FL14365920

[Page 119 ]

[Continuation of letter on Page 118]

Mr Hosking be so fortunate as to land them I
will thank you to tell Horrox to take every
care of them. In my last I desired you to sell
the grey Horse, but not to risque cutting him. 
We have found England much altered with respect
to living - all things is dear  - and many thousands
in the west of Yorkshire, and in Lancashire
where I have been are greatly distressed for
Provisions - Trade is exceeding bad  -   and the
whole nation feels the Effects of war - There is not
the most distant Prospect of Peace: but a very
bloody war on the Continent -  upwards of 60,000
men are gone or are going from England to Spain
and Portugal  -  many of them have arrived at
the seat of war - we are in hourly expectation
of Information that Lisbon is in our Hands  - 
a strong force are now lying against that
City both by Sea and Land  -  The French are
daily losing Ground and there is a general opinion

[continuation]

that their Ambition will be checked - much Blood will
& must be shed - Bounaparte will never give in so
long as he can maintain the Field. The distress on
the Continent will be dreadful indeed.  you may
think yourselves well of at Botany Bay in these days
of public Calamities. The little differences which
exist in N.S.Wales are mere trifles, and worth 
a moments Consideration if compared with the real 
distresses occasioned by war  -  I can give you no instruction
relative to my stock, and Concerns in general as I know 
not what may have taken place since my
Departure. I have no doubt that you will do all
you can for my Interest - when you receive the
Goods sent you by the Rolus you will not fail
to make Remittance to the Person who sent them
in good Bills - I thought it might serve your
Family to be supplied with a few Articles at the
first hand - Mrs. M. is well and the Children but the
latter have been very ill - England is too severe for them.
Remembering to Mr. & Mrs Crook - Mrs M. had made up a
small parcel for Mrs Crook - which was given to