Revised Jun 6 2021

No. 56. Mr. P. Heywood to Miss N. Heywood

Hector. Aug'st. 17th 1792

What Joy my dearest Sister Nessy have you this day afforded me by your charming Letters! — I have not laughed so much these five years as in reading your supposed Contrast between my Picture & the Original — I told you it was not like, but I am not a little entertained at your partiality; I wou'd not I must tell you my Dear have you flatter me so much, or I shan't know myself — I wish — No! – 'tis wrong to wish — I hope then, bye & bye to surprize you, but not with my Beauty as you call it — take care you are not deceived — I dare say I am altered much by my Confinement — my Height is now just 5 Feet 7½ Inches in my stockings. — How often my beloved Girl do I read over those enchanting Pieces of Poetry you have sent me. Ah! my Nessy — God will I fear not yet grant me the Happiness of embracing the sweet little Poetess — from your own Opinion of your productions, if I was to say half what I am confidant they deserve you wou'd perhaps think I flattered you — but that I never do — I mortally detest Flattery, therefore I shall say nothing but keep what I think to myself. — How very happy am I to hear that my dearest Mother is in Health! for Heaven's sake chear her drooping Spirits — too conscious am I, that I am the unhappy Cause of that unfortunate Dejection which must sometimes take Place in her too-long-tried Bosom — Give my best Love and Duty to her, & my dearest Sisters & Brothers & believe me

forever my Nessy's

  truly faithful

    & affectionate Brother

      Peter Heywood