LETTERCXIII.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;—itwas 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 thepiper. 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.