nce's
room; whom he found in his shirt, and without his breeches: and,
in that condition, was he decorated with the star and ribbon by his
Majesty, who has wrote the whole circumstance to the Emperor.

Leopold may, perhaps, not like the joking with his first order. Such
nonsense should, certainly, be done with solemnity; or it becomes,
what it really is, a little tinsel, and a few yards of broad ribbon.

The Prince, _entre nous_, is not very wise; but he is a good creature
and we are great friends.

I have wrote to Mrs. Dickinson. I forget whether you have, or not: if
not, pray do it soon; for, you know, she is a good friend of your's.

I have just received your good letter. I am glad they have taken the
Guarda patana's son-in-law. I insist upon Smith's letting the Regent
of the Vicaria know of his having stabbed my porter. He ought to go
to the gallies; and my honour is concerned, if this insult offered my
livery is unnoticed. The girl had better cry, than be ill-used, and
her father killed.

Adieu, my sweet Em. Your's, with all my heart,

W.H.

III.

Persano, Friday Evening.
[Jan. 6th, 1792.]

I Inclose our friend Knight's admirable letter to you. I could not
refrain reading it; and, I am sure, it was his intention I should do
so, having left it unsealed. He is a fine fellow; it was worth going
to England, to secure such a sensible friend.

You will probably have seen General Werner last night; this is Friday
night, and he will have told you I am well.

We have been out all day in the rain; I killed none, and the King and
party but few. Such obstinate bad weather I really never experienced,
for so long a time together.

You did perfectly right in buying the lamps; and I am glad the Prince
asked to dine with you. I am sure, he was comfortably received by you.

You see what devils [there are] in England! They wanted to stir
up something against me; but our conduct shall be such as to be
unattackable: and I fear not an injustice from England. Twenty-seven
years service--having spent all the King's money, and all my own,
besides running in debt, deserves something better than a dismission!

The King has declared, he will return to Naples next Saturday
se'n-night; so you know the worst, my dear Emma. Indeed, I shall
embrace you most cordially; for I would not be married to any woman,
but yourself, on earth, for all the world.

Lord A. Hamilton's son, you see, recommends a friend of his; wh