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ments so accurate and correct, that it can safely be said of him, and the epithet applied to him, in the words of the poet,

"An honest man 's the noblest work of God."

He was that man. This sentiment I could wish to be engraven on his tomb; and those who read it, if they have known him, will subscribe to, and acknowledge its truth. In him I have lost the most indulgent father, and your town its brightest ornament.

You are kind enough to say, you will take care to arrange that the same respectful attention as was shewn to my dear mother, shall be manifested towards him. Before this reaches you, that solemn ceremony will have taken place; and I can have no doubt but it will be performed with every proper feeling of regard, by those whom you may select to follow his venerable remains.

Your very obliged Friend,

B. O.

To HENRY LLOYD, Esq. LUDLOW.

DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, October 23, 1820.

YOUR condolence upon the melancholy event of my dear father's death I receive with grateful thanks; coming from one who can so well appreciate his worthfrom one whose character stands so high-one, of whom my early recollections are revived, bringing to my remembrance the scenes of boyish days - those days of pure friendship- those days when the parental solicitude of the kindest, best of parents beamed with affectionate

smiles, and whose protecting hand shielded me in the days of inexperience. When I look back, "I cannot but remember such things were, that were most dear to me!"-nor can I help a repetition of my thanks to you, my dear sir, for the expression of your regret for the loss of so excellent a man.

Upon the subject of Mr. Lodington's letter I have little to say I will not be a party to any investigation. Whatever may arise out of an investigation, (should any take place), and any thing be recovered, I will be no sharer in it. To the obtruding applications of Mr. Lodington I have made the same reply; and I have now only to beg you will do me the favour to convey to Mr. Davies this my determination, in answer to the inquiry communicated by you to me.

Believe me to be, &c.

B. O.

To THOMAS RUSSELL, Esq. Town CLERK, HEREFORD.

DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, November 20, 1820.

I HAVE received an extraordinary application from Mr. John Harris, of your city, (a perfect stranger to me), for the payment of a bond, (without mentioning the amount), due from me to the executors of our late worthy friend, Mr. Lambe.

I have no recollection of ever having given any thing of the kind; and said, "I thought it strange, if such an instrument was in existence, that Mr. Lambe, when living, had not apprized me of it; or that his executors, since his death, had not mentioned it." I suggested, the candid way would be to send the bond to some professional gentleman in town, in order that I may be

convinced I have given such an obligation. If I have, I am not likely to oppose a just claim. This has occasioned an angry reply from Mr. Harris, who tells me I may send a person to him, who may be permitted to look at it. This may be well for Mr. Harris, but not satisfactory to me. He kindly says his object is not to put me to any expense; but he has forgot that he has put me to a great deal of trouble in answering letters which do not convey satisfactory information, and has occasioned my troubling you to be favoured with the particulars, and whether it is with your sanction that those letters were written.

I must refer you to my first letter to Mr. Harris, that you may be convinced I have no desire to resist a just claim no desire to put him to any but fair and reasonable trouble, nor any wish to put myself to any expense.

Believe me to be, dear Sir, &c.

B. O.

To THOMAS RUSSELL, Esq.

DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, November 27, 1820.

THE serious and alarming illness of a beloved daughter, has prevented me from acknowledging the receipt of your very friendly letter until this moment, when I have just learned from her physicians, that she is out of danger.

I have not the slightest recollection of this bond; and looking to the date you have furnished (1794), you will, I am sure, say, it is not to be wondered at. However, as it appears to have been given by way of collateral security, and buildings having been subsequently erected

pro

on the premises, I should hope, with you, that the perty will be sufficient to answer the demand, without liability on my part. I should like to know the amount of money lent upon the estate, and something of its value; as also, when and how the property is to be disposed of. I am at a loss to understand how such a bond can carry interest; and if it does, why I was not applied to when my brother ceased to pay the interest of it. Such intimation ought surely to have been given to me, otherwise it appears as if I had had accommodation afforded to me, which I never in my life asked for, or wanted. The sacrifices I have made, in early and recent instances, on this brother's account, I am sure you, as a feeling man, will sympathize with me in, and serve me, to the best of your power, with your friendly advice and assistance, how I should act in this very unpleasant affair, so as to suffer as little loss as possible.

In retiring from business, I hope you will enjoy, my dear sir, every happiness and comfort which a life of active and honourable pursuits entitle you to.

The abruptness of Mr. Harris's call upon me, without properly explaining the nature of his claim, surprised me. I question not his respectability, and should hope he appreciates mine; and that ultimately he will be satisfied I have no disposition to resist (as I before stated,) a just claim.

Believe me to be, dear Sir, &c.

B. O.

MY DEAR SIR,

To JAMES PERRY, Esq.

Tavistock Place, November 30, 1820.

UNDER dreadful apprehension for the safety of a beloved daughter's life, which apprehension now, thank God, is removed by the assurance of her physicians that she is out of danger, I cannot withhold my congratulations, and those of Mrs. Oakley and the young ladies, ladies, upon the marriage of your amiable daughter

with Mr. Crawford.

Pray accept our united wishes for the happiness of all parties; and say to those most interested, that the period I hope is not far distant when I may have the honour of personally congratulating them at my own house, in company with yourself, Miss Bentley, and the remaining branches of your interesting family.

Yours always,

B. O.

To MRS. GEORGE OAKLEY, BOND STREET.

MY DEAR SISTER,

Tavistock Place, December 10, 1820.

UNTOWARD circumstances having precluded my dear girls from your society for a long time past, (as much to their regret as your own), I think I cannot offer you a more agreeable present,* than affording you the opportunity of bringing to your recollection a resemblance of those who live in your esteem, and who have ever felt for you, and their fair cousins, the most sincere affection and regard.

* Lithographic portraits of my children, and of my father and mother.

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