| Description | My dear Sir,
I did not write to you last night, wishing to make some report of your daughter's health and spirits. Mrs. Vere, Mrs. Mosley, and myself went to drink tea with her last night; we staid with her till ten o'clock. She seem'd in tolerable spirits considering the mortification she experiences by being told that her recovery is yet far distant. You know Mr. Grant has been call'd in; he agrees, I understand, with Mr. Cline, that nothing but length of time and rest can effect a cure. They wanted to put her on leeches and a blister last time they saw her, but her spirits were weak and she cou'd not bring herself to consent to it; but if they wish it to-day when they see her, I believe she will submit. The inflammation had return'd, which was the reason of their desire to adopt that plan, but it is somewhat abated now. They, however, tell her she must not expect to be better till spring; this is, to be sure, most disheartening. She has consulted Mr. Dumergue about the fee to Mr. Cline and he says it is far too much, that he will ask Mr. Rush what is customary in such cases and let you know; the matter is, to be sure, very much alter'd now that the hopes of recovery are over for the present. We played at cards and told her all the Birmingham news we cou'd recollect. We shall make frequent enquiries after her and call as often as possible, you may depend.
Marsh the gardener will be ready to set off about Monday or Tuesday week, if that will be in time for you; if you wish him to come sooner, he will set off the latter end of the next week. As his wife has but lately lain in, he is fearfull of her travelling by any other mode than the inside of the coach, which, with her two children as one passenger, will make the expence rather heavy, but I hope you will not think too much of it; himself will go on the outside, of course, and his furniture, &c., by the canals.
I have order'd you a pipe of Chaillie's best port vintage 1799, which he strongly recommends; when I know the price I will advise you. I have also order'd of Lee a hogshead of sherry and a hogshead of Lisbon, and I hope he will also use you well.
I have only to add my best love, and remain, dear sir, most affectionately yours,
C. Matthews
Mr. Lee has sent by this morning's waggon from the Bell in Wood Street:
1 hogshead Lisbon, 64 gallons £38
1 do. sherry, do. do. 42
2 hogshead casks 1. 18
casing 18 2. 16
£82. 16
He says it is such wine as you will not easily meet with.
The sherry he says he sells by the bottle at two guineas a dozen, whereas this comes to 35s.
Lisbon do. 38s. do. 32s.
I shall be glad to hear of its arrival.
[Edited transcript.] |