Dear Sir

Downing Dec^r 3^d 1797.

I remained at Bath above five weeks in daily [sic] of receiving news of y^rs & miss Bulls welfare & your explanation of y^r wants respecting the arctic Zoology which I should not have failed obeying to the best of my power. I fear you are not well when I consider your usual punctuality: I address myself to you in London imagining that you must have begun your town residence.

I returned home only last night thro perils of snow, very unusual at this early season. The Bath waters agreed with me; & I came back highly improved health: but not in spirits, having lost my daughter¹ by matrimony in a manner I far from approve. I never resist the wishes of a Lady in love affairs: we may as well endeavour to stop a swarm of Bees with a pitchfork. may they be happy.

M^rs Pennant unites with me in every good wish to miss Bull & yourself. & remain with true regard

Dear Sir
Y^r affect. friend

Tho. Pennant

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Editorial notes

1. Arabella married Edward Hanmer, a barrister-at-law, at Erbistock Parish Church on 20 November 1797. Evans, 'The life and work of Thomas Pennant', p. 72.