. 
1826; } Original Eeiters of Mr. Hume. 61 
the sex. My confessions are, I conceive, peculiar, and now that I haye 
fairly rid my mind of them (as hypochondriacs love talking of their dis- 
orders), why, I feel a degree more composed. Unhappy wretch! with 
the strongest possible desire for matrimony I find myself notwithstanding 
a bachelor. I am personable enough, I take it—rather goodlooking 
than otherwise—with a sweet smile, resulting from an amiable disposi- 
tion, irradiating my fine open countenance. What confirms me in this 
opinion of my attractions is, that my housekeeper, an excellent-hearted 
creature in her way, is always telling me so, and she is allowed to be a 
judge. Hah! there she goes, pacing pensively along the garden. Well, 
it is certainly delightful for a bachelor like me—who, for twenty years, 
has been shivering on the Rubicon of matrimony, without once daring 
to plunge in—it is, I repeat, delightful to him to find that there is one 
fond soul who knows how to appreciate worth. To be sure, Deborah is 
thirty-six ; what of that? Virtue is not restricted to youth. Moreover, 
she is short and set with a squat face; ’importe, he must be anass who 
looks only to the countenance; I search deeper, I analyze the mind, 
and Deborah is there perfection.—But here she comes, so adieu! 
ORIGINAL LETTERS. 
Mr. Hume to Mr. Davenrort of Wootton, on the Subject of the Pension granted 
by His Majesty Grorce III. to Jean Jacques RovussEav. 
Dear Sir: London, 27th of April 1767. 
The affair of M. Rousseau’s pension is now finally concluded. I had to day 
a letter from M. Bradshaw of the treasury, informing me that the Duke of Grat- 
ton was instantly to order a hundred pounds a year to be paid, without de- 
ductions, to any person whom he should order to receive it. It is to commence 
from the first of this month, and will, I suppose, be paid quarterly. He has 
nothing to do but to write a common missive letter to any person, banker or 
other, empowering him to receive payment. as often as it becomes due. 
Have you seen a little book, published within these few days, being an ac- 
count of Rousseau’s writings and conduct? It is a high panegyric on him ; 
but without attempting to throw any blame upon me: on the contrary, it ownshe 
is in the wrong in his quarrel with me. It is said to be the work of Dr. Sterne; 
but it exceeds even the usual extravagance of that gentleman’s productions. 
Lord Holdernesse told me that he intended to send a person across the 
country in order to take a view of your plough and its operations; I doubt not 
but you will give him a gcod reception. 
_I am, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant, Davin Home. 
_ Dear Sir: London, 2d of May 1767. 
Since I wrote to you I hada visit from Mr. Bradshaw, first clerk of the trea- 
sury, who informed me of farther particulars concerning M. Rousseau’s pen~ 
sion; it commences from: the 5th of April last, and the first quarter of it will 
be paid, without deductions, on or about the 5th of July next. He'need only 
give an order to a banker, or any other person he pleases, to receive it; and 
this person must address himself to Mr. Lowndes, the secretary of the treasury, 
and show him M. Rousseau’s letter. This is all the formality requisite. I 
hope he will enjoy this mark of His Majesty’s bounty with tranquillity and 
peace of mind. 
Iam, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant, Davin Hume. 
Dear Sir: London, 9th of May 1767. 
~ T cannot say that I am in the least surprised at the fact of which you give 
me information. Above two months ago I was told that your philosopher 
