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I have some interest with a nobleman who is able to do me that favour. After breakfast next morning, Monsieur D'Estrapes went to pay his devoirs to the marquis, and was so successful in his application. that I obtained my discharge in a few days, upon which we set out for Paris. During the month I spent there, I went several times to court, the Italian opera and play-house, danced at a masquerade, and, in short, saw everything remarkable in and about the capital. After which, we set out for England by the way of Flanders passed through Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges, and took shipping at Ostend, from whence in fourteen hours we arrived at Deal, hired a post-chaise, and in twelve hours more for safe to London; having disposed of our heavy baggage in the waggon.
As soon as we alighted at the inn, I dispatched Strap to inquire about my uncle, at the Sampson and Lion in Wapping; and he returned in a little time with an account of Mr. Bowling's having gone to sea, mate of a merchant ship, after a long and unsuccessful application and attendance at the admirality; where, it seems the interest he depended upon was not sufficient to reinstate him, or recover the pay that was due to him when he quitted the Thunder. Next day I hired very handsome lodgings. not far from Charing-Cross. My next care was to introduce myself into a set of good acquaintance;
