Chapter XXXIX: Letter XXXVIII: To Mr. K

August 28, 1776

MY WORTHY FRIEND,

I SHOULD have answered your billet as soon as received--but I wanted to know the quantum that I was to wish you joy of--as nothing has yet for certainty transpired.--I will hope your legacy from Mrs. ---- is handsome:--you can easily imagine the pleasure I felt--in finding she had so amply remembered poor Mrs. M----. That one act has more true generosity in it, aye, and justice perhaps, than any thing I ever knew of her in her long life:--it has removed an anxiety from me which (in spite of self-felt poverty--and the heart-felt cares of a large family) troubled me greatly;--as to myself, she used to promise largely formerly, that she would think of me:--as I never believed--I was not disappointed.--More and more convinced of the futility of all our eagerness after worldly riches, my prayer and hope is only for bread, and to be enabled to pay what I owe. I labour up hill against many difficuties; but God’s goodness is my support, and his word my trust.--Mrs. Sancho joins me in her best wishes, and gives you joy also: the children are well--William grows, and tries his feet briskly--and Fanny goes on well in her tambour-work;--Mary must learn some business or other--if we can possibly atchieve money;--but we have somehow no friends--and, bless God!--we deserve no enemies. Trade is duller than ever I knew it--and money scarcer;--foppery runs higher--and vanity stronger;--extravagance is the adored idol of this sweet town.--You are a happy being;--free from the cares of the world in your own person--you enjoy more than your master--or his master into the bargain.--May your comforts know no diminution, but increase with your years!--and may the same happen, when it shall please God, to your sincere friend I. Sancho and his family!