Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

• English

LC Subject Headings:

• Sancho, Ignatius, 1729-1780 -- Correspondence.
  
• Slaves -- England -- Correspondence.
  
• Blacks -- England -- Correspondence.
  
• Authors, Black -- England -- Correspondence.
  
• Authors, African -- England -- Correspondence.
  
• Westminster (London, England) -- Social life and customs.
  
• London (England) -- Race relations -- History -- 18th century.
  
• Composers, Black -- England -- London -- Correspondence.
  
• Africans -- England -- London -- History -- 18th century.
  
• Blacks -- England -- London -- History -- 18th century.
  
• Grocers -- England -- London -- Correspondence.
  

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VOL. II.

LONDON. Published 4th Jan. 1782, by J. Nichols Red Lion Passage Fleet Street.

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[Title Page Image]

LETTERS
OF THE LATE
IGNATIUS SANCHO.
VOL. II.

LETTERS
OF THE LATE
IGNATIUS SANCHO,
AN AFRICAN.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
To which are prefixed,
MEMOIRS OF HIS LIFE.
VOL. II.

LONDON:
Printed by J. NICHOLS:
And sold by J. DODSLEY, in Pall-Mall; J.
ROBSON, in New Bond Street; J. WALTER,
Charing-Cross; R. BALDWIN, Paternoster-
Row; and J. SEWELL, Cornhill.
MDCCLXXXII.

LETTERS.

LETTER I.

TO MR. J-- W--E.

        YOUR good father insists on my scribbling a sheet of absurdities, and gives me 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 wife--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--e--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 one of your letters which I do not recollect--you speak (with honest indignation) of the treachery and chicanery of the Natives*.

        * 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."

they too 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 fours my blood--and I am sure will not please the friendly bent of your social affections.--I mentioned 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--fashons--and follies.--Alas! we have plenty of the two last here--and what is worse, we have politics--and a detestable Brother's 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 favoured me with a long letter--he is now grown familiar with danger--and can bear the whilstling

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.

        Very short.

        Postscript.

        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 oeconomy--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 5th, 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.

LETTER II.

TO MR. M--.

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--I 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 Grote'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 Snoodlepoop! 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 III.

TO MRS. C--.

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 very 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 way-laid 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 wife--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 IV.

TO MR. K--.

        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 5th--well, you give 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 5th.--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 V.

TO MR. R--.

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 extreamly gtateful, 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 roseat 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 VI.

TO MISS C--.

        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 desert 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 supprize 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 slung 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 VII.

TO MR. M--.

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 teems with brilliancies, I can only remember that I am very much

Yours,

I. SANCHO.

LETTER VIII.

TO MISS C--.

        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 Sancho's, and at the head place

Yours, &c. &c.

I. SANCHO.

LETTER IX.

TO MR. S--.

                         "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--neithey 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 wouldst 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 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 resty--I fear he will never prosecute long journeys 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 cafe 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 X.

TO MR. S--.

        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*.

        * 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 XI.

TO MR. R--.

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 XII.

TO MR. S--.

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 XIII.

TO MR. S--.

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 Duchess of Q--y; she entered

into bliss, July 17, 1777, just two days after you failed from Portsmouth.--I have now to inform you, that his Grace followed her October 21st this year; just fifteen months after his good Duchess--full of years and honors--he is gone to join his Duchess, 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 wife oeonomy--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's, I received; they were both good letters--and descriptions of things and places.--I wish to have your description of the fort 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 with 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 XIV.

TO MR. I--.

        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 exempted themselves from much suffering, by good fires and good cheer, yet I am sure their sympathizing hearts feel for the poor.--I find upon enquiring, 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 XV.

TO J.-- S--, ESQ.

                         "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 can 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 longer 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 XVI.

TO MR. F--.

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 XVII.

TO MRS. I--.

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 XVIII.

TO MRS. H--.

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 stirring--trade is very dull--money scarce beyond conception--fraud! perfidy! villiany! from the highest departments to the lowest--the K--g, God bless him, is beset with 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 of her 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 best thanks and wishes attend Mr. H-- and yourself, and believe me

Yours, &c.

I. SANCHO.

LETTER XIX.

TO MR. G--.

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 XX.

TO J-- S--, ESQ.

        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--the are pleased to rank me and mine in the honoured 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 XXI.

TO MR. S--.

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 as 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 XXII.

TO MR. W--E.

        YOU wish me to write 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.--*,

        * This union was remarkable for disparity of years; the bridegroom being 78, the bride in the bloom of youth.

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 arectitude 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.

LETTER XXIII.

TO MR. L--.

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 XXIV.

TO MR. R--.

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 frindly 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 of.--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 inriched with that blessing--wanting which, the good things of this world are trash.--You can write tiresome letters! Alas! will you yield upon the receipt of this?--if not--that palm unquestionably belongs to your friend,

I. SANCHO.

LETTER XXV.

TO I-- S--, ESQ.

DEAR SIR,

        IN truth I was never more puzzled in my life than at this very present writing--the acts of common kindness, or the effusions of mere common good-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 thank you for her--which I do most sincerely, and for myself,

IGNATIUS SANCHO.

LETTER XXVI.

TO MRS. H--.

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,

IGN. SANCHO.

LETTER XXVII.

TO I-- S--, ESQ.

        A LITTLE fish--which was alive this morn--sets out this eve for Bury--ambitious of presenting itself to Mrs. S--: is 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 XXVIII.

TO MR. M--.

        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 honor you for 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 then 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-- likely--the rogue has a pleasing, cheery 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 disadvantage 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 XXIX.

TO MR. I--.

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 if 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 XXX.

TO MR. M--.

        YOU kindly gave me liberty to bring Mr. S--: the proposal did honor 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 Devils dance--found yourself in a lazy fit--the inkstand, &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 XXXI.

TO MR. M--.

        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 Honor's health--and travels--or whether my Honor 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*:

        * Mr. Sancho was remarkable for corpulency.

shilling and nine pence, one shilling and nine pence I say.--What of that, cries oeconomy, 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 pleasures 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.

LETTER XXXII.

TO MRS. C--.

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 run 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, for 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 XXXIII.

TO MR. S--.

        You have made ample amends for your stoical silnce--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 feelings 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 XXXIV.

TO MR. I--.

        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 XXXV.

TO MR. S--.

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 honor 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 enclosed 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 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 XXXVI.

TO MR. M--.

        THE Lamb*

        * Mr. M--'s Sister.

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 my 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 six 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 they 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-wife--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 found 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 croud--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.

LETTER XXXVII.

TO MRS. W--E.

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 el--e 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 XXXVIII.

TO MR. R--.

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 sleet. 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 affectionate,

I. SANCHO.

Past eleven at night.

LETTER XXXIX.

TO MISS L--.

        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--I 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,"

        "Error lives are 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 XL.

TO MR. I--.

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 honor 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 XLI.

TO MR. M--.

        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 hearts 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 Blackamoors 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--was there any Blackamoors 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 wife.

        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 doth 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 XLII.

TO MR. M--.

        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 initiation of the odd soul I have laboured to describe) wishing to do me honor as well as pleasure--came in person twice, to insist 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 really 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 Blackamoor 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 its 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 XLIII.

TO MR. M--.

        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 listed 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 meandring 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 perspective 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 honor 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-- 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 XLIV.

TO MR. R--.

        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 pimpwhiskins--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 failing:--

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 I 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 circumround-abouts for

I. SANCHO.

LETTER XLV.

TO MR. R--.

DEAR FRIEND,

        I SHOULD on Saturday 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 Sartine:--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 800,000l, 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 and 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 XLVI.

TO MR. S--.

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 XLVII.

TO MR. S.--.

        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 till 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 honored 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 household.--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 enclosed a paper, but it will cost the devil and all--my family all join in customary customs.

LETTER XLVIII.

TO I-- S--, ESQ.

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 L--d 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 XLIX.

TO THE REV. MR. S--.

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 L.

TO MR. S--.

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 LI.

TO D-- B--E, ESQ.

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 ha