1745--AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS--LETTERS FROM MR. MONTAGU AND OTHERS ABOUT THE
JACOBITE CAMPAIGN.
[Year: 1745]
The first letter of any interest in 1745 is from Mrs. Robinson to Mrs.
Montagu, dated May 8. In this she alludes to the death of the second
Mrs. Conyers Middleton, _née_ Miss Place, who had died on April 26, in
her thirty-eighth year. It appears the marriage had not been a very
happy one. Mrs. Robinson remarks--
“The Dean of Canterbury hears the Doctor (Middleton) is going to
Ireland with Lord Chesterfield.[361]... I take it for granted, if
he goes he is to be an Irish Bishop. It is very strange that no one
can be contented with their present state, for though the Doctor is
neither great nor rich, he has more than he wants, and can spend
his time in such studies as he chuses, and his vacant hours in the
company he has been used to, which I think to one between 60 and
70, would be no small consideration.”
[361] The 4th Earl of Chesterfield, born 1694, died 1773. He was
just made Viceroy of Ireland.
[Page heading: DONNINGTON CASTLE]
A letter of July 24 from Mrs. Montagu at Sandleford to the Duchess
of Portland gives an interesting account of Donnington Castle, near
Newbury--
“One day this week we rode to Chaucer’s Castle,[362] where you
will suppose we made some verses no doubt, and when they showed us
Chaucer’s well, I desired some Helicon, hoping thereby to write
you a more poetical letter, but the place having been, during the
last Civil War, besieged, the Muses were frightened away, and
forbade this spring to flow, so it is entirely choaked up, and
where flourished Laurels and Bays, grows only uncouth thorns and
thistles. Where erst the Muses and the Graces played in the best
room of the Castle, now stink a few tame partridges: in short, the
present owner, having none of the divine enthusiasm of poetry, has
turned the Castle to barbarous uses. Above it is a partridge Mew,
below a court is kept for paying fines and fees.”
[362] Donnington belonged to Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet, but
likely enough the father visited his son there.
Mrs. Montagu had been far from well this spring and summer, with
lowness of spirits and nervous fainting attacks. Dr. Mead prescribed
riding as a remedy, and finally advised her to take the waters at
Tunbridge Wells. Mr. Montagu being obliged to go to the North about his
own and Mr. Rogers’ affairs, it was agreed that she should drink the
waters whilst he was absent.
Lady Wallingford, who had been paying them a long visit, set out for
Bath. Mrs. Montagu left Sandleford, August 18, for London, with Mr.
Montagu, and left for Tunbridge Wells on the 20th, Mr. Montagu leaving
for the North on August 29.
[Page heading: DR. YOUNG AND CIBBER!]
Writing from Tunbridge Wells to the Duchess of Portland on August 27,
Mrs. Montagu says--
“I have great joy in Dr. Young, whom I disturbed in a reverie, and
at first he started, then bowed, then fell back into a surprise,
then began a speech, relapsed into his astonishment two or three
times.... I told him your Grace desired he would write longer
letters, to which he cried “Ha!” most emphatically, and I leave
you to interpret what it meant. He has made a friendship with
one person here, whom I believe you would not imagine to have
been made for his bosom friend.... You would not guess that this
associate of the Doctor’s was old _Cibber_![363] Certainly in their
religious, moral and civil character there is no relation, but in
their Dramatic capacity there is some. But why the Reverend Divine
and serious author of the melancholy ‘Night Thoughts’ should desire
to appear as a _persona dramatis_ here, I cannot imagine. The
waters have raised his spirits to a fine pitch, as your Grace will
imagine when I tell you how sublime an answer he made to a very
vulgar question. I asked him how long he staid at the Wells? He
said ‘as long as my rival staid!’ I was astonished how one who made
no pretensions to anything could have a rival, so I asked him for
an explanation: he said he would stay as long as the _Sun_ did!”
[363] Colley Cibber, actor and dramatist, born 1671, died 1757.
On August 30, writing to Mr. Montagu, mention is made of Dr. Smith, his
friend, being at Tunbridge Wells. Dr. Robert Smith[364] was Master of
Trinity, Cambridge, a mathematician and professor of astronomy, and had
been tutor to the Duke of Cumberland.
“He sat next me at the Concert last night; why he is so fond
of this place, I cannot tell, for it seems not very agreeable
to the nature of a Philosopher. This is a life of idleness and
dissipation. I spend great part of my day at home, but most people
live upon the Publick Walks. I have got up very early and generally
read an hour before I go to the Well. The greatest pleasure I have
here is riding about to see this wild, rude country. Dr. Young
dined with me to-day. Dr. Audley was much pleased with him, and we
had a very chearful meal.”
[364] Dr. Robert Smith, born 1681, died 1768.
Mr. Montagu desired much to see some wheatears, birds that abound in
the Downs still, and are delicious eating.
“I was sorry the Wheatears could not be got, but the Poulterer
disappointed me; however I have now got a couple stuffed, by which
you will see their shape and feathers.
“It is now absolutely said the Duchess of Manchester[365] is to
marry Mr. Hussey.”[366]
[365] Isabella, daughter of the Duke of Montagu, and widow of 2nd
Earl of Manchester.
[366] Mr. Edward Hussey, afterwards Earl of Beaulieu.
Mr. Montagu writes from his brother’s place, Newbold Verdon, where he
stayed _en route_ to the North--
“At Dunstable Hill j met Mr. Stanhope with your friend Dr.
Courayer, and not far from Northampton my Lady Halifax[367] going
to London to lye in, and afterwards my Lord,[368] with whom j
had some discourse, and who was so civil as to say he hoped j
intended calling on him at Horton. I said j would take some other
opportunity of paying my respects. We had yesterday the company of
Lord Wentworth[369] and a brother[370] of the great Mr. Lyttelton,
who is a Clergyman, at dinner. The former of whom is a very pretty
kind of man, and the other will be a Bishop.”
[367] _Née_ Anne Dunk, a great heiress.
[368] George Montagu Dunk, 5th Earl of Halifax.
[369] Edward, 9th Baron Wentworth.
[370] Charles Lyttelton, afterwards Bishop of Carlisle.
[Page heading: DERBY]
Arrived at Derby, Mr. Montagu writes, “The town is finely situated, and
the country good about it, but the famous engine[371] for silk weaving
being out of order, j am afraid we must go away without seeing it.”
[371] Invented by Mr. John Lombe, one great wheel turning 99,947
smaller wheels!
[Page heading: MANCHESTER]
On September 5 Mr. Montagu writes from Manchester--
“We lay last night at Buxton, which is a mean town, very romantic
and surrounded with barren hills, and this morning, after
travelling over about ten miles of very hilly country, some of
which afforded very delightful prospects, and about 12 miles over
a rich, flat country, we came here. This town is in the general,
old, but some good houses have been built, and are daily building.
The Collegiate Church is very handsome. It is very populous, and
contains, as they say, about 70,000 people, and drives a prodigious
trade.
“To-morrow we pursue our journey. We propose to lye at Skipton in
Craven, which if we do, we shall reach Burton in good time the next
day.”
Burton was Mr. Buckley’s[372] home.
[372] With whom the three younger Robinson boys had lived.
We must now return to Mrs. Montagu. Tunbridge Wells agreed with her,
her spirits mended, and to the duchess’s inquiries she states--
“I can eat more buttered roll in a morning than a great girl at
a boarding school, and more beef at dinner than a yeoman of the
Guards; I sleep well, and am indeed in perfect health, and the
waters have done me much service.”
[Page heading: DR. YOUNG]
With Dr. Young’s company she was delighted, and she rode with him
often. One ride she describes thus--
“I have been in the vapours these two days, on account of Dr.
Young’s leaving us: he was so good as to let me have his company
very often, and we used to ride and walk and take sweet counsel
together. A few days before he went away, he carried Mrs. Rolt[373]
and myself to Tunbridge,[374] five miles from hence, where we were
to see some fine ruins.... First rode the Doctor on a tall steed,
decently caparizoned in grey; next ambled Mrs. Rolt on a hackney
horse lean as the famed Rosinante, but in shape much resembling
Sancho’s ass; then followed your humble servant on a milk white
Palfrey, whose reverence for the human kind induced him to be
governed by a creature not half as strong and I fear scarce thrice
as wise as himself. The two figures that brought up the rear, the
first was my servant valiantly armed with two uncharged pistols,
whose holsters were covered with two civil harmless monsters, that
signified the valour and courtesy of our ancestors. The last was
the Doctor’s man, whose uncombed hair so resembled the mane of the
horse he rode on, one could not help imagining they were of him....
On his head was a velvet cap much resembling a black saucepan,
and on his side hung a little basket. Thus did we ride, or rather
jog on to Tunbridge town. To tell you how the dogs barked at us,
the children squalled, and the men and women stared at us, would
take too much time.... At last we arrived at the ‘King’s Head’:
the loyalty of the Doctor induced him to alight.... We took this
progress to see the ruins of an old Castle; but first our Divine
would visit the Churchyard, where we read that folks were born
and died, the natural, moral, and physical history of Mankind.
In the Churchyard grazed the Parson’s Steed, whose back was worn
bare with carrying a pillion Seat for the comely, fat personage,
this ecclesiastic’s wife. Though the creature eat daily part of
the parish, he was most miserably lean. Tired of dead and living
bones, Mrs. Rolt and I jumped over a stile into the Parson’s field,
and from thence, allured by the sight of golden Pippins, we made
an attempt to break into the holy man’s orchard. He came most
courteously to us and invited us to his apple-trees; to show our
moderation we each of us gathered two mellow codlings....
“The good parson offered to show us the inside of his Church, but
made some apology for his undress, which was a truly canonical
dishabille. He had on a grey striped calamanco night gown, a wig
that once was white, but by the influence of an uncertain climate
turned to a pale orange, a brown hat, encompassed by a black
hatband, a band somewhat dirty that decently retired under his
chin, a pair of grey stockings well mended with blue worsted,
strong symbol of the conjugal care and affection of his wife,
who had mended his hose with the very worsted she bought for her
own.... When we had seen the Church, the parson invited us to take
some refreshment, but Dr. Young thought we had before trespassed
on the good man’s time, so desired to be excused, else we should,
no doubt, have been welcomed to the house by Madam in her muslin
pinners and sarsenet hood, who would have given some Mead and a
piece of a cake that she made in the Whitsun holidays for her
cousins.”
[373] Mrs. Rolt, a friend of Dr. Conyers Middleton.
[374] Tunbridge and Tunbridge Wells are separate towns.
[Page heading: TONBRIDGE CASTLE]
Mrs. Montagu goes on to say they invited the divine to join them
at dinner, which he refused, but appeared afterwards with a large
tobacco-horn, with Queen Anne’s head upon it, peeping from his pocket.
“After dinner we walked to the old Castle,[375] which was built by
Richard de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, in William Rufus’ days. It
has been a most magnificent building, the situation is extremely
beautiful: the Castle made a kind of half moon down to the river,
and where the river does not defend it, it is guarded by a large
moat. The towers at the great Gate are covered with fine venerable
ivy. It was late in the evening before we got home, but the silver
Cynthia held up her lamp in the heavens, and cast such a light on
the earth, as showed its beauties in a soft and gentle light. The
night silenced all but our Divine Doctor, who sometimes uttered
things fit to be spoken in a Season when all Nature seems to be
hushed and hearkening. I followed gathering wisdom as I went, till
I found by my horse’s stumbling that I was in a bad road, and that
the blind was leading the blind: so I placed my servant between
the Doctor and myself, which he not perceiving, went on in a most
philosophical strain to the great amazement of my poor clown of
a servant, who not being brought up to any pitch of enthusiasm,
nor making answer to any of the fine things he heard, the Doctor
wondering I was dumb, and grieving I was so stupid, looked round,
declared his surprise, and desired the man to trot on before.”
[375] William Rufus gave Tonbridge to Richard FitzGilbert, ancestor
of the Earls of Clare, surnamed “De Benefacta.”
[Page heading: THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ’45]
Not till a letter of Mr. Montagu’s of September 17, from Allerthorpe,
is a word said of the rising in Scotland. This passage occurs--
“The affair of the Pretender has made a noise beyond what j at
first imagined it would. If it is as formidable as some would have
us believe it to be, j hope by the care and vigilance of those at
the helm, it will be soon crushed. We are hitherto in this country
very quiet, and j hope we shall keep so.”
The next letter of September 22 says--
“I intended being at Newcastle next Tuesday, but what has happened
since has made that impossible, for on Tuesday there is to be a
meeting of the gentlemen at York, at which Mr. Carter and j are to
be there.
“The rebels have certainly entered the city of Edinburgh,[376]
as j suppose by the treachery of some there, but as the town of
Newcastle has taken proper precautions and that there are at that
town 1700 men, besides 1200 at Durham, and j hope with Cope are
computed 3000, and it is said that the Dutch transports have been
seen off the coasts, j hope there is no doubt this rebellion will
be crushed. I hope, however, you will be under as little concern
as possible, for j will run myself into no unnecessary danger, but
behave as j hope you, if you were upon the spot, would approve.”
[376] They entered Edinburgh on September 16.
[Page heading: GEORGE LEWIS SCOTT]
[Page heading: NATIONAL TERRORS]
This letter frightened Mrs. Montagu much. She immediately wrote to
propose joining Mr. Montagu, and despatched a messenger to London to
ask advice from a person likely to know about the affair. This person
was Mr. George Lewis Scott,[377] eldest son of George Scott, of Bristo
in Scotland, by Marion Stewart, daughter of Sir James Stewart, Lord
Advocate of Scotland. He was a great friend of George I., and had his
names given to him by the Princess Sophia,[378] who was his godmother.
He was a most able mathematician, which formed a tie between himself
and Mr. Montagu. He was a tall, big man, very sociable and facetious,
an accomplished musician. In 1750 he was Sub-Preceptor to George III.,
and in 1756 Commissioner of Excise. I give a portion of his letter in
reply; his handwriting is beautiful--
“Hearing of an express said to arrive last night, I went out in
search of news, but find nothing material since the account of
the unhappy battle,[379] or rather infamous flight, of Saturday
last. We have as yet no authentic detail of the action. The common
opinion is, that the King’s forces both horse and foot behaved
scandalously. Inclosed I send you a list of some officers killed
and wounded in this affair. We do not yet know what is become of
the rest, excepting that the greatest part of the Dragoons were
safe at Berwick with Sir John Cope.[380] The Captain Stewart of
the Earl of Loudoun’s Regiment mentioned among the slain was an
acquaintance of Mr. Montagu’s, and a great friend of Mr. Spencer’s.
There are two Captains killed and regretted of Guise’s Regiment,
the same corps in which my brother has a company. By good fortune
he was not there, being just returned from Flanders, and this Day
upon the Establishment as engineer, and ordered to attend Marshal
Wade. We may once more call the east wind a Protestant wind. Had
the English and Dutch forces, amounting to 12,000 men, been kept
off by contrary winds, God only knows what the consequences of the
loss of this, in itself trifling, skirmish might have been. As
it is the Stocks have fallen considerably. There has been a run
upon the Bank, who have paid silver to gain time, and have been
much blamed for so doing. But on the other hand, just reasons are
alledged for their conduct. They say they had certain knowledge
that those who began the run were disaffected persons, who, if
they had been paid in gold, might with much greater facility have
transmitted supplies to Scotland, than when paid in silver. However
this may be, it is certain that some of the most considerable
Bankers and Merchants have agreed to support the Bank on this
occasion. I am still hopeful, notwithstanding all the bad rumours
we hear, that the old English spirit, though confessedly sunk in
deep slumbers for many years, may yet awake. Can anything be more
ridiculous and more joyful to the French, more terrible and more
shameful to ourselves, to see a Nation which might raise 500,000
men, a nation worth twice 500 millions of property, frightened and
disordered by 5000 Highland ruffians not worth £5000, if they,
their wives and children, servants, goods and chattels, were to be
sold in the market? In the days of Oliver six times that number
were near Dunbar dispersed by 10,000 English like chaff before the
wind. But perhaps, as Voltaire says, ‘Les anglois d’aujourd’huy ne
resemblent aux anglois de Cromwell, non plus que les Monsignori de
Rome ne resemblent aux Scipions et aux Catons.’”
[377] George Lewis Scott, born 1708, died 1780.
[378] Daughter of George I., married Frederick William, King of
Prussia.
[379] Battle of Preston Pans, fought on September 20.
[380] Commander-in-Chief for Scotland.
[Page heading: GENERAL WADE’S ARMY]
The last account we have of the rebels is that
“they are returned to Edinburgh, and it is supposed they will
be audacious enough to call a Parliament of that Nation, and
dissolve the Union. This I think good news, as it will give time
for the panic, with which too many are seized, to dissipate. It
will also give the well affected in the Northern counties time
to arm, and for the King’s forces to assemble. Mr. Wade’s army
is to be 10 or 12,000 strong. The Rendezvous it’s said, is to be
at Nottingham. I wish the Duke[381] were sent for to command.
He behaved incomparably well in Flanders, avoided no danger, no
fatigue, was an example of regularity and discipline, and what
is more considerable, of justice in rewarding merit. More troops
are said to be ordered over. This is certainly a right step, but
the consequences on the other side of the water, be what they
will.... We have a report that the Castle of Edinburgh must soon
surrender for want of provisions. What an unpardonable neglect! If
this should be so, the consequences would be very bad, as it would
furnish the rebels with considerable quantities of cash, plate,
arms, powder, and artillery. What will happen, I know not, but if
I were Governor, I could soon fetch up provisions from the city by
bombs and red-hot balls.”
[381] The Duke of Cumberland, born 1721, died 1768; second son of
George II.
Mr. Scott concludes his letter by saying he hopes Mr. Montagu will be
in London for the meeting of Parliament on October 17. He also adds--
“I could wish you further from the Sea-side than Mount Morris,
though Mr. Vernon[382] is the most vigilant of commanders. I have
been assured that as soon as the news of his being appointed was
known in France, the price of insurance was raised.”
[382] Admiral Vernon, born 1684, died 1757.
He concludes with messages to Sarah Robinson, who was with her sister,
and who was destined to become his wife.
[Illustration
_Emery Walker Ph. Sc._
_Lady Lechmere née Howard_]
[Page heading: COUNTY MEETING]
[Page heading: CONDUCT OF THE NORTHERN GENTRY]
The next letter from Mr. Montagu from Allerthorpe, dated September 27,
is thus--
“MY DEAREST,
“Since my last letter to you by Sunday’s Post, we had our meeting
at York on Tuesday the 24th, where there was the greatest Meeting
of peoples of all Ranks and degrees that j believe was ever
known upon any occasion. Of the nobility there was present the
Lord Carlisle,[383] the Lord Malton,[384] Lord Lonsdale,[385]
Lord Falconbridge,[386] Lord Fitzwilliam,[387] and perhaps some
others who may have escaped my notice, together with Sir Conyers
D’Arcy,[388] Mr. Turner, Member for the County, Mr. Fox and Mr.
Wentworth, members for the City of York, and all the gentlemen
of the County, together with the clergy. There was the utmost
unanimity and spirit imaginable, and after a meeting at the Castle,
where the Archbishop made a handsome speech on the occasion, an
association was entered into with an address to the King, and
subscription made of near £20,000, and which when the whole of
the collection shall be made, will j believe amount to much more.
With this money there are to be raised several Companys of foot,
consisting of 50 men each, and they will be officered by gentlemen
who will serve without any pay, among whom is my friend, Sir R.
Graham, but it will be some time before these companys can be
raised, and made usefull, which would not have been otherwise,
if the Militia had been kept up and exercised as the law directs
instead of being ridiculed and rendered contemptible these
last fifty years for purposes j need not tell you. I wish this
misfortune would for the future learn us more prudence, and make
us settle the Militia which is the only constitutional force, and
agreeable to our liberty, upon a better footing than it has of late
been, but j know too much of mankind ever to hope to see it in
this country. This rebellion has made a most rapid and surprising
progress. Edinburgh was taken before it was believed there was
almost any such thing. The disbelief, however, of the people was
no excuse for the M(inistr)y, whose measures have been the cause
of it, for not crushing it at the beginning. The conduct of our
General Cope is much censured for suffering himself to be surprised
by the enemy, who in a short time overcame, and j wish Wentworth
who is sent may have better success than he had at Carthagena. Mr.
Ridley, the Mayor of Newcastle, has taken all proper precautions
to secure the town, and if we are rightly informed, has, with the
promise of £10,000, gained all the Keel men, who are computed
at 15,000 men. The county of Durham has raised the Militia and
General Oglethorpe[389] is at York raising a regiment of gentlemen
volunteers. About 15,000 Dutch are j believe got to Berwick, and j
hope we shall soon have the regiments amounting to upwards of 6000,
which are lately landed in the Thames from Holland, by means of
all which force j flatter myself a speedy end will be put to this
unhappy affair, and peace restored to our Island....
“I desire you will not let yourself be concerned more than you
ought at these unhappy times, nor imagine us here in greater
danger than we really are, for if the enemy should be for coming
this length, we should have notice enough of it, and as we are
at present unprovided with force, must take to flight to save
ourselves. I am in very good health and spirits, and run no hazards
but what others as deserving and better than j do run, and hope
your good sense and greatness of mind will preserve you from being
more concerned than other people are, or you ought to be. I desire
you will add to all the other testimonys of your love and affection
to me, what j now ask, which at all events will make me easy. I
will take all opportunities of writing to you, and am, with my
compliments to dear Miss Salley,
“My dearest Angel,
“Your most affectionate Husband,
“EDW. MONTAGU.
“P.S.--I subscribed a £100.”
[383] 7th Earl of Carlisle.
[384] 6th Baron of Malton.
[385] 3rd Viscount Lonsdale.
[386] Should be Viscount Fauconberg.
[387] 1st Earl Fitzwilliam.
[388] Afterwards 6th Earl of Holdernesse.
[389] James Edward Oglethorpe, born 1698, died 1785; 1733 founded
Georgia, which he named after George II.
[Page heading: GENERAL COPE’S DEFEAT]
The next letter from Mr. Montagu is written from Allerthorpe, on
September 29, after having received his wife’s earnest appeal to be
allowed to join him. This sentence shows his affection for her--
“You have ever been my Pride, j have loved and honoured you with
the tenderest affection, and will continue to do so as long as j
live, but j now adore you for the greatness of mind, joyned with
the utmost regard shewn to me in a letter which might have well
become a Roman Lady. The happiest days that j ever past in my life,
have been with you, and j hope Heaven, after these storms shall
be blown over, will grant me the long enjoyment of your charming
society, which I prefer above everything upon Earth....
“I cannot consent to the danger you might run by coming to me,
however glad j might be to have you with me, but must desire you
and conjure you without any further difficulty or hesitation to go
to your Father’s in Kent, where you will be amongst those who best
love you, and are most capable to defend you, till j can come to
you there myself....
“The defeat of Cope is a very great misfortune. Everybody censures
the conduct of the General, as well as the behaviour of the
soldiers. We have since the battle heard no more but that the
Rebels are encamped at Preston Pans, near where the battle was
fought.”
[Page heading: SUSSEX PRIVATEERS]
On September 30, from London, George Lewis Scott writes to Mrs.
Montagu, still at Tunbridge Wells--
“Since my last I have seen two Officers, who were in the engagement
of Saturday sen’night, and I have had a pretty distinct account
of our dispositions, so that I could send you a plan of that
affair.... It seems agreed both by these officers and by the
General’s letter that our men were seized with a panic at the
rapid motion of the Highlanders, so that their officers attempted
to rally them in vain. The military Chest and all the baggage
was taken, what the loss of men is cannot yet be known. I find
Captain Stewart is not killed, but only taken Prisoner. Our civil
panic here begins to subside a little. General Wade’s[390] Army
will probably be near Doncaster by this day sen’night, so that we
hope Yorkshire will be protected.... We are in no apprehensions
for Berwick or Newcastle: nor is the Castle of Edinburgh in danger
for want of provisions. Besides the ordinary Stores, the Governor
swept all the Markets in town, the day the Rebels left it to meet
General Cope. The Provost, I hear, is in the Castle, so that I
hope he will be able to wipe off the aspersions so liberally
thrown upon him. There is no certain news of the further motions
or schemes of the Rebels. To-day I was told they intended to march
for Northumberland, and expected to be there increased 10,000 men
besides £100,000 in money. I give no great credit to my author’s
intelligence, he is of a suspected family and speaks as he wishes.
This is all I have been able to pick up for you, and I hope your
fears begin to subside a little. But if I endeavour to diminish
them for the North I shall now on the contrary try to increase
them on the South. I mean as to your going to Mount Morris. I saw
a Sussex gentleman yesterday, who tells me they are frequently
alarmed by Privateers on their coast, and what should hinder a few
desperadoes from landing in the night and doing as they pleased on
the coast.... I own it would give me a vast satisfaction to see you
and Miss Robinson in Dover Street again.”
[390] Field-Marshal George Wade, died 1748, ætat 75.
On October 1 Mr. Montagu writes from Allerthorpe--
“MY DEAREST LOVE,
“Since my last to you, we have heard nothing of the advancing of
the Rebels, who, we have advice, are not above 5000, and most of
them very shabby fellows. A Spy has been taken at Newcastle, said
to belong to the Duke of Perth,[391] on whom was found a letter
concealed in his glove. The contents are not yet made publick, no
more than those of the letters found also on another person at
the same place. The former has cut his throat, but is not dead.
We are very quiet in these parts. The Captains are raising their
men, and General Oglethorpe is getting together a flying Squadron
of Volunteers, amongst whom are Mr. Tanfield of Calthorpe, and Dr.
Chambers of Ripon. Captain Twycross is Lieutenant to Sir Reginald.
“I hear the Dukes of Bedford and Devonshire and others are set out
for their respective counties to raise men to assist in suppressing
this rebellion.”
[391] 3rd titular Duke of Perth, born 1720, died 1746.
He ends by entreating her to go at once to Horton, as Mount Morris was
more generally called in the family, and that till the country was
safe, she would not blame his staying north as long as he could be of
any service.
[Page heading: TUNBRIDGE WARE]
This letter hastened Mrs. Montagu’s and Sarah’s departure from
Tunbridge Wells. Writing to the Duchess of Portland on the eve of
starting, she asks her if she has
“received a fan with Dr. Young’s picture in his riding
accoutrements. I have taken the liberty to send you some Tunbridge
ware, which in your magnificence you will despise, but I desire it
may be sent to your Dairy, and there humbler thoughts will possess
you, and churns of butter, prints, and skimming dishes will appear
of consequence. I have sent you baskets for your goodyship to put
your eggs in, also for feeding your poultry.”
[Page heading: SIR JOHN COPE]
On October 5 George Lewis Scott wrote to Mrs. Montagu, then at Mount
Morris, a long letter, a portion of which I copy. His handwriting,
though small, was clear and exceedingly elegant. He chaffs her and Miss
Robinson at taking refuge near the sea, and says, “If I were Captain
of a Privateer, and had 50 stout fellows to second me, I would carry
you and your whole family off in spite of the unconquered county of
Kent.”... After this he suggests
“a vidette, a Sentinel on Horseback at a proper distance from
the house, who may gallop home and give you timely allarm, your
horses should be ready saddled.... The Army under Marshal Wade
is not to rendezvous at Worcester till the 12th instant. If the
Highlanders have begun their march as it is supposed, and that
their Chiefs get their men to cross the borders, (no easy task,
because of the prevailing tradition among them that none ever get
back again), they may be in Yorkshire as soon as our Army. I am
sorry that county is not better prepared, but alas! it is not easy
to be prepared in a country rendered so artificially unwarlike as
England. What signify all the speeches of the Orators, or rather of
our ignorant, perhaps knavish babblers in Parliament against the
Army? What has been the consequence of their insisting so often,
contrary to common experience and common sense, that our Navy was
a sufficient security. They only misled honest gentlemen. Their
frothy words will not restore tranquillity, and public credit, nor
repel the Highlanders. The Roman orators were also warriors, even
Cicero was, I believe, a better General than most of ours, who have
not forgot the Art of War, as Miss Robinson suggests: they never
_learnt_ it.
“_À propos_ of Generals, the following lines were made and repeated
by a lady while asleep; her husband set them down, and astonished
her with them in the morning; she remembered nothing of the
matter:--
“‘Say what reward shall be decreed
For deeds like those of Sir John Cope?
Reason and rhyme have both agreed
His ribbon should be made a rope.’
“You say, Madam, you have wasted, not spent your time at Tunbridge.
Your health restored, and your reflections show me the contrary....”
Mr. Montagu now proposed returning from the North, thinking matters
were on a better footing, and intended fetching his wife from Mount
Morris, but Parliament being summoned, was forced to remain in Dover
Street. Mrs. Montagu proposed joining him from Kent on October 27.
In a letter to him on the 25th, she states, “The smugglers here are
all patriots it seems, which is very fortunate, for they assemble in
formidable numbers.”
Mrs. Robinson being threatened with a renewal of cancer in her breast,
was persuaded to accompany Mrs. Montagu to London for advice. In a
letter to the Duchess of Portland at this period Mrs. Montagu states--
“The learned faculty have given us better hopes of my Mother’s
case than I could have expected. They say it is not yet cancerous,
and that it may be many years before it hurts her. Your Grace was
excessively good in sending me the receipts which I have sent her,
and also the Walnut medicine.”
The “Walnut medicine,” from; a letter of the duchess, appears to have
been made of the lining of the nuts.
[Page heading: MR. SCOTT’S APPETITE]
In a letter to Sarah of November 8 Mrs. Montagu jokes about Mr. Scott
being in love with Sarah, but his appetite being little diminished
by it, as he had just eaten most of a chine of mutton and two large
apple dumplings. He seems from other letters to have possessed a large
appetite! She then adds--
“I think it is time to tell you all the news I have heard about
the Rebels, God knows it is not very good: 5000 Irish Brigadiers
from Dunkirk are embarked in order to land in Scotland to
assist the Rebels. Ligonier[392] is sent for, Marshal Wade,
who thinks he has forces enow, and the Dukes of Bedford,[393]
Richmond,[394] Rutland,[395] and some others march in person to
him immediately.... The Pretender is at Kelso on the borders of
England. The Dutch troops are not to be depended upon, and ours are
very drunken and licentious. The Parliament has not done anything
remarkable for some days. On Thursday they had the Pretender’s
declarations read, and after a Conference with the Lords ordered
the Declaration to be burnt by the hands of the common Hangman.”
[392] John, Earl of Ligonier, born 1678, died 1770. Field-Marshal,
distinguished in Marlborough’s campaigns.
[393] 4th Duke, born 1710, died 1771.
[394] 7th Duke, born 1701, died 1750.
[395] 3rd Duke, born 1696, died 1779.
[Page heading: MR. STANLEY’S LETTER]
[Page heading: TO THE DUKE OF MONTAGU]
Amongst Mr. Montagu’s papers endorsed by him “a letter of Mr. Stanley’s
to the Duke of M,” meaning John,[396] 2nd Duke of Montagu, his
relation, is the following:--
“Boughton,[397] November 17, 1745.
“MY LORD,
“I received your Grace’s commands by express yesterday morning by
six o’clock. I immediately wrote a letter to old Mr. Squire and his
son, and expected an answer last night, but to my surprise John
Goodwin came in without one, they being both in Huntingdonshire,
and I expect every minute an answer which was promised by Mr.
Squire. Mr. George Robinson I waited upon, and he expressed great
satisfaction at your Grace’s kind favour of being made Captain
Lieutenant in your Grace’s own troop of Horse, and returns your
Grace his most dutiful thanks for the same. Your Grace is pleased
to mention that the new rais’d Regiment will soon march northwards,
at which both regiments have expressed much uneasiness: the men
say they had no need to leave their houses and families to go
for soldiery, that they and their forefathers have lived quietly
and happily under your Grace and your forefathers as tenants for
hundreds of years, that they would never have engaged to the Wars
with anybody but your Grace, when they listed it was only to go
along with your Grace to fight for you, and that they would go with
nobody else. The Northamptonshire men are in the same story, they
say if they had wanted to quit their professions to be soldiers
they might have had five pounds a man to list in the Guards, or
four pounds a man to list in a marching regiment, but they chose
to list with your Grace for nothing, out of regard for you, and
to go with you and fight for you, and nobody else. I believe one
reason which made the people more uneasy is, that at the time they
were raising, it was maliciously insinuated amongst them that
your Grace’s name was only made use of to get them to list, and
that they would be draughted and turned over to other Colonels,
which made many backward in listing, and many of them are still
apprehensive of being serv’d so, and declare if they are, they will
sooner venture being shot for deserters than serve, and it has
cost us much pains and many good words and a great deal of coaxing
to bring them into temper; and we have told them that in fighting
in defence of their King and country, wherever your Grace shall
order them is the true way of serving your Grace, and that they
may be assured they will not be draughted and turned over to other
Colonels, and they seem now to be pretty easy for the present, and
I believe, will march chearfully and willingly enough, when and
wherever your Grace shall please to order them. Give me leave, my
dear Lord Duke, once more to offer myself and fifty men, quite
volunteers, to bear our own expenses, to wait on your Grace, if
you must expose your person to danger, wherever you shall please
to command us, and cloath ourselves in what manner you like best,
and shall think ourselves happy in hazarding our lives for the
preservation of yours, who are so dear a Father to your Country.
“It being half an hour after 11 o’clock, I dare not stay any longer
for Mr. Squire’s answer. I dare venture to say young Mr. Squire
would be very glad to accept the Favour of your Grace’s convey of
Horse. I have heard him say to that effect. I take the freedom to
inclose a letter or two in this packet, and am,
“My Lord,
“Your Grace’s most humble,
and Dutiful Servant to command,
“D. STANLEY.”
[396] John Montagu, 2nd Duke, born 1689, died 1749.
[397] Boughton, the duke’s property near Kettering in
Northamptonshire.
The Duke of Montagu[398] raised three regiments, two of foot and one of
horse. The command of one regiment he gave to his relation John, 4th
Earl of Sandwich.
[398] The duke was Master of the Wardrobe, and Grandmaster of the
Order of the Bath.
[Page heading: SIR FRANCIS DASHWOOD]
A letter of Mrs. Montagu’s to the Duchess of Portland, dated November
19, says--
[Page heading: CATTLE MURRAIN]
“Carlisle is surrendered to the rebels, who, I hear, behave
civilly, and not as conquerors.... Ligonier is still ill; the Dukes
of Richmond and Bedford are set out. Lord Sandwich is aide-de-camp
to the Duke of Richmond. I pity poor Lady Sandwich, she endeavours
to bear up, but certainly she is in an uneasy situation; I saw her
on Sunday, and she is to dine here to-morrow.... I suppose you know
Sir Francis Dashwood is upon the brink of matrimony. I see him
sometimes with his intended bride, Lady Ellis; he is really very
good company.”
This was the celebrated Sir Francis Dashwood,[399] afterwards Lord
Le Despencer, the leader of the infamous Hell Fire Club of the sham
Franciscan monks at Medmenham Abbey. Mention is made in this letter
of the murrain amongst the cattle, which raged to such a degree that
people forbore to eat beef or veal, or drink milk. A passage in a
letter of November 26 to the Rev. W. Freind, who was then at Bath,
reads--
“The Duke of Cumberland set out yesterday, as did the Duke of
Bedford and Lord Sandwich: the Duke of Montagu gave his Lordship
one of his regiments. Almost all of our nobility are gone to the
Army, so that many of the great families are in tears. Let it be
said for the honour of our sex, there are no drums, no operas, and
plays are unfrequented.”
[399] He married Lady Ellis, December 19, 1745.
Sarah Robinson, writing from Mount Morris, states that they were in
great fear of an invasion of the French. It filled her with unspeakable
terror, as well as the servants; but she says--
“My Father, you are to understand, is not at all concerned, he is
not at all afraid of an invasion, nor don’t think there is the
least probability of it, but for all that he has ordered everything
to be packed up that can be packed.” She adds, “I don’t know that
the French will invade us, but I am sure crossness has, and my
Father is just miserably out of sorts, so it’s a pity but he should
stay in the house, he would presently scold the French away.”
[Page heading: INVASION EXPECTED]
[Page heading: THE LAW REGIMENT]
The Montagus had now left London for Sandleford, and Mr. George L.
Scott writes the following letter to Mr. Montagu:--
“London, December 12, 1745.
“DEAR SIR,
“I did not expect so sudden an occasion of writing to you. You need
not, however, expect very important news, it being only to inform
you that henceforward you may shine in the dignity of F.R.S., you
were elected this evening, and may be admitted when you return to
town. We had a very hot alarm this morning, of a descent of the
French in Sussex. It was grounded upon a letter of a gentleman of
distinction in your county; the Secretary of the Customs roused Mr.
Pelham with the news at three, but a more certain and contradictory
account came by eight, with us the report subsisted till two, and
then vanished. Thus far, they say, may be depended on, that Dunkirk
Harbour is filled with Ships. If the French can get a footing in
Kent, it will be their fault if they do not do us inconceivable
damages by destroying our docks, and raising heavy contributions.
Were it not for some individuals, and innocent persons who would
suffer on such an occasion, I should not grieve in the least to
see some others pay the penalty of their infatuation or dastardly
spirit. I only wish the King’s forces might be strong enough to
take the booty from the French, and divide it among themselves;
this would be no loss to the nation, and only transfer property
from the fools or cowards to the brave. I say the same of the
Northern counties, through which the Rebels have passed. They have
behaved infamously. Sullivan, who was in Corsica with Marshal
Maillebois,[400] has now felt the difference between modern
Englishmen and Corsicans, much to the honour of the latter. These
poor people, undisciplined and unarmed, almost with any thing but
the spirit of liberty, baffled two veteran armies. Here a country
more extensive than Corsica, better peopled, richer, and either
well armed, or such as might have been so if they pleased, and
with-all well furnished with plenty of horses, has tamely suffered
itself to be overrun by a pack of foot banditti, two-thirds of
which, by the best accounts, are scarce men, _pudet hæc opprobria_!
“Our accounts from Scotland are but melancholy. The Rebels lay what
contributions they please. Some Clans, they say, have taken arms,
not with any intention to assist either side, but only to plunder.
It is now at last agreed upon to bring over the Hessians. What a
shame that we should want them! and what a shame that since any man
might see we did want them, they were not brought over sooner. I
say the same of the remainder of our country. Our administration
puts me in mind of the rustic mentioned by Demosthenes, who coming
into a fencing school, never foresaw a blow, but as soon as he was
pushed, he would then clap his hand to the place, and so shift it
after another blow, being thus always too late.
“Our law regiment received his Majesty’s thanks much about the
time you left this on Tuesday, with an intimation that the rebels
being retired, he was unwilling to put us to any further trouble or
expense. The frustrating this scheme is placed to the account of
the mean jealousy of a certain great man. His family, I hear, on
the other hand complain that he should be reproached on this head,
when he was totally ignorant of the whole affair, and his being
at all mentioned in it, was entirely owing to the indiscretion
and impertinent zeal of some silly young fellows, who might fancy
to obtain his favour by their conduct on this occasion, but what
he totally disapproves of. What the truth of the matter is I know
not, but I have my own suspicions, which possibly I may find an
opportunity to verify. If they prove true, all I can say is I would
not have some men’s souls for their estates.
“My best respects to Mrs. Montagu. I hope she finds the country
answer her expectations, as to health and every other respect.
“I am, dear Sir,
“Your most obedient, humble servant,
“GEO. L. SCOTT.
“10 o’clock--
“The rebels set out from Manchester Northward, Tuesday last. They
have murdered and plundered many. The Duke is in pursuit.
“The Provost of Edʳ is to be sent to the Tower.”
[400] Jean Des Marets Maillebois, born 1682, died 1762. French
Marshal, conquered Corsica in 1739.
[Page heading: COUNT ST. GERMAIN]
In a letter of Mrs. Montagu’s to the Duchess of Portland at this
period, she says--
“Count St. Germain[401] was seized some days ago; it is said he
had many jewels to a great value, and letters were found directing
him how to manage the Papists in case the Pretender should
approach and in what manner they were to use it. Sir R. Brown[402]
offered to bail St. Germain. A transport Ship that was bringing
officers over to the Rebels is taken. The old Pretender had sent
his abdication of his crown, and orders to Charles to publish the
manifestoes in his own name. The Lawyers offered to form themselves
into a regiment to guard the Royal family, but Lord Chief Justice
Willes’[403] friends insisted on his being Colonel, which has
discouraged the affair.”
[401] Comte De Saint Germain, born 1707, died 1778. French General.
[402] Probably Lieut.-General George Brown.
[403] John Willes, born 1685, died 1761.
[Page heading: ROMNEY MARSH]
Meanwhile the fears of a French invasion increased in the southern
counties, as will be seen by this letter of Mrs. Robinson’s to Mrs.
Montagu--
“December 15, 1745.
“MY DEAR,
“Before you receive this you will have heard from Sally that she
this day sett forward for Cantʸ, in order to proceed for London
to-morrow morning: indeed the frequent alarms we have had for this
last week has been too much for her spirits, and I pressed her
to go, for she was not able to make herself easy in staying, and
yet, poor girl, she went with great heaviness, though she had a
mind to it, and Mr. Robinson, though he thought the fright more
than necessary, was very easy with it. Yesterday he had a certain
account from Dover that Admiral Vernon sent yᵐ an express last
Tuesday, yt he had reason to believe yt ye French design’d landing
a great force (it was said 200,000, though yt, I think, must be
a mistake) at Dover, or on the Kentish coast, and ordered them to
keep themselves in readiness to oppose them: 400 men keep watch
at nights, and ye inhabitants keep all their best effects packed
up to send away at ye first approach of danger. These things much
magnified, and told in many different shapes, are sufficient to
alarm most people that live where we do, for should any army land
on ye coast of Kent, I am told Romney[404] is the most convenient
place, as there is a fine flat to land on, and no opposition can
be made, as we are destitute of forces, and the people entirely
unarmed and frightened out of their wits: we are in the worst
situation of any gentleman’s house in the county in such a case,
for they must pass within two or three fields[405] of ye house,
if not through the yard, and you know we stand very visible, yt
in such case, which God forbid, we must be great sufferers, they
wou’d certainly spoil what they cou’d not carry away, and probably
set fire to the house. But as to our selves, I don’t doubt but we
are as safe as the rest of the Nation, for we have given orders
for an express to come away if any landing appears in ye Marsh,
and should set out in an hour’s time, whereas an army would be
some days in landing. Nor am I in any fright, no do I believe they
dare attempt any such thing, but that ye transports that lay manᵉᵈ
at Dunkirk are designed to land some forces in Scotland, of wcʰ
two was taken, and broᵗ into Deal yesterday, bound for Montrose,
and I think Suffolk would be a better place yⁿ ye Kentish coast,
and less guarded: but I will tell you what I have done by way of
precaution. I have packed up all ye lining, plate and Clothes yt
cou’d be spared from constant use, and all writings, and they are
ready loaded in the waggon, and secured tennants’ horses to carry
them off. As to furniture, it may take its fate, as I cou’d neither
put it up properly, nor get carriages to carry it off on ye sudden,
and it wou’d be great expence, and great damage to do it to no
purpose. Pray don’t be in any fright for us, for you may be sure we
shall take care of ourselves so far as not to be caught, and that
is all anybody can do. I shall be greatly concern’d shou’d such a
thing happen, for our own misfortune and those of everybody’s else,
for ye whole nation must be sufferers, though some may feel it in a
more particular manner than others, as they wou’d be more in ye way
of these people. I am much at ease yt Sally is gone, as a sudden
alarm might have affected her so as to have highten’d my fright,
wʰ wou’d have been more for her than for myself. There is orders
come to ye Deputy Lieutenants to raise ye Militia, we hear yt the
Dutch Ships with Admiral Vernon sail’d this afternoon northwards,
by which we hope ye fears of this part grow less, or he wou’d not
lessen his forces.
“I think the wind will never be fair for poor Robert.[406] Sure
they are not still off Galway....
“Mr. Robinson joins with me in our best compliments to Mr. Montagu,
and love to yourself,
“I am, my dear,
“Yours most affectionately,
“E. R.
“P.S.--I was surprised you prevailed with yourself to leave London,
as it is thought the safest place.”
[404] Romney Marsh, close by Mount Morris.
[405] By the ancient road called Stone Street.
[406] Her two sons, Robert and Charles, returning from the East
Indies.
Sarah Robinson had taken refuge with her friend, Mrs. Cotes, in Charles
Street. In a letter to the duchess of December 16, Mrs. Montagu says,
“I hear the Rebels made great havoc at Levens, which has greatly
established the Countess’ loyalty to the Hanover succession.”
[Page heading: LEVENS HALL]
Levens Hall, in Westmorland, was the beautiful seat of the 4th Earl of
Berkshire, brought him by his wife, Catherine Grahame. They were the
parents of William Lord Andover, whose wife was the intimate friend of
Mrs. Botham.
[Page heading: A FOOTMAN]
A passage in a letter to the Rev. William Freind concerning a footman
indicates the manners and wages of that time. Mrs. Montagu says--
“Pray is the young man who you once proposed to me for a servant
at liberty now? For my footman thinks my wages not equal to his
parts and merits. The servant I part with, is very honest, but I
cannot bring him to deliver his sincerity in such delicate terms
as are necessary in a message. He told a lady of quality who
inquired after my health, that I was _pure stout_, and if I am in
good spirits he tells people I am _brave_, that he is likely to
establish me as a character of violence.... If your youth can carry
a message, keep himself sober and clean, and stay at home, when he
is not sent abroad, they are all the qualifications I desire. He
is to have livery, and frock every year, and six pounds wages the
first year, the second seven. He is to put out his washing.”
Greater threatenings than ever of an invasion arose at the end of
December. Mr. and Mrs. Montagu implored her parents to take refuge in
their house in Dover Street. Mrs. Robinson, on December 25, says--
“MY DEAR,
“I return you and Mr. Montagu my sincere thanks for the kind offer
of your house, and should I be obliged to run away of the sudden, I
shall certainly make use of it till I can get lodgings.
“Last night a drunken fellow went through Hanford, and told yᵐ yt
ye French was landing in the Marsh, wh. was presently believed,
and 500 men was ready to march from thence this morning, when they
found it to be a lie. It is a pitty ye country is quite without
arms, for the people show great alacrity to defend themselves. Your
Father has gone to dine with Mr. Brockman,[407] and as he is not
returned, the coast was certainly clear when he went over the hill.”
[407] At Beachborough.
[Page heading: A BRAVE GAMEKEEPER!]
Mr. Robinson had armed a number of his tenants, and appointed John
Cullen, the gamekeeper, as Master of the Ordnance. This amused Mrs.
Montagu, as in a letter to Mrs. Robinson she says--
“I fancy John has little notion of a gun without a dog, and though
a mighty hunter, his prey not being man, he would probably run
away, or take to covert. I once saw my Father arm our Militia to
take up Jarvis, the Highwayman, and I own I thought the warrant the
only arms they durst use against the offender.”
In the same letter she comments on the prevailing expectation that the
Pretender would arrive at some particular place. “They expected the
Pretender at Newbury three weeks ago. I had a mind to have asked them
if he loved eels, for really I don’t know any other seduction he would
have to have called on them....”
Lady Oxford wrote one morning to the Duchess of Portland that “it was
said the Rebels would be at Welbeck by one o’clock, but did not leave
her house, which I think was very wrong, but she is always composed.”
This is the last letter of 1745.