Lady Morgan’s Memoirs
Sir William Napier to Lady Morgan, 20 October 1849
Scinde House, Clapham,
October 20, 1849.
Let me jump over all propriety—it is the only
thing I can now jump over, but early practice and long, has kept me vigorous in
that particular—let me jump over it, the tiresome obstacle, and address
you at once as dear Lady Morgan.
What can I offer in excuse, what say for myself that ![]()
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I accept your promise of a visit by letter, instead of
paying my homage in person? Rudeness I am guilty of “Mais avec des circonstances
extenuantes.” I am seventy-two—that is no defence;
but I am also like the prince in the Arabian tale of the coloured fishes, half
flesh half marble, and I can scarcely move across a room; to get in and out of
a carriage is almost as bad for me as it was for the genie to get in and out of
the vessel sealed by Solomon, not that
Solomon ever put his seal on me. I am, however, wise
enough to be delighted at the prospect of seeing Lady
Morgan, and if she will allow me to say Thursday, as soon after
two o’clock as she likes, luncheon will be ready, and an humble admirer
at her commands, meanwhile he remains, Her devoted admirer,
Sir William Francis Patrick Napier (1785-1860)
British general; served in Spain and Portugal (1808-13); author of
History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the Year 1807 to
the Year 1814, 6 vols (1828).
