15 versts from Petersbourg Aug t 21 t 1783. O.S.

I am at Sir James's country house where I came this morning on foot to

breakfast. As I walked about 35 versts yesterday and about 10 this morning,

I must stay here a little while to rest myself. Sir James is gone to

dine at Zanko Sells, Lady Harris is not well enough to come out of her

room & Miss Harris is occupied: all books are packed up, and in short

as I have no means of amusing myself anymore than any kind of business to

do, I set me down to write to you without having any particular purpose in

view. I can tell you nothing of any importance about myself that has

happened since the last Courier set off, which was but 5 or 6 days ago, by

whom I sent you a packet.

I told you then that I was to see Besberotky on

Fryday last when I expected to have heard something more certain

respecting my establishment here: owing to an accident I did not see

him: but tomorrow I will go and dine with him, and to day Sir James will

see him and give him a spur.

Sir James and Miss Harris took leave of the Empress yesterday. Lady Harris

was not well enough to go out, but there are hopes she will be able to set

off from hence on Thursday next, the day which Sir James has fixed on for

his final departure.

I do hope you will get acquainted with Sir James, and above all that some

time or other you should go and spend some time with him at the Hague.

There is no man whom I know from whose acquaintance I should imagine you

would reap so much advantage. His character

or rather his talents are

'tis true is widely different from yours; but yet I think you might

become friends.

of for

from the