My Dearest Love
      A friend has procured for me an aperture for sending to England
but has confined me to a few lines to avoid bulk; & as I am certain
that even two words from me will be acceptable to so affectionate
a sister, I must endeavour to say as much as I can in so limited a space
You may easily imagine how much I was afflicted with the interruption
of our correspondence; particularly on your account; as I flatter myself
that you all remain happily in the same state, but I am uncertain you
would be miserably anxious for me, as my last letter, if you have read
it, with one also for my Dearest Father, written in the month of August,
though I did not fully explain the deplorable state of health I was in, was
nevertheless rather alarming. I have endeavoured to console myself with the
hope that Mr: Timmins might have performed his promise of making you a visit
which would comfort you in some degree to see one who
                             could give you an account of your Elizabeth, & her
                             children. The providential supply which my beloved
                             Parent sent to restore my spirits, was perhaps
                             the means with the blessing of God, to preserve my
                             life, as it enabled me to go into the country, where
                             I underwent a course of medicines, which purified my
                             blood in some degree, & served to keep me alive
                             for the winter. I had such a horror of returning to
                             Naples that I fortunately took a house in the town
                             near the Casino, which is very warm; & where I have been able
to pass the rigours of a most cold, wet, comfortless winter. I shall go down
to the Casino again, which is the only place wherein I can enjoy tolerable health,
as the air of the sea is so necessary to my existence. I must not omit to tell you
that I have lately received the box of medicines &c safe, which though they have
made me pay very dear for them at the custom house at Rome, rejoiced
my heart in procuring me the pleasure of reading your dear letter, & those
of my two Friends' just a year after their date. Good Mrs: Robinson's
& Miss Sydalls' presents were highly acceptable, & I beg you will say
every thing kind to them in return, which you can better imagine. Then I
have room here to explain: the case of goods is yet at Messina, but I
go on as well as I can. All the world suffers, & we must be content with
what pleases God. I believe I mentioned in my letter my wish that
the twenty pounds which I had drawn for, might be made up by the
interest so as to adjust the sum in Mr: Robinson's hands. I don't know if there
can be any means of sending me anything there might be over & above.
I hope you all remain well including all my Brother's family. Pray remember
me gratefully to Mrs Ainsworth & to all my Friends
                                                         who are so kind to think of your most affectionate
                                                                        Elizabeth

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