My dear Sir, at the head of a letter to you, is too formal — I think it much better to say, then,
Dear Lamb—
Because, to be plain, I must call you so. "Friend Hone"2 in print is so kind, and then there's such courage, in public, to say you dare to encourage my friendship, in private, I cannot resist a glow of affection for such an assistance towards a poor mortal like me, who only is, and never can be more than a creeper where others are runners.
Now for my "say". — There being some sun, this — May morning, I purpose to shock Miss Lamb and you about 2 o'clock, with a call, & an appetite such as it is, and to eat out my thanks, and excite all your risibility, suavity, compassion & gravity — for melancholy, mirth, and I are one.