Chapter XVIII: Letter XVII: To Mrs. H

February 9, 1774.

IT is the most puzzling affair in nature, to a mind that labours under obligations, to know how to express its feelings;--your former tender solicitude for my well-doing--and your generous remembrance in the present order--appear friendly beyond the common actions of those we in general style good sort of people;--but I will not teaze you with my nonsensical thanks--for I believe such kind of hearts as you are blest with have sufficient reward in the consciousness of acting humanely.--I opened shop on Saturday the 29th of January--and have met with a success truly flattering;--it shall be my study and constant care not to forfeit the good opinion of my friends.--I have pleasure in congratulating you upon Mrs. W----’s happy delivery and pleasing increase of her family;--it is the hope and wish of my heart--that your comforts in all things may multiply with your years--that in the certain great end--you may immerge without pain--full of hope--from corruptible pleasure--to immortal and incorruptible life--happiness without end--and past all human comprehension;--there may you and I--and all we love (or care for) meet!--the follies--the parties--distinctions--feuds of ambition--enthusiasm--lust--and anger of this miserable motley world--all totally forgot--every idea lost, and absorbed in the blissful mansions of redeeming love.

I have not seen Sir Jacob near a fortnight--but hope and conclude him well.--R---- is well, and grows very fat--an easy mind--full purse--and a good table--great health--and much indulgence--all these conduce terribly to plumpness.--I must beg, when you see Mr. ----, if not improper or inconvenient, that you will inform him--that where there is but little--every little helps;--I think he is too humane to be offended at the liberty--and too honest to be displeased with a truth.--I am, with greatful thanks to Mr. H----, your sincerely humble servant and poor friend,

I. SANCHO.

My best half and Sanchonetta’s are all well.