success in the world, is the greatest joy and pleasure of my life, and makes amends for a thousand troubles I have from other causes; and if it shall ever be in my power to reward you for it as I wish to do, I’ll show you all the affection and kindness the most deserving child can expect. But as human events are so precarious, there is no trusting to that chance. Continue, therefore, my dear child, the same course of industry you are in, in order to qualify you to get your own bread, and to make your own way in the world. God Almighty always blesses the diligent and industrious; He has been pleased to endow you with a good understanding, and many other advantages, which can't fail to succeed when properly applied. I came here on Friday from Mr. Magan's, and have been quite alone ever since. I live much as you do, upon a bit of mutton every day, and occupy only one room in the house, except the chamber I lie in. I found both tea and sugar here,[1] and Mrs. Magan gave me a pound of sugar. . . . The weather, last Saturday, was so very bad I could not stand out; but Monday was a fine frosty day, and I was abroad all day long, and am very busy in my farming, which mightily wanted my presence here. There fell a great deal of snow on Tuesday, which kept me a prisoner that day, but I think the air is a great deal warmer for it.
I send the enclosed cover to your mamma open to you, that you may send anything you please under the same cover, and then seal it and send it away next Saturday. I hope to see you on Sunday night; but, as I must dine on the road, I would have you dine at your uncle's, as usual; and, if I come at any reasonable time to town, I'll call upon him that night. Tell him that nothing but the severity of the weather shall prevent my being in town to my time.
In 1763, he was entered of the Inner Temple. London possessed charms to a young and ingenuous
- ↑ Irish villagers were then sadly deficient in the usual supplies now required for civilized life, so that a pound of sugar became a provision against accidents.
