THE REV. JOHN LODER 31 



in the field. I write in haste, and have only to 

 remain 



your most truly devoted faithful and 

 affectionate friend, 

 Novr. 1787 Abingdon. 



P.S. — Do you want anything I can procure for you 

 in London ? 



These were the " good old times " of " three 

 bottle men." Men then rose early, hunted 

 early, dined early. We get a glimpse of the 

 life they led in the following letter : — 



Dear Loder, — Dining with a complete set of 

 Bacchanalians two days running (Such as Sir Wil- 

 loughby Aston & Master Jacky Crosdill) occa- 

 sioned a delay of one post in Reply to yrs of 30th 

 Instant. The season is not too far advanced for 

 your curs to do as yet Wonders, but if regularly 

 and journally drinking of Bumpers per Dozens to 

 his Diversion, will yield the Squire of Hinton good 

 sport in the Field : thirty Brace of Scalps, in 

 addition to those already nailed on the Stable door, 

 would soon make their appearance. A variety of 

 circumstances too tedious to mention put a spoke 

 in the wheel of my inclinations to meet you on the 

 tenth instant. Cussan's stubborn illness is another 

 misfortune. He is attended by three Physicians, 

 enough to kill the Devil, you will say, and must 

 void by force of medicine some enormous gall- 

 stones before he has a chance of doing well. He 

 is of a liberal generous disposition. He had heard a 

 good deal of your character, and had set his heart 

 upon Courting your Acquaintance, but at present it 

 is decreed otherwise, we must with Christian Patience 

 submit, 



" For what can't be cured 

 Must be indured." 



