LETTERXII.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—ithurt 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.