The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals Volume II Part 51

278.--To Robert Rushton.

4, Bennet Street, St. James's, Feb. 24th, 1813.

I feel rather surprised to have heard nothing from you or your father in answer to Fletcher's last letter. I wish to know whether you intend taking a share in a farm with your brother, or prefer to wait for some other situation in Lancas.h.i.+re;--the first will be the best, because, at your time of life, it is highly improper to remain idle. If this _marriage_ which is spoken of for you is at all advantageous, I can have no objection; but I should suppose, after being in my service from your infancy, you will at least let me know the name of your _intended_, and her expectations. If at all respectable, nothing can be better for your settlement in life, and a proper provision will be made for you; at all events let me hear something on the subject, for, as I have some intention of leaving England in the Summer, I wish to make my arrangements with regard to yourself before that period. As you and Mr.

Murray have not received any money for some time, if you will draw on _me_ for _fifty_ pounds (payable at Messrs. h.o.a.re's, Bankers, Fleet Street), and tell Mr. J[oseph] Murray to draw for the _same sum_ on his _own_ account, both will be paid by me.

Etc., etc.,

B.

279.--To John Hanson.

F'y. 27th, 1813.

Dear Sir,--I have called several times, and you may suppose am very anxious to hear something from or of Mr. Claughton.

It is my determination, on account of a malady to which I am subject, and for other weighty reasons, to go abroad again almost immediately. To this you will object; but, as my intention cannot be altered, I have only to request that you will a.s.sist me as far as in your power to make the necessary arrangements.

I have every confidence in you, and will leave the fullest powers to act in my absence. If this man still hesitates, I must sell my part of Rochdale for what it will bring, even at a loss, and fight him out about Newstead; without this, I have no funds to go on with, and I do not wish to incur further debts if possible.

Pray favour me with a short reply to this, and say when I can see you.

Excuse me to Mrs. H. for my non-appearance last night; I was detained in the H. of L. till too late to dress for her party. Compliments to all.

Ever yours,

BN.

280.--To John Hanson.

March 1st, 1813.

Dear Sir,--I am sorry that I could not call today but will tomorrow.

Your objections I antic.i.p.ated and can only repeat that I cannot act otherwise; so pray hasten some arrangement--for with, or without, I must go.

A person told me yesterday there was one who would give within 10000 of C.'s price and take the t.i.tle as it was. C. is a fool or is shuffling.

Think of what I said about _Rochdale_, for I will sell it for what I can get, and will not stay three months longer in this country. I again repeat I will leave all with full powers to you. I commend your objection which is a proof of an honourable mind--which however I did not need to convince me of your character. If you have any news send a few lines.

Ever yours,

BN.

281.--To----Corbet.

Mh. 5th, 1813.

Dear Sir,--Lady F[alkland?] has returned by Mr. Hanson the only two letters I ever wrote her, both some time ago, and neither containing the least allusion which could make any person suppose that I had any intention further than regards the children of her husband. My servant returned the packet and letter of yesterday at the moment of receiving them; by her letter to Mr. H. it should seem they have not been redelivered. I am sorry for this, but it is not my fault, and they ought never to have been sent. After her Ladys.h.i.+p's mistakes, so often repeated, you will not blame me for declining all further interference in her affairs, and I rely much upon your word in contradicting her foolish a.s.sertions, and most absurd imaginations. She now says that "I need not leave the country on her account." How the devil she knew that I was about to leave it I cannot guess; but, however, for the first time she has _dreamed_ right. But _her_ being the cause is still more ludicrous than the rest. First, she would have it that I returned here for love of a woman I _never saw_, and now that I am going, for the same whom I _have never seen_, and certainly never wished, nor wish, to see!

The maddest _consistency_ I ever heard of. I trust that she has regained her senses, as she tells Mr. H. she will not scribble any more, which will also save _you_ from the troublesome correspondence of

Your obliged and obedient servant,

BYRON.