Hayley-XXI-16

[page 1]

Eartham Sunday
Sept 9 1792

My dear Eliza

I am concerned to hear that you were under so unpleasant a Necessity of suspending your bathing Operations as they had proved so beneficial to you

The Loss of Time in such a Scene as you describe is peculiarly unlucky but I hope in yr next to hear that this inevitable Loss has been compensated by subsequent advantage –

Bathing is I think most serviceable & most agreeable when the Mornings begin to be animated by the little Sharpness of Autumn – I am just returned from an early Plunge today & must be rapid in my Epistle that I may not detain our Courier whose return is always most eagerly expected

[page 2]

by my Guests & indeed by myself from our impatience to hear of some grand Event that may afford us more & more sanguine Hopes for the endangered Liberty of France so arrogantly assailed by the despots of the Earth.

I am not surprized that you complain of Aristocratical sentiments in the Party assembled to Eat – Those who devote themselves to the pleasures of the Table are generally of that Cast — - - our little Group in my Hermitage are democrats indeed but of a mild & tolerant Spirit yet heartily disposed to wish

[page 3]

the destruction of those who attempt to crush the new born Freedom of a brave & courteous People –

We lament the sanguinary Ferocity that has lately infected our Gallic Neighbours but rather think it arises from bravery hurried to distraction than from native Barbarity —

Our Caro Pittore who is I think the most ardent democrat of our little Circle has recently left us after receiving much benefit from a few regular dips & the moderate use of opium which I & another medical Friend have warmly recommended to Him whenever his feeling Nerves are shaken with Excess of irritation —

The dear Boy who is in high Health & Spirits joins with me in every kind wish – accept our united Love excuse a very hasty scrawl & believe me

Ever yr affectionate H

[page 4]

To
M^rs Hayley
at the new assembly Room

Park Gate
near Chester