To: Henrietta St John, Afterwards Lady Luxborough. n.p. 24 June [n.s.] 1722. Text: MS, BL Add. 34196, fols 19–20.

as this letter will find you return’d from the Bath, so I hope it will find you return’d from thence, in perfect health. we have had, my Dear Girl, the same complaints to make of the season as you. I pass’d above two months in this place all alone, peirc’d with y^e cold which y^e North East wind brought us, or drench’d with y^e rains w^ch came from y^e South. the Marquise return’d, & fair weather return’d with her; since which time I have been little alone, the Duke & Dutchess of Berwick, the Duke of Bouillon, ¹ & one friend or other coming to visit us; for you must know 24that those who are thought most happy in the world are glad to steal sometimes out of it, and to taste for moments those pleasures which happyer Hermits enjoy all the year. the dress of y^r Ladys seems fantastical enough in all conscience, but youth and beauty have great priviledges, and what we pardon in their conduct we may very well admit in their dress. the King I hear does not go this summer into Germany, which may perhaps alter your Brothers route. ² send me word where to direct to him. my Lord gave me a year or two ago some pickled mellon which was extremely good. we are just entring into the sason season of y^t fruit, & you will oblige me & y^e marquise very much if you can send us the receipt for making this pickle. your letters will come safe if you direct them a Monsieur [sic] Monsieur de l’orme chez Monsieur de Blissy Commissaire des poudres Rue des Minimes a Orleans. ³ Adieu my dear, I am ever most faithfully yours.