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Eartham
Feb 24 1782

My dear Sister Whenever my Silence begins to wear the appearance of Ingratitude (as in Truth it does at present) you will, I flatter myself, recollect, that it may probably be owing to the frequent Infirmities of my Head & Eyes, & not impute it to any Failure in a Heart, which, as long as it retains its vital Heat, will certainly retain its esteem & affection for you — I have now do much to thank you for, that I hardly know where to begin — your admirable letter to Colonel Gordon enchanted me; & tho it unluckily arrived just after the Fleet had set sail, it shall find its Way to the East – I was much obliged by yr inclosing to me the gallant & generous Letter of yr Friend, which returns to you in my Frank, & you will rejoice to hear that your little Heroic Nephew is become a Lieutenant.– a very rapid Promotion ! & owing to the active Generosity of a most valuable Friend of Mine whom I hope some day or other to introduce to you.— it seems I forgot