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LETTER EIGHTEEN
75

struck me off a few copies, some of which I send to you. You will see that the editor of the journal has sadly mutilated it, but I do not think he has altered it for the 'worser.'

With respect to my brothers, I hope they have no unkind feelings towards me. I know no reason why they should, and I trust they have not. I love them both and I sincerely wish they may possess all the happiness this life can afford. And now with respect to the portrait. I had not a shilling left this morning, except the 7s. you sent to pay for it, just enough to take us to Gravesend, therefore I think you will not blame me for not applying the money to the purpose you intended, as I had none to pay the dock charges on my baggage when I got to Gravesend. My boxes were put on board in London last Friday. It was a misunderstanding of mine that I should have to go to Gravesend with the baggage. The ship lay in the London Dock till within this last day or two. I do not think it will be practicable to write again before I arrive at the Cape of Good Hope. I am not sure of landing at Plymouth, as the ship will be out at anchor, so that I should have to go on shore by a boat, which, of course, I should have to pay for.