of the number of crowns you realise; as I think we had better, since it is a transaction in this country, keep our accounts in money of this country.
We have rains enough to set the mills going, which are essential to your great iron bar. I suppose it is at present either made or making.
My health is better so long as the scirocco blows, and, but for my daily expectation of Mary's confinement, I should have been half tempted to have come to see you. As it is, I shall wait till the boat is finished. On the subject of your actual and your expected progress, you will certainly allow me to hear from you.
Give my kindest regards to your mother and Mr. Gisborne—tell the latter, whose billet I have neglected to answer, that I did so, under the idea of addressing him in a post or two on a subject which gives me considerable anxiety about you all. I mean the continuance of your property in the British funds at this crisis of approaching revolution. It is the business of a friend to say what he thinks without fear of giving offence; and, if I were not a friend, argument is worth its market-price anywhere.
Believe me, my dear Henry,
Your very faithful friend,
P. B. S.
TO MR. AND MRS. GISBORNE.
Florence, Oct. 28, 1819.
My dear Friends,
I receive this morning the strange and unexpected news, that my bill of £200 has been returned to Mr. Webb protested. Ultimately this can be nothing but delay, as I have only drawn from my banker's hands so much as to leave them still in possession of £80, and
