University of Virginia Library

LETTER XCIV.

According to the intimation in my last, I took the field
to-day—but my friend Mr. Charles Sterrett Ridgely was unable
to accompany me; having been better employed in
placing Mr. Lufborough's son, (the young man who was at
Carlisle,) in an eligible berth on board the Constellation. It
was a blank day with me. I went out late, having waited
for Mr. Ridgely; and although Dido behaved to admiration,
I killed nothing except two unqualified sportsmen, a large
owl, and a poaching cat. I moved several woodcocks, shot
twice at very unfavourable chances, and returned to an
early dinner. As this letter will be postage free, I have
less compunction in taxing you with it.

I shall write again to-morrow, and trouble you with some
commissions.