row.

I need not assure you, there is nothing you can ask of me that I will refuse if I can do it with propriety; but my ability is not equal to my inclination. I have, you know, expended very large sums in the public service, which has put it out of my power to act as I wish: you will not therefore, I dare say, desire me to advance any more till I am in cash on your account; which, I am sorry to say, cannot be this year. Reynolds thinks I have already advanced for you more than I am warranted to do..

"I am,

dear sir,

yours sincerely,

FREDERICK BULL.

"I beg my compliments to miss Wilkes."

LETTER II.

66 DEAR SIR,

"I

Oct. 28, 1776.

HAVE been exceedingly unhappy on your account ever since I saw you

last;

and can with

truth say, I never wished to serve you more than at this time,-but prudence prevents. As to cancelling the deed, I think I cannot do it; but I shall have no objection to giving it up to Mr. Hayley, in your and Mr. Reynolds's presence. He may then do with it as he pleases. If the produce of the trust had been sufficient, you should certainly have had the full 6007. per annum; but as you know I have paid more than I have received, I cannot go further till I receive more.

"As to the cup, I was fearful you might be tempted to place it in the hands of some person for little more than half its value, and not be suffered to redeem it when you were willing. Rather than this, I wished to keep it for you, at least for the present. If you approve sending it me, I will return you a draft for 501. on

account of it. I need not say to you, that I don't want to purchase it at that price. I would much sooner give you 501. more than the value, than take it of you 50l. under. I only mean to stop the gap for the present, which I hope you will soon be able to do yourself. I am myself so poorly, (and not bettered by thinking of your unhappy situation,) that I scarce know what I write, except when I say

I am,

dear sir,

yours most sincerely, FREDERICK BULL."

of

Notwithstanding Mr. Bull's plea of advance money, it was a current opinion at the time, that his advances on Mr. Wilkes's account were

not so extensive as was reported; and it is known that for the greatest part, if not for the whole, he was reimbursed from the fund.

Mr. Wilkes's embarrassments continued till he was elected chamberlain, in the month of

December, 1779. This happy circumstance raised him above want, and made him easy and independent.

He placed his daughter, miss Harriet Wilkes, and her mother, Mrs. Arnold, at Kensington: but afterwards obtaining the lease of a house at Kensington-Gore, he removed them to it; and at short intervals resided there, directing and superintending the education of his daughter Harriet, to whom he shewed the most affectionate attention.

HAVING

GROSVENOR-SQUARE.

AVING made himself comfortable in the summer months in the Isle of Wight, Mr. Wilkes changed his winter-residence in London, in the year 1790; from Prince's-court, in Great George-street, Westminster, to a house in Grosvenor-square, the corner of South-Audleystreet,-a salubrious situation, and better suited to the preservation of his health.

Here he resided with his daughter during the winter months for several years; constantly walking to Guildhall every day when his duty required his attendance, in which he was strictly diligent and perfectly regular. Perhaps a more punctual, patient, penetrating, and discriminating chamberlain has not filled the office during the last century. As a magistrate also he was equally able, assiduous, candid, and just. In these capacities he has not left a rival.