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 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 088 024 413 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924088024413 
 
THE FRANCIS 
 LETTERS 
 
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 t^i^^^^Hm 
 
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 i^H 
 
 K 
 
 
 ml Jm 
 
 mihI. 
 
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THE FRANCIS 
 LETTERS s, 
 
 SIR PHILIP FRANCIS 
 
 AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY 
 . . . Edited by BEATA FRANCIS 
 ... and ELIZA KEARY .... 
 
 WITH A NOTE ON a s a = s 
 
 THE JUNIUS CONTROVERSY 
 By C. F. KEARY = = = » = 
 
 WITH PORTRAITS 
 
 VOL. I 
 
 NEW YORK » s = s 
 E. P. DUTTON AND CO 
 LONDON s s s s 
 HUTCHINSON AND CO 
 
PRINTED BY 
 
 HAZELL, WATSON, AND VINEY, LD., 
 
 LONDON AND AYLESBURY, 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE Francis family had a weakness for 
 preserving letters which lasted through 
 several generations. In boxes and bundles in the 
 possession of its present representatives, which 
 have only lately been overhauled, is to be found 
 every variety of correspondence, from formidable- 
 looking State papers down to appointments with 
 dentists. 
 
 The design of selecting letters from the Family 
 Budget and arranging them for publication was con- 
 ceived by Beata Francis, the great-granddaughter 
 of Sir Philip Francis, and had been partly carried 
 out by her when an illness, which ended fatally, 
 obliged her to lay the work aside. 
 
 In the short preface which she prepared for her 
 book she says : — 
 
 " Sir Philip Francis kept copies of every letter 
 
vi introduction 
 
 of importance which he wrote, and bound them up 
 with their answers. His five daughters apparently 
 treasured all those they received from each other 
 when away from home, as well as numbers from 
 friends and acquaintances, systematically disregard- 
 ing the injunctions of the writers to burn what 
 they had written instantly. One of the sisters 
 regularly ends her letters with ' Burn this.' 
 
 "It is impossible to imagine why some of these 
 letters were kept. Many of them are very dull 
 and bald ; some contain nothing but minute 
 accounts of illnesses with distressing particulars of 
 the rough medical treatment of a century or a 
 century and a half ago ; scarcely any, one would 
 imagine, would have been worth preserving when 
 preserved, though as time rolls on and manners 
 and customs change, an element of interest is 
 added to them for which their writers can claim 
 no credit." 
 
 In accordance with Miss Francis's request, the task 
 has been taken up where she laid it down, and the 
 present volumes are the result of the effort that has 
 been made to carry out her design. 
 
 Although the letters cluster round Sir Philip, who 
 was himself the letter-writer par excellence of the 
 family, it has not entered into the scheme of this book 
 to give anything like a record of his life, or even 
 
Jntrobuction vii 
 
 to bring him into especial prominence ; the desire 
 has been rather to throw the light upon the groups 
 of his friends and correspondents, and especially upon 
 the members of his own family, through three genera- 
 tions of letter-writers. As the descriptions of people 
 and places move through the years the reader may 
 get, besides the outward impressions, some glimpses 
 of the personalities of the writers, slight character 
 sketches of themselves by themselves, which will 
 add an interest to the reading. 
 
 No attempt has been made to modernise or correct 
 the spelling of these letters, or to correct the quota- 
 tions in other languages, except when what has been 
 written was obviously a mere slip of the pen. It 
 seems that Francis occasionally wrote a sort of dog 
 French on purpose. Passages from diaries and 
 journals of travel have been interspersed with the 
 letters, to fill up blank spaces and carry on what 
 we may almost call a family history of the period. 
 
 The earliest of the letters selected are from Dr. 
 Francis, the father of Sir Philip Francis, to his son 
 when the latter was at school. Dr. Francis, who 
 was a son of the Rev. John Francis, Dean of 
 Lismore, was an accomplished scholar, a political 
 writer, and at one time a tutor. Gibbon was once 
 his pupil. The letter which concludes the series 
 is from Lady Francis, Sir Philip's second wife ; it 
 
viii 5ntro5uction 
 
 was written to a friend a few days after her 
 husband's death. 
 
 The letters in these volumes have been divided 
 into periods, and a short rdsumi of the contents 
 introduces . each period ; these fore-notes may be 
 looked upon as signposts by means of which the 
 reader can find his way to such subject or such 
 company as inclination may suggest. 
 
 ELIZA KEARY. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 A Note on the "Junius" Controversy. By C. F. Keary. i 
 
 Period I. (1754—1772) 33 
 
 „ II. (1772— 1774) 135 
 
 „ III. (1774-1781) 215 
 
viii ^ntrobuctton 
 
 was written to a friend a few days after her 
 husband's death. 
 
 The letters in these volumes have been divided 
 into periods, and a short r^sum^ of the contents 
 introduces . each period ; these fore-notes may be 
 looked upon as signposts by means of which the 
 reader can find his way to such subject or such 
 company as inclination may suggest. 
 
 ELIZA KEARY. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 A Note on the "Junius" Controversy. By C. F. Keary. i 
 
 Period I. (1754— 1772) 33 
 
 II. (1772— 1774) 135 
 
 „ III. (1774-1781) 215 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Sir Philip Francis, from a Life-size Pastel, taken in 1777 
 
 Frontispiece 
 
 Maria Anna Victoria, Infanta of Spain, afterwards Queen 
 
 OF Joseph I. of Portugal 44 
 
 Joseph I., King of Portugal 58 
 
 Elizabeth Mackrabie, First Wife of Sir Philip Francis . . 137 
 
 King George III 180 
 
 Warren Hastings, Governor-General of India .... 210 
 
 Sir Elijah Impey, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of 
 
 Bengal 256 
 
 The Hon. Edmund Burke 283 
 
 Queen Charlotte 339 
 
A NOTE ON 
 THE "JUNIUS" CONTROVERSY. 
 
 By C. F. KEARY. 
 
 The Publisher has asked me to prefix to these volumes of Francis 
 Letters a Note on the identity of Francis and Junius. And though the 
 design of the work is not to exhibit Philip Francis chiefly in his public 
 capacity, nor to leave him sole occupant of the field, but rather 
 {I imagine) to give a picture of many different personalities and 
 differing points of view, opinions, occupations, and so forth, so as to 
 afford some image of the society of that time; still, there is obviously 
 more interest attaching to Francis and his family if the authorship 
 of the "Letters of Junius" be unhesitatingly ascribed to the former. 
 In the following Note I have su7nmarised the arguments on both sides. 
 I think that the result is calculated to set all doubts at rest. 
 
A NOTE ON 
 THE "JUNIUS" CONTROVERSY. 
 
 Though it is sixty years since Macaulay wrote in 
 his confident way that a jury would convict upon 
 the evidence which identifies Sir Philip Francis with 
 Junius, there have never been wanting writers to 
 maintain, and maintain with vehemence, the contrary 
 opinion. By a sort of literary convention, a con- 
 troversy which has remained so long open is held 
 to be never completely closed, so that some of the 
 more serious modern writers who have happened 
 to touch upon this question — Mr. Lecky in his 
 " History of England," Mr. Leslie Stephen in his 
 biography of Francis in the " Dictionary of National 
 Biography " — have refrained from pronouncing final 
 verdicts upon the matter, though both of these — 
 and Mr. Stephen more especially, in a separate 
 article contributed to the English Historical Review 
 (April, 1888) — have summed up strongly in favour 
 of Macaulay's opinion. Another historian of re- 
 pute, Professor Goldwin Smith, in a review in the 
 Sketch of Mr. H. R. Francis's "Junius Revealed" 
 (Longmans, 1894), has been much more decided.^ 
 
 • The Sketch, May i6th, 1894. 
 
4 H IRote on 
 
 The writers upon the other side have been persons 
 of less weight and position, and on that very account 
 more free to expose their view with vehemence. 
 They have been for the most part men who have 
 made what they call the " anti-Franciscan " theory 
 their hobby. And as often happens when writers of 
 industry and ingenuity, but of not the widest historical 
 sympathies, take up a question of this sort, they have 
 made it a matter almost of personal feeling, and 
 imported, to quote the words of Mr. Leslie Stephen, 
 a "needless bitterness" into the controversy. This 
 does not apply to the late Mr. C. Wentworth Dilke, 
 who in his " Papers of a Critic" republished numerous 
 short articles contributed by him to the Athencsum 
 paper.^ Dilke takes up a negative position, and does 
 not shut his eyes to the possibility of conclusive 
 evidence being found for the identification of Francis 
 and Junius. And as a fact, since Mr. Dilke died, 
 evidence which is practically conclusive has come 
 to light.^ But this writer's opinions have had an 
 influence upon the history of the controversy beyond 
 any force of argument or weight of evidence which 
 he may have brought to bear. Through a praise- 
 worthy, but I think mistaken, sense of loyalty, the 
 Athencsum paper, of which he was the founder, 
 has — forgetful of Aristotle — held itself committed 
 to sustain his views. And it has done so per fas 
 et nefas ; not only by opening its columns very 
 wide to all that could be written in the way of 
 
 ' They range between the years 1848 and i860. 
 2 Though Mr. Leslie Stephen truly says with regard to Dilke that 
 " Mr. Dilke's fault was a tendency to excessive suspiciousness." 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy s 
 
 direct argument on a rather dreary controversy, 
 but by never losing an occasion, through assertion 
 or insinuation, for giving the impression that the 
 bias of informed opinion was upon the side which 
 it advocated, instead of being, in fact, upon the 
 other side. 
 
 Another writer who supported the "anti-Franciscan" 
 view was the late Mr. Abraham Hayward.^ It is to 
 him that refer the remarks I have already quoted on 
 the needless bitterness with which the controversy has 
 been carried on. " By him," says Mr. Stephen, " a 
 Franciscan was always mentioned in terms such as 
 a severe theologian might apply to a Muggletonian, 
 or others to an ignorant and perverse fool." In all 
 cases Hay ward writes in the dashing, self-confident 
 fashion of a Quarterly reviewer ; and though, doubt- 
 less, many of his criticisms are sound and many of 
 his objections ingenious, it is true also that a large 
 proportion of his assertions are assertions only, and 
 unsupported by valid evidence. 
 
 The same cause is still maintained by one or 
 by two writers in the Athenceum paper — firstly by 
 Mr. Fraser Rae, who has contributed a large number 
 of signed articles to that journal, secondly by a re- 
 viewer and a writer of short, unsigned paragraphs in 
 the same paper. And though I imagine that there 
 is just the same distinction between Mr. Fraser Rae 
 and this anonymous reviewer which I hold to exist be- 
 tween Philip Francis and the author of the " Letters 
 
 ^ Hayward's essay " More About Junius" appeared in Fraser's 
 Magazine in 1867 or 1868, and was republished in pamphlet form 
 in 1868. 
 
6 a Mote on 
 
 of Junius," it will be consistent with literary usage 
 to treat them as distinct personalities. 
 
 I cannot say that any one of these three or four 
 writers, be he more or less open to the evidence in 
 conflict with his own opinion, writes in the spirit of 
 a mere inquirer and not of an advocate. Each one 
 seems as much bent on discrediting his opponent as 
 the counsel is when addressing a jury, and each writes 
 as if he had to concern himself not so much with the 
 examination of facts as with the case presented by 
 the opposing party. Not otherwise do the Govern- 
 ment and Opposition organs argue the question of 
 " Provocation" and " Unpreparedness " in connection 
 with the War in South Africa ; but it is not necessary 
 to treat an historical question in this fashion. 
 
 Neither the opinion of Macaulay and Stanhope on 
 the one side, nor that of Mr. Dilke or Mr. Hayward 
 on the other, need perforce have weight with us at 
 the present moment ; because the strongest points of 
 evidence in favour of what is called the Franciscan 
 theory have risen up since these various writers wrote. 
 They have not been all present to the knowledge 
 of Mr. Stephen or Mr. Lecky. And so, albeit this 
 " Junius " controversy is in itself dreary and essen- 
 tially unimportant, I will expose as succinctly as I 
 can the more important heads of evidence on both 
 sides of the question, not concealing my own con- 
 viction that the positive enormously out-weight the 
 negative in the Franciscan hypothesis, but leaving 
 the reader free to form his own judgment upon the 
 matter. The question is at least interesting as an 
 exercise of human reason. Owing to accidental cir- 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy 7 
 
 cumstances, it has scarcely yet, or only once, been 
 presented in a simple and undistorted form ; and 
 even in small things it is not well that the part of 
 Belial should prevail. 
 
 But in setting forth the positive case I do not 
 propose to enter into those items of internal evidence 
 which have already been treated by various writers. 
 I believe that these alone would be sufficient to 
 produce conviction on any impartial mind which could 
 estimate their value. The summing up, in the words 
 of Mr. Stephen's essay, of the evidence which con- 
 nects Francis and Junius in regard to their use of 
 Lord Chatham's speeches in the year 1770 suggests 
 the value which attaches to many of these items of 
 internal evidence : 
 
 " There was not merely a conjunction of the two (not 
 very heavenly) bodies, but a coincidence through an 
 arc of their orbits. During the main part of Junius's 
 career Francis, if not Junius, was acting in close 
 co-operation with him. Junius supported Chatham's 
 rhetoric in the papers ; Francis took reports of 
 Chatham's speeches, and certainly published one of 
 them, with the unfortunate result, as we have seen, 
 of closing for a time the doors of the House of Lords. 
 Junius quotes Francis's report (then unpublished) in a 
 private letter ; he guarantees the accuracy of another 
 report, though it was probably inaccurate and in reality 
 a mere reproduction of a letter by Francis ; and Francis 
 seems to have returned the compliment by using a 
 letter of Junius to construct his own reports. Both 
 were engaged in the same political enterprise, had 
 the same anticipations, and were trying to bring in 
 
8 H mote on 
 
 Chatham, by endeavouring to stimulate pubHc opinion 
 through the press in spite of the obstacles then to be 
 encountered. But the coincidence, taken by itself, is 
 of course susceptible of other explanations than an 
 identity of the two allies." ^ 
 
 The value of this sort of cumulative and internal 
 evidence, though very high, can, however, only be 
 appreciated after a careful study. And, fortunately, 
 upon the positive side there are much simpler proofs, 
 which would to-day, at any rate, make Macaulay's 
 saying literally just ; for they are such as could go 
 before a jury in a court of law ; such as need no 
 special historical knowledge and no minute research 
 to appreciate. To these heads of evidence upon the 
 positive side I will confine myself. 
 
 Macaulay, it will be remembered, divided the 
 evidences on this matter under six heads : namely, 
 first, the evidence of handwriting ; secondly, technical 
 knowledge possessed by Junius on matters connected 
 with the War Office ; thirdly, knowledge of internal 
 affairs of the War Office ; fourthly, attendance of 
 Francis at the debates in the House of Lords in 
 1770, and his reporting of Chatham's speeches, which 
 contained expressions used by Junius before any 
 report by Francis had been published (this is 
 the coincidence treated by Mr. Leslie Stephen in 
 the English Historical Review) ; fifthly, Junius's 
 bitter resentment of the appointment of Chamier to 
 a post in the War Office ; and, sixthly, Junius's 
 curious tenderness for the first Lord Holland. 
 
 ^ " Chatham, Francis, and Junius " {English Historical Review, 
 1888, pp. 248-9). 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy 9 
 
 Hayward has objected that the heads two, three, 
 and five are practically but one. This is not quite 
 true ; and the statement affords an example of that 
 special pleading whereof I spoke just now. But in 
 any case the evidence under these heads would require 
 a long essay in explanation. Number four has already 
 been treated competently and completely ; and number 
 six — alone, I think, of the six — is of little cogency. 
 The more obvious and easily explicable, and at the 
 same time even more cogent, evidences which I 
 now give include only one of Macaulay's six heads — 
 the first. 
 
 I.— THE PRINCIPAL HEADS OF EVIDENCE IN FAVOUR 
 OF THE IDENTIFICATION OF JUNIUS WITH 
 FRANCIS. 
 
 I. The Evidence of Handwriting. 
 
 Since the notorious Dreyfus case one has less 
 hesitation in asking the reader's attention to evi- 
 dences from handwriting ; for that trial turned 
 many of us into a sort of experts in the matter — 
 at any rate to this degree, that we understood the 
 kind of evidence which may carry conviction, and 
 the kind which is most liable to be deceptive. It 
 will be remembered that, when the famous bordereau 
 was first produced, a considerable number both of 
 experts and amateurs identified the handwriting of 
 it with the handwriting of Captain Dreyfus. This 
 identification was based upon a superficial resemblance 
 between the two scripts, and in the absence of any 
 other handwriting which might have lent itself to 
 
lo a Mote on 
 
 a minuter comparison. And anybody who saw the 
 facsimile reproductions will admit that such superficial 
 likeness did exist between the writing of Dreyfus 
 and the writing of the bordereau. But when the 
 handwriting of Esterhazy had come into evidence, 
 it was found that it lent itself to much severer tests 
 than a mere general comparison ; and the more 
 honest of the experts who had first attributed the 
 bordereau to Dreyfus acknowledged that it must now 
 be given to Esterhazy. 
 
 Now, the test which has been applied in the 
 comparison of a large number of Francis's letters 
 with the sixty-four letters of Junius to Woodfall is 
 of the minute character to which Esterhazy's and not 
 Dreyfus's writing lent itself side by side with the 
 historical bordereati. At the request of the Hon. R. 
 Twisleton, M. Chabot, a French expert in hand- 
 writing, assisted to some extent by Mr. Nethercleft, 
 an English one, undertook the comparison I have 
 indicated, and the result (along with additional 
 evidence adduced by Twisleton, some of which will 
 appear under other heads) was published in 1871. 
 It contains a minute comparison of some four hun- 
 dred forms of capitals, minuscules, linked letters, 
 and so forth ; and the result is, in my judgment, 
 convincing. For three things must be remembered : 
 first, that we are not here dealing, as is so 
 often (nay, usually) the case in a court of law, with 
 either a signature merely or a single document — a 
 will, maybe, or a letter — but with a vast body of 
 documentary evidence, an almost unlimited collec- 
 tion of Francis's letters on the one side and sixty- 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy n 
 
 four Junius letters on the other side ; secondly, 
 that there is no attempt at an ipse dico on the 
 part of M. Chabot,^ but that he demonstrates with 
 great elaboration in 289 pages and with the aid of 
 260 plates the grounds of his conclusions ; thirdly, 
 it is probable (nay, almost certain) that if any other 
 handwriting among those of possible authors of the 
 " Letters of Junius " could have borne the test better 
 than Francis's (as Esterhazy's writing bore the test of 
 comparison with the bordereau better than Dreyfus's) 
 it would by this time have been produced. I do 
 not say that these three considerations need produce 
 absolute conviction even to one who has examined 
 M. Chabot's plates, though I think they might well 
 do so ; but I say that, short of absolute conviction, 
 the presumption of identity is enormously high. 
 
 The arguments in contradiction that I have been 
 able to collect have all rested upon a general ex- 
 amination of the writing as a whole — none upon 
 that kind of detailed comparison which Twisleton 
 and Chabot give us, or of that kind which in the 
 Dreyfus trial the best experts made and explained 
 between the bordereau and the Esterhazy writing. 
 Some of these arguments are of the nature of 
 mere assertions. 
 
 Hayward, who, though he did not come face to face 
 with the Twisleton and Chabot work, had naturally 
 to speak on the subject of handwriting, declares that 
 he showed the two scripts to thirty men of eminence 
 
 •' Mr. Fraser Rae seeks to invalidate the evidence by citing a 
 case in law in which M. Chabot, though positive, was mistaken. For 
 the reason given above, such an instance is of small weight. 
 
12 H Bote on 
 
 — lawyers and men of letters — and that the great 
 majority were of opinion that there was no re- 
 semblance between the two. Mr. Fraser Rae says 
 that there is more resemblance between the writing 
 of Junius and Dr. Johnson than that between Junius 
 and Francis. Hayward also asserted that it was 
 impossible for a man to write a feigned hand which 
 should be as fluent as his natural hand. Mr. Rae 
 repeats this dictum of Hayward's, which, presented 
 by him, becomes a " fact." ^ In reality the assertion 
 is without foundation in fact. A man might easily 
 write a feigned hand in copying (in copying himself 
 as well as any one else) which would be far more 
 fluent than his natural hand in writing original matter. 
 Were it otherwise, it would be impossible for a man 
 to forge a hand more fluent than his usual writing, 
 quod absurdum est. 
 
 I cannot recall that either side in the Dreyfus trial 
 attempted to procure a conviction or acquittal upon 
 such obiter dicta or on such unsupported rumours and 
 assertions as these. It has been said that Hayward 
 was not face to face with Twisleton and Chabot's 
 work.^ Mr. Fraser Rae, therefore, has to bear the 
 burden of the refutation, if there is to be one. Mr. 
 Rae's main argument, if I understand him rightly, is 
 that before we are allowed to examine the details of 
 resemblance between the two scripts, we must first 
 establish by some sort of general examination that the 
 
 ' AthencBum, August nth, 1888. 
 
 2 Hayward was alive when this work was published — for many 
 years subsequent, in fact ; but he did not again write on the 
 " Junius " controversy. 
 
tbe "Junius" Controverss 13 
 
 handwriting of Junius was a feigned hand ; and with 
 a note of triumph Mr. Rae says in one place : " I defy 
 him to prove that." And again : " If the handwriting 
 is natural, then all the argument based on the evidence 
 of the handwriting collapses. . . . The burden of proof 
 lies with those who maintain that the handwriting of 
 the Junius manuscripts is a feigned hand." ^ And 
 once more he says: "Those who take it for granted 
 that the Junian handwriting was feigned have never 
 explained why Junius was so apprehensive lest his 
 handwriting should be generally seen. The obvious 
 if not the only reason for adopting a feigned hand 
 is the writer's desire to conceal his identity." Again, 
 the anonymous Athenceitm reviewer of " Junius 
 Revealed" says: "The inquiry [into the identity of 
 Junius and Francis] having resolved itself — as Mr. 
 Leslie Stephen holds that it has done — into deter- 
 mining whether the handwriting is feigned or natural." ^ 
 I give these quotations in extenso because I am not 
 quite sure that I grasp the syllogism of Mr. Rae's 
 and the anonymous reviewer's argument. All that I 
 gather clearly from these passages is the theory that 
 the " naturalness " or " feignedness " of the writing 
 must be established by a priori considerations. Mr. 
 Rae seems to say also that a man who had forged 
 a document could not possibly mind how many 
 people inspected the forgery. But I assume that 
 he does not mean that. To prove that the writing 
 is not a feigned hand Mr. Rae appears to consider 
 that the evidence of one or two experts is sufficient. 
 
 1 Athenaum, August nth, 1888. 
 ^ Ibid., April, 1894. 
 
14 H IRote on 
 
 He quotes the assertion of George Woodfall that 
 Junius's hand was not feigned, and also of a certain 
 writing-master Mr. Tomkins, "of eminence in the city 
 of London " ; ^ then that of M. Charavay, the French 
 expert who was a witness in the Dreyfus case — one 
 of those who exactly illustrate the point I have been 
 making, because M. Charavay changed his opinion 
 when passing from a superficial to a detailed com- 
 parison of the bordereau. There may be one or two 
 other opinions quoted. 
 
 I do not myself understand how the question of 
 the " feignedness " of a handwriting can precede or be 
 separated from the detailed comparison of one script 
 with the other. Nor do I see how an expert, let 
 alone any private person, is to be expected to pro- 
 nounce positively on the mere general question 
 whether a hand is feigned or not. For forgery is 
 perforce in a " feigned hand." If it were possible 
 to detect "feignedness" at a glance, then of course 
 every forgery would be discernible at a glance. But 
 as, by admission, the best of experts cannot always 
 detect a forgery, it is impossible at sight to assert 
 that a hand is a natural hand. 
 
 This form of reasoning has, however, great weight 
 with Mr. Fraser Rae, for I find it repeated many 
 times in the papers which he has contributed to the 
 Athenizum. 
 
 I believe I have stated with perfect fairness the 
 
 1 See AthencRum, August nth, 1888, and August 25th, 1888. 
 These opinions, though they are quoted as two by Mr. Fraser 
 Rae, are really but one : for it is not his own private opinion, but 
 that of Tomkins, that George Woodfall gives. 
 
tbe "Junius" dontroverss is 
 
 arguments by which it is sought to invalidate the evi- 
 dence produced in Twisleton and Chabot's " Hand- 
 writing of Junius." But I quite admit that the positive 
 value of the evidence is a question to be decided 
 by the judgment of the individual. 
 
 2. Evidence from the Spelling of Junius 
 AND Francis. 
 
 This matter is also discussed in Twisleton and 
 Chabot's " Handwriting of Junius." Very rightly 
 they take for their standard the edition of Johnson's 
 Dictionary the nearest in date to that of the letters, 
 and reckon as abnormal the forms of spelling which 
 vary from that. And even supposing the variations 
 from this standard pretty common in contemporary 
 correspondence, there is something peculiar in finding 
 the same anomalies in the two hands. As Mr. H. 
 R, Francis says in his " Junius Revealed " : " Let any 
 one acquainted with the ' doctrine of chances ' try to 
 compute the odds against there having been during 
 the short run of the letters two highly educated 
 persons, both conceivably capable of the authorship, 
 who exactly agreed in these various whims and oddities 
 of spelling" (p. 14). 
 
 The peculiarities of spelling which are common to 
 Junius and Francis are the following : ally (for alley), 
 stile (for style), compleat, risque, enquiry, encrease, 
 inclose, untill, pacquet ; and almost all words ending 
 with " ful " they write with " full " — wonderfull, shame- 
 full. They also abbreviate should into " sh'd," but 
 would into " wo'd." 
 
1 6 H •Mote on 
 
 3. Evidence of a Dated Proof-Sheet. 
 
 There exists in the Department of Manuscripts in 
 the British Museum (No. 27,776) a proof-sheet of 
 " Letter XVI." of the " Letters of Junius," dated 
 "29 . July . 1769." in a handwriting which is not in 
 the usual handwriting of the Junius letters, and is 
 not distinguishable from the handwriting of Francis. 
 I give here an example of this date taken by 
 mechanical process from Mr. H. R. Francis's "Junius 
 Revealed," which I have myself compared with the 
 date in the proof-sheet and found to be identical. 
 Side by side with it is a date taken from the 
 Francis correspondence. 
 
 It will be seen that Francis had a habit of placing 
 a full-stop between each item of a date. The effect 
 of this evidence is of course that a proof-sheet of 
 Letter XVI. must have passed through the hands 
 of Philip Francis. 
 
 This was a fact first brought to light in Twisleton 
 and Chabot's work, and one which has therefore 
 passed unnoticed by Mr. Dilke and Mr. Hayward. 
 Mr. Fraser Rae meets the difficulty by two assertions. 
 In one place he says: "If as much attention had 
 been given to the writing of Henry Sampson 
 Woodfall as to that of Francis, it would have 
 been seen that the date is in the natural hand of 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy 17 
 
 Woodfall." ^ This is a somewhat strange way of 
 making the statement. If the date is in the natural 
 hand of Woodfall — if, for example, Woodfall, like 
 Francis, had the habit of separating the items of 
 his dates by dots, and if he made his " J's " and 
 " I's," his sevens, his sixes, and his nines as they 
 are made in the examples before us — the fact is an 
 independent one and requires no " if" The Editor 
 of the Athenceum would not, it may be presumed, 
 have refused the expense of a cliche reproduction of 
 a date in Woodfall's hand which might have been 
 compared with the date on the proof-sheet. But 
 as a fact no such likeness exists. In another place 
 Mr. Fraser Rae denies the fact of the resemblance 
 between the proof-sheet date and the one in the 
 known hand of Francis ; and addressing, in the 
 pages of the Athenceum, readers who had not 
 the plates before their eyes, he was on safer 
 ground than if he had been asked to formulate his 
 opinion face to face with the plates, or with the 
 proof-sheet itself, and with the date on one of the 
 autograph letters of Francis. " It so happens," he 
 says, " that the Junius proof-sheet does not present 
 the full-stop peculiarity of Philip Francis's writing."^ 
 
 But the reviewer of Mr. H. R. Francis's "Junius 
 Revealed " in the AthencBum went a step farther 
 than Mr. Fraser Rae in any signed article. His 
 statements are even interesting from a psychological 
 point of view ; as showing how the advocacy of a 
 particular matter (in itself essentially trivial) may 
 
 ^ Athenceum, August 25th, 1888. 
 
 ° IMd. The statement is repeated, in April 9th, 1898. 
 
 2 
 
1 8 a IRote on 
 
 come in the end so to affect the powers of an 
 advocate that it prevents him from seeing what is 
 before his eyes. In preparing the first issue of 
 Mr. Francis's "Junius Revealed" a mistake was 
 made in the selection of the clichds. Instead of one 
 being taken from the Junius-proof date, and one 
 from the private correspondence of Francis, the proof 
 date was twice reproduced — once by a clichd taken 
 from the facsimile of the proof in Twisleton and 
 Chabot's plates, once by a reproduction of the same 
 date in the body of the work ; with the result that 
 there appeared side by side an impression of two 
 clichis taken by mechanical process from the very 
 same date, but one rather more heavily inked than 
 the other. The examples given reproduce this 
 peculiarity : ^ 
 
 Of course, so soon as the error was discovered 
 it was corrected ; and only the earlier issues of the 
 book contained this erroneous repetition : 29 . July . 
 1769. beside 29 . July . 1769. Howbeit, one of 
 these earlier copies fell into the hands of the 
 Athencsum reviewer ; and he, supposing that the 
 second date 29 . July . 1769. came, as in the text 
 it professed to do, from the Francis correspon- 
 dence, set to work to deny the evidence of his 
 own senses, and to declare that on the first date 
 
 1 By minute measurement these two dates are easily found to 
 be really identical. 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy 19 
 
 the items were separated by dashes — 29 - July - 1769, 
 and that in the second date they were separated by 
 dots — 29 . July . 1769. The passage occurs in the 
 Athenceum for April 24th, 1894: "On the top of 
 the Junius letter there appears 29 July, 1769, while 
 the corresponding date is found in one of the Francis 
 letters. In Francis's letter the date clearly appears 
 as follows: ' 29 . July . 1769.' On the proof-sheet 
 it is in this form: ' 29 - July - 1769 ' " (The final 
 dot is omitted by the reviewer.) 
 
 An unkind critic might be tempted to suggest 
 that Mr. Fraser Rae has more interest in separating 
 his own identity from that of this reviewer, than 
 in separating the identity of Junius from that of 
 Philip Francis. 
 
 4. The Evidence of the Verses Addressed 
 TO Miss Giles. 
 
 This is the strongest proof of all, and it is the 
 one easiest to explain and understand. All the 
 links in the chain of evidence were not complete 
 before the publication of Mr. Francis's " Junius Re- 
 vealed" in 1894. But in a less convincing form the 
 evidence was published in Twisleton and Chabot. 
 
 In the winter of 1770-71 Philip Francis met his 
 American cousin Tilghman at Bath, and the two 
 made the acquaintance of a Miss Giles, a toast of 
 the place and day.-' A copy of verses was presently 
 conveyed to Miss Giles, with a notification on the 
 
 ' She was daughter of Daniel Giles, subsequently Governor of 
 the Bank of England, and afterwards became Mrs. King. 
 
20 H mote on 
 
 cover — the usual kind of mystification — to the effect 
 that the verses had been picked up by the sender 
 and so forwarded. The writing on the cover is in 
 the handwriting of Junius ; the writing inside is 
 in the handwriting of Tilghman. In 1852 Lady 
 Francis gave Mr. H. R. Francis, the author of 
 " Junius Revealed," a copy of the same verses which 
 the late Sir Philip had given her, as an example of 
 one of Sir Philip's few efforts at versification. This 
 copy is in the handwriting of Philip Francis — naturally ; 
 and a subsequent comparison of the two copies, 
 Tilghman's and Francis's, together with the envelope 
 in Junius's hand, showed that the three documents 
 were all written on portions of the same sheet of 
 paper, with the same water-mark, etc. ; so that Lady 
 Francis's copy of the Giles verses was one which 
 her husband had kept by him since the Bath days. 
 Any one who is familiar with the Junian hand will 
 see that it is the same as that on the cover of the 
 verses. But in confirmation of this last link Mr. 
 Francis mentions that when he showed the cover 
 to Mr. George Woodfall, the latter at once ex- 
 claimed, " Good God ! that is the feigned hand of 
 Junius ! " This concatenation of evidence shows either 
 that Junius, Francis, and Tilghman were a trio of 
 friends all interested in a flirtation with Miss Giles, 
 or that Junius and Francis were one and the same. 
 I do not find that this head of evidence has been 
 dealt with by any anti-Franciscan. In one place 
 Mr. Rae professes his inability to see the links of 
 the argument, and in another place he says that, if 
 the cover were undoubtedly in the handwriting of 
 
tbe "Junfus" dontrovers^ 21 
 
 Junius, " the identification of Junius with Francis 
 would not be advanced one step." ^ I cannot state 
 the argument more clearly than I have done in the 
 previous pages, and must be content to leave the 
 matter so. I notice, only to pass by, the facts that 
 Mr. Fraser Rae has commented upon, as if to in- 
 validate, certain different versions as to how the 
 verses came into Miss Giles's possession ; that he 
 quotes a passage from a letter of Junius as an 
 argument that Junius could not dance ; that by a 
 mistake of his own as to the exact date of the Giles 
 episode he represents Francis as kept at the bed- 
 side of a sick father ; and, fourthly, that, quoting a 
 letter from Francis to his wife, he mentions that 
 Francis's wife had five children, and asks if such 
 a married man would be likely to be flirting with 
 Miss Giles. 
 
 As we are dealing with a matter of documentary 
 evidence, I do not know to what such arguments 
 are supposed to point. 
 
 1 AthencBum, August 25th, 1888. And in the same number: " By 
 a process of reasoning which I cannot understand or follow, the 
 evidence of Miss Giles must be accepted as proving that Francis 
 is Junius." In a paper contributed much more recently to the 
 Athenaum Mr. Fraser Rae imagines the ghost of Sir Philip 
 Francis expressing his opinion on the controversy. The following 
 are the words that Mr. Rae puts into the mouth of Sir Philip in 
 regard to the " Miss Giles " episode : " I simply express my wonder 
 that my grandson should have concluded I must have been Junius 
 because I gave Lady Francis before marriage a copy of verses which 
 I had written for my cousin Tilghman to advance his suit with Miss 
 Giles." This was written in the Athenceum of January 8th, 1898. 
 It may be assumed that up to that date Mr. Rae had not grasped 
 the bearings of this head of evidence. 
 
2 2 a IRote on 
 
 The four heads of evidence which we have discussed 
 do not, of course, invalidate all these subsidiary evi- 
 dences, which were familiar to Macaulay, which have 
 grown stronger since, which are familiar to Mr. 
 Leslie Stephen, to Mr. Lecky, to Professor Goldwin 
 Smith, and may easily be acquired by any one who 
 takes the trouble to read. 
 
 I now turn to consider — 
 
 II.— THE EVIDENCES AGAINST THE IDENTIFICATION 
 OF FRANCIS WITH JUNIUS. 
 
 I. The Discrepancy which exists between 
 Francis's Private Relations with Certain 
 Individuals, and the Treatment of these 
 Persons by Junius. 
 
 This is an argument of considerable weight. Of 
 the fact of this discrepancy there can be no doubt. 
 It was especially towards Lord Barington and to- 
 wards Calcraft, both personal friends and benefactors 
 of Francis, and in a degree hardly less towards Sir 
 William Draper, that Francis, if Francis was Junius, 
 showed himself strangely false, if not vindictive. 
 But it is obvious that evidence of this sort, depending 
 upon such an inscrutable thing as the human heart, 
 is evidence of quite a different kind from that which 
 is afforded by material proofs. It is a point which 
 has necessarily been insisted on greatly by the 
 opponents of the Francis theory, and it has, I think, 
 been very adequately dealt with by Mr. Lecky in 
 his " History of England in the Eighteenth Century." 
 As a palliation against the worst that may be said of 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversg 23 
 
 Francis, we must remember that he was an Irishman. 
 In one respect Francis resembled another perfervid 
 Scot, of a different Celtic family — Carlyle — namely, 
 in his love of superlatives ; so that when Junius says 
 that Barington has, after the Duke of Grafton, " the 
 blackest heart in the kingdom," we must not assume 
 him to have meant quite all he said. And it is 
 probable that he very soon forgot the violent terms 
 he had used. At a moment when Chatham was 
 thought to be deserting the party on which Francis 
 had based his hopes and his fortunes, Junius wrote 
 hardly less violently of that great statesman than 
 he had done of Barington. And yet at the end 
 of his life Francis said, probably quite truly as 
 far as his memory served, that he had ever held 
 Chatham in veneration. Just so, in later life, Francis 
 declared that he had consistently opposed the policy 
 which brought on the war with the American 
 colonies ; whereas we know, from Francis's 
 private correspondence, that, at the first, he did 
 so neither over his own signature nor over that 
 of Junius.' 
 
 Against this sort of discrepancy between Junius 
 and Francis and others of a like nature, such as 
 the contemptuous way in which Francis speaks some- 
 
 ^ Mr. Lecky writes : " No single fact is more conspicuous in the 
 character of Francis than the manner in which he continually 
 quarrelled with those from whom he had received benefits ; his 
 writings are full of disparaging and injurious remarks about men with 
 whom he had lived on terms of close intimacy and to whom he 
 should have been bound by strong ties of gratitude." — " History of 
 England in the Eighteenth Century," vol. iii., p. 475. 
 
24 H "Bote on 
 
 times of Wilkes and his cause/ may be set the fact 
 that without doubt the knowledge of Junius in many 
 cases tallied in a most curious way with the knowledge 
 of Francis ; as did the ignorance of Junius with the 
 ignorance of Francis. One specially noticeable in- 
 stance — because it is an instance of ignorance based 
 on misapplied knowledge — is Junius's challenge to 
 Sir William Draper as to the oath he had to take 
 on receipt of his pension. Junius cites the usual 
 form of oath, with which Francis would be familiar 
 enough as a War Office clerk, but which happened 
 to be, in this peculiar case, without application. And 
 there are a vast number of other instances of a 
 similar character. 
 
 But even if the negative evidence under this head 
 were not counterbalanced by much positive evidence, 
 nobody will doubt that in its nature it is vastly less 
 convincing than the kind of evidence adduced for 
 conviction of identity. It is not, as Hume would 
 say, contrary to experience that a man should secretly 
 vilify those for whom he professed to entertain a 
 
 * In some of the letters published in the present volume such 
 discrepancies may be seen. Consider, for instance, the way Francis 
 speaks of Lord Mansfield in his letter of February 4th, 1766. And 
 perhaps in this place it will be well to allude to the contradictions 
 between the picture which Junius was pleased to draw of himself 
 and the real personality of Francis ; for this, too, has been used 
 as an argument. The author of the Junius — as also the author of 
 the Anti-Sejanus and Cato Redivivus — letters represents himself as 
 a man getting on in years, possessed of sufficient fortune and 
 position. Francis, of course, was none of these things. But what 
 conceivable motive could Junius have had for telling the truth 
 about himself? 
 
tbc "Junius" dontroversy 25 
 
 friendship. But it is contrary to experience that an 
 undiscoverable being should have been so allied with 
 Tilghman and Francis as to have taken part in 
 their little escapades of the winter 1 770-1 771 ; that 
 he should have passed a proof through the hand of 
 Philip Francis ; that he should have had the same 
 peculiarities as Francis in writing and made the 
 same mistakes as Philip Francis in spelling ; and 
 that he should have disappeared into the vast inane, 
 leaving no other trace of himself behind. 
 
 2. The Statements, or Reported Statements, 
 OF Men who were, or might have been, in 
 A Position to know who was the Real 
 Junius, and who declared that Francis was 
 not he. 
 
 (a) The strongest of these instances is that of the 
 elder Woodfall, who is reported by his son to have 
 said : " To my certain knowledge Francis is not 
 Junius." In Mr. Rae's hands this also appears 
 under the form : " To his certain knowledge Francis 
 did not write a line of Junius." I find no authority 
 for this form of assertion. 
 
 (d) Lord Lansdowne is said to have told Sir 
 Robert Philipps that he knew who was the author of 
 Junius, and that he had never yet been publicly 
 mentioned — " nobody has suspected him." This con- 
 versation took place in 18 15. Taylor, it is true, 
 published a pamphlet identifying Junius with Dr. 
 Francis, " aided by his son Philip," as early as 
 18 1 3. But the work which directed attention to 
 
26 H IRote on 
 
 Francis — " Junius Identified " ^ — was not published till 
 1816. In one place Mr. Fraser Rae says that until 
 that date (18 16) nobody had ever suspected Francis.^ 
 In another place he writes that when the Junius 
 letters were exciting general curiosity they were 
 universally ascribed to Edmund Burke. But at the 
 place where he cites this evidence of Lord Lans- 
 downe's he makes a contrary statement that the 
 name of Francis had often been suggested as that 
 of the author of Junius's letters. I am strongly of 
 opinion that the earlier of these contradictory state- 
 ments are the more correct. 
 
 (c) The nephew of the fourth Lord Aberdeen (the 
 Prime Minister), who had been a ward of the younger 
 Pitt, stated that his uncle told him that Pitt told 
 Lord Aberdeen (getting his knowledge presumably 
 from his father, the elder Pitt) that he knew who 
 Junius was, and that he was not Francis. 
 
 (d) Lord Grenville told Lord Sidmouth that he knew 
 the writer of the letters. After Grenville's death his 
 widow communicated to Abraham Hay ward that her 
 husband had informed her the writer was not famous 
 {^Athenceum, January 29th, 1898, p. 151, ^/ seq^? 
 
 The only one of these pieces of evidence which 
 seems to me to have any appreciable value is that 
 
 1 " The Identity of Junius with a Distinguished Living Character 
 Established" is the full title. The title of the 1813 pamphlet is 
 "A Discovery of the Letters of Junius." 
 
 ^ Athenaum, May 4th, 1895. 
 
 ^ It is curious that the writer who advances this argument refuses 
 to accept the most incidental statement by Lady Francis, when that 
 affects the case he is supporting. 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversy 27 
 
 concerning Woodfall. But we ought to know much 
 more than we do of the circumstances under which 
 the words were spoken before we can estimate its 
 weight — whether H. S. Woodfall had been badgered 
 in order to make him fall into a trap, or was in any 
 similar way tempted to tell a great lie ; or whether, 
 again, as Mr. H. R. Francis has suggested, his words 
 may have been slightly misrepresented, and he may 
 have said : " Francis was not, to my certain know- 
 ledge, the author of Junius." ^ 
 
 3. The Evidence of Certain Letters signed 
 " Junius " which could not have been written 
 BY Philip Francis. 
 
 A certain number of letters signed Junius (three 
 or four), most of them previously known to exist, 
 have been recently republished by Mr. Fraser Rae. 
 As most, if not all, of these were improbably written 
 by Francis, and one at least could not possibly 
 have been so, it is assumed that they absolutely 
 dispose of the Franciscan theory. The paper in 
 which one of these letters was published was headed 
 
 ^ "The story of his having told his son that 'to his certain 
 knowledge ' Francis was not Junius is utterly valueless except as 
 evidence that he knew something he was not free or not inclined 
 to reveal. If, indeed, we could have had his exact words in their 
 exact order, some ingenious form of cunning denial without direct 
 falsehood might have been traceable, such as Francis himself used 
 to repel inconvenient inquiries, and such as we find suggested to 
 Woodfall in the remarkable private note No. 8 : ' Suppose you were 
 to say, " IVe have some reason to suspect that the last letter signed 
 Junius in this paper was not written by Junius'"" ("Junius 
 Revealed," p. 46). 
 
28 a IRote on 
 
 by Mr. Rae " Exit Francis." This evidence can only 
 be conclusive if the authenticity of these letters be 
 admitted beyond dispute. Before 1773 or 1774 
 Junius's letters had become celebrated ; there was 
 nothing that prevented another writer from adopting 
 the attractive pseudonym — a fact which, as the note on 
 the preceding page demonstrates, could be discounted 
 
 by Junius himself If Mr. A has written an 
 
 article over the signature " Ignotus," no one dreams 
 of affirming that every article signed " Ignotus " must 
 
 be by this same Mr. A . Yet, in fact, Mr. 
 
 Fraser Rae appears to adopt this line of argument. 
 Those who refuse to accept these letters, he says 
 in one place, have to prove " a negative, and I 
 venture to defy them to do so." And he continues : 
 "No letter signed 'Junius' during the period when 
 Junius may have been alive can be rejected without 
 rejecting the whole." ^ This is perhaps the strangest 
 mode of argument that I have ever met with. It is 
 as if one should assert that every line attributed to 
 Homer (or to Virgil or Shakespeare or whom you will), 
 is to be accepted until we can prove by documentary 
 evidence that it is not by its putative author. I should 
 have thought that in these cases there was such a 
 thing as the evidence of style. And with regard to 
 the two letters on which Mr. Fraser Rae lays most 
 weight — first, one addressed to Lord Apsley (Lord 
 Bathurst) ; secondly, one entitled "Super legale 
 meritum " — I have no hesitation whatever in asserting 
 their spuriousness. 
 
 In the course of a short controversy with Mr. Fraser 
 1 Athenceum, No. 3525. 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversi^ 29 
 
 Rae in the columns of the Athenceuin I did express 
 this conviction in respect to the Apsley letter ; and 
 Mr. Fraser Rae's reply is interesting. " The Apsley 
 letter is pronounced by Mr. Keary to be manifestly 
 spurious. It was added by Wheble to the edition of 
 Junius which he brought out in 1775. Its authenti- 
 city has never been disputed till now." 
 
 So far from this being the case, the authenticity of 
 Wheble's letter has never been accepted. Wheble 
 was known to be a bookseller of a low type : his 
 edition of Junius letters has never been reckoned 
 authoritative ; and in George Woodfall's edition of 
 18 1 2 — in a sense the editio princeps — this letter finds 
 no place. And certainly George Woodfall did not err 
 on the side of omission. 
 
 I think, therefore, until these pretended Junius 
 letters are supported by a greater weight of critical 
 authority than has yet been found for them, they may 
 safely be neglected from the body of evidence against 
 the identification of Junius with Francis. 
 
 4. The Discrepancy between the Styles of 
 Junius and Francis. 
 
 Finally, it is asserted that Francis's known writings 
 bear no sort of resemblance in style to those of Junius. 
 This assertion appears to me the most amazing 
 possible. And Hayward has an argument which tends 
 in exactly the opposite direction. In fact, the majority 
 who have disputed the identification have rather set 
 themselves to invalidate the argument from style on 
 the other side. The authority of Mr. Lecky may be 
 
3° a Bote on 
 
 cited against the assertion that Francis could not have 
 written Junius ; and as Mr. Lecky reminds us, Burke 
 called Francis the " prince of pamphleteers." ^ 
 
 These are all the heads of evidence of much value 
 which I have been able to collect in favour of the so- 
 called anti-Franciscan view. And that there are not 
 very many more I gather from the constant repetition 
 of these ones, and from the introduction of many 
 others of less cogency which I need only glance at. 
 Thus (as has been mentioned) it is urged that Chabot 
 made a mistake in a will case ; again, that Taylor, 
 the first who identified Francis and Junius, occupied 
 himself with explaining the number of the Beast. It 
 is suggested rather vaguely (both by Mr. Dilke 
 and Mr. Fraser Rae) that Francis secretly accumulated 
 proofs to show his identity with Junius. And in one 
 place it is suggested quite unwarrantably that in 
 Twisleton's and Chabot's work the reproduction from 
 the dated proof-sheet has been tampered with (i.e. 
 forged).^ 
 
 All, except the last, are legitimate arguments ; and 
 opinions will no doubt always differ about their cogency. 
 But I must also glance at what I have called the ne/as 
 of this controversy — the constant attempt to prejudice 
 the question by representing the opposite side as 
 wanting either in sense or common honesty. Mr. 
 
 1 I may quote the authority of my friend Mr. G. W. Forrest, C.I.E., 
 author of the " Administration of Warren Hastings," and the editor of 
 many volumes of State papers from the Foreign Office at Calcutta 
 and the Bombay Secretariat, for an opinion in the same sense. 
 
 2 See p. 1 8 and note. 
 
tbe "Junius" Controversi? 31 
 
 Leslie Stephen has spoken of the way in which 
 Abraham Hayward always treated a " Franciscan." 
 In the Athenceum, among many similar passages, I will 
 instance one or two, taken altogether from papers 
 which have recently appeared, which can hardly be 
 considered fair representations of the case, (i) " The 
 compiler of the catalogue of Francis correspondence 
 [December, 1897] appears to be under the dehision 
 that Francis and Junius, though two in name, are one 
 in fact." — Athenceum, December 25th, 1897. (2) " The 
 truth is, whenever an attempt is made to show that 
 Francis is Junius the result has been to prove the 
 contrary." — Ibid. (3) " Those who have made up 
 their minds that Sir Philip Francis is Junius may 
 remain deaf to argument and blind to evidence. 
 Others, who weigh fact and who accept demonstrated 
 conclusions, have admitted that Francis could not have 
 been Junius." — Idem, January 8th, 1898. (4) And of 
 the handwriting : " The truth is, the handwriting of 
 the two men differs as greatly as any handwriting can." 
 — Idem, February 19th, 1898. 
 
 Let me add that I profess in this note to have 
 produced nothing which was not before accessible. All 
 I have endeavoured to do is to separate those proofs 
 which could be presented in a form appreciable by all, 
 and to so present them unmixed with other matter. 
 The latest book on the subject, Mr. H. R. Francis's 
 "Junius Revealed" (Longmans, 1894), has always 
 seemed to me to set the matter at rest ; and in his 
 review of that book Professor Goldwin Smith wrote: 
 "England has hitherto had her mystery in 'Junius'; 
 but she will enjoy it no more, for there can be no 
 
32 H iRote on tbe "Junius" Controverss 
 
 longer any shadow of doubt that the ' Letters ' were 
 written by Sir Philip Francis." It has only been 
 what I have before called the mistaken loyalty of 
 the AthencBum, in opening its pages so widely to the 
 few who could still be found to support the opposite 
 theory, which has prevented the question from 
 being considered as closed. 
 
 C. F. Keary. 
 
PERIOD I. 
 1754— 1772. 
 
 The correspondence contained in the following volumes has been 
 divided into six Periods, marked in the early part by epochs in the 
 life of Philip Francis. 
 
 Period I. begins with letters exchanged between Dr. Francis and 
 his son Philip while the latter was a boy at St. Paul's School, and 
 continued during Francis's youth and the period of his secretaryship 
 to Lord Kinnoul, Ambassador-Extraordinary to the Court of Lisbon 
 {ilfxi). Philip Francis's engagement to Miss Mackrabie follows, and 
 his marriage (1762). In the same year he was appointed to be First 
 Clerk in the War Oflice. A long correspondence ensues between 
 Francis and his brother-in-law Alexander Mackrabie, while the latter 
 was in the American colony (1767-71). These last dates are those, 
 as it hap>pens, of the issue of the famous ^^ Letters of funius," so 
 that they may be said to enclose the most important epoch in Philip 
 Francis's career. One passage in Mackrabie's correspondence shows 
 that he, at any rate, was ignorant of the authorship of the " letters!' 
 
 This Period closes with Francis's retirement from the War Office. 
 
PERIOD I. 
 
 1754—1772. 
 
 The Rev. Philip Francis, D.D., to his Son Philip 
 (^t. 13), who was then just beginning his 
 Career as a Scholar at St. Paul's School. 
 
 " I do not write to my dear Phil, merely to tell 
 him I have cheerfully got to the end of my long 
 Northern Journey ; nor even for the pleasure (to me 
 the greatest pleasure) of hearing, in return, of his 
 Health and Happiness. This letter, I hope, will open 
 a correspondence between us, that may for ever 
 endear us to each other. The years are coming on 
 when Youth and its Activity, when Age and its In- 
 dolence, will make us cold companions, and very 
 often divide us. Let us not wholly depend, my 
 dearest boy, upon the Affections of Nature. Let us 
 improve them into a mutual friendship and esteem 
 by a mutual trust and confidence, sincerity and truth. 
 From this moment I offer you my whole Heart, even 
 all its weaknesses and frailties, without disguise, 
 without Reserve. 
 
 " Shall I expect the same equal Confidence without 
 bashfulness and timidity, without artifice and cunning ? 
 My understanding may not be then unuseful to you. 
 It was purchased by follies, errors, misfortunes, not 
 
36 XTbe jfrancls ^Letters [1754 
 
 my own only, but those of others. May you make 
 a better, wiser, happier, use of it than I have done. 
 But, if it shall happen otherwise ; if you shall be 
 carried away by the Passions and their Wanderings, 
 though the World shall condemn, your Father will 
 forgive you, will support, and encourage you to 
 happiness. Give him your friendship, and depend 
 on his : let us love one another. Not to make this 
 letter tedious even in its affection, let me beg to 
 hear from you. Tell me whether you are still pleased 
 with your Situation ; or can I add anything to your 
 happiness ? (Do you often drink tea with Sally ^ ? 
 does she take care of you ?) If Mr. Dormer be in 
 town, go some holiday morning, and breakfast with 
 him. Tell him I live in a palace with a French 
 cook, French wines, and English hospitality. Could 
 I say more, I would write to him. If there be any 
 letters for me at Home send them under a cover to 
 Francis Delaval Esq., at Seaton near Newcastle, 
 Northumberland. Farewell, my dear boy ! May 
 neither distance nor time divide us ; nor can they, 
 while Affection and Esteem unite us. 
 
 " I am ever yours, 
 
 " Phil. Francis." 
 
 Dr. Francis to his Son. 
 
 "Sep. 26, 1754. 
 
 " I sincerely rejoice with my dearest Boy on his 
 
 being moved to the head class : not so much for 
 
 the Honour, as that you will have it in your power 
 
 to make another trial of your own Temper ; whether 
 
 ^ A servant of Dr. Francis, much devoted to Philip. 
 
1754] Ube iFtancis Xetters 37 
 
 the Lads you complain of, are really the sauciest 
 Fellows breathing, or whether you have not been 
 saucy enough to provoke them. Oh ! my dear Phil, 
 rather chuse to be beloved than envied. Make use 
 of your abilities to purchase Friends. Reflect a little 
 how few will acknowledge the superiority that hurts and 
 pains them by the insolence of exerting it. Who would 
 not rather sit down with his own honest darkness, than 
 be insulted by the impertinent light of others ? In 
 your present Class remember it will be as contemptible 
 to be left behind, as it was, perhaps, unkind to run 
 away from the Lads of the Form below you." 
 
 There are no letters in the Family Budget from 
 young Philip to his father during this period. 
 
 When Philip left St. Paul's he received the 
 appointment of Junior Clerk in the Secretary of 
 State's Office. This was given him by a friend of 
 his father's, Lord Holland ; and when he was eighteen, 
 through the interest of other political friends of 
 Dr. Francis — viz. Mr. Wood, Secretary of the 
 Treasury, and Mr. Calcraft — he was chosen to be 
 the Secretary of General Bligh when the latter was 
 sent upon an expedition to attack Cherbourg and 
 the French coast. Philip writes to his father from 
 Portsmouth before the expedition sailed : — 
 
 Philip Francis to his Father. 
 
 " Portsmouth, 
 "2\th July, 1758. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I arrived here last night at 8 o'clock after 
 a very rainy journey ; it thundered violently all the 
 
38 xrbe dftancis Xettcrs [1758 
 
 afternoon. I immediately waited on the General, 
 who received me very well, and I shall breakfast 
 with him this morning. He was sorry he could not 
 lodge me in the same House with him, but every 
 bed was occupied. 
 
 " The troops are embarking with all speed. I 
 know nothing of this Place, having not yet seen it 
 by daylight, but I am going to try my Fortune and 
 shall write to you every day. 
 
 " I am yours very sincerely, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 
 " William says he does not know whether he lay 
 on a bed or not last night. 
 
 " Direct to me at the Vine, Portsmouth." 
 
 Dr. Francis to his Son. 
 " My dear Phil, 
 
 " I send you Mr. Merries List of your Fees. 
 You will think proper to keep it, as a little kind of 
 voucher in case of mistakes. Mr. Bryant never took 
 any. A foolish Generosity, and not to be imitated 
 in this Age of Wisdom. We should take as much 
 care of the Interests of our Successors in Office, as 
 of our Posterity in the Future," 
 
 Dr. Francis to his Son. 
 
 "London, 
 " ^^th July, 1758. 
 
 " Mv DEAR Phil, 
 
 ..." Let me thank you for your letters and hope 
 vou have received mine, with your Table of Fees. 
 " You know me all affection, your, 
 
 " Phil Francis. 
 
i7s8] ^be 3ftanc(s ^Letters 39 
 
 " We talk here of the King of P's Generalship : — 
 that he has got between Count Daun and his great 
 magazine. May I tell you that you begin your Letters 
 too near the top ; that to every body but me you 
 should write words at length, — &, rec*^, &c ; and 
 should begin with Capitals. You will forgive me. 
 Pray remember your compliments to Mr. Calcraft. 
 He surely deserves your attention. Farewell ! " 
 
 Philip Francis to his Father. 
 
 " Essex, Portland Road, 
 " Atigust i<)th, 1758. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I wrote to you on the i6th by the Success. 
 She did not sail till yesterday morning. We are now 
 within a quarter of a Mile of English land. What 
 would I give to go ashore, to taste fresh Butter ! We 
 shall anchor here in expectation of a fair wind ; and 
 then for France again. It is generally agreed we 
 have done the French above ^1,200,000 worth of 
 damage. Fifty three mines were sprung at Cherbourg 
 and the forts near it ; with our own Powder ; 103 
 iron Cannon and 3 iron mortars destroyed ; twenty two 
 brass Cannon and 2 brass mortars shipped ; about 
 thirty vessels burnt in the Harbour ; contributions 
 exacted to near ;!^3,ooo ; a large sum considering 
 the poverty of the place, and the additional losses it 
 sustained from pillaging &c. 
 
 " I send you a copy of two Inscriptions found on 
 the Basin. Should we succeed in our next attempt, 
 the General's recommendation may be of use to me ; 
 and at present I think I am well in his Opinion. At 
 
40 XCbe jfrancis Xetters [1758 
 
 any rate this expedition will be of the greatest 
 Advantage to me. 
 
 " We hear by the newspapers and private letters, 
 that all our Success is attributed to the Commodore ; 
 I assure you he had no other hand in it, than in 
 covering the landing and re-embarkation ; which he 
 performed with the greatest Judgment. Pray undeceive 
 people. 
 
 " I am, dear sir, yours truly, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 
 " My compliments attend Mr. Calcraft. I really 
 have not been able to keep any Journal since we 
 landed. What happened before was not worth 
 sending. The Maidstone yesterday took a French 
 privateer, near Alderney. I shall share the Prize- 
 money. Our loss on shore does not amount to 
 twenty men." 
 
 From Dr. Francis to his Son. 
 
 " London, 
 "August 24, 1758. 
 
 " Most heartily fatigued my dear Phil with printing 
 your General's manifesto till five this morning. 
 
 " I have hardly spirits to write to you, or to thank 
 you for the pleasure of your letters. Let me 
 however wish you health and success. As for money 
 we shall never want, while we get with Honour and 
 spend with Frugality. Remember my dearest Phil, 
 but I know you will remember, that a punctual 
 Honesty is due to our Enemies, nay more, Generosity, 
 Compassion and Protection. Consult your heart 
 only, for, reasonable creatures as we are, our heads 
 
i7s8] XCbe jftancts Xetters 41 
 
 impose upon us with the examples of others — the 
 Rights in an Enemy's Country perhaps with the name 
 of Perquisites &c. You will be assured that my 
 Affection alone makes me talk thus, my concern for 
 your Reputation and the tenderness with which I 
 shall ever wish for your Welfare. 
 
 " I am ever yours, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 After an interval of two years the correspondence 
 between Dr. Francis and his son was renewed on the 
 occasion of the latter (aet. 19) being made Secretary 
 to Lord Kinnoul, when that nobleman was sent by 
 Pitt on an Embassy to the Portuguese Court. 
 
 From Portsmouth, Philip writes to his Father. 
 
 '■'■Feb. 14, 1760. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " There does not appear the least likelihood 
 of our ever leaving this miserable Place. The winds 
 are not satisfied with detaining us here, they blow 
 Tempests against us. However, my Lord keeps me 
 so constantly employed that the time is far from 
 hanging on hand. I ought to tell you that I have every 
 reason to think I shall live very happily with him. 
 It must give you pleasure to know I am so well 
 situated. My servant John, too, pleases me extremely. 
 Lord Strathmore and Mr. Pitt ^ are most amiable 
 young men, so that I cannot travel in better company. 
 
 1 Thomas Pitt, nephew of Lord Chatham. He and Lord Strath- 
 more together wrote an account of their adventures in Portugal which 
 exists in MS, in the British Museum (MSS. 5845, xviii. B. i. 219). 
 
42 Ube jfrancis Xetters [176° 
 
 We have nothing new here, nor, indeed, could 
 expect anything from such a Kennell. 
 " My best respects to Mr. Calcraft, 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, always yours, 
 
 " Phil. Francis." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Portsmouth, 
 " 21 Feb., 1760. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " We went on board the Windsor, Captain 
 Cleveland — last Sunday, as I informed you. After 
 going through the utmost misery from Calms and 
 contrary Winds, we were obliged to land again on 
 Tuesday night. I never felt more real pleasure than 
 in once more visiting this wretched Place. The wind 
 is fair again this morning, but I cannot think of the 
 ship Windsor without Horror and detestation. 
 
 " I am still strong in Bank. My only expense has 
 been in Cloaths, and washing ; for I was obliged to 
 make two shirts serve. But I cannot thank you 
 enough for this attention to me. 
 
 " The people here are greatly interested in Lord 
 Charles Hay's trial. 
 
 " I am. Dear Sir, always yours, 
 
 " Phil. Francis." 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 " My Dear Phil, 
 
 " From Lord Kinnoul's universal Character 
 I never doubted your Happiness in his service, neither 
 do I doubt that your attention to please and your 
 
i76o] XEbc jfrancis Xetters 43 
 
 assiduity will continue to deserve it. I truly rejoice 
 with you in your present Situation. Yet do not think 
 me whimsical if I confess that I have greater pleasure 
 in hearing you are pleased with your Servant. It 
 looks as if he were pleased with you : and believe 
 me Phil, to make our inferiors happy is a better 
 proof of merit than to be made happy by our 
 superiors. 
 
 " Ever yours, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 
 " For Cloaths read Clothes — For Kennell read 
 Kennel, for behaves read behaves himself and then 
 read Johnson. Fare well ! " 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 " March y^tk, 1760. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Lord Kinnoul had his first Audience of 
 the King on the 21st, the only event of any Importance 
 that has happened since my letter of the loth inst. 
 
 " Our time has hitherto been employed in making 
 and receiving visits of Ceremony, in which the Secretary 
 bears a principal and very laborious part. 
 
 " However, I had the satisfaction of gratifying 
 my curiosity to see the Condd d'Oeyras Carvalho,^ 
 who governs the Kingdom in a most despotic 
 -manner. 
 
 ^ Sebastien Jose de Carvalho e Mello, Marquis of Pombal, the 
 Prime Minister of Joseph I. and sometimes called the Sully of 
 Portugal. The Jesuits were his bitter enemies. 
 
44 Zbc jfcancts Xetters [176° 
 
 '' His Influence over the mind of a very weak 
 prince and his headlong Resolution in the management 
 of one great affair have gained him a Reputation in 
 England which people here think he by no means 
 deserves. 
 
 "The King and all the Royal Family received 
 Lord Kinnoul in the most gracious manner. They 
 say such a Reception has not been known at this 
 court. The speech he made was accepted as an 
 entire Satisfaction for the affair of Cape Lagos.^ . . . 
 The Weather is prodigiously hot, but as everything 
 here is conducted in a manner diametrically opposite 
 to reason, common sense, and the practice of every 
 other Country, shade is despised and not a Tree to 
 be seen except Olives which afford none. I had 
 always a very bad Opinion of this Nation, but at 
 present I have entirely altered it. Instead of finding 
 them moderately execrable, I see that all our ideas 
 of what is superlatively bad, come far short of the 
 qualifications of a Portuguese. Imprimis, I take for 
 granted they come into the world the wrong way ; 
 however, certain 'tis, they rock their Children, in the 
 Cradle, heads and points, not sideways. This in- 
 genious method seems happily calculated to prevent 
 their sleeping by any accident. The Boys go to school 
 in heavy Cloaks, which cover all but their eyes, and 
 always march with a becoming gravity. This fashion 
 of walking prevails so strongly, that they will rather 
 suffer themselves to be run-over, than discompose 
 
 1 The Court of Lisbon had taken offence at Admiral Boscawen's 
 capture of the French fleet of Admiral de la Clue under this 
 fortress. 
 
MARIA ANNA VICTORIA, INFANTA OF SPAIN, 
 
 AFTERWARDS QUEEN OF JOSEPH I. OF PORTUGAL. 
 
 To face page 44,] 
 
i76o] ube jFrancis Xetters 45 
 
 themselves by stirring out of the way. The first day 
 I went out, my chaise ran over a man and two 
 Boys. The postiHon took no kind of notice of it, 
 nor even turned back his Head. I endeavoured to 
 stop and get out but could not make the driver 
 understand me. It was happy for me, he did not. 
 The least expression of Humanity or concern for the 
 sufferers might have been fatal to me. The Mob 
 would certainly have murdered me, whereas by per- 
 sisting boldly, they either think one in the right, or 
 are intimidated. This is a sample of the Portuguese 
 manner of thinking. If a servant offends we must 
 not strike, but kill him. He will assuredly revenge 
 a blow by assassinating his master, without running 
 the least risque of Punishment whereas his Death 
 would be attended with no sort of Inconvenience. 
 The King is a Beggar. His troops Beggars. The 
 nobility utter Beggars. But no term is poor 
 enough to express the Beggary of the Plebs. 
 Let it suffice to say that half a Moidore would 
 purchase every crime that even a Portuguese could 
 commit. 
 
 " This city affords a most shocking and astonishing 
 scene of Ruins. All the handsomest part of it 
 destroyed by the Earthquake. We ride through the 
 Remains of the Town with fear and trembling. The 
 people are so perverse or dilatory, that they have 
 left whole ranges of walls standing unsupported, 
 which frequently fall and crush the Passengers who 
 walk under them quite unconcerned. 
 
 " I think this the dullest place I ever saw. No 
 kind of Diversion going forward, especially in Lent. 
 
46 Ube jfrancls Xettcrs [1760 
 
 We visit for ever. I am perfectly well and live in 
 great state and am highly considered as an appendix 
 to his Excellency. 
 
 " Yours most sincerely, 
 
 " P F." 
 
 Dr. Francis to his Son. 
 
 "March i%th, 1760. 
 
 " My dear Phil, 
 
 " I write to you merely because it is 
 Tuesday night. No ; 'tis something more ; to tell 
 you I am well, and wait with Impatience to hear of 
 your progress in health and happiness. I send you 
 four days of Lord George Sackville's trial. I prithee 
 tell me you are entertained with it, for I purchase 
 it at a very severe rate. Five hours in the morning 
 in a room as hot, as the dungeon of Calcutta, and 
 as highly perfum'd as whole Lisbon. Then writing 
 till midnight, like — No ; your Office in Circular 
 Letter time, has nothing like it. 
 
 " Farewell — My Love, would it were like his own, 
 to Mr. Allen.' 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 
 " To give you a specimen of what I wish our 
 future Correspondence — Sally desires to be re- 
 membered to you with her best face-washing com- 
 pliments. The prettiest Horse in England has 
 forgotten to stumble. Poor Puss, has been under a 
 violent suspicion of madness, and was very near 
 
 ^ English Chaplain at Lisbon, a relative of Dr. Francis. 
 
i76o] Zbc jf rands Xetters 47 
 
 being hanged for being out of her wits. Now what 
 are all the news of States and Kingdoms to this 
 intelligence of the heart and its affections ? 
 " Once more — Farewell." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 " li^tk April, 1760. 
 
 "... The character I gave you of this Nation 
 in my last was perhaps too harsh ; . . . ingratitude, 
 cowardice, and revenge are the Foibles of the 
 Portuguese. . . . 
 
 " The more ridiculous parts of their character are 
 exactly described in Gulliver's account of Lagado 
 under Laputa, ' The houses very strangely built and 
 most of them out of repair. The people in the 
 street walk slow, look wild, their eyes fixed, and are 
 generally in rags,' &c." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 "17 May, 1760. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Last Thursday our Ambassador gave a 
 grand Entertainment to several of the first nobility 
 here. For Ignorance, Beggary, Meanness, and Pride 
 they certainly have not their fellows in Christendom. 
 An English tailor is a fine gentleman in appearance 
 compared to the first Duke in this land. Basker- 
 ville's Virgil was produced after Dinner, but by no 
 means attracted their attention. Very few of them 
 knew in what language it was written. Upon being 
 
48 tTbe iFrancis Xetters [1760 
 
 asked if I understood Latin I was unfortunate enough 
 to say I did. But I fear it has lessened my credit 
 among them, for I had certainly won some of their 
 hearts by gorging them at dinner till the Tears ran 
 down their Cheeks. This is literally a fact. Of 
 learning, or any other accomplishment whatever they 
 have no idea. Riding is their chief study and in 
 that they pretend to excel. Among this crew of 
 Wretches I must except two Noblemen ^ with whom 
 you are acquainted. Their superior understanding 
 and merit has produced an Effect very natural in 
 Portugal. They are feared and consequently ill used 
 at Court, and despised and hated by the rest of the 
 Nobility. You have heard that the Portuguese have 
 a superstitious notion of their King Sebastian's 
 returning and governing the Kingdom one day or 
 other. They are now perfectly satisfied that 
 Sebastian Jose [Carvalho] was the man who fought 
 in Africa ; some indeed are of another opinion — that 
 it is the Devil himself who has been gracious enough 
 to honour Portugal with his Presence and now 
 governs his best beloved as devils should be governed. 
 I am of the latter opinion. I thank you for your 
 kind inquiries about the state of my Finances. As 
 I am at no kind of expense except to buy common 
 necessaries for myself I am as yet tolerably strong, 
 washing produces a constant demand. I go to a 
 Concert sometimes, and that is the only pleasure I 
 pay for. There are some fine performers and singers 
 from Italy here. 
 
 " John is a very worthy fellow and an excellent 
 1 The Vicomte de Ponte de Lima and his son. 
 
1760] xrbe JFrancfs Xetters 49 
 
 servant. My compliments to Sally and the horse. 
 I flatter myself the cat still exists, as you make no 
 mention of his exit. 
 
 " I am, Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours most truly, 
 
 " Phil:, Francis. 
 
 " It's so burning hot at this moment, that I can 
 scarce wag a finger. 
 
 " My best compliments to Mr. Calcraft, — I hope 
 Mr. Fox and his family are well. 
 
 " Remember me to all friends." 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 "... Merely by the hurry of your Secretary 
 in your last ' asked if I understood Latin ' read 
 whether. 
 
 " You say, you will bring as much Calcavella as 
 you can. Pray do, but pray recollect the difference 
 between bringing and carrying — a difference of old 
 dispute between us, cloths, intirely — vide Johnson — 
 Forgive me, my dearest Phil — I see not these little 
 faults in others." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 " Zth June, 1760. 
 
 " My DEAR Sir, 
 
 " I am so much fatigued with the Business 
 and the Ceremonies which have employed us this 
 week past, that I cannot write a line to anybody 
 but you, by this Paquet, and to you I can only say 
 that I am perfectly well and tolerably happy. Last 
 
 4 
 
so Ube jfrancis Xettcrs [1760 
 
 Friday being the King's Birthday we appeared at 
 Court in Gala. The silk ^ arrived time enough from 
 England and is prodigiously handsome. There was 
 nothing equal to it at Court. At the same time I 
 must allow, that they are not very elegant in their 
 clothes. A long expected Marriage was then declared 
 to the great and universal Satisfaction of the whole 
 Kingdom. Don Pedro, the King's brother has 
 married the Princess of Brazils, his niece, by which 
 the succession is fixed with this Family. Ever since 
 we have been here there have been disputes between 
 us and the French Ambassador about Precedence. 
 On Friday we routed him entirely, and our victory 
 was the more remarkable from the splendour of a 
 Birthday and from a conviction the Portuguese are 
 in that our Embassy effected this fortunate marriage. 
 While we were congratulating and embracing every- 
 body we met upon this occasion, he and his Faction 
 were struck with utter Astonishment and Dismay, 
 nor did they appear to take the least part in the 
 general joy — consequently their behaviour was ex- 
 tremely offensive. 
 
 " I am, Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours most sincerely, 
 
 " Phil: Francis." 
 
 Philip Francis wrote afterwards in his autobiography 
 the following account of this incident : — 
 
 " We found a French Ambassador at Lisbon, whose 
 Organs were very differently constituted from ours. 
 It was not possible for the French nation to be more 
 
 1 Viz. a suit of silk clothes sent from England. 
 
lyso] Vibe jftancis Xettets si 
 
 truly represented than by the Comte de Merle. He 
 was lively, vain, insolent and polite. With respect 
 to us the most unlucky part of his Character was his 
 Penetration. He saw in a moment what sort of a 
 Rival he had to contend with. ... He asserted that 
 he had an indisputable right to take the Pas of the 
 English Ambassador on all Occasions whatsoever : 
 that the point had either never been disputed by 
 us, or that it had been formally yielded and did not 
 admit of a question ; and that he was determined at 
 all events to maintain the Honour of the crown of 
 France. It was in vain for the Portuguese Ministers 
 to propose expedients to a man of this Temper. He 
 would not listen to anything that conveyed the most 
 distant idea of Equality. The Question was, which 
 of them should go first into the King's Closet. The 
 French Ambassador always took his Station at the 
 door till it was opened, and would suffer no man to 
 enter before him. In this situation Lord K. had 
 no honourable remedy but to go up to the door and 
 remove the French Ambassador by Force. The 
 other would of course have drawn his sword and a 
 battle must have ensued between them in the King 
 of Portugal's Presence. Lord Kinnoul had too much 
 discretion to run the risque of such an Extremity. He 
 stated the case pretty fairly to Mr. Pitt who in return 
 sent him Orders in the King's name to assert the 
 Precedence due to the Crown of England and dispute 
 the Pas with the French Ambassador. ... At last 
 however the Cond^ de Oeyras [Marquis de Pombal] 
 helped him in some degree out of his difficulties by 
 obtaining a prior Audience for him on the day on 
 
52 Zbc iftancis Xetters [176° 
 
 which the marriage of the Princess of Brazils with 
 her Uncle was declared. 
 
 As the Audience was granted at an unusual hour, 
 the points in dispute with the French Ambassador 
 never came in issue." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 "Lisbon, 
 " 22 June, 1760. 
 
 " This country produces nothing new except some 
 fresh instances of Carvalho's unbounded power, and 
 of his headlong violence in using it. He hated the 
 Cardinal Aiaccioli the Pope's Nuncio here, and was 
 always contriving means to disgrace him. Upon 
 pretence that he did not illuminate his house upon 
 the late Marriage, the King last Sunday sent a guard 
 to his palace, and a letter ordering him to quit the 
 city immediately, and the Kingdom within four days. 
 Such unprecedented outrage offered to a Nuncio and 
 a Cardinal, is a very Phenomenon in this most Popish 
 country, and will assuredly cause a rupture with the 
 Pope, already gorged with Jesuits ; — Carvalho con- 
 trives to send his Holiness a fresh cargo of them 
 every week. 
 
 " The Portuguese hang their heads, and say that the 
 next thing they expect is to be sent to hear Prayers 
 at Lord Kinnoul's Chapel. 
 
 " Farewell yours ever, 
 
 " Phil : Francis. 
 
 "My best compts. to Mr. Calcraft, Mr. Wade, 
 Mr. Adair, My Uncle and Cousin &c.. To Sally and 
 the Cat." 
 
1760] tlbe jf rands Xetters S3 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 ''July 24, 1760. 
 
 " The Portuguese women in general are far from 
 being handsome. In the first place the best of them 
 are but pretty Jewesses of whom some very few are 
 really pretty. 
 
 " I should not neglect to inform you that on the 
 second of this month the Ambassador gave a most 
 magnificent and splendid Entertainment to the Ministers 
 and Nobility belonging to the Court upon occasion 
 of the Marriage. A noble dinner, a fine concert 
 for the Ladies and at night some elegant Fireworks 
 exhibited in the garden where 22 swivel guns were 
 planted on an eminence to announce the healths. 
 The House was handsomely illuminated as were all 
 those of the English Merchants here. All Lisbon, 
 I believe, was assembled to see us. At 12 O'clock 
 the company sat down to a Supper prepared with a 
 profusion and elegance equal to the rest of the day. 
 Open house was kept and my Lord Kinnoul was 
 glad to come off for ;^65o. It did us great honour. 
 
 " On Sunday the 13th inst. I was invited by Sir 
 Harry Frankland to see a Grand Bull Feast from 
 his Barraca or Lodge. To have a true idea of the 
 Portuguese you should be acquainted with this their 
 favourite Diversion. I think I shall not be severe 
 upon them when I say it is the most abominable 
 entertainment that ever was invented, but at the 
 same time I confess nothing could be better adapted 
 to the genius and disposition of the Spectators. 
 
 " I shall not attempt to tell you what it filled me 
 
54 trbe jfrancis betters [1760 
 
 with Horror and Sickness to see. When the Bull is 
 unable to attack he is delivered over to the Cavaliers 
 servants for the diversion of the crowd. What follows 
 is too shocking for anything but the eye or ear of 
 a Portuguese. 
 
 " I am dear Sir yours very truly, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Sir Harry Frankland, mentioned in this letter, 
 was in Lisbon on the day of the great earthquake 
 of November ist, 1755, and had a narrow escape, 
 recorded thus : — 
 
 " Sir Harry Frankland, who was riding in a chaise 
 through a narrow street when the shock began, was 
 saved by leaping into a doorway near the spot. Both 
 the driver of his carriage and the mules were killed 
 by the fall of stones from the neighbouring houses." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Father. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 "Aug. 22nd, 1760. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Since my last of the 4th Inst, nothing of 
 any consequence has happened here, except that an 
 entire rupture with the Pope has been declared by 
 three royal Edicts, forbidding all communication 
 between Portugal and Rome. Besides the weakness 
 of that See, His Holiness's Ministry are by no means 
 able to vie with Carvalho in cunning ; and the low 
 Politics of Italian Priests, if opposed to regularity 
 and firmness, are easily overturned. They say this 
 Kingdom will save about two hundred thousand 
 pounds by the Rupture, which used to be sent annually 
 
i76o] ube francis aLetters ss 
 
 to Rome to purchase Bulls and dispensations. It 
 seems that this Ministry is determined that whatever 
 accommodation shall be hereafter concluded, such 
 impoverishing abuse shall never again be admitted. 
 However advantageous such disputes among the 
 Catholic powers may be for England, I very much 
 question whether it be our real interest that Portugal 
 should recover from the Ignorance and Dependence 
 in which she is sunk. 
 
 " The silk Fabric here, which since the Earth- 
 quake had three hundred workmen, is so much de- 
 clined that at present it has literally but three, and 
 everything in the Country seems to flourish in the 
 same proportion. 
 
 " I am, dear Sir, yours very sincerely, 
 
 " Phil: Francis." 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 "Sept. 1 6, 1760. 
 
 " My last, of last Tuesday, was a conversation 
 between Mr. Wood and Mr. Dobson, to whom you 
 are really much obliged. He is a good man, and 
 loves you. Some few days since I saw Mr. Wood. 
 He said a great many handsome things of you ; for 
 I think, you may now begin to be trusted with 
 your own merit. He recommends to you with great 
 earnestness, the collectings of all possible anecdotes of 
 the present Reign of Portugal. The Earthquake, the 
 Conspiracy, and even the Horrors of the Execution &c. 
 A work of this kind would not only be extremely 
 valuable in itself, but it might possibly introduce you 
 
s6 Ube ffrands Xetters [1760 
 
 personally to Mr. Pitt. Everything is within hope 
 for a young man in your situation. Mr. Pitt himself, 
 no offence to his present greatness, is a proof of it. 
 I promised to send you a paragraph of news in every 
 letter, you must be contented with one single article 
 at present. We have taken the Island of Dumat, 
 I believe near Ouiberon Bay. It commands the 
 Harbour of Croisic. Sir Edward Hawke says he 
 can winter the Fleet there if it be necessary." 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Oct. II, 1760. 
 " . . . It is impossible to lead a more dull and 
 melancholy Life than I do. I am heartily sick 
 of all this Regularity and Form and Good Living, 
 the only Place of Diversion in Lisbon, is the long 
 Room, where the Young People now begin to 
 meet ; but it is by one of my Lord Kinnoul's 
 Whims forbidden to his family. If we should stay 
 the Winter, I should certainly not submit in this 
 Point, coute qui coute. When we left London there 
 was no expectation of staying near so long as we 
 have done, and I should think it a real Misfortune 
 to be detained here so long as to miss the Congress. 
 As I shall therefore, in that case, be drawn in for 
 much more than I engage for, I shall not allow that 
 his Lordship has any Right to make the Place more 
 miserable to me than is necessary. If I had any 
 business to employ me, — Patience. But to play at 
 Whist every Night in the same dull party, without the 
 least Variety, or Intermission is more than I can bear. 
 Perhaps and I earnestly hope the next paquet may 
 
[76o] ubc jfrancis Xetters ' 
 
 57 
 
 bring our Recredentials. With what Joy shall I quit 
 Portugal, and once more see dear England. 
 " I am Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours most sincerely, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 " We are in deep Mourning for the Queen of Spain, 
 who died on the 27th of last month." 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 " October \\th, 1760. 
 
 " This Letter my dear Phil I hope will be the last 
 of my Lisbon Correspondence, and that I shall soon 
 bid you welcome from the land of Slavery, Superstition, 
 and Ignorance. 
 
 " The best, indeed the only News of the Day, is 
 that the Cherokees have abandoned the Siege of Fort 
 London, which was greatly distress'd, and have 
 applied for Terms of Peace. We are all at Gaze for 
 the Destination of our Expedition to which your 
 Secretaryship, thanks to our friend Calcraft, might 
 have been Secretary. I spent a very good humoured 
 last Sunday with Chitty's Jollity at Hampstead, and 
 heard the — not too divine Miss McRabie singy our 
 ' Would you woo the tender creature.' Farewell my 
 dear Phil I heartily wish you a good voyage. 
 
 "Yours, „p p„ 
 
 Philip Francis to Dr. Francis. 
 
 " Lisbon, 
 " Dear Sir, "October 2()th, 1760. 
 
 " A packet arrived on the i8th inst. with 
 five mails full of glorious News for the public, and 
 agreeable news for us in particular. I need not 
 
s8 xrbc 3f rands Xetters [1760 
 
 answer your several kind letters at present, as I 
 hope to have the Happiness of seeing you within a 
 few days after this reaches London. My Lord 
 Kinnoul has made such expedition in preparing for 
 his Departure that we shall go on board the Ists 
 next Saturday evening, and, if the wind proves 
 favourable, proceed early next morning. We had 
 our Audience of leave yesterday. His Excellency was 
 received, as usual, most graciously. After all the 
 formal audiences were finished the Conde d'Oeyras 
 went to him, and told him that his Majesty desired 
 to speak to the Earl of Kinnoul in private ; when 
 he went in, the King began by saying in Portuguese, 
 ' My Lord, the British Ambassador has left my court, 
 but I would not let the Earl of Kinnoul depart 
 without informing him of the particular Esteem I 
 have for his person ; and how greatly I am pleased 
 with his Conduct. My Lord, no man knows better 
 than you do, how intimately the interests of the two 
 nations are connected, and I believe no man is better 
 disposed to support the harmony and union, which 
 is for their mutual Advantage. I know what an 
 esteem the King, my brother, has for you, and the 
 confidence he places in you, and I am persuaded you 
 will employ your best offices in cultivating the Friend- 
 ship that subsists so happily between us.' His 
 Majesty pronounced all this in an open, easy, and 
 very friendly manner. In concluding, he said,^ 
 
 1 In his Autobiography, writing about this incident, Francis says : 
 " In consequence of a difiference between the two courts about 
 the value of a present offered to Carvalho when he was Envoy in 
 England, it had been agreed for some years that no presents should 
 be given at the departure of their respective Ministers. " 
 
JOSEPH I., KING OF PORTUGAL. 
 
 To face page 58.] 
 
i76o] JLlic jfrancis Xetters S9 
 
 ' Although the etiquette of the two Courts does not 
 permit the giving presents to the ministers of each 
 other, yet I cannot avoid giving my Lord Kinnoul 
 a particular mark of my private regard for him, which 
 I beg he will accept and wear for my Sake.' So 
 saying he presented him with a gold box, containing 
 an immense Brilliant, which the jewellers here value 
 at thirteen hundred pounds. As my Lord will choose 
 to tell this most handsome story himself, I would not 
 have made it too public. The Portuguese call this 
 compliment a grand fineza. It is with difficulty I can 
 find time to write, for literally I am almost fagged 
 to death. No wine can be brought. Mr. Adair's 
 is ready at Oporto and only waits for a Convoy. 
 
 "Most affectionately yours, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 The regular exchange of letters between Dr. 
 Francis and his son is interrupted at this point. 
 
 Philip returned to England with Lord Kinnoul in 
 November, 1760, and took up the post of Clerk in 
 the Secretary of State's office which he had held 
 before he accompanied the Ambassador to Portugal. 
 He was presented at Court by Lord Kinnoul, and 
 it is said was " graciously received," but no prefer- 
 ment was offered him. 
 
 During the following year Philip, then twenty-one 
 years of age, became engaged to Miss Elizabeth Mack- 
 rabie, and was married to her on February 27th, 1 762. 
 
 Dr. Francis was very much opposed to this 
 marriage, and a coolness between him and his son 
 resulted from it which extended over some years. But 
 
6o Ube jfcancis ^Letters [1761 
 
 intercourse between the two was renewed long before 
 the father's death, which took place on March 5th, 1 773. 
 It is plain from the later letters written by the old man 
 — made prematurely old by ill-health — to Philip that 
 the father's affection for his son had in no degree 
 diminished, and also that he had no reason to 
 complain of any lack of kindness on the son's part, 
 or want of gratitude for the strong affection which 
 had been given to him from his childhood. 
 
 In one of Dr. Francis's letters to his son, when 
 the latter was at Lisbon, he mentions having spent 
 an evening in Miss Mackrabie's society, by which it 
 appears that the families of Francis and Mackrabie 
 were already acquainted. 
 
 Elizabeth Mackrabie was the only daughter of Mr. 
 Alexander Mackrabie, who had retired from business 
 and lived on small means with his family at Fulham. 
 She had one brother, Alexander. The Mackrabies 
 and the Francis family had mutual friends in Mr. 
 and Mrs. Chandler (Mr. Chandler was a relative of 
 the Mackrabies) and Mr. and Mrs. Chitty ; and these 
 names recur frequently in the letters following. It 
 appears that her own father was almost as strongly 
 opposed to Elizabeth's acceptance of young Philip's 
 proposal to her as Philip's father was of the proposal 
 being made. The lovers were forbidden to meet 
 or have any intercourse for three months, but they 
 evidently transgressed. 
 
 Elizabeth Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 "July loth, 1761. 
 
 " Tho' I have nothing particular to say yet I 
 would not omit this Opportunity of writing you a 
 
i76i] XTbe jFrancis Xetters 6i 
 
 short Letter as I fear time won't permit me to make it 
 otherwise, however as a thing of the most Consequence 
 I hope to hear soon from Harriott [Chitty] that you 
 are perfectly well and also cheerful and that your 
 
 F r and you are upon good terms, as I should 
 
 be extremely unhappy if I should ever be the least 
 Cause of disagreement between two such near Friends 
 and Relations, however as hopes must still carry us 
 on, I must not perplex myself and endeavour to be 
 contented, as to my Father I believe he has already 
 forgot it, and thinks that I have, for he never speaks 
 a single Word of the Affair, if so he is much mistaken, 
 as it has made a much deeper impression, but I 
 appear as easy as I can and I thank God am very 
 well, I went to Town last Wednesday, my Father 
 came on Tuesday Night and knew nothing of your 
 being here, we came here again last night and my 
 Father is just gone to Town again this morning. 
 Mrs. Chitty & Harriott is here I have received yours 
 and have but just time to thank you and say I can 
 never think of the private Scheme. I am very well 
 and very happy you are so, and am in haste. 
 
 "Your, 
 
 "E. M." 
 
 Elizabeth Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " FULHAM, 
 
 '■^July 23, 1761. 
 
 "Your obliging favour of the 19th came safe 
 here on Monday night and I have taken the first 
 opportunity to thank you for it and to congra-tulate 
 you on being upon good terms with your father before 
 he left town, indeed I am sincerely happy at it and 
 
62 XLbc jfrancfs Xetters [1761 
 
 heartily wish it may long continue, though from what 
 you say I fear you are still pursuing what will only 
 make him displeased again and most likely only more 
 so were he to know it, however at present you 
 seem to think he is easy in that particular as he 
 thinks 'tis all over on your side and that may perhaps 
 make him happy. I am certain my Father thinks it 
 is with me as I always endeavour to look cheerful 
 and happy when he is here and I believe suffer rather 
 more for it at other times, but there is no help for 
 that. I often wonder he don't find me out, as I am 
 not used to deceit I am a very bad disembler, but 
 I fancy as 'tis what he would not willingly find out so 
 imagine he does not look for it. Last Tuesday my 
 brother came home and thank God perfectly well, he 
 din'd here as did my Father and some more Friends. 
 I could not help wishing you had been of the party 
 to have made it more complete, but wishes won't do 
 so must be content. Indeed I must own you have 
 acted very disinterestedly in this affair and am only 
 sorry to say, that this thing should it ever take place, 
 looks so very much so on your side that I fear you 
 will be blamed by all your Friends, as having acted 
 imprudently and as many will think improperly in 
 marrying one older than yourself and without Fortune, 
 as will be the case were we to do this thing privately. 
 My Father's disposition is such. . . . You know your 
 Father's objection to your marrying is so great that 
 
 he told my F that would he give me Ten 
 
 Thousand Pounds it would not make him approve it ; 
 so don't flatter yourself with vain hopes of assistance 
 on his side, . . . and you must forgive me, if I think your 
 
i76i] Ube 3f rands Xetters 63 
 
 Income won't do alone. ... I can't see any immediate 
 necessity till at least the three months are expired, 
 in that time I flatter myself something favourable 
 will happen to us, and I hope you don't fear trust- 
 ing to me for so short a time, but I know you 
 don't, as I have no doubt of you, and am entirely 
 convinced you will always do all in your Power to 
 make me happy. 
 
 " I go into Essex on Saturday. After my return 
 home I flatter myself I shall be able to fix some 
 way to have the pleasure to see you. 
 
 " Your, 
 
 " E. M. 
 
 " I shall put this in the Penny Post to-morrow 
 morning in London." 
 
 Elizabeth Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " FULHAM, 
 
 "Friday Night, Sept. ii, 1761. 
 
 "In obedience to your desire I write you a few 
 lines to show you how desirous I am of pleasing 
 you and to say I hope you got safe home, but not 
 without being seen I believe, for as you left our back 
 Gate, a Man from that open door came out after you 
 went past and seem'd to Eye you, and when you was 
 gone I call'd at Mr. Bonnin our Clergyman's and 
 he told me he saw a Young Gentleman in blew go to 
 our house, that he had laid out for me, I could not 
 deny your being there so said nothing, I hope in 
 God your being here to-day may not come to my 
 Father's Ears and then all will be well and I must 
 say your Company has given me much pleasure 
 
64 xrbe ifrancis Xetters [1761 
 
 today, and I hope no bad consequence may come 
 from it. I own it has given me fresh spirits and I 
 seem to be all alive (and if I were so happy as to be 
 at Hampstead) I should say merry, but that I can't 
 be, so 'tis needless to wish it, but still the propensity 
 is so great, that I can't avoid saying it. ... I have not 
 time to write anything but these few Words, which I 
 hope your goodness will accept instead of a letter 
 for 'tis but a scrawl, however when I have an Oppor- 
 tunity will make it up, pray excuse this little bitt of 
 paper, as I have not a bitt more here and believe 
 me to be with the greatest Sincerity ever 
 
 " Your 
 
 " E. M." 
 
 None of her lover's letters to Elizabeth have been 
 kept, nor any written during the two years succeeding 
 their marriage. Their first child, a daughter, Sarah, 
 was born on May 29th, 1763. Towards the end of 
 the year 1762 Philip (eet. 22) had, through the interest 
 of his and his father's friend Mr. Wood, received 
 from the Right Hon. Welbore Ellis, Secretary at 
 War, the appointment of First Clerk in the War 
 Office. Christopher D'Oyly at the same time was 
 made Mr. Ellis's deputy. Thus D'Oyly and Francis 
 became companions in the War Office, and their 
 companionship led to a warm friendship. Eventually 
 they left the War Office together in 1772. Mr. 
 Francis's income was increased by this change in 
 his life. 
 
 The second child, christened Elizabeth, was born 
 in March, 1764. During this year Mrs. Francis paid 
 
1764] Ube Francis Xettets 65 
 
 a long visit to Brighton for her health. Her husband 
 writes to her there from home : — 
 
 " Duke Street, 
 '■'■June 28, 1764, 7 o'clock. 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " James has just arrived here after a miser- 
 able Journey. The poor fellow has been wet thro' 
 & thro', and continued so several Hours. But he has 
 this minute swallowed a Bumper of Rum and seems to 
 be in tolerable spirits. People who go upon Journeys 
 must expect to meet with a Variety of Plagues, and 
 make the best on't. Upon the whole I think you 
 have not been very unlucky. If your Chaise Boys 
 were troublesome, the Weather was exactly what 
 you would have wished, and the having James with 
 you must have been a considerable Advantage to you. 
 If you are comfortably settled now, no matter for the 
 Past. The two dear children are as well as possible. 
 Sally ate a bit of chicken with me to-day, for I dined 
 at home ; but I could not spare her half so much as 
 she wanted as I had nothing else. The nurses to do 
 them Justice seem to be very fond and careful of 
 their charge. As to the additional Expense you have 
 been at, there's no help for it. All I can say is you 
 must be as saving as you can ; at the same Time it is 
 not my Desire that you should distress yourself about 
 Trifles. I dined at the ' Chops ' on Tuesday and 
 Yesterday in Cecil Street ; but never sure made so 
 bad a dinner. First four monstrous Mackerel, hard- 
 roed and blood Raw. Not a little cursing and 
 swearing. After being all mammocked the fish were 
 sent down to be boiled and when they returned had 
 
 5 
 
66 tCbe J*rancis Xetters [1764 
 
 the most odious appearance I ever beheld ; they looked 
 like one dish of Hodge Podge. A neck of Mutton 
 roasted to death formed the second course. In 
 short I came away sick and hungry. If I write often 
 which I propose doing you must not expect me to 
 be very prolix. Pray give my compliments to your 
 Mother and believe me 
 
 " Most affectionately Yours, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 " 6 July, 1764. 
 
 " I am most truly grieved at the most melancholy 
 account of your Health, especially as it is so entirely 
 out of my Power to contribute to your Relief 
 
 " With respect to this Head Ache I suppose it is 
 no more than the immediate effect of a remedy 
 which you are not used to ; but I flatter myself still 
 that it will go off. But if it be owing to your 
 excessive lowness of Spirits, I know no Remedy : — 
 it is indeed bad enough that you should not have 
 met with a single Acquaintance at a Place of such 
 public Resort ; but remember my dear Girl that you 
 went more for Health than for Amusement or Pleasure ; 
 and let the Hopes of Attaining that great Object give 
 you a Relish for the Means. As to my own part I 
 assure you I never was more truly sick of anything 
 than I am of this Vagabond way of Life, and sincerely 
 wish to have you Home again ; but it would grieve 
 me to think that all this should have been done to 
 no Purpose ; for God's sake persevere, and do not 
 let the Want of the company of People whom you 
 
1764J Zhc jfrancis Xetters 67 
 
 do not care a Farthing for, interrupt a concern of 
 so much consequence as your Health. 
 
 " What is it you wish for — Your Children and I 
 are perfectly well and wherever you are you may 
 be sure my tenderest Affection for you is the same. 
 But you want to see me — I wrote this Morning to 
 your Brother, and find by his Answer which I send 
 you enclosed, that we shall dine together. I shall 
 propose to him our setting out on Friday next for 
 Brighthelmstone and if it can possibly be managed 
 you may expect us that Night. What can I do 
 more. So be a good Girl, and keep up your Spirits. 
 Ask Dr. Relhan's advice as soon as he arrives. 
 My compliments to your sleepy mother. 
 
 " Yours truly, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 "Jtify loik, 1764. 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " I wrote to you on Friday and Saturday 
 last, and received a letter from you yesterday dated 
 the 6th, which I fancy must be a mistake : for the 
 future add the Name of the Day. Everything is 
 settled for our setting out on Friday next. That 
 Night I promise myself the great Pleasure of holding 
 my dearest Girl in my Arms. It is impossible to be 
 more impatient than I am to see you. Our Time at 
 Hampstead was spent as usual in the height of 
 Jollity and what added to it was that Mrs. Chitty 
 found herself almost perfectly recovered. It would 
 really have grieved me more than I can express to 
 have lost that worthy good Woman. You are a 
 
68 Ube jf rands Xetters [1764 
 
 rigid Economist indeed to think of so small a Matter 
 as a Penny a Day. I desire you will by no means 
 cramp yourself in the article of Expense as I choose 
 that you should have everything that can be of Use 
 or Satisfaction to you, and as I am most firmly 
 convinced you will never run into unnecessary 
 Expenses, I shall with Pleasure make good any 
 Deficiency in your Allowance. 
 
 " The two children and I played together this 
 morning about half an hour on the Carpet ; it amuses 
 me vastly to see how fond Sally is of her Sister, and 
 what efforts she makes to speak to her ; ' Ti-ta-to-tu , 
 — for at present I live in the Dining Room, the 
 Parlour is all Filth and Dirt. 
 
 " . . . It is possible you may not hear from me 
 again until you see your Brother and me at 
 Brighthelmstone. Adieu. 
 
 " My compliments attend your Mother. 
 
 " Yours always, P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 "July 2?,tk, 1764. 
 
 "My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " It gives me a great deal of Concern, to 
 hear that the Sea is not a more effectual Remedy to 
 you, than you have found it. What I apprehend is 
 that the uneasiness of being from Home counteracts 
 the good Effects of the Water, and leaves you in the 
 same State it found you. If this be the case, I may 
 be very sorry, but I cannot find in my Heart to 
 blame you ; but if it be really the case, if all the 
 end answered is that you are sometimes better and 
 sometimes worse, I own I cannot discover the Use 
 
1764] Ubc jfrancis Xetters 69 
 
 of your continuing at a Place, where you must lead 
 but a melancholy Life at best. Ask yourself the 
 Question, whether you seriously think the Sea has, 
 or probably will do you any considerable Service. 
 If it has not I would by all Means advise you to 
 come home. My dearest girl, don't attribute this to 
 any but the true motive — a Desire to have your 
 Company, which yet I would willingly give up, if 
 there were Reason to hope that your staying where 
 you are can in any measure contribute to the 
 Establishment of your health. . . . 
 
 " Rosenhagen has left, and I am going to Mr. 
 
 C . The Parson promises to return again on 
 
 Monday. 
 
 " Believe me always my dearest Betsy, 
 
 " Yours most truly, 
 
 "P. F. 
 
 " The two dear Childers look like little Angels. I 
 make Sally walk whether she will or no. My Father's 
 Housekeeper calls sometimes, but I have never seen 
 her, nor the Doctor himself Present your Brother's 
 love and mine to Mrs. Mackrabie." 
 
 Philip Rosenhagen, of a Danish family, had been 
 a fellow-pupil of Philip Francis at St. Paul's. 
 Rosenhagen was older than Philip, but they were 
 class-fellows. Mr. Thicknesse, the Headmaster of 
 the school in their time, used to speak of these two 
 boys as being the most naturally clever amongst 
 his pupils. In forecasting their lives he predicted a 
 far higher moral development for Francis than for 
 his friend. Rosenhagen graduated at St. John's 
 
70 trbe jfrancls Xetters [1765 
 
 College, Cambridge, and took Holy Orders. He 
 was eventually appointed Archdeacon of Colombo, 
 where he died in 1799. 
 
 In the summer of 1765 Mrs. Francis visited 
 Margate with her children for the sake of sea baths ; 
 her husband writes to her there : — 
 
 "%th June, 1765. 
 
 " Indeed, my dearest Betsy, I am very serious 
 when I say I think your absence long, and the 
 prospect of three weeks more appears almost an age. 
 However if you and the Children are benefitted by 
 it, I shall be satisfied, and leave it to your own 
 judgment. ... As I understand you are not acquainted 
 with any body at Margate, how do you contrive to 
 make Parties at Quadrille. You should take care not 
 to play with any but genteell People : that Place has 
 not always the best company in the World. . . . Does 
 Sally grow stronger or does she attempt to talk yet. 
 Do you subscribe to the Library and read pretty 
 Books ? Mr. Chitty has pressed me very much to 
 go to Hampstead, and I propose, if nothing inter- 
 venes, to pay them a visit this Evening, and return 
 on Monday. 
 
 " Next Saturday I shall either go to Maidenhead 
 Bridge or to Mr. Chandlers, but your Brother is an 
 idle good for nothing Varlet. The Fellow goes and 
 sups with Men and their Wives eternally. I forgot to 
 tell you that the Pussy has been safely delivered, upon 
 one of the Arm chairs in the Parlour, of a white, white 
 kitten, no bigger than Sally's Thumb. The latter is 
 perfectly well, and the former as well as can be ex- 
 
176s] XTbe jFranciB Xetters 71 
 
 pected. She is truly the Lady in the Straw, having a 
 nice bed of that quality made up for her in the 
 Garden, where I take care to have her Victuals 
 regularly conveyed to her. As these are events that 
 regard the Family, I flatter myself you will not hear 
 of them with Indifference. This Letter would hardly 
 be worth your paying fourpence for, but as / am to 
 pay for it you may allow me to be as concise and 
 as idle as I please. . . . 
 
 " I dined at Gordon's yesterday — they enquired 
 properly about you and desire their compliments. 
 Mine to your Mother, and kisses to the children. 
 
 "Yours, my sweetest love, always and with the 
 greatest truth, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 " Jtme II, 1765. 
 
 " This Post is very convenient, for though we are 
 above seventy miles off, I hear this morning how you 
 did yesterday. This is so great a Pleasure to me that 
 I wait with impatience for the hour of the Post, and 
 woe be to you if you disappoint me. I am perfectly 
 satisfied that you will not dance with any but a 
 proper Person, but that was not what I meant : I am 
 apt to suspect that the general run of the Company is 
 not of the best, therefore would wish you not to 
 make yourself too cheap among them. Who did you 
 dance with ? The Time till my dearest Betsy returns 
 seems full as tedious to me as it can do to you. I 
 wish it were possible for me to take a trip to Margate, 
 but that would make it impossible for me to execute 
 my Paris Scheme. Your Brother and Fitz and I 
 
72 Zbc jfrancts Xetters [1765 
 
 went to Foote's last night, and afterwards they supped 
 on Bread and Butter with me. 
 
 " My sweetest Betsy, I hope you think of me, and 
 that you really wish to be with me again ; if you do 
 not you are ungrateful to the last degree. Haven't 
 you fixed the Day yet for your Return ? As you are 
 such a constant Bather, I should imagine your Stay 
 might be shortened. But all this I leave to yourself. 
 As I write constantly twice a week, you ought to 
 be contented, though I don't complain of your wishing 
 to hear oftener from me. I wish Sally would do me 
 the Favour to say a few Words ; can't you persuade 
 her to write a line or two to me ? 
 
 " Yours, my dearest Betsy, for ever, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 The following letter was written by Philip Francis 
 in 1766 to his friend Mr. Allen at Lisbon : — 
 
 " London, 
 "Fedruary 4iA, 1766. 
 
 " Dear Allen, 
 
 " I have but a very few moments to spare, 
 but I will not omit letting you know the event of one 
 of the most important Questions ever agitated in 
 Parliament : No less than whether the British Legis- 
 lature had a right to tax the British Colonies. You 
 have undoubtedly heard to what a dangerous height 
 disputes have been carried here upon this point, 
 especially since Mr. Pitt thought fit to declare himself 
 so strongly in favour of the Claims of the Americans : 
 it is true that his opinion and his manner of declaring 
 it, were universally condemned by every Englishman 
 above the rank of a Blacksmith ; yet it did not fail, 
 
1766] xcbe dfrancis Xetters 73 
 
 as might well be expected, to increase the ferment 
 the nation was in already. Yesterday the point was 
 solemnly argued by both Houses, and decided in the 
 Upper House. In the House of Lords, where I 
 attended, (for not a single stranger was admitted in 
 the other House) the Debate lay between the two 
 great pillars of the law, Lords Chief Justice Cambden 
 and Mansfield. The Parties were all prepared. The 
 known Anxiety of the public, the fulness of the House, 
 and the profound Attention with which these great 
 men were heard, made it a most solemn scene, and 
 seemed to add something to the real Importance of 
 the question. The debate took its rise from a motion 
 made by the Duke of Grafton, as follows : ' That the 
 King's Majesty, by and with the advice and consent 
 of the Lords spiritual and temporal and Commons of 
 Great Britain in Parliament assembled, had, hath, and 
 of right ought to have, full power and authority to 
 make laws and statutes of sufficient tone and validity 
 to bind the colonies and people of America subjects 
 to the Crown of Great Britain in all cases whatsoever.' 
 " I did not get into the House time enough to hear 
 Lord Cambden, who opposed the motion ; but I 
 understand that his whole Discourse was rather 
 oratorical than argumentative ; that he seemed to 
 have adopted the declamatory Stile altogether, with 
 the principles of Mr. Pitt ; resting his cause more 
 upon natural rights of Humanity and the general 
 doctrine of natural Liberty, than upon the laws and 
 true Constitution of England. I need not go through 
 the common train of arguments in favour of Freedom, 
 virtual representation, trade, &c., which I dare say 
 
74 Ubc jFrands Xetters [1766 
 
 were urged with all the force they could possibly 
 admit of. But to very little Effect, For when Lord 
 Mansfield had made his reply, it was so full, so 
 learned, so logical, and in every respect so true, that 
 not an atom of doubt remained in the breasts of his 
 hearers. He traced the Colonies from their origin — 
 their charters and history — the impossibility of 
 supposing two supreme Legislatures — how imprac- 
 ticable to draw a line for bounding the authority of 
 the British legislature ; the absurdity of attempting 
 to distinguish between the one act of legislation and 
 another ; as if a greater degree of power were 
 required to lay taxes than to make any other kind 
 of Law — proved by a multitude of examples that such 
 an idea was equally false in Fact as in Reason. 
 Expressed the greatest tenderness for the Americans, 
 and his firm belief that these commotions might be 
 appeased without violence or bloodshed. That to 
 give up the Act, in order to save our Trade, would 
 be in effect incurring — and the surest way of incurring 
 — the mischief we endeavoured to avoid — it would be 
 ne moriare mori ; and ended thus : ' I shall conclude 
 with saying from my inmost heart Amen to a prayer 
 once made by Maurice Prince of Orange for his 
 native country, That it may please God to open the 
 understandings and better inform the minds of this 
 poor, innocent, industrious, loyal, brave, but wickedly 
 misled and deluded people.' A long pause between 
 every Epithet, and a most pathetic Delivery, accom- 
 panied this sentence, and had an effect which I cannot 
 easily describe. Lord Cambden then made a short 
 reply to one particular Point which did not at all 
 
1766] ^be jftancis Xetters 7s 
 
 affect the whole question, and seemed to give up the 
 Argument. 
 
 "The House then divided, 125 content, 5 not 
 content. The names of the latter were ; Lord 
 Cambden, Earl of Shelbourne, Earl Paulet, Earl 
 Cornwallis, Viscount Torrington. 
 
 "You may be sure that this Intelligence was soon 
 carried to the House of Commons. They sat till past 
 three, but without dividing, and the consideration of 
 the above Motion was adjourned till Wednesday. 
 But it seems Mr. Pitt has himself perceived how 
 much the turn of the House is against him, and we 
 make no doubt the Motion will be agreed to nemine 
 contradicente . Tout le monde est d' accord que Monsieur 
 P. est ce quon appelle perdu sans retour. Le ministere 
 aussi, a ce que I'on dit, doit se changer entierement et 
 bientot. My account of the Debate is wretchedly 
 imperfect, but I really have not time to make it 
 more complete, though I have matter enough in my 
 head to fill a Volume." 
 
 Mrs.. Francis's only brother, Alexander Mackrabie, 
 became her husband's most intimate friend. Alexander 
 went to America as clerk in a house of business in 
 Philadelphia during the year 1767, and remained there 
 six years. The following letters have been selected 
 from the correspondence between the brothers-in-law : — 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " On board the Dragon. 
 " My DEAR Brother, "'3^^ September, .767. 
 
 " About a month ago I informed you of my 
 safe Arrival at Madeira, in a very foolish drunken 
 
76 xrbe francis ^Letters [1767 
 
 letter from that Island ; at least, I conceive so from 
 the condition we all found ourselves in when we 
 returned on Board. Depend upon it, I shall never 
 write to you again in that state. I am determined to 
 be very regular in America. 
 
 " This voyage seems like a Gap in life — it furnishes 
 nothing. We have now been thirty-one days out of 
 sight of every object but sky and water, and when it 
 will be at an end God knows. 
 
 " The winds have not favoured us greatly, being for 
 the most part so calm, that the Voyage hitherto might 
 have been performed safely in the ship's Boat. I 
 can't tell if we may charge the Tediousness of our 
 Passage to the Captain's neglecting an Image of 
 St. Antonio, recommended to him at Madeira. St. 
 Antonio is the patron of Roman Catholic sailors ; 
 none of their Ships will sail without him, they tie 
 him to their mainmast, and are very constant in their 
 Adorations to him. If he procures them a fair Wind, 
 they reward his kindness with a Taper, but if the 
 contrary, with a rope's end." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 "Philadelphia, 
 " ith October. 
 
 " Thank God, I am safely arrived here, and in 
 good health, tho' not so soon as we expected. 
 The first Land we made was Virginia ; and the Wind 
 falling calm, we were four Days more getting to the 
 mouth of the River Delaware. We landed forty Miles 
 below this City, at a Town called Newcastle, where 
 we swallowed cream and bread-and-butter and new- 
 laid-eggs like so many devils. But I must not give 
 
1767] Ube iFrancts Xetters 77 
 
 you any Account of America in this letter ; indeed, 
 I have not time, for after the arrival of a Packet, 
 they only allow us time enough to answer letters 
 before the Mail is dispatched back again to New York. 
 I believe I told you I was very sick for a week after 
 I came on Board ; after that I had an amazing Appetite, 
 and eat and drank at such a rate, that when I 
 attempted to put on my Clothes (which I had no 
 occasion for during the last Month at sea) I could 
 hardly button them. 
 
 " We hear Sir Harry Moore is superseded in his 
 government of New York, and is going home ; that 
 a Colonial clerk is appointed in his Room ; that Lord 
 Holland is now the leading man in the Ministry, 
 and granting lands in America like dirt. I wish he 
 would give you a grant when his hand is in. 'Tis 
 the only country in the world to wish for Possessions 
 in, to my Mind. 
 
 " Mr. Neave [Mackrabie's superior] has taken a 
 House here — a very pleasant one, with a great many 
 fine trees hanging over it, a little Garden and 
 good Stabling. We Breakfast comfortably, and al- 
 ways dine with somebody or other. They drink too 
 much, but everything is extremely good. 
 
 " We have Races here next week, and a Review, 
 and Plays. This is the busiest Season in Phila- 
 delphia — the Election, and annual Meeting of the 
 Quakers ; a very full Town. 
 
 " I must now make an end of this long, dull chit- 
 chat Letter ; I don't like it myself. 
 
 " 1 wish you would write to me often, that I may 
 
78 Ubc jfrancis Xetters [1767 
 
 improve. I have wrote a long letter to Fulham, 
 which I have enclosed in this, and beg you will 
 send there. 
 
 " I shall write next Pacquet to my sister ; my love 
 to her. God bless my three little girls. 
 
 " Farewell, my dearest Philip. 
 
 " You know how truly I am your affectionate, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 "Dec. t,ih, 1767. 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 " As long as it remained uncertain whether 
 you were floating on the surface, or lying flat on your 
 Back at the bottom of the Sea, I thought it in vain 
 to continue writing to you, but now that I understand 
 by your first Letter from Philadelphia that you are 
 man in Esse as well as in Posse, you shall find me as 
 regular in my Correspondence as the Monthly Review 
 and perhaps as full of Matter. The Letter you have 
 mentioned as written from the Madeiras never came 
 to Hand. I should think your landing there must 
 have been a very agreeable Circumstance both as a 
 relief from the sea and a Prospect of new Faces. You 
 ought to have told me in what manner you were 
 received by my unknown Cousins of whom I under- 
 stand there is a plentiful Crop at the Place where 
 you find yourself Are they civil to you and do 
 you spend your time agreeably ? 
 
 " We are in hourly expectation of some further 
 Alterations in the Ministry by introducing some of the 
 opposing Parties into Place. We are just informed 
 
1767] tibe jfrancfB Xetters 79 
 
 of a very extraordinary combination entered into at 
 Boston by all the principal Inhabitants not to use 
 any one article of English Growth or Manufacture : 
 such are Fruits of our Indulgence. But as to you Sir, 
 I insist upon it that you neither make yourself a 
 Party Man nor Politician. My Father has had the 
 misfortune of a Stroke of the Palsy which seized him 
 all over about a fortnight ago at Bath. He is now 
 pretty well recovered. I am going to Bath in the 
 course of next week to spend the Xmas Holidays. 
 Mrs. Chandler I suppose is now at the summit of 
 her Wishes for Mr. Chandler has bought a House in 
 Bruton Street, Berkeley Square. When he has made 
 the alterations he intends in it, it will really be fit 
 for a nobleman. . . . 
 
 " Adieu, adieu, 
 
 "P. Francis." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Bristol [Pensylvania ',] 
 "20/A Jmt., 1768. 
 
 " My dear Philip, 
 
 " I wrote you last week, but cannot 
 exactly recollect what Day ; I sent it to New York, 
 to Mr. Neave, to forward by a private Ship. This 
 goes by the Pacquet, which is but just arrived, and 
 will be dispatched again directly. I have so little 
 Time to write this and several other letters, that I am 
 forced to steal an Hour from Company at an inn, 
 where I put up on my return from a visit to Mr. 
 Franklyn, Governor of the province of Jersey, to 
 
 ' There are numerous Bristols in the United States. This, no 
 doubt, is Bristol, Bucks Co., Pa. 
 
8o XTbe jfrancis ^Letters [1768 
 
 whom I was introduced yesterday by a Friend of 
 his and mine. He is a son of Dr. Franklin's, of 
 Philadelphia, whom all the world knows. But per- 
 haps you may have seen this Gentleman in England, 
 He is a very sensible agreeable man, and behaved 
 with the utmost Politeness to us ; entertained us at 
 his House till this day. I could hardly find myself 
 out this morning in a most elegant crimson silk 
 damask Bed. 
 
 " The November pacquet is just arrived. I have 
 received a letter from my Father, in which he informs 
 me that you and my Sister and the little Folks are 
 all well. I rejoice at it. The October pacquet is 
 not yet come in, perhaps it may bring a letter from 
 you. I hear there is a good deal of public news, 
 but I have not yet seen any Papers. I am informed 
 there are three new Governments forming upon the 
 frontiers. When they take place I wish they may 
 not meet with Interruption from the Indians, who 
 begin to be very unquiet. I think I mentioned in my 
 last some Encroachments made upon their Hunting- 
 grounds by white People, which they complain highly 
 of. We have fresh accounts every day of Murders 
 among them. The assembled Governors and the 
 Commander-in-chief are all anxious to put a stop to 
 these Irregularities, which if not soon done great 
 confusion is apprehended. Objects so distant as 
 these may not much engage the Attention of people 
 in England, but they are the constant and general 
 topics here. I may cry out, ' Happy is he who 
 possesses nothing, for in the day of trouble he hath 
 nothing to fear.' 
 
1768] xrbe iFrancfg betters si 
 
 "If any one would tempt me with a very advan- 
 tageous proposal, I should make little Objection to 
 settling upon the Ohio, or, indeed, any where to get 
 Money. I do not think the People here quite so 
 mad as the good folks on your side of the water 
 were some years before our time, with their famous 
 Mississippi Scheme, but you would really be amazed 
 at the rapturous terms in which those who have been 
 some hundreds miles to the westward of this, speak 
 of the Country. As they advance inland the Climate 
 becomes more temperate and settled, the Soil rich 
 and fertile, producing spontaneously many useful 
 Herbs, Plants and Fruits, in many Spots fine extensive 
 tracts of open Champain Country, not loaded with 
 useless Woods as every part near the Coast is — 
 extremely troublesome and expensive to clear. We 
 shall see what time will bring forth. 
 
 " I wish you could get a Grant of Land for your- 
 self; your Children might reap the Benefit of it, tho' 
 it might not turn to any immediate Benefit for 
 yourself. 
 
 "It is almost a Proverb in this Neighbourhood 
 that ' Every great fortune made here within these 
 50 years has been by land.' I walked over the 
 river Delaware this morning, where it is more than 
 a Mile broad, upon the Ice ; Carriages loaded at the 
 same time passing to and fro. You may imagine 
 in such a season, when all nature is locked up, there 
 can be little here worth communicating. The Amuse- 
 ment among the ladies of all Ranks and Ages is riding 
 upon the snow in Sleighs, a kind of open coach upon 
 a sledge, drawn by a pair of horses. They make 
 
 6 
 
82 TTbe 3Ftancfs Xetters [1768 
 
 parties out of town in them and drive at a pro- 
 digious rate. 'Tis pleasant enough." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 "Feb. \Zth, 1768. 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 " I am unwilling to let slip this first Oppor- 
 tunity of writing by a London Ship immediately from 
 this port which has been blocked up above two 
 Months by Ice. 
 
 " Your letters are extremely pleasing when I get 
 them, but they stay a confounded while by the way. 
 
 " Mr. Neave has been three Months away and I 
 have made about three times as many Acquaintances 
 in the time as he has done in so many Years. Upon 
 my soul you are a very fine Family, if you did but 
 know it. A Cousin of yours who is to be married 
 here next week to one of the sons of the Chief 
 Justice of the Province is a charming Woman, tho' 
 not in my opinion so amiable as another pretty 
 cousin of yours whom I hope to dance with at the 
 Assembly to-morrow." 
 
 Mackrabie speaks of Mr. Francis's cousins. In 
 order to understand the cousinship we must refer to 
 the Francis genealogy. The Rev. John Francis, 
 D.D., Dean of Lismore, the grandfather of Philip 
 Francis, had three sons and two daughters. The 
 sons were Richard, Tench, and Philip. Philip we 
 already know as Dr. Francis ; Richard practised at 
 the English Bar, lived in England, and died young ; 
 
1768] Ube jfrancts Xetters 83 
 
 Tench emigrated to America, married Elizabeth 
 Turbutt, of Kent, Maryland, and afterwards settled 
 at Philadelphia, and became Recorder of that city. 
 A story is told about Tench's marriage. The 
 bride, Elizabeth Turbutt, who was the beauty of her 
 neighbourhood, had been much courted before she 
 accepted Tench Francis ; she was also popular, so 
 that on her marriage-day the church was filled with 
 her friends, admirers, and lovers. When the usual 
 formal challenge was given from the altar, if any 
 one present was prepared to forbid the marriage, 
 the bridegroom drew his sword, laid it upon the 
 altar steps, and turning round, faced the congrega- 
 tion with an expression that seemed to say he was 
 ready to do battle for his rights then and there. 
 The sons of this marriage were called Tench and 
 Turbutt ; there was a daughter who married a man 
 of the name of Tilghman. Richard, one of the 
 sons of this marriage, became a personal friend and 
 afterwards a correspondent of Philip Francis. Tench, 
 Turbutt, and Mrs. Tilghman were therefore first 
 cousins to Philip Francis, and were his contem- 
 poraries. 
 
 Tench was a civilian ; he was cashier of the First 
 Bank of the United States ; a very decided Whig, 
 he fought under Washington, attached to the " Flying 
 Camp." His wife's name was Anne Willing. The 
 granddaughter of Tench and Anne — Anne Francis — 
 married James Bayard, and the son of this marriage, 
 Thomas Francis Bayard, after filling many important 
 posts in the States, was nominated by President 
 Cleveland Ambassador to Great Britain in 1893. 
 
84 Zbe ftancls betters [1768 
 
 He was the first Ambassador sent by the United 
 States to this country. Mr. Bayard was extremely 
 popular in England. He represented America from 
 1893 to 1897. 
 
 Turbutt Francis, the second son of Tench Francis 
 and Elizabeth (Turbutt), was an officer in the American 
 Army, in which he attained the rank of Lieutenant- 
 Colonel. He fought under Washington, and was 
 killed during the War of Independence. He made 
 acquaintance with his cousin Philip during a visit to 
 England, and corresponded with him occasionally. 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " March ^th, 1768. 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 " I thank you very sincerely for your promise 
 of writing to me by every pacquet and I am as 
 determined you shall hear from me at least as 
 often. 
 
 " I have mentioned before how very agreeable [has 
 been] the Reception I have met with from your 
 cousins here, more particularly so as it has introduced 
 me to that kind of Acquaintance which is the most 
 difficult for a stranger to obtain ; but which is at the 
 same time absolutely necessary to his Comfort, where 
 there are no public places of Diversions ; I mean that 
 of a few agreeable Families for a dish of tea and 
 a dish of chat, without Ceremony. I have also 
 young men enough of my Acquaintance. Taverns 
 and Coffee Houses are not so much frequented here 
 as they are in London. I have one weekly Club 
 
1768] ube jfrancis ^Letters 85 
 
 at a Tavern, almost the only occasion on which I 
 enter one. 
 
 " I shall only add, that I assure you, my Friend, 
 even if my present engagements should not detain 
 me long here, I am in no hurry to return to England ; 
 at least I am resolved first to try what this part of 
 the Globe can do for me. 
 
 " I observe from your letters and others the Boston 
 Combinations, and the Reception which their reso- 
 lutions met with in London. I very sincerely 
 believe that the Province which I have hitherto 
 been in, is the most moderate of any in its conduct 
 with regard to the mother country ; but they have all 
 too violent principles of Independence. When I except 
 the conduct of this Province, I mean only in what 
 relates to England; for in its intestine divisions it 
 is as eminent as any of them. I will look out for 
 a Conveyance, and send you an Address or two of 
 the House of Assembly, to the Governor, with the 
 answers. The people, growing rich and powerful, 
 feel themselves uneasy under the weak reins of a 
 proprietary Government, as they express it, and want 
 to be under the more immediate Protection of the 
 Crown. Is not this a second part to the frogs in 
 the fable? 
 
 " You must have heard of the application made 
 at home by General Gage and Sir Henry Moore, 
 about precedence at New York. I don't mean upon 
 their own Accounts, as that, I believe, is a determined 
 point ; but with respect to their Ladies who cannot 
 agree which shall stand first couple in a country 
 
86 trbe jf rands Xettets [1768 
 
 Dance. To such lengths have their disputes been 
 carried, that this Winter there have not been any 
 assemblies at all in New York. But unluckily two 
 private Balls have been given, at the first of which 
 there were high words, and Lady Moore retired in 
 a rage. At the other, which happened very lately, 
 that lady, calling for Sir Henry's support, involved 
 him in a quarrel with an Officer who presided, which 
 has at last produced a formal Challenge from the 
 General to the Governor, who they say has prudently 
 made the reply gracious, instead of the retort valiant. 
 
 " Your political Postscripts will always afford me 
 entertainment, nor need you either fear my quoting 
 your authority or being infected with the rage of 
 Party. I am amused by such Subjects, but no more 
 seriously affected than your wife would be, who 
 farther than your interests are concerned, cares nearly 
 as much for a prime minister as she does for one 
 of Harriet's old stockings. I would not as a Friend 
 advise Mr. G. Grenville to come and pass a summer 
 in North America. It might be unsafe. 
 
 " I don't know if anything can make Mrs. Chandler 
 perfectly happy. She has long seemed to enjoy 
 every Comfort riches can give. The noble House 
 you describe will be an Object for some time ; but 
 everything loses its value after a long Enjoyment. I 
 am sure I find it so in many things. Some pairs of 
 silk Stockings which I greatly admired, and have long 
 been intimate with, are now become so unpleasing to 
 my eyes, that I am resolved to see but half of them at 
 
1768] ^be ifrancfs ^Letters 87 
 
 a time, meaning to cover the lower parts, in which 
 are many apparent marks of venerable Age, with a 
 kind of half Spatter-dashes of black Cloth in vogue 
 here. I must have some new ones for Holiday and 
 fine weather. I will therefore trouble you to buy six 
 Pairs agreeable to pattern I shall send you very soon. 
 
 " Here is a parcel of nonsense buzzing about of Wars 
 and Tumults. The King of Prussia and the Dutch, 
 and I don't know what all. I don't care half so much 
 about the nations upon Earth as I do for your health, 
 welfare, and happiness. That they may all remain 
 fixed upon the best and firmest Basis is the wish and 
 prayer of him who is, my dear Philip, 
 
 " Unutterably yours, 
 
 " Alex. Mackrabie.'' 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " London, 
 ''March 12th, 1768. 
 
 " As long as you grow fat in America, you 
 may be said to be in a thriving Condition ; the 
 future must take care of itself But would it 
 not be worth your Prudence to consider what is 
 to be done when your term with Mr. Neave 
 expires ? Undoubtedly you have considered of 
 it ; yet if you should not be able to resolve on 
 anything, I am sure I enter too much into your 
 Situation to blame you. We have long since agreed 
 how easy it is to find fault ; but whoever fails you, 
 be always assured that my heart will for ever be 
 open to you ; in short, if you cannot determine upon 
 
88 ubc jf rands Xetters [1768 
 
 any plan where you are, you have nothing to do 
 but return to my House and stay in it until something 
 else can be thought of. My house is your sure retreat. 
 So be not unhappy about a disappointment more or 
 less, nor let any untoward Accident discourage you, 
 since you will always have the means of keeping your 
 head above water with me. I so much agree with 
 you about landed possessions in America, and the 
 Security that may arise from them hereafter, that I 
 shall commission my cousin Captain Francis, who is 
 now here, to purchase a thousand Acres for me in the 
 course of next summer, which he assures me he can 
 do for a mere trifle. By the by, this is a noble fellow, 
 and if you meet him in America will, I am sure, 
 contribute not a little to the happiness of your life 
 there. My other unfortunate Cousin, so far as I can 
 learn, for I never see him, has no sort of prospect 
 of being extricated from his difficulties without an 
 immense loss. Poor fellow ! I feel for him. 
 
 " Wilkes is setting up for the City of London. We 
 are all as mad about Elections as ever you Americans 
 were about the Stamp Act. I do not recollect anything 
 else that has happened here worth your attention. 
 
 " Pray let me know how my cousins in general have 
 received you, or whether you have had any sign of 
 life from Captain Maturin. 
 
 " It is now generally thought that Jack Wilkes 
 will be elected for the City of London. He dined 
 with the Lord Mayor yesterday with the rest of 
 the candidates. 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 "P. F." 
 
^768] XCbe iFrancts ^Letters 89 
 
 When Francis wrote to his brother-in-law, offering 
 him a home, he was still only a clerk in the War 
 Office, had a young and increasing family, and was 
 helping to support his own father and the parents 
 of his wife. 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Bath, 
 '■'■ September yd, 1768. 
 
 Dear Phil, 
 
 "When I used to read pretty Books, I was 
 much pleased with the Hero of one of them, who had 
 laid up a sum of money, which he called the Bank 
 of Friendship. He lent it without interest to his 
 friends, if indeed we can lend Money to a friend 
 without interest. Whether you have such a bank I 
 do not know, but I was at an anchor here last week, 
 and bid upon the Credit of it for somewhat more than 
 necessaries. I am therefore compelled to tell you I 
 shall be much obliged to you for a thirty pound note 
 next post. Beside the interest of Friendship, I shall 
 with pleasure pay any expence that attends it, when 
 either my spiritual or temporal revenues come in." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " !)th March, 1768. 
 
 Dear Sister, 
 
 " You are very kind in telling me you will 
 in general look upon my letters to my Brother as 
 answers to those I may also have the pleasure of 
 receiving from you. If a number of my letters to 
 you were wanting to give proof of my Affection, I 
 
go XCbe iFrancis betters [1768 
 
 should write often ; but I hope that test is not 
 necessary. I would wish to entertain you, if possible, 
 with my Correspondence ; but at this place and at 
 this season there is so little of anything amusing, 
 that it is with the utmost difficulty (or, as Philip 
 says, with ' mere pulling and bawling ') I can furnish 
 out matter for one letter ; and, upon my modesty, 
 I have two more to write by the Spanish pacquet 
 after I finish this. I have your kind Favours of the 
 1 2th September and 12th December, which came 
 to my hands about the same periods as if they had 
 been dispatched on the 1 2th November and December 
 such is the uncertainty of winds and waves. I am 
 charmed with your Accounts of the three dear little 
 girls. I know you are quite impartial. I often think 
 of them ; if they continue to improve, and at the 
 same rate, it will be unsafe to be acquainted with 
 them some years hence. Should you know (which I 
 hope you do not) any ladies who wish to be married 
 and are not so, advise them to come to this Country, 
 where they [may] depend upon getting Husbands 
 immediately. The good people are marrying one 
 another as if they had not a day to live. I alledge 
 it to a plot against the State, and that the ladies 
 (who are all politicians in America) are determined 
 to raise young Rebels to fight against old England. 
 
 " I am very much obliged to all my friends for 
 their kind enquiries. If there should by chance 
 be two or three people beside our own Family 
 who yet remember me, and wish to hear of my 
 welfare, please to tell them I am alive and hearty, 
 fat and well liking ; and tho' I never can see 
 
1768] Zbc jfrancts Xetters 91 
 
 England but in my dreams, I often think of it with 
 pleasure. 
 
 " I thank you much for executing my little com- 
 mission at Christmas. All my letters from home, 
 tho' in general pleasing, have some little Alloy of 
 pain. Colds and swelled legs or faces, rheumatic 
 twitches, and so forth ; these things must be. I 
 have my little grumblings sometimes ; but have I 
 not at the same time great, very great, cause to be 
 thankful for many Blessings I enjoy, which in the 
 ordinary course of things I had no title to expect at 
 this time ? We are all, thro' the divine goodness, 
 secure to be as blessed as we can fear. I think to 
 copy this into my Fulham letter. I don't know that 
 I have philosophised so much of a long time. 
 
 " ' Pray ' (as old Polonius says) ' when you was 
 young and in love,' did you approve of Serenading ? 
 It is extremely in Vogue here now. The manner 
 is as follows : We — with four or five young Officers 
 of the regiment in barracks — drink as hard as we 
 can to keep out the cold, and about midnight 
 sally forth, attended by the Band which consists 
 of ten musicians, horns, clarionets, hautboys, and 
 bassoons, march through the streets and play under 
 the window of any lady you choose to distinguish, 
 which they esteem a high Compliment. ... I have 
 been out twice and only once got a violent cold 
 by it. 
 
 " We have no plays or public diversions of any 
 kind ; not so much as a walk for the ladies, so that 
 there is no opportunity of seeing them but at Church, 
 or their own Houses, or once a fortnight at the 
 
92 Ube jfrancis betters [1768 
 
 Assembly. I have been to some of their assemblies, 
 and have danced once with a charming girl, a Cousin 
 of yours ; but you never saw her, nor in all likelihood 
 ever will. I shall therefore only tell you I was very 
 happy, and very much envied. This is not the season 
 to get furs from the Indian country, and when they 
 do come I don't know if there are any fit for ladies' 
 wear ; but I am determined at some time or other 
 to send you something to remember me by, if it 
 should even be a Bear, as O'Brien did to your friend 
 Foote. 
 
 "When you see Mr. Fitzpatrick, Roberts, Marsh, 
 or Grainer, give my love to them. I would send it 
 by Philippe's letter, but I knew he would drop it 
 out and forget to deliver it ; and please to remember 
 always that you can hardly think of anybody who 
 loves you more warmly and sincerely than does, 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " Alex. Mackrabie." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " London, 
 " Api-il 16th, 1768. 
 
 " I had written so far when yesterday your several 
 letters of February i8th and March 19th were brought 
 to me. You are very good to write so much, and I 
 assure you it pleases me not a little to see that you 
 can write in such good spirits, and with so much 
 spirit. If these Cousins of mine are so handsome, and 
 so clever, and so inviting, take care of your Heart. 
 Observe that I forbid the bans. Pray take every 
 
1768] trbc jfrancis Xetters 93 
 
 opportunity that ofifers of assuring the handsomest of 
 my cousins what a respect I bear to female Beauty, 
 and that, since they are handsome I do not love 
 them the less for being my relations. 
 
 " The family of the Tenches I take for granted are 
 now compleately happy. If the father has any of that 
 Christian patience you talk of it is by no means 
 thrown away upon him. Your letter from Madeira 
 arrived sometime after your first from New York. 
 Your account of the disputes about Precedence between 
 General Gage and Sir Henry Moore is perfectly 
 ridiculous. Is it possible for grave men to fight about 
 a place in a country dance ? " 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " London, 
 "May i^tk, 1768. 
 
 " My dear Friend and Brother, 
 
 " Mr. Wilkes has been in the King's Bench 
 Prison this fortnight, and must remain there till next 
 term, when the errors of his Outlawry are to be argued 
 again His friends, to the number of many thousands, 
 have taken possession of St. George's Fields, and 
 beleaguer the Prison. Many lives have been lost, 
 yet the mischief is likely to continue if not in- 
 crease. . . . 
 
 "You may say what you please of your Americans, 
 but I'll be curst if we don't match you for Riots. The 
 worst on't that they keep me at the War Office 
 many hours a day more than I like. Such marching 
 and counter-marching ! The Horse-Guards had no 
 
94 iTbe jfrancis Xetters [1768 
 
 conception of suchhot service. Many of them who 
 quitted their Trades without- any other view but to 
 become private Gentlemen, complain loudly that the 
 contract with them is dissolved, and are determined 
 to retire. Mr. Wade's billiard match, on which other 
 people have many thousands, and I have ten, pounds 
 depending, is to be played to-night. My reason is 
 convinced I shall win, but the risk of such a sum is 
 enough to alarm the Passions. The villain is brought 
 on purpose from Naples to give Mr. Wade two 
 and beat him. He is not half so like a man as a 
 monkey. Foote swears he remembers him keeping 
 a glass shop on the top of Mount Vesuvius. He 
 has had a particular dress made for him to play in, 
 and never was anything more ridiculous ! Having 
 no more nonsense to spare at present I shall con- 
 clude in sober truth and sadness, 
 
 "Yours 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 "New York, 
 " 01 June, 1768. 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 " I am but just arrived and find a ship on 
 the point of sailing for London. 
 
 " I was very fortunate in my Company hither. I 
 came with a young Gentleman of one of the first 
 Families in the City who has lately married a very 
 pretty agreeable Girl in Philadelphia ; so that I shall 
 get into parties both male and Female while I 
 continue among them. We met Captain Francis 
 
1768] ^be jfrancts Xetters 9S 
 
 upon the Road, but I did not know him, I hope to 
 see him in Philadelphia. His Character makes me 
 very desirous of an Acquaintance with him, and I am 
 not upon bad Terms with his Family. This is an 
 Advantage I have to thank you for, as well as for 
 almost every other which does me Credit on this side 
 of the Water. Your kind offer of an Asylum if I 
 should be driven back to my native Soil obliges me 
 very much. I am truly sensible of your Friendship. 
 
 " I cannot form any Scheme of settlement yet. . . . 
 I am endeavouring to save a little Fund if possible to 
 ramble upon. ... I know you sympathise with me 
 in all my Ups and downs ; you shall always be 
 made acquainted with my Plans. 
 
 " You will certainly be right in making a purchase 
 of lands in America, and no time so proper as the 
 present. They are to be had at a lower rate now 
 than could have been at any period for years past — 
 owing to the extreme scarcity of money. 
 
 " So Master Wilkes has got in at last. I suppose 
 he has not obtained a Pardon ; you would have men- 
 tioned it if he had. ... I said before I am but just 
 arrived here. This is a better Place for Company 
 and Amusements than Philadelphia ; more Gay and 
 lively. I have already seen some pretty women. 
 
 " You may tell my sister that I get acquainted with 
 Families, and drink Tea, and play at Cards ; and go 
 about to Assemblies dancing minuets. I shall hardly 
 get any Dancing here. It is growing very hot, and 
 Sir Harry Moore is gone back into the country ; they 
 say Land Jobbing. I am stunned with the firing of 
 
96 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1768 
 
 Guns and Crackers, on account of the King's Birthday; 
 all the town illuminated. The General makes all the 
 Officers in the Town drunk at his House; I have 
 nothing new, but hope to have a great deal more 
 to write to you when I have seen something of 
 New York. 
 
 " A Mr. Andrew Seton, who was a Bankrupt about 
 twelve months ago in London (my sister knows 
 his wife), is just arrived here with his Family — six 
 Children ; and has already purchased an Estate, to 
 cost him about Five Thousand Pounds. Is not that 
 worth breaking for ? This is a Fact. 
 
 "A. M." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 "June nth, 1768. 
 
 " My dear Mac, 
 
 " This letter will be probably a short one 
 for a very good reason — because I have not Materials 
 to make it a long one, for you know I do not mind 
 Trouble ; not I. A letter of yours, dated in March, 
 is arrived since I wrote last, but I think it does not 
 require any particular answer, and if it did — for I 
 have left it at Home. 
 
 " Domestic news is as insipid as usual. Children 
 bawling, servants fighting, my Wife scolding, your 
 father and mother weeping, and Patty ^ raving mad. 
 These, with the addition of a preternatural Appearance, 
 and some unaccountable Noises which have been 
 repeatedly in my house in Duke Street at the dead 
 of night, make up the perpetual History of my family. 
 ' A cousin of Mrs. Francis who lived with Mr. and Mrs. Mackrabie. 
 
1768] ube jfrancis Xetters 97 
 
 Without a jest I have myself heard a most extra- 
 ordinary ringing of bells about midnight, and have 
 
 never been able to discover the cause. 
 
 "P. F." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " New York, 
 " \y.h June, 1768. 
 
 " Here are no Diversions at all at present. The 
 Plays are over, and I told you some time since the 
 Cause of there being no Assemblies. I have gone 
 dining about from House to House, but meet with the 
 same dull round of Topics everywhere — Lands, 
 Madeira-wine, fishing Parties, or Politics, make up the 
 sum Total. They have a vile Practice here, which is 
 peculiar to this City : I mean that of playing at Back- 
 Gammon (a Noise I detest), which is going forward 
 in the public Coffee-House from Morning till Night, 
 frequently ten or a dozen Tables at a time. I think 
 a single man in America is one of the most wretched 
 beings I can conceive ; yet your friend Atchy Thompson 
 is still a Batchelor ; but he talks of going to Europe 
 immediately upon the return of his Partner, I believe 
 to settle in Ireland or London. He is a good-natured 
 youth, and I believe in a very good way ; at least I can 
 answer for his having a good House and good Wine. 
 
 " I live a tolerably Jolly Life, but I see no prospect 
 of getting rich. Plague take this Subordination. I 
 want to make a Ramble about 200 miles up 
 the country. Sir Wm. Johnson holds a Congress 
 of a vast number of Indian tribes. The Governor is 
 
 7 
 
98 Ubc fvmcis betters [1768 
 
 going up thither, and a great many Strangers. I have 
 a violent Curiosity to see something of that Nature, 
 but have had no Opportunity yet. I must and will 
 save a little money for Amusements by and by. 
 Heavens ! what an immense Country this is ! If 
 I should meet with two or three disappointments, I 
 don't know but I may set down upon a Tract and 
 plant Cabbages." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 "New York, 
 " 15M Jitne, 1768. 
 
 " I am here still. There never was such uncom- 
 fortable Weather. It has blown a Hurricane these two 
 days, and rained constantly. I am prevented crossing 
 the Ferry to set out for Philadelphia. So uncertain is 
 this Climate, that in the morning you may wear a 
 suit of Cloth Cloaths, at noon sit in your shirt with 
 windows and doors open, and in the Evening of the 
 same day wrap yourself in a fur Cloak. I wish I 
 had one here now. 
 
 " Among the many disputes in this and the more 
 northern parts of America, the religious are not the 
 least. The zealous members of the Church of England 
 are full of Apprehensions at the great and growing 
 power of the Presbyterians. Don't imagine that I 
 mean in any matters that regard Salvation ; that Affair 
 might have been left to shift for itself at Doomsday. 
 The Alarm was taken at an Election lately ; since 
 which the Parties have raged with tolerable violence. 
 The Church People, conscious that the Presbyterians, 
 who have the Appointment of their own Ministers, 
 must always outnumber them, are desirous of having 
 
1768] ■JEbe jfrands Xettets 99 
 
 some Person here vested with the Power of 
 Ordination — but they don't Hke a Bishop, nor 
 Ecclesiastical Courts, in short, they don't know what 
 they want. You remember Dean Swift was to have 
 been made Bishop of Virginia. The Presbyterians 
 should not be allowed to grow too great. They are 
 all of republican Principles. The Bostonians are 
 Presbyterians. Now I talk of Church matters, pray 
 where is Rosenhagen ? ^ I am fearful he is very 
 inattentive to his Flock in Florida. We just now 
 hear that Major Rogers has been playing the Devil 
 at his Fort, and that he had a scheme of seizing 
 another, and giving up both to the Indians to 
 plunder. It is said he is coming down here in Irons. 
 
 " I must have now done. I am afraid all this 
 Nonsense will tire you, but 'tis the best matter I have. 
 So as you can get no more of the Cat than the Skin, 
 you must take the will for the deed. I am just setting 
 out for Philadelphia upon a hired Horse, full speed. 
 
 " So Farewell at once, my dear brother. 
 
 " I am most affectionately and cordially yours, 
 
 " A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " \^th August, 1768. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I wrote you by the last pacquet, which 
 dispatched from New York in June, and the May 
 pacquet is but just arrived here. It brings me your 
 favour of 14th May. We had not received any 
 Accounts from England for so long a Time, that we 
 ^ Rosenhagen was at this time a chaplain in the army. 
 
loo zbc jfrancis ^Letters [1768 
 
 began to think the Winds and Waves had combined 
 to compleat the separation that Politics had begun. 
 You out-do us altogether in Riots and Combinations. 
 God knows how it will end. We have nothing new 
 in this quarter, not even in public matters. Modera- 
 tion is our System. 
 
 " I am very fond of your Cousin the Colonel. We 
 have been taking a Ramble together sixty miles up 
 the Country — the first Inland View I have had of it. 
 Our chief object was Bethlehem (not of Judea, but,) 
 a settlement of Moravians, about a Thousand in 
 Number. This little Society live together upon a 
 Plan very like that of the Jesuits in Paraguay : a 
 religious Government. They have among them 
 Mechanics and Manufacturers of every kind necessary 
 for their own Accommodation, and, I believe, the 
 most compleat Farm in America. They have their 
 own Schools, which are not contemptible, their own 
 Language, own Customs and Religion. Music, in 
 which they are almost all proficients, is an Article of 
 their Religion. So far, their state is a natural one; but 
 the poor Devils have no property ; the Labors of each 
 Individual being dedicated to the General Advantage 
 of the Community, from whose stock each has his 
 Portion of necessary Comforts (not even excepting 
 their Wives) allotted according to the pleasure of the 
 directing fathers. The Children are the Children of 
 the State. I need not tell you they are not Free 
 Agents, as you know well enough it is nothing but 
 property can make us so. 
 
 " I am never sick, and but seldom sorry. Farewell, 
 
1768] tEbe jFrancis ^Letters loi 
 
 my Friend. Give my best love to my Sister, and 
 teach your Children to remember me in their Prayers. 
 "So God bless you all, says 
 
 " Your faithful, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " London, 
 " Oct. 3, 1768. 
 
 " I am now to thank you for your letter of Aug. 
 17th. Pliny himself could not write better. Your 
 account of the Moravians is pleasant enough. . . . 
 We are all raving mad about the King of Denmark's 
 masquerade. The Tickets bear a higher premium 
 than those in the Lottery. 
 
 " Pray keep a look out about the lands ; though 
 may I be eternally curst, if I ever cross the Atlantic, 
 at least at my own Expense." 
 
 In a letter written to his father about this time, 
 Philip Francis recorded the birth of his son and his 
 own recovery from a severe illness. 
 
 Dr. Francis to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Bath, 
 " October 6th, 1768. 
 
 " Will one letter be sufficient for my congratulations 
 
 upon three such happy Events — your Wife's recovery 
 
 from that hour of Terror ; your own from a very 
 
 alarming Disorder ; and the Birth of your Son ? You 
 
 are now, my dear Phil, beginning to be a Father 
 
I02 ubc jfrancts Xetters [1768 
 
 with other duties and affections than you have ever 
 yet known. A Mother dresses her Girls, and makes 
 their persons fine, a science which she well under- 
 stands ; but in his Boys, a Father's cares are employed 
 in forming their hearts to virtue, to sentiments of 
 humanity, and improving their minds by his superior 
 knowledge and Experience. Perhaps the papers 
 which I am now drawing up for Mr. Calcraft's boy 
 may not be unuseful to yours. 
 
 " Sally begs of me to send her Congratulations ; 
 I dare vouch them very sincere. 
 
 "Be so good as to send me half a pound of i6.f. 
 green tea." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " 2ncl January, 1769. 
 
 " I am quite tired of plodding for ever in this 
 confounded Quaker Town. Plague take it ! I work 
 without getting rich. You can never have had a 
 party in a Sleigh or Sledge, for I recollect it was 
 summer when you were in Holland. I had a very 
 clever one a few days ago. Seven Sleighs with 
 two Ladies and two men in each, preceded by 
 F idlers on horseback, set out together upon a 
 snow of about a foot deep on the Roads, to a 
 Public- House a few Miles from Town, where we 
 danced, sung, and romped and eat and drank, 
 and kicked away Care from Morning till Night, 
 and finished our Frolic in two or three Side-boxes 
 at the Play. 
 
1769] XTbe jftanciB Xetters 103 
 
 " You can have no Idea of the state of the Pulse 
 seated with pretty Women, mid deep in straw, your 
 Body armed with Furs and flannel, clear air, bright 
 Sunshine, and spotless sky. Horses galloping, every 
 feeling turned to Joy and Jollity! I wished heartily 
 to have had you amongst us, and so did Cousin 
 Tubby. 
 
 "The Family here are in daily expectation of Mr. 
 Tench Francis's arrival. I fancy he will come in 
 good Spirits, for from what I hear his Affairs have 
 turned out more fortunately than was expected." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 " January s,th, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Mac, 
 
 " I am just returned from spending a riotous 
 fortnight at Bath. Gravier and two others filled a 
 Post Coach, which was dragged with no small velocity 
 by four Horses. We travelled like Gentlemen, and 
 lived like Rakes. All our news here is that Wilkes 
 is elected Alderman of Farringdon Without. At this 
 rate I see no reason why he may not be Sheriff and 
 Lord Mayor in regular succession ; and why not 
 Prime Minister before he dies. In short nothing 
 can be more ridiculous than every thing that happens 
 about this Gentleman. Every attempt that has been 
 made to injure or oppress him, has in reality done 
 him Service ; yet after all I apprehend he will in- 
 fallibly be expelled the House of Commons. The 
 Election for Middlesex has raised such a Ferment, 
 
I04 Zbc dfrancis Xetters [1769 
 
 that even America has been laid aside, and Corsica 
 not once thought of. The Ministry was supposed to 
 be in a strange state of confusion, and many changes 
 are actually talked of So much for news and 
 Politics. 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " 2Sih January, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I wrote you by the last pacquet, and now 
 have yours of the loth September and 5th October 
 and 2nd November before me. I give you Joy of 
 your son. I don't know how you feel on the 
 Occasion, but methinks I seem a greater Man now I 
 am Uncle to a Nephew. I am informed your Daughters 
 are most accomplished young women. My Father 
 writes me he is their Tutor for languages, and takes 
 especial care to make them speak plain and distinctly. 
 I don't doubt but like poor la Fleur, he has ' toutes 
 les dispositions quon peut avoir ; — mais — ' in short, 
 I hope he will have better success with them than 
 he has had with his Son. 
 
 I have got a little Box which shall be sent you by 
 a ship from this port, in about a week. It contains 
 something from the Colonel — I don't know what. 
 That Cousin of yours and I have had some Converse 
 about Lands. He is managing his own matters in 
 that way, and has promised to take care of a Thousand 
 Acres for you. I have on my part engaged that the 
 Money for the Charges, whatever they are, shall be 
 forthcoming." 
 
1769] trbe jftancis Xetters 105 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 ,, n^ y, "April ^th, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 3 . / v 
 
 " Your friend Mr. Wharton has delivered 
 his Credentials. I have been, and shall be, as civil 
 to him as I possibly can. He gives me such an 
 account of you as is enough to make me love the man 
 without farther Recommendations. He says you are 
 better received than any young man that ever went to 
 America, and that you are likely, if the trade be not 
 quite lost, to form such commercial Connexions as you 
 may improve to a happy Establishment at home. I 
 wish you yourself would give me some hints of this 
 nature to keep up my Spirits. 
 
 ''Apropos, I condole with you on the Death of 
 your Aunt. One naturally grieves at the Death of 
 a person who leaves one nothing to rejoice at. This 
 has been always my case. No poor devil ever had so 
 little reason to rejoice at the death of his relations." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " London, 
 Tv/r T-i •'May ^th, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " The last packet brought me no letter 
 from Philadelphia, so I have nothing to answer. If 
 you do not furnish me with materials, the stream of 
 my Correspondence will flow in a narrow Channel. 
 We have Politics enough, God knows, but as I have 
 not the honour to be entrusted with the secrets of 
 either party, I can give you nothing but what you will 
 see much more elegantly set forth in the Newspapers. 
 
To6 ubc jfrancis Xetters [1769 
 
 Truth is out of the question. Each party says and 
 believes just what suits themselves without decency or 
 moderation, and a neutral party is detested by both. 
 A Philosopher has no more chance among them than 
 a Cat in hell. (I wish, by the by, that the person 
 who stole my cat were in the warmest corner the 
 devil could find for him.) " 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 "War Office, 
 June 7, 1769. 
 
 " Dear Mac, 
 
 " The present state of Politics stands thus : 
 the French have lately received a severe check in 
 Corsica. Government assists Paoli underhand, and 
 Subscriptions are openly advertised for individuals to 
 pay in their contributions to the cause of Liberty. 
 
 " The Turks have been defeated and lost a place of 
 some importance. It is thought that this rupture with 
 Russia will be fatal to the Ottoman Empire. Poland 
 is ruined ; Denmark is armed and in a strong state of 
 defence ; the King of Sweden has declared his resolu- 
 tion to remain quiet and take no turn or part either way. 
 
 " Lord North has assured the House of Commons 
 that at the opening of next Session there is a 
 Resolution to accommodate matters with America 
 to the satisfaction of all parties." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 August \oth, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I have yours by the May and June 
 Racquets now before me, and I thank you for your 
 
1769] Zbc jf rands betters 107 
 
 Anecdotes. You seem to think such Matters of no 
 great Consequence, but I assure you they are. Every 
 Pacquet gives me the Dignity of an Oracle. ' Mack, 
 what do your Letters say ? You must have News ? and 
 your Intelligence is the best, &c.' Your ministerial 
 Gentry will not gain their Point with all their promises. 
 The Resolvers are very steady, and have newly 
 determined not to abate in the smallest degree till 
 the Acts are actually repealed. By the by, we have 
 had two or three very odd Occurrences upon the 
 Subject of Importations. 
 
 " A discontented Gentleman made a Purchase of a 
 Cheshire Cheese last week ; and another Malcontent 
 thought to drown his Resentments in a Hogshead of 
 English Entire Butt. These Delicacies happened 
 misfortunately to be shipt from Europe after the 
 Resolutions on this side had transpired, and of con- 
 sequence Messrs. of the Committee took the liberty to 
 interfere. The Purchasers made a gallant stand in 
 defence of their bellies, but their Opposition was vain. 
 Hard words and bad Names flew about in support of 
 Liberty. They cursed and swore, kicked and cuffed 
 and pulled Noses ; but the Catastrophe was, that the 
 prisoners were regaled with one and t'other — I mean 
 the cheese and porter — qualified with two dollars' worth 
 of Bread. They have sent away a ship loaded with 
 Malt to-day. Nobody would either buy or store it. 
 
 " Mr. Neave and I are upon the point of with- 
 drawing ourselves from this busy Scene, and retiring 
 for a few weeks into the Woods. We shall quarter 
 ourselves upon your Cousin Tubby in the course of our 
 Peregrination. You shall hear by and by how he 
 
io8 xtbe jftanciB Xetters [1769 
 
 lives, and I am of opinion that we shall eat our 
 Meat with little sauce but Hunger. I shall write 
 you again before we set out, and for the present 
 must take my leave. So farewell at once. 
 
 "Yours ever, 
 
 " A. Mackrabie. 
 
 " We are all panting with Heat, the Glass from 92° 
 to 95° — and yet the mad People will marry in spite of 
 it. I sleep upon the Floor for Coolness, and almost 
 perish under the weight of a single Sheet." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " 12th December, 1769. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " The only Point of Appearance in which 
 Maryland differs from this Province is, that there they 
 have not any large Towns. The Rivers, and their 
 navigable Branches, are so numerous, that the Gentle- 
 men of that Country live generally upon their own 
 Plantations, and keep Negroes to cultivate Tobacco 
 and other produce. . . . 
 
 " They are of late years getting more into the 
 Cultivation of Wheat. What do you think of one 
 Person having more than 800 Acres in Wheat, 
 and as much more in Indian Corn, and half that 
 quantity besides in Tobacco ? This is at 15 Bushels 
 per Acre, and 5s. per Bushel makes no contemptible 
 Income. Let me tell you, old Friend, a good 
 American Farm is a very good thing. Were it not 
 that the expensive hospitable manner in which 
 everybody lives here (for you may really go from 
 
1769] TLbc ifcancis Xetters 109 
 
 house to house for a month, living upon Delicatesses, 
 and drinking Claret you would not despise at the 
 first Tavern in London) ; and that their number of 
 Negroes and Equipage serves as a weighty Counter- 
 balance, they would grow immensely rich ; too rich, 
 mon ami, for your system of American Politics. 
 Nothing that I met with in Maryland surprised me 
 so much as to see the Regularity and Exactness 
 with which their Inspecting Houses, or Public 
 Repositories for Tobacco, are conducted, both to 
 prevent Frauds in ascertaining the Duties, and also 
 for the convenience of Individuals ; not even a single 
 stalk of the poorest Planter, but he is accounted 
 with 'for, and can transfer as his Property, even at a 
 hundred Miles distance. I was no less amazed to hear 
 that in a late year, when the produce of the Tobacco 
 Colonies was about 80,000 hogsheads, not less than 
 38,000 were the property of the merchants in 
 Scotland ! I had no Idea of such a proportion. 
 
 " Pray what do you think of Paoli ? Cest un galant 
 homme. We annex extraordinary Ideas to the Appear- 
 ance of Heroes, as if they were not like other People. 
 " Adieu, my dearest brother. 
 
 " I am, with truest affection, ever yours, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 Jamiary 2nd, iTjo. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " Your cousin Tub is in his Flannels again. 
 He has had a severe Bout this time — ever since the 
 
no Ubc ffrancis Xetters [1770 
 
 date of my last letter. He dined with me that day, 
 and has not been out since. I am just come from 
 his Bed-side, where, though he could not reach out a 
 Finger to me, he assures me that he has had a signum 
 salutis which ensures his speedy Recovery. We had 
 a deal of Chat about old England and your Worship. 
 He is actually in Treaty for two Tracts for you and 
 I think he will make you an American landholder as 
 soon as he gets about again. It shall go hard but 
 I will buy Ten Guineas' worth of Terra firma before 
 I leave this Continent. It will be as extensive as 
 some German principality or Scots Laird's Estate. 
 
 " I know little of your political Contests at home, 
 but I will whisper to you that our Americans with 
 their Resolutions have overshot the Mark. They 
 perhaps find that the very steps on which they 
 founded their hopes and expectations of Redress may 
 prove the very means of defeating it. In short, I 
 don't know what they must do, if this Session of 
 Parliament should not afford them Relief The Stores 
 are empty ; those Persons who have Goods lately 
 imported, and in the Possession of the Committees, 
 are discontented, and will soon grow clamorous. 
 Rogues are making their advantage, and the Quakers 
 grow cold and plead Conscience. Here are few 
 Manufactures to supply the deficiency of Goods from 
 Europe. None of Consequence can speedily be 
 established, and at the same time here is a People 
 daily increasing. You will read what they are about 
 at New York — their meetings and the subject of it. 
 It should seem that the spirit which was lately lulled 
 into silent Expectation, is about to Flame forth again. 
 
177°] Ube jfrancis ^Letters m 
 
 What can be the Cause of it ? Here is weather to 
 freeze the blood of Tigers. Love or Wine can hardly 
 warm me. 
 
 "How can it be that the longer I reside in this 
 Climate I am the more affected by its Severities ? 
 The intense Heat of last summer overpowered me, 
 and the Cold we have already this winter seems to 
 exceed all Recollection or Idea, as well as it does all 
 Endurance. I had almost spoiled my letter with a 
 lump of black Ice, which hung from my Pen just now. 
 I am going to attend an Electrical lecture. We'll try 
 if that Spark can touch me, and if it does I will 
 dance it to a Blaze at the Assembly at night. 
 " I am, most truly yours, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 February yth, 1770. 
 
 " I was just going to seal this letter, when I re- 
 ceived yours of the 2nd of January. A thousand 
 thanks to my poor Cousin, and all my good wishes. 
 Tell him if he will send an exact description of the 
 Lands, I believe I could get the Grant for nothing. 
 I depend upon his skill in the choice. It is really 
 impossible to say any more. 
 
 " Don't let it be confined to a Thousand Acres if 
 more good land can be had." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 loth March, 1770. 
 
 ". . . Have you repealed our Acts yet? I 
 wish you had, for we want Goods most confoundedly. 
 
112 Zbc jFrancis Xetters [1770 
 
 I would give all the ready Money I am worth to be 
 here with a noble Cargo in the first Vessel that 
 arrives after the Repeal. It is an Age since we had 
 any Politics. This is too cold a Season for any bold 
 Stroke on this side the Water. They have only a 
 Captain Macdougall prisoner at New York for 
 libellous Productions. He is to take his Trial in 
 about a Month. The Booksellers are publishing 
 copies of the Trial of one Zenger at New York 
 many years ago for much such another Affair ; on 
 which Occasion the Father of Governor Hamilton 
 gained amazing Honour by his Pleadings in Defence 
 of the Liberty of the Press. But Junius is the 
 Mars of Malcontents. His Letter to the King is 
 past all Endurance, as well as all Compare. The 
 Americans are under small Obligations to him for 
 his Representation of them. I will do them more 
 Justice than he does by declaring that his Production 
 is not very favourably received among them. Who 
 the Devil can he be ? Sir William Draper is arrived in 
 South Carolina. I have read all that correspondence 
 and never before met with such keen cutting Satire." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " 24*^2 April, 1770. 
 
 " My dearest Brother, 
 
 " The ministerial Confusions at home afiford 
 but an indifferent Prospect to America of their so 
 wished for Repeal. In the meantime they are lessen- 
 ing their heavy debt by an Export of Grain that would 
 amaze you. Not a Ship in the Port unengaged, and 
 even new ones upon the Stocks contracted for upon 
 
177°] Zhc jfrancis Xettecs 113 
 
 Freight before they are launched. Their constant 
 draughts upon England have lowered Exchange near 
 25 per cent, since I have been here. That difference, 
 my Friend, is confoundedly against your humble 
 servant, who receives his Stipend in Sterling ; so it 
 will be against you in your Purchase of Land. 
 
 " Would you think that in a City with above twenty 
 thousand Inhabitants we should find difficulty in 
 collecting twenty native Englishmen to celebrate 
 St. George's Day yesterday ? And in that Number 
 there were some I had never spoken to before. We 
 should have had the Governor at our head, but that 
 the Party was only proposed two days before. How- 
 ever, we met at a Tavern, stuffed roast Beef and Plumb 
 Pudding, and got drunk, pottr rkonneur de St. George ; 
 wore Crosses, and finished the evening at the Play- 
 House, where we made the People all Chorus ' God 
 save the King,' and ' Rule Britannia,' and ' Britons 
 strike Home,' &c., and such like Nonsense ; and, in 
 short, conducted ourselves with all the Decency and 
 Confusion usual on such Occasions. My head aches 
 plaguily ! so pray excuse me till the next pacquet. 
 Adieu ! In a fortnight you shall hear again from 
 
 " Your ever faithful 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " d,th May, 1770. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " My Friend and your Cousin the Colonel 
 has given me the enclosed letter to forward. 
 
 8 
 
114 Ube jfrancis letters [177° 
 
 " Tubby is a great Speculator and as enterprising 
 as speculative. He tells me he has hinted some of 
 his Objects to you. I wish we could realise some 
 of his projects. . . . 
 
 " We have just now a report, by way of Lisbon of 
 a repeal of part of the Revenue Act, the Tea only 
 excepted. If it should prove true, I shall regret 
 that our Ministry were not generous enough to 
 recommend an absolute and complete Repeal ; tho' 
 it were even at the Expense of the East India 
 Company. I don't like reconciliations by halves. 
 
 " Our Gentry here don't seem to expect that Goods 
 will be shipped in the Case as reported to us ; tho' 
 it is well known they are in the greatest want of 
 supply. I am now convinced that 'tis no easy matter 
 to establish Manufactures in America ; nor have I 
 observed a single step towards an Attempt either in 
 Linnens, woollens, or silk, except stockings. A Scheme 
 is proposed here for the Culture of Silk, in conse- 
 quence of your offered Bounty at home, and it is well 
 supported. Near a Thousand Pounds has been sub- 
 scribed in a few days, and more could, I doubt, 
 be easily raised. The People of this City are far 
 beyond the Inhabitants of any other part of the 
 Continent in public spirit ; I mean in that proper 
 useful spirit of Improvement — Moderate in Politics. 
 I may be deceived, but I look to this as my Field 
 of Action. 
 
 " Adieu, my dearest friend ! You have my sincerest 
 
 regards. 
 
 " Yours ever, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
177°] Z\ic jfrancis Xetters us 
 
 TuRBUTT Francis, the Colonel spoken of bv 
 Alexander Mackrabie, to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " 4iA May, 1770. 
 
 " Mv DEAR Cousin, 
 
 "The night before last I returned from the 
 Country, with your survey of one Thousand Acres or 
 thereabouts. I make no doubt but from my long 
 Silence you concluded I had entirely forgot you, but 
 I should have blushed even at this distance if I had 
 wrote these six pacquets past, that I would get the 
 Land, at the same time not able to give you any 
 Certainty of it. I determined not to give one line 
 until I either got the matter or gave it over. I now 
 have it, and so in a few months will you ; your Patent 
 under Mr. Penn and a Draught of the Land, which 
 is as good (as the saying is) as ever a crow flew over ; 
 so much for that — no, one thing more, it will cost 
 you one hundred and twenty five or thirty Guineas. 
 
 " I have a plan which, with your Assistance and 
 some of your friends over the water, will in all prob- 
 ability hand the name of Francis to the future World 
 with Dignity and Property : it's no less than a part 
 of a Province, which I have reason to believe might 
 be bought of the Indians for two or three, at most, 
 thousand guineas, provided we could obtain the 
 Crown's Right to make a fair Purchase ; it's a matter 
 worth Attention, and I make no doubt you have as 
 much anxiety for the future Rank of your Children 
 as any fond Father can have ; the Purchase will be 
 very extensive, and a prodigious fine Country. If 
 you can get Lewis Evans' map of the Colonies, find 
 
ii6 Zbc ifrancls Xctters [177° 
 
 out Fort Pitt, then go down the Ohio on the west 
 side until you come to a river emptying into the 
 Ohio, you will find its name to be Scioto, and higher 
 up the same river you will find Lower Shawanee 
 Town. The beginning of this purchase will be at 
 the mouth of the Scioto river, and down the Ohio 
 until you come to the Wabash, which you will 
 find on the west side of the Ohio, bounded by the 
 Wabash on the south, on the Ohio by the east, and 
 Scioto on the north, and our western line must be 
 run. Now if you take in two or three of the right 
 sort of men who will obtain the Royal Grant, and who 
 will also advance some Money to make the Essay, 
 which may require about two hundred guineas, there 
 is two of us here who will go to that Country, and 
 see what can be done ; there is but one Gentleman 
 who will go with me, that I am desirous to be con- 
 cerned in this Country, and the thing cannot well be 
 done without him : so do you take in as many as 
 you think necessary to carry on the Plan, and those 
 that will carry it into immediate Execution, do think 
 seriously of it, and let me know your Sentiments, 
 and who you intend to take in, by the next pacquet. 
 If you can obtain for us too the carrying place of 
 Niagara with the lands joining it, and a grant of 
 the Salt Lake, and the Land for one Mile around it 
 in the Onondago country, it will be a great thing. 
 You may push that matter yourself, and the sooner 
 the better, but be as silent as the Grave with every 
 man, but these with whom your business lays, for 
 the value of those two Places are so well known by 
 every man who has been in America, that envy 
 
i77o] tTbe jf rands l-etters n? 
 
 would start up and perhaps overset you. By all 
 means if you can, get absolute Grants, not an Order 
 to the Governour of New York, in whose Province 
 those two last Places lay. 
 
 " I have not heard anything lately about my joining 
 the Regiment. I wish you could lay the matter out, 
 so as to get me a Company in any Regiment. You 
 certainly have Opportunities of obtaining a favor 
 of that kind. I could then either join the Regiment 
 or go out upon half pay, my rank would be going 
 on, and in case of War, if I was not better fixed, 
 might go into the Army with greater Advantage to 
 what I can as lieutenant. Do think of me, tho' 
 three thousand Miles from you. Mc. just this 
 moment left me, he is going out of town. 
 
 " Remember me to Mrs. Francis, and believe me 
 to be affectionately yours, 
 
 " TuRBUTT Francis." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 "9//z June, 1770. 
 
 " I wish you would all be quiet at home, and be 
 as unanimous as we are this side the Water. Could 
 you but be present at one of our Meetings here — 
 such Speechifying ! But the Joke is, that the Re- 
 solutions of non-importation are supposed to be the 
 Resolutions of the Merchants who usually vend Dry 
 Goods, and are in Number not exceeding two hundred, 
 and at least five times that Number of different Persons 
 have appeared and given their Voices at their several 
 Meetings. Indeed their chief speakers at almost all 
 
ii8 Zbc jfrancis betters [177° 
 
 their Meetings are people who have no more Concern 
 in Dry Goods than I have with Astronomy. If these 
 things must be, the patriotic Public should indemnify 
 all the little Shopkeepers, many of whom live upon 
 the Profits of their petty returns from month to month. 
 But the spirit of Liberty breathes on every Act and 
 on every Occasion. Our Play-bills promise to exhibit 
 to us the Noble Struggles for liberty of those renowned 
 Romans, Brutus and Cassius, tho' poor Cassius was 
 so deficient in his Latin as to call Publius Puppy-lies, 
 throughout the whole Piece. A gallant Mechanic, 
 whose Shop was broken open lately, could not ad- 
 vertise a Reward for apprehending the Thief, without 
 pathetically lamenting how hard it was for a Man to 
 part with his Property without his Consent. If the 
 Delinquent should be caught, and prove an English- 
 man, he will be hanged without Benefit of Clergy. 
 
 " I long to make one of your Parties with Dick 
 Tilghman, Fitz, and so forth, but the Devil take 
 poHtics ! I'll never debate with either you or Dick. 
 You have both too much to say. I hold my tongue 
 here, and the people think me knowing — but Snug. 
 
 "A. M." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " ^oth June, 1770. 
 
 " The New York Merchants have now a Majority 
 for Importation after the 1st of December next. Some 
 amongst ours begin to waver. How fickle a Gale the 
 Public Voice is ! 
 
 " I believe I have never told you that we have 
 
177°] Ube jfrands Xettets 119 
 
 got Whitfield among us. He preaches like a Dragon, 
 curses and blesses us all in a Breath, and tells us 
 he hopes to die in the Pulpit. He abuses the Players, 
 who in turn advertised to perform ' the Minor.' The 
 Parsons petitioned the Governor against it, and the 
 Performance was dropt. Squintum took this as a 
 Compromise, and the next Sunday recommended a 
 Subscription for the Players. 
 
 " Yours, ever with the truest affection, 
 
 "A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 "Margate, 
 "Jufy 1st, 1770. 
 
 " My dear Mac, 
 
 " I arrived at this enchanting Place to pay 
 a visit to my Wife and daughter Bess, who have been 
 bathing in the Ocean about a fortnight. I assure you 
 this Town is wonderfully improved since we saw it 
 about five years ago : a fine Assembly room, a good 
 Tavern, a Coffee house, and a Billiard table, to say 
 nothing of the Church, which, I observe has been 
 repaired and beautified. Yet after all, I doubt 
 whether there be a more detestable Spot in any part 
 of the inhabitable Globe. I have got a letter from 
 our honest Cousin Turbutt, which it is absolutely im- 
 possible for me to answer by this packet, unless it 
 should happen to be detained a fortnight beyond its 
 usual Time. Pray tell him so, and that I am in- 
 expressibly obliged to him for the trouble he has 
 taken about the thousand Acres. As to his other 
 Project, it has not been in my power to consult any- 
 body yet, nor indeed, supposing it a thing advisable, 
 
120 XEbe ffranciB Xetters [177° 
 
 do I know how to set about it : he talks of a Tract 
 of Country, which upon the map appears equal to at 
 least a third of Ireland, and he supposes that I have 
 nothing to do but to ask and have. I wish that 
 either he or you had been more particular. One 
 thing I wish you to tell him directly — viz. that 
 instead of having a great deal of Interest, as he 
 seems to take for granted, I have really none at all. 
 However, the Land will not run away, and I must 
 have time to make proper Inquiries. By next packet, 
 I shall answer him fully. Between ourselves, is this 
 youth considered a visionary Projector in the country, 
 or have they any reasonable opinion of his Discretion ? 
 I should also be glad to know what benefit I am to 
 derive from my thousand Acres. You, I presume, 
 have not lived so long in the land market without 
 making yourself a Freeholder, and laying down some 
 plan for a future Estate. You give me a hint of 
 your returning this Summer, and I have kept it care- 
 fully to myself. How glad we shall be to see you 
 is more than I can conveniently put upon paper ; for 
 my time is short, and my paper almost out, and so, 
 my dearest friend, farewell ! We have a very agree- 
 able Hurricane here every night. 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Fort Pitt,' 
 " \\Jnlyy 1770. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " All this and much more have we seen 
 in a few days. We have conversed with Indian 
 ' Now the city of Pittsburg. 
 
177°] Zbc fvmcis Xetters 121 
 
 Chiefs ; and if our stomachs could have digested 
 Brickdust and Bears'-grease might have been not 
 unkindly received by their Squaws, by which names 
 the ladies of the Copper Race are distinguished. We 
 have seen them dancing, and we have seen them 
 drunk ; we have heard them talk and have heard 
 them sing ; and I believe I have already almost 
 enough of the Shawanee language to tell you in good 
 Indian the Names of all these different Ceremonies. 
 I have persuaded a Warrior whom we met on the 
 Allegany River to come down to the Fort, for me 
 to draw his Picture ; but an unlucky Accident which 
 has just happened — namely, a White Man's having 
 taken the liberty to shoot an Indian for offering certain 
 Familiarities to his Wife, and attempting to steal his 
 Horse — has put my Gentleman out of Humour, and 
 disappointed me of my Copy. He was to have put 
 on all his war Trinkets, and to have been new Painted 
 on the Occasion. These Indians are the greatest 
 Coxcombs upon Earth ! Their method of cutting and 
 pulling their Ears, and boring their Noses, is beyond 
 all conception ridiculous. I have seen a Woman with 
 not less than six dozen Brooches of silver upon a 
 Shift more dirty and ragged than was ever seen in 
 St. Giles's ; and a Warrior with his Ears slit into 
 Strips and Chitterlings, and twisted about with more 
 silver Clasps than a Dutch family Bible. 
 
 " You can have no idea of the delightful situation 
 of Fort Pitt. It is built upon a Point of land formed 
 by the confluence of the two rivers, Allegany and 
 Monongahelah, which immediately upon their Junction 
 have the name of the Ohio. The Indian language, 
 
122 Ube jfrancis Xetters [177° 
 
 which is the most figurative in the Universe, is remark- 
 ably characteristic in the titles of these two rivers. 
 They are their Allegro and their Penseroso. The 
 former clear and lively, flowing over a bright pebbled 
 Bed, and transparent as Cristal ; the Monongahelah 
 dull, dark, and heavy, moving in a sluggish and 
 almost imperceptible Course. The lofty Hills and 
 endless Woods with which they are bordered make 
 the whole scene delightfully romantic. I shall say 
 little of the Fort, because I don't understand military 
 Matters ; and besides that, I had little time for 
 Observation. I am told it will accommodate more 
 than a Regiment, but it has not at present fifty men 
 who do Duty. We have been most hospitably and 
 genteely entertained by an officer whom we knew 
 last winter in Philadelphia, and allowing for the 
 Politesse a la Militaire which obliges us to compound 
 for being un peu enivrd at least once a day, we pass 
 our time very agreeably. I am as well reconciled 
 to the four o'clock Drum as if I had lived all my 
 time in a Camp. But our week has just expired, and 
 we must return to our former Engagements, and cross 
 the Allegany Mountain once more. I tremble at the 
 Thought of rocks and precipices ; tho' these are gentle 
 Sufferings compared to Loghouses with earthen floors 
 and the intolerable Suffocation of Barksmoke, which we 
 are obliged to endure every Night, to avoid being flead 
 alive by Gnats and Fleas. In point of Provision, this 
 Road in summer beggars all description. For a hundred 
 Miles we are under the Necessity of carrying fodder for 
 our Horses ; and for our parts, I shall never while I live 
 lose the Idea of dried Venison and Whiskey Toddy. 
 
i77o] XLbc jfrancts Xctters 123 
 
 " I think we cannot be absent from Philadelphia 
 more than a month longer. One of my most pleasing 
 Prospects is that upon my Return I may hear of your 
 family so dear to me. Adieu, my dearest Philip. 
 " I am, most affectionately yours, 
 
 " A. Mackrabie." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 ,, ,, „ November ()th, 1770. 
 
 " My dearest Friend, 
 
 " I am favoured with yours of the 4th Sept. 
 by the pacquet — and have read to the Colonel that 
 part of it which relates to him. I may venture to 
 tell you that he was very anxious to hear from you, 
 and seemed to think your Silence unkind. But your 
 letters have composed him. He loves you and of 
 Consequence was jealous of the least Appearance 
 of Neglect. He has shewed me all the Draughts 
 and Papers relating to your Lands. I know nothing 
 of their Situation, but have not a Doubt of their 
 good quality. 
 
 " I have been introduced to our new Coz whom 
 before I only knew by sight ; now that I have 
 conversed with her I like her very well. She is a 
 sensible clever Girl. Tell Richard [Tilghman] I say 
 so and that I hope he will not treat his Aunt with 
 the less Respect for being only Eighteen years old. 
 
 " You will know before this Time of the resolve 
 of the Merchants here to import every Article 
 except Tea. . . . 
 
 " Adieu my brother, 
 
 "A. M." 
 
124 ^be jfrancis Xetters [177° 
 
 The new cousin mentioned in this letter was the 
 bride of Colonel Turbutt Francis. Richard Tilgh- 
 man, the son of Turbutt's sister, spent some years 
 in London studying law, and became much attached 
 to Philip Francis and his family. 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 "London, 
 ''Feb. i2th, 1771. 
 
 " Your Father's letter, which I sent by the 
 packet, will, I suppose, contain a true Account of 
 Family matters. We are well. Your Nephew is, with- 
 out flattery, a most extraordinary Child. His mind 
 and body seem to be everything we could wish. 
 
 " Tilghman^ dined with me yesterday, and swallowed 
 a moiety of two bottles of Claret. I shall not be easily 
 reconciled to his leaving old England. Tell his Father 
 and Mother very seriously that it would be a pity to 
 remove him so soon from his Studies — alias from 
 Covent Garden. . . . You cannot conceive how close 
 he applies. Your old friend Meyrick, I hear, has 
 espoused that young Lady ; and does business again. 
 The rest of your Acquaintance are pretty much in 
 statu quo. 
 
 " We lead a jolly kind of life. This night to a 
 concert — on Thursday to a ridotto — on Saturday the 
 opera — and on Tuesday following a grand private ball 
 at the London Tavern. We desire nothing but that 
 you were here to partake with us. Adieu ! 
 
 "P. Fr." 
 
 ^ R. Tilghman returned to America in the autumn of this year. 
 
i77i] XCbe jfrancts Xetters 125 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 May 1st, 1771. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I fear I load you with postage inland, much 
 more than my letters are worth ; but this is an 
 Expense you must submit to, as long as you express 
 Satisfaction in hearing from me. Long before this, 
 I hope, your grievances have left you — I mean Rheu- 
 matism and Fever. You Americans have a wonderful 
 turn to pains in the Bones. If you have not made 
 a thousand Compliments to Tubby Francis for me 
 upon his change of condition, you deserve to be 
 hanged. I have used that honest Fellow infamously ; 
 but really, between ourselves, I cannot prevail upon 
 myself to talk to a man who makes so light of getting 
 large Provinces into his Possession. For God's sake 
 take excellent care of my land ! If I do not mis- 
 understand you, you mean that it must take care of 
 itself, I will either pay the Money to your father or 
 otherwise, as you think proper. If War had gone 
 on, something might perhaps have offered for you. 
 But have courage, we shall not always be at the 
 foot of the Ladder. 
 
 " A great event has happened in the history of 
 the Mackrabies — I have taken a little neat Cottage at 
 Fulham for the summer. Your father's letter I dare 
 say will be full of it. We go on Saturday. I saw him 
 this morning amazingly well. Your Nephew is a most 
 glorious Animal, but not very like his Uncle. Adieu. 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
126 Ube jftancis Xetters [1771 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 "Sept. i^h, 1 77 1. 
 
 "If you could form such commercial Connections 
 in North America as would enable you to act upon 
 your own Account, I should think it not impracticable 
 to raise a sum of money for you on this side, to 
 begin upon. Your Father's letter, which goes here- 
 with, will naturally be filled with the departure of 
 of our good friend Tilghman. He breakfasted with 
 me for the last time, Wednesday the 28th of last 
 month, and was to get into his Postchaise at four 
 o'clock that afternoon. Our Parting was no other 
 than if we were to dine together the day following ; 
 yet I shall probably never see him again. I do not 
 think that as to the choice of Friends or Companions, 
 it is an easy matter either to please my Fancy or to 
 satisfy my Judgment. The villain succeeded in both 
 completely ; and now I ought to hate him heartily 
 for giving me such cause of regret as will last as 
 long as I live. He is to write to me constantly, 
 but at this Distance and with this Prospect, it will 
 be the dead letter, which he has been studying so 
 long. You are fortunate in waiting for his return 
 to America. We are all pretty quiet here, but it 
 seems to me rather an anxious pause or interval in 
 Contention, than the tranquil security of a wise and 
 firm Government. Tilghman is loaded with Politics 
 and can explain everything as well as I can. I 
 begin now to think that some discovery will be made 
 about Portsmouth fire. The Duke of Gloucester is 
 gone to Lisbon. 
 
I77I] XCbe jfrancls Xettets 127 
 
 " Tilghman will tell you wonders of my children, 
 particularly your Nephew. 
 
 " Adieu, adieu ! 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Philip Francis to Alexander Mackrabie. 
 
 " War Office, 
 " December \th, 1771. 
 
 " My dear Mac, 
 
 " Go directly to Tilghman, and ask him what 
 news. Do you and he ever meet privately, that is, 
 at a proper distance from Quakers, Indians, and 
 mad Americans ? If you do, drink my health very 
 cordially. You may let the Colonel — alias broken 
 Lieutenant — be of the Party, but none of the profane. 
 The Rogue loves Claret. Since Tilghman arrived 
 among you, I hope you found the Climate was im- 
 proved. We used to make it out very tolerably 
 together. Do tell me a little whether you are 
 determined to take root in America, or ever to be 
 transported Home again ? By the time you get 
 back you will have a fine Crop of nephews and 
 nieces. Little Philip is a Hero in every sense of the 
 word. For God's sake pardon my not writing any 
 more ! I am jaded to death. 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Richard Tilghman to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 "Nov. loth, 1771. 
 
 " Dear Francis, 
 
 " About a month ago I arrived at this place. 
 The Governor came Passenger in the Ship with Me, 
 
128 Zbc jfrancts Xetters [1771 
 
 and the good People here have been constantly 
 making Feasts for him and his Friends, among whom 
 I have the Honour to rank myself. You will suppose 
 I have been very happy. I expected to be so — but 
 in Truth, I have been disappointed. The Dissi- 
 pations of this Country do not agree with me. Eating 
 and Drinking you know I love ; and yet, believe Me, 
 I should be happier in fasting, than feasting. The 
 Pleasures of the Table are but of an inferior Kind. 
 I never valued them but as preparatory to greater 
 Joys ; — Joys which this Country does not afford. . . . 
 
 " I am yet intirely unsettled. In a Week or two 
 I shall go in search of some Spot to pitch my Tent 
 upon. When I have found a Place to my Mind, I 
 will set myself seriously down to Business. England 
 I certainly have taken my Leave of for many Years. 
 Indeed the Chances are against my ever seeing it 
 again. The Thought of endless Banishment makes 
 me miserable ; insomuch that, if I did not think it 
 would be a Sin to forget the Favours I have re- 
 ceived from you and Mrs. Francis, I should wish 
 more heartily for a Cup of good Lethe, than ever I 
 did for a Bottle of Burgundy. 
 
 " The first Man of my Acquaintance I met on 
 the Shore was our Friend Mackrabie. If one may 
 judge from his Looks, he is in perfect Health. I 
 would fain keep him here till the Spring, for his own 
 Sake as well as mine ; but he seems determined on 
 a Winter's Passage. I must not forget to thank you 
 for introducing me to Argenis. I am quite in love 
 with her ; and I think the Romance of which She 
 is the Heroine, by far the most chaste and elegant 
 
i77i] Zbt jfrancfs Xetters 129 
 
 I ever met with. It is in my Opinion, a very happy 
 Imitation of Petronius. 
 
 " You have so many Correspondents, that I cannot 
 press you upon the Subject of Writing. When you 
 do write, be not sparing of Politics. I beg to be 
 remembered by Mrs. Francis, and the good old Pair, 
 her Father and Mother. My best wishes attend the 
 Holdens and Cornthwaites. I could fill a Page with 
 compliments to Fitzpatrick, Godfrey &c., but I will 
 not trouble you. 
 
 " I am most sincerely yours, 
 
 " Richard Tilghman." 
 
 We have no letter from Francis to his brother-in- 
 law in America with a date later than that of the 
 last given, December 4th, 1771, in which he asks 
 whether or not A. Mackrabie intends to return to 
 England ; but in a letter to his wife dated December 
 24th, 1 771, he holds out the hope that she would 
 shortly see her brother again. 
 
 A few notes to Mrs. Francis from her husband, 
 written to her during his absences from home or her 
 own, may as well be given here. The three earliest 
 are of the year 1770. 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife, who was then staying 
 AT Margate. 
 
 "June liith, 1770. 
 
 " My dearest Betty, 
 
 " Not having any letter by the Post, I 
 flatter myself I shall receive one from you to-night 
 
 9 
 
I30 Zhc jfranciB ^Letters [177° 
 
 by William. I saw the children this morning (at 
 Fulham). Sally has had the toothache violently, but 
 by the help of a Poultice she slept well last night, 
 and is free from pain this day. Philip and the 
 other two are as fierce as Lions. Your mother was 
 in Bed. Patty has been bled ; her blood is so bad 
 that Price says she must be bled once a week for 
 two Years and some Months." 
 
 The Francis children frequently visited their 
 grandparents at Fulham. Philip Francis writes to 
 his wife : — 
 
 " Tuesday, loth July, 1770. 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " I am just returned from seeing the children 
 at Fulham. It is impossible for them to be better 
 or happier than they are. Sally has got rid of the 
 Toothach. Harriet is in Words of three Syllables — 
 Philip rules the Roast — and the size of Mary's face 
 will astonish you. She takes Notice of everything — 
 take care to let me know before you want Money, 
 and don't run too close. Adieu dearest. Love to 
 Betsy & Miss Holden." 
 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis. . 
 
 " Bath, 
 " 2yd Dec, lyyo. Sunday. 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " The Weather and Company I was in must 
 have assured you that I had a most agreeable Journey. 
 We arrived at Marlborough at seven and found our- 
 selves eating an incomparable Dinner in about a quarter 
 
177°] tEbe jfrancis ^Letters 131 
 
 of an hour. We got into Bath at one o'clock. My 
 Father I think is wonderfully mended in health and 
 spirits. We all lodge together in a very comfortable, 
 I might say an elegant house. Upon the whole it 
 promises to be a very agreeable Expedition. A 
 thousand kisses to my sweet chickeys, not forgetting 
 Philip. Compliments in abundance to your father, 
 
 Mother, and Patty. 
 
 " Yours yours yours 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis at Margate. 
 
 "June \()th, 1771. 
 
 " My dearest Honesty, 
 
 " I wish you joy of your snug little Dwelling. 
 William knows something of Houses, and says it was 
 entirely to his Satisfaction. I wrote to you yesterday, 
 consequently have not much to say at present. It 
 rained bitterly all last night and this morning — drop, 
 drop, drop into my room last night. I wakened with 
 the noise, and took it for Thunder. We are all at 
 sea. If it holds up, I shall ride to Fulham this 
 afternoon. I shall pay you a visit at Margate as soon 
 as Lord Barrington goes out of Town." 
 
 To Mrs. Francis from her Husband, when he was 
 ON A Tour in the Country. 
 
 " Manchester, 
 " Saturday Morning, August ^h, 1 77 1. 
 
 " This is just to inform you that we arrived here 
 yesterday about 4. After dinner with much Toil we 
 found out Mr. Clough's, where we all supped, and I 
 lay in the State Bed. By the same token I am now 
 
132 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1771 
 
 writing in his best Parlour. Oh ! I wrote to you from 
 Derby. We have been all through that County, and 
 have travelled over a thousand mountains, to say 
 nothing of caverns and precipices. But to say the 
 truth everything has contributed to make it a pleasant 
 Journey. These good folks received me as the Jews 
 intend to do the Messiah. To-morrow we set out on 
 our return. Old mother Clough is as blind as a Horse 
 in a Mill, and has a hand like a Curry-comb. . . . And 
 so deary, adieu ! Kiss the Children heartily, and 
 place it to account as per advice. 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Bath, 
 "■ December 2^ih, 1771. 
 
 "My dearest Betsy, 
 
 "It is not that I have anything to add to 
 my letter of Yesterday, but a letter is comfort to you, 
 and I am afraid you want it. My father was well 
 enough this morning to go abroad in a Chaise. But 
 he relapses frequently, and is truly in a deplorable 
 Condition. He is hardly sensible of my being here ; 
 and if I did not live cheap, and did not expect 
 Mr. Godfrey I would return many days sooner than I 
 intended. I have dined but once at a Tavern, and 
 have never supped out. I am very uneasy about the 
 dear Children, and much more so about you. It is 
 hard that you should have so unpleasant a Christmas ; 
 but have a good heart, and I'll take care you shall 
 have a merry New Year. I flatter myself your Brother 
 will be in London in a fortnight. I was invited to 
 
i77i] tCbe iFtancis Xetters 133 
 
 dine to-day with a riotous Party, but did not like it, so 
 dine at home alone ; and Mrs. Walsh has sent me a 
 ticket for a Concert : so I take my music and my 
 nourishment gratis. I am very impatient to hear 
 what Lord Barrington has determined about the War 
 Office. I neither expect nor desire any alteration in 
 my own Situation. Very likely Mr. Bradshaw may 
 succeed. I am afraid my poor friend Walsh is very un- 
 happy. She has represented their melancholy state to 
 me with Tears, and would gladly retire to any Farm 
 to avoid Bath. But this is impossible. I have just 
 swallowed an excellent Fowl and roast Chine, and now 
 drink your Health, and all that's dear to us at Fulham. 
 " And so. Honesty, adieu ! 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 In January, 1772, Mr. Francis writes to his cousin 
 Major Baggs ^ : — 
 
 " War Office. 
 
 "You will have heard that Mr. D'Oyly has 
 resigned his Employment. He did it while I was at 
 Bath. Immediately on my return my Lord Barrington 
 was so good as to make me the Offer with many 
 obliging and friendly Expressions. I had, however, 
 solid Reasons for declining the Ofier. . . . All this 
 I should be glad you should communicate to anybody 
 that is willing to hear it. ... I have Schemes floating in 
 my mind about a certain 6 months' voyage. Farewell. 
 
 " P. F," 
 
 ' Major Baggs was the son of Mary Francis, sister of Dr. Francis. 
 She had another son, Stephen, who became Vicar of Kilmacahee, 
 in Ireland. 
 
134 XTbe ffrancfs Xetters [1772 
 
 Mr. Francis sent in his own resignation shortly 
 after the retirement of his friend. From the War 
 Office he writes again to the Major on March 20th, 
 1772 :— 
 
 " Dear Phil, 
 
 " The formal letter you have just read is, 
 I hope, the last you will receive from me in that Stile.^ 
 At the end of this Quarter I leave the War Office. 
 It is my own Act. Be not alarmed for me. Every- 
 thing is secure and as it should be. I wait your 
 answers to my last letters, in order to settle that 
 Business. You may still direct to me under Lord 
 B.'s cover, but not any other letter but for me. 
 
 " Adieu. 
 
 "P. F. 
 " P.S. — I am hurried and agitated to death." 
 
 1 This was an official letter to the Major written from the War 
 Office. 
 
PERIOD II. 
 1772—1774- 
 
 This is att intermittent period in Franci^s life. A year after he 
 left the War Office, his appointment as Member of the Indian Council 
 was announced. The correspondence of the father and son ceases in 
 1773 with the death of the former. Francis travels abroad, and we 
 have letters which he wrote to friends from Italy. His acquaintance 
 with the Clive family begins at this date. Alexander Mackrabie 
 accompanied Francis to India as his Private Secretary, and we have 
 the Diary which he kept on his voyage out, and at the same time the 
 earlier pages of the fournal which Mrs. Francis kept during her 
 husband's absence from England. Francis and Mackrabie arrived at 
 Calcutta, October ii^th, 1774. 
 
PERIOD II. 
 
 1772—1774. 
 
 After leaving the War Office in the spring of 1772, 
 Francis made a long tour in Europe in the company 
 of one of his friends, Mr. David Godfrey. The 
 travellers visited several towns on the Continent, and 
 spent a long time in Italy, but no letters to family or 
 friends have been kept, either written or received by 
 Francis during this time, excepting the following letter 
 to Dr. Campbell written from Rome. Dr. Campbell 
 was a literary man and a friend. 
 
 From Philip Francis to Dr. Campbell.^ 
 
 " Rome, 
 "October lyth, 1772. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " At last I have an Opportunity of keeping 
 the Promise you were so kind as to exact from me, 
 when I left England. I have not been unmindful of 
 my Engagement, but I wished to perform it a little 
 more to your Satisfaction, than by a detail of the 
 ordinary occurrences of a Journey, or the common 
 observations of Travellers. You are not to be enter- 
 tained with the rattling of French roads, the Famine of 
 
 1 Author of " Political Survey of Great Britain " (1774). 
 137 
 
138 tCbe jfrancis Xettecs [1772 
 
 an Italian inn, or the Velocity of Postilions within a 
 given time. As for pictures and statues, I have really 
 seen so many that I remember nothing. In a very 
 large mixed Company, one seldom contracts a lasting 
 Acquaintance. Neither would my advice be of much 
 use to you, for I fancy at present you have no thoughts 
 of travelling. But, my good and worthy Friend, I have 
 the pleasure of thinking that I can meet you upon 
 your own ground, upon your favourite Topic, a great 
 and good Prince who does honour to a Throne. I 
 know to whom this glorious character most eminently 
 belongs. Yet, trust me, there are princely virtues on 
 both sides the Alps. The present Roman Pontiff 
 [Clement XIV.] is worthy of his Station. He had 
 no family Connexions, he had no private Interest 
 nor foreign Protection, and circumstanced as the 
 affairs of the Holy See then were, it was impossible 
 for him to have been Pope if he had not deserved 
 it. Yet it is not his personal Merit I admire so 
 much as the ready concurrence of so many Rivals 
 to acknowledge and reward it. The success of his 
 administration he piously attributes to the goodness 
 of Providence. His modesty will not suffer him 
 to insist upon the influence of second Causes. As 
 to matters of Religion, I would not debate the point 
 with him. In worldly Affairs, I believe we may 
 affirm that common men are not usually the instru- 
 ments of wise Councils or of important Events. At 
 his Accession to the Pontificate, he found the affairs 
 of the Church in the utmost disorder. Portugal totally 
 alienated ; France dissatisfied : Spain little less than 
 hostile; and Naples actually in arms upon the Frontier. 
 
ELIZABETH MACKRABIE, 
 
 FIRST WIFE OF SIR PHILIP FRANCIS. 
 
 Page 137.] 
 
1772] Ube jfrancfs Xetters 
 
 139 
 
 Scarcely had he reigned a twelvemonth, when every- 
 one of these untoward circumstances was reversed. I 
 ask no other proof of the wisdom of his Councils. As 
 for his personal Deportment, I can affirm from ex- 
 perience that it corresponds with his public Character, 
 and contributes to adorn it. A great man preserves 
 his Dignity, even when he wishes to lay it aside, and 
 discovers the force of his Abilities while he seems to 
 make no use of them. The Bow is unbent, but we 
 may judge how far it carries. 
 
 " After seeing the Laocoon, Meleager, and Apollo, 
 the next thing to be seen was the Pope. We had 
 heard that Englishmen were well received by him. 
 His Holiness takes every Opportunity of honouring 
 them with the most distinguished marks of his 
 Regard. This condescension of course encourages 
 them to wait upon him ; and even without it, I think 
 it would be absurd to see Rome and not to visit the 
 head of the Roman Catholic Church. His Holiness 
 being in the Country it was necessary to send before- 
 hand, to know at what time we might be admitted 
 to his Presence. This part of the Business was 
 arranged for us by Abbd Grant, to whose Friendship 
 and Politeness we are much indebted. An answer 
 was quickly returned, that the Pope would be happy 
 to receive us whenever we should do him that honour, 
 for so he was pleased to express himself The day 
 before yesterday we accordingly set out for Castello 
 Gandolfo, under the Auspices of our friend the Abbd. 
 The Master of the Ceremonies happening to be out 
 of the way, we were obliged to wait about twenty 
 minutes in an antechamber, for which his Holiness 
 
14° Ube dftancis Xcttets [1772 
 
 condescended to make us a multitude of Excuses. The 
 moment he knew we were arrived, he ordered us to 
 be admitted, and received us at the Door of his Chamber 
 with an exclamation expressive both of satisfaction 
 and goodwill. I never saw a more venerable nor a 
 more benevolent Countenance, yet not unmixed with 
 keenness and sagacity. Instead of permitting us to 
 observe the usual Ceremony of kissing his Slipper, 
 he insisted upon our sitting down by him upon a 
 little Sopha, a distinction of which we are assured 
 there never was an instance before. Our introducer, 
 who has been accustomed to see English Gentlemen 
 well received, was at least as much astonished as 
 we were at finding himself seated in the Pope's 
 presence. In a moment his Holiness began the 
 Conversation, with the utmost Familiarity and good 
 humour ; and as it was my chance to sit very close 
 to him, he frequently laid his arm upon my shoulder, 
 and always called me euro mio figlio. This, and cari 
 miei signori, was his constant Address to us both. 
 But whatever he said or did was accompanied with 
 an ease and cheerfulness, that, without lessening the 
 reverence due to so great a Person, banished all 
 restraint. His discourse was rapid, and included a 
 variety of Topics ; yet there was none upon which 
 he seemed to dwell with greater pleasure than upon 
 his esteem and affection for the British nation. I 
 acknowledged how much we are obliged to him for 
 this favourable Opinion, but he insisted vehemently 
 that we were only obliged to ourselves ; that his 
 regard for us was well known, and that he was 
 pleased the World should take notice of it. He 
 
1772] ^be dfrancis ^Letters 141 
 
 informed us that the Venetians, having lately 
 doubled the Duty upon English salt-fish imported 
 into Venice at second hand fi-om Civita Vecchia and 
 Ancona, and having found themselves disappointed 
 in the produce of that Duty, had accused him of 
 having formed a commercial treaty with Great Britain ; 
 and that his Nuncio at Cologne, having asked leave 
 to visit England last summer, incognito, it had been 
 industriously reported that his Holiness had sent him 
 thither upon some special Commission. He laughed 
 heartily at these reports, and wished they had been 
 better founded. He assured us that if he had been 
 Pope in the time of Harry the Eighth, he would 
 have prevented that unfortunate Separation of England ; 
 that Clement the Seventh was a weak man, and duped 
 by Charles the Fifth ; and Wolsey a man of abilities, 
 but blinded by his Ambition ; that the same temper 
 and moderation on the part of the Holy See, which 
 had lately recovered Portugal, would- probably have 
 preserved England. On his mentioning Portugal, I 
 took the liberty of telling his Holiness, that I was 
 at Lisbon when Cardinal Aiaccioli was so disgrace- 
 fully dismissed, and that I had the honour of being 
 known to the Marquis of Pombal. This Circumstance 
 seemed to lead his Holiness to enter largely upon the 
 late Reconciliation with that court. His management 
 of it undoubtedly does him Honour. It was the first 
 measure of his Government, and the success of it 
 has fully answered the rectitude and piety of his 
 Intentions. He said that the instructions given to 
 Cardinal Aiaccioli were certainly injudicious, and that 
 the Cardinal's zeal in carrying them into Execution 
 
142 Uhc jfrancfs Xettets [1772 
 
 was, in his opinion, rather more to be commended 
 than his Discretion. That, upon his accession to the 
 Pontificate, the first object he aimed at was to 
 reconcile Portugal to the Holy See. That he im- 
 mediately appointed Monsignor Conti (a name highly 
 gratefijl to that nation) to be his Nuncio to the court of 
 Lisbon, and had given him no other instructions what- 
 soever, but to carry with him ' Galateo ' and the Deca- 
 logue. (You may not know perhaps that ' Galateo ' 
 is a book much esteemed here for the rules it contains 
 of civility and politeness.) That his letter to the 
 Marquis of Pombal was cordial and unaffected ; re- 
 minding him of his former Attachment to the interests 
 of the Church, when he was Minister at Vienna, and 
 expressing a Confidence in his piety, and in his well- 
 known zeal for the support of the Catholic Religion ; 
 that if the King of Portugal wished for the nomination 
 of a Cardinal, he was ready to grant it ; and that, 
 in short, he desired a reconciliation with the court 
 of Lisbon, upon no other Conditions, but such as 
 might best express his paternal tenderness and 
 affection for his most faithful Majesty. This language, 
 said his Holiness, came directly from my Heart, and it 
 pleased God to give it success. 
 
 " If I were to repeat to you the many just Observa- 
 tions he made upon this Event, as well as upon the 
 means he constantly employed to maintain a good 
 understanding and correspondence with the Princes 
 of the House of Bourbon, I should write you a 
 letter too long for an Ambassador. As there was 
 no Formality, so there was no exact order in his Dis- 
 course. The most serious parts of his conversation 
 
1772] Ubc jf rands betters 143 
 
 were mixed with expressions of personal Kindness 
 and attention to us his humble Audience. He spoke 
 of the Duke of Gloucester with tenderness and regard, 
 and seems sensibly touched with the acknowledgments 
 his Royal Highness had made him of the civilities 
 he had received at Rome. He also mentioned a late 
 Declaration, but in the most moderate and guarded 
 terms. From these subjects he descended to enquire 
 how we had passed our time at Naples and Rome, 
 where we dined, and what was our plan of Amusement 
 for the day. We told him we had provided a dinner, 
 and meant to eat it at a Franciscan convent in the 
 Neighbourhood. He then was pleased to conduct 
 us through the apartments of the Castle, opened all 
 the casements himself, and pointed out to us the 
 most striking parts of the Prospect. At parting he 
 attended us to the outer door of his apartments, gave 
 us his Benediction, and said that, being in the country, 
 he was sorry he had nothing to offer us by way of 
 ricordo or token of Remembrance. After a short walk 
 we returned to the Convent, and found that he had 
 sent us six bottles of Burgundy, and a large pasticcio 
 from his own Table. The good Franciscans omitted 
 nothing in their power to show their Hospitality, nor 
 were they unwilling to drink long life to their holy 
 Father in his own wine ; but this with Moderation. 
 " Our obligations to his Holiness were not to end 
 here. In going to Castello our axletree unfortunately 
 broke. We had it patched up, but it broke down 
 again within a hundred yards of the Castle. There 
 was no remedy but to apply to the Pope's Master 
 of the Horse for a carriage to convey us to Rome. 
 
144 'C:m jfrancis Xetters [1772 
 
 He asked his Holiness's permission, and it was granted 
 immediately with a readiness to which I should be 
 far from doing Justice if I called it only polite. 
 
 " This letter you may consider as an involuntary 
 Effusion of gratitude for Favours great and unmerited. 
 I expect that you will share with me in the pleasure 
 of this day. It was a pleasure not only high in degree, 
 but of the purest sort, for it was unattended with 
 regret. Though not a convert to the doctrines of 
 this Church, I am a Proselyte to the Pope. Whoever 
 has the honour of conversing with him will see that 
 it is possible to be a Papist without being a Roman 
 Catholic. 
 
 " I will not conclude without a formal Protest 
 against your taking the trouble of answering this letter. 
 I know your punctuality in these matters ; but I also 
 know how much better and more usefully you are 
 employed. Xn publica commoda peccem. A line from 
 my old Friend and fellow-labourer, to acknowledge 
 the receipt, will be quite sufficient. He will be so 
 good as to direct it to the care of Messieurs le 
 Coulteux, at Paris. In a few weeks I promise myself 
 the pleasure of seeing you. My friend James, by 
 whom I wish to be kindly remembered, is a ready 
 Penman, and will give me the news of the day. I 
 have not been long enough out of England to be 
 indifferent about Politics. I beg of you to present 
 my best compliments and sincerest good wishes to 
 Mrs. Campbell, and that you will believe me, with 
 truth and affection, 
 
 " Yours, 
 
 "P. Francis." 
 
1772] Ube jfrancis Xettecs 145 
 
 Francis seems to have written in a similar strain as 
 regards his visit to the Pope in a letter to his cousin 
 Richard Tilghman. The reply of the latter is 
 interesting in one particular — namely, by the intro- 
 duction of a name now notorious : — 
 
 " I lament exceedingly his Holiness did not give 
 you by way of ricordo, the Decalogue and that fine 
 book ' Galateo ' the one would have taught you charity 
 and the other politeness. I think I never received a 
 letter so strange, & so full of impudence and abuse 
 as your last. You never knew but one man who was 
 hanged, & he was a lawyer ! The inuendo is so 
 plain that I can't help understanding you. We are 
 novi homines are we ? It is but fair to take you 
 down a little for your ignorance in history. This day 
 [May I St] is the birthday of an American ancestor 
 of mine, of the name of Tammany, who, as you ought 
 to have known, was canonised about eleven hundred 
 years ago." 
 
 In his Autobiography we find Philip Francis writing 
 about his circumstances at this period : — 
 
 " After an absence of five months I returned to 
 England. Constant anxiety made me restless and 
 impatient. The place I was not in seemed always 
 preferable to my actual situation. I felt that I was 
 a burden to myself as well as to my friends. But 
 the generous heart of D'Oyly never failed me. He 
 had hardly a thought, a word, or action that was 
 not directed to do me service." 
 
 During his tour Philip had heard of the death of an 
 
 10 
 
146 Zbc jprancis Xcttets [177* 
 
 old and much valued friend, Mr. Calcraft, who had also 
 been a friend of Dr. Francis. Philip writes of him : — 
 
 " Calcraft had agreed to meet me at Naples in 
 the Autumn. We parted with every possible mark 
 of Affection — never to meet again." 
 
 Not long after Francis's return to England, Dr. 
 Francis died at Bath on March 5th, 1773. In one 
 of his later letters to his son Dr. Francis had 
 written : — 
 
 " Farewell my dearly beloved and esteemed. May 
 your Boy make you as happy a Father as I am ! " 
 
 The physical condition of the father had been 
 sinking lower and lower. His son writes about his 
 state : — 
 
 " I went to Bath to see and take a final leave 
 of my good Father. ... I found him reduced to a 
 state lower than Infancy and insensible even to the 
 pleasure of seeing a Son he adored. May I never 
 exhibit so melancholy a sight ; or may they who 
 behold me, look forward, as I do, with tenderness 
 and sympathy to their own Decline and to the possi- 
 bility of a similar misfortune ! My Father died on 
 the 5th March 1773. I have kept all his Letters 
 with several of my own, and earnestly desire that 
 they may be preserved for ever in my Family." 
 
 Dr. Francis left the following undated memorandum 
 for his son : — 
 
 " I have desired my ever faithful Sally not to 
 send you this paper until the wretched Writer 
 
1773] Ubc jfrancis Xetters h? 
 
 shall be no more. Take then my dearest Phil my 
 last farewell — Take all my thanks for your Kindness 
 and Tenderness, your Care and Punctuality in my 
 affairs. With regard to this world, I have only to 
 hope that the money arising from Mr. Jenning's 
 Bond may be remitted to Sally, to pay the Expenses 
 of burying me, with my servants' wages and the 
 present quarter's rent of my house. I have no other 
 debts — I am no longer able to hold my pen and I 
 end with my best assurances of my Affection and 
 Esteem for you and all your Family. 
 " Farewell for ever ! " 
 
 Thus ends the correspondence between the father 
 and son which had begun some twenty years 
 before, on the father's side, with the words : " From 
 this moment I offer you my whole heart, even all 
 its weaknesses and frailties — without disguise, without 
 reserve." 
 
 In his Autobiography Philip wrote, after the de- 
 scription of his last visit to his father : — 
 
 " My hopes of employment were distant and un- 
 certain. The interval had to be amused and if 
 possible with credit." 
 
 Accordingly he began to make a translation of M. 
 de Pinto's Essay on Circulation, and went to The 
 Hague to consult the author about it. He writes : — 
 
 " But neither this nor any other Occupation was 
 sufficient to defend me from fits of Despondence. 
 It was in vain to shut my eyes to my Situation. 
 
148 Ube jftancis Xetters [1773 
 
 Wherever I went, or whatever I did, the Spectre 
 haunted and pursued me. 
 
 " Alexander Mackrabie had lately returned from 
 America. He had purchased a thousand acres for 
 me in Pennsylvania where I meant to secure a retreat 
 for myself or my Family if ever England should cease 
 to be the seat of Freedom. The question now 
 seriously agitated in my mind was whether I ought 
 not to transplant myself at once, and take possession 
 of this establishment before my little capital was ex- 
 hausted. This was actually the subject of a dismal 
 conversation between Mackrabie and me on the 4th 
 of June, when we accidentally met a Gentleman in 
 the Park, who informed me that John Cholwell, one 
 of the intended Commissioners for India had declined 
 the nomination. I immediately went to D'Oyly, who 
 wrote to Grey Cooper. It was the King's birthday 
 and Barrington was gone to Court. I saw him the 
 next morning ; as soon as I had explained my views 
 to him, he wrote the handsomest and strongest 
 letter imaginable in my favour to Lord North ; 
 other interests contributed but I owe my success to 
 Barrington." ^ 
 
 June 4th, 1773, ■was therefore a marked day in 
 Francis's life. Spectre-haunted, like all his days of this 
 period, at its beginning, it was brightened by a sudden 
 hope at its close. Mr. Francis was, in fact, appointed 
 to be a member of the New Council of India, created 
 by Act of Parliament in June, 1773, " for establishing 
 
 ' Lord Barrington, Secretary at War, under whom both D'Oyly 
 and Francis had served. 
 
1773] TLhc jfrancis Xetters 149 
 
 certain regulations for the better management of the 
 affairs of the East India Company as well in India 
 as in England." There were to be four members 
 in the Council, and Mr. Hastings, the Governor- 
 General, was to be the President. Mr. Francis 
 was to receive a salary of ^10,000 a year. The 
 colleagues of Francis in this Council were General 
 Clavering and Colonel Monson ; Mr. Harwell, 
 already in India, a servant of the Company, made 
 the fourth. 
 
 Though Francis received the appointment in June, 
 1773, he did not leave England for India until the 
 end of March 1774. During this interval he visited 
 Lord Clive at Walcot, and became very intimate with 
 him and his family. 
 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Walcot, 
 "Saturday, 2i,thjuly, 1773. 
 
 " My dearest Betsy, 
 
 " I suppose you may like to hear from me 
 again, though I wrote on Thursday. My Time is so 
 much taken up with the pleasures of life that I have 
 very little Opportunity to attend to Business. These 
 are the best-humoured People in the World, and let 
 me do exactly what I please : but what they do 
 themselves, is so very near what I like to do, that 
 we are generally of a Party. I ought to give you 
 an account of our Way of Life, but I have no Leisure 
 for Description. Among other enjoyments they ruin 
 me at Quadrille. We have not hands enough for 
 Whist. When we arrived at Ludlow, we found that 
 Lord Clive was within two miles of us at Oakley 
 
150 trbe jfrancis ^Letters [1773 
 
 Park, where we lay that night ; a charming place, 
 but not equal to this ; — the next day we galloped 
 here, about 13 Miles, and tomorrow I hear we are 
 to visit Oakley Park again. Incomparable Beds in 
 both quarters. Lady Clive is very civil about you 
 and the Children ; indeed she is better than civil : — 
 it is true good Nature. I propose to leave this on 
 Sunday night. — I propose, but am not certain. — I am 
 pretty sure we shall not sail before the middle of 
 December, so that there will be time enough for 
 Margate. 
 
 " I have had strange thoughts lately about Allen 
 and my Son. — If I could make it worth his while to 
 undertake the Tuition. — We'll think on't. My love 
 to the Sweet fellow and his dear Sisters. Compli- 
 ments to all the good Family at Fulham. 
 
 " Yours, dearest yours, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 The Same to the Same. 
 
 " Walcot, 
 "■iistjufy, 1773. 
 
 " My dearest Wife, 
 
 " As I propose being in Town on Tuesday 
 night it will not be necessary to say much at present. 
 I have received yours of the 27th, and observe, this 
 is my third. — I rejoice at Sally's success. Many 
 thanks to your Brother for his Letter. I fancy he 
 will hardly see France, till he returns from Bengal.* 
 We continue here in the same good humour and good 
 living. I never saw so much of either in one house. 
 Yesterday came two Druids from Plynlymmon, with 
 
 1 Mackrabie accompanied Francis to India as his Private Secretary. 
 
1773] "Cbe jfrancis Xetters 151 
 
 Harp and Fiddle. We had Plenty of Company and 
 danced all the Evening like Dragons. Miss Ducarel 
 says that knowing such a sweet Creature as me makes 
 her wish to know such a sweet Creature as you. 
 
 " Phil. Baggs will be in England in September. 
 You may read his Letter. You did very well to 
 leave Fulham. 
 
 " Compts to your Mother and Love to the chickens, 
 
 " Yours ; Yours P. F. 
 
 " This good Lord & Lady drink to you and my 
 progeny every day." 
 
 " Friday, Attgnsi 2jtk, 1773. 
 
 " Dear Wife, 
 
 "I sat an hour with Lord N. this morning, 
 and had a great deal of very satisfactory Conversation. 
 It looks very probable that we shall depart about the 
 end of October. He agrees that I shall return to 
 Margate and stay as long as I proposed. I am to 
 see him again to-morrow in Downing Street, and 
 intend lying at Ingress, so I shall be with you on 
 Sunday to dinner. 
 
 " Lord N. asked me to dinner, but it was incon- 
 venient, so I dined at Twickenham. . . . 
 
 " Just returned from Fulham. Found the old Folks 
 all well, and in the fact of playing at quadrille. 
 Called at the school, and took the three Girls into 
 the carriage, healthy and handsome, though in their 
 Bedgowns. I have hardly time to seal this, so 
 farewell. 
 
 " To Mrs. Francis, at Mrs. Granger's, 
 " Bowling Green, Margate." 
 
152 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [1773 
 
 Lady Clive to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Walcot, Nr. Ludlow, 
 " August 2,1st, 1773. 
 
 " In English, being too weak in Italian, I will in 
 a few words take upon me to answer Mr. Francis's 
 letter to Mr. Strachey [Secretary to Lord Clive], 
 and I am to begin by returning him thanks for the 
 kind remembrance in which he holds me and my 
 family. Lord Clive, the Stracheys, and Miss Ducarel, 
 and my three daughters, desire to offer to Mr. Francis 
 every good wish, and to inform him the time he 
 passed in our house passed too quickly away ; moreover 
 that as he does not go till next month for India, 
 they think he might bestow one more look upon us 
 in this country. It is wonderful that without Mr. 
 Francis Ludlow races should have proved so delightful, 
 and yet they have dismissed our large party in better 
 health, and in better spirits than when they first 
 commanded our unwilling attendance. Those of 
 Shrewsbury are to begin on September 14th. How 
 charming it would be if Mr. Francis would accompany 
 Colonel Tonyn to that place of gaiety and pleasure ! 
 Colonel Tonyn, if still in the land of the living, would 
 probably prove a more lively companion than poor 
 dear Mr. Ashby, who, amidst all his sorrows, never- 
 theless won Mr. Francis's affection and liking ; but 
 if Mrs. Francis will come I shall be most glad. 
 
 " You need not be apprehensive, dear Sir, of exciting 
 in my mind groundless fears of future events, since 
 the past has so exactly corresponded with those you 
 fear may happen, that I am always prepared for such 
 disasters, and give away my pets as fast as they are 
 
1773] Ube iFtancis Xetters 153 
 
 brought into life, in order to make others share in 
 the grief of losing them, and that the whole burthen 
 may not rest on me. Domenico Balestrieri ^ lamented 
 one cat, fallen from the top of a house and crushed 
 to death ; I not only one so lost, but two besides, the 
 fathers of families, basely assassinated and put to death 
 by wretched boors, that pretended to believe the 
 lovely creatures were wild and mischievous animals ; 
 one fair snowy female hurried out of life by an odious 
 rat at two months old, another over-crammed at 
 Walcot, another still-born at Claremont, some of both 
 sexes crushed by doors, others lost by bad nursing, 
 and some hundreds now begging their bread. 
 
 " Let me tell you, Sir, I think you have, with the 
 utmost modesty, chosen for yourself a very proper 
 situation between the two extremes of high exaltation 
 and the lowest degree of favour, but will you be 
 content to remain there, and not seek to supplant 
 Tufty as well as Beaumy ? According as ye all 
 behave so will I be unto ye, and no other promise will 
 I make. 
 
 " I am now to thank you for a very signal favour. 
 The present you have made me is very acceptable, 
 and has afforded me great pleasure and satisfaction. 
 The sonnet upon mewing is happily expressed by 
 gnao, gnao ; and many others of them in wit and 
 pleasantry exceed everything I ever met with. The 
 lamentations are very affecting, and fitted to the 
 subject. I should have written to you in Italian, but 
 that I found, upon making an essay, I was too much 
 out of practice, and that the post would not wait. 
 
 ^ A Milanese poet of the eighteenth century. 
 
154 XEbe jfrancis ^Letters [1773 
 
 I should think the book complete, were there to 
 every sonnet a picture of the dear Micio or cat 
 prefixed. I may say with equal truth of each of my 
 murdered cats, as does Domenico Balestrieri of his : 
 
 la stampa 
 Natura fece, e poi ruppe il modello. 
 
 " I hope this will find you, Mrs. Francis and the 
 little ones well, and that every happiness may attend 
 you and them is the wish of, dear Sir, 
 
 " Your most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 " M. Clive. 
 
 "In return for your present I am willing to bestow 
 on you a loan. There is in my drawer of papers a 
 well-told and true description of the earthquake at 
 Lisbon in the year 1755.' Upon hearing me mention 
 it, you once expressed an inclination to read it, and I 
 was desirous you should. Now, if you care about 
 it, and will take the trouble of asking Mr. Crisp for 
 it, I shall be pleased with you. I should not be 
 sorry to have one copy taken of it. So you may 
 order that too." 
 
 Philip Francis to the Hon. Mrs. Hay ^ at 
 Barbadoes. 
 
 " London, 
 " November i^h, 1773. 
 
 " Dear Madam, 
 
 " I have rather more reason than yourself, 
 because I am going to a greater distance than 
 
 ^ This letter is printed almost in extenso in J. A. Smith's [Conde 
 da Carnota's] " Life of Pombal," p. 51, sqq. (ed. 187 1). 
 
 2 Wife of the Governor of Barbadoes. Mr. Hay had been English 
 Minister in Portugal at the time of Lord Kinnoul's special mission. 
 
1773] Zbc jFrancfs Xetters 15s 
 
 Barbadoes, to wish that people in England were a 
 little more attentive than they usually are to their 
 friends in Banishment. But it is in vain for us to be 
 angry. They have the rod of Silence in their hands, 
 and may plague us to death without any trouble to 
 themselves. I hope, however, that our letters from 
 Margate have recovered Mrs. Francis and me, in 
 some degree, in your opinion. I really have all the 
 dispositions in the world to be a good Correspondent, 
 if time and place would co-operate. I am also very 
 well disposed to live long and see good days. Your 
 kind advice about my Health shall not be neglected. 
 You already know that Mrs. Francis is not to 
 accompany me to India ; it is her own choice and 
 resolution, and severely felt by us both. She dreads 
 the effect of the Climate upon her nerves ; and even if 
 there were no apprehension on the article of Health, 
 what are five little girls and a boy to do, deprived 
 both of Mother and Father ? Your own feelings and 
 judgment suggested to you what her Determination 
 would be. But all this will come right again. If I 
 survive the trial, it will have made me an independent 
 man. You know my way of thinking, and that to a 
 temper like mine Independence is the first ingredient 
 of Happiness. Difficulties about the mode of con- 
 veyance have retarded our departure. Everything is 
 now settled to our entire Satisfaction, and I think it 
 looks probable, that we shall not spend next new 
 year's day in England. I will not promise much for 
 myself about Correspondence from Bengal,* but you 
 will hear regularly from Mrs. Francis, who will think 
 herself happily employed in giving you advice of my 
 
IS6 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1773 
 
 Proceedings. This, however, will not be the last 
 letter you will receive from me before I go. In your 
 next I hope to receive the confirmation of a Report 
 current among the West Indians here, that the two 
 Miss Hays have quitted that Title. Our best wishes 
 wait upon them in every state. Shall we all meet 
 again, and compare notes about the atmosphere ? 
 When you are languishing at Barbadoes, think what 
 it is to be dissolved at Calcutta, and comfort yourself 
 with the idea that some of your friends are hotter than 
 yourself This is one of the principal consolations to 
 be derived from Friendship. Allen is well, though 
 not much the better for my leaving him in Portugal. 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to Miss Holden 
 at fulham. 
 
 " Duke Street, 
 "November I'^ih, 1773. 
 
 " My DEAR Miss Holden, 
 
 " It was bad Policy in you to suffer me to 
 run so deeply into your Debt. I should not have 
 been afraid to acknowledge a moderate Obligation, 
 because I should have lived in hopes of being able 
 to return it some time or other. But when I consider 
 the Favour you have done me, the pains you have 
 taken, and the wonderful elegance of the Performance, 
 I own I am tempted to be ungrateful. I can hardly 
 persuade myself to thank you at all, since I never 
 can thank you enough. But if I say little upon the 
 subject, be assured I pay you off in thinking. I 
 shall for ever esteem this Waistcoat as the dearest 
 and most ornamental part of my Dress. It shall only 
 
1773] Ube ifcancfs Xettccs 157 
 
 be worn upon Festivals, that I may bring it back as 
 bright if possible, as when I received it, and shine 
 as long as I can in the Lustre which you have lent 
 me. From waistcoats there is a natural transition 
 to potted Snipes. Instead of trusting hereafter to 
 Providence for food and raiment, I propose to trust 
 entirely to you and your Mother : you shall both be 
 better treated in return than Providence usually is 
 upon these occasions." 
 
 Richard Tilghman wrote from Philadelphia on hear- 
 ing of his cousin's good fortune : — 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 " Aug. yalh, 1773. 
 
 " Dear Francis, 
 
 " You have not a Friend in the world that 
 rejoices at your good fortune more than I do. What 
 a glorious Appointment ! ... It makes me not a little 
 proud that in the day of your Elevation you have not 
 forgotten your old Friend. Do, Mr. Councillor, as 
 soon as you get to Bengal, establish some office with 
 a handsome Salary and send for me to fill it. I am 
 tired of my country and my Profession. There is 
 neither honour nor profit to be got by practising the 
 law among these Quakers. 
 
 " Our new Governor and his Lady with several 
 fine Horses, arrived here a day or two ago from 
 England. But what care you ? I might as well read 
 you a page of the history of Lilliput. I suppose all 
 North America and all its concerns appear as trifling 
 
is8 Ube jfrancis Xctters [1773 
 
 to you as the disturbances and wars in Greece did 
 to Alexander in India. . . . 
 
 " As to England when you are gone I shall hardly 
 wish to return to it. My old Friends you say are 
 all dispersed. What then should I do there ? I 
 should be miserable to find myself at a loss for 
 companions in a place where I was once so happily 
 connected. I would write to Mr. Secretary Mackrabie, 
 but really have not time. I charge you take care of 
 y"^ health. 
 
 " Believe me to be with the, greatest Affection, 
 yours, 
 
 " Richard Tilghman. 
 
 " Do not neglect to give my love to Mrs. Francis." 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 " Thursday, 
 
 " Heaven knows what day of the months 
 
 " in the year 177^. 
 
 " My dearest Betty, 
 
 " I snatch one moment, being all that I can 
 spare from feasting, singing, gaming, riding, and 
 sleeping in a Bed as wide as our best Parlour, to 
 tell you that I perform all the offices of life above- 
 mentioned to admiration. I had the pleasure of 
 travelling two days in company with a very good 
 natured man, who never once opened his lips but 
 to complain of his misfortunes. N.B. He is 
 melancholy mad, having lost a Trunk at his outset 
 from London, from behind his chaise, containing the 
 title deeds of all the Estates in Shropshire — Lord 
 Clive's among the rest. I have got into a set of 
 
1773] Ubc jfrancts Xettecs 159 
 
 the most good humoured people upon earth, a charm- 
 ing House and fine Park, seven dogs and two dozen 
 of cats. Lady Clive has it much at heart that her 
 guests should sleep well, and the Beds are Incom- 
 parable. This, you know, is a capital circumstance. 
 I am just risen from a monstrous dinner with twenty- 
 three of Lord Clive's free-voters at Bishop's Castle. 
 Lady Clive drinks your health every day, not for- 
 getting the Bairns. Mem. Kiss them in my name 
 repeatedly. Bid your brother write to me copiously. 
 I have just one quarter of an hour in the day 
 which I can dedicate to the reading of letters. 
 Farewell, dearest ! Compliments to your aged Father 
 and Mother and Patty. 
 
 " Yours, yours, 
 
 "Ph. 
 
 " Direct under cover to Lord Clive, at Walcot, 
 near Bishop's Castle, Salop." 
 
 The following is from his former chief. Lord 
 Barrington : — 
 
 " Cavendish Square, 
 " September i,th, 1773, 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Many persons, knowing the long con- 
 nection which has subsisted between you and me, 
 have pressed me to recommend their relations in India 
 to your favour and protection. In general I have 
 excused myself from this ; but I have two friends to 
 whom I can refuse nothing. One of them recommends 
 young Mr. Cadogan, who is on the civil line, the 
 other Lieutenant Bucknall, who is on the military. 
 
i6o XCbe ifrancis Xetters [1773 
 
 If you can with propriety do any service to these 
 Gentlemen, you will lay me under a real obligation. 
 I am, with my best wishes for your health, happi- 
 ness, and success, 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 " Your most faithful and obedient humble servant, 
 
 " Barrington." 
 
 Philip Francis to Lord Barrington. 
 
 " Margate, 
 i>th September, 1773. 
 
 " My Lord, 
 
 " I have just received the Honor of your 
 Lordship's Letter, & can with the greatest Truth 
 assure you that I consider the Request you make me 
 as a sensible Addition to the signal Obligation I already 
 owe you. It was my Intention to have asked it as a 
 favour of your Lordship that you would give me an 
 Opportunity of shewing you that your patronage & 
 Friendship were not ill bestowed. The Gentlemen 
 you mention shall take place of every other Recom- 
 mendation & I beg of you not to limit yourself to two 
 Names only. I shall think it an honor & happiness 
 to be permitted to consider your Lordship's Friends 
 as mine. When you confer a Favour you make the 
 Impression deep & distinct. I have the Honour to 
 be with the greatest Respect & Attachment, my Lord, 
 
 " Your Lordship's, most faithful humble Servant. 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Lady Clive to Philip Francis, with Present 
 
 OF Attar of Roses. 
 " The little bottle of all is for Mr. Francis's pocket 
 to be always kept there. The very largest is for a 
 
1774] trbe ifrancts letters i6i 
 
 reserve, and not to be unsealed till he really wants 
 it, for it is the most exquisite Atta or essence that 
 ever came from King or Prince, and this came from 
 a King. 
 
 " The middling sized bottle is for Mrs. Francis her 
 own dear self All should be kept in some sort of 
 case, if it be but cotton or paper, for it is, like all 
 other goodness, too apt to evaporate. 
 
 "If best wishes, if regard and respect for the 
 characters this little present comes to, can render it 
 acceptable I shall be delighted. To Heaven's Pro- 
 tection I recommend them, and Oh ! how much I 
 desire to be known for their sincere friend. 
 
 " My sister joins me in kind compts. 
 
 " M. Clive. 
 
 " 30/A March, 1774." 
 
 Before Francis left England he made Mr. Chandler 
 and Mr. D'Oyly his trustees, and in a way committed 
 his wife to their charge, Mr. Chandler writes : — 
 
 Mr. Chandler to Philip Francis. 
 
 " Preston Street, 
 "March y>th, 1774. 
 
 " Dear Francis, 
 
 " I intended visiting you to-night before I 
 saw you this evening, and missing Mrs. Francis shall 
 not prevent it, although to say how she was as late 
 as possible was one motive. You may depend on 
 Mrs. Chandler's and my seeing her to-morrow and 
 every day that we possibly can, to aleviate her great 
 loss all that Friends can. Another motive was to tell 
 you I won't make your Insurance. God preserve you 
 
 11 
 
i62 XTbe 3Ftancis Xetters [1774 
 
 very long to your family ! He has been already 
 bountiful to you and yours in His blessings. If His 
 Almighty will disposes of you otherwise than we wish, 
 depend on it your dear Children shall never want the 
 sum the Insurance would have raised them. God 
 preserve you ! The four hundred shall be taken care 
 of. A happy speedy voyage, and every good that 
 can befal you, is the sincere wish of your affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 " George Chandler." 
 
 Mr. D'Oyly, writing to accept the charge, says : — 
 
 "In return I expect that you are not at all 
 anxious about your wife and family, for you have left 
 those here that will take care of them." 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 " London, 
 ''March yatli, 1774. 
 
 " I have paid into Messrs. Drummond's hands a 
 sum of ;^5oo for your use, and subject to your 
 Orders. This, with the sum of ^93 which I leave 
 with you, amounts to .1^593. My intention is to 
 allow your Father £2^ a year, to be reckoned from 
 the day I embark. Of this he has already received 
 ten Guineas on account. You will pay him the re- 
 mainder (^14. 10. o) any time within the year; 
 but do not advance any more till this time twelve- 
 month. 
 
 " You are to pay my Father's pensioner half a 
 guinea on the twelfth of every month. 
 
 " On April ist, 1775, my Trustees are directed to 
 
1774] Zbc ffrancis Xetters 163 
 
 pay you ^631. 6. o. or such a proportion of that 
 sum as you may desire, and so on annually. You will 
 leave it at Drummond's, and draw for it as you want 
 it. Keep an account of your Drafts that you may 
 know how your money lasts. If the above annuities 
 fall in, you will have the advantage of it. 
 
 " As you are to have the above sum paid annually 
 on a stated day, it is not material to you whether I 
 leave the rent, taxes, schooling, &c., paid up or not to 
 the day of my Departure, but I shall leave you an 
 exact statement of those articles as they stand due. I 
 wish you may be able, for three years at least, to live 
 on this Allowance ; but I should be very unhappy 
 to think you were distressed. You are therefore at 
 liberty to apply to my Trustees for ^^50 more, if you 
 find you want it at the end of the year. This, I 
 hope, will remove all difficulties and apprehensions. 
 
 " I have made the best Provision I can for my son's 
 education. I need not recommend it to you to see 
 him often, and tell Mr. Ribouville freely anything you 
 think amiss. The girls will fall more particularly 
 under your care. Sally is to come home at Christmas 
 next, or at Midsummer 1775 at farthest. I leave that 
 and everything relative to the periods of their going 
 to and quitting the School to your own Discretion. 
 
 " I wish you to live rather a retired, but not a 
 dull and melancholy life. 
 
 " You have Acquaintances enough, and I wish you 
 to avoid new ones. In general, prefer those Friends 
 who live nearest to you. Let the Girls be taught a 
 grave, modest, reserved carriage. I dislike Hoydens. 
 Keep them constantly in your company (when from 
 
i64 Zbc jfrancis Xettcrs [1774 
 
 school) and observe everything they do. Let them 
 have Exercise abroad, and constant Occupation at 
 home. Take care what Books they read ; and if you 
 take them to a Play, which should not be above once in 
 a winter, let it be some ridiculous Comedy or Panto- 
 mime at which they may laugh, but nothing sentimental, 
 or that borders upon Indecorum. Above all things, 
 never suffer them to be idle. The older they grow 
 the more necessary you will find this rule to be. 
 When you want medical assistance you may always 
 have that of Mr. Adair and Dr. Macnamara. Keep 
 an account book for all the money you pay (exclusive 
 of your house and private expenses), and mark the 
 day to which every article is paid up." 
 
 Mr. Francis and Alexander Mackrabie left home 
 on March 30th, 1774. We give extracts from 
 Mackrabie's Journal and letters written during the 
 voyage : — 
 
 "Journal of a Voyage to the East Indies, begun 
 30TH March, 1774. 
 "Mr. Alexander Mackrabie. 
 " March 2,0th. Messrs. Francis and Mackrabie set 
 off from Duke Street Westminster at half past eight, 
 in a Postchaise well loaded with Baggage. Mack ob- 
 serves that, at the same hour, on the same day, in the 
 year 1773, he came into London from America. 
 
 " On board the Ashburnham. 
 
 " April \st. The Innkeepers of Portsmouth seem 
 to have all the Dispositions in the world to make out 
 
1774] Ubc jfrancis Xetters 165 
 
 handsome Bills for Messrs. the Indian Councillors and 
 Judges. — At Breakfast, Colonel Monson pays a visit 
 to Mr. Francis — informs him that General Clavering 
 and his Family are expected to embark this morning ; 
 that he, (the Colonel) with his Lady, propose going 
 on board to dinner ; and offers a conveyance at the 
 time to Mr. Francis and Mac. This morning is 
 employed in writing many letters, and in purchasing 
 several little articles. — At Noon Mr. McKenzie arrives, 
 having travelled all night. He makes us happy by 
 informing us that he saw Mrs. Francis at eight on 
 Thursday evening, — well and Chearful. At one 
 Colonel Monson with Lady Anne and Captain Dela- 
 duespe, Messrs. Francis and Mackrabie, and a great 
 Train of Trunks and servants, go on board a sailing 
 Boat, which carries them to Spithead, and within half 
 a mile of the Ship. But, both wind and Tide proving 
 contrary, and the Boat working very badly, they are 
 obliged, after a disagreeable Struggle of two hours, to 
 return into the Harbour. We are then all invited by 
 Captain Ourry to dine on board the Worcester a 
 sixty-four Gun ship, commanded by him. Lady Anne 
 Monson and the Colonel accept this Invitation ; but 
 Mr. Francis and Mack dine on shore, at the Navy 
 Coffee House. Veal Cutlets, Pork Chops, Mulled 
 Wine and a smoaky Room. The Worcester s Boat is 
 sent for them at five, — they call for their Friends on 
 board the ship, and the whole Company are conveyed to 
 the Commissioner's Yatch \_sic^, which he has lent them 
 on the occasion. — Macleod and Captain Deladuespe's 
 servant are missing, and left to shift for themselves. 
 The Yatch carries us through a Storm of Wind and 
 
i66 XEbe 3Franci6 Xetters [1774 
 
 Rain, while we are covered with the Spray of the Sea, 
 and in half an hour puts us safely on board the 
 Ashburnham at Spithead. Being after sunset, the 
 Salutes are omitted. Here we find General Clavering 
 with his Family — and all sick. The Confusion of 
 shifting our Luggage in the dark from the Yatch to 
 the Ship ; — taking Possession of a crowded Cabin — 
 getting at sheets, quilts and Blankets, and making up 
 Beds — is not to be described. But we shall get into 
 order in time — 'Tis enough for the present that we 
 can sleep and are not sick. 
 
 " April 2nd. In the morning we rise early, and are 
 plagued with the everlasting Macleod and his excuses, 
 and his List of Things lost and missing. It is deter- 
 mined at all events that he goes no more on shore. 
 
 " This morning the General, Colonel Monson, and 
 Mr Francis write a joint Letter, informing the Court 
 of Directors of their having embarked for their Voyage 
 to India on the first of April. After Breakfast, 
 Mackrabie sails for Portsmouth, in quest of Bolsters, 
 Pillows, Brushes, Hats, and a long list of ects. and 
 returns in the evening well stored with Necessaries, 
 but without a penny in his Pocket. He brings in- 
 telligence that the Judges'^ with their several Families 
 are arrived, and propose to go on board the Anson this 
 day. They do so, as we learn by the salutes of Guns. 
 
 " April 2,^d. This is Sunday. We get more into 
 order, the ladies appear at Breakfast, and a plan of 
 
 1 Judges of the Supreme Court, created by the same Regulation 
 Act to which Francis owed his appointment — Impey, Hyde, 
 Chambers, and Lemaistre. It seems to have been thought advisable 
 that the two vessels should keep close company. 
 
1774] Ubc jfrancis Xettevs 167 
 
 Life is formed, our Party being now complete. — 
 General Clavering, Mrs. Clavering and three Miss 
 Claverings, Col. Monson and Lady Anne, Mr. Francis 
 and Mr. Mackrabie, Col. Thornton, Capts. Deladuespe 
 and Webber and Mr. Addison. These with Mr. 
 Lowder, Capt. Jamieson and the Doctor, Mr. Goldie 
 are the constant Company at Table. 
 
 "To these it is agreed that there shall be added 
 at Dinner the officer of the Ship who is upon Duty, 
 and occasionally, some one of the Passengers who 
 are in the Second Mess. 
 
 " Our regulations are as follows: — Breakfast at Nine, 
 Dine at three. Drink Tea at Six, Sup at Nine, and 
 that a warning Bell shall be rung half an hour before 
 each Meal. No person except the Ladies may appear 
 at Table in an undress, but it is resolved that all 
 troublesome Forms shall be banished, no Toasts, nor 
 drinking Healths, neither are there to be any hot 
 Suppers. Our Dinner consists of six Dishes, besides 
 Garden Stuff and two Soups which are removed and 
 two more Substantial Dishes set in their Place. After 
 all this we have Pastry and Fruit. Our liquors at 
 present are Port, Madeira and Sherry — Punch, Porter 
 and Small Beer. We now begin to get acquainted 
 and become sociable, the Weather is fair, but the 
 Wind contrary." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to the Rev. 
 Stephen Baggs. 
 
 ^^ Earl of Ashburnham, Spithead, 
 " April yth. 
 
 " I wish you could see us assembled in the Evening 
 in our great Cabbin. A Whist Table in one Corner, 
 
i68 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 one at Loo in another, with Httle detached parties at 
 Chess or Back Gammon, besides the Accompaniment 
 of a Piano Forte and Violin. This agreeable Confusion 
 though not unpleasant altogether I find highly un- 
 profitable, for amidst the Distraction of Eyes and 
 Ears, it is impossible to avoid losing one's money. 
 
 " My Couch or rather Cott is a Vehicle suspended 
 by Cords so near the Ceiling that I prove the thickness 
 of my Skull at least once a Night by endeavouring to 
 sit upright. It is with Fear and Trembling that I 
 mount into it, and I am obliged to roll out horizontally 
 upon all Occasions. This Inconvenience excepted 
 our Cabbin is truly desirable. It is already the Envy 
 of the whole Ship. At one End there is a luxurious 
 Sofa perfectly calculated for Ease with a Window 
 close by it for Refreshment. Here we propose to 
 sit or rather loll, when we get into a warm Latitude, 
 and pity the Sufferings of our Friends in other parts 
 of the Ship." 
 
 " April gth. After dinner the Anchor is heaved and 
 we set in the Ship nearer to the Isle of Wight. 
 Afterward let go the Anchor again and lay off 
 St. Helens. 
 
 " April 10th, Sunday. A delightful day and Smooth 
 Water. After Breakfast General Clavering and his 
 two elder daughters with Mr. Francis and Captain 
 Jamieson pay a visit on Board the Anson. In about 
 an hour after their departure Capt. Webber and Mr. 
 Mackrabie go on Shore on the Isle of Wight and are 
 soon followed by the Company above named after 
 their Visit. They walk about upon the Island for 
 
1774] tTbe jfrancts ^Letters 169 
 
 near two hours, called at the Priory — a house belonging 
 
 to Mr. very pleasantly situated upon an eminence 
 
 within View of St. Helen's Road, Spithead, and 
 Portsmouth. The Gentleman of the House is not at 
 Home, but we walk in, take a view of the House and 
 Grounds, ask for Refreshments, get sweet Butter and 
 Bread — after which we return together on Board the 
 Ashburnham to Dinner and finish the day as usual. 
 N.B. We do not play at Cards on Sunday, but 
 the Party on Board the Anson do and drink Healths 
 and Bumper Toasts of all Sorts. 
 
 " April wth. Still at Anchor off St. Helens — but 
 perceive some fluttering of Wind which seems to 
 promise some Change to the Eastward. Heave our 
 Anchor to see that it is clear and get everything in 
 proper Order for sailing ; this evening we are all in 
 high spirits expecting our Departure. 
 
 "April \2th. A fine Breeze Springs up from the 
 East, we heave the Anchor and get under Way by 
 half past eight in the Morning. 
 
 " The weather is clear and pleasant and the extra- 
 ordinary motion does not disagree much with the 
 Company though the Ladies in Time are obliged to 
 give way a little to it. 
 
 " The Anson weighed Anchor at the same hour 
 with us and follows at no great distance. 
 
 "April \A,th. At noon we find that the Ship has 
 made a Run since the same hour yesterday of 214 
 miles. The men hold out very stoutly but some 
 of the Ladies are indisposed. 
 
 " April i6th. We are at last amazingly fortunate in 
 our Wind, Capt. Jamieson declares that he never 
 
170 Ube jftancis Xetters [1774 
 
 had so good an Outset. — We have run since noon 
 Yesterday till Noon this Day 151 miles more and all 
 in a direct course." 
 
 Meanwhile, Mrs. Francis, in London, has been 
 writing her first Journal-letter to her husband : — 
 
 Mrs. Francis to her Husband. 
 
 " London, 
 " March yitk, 1774. 
 
 " My dearest Love, 
 
 " According to your desire I begin my 
 Journal which I hope will be acceptable to you and 
 inform you of all my actions and proceedings in my 
 dear Husband's absence and be instead of Letters. I 
 only fear you may think it too tedious and minute ; 
 however as you my dear desired it might be so, you 
 must excuse it, for I am determined to do in every 
 thing what you would wish, was I so happy as to be 
 with you, or you capable of seeing what I do. Then 
 to begin I went to Mr. Holden's from this house with 
 a heavy heart indeed, and most completely miserable ; 
 their goodness to me in some small degree lessened 
 my then great affliction and I came home about Eleven 
 o'clock to my dismal House, where every thing that 
 was dear to me was fled. I went to Bed and had 
 a better Night than I could have expected, next 
 morning I got up and found Mr. Shuckburgh come 
 to enquire after my Health, he seenled to be in great 
 trouble for the loss of so great a Friend and sayd it 
 was really a very great one to him ; after he went 
 came Mr. and Mrs. Chandler and sayd every thing 
 that was kind and affectionate to me, in particular 
 
1774] XLbc dfrands Xetters 171 
 
 about the Insurance, was very good and much more 
 than I could have even hoped. When they were 
 gone came Mr. and Mrs. D'Oyley and stay'd almost 
 two hours with me and sayd everything they could 
 that was comfortable and affectionate. I shewed them 
 your most welcome Letter I received in the morning 
 by the Post Chaise Boy, they were much pleased at 
 your going so far safe, it made me very happy for I 
 feared every thing, Pistols, Robbers, Night, Fatigue, 
 Grief and every other inconvenience, however I thank 
 God you have escaped them all. Mr. Will Godfrey 
 called on me the same morning and sent you every 
 good wish, sayd Mr. Godfrey was out of Town and 
 would be very sorry he did not see you before you set 
 off. Dr. Macnamara and Mr. Baggs call'd the same 
 morning, in the afternoon came Mr., Mrs. and Miss 
 H olden to drink Tea and played a Poole and penny 
 Quadrille, I forgot to mention my Mother came about 
 One o'clock ; at Noon came Mr. McKenzie for my 
 Letter and I gave it him for you. I believe you will 
 find it contains pretty much the same as this, however 
 I would begin from the first and intend going on with 
 my Journal. Friday Morning Mrs. Campbell called. 
 Saturday, April 2nd, Mr. and Mrs. H olden came and 
 took us in the Coach to Fulham, we found my Father 
 but indifferent, a very bad cold and low, but thankful 
 and resigned, the two little girls better, Patty very 
 well, and the three big Girls all well but greatly 
 afflicted when you were both gone, we brought Sally 
 to Town for a few days with us, we all dined that day 
 and spent the Evening with Mrs. Holden and while I 
 was there had another Letter brought me from you, 
 
172 Ube iFrancis Xettcrs [1774 
 
 tho' not being wrote by your hand was rather dis- 
 appointed, besides I had wrote you a long letter and 
 enclosed two others, one for my Brother, the other 
 for you, which I had opened to know if it was mere 
 Compts or Business, I believe it was from Miss 
 Fraser, but I hardly read it and it was not signed, I 
 made my apologies as well as I could for opening your 
 letter and hope you have excused it. I sent the 
 Packet by the Portsmouth Coach as my Brother 
 directed and in case you were embarked, hope they will 
 return it. If you have set sail I pray to God to vouch- 
 safe you a happy and safe Voyage and every comfort 
 you can wish and also to Bless me with Comfort 
 and an establishment of my health and Spirits. 
 
 '^ Sunday, April 2,rd. My dear Boy came with Mr. 
 Ribouville to see me, his cough is better, he din'd 
 and spent the day here and Mr. Ribouville came for 
 him at 6 in the evening. 
 
 " Wednesday, 6th. Went to see Mrs. Chandler 
 who was at home and glad to see me. I then 
 came home just as Dinner was ready and before I 
 began had the Pleasure of a Letter from my Dearest 
 Philip which was more happiness and satisfaction to 
 me than anything else, to hear that you was perfectly 
 well, was the first real Joy I could receive and I 
 thank God for it. I wrote immediately to you at 
 Spithead to thank you for your kind Attention to 
 me and to tell you I am really much better than I 
 could expect. In the afternoon I sent for Mrs. 
 Bussy [Sally, Dr. Francis's old servant] to come 
 and drink Tea which she did and told me she had 
 let her Lodging that day to two Sisters of Lady 
 
1774] Zhc jfrancis Xetters 173 
 
 Harborough, the Miss Caves. The poor soul desired 
 many kind and tender Wishes to you. 
 
 " Thursday, 'jth. Mrs. Holden and her Amiable 
 Daughter called on us and took my Mother, Sally and 
 I to Fulham. We left Sally at School [at Fulham] 
 and saw Harriet very well, and brought Betsy home. 
 My Father was but poorly, very low spirited, tho' 
 very happy with a Letter he had received from my 
 Brother, but he is impatient for a fair Wind, the two 
 little girls are much better, and always merry, they 
 make my Father very happy. We all came home 
 to Mrs. Holden's to Dinner and to Tea. Mr. Holden 
 came and we played a Poole, I played a Sans 
 Prendre Vole. 
 
 " Friday, Zth. My Friends are constantly calling 
 on me, Mr. Dear on Saturday, he sends every good 
 wish to you and my Brother, as to me I can't be said 
 to be entirely parted from you for I spend every 
 night in my Sleep at least some part of it with you 
 and that afibrds me great satisfaction, notwithstanding 
 the Disappointment when I wake. I take great care 
 of poor Tom the Cat, as he was your Favourite, that 
 is enough to recommend him. The Gentleman you 
 desired to call on me did, on Thursday last who was 
 just come from on Board your Ship and though I 
 had not the pleasure to see him I was made very 
 happy by hearing you and my Brother were both 
 well. I wished for a Letter, or a few lines, but was 
 contented without. 
 
 ''Sunday, \oth. By Invitation Mrs. Chandler came 
 to call on us about three o'Clock and brought 
 little Philip with her, who she had been so kind 
 
174 tlbe jftancis Xetters [1774 
 
 as to call for. We all went together to her House 
 to dine where we spent a most agreeable Day 
 and she brought us home again, our dear Son 
 behaved most wonderfully, he danced a Hornpipe, 
 he sung, he talked and did every thing he could to 
 make himself agreeable and I believe he succeeded, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Chandler seem'd quite delighted with 
 him. Mr. C. made him quite acquainted with the 
 Dog and he was so well reconcil'd to him as to 
 lay down with the Dog's foot like a hand over his 
 shoulder. Nothing can behave with more kindness 
 than they both do to me. Betsy behaved like a 
 Woman and my Mother was quite happy. When 
 we got home judge of my Happiness to receive a 
 Letter sent me by Mr. Strachey from my dearest 
 Philip, a thousand thanks to you my dearest Love 
 for it and also my dear Mac for his most entertaining 
 Letter. I have not time at present or I would write 
 to him, but will by some other Opportunity. . . . 
 I have read your most affectionate Letter so often 
 that I believe I have almost got it by heart. Can 
 any Pleasure be greater than receiving a Letter from 
 those we truly love, indeed it puts me in such great 
 spirits that in a manner it makes me happy, tho' 
 sometimes I am very low and cannot help it, but 
 then I rouse myself and endeavour not to think, 
 however I ought to be happy and thankful for such 
 Friends as I have. 
 
 " Tuesday, 12th. Came Mrs. D'Oyly good soul. 
 She is always cheerful and happy, he was gone 
 out of Town, much they long to hear you are 
 sailed, sure you must be long before now. I should 
 
1774] TLbc ffrancis Xetters 17s 
 
 have writ you a long letter before now, but that 
 they told me the Wind has been fair since Friday 
 last, I pray God grant it may be so and that 
 you may be going on finely now. Monday after- 
 noon which was yesterday Mrs. and Miss Holden 
 came for me to go with them to see Mrs. Chitty, 
 I told them what you said to them, my dear Polly 
 and her good Mother were both much pleased and 
 rejoiced at your's and my Brother's good health. 
 Worthy Mrs. Chitty cryed with Joy when she saw 
 me, for she dreaded it, however I can assure you 
 I behave as well as I can and surprise every one, 
 Mrs. Chitty and Harriet were happy to hear such 
 good accounts of you both. These good people 
 brought me home again and are to dine with me 
 on Thursday and carry us to Fulham on Fryday. 
 
 " Last night Mr. Chandler was so good as to send 
 me the Letter you wrote to him, some part of which 
 he was sure would make me very happy and not 
 a little vain to hear that the most amiable, most 
 worthy and most dear of all the World to me should 
 speak so kindly of me to a Person whose Opinion is 
 of great Consequence to me. 
 
 " My Brother's Letter was very entertaining and 
 I am much obliged to him for it. Your way of Life 
 must be very Agreeable. I hope it will continue so 
 and that you won't be at all sick, I was extremely 
 sorry to find by Mr. Chandler's Letter that Captain 
 Jamieson had been ill, I hope he is quite recovered. 
 I have just now received another most acceptable 
 Letter and I thank you a thousand times my dearest 
 
176 Ubc jFrancis ^Letters [1774 
 
 Philip for it dated St. Helens, loth April, 'tis gaining 
 but little ground, however I trust in God by this 
 time you are got off. Your kind Letter has served 
 by way of Dinner, for it is meat, drink and Clothes 
 to me, and now the chief Happiness I can enjoy. 
 
 " I don't know of any more to add but my Mother's 
 Betsey's and my own best Love, Blessing and Every 
 good wish to attend you both and I pray God grant 
 you all a Happy and Safe Voyage and soon, and 
 believe me my dearest Philip ever your most dutiful 
 " and affectionate Wife, 
 
 " Elizabeth Francis." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie's Diary. 
 
 ''April 2\st. At sunset the Island of Madeira is 
 distant 3 or 4 miles. We have thick cloudy weather 
 with some drisling rain and little Wind so that we 
 cannot get ashore this night. About 10 are off the 
 Harbour, fire a gun for a Pilot and at eleven anchor 
 in 22 Feet in Fonchal Road. 
 
 " April 22nd. This is Friday morning, and we have 
 now been three weeks on board and 10 days under 
 sail. Between six and seven in the morning our ship 
 and the Anson salute the Fort with nine guns which 
 the Fort called the Loo returns. Before we assemble 
 to breakfast we receive visits from the shore. 
 
 " Friday, April 22nd. Our party are scattered all 
 over the place. Genl. Clavering and the ladies of his 
 Family lodge at Mr. Ferguson's. The Judges are 
 there too, and sufficiently crowded. Mr. Francis, 
 
17 74] Ube dfrancis Xetters 177 
 
 Col. Thornton, Capt. Webber and Mack take up their 
 quarters at Mr. Deniers. Our Apartments are of 
 all others the most convenient, and our stile of Life 
 most comfortable." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Alexander Duncan, Esq. 
 
 " Madeira, 
 "April 2^th, 1774. 
 
 "... You are to know that the Vessel is an East 
 
 Indiaman hired as a Transport by Government for 
 
 this purpose and navigated by a Captain in the 
 
 Company's employ, under the direction of a First 
 
 Lieutenant in the Navy, so that w^e carry a Pennant 
 
 &c., and receive salutes, like a King's Ship." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Father. 
 
 " Madeira, 
 "Ap., 1774. 
 
 " Dear & Honoured Sir, 
 
 "... We observe all the Forms in our 
 Salutes &c., and the Firing of Great Guns agrees 
 perfectly with my Nerves. This is a Season of great 
 Festivity at Madeira. On Saturday there were 
 Illuminations and Fireworks, Concerts upon the Water 
 and Processions on the Land in Honour of St. George, 
 and some other of the Holy Brotherhood. On Sunday 
 the Churches were decked in their richest furniture, 
 extraordinary Masses were performed with full bands 
 of Music, and the streets filled all the afternoon with 
 Crowds of People in Masquerade ; which altogether 
 afforded high entertainment to our young Ladies who 
 never had an Opportunity before of seeing anything 
 of the Kind. We went the round of the Places of 
 
 12 
 
178 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 Devotion, but were no Gainers by it, having lost some 
 Handkerchiefs in the course of our circuit. It seems 
 they make no scruple of picking the Pockets of 
 Heretics, even in Church. . . . We live so luxuriously 
 here that it is very necessary for us to take exercise 
 in order to obtain Digestion. Now there are no 
 means of obtaining this except by riding — our shoes 
 and feet were worn out in the first 2 Days. It is 
 the same thing whether you mount a Horse, Ass, or 
 Mule in Madeira. They are at the same Price, and 
 of the same size and pretty near the same form ; 
 but all furnished with Peaked Saddles, and large 
 Bits. They are wonderful Animals, being surefooted 
 as Goats, and scramble over vast rocks without the 
 smallest Danger. Upon any Occasion when our 
 Ladies have gone out of Town, they are conveyed in 
 Hammocks suspended between Poles and carried by 
 a Couple of Negroes. This mode of conveyance is 
 truly laughable and serves to give them a Foretaste 
 of Palanquins. You are thoroughly acquainted with 
 all our Party, at least by Name ; but there is no 
 describing the goodness of their Qualities. Wellbred, 
 easy, goodhumoured, and I know you have no dislike 
 to our Fair Companions on account of their being hand- 
 some. The two ships carry a vast cargo of Beauty. 
 The judges' Ladies are all lovely. We excite the Envy 
 and Admiration of all the Natives of the Isle." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to John Kirkman. 
 
 " Madeira, 
 "26/A April, 1774. 
 
 "... Our Provisions on Board are so good and in 
 
 such plenty, and our Table so well served that we 
 
1774] ^be jfrancts Xetters 179 
 
 had nothing to wish for except fresh Vegetables and 
 this we find here in the utmost perfection, Sallads, 
 Pease, Fruits &c., and we have made such Con- 
 sumption of Roses and Myrtle to present in Bouquets, 
 that I fear not a Saint, nor even the Virgin herself 
 will be decked with a single Garland till the time 
 we cross the Line. . . . We hire Horses by the Day, 
 pay 2/9 which Price if you consider the size of the 
 Beast which does not exceed that of a 3 months' 
 calf might appear exorbitant, but we have another 
 animal who goes upon 2 legs into the Bargain. No 
 Cavalier travels here without his Squire, and these 
 are peculiarly useful. This attendant is of great use 
 on the Brink of a Precipice where he lets the Horse 
 gradually down by the Tail. This is Fact." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie's Diary Continued. 
 
 " Madeira. 
 
 " April 2\th to May \st. In less than a week we 
 are thoroughly tired and grow impatient to get on 
 board. Sunday is fixed for our Embarkation. In the 
 meantime we dispatch voluminous letters to our friends 
 in England. . . . How are the mighty fallen ! The 
 Maidstone Frigate arrives, commanded by Capt. 
 Gardner, who makes us take down our Pennants — 
 and sinks us into humble Transports, and we are 
 foolish enough to be vexed on the Occasion. 
 
 " Sunday. Everything is ready on board, we 
 embrace our Host and Hostess ; and embark in the 
 evening, attended by half the Factory. The Judges 
 and their Ladies do us the Honour to drink Tea on 
 
i8o Ube jfrands Xettecs [1774 
 
 board the Ashburnham. We observe that the Com- 
 mission with the great seal constantly attends them. 
 The Chief Judge has stole a march upon the Gentle- 
 men of the Council in point of Precedence — a mark of 
 Distinction which takes from the dignity of the latter, 
 without doing any credit in my opinion to the other 
 honourable gentlemen. Our friends from the Anson 
 staid till dark ; immediately after their departure we 
 set sail and at sunrise next morning Madeira was 
 about twenty miles behind us. 
 
 "On Board the Ashburnham. 
 
 " May 3rflf. At noon we discover the Pyk of 
 Teneriffe distant about 20 leagues. Its summit is 
 always in sight, covered with snow and towering above 
 the Clouds. 
 
 " Sunday, \<^th. We are in top spirits — all humming 
 French Tunes or repeating scraps of Dutch stories. 
 Judge Lemaitre kept the table on a roar for several 
 hours yesterday. His brother Hyde maintained his 
 Dignity with a proper degree of Silence. 
 
 " \6th to 2 1 St. We are everything less than be- 
 calmed. Room for Meditation ; but still preserve 
 both our Health and Good-humour, either of which 
 we are unable to account for. 
 
 " Southern Hemisphere, 
 "June, 1774. 
 
 " /^tk. This is the King's Birthday. We put on 
 our best coats and drink his health in a Bumper, 
 which is thought a very proper and becoming Measure. 
 A sailor does the same, and doubtless from as good a 
 motive ; but his loyalty getting the better of his Dis- 
 cretion, he passes the Evening on the Poop in irons. 
 
KING GEORGE III. 
 
 To face page i8o.] 
 
1774] Ubc fvmcis Xetters iSi 
 
 " 1 8/4. This proves a tremendous day. The Sea 
 runs mountains high. A vast body of Water breaks 
 into our Cabbin and carries everything before it. We 
 are set afloat. The Table, a Washing stand and 
 many other things are totally destroyed, and a fatal 
 wave carries off the silver Basin. Perhaps it is 
 destined to a nobler service, and at this instant 
 decorates the sideboard of Neptune. Bad as the day 
 is, we contrive to get a good Dinner in the round 
 House, a comfort which we have not failed of since 
 we came on board. 
 
 " 2,o^A. No remarkable occurrence during the 
 remainder of this month. We begin to apprehend 
 that our Impatience has outrun the Ship, as by most 
 of the reckonings we should have been in view of 
 the Cape by the 30th. 
 
 ''July 2nd. We do not see it, the Cape, till the 
 second of July about one in the Afternoon, after which 
 we speak a French East India ship, the Duke de 
 Duros, bound to Table Bay. 
 
 " Sunday, j^rd. The wind is very unfavourable 
 which obliges us to be constantly tacking ; but after 
 all our difficulties we come safely to an Anchor in 
 Symond's Bay about midnight. 
 
 ''July \th. 'Tis my first night on shore for above 
 two months, and I could not close my eyes. What a 
 ridiculous bustle. Twenty chaises would have been 
 despatched in the smallest village upon any Post Road 
 in England without half the confusion which 3 or 4 
 coaches occasion in this cursed place, and yet here 
 is a fat Dutch Fellow driving about with a muster Roll 
 in his hand, who I suppose represents the Postmaster- 
 
i82 ttbc jfrancis Xettecs [1774 
 
 General. Soon after nine we begin to move. One 
 of the General's coaches sticks fast in a hollow way at 
 the Town End, Lady Anne's breaks down upon the 
 sands. The Horses are all weak and restive. 
 
 " The latter part of our day's journey proves far 
 pleasanter than the first. The weather, the roads, the 
 country all mend upon us. At the Halfway House 
 we find Cold Meat and Wine provided as we are 
 informed by the Governor. This refreshment enables 
 us to proceed to the Cape Town. We lodge with 
 Mrs. Vanderdip who feeds us profusely but at most 
 unchristian hours. Nothing can be colder or more 
 comfortless than a Dutch House in Winter, which 
 season now prevails in all its Horrors at the Cape 
 of Good Hope. 
 
 " Sunday, July lotk. The first day of the week 
 passes as heavily in the Southern as in the Northern 
 Hemisphere. We have read and walked away the 
 morning. D. Goldie and Young Mackie dine with us, 
 after which we piously resolve to go to Prayers. The 
 order of things is strangely inverted here. We go to 
 Church ! to avoid sleeping. A Dutch Priest wears a 
 long Black wig, and I observe that sprinkling is the 
 only part of our Ceremony used in Baptism. The 
 sign of the Cross is cautiously avoided. 
 
 " Two couples were married. One of the Bride- 
 grooms was dressed in a Black silk coat and breeches 
 and a Black wig. He had indeed a waistcoat of white 
 sattin and white gloves. One Bride was dressed 
 intirely in Black, the other as white as snow. God- 
 fathers and Godmothers all wear black. What can 
 be the meaning of all this ? 
 
1774] Zbc francts Xetters 183 
 
 " Monday morning, July nth, and who the Plague 
 is that Man in a scarlet coat going through the streets 
 with a green Velvet Bag with silk Tassels under his 
 Arm ? Mr. Stahl informs me he is a Barber. I took 
 him for the Governor's Secretary. By the bye the 
 Governor himself paid a visit of ceremony yesterday 
 morning to General Clavering, and came in half Boots. 
 Madme. la Gouvernante had a small pink Hat upon 
 one side of her Head like that of an Opera Dancer. 
 We dine with Judge Lemaitre at Jamieson's Lodgings, 
 who during the Hour of Dinner is in a strange way, 
 robbed of a pair of Point Ruffles worth Ten Guineas. 
 He thinks it is some Joke. 
 
 " Tuesday, July i2tk. The Lieutenant Governor 
 Mons. Henry gave a Ball and Supper last night, 
 which was handsome and well conducted. He is a 
 very hearty obliging old Man. We begin now to 
 think of our Departure, but are much delayed by 
 the difficulty of getting our provisions conveyed to 
 False Bay. 
 
 " Wednesday, 13//^. We have now seen everything 
 in or about the Town. The Fortifications are ex- 
 tensive, but in a poor Stile of Defence. The Garrison 
 consists of 700 Men, who make a good appearance, 
 besides whom they have a militia of Burghers. Every 
 man here is a soldier. Their public Buildings are 
 large and commodious. Here is a House of Employ- 
 ment, in which 600 slaves belonging to the Company 
 are maintained, but it affords a wretched sample of 
 Dutch Police. They are employed in dragging 
 burthens like beasts, and are oftentimes hired out to 
 work for other people. The Company's Garden is 
 
i84 XEbe jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 large, but badly kept up. We admire the Breed of 
 Horses, which are handsome and active, but badly 
 treated and worse fed. 
 
 " The Government of the Cape is esteemed very 
 profitable but it is not easy to ascertain the Income, 
 as it depends greatly upon Privileges in Trade, and 
 the right of supplying Provisions to ships which put 
 in here." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Father. 
 
 " Symonds Bay, Cape of Good Hope, 
 " 14 My, I774. 
 
 " Dear and Honoured Sir, 
 
 "In case the Danish Ship bound from 
 Madeira to Lisbon has by chance foundered at Sea, 
 the accident must have proved fatal to a vast cargo of 
 letters. If good wishes could carry her safe into port, 
 she has mine most heartily. I know not what nation 
 we may be indebted to for conveyance of the present. 
 It is the dead of Winter in this Hemisphere, and of 
 consequence few ships are driven hither except by 
 Necessity. Providence has thus far favoured us so 
 constantly with smiles, that I am willing to flatter 
 myself we are reserved for great and good purposes. 
 Fair winds and fair weather have almost constantly 
 attended us ; and no one cross accident has yet 
 intervened to deprive us of any comforts the Ocean 
 can afford. Even a sailor who fell overboard, and 
 who I am convinced could not have been recovered 
 on board any other ship is still numbered among our 
 crew, and I daresay lives in hopes of a drier death. 
 
1774] tTbe jfrancis Xettcrs 185 
 
 "... As the Settlement here consists only of 2 or 3 
 families and storehouses, an Hospital and other Public 
 Buildings belonging to the Dutch Co., and is besides 
 the most barren dismal spot I ever beheld, you may 
 conceive we staid no longer time than was necessary 
 to procure Horses and Carriages to convey us to the 
 Cape Town. The Governor sent his coach drawn by 
 8 Horses for General Clavering's Family, Lady Anne 
 Monson went in another with 6, Col. Monson, Mr. 
 Francis, and I rode on Horseback. The first 
 observation I made upon the Country and its Roads 
 was that the English who first attempted a Settlement 
 at the Cape did very wisely in giving it up. Nothing 
 but the cold Phlegm of a Dutchman could have been 
 equal to the trial. The indefatigable Industry of that 
 Natic5n has fertilised Rocks and transformed a Swamp 
 into a beautiful City and Fortifications. But the 
 Hogan Mogan prevails in every thing. We dine at 
 one, sleep in a Chamber as large and cold as a church, 
 paved with Tiles, and there is not a Fireplace in the 
 whole Town. Tradesmen of every rank cheat us 
 egregiously. We were forced to pay upwards of 45/- 
 yesterday for 2 Horses to bring us 25 miles, and 
 14 Dollars for a Waggon not bigger than a Higgler's 
 cart, and at last after coming above a Mile the Driver 
 turned back to Town and refused to proceed because 
 he thought our Trunks were too heavy — There was 
 no Redress but to soothe him with 2 Dollars extra- 
 ordinary. I have indeed given you the darkest side 
 of the Picture. I must do so much justice to the 
 Gov^ and several of the principal inhabitants as to 
 declare that they have entertained us nobly. Balls, 
 
i86 Zbc iFtancis Xetters [1774 
 
 Concerts, Suppers in the most splendid and sumptuous 
 manner. I wonder how they come by so much taste 
 or where in this country they find materials to display 
 it. It were also brutal in me not to acknowledge that 
 our Hostess is one of the best women I ever met 
 with ; but first I must infijrm you of a very extra- 
 ordinary Practice at the Cape. There is no such thing 
 as an Inn or a Tavern ; but all the Inhabitants of the 
 City even the greatest and richest admit strangers into 
 their House to lodge and board. You choose your 
 Room, change your Wine, bespeak extraordinary 
 Dishes, in short do whatever you please except 
 making them light a Fire or alter the hour of their 
 Meals. They give you a good Bed and Breakfast, a 
 plentiful Dinner at noon, Tea at four and a profusion 
 of good things for supper at eight — and all this, wine 
 included, of which you may drink till you burst, for a 
 crown sterling, which is the Price established through- 
 out the Place per day. The meanest Family never 
 have fewer than 6 Dishes besides a dessert. Vege- 
 tables are in vast abundance and of an infinite Variety 
 even now in the Depth of winter, Oranges are in 
 season all the year, besides dried Grapes, Figs, 
 Walnuts, and others you know nothing of. Fish in 
 great plenty, mutton, venison, wildfowl &c., &c. 
 They have plenty of Wine of their own Growth and 
 the Vineyards greatly exceed my expectation. We 
 find the liquor they yield to be small but of a very 
 pleasant flavour. The wine called Constantia is the 
 produce of a particular spot, a single Vineyard. We 
 have been there but cannot get a drop to buy. The 
 face of the Country near the Sea is totally barren, 
 
1774] tCbe jfrancis 3LcttevB 187 
 
 but the interior parts I am told are rich and produce 
 grain and cattle in Abundance. 
 
 " I have been this afternoon in Company with a 
 person who is a great Botanist and was sent out by 
 our King for the purpose of collecting plants. He 
 has travelled a vast distance up the country and 
 assures me that the Dutch have farms near 1000 miles 
 back. To meet with such a Man is extraordinary 
 enough ; but I have seen innumerable curiosities 
 besides in the course of the last Week. Zebras, 
 Ostriches, Wild Boars, Buffaloes, Cassowaries, Seals, 
 Penguins &c., &c., nay more, I have actually beheld 
 a Hottentot Man and Woman, with their Mantles of 
 Sheepskin, and Bands round their Legs and Arms 
 which had as much the Appearance of Sheep's Guts 
 as of anything else. 
 
 " . . . In writing to my father I mean it shall be always 
 understood that I address the whole Family ; I shall 
 therefore only say to you my good mother in particular 
 that I wish I could convey you a Dutch stove to 
 warm your feet ! 'Tis a comfortable contrivance. 
 Mine are almost chilled. God bless you and keep 
 you from Rheumatisms, and you my dear cousin Patty 
 from Asthmas and you my dearest Sister and sweet 
 Girls and Boy from every Vexation which can pain 
 your honest hearts. Health and Happiness to 
 you all. 
 
 " Farewell, I am with constant affection, yours 
 and yours, 
 
 "A. M. 
 
 " Mr. Francis swears that he has seen nothing upon 
 the Coast of Africa so extraordinary as himself." 
 
1 88 Zbc jf rands Xetters [1774 
 
 From Philip Francis, at the End of the 
 
 Foregoing. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I join heartily in everything that your Son 
 has been saying to you, and make it my Request that 
 you and good Mrs. M., and honest Patience may live 
 as long as you possibly can. 
 
 " Yours faithfully, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie's Diary Continued. 
 
 ''July I'jtk. Everything disposed for sailing in the 
 morning." 
 
 " Friday, July igtk. At 8 in the morning see the 
 Island Joanna,^ do not come to an Anchor till about 
 10 at night in an open Road distant half a mile from 
 the Shore. As we approach the Island the wreck of 
 a large ship attracts our attention, we send off a boat 
 and find it to be an East India Ship, the Huntingdon, 
 Capt. Pigou, upon a trading voyage from Madras to 
 Mosambique and Madagascar. She was wrecked in 
 April last. All the people, including a valuable Cargo 
 of Slaves were saved as well as great part of her 
 stores. Capt. Pigou speaks highly of the Care and 
 attention shewn by the King of Joanna and his 
 subjects, who have rendered him every possible 
 service on this occasion. This gentleman has taken 
 his passage in the Anson to Madras. 
 
 1 Johanna Island, the most frequented of the Comoro Group, 
 between Madagascar and Mosambique. 
 
1774] XEbe jfrancts Xctters 189 
 
 "July 20th. Abbd Renal speaking of this Island 
 says — * It is there that Nature in an extent of 30 
 Leagues Circumference has displayed all her Riches 
 with all her simplicity. Hills ever-green and vallies 
 ever fertile there form the greatest variety of beautiful 
 landskips. 30,000 Inhabitants distributed through 73 
 villages, share in its rich Productions. The Language 
 of Joanna is Arabic, and the Religion that of Mahomet, 
 but very much corrupted. In this Island we find 
 Principles of a purer Morality than are generally 
 met with in this quarter of the Globe. As milk and 
 vegetables are the chief food, and the mildness of the 
 climate renders cloathing unnecessary for the People, 
 they have acquired an insurmountable aversion to 
 labour. From this indolence arises an air of dignity 
 which distinguishes all the superior class. They let 
 their nails grow to a vast length and tinge them with 
 the juice of a shrub. Here the English refresh their 
 ships in the utmost security, here they land their sick, 
 whom the pure air, delicious fruits and vegetables and 
 excellent water speedily restore to health. Bullocks, 
 Goats, Poultry, Cocoa nuts and every other Production 
 of the Island were formerly given in exchange for 
 Beads and other toys, but now a price (though a 
 very moderate one) is demanded in silver.' 
 
 "With all possible respect for the opinions of 
 Monsr. Renal, I humbly apprehend that the merits 
 of the good people of Joanna have been much ex- 
 aggerated by those persons who have made this 
 worthy Abbd acquainted with them. We find 
 Indolence indeed but without Dignity. 
 
 " This Island which is situated 44 Degs. east of 
 
igo Ube jprancis Xetters [1774 
 
 London lies also in the 12th degree of Southern 
 Latitude, so that it may be supposed we had no 
 occasion for stoves. The Inhabitants find as little 
 use for either cloaths or Beds, as they have means 
 of procuring them. We dined with one of the 
 Principal men of the place, who called us his Brethren, 
 and treated us in a family Way, that is he gave us 
 a very bad dinner and expected to be paid for it. 
 The women of Joanna shave their heads close, pull 
 their ears down to their shoulders, and wear^ Rings 
 in their Noses. The Men paint their teeth black, 
 and their nails red, so that both sexes, in point of 
 beauty, are almost as much indebted to Art as they 
 are to Nature. I had forgot to mention that they 
 are negroes. 
 
 " Considering the Use and Convenience of this 
 Island, I wonder that the English with their present 
 Ideas of distributive Justice, should have left it so 
 long in the Hands of the original Owners. We are 
 not subject to such mistakes. Our Notions concerning 
 the rights of Property improve every day. In our 
 transactions with the Inhabitants, (who by the bye 
 are as well disposed to roguery as if they had had 
 all the Advantages of Education) we so far departed 
 from our Principles, as to pay honestly for everything 
 we received. In two days we had Bullocks and 
 Poultry enough to stock a moderate Farm, and took 
 our leave of Joanna, not a little edified by the ob- 
 servations we had made upon human Nature in its 
 primitive state of simplicity. 
 
 " August 28M, Sunday. We have Prayers and 
 Sermon on Deck for the Edification of the ship's 
 
1774] XEbe jFranciB Xettcrs 191 
 
 Company, who daily enjoy more of the good things 
 of this life than they have been accustomed to. 
 Among the rest, Grog and Fresh Beef. Twenty- 
 eight Bullocks were taken on board at Joanna. In 
 the evening we cross the Line a second time, and 
 now bear to the Eastward. 
 
 "It is not in the power of fair Weather to make 
 a long Voyage pleasant. We are in Hysterics with 
 the bare Apprehension of a Calm. People who pray 
 for a long Life, have it in their Power to live as long 
 as they think proper. They need only go to Sea, 
 to turn seconds into centuries. These are Sunday 
 Evening Reflections." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal. 
 
 " London, 
 ''April 15*%, 1774. 
 " Mv DEAREST, DEAREST PhILIP, 
 
 " I finished my Journal on Wednesday 13th 
 and sent it by Mr. Collins ; Thursday I wrote to you 
 by Mr. Fowke and on Friday by Mr. Paxton, though 
 I had nothing new to say, nor indeed worth your 
 reading — yet it was a great pleasure to me to write 
 as it seems like a kind of conversation with you. 
 
 " To proceed with my Journal. Friday went to 
 Fulham — we brought Harriet to Town and we dined 
 and spent the day at Mrs. Holden's. I spent my 
 afternoon in writing to you my dearest Love and 
 most beloved man, much do Polly and I talk of you, 
 we never want a subject, the dear Mack has his share. 
 Saturday I went to visit Mrs. Eraser, she was in the 
 country. I then went to Mrs. Bristow's where I was 
 
192 XEbe jfrancfs Xetters [1774 
 
 let in. Mrs. Bristow, Miss Mary and the beautiful 
 Miss Sophy were all at home. Our conversation was 
 chiefly voyages, ships, sickness, East Indies and so 
 forth, you know already you are no small favourite 
 with all that family. They all joyn in good wishes 
 for your health, success &c., and desire many 
 compts &c. 
 
 " Sunday. I went to Church and did not forget 
 to pray for all that travel by sea or land, and I pray 
 God of his great goodness to protect all, but par- 
 ticularly two that are so dear to me. After Church 
 Mrs. and Miss Holden came to give me, Harriet and 
 my dear Philip, who was brought here this morning 
 by his Master, a Ride in Hyde Park. 
 
 " After tea Harriet and I walked home with Philip 
 and delivered him safe, I payd Mr. Ribouville his 
 Bill for Philip being the first quarter and some few 
 things besides. I told him I should like to pay the 
 quarters regularly that I might know my expenses as 
 I go on. Monday afternoon the i8th, Mrs. and Miss 
 Holden and my mother, Harriet and I went to Mr. 
 Ribouville's, it was a kind of Ball, there was a number 
 of little girls and the Master play'd to them and they 
 all danced minuets, cottilions &c., and our Harriet 
 danced the best. . . . 
 
 " Wednesday afternoon I went to Mrs. Harrison's 
 to drink Tea and play at cards till half past nine, 
 then came home. 
 
 " Thursday, 2\st. Went in the evening to Lady 
 Clive's by invitation where I was well received and 
 taken much notice of She is happy with your letter 
 and takes the greatest care of it. We had a great 
 
1774] XLbc jfrancts Xetters 193 
 
 deal of Company indeed. Mr. Stanly my old Blind 
 master who played several concertos to us and Miss 
 Davis Inglesina who sung four fine songs and most 
 admirably well. I play'd a little at Loo and won a 
 guinea and half and came home at half past ten. 
 
 " Sunday, 24//^. I went to Mrs. Chandler's and 
 drank Tea, we talked of you my dear, and he sayd 
 to please me I suppose, he imagined you were near 
 the Madeiras, I pray God it may be so. 
 
 " Friday, 2gtk. We dined at Mrs. Holden's, spent 
 a most agreeable day. Mr. Holden came in the 
 evening and we played at penny Quadrille. Polly 
 grows thin, she and I indulged in a little talk of 
 Bath and the many happy days we have spent 
 together including your company and also dear 
 Mack's and sometimes drop the tribute of a tear to 
 those happy days past and gone. I pray God He 
 may have some as good in store for us. 
 
 " On Sunday Mr. Ribouville and Mrs. D'Orville 
 and the two Mr. Godfreys drank tea with us. I think 
 Mr. David Godfrey seems a little attached to Polly 
 [Miss Holden], but the dear girl behaves as well 
 and as properly as possible, he has taken a very fine 
 House in Lincoln's Inn Fields for a fourteen years' 
 lease, that was Sir Thomas Sewel's, there are two 
 together, with Octagon windows or panes of Glass, 
 the other was Sir Anthony Abdys, he is to give 
 ;^2 5o per year. 
 
 " Monday, May <^th. About one o'clock we set out 
 in Mr. Holden's coach for Twickenham where after a 
 very fine ride we arrived about four, and found Mr. 
 
 13 
 
194 tlbe jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 Holden, who came on horseback, that Collins might 
 come with us, he and both the ladys welcomed me 
 most kindly, nothing can be more affec*'^ than 
 all their behaviours, we sat down to a good Dinner 
 and play'd off very handsomely and after took a 
 most delightful walk to the Meadows and back, this 
 place is Ilysium all, but my want is great, I must 
 say it, tho' I wish to conform as much as possible, 
 and everything is done here to make me happy, but 
 oh ! no Philip ; look where I will ; no dear Husband, 
 who with his life and spirits makes everyone happy. 
 We talk of you and my dear Mack for ever, and never 
 omit in the kindest manner drinking your healths." 
 
 On May 19th Mrs. Francis leaves Twickenham 
 and goes to stay at Fulham with her father and 
 mother for the Whitsuntide holidays. Her girls 
 are there also, two little ones and three from school. 
 
 " Fulham. 
 " Wednesday, 2'^th. Patty, Collins [the maid] and 
 I went to Town to bring little Philip here from 
 Mr. Ribouville's. Found everything ready for us 
 and Philip very well. My Father and Mother and 
 the girls were very happy to see Philip and he 
 them. We have a constant noise with the six, but 
 if I am not very well I keep upstairs in my room 
 which I find very comfortable. 
 
 '* Friday, 2'jth. We stayed at home and I worked 
 hard for my three girls making three Bonnets &c. 
 
 " Saturday, 2StA. Still at home and at work, no 
 going out, bad weather, Philip reads to me pretty well. 
 
1774] trbe 3f rands ^Letters 195 
 
 the girls making me some nightshifts. I remember 
 what you say never to let them be unemployed, your 
 injunctions are never out of my mind and I hope 
 in God will have the proper effects. 
 
 " Monday, June bth. I sat some hours mending 
 Sally's coat, then went with my Father, the three 
 girls, Philip and Patty to take a walk. Just as we 
 got to the Bishop's walk John came to tell me 
 Doctor Macnamara was just come. I came home 
 again, and found him very well. I told him all my 
 complaints and what medicines I had taken since I 
 have been here and he says they will not be of any 
 use at all, he sadly wants me to go to Margate 
 again, but I told him that did not suit me at all 
 unless I found I could not do without. He then 
 proposed Tunbridge and insisted upon my going 
 before this month is out ; he says it will strengthen 
 me and give me great spirits, and upon the whole 
 seems to say it is necessary, as weakness and bad 
 spirits, nerves &c., is the chief of my complaints. 
 
 " I have had a letter from Mr. Ribouville to inform 
 me that Lord and Lady Clive had been to settle 
 everything about their pretty little Bob and he is 
 to go to him to board on the 20th inst., when the 
 school begins. The letter is full of thanks and 
 acknowledgments to us for our recommendations and 
 speaking so much in his favour, he is very grateful 
 and says he will use his gratitude in the case of 
 my dear Boy. 
 
196 xrbe jfrancts betters [1774 
 
 " Thursday June ^th, was my Worthy Father's 
 Birthday when he entered into the 79th year of 
 his age, he is really better than one could imagine 
 and looks very well, but at times very low spirited 
 and his being so deaf I believe in a great degree 
 contributes to make him so. I made them a present 
 of a fine Ham for the Birthday and we had a Fillet 
 of Veal and two Gooseberry Pyes. We spent a very 
 agreeable day. 
 
 " Friday, June loth. Collins went Home in the 
 Stage Coach and took Philip to School, he was 
 beginning to be rather too much for us, and I thought 
 a fortnight was quite enough Holydays at a time, 
 he went home with the greatest good humour and 
 spirits and was received most affectionately by Mr. 
 Ribouville and Mrs. D'Orville, they are worthy good 
 People and if they have a fault 'tis being too indulgent, 
 but I hope my boy won't make a bad use of it. 
 Just before Collins returned home we had a change 
 in Mr. White's family where my Father lives, there 
 was an old Lady an Aunt of his, Mrs. Davies — my 
 Brother I believe remembers her — who has been very 
 ill for some months which has rather contributed to 
 making the house more dull, ever since I have been 
 here and on Friday evening just before Collins came 
 home she dyed, this put a gravity and melancholy 
 upon everyone's countenance and I feared would be 
 particularly disagreeable to my Father as he is usually 
 low, and those things generally affect weak spirits. 
 I took my three girls to Mrs. W. at their school 
 and begged she would take them home for I thought 
 it would be terrifying to children to be in the house 
 
1774] TLbc ifrancls Xetters 197 
 
 with a corpse and then came home again and Collins 
 came out to me and ofifered me a letter, which I 
 knew by the direction to be yours. I took it very 
 composedly and broke the seal, as I could not waste 
 the paper that had been with my dear Philip and 
 began reading what has been the best medicine to 
 me since you left us, my melancholy and grave 
 thoughts left me and I gave my Father my Brother's 
 Letter and after reading both all our side of the 
 house became happy and comforted ; only think on 
 the goodness of God that sent us these Letters just 
 as our spirits had been depressed by the death of the 
 old Lady, perhaps our Joy at receiving them might 
 otherwise have been too great, and overcome us. 
 
 " The shortness of your Passage to Madeira has 
 been looked upon as wonderful to everyone that 
 has heard of it and the observation you make of the 
 heat of the climate as agreeing with you from the 
 clearness of your Head makes me flatter myself you 
 will enjoy your Health. ... I am extremely glad 
 you happen to have been so agreeably fixed, in 
 your house at Madeira and that you have by that 
 means avoided some of those noxious animals you 
 mention which were so plenty elsewhere. You desire 
 it may be mentioned to Mr. Davidson, the Civility 
 of Mr. Murdocks, accordingly on Saturday nth I 
 wrote in the morning a few lines to Mrs. Chandler 
 and enclosed your letter to Mr. Chandler and told 
 her about Mr. Murdocks that it might be mentioned 
 to Mr. Davidson. I wrote to Mr. Bourke as you 
 desired, to Mrs. D'Oyly, to Miss Chitty and to 
 
198 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 Doctor Campbell, all these Letters were some fatigue 
 to me but the subject was so delightful that I enjoyed 
 it even though I was tired, I am happy when I think 
 I am in my duty and doing what you would approve 
 if you was present. 
 
 " Your spending your time so agreeably on Board 
 Ship is the greatest pleasure to me, you say you live 
 well. I wish I could convey to you some of those 
 delightful sallets and other herbish you used so much 
 to admire, but my dearest Love we must all consider 
 there is not a situation in Life that has not its wants 
 and hope you won't find many of those. I am 
 extremely happy to find your friends and you are 
 so happy in each other, I never doubted but it would 
 be so and I sincerely hope that every one you are 
 connected with will be as partial and as much pre- 
 judiced in favour of everything you do as I am. 
 You mention your intention of leaving Madeira the 
 first of May, I hope you will have as happy and 
 safe and quick a voyage to the Cape as you had 
 to the Madeiras. 
 
 " Wednesday, June i^i/i. We packed our things 
 and sent them to the Stage for Tunbridge, that day I 
 received many visits in the afternoon, Mr. Holden 
 drank Tea with us, in the evening Sally Bussey called, 
 who is very well, but low-spirited, for want of lodgers. 
 Mr. Godfrey payd me a short visit and begg'd Philip's 
 company for a few days at East Burnham when next 
 he comes to Town, he seems much pleased with 
 him, ... I beg my dear Mack's pardon for not 
 
1774] Ube Jfrancis 3Lettets 199 
 
 thanking him for his letter, in it was enclosed two 
 tickets for Cox's Museum which my cousin and I have 
 made use of and two Tickets for Mr. Adams's Houses. 
 I am happy to hear such good accounts of his health 
 and happiness. . . . 
 
 " Received a letter from Mrs. D'Oyly with one 
 enclosed from Bath containing a note for ^^15 as 
 your proportion of the money from the Rooms. 
 
 " Thursday , June i6th. About 10 o'clock my cousin 
 Patty, Collins and I set out in a Post Chaise and John 
 on Horseback for Tunbridge Wells, where we arrived 
 after a most agreeable journey about 5 o'clock. We 
 immediately went to look after lodgings and took half 
 of the house which joined our little apartment when 
 we were here together the first time. . . . After fixing 
 my lodging we drank Tea at the Sussex and had 
 everything in that evening and hoped to have slept 
 well, but we had a most dreadful night of Thunder 
 and Lightning from half past eleven till four in the 
 Morning, so I never slept till it ceased and the fright 
 so fatigued me that I could not get up to drink 
 the water. 
 
 " Saturday morning, \%th. Got up at eight and 
 drank a glass of water, walked half an hour, and then 
 another, walked again and then came home to Break- 
 fast, ate heartily and then set out to walk to Lord 
 Clive's which is upon Mount Ephraim near a mile 
 up the Hill. I found my Lord and Lady and Miss 
 Ducarel, they received me very kindly and talked 
 much of you, but she says the subject won't bear 
 
200 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 talking of, but will write to me a great deal, my lord 
 looks very well and seems in better spirits than I ever 
 saw him ; he wonders much you never gave me any 
 account of a wonderful Mountain that is before you 
 come to Madeira, he says it is three Miles High and 
 almost perpendicular. 
 
 " When I left Town your favourite Tom the Cat 
 was in perfect Health, but had forgot me, would not 
 come to me, but remembered Collins and was fond 
 of her. John has behaved very well ever since you 
 went, he is quiet, sober and civil and I hope he 
 will do very well. 
 
 " I am in great hopes I shall be the better for these 
 waters as I find I can bear more walking and exercise 
 than formerly and I hope in time to gain strength. 
 
 Monday, June 20th. The Master of the Cere- 
 monies introduced himself to me, he seems to be a 
 very polite and well-bred man, his name is Tyson, he 
 told me he had the honour of being acquainted with 
 you, he had dined in company with you and enquired 
 much after your health and Voyage. The people 
 seem to pay him great respect, he dined at my Lord 
 Clive's last week with Mr. and Mrs. Pigou. There 
 are a good many people, Mr. Pigou tells me their 
 names, but I know no one to speak to but him, 
 however 'tis no loss as I don't want any company and 
 Walking is my only amusement. 
 
 " Tuesday, 2\st. Walked out in the morning and 
 went to dinner to Lady Clive's, my Lord dined 
 out, old Mr. King is with them and Mrs. and 
 Miss Boone dined with them, we were all extremely 
 
1774] XLbc jfrancis Xetters 201 
 
 happy and chearful. Lady Clive says she will 
 write to you soon and desires me to say her 
 beautiful Black Cat that she calls Lady is in 
 perfect Health, she talks much of you, gave you for 
 the first toast, then drank you and your Brother and 
 mentions you in the kindest manner, she melts often 
 when she talks of you, you know her goodness, she 
 says she hopes you will send her a fine Persian cat 
 and tells me she hopes to live to see you return and 
 says she has the greatest dependence upon you. 
 There is a Gentleman here whose person is so like 
 you that I have cryed when I have seen him. Lady 
 Clive wished much to see this Gentleman, but has 
 not. Miss Ducarel has and is of my opinion. Poor 
 Miss Ducarel seems very low-spirited, she has many 
 troubles and distresses concerning this same matri- 
 monial scheme she has in view and is very unhappy. 
 
 " I think my spirits have been rather better since I 
 came here as I walk a good deal, I attribute it much 
 to that and when I am not walking my cousin and I 
 spend all our time in Reading, we don't go to the 
 Rooms at all and mix very little with the Company, 
 as indeed I am not acquainted with anybody here 
 as yet. 
 
 ''Friday, 2^th. Our day was spent as usual 
 walking and reading, about eight o'clock in the 
 evening came Miss Boone to see me and stayed an 
 hour, she is very sensible and agreeable and was 
 so polite as to tell Lady Clive she wished to be ac- 
 quainted with me. 
 
 " Saturday, June 2^tk. About three o'clock came 
 
202 XTbe ffrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 a most welcome visitor by my particular Invitation, 
 Miss Kitty Francis and her maid Sherry, they arrived 
 safe here in the stage coach. The child talks for 
 ever, her joy was so great at seeing me she could 
 hardly express it, kissed and hugged me all over and 
 sayd ' pretty Mama, Kitty is come to see pretty 
 Mama ' she told me a great deal about Grandpapa and 
 Mama and sisters, but is for ever calling on Brother 
 Philly and asking for him. I have sent Mary to 
 Mrs. White's day school with her sisters and she 
 seems to be happy. 
 
 " Saturday. I had a letter from Mr. Ribouville 
 with a most happy account of my dear boy's health 
 and good behaviour. 
 
 " Sunday, 26th. Was rather out of spirits, did not 
 go to church, said my Prayers at Home, had a fine 
 walk in the morning, rained in the afternoon so stay'd 
 at home read some of our friend Mrs. Griffiths's at 
 Margate, her productions very sentimental indeed, but 
 well enough to pass time, not fit for my daughters' 
 perusal, when they come home our reading must be 
 of a quite different nature. 
 
 "Monday, lyth. Took a fine walk after Breakfast 
 to the Top of the Hills, Kitty enjoys running on the 
 Pantiles and hearing the Music, she is much admired 
 by the Ladys, in the afternoon returned Miss Boone's 
 visit, walked a little and came home to our books. 
 We have had some Plays and some of poor Dr. 
 Goldsmith's Works and have now got Lady Mary 
 Wortley Montague's Letters which are very amusing 
 indeed. 
 
 " Thursday, June 30M. Who should I meet on 
 
1774] Ube jfrands Xetters 203 
 
 the Walks but Miss Smith, an agreeable woman, who 
 was with Mrs. Balentine some years ago and supped 
 at our House. She is sister to General Smith who 
 has been many years in India, she is come here with 
 his wife and another sister. They have the greatest 
 magnificence and grandeur, Gold- Laced Liverys, 
 much finer than anybody here, we walked together 
 in the evening. 
 
 " Tuesday, Aug. 2nd. We had a grand Ball for 
 the Master of the Ceremonys, I went to it and gave 
 him a guinea which was the custom. 
 
 " Wednesday, ■^rd. Took leave of all my friends at 
 the Wells, paid my Bills and made a purchase of a 
 Book in 2 Vols, on Education wrote by a Mrs. 
 Chapone ^ and recommended to me by a very sensible 
 and wonderful clever old Lady, a Mrs. Montagu, a 
 particular friend of Mrs. D'Oylys and whom this book 
 is dedicated to, she is an author and has wrote some 
 clever things, one upon Shakspeare's works, perhaps 
 you may have seen it. 
 
 " Thursday morning, Aug. i^th. We all set off 
 
 from the Wells in a coach and four which I sent 
 
 for from H anbury's the man you employed and also 
 
 a Saddle horse for John. I thank God we came all 
 
 safe Home to Duke Street soon after eight in the 
 
 evening and found the House safe and Tom the cat 
 
 in perfect Health and as fat as a bear." 
 
 1 Hester Chapone, the celebrated bas bleu. The title of the 
 book on which her fame in those days rested is " Letters on the 
 Improvement of the Mind, addressed to a Young Lady." Her 
 correspondence with Richardson has also been published, 
 
204 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie's Diary Continued. 
 
 " On Board the Ashburnham. Ceylon, 
 "Friday, Sep. idth, 1774. 
 
 " The Zaprabana of the Ancients — the Serendib of 
 the Arabians — and Solomon's Magazine for spices 
 and Ivory. Our first Parents are supposed to have 
 lived here in great splendour. After them came 
 Noah with his little Family. In his time there was 
 one just Man at least upon the Island, but things 
 are much altered since the Dutch took possession of it. 
 As we sailed along the Coast, we expected to breathe 
 nothing but Gales of Cinnamon and that Oysters 
 would come on board with Pearls in their Mouths. 
 But Nature in this country is soon exhausted, 
 and I fear after all that we are going to make 
 Love to a Superannuated old Woman who, besides 
 the Loss of her Beauty has been plundered of her 
 Money. 
 
 " Madras. 
 " Wednesday, Sept. 21st. The Supreme Court of 
 Judicature always take the lead of us. They sail 
 better than we do, and their Charter gives them the 
 Precedence. Their Worships landed [at Madras] two 
 days before us. What marks of Honour and Respect 
 they may have been distinguished by I know not, but 
 nothing could exceed those shown to our Party. 
 Scarce had we cast Anchor, when a Letter and 
 Message arrived from the Governor inviting us on 
 Shore. General Smith with several Gentlemen of 
 the Council received us at the Water's Edge. The 
 Guns fired incessantly, the Streets were lined with 
 soldiers, the Sun flamed in the Zenith, the sand 
 
1774] TLbc jfrancis betters 205 
 
 vitrified under our feet, the Rabble trampled us to 
 death. In short we were received, like the fallen 
 angels into a little Hell of our own. We found 
 Houses provided for everybody and centinels placed 
 at the Doors. The Governor Mr. Wynch enter- 
 tained us at Dinner each Day. There was a Concert 
 the first Evening and afterwards an Assembly and 
 Supper, when our Ladies by exciting different 
 Passions in the two Sexes, did all the Mischief 
 they could desire. 
 
 " Fort St. George does not abound with pretty 
 women, tho' it may boast with some Reason of 
 Mrs. Johnson. She is unique in this country and 
 before our arrival could never have suffered by a 
 comparison. If splendor accompanied Heat, a Ball 
 in India ought to be uncommonly splendid. The 
 appearance of the Ladies even before Country Dances 
 was rather ardent than luminous, when the Minuets 
 are ended they go home with their Partners to 
 undress, and after a little Refreshment return again 
 in the purest Innocence of Muslin and the Simplicity 
 of a Nightgown. The Zeal and activity with which 
 they exert themselves in Country dances is exercise 
 enough for the Spectators. By dint of Motion these 
 Children of the Sun, in a very few minutes, get as 
 hot as their Father and then it is not safe to approach 
 them. In this agitation they continue, literally swim- 
 ming thro' the dance till he comes himself and 
 reminds them of the hour. At midnight we sober 
 citizens retired to Bed, but not to rest — devoured 
 by Mosquitoes and overcome with Heat though all 
 the windows and doors were left open." 
 
2o6 tCbe jffancfs ^Letters [1774 
 
 They pay a visit to the Nawab of Arcot, and Mr. 
 Mackrabie describes what took place : — 
 
 " Thursday, Sept. 22nd. A conversation carried on 
 thro' the Channel of an Interpreter cannot be very 
 interesting, but it was very civil and notwithstanding 
 the ceremonies of Asiatic Politeness the visit was too 
 short to be tedious. When we had been seated a 
 quarter of an hour, a Train of Servants came in 
 with Baskets and Phials of Gold. The Nabob 
 then went round and presented each Person with 
 Beetle, a kind of Aromatic Leaf which these 
 people are everlastingly chewing — and dropped Atta 
 of Roses upon our Handkerchiefs. He then 
 thanked everybody for the Honour of this Visit 
 and begged that an hour might be fixed for his 
 returning it next day, — upon which we took our 
 leave and retired in the Order in which we came. 
 I should have been very unwilling to have lost this 
 Interview with the Nabob, even such as it was 
 — but it might have been rendered much more 
 interesting. He might have shewn us his Women, 
 or at least his Elephants — he might if the Law had 
 not put our Virtue out of the reach of Temptation 
 have presented each of us with a Pearl, a Diamond 
 or a Persian Horse. Such sweet Remembrances 
 make lasting Impressions. I have now almost forgot 
 the Colour of his Highness's Beard. 
 
 "Sept. 22nd. Returning from our Excursion we 
 passed thro' the Black Town where everything is 
 new, everything is strange — the Houses — the People ! 
 The Heat and Crowd were intolerable. It was 
 
1774] tlbe jfrancts Xetters 207 
 
 Market Day and every sort of Jollity and Noise going 
 forward in the Bazar. 
 
 " The Gentoos are divided into numberless Classes 
 and Casts, distinguished from each other by Marks or 
 Lines on the Forehead of different Colours, red, white, 
 blue, yellow, according to the degrees of their Faith 
 or Rank in the Church. If Philosophy consists in 
 renouncing the comforts of Life, there is not a Black 
 Fellow here who might not give Lessons to Diogenes. 
 It must be their own fault if they are not happy. 
 The English by banishing all Ideas of Property from 
 among their Subjects have relieved them from the 
 Cares of the World. They are not robust, yet every 
 Man carries his Fortune upon his Back. 
 
 " We supped at the Governor's, a large party of 
 ladies and gentlemen, after which our Phaeton con- 
 veyed us 7 miles at a most rapid rate to Mamelon, the 
 Retirement of Mr. Andrew Ross where we arrive at 
 Midnight and lie down for a few hours. 
 
 " Friday, 22,rd. We visited a curious Manufacturer 
 of Chintzes which -threw new Lights upon my Ideas 
 concerning that Article. Till then I thought that all 
 Chintzes were printed ; but I now find that in India, 
 every Stroke, every colour is given with a Pencil. The 
 most indefatigable Industry would be unequal to such 
 an undertaking, were not many parts of it executed 
 by Children of 6 & 7 years old, who gain their three 
 half-pence per Day and are content. Though I gave 
 but little attention to what they were doing I felt 
 myself affected by the Sight of so much Innocent 
 Industry so poorly rewarded. We were shewn the 
 whole Process from the Looms to the Glazing. After 
 
2o8 ^be jfranciB betters [1774 
 
 Breakfast which we took in the open Air by a River's 
 side, we returned to the Fort, time enough to dress 
 and receive the Nabob's [return] Visit. 
 
 " I think I could more easily paint than describe the 
 Procession. He was preceded by a Train of Horse 
 and Foot Guards, a Band of Music, Fellows with gold 
 and silver Staves, and followed by led Horses, Palan- 
 quins flaming with rich Embroidery. . . . The Nabob 
 was attended by his 5 Sons. His elder Brother, a 
 venerable old Man with a long white Beard was like- 
 wise of the Party. This respectable Personage has 
 but lately tasted the sweets of Liberty. The present 
 Nabob, finding himself at least as capable to rule an 
 Empire, having recommended Study and Retirement 
 to him, which I suppose the other wisely preferred to 
 Assassination. Musselmen have their own Ideas of 
 Justice and the Sword and the Law are generally in 
 the same Hand. After a short Conversation, a folding 
 Door was opened at which our Ladies stood, that the 
 Nabob might pay his compliments to them. 
 
 ''Friday, Sept. 2ird. The Plan of the Houses of 
 Europeans is large and commodious. The Ground 
 Floors all Vaulted, containing Offices and Store- 
 houses. A broad stone Staircase leads to the 
 Principal Story which consists of a very spacious 
 and lofty Hall, with 4 or 6 large lodging Rooms 
 adjoining. The Hall is the Apartment in which 
 you sit at all Times and has arches at each end 
 for the free admission of the Air. These com- 
 municate with a large covered Balcony to the Street 
 and an extensive Terrace backwards. There are few 
 Houses here with Fronts of less than 60 or 80 feet. 
 
1774] Ube ifrancis Xettets 209 
 
 In Bengal we are informed, the Dimensions are much 
 greater. You see no painted Walls in India, much less 
 do they deal in Tapestry Hangings. They have a kind 
 of Lime so exceeding fine that it has all the Beauty of 
 Stucco with the Polish of Marble. Their Windows 
 have Frames with cane Blinds, instead of Glass. 
 
 " A Chamber requires little besides a Bedstead, a 
 Mattrass covered with a calico Sheet and 2 Bolsters. 
 One for the Head, the other a long one to lay by 
 your side and support the Weight of a Palampore 
 or thin chintze, which is all the covering necessary 
 in this climate. A Mosquito Curtain completes the 
 Economy of the Bed. 
 
 " On Board Ashburnham. 
 " Oct. 12th, Wednesday. 
 
 " We pass Ingelee at noon. — About that Hour we 
 observe a Boat making towards the Ship, having on 
 Board a Gentleman dressed in Scarlet. This ap- 
 pearance occasions manifold Conjectures. It proves 
 to be Mr. Geo. Livius to welcome Mr. F. He 
 supplies us and our fair Companions with various 
 Refreshments, and has provided with indefatigable 
 zeal for our future as well as our present Comfort, 
 having brought for Mr. Francis's Accommodation two 
 Budgerows with every Article necessary for the 
 Voyage to Calcutta, from whence we find ourselves 
 distant about 130 miles upon coming to an Anchor 
 off Kidgeree this day at two o'clock. 
 
 " River Hughley. 
 
 " Wednesday, Oct. 19M. Exactly at Noon, a 
 comfortable Season for establishing the Etiquette of 
 
 14 
 
2IO XLfic jfrancis Xettecs [1774 
 
 Precedency, the whole Party are disposed in three 
 Boats, and both Courts landed at the Capital of their 
 Jurisdiction. The Procession to the Governor's 
 House beggars all Description. The Heat — the 
 Confusion — not an attempt at Regularity — No 
 Guards — No Person to receive or shew the Way. 
 No State ; — This is the Age of Reformation. — But 
 surely Mr. Hastings might have put on a ruffled 
 Shirt. 
 
 " The Ceremony of Introduction gone through the 
 Audience broke up, and we changed the Scene though 
 not the Climate. At two, the whole Party, increased 
 by this Time to 150, met again at the Governor's 
 House to dine. In such a Company little Order can 
 be expected, we eat and drank — and endeavoured at 
 Society — but even Wine in Ale Glasses cannot remove 
 suspicion. At four everybody retired, to sleep — or 
 Meditation. At Six, rose to Tea, dress, and go 
 a visiting. We welcomed all our fair Companions to 
 Calcutta, — and here ends the Journal of our Voyage." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal to the End of 
 October, 1774. 
 
 " Monday, August 2>th. We came to Fulham on 
 Saturday Evening, and on Sunday went to Church, 
 saw my dear Girls all well, they went home with 
 us to dinner and spent the Day. They improve 
 very much and all behave perfectly well, Sally is 
 really very sedate and agreeable and I think every 
 way pleasing, Betsy is not so fat as she was, but 
 looks delightfully and tho' more of the Child than 
 
WARREN HASTINGS, 
 
 GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA. 
 
 To face page 210. ] 
 
1774] XTbe jfrancis Xetters 2" 
 
 her Sister, is truly a charming, sensible, good natured 
 girl. Harriet is not the least in merit ; her character 
 from her Governess is very great, and I hope my 
 dearest Philip you remember us all enough to know 
 that she is clever and promises to be a most amiable 
 woman. Mary is much grown and is a sweet child, 
 and now for little Kitty, she is, if possible more 
 and more agreeable every Day, her temper is most 
 sweet and her understanding promises to be very 
 strong, she speaks very well and is most engaging, 
 she is much admired, and often talks of you and 
 Uncle and says you are gone far off, such sayings 
 as this give me many a pang." 
 
 The Journal is continued from Twickenham, where 
 Mrs. Francis went on August 24th, to stay with her 
 friends Mr. and Mrs. Holden : — 
 
 ''Monday, Aug. 2gth. Went to call on Lady 
 Prime. . . . Sir Samuel told Mrs. Holden he was 
 surprised to see me quite a young Lady, indeed he 
 thought by my large Family and frequent Indis- 
 positions that I must be an Elderly Lady — but again 
 he says ' quite a young Lady ' you know his 
 particular manner of speaking. 
 
 " Wednesday, 31.?/. A good morning, took a walk 
 with my dear Polly [Holden] and went to Church 
 to Prayers, came home and dressed and all went 
 to Sir Samuel Prime's to dinner on Venison &c., a 
 good Dinner and Desert, great State and Form. 
 Your Health particularly remembered, a great many 
 compts. payd me on my playing and singing a few 
 
212 Uhc jfrancis Xettcrs [1774 
 
 of Handel's Songs to them. Mr. Prime and all the 
 Family seem to stand in great Awe of the old 
 Knight. . . . 
 
 " Friday, Sept. 2nd. Received a letter from Dr. 
 Macnamara and I believe I must make a tryal of 
 the Sea Baths at Margate for a little time when the 
 Weather is a little colder, as he thinks it will 
 strengthen me and prepare me for the cold next 
 Winter. 
 
 " Saturday, T,rd. Fine day, took a walk before 
 Dinner with my dear Polly, stayd at home in the 
 afternoon and according to Custom in the Evening 
 played for an hour at Tredrille for ^ a Fish. 
 
 Sunday, \th. Was pretty well, so went to Church. 
 
 Wednesday, Jth. Staid at Home. Lady Prime & 
 Mr. & Miss Prime came to drink tea and went home 
 soon for fear of Highwaymen for they are very 
 plenty near Twickenham. 
 
 " Wednesday, \\th. Return to Duke Street — 
 Home. 
 
 " Tuesday, Sept. 20th. I put into Mr. Shuckburgh's 
 hands my Journal of 30 Pages and a Letter from Mrs. 
 Hay in case there should be an opportunity of a Ship 
 going to Bengal, before my return from Margate, and 
 he promised to take it to Mr. Roberts himself About 
 II o'clock that morning, my Cousin Patty, Collins, 
 and I in a Post-Chaise and John on Horseback set off 
 for Margate, we dined at Dartford where Mr. Powel 
 enquired much after you and wished you every 
 happiness and success, we slept that night at 
 Rochester at the Bull and breakfasted next morning 
 (Wednesday), for you know I cannot be hurryed, we 
 
1774] Zbc 3franc(s Xettets 213 
 
 set out before nine, changed our Chaise at Sittingborn 
 and dined at Canterbury, about six o'clock got safe to 
 Margate and found my old Lodgings at Rowes on the 
 Parade ready for me. Next morning Dr. Macnamara 
 called on me and almost ensures me of success. 
 
 " Sunday, Oct. (jth. A fine Morning, had a charming 
 dip and walked to the Rope Walk & back again. 
 There is a Lady here, much admired, her name 
 Gruber, her husband is in the East Indies, perhaps 
 you may meet with him, she is very beautiful and was 
 shipwrecked coming from thence. Dr. Macnamara 
 knows her. 
 
 ''Friday, Oct. \\th. I bathed and met Dr. Macnamara 
 who engaged my cousin and me to go and dine with 
 them at the Lighthouse on Whillings. We were very 
 merry and did not forget our dearest Friends, it was a 
 charming day and everything contributed to make our 
 Jaunt agreeable, Dr. Macnamara has got a most 
 splendid coach. Copper Plate Pannels and Painted 
 Blush Colour, it is very pretty indeed. 
 
 " Sunday, Oct. y^th. We paid all our Bills and 
 took leave of Margate about one o'clock and set off 
 in a Post Chaise and John on Horseback, we lay at 
 Feversham that night and set out at Eight on Monday 
 Morning and only stopped for Chaises on the Road 
 and got safe home about half an hour after four. I 
 was but poorly, indeed very weak and low. 
 
 ''Nov. ist. Saw the Doctor he said I had bathed 
 too much. I bathed 25 times in five weeks, 15 would 
 have been enough I am now told, however I must 
 now hope for the best." 
 
PERIOD III. 
 1774— 1781. 
 
 This Period embraces Francis's resideftce in India, his correspondence 
 with various friends in England— General Eraser, D'Oyly, Godfrey, 
 John Bourke, and Edmund Burke. At the same time we have 
 Mackrabie's Journal and letters, with the picture of social life 
 in India which these present. In Mrs. Francis's Journal we have 
 contrasting pictures of home and social life in England. 
 
 This Period ends with Francis's arrival in London, October igth, 
 1781. 
 
 215 
 
PERIOD III. 
 
 1774—1781. 
 
 Philip Francis and his secretary, Alexander Mack- 
 rabie, were settled at Calcutta in October, 1774. 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Father. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 '■^November 30, 1774. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " You have the particulars of our History 
 during three months in the Copy of our Journal from 
 the Cape hither. It comes inclosed with this Pacquet, 
 and was transcribed by a Man who can no more read 
 English, than I can write Chinese, but is nevertheless 
 a very useful Instrument in a Secretary's Office. He 
 is by Birth and Language a Hindoo ; — by Profession 
 a Banyan or Clerk, — he is moreover an indefatigable 
 Copier, and as he writes stark naked, I have no fear 
 of his stealing my papers ; so that you must admit he 
 is a person very fit to be trusted. He is at present of 
 the Gentoo Religion ; but his Attachment to his 
 English Masters, added I presume to the Examples 
 of Devotion he sees in this Family, have inclined him 
 not a little towards Christianity. Being determined to 
 
2i8 xtbe ifrancis Xetters [1774 
 
 turn his Application to good Account, he has thoughts 
 of acquiring our Faith and our Language at the same 
 time, and has accordingly furnished himself with a 
 Dutch English Grammar, and a Thomas a Kempis. 
 It is matter of Doubt with me which he will edify the 
 most by, — or understand the least. — One of the first 
 Observations we made here was, that they have no 
 Church. The same Edifice serves upon the first day 
 of the week for the Celebration of divine Service, and 
 during the other six for the purpose of entering of 
 Goods and Collecting of Customs. The Company's 
 Servants were much amazed to see us go thither in a 
 Body the Sunday after our Arrival ; but we afterwards 
 perceived with pleasure that the example had produced 
 a good Effect, tho' not sufficient to break up a Sporting 
 Club, who constantly go a hunting upon that day. 
 We hope that our Friends will be able in time to 
 bring a thorough Reformation of Manners. It is a 
 Consummation devoutly to be wished for — in public 
 as well as private Conduct. 
 
 " We lost poor Campbell at sea. He died as we 
 entered Ballagon Road. No other Mortality has 
 taken place among our ship's Company, except in the 
 Instance of the Baker, who, as soon as he came on 
 shore, dropt suddenly in the very Act, either of 
 making or of eating a Pie. But we have been cruelly 
 alarmed. Many of our Friends have been sick. 
 Colonel Monson was given over for several days, but 
 is now happily recovered. We could ill have spared 
 him. Indeed the world can ill spare such men. 
 There cannot be a more noble or a more amiable 
 Character. The sickly Season is now entirely over. 
 
1774] tlbe jfrancis aLetters 219 
 
 This will be for four months to come, the most 
 delightful Climate upon Earth — like an English 
 Spring, an unclouded sky, a fresh air, and perpetual 
 Sunshine. I wear a Cloth Suit of Cloathes." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Mr. Eden. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 "Tth Decern., 1774. 
 
 " My dear Eden, 
 
 " If I had not wrote to you at all, you are 
 bound to forgive me. All the engagements of 
 Business I have had in Europe or in America were 
 Child's Play compared to my Occupations here, and 
 nothing less than the example I have hourly before 
 me could support me through it. You see I am 
 giving myself Consequence, but I would not have 
 you conceive that it is the pressure of Affairs of 
 State which lies so heavy on me. — My Domestic 
 Concerns are no Trifle. Scolding Servants, Buying 
 Household Goods, Bespeaking Dinners, controlling 
 accounts of black Banyans whose zeal to cheat us 
 is incredible. We had 25 Guests at Dinner yester- 
 day, 30 at Breakfast this morning. — There are not 
 less than 100 Servants in our Family. Upon so vast 
 a scale and in a Country of whose Language I do 
 not understand 10 words think only how we must 
 be imposed upon. Besides all this, it is impossible 
 to be a Moment alone. 50 Black Faces took Posses- 
 sion of our Stair Case the day we landed, and it is 
 impossible to get rid of them unless we could blow 
 them up. 
 
 " Then the cursed Examples of Parade and Ex- 
 travagance they are holding up for ever to us. 
 
220 XEbe ifrancfs Xettcrs [1774 
 
 ' Master must have this. — Master must do that.' 
 A Councillor never appears in the Street with a 
 Train of less than 20 Fellows, nor walks from 
 one Room to another in his House, unless preceded 
 by 4 Silver Staves. I love Luxury, but it must 
 be a comfortable, a solid Luxury. This is worse 
 than the Hurry of an Inn at an Election. What 
 Improvement India may make in my Affairs I know 
 not, but it has already ruined my Temper. Fare- 
 well the tranquil Mind, I am in a rage from Morning 
 till Night, and never laugh above once a week, 
 upon the few occasions when we get together en 
 Famille." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to a Friend in America, 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 "20th December, 1774. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " The Members of the Council and their 
 several Dependants have scarce had an hour of Rest 
 or Quiet since their landing. Even the Recreations 
 of this Country are little Riots. Thirty people at 
 Breakfast, fifty at Dinner. Suppers at Midnight, 
 Dances till Daylight. But we are reforming apace. 
 To instance the Ceremonies of the Table. We now 
 only toast Healths and Sentiments in Gills and half 
 pints of Claret. Formerly instead of drinking a Glass 
 of Wine with a Gentleman it was usual to throw a 
 chicken at his Head, — while the ladies pelted with 
 Sweetmeats and Pastry. This was thought Refine- 
 ment in Wit and Breeding. 
 
 " The Expenses of this Settlement are beyond all 
 
1774] Zbc jfrancis Xetters 221 
 
 conception. Mr. F. pays ;^500 a year for a large 
 but mean House or rather Barn — with bare Walls — 
 and not a single Glass window. His Establishment 
 of Servants, which is thought pitiful, consists of 60 — 
 I maintain 15, and yet am forced sometimes to clean 
 my own Shoes. My greatest Comfort is to turn 
 them all out and lock the Doors. These Brutes 
 possess every bad quality except Drunkenness and 
 Insolence, indeed they make full amends for the first 
 by stupifying themselves with chewing Bang — and 
 their want of the other is perfectly well supplied by 
 a most provoking Gravity and Indifference. Thieves 
 upon Principle, for they steal what they cannot either 
 use or sell. In short I grow a perfect Cynic, — and 
 have not laughed three times since we landed. So 
 much for our History within Doors. Without it is 
 worse. We are so jaded with Parade and pompous 
 Entertainments that I have more than once feigned 
 Sickness to avoid them. Many Causes have con- 
 spired towards this part of my practical Philosophy, 
 not the least of which is the Reflections on finding a 
 Country once the richest in the World upon the Brink 
 of Ruin. Its Lands neglected, a universal Decay of 
 Manufacturers and Trade, with most alarming De- 
 population, and a want of Circulating Medium. 
 Perhaps even this Generation may read of the Trade 
 and Riches of India, as they do of Solomon's Cargo, 
 Gold of Ophir and Ships of Tarshish ; but feel as 
 little of the Effects of one as of the other. But what 
 avails a chapter of Lamentation to you, who perhaps 
 are still upon the Banks of the Delaware where 
 Money is found to be not absolutely essential to 
 
22 2 zbc jfranciB Xettecs [177s 
 
 Happiness, and where fourpenny Bits will go to 
 Market as freely as Hard Dollars. When I left 
 England I gave up everything in America except my 
 Correspondence, and a Claim to the Affectionate 
 Remembrance of my Friends ; but I now begin to 
 think it is far from impossible that I may pass the 
 Evening of my Days there. The Harvest is over 
 in India ; and England will not be supportable with 
 my share of the Gleanings." 
 
 Writing to R. Tilghman, Mackrabie says : — 
 " When virtue and justice fled from Europe, it 
 was not in Bengal they found a refuge. Our friends 
 whom the Legislature have in their wisdom sent 
 here for the better regulating the affairs of the East 
 India Company have employment for an age. Their 
 hands, heads and hearts are full. . . . 
 
 " O laughs at my rigid virtue, and foretells the 
 
 dissolution of it upon the first approach of warm 
 temptation. I would laugh with him if the subject 
 were not too serious ; but with the noble example I 
 have every hour before my eyes, I would remain 
 intact. I am well enough affected towards the good 
 things of this life, but I should deserve hanging could 
 I be base enough to become rich by unworthy 
 means. . . ." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Family. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " i^Janu: 1775. 
 
 " A. M. to his Friends at Fulham and In Duke 
 Street, Greeting. 
 
 " I wrote to my dear and honoured Father by the 
 
1775] Ube jFtancis Xetters 223 
 
 British King. You would by the same Conveyance 
 receive a Copy of our Journal from the Time we left 
 the Cape of Good Hope, to that of our Arrival at 
 Calcutta. I have now left off Journalising altogether, 
 and in so doing I act doubtless the part of a good 
 Christian. For if ' sufficient unto the day is the Evil 
 thereof,' we have no right to plague our honest Hearts 
 and those of our Friends with a Recollection of Evils 
 which are past. In fact, many of our days are 
 marked with such a Superabundance of Vexation 
 that, if we were not determined to kick our Cares 
 behind us, and forget them with all our Might, we 
 should scarce have resolution to encounter those of 
 the time to come. In treating of this Subject, it may 
 be proper, in order to avoid Confusion, to distinguish 
 our Cares under their several heads. We have public 
 Cares and Domestic ones, Cares general and particular 
 Cares. The chief Weight of public Care falls upon 
 Mr. F., but as his Spirit and Resolution to meet it's 
 attacks, and his Abilities to counteract and overcome 
 them, are beyond all Compare, he laughs at Diffi- 
 culties and indeed gives Vigor to us all. He keeps 
 four of us in constant employment, and is sometimes 
 dictating to all at a Time. 
 
 "I do not know whether the Plagues inseparable 
 from my Office of Sheriff should properly come under 
 the head of public or particular Cares. By the way, 
 there is something whimsical enough in this business. 
 Could any one have supposed that it was among the 
 Decrees of Fate, and moreover should have become 
 one in a human Record, that, on the 20th Day of 
 December 1774, A. M. Jun'. should be sworn in 
 
224 Ubc jfrancls betters [177s 
 
 High Sheriff of Calcutta, and that Samuel Tolfrey the 
 younger should be appointed his Deputy. Yet so it 
 is, and a very active faithful Assistant I have hitherto 
 found him. If you were to fall in the Way of India 
 People, you would hear wonderful things concerning 
 this same Office of Sheriff You might be told as I 
 have been, that it has yielded a profit, 30 and in one 
 year 40,000 Rupees (equal to from 3 to near 4,000 
 sterling pounds). There is such a Tradition, but it 
 is one of those which has lost nothing in handing 
 down, — nor should I have quoted it but in order to 
 add, that I am assured it did not produce above a 
 fourth part of the sum last year, and that the Experi- 
 ence of 3 weeks has given Birth to no Idea upon 
 the Subject, in me or in my Deputy, Except (after 
 our Obligations to the Friends who honoured us 
 with the Nomination) a hearty Desire to resign it 
 whenever we can with Credit. The Plague and 
 Trouble we meet with in the Execution of the Duties 
 are inexpressible, and the Honours annexed to 
 the Office do not much lighten the Burthen of it. 
 For whether I am taking a survey of the Jail and 
 the Felons committed to my Charge, — receiving 
 Petitions from Prisoners — or executing Warrants 
 to add to their Numbers, planning Modes of arrest 
 with Bailiffs, or marching in all the Pomp of White 
 Staves, Halberds & Maces, before my Lords the 
 Judges, to Court, & lolling upon a velvet Cushion 
 by their side, within it — I feel myself out of my 
 Element, and wish the Law and the Execution 
 of it, — together with all its Forms, Members, 
 & Apurtenances — at the D ." 
 
i77s] XCbe jftancfs letters 225 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Family. 
 
 " 24/A February, 1775. 
 
 " My dearest Father and Friends, 
 
 " I wrote to you by last Ship ; but of what 
 date I do not pretend to recollect. I am now actually 
 writing in the Country, at a small Lodge which Mr. F. 
 has purchased in the Neighbourhood of Calcutta. He 
 is so charmed with it, that he has not slept one Night 
 in Town, during the week he has had possession of 
 it. He talks already of quitting Calcutta, or of having 
 only a small House by way of Office & Dressing Room. 
 In fact it is a delicious spot. The House consists 
 of a spacious Hall and four Chambers, surrounded 
 by a Verandah or Colonnade, and stands in the midst 
 of 20 Acres of Ground pleasant to the last Degree 
 something between a Lawn and a Park. We talk 
 of farming, and feeding Pigs & Poultry — and making 
 Butter. The air, the Exercise, everything contributes 
 to Health & Cheerfulness. Hither Mr. F. will retire 
 from the Cares of the Council, and toil in his Garden 
 among Gentoos and Mussulmen. He wanted a 
 Retreat from Care and Vexation, and his Looks 
 already shew that he has found it. We have formed 
 some excellent Plans, and are determined to lead a 
 thorough new Life. None but Friends are to be 
 admitted here. Lady Impey yesterday. Lady Anne 
 & Col. Monson to-day. If you could all be trans- 
 ported in an Instant to Bengal (Asia you know has 
 ever been the Land of Inchantments) — we should 
 become thoroughly indifferent about England. 
 
 " I promised to give you an account of our Manner 
 of Living in Calcutta. It will be rather a splenetic 
 
 15 
 
226 Ube frauds letters [177s 
 
 one, but I must not delay it since it is probable that 
 a Month hence, we might be described as not only 
 being surrounded by Devils, but as actually broiling 
 in an Infernal Region of our own. I speak of Calcutta 
 in April. 
 
 " You know our Family. Messrs. Livius and 
 Collings are Inmates. Mr. F. still maintains Macleod 
 and Black Tom. They both prove trusty and assure 
 us they are as happy as Bengal can make them. 
 Tom eats and sleeps and makes the most of the 
 present Hour. Macleod is resolved to provide for a 
 future Day. He therefore trades, and buys Bargains 
 and employs his Leisure in the Study of Physic, 
 and the Practise of Drinking Brandy. I shall claim 
 the Privilege of a Letter writer and describe my 
 own Establishment first. It consists of a Sircar, or 
 Broker and Interpreter, — a Jemmadar who stands at 
 my Door, receives Messages, announces Visitors, and 
 also runs by the side of my Palanquin to clear the 
 Way. This Varlet is a tall Man, with a most 
 respectable pair of Whiskers, and moreover, wears 
 a Dagger in his Sash decorated with gold Tassels. 
 I am preceeded in all my Peregrinations by 2 Peons 
 or running Footmen, and as many Hircarahs, or 
 Messengers. These Gentry, being all furnished at 
 the expense of the Company as an Appendage to 
 my Office of Sheriff, I am only at the Expense of 
 a Kistmungar, literally Servant of all Work, but as 
 mine proved to be a Servant of no Work, I have 
 just discharged him. 8 Bearers for my Palanquin 
 compleat my Train. I would keep a Horse but 
 positively I cannot afford it. Mr. F. keeps 5, and 
 
i77s] tCbc ffrancis 3Letters 227 
 
 according to the cursed Fashion of this idle Country, 
 has 10 Fellows to look after them, besides a Coachman 
 to keep the whole in Order. He has moreover 12 
 Palanquin Bearers for no reason that I can learn 
 except his being a Councillor, 4 Peons, 4 Hircarahs, 
 2 Chubdars who carry Silver Staves, 2 jemmadars. 
 These are without Doors. Within a head Sircar, 
 or Banyan, a Broker, or Agent, who sees that he 
 is cheated in due Form, and who has a Feeling 
 in everything that Master buys, who has his Spies 
 over everything that Master does, and whose Attention 
 and Officiousness carries him into the Study, the 
 Bedchamber, and makes him a Party in every matter 
 transacted in the House. House keeping Comprador 
 and his Mate go to Market, 2 Coolies bring Home 
 what he buys, Consomar takes charge of it, Cook 
 and 2 Mates dress it. Baker in the House. Butler 
 and his Assistant take charge of Liquors, Habdar 
 and his Mate cool them. 2 Sideboard Men wait at 
 Table. House, 2 Matrannees to clean it, 2 Watch- 
 men to guard it, a Durwan to keep the door. Taylor, 
 Washerman & Ironing Man for each person, 
 Mashargues, Torch-bearers, Mr. F. 4, M. 2, Li. i, 
 C. I . We make a flaming funeral appearance together. 
 Two Maullies or Gardeners, Cow and Poultry Feeder, 
 Mr. F. 62 Pork Man, his Office &c., &c. Let me 
 T^^%) ^° ^^^' ^"^ hundred and 10 Servants to 
 Colls. i— wait upon a Family of 4 People. Oh! 
 "° Monstrous, and yet we are CEconomists. 
 " Tell me if this Land does not want weeding. 
 We rise either in Town or Country about 6. Mr. F. 
 then rides for an hour. Breakfast before 8. Two 
 
228 Ube jfrancis OLctters [1775 
 
 mornings in the Week are public, we then sit down 
 30, frequently more. At 9 or 10 Mr. F. goes to 
 Council — returns at 2, 3, 4, or 5 to dine. This 
 happens 5 Days in the Week, seldom sit 2 hours, 
 then to Bed to digest — rise at Sunset — and take an 
 Airing in your Carriage if you have one, else walk 
 as I do — return to Tea then dress to visit — little Card 
 playing, late Suppers — in 10 Minutes after your 
 Return Home the Servants desert, and leave you 
 to your Meditations. Your Mansion becomes a 
 Desart and may be burned. You may be sick — or 
 robbed — or perish for want of Water. In order to 
 prevent these Calamities, we each retain a Body 
 servant, who is of no other Use, as the others will 
 not wait with them, except in case of Sickness, when 
 the Natives constantly desert and generally rob you. 
 You are now pretty well acquainted with Bengal and 
 its customs, as well nearly as myself. I have not 
 been 6 Miles out of Calcutta since I entered it, and 
 go as seldom as possible out of the House. The 
 absurd Routine I have described makes no part of 
 our Plan. We generally drive en Famille, seldom 
 visit & still seldomer sup out. We find Comforts 
 at Home. L. plays the Harpsichord, C. fiddles, and 
 
 ^^ ^" '^"g*^- " Farewell all. 
 
 "A. M." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Richard Tilghman. 
 
 "Calcutta, 
 ,, Tv/r T- "26 February, 1775. 
 
 " My dear Tilghman, 
 
 " The Dissensions which have prevailed here 
 during the last four Months, with their several Causes, 
 
i77s] Ube jfrancis ^Letters 229 
 
 will have fully appeared in the Political World, before 
 this comes to your hands. You will meet with 
 characters, Opinions and Facts which will amaze you. 
 Our friends have been active and — if there's a Power 
 above us — who delights in Virtue, Justice, and Bene- 
 volence, they must be successful. Madness may recall 
 them. Every Principle of wise Policy will concur 
 in fixing them here and enlarging their Power. In 
 the latter Case F. must be eminent. With this 
 Prospect I venture to give you the following En- 
 couragement for undertaking a Voyage, which I wish 
 no Friend to make in vain, or to repeat. You know 
 the last Ship for India sails the end of March. Come 
 directly to London. You will there be fully informed 
 of the State of Affairs, and able to judge for yourself 
 The means of your getting out shall be provided, with 
 every necessary Instruction for the Voyage. When 
 you are here, you must run our Fortunes. Against 
 these inducements put in your Scale, and weigh 
 well, — the Nature of your present Engagements and 
 farther Views in America. You are in a large Circle 
 of Friends, in a favourable Climate, where indeed there 
 is not a profusion of Money, but where Happiness 
 is attainable without it. There are Chances against 
 you here, not any that regard the Affections of your 
 Friends or their Zeal for your Interest. Those can 
 only cease with their Existence. But Men are not 
 immortal, — at least in Asia. Weigh all this, decide, 
 & Act. Francis approves and confirms all I have 
 written. I can say no more. Love to everybody 
 with you. Farewell. 
 
 "A. M." 
 
23° ^be ifrancis Xettcts [177s 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Richard Tilghman. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " \sth March, 1775. 
 
 " My dear Tilghman, 
 
 " I wrote to you the 26th of last Month. . . . 
 The Thomas's, the Morris's, the Dennys, and your 
 whole line of Rulers, from the first Penn with the 
 Broad Brim, down to the present Day — cannot furnish 
 out such a Governor as H. The Debates in your 
 Colony Councils are the Squabbles of Boys about 
 Tops and Marbles, compared to the Dissention which 
 prevails here. . . . 
 
 "It were endless to attempt giving Particulars of 
 the late Misgovernment of this once rich and flourish- 
 ing Country. Fraud Oppression and Peculation 
 appear daily in such a Variety of Shapes, and to 
 an Extent that never disgraced the Annals of any 
 other Empire. ... It has hitherto been held mean- 
 ness in Bengal to examine an account, and CEconomy 
 has become infamous." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to his Father. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " 22,rd March, 1775. 
 
 " Mv DEAR Sir, 
 
 " It is a pity the weather grows so insuffer- 
 ably hot, as it prevents my seeing much of the 
 Ceremonies of the Natives at their high Festivals. 
 This is the Season of Jollity among both Gentoos 
 and Musselmen. Mr. F.'s house is surrounded with 
 Mosques & Pagodas, where they make Night and 
 Day such a cursed Clatter with Drums, cimbals. Horns 
 
I77S] Ubc jprancls Xcttets 231 
 
 and Pans, that you would think a Legion of Devils 
 were keeping Jubilee, — Unite the Concerts at Bar- 
 tholomew Fair with the Melody of a Copper Mill, 
 add the Cawing of 1000 Crows, and the Screams of 
 an Army of Jackals : suppose all this continued with 
 unremitting Resolution for a week and you have 
 some Idea of the Kind of Harmony which has lately 
 tormented us. . . . The Moorsi Holiday closed with a 
 Grand Procession of Pageants, attended by innumer- 
 able Flags. Elephants with Castles, Madmen Dancing 
 and Fencing and wounding themselves with Sabres 
 and Knives, some with Pincers pulling out their own 
 Beards, and Lugging their Ears, some poking sticks 
 into their Eyes, others entertaining themselves with 
 hearty flogging with an Instrument called by Sailors 
 the Cat, and the whole Company at proper Intervals 
 thumping their Breasts with astonishing Zeal and 
 Violence. . . . 
 
 "All this, my good Sir, absurd as it appears, is 
 sound Policy. The Brahmins make a jest of it ; but 
 they find their Interest, and so have the Princes of 
 the Country thro' all Ages, in strengthening this 
 Passion for Ceremonial in the Vulgar, and their 
 Idea of the Virtue and Sanctity of the water of the 
 Ganges, their attachment to their Native Country 
 and Horror of every other Climate. Without these 
 Prejudices it would have been impossible to have main- 
 tained the Population, Cultivation, and Manufactures 
 of this vast Empire, under so many Revolutions, 
 
 " They have all been wonderfully preserved, and 
 nothing less than a British Government could effect 
 their Ruin." 
 
232 TLbc ifcancts Xcttecs [177s 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to the Rev. Stephen Baggs. 
 
 "Fort William, 1775. 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 ' ' When you read and hear of the active part 
 our Friend has taken in the Administration of Affairs, 
 you may imagine he keeps his Dependants in constant 
 Employment. The Ships of this Season carry home 
 more Matter, and I believe, not less Bulk than any 
 which have been despatched since the days of 
 Aliverdy Cavi^n. . . . 
 
 "It has pleased Heaven to make me (for my 
 Offences) High Sheriff of Calcutta. Bating the 
 Honour, it is, under favour, the most cursed Office 
 that ever was held by a Sinner. The only Comfort 
 I enjoy in it is, — the Reflection that somebody who 
 possessed it sometime ago, made Three thousand 
 Pounds a year by it. I am almost broken-hearted — 
 and literally out of Pocket. My Deputy insists that 
 we shall have Statues erected to our Honours, — I 
 pray Heaven I keep clear of hanging — myself 
 
 " Tell me, my Friend, shall we ever meet altogether 
 again ? Yours is a good Life and cannot well fail. 
 The Major's is not much worse, provided he will 
 exchange Pall Mall & St. James's for Hertfordshire. 
 The House of Godfrey is immortal. — I have a 
 thousand Apprehensions for my Sister, — and a kind 
 of Feeling for her children, which I may as well not 
 attempt to describe. I wish the Husband and Father 
 of that Family were as secure of Health and Long 
 Life as he is of immortal Honour — my old Folks 
 have settled their Accounts with both Worlds — They 
 
1775] xrbe jftancis Xetters 233 
 
 are upon the Threshold, and less than a Miracle can 
 never give me another Sight of them. I may perhaps, 
 (if I escape all the unaccountable Dangers of this 
 Climate) return to Europe at fifty, whether or no that 
 is an Object, I shall not pretend to determine. I 
 shall by that time have outlived every sense of 
 Enjoyment — At least every Passion worth gratifying. 
 I shall return too poor for England — and too old 
 for America. I wish Dick Tilghman was here. Worse 
 Pleaders make Fortunes. We want such Folks as 
 you & him & a few other Friends — to laugh with, 
 to unbend, to join in driving Care away — & above 
 all to trust. 
 
 " I begin almost to doubt of my own Moral 
 Character in this Cursed Country — though I am 
 inclined to think that I am, (comparatively at least,) 
 a strict Observer of some few Negative Virtues. . . . 
 We are upon excellent terms with the Clergy here. 
 They are not numerous, but thoroughly orthodox. 
 One rivals Nimrod in hunting — a second supplies 
 Bullocks for the Army — another is a perfect Con- 
 noisseur in Chinese Gardening. I endeavour to obtain 
 some Light from them all, but the Fear of God is 
 not the Kind of Wisdom most in Request in Bengal. 
 " Farewell dear Sir : I am very faithfully, 
 
 "Yours, A. M." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 "2Si/t March, 1775. 
 
 " My dearest Sister, 
 
 " I at last sit quietly down for a few minutes 
 but it is to tell you that I am nearly worn out. Next 
 
234 tCbc jfrancts betters [177s 
 
 to hearing from you, which is almost a vain Expecta- 
 tion, I promise myself sovereign Comfort in writing 
 to you, — and a Letter without one Line of Politics 
 is as refreshing as Ice Cream in Summer. . . . The 
 Ruffles are in excellent Preservation, often looked 
 at and admired. Mangoes shall be sent in great 
 Quantities next Season, we were too late for the 
 present. ... How cruel it is that the Court of 
 Directors will not indulge us with a Pacquet. It is 
 near 12 months my dear Sister, since we saw or 
 heard of you, — a little Eternity. . . . The Rage of 
 sending young People to Bengal must subside. . . . 
 
 "A thousand loves and Blessings to the dear Girls 
 and Boy. Farewell, Farewell. 
 
 "A. M." 
 
 We now take up Mrs. Francis's Journal from 
 November, 1774. On Saturday, November 12th, 
 Mrs. Francis went to visit her friends at Twickenham. 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal. 
 
 " Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. A bad snowy day, did not 
 go out, Mrs. Holden read Joseph Andrews, and Polly 
 and I worked, and at Night played at Tredille. 
 
 " Thursday, 2/^tk. Mrs. Holden read to us till one 
 o'clock and then got in the Coach for a Ride, saw Mr. 
 Briscoe, he told me abruptly Lord Clive was Dead, I 
 was struck with surprise, called at the Coffee House 
 for the Paper, there it was set down at full length, he 
 dyed on Tuesday last of an Apoplectic Fit at his 
 House in Berkeley Square, what must not his amiable 
 Wife feel, I am so much concerned, so indeed are 
 
1774] tEbc jfrancis ^Letters 23s 
 
 Mrs. Holden and my dear Polly that we hardly know 
 what we say, God's will be done, but his worthy family 
 are much to be pitied, I wrote to Mrs. D'Oyly to beg 
 her to send my Compts. &c. and to know how they 
 all do, she will send me an answer. 
 
 " Wednesday, 2,0th. I received a very kind Letter 
 from Mrs. D'Oyly in which she says poor Lady Clive 
 bears up surprisingly under her great affliction. 
 
 " Wednesday, Dec. "jth. Received a letter from 
 my Father who told me a ship was soon to sail 
 for Bengal so I determined to come to Town to 
 be prepared. 
 
 " Dec. gth. Took leave of my Good Friends and 
 came with Collins in a Post Chaise to Town. 
 
 "Monday, Dec. 12th. Mr. Godfrey came to see 
 me, and Major Baggs, he is just from Bath, says our 
 fine new Rooms are almost shut up there by a Quarrel 
 with the lower ones, they are going to build a Ball 
 Room to Guides Rooms so I fear I must not expect 
 any advantage from there this year. 
 
 " Tuesday, i^th. Mr. Marsh called on me and is 
 to introduce Capt. Bromfield of the Salisbury, by whom 
 I am to send a Letter to you. Mr. Marsh begged I 
 would write to you by way of Introduction. 
 
 "Friday, 16th. I had a Letter from good Lady 
 Clive, in which she desires to see me and says she 
 ever wishes to look on me in the light of a Friend 
 and not as an Acquaintance. 
 
 " Sunday, Dec. \%th. In the evening I had a Chair 
 and went to pay that melancholy visit to good Lady 
 Clive, at first the Servant refused me, not knowing 
 me for the old Porter is gone, the number of Servants 
 
236 "Cbe jftancts Xettcrs [1774 
 
 are much lessened, however after reading my Ticket 
 the Servant admitted me and I went upstairs into the 
 Front Drawing Room where I have spent so many 
 happy hours. There was all the dismal Family, the 
 dear Lady herself came up to me and took me by the 
 hand and kissed me most affectionately. I then sat 
 down by Mrs. Archdeacon Clive who I endeavoured 
 to talk to, but my trembling was so great for a few 
 minutes that I could not utter, however I thank God 
 I got the better of it and made my proper Compts. to 
 every one of the family. The Young Lord is come 
 home and his Mother presented him to me, he seems 
 a modest genteel Young Man very much like his poor 
 Father. Capt. Clive was there and Mrs. George 
 Clive, poor Mr. King as usual, Mrs. Strachey, Mr. 
 and Mrs. D'Oyly, Mr. Walsh &c., the dear, good 
 Lady Clive looks but poorly in her melancholy dress, 
 but behaves as well as you or anyone would expect 
 her to do, she seems quite composed and calm, but in 
 spite of every thing her Tears will burst forth. Not 
 in tumultuous Sorrow, but in quiet, settled grief Her 
 behaviour to me was more kind and affectionate than 
 it ever was and she spoke of you so tenderly I can 
 hardly write on the subject ; but she says she fears it 
 won't be in her power to write to you herself, but she 
 has got Miss Ducarel (who I must say seems a partner 
 in her Afflictions) to write to you by her directions. 
 The young Ladys look well and behave as properly as 
 can be on this unhappy Occasion. I came home 
 about nine o'clock. 
 
 " Tuesday, Dec. 20th. Last night I drank Tea with 
 Miss Lownds and saw several of my Westminster 
 
1774] Ube jfrancts flutters 237 
 
 neighbours all of whom enquired very particularly 
 after you. 
 
 " I must not omit before I close This Pacquet to 
 give you some account of our Cat Tom, he is really in 
 good health and condescends to come up in the 
 Evening to carress me a little and I often think he 
 smells about for you and seems to ask where you are 
 and how you do, he is grown fat since his indisposition 
 in the Summer, I then had an Apothecary's Opinion 
 and he gave him Physic which entirely restored him 
 to health, so much for Tom. I must now say some- 
 thing of Sally Bussy, I see her pretty often, sometimes 
 to dine with me. . . . she is not very well, Mr. Adair 
 has ordered her an Issue in her Leg and she is a little 
 lame with it. She is in a Lodging and has let her 
 House for Six months at fourscore Guineas, so she is 
 now in pretty good spirits. 
 
 ''Jan. ^th, 1775. The Girls have been below in the 
 Parlour with their dancing Master, Mr. Villeneuve, 
 who I have engaged to come to teach them both [Sally 
 and Betsy, who had left school, aged 12 and ii years]. 
 He is to have 2 Guineas for eight lessons for each 
 of them. So my money goes, but I hope it will be 
 for their advantage. 
 
 " Wednesday, iitk. By invitation I and my three 
 girls went in the afternoon to visit Mrs. Chitty, she 
 was very kind to the Girls and is quite in Love with 
 Sally because she is so like you, her dear, dear Boy as 
 she always calls you and then she cryes. She says 
 she lives in hopes to see you, if not she says you 
 must be told how much she loves you. 
 
 " I am now in a great hurry to send this Letter as 
 
238 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [177s 
 
 Mr. Strachey told me the Ships were to sail in a day 
 or two — I hope my dear Mack and you are both well 
 and quite happy, how much I long to hear of you 
 both, but that cannot be for some months. I thank 
 God I am pretty well and all my Girls well and good, 
 we read, work, dance and play in turn and are very 
 happy, the little ones grow much and I have determined 
 to send Mary to school with Harriet after the holidays. 
 Every body thinks me right, She is a fine child and 
 it is time to send her out from the Servants — I 
 don't mind the money for her advantage. 
 
 " Tuesday, Feb. \i^th, is the day in the Week we 
 have all our Masters because I have a fire lighted in 
 the Parlour that the Girls may not be interrupted in 
 case of Company. The drawing Master comes to 
 Betsy at half an hour past nine in the morning, then 
 we walk, at half past Twelve comes Mr. Ribouville 
 and stays an hour, and at six in the Evening the 
 dancing Master Mr. Villeneuve comes so we are 
 always engaged in study that day of the Week. 
 
 " Sunday, Feb. igih. I and my two Girls went to 
 Church, afterwards walked up to the Top of Con- 
 stitution Hill and back ; in the afternoon we all three 
 drank Tea at Dr. Campbell's, they are both pretty 
 well, but were not quite satisfied with their Son's 
 Letter, — it was too short and made them uneasie to 
 hear he had never been quite well since he had left 
 England. By my Brother's Letter I thought every 
 one in the Ship had enjoyed their health. I thank 
 God you and my dear Mac have been perfectly 
 well all the Voyage. At Dr. Campbells there were 
 six gentlemen and their Conversation seemed all 
 
1775] tibe 3f rands 1-ettecs 239 
 
 Political, I did not much attend, if I had, could not 
 have understood them. 
 
 " Monday, 20th. In the afternoon I and my Misses 
 walked to Mr. Ribouvilles, it being dancing day and 
 together with the five boys and Teacher made a good 
 Cotillon, Clive would dance with Miss Francis and 
 Harvey with Betsy, Philip seems as if he would dance 
 well, I think he improves very much in every thing 
 and the boys are all so happy and fond of each other, 
 it would be great pleasure to you to see them. We 
 staid till past eight and had a coach home. 
 
 " 2\st. I have many Cards for Parties, but hardly ever 
 go to any, my Girls are employment enough for me and 
 they are too young to go into Publick Company. Mrs. 
 Chandler thinks they may next year, but I think not. 
 
 " I must close this — Mr. Ribouville has been here 
 to-day and begs his Compts., he says your Girls come 
 on well and that I am a good french Scholar. My 
 good Father and Mother are both well, poor Patty 
 but poorly. My dear Brother's Letters made my 
 Father as happy as the return of the Prodigal Son — 
 my Father rejoiced and made merry. My best love 
 and affection always attend my dear Brother, I pray 
 for him daily and his Success at the same time as for 
 my dearest Husband, pray my dear Mack accept my 
 truest Love together with the duty of your five nieces 
 and nephew. Adieu my dearest Love, I cannot put 
 into words what I feel when I think and speak of you. 
 Your Letter is a Continual Feast and I have it 
 almost by heart. 
 
 " 22nd. Finished my Journal and dispatched it, 
 and begin another. 
 
240 Ubc jfi'ancts Xetters [177s 
 
 " Saturday, March \%th. In the afternoon all three 
 of us went to Lady Clives, the children were charmed 
 with each other, Lady Clive is always good to us all, 
 Lord Chancellor's four Daughters were there and a 
 Fiddler was sent for and a good sort of a Dance made 
 out, the Girls ate a bit of Tart and we all came home 
 before Ten. . . . 
 
 " Thursday, March -rpth. This is the day that 
 gave me the sorest Heart 12 months ago, I ever felt. 
 I pray God grant you may now be in good health and 
 Happiness, neither of which I enjoy, as to health I 
 am but poorly tho' better, but I am weak, however 
 I hope to mend, as to Happiness, I endeavour after 
 content which is as much as I have any right to, 
 and I fear more than I can yet attain to." 
 
 In May Mrs. Francis went to Hampstead with her 
 daughter Sally, to drink the waters. She continues 
 the Journal from that place : — 
 
 "Sunday, May \^th. Drank the Waters and had 
 a long Walk, Collins had a dream about hasty News, 
 riding &c., which She was sure would turn out some- 
 thing great, and how do you think, but a most 
 welcome Packet sent me by the Stage, how great 
 was my Joy, I trembled, I could hardly open it, yet 
 my impatience made me tear all the outside Covers 
 to pieces, and when I saw from whom it came my 
 veneration and affection for whom it came from, made 
 me put the pieces together and proceed to the reading 
 which gave me the greatest Joy when I founds you 
 was come so far safe and in good health. I pray you 
 
1 775] XTbe S'rancts Xetters 241 
 
 may conclude this long Voyage to all your satis- 
 factions. As to your all being heartily sick of your 
 Confinement I don't wonder at it, but patience, My 
 dear Philip will conquer everything. I am in some 
 small degree sensible how very disagreeable so long 
 a confinement in one Place must be to you in 
 particular, and feel for you, yet as it has pleased 
 God to bring you so far safe, we must not repine ; 
 Your society was pleasing, and tho' Calms, Contrary 
 Winds and many other unpleasing things will some- 
 times interfere, yet I hope you did not lose sight 
 of so great a Blessing as your Safety ; forgive my 
 moralizing, I feel everything in the strongest Sense 
 that relates to you my dearest Philip. 
 
 " Mrs. Chitty and Harriet drank Tea with me on 
 Sunday and she begged me to read only a few lines 
 of your Letter to her, I could not refuse and my 
 Vanity led me to read some parts of those tender 
 expressions you use to me and my dear children ; 
 likewise some of the Copy of your former one 
 in which you say my Brother paints and draws 
 Pictures like a Dragon. At this she roared out 
 and said it was exactly yourself in Every thing ; 
 She cryed here above an hour, and I showed 
 her your Picture to appease her, she seemed much 
 charmed, said she had ever loved you, and should 
 while her heart was warm. I enjoyed all this so 
 much I could not help joining with her in Tears. 
 She is a worthy soul. 
 
 " Monday, 22nd. The poor Queen of Denmark is 
 dead and a General Mourning ordered, on Wednesday 
 my time for these Lodgings is out and we shall go 
 
 16 
 
242 Zbc jfrancis Xetters [177s 
 
 to Town to get our Mournings and prepare for the 
 children's coming home. 
 
 " Wednesday, 2/\th. Miss Chitty called on me 
 before they went to Town, her Mother but poorly, 
 her nephew Mr. Andrews has done me a favour in 
 procuring your favourite song for me, ' Let not Age 
 &c.,' which is not Published, he has promised to get 
 it from Mr. Giardani. 
 
 " Thursday, 2^tk. After Dinner I left Hampstead, 
 not without a great desire to return there again but 
 Lodgings are high priced and tho' I have seen a 
 pretty little House in the Wells Walk, would just 
 suit me ;^20 a year I would not venture on it without 
 consulting Mr. and Mrs. Chandler lest they should 
 not approve. . . . 
 
 "Friday, 26th. I have just received that Sweet 
 Song, and played it over and over again, 'tis no 
 wonder you was charmed, 'tis in your taste and most 
 delightful. I can sing it very tolerably and even 
 without the Harpsicord, but the Instrument is an 
 addition to be sure, the words affect me, ' Joys that 
 ne'er return again,' I hope mine will and pray most 
 heartily for it. 
 
 " Saturday, 2'jth. Sally and I dined with Mrs. 
 Chandler, She does not approve of my taking the 
 house at Hampstead, she thinks it an unnecessary 
 Expense, and he is of the same opinion, at least She 
 says so, for when I asked him he did not make any 
 answer, but she told me that was because his Opinion 
 was the same as her's, so I have given it up, and if I 
 should find Sally and I not so well after the Holydays 
 we can but then take a Lodging for a month or so. 
 
1775] ^be ifrancis Xetters 243 
 
 '' Friday, June (^ik. This is my Father's Birthday 
 when he enters into his eightieth year. He, my Mother 
 and Patty all came to Town to spend the Day with me, I 
 wish you, my Brother, many happy returns of the Day. 
 We were all very happy and cheerful. I played to my 
 Father that favourite song of yours which pleased him 
 very much ' Let not Age thy Bloom ensnare' &c. 
 
 "Saturday, \oth. Mr. Whitelock wrote to me to 
 tell me that a Ship from China brought accounts from 
 an East Indiaman at St. Helens, you were all safe 
 arrived at Bengal. I live in constant hopes of Letters. 
 In the Evening Mr. Roberts called to tell me the 
 same news ... he says the Governor and you must 
 love each other as you are both amiable, learned and 
 worthy, there is a similitude in you that must make 
 you fond of each other ! 
 
 ''Monday, June 12th. I have sent and been to 
 Mr. Chandlers, but they are not at home. I seldom 
 know anything of them, they are much engaged in 
 more pleasant Places than an hour or two in Duke 
 Street with me surrounded with children and Work, 
 however sometimes She does vouchsafe me a Con- 
 versation on living within Bounds and Wonders how 
 people can talk of not being able to do this or that, 
 She thinks every one should cut their Coat according 
 to their Cloth, all this you know must be pleasant 
 for me to hear, but I must bear it and be silent. 
 To do him Justice I believe he has not any thing 
 to do with it, but she often gives him the honour — 
 However — Mum . . . Mr. Adair advises me to take 
 Sally to Brighton for general weakness. I am sure 
 you won't grudge it. 
 
244 ^be dfrancts ^Letters [177s 
 
 " Brighton. 
 " Wednesday, 2%th June. I propose leaving 
 Sally here at a Boarding School which bears a 
 good character and I have been to speak to the 
 Governess. I am to pay £2^^ a year for her as 
 Parlour Boarder, £2. 2/- Entrance fee and one Guinea 
 for Tea. The Governess is an Elderly Woman and 
 a very worthy Person. — As to the Branches of Edu- 
 cation they are to be paid for separately, but I shall 
 never grudge it, let the Expense be what it will. 
 
 " Thursday, 2(^th. Can I express my Joy ! I 
 received your Packet from Calcutta, was so trans- 
 ported I was almost Blind — could not see to read. 
 Thanks be to God you and my dear Mack were both 
 well. The death of poor Campbell affected me very 
 much for his poor Parents sake, a Child is a Child 
 be he good or bad and while there is Life there is 
 Hope of amendment, but now all that ceases — it must 
 have been very melancholy to have happened in the 
 Ship, but the sickness of Col. Monson and Miss 
 Clavering with their danger must have overcome other 
 trouble for the time, poor Lady Impey too, I really 
 feel for you all and was much relieved by shedding 
 Tears, poor Miss Mellish, she suffered and was not 
 so happy to recover as the rest. I trust you and 
 my Brother were really as well as you say. I am 
 made very happy by the affectionate manner in which 
 you express yourself to me and your kind addition 
 to my Allowance, my income was very confined before, 
 but I always contented myself you would enlarge it 
 as soon as was convenient to you. . . . 
 
 " My friend Mrs. Chandler is always preaching 
 
I775J Ube jfrancis Xettets 245 
 
 up economy and told me everybody must make what 
 they had do and never complain. It is very easie 
 to be an Economist in the midst of Plenty, however 
 I have thoughts she might have administered some 
 other Comforts as well as advice, but those were 
 omitted. She seemed to think a Hackney Coach 
 was not proper for me to go out in, but I could not 
 afford another, then she advised my going out the 
 Seldomer, but I am ordered to ride out for my health — 
 I might have hoped for an Airing sometimes with 
 her, but she was otherwise engaged I suppose. 1 
 shall endeavour this Winter to hire a Job Coach for 
 a few months out of your Generosity and then I need 
 not be ashamed to appear as your Wife. 
 
 " Sunday, July 2 2,rd. I hear there are several 
 Gentlemen returned from India rather in disgust at 
 this new mode of things which is introduced by you. 
 Mr. D'Oyly seems quite delighted with what you have 
 done and says you have acted like yourself. 
 
 ''Friday, 2Zth. I thank you for the Addition you 
 have made to my presents. Ten pieces of Muslin 
 or cloth as you call it are safe arrived in Duke 
 Street with two pieces of handkerchiefs. 
 
 " TuNBRiDGE Wells. 
 
 " Thursday, Aug. loih. I forgot to mention having 
 attempted to ride double on Horseback and really 
 succeeded very well, rode about half an hour without 
 fear. . . . 
 
 "Saturday, \2th. A grand Festival here, the Duke 
 of Leeds gives a Grand Ball and Tea drinking, it 
 being the Prince of Wales's Birthday. There were 
 400 people present, plenty of Everything. His Grace 
 
m6 tlbe jfrancis tHetters [^775 
 
 met the Company on the Walks at six o'clock and 
 soon after went into the Rooms and placed Lady 
 Harborough at the Top of one Table, Lady Effing- 
 ham at another, Lady Morton at another and so on. 
 Every other Lady sat down as she liked, we had a 
 Band of Music at Tea and the Ball was opened at 
 one End by the Countess of Harborough and the 
 Earl Fitzwilliams, at the other by Lady Bridget 
 Douglas and Lord Polwarth. After a vast many 
 minuets they danced Country Dances and I was soon 
 tired, came home soon after Ten. 
 
 "Monday, \%th. Was made very happy by a 
 paquet from you my dearest Philip. Indeed I was 
 very thankful to hear you had purchased the pretty 
 Villa, or Country House which according to what 
 Mr. Adair says must be of the greatest consequence 
 to your health. ... I thank you for your kind 
 Addition to my Salary, I think myself much obliged 
 to you in permitting me to have a Coach, it will be 
 a great comfort to me and of use to my health. 
 
 " Oh ! that I could transport myself to your Sweet 
 retreat and spend a few hours with you — how happy 
 should I be ! 
 
 " Wednesday, 20th. I have not received any of 
 my Parcels yet but Mr. Troutbecks, as I wrote you. 
 I am very sorry you have laid out so much money 
 on such very thin Muslin and all alike. Ten Pieces 
 of Book Muslin — my Brother could have advised 
 you better. I make no doubt it has cost at least nine 
 or ten pounds a piece and here would be worth much 
 more, but striped or worked muslin, or fine thick 
 Jaconet would be more useful to me, there is also 
 
1775] TLbc jfrancts Xettcrs 247 
 
 some very fine woven Muslin in little leaves or spots 
 that is beautifijl, I should be glad of some of that. 
 I shall be glad to hear you are frequently at your 
 Country House and am convinced I never could have 
 lived at Bengal. I am now but a poor Creature 
 what must I have done then ? 
 
 " Wednesday, Oct. nth. Mr. Chandler has made 
 a Purchase, the House and Gardens, Furniture &c., of 
 Lord Pomfret at Sunbury near Hampton Court and 
 given ;^i 2,000 for it and 125 Acres of Land. They 
 say it is a sweet Spot and they are so good as to say 
 they will be glad to see me there and my young ones. 
 
 " London. 
 
 " Dec. ']th. I have just dispatched my Packet by 
 the Greenwich, with Letters from your three Daughters. 
 
 " Tuesday, Dec. igth. Miss H olden came to stay 
 some Days with me. We enjoyed that Day alone 
 and talked of our dear, dear Friends in India. 
 
 " Wednesday, 20th. Had our Hair dressed and went 
 to a Rout of Mrs. Pearce's in Milbank Street, 
 played one Pool at Quadrille and lost 6d., was soon 
 tired and came home. 
 
 " Wednesday, Dec. 2^th. Mrs. Chandler called and 
 asked me to dine and play cards on the Friday 
 following, I begged to be excused play as their usual 
 Stake is too high, 1/6 or i/- per fish, I told her this 
 did not suit my Pocket, She seemed rather to take 
 it amiss. I asked her opinion about my keeping the 
 Girls at home and having a Governess as I had heard 
 of one that I believe will do, Mr. Ribouville had her 
 recommended by a friend of his and at small Wages 
 ^18 a year. Understands French perfectly, English 
 
248 Ube jftancis Xetters [1775 
 
 and Needlework &c. She told me I was best Judge, 
 so I said no more. 
 
 " Friday, 2qth. Mr. Chandler called, approved at 
 once of this Teacher, so I went to Mr. Ribouville 
 about her. 
 
 " Saturday, December 30^^. The Governess came 
 to see me, a Modest, well looking young Woman 
 about 23, not a fine Lady, but seems well behaved, 
 I shall send after her Character. She undertakes the 
 five Girls, Mr. Ribouville thinks she can do more 
 for them in French than he can, they will always 
 converse in it and this Young Person can teach them 
 English grammatically." 
 
 Mr. Francis during the whole of his Indian career 
 wrote voluminously about public affairs in memoranda 
 and business records, as well as letters to friends and 
 politicians in England. On the subject of the war 
 with the American Colonies he wrote to his friend 
 Christopher D'Oyly : — 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 '■^ Jan. 22nd, 1776. 
 
 " I thank you heartily, my Dear Friend, for your 
 Letter of the 17* of April. ... I fear it is not in my 
 power to serve Colonel Eraser's Agents. . . ^ Purchasing 
 Diamonds and remitting thro' the Company's Cash, 
 are exactly the Objects of Contention to all Mankind 
 here. I have never yet been able to buy a Diamond 
 for myself, nor indeed have I leisure to attend to 
 such Matters. Your Account of American Politics 
 gives me no Sort of Comfort ; except in the Reflec- 
 tion that my Situation removes me from any Share 
 
1776] TLbc ffrancts Xetters 249 
 
 in Measures, which I cannot approve, and perhaps 
 could not have opposed. 
 
 " I know not what that Object is, which, either in 
 Morals or Policy, can justify the Shedding of English 
 Blood by the hands of Englishmen. Is it Revenue ? — 
 the present Armament will cost the Nation more 
 than all the direct Taxes, that can be raised from 
 America, will amount to in a Century. Is it Com- 
 merce ? You have a Navy to guard the Seas : The 
 Americans have none, nor ever can have any. If 
 neither of these Objects be in question, it must only 
 be the Form of Dominion, not the Substance ; — and 
 thousands may bleed — even the Empire may be 
 shaken for a Name. There was a Time, when I could 
 reason as logically and as passionately as any Body 
 against the Americans ; but since I have been obliged 
 to study the Book of Wisdom, I have dismissed 
 Logic out of my Library. The Fate of Nations 
 must not be tried by Forms. On these I doubt the 
 Americans themselves have relied too much and not 
 taken Measures conformable to their profest Principles. 
 Such Declarations as they have made are absurd, if 
 they have no Plan previously concerted by a few able 
 Heads, with Powers to carry them into Execution, 
 The Dutch had Agents in every Court in Europe. 
 The first Blood that is shed, if the Struggle should 
 come to that miserable Extremity, ought to be a 
 Libation to Peace. The Horror of such a Scene may 
 perhaps bring all Parties to their Senses. To make 
 any other Use of a Victory is Tyranny and Madness. 
 
 "... There are many Points relative both to public 
 and private Affairs, on which I should be glad to 
 
2SO XLbc jfrancis OLctters [1776 
 
 enlarge ; but really I am so hurried and fatigued that 
 I have neither time nor spirit to write long letters. 
 
 " Mr. Strachey will communicate to you some 
 Papers of Importance. Give them a serious perusal. 
 The Plan I know is right on Principle ... it is plain 
 and simple. There must be no tricks or refinements 
 in forming or restoring the constitution of an Empire.^ 
 
 " Your account of my noble son makes the im- 
 pression it ought to do on my mind. He will have 
 advantages that I wanted ; I mean some original rank 
 and introduction into Life. Yet unless they are made 
 a right Use of, there is a Danger in possessing them. 
 In general they promote Vanity and slacken Industry. 
 A man had better walk bare foot than limp in Dog- 
 skin. Pray let my Wife read this Letter and also 
 that to Strachey. I am afraid mine to herself will 
 not be so copious, as she has a Right to expect. J^e 
 fais ^impossible, and those who love me best, must 
 make the largest Allowances for me. 
 
 " I would write to Lord Harrington and Mr. Ellis, 
 but positively I am too weary to dress for great 
 Company. My Family and friends will be glad to 
 see me without Ceremony. 
 
 " Adieu. 
 
 "Yours Yours, 
 
 " P. Francis. 
 
 * The plan here referred to was a " Scheme for the Government 
 of India," very much like the plan conceived and carried into 
 effect nearly a hundred years afterwards, when the dominion of the 
 Company gave place to Imperial legislation. Francis had written a 
 letter to Lord North only a few months after he began his work in 
 Bengal, in which he gives a sketch of this " Plan of Settlement," 
 drawn out, as here stated, more elaborately afterwards. 
 
1776] tCbe Jfrancis Xetters 251 
 
 " I wish it were possible to have this Plan com- 
 municated to Mr. Thomas Pitt.^ I have been bred 
 up with a Prejudice that he is as great a Man as 
 any Man can be, who only speculates. 
 
 " I could give you fine Histories of the State of 
 Parties here, and the Characters of the Chief Partizans. 
 Mais le jeu ne vaut pas la Chandelle. I am weary 
 on't. ... I wish you would inquire and tell me in what 
 dirty Corner of Westminster Hall these cursed Judges 
 were picked up. I have no personal Quarrel with 
 any of them, but assuredly they are driving hard to 
 the Destruction of this Country. It was a pleasant 
 Idea to give a Nation a Court of Judicature, before 
 you gave them a Constitution. I see a Number of 
 Streams but no Fountain. I see Laws without a 
 Sovereign. Does any Man in England know, or think 
 it worth his while to inquire, who is King of Bengal} 
 I believe not. Yet, tho' a Matter of Indifference 
 among you great Politicians at a Distance, it is really 
 a Question of some little moment to us, who pretend 
 to be a Government, and are now and then obliged 
 to act as if we were so. 
 
 " I sent Mrs. D'Oyly a Pipe of Madeira by Captain 
 Bromfield. My Blessing goes along with it. To 
 Mr. Chandler, I send by this Ship Bills to the Amount 
 of Seven Thousand five hundred and sixty Pounds ; — 
 another Year makes me independant ; a third affluent, 
 at least according to my Habits of Life and Value 
 of Money." 
 
 ^ First Lord Camelford, nephew of Chatham. The former is 
 mentioned in P. Francis's letters from Portugal. 
 
252 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1776 
 
 Philip Francis to H. Strachey.^ 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 '^January 22nd, 1776. 
 
 "If you have a mind to grow very old in a 
 year or two, get a Seat in this Council. I am actually 
 so grave and so grey, that I begin to have some 
 doubts about my own Identity. It is not for my 
 Interest that the Ladies of Berkeley Square should 
 remember me. If however they have any benevolent 
 thoughts to dispose of, they can nowhere find a better 
 Subject for Compassion than myself 
 
 " Nineteen Councillors for one Presidency ! and all 
 of one mind ! How hard it is that we five should be 
 too many to agree ! Pray tell Captain Swinton that 
 I received his Letter, and shall be happy to serve 
 him, if the Case he speaks of should occur. But 
 really it is a Jest for me to undertake Agencies for 
 anybody. A Disposition to act goes but a little way 
 against a physical Impossibility. 
 
 " Farewell, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 D. Godfrey to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 "Feb. 17 th, 1776. 
 
 " My dear Francis, 
 
 " I feel for you, I know your situation is 
 
 hardly bearable, but I envy you too, nothing glorious 
 
 was ever atcheived without labour and anxiety, but, 
 
 1 Henry Strachey, afterwards Sir H. Strachey, a friend of Francis, 
 had been Secretary to Lord Clive. 
 
1776] Zbc jFrancts Xetters 253 
 
 if it be possible, proceed and convince the World 
 that great Parts and perfect Integrity may still unite 
 in the same Person together with indefatigable In- 
 dustry. I know not yet the result of your last 
 despatches, all I know is that Hastings sent Letters 
 after the Anson by a Vessel which overtook her and 
 of course he has the advantage of being the last 
 Pleader, but I flatter myself they will have no effect. 
 
 " Time is all taken up with the Americans, and the 
 Business of the East is comparatively too trivial to 
 be attended to. Since I wrote last they have pro- 
 ceeded with the same success ; of the Transports we 
 sent out to relieve Boston very few arrived there, a 
 few were lost, some lost their passage, and many have 
 been taken by the Americans, and those the most 
 valuable. Lord Dunmore who was the Hero of the 
 Administration and who in Consequence was the 
 other day elected one of the 16 Peers of Scotland for 
 having erected the King's Standard in Virginia and 
 collected a glorious Army, was the other day shame- 
 fully beat, without the loss of a single American — he 
 lost 1 1 2 Men and he himself driven on board a Man 
 of war. The Americans have likewise taken all 
 Canada, Quebeck excepted, and that is besieged as 
 well as Boston. A Party of the Guards are going to 
 America, 12,000 Germans, the Army there will consist 
 next summer of 40,000 Men. The Americans know 
 it and they are not dismayed. They have acted 
 hitherto by the Consent of all Parties with the 
 greatest wisdom and the greatest Courage. They 
 have 2 English Regiments taken at one Time 
 Prisoners, and as many other English soldiers 
 
2S4 ^be jFrancis ^Letters [1776 
 
 prisoners as amount to 1,700. I feel great pleasure 
 in mentioning to you these facts, for you were certainly 
 one of those who depreciated them if you did not 
 brand them with the name of Cowards. We have 
 acted in many Instances with savage Barbarity, they 
 constantly with humanity and moderation and lest 
 you should think I have no foundation for what I 
 say I will just mention a few Facts. We have burnt 
 several of their harmless Towns accessible to ships of 
 war, that is, where it could be done with impunity, 
 a practice held in execration by all civilised nations 
 and contrary to all the Laws of War, even against 
 Rebels, we have declared their slaves free, at least 
 L'^ Dunmore has done it, and thereby encouraged 
 them to Murder their Masters and commit every 
 kind of violence, I expect shortly to hear that we 
 have poisoned their Wells and springs. The American 
 congress with a dignity becoming so respectable a 
 body after enumerating all the savage excesses 
 committed against them, exhort the Americans to 
 remember that humanity is the constant attendant of 
 true courage, that retaliation ought never to be in- 
 dulged by private persons, but if the common safety 
 of them all should require it, they will undertake the 
 disagreeable office ; and their exhortation has been 
 religiously obeyed. The Duke of Marlborough has 
 joined the Minority. 
 
 " Since the above was written I have seen D'Oyly 
 and Chandler. I mentioned to the former your 
 request in case certain events should take place 
 with respect to you, he told me you had mentioned 
 the same thing to him, but nothing has yet been 
 
1776] Ubc ffrancis Xetters 25s 
 
 done. The East Indies and everything relating 
 to them are totally forgotten, therefore be patient, 
 trust more to yourself than to any promises you may 
 have received from 28, and if I am a Prophet, vous 
 vous en trouverez bien, but above all, (it is D'Oyly's 
 request as well as my own) don't be impatient, happy 
 as I should be to see you, I cannot help wishing that 
 you should not, in a fit of impetuosity come to England. 
 It is now the 6th of April and I have received yours 
 by the Northumberland. My good friend, I see you 
 are dispirited, but bear up against the effects of climate, 
 I am convinced your lowness of Spirits arises from no 
 other cause, but take care of your health. You say 
 we. shall meet never to be separated again. Why did 
 you not end there ? Why intimate that there was a 
 possibility of your going to America. Indeed that 
 would be a dreadful event but it never will be, so give 
 up the Idea. If America is conquered by this Country 
 which Heaven avert, it will not be worth living in, if 
 it be not, this Country will still have charms to induce 
 you to live in it, and possibly misfortune will have 
 taught Government that Integrity and Abilities are 
 qualities requisite in the Persons employed by the 
 State. Therefore don't despair, I foresee we shall yet 
 be happy. Do but come home, I don't want to see 
 you either wiser or better, if you should happen to be 
 either or both, there will be too much disparity between 
 us. Let me advise you and that most earnestly to 
 banish from your mind all anxiety particularly for the 
 public whose Interests you espouse so warmly, act 
 indeed, but the moment you have done acting cease 
 to think of anything but Pleasure, I am sure it is to 
 
256 ^be jftancis Xctters [1776 
 
 be done, and I am sure you will find good Effects 
 from the practice, remember that your whole Time 
 does not belong in justice or in Equity to the Public, 
 yourself, your Friends are entitled to a share, and that 
 to promote health and lengthen life nothing contributes 
 so much as chearful Thoughts." 
 
 In this letter Mr. Godfrey refers to Mr. Francis's 
 former opinions on the right of the Mother Country 
 to tax her Colonies. On this subject he had written 
 strongly in 1766 to Mr. Allen, his old friend the 
 English Chaplain at Lisbon. 
 
 The last letter Mackrabie wrote to his sister was 
 in March, 1775. At the beginning of the year 1776 
 he took up a Journal, in which he had written nothing 
 since December of the previous year. 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie's Journal. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 "Jan. 1776. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " I have sorely neglected my journal of late 
 but I will try to recover and then seriously continue 
 the thread of it. 
 
 "Nov. 2>^d, 1775. A party at the Claverings 
 with Sir E. Impey and lady ; the whole house of 
 Barwell — we only wanted the Governor to make it 
 complete. The evening was stupid enough and the 
 supper detestable. Great joints of roasted Goat 
 with endless dishes of cold fish. With respect to 
 conversation — we had 3 or 4 songs screeched to 
 
SIR ELIJAH IMPEY, 
 
 CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE 
 
 SUPREME COUKT OF BENGAL. 
 
 To face page 256. J 
 
i77s] Zbc jfvancis ^Letters 257 
 
 unknown tunes ; the ladies regaled with cherry brandy, 
 and we pelted one another with bread pills d la 
 mode de Bengal. 
 
 " Mr. Francis, by being absent from Town 
 escaped the fatigue of the day [Christmas]. 'Tis the 
 most absurd of all possible ceremonies : every Member 
 of the Council, the Judges, the Board of Trade, Field 
 Officers, Clergy, and Heads of Offices are pestered 
 with the Repetitions 'A Merry Christmas' &c., &c., 
 &c. It was a merry evening to me, for I won at 
 cards, which I had not done of an age before. 
 
 " December 2'jtk. Messrs. Hay and Whitelock 
 arrived here from Bombay, where they landed, about 
 3 months before from the Talbot. Mr. Hay is an 
 inmate with us — and Mr. Francis had taken measures 
 for the accommodation of Mr. Whitelock ; but the 
 General lays claim to him. He has his entree how- 
 ever established in this house at all times. I attended 
 Mr. Hay next morning to the Governor, with whom 
 we dined. Mr. Francis presented him to General 
 Clavering, Col. Monson, Mr. Barwell, the Chief 
 Justice and Lady Impey. 'Tis a vast advantage to 
 a young man, being put upon so respectable a footing 
 immediately ! Hay proves an agreeable addition to 
 our Family. He is sensible, chearful and sweet- 
 tempered and works special hard. 
 
 "Jany. 'jtk, 1776. Mr. Francis has a large turtle 
 presented him. We have just cut his head off, and 
 shall eat him on Wednesday. The weather is cool, 
 he will keep till then. 
 
 " Saturday, I'^th. The turtle proved but indifferent. 
 
 17 
 
258 tCbe jfrancis ^Letters [1776 
 
 We had a good dinner besides and about 20 guests. 
 Mr. Barwell invited us with 50 other people to a 
 turtle yesterday, it was good, though too small for 
 the Company, or rather the Company too large for 
 it. Card Club at our House tonight. 
 
 " February 2,rd, \th & '^th. I might take a fresh 
 
 sheet and a whole one to describe the comforts and 
 
 various events of our Barrasut Expedition. It is 
 
 quite a new scene, a delightful open country, where 
 
 it is absolutely possible to forget the heats and cares 
 
 of Calcutta. Oliver did everything that could be 
 
 done in Bengal. He even made a good road for 
 
 our carriages, which has never been attempted, at 
 
 least in that part of the country before. Livius and 
 
 I set out before day in our friend Collings' phaeton, 
 
 and drove to Dum Dum, which in former times was 
 
 a Retreat of Lord Clive's. There is a degree of 
 
 singularity about the Place, which gives it a merit, 
 
 at least with an odd man. It is monastic, the country 
 
 about it is dreary ; but the forest trees and lofty 
 
 terraces upon the spot give it a noble air. It at 
 
 least has two desirable qualities for this country, 
 
 being both retired and cool. Here we got into 
 
 another chaise. . . . We arrived at Barrasut before 
 
 breakfast. Our friends soon joined us, after which 
 
 we breakfasted and walked. The greatest curiosity 
 
 we saw in this excursion was a kind of bats as large 
 
 as crows, which fly about in the day time, making 
 
 a great noise. Their heads and bodies were like 
 
 those of Foxes, the rest like a common Bat, but 
 
 upon a very large scale. 
 
 " When it became too hot for any farther Perambu- 
 
1776] Z\)c jFrancis Xctters 259 
 
 lation, we returned to Business, that is, to Cards. 
 Messrs. Oliver, Collings and several others now 
 joined us who had been out with the Hounds. You 
 scarcely expect an Account of the Rubbers ; at Two 
 we sat down to Dinner — then to sleep, next to Tea — 
 after that to Business — to supper — to Bed. The 
 next morning, such of us who were not too much 
 fatigued to leave our mattrasses, rode or walked to 
 an Octagon Summer House, built by the late Mr. 
 Lambert who was the Husband of Lady Hope. This 
 is a pretty Toy, erected upon an eminence, and 
 distant about a mile from Barrasut, with walks, 
 flowering shrubs and a garden. The ashes of that 
 gentleman, (for his Body was burnt by his particular 
 direction) are deposited under the Building. I was 
 not without apprehension, during this outride, of 
 coming to an untimely end. Tigers being very 
 plenty in the neighbourhood, and jackalls so social, 
 that they venture into your very chamber. This 
 day passed in much the same manner as the former, 
 and at the close of it and of our accounts, we found 
 that the House of Francis and Company were winners 
 several hundred pounds. Everything, my good 
 friends, in this country, is upon an enlarged scale, 
 and the superior skill and attention of Mr. F. will 
 make him successful both in business and sport. 
 
 " Monday morning. We all scampered to town as 
 we could. An Indian march is curious enough to see, 
 for, go where you will, every man carries his Bed, and 
 Furniture, Provisions, Liquors, Kitchen Utensils, 
 everything is sent upon the heads of Coolies. We 
 were no trifling party, at least Twenty, besides servants. 
 
a6o Ube jfrancis ^Letters [1776 
 
 To accommodate such a number tents were pitched, 
 and our encampment made a gallant appearance, 
 heightened by that of two elephants chained at the 
 Line for Conveyance of Baggage. 
 
 " The only unfortunate event which befel me was 
 an irreparable injury done to my cat, my Persian, the 
 dearest of his kind. He was worried by a dog, and 
 notwithstanding the care and attention Mr. Hay has 
 been so obliging as to give him, and even the advice 
 of a Physician, Pussy's case, I fear, is desperate. 
 
 " Tuesday, 6th. I find it is possible to have 
 enough of cards. I sicken at the sight of them 
 and will neither play nor bet for a week, though I 
 am a winner. 
 
 " ^tk & 9^. I have got a dismal cold. Tent 
 sleeping will not do for me. Mr. Francis is perfectly 
 well. Mr. Collings has his Indigestions and spleen ; 
 Mr. Hay is all Health and good Humour — and my 
 Cat is dead. I wish three Inches of a Case Knife in 
 the cursed dog's throat, that was the cause of his 
 death. — From this hour, I wage eternal War with the 
 Canine Race. 
 
 "Feb. 13M, Night. We drove out again to the 
 Gardens. I have been stalking all round and 
 shewing the Boundaries to a Black Surveyor. How 
 the plague these people measure land I cannot con- 
 ceive. They neither use the compass nor take sights 
 as our people do, and yet they get the contents of a 
 Piece of ground with tolerable accuracy. It is by 
 means of Squares, I believe. 
 
 " Friday Night. I am just returned from General 
 Clavering's. It was the concert and card party, but I 
 
1776] ^be jprancis letters 261 
 
 neither enjoyed the one nor sat down to the other. 
 Poor Lady Anne who used to be the Hfe and grace of 
 these Meetings is dangerously ill — in fact despaired 
 of Mr. M. is gone to the country and I came away 
 before supper. 
 
 " Sunday, February \%th. Lady Anne Monson is 
 no more. After laying speechless during the whole 
 day, she departed last night about ten. The Loss of 
 such a Woman is generally felt by the whole Settle- 
 ment ; but we, who had the Honour and the Pleasure 
 of a more immediate acquaintance are deprived of a 
 comfort which we shall long regret. Poor Colonel 
 Monson is inexpressibly distressed ! Mr. Francis paid 
 him a visit of a few minutes, which were mutually 
 passed in Tears. We pay the last voluntary tribute 
 of Respect to her Remains this Evening. 
 
 "Night. Everybody in Town was at the Funeral. 
 Mr. Wilton Chief Mourner, at the Colonel's Request. 
 The Pall was borne by the Governor, the Chief 
 Justice, Mr. Justice Chambers, Mr. Francis, Mr. Farrer 
 the Councillor, a particular friend of the family, at 
 whose house Colonel Monson now is, and a Mr. 
 Thompson who is of the Colonel's family. Six ladies 
 bore it from the Gate of the Burying Ground to the 
 grave. No Person was ever more smcerely or more 
 universally regretted. I have nothing to say of our- 
 selves the whole of that day. We were at the Gardens 
 with Mr. Grant and Mr. Ducarel — till evening. 
 
 ' ' Monday, February 1 9M, Evening. We dined 
 with Judge Chambers. The Lady Visitors were Mrs. 
 Williamson, Mrs. Marriott, and Miss Touchet, and 
 about 20 men besides us. The Judge gave us a 
 
262 Ube jfrancts Xetters [1776 
 
 Turtle, and intended a magnificent dinner but his 
 cook got drunk and set fire to the building in which 
 it was dressing and by that means near twenty 
 Dishes were lost. He has excellent Wine, a 
 spacious House, a beautiful Wife and a lovely 
 child, Happy man ! 
 
 " 2 1 si, Wednesday. We have at last engaged a 
 Capital House — the best in Town — but such a Rent. 
 ;^ioo p. month, enormous! Neighbour Collings and 
 I must contribute something towards it. . . . 
 
 " Collings is at this instant scolding a Sircar who 
 means nothing worse than to cheat him of a hundred 
 and fifty pound by mere confusion of figures. ' O ho ! 
 what ! you have found it out, you admit it at last, 
 do you, Mr. Banyan ? ' ' Yes, yes, very right what 
 Master say. My way, bad way. Master Account 
 right.' They are the most indefatigable, most in- 
 corrigible thieves. 
 
 "March loth, 1776. At the Garden. Macleod 
 tells me that they have killed in the Garden a Cobra 
 Capella snake of five foot long — for feet I suppose 
 we may read inches. Good-night, dear friends. All 
 is quiet and hush — so I'll go to bed. 
 
 " 17M. I can say nothing of Mr. Francis to give 
 you greater satisfaction, than that he is in high Health 
 and Spirits. He has received from Mr. Bristow (you 
 know he is resident for the Company at the Court 
 of the Nabob of Oude) a very fine Horse, — large, 
 strong, stately, a beautiful Bay, and as gentle as a 
 Lamb. But none of you, my dear friends, can feel 
 as we do the joy of possessing such an animal, or 
 if you did according to the standard of Pleasure in 
 
1776] TTbe jfrancis Xetters 263 
 
 Europe, 'tis nothing in comparison of this country, 
 where good and quiet horses are so much more 
 necessary, and so much more difficult to procure. 
 
 ''Friday, 22nd. I had almost forgot. We had 
 a play last night. ' The Busy Body ' — (middling) ' the 
 Recruiting Sergeant,' a musical thing (had it been 
 three fourths shorter I should not have complained) — 
 with the ' Mayor of Garrett ' (well plaid and much 
 applauded). 
 
 " Saturday, 2'i,rd. We supped last night at Mr. 
 Aldersey's. He is President of the Board of Trade. 
 There were the Governor and Council, Judges, Board 
 of Trade and 30 more &c., &c., tolerable enough for 
 a large party. Mrs. Hyde sang. The whole house 
 of Aldersey are musical and made up a little con- 
 cert. ... I give you joy. We are to have Peace 
 with the Marattas. They give up Salsette and other 
 advantages to the Company. We had before every 
 Prospect of a general War with them. What woeful 
 accounts of the State of America ! 'Tis a shocking 
 contest ! English against English. 
 
 ''Monday, March 2^th. The House! There is 
 a drawing-room on the upper storey above fifty 
 feet long — a dining room below as large, besides two 
 spacious Halls, and a suite of three rooms upon each 
 floor to the East and West. That is fourteen rooms 
 in all, with a principal staircase and 2 back stairs. 
 The apartments are proportionately high, 25 feet I 
 believe. . . . 'Tis by far the largest, loftiest and most 
 superb house in the Place. Livius is here with me 
 and has got the blue Devils. Collings is also 
 somewhat nervous, otherwise we are all in perfect 
 
264 tlbe jfrancis Xetters [1776 
 
 health. Farewell. Farewell. God Almighty bless 
 and preserve you all, prays yours, " A. M." 
 
 Philip Francis to John Bourke.^ 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 ''March 20, 1776. 
 
 " Here I live. Master of the finest House in Bengal, 
 with a hundred Servants, a country house and spacious 
 gardens, horses and carriages . . . yet so perverse is 
 my nature that the devil take me if I would not ex- 
 change the best Dinner and the best Company I ever 
 saw in Bengal for a Beefsteak and Claret at the Horn 
 and let me choose my company. — Be so good as live 
 till I return and tell Mr. Burke that wherever Fortune 
 may think fit to place me, I shall think it an honour 
 and a happiness to be permitted to cultivate his Friend- 
 ship. I will not return without an Independence. 
 You know the spirit that is in me. Oh ! Bourke, 
 I wish you had a Horse which has been lately sent 
 me from Agra, positively the noblest creature of his 
 kind. He is supposed to be cheap at 2,000 rupees, 
 and now I shall prance like a General Officer and 
 ride over the Vulgar. Pdrisse la canaille is the motto 
 of the English Government in India. 
 
 "Yours, P. F." 
 On the American War D. Godfrey writes to 
 Philip Francis : — 
 " Dear Francis, ^^May i\st, 1776. 
 
 "... The American business takes up the 
 attention of everybody, . . . The last news from that 
 
 1 John Bourke was a friend of Edmund Burke as well as of 
 Philip Francis. 
 
1776] XTbe jftancts Xetters 265 
 
 Country is that the cowardly Provincials have driven 
 the Kings Army out of Boston in the most Tem- 
 pestuous Time of the Year, with about ten Days 
 provision on board, they left behind the greatest part 
 of the Artillery and we have no news of them. The 
 Americans have behaved in the same cowardly manner 
 at Sea, they take our Transports, they attack our 
 Ships of war, it is said they have taken one, they 
 trade with all Europe, and they have even had the 
 impertinence to send a Fleet of eight Ships mounting 
 from 36 to 26 Guns to intercept our homeward bound 
 E. I. Ships. I hope Reed will not meet with them, 
 for cowardly as they are, he I am afraid will not 
 be outdone. The Ministry publish here with an 
 air of Triumph that General Howe (he commanded 
 at Boston) has made a most masterly manoeuvre, I 
 know well that he had numbers of his people killed, 
 the Town was battered 14 Days, and it was in 
 consequence of a Treaty made with the Provincials 
 that they did not molest him in his embarkation, 
 the condition on his part was that the Town should 
 not be burned, he now has no Place to go to but 
 Halifax, and there they have nothing to eat. I forgot 
 to mention to you that the Provincials were repulsed 
 in attempting to take Quebeck by Storm with the loss 
 of 300 men. This happened in consequence of General 
 Montgomery who commanded the attacks being killed 
 in the first onset, the Town however is still besieged, 
 and will probably be taken. Lord North pronounced 
 the eulogium of General Montgomery in the House 
 of Commons for in answer to some one in the minority, 
 he said speaking of him, that tho' he could not but 
 
266 Zbc jfrancfB Xetters [1776 
 
 admit that he was able, brave, generous, humane, 
 yet he was only an able, brave, generous, humane 
 Rebel, and these are the men, a nation of whom, we 
 wisely are contending with. Take care that you don't 
 visit America before you wish it, it is indeed possible 
 that they may take some of our ships, I think it highly 
 probable. Twelve thousand Germans sailed for 
 America last week, four or five other thousands are 
 yet to go as soon as Ships can be provided for them, 
 in all probability they will reach that country time 
 enough to go into winter Quarters, in my opinion all 
 who do not desert or die must be starved, for they 
 certainly will get nothing there to eat. The Parlia- 
 ment has voted away the People's money gloriously, 
 three millions have been wanted and additional taxes 
 are the consequence. Pray when you are a great 
 man in this country remember that I now bespeak 
 a pretty little sinecure to make amends for the money 
 now taken from me without my consent, to support 
 measures which I from my heart execrate. I am 
 now at Hedley the name of the country place I 
 mentioned to you above, the bargain is at an end, 
 and I must now look out elsewhere. I have it only 
 for one Year and I am not sorry for it. There is 
 in this neighbourhood the most beautiful of beautiful 
 places, and it is either to be let or sold, and I intend 
 if it be not out of the reach of my Pocket to put 
 in for it. One Hundred acres of grass enclosed with 
 park pales is the whole, but then there is a River, 
 the prettiest I ever saw, woods enchanting, the Garden 
 is the best in the world for the size, and on the 
 whole I would with alacrity exchange my future 
 
1776] Ube jFrancis Xetters 267 
 
 sinecure for it and give to boot six or seven thousand 
 Pounds, pray that I may have purchased it for I am 
 clear it will exactly suit your Taste, I know you like 
 fish catching, I am told they are in great abundance. 
 Chandler has bought Lord Pomfrets at Sunning Hill 
 for 1 1 Thousand Guineas. . . . Your family are all well 
 and Jolly. . . . Lord Dunmore has forged ^50,000 of 
 the paper money of America and he claims great merit 
 from the glorious exploit. Adieu. If you were within 
 ten days riding post I would pay you a visit. Baggs 
 the Major is gone to Paris. Baggs the Parson^ is 
 in London. 
 
 " I shall carry this Letter to London to-morrow 
 if anything should occur before the Packet sails I 
 will send you a postscript apart. Take care of your 
 health and believe me, 
 
 " Yours affectionately, 
 " D. Godfrey. 
 
 " My Brother desires his love to you." 
 
 Philip Francis to Gen. Fraser. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " 2isi August, 1776. 
 
 "Mr. Mackenzie delivered me your Letter of the 
 
 1 2th of January, for which I return you my thanks. 
 
 I have also received another from you by Mr. Fraser, 
 
 whom I shall be glad to serve if an opportunity 
 
 offers ; but the military is not in my Department, 
 
 and I interfere in it as little as I can. . . . The 
 
 1 The sister of Dr. Francis, Mary, married Isham Baggs, Esq., 
 of Dublin. Their sons were Major Philip Baggs and the Rev, 
 Stephen Baggs. 
 
268 XLbc dfrancis betters [1776 
 
 territorial Acquisitions, in their present Course, will, 
 I think, be a Burthen to the governing Power within 
 a much shorter Time, than People at home are 
 aware of. As to myself, I shall only say, that my 
 endeavours, to acquit myself honorably of the Trust 
 reposed in me, have been more laborious than is 
 likely to be credited by men, who have had no 
 
 Experience of the Nature of this d Climate, and 
 
 do not know how little it is suited to any Exertion 
 of the Faculties either of Body or Mind. . . . When 
 proper Opportunities offer, I beg of you to represent 
 me as I am, — much more ambitious of the Esteem 
 of those Persons whose Opinions I ought to respect, 
 than solicitous about their Favour. 
 
 " In this last Article I do not include Mrs. Fraser 
 or the Margate Coterie. I have not Resolution 
 enough to relinquish willingly any Part of the regard, 
 with which they may think fit to honour me ; tho' 
 Esteem perhaps requires more Observation and Re- 
 flection, than may reasonably be imposed upon a 
 Lady. If I cannot have both, I will endeavour to 
 be content with their favour. 
 
 " I have the honor to be etc. . . . 
 
 "P. Francis. 
 
 " P.S. On the 15th instant, a Ship arrived here from 
 Suez with Letters from England so low as the 20th 
 of May. We have read the Newspaper containing 
 an Account of the Ballot on the 17th of that Month. 
 Such a Passage is almost miraculous." 
 
 The following letter to Mr. Francis's son Philip 
 was written in copy-book hand. The boy was 
 
1776] XLbc francta ^Letters 269 
 
 eight years old at the' time, and was at school with 
 Mr. Ribouville, who is often mentioned in Mrs. 
 
 Francis's Journal. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " i6ih Sept., XTjd. 
 
 " My DEAREST Philip, 
 
 " If I had any Time to bestow upon my 
 Pleasures, I should certainly employ a considerable 
 Part of it in answering the Letters you have been 
 so good as to write to me. I am greatly in your 
 Debt, because I look upon your Improvement in 
 your Education, as an Obligation conferred upon 
 myself By the Time I return to England, you 
 will be old enough to be my Friend and Companion ; 
 and you shall be so, provided I find that your present 
 School Fellows love you, and that you are honest 
 and good natured, and not overbearing or insolent. — 
 I am very well pleased with your writing, and obliged 
 to Mr. Ribouville for paying so much Attention 
 to it. I desire when you have the honour of seeing 
 Lady Bathurst, you will deliver my humble Thanks 
 to her Ladyship for the Notice she has been so good 
 as to take of you. You must do the same to Lady 
 Clive. The Favour of these Ladies will always do 
 you Credit ; but as to the dancing School and 
 Misses, I hope you have better Things to attend 
 to. — Desire your Friend Mr. Godfrey to have you 
 taught the Soldier's Exercise. In short you must 
 be a Man in every Thing, if you intend to keep me 
 Company. 
 
 " Farewell my dearest Philip, you are never out 
 
 of my Thoughts. 
 
 "P. Francis." 
 
2 7° TLbc ffrancis tlLetters [1776 
 
 John Bourke to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 
 " My dear Francis, "29 October, 1776. 
 
 " I thank you much for the favour of your 
 Letter of the 20th March by the Talbot. . . . 
 
 " I mourn as you do (I wish I could mourn with 
 you, as I am of opinion that Sorrow, like labour, 
 when divided becomes brighter) at the Effusion of 
 English blood, by English hands ; at the waste of 
 treasure and interruption of Commerce, and at the 
 feuds and Animosities that tear asunder the Sacred 
 bands of fellowship, friendship and brotherly affection, 
 in an unnatural, cruel and Sanguinary Contention. 
 Alas ! Alas ! my friend ! America is not, I fear 
 never will be again, what she has been to us, a fatal 
 perseverance in ill advised measures has made a 
 breach between two parts of the Empire, that the 
 soundest policy will never, I fear, be able to repair. 
 In consequence of an Act prohibiting all Intercourse 
 with the Americans, and declaring all their Effects 
 taken lawful prizes to the Captors, they have, in 
 General Congress, composed of Delegates from the 
 Several Colonies, declared themselves independent of 
 the British Crown and Parliament, in what manner, and 
 under what Circumstances they can recede from this 
 act, which involves them, if subdued, in all the Guilt and 
 all the punishment of rebellious and revolted Subjects, 
 I cannot forsee, but it requires little penetration to see 
 that, unless they do recede, they are lost to us as 
 fellow Subjects, though they may become our Allies. 
 
 " That beef-stake & bottle of Claret at the Horn, 
 
1776] XTbe jfranctB Xetters 271 
 
 for which you would exchange the Luxuries of the 
 East, I am most anxious to enjoy with you. The 
 troubles in America have sent us a man, one 
 Tilghman, who would make the party not less agree- 
 able, to him I would add the Godfreys, with whom, 
 & Tilghman I dined a few days since, when your 
 health & happiness were wished in a Bumper. If 
 Tilghman should not write to you by this Opportunity, 
 do not be surprised. He is with the Godfreys in the 
 country & does not, I fancy, know that any such 
 offers. I was acquainted with it but this morning, 
 the shortness of the Notice must be my Apology for 
 not sending you any Pamphlets. 
 
 " The Parliament meets the day after tomorrow, 
 never was there greater curiosity for a King's speech. 
 Our Army & Navy have taken Long Island, in the 
 vicinity of New York. Accounts have been received 
 that the City had Surrendered, on the 17 Sept., but 
 as they are not come authenticated to Government, 
 the Speech must come out unadorned by this sprig of 
 Laurel. Our news Papers have armed the Kingdoms 
 of Spain & Portugal against each other, & that of 
 France against us. Stocks fall though an Ambassador 
 is just arrived from Paris. Extraordinary bounties are 
 offered to Seamen, & some ships of the line getting 
 ready for equipment. — All this, except the arrival of 
 the Ambassador, looks war, yet it is said we are to 
 be informed that the dispositions of the European 
 Powers are pacific — this moment I hear, there was 
 a hot Press ^ in the River last night. Bella, horrida 
 
 1 For sailors. 
 
272 Zbc J'rancis Xetters [1776 
 
 de//a. Our court it is said has required an Explana- 
 tion of the Encouragement given to the Americans 
 in their Ports ; & this is the cause of difierence. I 
 fear you will have other Enemies to contend with, 
 besides Injustice, Rapine & the Marattas. 
 
 " I should not forget Intelligence from Bengal 
 which I heard last night. Harwell has lost at play. 
 Sixty lacks [sic] of Rupees. Leslie won Ten, Le 
 Maistre 20, & Francis the Remainder : some say we 
 may read thousand Pounds Ster. for Lacs. Let me 
 give Francis a piece of advice, though it may 
 probably arrive 18 months too late, if he has won, 
 let him keep what he has got, & avoid high play. 
 
 " George Shee,^ that Nephew of mine whom 
 you mention, must, if he is alive, be with you before 
 now, as he has written to me that, in consequence 
 of my Instruction, he should avail himself of the 
 Company's permission & go to Bengal. 
 
 " I wanted to have him, at all events, under your 
 patronage : a few words respecting him you will 
 indulge me with. I declare to God, I never knew 
 so deserving a young man. I do not know a virtue 
 which he wants ; nor a vice of which I can accuse 
 him, he is my albus Gallus. On his prosperity the 
 Solace necessary to my old Age may depend. The 
 Death of a brother in Jamaica, & the loss of business 
 consequent of it has altered my Situation, non sum 
 qualis eram. 
 
 " It is but fitting you should know, that your 
 character for acts of benevolence & friendship stands 
 
 ' George Shee (afterwards Sir George Shea) became a great friend 
 of Francis, and for some time acted as his Private Secretary. 
 
1776] Zbc jftancis Xetters 273 
 
 very high here ; your Heathys Collins, &c. &c. bear 
 honourable & grateful Testimony of your disposition. 
 Tell me what I can send you from home, many are 
 more capable, none can be more willing to oblige 
 you. God bless you, who are doing good to your 
 Generation, & preserve you long amongst them. 
 May the Same Power forgive & take to himself 
 the authors of the Complication of distresses under 
 which this Country labours. I am, 
 " My dear Francis, 
 
 "Your truly afifec'^ friend 
 
 "Jn°. Bourke. 
 
 " Two Armies composed of Natives, Hessians, 
 Wolfenbattlers & Brunswickers, & consisting of 
 50,000 men at least, with the greatest train of 
 Artillery ever sent out of England & 100 Sail of 
 commissioned ships besides Transports victualers &c 
 now employed in the Reduction of America. Our 
 trade left exposed to the depredations of little 
 privateers & row boats, near Seventy ships already 
 taken ; some under our noses, off Ushant, to the 
 Loss to Proprietors & the Revenue of ^800,000 
 at least. 
 
 " Our Islands deprived of the Support they draw 
 from America, threatened with Famine & insurrection. 
 " The charges of Insurance increased 5 fold 
 
 " Ireland dismantled of Troops & 
 
 " England (I tremble while I write) upon the Eve 
 of a Foreign War. 
 
 " One of these German Princes from whom we 
 have hired Subsidiary troops, I am told wrote to his 
 Agent in Paris, in the following words, 
 
 18 
 
274 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1776 
 
 " ' Envoyez moi la meilleure Danseuse et la 
 nieilleure chanteuse quil y ait a Paris, ce sont 
 Messieurs les Anglois qui payeront tout fa." 
 
 " I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter for George 
 Shee." 
 
 Concerning Francis's winnings at whist, alluded 
 to in J. Bourke's letter dated Oct. 29th, 1776, Francis 
 had written to his friend Mr. Chandler in March of 
 the same year. 
 
 "An extraordinary stroke of fortune has made me 
 independent. Two years more will probably raise 
 me to affluent circumstances." 
 
 Writing to Mr. D. Godfrey, he explains what the 
 extraordinary stroke of fortune had been : — 
 
 " You must know, my Friend, that on one blessed 
 day of the present year of our Lord (1776) I had 
 won about ;/J'20,ooo at Whist. It is reduced to 
 about ;^ 1 2,000, and I now never play but for trifles, 
 and that only once a week." 
 
 To Mr. D'Oyly on the same subject Francis says, 
 feeling, perhaps, that such high play needed an excuse : 
 "It was an incidental burst, which lasted only a 
 few weeks"; and further he says that he had given 
 way to the fascination of gambling in order to get 
 rid of a fit of extreme depression. 
 
 A. Mackrabie was taken ill in August, 1776, his 
 illness being the effect of the climate of India. It was 
 hoped that if he left Calcutta and took a voyage his 
 health would be restored, but the remedy was tried 
 too late and he succumbed. Instead of continuing the 
 
1776] Ube jfrancis Xetters 27s 
 
 voyage, he had to be landed on the coast, in the 
 district of Orissa, which had then the reputation of 
 being a heaUhy spot, and there he Hngered for some 
 months. He died in November, 1776. We have no 
 record of his failing days, nor any memorandum of 
 leave-takings that he may have sent to those in 
 England he loved so well. The last words in his 
 Journal were : " God Almighty bless and preserve 
 you all prays yours A. M." 
 
 When we turn from the brother's to the sister's 
 Journal, we find Mrs. Francis writing : — 
 
 ''Jan. \st, 1776. My six children and I drank a 
 happy New Year to us and all the world, but most 
 particularly remembered our dearest friends in India. 
 ... I played on the Harpsichord, and the children 
 danced and we were all very happy." 
 
 During the course of this year Mrs. Francis lost her 
 cousin Patty, who has been mentioned as living with 
 the parents at Fulham. She died on November 26th, 
 1776. Mrs. Francis, in recording the event, says: 
 " How sorry my brother will be." He died, as 
 we have seen, during the same month. On December 
 1 2th, 1776, Mrs. Francis writes in her Journal : — 
 
 " Went to Fulham and found my Father not near 
 so well, [he had been ailing for some time] was in 
 great pain ; he desired me to pack up his Journal 
 which I brought to Town with me — poor man, it is 
 left off in the middle of a word." 
 
 Mr. Mackrabie, however, lingered on until the 
 
276 XLbc jfrancis Xetters [1777 
 
 spring of 1777. On February 13th of that year 
 we find this entry in Mrs. Francis's Journal : — 
 
 " My dear Mack's birthday, I went to Fulham 
 to dine and took my two girls to celebrate this 
 Festival with our good old Folks, my Father was just 
 got up and sat in Blankets in the great chair and was 
 but poorly, my mother very glad to see us. We 
 drank the health of the day [the brother had already 
 been dead three months], my poor father I fear will 
 not survive it long." 
 
 These fears were just, for we find March 20th 
 written down a black-letter day : — 
 
 " This day has a bad beginning indeed, as soon as I 
 had breakfasted came a messenger from Fulham, my 
 poor Father, alas ! he is no more — he was taken 
 extremely ill on Wednesday and at seven in the 
 evening he departed ; after a hard struggle, he was 
 quiet and composed, he was quite sensible and asked 
 for my mother, but when she went to him had not a 
 word to say, but why did she cry ? He asked if I 
 was there, I had not the satisfaction to be present, 
 oh ! I could have wished it, let me have suffered ever 
 so much — he talked much of our dear Mack. We 
 have lost a worthy good friend ; you may believe, we 
 were all here much affected with such a loss. I sent 
 Collins for my mother — she, poor woman is to be 
 pitied, she will remain with me till I have fixed upon 
 a house and then she will take an apartment near." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's fears about her brother's health had 
 been aroused by passages in her husband's letter to 
 
1777] Zbc jfrancfs betters 277 
 
 her, but in the June of 1777 on the 2nd she says in 
 her Journal : — 
 
 " After dinner I received a most severe shock 
 when I hoped to have been made happy, a letter, 
 of yours [her husband's] had some words inter- 
 lined about my dear brother that have entirely put 
 a stop to all hopes and I fear the worst in every 
 shape. You seem timid in writing and I think must 
 dread to tell me the melancholy truth. I went in the 
 afternoon to my mother and endeavoured to prepare 
 her for the shock. She was much affected and 
 suspects the worst. 
 
 ''June 12th. Spent a pleasant day at Fulham as 
 Mr. Mitchell had wrote me a letter in which he says 
 he has not heard any particular accounts of my dear 
 brother's health and gives me great reason to hope he 
 is still alive. I will make myself happy with hopes." 
 
 These hopes lasted a few weeks, and in July the 
 entry in the Journal is : — 
 
 " I must own your letter dated Jan. 9th was heart- 
 breaking. When I had been flattering myself that 
 my poor Brother was on the Recovery — you say — 
 ' you shall administer to his effects.' You never told 
 me he was dead. When did it happen and where. . . . 
 
 "In the packet of Letters, you sent one from 
 my dearest Brother to my Father — this affects me 
 greatly indeed. I shall keep it for his sake — also a 
 Duplicate of a Letter sent to me from him and a 
 little drawing of a Head called Mr. Barwell. He 
 says in his letter to my Father he thinks he is 
 
278 TLbc francfs betters [1777 
 
 getting better. Oh ! what a disappointment to all of 
 us and a severe loss to you. As to my mother I 
 have not told her, she is not able to bear such 
 strokes. I expect her death every day — think how 
 hard these things are upon me, indeed with so many 
 frights and griefs I am seldom well." 
 
 On August 28th, 1777, Mrs. Francis writes : — 
 " Our doubts and fears are over, my dear mother 
 expired this morning almost without a groan. She 
 has not taken any notice of us for some days past. I 
 regret much to part with her, but God's will must be 
 done. I feel it very hard to have lost four such near 
 and dear friends in ten months. Father, Mother, 
 Brother and cousin. 
 
 " Se/>L 2nd. A dull day, the day of my mother's 
 funeral. She always desired to be laid by my poor 
 Father at Fulham [Mrs. Mackrabie had come to live 
 near her daughter in London before her death]. 
 Collins went early in the morning in order to attend 
 it. My mother's maid with her husband and nurse 
 were the four mourners. Many of her friends and 
 neighbours shed tears to see her body brought back 
 so soon and deposited beside my poor father. My 
 heart is full ; yet it is proper to bear all with patience." 
 
 The loss of his friend and secretary Alexander 
 Mackrabie caused great sorrow to Mr. Francis. In 
 writing to Mr. Chandler he said : — 
 
 " Your own feelings will give you the best idea of 
 the affliction that has fallen upon me. But who will 
 communicate the fatal intelligence to his unhappy 
 Sister ? I sent a letter by the way of Suez lately 
 
1777] Zbc jFtancis ^Letters 279 
 
 to Mr. Godfrey which I hope will have prepared 
 her mind for the worst news ; if not I must solicit 
 the kind offices of Mrs. Chandler to break it to her, 
 in what terms I know not." 
 
 Alexander Mackrabie was loved by all who knew 
 him, and he was himself an enthusiastic friend. It has 
 been said of his feelings towards his chief that not 
 only did he love his brother-in-law as a friend, but 
 worshipped him almost as an idol. During his illness, 
 when he wrote to Francis he called him his " best 
 and dearest friend." " Sick or well, I am yours with 
 the truest affection." 
 
 Richard Tilghman, Francis's American cousin and 
 Mackrabie's friend, came to India shortly after the 
 death of the latter to try his fortune as a barrister. 
 He also attached himself to Francis as secretary and 
 right hand man ; but from this time we miss the light 
 hand of Mackrabie in describing the life and sur- 
 roundings of Francis in India. 
 
 Richard Tilghman to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 "Jan. i\th, 1777. 
 
 " My dear Francis, 
 
 " By the last fleet I writ to Mr. Secretary 
 Mackrabie, and now I have the honour to address 
 myself to the Tyrant of Indostan. After a thousand 
 delays I have obtained the permission of the Direction 
 to proceed to Bengal, not simply, but sub modo ; that 
 is to say upon condition of my going to Dublin and 
 being called to the Irish bar. . . . This will put me 
 to some inconvenience : however I can return to 
 
28o ube 3f rands betters [1777 
 
 England in time to get out in the last ship. Believe 
 me I shall not be grieved when the time of my de- 
 parture from this country arrives. I shall feel none 
 of that reluctance which hung about me when I went 
 last to America. Alas ! why should I ? London is 
 not what it was to me, Fitzpatrick is dead ; you are 
 gone ; and J[ohn] B[ourke] is as heavy as old age. 
 I have never ventured to put my foot in the Crown 
 Coffee House, indeed I never see it without being 
 filled with melancholy. Farewell ! Remember me 
 to Mack ^ — you and he are my all in India. I 
 am most impatient to be with you. 
 
 " Yours most faithfully, 
 
 "R. TiLGHMAN." 
 
 In the spring of the year 1777 Francis began to 
 keep a Journal, from which some entries have been 
 selected : — 
 
 A Leaf from Philip Francis's Journal, 1777. 
 
 "May gth, 1777. Set out for Kishnagur with 
 Ducarel and Bristow ; slept at Pulta at Mr. Prinsep's. 
 
 " \itk. Proceeded in the evening. Budgerow. 
 
 "12th. Budgerow. Infernally hot. 
 
 " iTfth. Landed in the afternoon at Nuddea ; met 
 by the Rajah's eldest son, with presents of fruit &c. 
 
 " In Palanquins to Kishnagur. 
 
 " 14M. Well entertained by Mr. Shore. 
 
 " i^tk. Visit from the old Rajah, which I returned, 
 and saw an immense palace in ruins, and the prince 
 of the country, a venerable old man, lodged in one 
 
 1 The news of Mackrabie's death had not yet reached England. 
 
1777] Uht jFrancis Xettets 281 
 
 corner of it, in a state of beggary and misery not 
 to be believed. 
 
 " 16/^. Set out on horseback on our return by the 
 way of Sooksagur. Arrive at Croftes's at two o'clock 
 in the morning excessively tired. 
 
 " ly^L Proceed in the Budgerow to Hughley and 
 forced to sleep in it. 
 
 " iSi/i. Breakfast and dine at Motte's with Lady 
 Impey. Sup at Chinsura, at Mr. Radamacker's, with 
 all the Dutch Factory ; plenty of victuals and civility 
 but as dull as Rotterdam : returned late by myself 
 to Pulta where I slept. 
 
 " 19M. Return to breakfast at Calcutta. Council. 
 
 ''June 6th. Rev[enue] Board. A curious but 
 shocking account of Capt. Browne's Expedition against 
 the Hill People in his district and the dreadful 
 devastations committed by his troops." 
 
 John Bourke to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 "27 June, 1777. 
 
 " My dear Francis, 
 
 " I wrote you a few days ago by the way of 
 Madrass. poor Will Burke who went over land, to 
 carry the Company's dispatches to Lord Pigot, took 
 charge of my letter, & will send it by the first con- 
 veyance to Calcutta. 
 
 " I have some information that the Court of 
 Directors have written to Mr. Clavering in terms of 
 the strongest Solicitation to continue in his Employ- 
 ment. Should he not comply with their Request, 
 
282 XEbe jfrancis Xetters [1777 
 
 & that Mr. Hastings should Hkewise return, the Office 
 of President will, I think, devolve on you ; as the 
 vacancies in Council will be filled by men disposed to 
 act with you, your business will be easy, & you cannot 
 fail of enjoying what I most Sincerely wish you — 
 peace and tranquility of mind. 
 
 " The Session of Parliament is ended. Five million 
 of new money has been raised for the purpose of the 
 American war, & the prospect of finishing that war 
 seems as remote as ever. The French are the only 
 gainers by the Contest, except a few Individuals, 
 such as Contractors, Paymasters, & Generals. The 
 American Ships find an easy entrance into the Ports 
 of France, where they dispose of their Commodities, 
 and purchase military stores. In the West Indies the 
 Game is played in a different manner. From the 
 Islands of Guadeloupe & Martinoe many vessells 
 have been fitted out, having but one American on 
 board, with a Commission from the Congress, those 
 vessels take clearances for the Spanish main, or other 
 ports, as protection, in case they are stopped by our 
 Cruizers. the Cruizers no longer in Sight, they 
 assume the Characters of Privateers under their 
 American Captain, make prizes of defenceless ships, 
 & carry them into French ports, & sell them 
 publickly. These facts have been stated to the W. 
 Ind. Merchants ; they have laid them before the 
 Ministers ; the ministers have probably referred them 
 to our Ambassador, & the Ambassador has probably 
 demonstrated at the French court. Still the evil 
 is unremedied, I fear the English language has lost 
 its energy at foreign Courts. We are wasting our 
 
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 THE HON. EDMUND BURKE. 
 
 Pa^e 283.] 
 
1777] Zbc jprancis Xetters 283 
 
 blood and treasure in endeavouring to destroy the 
 object that gave it vigour. 
 
 "J. B. 
 
 " Baggs, the Major, has fought a Duel in France, 
 with the notified FitzGerald, they were both wounded. 
 Baggs has got reputation." 
 
 The " Poor Will Burke " mentioned in John's letter 
 of June 27th was a brother o f Edmund Burke. Mr. 
 Francis's notice of him had been solicited in a letter 
 from John to Mr. Francis dated April 29th, 1777. 
 
 " Such is the prejudice against his name and 
 principles," writes John of William, " that although 
 he was 10 years in Parliament and under secretary 
 to Gen. Conway, with a fair character for morals 
 and ability, he had not interest sufficient to obtain 
 any station in the Company's Service. ... His wish 
 was to go to Bengal in some situation such as 
 would place him within reach of your assistance, this 
 was likewise Edmund's wish, but they had not 
 interest enough to obtain it." 
 
 Edmund Burke wrote to Mr. Francis about his 
 brother, June 9th, 1777. 
 
 "This wide Empire," he says, "will frequently 
 disperse those who are dear to one another ; but if 
 this dispersion of their persons does not loosen their 
 regards it every now and then gives such opportunities 
 of unexpected meeting as almost compensate the 
 pain of separation. . . . These thoughts occur to me 
 in parting with a friend whom I have tenderly loved, 
 highly valued, and continually lived with, in an union 
 not to be expressed, quite since our boyish years. . . . 
 
284 Zbc jfrancis !lLettets [1777 
 
 If he should visit your Kingdom I trust that he will 
 find a friend there whose manner of serving him will 
 not be in the style of those who acquit themselves 
 of a burthen. His first views are at Madras, but 
 all India is now closely connected and your influence 
 and power is such that you may serve him very 
 materially even there. I will not wrong your 
 friend.ship by pressing this matter any further, but 
 it is indeed near to my heart. 
 
 " I am with the most sincere esteem and affection 
 your most faithful and obedient, humble servant 
 
 " E. Burke. 
 
 "J^me 9. 1777." 
 
 From Philip Francis's Journal. 
 
 ''June jpth. On Monday Gen. Clavering invests 
 himself with the Order of the Bath and we attend 
 Council. A lucky Star it is, and appears to us at 
 a most seasonable juncture. The Governor orders 
 a salute and recommends circulars to notify the honour 
 done to Clavering. I thought this a pitiful con- 
 descension. 
 
 "July ^th. Sup with Hastings at Impey's, long faces. 
 
 " ()th. News of Mrs. Imhoff's divorce and hopes 
 of her marriage with Hastings. 
 
 "July 26th. Nothing. Sup at Impey's. Her 
 ladyship swears stoutly that Madame ImhofT shall 
 pay her the first visit — an idea which I don't fail 
 to encourage. 
 
 "July 2(^th. I find by private letters dated Feb. 5th 
 that I stand as high at home as I could wish. 
 
1777] XEbe jfrancts Xettets 285 
 
 "Mrs Imhoff sups at Lady Impey's by way of 
 submission. 
 
 "Aug. \gth. Clavering very ill and I think in 
 great danger. 
 
 " 2isi. Sup at the Governor's. Mrs. Hastings 
 very handsomely acknowledges my constant attentions 
 to her. 
 
 " The lady herself is really an accomplished woman. 
 She behaves with perfect propriety in her new station 
 and deserves every mark of respect. 
 
 Aug. 2,otk. Sir John Clavering, after a delirium 
 of many hours, expired at ^ past 2 p.m., and was 
 buried at 8 in the most private manner. The 
 Governor ordered minute guns. I waited on the 
 ladies and pressed them to remove to my house, 
 but they declined it. I attended the Funeral on foot 
 to the grave. 
 
 " Nov. I ith. Tilghman arrives this morning." 
 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Mrs. Wheler^ the latest arrival from Europe 
 introduced a novelty at Calcutta — viz., she appeared 
 in public for the first time at our ball the night before 
 last in wonderful splendour. At sight of her hoop 
 all our beauties stared with envy and admiration. I 
 never saw the like in all my life." 
 
 Here follow some extracts from Mrs. Francis's 
 Journal during the years 1776 and 1777. Allusions to 
 
 ' Wife of Mr. Wheler, a member of the Council, lately sent from 
 England ; he had been Chairman of the Board of Directors. 
 
286 zbc ifcancts Xetters [1776 
 
 her brother occur now and then, as she did not hear 
 of his death until the middle of the latter year. 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal. 
 
 " All our dear children are well, except Sally 
 [Sally was frequently ailing], she and I are going 
 to try the cold Bath and the Islington Spa Water, — 
 Betsy is well and not near so fat, Harriet looks 
 pale and thin, but is in general much admired, Philip 
 is very good, only too volatile, Mary improves and 
 little Kitty is still the same agreeable little creature : 
 upon the whole without partiality they are a charming 
 set of children. Collins grows fat and looks better 
 than ever, she begs her duty to you and my dear 
 Mack : your old friend Tom is in perfect health and 
 of late has not committed any robberies. Of myself 
 what shall I say, I am still the same poor weakly 
 creature, I do all I can to obtain health and must 
 be contented with the consequences." 
 
 Several presents from her husband are acknow- 
 ledged : — 
 
 " Thank you a thousand times for your present of 
 a purse of Morahs [mohurs], I rather wanted a little 
 extraordinary sum of money and as to goods I find 
 they are attended with so much difficulty to get 
 them that they seldom answer. 
 
 " Mr. David Godfrey has paid me my money for 
 the Gold you sent me, but the morahs did not come 
 to so much as you expected. I kept three out, One 
 I gave to Miss Holden and two I kept. Mr. Godfrey 
 got for the 47, ;^68. 19/ nothing could have been so 
 acceptable a present to me as this." 
 
1776] Zbc jftancis betters 287 
 
 Again : — 
 
 " Mr. Lowder sent the shawls, I cannot be 
 enough grateful to you for mine which is truly 
 pretty, but the other I can't say I so much admire, 
 the pattern is so large, I thought Mrs. Chandler 
 would not like it, so, I hope you won't be angry, 
 but I kept that shawl and shall give her a beautiful 
 one, the fellow to Mrs. Holden's, I feared she might 
 suspect your taste and anything that lessens you 
 must always make me miserable, you know her 
 excessive delicacy and I wished that she might view 
 it with pleasure. I have given good Mother Chitty 
 the dark square one and she is happy and thankful 
 for it. The muslins are beautiful, particularly the 
 striped and sprigged. The striped sell for £1. 1/ 
 a yard here — as for the sprigged I never saw any 
 such to sell." 
 
 Mrs. Francis does not always praise the muslin 
 sent : — 
 
 " I have got my parcel, but why my dearest man 
 must you still send me plain thin book muslin, tis 
 of no use and a great expense to you. If the muslin 
 was Jaconet it would have done better — however 
 my dearest many thanks to you." 
 
 Once we find mention of a present Mrs. F. sent 
 to India : — 
 
 " SepL 5/?/5, 1776. I went out and bought you five 
 pairs of laced ruffles and beg you will give my love 
 to my dear brother and beg him to accept one pair 
 of them as a present from me, I hope you will like 
 
288 Xtbe jfrancts Xettcrs [1776 
 
 them all. I shall be proud if my dearest Philip will 
 accept these ruffles as my present and would be 
 thankful if any thing I can do would but give you 
 some proof of my gratitude ; believe me it is most 
 sincere, though I don't know to how express it." 
 
 Again, on the receipt of some gift from her husband 
 she writes : — 
 
 " Oct. 1st. Your letter has increased my former 
 obligation and gratitude to you for so unlimited a 
 credit, but do, my dearest Love believe me though 
 I am perfectly sensible of your great generosity yet 
 your Love weighs more with me and seems of more 
 real value than all this world can bestow upon me. 
 
 ''Oct. loth, 1776. I went to drink tea with Mrs. 
 Chandler, they are come to town for a day or two 
 to order their house to be painted. Our chief talk 
 was about you and the great victories we have 
 obtained over the Americans in having taken Long 
 Island and killed three thousand of the Provincials 
 and only lost and wounded of our own People but 
 300. This is the present Talk. 
 
 " In the evening both Sunday and Monday I 
 entertained myself with reading your dear Letters 
 which I received the year before we married, how 
 happy they made me and yet how unhappy, I could 
 not sleep for them. Went to call on Mrs. Chandler. 
 She was just setting off for Sunbury that fine house 
 of Lord Pomfret's they have purchased for twelve 
 thousand odd pounds. 
 
 " I am just going to have a handsome suit of 
 green cloathes made for Philip, I can assure you I 
 
1776] Ubc jprancis Xetters 289 
 
 keep him very genteel ; he has two suits a year 
 beside Waistcoat and Breeches. 
 
 "Nov. lyth, 1776. Mr. Sabine Gascoyne called 
 [lately come from India]. He seems grateful to you 
 for your kindness and says every body is in love 
 with my brother. He talks much of your good spirits 
 which I was thankful to hear of and all your greatness. 
 Every word he told me was valuable and I only 
 thought his visit too short. 
 
 " Saturday, Dec. ']th. Mr. Shepherd, Purser to the 
 Talbot East Indlaman, brought me the little canvas 
 Parcel enclosing 200 Morahs. I found the money 
 all right and very fine gold. Your 500 sequins sold 
 for .^233, some odd shillings. 
 
 " I received the little hoop Diamond Ring and 
 four pearls which I thank you for. The ring is 
 too small and I intend to have it set in a Heart to 
 fasten my handkerchief — I shall have the pleasure 
 to see it oftener as I seldom wear rings and have 
 one of the same sort before." 
 
 Mrs. Francis was anxious to find a larger house 
 for herself and her family than the one in Duke Street, 
 in which she had remained after her husband left 
 her to go to I ndia ; she had a larger party at home 
 since the two elder girls had left school. " I must 
 have a tolerable large house for so many of us," she 
 writes in her Journal early in the year 1777. 
 
 " Friday, Jan. 2\th, I'JTJ. I went to look at a house 
 with Mr. and Mrs. Chandler. Mr. Chandler likes 
 the house very well we have seen, but we all think 
 too high a Rent ;^200 a year. 
 
 19 
 
29° trbe If rands ^Letters [1777 
 
 " Whilst I was away Mr. Adair [doctor] came and 
 said it was proper to bleed Sally and Harriet which 
 he did, when I came home I was much frightened, 
 but hope it will be of use. Harriet after the Bleeding 
 fainted away several times and was very weak and 
 low, but the pain in her side was much relieved, she 
 had but a poor night and is very indifferent. 
 
 " Feb. 2nd. Mr. Chandler called, told me that he 
 and Mr. D'Oyly thought the Rent which I persuaded 
 the Landlord to take ;^i8o was too much for me 
 to give. I wrote Mr. C. a list of all my necessary 
 expenses by the year, allowing for this high Rent 
 which together I could discharge for ^1,200 a year, 
 he thought it too much, so did I, but I can't do it 
 for much less. However in compliance to my two 
 Friends I have given up the House, though I confess 
 I much wished to have it. 
 
 " Tuesday, i^th. I think myself much better. I 
 have changed my medicines and now only apply to 
 nervous Herbs, I hope they will be of service, my 
 spirits are better and I sleep better, my thoughts are 
 continually with you. 
 
 " March 6ik. I went to Mr. Chandler's and he 
 showed me your Letter which afforded me much 
 Pleasure and some Vanity, at the kind and affectionate 
 manner you express yourself to me and your dear 
 Children, I pray God to preserve us all to have the 
 Happiness of meeting together and grant our satis- 
 faction may be compleat by permitting us to live and 
 enjoy each other many many years. 
 
 " March i^th. I am not yet fixed in a House, for 
 
1777] xrbe j'rancis Xettevs 291 
 
 Mr. Chandler will not consent to my paying so great 
 a Rent as ^200 a year and I cannot meet with a 
 tolerable place to hold us for less. 
 
 ''Saturday, i^th. I set off again House hunting but 
 cannot get any thing but at a great Rent, _;^i3o a 
 year is the lowest price and then a very small house, 
 hardly room to put us in. What can I do ? I don't 
 know how to act to please everybody. 
 
 " I and my two girls drank tea with Mr. and Mrs. 
 Chandler — nothing very gay. They don't seem to 
 consent to my having that sweet house in Harley 
 Street — it is too much money — I have given Philip 
 a Ticket, cost me half a guinea, for his dancing 
 Master's Ball. 
 
 "Monday, ijth. I am still uneasie about this House 
 and have at last determined to do, what I hope 
 you my dearest Philip will approve, if so I am happy 
 and will not mind what anybody says, but if you do 
 not I am then truly miserable at having acted a part 
 entirely by myself I went this morning and have 
 at last adventured to take the House in Harley Street 
 I so very much longed for. It is a very good one 
 and every way pleasant and agreeable, in a fine 
 situation. At first Mr. and Mrs. Chandler were both 
 so pleased with the House that if Mr. D'Oyly had 
 agreed Mr. Chandler would have bought it for 
 ;/^3000, ;^i9ayear Ground Rent and after that Mr. 
 Chandler desired me to offer the Landlord who is 
 a very genteel man ;^i8o a year Rent, which, after 
 much ado, he accepted, then Mr. Chandler was off 
 and she sayd it would do very well for them two, 
 but I suppose she thought it too good for me, 
 
292 Ube jfrancis Xettevs [1777 
 
 however I did not choose to lose it and have taken 
 
 it, Mr. Chandler does not yet know it, I am almost 
 
 afraid to tell him, so much for this, and may God 
 
 Almighty bless you and may I with our dear Children, 
 
 live to meet and enjoy each other in this great and 
 
 charming House. I will lay out as little as possible 
 
 in furnishing it. 
 
 "London. 
 
 ''March i2>th. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler came in. 
 I told them I had at last taken my favourite house in 
 Harley Street and hoped they would forgive my doing 
 so as I could not obtain their approbation. They 
 looked grave and sayd very well, but nothing more. 
 
 " Went to my new House and am still more pleased, 
 fixed on Papers &c. In the evening was made very 
 happy by a letter from you. You really make me vain 
 with the kind things you write me, and I almost fear 
 I shall be obliged to take too much advantage of your 
 generosity in fitting up this House, but I will be as 
 saving as possible. My Mother has taken an Apart- 
 ment in great Marylebone Street very near our House 
 in Harley Street. 
 
 " Monday, April \.A,th, 1777. Polly H olden is staying 
 with me. We took our Morning Ride, and went to my 
 New House, like it better and better staid at Home all 
 the Evening and alone, but we are always entertained 
 for one of my Misses read whilst the rest work. 
 
 " Wednesday, 22,rd. Miss Holden, Mr. Godfrey, his 
 brother and new wife with three of her Sisters and 
 our two girls, Sally and Betsy and I, all went in 
 the evening to Ranelagh, my girls' surprise was very 
 
1777] XTbe jfrancts Xetters 293 
 
 great indeed at entering the Room full of fine 
 company, Lights &c. Every thing pleased and they 
 were very happy, so was I to see them so, we came 
 home early. 
 
 " Thursday, 2\th. It happened very unluckily that 
 Miss Gemmel had secured places for the New Play 
 ' Know your own Mind ' a very clever Comedy and 
 much approved, for that day, and we were obliged 
 to go though tired with our former Day's Amusements, 
 but the Girls' Pleasure was so extreme at the Play, 
 and after many good Observations we had a Panto- 
 mime which much surprised and pleased, the House 
 was full and very hot and I much tired, not having 
 been at a Play for four years before, but I thought 
 it right to attend my Girls. Mr. Robert Gemmel a 
 good humoured worthy Man insisted on paying for 
 the two Girls, being the first Play they saw, and 
 with much ado, I consented. 
 
 " Saturday, April 26th. Received your Letter dated 
 Sep. 21, 1776 full of grief for poor Col. Monson's 
 Death. Your sick list seems to be pretty full — no 
 more accounts of our dear Mack. ... I told Miss 
 Gemmel the kind things you said of her and she is 
 much flattered by them and hopes to increase in your 
 good opinion and Friendship. I observe your advice 
 about Humility and will endeavour to follow it. 
 
 " Mr. Chandler is much pleased with his Sword, 
 and I am all thankfulness for my Necklace ; but it 
 is too good. I could wish you to keep your money 
 and not lay it out on those fine things, I have no 
 use for them, I am miserable for my Brother's return 
 and I trust in good Health. 
 
294 
 
 Zbc jfrancis Xettcrs 
 
 [1777 
 
 " May \<^th. I fear I have given Mr. D'Oyly some 
 great offence, though I am not sensible in what 
 manner. What would I give to have my dearest 
 Master and Husband with me to direct my ways, 
 We talked for two hours, I sighed and cryed. One 
 minute I am told I don't dress my Children well 
 enough and another that I spend too much money ; 
 what can I do ? Mr. D'Oyly and Mr. Chandler have 
 I believe both wrote to you to know if I am ab- 
 solutely to be fixed to ;i^8oo a year, though you have 
 wrote to me and these gentlemen, for me to have 
 unlimited Credit, this they cannot understand, nor 
 do I. They will not, with quietness give me any 
 more and this will not do. I will now write you a 
 List of my Expences. 
 
 House Rent & Taxes 
 
 ^202. 
 
 8. 
 
 House keeping at £1^. 4/ a week 
 
 222. 
 
 [sic] 
 
 Philip School & Clothes . 
 
 n- 
 
 
 Servants Wages 5 in number 
 
 5°- 
 
 
 Man's Livery 
 
 12. 
 
 12. 
 
 Girls Clothes 
 
 90. 
 
 
 Coals & Wine 
 
 so- 
 
 
 Apothecary 
 
 30. 
 
 
 Coach & Horses .... 
 
 no 
 
 
 Girls school and Masters 
 
 120 
 
 
 Extraordinaries for the House 
 
 50 
 
 
 Your Pensioner 
 
 6 
 
 
 My own clothes and Pocket . 
 
 63 
 
 
 
 ^1082. 
 
 12. [sic] 
 
 " This is the least I can do with, I hope you won't 
 think it too much ; but if you do it is proper I should 
 submit so must then let my House, lay down my 
 coach and retire into the country. 
 
1777] trbc jfrancis Xettcrs 29s 
 
 "Mr. Chandler has been rather harsh, though I 
 believe well meant. I gave up buying a gown which 
 was to cost ^10, though I have not had one before 
 since you went. ... I wished him and Mr. D'Oyly 
 to examine my accounts, which they both declined. 
 What can I do ? I meet with some difficulties, but 
 must swallow them. Both their ladies are very ad- 
 vising, without knowing anything of the matter : but 
 they live in plenty and may do what they please 
 without being called to account : they know nothing 
 of children or their expenses. 
 
 " Monday, June i6th. Moved to Harley Street. I 
 and my girls dined at my Mother's.^ The servants 
 came in the evening after numberless Loads of Goods. 
 We slept in our new House and found every thing 
 comfortable, but I got a cold and cough. 
 
 " Friday, 20th. But very poorly, great weakness 
 of Nerves and Spirits, but I write to finish this Packet 
 as I am going out of Town in a few days. ... I 
 am much fatigued with moving and as my staircase 
 is to be painted in the latter end of the Summer I 
 thought it best to go as soon as possible and have 
 met with a pretty House, large enough to hold us 
 all, with my poor Mother who I could not leave. 
 It is at Walton, just by the Duke's Park Gate at 
 Oatlands, and is completely furnished. I am to have 
 it with Gardens, coach-house, stables &c. for 9 months 
 for £/[o and I think it very Cheap, though a large 
 sum of money, some place I must have had in the 
 country, my Health is at times so poorly. . . . 
 
 ' Mrs. Mackrabie, as has been mentioned, died in the autumn of thi§ 
 year. 
 
296 tibe jfranciB Xetters [1777 
 
 "Walton. 
 
 "June 2ist. This place is very delightful. We 
 have new milk and fresh Butter twice a Week and 
 a very pretty Garden well stocked with Flowers and 
 Herbage and much Fruit in expectation. 
 
 " Jttly 2^th. I received a Duplicate Letter of 
 that dated Nov. 28. . . . Your goodness is great 
 indeed about my poor Father and Mother. As to 
 the first, he is long since no more and as to my poor 
 Mother she is too near the conclusion of her Fate 
 to acquaint her with your Generosity and I dare 
 not tell her of the great loss we have all sustained, 
 but I am equally obliged to you for your great 
 goodness. 
 
 "Aug. i6th. Went with my two Girls to dine 
 at Mr. Holden's and had the pleasure to see 
 Captn. Carr who delivered to me the small Parcel 
 from you which contained the beautiful Pearl Neck- 
 lace. I thank you most heartily for so fine a Present, 
 yet as I had no letter, not so much as a Word I 
 confess I was much disappointed. ... I took the 
 necklace to Mrs. Chandler and begged her to keep 
 it with her jewels. ... I am frightened when I think 
 of wearing so much money. 
 
 " Tuesday, Aug. 26th. There are great accounts 
 of a victory attained by our Army in America and 
 I am sorry to say your cousin poor Col. Francis is 
 among the list of killed. I know you will regret 
 his death as I do. 
 
 "Aug. 2']tk. I took a ride on one of my Coach 
 Horses behind the Coachman, as I grudge paying 
 for a hired one. I like it very well and am advised 
 
1777] Ube jfrancis Xetters 397 
 
 to do it for my health and spirits, I want them 
 very much." 
 
 Mrs. Francis writes sometimes from Walton and 
 sometimes from Harley Street. 
 
 " Harley Street. 
 
 " I gave Sally Bussy an airing with me — she was 
 much pleased with it. She is always good natured 
 and happy and talks of you and your youth with 
 extacy. 
 
 " Monday, Oct. 20th. I have a cold and stay at 
 home. My two Girls are gone to dine at Mr. 
 Chandlers and go with them to Sunbury Assembly. . . . 
 
 "Oct. 2\st. Polly H olden called and with her 
 Mr. Prime. They all seem to enjoy the old Knight's 
 money, Mr. Prime keeps a coach, Chariot and Phaeton 
 with four horses and servants innumerable. . . . 
 
 " My two Girls are come home delighted with their 
 Ball and the kind Hospitality of their good Friends." 
 
 Sally and Betsy were then aged fourteen and 
 eleven. 
 
 The following letter from Mr. Francis to his wife 
 was received by her on November 7th, 1777: — 
 
 Philip Francis to his Wife. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 '■'■March 5, 1777. 
 
 " My dearest Wife, 
 
 " My last was by the London, which sailed 
 about a fortnight ago. Since that we have been 
 
298 ^be jfrancis Xetters [1777 
 
 tolerably quiet and expect to continue so till the 
 arrival of advices from England. 
 
 "As for myself I am truly anxious about nothing 
 but the welfare of my family and friends. Political 
 events cannot reach or affect me. By this or the 
 next ship I shall make an additional remittance to 
 Mr. Chandler of ;^3,200. Besides that I am really 
 an Economist — Fortune has taken extraordinary care 
 of me, and I am much her humble Servant. She was 
 certainly in my debt if it be considered how many 
 years you and I lived upon little or nothing. If there 
 were peace in America all would be well. By Capt. 
 Carr I sent you a pearl Necklace, I should probably 
 have done much better in sending you the money 
 it cost, and so left you to please yourself. To make 
 up for that mistake you will find yourself authorized 
 by the enclosed letter to Mr. Godfrey to employ ;^500 
 in diamond earrings or any other Jewelry you may 
 think fit." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal Continued. 
 
 " Friday, Nov. Jth, iJTJ- Your letter dated March 
 5th I received safe by the Cumberland, at the same time 
 as the other. I am glad to find all was quiet when 
 this came away and hope it has continued so. You 
 know I am no Politician. Your remittances came 
 safe and you will believe were welcome. 
 
 " We are both infinitely indebted to Fortune and 
 I am grateful to her. As to our former difficulties 
 in making both ends meet I am always happy when 
 I think of those days for they were full of pleasure 
 and satisfaction in acting as we should and every 
 
1777] Ubc jFtancfs Xetters 299 
 
 thing turned out well, but notwithstanding your 
 success, our absence from each other and in that 
 the loss of all that is dear, is in a great degree truly 
 affecting, but I must always endeavour to bear it 
 as well as I can. 
 
 " JVov. <^th. A very indifferent day. Lord Mayor's 
 Day and that is always wet. 
 
 " How happy do your Letters make me, indeed 
 my dearest Philip, if it was possible I love you more 
 than ever. ... I shall like to wear your beautiful 
 Present of Muslin if it is not too fine ; the necklace 
 I have not yet had absolutely valued, but I have 
 been told some Pearls were worth about .^250, the 
 five Rows — I think it worth more. I have not yet 
 bespoke the Earrings . . . you are too good to 
 me. . . . 
 
 " What you mention of your remaining two years 
 longer in this distant Climate has hurt me very much, 
 I am cast down and disappointed, but I must bear 
 it and pray at all times for your success. 
 
 " Wednesday, 26tk. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler drank 
 Tea with us, they are charmed with my house, but 
 think some of my Furniture not good enough, I told 
 them I could not afford any better and as to Glasses 
 I must go without. 
 
 "Your children, I thank God, are all well. The 
 two eldest sit by me and are two fine young women, 
 Harriet and Mary at school are both well and happy 
 and Kitty a sweet little saucy Girl. All my old 
 servants are with me and Tom the cat is in perfect 
 health and mews his duty." 
 
300 XCbe jftancis betters [1777 
 
 On the subject of Mrs. Francis's expenditure Mr. 
 D'Oyly wrote to Francis : — 
 
 '■'^ April 20th, 1777. 
 
 "Mr. Chandler and I take as good care of your 
 money matters as we can ; but if you choose that 
 your Family should not spend more than ;^8oo a year, 
 you should not specify that sum in our Letters, and 
 in theirs call upon them to spend whatever they 
 please, and rather charge them to live liberally and 
 expensively in that way. This you cannot but see 
 must breed a little uneasiness when we try to keep 
 Expenses within what you point out to us, and 
 indeed I suppose they will now reach £1,200 a year, 
 instead of ^800. 
 
 Francis wrote to Mr. Chandler from India, 
 referring to the Harley Street House as follows : — 
 
 "... Between ourselves, I intirely agree with 
 Mr. D'Oyly and yourself in all your ideas concerning 
 the House in Harley Street, and the Establishment 
 attending it. But why should I tell her so, when the 
 thing is done, and when I know that a serious word 
 from me would break her Heart. Mine will not suffer 
 me to think of it. I approve then intirely of her 
 having ^1,200 a year from the commencement of her 
 new establishment and ;i^200 for equipment. In the 
 present state of things, a thousand pounds more or 
 less is of no consequence to me. I myself pay very 
 near ^1,500 a year for bare walls ; but it is a palace, 
 and the first situation. By managing my money at 
 interest, and living in general with great Economy I 
 
1777] trbe iFtancfs Xetters 301 
 
 can remit ^6,500 a year at least, and I will not stir 
 before I am Independent. 
 
 " I will write to Mr. Godfrey about Philip, confining 
 myself to Politics with Mr. D'Oyly. 
 
 " My most cordial good wishes and thanks wait 
 
 on Mrs. Chandler. 
 
 " I am, yours, P. F." 
 
 In his Journal of 1778 Francis writes : — 
 
 "Jan. ■^rd, 1778. Formal Supper at Impey's for 
 Mrs. Wheler, Mrs. Hastings sends a silly excuse, an 
 intended slight to Lady Impey. 
 
 " 26th. At night a long conversation with Wheler, 
 open, friendly and confidential in the highest degree. 
 I begin to love this man. 
 
 " 30^^. Ball at my house. 
 
 ''Feb. 2nd. Masquerade at the Play House." 
 
 About this time D. Godfrey is writing from 
 England : — 
 
 D. Godfrey to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London. 
 "■irdjan., 1778. 
 
 " Dear Francis, 
 
 " D'Oyly and Chandler are both well and I 
 suppose write you. The former you know is Secretary 
 to L^ George Germain, Secretary of State for the 
 Colonies, and the lamentable account of our 111 success 
 has made him very low spirited. The Public news is 
 pretty near all contained in the Newspapers I send 
 
302 Uftc jfrancis Xetters [1778 
 
 you with this. . . . The Savage barbarity with which this 
 war has been carried on, points out clearly the Pious 
 Author. What think you of General Burgoine paying 
 10 Dollars per Scalp to the Indians in his suite, men, 
 women, and children were included in the Proscription, 
 has not the war met the fate it deserved ? After all 
 this we still call the Americans cowards, and all the 
 Tories, Jacobites, Scotch and the Court believe it. 
 What we are now to do God knows. It seems we 
 can get no more men from Germany, and we have 
 none in England or Ireland. Some Scotch Lords 
 have offered to raise Regiments at their own Expense. 
 Manchester and Liverpool have offered to raise a 
 Regim'. each (they each raised one in '45 for the 
 Pretender) which offers have been graciously accepted, 
 I suppose they will be ready to embark for America 
 when General Howe arrives in England. 
 
 " D. Godfrey. 
 
 " Your cousin Col. Francis was killed fighting for 
 the liberties of his country. The last news is that 
 Mud Island is taken." 
 
 John Bourke to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 " 14M Jan. 1778. 
 
 " Mv DEAR Francis, 
 
 " I wrote you some time since by the Packet, 
 the most material occurrence that has happened and 
 surely it is, considering all circumstances, one of the 
 most extraordinary that could have happened, is the 
 Surrender of General Burgoyne and his whole Army, 
 as Prisoners of War, to General Gates and his 
 
1778] tTbe jfrandg Xcttcrs 303 
 
 American Ragamuffins. The terms of the Capitula- 
 tion and the untoward incidents which produced this 
 disgraceful submission you will see in Gen, B.'s letter, 
 as published in the Gazette. Parliament meets, after 
 a pretty long Adjournment, in the very heart of the 
 Winter, on the 20th Instant. Burgoyne is not yet 
 arrived, but is daily expected. People are very 
 impatient to know what will be his conduct ; whether 
 he will endeavour to account for his misfortune by a 
 confession of some Error in the execution or to 
 vindicate himself, by showing the impracticability of 
 a plan he was ordered to execute, and thereby throw- 
 ing the Reproach of the Miscarriage upon the Authors 
 and Advisers of so romantic an Enterprise. 
 
 " By this Discomfiture in the Northern Provinces, 
 you will see that the Inhabitants of that Part are left 
 at Leisure, for the present, free from the Horrors of 
 War, to cultivate their Lands, and prepare themselves 
 to repel any Attacks which may be made against them 
 hereafter. The Case is otherwise in the Southern 
 provinces, which are now the Seat of War. Gen. 
 Howe is in Possession of Philadelphia, and was, by 
 the last Accounts, preparing to attack Washington, 
 whose Army was distant from him but a few Miles. 
 Upon the Event of an Action if Washington inclines 
 to hazard it, will depend the fate of the middle 
 Colonies. Should the King's forces be so far 
 victorious as to defeat and scatter the American Army ; 
 all the Countries on both sides of the Delaware must 
 submit ; Gen. Howe will remain undisturbed, in good 
 Winter Quarters, plentifully supplied, and ready with 
 troops restored from the fatigues of an harassing 
 
304 Zbc jfrancis !lLetters [1778 
 
 Campaign, to begin his further Operations early in 
 the Spring. If on the Contrary, from the lateness of 
 the Season, or the uncertain fate of War, Washington's 
 troops should remain, it is to be apprehended that 
 they may make the Situation of our Army so disagree- 
 able as to justify Howe in making from Phila". a 
 retreat as precipitate as he made from Boston. 
 
 " This is a little Sketch of the Situation of things 
 in America, from which you will not conceive any 
 sanguine hope of the great Desideratii-ni — a reconcilia- 
 tion with the Colonies. Unfortunately, we have not 
 taken one Step, as yet, that tended to regaining their 
 Affections, or establishing a Confidence. We are 
 told now, indeed, that the Ministry intend to propose 
 a Repeal of all the Acts complained of. This 
 measure, at an earlier period, would have had an 
 happy effect, it comes too late to a people, irritated, 
 I fear, to a degree of irreconcilable Aversion, & forced 
 into a declaration of Independence, which virtually 
 repeals all Acts respecting them, from the Act of 
 Navigation, to the last prohibitory Act. I say it 
 with a sigh. We are no more One People. Those 
 whom we called by every Name that is endearing, 
 Friends, Relations, Countrymen, are, by a fatality in 
 our Councils, severed from us, and driven to seek 
 protection & Alliance in the Arms of our natural 
 Enemies. In order to temper this delusive Concession, 
 this ostensible mitigation, with proper Severity ; & to 
 preserve the Dignity, the fatal Dignity of this 
 Country, it is said that the proposed Repeal is to be 
 accompanied with an Act, declaring the Supremacy 
 of this Country over N. Amer. — alas, alas! I think 
 
1778] Zhc jfrancis Xettecs 305 
 
 there exists an Act which declares the Kingdom of 
 France an Apendage upon the Crown of England. 
 
 " Parliament met two days ago ; but the Business 
 of America is deferred until the 2nd of next month, 
 when the State of the Nation will be laid before 
 them. 
 
 " Gen. Howe went out from Philad". to endeavour 
 to draw Washington from his camp, to an engage- 
 ment. After 3 days spent in skirmishing between the 
 outposts, he returned and has put his Army into 
 Winter Quarters. Thus has ended this campaign. 
 
 " Affectionately yours, 
 
 " John Bourke." 
 
 John Bourke to Philip Francis. 
 
 " London, 
 " 17 May, 1778. 
 
 " I yesterday rec'd your Letter of the 21st of 
 Nov' last. . . . 
 
 " You will have heard that Will Burke had quitted 
 India. He arrived among us, to our great Joy, a 
 few days ago. What he has done I cannot inform 
 you ; nor can you want, on this head, any information 
 from me. Neither he or his friends can ever forget 
 your kindness. 
 
 " I cannot but admire the Serenity of Temper 
 which you show, in Place, without power, thwarted, 
 opposed and proscribed, as you justly observe, like 
 an English Patriot. / marvel much where the Gentle- 
 man found this Calmness, but certain it is that you 
 are not more applauded for your Abilities and 
 Judgment than for your Moderation and Acquiescence, 
 
 20 
 
3o6 Ube francis OLetters [1778 
 
 by which you have prevented an entire distraction 
 in the Councils, and averted the Ruin of the 
 Company's Affairs. . . . Lord Chatham's dead, that 
 clarum & venerabile Nomen Gentibus is no more. 
 Those who rejected his Councils when living, now 
 are ready to give his Remains all funeral honours, 
 at the Public expense and help to bury whom they 
 helped to starve. 
 
 "J. B." 
 
 On February 4th, 1778, P. Francis had written 
 to D. Godfrey : — 
 
 " I am now, I think in the road to the Government 
 of Bengal which I believe is the first situation in the 
 World, attainable by a subject. I will not baulk my 
 future ; if that hope be disappointed I shall assuredly 
 not stay here beyond the expiration of the present 
 commission ; if it succeeds you will probably not see 
 me in less than four years from this time. 
 
 "But we shall still be young my Friend, with the 
 means and powers of enjoyment." 
 
 In his Journal for December nth of the same 
 year is the following entry : — 
 
 " Major Baggs arrived in the evening — advice from 
 England, vouched by him in the highest degree 
 flattering to me, and full of hopes. 
 
 " But alas ! I have been trained in the School 
 of disappointment." 
 
 And disappointed Francis was fated to be in 
 his ambition to rule in India. The estimation in 
 
i78o] XLbc francis Xettecs 307 
 
 which he was held by those in power at home, of 
 which he had received assurance, produced no action 
 in his favour : his position remained the same, and 
 Hastings was not recalled. The years dragged on. 
 
 On March 2nd, 1780, Francis wrote to his friend 
 D. Godfrey : — 
 
 " My dear Godfrey, 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " 2nd March, 1780. 
 
 " I will have nothing to do with the 
 Purchase of Boroughs. It is a business I neither 
 like nor understand ; besides which, I think the time 
 is approaching when even that sort of commodity 
 will not be saleable. Before I return, I fear there 
 will be a shorter method of conducting public affairs. 
 Look to it. The British Empire in India is tottering 
 — another year, on the present system, will bring it 
 to the ground. But what is the loss or Ruin of 
 foreign Acquisitions, when England itself is threatened 
 with Invasion, Conquest, and Dissolution ! . . . The 
 dreadful aspect of our affairs in this country has 
 forced me to yield to a temporary Pacification with 
 Mr. Hastings, on Public Ground, and no other. 
 Since it has pleased the Demon, who presides over 
 England to continue and confirm Mr. Hastings and 
 Mr. Barwell in possession of Absolute Power over this 
 Part of the Empire, nothing was left for me but to 
 try, if possible, to save it from instant destruction, 
 or at least to delay that ultimate ruin, of which the 
 Foundation is laid, and which perhaps no measures 
 possible for me now to take can prevent. This, I 
 
3o8 XLbc jfrancis ^Letters [178° 
 
 most solemnly avow to you, is the sole motive of 
 my conduct, unmixed with any personal Interest, 
 direct or indirect, for myself or anybody else, or any 
 view to it immediate or remote. Even in this 
 Infernal Region, my character is so well established, 
 and my Principles so well known, that, on this 
 occasion Justice is universally done to my conduct. 
 In England, it is possible that other motives may 
 be imputed to me ; I know what the spirit of 
 Party is capable of, and how securely it acts against 
 men so far removed from the public judgment of the 
 nation as I am. I know the Power it possesses, at 
 this distance from Detection, of colouring or creating 
 facts to answer any malignant purpose ; but I stand 
 on a Rock, and bid Defiance to the storm. . . . 
 
 " Yours, ever yours, 
 
 "P. Francis." 
 
 These strained relations with the Governor-General 
 led up to the final rupture between him and Francis, 
 when their long antagonism culminated in a personal 
 quarrel. For the history of this event we refer to 
 Francis's Journal of August, 1780: — 
 
 Philip Fkancis's Journal. 
 
 "Aug. \%th, 1780. Rev[enue] Board. When it 
 [the Council] was over I took him [Hastings] into a 
 private room and read to him the following words. 
 ' Mr. Hastings, I am preparing a formal answer to the 
 paper you sent to me last night. As soon as it can 
 be finished I shall lay it before you ; but you must be 
 
lySo] Ube jfrancfs Xctters 309 
 
 sensible, sir, that no answer I can give to the Matter 
 of that Paper can be adequate to the Dishonour 
 done me by the Terms you have made use of. 
 You have left me no alternative but to demand 
 personal satisfaction of you for the affronts you 
 have offered me,' 
 
 " As soon as I had read the preceding words to 
 Mr. Hastings, he said he expected the demand, and 
 was ready to answer it. We then agreed to meet on 
 the morning of Thursday the 17th. I told him that 
 I should desire Colonel Watson our chief Ingenier to 
 attend me. 
 
 " Mention the afifair to Watson, who happened to 
 dine with me to-day — he agrees to provide Pistols, 
 in order to prevent suspicion. 
 
 " \bth. Employed in settling my affairs, burning 
 Papers &c., in case of the worst. Dull work. This 
 evening Mr. Hastings orders his minute to be 
 recorded. 
 
 " \']th. Arrive at the Ground near Belvedere, 
 near an hour before Mr. H., who comes about 6 with 
 Col. Pearce, Watson marks out a distance of 14 
 common paces. The same he said, at which Mr. Fox 
 and Mr. Adam stood. My pistol missing fire, I 
 changed it. We then fired together, and I was 
 wounded and fell. I thought my backbone was broke, 
 of course that I could not survive it. After the first 
 confusion had subsided, and after I had suffered great 
 inconvenience from being carried to the wrong place, 
 I was at last conveyed to Major Tolley's House on a 
 bed. The surgeons arrived in about an hour and 
 a half from the time I was wounded, and cut out 
 
3IO tCbe J'rands ^Letters [1780 
 
 the Ball and bled me twice in the course of the 
 Day. Mr. Hastings sends to know when he may 
 visit me. 
 
 " \Zth. These two days the pain I sufifered was 
 very considerable. 
 
 " \(^th. Desire Col. Watson to tell Mr. Hastings 
 as civilly as possible that I am forced to decline 
 his visit. 
 
 Aug. 2/^th. Return to Calcutta. 
 
 "Sept. wth. I pay Sir E. Coote a visit. He 
 says he would have prevented this unfortunate accident 
 if he had been here. I told him he might have 
 done so perhaps if he had been here six months 
 ago, but that at the time it happened it was im- 
 possible. Attend Council. Great civility between 
 H. and me. 
 
 ''Sept. 2ifth. Visit Mr. Wheler in the evening at 
 the Gardens. Find his house full of the Government 
 people and perceive plainly from his own discourse 
 that H. and he are not in a state of mortal enmity. 
 . . . They are often closeted together and he tells 
 me that H. has consulted him on several points. 
 
 " Oct. (jth. At night communicate my letter to 
 the Court of Directors to Mr. Wheler, who approves 
 of it, and of the conduct I mean to pursue. I tell 
 him that no body has a claim on me but himself; 
 that if he claims of me to stay, I will give it due and 
 serious consideration. But that I can only stay on 
 the Principle of our agreeing first to attack Hastings 
 Horse and foot, throwing away the Scabbard and 
 neither to give, or take quarter. He sees the ob- 
 jections to such a Plan, and shews no disposition to 
 
1780] XTbe Jprancis Xetters 311 
 
 undertake it ; at the same time, he admits that it is 
 not possible for me, or useful in any sense, to stay 
 upon any other. The offer I make him leaves it with 
 him to determine me and obviates all cause of com- 
 plaint on his part. In his Heart I am sure, there is 
 nothing he wishes for more than my Departure. It 
 relieves him at once from Contest, and a thousand 
 difficulties. 
 
 " Oct. \Zth. News from Vizagapatam of a mutiny 
 of the Sepoys there, on being ordered to embark for 
 Madras, they fired on their Officers and killed four 
 or five, plundered the factory and marched off after 
 committing many acts of barbarity. This is a most 
 alarming event, and without example. It shews us 
 on what a precarious footing we stand." 
 
 Philip Francis's life in India had, upon the whole, 
 been a disappointing one ; even as early as in the year 
 1775, only two years after his arrival, he wrote to Mr. 
 D'Oyly : " I am unable to express to you how weary 
 I am of my situation." And again : " I shall quit 
 Bengal with no other regret than that it was not in 
 my Power while I was sure of the means to save 
 so many wretched people from destruction." He 
 was never able to carry out the policy which he 
 approved, and his personal ambitions remained un- 
 fulfilled. 
 
 His biographer speaks much of his extraordinary 
 industry, and draws attention to the fact of his having 
 spent all his time in or near Calcutta. Health resorts 
 were not developed then as they are now, so that the 
 health of officials was very severely tried. Francis 
 
312 tTbe jfrancis Xetters [1780 
 
 kept his health, though, as we have seen, he was 
 subject to painful fits of depression of spirits. 
 
 Francis, having finally decided to give up his post 
 and return to England, writes to Col. Ironside at 
 Chandernagore : — 
 
 " November %th, 1780. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I conclude you will have heard of my 
 Resolution to return to England in the course of this 
 Season. It was formed long ago and communicated 
 to my Friends in all my letters by the last ships. 
 Nothing could alter it, but an event, which I had 
 reason enough to expect, but which I will now wait for 
 no longer. The Affair is over, and I believe, in every 
 sense. The mischiefs which surround us, might have 
 been prevented ; but most seriously I doubt whether 
 they admit of a Remedy. De Republica actum est. 
 Harwood, Tilghman and I have engaged a Dutch ship 
 to carry us to Amsterdam, from whence we must find 
 our way Home as well as we can. I flatter myself that 
 Mrs. Ironside and you will have it in your thoughts to 
 follow us, as soon as circumstances will permit. I 
 wish to forget Bengal and all that belongs to it, but I 
 leave some People behind me whom I must always 
 remember with Regard. The Departure of the Ship 
 is fixed for the 22nd of this month. I must therefore 
 leave Calcutta about the 19th but I shall write to you 
 again. Colonel Upton goes Home in the Walpole. 
 " I am, 
 
 " Dear Sir, Your most obt. 
 
 " & faithful humbl. Servt. 
 
 " P. F." 
 
lyso] xcbe jfrancis %cttcvs 313 
 
 Philip Francis's Journal. 
 
 "Nov. ']th, 1780. Discover at last that it is 
 impossible to go in a Dutch ship, so resolve to take 
 my passage in the Fox Capt. Blackburne." 
 
 Philip Francis to D. Godfrey. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 " 17 Nov., 1780. 
 
 "My dear Godfrey, 
 
 "If this letter should reach you before I 
 do, be so good as to take the trouble of concluding 
 that I am not far off. After all, Mr. Tilghman and 
 I have taken our passage on board the Fox Indiaman, 
 and expect to leave Calcutta in the course of ten 
 Days, and to sail about the beginning of next month. 
 Barring accidents or unforeseen Delays, we ought to 
 be in England early in June ; with tolerable luck a 
 month sooner. Keep a good look out, and beware 
 how you stir out of Town. I have not tasted Bur- 
 gundy these 7 years. If you have any worth drinking 
 in the best Company, you will naturally keep it for 
 us. I have got six Pieces of long cloth for you ; — 
 pray Heaven it be not seized. Our Captain's name 
 is Blackburne. Perhaps you may know the Wight. 
 Give notice hereof to D'Oyly, Bourke etc. . . 
 
 " Adieu, 
 
 " P. F." 
 
 Philip Francis to Mrs. Francis. 
 
 " Calcutta, 
 "17 Nov., 1780. 
 
 " My DEAREST Mrs. Francis, 
 
 " I think it not unlikely that I may have 
 the Happiness of seeing you before you receive this 
 
314 XTbe 3f rands Xettets [1780 
 
 letter, or very soon after. Compose your spirits 
 accordingly. Mr. Broughton, who goes to Europe 
 in the Dutch Ship, by which I now write, will pay 
 you a visit, and tell you more, if I should not be 
 arrived before him. This House is all in a flutter, 
 as we are preparing to leave it in the course of ten 
 days. I hope for ever. Yours for the same Period, 
 
 " P. Francis." 
 
 The luck of a speedy passage home was not vouch- 
 safed to the travellers. Their ship arrived at St. 
 Helena in March, but had to remain there four months, 
 until a convoy arrived to take it in charge. During 
 this waiting-time Francis wrote to a friend in 
 
 Calcutta : — 
 
 "St. Helena, 
 "July 26th, 1781. 
 
 " I leave it to yourself to judge, for indeed I am 
 
 not very well able to express, how tedious and 
 
 weary this long Confinement at such a time, and 
 
 in such a place too must have been to me. Many 
 
 who pretend to more patience are, I believe, as 
 
 weary of it as I am." 
 
 Francis afterwards christened the Patron Saint 
 of St. Helena " Ennui." At last he was able to 
 write in his Journal : — 
 
 " Oct. \2>tk, 1 78 1. Got aboard a Cutter at last, with 
 Mr. Tilghman at midnight, about 10 miles west of 
 Dungeness, Wind fair and very fresh. 
 
 " igth. At four o'clock in the morning, landed 
 at Dover, the same day, on which I landed at Calcutta 
 
1781] "JCbe jfrancis letters 31s 
 
 in 1774. Went to bed for a few hours . . . arrived 
 in Harley Street at 10 at night." 
 
 Here we turn back to Mrs. Francis's Journal during 
 the years between January, 1778, and October, 1781. 
 Her record here and there touches the other record 
 that was being written in India at the same time : — 
 
 " Harley Street. 
 
 "Jan. \2th, 1778. The Doctor prescribes salt 
 water bathing for Sally in May next. 
 
 " Thursday, \<^th. At last Capt. Waghorne has sent 
 me the two pieces of Silver Muslin and I payd duty 
 for them ^4. 4. They are most extremely beautiful, 
 the pattern most elegant and muslin very fine, Indeed 
 to say what I think ought to be sayd in return for 
 it to you, would be a volume, but your constant 
 generosity makes me overcome with obligation 
 and I don't know what to say. 
 
 " Saturday, Jan. i^th. This morning I called on 
 Mrs. Chandler and she went with me to see some 
 Diamond Earrings, as you had been so good, I thought 
 it right not to overlook your kindness and I have, by 
 Mrs. Chandler's advice, bespoke a pair of fine ones. 
 
 " Feb. \\th. We took a ride. Mrs. Chandler is not 
 well, she has a cold and a little fever, even she must 
 be ill sometimes, she has often told me they have 
 no illness at their House, but you see she is mistaken. 
 
3i6 Zbc jfrancis betters [1778 
 
 everyone must have their share. We have a large 
 one, but patience is all we can hope to carry us 
 thro'. Sally was a good deal tired with her Ride. 
 
 " Sunday, 15M. I am made happy by your telling 
 me you are in Health. Your concern on account of 
 America I wonder not at, Time I hope will put a 
 favourable conclusion to this melancholy business. I 
 am very happy to find you can laugh when things 
 go contrary with your side ... I don't hear anything 
 ever said to your disadvantage which makes me easie 
 but any change that would bring you to England must 
 most certainly make me compleatly happy. 
 
 " The excessive Heat you speak of must be terrible, 
 what must have become of me in that state of Re- 
 laxation, though it was my most eager wish to go 
 with you I certainly enjoyed two pleasures in giving 
 it up, the first in following your advice, and the other 
 in avoiding those dreadful sufferings to a weak nervous 
 constitution. 
 
 "Sunday, Feb. i^tk. Mr. D'Oyly has been here 
 this evening, he has not a word to write or tell you 
 with respect to India, as to us here he says we are 
 all in the greatest confusion and as to America I fear 
 in a bad way ; on Tuesday is expected, he says, to be 
 the greatest meeting at the House ever known, and 
 things done there that never was done before in this 
 Kingdom. He seems to think those who are far off 
 are best, he seems full of business and very uneasie 
 tho' he is out of office. 
 
1778] Ube jfrancis Xetters 317 
 
 " Thursday, Feb. \(^th. This is a great Festivity 
 and double Holiday. 'Tis Harriet's Birthday, she is 
 12 years old and a fine, sweet girl, she has a sweet 
 voice and will sing prettily. Betsey has fetched her 
 from school to spend a few days. And what do you 
 think of a Wedding ! Collins is marryed today to 
 Mr. Brittain her old sweetheart, at last she has com- 
 pleated it. My girls all begged she would keep her 
 wedding here, so I have given the Bride and Bride- 
 groom a dinner, Betsey and Harriet were Bridesmaids 
 and went to church with the couple, Philip came to 
 dinner, to keep Mr. Brittain company and behaved 
 well — we spent an agreeable day. He is a very 
 modest, decent, well bred young man. Collins has 
 made an excellent choice. 
 
 " Wednesday, 25M. In the evening Major Baggsand 
 his brother came and sat an hour. He is just come 
 home from Paris and looks the French Marquis all 
 over, very well in health and spirits and as fine as 
 a lord, I wish he would bestow something handsome 
 on poor Stephen [the Rev. S. Baggs, his brother]. 
 
 "Feb. 2%th. Many happy returns I pray God to 
 you. This day sixteen years I was made the happiest 
 woman in your making me your wife, as to merit I 
 claim none but as to affection I have had a large 
 share for you and have been always sensible of my 
 own Happiness. 
 
 " March loih. Dr. Grant has been here, he thinks 
 it absolutely necessary for me to carry Sally to 
 Bristol for the removal of her cough, she is really 
 very ill, tho' everybody tells me not in danger. 
 
3i8 Zbc ifrancis Xetters [1778 
 
 " Sunday, i^ih. Mrs. and Miss Chitty dined here 
 to-day, Mrs. Chitty talks of you till she cryes, Philip 
 was here and sang several songs, she was charmed. 
 I sang and she cryed at the thoughts of how happy 
 we had all been together some years ago when I used 
 to sing ' Would you gain the tender creature.' 
 
 " Tuesday, i^tk. A fine morning and we [Mrs. 
 Francis, her maid, and Sally and Betsy] were all ready 
 soon after nine o'clock and set off in our own coach and 
 pair and two hack horses and Postilion and a saddle 
 horse for John. We changed Horses at Hounslow, 
 and dined at Salt Hill, we slept at Reading. 
 
 " iZth. Another good day, after breakfast we set out 
 for Speenham hill where we dined, slept at Marlborough. 
 
 " 19M. A fine morning, dined at Devizes and at four 
 o'clock arrived safe at the Bear, Bath. Mr. Philpott 
 enquired much after you. We had coffee and I took 
 the Girls to show them the Pump Room, Parades, &c. 
 
 " 2Qth. We all had a pretty good night, and after 
 breakfast paid our bill and set out for Bristol. 
 
 " Bristol. 
 
 "March i^yvd. We have no company here, only 
 a few poor unhappy invalids, some indeed mere 
 objects — but we must all hope for amendment. 
 
 " Sally drinks the water daily, we go to the Pump 
 Room and take a ride when fine. I have hyred a 
 Forte Piano and we all play and sometimes read, so 
 our day passes very well without any change. 
 
 " April &,th. Sally will not drink any more of the 
 water here. Our Doctor here thinks Bath might 
 
1778] XCbe ifrancis Xetters 319 
 
 agree with us all. We ride every day and walk a 
 little, this is all we do here, it is a melancholy place, 
 we don't know a creature, so you may be sure we 
 have not much society. 
 
 " Monday, 6th. Received a letter from Dr. Grant, 
 he approves much of our going to Bath and advises 
 me to drink the Waters. 
 
 " Wednesday, Zth. A charming morning, we set out 
 about eleven o'clock and had a pleasant journey to 
 Bath where we arrived soon after two. Have found 
 good lodgings in Milsom Street. . . . 
 
 " Wednesday, i^th. . . . You have been so good to 
 me in sending me so many things that I hardly know 
 how to ask for more, but I should be glad if you 
 could send me some India Mangoes. 
 
 " Thursday,. 2 2,rd. Dr. Macnamara called and staid 
 a little. I am persuaded to take Sally this evening 
 to the undress ball, to try what amusement will do. 
 We went and she bore it very well ; I was soon tired, 
 we came home by Ten o'clock. 
 
 " Monday, ijth. Mr. Macnamara called and gave us 
 Tickets for the Ball and engaged Betsey to dance with 
 him, accordingly we went — we all came home soon." 
 
 Sally and Betsey were fifteen and fourteen at this 
 time. 
 
 " Tuesday, May ^th, 1778. Had a letter from Mrs. 
 Chandler. Philip has been with them at Sunbury 
 for a few days. She says he is the most desirable 
 child in the world, everything he says or does is 
 extraordinary, she says you would have been delighted 
 to have heard the debates between Mr. Chandler and 
 
320 Ube jFtancts Xettets [1778 
 
 him which generally ended in ' Pray sir, remember 
 I am but a boy,' then a jump, a hug and a kiss. 
 
 " Sunday, \oth. Sally rode ten miles on horseback 
 before breakfast, she was much tired, but we all 
 drank Tea with Mrs. Ducarel in the afternoon. . . . 
 
 " Wednesday, 20th. Set off to return to London, 
 and at nine o'clock on Thursday evening arrived in 
 Harley Street. 
 
 "Friday, 22nd. Dr. Grant called and says we 
 must go to the sea. 
 
 " Saturday, 22,rd. We all drank tea by invitation 
 at Lady Clavering's, saw only Miss Charlotte who is 
 very fat and Miss Caroline who is much grown, she 
 seems haughty though very agreeable. There was 
 much company came in. Lady Clavering seems very 
 fond of us all, Philip, by her desire, went with us." 
 
 The family of Sir J. Clavering had returned from 
 India to England after his death in August, 1777. 
 
 " Friday, 2gth. Mr. Godfrey called, he told me 
 your letter to him mentions moving Philip to Harrow 
 School. You never told me, however J desired him 
 to call on Mr. Ribouville and let him know, also to 
 speak to Mr. Stephen Baggs about his being Tutor. 
 Poor Ribouville, his grief will be great, but he must 
 bear it, we all bear something." 
 
 The following, from Philip Francis to D. Godfrey, was 
 written at a much earlier date, September i6th, 1 776 : — 
 
 " I approve much of your idea of Harrow for my 
 son. I hear a great account of the Master, but that 
 
1776] XTbe dfrancis Xetters 321 
 
 his school and houses are too much crowded. I 
 protest against Westminster or Eton. What I wish 
 is that when you have determined upon the public 
 school, he and young Clive might go together and 
 have a tutor with them. If a proper man can be 
 found, I shall not regard the expense. 
 
 " Wherever he goes, I insist on his constantly lying 
 alone. His learning may take its fate. He will 
 always have enough for an honest man. But his 
 health and morals require all our care. . . . 
 
 " I do not myself see the necessity of removing him 
 from Ribouville before the age of ten." 
 
 Philip went to Harrow in January, 1779. 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal Continued. 
 
 "June 2nd. At last the Box of Baubles are arrived 
 and Betsey is charmed with the surpeach and flatters 
 herself it is diamond, we are to have it new set if 
 it is worth. Sally has chosen the Pin and ring with 
 Diamonds. Philip has the Seal ring and the seal 
 of my dear Macks, and Harriet is to have the ring 
 set with Hair. We are all pleased with the fine 
 things. 
 
 " I am glad you approve my new house. It is at 
 the upper end of Harley Street and a good stone 
 entrance, and staircase, iron rails &c. There is a good 
 Hall and Entrance, small parlour to the street and a 
 large dining room thirty by twenty-two feet backwards 
 and thirteen feet high. A good staircase and 
 elegantly finished, upstairs front room 32 feet by 22 
 
 21 
 
322 Zbc jfrancis Xcttevs [1778 
 
 and 15 feet high and painted ceiling — back Drawing- 
 room 30 by 20 feet and 1 5 feet high and painted and 
 stoco ceiling, fine marble chimney pieces, upstairs 4 
 good bedchambers and one small and about 4 excellent 
 garrets. We have a little garden 2 coach houses 
 and stabling for 5 horses and servants' rooms with 
 every convenience in the lower part of the House, 
 as Kitchen, Scullery, Wash-house, Servants' hall. 
 Housekeeper's room, Butler's pantry. Cellars &c., &c. 
 
 "Your allowance to me is noble, but I fear my 
 expenses may even exceed that. I asked you for 
 ;^200 to furnish my house, but it was too little and 
 showed my ignorance in asking. I have now paid 
 within a trifle of .1^500 and yet my best room has 
 no glasses. ... If ever I have the happiness to see 
 you here, you will then be a judge how I have laid 
 out the money. 
 
 "June %th. Tomorrow afternoon I and my girls 
 and Collins set off for Margate. 
 
 " Margate. 
 
 " Sunday, lifth. This place has very little company 
 in it but much is every day expected and some 
 people of fashion. You know Margate don't in 
 general abound in people of quality. 
 
 " Sunday, July i^th. Nothing new. How often 
 do I look at the sea, it makes my heart ache, it 
 separates me from all I hold dear. Your girls I 
 trust will turn out as you could wish them. They 
 read a great deal and no novels, they never enter 
 our Apartments, nothing but what is instructive. 
 Sally has a fine memory, I hope you will think her 
 head well filled and much the better of her reading. 
 
1778] Ube jfranciB Xetters 323 
 
 She reads voraciously. Betsey is very clever, but 
 not in the same way. I flatter myself you will be 
 pleased with them all." 
 
 Mrs. Francis and her family leave Margate and 
 arrive in Harley Street on July 29th, 1778. 
 
 " Aug. yth. Your letter dated Jan. 5th 1778 which 
 came by the Ceres had a shorter passage than that 
 by land. 
 
 " Thank you for your Ball Ticket, it is a very 
 pretty one. I am glad the masquerade turned out 
 so well and agreeable, I hope the other will prove 
 as great an entertainment, you are very good in being 
 so particular in your description of this fine Ball. I 
 should have liked to have been there, but my whole 
 admiration would have been bestowed on one Person 
 alone. 
 
 " Wednesday, 2T,rd. Received a great shock today 
 in hearing of Mr. Holden's death. All this day we 
 have been very melancholy and cryed constantly. 
 
 " Monday, 2%th. At last my diamond earrings are 
 come home, and the necklace made from the Surpeach ; 
 it looks very well and showy, but too good for Betsey, 
 so I have taken it to myself I have had your ever 
 valuable dear Picture set round with Brilliants, not 
 to increase its value — that cannot be — but that I may 
 have the pleasure of wearing it — altogether my jewels 
 look very well. 
 
 " Saturday, Oct. \oth. Drove over to Twick- 
 enham to see our dear friends [Mrs. and Miss 
 
324 Ube jftands Xetters [1778 
 
 Holden]. ... I looked at my late worthy Friend's 
 Picture and pay'd a short tribute to his Worthy 
 Memory. I hope they will soon be comforted, at 
 least it looks so. 
 
 "... A gentleman from India — Mr. Harwood — 
 called and gave me a letter from you. He spoke 
 of you and of what great chances you had of being 
 in the Chair, and many such things which gave me 
 great pain. How grieved should I be if that should 
 happen, my joy would then be over for I should have 
 small hope of ever seeing you again. What would 
 the world be to me, or all its riches — I could never 
 value or enjoy them without your company ... but 
 I trust you will not be tempted by such glare, and 
 will resist its greatness for the sake of making me 
 happy. . . . This young man seems very sensible and 
 worthy — he stayed two hours with us. 
 
 " Wednesday, 21st. I have hired a Boy under the 
 footman, he won't be much expense. He has come 
 this evening, he is about 15 and very short, but a 
 good inclined boy, he is just now come out of Wales 
 and I hope a stranger to everything that is bad. 
 
 " Nov. i-^th. Your letter dated Feb. 6th I received 
 Oct. 29. You seem very gay indeed, nothing but 
 Masquerades and Balls &c., but you still talk of 
 animosities and disagreements. I am thankful you 
 can bear it so well and don't let such troubles stick 
 to you. ... I have had the particulars of your own 
 Grand Ball from Mr. Sabine Gascoyne, he liked it 
 much and says everything was charming. The time 
 was when you would not have liked the trouble of 
 such an amusement, but great men must submit to 
 
1778] ^be jfrancts Xetters 32s 
 
 do what other Great Men do. Oh ! the poor Lustre ! 
 Sabine told me it was broke the first night, but could 
 be repaired. I want two glasses for my drawing- 
 room, but fear they would come to half as much 
 as your lustre. I intend to consult Mr. Chandler 
 for I can't use my room without them. 
 
 "London. 
 
 "Dec. gth, 1778. This morning I set out for 
 the India House to take my Packet and enquire 
 after my picture. . . . 
 
 " With the help of Mr. Dallas we got to Mr. 
 Michells apartment ; I was shown your picture and 
 I was much pleased. It is very like but the original 
 far exceeds it for beauty. Mr. Michell and Mr. Dallas 
 promised to use their interest to get it for me at 
 the easiest Rate they could. I offered any money 
 to carry it with me home, but it would not do. Many 
 gentlemen that know you have been to see it and 
 admire it much. 
 
 "... Poor Mr. Rous has lost almost the whole 
 of his things he brought with him, we saw a vast 
 quantity all seized in the India House. 
 
 " Saturday, iiik. Sally and I went to return Mrs. 
 Goring's visit. He was out, but she told me of a 
 packet of letters he expected from you by the Ceres 
 and could not find it anywhere . . . they are sadly 
 plagued about their cloathes and can't get anything 
 from on board though they have sent all their keys 
 and have nothing else on board but cloathes. You 
 know, I suppose, they came in a French East India- 
 man, the Carnatic, which was taken by some of 
 our privateers, . . , 
 
i26 zbc jfranciB Xetters [1778 
 
 " I met Mr. Maire at Mrs. Goring's, he enquired 
 much after you and wished to hear about my poor 
 dear brother. He has been in the West Indies for 
 three years. He made a purchase at Dominico and 
 the next day it was taken by the French. 
 
 " Sunday, i^i&. All our girls and Philip at home. 
 I dined at the head of my six children and very fine 
 we looked. 
 
 " Dec. 2\th. I often talk to your dear Picture and 
 kiss it, 'tis almost alive, and that sweet mouth is so 
 like your own, I cannot say enough of it. I am 
 having the frame new gilt, so do not let any one 
 see it till it is done and hung up in one of the 
 drawing-rooms. 
 
 '' Friday, Jan. 2>th, 1779. Today I am very grand 
 for I have had a party to dinner, something extra- 
 ordinary. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler, Mr. D'Oyly {she 
 was not well) Mr. Bristow and his sister, your great 
 favourite, and Mr. Godfrey. All these with my own 
 family made a handsome appearance. My dinner 
 was a good one and well dressed. 
 
 ''Friday, Jan. 2gth. Mr. D. Godfrey offered to 
 take Philip on Saturday to Isleworth and in the 
 beginning of the week to take him to Harrow. I 
 did not approve. I think he is too much at liberty 
 at his house and did not choose he should lose his 
 time so begged he would excuse me letting him go 
 and I would take him myself So on Saturday 
 morning the 20th I went with Brittain and Philip 
 in a post chaise and the coachman on horseback 
 to Harrow where after making an early dinner we 
 
1779] XLbc dfrancis Xettecs 327 
 
 went to Mr. Heath's to the school and there I 
 entered my boy and payd 9 guineas for entrance 
 money and Philip behaved as well and as nobly as 
 boy could do on such an occasion, he never shed a 
 tear, I was near it. After everything was settled with 
 the master, he is to have a Bed to himself and an 
 extraordinary tutor that is to cost £12. 12. a year. 
 Board £2^ — a bed to himself ^5. 5. Schooling 
 £/{.. 4. Washing ^i. i. French £4. 4. Writing £2. 2. 
 Drawing £6. 6. Dancing ^^4. 4. This is all at present 
 which amounts to £64. 18 a year, besides books, 
 servants and cloaths and by and by his fencing which 
 is .^12. 12. a year more. I thought you would like 
 to know how much the sum total would be. Mr. 
 Heath seems to be a well-behaved man, and is 
 reckoned very severe in his school : this I think an 
 advantage. 
 
 " Friday, Feb. ^th. Poor Salmon the Silversmith, 
 you remember him — his son went on board the London 
 East Indiaman, Capt. Webb, and the ship was run 
 down and everything lost — poor young Salmon jumped 
 overboard and was taken up by a tender and pressed 
 as a common sailor and has lost everything, and his 
 father almost distracted, and does not know where 
 he is, nor where to write to him. 
 
 " Wednesday. The General Fast Day, Betsey and 
 I went to Church. 
 
 " Thursday, nth. Admiral Keppel is cleared and 
 come off with honor and the Town are all mad 
 about it. 
 
 " We have been to a Card Party at Mr. Wynche's. 
 They have the finest House that can be, all hung with 
 
328 Ube jfrancis Xetters [1779 
 
 crimson silk damask made on purpose for them, 
 Chairs and tables all gold and the finest glasses I ever 
 saw, and everything suitable. 
 
 " Just as we were going to bed before eleven comes 
 a great mob in the street and calls for Lights in every 
 House. We accordingly did as our neighbours did 
 and lighted up Flambeaux and tied them to the Rails 
 outside the House ; all this rejoicing was for Admiral 
 Keppel and those who were against him and would 
 not illuminate had all their windows broke to pieces. 
 There was crackers and guns and squibs all night and 
 riot and noise, so Brittain and all the servants sat up 
 chief of the night and I and my daughters lay awake 
 with the noise and riot. 
 
 " Friday, 1 2th. I am sorry to find we are to have 
 another rejoicing night, 'tis the fashion for the friends 
 of the Admiral to give all their servants blue favours 
 and they wear them in their hats. 
 
 " 13//^. Took a ride, when I was out Mrs. 
 Chandler called, Sally was at home and saw her, she 
 was very gay and grand and full of spirits and worryed 
 Sally who was not very well ; she talked of Operas, 
 Routs and Dinings with Fashions and every other 
 kind of Trumpery &c. 
 
 " Tuesday, \6ih. Town all illuminated, nothing but 
 noise and nonsense, however we must do as others do, 
 went to bed at half past one. 
 
 " Thursday, \%th. At last we have had a quiet 
 good night's rest and no noise. 
 
 " Friday, \(^th. Our daughter Harriet's birthday, 
 she is thirteen years old to-day ... a most charming 
 
1779] "Cbe jfrancfs Xetters 329 
 
 amiable girl. I wrote her a letter upon the occasion 
 and gave her many good advices in it, and she has 
 answered it in the handsomest manner. 
 
 " Saturday. Sally and Betsy were invited and went 
 to drink tea with Mrs. Goring and went to Les Ombres 
 Chinoises with Mrs. and Miss Goring Mr. Goring and 
 Mr. Wodsworth. 
 
 " Wednesday, March 2^th. Harrow school breaks 
 up for a fortnight. Philip's joy was very great 
 at coming home. 
 
 " Thursday, 2^th. We drank tea with Lady 
 Clavering and after went to a great Rout of Mrs. 
 Wynche's where were all the India people in Town 
 and the finest jewels, pearls &c., I ever saw, they all 
 play very high and look very great. 
 
 " April loth. Mr. Wodsworth called on us and has 
 made me a most noble present of two very fine old 
 large Japan China Jars. I was distressed about 
 accepting them, but he insisted and was most obliging. 
 I observe what you say about Mrs. Bussy and shall 
 be glad to have an opportunity of doing by her as 
 your great generosity has directed. 
 
 ''June 6th. Betsey went to Church, Sally and I 
 are too much Invalids to have that pleasure, but in 
 the afternoon went to Mrs. Chandler. 
 
 "June 2T,rd. I believe I did not mention to you my 
 having bespoke a new coach by Mr. Chandler's advice 
 and I think it will not be very dear. I am to give 74 
 guineas and my old coach, which is much out of repair, 
 this new one is to be plain and neat, not showy. I 
 hope you my dearest Love will approve it, I wished 
 
33° ^be 3Francts Xetters [1779 
 
 to have patched up the other, but it would have cost 
 ^30 and it was not worth it. 
 
 " I have been much taken up in going to sales to 
 see some large plates of looking glass, but not met 
 with any that will do. All Mr. Arnold Nesbitt's fine 
 fijrniture is to be sold next month. There are some 
 fine glasses there I believe." 
 
 Mrs. Francis was summoned to town from Walton 
 by her friends Mr. and Mrs. Chandler on account of 
 the serious illness of the former. She writes : — 
 
 "June 29M. We set out, Sally, Brittain and I at past 
 nine o'clock at night with four horses, got to Town at 
 eleven and found nothing but sorrow and grief Mr. 
 Chandler expected to expire every moment, but per- 
 fectly in his senses and his poor wife nearly mad. A 
 swelling in the side and mortification feared, he lay 
 groaning, no ease. We came home at two o'clock in 
 the morning and had but a poor night. Went back at 
 seven and found Mr. C. just the same." 
 
 Mrs. Francis then describes the course of the illness 
 and mentions that a serious operation was performed 
 from which the patient never recovered, but sank 
 gradually ; and when his mind became clouded so that 
 he could no longer recognise even his wife, the 
 assembled friends had her taken away, persuading her 
 that her husband was already dead. Mrs. Francis 
 took Mrs. Chandler home with her to her house in 
 Harley Street and kept her there until after the funeral 
 
1779] Ubc jFrancts Xettecs 331 
 
 of her husband. Of this event Mrs. Francis writes as 
 follows : — 
 
 " Saturday, July \oth. A melancholy day, poor 
 Mr. Chandler's remains are to be interred at Stepney, 
 the poor Widow don't know it, but is in great trouble 
 and I believe suspects it, she has been upon the bed 
 the chief of the day and is very indifferent. 
 
 " Sunday, \ ith. There was a most magnificent 
 funeral and everything very grand and beautiful. 
 Mr. Davidson has been here to-day, and told Mrs. 
 Chandler every particular and she has put on her 
 mourning and I and all my children, so we are a very 
 melancholy set to look at, poor woman she is most 
 miserable indeed and has been cupped by the doctor's 
 orders. 
 
 '' Friday, July 2'i,rd, 1779. Mr. Adair calls some- 
 times, he is very busy at present at the War Office 
 choosing out men from among the Pensioners to go 
 abroad as Soldiers. We are all here under some 
 apprehension of an Invasion, but hope it will not take 
 place. You know I am a bad Politician. Oh ! how 
 heartily do I pray for your return. Some people say 
 you are appointed to continue in the same Place and 
 Station for five years more, I trust in God that is 
 not true." 
 
 Philip had gone to stay with Mr. Ribouville during 
 a part of his holidays. Mrs. Francis writes : — 
 
 " Thursday, July igth. Had a letter from Mr. 
 Ribouville, he speaks very well of Philip, but does not 
 think him improved in any Branch of Learning but the 
 
332 Zbc jfrancts Xetters [1779 
 
 Latin and that not much. Every thing else seems to 
 be neglected. What I fear the most for is the bad 
 examples from many bad Boys. Philip seems to 
 have more courage than ever, and I fear will learn bad 
 language, swearing, &c. . . . Mr. D'Oyly says I must 
 not move him as you have ordered him to be placed 
 there yourself, I trust he will not be worse off than 
 other Boys. 
 
 "Harley Street. 
 
 " Friday, Aug. 20th. All the Town are in 
 Apprehensions about the French and Spaniards 
 landing at Plymouth, we trust it will not happen. 
 
 " Tuesday, Aug. 3 1.5-/. I don't recollect any thing 
 new today. I hardly ever have any thing worth 
 writing. The chief discourse every where is the 
 Melancholy state of Publick Affairs and the great 
 Danger of an Invasion. 
 
 " Sept. isL Mr. and Mrs. D'Oyly drank Tea and 
 we talked much of removing Philip from Mr. Heath's 
 House at Harrow to the House of his Tutor who has 
 but 6 Boys. In Mr. Heath's House there are 90 
 Boys and Philip is much neglected there. The great 
 increase of Expense made me doubtful, but Mr. D'Oyly 
 and Mr. Godfrey say, so long as it is safer and the 
 Boy is taken more care of I must not think of expense. 
 It is ^50 a year more and upon the whole ;^i30 a 
 year — So it is determined Philip is to be removed 
 to Mr. Bromley's. 
 
 " Sept. jtk. Many thanks to you my dearest Philip 
 for that part of your Letter in which you say you 
 will return early in the month of December next. I 
 pray God give a Blessing to your Resolution and 
 
1779] Zbc jfrancls Xetters 333 
 
 Voyage, Journey &c. and may you not change your 
 Opinion." 
 
 During the months of October, November, and 
 December of 1779, nothing occurred worth recording. 
 Mrs. Francis complains constantly of her own ill 
 health and also of Sally's delicacy ; days and weeks 
 pass by, and in the Journal the same entry recurs : 
 " Nothing new to say, we have no change." Morning 
 drives and afternoons of work and an occasional caller 
 are the only events in the round of days — days of 
 unvarying dullness and monotony. At last we read 
 that the doctors have decided that Mrs. Francis and 
 her daughter Sally should be separated for a time, 
 because the constant ill health of the two aggravated 
 the symptoms of each. On this account Sally and 
 Harriet are dispatched to Sunbury to pay a visit 
 to Mrs. Chandler, Mary and Kitty return to school 
 after the holidays, and Mrs. Francis takes Betsy 
 with her to Bath, her doctor having advised her 
 spending a little time there and taking its waters. 
 One short entry about this time is curious, speaking 
 of a friend : — 
 
 " Mrs. Campbell has left Town, she could not 
 breathe in it and is gone to live at Knights Bridge." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal during the year 1780 contains 
 many complaints on the subject of her husband's 
 delayed return to England : — 
 
 " Saturday, Jan. 2,'f'd. Received your Letter, I thank 
 God you was then in good Health and spirits, but 
 
334 Ubc jFrancis Xetters [1780 
 
 no talk of coming Home, your Letter is very short 
 indeed and has no mention of your children." 
 
 In May some of the family go to Tunbridge Wells, 
 and Mrs. Francis joins her daughters there in June. 
 On July 7th she writes : — 
 
 " Mr. Adair has introduced us to the Earl of 
 Nugent who is here and is quite the Beau of the 
 Place, though he is near eighty, he admires your Girls 
 very much, and gives Breakfasts at his own Lodgings 
 every day to a dozen of Ladies and Gentlemen and 
 we have often been of the Party." 
 
 There is mention also made of the girls going to 
 balls in Tunbridge Wells, when they were always 
 " so lucky as to get good Partners " ; " Your Daughters 
 and their dancing are much admired." 
 
 "Aug. isL You talk of Mr. Hastings being in a 
 low and dejected state at the departure of Mr. Barwell, 
 this circumstance may occasion him some concern, 
 but as to himself his Friends here and in the Direction 
 are past all numbering, you must not expect to get 
 any forwarder, for certainly the Government will 
 remain in the same Hands. ... I am very sorry to 
 hear Affairs are in so desperate a State in India — 
 Nobody will believe it here. ... As to your own 
 Rewards, Happiness and Self Satisfaction — beyond 
 every thing which Riches can bestow I trust will 
 always be yours." 
 
 From Tunbridge Wells Mrs. Francis takes her 
 daughters to Brighton. 
 
 " Now for your Letter dated April 27th 1779 by 
 
i78o] tTbe jfrancis Xetters 33s 
 
 the Southampton : you say you write this merely 
 to tell me you were then well, indeed I thank you 
 most heartily for so doing. . . . Your staying after all 
 these strange things you tell me about is more and 
 more odd, you tell me your wish is to quit India, 
 but why don't you do it, no other Person but yourself 
 would consider what will be of use to the Country, 
 surely your staying or otherwise cannot make any 
 great difiference." 
 
 Mrs. Francis and party return to Harley Street 
 from Brighton, September 20th, 1780. In a still 
 sadder vein Mrs. Francis replies to a more recent 
 letter from her husband : — 
 
 " Your staying in India one year more is the most 
 dreadful disappointment to me. What can detain you 
 my dear Philip, indeed I cannot say as you do, it is 
 quite indifferent to you whether you stay or come 
 home, it is not so to me, I can assure you, for all 
 my Happiness depends upon my seeing you ; I am 
 sorry to find it is not so with you, but separation, I 
 was but too sure, for almost seven years, would make 
 a great alteration in your affection and indeed I am 
 sorry to say I fear it has a very great one indeed." 
 
 Mrs. Francis's Journal Continued. 
 "Nov. i2)th. I this morning received a Letter 
 from Major Baggs and I expect him every minute. 
 . . . He came at 2 o'clock and was much fatigued. 
 He will write to you of the Reception he has met 
 with from all those who called themselves his Friends ; 
 
336 XLbc jfrancis Xetters [1780 
 
 it surprised him, but not me, I understand those 
 things. 
 
 " Sunday, Dec. \oth. Major Baggs dined with us, 
 we talked of you and of Indian Affairs. He seems 
 much disappointed that your pretended Friends don't 
 take any notice of him or your Interest, he is not yet 
 acquainted with the English World. 
 
 " After Tea I went to enquire how Mrs. Chitty did. 
 She was extremely ill. Dr. Grant does not think she 
 can live, poor Woman, she is quite composed and 
 prays constantly for her Dissolution and to be laid 
 by her dear Mr. Chitty. 
 
 " Tuesday,, Dec. 12th. Alas ! our good Friend Mrs. 
 Chitty is no more — I am sincerely sorry and so are 
 all my Girls, I am sure you will be, she was a kind 
 Friend, I may say almost a Mother to you — She 
 always sayd she should never live to see you again — 
 it is but too true. . . . 
 
 " Wednesday, i2)tk. This morning your pretty 
 Friend Miss Caroline Clavering was married to Sir 
 John Morris Warren and there is supposed to be more 
 love than money . . . she would have him. 
 
 " Saturday, 2,0th. Had a note this morning from 
 Miss Biggin who lived with Mrs. Bussy to inform 
 me that poor Sally Bussy died last night, rather 
 suddenly though she had been ill of a great cold some 
 time, but I did not know it. ... I sent Brittain down 
 to the House immediately — have lent two guineas and 
 sent a Person to take care of her Funeral as there is 
 not any one that would bury her unless I do. . . . 
 
 " Thursday, Jan. ^th, 1781. Poor Sally Bussy was 
 buried today and Brittain attended the Funeral. 
 
1781] Ube jfrancts Xetters 337 
 
 " Wednesday, \oth. My dear Boy went back to 
 Harrow this morning and behaved as well as any 
 young man in that situation could." 
 
 On January 26th, Mrs. Francis writes to her 
 husband : — 
 
 " My dearest Philip, 
 
 " I am just come home from carrying my 
 dispatches to the India House & though I hope you 
 will have left Bengal before those Ships arrive, yet 
 in case of accidents I must go on with my Journal. 
 In your last letter you say that I am always complaining 
 either of sickness, or want of money or of other 
 little difficulties. As to sickness this is an evil we 
 are all liable to, & tho' we have much of it, you 
 are sorry for it, you surely can't be angry at it, then 
 as to the affair of money, my complaints have never 
 been to you, but that I regret I can't bring our heavy 
 expenses within the sum you wished and thought 
 enough, as to the slights of Friends, I cannot attribute 
 it to any thing wanting on my part, or any foolish 
 Fancies of mine as you call them, however, my dear, 
 these things are not worth our attending to. 
 
 " I don't know of any thing particular to say, but 
 that we are only continually longing to hear of your 
 Return ; don't take it unkind, but as the greatest 
 Proof of our Love. Adieu my dearest Philip and 
 accept the affectionate Duty and Love of your faithful 
 Wife and her six children. 
 
 " Eliz'^". Francis." 
 22 
 
338 trbe jfrancis Xetters [1781 
 
 On February ist, 1781, Mrs. Francis began another 
 Journal-letter to her husband, and carried it on until 
 March 30th of that year. The last entry is : — 
 
 " This day my dearest Philip seven years ago was 
 the most wretched and unhappy I ever saw. You 
 left me and I was miserable, the reflection upon 
 those past melancholy hours made me very unhappy 
 and ill too. I wept for four hours." 
 
 About the same time her husband, on his return 
 voyage, was fretting the hours away in the Island 
 of Ennui. 
 
 When Francis returned to England in 1781 his 
 daughters Sarah, Elizabeth, and Harriet, were re- 
 spectively eighteen, seventeen, and fifteen years old ; 
 Mary and Kitty, eleven and nine, were probably still 
 in the schoolroom ; and Philip, then thirteen, was at 
 Harrow. Mrs. Francis, in her Journal, has given 
 glimpses from time to time of the development of her 
 girls. " My girls do very well," she says in one entry, 
 " Betsey applies to every branch of improvement, 
 French, writing, music and dancing ; of the young 
 ones at school I have very favourable accounts ; Sally 
 [described elsewhere as a voracious reader] from in- 
 disposition has been prevented of late from attending 
 to any improvements ; Harriet, I think, is as clever 
 as you can wish." And again : " Mary is beautiful, 
 Harriet most agreeable, and always clever, and little 
 Kitty very engaging." 
 
 These descriptions represent the girls as they were 
 
^H^^^^^ 
 
 ^■^^^■k liJm 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 1 " 
 
 
 v^^H^ /'''% T^ 
 
 4 J V 
 
 ■^ ^ .t'^'^S^^^B^^^^H 
 
 QUEEN CHARLOTTE. 
 
 Page 339.] 
 
i78i] ube jftancts Xettecs 
 
 339 
 
 three years before their father came home. In a 
 later mention of her children Mrs. Francis wrote : — 
 
 " Your children are all very deserving of your notice, 
 indeed no man was ever blessed with six finer children 
 in every respect ; I may venture to say so, and I 
 flatter myself you will think so when you see them." 
 
 That all were assembled in Harley Street to meet 
 their father on the evening of October 19th, 1781, 
 appears from the following letter of Francis to his 
 friend Mr. Wheler in India : — 
 
 Philip Francis to Edward Wheler, Esq., 
 Calcutta. 
 
 "London, 
 
 " My dear Friend, "^^ ^^''•' '78'- 
 
 " I arrived at Dover at four o'clock in the 
 morning of the 19th of last month, and at night in 
 Harley Street, where I found my family in perfect 
 health and as happy as you can imagine. The next 
 Day was employed in visiting, but there was nobody 
 in Town. . . . On the 24th I had the honor of being 
 presented to the King, on the 25th to the Queen, 
 and was favoured with a very gracious Reception. 
 Since that, my Time has been chiefly employed in 
 paying and receiving visits, and my own private 
 Affairs. There are a very few People in Town, and I 
 leave it to others to send for me if they like it. ... 
 Yesterday morning I received a Letter from Paris, 
 dated the 15th Nov. 1781, to which was the following 
 Postscript. ' Accounts from Vienna overland from 
 India, this Day, assert the capture of Madras by 
 Hyder Alii and Monsieur de L' Homme. I do not 
 
340 XTbe jfrancts ^Letters [1781 
 
 discredit it.' All I can say is, God forbid ! Before 
 
 I heard this, the long Interval, since the last accounts 
 
 from India, made me suspect that you had nothing 
 
 good to send us. As hereafter I shall give little 
 
 credit to the general letters from Bengal, I entreat 
 
 you always to tell me the Truth of everything material. 
 
 I pledge my honor to you for my discretion, and 
 
 this once for All. We are in hourly expectation of 
 
 the most important Intelligence from North America. 
 
 That Business seems to me to hang by a Thread ; 
 
 and I own to you the Aspect of it is so dismal, that 
 
 I have hardly courage enough to look that way. 
 
 I have seen Sir Thomas Rumbold twice. He has 
 
 been very 111 ; but I think not much out of spirits. . . . 
 
 Lady Clavering, Miss Clavering, and Miss 
 
 Charlotte are in Town. I have seen them frequently, 
 
 and endeavoured to do them service. It is hardly 
 
 conceivable how much they have suffered, in every 
 
 sense, by the Death of their Father. You will have 
 
 heard of a Treaty of Marriage concluded and abruptly 
 
 broken off between Miss Clavering and Sir John 
 
 Dick. I have heard all the particulars, and am 
 
 perfectly satisfied that his conduct was unjustifiable 
 
 in the highest Degree. But in these Cases, you 
 
 know, the innocent defenceless party always suffers 
 
 instead of the guilty. . . . 
 
 " Farewell, 
 
 up p " 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 Printed by Haiselt Watson, <S' Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury,