eldest son by the second venter, was a man of business, a downright
plodding fellow, and withal so plain, that he became a proverb.
Most of this family are at present in the army. Raggedstaff was an
unlucky boy, and used to tear his clothes in getting birds' nests,
and was always playing with a tame bear his father kept. Mopstaff
fell in love with one of his father's maids, and used to help her to
clean the house. Broomstaff was a chimney-sweeper. The Mopstaffs
and Broomstaffs are naturally as civil people as ever went out of
doors; but, alas! if they once get into ill hands, they knock down
all before them. Pilgrimstaff ran away from his friends, and went
strolling about the country; and Pipestaff was a wine-cooper. These
two were the unlawful issue of Longstaff.

"N.B.--The Canes, the Clubs, the Cudgels, the Wands, the Devil upon
two Sticks, and one Bread, that goes by the name of Staff of Life,
are none of our relations. I am, dear Cousin,
"Your humble servant,
"D. DISTAFF.

"From the Heralds' Office,
"May 1, 17O9."



II.--PACOLET.

From my own Apartment, May 8.

Much hurry and business have to-day perplexed me into a mood too
thoughtful for going into company; for which reason, instead of the