323. To his Stepmother.

Bentinck Street, November 4th, 1777.

Dear Madam ,

When you hear the reason, you will excuse my telling you in two words that I arrived last night. I am laid up with a very painful fit of the gout in both my feet. I came over from Calais with some difficulty; yet I rejoice that I am in my own library, and three hundred miles nearer you than I was a week ago. I think it cannot last long.

I am, Dear Madam, Most truly, E. G.