| Description | (Directed to the Hotel de Chaulnes, rue d'Enfer.)
Dear Matt,
I return'd from London about a fortnight ago and began to think it long since I heard from you, but was yesterday reliev'd from my anxiety by the reception of your letter dated the 24th ultimo.
I am happy to observe that you make a proper use of such spectacles as you have seen at Long Champs. Your reflections upon both the great and little people are just. We have an English proverb similar to your remark, viz. Merry evenings often produce dull mornings.
The time is now almost arrived when you must take the field in Germany, but if you are anxious to take a peep at Soho I will grant you a furlough for one month for that purpose, and in that case perhaps it may be convenient for you and Mr. Droz to come together; but I beg you will not mention to your friends or acquaintance any thing about Mr. Droz coming here. Pray let me know your sentiments and wishes by the return of the mail, that I may regulate my self and Mr. Collins's journey to Germany.
I will endeavour to send you a few trifles for you to present to your particular friends, as gratitude is one of the distinguishing marks between a good heart and a bad one, and endeavour to leave such favourable impressions on the minds of all your worthy friends that they may remember you with pleasure and esteem. If Mr. Guyott and his pupils, or (what is too much for me to hope) if Miss De Lessert with her brother would be of the party, I shall be happy to see them all along with you at Soho.
Mr. Watt hath been ill for some time past, and is not yet capable of paying any attention to business. Old Mr. Marler and his wife and two daughters are now at Soho, all much indisposed; they come for the sake of Dr. Withering's advice.
I hope you have taken a German master and that you have picked up a few traviling phrases in that language. I fear you have forgot to dance a minuet elegantly, which I should be sorry for, as of all the trifling accomplishments I think that the most necessary; and therefore think it would not be amiss if you were to take half a score lessons at Paris before your departure, and which should be done directly, as you'l get no assistance in Germany.
I beg you will present my very respectfull compliments to Mr. Manuel and to all my good friends dans le rûe Coqheron, and let me know if I can send them any thing from England that will give them pleasure.
Your sister also desires you to accept of her best love and wishes for your health, &c. I am, my dear son, your ever affectionate father,
Mattw. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |