LETTERS, &c.

To the Honourable Mrs. CHAPLIN, Wormley, Herts.

DEAR MADAM,

IT is a great concern to several, who I am assured have a sincere regard for my sister as well as myself, to hear your resolution in taking her from school, whose persuasions, added to my own inclination, have made me venture to use my endeavours to desire she may, if possible, continue there another year or half; I only offer this through a sincere desire for her improvement, as it is the foundation of her actions for her whole life, if my opinion may be taken, that if there is a possibility she may not lose an education so much to her advantage in regard to her future conduct, since a year now will be ten times of more signification than the past, it being certain she can as yet only have fixed the ground-work for her next year's application. As I am sure you have a sincere regard for her welfare (as I have found by experience in respect to myself), induces me to believe that as you cannot but be sensible of what consequence this is, you will contrive some method to accomplish it: if my assistance can be of any service, I shall take a pleasure in applying it to

the utmost. Don't imagine what I have offered on this head proceeds from any direction I pretend to assume over her, but from the sincere love I have for her, which I shall always be ready to shew upon all

occasions.

I am, Madam,

Your most dutiful Grandson and humble Servant,

B. RUDYERD.

Pray excuse haste, I am going to wait on Lord Scarborough, and to-morrow shall go into Kent.

Thursday, January the 3d, 1739.

To the Honourable Mrs. CHAPLIN.

MADAM,

THERE has been but one post before this since my arrival here, when I was so hurried that I had not a moment to myself, which, had I had, would have been employed in writing to you. We had a very favourable passage during which I had my health very well, not being at all sea-sick; but was a good deal fatigued, laying several nights on the bare boards with my clothes on, and my portmanteau for my pillow; but am happy enough to find, that by the help of spirits, I can go through a good deal of fatigue without suffering. We have been here so short a time that I cannot give you any particular account of this place, but it

seems to be the general opinion it is the most disagreeable in the world; there being neither good lodging, victuals, nor drink to be had, and nobody to speak to but ourselves; no one public diversion as yet, but live in expectation of some French strollers, which may possibly help one to some acquaintance with the people, which at present I see no likelihood of. As to what we are to do we are utterly ignorant, but think myself we shall continue here in garrison this winter, and take the field early in the spring, but have no certain foundation for this opinion more than that of the public; but suppose you have more probable intelligence at home. We are all earnestly wishing to be employed to alter the scene which we are forced to undergo by staying here and protest the dullness of this city has a greater effect upon every body than one could possibly have imagined; every one strolling about without any meaning or design but as chance directs them. If you meet them in the street, or speak, they stare as one just awakened, and go on without having spirits to give an answer; and I verily believe, if we do continue here, half the officers will either hang or drown themselves through idleness and despondency. My amusements are reading and riding, but these are not sufficient to make up for the loss of conversation or company. I only beg to premise one thing in our favour, that whenever we come to England, the ladies will excuse any oddness of behaviour, such as contradicting them, helping oneself first at table (which last habit we have contracted here by a

scarcity of provision where every one scrambled for himself as fast as he could to prevent starving); nay, I don't even know but by that time we may be boorish and morose enough to tell a woman she is ugly or old, which, under favour may sometimes be the case, though a truth not to be spoken. But, for my own part, to prevent as much as possibly incurring such bad customs, which, if executed, must infallibly turn to one's ruin and disgrace, and not absolutely to forget a branch of learning so necessary for people of my profession and inclination, I exercise daily a lesson of flattery with my drummer's wife, who was the only she animal I have spoken, till the arrival of that good creature,-I need not tell you what you must know by this time, that I mean Lady Vane, so am just now, and shall be during her stay, a little enlivened. You cannot conceive what an effect her appearance had upon the whole society, which (as that of an angel of light diffusing hope and joy to the despairing) recalled all their long-departed senses, and made them look up, gratefully acknowledging the approach of something more than mortal; which, to us that have been in a lethargic state of absence, she really appears to be. You or any body else at reading this rhapsody might reasonably conclude I had a more than ordinary regard for her ladyship; but, let that appear as it will, you know the contrary, and that I mean no more than to say, how great a pleasure the presence of an acquaintance from England must necessarily give me. Company just coming in, and the post going out, I

must beg pardon for ending so abruptly; but will give further account in my next, I hope a better.

I am, Madam,

Your most dutiful Grandson and humble Servant,

Ghent, Wednesday 9th O.S., 1742.

B. RUDYERD.

To the Honourable Mrs. CHAPLIN, at Wormley near Enfield, in Hertfordshire.

MADAM,

I RECEIVED the favour of yours, but having, as I told you I designed in my last, been making a tour for a few days, did not receive it so soon as I should.

We are preparing with all expedition to take the field, which is now, I believe, in all appearance out of doubt, but what expedition to undertake is as yet a secret; it being so late in the year, fear it will be fatal to some of our men, as we shall certainly continue there pretty late. I am equipped in all respects, and have particularly provided against the cold, which I believe will be our worst enemy. I am very happy in having an agreeable tent-mate, and do not fear but we shall be as well supplied for it as any. I can give you but little account of my excursion, having been only at Brussels, where I met several acquaintance, and spent my time very much to my satisfaction; but met with nothing particularly worth your notice. As you get nearer the French territories, the people are more