n the Knapp collection dated 1851, acknowledging a
copy of _Lavengro_, in which Ford adds: 'Mind when you come to see the
Exhibition you look in here, for I long to have a chat,' and so the
friendship appears to have collapsed as so many friendships do. Ford
died at Heavitree in 1858:

To George Borrow, Esq., Oulton Hall, Lowestoft

HEAVITREE, _Jany. 28, 1846._

QUERIDO DON JORGE,--How are you getting on in health and
spirits? and how has this absence of winter suited you? Are you
inclined for a run up to town next week? I propose to do so,
and Murray, who has got Washington Irving, etc., to dine with
him on Wednesday the 4th, writes to me to know if I thought you
could be induced to join us. Let me whisper in your ear, yea:
it will do you good and give change of air, scene and thought:
we will go and beat up the renowned Billy Harper, and see how
many more ribs are stoved in.

I have been doing a paper for the _Q. R._ on Spanish
Architecture; how gets on the _Lavengro_? I see the 'gypsies'
are coming out in the _Colonial_, which will have a vast sale.

John Murray seems to be flourishing in spite of corn and
railomania.

Remember me kindly and respectfully to your Ladies, and beg
them to tell you what good it will do you to have a frisk up to
town, and a little quiet chat with your pal and amigo,

RICHARD FORD.

FOOTNOTES:

[164] _The Letters of Richard Ford, 1797-1858_, edited by Rowland E.
Prothero, M. V. O. John Murray, 1905.

[165] DEAR FRIEND,--I was glad to hear from you of the successful
termination of your literary work. Fancy those rogues of Zincali! They
have managed to make good money--I always thought Messrs. M. very decent
people, it usually happens that those who have much to do with good
class of people become themselves somewhat large-minded and liberal. You
must admit that I am a model critic, and that I cry, 'Luck to the Books'
Full well do I know how you thank the most noble and illustrious public!
Go ahead, therefore, and leave nothing forgotten in the ink-pot; but by
all that is holy, shun the Spanish historians, who are liars and fools!
I regret very much that you should have left London; I leave here on
Saturday with the intention of paying a visit of about three weeks to
the maternal home, as is my custom in the month of the Christmas boxes.
Very much would I have