and obliged humble Servt
M. Delany.
Bulstrode, Nov. 25—1784
Dear Sir:
I fully intended to have given my self the Pleasure of acknowledging you[r] letter dated the 31 of July a month ago—without any remorse for the trouble it might give you but flattering my self you woud rather receive a good account of my Health than an indifferent one—I waited for that Hour and can assure you I am as well in Health as can reasonably be expected at my years and to convince you that I am not grown Callous I am very sensible of you kind solicitude about me. You are well acquainted with the delices of Bulstrode with the Merits of its Soverign Lady [the Duchess of Portland]—and the ingaging qualities of Miss Hamilton (Sir William Hamiltons Niece) who I think you are no Stranger to—but to do her Justice one must be intimate with her. I would not venture to say so much tho’ you are at such a distance—as it is a dangerous subject—were she not an ingaged Person—and perhaps before this reaches you may be united to one who seems very worthy of such a Prise—our Pleasant society will soon be Dissipated I fear in less than a Month—we expect a weeks visit from Mr. Dewes before our departure. Yesterday Admiral and Miss Forbes made us a visit Just returned from my Lord Uxbridge’s in Yorkshire, where they had spent 6 weeks. The Admiral said he had or wou’d write to you soon—I don’t believe there is any thing in the report of Mr. Gardner being to be married to Miss Forbes tho’ he has made them a visit at Chaffont [Chalfont]—Mrs. Poole is well and Happy in Ireland but comes to Town in a month. The last letter from thence gave a very good account of our Friends there—my kind Friend and intelligencer Mrs. F. Hamilton is much afflicted I fear on the Death of Lady Drogheda who died of a Fever about 6 weeks ago—I can tell you no news—we are intoxicated with Balloons[[11]] and nothing else at Present talked of. I Grumble like an old woman at a Project that seems to promise no advantage but a waste of time and money. My secretary—your young Friend will be very angry with me that I did not postpone this letter till she comes to Town which will not be till the end of Janry. At present she is engaged attending her poor Mamma who has been in a bad state of Health for some months past with nervous complaints—but I hope is some what better.
The Dutchess Dowager of Portland desires me to make Her best compliments to you—she is much obligd to you for the fossils you intend sending her. I dont doubt but she will find some among them worthy of a place in her Cabinet. Her Grace’s eager Pursuit at present is Land and River Shells—to compleat her Collection. Those that are most common in your Country may be rair and acceptable to her provided they come with their natural surtouts and inhabitants—upon recollection I believe I am mistaken in saying you are acquainted with Miss Hamilton—she tells me she never had the pleasure of meeting you at my House—I hope that time may come tho’ a presumptions Expectation from Dear Sir your very old but sincere Friend and Humble Servant
M. Delany.
P S—Pray write me a long letter soon delays are dangerous
THE PANAMA CANAL TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
LETTER OF THE LATE SENATOR DOOLITTLE OF WISCONSIN
[Contributed by Duane Mowry, Esq., Milwaukee.]