| Description | (Dated 30 Aug. in error. Directed to the Rev. Mr. Reinhard's.)
My dear Son,
I yet remain in this city, and for some time past have been in hopes of seeing you here before my departure, but alass! I was struck motionless three days ago with the alarming news of your being ill with an ague and fever, by means of a letter from Mr. Reinhard, your friend, to Mr. C. Startin. I wrote to Mr. Reinhard by the last post to beg that Dr. Sultzer or some good advice may be taken, and that every care possible may be taken of you. If you are well enough to travil, I desire you to set out, and to make short stages every day, to avoid fateague and all increase of fever. Tell me if you wish me to come and meet you, or if I should send Collins to accompany you. I beg to hear from you by the quickest conveyance possible, and do beg that you will write to me twice a week untill I see you. Query, which is the best road for you? I fear the troubles in Flanders may be attended with some hazard. I have wrote two or three weeks ago to you at Messrs. Isnell & Martins' at Amsterdam, and sent you a letter of introduction to Mr. Hope; but if you are not perfectly recover'd, I would not have you risk dineing at any great tables, but keep your self quiet and avoid every thing that tends to inflame you. I suppose you have got your servant, whom I hope is a carefull man. It is impossible for me to send you any medical advice, as I know not your present situation or state of health; I shall therefore be uneasy untill I hear distinctly from you and Mr. Reinhard.
I am sorry it has so happen'd that Bob Motteux hath left Amsterdam before your arival, as he would have made it pleasant to you.
Messrs. Isnell & Martin are good friends and customers of mine, and therefore I beg you will shew every politeness and attention to them. I have no doubt but your natural gratitude and good heart will lead you to pay and shew a proper regard to all your friends, from the servant to the master and mistress, as it's a pleasant thing to preserve the esteem of the worthy and good, who are but a small portion of the whole.
Mr. Droz hath turn'd out the most ungratefull, most ungenerous, and basest man I ever had any concern with. He hath had between one and two thousand pounds of me; he hath not finished one pair of money dies since he came to England. He hath deceiv'd me in all he pretended to do, and hath learnt at Soho ten times more than he hath taught. He hath aim'd at geting more money and returning to France. He hath made many dishonorable attempts. As he hath not money to go to law, I have refer'd all disputes to Sir Joseph Banks, the President of the Royal Society, and Mr. Motteux, who have this day made their award, and whom he hath perfectly convinced that he is a man without principle. I can do much better without him than with him.
I beg you will remember me most cordialy to Mr. and Mrs. Reinhard, wishing them and their family health and every other good.
I think traviling and change of air may do you good again. I repeat, let me hear from you twice a week.
Your sister is in town, in good health, and joins with me in praying for yours and for your good, safe, and speedy journey home. God bless you. I am your very affectionate father,
M. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |