The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 18/Letter from William Richardson to Martha Whiteway - 1

by William Richardson

FROM WILLIAM RICHARDSON, ESQ. TO MRS. WHITEWAY.

I AM indeed much ashamed that I have so many favours from you to acknowledge at one time. You may believe me when I assure you that my silence has not proceeded from want of respect and esteem for you. I would not put on the affectation of much business as an excuse to any body, much less to you; although the truth is, that I am hurried almost out of my life with the attendance and writing about things I have undertaken for some friends.

The dean's recommendation and yours, without any other consideration whatever, would induce me to do my utmost to serve Mr. McAulay, as I have told him by this post, when I thought I should not trouble you with a few lines. He will acquaint you with what I have done, by which you will see that I lost no time; and I have hopes to obtain the lord lieutenant's countenance for him.

I will endeavour to introduce Mr. Swift^[1] to the acquaintance of some persons before I leave this; whose countenance and friendship will at least give a young gentleman a good air —— his own merit entitles him to the esteem and regard of such as shall have the happiness to be acquainted with him: I am much obliged to you for introducing me to him. I have only time to add my most hearty thanks for the same, and to assure you that any opportunity of expressing the esteem I have for the dean, which is the highest, and for you, will ever give me the greatest pleasure. I am, madam, your most obliged and most truly faithful servant,

WILLIAM RICHARDSON.

1. William Swift, esq., then a student at the Middle Temple: