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When I write my preface to these translations" I shall transmit it for your inspection and approbation.

One quarter of my time expires this day; but I have lost all solicitude, or thereabout, on this subject. When you call in Essexstreet, do not fail of giving my affectionate respects to Mr. Lindsey. It is scarcely possible for man to live a more pure, liberal, and conscientious life than he.

My cordial remembrance to your brothers. My family are altogether yours, at all times, with,

My dear Sir,

Your most affectionate

And unalterable friend,
GILBERT WAKEFIELD.

On the subject of Mr. Dodson's bequest, he expresses himself in similar language to his daughter:-" In a letter of condolence, which, at the immediate suggestion of your mother, I wrote to Mrs. Dodson, I employed such expressions, as a most sincere regard, may say veneration, for a man, among the most respectable for abilities, and every gentler virtue, naturally excited.

n Of Chrysostom. See supra.

My declarations of esteem were perfectly disinterested and spontaneous; nor could I possibly pre-conceive, from our comparatively short acquaintance, though his behaviour, to me was always attentive, and even highly affectionate, that he would have remembered me in his will. I own, independently of his more substantial memorial, I have never been more gratified than by this indication of respect from so amiable and accomplished a character."

While Mr. Wakefield was consoled and animated by an attention to him in captivity, so far beyond "the cold charity of praise;" this captivity was rendered more irksome, than at first, by the illiberal treatment which he began to experience from the keeper of the prison. The subject is mentioned in the following letter, and will be explained more at large in the ensuing chapter.

Dorchester Gaol, Dec. 25, 1799.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I AM Sorry for such causes as deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you; but that pleasure will never be enjoyed by my consent

to the sacrifice of important concerns, such as daily press upon you.

In general we all go on very well, and I am very diligent in the pursuit of my object, but think at present of troubling you for no more books. Indeed I have no room for many, and some laborious and irksome reading, which must some time have been struggled through, is furnished by my present stock.

This late affair will all blow over, and be productive of some serious good to counterbalance the additional expence. One pleasing consequence, especially, will be an entire separation from such domestic society as was become the principal part of my punishment.

My own conduct has been so unexceptionable here, and is so approved by those gentlemen of the town who visit us, that, with all the partiality of the magistrates, it is not in the power of the adversary [the gaoler] ever to injure me. I never felt more firm and secure, on my own foundation of resolution and good intention, in my life.

Mrs. Wakefield has been distressed by this affair beyond measure; and the forbearance, which I have used, has been entirely in accommodation to her, and indeed of a very proper kind, so that even she will not regret this interruption of our tranquillity any more.

I was hoping that peace might take place between the Emperor and the French, and thus peace at home become probable, from the inability of satisfying even ministerialists, as to an adequate object of the war,

Yours, my dear Sir,

Most truly,

GILBERT WAKEFIELD.

CHAP. X.

Circumstances of Mr. Wakefield's Imprisonment, continuedProposals for a Greek and English Lexicon-Letters.

1800.

MR. WAKEFIELD was too sanguine in his expectation of a speedy issue to his misunderstanding with the gaoler. Men in such stations are generally possessed of "hearts unknowing how to yield." Our friend was perplexed and harassed upon this account during several months of the year 1800,"exposed," as he describes it, "to all the degrading vexations and mortifying insults of persecution, without the dignity of suffering."

It was a serious aggravation of this injury, that its consequences could not be confined to himself, but extended, in a distressing manner, to his wife and family, and all who were interested in his happiness. The particulars of the affair cannot be better related than in his

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