第381章 LETTER CCLXVIII

BLACKHEATH,July 27,1764

MY DEAR FRIEND:I received,two days ago,your letter of the 11th from Dresden,where I am very glad that,you are safely arrived at last.The prices of the necessaries of life are monstrous there;and I do not conceive how the poor natives subsist at all,after having been so long and so often plundered by their own as well as by other sovereigns.

As for procuring you either the title or the appointments of Plenipotentiary,I could as soon procure them from the Turkish as from the English Ministry;and,in truth,I believe they have it not to give.

Now to come to your civil list,if one may compare small things with great:I think I have found out a better refreshment for it than you propose;for to-morrow I shall send to your cashier,Mr.Larpent,five hundred pounds at once,for your use,which,I presume,is better than by quarterly payments;and I am very apt to think that next midsummer day,he will have the same sum,and for the same use,consigned to him.

It is reported here,and I believe not without some foundation,that the queen of Hungary has acceded to the Family Compact between France and Spain:if so,I am sure it behooves us to form in time a counter alliance,of at least equal strength;which I could easily point out,but which,I fear,is not thought of here.

The rage of marrying is very prevalent;so that there will be probably a great crop of cuckolds next winter,who are at present only 'cocus en herbs'.It will contribute to population,and so far must be allowed to be a public benefit.Lord G------,Mr.B-------,and Mr.D-------,are,in this respect,very meritorious;for they have all married handsome women,without one shilling fortune.Lord must indeed take some pains to arrive at that dignity:but I dare say he will bring it about,by the help of some young Scotch or Irish officer.Good-night,and God bless you!