Chapter LXII: Letter LXI: To Mr. J---- W----E

May 4, 1778.

MY DEAR W----E,

YOUR short letter gave me much pleasure--which would have been enlarged, had your epistle been longer;--but I make allowances--as I ought--for the number of friends who wish equally with me--and expect to be gratified. You are greatly fortunate in enjoying your health--for which I doubt not but you are truly thankful to the Almighty Giver.--As to your success, it is the best comment upon your conduct;--for rectitude of principle and humble deportment, added to strict attention and good-nature, must make even fools and knaves wish you well--though envy will mix itself with the transient kindness of such--but with such noble natures as you went out happily connected with, you are every day sowing the good seeds of your future fortune.--I hope to live to see you return--the comfort and honor of your good father and family;--but observe--I do not wish you half a million, clogged with the tears and blood of the poor natives;--no--a decent competence got with honesty--and that will keep increasing like the widow’s cruse, and descend down to posterity with accumulated blessings.--You desire to transfer your share in me to your brother Joe;--now be it known to you--Joe has interest sufficient in his own natural right with me, to secure him every attention in my poor power. But you flatter, my good friend--though your flattery carries a good excuse with it--you flatter the poor.

I say nothing of politics--I hate such subjects;--the public papers will inform you of mistakes--blood--taxes--misery--murder--the obstinacy of a few--and the madness and villainy of a many.--I expect a very, very long letter from you--in answer to a sermon I wrote you last year.--Miss ---- is still divinely fair;--she is a good girl, but no match for Nabobs.--Mrs. C---- is as handsome as ever--and R---- as friendly. God bless them! feasting or fasting! sleeping or waking! May God’s providence watch over and protect them--and all such!--Your brother Frank is a sweet boy--a painter, who would wish to draw a cherub, will find no fitter subject.--The C----ds--but what have I to do with good people, who will of course all write for themselves?--so let them.--Your father--Oh Jack! what a cordial!--what a rich luxury is it to be able to contribute, by well-doing, to a father’s, nay a whole family of kindred love, and heart-felt affection! what a bliss to add to all their happiness--and to insure your own at the same time!--May this high pleasure be thine! and may the God of truth and fountain of all good enrich thy heart and head with his spirit and wisdom--crown your labours with success--and guard you from avarice--ambition--and every Asiatic evil--so that your native land may receive you with riches and honor--your friends with true joy--heightened with sincere respect! So wishes--so prophesies--thy true friend and obliged servant,

I. SANCHO.