18 — to John Hanson[1]
Saturday, Dec. 1st, 1804.
My Dear Sir
, — Our vacation commences on the 5th of this Month, when I propose to myself the pleasure of spending the Holidays at your House, if it is not too great an Inconvenience. I tell you fairly, that at Southwell I should have nothing in the World to do, but play at cards and listen to the edifying Conversation of old Maids, two things which do not at all suit my inclinations. In my Mother's last Letter I find that my poney and pointers are not yet procured, and that Lord Grey is still at Newstead. The former I should be very dull at such a place as Southwell without; the latter is still more disagreeable to be with. I presume he goes on in the old way, — quarrelling with the farmers, and stretching his judicial powers (he being now in the commission) to the utmost, becoming a torment to himself, and a pest to all around him. — I am glad you approve of my Gun, feeling myself happy, that it has been tried by so
distinguished
a
Sportsman
.
I hope your Campaigns against the Partridges and the rest of the feathered Tribe have been attended with no serious Consequences —
trifling accidents