Chapter I: Part 1

PRIVATE LETTERS

OF

EDWARD GIBBON.

PRIVATE LETTERS

OF

EDWARD GIBBON

(1753-1794).

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY

THE EARL OF SHEFFIELD.

EDITED BY

ROWLAND E. PROTHERO,

BARRISTER-AT-LAW, SOME-TIME FELLOW OF ALL SOULS' COLLEGE, OXFORD.

VOL. II.

LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
1896.

LONDON:
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED.
STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

GIBBON'S CORRESPONDENCE.

1753-1794.

418.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, July 3rd, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

Though your kind impatience might make the time appear tedious, there has been no other delay in my business, than the necessary forms of Election. My new constituents of Lymington obligingly chose me in my absence. I took my seat last Wednesday, and am now so old a member that I begin to complain of the heat and length of the Session. So much for Parliament. With regard to the board of trade, I am ignorant of your friend's meaning, and possibly she may be so herself. There has not been (to my knowledge) the most distant idea of my leaving it, and indeed there are few places within the compass of any rational ambition that I should like so well.

In a few days, as soon as we are relieved from public business, I shall go down to my Country house for the summer. Do not stare. I say my Country house. Notwithstanding Caplin's very diligent enquiries, I have not been able to please myself with anything in the neighbourhood of London, and have therefore hired for three months a small pleasant house at Brighthelmstone. I flatter myself that in that admirable sea-air, with the vicinity of Sheffield place, and a proper mixture of light study in the morning and good company in the evening, the summer may roll away not disagreably.--As I know your tender apprehensions, I promise you not to bathe in the sea without due preparation and advice.

Mrs. Porten has chosen, not for health but pleasure, a different sea-shore: she has been some weeks at Margate, and will scarcely return to town before my departure. I sincerely sympathize in all the melancholy scenes which have afflicted your sensibility, and am more particularly concerned about poor Miss Gould, to whom I wish to express the thoughts and hopes of friendship on this melancholy occasion. Lady Miller's[1] sudden death has excited some attention even in this busy World, her foibles are mentioned with general regard. Adieu, Dear Madam, and do not let Mrs. Ravaud tempt you into Elysium: we are tolerably well here.

I am
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.

[1] Anna, Lady Miller (1741-1781), author of _Letters from Italy,
by an Englishwoman_ (1776), a verse-writer and a well-known
character at Bath, held a literary salon at her villa at
Batheaston. She held, writes Walpole, January 15, 1775, "a
Parnassus-fair every Thursday, gives out rhymes and themes, and
all the flux of quality at Bath contend for the prizes." An
antique vase, purchased in Italy, was placed on a modern altar
decorated with laurel, and each guest was invited to place in
the urn an original composition in verse. The author of the one
declared to be the best was crowned by Lady Miller with a wreath
of myrtle. Selections from these compositions were published at
intervals. "Nothing here," said Miss Burney in 1780, "is more
tonish than to visit Lady Miller." Lady Miller died suddenly at
Bristol Hot Wells on June 24, 1781. Her husband, Sir John Riggs
Miller, died in 1798.

419.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, July 9th, 1781.

Dear Madam,

Nothing but my absence (on a visit to Mr. Jenkinson[2] in Surrey) should have prevented me from writing by the _first_ post to remove those fears which could be suggested only by too exquisite a sensibility. I am well and happy; the modest expression of _tolerably_ was intended to express a very high degree of content, and I most sincerely assure you that my journey to Brighthelmstone is in search not of health but of amusement and society.

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

[2] Probably C. Jenkinson, M.P. for Saltash and Secretary at War;
afterwards Earl of Liverpool.

420.

_To his Stepmother._

Brighthelmstone, July 26th, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

[Sidenote: HIS HOUSE AT BRIGHTON.]

After a short visit to Sheffield I came to this place last Sunday evening, and think it will answer my expectations. My house, which is not much bigger than yours, has a full prospect of the sea and enjoys a temperate climate in the most sultry days. The air gives health, spirits and a ravenous appetite. I walk sufficiently morning and evening, lounge in the middle of the day on the Steyne, booksellers' shops, &c., and by the help of a pair of horses can make more distant excursions. The society is good and easy, and though I have a large provision of books for my amusement, I shall not undertake any deep studies or laborious compositions this summer. You will rejoyce, I am sure, in hearing so favourable an account of my situation, and I wish I could propose to you to share it with me.

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

421.

_To his Stepmother._

Brighthelmstone, August 24th, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

Of all mortals I have the least right to complain of a friend's silence, but yours has been so _long_ and so _unnatural_ that I am seriously alarmed. If you can assure me by a line that it does not proceed from want of health or spirits, I shall be perfectly at ease. Notwithstanding our princely visitors (the Cumberlands) who are troublesome, I like the air and society so well that I shall certainly stay here at least till the end of September. Adieu.

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

422.

_To Lord Sheffield._

Brooke's, Thursday Evening, 1781.

What I _hear_ would fill volumes, what I _know_ does not amount to half a line.--All is expectation: but I fear that our enemies are more active than our friend. _He_[3] is still at Bushy; a meeting is held next Saturday morn at eleven o'clock, but I think you need not hurry yourself. According to Louisa's phrase, I will be your grandfather. The black Patriot[4] is now walking and declaiming in this room with a train at his heels. Adieu. No news.

E. G.

If there is another meeting Sunday evening you shall find a note. I have not seen Lord Loughborough, but understand he has preached war and any coalition against the Minister.

[3] Lord North resided at Bushy, Lady North having been appointed
in July, 1771, Keeper and Ranger of Bushy Park.

[4] Probably C. J. Fox.

423.

_To Lord Sheffield._

1781.

Mrs. Williams, No. 8, Downing Street, will embrace Lord S., Mr. Purden and Co. for two Guineas and a half per week. The stables and _Coach houses_ will be empty, and Mr. Collier will provide the needful refreshments.--Sir R[ichard] W[orsley] has opened the trenches in Doctors Commons, and cryed down his wife's credit with tradesmen, &c. I supped last night at Lord L[oughborough]'s with Mrs. Abingdon,[5]--a judge and an actress; what would Sir Roger Hill[6] say? Dinner will be on table at five o'clock next Monday in Bentinck Street.

Saturday night. Brookes's absolutely alone. The town even yet very empty.

[5] Fanny Barton, Mrs. Abington, first appeared on the stage at
the Haymarket in 1755. Her great success was, however, gained at
Drury Lane, after her return from Dublin, from 1764 onwards. She
was the first Lady Teazle, and acted Ophelia to Garrick's Hamlet.
She died in 1815.

[6] Sir Roger Hill was a Baron of the Court of Exchequer at the
time of the Commonwealth, and therefore, it is suggested, would
have shrunk from contact with a player. He was an ancestor of
Lady Sheffield.

424.

_To Lord Sheffield._

Friday, two o'clock, 7th Sept., 1781.

[Sidenote: FRENCH AND SPANISH FLEETS IN THE CHANNEL.]

Lord Hillsborough[7] tells me that himself and Co. believe that the combined fleets are gone into Brest. Expresses that left Bristol yesterday, and Plymouth, Wednesday, cannot give the least account of them, and a Portuguese ship from Lisbon the 23rd last month, beat several days between Scilly and the Land's end without seeing or hearing of them. However, at all events more than twenty-five swift sailing vessels had been sent out to meet and warn the West India fleets. Adieu.

We shall meet at Brighton on Monday.

E. G.

[7] Wills Hill, second Viscount Hillsborough, in 1789 created
first Marquis of Downshire (1718-1793). In November, 1779, he
succeeded Lord Weymouth as Secretary of State for the northern
department, and held that office till the resignation of the
Government in March, 1782. Walpole, writing on September 11, says
the combined French and Spanish fleets were at the entrance of
the Channel, "where they certainly will not venture to stay long."

425.

_To Lady Sheffield._

Bentinck Street, Friday evening, ten o'clock, 1781.

*Oh, ho! I have given you the slip; saved thirty miles, by proceeding directly this day from Eartham to town, and am now _comfortably_ seated in my library, in _my own_ easy chair, and before _my own_ fire; a style which you understand, though it is unintelligible to your Lord. The town is empty; but I am surrounded with a thousand old acquaintance of all ages and characters, who are ready to answer a thousand questions which I am impatient to ask. I shall not easily be tired of their Company; yet I still remember, and will honourably execute, my promise of visiting you at Brighton about the middle of next month. I have seen nobody, nor learned anything, in four hours of a town life; but I can inform you, that Lady * * * [erased] is now the declared mistress of Prince Henry of Prussia, whom she encountered at Spa; and that the Emperor has invited this amiable Couple to pass the winter at Vienna; fine encouragement for married women who behave themselves properly! I spent a very pleasant day in the little paradise of Eartham, and the hermit expressed a desire (no vulgar compliment) to see and to know Lord S. Adieu. I cordially embrace, &c.*

426.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, October 6th, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

I have meditated a letter many posts, and the bell of Saturday evening now admonishes or rather reproaches. Allow me only to say that I am perfectly well, and expect very soon some more lines. The season no longer invites me to Brighthelmston, but the Sheffields, &c., insist on my passing another fortnight there, which will carry me (as I shall not go till Sunday seven-night) to the end of the month.

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

427.

_To Lord Sheffield_.

Bentinck Street, Oct. 21st, 1781.

The last ten years by your advice I ensured my farm buildings at Buriton and no accident happened. This year after your example I have ceased my insurance, and--read Hugonin's two letters, which I have just received and answered. I thank him for undertaking the necessary work, press for Harris's immediate resignation, and propose to weigh during the Winter the choice of tenants and the scale of repairs. The present rent is only £50.--If any ideas occur to you, communicate your instructions, and _he_ will receave them with deference, but the subject makes _me heavy_. The time is ill chosen. If you go to Coventry you must pass through town--when? But I have _almost_ done with Hampton Court. I may see Lord Beauchamp, but do not understand that I have anything to say to him from you. His brother may be a tolerable accession to the Party,[8] and let me tell you it is no contemptible one. I mean the party of the H. of C. If we ever meet at S. P. you will introduce me to the Lady of whom I hear a very amiable character. Adieu. I arrived this morn from Eden's. Lord Loughborough does not arrive this week. From Cambridge I understand that you have suffered by the fatigues of the Camp.

Inform me of your health.

E. G.

[8] The Hon. William Conway, afterwards Lord Sheffield's
colleague in the representation of Coventry.

428.

_To his Stepmother._

Brighthelmstone, Nov. 2nd, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

If I had not been fortified by the friendly assurances which you sent me, I should indeed have been alarmed by the melancholy account that I heard of your health as soon as I arrived in Sussex. Since that time (an interval somewhat too long) I have been gradually better satisfied with the frequent and favourable dispatches from Bath, and I have now the satisfaction to find (however I might suspect your own friendly dissimulation) that even in Mr. H.'s apprehensive fancy you have in a great measure recovered that situation which I wish you long to preserve.

[Sidenote: BRIGHTON IN NOVEMBER.]

*I returned to this place with Lord and Lady Sheffield, with the design of passing two or three weeks in a situation which had so highly delighted me. But how vain are all sublunary hopes! I had forgot that there is some difference between the sunshine of August and the cold fogs (though we have uncommon good weather) of November. Instead of my beautiful sea-shore, I am confined to a dark lodging in the middle of the town; for the place is still full, and our time is now spent in the dull imitation of a London life. To compleat my misfortunes, Lord S. was hastily ordered to Canterbury, to suppress smuggling, and I was left almost alone with My Lady, in the servile state of a married man. But he returns to-day, and I hope to be seated in my own library by the middle of next week. However, you will not be sorry to hear that I have refreshed myself by a very _idle_ summer, and indeed a much idler and more pleasant winter than the house of Commons will ever allow me to enjoy again.*

I hear of no public changes of administration, but you are perhaps already informed that a grand officer of my household (Mrs. Ford) at length retires on a pension, her wages for her life, with which she seems well contented, though I am ignorant of her plans. Mrs. Porten opened the business to her, but I have not yet sustained the last tender interview which I really dislike very much. Caplin assumes with pleasure the office of prime minister, and we hope that some lessons at White's will turn the housemaid (Edward's sister) into a good Cook for private ordinary days.

*I had almost forgot Mr. Hayley; ungratefully enough, since I really past a very simple, but entertaining day with him. His place, though small, is elegant as his mind, which I value much more highly.* And Adam might be happy if Eve had never been admitted into the paradise of Eartham. She is resolved (the air of Eartham after fifteen years' residence is found to be too cold) to eat another Bath apple, which as you properly apprehend will not be very wholesome either for her fame or his fortune. *Mrs. H. wrote a melancholy story of an American mother, a friend of her friend, who in a short time had lost three sons: one killed by the savages, one run mad from the fright at that accident, and the third taken at sea, now in England a prisoner in Forton hospital. For _him_ something might perhaps be done. Your humanity will prompt you to obtain from Mrs. H. a more accurate account of names, dates, and circumstances; but you will prudently suppress my request, lest I should raise hopes which it may not be in my power to gratify. Lady S. begs to send her kindest Compliments to you.* The persons of Bath by whom and to whom I wish to be remembered are Mrs. Ravaud and the Goulds. What is become of poor Sir John Miller? I foresee very little prospect of visiting Bath at Christmas, but I depend, perhaps with too much confidence, on next Easter.

I am, dear Madam,
Ever yours.

429.

_To Lord Sheffield._

Bentinck Street, ¼ before five, 1781.

[Sidenote: HIS ADVICE IN A QUARREL.]

I have seen the General. You are both wrong; he first in lending your papers without _special_ leave, and then in the real or apparent slight of your messages; you in the serious anger which you expressed on so trifling a business. Unless you wish that this slight scratch should inflame into an incurable sore, embrace the lucky opportunity of his illness and confinement, which will excuse your dignity and should assuage your resentment. Call on him this evening, give and receive, between jest and earnest, a volley of _damns_, and then let the whole affair be no more remembered than it deserves. _Dixi et liberavi animam meam._

430.

_To Lord Sheffield._

Bentinck Street, November 20th, 1781.

I came yesterday from Jenkinson's (near Croydon), where I had spent two very agreeable days. We all tremble on the edge of a precipice, and whatever may be the event, the American war seems now to be reduced to very narrow compass both of time and place.

This morning Caplin was sent to reconnoitre: he reports that the _stables_ are empty, but as the _coach-house_ is full, the close alliance between carriage and horses will render the former circumstance of little avail. Nothing can be had in Parliament Street or the large streets adjoining except one whole house at four Guineas per week. In Fludyer and Downing-streets several indifferent and gloomy lodgings are at your service, but as I should prefer a Pall Mall, &c. situation, Caplin has paused till you send him more peremptory commands.--Your Monday dinner will be ready at five, and Adam, perhaps Batt, will be of the party.

Your Greeks were not carried from Brighton through carelessness, but as you are _seriously_ absurd about lending books, I have directed Caplin to send them to S. P. per coach. By way of revenge I may inform you that I have now purchased a copy of Stephen's Greek Poets compared to which yours is very little more than waste paper. Adieu.

I embrace my Lady. I do not approve of her being called _Cat_.

E. G.

431.

_To his Stepmother._

H. of Commons, December 6th, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

I wish most sincerely that it were in my power to give you or myself any comfort on the present state of public affairs, which is indeed deplorable and I fear _hopeless_. But at last I can send you a favourable account of myself: the late, hot, melancholy hours of the house of Commons,[9] which seem to oppress every body round me, have no effect on my health or spirits, and I feel myself heartily tired (_ennuyé_) without being in the least fatigued. Of Mrs. P. I shall say nothing, as by this time you will have seen her brother and his wife, who set out this morning for Bath. A month without business will be a new and wholesome scene for Sir Stanier. I hear nothing, and want to hear something of Mrs. Hayley. You have heard of Lady Worsley; your old acquaintance Sir Richard labours with copious materials for a divorce.

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

Thanks for the Carpet.

[9] Parliament met November 27, 1781, and sat till December 20.

432.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, December 26th, 1781.

DEAR MADAM,

Will you excuse my only transmitting the _needful_, with the necessary assurance that I am well and happy, and the unnecessary addition, that I wish you long to remain so? I envy Sir Stanier and Lady Porten the pleasure which I shall not enjoy till Easter: pray give my love to them. I pity poor Delacour and his friends, above all his Christian wife or daughter. Give my compliments to Mrs. Hayley, and tell her that both song and music have been much applauded. Will she accept this notice as a letter? Adieu, Dear Madam. Believe me,

Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.

433.

_To Lady Sheffield._

Bentinck Street, Dec. 29, 1781.

[Sidenote: NOISE AND NONSENSE OF PARLIAMENT.]

As Sheffelina has modernized herself by securing an unknown Cicisbeo, I have a great mind to propose a partie quarrée which might be easily furnished from Ickworth. If that project is rejected and I must make a solitary visit, I shall still obey the gracious mandate, but instead of the third day of the year (may it be more auspicious) 1782, I must delay my attendance till about the 8th or even the tenth, which will still allow me eight or ten days of fresh air and friendly converse, before I again descend into the noise and nonsense of the Pandemonium. At present we are as quiet in London as you can be in Sussex. Mrs. Stuart's shocking adventure is the only event that enlivens conversation; the family whisper insanity (a terrible resource), and strive without success to persuade that the whole scene passed only in her imagination--yet she certainly passed the whole night abroad. I did suppose that the Baron would be tired of his home in a week, but as this visit to the Regiment will abridge the remaining interval he may possibly support it. I hear nothing more of the house in D. S., but still believe that the minister will retire before your superior majesty;[10] the last time I saw him he expressed great apprehension of your displeasure. I too am in pursuit of a house, in Harley Street, somewhat further in the country than my own: it has but one fault, a steep narrow staircase, but where must we seek (except at ----) either a house or a wife without _one_ fault? I embrace the Angels, Princesses, &c. I believe the elder had rather be a Princess than an Angel. Adieu.

LE GRAND GIBBON.

[10] Lord North, while his own house was under repair, occupied
Lord Sheffield's house in Downing Street.

434.

_To his Stepmother._

Jan. 23rd, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

I am not sorry that the indiscretion of certain female correspondents should give the opportunity of sending you a very fair but not flattering picture of myself.--It is very true that I have had a fit of the Gout; but if the name of agreable can ever be applied to the ugly monster, my Gout has deserved it on this occasion. It lasted on the whole no more than ten days, attacked only one foot, was attended with scarcely any fever, loss of appetite, or lowness of spirits, and has left me in perfect health both of mind and body.--Our busy scene commences to-morrow;[11] and I am now entering into the hurry of the winter: but I will write again soon.

I am
Most truly yours,
E. G.

[11] Parliament met January 21, 1782.

435.

_To his Stepmother._

March 2nd, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

I am much afraid that I have lost all credit by repeated promises and repeated neglects, yet I still persuade myself that you are glad to hear, though in two lines, of my health and good spirits, and that you will postpone more ample conversations to the Easter Holydays, when I can talk more in an hour than I could write in a month. Perhaps I should even have delayed this scrap of an Epistle, were I not apprehensive that the parliamentary events of this week would have given you some uneasiness both on a private and public account. Though I am not in the secret, especially of the adverse party, yet I know more than it is proper to trust to paper.[12]

The situation of the administration, though dangerous, is not _absolutely_ desperate, and with some concessions I still think that Lord N. may survive the impending storm of the next fortnight. At all events, if we fall (for, inconsiderable as I am, I am sure of being one of the first victims) I shall meet my fate with resolution.--I remember you asked me an age ago about a report of my having got a house in Harley Street and a wreck of wine on the Coast of Sussex: the former was a fruitless negociation, the latter related to my aunt's manor of Newhaven, but the wine is contested by the King's officers, and the litigation, if pursued, may cost her more than the object is worth. Adieu. My Dear Madam, on every account I am impatient for the Easter holydays.

I am
Ever yours,
E. G.

[12] Lord North resigned on March 20, and the new ministry, with
the Marquis of Rockingham as first Lord of the Treasury, was
finally settled on Sunday, March 24.

The new Cabinet consisted of the following ministers:--

Marquis of Rockingham First Lord of the Treasury.
Lord Thurlow, to continue Lord Chancellor.
Earl of Shelburne } Principal Secretaries of State.
Charles James Fox }
Lord J. Cavendish Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Admiral Lord Keppel First Lord of the Admiralty.
Duke of Grafton Lord Privy Seal.
Lord Camden President of the Council.
Duke of Richmond Master-General of the Ordnance.
General Conway Commander-in-Chief.
John Dunning (Lord Ashburton) Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

436.

_To his Stepmother._

March 20th, 1782.

MY DEAR MADAM,

[Sidenote: FALL OF LORD NORTH'S MINISTRY.]

All is now over, and Lord North is no more. This day when the
armies in the H. of C. were ready to engage, he gave solemn
notice that the whole administration was dissolved, and the
House has adjourned till Monday next to allow time for the new
arrangements. Complaints are vain and useless for the past, and
futurity is dark and dismal. It is my intention, unless I should
be detained either by _serious_ business, or by some threatening
symptoms of the Gout, to visit Bath about Sunday sennight, when
we may discuss freely and fully the strange events of the times.
Till then Adieu. Remember me to Mrs. Hayley. The Eliots whom I
see _sometimes_ are well, and as you may suppose triumphant.

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

437.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, March 28th, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

In our common disappointment you will be pleased to hear that
the Gout has totally left me, and that it is only the extreme
shortness of our adjournment and the busy uncertainty of the
times that have prevented my Easter visit to Bath. I am satisfied
that Bath is very pleasant in the months of May and June, and
you may be assured that I will come down, as soon as our fate is
determined and the busyness of parliament has begun to subside.
Pray give my compliments to Mrs. Hayley. I fear she will be gone
before my arrival.

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

438.

_To his Stepmother._

May 4th, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

[Sidenote: HIS LOSS OF OFFICE.]

The thunder-bolt has fallen, and I have received one of the
circular letters from Lord Shelburne to inform me that the board
of trade will be suppressed and that his Majesty has no further
occasion for my services. I have been prepared for this event
and can support it with firmness. I enjoy health, friends,
reputation, and a perpetual fund of domestic amusement: I am
not without resources, and my best resource, which shall never
desert me, is in the chearfullness and tranquillity of a mind
which in any place and in any situation can always secure its
own independent happyness. The business of the House of Commons
still continues, and indeed encreases, and though I am heartily
tired of the scene, some serious reasons prevent me from retiring
at the present season. Yet I still cast a longing eye towards
Bath, and though I find it difficult, or rather impossible, to
fix the moment of my summer visit, I can most sincerely promise
that it will be the first use which I shall make of my freedom.
As I have only _one_ object, it will be perfectly indifferent
to me whether the place be full or empty, dully or lively. Mrs.
Holroyd, I suppose, has found, and Mrs. Hayley has left, you. Are
you acquainted with Lady Eliza Foster,[13] a bewitching animal?
You have heard of my Gouts, they are vanished, and I feel myself
five and twenty years old. Can you say as much? I hope you can.
Adieu. Recommend me to the Goulds.

I am
Most truly yours,
E. G.

Next Wednesday I conclude my forty-fifth year, and in spite of
the changes of Kings and Ministers, I am very glad that I was
born.

[13] Lady Elizabeth Hervey, daughter of Frederick, Earl of
Bristol, and Bishop of Derry, married, in 1776, John Thomas
Foster. Her father, says Walpole to Mann in December, 1783,
though a rich man, allowed her to be governess to a natural
daughter of the Duke of Devonshire. Lady Elizabeth Foster, writes
Miss Burney (_Diary and Letters of Madame d'Arblay_, vol. v. p.
225), "has the character of being so alluring, that Mrs. Holroyd
told me it was the opinion of Mr. Gibbon no man could withstand
her, and that, if she chose to beckon the Lord Chancellor from
his woolsack, in full sight of the world, he could not resist
obedience." Lady Elizabeth, who, in October, 1809, married as her
second husband William, fifth Duke of Devonshire, died March 30,
1824.

439.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, May 29th, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

From the very strong expressions of _anxious expectation_and frequent disappointments, I must think that I am much more guilty than I conceived myself to be on account of my silence. Your apparent indulgence had taught me to believe that you were accustomed to my faults, that you kindly forgave them, and that without the aid of the pen or the post your own heart would inform you of the sentiments of mine. Since my last letter nothing has happened, indeed nothing can happen to affect my situation: in the midst of a plague (such is the present influenza) my health and spirits are perfectly good, and in that tranquil state Saturdays and _Mondays_ pass away without waking me from my gentle slumber. Even my curiosity is not excited, as I have frequent opportunities of hearing circumstantial and impartial accounts of the only object that interests me at Bath.

You ask with some anxiety when you may hope to see me. I know not what to say. Though I always foresee and recollect with heartfelt satisfaction the time which I spend at the Belvidere, yet the convenient season of my visit seems to retire before me. Public events have immoderately protracted the present session of Parliament; it will certainly continue the whole of June and a considerable part of July, and as it was my intention to attend it to the last, I began to think that you would excuse me if I delayed my journey (which would suit me far better) till the beginning of Autumn. But if you have any particular reasons that make you wish to see me sooner, say it in ten lines, and I will set off in ten days. I rejoyce in every subject of your joy both private and public, and I am better pleased to hear that you are free from pain than that Rodney has destroyed a French fleet.[14] Alas! had he done it two months sooner our poor administration would have stood. Every person of every party is provoked with our new Governors for taking the truncheon from the hand of a victorious Admiral, in whose place they have sent a Commander without experience or abilities.[15] To-morrow they will be exposed to a small fire in the H. of C. on that popular topic. Adieu, Dear Madam, in this sickly season all my acquaintance (masters, mistresses and servants) are laid up except _young_ Mrs. Porten and myself.

I am
Most truly yours,
E. G.

[14] On April 12, 1782, Admiral Sir George Rodney "broke the
line," and defeated the French under the Comte de Grasse in the
West Indies, the French Admiral and his flagship the _Ville de
Paris_, the largest ship afloat and the present of the city of
Paris to Louis XVI., being taken. "The late Ministry are thus
robbed of a victory that ought to have been theirs; but the mob
do not look into the almanac" (Walpole to Sir H. Mann, May 18,
1782).

[15] Rodney was superseded by Admiral Pigot, who was one of the
Lords of the Admiralty in the new administration.

440.

_To his Stepmother._

July 3rd, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

[Sidenote: DEATH OF LORD ROCKINGHAM.]

*I hope you have not had a moment's uneasiness about the delay of my Midsummer letter. Whatever may happen, you may rest fully secure, that the materials of it shall always be _found_. But on this occasion I have missed four or five posts; postponing, as usual, from morning to the evening bell, which now rings, till it has occurred to me, that it might not be amiss to inclose the two essential lines, if I only added that the Influenza has been known to me only by the report of others. Lord Rockingham[16] is at last dead; a good man, though a feeble minister: his successor is not yet named, and divisions in the Cabinet are suspected. If Lord Shelburne should be the Man, as I think he will, the friends of his predecessor will quarrel with him before Christmas. At all events, I foresee much tumult and strong opposition, from which I should be very glad to extricate myself, by quitting the H. of C. with honour and without loss. Whatever you may hear, I believe there is not the least intention of dissolving Parliament, which would indeed be a rash and dangerous measure.

I hope you like Mr. Hayley's poem;[17] he rises with his subject, and since Pope's death, I am satisfied that England has not seen so happy a mixture of strong sense and flowing numbers. Are you not delighted with his address to his mother? I understand that She was, in plain prose, every thing that he speaks her in verse. This summer I shall stay in town, and work at my trade, till I make some Holydays for my Bath excursion. Lady S. is at Brighton, and he lives under tents, like the wild Arabs; so that my Country house is shut up. Kitty Porten is gone on a fortnight's frolick to lodge at Windsor.

I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours.

[16] The Marquis of Rockingham died July 2, 1782, aged fifty-two.

[17] The poem to which Gibbon alludes is the _Essay on Epic
Poetry in five Epistles to the Rev. Mr. Mason_ (London, 1782).
Hayley's mother was Mary Yates (1718-1775), who married Thomas
Hayley in 1740, and died in 1775. The lines to which Gibbon
alludes occur in the fourth epistle (ll. 439 to end).

"Nature, who deck'd thy form with Beauty's flowers,
Exhausted on thy soul her finer powers;
Taught it with all her energy to feel
Love's melting softness, Friendship's fervid zeal,
The generous purpose, and the active thought,
With Charity's diffusive spirit fraught;
There all the best of mental gifts she plac'd,
Vigor of judgment, purity of Taste,
Superior parts, without their spleenful leaven,
Kindness to Earth, and confidence in Heaven."

441.

_To Lord Sheffield, at Coxheath Camp._

Saturday night, Bentinck Street, 1782.

*I sympathise with your fatigues; yet Alexander, Hannibal, &c.
have suffered hardships almost equal to yours. At such a moment
it is disagreeable (besides laziness) to write, because every
hour teems with a new lye. As yet, however, only Charles[18] has
formally resigned; but Lord John, Burke, Keppel, Lord Althorpe,
&c. certainly follow; your Commander-in-chief stays, and they are
furious against the Duke of Richmond.*[19] Why will he not go
out with Fox? said somebody; because, replies a friend, he does
not like to _go out_ with any man. *In short, three months of
prosperity has dissolved a Phalanx, which had stood ten years'
adversity. Next Tuesday, Fox will give his reasons, and possibly
be encountered by Pitt, the new Secretary, or Chancellor, at
three and twenty. The day will be rare and curious, and, if
I were a light Dragoon, I would take a gallop on purpose to
Westminster. Adieu. I hear the bell. How could I write before I
knew where you dwelt?*

E. G.

[18] On the death of Lord Rockingham, Fox endeavoured to force on
the King, as the new Premier, the Duke of Portland, "a dull man,
but a convenient block to hang Whigs on." Failing in his attempt,
he resigned.

[19] Lord John Cavendish and Lord Althorpe, two of the Lords of
the Treasury, Burke, Paymaster-General, Lord Duncannon and the
Hon. John Townshend, Lords of the Admiralty, retired with Fox.
Lord Keppel and General Conway continued in office; also the Duke
of Richmond, Fox's uncle.

442.

_To Lord Sheffield._

July 10th, 1782.

[Sidenote: LORD SHELBURNE'S MINISTRY.]

_Authentic List._[20]

Treasury {Lord S[helburne].
{W. Pitt, Chancellor [of the Exchequer].
{James Grenville.
{Richard Jackson.
{Ed. Eliot, Junior, of Port Eliot.
Admiralty {Aubrey Duncannon } Lord Keppel has
{ vice }
{Pratt Jack Townshend} not yet resign'd
Secretaries of {Lord Grantham.
State {T. Townshend.
---- of War. Sir George Young.
Treasurer of Navy. Barré remain.
Paymaster. Perhaps Advocate.
Ireland. Lord Temple.

Yesterday _was_ a rare day.

Vera Cop,
E. G.

[20] Parliament was prorogued on July 11 till December 5, 1782.
Gibbon's list of the new Ministry is accurate, except that the
Lord Advocate, the Hon. Henry Dundas (afterwards Lord Melville),
became Treasurer of the Navy, _vice_ Colonel Isaac Barré,
who became Paymaster of the Forces. "Places are cheaper than
mackerel," writes Lord Loughborough to his cousin William Eden,
July 4, 1782 (_Lord Auckland's Journal and Correspondence_, vol.
i. p. 2).

443.

_To Lord Sheffield._

July 23rd, 1782.

The papers say you are at Coxheath. Write. Bad news from India; I am afraid that we have lost a ship and that Hyder has won a battle.[21] None, therefore good, from Lord Howe since every day fortifies him.[22] Within this last fortnight prodigious exertions by the Admiralty, till then they were fast asleep. The Advocate arrived last night, but has not _yet_ accepted. To-morrow I visit Eden at his farm near Bromley. If you and my Lady could give me a meeting in a _house_, I would run down even for three or four days: but I do not admire canvass. Adieu.

E. G.

Aunt Hester seems to want some intelligence.

[21] Gibbon probably refers to the defeat of Colonel Brathwaite
in the Tanjore district (February, 1782), by Tippoo, Hyder's son,
and M. Lally.

[22] The combined French and Spanish fleets were collected in the
Channel, intending to prevent the relief of Gibraltar and effect
a junction with the Dutch. Lord Howe had already driven the Dutch
into the Texel, and he now sailed to protect the Jamaica convoy,
and watch the enemy, single ships being sent to reinforce him
as they could be made ready. On September 11, Lord Howe sailed
with a powerful fleet for the relief of Gibraltar, and landed his
troops and stores October 13-18.

444.

_To his Stepmother._

August 10th, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

A person whom you would scarcely suspect, General Conway as commander in Chief, is the real author of my silence, which as usual has insensibly lasted far beyond my first intentions. Lord Sheffield is a slave, his master's resolutions are obscure and fluctuating, and I have waited from post to post till he could mark some week for our meeting in Sussex, which might leave the rest of my time at liberty for my Bath expedition. Though I can obtain no satisfaction from him, I must not suffer another _Monday_ to slide away without saying that I am alive, well, and unless the Arab should seize (_he_ has no choice) that particular moment, in full expectation of gratifying my wishes by a visit to Bath about the 20th of next month. I flatter myself that I shall find you not affected by the long winter which we still feel, though a friend of mine, an Astronomer, assured me that yesterday was the last of the dog days.

It is impossible to know what to say of our public affairs, and the most knowing are only such by the knowledge of their ignorance. The next session of Parliament will be the warmest and most irregular battle that has ever been fought in that place, and each man (except some leaders) is at the moment uncertain of the party which inclination, opinion, or connection will prompt him to embrace. You see that Mr. Eliot, or at least his family, are become courtiers; his son (a very unmeaning youth) is a Lord of the Treasury, an office which was formerly the reward of twenty years' able and faithful service. The Minister has not lost, for he never possessed, the public confidence, and Lord N[orth], if he chuses to act, has the balance of the country in his hands. A propos of the Eliots they are still in town. We meet seldom, but with the utmost propriety and equal regard.

[Sidenote: IMMERSED IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE.]

My private life is a gentle and not unpleasing continuation of my old labours, and I am again involved, as I shall be for some years, in the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Some fame, some profit, and the assurance of daily amusement encourage me to persist. I am glad you are pleased with Mr. Hayley's poem; perhaps he might have been less diffuse, but his sense is fine and his verse is harmonious.--Mrs. Porten is just returned from a six weeks' excursion in lodgings at Windsor, which she enjoyed (the Terrace, the Air, and the Royal family) with all the spirit of youth. Her elder brother is quiet in his new employment and apartments in Kensington palace. I envy him the latter, and had there been no Revolution I might have obtained a similar advantage. At present I am on the ground, but the weather may change, and compared with recent darkness, the clouds are beginning to break away.

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

445.

_To his Stepmother._

Bentinck Street, Sept. 14, 1782.

DEAR MADAM,

As you suffered by the long winter, I may reasonably, as I warmly, hope that your health and spirits have been permanently restored by the milder Spring or Autumn which this month has introduced:--For many reasons you will be surprised, though I think pleased, to hear that I have fixed myself for this season in a country villa of Hampton court. My friend Mr. Hamilton (I must distinguish him by the impertinent epithet of 'single speech') has very obligingly lent me a ready furnished house close to the Palace, and opening by a private door into the Royal garden, which is maintained for my use but not at my expence. The air and exercise, good roads and neighbourhood, the opportunity of being in London at any time in two hours, and the temperate mixture of society and study, adapt this new scene very much to my wishes, and must entirely remove your kind apprehensions of my injuring my health (which I have never done) by excessive labour. I find or make many acquaintance, and among others I have visited your old friend Mrs. Manhood (Ashby) at Isleworth in her pleasant summer-house on the Thames. She overwhelms me with civility, but you need not indulge either hopes or fears: as I hear she is going to accept Sir William Draper[23] for her third husband.

You will naturally suppose, and will not I think be displeased that I should enjoy this new and unexpected situation as long as the fine weather continues, and our past hardships encourage us to depend on the favour, at least the first favours of the month of October. Beyond that period the prospect in every sense of the word is cloudy, and my future motions will be partly regulated by parliament, and the intanglement of some private pursuits with public affairs. I still flatter myself with the hope of securing two or three weeks for Bath; but if I should _again_ delay that visit till Christmas, I shall prove my perfect confidence in your indulgent friendship, and in your firm belief of my tender attachment, which can alone justify such freedom of conduct. Of the Sheffields I know little, seldom hear from, and am totally ignorant when I shall see them. The Eliots are gone into Cornwall. They _say_ that the son is going to marry Lady Sarah Pitt,[24] sister to his intimate friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

From the little I have read I agree with you about Gilbert Stuart's[25] book, but I cannot forgive your indifference and almost aversion to one of the most amiable men, and masterly compositions in the world.

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

I lay in town last night, and am just setting out for Hampton Court.

N.B.--I never travel after dark, but our dangers are almost over.

[23] General Sir William Draper is best known from the attack
upon him by Junius, his share in the defence of Fort St. Philip
in Minorca (1781-2), and his subsequent charges against the
Governor. He was twice married, but, after the death of his
second wife in 1778, remained a widower. He died at Bath in 1787.

[24] Edward James Eliot married, in September, 1785, Lady Harriet
Pitt, second daughter of the first Earl of Chatham. She died
September 25, 1786, leaving a daughter, born September 20, 1786.
Edward Eliot died in 1797, predeceasing his father.

[25] Gilbert Stuart (1742-1786) published in 1780 his _History
of the Establishment of Religion in Scotland_, 1517-1561; and in
1782 the _History of Scotland from the Reformation till the Death
of Queen Mary_. His best-known work was his _View of Society in
Europe_ (1778). The story of his attack on Robert Henry, and his
attempt to ruin him, are related in Disraeli's _Calamities of
Authors_. If Gibbon alludes to Stuart, Mrs. Gibbon seems to have
been justified in her prejudice.

446.

_To Lord Sheffield._

September 29th, 1782.

[Sidenote: HIS HAMPTON COURT VILLA.]

I should like sometimes to hear whether you survive the scenes of action and danger in which a Dragoon is continually involved. What a difference between the life of a Dragoon and that of a Philosopher! and I will freely own that I (the Philosopher) am much better satisfied with my own independent and tranquil situation, in which I have always something to do, without ever being obliged to do any thing. The Hampton Court Villa has answered my expectation, and proved no small addition to my comforts; so that I am resolved next summer to hire, borrow, or steal, either the same, or something of the same kind. Every morning I walk a mile or more before breakfast, read and write _quantum sufficit_, mount my chaise and visit in the neighbourhood, accept some invitations, and escape others, use the Lucans as my daily bread, dine pleasantly at home or sociably abroad, reserve for study an hour or two in the evening, lye in town regularly once a week, &c. &c. &c. I have anounced to Mrs. G. my new Arrangements; the certainty that October will be fine, and my encreasing doubts whether I shall be able to reach Bath before Christmas. Do you intend (but how can you _intend_ any thing?) to pass the winter under Canvas? Perhaps under the veil of Hampton Court I may lurk ten days or a fortnight at Sheffield, if the enraged Lady or cat does not shut the doors against me.

The Warden[26] passed through in his way to Dover. He is not so fat, and more chearful than ever. I had not any private conversation with him; but he clearly holds the balance; unless he falls asleep and lets it fall from his hand. The Pandæmonium (as I understand) does not meet till the 26th of November. I feel with you that a nich is grown of higher value, but think _that_ only an additional argument for disposing of it. And so by this time Lord L.[27] is actually turned off. Do you know his partner (Miss Courtenay, the Lord's sister), about thirty, only £4000, not handsome, but very pleasant. I am at a loss where to address my condoleance, I would say congratulation. Town is more a desert than I ever knew it. I arrived yesterday, dined at Sir Joshua's with a tolerable party; the chaise is now at the door; I dine at Richmond, lye at Hampton, &c. Adieu.

E. G.

[26] Lord North was Warden of the Cinque Ports.

[27] Lord Loughborough married as his second wife, on September
12, 1782, the Hon. Charlotte Courtenay, daughter of the first
Viscount Courtenay.

447.

_To his Stepmother._

Hampton Court, October 1st, 1782.

MY DEAR MADAM,

I feel your anxiety, and am impatient to assure you that the report of your officious visitor is absolutely without foundation. I had not any complaints when I came down to this place; but the air, exercise and dissipation have given me fresh spirits; and I should be apt to fix on the last month as the part of my life in which I have enjoyed the most perfect health. You may depend on my word of honour, that in case of any real alarm, you shall hear from myself or from Caplen.--Excuse brevity, as I save a day, perhaps more, by sending Caplen with Duplicates to London, one copy for the post, the other to take the chance of greater dispatch by the coach. I wish to know what you think of me and my schemes; if you are not perfectly satisfied with my confidence, you may be somewhat displeased with my seeming neglect. I fear we shall not meet till Christmas.

I am
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.

448.

_To Lord Sheffield at Coxheath Camp._

Bentinck Street, October 14th, 1782.

[Sidenote: RELIEF OF GIBRALTAR.]

*On the approach of winter, my paper house of Hampton becomes less comfortable; my visits to Bentinck Street grow longer and more frequent, and the end of next week will restore me to the town, with a lively wish, however, to repeat the same, or a similar experiment, next Summer. I admire the assurance with which you propose a month's residence at Sheffield, when you are not sure of being allowed three days. Here it is currently reported, that Camps will not separate till Lord Howe's _return_ from Gibraltar,[28] and as yet we have no news of his arrival. Perhaps, indeed, you have more intimate correspondence with your old school-fellow, Lord Shelburne, and already know the hour of your deliverance. I should like to be informed. As Lady S. has entirely forgot me, I shall have the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance. I have often thought of writing, but it is now too late to repent.

I am at a loss what to say or think about our Parliamentary state. A certain late Secretary of Ireland,[29] the husband of Polly Jones, reckons the House of Commons thus: Minister 140, Reynard 90, Boreas 120, the rest unknown, or uncertain. The last of the three, by self or agents, talks too much of absence, neutrality, moderation. I still think he will discard the game.

I am not in such a fury with the letter of American independence;[30] but it seems ill-timed and useless; and I am much entertained with the Metaphysical disputes between Government and secession about the meaning of it. Lord Lough[borough] will be in town Sunday sen-night. I long to see him and Co. I think he will take a very decided part. If he could throw aside his Gown, he would make a noble Leader. The East India news are excellent; the French gone to the Mauritius, Heyder desirous of peace, the Nizam and Mahrattas our friends, and 70 Lack of Rupees in the Bengal treasury, while we were voting the recall of Hastings.[31] Adieu. Write soon.

E. G.

[28] Lord Howe arrived at Gibraltar early in October. On
September 13 the final effort of the French and Spaniards to
capture the Rock had been repulsed by Sir George Eliott, who
destroyed their floating batteries. Lord Howe returned to
Portsmouth November 15, 1782.

[29] Probably William Eden, who had been secretary to the Earl of
Carlisle during his Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland. But he married
Eleanor, daughter of Sir Gilbert Elliot, and sister of the first
Earl of Minto. Eden, who was created Lord Auckland in the Irish
peerage in 1789, was advanced to an English peerage in 1793, and
died in 1814.

[30] The reference probably is to the letter which Fox, before
his resignation, wrote to the American agents in Paris, offering
"_to recognize the independence of the United States in the
first instance, and not to reserve it as a condition of peace_."
Fox interpreted this as an absolute recognition of American
independence; Lord Shelburne and his colleagues held that it was
a conditional recognition dependent on peace being concluded.

[31] In September, 1780, Hyder Ali invaded the Madras district;
Warren Hastings at once negotiated peace with the Mahrattas in
order that he might send all available troops to Madras. Sir
Eyre Coote defeated Hyder at Porto Novo (July 1, 1781) and at
Pollilore (August 27). The full Treasury was the result of the
recent overthrow of Cheyte Singh, Rajah of Benares, and the
spoliation of the Begums of Oude. In the summer of 1782 the
House of Commons resolved that it was the duty of the Court of
Directors to recall Hastings. In compliance with this resolution
the directors voted an order of recall, but afterwards rescinded
it and maintained the Governor-General at his post. See note to
Letter 487, on page 85 of this volume.

449.

_To Lady Sheffield._