To a sisterly caution on avoiding increase of debts, he enters into a full detail of pecuniary circumstances and resources, by which it appears he was by no means incautious. “When this mortgage is got rid of I shall be one hundred and fifty pounds a year richer, and then my first operation shall be to diminish the sad arrear I owe you. Afterwards, in case of peace, I think I can so manage the Cavan estate as to pay all my debts, and have a clear income of from nine hundred to one thousand pounds a year.”
How he became introduced to the Prince does not appear—perhaps through Admiral Payne, whose brother, a general officer, was an occasional visitor at Lord Sunderlin’s seat in Ireland. The admiral figured a good deal in Brighton and Pall Mall; and few accustomed to stroll for amusement past Dighton’s shop at Charing Cross, more than half a century ago, but will remember one of his sketches: “Jack P, the little Admiral; taken on the Steyne, at Brighton.” A reply of his to a visitor at Carlton House is still remembered. “I believe, sir,” said the inquirer, “you were bred to the sea?” “No, sir; the sea was bread to me, and dd hard bread it has been!”
Mr. Metcalfe, then his host, writes from Brighton to him in Ireland, two or three years later: “Jack Payne, for so the admiral is always called, is here with the Prince, and he was pleased with the good account you give of his brother, who I have always heard is an excellent cavalry officer.” . . . .
“The Prince and Mrs. F. have been here all the season. He is making great alterations. . . The place is full, but not of the best company, for various
