Edward Bridgen to John Adams, November 15, 1782

London Nov r 15 1782

The last post I had the honour to forward to your Excellency a letter from our very distressed Friend who desires I would inform you that he hopes to be able to attend his Duty soon and to set out for that purpose next week. 1

His health was somewhat better for Bath but the loss of his son has been a most severe stroke indeed and I fear much that his proposed Journey to Paris will not assist in his recovery: as to his spirits they are, this day, more Calm and I am in hopes that his entering on buisness again, may help to divert his thoughts, but if much hurry he must enter upon, on his arrival, I am certain it will greatly hurt him. This Sir I take the liberty to hint, not from M r L, I assure you, but from my observations while in the Tower & since his Liberation, which you Sir and the rest of the Gentlemen employ’d I fear that ye will be witnesses to.

I flatter my self that your Excellency will pardon this freedom in behalf of my Worthy distressed friend and do me the honour to present me Affectionately to the Good D r F: and respectfully to M r Jay & believe me to be Sir with great regard & esteem / Y r: Excellency’s / most Obed t: Hum: Serv t:

Edw d: Bridgen

Since writing the above I am just informed that M r L: has receiv’d a Large packett but I know nothing more—than that it contained little more than the American news papers with the particulrs of the unfortunate event.