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_ such as the top of a few fingers
and a Thumb, you _Gentlemen_ of the _city_ being used to, of course