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1796 or 97 [added in pencil]

Dear and Kind Friend

Thomas informs us that you intend to be in town on Wednesday an event which always gives us pleasure, but we cannot be equally satisfied that you mean to reside at M:^r Dalziel's for 'tho we can easily understand that your esteem for this worthy Man may reconcile you to becoming his intimate for a short time, yet we cannot help thinking that any other house, ought to be preferred to his at the present moment, there you will be in a scence of such recent Melancholy as must certainly depress your Spirits, and may ultimately hurt your health; we have a Chamber and Bed at Your Service, You may have a fire in Your room with Tom's attendance and whatever else the small Circle of Comforts can afford in our house, this is Nancy's suggestion and I am sure her offer is made with the most hearty good will, our good friend Romney desired me in the most cordial manner to make a similar offer and we all

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desire that you will accept one of them and not go to M^r: Dalziel's

I have the honor to remain
Dear Friend
Your much obliged

and affectionate servant
J Flaxman

Titania's Love to her favorite Bard begging he will accept the enclosed offer—the drawing Room shall be added to the sleeping Room mention'd Above

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[vertical] William Hayley Esq:^re