 abandoning Great-Britain might, perhaps, prove fatal to the
inclinations of some deserving person, whom he was qualified to make happy for
life. My uncle, who is really a Don Quixote in generosity, understanding that
Lismahago's real reason for leaving Scotland was the impossibility of subsisting
in it with any decency upon the wretched provision of a subaltern's half-pay,
began to be warmly interested on the side of compassion. - He thought it very
hard, that a gentleman who had served his country with honour, should be driven
by necessity to spend his old age, among the refuse of mankind, in such a remote
part of the world. - He discoursed with me upon the subject; observing, that he
would willingly offer the lieutenant an asylum at Brambleton-hall, if he did not
foresee that his singularities and humour of contradiction would render him an
intolerable house-mate, though his conversation at some times might be both
instructive and entertaining: but, as there seemed to be something particular in
his attention to Mrs. Tabitha, he and I agreed in opinion, that this intercourse
should be encouraged, and improved, if possible, into a matrimonial union; in
which case there would be a comfortable provision for both; and they might be
settled in a house of their own, so that Mr. Bramble should have no more of
their company than he desired.
    In pursuance of this design, Lismahago has been invited to pass the winter
at Brambleton-hall, as it wilt be time enough to execute his American project in
the spring. - He has taken time to consider of this proposal; mean while, he
will keep us company as far as we travel in the road to Bristol, where he has
hopes of getting a passage for America. I make no doubt but that he will
postpone his voyage, and prosecute his addresses to a happy consummation; and
sure, if it produces any fruit, it must be of a very peculiar flavour. As the
weather continues favourable, I believe, we shall take the Peak of Derbyshire
and Buxton Wells in our way. - At any rate, from the first place where we make
any stay, you shall hear again from
Yours always,
                                                                      J. MELFORD
    Carlisle, Sept. 12.
 

                                  To Dr. Lewis

Dear Doctor,
    The peasantry of Scotland are certainly on a poor footing all over the
kingdom; and yet they look better, and are better cloathed than those of the
same rank in Burgundy, and many other places of France and Italy; nay, I will
venture to say they are better fed,
