EXTRACT FROM THE APPENDIX

TO

MR. WAKEFIELD'S PRINTED DEFENCE.

Hackney, February 23, 1799.

WHEN my trial was notified for decision during the sittings after last term, I wrote to the Duke of Grafton, the Bishops of Gloucester, Lincoln, and Norwich, the Dean of Ely, George Hibbert, Esq. and Mr. Vince, to request of them a general attestation to the integrity and sincerity of my manners; as a measure which might be essentially contributive to my acquittal, and perhaps save me from a rigorous imprisonment. The following is the Duke of Grafton's letter; which, I am persuaded, he will not be displeased with me for presenting to the reader, as a testimonial very honourable to me, and, I hope, not disgraceful to himself.

a

a Read by Mr. Wakefield on his defence.

Euston, Feb. 2, 1799.

REV. SIR,

I AM rendered, by a most irksome disorder, which has not allowed me to stir out of the house, except for air and a little exercise, for many months past, totally incapable of appearing any where in public. This will deprive me of the satisfaction I should otherwise have had in giving my personal testimony of that consideration, in which I hold your character, esteeming you for that integrity, conscientiousness, and sincerity, which direct you in all your actions; and which add much lustre to your learned labours in the cause of virtue and religion.

The same grievous complaint, which disables me from being present at the trial, rendered me unfit to attend my duty last session in parliament; and, I fear, will likewise prevent me this year from the discharge of that as well as other functions.

I am, Rev. Sir,

With sincere regard and esteem,

Your faithful and obedient servant,

To the Rev. Gilbert Wakefield,

Mare Street, Hackney.

GRAFTON.

b

Though my acquaintance with the Bishop of Gloucester had been longer suspended than with the rest, and my communication with him, since I left college, had been continued only by the mutual exchange of two letters many years ago, he returned a very polite answer to my request; and, whatever insufficiency I may impute to his excuse, he has not forfeited that opinion of benevolence and liberality, which I have ever annexed to his character. To the Bishop of Lincoln's letter I request the particular attention of the reader, and his comparison of it with the subjoined extracts of former letters.

SIR,

I RECEIVED your letter this morning, and according to your desire I take the earliest opportunity of answering it. That I once thought well of you, and that I felt a real regard for you, I shall ever be ready to declare; but I must beg to call to your recollection, that my acquaintance with you was prior to ANY of your writings upon religion or poli

b Dr. Beadon.

tics. For these last TWENTY YEARS I have known you only by your publications; and it is with pain I say, that those publications would not allow me to speak favorably of your intention and disposition. I sincerely lament the change of my opinion; but I think it right to state to you without reserve, that in my judgment the declaration of my present sentiments concerning you would be injurious rather than useful to you upon your trial.

THE expectation of being able very soon to call upon you at Richmond has constantly prevented my answering your letter. I will not however any longer delay to assure you that it will give me real pleasure if I have an opportunity to recommend any pupils to

7

your care. I am thoroughly satisfied that you will do them the most ample justice.

Believe me to be,

Dear Sir,

Your most faithful friend,

G. PRETYMAN.

Downing Street,

August 11, 1784.

The Rev. Gilbert Wakefield, Richmond, Surrey.

DEAR SIR,

I RECEIVED the favour of your letter, and beg leave to express to you my sincere acknowledgments for your kind congratulations: they were truly acceptable to me, as coming from a person whom I respect as well for the qualities of his heart as for his literary attainments. I shall be very glad to give you an opportunity of judging whether difference of situation has caused in me any difference of behaviour; if any thing should bring you to town, or into my neighbourhood, in the country, I hope you will not forget your old Cambridge acquaintance.