Hayley-XXI-18

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Sunday Oct 7

My dear Eliza

You do me justice indeed in believing that I had not failed to write on my usual day – it is singular enough that the Letter which has not reached you contained my free sentiments on French affairs in reply to what you said on that Subject – yet I can hardly believe a private Letter passing in England could be opened & stopt from such a Circumstance — my Sentiments however I am not anxious to conceal
So far from it that had I stronger Health I should probably have put them into the best array I could for the sake of presenting them to the public – My Letter however it might wander has probably found its way to you before this time & I have only to lament that it is not good enough to repay you for

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the unpleasant Inquietude occasioned by its Delay -- I think you were perfectly right to decamp from the Sea Side in the abominably wet Weather that has been universal this Autumn & which told my Guests between jest & Earnest I concluded Providence sent expressly to drive the arrogant Invaders out of France —

I rejoice that you have had the gratification of passing some agreeable days with the enchanting Muse of Litchfield after the heavy parties of a public place
Her society after a seaside Ordinary must appear to you like a very fine desert [sic] after a very bad Dinner _______ I have indeed

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been a shabby Correspondent in not replying before this Time to the kind Letter in which she told me Saville had received Benefit from the Sea – an Event that I cordially rejoice to hear & I should have told her so before had not the two great Poets Cowper & Milton engrossed my attention – one as my Guest & the other as the Object of the little & interrupted Study that an Invalid can pursue at this idle time of the Year —

I shall hope soon to hear that you are comfortably settled at Home again after your marine excursion & considerably the better for yr bathing — the dear Boy is now quite well again but He lately caught a sad cold that obliged us to apply the severe discipline of a Blister behind his Ear – His hearing however thank Heaven has not been injured & He is not so well that

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He plunged into a cool Sea with me this Morning – accept our united Love & believe me with every good wish

yr affectionate H.

To

Mrs Hayley

Derby