‘Bruton Street: March 20, 1793.
‘Dear Sir,—I have just seen in the True Briton of this morning that the thanks of the association at the “Crown and Anchor” were voted to you for your last publication, which, I assure you, gives me great pleasure; at the same time it reminds me that I have too long deferred mine, but which I now beg you will accept. I like it very much, and think it is admirably well written, and calculated to inform the ignorant and deluded of their real danger. I should have told you so long ago, but waited to hear the opinions of those from which I thought you would receive more satisfaction; and I can now assure you that your pamphlet is much liked by Lord Orford and several others of good judgment. And I think you may, without flattery, consider yourself as one of the means which has rescued this glorious country from the destruction which was preparing for it.
‘There are great events impending just now. I pray God to direct them for our good.
‘I am, dear sir,
‘Your sincere humble servant,
‘E. Bristol.’
From Lord Bristol (Bishop of Derry), objections to my proposal for selling all lambs at Harrington Fair.
‘Ratisbon: Jan. 17, 1793.
‘My dear Arthur,—Why will you make me a request with which I cannot in prudence comply? And why must I say No to a man whom I wish only to answer with Yes? You are as great a quack in farming as I once was in politics, and therefore, knowing the force of the term, I must be on my guard against you.
‘No reform, dear Arthur, at this time of day. Ipswich has an old prescriptive right to our lambs—we have sold them well at that market; buyers are accustomed to it; have their connections there of every kind; may very possibly not come to Horningheath for many years. Let the buyers advertise that they wish to change the market, and I, though a great heretic against most establishments, will be none against them. Adieu! magnanimous Arthur. Reserve your prowess for a greater object than distressing poor Ipswich by bereaving it of its ancient patrimony.