You know I am never fond of long letters, and the less so when I
have the near prospect of seeing you very soon. About the middle of
the week after next, that is, about the 8th or 9th of November, Mrs.
Porten and myself propose getting into my chaise, and, lying one
night on the road, to arrive the second day in New Charles Street. My
aunt is well _at present_ and in vast spirits on the occasion. As my
time is now circumscribed I should have set out sooner, were I not
detained by some circumstances relative to the Holroyds. They have
left me this morning after a short stay of only two nights in town.
You will not alarm the family at Bath, but _I really think her very
far from well_.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
223.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Bond Street, November 3rd, 1774.
Though I have nothing to say, I must write two lines to say what you
know already, how truly I sympathise with you. I hope at last Mrs.
H. will hear with patience of Bath, and of the cold Bath. I am sure
the latter (for air, exercise, and gentle amusement) would be of
infinite service to her. My time as you see is so strictly defined,
that I cannot wait longer than Thursday next. Deyverdun goes with
us, and Clarke, who is advised to try the waters, will possibly
follow us. Both desire to be named to you. My compliments to the Lady
Cambridges; and many thanks to my fair Guest in particular. Next
Monday I visit Twickenham.
O rare Sir Thomas Wilson! Adieu.