I keep my promise though I have been driven to the last verge of
breaking it: but I hope you have not felt any inconvenience from
the delay. The World disperses and London grows a very pleasant
retire[ment]. We are now so quiet that the tumults of last month
appear a very incredible dream. Colonel H. passed through town in
his way to his Regiment. I understand that his spirited behaviour in
London has firmly seated him at Coventry.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly Yours,
E. G.
397.
_To Colonel Holroyd._
July 25th, 1780.
*As your motions are spontaneous, and the stations of the Lord
Chief[458] unalterably fixed, I cannot perceive the necessity of your
sending or receiving intelligence. However, your commands are obeyed.
You wish I would write, as a sign of life. I am alive; but, as I am
immersed in the decline and fall, I shall only make the sign. It is
made. You may suppose that we are not pleased with the junction of
the fleets; nor can an ounce of West India loss be compensated by
a pound of East India success; but the Circuit will roll down all
our news and politics of London. I rejoyce to hear that the Sussex
Dragoons are such well-disciplined Cannibals; but I want to know when
the chief Cannibal will return to his den. It would suit me better
that it should happen soon. Adieu.*
[458] Lord Mansfield.
398.
_To his Stepmother._
July 29th, 1780.
I have not heard from Way. It will be necessary that I should be
provided with a Bucks Steward to make his visit soon after Michaelmas
to examine the state of things and inspect the late Harris's accounts
which an Attorney (Mr. Hearne) has offered for my perusal. Such extra
trouble will doubtless claim an extra allowance.
We are pleased that Clinton[459] has returned to New York, as an
army on the salt water is a very helpless animal. Greaves[460] has
been seen on the coast with a wind fair for the northwards. He has
certainly the start of Ternay, who is still invisible. I cannot send
you the least account or even conjecture of Lords to be created or
Commons to be dissolved. Adieu, I shall expect you about the middle
of next month; and I find that it will suit me to visit the Castle
within a few days of your return.
[459] Sir Henry Clinton had captured Charleston, May 12, 1780.
Early in June, he re-embarked on Admiral Arbuthnot's fleet and
returned to New York. Sir Henry was married to Miss Harriett
Carter, a first cousin of Colonel Holroyd.
[460] Admiral (cr. 1794 Lord) Graves sailed, June, 1780, with six
ships of the line, to reinforce Admiral Arbuthnot at Long Island,
and joined him in July. The French fleet under d'Estaing was at
the same time strengthened.
399.
_To his Stepmother._
Reading, Six o'clock, Sunday evening, '80.
_Eels, Beer and fowl._--A nasty day makes a good Inn appear still
more comfortable. And now let me look back to Bath, and declare
in sober truth, that I number the last three weeks among the
happiest of my life. The best ingredient in that happiness was the
satisfaction of seeing you more perfectly alive both in mind and body
than I have known you for many years past. My best compliments to all
friends, &c., Jews and Christians, particularly to Sarah, who was a
naughty girl for not staying dinner. Pray send me with all convenient
speed, the adventures of a tame Cat.
Bentinck Street--Monday half-past one.
Safely landed--I ran my time to the last moment, and find on my table
some respectful complaints from Mr. Cadell, and a summons for the
Board of Trade to-morrow, which particularly requires _my_ attendance.
400.
_To Mr. Eliot._
August 11th, 1780.