ID: 1066 [see the .xml file]
Identifier: NLW 5500C, no. 59
Editors: Transcribed by Ffion Mair Jones; edited by Ffion Mair Jones; encoded by Vivien Williams. (2019)
Cite: 'Thomas Pennant to Richard Bull 16 September [1790]' transcribed by Ffion Mair Jones; edited by Ffion Mair Jones; encoded by Vivien Williams. (2019) in Curious Travellers Digital Editions [editions.curioustravellers.ac.uk/doc/1066]

Dear Sir

Your ever welcome Letter of came safe to hand. Moses shall send the work at the time you desire. I will send you his bill: & if you approve will settle it for you till we meet in march. I shall then come to town to forward David on his third & last tour to the continent.2

The great Alderman Boydel (a countryman of mine) called here last [...] week & passed some hours with me. He is going to publish a set of welsh views houses &c, on the plan & of the size of Watts. among others my house with as much of its environs as he can take in. Is it not happy that at the age of seventy! or more he can have the spirit to attempt great affairs.

never think of returning two trumpery sheets. they were never meant but for the amusement of yr moment. Carter ought to have been at home etching for them so pray dismiss him as soon as he he has done yr business.

I have fin almost finished my voyage frm Calais to St Jean de Luz. This contains all the history english & french, I can introduce. [...] All this to be wrote by a neighboring schoolmaster3 into a large paper book in a rather fairer hand than my own; & the margins to be illuminated by the hands of Moses. You may see it if You will: But I am unwilling

to shew yr eyes & grieve your heart.4

Sir Watkins ill circumstances seems entirely owing to gross impositions of stewards. &c. It is also a bad thing to be in ^(political) minorities so many hungry wolves are to be fed by the good & credulous. Sir Watkin was on his first coming to his estate induced to alt[...]er a house in which he might have spent 6000£ per an. to make it a temporary house while Wynnstay was rebuilding into a palace. forsooth the other wanted a great room. He built there stables, garden walls &c &c. took away some party walls insomuch that - the outer walls being ready to meet, he was forced to pull all down & after 13000£ expence sell the materials. so I give you one receit for making rich men poor.

Thanks for yr good wishes respecting Mrs Mostyn's bequests. I am no monoplist: so rest quite content. Lady Mary Ker will get about 12000£ (if the securities prove good) but I fear by the rascality of Mrs Mostyn s attorney. some are very doubtful. I mourn now for another ally, a relation of my first wife; & a very early friend, who I shall really miss.5 a misfortune old men must experience

Bruce6 is printing at all rates at Edinburgh Grose writes me word he has supplied all my deficiencies in scotland. I am glad so able a hand takes up my pen.

I inclose a news paper with a paragraph of mine. I do not often commit para[...]graphy: but I was indignant at the conduct of Judge, Council & Jury on a most flagrant affair.7 I have not done with them

Thanks for yr french news. Pray continue it. for I greedily inhale all I can get from that interesting land.

best wishes attend you & yours. adieu says
Yr affect friend

Th. Pennant

Marginalia

Along top of final page in Richard Bull's hand:

del Govr. Grosse.
Coffer to Gallies
[...] map. vid mem. book
Luttrel arms - vid. [...]
i


Editorial notes

1. The year is added in pencil, possibly by Richard Bull.
2. David Pennant's third continental tour did not take place until 1791–2, which makes it likely that this letter was written in September 1790.
3. Pennant found a replacement scribe in January 1790. The schoolmaster mentioned here is unlikely to be the drunkard of whom Pennant complained to Bull in February 1791. See 1118.
4. Possibly adapting Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act IV, scene 1, line 115: 'Show his eyes and grieve his heart'.
5. This relation has not been identified.
6. Bruce published his Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile in five quarto volumes during 1790. ODNB.
7. This newspaper publication has not been identified.

i. See 1095.

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