J[onathan] B[oucher], Paddington, [Eng.] to [John James], 12 Febr[uar]y 1780 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/45) Tom James, who has been ill, is now much better. Boucher believes that John James is profiting by his visits to his household; he has a very high opinion of his ability and hopes he may get a studentship at Christchurch; he intends to petition his Rector for this [Richard Browne, Rector of Paddington, Reglus Professor of Hebrew & Lord Almoner's Professor of Arabic]. He has met Kitty Strange and detects weakness of character. Has been advising Mr. Charles Daubeny, [see Charles Daubeny to Boucher] on a pamphlet he is writing, but fears he has done no good; he sends James some of the works of his friend Mr. Jones [William Jones of Nayland, D.N.B.]; illness among his scholars is causing him grave anxiety.

J[onathan] Boucher, Paddington, Eng., to [John] James, Arthuret, near Carlisle, [Eng.], 8 March 1780 2 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/46). His hopes of obtaining a studentship for John have failed; Dr. Browne has written a very curt refusal; he fears that John will be very disappointed and suggests applying to the Archbishop of York.

J[onathan] Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John] James, Arthuret, near Carlisle, [Eng.], 18 March 1780 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/47). John has written a cheerful letter enclosing a list of the canons of Christchurch, and their connections, to whom applications might be made; Boucher himself could speak to the Archbishop of York, and the Bishop of London [Robert Lowth 1710-87]. He has recommended John to try for the Prize Poem. London has been in a panic about a change of ministry, which did not take place. "Daily waiting for great news from [Sir Henry] Clinton."

J[onathan] Boucher, Paddington, [Eng.] to [John] James, Arthuret, near Carlisle, [Eng.], 27 Ap[ri]l 1780 3 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/48). Dr. Browne [Rector of Paddington] is dead; with the help of the Bp. of Bangor [Robert Moore] Boucher wrote to the Bp. of London but the living had already been promised to Mr. Hayter, a scholar, nephew of a former Bp. of London. Boucher has been ill so he has not yet ordered the books on James' list; last week there was a sale of the books of the Dissenter Furneaux [D.N.B.] who is confined in a mad-house. Kitty Strange has a singular giddiness about her; he has not been able to find a place for her sister, Betty.

J[onathan] B[oucher], [Paddington, Eng.] to [John James], 20 Jul[y 1780] 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/49). He and his wife are both in ill health; he hopes for preferment from the Bp. of London who lately recommended him as tutor to Lord Garlies, eldest son of the Earl of Galloway. Mr. Addison has unexpectedly decided to return to America and wants Boucher to lend him money.

J[onathan] B[oucher] to [John James] Dec[em]b[e]r, 1780 4 pages. Autograph Letter Signed. (A/1/50). Tom is well though not very happy in his present employment. Boucher has heard Oxford news from the President of Magdalen [George Horne, later Bp. of Norwich, D.N.B.]; Oxford seems given over to frivolity; it may be very difficult to get a studentship for John at Christchurch. Jinny has taken charge of Betty Strange, who may be apprenticed to a mantua-maker; his opinion of Kitty has improved and he may employ her in his house. The situation in America now seems more hopeful. Prospect of Maryland being recovered because of quarrels amongst its leaders. Has received many letters favorable to his wishes concerning America. Washington has asked to be remembered to him, and a neighbour in Mayland is making overtures; the library of Tophan Beauclerk is to be sold, "it is said to be the largest and best ever exposed to sale"; catalogues will be printed and sold after Christmas. Boucher's school is diminishing, and will soon be reduced to eight pupils.