It is hard, in a case of distress like this, to aim at giving you consolation. In the first place, as men, it becomes us not to give way to sorrow and grief. "What is done cannot be undone." It must be borne with firmness and fortitude, and the energies of the mind must be drawn forth in looking to better days: they are still within reach, if he will take advice, and act up to it; but the only way to deserve it is, to be just to those he has injured, by a strict impartiality. If I find that has not been done, he must not expect my advice or support: on the contrary, if it has been done, I will not forget he is my brother.

With respect to Edwin, I think Mr. Woolrych is disposed to serve him; but if he be deficient in writing and arithmetic, it cannot be done immediately. Let him go to school at my charge: do you be his superintendant as to any arrangement you think best, and, when qualified, it will then be time to talk to Mr. Woolrych about him; at present it would be premature, and, until the storm blows over, improper.

Henry I have disposed of; he is now in the Military College at Marlow, where he will be qualified, I hope, in a short time, to take a commission from his Majesty, either in the Royal Engineers or in the Artillery; thereby avoiding the precariousness of trade, and ready, upon an emergency, to fight for the liberties of his country.

Poor John Taylor is, I fear, upon his last legs: when last I saw him he was breaking up very fast. I hope his circumstances will afford some provision for his children. This is a life of affliction and disappointment: when a man is prepared for his last journey, the sooner he sets out upon it the better. Poor Frank! I am sorry, very

sorry for his misfortunes: tell him to bear up with firmness, and not give way to unmanly sorrow.

My love and best wishes to you all.

B. O.

SAMUEL HAVARD, Esq. MANSION HOUSE STREET.

SIR,

Clapham Common, November 21, 1808.

THE more I think on the situation and conduct of my unfortunate brother, the more I am in doubt as to the propriety of the measure proposed by you, in our conference of yesterday; and the more I reflect upon the act which has been resorted to, the more I am inclined to lament the precipitancy of it. If any communication had been made to the relatives of the unfortunate bankrupt, as to the steps which seem to have been determined on previously to his last examination, they would, at the hazard of pecuniary inconvenience, have done something to have satisfied the too much abused confidence of those who are sufferers upon the occasion: but the die is cast, and the odium now so fastly riveted upon the head of the wretched sufferer, that it is impossible his blasted reputation ever can bud again.

For myself, however sharp the sting of calumny may be, and the wound which has been made upon the integrity of a once happy family, still this I could have borne; but when I consider the deleterious effect it will have upon the aged frames of a venerable father and mother, I cannot but feel anguish in the extreme, with dreadful forebodings of the shock this must occasion.

I will not do an injustice to my own feelings, in attempting any vindication of the conduct of Francis Oakley. I will

Nothing extenuate, nor aught set down in malice."

He is one who has acted "not wisely, but too" ill; yet, with all his misdeeds, I must and cannot but acquit him of any premeditated intention of withholding that explanation which his creditors may have expected, and are entitled to: but I do conceive, from the weakness of his capacity (too evident from the blundering system he has pursued), that it is impossible he can ever explain to the understanding of his creditors, (much less to their satisfaction), the complicated wrongs his stupidity has plunged him into.

In making these observations, I wish it to be understood not with an intention of receding from what I engaged to do, in conjunction with my brother George; although, upon mature consideration, I do not think I should have gone so far. I have already been a considerable sufferer; and having ten children of my own, it is but justice to them that their interests should be first considered.

Indeed, Sir, I have been most unhappy since I saw you the impression made on my mind has incapacitated me from going to town this day, which I intended to have done in order to have seen Mr. Richard Oakley and yourself; but perhaps "'tis better as it is." I am incapable of giving advice to those more competent than myself, and must beg to leave to their better judgments the adjustment of this sad account.

I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,

B. O.

To MRS. TOLDERVY, LUDLOW.

MY DEAR AUNT,

Clapham Common, November 21, 1808. THE annexed letter was put into my hands this morning, with particular instructions to have it conveyed to you. There is one part of the letter I object to " It has long been my intention," &c. Now she should have said, in the plural, our intention, in which would have been understood the joint co-operation of her sisters; but Adriana appears to have assumed the command of the corps, which, I must beg to say, has not been ratified by me; and therefore I think (and I believe it is in contemplation among her sisters) to bring her to a court of inquiry. I must confess there are strong symptoms in Miss Oakley of endeavouring to gather laurels from the brows of her sisters, who are equally entitled to wear them with herself: at all events, I will suggest something in the shape of an armistice; and should it turn out that you are not offended at the conduct of the young lady, I probably, with my influence, may bring matters to an amicable adjustment.

Your affectionate and dutiful Nephew,

B. O.

To Miss M. ADAMS, CREWKERNE, SOMERSET.

DEAR MADAM,

Clapham Common, December 15, 1808.

I CONGRATULATE you upon the safe arrival of your brother at Dinapore, and upon the good fortune he has had in being appointed Surgeon to the civil

establishment or station of Ally Ghur, as well as the lucrative advantages allowed him of trading in cotton, silk, indigo, &c., which, I understand, are likely to be beneficial to him.

I have been confined several days with an inveterate rheumatism, or should have answered your letter before. I am sorry you give so indifferent an account of your mother, to whom pray make mine and Mrs. Oakley's regards.

I understand that Captain Butcher is unwell, and intends leaving India for England.

When you write to your brother, I request you will convey to him the best remembrances of Mrs. Oakley and myself.

Believe me to be, dear Madam,

Your Friend and Servant,

B. O.

TO WILLIAM DOWNES, ESQ. HEREFORD.

DEAR SIR,

Clapham Common, December 27, 1808.

IT is so long since I have had the honour of addressing you, that I ought to begin by saying, my absent friend; and if I did not believe that that dear name attaches to me, (as well as by your recent conduct, which induces me to think it is extended to an unfortunate relation), I should not presume to be so familiar; but you have such claims upon the gratitude of the family, that I should do injustice to my feelings were I not to acknowledge it.

The unheard of severity lately (and most unjustly) exercised towards my poor brother, has, I must own, stimulated me to advocate his cause: not that I will