Last Tuesday Evening my Wife was delivered of a Boy.1

I communicate that Event because I believe it will give you Pleasure— Moreover I wish you to be one of his Godfathers. True it is that, according to the usual Course, you may not be able to perform the Duties of that Office; but, my Friend, should you be mingled with the Dust, he shall learn from the History of your Life that a Man must be truly pious to be truly great. I do not fix the Day, because I wish you to come on, in a Fortnight or three Weeks when it best suits your Convenience. I will then summon the Priest and the other Sponsors.2 yours truly