those people as little as possible; when you do see them be civil to them, upon the footing of strangers; but never be drawn into any altercations with them about the imaginary right of their king, as they call him.
It is to no sort of purpose to talk to those people of the natural rights of mankind and particular constitution of this country. Blinded by prejudices, soured by misfortunes, and tempted by their necessities, they are as incapable of reasoning rightly, as they have hitherto been of acting wisely. The late Lord Pembroke never would know anything that he had not a mind to know; and, in this case, I advise you to follow his example. Never know either the father or the two sons, any otherwise than as foreigners; and so not knowing their pretensions you have no occasion to dispute them. [Sept. 5, 1749.]
A Father's Anxiety.—It seems extraordinary,
but it is very true, that my anxiety for you increases
in proportion to the good accounts which I receive
of you from all hands. I promise myself so much
from you, that I dread the least disappointment.
You are now so near the port, which I have so long
wished and labored to bring you safe into, that my
concern would be doubled, should you be shipwrecked
within sight of it. The object, therefore,
