of Miss Davis's illness, and Miss Brent's, nor the causes, or theatrical consequences; nor of Miss Poitier's engagement, Miss Houghton's leaving the Stage, Miss B-'s promotion to infamy with Calcraft. All this is news, and such like; and all the theatrical tittle-tattle and squibble-squabble. With us, Miss Catley is with child; is in great vogue for her singing, and draws houses; has been of great service to Mossop. My "Trueborn Scotchman" is not yet come out: but it is highly admired, both by the actors and some ladies and gentlemen of the first taste and fashion, to whom I have read it, both for its satire, characters, writing, moral, and fable; and, indeed, I think well of it myself, but not so well as they do. On Monday, the 5th of March, I think, it will be out. I have just read the Philaster that was done at Drury Lane; it is a lamentable thing. Q, I had like to have forgot the ship by which you sent the box is not yet come in. Pray in your writing never write could'nt, shan't, would'nt, nor any abbreviation whatever. It is vulgar, rude, ignorant, unlettered, and disrespectful; should not, shall not, &c. &c. is the true writing. Nor never write M. Macklin: pray who is M? it is the highest ill-breeding ever to abbreviate any word; but particularly a name, besides the unintelligibility of it. Pray how does this look? "I am, Sr,

"Yr mt obt hu'ble Sert."

Mind

Mind-always write your words at length, and never make the vile apologies in your letters of being greatly hurried with business; or, and must now conclude, as the Post is this instant going out. Then, why did you not begin sooner? You see I am nothing with you, if not critical; and so, at full length, I am, my dear, your most affectionate and anxious Father,

CHARLES MACKLIN.

P. S. Your account that you are in health and spirits rejoices me. I never was better in health or content. If I can contrive it, I will be over with you; but do not depend on any body but yourself. C. M.

The Letters of Macklin to his Son, whilst in India, we have seen, and they contain not only the most affectionate regards of a father, but some of the most excellent precepts for the government of human life. What still render these letters more creditable to Macklin, is, his noble contempt for money, when necessary to the honour and interest of his son, and his never-failing advice to him for attaining and preserving the character of INTEGRITY.

3

In

444

MEMOIRS OF CHARLES MACKLIN.

"There is n

In one of these letters he says, quality that commands more respect than integrity; none freedom and independence, more than economy. They are all I have, with industry, to depend upon; and should you make them the rulers of your conduct, you must be happy; without them, you never can."

"Let me repeat

And in another letter he says, this doctrine to you, that he who depends upon continued industry and integrity, depends upon patrons of the noblest, the most exalted kind; they more than supply the place of birth and ancestry, or even of Royal patronage: they are the creators of fortune and fame, the founders of families, and never can disappoint or desert you."