LETTER 26.

TO MR. JACKSON.

“N.A., Notts.  September 18. 1808.

“Dear Jack,

“I wish you would inform me what has been done by Jekyll, at No. 40.  Sloane Square, concerning the pony I returned as unsound.

“I have also to request you will call on Louch at Brompton, and enquire what the devil he meant by sending such an insolent letter to me at Brighton; and at the same time tell him I by no means can comply with the charge he has made for things pretended to be damaged.

“Ambrose behaved most scandalously about the pony.  You may tell Jekyll if he does not refund the money, I shall put the affair into my lawyer’s hands.  Five and twenty guineas is a sound price for a pony, and by ——­, if it costs me five hundred pounds, I will make an example of Mr. Jekyll, and that immediately, unless the cash is returned.

“Believe me, dear Jack,” &c.

LETTER 27.

TO MR. JACKSON.

“N.A., Notts.  October 4. 1808.

“You will make as good a bargain as possible with this Master Jekyll, if he is not a gentleman.  If he is a gentleman, inform me, for I shall take very different steps.  If he is not, you must get what you can of the money, for I have too much business on hand at present to commence an action.  Besides, Ambrose is the man who ought to refund,—­but I have done with him.  You can settle with L. out of the balance, and dispose of the bidets, &c. as you best can.

“I should be very glad to see you here; but the house is filled with workmen, and undergoing a thorough repair.  I hope, however, to be more fortunate before many months have elapsed.

“If you see Bold Webster, remember me to him, and tell him I have to regret Sydney, who has perished, I fear, in my rabbit warren, for we have seen nothing of him for the last fortnight.

“Adieu.—­Believe me,” &c.

LETTER 28.

TO MR. JACKSON.

“N.A., Notts.  December 12. 1808.

“My dear Jack,

“You will get the greyhound from the owner at any price, and as many more of the same breed (male or female) as you can collect.

“Tell D’Egville his dress shall be returned—­I am obliged to him for the pattern.  I am sorry you should have so much trouble, but I was not aware of the difficulty of procuring the animals in question.  I shall have finished part of my mansion in a few weeks, and, if you can pay me a visit at Christmas, I shall be very glad to see you.

“Believe me,” &c.

The dress alluded to here was, no doubt, wanted for a private play, which he, at this time, got up at Newstead, and of which there are some further particulars in the annexed letter to Mr. Becher.

LETTER 29.