| Title | John Longsdon on board Octavia to James Longsdon. Getting freely away; pilot will carry back letter. Mr M will remit James the £100 Bank Post Bill and accept his draft or drafts for about £250 so that their money matters are pretty well squared. Writer feels much obliged by the kind accommodation James has offered him.
In regard to James' prospects, sees no great difficulties in his way if he can persuade himself to enjoy rationally advantages which fortune has given him and his own knowledge and care will preserve to him. Additional satisfaction beyond affection for James for in his success is the present security of Bessy and Kate's property and as writer informed their Father on morning of leaving home truly pleasant to think that in James exists both power and inclination to do them ample justice. Writer hopes neither will ever be impaired. As to William and self, if they escape affects of adverse climate, likely to realise some property. Times just now are really awful for merchants but out of this general ruin a safer and better state of things will arise and they are but just now getting into circumstances to take advantage of them.
Bessy has a message for James about Oil cakes. Mr W Hill has said nothing to writer about James' former occupation of the cottage.
Farewell, wishes James every happiness. Cultivate feelings of forebearance and mildness towards their parents especially to Father whose faculties and thoughts are evidently impaired by age and whose infirmities must be borne with.
Sorry to hear of Jack Gardam's marriage equally derogatory from own happiness, reputability of family. Give writer's love at Longsdon.
15 Feb 1819 |