| Description | (Directed on the address-label, "Franco Cologne." Marked by Zaccheus Walker on receipt, "Suppose Himself.")
Stadfelt Decr 25 1788
Dear Father
Always I was behind hand with my Correspondence & percieve that this fault encreases as I advance in life, two letters which I have lately written[,] one to Mr Delessert, the other to Mr Manuel, have occupied my whole leisure time for this week past, however at length I have eased my Conscience of a Burden which has long lain heavy upon it.
Mr Collin’s letter is come safe to hand, news from any quarter of the good health of my Father gives me great satisfaction, tho’ I must confess it is greatly lessened, when I see that from too constant occupations I am deprived of the pleasure of hearing from himself. Your letter to Mr Strieber has relieved him from the greatest anxiety & your Success in bringing about a reconciliation between Mr Startin & his Son has recieved his warmest thanks.
At length then Mr Dros is arrived, he has caused you to wait a long time for his Talents, but I hope he will, by his ingenuity, regain the lost time; at present your house must be quite a la Françoise; I doubt much whether Monsr L’Abbé continues to be such a Patriot as when we went into Burgundy, I easily concieve he accuses his Countrymen of Inconstancy if not more. We have here a most melancholy account of the King of England; it is reported that he has quite lost his reason & that he is confined in room hung round with Cotton in order to prevent him from doing himself any harm & the Prince of Wales holds the reins of Gouvernement, that the nation fears for the fate of Pitt & dreads the vengeance of Fox.
To day chearfulness enlivens every countenance; Parents are content to see their Children pleased with the Presents they have received, whilst they express their Gratitude by every token of which they are capable.
The Preparations for the festival recall to my memory the agreable hours it has caused me to pass, those scenes of Social Mirth enjoyed only by a pure heart charm us in every Stage of life, their traces rest imprinted upon Mind till the last moment; Hope that Blessing of Mankind opens my mind to new Prospects of Felicity & indeed whilst I possess your esteem I shall always be happy.
Before I conclude let me wish you all a Merry Christmas.
I remain
Your dutiful Son
Mattw R Boulton
Present my Compliments to Mr Droz. |