wilful profligacy destroyed the energies of the nation, by driving its proud population into poor-houses; and by a lack of animal spirits, forced them to a disuse of that, which although it may have been deleterious to their own constitution, will now operate in a deleterious way upon the constitution and resources of the country.

I am, my dear Sir, &c.

B. O.

To W. FARRAN, Esq. DUBLIN.

MY DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, November 16, 1819.

I ANSWERED Your two letters a week ago; but as it was in a small parcel of paper confided to your brother's care, and waiting the opportunity of being sent to you, this probably may arrive first; and this would not find its way, but that I fear you will think I take no notice of your very kind communications. At all events, let me hope that Mrs. Farran is better, and that you, who are your own doctor, have cured yourself.

I have a bad cold, and have had it from the first week of my arrival from Ireland. I think I did not bring it from thence: if I did, it passed muster at the Custom House, and paid no duty; and if I recollect rightly, I was very well at the time, and had no wish to be troubled with such contraband trash. Perhaps you will say, "I have no wish to be troubled with such trash as this why does Mr. Oakley trouble me?" I cannot help it; because I am, as well as the ladies, anxious to know how Mrs. Farran is, after her late severe indisposition, and eager to make her acquainted with our inquiries after her.

Pray mention me very kindly to those friends who were so very kind to me, and

Believe me to be, with all kindness,
Yours always,

B. O.

TO THE REV. JOHN POTTICARY, BLACKHEATH.

MY DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, December 17, 1819.

eye,

THE dangerous state of my dear Richard's and the uncertainty when he may be able to resume his studies, has induced me to adopt a plan for his future education, different to that which he has hitherto practised. I will therefore thank you to send his books, and with them your account.

I beg your acceptance of my best acknowledgments for the kind attention you have manifested towards my dear boy; and to assure you of the gratitude and esteem of

Dear Sir, yours ever,

B. O.

To MRS. THOMAS, TOOTING LODGE.

MY DEAR MADAM,

Tavistock Place, December 30, 1819.

NOTHING perhaps may be more acceptable to you than my inquiries after, and my anxious desire to learn how my poor friend Rees, and your brother, are, and how it is with yourself. Mrs. Oakley, and the children, have their full share of sympathy with me; and, I can assure you, feel more solicitude than I can express, for their sufferings and your anxiety. Be pleased then to relieve us; and, if you can, satisfy our

anxious hope of their amendment. We feel most sincerely for you all: and although our comforts have, in a great degree, been clouded by the serious indisposition of dear little Richard, we have been as much alive to your distress as to those experienced at home.

If I could alleviate, by my presence, the distress, or add to the comforts, of poor Rees, I am sure he is convinced how readily I would often visit him; and if I have not done so, it is because I fear it may occasion an exertion of spirits on his part, which may be prejudicial to that quiet and repose, which, perhaps, it would be indiscreet in me to disturb. However, you must do me the favour to tell him how much I have his recovery at heart, and how glad I shall be to have it under his hand and seal, that he is progressively getting better.

Believe me to be, my dear Madam,

With great sincerity, yours truly,

B. O.

To JOHN SOANE, Esq.

MY DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, January 15, 1820.

I SEND you some observations upon my late ramble to Ireland.

If they should afford you some relief from the ennui of a few dull moments, I shall not regret my having sent them to you; and it is this hope that renders apology unnecessary in presuming to occupy your intelligent mind with trifles emanating from mine.

I very sincerely hope you are better.

Believe me to be, &c.

B. O.

SIR,

To MATTHEW WOOD, Esq. M.P.

Royal Exchange, January 24, 1820.

I TAKE leave, on behalf of my friend, Mr. William Farran, of Dublin, who offers himself as candidate to succeed the late Mr. Hamilton as solicitor to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, to say, that I know him well. He is a man of the highest integrity, perseverance, and talent; highly respectable and respected. I hardly know a man like Mr. Farran, for whom I would solicit a favour; and I trust I may be excused presuming to address you, sir, to whom I can scarcely flatter myself I am personally known.

I have the honour to be, &c.

B. O.

To MR. ALDERMAN J. J. SMITH, &c. &c.

DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, January 24, 1820.

A FRIEND of mine, Mr. William Farran of Dublin, offers himself as successor to Mr. Hamilton, for the situation of solicitor to the Fishmongers' Company.

I know Mr. Farran well: he is a man of high integrity and talent, and possesses a warm and generous heart.

If you have it in your power to further the object of this truly worthy man, you will not only serve him, but also the Worshipful Company of which you are a member.

I remain, dear Sir, &c.

B. O.

TO WILLIAM FARRAN, ESQ. DUBLIN.

MY DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, February 1, 1820.

It is now ten o'clock, and although approximating to the hour of rest, I cannot help answering your letters of the 28th and 29th ultimo, just brought me by the twopenny post. I also received one from you this morning in the city.

I have the satisfaction to tell you, my dear boy is quite recovered: the eye is preserved, thank God; and his spirits and appetite good.

I grieve with Mrs. Oakley, and our children, for dear Mrs. Farran. If our wishes for her recovery are availing, pray assure her they are most sincerely offered.

I return you Sir Joseph's plea that he would demur I was well assured. You, my good sir, must meet this champion in the lists; and trusting to your prowess, I hope he will be defeated.

If what I have said, or written, can in any way strengthen or aid your cause in your application to the Company of Fishmongers, I shall feel a proud satisfaction.

Yours ever,

B. O.

MY DEAR SIR,

To J. W. HORSLEY, Esq.

Royal Exchange, March 17, 1820.

I AM off to-night for Holland. Pray do me the favour to convey my Journals to Mr. Aldridge, in your neighbourhood, who has expressed a wish to read them, and who will send them to Tavistock Place.