no degree of familiarity can ever make me lose in my commerce with
you.

I was surprised to find that Sir Ch[arle]s and Lady Sarah [Bunbury]
were in town, and had not been out of it. The weather has been and
is so cold there is no stirring from one's fireside, and so they
changed their mind. I dine with them to-day, when I hope I shall see
Harry; I have not seen him yet. I have been absent, it is now above
a fortnight. I shall not seal up my letter till I have been in Privy
Garden. I was asked to dine at Lord George's(22) to-day, but am glad
that, it being postday, I can dine where I may be able to pick up
something that will be interesting to you. I don't wish to add fuel,
but it is natural to wish that one's letters are made as acceptable
as possible.

I have had a message to-day from Sir W. Musgrave, who desires to see
me to-morrow; I will endeavour to see him to-day, as the post goes
out; I don't know particularly what he has to say. I have sent to
Hemmins this morning, but he is not yet come to me.

Lord W. Gordon(23) says he thinks his brother will ask for the other
Ribband. I long to see the Duke of Buccleugh(24) in his. I can tell
you no more at present of Brereton's(25) affair than that he is to
be prosecuted. I send you his advertisement, which came out a
fortnight ago. I think some answer should have been made to it;
although I think the controversy very unequal, and a paper war with
such a low fellow very disagreeable. But the assertions in this
advertisement will gain him credit. As I live with but one set of
people, I do not hear all the animadversions that are made upon this
affair, but I believe there is a certain monde where my two friends