274. To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.

Bentinck-street, February 9th, 1776.

You are mistaken about your dates. It is to-morrow seven-night , the 17th, that my book will decline into the World. I will attend to Coachman and house, though I could wish that in point of price and situation you had been a little more explicit.

I am glad to find that by degrees you begin to understand the advantage of a civilized city,—I cannot say as much as Batt and Cantab, who dined with me, Beauclerck and Lady Di. [322] Adieu. No public business; Parliament has sate every day, but we have not had a single debate. There is a rumour that Quebec is taken, and Washington is said to have communicated the news to Howe, but it is not yet absolutely believed. I think you will have your book on Monday. The parent is not forgot, though I had not a single one to spare.