Pall Mall, Dec. 11th, 1772.
Dear H.,
AN ATTACK OF GOUT.
*By this time, I suppose you returned to the Elysian fields of Sheffield. The Country (I do not mean any particular reflections on Sussex) must be vastly pleasant at this time of the Year! For my own part, the punishment of my sins has at length overtaken me. On Thursday, the third of December, in the present year of our Lord, one Thousand seven hundred and seventy-two, between the hours of one and two in the Afternoon, as I was crossing St. James's Church Yard, I stumbled, and again sprained my foot; but, alas! after two days' pain and Confinement, a horrid monster, ycleped the Gout, made me a short Visit; and though he has now taken his leave, I am full of apprehensions that he may have liked my company well enough to call again.
The Parliament, after a few soft murmurs, is gone to sleep, to wake again after Christmas,[179] safely folded in Lord North's[180] arms. The town is gone into the Country, and I propose visiting Sheffield about Sunday se'nnight, if by that time I can get my household preparations (I have as good as taken Lady Rous's lease in Bentinck-Street) in any forwardness. Shall I angle for Batt? No news stirring, except the Dutchess of G[loucester]'s pregnancy certainly declared.[181] Way called on me the other day, and has taken my plan with him to consider it; he still wishes to defer to Spring; talks of bad roads, &c. and is very absolute. I remonstrated, but want to know whether I am to submit.* Before I go out of town I must call to settle with the Gosling. I am afraid of some peremptory declaration, though I flatter myself they would not materially injure me by a precipitated sale. *Adieu. Clarke, who is writing near me, begs to be remembered. The savage is going to hunt Foxes in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, &c. Yours sincerely.*
157.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
Tuesday Evening, 15th December, 1772.
Dear H.,