1774 TIME'S ADVANCES 271 



When I have the pleasure of meeting you, we will talk 

 over these and many other matters too copious for an 

 Epistle. I had like to have forgotten to add that Jack 

 copied your verses and sent them to your Uncle John, who 

 commended them much : you will be pleased to be com- 

 mended by one that is the best performer and the best 

 critic in that way that I know. With respects to your 

 father and mother and all the family, I remain 



Y"^ affect. Uncle, 



Gil. White. 



Nanny White mends apace. She is still at Newton. 



On November 17th, 1774, Mulso writes : — 



"Why do you think of going with your Brother into 

 Lancashire in the winter? Will not the Hampshire cold 

 suffice ? It was odd enough, that on the very morning that 

 I received yours, in which you complain of the snow, I had 

 been revising a letter from you, in which you tell me that 

 you had rode out every day to contemplate that beautiful 

 meteor, which shows itself to advantage in your uneven 

 country. I am sorry you change your note. No one bears 

 time better outwardly ; and yet I know by myself that time 

 has made some advances upon you, for yesterday I was fifty- 

 three. I have one pleasure however in this increase of years, 

 it is a longer date of our friendship. As to not visiting you I 

 declare solemnly that for one cause or another, it has not 

 been in my power. ... I hope your brother will succeed in 

 his purpose of settling his son to his satisfaction. The pro- 

 vision for children is an arduous duty : You have escaped 

 it. . . . Health attend you wherever you go. The love of 

 all here attend you, and our best wishes for nephew John." 



