Volume 02: Letters written by John Macarthur to his wife, 1808-1832

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think ourselves very fortunate that these men are removed, for from what I hear and know of their characters, it is not trifles that would deter them from executing any plan which they might conceive their interest required them to pursue –

On the day of our arrival at Bristol Johnston waited on the Duke of Northumberland at Clifton (a place contiguous to that City) but found his Grace preparing to set off into Devonshire the following morning. – The Duke received him in the kindest manner, and intimated his wish that he would follow him into Devonshire. As this was not to be neglected Johnston left Town last night; and I hope he will obtain the sanction of His Grace to a plan which I suggested to hasten an enquiry into our conduct. Perhaps Edward has already informed you how handsomely the Duke exerted his interest to procure him a Lieutenancy in the 39th Regiment, and that the moment his Grace heard of our safe arrival at Rio, he most obligingly wrote to Edward to congratulate him upon the news. If I should be so fortunate as to

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to obtain the protection and good opinion of this noble Family, my misfortunes may yet prove a source of advantage to our Children if not to ourselves.

It remains to be ascertained what part my old acquaintance Sir Walter will take – he promises largely, and may perhaps by a little management be induced to perform. Mr. Watson received me in the same kind and frank manner I had a right to expect from his past friendship – and I have since received repeated proofs of his good will – Lord Camden continues President of the Council, – of course I cannot expect to be received by him until matters are settled; but I have good reason to think he is well inclined towards me. –

Mr. Brogden, who you already know is one of the Duke of Northumberlands members, is amongst the forwardest and most active

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most active of our advocates – This Gentleman paid great attention to Edward after his return and when he left England commenced a correspondence with him, which he has continued without interruption, and already produced a Friendship as flattering as it is likely to be beneficial to the Boy – Scarcely a Week passes but Mr. B writes to him with as much warmth of affection as if he were his son, and advises him with as much earnestness as if his own happiness depended upon his advice being adopted. – The Duke of Northum-berland also spoke of him in warm terms of praise to Colonel Johnston. – in short he appears to have created Friends wherever he has been introduced; who kindly attribute to him – the virtues of spirit, temperance, intelligence and a score of other good qualities

Mr.

Mr Thompson told me the other day that he asked an officer of the 60th how he liked him, and was assured "Who can help liking him! Wherever he is known he becomes a Favorite " – To this most gratifying account of our oldest born I can add of my own knowledge, that he is industriously qualifying himself for that Rank in his Profession which he has the fairest prospects of attaining if it please God to spare his life.

What would I give to be assured that our poor sufferer Elizabeth is to be a partici pator with you in the pleasure this relation will give – I fear however too fondly to cherish hope lest if the worst should happen & be found entirely unprepared for the event which I dread – May God mercifully please that Your next Letters may remove my sufferings when

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this excruciating subject –

December 11th –

When I had concluded the last sentence I felt my spirit too much depressed to proceed and therefore gave up the attempt. Early the following morning I heard the Edus was arrived, and in the course of the day Mr Blair called and assured me Captain Addis had Letters from You. About a minute after I received a large Packet from Mr. Oxley and Mr. Thompson another from you (which enclosed the Bills I left you to forward) Happily Oxley's Letter contained information that You and all the Family were well in which all I must conclude from the spirits in which he writes that my dear Elizabeth is included I will not attempt to describe because