Mortice /IRontague 167 



back the next, and go on the water the third. 

 The fishery of this part of the river belongs to 

 me ; and my fisherman's little boat (where I 

 have a green lutestring awning) serves me for a 

 barge. He and his son are my rowers without 

 any expense, he being very well paid by the 

 profit of the fish, which I give him, on condi- 

 tion of having every day one dish for my table. 

 Here is plenty of every sort of fresh-water fish 

 (excepting salmon) ; but we have a large trout 

 so like it, that I, that have almost forgot the 

 taste, do not distinguish it. 



We are both placed properly in regard to our 

 different times of life ; you amidst the fair, the 

 gallant, and the gay ; I in a retreat, where I 

 enjoy every amusement that solitude can afford. 

 I confess I sometimes wish for a little conversa- 

 tion ; but I reflect that the commerce of the 

 world gives more uneasiness than pleasure, 

 and quiet is all the hope that can reasonably 

 be indulged at my age. My letter is of an un- 

 conscionable length ; I should ask your pardon 

 for it, but I had a mind to give you an idea of 

 my passing my time, take it as an instance of 

 the affection of, dear child, 



Your most affectionate mother. 



My compliments to Lord Bute, and blessing 

 to all my grandchildren. 



