5

Richard Bennchan Petersburg Feb.ry 7. 1769
Old Friend

I am now alone and sitting by myself
near to the remains of a large heap of Whitehaven coals,
tho' amidling good Fire. All the rest of my friends and
Brethren being Retired, to the great and Magnificent,
Mansion House. I have been contemplating on some
of the pleasant and agreeable Hours we have spent here,
which led me into a serious desire to have thy company
to spend the remainder of this Evening. Tho! I hope when I
consider; that thou will be much better employ'd in thy
present Situation, which I Heartily wish the Success in,
I could add [greatly?] to this my Small Epistle, and swell it
into a large Volume, was I to make use of Criticism, but
as I am no Consumer, I will only tell thee that the most of
the Petersurg acquaintances are well, except, our Worth
and much Esteemed Friend Richard Lamb, who has got
cold in his left great toe, which has caused his nose to run
such a rapid stream, that I much fear without immediate
Relief, of may be fatal consequence to him.

I was the other day favored with a letter from
my Father wherein he says he has shipt the goods
I order, I expect they will be in here, in about a month.