1790 DR. CHANDLER'S JOURNEY 217 



When the D"* came to enquire of the watermen at Basle 

 what small craft they had on the Rhine, and whether any 

 house-boat ; they said there was nothing but some very 

 small fiat-bottomed wherries: but that they could tack 

 two of these together. On two such wallnut shells tyed 

 together embarked the D^ and Lady, the nurse and child, and 

 the French valet, without oar or sail, or any awning that 

 could be kept up ; and thus ran at the rate of near 80 miles 

 a day to Dusseldorf, amidst the damps and fogs of Novemr. 

 on the expanded face of the Rhine, which was very full and 

 very rapid ! ! Here they turned off for Brussels, not being 

 aware of what was to befall them; but soon found them- 

 selves in a city that expected every day to be cannonaded 

 with hot balls. Here they stayed till they saw the streets 

 barricaded and intersected with deep entrenchments ; and at 

 last escaped to Lisle, which was not without its difficulties 

 and embarrassments. The D*" and Lady went twice by water 

 down the Rhosne from Lyons : the scenery on the banks is 

 grand and beautiful. I have just received a letter from the 

 Rev^ James Anderson, ll.d., f.k.s., f.a.s. of the academy of 

 Arts &c. of Dijon &c., he directs from Edinburg, and having 

 seen my book desires my assistance towards his Bee, a 

 weekly work which he proposes to send forth as soon as 

 he can settle a correspondence to his mind. His prospectus 

 to his work is curious, and promises information. Nephew 

 John White of Sarum has got him an house, and two pupils. 

 Nothing but want of health will hinder that young man 

 from being successful, and prosperous. His business en- 

 creases. Mrs. J. White joins in best respects to yourself 

 and Mrs. Barker. We expect brother Thomas next week. 



Your affectionate Uncle, 



Gil. White. 



Mrs. Chandler is a pleasant woman with a good person : 

 while I was writing she was brought to bed of a daughter. 



Respects at Lyndon. 



