Since my last we still go on, tho' indeed rather slowly. All that
I can say is, that our slowness neither proceeds from our own
negligence, nor even from the dilatoriness of Law, but merely from
our having been destitute of the necessary Writings. Southouse has
been very active, and has already seen Stephen Harvey, Gosling's
Attorney and Mrs. Williamson. The two former (tho' he has a just
idea of Harvey) promise the free use of all that is in their hands.
The last has wrote to her brother & hopes the Deed may be recovered
from him, notwithstanding he is so odd a man. Harvey believes he may
have the Counterpart of the Mortgage. In a word, we are to meet again
next Wednesday, when Southouse thinks we shall be in a condition to
offer some security for the money we immediately want, as well as to
trace the outlines of our general Deed of trust. As I find I cannot
be a Party in it, I should wish to substitute my uncle Porten as
Joint-Trustee with Mr. Scott.
We should be glad to receive as soon as Possible Mrs. Gibbon's
marriage Articles; In relation to which I shall not _forget_ the
conversation we had in the Study. It is my duty as well as my
inclination to consider her in the light of a real Mother. 2. The
Abstract of the Deeds in Gosling's hands; Hervey, who thinks he has
the counterpart of the Mortgage, is positive he delivered you this
Abstract. 3. The Title, (whatever it is), by which we possess the
Copper share, or at least some account of the Writings relative to
it. To these particular enquiries I must add a general request of
searching out any thing that may give us any new lights. You have
(for instance) made some little purchases about Beriton, the title
to which cannot be included in the general writings of the Manor,
&c. For any thing of that kind the Cocoa Tree is a surer direction
than my obscure lodgings (which are still those of Sir Thomas's),
but I think it would be still better to send them at once to Mr.
Southouse, Attorney at Law, Milk Street, Cheapside. I have already
received and transmitted to him, the Putney Leases (Vane's signed).
Yesterday I had a letter from John Harris, with some particulars of
the Buckinghamshire Estate.
I find Southouse a true man of business; civil but determined to
know everything. He questioned me very plainly about my change of
Religion, of re-conversion to which I gave him very satisfactory
answers. Indeed he will know everything.
I think, Dear Sir, you must be easy after what he said of the
Chancery affair. I asked with some anxiety how long it could be
staved off. What does that signify? answered he. We shall have the
Money before it is wanted.
Depend on it, Dear Sir, we do not wish to flatter you with vain hopes
(indeed to what end could they serve?) and let this consideration
dispell the Fantom which torments you and makes me so unhappy.
Endeavour as far as lies in your power to reassume both a chearfull
heart & and a chearfull countenance. They are indeed necessary to
your health as well as to your Credit.
As for myself, I shall only say that as I cannot be happy, without
your being so, I am willing to make every reasonable sacrifice to
your tranquillity. The only restraints I shall wish to impose on you
are such as will be conducive to our common Good. Perhaps it had been
better for us all, had I insisted on them some years sooner.
I am, Dear Sir,
Most truly yours & Mrs. Gibbon's,
E. G.
57.
_To his Father._
January the 21st, 1769.