attempt to exonerate him from blame for the blundering system he has pursued; but only so far as to shield him from the shafts of calumny, when they are directed. against his integrity. You cannot but have been made acquainted with the vindictive proceedings of those who have directed the examination of my brother; and, indeed, I was led to believe that too much severity could not be exercised against him: but when I attended the last meeting, and heard from his own mouth the plainest replies to the questions put to him, and the artless manner in which he conducted himself, and also witnessed the virulent nature of his greatest (and I may safely aver his only) enemy, I could not but feel ashamed that I should have the outward likeness of any creature so inhuman. The scandalous charge of concealment, on which Frank had been previously accused, was, on his last hearing, not even mentioned or adverted to;-a proof how unwarrantably had been the rigour directed against him, that it was considered too foul even to be hinted at. It now only remains, (and presuming on the friendship I think you bear me, I am emboldened to ask it), that you will kindly exert your powerful interest in doing all you can to forward the great object of liberating him from his present embarrassment, by signing his certificate. I hope and trust it may be effected without even an application to Mr. Havard, whose inveteracy is, I fear, unabated. The certificate is signed by some principal creditors now in town, and it will be presented to you by Mr. Harrison, who has undertaken to wait upon the country creditors, and who, knowing the whole proceedings, will be enabled to afford you explanation. I need not apologize to the goodness of your heart for the trouble I give you in reading this long letter; seeing, as you will, that I am actuated by fraternal feeling, to protect a fallen brother. Faithfully and always yours, B. O. To CAPTAIN JOHN BUTCHER, PAYMASTER DEAR JACK, (Per the Lord Melville.) Clapham Common, January 12, 1809. I WILL not lose the opportunity of the fleet about to sail for India, of sending this letter, although it is very probable it may not find you there, having understood from Mr. Adams, that it is your intention to set off about this time for England; but should any circumstance arise to alter that determination, it will be right I should make you acquainted with an event which concerns you nearly. Your mother, after a short illness, died on the 18th of December last, literally reduced to a skeleton before her dissolution. When you consider the melancholy situation she was in, you will think with me, that it was an event "devoutly to be wished." Your father, poor man, is much altered; he seldom goes from home, his rupture is enlarged, and his legs swell very much. Mr. Benjamin Shaw, Mr. C. Palmer, a few friends, and myself, attended her remains to the meeting in Maze Pond; where I saw her deposited in a vault, with every mark of solemnity and respect. I need not repeat how glad we shall be to see you, or for myself urge how much it is my wish, that my house and fire-side may always have a place for "Poor Jack." I am most truly and honestly yours, B. O. To MRS. OAKLEY. MY DEAR MOTHER, Clapham Common, March 12, 1809. On the other side you have the acknowledgments of Miss Oakley, for your very esteemed present. The recollection of your kind attention to her during our short stay at Weobly will never be effaced from her mind. I do not know any thing that would afford me more gratification than to have you present among your group of grandchildren around my fire-side: the eagerness at all times manifested by them whenever your name is mentioned, is the best proof how much you live in their affection. Little Richard begins to find the use of his tongue, and when a little older, will probably call his godfather to account, whose promise was to teach him the vulgar use of it. Fanny, next to him, is the idol of her sisters, sweet and blooming as the rose. Jane is full of many stories, and often sings us merry songs. Lucy is all but a poetess; for although she cannot well express her own ideas, she does with wonderful discrimination repeat those of our distinguished poets. Benjamin possesses an ardent, vigorous, and generous disposition; he is, indeed, the boy after my own heart. Mary, not strong in constitution, possesses capacity, and is a very good girl meekness and perfect good humour are her characteristics. Christiana has a boldness of feature, animated, quick, and capable of learning, and is an excellent companion for Benjamin, who, at trap-ball, has often been convinced that he may be vanquished by a female. Elizabeth is a great favourite with the little ones, domesticated, contented, and an excellent nurse. Hannah is every thing I can wish, an ornament to myself, and a credit to you. Adriana's portrait is familiar to you, and I trust and hope the impression it has made in the mind of yourself and my father, will not disappoint your best expectations. Thus, mother, you will see in the picture I have drawn that I have fulfilled the Scriptures - "The first shall be last, and the last shall be first." Mrs. Oakley and myself you have known many years, and "the less we say of ourselves the better." Always yours, B. O. To G. TOLDERVY, Esq. MY DEAR SIR, Clapham Common, July 19, 1809. WE have been agreeably surprised by the arrival of Captain Butcher from India, who, I am glad to say, is well, and kindly inquired after you and my aunt. About three weeks ago I had a sharp attack of an ague; but I opened a battery of Peruvian bark upon the breast-work, and silenced the enemy in eight and forty hours. This day I received the congratulations of my Infantry corps, upon the completion of my forty-third year; on which occasion I felt the solid satisfaction of true love emanating from affectionate hearts, unlike the adulatory compliments of courtly hypocrites, who do it as a matter of custom, when, I should say, it were "better honoured in the breach than the observance." Truly yours, B. O. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING CHRONICLE. SIR, Clapham Common, October 16, 1809. THE Committee appointed to look into the concerns of Covent Garden Theatre have told the public, that, after a due investigation of their affairs, they find that the average profits of the concern for the last six years (the last of which ought not to have been taken into the account), have not produced to the proprietors more than 6 per cent. I will not doubt the sincerity of these honourable men; for I must take it for granted, that they are "all-all honourable men." But I would like to ask these honourable men this question: Suppose they had embarked in the late theatre a large capital, which, by mismanagement, had been frittered down to one-fourth of its amount; and, for want of money to carry on the concern, the managers had come to a stand still, and called their creditors together: would these honourable men have been satisfied with the exposition they have given us? Would they not have required a full and fair statement of every item of expenditure, in order to form their judgment upon the ability as well as the integrity of the men to whom they had intrusted the command of their property? And have not the public a right to know what fair pretension the imperious Coriolanus has to insult "the |