Now, also, opened to him an acquaintance with Miss Molly Carter, a
lady who, ultimately, proved the oldest friend that he sustained
through life; a sacred title, of which the rights, on both sides, were
affectionately acknowledged. The following account of her is copied
from Dr. Burney’s early manuscripts.
“Miss Molly Carter, in her youth a very pretty girl, was, in
the year 1745, of a large party of young ladies, consisting
of five or six Miss Gores, and Miss Anderson, at William
Thompson’s Esq., in the neighbourhood of Elsham, near Brig.
Bob Thompson, Mr. Thompson’s brother, Billy Le Grand, and
myself, composed the rest of the set, which was employed in
nothing but singing, dancing, romping, and visiting, the
whole time I was there; which time was never surpassed in
hilarity at any place where I have been received in my life.”