The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 12/From A. Snape to Jonathan Swift - 1
FROM DR. SNAPE.
I TAKE the opportunity of two of our choir going over to try their fortune in your country, at once to return my thanks for a very obliging letter you favoured me with some years ago, and your kind interpretation of my endeavours at that time to assert the cause of our establishment against a prelate[1] who was undermining it: and also to recommend to your favour the bearer, Mr. Elford; who upon the encouragement of your worthy primate, is going to settle at Armagh. I cannot pretend to say, he has the same compass of voice with his late brother, whom the good queen so much admired; but I will venture to say, he has a greater compass of understanding; and upon the whole, that he is a good choirman. The other, that bears him company, was a very useful chorister to us. His voice, since its breaking, is somewhat harsh, but I believe will grow mellower. If you find either of them for your purpose, especially the bearer, when you have a vacancy in your church, I shall be much obliged to you for any favour you are pleased to show him, and be ready to approve myself, on any occasion, reverend sir, your most obliged and affectionate servant,