To: Sir William Wyndham. n.p. 15 December [n.s.] 1724. Text: MS, Petworth House Archives 19, fols 23–5.

I own to you my dear Friend that y^e description you give me in y^rs of y^e 26^th of nov: if ll’d me with horrour. my Philosophy cannot steel me against the cruel idea of an external separation from what I love, ^{and I think for my friends as I think for my self}. that, and 43that only, among all y^e terrours of Death is not to be overcome; and the mischief is that it presents itself two several ways to us. I hope that the Physicians do not flatter you, and that this evil hour is att a great distance from you, but sure it is that after such attacks as Lady Katherine has had, no care, no watchfulness is too great. I have sent the Marq:[uise] a short memorial, containing such heads as the two Physicians ¹ whom I propose to consult here, and who are certainly very able in their profession, judg necessary for their information. as soon as I receive the answer you shall be inform’d of their opinion. it will be of some satisfaction, & perhaps of some use to you. as to my own health, I hope to recover it, att least in such a degree as to make the machine hold out with some ease & some pleasure to y^e owner longer than it would have done, if I had neglected a distemper which was grown to such a head as took all the comfort of life from me. I made a pretty rough trial of my strength for y^e first time, & found myself very well after it. the fatigue of exercise, when I can bear it, is not to be apprehended, for my feavour or ague is not my distemper, it is only one symptom among others of an illness the cause of which is in y^e liver. but enough of this. you need say nothing to convince me of y^r friendship. I know y^e temper of y^r soul. the Marq:[uise] knows it too, and neither she nor I can ever forget the proofs you have given us of it. y^r return to London is a mighty consolation to her. ² there is nothing which can contribute more to make her go thro’ the rest of her task with spirit & chearfulness. for my part my friend, I dare say you do me y^e justice to beleive that I have been long prepar’d for all events. I shall esteem it a very happy one if I am put into a state of security from any further losses, and if I am permitted to enjoy that ease and tranquillity in a foreign country, which would have been still more agreable to me att home. adieu, I am sure you remember me with y^e Marq:[uise] by the fireside, and the thought that you do so gives me a great deal of pleasure mingled with a great deal of Regret. let me desire you to assure Lady Katherine of my respects, and of y^e joy I have to hear that she is return’d so well to London. I am ever most affectionately Dear S^r W: y^r faithful friend & obedient servant.