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Description: | They are ready to sail but still awaiting final orders. He is mortified at the delay and not yet acquainted with the cause. He has seen his passport and orders signed, so there appears little left to do but to send them to him. "We are completely ready for sea. Our men of science, our stock, every thing on board; and twelve hours after receiving orders should probably be out of sight of Spithead". His father's letter dated 11 May seemed to say that his conduct was not that of a dutiful or at least an affectionate son, causing much uneasiness to him and his wife - "I find her so much superior in penetration and judgment to the generality of women, that there are but few occurences upon which I do not consult her." Sends his warmest thanks for the succeeding affectionate letter which took away much uneasiness, but he worries that his father's increase of years and decline of constitution withdrew from him a part of that equality of temper and mildness of disposition for which he was so justly noted, and that he should allow fatigue of business to add to it. Suggests purchasing an annuity if his income is not sufficient to live on, as mentioned in the letter. He wishes to be treated as a friend as well as a son, and to be able to speak freely accordingly. He can never sufficiently repay his obligations to his father - the troubles which a father usually takes about his children can only be repaid in toto by the children performing the same kind of offices to their own offspring in return. He will do his best to contribute to his father's happiness, not as repaying a debt, but as a means of increasing his own happiness, by gratifying filial affection. He has not offered financial assistance as until recently he has been in need of it himself, and even now his means are little more than adequate for his wants. He would rather perform without promising than promise without performing. He quotes an old letter of his father relating to financial assistance. Marriage is a period at which men usually look for parental assistance but he has not asked for it. He gave up a loan of £200 in favour of his sister, and also a further £100. Taking his brother as an officer on the Investigator is proof of his attention to his family. By his being promoted and appointed at Matthew's request much of what may arise from inattention or inexperience will be placed at his discredit - he has already had one unpleasant instance. He is sorry that his father feels dissatisfied with the marriage, and admits that he did not formally ask for consent, but in a previous conversation when Miss Chappell had been considered he had made no objections. As for the timing, he would not have married without the idea of taking her with him - others had been allowed the privilege and he could not have forseen being denied. She has a kind mother and family, and his circumstances allow him to give her what she thinks to be fully sufficient for her occasions. He goes with the hope of making such an addition to his half pay as to be independent of the admiralty for employment on his return. "I have parted with my wife, we know the propriety of acting as we do, and reconcile ourselves to it." Her health, which was in a very bad state, is so far improved that she will be able to accompany Mr Tyler to the country at the beginning of next week. Her letter from Battersea today says that she is able to run up stairs. He expects to be here a further week, so would like to receive another letter. "Samuel, and John Franklin are very well". | Temporal: | 10 July 1801 | Source: | Lincolnshire County Council | Identifier: | http://www.lincstothepast.com/Records/Re... | Go to resource |
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Letters
Summary of contents:
DX-668/1 (8…
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