I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
141.
To Mrs. Holroyd, Sen.
Beriton, near Petersfield, Hampshire, July the 17th, 1772.
Madam,
DEATH OF MR. HOLROYD'S SON.
*There is not any event which could have affected me with greater surprise and deeper concern, than the news in last night's paper, of the death of our poor little amiable friend Master Holroyd,[175] whom I loved, not only for his Parents' sake, but for his own. Should the news be true (for even yet I indulge some faint hopes,) what must be the distress of our friends at Sheffield! I so truly sympathize with them, that I know not how to write to Holroyd; but must beg to be informed of the state of the family by a line from you. I have some Company and business here, but would gladly quit them, had I the least reason to think that my presence at Sheffield would afford the least comfort or satisfaction to the man in the world whom I love and esteem the most.
I am, Madam,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
E. Gibbon.*