The indolence of Bath and the hurry of London are alike enemies to
very exact correspondencies, and I much fear that both of us will
sometimes experience their baleful influence. I am prepared to give
and receive a _reasonable measure_ of Toleration, in the full
conviction that the most sincere friendships have the least occasion
for the regular repetition of such outward demonstrations.
Besides this general apology for my delay, I have another on this
occasion. The Musical Counsellor whose opinion you desired was absent
on a visit to Lord Craven. He is now returned, and thus he says, "If
the Lady in question, and who wishes to perfect a fine voice, has no
other object than her own amusement, Parsons[222] will do very well:
but if she considers Music as a profession, Bach[223] is infinitely
preferable, both as a much more finished Master, and, as having the
principal direction of the Queen's concert," and that chance indeed
I should think a much properer one, than poor Sir Stanier. The Under
Ministers of the King's business are seldom those of Her Majesty's
amusements.
I have received a letter from Mrs. Dawkes, but very little to the
purpose, and containing neither facts nor dates. I have called on
her, but did not find her.
Holroyd and Madame come to my house next week. I shall be glad to see
them on many accounts, and particularly him on my Bucks business.
Delays and difficulties are started in which I begin to suspect there
may be something more than the mere procrastination of the Law.--I
dined with Mrs. P. to-day. She looks forward to Easter as the Jews to
their Messiah. I flatter myself that her hopes will be better founded.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
[222] William Parsons (1746-1817) was appointed Master of the
King's Band of Music in 1786, was knighted in 1795, became
instructor in music to the princesses in 1796, and acted as a
stipendiary police magistrate at Great Marlborough Street.
[223] Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) was organist at Milan
Cathedral, 1754-59. He married an Italian prima donna, and came
to London, where he held the appointment of Director of Public
Concerts.
[Sidenote: NEWS FROM AMERICA]
188.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
February, 1774.
*Did you get down safe and early? Is My Lady in good spirits and
humour? You do not deserve that she should be, for hurrying her
away. Does Maria coquet with Messieurs Divedown?[224] Adieu. Bentinck
Street looks very dismal. You may suppose that nothing very important
can have occurred since you left Town; But I will send you some
account of America[225] after Monday, though indeed my anxiety about
an old Manor takes away much of my attention from a New Continent.
The mildness of Clarke is rouzed into military Fury; but he is an old
Tory, and you are a Native of the Bog. I alone am an Englishman, a
Philosopher, and a Whig.*
[224] The Rev. Dr. Dive Downes.
[225] Two recent events had brought American affairs into
prominence. The news of the attack upon the tea-ships in Boston
Harbour (December 16, 1773) had just reached England, and the
Privy Council had voted the Petition of the House of Assembly
of Massachusetts for the recall of Governor Hutchinson and
Lieutenant-Governor Oliver to be "groundless, vexatious, and
scandalous."
189.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Heads of a Convention between Mr. Newton and Mr. Gibbon in Love Lane,
March the 11th, 1774.