LETTERXXIV.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 pleasedwith 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.