on, he will in all probability be a bishop, a
distinction not to be envied in these days, and therefore I do not wish
him success. My mother is, however, of the contrary opinion, having been
told that her daughter as a bishop's lady will take precedence and be
led out before Lady Hercules. Sir James and Lady O'Connor are still
well, and as happy as they well can be. Bessy has blessed me with three
boys and three girls, now all grown up; but the boys came first. The
eldest is a lieutenant in his Majesty's service, the second is a captain
of an Indiaman, and the third commands a free trader. They are all well
to do, and independent of their father. My girls, who are much younger,
have been well educated, and people say that they are very handsome; at
all events, they are modest and good-tempered. I have not attempted to
conceal what I once was, yet Time has called away most of those who knew
me in my profession. I am still considered as having been a seafaring
man, but nevertheless, in consequence of my property, I am generally
addressed by the title of Squire Saunders. By not assuming a station
which does not become me, I find myself treated not only with respect,
but with friendship, by those who are in birth, as well as other
qualifications, my superiors. My daughters are invited out to all the
balls and _fetes_ in the neighborhood, and are great favorites wherever
they go: they all of them are like their mother, not only in appearance,
but in temper and disposition. We have plenty of young men who visit the
house, and I am afraid that we shall soon have to part with two of them,
my eldest, Virginia, being engaged to a ship-builder at Limehouse, and
Elizabeth to a young clergyman in the neighborhood. Jane thinks she
never will marry, and, as I tell her, I suppose she never will till she
is asked. To wind up, I may say that Bessy and I have been very happy,
and promise still to be as happy as most people are who pass through
this pilgrimage. We have competence--the good opinion of the world--a
family who have never caused us one hour's uneasiness (how few can say
that?), and we have, I trust, a due sense of God's mercy and kindness
toward us, and never lie down in our beds without thanking Him for the
many mercies we have received, and acknowledging how unworthy we are to
have been so signally blessed.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POOR JACK***

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