132 SIR FRANCIS FREELING, 



inclination for society, I acquired a silent 

 and melancholy manner. 



It was early in the year 1807 that a 

 new postmaster was appointed at Ports- 

 mouth, in consequence of the death or 

 superannuation of one who had grown 

 old in the service. An office of such 

 considerable importance and responsibility 

 - consequently one of good emolument 

 was bestowed on a gentleman closely con- 

 nected with the Baronet (Sir Francis Free- 

 ling) who so long and so efficiently fulfilled 

 the office of Secretary to the Postmaster- 

 General. He had not long taken possession 

 of his new appointment before my father 

 called on him, as it was quite necessary, 

 from the relative situation he stood in with 

 the Post- Office as Mail Contractor, that 

 they should be known to each other, if 

 not be on friendly terms. This induced a 

 reciprocity of visits ; and my father, with 

 his accustomed hospitality, took an early 

 opportunity of inviting him and his family 



