To: Henrietta St John, afterwards Lady Luxborough. n.p., n.d. [c. 1722–5]. Text: MS, Beinecke Library, Yale University. Osborn Manuscript File 1487.

I should be very glad to accept y^e good omens of your letter, but my Fortune has cur’d me of the vice of flattering myself. if any good happens to me I shall have double pleasure, that of y^e good itself, and that of an agreable surprize. ¹ You may be sure that I will give you my picture, if you desire it, in little; but I know of no body here who is able to do it well. Arleau ² is y^e most famous painter in miniature. I try’d him last year. your Aunt has y^e picture, & should be sorry to give you such another. I will enquire further, and do my best to obey you. I thank you for making my compliments to D^r Clarke. ³ his corresponding with such a young Baggage as you are confirms an observation I have often made, that much learning & much Philosophy add easiness to y^e manners & candour to y^e conversation; but y^t a little of both give austerity & self conceit. ⁴ you say nothing to me of ye place you write from. who are y^e Beaux, who y^e Belles, and what y^e amusements of ye Bath. ⁵ I fancy you did not if nd it too hot to dance. let me know where you are, and what you are doing, and be assur’d y^t I shall read y^r remarks with more pleasure yⁿ I should do those of y^e ablest politician between S^t James’s Coffee House & Garaway’s. ⁶ Adieu my Dear Girl, I am most affectionately yours.