As I am extremely well convinced of your politeness, and your readiness
to grant your {512} neighbours any reasonable liberty with regard to
country sports, so I should be very sorry if either myself or my
servants had taken any improper ones.
I am no sportsman, Sir, and was as much tempted this morning by the
beauty of the day and the pleasure of the ride as by the hopes of any
sport. I went out, and, neither acquainted with the bounds of the
manors nor your request to the neighbouring gentlemen, could only
follow my groom where he led me. I quitted your manor the instant I
received your message, without having killed anything in it. I assure
you that you shall never have again the same subject of complaint. With
regard to the liberty you are so good as to grant me for other sports,
I return you my most humble thanks, but shall not make much use of it,
as there are still in my father's manor more game than would satisfy so
moderate a sportsman as myself.
My father would be extremely angry if his servants had destroyed any of
your game; but they all assure him they have killed no one hare upon
your liberties. As to pheasants, they have only killed one this season,
and that in Inwood copse.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
E. GIBBON, Junior.