I thank you for saying that you would have me a few hours gazing at
amphitheatres, and you for the same time gazing here at something
more modern. That would not answer my purpose. I never carried my
love of antiquity and literary researches to that point. I should be
glad to have a view of Italy, but with you; and if you should take a
trip here for a few days, pray don't insist on my being at that time
in contemplation of the mazures de nos ancetres. The last letter
which you mention to have received from me was of the 15th of last
month, and you did not receive it till the 3rd of this. I hope my
letters come to you, since you permit the writing of them. I shall
always hereafter put them myself into the post. . . .

A match is much talked of between Lord Spencer Hamilton and Miss
Beauclerk, the Maid of Honour. I hope it will not take place. There
is not as much as I have sometimes lost of a night at Hazard between
them both, either at present or in expectation, and the number of
beggars is increased to an enormous degree. . . .


1768, February 28, Sunday morning, Chest(erfield) Str(eet).--I wrote
to you on Friday morning, and at night, just before the post was
going, received the pleasure of yours of the 10th; so that what I
wrote afterwards was much in haste, and from the impetuosity of my
temper to make my acknowledgments to you. I was yesterday at Lady
Carlisle's door, to enquire for Sir W(illiam), but he was not at
home. I asked if they had had any letters from you, and being told
they had not, I took the liberty to leave word that I had received
one of the 10th, and that you was then very well.