I have let slip some posts without writing, and I can hardly say
why I have done so. Nothing of business has occurred; I am sure you
are well convinced how much I interest myself in your health, your
amusements, how much I wish you had some company at Beriton. Why
cannot you get the Roberts from the Isle of Wight?
As to my own cold it has at length been tired of keeping me company.
The news of the town are great. You know that two wild beasts have
been sent to the Menagerie in the Tower,[138] but such beasts are
hardly worth speaking of.--Tregus of course goes on breaking in the
colt, and I hope with regard to that and everything else at Beriton
you will be so good as to issue your orders, and to believe me
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
[138] On March 14, 1771, the House of Commons ordered that the
printer of the _London Evening Post_ be taken into the custody
of the sergeant-at-arms. He was arrested by the messenger of
the House under the Speaker's warrant; but was discharged from
custody, and the messenger committed, by the city magistrates.
For this breach of privilege Alderman Richard Oliver, M.P. for
the City, was committed to the Tower by order of the House of
Commons, March 25, 1771. Thu Lord Mayor, Brass Crosby, was
committed on March 27.
103.
_To his Stepmother._
Pall Mall, April 13th, 1771.