1 July 1792

Hugh Worthington, [Highbury Place], to Mary Hays, Gainsford Street, [Sunday], 1 July 1792.1

July 1st, 92.

Dear Madam

             As I could not speak to you this morning, I have seized some paper & a pen (both need an apology) to render you my best thanks for 3 things – 1st, yr care of ye Books wch were lent – 2ndly yr very friendly & kind letters, & 3dly yr generous & valuable present. As you have only another copy left of that Book,2 I am ashamed to accept it; yet I will neither offend you nor impoverish myself, by straining politeness so far as to decline the acceptance. It came while I was suffering grievously for a wet ride of 11 miles last sunday; never was so wet, never so ill afterwards. In this state I could not write – but I could read, & have perused one Quarter of ye work wth a great deal of pleasure. The Author is a clever fellow, & seems very candid, I love that, & must hear from you something of his history when I call in Gainsford St. Next Friday afternoon I intend drinking tea wth you, if I hear nothing to the contrary, & in the mean time, wth sincere respects to yr family & in particular yr Sister Eliza,3 in wch Mrs W joins,

                        I remain yr affectionate Friend

                                    & indebted Servt

                                                 Hugh Worthington

Address: Miss Hayes | Gainsford Street | Southwark

1 A. F. Wedd Collection, shelfmark 24.93(12), Dr. Williams's Library, London; Brooks, Correspondence 273-74.

2 Hays had sent Worthington a copy of her recently published Cursory Remarks, her response to Gilbert Wakefield's pamphlet. 

3 Elizabeth Hays.