The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 13/From Jonathan Swift to Alexander Pope - 2
THE gentleman who will have the honour to deliver you this, although he be one related to me, which is by no means any sort of recommendation; for I am utterly void of what the world calls natural affection, and with good reason, because they are a numerous race degenerating from their ancestors, who were of good esteem for their loyalty and sufferings in the rebellion against king Charles the first. This cousin of mine, who is so desirous to wait on you, is named Deane Swift, because his great grandfather by the grandmother's side was admiral Deane, who having been one of the regicides, had the good fortune to save his neck by dying a year or two before the Restoration.
I have a great esteem for Mr. Deane Swift, who is much the most valuable of any in his family: he was first a student in this university, and finished his studies in Oxford, where Dr. King, principal of St. Mary Hall, assured me, that Mr. Swift behaved himself with good reputation and credit: he hath a very good taste for wit, writes agreeable and entertaining verses, and is a perfect master equally skilled in the best Greek and Roman authors. He has a true spirit for liberty, and with all these advantages is extremely decent and modest. Mr. Swift is heir to the little paternal estate of our family, at Goodrich in Herefordshire. My grandfather was so persecuted and plundered two and fifty times by the barbarity of Cromwell's hellish crew, of which I find an account in a book called Mercurius Rusticus, that the poor old gentleman was forced to sell the better half of his estate to support his family. However, three of his sons had better fortune; for, coming over to this kingdom, and taking to the law, they all purchased good estates, of which Mr. Deane Swift has a good share, but with some incumbrance.
I had a mind that this young gentleman should have the honour of being known to you; which is all the favour I ask for him: and that if he stays any time longer in London than he now intends, you will permit him to wait on you sometimes. I am, my dearest friend,
Your most obedient
and most humble servant,