Cunningham, John William

To Lady Olivia Sparrow, December 10 1812

I feel that I am assuming a new and a false character – that of an eager and punctual correspondent. I should not however have followed your traces to Brampton so soon, but that I wish to clear Mr. Cunningham in your opinion, and to take upon myself the fault of indiscretion. He did write to what I read, and what I ought not to have read without finishing the sentence, which was ‘this must be entirely a secret.’ It woud grieve me if I am not in time to prevent your naming it to Mr. C – He, you see, trusted it to his confidential friend, and M. in the same confidence trusted it to me, with whom it remains, tho in the openness of my heart I read it to your Ladyship.

To Lady Olivia Sparrow, December 29 1812

But among all the sensual gratifications with which you furnish me, I must not forget those of the intellect. Your pleasant letter was a treat to me. I felt inclined, but I resisted the inclination, to envy your Bible feast^* at Cambridge I am astonished how Mr. Cunningham continues to rise upon himself every time he speaks; but on this awakening Bible business, the heart helps out the head. It gives birth /to/ a joint production; piety as well as talent animating the piece Our County project for a Bible Society^* is very uphill work. against it^*. The Aristocracy friendly. I have been charmed with a letter I have just read on the occasion from manly decision and deep piety were strongly expressed. The noble and Royal Meeting at Westonmister [sic], headed by five Princes of the blood, will I trust give a new impulse to the Provincial Societies^*. who was present, gave me an interesting report of the day.

To Lady Olivia Sparrow, August 1814

Are you not delighted with the Velvet Cushion^*? I am extremely pleased with it; I expect it will have a great run. I was much amused at receiving an excessively pretty Epigram a high compliment to myself from a Gentleman who supposed me to be the Author.^* who has been /here/ to take leave previous to his departure for Vienna told me that others had done me the honour to ascribe it to me. The sentiments are certainly in strict Unison with my own – The Author kindly sent it to me – Is his name yet made public? I will send you the Verses another time.

To Lady Olivia Sparrow, [23 March 1818]

’s admirable Defence of the Bishop and the Missionary Society has reached the Sixteenth Edition.^* He has just published a thick Volume of Sermons.^* The few I have read are excellent. I hope to see him and probably & Owen &c next Week, if they come down to the Missry. Meeting at Bristol. They have just recd. at Bristol £100 from New Subscribers