University of Virginia Library

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217

LETTER CLXXI.

I am much gratified by your letter of Friday, which I
have just received. The sporting intelligence is quite acceptable.
I take great interest, even now, in the subject.
Last autumn I enjoyed myself, on several occasions, shooting
both woodcocks and partridges. By "John Sim," of
Hanover, I suppose you mean a son of Nicholas Syme, an
old fellow sportsman of mine. There is one of your good
shots, (I need not name him,) with whom I hope you do not
associate. "Tell me your company," &c. I have no doubt
that you had better go out with C., once a week, than have
a certain description of persons haunt your chambers. I
learn, for the first time, that John has left Cambridge. Remember
me to the whole firm—Mrs. A. & Co., and tell her
that, when I find I am about to die, I mean to be carried, if
practicable, to her house to be nursed.

You mention nothing of Leigh. Has William been to see
his brother? Do you hear from Amelia? Below you have
a draft, on Johnson's house, for three hundred dollars. God
speed you! The air of abruptness in this letter, is occasioned
by my wish not to postpone a reply until to-morrow, and the
mail is in the future in rus, as old Lilly hath it.

Dr. B. can, and will, show you a scratch from me of this
day's date. Write about every thing and every body, and
seal with wax.