| Description | Soho Augt 2nd 1798
Dear Sir
In the absence of Watt your letter was put into my hands but not till yesterday after the departure of the Mail. The journey of our friend has been protracted beyond all expectation & his return being still uncertain I am unable to say how far the excursion you propose will coincide with his Sphere of Motion.
At all events I caution you not to rely upon him for Dogs or any article belonging to a Sportsman equipment. He possesses indeed a solitary animal under the denomination of a Spaniel but the education of the brute has been so entirely neglected & his instinct perverted by ranging among the greasy coats of Smiths & founders, that he certainly certainly would not be of the least use & might very possibly corrupt the . . . of his better disposed associates. The description of my friends dog applies to my own & in other respects I am not better qualified for a Sportsman, except from the possession of two excellent fowling pieces which are much at the service of the party.
I much regret it will not be in my power to accompany you; I have been enjoined to spend some part of the Summer in sea-bathing, which however from various impediments I have not yet been able to effect & I must therefore avail myself of the remainder of the season to accomplish this object.
I shall take care to transmit your letter to Watt as soon as I know where to address him & begging you to present my Compts to your Brother & his Lady
I remain
Dr Sir
Sincerely yours
M: Robn Boulton Sic.
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