"Were I as young as my brother, who is eleven years older, I might be amusing," wrote Horace in 1781 to Lady Ossory about Sir Robert's second son. "I sat in admiration of his spirits and humour for two hours t'other night, when I was scarce able to open my lips." After Edward died, Walpole wrote Sir Horace Mann on 13 January 1784, "My brother died yesterday evening with the same constant tranquillity which he had preserved through his whole illness. His almost unvaried health from soon after thirty to seventy-seven, his ample fortune, and unambitious temper, make his life and death rather to be envied than lamented."