Chapter VII: Introduction: By the Earl of Sheffield (7)

You know that the country merely in itself has no charms for me, and I do not see _that as yet_ my presence can be of any use. I therefore propose staying here the remainder of the month; towards the middle of it I shall see my friend Holroyd, who is obliged upon some particular business to make the tour of Ireland, Scotland and Yorkshire,[141] but who will certainly be at Beriton, as the active little man writes me word, by the end of June. By that time I hope we may persuade Mr. Scott to make us a visit, which may in many respects be of use. In the mean time I am only concerned at the solitary life you lead there, and though nobody that I know possesses more resources against the complaint of Ennui, yet I could wish you had more living company than Sir John Dalrymple. Surely Mrs. or at least Miss Roberts could come over. In the mean time I have sent you Robertson's book,[142] in which I think you will find much entertainment and information.

Mrs. Eliott, with whom I dined yesterday, told me she had just wrote to you. I suppose she acquainted you with the doubtful tho' pleasing suspense they are in since Colonel Nugent's death.[143] We are _amazing_ friends, and I am actually employed in fishing out intelligence for them, by the means of my connections with Lord Berkeley.

I am, with best _Wishes_ to William,
Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

[141] Mr. Holroyd owned property in Ireland, and at Greave Hall,
near Ferrybridge, in Yorkshire.

[142] William Robertson (1721-1793) published in 1758 his
_History of Scotland during the Reigns of Queen Mary and James
VI._, and in 1769 his _History of the Reign of the Emperor
Charles the Fifth_.

[143] Lieutenant-Colonel Nugent, of the 1st Foot Guards, son to
Viscount Clare, and groom of the bedchamber to the king, died at
Bath, April 26, 1771. The Eliots were connected with Lord Clare
through the Craggs family.

[Sidenote: THE PRICE OF WHEAT.]

106.

_To his Stepmother._

May the 13th, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I believe I must write to that old fellow Mr. Bricknall who cannot measure the Estate, _pour trois raisons_; however in time he must finish it, and we are so far engaged with him, that there is no retreating. As to the Wheat, I think that there can be _no doubt_ about selling at the present advanced price, but in that and every thing else I beg you would use your own judgment, and that you would be convinced how much I think myself obliged to you for using it. With regard to the Servants I could not avoid giving Richard a Livery, and think that the other servants ought to have theirs, at least of the slightest kind.

I am, dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

107.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, June the 1st, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I have deferred writing to you for some posts, in expectation of hearing of Mrs. Eliott's visit, who I find from Mr. E---- was still with you on Tuesday. The hour of eleven (the common excuse) only allows me time to say that I am well, and propose being at Beriton in eight or ten days.

I hope the eternal Bricknall is not idle, and must intreat you to quicken him. If Mrs. E. is still with you, I beg you would present my love and compliments. I am this instant come from a very agreeable dinner in Spring Gardens.

I am, dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

108.

_To his Stepmother._

June 11th, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I know you will excuse short letters, and that you are persuaded that the _expression_ of my love and regard are very unnecessary. It was my intention to have been at Beriton next Sunday, but the Scotch affair of Mr. Lockwood & myself has just intervened. The final Deeds I have sent to King's Cliffe this post, nor can I leave town till Mrs. Eliott has returned them from Cornwall. I hope that before Sunday Sevennight, I may have the pleasure of assuring you how truly

I am, your
E. G.

109.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, Saturday Evening, June 22nd, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

Mrs. Hester Gibbon makes some very unmeaning difficulties about signing the Scotch Papers. I hope notwithstanding that Mr. Lockwood will be able to clear these up to her, and that it will be in my power, as it really is in my inclination, to dine at Beriton next Thursday. Unless you have any objection to it, I propose inviting Mr. Scott, as his company may be agreeable, and his advice of use to us.

I am, dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

Your Commissions shall be taken care of.

110.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, June 25th, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I only write two lines to desire that you would not be surprized if you do not see me Thursday. I have neglected so many little things that I fear they will require another day. Friday you may depend on seeing or hearing from me. I hope the former, as I am extremely desirous of being at Beriton.

Most truly yours,
E. G.

[Sidenote: MR. HOLROYD AT BERITON.]

111.

_To his Stepmother._

Sheffield Place, August the 2nd, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I got here Tuesday Evening, and find great satisfaction in a pleasant place, and a friend's Company. According to the present plan, we, family and all go to Brighthelmstone next Sunday. From thence Holroyd and myself shall set off and arrive at Beriton, Wednesday, or more probably Thursday. Should anything _on his side_ occasion any further delay, I will apprize you of it by Wednesday's post.

I hope Mr. Scott is arrived in good health and good spirits. Present him with my best Compliments and every proper Apology, for my running away at the very time when we expected his Company.

I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.

112.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

August 18th, 1771.

DEAR HOLROYD,

I am glad you are returned. I detest your races. I abhor your assizes. Supposing therefore that all will be ended, and you at Sheffield place again by Saturday the 27th instant, I propose being with you, the Wednesday or Thursday following, with a design of passing a few days in your chateau, and from thence, bringing you away in triumph to my cottage. Till when we bid you heartily farewell.

GIBBON.

[Sidenote: WARM DEFENCE OF HIS HONOUR.]

113.

_To his Stepmother._

1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I am much obliged to your friendship, for the advice you have given me with regard to my future conduct, and shall always pay the most sincere deference to it. Both prudence and inclination will engage me to get rid of the farm as soon as such a complicated piece of business can be transacted. With respect to my expences they shall always be proportioned to my income, and I am already preparing to discharge a cook, a groom, and other unnecessary Servants. There is one part of your letter which has given me, Dear Madam, very great uneasiness. You say that you have heard from undoubted authority that my own imprudences had so much embarrassed me, as to oblige me to make a concession which otherwise I might not have done. Were I conscious of these imprudencies, I should fairly acknowledge them, and endeavour by future behaviour to make some amends for past follies. But an innocent person has a right to speak a very different language. I know my own innocence, and without any vain protestations of it, I will at once come to such facts as must either establish it, or else expose me not only as a prodigal, but as a man devoid of honour and veracity. I therefore solemnly affirm the truth of the following facts.

1. When I returned from Switzerland about twelve years and a half ago, my father told me his affairs were a good deal embarrassed, and desired that I would joyn in cutting off the entail and in raising £10,000. I was then a raw lad of one and twenty, unacquainted with law or business, and desirous of obliging my father. He then gave me three hundred a year, a moderate allowance to which his eldest son would have had a natural claim, had no such transaction intervened.

2. Upon and within that allowance, I have constantly lived, except during two years and a half that I was abroad the second time. Whilst I was abroad I spent about seven hundred a year, a sum which, with the unavoidable expences of travelling, barely supports the appearance of an English gentleman.

3. I have never on any occasion received from my father any pecuniary inducements to consent to any step whatsoever, except once, four hundred pounds, near £100 of which were arrears of my allowances, and about the same sum I returned to my father when he wanted it very much.

4. I have never lost at play a hundred pounds at any one time; perhaps not in the course of my life. Play I neither love nor understand.

5. I have never taken up any money for myself, in any way whatever.

6. Neither at my father's death nor at any other period have I ever had any other debts than common tradesmen's bills, which are paid from one year to another, and even those to a very trifling amount.

I have tried to answer a general charge, as far as a general charge can be answered. But for our mutual satisfaction, let me intreat you, Dear Madam, to communicate that part of my letter to the persons from whom you received your intelligence. Desire that without sparing me they would contradict _by facts_ any of those which I have advanced, or that they would mention any which I have suppressed. If they are unable to do this, your candour must allow that they were either weakly deceived, or wicked Deceivers. As I neither know nor wish to know who they are, Charity induces me to believe the former rather than to suspect the latter.

I think, Dear Madam, you will excuse my warmth. I should deserve the imputation could I submit to it with patience. As long as you credit it, you must view me in the light of a specious Hypocrite, who meanly cloaked his own extravagancies under his father's imprudence, and who ascribed to filial piety what had been the consequence of folly and necessity. As long as you credit it, I must be deprived of the esteem of a person, whose good opinion and friendship it will ever be my wish and study to deserve.

114.

_To his Stepmother._

10 minutes after Eleven, Saturday Night, 1771.

DEAR MADAM,

I have only time to tell you (being this moment come home) that I have received Arnold's draught, that I go into Bucks, Tuesday, shall return here Thursday, for Holroyd is in a violent hurry, and hope to be at Beriton Sunday. Should there happen any alteration I will write. _Mes compliments à la vache Espagnole, et le White Calf._

I am,
Ever yours,
E. G.

115.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

October 6, 1771.

*DEAR HOLROYD,

I set down to answer your Epistle, after taking a very pleasant ride.--_A Ride! and upon what?_--Upon a horse.--"_You lye!_"--I don't. I have got a droll little Poney, and intend to renew the long-forgotten practice of Equitation, as it was known in the World before the 2nd of June of the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three. As I used to reason against riding, so I can now argue for it; and indeed the principal use I know in human reason is, when called upon, to furnish arguments for what we have an inclination to do.*

I am obliged to you, for looking me out this Lancashire Man, who may assuredly be of use, and no less so for your intercession with Gosling or Clive. If he and his Partner will condescend to receive my Tribute, I am in no violent hurry to dispose of the Place, which under Mrs. Gibbon's management is certainly no losing Game. She thanks you for your Papers, and has delivered the _Roster_ to Mr. Luff, who, though it is new, likes it hugely.

[Sidenote: FARMER GIBBON]

*What do you mean by presuming to affirm, that I am of no use here? Farmer Gibbon of no use! _Last week_ I sold all my Hops, and I believe well, at nine Guineas a hundred, to a very responsible Man. Some people think I might have got more at Weyhill Fair, but that would have been an additional expence, and a great uncertainty. Our quantity has disapointed us very much; but I think, that besides hops for the house, there will not be less than 500_l._;--no contemptible Sum of thirteen small Acres, and two of them planted last year only. _This week_ I let a little Farm in Petersfield by auction, and propose raising it from 25_l._ to 35_l._ pr. annum: and Farmer Gibbon of no use!

To be serious; I have but one reason for resisting your invitation and my own wishes; that is, Mrs. Gibbon I left nearly alone all last Winter, and shall do the same this. She submits very chearfully to that state of solitude; but, on sounding her, I am convinced that she would think it unkind were I to leave her at present. I know you so well, that I am sure you will acquiesce in this reason; and let me make my next Visit to Sheffield-Place from town, which I think may be a little before Christmas. I should like to hear something of the precise time, duration, and extent of your intended tour into Bucks. Adieu.*

116.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Beriton, October 25th, 1771.

DEAR HOLROYD,

To shew that I am not an ungratefull Wretch, I wrote immediately to Damer,[144] and to shew that I am a very careless one, I directed the letter to another person, whose Epistle went to Damer. Lord Milton's heir was ordered to send me without delay a brown Ratteen Frock, and the Taylor was desired to use his interest with his cousin the Duke of Dorset. The mistake has been rectified, but I have not yet had an answer. Is your Bucks Scheme settled, do you start and where do I meet you? I will attend you either in London, at Winslow, or at Denham,[145] where under your protection, I believe I might trespass for one night on Mr. Way. From thence, "Tencro duce et auspice Tencro," I will try to find out my little dairy. My Hops are well sold, with judgement, and that Judgement my own, for even Mrs. G. wanted me to keep them for Wayhill Fair, where they were a mere drug. The little farm, I told you of, I have raised from £25 to £38 pr. annum, but _Plâit au ciel_, that I had neither Farm, nor Tenants, they suit not my humour. _I have wrote on the wrong side of the paper._

Your four-footed friend is not thought to have attained years of strength and discretion, however if you are impatient he shall be forthcoming. A two-legged friend of yours I breakfasted with this morning at Up-park,--Lascelles; he seems civilized. We abused you, your place, Wife, children, &c. &c., pretty much. Adieu.

E. G.

Pray write to me as soon as I wish, but much sooner than I deserve.

[144] The Hon. John Damer, eldest son of Lord Milton, afterwards
created Earl of Dorchester. His mother was Lady Caroline
Sackville, daughter of the first Duke of Dorset, and sister of
the then existing Duke; married, in 1742, to Joseph Damer, Lord
Milton.

[145] Denham, Bucks, built in 1667 by Sir Roger Hill, came to
Lewis Way through his marriage with Abigail Locke, Sir Roger's
granddaughter. Lewis Way, who died January 24, 1771, left by his
first wife one son, Benjamin, who succeeded to Denham, and one
daughter, Abigail, wife of J. B. Holroyd. By his second wife he
left another son, Gregory Lewis Way, the translator of _Fabliaux;
or, Tales abridged from French Manuscripts of the Twelfth and
Thirteenth Centuries_ (edited by George Ellis, and published in
two volumes in 1796-1800), who is more than once mentioned in
these letters. Denham Place was the "pastoral retreat" of Sir
Humphrey Davy.

117.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Beriton, Nov. 18, 1771.

*MOST RESPECTABLE SOUTH SAXON,

It would ill become me to reproach a dilatory correspondent.

"Quis tulerit Gracchos de seditione querentes?" Especially when that Correspondent had given me hopes of undertaking a very troublesome Expedition for my sole advantage, and indeed great would be the advantage. Yet thus much I may say, that I am obliged very soon to go to town upon other business, which, in that hope, I have hitherto deferred. If by next Sunday I have no answer, or if I hear that your Journey to Denham is put off _sine die_, or to a long Day, I shall on Monday morning set off for London, and wait your future Will with _Faith, Hope, and Charity_. Adieu.

I have had no answer from J. D., but will see him if in Town.*

[Sidenote: A VISIT TO SHEFFIELD PLACE]

118.

_To his Stepmother._

Sheffield Place, January the 8th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I am safe housed at Sheffield Place where I arrived last Monday, and find it a very hospitable shelter against the snow which covers the Country. Here I shall stay till at least Sunday seven-night, and hope to receive the Map and Greyhound by the hands of Tregus. Aubrey has refused in a manner (though very polite) as shews plainly that the Puppy only sought to gratify his own Vanity. The Oracle is now writing a proper letter for the young Goose. Should anything immediately result from it, you may depend on the earliest intelligence.

I am, dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

119.

_To his Stepmother._

Sheffield Place, January 14th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

What a villain that B[ricknall] is. Pray leave neither him nor his assistant one moment's peace or quietness till we get the Plan. If you can get it, as I think you must within ten or twelve days. It will be best to send Tregus over with it, and Miss Holroyd, for so long will I wait here in the expectation of it. The Oracle is very impatient to see it. He proposes to be in town himself by the beginning of next month. We shall then give our attention to the transaction with the G[oslings], which will be neither so simple nor so easy as we once flattered ourselves. The magnanimous Spirit of my Governor keeps me however from desponding.

I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

120.

_To his Stepmother._

Sheffield Place, January 20th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I know not what to say or do about that Anabaptist as Holroyd calls him. You will, I am sure, persecute him with all the zeal of an Inquisitor, and if he should be in town after I get there (which will be next Sunday), pray send me his direction that I may flog him myself. Holroyd, who will be soon in town likewise, wants to see a State. of what I rent of others, and what is rented of me, with the term in each of them. If it would not give you too much trouble, you might (I should think) make it out, with Luff's assistance.

I have got Mr. Barton's account; the balance to Lady-Day amounts to £82 14_s._ 10_d._, which you will please to pay him if you have the money. I am sorry to hear from him, though not from yourself, that you are confined with a cold, I hope not a serious one. My cold is only in my hands, pen and Ink, which are all frozen. Do you hear anything of Petersfield House?

I am, Dear Madam,
Sincerely yours,
E. G.

121.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, February the 4th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

What a fool, what a great fool, what an egregious fool he is! I called upon him yesterday morning in Palace Yard, and as a particular favourite was admitted into a bed-chamber up two pair of stairs to breakfast with him and Madame. N.B. that Madame is incognito, sees no company, has no cloaths, but seems however better satisfied with the air of Westminster than with the solitude of Petersfield. The conversation turned partly on the Hampshire Election,[146] and I unwarily said things without any meaning, which made him stare, and for which, had I then received your letter, I deserved to have had my bones broken.

[Sidenote: REVOLUTION IN DENMARK.]

Very astonishing indeed these Denmark affairs.[147] We are just as much in the dark about them in London, as you can be at Beriton. It seems that the King, whether from nature or any _officious_ helps of medicine, is totally incapable of Government. The Physician and the Queen ruled him entirely, and had led him into measures which had disgusted the old Ministry, the Nobility and at last the Army. The Mal-contents linked themselves with the Queen Dowager and her son, and the weak Monarch is now in their hands. Mothers-in-law are very dreadful animals, and he stands a very poor chance indeed. His wife is sent to a castle, and it seems to be the General opinion, that if an Order of ---- Ladies were to be founded, she would be the Sovereign of it. Do you not think that our wise K---- might have suffered his Mama[148] to dye in peace without knowing it? They now reckon her life by hours.

I will immediately send you the new Play[149] which is not much liked. There is nothing else. The Spanish Romance[150] does not come out till next month. I am totally a stranger to Mrs. Williams and her misfortunes. You warded off the blow by talking of your journey to Bath; but I hope you will seriously and speedily think of it, as I am convinced that your health as well as spirits would find the greatest benefit from such an excursion.--Business is at a stand till Holroyd comes to town, which will be in a few days. I hope that soon after his arrival I shall be able to write something to the purpose.

I am, dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

[146] Lord Henley, M.P. for the county of Southampton, succeeded
his father as second and last Earl of Northington in January,
1772. At the election to fill this vacancy Sir Henry Paulet St.
John was elected.

[147] Caroline Matilda, posthumous child of Frederick, Prince
of Wales, was born in July, 1751. She married in October, 1766,
Christian VII., King of Denmark. Before her departure from
England, her portrait was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, who
complained that she was so constantly in tears that he could
do justice neither to her nor to himself. The marriage proved
unhappy. Her husband appears to have been a low brute, whose
excesses impaired whatever mind he originally possessed. The
queen, on her side, was guilty, at the least, of imprudences
which were used against her by her enemies. During his travels,
the king had made a favourite of a young physician named
Struensee, who practically became Prime Minister, and, with his
friend Brandt, governed Denmark. The Queen Dowager, Juliana
Maria, stepmother of the king, placed herself, with her son
Frederick, at the head of the malcontents. In January, 1772,
Struensee and Brandt were arrested, and, after a protracted
inquiry, executed in the following April. The queen was
imprisoned at the Castle of Cronenbourg. From this prison she was
released by the intervention of her brother, George III., and
passed the few remaining years of her life at Zell, in Hanover,
where her great-grandmother, Sophia Dorothea, had died in
captivity. There she died in 1775, at the age of twenty-four.

[148] The Princess Dowager (1719-1772), youngest daughter of
Frederick II., Duke of Saxe Gotha, widow of Frederick, Prince of
Wales, mother of George III. and the Queen Caroline of Denmark,
died at Carlton House on February 8, 1772.

[149] Either Joseph Cradock's adaptation of Voltaire's play _Les
Scythes_, acted at Covent Garden under the title of _Zobeïde_,
with a prologue by Goldsmith, or Cumberland's _Fashionable
Lover_, as acted at Drury Lane. Both plays were published early
in 1772.

[150] _The History of the Famous Preacher, Friar Gerund de
Campazas, otherwise Gerund Zotes._ London, 1772. 2 vols., 8vo.

122.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

London, 1772.

*DEAR HOLROYD,

The sudden Change from the sobriety of Sheffield-Place to the Irregularities of this Town, and to the Wicked Company of Wilbraham,[151] Clarke,[152] Damer, &c. having deranged me a good deal, I am forced to employ one of my secretaries to acquaint you of a Piece of News I know nothing about myself. It is certain, some extraordinary Intelligence is arrived this Morning from Denmark, & as certain that the Levee was suddenly prevented by it. The Particulars of that Intelligence are variously & obscurely told. It is said, that the king had rais'd a little Physician to the Rank of Minister & Ganymede: such a mad Administration had disgusted all the Nobility, that the Fleet and army had rose, and shut up the King in his Palace. _La Reine se trouve mêlée la dedans_, & it is reported that she is confined, but whether in Consequence of the Insurrection, or of some amorous amusements of her own, does not seem to be agreed. Such is the rough Draft of an Affair that nobody yet understands. _Embrassez de ma Part Madame, et le reste de la chère Famille._

GIBBON.
_et plus Bas_--WILBRAHAM, Sec.*

[151] George Wilbraham, of Delamere Lodge, Cheshire.

[152] Godfrey Bagnal Clarke, M.P. for Derbyshire, who had made
the tour of Italy at the same time as Gibbon.

123.

_To his Stepmother._

Saturday Evening, near eleven, '72.

DEAR MADAM,

I did not intend to have troubled you till Monday or Tuesday, but I have this moment found a note from Mrs. P. requesting some game, to answer a hare, on Wednesday. At this season I know of no game but a Turkey. Holroyd is in town, as active but not so effectual as I could wish. He is pleased with Bricknall's _four_ plans, but wishes that he would sketch out the outlines of them, on a single piece of paper, that their relative situation may be seen at one view. Adieu, Dear Madam, and believe me,

Ever yours,
E. G.

[Sidenote: THE ROYAL MARRIAGE ACT.]

124.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Boodle's, 10 o'clock, Monday night, Feb. 3rd, 1772.

*I love, honour, and respect every member of Sheffield-place; even my great enemy Datch,[153] to whom you will please to convey my sincere wishes, that no _simpleton_ may wait on him at dinner, that his wise Papa may not show him any pictures, and that his much wiser Mamma may chain him hand and foot, in direct contradiction to Magna Charta and the Bill of Rights.

[Sidenote: THE OPENING OF THE PANTHEON.]

It is difficult to write news--because there are none. Parliament is perfectly quiet; and I think that Barré,[154] who is just now playing at Whist in the Room, will not have exercise of the lungs, except, perhaps, on a Message much talked of, and soon expected, to recommend it to the wisdom of the H. of C. to provide a proper future remedy against the improper marriages of the younger branches of the royal family.[155] The noise of Lutteral[156] is subsided, but there was some foundation for it. The Colonel's expenses in his bold enterprise were yet unpaid by government. The Hero threatened, assumed the Patriot, received a sop, and again sunk into the Courtier. As to Denmark, it seems now that the king, who was totally unfit for government, has only passed from the hands of his Queen Wife to those of his Queen Mother-in-Law. The former is said to have indulged a very _vague_ taste in her Amours. She would not be admitted into the Pantheon,[157] from whence the _Gentlemen Proprietors_ exclude all beauty, unless unspotted and immaculate (tautology, by the by). The _Gentlemen Proprietors_, on the other hand, are friends and patrons of the Leopard Beauties. Advertising challenges have passed between the two Great Factions, and a bloody battle is expected Wednesday Night. _A propos_, the Pantheon, in point of Ennui and Magnificence, is the wonder of the XVIIIth Century and the British Empire. Adieu.*

[153] The name by which Mr. Holroyd's son called himself.

[154] Colonel Isaac Barré (1726-1802), succeeded Lord Fitzmaurice
as M.P. for Chipping Wycombe in 1761. He afterwards sat for
Calne. He had served under Wolfe at Quebec, and appears in
West's famous picture of the death of Wolfe. At the battle he
lost his left eye, and in his picture by Sir Joshua Reynolds the
right side of his face is turned towards the spectator. He was
a prominent opponent of Lord North, and held office under the
first Pitt, and subsequently in the Rockingham and Shelburne
administrations.

[155] The Duke of Cumberland married, in October, 1771, Mrs.
Horton, a daughter of Simon Luttrell, Lord Irnham (afterwards
Earl of Carhampton), "a young widow of twenty-four, with the
most amorous eyes in the world, and eyelashes a yard long." The
Duke of Gloucester, a few months later, avowed his clandestine
marriage with Maria, an illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward
Walpole, and widow of the second Earl of Waldegrave. The Royal
Marriage Bill was brought in, in consequence of these marriages,
on February 20, 1772, and became law in the following March.

[156] Colonel Luttrell (1743-1821), brother of the Duchess of
Cumberland, had been declared by the House to be elected for
Middlesex against Wilkes in April, 1769, although the latter
polled 1143 votes to Colonel Luttrell's 296. He was made
adjutant-general of the land forces in Ireland; but in 1772,
being discontented with the post, threatened to resign his
seat for Middlesex, and so renew the struggle with Wilkes. The
circumstances in which the appointment was made are noticed by
Junius (August 22, 1770).

[157] Walpole, writing in May, 1770, speaks of "a winter-Ranelagh
erecting in Oxford Road at the expense of sixty thousand
pounds." "Imagine Balbec in all its glory!" he writes, when
it was approaching completion in April, 1771. The Pantheon,
built by Wyatt, was opened on January 27, 1772, "to a crowded
company of between fifteen hundred and two thousand people. In
point of consequence, the company were an olio of all sorts;
peers, peeresses, honourables, and right honourables, jew
brokers, demireps, lottery insurers, and quack doctors" (_Annual
Register_). It was destroyed by fire on January 16, 1792.

Gentlemen and ladies could only subscribe to the Pantheon on
the recommendation of a peeress, in order to prevent, as the
proprietors announce in the _Gazetteer_ (December 17, 1771),
"such persons only from obtaining subscriptions whose appearance
might not only be improper but subversive of that elegance and
propriety which they wish on every occasion to preserve." On the
other hand, once admitted to be subscribers, they could introduce
friends of any or no character. The struggle between the two
factions was decided by the efforts of a number of gentlemen,
headed by Mr. William Hanger, who, with drawn swords, succeeded
in forcing an entrance for Mrs. Baddeley. Possibly Gibbon
meant, instead of repeating "Gentlemen Proprietors," to mark
the contrast by writing "Gentlemen Subscribers" in the second
sentence. The dispute is alluded to in a poem published in 1772,
called _The Pantheon Rupture; or, A Dispute between Elegance and
Reason_. In their dialogue Elegance says--

"I glory to keep on a _virtuous course_,
And hate the very name of a _divorce_;
Besides the _Managers_ admit none in,
That e'er were known to have committed sin;--
The needy dame, who makes of love a trade,
These _Realms of Virtue_ must not dare invade;
The company's selected from a class
Too chaste to suffer _demireps_ to pass.

REASON.

But, _Elegance_, before more time you waste,
Inform me, pray, are all those Ladies chaste?

ELEGANCE.

Chaste! surely yes.--The Managers admit
None but chaste Ladies, in their virtuous set;
Besides, if any one a slip hath made,
A _Title_ hides it with oblivion's shade."

125.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Boodle's, Saturday night, Feb. 8, 1772.

*Though it is very late and the bell tells me that I have
not above ten minutes left, I employ them with pleasure in
congratulating you on the late Victory of our Dear Mamma the
Church of England.[158] She had last Thursday 71 rebellious sons,
who pretended to set aside her will on account of insanity:
but 217 Worthy Champions, headed by Lord North, _Burke_, Hans
Stanley, Charles Fox, Godfrey Clarke, &c., though they allowed
the thirty-nine clauses of her Testament were absurd and
unreasonable, supported the validity of it with infinite humour.
By the by, C. F. prepared himself for that holy war, by passing
twenty-two hours in the pious exercise of Hazard; his devotions
cost him only about £500 per hour--in all £11,000. Gaby lost
£5000. This is from the best authority. I hear, too, but will not
warrant it, that Will Hanger,[159] by way of paying his court to
L. C., has lost this winter £12,000. How I long to be ruined!

There are two county contests, Sir Thomas Egerton and Colonel
Townley in Lancashire,[160] after the county had for some time
gone a-begging. In Salop, Sir Watkin, supported by Lord Gower,
happened by a punctilio to disoblige Lord Craven, who told us
last night, that he had not quite £9000 a-year in that county,
and who has set up Pigot against him. You may suppose we all wish
for Got Almighty,[161] against that Black Devil.

I am sorry your journey is deferred. No news from Fleet Street.
What shall I do? Compliments to Datch. As he is now in Durance,
great minds forgive their enemies, and I hope he may be released
by this time.----Coming, sir. Adieu.

You see the P[rincess] of W[ales] is gone. Hans Stanley says, it
is believed the Empress Queen[162] has taken the same journey.*

[158] Parliament met January 21, 1772. On February 6, Sir
W. Meredith presented a petition from the "Feathers Tavern
Association," signed by two hundred and fifty clergymen, lawyers,
and physicians, praying that their professions might be relieved
from the necessity of subscription to the XXXIX. Articles. The
House decided, by 217 to 71, not to receive the petition.

[159] Afterwards the third Lord Coleraine.

[160] Lord Archibald Hamilton, M.P. for Lancashire, accepted the
stewardship of the Manor of East Hendred, January, 1772. Sir T.
Egerton was elected in his place.

[161] An allusion to the Welsh opinion that Sir Watkin Williams
Wynn was as great a person. On the death of Sir John Astley, M.P.
for Shropshire, Sir Watkin was elected.

[162] Maria Theresa did not die till November, 1780.

[Sidenote: GOSSIP OF THE TOWN.]

126.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

London, Feb. 13, 1772.

Dear H.,

The principal object of my writing to-night is to acquaint you, that the old Anabaptist has escaped Damnation by sending in his papers, &c., on the 10th Instant, the destined day of judgement. *They arrived safe in town last night, and will be in your hands in their intact virgin State in a day or two. Consider them at leisure, if that word is known in the Rural life. Unite, divide, but above all _raise_. Bring them to London with you: I wait your orders; nor shall I, for fear of tumbling, take a single step till your arrival, which, on many accounts, I hope will not be long deferred.* No news from Fleet Street! What is their surveyor about?

*Clouds still hover over the Horizon of Denmark. The public circumstances of the Revolution are related, and, I understand, very exactly, in the foreign Papers. The secret springs of it still remain unknown. The town, indeed, seems at present quite tired of the subject. The Princess's death,[163] her Character, and what she left, engross the Conversation. She died without a will; and as her savings were generally disposed of in Charity, the small remains of her personal fortune will make a trifling object when divided among her Children. Her favourite, the P[rincess] of B[runswick][164] very properly insisted on the K.'s immediately sealing up all the papers, to secure her from the Idle reports which would be so readily swallowed by the great English Monster. The business of L. and Lady Grosvenor[165] is finally compromised, by the arbitration of the Chancellor[166] and Lord Cambden. He gives her £1200 a year separate maintenance, and £1500 to set out with; but, as her Ladyship is now a new face, her Husband, who has already bestowed on the public seventy young Beauties, has conceived a violent but hopeless passion for his chaste Moiety.* Her brother Vernon told me, that he has now in his hands a counter-affidavit of Countess Denhoff, in which she declares that she received a sum of money to swear the former, the contents of which are totally false. Such infamous conduct may blast her, but can never acquit the other; any more than another allegation of her friends, which must be only whispered to Mrs. H[orton], viz. that though the D[uke] of C[umberland] possessed the inclination, he wanted the power to injure _any_ husband. Poor Mrs. H.! Yet why do I say poor?--*Lord Chesterfield is dying.[167] County Oppositions subside.* Adieu. _Je me recommande._ Entirely yours.

[163] _i.e._ The Princess of Wales.

[164] Her eldest child, Augusta (1737-1813), married, in 1764,
the Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.

[165] Henrietta Vernon, married to Lord Grosvenor in July, 1764,
was seduced by the Duke of Cumberland. Lord Grosvenor brought an
action against the duke for criminal conversation, July 5, 1770,
and recovered damages in the sum of £10,000. Lady Grosvenor, who
was separated, not divorced, married, in 1802, General Porter,
M.P. for Stockbridge.

[166] Lord Apsley.

[167] Lord Chesterfield died March 24, 1773.

127.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, Feb. 17th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I would tell you that I have been somewhat out of order; a foulness or fullness, call it as you please, in my stomach which occasioned an ache as well there as in my head, and indeed a general languor all over me. Turton, whom I called to my assistance, despising the solemn nonsense of the faculty, has given me Pills with some James's Powder in them, & I think the enemy has, or at least is sounding a retreat; he has been marching off all this morning in very _loose_ order.

Bricknall is gone down to Holroyd in the same condition as I received him. I expect that great man in town in a few days, and hope that his active Genius will hasten and facilitate everything. You are so good as to say, dear Madam, that you had no objection to your Annuity being transferred from Bucks to Hants.

I propose sending you the draught of a Deed to that effect, which you will please to return with any observations that may occur to you. When do you go to Bath?

Ever yours,
E. G.

128.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Feb. 21, 1772.

DEAR H.,

An exact man should acknowledge the receipt of Letters, Papers, &c. How do I know for instance whether my Hampshire Acres, the long expected fruits of my Anabaptist's Labours, may not be sunk, irrecoverably sunk in the Sussex Dirt? *However, notwithstanding my indignation, I will employ five minutes in telling you two or three recent pieces of News.

1. Charles Fox is commenced Patriot, and is already attempting to pronounce the words _Country_, _Liberty_, _Corruption_, &c.; with what success, time will discover. Yesterday he resigned the Admiralty.[168] The most probable account seems to be, that he could not prevail on Ministry to join with him in his intended repeal of the Marriage Act (a favourite measure of his father, who opposed it from its origin,) and that Charles very judiciously thought Lord Holland's friendship imported him more than Lord North's.

2. Yesterday the Marriage Message came to both Houses of Parliament. You will see the words of it in the Papers; and, thanks to the submissive piety of this Session, it is hoped that the Princes of the next Generation will not find it so easy as their Uncles have done to expose themselves and to burthen the Public.

[Sidenote: DR. NOWELL'S SERMON.]

3. To-day the House of C. was employed in a very odd way. Tommy Townshend[169] moved, that the Sermon of Dr. Knowell, who preached before the House on the 30th of January (_id est_, before the Speaker and four Members,) should be burnt by the Common Hangman, as containing arbitrary, Tory, High-flown doctrines. The House was nearly agreeing to the Motion, till they recollected that they had already thanked the Preacher for his excellent discourse, and ordered it to be printed. Knowell's Bookseller is much obliged to the Right Honourable Tommy Townshend.

When do you come to Town? I want Money, and am tired of sticking to the Earth by so many Roots.* No news from Fleet Street. _Embrassez de ma part la Sainte famille._ Adieu.

Ever yours,
E. G.

[168] Fox only retired from the Government on the Royal Marriage
question. In January, 1773, he resumed office as one of the Lords
of the Treasury.

[169] Afterwards Lord Sydney. Dr. Nowell's sermon, which, it was
alleged, inculcated passive obedience, was preached January 30,
1772, at St. Margaret's, Westminster. The vote of thanks was
voted January 31, and the sermon printed by desire of the House.
On February 21 it was moved that, for the future, the thanks
of the House should not be voted till the sermon was printed
and delivered. The motion here attributed to Townshend was an
expression of his opinion, given in the course of the debate.
Lord North evaded the motion by moving the order of the day. On
February 25 a motion was proposed and carried to expunge the
entry of the vote of thanks.

129.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, February the 22nd, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I write by return of the Post, as you desire it, but have not anything to say. Mr. Bayley, whom by this time you have probably seen, saw me the day before yesterday, well, _perfectly well_, and sucked me quite dry as to news.

I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

130.

_To his Stepmother._

March 5th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I know you are so good as to be satisfied with my short notes, which, from hurry and laziness, I defer to the moment the post is going out. I am perfectly well and have entirely thrown off all remains of my late disorder. Holroyd will be in town in a very few days, and I hope will furnish me with materials for a more ample Letter. I now write from Atwood's, a new Club into which I have been chose, and am now thouroughly established. It is unnecessary to add how much I am,

Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

131.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, March 21st, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I admit the justice of your kind reproaches, and without attempting any idle excuses, I will endeavour to prove my repentance by my amendment. We are now (Holroyd and myself) very busy, but with much less success than I could wish. Though it has been mathematically demonstrated to the Goose, that at twenty-two, he would make near 3 pr. cent. of his money, the Goose, for such he most truly is, after a long shuffling dilatory suspense, without being able to find out his own foolish mind, has this morning told me that he must at least for the present decline it. We immediately proceed to an Advertisement, and the Oracle has made the value of the thing so clear even to me that I am almost as sanguine as himself. We are soon to have a Conference about Beriton. He thinks the map you have sent will be of use, and prevent his losing his Way, when he goes down with me about Easter, as he will certainly do. As from Bricknall's slowness it was impossible to let the Farms at Lady Day, they can only be let at Michaelmas: and we, however reluctantly, go through another and last Harvest. I am doubly anxious that it should be the last, not only to have my own affairs in a smaller compass and clearer order, but likewise to release you, dear Madam, from a melancholy situation, which your affection for me has persuaded you to undertake.

[Sidenote: SIR RICHARD WORSLEY.]

*Sir Richard Worsley[170] is just come home. I am sorry to see many alterations, and little improvement. From an honest wild English buck, he is grown a _philosopher_. Lord Petersfield displeases every body by the affectation of consequence: the young baronet disgusts no less by the affectation of wisdom. He speaks in short sentences, quotes Montaigne, seldom smiles, never laughs, drinks only water, professes to command his passions, and intends to marry in five months. The two lords, his uncle as well as Jemmy, attempt to show him that such behaviour, even were it reasonable, does not suit this country. He remains incorrigible, and is every day losing ground in the good opinion of the public, which at his first arrival ran strongly in his favour. Deyverdun is probably on his journey towards England, but is not yet come.*

The attention of the Public is much engaged about the Marriage Bill. The Princes of the Blood will lose their natural rights, and a most odious law will be forced upon Parliament. I do not remember ever to have seen so general a concurrence of all ranks, parties, and professions of men. Administration themselves are the reluctant executioners, but the King will be obeyed, and the bill is universally considered as his, reduced into legal or rather illegal form by Ld. Mansfield and the Chancellor. By the bye, the Duke of Manchester told me the other day that since the bill Lady Waldegrave has authorized all her friends to declare that she _is_ married. The Duke and Duchess of C[umberland] are in town, but live in princely solitude. He drives her about the streets in a Phaeton, and they have sometimes concerts to which none but the Luttrel family are admitted.

I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

[170] Sir R. Worsley succeeded to the baronetcy on the death, in
1768, of Sir Thomas Worsley. He was M.P. for Newport, Isle of
Wight, 1774-84, and for Newtown, Isle of Wight, 1790-1802. He
was sworn a privy councillor, and made Governor of the Island in
January, 1780. He was also Comptroller of the Royal Household. He
published his _History of the Isle of Wight_ in 1781. In 1782,
on the accession to office of the Rockingham administration, he
was deprived of the Governorship of the Island in favour of the
Duke of Bolton. As Diplomatic Resident at Venice, he made the
collections and sketches which are reproduced in the _Museum
Worsleyanum_ (2 vols., 1794-1803). He died in 1805. His only son
predeceased him. His estates passed, through his only sister,
Henrietta Frances (married to John Bridgman-Simpson, Esq.), to
her only child, Henrietta, who married the Earl of Yarborough.

132.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, April 8th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

According to the indulgent conditions you have been so good as to allow me, I only write to say that I am perfectly well, and that I hope to be at Beriton towards the end of next week. The day is still in suspense from some arrangements which do not entirely depend on myself, and which have occasioned my missing a post or two. I believe that I shall be able to fix it by Saturday or Tuesday at furthest.

I am, dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

133.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, April 15th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

It was not in my power to write last Saturday night, as my friend Clarke, on whom my motions partly depended, had not yet settled his plan of operations. I can now say that I hope to dine with you on Thursday. The aforesaid Clarke (who I think will please you) will make us a visit next week: I shall return with him to Aldershot near Farnham, and from thence to town. So near a prospect of seeing you naturally stops my pen. The bill I received, and suppose it useless to send down a draught, as I shall follow the post in a very few hours.

I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.

[Sidenote: A TENANT FOR BERITON.]

134.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._[171]

Beriton, April 21st, 1772.

DEAR H.,

*I am just arrived, as well as yourself, at my Dii Penates, but with very different intention. You will ever remain a Bigot to those Rustic Deities; I propose to abjure them soon, and to reconcile myself to the Catholic Church of London.* The inhabitants of this evil Country are frightened and have frightened me about advertising for proposals. _It has never been done, ergo it will never do, &c._ There is a Man near Chichester who has made offers, will only take the whole, buy all the stock. It is even _said_, that he does not seem astonished at 18 or even 20 Shillings for the Low Hill Ground, and every one is convinced that his purse is adequate to his proposals. Suppose I was to write him a polite Epistle--his character--first offer--willing to listen to his proposals, for taking Miss Nancy Beriton into private keeping, before I throw her upon the town. Decide.

Mrs. G. is well, and salutes you; but is not a little mortified at not seeing you. She is doubtfull of herself and of Luff, and wished you to examine into the _Present_ State of Europe. I foresee I must look you over some day or other. In the mean time, I embrace Madame (_autant qu'il m'est permis_) Datch, the Capering Lady, and the rest of your family, Bipede and Quadrupede. I expect Clarke to-morrow, and shall be in town the middle of next week.

I am, yours sincerely,
E. G.

[171] This letter affords a curious, though extreme, instance of
Lord Sheffield's editorial methods. The letter numbered XXXII. in
Lord Sheffield's edition of "Letters to and from Edward Gibbon,
Esq." (1814), is dated October 13, 1772. It begins with the first
four lines of this letter, which was written on April 21, 1772.
The next nine lines are taken from the commencement of the letter
written on October 3, 1772. The five following lines consist of
the letter written on November 3, 1772. The next four lines are
taken from the letter dated October 30, 1772. The two following
lines are from the letter written on October 15, 1772. Thus what
purports to be a real letter in itself, proves to be a patchwork
composed from five letters extending over a period of six months.

135.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, April 29th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

To-day one o'clock, I arrived in Town from Aldershot, perfectly well; and now as ever,

Most sincerely yours,
E. G.

136.

_To his Stepmother._

Pall Mall, May the 5th, 1772.

DEAR MADAM,

I excuse the cheat and consent to the money being employed as you mention. I hope I shall not be obliged to take my revenge before I go into the Country. When I have said that, after three very pleasant days at Aldershot, I am returned with caution to my usual way of life in town, I have no private news to add, except that the Masquerade was dull and magnificent. I had the sole care of Mrs. I. above two hours; a Parisian husband! As to public news I believe you may depend on the L. of D[enmark]'s divorce, that Fregates[172] are going for her, and that she will reside at Zell. My compliments to Mr. Bayly. Clarke returns him a thousand thanks and wishes to feast his ears in St. James's Street. Sir--The bell is going by--I have just done. Why do I always write at eleven o'clock at night?

I am, dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.

I have wrote to Chatfield.

[172] May 27, 1772.--"This afternoon three ships belonging to
his Britannic Majesty cast anchor in the road of Elsineur. They
are to convoy her Danish Majesty to Stade in her way to Zell"
(_Annual Register_).

[Sidenote: TROUBLES OF A LANDOWNER.]

137.

_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._

Pall Mall, May 26, 1772.

DEAR H.,