"My papa, Sir Ralpho, hath recently made a speech at a Durham tax-meeting; and not only at Durham, but here, several times since, after dinner. He is now, I believe, speaking it to himself (I left him in the middle) over various decanters, which can neither interrupt him nor fall asleep,—as might possibly have been the case with some of his audience. Ever thine, B.
"I must go to tea—damn tea. I wish it was Kinnaird's brandy, and with you to lecture me about it."
LETTER 212. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Seaham, Stockton-upon-Tees, February 2. 1815.
"You will oblige me very much by making an occasional enquiry at Albany, at my chambers, whether my books, &c. are kept in tolerable order, and how far my old woman[67] continues in health and industry as keeper of my old den. Your parcels have been duly received and perused; but I had hoped to receive 'Guy Mannering' before this time. I won't intrude further for the present on your avocations, professional or pleasurable, but am, as usual,
"Very truly," &c.
LETTER 213. TO MR. MOORE.
"February 4. 1815.