| Description | Dear Sir,
It is so long since I have heard of or from you that I cannot help inquiring after your health, and most sincerely do I hope you are well and happy. Have you got a housekeeper yet? or are you still in search of one? Do let me know something about you; at present I am quite in the dark.
I know not what my last contain'd-I believe no good news; nor can I now communicate any. You wou'd see by the papers what a most dreadfull fire we have had; we saw it at Croydon very plain. It is strange that there shou'd have been so many fires from the same carelessness; this, I understand, burnt itself out, for the firemen cou'd not stand near enough to play the engines.
Your friend Mrs. Vere is well and desires her love to you and also to your son, and begs to remind him about the pruning knife he promised her.
This was literally to enquire after your health, and I find myself so stupid I can only assure you of my best wishes for your health and happiness, which must include the same wishes for your son and daughter, to whom remember me kindly, and believe me, dear sir, most affectionately yours,
C. Matthews
I have just seen Mr. Stewart, who says there is a report that Sir J. Jervis and Sir C. Grey have compleatly blocked up the harbour of Guadaloupe and were gone with a powerfull army against the 1500 men that had landed there, so that it is to be hoped we shall regain our loss there.
I have this minute received your kind favor of the 24 instant and will set off immediately to choose your waistcoat, if I can please myself. I wish to God I cou'd help you, now you have lost so many hands; if I thought I cou'd do you any real good I wou'd certainly come to you, but I shou'd be afraid you wou'd not give me real business to do, and, if not, I shou'd only be an additional trouble to you. I rejoice to hear my rival only dines with you; I need not fear much, I think, in that case. I wou'd say more but I am late and wish not to hinder the taylor from making you fine things. God bless you! I wish you well thro' all your fatigues, and that all happiness may attend you many years to come.
Yours as before,
C. M.
[Edited transcript.] |