sheep shearing in the county of Louth hath established your health; and that Dr. Tisdell, your brother of the spleen, comes sometimes and makes you laugh at a pun or a blunder. I made a good many advances to your friend Bolton[1] since I came to town, and talked of you; but all signified nothing; for he has taken every opportunity of opposing me, in the most unkind and unnecessary manner; and I have done with him. I could with great satisfaction pass a month or two among you, if things would permit. The archdeacon carries you all the news, and I need say nothing. We grow mighty sanguine, but my temper has not fire enough in it. They assure me that lord Bolingbroke will be included in the act of grace; which, if it be true, is a mystery to me.
You must learn to winter in town, or you will turn a monk, and Mrs. Cope a nun; I am extremely her humble servant.
I have ventured to subscribe a guinea for Mr. Brownlowe, because I would think it a shame not to have his name in the list. Pray tell him so.
I doubt whether Mrs. Cope will be pleased with the taste of snuff I sent her.
Present my humble service to your mother and brother; and believe me to be, with great truth and esteem, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
