Chapter LXXXI: Letter LXXIX: To Mr. S

Charles Street, Nov. 29, 1778.

DEAR S----,

YOURS, dated from Madrass, came safe to hand.--I need not tell you that your account pleased me--and the style of your letter indicated a mind purged from its follies, and a better habit of thinking, which I trust happily preceded a steadier course of action.--I know not whether or not Providence may not, in your instance, produce much good out of evil.--I flatter myself you will yet recover, and stand the firmer in your future life, from the reflection (bitter as it is) of your former.--I have no doubt but you received my letter charged with the heavy loss of your great, your noble, friendly benefactress and patroness, the good Dutchess of Q----y: she entered into bliss, July 17, 1777, just two days after you sailed from Portsmouth.--I have now to inform you, that his Grace followed her October 21st this year; just fifteen months after his good Dutchess, full of years and honors: he is gone to join his Dutchess, and share in the rewards of a righteous God, who alone knew their merits, and alone could reward them.

Thus it has pleased God to take your props to himself;--teaching you a lesson, at the same time, to depend upon an honest exertion of your own industry--and humbly to trust in the Almighty.

You may safely conclude now, that you have not many friends in England:--be it your study, with attention, kindness, humility, and industry, to make friends where you are.--Industry, with good-nature and honesty, is the road to wealth.--A wise œconomy--without avaricious meanness, or dirty rapacity--will in a few years render you decently independent.

I hope you cultivate the good-will and friendship of L----. He is a jewel--prize him--love him--and place him next your heart;--he will not flatter or fear you--so much the better--the fitter for your friend:--he has a spirit of generosity--such are never ungrateful;--he sent us a token of his affection, which we shall never forget.--Let me counsel you, for your character’s sake, and as bound in honour, the first money you can spare, to send over 20_l._ to discharge your debt at Mr. P----’s the sadler:--it was borrowed money, you know.--As for me, I am wholly at your service to the extent of my power;--but whatever commissions you send over to me, send money, or I stir none;--thou well knowest my poverty--but ’tis an honest poverty--and I need not blush or conceal it.--You also are indebted to Mr. O----, Bond-street:--what little things of that kind you can recollect, pay as soon as you are able;--it will spunge out many evil traces of things past from the hearts and heads of your enemies--create you a better name--and pave the way for your return some years hence into England with credit and reputation.--Before I conclude, let me, as your true friend, recommend seriously to you to make yourself acquainted with your Bible:--believe me, the more you study the word of God, your peace and happiness will increase the more with it.--Fools may deride you--and wanton youth throw out their frothy gibes;--but as you are not to be a boy all your life--and I trust would not be reckoned a fool--use your every endeavour to be a good man--and leave the rest to God.--Your letters from the Cape, and one from Madeira, I received; they were both good letters, and descriptions of things and places.--I wish to have your description of the sort and town of Madrass--country adjacent--people--manner of living--value of money--religion--laws--animals--fashions--taste, &c. &c.--In short, write any thing--every thing--and, above all, improve your mind with good reading--converse with men of sense, rather than the fools of fashion and riches--be humble to the rich--affable, open, and good-natured to your equals--and compassionately kind to the poor.--I have treated you freely in proof of my friendship.--Mrs. S----, under the persuasion that you are really a good man, sends her best wishes--when her handkerchief is washed, you will send it home--the girls wish to be remembered to you, and all to friend L----n.

Yours, &c. &c.

I. SANCHO.