LETTER XCV. To Mrs. THRAL E. MADAM, Thursday. MASTER is very kind in being very angry; but he may fpare his anger this time. I have done exactly as Dr. Lawrence ordered, and am much better at the expence of about thirty-fix ounces of blood. Nothing in the world! For a good cause I have fix-andthirty more. I long though to come to Streatham, and you shall give me no folid flesh for a week; and I am to take phyfick. And hey boys, up go we. I was in bed all last night, only a little fitting up. The box goes to CalI am, cutta. Deareft, dearest Madam, Your, &c. Let me come to you to-morrow. VOL. I. P LETTER XCVI. To Mr. THRAL E. DEAR SIR, June 2, 1775. I * HAVE taken the liberty of enclosing a letter, which contains a request of which I cannot know the propriety. Nothing, I suppose, can be done till the present master of the tap has given notice of his resignation; and whether even then it is fit for you to recommend, there may be reafon to doubt. I fhall tell Heely, that I have laid his letter before you, and that he muft inform you when he is certain of the intended refignation. You will then act as you judge beft. There feems to be nothing unreasonable in Heely's defire. He feems to have a genius for an alehouse, and if he can get this establishment, may thank his friend that sent him to the Marshalfea. This, I know, is a happy week; you will revel with your conftituents in plenty and * At Ranelagh-house. merriment; I must be kept at home by my wicked mistress, out of the way of so much happiness. You shall however have my good I hope every man will go from your wishes. I am, &c. LETTER XCVII. To Mrs. THRAL E. MADAM, February 3, 1775. So many demands are made upon me, that if you give leave I will ftay here till Tuefday. My pamphlet has not gone on at all. Please to send by the bearer the papers on my table; and give my love to my brother and fifters. I am, &c. LETTER XCVIII. To Mrs. THRAL E. DEAR MADAM, Univerfity College, March 3, 1775. I AM afraid that fomething has happened to occupy your mind disagreeably, and hinfrom writing to me, or thinking about der you me. The fate of my propofal for our friend Mr. Carter will be decided on Monday. Those whom I have spoken to are all friends. I have not abated any part of the entrance or payment, for it has not been thought too much, and I hope he will have scholars. I am very deaf; and yet cannot well help being much in company, though it is often very uncomfortable. But when I have done this thing, which I hope is a good thing, or find that I cannot do it, I wish to live a while under your care and protection. The imperfection of our poft makes it uncertain whether we fhall receive letters, fooner than than we must fend them; this is therefore written while I yet do not know whether you have favoured me or no. I was fufficiently difcontented that I heard nothing yesterday. But fure all is well. I am, deareft Madam, I HAD mistaken the day on which I was to dine with Mr. Bruce, and hear of Abiffinia, and therefore am to dine this day with Mr. Hamilton. The news from Oxford is, that no tenniscourt can be hired at any price; and that the Vice-Chancellor will not write to the Clarendon trustees without fome previous intimation that his request will not be unacceptable. We muft therefore find fome way of applying to Lord Mansfield, who with the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Chester holds the trust. Thus are we thrown to a vexatious distance. Poor * * *! do not tell him, |