Manchester Memoirs, Vol. xlv. (1901), No. 8. 23 



distinguish one from anotiier. The Sisynibrium Monanx was of a different 

 description and I could not well mistake it. 



The Flying Squirrel is perfectly alive, & a very great favourite with 

 Sarah & the rest of us. She & I amuse ourselves most evenings with a 

 Squirrel hunt which the little Animal seems to enjoy much, although he 

 does not wag his little Tail. 



The Conjuror is a reference to a box of chemical and 

 physical apparatus which Colonel Philips had sent to 

 Cable, who was very fond of such scientific recreations. 



The next letter is dated December 4th : — 



Since I wrote to you last I have reed seven silk pocket handkerchiefs 

 together with some strawberry plants for Major Taubman, and a most 

 glorious Cheese for Messrs. Arthur Brew and Co., which has been divided 

 among them to their entire satisfaction and astonishment. Poor Arthur 

 was almost overcome with gratitude. Lewthwaite " grinned horribly a 

 gastly smile." Corlett seem'd ready to guillotine anyone who seemed 

 inclin'd to ravish the prize from him ; and Cantanhasons himself was much 

 moved. In short they all entered into a Covenant to fish for you, and with 

 you, as often as you desired. You know a Manx Man has not a single Idea 

 void of Fish ; and of all Fish, Herring & Gobbock seem to have occupied 

 most of their minds, so you may be assured they wish you plenty of both. 



We have had some very capital quarrelling lately between Mr Whaley's 

 Vassall, and mine Ancient. It shou'd have terminated in a Duel, but 

 Whaley & his slave made so much Noise about it, that Fleming was put 

 under an arrest ; and I gave him orders not to leave the Island ; which by 

 the bye, I do not believe he meant to do ; after which, the other party, very 

 consistently, posted him for a Coward and a Scoundrel. In short it has been 

 a true Irish business from first to last. An heap of Blunders, Noise, and 

 inconsistence. Fleming has since published a state of facts between himself 

 ife Vassall. This is done in somewhat better a manner, it having been 

 revised by a person of the name of Carr, whom you saw here under the name 

 of Cooper. Besides this business there has been one or two bye battles. 

 Midford versus the Bishop : & Midford & Whitehurst versus the same. 

 An Anonymous Letter has been written to the Archbishop of York 

 against our Right Reverend, & Midford & Whitehurst are grievously 

 suspected to be the Authors. Lastly there has been a Copy of 

 Verses handed about accusing Speed of Atheism ; and Livesey of 

 Gluttony. If I can procure a Copy of them I will send them to 

 you. You will find by the above that this Island is not entirely a scene of 

 still life. Indeed it is far from being so. We have had a large importation 

 of strangers since you left us, it: they have introduced dissipation, >t whatever 

 else has a tendency to make the place unpleasant. As for my part I am only 

 an indifferent Spectator ; and I have hitherto kept myself clear of their 

 Society. I sometimes, though not often, see the [J/i^/br]. He is by far tlie 



