Chapter CXXX: Letter CXXVIII: To Mr. M

Charles Street, Jan. 17, 1780.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I RECEIVED, as you taught me to expect last week, a very fine * * *, and after it as kind a letter--in name of a Mr. E---- W---- of Norfolk, near Houghton-Hall, &c.--I have bespoke a frank, and mean to thank him--as I also thank you, whom I look upon as the grand friendly mover of the generously handsome act.--You have your reward, for you had a pleasure in doing it;--and Mr. W---- has his, if he believes me honest.--Could I any way retaliate, I should feel lighter--that’s pride, I own it. Humility should be the poor man’s shirt--and thankfulness his girdle;--be it so--I do request you to thank Mr. W---- for me, and tell him he has the prayers--not of a raving mad whig--nor fawning deceitful tory--but of a coalblack, jolly African, who wishes health and peace to every religion and country throughout the ample range of God’s creation!--and believes a painter may be saved at the last day, maugre all the Miss G----’s and widows in this kingdom. I have done nothing in the shoe affair yet--for which I ought to ask poor C----’s pardon as well as yours:--the rogue has left the court, and gone to live in Fish-market, Westminster bridge;--I shall ferret him out, and make him bless his old master.

I inclose your receipts in proof of my honesty--a rare virtue as times go!--M---- has wrote to you--left his letter with me--and I, like a what you please, let it slip into the fire--with a handful of company he had no business to be amongst:--he shall write you another--you will both be angry--but you will both forgive, as good Christians ought, accidents.--I am sorry. I will say no more, but God keep you, and direct your goings;

Yours, &c. &c.

I. SANCHO.

When you see the honourable Mr. B----, give our loves and best wishes to him and Mrs. B----, and Squire S---- and his good dame also.--Salute the home of G---- for me.