Chapter CLVII: Letter CLV: To J. S----, Esq

Nov. 18, 1780.

MY DEAR SIR,

IT is a week this blessed day since that I ought, according to every rule of gratitude, love, and zeal, to have thanked my best friends for a plenty of some of the best wine, which came in the best time true kindness could have contrived it.--I should also have congratulated the many anxious hearts upon the happy recovery of yourself, and my thrice good Mrs. S----. I waited from post to post, to send a tolerable account of myself--the gout has used me like a tyrant--and my asthma, if possible, worse--I have swelled gradually all over.--What a sight! Dr. J--bb will not suffer me to make an issue yet, as he would not wish to disturb the gout. In truth, my best friend, I never truly knew illness till this bout.--Your goodness greatly lessened my anxiety.--I find in it the continual flow of more than parental kindness:--as God gave the heart, he must and alone can give the reward!--Our joint best love, and most respectful thanks, attend you both, from

Yours gratefully,

I. SANCHO.