lishment. It is now time for me to make some inquiry about my young friend, your grandson Ned I have really been so hurried with the many changes which have happened in my affairs, and those of my friends, for some time past, that I have not had leisure to inquire much about him. My brother and I will consult some proper method of having him sent to sea, under honest and goodnatured management; give me some account of him, and whether you still continue in opinion that this way of life will be advisable for him. If your sentiments are the same they formerly were upon this article, I hope you had an eye to the sea in the education he has since had; we may in a short time complete it here. You cannot think how happy you would make us by writing often, and being as particular as you can about any thing that concerns you. Thank my cousin Garret for his kind concern in my affairs: whenever he has any account to make up, he will settle it with you, by this you have my letter of attorney, empowering you to act for me. If you should see counsellor Murphy and the colonel, make my hearty compliments to them. Once more I beg to hear speedily from you.-Jane and Dick are truly yours, so is, my dear uncle, your affectionate friend, E. BURKE. Edmund Burke to his Cousin, Garret Nagle, Esq. MY DEAR GARRET, I RECEIVED your last, from Ballyduffe with the most sincere sorrow. Indeed, on the return of my uncle's complaints, I gave up all hope, considering the nature of his disorder, and the time of his life. I did not neglect to apply to doctor Nugent; but at this distance, and with no full detail of circumstances and symptoms before him, he would not venture to prescribe. I make no doubt that he has skilful assistance in his own neighbourhood; and doctor Nugent would cheerfully have added to it, but from fear of attempting any thing in a case which he cannot fully be master of. I suppose this letter will hardly find my dear friend alive. We shall all lose, I believe, one of the very best men that ever lived, of the clearest integrity, the most genuine principles of religion and virtue, the most cordial good nature and benevolence that I ever knew, or, I think, ever shall know. However, it is a comfort that he lived a long, healthy, unblemished life, loved and esteemed by all that knew him, and left children behind who will cultivate his memory, and, I trust, follow his example; for of all the men I have seen in any situation, I really think he is the person I should wish myself, or any one I greatly loved, the most to resemble. This I do not say from the impression of my immediate feeling, but from my best judgment, having seen him at various times of my life, from my infancy to the last year, having known him very well, and knowing a little (by too long habits) of mankind at large. In truth, y dear Garret, I fear I have said this, or something to the same purpose before; but I repeat it again, for my mind is full of it, I wish you would let our friends at Ballylegan know that poor Patrick Nagle is out of all danger, and recovering fast. He had a sharp struggle for it. They will rejoice in his recovery, I take him to be a very worthy and valuable young man in all respects. Here we have nothing new. Politics have taken no turn that is favourable to us, but, just now, I do not feel the more unpleasantly for being, and my friends being, out of all office. You are, suppose, full of bustle in your new elec tions; I am convinced all my friends will have the good sense to keep themselves from taking any part in struggles, in the event of which they have no share, and no concern. Adieu, my dear Garret, and believe me to you, and to all with you at Ballyduffe and Bloomfield, a most sincere and affectionate friend and kinsman, EDM. BURKE. How does Ned Nagle go on? It is time now to think of sending him to sea, and we are considering the best means for doing it. I suppose you have got Mr. W. Burke's letter. Edmund Burke to his Cousin, Garret Nagle, Esq. MY DEAR GARRET, Beaconsfield, August 2, 1776. I DO most heartily wish myself with you. I should wish it even if I were not put in mind by this burning weather of the breezy mountains, shady woods, and refreshing waters of Killarney. We have got a surer at last, and it is paying off its arrears of heat with compound interest, Indeed I long sincerely to see you; and if I were not held by various ties, and engaged in various occupations (though neither very pleasant nor important,) and if I were as rich as, I thank God, I am still healthy and active, I should this summer pay you a visit in your woodhouse; that is to say, if you would deign to receive so humble a person after all your great and titled guests. If I see Lord Kenmare, I shall certainly thank him for his civilities to you. I certainly am as much pleased with them as if they were offered to myself; and, indeed, a little more.-My acquaintance with Lord Winchelsea is very slight; but I have known Lord Pembroke pretty intimately for some time. We may meet this summer, and we shall talk you over. I wish you had named me to him. What you say of Lord Shelburne is more important. I very well remember your application to me some time ago; I remember, too, that I mentioned it to Colonel Barre. Nothing farther came of it. I believe that agency was not vacant when you wrote. Between ourselves, and I would not have it go farther, there are, I believe, few who can do less with Lord Shelburne than myself. He had formerly, at several times, professed much friendship to me; but whenever I came to try the ground, let the matter have been never so trifling, I always found it to fail under me. It is, indeed, long since he has made even professions. With many amiable qualities, he has some singularities in his character. He is suspicious and whimsical: and, perhaps, if I even stood better with him than I do, my recommendation would not have the greatest weight in the world. This I mention as between ourselves. In the meantime, if an opportunity occurs, I shall do the best I can for you. I hope I am not inattentive to my friends to the best of my power; and let me assure you, that I have ever looked upon you as a friend, whose ease and welfare I have at heart as much as the interest of any person whatsoever. But, indeed, there is little in my power; and if I can serve any per. son, it is by mere accident. I gave assurances to Ned Barret, when I thought myself sure of an ob ject for him, but I was disappointed, and few things have given me more concern. But he and Frank Kierman have informed me of your engagement for the woods. I trust it will turn out as much for your advantage as you expected. Poor Ned Nagle, when he came from the Mediterranean, and had hopes of relaxing himself for a while on the home station, was suddenly ordered to cruise off Saint Helena, to secure the East India ships against the American privateers. Wat is in London, I saw him some days ago. He is well; and I believe a good-natured and worthy man. The company has agreed to make him an allowance until he can be regularly employed again. As to Ned Nagle, he is perfectly liked by all the Captains he has served under, as a very good officer. He may probably do good service in some better times, and in a course of employment which I may like better for him than any which the present war affords. My son is now at home with me at his vacation. I think you would like him if you were acquainted. Richard, the elder, is in town. If his business had prospered, you would have been one of the first to hear of it: but we do not trouble our friends except with pleasing news. He has had much wrong done to him; but the thing is not yet desperate. I believe that the commissioner who goes out will not have adverse instructions. I have not been punctual in the newspapers, nor can I undertake it, we are so little regular. But I shall endeavour, now you are from home, to amuse you a little. Wat Nagle was punctual about the money you ordered; I thank you for that and every thing; and am ever, with the greatest regard, my dear Garret, your affectionate kinsman, &c. &c. EDM. BURKE. |