| Description | My dear Son,
I wrote to you about a fortnight ago, since which I am happy to learn, by a letter your sister receiv’d from you a few days ago, that you are well.
I cannot suffer all the joy of this country to pass away without communicating a part of it to you, as I wish to do in every good thing this world affords me. You will see by the inclosed, which I have this day cut out of the Birmingham news paper, how great and how universal is the loyalty and joy of all the people of this land upon the recovery of George the Beloved. There never was a king upon the throne of England who possessed more honesty and more virtues than the present, and from thence arises all the love, loyalty, and sincere respect which, at this moment, elates the hearts of the people, and which is the only basis for every man to raise a character upon. It may not be ever in your power perhaps to attain high rank in life, but it will be in your power to lay as good a foundation for as good a character as any man possesses, and (as Mr. Pope emphaticaly expresses it) an honest man is the noblest work of God.
Keep up your spirits, my dear son; persevere with dilligence untill you have acquired the German languge. I know the task at present is a disagreeable one, but constant application, particularly in speaking it, will conquer; therefore talk away right or wrong, for when once you have acquired the habit of talking it, even if inaccurate, you will soon learn to correct your self.
Mr. Hodgess hath disapointed me in Mr. Reinhard’s trifles, but says they shall be packed tomorrow, and with them you will find a regular series of news papers from the begining of the king’s illness to this time; and, as this will make a singular epoche in the English history, I beg you will read all the debates of both Houses of Parliament in the regular course of the dates.
Miss Salt is yet at Soho, but is shortly going to France in the character of Mrs. Startin. Your sister in particular, Miss Salt, Mrs. Turner, Miss Mynd, &c., send their kindest love to you. My best respects to Mr. Reinhard. I am, dear Matt, your affectionate father,
M. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |