" St. Peter's College, Westminster,
" MADAM, June 9th, 1709.
" Had not my grandmother told me, the last time I was there, that you were near lying-in, at which time I thought it would be in vain to write what you would not be able to read, I had sent you letters over and over again before this. I beg, there- fore, you will not impute it to my negligence, which sure I can never be guilty of, while I enjoy what you gave me life. My father lets me be in profound ignorance as to your circumstances at Epworth, and I have not heard a word from the country since the first letter you sent me after the fire; so that I am quite ashamed to go to any of my relations for fear of being jeered out of my life. They ask me whether my father intends to leave Epworth. Whether he is rebuilding his house? Whether any contributions are to be expected? What was the lost (last?) child, a boy or a girl? What was its name? Whether my father has lost all his books and papers? If nothing was saved? To all of which I am forced to answer, 'I can't tell, I don't know; I've not heard.' I have asked my father some of these questions, but am still an ignoramus. If you think my ' Cowley ' and 'Hudibras' worth accepting, I shall be very glad to send them to my mother, who gave them to me. I hope you are all well, as all are in town.
" Your most affectionate son,
"SAM WESLEY."
As the mother, just then, had more time than usual on her hands, it is more than probable that she answered her boy's questions, though her letter has
