 what he expected; that he was paid no interest for the large sums he had advanced for him; and while he was deliberating how to get out of the difficulties these circumstances threw him into, he received information, that Mr. Elphinstone, deeply involved before, had been overwhelmed by the expences of his eldest son, and the failure of his remittances, had gone off in the night from his house at Ealing to Falmouth, whence he had embarked in the packet for Antigua; while his lady and family had shut up their houses at Ealing and in Cavendish-square, and were gone to Bath.
"These terrible tidings fell on my father like a stroke of thunder, and for some time he was unable to attempt applying any remedy to the evils he saw gathering around him. But from the torpor of immediate

anguish, he was roused by the pressing demands of those, of whom he had on his own security borrowed money for the supply of Mr. Elphinstone. It was at a season when many months were to intervene before he could receive any remittances from his correspondent, even if his correspondent should have honour enough to send them, and bankruptcy and ruin seemed inevitable. He had however, as he thought, a friend in a very eminent banker, who a few months before, on his engaging so largely with Mr. Elphinstone, had heard some report that that gentleman, had influenced him in favour of the banker with whom he was connected; on which my father's friend, a man of immense property, had then written to him thus—
MY DEAR SIR,
The intimation I have this day received of your connection about to be formed with Mr. Elphinstone, is the occasion of this address.

It would be injurious to that friendship you so constantly professed towards me, to doubt a moment, that, to have an occasion of serving me, would be a real pleasure to your good self. From a conversation between Mr. Elphinstone and my brother Peter, (who were acquainted by meeting at the house of Sibley and Co.) I am very apprehensive we run the risk of losing a connection so pleasing to me, by his influence and inclination to another house. Upon your friendship, dear Sir, I rely to save me from so great a mortification and concern: as I flattered myself the connection between your house and ours, was formed for many many years. Let your goodness towards me, therefore, prevent your other connections from breaking it; and I hope your friendship for me admits of no diminution, as mine towards you never will assuredly. My
