It is almost ridiculous for so hardened a sinner as myself to assign
any particular reason for his silence and negligence: Yet I can
say with truth that I do not remember the time when I have been
more fully engaged. The attendance of the House of Commons on our
fruitless, hopeless enquiries is really severe at this unseasonable
time of year, and my literary business, though much more pleasing,
engrosses a still larger share of my time and attention. On every
account both of fame and interest, it will be highly expedient
that the continuation of my history should appear about this time
twelvemonth; much is already done, much remains to do; I am well
satisfied that by a course of steady temperate diligence, the object
may be accomplished; but I shall not be able to lose a week, and
hardly a day.
I most sincerely rejoice at the visible improvement in your health
and spirits, and am convinced amusement and change of air will
produce the most salutary effects. I conceive and I wish I could
partake the happiness you enjoy with Mrs. Eliot and her sons: I beg
you would communicate to them the expression of my most sincere and
lively regard. Has Mrs. Eliot totally renounced London? She herself
may be happy in a Solitude, but she might diffuse happiness among
a larger circle of her friends. For myself I cannot say anything
very positive or indeed very pleasing on the subject of my hopes:
but I have weighed every circumstance and am prepared for every
possible event. I only beg you to have patience a few months longer,
and I give you _my honour_ that I will make such arrangements as
shall enable you to reside at Bath. I will likewise add, what I
know is material to your feelings, that I shall enjoy myself a very
comfortable if not desirable plan of life. I should be glad to
provide for Will Budd, but the sort of place which you described to
me some time ago, hardly exists in any family. However I shall not
forget him.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
376.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Friday evening, July, 1779.
*The inclosed will inform you of an event, not the most disagreeable
of those which I have lately experienced. I have only to add, that
it was effected by the firm and sincere friendship of the A[ttorney]
G[eneral]. So many incidents have happened, that I hardly know how to
talk of news. You will learn that the Lords have strangely castrated
the new Militia Bill.[434] The Ferrol Squadron, 8 or 9 ships, have
joined the French. The numbers stand on our side 32, on their's 37;
but our force is at least equal, and the general consternation much
dispelled. If you do not Hibernize, you might at least Bentinckize. I
embrace, &c. Parliament will be prorogued to-morrow.*
[434] On June 21 Lord North proposed a Bill for doubling the
militia. The Bill was read a third time on June 24. The Lords
(June 30) threw out the second clause, which empowered his
Majesty "to direct the number of private men to serve in the
militia to be doubled." On recommitment to the Commons, it was
argued that the amendment was a breach of privilege, as the Bill
was a Money Bill. Eventually the amendment was accepted, and the
Bill, as amended, received the royal assent on July 3.
377.
_To his Stepmother._
Bentinck Street, July the 3rd, 1779.