64 



sage, and brings the agreeable intelligence that both 

 the Ocean and the Amy were safe arrived; and thus 

 I hope you got long ago what was intended for you. 

 The Achilles brings only salt and crockery ware ; 

 instead of which I wish her cargo had been provi- 

 sion, cloth, linen, furniture, &c. &c. 



J. E. Smith to Mr. Davall. 



Norwich, March 1G, 1795. 



It is so long since I heard from you or wrote 

 to you, my excellent friend, that I can refrain no 

 longer. 



I have nothing botanical to communicate, nor 

 indeed anything pleasant, except (as I hope) expres- 

 sions of my unceasing regard may be acceptable. I 

 have lately had the misfortune to lose my most in- 

 dulgent and excellent father. There never was a 

 more honest, sensible, or judicious man, nor a more 

 excellent parent*. 



I have another melancholy piece of news, which 

 has made a very deep impression on my mind, 



* The annexed lines are expressive of Sir James's feelings of 

 respect and attachment upon the loss here recorded. 



Dear tender Father ! if thy honour'd shade 



Still hovers o'er thy children, hless our tears ! 



May every pang, by which our hearts now own thee, 



Impress thy virtues and thy precepts there ! 



Be thou our guardian angel, while we strive, 



Though not with equal steps, to follow thee ; 



And may thy spirit welcome us to peace. 



In St. Peter's Church, Norwich, where his parents and others 



