The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON, December 16.

Dr. Heberden and Mr. Hawkins were ordered to attend Mr. Wilkes, in order to observe the progress of his cure, and to report the same to the house.

Dec. 17. In consequence of the above order, Dr. Heberden directed the following letter to Dr. Brockleby, Mr. Wilkes's physician:-

Dear Sir, Cecil Street, Dec. 17.

An order of the House of Commons is come to Mr. Hawkins and me, to attend Mr. Wilkes from time to time, in order to observe the progress of the cure, and to make a report to the House together with you and Mr. Graves. You will oblige us by acquainting Mr. Wilkes with this; and if you will let us know at what time you intend to see Mr. Wilkes on Monday, we will be ready to meet you there. Mr. Hawkins desires that the appointment may be for some hour after twelve.

I am, Yours, Heberden.

Dec. 19. Dr. Brockleby enclosed the above letter, with the order of the House, and sent them to Mr. Wilkes in the following letter.

Dear Sir,

Late last night I received the enclosed letter from my most ingenious and worthy friend Dr. Heberden, and also the enclosed copy of an order of the House of Commons, to report upon your case on the 19th of January. I am therefore to entreat, you to fix the hour of your attendance at your house on Monday, and I will take care to appoint Dr. Heberden and Mr. Hawkins. Yours, R. Brockleby.

Dec. 19. Mr. Wilkes, after receiving the above packet, dispatched the following cards.

A card from Mr. Wilkes to Dr. Heberden.

Mr. Wilkes presents his compliments to Dr. Heberden, and duly sensible of the kind care and concern of the House of Commons, not only for his health, but for his speedy recovery. He is attended by Dr. Brockleby, of whose integrity and ability he has had the experience of many years, and on whose skill he has the most perfect reliance. Mr. Wilkes cannot but still be of opinion, that there is a peculiar propriety in the choice he at first made of Dr. Brockleby, for the cure of what they call a gun shot wound, from the circumstances of the Doctor's having been several years physician to the army; but at the same time entertains a real esteem for Dr. Heberden's great merit; though he cannot say that he wishes to see the doctor at present, he hopes that in a few weeks he shall be well enough to beg that honour to eat a bit of mutton in Great George Street.

A Card from Mr. Wilkes to Mr. Hawkins.

Mr. Wilkes presents his compliments to Mr. Hawkins. Some time ago, from motives of humanity, readily consented, at the request of Mr. Martin, to receive the visits of Dr. Heberden and Mr. Hawkins. He is now acquainted that the honour of Mr. Hawkins intends him a visit to day, is not at the desire of Mr. Martin; and therefore begs that it may be deferred till he is more capable of enjoying company. He has every reason to continue perfectly satisfied with the conduct of Mr. Graves, a military surgeon of eminence, who extracted the ball. He hopes in a few weeks, to be so well recovered, as to be able to receive Mr. Hawkins in Great George Street, and shall be impatient for an opportunity of shewing the just regard he will ever pay to so distinguished a character.

In justification, however, of the characters of Dr. Brockleby and Mr. Graves, Mr. Wilkes sent for Dr. Duncan, one of his majesty's surgeons, who attended him accordingly. The reason he humbly urges to the surgeons in ordinary, and Mr. Middleton, one of his majesty's sergeant surgeons, was, that as he found the house thought it proper that he should be watched, he himself thought two Scotchmen most proper for his spies.