Page:Pioneersorsource02cooprich.djvu/91

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THE PIONEERS.
87

ner, we shall lay before the reader, accompanied by the passing remarks of the Sheriff:—

"'London, February 12th, 1793.' What a devil of a passage she had! but the wind has been northwest, for six weeks, until within the last fortnight. 'Sir, your favours, of August 10th, September 23d, and of December 1st, were received in due season, and the first answered by return of packet. Since the receipt of the last, I'—Here a long passage was rendered indistinct, by a most significant kind of humming noise, made by the Sheriff. 'I grieve to say, that'— hum, hum, bad enough, to be sure—'but trust that a merciful Providence has seen fit'—hum, hum, hum; seems to be a good, pious sort of a man, 'duke; belongs to the established church, I dare say; hum, hum—'vessel sailed from Falmouth on or about the 1st September of last year, and'—hum, hum, hum. 'If any thing should transpire, on this afflicting subject, shall not fail'—hum, hum; really a good-hearted man, for a lawyer—'but can communicate nothing further at present'—Hum, hum. 'The national convention'—hum, hum—'unfortunate Louis'—hum, hum—'example of your Washington'—a very sensible man, I declare, and none of your crazy democrats. Hum, hum—'our gallant navy'—hum, hum—'under our most excellent monarch',—ay, a good man enough, that King George, but bad advisers; hum, hum—'I beg to conclude with assurances of my perfect respect,'—hum, hum—'Andrew Holt.'—Andrew Holt a very sensible, feeling man, this Mr Andrew Holt—but the writer of evil tidings. What will you do next, cousin Marmaduke?"

"What can I do, Richard, but trust to time, and the will of Heaven? Here is another letter, from Connecticut, but it only repeats the sub-