*There is not any event which could have affected me with greater
surprise and deeper concern, than the news in last night's paper, of
the death of our poor little amiable friend Master Holroyd,[175] whom
I loved, not only for his Parents' sake, but for his own. Should the
news be true (for even yet I indulge some faint hopes,) what must
be the distress of our friends at Sheffield! I so truly sympathize
with them, that I know not how to write to Holroyd; but must beg to
be informed of the state of the family by a line from you. I have
some Company and business here, but would gladly quit them, had I the
least reason to think that my presence at Sheffield would afford the
least comfort or satisfaction to the man in the world whom I love and
esteem the most.
I am, Madam,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
E. GIBBON.*
[175] John William Holroyd, at that time the only son of Mr.
Holroyd.
142.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Beriton, July the 30th, 1772.