Chapter CXV: Letter CXIII: To Mr. S

Nov. 16, 1779.

YOU have missed the truth by a mile--aye and more:--it was not neglect--I am too proud for that;--it was not forgetfulness, Sir--I am not so ungrateful;--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 to Monday following--and then--and not till then--gave me your letter--and most graciously did I receive it--considering that both my feet were in flannels, and are so to this luckless minute.--Well, Sir, and what have you to say to that? Friend H---- has paid for them.--I pay him again--and shall draw upon you towards Christmas--never poorer since created--but ’tis a general case;--blessed times for a poor Blacky grocer to hang or drown in!--Received from your good reverend parent (why not honoured father?) a letter, announcing the approach of a hamper of prog, which I wish you was near enough to partake.--Your good father feels a satisfaction in doing--I think a wrong thing--his motive is right--and, like a true servant of Christ, he follows the spirit, not the letter:--he will be justified in a better world--I am satisfied in this--and thou wilt in thy feelings be gratified.--Huzza!--we are all right--but your father pays 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 houshold.----I have no spirits when the gout seizes me--pox on him!--Great news from Sir Charles Hardy--huzza for ever!--all mad--nothing but illuminations;--out with your lights--bells ringing, bonfires blazing--crackers bouncing--and all for what?--what?--The girls open-mouthed--Billy stares--Mrs. Sancho rubs her hands;--the night indeed is cold, but Billy must go to bed:--the noisy rogues with the Gazette-extra stun our ears. Adieu!

Yours, &c. &c.

I. SANCHO.

I should have inclosed a paper, but it will cost the devil and all.--My family all join in customary customs.