the Author to their animadversions and criticisms. Now, as he has no wish to encounter the paper bullets of the doughty champions of the press, he felt a strong reluctance to yield; but the more he opposed their solicitations, the more vociferous they became. One remarked, that in times like these it was impossible to stop the march of free opinions; and as the Author's were of that stamp, nothing should satisfy them but a compliance with their demand. Another adverted to the Cortes of Spain, who knew better than Ferdinand, their king, the value of a free press; and that it was wiser to acquiesce, by a temperate compliance, than obstinately oppose the general will.

Finding resistance of no avail, and looking to the consequences of a revolution at the social breakfast and dinner table, where the Author rested his best hope for constitutional support, he had no alternative but tacit submission; feeling conscious, that when the transactions of his life, for the last twenty years, are constantly before their eyes, and his motives properly appreciated, they may serve to show with what moderation his government has been carried on, and whether the publicity of it is likely to do good.

LETTERS,

ETC. ETC.

To L. LAMBE, ESQ. HEREFORD.

MY DEAR SIR,

June 5, 1800.

I AM very much honoured with your offer to stand godfather to my infant daughter, and most cordially accept this mark of friendship. I am one of those who are too proud to bend to the pecuniary wish you express, upon the occasion of the ceremony:- it ever has been, and will continue to be my practice, not to suffer my servants to look for recompense to those I call my friends. I well know it to be the fashion among great folks, but I am superior to it. In a few days I will fulfil the Christian duty, and shall feel happy in representing my excellent friend. I have lately attended to his last place of earthly rest, a most excellent, valuable, and good friend; one whose high integrity ensured him the respect and love of all who knew him. I believe you were personally acquainted with this good man, and already anticipate that I mean Mr. Morgan Thomas. With respect to the little trouble I have had in your concerns, I can only say, that at all times I shall feel an inclination to attend to them; and the greatest compensation I look for is, a continuance

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of your esteem for me, and a readiness to ask my assistance.

Pray remember me to Doctor Blunt and his family, and receive the assurance, dear Sir, of my best regard.

Always yours,

B. OAKLEY.

To MISS JAMES, BARBADOES.

DEAR MISS JAMES,

Stock Exchange, July 1, 1800.

I am truly concerned to hear of your distressed situation, and would be glad, were it in my power, to relieve your mind from the burthen that oppresses it. I have, however, discharged the obligation you have imposed upon me, in communicating to Mr. Butcher the subject of your letter. He, knowing the powerful claim he has, and thinking himself extremely ill treated, will listen to no compromise, and is determined to enforce the payment of the bond. I said much in your behalf, and incurred some harsh expressions by my interference; and when I mentioned your wish to visit England, and throw yourself upon "his relative kind advice," he burst into excessive passion, and threatened what I do not like to name. He acknowledged to have received letters from you, and said, should any more arrive, he would put them into the fire unopened. I opposed to his claim the hardships you have felt, and the prospect of succeeding distress; but neither could appease the violence of his passion. Here I thought it prudent to stop; and, on the morrow, in a calmer moment, renewed the subject, when I thought I perceived an inclination to listen to some sort of com

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promise; and I really think, were you to propose paying the £200 you mention into the hands of Mr. Walcot, that Mr. Butcher would exonerate you from all further claim - I dare not say more, and must entreat you not to make me the instrument of negotiation in this affair. I have often, on this subject, said more in your behalf than, perhaps, propriety would allow. I wish to serve you, but my respect and duty to Mr. Butcher deny that I should urge this matter further.

I thank you much for your inquiry after my dear Hannah, and our little ones; she does most sincerely sympathize in your sufferings: it is seldom she sees her father, or I am sure she would be an advocate for Miss James. I am glad to find Captain Butcher called upon I have not heard from him, which I think strange : you probably he told you that I have five girls and a boy. Since his departure I have, in addition, another girl, and am happy to say they are all well.

My dear Miss James, I must now take my leave, but not without assuring you of my best regard, and offering my most sincere and good wishes for your health, prosperity, and happiness.

B. O.

DEAR SIR,

To J. BALMANNO, Esq. TEMPLE.

Upper Tooting, Surrey, July 8, 1800.

You have my sincere good wishes; and at any time when I can render you service in your professional pursuits, believe me I will. Your late request has occasioned some pain, and I confess somewhat surprised me; but as you have been candid, so will I.

I must then tell you, that I war with my disposition in setting up a stubborn resistance to applications of this nature; and the only palliative I have to this resolution is, that my large and increasing family deny that I should do any thing (in which their interest is concerned) upon a precarious footing.

I shall always be happy to see Mr. Balmanno, and think myself honoured by his acquaintance.

With much regard, my dear Sir,

I remain yours truly,

B. O.

To CAPTAIN BUTCHER, SPANISH TOWN, JAMAICA.

DEAR JACK,

Stock Exchange, 12th July, 1800.

IT has afforded your sister and myself much pleasure to hear of your safe arrival at Jamaica, and you will have equal pleasure to hear that Hannah and the children are in the land of the living. We have, since you left us, another girl; she is now a Christian, bearing the name of Lucy Lambe, in compliment to my good friend at Hereford, who is her godfather.

My residence is now wholly at Tooting: your sister is reconciled to it, and I am perfectly comfortable. My lodgings in Ludgate Street are taken off my hands by Mr. Nunn, my neighbour. Thus much for myself.

I shall now find great fault with you, for keeping us in suspense so long; it is only within these four days that your letter reached me. You will not in future, I hope, be so idle, especially when I tell you how much anxiety your sister has felt for your safety, and how ill furnished I am to answer her inquiries after you. It is