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John Man – Geo Cumberland about 1775/6

Transcript

It is with the utmost pleasure and satisfaction dear sir that I now set down to
answer you last obliging letter which I received a few day ago and would
have answered soon had I had the opportunity. Since my brother has referred
you to me I shall enform you of what I know concerning my father.

In December 1769 I went to him at (?Knighton?) and after that I received one
letter from him or I believe two but cannot say for certain at this distance of
time. But whether it was one or more I can safely assert I never received any
from him or have heard of him by any other means since Easter 1760. I am
very certain of the time because in the last that I received I was ordered to go
to him for the rent of the houses there and I think it was 1^st of May that I went
however I am very sure it was sometime before I came to Reading and I came
hear in June that year. This is all I know of the affair and I am pretty certain
none of the family have heard of him since.

If I can be of any service to your mother I beg she acquaint me in what manner
and be assured I shall exert myself to the utmost to delight her. I am very glad
to hear that your brother is going to Driffielde because you give me reason to
hope that the road through Reading will not be much out of the way. I flatter
myself I should be welcome else should not presume to offer to attend you.
We are naturally fond of pleasure so it is no wonder if I catch at every
opportunity that offers to gratify a passion which I inherit from my nature, if I
can conveniently accommodate the journey to the beginning of our Whit Sun
Holidays I shall be very happy to join you on the journey at Reading. I can
then accommodate you with a bed which though none of the finest I can promise
you shall be wholesome and better than travellers usually meet with at Inns. And
 we set off with the Sun and get to the vicarage by the time a fine little pig will
be put to the spit. Since you say the west has attractive powers as well as the
North I think I may be certain of seeing you in summer whether we go the
journey or no therefore I shall use no arguments to persuade you to favour one
with a visit which I think you have favoured on these 6 years but never yet
fulfilled. But now I expect you in good earnest so take care you don’t disappoint
me. When your brother was here I engaged to write to him but alas! Never thought
 to ask for his address whence it comes. I have not fulfilled my promise. Do you
make m compliments to him and beg him to use the power of the keys (which in
spite of the Pope I believe was given to him) in behalf of a poor persistent sinner
who like other penitents is determined to transgress again – until the next time.
You and I George are now laymen and have nothing to do with religions dispute.
We believed before Gibbons attacked our faith and I dare say were not staggered
with his objections so stood in no need of Dr Watsons vindication’s. One of the
Fathers [no matter which] said he believed in the Trinity because it was
impossible but I believe in Christianity because it was founded by a divine
power grew up and flourished in opposition to principalities and powers and by
its own internal evidence has withstood the attacks of (?Deistoltsheists?) and
unbelievers. Compliments to your mother & brother & C

from your affectionate cousin

Jno Man

Addressed to: Mr Cumberland
Secretary’s Office at the Exchange Assurance Office
London.

Dear Sir,

The ill success of your negotiation is no reason why I should not return you my
hearty thanks for the trouble you have taken in it. I should have been very happy
to have had it but must do as well as I can without it. I know that the little
concerns of this life will in a few years pass away like a dream but like most
men I could wish to make it a Golden one. Your account of your brother is so
very flattering that I confess I envy him his employments, his amusements, his
studies, his everything. His is a situation for wise men to emulate for
Philosophers to enjoy. I beg my love to him when you write and assure yourself
of the sincere regard of your affectionate humble servant John Man.

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John Man – Geo Cumberland 12^th November 1791

Transcript

Dear Sir,

After so longer silence I had given up all hopes of hearing from you when I
received yours for which favour I find I am indebted to my old friend Bardello.
But from whatever motive it proceeded I am equally gratified in the pleasure of
hearing from you and renewing correspondence which ought never to have been
interrupted had I not been bound by the leg like a bear. I had certainly made a
pilgrimage to Lyndhurst in the summer but my chains are of such a nature that
much fear of travelling even on foot was not invented for me. Yet if God in a
reasonable time should set me on horseback my first scamper should be to your
house. I long for that tête a tête you speak of for an opportunity to talk with you
of things past and present and to come I am impatient to take a view over your
management now you are become a family man. I should expect to see the beaten
paths of unthinking men give way to the less trodden tracks of Philosophy but
different from that of the proud peevish delectable Jean Jacques – singularly of
conduct seemed to be his Prose Star which alone he pointed his way. Drogenes
roll’d himself in snow when men less wise (in his idea) were sitting comfortably
by their fireside and in the same spirit of Rousseau parted with his children to
the hospital never to see them more and why! Because nature has all men to
cherish their off spring – may such Philosophy be damned I say. I know no use
of philosophy but to make us better or happier and it is of that sort I expect to find
at Lyndhurst if I am ever so happy as to see you there in the meantime as the
Mountain will not come to Mohamet cannot he come to the mountain. Upon a
moderate computation, Reading cannot be more than 10 miles out of your way to
London where you must go sometimes and I hope to have always a bed at your
service and 10 months in the year you will find me at home. So come away and
let me at least improve by the history of your travels. The book will I fear be of
no use to you because several leaves are lost at the end. But as I cannot
understand how many you want I have sent it as you desire to Mr Shelly’s with
the 2 last volumes of the Tableau which are all I have of yours. If I hear anything
likely to write you will give you a line but everything of this kind sells immensely
dear. Your best way will be to write to Kimberley Auctioneer at Windsor. I am
not acquainted with him but to judge by his advertisements in our paper he has
all the Estates in the County to sell.

You mention your brother in your letter else I should not have known he was still
on this side of the river Styx. Not having heard of him for near two years no
doubt he too is become a domestic man and perhaps may think rocking the cradle
as much a diversion as travelling. However it is, I am almost convivulated and
my connections confined to my own little family. That you and yours may enjoy
every blessing this side of eternity is the hearty wish of your affectionate

Jno Man

Nov 12 1791

Addressed to

Geo Cumberland

Lyndhurst

New Forest

Hampshire.

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Eliz Cumberland – Geo Cumberland 24^th November 1791

Transcript

My dear child,

I received yours of 11^th I am glad the parcel came safe I hope they will prove good my eyes are to bad to depend on my own judgement. I desired they should go by the wagon but there is no depending on tradesmen. I am vext with you for sending the draft so I beg you not, as I assure you I am in no want of money and I think it hard I can’t give a trifle to my children.

Thank you for the Turkey it was very good indeed, my landlords dine of it with me a Sunday and we drank your health. We have had so much rain for three weeks that I have not been able to stir out till yesterday when I went to town to tell Mr Man about the Rum. He told me he had sent it by the wagon above a week ago. They have lost Mr Roberts his wife’s father, last Sunday morning suddenly in perfect health. He was a good man and that must be a comfort to them. I have sent by the Wagon a parcel the contents are sum (?Tox?) for Mrs and sum fruit for puddings at Christmas which I beg you will except if. I will set down the contents of ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Recipe for Xmas Puddings ----------------------------------------.

Let me have a line as soon as you receive them as I wish to know the complaint in your chest. I think figs are v. good for you. I should have sent more but the new ones are not come in yet. As you are fixt for the winter I would not think of building as yet and you may ligh of a house ready built which will save you a deal of trouble.

I have not had a letter from Driffield this three weeks but I hope they are all well. The greatest of pleasure I have in this world is to hear from my children. I am sure I never grudge postage. I hope you will write to me as often as convey my love to the little babes and pray give them some lines for me that God may send you a cheerful and happy Christmas is the wish of dear George.

Your affectionate mother

Eliz Cumberland

Addressed to

George Cumberland

Lyndhurst

Near Southampton.

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Richard Cumberland – Geo Cumberland 10^th December 1791

Transcript

From 17 Albion Place

Dear Brother,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

Next day I dined with John Man who has got into a very good house and is fitting up a cottage on Pigs Green a mile distant for his brother James. Next morning I visited Taplow ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I now perceive you were right in refusing to trust your money out of the Bank of England. Had you thought otherwise it might now be in the hands of the assigneers to the (?Newport?) Bank. Here am I writing between I, my aunt Man and our mother who talking over family matters. Harry has lately fallen down in the street and broken a leg but is doing well. Mr Jn Man miscarried today for the 16^th time -----------------------------------------------------------------.

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Geo Cumberland - Richard Cumberland 12^th December 1791

Transcript

From Lindhurst

Dear Brother,

Your letter from Albion Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- it contains much news, Harry having broke his leg. You should call on him and tho I have reason to think he behaved unfriendly to me, tell him I am sorry for his accident. His sisters 16 miscarriages I don’t understand there must be some great negligence somewhere. The Rum did not miscarry and is excellent. How many children has the breeding wife bred?? I know little of him since my last tour we met in a coffee house and he did not seem too glad to see me as I thought he should so I affected to be less glad to see him than I really was for I can soon forget people who are more attracted to my affairs than myself. A thousand more or less I hope makes no impression on himself so I shall suspect his (?Pythagorean?) System to be all hypocricy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

How did Tapp leave his affairs you ought to read his will and call on the girl if you have time. It might not be amiss to ask Mr T if Mrs T left behind you any papers of our fathers. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

Addressed to Mr R D Cumberland

Cross Stree

Newington Butts

London.

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Geo Cumberland - Richard Cumberland 20^th December 1791

Transcript

Dear Brother,

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

James Man is (?building?) a cottage, Harry building a house, J Humphrey almost finished one on Clapham Common that will stand him in 200 a year. These men get money a little faster than they can get out of it and never think of easing days.

My mother is well -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.

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John Man - Richard Cumberland November 22^nd 1792

Transcript

Dear Sir your letter has relieved us from some anxiety on account of Maria who we were fearful was ill as it seems really was the case but hope as it is only an eruption on the skin it will go off soon. We do not remember her being so before but as the scurvey is hereditary in the family it may possibly be it in which case I think nothing can be done except as alteratives which I have no occasion to point out to you should she be worse you would be kind enough to favour me with a line or should you not have occasion to come this way before Xmas perhaps she may be trusted by the coach to Henley where I could meet her with a Chaise. I hope your family are all well - my little relation I have not seen yet since she has done us the honour of coming in to the family. I suppose she begins now to be good company for you and I hope will make you both happy for a century to come you see I am very countiful in my wishes but having nothing better to give you I would really bestow that and more too was it in the power of your affectionate cousin Jno Man.

My best thanks to Mrs C for her goodness to my Dear Girl.

This in same letter in Centre fold.

My dear girl,

After waiting so long with anxious expectation of seeing you we are greatly disappointed in hearing you have been ill. Be careful and I dare say you will soon be well again and then give me a letter and be sure let me know when you return again. Your mother and myself are both well and so are your brothers which is the best news I have to send you. You will find some alterations among us when you return. Mrs H is married to the (?old?) bricklayer so you have lost a friend. We have (?-----?) every room in the house and were at last obliged to put your cousins in to your bed but you shall have it again. Besides filling the house your mother has filled the yard with Fowls so you will have some amusement among us if it is only the noise of the boys and the squeaking of the chickens.

God bless you. I don’t tell you to be good and grateful to your friends for their indulgence to you because I know you have too much sense to be otherwise. Write soon and believe me your most affectionate father.

John Man

Novr 22. 92

Addressed to

Rev Mr Cumberland

Driffield

Nr Cirencester

Gloucestershire

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John Man - George Cumberland June 1^st 1796

Transcript

Dear George,

I have just received your bills which meet my own ideas. Tis thus we judge at all times and on all occasion but I trust I do not flatter you on this. Those to Mr Page are sent off, the rest I have given to the committee to be distributed. I am glad you printed them for our committee is so small and so busy looking after and sending off voters they have no time to this of the (?tress?). I shall be very happy to go with you on Monday but I am so anxious in the cause that had rather you bring the freeholder from your park where perhaps they cannot procure carriages so well as here. At allevents unless sent for I shall not go till I see you. If I canprocure a return of the Poll this evening will send it.

Yrs John Man

June 1^st 1796

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John Man - George Cumberland September 18^th 1796

Transcript

Dear George,

Enclosed you have the books you desire to be sent back by which you will see how few Artists of Men of Taste are among us. I have sent over one copy of the Advertisements to each of the Library. After seeing how you catalogue of your works and well I am no longer wondering that I have not seen you here. I wish you could give me a little of that rage for writing you seem to possess for good I faith I hardly know how to pass the day after day in idleness without that enwe so destructive of Englishmen. I hate the coach, have no horse and your house is too far to walk which is the reason I have not eat fruit with you this summer. But if you cannot possibly spare the time to come here and are inclined to meet me half way I am your man. But then it must be not at Oakingham if you wish to enquire of any anecdotes of Pope. Perhaps the Stag and Hounds at Binfield will be the best rendezvous though it adds two miles to my walk because within 2 –300 yards from the house is a clump of Beech Trees called Popes Wood – in the midst of which was a tree with a seat where he perhaps wrote his Windsor Forest it being a favourite spot where he spent many hours. The tree is decayed but on the nearest to it is cut "By order of the Lady HERE POE SUNG". I was there lately and found the wood so far decay’d that like time they will soon be no more. I have frequently enquired with the inhabitants for anecdotes but could get none. The rich families of his time are dead or left the place and the poor ones would not have known such a man once lived amongst them but for the enquiries of strangers about him. I met a few days ago by accident a very old man who said he knew him well but could give no more information about him more than is known already except that he was very reserved in company and spoke little. Here are two of his relations who had mourning rings left them but whether they can give any information about him I don’t know. We’ll enquire when you come. Fix a day / or our meeting and let it be a fine one. Harry has completed your order quick in stile of a tradesman you’ll say by exceeding it the truth is we dare not have a 1 gallon keg in the house and to send 4 gills in a five gallon cask would be the sure means of spoiling it and there are no sizes between 2 & 5 gallon so you have 7 gallon in all.

I beg my best respects to Mrs Cumberland & family in from your sincerely affectionate friend John Man

Sept 18^th 1796

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James Man - George Cumberland 2^nd March 1782

Transcript

Dear Sir,

I consider myself obliged by your favour of 16^th ultimo and agreeable to your desire you will receive by masters waggon which left town from the George Inn on Saturday last 2 hampers containing 2 dozen sherry 3 gallons Brandy as also in a case cask the 10½ gallons Rum fil’d for your brother in August last. Not having the mans charge for the iron bound base and being particularly hurried in business must beg you to excuse my not enclosing your bill of parcels of the same which shall be forwarded by another opportunity. These goods I wish safe to hand, that they will prove good in quality I have no doubts.

My mother and wife join in love to you and my aunt, believe me Yours affectionately in haste James Man.

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James Man - George Cumberland - London 7^th September 1790

Transcript

In some time since received a letter from Mr Panton of Leghorn enclosing
Bill Lading on your account of 6 package conss. Sundries Shipped in the 
Sisters ----------------------------------------------------------------- bound for
this port effects of late Aunt were seized as India prohibited goods.

I am sir yours

James Man

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George Cumberland - Rev Mr. Cumberland 10^th October 1790

Transcript

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------- I have wrote to Mr Mann to explain how it 
happened that I forgot to leave my precise address when leaving town but 
it is mortifying to be obliged to explain to such a mere merchant so trivial 
a neglect!

AD 36508 f 91 / 2

James Man - George Cumberland 

Replying to an enquiry

James is chasing a bankrupt merchant in Bristol named Harris

Speaks of "attacks" on his health at Driffield – dreadfully severe caused big problem

This is a long letter which goes on & on & on

James is staying at:

Walter Morrice Esq.
Eling near Southampton

Ends: I am sir yours most faithfully

James Man

Addressed to:
Geo Cumberland
Culver Street
Bristol.