never thought right—I might, from my long absence from the world, have passed incognito; but, lest I should enjoy a moment's quiet, twenty devils in the shape of women, as they always are such or angels, agreed to torment me all the night with the fulsome repetition of my exploits (a subject I always wish to forget), and a sort of impertinent pity that I was not fool enough to continue them. I t'other day met Miss Elwys in the Park, to whom I paid my devoirs. The Mdlles. Alston do not come to town this year, nor does Captain Phillis go abroad, who is at present highly chagrined that some officer has been advanced over his head. As to the accounts you hear of me they are mere conjectures, as I seldom go into company; however, I shall not this campaign have the honour to gather laurels, or the pleasure of having my brains knocked out. If think my intercession for your longer stay can be of any service, let me know your commands, as I am always ready to comply with any you can lay on, Dear Sister, you Your most affectionate Brother, &c. B. RUDYERD. St. James's, Feb. 2d, 1746. P.S.-I beg my compliments to the two ladies. My particular thanks to Miss Brome for the honour she did me by her obliging epistle; did I not fear it would be thought impertinent, should have done myself that of answering it, but should be sorry to offend where I have so great an obligation. Assure her of my sincerest regard, pour n'en pas dire d'advantage. Pray let me hear soon. You may depend on my sending caffiaux the first opportunity. DEAR SISTER, To Miss RUDYERD. I CANNOT any longer defer acknowledging the receipt of your two obliging letters, which, as they never fail to do, gave me extreme pleasure; yet I cannot help complaining of the shortness of them. Can I imagine paper is so scarce or time so precious but that at intervals you might indulge me with a longer conversation, for such is I think a literary correspondence, the only alleviation of an enforced absence, and which can alone mitigate the pains we feel from being denied the pleasure of the company of those we would wish to pass our time with? My dear sister, may Heaven preserve you from those anxieties I have and still continue to suffer; as you deserve it, may Providence ever pour its blessings on you! Your happiness is the only prospect of mine, to see you happy my only ambition, and, as far as a fond brother can contribute towards the completion of it, depend on my utmost efforts to promote it. My spirits, as you may perceive by my style, are too much depressed to write any thing to amuse you; yet were I in the possession of the highest enjoyments this life can afford, assure yourself my sentiments in that respect would be still the same. I am to-morrow to dine with the Duke of Marlbro', who has offered me his utmost assistance in money or interest. Tower, December, 1746. To the Honourable Mrs. CHAPLIN. I SHOULD before this have done myself the honour of answering yours, but flattered myself I should have been able to have done it in person; but our duty comes so quickly upon us since the departure of the two battalions, that we have scarce a day to ourselves; and, at leisure hours, I am obliged to pay my devoirs where interest and prudence in my present situation direct me, and which it would be madness to neglect. At the time of writing this, I am not sure I shall not arrive at Wormley before it, as I am determined to profit of the first occasion that presents itself to pay my respects where duty and inclination direct the way. A few days ago I received a letter from my sister, which I must do her the justice to say was wrote in a style and manner I could not have expected from her, and which, I assure you, gave me infinite satisfaction to see your love, and the education you have bestowed upon her, seemed not to be thrown away, and was such as I should have thought did me honour to put my name to. I may, perhaps, be a little partial, but as I should be extremely sorry to see her do wrong, so I cannot help feeling a sensible satisfaction in the discovery of her good qualities, which, did I not, I should not act according to the principles a brother ought to observe in behalf of so good a sister. She seemed to hint to me, as she passes her time very agreeably with her cousins, that she would wish her leave of absence might be prolonged; but as you are alone, I cannot in justice say more on that head. I wish, pursuant to your kind invitation, it was in my power to supply her place; but as that is uncertain, cannot promise myself so much pleasure. I t'other day met Miss Elwys in the Park, who is very well, and to whom I paid my devoirs. I frequently see Mr. May in order to bring my troublesome affairs to a conclusion; but whether it may be owing to the difficulties he objects, or his dilatory way of proceeding, I do not perceive they promise a speedy conclusion. It is very cruel, as, upon my honour, I have no occasion to be thus involved; for, upon the strictest calculation I can make, I find myself worth eight hundred pounds per annum and every thing paid, which, with the liberty of seeing my friends, my commission, and my expectances from my good friend, the Duke of Marlbro', would make me very easy. As I have long experienced your tenderness and concern for me, should be unwilling to say any thing to make you uneasy; but, thank God, I can bear a good deal without murmuring, yet cannot help saying, I dearly pay for my past follies, as I am not that wild, thoughtless creature I may have appeared, nor incapable of reflection. I hope for the best, and a speedy delivery from my present troubles; and desire no pity if, once upon my legs, I ever involve myself in the like difficulties. As misfortunes never come single, I had sold my horse for fifty guineas; and, upon my going to deliver him, he fell lame on the road, which, upon the whole, I am not sorry for, as I would not upon any consideration be suspected to deceive a man who totally confided in my honour. He will soon be well, and I can, whenever I choose it, have a purchaser on the same terms; whether it is that they have a good opinion of my judgment, or that I do not mean to turn cheat, I could have parted with him on my bare word to a dozen different people. Excuse my enclosing this tiresome epistle, and will for the future endeavour to have them franked. But when I once sit down to write I never know when to have done; but as matter and paper grow scanty will not longer trespass on your patience, but, with all respect, subscribe myself, Madam, Your most dutiful Grandson and most obed humble Servant, B. RUDYERD. St. James's, Feb. y 2d, 1747. |