Last Friday I went down to Sheffield Place at the particular request
of Mr. H., to advise with him about a Parliamentary scheme of his
own, but which proved impracticable. We then were talking only of
next Spring, but the next day I received from Clarke the unexpected
intelligence.[256] The Sunday I wrote to Mr. Eliot directing my
letter into Cornwall, where I supposed him long since arrived, and
I now wait impatiently for an answer. As to my journey, it has
now become impossible; the election will be over before I can get
there. Indeed, as I can have no interest there but his assistance,
his presence is alone necessary or useful. However, in my letter I
offered _to fly_. If you will answer for Mr. Eliot's intentions I
will answer for his power. His disturbance could arise only from his
indolent temper, the surprize and perhaps some little concern about
Grampound which does not relate to me. As he is in firm possession,
the suddenness of the occasion is at all events more favourable to
him than to any concealed or secret enemies. Therefore, I do indeed
consider myself as secure. Before his offer, I could contentedly have
borne my exclusion, but I could not now support the disappointment,
and were it to happen, I would instantly and for ever leave this
kingdom. A few days will now determine my fate, and you may depend on
the first intelligence of it.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.
[256] Parliament was dissolved on September 30, "six months
before its natural death.... The chief motive is supposed to be
the ugly state of North America, and the effects that a cross
winter might have on the next elections" (Walpole to Mann,
October 6, 1774). The result of the elections was, on the whole,
favourable to Lord North.
216.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
7th October, 1774.
I do not find that Harcourt has advertised in _any_ of the Papers,
and begin to doubt whether he will stand. Yet I wish you would curb
your impatience, and adopt my slow and cautious plan. Your _visit
to Goodwood_ I cannot thoroughly like, nor do I think that a seat,
were it obtainable _on those terms_, would be any very distinguished
honour. As for us, we are all in a hurry with London, Westminster,
&c.: but I could not write particulars without copying sheets of
lyes from the Papers.--Clarke[257] is pretty well _at present_. He
does not go into Derbyshire, and expects, like me, but with more
Philosophy, the news of his success. Deyverdun is arrived to-day with
his friend Lord M., who I believe is _satisfied_ with his travels. He
is with me, and I have nothing more to say. I gave My Lady a little
sermon about her un-wellness, which I hope she will profit by and
consent to seek for some advice.
[257] Lord G. Cavendish and Godfrey Bagnal Clarke were elected
members for Derbyshire.
217.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
October the 10th, 1774.
Since you have broke loose, my cold counsels must be changed into
warm wishes, and, as far as my nothingness can extend, into warm
actions. Yet my outset may appear careless and dilatory in not
writing to you or to the others on Saturday night. Your damned coach
kept the parcel all the evening, and it was not delivered to me
till yesterday morning, therefore it was impossible to write sooner
than to-day. It is very few borderers that Sir Hugh can collect,
but I am sure he will do his utmost. I had a proper opportunity of
writing to Lady Fetherstone, which I thought was still better than
to Lascelles. I have wrote to L. likewise. I am sorry that you have
started, but since you have done the deed, I wish you had done it
sooner. _Sir Thomas[258] has now the advantage_ of time and the
show of a nomination. I shall be impatient to hear of your success
with the Grandees. The few Elections already over have been conducted
(thanks to the Grenvillian Act[259]) with a sobriety, a chastity and
a parsimony unexampled in this venal country. My devoirs to My Lady,
and the Cantabs; assure the latter that I much regret my running away
from them. After Wednesday I shall hourly expect some Cornish news.
Adieu.
Surely M. d'Harcourt uses both the County and his friends very ill
in not taking the least notice of either. Do not they grumble? I
congratulate you on the prospect of dining with your old acquaintance
at the Mansion House.[260]
[258] Sir Thomas Spencer Wilson, with Lord G. H. Lennox, was
returned for Sussex.
[259] On March 7, 1770, a Bill for regulating the proceedings of
the House of Commons on controverted elections was introduced,
and became law in April, 1770. It was subsequently known as the
Grenville Act, from its chief supporter, George Grenville. The
decision of controverted elections was under the Act transferred
from the committee of the whole House to a select committee
specially chosen for each case. Originally passed for five years,
it was made perpetual in 1774.
[260] John Wilkes was elected Lord Mayor, October 8, 1774.
[Sidenote: HOLROYD WITHDRAWS HIS CANDIDATURE.]
218.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
October 13th, 1774.
I received this day your two Epistles, the one per post, the other
per coach. Your first was perfectly clear, and convinced of what
you repeat in the second, that an honourable retreat is your only
resource. Yet even that is difficult. What can you say? that you
decline for the peace of the County? You advertised against a
declared Candidate. Personal respect for Sir T[homas] W[ilson]? Do
you owe him any compliment? Besides you cannot approve of him without
betraying the honour of the East. It is much easier to advance than
to retire, because you never can give the true reason of a retreat.
Suppose you only say--To the Gentlemen, &c. "The Encouragement I have
received from my numerous friends deserves and claims my warmest
acknowledgements, but the powerful interest already formed in the
_Western part of the County_ and in the neighbourhood of the place
of Election induces me to spare them the trouble of so long and
probably so useless a journey.
I am, &c.,
J. B. HOLROYD."
It is nonsense, but I see no better nonsense you have to write. I
wish you had never begun it. Remember my old slow plan. It is now
more likely to succeed than ever.
I am now in constant expectation of hearing from Cornwall. Adieu.
Duane has thoroughly opposed my great tythes.