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Zorti Ci/icfn'c/f/ . 0l>atf:tr it^cuiaCtn'h.Ac. ilHE GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD [LADY STANLEY OF ALDERLEY]. RECORDED IN LETTERS OF A HUNDRED J YEARS AGO: FROM 1776 TO 1796. EDITED BY JANE H. ADEANE SHEFFIELD PLACE. 1791 ' Lord Sheffield's eldest daughter is indeed a most extraordinary young woman'— Gibbon to his Stepmother, 1791 SECOND EDITION LONGMANS^ GREEN, AND CO. 39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON NEW YORK AND BOMBAY 1897 All rights reserved TO MY SISTER CONSTANCE MARIA JOSEPHA GRANDCHILD, GODCHILD, AND NAMESAKE OF THE MARIA JOSEPHA WHOSE EARLY LIFE IS HERE DEPICTED PEEFACE The early letters of Mabia Josepha Holrotb were considered by her contemporaries to be of unusual merit and worthy of careful preservation. Her acquaintance with many of the actors in the stirring scenes amid which her youth was spent furnished her with subjects of more than passing interest. 'Were you to keep a journal,' Gibbon writes to her, ' of all the authentic facts which the French exiles relate, it would be an agree- able exercise at present, and a future source of interest and instruction.' What Gibbon thought too of her style the following extracts from his letters to her father, Lord Sheffield, show : * I must have from the very excel- lent pen of the Maria the tragedy of the Archbishop of Aries, and the longer the better ; ' and again, ' The five incomparable letters of Maria.' For more, however, than style or energy of descrip- tion were they valued. Serena Holroyd writes to her niece, 'Your remarks on the present state of literature are so strikingly just on all sides that I should almost like to pubhsh them. As I think it is likely some of your younger children may be poor, if your letters are collected they might make one of them rich ! ' Now Vlll GIRLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPIIA HOLROYD. that this suggestion, after the lapse of a hundred years, is being in part fulfilled, it may not be too much to hope that the letters, which then gave so much pleasure, will not have lost their charm, but will interest others besides the grand-daughter to whose care they were entrusted, and to whom the arrangement and editing of them has been so great a delight. JANE H. ADEANE. October 11, 1896. The Centenary of Maria Jose/phd's loedding-day. CONTENTS -•o*- CHAPTER I. EAELY DAYS. 1777-1787. FAGB Letter from Serena— Going to the play— The Polish dwarf— An 61oge —First mention of Gibbon— Original story— Serena's advice as to deportment— Mrs. Siddons— Lord Sheffield an author— Varied reading— Daily occupations— Duchess of Portland's museums- Improvements at Sheffield Place— First Sunday School at Bath— Industrial Schools— Gibbon's expected visit— Sir Joseph Banks . 1 CHAPTER IL FIEST FLIGHTS. Januaby, 1788— June, 1791. Invitation from Gibbon to Serena— Portrait of Lord Sheffield by Sir Joshua Reynolds— Trial of Warren Hastings— Study of Botany- Sir G. and Lady Webster — The Sloop • Maria '—Dress— Perform- ance of the ' Messiah '—Lord Sheffield's Eeception at Bristol- Lady Sheffield's Pets — Exeter Change — Lady Bristol's Assembly — The Drawing Eoom and Ball— Projected Visit to Gibbon at Lau- sanne — Preparations for the Journey — Serena's Fears ... 20 CHAPTER III. CRAZY PARIS. June to August, 1791. Departure from Sheffield Place — Flight of Louis XVI. and Marie Antoinette — Arrival at Dieppe — Rouen — Chateau de Navarre — Paris in 1791— Debate on King and Constitution — Royal Prisoners at the Tuileries — Dinner at Roberts' — Apotheosis of Voltaire — Visit to the National Assembly— Noailles — Palmerston — Extracts from Maria's Diary — Fontainebleau— Discomfort — Dijon — The Hospital — Letter from Serena 35 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A IIOLROYP. CHAPTER IV. WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. August to October, 1791. PAGE Arrival at Lausanne — Gibbon's Home^The Severy Family — M. and Madame Necker — Madame de Stael — Excursion to Chamounix — Lady Webster — Geneva — Marriage of the Duke of York — Society at Lausanne — Comte de Lally ToUendal — Scenery — Sufferings of the Exiles — Letters from England 62 CHAPTER V. ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. October to December 1791 Homeward journey — Berne — Basle — Strasburg — Arrest of officers — The hew National Assembly — Adventures on the road — Mannheim — Embarkation on board the Rhine boat — Disasters — The Aristo- crats — Through Belgium — Departure from Calais — Trials en voyage — Joyful home-coming— Lady Webster's letter from Nice — Gibbon to Maria Josepha — ' Old Nick's ' letter — Lady Craven — The Orleans Princesses — Madame de Genlis — Pamela — Lavater's re- marks on Lord Sheffield's picture — His nose — * Caroline de Lich- field ' 88 CHAPTER VI. THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. January to May, 1792. First visit of Comte de Lally Tollendal to Sheffield Place— French enigma— Foreign pohtics— Pamela introduces a Red Cap— Louisa Holroyd sent to live with ' Aunt Serena ' — Letters to her sister- Lady Webster corresponds with Maria Josepha— Miss Moss at Geneva — Her adventures at Gray hq CHAPTER VII. COMTE DE LALLY's TIDINGS. May to July, 1792 Letter from France— Tragic end of Theobald Dillon— Vicomte de Noailles transmits news of June 20th— Mob at the Tuileries— Insults to the King and Queen— Ten hours of agony -Fainting of CONTENTvS. xi Louis XVI.— The National Assembly opens with a ballet-panto- mime— Dinner to 600 Sans-culottes— Stormy deliberations— The Procession— The Tables of the Law— Assault on the Tuileries— Courage of the King and Madame Elisabeth—* Les tigies adoucis ' —The Dauphin pliiys with the Bonnet rouge- The Queen's dignity inspires respect— At last the day ends— The decrees— P6tion—' Go to bed ' . PAOB 136 CHAPTER VIII. EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OP IT. 1792. Scene in the Champ de Mars and the Ecole Militaire— Fidelity of the Grenadiers— Fortitude of the Eoyal Family— Qa ira— Seditious cries— Temporary revulsion in favour of the Royal Family— Princesse d'Henin reports the manifesto of the Duke of Brunswick —Paris the week previous to the Massacre of August 10th, 1792— Letter from Berne — Charges against the Swiss Guards refuted — Arraignment of the King— His dignified Demeanour . . .156 CHAPTER IX. THE priests' tale August to December, 1792. Louisa's letters — Miss Moss's flight — Her journey home from Geneva — Lady Webster on Venice and Vienna — The Comte de Lally again at Sheffield Place — His Imprisonment at L'Abbaye — His release — Arrival of eight shipwrecked priests — Their joy at finding Lally alive — Their tale — More Emigres are received — Sub- scriptions for the sufferers — Letter from Gibbon — Anxiety about Lally — Lady V7ebster at Naples — Louisa's opinion of Mr. Fox. . 180 CHAPTER X. DEATH OP ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 1793. Lady Webster's son— Death of Louis XVI.— English politics— House- keeping — Gibbon mourns over changes at Lausanne — Lady Web- ster at Naples — The Emigres— Their destitution — Lady Sheffield's exertions on their behalf — Disquieting foreign rumours— Lady Sheffield's illness— Her death— Miss Burney— Evelina. . .209 xii GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYB. CHAPTER XI. MAEIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 1793. PAQE The Camp at Ashdown Forest— A lull in France— Lady Webster's visit— Gibbon grumpy— News of Dunkirk— Tunbridge Wells- Society there— Death of Marie Antoinette — Brighton— Home life. 234 CHAPTER XII. THE historian's LAST PAGE. January to July, 1794. Quests at Sheffield Place— Gibbon— Hay ley —Mr. Jekyll— Gibbon's failing health — Gloomy political prospects — Narrow escape — Gibbon's serious illness — His death — Grief at his loss — His funeral — His manuscripts — Quiet days — Inoculation — Canning's first speech — Talk of invasion — Ireland prosperous — The Gibbon Memoirs — Kaising a Yeomanry Corps — Fashions — Politics — The wry-necked Secretary — Gibbon's first love — His library . . 256 CHAPTER XIII. OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. July to December, 1794. Ministerial changes — Highland uniform — Papers and picture from Lausanne — Alarming adventure— Neighbours — The camp at Brighton — The review — Interesting Swiss and German guests — Revising the Gibbon Memoirs — Marriage of the Prince of Wales — Ingenuity of Fletching Ringers — Loss of Friends — Lord Sheffield's second marriage — Invitation to the wedding — Letter from Hayley — A friendly hermit's advice . 292 CHAPTER XIV. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, * THE DEAR LADY.' 1795. Lady Sheffield's influence — The Birthday dance — Reception at Carlton House— East India Company entertain Warren Hastings— Louisa leaves Bath— Serena's regrets— Wheat and flour— Mr. Jekyll— CONTENTS. XIU PAGE Effervescence of wits— Madame d'Arblay — Edridge'a portraits — Lady Sheffield to Maria — The Brighton ball — Attempt on the King's life — • Vie de Madame Roland ' — An old friend's wedding 313 CHAPTER XV. *THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' Januaby to April, 1796. Duke and Duchess of York — Brown bread and pottage — French guests — Anxious times — Narrow escape of George III. — Publication of Gibbon's Memoirs — London life — Mr. Stanley . . . .358 CHAPTER XVI. THE WORD * OBEY * IS SAID. May to October, 1796. Eclaircissement — Universal sunshine — Serena's home truths — Wed- ding cloaths — Tiresome lawyers — ' Sheffield for Ever ' — Count Rumford on chimneys^Obstaoles overcome — The ' Dear Lady's ' illness — The mariiage — The Bride 375 Index 401 LIST OF PLATES. -K>»- _ „ f to precede the * SILHOUETTES, ' THE HISTORIAN,' ' THE PEER.' | Frontispiece MARIA JOSEPHA AND LOUISA HOLROYD {Daughters op John, Lord Sheffield) . . . Frontispiece SARAH MARTHA HOLROYD ('Serena') . . to face p. 35 JOHN BAKER HOLROYD (Lord Sheffield) . . „ 112 ABIGAIL (First Lady Sheffield) . . „ 209 MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD . , . . ,,234 >j JOHN THOMAS STANLEY (First Lord Stanley of Alderley) . . . . . , „ 375 * The figures of Gibbon and Lord Sheffield ai'e reproductions of sil- houettes taken in 1791, and preserved by Maria Josepha Holroyd, among her souvenirs of the visit to Lausanne. INTEODUCTION. Maria Josepha Holrotd was born January 3, 1771. Her father, John Baker HoLroyd, was created Baron Sheffield of Dunamore, Co. Meath, in 1781, given an English peerage in 1802, and advanced to the Earldom of Sheffield, in the Peerage of Ireland, in 1816. Lord Sheffield was a man of cultivated literary taste, an authority on questions of Finance, Commerce, and Agriculture, and an industrious Member of Parliament. He was a weighty speaker ; a writer on PoHtical Economy, and an energetic and enhghtened County Magistrate. He represented Coventry and Bristol in the House of Commons; was a Lord of Trade, and later, President of the Board of Agriculture, and a member of the Privy Council. He especially interested himself in the Government of Ireland, and in the commercial relations between England and America. Lord Sheffield's first wife was Abigail, daughter of Lewis Way, of Old Court, Kichmond, by his third wife, Abigail, daughter and heiress of Edward Lockey, of Den- ham Place, Bucks, which became their home in 1730, and was the birthplace of their daughter. Abigail, Lady Sheffield, was a refined and beautiful woman, whose grace and charm of manner endeared her to her husband's friends. > a Xvi GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Gibbon's appreciation of her was shown by his ex- pressions when writing of his intended visit to England, *Lord Sheffield and yourself will be the loadstone that aittracts me,' and again to Lord Sheffield, 'Insinuate to your silent Consort that separate letters require separate answers.' The fatigue and hardships of their foreign tour in 1791 seem to have been too much for Lady Sheffield's fragile health and nervous temperament, and from that time many of her duties devolved on her bright and capable daughter Maria Josepha. It is a pathetic fact and worthy of record that Lady Sheffield died from a chill caught on Good Friday 1793, while ministering to the comfort of French refugees lying ill at Guy's Hospital, of which Institution her father and brother were Presidents in succession. At his house in Downing Street and in the * hos- pitable retreat ' as Gibbon found it, of Sheffield Place, in Sussex, Lord Sheffield entertained the leading spirits of his day. Men of mark in politics, science, literature, and art met at his home and shone in its congenial atmosphere. Lord Sheffield's lifelong friendship with Gibbon dated from the time they were together at Lausanne in 1764, when the historian wrote of him as * a friend whose activity in the ardour of youth was always prompted by a benevolent heart and directed by a strong understanding.' During the social upheaval in France, distinguished Emigres such as Comte de Lally Tollendal, Prince de Poix, M. Malouet, fugitive princesses, exiled savants, and shipwrecked priests, found under Lord Sheffield's roof the kindest welcome and the most efficient aid. In such INTRODUCTION. Xvii varied society Maria Josepha and her sister Louisa spent their girlhood. Maria's keen intellect was early stimulated by the conversation around her ; and she entered eagerly, while yet a child, into all her father's interests. She had de- cided views of people and things, and formed her own opinions on every sort of subject, social, poHtical, and rehgious, and was accustomed to read and criticise the best books, English and foreign. She early acquired a love of botany from Sir Joseph Banks, and delighted in gardening and country pursuits. Nor were domestic concerns beneath her notice. A new stitch in needle- work, a good pattern for her father's shirt, or a house- hold recipe (even for feeding nightingales), were equally welcome to her. At seven years old Maria Josepha was already con- sidered a delightful companion by her grandfather, Mr. Isaac Holroyd, and by his daughter Sarah Martha, better known as ' Serena,' a name perhaps suggested by a sweet- ness of disposition as great as that of Hayley's ' Serena ' in his once popular poem of ' The Triumphs of Temper.' At the age of twelve she was writing on easy terms of equahty to her older relations ; indeed, when her father was too busy, and her mother too tired to write, they depended entirely on Maria to transmit tidings of the family, which she never failed to do. To her Aunt * Serena ' most of Maria's letters are addressed. Another correspondent was Miss Ann Firth, long a member of the household circle at Sheffield Place, and tenderly cared for by successive generations up to her hundredth year. This family correspondence, interspersed with occa- xviii GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. sional letters from friends, foreign and English, gives pictures of Society in London and in Bath ; of a journey across France in the early days of the French^ Eevolu- tion, of the state of Paris, and of one of the most fantastic incidents of that strange time, the Apotheosis of Voltaire. A visit to Mr. Gibbon's home at Lausanne is also described, together with the return journey of the travellers through Germany, when all Europe was beginning to arm. Later, there are allusions to the threatened invasion of England by the French, the life of the French Emigres, the trial of Warren Hastings, and the serious condition of the agricultural classes in England. The home life of Maria Josepha is brought vividly before us, her mother's sudden death, her father's second marriage, and the growth of that friendship with Mr. Stanley which determined the whole course of her after life. These letters cover the period of twenty years of Maria Josepha's eventful youth — ending in 1796. The first letter was written to her when she was a child of six by Serena Holroyd. The last letter is written by herseK as a bride to her old friend Miss Firth, dated from her new home, in the first happy days of her marriage to Mr. Stanley, afterwards first Lord Stanley of Alderley. THE GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLEOYD CHAPTEE I. EAKLY DAYS. 1777-1787. Letter from Serena — Going to the play — The Polish dwarf — An 61oge First mention of Gibbon — Original story— Serena's advice as to deport- ment — Mrs. Siddons — Lord Sheffield an author — Varied reading Daily occupations— Duchess of Portland's museums— Lnprovements at Sheffield Place — First Sunday School at Bath — Industrial Schools- Gibbon's expected visit — Sir Joseph Banks. Serena to her Niece Maria Josepha. Bath : January, 1777. Though I have been prevented from answering my dearest Maria's letter sooner, I thought it a very pretty one, and it gave great pleasm-e both to Grandpapa and me. We are very happy whenever we hear that om* dear little Maria is well and deserves to be loved. We remembered your Birthday ^ and drank your health, and wished you many happy years, and longed to give you sweet kisses. We hoped you would live to be the joy of Papa and Mama, and by your affection and goodness make them a return for their care and tenderness, and then you will be as happy as we wish. You are now, I daresay, entertain- ing dear Grandmama and comforting her for their absence. ' January 3, Maria's birthday, an anniversary always observed in the family. a* B 2 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. You are her little nurse and companion, and she loves you for it and so do we. . . . We wish to see Dr. Foster, who is coming to Bath, because he will give us a particular account of you, and I hope will tell us that you grow every day more pleasing, and that you are gentle, good and obliging to everybody. Girls that are not so always pass for vulgar, ill-bred children, and are despised and unhappy. You will remember this I am sure, and will try to gain hearts by the sweetness of your temper. Your Grandpapa sends love to you, and if he was able, would go two hundred miles to see you. ... I hope, some time, we shall have this pleasure. Kemember us, as kindly as possible, to dear Gran, who we hope is better than usual. Say everything kind for us to Miss Firth, whom we all love. Mrs. Gibbon ^ never forgets you, but presents com- pHments. I should write more, but that I have written a long letter to mama, and don't know anything that would entertain you. Think of us often, my dear little Maria, and beheve that I love you with my whole heart, and shall be ever, your sincerely affectionate Aunt, S. HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : Sunday, July ye 7, 1782. Your letter quite delighted me ; they are always so entertaining that (except papa and mama) I had rather have one letter from my dear Serena, than ten from any- body else. ... As I have not wrote to you for some time, I must tell you a few things about London, tho' we have been 'in the country a month next Wednesday. About three weeks or a month before we went out of town, we went to Sadler's Wells ; Louisa ^ went for the first time of ' stepmother to the historian. - Her younger sister, afterwards Lady Louisa Clinton. E.\BLY DAYS, 3 her going into those sort of places ; it was very well bestowed upon her, for she was as delighted as ever she could be. Have you ever been there ? and how do you like it ? For my part I liked it very much, but not to come up to a Play. Then we went to see the Polish Dwarf and the Irish Giant, I do not know whether you may have heard talk of them ; the first is exactly three foot high, and the last eight foot, two Inches. What a difference ! I beg you will never make what you call an apology for not writing ; you write when you please, and I vmte when I please without any set time. ... I will allow you to moralise as much as you please, for the more you do, the more agreeable are your letters. The Lessons you mention as having received from my dear Grandfather are excellent ; and, pray God ! I may profit by them as you have. You showed me when you was in Downing Street an eloge on him, I think in French, made by your- self, may I beg a copy of it from you. I vnll keep it as the virtues of one who is now no more, and as a proof of my dearest Serena's talents. You say you felt like a young woman again when you was drinking tea out of doors at Miss Cooper's. Pray how long is it since you was an old one ? I could have romped with you very well just as I do at home. You think I do not regret London. I should not if the year was equally divided ; but we are only five months in town, and seven in the country. I do not give you any settled time to write in, but be assured that my Serena's letters will always be acceptable to her most affectionate, Maeia Josepha Holroyd. [The following copy of the ' Eloge ' shows that Serena complied with the request. It was found carefully pre- served among Maria's treasures.] B 2 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Cinq mois aprds la mort de monPere. October. 1778. C'etait Tame la plus sensible qui fut jamais ; I'exacte verite, I'equite delicate, I'inviolable fidelite, la tendre et bienfaisante humanite residoient dans son coeur. Elles y etoient nees et s'y maintenoient sans effort. Cette chaleur vivifiante qui donne de la grace a tout, (meme aux d^fauts) ornoit ses vertus et le rendoit aussi aimable qu'il etoit estimable. Mais ce que plus que tout le reste lui attachoit ses amis, c'est qu'on trouvoit en lui la vraie et parfaite amitie, si souvent soup9onnee de n'etre qu'une vaine Idee. La confiance qu'il savoit inspirer, c'etoit celle qu'on a pour soi-meme, et volontiers on lui etit dit ce qu'on auroit eu peine a s'avouer. Le tendre interet dont on le voyoit penetre et sa vive attention a ce qu'on lui disoit, alloit jusqu'au fond du coeur et en developpoit les replis les plus caches. Voila le vrai Portrait du cher Pere que j'ai perdu. Est-ce qu'il me faut le pleurer ? Peut-on I'oublier ? II est mort Mai lime, 1778. S. HOLROYD. Sereiia to Maria Josepha. Bath : August 8, 1782. How happy my dearest Maria makes me in telling me that our correspondence is a pleasure to her ! I could scarce flatter myself it would be so, though I did not doubt that you would comply with the request to obUge me. ... If I told you all that I think of your letters it would seem like flattery, and might prevent the hberty and ease of your stile, which is the very thing I like best, and what I have scarce met in a young EARLY DAYS. 6 beginner. I can hardly persuade myself that a dear girl between eleven and twelve, writes to an Aunt past 40, as if it were to her friend of her own age ; and yet it is doubly pleasant, because it is a sure proof of affection, and that you don't think that same Aunt a formal, cross creature. Believe me, my dear Maria, she will ever love you most sincerely and hopes to be ever dear to you. ... I fear these heavy rains must be bad for the corn. I wonder how ' Farmer Sheffield ' escapes. . . . Adieu now, my dearest Maria. I may tire you as well as myself; though we shall not be tired of loving one another, we may be tired of too long writing. I am, most sincerely and affectionately yours, S. HOLEOYD. Serena to Maria Josepha, Bath : November 30, 1782. .... I drank tea with the Duchess of Ancaster, and Lady Mary Bertie asked very obligingly for you, and said she liked you so much she wished you were better acquainted. She said you were very sprightly and polite. ... I hope you will see the little Polish Count, who had a sister only 17 inches high; a perfectly pro- portioned beautiful creature, eighteen years old, who died of the small pox. I enclose the real measure of the Count's sole of his shoe. My shoemaker made him a pair. I have not seen him and you will think me very dull ; but to say truth I have no pleasure in those sort of objects, though everybody says he is so hvely and entertaining, that he is a very pleasing companion. Mr. Gibbon liked him so much that he will give you the best account, and had I been here, when Mr. Gibbon was at Bath, I should have seen the Count to great advantage in his company, as he entertained him particularly well. GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. London : Monday, February 16, 1783. If I knew not how fully your time is employed, I should be indignant at your long silence ; but the Length and Agreeableness of your Letters when you do write, take from me all possibility of complaining. You desire to have a Journal of my London life. You forget who you are writing to. I am no Bake. However, for me, I have been one. Last Thursday Papa, Mama, my Aunt Way, Mrs. Foster and myself went to the Opera. I was very much entertained ; but what is an Opera compared with Mrs. Siddons and a Play ? Have you got ' Les Annales de la Vertu,' or have you only heard of it ? I have not got it. Did I not tell 5^ou some time ago I had seen the little Baron ? If not, I do now. I saw him last year. You have lost a very curious sight by not seeing him. I likewise saw the Irish Giant : since I saw them, the little Baron has been prevailed upon to visit the Giant. They measured : and the Baron came up to the second knee Button ! I did not see them together, but had this account from Mr. Gibbon, (who is now laid up with a fit of the Gout) . I am writing on the Duchess of C though slowly ; but my time is so taken up with different affairs such as Dancing, Music, Geography, Work, &c., &c., that I have scarce any time to v^rite, but on a Sunday. I am very much afraid you have forgot the beginning of the story ; however, this I dare say you will remember,* that ' This is a sarcastic allusion to The Duchesse de C, an original story by Maria, in which the heroine meets with a tragic fate at the hands of her jealous husband. EARLY DAYS. 7 the Duke is a Good-tempered, Agreeable, Affectionate, kind husband. If ever you marry, I hope you will meet with full as good a one. . . . I am, my dear Serena's most affectionate Maeia Joseph a Holroyd. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : September 12, 1783. Indeed, my dearest Serena, I think it a great con- descension on my part to write to you, since you have not wrote to me from April 12. But as the last sheet of the Duchess of C left her in the Dungeon, I thought you would be glad to know how she liked her situation, and I thought likewise that I might as well write, if it was only for the pleasure of finding fault with you. I have got ' Les Annales de la Vertu.' I like them very much. ... I think all Madame de Genlis' works that I have seen very pretty; but I prefer 'Ad^le and Theodore ' as yet, for I have but begun * Les Annales.' . . . i expect a letter very soon, or I shall be no longer my dearest Serena's affectionate Maria Josepha Holroyd. Sere7ia to Maria Josepha. Brighton : Sunday, September 15, 1783. Last night I received the dear Maria's letter, and, to make amends for past omissions, don't delay a post send- ing a thousand thanks. You know I delight in your letters. . . . However, I allow it to be condescending in you not to drop such a correspondent as this same Serena, and if she is not very ungrateful, I think your manner of correcting her for her faults must have a good effect upon her. I am very much obliged to you for introducing me again to the poor Duchesse de C . I began to think 8 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. it cruel to make no inquiry about her in such a situation and for such a time. Her misfortunes so interest me, and still more as a certain little pen that writes them will be so dear to me, that I shall keep the whole when finished to look at in future days, and perhaps show you some twenty years hence. When your husband treats you as the Duchesse de C , which is probable, I flatter myself you will have the same patience, fortitude, and resignation ! . . . I saw Lady Kothes yesterday, and asked her the question mama desired — of the year in which the same sort of meteor, as we have lately seen, made its appear- ance, and she says it was in 1716. Lady Kothes heard that Mr. Gibbon was nominated to succeed Mr. Maddison, as Secretary to the Embassy ; but I want faith, and don't think he would accept it. I want to hear more of him. I hope Mrs. Porten ^ arrived safe and well at Sheffield Place. Ever, dear Maria's affectionate S. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January 19, 1784. I have been so much taken up with my Bath friends after a long absence from them, that I have never had time to write to my dearest Maria, though I have often sent my love to her. I have never, however, had you out of my thoughts, nor ever forgot the pleasure I had when at Sheffield Place, in observing not only the prettiest, kindest attention to myself, and many sweet marks of your affection, but also in your whole stile and manner to * Gibbon's favourite aunt, of whom he writes to Lord Sheffield, ♦ You have obliged me beyond expression by your kindness to Aunt Kitty. . . . Apropos, I think Aunt Kitty has a secret wish to sleep in my room ; if it is not occupied, she might be indulged.' EAELY DAYS. 9 everybody. . . . Beauty in a woman is of no conse- quence, but a good carriage, a strait shape, and genteel person, mark the well-educated, and seem to me as necessary for a woman of any fashion as to know how to spell. We have got an Air-Balloon in Bath, but I don't go to see it, as I saw it in London ; nor have I gone to a Play or a Ball. I am quite the Dowager, but my beauty, embonpoint, and bloom are much admired in a quiet way. I hear that you don't allow me to be a ' cat ' ! Mama was so good to tell me so, and I was delighted with your clearing me from such vile aspersions. . . . Maria Josepha to Serena. Downing Street : March, 1784. I have seen Mrs. Siddons ; she was not ill this time. My Aunt Gregory Way had the two front Kows of a, Front Box, and offered Mama two places. The Play was ' Isabella,' which, on Mama's account, I was sorry for, as she had seen it twice. I myself had no objection to it. Mrs. S fully answered my expectations. She left out that dreadful Shriek I have heard she gave on seeing Biron. Her dress was very pretty, particularly the white. Her voice was so low that in many parts I could scarce hear her. I think her very pretty. . . . As for the Duchess de C , you must not expect to hear anything of her till I go into the Country ; but I think we left her very properly ; for, as she was uncertain of her fate for nine years, is it not fair that you should be so for at least as many weeks ? We have got a Seat in Duke Street Chapel. I should have preferred a Church with an Organ in it. Mr. Catton has given [Louisa] an Air-Balloon work bag; it is made of pink silk. Everything now is Air^Balloons : there are Balloon Hats, Balloon Cakes, Work Bags, and even Balloon Noses. . . . 10 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : May 2, 1784. ... I am not reconciled to the loss of franks.* I love the liberty of enclosing letters and of scribbhng as much as I please, but I shall not allow it to deprive me of my dear Girl's letters. It would be a bad compliment to say I only valued them at fourpence, therefore I flatter myself it will never stop you from writing, when you have time and inclination. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : December 22, 1784, . . . Papa returned on Sunday; he is writing hard abotit Ireland ; he has abundance of papers on the sub- ject. He thinks Mr. Pitt knows very little about it ; he is trying to learn it, but has nobody about him that knows anything of the matter better than he ; however, Papa's opinions are not concealed. Ireland is pretty quiet just now, but it is thought the Patriots will be troublesome in the House. M. Caplin^ is come, and says Mr. Gibbon was never better in health, not having had the gout since he was at Lausanne, and, we are sorry to hear, never happier. Mr. Corry, an active member of the Irish Parliament, and Mr. Tarleton, the very warm admirer of the Author (my Papa) , are to be here on Friday next. We have no hopes that he will now ever be better than an Author. If he must be one I wish he was a Poet ; it would be pleasanter to me when I speak to him that he should utter some sublime verses, than let it appear he was attending only to the Herring Fishery or the Woolen Manufacture. I am occasionally employed to read some horrid and almost illegible Manuscripts on these Subjects ; ' Lord Sheffield had just lost his seat for Coventry. 2 Mr. Gibbon's English valet. EAELY DAYS. 11 dear Mama does not doat upon these pursuits more than Louisa or I ; Louisa calls it ' nasty commerce,' but Miss Firth has more reason to complain, as she has the tre- mendous business of making out Tables of Figures. A Scotch Author called on Papa last week in London, and told him he might come in for any place in Scotland if there was a vacancy, and Mr. Tarleton says that some great Frenchman, talking of Papa's work, said, 'If he should hve to see a French Nobleman write thus on Commerce, he should be quite content and satisfied.' . . . I am, my dear Serena's most affectionate Maria J. Holroyd. Maria Josepha to Serena. Downing Street : February 13, 1786. You wish to know my Studies. In the first place I am reading ' Les QEuvres de Dieu,' ^ for which I cannot thank you enough. I never read anything of the sort that was at the same time so amusing and instructive, and where everything is turned to a Keligious Purpose. * Sully's Memoirs ' and ' Plutarch's Lives ' I am also reading. I like very much separate lives of Great Men ; these, you know, are ancient, but I have read, too, John- son's ' Lives of the Poets,' which entertained me very much. . . . Did you ever read Destouche's ' Plays ' in French ? Ten very small Duodecimos, and are, I think, ' Subsequently translated by Serena. See letter from Mme. D'Arblay, dated Windsor, 1790. * You will remember Mrs. Holroyd. She is now at Mrs. de Luc. She called upon me yesterday. She has lately translated from the French Version a German work of 4 thick volumes by M. Sturm, consisting of religious observations and meditations for every day in the year. Miss Cambridge had lent me the 1st volume, with which I was much pleased as well as instructed. . . . We talked this over, and she was much gratified in having heard that I had mentioned and shown it to my Royal Mistress, for whom she has the most profound veneration, notwith- standing her passionate love for her brother, Lord Sheffield, who is in the Opposition.' 12 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. very good plays ; but my favourite plays are Le Mercier's, who wrote the * Tableau de Paris.' His are mostly serious, and the 'Deserter' is one from which that charming Dance was taken, performed for two Seasons at the Opera House. . . . You have heard, I daresay, of Mrs. Jordan, who is all the fashion here. I hope to see her soon, and I will then give you my opinion of her. I do not wish to see Miss Brunton, for I am so delighted with Mrs. Siddons that I would not be put out of conceit with her. Papa has put me this year upon my allowance, and gives me forty pounds a year for everything. ... I think Sheffield Place is much preferable to this place, at least at present ; for putting together my rides, my dining and supping down stairs, I feel myself more of a Woman there ; but however, that is to come even in Town some time or other, and then, perhaps, I may change my opinion. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : March 1, 1786. I used formerly to be a greater Friend to London than Sheffield ; but since I have begun to ride upon Pearl, she and my riding habit, add great charms to the country. I look forward with pleasure to July, when I hope to renew my farming rides with the Author, for Mama does not take as much pleasure as I do, in Ploughed Fields and Dirty Lanes. I hope you will come to Sheffield this sunamer to ride with me. I do not know whether you are fond of what we call Expeditions, but if I can persuade you to come I will give them up to ride Serene-ly and Sober-ly. I went last Thursday to my first Play at the Hay- market Theatre with Mama, Mrs. Porten, and Mr. Las- ceUes. Papa was too busy Importing and Exporting to think of such a thing. EAULY DAYS. 13 Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : March 5, 1786. ... I am glad your hair is turned up, because I think you will look neater and better for it. Neatness is ele- gance, and in that your Mama sets you the very best example. Might I advise, if she does not disapprove of it, that you should learn to dress your hair a little your- self ? I do not mean that you should not have a hair- dresser as often as you please ; but I mean that you should know how to do it when occasion may require, for you cannot imagine how inconvenient it is to be totally helpless sometimes. ... I know girls of the very first fashion who are taught to dress themselves entirely — to pack up even, and take care of all their cloaths. I dwell upon these subjects, my dear Maria, because this is your only time. It will be too late when you are in the world. . . . Maria Josepha to Seretia. Sheffield Place : April, 1786. May I entreat you, my dear Serena, to intercede for me with my Aunt ; it is true I do not deserve forgiveness and my reasons for not writing are pretty near the same as Madame de S^vigne's. *La raison pourquoi je n'ai pas ecrit, c'est que j'ai eu le tems de vous 6crire, j'aime beaucoup a vous 6crire, et je sais bien qu'il y a long- temps que je devois vous ^crire.' Some such words she says to M. de Coulanges; but I forget where. This is exactly my case. As I hear from her through Mama every week, she cannot accuse me of indifference towards her — for my part, I shall not dare to write to her till I hear from you. ... As I flatter myself you, (through my Aunt,) have some little regard for me, I will give an 14 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. account of one day and then you will see every day. I get up at 8, I walk from 9 to 10 ; we then breakfast ; about 11, I play on the Harpsichord or I draw. 1, I translate, and, 2, walk out again, 3, I generally read, and, 4, we go to dine, after Dinner we play at Backgammon ; we drink Tea at 7, and I work or play on the Piano till 10, when we have our little bit of Supper and, 11, we go to Bed. ... I am to have Miss Firth's room nicely done up for me, and I think I have very near carried another point, which is to breakfast down stairs. Pray give my kindest love to my Aunt and believe me, dear Serena's Most affectionate Maria Holroyd. Maria Joseplia to Serena. Downing Street : April 25, 1786. I am reading the Peruvian Letters, which I like very much ; there is so much Nature in them. Zilia's thoughts in the Ship and on first coming to France entertained me very much. Do you remember her de- scribing the French as 'escaped out of their Maker's Hand when they were only composed of Fire and Air ! ' Since I last wrote I have been to the Duchess of Portland's Museums ; the time of Exhibition was only 9 Days ; but there was such variety and numbers that a Month's looking would not have been enough to see them entirely, especially the Shells, of which there were some beautiful ones. The famous Vase of Alexander Severus did not please me so much as some of the other curiosities. Queen Elizabeth's Prayer Book, composed and written, as they say, by herself, with the pictures of the Duke D'Alen9on and herself ; the Miniature Portraits of Madame de Sevigne, Madame de la Valh^re, and EARLY DAYS. 15 Milton and his Mother, I think are much more agreeable to see, because as they lived in later Times, I know more about them. I have learnt the Fillagree work this winter, and have done a Box in purple, green and gold for Mama. It is dirty work, the dye of the paper comes off when wet with Grum. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : September 1, 1786. ... I trust you will not spend another Summer without coming to give a look at Sheffield Place and its Inhabitants ; how many new things there will be to amuse you ! Fletching alone will take up a great deal of your attention ; the Lodge, in which will reside a Serjeant of Papa's Kegiment,^ sent for on purpose out of Scotland, who is to open the Gate for you in his Helmet and Kegimentals ; his broad Sword and Musquet to hang over the Chimney ; the Mausoleum in which we shall one day reside ourselves, and last, though not least, an Oven, (now building at the Griffin,) large enough to bake for the whole county of Sussex. To come nearer the House, there are four young Swans, upon the Pond before the Windows, now entirely grey, which sup- posing they neither die, or fly away, will be very pretty objects from your Eoom ; then the Deer are new since you was here. ... I have just begun to work myself a Gown in Spots, which is a very great undertaking ; but I do not despair of finishing it in a year or two, and I hope the Fashions will have the complaisance to wait for me ; and that Spotted Muslin will not go out. Pray are you as tired of Margaret Nicholson as we * Lord Sheffield commanded a regiment of light dragoons, which he raised himself, and which was disbanded in 1783. 16 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. are ? our Papers have not done with her yet, but I suppose now the King of Prussia will take her place. My family desires compliments to your family, especially the Bullfinch, who is now singing, which I interpret to be fine speeches to you and yours. I am, dear Aunt, Yr most affectionate and dutiful MaEIA J. HOLEOYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : December 31, 1786. As it is necessary, I suppose, to mention something on the subject of the New Year at the end of the old one, if I do not say as much as I ought, I hope you will understand it as meant. However, this I think, is the usual form : I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and good health to enjoy many of them ; and in addition to this, entirely out of my own head, I assure you, I hope and trust 1787 will not pass over 'till you have paid us a visit at Sheffield Place, and likewise a promise not to be gone 'till we are tired of you, par- ticularly if we do not go to Town as Papa threatens us. You gave us some hopes of your coming when you was last in Town ; I hope you have not forgot it entirely. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : July ye 21, 1787. Pray give my love to Cousin Brunette and tell her when she comes to Sheffield, she will find a new Cousin and a very pretty one too in Tuft,^ who begs his love also. To give you an Account of my Family, I have got a young Bullfinch, so tame that it will sit upon my shoulder and hand while I work, and pick the Thread out of my Needle, and is the dearest little Creature. ' Lady Sheffield's lapdog. EARLY DAYS. 17 Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : August 4, 1787. I won't allow, my dearest Maria, that your letter was dull. . . . One affectionate line from you gives me more pleasure than all the entertainment you could possibly send me, were you even a Madame de Sevigny. . . . Papa and Mama both tell me how much you are im- proved. I only hear of a certain bad carriage and walk, with a little too fast speaking, which I intend should be quite got rid of before Winter, as you will now in a Manner begin the world, and make your first appearance as being no longer a child. Lord Chesterfield, you will find, reckons speaking fast as totally inconsistent with grace or dignity even in the female, who is allowed the privilege of being less solemn than a man ; but it is like a pert chambermaid rather than a woman of fashion, to chatter fast, and it is a common observation that few sensible women do so. . . . You can hardly imagine how often I think of you. I never see anything I like but I wish you to enjoy it. Last Sunday, for example, I par- ticularly wished to have had you witness to a scene that struck me beyond description. It was at our Cathedral, which we call the Abbey. I daresay you have heard of Sunday Schools. It is but lately we have had that institution here, and at first it went on slowly ; but by joining it to a School of Industry, they now all crowd to the other, which is a necessary step to that of industry. There is a clergyman employed for this Sunday evening service for the children alone, after the other common service is over, and it is in the great Isle where you must suppose nine hundred children in perfect order, placed on benches in long rows, so quiet that you could hardly have heard a pin drop while the Clergyman was reading. Eeflect how very extraordinary 18 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. this circumstance alone ! when you recollect that most of them were taken out of the streets, untaught and actually almost savage, cursing, swearing, and fighting in the streets all day, and many without a home at night. Two girls, I myself know, slept in the street. Most of them not only ragged and starving, but without a chance of being put in the way to earn their bread. Yet here I saw them, not only in such order, but so well instructed as to have most of the service by heart ; for though they had books, I observed they scarce looked at them, and yet repeated the responses perfectly, aloud. At one instant also, without direction to do so, the nine hundred dropped on their knees and rose again, which showed they knew what they were about ; their Httle hands lifted up and joined together, looking with such innocent devotion. They sang the Psalms, all in time with the organ by heart, and notwithstanding the number, the sound was neither too loud nor too harsh, but, on the contrary, soft and affecting beyond measure. I confess, though I am no enthusiast, it drew tears from me. ... I will only remark how much this order and decency must civilise these children, and what a great step this is towards reformation of Morals. But go with me also into the School of Industry. There see the poor little creatures who had been starving and without a home, many of them Orphans without a chance of earning their living. They are taken in here, and according to their age and capacity, taught to work, and in a few months have completely clothed themselves. They spun the woollen coats they wear, as well as their linnen, which they also made up ; and they knit their stockings and sell besides. In one room you see thirty girls spinning. In another room so many boys and girls with reels to wind. In another, a loom where a man weaves the children's work. In another, thirty or forty little things knitting. They begin to knit garters EARLY DAYS. 19 at three years old. In another room, girls making their chemises, &c. Here I often go with great pleasure, and would have carried yon. I am, dear Brattikins, affectionately, Sebena. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : August 12, 1787. A Thousand and a thousand thanks to my dear Serena for her kind and long letter. ... I am better pleased when there is a Httle of your kind advice in your letters ; for you have such a pleasant way of mentioning faults that it can never fail of having its effect. . . . Papa is going to Town this morning to meet Mr. Gibbon, who we expect here the end of this week, after an absence of four years. He will find us much altered, for the better, I hope ; be that as it may, I shall be very glad to see him. Having thanked you for your letter altogether, I must in particular mention your account of the Sunday Schools, &c., which pleased me very much ; but your manner of describing would make every, the most trifling thing, entertaining. I hope the Sunday Schools will be more generally adopted, as I think they may be of great use. I wish Papa would set up one here, but we Sussex people are so obstinate and fond of what we have been used to, that I don't know if they would approve of it if ever so much use. . . . We are all turned Botanists since Sir Joseph Banks came here ; as for Louisa, I believe she was born a Botanist, for she has been fond of gathering and examining flowers ever since she could distinguish one from another. I am very fond of it, but have only been wild about it since Sir J. was "here. . . . c2 20 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROXD. CHAPTEK II. FIRST FLIGHTS. January, 1788 — June, 1791. Invitation from Gibbon to Serena— Portrait of Lord Sheffield by Sir Joshua Reynolds — Trial of Warren Hastings — Study of Botany — Sir G. and Lady Webster — The Sloop ' Maria ' — Dress— Performance of the ' Messiah '■ — Lord Sheffield's Reception at Bristol — Lady Sheffield's Pets — Exeter Change — Lady Bristol's Assembly — The Drawing Room and Ball — Projected Visit to Gibbon at Lausanne — Preparations for the Journey — Serena's Fears. Serena to Maria Josepha, Bath : January 3, 1788. My Own Dear Precious Child, — Can I let this day pass without sending you the thousand blessings my heart wishes you ? Since you are not here to receive them, you shall at least know that I am thinking of you. That all the family, even ' Mrs. Tompot,' shall get tipsy drinking your health. Indeed, I can hardly tell you how this little visit has endeared you to me. ... I do not think you and my dear Sheff have been a moment out of my thoughts since we parted, nor shall I ever forget this happy fort- night. I wander about the house and it looks empty, as if all the furniture was gone. I miss the dear mad Girl's happy spirits. I even wish for the riot upstairs at night, and want Brunette to bark. I do assure you she goes to the door and wags her tail and looks for you when I call ' Maria.' I distributed Sheff's bounty to the servants, and had one of William's lowest bows. As for Betty, cook, she directly bought a gown with her half-guinea FIRST FLIGHTS. 21 and called it her Sheffield gown. ... I had a note yester- day from Mr. Gribbon as follows : ' Would it not be civil and kind and decorous if you were to drink tea this evening with Mrs. G. and the gouty historian to deplore our common losses ? Should you be restrained by the iron fetters of pre-engagement, I should like in the room of this evening to propose next Friday.' I wrote a gracious note and chose next Friday. He gains ground every day, and walks about his room. The papers come daily, and I sent them to him to keep for Sheff. . . . Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January 6, 1788. Tho' it will be but a bit of a letter, yet as I can save the half-way postage by means of the Historian conveying it to Town, I will write three words to say how delightful it was to get the precious Maria's sweet scrib from Lon- don. ... I had your letter just as I was going to dine at Mrs. Gibbon's ; she having converted my evening visit into a dining one, en trio. Mr. Gib.'s first dinner abroad. I staid till nine, and nothing could be pleasanter than the said Gib., tho' he had been two hours in the morn at the feet of his Adorable. She being his deity, he did but right to pay her homage the first moment of emerging. I only think how he could be afterwards so agreeable to us poor souls ! . . . Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : March 6, 1788. ... I hope Sir Joshua will make a good likeness as well as a fine picture of our dear Sheff. Pray tell Mr. Gibbon, that, contrary to my natm*e, I do very seriously envy him for obtaining what I have been for years wish- ing and begging. Tell him, however, that I will forgive, 22 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. and thank him also, if he will leave it to me as a legacy, in case I should sm-vive him, and that I will promise to leave it you at my death. In the meantime you may assure Mr. Gibbon that I am so fond of precedence, that much as I wish for the picture, I do most certainly wish much more to go to Heaven, and therefore do not insist on his going before me, particularly as he may like this world as well. You quite astonish -me in your account of Mrs. Siddons' voice and figure ; but all agree in the incomparable dulness of Mrs. Cowley's Play. Maria Josepha to Serena. Downing Street : May 28, 1788. My Dearest Aunt . . . The Summer is now advancing and I do not see any chance of having you at Sheffield ; you cannot think what pleasure it would give me, if it had been possible for you to come to Town to the Trial. ^ I think you ought to have done it. We are waiting to hear Sheridan, or we should have gone out of Town next Sunday. There is such wonderful expectation of this famous speech, that I think it impossible he can answer it ; it must be, in my opinion, a disagreeable situation for him to speak in, as he must in a degree feel awkward, and in wishing to surpass all expectation, it is not unlikely but he may fail, for everybody of every sort is looking forward to that day, as superior to anything that has been for a long time past. I have not been there yet, being ill at the time Mr. Fox spoke. Maria Josepha to Serena. ■' Sheffield Place : August 24, 1788. My Dearest Aunt,— ... We have been quite alone for some time, so that I really have no events to com- > That of Warren Hastings. FIRST FLIGHTS. 23 miinicate. We have not had a single creature here to stay since we lost Mr. Gibbon. Mama would say with Mark Anthony, ' Oh, what a loss was there, my country- men ! ' I am reconciled to my fate. How I wish it had been possible to have had you this summer ! I would have made a Botanist of you. Sir Joseph Banks' Com- pany was the greatest Treat that I could possibly have in that way, and with his assistance I have made a tolerable proficiency in the Study. My collection is a pretty con- siderable one ; I have above 250 plants all gathered by my own hands, within five miles of this place. I have another collection on hand, viz.. Seals, which I must beg your assistance in ; I shall be so obliged if you will save for me all the seals that come to you, and if they are Arms, to write the name of the owner on the back. . . . I am, my dearest Aunt's most affectionate M. J. HOLROYD. Here is a very good Charade in return for one I cannot find out, and which suits the end of a letter very well. ' Mon premier est le premier de son espece. Mon second est sans second. Mais, helas ! comment vous dire mon tout? A-dieu.' Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : 1788. Behold ! my dear Aunt, a Haunch of Venison, and, what is a greater wonder, my handwriting ! I am now writing in the Library just before Supper, surrounded with divers Tongues, and a great deal of use made of them, and I own my Ideas are not very clear. Sir G. Webster is here, and has brought a Fidler (who attends upon his lady^), which is very agreeable, as he accompanies one on the Pianoforte every evening. I have ' Afterwards Lady Holland. 24 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. no doubt but that in former Letters Mama has mentioned Lady W in no very favourable hght. If so, it is but justice to say, three years never made a greater alteration for the better in anybody as they have made in her. If it must be as long before we meet, I wish you may find as great a one in me. Serena to Maria Josepha, Bath : November 27, 1789. ... I had a letter from Mrs. Carter yesterday, in which she mentions the * Lord Sheffield * being launched at Ipswich on the Wednesday before, a remarkable fine and beautiful Ship. The General, Sir Henry Clinton, K.B., sent a Haunch of Venison and a brace of Hares to the captain. I reckon this a real honour to our Papa, because it is the consequence of his Commercial Merits, I suppose. I shall mark it down in my book of Events, that in the year 1789, not only the ' Lord Sheffield,' but also his dear little Sloop ' Maria ' was launched upon the uncertain Ocean of the world, ^ where she escaped the ' Eocks of Folly,' and gently steered aright to the * Har- bour of Peace,' without loss or damage, in full enjoyment of all her best tackle. May her Voyage through Life be equally happy ! Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. London : January 25, 1790. Mevi. — Spotted Muslin Dress. The Body of the spotted Muslin to be lined with white Persian, and white silk Sleeves vdth Circassian Sleeves of the Muslin, if either long or short, (long ones most fashion- able) ; lace or plaited ribbon down the sides ; the fore- body much sloped off to meet at top, and worn with two * Letter from Gibbon, Lausanne, May 1790. 'How has Maria, since her launch, supported a quiet winter in Sussex ? ' FIRST FLIGHTS. 25 large Buckles, no Sash to go round, to be tied up and fixed under the Buckle of the left side ; the Stomacher silk, colour of the Sleeves ; the bottom strap the colour of the Sash ; the Petticoat, with a narrow flounce and deep head, which gives the appearance of a double flounce, might be worn without Trimming. No capes or frill of any kind worn. Mem. — Silver-sprigged Muslin. The Body to be lined with white ; white Lute-string Petticoat with a Tiffany over it, the flounce edged with silver coxcomb or lace, as likewise the Circassian Sleeve and down the sides. As to the Crape Dress, till it is washed and the best selected, it cannot be settled in what form to remake it, but it shall be done in the smartest manner and at the least expense. The above is the cream of a very lengthy confab this morning with Mrs. Jones ; she thinks the spangled body so soiled and cockled, that it will make the silver muslin look like an old thing. I agree with her. I forget whether you have a spotted petticoat, or only my quon- dam apron ; but, if wanted, I should propose borrowing Louisa's spotted breadth, and assisting her to work another. ... I think each of the above will look very elegant. The * Messiah ' never was more incomparably per- formed by all the performers, vocal and instrumental, than it wds yesterday. I could, with the greatest pleasure, have heard a repetition of the whole at one sitting. My Sister ^ and Bella were equally charmed ; we sat in the second row of the Director's Box, a very superior place for hearing and for commanding the glorious Orchestra ; there were one thousand and thirty-six Performers. We got in and away from the Abbey without the smallest ' Mrs. Way. 26 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. i;rouble. Lord S and I dined in Chandos Street. It would have given me great delight to have had you with me yesterday to examine the odious heads of all sorts. The Fashions are fearfuU indeed, and disguise ninety-nine out of a hundred. Lord S^ left me in Chandos Street at nine ; went to Lord North's ; never said he should not return, though he knew I had no conveyance home, and that Thomas was not ordered. When the Clock struck twelve I thought it full time to go my way, and set off as soon as a Hack could be procured, solo with my brother's footman. Lord S had walked home at twelve from Lord North's, and totally forgot I was in being ! . . . His lordship was snug in Bed ! Miss G-rove . . . looked very pretty, on her way just now to dinner, in as tiny a bonnet as you could vnsh — white, with a pretty painted border. I sent Maynard this morn, to examine Mrs. Coxe's Kegimentof Caps, but they are all so fashionable — they were totally useless to me ; but I have picked up a decent Cap at one of Mrs. Coxe's millinery friends, that must do ; it is the most fashionable sort of undress Cap, but I shall look a scare-crow ! Lord Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Chandos Street : Wed., May 26, 1790. My Dear Girl . . . tell Fletcher if the Weather should prove too Wet for ploughing that he should take the opportunity, while the roads are cool, to send the oxen every second day from Stone to Forest Eow ; but that he should forward the cabbages and Turnips as much as possible. I hope he is now planting cabbages with as many hands as can be employed. The Weather is very favourable for it. Tell him also to take care the Masons do not make use of any improper stone. . . . The Duke of Cumberland, instead of djdng, attended the Abbey rmST FLIGHTS. 27 this morning. It is true that the Duchess of Devon has produced a Marquess of Hartington. ... I have the honour to be yours and Loll, and Dear Nancy, and Tuft's, and all the Family's S. Maria Josepha to Serena, Sheffield Place : Sunday, June 20, 1790. . . . Papa says he v^ote to you on Monday. Nothing remarkable or new has occurred, except his pubhc Entry on Tuesday [into Bristol], met by the Whigs in Cavalcade two miles from the City, placed in a Phaeton and four (I wish I could have seen him) ; horses dismissed from the Carriages, and dragged to the Council Chamber, where he was received by Personages in their Canonicals. Went to the Exchange to make a Speech, which he says, thank God ! could not be heard. Dined with a large party at the Bush Tavern, and finally, in my opinion the pleasantest part of the ceremony, conducted by Mr. Ames to his house at Clifton, where he found a very pleasing and genteel wife and family. I imagine Papa informed you of his extravagance at Reading, notwithstanding that he had the fear of Miss Firth before his eyes. His Bill came to 75. 6^., and he left a whole Guinea with the Waiters. ... It seems likely to be a very stupid General Election. One hears of no disturbance anywhere. Even Westminster is quiet, and Home Tooke continues to stand the Poll, though he never can exhibit more than two figures against Fox and Hood's three. . . . Lewes has turned out as expected — Mr. Pelham 154, Mr. Kemp 145, The poll finished in one day. I am selfish enough to wish you was here, though you are in the midst of so many pleasant friends and pleasant things, for we are in high Beauty. Our Oaks are uneat by Insects, and their Foliage is more beautiful than I have seen it for some 28 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. years past. Mama and Louisa desire a million (you see how diminutive a figure your 10,000 make) of loves to you. . . . Mama has got an addition to her family in a large green Parrot, because her Birds, Beasts, and Children did not make noise enough. I daresay, if I should ever marry or any other accident befall me, Mama would get a Monkey. Till then, she thinks she has no need of one. Your ever most affectionate, M. J. H. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Tuesday Evening— The Day of Days— April 26, 1791. Ben and William Way came from the Powis Ball at two o'clock ; about Eighty People — a very nice Ball and Supper ; but William says he did not like it one half so well as our Ball, though there were a great many beautiful powdered ladies. The only unpowdered Miss, was Miss Neville, and only two unpowdered beaux. I have been charmed with the Birds and Beasts at Exeter Change,^ (where Lewis and William accompanied us,) and also the Spectres ; but my heart failed me, and I did not look at the Dagger. I felt fagged with standing and talking at Exeter Change first, and I thought I would look at terrifick objects when I felt quite stout. Louisa was quite stout and not in the least frightened. The Pictures I did see were surprising indeed. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Downing Street : Saturday Morning, April 30, 1791. Most welcome our daily food from S. P. ; it gives us a relish to our breakfast, and does us more good than ten ' Exeter Change was in the Strand, and used partly as a museum and partly as a menagerie. It was built in 1620, and demolished in 1829, to make room for the Strand improvements. The birds and beasts were removed first to the King's Mews, and afterwards to the Surrey Zoological Gardens. FIRST FLIGHTS. 29 breakfasts. . . . Last night to Lady Bristol's ... by Eleven o'clock. There seemed everything of fashion, from the Prince of Wales to all and every body, English and foreign, that one ever sees or hears of at Assemblies. I arrived at half -past nine. After ' jolisettes,' most tender ones, from Lady Bristol, she ushered me in the inward Eoom, composed of Lady Mary Cooke (the odd Cap lady), Duchess of Bedford, Lady Payne, Lord Stormont, and a few more such-like. I should have felt a few unked ^ (ask Papa to explain that word) had not Mr. Hervey flown to me as soon^ as he discovered me, and sat by me a con- siderable time. . . . Lady K. Douglas sat by me an hour and a half, and told me who all and everybody were, and I could not have had a better Historian. Lord Sackville talked a great deal to her, and all the other young men of Ton. Mr. Douglas and Lady K. and Miss Mercer were going to sup at Lady Malmesbury's at one o'clock. Lady K. Douglas asked Lord Sackville if he was going. He said * No, he hated French and the French People ; she might say he was sick ; he did not like such company, as all the great foreigners were to be there.' (N.B. A very large importation just arrived.) We had the Queen of the French's Musick Master, three Miss Chitteres, Lady Louisa Hervey, and Lady Caroline Creighton, and three or four other Lady and Gentlemen Performers. Lady Charlotte Bruce has been sitting here an hour, enter- taining me much with an account of the Eardley Ball and of her party at Buckingham House last Thursday — the three younger Princesses, Miss Goldworthy, and the Duke of Clarence ; he came at seven to his sisters and staid till Eleven. They play eighteen-penny ' Commerce.' He said he never played higher, he could not afford it ; the Princesses made Lady Charlotte play Country Dances to them ; the Duke of Clarence sung and seemed all ' Sussex dialect. 30 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. delight with his company, and said he did not know how to leave them at eleven, their hour for retiring. An invi- tation from the Duchess of Portland to us all for Cards, the 20th of May. Love and kisses to all. Your most affectionate, A. Sheffield. Maria Joseph a to Serena. Downing Street : June 6, 1791. I think, except you have a great deal of time upon your hands, I should have deferred writing till you should have fewer Letters from other People ; but as I do not know when that is likely to happen, I had better run the risk of fatiguing than of disappointing you. Mama is gone to sit for her Picture to Plimer ^ for the Angel. ^ She had a letter from her this morning, which Tom,^ in a fit of Absence, or Love, dated the 6th, tho' it was written and put in the Post the 5th. Great Souls overlook such Trifles ! Now for the Drawing-Room. It was exceedingly crowded, and we were an hour and a half hunting the King before we could catch him. I never felt the heat equalled by anything except the Ball-room at Night, which was much hotter. Mr. Bernard conducted the Lady Mayoress and us thro' Byeways to his House at five o'clock, and gave us an excellent dinner a little after six. Sir James Wright, Mr. Smith, and Col. Boyd dined there, and, unfortunately. Sir J. Wright is a famous Gardener and has a famous Garden, consequently the one subject of Conversation was, as may be supposed. Gardening. The only observations worthy of communicating that I heard during Dinner and an hour after were, that when the King could not afford to buy Peaches from the Scarcity and Dearness of them. Sir J. Wright sent him sixty that ' Miniature painter. ^ Lady Webster. ^ Thomas, eldest son of second Lord Pelham. // ■^-'^^^'^ FIRST FLIGHTS. 31 weighed half a Pound a piece, and some, ' I assure you, ma'am, half a pound and half an ounce ; ' that Lady Wright had cured him of an Ague for which he had taken innumerable infallible Eemedies, that the Lady Mayoress eat her dinner in white Gloves, and took up Peas with a knife. We went to the Ball-room a Httle after Eight, as the Queen had ordered the Ball to begin at half pap* <^igiit on account of Saturday night. We got ? ^^ry comfortable Seat opposite the King and O--^' ^^dy Dumfries and her Daughter just behind -«' ^^^y ^^^^y^^ and Mrs. Beadon before us. Prir^^^^ ^^^y ^^^^ "^^^ ^^st appear- ance at Court, and is T^^^^y ^^^y ^^^ndsome. I believe you saw her at the AF^y- ^™^^ Wilham of Gloucester, who the Newspapr ^ ^^^ ^^ obhgmg as to compHment with the appellation ^ ^ '^^^^^* Y^^*^'' ^^^^^^ ^is first Minuet at Cour ' ^^ '. ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ Clarence was so lively th t h would ^^^^^^J ^^^^ danced as steady a Minuet ^ . -p> ck in a storm, and when he turned his Back J* on Quarter V . ' r , ,, "Kinff l' P^* ^^^ ^^^ Tongue quite to the Bottom of h' Ch' to*"^^ great Dismay and astonishment of the P * s Mr y' ^^^ Partner. I must say in excuse, that , .,1 , •' Papa, had been drinking the healths of all , ' « -iTr/^n^ ^^ sa^^ ^^ never saw the King so good , n nd agreeable in his life. The Prince of Wales , n .^ i'most graceful Minuet possible, and was most ■ r ly dressed. The Duke of Bedford had the magmiicei *^ , j Carriage and Coat at Court, so much so that most supe '=' 1 V rived the Guard stood to arms, taking: him for when he J » fc> , p . of Wales. The Lady Colyears both danced ^: ^ . nd were very handsomely dressed in Silver /^ f silver Fringes. The Miss Coutts, of whom y Orapes ap -^ , , ird so much, wore very remarkable Dresses ; one has r . ' . -^ -p ' , p ze Trains and Petticoats, Caps and everything , pangled in stars, so that they would have tne samCj / 32 GIULHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. represented a fine Starlight night extremely well, and have made up a Country Dance with the Sun and Moon. We left the Ball-room after one Country Dance at half past eleven, got a comfortable supper at Mr. Bernard's, and came home a little before one, most happy to find ourselves there. . . . Yours ever and ever, M. J. HoLRoyD. [1791. In June of this year, Lord and Lady Sheffield and their two daughters, Maria Josepha and Louisa, yielded to Mr. Gibbon's pressing entreaties that they would visit him at Lausanne. >^ Maria's letters to Serena and some extracts from her diary tell the story of their travels, while an occasional reply from Serena and other friends iji England keeps her in touch with events occurring at home.] \_ Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Hace : June, 1791. There has hardly been time enough since the receipt of your Letter to hear what Papa's intentions are ; but I believe, at all events, to go as we intended ; but whether to travel as fast as he can to Lausanne, whic i is my wish, or whether to aim at Paris, I cannot tell, '.'t is a great satisfaction to me that there is no Post to-morrow, that is, no letters come from London, because P<3ople are so troublesomely kind that they would frighte.i us out of our "Wits, and perhaps put an end to our Journey, which, as it has proceeded so far, I should be very sorry for. I only hope you will not be in a fidget, as I am sure Papa will not run any risks with his whole family about him, and, indeed, it would be unkind to you, as, if we were all exterminated you must marry immediately. . . . May I beg you will insist on your husband's changi:ig his name to Holroyd? for if you change your's, marrying will FIRST FLIGHTS, 33 answer no purpose. How glad I shall be to write to you from the Lake of Geneva I for I am afraid your mind will not be quite at rest till then ; but if you do not pro- mise to be as quiet as you can, and make yourself agree- able to Mrs. Garrick, or anybody else who may have the misfortune of your company, till we are safely lodged at Lausanne, I will not promise to write to you as often as it is in my power. However, hoping you will behave well, I will venture to say before I have your promise, that without any regard for your purse I will write every other day if possible during our journey. But then, another thing, you must not amuse yourself with being frightened if you do not hear from me, because you must remember that you depend upon the Winds and the Waves to bring my letters over, who perhaps will not be sensible of the precious Cargo they are intrusted with. I would vmte of something else if I could, but I can think of nothing else, and I always write my thoughts to you. Adieu. Now don't make yourself uneasy, and depend on hearing from me whenever I can ; and when you don't hear take it for granted we are safe and well. Your ever affectionate M. J. H Papa is quite undecided. He talks of staying a week longer, but I pin my faith on Mr. Pelham, who encourages us to go on and prosper. Once more, do not be disagree- able. Mama is as eager to go as possible, and has not a fear belonging to her. Miss Firth thinks she already sees us all adorning the Lanthorns — if I may judge by the ^ff'^oi painted in her countenance. The Neaves were in and about Paris during all the troublesome time of the destruction of the Bastille, etc., and were never the least incommoded. Lady C. Bruce the same. Adieu. 34 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. V Serena to Maria Josepha. Windsor : June 8, 1791. ... It is very ridiculous to say that your going abroad makes some difference with me, and that I felt a weight I cannot describe when the door shut you all out, and when, lastly, my Sheff disappeared. In the meantime, I do assure you, I sincerely rejoice in the scheme as being good for you all ; and I shall delight in the three pounds worth of Letters I am to have. . . . This evening we go to Herschel's to walk into his Telescope. . . . t^'Wa(lu>n.9'r,i:pcutad(9'nc'>i:. CRAZY PARIS. 35 CHAPTER III. CRAZY PARIS. 1791. Departure from Sheffield Place— Flight of Louis XVI. and Marie Antoi- nette — Arrival at Dieppe— Rouen — Chateau de Navarre — Paris in 1791 — Debate on King and Constitution —Royal Prisoners at the Tuileries — Dinner at Roberts' — Apotheosis of Voltaire — Visit to the National Assembly — Noailles — Palmerston — Extracts from Maria's Diary — Fon- tainebleau— Discomfort — Dijon — The Hospital— Letter from Serena. Extract from Maria Josepha's Diary. June 27, 1791. Left Sheffield Place and in three hours got to the Castle at Brighthehnstone. Slept there. On Sunday (26th), Mr. Pelham wrote word of the escape of the King and Queen of France. They went from Paris the night of the 21st. It was not discovered till the morning, when curiosity brought everybody into the streets, and the whole City was much alarmed, but quiet. The 22nd they returned to their different occupations, as if nothing had happened. The King and Queen, the Dauphin, Monsieur and Madame, Madame Elizabeth and the young Princess went in two coaches and six. They were discovered at Varennes by the Post-Master, who stopped them, and the National Assembly sent guards to bring them back. The three Couriers who went with them were brought in Chains on the top of the King's carriage; the Queen fainted twice when brought to the Tuilleries. A Guard is now constantly in her room Day and Night. June 28. Dined at Sir E. Heron's ; went into the boat to go to D 2 36 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. the Packet at half-past eight. Sailed at nine in the * Princess Eoyal,' Captain Chapman ; wind S.E. and calm, storm of thmider and lightning from eleven to one at night. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. . 10 o'clock, morning. Dieppe : June 30, 1791. Hotel de Londres. So far we are safe, and everybody says we shall be so to the end of our Jom-ney tho' I hope the rest will not be so tedious. "We have been thirty-seven hours from set- ting our foot into the boat at Brighton, to setting it on shore at Dieppe. But that we might not be fatigued by sameness, we have been treated with great vicissitudes in this life. Calms, contrary winds, Thunders, Lightning, Kain, by turns, have contributed to our Amusement. Upon the whole, we have come off better than I expected. Mama has been very sick at times, but not constantly as poor Mrs. Majnaard ^ has. I have been quite pert, except for about five minutes. Papa quite well, and Louisa very tolerable. There were several Passengers, most of them French. One Englishman, a Governor Morris,^ was a very pleasant, sensible man, and helped to pass the time better than a mere family party. At least. Papa, I believe, got some conversation with him. Here we are in ^ Lady Sheffield's maid. ' Gouverneur Morris, in his Diary and Letters, thus speaks of this meeting with Lord Sheffield : ' The King and Queen of France have made their escape, but we do not yet know whether they are out of the kingdom. This event makes me very anxious to get back to Paris, for I think the confusion will work favourably for the sale of American lands. Eleven at night : Intelligence is received that the royal fugitives are intercepted near Metz.' On receipt of this news, Morris set ojff at once for Paris. Crossinc-^ the Channel, he says : * I find Lord Sheffield with his family are my fellow passengers, with whom I make acquaintance. His Lordship, who supposes me to be an Englishman, gives free scope to his sentiment respecting America, as all other countries. I promised to see them at Paris.' CRAZY PARIS. 37 a very clean room, and much amused by the odd figures passing before the windows. All the French in the Packet assured us we should be as safe as possible. I believe we shall go on to Kouen to-day, where we shall get a letter from Mr, Pelham with further particulars. The King and Queen were brought back to Paris last Saturday, and it is not true that Montmarin is murdered. . . . The woman of the House, a beautiful httle Brunette, has just brought us some National Cockades, and assures us of the necessity of buying them, because the People have leave to whip all the ladies who have not one. We perfectly agree with her, that it is very necessary. She talks English nicely. Maria Josepha to Serena. Chateau de Navarre. I have left the Descendant of the great Turenne ^ in order to tell you my history, as in the hurry of our journey delays are dangerous, and I fear, if I get to Paris without beginning a letter, I shall not have it in my power to say as much as I should like. Whenever I think of it, I am vexed to the last degree at the length of time that must have elapsed before you could hear of our safety ; but the first Packet that sailed was the one we went in, and that did not sail till Saturday ; so that a week must have passed before it reached you. ... I will go back to Bouen and trace our adventures since ; a full account I must leave for our meeting. The day I wrote to you we went to the Abbaye of St. Ouen, a Benedictine monastery. The Monks were turned out into the wide world only last Easter ; at present the Begiment de Bour- gogne is lodged there ; the officers have taken possession of the Cells, three Monks only remaining. The Horses are ' Due de Bouillon. 38 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. put up in the Cloisters ; the foot of the Staircase serves the Officers of the Kegiment for a Coach-house. The Church is the finest Gothic architecture you can imagine ; and the lofty Arches and painted windows strike one amazingly, particularly if Mass is performing, which does not prevent Gapers in the least. I cannot say their devotion was warm enough to prevent their gaping in return ; we had the pleasure of attracting universal admi- ration of some kind or other. The Arms upon the carriage caused much speculation, but have not been any incon- venience, as they all see immediately it is an English Carriage ; indeed, it is impossible they can mistake, for I never could have figured anything so awkward as their Carriages of all kinds are, so heavy, dirty and low. In the Church of St. Ouen there are two Flags hung up, one dedicated * Au Manes de Mirabeau,' the other, a National Flag, with the words * Force, Union, Liberte,' and the inscription ' Fait et donne par les Dames Blanchisseuses et Lavandieres de Eouen. 1791.' We visited the Cathedral, which I did not like so well as the Church of St. Ouen. The Monuments are mostly of Enghsh; the heart of Eichard I., the bodies of Henry 2nd, John, Duke of Bedford and many others ; there is a monument of Louis de Brun, Sieur de Maulevrier, Seneschal of Normandy, with the Virgin on one side, and the famous Diane de Poitiers on the other, a curious contrast. The painted glass in the windows is beautiful. There is a National Flag in memory of the Confederation in the Cathedral, and I understand there is one in every Church in the Kingdom. We did not go up to the great Bell ; the number of steps being 164, we thought it would tire us more than the sight would pay us for. We then went to the Hill of St. Catherine, walked over the Camp of Henri 4th, which commands a view of the town, and two villages, CRAZY PARIS. 39 Darnebul and Subville, which appear to join. From the latter, Louis 14th always had his cream and butter ; consequently you may suppose it is famous for being remarkably good. The Seine winds beautifully through the Valley, covered with considerable islands well wooded. It is the most winding river I ever saw. The road from Eouen to Louviers runs close by the side of it, and the country is most romantic ; there are no large Trees, but much small, which at a distance does as well. They cut up their Trees just as they do about London, which dis- figures the woods very much — in short. Nature seems quite in disgrace in the part of France I have yet seen. We left Rouen yesterday morning ; dined at Louviers and went to the Woollen Manufactory, which is reckoned the best in France, and Decret6t's is the best at Louviers, I wished Miss Firth had been there ; she would have been so well amused, and would have understood it so well. He has three thousand people constantly at work, so you may imagine, though I did not understand what I saw, the extent of the place, and the number of people employed was a great amusement. Decretot was gone to the National Assembly; but his Partner, Monsr. Pieton, was there, and did the honours very graciously. We were told at Rouen that the Chateau de Navarre was the most magnificent place in France, and that the Prince de Bouillon was remarkably fond of the English, and would be very ready to let us see it. We thought it a desirable thing to see a French Country House in- habited ; but did not know to what a degree Hospitality was carried in his Chateau. We arrived here at 8 o'clock last night, and sent in to know if it was permis to see the House. We were announced to the Duke, and he came out to us, and insisted on our coming in, though we would have made our retreat, on finding he was in his Salon with a great deal of company. Figure to yourself 40 GIRLHOOD or MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. the dismay we were in, at being shewn into the room,, introduced to Madame de Bouillon, and obliged to figure across with every body standing up, and in our travelling dresses. The Duke is a fine, venerable, old man, who for his sins has been married two years to a very pretty young Woman, who is now only 16. It is January and May to the life. Her Mother lives in the house and takes the lead. The Duke insisted on our staying all night ; he lives in a princely stile — indeed he is a Prince ; but that is not always the rule. The Foret d'Evreux, close to his house, belongs to him, and contains 80,000 acres, and is the finest wood I have seen yet : we drove about in it to-day for three hours. There was, before the Kevolution, great plenty of game of all kinds, which, since the Nation has become free, have been all destroyed by the common People. Even the swans upon the water before the house have been killed ; much wood in the forest cut down, and a great many trees have the bark cut round, out of pure maUce, and are entirely dead. Evreux belongs to the Duke ; it was given in exchange for Sedan. He has but one son, and he is an Imbecile, so he has adopted one of a distant branch of his family, le Comte D'Auvergne. He is a compleat Englishman, and is in the English Service. It is impossible to be more hospitable than the Duke is, and he is universally beloved all round the country. I have not time to enter into the detail of their manner of living, the only very striking difference from English Manners is the Breakfast ; roast Fowls, Beef- steaks, Spinage and Soup. This was our Breakfast, and though we poor English were allowed Tea, the smell of the hot victuals was intolerable. We dined at 4 o'clock — 23 people at dinner, 24 footmen and 10 men cooks. Servants take vails and have no wages. CRAZY PARIS. 41 Maria Josepha to Serena. Paris : July 5, 1791. I brought this letter with me, meaning to tell you of our safe arrival, and send it to the Post ; but am much disappointed to find no Post goes to England till Thursday, so if I am not as good as my promise, my ignorance and not my indolence is in fault. I have some hopes of sending it by the messenger if he goes to England tomorrow. . . . We left the Chglteau de Navarre yesterday morning, much pleased with our reception. The Duke's manners are quite of the Vieille Cour and very engaging. We were taken out on Sunday morning to the Forest, which has Eides cut in it of several leagues in length, in two Carriages that they call ' Une Caleche,' open all round, covered at top, and drawn by six of the most beautiful Black Horses I ever saw, one Set with long tails, the other without. We left Navarre at 9 o'clock, dined at Mantes, drank Tea at St. Germains, and arrived at Paris at 9. The road is chiefly on the banks of the Seine, which, from its winding so much, we frequently crossed ; it is not very broad, but the number of Islands in it, and from Mantes to Paris, the hills on the opposite side, covered with the most beautiful villas, trees and Vineyards, form the most pleasing scene I could have imagined. We walked round the Palace of St. Germain and went to the Terrace ; but as we wished to enter Paris by daylight, we did not go into the Palace ; it is a fine old building. We met Mr. Pelham in the street, just come from the Play, and we are magnificently lodged in the Hotel de I'llniversit^, Faubourg St. Germain. They are not the rooms Lady Webster had. I believe Prince Hamilton has them on the ground floor. Ours are up one pair of stairs ; we have a suite of eight rooms, 42 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. furnished very elegantly and perfectly clean, which is the first instance of the kind I have seen since I entered this Land of Liberty. My Bed chamber, from which I am writing to you, is furnished with yellow damask, Bed, chairs and window curtains. Mr. Dundas, a son of Sir F. Dundas, is with Mr. ^elham ; they supped with us last night. They saw the King enter Paris ; it was a perfect Triumph. The two men who stopped him, were drawn into the town in a GaUche hung with Laurels, 30,000 National Guards preceding the Carriage. You never saw any thing like the joy, that all the common People we have spoke to, express at the King's being taken. Papa asked one of the Girls at the Inn where we dined yesterday, where the King was? and what they had done to him ? by way of seeing what she would say — she said * Oh ! Mon Dieu, on I'a bien enferme, il n'echappera plus ! ' with such pleasure you cannot think. He is indeed ' bien enferm^ ' — a Garde is constantly in his room and the Queen's, night and day. Nobody is permitted to enter the Tuilleries Gardens, and we shall not be able to see them while we stay. The Apotheosis of Voltaire is put off to the beginning of next week. We do not say how long we mean to stajs but I believe certainly above a week. We have had very little trouble on our journey as to Passports ; Papa got one at Dieppe, which had some additions made to it at Kouen and Louviers, to say we passed such a day. We did not know it was necessary to have anything done at Louviers, and were stopped in the street for twenty minutes, till the right ceremony was gone through, at the Hotel de Ville. We have had excellent horses, and, in short, we have reason to be quite disappointed that we have met with no adventures on the road. Mr. Anderson, for whom Mr. Colquhoun gave us a letter, tells us Paris is divided into four parties — ' L'Aristocrate enrage,' for CRAZY PARIS. 43 Passive Obedience to a despotic Monarch ; * L'Aristocrate,' for a King with limited Authority ; * Le D^mocrate/ for the present Constitution ; and * Le D^mocrate enrage,* for a Republic. Tuesday evening. — We have been taken by that jewel of a man, Tom, all over Paris in a Carosse de Remise, which Papa takes by the day. We have walked over the ruins of the Bastille, seen the Lanteme upon which poor Foulon was hung, paid our respects to Henri IV. upon the Pont Neuf, and walked in the gardens of the Palais Royal. It is the prettiest scene in the World, very like the Pantiles at Tunbridge Wells, only that the shops are very handsome, that the view from the open side is a garden, and that the walk is a great length. I think all the French women look alike ; the great objection I have to make against the beauty of the ladies is, that they have no * shape,' as they never wear stays ; they are an immense size, and a little French woman is quite as broad as she is long. We are going to-night to the Comedie Fran9oise, * Athalie,' the last night of its being represented. By this account you will guess I have not much time on my hands, and I hope you vdll excuse me if I have, as I suspect, repeated the same thing, or made a great many mistakes. I hope you will be able to read this criss-cross writing, but the paper is not half large enough for all I have to say. Sir Godfrey left Paris in a violent hurry at last, though he had intended to stay some time longer. He and Mr. W5mdham had been compleat Husbands all the time — in English, very perverse ; what cause they had I cannot pretend to say, but Mr. Pelham says they were perfectly disagreeable the whole time. Adieu. I will write by Monday's post ; it only goes Mondays and Thursdays. Yours ever, Maria J. Holroyd. 44 GIKLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Hotel de TUmversit^, Paris : July 11, 1791. It is quite melancholy to write, and not to hear whether you have received the letters, whether you think we are murdered, etc., etc. A line from you when we are settled in Mr. Gibbon's ' Mansion of Peace ' will be a real delight to me. It is very pleasant and curious to be here just now in the midst, or at least, at the eve of an important crisis for this Country ; and though I think, from what I hear, that the minds of the common People are in that state, that a trifle would blow them into a flame, yet the Chiefs are desirous of taking reasonable measures, but are afraid of declaring themselves openly, on account of the lower order. It was agreed, at a meet- ing of the Chiefs, on Wednesday night, that the person of the King is inviolable, and that he must be restored to his former functions. Lazowski, a very sensible pleasing man, who lives with the Due de Liancourt, Son to the Due de Kochefoucault, and for whom Arthur Young gave Papa a letter, told us that they were compleating the Charter of the Constitution as fast as possible, till when, the King was to be confined ; but when it was finished, it was to be carried to him. He was to be allowed his own counsellors, and some time to consider of it, and if he pointed out anything he wished altered, they would correct it ; but when finally compleated, he must swear to observe it, or leave the Kingdom. The Dauphin to be left, with a Eegency appointed by the National Assembly, and the Queen, to intimidate the Emperor. In the meantime, they are compleat Prisoners. Only yesterday I saw the three doors of the Tuilleries, looking towards the river, bricking up, because it was thought possible the King might escape that way. Lazowski told us he was amazed Bouille did CRAZY PARIS. 45 not re-take the King, for that four determined men might have carried him out of France, even after he had been taken a great way back towards Paris. Every sign on which are the words ' Koi,' ' Eeine,' or ' Koyal,' have been painted over or effaced ; for instance, ' L'Hotel Eoyal ' is now * rH6tel ' of nothing ; ' La Loterie Koyale,' the same. In short, the people are neither more nor less than mad. Nothing can pass pleasanter than our time does, under the direction of Mr. Pelham. He lays out a plan for our mornings, goes to the Play and sups with us. He is so pleasant that I hardly remember the Mr. Pelham that was. Tom is quite a different man, and the most agree- able I ever saw. . . . He goes with us to Besan9on ; from thence he goes to Les Eaux de Bourbon, to see his brother, and then to Lausanne. How odd it is that the Post should only go to England twice a week ! I begin writing two days before it can go. Last Thursday, we went to the National Assembly. It was expected to be a great day, but nothing of consequence was debated. We sat in a very good place, just behind the President with his dust bell, and opposite the speakers. No place can exceed the noise, except the ' Societe de Jacobins,' where we were last night. You will now understand I am writing in the greatest of all possible hurries. Monday morni/ng, 9 o'clock. — I can only give you the heads of our adventures. After the National Assembly, we went to see the Hotel des Invalides, the finest church I have seen, and in the Council Chamber are all the pictures of my old Friends, Louis XIV. 's ministers. After dinner we walked in the Champs Elysees, the Kensington Gardens of Paris, where Mr. P. met us and took us to Les Italiens, like an Opera in English, pretty, lively musick, and good acting. Friday, Dr. Anderson and 46 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Broussonet breakfasted with us. The first, is Provost of something in Scotland, and a very sensible, prosy, deaf, good-humoured Scotchman. The second, tired me very much, as he is a manufacturer, and instead of attending upon or to the ladies, carried off Papa and Mr. P. to some Mills and Farms, &c., &c., and kept Mama and us waiting in the Carriage at the King's Garden, (where they had appointed to meet us) an hour and a half. We walked over the Gardens and Hothouses — much inferior to the Gardens at Kew, and indeed not to be named in the same line. The Cabinet d'Histoire Naturelle is very curious, and everything is classed and arranged exceedingly well ; but we had not time to examine it thoroughly. Went to the Church de St. Gene- vieve, now building, where Mirabeau is buried, and where Voltaire, who some years ago was privately stole into a Churchyard by night, as hardly deserving of Christian burial, is to-day to be deposited with every possible mark of respect and veneration. In the Front, in large gold letters, is this inscription, put there since Mirabeau was buried : — ' Aux grands hommes I la patrie reconnoissante 1 ' We dined with Mr. Pelham at a Tavern, the most famous one in Paris, and in the Palais Royal, which, if you understood the humours of this place, you would be surprised at. We sat as long as the gentlemen, and then went to the Opera. I have stated it thus to oblige Mr. Pelham, who desired me when I wrote to the gravest of my Friends, to elevate and surprise them with this account; but I am afraid you will not be sufficiently surprised. The explanation is, that Mr. Pelham was desirous we should see an entirely French dinner, dressed in the best style, and for that reason gave us a dinner at CRAZY PARIS, 47 Eioberts', the begt Traiteur here. You may perceive I am mider the hands of the Hairdresser, and by my writing that I receive a good many Concussions. As to sitting as long as the Gentlemen, they never stay a moment after the dessert is over, during which the servants always wait ; but to make up for that, the dinner is eternal. Entremets after entremets without end, and never more than a dish at a time.* Colonel Tarleton surprised us by walking into the room just after the opera. He is come to see what mischief is going on. Saturday, we went to St. Cloud, Sevres, Versailles, and Trianon, and returned by moonlight at eleven o'clock. We were much amused ; but it was a melancholy sight to see at St. Cloud, in the Queen's private apartments, her Pianoforte, the Dauphin's little chair, and many other things of the same kind ; the apartments fitted up in the most superb, yet comfortable, style ; and to think she might probably never see them again. To add to the insults she receives, La Fayette has placed three Tents in the garden just under her windows, merely, one would think, to remind her at every moment of the day that she is a Prisoner, or else could they suppose she would jump out ' Bill of Fare at Roberts' in the Palais Royal, July 8, 1791 :— Potage au Cresie. Turbeau. Petits P4t6s a la B6chamele. Ris de Veau glac6 k la Chicor^e. Filets de Lapreau au Pois. Filets de Poulets au Supreme. Petits Pigeons en Mac6doine. C6telettes d'Agneau a I'Epigramme. Buisson d'Eorevisse. Dindonneau. Caille. Artichaux. Haricots Verts. Choufleurs. alade k la Pi^dmontoise. Pfi,ti3serie. CrSme. 48 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. of a two-pair-of-stairs window? or, if she would, how could she, when a guard is constantly in her own Bed- chamber ? All the reasonable people are much shocked with it. The Vicomte de Noailles, a great friend of Mr. P 's, and a very sensible man, though a Democrat, is very indignant. He has been very civil to us, which is a great favour, since his time is so much taken up that he never hardly goes into women's company. You must distinguish between a ' Democrate ' and a ' Democrate enrage.' The last are for a Republic ; the first are only for a Kjng with a good constitution ; though both agree in one thing, that there is no dependance on the present King, and that he is a ' meprisable ' Being. Sunday morning, Mama, Dr. Anderson, and us went to Notre Dame, and saw the Archbishop of Paris in his Pontifical robes, say Mass ; went up all the steps to the Tower of Notre Dame, near 400 steps. The view of Paris from the top is very fine. (Papa and Broussonet were gone to see a farm in the neighbourhood.) Afterwards we walked in the Palais Royal, and came home to dress, to dine at the English Ambassador's. Lady Sutherland charmed me ; her manner is the most engaging I ever saw. I shall be 4)00 late for the post. Adieu. Pray write to Sheffield and say what we are about. I have not time. It rains very hard, and Voltaire's bury- ing is put off to-morrow. We were at the Jacobins last night. Diary, July 6, — Lazowski came after breakfast. Mr. Young gave a letter for him. He said if the Queen had spoken to the Housards in German and given them any encouragement, they would all have followed her any- where ; that the Great Majority of the National Assembly would, at the time the King went away, have agreed to CRAZY PAEIS. 49 any terms. The Viscomte de Noailles had promised to take us to the Jacobins, but a warm debate about the King, being expected, which took place, he decHned going, as he wished not to be under the necessity of speaking, as he must have done had he been present. The Koyal Family are allowed to dine together, but a Guard con- stantly stands behind their chairs. Maria Josepha to Serena. Paris : Monday, July 11, 9 o'clock, 1791. My Morning and Evening song will contradict one another a little, but it is not my fault ; it is the fault of the Aristocrats, it is the fault of the weather. The Aristo- crats put up papers in different parts of the Town this morning, saying the Fete of Voltaire was put off. As it rained very hard, this was easily credited, and Decret6t, who was to have taken us, sent us word at nine o'clock, just as we had dressed ourselves for the occasion. So here we were upon the wide world, without a plan for the Morning. Papa was going out manufacture-hunting, Mr. P was engaged somewhere else, and we were in great tribulation. We had hardly made up our minds to the disappointment, and taken off our dresses that we might be j&t to see sights, instead of being shown for a sight, and just setting off upon an expedition with Our Jewel of a Guide, who put off his engagement to go vidth us, when we were informed that the * Convoi etoit en Marche.' Frightened out of our wits, for fear we should be too late, we hurried away to dress, and went to our destination at one o'clock. And now, being for the first evening since I arrived here, quietly seated at my writing desk, you shall have a full and true accoimt, as far as I can recollect, of the Events of the Day. Madame de Villette, Voltaire's niece, who he used to E 50 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. call * Belle et Bonne,' lives on the Quai de Voltaire, nearly opposite the Pont Royal, and ' a deux pas de nous.' Le tres aimable Monsieur Decretot nous a procure 1' entree de sa maison. La Maison de Paris la plus a desirer, pre- mierement, parce que c'esfc la Maison ou Voltaire mourut; secondement, parce que le Convoi s'arretoit and chantoit des Hymnes a I'honneur du Saint Voltaire, devant cette Maison ; troisiemement, parce que la Maison etoit plein d'Enrages et d'Enragees tres curieux a voir ; et 4®°"®, parce que Madame de Villette devoit joindre le Convoi avec une suite de 18 femmes.' Our dress, as we were instructed beforehand, was white, with a blue sash,^ beautifully engraved with Voltaire on a Car, Fame crowning him with Laurel, and the Church of St. Genevieve, where he was to be deposited ; a wreath of roses in the hair ; Mama wore hers in a Cap, which was not correct. From one to four, every National Guard, every lady was supposed to be Voltaire, or part of his train, at which hour we were told that the Procession set out so late, owing to the rain, that it would be three hours before it would arrive. Our alarm and hunger, which had been pretty considerable for some time, now increased to an alarming degree, and, after a little consultation, it was agreed that we should return home to dinner and come again at six o'clock, which we did, and at a quarter before seven the Procession passed the house. Never did I see, and I could never have imagined, such a piece of folly as the whole ceremony was. They set off from the ruins of the Bastille, on * The following memorandum in the original, and the blue sash itself, have been preserved to this day : — ' Costumes de femmes : Ceinture bleue a la Voltaire, grav6e Chez Arthur. Sur le Boulevard, vis a vis Le pavilion D'hanovre, Eobe blanche, Couronne de Roses dans les cheveux.' CRAZY PAHIS. 51 which they sang a hymn to Liberty. The Procession began by some Dragoons, which were followed by part of a Eegiment of Boys, none above sixteen years of age, which has been lately raised, that ' Demon-crates ' may never be wanting in this mad nation. These were followed by Deputations from the Aca- demies, &c. ; then came a bust of Mirabeau, carved out of a stone of the Bastille, between four Banners, on which were the heads of Voltaire, Eousseau, Mirabeau, and another friend of Libertj^ whose name I have forgot. I forgot to mention two or three flags with the cap of Liberty ; La Fayette, bare headed, on a beautiful white horse, after the infantine regiment. Garlands of Roses, oak leaves, &c., were thrown on the figure of Mirabeau as it passed, and women, as well as men, clapped and bravoed enough to deafen anybody who had not the spirit of Democracy as perfect as themselves. Then a plan and model of the Bastille ; pieces of the Bastille, cut into the form of, and painted to look like Books, and old pieces of armour and cannon balls, which were found in the Bastille when it was taken and destroyed ; flags were carried with sentences out of Voltaire's works in favour of Liberty ; after these, a gilt figure of Voltaire, seated on a Chair, was brought and placed before the House. A Man placed a crown of roses on his head and kissed him. Madame de Villette took off the crown and placed one of Bay leaves in the place of it, prostrated herself at his feet, seemed to weep, kissed him, and returned to her place, in a temporary erection before the House where we were. Her child, a girl about five years old, was raised up to go through the same ceremony, and the Statue moved on. Then followed a Case with Voltaire's Works, very richly bound ; National Guards ; Deputies from the Municipality, Theatres, and Academies de Musique et de Danse. Some of the Poissardes who distinguished them- £ 2 52 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. selves most in the famous Eevolution, marched in the Procession in a most ludicrous dress, perfectly amphibious, for they were neither man nor woman. They had a petti- coat on, which gave one reason to suppose they were females, while the Coat and Epaulette appeared as much the contrary ; but the best information I could get, said they were Women. I really supposed they had been men in Women's clothes. After these and some other sets of worthy Patriots, came a magnificent Car drawn by twelve beautiful grey Horses, some belonging to the Queen, some to Madame, and some to Beaumarchais ; they had each a blue mantle with gold stars thrown over their back ; were four abreast, and led by people from the Theatres, dressed like Eastern slaves. Several Actresses, in fancy dresses, preceded the car, upon which was a gilt Statue of Voltaire, which was crowned and halted before the house, while a Hymn or two in honour of the Hero of the day was sung, accom- panied by the Band from the Opera House, inferior to the most indifferent Band of the most indifferent regiment in England. The Opera band is good because of the number of violins, but, as they were omitted, the remainder was very moderate. Madame de Villette, with about eighteen ladies, (among whom were the widow and two daughters of Calas ^), followed the Car. Madame de Villette is a very pretty woman, and an elegant figure. She was dressed in a Crape chemise, with the sash of the day, only in black and white, a Coronet of roses on her head, and the ribbon that Voltaire was crowned with, by the People of Paris twelve years ago, which she had preserved. At the back of her head was a long veil of black Tiffany, put on with a great deal of taste, and altogether she had a very graceful * Jean Calas. Protestant accused at Toulouse of having murdered his son, and executed 1762. Voltaire established his innocence, 1768. CKAZY PARIS. 53 appearance. Her followers were all dressed alike in white, with wreaths of roses on their heads, except the Galas, who were in mourning. The Procession was closed by twenty-four of the Deputies and a regiment of Veterans, who wear the dress of Henri Quatre, the Scarf and Hat turned up on one side with white feathers. What is extraordinary in them is, that tho' they are the old race, who might be supposed to be attached to their former principles, they are more violent for the Eevolution than any body. There was a great deal of rain in the course of the day, but it luckily was fair just while the Procession passed, but the Streets were excessively dirty. You cannot imagine anything like the eagerness with which the ladies flung garlands of Oak leaves and flowers upon La Fayette, the statues of Voltaire, Mirabeau, etc. It was a very curious sight, and what I could hardly have believed if I had not seen it ; there was so much childishness in the whole, and, if I was not afraid you might think I was giving myself airs of Wisdom and Goodness, I would say it was more than childishness ; for while they were singing Hymns, and crowning such a man as Voltaire, it appeared to me as Httle less than an insult to Heaven. It is very extraordinary to see how the Clergy, who have hitherto had the lead in this country, are sunk into nothing ; even more, they hardly dare walk the streets ; those who do, are obHged to wear the National Cockades and tie their hair behind. At the beginning of the Eevo- lution, the people put on National cockades upon the Virgins and Jesuses at the corners of the streets. All the statues of Henri IV., Louis XIV., etc., have cockades. Women do not wear them at all. It was no bad idea of somebody, when the King and Queen were brought into Paris, who • tied a handkerchief over the eyes of Louis XV. in the Place Louis XV. while the King passed, and, when he was gone, took it off and 54 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. wiped his eyes with it, as if he had wept at the disgrace his Grandchild suffered. Maria Josepha to Serena. Paris : July, 1791. Wednesday morning. — Here I am again. Tuesday morning we went to the National Assembly in the Presi- dent's Box, but were very unlucky. Once a year all the Deputies are called over, and this was the day ; an hour and a half we waited with infinite patience, to hear names called over and letters of excuse read, but at last human nature could hold out no longer and we decamped. We should not have stayed so long, but that Decretot had got the Box for us, which is the best in the Assembly, and as we have an awkward trick of shaking him off when we can get a better Beau, we stayed, not to appear to slight his offer ; but were much better amused the rest of the morning, sight-seeing with our Elegant, which I have learnt is the French word for a lady's Beau. We went to the Sorbonne, where we saw the famous Monument of the Cardinal de Bichelieu, and to the Carmelites, to see the Picture of Madame de la Valliere. It is the most lovely thing I ever saw, and no print or copy can give an idea of it. She has flung her Casket of jewels on the ground, and is tearing off her robes, while her eyes, swelled with weeping, are cast up to Heaven ; the expression of them is delightful — it needs no explana- tion to tell one she is a Magdalen. They now say it is not Madame de la Valliere's picture, but that as it was painted at the time of her conversion, the Painter gave it her name. We then went to I'Eglise de St. Sulpice, walked through the gardens of the Luxembourg belong- ing to Monsieur, and to the Gobelin Manufactory, where we saw the Weavers at work, and some pieces of Tapestry finished, but none so well done as three copies of Pictures CEAZY PARIS. 55 we saw at Versailles, Louis XV., Joseph, the Queen's Brother and his Mama ; they were in the Queen's apart- ments and were quite equal to fine Paintings ; they were of the Gobehn Manufacture. We wound up our Expedi- tion by visiting the H6tel de Bouillon. The good old Duke wrote to his Steward to show us the House, and I suppose told him not to take anything, for he refused two crowns which Papa offered him, over and over again. The Duke has not been in Paris for several years, but part of his family sometimes comes there. He has several fine pictures, and some very rare : Agn^s Sorel, the only original picture of her, painted after her death. She would not suffer herself to be painted during her lifetime. An original of the great Turenne, which the Duke will not allow to be moved, two fine Claude Lorraines, and some Teniers. They showed us the cup that Henri IV. used to drink the health of ' La belle Gabrielle ' out of, a set of breakfast china belonging to Madame de Pompadour, and two China cups set in silver, given to Louis XIV. by the Senate of Venice, and that Madame de Pompadour begged of him. After her death. Bouillon's Father bought them of her heirs. We went to the Italian Opera in the evening. ' L'ltaliana in Londra,' the Theatre de Monsieur. The principal Woman Singer has a charming voice. I longed to propose to her to come and try her Fortune in London. This Morning we went to the National Assembly at 8 o'clock. The question of whether the King might or ought to be tried was to be debated, and a crowd was expected. Noailles, the pleasantest, most animated man, if I may use the expression, I ever saw, got an order for us to go to the best places just opposite the President, but when we went, every part of the House was full. However, by having several friends at Court, we got placed, or rather squeezed, into a Comer, where we remained till 4 o'clock. 56 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. of which time more than two-thirds was spent in reading a Keport, of which I could not hear a syllable, but which is to be printed and will be very curious. An account of the King's escape, how and what it was, and stating all his Crimes and Misdemeanours. It is not determined whether he is to be tried or not, the question is to be de- cided to-morrow. The greatest part of the National Assembly are in favour of him, but the People violently against. It is thought the National Assembly will soon be unpopular. Bouille, and the officers who assisted him in his Flight, are all to be tried for High Treason. We are not decided whether we go to the National Assembly or to the Con- federation to-morrow ; the latter will not be so considerable a thing as last year's Ceremony, but as we did not see that, this little one will be better than nothing. Friday, I believe, we shall certainly remove ourselves from this mad city. I had not time in my last letter, to tell you any particulars of the proceedings at the Jacobins. I heard a famous Speech, which I daresay will soon reach England ; the question was the same as at the National Assembly to-day, and Brissot spoke most furiously against the King, ending with a motion that whoever mentioned any fear of foreign Countries, (something of that sort having been said), should be voted ' Indigne du nom de Fran9ois, indigne de cette Societe, et que le roi pent et doit etre juge.' The extravagant applause at this speech is beyond all imagination. The men clapped, and threw their hats in the air, and the women their pocket-handkerchiefs, for above ten minutes, and a more compleat set of Bedlamites could not be seen. All the reasonable Democrats are much displeased with the Speech ; but there were not many at the Society de Jacobins. It was voted and carried, that the Speech should be printed, and Copies CRAZY PARIS. 57 sent to every Deputy, all the Eegiments, and all the Municipalities. Will you send this letter to Sheffield ? they may like to see some account of our proceedings, and I really have not time to write to them. I intended to finish this and write to them last night, after the Play, which is the only time I have ; but Noailles and Pelham came, and if the welfare of the whole Kingdom of France had depended on my writing, I must have gone to listen to them. My best love to the amiable Trio, and if they knew how pleasant these People are, they would forgive me. My last I wrote to you while my hair was dressing. Lord Palmerston, Lazowski and Pelham are now in the next room ; but as Noailles is not there, I have been able to get through my letter. Mama tells me I have missed a very entertaining account by Lazowski of the K. and Q. I don't say this to make a merit of writing, but as an excuse to the Sheffieldites. Every moment is so precious. [A few extracts from Maria's Diary during her stay in Paris give some incidents not mentioned in her letters.] * July 13. — Went to the National Assembly, at eight o'clock in the morning ; had tickets for the Bar, but found every place full, so sat in a Box opposite that of the Kedacteurs de la "Moniteur." Keport read of the state of the Frontiers — of the escape of the King. Question whether the King should be tried or not. Kobespierre, d' Andre, and Petion spoke. Beturned home at four. ' July 14. — The Confederation went as far as the gate of the Champ de Mars. Saw the National Guards march in. Papa went afterwards to the National Assembly. Mob very riotous. Women tried to force their way into the Assembly. Deputies insulted coming out. M. Decretot has given Papa a medal struck in commemoration of 58 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. the 14th July, 1790, one of which was given to each Deputy. 'July 15. — Papa went to the National Assembly. Decree in favour of the King that he cannot be tried. De Salle made very fine speeches in favour of the King. ' Decrets de I'Assemblee Nationale : — ' 1^'\ Un roi qui quitte son poste, pour se mettre a la tete d'une armee ennemie contre la nation, est cense d'abdiquer le trone. ' 2™®. Un roi qui, apres avoir prete le serment, se re- tractera, sera dechu de la couronne. * 3"^^. Un roi qui aura abdique reviendra simple citoyen, et pourra etre accuse pour les actes subsequens a son abdication. Twenty thousand persons assembled in the Champ de Mars, but dispersed at night very quietly. . . Due de Liancourt took Papa to introduce him to La Fayette. Maria Josepha to Serena. Dijon : July 19, 1791. I hope you have received the letter I wrote last Thursday, giving an account of Voltaire's Fete. Not- withstanding all I said, I wrote a long letter to Sheffield, owing to a delay in sending which gave me more time ; but I did not say a word the same as in your letter ; I do not mean that I contradicted in one what I said in the other, but that I treated of different matters. We left Paris on Saturday morning at eleven, and got to Fon- tainebleau at five. We waited dinner for Mr. Pelham till seven, and in the meantime explored the Country. The Queen's apartments at the Palace were all new fitted up in the year 1786, and are most elegant. Her Boudoir is a Chef d'oeuvre of taste and elegance ; the ground is gold ; the compartments painted in the style of the CRAZY PARIS. 59 Loggia del Vaticano, upon a silver ground. All the ornaments are in the lightest style possible. Most of the old Pictures are removed. The Carp in the Pond are the largest I ever saw, and some are quite white. The story is that they grow grey from age ; but that cannot be true, as there are a great number of little white ones. We left Fontainebleau the next morning. Papa went vdth Mr. Pelham in his Cabriolet, which reduced us to the number four, which is rather more agreeable in the month of July than the number five ; but this good for- tune did not last long, for Mr. Pelham in the most barbarous manner left us at Sens. He had unfortunately been very busy looking at the maps, and had discovered that if he went on to Besan9on with us, it would be three days* journey out of his way, as Bourbonne les Bains is on the borders of Champagne and Franche Comte. We got to Auxerre at nine, where we slept, in comparison of the night before, in Paradise, for since the Revolution, there is so little company comes to Fontainebleau, that the Bugs were very sharp set, and were so delighted to meet with me, that, as the least evil of the two, I slept in a chair all night not in the most comfortable manner. Yesterday morning at seven o'clock, we left Auxerre, and did not arrive at Dijon till twelve at night, with only a rest of one hour at Vitteaux to eat a little bit. You may imagine how tired we were on one of the hottest days possible, and Louisa and Tuft very fidgetty. The Carriage has met with an accident, which I am afraid will keep us here another day, or else we were to go on to Besan9on tomorrow, and get to Lausanne on Friday ; but I thought you would not like to wait till then, to hear that we were safe out of Paris. Pray write to Sheffield and tell them, in spite of my terrific accounts, everything went on very quietly in the Champ de Mars. I suppose you have heard that the Decree in the National Assembly 60 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. passed in favour of the King ; but he must mind his behaviour another time, or he will not escape so well. The People are violent against him ; 20,000 assembled in the Champ de Mars the day the decree passed, (on Friday), vowing they would have no King; but spent themselves in going round to all the Theatres and ordering them to shut up, which they very quietly did. Adieu. Yours ever, M. J. H. Extract from Maria Josepha's Diary. 'July 19, 1791.— Went to the Monastery of the Chartreuse on the road from Dijon to Paris, about half a mile from Dijon. The Monks all left it about two months ago. Went into one of the Cells. Every Monk had three small rooms, a garden, a little court, a well and a cellar. There were twenty-two. Could not go into the Church where the Dukes of Burgundy are buried, because "La Nation " had put their Seal on the Door ; there being some Pictures not yet disposed of. The Entrance to this Town from Paris is through a long handsome Gateway. It was begun before the Eevolution, but not finished till lately. Over the gate " A la Liberte " — on each side are tablets with " Les Droits de rhomme " upon them. Above, figures holding shields, upon which is inscribed : *' La Nation, la Loi et le Eoy." ' 20th. — Went to the Hospital and into one of the rooms. Beds white and very clean. Ladies of the Town attend the sick. Before the Eevolution, Nuns attended them, but their Priests refused to take the Oath, and as they did not choose to have other Priests, they left the Hospital. Beds for five l^undred. Left Dijon at a quarter before two.' CEAZY PAEIS. 61 Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : August 1, 1791. It is utterly impossible to fill such a Patagonian Paper ; but it will show my disposition to make the only return in my power, to the dear precious Maria, for her delightful attention to me, and her folios of interesting history. ... I have received one from Dijon and Dole. I must particularly, however, thank you for not waiting till you got to Lausanne ; for I may confess that I should have been very uneasy if you had not kindly written on the road, as I heard of fresh disturbances, and as I sup- pose dear Sheff full as likely to be led by curiosity to see the Manoeuvres of the Mob, as to see a Farm, a Manu- factory, or a Eegiment, without the least idea of his being concerned in Eiots, and to say truth, I know no Monster I so much dread as a savage Mob. Thank God ! I may now suppose you, according to your Phrase, in Mr. Gibbon's ' Mansion of Peace,' where I hope you found him well, and also that you received a letter addressed to ' Myladi ' Maria. And now that my pannicks are at an end, I am really glad you have been at Paris, at a Period so very extraordinary, which must always be curious to you to recollect, though I must confess it was at some hazard and required courage. ... I hope my Sister will soon recover her fatigues and be able to enjoy being in Mr. Gibbon's charming House. . , . 62 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEE IV. 1791. WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. Arrival at Lausanne— Gibbon's Home— The Severy Family — M. and Madame Necker — Madame de Stael— Excursion to Chamounix — Lady Webster — Geneva — Marriage of the Duke of York — Society at Lausanne Comte de Lally Tollendal— Scenery — Sufferings of the Exiles — Letters from England. Maria Josepha to Serena. [This letter is dated on the outside in Serena's hand, ' First from Lausanne.'] July 23. — Arrived at Lausanne at nine. . . . Nothing can exceed Mr. Gibbon's attentions and wishes to make our residence here pleasant and comfortable to us. Mama has a Bed-chamber, Dressing-room and Boudoir; we have two Kooms and two Beds, and the rooms below stairs are entirely at Mama's service to receive her com- pany in. We breakfast in a room he has lately built at the end of his Terrace, which commands a delightful view of the Lake and Mountains. Much as I have heard of the beauty of this Country, it far exceeds my expectations. As to the Severy family, they have also. Our Severy is quite a different creature to what he was in England ; so much pleasanter ; the Father is a very friendly, good kind of man ; but a little ennuyeux ; Madame very pleasing and elegant in her appearance and manner, and Mdlle. very handsome, sensible and lively. If one met upon more equal terms, that is, understood one another's language WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 63 better, I think we should Hke each other very much. She does not understand a word of EngHsh. I own my surprise is very great, that Mr. Gibbon should chuse to spend his days here in preference to England, for there does not appear to me anybody with whom he can converse on equal terms, or who is worthy to hear him ; but it is a proof how much pleasure Flattery gives the most sensible people. This is the only advan- tage this place can have over England for him. How- ever, he is so much attached to the Place and the People, that he cannot bear the sHghtest joke about them. He has given me a ' scouting ' several times. There is a very pleasant set of French here, with whom Lady Webster is very intimate ; but we hve en- tirely with the Severys and Mr. G.'s set, which is certainly not equally pleasant. The French and Swiss do not take to one another at all. There are here : the Princesse de Bouillon, daughter-in-law to our friend of Navarre; Madame de Biron, Madame de Guiche, daughter to Madame de PoHgnac ; Madame de Caylus, Madame de Guigne, La Marechale de Castres, La Duchesse de Castres, Le Due de Guignes, Le Prince de Salms, and Madame de Grammont. Mr. Pelham arrived yesterday. Mr. Trevor is here, Lord Molineux, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and some others, whose names I do not recollect. The Balfours ^ are expected here soon, and Madame Cerjat told us that George Coxe was going to travel with Mr. Balfour. Is it true ? We went to Coppet on Thursday to see M, Necker, and slept there. I never saw anything so broken-hearted as he appears to be. He speaks very little. Papa got a little conversation upon Politicks with him, while we were walking ; but he does not join at all in general conversa- tion. Madame Necker is very learned, as you know, and 1 Of Townley Hall, co. Louth. 64 GIRLHOOD OF MAPJA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. talked a great deal with Mr. Gibbon upon subjects of literature. She is rather a fine woman ; much painted, and, when she is not painted, very yellow, but upon the whole better looking than I expected. Necker is a very vulgar-looking man, very like the Print of him in ' The Importance of Religious Opinions.' Madame de Stael was there ; she is uglier than Lady K. Douglas ; but so lively and entertaining, that you would totally forget in five minutes whether she was handsome or ugly. They seem to be very fond of one another. Madame de Stael is perfectly wild, and must keep up her Papa and Mama's spirits very much. She is soon to leave them, and then Coppet will be a very dull lamentable place. The House is a very good one, and the Garden pleasant. On Monday, we set out for Chamouny and the Glaciers. It will be a true Party of Pleasure ; in other words, the most unpleasant thing in the world. The Party consists of Sir G. and Lady Webster, Severy, and us. Sir G. is more cross than you can imagine ; in short, he has just discovered that he is married, and that Mr. P. has a great regard for his Lady. I really believe that he need not have the least fear about him, and that he had much better let her quietly like a Man of Honour, than one who might be less scrupulous ; and like Somebody, she must. She lives entirely with the French ; the Swiss do not like her much, and she returns the compliment very thoroughly. We are to be about a week on our Expedition. What innumerable misfortunes Mama will discover during that time ! You are not likely to hear from her, for she has not been able to persuade herself to write a single line since She left England. Such as I am you must take me, for better for worse in the Epistolary way ; I promise to be more agreeable next time I v^rrite. Don't think twice about what I have said. WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 65 Maria Josepha to Serena. Valley of Chamouny : August 11, 1791. I write to you from this place for an infinity of reasons. In the first place it rains, and then I think it is the first and probably the last time that you will receive a letter dated from this place, and if I do not give an account of what I see and do, a mesure of what I see and do, I shall probably forget half. Monday morning, after more delays than would have been necessary for the National Assembly to have decided the most consequential article ,in their constitution, we left Lausanne at eight o'clock. And if anybody ever offends you so grievously that you do not recollect any punishment bad enough for them, only wish them on a Party of Pleasure with Lady Webster ! The ceremony began with irresolution in the extreme whether they should go or not ! How and which way they should go ? and everything that was proposed she decidedly deter- mined on a contrary scheme, and as regularly altered her mind in a few hours. However, Monday morning saw us on our route with the French Cook; the first, I daresay, who has been brought to the peaceful Valley of Chamouny. The party consisted of Sir G. and Lady Webster, and the French Cook, Lord and Lady Sheffield and Misses, Mrs. Maynard and ihe two servants. EecoUect the evening when you enjoyed the amusing Society of Tom and Betty ^ in Downing Street, and you have a lively image of our fine Lady, and a per- fect idea of the pleasure we must derive from her company ! I think I have given words enough to this subject and will dismiss her Ladyship from my thoughts, when I have told you that the day we stayed at Geneva she passed in ' Mr. Pelham and Lady Webster. 66 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. her Bed, a la Franqaise, surrounded by her Beaux, the cause, Fatigue, in consequence of a Thunder Storm at Lausanne the day before. I always expected the only amusement in our party that would fall to my share would proceed from Severy, who Mr. Gibbon had always promised should accompany us, prophesying that Betty would employ every Beau she could in her service, so particularly recommended Severy to me, as he does not admire her as much as he ought, owing to her chief Passe-temps being abuse of the Swiss, or at best Sovereign Contempt for them and their manners. The day before we departed, Severy gave for his reasons to decline accompanying us on our Tom% his Mother's ill- health and some business he had to do in the course of the week. These were the ostensible reasons ; but I believe there were some hidden causes which had some weight with him, viz., a sneaking kindness for Madame de * * * who soon leaves Lausanne ; secondly, a shrewd guess at the irresolution attending our movements ; and thirdly, a due portion of Swiss Tranquillity in his Composition, which has the effect of keeping him in one place, without any roving ideas in his head. In his place, Mr. Gibbon provided us with the Person who arranged his Library, to arrange our Expedition. M. Levade is a very sensible man, and has made the same Tour with several people. He went with Henry Dawkins, of whom he speaks with great regard. If I had written to you from Geneva I should not have done him justice, my indignation being at its height from the loss of Severy. I certainly possess greatness of mind beyond what I had any idea of, because I acknowledge candidly when I change my mind, and here I declare that this aforesaid Swiss Gentleman, Severy, is now a great Favourite, whereas in England I took rather a dislike to him ; but this I must say in my justification, that the Severy of Uckfield was as different from the WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 67 Lausanne Severy, as the Paris Pelham from the Pelham in the Glaciers ; I retract — I will have nothing to say to him, at least during Lady W.'s lifetime ! for his heart seems incapable of receiving two at a time, and his tongue of speaking to two at a time, for he has scarce spoken to the inferior race of Beings in our Caravan since we set off. I am very angry with myself ; here I am scribbling all the nonsense that comes into my head without coming to the point, viz., an account of our adventures, and without reflecting that a Letter from the Valley of Chamouny, should contain things of greater importance than have employed a page and a half of this letter. Well — I suppose you looking at the Leman Lake in a map — the first place we reached was Morges, a very pretty little Town on the banks of the Lake ; then Kolle, where we stopped a little while to rest the horses ; dined at Nyon ; passed through a little bit of the Land of Liberty at Var ; passed through Coppet, where Necker hves in the Chateau which the Duke of Gloucester had ; and finally aHghted at Secheron, an Inn about half a mile without the Town of Geneva, close to the Lake. We fouad here, on their passage to or from the Glaciers, Lord and Lady Somers and Miss Cocks, Sir F., Lady, Mr., and Miss Sykes, and Sir J. Macpherson. The Due de Guignes came to flirt with the Lady W. Lord and Miss Cravens were in the house to stay ; Lord C. is in a bad state of health. Tuesday morning, Sir John Shelley came to breakfast. He is much grown and very thin. He likes Geneva very much, which is a very good thing for him. Young Cam- pion ^ dined with us. There is quite a Colony of English at Geneva. In the evening we went to a Country House near, the Terrace of which commands a beautiful view of the conflux of the Ai-ve and the Ehone and the Town ' Of Danny, Sussex. F 2 68 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYB. of Geneva, which is a very handsome one, built of Stone, the whole bounded by the magnificent Mountains of Savoy. This House belongs to Count Apraxin, a great Kussian nobleman. He was upon his Terrace when we went, and was very civil, inviting us to drink Tea with him. He asked Papa if he knew the Lord Sheffield who had written the ' Voyage en Amerique. ' Another ridiculous mistake was a Prince, at Lausanne, asking if he was the Lord Chesterfield ' qui a fait pendre son Precepteur ' ? We went to the Town of Geneva, and saw the rapid Ehone in great beauty. I never saw water of such a beautiful colour or so transparent. Just under the Bridge it is very deep, above twenty feet, and yet we saw the Stones at the bottom as clear as if it had been a foot deep. When I saw the amazing rapidity with which it rushes along, Madame de Sevigne's alarms for Madame de Grignan came into my thoughts. If it is as furious all the way, I think her fears were not without foundation. On Wednesday morning we were on the road a little after five, the disposition of our troops as follows : the Websters, Tom, and Mama in one carriage. Papa, the young ladies, Levade, and Mrs. Maynard in another. We breakfasted at Bonneville and dined at Salenches, from which place the road is impassable for Coaches. The Carriage that is made use of in this Country is called a Char-d-banc. The name is very descriptive. It is a very low four-wheeled Carriage, with a Bench that holds three people, without sides, and with a board to support our feet. The road from Salenches to Chamouny is beautiful ; many torrents to pass, some so rapid that we were carried over and the Char-d-bancs were held up by six or seven people. The ' Torrent Noir ' is very terrific. For Lady Webster's amusement there came a Thunder- storm, attended with violent rain ; which last was the most inconvenient part of the story, as the only covering WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 69 to the Char-d-hancs is an Awning of Sail-cloth, which is soon penetrated by the rain. At Servoz we stopped to see a bas-reHef of Mont Blanc, which was very well executed, and the worst part of the Storm was while we were there, but it continued raining all the evening. One of the Torrents we arrived at after it was dark, and the rain had increased it so much that the people told us it was not safe to pass it. It was a tremendous scene ; the darkness reheved by frequent flashes of lightning, the roaring of the Torrent, and nearly fifty of the country people assembled round us, all talking at once, some magnifying the danger, others assuring us there was none at all. You cannot think how well Mama bore it. Lady W. thought hysterics becoming. We and our Char-d-bancs were carried safely over in the space of three-quarters of an hour, and we arrived at Chamouny at half-past nine, wet through. A dram of Brandy was administered to us, and we none of us found any bad effects from our adventures. Thursday we went to the Glacier des Bois and the Soiurce of the Arviron. Bode upon mules. Friday, after many different opinions and resolutions on the subject, Mama, Lady W., and Louisa agreed to let us go to the top of Montanvert without them, as everybody said the fatigue was very great. Sir John Macpherson and Mr. Hawkins, the Son of an Irish Bishop, are at Chamouny, and went with us. They are very pleasant, lively men, and made the expedition much pleasanter. We were four hours ascending the Mountain, through Woods of Fir trees, with frequent views through the Trees of the beau- tiful valley and the mountains on the opposite side. Most of the way was so steep we were obliged to walk. From the top of the Montanvert we went upon the Glacier des Bois, from its size called the ' Mer de Glace.' It is a beautiful scene, and such as no description can 70 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLEOYD. give an idea of. The Glacier takes a fine turn among the Mountains, and has exactly the appearance of a very- rough Sea. We carried a cold dinner and Champagne with us, and drank the Prince of Wales's health in Blair's Cabbin, built by an EngHshman of that name. The descent was very steep, and rendered worse by heavy showers of rain, which made it very slippery. We did not go back the same way, as we wished to see the source of the Arviron again, which bursts out of a beautiful Cave of blue Ice at the foot of the ' Mer de Glace.' We arrived at the Inn at six o'clock like drowned Bats, with some reason to be fatigued, as we had walked the whole time, an hour and a half excepted, when we rode upon Mules. Saturday morning it was agreed that Sir G. and Lady Webster and Mama and Mr. Pelham should return by Geneva, and that we should pursue our journey over the ' Col de Balme,' attended by Sir J. Macpherson, Mr. Hawkins and Levade. The whole day's journey, having to be performed on Mules or on foot, the married Ladies thought would be too much fatigue for them. This and the next day I enjoyed the Scenes and myself thoroughly ; the country was beautiful beyond all ex- pression ; every body was in good humour, and we knew from one five minutes to another what we meant to do — a state of happiness we had not arrived at since leaving Lausanne. We left Chamouny at half past six, and from that time to half past six at night were either walking or riding, a la Fran9oise, upon mules, up and down almost perpen- dicular Mountains, with the most delightful view all round us. We dined in a compleat rural style seated tipon our Portmanteaux, with our cold dinner spread on the ground before us. At Martigny in the Vallais we found our Carriage and WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE 71 good Eoads again and arrived at Bex where we slept, at half past nine. The next day, Sunday, we arrived at Lausanne, seeing on our Way the Salt works at Aigle, and the Castle of Chillon, and passing by Clarens, the scene of Kousseau's * Eloise,' which would interest anybody who had read the work. As I have not, I did not feel the raptures that those would who have. The road from Vevay, where we dined, to Lausanne is close to the Lake. The evening was uncommonly fine, and the setting Sun, followed by the full Moon, made it the pleasantest Evening and the most delightful Scene I ever saw. Papa went to wait upon P. Augustus, who resides at Vevay. He told Papa of the Duke of York's marriage with the Princess Royal of Prussia. Mama returned last night as much pleased with what she had seen as we were ; but a little cooled in her violent affection for Lady W. We met Mr. Giffard at Vevay. He was going to Milan ; in coming through France the carriage was overturned and he and his Seir^ant broke their Shoulders. One of the people sitting on the top of the Coach was killed, and likewise an Abbe. They were in one of the French DiUgences, which are loaded beyond anything you have any Idea of. I have written such a long letter to Sheffield that I am quite tired. I am a little disappointed at not hearing again from you ; pray don't spare my money ; a letter from you is my greatest pleasure here. I should have told you that we are none of us in the least fatigued by the difficulties and dangers in our Tour. Louisa is quite well. Mama is still the same as to her spirits, but bore the journey very well. Papa continues not to have a moment to spare to write to any body. The weather is intolerably hot. Adieu. Your ever and ever affec. M. J. H. 72 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Miss Moss * to Maria Josepha (Chez M. Gibbon d Lausanne). August 25, 1791. . . . Although you are much nearer the Court of Prussia than we are, you may not hear of its Motions so soon as do the EngHsh : therefore I inform you that the King does not chuse his Daughter should marry, till there is a proper settlement made for her ; and as that cannot be till the Parliament meets, His Highness of York must remain a Bachelor some months longer. This he does not altogether like, and therefore it has been resolved to trust to the Honour of the British Senate, rely- ing on their Generosity in order to enable them to marry immediately. The Princess is to have the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Pounds for her Fortune ; Cumberland House is to be the Kesidence of their Koyal Highnesses and is in future to be called York House. The Queen is to assist her son of Clarence in the purchase of the Duke of York's House at Whitehall, v^hich is to be the Kesidence of the Eoyal Sailor. . . . The only Country news I can offer is, that * Lord Sheffield is taken up as a Spy, that he is put into Prison, that Lady S. and Miss Louisa are coming home in a violent hurry, and that Miss Holroyd remains to console her father during his imprisonment ; ' it has gained great credit with the Work People, for Mr. Poole went on Tuesday to examine the Navigation at Sheffield Bridge, and on asking some of the Men if they had heard anything of his Lordship ? was answer'd, * Lord ! Sir, his Lordship is clapped up.' • Miss C. Moss, old friend and former governess, left with Miss Ann Firth in charge of Sheffield Place during the visit to Lausanne. WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 73- Maria Josepha to Serena {incomplete) . Lausanne : Sept. 3rd, 1791. Madame and Madme. de Silva, a Portuguese lady, were to have given two balls this week, but the Baili:ff would not give leave. This is what they call ' la Semaine Sainte ; ' there is a Communion four times a year, two Sundays together, and the week between no dancing is allowed, which is quite ridiculous, as Card Parties go on just the same and the Bailiff never refuses leave to dance on Sundays. We go to a Party generally every evening ; they begin at half past six and break up at nine or half past nine. Some are very pleasant, some very dull. It is a continual scene of eating. At their Gouter, which is the first ceremony in the Evening parties, they eat very heartily of hot puddings and pies, fruit, etc., and continue eating Ice and drinking Lemonade during the whole time the party lasts. Mr. Gibbon dislikes the French very much, which is nothing but Swiss prejudice, of which he has imbibed a large quantity. The French and Swiss do not agree in the least. They mix very little. Most of them are going very soon. The Webster s hve much with the French and like them very much. She has not ingratiated herself with Mr. Gibbon or the Natives, and is considerably out of favour even with Mama. That is saying a great deal. I believe I told you Lord Craven and his daughters were at Secheron when we were there. Miss Cravens have been on a Tour round the Lake with Lord Mohneux and Mr. Nott by themselves. Some gentlemen who were on the same tour found them all fast asleep on the top of the Col de Balme. They say Lord Molyneux is to marry one of them : but it appears rather odd they should go without any Woman as a chaperon on such a party. 74 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. the Lake to Meilleraie on Monday. If the weather is fine, it will be a very pleasant party ; another Excursion is talked of to the Lac de Joux, but not settled. We went yesterday morning to a beautiful Place belonging to Mr. Weston, about two miles from Lausanne. There is a very fine Wood with walks cut in it, and Seats placed wherever there are any beautiful Views. The greatest part of the Trees are Firs on the sides of two hills, with a beautiful Valley between, and Cascades. There is a rustic Building commanding a fine view of the Lake where a large party dined. Lady W, the Duchesse de Guiche, their Lords and Masters, Mr. Pelham, Sir J. Shelley, etc. We did not belong to them, to my great satisfaction. I hope you will have fine weather for your Tour. I am sorry your Dog does not satisfy you ; the sooner you get quit of him the better, or you will grow fond of him whether you will or no. Tuft is in very good health, but I cannot say in high preservation, as great part of his Coat was rubbed off in the journey, and he does not enjoy this Country as much as he ought, as he does not get much exercise. We regretted Sheffield and the dance in the Laundry on Thursday very much. We had the honour and pleasure of dining and spend- ing the evening at Mons. de Severy's. Madame de Severy is called Mont Blanc, and I cannot give you a better Idea of her. I feel more inchnation to admire and respect that family than to love them. There is a great deal of dignity and frigidity in their composition, which is much increased by Mr. Gibbon's attentions. He dotes upon them. They are called 'Gibbon's adopted.' — Adieu. Pray, Pray write often, it is such a pleasure to me. Your ever affectionate M. J. H. WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 75 Maria Josepha to Serena. Lausanne: September 9, 1791. Do not start ! I dare say I shall not fill every side ; but as I have often found at the end of my Letters that I have still much to say, I have determined to take a sheet of Paper that shall make that an Impossibility, and when you have read one side you may lay by the rest till the next Post day, and imagine it a new Letter. My dis- appointment this morning was very great at not receiving a Letter from you ; but, on enquiry, I found the Post was not yet come in, so that I have still hopes which I trust will not be disappointed. This week has been a very pleasant one. On Tuesday we crossed the Lake to Meilleraie. Sir John Legard lives at a Country house close to the Lake, about a mile from Lausanne. He is a great Navigator, and has the best Vessel on the Lake. Lady Legard is sister to the famous Mrs. Hodges and the no less famous Harvey Aston, and a pleasing sensible woman. Sir John is Guardian to the Miss Grimstones, who, vdth their Mother, live with him and make a very agreeable party. Our Water party was Sir John and Lady Legard, Mrs. and three Miss Grim- stones, Sir J. Macpherson, a Swiss Gentleman Monsieur Seigneux, and ourselves. We set off at half past eight, and as they rowed all the way, were three hours and a half crossing over. We landed while dinner was preparing, and had a delightful walk in a grove of Walnut Trees — we dined just opposite to les Kochers de Meilleraie, which Eousseau has made classic ground. The Coast is beautiful, much more so than this side of the Lake. Steep hills, covered with fine Walnut Trees, sometimes varied by Pines, seem to rise immediately out of the Lake. Picturesque old Towers and Steeples peep out above the Trees, so happily, that it 76 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. is doubtful whether they would be equally well placed if much Art and Taste had been employed to beautify the spot, supposing it a Pleasure ground. The Pays de Vaud had a very shabby appearance from the Coast of Savoy, as it has neither Mountain or Woods to compare with those about Meilleraie. The day was uniformly beautiful, and we returned home at eight o'clock, better pleased and satisfied than I ever knew so many people with a party of pleasure, particularly a water party, the amuse- • ment of which depends upon wind and weather, as well as Tempers. Mr. Gibbon had some thoughts of going with us, but his heart failed him. Luckily, Lady Webster is so much afraid of the water that we had not even the alarm of her Company. She is going with Sir G., Pelham and Mr. Trevor, who is just arrived here, to Turin the end of this month, and she is to pass the Winter at Nice by herself ; the two Gentlemen return to England — this is the present plan, but perhaps before the end of the week she will have determined upon going to Constanti- nople ! I wonder that idea never struck her, as she is fond of doing uncommon things. The Comte Lally Tollendal came with Mr. Trevor last Monday. He is lately married to a Scotch lady and is going to England to reconcile her to her Friends — she having committed a little indiscretion, viz : of having a little Girl of six years old although she has not been married above six weeks ; but that is L ally's affair and nobody has a right to object if he does not. He acknow- ledges the young lady as his daughter. It is very rare that anything, and particularly any Person, of whom one has heard much answers one's expectations — but Lally surpasses mine. He is a Favourite of Mrs. Trevor's and we were invited on Thursday to her house to hear him read his Tragedy, and I was never more entertained at any Tragedy though Mrs. Siddons were the Heroine. It was , WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 77 * Le Comte de Strafford.' In general, when a Foreigner attempts an English story, they make many Blunders ; but he has been perfectly correct. The characters are very well supported ; but he has been too good to Charles, who, instead of tamely giving up Strafford to the Parha- ment, supports him to the last as his firm Friend. He has made a very interesting Scene by bringing Charles into his Prison, and Strafford being torn from his arms by the Chiefs of the Parliament. There are many very fine passages and interesting scenes in the Tragedy. He read it remarkably well ; and as he chooses to make poor Charles go mad, the exertion was velry great. Mr. Gibbon had a large dinner yesterday, where Lally was the principal Actor, and, contrary to the Swiss custom, the company stayed all the evening, and I never passed one more pleasantly. Sir G. and Lady Webster, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Wallace, the late Attorney- General's son, Mr. Ellis, Sir J. Macpherson and Lally dined here. Monsieur and Madame de Silva, her * Cava- liere Servente,' and Schomberg came in the evening, and did not go till ten o'clock ; a late hour in this good sort of country. Lally is always in very high spirits or very low ones : we were very lucky yesterday ; he amused us without ceasing, introducing a great many Stories and productions of his own, and did not seem in the least alarmed at engrossing the whole Conversation ; indeed we all ^ listened to him as we would to an Actor on the Stage, and thought as Httle of interrupting him. He is a Companion that would not suit Mr. Gibbon constantly, as he does not much like playing a second part. Vive les Suisses for that ! who, when the ' King of the Place,' as he is called, opens his mouth, (which you know he generally does sometime before he has arranged his sentence), all wait in awful and respectful silence for what shall follow, and look up to it as an Oracle ! 78 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. To-day we are to go to the Cerjats first, and then sup at Madame de Severy's, where Lally is to be. At a Party that Mr. Gibbon had last week, I saw the fellow- fugitive of Lally, Mounier ; if I had not heard the one speak, and heard of the other, I should have set them both down as very stupid men ; so little skill have I in Physiognomy, and Lally has a very heavy Countenance till it is animated by Conversation, and Mounier looks insignificant, if you can form an Idea of that look. The time of our Departure is not fixed ; but as many Plans are talked of as to our Eoute, I suppose it will take place early in the next Month. I believe and hope that we shall go through Germany, down the Ehine, to Brussels, and sail from Calais. We shall go to Berne and Basle and see that part of Switzerland, and also go to Coblentz, where are the Princes and their Army. It will be a satis- faction in a few months — when we hear of one Prince being beheaded, another hanged, and a third torn in pieces by the Monarchs of Paris, etc. — that we saw them first. Most of the Aristocrats here are gone to join them. The Due de Guiche has been here and is now gone to Coblentz, the Duchess to Vienna, where her Mother is. The Due de Guiche and his Brother the Comte de Grammont are very pleasing young men ; the former was Captain of the Garde du Corps, and behaved with great Courage on the famous 6th of October. The Constitution has been offered to the King. I am very impatient to know what answer he will give, but I suppose he will accept anything. He is so far restored to Liberty that the Gardens of the Tuileries are open, and to amuse him the amiable ' Parisians ' come in and cry ' Vive la Nation ! ' under his Windows, but in reality he is no more at Liberty to accept or refuse than before. The uncertain State of the finances of the Aristocrats is quite melancholy to think of, and nothing but the fear of WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 79 not having Bread to eat by the end of next Year would reconcile them to their present condition. Madame de Guiche, who might be called the second Woman in France three years ago, the Queen's favourite, caressed by everybody, was in a very shabby Lodging here, vnthout a Femme de Chainbre, and obliged to her Mother-in-law, Madame de Grammont, for her dinner every day. Mon- sieur de Schomberg was a Lieut. -Colonel and of rank sufficient to be Field Marshal. He lives at Ouchy, and all weathers is obliged to walk to Lausanne, and some- times beyond it, to pay Visits, as he cannot afford to keep a Carriage, and he is between sixty and seventy. All the Bishops, but four, refused to take the Oath, and there are two or three here reduced from 5,000 a year to 500, and that 500 very precarious. I should have been much surprised and rather incre- dulous if anybody had told me last Winter that in six months I should be in Company with ' La petite Blot,' so celebrated in Lord Chesterfield's Letter, and yet I have, frequently. She has no remains of Beauty, but the manners of a Woman of fashion. I do not wonder that , the Swiss are not partial to the French, for they certainly cannot stand the comparison. It is not a fair one with- out doubt, as the French we have here are the flower of the French Court, and very elegant and pleasing they are. Of the Swiss there seems to be but one opinion ; they certainly do not possess 'Les Graces.' I wish I could transport their country, at least this part of it, the Lake and its environs, to England ; they are not worthy of it, for they are satisfied with vegetating in the Place where they are bom, without any curiosity about those Beauties that lay at the distance of a day's journey from them. Very few that I have met with have seen the beautiful Valley of Chamouny. There is nothing like seeing with one's own eyes, for when I had seen that delightful 80 GIRLHOOD or MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. valley, the Glaciers, etc., I had not patience with Mr. Coxe. His descriptions were so cold and imperfect. It did not seem possible to me to speak or write about them without raptures, and yet he merely says he ' passed over the Col de Balme ' on such a day, in such a year. I see, large or small Paper, it is just the same thing. I do not tire as soon as I am afraid my Eeader will. Yours ever and ever, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Sej'ena. Lausanne : September 17, 1791. . . . When we came into this Country from France, we imagined we were amongst a happy People who had just sense enough to be satisfied and to have nothing to wish for ; but I find we were mistaken, and- that the Spirit of Freedom is dispersed over more countries than one. Things are beginning to wear a very serious aspect in this Town. I told you in my last that two Gentlemen of this place were taken up and confined in the Castle of Chillon. Several have removed themselves for fear of the same habitation being provided for them, and one of them has been summoned to appear before the Commission from Berne, under penalty of Confiscation and outlawry. The Army, consisting of 2,500 men, which was first encamped at Berne and afterwards at Payerne and Moudon, arrived here last Friday with a Train of Artillery, and has spread terror in the Town ; as, except the Cerjats, Severys, and two or three more of the principal Families, everybody here is more or less inclined to Democracy. The Com- mission of Eolle, consisting of some of the Members of the ' Deux cents,' are to arrive here on Monday, and it is expected more ' criminals ' will be taken up and tried ; but very little is known except what is seen, for the WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 81 crimes of the two Gentlemen in the Castle of Chillon are not well known. A Correspondence with the Club of the Jacobins is talked of. By-the-bye, the arrival of the Commission has been very inconvenient to the Balfours, and therefore, out of compHment to them, it is necessary you should be a Democrate. They had taken a house in a very pleasant situation in Lausanne, and the Bailiff sent his compli- ments and informed them they must give it up — it was wanted for the Gentlemen of the Commission. They are still at Morges ; we have not seen them yet. They called, but we were not at home. The Troops are quartered in the churches, in the Manege, and in all the private Houses; particular notice is taken of the Democratic Inhabitants by favouring them with a double portion of visitors, whose whiskers make them look a little tremen- dous, and, according to the idea of a Soldier I have been brought up with, they have not the least appearance of that animal. An army of Sussex smugglers, provided they were not afraid of holding a gun, would make as respectable an appearance. Nobody knows how long they will stay or what they are to do, but it is supposed to support some vigorous measure. An order was given out this morning to forbid the singing of ' ^a ira ' in the streets. You know that is a Democratical song, very much the fashion, every verse ending with * Qa ira ! ^a ira ! les Aristocrates a la Lanterne ! ' It was sung to us at every great TovTn through France, and at our arrival here, the arms upon the Coach giving some cause for it. It has done much mischief here by inflaming the minds of the people. Prince Augustus came on Thursday, and Papa and Mr. G. dined with him at M, Cerjat's house. Sir J. Macpherson gave him a Breakfast yesterday morning, and we danced till two o'clock. There was a large Party G 82 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. of English ; the number here is amazing. The Cravens, Harrisons, Grimstones, Mrs. Trevor, Miss Crawfurd, Lord Montacute, Mr. Sawbridge, Mr. Wallace and Mr. Ellis, two pleasant yomig men who brought a letter of recom- mendation to Mr. G. from Sir E. Pajrae, and several others were at the Breakfast. Sir G. and Lady Webster set off the day before yesterday on a Tour through Switzerland. An Express was sent after them entreating their return to the Break- fast, but it either did not reach them in time, or it had no effect, for they did not come. Mr. Gibbon is desperately in love with Madame de Silva, a pretty Portuguese, who has been some time in England. He courts her at a great rate, and pays her great attention. We begin to talk of returning, but no time has been mentioned. However, I suppose the first week in October we shall move, and our present intention is to join the army at Coblentz. Everybody agrees that it is very dis- agreeable going through France at present ; the Soldiers are following their own inventions. We hear the King has accepted the Constitution, but we do not know whether there is any foundation for the report. I won't be unreasonable and expect long letters, but I hope there are some on the road, be they ever so short. We have been here two months, and I have only three letters, but I will be honest and say that if it had been three dozen, I should have thought them too few. Pray give our united good wishes to the Foster Family, and Believe me, yours ever and ever, M. J. HOLKOYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : September 19, 1791. ... I SO much hke the accounts you give of the Lausanne stile of Hfe and Society, that I think you had WITH GIBBON AT LAQSANNE. 83 better look out for a little Villa for me there, that, when I can shake off a fooHsh sort of affection I have for friends here, I may go and end my days in those sublime scenes and that simplicity of Hfe, so near perfection as to serve for half way to Heaven. Mr. Gibbon's must be an absolute Palace to afford such apartments of two or three rooms apiece for his guests. From Miss Moss to Maria Josepha {chez M. Gibbon, Lausanne). Stanmer : September 21, 1791. Tres Chere et Bienaimee Josephine — . . . Accord- ing to my calculation, your return to England will be preparing about the time you receive this Letter, and therefore I must rummage up every anecdote and intelli- gence I can to fill a Sheet of Paper. ... To do all in order, I begin with the Marriages, thus : Lord Mulgrave, to Miss Lawrence ; the Duke of Athol, to a Lady Macleod, a very pretty woman ; Lord Blandford, to Lady Susan Stewart ; . . . Miss Cumberland, to a Mr. Badcock. The manner by which Miss Cumberland's match was brought about is rather curious. A very pretty Work Box was raffled for at Tunbridge, and Mr. Badcock was the fortu- nate winner. Miss Thrale happening to be in the Shop at the time, Mr. B. offered it to her; but as the Gentle- man was an entire Stranger to her, she declined accepting it. She, however, related the Circumstance to Miss Cumberland, whom she met soon after, and who replied, * Good Lord ! How could you be so silly ? I am sure if he had offered to me I would have accepted it ! ' This was told to Mr, B., who thought it probable if the Lady was so willing to receive the Box, she might perhaps do him the Honour to accept his Hand. He accordingly offered it directly, and She accepted it most graciously. G 2 84 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYJJ. The wedding took place immediately. The Lady is Thirty ; the Gentleman just Nineteen. ' Dix ans de plus, dix ans de moins,' you know, is nothing. Now for Births . . . Accidents, and Deaths. . . . Madame la Comtesse de la Motte is dead, in consequence of her having broke both her Thighs and a few Eibs, by jumping out of a Two pair of Stairs' Window at her Lodgings at Lambeth, to avoid being taken by the Bailiffs, who were pursuing her Ladyship. I think her Kemains should be conveyed to Paris, that so famous a Character might be honoured by a Voltairian Procession, the Cardinal de Bohan walking first with a Diamond Necklace hanging from a Pole ! ... I hear we are to have a Madame la Marquise de Coigny to dine here to-day. She is daughter to Monsieur de Conflans, who came over a few years ago with the Duke of Orleans. Her family are just now unpleasantly distributed, for it is thought she favour'd the Queen's Escape, and therefore she has flown to England. I give you leave to re-visit Paris before you return to us, that you may have a chance of seeing their French Majesties, and any other curiosity you may have hitherto over- looked. . . . Maria Josepha to Serena. Lausanne : October 1, 1791. Tuesday, is the day fixed upon for leaving a place which I am just reconciled to enough to vnsh to prolong my stay. Indeed, now I am accustomed to dirt and nastiness, and got a little more acquainted with the People here, it is impossible to spend one's time more pleasantly. . . . I must tell you that I am more indignant than you can possibly imagine, at the long intervals of time between your letters ; a few lines once a week would have been such a treat to me. Now it will be impossible for me to WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 85 hear of or from you till I am quietly settled at Sheffield Place, thinking of the Dream I am just waked from, for such it will appear to me : some part pleasing, and some much the contrary. However, this I am sure of, that the last three months will have furnished me with a stock of conversation and amusement for a great while to come. How impatient shall I be to meet and talk everything over with you ! Our return home is fixed through Ger- many, which will be a very pleasant tour. We shall go first to Berne, from thence to Basle, Strasburg, Mayence, Coblentz, Cologne, Brussels, Ostende, and Calais. At Coblentz we shall see the Princes and several of the Aristocrats we have made acquaintance with here, who will introduce Papa to their Eoyal Highnesses. Part of the way we are to go by water down the Khine ; but I suppose you will expect to hear from me during my Journey, and it is better to tell you what I have done than what we talk of doing. The troops are to leave Lausanne on Monday. Yesterday the Magistrates of Lausanne, and Deputies from twelve of the principal Towns in the Pays de Vaud, took an Oath of Allegiance before the BaiHff and the Commissioners ; and those who had misbehaved re- ceived a severe reprimand. The first alarm that was given to the Government of Berne, was the Feasting and rejoicing that took place here on the 14th of July. Many democratical toasts were drunk, and a Boat on the Lake displayed the National colours of France ; at present everj^hing is quiet. The Commission stays till the middle of November to try the Prisoners at Chillon. One of the officers of the Berne Troops brought twenty of his men here one evening last week, some Wrestlers, and others, to sing Helvetic Songs. Their Songs were some of them very pleasing. ' La Kance des Vaches,' the air which is forbid to be played before the Swiss Troops in the service of France, did not answer my 86 GIRLHOOD OF MAElA JOSEPH A HOLEOYD. expectations ; but I was told it was not well sung. One of the Wrestlers gave a proof of great good humour and fortitude : by an unfair turn in Wrestling his Adversary- put out his Shoulder ; the Man knew, if it was known, it would vex the Captain, who was present, and that the rest of his Companions would probably be very violent with the Man, who had been the cause of the accident. He had presence of mind enough to say nothing about it and join in the singing all the evening, as if nothing was the matter with him. This is for the honour of Berne whiskers. Lausanne empties itself of Foreigners very fast. The Harrisons and Trevors are gone to Geneva. The Web- sters are going to Nice next week. Lord Craven died last Monday ; poor Girls ! I pity them very much ; their brother was expected last night from Vienna. I will certainly write to you on the road. I do not promise a very lively letter for the next, as I shall be rather melancholic at leaving this place and some few in it. Adieu, my dearest Aunt, Ever yours most affectionately, M. J. HOLEOYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. From my own Chateau, Queen's Parade, Bath : October 6, 1791. My best of little dear Correspondents. . . . From a letter of Sheff 's to Miss Firth I find I am to direct this to Brussels. ... I very much approve of your intended Tour home, as I think you will then have seen the best you could, and it is perhaps the safest ; but I confess I now begin to have the ' fidgets,' and shall rejoice when you are once more on dear English ground, escaped from all the mad regions you have gone through. Perhaps, indeed, there never was a period which would have afforded you such curious, interesting Scenes ; but scarce WITH GIBBON AT LAUSANNE. 87 any less safe. The present state of Lausanne seems very extraordinary, and your account is wonderfully clear, &c. At the moment when the Constitution of Paris is supposed settled, it appears to be most likely to be the contrary, for I am told the number of Emigrants to join the Princes has been so great since all that was settled, that the Nation — or the Legislation — have drawn a line round to keep them at home. This looks unpleasant, and I do wish my dear Sheffs in their own beautiful, happy, peaceful Chateau at S. P. When I hear it, I will illumi- nate for joy. 88 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEK V. 1791. ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. Homeward journey — Berne — Basle — Strasburg — Arrest of officers — The new National Assembly — Adventures on the road — Mannheim — Embarkation on board the Rhine boat — Disasters — The Aristocrats — Through Belgium — Departure from Calais — Trials en voyage — Joyful home-coming — Lady Webster's letter from Nice— Gibbon to Maria Josepha — ' Old Nick's ' letter — Lady Craven — The Orleans Princesses — Madame de Genlis — Pamela — Lavater's remarks on Lord Sheffield's picture — His nose — ' Caroline de Lichfield.' Maria Josepha to Serena. Strasburg : Oct. 12, 1791. Does not the Idea that we are actually on the road to England give you a sensation as if we were to meet in a short time? And yet, in fact, where is the difference whether the distance is 600 or 100 miles, if any distance at all exists between us ? I was very much disappointed indeed, and not a little anxious at not hearing from you before I left Lausanne, which I did last Tuesday se'ennight, at the time with great reluctance ; I say at the time, for I should be quite indig- nant if any body suspected me of a fixed reluctance to return to my own, dear native Country, like which I have seen nothing ; but can one leave Eriends possibly one may never see again, and who have shown one great and uniform attention, without a little regret ? The Severy family improved upon me every day. We have not come the direct road from Lausanne to Strasburg ; but made several delightful excursions. We ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 8^ stayed two days at Berne, from whence we made a very pleasant expedition to the Lac de Thun. The country from Berne there, is one continued Pie asm-e ground, laid out with the greatest taste by that excellent Gardener, Nature. How can I have patience with the Fir Grove, after the magnificent Forests of Pines I have been accustomed to ! The Conseiller Fischer, who is at the head of the Commission at Lausanne, gave Papa a letter of introduc- tion to his wife. She was at a Country house, on the banks of the Lac de Thun. It is in a deHghtful situation ; the snowy Mountains of Switzerland appear quite close, though above seventy miles distant. M. Fischer gave Papa several letters for people at Berne. You cannot think what great friends they were at Lausanne. One of the gentlemen we saw at Berne was a Mr. Friedenreich, who is very well acquainted with Mr. Bowdler. I do not recollect whether you correspond with Mr. Coxe ? If you .do, pray tell him how much I am obliged to him for two things, introducing us to Mr. Wyttenbach, and sending us into the Valley of Munster. Mr. W. has given me near one hundred Alpine plants, and promised to send me more, when he has time to look over his 'Herbier.' We had a great deal of botanical conversation, and he has given me a great deal of infor- mation on the subject. I have myself collected several plants on my journey. Mr. W. is as obliging as Sir Joseph Banks. Can I say more ? But this has broken the thread of my narrative. Berne is the handsomest Town I have seen, and the Houses are all of Stone, built upon Arcades which are very pleasant to walk under. ^ From Berne we went to Bienne and to the Isle of Pierre. It is a very pretty spot ; ^ ' Walked on the ramparts. Four Bears, two old ones and two young ones, kept irl the ditch. The two old ones very large.' — Extract from Maria's Diary. 90 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. but its greatest merit is having been the residence of Eousseau ; without that, it certainly would not be so much celebrated. The Environs of the Lake are very poor in comparison to the Lake of Geneva. We wrote our names in Eous- seau's Bed-Chamber — a miserable little room without fur- niture. From Bienne we came to Basle in two days, sleeping at Moutier in the valley of Munster, a more beautiful spot than which I have not seen, not even in our Tour to the valley of Chamouny. I imagined myself a thousand miles from any habitation, so wild and romantic is the road the whole way through the valley. The road is very excellent, but put Mama's fortitude to a trial, as there is but just room for it between the Eocks and the Precipice, at the foot of which is a very rapid river. "We walked great part of the way, which I was very glad of, as it gave me an opportunity of Plant hunting. A number of Castles, some very perfect, others quite in ruins, are placed on almost perpendicular Eocks on each side of the road, between the valley of Munster and Basle ; I counted eight. We stayed at Basle a whole day, which we employed in visiting the Library and the Gardens of Arlesheim. We were at * Les trois Eois,' which you may have heard mentioned because of the Gallery which is open to the Ehine. It is an excellent Inn. Lord Craven and his sisters, attended by Lord Molyneux and Mr. Nott, came there the day after us, on their way home to England. From Basle we came to Strasburg, on the French side the Eiver, without any difficulty. They are much quieter here than in the other part of France. We walked over the Fort of Huningue, near Basle, on our way here. From this place we go by land to Mayence, and then go down the Ehine to Cologne, staying two or three days at Coblentz vdth the Princes and their Army of Officers, for I believe their ACROSS PEETURBED EUROPE. 91 number of Soldiers is very small. At Cologne we shall find our Friend the Marechal de Castries and his family ; but I shall write before we get there, so that I need not inform you of what we shall do, but of what we have done. The greatest part of the Officers here are Aristo- crats, and the Sunday before we came, at the Play of * Bichard, Coeur de Lion,' there was a great disturbance in the Theatre, during the famous Song which began the Riots at Versailles at the beginning of the Revolution, ' Richard ! mon Roi ! ' They are suspected of having placed people in the Pit, who applauded the Song before it was finished, which displeased the good Patriots, and a disturbance followed which was ended by sending ten of the Aristocrat applauders to Prison. On Tuesday, three officers were taken up, who are sus- pected to belong to the Army on the other side the river. They were at the Play wrapped up in great Coats, their hats flapped over their faces and their hair cut short, which is the fashion among the Princes' officers, and they seemed to avoid observation. The account they give of themselves is, ihat they belong to one of the Regiments at Besan9on, but that they have left the Garrison without leave from the commanding officers. They are in con- finement till an answer is had from Besan9on about them. If they are what they are suspected to be, I should not be fond of being in their situation. Three of the Citizens of this place, whose affairs carried them across the Rhine, have been ill used by the Aristocrats, and the danger is, they should make reprisals. We are not likely to be at a loss for amusement in the Political way in France. The new National Assembly have debated and passed a decree, to take away the title of 'Majesty' from the King, as only belonging to the People ; but they were obliged to reverse this next day, as the National Guards, jealous of the new Assembly, said 92 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. they made the Kevolution, and would make a Counter Eevolution if any innovations were attempted. There were many turbulent but clever people in the old N. A., who no doubt will make it their business to inflame the minds of the people against the new one, ' pour passer le Temps ; ' being too much accustomed to make and break laws and customs, to sit down contented with ' La belle Constitution ' they have formed. Mama regrets that She is not able to write to you. I assure you it is not for want of inclination. As to Papa, you may imagine that his desire for Information takes up every moment of his time. I have so much pleasure in writing to you, that the Task falls most naturally upon me. Ever yours, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Sei^ena, Bonn : October 23, 1791. I hope you have received a letter I wrote from Strasburg, with our history up to that time. The sequel will furnish more Adventures. Your dear long letter came to Lausanne after we left it, but was sent after us to Coblentz : a thousand thanks for it. . . . I do not know if I mentioned that Papa was intro- duced at Strasburg to the Comte de Paravicini, a Grisons officer, who is married to an English woman, Miss Byron. What could tempt a native of England to leave that country to bury herself in the Grisons, or go from one Garrison to another, I cannot guess ; it supposes great merit in her choice. He is a Gentlemanlike man, and was very civil to us in shewing us the Town, and did the honours of the Troops, Artillery, and all that kind of thing, to Papa, who was very much pleased with dining with the ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 93 Colonel of a Eegiment of Carabineers. You would be astonished to hear how well he has brushed up his French, which has lain dormant for a quarter of a century. ^ We left Strasburg October 15, and continued on the French side of the river, as we were told all the Inns on the German side were full of 'Fuyards.' However, we « repented, as we found the roads very bad, the Country flat and insipid, and when we arrived at the place where we were to sleep, only one room to be had in the Inn ; and we all, including Papa, slept in three beds, and by the help of Curtains and putting out the Candles, our delicacy did not suffer. I should tell you that we passed through a very large Forest above ten miles in width; it rained incessantly, the roads were very bad, and it was late in the evening. It appeared to us as if the Postilions did not know the way ; in short, you may imagine Mama's consterna- tion. I beheve we have the merit of having visited an unknown, or at least unfrequented country, for judging from the astonishment and admiration with which the People at Germersheim (near Spires, where we slept) viewed us, I should think we are the first family who have been so unfortunate as to travel that road. When we got into the Inn, everybody crowded from every corner to look at us, and the room where we sat for some time was quite full of Spectators. We bore it with great patience, as we hoped some abatement would be made in the bill, as it was very hard to be shewn for nothing ; but the exorbitance of the account next morning un- deceived us. The 16th we breakfasted at Spires, a very ugly Town, which has never recovered being destroyed when the Palatinate was laid waste by Louis XIV. My indignation was raised to see the ruins of many fine Buildings, and several Monuments in the Cathedral quite 94 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLRO^D. broken and destroyed by Civilised People, and it is the same in several other Towns we passed through. We arrived at Mannheim at two o'clock, and went to the Elector's Palace. He has a very fine Gallery of Pic- tures, and a magnificent Library, containing one hundred thousand volumes, and many curious Manuscripts. The Church of the Jesuits is a very handsome Church. Papa went to the Theatre in the evening. Mannheim is a very handsome Town, and, as well as all the German Towns we have seen, has the appearance of a French Garrison from the numbers of officers dispersed everywhere. The 17th we breakfasted at Worms, where the Prince de Conde and his Family reside in the Episcopal Palace, and arrived at Mayence in the Evening, quite out of humour with German Post Horses and Post Masters. We could not get a good Boat at Mannheim. In the Morning of the 18th we hired a Boat, and saw the World while our Baggage was loading. The Elector's Palace is very handsomely furnished ; there is a small Cabinet furnished entirely with Looking-Glasses, and an oval Glass in the centre of the Ceiling that has a very pretty effect. The Library is very small compared to the Elector Palatine's, but for elegance of furniture I have seen nothing equal to the House belonging to the Grand Prevot. Those good Priests take excellent care of themselves. Most of the rooms receive light from the top, which will not perhaps give you an idea of comfort to live in ; but to see only, it had a very good effect, as in all the places where there should have been windows in the Kecesses, were Sofas and large Plate Glasses behind. The quantity of Glass in all the Houses abroad is one great superiority over English houses. In every thing else, comfort particularly, how inferior ! Every part of the Prevot's was furnished with the greatest taste and elegance. We went to a Summer Eesidence of the Elector's near ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 95 the Town, and two or three Churches, and left Mayence about two. Our Boat has one room with Benches round it and a Table in the middle, a place for the Coach, and when the weather is fine we can go out upon the Top ; but we have been very unlucky in the weather, as it has rained almost incessantly for the last week or ten days. We went as far as Bingen that day, and the day after, the 19th, got to Coblentz, delighted with all we had seen in the course of the voyage. The banks of the Ehine are romantic and wild to the greatest degree, and a fine Ruin or a picturesque village presented itself every half mile. Now for our Disasters. "When we arrived at Coblentz we stayed in the Boat till we knew where we could pro- cure Lodgings. After the Servants had inquired at every Inn in the Town, and at many private Houses, we could only have one miserable room without a bit of Pumiture, and only one Bed, without Curtains. This was just better than Nothing, and we four women adjusted ourselves as well as we could on Mattresses upon the Ground ; Mama occupying the Bed, which broke down as soon as she got in. Papa slept in the Boat, as there was no place for him to dress and undress in, the House was so full. The next day, with great difficulty, we procured three Garrets, Hterally without a Table or Chair, but with this acquisition we thought ourselves very happy, though still obhged to sleep on the ground. In this Palace we slept . three nights, and I cannot undertake a description of the disagreeable time I passed there. It is easier imagined or felt than described ; you may guess it was not the bad accommodations I objected to. . . . I was very glad Papa had an opportunity of seeing all the Aristocrats. He was acquainted with the Due de Guiche at Lausanne, who introduced him at Court to the Elector, Monsieur, Madame, the Comte d'Artois, the 96 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Prince of Conde, the Marshal BrogHe, and many other considerable People. There are near one thousand of the Garde de Corps now at Coblentz, and between two and three thousand Officers. The Empress of Russia has sent Count Eomanzow with credentials, and a supply of money to the Princes. It is said that much Jealousy and many divisions reign in the Council of Coblentz, and that the Queen is more afraid of the Comte d'Artois than of the National Assembly. I think we shall soon see some more Events, Comical or Tragical in France. The people do not like the new N. A. They are more wild than the old, a thousand times. Many of them have got an idea of an agrarian law, and they talk of removing themselves to some other place, and of a Bankruptcy. We left Coblentz yesterday, and came as far as this place, the residence of the Elector of Cologne. To-day we go to Cologne ; we shall be in England about the end of the first week in November. If I take you at your word and write oftener than you like, you must take the Punishment of telling Stories, and not make me so vain another time. I am sorry to say I have not so much merit in writing as I should like to have ; it is my greatest Amuse- ment of an evening, and prevents me from thinking. Adieu, believe me ever, most sincerely yours affec- tionately, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. Brussels: October 29, 1791. I believe I wrote from Bonn, but as I have written several Letters on the road, if I should recapitulate or make a chasm you must not be angry. Sunday, 23rd, we left Bonn, first going to see the Elector of Cologne's Palace. We went the night before, ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 97 but had not time to see it thoroughly. He has a good Library and a Cabinet of Natural History, very well ar- ranged. There are two very fine rooms : one, the Concert room, 184 ft. by 50, and a very handsome Gallery, 270 by 36. The latter has eighteen windows on each side, the other twelve, commanding a fine view of the Country, which is very beautiful. The Town is very handsome from the Eiver, but the streets are narrow and dirty. We travelled to Cologne the same day before one o'clock, and went to see the Cathedral, St. Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins, and other curiosities of the Town, of which there are not many. It is the dirtiest, ugHest, and most dismal-looking Town I have seen. Papa was in hopes of meeting with the Mar^chal de Castries, but he was gone to Brussels, so we left Cologne, Monday 24th, and slept at Juliers. Tuesday, we passed through Aix-la-Chapelle, and slept at Liege, which is a very large and handsome Town. Wednesday, we went to Louvain, and Thursday, came to Brussels. The Town is so full of Strangers that we were not able to get lodgings in the best Hotels — that is, those in the pleasantest situa- tions ; but we were very lucky in arriving at this Hotel, * rimperatrice,' just as the Princesse de Salms was going, so we have her Suite of Booms, which are excellent ones, and certainly, had we been an hour later, would have been let. Brussels is a beautiful Town, not only in comparison with what we have seen lately, but even with Paris. My prejudices will not suffer me to say, equal to London ; but, indeed, impartially speaking, I have seen no Town to compare with London for the width of the Streets and the uniformity of the Houses, though there are many separate buildings in most of the principal Towns, that one may acknowledge very handsome. The Archduchess and her Spouse have a dehghtful Palace about a league from Brussels, which we went to see yesterday. It is fitted up 98 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. witli more taste than any Palace we have seen, and com- pleatly comfortable, which all Palaces are not. We have not lost a moment's time since we have been here, but have seen a great deal. I was much delighted, and felt a strong temptation to steal at the Arsenal, where we saw the armom: of Charles V., the Duke of Alva, Alexander Farnese, Prince of Parma, and the sword of Francis I. when taken Prisoner at the battle of Pavia. I longed to bring away some Kelick of these great Men. I was very desirous of returning through Flanders, as it is an in- teresting Country, from having been the scene of many Battles, &c. How much more entertainment I shall find in History than ever I did before, from having seen the very places I read of ! We leave Brussels to-morrow, go to Mahnes, Antwerp, Ghent, Ostende, Dunkirk, and Calais, at which last place we shall probably arrive next Thursday. The Sunday after, we shall, I hope, reach Sheffield. I feel nothing but Delight and Pleasure in the idea of returning home. I should only wish for the return of Mama's spirits; so much I feel the loss of them, that it seems as if there was nothing beyond to wish for ; and yet — was I of that opinion when she was quite well ? There are no two things I am so much convinced of as that, one point gained, another (in Idea) as necessary for one's happiness remains to be wished for, and that one knows the value of few things till they are gone for ever. I should not laugh at moralizing now. I am quite in the humour for it. Adieu, my dear Aunt, and Believe me ever in the humour to love you sincerely, though I may have raised doubts in your mind sometimes on that head. I shall not write again till I tell you we are on English ground. When you write to Mrs. Carter, will you give my love to her, and tell her I thought of her at Cologne. Once on a time, when I did not think it likely I should go ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 99 there, she desired me to get some Eau de Cologne if I went. I went ! I saw ! I bought ! Latinize that, and it will be a good pendant for Caesar's motto. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : November 2, 1791. . . . There must be a letter to meet my best of all sweet correspondents, to thank her a thousand times for the dehght she has given me by her accounts, so pleasant in all respects and so very interesting to me in particular. I long for a line on English ground. . . . Thank my dear Sheff for his Letter of PoHtics, notwithstanding the affronts in it, which I bear with great philosophy. Maria Josepha to Serena. Calais : November 4, 1791. This is to inform you that we hope to arrive safe at Dover sometime to-morrow ; but, seriously, I think it is better to write from this place if you vnsh to see more than four Hues, and have an account of our Life and adventures since I wrote last ; so you will please to con- clude when you receive this, that we are happily returned to our native shore ; and if you receive a Frank with half the pleasure I write from the sea-shore, hoping every hour to sail for England, you will be very happy, and I shall be still more delighted to add a word or two at Dover, giving an account of Sickness Past. At present the wind is against us, but we live in hopes of its changing. We go with Captain Sampson of the ' British Fair.' His vessel is reckoned an excellent Sailer, and ho is very careful and civil. We left Brussels October 30tb, and went to Antwerp, where I have been more amused H 2 100 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYI). than at any place in the Journey, from the number of fine Collections of Pictures and the excellent Paintings in the Churches by Keubens and Vandyke. We arrived there at one o'clock, and left it the next day at the same hour, during which time we saw a great deal. 31st. we went to Ghent, and saw some more Churches and Pictures the next Morning before we set off for Ostende. It was a great Fete, and at Bruges, where we stopped in our way to Ostende, we saw the Bishop in all his Glory, saying Mass : Crozier and Mitre into the Bargain, which I did not know was ever worn but in a Picture. It was Ail Saints' Day, which is, I believe, the greatest Day with the Eoman Catholics. All the Churches we went into were quite full. All the Chapels even open, and the People seemed quite alive. Last Wednesday we went to Furnes ; we intended to have gone to Dunkirk, but the Gates shut early, and we could not arrive in time. Yesterday we came here, and here ends the history of my Travels, which I conclude with infinite pleasure. The recollection of what I have seen will give me much pleasure and amusement, and yet I have had enough not to wish to prolong my stay abroad. Indeed, all the Pleasure must be in Recollection, for there has been but little in Actual Enjoyment. Pray write to me immediately, that I may see a Letter from you directed to Sheffield. We were much concerned to see by the papers the * Aquilon's ' Voyage is delayed. I hope the Fosters were not much alarmed ; as Newspapers love exaggeration, possibly the danger was not so great as they represent it. The account said the Vessel was at Ply- mouth to refit. I am afraid it has vexed you. I cannot write a longer letter. I can only ask myself, ' Is it possible we are returned to England ? ' I have often enquired of this same person, ' How was it possible any one of the party could ever think of coming abroad ? ' Particularly the one who was most anxious for it, and has been most ACEOSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 101 dissatisfied with it. I am in such an Agitation of Pleasure and a hundred Ideas that I can hardly write legibly or spell intelligibly. Adieu, I hope soon to add an account of our Passage. Ever most affiy. yours, M. J. HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Dover : Nov. 7, 1791. The night of the 6th October was a memorable one to the King and Queen, and that of the 6th November will be equally so to us. I cannot do justice to the scene, but if I state particulars you may set your Imagina- tion to work. We sailed yesterday morning at 9 o'clock, after waiting three days for a favourable wind, and owing to a perfect calm were 24 hours on the passage. This was the least of our Disasters. 2dly, Mrs. Maynard was brought to bed last night of a fine girl at 9 o'clock in the Packet Boat. 3dly, We shall probably dine with you on Wednesday; and 4thly, Believe me ever affectionately yours, and out of my wits for joy to be so near home, M. J. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : November, 1791. Oh ! the delight of seeing dear Sheff 's frank again. It is this instant arrived. . . . Once more God bless you, and beheve that of all fatigues I shall least tire of loving you. S. H. Lady Webster, {afterwards Lady Holland), to Maria Josepha. Nice : November 3, 1791. My Dear Maria, — To prove to you that you have not wasted your time upon one who is not capable of Esti- 102 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROifD. mating its value, I instantly return you my Sincerest Thanks for having employed it so, and you will admit it is not lost when it has made me so happy — particularly from hearing that Lady Sheffield is well and courageous. So, little thing, have done with Sneers. I am glad you are amused with your Journey, indeed you must have been as obstinately bent on being dissatisfied as you were about disliking Lausanne, not to have admired the Country ; but as we are a variable Sex, even if you had Eesolution to Dislike it, the Eesolution would not have held you stronger than a Certain Determination, which I trust you will allow proved Putile at last. So much for dear Lausanne — excepting, by the bye, to tell you that I did not stay a week after you, not much more than 48 hours, in which period I did not see Gibbon, as I stayed at home. Severy said many kind things about you all, and supped with us, and my parting from the poor Due de Guisnes affected me very much, as he really had Endeared himself to me from his pleasing, engaging attention. . . . Pel- ham set off for Paris, but hearing on his route that there were disturbances where we were going, he returned and joined us at Pont St. Esprit. Our Journey here was fatiguing and dangerous ; the Mountains are Infested by Robbers who commit Depre- dations upon the unwary Travellers, but we did not come under that Description, as we had two Marechaussee * armes jusqu'aux Dents,' So, came very safe. This place is vastly pretty, the Town handsome and the comble of my Climax is the Glorious Climate, which is beyond every- thing, and I am convinced Medea's Kettle had no Charm but the transporting of a Poor Mortal from a foggy Hole (for instance like Sheffield or Battle) into this Invigorating air. ... I beg you will tell me how Lady Sheffield's spirits are and whether hearing from me will Fatigue her : but at all Events unless you are Cruel, I shall not Ee- ACROSS PERTUEBED EUROPE. 103 linquish you as a Correspondent and I am a very punctual one, so in that Case you must Recollect that Letters are 3 weeks coming, so don't delay your answers, Edward Gibbon to Maria Josepha. Lausanne : Nov. 9, 1791. Gulliver is made to say in presenting his interpreter, * My tongue is in the mouth of my friend.' Allow me to say with proper expressions and excuses * my pen is in the hand of my friend ; ' and the aforesaid friend begs leave thus to continue.^ I remember to have read somewhere in Rousseau of a lover quitting very often his mistress, to have the pleasure of corresponding with her. Though not abso- lutely your lover, I am very much your admirer, and should be extremely tempted to follow the same example. The spirit and reason which prevail in your Conversa- tion appear to great advantage in your letters. The three which I have received from Berne, Coblentz, and Brussels, have given me much real pleasure ; first, as a proof that you are always thinking of me ; secondly, as an evidence that you are capable of keeping a resolution ; and thirdly, from their own intrinsic merit and entertain- ment. The style, without any allowance for haste or hurry, is perfectly correct ; the manner is neither too light nor too grave ; the dimensions neither too long nor too short : they are such, in a word, as I should like to receive from the daughter of my best friend. I attend your hvely Journal through bad roads and worse inns. Your description of men and manners conveys very satisfactory information, and I am particularly delighted with your remark concerning the irregular behaviour of the Rhine. But the Rhine, alas ! after some temporary ^ The remainder of the letter was dictated by Mr. Gibbon, and written by M. Wilh. de Severy. 104 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. wanderings, will be content to flow in his old channel, while man — man is the greatest fool of the whole creation. I direct this letter to Sheffield Place, where I suppose you arrived in health and safety. I congratulate my lady on her quiet establishment by her fireside ; and hope you will be able, after all your excursions, to support the Chmate and manners of old England. Before this epistle reaches you, I hope to have received the two promised letters from Dover and Sheffield Place. If they should not meet with a proper return, you will pity and forgive me. I have not yet heard from Lord Sheffield, who seems to have devolved on his daughter the task which she has so gloriously executed. I shall probably not write to him till I have received his first letter of business from England ; but with regard to my lady I have most excellent inten- tions. I never could understand how two persons of such superior merit as Miss Holroyd and Miss Lausanne could have so little relish for one another as they appeared to have in the beginning ; and it was with great delight that I observed the degrees of their growing intimacy, and the mutual regret of their separation. Whatever you may imagine, your friends at Lausanne have been thinking as frequently of yourself and Company as you could possibly think of them ; and you will be very ungrateful if you do not seriously resolve to make them a second visit, under such name or title as you may judge most agreeable. None of the Severy family, except perhaps my secretary, are inclined to forget you ; and I am continually asked for some account of your health, motions, and amusements. Since your departure no great events have occurred. I have made a short excursion to Geneva and Coppet, and found Mr. Necker in much better spirits than when you ACROSS PERTUEBED EUROPE. 105 saw him. They pressed me to pass some weeks this winter in their house at Geneva; and I may possibly comply, at least in part, with their invitation. The aspect of Lausanne is peaceful and placid ; and you have no hopes of a revolution driving me out of the Country. We hear nothing of the proceedings of the Commission/ except by playing at cards every evening with Monsieur Fischer, who often speaks of Lord Sheffield with estime and respect. There is no appearance of Kosset and La Motte being brought to a speedy trial, and they still remain in the Castle of Chillon, which (according to the geography of the National Assembly) is washed by the Sea. Our winter begins with great severity ; and we shall probably have many balls, which, as you may imagine, I lament much. Angletine does not consider two French words as a letter. Montrond sighs and blushes whenever Louisa's name is mentioned ; Philippine wishes to converse vidth her on men and manners. The French ladies are settled in town for the winter, and they form, with Mrs. Trevor, a very agreable addi- tion to our Society. It is now enlivened by a visit of the Chevaher de Boufflers, one of the most accomplished men in the cy-devant kingdom of France. As Mrs. Wood ^ is about to leave us, I must either cure or die ; and, upon the whole, I believe the former will be most expedient. You will see her in London with dear Corea next winter. My rival magnificently presents me with an hogshead of ' This Commission, at the head of which was Monsieur Fischer, was sent for the purpose of examining into some attempts to introduce the French revolutionary principles into the Pays de Vaud. Several persons were seized ; the greater part were released. The examination was secret, but Kosset and La Motte were confined in the Castle of ChiUon ; and being afterwards condemned for correspondence with the French to a long imprisonment, were transferred to the Castle of Arbourg, from whence they escaped. 2 Madame de Silva, his great friend. 106 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Madeira, so that in honour I could not supplant him ; yet I do assure you, from my heart, that another departure is much more painful to me. The apartment below ^ is shut up, and I know not when I shall again visit it with pleasure. Adieu. Believe me, one and all, most affectionately yours, E. Gibbon. From Bev. N, Nichols ^ to Maria Josepha. Blundeston Parsonage : November 9, 1791. Detesting as much as any sin that of Ingratitude, I take the first week, as I conjecture, of your arrival at Sheffield Place, to thank you sincerely for the Entertain- ment and Satisfaction your obliging, lively, and well- written letter afforded me. In the first place it relieved me from the anxiety I had for some time felt, on account of the profound silence from Lausanne. The subject of your Letter is highly interesting to me. I am almost jealous of the Manner in which you talk of Mountains. It is true that, added to the magnificent and awful spec- tacle they afford and the unavoidable impression of it, there is something, as you say, in the feel of the air that produces a mechanical effect, and gives one a new, a better existence. No work of Art ever pleased me like the Alps. I am not surprised that a fine Lady should find herself out of her element in such a country ! You seem to have seen a very curious part of that curious and delightful country, with your usual spirit and indefatigability. . . . It is certainly better than dreaming and loitering away one's life in the same insipid round of amusements, in ^ The apartment principally inhabited during the residence of Lord Sheffield's family at Lausanne. ■^ Kev. N. Nichols, vicar of Blundeston, Norfolk, frequently alluded to by Maria as ' Old Nick.' ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 107 which one suffers oneself to be engaged for want of knowing what else to do. I knew the Due de Bouillon in England. He used to dine frequently at the Petit Convert of old Lady Jerningham, in Grosvenor Square, and drink willingly a quart of her Ladyship's bad port wine after dinner. You give me a very good idea of the President and his National Assembly, which has been confirm' d by a speech I read in the ' Moniteur ' lately, of some nameless member, who, after having demanded with great eagerness, but in vain, the ' Question pr Salable/ cries out again, ' Question prSalable, etes-vous sourd. Monsieur le President ? ' At BHckHng I asked our friend Harry Hobart, if he did not suppose that Black Bod would take charge of any Member of his House who should venture to put such a question to the Speaker. I really cannot bear this Apotheosis of Voltaire. Why give honours that carry an idea of immortaHty with them, to a man who laugh' d at such childish superstitions 1 . . . Your account of Necker is a melancholy lesson to Ambition. In spite of my Aristocratical friends at Kichmond, who would persuade me that he is Beelzebub, the Prince of the Devils, I cannot persuade myself that he had bad inten- tions, nor, indeed ! that he had not good ones. I am reading, and have read ninety pages of his account of his administration, and I think he makes no contemptible defence. I have received a letter from Monsieur de Bonstetten, who regrets very much that he miss'd seeing you. He gives me nearly the same account that you do, of the fears of the Government of Berne, and an armament of 4,000 men in consequence, but thinks that all will subside, without its being necessary to use this Mihtary force. I begin to be of opinion that France itself will settle by degrees, though I cannot conceive how, without a foreign war. . . . Now, if by chance anybody should 108 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLKOYD. have the curiosity to inquire what I have been doing this summer and autumn, it is told in a moment — Nothing. My Mother and I came here the first week in July. "We have had at Lowestoft your acquaintance, Lord and Lady Cadogan and all their family. Sir John and Lady Wilson, the Judge, and which is best of all because it is something from Sheffield Place, and is, besides, intrinsically good, Mrs. Carter, Miss Clinton, Mr. Cal- craft, and Mr. Clinton. I returned last Saturday from visits at Holkham and Kaynham. Mr. Coke is doing wonders in planting and improvement. Mrs. Coke all good nature and civility. Lady Townshend, you know, casts a radiance over Kaynham. We had, besides. Lady Elizabeth Loftus, Mr. and Miss Orme, nephew and niece of Lord T. — she a beauty, Sir George Montgomery,* brother to Lady T., a good humoured, lively, brogue- speaking Paddy, and poor blind Colonel Barre. This, with the two young Lords and Lady Ann made a charm- ing Society. I hope some body will be so good as to let me hear soon, and that you will always believe me your most obliged friend and Humble Servant, K N. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : November 23, 1791. ... I was told that Lady Craven, on hearing of her Lord's death, put on deep mourning that very day, Wept, and went thro' the whole Ceremony of a Widow. The next morn she wiped her tears, Threw off her weeds. Put on bridal trappings, and was married to the Margrave ! I hope it is certain that one of her poor Daughters is to marry Lord Molineux. . . . My room is pretty ; a dear convex Mirror opposite the window, which wanted some- ACEOSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 109 thing, My Sheff and my looking-glass vis d vis as before. I now see him twice in the same room by these glasses. My beauteous carpet compleats the whole. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : November 29, 1791. . . . Madame de Genhs, Sillery (or what you please) is much talked of. If you have not seen her, you have only lost seeing an ordinary-looking French woman. Her children — one in particular is beautiful^dance en Vair with the greatest grace. How happy the state of a country where there is no distinction between the Blood royal and the children of a Madame de Genlis ! When the Master of the Ceremonies proposed putting the little . Mademoiselle d' Orleans above Pamela, Madame de Genlis interposed and said, ' Non, Non, tous sont Egaux.' Another trait of her's will, I think, amuse you. There is here a Mr. Southwell, an active, busy sort of man, who is always ready to show the Lions, etc. He happened to procure her lodgings, and she in return invited him to tea. He went, and one of her first questions was, if he could recom- mend her a good avocdt. He started with concern, that she should be in any embarrassment which required a lawyer's assistance, but she soon put an end to his con- cern by telling him it was no such thing, but that she vnshed to learn the EngHsh Law and should like instruc- tions from the best Master. Mr. S., not a little sur- prized, gently ventured to observe that it was a know- ledge which the cleverest men could scarcely obtain per- fectly in sixteen or seventeen years, and he understood Madame only meant to stay here six months. It was all the same to her ; she returned to her point and desired to know the best Lawyer, upon which Jefferies, the Town Clerk was sent to her, and on being told her design, he 110 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. gave her as an introductory Grammar ' Coke upon Lyttel- ton,' which she has seriously begun to read. This is a real fact, and would be fine fun for those who laugh at Women's Knowledge ; while I confess I think it only another proof to the many we have already, of the Incon- sistency of the human mind, be it, male or female, for tho' Madame de Genlis' writings may not be faultless, yet surely they mark something besides Genius, and yet, in this Instance, she is absolutely childish. I must not write any more, for it begins to fidget me. Give my dear love to Sheff, to Mam, and to the Louisa, and I permit you to think what you please for yourself, from your affectionate S. H. The Bev. N. Nichols to Maria Josepha. Blundeston : November 27, 1791. Tho' I have not the least inclination to wear your patience out in return for the great Entertainment you have afforded me, and tho' I am perfectly aware that I am paying you in * assignats ' for your Bank Notes, yet it is impossible for me not to thank you for your last excel- lent and obliging letter. You do me justice in sup- posing that the news of your safe arrival would be welcome to me. You deserve the advantages of travelling, because you feel them and know how to make use of them. I am glad you are satisfied with Mr. Wyttenbach, he is a Man of Merit and a good Botanist. Did he not talk to you of our Alpine journey, the horrors of Grimsel, and the suf- ferings of the Upper Vallais ; of the Baths of Leuk, where we were taken for Magicians, and the Ball we gave to Madame la Grande Chatelaine D'Albematten ? I feel myself unworthy, but shall be very glad to see your ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. Ill Alpine plants. I, too, have some if they are yet unde- voured by insects. My Glaciers, I believe, still bow before yours, which I still hope to see. The Lac de Thun is surely fine ; I never shall forget its perpendicular rocks lifting their forests of pine to the Sky. . . , There is a Revolution, you see, in French Manners as well as Government, or you would not have been suffered to sleep on the ground at Coblentz ! Lord Sheffield's night passed in the Boat was recorded in all the Newspapers, but of the Ladies not a word. . . . I am dehghted that you are pleased with Lee ; it is indeed a Monument of Art and Genius, and vnll do honour to our friend Wyatt, as long as its frail materials permit. . . . On the 2nd January we shall leave this place for the winter. ... A Suffolk Turkey will be directed to Down- ing Street at Christmas, and I hope find its way from there to Sheffield Place. My kindest compliments, if you please, to all there. How foolish it is that Suffolk and Sussex should be placed on such distant coasts. Your sincere friend, N. N. CaracUre de Lord Sheffield par Lavafer. La Physionomie d'un Inconnu, qui m'a ete pr^sente par M^ le ChevaHer Macpherson, m'a frappe d'abord comme une des plus decisives que j'aye jamais vA. C'est une T^te fonci^rement bien organisee, plein d'une memoire immense, le Coup d'oeil grand et juste, un jugement ferme et profond. Les yeux ne sont pas aussi bien exprim^s comme le front le demandoit, mais assez d^cisif s pour une penetration tout k fait singuliere. Le Nez seul vaut une centaine de Nes ordinaires. J'en suis stir, comme de mon existence, quand il est vrai, comme je le crois, c'est le Nez d'un horn me 'prudentissime.' La bouche est plus 112 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. « juste que bon. Je ne voudrois comparoltre devant lui, apres avoir fait du mal. 4 Lavatbb. Zurich, le 25 Octobre, 1791. Apres avoir ecrit cela, le Chevalier Macpherson me disoit que c'est le portrait de Milord Sheffield. Maria Josepha to Serena. [Enclosing Lavater's Character of Lord Sheffield.] Does this satisfy you ? All my Grief is that I do not think the Print like Papa. If Lavater could have seen the Original, I should have been better pleased. Levade, who I believe you are acquainted with, from my writings, asked Papa for one of his Prints, to send to Zurich by Sir J. Macpherson who was going there. He cut off the Arms and the Name, and Sir J. was to shew it to Lavater, as a Person about whom he was not at all interested. My cousin Bell ^ writes me word that there has been a Paragraph in the Papers, to say that Lavater fell on his Knees to beg for Mama's Physiognomy. I assure you there is no foundation for the Eeport. The only Impediment being that we did not see him while we were in Switzerland. Now for the Vindi- cation of Injured Innocence. Lady E. is not with the Duke, notwithstanding Newspaper Evidence. She arrived at Dover while Mrs. Maynard was there, with Caroline and one of the Duchess's children, and only waited for a wind to go over to France. What a curious story of Madame de Sillery ! The Law Learning entertained us very much, and put me in mind of Miss Holman's learning * Eeligion in Three Weeks.' Mademoiselle D' Orleans I saw at the National Assembly, ^ Isabella Way. ^nroi/d oh.lSZl. ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 113 with one of her Brothers, and Madame la Metz, the then President's wife. Madame de Sillery I did not see. Where is the Duchess of Orleans ? I pity her very much. She is a most amiable woman and very fond of her Children. She has been very contemptuously treated by Madame de Sillery, and is now judged an improper person to have the care of her Children, being convicted of the Crime of Aristocracy. We are not at a loss for Conver- sation, for we are come home flaming Aristocrats, and the three Maidens are as furious Democrats. Liberty is a fine word, and till one has been an Eye- witness of the bad Effect of it I do not wonder at the admiration it meets with. I am living in daily fear that the Princes will go sneaking home again, and yet am almost afraid it is the only thing left for them to do. They have no Troops. The Emperor is contented to beHeve the King's Letters and protestations, and at present the National Troops are united and actuated by one spirit. Serena to Maria Josepha. k December 6, 1791. I looked and read, and looked again. Still thinking it was not the beginning of the dear Maria's letter, and yet I am sure I had reason to be satisfied, which are the first words in it. As Lavater is the subject I will answer it in order — id est first. It is a real curiosity, even if we were not interested in it, and says more of Lavater's skill than anything I have read in his works. At least it is to me more, for I observe that what does not exactly suit my brother's character in this Description, is precisely the difference between him and his Print. All the beginning exactly true except a little strongly marked. I do not think prudentissimo, which I suppose means either cautious or frugal, belongs entirely to my brother, and yet in some I 114 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. senses it certainly does. What is said of the mouth would not be said of my brother, tho' very right as to the print. Lavater certainly means to say that the expression is that of one who would judge severely and just, rather than be merciful and good. Such I am sure is the French phrase ending in ' Bon.' He says, you know, that he would not willingly appear before him if he had been doing anything wicked. He means this both in respect to Sheff's penetration and severity. Now there is in his real countenance an uncommon sweetness for so animated and sensible a face, therefore this last part of Lavater's observation is owing to the fault of likeness in the print. Let me know if you think my criticism right ? Now would I give Twenty guineas for Lavater's observations on your Phyz, and yet I do not want it to read your character, and what is still more I do really think you read it your- self more justly than I ever knew any one capable of doing their own. ... I went this day se'en night to the Play, ' The "Wild Oats.' I was very fortunate in having Madame de Sillery and all the French children in the Box with me, so that I had full room for observation, and I saw tears flow from Pamela's fine eyes. I saw them all affected at parts so refined that it marked not only their feehng, but their perfect knowledge of our language. They laughed and clapped their hands at other parts. Once more, Dieu vous benisse. Yours ever, S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena, Sheffield Place : December 9, 1791. How can I think your Criticism on Lavater otherwise than right, when it is precisely my own opinion ? I was not quite satisfied with that nasty cross Print going as Papa's likeness. If Lavater writes another volume, his ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 115 stern Visage will be handed down to Posterity with a Character just suited to Ehadamanthus or Minos, the Judges of the Infernal Kegions. I would have given a good deal to have shown his Lordship's own face, in a good humour, to the penetrating Eye of the Physiognomist. . . . . *I am very glad you did not suffer by sowing your vnld Oats.' His Lordship's observation, (with an epithet !) when he heard you were going to the Play, though not quite pert. I hope a second and a third Trial, if not too frequently repeated, will find you stronger and stronger, I conclude that as Pamela has fine eyes she must be handsome, but I want more Description of her and the French Princess. How came you to be in the Box with them? Are you acquainted? If you are, I shall envy you an Acquaintance with the Authoress of ' Adele and Theodore,' though she does study the English Law. I do not know whether I mentioned that I saw Mdlle. de MontoHeu at Lausanne — the author, or at least first mover of ' Caroline de Lichfield,' my favourite of all favourite books of that species. Mr. Deyverdun and Mr. Gibbon gave a finishing stroke to the Novel, which sets it so infinitely above the rest of the family of Novels. Madame de Montolieu has the most piercing Eyes I ever saw, and a most sensible Countenance ; but neither young nor handsome, as I expected the Woman to be who had put Mr. Gibbon's liberty in danger ; for he acknowledges there was a time when he had a narrow Escape. It never occurs to him that she might have refused him, and if it was mentioned to him, I dare say he would sooner believe a Miracle, than the possibility of a sensible Woman's shewing such a want of Taste. There is a Portuguese Lady who has been in England, Madame da Silva, who possessed Mr. Gibbon's tender heart for some weeks before we came away from Lausanne. I have been I 2 116 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. amused to the greatest degree by his waddling across the room, whenever she appeared, and sitting by her and looking at her, till his round Eyes run down with Water. Not Tears of Love — for, poor man, he could not help it, as they are not of the strongest and if you fix the Sun, you vtdll weep in spite of yourself. She is attended by her Husband, a quiet kind of Man, who sits peaceably behind the Door, and her Cicisbeo, who did not half like Mr. Gibbon's being so constantly at her Elbow. This last Gentleman is a Man of great property and possesses half the Island of Madeira. In a letter I have had from Mr. Gibbon since our return, he says, his Rival has presented him with a Hogshead of Madeira, so he cannot supplant him. They are coming to England next spring. Papa went to Beckenham on Tuesday and was to go to the Levee on Wednesday and to the Drawing Boom yesterday. He is quite a Courtier. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : December 14, 1791. That you may not absolutely hate me out of Envy, I will tell you I am not acquainted with Madame de Sillery. It was entirely to chance I owed the sitting in the same Box. Pamela has a beautiful face and countenance, and the very prettiest manner possible. The little Princesses are less handsome, and still one of them called Adele, has very pretty features in miniature, and particularly such a nose as none but the nose can equal ; most elegant Httle forms, and dancing like airy Beings, all soft and light and graceful. I am told Madame had a little Abbe who wrote most of what she published, but I do not believe it. First, because a Man could not have imagined some parts of it. Secondly, that I hate to have my old ideas deranged. I am like Mdme. de Grignan, who so ACROSS PERTURBED EUROPE. 117 droUy laments the recovery of her friend's child, because all her thoughts were thrown away. Lady Webster to Maria Josepha. Nice : December 12, 1791. . . . You know my Enthusiasm about this Climate ; it ought to Compensate for the absolute Deprivation of every other Earthly Blessing, as one might imagine the Genius of Nice ' Swore, nor should his Vow be vain, that he till Death, Nice Dulness would Maintain,' and if a Monotony of Stupid Things can Establish it, the promise has not been nugatory . . . From this you may suppose that our Society is hmited both as to Members and Talents. After this florid description, it would hardly be fair to name a Soul. . . . The Devonshires are expected every day, but they cannot stay, as there is literally not a House for them. Faithfully yours, E. Webster. 118 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEK VI. 1792. January to May. THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. First visit of Comte de Lally Tollendal to Sheffield Place — French enigma — Foreign politics — Pamela introduces a Red Cap — Louisa Holroyd sent to live with ' Aunt Serena ' — Letters to her sister — Lady Webster cor- responds with Maria Josepha — Miss Moss at Geneva — Her adventures at Gray. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : January 6, 1792. Though I cannot return your good wishes for my improvement, as that would be a little superfluous, yet I return every one and a thousand more for your enjoying health and happiness for many, many years. The Servants are to have the satisfaction of getting tipsy to night in your honour — and now for the event of the week, that is, since I wrote. On Friday evening arrived the Comte de Lally Tol- lendal,^ in great spirits, and has ever since furnished us full amusement ; and a few months ago, we should not have suspected that this Man, who made so considerable a figure ' Comte de Lally was one of the early Reformers, and as a leading ' Anglomaniac Constitutionalist,' exercised a moderating influence on the Committee of National Safety. He had good cause to hate the Ancien Regime, under which his Father, Commander-in-Chief in Ladia, had been barbarously executed for the surrender of Pondicherry, 1766. Carlyle thus refers to Father and Son:— 'Behold him, that hapless Lally,— his wild dark soul looking through his wild dark face ; trailed on the ignominious death hurdle ; the voice of his despair choked by a wooden gag 1 THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 119 in the beginning of the French Eevolution, would spend the Xmas of '91 with us at SheflBield Place ; that he would read his Tragedy to us ; repeat his Verses, or justify himself to us for quitting the National Assembly. Much less, after having seen the man, would you have supposed that he would dance with the greatest good humour with me to the Musick of a Fletching Fidler. His spirits are always low in the morning ; he gets up late, and we see nothing of him till Dinner time, from which time till three in the morning (if we were disposed to Veiller), he would amuse us without ceasing. He has answered a part of Burke's second letter to a member of the National Assembly, in which he and Mounier are blamed for quitting their Posts. It is not yet published ; but is to be, and he read it to us, and fully satisfied all our objec- tions to his Conduct. He has translated great part of the Tragedy of ' Cato ' into French verse, which shows he understands the Lan- guage thoroughly — the Speech of * Plato, thou reason' st well ' is a very close translation, though it preserves all the spirit of the original. This Tragedy we heard at Lausanne, and I did not like it so well now as then, though there are many Beauties. It would act and read heavily by anyone but the Author. On Tuesday Mr.^ and Mrs. Woodward, Mr. Barr,^ and M. Menet, a Genevan, who is learning EngHsh at Mr. Woodward's, dined with us. We played at cards as usual in the evening, supped at eleven, and a little before twelve Mama proposed sending for one of the Fidlers out of the Laundry ; this Motion was promptly seconded, and we danced for above an hour in the Eating Parlour. The wild-fire soul that has known only peril and toil ; and, for threescore years, has buffetted against Fate . . . faithfully enduring and endeavour- ing. . . . The dying Lally bequeathed his memory to his boy; a young Lally has arisen, demanding redress in the name of God and Man.' * The clergyman. ^ The family doctor. 120 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Lally and I; Mama and Francillon; Papa and Mrs. Woodward ; Mr. "W. and Miss Moss ; Louisa and M. Menet, and the two Miss Firths. No eloquence could move Mr. Barr. He was Spectator. Lally, though a large Man, danced very light and in excellent good time, and altogether we had a pleasantish Dance. After our Ball, Lally sung till two o'clock, when we went to Bed and to sleep. Pleasantish, was involuntarily written, but it is true I do not enjoy anything of that kind as much as I did and as I hope I shall, having made a discovery within these few months which I could have excused, viz., that I have nerves which I had flattered myself were sinews, and the poor things were a good deal tired abroad and since, and have not quite recovered their original firmness. I am every day more and more astonished, that we ever for a moment thought of transporting a John Bull family to foreign parts. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January, 1792. . . . You cannot think how I enjoyed your brilliant History of your Christmas gambols. Your calling a fidler out of the Laundry was in the Collon stile [Lord Oriel's place in Ireland]. I should have delighted in such a party more than in a ball, and I should enjoy your Comte Lally. I shall write tomorrow to Mrs. Moss for the large size watch with Chiffres Arabes. The present opportunity would make it less expensive, as a dozen guineas would get what in England would be double. If Pap will pay it, Louisa and I will both make him low curt- sies. If not I know the worst. I pay for it and go to (jail. . . . THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 121 To the Honourable Unique Maria, feu feu €i^e»e France Justice La Religion feu feu 1792. Throne Overthrown. Religion Cast down. Glory Effaced. Justice ..... Put on one side. Flame in every quarter. Serena to Maria Josepha. January, 1792, To be sure it must be the present state of France. The Throne .... Eenversee Eehgion Cast down Glory Effaced and all quarters of the Eangdom in Flames ; but I confess I can go no further. I cannot make out what Justice has to say to the business unless you suppose it to revenge Despotism, or as Justice in French means punishment sometimes. This is all my own dear brain, and very possibly none of it right ; but as I have done my best, I am now to have your explanation. Was it an Enigma of M. Le Gomte de Lally ? 122 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Count Lally goes out in the evening ; whether it rains or not is a matter of indifference to him. For my part I do not Hke his walks, and am always glad to see him return, for his Behaviour is sometimes so wild and his expressions so remarkable, that I should never be surprized were I to hear he had walked into the Pond. One evening when he returned from one of his rambles, Papa said in a joking way that he thought he had been very snug in the Pond. He answered : ' Mon Dieu ! ne me parlez pas de 9a ; j'ai des idees assez noires.' He frequently talks of Lord Clive and asks particulars of his end. The Maids who sleep over his Koom, say that he walks about greatest part of the night, and groans, stamps, and sighs most horribly. He has written a Letter to the King, asking to be made an Irish Peer, and promising to give up his own country for ever and be one of His Majesty's most faithful subjects. I hope Lord Loughborough will be able to persuade him against sending it, as it would only make him ridiculous ; but pray do not mention this again, as he may not like to have it talked of. When you see Miss Benson pray tell her our Packet adventure. Mrs. Maynard lived with her, and in the winter we often laughed at the possibility of such an event taking place. Tell her that Mrs. M. has called three times at her house in Town to show her the little Nymph, who is a little Beauty, and that I call My Child. It has a peculiar claim upon us, for probably Mama will never more assist in the Birth of a little Christian, and I shall never either con- tribute my Flannel Petticoat, or serve as Pillow for the Mother, which I did for the rest of the night that we were in that disastrous situation. Mama has had a Letter from Lady Webster. Sir G. has left her and is coming to THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 123 England by Turin when he goes to see Mr. Trevor. She says poor Foster ^ is very ill indeed, that the Physicians say he cannot live. She lays Plans for a good deal of Decorum and good Behaviour, which I hope she will persevere in. You have guessed my Enigma like an angel of a Con- juror — except ' La Justice,' which you will see is * a cote.' Lially is not the Author. His Letters received from Paris, say that both sides are very desirous of War, and that the Princes will not Hsten to any accommodation what- ever. Poor France must see much more distress and much greater calamities before things are restored to any order. The Emperor, it is said, will certainly attack France in the spring ; but he will not suffer a French- man in his Army, least the Contagion should infect his Troops ; neither does he chuse to appear to assist Eebels, as it would be a bad example to his seditious Subjects in Brabant. The Elector of Treves has ordered all the Emigrants to leave Coblentz : the few that remain are forbid to wear regimentals. The Princes are at present with the Margrave of Baden, or with the Cardinal de Eohan, who has a small Territory on the opposite side of the Ehine to Strasbourg. It is said they mean to go to the Edng of Prussia. Many of the Emigrants are gone into the Principality of Nassau. They were all obliged to decamp in the midst of Snow, and the roads were almost impassable. Eochambeau and Luckner are made Marechals of France, and their Army, at least the part that will do most Execution, is of an extraordinary kind ; three hundred Pamphlet Writers from the most violent of the Clubs at Strasbourg, who are to inflame the minds of people and inculcate the doctrine of ' Les Aristocrates a la Lanterne ! ' These are to be the Pioneers of the National Army, and to prepare the Way before them. . . . ^ Married to Lady Eliz., afterwards Duchess of Devonshire. 124 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. I am glad you are reading ' Zeluco ; ' Mt is a great favourite of mine, and much above any Novel I have read. The scene between Buchanan and Targe always enter- tains me, though I have read it over and over again. We made Papa undergo attending to it all through : we read it to him after supper. Perhaps I am beyond the bounds of Truth when I say he attended to it. Serena to Maria Josepha, Bath : January 18, 1792. ... I called yesterday at the Wells on Miss Boswell. They told me the Margrave and Margravine of Anspach were all the amusement there. The Master of the Cere- monies' Ball was filled by the curiosity they occasioned. Only think of her dancing a minuet and country dance. Sir Walter and Lady Jane James, and Lady Mary Hume are the party. , . . Even a common coachman at Bristol said 'par distinction,' ' The Prince who married Lady Craven.' He is an insignificant looking Man, and un- doubtedly he must be a poor, mean silly fellow to leave his country, &c. for such a purpose. . . . General Coxe wants to coax me to pay him a fortnight's visit at Bemer- ton to meet Lady Eivers and promises me a Gala. . . . He was lately at Stourhead, Sir B. Hoare's, to meet Madame de Genlis and her party, and he was much pleased v^ith her, and scouts all the nonsense of her not being supposed to have written the works published in her name. He also much admired Adele, the little Orleans. Serena to Maria Josejpha, Bath : January 31, 1792. . . . Last night also I was a rake, {id est) till near eleven at the Sister Mores, where I read a number of the ^ By Dr. John Moore, b. at Stirling 1729. Buchanan, a Whig from West of Scotland ; Duncan Targe, a hot Highlander, two Scotch servants. THE TEAVELLERS AT HOME. 125 most natural lively letters from Horace Walpole to Han- nah. He is a wonderful old man. One letter deplores his being no longer H. W. It was a delightful letter. So unlike the studied stile of Pope. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Monday, February 11, 1792. . . . The Lally work is wonderfully well written and most interesting. . . . What do you think of decreeing a Civic Fete once a week instead of a Sunday, and of the prohibition of religion only in the Education of youth ? And such people shall prosper ! Surely not a moment longer than as tools for some design of Providence. I do not hke the idea of a war with Savages, because one does not know how they will act, as they are without the bounds usual to civilized people. I dread their sending some millions here to do mischief. To them the loss would be nothing, and humanity is out of the question. ... I hope they will not find ships quickly to bring them here. It all appears like a dream, and I ask myself is it possible in so few years such amazing revolution? . . . I might say months. And may not the next Generation live to see France return to a state of total Ignorance and Barbarity? . . . Mary Balfour tells me they are in Town, but that her brother is made Sheriff of the County (Louth), and must remain at Townley Hall, also to defend their Castle; as the Eioters swear vengeance for his activity against them ; and since they have not admittance to the house to take arms and what they please out of it, they threaten to destroy and burn all they can. . . . Lady Edward Fitzgerald, alias Pamela, has introduced a red cap for the Ladies to represent the Cap of Liberty, and they are Fools enough many of them to wear it. . . .Is it true that the P W sent to Mr. Pitt to say his 126 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. father's friends and his should in future be the same? I am disposed both to wish and believe it. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : February, 1792. Nobody so admired at the Ball as Mrs. Holroyd and her petticoat. It is right you should guess at the gown, ergo I enclose an inch of it which in the whole lot looks genteel, though but 4s. the yard. ... If no trouble to Mrs. Moss, beg the favour of her to bring me a pound of ten shilling green tea from Mr. Smith & Co. warehouse in Pall Mall. ... Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Thursday, February, 1792. ... I do not know anything I have felt more than the History of our Guards. A mixture of pleasure and pain. The horror of the storm kept me compleatly awake, not certain of their safety, and I now feel as if the Devil might lend Dumouriez and all his army, wings to fly into Holland to do his work. I never felt so much a Coward and yet Reason tells me we have every hope on our side. The state of Paris, and France in General seems compleat ruin and anarchy. I wish Fox, Sheridan and their little party were settled there as being best suited to their wisdom and merit. . . . 'Early in 1792 Louisa Holroyd went to Bath to stay with her Aunt Serena.] Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bath : Friday, March 9, 1792. How most sincerely does one sympathize with the distresses of others when it is ordained by the Fates that we should undergo the same hardships ! How little did I feel for the sufferings of the Learned Pig who was THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 127 harrassed from morning till night by his Introductions ! ' Sir, this is my Pig.' * A very wonderful Pig, Madam.' ' He has very extraordinary abihties, Miss ; ' till finding myself in the same predicament it has greatly excited my fellow feeling. 'May I take the Hberty of intro- ,ducing my niece to you.' *I am extremely happy to have the pleasure of seeing you.' * I hope you left Lord and Lady Sheffield well and Miss Holroyd.' ' Very well, Ma'am I am much obliged to you ' — this is from Aurora to Somnus. Heaven knows when this said niece will have been shewn to every one. We walked up Lansdown Hill, very hard work in my opinion, particularly in Pattens, things perfectly new to me, went to Mrs. Gibbon's and Mrs. Humphrey's and to the Milliner's and left names at divers places. We drank Tea at Mrs. Denison's, and spent an exceedingly pleasant evening. Our party con- sisted of Mrs. Pointz, the Dutchess of Devonshire's great friend, Mrs. Dolben, an old Maid, sister of Sir W. Dolben, bearing a perfect resemblance to one of the figures in the Dance of Death ; very good-natured, well informed and pleasant, equally pleased to talk of Henri Quatre, Moun- tains, dying a gown, making a pudding, Sully's Memoirs, Vineyards, the French Constitution, good singing, chess, cards, or anything else you can possibly think of. Mrs. Dolben and I talked till she was wanted for Cards, and the rest of the evening Miss Coxe and I worked at one comer of the Table. I could almost fancy myself at a Lausanne party for more than one reason. You would call these parties rather sober, but for a poor creeping Christian like me, they do very well ; go at a little after 6 or 7 and return at 9, have in the mean time abundance of tea, wine, bread and butter, milk punch, cake buttered and'J)lum cake, etc. etc. I fear I have many more introductions to come, before I have got through all the acquaintance. To be sure what I have 128 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. seen are chiefly composed of the halt, the lame, and the blind, though they are all the very best creatm*es in the world. We went this morning to see some Antiques. They have been found within this year or two as they were digging the foundations of some houses, and are collected together ; they are thought to belong to a Temple of Minerva from an Owl's Head being on one of the stones. There are a great many stones very well carved, a Medusa's Head in excellent preservation, a Jupiter and Juno, Diana's Head with her Crescent, parts of pillars etc. etc. ; skulls of Greyhounds, heifers, etc. that were sacrificed to the Deities. The Circus and the Crescent are very handsome, but I cannot but be of opinion, that Bath 1800 years ago made a still more respectable appearance than it does now. ... I am using my utmost endeavours to teach Poor old Aunt that my name is Louisa, and am in hopes that in due time, she will remember it is not Maria. . . . Adieu. Lady Webster to Maria Josepha. Nice : February 11, 1792. I have been ill and am still Ghostly in my appearance. . . . Indeed I must be very stout for next Sunday, as II Vescovo di Nizza dines with me and a Score of outlandish Gigs, and I must contrive to render my risible Muscles very pliant, as amongst them is a Descendant of Madame de S6vigny's, who unluckily thinks he must be as cele- brated as She was, and attempts every sort of Wit ; but particularly the Making of Impromptu Verses, which are sometimes tolerable ; he also spouts and expects one to cry or laugh as the Subject requires, and as I am very accommodating, you know I must contrive to comply. ... I have written a sad deal of nonsense but I am tired of being Wise, for the Bishop has just left me and I pro- THE TRAVELLEES AT HOME. 129 mise you I was sententious enough with him, for a week. I am sure he will think me a very learned Dame, as during his Visit there arrived an Electrical Machine, he saw my Telescope, and took from my Table a Book ' L 'Electricity des Meteores.' I thought by his mode of looking at it that Monseigneur was no great * Physician ' and I tried his knowledge by dashing away about ' La Foudre ascen- dante et descendante,' Electricity, Comets and the Lord knows what ; but though I was very soon ' au bout de mon Latin ' yet I found Monseigneur had none to boast of, so I think my Impudence and his Ignorance have established me a fine Keputation. I don't mean to insinu- ate that he is a Fool, as he is very much otherwise. I shall continue writing, and if none of you answer me, I will positively address myself to the House, Post, or Mr. Barr at Fletching. Don't tell Miss Firth. Adieu. From Miss Moss to Maria Josepha. Geneva : May 12, 1792. Tr^s chere Josephine, — If a Fortune Teller had told me six months ago that I should on Sunday, May 6, be actu- ally sitting with young de Severy in Mr. Gibbon's PavilHon at Lausanne, I should most certainly have treated her prognostications with derision ; yet such is the fact ; and a most cordial and gracious Eeception did I meet with from the Historian. This is only by Way of Preface, but I must now give you a sort of Journal, because the most trivial occurrence is consequential when so prodigious a distance divides two friends. I sent on a most miserable * Griffonage ' dated from Calais, merely to signify that I had not been made a Toast for Neptune. I shall now proceed to acquaint you, that as we were detained at Calais a day longer than we expected, (it being Sunday, they did not chuse to search K 130 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. the Baggage on that day), I went to Mass, where seeing a collection of Children of about forty in nnmber, I ask'd if it was a School ? A Nun told me it was, and that it was under the inspection of five of her Order, who made it their business to collect them together on a Sunday, that they might not be idling about the Streets. This appeared to me, as if it was in some degree a Sunday School. So either we have imitated them or they us. I took one of the Prayer Books out of the Children's Hands, and perceiv- ing it was all in Latin I said to her, * Ma chere, je vois que ces prieres sont en Latin, et assurement vous n'enten- dez pas le Latin,' to which she replied, * Non, Mademoi- selle, mais c'est 6gal.' ... I must tell you that at Calais we enquir'd if it was necessary to get Passports, but as they said it was no longer necessary, we set off without applying for any. However, when we got to St. Omer we were stopped at the Gates, and as we had none, two Guards attended the Carriages to the Hotel de Ville, where I really believe we were detained two Hours, ' car, imaginez-vous, il y avait douze portraits a peindre.' At last we were liberated and after visiting the Cathedral and the Abbey of St. Berthier, which is indeed a most beautiful Pile of architecture, and which is now put up for sale, we set off after an Excellent Breakfast of English Tea, for Sens, where they gave us wet sheets, and we were obliged to put on our cloaths for the rest of the Night. . . . From Langres to Gray. Here was a Scene of a very different nature ; the Patriotism of its inhabitants has just now turned their brain ; when we enter' d the Town, the Canaille calling out with great energy, ' Aristocrates ! Aristocrates ! ' However two officers of the Police came to the Inn, to assure us that we were in perfect safety, which comforted our gi-devant Fears, but we were soon annoy'd by a pro- digious noise in the Street, when on getting up from THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 131 Table io see what it was, we saw a long Procession of Patriots, two by two, headed by violins, Tambour de Basque, &c., playing * Ca Ira.' It was some time before I understood thoroughly what all this meant ; but as they approached under our windows we discovered a Lady, (who it seems had sported Aristocratic Principles), whom they oblig'd to head the Procession, and to take hold of the Arms of two nasty, dirty fellows who were to conduct her to the Grande Place, in the center of which was a long Pole, at the Top of which was placed a Ked Cap. Bound this Pole they made her dance, and kiss the Cap, and take an Oath never to listen to a Priest, who had not agreed to the civic Oath. They then put this ' Bonnet de la Liberte ' on her head, and made her walk round the Principal Streets. They then serv'd a Priest in the same way and another Man, which Three Persons I saw myself, for they led them down to our H6tel. Seeing this demo- cratic Kage, the Gentlemen of our Party thought it would be a Security to us, if they shew'd a Spirit of Patriotism, and therefore took a Bottle of Burgundy and went to our Windows, and poured out Glasses of Wine which they drank to ' Ca Ira,' as the Procession advanced. This pleased them so much ; they all took off their hats, and clapping their hands, said ' Vive les Anglais ! ' We now thought we might venture out to walk about the town. When it was moonlight, there was a pro- digious number of Gentlemen and Ladies, inhabitants, dancing round this Pole of Liberty, and our Gentlemen joining in the dance (called un 'Bond') and likewise Kissing the ' Bonnet de la Liberte,' they threw National cockades at their feet, which when they returned to the Inn they fix'd to our Hats, so that I shall preserve mine as a curiosity. From Gray we went to Besan9on, the prettiest Town I saw on the Boad . . . thence to Pontarlier E 2 132 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. . . . and Lausanne, where I immediately wrote to young De Severy, who came in about an hour's time to the ' Lion D'Or.' We both went immediately to Mr. Gibbon. De Severy went to announce my arrival, and I inunediately obtain' d an audience, as well as a most gracious reception. Mr. Gibbon wished me much to dine with him the next day, but I was obliged to set off for Geneva. He took the trouble to show me the House, with which I am delighted, and if I was not afraid of my Keputation, he wish'd I would go to spend two or three nights at his House. After an hour's chat I returned, accompanied by De Severy to the ' Lion D'Or,' and in the evening Monsieur Levade and young Severy came to see me again. ... If I had been acquainted with Levade for Twenty years, he could not have been more cordial. . . . On Monday morning I left Lausanne for Geneva. . . . I have made an acquaintance with a Lady who has lived some years in Spain. She says, the manner they have of bringing up those little Tiny Dogs which are not larger than one's Fist is — they dip cloths in Brandy, in which they wrap the poor object ; they give them three Almonds in the Morning, three at Noon, and three at Night, They give them no drink, but what may be held ' dans le creux de la main ; ' and besides this, in order to keep them Squat and broad at the haunches, they put a weight or Bag of Sand to prevent their growing. She had one given her which they were breeding up in this fashion, and which she thought cruel ; she therefore took the liberty of giving it as much food as it could eat, and I see it every day — a most beautiful little fellow. THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 133 Miss Moss to Maria Josepka. Geneva : May 17, 1792. . . . A propos of Lausanne, I desire that you will send me by Pache [the Voiturier] or by Letter, the Verses which Lally made on the Shef&eld Family. When you write to Mr. Gibbon, pray tell him that I have broke my Tenth Commandment ever since I have been at his House : ' Car il me faut absolument cette maison.' I had already rais'd my Expectations about it ; but they have fallen short of what I have seen. It is really a little Paradise. The day I was at Lausanne I sent to inform Mr. Gibbon I was there. He was drinking his Coffee at the time young Severy arriv'd with me. I went into the Pavilion (where I sat down in the Berg^re which I suppose Mr. G. had occupied in the morning, for there was his Table and reading Desk placed in Form, with a volume of Spencer's Faerie Queen), and there admir'd the Lake, Terrace, &c. The Boom which you told me was to be Paper' d after you left Lausanne, is hung with a very handsome Green and White Sattin, and everything looks pretty and neat. Mr. Gibbon, after we had sat in his Library a considerable time, took the trouble to go over the apartments. I went into your Bedchamber, which I believe is now that which he occupies. There is a sattin Embroidered Bed in it. I saw the other room which he called Miss Louisa's, and which looks on the Ouchy Eoad ; but he told me you got possession of the room and lock'd it up. The Boudoir which Lady Sheffield had, I admire the view from, but I think I should have lived in the Pavilion. The sopha, chairs, two green Lamps which hang in the middle of it, all this you perfectly recollect, I am sure. In short the situation is charming, tho' I saw it to great disadvantage, for it rain'd the whole day. Young Severy attended me 134 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. back to the 'Lion d'Or.' . . . I hope however I may take another Peep at Lausanne before I leave the country. I do assure you, I may say, that I have scarcely an hour that I can call my own. I am invited to several socieUs, and as I came here to see the men and manners of the country, of course I embrace all opportunities of mixing with the Nations. I have met with two Ladies, French Aristocrates, very interesting and pleasant, Madame de Mirabeau, et Madame de Pras. Their Husbands are now vdth ' les Princes en Allemagne.' Of course as there have been two or three Skirmishes, they are often out of spirits ; and as they have only been Wives a few Months, one may put some faith in their seeming anxiety. A propos of Skirmishes, I think the Travellers had a hair-breadth escape when at Douay, as we have since heard that on the next day the engagement took place between Tournay and that place, and where poor Dillon ^ was massacred. You certainly have had the accounts by our Papers. It seems the Soldiers thought he had sold them to the Austrians, and therefore when he perceived the disaffection in his Troops towards him, he made his Escape, and took shelter in a Barn. They pursued him and cut him to pieces, and what is still more cruel, they have been laying Wait for his Wife, who was expected to follow him, but have not succeeded. ... I have done all I can to avoid playing Cards, for, indeed, I find the G6nevois play extremely well ; but as ' Le Eeversi ' is here fashionable, for Madame de S6vign6's sake, I am learning it. . . . I am quite astonished at the very fashionable Work of this Place — Knitting of Stockings! It struck me as a vulgar employment ; but that must be the Effect of my Ignorance, for everybody, Eich and Poor, are with their 1 Theobald Dillon, put to death by his own soldiers. See letter from Comte de Lally, p. 136. THE TRAVELLERS AT HOME. 135 Balls of Thread or Cotton, knitting away. I have seen also a good deal of * Broderie ' in Coloured Cotton and Silk. I send this Scrawl by Pache, le Voiturier, who sets off for England the eighteenth of this Month. . . . It is possible that as Hostilities are really begnn, I shall be obliged to remain at Geneva, instead of visiting Paris ; but that will be better than my running the risk of becoming a Prisoner, and indeed we did run a little during our Journey, as the attacks began while we were actually in the same District, 136 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. CHAPTEE VII. May to July. 1792. COMTE DE LALLY'S TIDINGS. Letter from France — Tragic end of Theobald Dillon — Vicomte de Noailles transmits news of June 20th — Mob at the Tuileries — Insults to the King and Queen— Ten hours of agony — Fainting of Louis XVI. — The National Assembly opens with a ballet-pantomime — Dinner to 500 Sans-culottes — Stormy dehberations — The procession — The Tables of the Law — Assault on the Tuileries — Courage of the King and Madame Elisabeth — ' Les tigres adoucis ' — The Dauphin plays with the Bonnet rouge — The Queen's dignity inspires respect — At last the day ends — The decrees — P6tion— ' Go to bed.' [The following letters are from contemporary copies made for Maria Josepha, and docketed with the names of the writers.] From the Comte de Lally to Lord Sheffield. Le 25 mai, 1792. Je vous ecris, my dear Lord, dans une affliction pro- fonde, causee par I'assassinat du malheureux Theobald Dillon, un pen mon parent, un pen mon ami, et mis en Morceaux k la Lettre par mi peuple furieux, et une inf ame soldatesque, au retom" de la premiere expedition qui signale cette execrable guerre. M. Dumouriez, notre Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres par le titre, et notre principal Ministre par le fait, meriterait tons les supplices qu'on ait jamais fait subir aux Trattres. Malgre les lettres registeres de nos trois Generaux qui tous lui ont mande que rien n'etait pret, ni Tentes, ni Chariots, ni Chirm^giens, ni Boulangers, ni recrues ; il s'est obstin6 non seulement a declarer la COMTE DE LAXLY'S TIDINGS. 137 Guerre, non seulement a la vouloir offensive, mais a ordon- ner aux G^n^raux d'entrer sur le pays ennemi,prets ou non prets, faibles ou forts, a la reception de ses depeches. M. de Biron devait se porter sur Monsieur de Luckner, je ne sais ou, et M^' de la Fayette qu'on veut perdre, sur Namur, comme le point d'attaque le plus difficile. M. Dumouriez promettoit impudemment k tout le monde que le pays etait gagne, que les Fran9ois n'avaient qu'a se montrer et que les Autrichiens, Soldats et Bourgeois, seraient a leur Cou et arboreraient la cocarde Nationale. Le 28, Theobald Dillon, Marechal de Camp, a re9u ordre de M. de Biron de se porter sur Tournay, avec une petite arm^e de 5000 hommes. Sorti de Lille a dix heures du soir, il a marche tranquillement jusqu'a deux heures du matin, a fait prendre une refection k sa troupe, puis a continue son chemin et est entre sur le territoire ennemi. Quelques poignees d' Autrichiens, garnissant quel- ques postes en avant, se sont successivement retires et ont amorce nos gens par cette retraite. Comme on faisait une seconde halte et que les chevaux etaient debrides pour manger I'avoine, on a vu tout-a-coup parattre sur des hauteurs les Autrichiens, au nombre d'environ dix mille Hommes, et une Batterie de dix Canons a ete subite- ment demasquee — Nous n'en avions que six avec nous. Theobald Dillon a senti la necessite de faire ime retraite. A peine ^tait-elle cormnencee qu'une Terreur inexprimable s'est empare de toute Tarmee. L'Infanterie jetant armes, havresacs et Bagages, s'est enfuie par vingt routes dif- ferentes. La cavalerie, ventre a terre, a passe sur le corps de toute son Infanterie. General, Officiers, ont fait de vains efforts pour rallier leurs Troupes ; M. de Pully, Colonel des Cuirassiers, pere de Pauline, a ^te culbut6 deux fois dans les fosses, en voulant se mettre en travers devant ses Cavaliers pour les arreter. II est parvenu k 138 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLEOYD. rassembler Douze hommes et petit-a-petit jusqu'a cin- quante, avec lesquels il est arriv6 en bon ordre a Lille. Tl y est entre a 2 heiires et toute Tannee y etait rentree a neuf, tant elle avait couru. Les Autricliiens ne nous ont pas pour sui vis deux cents pas. Nous avons perdu un monde 6norme, et I'Ennemi ne nous a pas tue 40 hommes. Le reste s'est entretue en fuyant, et surtout a ete ecrase par la Cavalerie. Cette infame C a Valerie est rentree dans la ville en criant, * a la Trahi- son,' pour couvrir sa honte. En un instant les Jacobins de Lille ont d^nonce le pauvre Dillon comme un Traitre, le peuple furieux s'est jete sur lui, I'a mis en pieces ainsi que son Aide-de-Camp, Chaumont, un Officier du genie, homme d'un merite distingu^. Six Tyroliens faits prison- niers par ces malheureux ont ete pendus. Ces Details sont s"ars, car je les ai puises dans une lettre ecrite a son frere par le brave pere de Pauline qui commandait les Cuirassiers. Son fils, age de seize ans, s'est beaucoup dis- tingue. II a vu un Autrichien pret a pourfendre un de ses Chasseurs, il a couru sur lui, I'a renverse de deux Balles dans la poitrine, et a donne le Cheval du tue au Chasseur qu'il venoit de sauver. Dans la deroute, le P^re, courant partout pour ramasser du monde, et arreter les fuyards, a eu la consolation de trouver son enfant^ qui retenoit les Soldats tant qu'il pouvoit, et qui pleuroit a chaudes larmes de les voir tous fuir. Ces petites anecdotes sont indifferentes a la grande affaire ; mais vous ne serez pas fache de savoir ce qui interesse si vivement cette jolie et aimable Pauline, qui s'est trouvee mal au premier mot qu'elle a entendu du combat. La Lettre de son Pere, fermee Lundi dernier, etoit terminee par un Postscriptum ainsi con9u. ' On bat la g^n^rale : la crainte s'empare de tous les E sprits ; on dit que les Autrichiens marchent sur Lille : tout le monde perd la Tete.' C'est avant-hier qu'on are9u COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 139 la noiivelle de ce premier echec. Hier on a appris que M. De Biron, qui d'abord s'etoit empar^ de Quinevain, mar- chant ensuite sur Mons, avoit ^te attaque, abandonne par una partie de son armee, poursuivi, et oblige de rentrer dans Valenciennes. Eestoit M. de la Fayette qui etoit d6ja a Givet et qui manquant de tout, n'ayant pas meme des Tentes, ayant pris Chevaux et Chariots k tous les habitues du pays Messin, devoit le trente, (ce mois), marcher sur Namur. On lui a envoye d'ici un Courier pour suspendre toute attaque et on espere qu'il sera arrive a temps. Les Jacobins avoient espere le succ^s de M. de Eo- chambeau, Luckner et Biron, et la d^faite de M. de la Fayette. Un officier arrive ici hier, a vu une Lettre ecrite de la main de M. Dumouriez a un des hommes principaux de I'armee de Kochambeau, et le Ministre y disoit mot a mot, ' Nous ne pourrons pas nous confier a La Fayette, il faut nous en defaire, et donner le com- mandement k Biron.' L'Assemblee Nationale est con- damnee ; les honnetes gens fuyent ; on s'occupe d'une Petition qui doit etre presentee a L'Assemblee pour detruire le Club des Jacobins. II y a d^ja vingt mille signatures. Mon cousin, Arthur Dillon, a ete hier a L'Assemblee, demandant justice et Vengeance de I'assas- sinat de Theobald. II faisoit la consolation d'une soeur qui a pens6 devenir folle de chagrin il y a 4 ans, en perdant une fille unique qu'elle adorait. Je voudrais bien, mon cher Lord, que vous eussiez la bonte de faire passer ces nouvelles a Lord Loughborough partout ou il est ; tous ces details sont trop affireux pour pouvoir les ^crire deux fois. Je vous envoie un exemplaire d'une seconde Lettre a M. Burke, qui commen9oit a avoir beaucoup de succes ici. Mais le moyen aujourd'hui de penser k autre chose qu'aux Gazettes ! Si Lord L. est absent je vous prierais de vouloir bien le d^livrer k John Haskett, mon beau- frke. II demeure au Temple, et Ton sait positivement 140 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. son adresse chez Lord L. Ce seroit a lui a suivre officielle- ment mon affaire aupr^s de M. Dundas, il me Fa offert avec sensibilite et je serai enchante de lui avoir cette obligation, car je ne veux pas, non plus, mon cher Lord, abuser de vos bontes. Mais il est extremement urgent pour moi d'etre constate Anglois, pour pouvoir ici toucher mes revenus comme !&tranger et payer mes Creanciers sans une Residence de six mois. Qui sait, bon Dieu ! ce qui nous arrivera d'ici k six mois ? II me faut aussi cette quality D'Etranger, pour conserver ma pauvre petite terre, en quittant ce maudit pays. Si la question n'etait pas decidee en ma faveur, c'est-a-dire, si le petit fils d'un sujet Britanique n'est pas reconnu par la loi, sujet Britanique lui-m^me, il me reste alors le Moyen de demander des Lettres de Naturalisation. On dit qu'elles content beaucoup a Londres, mais qu'en se reunissant plusieurs pour les obtenir, chacun en est quitte, pour une centaine de guinees. Alors je ferois encore un bon Marche, puisque le lendemain de ces lettres de Naturali- sation je toucherois ici 30 mille francs. Nous avons, ce jour ci, des Details toujours plus affligeants. La Deroute de Mons a ete plus humiliante encore que celle de Tournay. Une poignee d'Autrichiens a mis en fuite toute notre armee : tous nos gens se sont mis a crier — ' Nous sommes trahis ! sauve qui peut ! on nous a menes a la Boucherie ! ' M. de Biron, rentre le dernier a Valenciennes, a entendu autour de lui les memes imprecations que ce pauvre Dillon, et peu s'en faut qu'il n'ait et6 Victime comme lui. M. de Rochambeau, d6ja indigne que tout son plan de guerre defensive ait ete culbute par le Conseil, a ete au dernier degr6 de fureur quand il a vu toutes ses entreprises desastreuses, dont on lui avoit fait un Mystere. Les ordres avoient et6 envoyes directement a M. de Biron, sans passer par le Marecbal qui commande toute 1' Armee. C'est peut- etre la premiere fois qu'une pareille marche a ete COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 141 imaginee. II a envoye sa Demission qui a 6t6 accept^e avant-hier, Mercredi. M. de Biron a ecrit de son c6te avec furenr, qu'on lui avait promis qu'il n'avoit qu'a se presenter et que tout le pays alloit se declarer pour nous : qu'au lieu de cela, il n'avoit pas pu trouver un guide parmi les habitans ; n'avoit pas vu venir a lui un seul deserteur Autrichien. Hier— Jeudi — un Courier de M. de la Fayette est venu apporter la nouvelle qu'au moins son Armee n'etait pas entouree ; et qu'il avoit re9u a temps le contre- ordre. M. de Grave, Ministre de la Guerre, pleure a chaudes larmes du matin au soir. M. Dumouriez, frappe dans ce premier moment, avoit repris hier toute son impertinence, toute son extravagance, et il a fait decider dans le Conseil qu'on suivroit le systeme de la guerre offensive. Le Peuple n'est pas dans une grande agitation. Pour Jeter du froid dans son indignation et de I'incerti- tude dans ses opinions, on vend et on crie a la Porte du Palais Eoyal, une grande relation de la Prise de Mons. On avait ecrit avant-hier une Lettre de Mystification au Maire de Paris pour lui annoncer cette conquete — il a donne en plein dans le Panneau, a couru annoncer cette nouvelle a la Municipalite et on s'est moqu^ de lui. Car tel est le Caractere de cette Nation avil^e qu'une moitie jouit des desastres publics, et qu'on oubhe qu'il y va desormais du salut de la France. Adieu, mon cher Lord, je vous embrasse de tout mon cceur. ce Vendredi, le 25 mai 1792. - * Belation of the Assassination of M. Theobald Dillon, Mareschal de Camp, at Lisle, on April 29, 1792. By an Eye Witness. ' I remained in the street to observe the dispositions of the people. About four o'clock I went towards Fiffe gate (Toumay). In the entrance of the street the agitation 142 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. was great, and the howling most terrible. At last I heard the cry of " He's coming ! he's coming ! To the lantern ! " I asked, with a trembling voice, "Who?" "Dillon," they answered, " the traitor, the aristocrate ! "We are going to tear him to pieces, he and all that belong to him ! Bochambeau must also perish, and all the nobility in the army. Dillon is coming in a cabriole ; his thigh is already broken, let's go and finish him ! " The cabriole soon appeared ; the general was in it, without a hat, with a calm and firm look ; he was escorted by four horse- guards ; he had hardly passed through the gate, when more than a hundred bayonets were thrust into the cabriole, amidst the most horrible shouts ! The horse- guards made use of their sabres, it is true, but I don't know whether it was to defend themselves or to protect the general. The man who drove the cabriole dis- appeared, the horse plunged, and no bayonets had yet been fatal, when a shot was fired into the carriage, and I think this killed M. Dillon, for I never saw him move after- wards ; he was taken from the carriage and thrown into the street, when they trampled upon his body and ran a thousand bayonets through it. I neither heard from him complaints or groans. Between seven and eight o'clock I went to the market-place, where a great fire was lighted, in which his body was thrown. French soldiers danced round the burning body of their general. This barbarous scene was intermixed with the most savage bowlings.' — Extract from Annual Register , 1792. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : Sunday night, June, 1792. The Packet came from France to-day, and brings shocking accounts of the situation of Paris. Some officers known to Noailles give the following account. On Sunday COMTE DE LALLY'S TIDINGS. 143 or Monday last there was some Fermentation among the People at St. Marceaux, St. Antoine, and in the Palais Eoyal concerning the Three Decrees which the King had refused to sanction. On Wednesday morning the People were collecting in large bodies, and the Commanding officer of the National Guard, M. D'Acloque, being informed of it, doubled the Patrols and marched two Battalions of Infantry and all the Cavalry to the Tuilleries, where he drew them up and ordered them to load. The Guard marched with the greatest regularity, and declared that they would defend the King to the last, for he was a Citoyen entitled to his Freedom as much as any Man in Paris. About one o'clock at Noon, M. Petion, the Mayor, sent orders to the commanding officer upon no account to prevent the People from approaching the King and delivering their Sentiments. An immense Mob, consisting of all the ' sans culottes ' of Paris, armed with Pikes, guns, etc., and wearing Ked Caps, came soon after to the Palace, and in consequence of the Mayor's orders were admitted. They went to the King's apartment and placed a Cannon at his Door. They then went into the Koom and brought the King to the Mouth of the Cannon, when they asked him if he would revoke his Veto. The King declared that he would not ; that the Decrees were uncon- stitutional and injurious to the Constitution, and having sworn to support it, he would never sanction them. Petion and Santerre, (a Brewer), came to the King while these People were there, (or came with them, I am not sure which,) but they were in the room, and endeavoured to persuade the King to yield. A Grenadier who came with the Mob then came up to the King with a white cockade in one hand, and a Eed Cap in the other. He put the Cockade to the King's heart and 144 GIRLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. asked him if it never beat at the thought of it, and then abusing him in the lowest Paris jargon, he forced the Red Cap on the King's head. He raised it above his Eyes, upon which the Grenadier forced it down again, and the King fainted. The Dauphin was taken ill, and the Queen ran off with him, the Mob abusing her, and saying that she might go, for she was not of consequence enough to be noticed. They then sent for a Bottle of Wine and endeavoured to give the King a glass to restore him ; but his teeth chattering together broke the glass, which put the Grenadier into a great Passion and he forced some down his Throat from the Bottle. He revived, and they put the Question to him again, but he firmly persisted in his refusal. At one o'clock in the morning, ten hours after their arrival, Petion said that they had done enough for one day and the Mob retired. During this time the Assembly sent twelve Deputations, consisting of Men armed with Pikes, to know whether the King would revoke his Veto. The Prince de Poix, the Chevalier de Coigny, and several of the King's old Guards came to the Palace in the Morning ; but the King dismissed them, saying that he would have no people about him who could give the least pretence for suspicion, and it is understood that he took an Oath at the Altar on Sunday last never to sanction these Decrees. These officers who arrived to-day left Paris on Thursday at eight o'clock. Paris was in the greatest Consternation. The Mob had entirely left the Palace. The Guards were at their Posts. Many of the Soldiers were so indignant at the Mayor's orders that they took off their Coats, sHt them, and threw them away. On Monday or Tuesday the Assembly received a letter from La Fayette, giving an account of the Army, and at "the latter end of it he says, that if any attempt were made COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 145 to force the King to sanction the Decrees in question, he will instantly march with the Army to Paris. . . . The Jacobins have in consequence sent four Men to endeavour to seize La Fayette's person. From Mons. le Comte de Lally. 21 Juin 1792. Depuis plusieurs Jours une extreme fermentation, qui etait evidemment I'effet d'un complot, annon9ait que les factieux allaient f rapper un grand coup. La Terreur des Jacobins les portaient au Desespoir, a la fureur. L 'ex- pulsion des trois Ministres, leurs favoris, la lettre de I'execrable Boland, qui etait une provocation aux Kegicides, envoyee a tous les Departemens : celle de M. de la Fayette arrivee dans Tlntervalle, et a laquelle on a attache une importance, que malheureusement elle n'avoit pas ; le projet annonce de la part du Roi de refuser sa sanction aux deux Decrets sur la deputation des pretres, et sur le Camp de vingt mille hommes ; la Demission de Du- mouriez ; tout se combinait pour mettre le Trone et le Bepubhcanisme en presence et les forcer a un combat. En arrivant de S*- Germain lundi dernier, je mis pied- a-terre aux Tuileries, et me perdis dans les groupes. La Lettre de M. de la Fayette venait d'etre lue a I'Assemblee. J'entendais d'un Cote — ' II est devenu fou,' de I'autre, * C'est un Traitre : ' Ici : 'II va venir avec son Armee,' et je disais tout has, ' plut a Dieu ! ' La — ' II va partir pour Coblentz.' Des femmes s'ecriaient, ' II a viole les Droits : ' des hommes repondaient : ' II parle en Maitre a L'Assemblee : ' Le plus grand nombre cependant, pretendait que la lettre n'etait pas de lui, qu'il fallait savoir qui I'avait ecrite, et le traiter comme il le meritait. On arrivait ensuite au Boi. J'ai entendu dire de ce Prince si desint^resse, si humain, que c'etait un Coquin, un Voleur, un Assassin, et L 146 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. j'ai eu besoin de penser a vous pour ne pas p^rorer a mon tour : on ne pent pas repeter ce qui se vomissait de toute part contre la Reine : des injures on passait aux menaces : — ' II f allait creer un autre pouvoir executif : il f allait faire un exemple Terrible de celui qui en ayant ete revetu par la bonte de la Nation, en avoit fait un abus si coupable : ' on annon^ait Mercredi comme le grand jour, comme le jour decisif ou le Faubourg S*-Antoine et le Faubourg S*- Marcel auraient raison de la perfidie ' de cet Homme et de cette Femme ! ' Tel etait" I'etat des choses lundi soir, et c'est au milieu de tous ces horribles symptomes que les petits amis de M. de.la Fayette avaient a prendre sur Eux de mutiler sa lettre dans la crainte qu'elle ne ftit trop forte. Le Mardi, les Symptomes se multiplient avec un caractere plus aggravant encore ; le Roi se hate d'envoyer son veto sur les deux decrets, a fin que ce ftit une chose faite pour le lendemain. Une partie du Bataillon de S*-Marceau alia trouver son Chef, S*-Prix le Comedien, et le requit de marcher a sa tete pour accom- pagner, avec Armes et Canons, les Citoyens du Faubourg, que ceux de S*^-Antoine venaient chercher le lendemain, avec leurs armes, leurs Canons, leur Santerre, et le projet d'aller tous ensemble, presenter une petition au Roi et une a I'Assemblee Nationale. S*-Prix repondit qu'il ne marcherait qu'etant requis ; que la Loi defendait les at- troupemens en Armes, et que, quant aux Canons, il se coucherait dessus, s'envelopperait des Drapeaux et atten- drait ainsi qu'ils le fusillassent. II y eut un Diner solennel a une Auberge appelee ' Le Jardin Royal.' Les convives principaux etaient Condor, Brissot, et Gensonne, les trois Ministres populaires renvoyes. En un mot 400 ou 500 converts, et les Sans-Culottes y recevaient du pain, de la viande, du vin, de I'argent, et des ordres pour le lendemain. On alia du Diner a la Seance de I'Assemblee. Un Secre- taire fit lecture d'une lettre ecrite a la Legislature par COMTE DE LALLY'S TIDINGS. 147 I'Arm^e Marseillaise: voici plusieurs phrases de cette lettre. ' Les hommes du Midi sont arm6s pour la Libert^ : Le jour de la colore du Peuple est arriv6. Le peuple est las de parer des coups, il veut en porter, employer la force populaire : Plus de quartier ! Qu'un D^cret nous autorise a marcher vers la Capitale : Le Peuple veut absolument finir la Kevolution : devez-vous, pouvez-vous I'empecher ? ' Oris d'approbation, applaudissemens forcenes ; vaine recla- mation du Cote droit, Decret qui ordonne I'impression, la mention honorable, et I'envoie aux 83 Departemens. Le Cote droit prit une sterile revanche, encourant les memeg applaudissemens; un arrete sage et ferme par lequel le Directoire du Departement avertissait les Citoyens du projet des factieux de se porter a de nouveaux attentats, et enjoignait au Maire, a la Municipality, au Commandant General, de prendre sans delai toutes les Mesures qui etaient a leur Disposition pour empecher tous rassem- blemens illegaux, et de faire toutes les dispositions de force publique, necessaires pour contenir et r^primer les perturbateurs du repos pubHc. Hier matin, Mercredi, 20 Juin, cet arrete s'est trouve affiche partout k la pointe du jour, mais I'infame Petion et I'imb^cile KomainviUiers n'avaient garde de le mettre a Execution. On s'est moque du Departement, et les deux Faubourgs se sont mis en marche. L'Assemblee a ouvert sa Seance par un Ballet pantomime — que les Femmes, les Gar9ons et les jeunes Filles de S^-Denis, ' formes en groupes fleuris et jolis invites a I'honneur de la Seance,' suivant I'expres- sion d'un Orateur, sont venus danser devant les Legis- lateurs; arrive ensuite le Directoire du Departement. Eoederer, oblige de porter son organe a quelque chose de juste, et donnant I'idee du D^mon dans un B6nitier, annonce au nom de tous ses CoUegues que la Loi est violee, que les Autorites constituees sont d^sob^ies ; qu'un rassemblement d'hommes arm^s a lieu dans ce moment ; I. 2 148 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. qu'ils marchent vers TAssemblee et le Chateau, voulant appuyer une Petition par la force des armes. Le Direc- toire demande que la loi reste intacte et que I'Assemblee n'admette pas en sa presence des Citoyens rebelles. On delibere. M. Vergniaud s'ecrie qu'on injurie le Peuple en lui supposant mauvaises intentions, qu'a la verite une Loi defend de deployer I'appareil des Armes dans le Sanc- tuaire de la Legislation, mais que L'Assemblee a deja tant de fois enfreint cette Loi par des * contraventions sans doute bien excusables,' qu'elle pent bien I'enfreindre une fois de plus. Des Commissaires de Police font dire qu'ils ne peuvent pas contenir le Peuple attroupe, ar.me sur le Boulevard de L'Hopital. Une lettre de Santerre arrive ; les habitants du Faubourg S*-Antoine celebrent aujourd'hui I'anniversaire du serment fait au jeu de Paume ; ils demandent a defiler devant TAssemblee. M. Bamond demande qu'ils soient tenus de deposer leurs armes a la porte avant d'entrer. Le President annonce que la Reunion n'est que de huit mille homines et qu'ils demandent a entrer. M. Calvet demande qu'on leve la Seance. M. Eamond insiste sur le desarmement ; on met aux voix s'ils entreront ; un Huissier ouvre la Barre ; ils entrent ; les Membres se reorient. L'Huissier dit qu'il a cru le Decret rendu — on le rend en presence des Peti- tionnaires et on decrete qu'ils seront admis apres qu'ils sont entres. ' Le Peuple est pret a se venger,' dit rOrateur, ' et si le Roi s'ecarte de la Constitution il n'est plus rien.' On defile depuis onze heures jusqu'a quatre heures et demie, hommes, femmes, ouvriers, mendicants, visages noircis de Charbon pour se rendre plus hideux; les uns a moitie ivres, les autres a demi-nus : 'pour armes — des piques, des fourches, des faulx, des Broches, des tenailles, des Massues, des instruments de la Guil- lotine ; pom- Drapeaux, des Haillons, des Torchons san- glans, des Culottes, excepte les pelotons de Garde Nationale OOLITE DE LALLY'S TIDINGS. 149 semes parmi eux, qui avaient des fusils et leurs Drapeaux. Des Fifes, des Tambours, des Chants, des Cris, des Hurle- mens, les Applaudissements continuels de I'Assemblee et des Tribunes, formaient une Musique digne de cette scene et de ce Theatre infernal. Enfin M. Santerre a fini par offrir a I'Assemblee au nom des deux Faubourgs reunis, un Drapeau; I'Assemblee I'a accepte, et le President a invite ces Messieurs a respecter la Loi dans leur^ plaisirs. Voila pour I'Assemblee — passons au Chateau. A onze heures le Eoi avait ordonne qu'on fermat les Tuilleries ; a midi-et-demi on est venu de la part du Eoi, ordonner a M. de Champonas de faire ouvrir les portes. II ne connaissait pas le porteur de ce pr^tendu ordre : il n'a pas imagine de con9evoir la moindre m^fiance, et a fait ouvrir les Portes entre une et deux heures. J'ai passe sur la Place de Louis XV, allant voir le Chevalier de Coigny et M. de Beauvace. J'ai vu peu de monde sur la Place ; le pont tournant occupe par un fort detache- ment de la Garde Nationale, des Canons braqu^s, un Bataillon de la Troupe Blanche range pres de la Statue, et j'ai cru a la tranquillity. Revenant le long du Quay, j'ai vu la Porte vis-a-vis le Pont-Eoyal ouverte, et tout le monde y entrant. Je suis descendu de voiture et me suis jete dans la foule, ne doutant pas qu'il n'y eti Ik beaucoup d'honn^tes gens, prets a se jeter dans le Chsiteau pour defendre les jours du Eoi s'ils etaient menaces, et en effet j'en ai trouve un grand nombre. lis m'ont dit que le Eoi avait prie tous ceux qui etoient chez lui de se retirer, ne voulant pas, disait-il, renouveler la sc^ne du 28 Fevrier. J'ai demande a plusieurs combien ils etaient ; ils m'ont repondu, environ 600 ou 700. II y avait quarante mille Banditti. Au reste, a peine entr6 dans le Jardin, je n'ai plus vu I'image du Danger : un triple rang de Gardes Nationaux, les deux derniers ayant les bayonnettes au bout du fusil, bordait la Terrasse depuis la Porte du 150 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Pont-Eoyal jusqu'a celle vis-a-vis St.-Eoch. Les Ban- ditti defilaient assez paisiblement : quelques pelotons seulement s'arretaient de temps en temps, sous les fen^tres des appartemens royaux, agitant leurs armes, criant ' A bas Veto ! ' * Vive la Nation ! ' Les trois quarts de ceux qui etaient la, y etaient, comme a un Charivari pour se rejouir. J'ai entendu un de ceux qui portait une des armes les plus horribles, et dont la bonne physionomie contrastait singulierement avec son costume feroce, dire, en voyant les Fenetres du Eoi ferm^es : ' Mais pourquoi done ne se montre-t-il pas ? De quoi a- t-il peur, ce pauvre cher homme ? Nous ne voulons pas lui faire du mal.' J'ai entendu repeter ce propos : ' On le trompe.' Un autre repliquait : ' Mais pourquoi croit-il plutot six hommes que 745 ? on lui a donne un Veto, mais il ne sait pas gouverner.' Une Machine enorme, taillee comme les Tables de la Loi de Moise, et sur laquelle etoit ecrite en Lettres d'or la Declamation des droits de I'homme, etait la grande E-elique de la procession ; a cote des femmes qui portaient des Sabres et des Broches, on voyait des Hommes porter des Branches d' Olivier — les Bonnets rouges etaient par Milliers, et a chaque fusil ou a chaque pique pendait une Banderolle sur laquelle on lisait : ' La Constitution ou la Mort.' Ainsi chacun portait sa Condemnation au-dessus de sa Tete. Enfin, apres avoir rode depuis deux heures jusqu'a quatre, n'ayant vu que quelques mechans isoles qui ne paraissaient pas devoir etre craints, et une masse d'hommes faisant une procession degoutable et ridicule, j'ai crupouvoir aller diner au Luxembourg, me promettant de revenir encore le soir, mais par curiosite seulement, et sans aucune des idees qui m'y avaient fait descendre le matin. Je dinais avec un Membre de I'Assemblee Nationale, un des bons qui croyait ainsi que moi la joumee a sa fin, lorsqu'on est venu nous avertir que COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 151 I'Elite du Faubourg avait tourn6 les Tuilleries, s'etait presentee du C6te du Carrousel et avait forc6 la Porte et le Chateau. J'ai couru aux Tuilleries — voi9i ce qui s'etait passe. Du c6te du Jardin, I'ordre n'avait pas 6te trouble. Du Cote de la Cour, les Officiers Municipaux avaient ordonne a 23 Gardes Nationaux excellens, qui h. eux seuls contenaient toute la Colonne, de laisser passer ce que ces Messieurs appelaient les ' P^titionnaires' Alors touts les Bandits enrages avaient couru au Chateau, s'etaient empare d'une partie du Canon des Gardes Nationaux, et I'avaient braque contre le palais, ainsi que celui qu'ils avaient amene avec eux. La Garde Nationale marchait conime mal disposee de la mani^re qu'elle serait entretenue ; elle avait voulu tirer, et d'ailleurs, ne recevant ni requisition du Magistrat, ni ordre du Commandant, etait devenue spectatrice, les Grenadiers pleurant sur leurs fusils charges qu'ils n'osaient pas tirer — D'autres indifferens, plusieurs, et beaucoup trop, prenant la main de tous ces gens. Parvenus a la Porte de I'appartement, un cri universel avait retenti de toute part: 'Enfon9ons! Enfon9ons ! ' Le premier coup avait ete donne par un Garde National en faction. Un Grenadier avait arrete le second, en lui disant, * Malheureux ! tu deshonores I'habit que tu portes ! ' On avait mis un Canon, demonte de son affut a force de bras, dans la salle des Gardes. Le Boi apr^s avoir examine de chez son Valet-de-Chambre, Septeuil, ce qui se passait dans les cours, entendant les coups redoubles qu'on donnait a la Porte de I'GEil-de-Boeuf, s'etait arrache de la Beine, avanc6 vers la Porte, et accompagne du Mar^chal de Mouchy il avait dit : ' Je m'en vais a eux, h> mes quatre Grenadiers.' Un Grenadier s'etait precipite, criant : *Avec vous j'irais en Enfer.' Leur avait-il dit, ' Qu'on Ouvre,' on avait ouvert. Un Coup de Bayonnette, dirige sur la Porte pour I'enfoncer, allait atteindre le Koi ; un Grenadier 152 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. I'avait detourne. Le digne Acloque s'etait mis an devant du Eoi en leur criant, ' Eespectez votre Maitre, vous n'arriverez a lui qu'apres avoir passe sur mon Corps/ Un autre Grenadier avait dit au Garde National qui avait porte le premier coup a la porte, et qui en entrant ouvrait la bouche pour maudir le Eoi, ' Criez Vive le Eoi, Mal- heureux,' et le Malheureux avait crie, ' Vive le Eoi I ' et ce cri avait et6 celui de la surprise et du saisissement. Le Marechal de Mouchy, Acloque, et les quatre Grena- diers avaient entraine le Eoi dans la troisieme travee pour qu'il ne put pas etre entoure. La il etait monte sur une chaise, leur demandant ce qu'ils voulaient. Enfin un furibond nomme Legendre s'etait avance, et du milieu d'un groupe d'assassins avait presente au Eoi le Bonnet rouge. Un autre lui avait presente a boire. II avait mis le Bonnet rouge ; il avait bu ! Legendre lui avait enfonce le Bonnet. Voila ou en etait cet horrible evene- ment lorsque je suis entr6 aux Tuilleries. La Grille du Milieu etait fermee. Une deputation de TAssemblee etait Chez le Eoi, et plusieurs D6put^s y etaient pour leur propre compte. Damas avait couru dire a I'Assemblee : ' Le Eoi est dans le plus grand Danger — insults — menace — il ne peut se faire entendre — ni donner des ordres. Je I'ai vu avili sous un Bonnet de laine rouge ! ' Plusieurs voix s'6taient eerie : ' Eh Bien ? ' M. Thuriot avait demande qu'on ra^Dpelat a I'ordre * ceux qui insultaient le peuple.' Isnard et Vergniaud criaient dans les appartemens : * Eespectez votre Eoi Constitutionnel ! fiez-vous a I'As- semblee Nationale ! ' Le Peuple criait au Eoi : ' Vive la Nation ! ' et le Eoi repondait par le meme Cri. Mais, lorsqu'on lui demandait la E6vocation de son Veto, le Eappel des trois Ministres renvoy^s, il les rappelait k la Constitution, professant un attachement inviolable pour elle, et repondant toujours que rien Femp^cherait de se COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 153 servir, pour le bien de la Nation, du Pouvoir qu'elle lui avait confie. La Deputation arriv6e jusqu'a lui, lui a propose de passer au milieu d'elle dans une Chambre ou I'affluence serait moins grande. H y a passe. Depuis ce moment le danger a beaucoup diminu6 ; de demi-heure en demi-heure les Deputations se relevaient aupres de lui. J'en ai vu entrer quatre. Potion etait arrive pour jouir de son triomphe : applaudi dans les cours, il avait dit a tons ces miserables qu'il ' n'avait fait que son devoir,' qu'il etait bien sensible a leur ami tie. Pres du Koi il a harangue, et au milieu de sa harangue il a invite ce malheureux Prince a ne rien craindre et a etre tranquille. * Tranquille ! ' a repris le Roi ; ' Je le suis; quand on a la conscience pure, on n'a rien a craindre,' et prenant la main d'un Grenadier, il lui a dit, en la posant sur son coeur : * Ami, sens s'il bat plus vite qu'a I'ordinaire, et dis-lui si je suis tranquille.' Ces mots ont produit un effet merveilleux. Les Brigands en ont ete frappes. L'Assemblee I'a convert d'applaudissemens quand il lui a ete rapporte par la seconde Deputation, et avec la seconde, Santerre, dont on a 6t6 oblige d'invoquer la pro- tection. La foule a commence a s'ecouler. Mais vous ne savez pas encore tout. Lorsque le Eoi s'etait avance pour faire ouvrir les Portes, Madame Elisa- beth s'etait seule de sa famille avanc6e avec lui, et elle etait toujours restee a la premiere travee, avec son visage angelique moins effray^ peut-etre de cette scene que des autres, parce que dans ce moment le Eoi lui paraissait un martjn:. Ces Tigres s'^taient adoucis malgre eux en la voyant, et leur fureur etait un peu amortie avant d'arriver jusqu'au Roi. Pour la Reine, sept ou huit personnes, parmi lesquelles le Vicomte de Monteuil, I'avaient envir- ronnee et malgre ses cris I'avaient entrainee dans la Chambre des Conseils. On avait mis la Table en travers ; des Gardes Nationaux faisaient le fer a Cheval 154 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA. JOSEPHA HOLROYD. depuis les deux extremites de cette Table jusqu'aux deux Fortes. La Eeine etait de I'autre c6t6 de la Table avec ses Dames et quelques serviteurs. EUe ne voit pas son fils pres d'elle, elle le demande. Une femme de Chambre accourut et s'ecrie, ' M. le Dauphin est enleve ! ' La Reine tombe evanouie : une autre lui ramene son fils et rhomme qui I'a d^fendu. * Madame,' dit-elle, ' Voila I'homme a qui vous devez le salut de votre fils.' La Reine se jette aux pieds de cet homme. Les Brigands defilent par la Chambre du Conseil, on jette un Bonnet rouge pour le Dauphin — on demande qu'il soit monte sur la Table avec ce Bonnet, et il y reste pendant une demi- heure ; il se familiarise avec tout ce spectacle, et finit par jouer avec ce Bonnet rouge. La Reine avait un maintien fort digne ; les uns en etaient frappes — les autres restaient insensibles. Ici, on criait, *Vive la Reine! ' La, on vomissait des horreurs. Les Deputes de I'Assemblee sont sortis d'avec Elle, penetres de respect et attendris, plusieurs malgre eux. Enfin a 9 heures et demie tout a ete dissipe. Le Roi est rentre chez lui, et la Reine est venue se jeter a ses genoux, et I'a prit dans ses bras, non pas en pleurant, mais en criant. Ce matin tout Paris s'est trouve plonge dans la Conster- nation ; I'Assemblee dans la honte ; la Garde Nationale dans les remords et dans la Rage. Le Roi a fait venir un Juge de Paix pour constater les traces de violence et de Vols commis dans le Chateau. On a vole dans les apparte- mens, des meubles et des serrures ; a un detachement de Gardes Nationaux, 75 fusils ; a d'autres 42. Le Departe- ment a fait commencer hier au soir une information : vingt temoins out depos^ qu'un certain grand Negre de M. le Due D'Orleans, nomme Catalan, etait a la tete de ceux qui ont braqu^ le Canon contre le Chateau. M. Petion et un autre municipal nomm6 Serjent ont ete ce matin hues, frapp6s, lapid^s, dans la Cour du Chateau COMTE DE L ALLY'S TIDINGS. 155 par les Gardes Nationaux et par le Peuple. Le Departe- ment songe k suspendre ou meme casser la Mimicipalite. L'Assemblee a decr6t6, l"*^'^* qu'aucune troupe armee ne serait admise a se presenter k la Barre, ni a d^filer devant elle; 2^* Que les Citoyens ne pourraient se reunir en amies sous pretexte de presenter des petitions. Ce gueux de Merlin, et un je ne sais quel Couthon, ont fait la Motion de d^creter que le Eoi ne pent opposer son Veto sur le decret de circonstances ou il n'a seulement pas voulu les entendre. II y a encore eu un Ballet Legislatif forme par des jeunes Filles de Versailles, mais leurs Mes- sieurs etaient sans armes. Le Eoi a ecrit a I'Assemblee une Lettre tres sage et tres courageuse, par laquelle se terminera ma longue narration. ' L'Assemblee Nationale a deja connaissance des Evenemens de la Journee d'bier. Paris est sans doute dans la Consternation, et la France ne les apprendra pas sans douleur. Je laisse k la prudence de I'Assemblee k maintenir la Constitution et la Liberte individuelle du Eepresentatif Hereditaire du Peuple.* . J'ai oublie de vous dire que j'ai et6 hier au soir a I'As- semblee, entendre le rapport de Potion. II a passe toute expression pour I'Audace et la Betise. II ose commettre des crimes, mais il n'a pas assez d'esprit pour les paUier. II avait dit aux Brigands dans les Appartemens, ' Amis et Amies, Citoyens et Citoyennes, finissez la Journee avec autant de Dignite que vous I'avez commenc^e ; vous ^tes montes a la hauteur de la Libert^ ! faites comme moi et allez vous coucher ! ' Demain la Seance doit etre interessante, mais je ne serais pas instruit a temps pour vous en instruire. 156 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROXD CHAPTEE VIII. 1792. EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. Scene in the Champ de Mars and the Ecole Militaire — Fidelity of the Grena- diers — Fortitude of the Royal Family — Qa ira — Seditious cries — Tem- porary revulsion in favour of the Royal Family — Princesse d'Henin reports the Manifesto of the Duke of Brunswick — Paris the week pre- vious to the Massacre of August 10th, 1792 — Letter from Berne — Charges against the Swiss Guards refuted— Arraignment of the King — His digni- fied Demeanour. Mons. le Comte de Lally a la Princesse d'Hinin} La voila terminee, ma chere Princesse, cette Journee qui m'avait cause tant d'inquietude pour le Eoi, et qui vous avait fait craindre pour vos amis en meme temps que pour Lui. La voila terminee, non seulement sans malheur mais encore avec un grand avantage pour le Eoi. Lisez le logographe, et vous verrez avec quelle im- prudence — quelle tyrannie, le Maire avoit ete reintegre avant-hier ; des placards invitaient les Citoyens et le bon Peuple a ne pas sortir le lendemain du Champ de Mars, sans avoir venge le sang repandu le 17 Mars de FAnnee Derniere ; et Ton voyait dans les Boutiques, des Armes qu'une imagination feroce s'^tait plu a inventer et qui faisaient fremir. Votre neveu, Lametier le bon, un de leurs amis et Moi, nous sommes partis de front, resolus de penetrer a I'Ecole Militaire, et de nous joindre au D6fen- seurs du Eoi s'il etoit attaqu6. II etait huit heures du matin. II y a deux Ans, que d^s quatre heures le Champ de Mars etait rempli. Jugez quel a ete ' One of the group of French Emigres to whom Sheffield Place became a second home during their exile in England. EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 157 notre etoimement de le trouver un desert ! Un Champ vaste, aride et sablonneux tel qu'un Lac, dont les Eaux auraient trouve une issue et se seraient entiere- ment retirees. Sur des Monticules de sable etaient place circulairement 83 petit es Tentes. Devant chaque Tente un peuplier, mais si petit, si frele, qu'un souffle parais- sait devoir tout renverser, et que chacun avait peine a resister au jeu de la BanderoUe Tricolore dont on les avait tons charges. Vous vous doutez bien que cela signifiait les 83 Departemens, et comme les D^partemens n' etaient pas en faveur je me suis etonne qu'on n'etit pas mis quarante-quatre mille Peupliers comme signes representa- tifs des quarante-quatre mille Muncipalites. Dans le milieu etaient couches par Terre quatre Chales de Toile, peints en gris, qui eussent fait une mauvaise decoration pour le spectacle de la Foire, et qui devaient former un Tombeau pour tous ceux qui sont morts, meurent ou mourant a la Frontiere. On lisait sur un des Cotes — * Tremblez, Tirans ! nous les vengerons ! ' II y avait de quoi s'indigner, en songeant tout-a-la fois a la prodigaHt^ barbare avec laquelle on devoue des MiUiers de victimes au trepas, et a cette ridicule parsi- ' monie qui croit consoler leurs Manes avec une Toile de Theatre. L'Autel de la Patrie etait ou vous I'avez vu, imperceptible et forme d'une Colonne tronquee sur le haut de ces gradins innombrables Aleves en 1790. Sur les quatre petits autels angulaires on briilait des parfums. A cent toises derriere I'Autel on avait eleve un grand Arbre, appele, 'L'Arbre de la FeodaHte,' aux branches duquel etaient suspendus des Ecussons, des Casques, des Cordons Bleus, entrelaces avec des chaines, et cet Arbre sortait du milieu d'un Bucher, sur lequel etaient amonceles des Couronnes, des Tiares, des Chapeaux de Cardinaux, les Clefs de St. Pierre, des Manteaux d'hermine, des Bonnets de Docteurs, des Titres de Noblesse, des Sacs de Proces. 158 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Parmi les Couronnes en etait nne Eoyale; parmi les Ecussons etaient celui de France, ceux de Provence, d'Artois, de Conde — et Ton devait proposer an Eoi de Mettre le Feu au Bticher. Une figure de la Loi et une autre de la Liberte etaient placees sur des Roulettes a I'aide desquelles on devait faire mouvoir les Divinites. Une grande Tente a droite etait destinee a I'Assemblee Ra- tionale et au Boi. Une a gauche aux Corps administratifs de Paris. Elles s'elevaient de beaucoup au-dessus des autres, ce qui etait une infraction a I'Egalite constitutionnelle. Enfin cinquante-quatre pieces de Canon bordaient le Champ du Cote de la Riviere. Je crois n'avoir rien oublie que le Bonnet Rouge qui couronnait les arbres, et vous qui connaissez la localite, vous devez parfaitement vous representer sa disposition. Tout cela etait desert — et le petit nombre d'individus errant dans cette enceinte immense, avaient a peine Fair de curieux ; jugez s'ils etaient enthousiastes ! On vous dit que le Peuple etait a la Bastille, voyant poser, par 60 membres de I'Assemblee Nationale la premiere pierre de la Colonne qui doit etre erigee sur les mines de ce fameux Chateau. Nous nous sommes hates de nous presenter a TEcole Militaire. Admis sans difficulte, nous sommes entres dans les appartemens qui etaient tous ouverts excepte celui destine au Roi et a sa famille. Nous avons bientot vu arriver le Chevalier de Coigny ; M. du Chatelet, D'Haussonville, de Puysegur, de Grillon, etc. Aucun Marechal de France n'est venu, parce que la veille, le Ministre de la Guerre leur avait ^crit pour les inviter au nom de la Municipalite a figurer dans la Marche ; en les avertissant que les Marechaux de France etaient destines a porter I'oriflamme, et qu'il fallait se rendre a six heures du Matin, sur la Place de la Bastille. EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 159 Vous figurez-vous votre Oncle Beauvau se levant a six heures pour porter un Drapeau le long des Kues de Paris dans una pareille Mascarade ! Tous s'y sont refuse, comme vous le croyez bien, et par consequent ont ete condanm^s a ne pouvoir se montrer du jour — ^ce qui a bien co^te a M. de Beauvau. On avait annonce que le Serment se preterait a Midi. A onze heures on a dit que le Koi arrivait, nous nous sommes portes du Cote de la Cour. Le Cortege etait tres imposant. Un D^tachement de Cavalerie ouvrait la Marche ; puis un autre d'Infanterie ; des Troupes de Ligne ; les Pages ; les Ecuyers et un grand Nombre de Palefreniers suivaientv II y avait trois voitures. ■ Dans la premiere etaient M. de Poix, M. de Breze, Le jeune Tourzel, M. de S*-Priest, etc. ; dans la seconde, les Dames de la Eeine — dans la troisieme le Eoi, toute sa famille et 'Madame de Lamballe. Cinq cents Grenadiers volontaires nationeaux escortaient les Voitures, et les Ministres etaient a pied aux portieres de celle du Boi. Quatre Compagnies de Grenadiers Suisses fermaient la Marche. Les Trom- pettes, les Tambours et un Salve Gen^rale d'Artillerie ont annonce la presence du Koi. Nous avons et6 sur son passage au haut de I'escalier. II avait I'air calme d'une bonne conscience. La Reine avait la Dignite qu'elle ne perdrait jamais, mais on voyait sur son visage I'empreinte du Malheur que son Courage cherchait a dominer. Elle me faisait penser a une Strophe d'un Poete Anglais que Madame de Biron me faisait traduire dernierement au Val, et qu'il n'y avait qu'un mot a changer. 6 Honte des Franpais ! dans sa prison obscure Elle abreuve en secret sa couche de ses pleurs, Tout de son Cceur royal vient aigrir la blessure ; Les Graces sur son front ont fait place aux Malheurs, Et, semblable k la fleur que L'Aquilon d6vore A sa premiere Aurore, Elle a vu sa beaut6 naitre, s'6panouir, Se faner et mourir. 160 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Madame Elisabeth avait toujours I'air d'une Ange. Madame Royale presentait une tristesse interessante, et le Dauphin etoit beau comme 1' Amour. Us ont salue avec sensibilite tout ce qui s'of&:oit a eux, on a dit qu'ils allaient se renfermer dans leurs apparte- ments et nous nous sommes retires de I'autre cote. Cependant une des Troupes a traverse I'Ecole Militaire sous le Portique du Milieu, et a et6 se former en bataille sur le Champ de Mars, tandis que I'autre occupait les avenues du Cote des Boulevards. Je parlais a M. de Choiseul, quand nous etions agreablement distraits de notre conversation par un cri de, ' Vive le Koi ! ' Nous avons couru a la fenetre. Le Champ de Mars com- men9ait a se garnir. Un groupe nombreux de peuple bien vetu s'etait rassemble sous le Balcon, le Roi venait de s'y montrer avec toute sa f amille — le Cri se prolongeait et on y trouvait 1' accent du Coeur. On est venu dire que les Federes n'arriveraient pas avant trois ou quatre heures. lis s'etaient rendus a six heures au Faubourg St. Antoine, mais L'Assemblee Nationale n'avait depute qu'a neuf, les 60 Membres qui devaient poser la premiere pierre de la fameuse Colonne, et Ton trouvait tout simple et peut-etre fort gai, de faire attendre le Roi pendant trois mortelles heures. Du moins elles ont ete tranquilles pour Lui, et meme Lui ont valu des consolations. On m'a dit que les portes de I'appartement royal etaient ouvertes et qu'on y entrait. Je vous dirai a vous, une petite anecdote qui pent inte- resser particulierement mes amis, et je la disois meme a d'autres, parce qu'elle fait juger de I'excellent esprit qui animait les Grenadiers des Volontaires Nationaux. Us remplissaient I'Antichambre. A peine y suis-je entre, qu'un d'eux m'a reconnu, a saute a mon Cou, m'a nomme a son voisin, qui a fait la meme chose, et vingt sont venus successivement m'embrasser avec une espece EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 161 de transport. Un d'eux me disait, * Je suis un des G-rena- diers qui n'ont pas quitte le Eoi le 20 Juin : ' Un autre-;- * J'ai couch6 dans sa chambre. II avait ^te bien calme le jour ; mais pendant la nuit, quel sommeil ! quelle agita- tion ! quels bonds il faisait ! ' Un autre a fendu la presse et s'est eerie : ' M. de Lally doit connaltre Cassot ! * C'etait ce Cassot qui, le 20 Juin, avait saisi an Collet un Malheureux qui demandait, ' Ou etait le Eoi,' pour le tuer, et lui avait dit, ' Le Voila ! ton Koi, Miserable ! mets-toi a genoux et crie, Vive le Eoi ! ' — et I'assassin avait ob6i. Jugez si j'ai presse ce Cassot dans mes Bras ! Alors j'ai ete entoure ; ils me disaient tous. — * Ah ! si Ton vous avait cru ! Ecrivez, encore ! Que Mounier ecrive ! Vous nous avez instruits ! Votre troisieme lettre k Burke ! Nous avons bien retenu votre cri dans la seconde. Li- berte ! Eoyaute ! Tranquillity ! Ce Cri est le Notre ! ' Tout cela s'est fort prolonge, et je n'ai pas besoin de vous repeter ce que je leur ai dit, pour que vous le sachiez. lis me rappellaient I'Exil de M. Necker, mon Apostrophe aux Communes, mes Discours a I'Hotel de Ville, des Phrases entieres de mes Ecrits. Je voyais avec consola- tion que j'avais fait beaucoup plus de bien que je ne croyais, et je jouissois surtout de voir de quels sentiments ils etaient remplis. *Ne craignez rien pour le Eoi,' me disaient-ils, ' Nous nous y ferons tous hacher ! C'est un si honnete honune !' Le Eoi s'est montre, et des cris de ' Vive le Eoi ! Vive la Eeine ! ' des applaudissements, un CHquetis d'Armes universel I'ont accueilli. La Eeine a paru avec le Dauphin en Uniforme National. ' II n'a pas encore merite le Bonnet,' a-t-elle dit aux Grena- diers. ' Madame,' a dit I'un d'eux, * II y en a beaucoup ici a son service,' etles cris d'Enthousiasme ont recommence. ' Entrez,' me disaient-ils, comme si le Eoi ne dtit parler qu'a moi. Je passe toutes les imprecations contre les f actieux. Mais ils sont attaches a la liberte comme a la 162 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Royaute, et j'ai vu avec peine qu'ils ne soup9onnaient pas encore le Danger de la Guerre. lis n'admettaient pas meme la prise d'une Ville fran9aise. lis disaient que les Autrichiens n'avaient pas de pieces de Campagne, qu'ils arriveraient harasses et hors d'etat de rien entre- prendre. Enfin, j'e suis entre chez le Roi avec votre Neveu, que i'avais perdu et que j 'avals retrouve. Le Roi m'a fait un signe de tete quand il m'a vu ; puis il s'est approche de nous, et nous a parl6 a tous deux. J'ai aime ce qu'il m'a dit. * M. de Lally, je sais que vous etes venu ici de bien bonne heure ; on me I'a dit.* lis mangeaient tous un morceau de pain sec, et Ton avait eu bien de la peine a trouver un Bouillon pour M. le Dauphin. Le Roi a dit a votre Neveu gaiement, 'Vous nous avez donne un Meilleur Diner que cela il y a deux Ans.' Le Roi etait, comme vous voyez, calme et tranquille. Madame Elisa- beth souriait — le Dauphin jouait — La Reine etait pre- occupee — la petite Madame triste — et Madame de Lam- balle coquette. Le Canon a annonce que le Cortege debouchait dans le Champ de la Federation. Le Roi et sa Famille se sont places sur le Balcon, qui etait convert d'un riche tapis de velours cramoisi, borde d'or, et tant que nous etions la, nous I'avons entoure, ou nous soromes ranges k ses Cotes. lis entraient dans le Champ de Mars par la Grille de la Rue de Grenoble, defilaient sous le Balcon, et se portaient vers I'Autel de la Patrie de droite et de gauche ; on a pu juger ce qu'on allait voir par le Debut. A la suite de 50 Gendarmes Nationaux a paru, pour commencer, un Groupe d'hommes, de femmes, d'enfans, armes de piques, de baches, de Batons— une musique analogue a joue le fameux air ' 9a ira.' Des Gueux faisaient des gestes et montraient des Ecriteaux insolents au Roi. Les Cris de, ' Vive Petion! la Mort ou EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 163 Petion ! ' ont commence. Vous n'exigez pas de moi que je vous fasse passer en revue cette d^golitante Mascarade. Des^ Bandes tantot de Ghiaulits, tantot de Mendiants, tantot d'Assassins, du moins a en juger par leurs armes ; des fenames ivres-mortes, couronn^es de fleurs : toute la Canaille des Faubourgs, ayant ecrit sur le derri^re de son chapeau avec de la Craye ' Vive Potion ! ' Les six Legions Parisiennes deshonor^es de se trouver la, ayant pele-mele dans leurs rangs des femmes, des ' sans-culottes.' Ici des Bonnets rouges, la des pains, ailleurs des Gigots de Mouton au bout de leurs fusils. Des Aum6niers qui dansaient a la tete des Eegiments : des Chansons infames chantees par des femmes qui s'arretaient devant le Balcon royal : Ecriteaux au bout des batons, les uns atroces, les autres betes, comme celui qui au milieu des Tambours avertissait que c'etait des Tambours ; comme celui sur lequel on lisait, ' Vive des Braves Gens Morts au Siege de la BastiUe ! ' Le Mepris de toute bonn^tet^, de toute pudeur et de toute raison ; la confusion des langues, des honunes et des cboses, voila tout ce que presentait cette auguste Solennite ! On remarquait que les cris de ' Vive Petion ! ' cessaient lorsque la troupe armee defilait, surtout les Grenadiers des Legions, surtout les troupes de Ligne. Le ]^Q4.i6me li^giinent a succede a un Groupe forme d'infames, et vomissant des infamies — il s'etait arrets sous le Balcon, et sa Musique, au milieu des applaudissements des specta- teurs, a joue : ' Ou peut-on etre roieux, qu'au sein de sa famille ? ' le 105^^"® de meme. Jusqu'a une certaine section, qui etait, je crois, celle de S*-Marceau, il etait meme aise de remarquer que les cris seditieux etaient toujours proferes par les memes voix et par des Gens apost^s. Le brave Acloque etant venu faire ecarter la foule, on a respir^ pendant quelques instants ; et a la suite des Tables de la Loi, d'un petit relief de la Bastille, d'une M 2 164 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. petite machine que tout le monde prenait pour la Guillo- tine, et que d'autres soutenaient etre une imprimerie, TAssemblee Nationale a passe et s'est arretee sous le Balcon pour attendre le Eoi. Vous allez m'en vouloir k la Mort, mais il est onze heures sonnees. Mieux vaut une Moitie que rien. Le Reste a T ordinaire prochain, et sachez seulement que le Roi a ete reconduit jusqu'aux Tuileries avec ivresse, mais sachez aussi que I'Assemblee effrayee a decrete hier que toutes les Troupes de Ligne sortiraient de Paris. Tout se corrompt — les moeurs, la raison, la langue — on ecrit dans le ' Journal des Jacobins : ' * Un jeune sans-culotte,' comme on dirait, * Un jeune Levite.' On ecrit, ' Un Brigand ver- tueux,' etc. Passy. ce Jeudi 19. J'ai laisse L'Assemblee Nationale arretee au has du Portique de I'Ecole Militaire, et le Boi descendant pour les joindre. Tout ce qui etait en haut s'est divise. Ce qui appartenait au service du Boi I'a suivi, le reste a entoure la Beine et le Dauphin ; j'etais de ce nombre. Le Presi- dent de I'Assemblee, M. du Bayet, honnete homme avec la tete un peu tournee par la Bevolution, a re9u le Boi a sa gauche avec un maintien respectueux et une tenue de- cente. De I'autre cote etait le Vice-President, la Croix — les cheveux roules et un digne accoutrement de Jacobin. II y a eu une petite altercation pour le service du Boi. M. du Bayet a insiste pour que tous ceux qui le composaient allassent en avant : je I'ai vu aussi ranger un huissier pour qu'il se tint derriere lui, et non derri^re le Boi, et il m'a rap- pele ' le Bourgeois Gentilhomme ' disant a ses laquais — ' Tenez-vous bien pres de moi, afin qu'on voie que vous etes ma livree.' Une triple haye de Grenadiers nationaux, et de Suisses enfermaient le Boi et I'Assemblee : mais le Boi, les Deputes, les Soldats, la Foule, tout se touchoit, tout se pressait; il n'y avoit point d'espace vide. On EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 165 voyait une ondulation continuelle, et je n'^tais rien moins que tranquille. Jugez la famille royale ! Enfin la Cava- lerie se portant en avant, a nettoy^ le terrain, et en dis- tinguant le Roi dans une esp^ce de carre vide, forme par les troupes, on a commence a respirer. Pendant que le Boi marchait vers I'autel, la cinquieme Legion en Section a commence a defiler. Jusque-la les cris de ' Vive Potion ! ' avaient paru achet^s, ainsi que je crois vous F avoir mande, parce que les memes voix donnaient toujours le signal et se faisaient souvent entendre tr^s longtemps sans ^tre r^petees. Ici ils ont et6 plus universels. Je ne sais oti s'etoit forme ce Eamas, mais les Armes, les Visages, les hurlemens, les costumes, tout etait effrayant. Une chose remarquable c'est qu'ils se faisaient justice eux- m^mes, et criaient sans interruption, * Vivent les Gueux ! Vivent les Brigands ! Vive Petion ! ' Des Groupes de Coquins encherissaient encore sur ceux qui les avaient precedes, et chantaient, en les adressant a la Reine, des couplets plus obsc^nes, plus atroces qu'on ne se permet- trait de les imaginer. On criait, ' A bas I'Autrichienne ! A bas M. et M™« Veto ! Petion ou la Mort ! ' Enfin le Maire rein- tegre a paru a la tete de la Municipalite ; les cris, les Blasphemes ont ete au comble; pour lui, j'ai presque cru dans ce moment qu'il avait une conscience. Embarrasse, pale, tremblant, la tete baissee, il n'a pas os6 lever les yeux sur le Balcon, il osait a peine les lever sur cette populace en partie soudoyee, en partie enivree, qui insul- tait en son honneur la famille royale. II y a eu un instant quand, malgre moi, les larmes sont tombes de mes yeux. La pauvre Beine etait cruellement distraite de ces inso- lences par la crainte qui I'obs^dait quand il n'a pas ete possible de suivre le Boi avec les yeux. Elle I'a suivi avec une longue vue, et est restee immobile pendant une heure enti^re, tenant d'un bras le Dauphin, et I'autre 6tendu 166 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. soutenant la lorgnette avec laqnelle seule elle d^couvrait le Eoi. II y a eu un instant ou elle s'est eerie, ' II a des- cendu deux Marches,' et ce cri nous a tons fait frissonner. Le Eoi n'a pas pu gagner le haut de I'Autel, parce que la foule, et notamment des gens a demi-nus, s'etaient empar6 de la partie superieure. II y a eu un mouvement alar- mant. Theodore Lanieth, selon les uns, Damas selon les autres, (je crois que c'est le premier) a eu la presence d'es- prit de crier : * Grenadiers ! Garde a Vous ! Haut les Armes ! ' et les Sans-Culottes se sont arretes et replies sur la foule. On dit que I'instant du serment, au bruit des 54 Canons, ranges du cote de la Eiviere, a ete imposant, pom: ceux qui etaient voisins de I'Autel : La 6"® Legion n'etait pas encore defilee, lorsque nous avons vu la Cavalerie annongant le retour du Eoi. Cette sixi^me Legion, marchant au pas redouble, a ete coupee par I'escorte du Eoi, et presque culbutee par le Peuple, qui de toute part est entre dans les rangs. J'oubliais de dire que le Presi- dent avait propose au Eoi de descendre de I'Autel du cote de la Eiviere, et de mettre le feu a I'Arbre de la FeodaHte, auquel pendait I'Ecusson de France. 'II n'y a point d'Arbres,' avait dit le Eoi, et il s'en etait retourne par le meme chemin par lequel il etait venu. Quand la Eeine I'a vu approcher elle s'est levee pour aller au devant de lui, et toute la famille royale, que nous suivions, alia attendre le Eoi au bas de I'escalier. Le Eoi, toujours calme, a pris la main de la Eeine avec tendresse. La petite Madame et le Dauphin se sont jetes sur les mains de lem^ Pere, qu'ils ont baisees, I'une en pleurant, 1' autre en se jouant. Alors vous ne pouvez vous faire une idee de I'ivresse qui s'est emparee de tout ce qui etait dans la Cour de I'Ecole MiHtaire ; Gardes Rationales ; Troupes de Ligne ; Suisses ; Peuple dans la Cour, aux Fenetres, aux Balcons, grimp^s sur les Grilles ; EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 167 c'^taient des Oris de * Vive le Koi ! ' et ' Vive la Eeine ! * Des chapeaux jet6s en Fair — impossible aux chevaux d'avancer, parce qu'on se jetait dessous — Je vous laisse a penser si votre neveu avec son organe fltite, et votre ami avec son organe ronflant se sont 6pargn6s. On les a suivis ainsi k notre connaissance, jusqu'a I'entr^e dans le Chateau des Tuileries. L'Enthousiasme etait encore centupl6, que depuis I'entr^e de la Cour Koyale jusqu'a celle de I'Escalier, les Troupes, hors d'elles-memes de les avoir ramenes sans que le moindre danger les et.t approche, avaient I'air d'egares, dans la crainte que ce court trajet ne leur enlevat toute leur Gloire et tout le fruit de leurs soins, et qu' obliges de laisser passer la voiture seule, par la porte trop etroite, elles s'etaient precipitees avec une fureur d'interet et de fidelite pour former la Haye d'une porte a r autre. Aux Benedictions du Eoi, se sont joint es les Impreca- tions contre les Jacobins. Ah ! si le Koi se ftit aid6 d'un mot, d'un Geste ! mais c'etait le Courage sans mouvement, et la Probite en silence. Le lendemain il y a eu un D6cret pour eloigner les Troupes de Ligne, et les Suisses. Projet annonce de detruire les Grenadiers dans la Garde Nationale — Peti- tions pour demander la suspension du Eoi — L' accusation de la Fayette — Un Membre a parle d'accuser toute TArm^e, et il a ete applaudi. Lettre de M^'^'' la Princesse d'HSnin. Le 3 Aofit. 1792. M. de Lally me mande que ce jour m^me, le troisi^me, il doit se faire et se signer dans le Champ de Mars une grande Petition, pour demander la suspension, et peut-^tre la decheance du Eoi. On doit se porter sur le Champ a FAssemblee, en foule, quoique sans Armes, demander le 168 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Decret d'un ton imperatif, le demander d'Urgence, et seance tenante. On doit se porter a les Violences contre I'Assemblee si elle s'y refuse. Les Marseillois s'etoient reunis la veille au Palais-Royal a Tentree de la nuit, et chantoient des chansons affreuses contre le Roi, au milieu des hurlements de I'ivresse et de la fureur. Le Roi, la Reine et toute la Famille royale ont Veille toute la nuit, s'attendant d'un instant a I'autre d'etre assieges, forces, ou assassines. On amenoit ce jour meme un message du Roi a I'Assemblee sur le Manifeste du Due de Brunswick, et le Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres a dit a quelqu'un, que Ton attendoit d'ici a 3 ou 4 jours, les nou- velles d'une grande affaire entre les Armees. Le Manifeste ne produit aucune sensation dans Paris. Les Aristocrates I'approuvent; les Moderes en sont mecontents, et les Jacobins ne font qu'en rire. La personne qui m'en parle pense qu'il auroit reuni 19 sur 20 de la Nation, s'il se flit borne a demander la liberte du Roi, et sa sortie de Paris, accompagne de sa Garde et d'un nombre de Troupes a lui qu'il choisiroit. II falloit sans doute y joindre les plus terribles menaces pour toutes les Villes qui arreteroient son passage et nomm^ment Paris, mais il falloit bien se garder denoncer aux Gardes Nationaux qu'ils n'^toient en fonction que Provisoirement, et signer qu'on re9oit a Paris une Escorte Autrichienne pour conduire le Roi aux Frontieres. Le Due de Brunswick peut venir enlever le Roi, mais il ne pent pas esperer qu'on lui amene le Roi sur un Manifeste, date de Cohlentz. EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 169 Lettre de M. Gouvernet. Le3Aoiit. 1792. A aucime autre Epoque de la K6 volution nous n'avons ete dans une fermentation plus alarmante. II est afEreux de ne pouvoir deviner quel est le but des factieux; mais d'etre stir seulement de la Volenti qu'ils ont de commettre beaucoup de crimes, de repandre le sang du Koi, de sa Famille, des Nobles et des Prtoes ! Si le premier coup est porte, ce dont je veux m'obstiner a douter encore, il est certain qu'il sera le signal d'un massacre abominable, n6 de la fureur, de la crainte, et du desordre de toutes les idees. A tant de sujets d'horreur et d'effroi, nous n'avons rien a opposer ; — pas une reunion de cent personnes ; et la Garde Nationale, pour avoir voulu le tenter, a et6 traitee comme le Club Monarchique, et battue par les Marseillais. Cette soiree a ete pour moi une des plus d6sesp6rantes que j'ai passee. Sur le bruit de I'emeute, j'avais couru au Bataillon des FiUes S* Thomas, qu'on disoit le plus menace. II s'y est reuni plusieurs parties des meilleurs Bataillons de Paris. Nous etions environ Mille— nous avions six pieces de Canon. Les MarseiUais etaient au nombre de 500 r6unis a quatre pas de nous dans une Caserne. Je proposais d'aller I'entourer, de les sommer de nous rendre leurs armes, et de les escorter sur le champ hors de Paris, en leur disant que s'ils y rentroient on les assom- meroit ; ou bien s'ils faisaient resistance, de les forcer dans leur Caserne. Eh bien ! on se contenta de se bien retrancher, et mille hommes se crurent tres heureux que cinq cents ne vinssent pas les attaquer. Cependant le Courage d'une heure, sauvoit Paris et imprimoit a tous les Brigands 170 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. line terreur dont ils ne se fussent pas releves. Au lieu de cela il n'y a aucun doute que s'ils I'osent, les cinq cents Marseillois sont maitres de Paris, et les Officiers Nationaux y sont aussi en danger que les Gardes du Corps I'etaient a Versailles. Je ne vous parle que de Paris, parce que cela seul est interessant. L'armee, vous savez ou elle en est. C'est toujours la meme chose : les braves gens s'y tuent inu- tilement. Quand commence a agir le Due de Brunswick ; voila ce qu'il faut savoir. On dit que les Chefs Jacobins sont entraines malgr6 eux, fort au dela de ce qu'ils veulent. Jourdan aura tout a I'heure le credit preponderant. On ne peut pas se figurer I'etat du malheur du Chateau. Plus la crise est forte, plus elle est pres de sa fin. J'avoue que je ne vois pas sans honte et sans horreur la lachete avec laquelle nous courons ici d'inutiles dangers. 500 Marseillais dominent dans Paris, et nous avons 4 Batal- lions Suisses qu'a force de faiblesse on finira par rendre faibles eux-memes. Paris, ce 3 Aout. On the 10th of August the Horrid Massacre was accomplished. Extracts from a Letter from Berne. August 28, 1792. If you happen to meet Bowdler in London, he can give you a full account of our political situation. We are going on working our Ship, as well as we can, in the Storm. I hope we shall weather it ; but it is hard work. It will much depend upon the success of the Prussian and Austrian Armies. The Scoundrels who govern France now are embittered against us more than ever. The EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 171 horrid murder of the brave Swiss Guards at Paris, and the unhappy fate of the poor King, have raised our hatred and contempt of the Jacobin Gang to the highest pitch, and we would venture anything rather than be guilty of the least concession to their measures. We have a Body of Ten Thousand Men in readiness and under marching orders ; we shall not begin a war with France, but we must attack their Troops, if they break into the Pays de Neufchsitel or into the Munsterthal, which eight days, ago they seemed ready to do ; and if we are obhged to march, you may depend upon it we shall fight very soon after. We cannot afford to keep long a large Body of Troops together, and if the French come too near us, it is our interest as well as our inclination to bring, as soon as possible, matters to an issue. An Extraordinary * Diette ' of the Cantons will be assembled at Aarau on the 10th of next month, (September 1792) ; but I expect little from it. Some of them, led by commercial interest and views, are not inimical to the present system of French Politicks^ All of them are kept in awe, by the fear of seeing all the Swiss Begiments in the French Armies used like the Swiss Guards, and the old way of our Forefathers of revenging instantly any national injury, will, I am afraid, be not so readily followed as I could wish. Our having now got here our Begiment of Ernest, is a lucky circumstance for us. It is encamped three leagues from hence and an excellent body of regular Troops. They wish ardently to march, and our Militia, that of Soleure and Fribourg, are in the same disposition. We live in sad times ; but if anything can extricate us from sur- rounding Dangers, it is an adequate firmness, and that, I hope, will not be wanting. I may be short-sighted, but I am intimately convinced that if a Democratical Government in France comes to a Stand, all the other Governments in Europe are unsafe ; 172 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD many of them turned topsy turvy, and a long run of civil Broils, of popular Madness, of brutal and depressing Inso- lence of Mob Leaders, will bring us down again to the level of the Huns and Vandals. Sciences and Arts will be offensive to the Powers in the States : refined Minds will be useless and laughed at. The Talents of a Marius and Clodius vnll alone receive encouragement, the Sense of Honour will be lost, and even the Vices will not take such a vulgar turn, that the most common minds may grasp at them all. The Pandemonium of Paris has raised such a Fabrick as I maintain to be single in the History of Mankind, and have added such cunning and address to the most audacious measures as to astonish every atten- tive beholder ; as every Engine to their purpose is lawfull, they work deep and everywhere. The task of the Duke of Brunswick is more difficult than it was supposed to be, and even his successes vnll increase the difficulties he has to encounter. In Paris and in the Heart of France, with a Victorious Army, he will be hke a Man surrounded by the Plague, and it is melancholy to think that nothing but the most relentless severity can perform the busi- ness. We have received the Advice that the French General, Ferriere, had received v^ritten orders to take immediately possesion of Pierre Pertuis, the principal Pass into Swit- zerland. The same night we sent three Hundred Men with Artillery to prevent them. They arrived in good time, and the French, finding our Troops strongly posted, and made acquainted that they were not there for show only, gave up their Project, and the Commissaires of the National Assembly have made a Convention with the City of Bienne, in whose Territory Pierre Pertuis is. By this Act, the French are to evacuate the whole Munster- thal ; we are to evacuate the Territory of Bienne, and the City engages to guard the Passes with her own Mihtia ; EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 17 O and has required us in consequence to withdraw the Troops we had sent there. We could not refuse to call them back, as Bienne is part of the Helvetic Body ; but we have declared them answerable to the whole Con- federacy for any consequence of their Miserable Conduct, and shall set it in its true light at the next ' Diette,* which meets now eight days sooner than we expected, and which I hope vnll act with vigour, as all the Swiss Regiments in France are dismissed, which will set us at our Ease. The manner of it is as base and treacherous and ungratef ull as the rest of the Behaviour of the French to the Swiss Nation. I see with great pain that your English Papers repeat faithfully the Calumnious Charge that the Swiss Guards at Paris began firing against the People on August 10. Those brave Fellows had strict orders to defend the Palace, and did not fire till the Artillery had fired against them, and it would exceed the length of this letter, if I was to tell you all the villainous treachery made use of against them. One instance only as a sample. The National Guards upon Duty with them, borrowed great part of their Ammunition, under pretence of being resolved to stand it out with them, and immediately after, in the basest way, joined their Enemies. I hope from the good sense of the English Nation, that they will under- stand that though Six Hundred Brave Men can defend themselves to the last Breath against Sixty Thousand Assassins, it is not likely that they should be mad enough to attack them first. Bowdler has a private relation from an Officer, who was in the affair from beginnmg to end, and I beg you will be at the trouble of reading it. 174 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. From a French Emigre to the Princesse d'Henin, in England. Spa. le 14 Octobre, 1792. Je vous dois, ma chere Tante, la Relation exacte de ce qui nous est arrive depuis ma derni^re Lettre de Verdun, si cependant vous I'avez regue. La Cavalerie Fran9aise est partie de Verdun pour suivre les Armees Combinees qui descendaient la Meuse, pour passer I'Aisne apres le Combat de la Croix-aux-Bois, ou les Patriotes, forts de leur Position, les avoient attendues et ou ils furent forces. lis s'emparaient des Ponts de la Eiviere d'Aisne, ce qui nous a retarde de 24 heurs. Les Ponts retablis, nous marchames parallelement aux trois Colonnes des trois Armees. Le 20, nous fimes une Marche forcee de 12 lieues, depuis I'Aisne jusqu'a 4 lieues de Chalons, ou toutes les Armees se reuniraient. Les Patriotes occu- paient un Poste tres fort, garni d'une excellente Artillerie ; a 9 heures du Matin, les Armees se rangeaient en Bataille. Notre Armee, consistant en Cavalerie, formait une ligne de 45 Escadrons et presentait le plus beau Coup- d'CEil. On avait tant bien espere que les Patriotes seraient forces dans leurs Lignes. Mais tout-a-coup les Armees s'arret^rent et nous gagn^mes un mauvais Village, nomme La Croix-de-Champagne, ou Ton etablit toute notre Cavalerie, pour laquelle il ne se trouva qu'un seul Puits de 150 pieds de profondeur, et encore dans la nuit y tomba-t-il un Autrichien, de sorte que pendant 36 heures que nous passames dans cet endroit, il fallait se passer d'Eau et de Pain. Le Lendemain on attaqua notre Avant-Garde, qui d'apr^s ses ordres se repHait sur nous. Nous fumes ranges EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 175 en Bataille toute la nuit, mais on laissait les Patriotes suivre leurs mouvements sans les attaquer. Notre Posi- tion n'etait pas belle ; aussi fallut-il la quitter, et nous march^mes sur Tarmee Suisse; et le Quartier G^n6ral des Princes s'etablit a Somme-Jouste, avec 1' Aisle gauche, et I'avant-Garde se logea k Suippes. Par cette Position nous etions entre Chalons et Eheims, villes ou il n'y avait pas de Garnison. Aussi la nuit meme y fumes-nous inqui6t6s ; on nous enleva des Videttes, et depuis ce jour jusqu'a celui de notre retraite, nous montames a Cheval 2 ou 3 fois par jour. La Disette se faisait sentir dans TArmee Prussienne. Elle ne pouvait tirer de Subsistance que de Verdun. Encore la grande route de Ham, ou ^tait le Koi de Prusse a Verdun, n'etait pas sur. Les Patriotes occupaient St.- M^nehould, par ou il faUait passer. Ce n'etait done que par des Chemins de traverse et affreux que les subsistances arrivaient, et encore que pouvait fournir un Pays dej^ pille par les Prussiens ? On sentit bientot la durete de la Position des Armees combinees. Celle de Prusse fut trois jours sans pain. Celle de TEmpereiu: deux Jours, et la Notre en manquait totalement. C'etait a la pointe de I'epee qu'on pouvait avoir un pain. En vain faisait-on courir le bruit que les Patriotes etaient cernes, qu'ils demandaient ase rendre; les Gens raisonnables s'aper9urent tout de suite que c'etait nous qui I'etions, puisque nous ne pouvions faire un pas en arri^re ou en avant sans rencontrer I'Ennemi. On fit aussi courir le bruit qu'il y avait un arrange- ment slir, que le Eoi de France allait arriver a Verdun. Enfin tout ce qu'on pent inventer de plus absurde fut repandu, pour soutenir les esprits dej^ affaiblis par le defaut de Moyen, et Tinquietude des operations a venir. Enfin le Masque tomba, et on re9ut I'ordre de faire Ee- traite. On le colora sur ce qu'il etait impossible de vivre 176 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. en Champagne. On dit qu'on Marcherait sur Eheims, mais bientot le bruit tombait ; au lieu de Marcher sur Eheims nous nous retirsimes a Vouziers, sur I'Aisne, oil nous I'avions deja passee, et tandis qu'on assurait que le Eoi de Prusse etait a Chalons, nous le vimes arriver a Vouziers et mettre, pendant la nuit, I'Aisne entre lui et les Patriotes. J'ai toujours pense qu'on avait voulu nous sacrifier dans ce moment-la. Le General Clairfait et I'Armee Autrichienne marchoient sur Stenay, et notre petite Armee sans Infanterie rest ait deux jours au dela de I'Aisne en presence de TEnnemi. Nous pass^mes enfin cette Eiviere dans la Nait, et nous nous retirames vers Stenay. La Garnison de Sedan nous coupa le Chemin, et ten- tait d'enlever les Princes qui avaient passe la nuit dans le Chateau de Diez ; mais heureusement notre Corps, qui avait cantonne un prochain village, arrivait sur la Chaussee. Les Patriotes nous prirent pour le Convoi des Princes, et commencerent I'Attaque par une vive Canonnade. Nous etions sur une Chaussee revetue en pierre ; il etait impossible d'aller a eux. Leurs Canons etaient soutenus par quelques Escadrons, et leur Infanterie les prote- geaient de son feu. A I'abri d'un Bois qui les couvrait nous eumes cinq Chevaux tues, et heureusement pas un homme de touche. Nous nous mimes en Bataille devant leur Batterie, et notre arriere s'avan9ait pour les couper. lis decamperent bien vite ; on les atteignit et on les for9ait dans le Bois avec grande perte, apres quoi on fit la folie de bruler trois Villages : mesure impolitique, et qui peut occasionner de bien cruelles represailles. Ar- rives a Menza, pres Stenay, nous re9umes I'ordre d'aller ou bon nous sembleroit. On nous a ainsi abandonne a la Merci de je ne sais quoi, sans argent, sans V^tements, EVIL DAYS. THE PETY OF IT. 177 car vous vous imaginez bien qu'apres une Campagne aussi dure, nous avons use tout ce que nous avions ; ajoutez, que nos equipages ont ete pilles par les Prussiens, ces fameuses Troupes si renommees pour ieur Discipline. Voici, ma chere Tante, le Tableau de notre Misere. Je connois plus de deux miUe Emigres qui vont perir de Faim cet Hiver. Enfin on comprend que la desolation est extreme, on voit comme on a ete trompe. Le Eoi de Prusse I'a ete aussi, et j 'imagine que c'est par humeur qu'on nous a traites ainsi. Quoiqu'il en soit, je n*ai pu longtemps etre le t6moin de la Misere et du D^sespoir de nos cbers Camarades. La Bourse de mes Amis est venue a mon Secours, et nos conges en poche, mon Cousin et plusieurs autres nous avons gagne Spa, par des chemins affireux. Nous partirons demain pour Liege et de la pour Bruxelles, ou nous prendrons haleine. Bulletin. le 11 D6c. 1792. Paris a ete d'une Tranquillite etonnante. La Voiture dans laquelle etoit le Roi etoit une Voiture de remise, ayant avec lui, le Maire, le Procureur de la Commune et le Secretaire, Greffier. Les Glaces etoient baissees, ainsi le voyoit-on tres distinctement et il ne cherchoit pas a se cacher. Habille simplement d'une Redingote jaune, et d'un Chapeau rond sur sa Tete : la Tete haute, mais im- mobile, et appuyee contre Tangle de la Voiture. L'oeil fixe, mais eteint ; le visage bleme et d^fait ; une longue Barbe; I'air d'un grand abattement; tons les dehors d'une douleur concentree. Ce Spectacle fendoit le Coeur de ceux qui sentent quelque chose : il a fait une impression profonde sur les moins RoyaHstes, et a excite beaucoup de pitie dans ceux qui le plaignaient le moins, avant de I'avoir vu. Sous ce N 178 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. rapport cette promenade a 6te fort utile a sa cause. Le Peuple en Armes formoit une triple haye tout le long des Boulevards et de chaque c6te. Pas un seul cri, pas la moindre menace, mais un profond silence, une grande curiosite pour le voir. On le trouvoit fort change. II Test en effet, il est pale et maigri. Le Peuple qui le croyoit et le disoit bien coupable, convenoit qu'il etoit bien malbeureux, et en jurant centre lui, accusoit bien plus encore ceux qu'il pretendoit F avoir egare. Tel est le Sentiment qui domi- noit et non celui de Tindignation. II seroit possible qu'il ne fut pas condamne a mort sans souslever Paris, et la joumee d'aujourd'hui pourroit faire penser qu'il n'y seroit pas condamne, et que Ton se contenteroit d'un bannissement perpetuel ou d'une Prison. II est arrive, a 3 heures, a la Convention et il y est reste jusqu'a 5 et demie heures, toujours assis. Les Tribunes et I'Assemblee entiere ont ete, on ne S9auroit plus, decentes — pas un murmure — pas une inter- ruption. Le President lui a parle avec dignite, mais sans rien de dur, ni de choquant. En entrant, il a paru fort interdit, mais pendant qu'on lui lisoit I'Acte d'Accusation, il s'est remis, s'est rassur6, a parcouru des yeux I'Assemblee et les Tribunes. Enfin il a repondu a chaque Grrief avec une precision, une justesse, une fermete qui ont laisse de lui, la plus haute idee, a ses plus acharnes ennemis. II n'a pas cherche a recuser le Tribunal — il a parfaite- ment distingue ce qui lui est personnel, et se justifioit de chaque Grief, et ce qui tient a I'Administration. II a toujours dit que cela ne regardoit que ses Ministres responsables. Ses r^ponses etoient toutes tr^s courtes mais tres frappantes. On assure que I'Avocat le plus ruse etit eu peine a mieux r6pondre. II a nie presque toutes les pieces qu'on lui a presentees EVIL DAYS. THE PITY OF IT. 179 a sa charge, apres les avoir examinees avec soin. Enfin, apres avoir conserve un presence d'esprit, un sang-froid, et meme une fiert6 admirable, il a demand^ un Conseil et s'est retire. L'Assemblee, malgre la Montagne, lui a accorde un Conseil qu'il choisira. On ignore qui il prendra. II a laisse dans la Convention un prejuge tres favorable ; c'est ce dont tout le monde convient. II re-comparoitra Samedi a la Barre avec son Conseil. Cette affaire va prendre une nouvelle tournure. Sa fermete et la V^rite de ses Beponses lui concilieront les esprits. On croit que I'affaire pouvait tourner en longueur. N 2 180 GIELHOOI) OF MAJRIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEE IX. 1792. THE priests' tale. Louisa's letters — Miss Moss's flight — Her journey home from Geneva — Lady Webster on Venice and Vienna — The Comte de Lally again at Sheffield Place — His imprisonment at L'Abbaye — His release — Arrival of eight shipwrecked Priests — Their joy at finding Lally alive — Their tale — More Emigres are received — Subscriptions for the sufferers — Letter from Gibbon — Anxiety about Lally — Lady Webster at Naples — Louisa's opinion of Mr. Fox. [From these historic heights a letter from Louisa brings ns back again to the level of ordinary life in England.] Louisa to Maj'ia Josepha. Southampton : Wednesday, August 8, 1792. . . . You must first know that it is very hot, and now you shall hear that we left Bath exactly at eight in the morn, yesterday. The three Ladies of the Bedchamber in a post-chaise, and five in the Coach. . . . Left Salisbury half-past five and arrived at Southampton half-past nine. I really thought the Postillion had made a mistake and had carried us to a French town instead of an English one ; after having gone through as nasty, little narrow streets as I would wish to see, we alighted at the habita- tion Mrs. Quin had prepared for us . . . very clean, but smaller than anything I ever saw. . . . There was nobody in the house, but an old woman who was in great tribula- THE PRIESTS' TALE. 181 tion, as she did not expect us that night ; there was not a single thing in the house but chairs and tables, only one candle for a considerable time, all the water must be bought, and what with this old woman and another old woman slower still, we did not get anything whatever till near eleven. By degrees we sent the man out, and got some excellent cheese, bread and butter, beer and two or three more farthing candles. We got to bed half -past eleven, and never waked till seven in the morn ; after having once waked, it would be utterly impossible to com- pose oneself again, for what with cocks crowing, carriages, carts, people's talking, etc., you might as well try to sleep in the street. Louisa to Maria Josepha. * Les Bochers de Bognor : ' IS-"" Aout, 1792. Friday morn we made our Escape from the noise and bustle, the Hogs and Dragoons of Chichester, and arrived here ' sans obstacle.' Our house will not be ready to receive us till the 22nd ; but we have taken up our quarters at the Hotel, which stands by itself close to the Sea. We have not more room than is necessary, to be sure, as the three Balfours sleep in one room, the three maids in one bed, and Aunt and I have another ; but the sitting room is large enough for twenty people, a bow at each end with three separate windows, two fire places, two Doors and four Tables, great comforts to independent spirits. ... I long to hear something about the wretched King and Queen of France. Can anything be more mad than the whole Nation? Surely they cannot escape now from total Destruction. The Sovereign Lords of Berne will not take the Massacre of their subjects very quietly. How interesting it is to have seen Paris now ! Are you not sorry for the Statue of Henri IV. ? It was so tiresome the 182 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. other day, when we went to the Coffee Eoom, there was a party had got the Paper for the Day, and one was reading it out, so we, not being close enough to hear every word, only came in for the most dreadful part, every now and then we heard 'massacres,' 'murder,' 'Death,' etc., when we were all eager to know what it was about. I have had a nice dip ; the machines are very convenient with a curtain all round that nobody can see you ; you are not put in as at Brighton, only one woman gives you her hand and in you jump. Aunt and I went in two machines, but close together, so she had the satisfaction of hearing me flounce in, and I of hearing how she behaved, as the same woman executed us both. Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bognor : September 8, 1792. You do not know that you might not escape some degree of Scandal, if it was known that you receive Letters from the Centre House, Hothampton Place, Bog- nor. I assure you it is not at all ascertained in the neighbourhood what sort of Ladies we are. Sir Richard Hotham enquired of Weller, who lets the houses, if he knew what we were, as he does not like his houses should be let to Ladies who are not so good as they might be. Weller very prudently answered, that it was doubtful, we might be respectable people ; but that he was by no means certain. I flatter myself they are a little better satisfied now, as the Knight heard our Etymology and Chronology from Mrs. Poole, and after having called on us one morning, with a thousand apologies for not having been before, sent us some fruit out of his garden, and invited us to dinner to clear our characters. Our Neigh- bours are the pleasantest, unsociable people in the World, for they never give us the trouble of visiting them. Every THE PRIESTS' TALE. 183 house seems quite independent of the rest : at our right hand are two Miss Hanbury's ; fine, fat, jolly, important looking Damsels, rather approaching the Old Maid, each has a footman, a maid and a little Spaniel, the latter every day carried down to the Sea by the former ; they are in shght mourning ; both dressed exactly the same ; keep their dogs in good order, and have a carriage of their own . . . Next to them reside Dr. and Mrs. Bell, a nice, snug little Parson in a full bottom Wig, and she, a tall, sedate, Elderly Woman. Have you heard of the dis- turbances in Ireland? I am sure I do not envy the Hibernians [the Balfours] their Bog ! I should expect every night my house would be burnt, and my throat cut ; how can they think themselves safe when the Papists are ten to one, and they preach up to them that all the Estates of the latter belong to them and are theirs by right ? indeed, they seem to think it very probable they may be roasted. . . . We hear from a Gentleman, just come from London yesterday, that he had seen letters mentioning the Queen's Trial as coming on that day ; if it was true, I suppose she will hardly be alive to-morrow, as they would take care to find her guilty and not delay putting the Sentence in Execution. I was extremely glad to hear of Daily's arrival, and I long to hear whether he will be so obliging as to spend another two or three days at S.P. Miss Moss to Maria Josepha. Berne : September 29, 1792. Before you receive this, the Papers may have in- form'd you of the alarm the Genevans received on Sunday, the 23rd, by the News of the French having arrived at Les Marches in Savoy, at which place they were Victorious over the Troops that were there stationed. 184 GIRLHOOD OF IVIARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. They were proceeding to Chamberi about fifteen Leagues from our little Kepublick, and the Inhabitants of the Banlieu, that is such places as Plain, Palais, etc., had but just time to fly within the Gates of the Town, to which the Conseil General advis'd them to repair. I packed up my little all in the Space of Two Hours, and was so fortunate as to get a Bed at a friend's House, for the Sunday night, that I might be ready to leave the Town next morning at Six o'clock. If you had seen the Con- sternation and Dismay in which every creature was on the Sunday ! everybody you met had their arms filled, either with their children, or bundles of cloaths. Carts and Waggons laden with the Goods of those who had flown from the Suburbs, and the Cannons drawing to the Bamparts, were the whole day in motion ; while the footways were really block 'd with People, who were universally alarm 'd and talking over their apprehensions. Madame Barde, in about three hours, pack'd up every article she had in her house, and a cart convey 'd the whole of their Goods before three o'clock, as the Gates were to be shut sooner than usual that Night. I had the good Fortune to be permitted to pass Versoix, and the officer never attempted to unstrap a Trunk, because we were, 'Des Anglois,' while I believe thirty carriages were standing in a line for examination, because they were either French or Genevans who occupied them. One Lady had eighty Louis D'ors in her Pocket, which they took from her. Some Ladies escap'd from Savoy across the Lake in a Boat ; but were fir'd at from Versoix. In short, I hope never to be a witness to such a Scene of Distress. I slept on the Monday at a Lady's House at Morges, and on Tuesday arriv'd at Lausanne about eleven. I immediately waited on Mr. Gibbon, who promised me to write to Lord Sheffield, for I had no time to write, as I was obliged to pursue my route immediately. He looks THE priests' tale. 185 very well, and has postponed his visit to England for another year. I heard Mr. Pelham was at Lausanne ; but I had not time to call upon him. Mons. de Severy, le Pere, is ex- tremely ill, and Mr. Gibbon thinks it is a final Break up of his Health. I dined *au Lion d'Or,' where I believe there were upwards of 50 Persons at a Table d'hote, of all ranks and distinctions, who had just escap'd from Savoy and Geneva. Spanish Knights, ItaHan Counts, EngHsh Baronets, etc., all mixing Higgledy Piggledy. One Lady (a Mrs. Armi- tage) told me she has nothing but the Cloaths on her Back, for her Carriage with all her Baggage, had been stopped on the Lake in a Boat they had taken, thinking it safer ; in short, you may figure the conversation or * Jeremiades ' that prevailed during the whole meal. I had Twenty Httle Articles I meant to purchase, but the hurry of my Escape prevents the Execution. . . . Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting on the road, between Avranches and Morat, 18 fine Pieces of Cannon, all sent from Berne to the assist- ance of Geneva, and which were to be sent on the Lake from Vevay, as on Thursday. I heartily wish them success. If I had been the Officer who attended this Artillery, by way of inspiring them with courage, I should have made them Halt ! to look at the Burgundian Bones, which are in the Chapel on the roadside before you come to Morat. As we dined on Wednesday at Avranche, while the Dinner was getting ready, (which is always to come in a ' petit quart d'heure,') I went to see the Eoman Mosaic Pavement, and the Arena and Den, which is in the Baihff's Garden, and mentioned by Mr. Coxe. It is a great pity it has not been better preserved. ... On our route to-day we met the troops going to Geneva. I suppose you know Luckner is killed. I supped last night with ten officers, who had no doubt they should give the French a 186 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD, warm reception from the Genevan ramparts. This is the second time, Ma tres chere Josephine, that I have escaped a detachment of ' Momiseers.' I must beware of the Third. I am quite provok'd. 'Tmaginez vous,' that after having called in the Swiss to their assistance, the French Resident at Geneva has just signified to Le Grand Conseil that the French mean no Hostilities to the Republick, but if they call in the Swiss, they (the French) will bom- bard the Town, so now all their defensive Operations are stopped. ... I believe we go to Schaffhausen instead of Bale. We are three in a Post chaise, and very snug. I desire you will never think of calling me ' Old Cat ' or * Old Girl,' for I have been so much flattered and run after, that I must think myself ' dans la premiere jeunesse.' I hope you always make proper affectionate respects to Lord and Lady Sheffield. ... Adieu, etc., C. M. Miss Moss to Maria Josepha. Wurtzburg : October 9, 1792. Ma tres chere Josephine, — I promised to write from Brussels, but as the French have thought proper to enter the Emperor's Dominions, and I am in the heart of Germany, I thought you might like to know what was become of me. Know then, that I am now safe at Wurtzburg, a strong fortified Place ; so much so, that there are several of the neighbouring Princes who have flown here with their Families and Treasures for safety. . . . We went thro' Heilbronn, a very old Town and Cathedral, next morning we set ojff for Heidelberg and had got to Senzheim, the Second Post from Heilbronn, THE PRIESTS' TALE. 187 and were here told that French, in number 15,000, had crossed the Ehine and were at Heidelberg; that their intended conrse was to march on to Heilbronn, where there is a * Magasin.' You may imagine the alarm this put us in, to have this formidable Body at our Heels. We chang'd Horses and instantly went back to Heilbrunn, where we arrived at five o'clock. If you had seen the confusion that existed at the Inn ! All the Carriages that were come back, as well as those that were coming to Heilbronn, made the Company very Numerous, and oblig'd to be all in one large room. Italians, French, Germans, English and Swiss, and of various ranks, formed a Motley Groupe, as well as a confusion of Tongues. We all waited at this Place the arrival of a Courier who confirm 'd the News of the Enemy's March towards us, and said that they had taken Spires and Mayence, at which place the Troops who resisted were cut to pieces. We now had no other Alternative but to fly as fast as possible, and therefore we set off at Eleven at night, and traveU'd as hard as we could by the Moon, and so arriv'd at Hall the next day at eight in the morning. ... A Courier from France arrived at this House last night : We had him introduced into our Eoom. He said there was a Truce between the Armies, which I think a bad thing, as it must be by desire of the Austrians who have been unsuccessful yesterday. While we were at dinner, we heard a great tumult in the Street, and getting up to see what it was, we found it to be the remaining part of the defeated Austrians in the recent Battle of Spires. You cannot imagine how melan- choUy a sight it was to me to behold all these brave fellows. They look'd quite dejected. I saw one wounded officer laying in one of the Baggage waggons : no wonder they were beat, 15,000 against 3,000. And to-day, I, who you know am rather curious, had a little conversation 188 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. with one of these defeated soldiers, (by means of an Abb6 for an Interpreter). He said that the Bourgeois of Mayence actually fired on the Austrians who came to defend them — a plain proof they wished well to the French. I really could have cried out of Madness ! The Merchants of Frankfort, have sent their Money to this place as it is a sure one, as the French are ex- pected to attack that next. . . . When we flew from Geneva to avoid the enemy, and determined to come by Germany in order to be secure, I little thought we should fall in their way, and have them at our ' Trousses ' within a post and a half, which was the case at Heidelberg. Oh ! when I see you in the winter what a deal I shall have to tell you ! Lady Webster to Lady Sheffield. Venice : October 10, 1792. What must you have thought of me for not instantly answering your kind letter ? or expressing as I feel, the gratitude for your having made such an Exertion to give me pleasure? But, Inattentive as it may appear, you will acquit me when I tell you it followed me from Vienna hither, and that, at the period I received it I could not acknowledge it, nor till this moment. Accept again, my dearest Lady Sheffield, my Sincerest Thanks for your Goodness, and be assured of my warmest attachment for all your Expressions of Kindness about me. We have been delayed here near a fortnight on C. Ellis' account, who has been very near dying of a putrid fever, . . . The Physician was for twelve hours uncertain of his Life. He is now recovered, and we quit this Watery Prison to-morrow. Of all the places I have yet seen Venice answers less its Description. Canaletto's Views raise the Imagination to a Pitch THE PRIESTS' TALE. 189 which the Original does not fulfill. The Rialto is very insignificant and not comparable to the Bridge at Blen- heim. The only Things that really deserve Notice are the Place of St. Mark's and some of Palladio's Chm:ches. They undoubtedly are magnificent. The Ducal Palace by Moonlight always makes me think of the Alhambra at Granada, for tho' the archi- tecture is not Saracenic, yet it strikes me as very like the Views, Swinburne gives of that Noble Vestige of Moorish Dominion. The Gondolas are very Luxurious, and at first I thought, from being tired of the Motion of a Carriage, that I should never weary of them ; but I have had them enough to be ready to exchange for the Jolts of a Carriage, as the way of Sitting, or rather Lying, Fatigues one for a length of Time, and in hot Weather they are dreadful. We do not see this place to much advantage, as the Canals Stink ; the Weather is Bad ; and the Venetians are absent. Luckily the Theatres are opening, and we have had two Excellent Operas. This is classic Ground to us Enghsh, as every Step reminds one of Shakespeare or Otway. Nor has the character of the * Super Subtle Venetian ' changed since the Days of lago, or less de- serves that Epithet. I really did write to Lord Sheffield from Vienna, but I am certain that Letter, with all those I wrote from Germany, is lost ; so I shall forgive him if he accuses me of Idleness. I shall again tell you my Opinion of that charming Place. You know how I liked Dresden ; but there I was more obliged to our own Island for Amusement. But Vienna ! Dear Vienna ! How can I do justice to its Merits ? It is, I believe, the only place upon the Conti- nent where EngHsh Society may be dispensed with. The Women are Lovely, Clever and Obhging. The Men 190 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. that are in Society are all of a Certain Age, and from having been generally employed either in the Foreign or Military Line, have had an opportunity of seeing other Comitries, which has brought them to appreciate the Merits of each. Their Manners are Polished, and their Way of Thinking Liberal. Ceremony and Etiquette do not exist. Frankness and Ease strike me as being the Characteristics of Vienna Manners, which I take to be the result of Purity of Morals and Conduct, as no place was ever more exempted from Corruption or Gallantry ; for the Happiness of those I lived with did not extend beyond their own Foyer, and Domestic Comfort, which has fled all Capitals, reigns Triumphantly at Vienna. The Family of Thiinn, of whom you must have heard much, possess amongst them every Quality that can Interest or Charm ; in Short, I know no place where one might lead a happier or more Kational Life than there. The Invasion of the French into Savoy has deranged the Plans of all the Lausanne Party, and poor Lady D. is obliged to make the Detour of the Tyrol to get to Pisa. T. P. [Tom Pelham] comes either with her or the Duchess. I am sure you will be happy to hear he passes the winter in Italy, and will be astonished at my being disinterested enough to wish him to make Pisa his Headquarters, on account of the Baths. I am afraid I shall not see him for some weeks, as I am going on to Naples as soon as possible, it being necessary for me to be quiet some months before I am to be confined. I know nothing of our Naples Set ; only the Palmerstons, Cholmondeleys and Duchess of Ancaster ; but I do know what is of infinite consequence to me, that Dr. Drew will be there. I shall write either to his Lordship or to Maria from Florence. Adieu ! I send you a Venetian King, also one for Maria. THE PRIESTS' TALE. 191 Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : October 16th, 1792. Le Cher Comte has been here since Wednesday ; but popped off to town this morning on a summons from Madame D'Henin, on some business, and Mdme. D'H. expects a young lady ^ who she educates and takes care of from France. She is a very pleasing sensible girl and I shall be very glad to see her here. . I knew her at Lausanne. Probably they will all come here together. Lally was confined in the Abbaye, in a small room where there was scarce space sufficient to lay down, with three others — one a young Swiss officer just 18, another Montmorin, Governor of Fontainebleau. I did not hear the name of the third. His (Lally' s) spirits are much worse that when he was in England before, and I am not at all surprized. The scenes he has witnessed must make a strong and melancholy impression, and the re- collection that these three unfortunate * Camarades de Prison ' were all murdered, and by the greatest good fortune he escaped, is enough to make any body ' triste,' and I beheve he has more feeling than nine men out of ten. He was confined 5 days, taken out of his bed at the Luxembourg where he lodged, in one of the ' recherches nocturnes ' that are made at Paris ; tried by the Section, and immediately acquitted ; but they did not dare release him directly, as the Mob would suspect a collusion between them and probably murder both parties, Ac- quitted, and Acquitters. Therefore for his own security he was sent to the Abbaye, where he would in all likeli- hood have been left, tiU the Massacre, if his friends, and particularly a door keeper of the Assembly, who had formerly known him, had not exerted themselves ' Pauline, daughter of General De Pully. See Lally's letter, May 25, 1792. 192 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Tigoiironsly, to get an order for his release. He left the Abbaye, at 8 o'clock, Friday evening, and the Massacre began Sunday at three. He employed himself the two first days with preparing Montmorin's Defence, and proved his innocence so clearly, that he was acquitted and released ; but ' les aimables sans culottes ' interfered, and insisted on a New Trial, in consequence of which he was sent back to the Abbaye, where he met his un- fortunate end. The three last Days, Lally made his own speech for the Scaffold, and intended to hold very high Language, and to let them hear a little truth. I have sometimes doubted whether he was not disappointed at losing the opportunity of delivering his harangue. But all his friends, and all who know him, must rejoice at his disappointment. I really believe he owes his life to himself, that is to say, to his amiable disposition. I am convinced most, if not all those who have been murdered, have fallen sacri- fices to private pique, as Assassination is now an innocent amusement. If he had had an enemy in the World, he has been so well known to have written La Fayette's Manifestoes and Letters, and to have been so hearty and sincere a friend to the Eoyal Family, he must have been in another world long ago — and it is astonishing the number of warning letters he has had, to desire him to take care what he wrote and said, for everything is known as soon as done, at Paris, as the principal business of the Servants in every family, is to be spies. Last Thursday, eight Priests came here from Seaford, where they landed from an open boat, as wet as if they had swum over, from incessant rain during an 18 hours passage. Papa is one of the Committee for the distribu- tion of the County Collection, and they were sent here to have assistance to enable them to proceed to London, THE PRIESTS' TALE. 193 as they had not a farthing except in * Assignats,' and * Assignats ' are only .paper in this Country — very little more in France. If yon had seen their extasy of delight, when they found Lally was alive, you would have been convinced he was one of a few ; for as they were not personally acquainted with him, it must be his general Character that makes him so much beloved. Two of these Priests had escaped from the number of those who were murdered with the Archbishop of Aries during the Massacre at the beginning of September in a Convent of Carmelites at Paris where they had been im- prisoned some days. The one who related the Events of that Day, was a Man of very sensible appearance and manner, and related them with that unaffected feeling, that convinces every hearer that what is said, is true. I have some scruples in telHng you a shocking story, that must affect you very much ; but Mama says you will like to have it, and one is so accustomed to horrors since the beginning of the Liberty of France, that a little more or less does not make much difference to our feelings. The idea that the Man who gave this account was an eye-witness and had narrowly escaped being a Victim, added very much to the interest with which we listened to him — and my relation must fall very short of his, being a kind of translation. They were allowed to walk in the Garden every day at five o'clock. On Sunday, Sept. 2, they went out as usual — they expressed their surprize at some large Pits, that had been digging for three days past, and wondered for what purpose they were designed. They said to one another that the Day was almost over, and yet Manuel had promised on the Friday, that on Sunday follow- ing, their imprisonment should end, and that before the Sun had set, not one should remain a Prisoner. All at o 194 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. once, they heard some Shots fired, a number of National Guards, some ' Commissaires de Sections,' and some Mar- seillois rushed into the Garden. The poor wretches assembled under the Walls of the Church, not daring to enter, lest it should be defiled with Blood. One, who from Age and Infirmity, was behind the rest, was shot dead. One of the Chiefs of the Brigands, called out, ' Point de Coups de Fusil ! ' — this death was too merciful. ' Les fusiliers ' retired to the rear. * Les Piques, Les Haches, Les Poignards,' came forward. They stopped at some distance from the Church, called loudly for the Archbishop, and insisted that he should be given up to them. The Priests crowded round him, and determined to defend him as much as lay in their power. The Assassins threatened to break this ' phalange sacree,' and again called for their victim. ' Let me pass ! ' said the Archbishop, ' if we must all die, what does it signify if I am the first killed? And if my blood will appease them, is it not my duty to preserve your lives at the expence of my own ? ' He desired the oldest of the Priests to give him Absolution, and the last Benediction. He knelt down to receive it. When he rose, he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, crossed his arms upon his breast, and advanced towards the People. Not one stirred to meet him. When he spoke and said, ' Je suis celui que vous Cherchez," they were seized with an involuntary awe and respect, and amongst those abandoned wretches, not one had courage to lift his hand against the Venerable Prelate. They reproached each other with Cowardice, but in vain. They advanced towards him, but one look made them tremble and retire. The Priests who had been prevented from following him by his express order, and who in their concern for him had forgot their own danger, began to hope their Benefactor, their Friend, might escape — for since the beginning of the Eevolution, he had parted with THE PRIESTS' TALE. 195 most of his private fortune, to support the necessitous Clergy of his Diocese. At last, one of the Miscreants struck off the Archbishop's Cap, with the end of his Pike. This served as a Signal, and the Kespect they had hitherto felt towards him once violated, their Fury returned. Another assassin, from behind, with a blow from a Sabre, cut thro' his Scull. The Archbishop only exclaimed, * Oh ! mon Dieu ! ' and put up his right hand to his Eyes — a second stroke cut off the hand. He repeated the same exclamation and put up the other hand. He was yet standing ; biit another blow flung him down and a fourth extended him lifeless, and thus was murdered the Arch- bishop of Aries, one of the most amiable Characters of his time, and of all France, and as much a Martyr as any upon record. The National Guards then made the Priests go into the Church, telling them they were to appear one after another before the ' Commissaires de Sections,' who would try them and determine their Fate. The Man who related this, was uncertain whether this was a precaution, lest any should escape, or whether it was the last resource of a pusillanimous pity, thinking to tire the patience of the Assassins by prolonging the Executions. They had hardly, however, entered the Church, before the Brigands grew impatient of their delay- ing to appear before them. They surrounded the door and called out only these two words — ' Venez vous ? ' These unfortunate Victims then knelt before the Altar and the Bishop of Beauvais gave them Absolution, after which they were made to pass two by two before a ' Commis- saire,' who did not ask them a single Question — only counted them — and enjoyed their torments. They ad- vanced in sight of the heaps of Dead to which they were going to be added, and invoking the Mercy of Heaven for them and for their murderers. 120 Priests of all ranks, o 2 196 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. amongst whom were the Bishops of Saintes and Beauvais (both of the Eochefoucauld Family) were put to death. I have an Infinity more to tell you, but I am afraid of tiring you all by my voluminousness. But I must give you the event of our Embassy to Newhaven. The wrecked Passengers were Madame de Belboeuf (whose Husband is in the Army of the Princes), her three little girls, the eldest 8, the youngest 3. M. de la Brisse, Doyen de la Cathedrale de Mens, and two ser- vants, who all joyfully accepted the invitation to come here. They none of them understood a syllable of EngHsh, which puzzled Madame de Belboeuf very much, as well as how to express her gratitude to a miller's wife at Newhaven, who had been very attentive and humane in assisting them. The only language they both under- stood, but which I think must have astonished the Englishwoman a little, was for Madame de B. to ' I'em- brasser mille et mille fois,' as she informed us. She is sister to the Lady whose history I sent you in my last, Madame de Sermaisons. She was then settled at Brighton, and heard of a French family being wrecked on the coast, without the least idea, it could be her sister and relatives. Her little Boy, about eight years old, was very anxious to go and assist them, and it was with difficulty that their Preceptor, could convince him, as he had neither money to give them, nor a Carriage to bring them home in, that he could not be of any use to them. In the evening of the same day he heard it was his Aunt, who had had so much of his compassion. Madame de Belboeuf stayed with us from Sunday to Friday — she was very ill, the .two first days, from the fright and agitation of mind, she had suffered, and from a violent blow on her head, which had almost closed one of her eyes, in preserving her youngest girl in the Vessel, (when violently tossed) from being hurt. They are now all lodged at Brighton — the THE PRIESTS' TALE. 197 two sisters and their families. They have an Uncle, the Bishop d'Avranches, who is in London, and they hope to persuade him to come and live with them. I am very glad the Subscriptions in London are so well furnished. Our poor eight Priests expressed the greatest gratitude for the attention they met vTith here, and particularly that Protestants should be so humane to Catholics. They went on in two Post Chaises, after a very comfortable dinner, which they seemed to enjoy very much. I have just had a letter from Mrs. Moss, who left Geneva v^th the greatest precipitation. . . . She v^rote from Berne, and is travelling with an Enghsh Gentleman and his Lady in a Post Chaise. She hopes to be in England the 25th of this month. All the Inhabitants of the suburbs of Geneva were obliged to fly to the Town in a great hurry as the French were very near. I have not patience when I think that those horrid French 'sans culottes ' should scare the dear Swiss in their lovely country so much ; their system is to be on the defensive and not the offensive. If you like a specimen and figures of speech used in the National Convention, the following is a true and good one. One of their most famous Orators began a speech, ' Mon Ame est sans culottes,' and the next best example is to sign myself. Ton Egale, M. J. HOLROYD. [Writing later, Maria adds, that their two Guests 'miraculously escaped the fate of the other Priests, by climbing trees in the garden and from thence over the tops of the buildings.' The thriUing story was told in the Library of Sheffield Place, where the family formed a half circle round the fire, M. de Lally and Lord Sheffield occupying the hearth, k I'Angloise, and helping out the narrators by questions.] 198 GERLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Miss Moss to Maria Josepha, Ostend: Friday, October 26, 1792. Ma tres chere et Bien aimee Josephine, — ... I have so much to say, that I scarce know what to begin with, but . I anticipate the joy I shall have in relating all the Events of my Life for five months past ; though I am sure We shall both talk at once, and consequently make such a Noise that the other part of the Family may be distracted. You may believe me when I say, that although I was grieved at being oblig'd to quit the Continent, so many months before the time I meant, yet my sorrow at having left a most precious collection of Alp Plants behind me is much the greatest. The Guide I had on Montanvert and the Col de Balme had likewise attended a great Botanist a few days before he went with me, and therefore was enabled to point out those that were most rare. We therefore collected above two Vasculum full, which my trusty Nina suffered me to hang about her Neck, and brought safely home, for your sake most likely. When I arriv'd at Geneva I sent there some plants to a Gentle- man who had promised to dry them for me, and behold I those miscreant Patriotes galloping to Chamberi, obliged me to Muddle my Cloaths, Pell Mell in my Trunk, and fly away, leaving my Herbiere behind. That you may judge of the round those ' Sans Culottes ' caused us to take, you must follow me on your Map. From Wiirz- burg to Werneck, Hammelburg, Briickenau, Fulda, Neuhof, Schliichtern, Salmiinster, Gelnhausen, Hanau, Frankfurt, from which place I would have brought you a Muff, if we had not repeatedly been told the French were at our heels. . . . Dover: Sunday, October 23. Yesterday morning, Saturday, at nine, I enter'd the THE PRIESTS' TALE 199 Packet, Princess Eoyal, and by reason of a Calm the greater part of the day, did not arrive Here till two o'clock in the morning ; lucky that there was as fine a * clair de Inne ' as in Switzerland. We had fifty-seven Passengers on Board, Ten Horses, and Two Carriages ; judge of the Cram ; it was the only Vessel that could go off for a week, and I had some Inchnation to stop at Ostend. I shall steer directly to Downing Street because the rest of my effects are there, and I am in want of some wearing Apparel. Have you got my Keys ? If you have I will manage without them. Pray give my Love to all that bear the Name of Sheffield. The greater Part of my Fellow Travellers were French Emigres ; one Lady of the name of Beringher who is well acquainted with our friend Lally. Poor Woman ! she is come on a wild errand, and I think without proba- bility of Success, as the following Decree I have copied from a French Paper is not in their favour. Bicret au 23 Octobre. La Convention Rationale d^cr^te que les Emigres Fran9ais sont bannis a Perpetuity du Territoire de la Eepublique, et que ceux qui, au Mepris de cette Loi, y rentreraient, seront punis de Mort sans neanmoins deroger au Decret precedent, qui condamne a la peine de Mort, les Emigres fran9ais pris les armes a la Main. While we were at Brussels we saw an English Gentle- man that was taken up as a Spy, and conducted out of the City, Guarded very strongly. Our Landlord, a I'Hotel du Prince de Galles at Brussels, told us on Wednesday that quarters were taken at that Place for Twenty-five thou- sand Troops ; so you see they fear for that City. 200 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Edward Gibbon to Maria Josepha Holroyd} Lausanne : November 10, 1792. In despatching the weekly poHtical Journal to Lord S, my conscience (for I have some remains of conscience) most powerfully urges me to salute, with a few lines of friendship and gratitude, the amiable Secretary, who might save herself the trouble of a modest apology. I have not yet forgot our different behaviour after the much lamented separation of October 4, 1791 ; your meritorious punctuality, and my unworthy silence. I have still before me that entertaining narrative, which would have inter- ested me, not only in the progress of the ' carissima famiglia,' but in the motions of a Tartar camp, or the march of a caravan of Arabs ; the mixture of just obser- vation and lively imagery, the strong sense of a man expressed with the easy elegance of a female. I still recollect with pleasure the happy comparison of the Ehine who had heard so much of liberty on both his banks that he wandered with mischievous licentiousness over all the adjacent meadows. The innundation alas ! has now spread much wider, and it is sadly to be feared that the Elbe, the Po, and the Danube may imitate the vile example of the Khine. I shall be content, however, if X)ur own Thames still preserves his fair character of ' Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full.' These agreeable epistles of the Maria produced only some dumb intentions and some barren remorse ; nor have I deigned except by a brief missive from my Chancellor, to • Portions of this letter appeared in the Memoirs of Gibbon, which Maria helped her father to arrange. Matters personal to herself were there omitted, and the letter is now printed in extenso for the first time from the original. THE PRIESTS' TALE. 201 express how much I loved the Author and how much I was pleased with the composition. That amiable Author I have known and loved from the first dawning of her life and coquetry, to the present maturity of her talents, and as long as I remain on this planet, I shall pursue, with the same tender and even anxious concern, the future steps of her establishment and life. That establishment must be splendid, that hfe must be happy, if she vnll condescend to apply her good sense to restrain some sallies of imagination, to soften some energies of character which are the source of our virtues and talents, but which may sometimes betray us into error and mischance. She is endowed with every gift of Nature and fortune, but the advantage which she will derive from them depends almost entirely on herself. You must not, you shall not, think yourself unworthy to write to any man ; there is none whom your corre- spondence would not amuse and satisfy. I will not undertake a task which my taste would adopt, and which my indolence would too soon relinquish ; but I am really curious from the best motives, to have a particular account of your own studies and daily occupations. What books do you read ? and how do you employ your time and your pen ? Except some professed scholars, I have often observed that women in general read much more than men ; but for want of a plan, a method, a fixed object, their reading is of little benefit to themselves or others ; if you will inform me of the species of reading to which you have the most propensity, I shall be happy to contribute my share of advice or assistance. I lament that you have not left me some monument of your pencil. Lady EHzabeth Foster has executed a very pretty draw- ing, taken from the door of the Green-house, where we dined last smnmer, and including the poor Acacia, (now recovered from the cruel shears of the gardener), the end 202 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLKOYD. of the terrace, the front of the Pavilion, and a distant view of the country, lake and mountains. I am almost reconciled to d'Apples' house, which is nearly finished ; instead of the monsters which Lord Hercules Sheffield ■extirpated, the terrace is already shaded with the new Acacias and Plantains ; and although the uncertainty of possession restrains me from building,^ I myself have planted a bosquet at the bottom of the garden, with such admirable skill, that it affords shade without intercepting prospect. The society of the aforesaid Eliza commonly called Bess, of the Dutchess of D &c. has been very interesting ; but they are now flown beyond the Alps, and pass the winter at Pisa. The Legards, who have long since left this place, should be at present in Italy ; but I believe Mrs. Grim- stone and her daughter returned to England. The Levades are highly flattered by your remembrance. Since you still retain some attachment to this delightful country, and it is indeed delightful, why should you despair of seeing it once more ? The happy Peer or commoner, whose name you may assume, is still concealed in the book of fate ; but who- soever he may be, he will cheerfully obey your commands of leading you from Castle to Lausanne, and from Lausanne to Rome and Naples. Before that event takes place, I may possibly see you in Sussex ; and whether as a visitor or a fugitive, I hope to be welcomed with a ' Gibbon's Home in Lausanne. — A house of much historical interest to English people is about to disappear from Lausanne. This is the house in which the historian Gibbon passed so many years of his life, and in the garden of which he finished his Decli7ie and Fall. The whole terrace to which the house belongs is to be turned into a post office. The particular house in which Gibbon lived is to be a coach- house for the post carts. The work of destruction is to be begun early in the New Year. — December 1895. ' This has been accomplished.' — Private letter from Lausanne, May 1896. THE PEIESTS' TALE. 208 friendly embrace. The delay of this year was truly painful, but it was inevitable ; and individuals must sub- mit to those storms, which haye overturned the thrones of the Earth. The tragic story of the Archbishop of Aries I have now somewhat a better right to require at your hands. I wish to have it in all its horrid details ; and as you are now so much mingled with the French exiles, I am of opinion, that were you to keep a journal of all the Authentic facts which they relate, it would be an agree- able exercise at present, and a future Source of entertain- ment and instruction. I should be obliged to you, if you would make, or find, some excuse for my not answering a letter from your Aunt, which was presented to me by Mr. Fowler. I shewed him some civilities, but he is now a poor invalid, confined to his room. By her channel and your's I should be glad to have some information of the health, spirits, and situation, of Mrs. Gibbon of Bath, whose alarms (if she has any) you may dispel. She is in my debt. Adieu. Most truly yours, E. Gibbon. Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bath : October 29, 1792. I want to know something about Poor Geneva. I suppose you will hear from the Historian. The last I heard was dated the 17th. "We see the ' Star ' every day almost now Edward Coxe is here, as he takes it ; yester- day I got the ' Moniteur ; ' if they get Geneva I suppose they vnll proceed to Lausanne and the Pays de Vaux. ! if an Avalanche would but keep the Demons warm in their way ! Mr. Gibbon will not think Papa's Prophecy so ridiculous as he did last year ; but they would not do him any harm, being 'un Anglois,' which name he will now probably condescend to make use of, and not talk so 204 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. much of ' nous Suisses ' as he did. Is it true that there is an Idea of Trying and condemning the King and Queen and then sending them out of the kingdom with 12,000Z. a year to Hve on ? Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : October 29, 1792. ... I think it not impossible the Historian may be driven to England. It is quite dreadful to find those French Demons overrunning the world as they do. Poor, innocent, beauteous Switzerland I would have always free and quiet. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Wednesday, November 14, 1792. Your welcome Letter is welcome as usual. No news yet of poor Lally. Where can he be? Will he ever return in safety to his Patrie ? or will he be at last a Victim to the Furies at Paris — the last time Lally wrote to me, Monday the 5th November, he said he had sub- joined his ' Ouvrage ' concerning Fayette, he desired me not to show it or speak of it, till he had seen what would be determined as to his property in France. He says : ' Je n'ai point trahi ma conscience, j'ai servi I'amitie, j'ai dit quelques verites flatteuses, j'en ai adou9i d'ameres ; le danger de confiscation passe, je ne craindrai pas de me nommer, mais il ne faut pas dans ce moment donner de pretexte au Brigandage.' . . . After all, he did not send me his * Ouvrage ; ' I wish extremely to read it — desire dear Pa to send it to me. . . . What do you think of the Capture of Mons,. the flight of the poor precious Axch- Duchess and of her being obliged to fly from Brussels ? I am sure God fights for the Jacobins to punish all the THE PKIESTS' TALE. 205 world. Upon no other principle can the unmixed suc- cess they meet with be accounted for. I think you will have your desire, formed some years since, and that there will be variety ever going on to amuse even the most unreasonable Person, I only wish you may not be driven from Sheffield Place in future. Perhaps it may last your Father's and my days ! Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Thursday, November 1792. We sat down a round dozen of Hudsons and Wood- cocks yesterday at dinner. Mr. Greatorex . . . appeareth to me quahfying himself fast for chanting Hallelujahs. I never saw such a Spectre as he looked yesterday. . . . This morning Madame Lally sent a verbal message that the Count was safely arrived at Paris, and sent hkewise a parcel containing the inclosed note, two copies of his Letter to Burke, and a Parcel of Papers sealed, and wrote upon ' A BrMer si je Meurs.' I dare say the Books, etc., were desired to be sent the day he went, but Madame probably forgot them till he wrote, and I conclude desired her to let us know he was safe at Paris. Mr. Nichols dines here to-day, and I propose going in the evening to Lord Guilford's. . . . Lady Webster to Maria Josepha. Naples : December 3, 1792. This is the first Letter I have written with any satis- faction since I have been here, as I am sure at least her Sicilian Majesty will not read it, as it will be put into the post at Kome. Whatever the College of Cardinals may do I cannot say, but if any read it, I beg they will send it on, as I fear that my dear, sulky Maria has already accused me of making promises I do not keep, and she is a sort of 206 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Malicious Monkey that I know but too well thinks * I'absent a toujours tort.' If these Bandit Invaders come, they will not as declared enemies. I was at a Conver- sazione where the Nations received the KepubHcan Minister for the first time of his being admitted. I hope for the preservation of my Philanthropic Feelings, I shall never witness such a Scene again. Suffice it to say they behaved like Italians, he like an Upstart. Such Servility ! Such arrogance. Believe me it beggars description ! It is yet uncertain whether the Fleet will come, but most likely not, as they would not appear here after their menaces, but in a manner to awe us, and I hear from Intelhgent People, that from the vigourous and judicious preparations that have been made, they must be very formidable to do that ; besides they have suffered very much from desertion, as 500 sailors in a body went off at Genoa, complaining bitterly of the hardships they had undergone, both from want of Provisions and ill-usage. The Russian told me, that a considerable force had sailed towards Smyrna, with an intention of going to Constanti- nople to support Lemoncielle's arguments, either to the Grand Signior or to the People : to the first, by assisting him to attack his old enemy in the Crimea, (where he is very weak), if his Sublime Highness will listen to his proposals, and in case he should be too nice, to excite the People to rebel and overturn the Govt, of Mahomet's Successors. These are Historic Times to be sure, and better for us that Gibbon should narrate, than we ex- perience, as I think these dangerous principles will more or less affect all Europe. Basseville, a Eepublican Emis- sary, is very active in his Endeavours to corrupt the people at Rome ; and he seems to have adopted the never failing maxim of gaining, by being ' all things to all men.' He lives in the Churches where he assumes the appearance of most decided piety, and distributes in the shape of THE PRIESTS' TALE. 207 Alms, Bribes to the people amongst whom he has made many Converts to his Doctrines, * telles qu'elles sont.' Is it not very extraordinary that all the Artists and Bankers in Italy are fm:iously Democratic ? as they are the people who would suffer most from the levelling principles being adopted ; but enough of Politics, as I am sure you are bored to death with them. A mind must be cast with a Torpedo's not to be delighted here, but as I told Lord S. I think it an odious place for a Residence ; our set of English is limited, the only Women Lady Plymouth ^ and the Dunmores, the first is the comfort of my life by her Goodness and Attention to me : of men we have few. Lord H. Hamilton whom I never saw, and his son, whom I never desire to see, Lord Bruce, Mr. Brand, and the Messrs. Fortescue. To-morrow the Cholmondeleys may come and soon the Palmerstons. I have just got a letter from the Duchess of Devonshire to tell me Pelham has become a hideous monster from the Gnats and could not see to write. My Spouse joins in every kind wish. Adieu. Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bath : December, 1792. Yesterday we went to a most stupid Ball at the upper rooms. I believe it was called a good one, 700 people and the dancers better than common ; the first four minuets, an old officer in regimentals and a beau ; the four next a man with one eye and one of the present diminutive race ; the ladies were in the common course of things. What excellent Christians are the Inhabitants of this place, who make a rule of going twice, if not four times a week, to these meetings ! ' Honourable Sarah Archer, wife of fifth Earl of Plymouth. ^08 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD, Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bath : December 9, 1792. Everybody is in great Wrath at Mr. Fox's Speecli and wish him all that a good Christian is allowed to wish against anybody. I should like to put him in La Fayette's Prison of ten feet square and see how he would take to it. Bath : December 19, 1792. Indeed you raised my Indignation more than once in your last Epistle. * I suppose you have heard or read/ &c. What impertinence to suppose I and aU the world had not sent C. Fox to the empty place whence came the National Convention long ago. ^08 GIRLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Louisa to Maria Josepha. Bath : December 9, 1792. Everybody is in great Wrath at Mr. Fox's Speech and wish him all that a good Christian is allowed to wish against anybody. I should like to put him in La Fayette's Prison of ten feet square and see how he would take to it. Bath : December 19, 1792. Indeed you raised my Indignation more than once in your last Epistle. ' I suppose you have heard or read/ &c. What impertinence to suppose I and all the world had not sent C. Fox to the empty place whence came the National Convention long ago. fv ... \- s f.'2>07rnmajiUii'c l]SQ ^nJnQxiil , itt=J^M/ii CjAepJ-teld . naa 7b. 1^^3 7 nUaOar iigh cutaUQ/iSc 209 CHAPTER X. 1793. DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. Lady Webster's son — Death of Louis XVI.— English politics— Housekeep- ing — Gibbon mourns over changes at Lausanne — Lady Webster at Naples — The Emigres — Their destitution — Lady Sheffield's exertions on their behalf — Disquieting foreign rumours — Lady Sheffield's illness — Her death — Miss Burney — ^Evelina. Lady Webster to Lady Sheffield, Naples : March 5, 1793. I HAVE not heard from you for months, which tho' dis- tressing is not alarming, as I hear of you from other Quarters. . . My child is a Phenomenon, really the most wonderful Natural Production I ever beheld, so much so that I think it quite unjust not to Pickle him, to send to John Hunter's Museum which he would adorn. He is Httle beyond belief. He certainly is bigger than a geome- trical point, and * c'est tout dire.' When he has learnt the art of sucking he will live and thrive. Poor Louis ! How hard has been thy Fate ! I still struggle with my reason to believe the Perpetration of so horrid a Deed ; and can hardly credit the Eeality of it. Events of this dreadful Sort that come immediately within one's own time are more difficult to believe than those equally horrible (if such there are) in remote Periods. None of us doubt the Execution of Charles I. and yet the Murder of Louis appears Impossible. . . . Nothing can be quieter than we are here, which makes me fear you will think my letter sadly stupid ; as one from the Conti- nent without Massacres, Insurrections or Invasions must p 210 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. be the dullest of all dull things. However we have had our day, for in the course of one Month we might either have been Bombarded by the French, Smothered by the Mountain, or Swallowed up in an Earthquake, any of these three would have been a Fine Catastrophe. I felt two Shocks of the Earthquake, and a most unpleasant undu- lating Motion it was ; it was slight here, but at Salerno the Inhabitants quitted their Homes. Poor dear Pelham is ill, he was recovering so deHghtfuUy that I thought nothing was to be feared ; but he is now Confined to his Bed with an Erysipelas in his Face, you may suppose how this worries me. . . Say everything kind to dear Lord S. and Maria, and believe me faithfully yours, E. W. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firths March 7, 1793. I have wished to write to you, my dear Miss Huff very much ; but have never been able to find time. I laboured Day and Night at Louisa's Tail which was despatched on Tuesday, and I hope she had it in time for Wednesday evening. It must seem very odd to you, the sudden Dark- ness in which you exist, after the profusion of Light you have lately enjoyed. I mean as to Politics. You will have quite forgot how to call things by their right names and how and whereto apply the words ' infamous Rascals,' &c., &c. I think you will like to see the Letter from the "Whig Deserters, and will rejoice to see it signed by so many respectable names. I vnsh the Duke of Portland were added to the List. I am quite ashamed to see it placed before Lord Lauderdale's, Fox, Erskine, Grey, &c. After a long and anxious suspense. Intelligence arrived ' Miss Firth had left Sheffield Place to reside with her relations at Doncaster. DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 211 last night of the arrival of the Transports in Holland. AU sorts of unpleasant reports had made People very nneasy. I went to Sir Henry Clinton's yesterday evening, just after I had heard the news. Lady Elgin, who had a * Corps Diplomatique ' Dinner, sent us the earliest Intelli- gence, and I had the pleasure of being the first conveyer of glad tidings to the Portland Place family ^ who had been almost distracted with apprehensions, . . . The taking of Breda by the French made httle impression on us, we were so glad to hear of the safety of our Troops. That place was lost through the treachery of the Governour. It is a melancholy thing to see these wretches succeeding in all they undertake. . . . Mama went on Tuesday to Visit the Dowagers at Eichmond, and took the Princess D'Henin with her to hire a house. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Saturday, March 9, 1793. . . . The ' Morning Chronicle,' you know, tells all good news grudgingly ; but this is authentic intelhgence, and the 120 pieces of Canon taken at Aix la Chapelle is a success of some consequence. You have no Idea how it raised everybody's spirits yesterday. . . . Many people have been nauch alarmed by the arrival of Hope, the great Banker from Amsterdam with all his family, bag and bag- gage. It certainly looked as if he had his fears. . . Papa had a letter at last from Mr. Gibbon yesterday. Poor Lausanne ! How it must be altered ! so many principal families banished, and for such trifling offences ! The Poliers ^ he thinks will be included in the number of ' Sir H. Clinton's. ' ^ Colonel et Madame de Polier, residing at Lausanne. p 2 212 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Exiles and it does not appear for what ? that ' aristocrate enrage' says, he almost wishes they were allowed to appear and answer for themselves. I am very angry with the Historian — in addition to his almost wishing People had a fair trial, he says nobody went into mourning for poor Louis ; not even the emi- grants, and that he, as the only Englishman of any note, was afraid of being singular or would have been tempted to mourn. . . . Lally and the Due de la Chatre are with Papa at present. Some of the finest Nobility in England wish to raise Companies of their Countrymen and go over to Holland with them. ... I heard the Emigrants fought bravely in the last action under the Prince of Cobourg, and that three hundred were killed ; but this is not confirmed. The Duke of York went up the river with the Gun Boats certainly. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Wednesday, March 13, 1793. There has not been any important event since I wrote last ; but when People are in the country it is a satisfac- tion to hear there is nothing worth hearing. . . . Papa dines next Sunday at the Archbishop of York's to meet Hope the Great Banker. It is said he has brought over with him, and placed in the funds, two million in specie— a pretty little sum. . . . Thro' our dear Mrs. NichoUs we have got acquainted with Lady Mary Duncan, who has such pleasant Dances and Parties, and we are to be asked to them. But the Dance I look forward to with the most pleasure is my Dance into the Country in a fortnight. We have not had any difficulties about house- keeping ; but it seemeth to my youth and inexperience as if we eat a Monstrous deal of Meat. The Butcher's Bill comes to 4Z. a week. I do not Hke to see and know what DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 213 the necessaries of life cost, because it makes me uncom- fortable to think how it is possible the poor people can buy meat now it is so high. What a disagreeable thing it is we cannot live without Money. I envy your primi- tive style of living exceedingly, all but the early rising. One is so happy when asleep, it is a pity not to have as much of it as one can. I know you will not agree in my Maxim ; but I can't help that. . . . Adieu, my dear Miss Huff. Ever truly yours, M. J. H. Lady Webster to Maria Josepha. Naples ; March 16, 1793. Seven Posts from England being due naturally made one conclude that the ' soi disant ' Republicans had extended their Brigandage upon the Mails ; and we all trembled lest their Depredations on such a valuable Deposit would render the Effusions of Friendship and Fancy a Subject of Criticism for half Europe. I was discouraged from writing from a wish not to add to the Eepertory of Valu- able Manuscripts that I supposed would contribute to the Mirth of Mankind when published in the ^ Moniteur ' or ' Gazette des Sans Culottes ; ' but this alarm has ceased since the arrival of our solitary Courier, by which the Stoppage of our Letters was accounted for ; but since Rehgion is out of Vogue, it was natural to impute to the French what in ancient times we should have accused the Devil or his Imps of, for they are his Legal Heirs from their near Relation to all his Deeds ! But, Miss Maria, I charge you not wantonly to suspect me of Idleness, for I must tell you before my Wonderful Production saw the light, I could neither bodily nor mentally even, write. The first you can easily credit ; the second, requires your 214 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. being informed that I felt such a film over my ' under- standing,' that from the dullness of that, I was nearer the Standard of a Cretin than of any other being of the human species ; nor is that mist as yet thoroughly dis- persed ; and since the Eeason I have given has prevented all on this side the Apennines from Venturing a line, if you have any reason or humanity you will amply acquit me, and withdraw all the Curls of your Lip and Nose, both of which I suspect are perpendicularly and laterally twisted, according to the degrees of belief you give to my assertions. But you are a satirical little Gipsy, unless you give implicit Credence to all I say. Indeed I think this Epistle will hardly get to you, as I suspect shortly all Communication to you * Tramontanes ' will be stopt, for how amidst Armies, Skirmishes, and Sieges, a letter is to pass I know not ; so set your wits to work and facili- tate the discovery of a North- West Passage, that you may hear by way of America of the State of affairs here. ' En attendant,' I will tell you a little — such as that our Mountain blazes in a Grand Style, and that I mean to ascend it amidst torrents of red hot lava, and showers of burning stones, none of which I hope will singe my Locks, tho' perhaps they would do me a Charitable Service in extirpating a Colony that has. Emigrated from the Noddle of some Lazzaroni into mine, and who are as naturally established there as the Principles of Democracy are in some heads ' chez vous.' All the English excepting the Palmerstons and those who stay the summer here have flown. The Gaieties, however, go on merrily. To-morrow we have a Fete at Portici, which consists of Breakfast, Dinner, Concert, Ball, and Supper. Of the Day, suffi- cient is the Evil thereof. I do not mean to attack such a Phalanx of Pleasures ; but only a small share. You will hardly beHeve all this is in honour of Lady Templetown's Beaux Yeux, or know that she is the Belle of Naples ; DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD, 215 but those who knew her before are all astonishment, for she is the Gayest of Gay People here. Yon will soon have another Princess in England, as it is very much believed that Prince Augustus will be tempted or seduced, or betrayed, you shall have the word you like best, into marrying Lady A. Murray. They are now at Kome, What say you to my News ? Of Matrimony I must say now Lord Bruce is to be married to Miss Hill, a daughter of Lady Berwick's ; further, the Deponent sayeth not, as there is a wonderful sterility of Matter except the Ignited which the dear Mountain throws up in abundance. I wrote you a very pretty history by M. la Flotte, who carried the account of the Massacre at Home to the Con- vention, but he is such an Anthropophage that for want of better food I dare say he eat the Letter. Tell dear Lady Sheffield how much I love her, and that I shall write in a week. Lord Sheff : is a Dragon and out of the Question. Ask Lally if he remembers his EHzabeth. Pelham is better, but he has lately been very ill again. Adieu ! Ever yours as you deserve. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. March 21, 1793. . . . Papa has got into Guy's Hospital four French- men, Gentlemen and Officers who perhaps you may recollect something of their having been a long time confined on board a ship, and at last escaped by swim- ming to shore ; I forget the particulars. How melan- choly to think that these Gentlemen are most thankful for admittance to the Hospital ! but one of them, a very genteel young man, is almost eat up by the ' Itch,' and as it is a very extraordinary complaint, and they had no other proper place to put him into, he is now in the same apartment with the lunatics. They have hardly a 216 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Shirt to their Backs and neither Shoes nor Stockings. With the greatest difficulty they (four in a Hackney Coach) collected amongst them two pence to pay the tm-npike. James went to the Hospital to receive them and reconnnend them to the Steward and offered them money by Papa's desire. They refused accepting it, saying they should want for nothing there. What un- common generosity of mind ! for Men who are not above entering into an Hospital cannot be accused of false pride. Papa has sent Walpole to-day to get a lodging for the Itchy Man if he finds himself at all incommoded by his situation among the madmen. It really makes one's blood run cold to think what extremities hundreds are reduced to, and what a number of melancholy stories there are that come to our ears. Adieu. I am in Haste, but ever yours affectionately, M. J. H. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Friday, March 29, 1793. His Lordship having most feloniously embezzled my * Star ' without with my leave, or by my leave, doth not de- serve the ' Times ' likewise. But, Sir, I do more than my Duty, and I send it herewith. I was most graciously received last night at the Chancellor's by both Lord and Lady, each discoursed with me, at least each and separately. There were many foreigners, Due de Luxembourgh, Prince de Leon, Malouet, &c. It was not a large party. I went with Sir George and Miss Cooper to Lady Cath : Douglas, where I had a long Ehrtation with Sir Archy Macdonald ; he is quite fond of me and so is Mr. Douglas : he and Lady Cath: were so obliged for my visiting them. DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 217 Mr. Batt had dined there and many of the Markhams, a very pleasant party indeed at Lady Cath's. I heard a most charming sermon at the Asylum this morn, and heavenly singing from the Orphans. Went no whither after Church, am not going any whither this evening. Poor dear Horses have got through two Days' hard Duty with me. Mr. Hervey sat two hours with me after Church. Young Harrison has been with me, and has answered all my queries written to his father. Three only of the five French patients, were admitted into the Hospital last Wednesday, why the other two did not get in, young Harrison does not know. I sent the Hst of their names to old Harrison. The apartments for the Itchy ' GaUes ' will not be ready till next Wednesday the 3rd of April. I have VTrote to Count O'Haguerty, the needful con- cerning letting the patients know they need not go to Guy's to-morrow. I have taken a world of pains about the whole lot, and done my business well and much more to the purpose than it has been done yet, by either EngHsh or French undertakers. I have settled all about the Cloathing for the ' Sans Culottes ' Patients in a very Barber like fashion. Mr. Hervey saith Lady Bristol hopes to see me whenever I can make it convenient, she is always at home from eight to eleven. I have a long letter from Lady Webster and a ditto from Lady Auckland. Lady Webster wrote to you by the Courier that carried Tom's letter to Lord Sheff and the Duke of Kichmond. She says her child is a Phenomenon for littleness. Tom Pelham confined to his bed with an erisypalus in his Face, very ill indeed ; not a word of his coming to England. I was rejoiced at the sight of your paw per post this day. I send t'other half of the French song I sent yesterday. Mrs. Moss says it is very pretty. Is Mrs. Ducamel alive ? If she is, desire 218 GIKLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. dear Sister to carry you to her with a ticket round your neck from me, and to say I sent you to be looked at. Kindest love to Aunt. To be sure and I don't write long letters. A. Sheffield. [The above was addressed to ' L 'Unique Miss Madam.'] Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : April 1, 1793. You are a very good sort of woman, my dearest Miss Huff, and perhaps flatter yourself that I do not expect to hear from you, as having no particular events to relate. I have not epistolized you for some Days. But the best people may be mistaken, and this happens to be your case if such are your sentiments. I want to hear how soon you intend to visit the Bath Dowagers, as when you are once set in motion you will seem to be nearer return- ing to us at Downing Street. I am likewise impatient to hear your opinion of Louisa. At present I have a very indifferent opinion of that young lady, as it is above a week since I heard from her. I suppose she is settling the Bath Bank, which I hear is broke to pieces. We came here on Thursday, and we all join in regret- ting the absence of a friend of ours. It seems unnatural to come to S. P. for Easter without you. Mama has been unwell since we left town — Fainting and very Sick. That Fainting trick she has got is very ugly. I have no opinion of Mr. Farquhar knowing much of her consti- tution ; all he understands is sending a quantity of draughts ad infinitum, when he has once ordered them, without coming to enquire if they have been of service. I am infinitely discomfited at all communication being stopped between France and England. The DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 219 English Mail was refused entrance at the Port of Calais last week, and no French ones have arrived since. I cannot tell what this forebodes. But I believe there is a very strong Party beginning to shew itself in favour of the Eoyal Family. Bretagne is very Boyal, and in many places where the National Assembly has sent their Com- missioners to examine and report the state of the country, the People had risen and murdered them. Probably it is to prevent things being known that they have stopped the Mails. I heard that Malesherbes had had two Con- ferences with the Queen in the Temple, and that her con- finement is much less strict than formerly. If they do not put them to death, which I think now they will not dare to do, probably a short time will see the Dauphin acknowledged as King, and the Queen, Kegent, by the greater part of France. It has been said in many of the Clubs that they cannot go on without a King. It is par- ticularly provoking just now to be ' sans nouvelies,' because we have heard so many flying reports of different kinds vdthout having them positively confirmed or denied. . . . Tuesday, April 2. — Mama has been very ill. Fever and violent Pain in her Side, with incessant cough. Aunt Way is her Nurse, and writes us word to-day that she is much easier and her cough abated and her Fever lowered ; in short that she is gaining health and strength, but she is very weak still. She has consented to Bleeding and BHstering. ... I have no opinion of Mr. Farquhar knowing much of her constitution. [Lady Sheffield died suddenly in London on the 3rd of April, 1793, before her husband or her children could be summoned. The event is noticed by contemporary Journals as follows : — * At his Lordship's house in Downing Street, after an illness of four days, the Eight Honble. Abigail, Lady Sheffield. She was the daughter of Lewis Way, Esq., and sister to Benjamin Way, Esq., Governor of South 220 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Sea Company ; and was married to his Lordship in 1767. There are by this marriage two daughters, who, in default of male issue, are the heirs of his title. The following very just character of her Ladyship appeared in the ' Courier de Londres : ' — ' La societe, les ames vertueuses, les malheureux sur- tout, et les indigens, viennent d'eprouver une perte aussi afEreuse qu'imprevue. Lady Sheffield vient d'etre enlevee en quatre jours par une mort prematuree. 'La plus respectable des femmes, des epouses, des meres, des amies. Des moeurs aussi douces que pures. Un esprit aussi modeste que clair. Un coeur egalement noble et sensible. Une commiseration dont la delicatesse ^galoit la prodigalite : \oila ce que pleurent aujourd'hui tous ceux qui ont connu L^dy Sheffield. Depuis les d^sastres qui ont jette parmi nous tant de victimes du delire Fran9ais, elle a rivalise avec le genereux Lord Sheffield, son epoux, a qui prendroit le plus les soins pour adou9ir le sort de tant d'infortunes. Pretres, laics, hommes, femmes de tous etats, et de toutes les opinions, pourvu qu'ils fussent honnetes et malheureux, ont trouve un asyle dans la maison ; des secours dans la liberalite ; des consolations dans I'amitie de ce couple vertueux. II est a craindre que Lady Sheffield n'ait ete la victime de son zele et de sa bonte. Depuis quelque tems, elle souffifoit d'un point de cote qui la quittoit rarement. Elle n'en continuoit pas moins ses courses bienfaisantes. Tantot elle alloit porter elle-meme secours a des Fran- 9oises, dont elle vouloit menager la delicatesse en meme tems qu'elle pourvoyoit a leurs besoins. Tantot elle leur conduisoit des medecins, dont elle ne songeoit pas a se servir pour elle-meme. De concert avec son mari, elle avoit charge des amis actifs de decouvrir tous les mal- heureux emigres malades ; elle donnoit des vetements a ceux qui en manquoient. Enfin, elle venoit de faire pre- parer une salle pour ceux meme que des maladies con- tagieuses eloignoient de tous les lieux de secours. Le Vendredi Saint, elle a ete passer pres de deux heures dans cet Hopital ^ dont son frere etoit president ; elle en a passe deux autres a I'^gHse par un froid glacial. Le Samedi matin, une pleuresie s'est declaree, Le Mardi, des symptomes de mort se sont manifestos, et, le lendemain matin, elle avoit cess6 de vivre. La famille est dans le ' Guy's Hospital. DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SPIEFFIELD. 221 desespoir; ses amis dans la desolation. Tons les mal- heureux qu'elle a connu la regrettent, et il n'est pas un emigre Fran9ois qui ne doive a sa cendre des benedictions et des larmes.'] Serena to Maria Josepha. [Bath] Friday, April 5, 1793. What shall I say to soothe and comfort you ? That our poor Louisa has reheved herself by some hours' crying is all that we could hope. It was the best effect from such a shock, and I should have been frightened if she had not. Two kind notes from Mrs. Way received yesterday was our first Idea of my poor Sister being ill. I confess they so far prepared me that I was glad my poor Louisa was not present when I received them, as I was so agitated and shocked as to be totally unfit to be of any use to her, and as Mrs. Way with the tender wish to spare Louisa, desired me not to alarm her, it gave me a hope which I tried to encourage, and of course did not speak all my fears. We were, however, very far from feeling the comfort we tried to give each other. This morning Mrs. Moss came with the account and put an end to hopes ; but her being here is of great use, and Mrs. Dash wood gives her leave to stay the whole day. Your anxiety for us made me begin with this account, and now let me give a thousand thanks for your dear and affect^*® letter. Also let me entreat you to thank Mrs. Way a thousand times for her kindness. It was an inex- pressible comfort her letter just received by post. Yours my dear Maria, tho' dated Wednesday and coming by the Coach, only reached me this day, which I mention because you might wonder I did not instantly write had I received it yesterday. It is only to-day I know the event. I do not know very well what I write, but I trust it will make you more easy in regard to us than if I did not 222 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. write. As to going to you, yon cannot doubt our being ready whenever it can be a comfort to you ; but for yours and my Brother's sake I should think it better to wait a Httle. In this I entreat you to judge, and only settle it as best for my d^ Sheff and yourself. Miss Firth being with you makes me glad. I feel that I cannot express myself so as to the event otherwise than by sharing with you everything you feel. That she was in Town, had the best advice and every care, we must feel the greatest satisfaction. For the rest it must be Time. God Bless you ! my ever dear Maria ; may you be the consolation and the Blessing of your dear affectionate Father. His good, his feeling Heart will lean on his Children, and they, I trust, will be for ever united in tenderly loving him and gratefully feeling what a blessing he is to them. Louisa's heart is full of you both. Let us hear you are well, for we shall know no other wish, and your letter, ever so short that tells us so, will be comfort. . . . Love a thousand to my poor Brother. The very kindest remem- brance to Mrs. Way, whom I truly and affectionately value. Yours ever and ever, S. H. [The sad news was sent to Lausanne both by Sir Henry Clinton and by Monsieur de Lally. Gibbon wrote a broken-hearted letter to Lord Sheffield on the loss of her whom he had ' Known and loved for above twenty- three years, and often styled by the endearing name of sister.' His one wish was to share his friend's solitude, and to sympathize with his grief. ' All the difficulties of the journey,' he wrote, ' which my indolence had probably magnified, have now disappeared before a stronger pas- sion,' and he left Lausanne immediately for Sheffield Place.] DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 223 Lady Webster to Maria Josepha. Naples : May 5. I will not presume, my dear Maria, to offer you any Consolation for the dreadfuU loss you have sustained in your excellent Mother, for you must feel, and will daily more, that it is Irreparable ; for with the most unbounded affection for you, She united the greatest Sensibility of Heart, and the Steadiest Judgement, Such as you can never meet with from your best friends, however solicitous they may be for your welfare, for who can be so proper a Gruardian of a Daughter's Happiness as a fond affectionate Mother, and such a one my inestimable Friend was to you. You, who Know the obligations I had to her, may judge of the Keenness of my Feelings upon this Occasion. Alas ! Dear Woman ! How many plans of Happiness had I planned with You ! They, with Her are no more ! You now, my dear Maria, must supply her place towards your Father; he will require the fond affection of a Daughter to mitigate the acuteness of his feelings for my Departed Friend. Be to him what his Love for you exacts, and never let him find his Home less easy and chearfull. Gratitude demands your attentions, but Inde- pendent of that for your own Sake you ought to assimi- late your desires to his, else from uneasiness in his own house. Estrangement will ensue, and he may contract habits or connections uncongenial to your future Pros- pects. Nothing but Love for you and him, would prompt me to expatiate upon a Subject which must awaken all your Sorrows, but your Good Sense will make you see my Motive, for the first Debtit in your Stile of Living with him will be decisive of your Mutual Peace. So, pardon the Warm Expressions of an overflowing Heart and impute them solely to their True Cause, arising from 224 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. an Excess of anxiety about his Happiness, which is now in your hands, and your own future Welfare. He has deserved everything from you, and that every object around you must testify. Besides him, your Sister must be another object of Consideration. From your Seniority she must in many things be dependent upon you, and the example of your Conduct will be a Guide for hers. I hope, dearest Maria, the regard I have always borne towards you, and the affection which your dear Mother blessed me with, will render any apology for what I have said unnecessary, as I am conscious I only repeat the Sentiments your Heart dictates already. If you live alone with your Father, you have the Duties of a Wife to fulfill, and accordingly as you execute them, so willjthe World judge of your Conduct well, when you are placed in that situation. If your Aunt should live with '- you, you will, from the many obligations you have to her, know how to treat her as a Second Mother, and the only Substitute Nature can give for my Ines- timable Friend. I never can express how I feel her Loss ; but I will say no more ; but once again beg you to take in good part all I have said. God Bless you ! and may you be Happy and make^your dear Father so is the sincere wish of your Affectionate Friend, E. W. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, Sheff. Place; July 2, 1793. Papa desires me to write as he has not time, to say he has agreed to let Government have his House (in Downing Street). They allow him 600Z. for his repairs, and to keep all the Cellars and Stables and a Garret I believe. I wish I had known this for certain before we left Town, DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 225 for I dare say they will break all our valuable China and Glasses in moving them. Edward Hamilton came on Sunday, and I suppose will stay till Milord and the Great Gibbon go to London next Monday. I was very glad at his appearance ; for I think both the Peer and the Historian began to grow tired of a Tete a Tete after Dinner which always lasted a con- siderable time, as Gib. is a mortal enemy to any persons taking a walk; I suppose upon the same principle as Satan disliked the situation of Mr. and Mrs. Adam. Moreover he is so frigid that he makes us sit by a good roasting Christmas fire every evening, which is rather too much, though we should like a warmer summer if the Fates had decreed it. The said Historian and Neddy ' both desire their Loves to you. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : July 11, 1793. Mrs. Sarah Holroyd calls you by very unseemly names, which still having some regard for you, I will not shock your Ears with. But I am perfectly satisfied that no appellation is too bad for you, you villainous Grimalkin I I am all Impatience to hear what you think of your House, and in this hot weather Impatience is a bad thing ! . . . Papa is very busy settling the Things in the Garret. The Chairs that were in the best Drawing room are to come down here for the Winter Drawing room. . . . What a D of a Cat you are ! When I send you so many interesting particulars about House etc. that you should not express gratitude. Unless indeed it is too great to find utterance. I do begin to be convinced you are gone ' Edward Hamilton. Q 226 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. to Shades below. I hope your Executors will not be surprized at my Style of writing ! It is too hot to swear any more. Ever sincerely yrs. M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : July 28, 1793. . . . The week after this a portion of the Camp will be our Guests. Notwithstanding Mr. Gibbon's remon- strances at his folly and weakness, the ' Inn keeper ' has pressed all (or very near it) of the General officers to accept Beds here. But I am in hopes the Commander in Chief will be too strict to allow them to sleep out of their Tents, . . . Are you not delighted at the Murder of Marat ? But though I am glad he is removed from the power of doing further Mischief, I am sorry he fell by the hand of an Amazon. What horrid wretches the French of both Sexes are become ! To what an extraordinary length the Siege of Valenciennes is protracted, and when one looks back, how little has been done this Summer, and the War as unlikely to be near a Conclusion as at the first Stroke. I hope you treat yourself with a Newspaper. The Bene- dictions of Mrs. Sarah and Miss Louise and mine also^ to the Grimalkin, Yrs much and ever, M. J. H. Write, you old Cat! and don't puzzle your stupid Brains about what you shall say in answer to my last. For if I ever thought twice about anything, I should not have flung away my Ink on that subject to such a tiresome old Maid of a Duenna. I pity you all for being DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 227 SO silly. Don't return the Compliment. I should be too much flattered. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : July 31st. I have forwarded your packet for Walpole to Papa. All our Birds are flown but Nick who amuses our sohtude during the absence of My lord and the historian. Today the Ferrers and Woodwards dine with us. I thought it was much better to enjoy the company of Mr. F. in the absence of ' le grand Gibbon ' who would be apt to make round eyes at him. I suppose you are rejoicing over the capitulation of Mayence. I shall be impatient to hear what great thing, the descendant of Frederic the Great undertakes next, and whether success will be as speedy as in this Siege. I heard yesterday from Mrs. Hadden who is at Tunbridge with her Brattery, and had the agreeable InteUigence that the Duchess and Miss Le Clerc do not attend the Duke to Ashdown Forest. I do not care how many Generals we invite, because probably they will only dine here and go back to their tents in the Evening. Adieu. Loves from all. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. August 2, 1793. I do not think I have much to say to the Old Cat, except that ' le Grand Gibbon ' arrived yesterday from Mr. Hayley's,^ a day sooner than he had intended, which threw him and Mr. F. (Ferrers) in each other's way, contrary to my wishes. You would have been amused ' William Hayley, poet. Q 2 228 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. at the scene between them. Did Aunt tell you yesterday of the strange Mania that a certain Lord has been seized with to put it in the power of Chance to bring the P. of Wales, D. of Kichmond, Ld. Chancellor, Ld. Guildford and Heaven knows who besides at the same time to Sheff. Place? Mr. G.'s remark is only that he fears the New Wing will not be ready aired for their accom- modation. I wish we were well at the end of next week. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : August 8, 1793. There never was so large a Mountain that brought forth such a little Mouse, as the Expectations of the Crowd at S. P. this Week and the Eeality. . . . Behold ! after all this alarm . . . the Duke sleeps every night in Camp, the Prince, Thank my Stars ! does not visit Ashdown Forest — neither the Ld. Chancellor nor Ld. Guilford come, and instead of additional In- habitants, this House never was so compleatly emptied, a considerable Detachment going every day to the Camp. We went ourselves yesterday, all except the Great Gib : who thought himself better at home, in which I perfectly agreed with him. I was very much pleased with the Views of the Incampment, which I might have been had it had less effect, never having seen one before. But every body agrees this is uncommonly picturesque and beautiful. It is in a woody part of Ashdown Forest, about a mile and a half from Netley, between that place and Tunbridge. Some of the Tents are pitched among the trees and the Camp itself, being on uneven ground, does not look formal in the least. There were great numbers of country people, and all the neighbouring Coaches and Post Chaises, which, mixed with the DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 229 Soldiers and among the Trees, had an uncommon pretty and lively Effect, The Day was very fine, and a fresh Breeze prevented our being burnt by the Sun. The Army was all out, but did not perform many manoeuvres. , . . The Duke and Miss Le Clerc took us under their protection for the greater part of the story. His Grace more gracious than usual, nobody could be more civil. His Tents are very comfortable and elegant without un- necessary finery. . . . The sight I liked best was the return into Camp, which they did with Musick ; the first part of the day they had None. Lord Fortescue . . . and several others one knows by name were there, and that Miss Burney (the Evelina and Cecilia Miss Burney) who is to be married to a Mons. D'Arblay, a French Emigrant. What is Sense good for ? Nothing at all I am convinced to Women, for it is the sensible Women who do the Most fooHsh things. Adieu. Aunt sends love. Yrs. affly., M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. August, 1793. Dear Mistress Firth, — .... I must desire you to wonder at Miss Burney' s marriage if I have not men- tioned it before. She met with Monsieur D'Arblay at Mr. Locke's, therefore probably Madame de Stael was in the secret. . . . Mr. Locke has behaved handsomely in giving them a piece of ground, and building a Cottage for them where they must live on Love, or starve. He is even worse off than many other Emigrants, who have at least a futurity of Order in France to look forward to. But this man is disinherited by his father for the part he took in politics, having followed La Fayette and been on his Et^t Major. Miss Burney has nothing but the lOOZ. 230 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. from the Queen. Should you not have formed a better opinion of the author of * Ceciha ' ? I hope we shall benefit by her Folly, for I think if she has many Pro- ductions of Nature, those of Art must keep pace with them, to find them in Meat, Drink, and Clothing. . . . To-morrow the Duke says he shall only bring eight people with him to sleep here, and to-day arrives Mr. Bowdler ^ and Mr. N. to stay that Identical Night and no longer. The Sheffield Inn has not lost its reputation you see. Sir G. and Lady Webster are just arrived in England. She came at the desire of her father, who is djdng, and left her Children at Florence with Lady Shelley. So she will return there I suppose. If she stays the Winter in London I shall have another Eeason for rejoicing at being in the Country. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : August 14, 1793. On Monday morning between nine and ten the whole Army, between six and seven thousand men, passed by the Lodge. We were placed under Lady Cecilia's Fir Tree with the Duke and his suite, and saw them march by to great advantage. . . . The Line of March was a mile and three-quarters in length .... and though there were so many men, and they had been three hours on their march, there was no Tail, alias, no strag- glers. You may imagine what a beautiful sight it was to see the whole Eoad from the Common to the Lodge covered entirely with Soldiers, and the Bands of Musick playing. . . . When they had all passed, we rode in a jolly Party ; Duke, Aides-de-Camps, Secretary, Lewis and William Way, Louisa and I, through the Park to see them take their ground at Chailey Common, and there again we had a most lively scene. It is astonishing how ^ The Expurgator of Shakespeare. DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 231 quick the Tents were pitched, and the whole Common, covered with white Tents and red coats, had the most chearful effect I ever saw or could have imagined. . . . We had a pretty considerable Party both to dine and sleep. The House probably never was so full ; we sat down seven- teen to dinner. . . . They were all so tired, not having been in Bed the night before, that they retired before ten, and were off next morning by half -past three. . . . We were alarmed with the account of the Queen of France being murdered ; but find she is only tried. However I fear that is a sure forerunner of death with those wretches. Young Arthur Young came on Sunday evening, only stayed one Night. He is in the Church ; but travelling about to pick up farming Intelligence for the ' Society of Agriculture.' Adieu ! Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. p. : August 18, 1793. Papa returned from the Eternal Exchequer Bills on Eriday .... you will be glad to hear that they have completely answered the desired Purpose, and that public Credit is quite restored. Everybody who deserves it has credit now. This is my Lord's account of the matter. . . . Lally, the Prince de Poix, Malouet and Madame d'Henin are at their Villa at Twickenham. Papa has invited the three men any time between this and September 3. We have a great loss in Lally's letters, the newspapers are our only IntelHgence. Poor Queen ! there is little chance of her Life being of much longer continuance. But I cannot imagine why they put her in the Conciergerie, they might have spared her that additional cruelty. . . . Canning is in Parliament. . . . Expectation is raised high in his favour. . . . Yours ever, M. J. H. 232 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Bev. N. Nichols to Maria Josepha. Blundeston: August 25, 1793. I am neither ' too happy, too vain, nor too miserable ; " and yet very proud of your approbation ; very sensible of your kindness ; and very desirous of deserving and pre- serving your favourable opinion and friendship. ... I saw nothing too sublime in the beginning of your letter,, there is more danger of your finding mine too grand. . . . Yarmouth and Lowestoft are both full of Bathers. At the former I have been twice to dine with General Johnstone, the Commander of our Military Defences on this Coast, whose Camp I have not yet visited, though I pass within a hundred yards of it going to Yarmouth. It consists only of two Regiments of Militia — the Middlesex and the Leicestershire. The East Yorkshire have a Camp to themselves two miles North of Yarmouth. Their Officers are very respect- able Gentlemen. I was obliged to go to one Ball at Yarmouth, at which I lost a few shillings at Casino, and my evening, which could not have been less profitably or pleasantly employed. At Lowestoft which is only three miles distant, there are of my acquaintance Dr. and Mrs. De Salis, the Bishop of Norwich and Mrs. Manners Sutton, and Major and Mrs. Bobinson, Lord Clive's sister. They and the General, some Officers, and some Neighbours have dined here, divided into two large parties, besides which I dined last Thursday with the Bishop and Twenty Clergymen at Dr. Cooper's, the Minister- of Yarmouth ; having assisted at the Bishop's Confirmation in the morning. The Bishop is a gentlemanhke, sensible and pleasing man. ... I am glad for your sake that the Mountain produced a Mouse, for in spite of the partiality DEATH OF ABIGAIL, LADY SHEFFIELD. 233 for Eed Coats which you confess so ingenuously, I think you might have had a surfeit of them if the house had been filled with them for a week. Mr. Bowdler is such an Achilles in the field of Chess that it is more honourable to be permitted to play with him, than disgraceful to have suffered a Defeat. That string however round the neck of one Victorious Invulner- able -and fatal Pawn, is (I remember it well from painful experience) an insupportable Humiliation, which (I return you a thousand thanks) you revenge on me by attributing my masterly moves and deep laid schemes to accident. . . . Now as to my conclusion, I have not the least difficulty in assuring you that I am with very sincere regard, Faithfully yours, N.N. Do me the favour to remember me in the kindest manner 'a tutti quanti.' I think of Mr. Gibbon when I look at my Greek books, and when I do not ; often of that best and wisest of Aunts ; and of you, sometimes. .234 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEE XL 1793. MARIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. The Camp at Ashdown Forest — A lull in France — Lady Webster's visit — Gibbon grumpy — News of Dunkirk — Tunbridge Wells — Society there — Death of Marie Antoinette — Brighton — Home life. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : August 25, 1793. We have been doing various great things since I wrote last. ... I do not expect to be soon again as well amused as I was last Thursday. The Stanmerites ^ invited us to dine there on Wednesday, and we accepted their invitation ; also to sleep there, that we might be nearer the Camp on Thursday morning, when there was the most considerable Field Day and Battle that they have had, or perhaps will have. Nothing could be more pleasant than the whole family was, and I was surprized at not meeting any form. Except the Prayers, there was nothing different to any other House. On Thursday morning we set out for the Camp at eight o'clock. The heavy Baggage — two Coaches and a Phaeton went across the Downs to the Devil's Dyke, which was to be the scene of action. Papa, Mr. Pelham, and I went in Mr. Gibbon's Post Chaise to the Camp, where Wonder of Wonders ! Papa let me mount Mr. Hadden's Horse and I rode the whole morning, about six hours, with the Army. ... I was amazingly happy to be allowed to ride ; but I had very little hopes that I should ^ Lord and Lady Pelham. MAEIA JOSEPH A AS CHATELAINE. 235 have leave. It was a very good Horse and so accustomed to such things as Field Days, that all the firing of Cannon did not make him prick up a single ear. Papa took Silver Tail out of the Carriage to ride, and Lord Pelham lent him a Cart Horse to help to draw the Coach containing Mrs. Aunt, Miss Louisa, and Mr. Gibbon, who, I believe, had they not been ashamed, would have thought them- selves too happy to be permitted to retire in a much shorter time than the Chorus above mentioned. I was so much entertained and pleased with my lot, that I did not suppose we had been three Hours. . . . The Prince was happier than any Being ever was before. I never saw anything so busy and alive, and I fancy he commanded very well. Once I thought him a little childish in send- ing after one of the Duke's Aides de Camps, who was coming towards him, to take him Prisoner, and he was hunted down such a steep hill that it was a Hundred to One that he broke his neck. However, the young Gentle- man was in high good humour at this Event, and his capture of six Pieces of Cannon, which he took from Sir W. Howe. There is something unfortunate in the name of Howe, whether in real or mock engagements I am afraid. ... At three o'clock, when the Army went to dinner, we retired from the Field of Battle and went home ; that is, to Stanmer to dinner, and came to S. P. in the evenmg, attended by a most lovely Moon, and the Day after to be sure I was a little stiff or so, but not in the least tired, or the three Dowagers in the Coach either, tho' they did not enter into the Spirit of the Entertainment as well as I did, who was almost one of the Council of War. ... I am not sure if you will be amused at my long History, or think it very tantalizing ; for I am sure you would have been very much amused if you had been there. But it is right you should have some little Idea of our Manoeuvres in this Country. 236 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. If the Coast should be attacked in good earnest, the Prince will, I hope, be able to defend it properly. I sup- pose he would not be sorry to have an opportunity of dis-^ tinguishing himself, for it is said, he is very jealous of the D. of York's military fame, and does not receive the Congratulations that are made him on his account, in his usual gracious manner. Mr. Pelham was aware of this, and maliciously complimented him ten times as much as he would otherwise have done on the Duke's good con- duct. The Prince did not answer a word. We did not go into his Tent ; but I understood the magnificence of its Furniture is very much exaggerated in the Papers. You may well suppose that we were a little inconvenienced to fimd room for the whole Cargo that came here from the Chailey Camp ... as to the Servants, I believe, they slept two or three in a Bed, but the Gentlefolks had one each to themselves. . . . Mayence and Valenciennes are in a dreadful ruined condition. I am quite grieved for some of my favourite Buildings at Mayence, that are quite destroyed ; the Prevote, which if you recollect, I sent you an account of, as a very elegant Palace and that the Kooms received light from the top, is entirely pulled down ; the Elector's country house the same, and part of the beautiful Cathedral. Have you observed in the accounts of the Convention, that they have decreed the Public Worship of the Sun ? I more than ever rejoice at being in an Island, for I think, if we joined to them, I should be in great fear of being swallowed up with them,, for surely they must meet with their Punishment in one way or other. The poor unfortunate Queen seems to have a respite ; at least it is an advantage that her Cause has been taken out of the hands of those who first had the trying of her, and referred to the Com- mittee of Public Safety. But, whether Life is any MARIA JOSEPH A AS CHATELAINE. 237 favour in the state of Dread she must Hve in, is a matter of doubt I think. Lally is, I beHeve, coming next week. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : August 28, 1793. . . . Lally has been prevented coming this week. Pauline is likewise expected every day, and the day after she comes she is to be married to the Gentleman I men- tioned, * Un gros HoUandais ; ' but who has realized 10,000 Pounds in this country, and Lally adds in a Parenthesis, 'ilnous nourrira tous.' I think it is quite possible the Dutchman may not come into this way of thinking. Louisa has just come into my room, says you deserve to be hanged for not vn:iting oftener. I only say Guillotined. . . . Adieu, little Miss Huff. Yours ever, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place: September 12, 1793. . . . Not many events have occurred since I wrote last, tho' it is a great while. The tiresome Chancellor and his Party still impend over our heads, and may or may not come as it suits their Inclinations, Whims, or Caprices, while Papa will make no engagement or let anybody else into his House in case the Great People should come. I am almost inclined to be a Democrat and wish we were all equal, and then Lord Loughborough would make as little commotion in the family as if he was still Mr. Wedderburne. . . . Lady Webster (or the * Diavo- lady'), will be at Stanmer this week, and (hang her!) next week she will probably do us the honour of a Visit 238 GIELHOOD OF MAUI A JOSEPH A HOLROYD. and I believe Tom (Mr. Pelham) with her. I had rather see old Beelzebub a thousand times ! Tom Fool was here the day before yesterday. I believe we shall go first to Tunbridge Wells. . . . But I am afraid there is not com- pany enough there to give a chance of making you happy in selling either of us. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : September 22, 1793. ... On Tuesday last Papa was engaged to dine at Mr. Sneyd's — a large Party was invited to meet him, and the Carriage was coming to the Door when a letter arrived from Tom Fool to say Lady Webster meant to come from Battle to S. P., and that she might arrive in better trim, begged our horses might meet her at Uckfield. The Dismay of the Family may be more easily imagined than described. Mr. Gibbon vowed if Papa went to Jevington he would immediately set off for Brighton. I was aghast, for as Aunt can claim the Privelege of Invalidism, and Louisa never chuses to talk more than is necessary, I should have all the Weight of her Ladyship on my Shoulders. However, after much pro and con . . . Papa stayed; the Coachman went to Uckfield, and the dear Creature, with an Irish Maid- servant and two Italian men, arrived about five o'clock. She chose to be very amiable, affectionate and tender, and for her, as little nonsensical as one could reasonably ex- pect. She was unfortunately obliged to go away next morning, and during the short time she was here amused us very much with her account of the Camp, near Dun- kirk and other Foreign Sights, which, tho' we took all for granted, were rather Poetical than Historical. She went to see General Dalton before he was buried, and talked of the dead bodies on the field of Battle she passed MAEIA JOSEPH A AS CHATELAINE. 239 over, with as much Rapture as any Vulture might be supposed to do. I do not give her credit for half the unfeehngness she pretends to, or I should begin to question if she were not really an Infernal. She seems to have gone to the Camp for no other purpose than to make a Bustle, and to be as troublesome as possible from her own account. Her Ladyship has entirely adopted Foreign Manners and Customs, and our Family will, I suppose, never recover from the astonishment they were thrown into when they discovered Andre, the Italian, washed his Lady's feet, when she went to Bed, which upon my word is a matter of fact, if one may believe that one hears. I was present at her Toilette before Dinner, and both of the men walked tame in and out of the Bedroom while she was undressing, and one dressed her hair, who was as frowsy as possible, just come off a long ride. But enough and too much of such a woman ; she says she means to go abroad in ten days, and Heaven grant she may k^ep her Eesolution ! . . . Friday, Fred. North and Mr. Douglas came. I am glad nothing happened to prevent Mr. D. coming. The Gib. would have been furious, and he was rather grumpy that Papa made him stay a fortnight longer then he intended. You know he is Clockwork, and to keep him a day after he had deter- mined to go, is to derange one of the Springs or Wheels. However, Mr Douglas with his Greek and Latin, and Fred. North with his Islands of Ithaca and Corfu, have put him quite in good Humour, and they are much more entertaining, having him to draw them out. . . . I do not know what to say as to news, because I cannot tell what you may have already heard ; however the news this morning of the defeat of Carteaux, near Toulon, is very recent, and Ld. Hood says twenty Car- teauxs cannot now do him any harm. . . . I have not been able to digest the very precipitate retreat of our Troops 240 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. from Dunkirk. Col. D'Oyley is come to England till his Wounds are healed. His account of affairs on the other side of the water is very uncomfortable, that is in respect of the D. of Y., and I rejoice most heartily that he is again under the direction of Cobourg. . . . When the Army took that terrible Pannick, the French were cer- tainly in a numerous Body, 55,000 we knew of, and some Reports made them 80. The Duke's common method of stating that any number of Soldiers have fallen in an Action is that so many have ' gone to Hell.' Numbers are daily falling sick. Col. D'Oyley saw St. Leger at Ostend when he was coming over, and he told him that since the 16th August when the former left the Army we had lost 6,000 men from it, killed, wounded, sick and missing. Col. D'Oyley's Company in the Action, when he was wounded, went in forty-nine strong, and only came out seventeen. It was the Company that suffered most. As to the War it seems as far from a conclusion as when it began, and further, for then everybody was sanguine and was of opinion one Campaign would finish it. ... There is now no one Event to make one suppose an End possible, without acknowledging the Republic, for the Wretches, if they have not Discipline, at least have numbers, and at present a hearty good disposition among the Troops to murder all that come in their way. The Dismission or Resignation of the Duke of Richmond was much talked of this week from the Ordnance ; but it certainly has not yet taken place. He says he has been very ill-used by the Ministry, and by the D. of Y., who has written very severely against him because the Gun Boats did not arrive in proper time before Dunkirk. The D. says in answer to this charge that the Guns were ready twenty-four hours before the Vessells were arrived at Woolwich to take them on board. It was always MARIA JOSEPHA AS CHITELAINE. 241 the intention of the Cabinet to besiege Dunkirk. They wished it to have been the first operation of the Cam- paign, then why was not everything ready for the Siege? ... I hear the King is too much indined to trust to the D. of York, and to be governed by his opinions, and that when the D. fails, he lays all the Blame at the Door of the Ministers. . , . There was a long letter from Lally to-day, but dated the 10th, what it had been about so long nobody can guess. There was not any news in it, as you may imagine, except an Anecdote concerning the Court of Ham, giving one a perfect Idea of those Princes, and almost a fear of their Cause triumphing. You know Monsieur the Comte d'Artois and all the Princes, except Conde, who is behaving very well in the Army on the Rhine, are living at the Blue Boar, at Ham. Mounier offered his services to them, which offer, as they have nobody of any abihties with them, one should have sup- posed they would gladly have accepted. The Answer was, that as M. Mounier did not think in all points like the Princes, (as to the Ancien Regime,) they could not accept his services, lest it might be supposed they had any in- tention of listening to an ' Accommodement.' Are they not delightful Fools? and if they only were concerned, would any one care what became of Monarchy and Nobility in France ? After such a Diplomatic Letter, I can hardly tell how to descend to write of the little interesting events you enquire after, which might have furnished a letter, if I had been in want of subjects. Next time I will send you a Pattern of a Gown I have begun to work for Mrs. Woodward, in the Tambour, by way of Winter Employ- jnent. Yours ever, M. J. H. B 242 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ami Firth. S. P. : October 1, 1793. Fred North and Mr. Douglas left us on Sunday, after having enlivened us much by their very pleasant conversa- tion. . . . With the addition of Mr. Gib, it was impossible to have selected three Beaux who could have been more agreeable, whether their Conversation was serious or trifling. Mr. Douglas improves as he grows more acquainted, and Fred North is charming, though a won- derful oddity. He desired so many tender and handsome things to be said for him to you, as would have made you quite vain to hear. Indeed, all the Gentlemen do per- secute me dreadfully, to say kind things for them. Mr. D. desired his best compliments likewise, but the other spoke a finer Eulogium as a Preface to his message. . . . Mr. Gibbon left us yesterday morning. . . . The Chancellor and his Party, after keeping Papa in hourly expectation of the delight of seeing him, has at last determined not to come at present. . . . Would you think that if he can get it (and both Mr. Gib and Mr. Douglas think it not impossible). Papa would be pleased and satisfied with an English Peerage ? What advantage can such a thing be to him in comparison of a Place ? at least, in my opinion. Money would be of more use at present. He seems much disgusted about Politics now, and vows he will not once go to London during the Sitting of Parliament. Who believes that ? Not me. ... I have just got a Jewel of a Horse. ... It is an excellent size, quiet and gentle, tho' he has a great deal of spirit. He is quite a Beauty ; since my Memory, Papa has not had such a pretty Horse. Lord Auckland has made us a present of two httle black Ponies, not so young as they have been, but I hope they will contrive ta draw the Tib, better than MARIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 243 poor Jacky Grey, who grows Stupider than ever. At present, we may sport a Tandem in a greater Stile than you did, while we were abroad, with your Party-coloured Equipage, and Papa says he will have a Pole put to the Tib, that it may be drawn by the two horses, like a Curricle. However, it is rather too late this vear for any open Carriages. Don't you grieve for poor Cowdry, Lord Montacute's House in this County, which was quite burnt to the Ground last week, and nothing saved ; there were many Pictures, &c., that can never be replaced, and vdll be a great loss. Do you remember Mdme. de Brissac, at the dear Bishop d'Avranches's, the younger of the two Dadies, who came with the Gentleman ' sans Perruque ' ? She has been this Summer on a visit to Mrs. G. Newham at Newtimber, and lately died there. M. de Chambords came down to see her, only the day before she died, They say her Illness was entirely brought on by the state of her mind, so that she may be said to have died of a broken heart. I cannot help rejoicing when I hear a poor Emigrant is at rest in the Grave, for I think they have Httle chance for happiness on this side of it. Pauline is arrived and in a few days is to be sacrificed for the nourishment of the Colony at TvTickenham. The Dutchman, we all think, will soon be tired of the Number of Kelations he will have gained by his Marriage. Pauline brought a Letter in her Shoe, from Paris to Mdme. d'Henin, from some of her friends there, saying that the poor little King is very well treated, even spoilt — that the separation of him from his Mother was a dreadful thing to both — the poor little fellow will never walk any- where but in the places his Mother used to frequent — but he never mentions her Name. I think the excursion to Tunbridge Wells will be a good thing for Papa because he will be more engaged, R 2 24:4 GIKLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. and he will not write, or use his Byes, which he will do even by Candle light at home sometimes, tho' we write for him all the morning almost. The Nasty * Star ' of this Morning tells us of an Action in which the British have been beat and no more. It is very wrong to put in such reports till they have the Details and know them to be true. Adieu. I have written a fearful long letter, but it is a great while since my last. All the folks send love. Ever yours truly, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells, October 13 : 1793. My dear Miss Firth, — As the three Gentlemen in the Parlour, viz., His Lordship and the Doctor, and Judge Downes have tired me to Death, with forming Triangles and all sorts of Mathematical Figures in the Parlour, in plain English, that they are all three walking backwards and forwards to the great shock of my delicate nerves, I am trying to amuse myself as well as I can with talking to you. . . . On our return from Mrs. Leighton's, we found the Honble. Mr. Justice Downes had arrived in the Interim, very fat and well-liking. When they both accompany us to the Pantiles, it must be acknowledged if we have not the smartest Beaux in the World, we have enough stuff in them to make half a dozen. The Doctor is cheerful and pleasant. . . . The Judge is an amiable cypher. This morning we went to Church and heard a most excellent Sermon. . . . The Clergyman's name is Benson and he preaches here constantly, all the season. I have seldom heard a better Discourse, or delivered in a pleasanter or more forcible manner. . . . To-morrow, we go to a Card Party at Lady Peachey's, and on Tuesday to Mrs. Leighton's and Lady Heron's, so you see, such as they are, there are still some souls and bodies in this MAEIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 245 desolate Place. Louisa pleads with great satisfaction, her fear of the night air, and stays quietly at home as she does not Hke cards. ... I, who am a professed Gambler, you know, like these parties very well. I get a game at Casino which is a treat, but I am afraid you will be shocked when I tell you we play half-crowns ; how- ever, I have not been a Loser, tho' not much of a winner yet. I cannot help playing tho', unless I took the Alternative of falling Asleep, as everybody plays either Whist or Casino, and I should be left Hke Q. in the corner. ... I most heartily wish that he (Papa) was engaged with some poHtical work, because I am sure he never can be contented without being in an active scene, such as the House of Commons. . . . The Waters have been of very great use to Louisa, she is in much better spirits and has a better appetite than she has had for a great while. I hope Papa sees this, and that he will not be in a hurry to move, tho' he still talks of Brighton. . . . Princess Sophia has also found great benefit and is wonderfully recovered. She walks upon the Pantiles in the morning early with Lady Cathcart and Lady C. Bruce who is come. She cannot leave her Koyal Friend, even if she had a mind, but she seemed very glad to see us when we met. Adieu. Ever yours truly, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : October 20, 1793. As I told you such terrible stories of Invasions etc. you will be pleased to hear we are still under the Government of George III. and not under that of the 'sans culottes.' The Camp continues a fortnight longer at Brighton ; but I hope will have no* employment. . . . Papa dined with 246 GIELHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Lord Cremorne upon Turtle. . . . What an unfortunate Man Mr. Gibbon has been ! He has raved about Turtle ; all the Summer has been desirous that Papa should send for one from London, and behold ! as soon as he has gone, our Bristol friends send one to S. P., which Papa sent off to the ' pert prim prater ' of the Northern Eace, and if he had come here with us, he might have had a second at Lord Cremorne' s. . . . Parhament does not meet before Christmas ; this is Lord Auckland's news. . . . Mr. Pelham has entirely thrown up his Conamission in the Sussex Militia, owing to some misunderstanding with the D. of Richmond. It is surely a great pity that he should throw himself out of everything Active in a pubhc Line as he is doing ; I suppose to have nothing in England that can pre- vent his going abroad for his health. I do not know if the Divinity is gone. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : October 25, 1793. . . . We are in hourly expectation of the D. of Rich- mond. Mr. Hadden has wrote us word that he would be here for a night yesterday, to-day, to-morrow or Sunday on his way to Brighton. I wish he was come and gone, because Papa talks of going to S. P. for a day or two, and then going to Brighton and not returning here any more. I wish him gone anywhere where he will find amusement. . . I grieve sincerely that Mr. Gibbon is absent just at this moment. He might have been of great service to him, for I think he is the only person whose counsel he would follow and who would give him the best and most unprejudiced advice. Have you not been shocked at the Death of the Poor Queen ? tho' you must have expected it. How nobly she behaved ! and how clear and concise her answers ! . p . MAIUA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 247 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : November 1, 1793. . . . We have had a Profusion of Creatures this Week. I will not profane the word ' Beau ' by applying it to them all indiscriminately. Part of the Sussex Militia marched thro' this place on their way to their winter quarters, Canterbury, and of course Papa did the honours by asking them to dine here. Next day we had the Surgeon, who took an opportunity of telling us he had been to Paris, and found a striking resemblance between the Pantiles and the Palais Koyal. To be sure the Devil and the Jack Daw, that old Eesemblance, have as near an affinity ! However, there was a real Star of the first Magnitude of Beaux. ... It is a great pity that he should be one of the * sans culottes ' of England, for he has a great fortune, very lively, handsome, of good figure, and those who know him say very good-tempered. This would do, would it not ? But alas ! it only appeared for a day or two to shew such things are, and was snatched away again, before I had time to set my Cap in more than one Attitude. If you hke an Officer, there will be plenty at Brighton, for the Prince's Eegt. stays there all the winter. For the Coast is to be well guarded. I hope we shall not be too fond of the P., and then the Eesidence will not be unplea- sant, if we find any body we know. . . . We have been to two or three Card Parties this week, and if the Play was lower, they would be very pleasant as the Company is on the whole agreeable. The People desire their Loves and what not. Ever yours sincerely M. J. H. 248 GIKLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : November 8, 1793. I suppose you know we returned home on Sunday, but to give everybody their due, I must say, it was not intended that we should move before Monday, if Tom Fool had not offered to meet us here on Sunday. The said Tom Fool's Witch is still in England but still talking of going out of it. I think she will continue to talk of it, all the Winter. I have so often regretted, you fixed your departure for this year. For if you could have stayed with us another twelvemonth, it would not have appeared to Papa such a thorough change of people as it has now done, and he would have had somebody to grumble at, who like the Eels was used to it and knew his ways. In- deed, as we are to pass this Winter in the Country, it was particularly disagreeable of you. But what signifies regretting what cannot be helped now, and at the time I would not propose it, because I looked upon it as an Im- possibility, your House being got and your Sister wishing to be settled. I wish she would take to herself a husband and I declare we would have you back again Neck and Heels. But do not tell her my good wishes. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Brighton : November 13, 1793. Papa took a comfortable Lodging, tho' very minute, just opposite the Pavillion and we came on Monday, since when it has rained and Blown incessantly. The House is well-furnished, and including Linnen and Plate, found us for two guineas per week. But it is very provoking to have left Home which is after all the best place in Novem- ber. Yesterday Papa received a Letter from poor Mr. MARIA JOSEPHA AS CHiTELAINE. 249 G-ibbon which obliged him to go to Town immediately and it is of course uncertain when he returns. Mr. G. says he is obliged to consult Physicians on his case. ... an operation is necessary and he wished Papa to be with him at the time, so I am afraid there is some risk. ... I hope Papa's letter to-morrow will say that he is out of danger. . . . Poor Lally cannot accept the Invitation to come here, which I should not be sorry for, if his Absence was not caused by such Calamities. Madame D'Henin has been very much disturbed and agitated by the Queen's Death, and she had hardly recovered that shock, when she heard that Mdme. de Biron was arrested and put in Prison at Paris. Mdme. de Poix who has lost the use of her Limbs and is incapable of moving without assistance, was brought before the Bevolutionary Tribunal and underwent a strict Examination ; but some remaining Sparks of Humanity prompted the Wretches to suffer her to return to her own House, guarded however, Day and Night by two Grena- diers. M. Tour du Pin has been seized and they have done all in their power to force him to declare where his son is. The Society at Twickenham know all this, and yet are ignorant when they can hear more of these and many other dear Friends. What a dreadful State of Suspense and Uneasiness ! You have seen, I suppose, in the Papers, the Tryal and Death of the twenty-one Deputies who, less than a twelvemonth ago, led the whole Nation and are now fallen by Men still more sanguinary than themselves. I have some hope that, if Papa should be obliged to stay any time in Town, he may send us back to S. P. In the two days he was here before we came, he discovered that there is but one set, Mrs. Fitz's ; he is fortunately not desirous we should get into that. The Hours are very late and the Eate of Card Playing very high. . , I much prefer a snug evening at home to the company there is here ; yet S. P. would be still more comfortable. In the 250 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. iQeantime I have got a good Pianoforte ; we have sub- scribed to the Library ; I have plenty of Work, and a Pack of Cards ; therefore you may imagine with all these amusements and the help of a little Writing, the time is filled up ; whether well or ill I do not determine. Adieu ! it is late and I have not time for more. Much yours M. J. H. Maria Josejpha to Miss Ann Firth. Brighton : November 17, 1793. I have a great mind to swear at not having heard from you an Age — but I think I will save myself the trouble in hopes of a Letter next Post. . . . Mr. Gibbon has been much relieved by the operation. . . . Papa says, he hopes he will be better now than he has been for a long while. ... I hope we shall be at She:ff. Place before long, as I flatter myself there is not much Society here that Papa will like even for himself. The Howes and Pitts left last week. . . . We have not seen a Soul except Mrs. and Miss Scott ; the latter has left School, and is grown a fine young Lady with powdered Locks, short waist, long Petticoats, and all the etc.'s that denote she has not forsworn the Vanities of this Wicked World. ... Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : December 1, 1793. Though we returned on Wednesday, I have not re- covered from my Ecstacy of Joy to find myself in my own Eoom and by my own Fireside again, and should have written to tell you so before, but that I have been in a State of Disorganisation since Sunday, from cold I MAEIA JOSEPH A AS CHAtELAINE. 251 took coming out of that uncomfortable, exposed Church at Brighton. Mr. Barr boiled me as soon as I came home in the Great Shoe, and I am quite pert again. . . . I shall indeed rejoice to see old Madam Poole, ^ and hear all about you and your Mansion. I expect my Plants with Impatience. I dare say there will be some Novel- ties. ... I wish Lord Moira was fairly off. It is such a pity to lose this good weather and wait for a Storm, and it would be worse if any accident happened from the Elements than from an Action, as they would perish without doing much good. It is very odd we hear nothing positive of Lord Howe. It has been now three days strongly reported, that he had had an Advantage, and yet there are no of&cial Accts. Adieu ! Ever yours, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : December 5, 1793. ... I am sorry Mr. Gibbon is not here this week. He does not come till Sunday. If you were to pop in by surprize one Evening, I think you would stare, at seeing his Lordship regularly set down to Cribbage, at a Card Table, Hke any Dowager. I am glad to see how he interests himself in the Game. His Luck is amazing. As we only play 3d., however, we shall not be ruined. He is not well or in spirits, I think. . . . Mr. Pel- ham writes word to-day that Ld. Howe has certainly taken 5 Sail of the Line, and his Authority is Sir L. Pepys, who heard the D. of Clarence wish the Queen joy of the news. Parliament meets the 21st January. Adieu ! Ever yours, M. J. H. ' Miss Poole, a frequent guest at Sheffield Place. 252 GIELHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ami Firth. ShefE. Place : December 8, 1793. The Historian has put off coming here till Tuesday. The Chancellor is grown so fond of him that he insisted upon his returning to him at Hampstead to-day, and then they both go together to Lord Auckland's to-morrow. This looks like a negociation, and Mr. Gibbon is the best person in the world to manage such a thing. ... I am very sorry my Uncle will depart before the arrival of our Thucydides. He is very entertaining as it is, but if Mr. G. were here to draw him out, he would be still pleasanter. Was there ever anything so extraordinary as the length of time we have been without hearing of Lord Howe's Fleet in an official manner ? Private accounts seem to put the Good News out of doubt. . . . If you can hire a reasonable Air Balloon, do fly over to us in it. How I should like to pop you down in a Chair in the Corner of the Library. Ever yours, M. J. HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, December 13, 1793. I cannot send a letter without a word of French poHtics, or you would hardly beHeve it came from me. I hope all the horrid things I have heard of the treatment of the poor Madame EHsabeth is not true, and yet I think nothing is impossible for those Wretches. I likewise heard that the young Princess had not found better treat- ment. As to the Dauphin, he is kept in a constant state of Drunkenness, and brought into every scene of vice that MABIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 253 can possibly be thought of, and this is afterwards to be brought against him as a proof of the badness of his dis- position. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. p. : December 20, 1793. We rode yesterday to Mr. Poole's, and found the young Travellers in excellent condition. They delivered up their Charge — viz. the Thimbles and Plants. Many thanks for both, and for the first I send the Thanks of the Trio. Louisa has got the white and gold one ; I have that with the Purple edge, and Aunt the other. We met Lady Cope and Mr. Jekyll at Hook. The latter comes here to-morrow for a night. He is a great favourite of Mr. G., which is rather surprizing, as the latter does not, in general, shew a predilection for Those who are less quaHfied for Hearers than Orators. ... I have worked with my Thimble and like it extremely, independent of its coming from the old Cat. Aunt says, she shall begin to work again for the sake of using hers ; Louisa's is put up in Cotton. Only one word for French affairs — What a Dreadful List of Daily Massacres ! If Madame de Barry's Fortune had been told in the days of her Power, how it would have been laughed at ! Adieu. Every good wish of this season and every other attend you and the younger Grim : from all, including Mrs. Woodward and family. Bev. N. Nichol to Maria Josepha. Blundeston : Dec. 24, 1793. . . . Because you all seemed to take in good part the Turkey I sent to S. P. last year, I have a project of sending another for the good of the family in general, of 254 GIELHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. which I think Lord Sheffield ought not to partake, because his Lordship, whilst he supports, like Atlas, the credit of the Nation, and circulates the produce of Sussex through Canals, which cost him sleepless nights and anxious days, forgets absent friends, and their minute business, thinks no more of me and the poor Twenty Sheep I requested him to procure for me from the South Down, than I do of the Mayor and Corporation of Bristol. . . . Mr. Coke has been so good as to promise me what I want, from a large importation he made last year from Sussex. So, here is an end of the Sheep. Not so of the Turkey. MTiat I propose to do is to send it by the Mail Coach to London, directed to S. P. I have passed three weeks lately as follows — one part at the Palace, (the Bp.'s, at Norwich) who unites the elegance and liberality of a well bred Gentleman to all the proper Decorum of the Episcopal Character, and is be- sides, a Man of Sense, of amiable disposition and of sufficient information. Thence I went to Cossey, by particular invitation of the Lady of the House (Lady Jerningham). . . . Thence to Kaynham, where, except Colonels Barre and Loftus, we had only (there never was an only more out of its place) the charming family, the Mistress of which would make any house delightful. Lady Ann is very agreeable, reasonable, and accom- plished. Lady Charlotte, handsome, and if report says true, to be married to Lord Brome, Lord Cornwallis's Eldest Son. So, to Holkham, where we had Twenty- three in family, and the most magnificent, elegant, and at the same time, agreeable style of living. Mrs. Coke does from good nature and an ardent desire of pleasing, what others do from vanity or politeness. Lord and Lady Melbourne and three daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Coke, and Mr. Anson made part of the society. The last named gentleman is the husband elect and declared of MARIA JOSEPHA AS CHATELAINE. 255 Miss Atin Coke, at present fifteen. She is to wait there- fore a year to attain the age of sixteen, before she assumes the Dignity and functions of a matron and Mistress of a Family. Mr. Anson is said to have an Income of 22,000Z. per annum, and certainly not less than 14 or 15,000. You flatter me (and the more because it is not a failing to which you are much addicted) by wishing me added to such a party as you describe at S. P. It is certain that I, for my part, should have been supremely happy. 256 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD CHAPTEK XII. 1794. THE historian's LAST PAGE. Januaby to July 3. Guests at Sheffield Place — Gibbon — Hayley — Mr. Jekyll — Gibbon's failing health — Gloomy political prospects — Narrow escape — Gibbon's serious illness — His death — Grief at his loss — His funeral — His manuscripts — Quiet days — Inoculation — Canning's first speech — Talk of invasion — Ireland prosperous — The Gibbon Memoirs — Raising a Yeomanry Corps — Fashions — Politics — The wry-necked Secretary — Gibbon's first love — His library. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : Jan. 1, 1794. Many, many happy New Years are wished you by all here in the double capacity of this being New Year's and your Birthday. The two or three last Days have pro- duced Events I did not dream of. Mr. Douglas is going as Secretary to Ireland, and Sir H. Clinton in the room of O'Hara to Toulon. The news of the appointment we had from Lord Auckland, and not from himself. Fran9illon has just returned from Switz. Came here last Thursday and like all the rest of our Inmates en- quired a good deal after you by description, though he was not up to your name. He brought me a beautiful Cup and Saucer from Mdlle. de S.^ of the Manufacture of the Pays de Vaud, with my Cypher on it and two Figures, representing the Costimaes of the Peasants of the Canton de Berne. M. Levade sent Papa two views of ' Severy, THE HISTORIAl^'S LAST PAGE. 257 Mr. Gib's House and Pavillion. Poor Historian ! He has been very indifferent since yesterday se'en night. It is a great effort to him, going up and down stairs. He fears he shall be obliged to go to Town. I hope not before the French people go, or Mr. Hayley comes. Lally and the Princess came on Monday. They contrived to lose their way and came by Eyegate to Cuckfield, and from thence here quite in the dark. As they said they would set out at 8 in the morning, we depended on their arriving in time ; but waited Dinner in consequence of this ' petit detour ' till 6 o'clock, and they did not arrive till after 7. Lally does not shine in Presence of his Divinity. I wish it had pleased her to remain at Twick- enham, for he does not venture on anything like a Joke. . . . The Prince de Poix we expect today. . . . Mr. Jekyll comes to dinner. . . . Miss Poole has had a strong invitation to accompany Mr. Hayley ; but she was afraid, having only just recovered from a Bad Cold. I really believe she would have Hked much to have accepted the Invitation, as she Idohzes the Conversation and Talents of the Poet and Historian so much, as to find a Great Treat in seeing them together. Mr. Hayley comes on Sunday or Tuesday, if Mr. Gibbon can stay so long ; I wish he may, and yet at the same time, I am very anxious to know he is in London, and within reach of able Physicians and Surgeons. In his case, I am afraid they are very necessary, and with all their Skill I am doubtful of his recovery from what I hear. In Face, he is as well as ever; but in other respects looks much worse. We have a Bride just arrived in this neighbourhood — Mrs. Bivet at Maresfield. He has the Living, and she is a daughter of Cullen Smith, and sister to the Man who married Miss Eardley. We have not paid our respects .there yet. Papa will possibly go to Town sooner than he S 258 GIELHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. intended ; but I am not quite ' au fait,' only that he had some Idea of going this week, but put it off at Mr. Gibbon's request, who thought it rather rude to leave his Guests to Fate without necessity. I am sure you will be glad to hear M. Fazy's Brother has escaped and arrived safe at Geneva ; that will be some comfort to the Father in his affliction. Mdme. D'Henin gives melancholy accounts of France and of the numbers of young Men of Fashion and Family who are obliged to enlist against their wills in the ' Sans Culottes' Army, and are afraid to desert lest their Relatives should suffer by it. Ever yrs. M. J. H. H. Way is going to St. Domingo. By the bye, you see one of our Acquisitions in St. D. is retaken by the Republicans. May '94 produce more fortunate Events than '93 — but I fear more than I hope. 1 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : Jan. 3, 1794. I despatched an Epistle so lately that I have not much to say ; unless it is to lament the Evacuation of Toulon, which has put the finishing stroke to the misfortunes of this Campaign. Lord H. Clinton's Government is some- thing of the same kind as Sancho Panza's in the Island of Barataria — begun and ended in one Day. Lally, but particularly the Princess, spluttered most violently when the news arrived, and I should have pitied them if they had been tolerably reasonable, but Mdme. D'Henin abused this Nation so vehemently for going to War, as well as for the Conduct of it, that I was quite out of Patience with her. How can they suppose all Nations are to take up the Quarrel and be at an immense expence merely to THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 259 restore the Emigrants to their Estates, and Louis XVII. to his Throne ! Yet, such is their Idea, and Mr. Gib. and Papa both informed them that we did not go to War for the sake of their ' beaux yeux.' Le Prince de Poix did not come. ... I beHeve the Truth is that he had no taste for the Country in the month of January. Mr. Jekyll dined here the day before yesterday. Mr. G. made an Effort and came down ; but it is quite painful to see with what difficulty he moves, and I wish he was in London. He seems too now to be sensible of the pecu- liarity of his appearance. I beUeve he will go to town early next week, and perhaps Papa with him. Milord is all in Rags. I want to know what price the Cloth that makes his Shirts is? and what Linnendraper you have dealt with last ? The 8 Shirts you cut out are all he has in a tolerable State. His others are woful bad. You see I must apply to you for a time, or I should be at a loss about these important matters. Lally reads a Play to us every evening, which is very pleasant. Last night he read ' Alzire,' one of Voltaire's Tragedies. I think he reads it much better than Comedy. The Ranting Manner he has is more suitable to Tragedy. It is entertaining to see the Interest the Princess takes in his Performance. Adieu. Much yrs. M. J. H. Lord Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Hotel Pall MaU : January 10, 1794. The Gibbon is better, although he had but a bad night. He took a remedy, therefore I did not see him till near twelve, since which time I have not left him, except to pay a visit to a French Emigrant in Bond Street, who assures me that the Royahsts are marched to the coast of Brittany, and are very powerfull. I learn also that Lord Moira is certainly going thither again, s 2 260 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. probably to La Hogue. I dined yesterday with the Eoyal Philosopher, and this day I have invitations to the Chancellor and Sir Joseph, and I am to go to the former. . . . Nobody believes in the Duke of Brunswick's Victory of the 29th December. Tell Fletcher to avail himself of the Frost by carrying as much of the wood and faggots out of Sheffield wood as possible. D^' Brat, yrs. S. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, S. p. : January 11, 1794. . . . Poor Mr. Gibbon left us on Tuesday, and I wished him to go long before he did, he seemed so very indifferent. Papa had so much inquietude about him that he followed him on Thursday, and from his Acct. yesterday I suppose if Mr. G. had delayed setting out one day longer, he might have been too ill to recover. Papa says, the Surgeons ordered Bark every 6 Hours and 5 Glasses of Madeira at Dinner. His letter to-day says he is much better and has less Inflammation. Papa will return in a few days if Mr. Gibbon goes on tolerably well ; but he intends to go to Town again when Parlia- ment meets. He reed, a Letter from Mr. Pitt to desire his attendance on the 21st at the House, as particular Business was expected to come on that Day, and this Letter tho' a circular one undoubtedly, yet as it ranks him among the List of the Friends of the Government, is a good sign. It at least proves that Mr. Pitt wishes to suppose him friendly. I should not like to be Minister just at this Moment, and but that there is no other person to put in his place, I should think Mr. Pitt might totter and fall this Session. How very gloomy the Prospect is at present ! I hate to think on the subject, for who can pretend to guess what the year '94 may produce ? and I cannot help, as I believe I have said before, feeling that THE HISTOEIAN'S LAST PAGE. 261 these wretches must be suffered to succeed for some end we cannot understand, or else that with all Europe united against them in some place or other, they must receive a check. . . . The bad success on the Rhine is terrible news. We have been trjdng to flatter ourselves with a victory of the D. of Brunswick's since the Defeat of Wurmser ; but I am afraid there is no foundation for the report. The History of Genl. Hoche, the Conqueror of Wurmser in this late Affair is a strong Proof of the Impolicy of the Prussian Conduct in regard to La Fayette. Lally was mentioning it here. Hoche 's father was Postillion to Louis XVI., and when a Boy the General himself acted in the same Capacity. He afterwards enlisted as a Common Soldier, and Marshal Biron, finding him adroit, made him a Drill Serjeant. He got raised to the Rank of an Officer, which seems to suppose him a Man of some Merit. At the beginning of the Revolution he was a Constitutionalist, and much attached to the Royal Family, to whom he was of considerable service on the 5th October. He was in the Regt. of Picardy and very much attached to La Fayette, and when the General went off, he had by various Intrigues and Management persuaded a large Body of Soldiers and Officers to follow him ; but upon hearing La Fayette's Treatment, he vowed ven- geance against the Prussians, and has been a thorough ' Sans Culotte ' ever since. 1 do not think Lally has furnished us with much news or anecdote. Indeed they have so little communication with Paris, they know very little more than we do from the Public Prints. Mdlle. de Poix is still confined, and the wife of Charles de Noailles is likewise at Paris ; but at present safe. I hope poor Lally ^ will succeed in getting his Pl^isioi. thro' the Interest of Mr. Douglas in Ireland. ' Comte de Lally ToUendale's father was of Irish extraction. 262 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. I fancy Pauline's Dutchman has proved a true Dutch- man, from the Manner in which the Princess speaks of him. She says, ' qu'il est bien avare.' I have been lately reading over again Swift's ' Voyage to the Houynhnms,' and if it were not for some rare instances, I should feel as morose and as great a Misan- thrope as Gulliver. ... I must tell you of a little Frolick of mine this Week which did not amuse and delight the Family as much as might have been expected. Belcombe is kept in the Stable to make him look handsome, he eats Oats and does not use much violent exercise — so finding himself very frolicksome on Monday last, he thought, as I liked novelties, I should have no Objection to an Expedition a la Johnny Gilpin. And when Louisa and I were riding out upon Chailey Com- mon, after various Capers, Bounds and Frisks, he began running like the wind. I stuck on for a considerable time very well ; but the North Wind meeting me full in the face assisted the Velocity of the Motion to take away my Breath ; my Hands were so cold that I could hardly feel the Eeins, and we were on the point of going dash down hill ; all which circumstances combined to spill me, and I fell prostrate on my Nose, which at first I verily thought was broke ; but it bled a good deal and that was all the harm I received. Poor Louisa's fright you may easily imagine. I am afraid I exemplified Papa's Maxim, that Ladies fling themselves off for fear of falling ; but I think I did right. . . . The Horse did not stop directly, but soon trotted back to the others. He has been stinted of his Oats ever since and is very peaceable. My Head ached in the evening, and so there was a Conspiracy in the Family to bleed me, which Mr. Barr performed to my great Horror. I did not like the Idea at all, and as it mad j me'?3'aini, the Eeality did not please me a bit better. However, I THE HISTOEIAJ^'S LAST PAGE. 263 am now perfectly well, whether Thanks to the Bleeding or not I cannot say. . . . Long as this letter is, (mercy on you !) I shall not close it till the Post arrives to- morrow that I may give you Papa's account of our poor Historian. Yours affectionately, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. p. : January 17, 1794. I am rather disappointed at not hearing from you. Papa returned to us on Wednesday evening, leaving Mr. G. much better ; but yesterday an Express arrived between 5 and 6 in the evening from Farquhar, to say he was so dangerously ill, that Papa and Aunt set off directly for London, where I much fear they will not find the poor Man alive. It is a terrible state of Expectation we are in. I wished much to have gone with them ; but they would not let me ; because I have been unwell this week past with an Erysipelas in my Foot, that has pre- vented my moving till the day before yesterday, and they thought I might catch cold. I will vmte again on Sunday. Adieu. Ever yours, M. J. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Boyal Hotel, Pall Mall : Friday Morn. January 17, 1794. I hope you received the Note I sent by the Coach, though it was but the melancholy confirmation of our worst fears. It was between 12 and one when sent ; but Davey paid a watchman sixpence to give it when the people were up. We could do no more. I certainly had prepared to expect what happened, and yet when poor 264 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Dussot came to the door the picture of despair to tell me he was no more, I felt as if it was new to me. Indeed I had somehow hoped it was possible he might be alive and even like to see me. An hour after the express was sent off, he died. It is supposed some gathering of matter within, or else Gout in the Stomach, was the immediate cause of his death. They are different (causes) but they cannot say more. He was not sensible of his danger. He suffered a good deal for a short time and was speechless, making attempts to speak which shewed he was not insensible. . . . He was in the shell of his coffin — Alive but a few hours before ! These things add to one's horror, though in fact nothing. Frangillon, expecting my Brother, stayed till ten at poor Mr. Gibbon's lodging and then gave him up. He called again this Morn before nine. Elmsley had put seals on everything. The Darells are looking for my Brother, and they are going to meet there. I felt it was worth my coming, for my Brother as we came soothed himself with now and then talking, and indeed the gloom, not to say horror of coming to this Hotel last night required somebody to share it, and by mutually thinking of one another it diverted some of it. There was not a spark of fire in the whole house ; nor a maid up. A man opened the door and, looking frightened, said no body was up, but we might have beds. We were not in a humour to care much about anything. We went to my Brother's bed chamber, and Bull Hghted the fire, and in about an hour we got some tea, which was all we de- sired. We sat up talking and writing till after two. We sent a letter by an early coach to Mrs. Gould ^ to tell poor Mrs. Gibbon and to ask her permission to convey poor Mr. Gibbon to the vault at Sheffield Place. ... At nine yesterday Morn he cried out ' ! my God ! ' ^ Mrs. Gibbon's companion. THE HISTORL^N'S LAST PAGE. 265 several times, in great pain and spoke no more ; but lived till a quarter before one at Noon. When the Will has been read I am to write for my Brother to the poor Severys. Fran9illon offered it ; but it seems kinder, and there may be some things for my Brother to say more properly himself. Severy has indeed lost a second Father too soon after the first. I shall not go home tomorrow. My Brother wants me a good deal ; but I think a day more will be enough. Mrs. MeUish invites us to dinner. I am really perfectly well and, thanks to your care, was not I assure you the least cold in coming to town. We did not stop a Moment on the road and was at the door at 12. The Night was Hght as day. The beauty of it was solemn and almost melancholy with our train of ideas ; but it seemed to calm our minds. I am now alone without even any more paper or a book ; I cannot go out if I wished it, for the moment he returns from the Miserable scene of the Will, I shall have to write for him. You will like to hear all we do. I will Keep this open till he returns. Send all letters to this House. The Will my Brother had, and which was made a few days before you left Lausanne, is the only one that can be found. It leaves my Brother, Mr. L. Darell and Batt, Executors. I have not time to v^rite his own words to account for leaving them nothing, though it is expressed well, and we cannot doubt his regard for my Brother. He has left 3000 pounds, and all his plate, furniture, and carriages to De Severy. All the rest to the Portens, except fifty guineas to you, to Louisa, to Madame and Mdlle. de Severy, the Chanoinesse de Polier and M. le Ministre Levade, all named. His not naming Mrs. Gibbon I impute to his little Idea of her surviving him, for in a former Will he left her £200 a year. Your Uncle is here. We are to be at his house to sleep tonight, so you may direct your letters there. He is all kindness. He 266 GIRLHOOD OF MAUI A JOSEPHA HOLRQYD. is going to Denham and leaves ns possession. I am going to write for my Brother. God Bless you all. Kind compts. to Mrs. Poole. S. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. London : January 20, 1794. ... I have written for my brother a letter to poor Mrs. Gibbon which will soothe her as much as possible ; but I have little idea she will long survive. We had, by the coach yesterday, a letter from Mrs. Gould to say she bore it with as much fortitude as could be ; but that her frame was such she could not answer for the effect. She is gratified with my brother's wish to have poor Mr, Gibbon buried at Fletching, and I suppose he will be carried there by Friday. . . . Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth (enclosing the one from Serena). S. P. : Jan. 19, 1794. The enclosed Letter will save me a painful Bepeti- tion. We have lost a true and sincere friend indeed, and just now he is a particular loss to Papa . . . there is no other Person who has half the Influence that poor Man had. The best Sense was always guided by the best Judgement. All my comfort is, that there was no hope of a cure without suffering much pain through terrible operations, and that he is saved many months of suffering perhaps. Aunt comes back tomorrow. I am glad Par- liament will employ Papa, it will prevent his thinking. Did ever anything so unfortunate happen as that the sad event should take place in the very short time Papa meant to be absent ? You will excuse a longer Letter at present. THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 267 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : Jan. 26, 1794. Many thanks for both your Letters. I was sure you would feel for our irreparable loss as you do. I comfort myself with thinking however that if he had Hved and returned to Switz : he would have been nearly as much lost to us as now. For in his state of Health and Body it was not probable that he should again visit England ; and as for himself I hope he has been spared much pain. Do you not pity his poor Friends at Lausanne, who could not form an Idea that he was in any Danger, as Papa wrote at the poor Man's Desire the Day before he left Town, only two Days before his Death, that he was much better, and had borne the last Operation very well. The Funeral was conducted with the greatest Simplicity at his desire, only his own Servants attending the Hearse, and 8 Men with Fletcher and John to carry the Cofian. Poor Mrs. Gibbon has borne the shock with her usual Firmness of mind. The first Day she desired to be left alone; but afterwards she was anxious to know every particular and to converse on the subject ; and her health seems to have received less hurt than might have been expected. Who could have supposed it possible that she would have been the Survivor ? Mr. Gibbon has left some Manuscripts that are very curious and interesting, with leave to pubHsh them, if they are thought sufficiently finished. They are Memoirs of his own Life, but entirely of his private affairs. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : Feb. 2, 1794. If you wish to form an exact Idea of our amusements, you may suppose Mrs. Poole finishing the Sopha for 268 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Aunt, at which she sets with unceasing Industry from Breakfast till it is too dark to see the Stitches. Aunt and I read Tom Jones by turns; but I am afraid Aunt's turn comes oftenest and lasts longest. This is varied by a little writing and a httle Inspection of the Newspapers and a little Walking or riding, and in the Evening when we are so happy as to have Mr. Barr we play at Whist. If not Mrs. Poole and Louisa play at Backgammon, and Aunt and I at Cribbage. . . . Poor Mrs. Gibbon is pretty well. Papa talks of coming down to us and bringing the Papers which we should much like to see, I mean Mr. G.'s Manuscripts ; but he is engaged for some time to come and probably other engagements will detain him. I have been surprised there has been so little uproar in the House, or business done. Lord Stanhope should certainly be sent as a handsome present to the Convention. His speech, how- ever, has been the only wild one there has been. I do not approve of Mr. Pitt's manner of telling Mr. Sheridan what he could not have said anywhere else, that ' nobody in the House would believe his opinions.' Have you had That in your Paper ? or Mr. Fox's attack on the conduct of the War by Sea, on which Mr. Pitt makes a very poor Defence indeed. . . . Adieu. Yrs. Ever. M. J. H. Maria Josejpha to Miss Ami Firth. Sheffield Place : February 16, 1794. ... I have amused myself with making acquaintance with all the Cottages in the Neighbourhood to keep myself out of mischief and find myself employment ; and if I had but the means I need not lose my labour, as the Misery is on all sides, and were it to be properly assisted, would THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 269 thoroughly engage any person's Time and thought ; and the Httle I have been able to do in the way of assisting some of the poorest, has been the greatest amusement I have found for some time. Papa is very pretty behaved and v^ites every day; though but a few words in general, it is very pleasant to receive them ; he says he has not had time to be indis- posed, which sounds well, as consequently he has been amused. This is a natural conclusion, at least, knowing as we do he is never amused but when head and ears in business, or something that he is interested about. . . . The loss of that invaluable, sincere and well-judging friend Mr. Gibbon, is most sincerely felt by us for Papa, and I doubt not by Papa himself. Of what unspeakable consequence would his cool and unprejudiced advice have been to him at this critical time — but though I must frequently think on this subject, there is no use in dwell- ing on a loss that can never be repaired. I am sure you think as I do, even he could not entirely prevent Papa from taking some steps that he thought imprudent ; but he had power to restrain him in some of his impetuosi- ties ; but this friend gone, who is there who has the least influence over him ? Great part of our family are under Inoculation. It was so general all round us, and everybody was in such danger of catching it, that upon representing the case to Mylord he gave leave for the Virgo children, Dick and the other Stable Boy, Will Virgo and Nanny the Kitchen maid, to be inoculated, at the Farm House. Mr. Barr performed last Monday, but none of them have failed yet. The Gardener's Baby, just turned the month, was inocu- lated at the same time. Everybody who has not had it, are frightened out of their Senses. At Lewes 2,500 have been inoc. Mr. Lupton's little Girl has been in great danger, and frightened them both out of their wits, but 270 GIRLHOOD OF MAHIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. she is now recovered. Mr. L. quite adores her, Mrs. Woodward says, and is the prettiest Nurse in the world. . Mary Fleming has been very 111 with it, but is now out of danger. She has had it so bad that she will not be able to leave the Pest House so soon as the others. Things have gone on in the House of Commons quieter than I expected. I had an Idea much more would be said about the Continuance of the War. Mr. Canning, you see, made his First Speech. Papa says it is one of the best First Speeches he ever heard. My Correspondence with Mrs. Howard is not very vigorous, as she is very lazy, but I had a long Letter lately. How her Religious Principles stand, I know not, but her Political ones, are sadly perverted. Her Letter was chiefly against the War, and in the complete style of a Follower of Fox's. I have heard nothing of Lady Webster, since her departure, and am quite satisfied with the state of igno- rance in which I am, as to her manoeuvres. I suppose she has given me up as a Correspondent, and I am resigned. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : February 18, 1794. Papa says Invasion is much talked of in London, and that People are much alarmed by an Order issued from Council, concerning driving the Cattle from the Coast. This is not however new, the same order having been issued in former Wars. In the same paper I see all the Mihtia men out upon Furlough, are ordered immediately to join their Regiments at Canterbury. I do not feel much alarmed, for I cannot think om^ Navy is reduced so very low as to suffer the French to land in any number so as to do much damage. It is well there is some sub- ject to amuse the London Campaigners this year, for THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 271 there does not appear to be anything very lively or gay in the way of Public Amusements. I hear the Operas are very indifferent, and the Ballets worse. Everything in Dress is, I find, 'a la Turque,' in compliment to Yussuf Effendi. If People are so determined to gain his favomr, I suppose it will be the fashion to be fat or he will never give them a place in his Seraglio. . . . Papa had a letter from Mr. Smith sending him a part of his Eents that he had at last got from Nicholls, which gave a very favourable account of the State of Ireland. The discontented and turbulent are much alarmed and quieted by one or two vigorous measures of Grovernment, and particularly by the active Behaviour and Conduct of the Speaker. Mr. Smith's acct. of Papa's affairs is as pleasant as that of the Public, for he says Land is daily rising in Value and that if the present Tenants quit their Farms, they may easily be let at a higher Kent. I think Mr. Smith would not think of raising the Kenfcs unless he were certain the Tenants could afford to pay them at an encreased rate ; but I did not think, considering the state things have been in lately, that it was likely the Value of anything in that Country would rise. I wish I could give as good an account of the Premiums given for Shares in the Ouse Navigation ; but I fear your Great Nieces only will be the gainers by your Gambling in Canals. Coals are carried as far as Sheff. Bridge, and other things, but I believe not in sufficient quantity for the Tolls even to pay the Interest on the money bor- rowed. We now burn Coals in all the Bedchambers. Papa has had Stoves put up in all the rooms. My Fire Place looks quite smart. I wish you was at this Moment chusing your Pattern, and saving me all this trouble by chattering as fast as we could instead, at the other corner of my new Grate. Papa talks of coming to us as soon as the Slave Business is decided. Wilberforce has put off 272 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. a Motion on that Subject that was to have been made some days ago till Friday next, and perhaps it may not be decided even then. . . . Adieu, yrs ever, M. J. HOLEOYD. Mrs. Maynard has agreed to come to us (as House- keeper), and Marina — the Sea Nymph — v^ill be at the Lodge with Vine and his wife, who have returned to their old habitation. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : February 25, 1794. I do not think it necessary to inflict you with a long letter, neither have I time, since I have written to his Lordship and one or two others to-day, but I enclose Pap's Letter of to-day, which will show you how the young Gentleman is going to begin the world again as a Military Man. ... In one way I rejoice. He will have employment ; and as he has little chance of any in the Political Line, I am glad the Military offers itself as an Alternative. Papa has had a long letter from Lausanne ; they felt the Stroke, as you may imagine. Poor Mdlle. S. was very low, and the poor Fellow says ' she did not want no more sorrows.' Think how painful it must have been, the news only just received, and therefore his sorrow so fresh, to be obliged to enter into a long Detail about what was to be done with poor Mr. Gibbon's affairs at Lausanne. For he did not know, everything except the Library was his, as the Council refused to open Mr. G.'s Will miless they had an ' Extrait Mortuaire ' to prove his Death. It is the custom of the country for all Wills to be opened by the Council. Adieu. Ever yours truly, M. J. H. THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 273 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, Sheffield Place : March 2, 1794. On Wed. I walked to Hettdown, eat Beef Pudding ^th Mrs. Woodward, and walked home with her in the evening without feehng the least tired. Our two Beaux make an agreeable Variety in our Style of Living. Papa has read us several parts of Mr. Gibbon's Memoirs, vmtten so exactly in the Style of his Conversation that, while we felt dehghted at the Beauty of the Thoughts and Elegance of the Language, we could not help feeling a severe Pang at the Idea we should never hear his instructive and amusing Conversation any more. Adieu. ., Yours ever, M, J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : March 9, 1794. . . . Our inoculated Folks at the Farm House are quite recovered, and have had it very slightly. The little Porters are likewise got well. Mr. Barr has had upwards of 70 Patients, and I believe every one of them have done exceedingly well. He will have made quite a For- tune this Winter. His Terms are half a Guinea apiece. Several people have died at Lewes, but I believe very much from the Ignorance and Carelessness of the Doctors -there. What do you think I have done ? An amazing Feat indeed ! Nothing less than cut out a set of Shirts foi Papa, and I am going to make one Shirt myself. I have got a new kind of thing for them, that Mrs. Maynard recommends, called Suffolk Hemp. It looks very strong, and she says it will wear well. The Weather begins to be delightful. We have had T 274 GIKLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. three most delicious Days, as Arthur Young calls them. I have ejaculated your Name very frequently, and wished you had been here to walk with me. I should have been perfectly of Adam's opinion, and could not have enjoyed Paradise without somebody to enjoy it with me. ... I beheve I told you in my last scrap that we had read all the Memoirs, and that they were, as you may imagine, in the highest Degree interesting. There are many Passages that would be very unfit to PubHsh. Of Mrs. Gibbon he speaks in the highest and most flattering Terms, notwithstanding he says himself that he returned from abroad with the greatest prejudice against her, in the light of a Stepmother. His relation of his Conversion to Popery is very curious, and goes a great way towards excusing his subsequent disbelief, from having at one time believed too much. I wish you could see them, as I am sure they would amuse and interest you most extremely. The Acct. he gives of the Idleness and In- capability of the Professors and Tutors at Oxford in his very sarcastic way, has I am afraid a great deal too much truth in it ; but would exasperate the University still more against him, and if pubHshed would produce many Scribblers and much abuse, now that his ready Pen is no more there to answer them. Papa and Mr. Darrell agree the Memoirs are in much too unfinished a State for Publication ; but they both think, with the help of his Letters to Papa, a very curious Book might be made out of them. The manner in which he mentions his First Love, Mdme. Necker, is very flattering ; but even there he cannot help introducing a little Sarcasm. At least it is in one of the Lives, for he has left Four ; the last coming down no later than his leaving Oxford, and that which finishes at 1791 is only Heads and Notes, but infinitely curious. He mentions first the Aimiable QuaHties, good Sense THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 275 and improved Understanding of Mdlle. Curchod ; his Love for her which she seemed to share ; that on his retmrn to England the stern commands of a rigid Father prevented his entertaining any hopes of calHng her his. He says : ' I obeyed as a Son, I sighed as a Lover. Time and Reason effected my Cure, which was Hkewise accele- rated by a faithfnll Accomit of the Tranquillity of the Lady.' He says in another Place, ' that His Heart was defended against subsequent serious Attacks of the Passion of Love, by his recollection of that amiable Woman.' But I should never have done if I were to give you a full account of every part that pleased and amused me. No part is more interesting than the account he gives of his youthfuU Studies and those of his Maturer age. Of Mrs. Porten he speaks with the highest Veneration, as the Preserver of his Existence and the Former of his Mind. Indeed he speaks in a higher style of her im- proved understanding than I thought it had deserved. However, it appears very plainly that if he had not been banished to Switzerland on account of his turning Roman Cathohck, and if he had slumbered away the usual time at Magdalen College in the way he began, ' The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire ' could never have been written by him. I wish I could annihilate about one hundred and fifty miles between Doncaster and Sheff. Place. But if ' Wishes were Horses,' etc. . . . Lally has got a Pension of 300Z. per Annum, so he will be able to repay some of his obligations to the Princess. I have some hopes of seeing Bell and my Uncle ^ at Easter. Henry, (Captain Way,) represented us as such sober, well-behaved young Ladies, and me in particular so altered, that my Uncle thinks he may venture the Experiment. As Harriet ' Benjamin Way. T 2 276 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Clinton will be here I am afraid I shall find it difficult to support my new acquired character. The Captain sailed a few days ago from Bristol. I do not love croak- ing ; but upon my word, we seem in a perilous position, if the Wretches on the other side of the Water make any desperate attempt. I cannot find out from Papa that any steps are taken or taking to oppose them if they attempt a Landing. That shabby creature, the K. of Prussia you see is sneaking off. If he is not base enough to join or assist the French, I think it may be a good riddance and that the Austrians will go on better by themselves. This is a letter of odds and ends just as they came into my head. ... I live almost in the Garden. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : March 23, 1794. ... As you have not tender nerves on those occasions, you will not moan over the poor Wood which is very much dislocated. Great part was cut down last year and more has followed this Spring. I believe it was very necessary — but for the present the nakedness of the Land is very shocking. It is some comfort that the said Trees will produce a little Cash. I hope the * Sans Culottes ' will not come to finish cutting down what Papa has spared ; but I declare I cannot help thinking of them now and then, tho' I cannot persuade myself to be much afraid of them. Since Old England vdll deserve a Httle punishment if her Navy is so contemptible as to suffer French folks to land here, and I cannot think she is quite so bad as that. But Papa says they are collecting in great numbers on the Coast of Brittany and Normandy. It is supposed the Threat against Jersey is only a Feint, and that a landing here or in Ireland is intended. Large Detachments are marching from the Army of the North, THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 277 and the Troops are to assemble along the Coast about the 14th or 15th of next month for the pm*pose of embarking. Surely if we have such accurate Information of their Proceedings and Intentions, some Steps will be taken to interrupt them in the Execution of their Designs. Papa has been interesting himself about La Fayette, and in that Debate joined the 46, and furnished Fitz- patrick, the Mover, with information concerning La Fayette given him by Lally, who has written a long Dis- sertation, not only exculpating him from all blame ; but attributing very praiseworthy motives to him. There are some circumstances which Lally mentions, relating to the poor King and La Fayette curious, and if I have patience to copy the Eulogium I will send it to you. Lally's Style is always animated, therefore tho' I do not think his Hero quite as blameless as he represents him, I am interested in the little Treatise. I never can get out of my Head that Insurrection is a Sacred Duty. But yet, I do not think he in any way deserved the cruel treatment he has met vnth. M. Fazy is in hopes his Father's House at Lyons will be opened again. . . . The sale of the Timber is to-day, and it is valued at 1,000Z. ; it is to be sold by Auction in three Lots at the Inn. Adieu. Ever yours, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : April 1, 1794. Poor dear Pap left us on Saturday ; he says he feels low, but I never saw him so quietly cheerful and good humoured ; perhaps he is more irritable when in better health, and yet that is odd. ... In a fortnight he will return to us again, and if nothing happens at present un- foreseen, I shall be as happy as — I don't know what— for 278 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. the old Simile of a Queen will not hold good in these Times. Have you by chance got a receipt for the Dry Bot ? I should perhaps say against instead of for. Papa wants it for Lord Lansdowne and desires me to look for it. I cannot find it anywhere, and it occurred to me you might possibly have it. If you have, pray send it to him directly. How lucky you are not still at S. P. I suppose you will open your eyes at this. But could you have breathed freely in the atmosphere of Sir Elijah Impey ? He has hired Bewick Park and means to live there all the summer and autumn. I hear there is a large family of young Imp s. ... While Papa was here, he and I were out all day planting and such things. I have got Harry Mitchell to mend and paint all the seats, and I have got a man of my own in the wood, to spread the lumps of earth left in various parts, and to make a new walk across the second Pond Bay to Sylph Place. You really can hardly tell the pleasure there was in having Papa with us last week in the good humour he was in. I have got poor Mr. Gibbon's Seal with which I am sealing this letter. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. S. P. : May 3, 1794. Aunt and Louisa set off for Windsor yesterday morn- ing. Papa and I depart to-morrow. Papa went to Lewes on Thursday to attend the County Meeting for raising Yeomanry Corps, and yesterday was the Quarter Sessions ; therefore he did not return till Evening. The Meeting was well attended and a much greater subscription than I expected — 4,000Z. upon the spot. The D. of Eichmond, Lord Egremont, and Lord Ashburnham, 500Z. each, Lord Pelham 300. Papa 100, and several other Gentlemen 200, THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 279 100, and 50, . . . What will be done next does not appear very clearly, or that when the Corps are raised they will be of any service. However, as I have not the least apprehension of Invasion at present, now the French have so much work on their hands nearer home, I think it is a very harmless amusement for the Country Gentlemen. Henry Clinton is more improved than anything I ever saw, and I think he is one of the finest looking and most pleasing-mannered young men in England. I was wonderfully pleased with his manner of relating the Action which brought him over — map in hand — and the rest of the Party were as much so. There was Clearness and Spirit in the Narrative without the slightest mixture of Conceit or Vanity. He was chased and very near taken by a French Privateer coming over. I am very glad he was out of the way of the last Action, which seems to have been a bloody one, tho' the final success was great and complete. The loss of 57 pieces of cannon must be a very serious one to the French army, tho' their Train of Artillery is so great. . . . On Monday Uncle has asked us to dinner. ... I have a Ball to attend in the Evening at Lady Langham's, upon the recommendation of Harriet Clinton, so I emerge quickly into the Gulph. I suppose I shall be a Fright in a short time, as I depend upon some charming Eanelaghs and Balls, but I shall return to refit in the country by the beginning of June. You threaten me with finding it all Vanity and Vexation of Spirit ; but I think not this time, as my greatest pleasure will be Harriet's Company, and I mean to take the rest as it may happen ; at all events I shall be more at Liberty than ever. It does require some Kesolution to leave the Country at present. I never saw it in greater Beauty. . . . The Fruit Trees promise very well, and the Grapes are in abundance. Aunt has taken a lodging at Bath for three weeks ; she has taken with her the Memoirs to show Mrs. 280 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Gibbon. She is one of those who has a pleasure in talk- ing over lost friends, and I daresay will enjoy much seeing Aunt. The said good old woman (not Mrs. Gibbon, but Mrs. Holroyd) was a great deal better for the little Eouta- tion we had in the Family. I hear the Legards and Miss Grimstons are coming home immediately. Sir John is to bring over the papers of Mr. Gibbon's that were at Lausanne. Severy talked of sending the picture by him, but I should think that is too cumbersome, for a family already probably much loaded, as they are on their return to England after an absence of some years. He asks for a copy of Papa's and another of Mr. G.'s picture, which Papa has promised him. — Adieu. Bemember me kindly to the younger Puss, and believe me ever yours affectionately, M. J. H. Poor little Marina has been very ill with Whooping cough, but is getting better. Mrs. Maynard returns with us into the Country. Once more adieu to you and Pro- lixity, for you will not set Eyes on such a fine Epistle for one while. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Wednesday, May 7, 1794. Tell Sheff that I have seen poor Mrs. Gibbon ; carried her the watch and papers ; and said all the kind things he desired, with which she seemed sincerely pleased. . . . I am sorry to find she is grieved at not being named in the Will, and does not take it as I hoped she would ; but no notice must be taken to her of this confession. She is not angry, but affectionately grieved, I hope to make her change her idea before we part. She is very happy in my Brother being her Trustee, etc. etc., and totally depends on him. . . . THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 281 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Portland Place : Wednesday, May 14, 1794. When this Letter will be finished depends on so many fortuitous circumstances, that I can make no calculation as to its probable termination ; but I am determined to begin, which is a great step towards a conclusion. We arrived here on Sunday se'ennight to dinner, and found all the Family well. On Monday I made a good Begin- ning as we were at three Balls — Lady Elcho's, Mrs. Rawhns', ci devant Miss le Maitre, Baroness Nolcken's Daughter, and Lady Langham's. To the first however we went so early, the Musick had not arrived ; at the second we did not dance, as we were prudent and did not hke to heat ourselves ; therefore in fact we had but one Ball though it sounds well to talk of three. Lady Lang- ham's was a very good Ball — that is, there was a great deal of Company, handsome rooms, and a very elegant Supper. I met there several acquaintances ; I danced eight Dances ; I did not fatigue them (my Partners) however vnth much dancing ; for after my long Rustica- tion, I found I could not get on at all, and preferred sitting still to skipping about. We came home between four and five. . . . Thursday, Papa and I dined at Lord Aucklands, and Lady A. took me in the Evening to Mr. WeddelPs. Nobody dined at the Aucklands but ourselves — all the family was everything kind, and I should never be tired of seeing them ' en famille.' It is a lovely sight and the most pleasing Picture of Domestic Happiness one can conceive. . . . Friday we went to Lady Elcho's and Lady Bassett's Assemblies. . . . Saturday we went to the Play and saw the New Theatre. The first Effect is beautiful ; but in my opinion it is rather too much in the French Style, and looks very like Confectionery. . . . The Play 282 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPIIA HOLROYD. was a new one of Cumberland's, called 'The Jew.' It did not please me much, because at a Comedy I expect to laugh, and there was so much sentiment throughout, that with a very little Pains one might have cried. Bannister and Miss Farren performed their parts as well as possible ; but I have seen them both appear to greater advantage. We went afterwards to a Child's Ball at Mrs. Neave's, but Aunt was tired after her Play, and we soon left them, otherwise it was a pretty sight to see the chil- dren dance. Sunday, we went to Portland Chapel to hear Mr. Nicholls preach. His Sermon was a good one ; but I am afraid he had not time to write it out fair ; for he made a fearfull number of Blunders. ... I will just frighten you with a List of our Engagements for a Week to come, and then I think even if I should not have time for any more scribbling, this will be a very decent letter : To-night. — We go to an Assembly and a Ball. To-MOEEOW. — Ball at Mrs. Bruce. Priday. — Dine at Lord Pelham's, and in the Evening Mrs. Clive's Assembly. Saturday. — Probably the Opera. Sunday. — Concert and Supper at Lady Sykes. Monday. — Concert at Mrs. Lockhart's, and Lady Hudson's Ball, which I expect to be very pleasant. Tuesday. — Unless we go to the Opera again I do not know what will become of us. Wednesday. — Eanelagh. Thursday. — Mrs. Boone's Assembly. Friday. — Eanelagh again, and I know nothing farther. However, if we should be doomed to rest a day or two I think one might be able to bear it. The Eeports of these last two days have been, though THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 283 favourable, very unpleasant ; as no official accounts have arrived and no particulars are known. All the reports however say that the French are driven back to the Gates of Lille with considerable loss. The Packet which was bringing over Lady A. Fitzroy and her Brother ^ from Lisbon, where she lately left her Husband, is either taken or lost, but the former is thought probable. I forgot to mention we were at the Shakespeare Gallery and Exhibit tion last Week. There are some good Paintings of Beechy's and Hoppner's. Lawrence is very much gone off, I think, in his Style of Colouring. There is a Portrait of Lord Auckland by him, very like, though I do not admire the Painting. ... As to Fashions, I have not seen any Pink Breeches, though I heard of them before I came to town. The Dress at present worn is very elegant and becoming — in moderation. I do not think it is at all the Fashion to Pad this year. Many people look as if they had no Petticoats on, and as the Gowns are mostly Turkish and seem to set loose from the Body, I expect if a foot is set upon a Train, to see the Ladies disrobed. 5 o'clock. News is at last arrived, good for the Publick ; but poor Henry Clinton having received a slight wound we have not been able to thoroughly enjoy the goodness of it. . . . Dear Harriet was terribly agitated. ... I do not know any particulars of the Action. Ever yours, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Portland Place : May 27, 1794. Your friends are quite well and safe at present ; but how long they may remain so, is so uncertain that there is hardly any comfort in knowing they are so now. 284 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Henry's wound kept him out of the Action on the 18th, in which he woald have run great risks. The Duke of York and P. Wm. very narrowly escaped being taken, and of course Henry would have been with them, and perhaps sent on to reconnoitre, and he might have fallen into the Enemy's hands. Poor P. Wm. tumbled into a Ditch in getting away, and Wm.^ extricated him out of his difficulty. I am glad to find the D. of York was not to blame at all in that Business — so far from it, that if he had obeyed the peremptory orders that were sent to him to march on to Linselles, the whole Body of Troops under his Command must have been cut off. By the young Men's letters and Sir H.'s comments upon them, it appears that the Plan of Attack that Day was very good ; but the Execution very bad indeed. The D. of York's Division and Genl. Otto's were the only two out of five that succeeded in their attacks, and unless the others had accomplished what they were sent upon, it was impossible that the Duke and Otto could advance. The General gives the Duke great Credit for his conduct that day, which I am glad to find. I wonder the King will persist however in the Duke's commanding the Army in Person, for one trembles to think of the Conse- quences if he were taken Prisoner, and I should never be sm-prized if I heard he was, as it seems that the French make an object of taking him. Mr. Pitt, the Duke of Kichmond and all the Cabinet, were very much against his going this Campaign, and opposed it all they could ; but George was obstinate, as I believe he can be when he has taken a thing into his head. Of Home Plots and Conspiracies I have not heard much lately. I cannot find out the reason of passing the Bill for the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus in such a violent hurry, as no immediate measures have been taken in consequence. ' William CUnton. THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 285 The Eeport of the Secret Committee in my opinion contains nothing that was not known long ago, and has been pubHshed in many of the newspapers. I fear, how- ever, there are but too many designing persons in this Town, and a few more such bad pieces of InteUigence as we have lately had might make them shew themselves. I will hope better things, however. The last Action ended in our favour, as the French were obliged to fall back, though the loss on the side of the Austrians was considerable ; and it is no comfort to hear of three times the number of Devils killed, as it is what the Convention rather wishes, and numbers more are ready to rise up in their places. But a truce to PoHtics. Lady Hudson's Ball was very pleasant. There were plenty of Beaux, as many more as Ladies almost. . . . We were at the Opera on Tuesday ; but I was not much amused. ... I do not know whether I return with Papa or stay a day or two longer. ... I am not very anxious about staying here any longer, as I am in great hopes Mrs. Carter and Harriet will soon come down to us at S. P. and pass the summer there. . . . I have not time for more. Yours Ever Truly, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : June 7, 1794. Once more quietly seated in my own room, I write wdth a degree of tranquillity I have not experienced for some time : for my letters to you have been moments snatched from the Wreck of Time in London; which expression, tho' not usually made use of in that Sense, may I think be applied to poor Time in that Vile 286 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Metropolis. Mrs. Adair had a Ball on Monday which I was at till 5 in the morning. . . . We were at the Opera the Thursday before and the Play on Friday. At the first I heard the famous Banti who is indeed a delightful Singer and I was very much entertained. . . . The Pit was crowded beyond anything I ever saw. The Play was the * Pirate,' a musical Thing, and uncommonly pretty. Horace Bannister, Snett, and Mrs. Crouch, all perform in it and are all charming. . . . Papa had a letter from Lausanne to-day which mentions Madame Necker's Death. The Papers and Papa's Picture are coming over with Sir J. Legard, who is to be in England the latter end of this month. It was very obliging in him to take charge of such a ponderous Thing as the Picture.^ Nothing is yet done about disposing of the Library. It is moved out of Mr. Gibbon's House, as M. de Montagny would not suffer it to remain there any longer. I think he has shown a great deal of haste to take possession. ... The wry-necked Secretary is an acquisition lately made, and intended for Country use. Papa has not had him in Town. It is a very agreeable circumstance, and will save Aunt and I a great deal of trouble. He will be particularly usefull, as Papa intends to undertake the Arrangement of Mr. Gibbon's Memoirs and letters for the Public Eye. The young Man was recommended by Mr. Hayley, who had him from Mr. Cowper, the Author of the ' Task.' His name is Socket ; he is about 16 ; has had a good education ; can read Latin and French ; and is to have £20 a year and to live with the Servants. It would have been very unpleasant to have a Person in that Situation one of us ; and yet there might have been a doubt about the disposal of a Secretary if he were older. 1 Of Lord Sheffield, painted for Mr. Gibbon by Sir Joshua Eeynolds. THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 287 I hope no unpleasant reports from abroad will happeh during the summer to disturb our Pleasure in the Country. Harriet is to bring her own Horse, and we shall have some very pleasant Eides, I hope. Papa was yesterday at Lewes to attend a Meeting upon the Subject of the Troops to be raised in this Country — a Troop of Dragoons and some Artillery Cavalry are to be added to the Militia ; but the Offers from People to command Companies of Infantry come in very slow. Young Campion is to have one ; but I do not know of any other Hero who steps forth in defence of his King and Country. (Papa) talks of going the Tour of the Camps, and it would be a very agreeable expedition. There is one at Brighton ; one at Bexhill ; • one at Hastings, and I believe another some- where upon the Coast in this county. The Country looks everything that is pleasant, but feels Winter. It is quite cold enough for a considerable Fire. Adieu ; Love to young Mrs. Grim. Yours Ever Truly, M. J. H. - Maria Josepha to Miss Ami Firth. Sheffield Place : June 17, 1794. I would Give a good deal that you could be transported from Doncaster and safely deposited in your own Koom. I am sure you could not guess where you had got to. I enclose a Pattern of the Bed. It makes up very hand- some, and is but 20d. the yard. Mrs. Maynard has made it up with full Valences, and has raised the feet, to give it a more modem appearance ; and with the assistance of a new Feather Bed it looks almost as smart as any Bed in the House. Your old Cabinet, Louisa has taken into her room as a great Treasure. We have put a Toilette Table and a neat Pembroke Table, and a Scotch carpet 288 GIBLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. round the Bed. We have another Coachman and a young Person in the Still Eoom Maid's place. But what do you think her name is ? Winifred Gap ! ! ! George Coxe came yesterday to stay three weeks — he is a very pleasant Man when in good spirits. He is just come from Lady Eivers, who is at the Isle of Wight, and he was at Portsmouth when Lord Howe arrived there with his Prizes, and he says, as I can easily imagine, it was a most glorious sight to see him enter the Port amidst the acclamations of hundreds, and the roaring of Cannon. By the bye, what a fortu- nate and well-timed Victory this has been ! Perhaps, take all the circumstances together into consideration, it is the greatest victory this Country ever gained at Sea ; something was so much wanted to raise the spirits of one party, and quiet those of the other ; and a Naval Victory is what John Bull comprehends perfectly well. I am afraid we want something to counterbalance the state of Affairs in Flanders, which is not just now very promising. I thought I had told you that Madame Necker had the satisfaction of going out of the World with the know- ledge of being Mr. Gibbon's First and Only Love. Papa sent Extracts of the Passages where he mentioned her and the Severy Family to Severy ; and she had the pleasure of reading them before her death. She must be a dreadfull loss to poor Necker, who, I cannot help think- ing, meant well, tho' I fear he was the cause of all that has happened ; at least the second cause ; for the Events of the last three or four years are of such a wonderful Nature, that it appears to me as if something uncommon either in the way of punishment or warning was intended. Can anything be more shocking than that Eobespierre should make a pretence of his intended Assassination by ^a young Woman, to propose and carry a Decree for giving THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE, 289 no quarter to the English and Hanoverians ? Did you read the Duke of York's General Orders to the Army in consequence ? They are very well written, and with much judgement and humanity, and if anything is capable of making an impression on the French Army I think this Manifesto will. What a dreadfull savage War it is likely to become, if the Decree is really carried into execution ; for it will be impossible to restrain our Troops from retahation even if it is attempted. Thursday 19th. We expect Fred. North to-morrow and a young Greek, who is his Ward and who he is going to place at Eastbourne, with a clergyman there. Adieu. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : June 27, 1794. . . . How very bad affairs appear on the Continent ! Ypres gone, and the French Army within seven miles of Ostend. We no sooner gain an advantage in one part, than it is made of no avail to us by some superior Advan- tage gained by the Enemy in another. I shall croak if I write Pohticks, so I say no more. Papa is making great alterations in his room, putting up Bookcases to contain the Law Books and Tracts., which will make room for the New Books in the Library. The French M^moires are a Library in themselves, between 60 and 70 volumes. I do not hear any more of the Yeomanry Cavalry, and do not suppose it will come to much in this country. To-morrow we expect Sir J. Sinclair and two of his Daughters, school girls, about 12 years old. I wish he was to come without them, as it is very difficult to know how to entertain girls of that age. The Aunts go out in the Tib, which just suits them. The Phaeton lost three wheels on three different u 290 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. expeditions, and at last the Body of it broke down ! The Ponies are Dears, and I wish they had a better carriage. Adieu. Ever yonrs, M. J. H. I hope you will be able to decipher the beginning of this Letter, but I have such pale Ink, ' a la Firth,' that I fear you vrill find some difficulty. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : July 3, 1794. I purposely avoided saying anything of public affairs, till I had told you all the chit chat trifles of what com- pany we had, etc., because I thought, like My lord, I could not mention them after the others. Everybody croaks, and worse than croaks ; they seem almost in despair of keeping anything in Flanders. The Duke and his Army will, I hope, find they can make a safe Ketreat by way of Holland, and so will end this Glorious Cam- paign probably, if it ends no worse. . . . Harriet had a joint Letter from her Brothers yesterday ; Wm. was just setting off to join the Prince of Coburg's Army. I hope he would be in no danger where he was sent. Several of the papers have informed us that Sir H. Clinton is appointed Govt, of Gibraltar ; but this is all we know about it. ... I think indeed he will be ill-used if he has not something given him to make up for the Sancho Panza's Government at Toulon. That Government was something like the play of Bob Cherry. Lord Auckland writes very much out of spirits about foreign affairs, and says he quite gives up any hopes of our Allies performing their Engagements properly. The cause of this War seems more the cause of the Austrians than of any other THE HISTORIAN'S LAST PAGE. 291 Nation, and as much that of the Prussians as ours, and yet they behave in the most shameful way possible. Lord A. has just lost his second son, which such an affectionate father must feel very deeply. . . . Aunt is very nervous ; the daily bad news she hears is not likely to make her better. . . . H. desires her Love to the * Old Cat of Miss Holroyd ! ' I assure you, my dear Miss Firth, I am quite shocked at the Impertinence ! V 2 2^2 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD, .^ . ,. V .: , CHAPTEE XIII. ■- :Jr. '.S-' . ^ , , ..;j^. ■ 1794. > . '' V .'- * ■ OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. '.' '^ July to December. ^* Ministerial changes — Highland uniform — Papers and picture from Lau- sanne — Alarming adventure — Neighbours — The camp at Brighton — The review — Interesting Swiss and German guests — Revising the Gibbon Memoirs — Marriage of the Prince of Wales — Ingenuity of Fletching Ringers — Loss of Friends — Lord Sheffield's second marriage — Invitation to the wedding — Letter from Hayley — A friendly hermit's advice. Maria Josepha to Miss Aim Firth. Sheffield Place : July 8, 1794. We are enjoying the cool Breezes in the North Hall, the only place in the house tolerably cool. We have been in a state of anxious Suspense to know if the General [Sir H. Clinton] was a Governor or not. At last, this day has brought us a Confirmation of the news. . . . The Government is 3,000Z. in time of Peace, which is a pretty little addition. Papa goes to Town next week to assist at the close of the Exchequer Bill Business, which has fully answered the end designed in every particular. I wonder what changes are going to take place in the Ministry. I understand the D. of Portland wishes to have a place under Government, and that the Foxites are /'v.-ehras^ed at his desertion. Lord Spencer is talked of for ;..~iriBian?ff.'" Lord FitzwilHam, it is said, told Mr. Pitt he thought he could be of more use if he supported Govern- '' : •• . ../ '■-! OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 293 ment without taking any place. If so, he has behaved very handsomely. I am afraid we shall be entirely over- looked in these new arrangements, and if so we shall be very sour I am afraid. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, Sheffield Place : July 24, 1794. Mr. Godley, who came on Saturday leaves us to-day. He has more than once desired me to send his best complhnenj}^ to you. Our Coz. has left off his Wig and wears tiis own Grey Locks, which give him a very venerable appearance. Sir J. Sinclair, who has paid us three :flying visits within a fortnight, was to have returned to-day ; but is detained in Town. One day he treated lis with a sight of him in the Uniform of his Eothesay :and Caithness Regiment, and a more curious figure I nerver saw. The Coat was the only part of his Dress not perfectly outlandish. Scarlet turned up with yellow, a large silk Plaid, partaking of the Nature of a Spanish Cloak crossed before and was flung over one shoulder. Trowsers of the same Silk half way down the Leg and checked Red and White Stockings. He was not quite compleat, as he had not his Scotch bonnet, which would have added a foot or so to his Stature. . . . AJl the Papers and the Picture are arrived safe from Lausanne. The Journal Mr. Gibbon kept while at Lausanne the second time, is very curious and entertain- ing. The other Papers were mostly letters from different People, and it astonished me to find what sort of Letters he kept. There are several Love Letters of Madame Necker's among them. If the Papers had fallen into the hands of a Boswell, what fun the World would have had ! All the papers left at Lausanne were sealed, and directed to Papa; but I am surprized he did not leave some directions in his Will that they should all be given only 294 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. to him or some be destroyed. Alas ! I am afraid in a few days I shall lose Harriet. . . . Adieu, yours very Sincerely M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. July 30, 1794. The Clintons will go down to 0. P. soon after the Kaces. I am glad I have Harriet to go with me, but wish she was in better Spirits to enjoy it. . . . You have had a very narrow escape of hearing from Louisa, as the only survivor of the noble family of Holroyd. We were within an Inch of being drowned last night in the Iron gate Lock, by the oddest Accident that perhaps ever happened in Navigation. The Water was rising very fast, and by inattention, the end of the Boat got hitched under the Bar or Beam that goes across the Gate of the Lock, and Papa could not push it off, con- sequently as the Water rose, it raised the other end of the Boat, and filled the lower part. Papa very quietly in- formed us we were going to sink, which was not a very pleasant Idea with ten feet of Water beneath us. I was at the upper part of the Boat, which was within two or three feet of the side, and I skipped out, and Jessy Sinclair, the youngest, after me, by the assistance of my hand. The rest. Aunt, Harriet, and Miss S. instead of following me, clung to Papa who called them to stand upon the Bar of the Lock (that, which is half way) and Aunt and Miss S. were dragged up to the Side by Vine. Poor Harriet while she was upon the Gate of the Loci- went into strong Hysterics, and when she was pulled up, fainted away completely ; for, added to the degree of alarm we all felt, the Cord that tows the Boat entangled round her Leg, and if it had sunk, she must have been pulled down with it, and perhaps Papa with her, who had fast hold of her. In short, it was not at all amusing at the OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 295 time. Jessy and I got out quite dry, but Harriet and Miss S. who were longer on the Gate than Aunt, were wet up to their knees almost. It was astonishing how fast the Boat fiUed, but when we were out, it floated tho' brimful of Water. It was a great blessing neither Mrs. C. nor Louisa were with us ; the latter took a quiet Kide by herself another way, but if she had happened to come along with us, and rode by the side, as she did, in our last Navigating excursion, in her nervous state, she would have been almost frightened to death. The Coachman, who was with us, was so terrified he was of no manner of use, which he acknowledged to the Servants when he came home, sajring that he never was so frightened in his Life ; he expected to see all the family ' knocked up, at once,' was his expression. Last week we paid our first visit to the Impeys. If I could forget Nunocomar, (perhaps I have not spelt it right) I should have liked Sir Elijah ^ very well as a good sort of old man. Lady I. has the ' beaux restes ' of a very fine Woman. They have several Children, but I only saw one pretty, fair girl, and a Captain West, who is one of the family ; what the name of his employment is, I do not know ; but his business seems to be, to ring the Bell ; open the Door ; remove the Parrot when she squalls too loud ; laugh at the good Jokes sported in Company ; supply a Chasm by some excellent one of his own, and hand the Visitors into their Carriage. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : July 30, 1794. . . . Papa's Picture ^ looks very well in the Library between the Windows. ... I cannot write Politicks unless ' Rajah Nuncomar, aged 70, and head of the Brahmins of Bengal, was hanged 1775, sentence pronounced by Sir Elijah Impey. -' That painted by Sir Joshua Eeynolds for Gibbon. 296 GiULHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. I heard something pleasant to relate. Henry Clinton's letter yesterday from Antwerp, of the 23rd, says the Armies are still retreating further. The P. of Cobourg's behaviour is unaccountable. In the moment when he had proposed a General Attack to the Duke of York, he gave orders to his Troops to retire to Maestricht. If Lord Spencer and Mr. Grenville who are gone to Vienna cannot spur up the Austrian Court to make some further exertions, the case is indeed desperate. Landieu has surrendered ; everything that we have gained with loss of men, and in a length of time, is gone or going, Harriet will not let me write any more. So Adieu, yours ever, M. J. H. That plague of all plagues is in Town and wants to fidget them up to him because he finds he is expected to go to Gibraltar in September, but I had set my mind on having Harriet at the Eaces, and it will be a great dis- appointment to me if she does not stay for them next week. I have a shadow of Hope that the General may come here instead. How very bad affairs are going on, on the Continent ! What will become of poor England ? Adieu, Yours ever Sincerely M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : August 5, 1794. I have been all impatience to tell you our Lewes history. I should have enjoyed the Olympic Games more than I ever did before if poor Harriet had been quite well ; but she did not recover the effects of her fright in the Boat all the time we were at Lewes, and had frequent returns of Hysterics and faintings ; however, she was OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 297 fortunately better at the Balls than I expected, and was well amused, as she had the good fortune to meet a London Acquaintance, a pleasing Man, Mr. Chester,^ one of General Bruce' s Aide-de-Camps, which was much more agreeable than dancing with * Introductions.' I was obliged to write a long Letter yesterday to Bell, to congratulate her on Lewis Way having obtained the Fellowship in Merton College, of which he was so desirous, and when I have an excuse for scribbling to Denham I generally take the advantage of sending a Volume, as frequent Correspondence is interdicted. To relate all in order; we left S. P. on Thursday morning and went immediately to the Kace Ground. . . . Lady Pelham took charge of us at the Ball, Papa acting as second in command. Tuesday will be a very black day, for Mrs. C. and Har. positively go away to 0. P. Yours ever truly M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : August 12, 1794. Mrs. C. and Har. are just gone. We have been together, with only very short intervals, since the middle of April, and it appears to me as if I had lost one of the family. We have been uneasy about Louisa these three days past. ... As soon as she is better, Aunt and she go to Tunbridge, so that instead of anything particular pleasant to comfort me for the loss of Har., I shall be particularly lonely and dull ; but Mrs. Bus sell will be here tiU the 19th. Mr. Sneyd comes to-morrow ; the Judges some time this week ; Lord Thurlow and the Paynes talk of coming here, and Hayley, Elmsley and Kose will be here the 26th, for a fortnight I suppose at least. ' Harriet Clinton afterwards married Captain Chester. 298 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. I must tell you of our Expedition to the Camp last Friday. ... It is two miles and a half from Brighton, and about half a mile from the Sea above Hove. The ground is unequal, and the Sussex Militia has the best position in the Camp, being on the highest part, and commanding a beautiful View of the Sea and the rest of the Encampment. There are six Regiments of Militia ; Lancashire, Warwickshire, Dorsetshire, Suffolk and Sus- sex, the Prince's Regiment of Cavalry and the Horse Artillery, and though only half the size of last year's Camp, had, I think, a much more beautiful effect. The Men are now in Tents, as large as the Subaltern Officers' Tents ; ten in each, which look much better than the small pointed things they used to have and gave a much more grand appearance to the scene. I should have liked to have had a Resurrection of Caesar, Alexander, or even Frederick of Prussia, to see what observations they would have made on the Glass Doors, paved Entrances, and neat Parterres of Flowers round the Tents of some of the officers, and whether they would not have given up the Country for lost where such Effeminacy prevailed. We went to see the Prince's Tent, which is very handsomely furnished ; but not a bit too much so for his Rank ; the Bed, which I had heard was too sumptuous for a Camp, was removed, and quite a Common Tent Bed in its Place. There is a Dining Room in the Centre, with the Bed Chamber and Drawing- room on each side, forming the Wings and communicating with the Dining-room. All hung with different Chintz Patterns. The Drawing-room, particularly beautiful, with a highly glazed chintz which gives it the appearance of a Silk ; two Sophas covered with the same, and Camp chairs and Stools. After we had walked about for some time, we went to Mr. Pelham's Tent, which is a very OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 299 comfortable one. We stayed there till Dinner was ready in the Mess Tent. ... On our entrance into the Dinner Tent we were alarmed at first by the numbers of Ked Coats awaiting our arrival. I do not think Harriet got the better of her fright during the whole Dinner. For my part I was excessively amused with the Novelty of the Scene, both at dinner and before. We were in all twenty-six at Table, and had a very good dinner, with good Wines and in Ice. The Band played to us, and in a reasonable time we adjourned to Mr. P.'s Tent ; but not before we had been called upon for our Toasts, which alarmed Harriet and me most amazingly. For my part, I had the assurance to give Major Clinton. Harriet, after mature deliberation, gave Lord Moira, and we departed from the Scene of Action before it came to the turn of the Old Ladies to be called on. . . . We drank tea with Mr. Pelham, and sorry we all were to be obliged to leave the Camp at eight. I never was more amused by a Party of that kind and never so little tired. Wednesday 13th. Louisa is much better this morning. They will go to Tunbridge to-morrow. . . . Henry vmtes in good spirits about affairs in Holland and Flanders, and says he has no doubt but that they may once more enter Austrian Flanders. Count Mercy D'Argenton who is coming to England in his way here^ declared that it was the Emperor's intention to defend Holland, and that he had himself given the necessary instructions to P. Cobourg, who was otherwise about to retreat. The Imperial Army to the number of 60,000 men, cover the Meusefrom Liege to Venlo. At Antwerp alone, the French have levyed contributions to the amount of twenty .millions of Florins, and the people there and at Ghent begin to be disgusted with their new masters, and will be ready to receive us when we advance. 300 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. . . . Adieu, my dear Miss Huff, I am infinitely more agreeable than I was at the beginning of my letter. But at all times sincerely and affectionately yours M. J. HoLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Sion HiU, Tunbridge Wells : Wednesday, August 20, 1794. , . . . I think Louisa much better. . . therefore we shall, I trust, find it worth coming. . . . She will probably tell you of our intimacy with Lord Stanhope and Lady Hester, his daughter. It was unlucky we were not well enough to go to Mrs. Tyson's Ball with the Duchess of Cumber- land. ... I want to know what you think of the Con- vention. I cannot be sorry for Eobespierre ; but I fear it is only another party of Demons, I dread all these Guada- loupe evils. We are going to visit Lady Hester, and I write in a hurry. • • ■ Yours Ever S. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : August 24, 1794. We paid a Visit yesterday to the dear Livalids at Tunbridge. It is impossible to doubt the good effect of the waters when one sees Louisa, for she has some colour ; she complains of being hungry. They have a delightful airy House at the top of Mount Sion, looking directly toward Crowborough, so they have even the advantage of Sheffield air. . . . Papa and I dine at Hook to meet the Pelhams, and bring Miss Poole home with us. At all times she is a very great favourite of mine ; but now her society is doubly welcome. . . . Elmsley is alarmed at the Eiots in London, and does not like to quit the pro- tection of his house and property. The Eiots have been very alarming I believe, and in these times any dis- OLD FEIENDS AND NEW TIES. 301 turbances are unpleasant ; but particularly when they are on something like just grounds. The practice of kid- napping is certainly a very shocking one, and should not be allowed if it is possible to get Soldiers without. . . . We went with the Pelhams on Monday to a Ball at Brighton given to the Prince by a Club of Gentlemen in honour of his Birthday. There was a great deal of Com- pany — a mixture of course ; but much very good. Lord and Lady Euston, Lord Albemarle, two Lord Spencers, Lady K. and Mr. Douglas, Lady A. North, Lady C. Herbert, the Thrales, &c., besides all the County people. The D. of Clarence was there and danced all the evening. I nominally danced with Mr. Campion, Mr. Courthorpe, and Captain Chester, (for Harriet's sake I suppose he asked me). We supped at the Prince's Table and his Band played all the time. We did not get home till 4 o'clock, for Lady Pelham stayed two dances after supper, contrary to her usual practice. Lady Holderness and Lady Mostyn were of our party. The latter is un- commonly pleasant. Tho' we were so late. Miss Pelham, Mrs. Biussell and Papa and I got up at nine to attend a Eeview of the whole Line near Brighton. The Day was very fine, the View from the Downs beautiful ; the Sea covered vnth Shipping; and a great deal of Company from Brighton attending upon the Soldiers, made the Scene very lively and pleasant. We were out with them till near three, when the Eeview finished. The whole family of Pelhams were very pleasant and gracious to us. Once more adieu. Ever truly yours M. J. H. I gave Louisa a good scouting for indulging her moralizing turn to such an extreme degree when she wrote to friends a hundred miles off, and I hope she is ashamed of herself. 302 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss A^m Firth. Sheffield Place : August 28, 1794. Tunbridge News continues to be good, and the house is full again, therefore all these good things make me feel quite alive. We dined at Hook on Monday, and brought Miss Poole home with us. Her company could never have been more acceptable than at this moment, as besides her being a pleasing Companion at all times, just now when there was nothing but Gentlemen and so many of them, I should have wished very much for a female companion ; besides this, her Intimacy with Mr. Hayley makes the house pleasanter to him, and brought us acquainted more easily with him. He and Mr. More arrived here on Tuesday, and Mr. Bowdler to dinner ; the same day brought us two unexpected Visitors — a Swiss Gentleman, M. de Zeerleder, who brought an Introduction from S every, and a Baron de Stein who travels with him ; but I do not suppose the former is Bear Leader to the latter as I at first supposed. They are both remark- able Personages. The Swiss is a Grandson of Haller's, his Mother being his daughter, and the Baron is Son to Werther's Charlotte, which was a true Story, all but the Catastrophe, as Werther is still alive. Perhaps you may remember in Lavater, a Silhouette of a Man and a Boy of about ten or eleven years old, and another of a Woman with the Bust of a Boy in her hand. The Bust, and the whole length of the Boy, is the Baron de Stein now here ; the Man, the Author of Werther, and the Woman his Mother, Charlotte. They are both pleasing, well informed young men, but the Swiss is much the most pleasing. I speak seriously, without prejudice, because at first, I supposed them both Swiss, and gave the preference to the real Swiss, without knowing the other was a German. They are making the Tour of OLD FEIENDS AND NEW TIES. 303 England. You will expect to hear what I think of Mr. Hayley. I like him exceedingly, and can easily imagine, when he takes pains to please, he must be very enchanting. Mr. More was announced by him, as a very sensible young man ; what he says is certainly sensible and clear, but he has the pertness and conceit natural to all young lawyers, which makes his first appearance not so pleasing. Mr. Hayley, Mr. More, and Miss Poole are closeted reading Mr. Gibbon's Memoirs, etc., and Mr. Hayley thinks a great deal must be omitted in publication. I hope his advice will be taken, for I have a great opinion of his judgement. I suppose we shall all have returned from Tunbridge about the middle of October, therefore it will be delightful if you can come to us about that time. I cannot tell you how much pleasure it will give us all to see you here. Adieu, My dearest Miss Huff, Ever yours affectionately, M. J. H. I am going soon to drive Miss Poole in the little Phaeton, which is a jewel of a Carriage, and I drive like an Angel ! Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : September 10, 1794. I cannot say half enough of the impression the Poet has made upon Papa and me. I was quite happy that Papa and he agreed in every material point relative to the Memoirs, etc. They found much to lop off ; but much, very much, of a most interesting nature will remain, and by Mr. Hayley' s assistance, I think such a work will appear next Spring as the PubHck have not been treated with for many years, and that all candid Persons will approve and admire. Mr. More was an excellent person 304 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. to attend the Committee. He was as good a Judge as the two others in point of sense and f eeHng ; at the same time that being unprejudicial to Mr. Gibbon as a Friend, he gave the opinion of an impartial person, which fre- quently furnished the other members of the Committee with useful hints. Ten years of common intercourse would not have brought Papa and Mr. Hayley so well acquainted, or made them like and love each other as the cause and subject of this visit of only ten days has done. They were each and almost equally very warmly interested about the fame and character of a common friend who was very dear to both. As to Mr. Hayley, I never figured to myself, much less saw, any person possessing such an animated mind, such Enthusiasm of friendship, and a heart so wholly and entirely divested of every selfish principle. Grace au Ciel ! he has a Wife and is not twenty years younger ! Or else, my poor heart would be in danger. As it is, I think I shall not like the conversa- tion and manner of any man I meet with for six months to come, as well as I should have done were this dear Poet unseen. Mr. Douglas came on Thursday and slept here that night. He made himself very agreeable, and three hours from tea to supper passed like three minutes, being employed in Conversation of a literary kind, bet~vr^en Mr. Douglas, Mr. Hayley and More. The two former took immediately and much to each other, and Mr. Douglas asked the Bard and his friend to dine with him the next day at Brighton. What do you think of this house being once more in brick and mortar ? The Job now about, however, is I believe a necessary evil, but I hope I have helped to stop another that was certainly not so. They are now pulling down the partition between Papa's bed-chamber and the dressing-room, which, being built of brick and without support, promised OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 305 to descend speedily into the inferior regions. The superfluous dilapidation is a Project of a Mr. Latrobe's, an architect employed by Mr. Fuller in the house he is building upon the Forest, and brought here by him. It is to open a great window into the Dressing-room, and the Lord knows what vagaries besides. Beverend Norton Nichol to Maria Josepha. St. Gluvia's : September 26, 1794. I read and trembled yesterday and to-day I write and tremble, least no effort of mine should have power to appease the indignation I so much deserve. To Indolence I plead Guilty — to Indifference Not. ... I thank you for what you tell me with respect to the publication of Gibbon's Posthumous Works, in which no one can feel a warmer interest than I do. I should have been delighted, (unworthy as I am,) to have assisted at the Consultation and to have enjoyed the Society you mention. I was at College with Hayley, and thought him amiable though I knew little of him, but he has taken great strides towards literary fame since that time. The extract from Gibbon's Journal is not flung away upon me, and bears a just and honourable testimony to the Character of Lord Sheffield. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : September 27, 1794. Is it possible you Doncaster people can be so behind hand in the affairs of the World as not to know the Prince of Wales is really and truly going to espouse his Coz. ? Indeed I tholight I had mentioned it in one of my Letters. I hear a very high character of her for Beauty as well as amiable qualities. Lord Southampton, it is said, is to bring her over, and I have heard the Duchess of Devon- X o 06 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. shire mentioned as one of the Ladies who are to go for her ; but the truth of the report I do not know. I shall be more comfortable after Monday, when Lady Albinia Cmnberland leaves the other half of this house. At present, I am obhged to trot home at night with a Candle and a Lanthorn to guide my Steps whether it pours Torrents, or whether Jupiter, Venus and the Great Bear display all their charms to assist me on my way. My nightly Habitation is not a great way off, but far enough to chill the end of my poor Nose these cold frosty nights. We rode to Hettdown the day before we came here and saw Mr. Woodward. I believe though I told you so in my last. But what I was going to tell you is an instance of the Ingenuity of the Fletching People which almost exceeds Belief. Papa left a Guinea for the Ringers, to ring a rejoicing Peal at their good Vicar's recovery. I heard him tell Beezly, of the Church Farm, apparently a very intelligent Man, what it was for, and he seemed to understand him. Poor Mrs. Page happened to die the Day the Bells were put in activity, and would you suppose, it was reported and believed in Fletching, that Papa had ordered the Bells to ring for Joy at her death, because he wished so much to have her house ! ! I thought I had told you that Papa had a letter lately from that D. of a woman. Lady Webster, from Florence. She talks of coming over here as a great proof of condescension ; but makes an agreement she is not to be taken to Battle. The account of Battle Abbey falling, has been much exaggerated in the papers. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : October 7, 1794. I have nothing very lively to write about to-day, in- deed Subjects of a quite different nature engage our OLD FEIENDS AND NEW TIES. 307 Thoughts, and must engage my Pen. Sunday, we received an account of the death of poor Henry Way, from Mr. Adair, who very kindly wrote to tell Papa of it, that he might communicate the melancholy news to the family, and prevent their having the shock of seeing it first in the Newspapers. He died at St. Nicolas Mole, the 9th of August, of the Yellow Fever that has swept away such numbers. By the same Post, I had a letter from poor Bell, expressing great anxiety about him, and saying they were trying to prepare their minds to hear the worst, as they had had no Letters from him since his departure from Cork Harbour, 6 months ago. It is pleasant to recollect that he spent a very happy week with us before he went, and that thro' Papa's introductions he was much noticed at Bristol, and many civilities shown him there, with which he seemed much pleased. It is likewise a comfort to think he liked his Profession very much and went abroad in great spirits. I think I have no more private misfortunes for your amusement; but what do you think of the D. of York's retreat across the Meuse and his leaving Holland open to the French ? who have taken Crevecoeur, and almost all the fortresses that defended Bois le Due, which will I suppose, soon be surrendered. If the Duke's movement towards the Ehine is with the intention of joining Clairfait, both one's public and private feelings are alarmed lest he should hazard a Battle. Papa leaves again to-morrow to attend the Quarter Sessions at Lewes, and goes on to Stanmer to have a Talk wdth Mr. Pelham, who has only just returned from the Armies of Clairfait and the D. of York. He must have many interesting subjects to talk of. He writes word that the M3mheers are at last determined to exert themselves, and that the P. of Orange is gone with authority to use every possible means of putting the . Country in a X 2 308 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. state of Defence ; so I suppose if nothing else will do they will try Inundation. Which way shall I turn to find something chearful to look upon in public affairs ? 'Lord Howe is out in one of the most violent winds we have had, and makes one fear for the safety of the Fleet. The accounts from the West Indies, besides the dreadful ones of the Kavages of Disease, which is almost incredible, are very unpleasant ; mentioning the rapacity of the Com- manders, which has been so great as to disgust our new conquered subjects very much ; which added to the reduced State of our Forces there, leaves everything to be apprehended in that Quarter if the French have sent out a considerable Force, as it is said they have. Adieu, Yours Ever M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth, Tunbridge Wells : October 12, 1794. You will have flattered yourself perhaps, that my last Letter contained melancholy events enough for some time, and I am sure you will be very much concerned at the sad Account I have to giNe you of poor Mrs. Wood- ward's death. What a loss she is to me, nobody who did not know her, can imagine. She shewed her regard for me in many instances, but nothing pleased me more than her telling me what she thought wrong in me, which she often did, and though she certainly thought more highly of me than I may deserve, she never seemed to flatter me. Nobody can replace her, to me. To hear of the death of two Eelations and one true friend, within four days makes one think, and think seriously ; surely few people have lost more friends within a year and a half than I have. God preserve those that remain ! OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 309 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Tunbridge Wells : October 19, 1794. We have very bad accounts of Sir Henry. Mrs. Carter is extremely anxious about him. The Physicians advise his going immediately either to Lisbon or Gibraltar as the best thing he can do. I dread Harriet's and Mrs. C.'s going vnth him, which they would certainly do if he would let them. At this time of Year, and in War Time likewise, a Sea Voyage for Ladies is a shocking thing. Lady Shelley and h^r family have been taken by the French on their passage from Lisbon lately. ... Adieu, yours Ever, M. J. HOLROYD. [No allusion whatever is made by Maria to her Father's approaching Marriage to Lucy, daughter of Lord and Lady Pelham, so possibly the knowledge came as a surprise. The Marriage proved a very happy one, and the ' Dear Lady,' by which name she was always remembered, brought joy and -brightness with her to her new home. With her affectionate letter to her Step Daughter Maria, the record of the year 1794 closes.] From Lady Pelham, inviting Maria and Louisa Holroyd to be present at the Marriage of their Father, Lord Sheffield, with her Daughter Lucy. Stratton Street : Decembei? 16, 1794. My dear Miss Holroyd, — We feel that we cannot trust even to Lord Sheffield, in whom our Confidence is, it should seem, pretty well estabHshed, to enforce sufficiently to you and Miss Louisa how very earnestly and cordially, Lord Pelham and I, and Lucy, request and solicit the pleasure and satisfaction of your Company at Stanmer at a certain approaching happy Event. We hope you will have the kindness to come at least the day 310 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. before, as much earlier as you please, and remain with us as long as it will be agreeable to you both. Miss Louisa's Dinner is already ordered at two o'clock. Lord Pelham, Lucy and Emily desire their best compliments and kindest love, and the most affectionate regards to Lord Sheffield, who We hope will have arrived safe and well long before You can receive this. Believe me Ever, my dear Madam, Your most affectionate and much Obhged Humble Servant Ann Pelham. From Lord Sheffield to his Daughter Maria Josepha Holroyd on his Wedding Bay, Dec. 26, 1794. Stanmer : 26 December the blessed : 2 o'clock. The Beatification has taken place without any accident. I do not recollect that any of Mahomet's Heavens are up to mine. If you do not bring with you as many Clintons as possible I shall revile the whole Family of them. The Dear Poll must be quite mistaken if she is not in a hurry to come to Sheffield Place. The 31st, consequently, is the latest day. I send three parcels of cake which have passed through the Bing, and we are this moment to set out for the Weald in a steady Snow. Mr. Hayley to Maria Josepha. December 27, 1794. May the Hermit assure the feeling and accomplished Maria, that he has often thought of her with much tender solicitude on the late important occurrences, and with a cordial wish, that they may conduce to her Happiness as they assuredly afford an ample Field for the display of her many excellent Qualities. Pauline informs me you are no^ fluttering on the OLD FRIENDS AND NEW TIES. 311 wing of pleasure in the Great City ; but I trust you will perch again in the South before January 7, when my Lord has kindly intimated a wish to see me at Sheffield Place. If we are not blockaded by the Snow I mean to pay our Devoirs to you all in our way to Town, where I am soon to settle my dear diminutive artist, who begs leave to join with me in kind remembrance to you, and in wishing you as rare a portion of Happiness as you certainly have of engaging sensibility. Adieu. Poem which Accompanied the Foregoing Letter. A lovely Form with lively wit Added to Fortune and to Birth. What more, the heart and mind to hit Can dear Maria wish on Earth ? Say ! do you want one potent charm Which few possess or few retain it ? And lest such hints your Pride alarm Allow Serena ^ to explain it ! Make it your own as Maid or Wife And tell me while your Smiles confirm it You learnt one charm, the first in Life By list'ning to a friendly Hermit.^ From Lucy, second Wife of Lord Sheffield, to her Step Daughter Maria Josepha Holroyd. , Sheffield Place : December 28, 1794. My dearest Maria, — Don't give yourself the trouble of answering this but by word of mouth on Wednesday, at which time I hope most sincerely to see you with Dear Louisa and your valuable Aunt. I do assure you I ' Allusion to the heroine in the Trmmphs of Temper, by W. Hayley. Publ. 1781. - Extract from a letter of Serena to M. J. H. : * If you love me, do wear the Serena girdle and attend to its warnings.' 312 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. expect your Arrival with great Impatience, as I am most anxious to show you by every Attention in my power, how sensible I am of every affectionate Sentiment you have so very kindly expressed towards me, and how earnest I am in hoping that our Affection and Attachment to each other may be such as I wish ; and if you could read my Heart, whilst I write this, I flatter myself you would all be thoroughly persuaded that the preserving and Improving our Mutual Kegard and Esteem will ever add very considerably to the Satisfaction and Happiness I now feel in subscribing myself your much Obliged and Affectionately Attached Friend, Lucy Sheffield. 313 CHAPTEK XIV. 1795. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' Lady Sheffield's influence — The Birthday dance — Beception at Carlton House — East Lidia Company entertain Warren Hastings — Louisa leaves Bath — Serena's regrets — Wheat and flour — Mr. Jekyll — Effervescence of wits — Madame d'Arblay — Edridge's portraits— Lady Sheffield to Maria — The Brighton ball — Attempt on the King's life — ' Vie de Madame Roland ' — An old friend's wedding. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : January 1, 1795. I CANNOT any way describe the various sensations and emotions of my mind in sitting down to write this Letter to you ; but I must hasten to make you understand they are mostly of a pleasing nature. It is your Birthday, it is the Birthday of the Year, and I am even so sanguine as to believe it is the Birthday of the Happiness of this Family. At this moment I am certain your heart pours out the most ardent prayers that it may prove so, and you will feel pleasure in hearing how easy the apprehended Meeting, and all yesterday Evening passed off. I expected civiHty and even affection in the manner and behaviour of Lady S., but I cannot describe, I can only feel, the many and nameless instances of deHcate attention and Feeling which I have perceived in her conduct towards us all, but me in particular, and the kind of attention that could occur only to an amiable mind, and which in these few Hours have opened a, prospect to me of greater domestic comfort than I have ever yet known : not the least form 314 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA PIOLROYD. in her manner either, all easy and natural. Philosophers may preach and argue against a sanguine way of seeing things. But even if I should be ultimately disappointed I would not wish to have other feelings than those that now make me believe everything I wish, and that cause me to do more than hope — to depend (as far as human felicity can be depended on) that '95 will be of a very different colour to '94. At the same time, I am not so sanguine as to be blind, or so happy as to have no contrary feelings ; and I think you would have felt just as I did, therefore I need not say how that was, in seeing him give her, before us all, among many other things of Mama's, her Pocketbook with the Gold Instruments and Lock, all her Bings and the Dew Ring with the Diamonds, altered to form an S. It is very plain however to me, that she has no Idea these things were hers, therefore I restrain my feelings with great care before her, as I should be unpardonable to give her a moment's uneasiness, for circumstances too, that she cannot help were she inclined. One thing I have suggested which I was sure was right, and she seems much pleased at having carried the point — which is, that Going to the Assembly to-morrow before they had been at Church, would not have a good appearance in the County ; but this being New Year's Day was a good Cause for having Service at Fletching, and Mr. Woodward was sent to yesterday evening, who answered it was perfectly convenient to him, as there was to be a Christening, which would form a small Congrega- tion in itself and he would give notice to others. They are accordingly all gone. Do you not agree with me that this has been a good manoeuvre? I must say a few words about our Journey here. We were two hours going to Croydon, as the Streets were so slippery. One of the Horses fell with the Postilhon, but neither were hurt ; the last stage, with our own horses, we came the quickest. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, ^ THE DEAR LADY.' 315 It was just five when we arrived, and we found the Lady dressed in her wedding garments to receive us. She seemed very much agitated at first. You would love her if you saw her affectionate and warm heart peeping forth without the possibility of supposing it acting. The most suspicious person could not have a doubt, and anyone the most disposed to see things in a rebellious manner must have been disappointed in their intentions by her manner. For my part, I wish I had more merit in my behaviour ; but believe me, I have none ; for I feel delighted to think when sooner or later troubles come, as we who know the gentleman must fear, that we shall be a mutual comfort to each other, and if those or any other troubles of the kind do not come, we must be as happy as possible. I cannot help repeating much the same as I believe I have said before, but my heart is full of these feelings, and the overflowing of it will not be unpleasant to you, I am certain. It is a briUiant Day and likely to last so. I am not very superstitious or absurd on these subjects, but I wish no Cloud may appear in the Sky, and I will suppose it an Emblem of the ensuing year. Adieu. I have written a long letter, and it is a great satisfaction to think you will read it with as much pleasure, (Did you suppose I could be so conceited?) as I have had in writing it. Once more Adieu, and Believe me for ever, Yours most affectionately, M. J. H. Aunt and Louisa send their kindest love ; but have too just an opinion of themselves to suppose their letters can be worth reading at the same time as mine ; therefore defer writing to another day ! 316 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : January 8, 1795. ... I suppose Aunt has told you of our dance on my Birthday. I have not enjoyed dancing so much for a great long while past ; we had seven or eight couples, and danced every dance down twice and very seldom sat down for more than a few minutes. . . . You would be terrified at the disorderly hours we keep . . . the day after the Dance, we did not breakfast till past twelve. In a common way, we do not assemble till near eleven. Dinner nearer to 6 than to 5, and retire between 11 and 12. ' My Lady ' improves upon us every day. I do really think I never saw a pleasanter creature. Her Spirits seem to the full as likely to run away with her, as mine can be, and she is all Mimickry and Drollery, that is to say, before Grandpapa and Grandmama ^ came ; for yesterday she was upon her good behaviour. Aunt has determined to go on Tuesday. Papa and she will have a scuffle over it. Louisa and she wish you to look if their Tickets in the Irish Lottery are Blanks or Prizes ; Nos. 21,034, 20,775. Louisa likewise desires me to remind you of the Phosphoric Matches. Mrs. Maynard and Jacky removed themselves on Monday last. Marina stays here till we go to Town ; there is a call of the House on the 20th, which will oblige Papa to go. Mr. Hayley and Tom come to-morrow ; he is going to place the Boy with Mr. Flaxman. Adieu — I envy Aunt and Louisa seeing you so soon. Yours ever M. J. H. ' Lord and Lady Pelham. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, * THE DEAR LADY.' 317 Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January 28, 1795. Thou dear Child. I cannot help venting a little of my delight at your letter received yesterday. You were all my own Maria when you wrote it, and every feeling of your heart was amiable while you were painting the dear and really charming woman with whom you had passed so happy an evening. A Blessing to us all, I do indeed agree with you, she will ever prove, and your sweet prayer that she may herself equally continue happy I most heartily join in, and trust there cannot be a doubt of. She is formed to attach every one to her, and just the Woman my Brother must ever love and esteem ; while you two will enjoy each other as cordial friends, in which there is so much comfort that in truth nothing can equal it. I look forward to more happiness than you have long known, for even to you I may say that she will love you the better the more she knows you. She will find that your ' brusqueries ' are only lip deep and on your sincerity she may now depend. Allow me to say too, my dearest Maria, that she will be of infinite use to you, for her manner, which though lively, is uncommonly playful, never a moment deviates from perfect feminine softness and elegance, will soften your sometimes too wild spirits. Never seeing a sharp angle you vdll take up the same tone insensibly, and then I may say, without flattery, that you will be a sweet companion and that I shall have little left to wish. . . . You will easily imagine how often Louisa and I wish we could fly to you and how much we talk of you. ... I shall long to see the dear Lady and you presented. . . . Adieu dearest Maria. Beg of the dear Lady to love me, and to accept Louisa's and my most affect, wishes. Also to dear Shefl. Yours ever S. H. 318 GIRLHOOD OF MARTA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Sunday morning, February — , 1795. I am sorry that Pap. could not make Mr. Pitt sensible about Franking. Not that I perfectly comprehend how far the evil will extend. The powder tax I confess appears a very good one. I only grunt over the wine as I already pay twenty-six shillings a dozen and do not approve of adding six more. Tell me, have you heard that Lord Howe's orders are such as to restrain all his motions ? I was told that he and ail his Officers were pre- vented acting when they had such opportunity, as to make them half wild at remaining inactive, and that the account came from an Officer on board one of his Ships. Hannah More, ' entre nous,' my Authority, who is not you know Anti-ministerial, and vouched it as ' pos ' truth. , . . Why do you not tell of Sir J. Borlace Warren ? We hope he has taken fifteen ships, and we intend that the King of Prussia should have drubbed the French handsomely. Pray confirm it . . . God bless you my child. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : March — , 1795. ... I wish I could persuade you to be very much tired of London at the time that I suppose Louisa to leave me, and that you could get some young friend you like to come with you to me in her place, for I confess I feel a Coward and want you to comfort me. I would do anything on Earth you liked best, or take any excursion, were it to the Antipodes to amuse you. I would seriously try to coax Mrs. Carter to let Harriet Clinton come, and I would pay your journey etc. Think about it and let me know if there is a shadow of hope for me. I rejoice the LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, ' THE DEAR LADY/ 319 dear Lady has been out and hope she will soon regain her strength. Adieu, dearest of all Marias. I am very sincerely yours S. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : April 10, 1795. And now before I talk of anything else I will answer about your coming and Louisa's going. Not in the remotest or most jaundiced corner of my heart could I ever take what you say as want of kindness to me. I am very sure if I was in a situation to make you really necessary to me, you would come, and with that belief what can possibly be so pleasant to me as your openness ? It is the only thing that can give me ease in proposing schemes at any time and, most assuredly, I could not enjoy your giving up the pleasantest time in London. . . . She (Louisa) is now past eighteen. On the whole I do really wish her to be four or five weeks in London to see her friends, and in short to have some of the advantages of her father's House, and Lady Sheffield's society as well as yours. Maria Josepha to Serena. London : May — , 1795. I am going to make my Debut to-night at the Marchioness of Buckingham's which is to be a superb Ball, on the approaching Marriage of Lord Temple and Lady Ann Eliza Bridges, and to which I hear, between 900 and 1,000 people are invited. I expect to be much amused with the various extra- ordinary figures I shall see. I have not yet seen a Crop, except walking in the Streets ; when, their Hats being on, the full Quizzism of the thing is not displayed. Lady Auckland is so good as to take me ; her two eldest girls are just presented and look beautiful. 320 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. The West India Fleet at last has had fair winds for its setting out and I hope will have no more obstructions. Adieu till to-morrow. No — one word about the * Memoirs.' They are hastily drawing to a conclusion. I suppose there cannot be more than twenty pages wanting to finish the second volume. Papa always intended you should have a copy. I am sure it will interest and amuse you^ more than anybody, except just ourselves. You will be at home on every page. Yours most truly, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. London : Friday morning. We returned from Lady Buckingham's at ^yq this morning, and I have only time to say it was a very fine Ball, and for a fine one, pleasant, as I met a great number of people I knew. There was a great number of Beauties and a great Crowd. Not a great number without Powder, but almost all with the Hair turned up behind and no Curls at the sides. Adieu. Yours affectionately M. J. HOLKOYD. Friday. To-morrow we dine at Sir Joseph Banks, go to the Opera Concert, Lady Galloway's assembly and Almack's. My lady does all but the last. I go with Lady Eothes.^ I have been frequently to the Opera this year, which is a great treat to me. I have not time to add much as I did not wake till half past one, and ever since I began dressing I have been interrupted by various and sundry people coming, to whom I appeared in my deshabille ; among the rest my Uncle and Aunt Greg (Gregory Way) whom I had not seen for several years. ' Sister of Lucy, Lady Sheffield. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, * THE DEAR LADY.' 321 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. London : May 12, 1795. My dear Miss Huff, — I have indeed been as gay as possible this Winter and since Easter, particularly so. I had a delightful pleasant Ball at Sir J. Coghill's on Wednesday where I danced nine dances without stopping a minute, and came home between five and six without feehng tired ; tho' I had been in the morning to Carlton House, and we had Company to Dinner, and an Assembly to go to first. I had not been before to Carlton House, as we waited, thinking there would be less crowd the second day than the first. Only a few are admitted at a time into the Room where the Princess is, and when they have been presented, they pass on ; therefore, there is no pushing and squeezing as at St. James' ; and as the Company move on thro' the Suite of Rooms and none are suffered to return, if the numbers are ever so great, they cannot be as troublesome, as they all move forward the same way. The Presentation is the most formidable business possible, so much so, that neither My Lady nor I had the least idea what the Princess had on, or what the room was like, tho' a sHght View showed it very magnificent. Alas ! Poor Woman ! she has probably too often wished herself in a less splendid dwelling. The P's behaviour is . . . but it would be endless to repeat half the stories that are told. . . . The Bast India People are going to give a Great Ball to Mr. Hastings which I hope I shall go to. I was at the Tryal the day sentence was passed and wished much you had been there, having been such a constant and eager attendant at the beginning of it. Adieu, my dear Miss Huff, Ever affectionately yours, M. J. H. Y 322 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Almacks was a good Ball ; but not quite so pleasant as the last, from there being more people. I danced only with the gentleman about whom you make so many enquiries. I am very sorry to inform you that he is an Irishman ; in the Law, but without a single Penny ; but very pleasant and does vastly well to fill up my time in the flirting way, as he has all the disposition possible for it ; but any further I have not considered the matter. You made me laugh with your solicitude about him, and I hope on your return to Bath you three Dowagers will lay your heads together about it and talk wise. Louisa has never honoured me with a single observation on the subject, which has disappointed me very much as I thought she would be sagacious on the occasion. I must conclude, but I cannot help telling you what a favourite Mr. Tennant is, both in Lord Pelham's family and this. Thank my stars ! My Lady has gained the point of having him as the ' Apoth ' of the family instead of Mr. Farquhar. Adieu. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Tuesday, June 9, 1795. You are a dear Soul, and are always attentive to me in time of need. Your letter has really done me more good than anything else could, and I love you for the thought. Three years and a quarter never having had dear Louisa out of my sight, and so often requiring care, I may as well confess what you would know without it, that it is like tearing a Polypus out of my heart, root and all, and that I feel hke Jacob, bereft. ... As soon as I recovered my Stupor yesterday I took such an Antipathy to everything round me that I went and shut myself below stairs where I never sit, and I rejoiced sulkily in the rain that nobody might call, tho' I was sorry for the LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 323 poor travellers. . . . Bull chose to have everybody un- comfortable and therefore took poor Tuft ^ to be washed. Then, because I left the drawing-rooms, she took up carpets, etc., and made a compleat bustle. I thought I should like it, but it made me worse. I had a letter to- day from G. Coxe [Kev.] dated just as he landed in Ireland after a passage of eighteen hours. Tell dear Louisa I hope to hear she is good and happy the moment she sees you. Bull says the whole house is dismal. I am sending her and WiUiam Foley to the Play to-night to comfort them. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : July — , 1795. I had a letter from Ireland yesterday from G. Coxe, who says that in one day he had rode forty miles, travelled in a coach twelve, and afterwards danced from eight o'clock till Four. If I did not suspect him of ' Zigzag,' I should suppose him crazy as he has just sense enough to imagine I may do. He is living gaily at other people's houses, tho' attending his Church, where the Congregation daily encreases and the people all civil, etc. He says that in the neighbourhood of Kelly, about ten miles from him, the ' Defenders' are again very daring ; burning houses ; laming cattle and roasting people alive ; harrassing the Military who are night and day out ; but do not seem in their hearts much against them. I beg leave to write ' Zig ' under the roasting part of his story, though he says it is literal fact. I dare say he was told it.^ We want to make a subscription here to enable the Bakers to give bread cheap to the Labourers' families and the poor industrious, but it is not easy to prevent impositions. Adieu, dearest of Marias. ' Lady Sheffield's dog, adopted after her death by Serena. 2 Witeh-buming having taken place in 1895 in Ireland, this story may be true. Y 2 324 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Serena Holroyd to Maria Josepha. Bath : July — , 1795. Though I have taken no notice of it, I was not in- sensible to Sheff's motions in ParHament. I approved Mr. Pitt's coincidence. Also of the Honourable mention and recourse to last year's Exchequer bill business, of which he was Chief. Sheff may well hold me cheap as to Politics in general, but I don't allow him to suppose me torpid where he is interested. My great Garden is, I assure you, full of sweet roses of various kinds, though I am actually cold over a large fire. There is a most unpleasant sharp dry air that shrivels my poor old flesh and freezes my blood. You will all be warmer in the good house at S. P., which is now no small advantage. Adieu, dear good thing. Love to all. Yours Ever, S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. [Fragment concerning Wheat and Flour.] July 5, 1795. He, Papa, gave each of the Workmen a 6cZ. loaf of it, at first, and they all agreed that it was very good — indeed, I prefer it to the white. The Parish pays all above 85. a Bushell ; and Papa has sent the Millers everywhere they could think of, and given them money for the purpose as , the Farmers would take only ready money. It is really a pleasant idea that he may have preserved a considerable district around us from the probable dangers of famine in that article at least, and of riot in consequence. I expect some of the considerable people in the adjoining parishes will be indignant at his interfering ; but they were asleep till he roused them ; the essential good he will have done makes that of little consequence. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, ^ THE DEAR LADY.' 325 Maria Josepha to Serena, Sheffield Place : July 8, 1795. ... It is such a sudden transition from the bustle of a crowd to the total retirement of Trees and Crows. Perhaps you wiU swear at me for this, and perhaps you would swear still more if I acknowledged the total change I feel in .myself as to the interest and affection I always had for this place. Indeed, it is the only different sensation I have since the Event, and it is much better it should be so considering what may happen. I love the dear woman too well to feel anything disagreeable towards her for being the cause, and I am sure I shall love her Monkeys when they come ; but I cannot delight in my walks as I used to do. Don't scold or grumble. Indoors I bless the change, for we do not know what it is to be out of humour, or to stamp Uke a sheep. Therefore I am more than satisfied, but when I write to you I cannot help turning myself inside out, and telling everj^hing as it comes into my head. ... I do not mean to make you a compliment, but I must say I know no one but you, who go round about and round about and coax me first into a good opinion of oneself, and then always end with making one sensible (though God forbid ! I, for one, should ever acknowledge it, at the time) that one has not common sense. It is very disagreeable that you would not come to us this summer. I should have liked to talk to you every now and then, and Bounce thinks it right too, for he very often stops at your door to enquire if I am going in. You will repent, I am afraid,' of poking me up to write to you, for now I have begun you see there is no end of it. I rather thought as how we should have had a bit of an Epistle to-day, so I write out of spite to bore you. 326 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Adieu, dear old Aunt. I wish I was with you now by means of a Balloon, and then Papa would bring me back in August. Yours ever affectionately, M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ami Firth. Sheffield Place : July 9, 1795. . . . There is now with us, a Mr. Van Couver ^ who would entertain you very much. He is making an agri- cultural Tour through Sussex, and seems a very sensible, well-informed Man. He has a considerable tract of Land in America, where he has lived several years and has visited several other Countries, from whence he seems to have brought away in his memory many curious and entertain- ing circumstances. The Emigrants you see, are safely and easily landed on the Coast of Brittany ; to have succeeded in their de- barkation, they must have friends in the Country, but whether in sufficient force to enable them, when joined, to do anything of consequence, remains to be seen. I shall be impatient for further accounts from thence. The Pelhams propose us a visit on Monday, and Mylord and Mylady mean to retm^n it on Thursday, which is the day of the Quarter Sessions at Lewes, but leave us and Theresa Parker^ and Miss M. etc. in possession of the house. Our Races this year are very late — not to begin till August 6. My time is expired. Yours most sincerely, M. J. H. 1 Of Vancouver's Island. 2 Sister to Lord Boringdon. One of the brightest and wittiest of M. J. H.'s girl friends. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAE LADY.' 327 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : July 19, 1795. My lord and My lady went to Stanmer last Thursday and returned on Sunday. He went for the Quarter Sessions at Lewes. The Prince sent to ask the Pelhams to the Pavilion one of the evenings, and hearing of our people being there, sent a second messenger to invite them; and accordingly they all went. They did not meet anybody but those belonging to the Household ; played at Cards ; and were amused by the Musick in which the Prince bore a part. She, poor little Creature, is, I am afraid, a most unhappy Woman; her lively spirits, which she brought over with her, are all gone, and they say the melancholy and anxiety in her countenance is quite affecting. There is a prospect of a Curacy for William Way,^ which if he can get will be delightful ; he is hardly of age to be ordained, but he hopes it is possible to persuade some kind Bishop to look over that defect and ordain him, in which case he would be quite happy. . . . The Gibbonian Memoirs go on swimmingly. I really think one sees Dayhght, and that they will appear before the Extinction of Arts and Sciences in this Country. If they do, there can be no doubt of the Pleasure and Instruction they will give all sorts of readers. Adieu. Louisa is writing. Serena to Maria Josepha. Cheltenham : August 1, 1795. Yesterday, between the hours of four and five, Mrs. Holroyd, Miss Bull and Mr. Tuft arrived at Cheltenham ' ' Mr. William Way played Backgammon for twenty-four hours at a sitting, rising a loser of 10,OOOZ.' See memorandum on Downman's portrait of W. Way. 328 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. where they were most kindly welcomed by Aunt and Harry (Mrs. Carter and Miss Harriet Clinton). The country most beautiful the whole way and perfectly new the last two stages — ergo, a great treat to my sight. The corn looking remarkably fine and strong, though I am afraid last night's heavy constant rain must subdue it. Just after I got out of the Chaise at Kodborough Inn, I had the pleasure of seeing the springs compleatly break down, and felt what an escape I had. Had I just then broke my neck and wakened in the next world I should have gone out of this with my mind in a transport at the beauties of Nature, for indeed within some miles of Kodborough it is enchanting, and the eighteen miles on this side seem a continual fine wood, &c. Miss Mellish passed the evening with us and looked quite pretty without powder, in one of the new little cap bonnets. I should have slept well last night, but that those poor creatures the Emigrants at Quiberon, and all our disasters got so into my head that I could not help being un- comfortable. I dread the event at Quiberon may have other consequences, for those traitors may betray things here, that might as well not be known perhaps. I long to know what the future designs will be, or if all must not now be given up for the Koyalists. Also the State of the West Indies terrifies me ; but I will say no more on such subjects. Hannah More's last Ballad is an excellent one, ' The Eiot, or half a loaf better than None.' I rejoice you are all going to Lewes ; but I hope dear Lady will not do too much. I do not admire her squeezing six in a Coach. Love to all dear Sheffs. Ever truly yours, S. H. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, * THE DEAR LADY,' 329 Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : August 2, 1795. The Banks family came on Sunday. The Ladies, as usual, visited Mrs. Newton, and Sir Joseph and Papa the Wool Fair at Lewes on Monday. . . . The Eed Kibbon has made no alteration in Sir Jo. in any other respect than that there is a red ribbon across his waistcoat. He sprawls upon the Grass, kisses Toads, and is just as good humoured a nondescript of an Otaheitan as ever. . . . I assure you Mr. Jekyll is too great a favourite here, to be mentioned in that very contemptuous manner with impunity. I do really think him one of the pleasantest and most entertaining companions I ever met with. For an Acquaintance he is inferior to none for pleasantness, and as far removed from a vulgar Irish Wit as anybody I know. You cannot think how he won even Lady Pelham to Hke him. I wish you had been here last Tuesday, you would have acknowledged yourself enter- tained. Papa had a little bit of a letter from the Governor of Dominica to-day, but written before his Deed was done I suppose, as he does not mention it. You will see from the Papers he has repulsed the French from his Island. ... I wish he may be safe from further attacks ; but with such a Ministry as ours, never sending out succours till everything almost is lost, there is more to be feared than hoped. Theresa Parker to Maria Josepha. Deans Year : September 1795. ... I flatter myself that Counsellor Jonquill [Jekyll] will not revisit you till after the Stanmer family have left. . . . You know one might as well attempt to analyze an acid and an alkali in effervescence as to tranquillize 330 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. you in his company. I hope that said Counsellor will not go to Sheffield Place, as I should really feel too envious. H. Hamilton, Governor of Bermuday to Maria Josepha. My dear Lasses, — My Directress is very much bent on going to England, her health and mine require a change of Climate. Know ye that she was born in England (Bath) and is not of the Gingerbread hue of a Creole. The kind letters she has received from my kindred are a strong inducement. I have sollicited leave at a Peace, for I am still enough of the ' Vieux Militaire ' not to consult my own ease only. D the French ! I have been so over-enraged at the execrable deeds of those Satanic people, that almost they persuade me to be no Christian. That infernal wretch our Neighbour Victor Hugues has lately given some specimens of the sweetness of his disposition, which place the Savages of America in a very fair point of view. But I won't sicken you with a detail of his many infamies — two I select — and the last I think less odious and cruel than the first. He ordered two Ladies, Whites, of Guadaloupe, to be chained with black slaves and worked with them. An old woman near 80 having been denounced to him for sa5dng her prayers, he sent for her and questioned her if the report was true. She answered that from her youth up she had been in the practice of addressing her Adoration to the Creator ; that she continued to do her duty in the same manner ; that at her advanced age it would ill become her to swerve from the service of her God. ' A la Guillotine ! ' and she was executed. Is Hell warm enough for such a Miscreant ? People tell me I am to be transferred to Guadaloupe if it should be conquered. Well ! I have been a rolling stone for forty-one years, perhaps I may rest and rust there. Let me have some months at least to pass with my LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 331 friends and then I will resign all thoughts of Europe. Such a resolution may appear to you young people too gloomy, but you forget your Father and I are con- temporaries : he is a year only younger than I am, and yet the fellow^ has had (like me) the audacity to marry. Yours while you behave well, H. Hamilton. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : September 3, 1795. When you left me I retired to my sopha for an hour to meditate and compose myself for a walk. Tell dear Louisa that we shall get tipsy drinking her health, this being her birthday. Mrs. Bull's first salutation to me was a remembrance of her. William Foley gave me to under- stand that being in a hvery was unbecoming his future hopes of being raised in the World by some fair one falling in love with him ... so we have agreed to part when I get one to suit me. I think I give no bad wages in giving sixteen guineas besides cloaths. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : September 6, 1795. I last night heard of Charette having destroyed eleven Thousand and having himself lost sixteen hundred. Miss Hunt got the letter from Honiton. It was written by a young officer on board ' Lord Bridport ' and could not yet be officially known. It was added that the War was carried on in the most savage way on both sides. . . . Sere7ia to Maria Josepha. Bath : September — , 1795. Miss Cambridge and many Honorables are to subscribe for Madame D'Arblay's, alias. Miss Burney's new Novel for her and her Husband's and Son's support. I must 332 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. give my Guinea. Will you send a few from your house. To be paid on subscription. It would be pretty, though I confess I am more disposed to buy Bread. Mrs. Lyon has just now written to tell her son of the friend she would be united to if he has no objection, and she thinks it very generous for a Man to allow his hopes to rest on a Boy's decision. There can be no answer to this in less than three months, but if there are good accounts of her son sooner I do not suppose her lover will stay abroad so long. Love to dear Lady S. and so God bless my dear loves of every sort. Amen. Yours ever and ever. S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : September 20, 1795. ... I wish you had not been the most ill-tempered of all Bath Dowagers, for it would have been so delightful to have had you done by Mr. Edridge. I wish you could contrive to be miniatured. I hope you will like Louisa's. Everybody as yet who have seen it quite squall at the resemblance. I own I did not expect anything near so like. . . . He has copied Sir Joshua's Picture of Papa for Miladi very well indeed. I am sure his Image will be scattered over the Land, few people have been more frequently depicted. ... At Stanmer, in Tom's Koom, I met with a compleat Edition of Eousseau, by which means I had an opportunity of gratifying my curiosity about several of his works I had never seen. A Volume of Letters is delightful. I wish you could get it, and read four Letters of his to M. de Malesherbes containing an Apology for his Style of Life etc., much of which is in the ' Confessions,' but some new and all I think much better told : and likewise two LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, ' TflE DEAR LADY.' 333 letters to M. de Luxembourg written from Molier Travers, near Neuf ch§,tel, giving such an account of the Country, as is enough to make one distracted, ' on peu s'en faut.' As you are a sort of tamed Enthusiast, I think you are quite fit to read these Letters. The weight of Years and Wisdom upon you will prevent the sad effect above alluded to, and yet the native phrensical imagination you are possessed of, will enable you to taste the Description and Style. Ask Orontes if he has ever read the two last mentioned Letters. I should think they would make his Eyes come quite out of his head with opening them so wide, for I believe as how he has a Soul and Heart, (which I think helps the Soul upon these occasions very much) to enter thoroughly into the remembered beauties of Switzerland. Adieu. Yours ever and ever. M. J. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : September 22, 1795. . . , Louisa and I returned home from Stanmer the Tuesday after I wrote last, and we passed our time very pleasantly ; though I still think S. P. a more agreeable place of abode, I am much more at home at Stanmer than I was, both with the place and people, which is natural it should be so, now we are more acquainted ; and likewise, the stronger my affection becomes for the dear Lady, which indeed every day must increase, the more I feel disposed for her sake to like her friends and Kelations, and to be pleased in their company. . . . Louisa and I remain here during Milady's confinement. Mr. and Mrs. G. Pelham passed a few days here last week. Mr. Stanley, of the Cheshire Militia, likewise Mr. Jekyll dined and slept here, one night, and we expect him again to-day to dinner ; 334 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. he was in one of his most entertaining humours when last here. Tommy Partingdon and Mr. West came last Friday ; the latter left us next day, but little Tommy is here still and I really think he must have some design ui3on Louisa or me, by his long visit, but I cannot at present inform you which. All the Stanmerites came on Saturday, Mr. Sec. Pelham with them, who was very pleasant, and meant to stay here till next Friday, when alas ! on Sunday night arrived an express from Lord Grenville, to inform him his Majesty required his services to go to Vienna, and he left us early yesterday morning. Mr. Edridge who painted me for Harriet and began a Drawing of Miladi in Town, has been here, near a fortnight. He has finished the drawing and it is certainly like, though not as pleasing a resemblance as some he has taken. He has copied Sir Joshua's Milord, very well indeed, and made a miniature of Louisa, so like, it is impossible to look at it without laughing, not having omitted her stoop, which in a painting is more picturesque than if she was more erect. I hope Aunt will be satisfied with it ; we are all much pleased. My turn is to come next. Miss Pelham is sitting at present for a drawing as a companion to that of Mr. P. which you saw, and which has been copied for Milady. She, (the latter) is likewise sitting for a Miniature, which she means for Emily. Mrs. Lyon is at Bath and so is G. Coxe and the Trio seem to be constantly together. Aunt has not been so well, I think, since I was with her, as she was at that time. She talks of not sleeping and not being able to walk far, but she rides double, which I hope will be of service to her. Mrs. Gibbon, from her account, appears to be growing so much weaker, that if it is possible for her to die I should think it must happen soon. I saw her three times while I was there, and never LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 335 was in any person's company I thought more entertaining and cheerful than her. The Harvest has been got in without a drop of Eain, and the Crop of Oats, which from being sown later, did not suffer from the cold and wet of last Winter, so much as the Wheat, is so considerable about us, that Papa has found difficulty in putting it all in his Barns. One field of twelve Acres in Coleham, and another at the bottom of the Lane going to Fletching produced four Load per Acre, which is nearly double the usual quantity. I hope the Wheat being got in without the least Injury, vnll compen- sate for the Crop not being so great, as might be hoped for, and I think people are pretty well disposed to make use of substitutes. Potatoes come in aid extremely well ; our bread is one third made of them, and there cannot be better bread when pains is taken about it. Adieu. Yours ever affectionately M. J. HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : September 30, 1795. To my very great satisfaction and pleasure, Emily ^ got an unexpected leave to accompany Milady (her sister) to Town. I wish them all home again, though to do our powers of amusing ourselves and one another justice, the two days that have passed since they went, have flown away so quick, every hour that struck and every Meal that came before us appeared to be premature. Mr. Pelham dechned the Post I mentioned, and is to return to Ireland, which all his friends wished him to do, as if he once engaged in the Embassy hne, a man of his Abilities never would be suffered to remain quietly at home, and he would be eternally sent about from Court * Pelham. 336 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. to Court. Lord Camden likewise begged him to continue with him so earnestly, another winter at least, that he could not quit him, at present. I am surprised we have no accounts of the landing of the Comte d'Artois. Henry Clinton sent us an account of the only news that has arrived from General Doyle, which was dated the 18th, and they were next day to attempt landing on the Island of Noirmontier, which they expected to be very easy as the French force there was very small. Puisaye had deserted from us; his friends gave out he was only going to rouse the Chouans in la Vendee. This is the man who had chiefly the command of the last Expedition. They are a sad set of Vagabonds, Emigrants and Kepublicans, to be sure, it must be allowed. Mr. Edridge left us on Monday, having finished the drawing of Mylady begun in London, the figiire of which was better than the face ; made a drawing of Miss Pelham excessively like ; copied that you saw of Mr. P. ; copied Sir Joshua's picture of Papa in miniature for Milady ; painted an excellent Miniature of her for Emily, which he is to copy for me, and painted Louisa's and my Picture for Aunt — so that he carried off a good many Guineas. I like the Style both of his Drawings and Miniatures very much, and shall be impatient to know how Aunt approves them. Our Butler, Mr. Foy, seems a very civil, well-behaved Man, though an Irishman. Don't you remember attack- ing his Lordship for his prejudices about the poor man's Country? The Housekeeper, who is a high-spirited Dame, has plagued poor Milady with quarrelling most vehemently with Mr. Foy, but I think at present she is a Httle calmed. The Memoirs are in a progressive state, and I should hope Papa's being in Town may help to forward the LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 337 Publication, as Printers are people who want much spurring. Milady has taken nobody to Town with her but Mrs. Quin and the Kitchen Maid. Mrs. Q. I think will not stay long ; and I am sure I hope not, she is as idle in the way of work, as it is possible — even the gentle Lady is frequently finding fault with her, which she does not take good humouredly ; and she is much too pretty in my opinion, and knows it too well. Adieu. Yours ever affectionately, M. J. H. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Privy Gardens : Tuesday, October 20, 1795. ... I send you some Gloves. Your Clogs and your Satin are likewise sent. And now, My dearest Puss, I am going to ask a favour, which if you grant you will doubly encrease every comfort you have already so tenderly assisted in procuring for me, and add very much to the satisfaction and pleasure the Dearest of Fathers feels in your sweet and constant attention to me. It was my Idea, from thinking it an attention I owed to Dearest Aunty that she should be sollicited to answer for my poor little dear Babe if it should live to become a Christian (jointly with Mama), as there is nothing uncommon now in having Four whether a Boy or a Girl. I find by what I have endeavoured to collect, that Dearest Aunt and the Good Dear Man will be both as well, and the latter better, pleased if you would undertake it. I had a sweet and dear letter from Bath on receipt of the Pictures, and from what she says I think it would be more gratifying to her not to be answerable the first, but stand the chance of a second opportunity rather than that I should not have the comfort of your being one of them. My intention therefore is that if it is a Lord Herbert, the Sponsors z 338 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. should be my Father, Yourself, and another Man and Aunty. The Gentleman seems to think Uncle Way would not like the office. If a Queen Mab, my Brother, Mama and you. Both ways I hope to have the Dearest Puss, so let me know what you like about it now I have told you what we shall be delighted with. I have not seen Lady Shelley, as I am positively forbid the Streets, they have not been new paved, and some Carriages have been actually overturned from the badness of the Pave- ment. What a Shame ! Bless you. Dearest. Once more Adieu. The Dearest Dear Man desires his Love and Blessing to the Dear Bratts, and wishes they would let him know how the Weir looks, and whether the Water falls over the Bay properly. Good night, and love me as your sincerely and truly affectionate Lucy Sheffield. Maria Josepha to Sere7ia. Sheffield Place : October 23, 1795. Harriet and I dined, dressed and slept at Mrs. Luther's on Tuesday for the convenience of going to the Ball at Brighton with less Trouble. Lady C. Strutt took us, and I found it an uncommon pleasant evening, partly I believe because I had not formed any great Expectations of pleasure. The D. of York and his Suite left Brighton the morning before the Ball, of course none of them were there. I danced before Supper with Mr. Stanley of whom I think you have heard before. He was here for a couple of days not long ago and I had the Good Fortune to have him as my Supper Partner. His con- versation is of such a different sort to that of young men in general, and we conversed upon such a variety of subjects, that I never passed two or three hours at a Ball more pleasantly, and my ci-devant Fhrt Mr. Miller with LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, * THE DEAR LADY.' 339 whom I danced afterwards seemed considerably lessened in my eyes by comparison. We returned home at five o'clock. My lady has expressed her wish that I should be one of the Sponsors for her Babe be it Male or Female, as it is no uncommon thing to have four, Lady Pelham the other. She desires it as if she were requesting such a favour that I am rather pleased she sees it in that light, as it gives me an opportunity of obliging her ; but it was my wish before she mentioned it, though I thought it was not the thing, to offer myself, or at least was doubtful about it : but if I had not thought about it, I should like it, from both her and Pap wishing it. I expect a long letter soon. Your last to Louisa was received in my absence and committed to the care of Vulcan before my return ; because I suppose there was some moralizing in it. Yours ever truly M. J. HOLROYD, Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : October 25, 1795. The soldiers are all manoeuvring and firing at such a rate in the field just behind my Garden, that I am jumping and shaking all over every moment. I wish they would spare their powder. As to the subject on which you reason rationally, I am not sure I quite agree with you. I do not think it a fair trial of a man's understanding his talking in a trifling manner situated as he was at the Coach Door before such witnesses. . . . You have never heard any unfavourable account of him from anybody. He is also in manners a Gentleman. He may rise in his pro- fession, and I think dear H. has many disadvantages for so sweet a girl, which makes me wish her settled if it can be with tolerable prudence. You are a dear sort of a z 2 340 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. thing after all, and know yourself very humbly, but I would not give you the same Advice, for you would make a D of a Wife to a Man you could not look up to as high as a Steeple. It would require uncommon Sense and Temper to make a right impression on you, for which I humbly hope if you marry you will not be the Guide, because you could not be happy without preferring his judgment to yours. I give free consent to Mr. S. and a great deal more than consent for I would love him. If you meet again I wish I could be your invisible Sylph to check some things. You should have all your own powers of plea- sing without your impetuosity and thoughtlessness. You should be animated without losing softness or delicacy, you should never show feelings you ought not to express. The Man who thinks of a Wife is, believe me, a very strict observer, however he may seem enamoured. Could I but make you quiet and above fluttering at the notice of an agreeable Man, you would be as near my wishes as you well could be. Dearest of dear Marias, do love me enough to think seriously of conquering these points in yourself. Believe me, near as you are to me I have not escaped being told of these faults as being so far against you as to prevent Men being more than partners for a time. ' What pity with all Nature has done for you ! God bless you ! Your happiness is very essential to making me like this little Globe I assure you. Give love to dear Louisa and Miss P. Ever and ever yours S. H. Lady Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Privy Gardens : October 24, 1795. The Trio in Privy Gardens are still in good Preserva- tion. . . . I suppose you have seen in the Gazette that the Title LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAK LADY.' 341 of Loughborough is granted to all the Erskine Family. Be so good as to say we desire if all the Turkeys and Geese are not eat, that Mrs. Harrison will sometimes send them up to us, as we cannot live upon the half Sheep she sends once a week, and as to the Pheasants they do no- thing towards keeping the Family. Veal in London is lOd. a pound. They must send things by the Coach as judiciously as possible, as they have just doubled the Carriage from Ish. to 2sh. this year. The Coach waits to take us out an Airing, so must say Good-bye. God Bless the Dear Good Babes. Adio. My Lord desires that pretty Poll will send up Five yards of the New Blue Cloth and he hopes Miss Harriet and the two Misses behave themselves perfectly well. He begs it may be announced to Fletcher that Hay is six Guineas a load in London and that he should not sell for less than 51. or four Guineas and a Half. Lord Sheffield to Maria Josepha. Privy Gardens ; Half-past twelve, Wednesday morning, Oct. 28, 1795. The most precious Woman is said to be safe. . . . The Doctor and all the Women declare they never observed such an Instance of fortitude and Patience in all their experience or a more painful case. The mother and son could not both be saved. I am perfectly satisfied that the dear Woman is safe. I only fear that she will be still more uneasy when she recovers strength. . . . She now talks with great cheerfulness, but Brush will not allow her to talk even a minute with the dear Emily, who has proved herself as amiable as might be imagined on the occasion. The Coachman must return, but I send orders for John Joyney to carry a note to Stanmer, which should be there at half past eight as Lord Pelham is to 342 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. come to Town this day to attend the reading of the King's Speech. It is now half past one o'clock. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : October 30, 1795. One little line in my Louisa's letter was a comfort you did not think of, because you did not know I had terrified myself about William Clinton, having been told that he and Genl. Doyle and L'Isle Dieu were fallen into the Devils' hands, and I believed it for a whole evening and night. Next morn it was contradicted, but I still felt anxious, so that your saying William was daily expected, gave the security I wanted. Oh dear ! Oh dear ! when will all fears cease of these Hydra Headed Monsters ? We are comforting ourselves with the hope that the Austrians at least will revenge themselves on the paltry King of Prussia. Poor Austrians ! they have acted bravely and suffered enough. I do wish them some compensation. I had written quietly thus far, when some lines from dear Sheff, which it was truly good in him to send, have agitated me and will end my other subjects. That the good amiable Woman is safe seems compleatly to comfort my Brother for the Death of the Babe, and he thinks of nothing but her Patience and her not being disappointed. I love him for it, as it is often the contrary in Men. Her life is truly precious to us all. . . . Mrs. Lyon got the most delightful Letter from her Son, dated Sept. 8, not only saying he was well, but giving the most perfect happy approbation to her intended Marriage, so that I hope soon to tell you all my secrets, tho' I am earnestly requested to be silent a little longer. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 343 Maria Josepha to Serena, Sheffield Place : November 1, 1795. The King was at the Play on Friday, and most graciously received. ' God Save the King ' called for and played three times. What a Situation the Country might have been in", if that Infernal Plot had succeeded, and as it is, the disposition of many people is very un- pleasant. He was pelted returning from the House, and his Coach pulled to pieces on its return to the Mews. The Isle Dieu Colonel has reason to be proud, so many hearts trembled for him last Sunday. Mr. Jekyll came here to Church, and told us the news with great satisfaction. He thought Opposition would meet Mr. Pitt with something to fling in his Teeth, and only think how disagreeable to have Blank Monday without a Post follow this information ! What wretches Politicians are ! Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Sunday morning, November 1, 1795. Earning torrents. Yesterday we exchanged letters, by which you will find that the news from Privy Gds. was sent me directly, and the next day was followed by a bulletin from Miss Pelham sa3dng the Doctor found the dear Lady's pulse as well as if nothing had happened, which comfortable account was I hope the reason of my not hearing again yesterday. This is the only subject almost that could take the place of the horrid attack upon the King. I can scarce yet recover the idea. I think nothing is clearer than the intention to murder him, and that it was to be the beginning of a General Eevolution. Conceive the Con- fusion we might now be in had he not been providentially 344 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. saved, almost indeed miraculously. I must think that the late Conventional Meetings were preparatory to this, and in spite of Lord Lansdowne's Diabolical Surmises, that it is a most serious business, but I hope it will be taken up in such a manner in Parlt. as to make us more secure than if it had not happened. I see my Brother is one of the Committee on this business. How very strange that the King should be left with only two Servants after what passed, on going and coming from Parlt. If he takes no precautions, others should. It is so like the French Devils that all their horrors rise into my mind and make me tremble. I take it for granted you read the Debates, for they are even to me now the most interesting, and I think Pitt's speech beyond anything I ever read. I went thro' Sheridan and Fox. Wit and abilities without a grain of worth or reasoning. . . . This moment the post brings me two delightful bulletins from Miss Pelham, that the dear Lady was to rise to have her Bed made, eat chicken, etc. Thank God ! I now hope all danger over. I went to the Post from Impetuosity. The man asked Five Pence, and I gave it without observing my letters were franked. What sense and Courage in the King to go to the Play, and yet I feel frightened when I reflect on their tear- ing his Coach to pieces even after he was safe. I am glad Sheff carries the Address. I wish all respectable People to show loyalty at this critical moment. It makes one wish for Military Government or even Despotism in preference to such Liberty. We have had Kain enough for a Deluge, and I have stayed two whole Evenings at Home. Yours Ever, S. H. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 345 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheffield Place : November 8, 1795. Did you not tremble for the probable consequences that would have followed, if the King's Life had fallen a sacrifice to the Diabolical Villains who attacked it? and don't you think he had shewn wonderful courage and coolness in pursuing his usual way of Life, going to the Play etc. as before. I heard that some of his Attendants wished to dissuade him from going to the Play the day after the first Attack, and that he answered that they might propose and expect, but that there was a Supreme Disposer of all things in whom he trusted for his preservation. I cannot think how the King can have any private enemies, as his private Character is ex- cellent. . . . Adieu. I have not time for more. From Lady Sheffield. Privy Gardens : November — , 1795. My dear Dear Babes may be well assured that She who feels the Affection of a Mother for them will do all she can to hasten her return to them, but she must remember she has a good deal of strength to get up. The first time I have used a Pen is to say that I am Most cordially and sincerely The dearest Maria and Louisa's Ever Tenderly Affectionate Lucy Sheffield. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : November 11, 1795. What a comical Animal a good-natured Friend is, and what a propensity human creatures have to communicate bad news, are the two observations that occurred upon 346 GIELHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. reading your letter. As Charity begins at home, I must wish your Friends and Acquaintances to employ you with a little Misery, because from my observations that you ^0 plunging on, out of one, into another uncomfortable scene, I am perfectly convinced, if your Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Byams, &c., were happy and so forth, that we S. P. folks should do something disagreeable to fill up the vacuum of jour mind, and to furnish the supply of sorrowful food that is necessary to 'the support of your frame. But setting these excellent reasonings aside, I do feel very much for the poor Woman, and still more from thinking that Henry is so soon to run all these risks, and still more than that, for the dear old Aunt who is obliged to undergo comfort- ing the Beastess, at the same time dreading the worst. I hope you will soon know what to hope or fear, as a state of uncertainty or suspense is of all situations the most horrid, and if in future the wicked ones are kept in a State of Purgatory, uncertain what is to become of them, I think the aid of the Great Prince will not be wanted to torment them further ; and now we are flown from the subject I began with so far as the Nether Eegions, we will return if you please. Quick ! as fast as you can, turn Heaven and Earth to get la 'Vie de Madame Eoland.' We have just got it, and some Passages are Rousseau-like and find their way perpendicularly to one's heart. The strength of mind she shews is wonderful, and in every way, even in those parts to which you will not assent and in others in which you vdll be shocked, still I am certain you will find great entertainment and pleasure. After having said you will be shocked, I hope I shall not shock you, in telling you it is partly the recommendation and principally the subject of discourse of my dear Mr. Stanley at the Ball. It is true however that he said, if I read it, (when he found from what he had mentioned I was very near setting off from the Ball LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 347 room to get it) I had better get Lord Sheffield to point out the Passages worth reading. Thinks I, if I wait till then, Lord have mercy upon me ! but I did not say so. I stated very prettily that Milord had many avocations both public and private, and that Milord instead of reading, particularly as his eyes were not very good, liked to be read to, etc. etc. So, at last, my gentleman came honestly to confession, that if I was his sister, he should say, ' Read the book and no harm will come to you ; but that it would not sound the thing to talk of the work and quote Mr. Stanley for the person who recommended it.' So I have read it, do not feel much corrupted, and only mention my recommender to you in confidence. I should tell you there is nothing against * les Moeurs ' — tho' a Frenchwoman, she never had an intrigue, at least ' avoue ' — but she gives a minute account of all her feelings, and the dawning and progress of her opening mind. As she is thoroughly ' naive,' her descriptions may be of such a nature as a gentleman would not exactly chuse to put into a Lady's hand, at the same time that the mind and heart will remain as pure as before the perusal. Now do get it if you possibly can. There are four Pamphlet Volumes. The 1st and 2nd are very curious, but more political, the 3rd and 4th are her private Life and what I particularly wish you to read and give me your opinion of. I should like you also to read Mrs. Wollstonecroft's ' Vindication of the Rights of Women.' There are many sensible and just observations. Maria Josepha to Sere^ia. Sheffield Place : Tuesday, — 15th, 1795. I stand up Champion for Madame Roland's Purity and Mr. Stanley's Propriety, so cruelly attacked by the Venerable Bede in her last epistle. ... I do not allow 348 GIKLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. there are any strong contradictions in her character. . . . Have you got the two first parts of the work ? though they are poHtical they are full as interesting, particularly the account of her being arrested and her confinement first in I'Abbaye, afterwards in St. Pelagie. . . . We are now reading another publication of the same kind, *Le Kecit de mes Perils,' par Louvet, who was ' mis hors la Loi,' and pursued at the same time as Madame Roland was, but had the good fortune to hide himself till the overthrow of Robespierre. . . . Adieu, dear old Aunt. Yours ever, M. J. H. Serena to Mm'ia Josepha. Bath : November 19, 1795. Will you like to be told I have a blister on my back which I put there last night for the whizzing which came yesterday with as much violence as the first time at S.P. I grew quite deaf with the noise. In the night I had a real pleasant feel from fever. The blister pain gave me spirits and made me rather delirious, and I was un- commonly happy singing the Easter Hymn and 104th Psalm, and my want of voice was no impediment. It shows the delight of a drunken Man. Adieu, dearest Girls. Yours Ever and Ever, S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. Hook ' : Friday, November 21. If ever I write again to the Dearest of all Aunts till I have said my Alphabet in every Language I know, and drank a Quart of Water, I will consent to feel as queer as at this moment, because I shall deserve it. What can I say, not to apologize, but to express what I would do or ' Mr. Poole's house. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY/ 349 give to recall yesterday's letter, or to erase it from your Memory? I will only throw myself upon your Heart, which knows mine under all its rubbish for the rough Precious stone (am I much too vain ?) that the Cock was scratching for in the Dunghill. I have a great mind to promise — I hardly dare write the word perform — that with a little more scratching it shall appear in native Lustre. At least at this moment I feel as if this Lesson would remain in my mind. Indeed I shall be miserable till I hear from you again. I am not afraid you will be angry, but I dread your foolish head being so ridiculous as to be vexed. I wish it was not in my power to vex you. But I will add no more on this subject. Pray forget it easier than I can. [The naughty letter which caused Maria such remorse cannot be found, and the burnt edges of the original of this one suggest the measures that Serena took to close the episode.] I have just received a dear letter from Lady Cremorne, supposing me in London with Milady, and asking if I have any Commands or Messages for Bath, where she is going in a day or two. I must thank her myself for her kind attention, though as she will see you I can have nothing to tell her. When you first mentioned a Domestic Worry I feared Mrs. Bull was in it, as I thought you were not sufficiently interested in the others to be worried by them. I am very sorry upon her own account, and hope the Match is not a very bad one, as her Health and spirits are not calculated to struggle against difficulties. Maria Josepha to Serena. November 24, 1795. I am quite delighted Mrs. Lyon has had so much happiness at once, not that I ever doubted her Son 350 GIRLHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. would do otherwise than give his hearty approbation ; yet it is pleasant all suspense is over. As to your weighty secret, it must either regard the confirmation of your Marriage, which you know I have suspected, or else something wonderful in regard to the Gentleman of Mrs. Lyon's choice. As you must know him now, why did you not tell me who it is, and whether it is anybody I ever heard of ? But you and Louisa are fond of Secrets where there is no occasion, at least in my idea. She is as impenetrable upon all subjects as an old experienced Lady of eighty, and I wish I had some secret of my own ; I would do my best to keep it from you both as a punish- ment for your various ' Cacheries.' Never any astonishment equalled that of Mine, Louisa's, and Fanny's (but I cannot keep suspecting hers acted) as I think she must have seen it beginning, when we found who Mrs. Bull's Husband was. Poor woman ! what can happen to her but Misery, and perhaps Beggary, with such a Man, and how prettily she used to join in laughing at him and his Coxcombries. Well ! nothing is wonderful in the way of Marriages — and so I have said a hundred times, and yet I still wonder every day almost. What becomes of Mrs. ' Fooley ' ? ^ We have just received Intelligence that Milord and Mr. Pelham are coming to dinner to-day in order to attend the County Meeting to-morrow at Lewes. ... I shall postpone finishing this till to-morrow, in case the people from Town furnish me with anything to say. Wednesday morning. Oh ! what a delight to have two men in the House I Seriously, it is so long since we have seen any person ^ Serena's Housekeeper, Bull, passed into Maria Josepha's service in 1797. Her imprudent marriage to Foley was succeeded by two others. In spite of these interruptions she remained the devoted nurse of the family under the name of ' Moomie ' till her death, more than half a century later. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY/ 351 mixed in the world, that we had Fifty Thousand questions to ask, and information without end to gain, since Emily's letters are only bulletins and not chit-chat ones. I do hope the dear Woman will be able to come soon now. Doyle is not coming home, since he could not evacuate the Island, (Isle Dieu) without leaving all his Stores behind him, and Mr. Pelham, who has heard what is settled at home in the Cabinet, says they are to remain where they are, but are perfectly safe. It is possible William may leave them, but I don't think probable. ' Uncle ' Tom was uncommonly pleasant yesterday evening, and they have so much ' egayed ' us that we shall get our healths the better for a week to come. They have just left us to attend the County Meeting and prepare their Address. Lady Webster has another boy, fortunate it is not a girl. They talk of coming over in the spring. I daresay I have a great deal more to say, but it does not occur in the hurry and confusion of having had company. Yours ever and ever, M. J. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Friday, November 27, 1795. Well, you vile impatient Creature, I will tell you the secret even before I am permitted, and all I lament is that I cannot be in a corner to look at your Phiz, t9 hear you scream your surprise etc., when I tell you that the Eev. George Coxe is the Man. But I will suppose you roaring, and will go on to tell you that I believe to-morrow se'en night the Deed will be done. That no Soul save his sister Harriet Bowdler, and myself know it at Bath. That probably Hippogriffe will give her away, and after breakfast she and her happy Husband will go to Bemerton,^ which house is lent them for a week or ten days, and it is. 1 Home of George Herbert, poet, d. 1632. 352 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. reported that a certain Dowager who has carried on this love business will be of the party. Possibly to be met there by Lady Eivers. . . . The present scheme is to live at Bath in Church Street (with Miss Coxe of the party) till he fixes at some Living. In the meantime he must go back and forward to Ireland. I have been at Mrs. Gibbon's, and just as I came home first entered Lord Cremorne, and we talked politics, tete-^-tete, for half an hour. Then came Sydney Smith, and talked sentimental till he was interrupted by Lady Cremorne, Lady and Miss Wake, and the Dawsons. . . . God bless you, dear Girls. Many here send love. Yours Ever, S. H. [The Rev. George Coxe married Mrs. Lyon, December 1795.] Serena to Maria Josejpha. Bath : November — , 1795. I allow you to be angry about my secret if you please, but I don't allow myself to be in the wrong. It was not my own secret. I will tell you whenever I am to be hanged or married. I believe there are none but the Bowdlers in Bath that know of our intended wedding. It is to be next Saturday. They breakfast with me ; we then set out for Bemerton, my maid and his man in another carriage, Lady Kivers to meet us at Bemerton. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bemerton : Thursday, December 17, 1795. We went one morn to look at Salisbury Cathedral and to Lord Eadnor's for the sake of some fine pictures. There are two Claudes reckoned the very best in the World, and some other beautiful Pictures. As to the Claudes, I could have looked a year at least at them. I never saw anything the least to be compared to them. The place itself flat and ugly. The House old, and nothing at the LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 353 same time of the beauty of Antiquity about it. A very extraordinary steel chair of exquisite workmanship. Adieu, my precious Girls. Dieu les B6nisse, S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : December 11, 1795. Your letter was a very interesting account of Things, and notwithstanding all the affronts I have received, I do sincerely rejoice in the prospect of happiness that is before your ' bien aime.' I wish I knew her, but indeed I feel as if I did know her. I have heard so much ' sur son sujet.' Your expedient of the Candle hint was excellent and very like yourself. I would not wish for any better contriver than you are, upon all intricate and delicate points. And now for Madame Koland. I am delighted you have got her, and I hope you will not be disappointed in the pleasure I have promised you from her conversation, Do tell me your opinion of the Book as you go on. Have you heard Lady Audley's first Husband, Mr. Moorhouse, is risen from the Dead and returned to claim his Wife? or at least his Money, and as Lord A. married her for that, probably he will beg leave to part with both at once. Instead of being killed in the East Indies, he was taken prisoner by Tippoo, or some of those good folk, and has been exchanged or made his escape lately. At least, this is the story ; I do not vouch for the truth of a single Syllable of it ; not even the gentleman's return ! Adieu, dear old Aunt, Yours Ever, M. J. H. Papa lives in the Board of Agriculture House of Commons and Corn Committee. I say nothing of politics, A A 354 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. because they would be an endless Subject. But I suppose you have read the Bill against Seditious Meetings, and wondered how sensible Men could talk so much and say so little. I have had a few lines from the dear old woman herself this morning, the first she has written. She says she is equally impatient to return as we are to have her, but she has a great deal of strength to recover. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bemerton, Salisbury : December 11, 1795. Lady Bivers and Miss Coxe came as we expected on Monday. The latter goes on Tuesday to Bath to prepare for the Married Couple. We stay till Monday se'en night, and I believe if G. Coxe had his will we should stay a month longer. We are in truth all as happy as possible. That amiable woman seems most unaffectedly to accord in Ukings, dispositions, etc., with the family into which she has entered. All the family are pouring in presents to George and his wife. Aunt D'Aranda sends Twenty pounds to be laid out in Plate. Mr. Bivers 251. for ditto. Lady Bivers brought a dozen teaspoons and tea-tongs new, costing four pounds, as a little keepsake. Sir Peter sends two dozen silver forks, and so on. God bless you Both. Yours, S. H. Seyxna to Maria Josepha. December 21, 1795. We left Bemerton on Friday and went to Standerwick, a very sweet spot within nine miles of Bath — Mr. Edgells, old friends of Mrs. G. Coxe. When I got home I found a dear packet from my Children. Our Duchess of York (Crown Princess of Prussia), in spite of Dr. LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 355 Kandolph's Oratory and his being Chaplain and favourite, prefers the Queen Square Chapel because it is more like going to Church and so quiet. She was so pleased with Mr. Brisbane's Sermon that she asked to have it. She paddles about the Streets sometimes alone in all the dirt to seek out some poor that have been recommended, and does good as privately as possible, and no less sensibly. The Duke and she, arm in arm, go into shops together and are not known, and are diverted making bargains. A chairman heard her say she had no pin, or would pin up her petticoat, and he took one out of his Coat and gave her. She accepted it vdth a Courtesy, and used it directly. Maria Josepha to Miss Firth. Sheffield Place : December 22, 1795. What in the name of wonder is become of you ? It is almost three weeks since we heard anything of you, and a great deal more, since my own self had a Letter. I hope there is one taking the Tour of England, or else I should be afraid something was the matter with you. The dear people arrived safe and well on Sunday, which I am sure you will be glad to hear ; they left Town on Saturday and slept that night at Mr. Snow's, about a Mile on this side Godstone, and got to S.P. ^bout four the next day ; the dear Lady was not near so much fatigued with the Journey, as I was afraid she would have been, and upon the whole is better than I expected to see her. Thank God ! she is here and I hope a few weeks will restore her to her former strength. Papa says, and upon my word, I beheve sincerely at present, that he hopes she will never have another child. I don't say so ; we allow her to have a Httle girl, you know, and indeed I should be very sorry if she should not. . . . Sir Jonathan and Lady Cope dined twice at Hlook A A i: 356 GIKLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. the last time we were there. Her Ladyship is very agreeable and I don't wonder she should like Mr. Jekyll better than her clod of a good man. Mr. Tennant is very well, but amazingly fat, Milady says. Mrs. Chapman, her nurse, who has seen the ways of a good many in his Line, says she never saw such attention and exactness in the manner of his sending out his medicines. I am very glad any relation of yours should be the substitute, but at any rate, I bless my stars that Mr. Farquhar is routed. Yours very sincerely M. J. HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : December 25, 1795. I suppose you have been written to from Portland Place ? I would have written yesterday but I thought you would certainly have received information of the event, and when I had the melancholy Task of writing to poor Harriet I did not feel much disposed for any more. . . . "We are going on very nicely here. Dear Lady looks very well, and is tolerable. Mr. Woodward, Philip and George dine here to-day ; the Pooles to-morrow, and possibly the Eivetts, but we have not had an answer from them. One little word for Madame Eoland. I do not think you very prudish in general, but I do in this instance, because though it is indelicate and therefore would raise a blush if read in mixed company, I do not think it can have any bad influence on the mind and heart. At least I could not see anything seducive in her descriptions, merely laughable, but I perfectly agree with you, they had much better have been left out and that the Book, with a few omissions, might have been made unexceptionable. You do acknowledge, however, that you have been LUCY, LADY SHEFFIELD, 'THE DEAR LADY.' 357 interested and amused which I am glad of. I cannot think what has become of Miss Firth. It is almost a Month since I heard from her. Serena to Maria Josepha, Bath: 1795. It blew a Hurricane yesterday, so not being as strong as a Lioness I could not go to Mrs. Gibbon, but I sent dear Sheff.'s scrap which was multum in parvo and will I daresay have given the most perfect satisfaction. Many many thanks for the kind thought of the dear Lady Sheffield intending to send me her hair which I shall value very highly indeed, as Louisa does the delicate little ring. You have sent Louisa's Lally play instead of mine, but I image I may suppose it mine. The accounts of poor old Mother are not what I had any curiosity about. I meant those in Ireland of really forty years ago. These since she came to England can have nothing curious, tho' I am obliged for the intention. May I not burn them ? Yours ever, S. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Firth. December 31, 1795. ... I suppose that you have seen in the Paper Sir H. Clinton is dead. He is to be buried at Windsor in a family Vault, where the Duke of Newcastle was buried, and it is to take place to-day. He has appointed Papa as one of his Executors. . . . 358 GIRLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. CHAPTEE XV. 1796. 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' January — April, Duke and Duchess of York — Brown bread and pottage — French guests — Anxious times — Narrow escape of George III. — Publication of Gibbon' Memoirs — London life — Mr. Stanley. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January 1, 1796. I MUST not wait till the post comes in, and will not let this day pass without blessing my beloved Girls as well as my dear Sheff and his Sweet wife. How long are we to Mourn for Sir Henry ? I would do as my Brother wishes. It used to be six weeks for a first Cousin ; but I believe now not above half the time. You, dear Child will receive this on your birthday, so that it has to convey to you a double Blessing, and I trust to dear Lady S. for giving you a Kiss, and a remembrance from me with all the affectionate wishes my heart can bestow. More indeed than I can find words for. Maria Josepha to Sere^ia. Sheffield Place : January 3, 1796. Your sweet ambassadress hastened her rising and dressing this morning, to come herself to my room with your dear present and performed all you would have said and done, to a miracle. You are a dear old Mrs. Aunt, and unless you could have given them to me your own 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 359 self, no substitute could have been more pleasant. I am very melancholic to-day, between Happiness and Sorrow. Something between the sentimental and sad ; for myself I tave nothing to wish but to preserve the Blessings I enjoy, and a few little, wise &cs. that will occur to you as necessary to my perfection. But I want the dear woman to be as well as she deserves to be ; and endless wishes for those dear souls in Portland Place, the Clintons. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : January 6, 1796, ... I went yester morn into public, my first appear- ance. A concert for the benefit of Sunday Schools In- dustry, etc. It was requested that we of consequence should honour it with our Presence. The Duke, Duchess, and I of course went there at twelve, and stayed till three, listening to Catches and Glees of the prettiest sort ; but beyond all things execrable singers, and I never saw anything so good humoured as the Duke and Duchess were the whole time. She is the sweetest little Woman, doing good everywhere. Giving no trouble or offence. Modest and yet not losing Dignity. Delighted with the privilege of walking with her Husband in all the dirt, and totally unattended except by five Dogs. They leave us next Saturday I understand ; but I daresay they will come again as they like us, and are much liked. Ever yours, S. H. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheffield Place : January 7, 1796. Yesterday some people were not forgotten, dear old Mrs. Aunt, your health was drank, and many sentiments, if you understand that kind of toast, given on the occa- sion ; and we were wondrous Merry, as the Song says. 360 GIELHOOD OF MAKIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Some hearts thought some comical things about you, too tedious to relate. I hope no more of your friends have been * fitty ' or anything like it. The Fullers dined and slept here on Monday, and we played Pope Joan, Whist, and drank Punch, and such celebrities. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath, Sunday Morn. : January 10, 1796. Yesterday with great regret we lost our Duke and Duchess of York. Would she had a nice little girl like the Princess of Wales. In other respects, I believe her as happy as if she was not Eoyal, and her Husband truly fond of her. Sydney Smith asked me yesterday what I had done to gain Lewis Way's heart, for that there was no bounds to his partiality, and said that after enumerat- ing my many virtues, he finished by saying, ' in short She is amongst Women, what the Dean of C. Church is amongst Men.' Louisa, who knows Sydney Smith will imagine how he looked in repeating this amongst us all. I am sure I am not conscious of your cousin's doing me so much honour, tho' I like to be thought well of by all your connections. . . . This evening we are to celebrate Mr. Pepys' Birthday with a Supper at Mrs. Hartley's, because it was he that made us all (Coxes, etc.) acquainted with her. Adieu dearest Maria, Yours Ever, S. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Firth. January 17, 1796. Catherine Fanshawe, who gave Aunt a great alarm some time ago, is again relapsed, and very ill. Aunt is always getting into one Melancholy scene or other. Mrs. Bull, alias Foley, after all the trouble and vexa- *THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 361 tion Aunt had about getting her out of Bath to avoid her husband, has returned there, I suppose, to him. We were in hopes Colonel Way and Parson Way would have been here at Christmas ; but the former could not get leave of absence from Portsmouth, and the latter, who had just cut off his Tail and taken orders, has been doing duty at Denham and Hedgerley, and was not allowed to stir. We passed the time very pleasantly while the Clives were here. We took fine long walks, she, I and her brothers ; indoors we play Battledore, Chess, and amused ourselves so well, that I had no time for anjrfching else. We talk and hear of nothing but Corn. Papa made a long and sagacious Speech at the Quarter Sessions on Friday upon the subject of scarcity, and the measures to be taken in consequence; adding a little abuse of the Millers who refuse grinding and selling the whole Flour except to Gentlemen's Families, who particularly order it — by which means all the Gentlefolks eat Brown Bread and Mixtures, while the Poor feed upon the Whitest Flour, and can get no other. There has been a great alarm in this neighbourhood lately that all the Corn was going upwards. Some people have come down and bought all they could get from the little Farmers, giving three Guineas p"" Load more than the Millers here offer ; and then carry it to London, which is a bad business ; and there is no means of preventing it, but by giving an immoderate price. Papa is selling all his Wheat at the rate of 16 P*^^ to all the Poor who he puts upon his List. It would never hold out for all the Inhabitants of this Parish. We have got some Keceipts for Making Pottage of Bones and the coarsest pieces of Meat, which is very nourishing and excellent, the Goodness depends upon the length of Time it is Stewing. Yours Ever, M. J. H. 362 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Maria Josepha to Serena. Sheff. Place : January 25, 1796. In as much as there are two Letters waiting to go to you, I must write to-day, otherwise, as I have not time for a long letter, I would have waited a little. Mr. and Mrs. H. Foster and the two girls came last Sat., and they stay till Monday next. The French folk, Lally, Malouet and the Prince de Poix, came on Monday, not having comprehended we expected them on the Thurs- day and Friday preceding. They made a little Tour of it by taking Cuckfield in their way, and of course from thence they explored some of the worst roads in the county. They narrowly escaped going round by Brighton, which as Lally has been here so often was rather stupid. Poor creatures ! They had not eat anything from 11 to 10 at night when they arrived here, and of course eat most voraciously at Supper. They all seem in tolerable good spirits, and I am sure in excellent Voice, for I never heard such a noise as they made last night after Supper, Lally and the Prince de Poix supporting the right of the Young Princess to the Crown, in case of the King and Prince's death, against Malouet and Mr. Foster, who Maintained the right of the Duke of York. It is wonderful to me there can be two opinions about it, as there is no law to the exclusion of Females from the Crown in England, and of course the Inheritance is belonging to the oldest Branch. But I have met with several people who have made it a doubt, therefore I hope the case will never happen, least the whole Kingdom should be divided in opinion. Papa had a letter from one of his Constituents begging to be informed of the Law relative to the case which he stated as I mentioned. I believe we shall not go to Town yet, and I should not wonder if we stayed till Easter. Papa may possibly go up next week for two « 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 363 or three days, and if he does I am hoping to go with him to see Harriet before she goes to Mrs. Dawkins. If I succeed in that, I shall be very glad to remain late in the country, as I am sure it will be of great service to My lady who mends very fast, and it will be a saving to the purses of both Milord and Myself, They talk very much of a Dissolution of Parliament in the Spring or beginning of Sunmaer ; I wish it was well over ; but I hope and believe Papa has no thoughts of Bristol or of any place if he is to be at expence about it. I broke off to correct the Press, and it is too late to add more at present. Adieu. Yrs. ever, M. J. H. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : 29 January, 1796. Thou dearest of all Kigmaroles. You are more de- lightful in your Medley than the Wisest, and I interpret your misteries better than a Sybil. I comprehend the various movements of mind which you are playing off and I enter into the spirit and essence of every hne. ' Cela suffit.' Would it do you any harm were I to confess for once a dawn of something like a hope, or a wish that something would come of something. Comprenez vous ? Don't run wild now and suppose more than necessary, so as to make a disappointment, if it should prove otherwise, but do remember like a dear thing, that all you have to do is to be quiet and prudent, and I suppose the whole of your conduct to be watched. It is indeed most really natural to suppose any rational Man will do so before he ventures to speak. Let him not then see you are to be too easily won. Beheve me it is the medium between coldness and the reverse that must gain men. If possible not to let them see their power. To be calm, easy, 364 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. natural, but more quiet and gentle than you naturally are. I almost defy any sensible man not to like you when you are chearful and yet quiet. Exclusive of all partiality you are at such times most really pleasant, and when you suppress little Demons of passion and let the best parts of your heart appear, one certainly must love you. In the last year of your Hfe you have made your character known so much to your advantage, that very few girls have been more favourably mentioned, or more generally known, which by the way may have its good effect, so that nothing can be against you but yourself. Command your impetuosity, your little whims and hurry of temper. Do not indulge the moment at the hazard of your comfort or advantage. This is all you have to do, to be a happy woman, and at all events it is your only means of obtain- ing everything you wish. This is the burden of my Song, and, believe me, not merely said as an incentive to follow my advice, but it is my real opinion. The good accounts of dear Lady Sheff rejoice me. ... I hope you are right as to our Fleet, but letters from Plymouth quite tor- mented me about our Ships. God Preserve them ! Never sure was such weather for so long a continuance. Oh Mirabile Dictu — Maria an Economist ! Without powder to save it ! Observe my words that the times will do good and teach people to think. Don't imagine I suspect you of too much thought, but in some points people will take the opportunity of an honourable retreat from expences. Never, however, was there remembered a more shockingly extravagant winter known at Bath. It is really shame- full to hear of the Private Balls given with everything brought from Town, etc. One was very excellent. The fruit, confectionery, and most expensive part did not come till next day when the Ball was over. They sat up till nine in the morning. Adieu, Dearest Maria. Tell Louisa that I give her great credit for her advance in dress, and 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 365 set it down to myself. What will be said in future of a sage old Aunt preaching coquetry and dissipation ? As my two children are opposites my advice must be (like a Lawyer) calculated for both sides of the question. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Sheff. Place : Monday, Feb. 1, 1796. You will have seen in the papers Admiral Christian's Fleet is returned to Portsmouth. What an unfortunate business it has been. . . , The French Folk left us this morning. They have been very entertaining tho' as noisy as I expected. Lally and the Prince de Poix have sung a great deal, and the former read Zaire last night and repeated in a preceding evening some scenes from a new Tragedy he is writing, founded on the Polish Revolution, called Kosciusko, the name of the General. They were all in good French Spirits, that is, one minute crjdng over the Letters they received from France, and the next laughing, singing, and talking Nonsense. The 1st vol. of the Gibbonian Memoirs is quite printed off and the 2nd so far advanced that I now begin to hope, with some confidence, the work may come out soon after Easter. Milady and I are excellent Devils, and corrected yesterday 3 sheets of 16 pages each. Tomorrow there is a Navigation Meeting. Alas ! the poor Navigation ! Adieu. All here desire to be Kindly remembered. Yrs Ever, M. J. H. I should not wonder if we go to London very soon. Papa says he will not again go up without My Lady, and the Corn business is very likely, I think, to call him up, and as that is a subject on which he is so well informed and may be of great use ; we all wish him to go on with it. 366 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : February 5, 1796. I am not quite easy about dear Lady Sheff. I am convinced those spasms in her throat happen from relaxation and weakness. . . . How shocking the attack again upon the King. I am terrified lest it should affect his spirits, or lest at last some Devil may succeed in these attempts. It seems to me as if they were encouraged by finding that there is no punishment for it. I wish a few were hanged directly in Terrorism, for I am convinced these are not days for too much mildness. Lord Sandwich told Mrs. Fanshawe of an intention of proroguing Parliament, which seemed a preliminary to a dissolution and put me in a tremor, and yet I should suppose it could not be a worse period for Government. Tell me all you know, and if Sheff has any plan as to Bristol, etc. A contest seems to be too wild to suppose him to undertake, but I fear being led by fair promises, etc. . . . Bath is intolerable. All Nations of the Earth come to visit us. Once more, dear vile little Demon, may Heaven pre- serve you in the right way. Seeena. Maria Josepha to Serena. February 7, 1796. ... It is surprising how little anybody in London troubled themselves about the Stone flung into the King's Carriage. These enormities are really becoming so common they will cease to create astonishment or horror. It was a smooth flint cut into sharp corners that was flung. It touched the Queen's cheek. The King caught it in his hand and gave it to Lord Harrington, who was in the Carriage, to 'keep for his sake.' The Duchess of Newcastle mentioned this. 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 367 Maria Josepha to Miss Firth. Sheffield Place : February 13, 1796. Now that all the Trunks and Boxes are ready to lock and nail down, I can set down comfortably to write to you my last letter from the Country. We go on Monday. The dear Lady has quite recovered, and is, I think, quite as well as before. I hope the moving to Town will not give her Cold again; but at all events she must keep quite quiet there — which is a respite for Louisa till after Easter probably. . . . Papa thought he was in hopes that he should not be wanted in Town for some time : but if he did he found himself mistaken, and I think he was mistaken in imagining he did not wish to go. The Corn Committee cannot go on without him, and I beHeve he is one of the most active, usefuU members of it ; and as this is not a mere poHtical business, but of general Utility, I am very glad he does not give it up. James has at last got a place of 70Z. a year. It is as Collector of Window Tax at Bristol. He must reside there three or four months in the year, and the rest of the time will be at his own dis- posal. There was some difficulty about his age, which Mr. L:vine very kindly settled for him. We saw him the evening we got to Town, and for a wonder he, Mrs. Irvine and the Httle girl are all well. . . . They are removed into Scotland Yard, so are still nearer neigh- bours to us than they were. We had a good dish of Corn between him and Papa. Miss C. Fanshawe is mending, and they hope will recover at last. She has had a hard struggle for her life. I forget if I told you Mrs. Bull came back to her husband, and is living at Bath upon what she can get by washing. She never had courage to see Aunt. 368 GIELHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. In the first place, I likes your history of your own dear self. It seems to me as if you were more happy and comfortable than ever I knew you. ... I am glad you have had some excursions into the riot of London. It mixes very well vnth your pleasant parties at home. I chuse to know all your Beaux. Tell me something of Mr. Stanley. I approve of being told of Books. I never saw Madame de Genlis' ' Cygne,' but have heard it abused as really unfit, as you say, to be read. Have you read Diane de Polignac's Essays ? Have you seen a little Thing called ' Leonore ' ? Maria Josepha to Serena. Privy Gardens : Monday, February 22, 1796. ... I have not read Mdme. de Polignac's Essays. Do you like them? I have seen the little thing called ' Leonora,' and have' got it of my own from the Author, alias Translator, Mr. Stanley ; for I suppose you mean a Tale in Yerse from the German. I cannot say I am delighted with it. The best parts are the Lines at the End, his own addition. Another Translation is coming out soon by Mr. Spencer which is likely to be better, but Mr. Stanley was very ill used about it. He lent his Translation to Lady D. Beauclerc, who took advantage of it to make beautiful drawings from it, and Mr. Spencer, her Nephew, I think, undertook to improve the Trans- lation, and meant to publish it with Engravings from Lady Diana's Drawings. Mr. Stanley did not intend to publish, but hearing of this he was affronted, and had his translation printed in hot haste. 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 369 Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Privy Gardens : February 25, 1796. We received the account of poor Mrs. Gibbon's death yesterday. For three or four days she has been expected to die hourly. She has gone off without pain. Papa and Mrs. Gould are her joint executors and residuary legatees. He wishes very much to avoid going down to Bath — on many accounts, but particularly because the Bristol people would expect him to pay them a visit . . , an honour he is not ambitious of at present. Mrs. Gibbon's papers are in such confusion that Aunt wishes him to come down if he can. Aunt writes in great hurry of spirits. Besides not being well and being hurried with looking over the papers, she did not like the poor old woman's death when it came to the point. Papa has not an idea what he will get. She had a very generous mind, and has proved it by her Will ; saying she would not avail herself of Papa's active friendship without leaving him a mark of esteem and gratitude. This will was made a short time after Mr. G.'s death. There was a former one in which she had left everything to him and only a 20Z. legacy to Mrs. Gould. I have not been out in an evening since we came to town, we have had constant pleasant parties every evening at home, really one enjoys society much more in that way than in any other. Milady mentions to all our friends that she never goes out. Theresa Parker and her Aunt Miss Eobinson have been here almost every day. WiUiam Clinton ^ has Hkewise been a great deal with us and has got over much of his apprehension and does not seem afraid we should bite him. He is a dear amiable creature and that's the truth of it. ' William, son of the late Sir Henry Clinton, K.B., married Louisa Holroyd in 1797. B B 370 GIRLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. March ~, 1796. You must know that rather wishing to soften matters, I had only told my Brother what Mrs. Gould's situation was. . . . Had Mr. Gibbon survived his Step Mother there is a Will in which Mrs. Gould has but 20Z. and a few keep sakes, so that she could not long have expected more. My brother, of course, was not named in that Will. ... All I thought could be expected from him was to give her the furniture as being scarce worth dividing . . . He keeping his Share of Plate, wine and books and Pic- tures. I shall know to-morrow what he says to her. To be sure if I read the Newspapers I must know that the Gib. Memoirs are going to appear. As poor Mrs. Gibbon determined not to like them I do not regret her not seeing them, and I trust she is better employed, but I long to see them. Tell dear Sheff. I have got the large Bible in the nicest oblique way possible. Indeed p.fter I had sent off my letter yesterday, I had a note from Mrs. Gould full of his goodness about the Plate, and well she might, for the Urn and the very large Coffee pot besides spoons, Sugar things etc. she has a noble Share. In short it was a genteel way of giving her the whole, and she considers it so. The tea pot is just sent me with the tiny coffee pot and Candlestick. The tea pot is hideously old, made out of a Canister for a Tea Chest. I never saw it before. I am however very glad Sheff. has been so genteel. It gives more pleasure and speaks more for him, than the taking all he could. I am afraid these large Jars etc., cased and sent to him will cost a great deal. I will send the little coins by the first friend going to town. I hope the watch was received. There is much of the Ancestry ready to go. The poor Oval Mama over the 'THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 371 Chimney was rubbed in the forehead, which I observe that it may not be supposed owing to package. Adieu, dear Animal, with love to all around you. Yours, S. H. Maria Josepha to Miss Firth. Privy Gardens : March 18, 1796. Milady has got a fresh Cold and coughs dreadfully ; she was so well before that it is very provoking, she has not eat a bit of meat or been out even in the carriage for four days. The Memoirs must now be out in a few days, Papa and Messrs. Cadell and Strahan have got into a little dispute about a part of the preface they did not like to publish, but I hope it is amicably adjusted ; very spirited Notes passed between them. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : March 20, 1796. The night before last I went to Lady Northlands' tea- drinking in honour of her Son's Wedding, as he married a Hesketh, niece to Lady H. It was uncommonly genteel. Not too hot, very gay and fine. But it had the advantage of convincing me how very much I should dislike routs, etc. I do not love cards and if I did would not throw away my money. The Lowest is half-crown Casino, and scarce any other game played. Three or four guineas a night so spent if I could afford it, I could not forgive myself for doing it, and without playing, an Old Woman not only passes her time unpleasantly, bui looks awkward. . . . Lady Jane Long was a curious Guillotine figure. Not only her head made perfectly easy to cut off without obstruction of any kind, but her body dress seemed cal- culated for it. I am told she is as violent as her Brother, Lord Lauderdale. . . . Yours ever and aye S. H. B B 2 372 GIKLHOOD OF MARIA JOSEPHA HOLROYD. Serena to Maria Josepha. Bath : Saturday, April 1, 1796. To be sure I did get the Memoirs on Wednesday, and in spite of my degree of Fore knowledge they interest and amuse me more than anything I could have, and I think they will do Sheff. credit. I like the arrangement etc., etc. * cela suffit.' I wish we could send them to Mrs. Gibbon, for as now all her little prejudices are removed I think she would be much pleased with them. . . . They make me feel affectionate to Mr. Gibbon, as you certainly see the most amiable parts of his character in these accounts and in his letters. Only that he must not be proud (where I hope he is) and it would cost him more grinding down to purifie him, I should think he would be vain of this pub- lication, and I am sure no Friend has done so much honour to the Memory of another as my brother has done to his. Maria Josepha to Miss Ann Firth. Privy Gardens : Friday April 15, 1796. I have been very Gibbonian lately, i.e. very lazy in my correspondence. You will be very glad to hear that the Ceremony of Presentation is over with Louisa, and that she acquitted herself extremely well ; managed her Hoop very well and nothing could be better than her manner when presented, as if she had been at Court all her hfe. The next best thing to hear is that neither she nor Mylady are much tired to-day, or feel any bad effect from their grand begin- ning yesterday ; for they went to an immense squeeze at the D. of Leeds at night besides Court. Louisa's Train was a demi-Saison striped Apple-green and White, narrow stripes about half an Inch wide. The Petticoat a rich Sattin striped Gauze, with a very beautiful pattern of *THAT SOMETHING MAY COME OF SOMETHING.' 373 yellow flowers between the Stripes, a broad Silver Fringe at the Bottom, Silver Gauze, two Ostrich and one Silver feather on her Head. Milady wore the same Train she had last year, a Gold Tissue with a very elegant Petticoat, white crape and gold. Mine was the same in every re- spect as last year at the Birthday. The Drawing-room was very full, which is less formidable and more agreeable than a very thin one, and considering it was so full, we did not stand a great while. All the Eoyal Family was present in all its branches. We were at the Duke of Leeds from ten to half-past twelve, so Louisa had an opportunity of seeing many of the Belles of the day, of whom she has so frequently heard. You would be sur- prised to see how she resigns herself to fate both in going out and bujdng what is necessary. I want a long Letter with all your remarks on the Memoirs. Maria Josepha to Serena. Monday, April 18, 1796. ... I have not told you we passed three hours at Mr. Stanley's on Friday morning, most supremely entertained with the sight of a large collection of drawings chiefly by Pocock from Mr. S.'s own sketches done in Iceland, Swit- zerland and Scotland, and a Series of drawings by Pocock expressing the History of a Ship from her first sailing out of Port to being wrecked. We were shown many other curious things in the way of Books and Prints, and were treated with a Concert by a Nightingale that did sing sweetly indeed. . . . Yesterday Pap. dined at Lord Fife's, Theresa Parker,^ Miss CHve and her Brother, and Mr. Jekyll came in the evening. I will not give you the fatigue of hearing of all 1 Theresa Parker married (1798) Hon. G. Villiers, third son of the first Earl of Clarendon, and was mother of the fourth Earl. 374 GmLHOOD OF MAEIA JOSEPH A HOLKOYD. our engagements for this week. You shall have informa- tion of them as they take place. ... I think I must con- clude this Letter tho' it is shorter than I like. But now, I recollect, I will not finish till I have scolded you, which I have always forgot, for your Indignation about * Les Chevahers du Cygne.' Have I not told you fifty times (more or less) that I had never heard the character of the Book before I read it ; but took it for granted, as her former works were unexceptionable, this must be so, par- ticularly as it was professedly written for youth ! and when I had read it, I only mentioned it to you with sur- prise Madame de Genlis could have composed it. At the same time I do not agree with you that the whole is uninteresting and improbable. Armofle, entirely omitted, I think there are many beauties remaining, but not the slightest excuse can be made for her character in any respect. . To make a great Skip to a very different book : Have you read the Bishop of Llandaff's 'Apology for the Bible,' in answer to Thomas Paine' s ' Age of Eeason.' What I have read pleases me extremely. The Language is clear and strong, and more satisfactory than those things in general are, for I think the more that is said upon those subjects, the more the case is puzzled, nine times in ten. Adieu, dear Old Aunt, M. J. H. T?^^rtmQ>cU.lJ^5 --UKxlkr <^t P-r'w-^r f> %•--»■ Uai ^vU^ .•t<» t r it* '7V! ^ ■>'.*Vf.-.* ■^ .' ^-"' i^.l >. ''s.