[from Christ’s Hospital]

Dear Brother,

— You will excuse me for reminding  you that, as our holidays commence next week, and I shall go out a good deal, a good pair of breeches will be no inconsiderable accession to my appearance.

For though my present pair are excellent for the purposes of drawing mathematical figures on them, and though a walking thought, sonnet, or epigram would appear on them in very splendid type, yet they are not altogether so well adapted for a female eye — not to mention that I should have the charge of vanity brought against me for wearing a looking-glass. I hope you have got rid of your cold —and I am your affectionate brother,

 

P. S. Can you let me have them time enough for readaptation before Whitsunday ? I mean that they may be made up for me before that time.