325.
To his Stepmother.
Bentinck Street, Nov. 13th, 1777.
Dear Madam,
As my disorder was perfectly free from danger, I thought it needless to repeat every post, that I was in a good deal of pain: but I seize the first opportunity of telling you that the enemy appears to be raising the siege, and that he makes a regular and gradual retreat: the pain is gone, the swellings diminished, my strength is returning; this morning for the first time I enjoyed the luxury of using crutches, and I aspire to the superior luxury of throwing them away. In the course of my recovery you may depend on my prudence. Adieu! dear Madam, I sincerely envy your loving couple: but be pleased to remember that they are only twenty.
I am
Most truly yours,
E. Gibbon.