Mr. Eliot dined with [me] to-day, and the time of our departure is
positively settled (he desired one day more for particular business)
to Tuesday next. I mentioned your fears to him, but he like a hero
laughs at them all, and indeed I should have laughed at him if he had
not. We mean to accept your kind offer of the two beds, and then to
continue our march as soon as may suit with your conveniency. I think
we shall reach Bath Tuesday evening, but as heat, accidents, &c., may
stop us, we hope you will neither expect nor make any preparation
for us. In the mean time your commissions shall not be neglected;
though the choice of a present for the _youth_ perplexes me. I think
of a pocket-book which will give him the air of a man of letters and
Business. Mrs. Porten, who sets out to-morrow morning for Margate on
a party of pleasure, with the spirits of five and twenty, desires her
compliments to you.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
177.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Port Eliot, Sept. 10th, 1773.