Though I cannot applaud your punctuality in giving me one line the
first night of your arrival, yet a very excellent Cheese had already
informed me that you had reached Marlborough, and were not unmindful
of me. I still waited from post to post till I could date my thanks
from my own house in Bentinck St. After some expence of temper
occasioned by the cursed delays of upholsterers, I am got into the
delightfull mansion and already enjoy the long wished comforts of it.
May you soon be settled as much to your satisfaction at Bath as I am
in London. Sir Matthew is expected here to-morrow, but I hear nothing
of Eliotts; I suppose they will come up for the winter about the
beginning of May. I am so unfashionable as not to have fought a duel
yet. I suppose all the Nation admire Lord B.'s behaviour.[183] I will
give you one instance of his--call it what you please. L. T.'s pistol
was raised, when he called out, "One moment, my Lord--Mr. Dillon, I
have undertaken a commission from the French Embassador--to get him
some Irish poplins--should I fall, be so good as to execute it. Your
Lordship may now fire." L. B. is certainly quite out of danger, but
the cure will be long and painful.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
[183] The duel in question was fought between Lord Bellamont
and Lord Townshend. The cause, according to the _London Evening
Post_, was the offence taken by Lord Bellamont at the abrupt
refusal of Lord Townshend, then Viceroy of Ireland, to see him
at Dublin. As soon as Lord Townshend arrived in England, Lord
Bellamont sent him a message that he would be glad if the affair
could be "settled _à la militaire_." The duel took place February
2nd, in the Mary-le-bone Fields, when Lord Bellamont received a
shot near the groin, and then fired his pistol in the air. Lord
Ligonier was Lord Townshend's second, and Mr. Dillon acted for
Lord Bellamont.
[Sidenote: THE DELIGHTS OF HIS OWN HOME.]
165.
_To his Stepmother._
February the 27th, 1773.