[Page 1]

I am quite ashamed in looking
at the date of your letter, which is now
before me; I have however this apology
to make, that having been so long absent
in London, I have had a great deal of
lee-way to make up in my business here,
& have also been twice from home, since
I returned to the North; notwithstanding
of which, I think myself much to blame
in not having wrote sooner, in answer to
your long and friend by ↑letter↑ of advice, for which
I acknowledge myself equally obliged, as
indebted to you -- I have read it

---

[Page 2]

over and over several times with the greatest
attention, & I flatter myself I understand
it so well, that, by the assistance of
your instructions, and by following the
rules you have pointed out with so much
perspecuity, I shall be enabled to apply
the proper remedy, whenever any of the
gouty symptoms you have described shall
appear: at the same time, if any thing
more violent occurrs, you may be
assured. I shall in that case also, follow
your advice, & have recourse to some
Physician of character --

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you
at Edinburgh I have kept my health perfectly

---

[Page 3 ]

well, without having had one complaint,
or one gouty Symptom, so that I have
not had an opportunity of trying any
of your prescriptions -- Before I conclude
I wish to ask you, if bathing in the Sea,
the river, or in the cold bath, be adviseable:
Formerly, I was very fond of bathing, and
swimming, & it used to agree very well
with me, but of late years I have bathed
but seldom, and never since I had the gout,
except in a tepid bath to wash myself, as
I was not sure whether it might be proper
to go into cold water -- The Dutchess
who arrived here in good health about a week
ago desires her Complaints I have the honor to
be with the greatest esteem & regard

---

[Page 4]
✍

Duke of Gordon
July 1785
answered