1784 



TWO GEAND KOOMS 115 



a Thursday, I would advise you by all means to attend 

 on the Eoyal Society and Antiquary meetings in their new 

 splendid rooms at Somerset-house. D^ Chandler can prob- 

 ably put you in a method of being introduced; if you do 

 not see him, attend in the outer room, between the two 

 rooms, at a quarter before seven in the evening, and enquire 

 for Dr. Lort, who, I trust, on your using my name, will 

 introduce you to both the meetings, where perhaps you 

 may hear somewhat worth your trouble. The Antiq. 

 Society, I find, is growing very fashionable ; for I observed 

 that many Eight Honourables were balloted for on Thurs- 

 day se'nnight. The weather has been dismal and winter- 

 like ever since I left home ; however, I have great advant- 

 ages in these parts, having a bed at command both in town 

 and country and a carriage to take me to town. Thomas 

 Davis, the bookseller, has just published his memoirs on 

 plays and players, a pleasant book. He has a good stile, 

 and language that no man need be ashamed of, and abounds 

 in curious and pleasant anecdotes. Mr. Etty has heard 

 twice from his son at the Cape of Good Hope ; his ship was 

 burnt in the Indian seas, from which he had a miraculous 

 escape, and was carried naked aboard another ship in com- 

 pany; he lost everything. Molly White's rhimes were 

 Norwegian. If you see any lines in the ' Gentleman's 

 Magazine' on such soft weather as I have languished for 

 in vain the spring through, treat them with what lenity 

 you may. 



Mrs. J. White joins in respects. If you hear nothing 

 curious at the E. S. or Antiq. meetings, at least you will see 

 two grand rooms and many respectable people, besides 

 Somerset House, a national building as big as three or four 



colleges! ^ .^, , 



I am, with due respect. 



Your most obedient servant, 



Gil. White. 



