1788 MULSO EECEIVES THE BOOK 189 



will break forth, as may make what we remember of political 

 struggles a mere civil game to what may ensue. 



Mr. Loveday has just written me a letter, in which he 

 says, " If in the perusal any things should occur worthy of 

 remark, such observations shall be transmitted to Selborne." 

 Now pray tell that gentleman that any strictures from such 

 a quarter will be most gratefully received ; and be sure to 

 add, that could such have been obtained before publication, 

 they would have been deemed inestimable. Pray come 

 on the 24th; for if you cannot be as regular in your 

 migrations as a ring-ousel or a swallow, where is the use 

 of all your knowledge ? since it may be outdone by instinct. 

 When Lord Botecourt was Governor of Virginia, a slave, 

 meeting him, pulled off his cap, and made him a bow, which 

 the benevolent peer returned. Good God ! says a by- 

 stander, does your Lordship pay any regard to such a 

 wretch? By all means, says the good nobleman: would 

 you have me outdone in common civility by a negroe ? 

 Mrs. J. White joins in respects to you and J. Etty; and 

 to Mr. Ventris, when you see him. 



Y^ most humble servant, 



Gil. White. 



On December 15th, 1788, Mulso, who had also 

 received an early copy of his friend's book, writes : — 



Dear Gil., — I have longed to write to you some time 

 to tell you how very handsome I think you in your new 

 dress. But, alas, I and all my family have been ill with 

 what is called Influenza : it seizes the weak part of every- 

 body, and therefore varies with the constitution. . . . The 

 time of unwellness is most agreeably filled up with a real 

 good work, and especially when that book is the production 

 of a well-beloved friend. I was much obliged to your 

 brother Benj" for sending me your 'Selbourne' so early, 



