137.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
Pall Mall, May 26, 1772.
Dear H.,
TROUBLES OF A LANDOWNER.
The reason, or if You like it better the pretence of my long silence, was the waiting for an answer from my farmer, to whom I had wrote in consequence of your permission. It came two or three days ago. He thanks me for my offer, but has made a purchase in Sussex, and my farm no longer suits him. This is surely the Season for letting it. Shall I advertise? in which case an advertisement must be thought of? or would it be better to impower Hugonin (whose honesty I can trust as much, and whose knowledge far more than my own) to treat in conjunction with Mrs. Gibbon, with any Good Men, who may offer? *I wish you lived nearer, or even that you could pass a week at Beriton. When shall you be at Richmond, or would there be any use in my going down to Sheffield for a day or two? In thee alone I put my trust, and without thee I should be perplexed, discouraged, and frightened; for not a single fish has yet bit at the Lenbourough bait.
I dined the other day with Mr. Way[173] at Boodle's. He told me, that he was just going down to Sheffield. As he has probably unladen all the politics, and Mrs. Way all the scandal of the town, I shall for the present only satisfy myself with the needfull; among which I shall always reckon my sincere compliments to Madame, and my profound respects for Mr. Datch.
I am, dear H.,
Truly Yours,
E. G.
It is confidently asserted that the Emperor and K. of P. are to run for very deep stakes over the Polish Course.[174] If the news is true, I back Austria against the aged Horse, provided little Laudohn rides the match. N.B.—Crossing and jostling allowed.*