The water of this place is a very strong sulphur, and I believe, is the most powerful of any in the kingdom. The most quiet of this sort of houses is much too turbulent for me; besides that it is difficult for one who cannot walk, or even saunter about, as others do, to fill up the chasms between meals, except by reading, which is scarcely practicable here. I find myself, however, tolerably habituated to noise and talk; and as to the art of doing nothing, I have made myself perfectly master of it. As a proof of it, I have been three weeks in writing this letter. If you ask me how I do? I answer, I don't know at present. I have experienced much _non_-valescence, and am told _con_-valescence will follow. S. PEGGE. * * * * * _Monday, January 27, 1800._ DEAR SIR, The Lady[63] mentioned in the enclosed Article is my Niece, who hopes to open the Ball in the List of Marriages in this Month. I send also an article for the Obituary[64], the death of a Brother of my Wife, and whose death has long been expected. I am a lodger in my own first-floor, with some gout, which will neither lead nor drive; but I should be very happy to receive a charitable visit of chat in any evening that you can spare. I do not ask Mr. Bowyer Nichols, as I cannot encounter more than one person at a time. Your very sincere friend, S. PEGGE. [63] Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. John Bourne, of Spital, was married, Jan. 1, 1800, to Robert Jennings, Esq. of Hull. [64] Mr. John Belt, of York, Surgeon, died Jan. 23, 1800. * * * * * _March 17, 1800._ DEAR SIR, Presuming that you are returned from Hinckley, and _have nothing in the world to do_, I hope you will give us your company in an evening very soon; for at that time of the day I see nobody else. Let me hear by one of your _Representatives in Parliament_[65] on what evening I may expect you, that I may _rectify_ my spirits accordingly. Adieu! S. PEGGE. [65] So he humourously styled the Printer's Errand Boys. Hospitium Domini Regis; OR, THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD. INTRODUCTION.