Thomas Gray to John Chute, 14 August 1755

I write to the Vine imagining you may be still there to tell you, that I was to have gone to Strawberry on Monday last, but being ill was obliged to write the day before, & excuse myself. Mr W: could not receive my letter till Monday afternoon, & had therefore sent a Messenger from London early that morning to say, that he was very ill of a Fever & Rash, & unable to go himself to Twickenham. I know this is a dangerous season, & that malignant Fevers are now very common, & am therefore something alarmed at his situation. if you have heard anything, you will let me know; & particularly, if any thing should carry you soon to Town. I myself have been ill, eversince I came out of Hampshire. I have had advice, & have been bloodied, & taken draughts of salt of Wormwood, Lemons, Tincture of Guiacum, Magnesia, & the Devil. you will immediately conclude, they thought me rheumatic & feverish. no such thing! they thought me gouty, & that I had no fever. all I can say is, that my heats in the morning are abated, that my foot begins to ach again, & that my head achs, & feels light & giddy. so much for me. my Comp:ts to the Gentleman with the Moco -smelling-bottle, the Muntz's, the Betties, & the Babies.