*I accept the Pomeranian Lady with gratitude and pleasure, and shall
be impatient to form an acquaintance with her. My presentations
passed graciously,* and I am glad that I can now walk about the Rooms
on a footing with other people. Sir S. P. had no concern in the
business which was transacted by the Lord of the Bed-chamber in one
place, and the Chamberlain on the other. *My dinner at Twickenham
was attended with less ceremony and more amusement. If they turned
out Lord N. to-morrow, they would still leave him one of the best
Companions in the Kingdom. By this time I suppose the Eliots with
you. I am sure you will say every thing kind and proper on the
occasion. I am glad to hear of the approbation of my Constituents for
my vote on the Middlesex Election; on the subject of America, I have
been something more of a Courtier. You know, I suppose, that Holroyd
is just stept over to Ireland for a fortnight. He passed three days
with me on his way.*
Adieu, Dear Madam. You have had but a disagreable Winter, I think, in
point of health. A Journey to town, Essex, &c., would do you a great
deal of good.
Ever yours,
E. G.
248.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
15th May, 1775.
Since your departure a considerable event has happened with regard
to Deyverdun, which disconcerts many of our schemes. Sir Abraham
Hume[291] has proposed to him to go abroad with his younger brother
for four years. Our friend was undetermined especially as the first
year or eighteen months were to be passed in the uncomfortable
University of Gottingen. But as he was offered in a very handsome
way a Life annuity of £100 per annum which will secure him a
Philosophic independence free from the odious necessity of riding
post with young cubs, reason has compelled him to accept and me to
acquiesce. He sets out soon, though he still hopes to see you. A
fortune that would enable a Man to give him an Equivalent on less
unpleasant terms would just now be a very desirable thing.
Returned this moment from an American debate. A Remonstrance and
Representation from the Assembly of New York, presented and feebly
introduced by Burke, but most forcibly supported by Fox.[292] They
disapprove of the violence of their neighbours, acknowledge the
necessity of some dependence on Parliament with regard to Commercial
restraints and express some affection and moderation; but they claim
internal taxation, state many grievances and formally object to the
declaratory Act. On the last ground it was impossible to receive it.
Division 186 to 67. The House tired and languid. In this season and
on America, the Archangel Gabriel would not be heard. On Thursday an
attempt to repeal the Quebec bill,[293] and then to the right about,
and for myself, having supported the British, I must destroy the
Roman Empire.
Are we not very popular in the Bog? Is your business done, and when
do you _superas condere ad auras_? I frequently hear from the Heroine
of Brighthelmstone, and in the brevity of my Rescripts treat her with
the dignity of a Sultan. Adieu.
No news from Lovegrove. The affair begins to make me seriously
unhappy.
[291] See note to Letter 184.
[292] May 15, 1775.
[293] May 18, 1775. This Act, passed in the spring of 1774,
sanctioned the free exercise of the Roman Catholic religion in
Canada.
249.
_To his Stepmother._
London, May 16th, 1775.