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Dear Sir,
I am much ashamed that I have not written to you since my return from London; the causes of which are too numerous to trouble you with. Let it suffice that I assure you my delay did not arise from the want of a due sense of your civilities when I was last in London, for which I shall personally make you my acknowledgments in the course of next month, when I purpose to come to town.
I am sorry to find you are about to loose Mr. Brooks. I don't love changing; however, what can't be cured must be endured. In respect to the business you last wrote to me upon, let it suffice in this and in all other similar cases that I answer: I will never be tempted by any pecuniary advantages to do a thing that is contrary to all principles of justice, honor, and the laws that do or ought to exist between nations, and, what is more, is contrary to the laws of the land we live in.
I have had a similar offer from two foreigners within these three days, and I gave them a similar answer, in consequence of which they have applied themselves to a paper-man-I mean a man who has been accustomed to forge bills, assignats, and money, as well as to appear at the bar and to reside in Newgate: I have no doubt they will succeed with him, but I advise Mr. P. . . to have nothing to do with so desperate and hazardous a business, which the law calls a misprision of treason and is punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment.
I beg to be kindly remember'd to Mrs. C., remaining, dear sir, yours sincerely,
Mattw. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |