“As J. C. sets out in the morning
on his return to Liverpool, I could not let him depart without a line to inform
you that I continue in tolerable health and spirits, and as fully employed as
it is possible for me to be. We are now making great progress towards finishing
the works of Pope, which
will be quite ready by the time desired by the booksellers, and to this almost
all my efforts have hitherto been directed. I have also finally settled my
agreement with Mr. Graves, for
lithographing, printing, and colouring my plants, at a price which I consider
very reasonable. On Sunday, Henry and I
went to Essex Street Chapel, and heard a Mr. Cannon preach
a very good sermon, after which we called on Mr.
Belsham, and found him, as he hopes, recovering from his long
indisposition. On Tuesday I dined with a scientific party at Dr. Bostock’s; and yesterday I met a
literary one at Mr. Cadell’s, and
was highly entertained by the conviviality, wit, and excellent singing of
Mr. James Smith, Mrs. Cadell’s brother, and one of the
authors of the ‘Rejected
Addresses.’ On Sunday we are to dine with Miss
Duckworth, so that you have the whole of our proceedings. * * *
As to what is going on here, I am a perfect stranger, except as far as appears
from
| 304 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. |
“Notwithstanding the kindness I have experienced through all my peregrinations, I am not sorry to reflect that more than one half of the time proposed for my absence is now over, and that within the course of another month I may have the pleasure of seeing you again, when, if I should find you in a state of health equal to my daily wishes and prayers, it will be the greatest blessing that can happen to me.”
