[325] The Duchess of Kingston was Countess of Bristol, her
previous marriage with Augustus Hervey (afterwards Earl of
Bristol) having been declared legal. See note to Letter 259.
[326] Sir John Russell, Bart., of Chequers, Bucks., married on
October 25, 1774, Miss Carey, daughter of General Carey, and
granddaughter of Lord Falkland.
280.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
London, May 20th, 1776.
*I am angry, that you should impede my noble designs of visiting
foreign parts, more especially as I have an advantage which Sir
Wilful had not, that of understanding your foreign lingos. With
regard to Mrs. Gibbon, her intended visit, to which I was not
totally a stranger, will do me honour, and though it should delay my
emigration till the end of July, there will still remain the months
of August, September and October. Above all abstain from giving
the least hint to any Bath Correspondent, and perhaps, if I am not
provoked by opposition, the thing may not be absolutely certain. At
all events you may depend on a previous visit. At present I am very
busy with the Neckers. I live with her just as I used to do twenty
years ago, laugh at her Paris varnish, and oblige her to become a
simple reasonable Suissesse. The man, who might read English husbands
lessons of proper and dutiful behaviour, is a sensible good-natured
creature. In about a fortnight I again launch into the World in the
shape of a quarto Volume. The dear Cadell assures me that he never
remembered so eager and impatient a demand for a second Edition.
The town is beginning to break up; the day after to-morrow we
have our last day in the house of Commons to inquire into the
instructions of the Commissioners;[327] I like the man, and the
motion appears plain. Adieu. I dined with Lord Palmerston[328]
to-day; a great dinner of Catches; Sir Farby and spouse part of the
company or rather of the family: I embrace My lady and the Maria.*
[327] Two commissioners, Admiral Lord Howe and his brother,
General Howe, were empowered, in May, 1776, to treat with the
colonists, receive submissions, grant pardons, and inquire into
grievances. Lord Howe reached Sandy Hook on July 12th. On July 4
the Declaration of Independence had been adopted by Congress, and
the mission was too late.
[328] Lord Palmerston was elected a member of the Catch Club in
1771.
[Sidenote: A PROBABLE VISIT TO PARIS.]
281.
_To his Stepmother._
Almack's,[329] May 24th, 1776.