn the laity the glorious example of aiding the state. We, to our -immortal honour, have never yielded them the palm in courage, wisdom, -or gallantry. Let every gentleman, whose landed property exceeds -500_l._ _per annum_, give up, without reserve, his useful family plate, -all except knives, forks, and spoons, which may be deemed useful and -necessary. I trust, such is the exalted spirit of the British nobility -and gentry, that they will resign with chearfulness what they can so -well do without. Should this meet (as I hope it will) with the chearful -assent of the public, let the quantities, so nobly given, be printed -against the names of the patriotic donors, as a lasting testimony of -their zeal for the public good, and a glorious proof of the internal -riches of this queen of isles! - - +Africanus.+ - - - - -To the Editor of the MORNING POST. - - - SIR, - -I AM one of the many who have been often edified by the graceful -eloquence and truly Christian doctrine of the unfortunate Dr. Dodd.--As -a Divine, he had, and still has, my love and reverence; his faults I -regret; but, alas! I feel myself too guilty to cast a stone: justice -has her claims;--but Mercy, the anchor of my hope, inclines me to -wish he might meet with Royal clemency--his punishments have already -been pretty severe!--the loss of Royal favor--the cowardly attacks of -malicious buffoonry--and the over-strained zeal for rigid justice in -the prosecution.--Oh! would to God the reverend bishops, clergy, &c. -would join in petitioning the Throne for his life!--it would save the -holy order from indignity, and even the land itself from the reproach -of making too unequal distinctions in punishments. He might, by the -rectitude of his future life, and due exertion of his matchless -powers, be of infinite service--as chaplain to the poor convicts -on the river, which would be a punishment, and, at the same time, -serve for a proof or test of his contrition--and the sincerity of a -zeal he has often manifested (in the pulpit) for the service of true -Religion--and he may rise the higher by his late fall--and do more real -service to the thoughtless and abandoned culprits, than a preacher, -whose character might perhaps be deemed spotless. If this hint should -stimulate a pen, or heart, like the good B----p of Chester’s, to exert -itself in the behalf of a man who has formerly been alive to every act -of heaven-born charity--the writer of this will have joy, even in his -last moments, in the reflection that he paid a mite of the vast debt he -owes Dr. Dodd as a preacher. - - I---- S----. - - - - -LETTER LX. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Charles Street, April 9, 1778. - - DEAR MADAM, - -I HAVE to thank you for repeated favors--and I do most sincerely.--You -have a pleasure in doing acts of kindness--I wish from my soul that -your example was more generally imitated.--I have given to the care -of Mr. W---- one of Giardini’s benefit-tickets--which I present not -to you, Madam, but to Mr. H----, that he may judge of fidlers’ taste -and fidlers’ consequence in our grand metropolis--the ticket was a -present from the great Giardini to the lowly Sancho--and I offer it as -a tribute of musical affection to thy worthy partner--and with it, to -both, the sincereest best wishes and respects of their much obliged -servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXI. - -TO MR. J---- W----E. - - - May 4, 1778. - - MY DEAR W----E, - -YOUR short letter gave me much pleasure--which would have been -enlarged, had your epistle been longer;--but I make allowances--as I -ought--for the number of friends who wish equally with me--and expect -to be gratified. You are greatly fortunate in enjoying your health--for -which I doubt not but you are truly thankful to the Almighty Giver.--As -to your success, it is the best comment upon your conduct;--for -rectitude of principle and humble deportment, added to strict attention -and good-nature, must make even fools and knaves wish you well--though -envy will mix itself with the transient kindness of such--but with -such noble natures as you went out happily connected with, you are -every day sowing the good seeds of your future fortune.--I hope to -live to see you return--the comfort and honor of your good father and -family;--but observe--I do not wish you half a million, clogged with -the tears and blood of the poor natives;--no--a decent competence got -with honesty--and that will keep increasing like the widow’s cruse, -and descend down to posterity with accumulated blessings.--You desire -to transfer your share in me to your brother Joe;--now be it known to -you--Joe has interest sufficient in his own natural right with me, to -secure him every attention in my poor power. But you flatter, my good -friend--though your flattery carries a good excuse with it--you flatter -the poor. - -I say nothing of politics--I hate such subjects;--the public papers -will inform you of mistakes--blood--taxes--misery--murder--the -obstinacy of a few--and the madness and villainy of a many.--I expect -a very, very long letter from you--in answer to a sermon I wrote you -last year.--Miss ---- is still divinely fair;--she is a good girl, but -no match for Nabobs.--Mrs. C---- is as handsome as ever--and R---- as -friendly. God bless them! feasting or fasting! sleeping or waking! -May God’s providence watch over and protect them--and all such!--Your -brother Frank is a sweet boy--a painter, who would wish to draw a -cherub, will find no fitter subject.--The C----ds--but what have I to -do with good people, who will of course all write for themselves?--so -let them.--Your father--Oh Jack! what a cordial!--what a rich luxury is -it to be able to contribute, by well-doing, to a father’s, nay a whole -family of kindred love, and heart-felt affection! what a bliss to add -to all their happiness--and to insure your own at the same time!--May -this high pleasure be thine! and may the God of truth and fountain of -all good enrich thy heart and head with his spirit and wisdom--crown -your labours with success--and guard you from avarice--ambition--and -every Asiatic evil--so that your native land may receive you with -riches and honor--your friends with true joy--heightened with sincere -respect! So wishes--so prophesies--thy true friend and obliged servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXII. - - - Charles Street, May 9, 1778. - -TO MISS C----. - -THE Sanchos--in full synod--humbly present their respectful compliments -to the good Mrs. C---- and Miss ---- (what a C----!) are happy in -hearing they got well into Suffolk--that they continue so--and -enjoy the beauties of this sweetest of seasons--with its attendant -dainties--fresh butter--sweet milk--and the smiles of boon nature--on -hill and dale--fields and groves--shepherds piping--milk-maids -dancing--and the chearful respondent carolings of artless joy in the -happy husbandmen--Should you perchance rise early in pursuit of May -dew--I earnestly make it my request--you will save--and bring to town -a little bottle of it for my particular use.--Happy--thrice happy -nymphs--!--be merciful to the poor hapless swains. The powerful little -god of mischief and delight now--at this blest season--prunes his -beauteous wings--new feathers and sharpens his arrows--tight strings -his bow--and takes too sure his aim.--Oh! lads, beware the month of -May. For you, blest girls--nature, decked out as in a birth-day suit, -courts you with all its sweets where-e’er you tread--the grass and -wanton flowerets fondly kiss your feet--and humbly bow their pretty -heads--to the gentle sweepings of your under-petticoats--the soft and -amorous southern breezes toy with your curls, and uncontroul’d steal -numberless kisses--the blackbirds and thrushes suspend their songs--and -eye beauty and humanity with pleasure;--and, could their hearts be -read, thank most sincerely the generous fair hands that fed them in the -winter;--the cuckoo sings on every tree the joys of married life--the -shrubbery throws out all its sweets to charm you--though, alas! an -unlucky parciplepliviaplemontis seizes my imagination--my brains are -on the ferment--Miss C---- will excuse me.--Make my best wishes to -Mrs. C----, tell her I hope she rides and walks in moderation--eats -heartily, and laughs much--sleeps soundly, dreams happily--that -she--you--my R---- and your connexions--may enjoy the good of this life -without its evil--is the true Black-a-moor wish of - - I. SANCHO. - - -Now mark, this is not meant as a letter--no--it is an address to the -ladies.--Pray our best respects to Mr. and Mrs. B----; it is an address -to Spring-birds and flowers--and when you see Johnny, our loves--it -is a caution to the swains against the popery of Love.--The K---- and -Q---- are just now returned from Portsmouth.--I said nothing in regard -to the month by way of advice to the ladies.--The Spectator--blessings -on his memory--has.--They say the Royal chaise was covered with -dirt--even the very glasses.--Quistus Quirini--was found very late last -night.--Nothing broke--except the hemmings of advantage.--They say the -Queen never looked better.--But what amaz’d most people--both the Royal -postillions rode the off-horses--which it is expected the Gazette of -this night will explain--Adieu. - - Is not that--_a good one_. - - - - -From the PUBLIC ADVERTISER of May 13th, 1778. - -Inserted unknown to Mr. Sancho. - -TO MR. B----. - - - DEAR SIR, - -I COULD not see Mr. de Groote till this morning--he approached the -threshold--poor man--in very visible illness;--yet, under the pressure -of a multitude of infirmities--he could not forget his recent humane -benefactor. With faultering speech he enquired much who you were;--and, -in the conclusion, put up his most earnest petitions to the Father of -Mercies in your behalf--which (if the prayers of an indigent genius -have as much efficacy as those of a fat bishop) I should hope and -trust you may one day be the better for.--He is in direct descent -from the famous Hugo Grotius by the father’s side.--His own mother -was daughter to Sir Thomas Hesketh. He married the widow Marchioness -de Melaspina.--His age is 86; he had a paralytic stroke--and has a -rupture.--His eyes are dim, even with the help of spectacles.--In -truth, he comes close to Shakspeare’s description in his last age of -man--“Sans teeth--sans eyes--sans taste--sans every thing.” - -He has the honour to be known to Dr. Johnson--and the luck to be -sometimes remembered by Mr. Garrick.--If you help him--you do yourself -a kindness--me a pleasure--and he, poor soul, a good--which he may one -time throw in your teeth--in that country where good actions are in -higher estimation than stars--ribbons--or crowns. - - Yours, most respectfully, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -He lodges at Nᵒ. 9, New Pye-Street, Westminster. - - - - -LETTER LXIII. - -TO MR. R----. - - -MY good friend, take my thanks for your kind attention;--and, -believe me, I am exceedingly mortified at being thus thrust forward -in the public prints.--You may observe, by what has happened to me, -how very difficult it is to do even a right thing, so as to escape -uneasiness.--Trust me, this same letter (though wrote, I dare say, -with the kindest intention imaginable) will do me hurt in the opinion -of many;--I therefore repeat, I like it not--and dare own to my friend -R---- it hurts my pride.--You may laugh--but it’s truth.--The drawing -was gone to my friend S----, but I recovered it in time.--Hope the -ladies are well--and that it will amuse them for a few moments. The -young man who invented the design is no artist--but I think he has -genius. - - - - -LETTER LXIV. - -TO MISS C----. - - - May 14, 1778. - -WHAT terms shall I find to express my gratitude to the obliging, the -friendly Miss C----, for the pleasure we enjoyed from the contents -of the best letter that has been wrote this good year?--You, who -delight to please, will also feel high satisfaction in knowing -you have succeeded.--We hope the change of weather has had no ill -effect upon our friend--and that she will adhere to her promise in -remembering how ill she has been--and that it is too probable any -cold got by over-exertion or fatigue may occasion a relapse. We have -had much thunder and rain this morning--and, if old saws say true, we -are to expect a continuance of about thirty-seven days good ducking -weather;--we will leave it to the all-wise Disposer of events, with -this comfortable reflection--that whatever he wills--is best.--We are -happy to hear such an account of the ----; she especially, as very -likely a good course of fatigue, sweetened with gain, may contribute as -much to her health as her pleasure, and re-establish her perfectly.--We -have nothing stirring in the news way, or any other way:--the town -is literally empty, saving a few sharks of both sexes, who are too -poor to emigrate to the camps or watering-places, and so are forced -to prey upon one another in town.--I protest, it is to me the most -difficult of things to write to one of your female geniuses;--there is -a certain degree of cleverality (if I may so call it), an easy kind of -derangement of periods, a gentleman-like--fashionable--careless--seesaw -of dialogue--which I know no more of than you do of cruelty.--I write -as I think--foolishly--and you write well--why?--because you think -well.--So much for praise--compliment--flattery, &c.--My respects -attend Mr. B---- and Mrs. S---- and Mrs. ----. Tell Miss A----s, one -of us will come to see her--perhaps.--I have received a kind letter -from my good friend the doctor--and one also for the surgeon to the -guards, dated New York, June 12:--he thinks the commissioners might -have saved themselves the trouble, as they are like to come back just -as wise as they went.--The Panton-Street good folks are well, for what -I know--not having seen them since I last had the honor of addressing -Mrs. C----. Adieu.--Our best respects--with Kitty’s and Billy’s in -particular--attend Monsieur Nuts[6];--pray tell him so--with all -civility;--he deserves it on the score of his own merits--were it not -even so--yet surely, I think, we should regard him for the sake of our -friend. - -Mrs. Sancho joins me, in every thing to Self and Co. - - Yours, dear Miss C----, - with zeal and esteem, - - IGN. SANCHO. - -[6] A favourite Spaniel. - - - - -LETTER LXV. - -TO MR. I----. - - - May 22, 1778. - - DEAR SIR, - -I CLAIM your indulgence--and modestly insist upon your help.--The -companions to this billet are the hobby-horses of a young man that I -respect.--Darley has used him with less attention than he ought--having -kept the press affair above a month--and done nothing--so he is (of -course) out of favor.--I want first your approbation--that gained, I -wish your interest, to get them speedily into the world;--there are -some inaccuracies in both--which any regular artist will amend.--As -my friend is self-taught, his errors must be excused.--I wish I could -wait upon you;--but my stiff joint--my leg--is so unwell, that at -present I must give up any hopes of that pleasure.--I hope Mrs. -I----’s health is perfectly restored.--I should wish to win her over -to our interests in the affairs before you: in good faith, I like the -subject myself--and can fancy I discern something like wit in both of -them.--Forgive and assist yours faithfully, - - +Sancho+ the Big. - - - - -LETTER LXVI. - -TO MR. H----. - - - Charles Street, Westminster, May 31, 1778. - -THE Sanchonian chapter of enquiries, dictated by an esteem nearly -bordering upon affection (perhaps as warmly sincere as most modern -friendships), runs thus--How do you do? Are you the better for your -journey? Did the exercise create any amendment of appetite? Was your -travelling party agreeable? And how did you find the good couple?--The -sweet sensations arising from the sight of those we love, the reviewing -the places, either houses, fields, hedges, stiles, or posts, of -our early morn of life acquaintance, the train of pleasurable ideas -awakened, are more salutary than the college of grave faces.--Tell -me much about yourself--and more about your honored parents, whom I -hope you found as well as you wished--your kindred at Lancaster, to -whom my hearty wishes--and to all who have charity enough to admit -dark faces into the fellowship of Christians.--Say much for me to -your good father and mother--in the article of respect thou canst not -exaggerate;--excepting conjugal, there are no attentions so tenderly -heart-soothing as the parental.--Amidst the felicity of thy native -fields, may’st thou find health, and diffuse pleasure round the -respectable circle of thy friends!--No news--but that Keppel is in -chace of de-Chartres. - - Yours truly, - - I. SANCHO. - - -If you can afford a line, inclose it in the inclosed.--Mrs. Sancho and -girls wish you every pleasure. - - - - -LETTER LXVII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - June 10, 1778. - - “’Tis with our judgements as our watches--none - “Go just alike--yet each believes his own.” - +Pope.+ - -SO, my wise critic--blessings on thee,--and thanks for thy sagacious -discovery!--Sterne, it seems, stole his grand outline of character from -Fielding--and who did Fielding plunder? thou criticizing jack-ape!--As -to S----, perhaps you may be right--not absolutely right--nor quite -so very _altogether_ wrong--but that’s not my affair.--Fielding and -Sterne both copied Nature--their pallettes stored with proper colours -of the brightest dye--these masters were both great originals--their -outline correct--bold--and free--Human Nature was their subject--and -though their colouring was widely different, yet _here_ and there -some features in each might bear a little resemblance--some faint -likeness to each other--as for example--in your own words--Toby -and Allworthy--the external drapery of the two are as wide as the -poles--their hearts--perhaps--twins of the same blessed form and -principles;--but for the rest of the Dramatis Personæ, you must -strain hard, my friend, before you can twist them into likeness -sufficient to warrant the censure of copying.--Parson Adams is yet -more distant--his chief feature is absence of thought. The world -affords me many such instances--but in the course of my reading, I -have not met with his likeness, except in mere goodness of heart--in -that, perhaps, Jack M---- may equal him--but then he is so confounded -jingle-headed!--Read, boy, read--give Tom Jones a second _fair_ -reading!--Fielding’s wit is obvious--his humour poignant--dialogue -just, and truly dramatic--colouring quite nature--and keeping -chaste.--Sterne equals him in every thing; and in one thing excels -him and all mankind--which is the distribution of his lights; which -he has so artfully varied throughout his work, that, the oftener they -are examined, the more beautiful they appear.--They were two great -masters, who painted for posterity--and, I prophesy, will charm to the -end of the English speech.--If Sterne has had any one great master in -his eye--it was Swift, his countryman--the first wit of this or any -other nation;--but there is this grand difference between them--Swift -excels in grave-faced irony--whilst Sterne lashes his whips with jolly -laughter.--I could wish you to compare (after due attentive reading) -Swift and Sterne--Milton and Young--Thomson and Akenside--and then give -your free opinion to yours ever. - - I. SANCHO. - - -I want a handful or two of good fresh peach leaves--contrive to send -me them when opportunity serves--and word, at the first leisure -period, how Miss _Anne Sister-like_--_George Grateful-look_--Mrs. &c. -&c.--and how your worship’s hip does.--You had set up my bristles in -such guise--in attacking poor Sterne--that I had quite forgot to give -you a flogging for your punning grocery epistle--but omittance is no -quittance.--Swift and Sterne were different in this--Sterne was truly -a noble philanthropist--Swift was rather cynical;--what Swift would -fret and fume at--such as the petty accidental _sourings_ and _bitters_ -in life’s cup--you plainly may see, Sterne would laugh at--and parry -off by a larger humanity, and regular good-will to man. I know you will -laugh at me--do--I am content;--if I am an enthusiast in any thing, it -is in favor of my Sterne. - - - - -LETTER LXVIII. - -TO MR. J---- W----. - - - 1778. - -YOUR good father insists on my scribbling a sheet of absurdities, -and gives a notable reason for it--that is, ‘Jack will be pleased -with it.’--Now be it known to you--I have a respect both for father -and son--yea, for the whole family, who are every soul (that I have -the honour or pleasure to know any thing of) tinctured and leavened -with all the obsolete goodness of old times--so that a man runs some -hazard, in being seen in the W----e’s society, of being biassed to -Christianity.--I never see your poor father--but his eyes betray his -feelings--for the hopeful youth in India--a tear of joy dancing upon -the lids--is a plaudit not to be equalled this side death!--See the -effects of right-doing, my worthy friend; continue in the tract of -rectitude--and despise poor paltry Europeans--titled Nabobs.--Read your -Bible--as day follows night, God’s blessing follows virtue;--honour and -riches bring up the rear--and the end is peace.--Courage, my boy--I -have done preaching.--Old folks love to seem wise--and if you are silly -enough to correspond with grey hairs--take the consequence.--I have had -the pleasure of reading most of your letters, through the kindness of -your father.--Youth is naturally prone to vanity: such is the weakness -of human nature, that pride has a fortress in the best of hearts.--I -know no person that possesses a better than Johnny W----;--but although -flattery is poison to youth, yet truth obliges me to confess that your -correspondence betrays no symptom of vanity--but teems with truths of -an honest affection--which merits praise--and commands esteem. - -In some of your letters which I do not recollect, you speak -(with honest indignation) of the treachery and chicanery of the -natives[7].--My good friend, you should remember from whom they learnt -those vices:--the first Christian visitors found them a simple, -harmless people--but the cursed avidity for wealth urged these first -visitors (and all the succeeding ones) to such acts of deception--and -even wanton cruelty--that the poor ignorant natives soon learnt to turn -the knavish and diabolical arts which they soon imbibed--upon their -teachers. - -I am sorry to observe that the practice of your country (which as -a resident I love--and for its freedom, and for the many blessings -I enjoy in it, shall ever have my warmest wishes--prayers--and -blessings;) I say, it is with reluctance that I must observe your -country’s conduct has been uniformly wicked in the East--West -Indies--and even on the coast of Guinea.--The grand object of -English navigators--indeed of all Christian navigators--is -money--money--money--for which I do not pretend to blame -them.--Commerce was meant, by the goodness of the Deity, to diffuse the -various goods of the earth into every part--to unite mankind in the -blessed chains of brotherly love--society--and mutual dependence:--the -enlightened Christian should diffuse the riches of the Gospel of -peace--with the commodities of his respective land.--Commerce, attended -with strict honesty--and with Religion for its companion--would be a -blessing to every shore it touched at.--In Africa, the poor wretched -natives--blessed with the most fertile and luxuriant soil--are -rendered so much the more miserable for what Providence meant as a -blessing:--the Christians’ abominable traffic for slaves--and the -horrid cruelty and treachery of the petty Kings--encouraged by their -Christian customers--who carry them strong liquors, to enflame their -national madness--and powder and bad fire arms, to furnish them with -the hellish means of killing and kidnapping.--But enough--it is a -subject that sours my blood--and I am sure will not please the friendly -bent of your social affections.--I mention these, only to guard my -friend against being too hasty in condemning the knavery of a people, -who, bad as they may be--possibly were made worse by their Christian -visitors.--Make human nature thy study wherever thou residest--whatever -the religion or the complexion, study their hearts.--Simplicity, -kindness, and charity, be thy guide;--with these, even Savages will -respect you--and God will bless you! - -Your father--who sees every improvement of his boy with -delight--observes that your hand-writing is much for the better;--in -truth, I think it as well as any modest man can wish:--if my long -epistles do not frighten you--and I live till the return of next -spring--perhaps I shall be enabled to judge how much you are improved -since your last favour.--Write me a deal about the natives--the -soil and produce--the domestic and interior manners of the -people--customs--prejudices--fashions--and follies.--Alas! we have -plenty of the two last here--and what is worse, we have politics--and -a detestable Brothers war--where the right hand is hacking and hewing -the left--whilst Angels weep at our madness--and Devils rejoice at the -ruinous prospect. - -Mr. R---- and the ladies are well.--Johnny R---- has favourd me with -a long letter; he is now grown familiar with danger--and can bear the -whistling of bullets--the cries and groans of the human species--the -roll of drums--clangor of trumpets--shouts of combatants--and thunder -of cannon--all these he can bear with soldier-like fortitude--with now -and then a secret wish for the society of his London friends--in the -sweet blessed security of peace and friendship. - -This, young man, is my second letter;--I have wrote till I am stupid, -I perceive--I ought to have found it out two pages back.--Mrs. Sancho -joins me in good wishes--I join her in the same;--in which double -sense believe me, - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - Postscript. (Very short.) - -It is with sincere pleasure I hear you have a lucrative -establishment--which will enable you to appear and act with -decency;--your good sense will naturally lead you to proper œconomy--as -distant from frigid parsimony, as from a heedless extravagancy;--but as -you may possibly have some time to spare upon your hands for necessary -recreation--give me leave to obtrude my poor advice.--I have heard it -more than once observed of fortunate adventurers--they have come home -enriched in purse--but wretchedly barren in intellects:--the mind, my -dear Jack, wants food--as well as the stomach;--why then should not one -wish to increase in knowledge as well as money?--Young says--“Books are -fair Virtue’s advocates and friends:”--now my advice is--to preserve -about 20_l._ a year for two or three seasons--by which means you may -gradually form a useful, elegant, little library.--Suppose now the -first year you send the order and the money to your father--for the -following books--which I recommend from my own superficial knowledge as -useful.--A man should know a little of Geography--History, nothing more -useful, or pleasant. - - Robertson’s Charles the Fifth, 4 vols. - Goldsmith’s History of Greece, 2 vols. - Ditto, of Rome, 2 vols. - Ditto, of England, 4 vols. - -Two small volumes of Sermons--useful--and very sensible--by one Mr. -Williams, a dissenting minister--which are as well as fifty--for I -love not a multiplicity of doctrines--a few plain tenets--easy--simple -and directed to the heart--are better than volumes of controversial -nonsense.--Spectators--Guardians--and Tatlers--you have of -course.--Young’s Night-Thoughts--Milton--and Thomson’s Seasons were my -summer companions for near twenty years--they mended my heart--they -improved my veneration to the Deity--and increased my love to my -neighbours. - -You have to thank God for strong natural parts--a feeling humane -heart;--you write with sense and judicious discernment. Improve -yourself, my dear Jack, that if it should please God to return -you to your friends with the fortune of a man in upper rank, the -embellishments of your mind may be ever considered as greatly superior -to your riches--and only inferior to the goodness of your heart. I give -you the above as a sketch--your father and other of your friends will -improve upon it in the course of time--I do indeed judge that the above -is enough at first--in conformity with the old adage----“A few Books -and a few Friends, and those well chosen.” Adieu. Yours, - - I. SANCHO. - -[7] Extracts of two letters from Mr. W----e to his Father, dated - Bombay, 1776 and 1777. - - “1776. I have introduced myself to Mr. G----, who behaved very - friendly in giving me some advice, which was very necessary, as the - inhabitants, who are chiefly Blacks, are a set of canting, - deceitful people, and of whom one must have great caution.” - - “1777. I am now thoroughly convinced, that the account which Mr. - G---- gave me of the natives of this country is just and true; that - they are a set of deceitful people, and have not such a word as - Gratitude in their language, neither do they know what it is;--and - as to their dealings in trade, they are like unto Jews.” - - - - -LETTER LXVIII. - -TO MR. R----. - - - July 16, 1773. - - DEAR M----, - -S*** is a riddle--I will serve him if I can--were I rich, he should -have no reason to despise me--but he must learn to try to serve -himself--I wish you would throw your good sense upon paper for -him--advice from one of his own years would sink deeper than the fusty -phlegmatic saws of an old man--do, in charity, give him half an hour’s -labour--I do really think that you and S*** have sense enough for a -dozen young fellows--and if it pleased God it were so divided--they -would each be happier, wiser, and richer, than S*** or M----. And this -by the way of thanking you--pooh--will do that when I see you--and if -that never happens, a good action thanks itself.--Mr. Garrick called -upon S---- on Tuesday night, and won his heart; he called to pay poor -de Groote’s lodgings, sat with him some time, and chatted friendly. - -I admire your modesty in grudging me two letters for one--and greasing -me with the fulsoms of sneering praise--Sirrah, be quiet--what, -you Snoodle-poop! have you any care--wife--or family? You ought to -write volumes--it gives expansion to your thoughts--facility to your -invention--ease to your diction--and pleases your Friend, - - SANCHO. - - -Write, Knave--or--or--or-- - - - - -LETTER LXIX. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - July 23, 1778. - - DEAR MADAM, - -SHALL I acknowledge myself a weak superstitious Fool? Yes, I will tell -the honest truth--you have this foolish letter in consequence of a last -night’s dream--Queen Mab has been with me--aye, and with Mrs. Sancho -too--for my part, I dare not reveal half my dream--but upon telling -our night’s visions over the tea-table at breakfast--it was judged -rather uncommon for us all to dream of the same party.--Now, I own, I -have great reason to dream of you waking--for you have been a true and -uncommon friend to me and mine--neither have I the least objection to -these nightly visits, so as I have the pleasure to meet you (though but -in vision) in good health. Thy health is the very thing that I doubt -about--therefore graciously let us know by the next post that you are -well, and mean to take every prudent step so to continue. That you -have left off tea, I do much approve of--but insist that you make your -visitors drink double quantity--that I may be no loser. I hope you find -cocoa agree with you--it should be made always over-night, and boiled -for above fifteen minutes; but you must caution Miss C---- not to -drink it--for there is nothing so fattening to little folks. The R--ns -waylaid my friend R----, and pressed Dame Sancho and self into the -service last Sunday--we had a good and social dinner; and Mrs. Sancho -forced me to stay supper--I think the Doctor looks as well as I ever -saw him--indeed I could read in his chearful countenance that he left -you well--I do not doubt but you have paid a visit to the camp--and -seen brother O---- in his glory--I hope he will have regard to his -health, and for profit I do think it must answer better to him than to -(almost) any other man in the country. Pray be so kind to make our best -respects to Miss A----s, and to every one who delighteth in Blackamoor -greetings.--We have no news but old lies--scoured and turned like -misers coats which serve very well. We gape and swallow--wonder and -look wise--conjurers over a news-paper, and blockheads at home.--Adieu! -let me hear that you are very well; it will please Mrs. Sancho; and, if -I know any thing of her husband, it will be no less pleasing to your -much obliged humble servant and friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -N. B. I walk upon two legs now. - -Our best respects to Miss C----, hope she is intent upon camp fashions; -but caution her, in my name, to be on her guard. Cupid resides in camp -by choice. Oh, Miss C----! beware--beware of the little God. - - I. S. - - -Now this is writing to Miss C----. - - - - -LETTER LXX. - -TO MR. K----. - - - July 23, 1778. - -I RECEIVED yours with satisfaction, as it gave me a certainty of -your being (upon the whole) much better. As to your saying you are -not girlishly inclined--why, I give you credit for it.--Thou must -watch--and pray--for Satan is artful, and knoweth all our weak -parts--and that dirty little blind feathered-shouldered scoundrel of -a boy, master Cupid--lurks couchant--in the pupil of an eye--in the -hollow of a dimple--in the cherry-ripe plumpness of a pair of lips--in -the artfully timid pressure of a fair hand--in the complimentary -squeeze of a farewell--in short, and in one word, watch--watch. - -So you forgot all I said about Charles the Fifth--well, you gave -your reasons--but when you have got through your sugar-works--I hope -you will give due attention to Robertson:--his first volume is the -most learned, and the dryest, yet absolutely necessary to be read -with great attention--as it will render the other much more easy, -clear, and intelligible--make yourself tolerably acquainted with -the feudal system of Europe, which you will find explained in his -first volume--the rest will amply reward you.--I recommend to you to -make extracts upon the passages which strike you most--it will be of -infinite use to you--as I trust you will find it as much a history of -Europe during two centuries, as of Charles the Fifth.--After all, I -shall fume and scold if you do not read this work--and abuse you if -you do not relish it.--You flatter my vanity very agreeably--in ever -supposing that any hints of mine should conduce to the culture of your -little farm:--be that as it may--I am happy in the certainty of never -intentionally misleading or misadvising any male youth--I wish I could -say, Virgin!--Farewell! read, reflect! then write, and let me have your -opinions. - - Yours sincerely, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXI. - -TO MR. R----. - - - July 31, 1778. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -THANKS for your very valuable letter, and its obliging companion:--your -brother writes in good spirits--but I fear the m--n--ty members were -right in their predictions of the success of the commissioners.--Alas! -what desolation, destruction, and ruin, bad hearts or bad heads have -brought upon this poor country!--I must, however, give Mr. J-- R---- -another letter, he fluctuates so terribly in his opinions--as you will -see by the contents of his letter to me, which I hope you will soon -enable me to shew you.--Yes, I must and will give him a flogging, -which you will say is extremely grateful, and a civil return for his -kindness in thinking of me.--I have had a very kind and good letter -from the little wren;--we were pleased to hear Mrs. C---- had enjoyed -so great a share of health;--she, who is lovely even in sickness, -with the additional roseate bloom of health and flow of spirits, -will be almost too much for meer mortals to bear:--tell her from me, -to get sick before she comes up, in pity to the beaux.--Mrs. Sancho -is better;--poor Kitty goes on after the old sort;--the happiest, -my R----, in this life, have something to sigh for!--alas! I have -enough!--I feel much pleasure in the happy view Mr. and Mrs. R--n have -before them;--I have no sort of doubt but they will be successfully -happy--I should have true pleasure to see my friend Mr. J. R---- in -as likely a road.--I have spoke and wrote to Mr. W---- to look out -sharp.--Time, which ripens revolutions, and murders empires--Time will, -I hope, produce happiness and content to us all.--Your coming to town -will give me spirits; for, large as the town is, I cannot say I have -more than one friend in it:--come, you and I shall be rich indeed; for, -I believe, few of the sons of Adam can boast of having more than two -real friends.--The best respects to Mrs. C----, and the amiable little -C----, from - - Yours, &c. - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXII. - -TO MISS C----. - - - Sept. 4, 1778. - -FOR this month past, we have wished to hear something about you;--and -every day, for these two past weeks, have I had it in serious -contemplation to put the question not to the amiable Miss C----, but -to my friend R----, who, notwithstanding your friendly excuse, is, I -do think, rather culpable for his silence.--But hang recrimination; -your goodness is more than sufficient to exculpate a thousand such -sinners. We thank you, with heart-felt pleasure, for the information -of our and your dear friend Mrs. C----’s health, which I hope she will -be careful of, for our and many sakes.--I have a favour to beg of -her, through your mediation, which is this--I have a pair of Antigua -turtles--the gift of Mr. P----, who kindly burthened himself with the -care of them. The true property is vested in Kitty;--but so it is--we -having neither warmth nor room, and Kitty’s good godmother having -both, and that kind of humanity withal which delighteth in doing good -to orphans--I, in the name of Kate and her doves, do through you--our -trusty council--petition Mrs. C---- in behalf of said birds.--Were I -poetically turned--what a glorious field for fancy flights--such as -the blue-eyed Goddess with her flying carr--her doves and sparrows, -&c. &c.--Alas! my imagination is as barren as the desart sands of -Arabia;--but, in serious truth, the shop (the only place I have to -put them in) is so cold, that I shall be happy to billet them to -warmer quarters, which shall be done as soon as Mrs. C---- announces -her consent, and empowers Molly to take them in.--As to news--we have -none worth heeding!--your camps have ruined all trade--but that of -hackney-men. You much surprize us in the account of your late fair -visitant--but pleased us more in the account of O----’s success: -the season has been, through God’s blessing, as favourable as his -friends;--he is a lucky soul.--The S----s are both well, I hope, to -whom pray be so kind to remember us:--as to friend R----, tell him, -that whatever censure his omissions in writing may draw upon him, when -the goodness of his heart, and urbanity of soul, is flung into the -other scale, the faulty scale kicks the beam--we forgive, because we -love--and love sees no faults. - -Mrs. Sancho joins me in love and good wishes to both of you.--Kitty has -been very poorly for above a month past, and continues but very so, -so.--Betsy mends fast;--Billy needs no mending at all--the rest are -well--and all join in respects and compliments to Nutts. - - I am, - Dear Miss C-- and Co’s - Most obliged, - humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Sept. 16, 1778. - - DEAR M----, - -YOURS just received--and by great good luck I have found Mr. B--’s -list, which I inclose--and God speed your labours! Poor ---- sets off -this evening for ----, to take one parting look of his ----, and on -Monday sets off fresh for ----. Mr. H--’s anxieties end in good luck -at last; he also on Monday enters in one of the best houses in the -city.--On Thursday I hope you will succeed in your affair--and then -my three Geniuses will be happy;--I have had plague and perplexity -enough with two of you.--When do you think of coming to town? In my -last was some of the best poetry--that has--or was--aye, aye. Pray, -Sir, read it over once more. Well, what do you, or can you, say to -it? Oh, envy--envy!--but, Mr. Monkey, the wit and true poetry of that -billet must make amends for the shortness of it.--This is Saturday -night--consequently it must be esteemed a favour that I write at -all:--my head aches--and, though my invention temes with brilliancies, -I can only remember that I am very much - - Yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXIV. - -TO MISS C----. - - - October 1, 1778. - -IT is recorded of some great personage, I forget who, that they had -so pleasing a manner in giving a refusal, that the _Refused_ has -left _them_ with more satisfaction under a rejection--than many -have experienced from receiving a _favour_ conferred with perhaps -more kindness than _grace_.--So it fares with me--I had anticipated -the future happiness of my new friends--the comforts of warmth--the -pleasures of being fed and noticed, talked to and watched by the best -heart and finest face within a large latitude--but I am content--I am -certain of the _inconveniency_--and my best thanks are due, which I -pray you make with our best wishes.--I am sorry, both for O---- and my -friend’s sake, that the camp breaks up so soon--as to brother O----, -his harvest has, I hope, been plentiful and well got in--my friend -poor S----, like most modest men of merit, is unlucky--he set out -before I got either my friend R----’s or your letter--his best way is -to turn about--and may good luck over take him--detain him--fill his -pockets--and send him in glee home again!--This is more to be wished -than expected.--If he falls in your way, I shall envy him--he will meet -Hospitality and the Graces.--Betsy and Kitty are both invalids--Mrs. -Sancho is well, and joins me in every good wish.--Next month I hope -brings you all to town--bring health and spirits with you.--We have no -news--no trade! consequently no money or credit. - -Give Mr. R---- my thanks for his friendly letter in your kindest -manner--and say all to our worthy esteemed friend Mrs. C---- that -gratitude can conceive and friendship dictate--in the names of all the -Sanchos, and at the head place - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXV. - -TO MR. S----, - - - Yours just received, Thursday, - Oct. 4, 1778. - - “Whatever--is--is right--the world, ’tis true, - “Was made for Cæsar--and for Billy too.” - -POVERTY and Genius were coupled by the wisdom of Providence, for -wise and good ends no doubt--but that’s a mystery.--I feel for and -pity you.--A pox upon pity and feelings--say I, they neither fill -the belly, nor cloath the body--neither will they find lodging or -procure an inside birth in a rascally stage--Thee and I too well -know all this--but as I am at this present moment, thank fortune! -not quite worth ten shillings, pity--cursed foolish pity--is, with -as silly wishes, all I have to comfort you with.--Were I to throw -out my whole thoughts upon paper, it would take a day’s writing, and -thou would’st be a fool to read it--one dawn of hope I enjoy from the -old saw--that “gloomy beginnings are for the most part blessed with -bright endings:”--may it be so with you, my friend!--at the worst, -you can only face about--and your lodgings and old friends will -cordially receive you--for my part, I have use for every mite of my -philosophy--my state at present is that of suspense--God’s will be done! - -This letter will reach you by the hands of a friend indeed--the best -and truest I ever found--a man who, if the worth of his heart were -written in his face, would be esteemed by the whole race of Adam--he -will greet you kindly from the benevolence of his nature--and perhaps -will not dislike you the more for the attachment which for thee is -truly felt by thy sincere friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho is well--Kitty mends very slow--Billy improves in -sauciness--the girls are pretty good--Monsieur H---- rides -uneasily--his saddle galls him--his beast is restive--I fear he will -never prosecute long journies upon him--he is for smoother roads--a -pacing tit--quilted saddle--snaffle bridle with silken reins--and gold -stirrups.--So mounted we all should like; but I query albeit, though it -might be for the ease of our bodies, whether it would be for the good -of our souls! Adieu. - -Should you be so lucky to see B----, the house of the worthy Baronet -Sir C---- B----, mind I caution thee to guard thy heart; you will there -meet with sense that will charm exclusive of beauty--and beauty enough -to subdue even were sense wanting--add to this good-nature and all the -charities in one fair bosom.--Guard! guard thy heart! - - - - -LETTER LXXVI. - -TO MR. S----. - - - October 15, 1778. - -YOU want a long letter--where am I to find subject? My heart is sick -with untoward events--poor Kitty is no better--the Duke of Queensbury -ill, dangerously I fear--the best friend and customer I have. M---- is -just now come in--nay he is at my elbow--you know I wish you well--and -that we all are well, Kitty excepted--so let M---- conclude for your -loving friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - -The above you are to consider as bread and cheese. M---- will give you -goose stuffed with grapes[8]. Mr. H---- called here last night, and -read yours:--he is worked sweetly--what with his office late hours, and -his family’s odd humours--but all is for the best. - -[8] Alluding to Mr. S----’s last letter, wherein he had informed Mr. - Sancho, that that epicurean morsel was one of the many dishes with - which he had been regaled at a place where he had lately dined. - - - - -LETTER LXXVII. - -TO MR. R----. - - - October 16, 1778. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -ACCEPT my thanks--my best thanks--for your kind readiness in obliging -and serving my friend S----. He has sense, honour, and abilities--these -we should naturally suppose would insure him bread--but that is -not always the case:--in the race of fortune, knaves often win the -prize--whilst honesty is distanced--but then mark the end--whilst -the knave full often meets his deserved punishment, Honesty yoked -with Poverty hugs Peace and Content in his bosom.--But truce with -moralizing--though in serious truth my heart and spirits are low--the -noble and good Duke of Queensbury is, I fear, very dangerously ill: -exclusive of gratitude for past favours, and my own interest in -the hope of future, I grieve for the public loss in him--a man who -ennobled his titles, and made greatness lovely by uniting it with -goodness:--if he dies--his gain is certain, for he has served a Master -who will not wrong him--but the world will lose a rare example, and -the poor a friend! He never knew a day’s illness till now for fifty -years past--his regularity of life and serenity of mind are in his -favour--but his advanced life is against him--80 odd--the great fear is -a mortification in his leg--The K--g and Q--n paid him a visit, as the -prints must have informed you--he came to town on purpose to present -himself at the levee--to thank them for the honour done him--he was -taken ill the Sunday after their Majesties visit--and came to town the -Tuesday after. I have been or sent daily to enquire about him--and was -there about two hours ago. The faculty are pouring in the bark--and -allow his Grace strong wines as much as he can drink.--_God’s will be -done!_ - -Mr. S----n writes in raptures of you all.--I wonder not at him--I only -wish, for the good of mankind, such characters as B---- house contains -were more plenty.--Poor Kitty continues much the same--the rest are, -thank God, well.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in cordial wishes to self and -ladies. Adieu, - - Yours sincerely and gratefully, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXVIII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - October 22, 1778. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -HAVE you never beheld a bust with double--no, not double--but with two -very different profiles--one crying, and one laughing?--That is just my -situation at present:--for poor de Groote--huzza!--is presented to the -Charter-house--by--bless him!--the good Archbishop of Canterbury;--but, -by a standing law, he cannot be admitted till a fresh quarter -begins--and, as he says, he may be dead by that time;--we will hope -not;--well, this is the laughing side.--The Duke of Queensbury died -this morning:--Alas! “I ne’er shall look upon his like again!”--the -clearest head, and most humane of hearts:--I have in common with -many--many--a heavy loss--I loved the good Duke--and not without -reason:--he is gone to reap a reward--which St. Paul could not conceive -in the flesh--and which, I will be bold to say, they both perfectly -enjoy at this moment.--God of his mercy grant!--that thee and I--and -all I love--yea--and all I know--may enter eternity with as promising -hopes--and realize the happiness in store for such as the Duke of -Queensbury! - -Lord Lincoln died on his passage;--the news came last night; but he has -left a son and daughter. - -T---- is well--but still plagued with his uncouth kinsfolk. - - Adieu, Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -Kitty very poorly, the rest all well. - - - - -LETTER LXXIX. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 29, 1778. - - DEAR S----, - -YOURS, dated from Madrass, came safe to hand.--I need not tell you -that your account pleased me--and the style of your letter indicated -a mind purged from its follies, and a better habit of thinking, which -I trust happily preceded a steadier course of action.--I know not -whether or not Providence may not, in your instance, produce much good -out of evil.--I flatter myself you will yet recover, and stand the -firmer in your future life, from the reflection (bitter as it is) of -your former.--I have no doubt but you received my letter charged with -the heavy loss of your great, your noble, friendly benefactress and -patroness, the good Dutchess of Q----y: she entered into bliss, July -17, 1777, just two days after you sailed from Portsmouth.--I have now -to inform you, that his Grace followed her October 21st this year; just -fifteen months after his good Dutchess, full of years and honors: he is -gone to join his Dutchess, and share in the rewards of a righteous God, -who alone knew their merits, and alone could reward them. - -Thus it has pleased God to take your props to himself;--teaching you a -lesson, at the same time, to depend upon an honest exertion of your own -industry--and humbly to trust in the Almighty. - -You may safely conclude now, that you have not many friends in -England:--be it your study, with attention, kindness, humility, and -industry, to make friends where you are.--Industry, with good-nature -and honesty, is the road to wealth.--A wise œconomy--without avaricious -meanness, or dirty rapacity--will in a few years render you decently -independent. - -I hope you cultivate the good-will and friendship of L----. He is a -jewel--prize him--love him--and place him next your heart;--he will -not flatter or fear you--so much the better--the fitter for your -friend:--he has a spirit of generosity--such are never ungrateful;--he -sent us a token of his affection, which we shall never forget.--Let -me counsel you, for your character’s sake, and as bound in honour, -the first money you can spare, to send over 20_l._ to discharge your -debt at Mr. P----’s the sadler:--it was borrowed money, you know.--As -for me, I am wholly at your service to the extent of my power;--but -whatever commissions you send over to me, send money, or I stir -none;--thou well knowest my poverty--but ’tis an honest poverty--and -I need not blush or conceal it.--You also are indebted to Mr. O----, -Bond-street:--what little things of that kind you can recollect, pay -as soon as you are able;--it will spunge out many evil traces of -things past from the hearts and heads of your enemies--create you -a better name--and pave the way for your return some years hence -into England with credit and reputation.--Before I conclude, let me, -as your true friend, recommend seriously to you to make yourself -acquainted with your Bible:--believe me, the more you study the word of -God, your peace and happiness will increase the more with it.--Fools -may deride you--and wanton youth throw out their frothy gibes;--but -as you are not to be a boy all your life--and I trust would not be -reckoned a fool--use your every endeavour to be a good man--and leave -the rest to God.--Your letters from the Cape, and one from Madeira, -I received; they were both good letters, and descriptions of things -and places.--I wish to have your description of the sort and town -of Madrass--country adjacent--people--manner of living--value of -money--religion--laws--animals--fashions--taste, &c. &c.--In short, -write any thing--every thing--and, above all, improve your mind with -good reading--converse with men of sense, rather than the fools -of fashion and riches--be humble to the rich--affable, open, and -good-natured to your equals--and compassionately kind to the poor.--I -have treated you freely in proof of my friendship.--Mrs. S----, -under the persuasion that you are really a good man, sends her best -wishes--when her handkerchief is washed, you will send it home--the -girls wish to be remembered to you, and all to friend L----n. - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXX. - -TO MR. I----. - - - Jan. 1, 1779. - -IN compliance with custom, I beg leave to wish Mr. and Mrs. I---- -happy years--many or few, as the Almighty shall think fit--but may -they be happy! As I wish it sincerely, their obligation is of course -the greater--and, to oblige them yet more, I will put it in their -power to oblige me, which they can do by lending me the volume of -Annual Registers (I think it is that of 1774) which has Goldsmith’s -Retaliation in it.--I hope Mr. and Mrs. I---- have no complaints but -the general one, extreme coldness of the weather, which though happily -extempted themselves from much suffering, by good fires and good cheer, -yet I am sure their sympathizing hearts feel for the poor.--I find upon -inquiring, that ten o’clock in the morning will best suit Mr. L----; I -will be in Privy Gardens just five minutes before Mr. and Mrs. I---- -and Mr. Mortimer.--I hope Mrs. I---- will not pretend to repent--Sunday -is a lazy morning. If Mrs. I---- has not read Ganganelli, it is time -she should. I therefore take the liberty to send them--_them_, Mr. -I---- will say, is bad grammar--he is, madam, a good natured critic--I -address myself to you therefore, because my heart tells me you will be -a successful advocate for the blunders of a true Blackamoor.--I have -had the confidence to mark the passages that pleased me most in my -post-haste journey through the good Pontiff’s letters--and I shall be -vain, if Mrs. I---- should like the same passages, because it would -give a sanction to the profound judgement of her most obedient servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Note, The sixteenth letter, 1st verse, is a kind of stuff which would -almost turn me to the Romish--there is every thing in it which St. Paul -had in his heart. - - - - -LETTER LXXXI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, Jan. 1779. - - “Beyond the fix’d and settled rules - “Of Vice and Virtue in the schools, - “Beyond the letter of the Law, - “Which keeps mere formalists in awe, - “The better sort do set before ’em - “A Grace--a manner--a decorum; - “Something that gives their acts a light; - “Makes ’em not only just--but bright, - “And sets ’em in such open fame, - “Which covers--_quality_--with shame.” - -JUDICIOUSLY elegant Prior has befriended me--and described my honoured -friend Mr. S----. I wish I knew which way to shew my gratitude--the -only method I think of is to enjoy the benefits with a thankful heart, -and leave God in his own good time to reward you. - -I should last night have gratefully acknowledged the receipt of your -letter and note--but I hoped for a frank--I am disappointed, and a long -delay would be unpardonable.--Be assured, dear Sir, I shall (with all -the alacrity of a heavy man) bestir myself in the execution of your -generous order.--I hope Mrs. S----, and every one of your family, enjoy -health and every good.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in respects and thanks to -Mrs. S---- and yourself. - - I remain, dear Sir, - Your very obliged - and faithful servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXII. - -TO MR. F----. - - - Jan. 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -I HAVE just received your favour of the 20th instant. As to the -letters in question; you know, Sir, they are not now mine, but the -property of the parties they are addressed to.--If you have had their -permission, and think that the simple effusions of a poor Negro’s heart -are worth mixing with better things, you have my free consent to do -as you please with them--though in truth there wants no increase of -books in the epistolary way, nor indeed in any way--except we could -add to the truly valuable names of Robertson--Beattie--and Mickle--new -Youngs--Richardsons--and Sternes.--Accept my best thanks for the very -kind opinion you are so obliging to entertain of me--which is too -pleasing (I fear) to add much to the humility of, - - Dear Sir, - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXIII. - -TO MRS. I----. - - - Charles Street, Jan. 22, 1779. - - DEAR MADAM, - -MY wife wishes to see Cymon--and my wishes (like a civil husband) -perfectly correspond with hers.--I had rather be obliged to you than -any good friend I have;--for I think you have an alacrity in doing -good-natured offices--and so I would tell the Q----n if she dared -dispute it: you are not so great indeed--but I am sure you are as -good--and I believe her to be as rich in goodness as she is high in -rank. If my request is within the limits of your power, you will -favour us with the order soon in the day. I have looked abroad for the -wonder you wished to be procured for you--but have met with nothing -likely hitherto. - - Yours most gratefully, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXIV. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Charles Street, Feb. 9, 1779. - - DEAR MADAM, - -I FELICITATE you in the first place--on the pleasing success of your -maternal care in restoring your worthy son to good health--he looks -now as well, fresh, and hearty, as love and friendship can wish -him.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in hearty thanks for your kind attention to -our well-doing--and your goodness in the very friendly order, which I -have endeavoured to execute with attention and honesty.--As to news, -there is none good stiring--trade is very dull--money scarce beyond -conception--fraud! perfidy! villainy! from the highest departments to -the lowest. The K--g, God bless him, is beset by friends, which he -ought to fear.--I believe he has one true friend only; and that is the -Q--n, who is the ornament and honour to the sex. Pray, dear Madam, make -my best respects to your good son and daughter, Mr. J----, and all I -have the honour to know; our best thanks and wishes attend Mr. H---- -and yourself; and believe me - - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXV. - -TO MR. G----. - - - Feb. 1779. - - SIR - -THE very handsome manner in which you have apologized for your -late lapse of behaviour does you credit.--Contrition--the child of -conviction--serves to prove the goodness of your heart--the man of -levity often errs--but it is the man of sense alone who can gracefully -acknowledge it.--I accept your apology--and, if in the manly heat of -wordy contest aught escaped my lips tinged with undue asperity, I ask -your pardon, and hope you will mutually exchange forgiveness with - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXVI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - March 9, 1779. - -IT has given me much concern, dear Sir, the not having it in my power -to make my grateful acknowledgements sooner, for your very kind letter, -and friendly present which accompanied it.--My first thanks are due to -Heaven, who, for the example as well as service of mortals, now and -then blesses the world with a humane, generous Being.--My next thanks -are justly paid to you, who are pleased to rank me and mine in the -honourable class of those you wish to serve.--For these six past weeks, -our days have been clouded by the severe illness of a child, whom it -has pleased God to take from us: and a cowardly attack of the gout at -a time when every exertion was needful.--I have as yet but very little -use of my hand;--but I am thankful to have sufficient to exculpate me -from the vice of ingratitude--which my long silence might lay me under -the imputation of.--Mrs. Sancho begs me to express her sense of your -kindness; and joins me cordially in the most respectful sensations and -best wishes to Mrs. S---- and yourself. I am, dear Sir, - - (and with very great reason) - Your much obliged - humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXVII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - March 11, 1779. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -I RECEIVED yours about three hours since.--I give you due credit -for your sympathizing feelings on our recent very distressful -situation--for thirty nights (save two) Mrs. Sancho had no cloaths -off;--but you know the woman. Nature never formed a tenderer -heart--take her for all in all--the mother--wife--friend--she does -credit to her sex--she has the rare felicity of possessing true virtue -without arrogance--softness without weakness--and dignity without -pride:--she is ----’s full sister, without his foibles--and, to my -inexpressible happiness, she is my wife, and truly best part, without a -single tinge of my defects--Poor Kitty! happy Kitty I should say, drew -her rich prize early--wish her joy! and joy to Mortimer! He left life’s -table (before he was cloyed or surfeited with dull sickly repetitions) -in prime of years, in the meridian of character as an artist, and -universally esteemed as a man:--he winged his rapid flight to those -celestial mansions--where Pope--Hogarth--Handel--Chatham--and Garrick, -are enjoying the full sweets of beatific vision--with the great -Artists--Worthies--and Poets of time without date.--Your father has -been exceeding kind--this very day a Mr. W----, of Retford, called on -me, a goodly-looking gentleman: he enquired after you with the anxious -curiosity of a friend;--told me your father was well, and, by his -account, thinks by much too well of me.--Friend H---- shall produce -the things you wot of--and brother O---- bring them in his hand: H---- -is a very silly fellow--he likes silly folks; and, I believe, does -not hate Sancho.--To-morrow night I shall have a few friends to meet -brother O----; we intend to be merry:--were you here, you might add -to a number, which I think too many for our little room.--So I hear -that the ---- No, hang me! if I say a word about it.--Well, and how do -you like the company of Monsieur Le Gout? Shall I, in compliance with -vulgar custom, wish you joy? Pox on it, my hand aches so, I can scrawl -no longer.--Mrs. Sancho is but so, so;--the children are well.--Do -write large and intelligible when you write to me. I hate fine hands -and fine language;--write plain honest nonsense, like thy true friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER LXXXVIII. - -TO MR. W----E. - - - Charles Street, March 31, 1779. - -YOU wish me to writ a consolatory letter to Mrs. W----e. My good -friend, what can I possibly write but your good sense must have -anticipated? The soul-endearing soothings of cordial love have the best -and strongest effects upon the grief-torn mind:--you have of course -told her that thanks are due, greatly so! to a merciful God, who might -have bereaved her of a child, instead of a worthy cousin;--or that she -ought to feel comfort--and to acknowledge divine mercy--that it was not -her husband:--that to lament the death of that amiable girl, is false -sorrow in the extreme:--why lament the great bliss and _choice prize_ -of what we love?--what is it she has not gained by an early death?--You -will say--she was good--and will suppose that in the tender connexions -of wife--friend--and mother--she would have been an honoured and -esteemed example.--True, she might--and it is as true, she might have -been unhappily paired, ill-matched to some morose, ill-minded, uneven -bashaw;--she might have fell from affluence to want--from honour to -infamy--from innocence to guilt:--in short, we mistake too commonly the -objects of our grief;--the living demand our tears--the dead (if their -lives were virtuous) our gratulations;--in your case, all that can be -said is--earth has lost an opening sweet flower (which, had it lasted -longer, must of course soon fade)--and heaven has gained an angel, -which will bloom for ever--so let us hear no more of grief. We all must -follow.--No! let us rejoice, with your worthy friend Mrs. ----[9]. Joy -to the good couple! May they each find their respective wishes! May he -find the grateful acknowledgement of obliged and pleasing duty!--and -she, the substantial, fond, solid rewards due to a rectitude of -conduct, marked strongly with kindness and wisdom! And may you, my -friend!--but my leg aches--my foot swells--I can only say, my love to -the C--ds, and to poor Joe and Frank.--Read this to Mrs. W----e. My -silly reasoning may be too weak to reach her;--but, however, she may -smile at my absurdities;--if so, I shall have a comfort--as I ever wish -to give pleasure to her dear sex--and the pride of my heart is ever to -please one--alas!--and that one a wife.--So writes thy true friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Mr. W----e comes as far as P---- Gardens--but cannot reach Charles -Street. - -_How’s that?_ - -I hear my scheme of taxation was inserted directly, and should be glad -to see the paper if easily got. - -_Vanity._ - -[9] This union was remarkable for disparity of years; the bridegroom - being 78, the bride in the bloom of youth. - - - - -LETTER LXXXIX. - -TO MR. L----. - - - May 4, 1779. - - MY DEAR CHILD, - -I AM truly sorry to address this letter to you at this season in the -English Channel.--The time considered that you have left us, you ought -in all good reason to have been a seasoned Creole of St. Kitt’s;--but -we must have patience:--what cannot be cured, must be endured.--I dare -believe, you bear the cruel delay with resignation--and make the best -and truest use of your time, by steady reflection and writing.--I -would wish you to note down the occurrences of every day--to which -add your own observation of men and things--the more you habituate -yourself to minute investigation, the stronger you will make your -mind;--ever taking along with you in all your researches the word of -God--and the operations of his divine providence.--Remember, young -man--nothing happens by chance.--Let not the levity of frothy wit, -nor the absurdity of fools, break in upon your happier principles, -your dependence upon the Deity--address the Almighty with fervor, -with love and simplicity--carry his laws in your heart--and command -both worlds;--but I meant mere fatherly advice, and I have wrote a -sermon.--Dear boy, ’tis my love preaches; N---- begged me to write a -line for him, as he said you wanted news--I have none but what you -know as well as myself--such as the regard and best wishes of Mrs. -Sancho--the girls and myself--such as wishing a happy end to your -long-protracted voyage--and a joyful meeting with your worthy and -respectable family;--and in order to leave room for friend N----, I -here assure you I am your affectionate friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XC. - -TO MR. R----. - - - May, 1779. - - MY DEAR WORTHY R----, - -YOUR letter was a real gratification to a something better principle -than pride--it pleased my self-love--there are very few (believe -me) whose regards or notice I care about--yourself, brother, and -O----, with about three more at most--form the whole of my _male_ -connexions.--Your brother is not half so honest as I thought him--he -promises like a tradesman, but performs like a lord.--On Sunday -evening we expected him--the hearth was swept--the kettle boiled--the -girls were in print--and the marks of the folds in Mrs. Sancho’s -apron still visible--the clock past six--no Mr. R----. Now to tell -the whole truth, he did add a kind of clause, that in case nothing -material happened of hospital business, he would surely do himself -the--&c. &c. &c.--So, upon the whole, I am not quite clear that he -deserves censure--but that he disappointed us of a pleasure, I am -very certain.--You don’t say you have seen Mr. P----. I beg you will, -for I think he is the kind of soul congenial to your own.--Apropos, -the right hand side (almost the bottom) of Gray Street, there is a -Mrs. H----, an honest and very agreeable northern lady, whom I should -like you to know something of--which may easily be done--if you will -do me the credit just to knock at her door when you go that way--and -tell her, there is a Devil that has not forgot her civilities to -him--and would be glad to hear she was well and happy.--Mr. R---- -called on me in the friendly style--when I say that, I mean in the -R---- manner--he asked a question--bought some tea--looked happy--and -left us pleased:--he has the Graces.--The gout seized me yesterday -morning--the second attempt--I looked rather black all day:--tell Mrs. -C----, I will lay any odds that she is either the handsomest or ugliest -woman in Bath--and among the many trinkets she means to bring with -her--tell her not to forget health.--May you all be enriched with that -blessing--wanting which, the good things of this world are trash!--You -can write tiresome letters! Alas! will you yield upon the recept of -this?--if not--that palm unquestionably belongs to your friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, June 16, 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -IN truth, I was never more puzzled in my life than at this present -writing--the acts of common kindness, or the effusions of mere -common-will, I should know what to reply to--but, by my conscience, -you act upon so grand a scale of urbanity, that a man should possess a -mind as noble, and a heart as ample, as yourself! before he attempts -even to be grateful upon paper.--You have made me richer than ever I -was in my life--till this day I thought a bottle of good wine a large -possession. Sir, I will enjoy your goodness with a glad heart--and -every deserving soul I meet with shall share a glass with me, and join -in drinking the generous donor’s health. Mrs. Sancho’s eyes betray her -feelings--she bids me think for her--which I do most sincerely, and for -myself, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCII. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - June 17, 1779. - - DEAR MADAM, - -YOUR son, who is a welcome visitor wherever he comes, made himself -more welcome to me by the kind proof of your regard he brought in his -hands.--Souls like yours, who delight in giving pleasure, enjoy a -heaven on earth; for I am convinced that the disposition of the mind -in a great measure forms either the heaven or hell in both worlds.--I -rejoice sincerely at the happiness of Mrs. W----, and may their -happiness increase with family and trade!--and may you both enjoy the -heartfelt delight of seeing your children’s children walking in the -track of grace!--I have, to my shame be it spoken, intended writing to -you for these twelve months past--but in truth I was deterred through -a fear of giving pain: our history has had little in it but cares and -anxieties--which (as it is the well-experienced lot of mortality) we -struggle with it, with religion on one hand, and hope on the other. - -Mr. W----, whose looks and address bespeak a good heart and good sense, -called on me.--I will not say how much I was pleased--pray make my -kindest respects to your good partner, and tell him, I think I have -a right to trouble him with my musical nonsense.--I wish it better -for my own sake--bad as it is, I know he will not despise it, because -he has more good-nature:--I hear a good report of Mr. S----, and -that his humanity has received the thanks of a community in a public -manner.--May he! and you! and all I love, enjoy the blissful feelings -of large humanity!--There is a plaudit--as much superior to man’s as -heaven is above earth! Great God, in thy mercy and unbounded goodness, -grant that even I may rejoice through eternity with those I have -respected and esteemed here!--Mrs. Sancho joins me in love to yourself -and Mr. H----. Your son Jacob is the delight of my girls--whenever he -calls on us, the work is flung by, and the mouths all distended with -laughter: he is a vile romp with children.--I am, dear Madam, with true -esteem and respect, - - Your obliged servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 29, 1779. - -A LITTLE fish--which was alive this morn--sets out this eve for -Bury--ambitious of presenting itself to Mrs. S----: if it should -come good, the Sancho’s will be happy;--in truth, Mr. S---- ought not -to be displeased--neither will he, I trust, if he considers it as it -really is--a grain of salt, in return for favors received of princely -magnitude, and deeply engraven in the hearts of his much obliged and -faithful servants, - - He and She +Sancho’s+. - - - - -LETTER XCIV. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 1, 1779. - Coat and Badge. - -BRAVO! So you think you have given me the retort-courteous--I admit -it.--Go to! you are seedy, you are sly--true son, in the right direct -line, of old Gastpherious Sly.--Your letter to S--n makes ample amends -for your impudence in presuming to mount my hobby:--yes, I do affirm it -to be a good, yea, and a friendly letter.--The leading-string thought -is new, and almost poetic;--I watched him while he read it;--he read -it twice.--I judge he felt the force of your argumentation.--May he -avail himself of your friendly hints! and may you have the heart-felt -satisfaction of finding him a wiser being than heretofore! How doth -George’s mouth?--I honour you for your humane feelings--and much more -for your brotherly affection;--but do not Namby-Pamby with the manly -exertions of benevolence:--what I mean is--ah me! poor George--to be -sure ’tis well its no worse;--but the loss of a tooth and a scar are so -disfiguring!--Pooh, simpleton, if his heart is right, and God blesses -him with health--his exterior will ever be pleasing, in spight of the -gap in his gums, or scar above his chin. G---- is likely--the rogue has -a pleasing cherry phiz: neither so old nor so mouldy as some folks, not -having been rocked in the cradle of flattery--he has consequently more -modesty than his elders.--I could easily fill the sheet in contrasting -the merits of the two lads;--but then it would (I plainly foresee) turn -out so much to the advantage of Prince Jacky--that in mere charity I -forbear--and shall conclude with wishing both your heads to agree, as -well in good health, as in the many good qualities which I have not -time to enumerate. - -Mrs. Sancho is pretty well--the girls and Billy well,--I am sometimes -better--sometimes so, so.--I should have answered you sooner; but -yesterday was obliged to write all day--though fast asleep the whole -time:--perhaps you will retort--that it is the case with me at this -present writing. False and scandalous! I declare I was never more -awake.--Remember me to Mr. S----, the ladies, and to thyself, if thou -knowest him. - - Farewell. Thine, &c. &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCV. - -TO MR. I----. - - - August 3, 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -I MUCH wish to hear that Mrs. I---- is quite recovered--or in the best -possible way towards it. I have next to thank you for your princely -present--and to say I feel myself rich and happy in the splendid proofs -I have of your regard. - -You love a pun almost as well as Dennis.--I shall contrive to be in -your debt as long as I live--and settle accounts hereafter--where, I -know no more than the Pope;--but you, Sterne, and Mortimer, are there, -sure I am, it will be the abode of the blest.--But to business--I am -commissioned to get as good an impression as possible of St. Paul -preaching to the Britons:--shall esteem it a fresh obligation, if you -will be kind enough to chuse one, and send by the bearer.--I return -faith for pudding--and Mr. Sharpe’s strictures upon Slavery;--the one -may amuse, if not edify--the other I think of consequence to every one -of humane feelings.--Do, pray, let me know how Mrs. I---- does;--with -thanks, respects; and why not friendship? - - I am dear Sir, - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCVI. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 14, 1779. - -YOU kindly gave me liberty to bring Mrs. S----: the proposal did -honour to your heart--and credit to your judgement;--but an affair has -rendered that part of your invitation inadmissible,--Now pox take bad -quills--and bad pen-makers!--Sir, it was fifty pound to a bean-shell, -but that you had had a blot as big as both houses of parliament in the -very fairest, yea and handsomest, part of this epistle:--my pen, like -a drunkard, sucks up more liquor than it can carry, and so of course -disgorges it at random.--I will that ye observe the above simile to -be a good one--not the cleanliest in nature I own--but as pat to the -purpose as dram-drinking to a bawd--or oaths to a serjeant of the -guards--or--or--dullness to a Black-a-moor;--good--excessive good:--and -pray what--(oh, this confounded pen!)--what may your Worship’s chief -employ have been?--You have had your Devil’s dance--found yourself -in a lazy fit--the ink-stand, &c. staring you full in the face--you -yawned--stretched--and then condescended to scold me for omitting what -properly, and according to strict rule, you should have done yourself -a month ago.--Zounds!--God forgive us!----this thought oversets the -patience--coat and lining--of your right trusty friend, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER XCVII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - August 20 1779. - -IN all doubtful cases, it is best to adhere to the side of least -difficulty.--Now whether you ought to have shewn the _politesses_ of -the _Ton_ in making enquiry after my Honour’s health and travels--or -whether my Honour should have anticipated all enquiry--by sending a -card of thanks for more than friendly civilities--is a very nice -point, which, for my part, I willingly leave to better casuists;--and -as I honestly feel myself the obliged party--so I put pen to paper as -a testimonial of the same.--I will suppose your head improved--I mean -physically: I will also hope your heart light--and all your combustible -passions under due subordination;--and then adding the fineness of the -morning--from these premises I will believe that my good friend is well -and happy. - -I hope George effected his wish in town: if he has to do with people of -feeling--there is a something in his face which will command attention -and love--the boy is much handsomer than ever you were; and yet you -never look better than when you look on him:--would to God you were as -well settled! - -The stage contained five good souls, and one huge mass of -flesh[10]:--they, God bless them, thought I took up too much room--and -I thought there was too little:--we looked at each other, like folks -dissatisfied with their company--and so jolted on in sullen silence -for the first half hour;--and had there been no ladies, the God or -Goddess of silence would have reigned the whole way:--for my part, -quoth I to myself, I have enjoyed true pleasure all day--the morning -was bright, refreshing, and pleasant; the delicious bowl of milk, the -fresh butter, sweet bread, cool room, and kind hostess--the friendly -converse, the walk--the animated flow of soul in I-- M----; the little -but elegant treat, high-seasoned with welcome.--Oh, Sancho, what more -could luxury covet, or ambition wish for? True, cries Reason--then be -thankful:--Hold! cries Avarice, with squinting eyes and rotten stumps -of teeth--hungry, though ever cramming;--it cost thee one shilling and -nine pence--one shilling and nine pence I say.--What of that, cries -Œconomy, we eat fairly half a crown’s worth.--Aye, cries Prudence, -that alters the case--od-so, we are nine pence in pocket, besides the -benefit of fresh air, fresh scenes, and the pleasure of the society -we love.--The sky was cloudless, and, to do me a particular favour, -the moon chose to be at full--and gave us all her splendor;--but our -envious mother Earth (to mortify our vanity) rose up--rolling the whole -way in clouds of dust.--Contention flew in at the coach-windows, -and took possession of both the females:--“Madam, if you persist in -drawing up the glass, we shall faint with heat.”--“Oh dear! very sorry -to offend your delicacy; but I shall be suffocated with dust--and my -cloaths--” “I have cloaths to spoil as well as other folks, &c. &c. -&c.” The males behaved wisely, and kept a stricter neutrality than the -French with the Americans.--I chewed the cud of sweet remembrance, -and, with a heart and mind in pretty easy plight, gained the castle of -peace and innocence about nine o’clock.--Well, Sir, and how do you find -yourself by this time?--I sweat, I protest--and then the bright God of -day darts his blessings full upon my shop-window--so intensely, that I -could fancy myself St. Bartholomew broiling upon a gridiron. - -Oh! thou varlet--down--down upon thy knees, and bless thy indulgent -stars for the blessings--comforts--beauties, &c. of thy situation--the -Land of Canaan in possession milk and honey--shady trees--sweet walks -covered with the velvet of nature--pleasant views--cool house--and -the superintendency of the sweet girls--to whom my love and -blessings--and, sirrah! mark what I say, and obey me without reply: -there is a plump good-natured looking soul--I think you called her -Patty--my conscience tells me, that I owe her something more than -kind words and cool thanks!--therefore tell her, a man that notes -particularly the welcome of the eye--and saw plainly good-will and -good-nature in the expression of her honest countenance--sends her -a dish of tea--which she must sweeten by her cheery acceptance of -it--from one who knows not how to return the many, many obligations he -has received from the he’s and she’s of P---- house--exclusive of what -he owes--and shall be content ever to owe--the saucy rogue he addresses. - - Farewell. Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - -[10] Mr. Sancho was remarkable for corpulency. - - - - -LETTER XCVIII. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - Charles Street, Aug. 25, 1779. - - MA CHERE AMIE, - -IN the visions of the night--Behold I fancied that Mrs. Sancho was -in Suffolk--that she saw strange places--fine sights--and good -people--that she was at B---- amongst those I love and honor--that she -was charmed and enraptured with some certain good folks who shall be -nameless--that she was treated, caressed, and well pleased--that she -came home full of feasts, kindness, and camps--and in the conclusion -dunned me for a whole month to return some certain people thanks--for -what?--why, for doing as they ever do--contrive to make time and place -agreeable--truly agreeable to those who are so lucky to fall in their -way: in truth, so much has been said, and description has ran so high, -that, now I am awake, I long for just such a week’s pleasure. But time -and chance are against me.--I awake to fears of invasion, to noise, -faction, drums, soldiers, and care:--the whole town has now but two -employments--the learning of French--and the exercise of arms--which is -highly political--in my poor opinion--for should the military fail of -success--which is not impossible--why, the ladies must take the field, -and scold them to their ships again.--The wits here say our fleet is -outlawed--others have advertised it--the republicans teem with abuse, -and the K--g’s friends are observed to have long faces--every body -looks wiser than common--the cheating shop-counter is deserted, from -the gossiping door-threshold--and every half-hour has its fresh swarm -of lies.--What’s to become of us? “We are ruined and sold!” is the -exclamation of every mouth--the monied man trembles for the funds--the -landholder for his acres--the married men for their families--old -maids--alas! and old fusty batchelors--for themselves. For my part, -I can be no poorer--I have no quarrel to the Romish religion--and -so that you come to town in health and spirits, and occupy the old -spot--so that the camp at Cavenham breaks not up to the prejudice -of Johnny O----, and my worthy R---- is continued clerk at ----: in -short, let those I love be uninjured in their fortunes, and unhurt in -their persons--God’s will be done! I rest perfectly satisfied, and very -sincerely and cordially, - - Dear Madam, Yours, - and my sweet little Miss C----’s - most obedient - and obliged servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -I should have said a deal about thanks and your kindness--but I am -not at all clear it would please you.--Mrs. Sancho certainly joins me -in every good wish--the girls are well--and William thrives--our best -respects attend Mr. B---- and his good Lady--Mr. and Mrs. S----. Adieu! - -Pray make Mr. William Sancho’s and my compliments acceptable to -Nutts.--We hope he is well, and enjoys this fine weather unplagued by -flies, and unbitten by fleas. - - - - -LETTER XCIX. - -TO MR. S----. - - - August 31, 1779. - -YOU have made ample amends for your stoical silence--insomuch -that, like Balaam, I am constrained to bless--where, peradventure, -I intended the reverse.--For hadst thou taken the wings of the -morning--and searched North, East, South, and West--or dived down -into the sea, exploring the treasures of old Ocean--thou could’st -neither in art or nature have found aught that could have made me -happier--gift-wise--than the sweet and highly finished portrait of my -dear Sterne. But how you found it--caught it--or came by it--Heaven and -you know best!--I do fear it is not thy own manufacturing.--Perhaps -thou hast gratified thy finer feeling at an expence which friendship -would blush for.--“But what have you to do with that?” True--it may -appear impertinent; but could aught add to the value of the affair--it -would be--its having you--for its father;--but I must hasten to a -conclusion.--I meant this--not as an epistle of cold thanks--but the -warm ebullitions of African sensibility.--Your gift would add to the -pride of Cæsar--were he living, and knew the merits of its original--it -has half turned the head of a Sancho--as this scrawl will certify. -Adieu! The hen and chicks desire to be remembered to you--as I do--to -all!--all!--all! - - I. S. - - - - -LETTER C. - -TO MR. I----. - - - Sept. 2, 1779. - -IN truth I know myself to be a very troublesome fellow--but as it -is the general fate of good-nature to suffer through the folly they -countenance--I shall not either pity or apologize.--I have to beg you -just to examine my friend Laggarit’s petition: Mr. P---- does not seem -to approve of it, but is for expunging almost the best half.--My -friend has tried to get the great E---- B----’s opinion, but has -met with a negative--he being too busy to regard the distresses of -the lowly and unrecommended:--for my part, I have as much faith in -Mr. I----’s judgement as in ----, and a much higher opinion of his -good-will;--and as Mr. P---- may be partly hurried away by leaning -rather too much to republican modes, I dare say, if he finds that -your opinion coincides with the sense of the petition as it now -stands, he will not be offended at its being presented without his -mutilations.--Mr. Laggarit is fearful of offending any way, and has -every proper sense of Mr. P----’s zeal and good-will.--I dare say, it -will strike you as it does me--that in the petitionary style every term -of respect is necessary; and although some of the titles are rather -profane, and others farcical, yet custom authorizes the use, and it is -a folly to withstand it. - - Yours to command, - - I. SANCHO. - - -I hope Mrs. I---- is well as you would wish her. - - - - -LETTER CI. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Charles Street, Sept. 2, 1779. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -YOU can hardly imagine how impatient I was to hear how they behaved to -you at B--h. I must confess, you give a rare account of your travels. -I am pleased much with all the affair, excepting the cellar business, -which I fear you repented rather longer than I could wish.--I had -a letter from my honest L----n, who takes pride to himself in the -honour you did him, and says Mr. S---- pleases himself in the hope -of catching you on your return--when they flatter themselves the -pictures will merit a second review:--but beware of the cellar!--I -hope you are as well known at Scarborough as the Wells, and find more -employment than you want, and that you get into friendly chatty parties -for the evenings.--If I might obtrude my silly advice--it should be -to dissipate a little with the girls--but, for God’s sake, beware of -sentimental ladies! and likewise be on thy guard against the Gambling -Dames, who have their nightly petite-parties at quadrille--and, with -their shining faces and smooth tongues, drain unwary young men’s -pockets, and feminize their manners.--But why do I preach to thee, who -art abler to instruct grey hairs than I am to dust my shop?--Vanity, -which has gulled mighty statesmen, misled poor me; and for the sake of -appearing wiser than I am, I pray you, “set me down an ass!” I inclosed -a petulant billet to your Reverend Sire, which I hope he did not send -you.--There is no news worth talking about in town, excepting that it -rains frequently, and people of observation perceive that the days are -shorter.--Mrs. Sancho and children are all well--and, I dare swear, -wish you so; in which they are heartily seconded by - - Yours sincerely, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -How shall I know whether you get this scrawl, except you send me word? - - - - -LETTER CII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Sept. 4, 1779. - -THE _Lamb_[11] just now kindly delivered to the _Bear_[12] the -_Monkey’s_[13] letter.--I am glad at heart that the forced exercise did -thy hip no hurt--but that M-- of thine--I do not like such faces!--if -she is half what she looks, she is too good for any place but heaven, -where the hallelujahs are for ever chanting by such cherub-faced sluts -as she! Thank God! she is neither daughter nor sister of mine--I should -live in perpetual fear.--But why do I plague myself about her? She has -a protector in you--and foul befall the being (for no man would attempt -it) that wishes to injure her!--Mrs. D---- I could like so well, that -I wish to know but very little of her!--strange, but true!--and when -you have been disappointed in your schemes of domestic happiness, and -deceived in your too hasty-formed judgements to the age of fifty, as -oft as your friend, you will fully enter into any meaning. - -She looks open--honest--intelligently sensible--good-natured--easy--polite -and kind;--knowledge enough of the world to render her company -desireable--and age just sufficient to form her opinions, and fix -her principles;--add to all this an agreeable face, good teeth, and -a certain _Je ne sai quoi_ (forgive the spelling, and do not betray -me):--but I say again, and again--when one has formed a great opinion -of either male or female, ’tis best, for that opinion’s sake, to look -no further--there, rogue! - -I shall take no notice of the tricking fraudulent behaviour of the -driver of the stage--_as how_ he wanted to palm a bad shilling upon -us--and _as how_ they stopped us in the town, and most generously -insulted us--and _as how_ we took up a fat old man--his wife _fat_ -too--and child;--and after keeping us half an hour in sweet converse -of the--of the _blasting_ kind--how that the fat woman waxed wrath -with her plump master, for his being serene--and how that he caught -choler at her friction, tongue-wise;--how he ventured his head out of -the coach-door, and swore liberally--whilst his ---- in direct line -with poor S----n’s nose--entertained him with _sound_ and sweetest of -exhalations.--I shall say nothing of being two hours almost on our -journey--neither do I remark that S----n turned sick before we left -G----, nor that the child p-- upon his legs:--in short, it was near -nine before we got into Charles Street. - -Sir, the pleasures of the day made us more than amends for the nonsense -that followed.--Receipt in full. - - I. SANCHO. - - -My best respects to Mr. Y----; and my love, yea, cordial love to -Nancy:--tell her--no, if I live to see her again, I will tell her -myself. - -Observe, we were seven in the coach;--the breath of the old lady, in -her heat of passion, was not rose-scented;--add to that, the warmth -naturally arising from crowd and anger--you will not wonder at S--t--’s -being sick--And he, S----, wanted to be in town rather sooner.--My -compliments to George.--Mr. L---- is so kind to promise to call for -this scrawl:--thank him for me, as well as for thyself.--Adieu.--Mrs. -S---- pretty well, the two Fanny’s and Kitty but indifferent. - -[11] A Mr. Lamb. - -[12] Meaning himself. - -[13] Mr. M----, to whom he often gave that title. - - - - -LETTER CIII. - -TO MRS. W----E. - - - Charles Street, Sept. 5, 1779. - - DEAR MADAM, - -YOUR wonder will be equal to your indignation--when--(after due -apologies for the liberty of this address--and a few good-natured -protestations of friendship and so forth--with an injunction to -strict secresy) I inform you that it is absolutely necessary for your -immediate setting out for Red-lion Court.--Your good man is only -running after all the young gypsies about the neighbourhood--all -colours--black or fair--are alike;--this is the effect of country -air--and your nursing.--The good man made his appearance on Thursday -evening last--the glow of health in his face--joy in his eyes.--“Wife, -Joe, and little Frank all well, and myself never better in my life;”--a -pretty girl he led by the hand--and, as if one petticoat plague was -not enough, he insisted upon taking away two of mine--and carried -his point against every reasonable odds: away they all went to the -play--and God only knows where else--I threatened him with a modest -report to Melchbourn, but he seemed to care very lightly about it;--so -I humbly advise, as your best method of taming him, either to insist -upon his speedily coming down to you--or else your immediate setting -out for home:--at present he only attempts our daughters--but, should -you be absent a month longer, I tremble for our wives;--for my part, -I have some reason, for here both wife and daughters are as fond of -Mr. W----e as they dare own--Seriously, I think, you should coax him -down, if only for a fortnight; for it is amazing how much better -he is for the short time he was absent--and this I take to be the -pleasantest and wholesomest time for the country, if the evening dews -are carefully guarded against--I shall advise him strongly to take the -other trip--and I trust your documents, with the innocent simplicity -of all around him--fine air--exercise--new milk--and the smell of new -hay--will make him ten thousand times worse than he is--you won’t like -him the worse for that. My love attends cousins I---- and F----. - - I am, dear Madam, - most sincerely yours to command, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho joins me in every thing but the abuse of Mr. W----e. - - - - -LETTER CIV. - -TO MR. R----. - - - Sept. 7, 1779. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -WE are all in the wrong--a _little_.--Admiral Barrington is arrived -from the West India station--and brings the pleasant news, that -d’Estaigne fell in with five of our ships of the line with the -best part of his fleet. We fought like Englishmen, unsupported by -the rest:--they fought till they were quite dismasted, and almost -wrecked;--and at last gave the French enough of it, and got away all, -though in plight bad enough:--but the consequence was, the immediate -capture of the Grenadas.--Add to this--Sir Charles Hardy is put into -Portsmouth, or Gosport;--and, although forty odd strong in line of -battle ships, is obliged to give up the sovereignty of the channel -to the enemy.--L--d S----h is gone to Portsmouth, to be a witness -of England’s disgrace--and his own shame.--In faith, my friend, the -present time is rather _comique_--Ireland almost in as true a state -of rebellion as America--Admirals quarrelling in the West-Indies--and -at home Admirals that do not chuse to fight--The British empire -mouldering away in the West, annihilated in the North--Gibraltar -going--and England fast asleep.--What says Mr. B---- to all this?--he -is a ministerialist,--for my part, it’s nothing to me, as I am only a -lodger, and hardly that.--Give my love and respect to the ladies--and -best compliments to all the gentlemen--with respects to Mr. and Mrs. -I----. - -Give me a line to know how you all do.--The post is going--only time to -say God bless you.--I remain - - Yours affectionately, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Past eleven at night. - - - - -LETTER CV. - -TO MISS. L----, - - - Charles Street, Sept. 11, 1779. - -I CANNOT forbear returning my dear Miss L---- our united thanks for her -generous present--which came exactly in time to grace poor Marianne’s -birth-day, which was yesterday:--the bird was good, and well dressed; -that and a large apple-pye feasted the whole family of the Sancho’s. -Miss L---- was toasted; and although we had neither ringing of -bells, nor firing of guns, yet the day was celebrated with mirth and -decency--and a degree of sincere joy and urbanity seldom to be seen on -R----l birth-days.--Mary, as queen of the day, invited two or three -young friends--her breast filled with delight unmixed with cares--her -heart danced in her eyes--and she looked the happy mortal.--Great God -of mercy and love! why, why, in a few fleeting years, are all the gay -day dreams of youthful innocence to vanish? why can we not purchase -prudence, decency, and wisdom, but at the expence of our peace? Slow -circumspect caution implies suspicion--and where suspicion dwells, -confidence dwells not.--I believe I write nonsense--but the dull -weather, added to a dull imagination, must, and I trust will, incline -you to excuse me:--if I mistake not, writing requires--what I could -tell you, but dare not--for I have smarted once already.--In short, I -write just what I think--and you know Congreve says somewhere, that - - “Thought precedes the will,” - -and - - “Error lives ere Reason can be born.” - -Now Will--Reason--and Gratitude, all three powerfully impel me to thank -you--not for your goose--nor for any pecuniary self-gratifying marks -of generosity--but for the benevolent urbanity of your nature--which -counsels your good heart to think of the lowly and less fortunate.--But -what are my thanks, what the echoed praises of the world, to the -heart-approving sensations of true charity!--which is but the prelude -to the divine address at the last day--“Well done, thou good,” &c. -&c--That you and all I love--and even poor me--may hear those joyful -words, is the prayer of - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CVI. - -TO MR. I----. - - - October 3, 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -YOU will make me happy by procuring me an order from Mr. H---- for -three, any night this week--’tis to oblige a worthy man who has more -wants than cash;--believe me, there is more of vanity than good-nature -in my request--for I have boasted of the honour of being countenanced -by Mr. I----, and shall ostentatiously produce your favor, as a proof -of your kindness, and my presumption:--thanks, over and over, for Sir -H---- Freeman’s letters, which I will send home in a day or two:--I -return the Sermons, which I like so well, that I have placed a new set -of them by Yorick’s, and think they will not disagree.--I pray you -to send by the bearer the bit of honored Mortimer you promised for -friend M----, who, though he called some few mornings since on purpose, -yet was so plagued with the _mauvaise hondt_ (I believe I spell it -Yorkshirely, but you know what I mean), that the youth could not for -his soul say what he was looking after:--if you accompany it with the -sea-piece you kindly offered me, I shall have employment in cleansing -and restoring beauties which have escaped your observation--and I shall -consider myself - - Your much more obliged, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CVII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - October 5, 1779. - -YOU mistake--I am neither sick--idle--nor forgetful--nor hurried--nor -flurried--nor lame--nor am I of a fickle mutable disposition.--No! -I feel the life-sweetening affections--the swell of heart-animating -ardor--the zeal of honest friendship--and, what’s more, I feel it for -thee.--Now, Sir, what have you to say in humble vindication of your -hasty conclusions? what, because I did not write to you on Monday -last, but let a week pass without saying--what in truth I know not how -to say, though I am now seriously set about it? In short, such arts -and minds (if there be many such, so much the better), such beings I -say, as the one I am now scribbling to, should make elections of wide -different beings than Black-a-moors, for their friends:--the reason is -obvious;--from Othello to Sancho the big, we are either foolish, or -mulish--all, all without a single exception.--Tell me, I pray you--and -tell me truly--were there any Black-a-moors in the Ark?--Pooh! why -there now--I see you puzzled:--Well--well--be that as the learned shall -hereafter decide.--I will defend and maintain my opinion--simply--I -will do more--wager a crown upon it--nay, double that--and if my simple -testimony faileth, Mrs. Sancho and the children, five-deep, will -back me--that Noah, during his pilgrimage in the blessed Ark, never, -with wife and six children, set down to a feast upon a bit of finer -goodlier--fatter--sweeter salter--well-fed pork: we eat like hogs. - -When do your nobles intend coming home?--The evenings get long, and the -damps of the Park after sun-set--but a word to the wise. - -Oh! I had like to have almost forgot--I owe you a dressing for your -last letter.--There were some saucy strokes of pride in it--the -ebullitions of a high heart--and tenderly over-nice feelings. -Go-to--what have I found you? My mind is not rightly at ease--or -you should have it--and so you would not give me a line all the -week--because--but what? I am to blame--a man in liquor--a man -deprived of reason--and a man in love--should ever meet with pity and -indulgence:--in the last class art thou!--nay, never blush--plain as -the nose in thy face are the marks--refute it if you are able--dispute -if you dare--for I have proofs--yea, proofs as undeniable as is the -sincerity of the affection and zeal with which thou art ever regarded -by thy - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -How do the ladies--and Mr. M--? Mind, I care not about ----; so tell -her, and lye.--You may tell George the same story;--but I should like -to hear something about you all. - - - - -LETTER CVIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - October 9, 1779. - -MY friend Mr. I----, who--_like_ a simple fellow with a palish -phiz--crazy head--and hair of a pretty colour--an aukward loon--whom -I do sometimes care about--who has more wit than money--more good -sense than wit--more urbanity than sense--and more pride than some -princes--a chap who talks well--writes better--and means much better -than he either speaks or indites--a careless son of nature, who rides -without thinking--tumbles down without hurt--and gets up again without -swearing--who can--in short, he is such an excentric phizpoop--such -a vessel!--a new skin full of old wine is the best type of him--know -you such a one? No! I guessed as much--nay--nay--if you think for a -twelvemonth and a day, you will never be a jot the nearer--give it up, -man.--Come, I will solve the mystery--his name is ----. I will tell -you anon;--but as I was saying--for I hate prolixity--as I was saying -above--Mr. I---- (in imitation of the odd soul I have laboured to -describe) wishing to do me honour as well as pleasure--came in person -twice, to insist on my accompanying _he_ and _she_, and two more, to -see Mr. H---- take possession of the throne of Richard. Into the boxes -(I believe box is properer) we went--the house as full, just as it -could be, and no fuller--as hot as it was possible to bear--or rather -hotter.--Now do you really and truly conceive what I mean? Alas! there -are some stupid souls, formed of such phlegmatic, adverse materials, -that you might sooner strike conception into a flannel petticoat--or -out of one--(now keep your temper, I beg, sweet Sir) than convince -their simple craniums that six and seven makes thirteen.--It was a -daring undertaking--and H---- was rather awed with the idea of the -great man, whose very robes he was to wear--and whose throne he was to -usurp.--But give him his due--he acquitted himself well--tolerably -well;--he will play it much better next time--and the next better -still; Rome was not built in six weeks--and, trust me, a Garrick will -not be formed under seven years.--I supped with his Majesty and Mr. and -Mrs. I----, where good-nature and good-sense mixed itself with the most -chearful welcome. - -And pray, how is your head by this time?--I will teach you to wish -for pleasure from Black-a-moor dunderheads:--why, Sir, it is a broken -sieve to a ragged pudding-bag, by the time you have gone through -this scrawl--you will be as flat, dull, and tedious, as a drunken -merry-andrew--or a methodist preacher--or a tired poor devil of a -post-horse; or, to sum up all in one word, as your most--what you -please, - - I. SANCHO. - - _Is pesorpher Quidois._ - - Your true friend, and so forth. - - -Zounds, Sir! send me a good handsome epistle--such as you were wont to -do in peaceful days, before * * * had warped your faculties, and made -you lazy.--Why you--but I will not put myself in a passion.--Oh! my -M----, I would thou wert in town--but it’s no matter--I am convinced, -in our next habitation there will be no care--love will possess our -souls--and praise and harmony--and ever-fresh rays of knowledge, -wonder, and mutual communication will be our employ. Adieu. - -The best of women--the girls--the boy--all well. I could really write -as long a letter on a taylor’s measure, as your last hurry-begotten -note. - - - - -LETTER CIX. - -TO MR. M----. - - - October 17, 1779. - -NO! you have not the least grain of genius.--Alas! description is a -science--a man should in some measure be born with the knack of it. -Poor blundering M----, I pity thee: once more I tell thee--thou art -a bungler in every thing--ask the girls else.--You know nothing -of figures--you write a wretched hand--thou hast a nonsensical -style--almost as disagreeable as thy heart--thy heart, though better -than thy head--and which I wish from my soul (as it now is) was the -worst heart in the three kingdoms.--Thy heart is a silly one--a poor -cowardly heart--that would shrink at mere trifles--though there were no -danger of fine or imprisonment:--for example--come, confess now--could -you lie with the wife of your friend? could you debauch his sister? -could you defraud a poor creditor? could you by gambling rejoice in -the outwitting a novice of all his possessions?--No! why then thou -art a silly fellow, incumbered with three abominable inmates;--to -wit--Conscience--Honesty--and Good-nature--I hate thee (as the Jew -says) because thou art a Christian. - -And what, in the name of common sense, impelled thee to torment -my soul, with thy creative pen-drawing of sweet A--r--bn--s? I -enjoyed content at least in the vortex of smoak and vice--and -lifted up my thoughts no higher than the beauties of the park -or----gardens.--What have I to do with rural deities? with -parterres--fields--groves--terraces--views--buildings--grots-- -temples--slopes--bridges and meandering streams--cawing rooks--billing -turtles--happy swains--the harmony of the woodland shades--the -blissful constancy of rustic lovers?--Sir, I say you do wrong, to -awaken ideas of this sort:--besides, as I hinted largely above--you -have no talent--no language--no colouring--you do not groupe well--no -relief--false light and shadow--and then your prespective is so -false--no blending of tints--thou art a sad fellow, and there is an end -of it. - -S----n, who loves fools (he writes to me) but mum; S----n wishes to -have the honour of a line from quondam friend M----: now M---- is an -ill-natured fellow, but were it contrariwise--and M---- would indulge -him--I would enclose it in a frank--with something clever of my own to -make it more agreeable.--Sirrah! refuse if you dare--I will so expose -thee--do it--’tis I command you:--S----n only intreats--you have need -of such a rough chap as Sancho to counterpoise the pleasures of your -earthly paradise.--Pray take care of your Eve--and now, my dear M----, -after all my abuse, let me conclude - - Yours affectionately, - - I. SANCHO. - - - Postscript, - -The tree of knowledge has yielded you fruit in ample abundance:--may -you boldly climb the tree of life--and gather the fruits of a happy -immortality--in which I would fain share, and have strong hope, through -the merits of a blessed Redeemer--to find room sufficient for self and -all I love--which, to say what I glory in, comprehend the whole race -of man--and why not Namby-Pamby M----? I cannot write to S----n till I -have your letter to enclose to him--if there is any delay, the fault is -not mine. - - - - -LETTER CX. - -TO MR. R----. - - - October 20, 1779. - -ZOUNDS, Sir! would you believe--Ireland has the * * * to claim the -advantages of a free unlimited trade--or they will join in the -American dance!--What a pack of * * * are * * *! I think the wisest -thing administration can do (and I dare wager they will) is to stop the -exportation of potatoes--and repeal the act for the encouragement of -growing tobacco * * *. It is reported here (from excellent authority) -that the people at large surrounded the Irish parliament, and made the -members--the courtiers--the formists and non-cons--cats--culls--and -pimp-whiskins--all--all subscribe to their--. Well, but what says your -brother--no better news I much fear from that quarter.--Oh, this poor -ruined country!--ruined by its success--and the choicest blessings -the Great Father of Heaven could shower down upon us--ruined by -victories--arts--arms--and unbounded commerce--for pride accompanied -those blessings--and like a canker-worm has eaten into the heart of -our political body.--The Dutch have given up the Serapis and the -Scarborough, and detained Paul Jones twenty-four hours after their -sailing:--how they will balance accounts with France, I know not; but I -do believe the Mynheers will get into a scrape. - -Tell Mr. B---- the Pyefleets fluctuate in price like the stocks, -and were done this morning at Billingsgate change, at 1_l._ 6_s._ -8_d._ _per_ bushel; but I have sent them this evening properly -directed--also a book of _Cogniscenti dilitanti divertimenti_.--As for -the ladies, I cannot say any thing in justice to their merits or my -own feelings:--therefore I am silent--write soon--a decent, plain, and -intelligible letter--a letter that a body may read with pleasure and -improvement--none of your circumroundabouts for - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXI. - -TO MR. R----. - - - Nov. 1, 1779. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -I SHOULD on Sunday night have acknowledged your kindness, but was -prevented by weakness!--idleness! or some such nonsense!--Were you -here, Mrs. Sancho would tell you I had quacked myself to death.--It -is true, I have been unwell--from colds and from a purging!--which -disorder prevails much in our righteous metropolis--and perhaps from -quacking; but of this when we meet.--I was much pleased with my -letter from Sir John--in which there is very little news--and less -hope of doing any thing to the purpose, either in the conquering or -conciliating mode, than in any letter I have been favoured with.--He -makes no mention of receiving any packets from me, and I have wrote -six or eight times within the last twelve months--so you see plainly -the packets are either lost, or his letters stopt.--I shall give him -a line by Wednesday’s post--and let it try its fortune.--I enclose -you some American congress notes--for he does not say he has sent you -any--though he mentions the news-papers. - -We talk of sending over a vast force next spring. Why G--m--t will -so madly pursue a losing game, is amongst the number of things that -reason can never account for--and good sense blushes at:--it is -reported in the city, that our safety this summer was purchased of -d’Orvilliers and Monsieur Sartin:--it is certain (although a vote -of credit was granted for a million) that there is no money in the -Exchequer--and that the civil list is 800,000_l._ in arrears.--This -looks dark--whilst Ireland treats us rather laconic--Scotland not too -friendly--America speaks but too plainly:--But what a plague is all -this to you or me? I am doomed to difficulty and poverty for life--and -let things go as they will, if the French leave us Newmarket--they will -not ruin my friend.--I hope the good ladies are well and preparing -for London.--Squire S---- and his good woman well also, he in the -enjoyment of his gun--and she in the care of the sweet children.--My -best respects to Mr. and Mrs. B----, and I should be a beast to neglect -my worthy friend Mr. S----k. Now I have a scheme to propose to the -electors of Great Britain, to take Sir C---- and Mr. S---- for their -patterns--and at the general election (if they can find as many) to -return 300 such--it would immortalize them in the annals of this -country for their wisdom of choice--and what’s much better, it would -perhaps (with God’s blessing) save Old England. We want, alas!--only a -few honest men of sound principles and good plain understandings--to -unite us--to animate with one mind!--one heart!--one aim!--and to -direct the rouzed courage of a brave people properly--then we might -hope for golden times--and the latter end of the present reign emulate -the grand close of the last. - -I got a very pretty young lady to chuse this inclosed ticket--meaning -to baffle ill-luck; for, had I chose it myself, I am certain a blank -would have been the consequence.--May it be prosperous!--Mrs. Sancho -joins me in every thing--love to O----; the girls giggle their respects -to Mr. R----; Billy joins in silence, but his love to Nutts is plain. -How does he do? - - Yours, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Nov. 14. 1779. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -YOURS by my brother gave me money--and, what was more pleasing -to me, a tolerable account of your success--the lateness of the -season considered.--Come, brighten up; my brother P---- has left -us much happier than he found us.--We have succeeded beyond our -expectation--humility is the test of Christianity--and parent of -many if not of all the virtues;--but we will talk this over, when -you return from grape-stuffed geese and fine girls.--H---- seems to -be in better favour with her goddessship Lady-Fortune:--his affair -will do--he will stand a fair chance of rising.--I wish from my soul -something good in the same line was destined for you;--but have -courage--time and patience conquer all things.--I hope you will come -home soon--and leave a foundation for better fortune next year at -B----, and its friendly neighbourhood.--Kitty is very poorly--God’s -will be done!--I have a horrid story to tell you about the--Zounds! I -am interrupted.--Adieu! God keep you! - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho, and girls, and Billy, send their compliments, &c. and pray -all our respective loves and best wishes to the friendly circle at -B----, and every where else. - - - - -LETTER CXIII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Nov. 16, 1779. - -YOU have missed the truth by a mile--aye and more:--it was not -neglect--I am too proud for that;--it was not forgetfulness, Sir--I am -not so ungrateful;--it was not idleness, the excuse of fools;--nor -hurry of business, the refuge of knaves:--it is time to say what it -was.--Why, Mrs. D---- was in town from Tuesday to Monday following--and -then--and not till then--gave me your letter--and most graciously did -I receive it--considering that both my feet were in flannels, and are -so to this luckless minute.--Well, Sir, and what have you to say to -that? Friend H---- has paid for them.--I pay him again--and shall draw -upon you towards Christmas--never poorer since created--but ’tis a -general case;--blessed times for a poor Blacky grocer to hang or drown -in!--Received from your good reverend parent (why not honoured father?) -a letter, announcing the approach of a hamper of prog, which I wish -you was near enough to partake.--Your good father feels a satisfaction -in doing--I think a wrong thing--his motive is right--and, like a true -servant of Christ, he follows the spirit, not the letter:--he will be -justified in a better world--I am satisfied in this--and thou wilt -in thy feelings be gratified.--Huzza!--we are all right--but your -father pays the piper. How doth Squire G----? odso--and his pretty -daughter?--kiss the father for me--and drink a bottle with the fair -lady.--I mean as I have wrote--so tell them--and do what’s best in -thy own and their eyes.--When you see brother O----, my love to him -and his houshold.----I have no spirits when the gout seizes me--pox -on him!--Great news from Sir Charles Hardy--huzza for ever!--all -mad--nothing but illuminations;--out with your lights--bells ringing, -bonfires blazing--crackers bouncing--and all for what?--what?--The -girls open-mouthed--Billy stares--Mrs. Sancho rubs her hands;--the -night indeed is cold, but Billy must go to bed:--the noisy rogues with -the Gazette-extra stun our ears. Adieu! - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -I should have inclosed a paper, but it will cost the devil and all.--My -family all join in customary customs. - - - - -LETTER CXIV. - -TO I---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 21, 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -WE are happy to hear, by brother O----, that you and Mrs S---- enjoy -good health--may God preserve it, and increase your every comfort! - -I am far from being sorry that you have not been in town this -Autumn;--for London has been sickly--almost every body full -of complaint; add also that the times are equally full of -disease.--Luxury! Folly! Disease! and Poverty! you may see daily riding -in the same coach--the doors ornamented with the honours of a virtuous -ancestry topped with coronets, surrounded with mantle ermined;--and, -alas! Corruption for the supporters. - -Now, my good Sir, you can have no real pleasure but what must arise -from your own heart, were you amongst us--and that would be in pitying -our weakness, and sighing over distresses your benevolence of heart -could not alleviate!--and yet I fear--if you keep from town till times -mend--I shall have no chance of seeing you this side eternity.--You -should come up for a day or two, were it only to be witness to the -roguery of M----rs and lottery-office-keepers--and the madness of -the dupes of each.--I have much to thank you for--which I will not -forget in a better world, if I see you not in this.--We have eat your -turkey to-day;--it is a joke to say it was good--bad things seldom, -if ever, come from Mr. S----. Mrs. Sancho joins me in thanks to Mrs. -S----, who we hope will not be always unknown.--The customary wishes -of the approaching sacred season to you and all your connexions.--Pray -excuse blunders; for I am forced to write post, as I expect O---- -every moment. As I write first, and think afterwards, my epistles are -commonly in the Irish fashion. You, who prefer the heart to the head, -will overlook the error of the man who is, and ever will be, very -sincerely and gratefully, - - Your much obliged - friend and servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -It is expected the whole M----y will run from their posts before Friday -next, L--d S--h and Lord N--h excepted: Now, I have a respect for L--d -N--h: he is a good husband! father, friend, and master--a real _good -man_--but, I fear, a bad _m----r_. - - - - -LETTER CXV. - -TO THE REV. MR. S----. - - - Dec. 5, 1779. - - REV. AND HON. SIR, - -I HAVE just now received your too valuable favor:--forgive me, good -Sir, if I own I felt hurt at the idea of the trouble and cost you -(from a spirit too generous) have been put to--and for what, my good -Sir? Your son shewed me many kindnesses--and his merits are such as -will spontaneously create him the esteem of those who have the pleasure -of knowing him--it is honouring me to suppose I could be of service to -him.--Accept then, good Sir, of my thanks, and Mrs. Sancho’s--and be -assured you have sevenfold overpaid any common kindness I could render -your deserving son and my friend.--I wish he was here to partake of -your bountiful treat--for well do I know his filial heart would exult, -and his eyes beam with love and respect.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in -respectful acknowledgements and thanks to Mrs. S---- and self. - - We are, dear Sir, - Your most obliged servants, - - +IGN.+ and +A. SANCHO+. - - - - -LETTER CXVI. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Dec. 14, 1779. - - SIR, - -I EXPECT an answer. - - Yours, - - I. S. - - -Our friend H----’s head and heart are fully occupied with schemes, -plans, resolves, &c. &c. in which (to his immortal honour) the -weal and welfare of his S---- are constantly considered:--the -proposal which accompanies this letter, from what little judgement -I have, I think promises fair.--You will, however, give it a fair -examination--and of course determine from the conviction of right -reason.--If, as a friend, I might presume to offer my weak opinion--I -freely say, I think in every light it seems eligible. The circle of -your acquaintance is at present circumscribed--I mean in the artist -line:--now in case you connect yourself in a business which requires -constant daily perambulation--the chances are on your side for forming -acquaintance--perhaps friendships--with men of genius and abilities, -which may happily change the colour of your fortunes--the old proverb -is on your side--“two heads,” &c.--and very fortunately in your -case, where in fact one has _wit_, and the other _judgement_,--the -_chair_ of _interest_ will have its compleat furniture in the two top -ornaments--and _honesty_ for its _basis_. So much for Mons. H----, -and now I have to reckon with you. How could you be so preposterously -wrong, to trouble the repose of your worthy father and mother about -me? Surely you must think me exceedingly interested--or your heart -must be a very proud one; if either--in the first instance you did me -a wrong--in the last, perhaps, I may wrong you;--be it as it may--I -know it gave me real vexation.--Your father sent such a basket, as -ten times repaid the trifling service I had the honour as well as -pleasure in rendering a man of merit, and my friend;--believe me, I -never accepted any present with so ill a will;--with regard to them, -every thankful acknowledgement was due.--I wrote a very embarrassed -letter of thanks--with a resolution to give you a chastisement for -laying me under the necessity.--I hear with pleasure that you have -enough to do. H---- declares he is sorry for it--as he wants and -wishes you in town. Pray give my best wishes to Mess. B---- and -S----w, and my love to O----. If you should happen to know a Miss -A----, a rich farmer’s daughter, remember me to her--were you not -widow-witched, she or some other heavy-pursed lass might be easily -attainable to a man of your--aye, aye, but that, says ----, will not -be, I fear.--For I verily believe, that * * * * * for the * * * * and -by the same token do you not * * * * * * *? But this is matter of mere -speculation.--God bless you! Yours sincerely--cordially--and sometimes -offensively--but always friendly, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXVII. - -TO D---- B----E, ESQ. - - - Dec. 17, 1779. - - GOOD SIR, - -A STRANGER to your person (not to your virtues) addresses you--will -you pardon the interested intrusion? I am told, you delight in doing -good.--Mr. W----e (who honours me with his friendships, by whose -persuasion I presume to trouble you) declares--you are no respecter of -country or colours--and encourages me further--by saying, that I am so -happy (by the good offices of his too partial friendship) to have the -interest and good wishes of Mr. B----. - -Could my wish be possibly effected to have the honour of a General -post-office settled in my house, it would certainly be a great -good--as (I am informed) it would emancipate me from the fear of -serving the parish offices, for which I am utterly unqualified -through infirmities--as well as complexion--Figure to yourself, -my dear Sir, a man of a convexity of belly exceeding Falstaff--and -a black face into the bargain--waddling in the van of poor thieves -and pennyless prostitutes--with all the supercilious mock dignity of -little office--what a banquet for wicked jest and wanton wit--as, -_Needs must_, _when_, &c. &c.--Add to this, my good Sir, the chances of -being summoned out at midnight in the severity of easterly winds and -frosty weather--subject as I unfortunately am to gout six months in -twelve--the consequence of which must be death:--death! now I had much -rather live--and not die--live indebted to the kindness of a few great -and good--in which glorious class, you, dear Sir, have the pre-eminence -in the idea of - - Your most respectful - and obliged humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXVIII. - -TO MR. B----. - - - Charles Street, Dec. 20, 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -THE Park guns are now firing, and never was poor devil so puzzled -as your humble Sancho is at this present moment.--I have a budget -of fresh news--aye, and that of consequence--and a million of stale -thanks, which perhaps you will think of no consequence.--Impelled -by two contrary passions, how should a poor Negro know precisely -which to obey? Your turkey and chine are absolutely as good, as -fine, and as welcome--as nobly given--and as gratefully accepted--as -heart can wish, or fancy conceive:--then on the other hand--the news -is as glorious--as well timed and authenticated--as pleasing,--as -salutary in the ministerial way--as much wanted--and as welcome--as -the turkey and chine to a certain sett, I mean--of king’s friends and -national * * * * *. The said turkey and chine will keep fresh and -good--and chear some honest hearts (I trust) on Christmas-day.--The -news, good as it is, may half of it prove false by Christmas--and the -true part will be stale news by that time--much of it will be liable -to doubt and malicious disquisition:--now, on the other hand, the -turkey and its honest fat companion are bettering every day--and feast -us by anticipation.--But again, the news will come with a handsome -face--attested by a Gazette extraordinary, garnished by the happy -flourishes of news-paper invention. Then there is the speech of the -noble Sir C----; I meant to say much upon that score; you have read -it without doubt--so have I more than once or twice--and I find the -same fault with it that the majority and minority do--which is neither -more nor less than what’s exceeding natural to both parties.--The -majority detest it for its truth--the minority would have better liked -it, had it not been so d--n’d _honest_. Now (between ourselves) I do -confess to you, my worthy friend, strip this famed speech of its truth -and honesty, there will very little worth notice remain, excepting -candour, a spice of benevolence, and perhaps too much charity;--but -as the above are the vices only of a very few, we may the better -endure it in Sir C----. There is certainly an express arrived this -day with very comfortable news--plenty of killed and wounded--plenty -of prisoners--and (as it always happens) with little or no loss on -our side;--but, dear me! how I have run on!--I protest, the sole -business of this letter was to ease my mind--by unburthening my head -and heart of some weighty thanks, which, for aught I know, except -very decently managed, are more likely to give pain than pleasure to -some odd-constructed minds, men who fatten upon doing good, and feel -themselves richer in proportion to their kindness:--such beings are the -S----’s, the B----s, the R----hs, O----ns, &c. &c.--whom God mend--in -the next world I mean:--so, wishing you every felicity in this, and -every comfort attendant on the approaching festival, with love and -good-will to all friends, especially to Mrs. B----n, the worthy Mr. -S----’s family, Squire S----ns, and his mate, in which Mrs. Sancho -claims her full share, I remain, dear Sir, (I fear I tire you) - - Your most obliged - humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXIX. - -TO MR. B----. - - - Dec. 24, 1779. - -LOSERS have the privilege to rail--I was taking the benefit of the act -upon my seeing Johnny O----, when he abruptly (and not disagreeably) -stopped my mouth--with saying, he had just loaded a stout lad--in the -name of Mr. B----, and dispatched him to Charles Street:--now this -same spirit of reparation may suit well with both the in and out side -of Mr. B----; and those who know the man will not marvel at the deed. -For my own part, I have been long convinced of the blindness, and more -than Egyptian stubbornness, of repiners of every sect.--For how can -we say but that seeming evils in the seed, with the cultivation of -benevolence--mark that--may yield an abundant crop of real substantial -good?--The confounded lurches, and four by honours, trimmed me of ten -pieces:--Ten pieces; quoth I as I was preparing for bed--better been -at home:--Ten pieces! quoth Prudence, you had no business to play:--So -much good money flung away! cries Avarice.--Avarice is a lying old -grub--I have pork worth twice the money--and the friendly wishes of -a being who looks hospitality and good-will.--The blessings of the -season attend you!--May you have the pleasure and exercise of finding -out want, and relieving it! and may you feel more pleasure than the -benefited!--which I believe is mostly the case in souls of a kind, -generous, enlarged structure.--My respects attend the gun and dog of -Squire S----, which, being the things of most consequence, I name -before Mrs. S---- or himself.--They and every one connected with B---- -house have my best wishes--and you, my good Sir, the thanks of - - Your most humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXX. - -TO MRS. M----. - - - Christmas-day, 1779. - -MAY this blest season bring every pleasure with it to my kind and -worthy Mrs. M----! and may the coming year bless the good and happy man -of her heart with the possession of her person! and may every future -one, for a long period of time, bring an increase to her joys and -comforts!--So pray the Sancho’s--and all join in thanks to Mrs. M---- -for her friendly present.--Will Mrs. M---- be so kind to say all that’s -civil and thankful to Mrs. W----e, for her kindness in sending me a -bottle of snuff?--and also make my respectful compliments to Mr. L----? -God keep you all! - - Yours I remain, much - obliged and thankful, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXI. - -TO MR. W----E. - - - Dec. 26, 1779. - -IT is needless, my dear Sir, to say how pleasingly the news of your -great good fortune affected us:--for my part, I declare (self excepted) -I do not know, in the whole circle of human beings, two people whom -I would sooner wish to have got it;--neither, in my poor judgement, -could it have fallen with a probability of being better used in any -other hands. The blessings of decent competency you have been used to -from early childhood:--your minds have been well cultivated--virtuous -and prudent in your conduct, you have enjoyed the only true riches (a -good name) long;--your power of doing good will certainly be amply -increased; but, as to real wealth, I will maintain it, you were as rich -before.--You must now expect a decent share of envy;--for, as every one -thinks pretty handsomely of self, most of the unfortunate adventurers -of your acquaintance will be apt to think how much pleasanter it would -have been to have had twenty thousand pounds to themselves.--Avarice -will groan over his full bags, and cry, “Well, I never had any luck!” -Vanity will exclaim, “It is better to be born lucky than rich!” Whilst -Content, sheltered in her homely hovel, will cry, “Blessing on their -good hearts! aye, I knew their good parents;--they were eyes to the -blind, and feet to the lame, and made the orphan’s and the widow’s -hearts sing for joy; God will prosper the family.”--But, while I am -prating away, I neglect to thank you, which was the chief business -of this letter--to thank you, and to admire that rectitude of temper -which could, in the full tide of worldly good fortune, remember the -obscure, the humble old friend.--Accept my thanks, and the plaudit also -of a heart too proud to court opulence--but alive to the feelings of -truth, sacred friendship, and humanity.--Mine and Mrs. Sancho’s thanks -for your genteel present attend you, Mrs. W----, and the worthy circle -round!--May every year be productive of new happiness in the fullest -sense of true wisdom, the riches of the heart and mind!--So wishes thy -obliged sincere friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXII. - -TO D. B----E, ESQ. - - - Dec. 30, 1779. - - HONOURED SIR, - -PERMIT me to thank you--which I do most sincerely--for the kindness -and good-will you are pleased to honour me with.--Believe me, dear -Sir, I was better pleased with the gracious and soothing manner of -your refusal--than I have been in former times with obligations less -graciously conferred.--I should regret the trouble I have given -you--but that my heart feels a comfort, and my pride a gratification, -from the reflection, that I am cared for--and not unnoticed--by a -gentleman of the first worth and highest character. I am dear Sir, with -profound respect and gratitude, - - Your most obliged - and humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXIII. - -TO MR. I----. - - - Dec. 1779. - - DEAR SIR, - -THE bearer of this letter gives himself a very good report--he -is certainly the best judge--he can cook upon occasion--dress -and shave--handle a salver with address--and clean it too:--he -is but little in make--and I hope not great in opinion:--examine -his morals--if you can see through so opaque a composition as a -Bengalian.--Was he an African--but it’s no matter, he can’t help the -place of his nativity!--I would have waited upon the worthy circle -yesterday; but the day was so unfriendly, I had not the heart to quit -the fire-side.--I hope you and Mrs. I---- have as much health and -spirits as you can manage.--I have had a pretty smart engagement with -the gout, of which I can give a better account than Sir Charles Hardy -can of the combined fleet.--I wish to place you, Sir, in the Censor’s -chair--for the which purpose, I most pressingly beg the favor of your -company to-morrow, Friday the 19th, in the afternoon--to meet a young -unfledged genius of the first water--who, as well as myself, is fool -enough to believe you possess as much true taste as true worth:--be -that as God pleases--if you delight to do me honor, comply with this -request, and imagine Sterne would have done as much for - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXIV. - -TO MR. R----. - - - Last Day, 1779. - - DEAR FRIEND, - -I WISH I could tell you how much pleasure I felt in the reading your -chearful letter--I felt that you was in good health, and in a flow -of chearfulness, which pray God continue to you!----I shall fancy -myself amongst you about the time you will get this--I paint in my -imagination the winning smiles, and courteously kind welcome, in the -face of a certain lady, whom I cannot help caring for with the decent -pleasing demure countenance of the little C---- Squire B----, with -the jovial expression of countenance our old British freeholders were -wont to wear--the head and heart of Addison’s Sir Roger de Coverley; -S---- tipsy with good will, his eyes dancing in his head, considering -within his breast every species of welcome to do honor to his noble -master, and credit to the night; and, lastly, my friend looking more -kindness than his tongue can utter and present to every individual, -in offices of love and respect. My R----, what would I give to -steal in unseen--and be a happy spectator of the good old English -hospitality--kept up by so few--and which in former times gave such -strength and consequence to the ancestry of the present frivolous race -of Apostates!--Honoured and blest be Sir C---- and his memory, for -being one of those golden characters that can find true happiness in -giving pleasure to his tenants, neighbours, and domestics!--where-ever -such a being moves--the eyes of love and gratitude follow after -him--and infant tongues, joining the voice of youth and maturer years, -fill up the grand chorus of his praise.--I inclose without apology -a billet for ----: he well knows how prone I naturally am to love -him;--but love is untractable, there is no forcing affections--but -I, perhaps, too quickly feel coldness. ---- has a noble soul--and he -has his foibles;--for me, I fling no stone--I dare not; for, of all -created beings, I know none so truly culpable, so full of faults, as is -your very sincere friend and obliged servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -As we commonly wish well to ourselves, you may believe that we -cordially join in wishing every good, either in health, wealth, -or honour, to the noble owner of B---- Hall; to the thrice dearly -respected--guess who!--to you and all--and all and you. Billy loves -flesh--Kitty is a termagant--Betsy talks as usual--the Fanny’s work -pretty hard. Adieu! I conclude 1779 with the harmony of love and -friendship. - - - - -LETTER CXXV. - -TO ---- MR. S----. - - - 1780, January the 4th day. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -YOU have here a kind of medley, a heterogeneous, ill-spelt, heteroclite -(worse) excentric sort of a--a--; in short, it is a true Negroe -calibash--of ill-sorted, undigested chaotic matter. What an excellent -proem! what a delightful sample of the grand absurd!--Sir--dear -Sir--as I have a soul to be saved (and why I should not, would puzzle -a Dr. Price), as I have a soul to be saved, I only meant to say about -fifteen words to you--and the substance just this--to wish you a happy -New-year--with the usual appendages--and a long et cætera of cardinal -and heavenly blessings:--à propos, blessings--never more scanty--all -beggars by Jove--not a shilling to be got in London;--if you are better -off in the country, and can afford to remit me your little bill, I -inclose it for that good end. H---- is--but he can better tell you -himself what he is; for in truth I do think he is in love: which puts -the pretty G---- into my head--and she brings her father in view.--My -love and respects to each.--Mrs. Sancho joins me; and the girls, -her--and God keep you! - - Yours sincerely, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXVI. - -TO MR. J---- W----E. - - - Charles Street, Jan. 5, 1780. - - DEAR W----E, - -WERE I as rich in worldly commodity as in hearty will--I would thank -you most princely for your very welcome and agreeable letter;--but, -were it so, I should not proportion my gratitude to your wants;--for, -blessed be the God of thy hope!--thou wantest nothing--more -than--what’s in thy possession--or in thy power to possess:--I would -neither give thee _Money_--nor _Territory_--_Women_--nor _Horses_--nor -_Camels_--nor the height of Asiatic pride--_Elephants_;--I would give -thee _Books_-- - - “_Books_, fair Virtue’s advocates and friends;” - -but you have books plenty--more than you have time to digest:--after -much writing--which is fatiguing enough--and under the lassitude -occasioned by fatigue, and not sin--the cool recess--the loved -_book_--the sweet pleasures of imagination poetically worked up -into delightful enthusiasm--richer than all your fruits--your -spices--your dancing-girls--and the whole detail of Eastern, effeminate -foppery--flimsy splendour--and glittering magnificence;--so thou -thinkest--and I rejoice with thee and for thee. Shall I say what my -heart suggests? No, you will feel it praise--and call it flattery. -Shall I say, Your worthy parent read your filial letter to me--and -embalmed the grateful tribute of a virtuous son with his precious -tears?--Will you believe?--he was for some minutes speechless through -joy!--Imagine you see us--our heads close together--comparing -notes;--imagine you hear the honest plaudits of love and friendship -sounding in thy ears;--’tis glory to be proud on such occasions--’tis -the pride of merit:--and as you allow me to counsel you with freedom--I -do strongly advise you to love praise--to court praise--to win it -by every honest, laudable exertion--and be oft, very often jealous -of it:--examine the source it proceeds from--and encourage and -cherish it accordingly.--Fear not--mankind are not too lavish of -it--censure is dealt out by wholesale--while praise is very sparingly -distributed:--nine times in ten mankind may err in their blame--but in -its praises the world is seldom, if ever, mistaken.--Mark--I praise -thee _sincerely_, for the _whole_ and every _part_ of thy _conduct_ -in regard to my two sable brethren[14]. I was an ass--or else I might -have judged from the national antipathy and prejudice through custom -even of the Gentoos towards their woolly-headed brethren, and the -well-known dignity of my Lords the Whites, of the impropriety of my -request.--I therefore not only acquit thee honourably--but condemn -myself for giving thee the trouble to explain a right conduct.--I fear -you will hardly make out this scrawl, although it is written with a -pen of thy father’s--a present mended from a parcel of old quills by -his foreman, or brother C----d.--Your honest brother Joseph came post -with your letters--good-will shining in his face--joy in his innocent -eyes:--he promises to be as much a W---- as his Indian brother:--you -flatter my vanity in supposing my friendship of any utility to Joe;--he -has in his good father Moses and the Prophets--which you have had, -and availed yourself well of the blessing--and I trust Joe will do -the same--besides having precept and example from a worthy and loving -brother.--Poor M----, your favourite--I scarce knew her;--she was -as pure within, as amiable without:--she enriches the circle of the -blest--and you have a friend in heaven. - -I hope you sometimes--aye often--consult with Dr. Young’s Night -Thoughts--carry him in your pockets--court him--quote him--delight -in him--make him your own--and laugh at the wit, and wisdom, and -fashion of the world:--that book, well studied, will make you know -the value of death--and open your eyes to the snares of life; its -precepts will exalt the festive hour, brighten and bless the gloom of -solitude, comfort thy heart, and smooth thy pillow in sickness, and -gild with lustre thy prosperity--disarm death itself of its terrors, -and sweetly soften the hour of dissolution.--I recommend to all young -people, who do me the honour to ask my opinion--I recommend, if their -stomachs are strong enough for such intellectual food, Dr. Young’s -Night Thoughts--the Paradise Lost--and the Seasons;--which, with -Nelson’s Feasts and Fasts, a Bible and Prayer-book, used for twenty -years to make my travelling library--and I do think it a very rich one. -I never trouble my very distant friends with articles of news--the -public prints do it so much better--and then they may answer for their -untruths;--for among the multitude of our public prints, it is hard to -say which lyes most. - -Your enclosed trust was directly delivered to the fair hands it was -addressed to:--I have the authority to say, it gave great pleasure to -both the ladies and your friend Mr. R----, who wears the same cordial -friendly heart in his breast as when you first knew him.--Your friend -Mr. John R---- is still at New York with the guards--where he is very -deservedly honoured, loved, and esteemed:--he corresponds with his -old acquaintance--and does me the honour to remember me amongst his -friends:--our toast in P. Gardens is often the three Johns--R----, -W----e, and O----, an honest--therefore a noble triumvirate. - -I feel old age insensibly stealing on me--and, alas! am obliged to -borrow the aid of spectacles, for any kind of small print:--Time keeps -pacing on, and we delude ourselves with the hope of reaching first this -stage, and then the next; till that ravenous rogue Death puts a final -end to our folly. - -All this is true--and yet I please and flatter myself with the hope -of living to see you in your native country--with every comfort -possessed--crowned with the honest man’s best ambition, a fair -character.--May your worthy, your respectable parents, relations, and -friends, enjoy that pleasure! and that you may realize every fond hope -of all who love you, is the wish of - - Your sincere friend, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - - Postscript. - -This letter is of a decent length--I expect a return with -interest.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in good wishes, love, and compliments. - -[14] Mr. W----e having wrote word, that if any European in India - associated with those of that complexion, it would be considered as - a degradation, and would be an obstacle to his future preferment; - he laments, in very strong terms the cruelty of such an opinion; - hopes not to forfeit Mr. Sancho’s good opinion from being compelled - to comply with the custom of the country, with repeated assurances - of serving them, if in his power, though he must remain unknown to - them. - - - - -LETTER CXXVII. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Charles Street, Jan. 11, 1780. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -MR. R---- faithfully discharged his commission--paid me the -desirable--and intrusted me with ten guineas, to pay on demand; and -here he comes, faith--as fresh as May, and warm as friendly zeal can -make mortality--to demand the two letters, which he will deliver -himself, for his own satisfaction.--I wish from my soul, that -Chancellors--Secretaries of State--Kings--aye--and Bishops--were as -fond of doing kind things--but they are of a higher order.--Friend -R---- is only a Christian.--I give you credit for your promises of -reformation in the epistolary way--and very glad am I to hear of your -success.--Know your own worth--honour yourself, not with supercilious -pride, but with the decent confidence of your own true native -merit--and you must succeed in almost any thing you chuse to undertake: -so thinks Sancho.--As to what you request me to do by way of inspecting -your goods and chattels in your late lodging--I must beg to decline -it--as I feel it aukward, to insinuate the least deficiency in point of -attention to your interests in such a heart as H--s; a heart which, to -my knowledge, feels every sentiment of divine friendship for you; an -heart, animated with the strongest zeal and flowing ardor to serve you, -to love you. - -The kindness of you and your two friends exceedingly embarrasses -me.--I would not wish to appear to any one either arrogant, vain, -or conceited;--no--nor servile, mean, or selfish:--I grant your -motive is friendly in the extreme--and those of your companions as -nobly generous;--but--but what?--Why this--and the truth--were I -rich, I would accept it, and say “Thank ye,” when I chose it;--as -I am poor, I do not chuse to say “Thank ye”--but to those I know -and respect. You must forgive me--and call it the error of African -false principle--call it any thing but coldness and unfeeling -pride, which is in fact ingratitude in a birth-day suit.--As to -the grand Turk of Norfolk, if it comes--we will devour it--and -toast Don S---- and the unknown giver.--Thou, my S----, hast -(oh! prostrate, and thank the Giver) a noble and friendly heart, -susceptible of the best, the greatest feelings. H---- is thy -twin-brother--perhaps he has more fire in his composition:--Woman -apart, he is a glorious fellow; * * * * apart--alas! alas! alas! -* * * * * * * * apart, what might not be hoped, expected, from -* * * * * * *! So the poor boy flew his kite--but the tail was -lost.--Poor H---- has a book and a fair one to manage;--ticklish--very -ticklish subjects--either:--and your worship has a book to -castrate--and a Fandango to dance--with a _Tol de le rol, de le -rol_.--Your reason for postponing your journey to town is wisely great, -or greatly wise;--it does you honour, because it is founded in equity. -I am glad to hear the Rev. Mr. S---- is better.--I love and venerate -that good man:--not because he begat you, but for his own great parts -and many virtues--by the bye, I know more of him than you think -for.--Tell brother O---- I am glad to hear he is well, and Mrs. O---- -better;--and tell him the name of the Bishop’s lady’s dog (that was -lost, and has been missing these two months) is Sherry[15]. When you -see Mr. S----, the good, the friendly, generous Mr. S----, my and mine -make the respects of--we wish him many happy years and his family.--To -Mr. G---- and his amiable daughter, say all that’s right for me. And -now to conclude with thanks, &c. &c. I and we--that’s spouse and -self--remain, &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - -[15] Mr. O---- had promised Mr. Sancho two months before to send him - immediately a present of Sherry. - - - - -LETTER CXXVIII. - -TO MR. M----. - - - Charles Street, Jan. 17, 1780. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -I RECEIVED, as you taught me to expect last week, a very fine * * *, -and after it as kind a letter--in name of a Mr. E---- W---- of Norfolk, -near Houghton-Hall, &c.--I have bespoke a frank, and mean to thank -him--as I also thank you, whom I look upon as the grand friendly -mover of the generously handsome act.--You have your reward, for you -had a pleasure in doing it;--and Mr. W---- has his, if he believes -me honest.--Could I any way retaliate, I should feel lighter--that’s -pride, I own it. Humility should be the poor man’s shirt--and -thankfulness his girdle;--be it so--I do request you to thank Mr. W---- -for me, and tell him he has the prayers--not of a raving mad whig--nor -fawning deceitful tory--but of a coalblack, jolly African, who wishes -health and peace to every religion and country throughout the ample -range of God’s creation!--and believes a painter may be saved at the -last day, maugre all the Miss G----’s and widows in this kingdom. I -have done nothing in the shoe affair yet--for which I ought to ask poor -C----’s pardon as well as yours:--the rogue has left the court, and -gone to live in Fish-market, Westminster bridge;--I shall ferret him -out, and make him bless his old master. - -I inclose your receipts in proof of my honesty--a rare virtue as times -go!--M---- has wrote to you--left his letter with me--and I, like a -what you please, let it slip into the fire--with a handful of company -he had no business to be amongst:--he shall write you another--you will -both be angry--but you will both forgive, as good Christians ought, -accidents.--I am sorry. I will say no more, but God keep you, and -direct your goings; - - Yours, &c. &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - -When you see the honourable Mr. B----, give our loves and best -wishes to him and Mrs. B----, and Squire S---- and his good dame -also.--Salute the home of G---- for me. - - - - -LETTER CXXIX. - -TO MR. W----E. - - - Charles Street, March 1, 1780. - - MY GOOD FRIEND, - -I WISH to interest you in behalf of the inclosed book--wrote by a -greatly-esteemed friend--a young man of much merit--and a heart -enriched with every virtue--the book I beg you will snatch time to -read with attention.--It is an answer (as you will see) to a flaming -bigoted Mongrel against Toleration.--Swift says, “Zeal is never so -pleased as when you set it a tearing.” He says truly. Could you get -the pamphlet (whose title I forget), you would be better enabled to -judge of the force, truth, and strength of my friend’s answer:--for my -part, I love liberty in every sense, whilst connected with honesty and -truth:--it has been shewn a bookseller, but he happened to be the very -man who had just published a flimsy answer to the same; consequently -would not encourage my friend’s, lest it should injure the sale of -his other.--Understand, my good friend, that the author is very -ill-calculated for booksellers’ and printers’ jockeyship; which, to a -liberal mind fraught with high and generous ideas, is death and the -devil. - -I own, I was guilty of teazing him into the finishing this little work, -with a view of having it printed.--Now, my friend is not richer than -poets commonly are--and, in short, will not run any risks.--I would -gladly stand the expence of printing; but I am not richer than he;--I -want it printed, and request of you, if, upon perusing it, you do not -find it inimical, either to Religion, Country, or Crown, that you -contrive to push it into the world without delay; but if, upon mature -deliberation, you find it dangerous, with washed hands send it me -back, and set me down for an ass, in the trouble I have given thee and -myself.--Perhaps, jaundiced by prejudice, I behold it with too partial -eyes; for I verily believe it will not discredit the printer:--suppose -you shew it in confidence to the greatly amiable, the good Mr. B----e. -I mention him in particular; for sure I am his nobly benevolent soul -would start at the bare idea of religious persecution:--he would, I -trust, feel the full force of my friend’s reasoning--and his good -opinion would be the best sanction for endeavouring to push the work -forward. - -I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman in our street one day last -week, who seemed to be so goodly a personage, that I said to myself, -There’s Sir Charles Grandison! His figure was noble--his eye brightened -with kindness--the man of fashion and of sense was conspicuous in -him:--think how I stared, when the gentleman accosted me--said, he knew -me through my friend W----e;--his name was * * * *. I bowed, and -stammered some nonsense--I was taken by surprize.--I am in such a -hurry, and the pen is naught, that I fear you will scarcely understand -this scrawl.--Remember I give you full powers over this work;--do what -you can, but do it soon, and make your report to your friend, - - I. SANCHO[16]. - -[16] The book alluded to in this letter was printed under the title of, - “An Answer to the Appeal from the Protestant Association.” - - - - -LETTER CXXX. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Charles Street, March 25, 1780. - - DEAR MADAM, - -I AND mine have a thousand things to thank you for--shall I say the -plain truth, and own I am proud to know that you care for me and my -little ones? your friendly attention to our interests proves it--but -mortals of your cast are oftener envied than loved:--the majority, -who are composed chiefly of the narrow-minded or contracted hearts, -and of selfish avidity, cannot comprehend the delight in doing as -they would be done by--and consequently cannot love what they do not -understand.--Excuse my nonsense, I ever write just what I think:--my -business was to give you some account why I delayed the teas, and -to thank you for your very noble order.--Sir Jacob was here this -afternoon, and, if his looks tell truth, he is exceeding well. H---- -desires his love to you and the worthy partner of your heart, to whom -I join with my spouse in wishing every earthly felicity--heavenly -you have both insured, by being faithful stewards.--Sir Jacob sent a -parcel--which accompanies the teas--which I hope will reach you safe -and right, as they set out to-morrow noon--Tell Mr. H----, I pray you, -that the winter has used me as roughly as it has him--I never have been -so unwell for these four months past;--but, alas! one reason is, I do -believe, that I am past fifty;--but I hope with you, that spring will -set us all right.--As to complaints in trade, there is nothing else--we -are all poor, all grumblers, all preaching œconomy--and wishing our -neighbours to practise it;--but no one but the quite undone begins -at home. We are all patriots, all politicians, all state-quacks, and -all fools:--the ladies are turned orators, and declaim in public, -expose their persons, and their erudition, to every Jackanapes who -can throw down half a crown:--as to the men, they are past saving;--as -I can say no good, I will stop where I am. And is my good friend Mr. -S---- unmarried still? Fie, fie upon him! how can he enjoy any good -alone? He should take a partner, to lead him gently down the hill of -life--to superintend his linen and his meat;--to give sweet poignancy -to his beverage--and talk him to sleep on nights.--Pray tell him all I -say--and also that the majority are killing up the minority as fast as -they can:--nothing but duels, and rumours of duels.--But is it now time -to finish? Dear Madam, forgive all my impertinences; and, believe me, -dame Sancho and self have a true sense of your goodness, and repeatedly -thank you both for your kindness to, - - Yours in sincerity, - and greatly obliged friends, - - +ANNE+ and +IGN. SANCHO+. - - - - -LETTER CXXXI. - -For the +General Advertiser+. - - - August 29, 1780. - - FRIEND EDITOR, - -“IN the multitude of Counsellors there is wisdom,” sayeth the -preacher--and at this present crisis of national jeopardy, it -seemeth to me befitting for every honest man to offer his mite of -advice towards public benefit and edification.--The vast bounties -offered for able-bodied men sheweth the zeal and liberality of our -wise lawgivers--yet indicateth a scarcity of men. Now, they seem -to me to have overlooked one resource (which appears obvious); a -resource which would greatly benefit the people at large (by being -more usefully employed), and which are happily half-trained already -for the service of their country, by being _powder-proof_, light, -active, young fellows:--I dare say you have anticipated my scheme, -which is to form ten companies at least, out of the very numerous -body of hair-dressers:--they are, for the most part, clean, clever, -young men--and, as observed above, the utility would be immense:--the -ladies, by once more getting the management of their heads into their -own hands, might possibly regain their native reason and œconomy--and -the gentlemen might be induced by mere necessity to comb and care for -their own heads;--those (I mean) who have heads to care for.--If the -above scheme should happily take place, among the many advantages too -numerous to particularize, which would of course result from it, one -not of the least magnitude would be a prodigious saving in the great -momentous article of time; people of the _ton_ of both sexes (to speak -within probability) usually losing between two or three hours daily on -that important business.--My plan, Mr. Editor, I have the comfort to -think, is replete with good;--it tends to serve my king and country in -the first instance--and to cleanse, settle, and emancipate from the -cruel bondage of French, as well as native frizeurs, the heads of my -fellow-subjects. - - Yours, &c. - - +Africanus.+ - - - - -LETTER CXXXII. - -TO MRS. H----. - - - Charles Street, May 20, 1780. - - DEAR MADAM, - -YOUR goodness is never tired with action!--How many, very many times -have I to thank you, for your friendly interesting yourself in our -behalf!--You will say thanks are irksome to a generous mind--so I -have done--but must first ask pardon for a sin of omission.--I never -sent you word that your good son, as friendly as polite, paid me -the note directly, and would not suffer it to run its sight:--they -that know Sir Jacob will not wonder; for he is a Christian, which -means, in my idea, a gentleman not of the modern sort.--Trade is at -so low an ebb, the greatest are glad to see ready money:--in truth, -we are a ruined people--let hirelings affect to write and talk as -big as they please! and, what is worse, religion and morality are -vanished with our prosperity--every good principle seems to be -leaving us:--as our means lessen, luxury and every sort of expensive -pleasure increases.--The blessed Sabbath-day is used by the trader for -country excursions--tavern dinners--rural walks--and then whipping -and galloping through dust and over turnpikes drunk home.--The poorer -sort do any thing--but go to church;--they take their dust in the -field, and conclude the sacred evening with riots, drunkenness, and -empty pockets:--the beau in upper life hires his whisky and beast -for twelve shillings; his girl dressed _en militaire_ for half a -guinea, and spends his whole week’s earnings to look and be thought -_quite the thing_.--And for upper tiptop high life--cards and music -are called in, to dissipate the chagrin of a tiresome, tedious -Sunday’s evening.--The example spreads downwards from them to their -domestics;--the laced valet and the livery beau either debauch the -maids, or keep their girls:--thus profusion and cursed dissipation -fill the prisons, and feed the gallows.--The clergy--hush! I will not -meddle with them--God forbid I should!--they are pretty much the same -in all places;--but this I will affirm, where-ever a preacher is in -earnest in his duty, and can _preach_, he will not want for crouded -congregations.--As to our politics--now don’t laugh at me--for every -one has a right to be a politician; so have I; and though only a poor, -thick-lipped son of Afric! may be as notable a Negro state-botcher -as * * * * *, and so on for five hundred:--I do not mean B--e, S--le, -B--é, nor D--n--g. Mind that----no, nor N--th, G--m--e, J--k--n, nor -W--dd--ne, names that will shine in history when the marble monuments -of their earthly flatterers shall be mouldering into dust.--I have -wrote absolute nonsense--I mean the monuments of N--th, G--m--e, &c. -and not of their flatterers--but it is right I should give you an -apology for this foolish letter.--Know then, my dear Madam, I have -been seriously and literally fast asleep for these two months;--true, -upon the word of a poor sufferer, a kind of lethargy.--I can sleep -standing, walking, and feel so intolerably heavy, and oppressed with -it, that sometimes I am ready to tumble when walking in the street.--I -am exceeding sorry to hear Mr. H---- is so poorly--and hope, through -God’s mercy, the waters will have the wished effect. For my own part, -I feel myself ten years older this year than the last.--Time tries -us all--but, blessed be God! in the end we shall be an over-match -for Time, and leave him, scythe and all, in the lurch--when we shall -all enjoy a blessed Eternity.--In this view, and under the same -hope, we are as great, yea, as respectable and consequential--as -Statesmen! Bishops! Chancellors! Popes! Heroes! Kings! Actors of -every denomination--who must all drop the mask--when the fated minute -arrives--and, alas! some of the very high be obliged to give place to -Mr. and Mrs. H----. May you and yours enjoy every felicity here! every -blessing hereafter! wish thy much obliged friends! - - The +SANCHOS+. - - - - -LETTER CXXXIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles-Street, June 6, 1780. - - DEAR AND MOST RESPECTED SIR, - -IN the midst of the most cruel and ridiculous confusion--I am now set -down to give you a very imperfect sketch of the maddest people--that -the maddest times were ever plagued with.--The public prints have -informed you (without doubt) of last Friday’s transactions;--the -insanity of Ld. G. G. and the worse than Negro barbarity of the -populace; the burnings and devastations of each night--you will also -see in the prints;--this day, by consent, was set apart for the -farther consideration of the wished-for repeal;--the people (who had -their proper cue from his lordship) assembled by ten o’clock in the -morning.--Lord N--h, who had been up in council at home till four in -the morning, got to the house before eleven, just a quarter of an -hour before the associators reached Palace-yard:--but, I should tell -you, in council there was a deputation from all parties;--the S---- -party were for prosecuting Lord G----, and leaving him at large;--the -At--y G----l laughed at the idea, and declared it was doing just -nothing;--the M----y were for his expulsion, and so dropping him -gently into insignificancy;--that was thought wrong, as he would still -be industrious in mischief;--the R----m party, I should suppose, -you will think counselled best, which is, this day to expel him the -house--commit him to the Tower--and then prosecute him at leisure--by -which means he will lose the opportunity of getting a seat in the next -parliament--and have decent leisure to repent him of the heavy evils -he has occasioned.--There is at this present moment at least a hundred -thousand poor, miserable ragged rabble, from twelve to sixty years of -age, with blue cockades in their hats--besides half as many women -and children--all parading the streets--the bridge--the park--ready -for any and every mischief.--Gracious God! what’s the matter now? I -was obliged to leave off--the shouts of the mob--the horrid clashing -of swords--and the clutter of a multitude in swiftest motion--drew me -to the door--when every one in the street was employed in shutting up -shop--It is now just five o’clock--the ballad-singers are exhausting -their musical talents with the downfall of Popery, S--h, and N--h. -Lord S--h narrowly escaped with life about an hour since;--the mob -seized his chariot going to the house, broke his glasses, and, in -struggling to get his lordship out, somehow have cut his face; the -guards flew to his assistance--the light-horse scowered the road, got -his chariot, escorted him from the coffee-house, where he had fled -for protection, to his carriage, and guarded him bleeding very fast -home. This--this--is liberty! genuine British liberty!--This instant -about two thousand liberty boys are swearing and swaggering by with -large sticks--thus armed in hopes of meeting with the Irish chairmen -and labourers--all the guards are out--and all the horse;--the poor -fellows are just worn out for want of rest--having been on duty -ever since Friday. Thank heaven, it rains; may it increase, so as -to send these deluded wretches safe to their homes, their families, -and wives! About two this afternoon a large party took it into their -heads to visit the King and Queen, and entered the Park for that -purpose--but found the guard too numerous to be forced, and after some -useless attempts gave it up. It is reported, the house will either be -prorogued, or parliament dissolved, this evening--as it is in vain to -think of attending any business while this anarchy lasts. - -I cannot but felicitate you, my good friend, upon the happy distance -you are placed from our scene of confusion.--May foul Discord and -her cursed train never nearer approach your blessed abode! Tell Mrs. -S----, her good heart would ach, did she see the anxiety, the woe, in -the faces of mothers, wives, and sweethearts, each equally anxious for -the object of their wishes, the beloved of their hearts. Mrs. Sancho -and self both cordially join in love and gratitude, and every good -wish--crowned with the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, -&c. - - I am, dear Sir, - Yours ever by inclination, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - Postscript, - -The Sardinian ambassador offered 500 guineas to the rabble, to save -a painting of our Saviour from the flames, and 1000 guineas not to -destroy an exceeding fine organ: the gentry told him, they would burn -him if they could get at him, and destroyed the picture and organ -directly. I am not sorry I was born in Afric.--I shall tire you, I -fear--and, if I cannot get a frank, make you pay dear for bad news. -There is about a thousand mad men, armed with clubs, bludgeons, and -crows, just now set off for Newgate, to liberate, they say, their -honest comrades.--I wish they do not some of them lose their lives -of liberty before morning. It is thought by many who discern deeply, -that there is more at the bottom of this business than merely the -repeal of an act--which as has yet produced no bad consequences, and -perhaps never might.--I am forced to own, that I am for an universal -toleration. Let us convert by our example, and conquer by our meekness -and brotherly love! - -Eight o’clock. Lord G---- G---- has this moment announced to my Lords -the mob--that the act shall be repealed this evening:--upon this, they -gave a hundred chears--took the horses from his hackney-coach, and -rolled him full jollily away:--they are huzzaing now ready to crack -their throats. - - _Huzza!_ - -I am forced to conclude for want of room--the remainder in our next. - - - - -LETTER CXXXIV. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, June 9, 1780. - - MY DEAR SIR, - -GOVERNMENT is sunk in lethargic stupor--anarchy reigns--when -I look back to the glorious time of a George II. and a Pitt’s -administration--my heart sinks at the bitter contrast. We may now -say of England, as was heretofore said of Great Babylon--“the beauty -of the excellency of the Chaldees is no more;”--the Fleet Prison, -the Marshalsea, King’s-Bench, both Compters, Clerkenwell, and -Tothill-Fields, with Newgate, are flung open;--Newgate partly burned, -and 300 felons, from thence only, let loose upon the world. Lord -M----’s house in town suffered martyrdom; and his sweet box at Caen -Wood escaped almost miraculously, for the mob had just arrived, and -were beginning with it, when a strong detachment from the guards and -light-horse came most critically to its rescue--the library, and, -what is of more consequence, papers and deeds of vast value, were all -cruelly consumed in the flames. Ld. N--’s house was attacked; but they -had previous notice, and were ready for them. The Bank, the Treasury, -and thirty of the chief noblemen’s houses, are doomed to suffer by the -insurgents. There were six of the rioters killed at Ld. M----’s, and, -what is remarkable, a daring chap, escaped from Newgate, condemned to -die this day, was the most active in mischief at Ld. M----’s, and was -the first person shot by the soldiers; so he found death a few hours -sooner than if he had not been released.--The ministry have tried -lenity, and have experienced its inutility; and martial law is this -night to be declared.--If any body of people above ten in number are -seen together, and refuse to disperse, they are to be fired at without -any further ceremony--so we expect terrible work before morning.--The -insurgents visited the Tower, but it would not do:--they had better -luck in the Artillery-ground, where they found and took to their use -500 stand of arms; a great error in city politics, not to have secured -them first.--It is wonderful to hear the execrable nonsense that is -industriously circulated amongst the credulous mob, who are told his -M----y regularly goes to mass at Ld. P--re’s chaple--and they believe -it, and that he pays out of his privy purse Peter-pence to Rome. Such -is the temper of the times--from too relaxed a government;--and a King -and Queen on the throne who possess every virtue. May God, in his -mercy, grant that the present scourge may operate to our repentance and -amendment! that it may produce the fruits of better thinking, better -doing, and in the end make us a wise, virtuous, and happy people!--I -am, dear Sir, truly, Mrs. S----’s and your most grateful and obliged -friend and servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -The remainder in our next. - -Half past nine o’clock. - -King’s-Bench prison is now in flames, and the prisoners at large; two -fires in Holborn now burning. - - - - -LETTER CXXXV. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 9, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -HAPPILY for us, the tumult begins to subside:--last night much -was threatened, but nothing done--except in the early part of the -evening, when about four-score or an hundred of the reformers got -decently knocked on the head;--they were half killed by Mr. Langdale’s -spirits--so fell an easy conquest to the bayonet and butt-end.--There -are about fifty taken prisoners--and not a blue cockade to be -seen:--the streets once more wear the face of peace--and men seem once -more to resume their accustomed employments.--The greatest losses have -fallen upon the great distiller near Holborn-bridge, and Lord M----; -the former, alas! has lost his whole fortune;--the latter, the greatest -and best collection of manuscript writings, with one of the finest -libraries in the kingdom. Shall we call it a judgement?--or what shall -we call it? The thunder of their vengeance has fallen upon Gin and -Law--the two most inflammatory things in the Christian world.--We have -a Coxheath and Warley of our own; Hyde Park has a grand encampment, -with artillery, Park, &c. &c. St. James’s Park has ditto--upon a -smaller scale. The Parks, and our West end of the town, exhibit the -features of French government. This minute, thank God! this moment -Lord G. G. is taken. Sir F. Molineux has him safe at the horse-guards. -Bravo! he is now going in state in an old hackney-coach, escorted by a -regiment of militia and troop of light horse, to his apartments in the -Tower. - - “Off with his head--so much--for Buckingham.” - -We have taken this day numbers of the poor wretches, in so much we -know not where to place them. Blessed be the Lord! we trust this -affair is pretty well concluded.--If any thing transpires worth your -notice--you shall hear from - - Your much obliged, &c. &c. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - -Best regards attend Mrs. S----. His lordship was taken at five o’clock -this evening--betts run fifteen to five, Lord G-- G-- is hanged in -eight days:--he wished much to speak to his Majesty on Wednesday, but -was of course refused. - - - - -LETTER CXXXVI. - -TO J. S----, ESQ. - - - June 13, 1780. - - MY DEAR SIR, - -THAT my poor endeavours have given you information or amusement, -gratifies the warm wish of my heart; for, as I know not the man to -whose kindness I am so much indebted, I may safely say, I know not the -man whose esteem I more ardently covet and honour.--We are exceeding -sorry to hear of Mrs. S----’s indisposition; and hope, ere this reaches -you, she will be well, or greatly mended.--The spring with us has been -very sickly--and the summer has brought with it sick times;--sickness! -cruel sickness! triumphs through every part of the constitution:--the -State is sick--the Church (God preserve it!) is sick--the Law, -Navy, Army, all sick--the people at large are sick with taxes--the -Ministry with Opposition, and Opposition with Disappointment.--Since -my last, the temerity of the mob has gradually subsided;--numbers -of the unfortunate rogues have been taken:--yesterday about thirty -were killed in and about Smithfield, and two soldiers were killed in -the affray.--There is no certainty yet as to the number of houses -burnt and gutted--for every day adds to the account--which is a proof -how industrious they were in their short reign.--Few evils but are -productive of some good in the end:--the suspicious turbulence of the -times united the royal brothers;--the two Dukes, dropping all past -resentment, made a filial tender of their services;--his Majesty (God -bless him!) as readily accepted it--and on Thursday last the brothers -met;--they are now a triple cord--God grant a blessing to the union! -There is a report current this day, that the mob of York city have -rose, and let 3000 French prisoners out of York-castle--but it meets -with very little credit.--I do not believe they have any thing like the -number of French in those parts--as I am informed the prisoners are -sent more to the western inland counties--but every hour has its fresh -cargo of lies. The camp in St. James’s Park is daily increasing--that -and Hyde Park will be continued all the summer.--The K--g is much among -them--walking the lines--and examining the posts:--he looks exceeding -grave. Crowns, alas! have more thorns than roses. - -You see things, my dear Sir, with the faithful eye which looks, through -nature, up to Nature’s God--the sacred page is your support--the word -of God your shield and armour--well may you be able so sweetly to -deduce good out of evil--the Lord ordereth your goings--and gives the -blessings of increase to all your wishes. For your kind anxiety about -me and family, we bless and thank you.--I own, at first I felt uneasy -sensations--but a little reflection brought me to myself.--Put thy -trust in God, quoth I.--Mrs. Sancho, whose virtues out-number my vices -(and I have enough for any one mortal), feared for me and for her -children more than for herself.--She prayed too, I dare say--and her -prayers were heard. - -America seems to be quite lost or forgot among us;--the fleet is -but a secondary affair.--Pray God send us some good news, to chear -our drooping apprehensions, and to enable me to send you pleasanter -accounts;--for trust me, my worthy friend, grief, sorrow, devastation, -blood, and slaughter, are totally foreign to the taste and affection of - - Your faithful friend - and obliged servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Our joint best wishes to Mrs. S----, self, and family. - - - - -LETTER CXXXVII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 15, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I AM exceeding happy to inform you, that at twelve this noon Lord L---- -arrived express from Sir H-- C----, with the pleasing news, that, on -the 12th of April, Charles Town with its dependencies capitulated -to his Majesty’s arms, with the loss of 200 men on our side: by -which fortunate event, five ships of war, besides many frigates, and -one thousand seamen, were captured; and seven thousand military, -which compose the garrison.--You will have pleasure, I am sure, in -finding so little blood shed--and in the hope of its accelerating the -so-much-wished-for peace. Inclosed is a list of the prisoners, which -is from Lord Lincoln’s account--at least I am confidently told so--and -more than that, it is said the late terrible riot was on a plan -concerted between the French and Americans--upon which their whole hope -of success was founded--they expected universal bankruptcy would be the -consequence, with despair and every sad concomitant in its train. By -God’s goodness, we have escaped. May we deserve so great mercy! - - Prays sincerely yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - -The Gazette will not be out in time, but you shall have one to-morrow -without fail.--As soon as this news was announced, the Tower and Park -guns confirmed it--the guards encamped in the Parks fired each a grand -_feu de joye_--to-night we blaze in illuminations--and to-morrow get -up as poor and discontented as ever. I wish, dear Sir, very much to -hear Mrs. S---- is quite recovered--it would indicate more than a -common want of feeling, were not my wife and self anxious for the -health and repose of such very rare friends.--Indulge us, do, dear Sir, -with a single line, that we may joy in your joy upon her amendment, -or join our wishes with yours to the God of mercy and love, for her -speedy recovery.--I inclose you an evening paper--there is not much -in it. Upon consideration, I have my doubts concerning the French -and Americans being so deep in the plan of our late riots;--there -requires, I think, a kind of supernatural knowledge to adjust their -motions so critically--but you can judge far better than my weak -intellects;--therefore I will not pretend to affirm any thing for -truth, except my sincere desire to approve myself most gratefully - - Your obliged servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXXVIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 16, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -AS a supplement to my last--this is to tell you a piece of private -news--which gives ministry high hopes in the future. General -Washington, who was anxiously watching Sir H. Clinton, no sooner saw -with certainty his intention, but he struck his camp, and made the -most rapid march to New York--they expected it;--but, as he was in -superior force, they felt their danger.--Sir H. Clinton, as soon as -he could possibly settle the garrison of Charles Town, embarked with -seven thousand men, and got to New York in time to save it;--and -if he can possibly bring Washington to a battle, it is thought the -fate of America will be soon decided.--Thank God! the sky clears in -that quarter--but we look rather louring at home.--Ministry wish -now too plainly to disarm the subjects. Last year, under dread of -French invasion, the good people were thanked for their military -favour.--Master tradesmen armed their journeymen and apprentices--and -the serjeants of the guards absolutely made little fortunes in teaching -grown gentlemen of all descriptions their exercise--in fancied -uniforms, and shining arms, they marched to the right, wheeled to the -left, and looked battle-proof;--but now, it seems, they are not only -useless, but offensive. How the affair will end, God only knows!--I -do not like its complexion.--Government has ordered them to give up -their arms. If they do, where is British liberty? If they refuse, -what is Administration? Many are gentlemen of large property--Inns -of Court Members, Lawyers, &c. dangerous people.--Time will unveil -the whole--May its lenient powers pour the balm of healing councils -on this once glorious spot!--and make it as heretofore the nurse of -freedom--Europe’s fairest example--the land of truth, bravery, loyalty, -and of every heart-gladdening virtue! That you and Mrs. S---- may, -surrounded with friends, and in the enjoyment of every good, live to -see the completion of my wishes--is the concluding prayer of, - - Dear Sir, - Yours ever, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXXXIX. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 19, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I AM sorry to hear by brother O---- that Mrs. S---- yet continues but -poorly--may she be soon perfectly well--and health attend you both! We -remain pretty quiet--the military are so judiciously placed, that in -fact the whole town (in despight of its magnitude) is fairly overawed -and commanded by them. His M----y went this day to the house--and gave -them the very best speech, in my opinion, of his whole life: I have the -pleasure to inclose it.--If I err in judgement, I know you more the -true candid friend, than the severe critic--and that you will smile at -the mistake of the head, and do justice to the heart, of - - Your ever obliged, - - I. SANCHO. - - -There is a report, that the Quebec fleet, escorted by two frigates, -are entirely captured by a French squadron.--I hope this will prove -premature. - - - - -LETTER CXL. - -TO MR. J---- W----E. - - - Charles Street, Westm. June 23, 1780. - - MY DEAR FRIEND, - -HOW do you do? is the blessing of health upon you? do you eat -moderately? drink temperately, and laugh heartily? sleep soundly? -converse carefully with one eye to pleasure, the other fixed upon -improvement? The above is the hope and wish of thy friend, friend to -thy house, and respecter of its character.--You, happy young man, by as -happy a coincidence of fortune, are like to be the head of the W---- -family:--may riches visit you, coupled with honour and honesty!--and -then sweet peace of mind shall yield you a dignity--which kings have -not power to confer:--then will you experience that the self-ennobled -are the only true noble:--then will you truly feel those beautiful -lines of Pope: - - “One self-approving hour whole years outweighs - “Of idle starers, or of loud huzza’s; - “What can ennoble sots, or slaves, or cowards? - “Alas! not all the blood of all the Howards.” - -Your father, I trust, will send you some public prints, in which -he will see the blessed temper of the times:--we are (but do not -be frightened), or at least two thirds of us, run mad--through too -much religion;--our religion has swallowed up our charity--and the -fell demon Persecution is become the sacred idol of the once free, -enlightened, generous Britons.--You will read with wonder and horror -the sad, sad history of eight such days as I wish from my soul could be -annihilated out of Time’s records for ever. - -That poor wretched young man I once warned you of is (I find from -under his own hand) now resident at Calcutta:--’tis not in the power -of friendship to serve a man who will in no one instance care for -himself:--so I wish you not to know him--but whatever particulars you -can collaterally glean of him, I shall esteem it a favour if you would -transmit them to - - Your sincere friend, - - IGNATIUS SANCHO. - - -Mrs. Sancho joins me cordially in every wish for your good. - - - - -LETTER CXLI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - June 27, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -THERE is news this day arrived, which, I believe, may be depended -upon--that Rodney brought the French admiral to a second engagement -about the 26th of May; it unluckily fell calm, or the affair would have -been decisive.--The van of Rodney, however, got up to Mons. Guichen’s -fleet’s rear, and gave it a hearty welcome.--Rodney still keeps the -seas, and prevents the French fleet getting into Martinique.--The -account says, the enemy had the advantage of six ships of the line more -than Rodney;--and a report runs current, that Walsingham has fallen-in -with the Dominica fleet, consisting of thirty merchantmen and two -frigates, and taken most of them--but this wants confirmation.--Dear -Sir, I hope Mrs. S---- is better than mending--quite well--to whom -our most sincere respects.--Your order, good Sir, is compleated, and, -please God, will be delivered to to-morrow’s waggon. - -Excuse my scrawling hand--in truth my eyes fail me; I feel myself since -last winter an old man all at once--the failure of eyes--the loss of -teeth--the thickness of hearing--are all messengers sent in mercy and -love, to turn our thoughts to the important journey which kings and -great men seldom think about:--it is for such as you to meditate on -time and eternity with true pleasure--looking back, you have very much -to comfort you;--looking forward, you have all to hope.--As I have -reason to respect you in this life, may I and mine be humble witnesses -in the next of the exceeding weight of bliss and glory poured out -without measure upon thee and thine! - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXLII. - -TO MR. O----. - - - July 1, 1780. - - DEAR BROTHER, - -SHALL I rejoice or condole with you upon this new acquaintance you -have made? How the devil it found you out, I cannot imagine--I suppose -the father of mischief sent it to some richer neighbour at a greater -house; but as Johnny O---- was a character better known, and much more -esteemed, the gout thought he might as well just take a peep at F----m, -liked the place, and the man of the place--and so, nestling into -your shoe, quite forgot his real errand:--thy guardian angel watched -the whole procedure--quoth he, “I cannot wholly avert evils--but I -can turn them into blessings.--This transitory pain shall not only -refine his blood, and cleanse him from other disorders--it shall also -lengthen his life, and purify his heart:--the hour of affliction is -the seed-time of reflection--the good shall greatly over-balance the -evil.”----As I am unfortunately an adept in the gout, I ought to send -you a cart-load of cautions and advice--talk nonsense about tight -shoes, &c. with a farrago of stuff more teazing than the pain;--but I -hear the ladies visit you--and, what’s better, friendship in the shape -of Messieurs S----k and B----n were seen to enter the palace of F----. -I supped last night with Dr. R----, where your health was drunk, and -your gout pretty freely canvassed. - - God orders all for the best. - Yours, &c. - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXLIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - July 5, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I RECEIVED yours this morning from the hands of a gentleman, who would -not stay to be thanked for the invaluable letter he brought me.--You -truly say, that cold lowness of spirits engenders melancholy thoughts; -for my part, I should be a most ungrateful being to repine--for I have -known good health--and even now, though not well, far from being ill, -and have the friendship of Mr. S----, and one or two more who do honour -to human nature.--But the purpose of this scrawl is to confirm to you a -piece of good news this day arrived--which is, that both the Carolinas, -and best part of Virginia, are all come in to their allegiance.--The -back settlers have rose, and mustered the reluctant:--thus the three -richest and strongest provinces are now in the King’s peace--for which, -God make us thankful. - -Adieu, dear Sir.--Mrs. Sancho (whose eyes kindle with pleasure while -she speaks) begs to be joined with me in the most respectful manner to -Mrs. S---- and yourself--hope Mrs. S---- is quite as well as you can -wish her. - - I am ever yours, - Dear Sir, to command, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXLIV. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, August 18, 1780. - - MY DEAR AND HON. SIR, - -MY long silence was the effect of a dearth of news:--I could have -wrote, it’s true--but you would have ill relished a mass of thanks -upon favours received.--Minds like yours diffuse blessings around; and, -like parent heaven, rest satisfied with the heart.--Your goodness, -dear Sir, is registered there--and death will not expunge it.--No; it -will travel to the throne of grace, and the Almighty will not wrong -you.--I am just risen from table with my friend R----, and we have -toasted you most cordially in conjunction with the amiable partner of -your heart, whom I hope in some happy time to see--I may say, hunger -and thirst to see--it’s the wish of my heart.--Providence has indulged -me with many, and I will hope for the completion of this.--But to -the point:--a gentleman in administration (with whom I am upon good -terms) about an hour since called upon me, to give me some fresh news -just arrived from Admiral Geary’s fleet--an engagement between a new -French frigate, pierced for 44 guns, mounting 32, called the Nymphe, -and the Flora English frigate, Capt. Peere Williams[17], of 36 guns; -the Flora was peeping into Brest harbour, when the Nymphe was coming -out full of men;--they were both in the right mind for engagement--to -it they went--the Frenchman began the affair at two cables length -distance.--Williams reserved his fire till they were within -half-cable’s length--it lasted with the obstinacy of two enraged lions -for above two hours.--A French cutter came up to teaze, but was sent -off soon with a belly-full:--at last the French captain, at the head -of his men, attempted boarding--when our English hero met him--ran him -through the body--drove back his men--put them under hatches--struck -the colours--when she was on fire in four different places.--This -affair happened the 10th ult. and he has gallantly brought his prize -into Plymouth.--This is the greatest affair, take the number of guns, -men &c. altogether, that has happened this war. I am sorry to remark, -that if the French fleets in general behave so well, it will be a -service of danger to meddle with them. - -When Capt. Williams had conquered the crew, they found sixty dead upon -deck;--the two ships exhibited a scene more like a slaughter-house, -than any thing imaginable--These, oh Christians! are the features of -war--and thus Most Christian Kings and Defenders of Faith shew their -zeal and love for the dying commands of their Divine Master.--Oh! -friend, may every felicity be thine, and those beloved by thee! may the -heartfelt sigh arise only at the tale of foreign woes!--May that sacred -tear of pity bedew the cheek for misfortunes only such as humanity may -soften!--Mrs. Sancho joins me in sincere and grateful respects to Mrs. -S---- and self. - - Yours truly, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Sancho begs his respects to Mr. and Mrs. C----; love to Sir J-- O----. -and all who enquire after Blackamoors. - -[17] Capt. Peere Williams is first cousin to Lady N----; and he will - not fare the worse for that. - - - - -LETTER CXLV. - -TO MRS. C----. - - - Charles Street, Sept. 7, 1780. - -MY greatly esteemed and honoured friend, if my pen doth justice in any -sort to my feelings, this letter will not be a complimentary one.--I -look upon such letters as I do upon the ladies winter nosegays, a -choice display of vivid colouring, but no sweetness.--My friend Mr. -R---- says, I stand condemned in the opinions of two ladies for an -omittance in writing: believe me, my sorrow for incurring the censure -is much more real than the crime; for when the heart is overcharged -with worldly care, the mind bending also to the pressure of afflictive -visitations--add to that the snow-tipt hairs announcing fifty odd--the -fire of fancy is quite extinguished.--Alas! alas! such being the true -state of the case--I dare abide by the jury of your noble and equitable -hearts, to be brought in not guilty. The shew of hands was greatly -in favour of Mr. C---- F--x and Sir G---- R----y; they will carry it -all to nothing, is the opinion of the knowing--Lord L---- met with a -coarse reception, at which he was a little displeased.--Mr. B--g spoke -like the pupil of eloquence;--but the glorious F--x was the father and -school of oratory himself--the Friend! the Patron! the Example!--There -now.--I attended the hustings from ten to half past two--gave my free -vote to the Honourable C---- J---- F--x and to Sir G---- R----y; -hobbled home full of pain and hunger.--What followed after, you shall -know in my next. At present I have only to declare myself - - Yours and Miss C----’s - most obedient, faithful, - humble servant, - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXLVI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Sept. 9, 1780. - -WE are all election-bewitched here--I hope Sir C---- B---- meets -with no opposition--he is so worthy a character, that, should he be -ill supported, it would impeach the good sense and honesty of his -constituents.--Mrs. S---- and yourself, I pray God, may both enjoy -health and every good.--I here inclose you this evening’s paper, by -which you will see how the F--x is like to lead Ad----n. He and Sir -G---- B---- R---- had my hearty vote, and I had the honour of his -thanks personally, and in writing also. I have to thank you for a -thousand kind things, which I wish from my soul I could any way ever -deserve. May health and every blessing bestrew your paths--and those of -all you love!--is the prayer and wish of - - Your much obliged - humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CXLVII. - -TO MISS C----. - - - Saturday, Sept. 9, 1780. - - DEAR MISS, - -I HAVE the honour to address you upon a very interesting, serious, -critical subject.--Do not be alarmed! it is an affair which I have -had at heart some days past--it has employed my meditations more than -my prayers.--Now, I protest, I feel myself in the most aukward of -situations--but it must out--and so let it.--But how does my good, -my half-adored Mrs. C----? and how does Miss A----? and when did you -see my worthy Mrs. R----? Are they all well, and happy as friendship -could wish them? How is the Doctor and Beau S----, all well?--Well, -thank God--and you and your dear self are well? Honey, and was not Lord -N---- an Irish title? true, but the chield is Scotch born.--Pray give -my best affections to Mrs. C----, and acquaint her with the state -of the poll for the ancient city and liberty of Westminster, which I -inclose. I would not wish you to mention what I so boldly advanced in -the beginning of this letter.--No; let it die away like a miser’s hope. - - Your most obedient, - most humble servant, - I remain, dear Miss C----, - - I. SANCHO. - - -The remainder in our next. - - - - -LETTER CXLVIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Sept. 23, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I RECEIVED this evening one of the kindest letters that ever friendship -dictated--for which I rejoice that the time draws near, when I shall -have the delight to amend my health--and see the few true good -friends--such as my soul delighteth to honour.--I inclose you an -evening paper.--Thank God! although the people have been a little -irritated, every thing appears quiet, and I hope will remain so. The -week after next, I hope to see the good Mrs. S---- and your worthy -self, to whom Mrs. Sancho joins me in best wishes. - - I am, dear Sir, - Your most obedient - humble servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - -The principal business I had to write about had like to have escaped -me, which is your kindness in offering your house for head-quarters; -which I would embrace, had not brother O---- the right of priority. - - - - -LETTER CXLIX. - -TO DOCTOR N--F--D. - - - Charles Street, Westm. Oct. 13, 1780. - - HONOURED SIR, - -WERE I to omit my thanks--poor as they are--for a single post--your -honest and more sensible dog would be ashamed of me. - - “A merciful man is good to his beasts.” - -The friendly hand which strokes and rewards his attentions, that same -friendly hand has prescribed for my good--and under God has much -benefited my health;--the eye of kindness, which animates the poor -animal to deeds almost beyond instinct, hath beamed upon me also, and -given me the pleasing assurance of new health.--I wish, dear Sir, for -just as much credit in the point of gratitude, as you will allow to -fall to the share of any poor honest dog.--For so much, and no more, -prayeth, dear Sir, - - Your most obedient - and grateful servant, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CL. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Friday, Oct 13, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I SHOULD esteem myself too happy, were I at this moment certain that -Mrs. S---- were as much better as I find myself;--but when I consider -the professional skill, as well as the interest Dr. N---- has in the -welfare of you and yours, I sit down satisfied, in full hope that -Mrs. S---- is at this moment better--much better--and, as one spirit -animates you both, you are better too. May health diffuse itself -throughout thy house! and gladden all around it! I am better, my dear -Sir.--Tell my good Mrs. S----, I shall live to see her, and to thank -her too most cordially in my child’s name: for my part, your liberality -in constant flow has tired me out with thank-ye’s. Adieu, dear Sir.--I -never left a place with so much regret as you made me leave B---- -with;--nor ever met with the whole family of the Charities, but at thy -house.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in acknowledgements to self, good Mrs. -S----, and Dr. N--f--d. - - We are, dear Sir, - Yours gratefully, - - A. I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLI. - -TO MR. S----. - - - Friday, Oct. 18, 1780. - -POOH, no, thou simpleton! I tell thee, I got no cold, neither is my -breath one jot the worse.--I wish I knew that you suffered as little -from break of rest, and raw air.--I am glad I have left you, for your -sake as well as my own, my dear Stee.--The corks flew out of thy -bottles in such rapid succession, that prudence and pity held a council -upon it.--Generosity stepped in, followed by a pert coxcomb, whom they -called Spirit--and God knows how the affair is to end.--I intend to -write a line to the worthies of your town, the good Mr. S-- and Dr. -N--f--d. O Stee! had I thy abilities, I would say what should credit -my feelings, though it fell far short of the merits of such friends to -mankind--and - - Your +IGN. SANCHO+, in particular. - - -Love and respects to thy generous scholars--the Greens--the Browns, &c. -&c. to reverends Mess. Prettyman, and the other gentleman with pretty -wife, whose name is deserted from the silly pate of thy true friend -Sancho.--I have not seen Mr. J---- H----; but they are all well, as Mr. -Anthony has just announced. - -Say handsomely to the Greens--and much as you please to the Prettymans. - - - - -LETTER CLII. - - - October 15, 1780. - - MY DEAR BOY, - -THIS is to thank you kindly for the affectionate mark of your -remembrance of your old friend. After a long tedious voyage, you -happily reached the haven of your repose--found your friends well--and -rejoiced their hearts by presenting, not a prodigal, but a duteous, -worthy, and obedient child;--theirs be the joy--but yours will be -the gain.--As sure as light follows the rising of the sun, and -darkness the setting of it;--so sure is goodness even in this life -its own reward of course. You are in the militia--that will do you no -harm;--spirit and true courage in defence of our country is naturally -and nobly employed.--We are in the upper world playing the old foolish -game--in the same foolish way--and with the same foolish set that -trod the ministerial boards when you left us. Your friend D---- tries -expedients, and gets nothing;--he is very deep in my debt; but as he -has nothing, I can expect nothing--for I never will consent to do that -to others, I would not they should do unto me.--N---- does better, -and grows proud--I wish him joy.--My dear youth, be proud of nothing -but an honest heart.--Let the sacred oracles be your morn and evening -counsellors--so shall you truly enjoy life, and smile at the approach -of death.--I have been exceedingly ill since you left us;--but, thank -God! I have got a fair fit of the gout, which will, I hope, cleanse me -from my whole budget of complaints.--I shall live, I hope, till your -good present arrives;--and then I shall live indeed.--Send the girls -some cherry nuts, if easy to be procured.--Mrs. S---- joins me in love, -good-will, and good wishes for thy peace, health, and prosperity. Adieu. - - Yours affectionately, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Nov. 1, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I TRUST, in God’s good providence, this will find Mrs. S-- in perfect -health; and you so well, that it shall remain a doubt which is -heartiest.--I am in the way of being well--the gout in both feet and -legs--I go upon all-fours--the conflict has been sharp; I hope the end -is near--I never remembered them to have swelled so much.--I believe my -preserver, Dr. N--f--d, would allow it to be a decent fit;--my grateful -respects attend him: the issue is deferred till the gout subsides, and -I find my breath somewhat better; but I can find no position easy.--I -inclose you the topic of the day.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in every wish -for the felicity of our much-loved friends, yourself, and better self. - - IGN. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLIV. - -TO MRS. O----. - - - Charles Street, Westm. Nᵒ. 19, Nov. 5, 1780. - - DEAR SISTER, - -I PRAY thee accept the inclosed as a mite of thanks and gratitude for -the tender care and true friendly obligingness, which a wife could -only equal, and which I never expected to find from home.--I feel and -acknowledge your kindness--_that_, and the _uncommon_ goodness of some -of the best of human nature, shall be cherished in my heart while it -continues to beat.--Every body tells me I am better--and what every -one says must be true;--for my part, I feel a very slow amendment; my -cough is pretty stubborn; my breath very little better; body weak as -water--add to this, a smart gout in both legs and feet.--Your sister -joins me in love and repeated thanks for all favours to her poor, -worn-out, old man, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLV. - -TO J. S----, ESQ. - - - Nov. 18, 1780. - - MY DEAR SIR, - -IT is a week this blessed day since that I ought, according to every -rule of gratitude, love, and zeal, to have thanked my best friends for -a plenty of some of the best wine, which came in the best time true -kindness could have contrived it.--I should also have congratulated -the many anxious hearts upon the happy recovery of yourself, and my -thrice good Mrs. S----. I waited from post to post, to send a tolerable -account of myself--the gout has used me like a tyrant--and my asthma, -if possible, worse--I have swelled gradually all over.--What a sight! -Dr. J--bb will not suffer me to make an issue yet, as he would not wish -to disturb the gout. In truth, my best friend, I never truly knew -illness till this bout.--Your goodness greatly lessened my anxiety.--I -find in it the continual flow of more than parental kindness:--as God -gave the heart, he must and alone can give the reward!--Our joint best -love, and most respectful thanks, attend you both, from - - Yours gratefully, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLVI. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, Nov. 17, 1780. - -MY friend, patron, preserver! were the mind alone sick, God never -created, since the blessed Apostles days, a better physician than -thyself--either singly, or in happy _partnership_ with the best of -women--not only so, but your blessed zeal, like the Samaritan’s, -forgetful of self-wants, poureth the wine and oil, and binding up the -wounds of worldly sickness--then leaving with reluctance the happy -object of thy care to the mercy of an interested host, with money in -hand you cry--“Call help, spare no expence, and when I return, I will -repay you.”--Indulge me, my noble friend, I have seen the priest, and -the Levite, _after many years knowledge_, snatch a hasty look; then, -with averted face, pursue their different routes: and yet these good -folks pray, turn up their eyes to that Heaven they daily insult, and -take more pains to preserve the appearances of virtue, than would -suffice to make them good in earnest.--You see, my good Sir, by the -galloping of my pen, that I am much mended.--I have been intolerably -plagued with a bilious colic, which, after three days excruciating -torments, gave way to mutton-fat-broth clysters.--I am now (bating the -swelling of my legs and ancles) much mended--air and exercise is all I -want--but the fogs and damps are woefully against me.--Mrs. Sancho, who -reads, weeps, and wonders, as the various passions impel, says, she is -sure the merits of your house would save B----, were the rest of the -inhabitants ever so bad;--she joins me in every grateful thought.--In -good truth, I have not language to express my feelings. Dr. R---- -hurries me. Blessed couple, adieu! - - Yours, - - I. SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLVII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Charles Street, Dec. 1, 1780. - -WHY joy in the extreme should end painfully, I cannot find out--but -that it does so, I will ever seriously maintain. When I read the -effusions of goodness, my head turned;--but when I came to consider the -extensive and expensive weight and scope of the contents, my reason -reeled, and idiotism took possession of me--till the friendly tears, -washing away the mills of doubt, presented you to me as beings of a -purer, happier order--which God in his mercy perhaps suffers to be -scattered here and there--thinly--that the lucky few who know them may, -at the same time, know what man in his original state was intended -to be.--I gave your generous request a fair hearing--the two first -proposed places would kill me, except (and that is impossible) Mrs. -Sancho was with me. - -Inclination strongly points to the land of friendship--where goodness -ever blossoms--and where N--f--d heals. At present I take nothing, but -am trying for a few days what honest Nature, unperplexed by Art, will -do for me.--I am pretty much swelled still; but I take short airings in -the near stages, such as Greenwich, Clapham, Newington, &c. &c. Walking -kills me. The mind--the mind, my ever dear and honoured friends--the -mind requires her lullaby;--she must have rest ere the body can be in -a state of comfort, she must enjoy peace, and that must be found in -still repose of family and home. Mrs. Sancho, who speaks by her tears, -says what I will not pretend to decypher;--I believe she most fervently -recommends you to that Being who best knows you--for he gave you your -talents. My most grateful and affectionate respects, joined with Mrs. -Sancho’s, attend the good Mrs. S----, thyself, and all thy connexions. -I cannot say how much we are obliged to you; but certainly we were -never so much nor so undeservingly obliged to any before. God keep you -in all your doings--prays thine, - - SANCHO. - - - - -LETTER CLVIII. - -TO J---- S----, ESQ. - - - Dec. 7, 1780. - - DEAR SIR, - -I AM doubly and trebly happy, that I can in some measure remove the -anxiety of the best couple in the universe. I set aside all thanks--for -were I to enter into the feelings of my heart for the past and present, -I should fill the sheet: but you would not be pleased.--In good truth, -I have been exceeding ill--my breath grew worse--and the dropsy made -large strides.--I left off medicine by consent for four or five days, -swelled immoderately:--the good Dr. N--f--d eighty miles distant--and -Dr. J--bb heartily puzzled through the darkness of his patient--I began -to feel alarm--when, looking into your letter, I found a Dr. S--th -recommended by yourself. I enquired--his character is great--but for -lungs and dropsy, Sir John E--t, physician extraordinary and ordinary -to his Majesty, is reckoned the first. I applied to him on Sunday -morning--he received me like Dr. N--f--d;--I have faith in him.--My -poor belly is so distended, that I write with pain--I hope next week to -write with more ease. My dutiful respects await Mrs. S---- and self, to -which Mrs. Sancho begs to be joined by her loving husband, and - - Your most grateful friend, - - I. SANCHO. - - -Mr. Sancho died December 14. - - - - -FINIS. - - - - -Transcriber's Notes - - -The following changes have been made to the text as printed: - -1. Footnotes have been located immediately below the letter within -which they occur, and marked numerically. - -2. Apparent typographical errors have been changed. - -3. To avoid an excessively long line, a line break has been inserted -after "loungibuss--" near the start of Letter LI (Page 132). - -4. The subheading for Letter XCII (Page 242) has been corrected -from "TO MR. H----." to "TO MRS. H----." - - -The following anomalies in the printed text are noted, but no change -has been made: - -1. Variable, archaic and inconsistent spelling, punctuation and -hyphenation have been left unchanged, apart from apparent typographical -errors. - -2. Dashes vary in length. Shorter dashes have been rendered as --, and -longer dashes as ----. - -3. Letter LIV (Page 144) contains a sequence of spaced hyphens, -which have been reproduced as printed. - -4. There are two successive letters headed LETTER LXVIII (Pages -186 and 195), the second letter being out of date order. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF THE LATE IGNATIUS -SANCHO, AN AFRICAN *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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