You cannot rejoice more sincerely at any good that falls on any part of your family than I do: tho’ you may feel it more paternally. In answer to what you propose, I first say that I was 75 years old on the 14th of last November. What may happen God only knows. But if it shd be both physically and morally in my power to serve your Son, you may depend upon it without the force of the strong expression you make use of. For my own inclination will in such case do it. And the regard I have for the D. of N—ch (and his lady, tho’ unknown, only by report) and for Mr. Arrowsmith, to whose faithful services and exemplary behaviour I was long ago a witness at Stretham, will not at all abate but increase the inclination. I cannot suppose that by what you say you can mean such a living as would make void M—lksham which your son told me was worth 250_l._ per ann. for that would be to {1020} . . . entirety a valuable living very hardly obtained; but one that would be an handsome addition to his income. And this must be one within the canonical distance. Nor do I suppose that the chapter of Salisbury will ever enter into measures for an exchange of Mlkshm &c. I wish you would tell me freely what you understand by an _handsome_ living, assuring you of my sincere disposition to do any thing in my power agreeable to _your own_ wishes. I have without doubt several good livings in my patronage. But you must remember that when you mentioned your request for your son Ph. first, I told you of engagements, and I now tell you that since that, I have not had one vacancy, as far as I can recollect, of a living in Wilts of about 130_l._ per annum. I think myself obliged to speak plainly, that nothing may be expected from me that I cannot pretend to perform. I have, and have had, for some years, two absolute engagements upon me for two of my best livings or such of a secondary sort as will be accepted of till better fall. And I am very sure, you are not the man that would say a single word to me towards the immorality of falshood or breach of promise. And I have the very same opinion of the goodness of heart of those worthy persons who have entered into this affair with you. As to actual vacancies, it is our duty not to wish for any by death. And they are very uncertain, and improbable to happen during the remainder of my life, tho’ my health is surprisingly better than it was in my younger days. With all these considerations of my age, and the precarious condition of all human affairs, if you will take my word, you will find me if alive, as sincere a Friend, as you yourself can wish to find. Your affectionate &c. B. W. {1021}