Dear Sir
This serves merely to know whether you are yet in life. The fell monster has made of late such havok among my friends, that I cannot but be anxious for the survivers. Have you & yours re-migrated to Stratford [sic] street & I hope well & in good spirits to renew our pursuits. my M.S.S. encrease daily by the assiduity I have transfused into my secretary: & moses & the print shops make them most magnificent. Moses will not forget you when the arctic Zoology is completed. lay on me yr commands & write soon. a servant who is sent to bring down my Daughter to make us a short visit brings this.
Adieu
Yrs most truely
Downing Decr 5th 1790.
Be so [sic] as to send me a copy of yr old print of an old Balloon the history date &c1