Sir William to Lady Petty.
'London, 31 July 1675.
'Yours of the 20th instant mentioning your return to Dublin, put us all into a flame of joy. Charles rejoyceth, but little dreames how hee must bee whipt for all his Rogueryes when you come, which work unless you come suddenly I must undertake myselfe. But as for My-Anne I protest I think her, taken altogether, the most desirable child I know. I assure you shee is neither forward nor abates a jot of her lusty feeding and sound sleeping, nor of her merry humor and pretty tricks, for shee also growes a mighty mimick and mocker of her brother Charles, and when hee bawles, will counterfet a wondring at him, as well as Lacy.[1] If you doubt what I say, make hast to disprove mee upon the place, and let mee know where I shall meete you, but I will not come far, for I will not leave my children. I was 2 nights at Windsore, without pleasure, upon your accompt, and would goe to Tunbridge and the Bath, and to Rumsey, but for that reason. The great point you have to do before you come away is to fix with my brother Tom and James, taking security of them; for I need neither of them, and do with my owne hands what Jemmy did, with far lesse trouble then that of calling upon him, &c. Beware of caprices about our writings and deeds. There is one Capt. Shieres, that lives neere Dublin, who would be a fit instrument in our busines, If Gwyn be not. God blesse my brother Tom. I wish it sincerely, but feare to have much dealing with him. Jemmy is much more likely, if hee can bee fixt right. God direct you in these matters: they are your brothers and your father's children, wherefore I would endure much. These my deare are the cheife direccions. I have to give you thanks for sending us mony or rather for getting it in. You need none. Crukshank may pay it immediately to merchants without troubling my Brother Tom, who sends no accompt, notwithstanding his promises; nor answers any letter, but writes a deale of the most frivolous stuffe imaginable.
"When your busines is done, wayte a little for a faire passage
- ↑ The famous actor.
