62 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP. 



means of conveyance. Then his correspondence with 

 Bentley began, and it lasted as long as Beutley lived. 

 The two unbosomed themselves to each other. Their 

 hearts beat in unison. Every thought that passed 

 through their minds was set down in writing, and duly 

 communicated by post. Their friendship and affection 

 grew rapidly. Every sorrow and joy, every difficulty 

 and success, were imparted to each other with manly 

 frankness. 



The first letter that Wedgwood wrote to Bentley on 

 his arrival at Burslem was the following (15th May 

 1762) : "There is not a day that passes but I reflect 

 with a pleasing gratitude upon the many kind offices 

 I received in my confinement in your hospitable town. 

 My good doctor, and you in particular, have my warmest 

 gratitude for the share you both had in promoting my 

 recovery, and I know he is too well acquainted with 

 the influence of a good flow of spirits upon the whole 

 animal economy to refuse you your share of merit in 

 this instance." 



Amongst other things that occurred during Wedg- 

 wood's stay in Liverpool was the appointment of 

 Bentley as Wedgwood's agent, to superintend the arrival 

 of the potter's material for conveyance to Burslem, and 

 the export of his wares to foreign countries. Hence the 

 letters between them are full of instruction and advice 

 as to the business in hand. Every letter was full 

 of gratitude and hearty friendship. As we shall after- 

 wards see from their correspondence, this intercourse 



