Chapter LVIII: Letter LVII: TO J. S----, Esq

Charles Street, December 26, 1777.

I HAD the favor of a letter--replete with kindness which I can never deserve--and have just now received the valuable contents--of which said letter was harbinger--without either surprize or emotion--save a kind of grateful tickling of the heart--the child of respect--and I believe twin-brother of gratitude.----Now had I heard of an A--hb--p (at this sacred season especially)--gladdening the hearts of the poor, aged and infirm--with good cheer--informing the minds of the young with Christian precepts, and reforming his whole See by his pious example--that would have surprized me:--had I been informed of a truly great man--who, laying aside party and self-interest, dared to step forth the advocate of truth, and friend to his country; or had any one told me of a lord--who was wise enough to live within bounds--and honest enough to pay his debts--why it would have surpriz’d me indeed.--But I have been well informed there is a Mr. S---- at Bury--and I think I have seen the gentleman--who lives in a constant course of doing beneficent actions--and, upon these occasions, the pleasure he feels constitutes him the obliged party.--You, good Sir, ought of course to thank me--for adding one more to the number you are pleased to be kind to--so pray remember, good Sir, that my thanks--(however due in the eye of gratitude) I conceive to be an act of supererogation--and expect that henceforth you will look upon the Sancho’s--as a family that have a rightful call upon your notice.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in repetition of the customary wishes.--Give me credit for having a heart which feels your kindness as it ought.--That Heaven may lengthen your days for the good of mankind--and grant every wish of your heart--is the true conclusion of

Your greatly obliged
and respectful humble servant,

I. SANCHO.