the history of this delightful place, some spark of the native fire ignited by my residence there?

This then, my dear madam, is the stimulus which inspired me, and which, under your patronage, now doubly repays me, by your acceptance of those trifles emanating from the source I have mentioned. In the enthusiasm with which I have spoken, need I say, ،، Should auld acquaintance be forgot?" No: "I'll tak a cup o' kindness yet "- - a kindness to departed worth.

Doctor Johnson somewhere says, "If a man does not make acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man should keep his friendship in constant repair." Then, as old acquaintance wears off, I shall adopt his maxim; and where can I begin? Where can I make a better choice than in you? The friend of my friend, and that friend the friend of the human race; "for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Now, as you have the very germ of true Christianity about you, and the very Adam which has given new life to my little domestic circle, have imparted to my rib, and to the sinews of that rib, a beatitude (a proper word), that gives them angelic (another proper word) comfort, and makes me think them more angel-like than ever, because they discover in you traits of genuine and affectionate goodness, and have discretion enough to adopt them as the best model for their imitation.

I needed not the testimonials of your high worth, which I have seen recorded: they are engraven on the hearts of my female group, and shine with conspicuous lustre in their delighted countenances, by the happy choice of their new acquaintance: and as time rolls on, and oceans intervene to sever us from your society, may

I never forget the grateful sentiment of the old ballad, and tak "a cup o' kindness" to the welfare of Mrs. and Mr. Adams.

I PAID the postage of your double letter yesterday with great pleasure, in consequence of its covering a neat and pretty map of your own drawing. I am pleased to find that Mr. Drury has directed your attention to so useful and interesting a subject. It will, as you pursue it, impress upon your mind the geographical position of empires, and not only make you acquainted with foreign states, but will lead you to study their constitution and their laws.

You know my predilection for the pencil, and have often witnessed the delight I have felt in filling up dull hours, which sometimes obtrude when weary with reading or conversation. You have a talent, which if you encourage, will amply compensate for the attention and perseverance it requires; it will certainly repay you, and afford you the highest gratification, especially when you recollect that it is an accomplishment appreciated by all well-educated persons, and held in esteem, particularly by the female sex. You will, my dear Richard, secure my approbation, and afford me considerable satisfaction by knowing, that as you make progress in this delightful art, you will be abstracted from the foolish

allurements which boys, when at school, too often indulge in. Never mind the taunts of the idle: whatever illnatured things they may say, suffer them not to ruffle your temper; and when you resist their importunities, do it in the gentlest way possible, letting them see you do not despise their propensities, but that your inclination leads you to other objects.

You tell me you "sleep over the way." I could have wished you to remain under Mr. Drury's roof: but as he told me he was doubtful of affording you accommodation, you must make yourself as happy as possible; and indeed I think you may, as, by being alone, you avoid interruptions from those, who not being disposed to fill up their time in the way I wish you to do, may disincline you from those pursuits it is my wish you should indulge in.

I have been confined at home several days with a troublesome tooth, and am very indifferent in my health. I have not been absent from my fireside one evening since my return from France, and am so little disposed to stir out, that I know not when I can venture to see you. I believe your shoes will be sent down this evening Mr. Nicol is making you a new pair, which will be forwarded to you when finished.

I expect you will furnish me with an account of your expenditure. When your money is laid out in a proper way, I shall never be disinclined to furnish you with what you want. I highly approve of, and thank Mr. Drury for his suggestion, in giving you a small part (of what he was good enough to say he would take charge) at a time. Never degrade yourself by borrowing money: the borrower generally finds it inconvenient to pay, the lender is disappointed, his temper

becomes soured, and he loses his money and his friend.

Yours affectionately,

B. O.

To F. H. PELERIN, Esq.

MY DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, November 2, 1821.

By your acceptance of these minerals you have done me great favour. They may serve to bring to your recollection one, who for Mrs. Pelerin and yourself entertain the liveliest feelings of esteem and obligation.

They have now passed from me to you: I have no further control over them: yet do not be offended with me if I presume to express a wish, that your sprightly little boy may inherit a reversionary interest in them, as they may also bring to his remembrance a friend, who knew how to appreciate the virtues of an indulgent father and mother.

Most heartily and sincerely yours,

B. O.

To JAMES PERRY, Esq. BRIGHTON.

MY DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, November 7, 1821.

I THINK it will be welcome intelligence to you to learn the arrival of The General, Kyd, and Atlas, Mayne, at Bengal. The account comes vid Madras. It strikes me your daughter sailed in one of the above vessels; if so, I am sure you will thank me for this communication. I do not believe any letters are in

town.

How are you, my good sir? Has the air of Brighton, with the kind attention of Miss Bentley, improved your health? Among my friends, I have many inquiries after you. Need I say how glad I shall be to make favourable report of you, and to assure myself that you will soon return to Tavistock House, to enliven its numerous visitants?

A raging tooth has lately deprived me of "Nature's soft nurse;" so that I cannot " lay my eyelids down, and steep my senses in forgetfulness :" yet, in spite of my teeth,

I am ever and truly yours,

B. O.

To ROBERT HAND, Esq. SEYMOUR STREET.

MY DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, November 19, 1821.

WHEN I promised you I would accompany you on this day week to the Royal Academy, I totally forgot an engagement of a particular nature, which will prevent my leaving the city on that day, until a late hour in the evening.

Will you present my compliments to Mr. Collins, and say, I shall feel much honoured, if he will, with yourself, take a dinner with me (en famille), on Saturday next, at half past five, when, perhaps, a day may be named when it may be convenient for each of us to ramble to Somerset House? I hope Mr. Collins will not stand upon the etiquette of a formal card. You must be my ambassador, and I invest you with full power.

Yours, dear Sir,

B. O.