40 Faraday, Correspondence of Lieut. -Col. Philips. 



hope for a visit from his friend, and on March 15th, he 



writes : — 



As I have not lately been in the highest spirits, I have had the more 

 time to think, the result of those Cogitations has confirmed me in my former 

 opinions that England is not the place for a man of small Fortune, out of 

 Trade, and of genteel Ideas. My Connexions and Friendships are, all of 

 them. People of Large Fortunes, and I shou'd not perhaps be quite comfort- 

 able always to feel my own insignificance. Here I am upon a quite different 

 footing. I can live as I like, see either much company or none at all. Taxes 

 we have none, or next to none, & living is certainly much cheaper than in any 

 genteel town in England. If I was to come to England now I shou'd be 

 almost starved ; for I have been so long used to Wine that I shou'd not be 

 comfortable without it, and I cou'd hardly afford myself a Pint a day. 

 Besides I am so fixed that a voyage to see my friends wou'd not be attended 

 with much expense ; and I can afford to entertain any who will come & 

 see me without any expense at all. Do once more let me beg you will come 

 over if you possibly can. I will promise to return with you if that will be 

 any inducement. You will please to understand that when I say you I mean 

 the whole of you, that is yourself & Mrs. Philips ; without her I shou'd 

 think I onl}' saw half of you. 



On March 28th, Cable writes : — 



Since I wrote to you last we have had a week of dissipation. The 

 Strangers here have got a touch of the Benevolent INIania. Two of them, a 

 Mr. May (cher ami to the Bird of Paradise) and a Mr. Gooch (son of the 

 celebrated Mr. Gooch) have been performing the parts of Lothario, & 

 Horatio for the benefit of some distressed Actors & Actresses who have 

 been left here in Pawn by their Party. The House was full, & the profits 

 enabled the distressed wretches to have a Good Supper and leave the Island 

 with Flying Colours. To-morrow there is to be two Theatrical Performances 

 performed entirely by Gentlemen & Ladies for the benefit of a poor 

 deserving English woman who has been deserted by a worthless Husband. 

 High Life below Stairs, & the Prize, are got up, (Sc I am told, will be 

 presented in High Stile. The whole house is already taken. Sarah has made 

 me promise to accompany her there. She is gone this Evening to an 

 Assembly at my earnest request, for she is as great a Mope as myself, «& 

 wou'd continually stay at Home if I was not to invite her out. As for my 

 own part, although that great Alleviator Time has much softened my Grief 

 for the Loss of one of the best of women, yet I feel not the least inclination 

 to partake of any Publick amusements. 



On May 7th, he writes : — 



As the Season is approaching for our intended excursion to England, I 

 think it necessary to apprise you of it, and to enquire whether you can make 

 it perfectly convenient to give Sarah & myself board & lodging for a short 



