[Footnote 1: For the Hon. Augusta Leigh, see 'Letters', vol. i. p. 18,
'note' 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 7] Byron's letter is in answer to the
following from his half-sister:


"6 Mile Bottom, Aug. 27th.

"My Dearest Brother,--Your letter was stupidly sent to Town to me on
Sunday, from whence I arrived at home yesterday; consequently I have
not received it so soon as I ought to have done. I feel so very happy
to have the pleasure of hearing from you that I will not delay a
moment answering it, altho' I am in all the delights of 'unpacking',
and afraid of being too late for the Post.

"I have been a fortnight in Town, and went up on my 'eldest' little
girl's account. She had been very unwell for some time, and I could
not feel happy till I had better advice than this neighbourhood
affords. She is, thank Heaven! much better, and I hope in a fair way
to be quite 'herself' again. Mr. Davies flattered me by saying she was
exactly the sort of child 'you' would delight in. I am determined not
to say another word in her praise for fear you should accuse me of
partiality and expect too much. The youngest ('little' Augusta) is
just 6 months old, and has no particular merit at present but a very
sweet placid temper.

"Oh! that I could immediately set out to Newstead and shew them to
you. I can't tell you 'half' the happiness it would give me to see it
and 'you'; but, my dearest B., it is a long journey and serious
undertaking all things considered. Mr. Davies writes me word you