BLACKHEATH,August 1,1758

MY DEAR FRIEND:I think the Court of Cassel is more likely to make you a second visit at Hamburg,than you are to return theirs at Cassel;and therefore,till that matter is clearer,I shall not mention it to Lord Holderness.

By the King of Prussia's disappointment in Moravia,by the approach of the Russians,and the intended march of Monsieur de Soubize to Hanover,the waters seem to me to be as much troubled as ever.'Je vois tres noir actuellement';I see swarms of Austrians,French,Imperialists,Swedes,and Russians,in all near four hundred thousand men,surrounding the King of Prussia and Prince Ferdinand,who have about a third of that number.

Hitherto they have only buzzed,but now I fear they will sting.

The immediate danger of this country is being drowned;for it has not ceased raining these three months,and withal is extremely cold.This neither agrees with me in itself,nor in its consequences;for it hinders me from taking my necessary exercise,and makes me very unwell.As my head is always the part offending,and is so at present,I will not do,like many writers,write without a head;so adieu.