didst of the conde de Peterborow, when first I construed him to thee at the coffeehouse.
I labour under the distemper you complain of, deafness; especially upon the least cold. I did not take care of my ears, till I knew if my head was my own or not; but am now syringing, and I hope to profit by it. My cousin is here, and well, and I see him sometimes; but I find he has had a caution, which depended upon his expecting more from court, and is justifiable in a man, who, like him, has a great family. I have given your compliments to my two favourites. We never forget your health.
I have seen Mr. Butler, and served him to the utmost of my power with my amici potentiores: though he had a good cause, and a strong recommendation, he trusted wholly to neither of them, but added the greatest diligence to his solicitations.
Auditor Harley thanks you, for remembering him and his singing man[1]. As to the affair of subscriptions, do all at your leisure, and in the manner you judge most proper; and so I bid you heartily farewel, assuring you, that I am ever most truly your's
Friend Ford salutes you. Adieu.
Richardson, whom I take to be a better painter than any named in your letter, has made an excellent picture of me; from whence lord Harley (whose it is) has a stamp taken by Vertue. He has given me some of them for you to give to our friends at or about
