only within this half hour that I learnt the packet will be made up to-night; therefore I am driven into a corner, and shall probably omit many occurrences which it was my intention to mention: but there is one which has made so strong an impression upon me, that I cannot possibly overlook, and which you will be sorry and surprised to hear. Our excellent and worthy friend, Morgan Thomas, is no more: a week's illness, occasioned by an inflammation in his bowels, has deprived me of the acquaintance and friendship of this valuable man. He was followed to St. Martin's church, (and deposited by his wife on the 27th May) by many of his old friends, who all shed a sympathetic tear in parting with the remains of their much-loved companion.

Your cousin, Mr. Adams, is arrived. Your father and mother continue to live in all the elegance of fashion; and notwithstanding they lead such dissipated lives, are tolerably well. I am directed by your father to send his best wishes to you. Mr. Crowder, who has just been here, and Mr. Athawes, desire the same.

As you are in a warm climate, I would recommend to you temperance; it is the best beverage, believe me. I find it so in this country; but in yours it is more essential to health. You could not expect I should write without knowing where to address you: you cannot plead the same excuse, and ought to have written from Barbadoes. I shall certainly expect to hear from you by every packet.

I am, dear Jack,

Your affectionate Brother,

P. S. Peggy has been buried about two months.

B. O.

TO WILLIAM NUNN, Esq. BRADSTED, Kent.

DEAR SIR,

Stock Exchange, August 4, 1800.

ON my return, yesterday morning, to Tooting, Mrs. Oakley put into my hands your very friendly letter. I do assure you, my dear Sir, I am at a loss to express how much I feel obliged by your attention; and can only say, that your happiness and welfare sit next my heart, and that this sentiment shall always be cherished with gratitude.

I have made my debut at Lloyd's, and, under the introduction and polite attention of Mr. Basevi, have completed the insurance you directed.

I send you a copy of the Bishop of Winchester's letter to Doctor Bullock, upon the subject of our application for a chapel - I think the Bishop goes farther than the Doctor wishes. A meeting is convened for Saturday next, at the Wheatsheaf, to take the letter into consideration, when I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you.

I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Nunn, and request you will present my best regards to Mr. White,

With every good wish,

I am, dear Sir, ever yours,

B. O.

DEAR SIR,

To L. LAMBE, Esq.

Stock Exchange, September 18, 1800.

I AM concerned to hear so melancholy an account of your son Lacon, and most sincerely sympathize with you upon so distressing a calamity; yet I trust, ere this, his mind is relieved, and that yourself and Mrs. Lambe again enjoy the calm repose of Henwood.

I am sorry I cannot give you a favourable account of Mrs. Liardet; Mrs. Taylor is just returned from a short visit at Brompton, and gives a very indifferent one indeed. I am under much anxiety at the sad report, and fear my dear sister's situation is very gloomy: in a few days I hope to be able to see her, and to have it in my power to say she is better.

When I see you at my house I will answer for your security, and indemnify you against the danger of "pulling caps."

Yours always,

B. O.

To MRS. LIARDET, BROMPTON, NEAR CHATHAM.

MY DEAREST MARY,

Stock Exchange, November 19, 1800.

I AM at a loss to express how much I feel at the heavy affliction that oppresses you. Thou dearest martyr of painful sufferings, how dreadful is my torture. that I cannot administer to thee, in the sad trial of

severe

indisposition, something to ease thy anxious