I am very sorry to inform you that now I am fairly cast away—the damnation Bench of Justices fell out among them-selves, upset and fairly frustrated the friendly intentions of Sir page 136 Fletcher Norton,^* &c.—wrote a rascally letter, hoping that I would not find any inconvenience from it, and put off the ad-journment to Monday sen night. Now, you know, this is quite beyond our reach—it seems the whole legends of the Bench do not furnish such another incident—indeed there's a fatality attends my every undertaking—those people whom I most honour and esteem, that favour me with the name of friend, to them I become a trouble and burthen; however, though we cannot help mis-fortunes, we can help deserving them, and I am determined that want of gratitude and attention shall never be an accusation against me; therefore I'm resolved to decamp without beat of drum, and if I can, outsail the Israelites, get to sea, and make every return in my power. I think I had better write to Lord Sandwich^† to thank him, as I cannot now wait upon him, for my visitations must be very private, and ask him if he has any orders for me; do tell me what I must do on that head, and if you would have me wait upon you ere I depart, &c., &c., and believe me, in prosperity or adversity,