IN LONDON, KENT, AND AT BULLSTRODE, 1741–42. BEGINNING OF
CORRESPONDENCE WITH MRS. DELANY.
The last letter of the year 1740 is written to Mr. Freind on December
29--
“Next Sunday I quit the peaceful groves and hospitable roof of
Bullstrode for the noisy turbulent city; my books and serious
reflections are to be laid aside for the looking-glass and curling
irons, and from that time I am no more a Pastorella, but propose to
be as idle, as vain, and as impertinent, as any one; if you will
come to town Mrs. Freind and you will find me, however, as like
myself as to be your _sincere friend_.”
[Year: 1741]
[Page heading: THE DUCHESS OF QUEENSBERRY]
February 5, Elizabeth writes to her sister--
“DEAR MADAM SALLY,
“I went to Lady North’s[135] last night, to see all the fine
cloaths that were made for the Birthday. Lady Scarborough[136]
was richly dressed, the Duchess of Bedford[137] was pretty fine,
Mrs. Spencer had a white velvet which is the ugliest thing in the
world, but the Duchess of Queensberry[138] was such as should be
shown at Courts and feasts, and high solemnities, where most may
wonder at the workmanship; her cloaths were embroidered upon white
satin; Vine leaves, Convolvulus and Rosebuds shaded after Nature;
but she in herself was so far beyond the masterpiece of art, that
one could hardly look at her cloaths; allowing for her age I never
saw so beautiful a creature. Miss Pitt[139] had a fine trimming
and looked very pretty, but as for the Roses, they do not bloom
in January, for she is as pale as a ghost. Lady Mary Tufton[140]
had a pretty suit of embroidery. The men were not at all fine.
Mr. Lyttelton’s[141] cloaths were ugly, according to Polonius’
instructions, ‘Rich not gaudy, fine but not exprest in fancy.’ I
did not see any new fashions, as to the wearing stays, I think they
are as usual. I do not know what will become of your fine shape,
for there is a fashionable make that is very strange. I believe
they look in London as they did in Rome after the Rape of the
Sabines.
“I am, my dearest, your most affectionate
“E. ROBINSON.”
[135] Second wife of 7th Baron North, afterwards 1st Earl of
Guilford.
[136] Wife of 3rd Earl Scarborough.
[137] Second wife of the 4th Duke.
[138] Wife of 3rd Duke, “Kitty ever fair.”
[139] A sister of Lord Chatham, either Mary or Anne.
[140] Daughter of 7th Earl of Thanet.
[141] George, 1st Lord Lyttelton, afterwards her intimate friend.
February 25, Sarah writes--
“I should be obliged to you if you would in your next letter send
me word what sized hoops moderate people who are neither over
lavish nor covetous of whalebone, wear; because I intend to write
to my Hoop maker to have one ready for me against I come to town,
and I don’t care to leave the size of it to her discretion. I hope
our hoops will not increase much more, for we are already almost as
unreasonable as Queen Dido,[142] and don’t encircle much less with
our whalebone, than she did with her bull’s hide.”
[142] Queen Dido of Tyre bought of the Africans as much land as a
bull’s hide would cover, and by cutting it into strips encircled a
large portion.
[Illustration: _William Freind D.D._
Dean of Canterbury.
_according to Act of Parliament._
_T Worlidge del. et Sc._
]
[Page heading: HAIRDRESSING]
A light is thrown on hairdressing of the period in the following letter
to Sarah:--
“DEAR SISTER,
“I have been walking in the Park this morning, and returned only
time enough to dress, so while Deb is tiffing and tiffing till my
hair is so pure and so crisp, I am writing a line to you to the
great vexation of Mrs. Mincing, who is afraid I should be the worst
dressed for it. I don’t wonder an ‘Abigail’ that is kept only as
a Minister of the toilette should look upon dressing as the great
concern of life, but that other people should make such a point of
it I marvel greatly. Some women by endeavouring to be as handsome
as they can are not so charming as they might be. I never thought a
head agreeably dressed that had not a hair awry; such punctuality
may become a tyre woman, but cannot a belle, but however, it
becomes everybody to be dressed for dinner, which will not be
the case if I do not conclude. I am to go to the ‘Penseroso and
Allegro’ to-night. The music of the ‘Penseroso’ some say is best,
‘but Mirth with thee I choose to live.’ Adieu.”
One can, indeed, pity the unfortunate Abigail with “Fidget” writing
whilst she had her hair dressed! Once after a visit to Bullstrode, the
duchess says she had found a glass-stand left behind by Elizabeth,
should she send it? And the reply was that the stand was used for her
to rest her chin on whilst her maid dressed her hair. The ridiculously
high coiffure of the day must have taken a long time to erect.
[Page heading: “THE PEAS”]
No letter can I find till April 10, when the Rev. William Freind writes
from Bath, where he and his wife were staying, to inquire what had
become of his cousins. Sarah Robinson’s[143] pet-name was “Pea,” as she
was pronounced to resemble Elizabeth as much as one pea does another.
“Bath, April 10, 1741.
“It being now near two months since I have received any
intelligence of either of my correspondents, I must needs enclose
a letter to Pea, Senior, to enquire after her whether she be still
with the Duke to whom I direct the cover, or with the rest of the
Peas in her own Podd in Kent.
“I expected the beginning of March to hear you had quitted her
grace to join hearts and hands once more with dearly beloved Pea.
But Lady Berkshire whom I saw some days ago, tells me the Duchess
is in a very bad state of health, which I suppose will make you
both very unwilling to part with each other. I have rather fancied
therefore some disappointment has happened, and that your friend’s
illness may have taken up your time and thoughts too much to let us
hear what is become of you, for if both sisters had been together
in town, surely both would not have grudged us the pleasure of
hearing you were well and happy.... Even I, surrounded with a
set of noisy politicians on one side, and backgammon players on
t’other, can still make shift to write a line to my dear friend,
and ask only how she does, and where she is, and to assure her that
I and my Pea are
“Her and Her Peas,
“Most truly affectionate
friends and humble servants,
“W. and G. F.”[144]
[143] Sarah was born on September 21, 1723, so was three years
younger than Elizabeth.
[144] William and Grace his wife.
[Page heading: HAYTON FARM]
The reason of the unaccustomed silence was this--Sarah was suddenly
attacked by smallpox, a disease peculiarly dreaded by Elizabeth. Mrs.
Robinson quickly despatched her to Hayton Farm, a family property
leased to a yeoman farmer of the name of Smith.
April 8 occurs a letter to the duchess--
“I cannot lose the opportunity which just offers me to send a
letter to the post, though I troubled your Grace but yesterday. My
sister continues as well as it is possible to be, and has found out
her disorder with which she is perfectly content, and sends me very
merry messages upon it: they are of the seven day sort, so will
turn on Sunday, and on Monday when it is over, I shall possess my
soul in quietness. I am afraid this hurry of spirits and fatigue,
will not prove of service to my Mamma; and if the dire Hyp does
haunt a solitary chimney corner, sure it will visit my Pappa now
it is sure to find him at home and alone. For my part, I am in the
case of poor David, my friends and kinsfolk stand afar off; and
when I am to return home I don’t know. That the distemper may not
continue, my Pappa has sent away half a dozen servants who have
not had it, and says he hopes to have me back again very soon;
but indeed I hope to prevail upon him to try how the air of Mount
Morris agrees with his servants, before I return. I live here very
easy, and I have got books and all the necessaries and comforts,
though not the pomps and pleasures of life. The family are civil
and sensible people. As for the Master of the house, he is indeed,
to a tittle, Spenser’s meagre personage called Care: his chief
accomplishment as to behaviour is silence. I never see him but
at dinner and supper, and then he eats his pudding and holds his
tongue. I believe his learning amounts to knowing that four pennies
make a groat, and the sooner that groat is a sixpence he thinks
the better. To give your grace a notion of the sort of persons who
compose the Drama:--They are above Farmers considerably, have been
possessed in the family, for aught I know, since the Conqueror of
above £400 a year, they have a good old house, neatly furnished,
but there is nothing of modern structure to be seen in it.
“I am now sitting in an old crimson velvet elbow chair, I should
imagine to be elder brother to that which is shown in Westminster
Abbey as Edward the Confessor’s. There are long tables in the room
that have more feet than the caterpillar you immured at Bullstrode.
Why so many legs are needful to stand _still_, I cannot imagine,
when I can fidget on two. There is a good chest of drawers in the
figure of a Cathedral, and a looking glass which Rosamond or Jane
Shore may have dressed their heads in. Not to forget the clock,
who has indeed been a time server; it has struck the blessed
minutes of the Reformation, Restoration, Abdication, Revolution,
and Accession, and by its relation to time seems to have some to
Eternity. It is like its old Master, only good to point the hour
to industry; ... it calls his servant to yoke the oxen, get ready
the plough, wakes the dairy maid to milk and churn, the daughters
hear in it the paternal voice chiding the waste of hours, and rise
obedient to its early call; even me it governs, sends me to bed
at ten, and makes me rise, oh barbarous! at eight.... The mother
of the family, a venerable matron of grave deportment, who was
well educated, and moves in the form of antique ceremonies, but is
really a sensible woman! The daughters are good housewifes, and I
like some qualities in them, which I understand better than their
economy. I only wish they could sleep in their beds in the morning,
and wake in a chair in the evening!” ...
[Page heading: LIFE AT A FARM]
[Page heading: A COUNTRY SQUIRE]
The next letter to Mrs. Donnellan, whom Elizabeth rebukes for her
silence, is dated April 10. In this she says--
“Before this time you must have been informed by the Duchess or
Mrs. Pendarves of my distress, and also my flight from the maternal
mansion to the house in the neighbourhood. I am at present very
happy as my sister is out of all danger, and I rejoice in thinking
she will have one enemy of life and health the less. So much for
the state of my mind; the situation of my person is not so gay and
cheerful. My best friends among the living are a Colony of rooks
who have settled themselves in a grove by my window. They wake
me early in the morning.... I have not yet discovered the form
of their government, but I imagine it is democratical.... If I
continue here long I shall grow a good naturalist. I have applied
myself to nursing chickens, and have been forming the manners of a
young calf, but I find it a very dull scholar. I intend to gather
some cowslips for Mrs. Perceval[145] as soon as they appear; pray
let me know if they should be prepared in any particular manner....
“There are some squires here who would make excellent Polyphemus’s;
one of them drank tea here yesterday, and complimented me with all
the force of rural gallantry, but for some fault in the flattery or
the flatterer, I liked neither him nor myself any better for all
the fine things he said. After he was gone I did but relieve my
spleen with some laughter on the subject, when I was told by the
matron of the family, he would be a good match for a woman with
twenty thousand pounds, and indeed could one lend out one’s liking
upon land security, I think one might very well settle it upon him.
To laugh at a poor man is barbarous. He is a great friend of the
family I am with, and I fear will come often; and in spite of his
respectable manors and fee simple, and ancient mansion, both great
and good, I shall not be able to give a serious attention to his
discourse.
“I wish you could see my habitation, a right reverend and venerable
one it is; the staircase that leads to my chamber is hung with the
funeral escutcheons of my grandfathers, grandmothers, Aunts and
Uncles, that I seem to be entering the burying vault of the family
to sleep with my Fathers. It is a comfort, no doubt, to think one’s
ancestors have had Christian burial, but of what use are these
tawdry escutcheons? Sure no passion of the mind, no situation of
the human creature is without vanity, if the mourner can adorn with
pomp, and the breathless carcase be dressed in it.
“... address to me at Mr. Smith’s, Hayton, near Hythe.”
[145] Mrs. Donnellan’s mother.
[Page heading: HANDEL]
On April 9 the Duchess of Portland lay in of a daughter, Frances, who
died in 1743. Mrs. Donnellan writes on April 11 to give a good report
of the duchess’s health, and in this letter she says--
“I long to hear from you, I want to know who you have to entertain,
and keep up the spirits your sister’s safety must give you. I hope
Mr. Robinson,[146] your brother, is in banishment with you, for you
will want such a companion to sweeten a long absence from all your
other friends. I heartily wish you were in any place where I could
come to you.... The only show we have had since you left us was for
Handel, his last night, all the fashionable people were there.”
[146] Matthew, her eldest brother.
[Page heading: DR. CONYERS MIDDLETON]
Mrs. Donnellan again writes on April 15--
“I like your situation extremely, but I should wish you one
rational companion, for I do not think you were made for calves or
poultry, or greater brutes in the shape of country squires. What is
come of Pan? He used to find out a pretty female in her retirement,
but as he has been sometimes a little dangerous, I think I had
rather recommend you to the conversation of the wood nymphs. I have
often wished to be acquainted with them, I fancy they are very
innocent, and free from vanity and affectation, a little ignorant,
and indeed in the fashions and amusements of London, as dress,
cards, old china, Japan, shells, etc., but they may have notions of
friendship and honour, and such antiquated things.
“I have read no further than Cicero’s[147] consulship. By what I
have read of Atticus in other authors particularly the Abbé St.
Real,[148] who has given his character, and translated Cicero’s
letters to him, I had not so high an opinion of him as I find
Doctor Middleton has given you. I met yesterday, at Pen’s, the
Bishop of Oxford,[149] Mrs. Secker and Miss Talbot,[150] and they
seemed to think Dr. Middleton was not so much the historian as the
Panegyrist of Cicero, indeed one observation I have already made
myself, I think him too like a modern Lawyer who pleads all causes
good or bad that gets him interest which was money to them; but
when I have read the whole I will read St. Real again, and then I
will tell you more of my mind. I long till you read Horace, and
think he would be particularly proper in your present retirement,
he seems to know how to amuse himself in such a scene better than
any one I ever met with, at the same time that he was the delight
of the politest court[151] that ever was. I really think you have
much of the genius of distinguishing right from wrong, and not
being led away by the false glosses of the world, and want to know
whether you find that conformity.
“I told you in my last I wished to spend some time with you in your
banishment. I am so sincere in it, that if you were in a place
where they are not above being paid for my lodging and board, I
would come to you for one fortnight before you go home....
“My Mother desires her compliments to you, and many thanks for
remembering the cowslips. The manner of saving them is this only,
pulling them out of the Pod, and letting them dry in a north
window, and when they are dry, to put them up in a paper bag.
“I have been this morning to St. Paul’s to hear Handel’s Te Deum.”
[147] Dr. Conyers Middleton’s “Life of Cicero.”
[148] C. V. de St. Real, able French author; died 1692.
[149] Thomas Secker, born 1693, died 1768; made Archbishop of
Canterbury in 1758.
[150] Lived with the Seckers; daughter of Edward, second son of Dr.
W. Talbot, D.D., of Durham.
[151] The court of the Emperor Augustus.
[Page heading: PENURIOUS LIVING]
The cowslips Mrs. Perceval asked for were doubtless intended for making
that delicious but now seldom met with cowslip wine. Few people are
aware that a claret glass of cowslip wine before going to bed is an
innocent and generally successful soporific.
_To Mrs. Donnellan._
“Hayton, April 20, 1741.
“DEAR MADAM,
“I had the pleasure of your letter yesterday, it made me very
happy. If my friends at a distance did not keep my affections
awake, I should be lulled into a state of insensibility, divided
as I am from all I love.... What’s Cicero to me or I to Cicero?
as Hamlet would say; and for myself, though this same little,
insignificant self be very dear unto me, yet I have not used to
make it my sole object of love and delight....
“I want just such a companion as you would be, and how happy would
your kind compliance with that wish make me, if the good old folk
here would accommodate you; but they are so fearful of strangers,
I know it impossible to persuade them to it. They are not very
fine people; they have a little estate, and help it out with a
little farming: are very busy and careful, and the old man’s
cautionness has dwindled into penuriousness, so that he eats in
fear of waste and riot, sleeps with the dread of thieves, denies
himself everything for fear of wanting anything, riches give him no
plenty, increase no joy, prosperity no ease: he has the curse of
covetousness to want the property of his neighbours, while he dare
not touch his own: the Harpy Avarice drives him from his own meat,
the sum of his wisdom and his gains will be by living poor, to die
rich....
“The reason for which you wish I would read Horace does me great
honour.... Upon your recommendation I had read it before, but
depending on my brother’s having it, I did not bring it with me,
and I find he has not got it. I will desire my brothers[152] to
bring it down with them the next vacation.... As for some of our
squires they read nothing but parish law, and books of Husbandry,
or perhaps for their particular entertainment, ‘Quarle’s Emblems,’
‘The Pilgrim’s Progress,’ ‘Æsop’s Fables,’ and to furnish them with
a little ready wit, ‘Joe Miller’s Jests.’”[153]
[152] Matthew and Morris were at Cambridge.
[153] Joe Miller, born 1684, died 1738; comedian. His “Book of
Jests” was published in 1739.
[Page heading: THE REV. LAURENCE STERNE]
Matthew Robinson had gone to Bath to drink the waters, and on April 19
he writes to Elizabeth from “Colibee’s” in Hall Street, Bath--
“DEAR SISTER,
“The order of our Posts at Bath is very strange, the post comes
in three times a week, twice of which you may answer your letters
the same day you receive them, but the third not till three days
afterwards. Last Thursday brought me two letters together from you,
in which you informed me that my sister was past the heighth.... I
hope next post will tell me that Sally is out of all danger.
“Harry Goddard is here, and informs me that our cousin Betty Lumley
is married to a Parson[154] who once delighted in debauchery, who
is possessed of about £100 a year in preferment, and has a good
prospect of more. What hopes our relation may have of settling
the affections of a light and fickle man I know not, but I
imagine she will set about it not by means of the beauty but of
the arm of flesh. In other respects I see no fault in the match;
no woman ought to venture upon the state of Old Maiden without a
consciousness of an inexhaustible fund of good nature.”
The letter is signed “M. R. M.,” for Matthew Robinson Morris; as by
his uncle Morris Drake Morris’ will, Matthew was to succeed to his
mother’s[155] estate of Mount Morris, Kent, sometimes called Monk’s
Horton, etc., left her by her brother, he assumed the name of Morris
for some years, but returned to his family patronymic, Robinson,
_before_ becoming 2nd Baron Rokeby in 1794.
[154] The Rev. Laurence Sterne, married to Elizabeth Lumley, March
30, 1741, in York Cathedral, by license, by the then Dean.
[155] Mrs. M. Robinson, his mother, inherited Coveney, Cambs, from
her father, and the Kentish property as heiress of her mother,
Sarah, daughter and heiress of Thomas Morris.
[Page heading: MRS. STERNE]
On the subject of the Sterne marriage, in a note to Sarah from
Elizabeth we see further--
“DEAR MADAM SALLY,
“I am glad to hear you are well, and that your eyes are brilliant,
but pray don’t use them too soon, for you will have reason to
repent it. I never saw a more comical letter than my sweet
cousin’s,[156] with her heart and head full of matrimony, pray do
matrimonial thoughts come upon _your recovery_? for she seems to
think it a symptom.”
Then after many cautions to her sister as to her health, and
thankfulness at her being out of danger, she adds--
“Matt mentions Mrs. Sterne’s match, of which he had an account from
Harry Goddard, who is at Bath. Mr. Sterne has a hundred a year
living, with a good prospect of better preferment. He was a great
rake, but being japanned and married, has varnished his character.
I do not comprehend what my cousin means by their little desires,
if she had said little stomachs, it had been some help to their
economy, but when people have not enough for the necessaries of
life, what avails it that they can do without the superfluities and
pomps of it? Does she mean that she won’t keep a coach and six, and
four footmen? What a wonderful occupation she made of courtship
that it left her no leisure nor inclination to think of any thing
else. I wish they may live well together.”
[156] Elizabeth Lumley had been very ill just before her engagement
to Laurence Sterne: _vide_ his life by Traill.
[Page heading: “TRISTRAM”]
At this time Sterne was Vicar of Sutton-on-the-Forest,[157] some eight
miles from York, and his uncle, Jacob Sterne, gave him a prebendal
stall in York Cathedral about the same time. For two years he had
courted Elizabeth Lumley. She was much in love with him, but from
smallness of means on either side, deemed marriage imprudent. She,
however, had a desperate illness, and informed Sterne she had made
him her heir. His gratitude for this, and affection, recalled her to
life and matrimony. For details of this I must refer the reader to the
various lives written of “Tristram,” as his nickname was to be later in
the Robinson family.
[157] His great-grandfather, Richard Sterne, had been Archbishop of
York, and a friend of Laud’s.
From Hayton Elizabeth writes to Mr. Freind at Bath, to scold him for
not writing to her and her sister. In this she says--
“My sister is well again, and once more I possess my soul with
tranquillity. I believe you will guess I suffered great and
terrible anxiety when I was forced to leave her to a dreadful
distemper, whose terrors received great additions from my
particular fears of it, and tenderness to her. The want of sleep,
at first, a little damaged my constitution, I had a slight fever
with disorder for a week, which I believe was chiefly occasioned by
it. I did not mention it to my brother, for fear it should make him
uneasy, but I am now perfectly well, and from the reflection of my
sister’s good fortune, happy too, though great is the change you
will see, from London and lolling on the velvet sofa of a duchess,
to humbly sitting on a 3-legged cricket[158] in the country.”
[158] A three-legged stool.
[Page heading: CURE FOR LOVE]
At the end of the letter of an admirer of her’s she says--
“Our friend B----[159] increases in chin and misery, he came to
breakfast with my Papa one morning, and complained of the Hyp,
for which my good parent advised him to take assafœtida, the
prescription was admirable, he might as well have sent him to the
Tinker’s to have mended the hole in his heart. Oh! cruel fate that
made no cure for love, thought my friend, and sighed bitterly:
really I could not help laughing at the precious balm my Pappa was
for applying to the wound. It would have ruined a happy lover with
me.”
[159] Mr. Brockman, of Beachborough.
_Letter from the Duke of Portland._
“Whitehall, April 25, 1741.
“MADAM,
Since ye frivolous letters j trouble you with are ranked as
favours you receive, j’am sure no excuse can be made for any
neglect towards you, and it would, nay it does, make me wish ye
post went out every day, yt j might have it in my power to confer
my favours, such as they are, upon you: j’am not sure if vanity,
as well as ye desire j have of doing all yt lays in my power to
oblige you, does not have a share in this wish about ye post, for
really j have reason to be proud yt a Lady of so many perfections
as Miss Robinson, (j can’t name them singly for j should never
have done), can sett any value upon my poor insignificant letters,
tho’ your approving them might puff up any body’s vanity, yett j
have humility enough to think that j owe all the favours you are
pleased to show me, to ye subject j write about; it is a subject
yt you will be no more tired to hear off than j to write off: then
j am sure your next question will be, Pray my lord to ye subject:
well then in complyance to your commands j am to inform you yt
ye Duchess continues as well as can be, and ye Babe too. My wife
desires me to tell you yt your letter revived her exceedingly, yt
she had waited with great impatience for it, and yt she hopes to
hear often from you. She, as well as myself, rejoice at your
sister’s recovery, and desire our compliments to her. You may say
everything yt is kind to yourself from my wife, and tho’ j am sure
you have a very good genius in turning things as you like, you will
hardly outdo her sentiments concerning you. Your being got rid of
your feaver gave us great joy, for we began to be uneasy about
Fidgett; nobody can see her without admiration, and when one hears
her open her lips one is struck dumb; if one was to go on with
everything when one receives a letter from you, one’s fingers would
become numbed, and unable to answer, was it not for the desire of
receiving more letters, makes one’s fingers to write to engage
you to answer. In reading your letter j can’t help acquainting
you yt there would be great strifes to be a Chaunticleer to be
ye real possessor of such a Dame Partlett as you, whether of ye
favourite little Bantam kind, or of the ruffled friesland kind; j
should think the first more adapted to you for its gentility and
rarity and cleanliness, all qualifications, which, tho’ j am no
chanticleer j can sing off in your behalf. Nay j will do it. It is
time for me to finish my letter to you tho’ j do not conclude my
letter with such a pompous ‘humble servant’ as you do, j hope you
are thoroughly persuaded that j am not less,
“Madam,
“Your most obedient, humble servant,
“PORTLAND.”
[Illustration:
_Thomas Hudson. Pinx._ _Emery Walker Ph. Sc._
_William, second Duke of Portland_]
The letter concludes with a long postscript; the duke had put the
letter into his pocket to give the porter himself, not wishing, he
says, to trust “Mr. Puff” with it, and forgot it for some days. Despite
of all letters being sealed, they were constantly tampered with,
adroit incisions under the seals could be made, and refastened without
spoiling the impression above, and many letters were lost entirely.
[Page heading: MATTHEW ROBINSON]
[Page heading: A BROTHER’S ADMIRATION]
On April 27 occurs a most brotherly letter from Matthew from Bath. It
is too long to place here in full, but so beautiful are his words to
his sister, showing his love and admiration for her, that I give a few
extracts. He had just received a letter of her’s which pleased him, and
says--
“I should be ashamed after so long a friendship with you to be
ignorant of any of your talents, yet I do assure you there are some
of them that after so long an accquaintance with them, I have not
yet done admiring. It is never without great delight that I see in
one whom I esteem so much, that tho’ in company one would swear
your parts and spirits were contrived purposely for laughter, and
the chearful round of mirth, yet study and thought, contemplation
of the ways of men, or works of Nature, and consequently enjoyment
of yourself, and ease and happiness, the end of all good, never
desert your leisure and retirement. You never had greater reason
for this turn of mind, or better trial of your temper on that
account than lately, when driven from your friends, and almost
alone, in a manner you never were before, and probably may never be
again: you were fairly left to the food and entertainment of your
own thoughts; and though it would be impertinent now to mention
my general opinion of your letters, I don’t remember that I ever
saw your thoughts stamped upon a piece of paper with greater force
of discernment than in the letter I received from you to-day....
Bating the tribe of your lovers, you cannot have a more hearty
friend to your person, or more assured admirer of your merit and
accomplishments.”
Surely few brothers have ever paid a more graceful tribute of praise to
a sister! Matthew was born in 1713, and was consequently seven years
older than Elizabeth.
[Page heading: THE SMALLPOX]
On May 9, in a letter to Mr. Freind, we learn the two sisters had met
again--
“I had the joy of seeing my dear Pea yesterday; I cannot express
the happiness of such a meeting, but it is saying enough to own it
more than recompensed the pangs of parting. It is truly, as well
as poetically said, ‘The heart can ne’er a transport know, that
never felt a pain.’ My desire to be cheered again by that beloved
voice made me desirous of a meeting much sooner than I should be
otherwise, in my shameful fear of the distemper, have desired. We
talked about an hour in the open air, at about two yards’ distance:
she kept her hat so close I could not see her face, but as soon
as it has nothing left of the distemper, but the redness, I am to
see her. I am now within sight of our house at a farm just at the
bottom of the gates. I have a very good room, warm and comfortable.
It is so low that it flatters my pride by indulging me with an
approach to the ceiling. My Mamma had sent furniture for the room
from Mount Morris, as soon as my sister was growing better, that I
might come so near as to be accustomed to the family, and so return
to it at leisure without any apprehensions.”
Reproaching Mr. Freind for silence in this letter, he writes, May 19,
in return to plead his parochial duties, and amusingly says in defence--
“I am forced in the country, every week to make a sermon, at home
or abroad, however engaged, made it must be, and swallowed the
next Sunday, though I believe it lies but a crude morsel on the
Blanketters’[160] Stomachs, which, if they can digest, ’tis often
more than I myself can do.... An express arrived last night from
Admiral Vernon; Carthagena was not actually taken, but the captain
who brings the news imagines it might be taken in about 12 hours
after he left it. All the Spanish ships and galleons that were
in the Harbour were burnt, most of the fortifications battered
down, enough to discover there was great confusion in the town.
Not a ship of ours was hurt when he departed. But there is always
a black flag attends in the train of Victory; the general joy
overcomes indeed all private concern; but those who have friends or
relations in the midst of a fire, cannot rejoice till they hear who
has escaped it. Those we lost on the 1st of April are Lord Aubrey
Beauclerc,[161] who had both legs shot off, and died presently,
Col. Douglas of the Marines had his head shot off, Lieutenant
Sandford of Wentworth’s Regiment was shot in his tent before the
town, Col. Watson of the Artillery was killed by a shot in the
thigh, Capt. Moor was killed, Lieutenant Turvin had just taken the
Colours from his dead ensign, and was killed with them in his hand
(‘There’s honour for you,’ says Sir J. Falstaffe), 197 private men
are killed and wounded. I was glad to find my brother not mentioned
in the list.”
[160] It will be remembered Mr. Freind was Rector of Witney, the
centre of blanket-making.
[161] Son of 1st Duke of St. Albans, and grandson of Charles II.
[Page heading: ST. LAZARE]
[Page heading: A SOUTH SEA LAWSUIT]
Alas! in this he was premature, his brother-in-law, Henry Robinson,
died of the wounds he received at the attack on St. Lazare, near
Carthagena. May 12, Mrs. Donnellan writes from London--
“We are squabbling about Elections, and proving right wrong, and
wrong right, just as we think it will make for some little private
interest, without the least regard to truth, justice, or any
notion of the good of the country. The Westminster Election was
finished in a most partial manner on Friday, in favour of the Court
candidates, and Lord Sundon[162] was like to be torn to pieces by
the mob in revenge: this has been the subject of much talk, and
last night I happened to say to a clergyman (who I thought by his
gown was obliged to join with me), that I thought the dishonesty
that prevailed in Elections was terrible, and corrupted the private
honesty in all ranks of people, when my Parson to my surprise took
up the argument that bribery in a King and his Ministers was not
dishonest, but politic, and that we could not subsist without it,
and ran on to prove that we must conform to the times, and if my
neighbour bribes, I must do so too, to be on a foot with him or we
must be undone. I own this doctrine shocks me....
“Your friend[163] told me yesterday they are a little disturbed
about a law suit which is to concern the 28th. I suppose you have
heard of it. ’Tis an old South Sea affair of the Father’s,[164] and
very considerable. I am really concerned about it, and shall long
to see them out of such a terrible situation.”
[162] William Clayton, Baron Sundon.
[163] Duchess of Portland.
[164] William Henry, 1st Duke of Portland.
[Illustration: _Lady Mary Wortley Montagu_
_from a miniature in the possession of Mrs. Climenson_
_Emery Walker Ph. Sc._]
At this period Elizabeth developed a most painful weakness of the eyes,
which recurred at intervals during the rest of her life. She attributed
it to reading so much at night during her absence from home while her
sister was ill. The duchess writes to implore her not to work, or read,
and she answers, “I follow your grace’s advice, I do not work at all,
and I read by my sister’s eyes.” She had commenced dining at Mount
Morris, but they would not let her go upstairs for fear of infection,
so she still slept at the farm. Mr. Freind had in his last letter said,
“Let us know all about you; when you set sail, _i.e._ when you are to
be manned, and who is to be your Captain, for these things surely must
be settled now.” To which she answers--
“I am not going to set sail yet; the ocean of fortune is rough, the
bark of fortune light, the prosperous gale uncertain, but the Pilot
must be smooth, steady and content, patient in storms, moderate and
careful in sunshine, and easy in the turns of the wind, and changes
of the times. Guess if these things be easily found? and without
such a guide can I avoid the gulph of misfortune, the barking of
envy, the deceits of the syrens, and the hypocrisy of Proteus? So
I wait on the shore, scarce looking towards this land of promise,
so few I find with whom I would risk the voyage. I would have
wrote you a longer letter, if I had a frank, but careful of your
sixpence, though regardless of your leisure, that consideration
hinders me. I am at Mount Morris again.”
[Page heading: “LIFE OF CICERO”]
The duchess having commenced reading Dr. Conyers Middleton’s “Life
of Cicero,” Elizabeth recommends a pamphlet called “Observations on
Cicero,” written by Mr. Lyttelton,[165] but without his name being
prefixed to it. She states, “Dr. Middleton compliments it in his
preface slightly; it is as much a criticism as the Doctor’s is a
panegyric of Tully’s action: it is a very little book, but I think
wrote with great spirit and elegance.”
[165] George, afterwards Lord Lyttelton.
The following letter is from the Duchess of Portland early in June, but
undated:--
“Monday morning.
“MY DEAREST FIDGET,
“You will be much surprised to receive so melancholy a letter from
me after that strange medley you had last post, but yesterday
morning I was told the Doctor had no hopes of my Papa; he hurt his
leg some time ago, and Sergeant Dickens has had it in hand, and
declared to Dr. Mead[166] he would go on no longer without another
surgeon was called in, upon which Skipton was sent for, and what
will be the result of their consultations to-day I dread to know;
he has besides a jaundice and dropsy. He was out Friday night, and
pretty well of Saturday night, and grew so much worse yesterday
morning that he is not able to move. The Doctor was surprised to
find such an alteration in a few hours. Oh! my dear Fidget, ’tis
not possible to flatter oneself, God only knows what is best for
us, therefore I am sensible I ought to be contented with what He is
pleased to inflict upon us, but I cannot help my natural weakness.
I can’t see to add any more, my heart and eyes are too full.”
[166] Famous physician, writer on medicine, and antiquarian.
[Page heading: DEATH OF THE EARL OF OXFORD]
Here Mrs. Donnellan adds, “I have but one sad moment to tell my dear
Fidget that my Lord Oxford[167] died to-day.”
[167] He died in Dover Street, June 16, 1741.
The next letter from the duchess is dated June 25--
“MY DEAREST FIDGET,
“I owe you a thousand thanks for your kind letters, and if words
were the only acknowledgement I could make, I should ever be
bankrupt, but my affection is warm, and my fidelity will last as
long as my life....
“He was sensible almost to the last, nor did not show the least
regret at leaving this troublesome world, except when he took leave
of me, and that was too moving a scene for me even to tell now.” ...
At the end she begs Elizabeth not to write to her, as her eyes were
so bad, but to get Sarah to do so instead, and in all her trouble
remembers to send two bottles of arquebusade to Matthew Robinson’s
chambers which he wanted, the price being 4_s._ 6_d._ a bottle.
Edward, 2nd Earl of Oxford, was the son of Robert, 1st Earl, by his
first marriage with Elizabeth Foley, sister of Thomas, 1st Lord Foley;
he continued to collect the Harleian MSS.,[168] begun by his father,
now in the British Museum, also innumerable books, pictures, medals,
etc.; and took great interest in all archæological studies, as did his
countess.
[168] Lady Oxford sold the Harleian collection of manuscripts in
1753 to the British Museum.
Elizabeth wrote to condole heartily with the duchess on her sad loss,
but imploring her, for the sake of the duke and her dear little
children, to endeavour to bear up under this sad blow, for father and
daughter were tenderly attached to each other.
[Page heading: A ONE-HORSE CHAISE]
The universal panacea of bleeding--for one can only judge by the manner
in which doctors applied to it for every case--had been endured by
Elizabeth for the sake of her eyes, and she says “my eyes are worse
for the bleeding.” She had a narrow escape at this time: her brother
Matthew driving her for her health along the seashore on a high bank
raised to keep off the incursion of the sea, the horse bolted, but
fortunately their servant outrider was able to stop it without its
bolting down either side of the bank. It is characteristic of the times
that she calls a one-horse chaise, “of all things the most ridiculous!”
Mrs. Donnellan had been ill, and was ordered to Tunbridge Wells, to
drink the waters. There was hope of Dr. Young being there. “I believe
you will find his thoughts little confined to the place; he will
entertain you with conversation much above what one generally finds
there, where they talk of little but water, bread, butter, and scandal.”
On July 5 the duchess writes to say they had carried their cause in
the law suit. She also expresses her joy at hearing Matthew Robinson
intended to be inoculated that autumn. Elizabeth said if her eyes and
general health were better, she would be inoculated too. She had just
been given, “by a wise son of Æsculapius, a diabolical bolus that half
killed me. I fainted away about three hours after I swallowed the
notable composition, and was above an hour in such agony that if I had
not waited for your letter I had certainly gone to the Elysian fields.”
A letter of Mrs. Botham’s from Elford, of which place, as well as of
Yoxall, Staffordshire, her husband was Vicar, mentions a legacy left to
her and her sister, Mrs. Laurence Sterne--
“My husband is in the North; his journey thither happened very
opportunely, for an ancient woman whose very name I am a stranger
to, has lately dyed intestate, and my Sister and self are heirs at
law of her real estate, which consists of some houses at Leeds, the
yearly value of them about £60. It would be well for us if we could
make out a title to her personal estate, which is upwards of £5000,
but that I have no hopes of.”
[Page heading: A WINDSOR HATTER]
The duke and duchess were now at Bullstrode, and anxious for Elizabeth
to come to them. The duchess gives an amusing account of a hatter’s
funeral--
“A hatter of Windsor left £100 to a man on condition he would
bury him according to his desire under a mulberry tree in his own
garden, 10 feet deep. The assistants to drink 12 bottles of wine
over his grave, and French Horns playing during the whole ceremony,
and this was accordingly performed yesterday, to the great offence
of Mr. Grosmith,[169] who says he was not a Christian....
“To dissect leaves[170] put ’em into water, and change the water
every day, but you must take care the leaf is not blighted.”
[169] The clergyman.
[170] To skeletonize leaves.
Mrs. Donnellan writes on September 1 to say she has returned from
Tunbridge Wells after a six weeks’ visit; staying with her married
sister, Mrs. Clayton, and her husband, Robert Clayton, Bishop of
Killala, and afterwards of Clogher. The bishop very nobly gave his
wife’s paternal fortune to her sister, Anne Donnellan. Dr. Young was at
Tunbridge, and Mrs. Donnellan states--
“I conversed much with Doctor Young, but I had not enough to
satisfy me. We ran through many subjects, and I think his
conversation much to my taste. He enters into human nature, and
both his thoughts and expressions are new.”
[Page heading: THE SCOTTS OF SCOTT’S HALL]
She also mentions that Lady Thanet, accompanied by Mrs. Scott, was at
Tunbridge. Mrs. Scott,[171] of Scott’s Hall, Kent, was a friend of the
Robinsons. She had a large family, seven sons and seven daughters; one
was lady-in-waiting to the Princess of Orange, and married a Monsieur
Saumaize, a member of the suite. Her sister Caroline, or “Cally Scott”
(her pet-name), was the bosom friend of Sarah Robinson, and eventually
married a Mr. Best. Another, Cecilia, who died unmarried, was a friend
to the Robinson family for life. To Mrs. Donnellan Elizabeth writes on
September 13, and in a long letter she says--
[171] The Scotts of Scott’s Hall were one of the most ancient
Kentish families, originally Balliols of Scotland.
“The time for my brother’s inoculation draws near, and though I
have a very good opinion of that method of having the smallpox, yet
I cannot enjoy a perfect tranquillity of mind till it is over. I
would fain persuade him to have it done while I am in the country,
but he will not grant my request; for my Pappa, I believe, will not
let me go to Bullstrode at all, if I don’t go before that is over;
and my brother therefore waits for my departure, that I may not be
banished for six weeks or two months, which he imagines would be
melancholy for me these long evenings, as I should have no friend
with me, and am not able to divert myself with books now my eyes
are bad.”
The duchess was waiting for Lady Oxford’s departure from Bullstrode.
Lady Oxford is often alluded to as “the Speaker” by the duchess, the
same name, as has been mentioned, was bestowed on Mrs. Robinson by her
children. Elizabeth’s health being so indifferent, her parents wished
her to consult Dr. Mead, and early in October she proceeded to London
with her brother Tom, where she stayed a few days with Mrs. Donnellan
in Bond Street, and on October 13 joined her beloved friends at
Bullstrode, the duchess sending her coach to London to fetch her.
Matthew was to be inoculated as soon as the coach returned to Mount
Morris from taking Elizabeth to town, as, till the smallpox appeared,
he was to take the air daily in it; but the inoculation did not take,
and Elizabeth’s tender fears for her brother were allayed.
[Page heading: MARRIAGE OF LORD SANDWICH]
The next letter of interest is on October 20, to her mother--
“I return you many thanks for your directions for the apron, which
I will carefully follow; as to the silver thread I do not approve
the use of it, as all great artists work for immortality, and my
sister will find a little time will tarnish her work if there is
a mixture of silver in it.... I honour Lord Sandwich[172] for his
wise and generous contempt of money in a point in which there are
other things superior to it; he bears an excellent character,
there is much prudence in knowing how to separate one’s particular
happiness from that which is reckoned so in the world’s opinion:
if Lord Sandwich takes greater pleasure in the conversation of a
fine woman than in viewing a collection of medals and pictures,
he is right to prefer Miss Dolly Fane with £5000 to Miss Spinckes
with £50,000.... He has a good estate sufficient for the becoming
state of a nobleman.... Miss Fane is a happy woman to have a lover
so great, so generous, and so good. Love has a good right over the
marriages of men, but not of women; for men raise their wives to
their ranks, women stoop to their husbands, if they choose below
themselves. I think all our neighbours are in a marrying humour. I
wish some of them had married two and twenty years ago, we should
have had now a gallant young neighbourhood.”
[172] John, 4th Earl Sandwich, whose nickname later was “Jemmy
Twitcher,” just engaged to Dorothy, daughter of Charles, 1st
Viscount Fane.
Dr. Mead had prescribed for Elizabeth for her eyes and for a swelled
lip, which annoyed her much. What should we think of a blister applied
to the back to reduce a swelled lip in these days? Yet it was ordered!
Writing to Sarah, she says--
“I am better than I was, but my mouth not being yet perfectly
reduced, I have got a fresh blister upon my back, well may it bend
with such a weight of calamities.... I have sent for my bathing
Cloaths, and on Sunday night shall take a souze. I think it a
pleasant remedy. I am to sit a quarter of an hour in the bath, and
then go to bed and lye warm; it is to be repeated three times a
week.”
[Page heading: DUCAL BATHS!]
The next letter to her mother throws a curious light on the personal
cleanliness of the day, and the want of baths in a ducal house--
“November 6, 1741.
“MADAM,
“I should write to you much oftener, if I was able, but really I am
so taken up with the pursuit of health I have little time for other
employments. My lip is not entirely reduced, though I have been
blistered twice, once blooded, and have five times taken physick,
have lived upon chicken and white meats, and drank nothing but
water; however, I am now vastly better than I was, and have hardly
any pimples in my face, and no complaint in my eyes or nose, only
this abominable lip is still rather bigger than it used to be. I
intend to keep the blister going till it is well, for Mr. Clarke
has put me in a way of doing it, so that I do not suffer much. I
have suffered great disappointment about the warm bath, which I am
advised to try, for the bathing tubs are so out of order we have
not yet been able to make them hold water, but I hope next week
they will serve the purpose.” ...
At the end of the letter is this: “Mary brings me word my bathing
tub[173] is ready for use; so to-morrow I shall go in. Pray look for my
bathing dress, till then I must go in in chemise and jupon!” Evidently
from this it was not considered proper to go into a bath, even in a
bedroom, _au naturel_!
[173] Before tin baths came into use, I remember my father bathing
in a wooden tub, which resembled a wheelbarrow without legs or
wheels, but with two handles at each end. It took two maids to
empty it.
[Page heading: THE NEW LADY’S-MAID]
[Page heading: A MICROSCOPE]
Another light on domestic service of the day is given in the next
letter to Sarah. For some reason Elizabeth had a new lady’s-maid, and
it appears from this and other letters that a superior class of persons
officiated in that capacity. Many a clergyman’s daughter was glad to be
lady’s-maid or housekeeper in those days--
“I like my maid extreamly; she is very humble, sensible, quick and
diligent, and though her Father and Mother are above the common
rate, she has never presumed to hint she was a person of fashion,
which the French generally brag of. Mrs. Hog[174] (ye ladies’
French woman), tells me Mr. Dufour was a scarlet Dyer, worth once
five or six thousand pounds, and Mrs. Dufour had about £1600 for
her fortune, but by the knavery of a partner in their trade, they
were reduced. I think Mary works pretty quick, and washes well, and
is very handy, and she talks much better French than Dulac.
“I am reading Dr. Swift’s and Mr. Pope’s letters. I like them much,
and find great marks of friendship, goodness and affection between
these people whom the world is apt to think too wise to be honest,
and too witty to be affectionate, but vice is the child of folly,
rather than of wisdom; and for insensibility of heart, like that
of the head, it belongeth unto fools. Lord Bolingbroke’s letters
shine much in the collection. We are reading Dr. Middleton’s new
edition[175] of his letter from Rome, but have not yet come to the
postscript to Warburton;[176] the answer to the Roman Catholic is
full, and I doubt not the Protestant will be as happily silenced.
Truth will maintain its ground against all opposition.
“We expect Mr.[177] and Mrs. West, and then we shall have the house
full. We are in hopes of Dr. Young; he is now at Welling sowing
spiritual things in his parish, I hope to the increase of grace.
“The sun will not shine for our microscope,[178] which is a great
vexation to the curious. Last night by the candle I saw a fringe
upon a leaf, that would have done excellently well for your apron,
and I dare say you are so excellently skilled in the imitation of
Nature that you could work just like it if you had the materials.”
[174] French maid to the duchess’s little girls.
[175] “Letters on the Use and Study of History.”
[176] William Warburton, D.D., Bishop of Gloucester, friend of
Pope; able controversial writer; born 1698, died 1779.
[177] Gilbert T. West, LL.D., born 1706, died 1756; poet and
writer; translated “Pindar.”
[178] Mr. Achard’s microscope.
In the next letter to Sarah she says--
“The Muses, fair ladies and Mr. Lyttelton,[179] a fine gentleman,
will entertain you in my absence _d’esprit_: the verses were wrote
at Lord Westmorland’s. I think the verses are pretty; either I am
very partial to the writer, or Mr. Lyttelton has always something
of an elegance and agreeableness in all his verses, let the subject
be ever so trifling.... Does the world want odd people, or do we
want strange cousins that the Sternes must increase and multiply?
No folly ever becomes extinct, fools do so establish posterity!”
[179] George, afterwards Lord Lyttelton.
As the Sternes’ eldest child, the first Lydia, was not born till 1745,
there must have been a disappointment; but though undated, this letter
is of 1741, as allusion is made to Matthew Robinson’s inoculation,
which had just taken place.
[Page heading: “CIBBER’S LIFE”]
“We are reading ‘Cibber’s Life.’[180] Was there ever so exquisite a
coxcomb!”
[180] Cibber’s “Apology for his Life,” published this year; he did
not die till 1757, but published his “Apology” in 1740.
November 11, a letter contains--
“Last night being the birthday of the noble Admiral Vernon, we
drank his health at noon, and celebrated the same with a ball
at night. The ‘Gun Fleet’ was danced in honour of him, and all
celebrated with extream joy, and a splendid distribution of Crowns
to the fiddler, who was not the son of Orpheus, but however he made
such a difference between tit-for-tat and a minouet, that one might
understand which he meant. Mademoiselle Dufour[181] had the honour
of standing up instead of a flower-pot or an elbow-chair; she
danced like the daughter of Herodias.”
[181] Her French attendant; see _ante_.
To Mrs. Donnellan, who had been ill, but was recovering, this
description of Dr. Young[182] is addressed--
“We have lost our divines, whose company we regret; there is
great pleasure in conversing with people of such a turn as Dr.
Young and Dr. Clarke;[183] for the first there is nothing of
speculation, either in the Terra Firma of Reason, or the Visionary
province of fancy, into which he does not lead the imagination.
In his conversation he examines everything, determines hardly
anything, but leaves one’s judgment at liberty. The other goes far
into a subject, and seldom leaves the conclusion of an argument
unfinished; he seems to me to have a very accurate judgment, and
a very attentive observation of everything that comes within his
view, and thus with the assistance of a happy memory, he has laid
up a great stock of knowledge and experience.”
[182] Dr. Young lost his wife this year, 1741.
[183] Dr. W. Clarke, died 1771; divine and writer.
[Page heading: MECHANICAL CHAIR]
Mrs. Donnellan mentions on November 15 a mechanical chair she is to
have for exercise--
“An artist is to bring me home a machine[184] for galloping and
trotting this day; if I could get him to make me one that could
move me from one place to another, with how much pleasure could
I mount my chariot to make you a visit.... London is as full now
as it used to be in January. Plays are much frequented, both to
see Barbarini dance, and a new actress from Ireland, her name is
Woffington,[185] ... she excels in men’s parts, and is to act
‘Sir Harry Wildair’ next Monday, by the King’s commands, and all
the world goes. We poor Irish run the gauntlet about her; we hear
in many companys, ‘She has a great deal of _Irish assurance_.’ I
desired it should be called _Stage assurance_.
“Handel[186] next week has a new opera, which those who have heard
the rehearsal say is very pretty. Tell Pen the ‘Lion Song’ is in
it....
“I hear the Duke of Portland is to have a Blue Garter, which I am
extremely glad of, as I think ’tis fit and proper.”
[184] Called a “Merlin Chair,” from the inventor, for mechanical
exercise.
[185] Margaret Woffington, born 1718, died 1760; celebrated actress
and friend of Garrick.
[186] Does she mean “The Messiah,” which he produced this year, but
which at first was not appreciated?
To this letter Elizabeth replies--
“The date of your letter from London is the strongest temptation to
me to wish myself there, that you could lay before me: as for Plays
and the Beau monde, I hardly wear vanity enough in the country, to
wishing myself once more in--
“‘The dull farce, the empty show
Of Powder, pocket glass and Beau.’
“I know your town is the Kingdom of Cards, and the Reign of
Mattadores I am disaffected to; here I enjoy all the pleasures of
friendship, and the satisfaction of tranquillity....
“I hope you will find great benefit by your machine; if you will
appoint a time for your imagination to take a flight, I will mount
the Marquis of Lichfield’s Hobby Horse, and give you a meeting.
Imagination gives Pegasus wings, and he often flies into the
undiscovered country of fancy.”
[Page heading: MRS. WOFFINGTON]
Mrs. Donnellan writes again on December 1 to say she and her sister,
Mrs. Clayton, had been to two plays in one week--
“One of our plays was to see Mrs. Woffington perform the part of
‘Sir Harry Wild-air,’[187] and indeed I never saw anything done
with more life and spirit; but at the same time she looked too
young, too handsome, and her voice seemed more proper for Opera
than the play; so that we see when things are out of nature, though
they may have many beauties, in the whole they will not please, and
a beard and a deep voice are as proper to make a man agreeable, as
a soft voice and smooth face to a woman.”
[187] From the play of _The Constant Couple_.
[Page heading: THE DUCHESS OF MARLBOROUGH]
The next letter of interest is of December 12, to Mrs. Robinson, from
Elizabeth--
“MADAM,
“It is long since I have had the pleasure of writing to you, for
though I have much inclination to do so, I have little leisure. I
am now coming on you with a great deal of news from the city of our
Great King. The Parliament is all in a flame, the Court have had
but a majority of seven. There is a great struggle between Giles,
Earle, and Dr. Lee, which shall be for the Committees. The city is
in great alarm that they are going to lose six hundred thousand
pounds out of Leghorn, which it is expected will be taken, and the
Port lost to our merchants.
“Now as to private affairs, it is reported the Dowager Duchess of
Marlborough[188] is dead, that she departed last night, and no one
weeps for her to-day. Extravagance will lavish away those treasures
her avarice accumulated.... I am not sure the report is true,
though private letters and public papers do affirm that the spirit
of pride, avarice, and ambition have stolen from her as quietly as
the common breath of the nostrils....”
[188] Sarah Jennings, born 1660, died 1744.
The duchess did not die then, as will be seen by the next letter to the
same person. This was the illness when the doctor told her, unless she
was blistered, she would die, when she cried, “I _won’t_ be blistered,
and I _won’t_ die!” And she did not, for she lived till 1744!
“December 19, 1741.
“MADAM,
“I believe the wars abroad, and tumults at home, will make the
publick papers worth reading. Dr. Lee has carried his Election
by four, the Court is concerned at it. The King[189] suspended
even his dinner (an action of as great importance as any done in
the reigns of some Monarchs) till this affair between Dr. Lee and
Earle was determined. The Westminster Election will now be carried
against the Court. It is thought Lord Percival will undoubtedly be
chosen at the new Election. The friends of Sir R----[190] lament
that now he will not be able to carry any of the petitions, but
where the right is on his side, and which, too, is looked upon by
them as an unfortunate thing for the Kingdom in general.
“The Duchess of Marlborough is not dead yet, but in great danger;
she has St. Anthony’s fire to a terrible degree, and will have no
advice but such as her apothecary gives her. To Mr. Spencer[191]
she has bequeathed in her will £30,000 a year, in addition to what
he has already. The Duchess of Manchester[192] she has struck out.
How the rest of her enormous fortune is disposed of people do not
know.
“We lost two of our Divines to-day, Dr. Young and the Dean
of Exeter, men of very different genius, but both agreeable
companions.”
[189] George II.
[190] Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister, born 1676, died 1745.
[191] Her grandson.
[192] Her eldest granddaughter.
[Page heading: CZARINA ELIZABETH]
The next is to Sarah, December 22, and in it is--
“I don’t know whether you have heard of the Revolutions in Russia,
that the Princess Eliza[193] is made Czarina; the Czar, his Mother,
Munich and Lacy imprisoned, and all by the power of France, and
the machinations of General Keith.[194] This is bad news for poor
England. The members of Parliament of the country party are gone
to their firesides to roast chestnuts, while the Court get the
uppermost again. The Prince’s affair is to come before the House
very soon: it is a shame that he[195] has no settlement.”
[193] Elizabeth Petrowna, born 1709, died 1761; daughter of Peter
the Great.
[194] Field-Marshal Keith, born 1696, died 1758.
[195] Frederick, Prince of Wales, born 1707, died 1751.
[Page heading: THE REV. JOHN BOTHAM]
Two letters of December 26 and December 31 to Sarah wind up the year.
In the first she mentions that the move from Bullstrode to London was
to take place on January 3, and she was to return to Mount Morris on
the 5th. In passing through London she should visit Mrs. Cotes,[196]
who was a bosom friend of hers and Sarah. A little paragraph occurs
about Mrs. Botham, Mrs. Sterne’s sister--
“Mrs. Botham is at Elford with Lady Andover, which I am glad of,
for poor Lydia has a taste for conversation above the hum-drum
mediocrity of her husband’s understanding. He has a very good
pulpit drone, and gives the whole parish an excellent nap every
Sunday with his sermonical lullaby.”
[196] Wife of Dr. Cotes, of Wimbledon, sister of Henry, Viscount
Irvine, born 1691, died 1761.
“December 31, 1741.
“MY DEAR SISTER,
“This day did not begin with the auspicious appearance of a letter
from you; I am glad it is not the first day of the New Year, for I
might have been superstitious upon it. I hope you kept your letter
back a day on purpose to welcome in the coming year. I wish it may
be our lot ever to find the next bring us what the last wanted. But
alas! time steals the most precious pleasures from us. Our life
is like a show that has passed by, leaves but a track that makes
remembrance and reflection rugged, a mark is worn for ever where
the gay train of pleasures pass’d swiftly by, and observation is
much longer displeased than ever it was delighted. I am loth to
part with an old year as with an old acquaintance, not that I have
to it the gratitude one has to a Benefactor, or the affection one
bears to a friend. I am, I fear, neither better nor richer than it
found me, but we lived easy together, and not knowing whether I
shall have the acquaintance of many years, I could be willing to
stop this. I have one obligation to it that I rate highly, that
it has ensured you from the danger of smallpox. This year too has
allowed us many happy months together. I hope all that are behind
for me design the same, else they will come unwelcome, and depart
unregretted.... This day sennight I shall be with you and the good
family at Horton, telling a ‘Winter’s tale’ by the fireside! Oh
that we were all to meet then, that once graced that fireside, even
the goodly nine,[197] and thanking my Father and Mother for all
the life they imparted to us, and have since supported! I hope the
flock is safe and our meeting reserved for some of the golden days
of fate.”
Thomas Robinson, the second brother, had this year brought out his
celebrated legal book, entitled “Common Law of Kent, or the Customs of
Gavel Kind, with an appendix concerning Borough English,” to this day
a well-referred-to book. In 1822 a third edition was published, and
another in 1858, revised by J. D. Norwood. Thomas was of Lincoln’s Inn,
was admitted April 14, 1730. The “National Biography” states he was
never called to the Bar, which must be a mistake, as there is frequent
mention of his pleading cases at Canterbury and elsewhere in the
manuscripts.
[197] The nine Robinsons, brothers and sisters.
[Year: 1742]
[Page heading: NEW YEAR’S DAY]
This year opens with a letter to Mrs. Donnellan, a portion of which I
copy--
“Bullstrode, January 1, 1742.
“DEAR MRS. DONNELLAN,
“Though there is no day of the year in which one does not wish all
happiness to one’s friends, this is the particular day in which
the heart goes forth in particular vows and wishes for the welfare
of those it loves. It is the birth of a new year, whose entrance
we would salute, and hope auspicious; nor is this particular mark
of time of little use: it teaches us to number our days, which a
wise man thought an incitement to the well spending them; and,
indeed, did we consider how much the pleasure and profit of our
lives depends upon an economy of our time, we should not waste it
as we do, in idle repentance, or reflection on the past, or a vain
unuseful regard for the future. In youth we defer being prudent
till we are old, and look forward to a promise of wisdom as the
portion of latter years: when we are old we seek not to improve,
and scarce employ ourselves; looking backward to our youth as to
the day of our diligence, and take a pride in laziness, saying we
rest as after the accomplishment of our undertakings; but we ought
to ask for our daily merit, as for our daily bread. The mind, no
more than the body, can be sustained by the food taken yesterday,
or promised for to-morrow. Every day ought to be considered as
a period apart, some virtue should be exercised, some knowledge
improved, and the value of happiness well understood, some pleasure
comprehended in it; some duty to ourselves or others must be
infringed if any of these things are neglected....
“I beg of you to reserve Monday morning for me, and I will spend it
all with you; on Tuesday I set out for Mount Morris, and on Sunday
night Pen[198] desires you to be at her house. I hope to return to
you in the beginning of March for between two and three months.
Our happy society is just breaking up, but I will think of it with
gratitude, and not with regret, and thank Fate for the joyful hours
she lent me....
“This year does not promise me much pleasure as the last has
afforded me here, but the fairest gifts of fate come often
unexpected.”
[198] Mrs. Pendarves.
[Page heading: LORD GEORGE BENTINCK]
This sentence was, had she known it, prophetic, for this very year
was to furnish her with an excellent and loving husband, a position
of importance, and a plentiful fortune. In a letter to Sarah at this
period mention is made by Elizabeth of Lord George Bentinck (the duke’s
uncle) having been ill, and the means taken for his recovery!--
“Lord George is much better than he was, and Drs. Mead and Sandys
have not determined whether it _is_ gout. I hope it is not; he has
been _blooded forty ounces_ within this week, and they say looks as
florid as ever!”
[Page heading: NORTHFLEET FAIR]
Elizabeth now left the duchess, joining her sister, who was in town
with her friend, Mrs. Cotes, and writes to her beloved duchess from
Sittingbourne, their halting-place _en route_ home. In this letter she
says--
“When I arrived at Northfleet, where we dined, every Phillis and
Corydon were at a fair in the town, and to enter into the humours
of the place, I walked through it. In one booth were nymphs and
swains buying garters, with amorous posies, some only with the
humble request, ‘When these you see, remember me’; others with a
poetical and more familiar ‘Be true to me, as I’m to thee.’ Under
another booth, for the pleasure of bold British youths, was Admiral
Vernon in gingerbread; indeed he appeared in many shapes there,
and the curate of the parish carried him home in a brass tobacco
stopper. I was a little concerned to see him lying in passive
gingerbread, upon a stall with Spanish nuts; but the politicians
of our age are wonderful in reconciling the interest of nations.
I assure you there was a great deal of company; many hearts did
I see exchanged for fairings of cherry-coloured ribbon; and one
Cymon more polished than the rest, presented his damsel with a fan,
with the intent, I presume, not to give ‘coolness to the matchless
Dame.’”
Of politics and the opposition to Sir Robert Walpole, we now gain a
glimpse in a letter of Mrs. Donnellan’s of January 14 to Elizabeth--
“It is certainly believed that the King has sent an offer of a
reconciliation, and that tempter gold, to the Prince[199] by the
Bishop of Oxford,[200] whose answer was that while Sir Robert, who
he apprehended had raised his Majesty’s resentment against him, was
at Court, he could not appear there, but that if he was removed, he
would fly without any other conditions but to have the happiness of
throwing himself at his Majesty’s feet.”
[199] Frederick, Prince of Wales, then on very bad terms with his
father.
[200] Thomas Secker, born 1693, died 1768; afterwards Archbishop of
Canterbury.
[Page heading: SIR ROBERT WALPOLE]
The duchess, writing on January 23, says, “Sir Robert carried the
question by three votes.”
In the same letter she says, “I am just come from Court, where I saw
your incomparable cousin kiss hands for the government of Barbadoes;
now he certainly goes, I will pay my civilities to him in hopes of
getting some shells!” This was Sir Thomas Robinson,[201] who, having
almost ruined himself with his improvements at Rokeby, and his enormous
and frequent entertainments, applied for the governorship on economic
reasons, and continued governor till 1747.
[201] “Long” Sir Thomas Robinson, as he was called to distinguish
him from another baronet of the same name. See note at end of book
on him.
On February 4 the duchess writes in bad spirits to “Fidget”; the duke
was ill with the gout, and her little girl, Lady Fanny, had had a
convulsion fit, for which “she was blistered and blooded within 12
hours:” drastic treatment for an unfortunate infant not a year old! In
this letter we read--
“The King sent Sir Robert word that he had no more orders for him,
and that he must resign, but that he made him Earl of Orford.
Others report that upon his losing the election of Bainton,
Rolt, and Sir Edmund Thomas, he went to the King and told him
the current ran so strongly against him he could no longer be of
service to him, but that he would come into the House of Lords.
Lord Wilmington[202] is to act as first Lord of the Treasury till
affairs are settled. It is said the Duke of Richmond[203] has given
up, that Sir William Young and Winnington are to be turned out,
Harry Pelham to be the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and there is
a patent drawing for Miss Walpole[204] to take the place of Lord
Orford’s daughter.”
[202] Earl of Wilmington, died 1743.
[203] Charles, 2nd Duke.
[204] Miss Skerrit, illegitimate daughter of Sir Robert.
[Illustration:
_Emery Walker Ph. Sc._
_Sir Thomas Robinson (1st. Baron Rokeby)_]
[Page heading: LORD ORFORD]
On February 9 Mrs. Pendarves writes the following:--
“Clarges Street, February 9, 1742.
“My dear Miss Robinson will think me very dilatory in obeying her
commands, but the uneasy situation I have been in, surrounded by
sick friends[205] and servants, must make an excuse for me.
“Burnet,[206] I hope is safe on your table, and has by this time
given you some entertainment.
“As for the fringe it should have been sent to you sooner, could I
have found it, but it was buried under such a variety of rubbish
it was like digging in a mine to find it. Don’t let these delays
discourage you from making use of me again, for no one can take
more pleasure in being your humble servant than I do. This is
asserting a bold truth, and would draw on me numbers of challenges,
if I published it. I should not be afraid of accepting the combat
where my cause was so good. Our letters crost on the road. Your
observation on retirement is very just, and all your thoughts show
the good use you make of Retirement; but I wish for my own sake to
draw you out of it. I am not so unreasonable as to expect to hear
often from you. I can’t justly make that demand, but if you were
in town I should endeavour to have a great deal of your company;
let me know when I may hope to see you. At present I can give you
no very inviting reason for coming; as to the entertainments of
the place, all parties are out of humour; everybody conjectures
something; nobody knows anything, but that Sir R(obert) W(alpole)
kissed hands yesterday as Lord Orford, and his daughter as Lady
Mary, that he resigned yesterday, and goes to Houghton in a few
days. His faithful services to his King are well rewarded. I have
been interrupted by two favourites of yours, Lord Cornbury and Mrs.
Donnellan, and to recommend them still stronger to your favour,
they have prevented your having a dull long letter. I send the
fringe enclosed; if I wait till my spirit is more alert you may
want your apron, and think I have quite neglected your orders. I
will run any hazard rather than give you just cause to complain of
me, and am with great sincerity,
“My dear Fidget,
“Yours most faithfully,
“M. P.
“P.S.--My sister desires her best compliments, mine attends yours,
and all your family.”
[205] Mrs. D’Ewes, her sister, and Sir John Stanley, her uncle, had
been ill.
[206] Bishop Burnet’s “History of the Reformation.”
[Page heading: THE DUCHESS OF NORFOLK’S MASQUERADE]
On February 11 the duchess writes--
“Great changes have been wrought to-day, Mr. Sandys has kissed
hands as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Carteret,[207] is to
be Secretary of State,[208] Lord Harrington, President of the
Council, Mr. Pulteney[209] and Lord Winchelsea[210] are to go to
Court to-morrow; and all affairs are to be transacted by the advice
of Pulteney and Pelham. Lord Cobham[211] has hindered the Prince
coming to Court, but it is to be hoped he will be persuaded to
the contrary. The Duchess of Norfolk is to have a masquerade next
Wednesday, so that I am in the greatest of hurrys to get ready. I
am to be ‘Night.’”
[207] Afterwards Earl Granville, born 1690, died 1763.
[208] William, 1st Earl, born 1690, died 1756.
[209] Afterwards Earl of Bath, born 1684, died July 8, 1764.
[210] Daniel, 8th Earl, born 1689, died 1769.
[211] Sir Richard Temple, made Baron Cobham, born 1669, died 1749.
On the same day Mrs. Donnellan writes that--
“The Duchess of Norfolk’s[212] masquerade employs the gay world
as much at present as the Court places does the ambitious. The
Duchess, Lady Andover, and Pen have their tickets, poor Dash[213]
fears she will not have one. The Duchess is to represent ‘Night,’
and you know she has stars to adorn it, and make it bright as day.
Lady Andover and Pen are to be dressed after Holler’s Prints. I
have desired they make this house their place of meeting, and shall
desire the same of all my acquaintance, which will give me all I
care for of a masquerade.”
[212] Wife of 9th Duke, _née_ Mary Blount.
[213] “Delia” Dashwood.
Another peep at the masquerade is gained by a letter from “Cally” Scott
to the two Robinson sisters--
“The Princess of Wales[214] was the finest figure that ever was
seen; she had a vast number of jewels, and was in Queen Elizabeth’s
dress: the Duchess of Portland’s was very odd and pretty, her upper
part was night, and the lower moonshine.”
[214] Augusta of Saxe Gotha, wife of Frederick, Prince of Wales.
[Page heading: SIR HANS SLOANE]
The duchess writes early in February--
“MY DEAREST FIDGET,
“Though I shall have the pleasure of seeing you soon, yet I can’t
help conversing with you as often as it is in my power. I am but
just come from Sir Hans Sloane’s,[215] where I have beheld many
odder things than himself, though none so inconsistent: however, I
will not rail, for he has given me some of his trumpery to add to
my collection, and till I get better they shall remain there....
“The Duchess of Marlborough’s Memoirs[216] are come out. I long
to read ’em, and hear she has given my grandfather a character,
entirely worthy of herself, to show posterity how very different
they were in all circumstances of life. If she makes her character
to answer his, she has given him a great foil which his virtue
did not require. Swift’s ‘Four last years of Queen Anne’[217] are
coming out. I don’t hear they are yet printed.”
[215] Eminent physician and naturalist, born 1660, died 1753; then
living at Bushington House, Chelsea.
[216] Her “Account of her Conduct.” Mr. N. Hooke helped her to
write it this year.
[217] Was not printed till 1758.
[Page heading: HOUSE OF LORDS]
Elizabeth now went to London, and in February writes this interesting
letter to her father in Kent--
“SIR,
“I thought it would be agreeable to you to have an account of the
mighty and important proceedings of both houses yesterday, so I
have sent you the question, which was debated in both Houses with a
good deal of warmth. It was brought into the House of Lords by Lord
Carteret,[218] who spoke two hours in opening. Lord Carlisle and
Lord Westmorland spoke with great warmth, and Lord Carlisle[219]
was very bitter. Lord Halifax[220] seconded Lord Carteret. Lord
Talbot said in answer to the Duke of Marlborough’s motion (that it
might be voted that an attempt to inflict any kind of punishment,
etc., etc.) that he would not say that all persons were interested
that spoke in favour of Sir Robert, that they appeared to be so,
and upon being called to order, he said with heat that he was used
to speak truth, and he did believe (by the most sacred oath) that
they were so, and that he was ready to give any man satisfaction
that would require it. All moderate men voted with the majority in
both Houses. Lord Cornbury and Mr. Harley spoke in favour of Sir
R.: the latter said that though Sir R. had pursued a relation[221]
of his without evidence, and caused his imprisonment, and thereby
the shortening of his life, he could not, as he had differed from
him in all his measures, copy him in that, and so withdrew with
his brother and many others who had great disobligations to the
Member. Mr. Skipper would not vote against the great man, for it
seems there was no proof nor evidence of the accusations. I think
the majority was 290 against 190 in the House of Commons. Many of
the Country interest did not vote at all; they did not break up
till three. The House of Lords at one o’clock in the morning. Mr.
Sandys[222] opened very well, and Mr. ‘Ste’-Fox[223] spoke on the
other side extremely well. I may by the next post, be able to give
you a further account of the matter, but this is all I have yet
heard, for the Members of Parliament are half asleep to-day.
“I am, Sir,
“Your most dutiful, etc.”
[218] John, 2nd Baron Carteret, afterwards Earl Granville.
[219] 7th Earl of Carlisle.
[220] 5th Earl of Halifax.
[221] Alluding to the impeachment and imprisonment of Robert
Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford.
[222] Afterwards 1st Lord Sandys of Ombersley.
[223] Father of 1st Baron Holland.
[Page heading: THE HOUSE’S ADDRESS]
On the other side of this folio letter, in _another handwriting_, is
_the Question_--
“The House was moved that an humble Address be presented to his
Majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his Majesty that he
will be most graciously pleased to Remove the Right Honble. Sir
Robert Walpole, Kt. of the most noble order of the Garter, first
Commissioner of his Majesty’s Treasury, and Chancellor of the
Exchequer, and one of his Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council,
from his Majesty’s Presence and Councils for ever,
“And a question being stated thereupon after long Debate,
“The Question was put, whether such an address shall be presented
to his Majesty.
“It was resolved in the Negative. Contents 47, Proxies 12: 59. Not
Contents 89, Proxies 19: 108.
“Then it was likewise moved that an attempt to inflict any kind
of Punishment on any Person without allowing him an opportunity
to make his defence, or without proof of any crime or misdemeanor
committed by him, is contrary to natural Justice, the fundamental
Laws of this Realm, and by ancient established usage of Parliament,
and is a high infringement of the Liberties of the Subject. After
further debate, The Previous Question being put, whether that
Question shall now be put?
“It was resolved in the Affirmative.
“Then the Main Question was put, and it was resolved in ye
Affirmative. Contents 81, Not Contents 54.”
[Page heading: THE OPERA]
[Page heading: GARRICK]
Elizabeth, in a letter to the Rev. William Freind, gives us an insight
into the Opera of that period--
“I was at the Opera on Saturday night, where was all the world. I
was very well diverted between the Opera and the Audience, or I
ought rather to say the Spectators, for they came to see and not to
hear. I heard the Elephant was the finest thing in the Opera, but
that was contradicted, and the burning of the Temple was preferred
to it. To accommodate everything to the absurdity of the Town, the
dancing is rendered more ridiculous and grotesque than ever. I was
thinking if the Court of Augustus could have seen the polite part
of our nation, admiring a wooden Elephant, with two lamps stuck for
eyes, and poor Scipio and Asdrubal could have risen to have seen
themselves covered with silver spangles, and quavering an Italian
Air, what an honest indignation and scorn would they have conceived
at us....
“My Sister Pea is abroad; I am confined again by a little
feverishness. I thought as it was a London fever it might be
polite, so I carried it to the Ridotto, Court, and Opera, but it
grew so perverse and stubborn, so I put it into a White Hood and
double handkerchief, and kept it by the fire these three days, and
it is better; indeed I hope it is worn out. On Saturday I intend to
go to Goodman’s Fields to see Garrick[224] act Richard III.: that
I may get one cold from a regard to sense, I have sacrificed enough
to folly in catching colds at the Great Puppet Shows in town.
* * * * *
“I must tell you advice is to me this morning, that Anson[225] had
taken three Ships laden with silver, and is going to Chagre, and
from thence to Panama; Vernon and Wentworth are to go with him, and
Trelawney is to accompany them to reconcile their resolutions.”
[224] David Garrick, born 1716, died 1779. Made his first
appearance on the stage in 1741.
[225] Admiral Lord Anson, born 1697, died 1762. Eminent naval
commander.
At this period Morris Robinson lost his beloved college friend, a Mr.
Carter, a most promising youth, from smallpox. Morris attended him
until his death, and was almost inconsolable for his loss.