LETTERCX.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 joinin 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 1l.6s.8d.perbushel; but I have sent them this evening properly directed—also a book ofCogniscenti 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.