It is with the greatest pleasure that I see the time approach
in which I may hope to enjoy what I have so long desired, your
presence and the view of my native country. With regard to
the road, the war[13] renders all roads almost impracticable.
However, after having consulted the persons most used to
travelling, they all agree that that of France will be the least
dangerous. I shall pass for a Swiss Officer in Holland. I shall
have Dutch Regimentals, and a passeport from the Canton of Berne.
I am pretty sure that my Tongue won't betray me. I think of
setting out the 8th or 10th of next month, and if I stay a few
days in Holland to look a little about me, I may be in London
the 2nd or 3rd of May, where I hope to meet you. I return you
beforehand my most hearty thanks for your condescendance in
concurring with my impatience. Tho' you think I shall not relish
Beriton, I can assure you that the prospect of passing the summer
in yours & Mrs. Gibbon's compagny, dividing my time between
successive study, exercise, and ease, is the most agreable one
I can conceive. I shall punctually follow your directions about
money, and shall not abuse of the confidence you have in me. Be
so good as to assure Mrs. Gibbon of all the sentiments Esteem
and duty can inspire. As I run post I cannot bring her the
Arquebuzade Water myself, but I shall remit to a waggoner, who
will be at London almost as soon as I, several bottles of the
very best I can find.
I am, Dear Sir, with the greatest respect and the truest
affection,
Your most obedient humble Servant and Son,
E. GIBBON.
[13] The Seven Years' War, 1756-63.--"A war," says Horace
Walpole, "that reaches from Muscovy to Alsace and from Madras to
California" (Horace Walpole to the Earl of Strafford, June 12,
1759).
[Sidenote: HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND]
9.
_To his Father._
The Hague, April the 29th, 1758.