I have only time to tell you (being this moment come home) that I
have received Arnold's draught, that I go into Bucks, Tuesday, shall
return here Thursday, for Holroyd is in a violent hurry, and hope
to be at Beriton Sunday. Should there happen any alteration I will
write. _Mes compliments à la vache Espagnole, et le White Calf._
I am,
Ever yours,
E. G.
115.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
October 6, 1771.
*DEAR HOLROYD,
I set down to answer your Epistle, after taking a very pleasant
ride.--_A Ride! and upon what?_--Upon a horse.--"_You lye!_"--I
don't. I have got a droll little Poney, and intend to renew the
long-forgotten practice of Equitation, as it was known in the World
before the 2nd of June of the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and sixty-three. As I used to reason against riding, so I
can now argue for it; and indeed the principal use I know in human
reason is, when called upon, to furnish arguments for what we have an
inclination to do.*
I am obliged to you, for looking me out this Lancashire Man, who
may assuredly be of use, and no less so for your intercession with
Gosling or Clive. If he and his Partner will condescend to receive
my Tribute, I am in no violent hurry to dispose of the Place, which
under Mrs. Gibbon's management is certainly no losing Game. She
thanks you for your Papers, and has delivered the _Roster_ to Mr.
Luff, who, though it is new, likes it hugely.
[Sidenote: FARMER GIBBON]
*What do you mean by presuming to affirm, that I am of no use here?
Farmer Gibbon of no use! _Last week_ I sold all my Hops, and I
believe well, at nine Guineas a hundred, to a very responsible Man.
Some people think I might have got more at Weyhill Fair, but that
would have been an additional expence, and a great uncertainty. Our
quantity has disapointed us very much; but I think, that besides hops
for the house, there will not be less than 500_l._;--no contemptible
Sum of thirteen small Acres, and two of them planted last year only.
_This week_ I let a little Farm in Petersfield by auction, and
propose raising it from 25_l._ to 35_l._ pr. annum: and Farmer Gibbon
of no use!
To be serious; I have but one reason for resisting your invitation
and my own wishes; that is, Mrs. Gibbon I left nearly alone all last
Winter, and shall do the same this. She submits very chearfully to
that state of solitude; but, on sounding her, I am convinced that she
would think it unkind were I to leave her at present. I know you so
well, that I am sure you will acquiesce in this reason; and let me
make my next Visit to Sheffield-Place from town, which I think may
be a little before Christmas. I should like to hear something of the
precise time, duration, and extent of your intended tour into Bucks.
Adieu.*
116.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Beriton, October 25th, 1771.