very good time I reached this place after a very pleasant airing; and
am always so much delighted, and improved, with this union of ease
and motion, that, were not the expence enormous, I would travel every
year some hundred miles, more especially in England. I passed the day
with Mrs. G. yesterday. In mind and conversation she is just the same
as twenty years ago. She has spirits, appetite, legs, and eyes, and
talks of living till ninety. I can say from my heart, Amen. We dine
at two, and remain together till nine; but, although we have much to
say, I am not sorry that she talks of introducing a third or fourth
actor. Lord Spenser expects me about the 20th; but if I can do it
without offence, I shall steal away two or three days sooner, and you
shall have advice of my motions.
The troubles of Bristol[320] have been serious and bloody. I know
not who was in fault; but I do not like appeasing the mob by the
extinction of the toll, and the removal of the Hereford militia, who
had done their duty. Adieu. The Girls must dance at Tunbridge. What
would dear little Aunt say if I was to answer her letter? Drop in my
ear something of your secret conversations.
Ever yours, &c.,
E. G.
I still follow the old style, though the Convention has abolished the
Christian Era, with months, weeks, days, &c.*
[320] New toll-gates had been placed on the bridge at Bristol;
but they were burnt by a mob which, from September 30 to October
3, attacked the toll-houses, and broke the windows of the
Guildhall and Council-house. The Herefordshire Militia were twice
called out and ordered to fire on the mob; eleven rioters were
killed and forty-five wounded. The attempt to raise a toll was
abandoned.
633.
_To Lord Sheffield._
York-house, Bath, October 13th, 1793.
*I am as ignorant of Bath in general as if I were still at Sheffield.
My impatience to get away makes me think it better to devote my whole
time to Mrs. G.; and dear little aunt, whom I tenderly salute, will
excuse me to her two friends, Mrs. Hartley and Preston, if I make
little or no use of her kind introduction. A _tête-à-tête_ of eight
or nine hours every day is rather difficult to support; yet I do
assure you, that our conversation flows with more ease and spirit
when we are alone, than when any auxiliaries are summoned to our aid.
She is indeed a wonderful woman, and I think all her faculties of the
mind stronger and more active than I have ever known them. I have
settled, that ten full days may be sufficient for all the purposes
of our interview. I should therefore depart next Friday, the 18th
instant, and am indeed expected at Althorp on the 20th; but I may
possibly reckon without my host, as I have not yet apprized Mrs. G.
of the term of my visit; and will certainly not quarrel with her for
a short delay. Adieu. I must have some political speculations. The
Campaign, at least on our side, seems to be at an end. Ever yours.*
634.
_To his Stepmother._
Star Inn, Oxford, Friday evening, Oct. 18, 1793.
DEAR MADAM,
If true friendship were not always a coward, it would be almost
useless to say that after a very pleasant airing I am arrived here
without accident or fatigue. By the first post you shall hear of me
from Althorp.
I am
Ever yours,
E. G.
635.
_To his Stepmother._
Althorp, Oct. 20th, 1793.
DEAR MADAM,
[Sidenote: MRS. GIBBON'S MENTAL YOUTH.]
The remainder of my Journey has been as easy and prosperous as the
beginning, and I am now most agreably settled for a fortnight at this
place. The society of a very pleasing and friendly family does not
however make me forget the Belvidere, and I wish that I could have
given myself a larger scope for my visit to Bath. Yet I have the
satisfaction of thinking, that of the narrow span I did not lose any
part, and as you were my sole object, I never deviated into any other
company or amusement. As we were almost always alone, we enjoyed
perhaps as much of each other's society in ten days, as we should
have had with the common dissipations of the World in ten weeks. I
had the satisfaction of finding and leaving you in a state of health,
spirits, and even _mental_ youth, which you have the fairest prospect
of preserving to a very late period of life, and what more can either
yourself or your friends desire? My best compliments to Mrs. Gould.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
636.
_To Lord Sheffield._
Althorpe library, Tuesday, four o'clock, Nov., '93.
*We have so completely exhausted this morning among the first
editions of Cicero, that I can only mention my departure hence
to-morrow, the sixth instant. I lye quietly at Woburn, and reach
London in good time Thursday. By the following post I write somewhat
more largely. My stay in London will depend, partly on my amusement,
and your being fixed at Sheffield-place; unless you think I can be
comfortably arranged for a week or two with you at Brighton.* An
insignificant Minister is often soothed by sops and jobbs. *The
military remarks seem good; but now to what purpose! Adieu. I embrace
and much rejoyce in Louisa's improvement. Lord Ossory was from home
at Farning Woods.*
637.
_To Lord Sheffield._
London, Friday, Nov. 8th, four o'clock.
*Walpole has just delivered yours, and I hasten the direction, that
you may not be at a loss. I will write to-morrow, but I am now
fatigued, and rather unwell. Adieu. I have not seen a soul except
Elmsley.*
638.
_To Lord Sheffield._
St. James's Street, Nov. 9th, 1793.
*As I dropt yesterday the word _unwell_, I flatter myself that the
family would have been a little alarmed by my silence to-day. I am
still awkward, though without any suspicions of gout, and have some
idea of having recourse to medical advice. Yet I creep out to-day
in a chair, to dine with Lord Lucan. But as it will be literally my
first going down stairs, and as scarcely any one is apprized of my
arrival, I know nothing, I have heard nothing, I have nothing to
say. My present lodging,[321] a house of Elmsley's, is chearful,
convenient, somewhat dear, but not so much as a Hotel: a species of
habitation for which I have not conceived any great affection. Had
you been stationary at Sheffield, you would have seen me before the
twentieth; for I am tired of rambling, and pant for my home, that is
to say, for your house. But whether I shall have courage to brave
*P. of W.* and a bleak down, time only can discover. Adieu. I wish
you back to S.-pl. The health of dear Louisa is doubtless the first
object; but I did not expect Brighton after Tunbridge. Whenever dear
little aunt is separate from you, I shall certainly write to her; but
at present how is it possible?*
Ever yours,
E. G.
[321] 76, St. James's Street.
639.
_To Lord Sheffield._
[Most private.]
St. James's Street, Nov. 11th, 1793.
[Sidenote: IN THE HANDS OF THE SURGEONS.]
*I must at length withdraw the veil before my state of health, though
the naked truth may alarm you more than a fit of the gout. Have you
never observed, through my _inexpressibles_, a large prominency
_circa genitalia_, which, as it was not at all painful, and very
little troublesome, I had strangely neglected for many years?[322]
But since my departure from Sheffield-place it has increased, most
stupendously, is increasing, and ought to be diminished. Yesterday I
sent for Farquhar,[323] who is allowed to be a very skilful surgeon.
After viewing and palping, he very seriously desired to call in
assistance, and has examined it again to-day with Mr. Cline,[324]
a surgeon, as he says, of the first eminence. They both pronounce
it a _hydrocele_ (a collection of water), which must be let out by
the operation of tapping; but from its magnitude and long neglect,
they think it a most extraordinary case, and wish to have another
surgeon, Dr. Bayley, present. If the business should go off smoothly,
I shall be delivered from my burthen, (it is almost as big as a small
child), and walk about in four or five days with a truss. But the
medical gentlemen, who never speak quite plain, insinuate to me the
_possibility_ of an inflammation, of fever, etc. I am not appalled
at the thoughts of the operation, which is fixed for Wednesday next,
twelve o'clock; but it has occurred to me that you might wish to be
present, before and afterwards, till the crisis was past; and to give
you that opportunity, I shall solicit a delay till Thursday, or even
Friday. In the mean while, I crawl about with some labour, and much
indecency, to Devonshire-house, where I left all the fine ladies
making flannel waistcoats;[325] Lady Lucan's, &c. Adieu. Varnish the
business for the ladies; yet I am afraid it will be public;--the
advantage of being notorious. Ever yours.*
[322] Gibbon had, in 1761, consulted Mr. (afterwards Sir Cæsar)
Hawkins, the surgeon, who wished to see him again. But he never
returned, or consulted any other medical man till November, 1793.
[323] Sir Walter Farquhar, Bart. (cr. 1796), was originally an
army doctor. He died in 1819.
[324] Henry Cline (1750-1827) was a pupil of Hunter, and at this
time surgeon of St. Thomas's Hospital.
[325] For the soldiers serving in Flanders under the Duke of York.
640.
_To his Stepmother._
St. James's Street, No. 76, Nov. 21, '93.
MY DEAR MADAM,
My friend Lord S. having left me to return into Sussex, I thought you
would not be sorry to receive a short assurance of my health under
my own hand. You may justly reproach me with the long neglect of a
growing complaint, but I am now in the hands of the most skillful
physicians and surgeons, who have given me immediate relief, and
promise me a safe and radical cure. With their approbation I live as
usual, and dine abroad every day, and in a fortnight, when my friends
return from Brighton, I shall meet them at S. P. and remain there
till after Christmas.
I am
Ever yours,
E. G.
641.
_To Lord Sheffield._
St. James's, Nov. 25, '93.
[Sidenote: A SECOND OPERATION NEEDED.]
*Though Farquahar has promised to write you a line, I conceive
you may not be sorry to hear directly from me. The operation of
yesterday was much longer, more searching and more painful than the
former, but it has eased and lightened me to a much greater degree:
no inflammation, no feaver, a delicious night, leave to go abroad
to-morrow and to go out of town when I please _en attendant_ the
future measures of a radical cure. If you hold your intention of
returning next Saturday to S. P., I shall probably join you about the
Thursday following, after lying two nights at Beckenham.[326] The
Devons are going to Bath, and the hospitable Craufurd follows them.
Yet I do not want dinners. I passed a delightful day with Burke; an
odd one with Monsignor Erskine, the Pope's Nuncio.--Of public news,
you and the papers know much more than I do. We seem to have strong
sea and land hopes; nor do I dislike the Royalists having beaten
the _Sans-Culottes_ and taken Dol. How many minutes will it take to
guillotine the seventy-three new members of the Convention who are
now arrested? Adieu. I embrace the Ladies.*
Ever yours,
E. G.
[326] At Lord Auckland's, at Eden Farm.
642.
_Lord Sheffield to Edward Gibbon._
Brighton, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1793.
We are very much content with the account of you, especially Mr.
Farquar's. His is really excellent. As this air does not particularly
suit Louisa, & as I brought a bowel complaint with me from London and
cannot bathe, the Ladies will settle at Sheffield Place to-morrow & I
shall settle there on Thursday. We shall expect you on the Thursday
following, at furthest, perhaps sooner. I suppose you write to Mrs.
Gibbon, but I do not know why I suppose it. There is little or no
Society here. I have had one pleasant dinner with Gerrard Hamilton,
who is tolerably well, and am to dine with him to-morrow.
I have seen an officer just come from Portsmouth, who says that
the Fleet, with Sir Charles Grey,[327] dropped down to St. Helens
yesterday, & that Lord Moira[328] has ordered all his officers to
be on board to-morrow. I understand that Lord Moira will have from
ten to fifteen thousand troops. They are to rendezvous at Jersey, &
afterwards, if circumstances are favourable, their destination is
somewhere about Cancale. There are good accounts of the encreasing
scarcity of provisions among the Infidels & murderers. The garrison
at Fort Louis[329] have judiciously preferred the surrendering
prisoners of War to the deadly privilege of going home.
A letter from Lord Auckland talks of going for three or four days to
Lambeth soon. I have mentioned in a letter that you proposed to pass
two nights with him. I shall be sorry if you should not see him.
Ever yours,
SHEFFIELD.
Aunt shall be much obliged if Mr. G. can obtain for her Louisa _Les
pensees de Paschal_[330] in one Vol. to bring down with him.
[327] Sir Charles Grey, afterwards first Earl Grey (1729-1807),
sailed November 23, in joint command with Jervis, afterwards Earl
St. Vincent, on an expedition against the French West Indian
Islands.
[328] Francis Rawdon Hastings, second Earl of Moira and first
Marquis of Hastings (1754-1826), had served with distinction
in the American War. The expedition here alluded to was that
which sailed in December, 1793, to aid the French royalists in
Brittany. The expedition returned without effecting anything.
[329] Fort Louis, part of the position held by the French army
in Alsace, was besieged by the Austrians, November 10, 1792. It
surrendered on November 14, and the four thousand French troops
who formed its garrison became prisoners of war.
[330] Gibbon was a diligent student of Pascal, and his irony
was cultivated by constant reading of his works. One curious
parallel may be noted in their writings. "Abu Rafe," writes
Gibbon (_Decline and Fall_, ed. 1862, vol. vii. p. 252), "was an
eye-witness, but who will be witness for Abu Rafe?" Similarly
Pascal, in the _Lettres Provinciales: neuvième lettre_, p. 154
(ed. Firmin Didot, 1853), writes, "'Mais, mon père, qui nous a
assuré que la Vierge en répond?' 'Le père Barry,' dit-il, 'en
répond pour elle.' 'Mais, mon père, qui répondra pour le père
Barry?'"
643.
_To Lord Sheffield._
St. James's Street, Nov. 30, '93.
[Sidenote: DINNER WITH THE CHANCELLOR.]
*It will not be in my power to reach S. P. quite so soon as I
wished and expected. Lord Auckland informs me that he shall be at
Lambeth[331] next week Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: I have
therefore agreed to dine at Beckenham on Friday. Saturday will be
spent there, and, unless some extraordinary temptation should detain
me another day, you will see me by four o'clock Sunday the ninth of
December. My conversation with the Ambassador in what relates to you
shall be _proper_: but a Swiss Philosopher is not a match for his
Excellency. I dine to-morrow with the Chancellor[332] at Hampstead,
and what I do not like at this time of the year, without a proposal
to stay all night. Yet I would not refuse, more especially as I had
denied him on a former day.--My health is good but I shall have a
final interview with Farquhar before I leave town.--We are still in
darkness about Lord Howe[333] and the French ships: but hope seems to
preponderate.--Adieu, nothing that relates to Louisa can be forgot.*
Ever Yours,
E. G.
[331] Dr. John Moore (1730-1805), Archbishop of Canterbury
(1783-1805), was, by his marriage to Catherine Eden, daughter of
Sir Robert Eden, connected with Lord Auckland.
[332] Lord Loughborough.
[333] Richard, Earl Howe (1726-1799), had sailed (November 9) in
search of the French; but he was compelled to return to Spithead
(November 29) without bringing them to action. "We continue in
the same eternal state of anxious expectation of news from Lord
Howe. Nothing is yet heard" (Lord Auckland to Lord H. Spencer,
December 3, 1793: _Correspondence_, iii. 151). Gibbon did not
live to hear of the victory of June 1, 1794.
644.
_To Lord Sheffield._
St. James's Street, Dec. 6th, 1793.
16 du mois Frimaire.
The man tempted me and I did eat--and that man is no less than the
Chancellor, whose frigid reserve has thawed into sudden kindness
and civility. I dine and lye to-day, as I intended, at Beckenham:
but he recalls me (the third time this week) by a dinner to-morrow
(Saturday) with Burke and Windham, which I do not possess sufficient
fortitude to resist. Sunday he dismisses me again to the aforesaid
Beckenham, but insists on finding me there Monday, which he will
probably do supposing there should be room and wellcome at the
Ambassador's.[334] I shall not therefore arrive at Sheffield till
Tuesday the 10th instant, and though you may perceive that I do not
want society or amusement, I sincerely repine at the delay. You
will likewise derive some comfort from hearing of the spirit and
activity of my motions. Farquhar is satisfied, allows me to go, and
does not think I shall be obliged to precipitate my return. Shall we
never have anything more than hopes and rumours from Lord Howe? Pray
embrace the Ladies for me, and assure Mr. Greg. Way of my concern
that our different arrangements have not permitted us to meet at
Sheffield.
Ever yours,
E. G.
[334] Gibbon met Pitt at Eden Farm. "He was much pleased," writes
Lord Sheffield, December 17, 1793, of this stay at Beckenham,
"with his visit there, and his occurrence with the minister,
in a family way, was a great satisfaction to him" (_Auckland
Correspondence_, iii. 158).
645.
_To his Stepmother._
Sheffield-place, Dec. 12, 1793.
MY DEAR MADAM,
I should have continued to write from London, if the state of my
health, or rather my particular complaint, on the subject of which
it is not easy to be explicit, had afforded any events. But you may
rest assured that I am now in the best hands, and that my occasional
relief will be concluded in due time by a safe and radical cure.
I have not been advised to make any change in my way of life, and
after enjoying as usual the best Society in London, my physician has
allowed me to visit Sheffield-place. I arrived here yesterday, and
shall remain in this quiet retirement till the middle of January.
Lord Sheffield is nervous and rather low-spirited, complains of his
eyes and bowels, and appears to me more affected with his loss than
he was some months ago. The three Ladies pass the winter in the
Country, but he will frequently visit town and the house of Commons.
They all wish to be remembered to you, and Mrs. H. has enclosed
a letter for her maid. Adieu, my Dear Madam, believe me with the
warmest feelings of affection and gratitude,
Ever Yours,
E. GIBBON.
646.
_Mrs. Gibbon to Edward Gibbon._
A thousand thanks to you, my Dear Sir, for your very kind letter;
none ever gave me so much joy. I truly congratulate you on your
recovery, and sincerely hope it will improve every day to good &
lasting health, yet I fear you will make too free with the liberty
you have obtain'd, & therefore beg you to remember it is the middle
of winter; I am too happy at present to reproach you, & too much
rejoiced to express myself as I wish. I love L^d. Sheffield dearly,
indeed I cannot say how much, & shall be glad to hear you are at S. P.
I cannot help thinking you have had some share in certain appearances
at Court. Has L^d. S. refused the Irish vice royalty? Next to you,
I think of my Country. Ah, what a falling off from Roman Fortitude.
I shall add no more, but that I hardly know myself how much I am
interested in your health & happiness; may both attend you, & alway
think of me as
Your most affectionate
D. GIBBON.
647.
_To Lord Sheffield._
St. James's Street, four o'clock, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 1794.[335]
[Sidenote: RETURN TO LONDON.]
*This date says every thing. I was almost killed between
Sheffield-place and East Grinsted, by hard, frozen, long, and cross
ruts, that would disgrace the approach of an Indian wigwam. The rest
was something less painful; and I reached this place half dead, but
not seriously feverish, or ill. I found a dinner invitation from
Lord Lucan; but what are dinners to me? I wish they did not know of
my departure. I catch the flying post. What an effort! Adieu, till
Thursday or Friday.*
* * * * *
Gibbon died at 76, St. James's Street, on January 16, 1794. He was
buried in Lord Sheffield's family burial-place in Fletching, Sussex.
[Sidenote: LAST MOMENTS OF GIBBON.]
The following account of his last moments is given by Lord Sheffield
in his edition of Gibbon's _Miscellaneous Works_ (1814), vol. i. pp.
422-425:--
"After I left him on Tuesday afternoon, the fourteenth, he saw some
company, Lady Lucan and Lady Spencer, and thought himself well
enough at night to omit the opium draught, which he had been used
to take for some time. He slept very indifferently; before nine the
next morning he rose, but could not eat his breakfast. However, he
appeared tolerably well, yet complained at times of a pain in his
stomach. At one o'clock he received a visit of an hour from Madame de
Sylva, and at three, his friend, Mr. Craufurd, of Auchinames, (for
whom he had a particular regard,) called, and stayed with him till
past five o'clock. They talked, as usual, on various subjects; and
twenty hours before his death, Mr. Gibbon happened to fall into a
conversation, not uncommon with him, on the probable duration of his
life. He said, that he thought himself a good life for ten, twelve,
or perhaps twenty years. About six, he ate the wing of a chicken, and
drank three glasses of Madeira. After dinner he became very uneasy
and impatient; complained a good deal, and appeared so weak, that his
servant was alarmed. Mr. Gibbon had sent to his friend and relation,
Mr. Robert Darell, whose house was not far distant, desiring to
see him, and adding, that he had something particular to say. But,
unfortunately, this desired interview never took place.
"During the evening he complained much of his stomach, and of a
disposition to vomit. Soon after nine, he took his opium draught,
and went to bed. About ten, he complained of much pain, and desired
that warm napkins might be applied to his stomach. He almost
incessantly expressed a sense of pain till about four o'clock in
the morning, when he said he found his stomach much easier. About
seven, the servant asked, whether he should send for Mr. Farquhar?
he answered, no; that he was as well as he had been the day before.
At about half past eight, he got out of bed, and said he was '_plus
adroit_' than he had been for three months past, and got into bed
again, without assistance, better than usual. About nine, he said
that he would rise. The servant, however, persuaded him to remain in
bed till Mr. Farquhar, who was expected at eleven, should come. Till
about that hour he spoke with great facility. Mr. Farquhar came at
the time appointed, and he was then visibly dying. When the _valet
de chambre_ returned, after attending Mr. Farquhar out of the room,
Mr. Gibbon said, '_Pourquoi est-ce que vous me quittez?_' This was
about half past eleven. At twelve, he drank some brandy and water
from a tea-pot, and desired his favourite servant to stay with him.
These were the last words he pronounced articulately. To the last he
preserved his senses; and when he could no longer speak, his servant
having asked a question, he made a sign, to shew that he understood
him. He was quite tranquil, and did not stir; his eyes half-shut.
About a quarter before one, he ceased to breathe.
"The _valet de chambre_ observed, that Mr. Gibbon did not, at any
time, shew the least sign of alarm or apprehension of death; and it
does not appear that he ever thought himself in danger, unless his
desire to speak to Mr. Darell may be considered in that light."
[335] "The Gibbon is better, but I am by no means without
inquietude on his account. It is thought necessary that he should
go to London on Tuesday; probably I shall follow him shortly
for two days, for I shall be impatient to see how he goes on"
(Lord Sheffield to Lord Auckland, January 5, 1794: _Auckland
Correspondence_, iii. 168).
INDEX.
[Names, etc., marked with an asterisk occur only in the notes;
where names occur in both text and note (on different pages),
the numerical note-references are printed in italics.]
A
Abercromby, General, ii. 276, 285
Abingdon, Earl of, i. 90
Abingdon, Lady, i. 90
Abington, Mrs. (Fanny Barton), ii. 4
Abolition of Slave Trade, the, ii. 239, 294
Acland, Colonel John Dyke, i. 325
*Acland, Sir Thomas, i. 273
Acton, Dr., his kindness to Gibbon, i. 36, 37;
his misfortunes, i. 67
Acton, Mrs., Gibbon's opinion of, i. 38
*Acton, Lord, i. 37
*Acton, Sir John F. E., i. 37
Adam, Père, i. 92
Addington, Dr. Anthony, attends Gibbon's father, i. 122;
predicts recovery of George III., i. _122_;
attends Godfrey Clarke, i. 238, 241
*Adelaide, Madame, i. 326; ii. 292
*Aitken ("John the Painter"), the Bristol incendiary, i. 301
Albemarle, Lady, i. 207
Alien Bill, the, ii. 363
*Allen, Ethan, i. 270
Almack's Club, i. 283
Althorpe, Lord, ii. 18