| Description | Dear Sir,
I wrote to you some days since, but not having heard since from you I have only to write on the subject of your housekeeper:
Mrs. Warren will return home on Saturday next, when the person I have retained for you must quit her service, as she has had another some time but permitted her to stay till she returned to town. The person is now very anxious to know your determination. I wished you to have seen her, and I fully expected you would have been in town ere this, but I confess I am anxious for you engaging her because I think she is decent and well behaved and would pay such attention to your health. I know Mrs. Warren will give her an undeniable character because she spoke of her to me in the highest terms. If, therefore, you are not likely to come up soon, I would recommend to you to have her down. It is only the expense of the journey if she does not suit, and I have no fears on that head if you make trial of her; but in speaking of herself she is very diffident. The wages that we have talked of are 18 guineas and her tea and sugar found her, or 20 guineas a year and find herself tea and sugar. Give me a line on this subject as soon as you can. Give my love to Miss Boulton and tell her I am conscious I ought to have wrote to her on this business, but satisfied that you will show her this. I trust she will excuse me.
Mr. Watt writes that your cause stands for Monday next; if so, I hope you will come. I can vouch for your bed being aired, and if you bring Harpur with you, you may be as comfortable as usual here.
You have all the news in the public prints, and bad enough it seems; yet people here seem not dismayed, and stocks have rose this day 2 per cent. Money for short bills very plenty, but the same difficulty seems to prevail with respect to procuring money on mortgage; but yet I wish you cou'd pay for your purchase in full and borrow the money you want elsewhere, if to be obtained; my reason for this you will readily see.
I tried to get a frank to day, but was disappointed. I hope for it tomorrow, and have wrote this to night as I am going to morrow to see Mr. Tooke, and I know not how long they may keep the doors shut upon us.
Remember me to all friends, and believe me always, dear sir, your affectionate friend,
C. Matthews
Nov. 20.
I went this morning but cou'd not get admittance, the court was so crouded. The Times to day breaths peace, but the report from the other end of the town is that the French will exact such high terms that it is impossible for the King of Prussia or the Dutch to make peace; that the Prince of Conde is summon'd to a meeting in Germany, from whence he is to come here with unlimited powers to raise men in this country and take the command, when the strength of the allied armies is to operate in la Vendee. I hear no more, so God bless you!
C. M.
They say H. Tooke is to make a long speech (perhaps has done it by this time) and that Erskine was very angry that he shou'd think of it. I suppose it will be over to night.
[Edited transcript.] |