Pall Mall, January 16th, 1773.
Dear H.,
Mrs. G. fastened upon me as soon as I got to town, and was in some measure the cause of some of the blessings you might possibly honour me with when Yesterday's post arrived at Sheffield. Mrs. G. succeeds without a Will to Mr. Scott, and though she certainly finds a sum of money, yet I believe it turns out very short of her expectations. She means to return to Bath, but you will still I fancy find her here.
I have not as yet got you either footman or stables. The latter seems almost impossible. In at least twenty yards, my man Henry has received the same answer; that it is not worth their while to let them for less than a year: so that I fear you will be reduced to a livery stable. In consequence of the Advertisement I had five or six Candidates at my Lever, but none tolerable. We shall see enough. Goose or Couse (what do you call him?) waited on me yesterday morning; but although the Sultan referred us to his Vizier, he had not signified to him that the House was agreed for. I assured him it was; he believed me, and on the morning after your landing will wait on you with the Inventory and a short paper. The maid, a most usefull Servant as he says, is apprized of your coming and expects your servants. So much for business, and indeed so much for everything, for I have kept so close to Mrs. G. that I don't know a syllable of news.—If the Fosters are still with you salute them. Tell Mr. Harry that Mrs. G. has not the honour of being acquainted with any Monkey whatsoever. Mrs. H.'s watch is in the hands of Trajan, some relation I presume of the Emperor.
Tandis que tristement sur ce globe qui balance,
J'appercois à pas lents la mort qui s'avance;
Le Francois emporté par de legers desirs,
Ne voit sur ce cadran qu'un circle de plaisirs.
Mrs. H. when in town will, I fancy, be of the Frenchman's way of thinking. Ainsi soit il. Adieu—Yorkshire arrived in town very gratefull and not entirely dislocated.