14 August 1672

To the Honourable Samuel Pepys Esquire at the

Navy Office in Seething Lane. These London.

Deal

14 August 1672

Honoured Sir

You daily and hourly so comble me with (not only expressions but also) deeds of your worthiness, and goodness, as well to myself, as the rest of your most devoted humble creatures here, that I am (as well as my poor drooping mother, whose continual illness since the death of my father, gives me but little hopes she will survive him long (only but to be something longer a living witness of your dearness to her poor childe, your late dear consort, my beloved sister) by that your noble, worthy, and kind expressions and promises to be still her benefactor, for which she hath only (saith she) the capacity left her, to bless God for your prosperity, and to continue still her prayers to the almighty God, to power upon you, and yours multitude of heavenly blessings; these Sir are her own expressions, and I am sure from the very bottom of her heart and soul) I am then Sir as I said confuted in myself how I may ever strive to deserve, the least of those your many-fold, gracious, good, kind, fatherly, and dear (not only expressions) but effects which I for ever shall own.

Well, Sir since I fear it will never lie in my power to serve you as I ought (without devoting my life and fortunes at your feet be pleased to accept, and command both upon all occasions which you will find, with so much zeal still; for you, and your cause, that never man living, will ever be named more grateful (as I am in duty bound) to your favours and more zealous for your concerns, and interest; then him who is proud to be, Sir, your most faithful and obedient humble servant

Little Samuel (who speaks now very prettily) desires to have his most humble duty presented to his most honoured uncle, and godfather, which please to accept from your most humble little disciple.

This day the Dragon is come into the Downs which tomorrow God willing I intend to muster. Pray present my most kind and Humble service to my cousin John Pepys.

B. ST M


2 Annotations

First Reading

Terry Foreman  •  Link

"You daily and hourly so comble me"

comble : French, "fill"

Second Reading

San Diego Sarah  •  Link

"him long (only but"
should be
"him long) only but"

@@@

It occurs to me that this is how I learned to write letters. Who taught me this, I don't know.
The catalyst for the letter is casually included, almost as an afterthought -- in this case, in what would be the PPS.
More importantly, the relationship of writer to recipient is reinforced throughout the letter.
Maybe my fascination with Pepys and the Stuarts is a sign of a past life?

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