Thomas Mullett, Bristol, to John Wilkes [Princes Court], London, 5 February 1780. 

Dear Sir

         Since I had the pleasure of seeing you at Bath nothing materially new has arisen here. The Yorkshire Spirit has diffused itself thro the Western Counties & if attention is paid to a proper cultivation of it, the best of consequences must be the result. Such is the want of Spirit here, that tho sure of our majority, it was with difficulty our friends could be prevail’d on to demand a meeting of the Corporation. When they met a Petition was carried with only three dissentients. Those who from their situation in life ought to be the leaders amongst us, discover on every occasion a timidity which disgraces their Character, and renders an influence that with common zeal & prudence would be respectable and universal, altogether mean & contemptible. This reproachful timidity will I believe prevent a public meeting of the inhabitants & oblige us to be content with what the Corporation have already done.

         Your predictions respecting the Chandos Correspondence I see are verified. The resolution of the House on which the censure was founded should have been instantly expungd, it now remains to be the ridicule of the Nation. –

         I have not been favord with a line from the Doctor since you left Bath, and I hear he declines daily. Next Week I propose giving him a Call.

         By the first opportunity I will return the Canadian Freeholder & Edens Pamphlet. The former is laborious and the publication delayd, till it could produce no effect. The latter will be read & forgotten.

         A few days since I sent you a Hare which I hope got safe and provd good. A Cheese, and I believe a good one is on the road to Princes Court, you will not refuse it admittance, but accept it as a small token of that regard with which I am

                     My dear Sir always

                                 Your sincere friend & Servt

                                             Tho Mullett

Bristol, 5 feb. 1780.

Address: none

Postmark: none

Text: John Wilkes Correspondence, British Library, ADD MS 30872, vol. 6, 1776-1785, fol. 180.