BATH,October 9,1770.
MADAM:I am extremely obliged to you for the kind part which you take in my,health and life:as to the latter,I am as indifferent myself as any other body can be;but as to the former,I confess care and anxiety,for while I am to crawl upon this planet,I would willingly enjoy the health at least of an insect.How far these waters will restore me to that,moderate degree of health,which alone I aspire at,I have not yet given them a fair trial,having drank them but one week ;the only difference Ihitherto find is,that I sleep better than I did.
I beg that you will neither give yourself,nor Mr.Fitzhugh,much trouble about the pine plants;for as it is three years before they fruit,Imight as well,at my age,plant oaks,and hope to have the advantage of their timber:however,somebody or other,God knows who,will eat them,as somebody or other will fell and sell the oaks I planted five-and-forty years ago.
I hope our boys are well ;my respects to them both.I am,with the greatest truth,your faithful and humble servant,CHESTERFIELD.
