A COMMAND FROM HER MAJESTY.
Kew, April, 1789. My dearest friends, I have her majesty’s commands to inquire—whether you have any of a certain breed of poultry?
N.B. What breed I do not remember.
And to say she has just received a small group of the same herself.
N.B. The quantity I have forgotten.
And to add, she is assured they are something very rare and scarce, and extraordinary and curious.
N.B. By whom she was assured I have not heard.
And to subjoin, that you must send word if you have any of the same sort.
N.B. How you are to find that out, I cannot tell.
And to mention, as a corollary, that, if you have none of them, and should like to have some, she has a cock and a hen she can spare, and will appropriate them to Mr. Locke and my dearest Fredy.
This conclusive stroke so pleased and exhilarated me, that forthwith I said you would both be enchanted, and so forgot all the preceding particulars. And I said, moreover, that I knew you would rear them, and cheer them, and fondle them like your children.
So now-pray write a very fair answer fairly, in fair hand, and to her fair purpose.