CHESTER, _Sept._ 2, 1710.
JOE {1b} will give you an account of me till I got into the boat; after
which the rogues made a new bargain, and forced me to give them two
crowns, and talked as if we should not be able to overtake any ship: but
in half an hour we got to the yacht; for the ships lay by [to] wait for
my Lord Lieutenant’s steward. We made our voyage in fifteen hours just.
Last night I came to this town, and shall leave it, I believe, on Monday.
The first man I met in Chester was Dr. Raymond. {1c} He and Mrs. Raymond
were here about levying a fine, in order to have power to sell their
estate. They have found everything answer very well. They both desire
to present their humble services to you: they do not think of Ireland
till next year. I got a fall off my horse, riding here from Parkgate,
{2a} but no hurt; the horse understanding falls very well, and lying
quietly till I get up. My duty to the Bishop of Clogher. {2b} I saw him
returning from Dunleary; but he saw not me. I take it ill he was not at
Convocation, and that I have not his name to my powers. {2c} I beg you
will hold your resolution of going to Trim, and riding there as much as
you can. Let the Bishop of Clogher remind the Bishop of Killala {2d} to
send me a letter, with one enclosed to the Bishop of Lichfield. {2e} Let
all who write to me, enclose to Richard Steele, Esq., at his office at
the Cockpit, near Whitehall. {2f} But not MD; I will pay for their
letters at St. James’s Coffee-house, {2g} that I may have them the
sooner. My Lord Mountjoy {2h} is now in the humour that we should begin
our journey this afternoon; so that I have stole here again to finish
this letter, which must be short or long accordingly. I write this post
to Mrs. Wesley, {2i} and will tell her, that I have taken care she may
have her bill of one hundred and fifteen pounds whenever she pleases to
send for it; and in that case I desire you will send it her enclosed and
sealed, and have it ready so, in case she should send for it: otherwise
keep it. I will say no more till I hear whether I go to-day or no: if I
do, the letter is almost at an end. My cozen Abigail is grown
prodigiously old. God Almighty bless poo dee richar MD; and, for God’s
sake, be merry, and get oo health. I am perfectly resolved to return as
soon as I have done my commission, whether it succeeds or no. I never
went to England with so little desire in my life. If Mrs. Curry {3a}
makes any difficulty about the lodgings, I will quit them and pay her
from July 9 last, and Mrs. Brent {3b} must write to Parvisol {3c} with
orders accordingly. The post is come from London, and just going out; so
I have only time to pray God to bless poor richr MD FW FW MD MD ME ME ME.