BLACKHEATH,July 14,1763
MY DEAR FRIEND:Yesterday I received your letter from Ratisbon,where Iam glad that you are arrived safe.You are,I find,over head and ears engaged in ceremony and etiquette.You must not yield in anything essential,where your public character may suffer;but I advise you,at the same time,to distinguish carefully what may,and what may not affect it,and to despise some German 'minutiae';such as one step lower or higher upon the stairs,a bow more or less,and such sort of trifles.
By what I see in Cressener's letter to you,the cheapness of wine compensates the quantity,as the cheapness of servants compensates the number that you must make use of.
Write to your mother often,if it be but three words,to prove your existence;for,when she does not hear from you,she knows to a demonstration that you are dead,if not buried.
The inclosed is a letter of the utmost consequence,which I was desired to forward,with care and speed,to the most Serene LOUIS.
My head is not well to-day.So God bless you!