49 



quainted, though alas ! embarrassed, and in some re- 

 spects unhappy, but of most amiable, accomplished, 

 elegant and feeling minds. — Come then, and let us 

 be happy together in pleasures which Heaven itself 

 must contemplate with complacence, and whose very 

 disappointments are more delightful than what nine 

 tenths of the world so fondly pursue. — I have almost 

 filled my sheet without a word of botany ! 



Adieu ! God bless and comfort you both, says 

 your ever affectionate 



J. E. Smith. 



The Marchioness of Rockingham to J. E. Smith. 



Hillingdon House, March 10, 1792. 



I was extremely glad to receive Dr. Smith's let- 

 ter, but I must lament the not seeing him and Mr. 

 Afzelius at Hillingdon, before the latter departs for 

 Sierra Leone. 



There is something in the countenance and 

 manner of that little man that shows a goodness 

 which interests very much one's good wishes ; and 

 I sincerely hope he will find both advantage and 

 satisfaction in his botanical researches in this new 

 settlement. I have heard Governor Wentworth 

 mention it, and shall ask him on Sunday the parti- 

 culars of the botanizing arrangements there. May 

 I beg the favour of you to pay my debts to Mr. Af- 

 zelius for those works of Thunberg's. Might I also 

 ask you to present ten guineas to Mr. Afzelius to 

 purchase some trifle of botanical use, as a remem- 

 brance of Hillingdon. 



VOL. II. E 



