Letter from Thomas Hearne, London, to Sir George Beaumont, 1815 December 22 : autograph manuscript signed.

Writing "An acquaintance that has existed upwards of four and forty years must necessarily be drawing towards a conclusion. I therefore think it my duty to make a general acknowledgment of the satisfaction I have derived from your Friendship and Kindness continued through so long a period"; telling Beaumont that he is "rather rapidly declining in bodily strength" but that he has "an encreased pecuniary means of supporting that weakness" through his present engagement with Lord Ashburnham (probably George Ashburnham); adding that Ashburnham's liberality "precludes the necessity of your usual kindness at this season of the year"; saying that the work he is doing for Ashburnham will mean that he cannot complete the pictures he had intended to give Beaumont "as a small acknowledgment of your repeated Favours" and he hopes that Beaumont will accept them as "pencil Drawings only"; adding that he was glad to hear (via a letter from Lady Beaumont to Lady Ashburnham) that the Beaumonts' northern tour had proved satisfactory "both as to gratification of mind as well as in a considerable encrease of health"; commenting on the cold and saying that he has stayed indoors for the last seven weeks to recover from an illness; thanking Beaumont for "a very fine Hare"; sending seasonal greetings.