William Smith to Willam Short, 22 September 1786

M^r. Ledyard gave a safe conveyance to yours of the 5^th. of August since his arrival, he say's fortune has been in one of her usual frolicks with him he embarked & sailed for the port, which he has so long sigh'd after, and which hope had so often promised, but before he got out of the river the vessel was seized by the South Sea company, and he was obliged to look out, for another chance, he favoured me several times with his Company— he appeared to me, as uneasy, at being confined in Europe, as Stern's Starling was in his cage— he would often close his chapter of Lamententation with— but dam it, I can't get out— if I could but once get to Sea, I should do well enough— I hope it will prove so to him— for he is gone, and I do not expect to hear from him again— in many months— I could not help laughing at your allusion to the travelling Jew and his Companion, of ancient day's— does Franks write to any body that you know of?— hush— not another word about Espagnol or Pettit— my mind is at ease about you, go on and be happy— I have not a line from David— & have only time to say I am 

Your friend