the fatal tidings in the newspaper. I see by the same channel that the honored REMAINS of my noble patron, are designed to be brought to the family burial place. Dare I trouble you to let me know privately before the day of interment, that I may cross the country, and steal among the crowd, to pay a tear to the last sight of my ever revered benefactor? It will oblige me beyond expression. No. XLVI. MR. THOMAS SLOAN, CARE OF WM. KENNEDY, ESQ. MANCHESTER. Ellisland, Sept. 1, 1791. MY DEAR SLOAN, SUSPENCE is worse than disappointment, for that reason I hurry to tell you that I just now learn that Mr. Ballantine does not chuse to in terfere terfere more in the business. I am truly sorry for it, but cannot help it. You blame me for not writing you sooner, but you will please to recollect that you omitted one little necessary piece of information;—your address. However you know equally well, my hurried life, indolent temper, and strength of attachment. It must be a longer period than the longest life" in the world's hale and undegenerate days," that will make me forget so dear a friend as Mr. Sloan. I am prodigal enough at times, but I will not part with such a treasure as that. I can easily enter into the embarras of your present situation. You know my favorite favorite quota tion from Young "On Reason build RESOLVE! "That column of true majesty in man." And that other favorite one from Thomson's Alfred "What proves the hero truly GREAT, Or, Or, shall I quote you an author of your acquaintance? - << -Whether DOING, SUFFERING, or FORBEARING, "You may do miracles by-PERSEVERING." I have nothing new to tell you. The few friends we have are going on in the old way. I sold my crop on this day se'nnight, and sold it very well. A guinea an acre, on an average, above value. But such a scene of drunkenness was hardly ever seen in this country. After the roup was over, about thirty people engaged in a battle, every man for his own hand, and fought it out for three hours. Nor was the scene much better in the house. No fighting, indeed, but folks lying drunk on the floor, and decanting, until both my dogs got so drunk by attending them, that they could not stand. You will easily guess how I enjoyed the scene; as I was no farther over than you used to see me. Mrs. B. and family have been in Ayrshire these many weeks. Farewel! and God bless you, my dear Friend! No. XLVII. To FRANCIS GROSE, Esq. F.A.S. 1792. SIR, I BELIEVE among all our Scots literati you have not met with professor Dugald Stewart, who fills the moral philosophy chair in the University of Edinburgh. To say that he is a man of the first parts, and what is more, a man of the first worth, to a gentleman of your general acquaintance, and who so much enjoys the luxury of unincumbered freedom and undisturbed privacy, is not perhaps recommendation enough:-but when I inform you that Mr. Stewart's principal characteristic is your favorite feature; that sterling independence of mind, which, though every man's right, so few men have the courage to claim, and fewer still the magnanimity to support:-When I tell you, that unseduced by splendor, and undisgusted by wretchedness, he appreciates the merits of the various actors in the great drama of life, merely as they per form form their parts-in short, he is a man after your own heart, and I comply with his earnest request in letting you know that he wishes above all things to meet with you. His house, Catrine, is within less than a mile of Sorn Castle, which you proposed visiting; or if you could transmit him the inclosed, he would with the greatest pleasure, meet you any where in the neighbourhood. I write to Ayrshire to inform Mr. Stewart that I have acquitted myself of my promise. Should your time and spirits permit your meeting with Mr. Stewart, 'tis well; if not, I hope you will forgive this liberty, and I have at least an opportunity of assuring you with what truth and respect, I am, Sir, Your great admirer, And very humble servant. No. |