258 PETER COLLINSON [1763. 



The peace that thou art so merry with, in your mock mourning, 

 is only glorious by comparison ; I mean by comparing it with that 

 peace that Pitt would have made (but thanks to our enemies could 

 not). Then you must have been thankful to him and the French, 

 that they would allow you to keep your own narrow strip of land ; 

 but now your bounds are so extensively enlarged, how ungrateful ! 

 how unthankful you are ! for ever grumbling, never pleased. I 

 refer thee to the preliminary of Pitt's peace, and Bute's. Facts 

 speak louder than faction. We all know here what Pitt's peace 

 would have been, and what Bute's is. 



So much for a touch at politics. Now we change the scene to 

 something that pleases us both. 



I can tell thee, Gordon has raised the fine, stately, broad-leafed 

 Siljjhium, but thou mentions three fine species from New Virginia, 

 by the Ohio, and from Pedee River, but which of them ours is, I 

 don't know ; but thy specimens will set us right. 



I often reflect with what a numerous train of yellow flowers, 

 your continent abounds. Seeds of the two fine red-petaled Rud- 

 becJcias will be very acceptable. I have one many years in my 

 garden, but then it never ripened seed. 



What a glorious scene is opened in that rich country about Pen- 

 sacola if that despised country is worthy thy visitation. But be- 

 cause Pitt did not get it, thou canst not venture there on any pre- 

 tence ! All beyond the Carolinas is forbidden ground. They are 

 none of thy darling Pitt's acquisition ! 



But thy son Jonx may go with a good grace. I am glad to find 

 the spirit of Elijah rests upon him. 



Thou cheers my heart and flatters my hopes with thy kind and 

 friendly donations. But we are under all the disadvantages to 

 show our gratitude. A run of cross accidents always attends our 

 cargo, and I never could contrive any ways to prevent it, unless a 

 person skilled in those matters could attend upon them and make 

 it his delight to nurse them daily. 



I lament with thee the disappointment of so promising an expe- 

 dition on the Ohio. Take heart ; other doors may open to gratify 

 thy inquisitive genius. 



I was delighted to see the Tipitiwitcliet Sensitive. I instantly 

 sent it to Gordon, for his skill exceeds all others in raising seeds. 

 Pray, where is poor William and Moses ? As for John, I find 



