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some few drops of wliat was more precious to me, and 

 the loss of which added not a little to my already 

 weakened state and no"w woeful appearance. 



On the arrival from the country of my father, who was 

 speedily made acquainted with what had occurred, the 

 cellars were closed, and in a few davs the whole o-enuine 

 stock of wines was offered for sale. They were eagerly 

 purchased by an old-established wine merchant in the 

 town, who was glad to get rid of a formidable rival to 

 the monopoly of Avhich my father had already committed 

 a great inroad. 



After that calamity all thoughts of my ever being fit 

 for any profession or employment were abandoned, and I 

 was kept at home, under the watchful care of one or 

 other of the family, who never suffered me to go out of 

 his sight. I now became sensible that I was a burden to 

 those about me, although the most constant and tender 

 attention was bestowed on my every movement — indeed, 

 on my every look ; and I was fully alive to and grateful 

 for this affectionate solicitude. But my spirits sank with 

 my health ; and, giving up all hopes of partaking in the 

 enjoyments of youth either mentally or bodily, and losing- 

 all inclination for society, I acquired a silent and 

 melancholy manner. 



It was early in the year 1807 that a new postmaster 

 was appointed at Portsmouth, in consequence of the 

 death or superannuation of one who had gro^vn old in 

 the service. An office of such considerable importance 

 and responsibility — consequently one of good emolument 

 — was bestowed on a gentleman closely connected with 

 the Baronet (Sir Francis Freeling) who so long and so 



