| Description | (Directed to the Rev. Mr. Reinhard's.)
My dear Son,
I hope and I flatter my self that this day will afford you the satisfaction of embracing Collins, and him the pleasure of finding you in an advanced state of convolescence and ready to set out upon your return home. In one of my late letters I mention'd it was Dr. Withering's opineon that the voyage from Holland to Harwich would do you good. It was then fine and calm weather, but 'tis now very blowing weather, and in all probability it will be more so about the time of your quiting the Continant, as it will be nearer the time of the sun crossing the equanox. I therefore write this to say that, even if you should come to Rotterdam, I think you should set sail from Calais, least the length of the voyage from Holland to Harwich should be too much for you, as it is sometimes 48 hours, sometimes 36, sometimes 24 hours, but I had the good fortune to make the voyage in 15 hours, which is nearly the shortest time it is ever made in.
I flatter my self that, if you travil short stages per day, avoid fateague, and keep out of damp beds, that you'l be the better for the journey. Robert Motteux went through Brabant and did not meet with any interuption, and, if you find that war doth not rage in those provences, I think it will be better than through Holland. However, consult your friends before you set out, and consult such travillers as you may meet upon the road, and direct your self as circumstances may point out.
Pray write me every post, for I am far from being tranquil about you.
If there are any of your English books that may be acceptable to Mr. Reinhard, pray offer them, and I beg you'l present my most affectionate compliments to him and Mrs. Reinhard, with millions of thanks for their care of you.
I also beg you'l remember me most respectfully to Dr. Sultzer, to Collins, and all friends.
Dr. Van Marum of Harlem, with his wife, his friend, and a Dutch young lady, dined with me at Soho last week and gave me the inclosed memorandum of objects worth your attention if you pass Amsterdam and Harlem. He proposed leaving London as tomorrow, and will be at Harlem before you, and if you go that road I beg you will call upon him, but don't let that consideration bias you out of your road.
The Lunar meeting is held this day at Soho, and as I hear some of the members are come, I can't write more than that I am anxious to hear from you, and of you, by every post. Adieu. God bless you and send you a prosperous journey.
I am ever your most affectionate father,
M. Boulton
[Edited transcript.] |