London, October 19, 1793

DEAR SIR,

I SHOULD have informed you sooner of the price of the books, had I not called on Mr. J***, and found him just then writing to you. Indeed I am much in your debt for your amusing and instructive communications. I must not say, “have patience with me and I will pay you all.” I am nearly an insolvent in correspondence, and fear I shall hardly pay you a composition of two shillings in the pound. Nor do I consider this as any part of payment. I send it to introduce to you Mr. F***, who brought me a letter of introduction from Mr. B***. From the short acquaintance I have had with him, I judge you will like him. I oannot doubt your readiness to do him any good offices in your power — at first for my sake, and afterwards for his own.

We came home safe and well from our late agreeable tour on the 27th ultimo, and found all safe and well at home. I must defer an accaunt of the goodness and mercy which followed us all the days and hours we were abroad, as two gentlemen are come in to breakfast, and perhaps there may be two more by the time I can subscribe myself,

Your affectionate and obliged,

. J. X..