DEAR SIR, There are no persons in the world to whom so much regard is due, respecting my late Father's Collections in the literary line, as to yourself and Mr. Nichols. I daily see obligations, from Books which you have respectively conferred upon him, which call for every acknowledgement. I am as daily concerned in looking over papers of various kinds; and will preserve them all sacredly, and report upon them when I return to Town, which must be in May or June. I am labouring to keep possession of this house as long as I can, and believe I shall be amply indulged; a circumstance which will enable me to pay every attention to what may be of real use to my Father's Friends: for, as Botanists allow nothing to be weeds, so I admit nothing to be waste paper. What I write to you I mean should be said to Mr. Nichols, with every kind remembrance. I have only to desire that I may be considered (by descent at least) as Your obliged Friend, S. PEGGE. * * * * * To Mr. Deputy NICHOLS. _Whittington, March 30, 1796._ DEAR SIR, A peck of March dust is said to be worth a King's ransom;--and to you (who know this house) I may say that I am enveloped in as much dust[60] as would ransom an Emperor. I shall be in Town at the end of May at the farthest, and would wish to work double tides in the History of Beauchief-Abbey while I stay; for I shall find it necessary to pass as long a Summer as I can here, where (by the new Rector's leave) I hope to continue till the approach of Winter. S. PEGGE. [60] The Books in the Library at Whittington had, probably, not been dusted for 20 to 30 years. * * * * * _Whittington, April 12, 1796._ DEAR SIR, I am really so much engaged (for I am not half through my Herculean labour) that I have not leisure to think of my late nearest Friend, so as to _erect_ any memorial in the Gentleman's Magazine _at present_. I have written to Lord Leicester and to Mr. Topham by this post, to request that I may be _hung up, according to Law_, at the Society of Antiquaries, in hopes of being honourably cut down, and receiving Christian Burial. The _Director_[61], I trust, will appear _to character_ when my Trial comes up. God send me a good deliverance! What I write to you, I write to Mr. Gough also through you. Your obliged Friend, &c. S. PEGGE. [61] Mr. Gough was then Director of the Society of Antiquaries. * * * * * To GEORGE ALLAN, Esq. Darlington. _Whittington, May 2, 1796._ SIR, In the course of the last year my late Father (Rev. Dr. Pegge) among other Books made me a present off "The Northumberland Household Book;" which he told me (as I since find by his memoranda) was lent to you. I take the liberty of wishing to have it returned soon, directed to my Friend Mr. Nichols. I have heard my Father often speak of you, Sir, with much respect, and I shall always honour my Father's Friends. I am, &c.