1772.] TO JOHN BARTRAM. 343 



from it, in order to recruit my strength against winter, for the duties 

 of my station. It was in one of these intervals that our friend was 

 carried off, by a suppression of urine. Had I been present, I 

 know not that anything more could have been done, to have saved 

 him. 



When I was informed of his decease, partly to indulge my 

 sorrow partly to pay some tribute to his memory, I employed 

 myself in drawing a short account of his character. A few copies 

 will, I believe, be printed this spring, for the satisfaction of his 

 friends ; and I will take care that a few be sent to thee. 



I have not leisure to become a perfect Botanist. I love the 

 vegetable creation. I love its rarities, and cultivate it as an 

 amusement. Every new plant is an addition to my pleasure. I 

 have most of the common produce of America, and they flourish 

 with me, more than anywhere else. * * * 



Thy assured friend, 



J. FOTHERGILL. 



Esteemed Friend : 



Having an opportunity of sending thee the inclosed performance 

 of my friend, John Ellis, by a young man who comes over as an 

 apothecary to your hospital, I could not well avoid just sending 

 thee two or three lines, though much straitened for time. * * 



Thy son will be kind enough to continue his drawings of any 

 nondescripts he may meet with, either plants or animals : and 

 I shall endeavour to make him proper satisfaction. 



I hope soon to send thee a short account of the life of our late 

 worthy friend, P. Collinson ; at least an essay towards his cha- 

 racter. A few copies will be printed, to give amongst his friends ; 

 and no one is more entitled to this epithet than thyself. I am, 

 with much esteem, 



Thy assured friend, 



John Fothergill. 



Harpur Street, 19th, 8, 1770. 



[No date, probably 1772.] 



Esteemed Friend : 



Constant and various engagements have long prevented me from 

 writing to thee. For some years past I have retired from London 



