_[Gothenburg] June 27, Saturday, [1795]._
I arrived in Gothenburg this afternoon, after vainly attempting to land
at Arendall. I have now but a moment, before the post goes out, to inform
you we have got here; though not without considerable difficulty, for we
were set ashore in a boat above twenty miles below.
What I suffered in the vessel I will not now descant upon--nor mention the
pleasure I received from the sight of the rocky coast.--This morning
however, walking to join the carriage that was to transport us to this
place, I fell, without any previous warning, senseless on the rocks--and
how I escaped with life I can scarcely guess. I was in a stupour for a
quarter of an hour; the suffusion of blood at last restored me to my
senses--the contusion is great, and my brain confused. The child is well.
Twenty miles ride in the rain, after my accident, has sufficiently
deranged me--and here I could not get a fire to warm me, or any thing warm
to eat; the inns are mere stables--I must nevertheless go to bed. For
God's sake, let me hear from you immediately, my friend! I am not well,
and yet you see I cannot die.
Yours sincerely
MARY.