| Description | (Postmarked 2- Jan. Docketed 1765.)
London Wednesday night
Thou canst not conceive how uneasy I am at My long abscence from thee nor how much I long to press thee to my Bosom—indeed I am too uneasy to relish any of ye Pleasures of this City but cannot yet get my discharge. Mr. Levetts [1] affair was again yesterday before the House yet not brought to any conclusion but was again adjournd untill Fryday next in ye afternoon—when I shall insist upon my evedence being taken for I will not remain any longer here but will set out on Saterday morning in the Oxford Fly & so come to Stratford on Sunday afternoon where I should be inexpressably Happy in meeting my dear Girl. Indeed I dont think it would be safe for me to venter much sooner for I have been very poorly ever since I last wrote with the most violent cold I ever had which has produced a general Rheumatism all over me insomuch that I could not stoop to the Ground or Buckle my Shoes but have this day lost a pound of Blood & kept my self warm within doors (agreeable to Dr. Butts direction)—I have been at Mr Jefferys ever since I last wrote where I receive great civilitys & care indeed if had not found better accomodation than at our Inn I should have been demolished by this time we have had such thick fogs here for many days that one could not see from one side of the Street to the other which has given me & almost every body else an ugly cough I have not been at any play or place of entertainment since I last wrote nor can I now with safety whilest I say. Indeed I shall never choose to come to London at this time of ye Year again for the days are so short & so uncomfortable that one can do but very little Business before ye Business of the day is over & particularly as I lodg at ye wrong end of the Town. It would have been a particular pleasure to have recvd. a Line from thy dear hand but as I know thou art not fond of Letter writing I excuse it
dont fail coming on Sunday to Stratford where thou wilt find one that loves thee & one that will ever Subscribe himself thy
Most tender & affect. husband
Mattw Boulton
since writeing the above I have recvd. a Letter from my Brothr. John wch. revives me as it informs me of thy Health & welfair
[Address-label:] To / Mrs. Boulton / on Snow Hill / Birmingham
[1] "'Levett’s affairs' Jan & Feb 1762. John Levett was elected M.P. for Lichfield 1761. Unseated on petition 1762. Meynell (the other candidate) declared elected. The Sheriff was judged to have acted unfairly in Levett’s favour at the count of the poll. The date 1765 overleaf is therefore wrong." [From a modern note formerly inserted in this document.] |