Our journey was successful and agreeable. Mrs. P. arrived in town
perfectly well, and, I believe, writes to you by this post. This
morning I took my seat, and found it in every respect an easy one.
Poor Clarke is extremely ill, and I fear there is very great if not
immediate danger. His present physician is Dr. Addington, with whom I
am very much pleased. As to Bath, it would be impossible to transport
him.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
[Sidenote: ILLNESS OF HIS FRIEND CLARKE.]
229.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Bentinck Street, December 2nd, 1774.
I wish I could speak more favourably of poor Clarke, but I much fear
that there is very little hope. It is in vain to enquire whether
his complaint is bilious, that is a very _soft_ word; but his
situation is as bad as you can conceive. Dr. Addington (whose skill
is I believe equal to his humanity), as well as his very sensible
Apothecary, seems only undetermined between the fear of a _short_
fit or a _long_ palsy. His Constitution is broke up. He has been
persuaded to think of a settlement which may save a noble Estate from
the hands of an idiot Brother, and Skipwith and myself are to be
Trustees; painful and ungrateful office, yet there is not a moment to
be lost.
*I send you inclosed a dismal letter from Hugonin. Return it without
delay, with observations. A Manifesto has been sent to Lovegrove,
which must, I think, produce immediate peace or war. Adieu. We
shall have a warm day on the Address next Monday. A number of young
Members! Whitshed,[266] _a dry Man_, assured me, that he heard one of
them ask, whether the King always sat in that Chair, pointing to the
Speaker's.* I embrace My Lady. Deyverdun thanks and salutes.