you would not have believed it. When I said you would be esteemed
little leƒs than if you had followed my advice, I said the truth.
There is something, my ^ ^dear cousin, in human nature, which makes us better
pleased with those that think as we think, than with those who
think and act otherwise. Whether this is a weakneƒs, or a proper
sentiment must be left to each one the judgment [sic] of each individual;
it is probably right in the main, but often wrong in many single in-
stances; perhaps the present is wrong, my cousin, and most sincerely
do I hope it will prove so, and that the event will shew that
what you have done will 'ere long be proved to be exactly what you
"ought to have done".
      It would be with no little surprise that you would hear
of my marriage with Miƒs Chappelle, after what you had
all along understood was the present state of our correspondence
I will tell you how it came about. Previous to leaving England
I thought ^ ^it neceƒsary to leave a will (in which you my dear cousin
and friend, was not forgotten). In this I had occasion to say a good
deal of her, as well as in my letter to my father on the occasion, and
to think a great deal more of her. This recalled all the fond affec-
-tion that I had been at so much pains to overcome; and with such
force, as to induce me to reconsider with question. How far marriage
could be made compatible with the present state of my finances, my
employment, and with situation in the ship? On this revisal I
found considerable alteration from since the former examination.
I had obtained the command of a ship and gotten promotion; my
pay was consequently more considerable; and with the penury
and some other advantages attached to my situation I saw a
prospect of a rising fortune. My present finances had also im-
-proved somewhat, for I found that my outfit was complete
and yet that I was perfectly independent of the world; for I
had relinquished an £100 which my father had agreed to let
me have, in favour of my brother. In point of circumstances
therefore I found myself enabled to enter into the holy state, pro-
-vided that with a wife I should receive such a sum as would
be sufficient to meet the immediate increase of expense. I therefore
without any further hesitation, made the proposal, with the proviso
attached to it. Every thing was agreed to in a very handsome
manner, and just at the time I was called up to town and found
that I might be spared a few days from thence. I set off on
Wednesday evening from town, arrived next evening, ^ ^{at Spilsby} was married
next morning which was Friday. On Saturday we went to Donington,
on Sunday reached Huntingdon, and on Monday were in town.
Next morning I presented myself before Sir Joseph Banks with
a grave face, as if nothing had happened, and then went on with
my busineƒs