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THE
JOURNAL
AND CORRESPONDENCE
i
OF
WILLIAM, LOED AUCKLAND
A'OT,. I.
LONDON
PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO.
NEW-STREET SQUARE
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WILLIAM, LI R ST LORD AUCKLAND.
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the
JOURNAL
AND CORRESPONDENCE
OF
WILLIAM. LORD AUCKLAND
cfditlr a frefate gift fnttokttioit
BY THE KIGTIT HON. AND RIGTTT UEV.
THE BISHOP OF BATH AND WELLS
IN TWO VOLUMES
VOL. I.
LONDON
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UNIVERSITY OF CAUF0RNT4
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PREFACE.
The Letters now published have been selected from
a large mass of correspondence, public and private,
left by William, the first Lord Auckland. Some of
them are official, others private and familiar. Many
of them were written from Paris in 1786, during the
negotiation of the Commercial Treaty with France,
in which Lord Auckland bore a principal part. Little
apology is, perhaps, required for a publication of
this nature, since the Public generally receives with
favour whatever, in the shape of contemporary docu-
ments or family papers, tends to throw light on the
history of a particular period. But, from the frequent
references made to Mr. Pitt's Commercial Treaty
with France in recent debates in Parliament, it has
been inferred that a correspondence which describes
almost day by day the progress of the negotiation,
and gives a lively picture of the actors in it, might,
at the present moment, possess a peculiar interest.
It is not my purpose to discuss, though I cannot
wholly ignore, the imputations cast upon my father's
memory in some of the memoirs of his contempora-
ries, which have been published in the course of the
last few years. Neither my avocations, my habits,
nor my tastes fit me for literary controversy. My
belief is, that if Lord Auckland's life were fairly
and dispassionately written, he would be found to
have been an able, valuable, and honest public ser-
vant, as he was, unquestionably in private life, an
A 3
VI PREFACE.
amiable and excellent man, whose memory is still
fondly revered by those of his family (now, alas !
very few in number) who live to remember him. To
those survivors it has appeared that the picture which
this correspondence discloses of Lord Auckland, both
as a public and as a private man, is not unlikely to
modify the harsh judgments which some may have
conceived of him from reading the memoirs of Lord
Malmesbury and the Eight Hon. George Rose ; and
this belief has been one of the motives to this pub-
lication.
Of the works referred to I will only further say
this: — Whoever reads the. history of the past aright,
or accurately observes the motives and actions of the
men of his own time, must be aware how large a de-
duction ought to be made from the imputations cast
upon public men by their contemporaries writing or
speaking under the influence of party spirit or per-
sonal animosity, and probably with very imperfect
knowledge of the circumstances and motives of their
adversaries.
It remains only that, for myself and the other sur-
viving members of Lord Auckland's family, I express
our gratitude to Mr. George Hogge, who kindly un-
dertook the supervision of the correspondence, and
the preparation of this work for publication. We feel
that, whatever success may attend these volumes, it
will be in a great measure due to the research, ability,
and discretion with which that gentleman has per-
formed the substantial duties of editorship.
AUCKLAND, BATH & WELLS.
The Palace, Wells :
March 12th, 1860.
CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
Introduction Page xi
CHAPTER I.
Death of Lord Rockingham.— Lord Shelburne appointed Prime Mi-
nister. — Scene at Court. — Anger of Mr. Fox. — His Resignation. —
The Rockingham Party follow Mr. Fox's Example. — Lord Shelburne's
Letter to the Duke of Marlborough. — Lord Loughborough advises
a Coalition between Lord North and Fox. — Lord North at Becken-
liam. — Bon Mot of Hare. — Mr. Eden's Interview with Lord Shel-
burne. — Lord Loughborough on Parliamentary Reform . . 1
chap. ii.
Lord Loughborough at Buxton. — Arrival of the North Family. —
"Cabinet Council." — Lord North's Irresolution. — Dispute between
George Selwyn and Lord Weymouth. — Mr. Fox's Decision. — Lord
North at Manchester. — Lord Loughborough strong for a Coalition.
— Mr. Fox's Opinion that it depends upon Lord North. — Lord Lough-
borough's Marriage. — Mr. Eden at Court. — Parliament meets. — Pre-
liminaries of Peace signed. — Peace signed. — Lord Loughborough
violent against the Peace. — His " Testament Politique." — Lord Shel-
burne defeated on the Address. — The Coalition is formed. — Lord
Shelburne again in a Minority. — Lord Shelburne resigns . . 25
a i
Vlll CONTENTS OF
CHAP. III.
The Coalition Administration. — Anger of Lord Loughborough. — Gibbon
and Lord Sheffield. — The King's first Attempt to overthrow the Mi-
nistry. — Mr. Fox's India Bill. — Alarm of Mr. Eden and Lord Lough-
borough. — The Bill carried triumphantly through the House of Com-
mons. — Letter of Adam Smith ...... Page 48
CHAP. IV.
The King through Lord Temple influences the Lords. — The East India
Bill is rejected. — Dismissal of Lord North and Mr. Fox. — Anger of
the Coalition. — Desperate Attempts of the Majority of the House of
Commons to overthrow the Ministry. — Debate in the House of Lords.
— Dissolution. — Mr. Pitt secures a great Majority. — In 1785 Mr.
Pitt brings forward his Irish Propositions. — Debate thereupon in the
Irish Parliament 67
CHAP. V.
Mr. Eden is appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Versailles
in order to negotiate a Treaty. — The Duke of Portland approves of
Mr. Eden's accepting the Appointment. — Mr. Wedgwood and others
express their Delight. — Mr. Eden proceeds to Paris. — Interview with
M. de Vergennes. — Mr. Eden sees Louis XVI. and Marie Antoinette
a la Chasse. — Conversation with M. de Calonne. — Projet of a Treaty
agreed to between M. de Rayneval and Mr. Eden. — Mr. Pitt's Obser-
vations on it. — Horror of Mr. George Rose at the idea of opening the
Silk Trade 86
CHAP. VI.
The "Projet" abandoned.— The "Declaration" and " Contre-Dcclara-
tion." — Punishment of Madame Lamotte. — Louis XVI.'s Journey to
Cherbourg. — Mr. Eden left for some time without Instructions. — Lord
Carmarthen's private Letter. — The Instructions arrive. — The Queen
at the Duchess of Polignac's. — Mr. Eden negotiates successfully. —
The Treaty concluded on the 26th of September. — Mr. Pitt con-
gratulates Mr. Eden. — Letter of Lord Sheffield. — Lord Carmarthen's
Dinner. — Letter of Mr. Woodfall 122
CHAP. VII.
Differences between England and France with respect to the Affairs of
Holland. — Letters of Mr. Eden and M. de Rayneval. — Mr. Eden
returns to Paris. — Lord Thurlow's Opinions on the Disputes. — M. de
Montmorin professes a Wish to recede. — Revolutionary Manifestations
THE FIRST VOLUME. IX
in Paris. — Warlike Letters of Mr. Pitt. — Notification of M. de Mont-
inorin that France would assist the States of Holland against Prussia.
— Lord Carmarthen's Circular, declaring that England would arm. —
Mr. Grenville arrives in Paris. — The States of Holland recall their
Demand of Assistance. — Lord Carmarthen suggests that a Declaration
should be signed. — Mr. Eden's Reception at the Duchess of Polignac's
Party. — Mr. Eden remonstrates against Sir James Harris's Sug-
gestions , Page 172
CHAP. VIII.
Doubtful State of the Negotiations. — Mr. Pitt desires Mr. Eden to pro-
cure Intelligence respecting the warlike Preparations of France. — In
consequence of the taking of Amsterdam, a more peaceful Feeling pre-
vails. — The Archbishop of Toulouse reduces the Expenses of the Army
and Navy. — Angry Letter of Lord Carmarthen. — Mr. Eden's Letter
respecting the "Declaration" and "Contre-Declaration." — Vexation of
M. de Montmorin and M. de Rayneval. — Letter of Mr. Wilberforce. —
Discussion respecting the Reduction of the French Navy. — The French
Minister signs the "Contre-Declaration." — Opinion of the Duke of
Queensberry. — Sir James Harris heartily congratulates Mr. Eden on
his Success 226
CHAP. IX.
Mr. Eden's Conversation with M. de Montmorin. — Great Discontent of
the French with respect to the Treaty of Commerce. — Correspondence
between the French and English Governments. — The Reduction of the
English and French Navies. — Negotiation for an Understanding and
Alliance. — Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden's Interview with M. de
Montmorin on the Subject. — Failure of the Negotiation. — Mr. Wilber-
force on the Slave Trade 2G8
CHAP. X.
Letter of Mi'. Burke. — Congratulations on the Tranquillity of Ireland. —
Sends Crabbe's first Poem. — Lord Loughborough's Advice to young
Mothers. — Hugh Elliot's Congratulations. — Letter of Mr. Eden,
containing curious Proofs of Irish Tranquillity. — Mr. Fox becomes a
" Banker." — Scott's Attack on Flood. — Expenses of the Irish Secre-
taryship. — Irish Magistrates. — Lord Rawdon. — Mr. Eden resigns his
Ollice. — Letters of Mr. Cooke. — Lord Bellamont's Eloquence. — Lord
Temple and his Brother. — Fracas between Grattan and Flood. — Mr.
Fox and Mrs. Armstead. — Lord Mansfield and the Prince of Wales at
Tunbridge 309
X CONTEXTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
CHAP. XI.
Death of Lord Sackville. — Warren Hastings at Cheltenham. — Opinions
of Mr. Hatsell and Sir Grey Cooper with respect to the Surplus
Revenue. — Sir Ralph Payne's Hopes. — Hugh Elliot at Bath. — Letters
of Mr. Storer. — The Duke of Orleans in London. — Mrs. Eden and
her Children. — Mr. Pitt and Lord Stanhope. — Lord Cornwallis and
Lady Wallace. — Fracas at the Ranelagb, and Duel in Kensington Gar-
dens. — Lord Sydney in love. — Mr. Pitt votes against Warren Hastings
— Lord Loughborough amuses himself with Literature . Page 350
CHAP. XII.
The King and Queen at Blenheim. — Lord Harcourt's Sufferings. —
Mrs. Eden's Nursery. — Mr. Storer at Paris. — The Duke of Dorset's
Opinions of Merchants. — Lord Sheffield's Attacks on the Commercial
Treaty.— Mr. Eden's Defence of it.— Lord Sheffield and the
Duchess of Gordon. — Sir James Harris and the French Count. —
Plays at Richmond House. — Blindness of Lord North. — The Polig-
nacs. — The Prince of Wales's Debts. — Alderman Newnham's Mo-
tion 386
CHAP. XIII.
Mrs. Fitzherbert and Mr. Fox.— Bon Mot of George Selwyn.— The
Polignacs at St. Paul's and Stowe.— Mr. Wedgwood's Letter. — The
Duke of Dorset and his Secretary. — The Duke of York. — Lord Shef-
field and Gibbon. — The Kino; and Lord Lansdowne. — Lord Lou^h-
borough's opinions with respect to France. — Calonne at Bushey. — Lord
George Gordon becomes a Jew. — Trial of Sir Elijah Impey. — Curious
statement of the Solicitor-General. — Great Boxing-match . . 423
CHAP. XIV.
Lord Loughborough's Literary Labours. — M. de Calonne and Hannah
More. — Arrival of M. de la Luzerne. — The Duchess of Gloucester
and Lady Almeria Carpenter. — Great Season for Marriages. — Lord
Carmarthen's Dinner. — Three Runaway Matches. — Trial of Warren
Hastings. — Mrs. Sheridan and Mrs Siddons. — Mr. Fox's Speech. —
Mr. Dundas's Extraordinary Statement. — Lady Archer and her
Daughters. — Ball at Richmond House. — Perplexity of the French
Ambassador. — Mr. Greathed's Tragedy.— Duke of Dorset obtains the
Garter. — Popularity of M. de Calonne ..... 459
Illustrations .... 479
INTRODUCTION.
William Lord Auckland, LL.D., F.R.S., was the
third son of Sir Robert Eden, of West Auckland, on
one of whose ancestors the honour of a baronetcy was
conferred by King Charles II. in 1672. The eldest
son, Sir John Eden, Bart., represented the county of
Durham in two Parliaments. The second, Sir Robert
Eden, was Governor of Maryland, and was created a
Baronet in 1776. The fourth son was a merchant
of London, and the fifth was in 1799 created Lord
Henley of the kingdom of Ireland.
The connection of the Edens with the very ancient
houses of Widdrington, Fairfax,' Sheffield, Vere, Kene,
and Chichele is fully traced in Collins' " Baronetage,"
and in the " Stemmata Chicheleana."
Lord Auckland was born in the year 1745, and
was educated at Eton. In 1763, lie became a student
of Christ Church, Oxford, on the nomination of the
Bishop of Durham. In 1765 he was admitted to the
Society of the Middle Temple. In 1768 he took the
degree of Master of Arts, and in the same year was
called to the Bar, and went the northern circuit. In
Xll INTRODUCTION.
December, 1770, he appears to have been one of the
counsel for Sir Thomas Rumbold, on the Shrews-
bury election, at the first Select Committee which
was chosen under Mr. Grenville's Act for the Trial
of Controverted Elections. In 1771 he was appointed
auditor and one of the directors of Greenwich Hospi-
tal, and about the same time he published a pamphlet
calling the attention of the public to the disgraceful
state of the penal law. It made a great sensation
both at home and abroad, and in fact caused the be-
ginning of that reform which has since made such
progress. In 1772 he gave up the profession of the
law for public life, and the following letter addressed
to Sir A. Wedderburn, afterwards Lord Loughbo-
rough, shows the motives which influenced him in
accepting the office of Under-Secretary of State: —
Friday, 2 o'clock.
My dear Sir, — My mind has been in a full gallop ever
since I breakfasted with you this morning, and, after all,
three hours furnish a very short speculation, when the result
may possibly decide the whole course of one's life. I have
uo reason to imagine that Lord Suffolk, without knowing me,
will ever think me a proper successor to poor Whately's
desk. You desire me, however, to turn the matter in my
thoughts. I shall state those thoughts to you with the utmost
unreserve. I assent to all your objections, and feel infinitely
obliged to you for the friendship of them. I see the hazard,
but am not easily startled, and I certainly have had no
reason to be disgusted with my profession. My success in it
hitherto hath infinitely exceeded both my pretensions and
expectations. I now see my way in this path (and, to a
limited degree), with some certainty; in the political path
I have no experience, I know nothing of it with certainty,
except that many have lost their way in it. It is also
evident, that if I turn from my profession, it will be in vain
INTRODUCTION. X1U
to look back upon it, "vestigia nulla retrorsum." I am aware,
too, of the daily confinement and regular attendance at the
office, of the affected reserve which a man must adopt on all
subjects, whether ignorant or otherwise; and, lastly, of the
hourly necessity of giving disagreeable answers both to rea-
sonable and unreasonable requests. So much contra. On
the other hand, I love politics better than law (and this not
from caprice, for I feel it to be the natural bent of my incli-
nation). I also love business, and am conscious that I
possess the spirit of perseverance. I have no wish to make a
fortune, and those who know me will believe that I am
capable of being happy with a very moderate competence. I
am armed, therefore, against events. I think that I could go
through the duties of the office with steadiness (perhaps
with address), and to Lord Suffolk's satisfaction. I am very
confident that if he should quit it, I could retire from it
with cheerfulness and content. It seems an objection that I
should be obliged to quit other connections which are pro-
mising, and very respectable. I think, however, that I might
preserve their friendship so far as not to be useless to those
with whom I should engage. I think it no disadvantage not
to be at present in the House of Commons ; I should be
more than sufficiently employed in learning and pursuing the
business of the office.
If it were offered, I should not upon the whole hesitate
one moment, if you, who know Lord Suffolk, could assure
me that my temper would be suitable to his, for I could not
bear such a situation unless honoured at the same time with
his lordship's unlimited confidence, because I am sure that
I should endeavour to deserve it. This is to me the most
material consideration, and I incline to believe that if I had
the honour of knowing his lordship, I should have no further
doubts.
This is my creed at present. If you think that my notions
are either misdirected or absurd, you will tell me so without
mercy.
Believe me yours most sincerely,
W. Eden.
XIV INTRODUCTION.
In 1772 Mr. Eden was chosen representative for
Woodstock, and continued a member of the House of
Commons till 1793. In 1776 Mr. Eden married
Eleanor Elliot, daughter of Sir Gilbert Elliot, treasurer
of the navy, and sister of Gilbert first Earl of Minto.
In the same year, and still retaining the office of
Under-Secretary of State, he was appointed one of
the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations,
and was a member of that board till 1782, when
its duties and powers were transferred to a Com-
mittee of the Privy Council, at which Lord Li-
verpool so long and so ably presided. As Under-
Secretary of State he continued in office to support
the mitigation of our harsh laws, and in 1778 carried
an Act, 19 George III., the principal objects of which
were to enforce a strict and salutary attention both
to the morals and health of prisoners, to introduce a
system of solitary imprisonment for certain crimes,
and to establish penitentiary houses. He was under-
stood to have had the friendly assistance of Mr.
Howard and Sir William Blackstone in framing that
Act ; and Mr. Howard was appointed one of the three
inspectors.
In November, 1779, Mr. Eden published his four
letters to the Earl of Carlisle on " The Spirit of
Party," on " The Circumstances of War," on " The
Means of Raising Supplies," and on " The Represen-
tations of Ireland respecting a Free Trade." These
letters were followed by a short controversy with Dr.
Price on the population of England. The discussions
and inquiries on the subject were pursued by others
with much ability. In the year 1778 he was selected,
much against his inclination, as one of the Com-
INTRODUCTION. XV
raissioncrs to America for the purpose of restoring
peace. The other Commissioners were the Earl of
Carlisle, Lord Howe, Sir Henry Clinton, and George
Johnstone, Esq. That he was fitted for the post in
the opinion of Lord Mansfield is testified in the fol-
lowing letter : —
March 5th, 1778, past 9.
My dear Sir, — I have this moment received your letter.
I wonder they part with you, I do not see who can in any
degree fill your place at home; I fear you will be fatally
missed. You execute ably and honestly many most im-
portant and most confidential parts ; I do not see a successor
to you in any one ; many circumstances and qualifications are
requisite. I think had I been Lord North or Lord Suffolk I
would not have let you go. With respect to the commission,
I rejoice in it exceedingly. I am now sure no mischief will
arise from an improper exercise of extraordinary powers,
which I dreaded before ; that alone is doing great good. I
keep my thoughts of the measure to myself. I pray God I
may be mistaken. It seems of the utmost consequence, as
you are to go, that you should go immediately, especially
with regard to Sir H. Clinton and the military.
My sittings, which have been very heavy, and kept me
every day till five o'clock, will probably end on Saturday, but
I shall be glad to see you any evening that is most con-
venient, to-morrow, Saturday, or any other, only send me
word. I will tell you frankly what occurs to me, which is
better for conversation than a letter. I think the confidence
you are known to be in, as well as your own talents and
knowledge of business, give a dignity and an air of seriousness
to the commission which I was afraid it would have ne
without. Be the success as it may, I do not see that it can
turn out personally to your prejudice, but on the contrary.
I am most affectionately yours,
Mansfield.
Mr. Eden returned to England in January 1779,
XVI INTRODUCTION".
and took part in the debates of the session and in
the inquiries respecting the conduct of the American
war. In 1780, owing to the relaxation of the penal
laws against the Roman Catholics, fearful mobs,
under the guidance of Lord George Gordon, assem-
bled, and soon began to exercise the most arbitrary-
power over both Lords and Commons. On the 2nd
of June the riots commenced, and on the 5th June
.Roman Catholic chapels were demolished and burnt;
Newgate was attacked. On the 7th of June, the
riots still continuing, Mr. Eden addressed the follow-
ing letter to Lord North : —
My dear Lord, — Allow a man insignificant enough to be an
unmolested spectator of the present calamity, and who is suffi-
ciently composed amidst such a scene, to suggest what occurs
to him. Unless the tone of civil government is restored by-
some very serious exertion, we shall in forty-eight hours be
in a state of anarchy, and shall see a general plunder, at-
tended, perhaps, with a massacre of all the most respectable
men. In the meantime, the diffidence in the present Minis-
ters is growing into despondency, and that will rise into rage,
for the cry of " No Popery " will soon turn into something of
more sense and meaning. In short, the situation is most
alarming, and without extreme activity and wise decision, the
nation is undone. I press these considerations no further.
My flat opinion is, 1st. That orders should be properly (I mean
effectually) given to the soldiery to disperse, in all events, all
bodies of men tumultuously assembled or assembling in the
streets, and that this should be preceded and accompanied by
a proclamation, and by notices in handbills to all well-
disposed subjects to avoid mixing among the rioters. If
this measure is properly detailed and severely enforced, it
certainly is to be apprehended that many will fall in the
execution of it; it is, however, under the exigency of the
moment, to be wished, that a prompt severity may take place.
This, at least, is my deliberate and cool opinion. 2nd. With
INTRODUCTION. XV11
respect to measures of an opposite nature, if the tone of
government were restored, I for one should have no objection
to give the repeal required by the petition. But I think it
would be done with a better grace and with more effect if
asked by the Roman Catholic body. 3rd. We ought not to
meet in Parliament whilst these disorders continue.
Ireland was also in a most alarming state, and seemed
upon the point of following the example of America.
At the earnest and repeated entreaty of Lord North
Mr. Eclen accepted the appointment of Chief-Secre-
tary in Ireland when the Earl of Carlisle was Lord
Lieutenant. He was soon after sworn of the Irish
Privy Council, and elected a member of the Irish
Parliament. Amongst the various Acts of his Ad-
ministration he framed and brought forward the bill
for establishing a National Bank. In 1782 he
resigned the office of Chief-Secretary on the con-
clusion of Lord North's Administration.
In April, 1783, on the formation of the Coalition
Administration, he was sworn of his Majesty's Privy
Council in England, and was appointed Vice-Treasurer
of Ireland, which office he resigned in the month of
December following. He seems to have remonstrated
against the India Bill brought in by Mr. Fox, which
caused the downfall of that Government.
In the session of 1784 Mr. Eden was chairman of
the Committee appointed to inquire into the illicit
practices used in defrauding the revenue. He was
also chairman of the Select Committee appointed to
examine the reports of the Directors of the East
India Company. The reports presented to the House
by these committees were made the foundation of
several parliamentary measures. In the following
vol. i. a
XV111 INTEODUCTION.
session he took an active part in opposing the Irish
propositions.
In December 1785 Mr. Eden was appointed one
of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Trade
and Plantations, and was named Envoy-Extraordi-
nary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of
Versailles, for the purpose of concluding a treaty of
commerce between Great Britain and France. That
treaty was accomplished, and signed September 26th,
1786.
In 1787 Mr. Eden had the most arduous duties to
perform. He concluded a treaty respecting the East
Indies, in which, for the first time, our rights of
sovereignty were acknowledged by the French Go-
vernment. He also, by his conciliatory conduct and
the influence which he had gained at the court of
Versailles, mainly contributed to the prevention of a
war with respect to the affairs of Holland.
In 1788 Mr. Eden proceeded to Spain as Ambas-
sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and on his
return from that embassy he was promoted to the
dignity of the Irish Peerage.
In 1789 he was appointed Ambassador to Holland,
and in 1790 on the occasion when war appeared
imminent between England and Spain with respect
to Nootka Sound, by his influence he obtained the
promise of naval assistance, and a Dutch fleet was
sent to Spithead.
On the 10th of December, 1790, Lord Auckland
concluded and signed the convention between the
Emperor Leopold and the Kings of Great Britain and
Prussia, and the States-General of the LTnited Pro-
vinces, relative to the affairs of the Netherlands. This
INTRODUCTION. XIX
treaty was so satisfactory to Mr. Pitt, that lie wrote
to him as follows : —
Downing Street, December 21, 1790.
My dear Lord, — Though in the midst of the detail of
taxes, which leave hardly a minute for foreign politics, I
cannot delay till another mail expressing the singular plea-
sure I feel in the happy and honourable result of your
labours. I consider the event as fortunate in a thousand
views — for the country and for Government ; but there is no
man whom I so much wish to congratulate upon it as your-
self, because I consider our success as due exclusively to your
exertions. We shall lay the Treaty before both Houses
to-day, where I hope it will be received as matter of great
triumph, even by country gentlemen, who are grumbling at
an additional threepence in the pound on malt.
My budget, on the whole, goes down with greater facility
than, considering the extent of the burden, could be expected.
Before the end of the week, I hope I shall be able to send
the instructions you wish respecting the Commercial Treaty.
Ever, my dear Lord, yours most sincerely,
W. Pitt.
In 1793, after the repulse of the French armies,
Lord Auckland attended the Congress held at Ant-
werp, and was promoted to the dignity of a baron in
Great Britain. He returned to England, and for the
next seven years became the confidential adviser of
Mr. Pitt, under whom he took office as Postmaster-
General in 1798. On the resignation of Mr. Pitt
in 1801, Lord Auckland, who had differed from
him with respect to the policy of the Catholic
Question, remained in office under Mr. Addington.
On the return of Mr. Pitt to office in 1804, Lord
Auckland resigned the Post Office, and seems from
this time to have belonged to the party of Lord Gren-
XX INTRODUCTION.
ville, under whom, in 1806, he took office as Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade, and resigned with the
rest of the Ministers the following year. He did not,
however, leave office without drawing up, in con-
junction with Lord Holland, an official paper which
contained commercial stipulations framed on the fair-
est and most liberal principles of reciprocal advantage
and utility to this country and the United States.
From this period of his life, Lord Auckland passed
his time in retirement. His last years were embittered
by the loss of his eldest son William in 1810. Lord
Auckland never recovered the shock, and died sud-
denly on the 28th of May, 1814.
Such in brief are the details of his public life. It
is right to add, that he was excellent in the discharge
of his domestic duties, as is manifested in his Spanish
journal, which will be found in the Second Volume
of this Work.
In private life, he was acknowledged on all sides to
be a most agreeable companion and a most amiable
man. Though he left a very great number of
his letters behind him, both political and social,
scarcely is any remark to be found in them which
could give pain to the most vehement of his po-
litical opposers, or to any other person known to
him.
AUCKLAND, BATH & WELLS.
London, November, 1860,
THE CORRESPONDENCE
OF
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND.
CHAPTER I.
Death of Lord Rockingham.— Lord Shelburne appointed Prime Minister.
—Scene at Court. — Anger of Mr. Fox.— His Resignation. — The Rock-
ingham Party follow Mr. Fox's Example. — Lord Shelburne' s Letter to
the Duke of Marlborough.— Lord Loughborough advises a Coalition
between Lord North and Fox. — Lord North at Beckenham. — Bon Mot
of Hare.— Mr. Eden's Interview with Lord Shelburne. — Lord Lough-
borough on Parliamentary Reform.
The following letters relate to a most interesting
part of our history, the formation of the Coalition
between Lord North and Mr. Fox, which overthrew
the Government of Lord Shelburne. The disastrous
Administration of Lord North terminated in March,
1782. Lord Rockingham succeeded as First Lord
of the Treasury, with Mr. Fox and Lord Shelburne
as Secretaries of State. On the death of Lord Rock-
ingham, in July of the same year, Mr. Fox intended
that the Duke of Portland should be Prime Minister.
The King, however, was determined to appoint Lord
Shelburne. Fox, Burke, and their friends imme-
diately resigned, and went into violent opposition, but
still there was no junction with the party of Lord
North. Two parties in opposition, whatever differ-
VOL. T. B
2 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ences there may be between them, are almost certain
in the end to combine against their natural enemy,
the Ministry of the day.
There is no doubt, in this instance, that the chief
agent in effecting the Coalition was Lord Lough-
borough.
There is no date to the following letter. It is
evidently written on Thursday, July 4th.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — Lord Shelburne * is First Lord of the
Treasury. He acquainted his colleagues yesterday, that
His Majesty had offered, and that he had accepted, the
place. They were very angry at the offer and the
acceptance. This morning at Court, C. Fox f told the
first person he saw, that he was come with the Seals
to resign them, if Lord Shelburne should tell him
he was First Lord of the Treasury ; that he did not
know who would go out with him, but that the Duke
of Richmond and General Conway would not. Lord
Shelburne and he met in the drawing-room, and had
an angry conversation, as far as people could judge
who only saw it. Fox went into His Majesty, and in
about live minutes came out without the Seals. Lord
John Cavendish resigns, the Duke of Portland will re-
sign. Lord Keppel % resigns, but not till his successor
is appointed : all the Treasury, except Grenville, resign.
Young Pitt is said by some to be Chancellor of the
Exchequer, by others, Secretary of State. Places are
cheaper than mackerel. The Duke of Rutland, it
is supposed, will have the blue ribbon and Ireland. ||
Burke, I suppose, will resign, and all those who were
* In the Shelburne Administration Mr. Thomas Townshend and Lord
Grantham were Secretaries of State, Lord Thurlow remained Chancellor,
and Mr. Pitt entered office for the first time as Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer.
•j" In the Cabinet of Lord Rockingham violent dissensions had arisen
between Fox and Lord Shelburne, respecting the terms of the peace
with America.
\ First Lord of the Admiralty.
I Lord Temple was appointed Lord Lieutenant.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 3
pure Rockinghams. Townsliend * will not quit the
War Office.
I saw Lord Carlisle f this evening, and tried to show
him that he had an opportunity now to retrieve his
game, whether he quitted or continued. I pressed him
strongly to avail himself of the crisis, at least so far
as to cover his friends in Ireland. I did not find him
very prompt. He entered a little on your subject
handsomely, but not with proper warmth, and I would
not encourage that conversation, but I left him with
matter enough for his mind to work upon.
There will probably be a curious scene in the House
of Commons to-morrow, and I think it is worth your
trouble to be a spectator of it. I shall be at home all
the morning till three o'clock, but I am not likely to
know more than I now relate to you.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
A copy of the following letter of Lord Shelburne's
was sent to Mr. Eden in the hand wri tin o; of the
Duchess of Marlborough.
Lord Shelburne to the Duke of Marlborougli.%
London, July 8th, 1782.
My dear Duke, — I wish to have an opportunity of
explaining to your Grace all that has passed since the
death of Lord Rockingham. Mr. Fox resigned the
seals of Secretary of State on Thursday, because the
King did not think of one of the late Lord Rocking-
ham's friends to succeed to the Treasury. The Duke
of Richmond, and many others of the very party, dis-
approve the steps and disavow the principle, upon
which I am persuaded I need not ask your Grace's
opinion. In truth it is taking the executive alto-
* Mr. Thomas Townshend, who became Secretary of State.
f Lord Carlisle, who had been Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland when Mr.
Eden was Chief Secretary, had accepted office under Lord Rockingham
as Lord Steward of the Household, lie remained in office under Lord
Shelburne.
% George, third Duke of Marlborough. Lord Charles and Lord
Robert. Spencer were his brothers.
is 2
4 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
gether out of the King's hands, and placing it in the
hands of a party, which, however respectable, must
prove a complete tyranny to everybody else. I flatter
myself also, that your Grace may not disapprove of
the King's calling upon me to take that department,
at least, for the moment. In the meantime I wish to
acquaint your Grace of the resignation of Lord R.
Spencer, and to receive your Grace's commands,
whether, as it was a situation which the King origi-
nally intended, as your Grace knows, for Lord Charles
Spencer, I may on this occasion take the liberty of
proposing it to his lordship.
I wish to acquaint your Grace with the names of those
who are to fill the offices vacated on this occasion ;
but I do not find there will be many resignations. I
expect everything will be arranged on Wednesday, of
which I will not fail to send your Grace an account.
I beg to offer my most respectful compliments to
the Duchess of Marlborough ; and have the honour
to be, with great truth,
Your Grace's most devoted S.,
Shelburne.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham*, July 8th, 1782, 7 p.m.
My dear Lord, — I know little more than the mere
conjectural politics of the day, as stated in the news*
papers. Commodore Elliot has this moment left me:
he dined with me from London, and is proceeding to
Portsmouth charged with some Admiralty express,
and under orders to prepare immediately for the
expedition. The Admiralty continues in its functions,
and Lord Keppel told them, nearly in the same lan-
guage as Burke told me, that he had not yet
resigned, and did not know when he should resign.
Lord Shelburne was then expected to call, and came
to the door before Elliot came away, on some parti-
cular sea business. They are under immediate alarms
* Mr. Eden's country residence was at Beckenham.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 5
of the combined fleet which has been certainly off
Ushant.
The report of the day was that Jenkinson would be
Chancellor of the Exchequer : it did not seem to be
thought possible that Charles Fox could be again
reconciled. Charles's friends are very anxious for to-
morrow's conversation ; and Sir Gilbert Elliot * has
deferred going to Scotland till Wednesday, though the
ladies are on the road waiting for him. I received
an answer from Stuart f *" that Lord Shelburne would
fix the first moment he could command for a meet-
ing ;" and in the meantime desired to have it. said,
" that he received, with the utmost satisfaction, the
communication of sentiments and dispositions stated
with so much frankness, and upon such clear prin-
ciples of honour and propriety."
I have also a letter from Lord Carlisle, desiring to
know the particulars of such Irish recommendations
as we had wished to carry ; and, farther than I have
now said, I know nothing.
I will write again to-morrow evening or Wednesday.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Very affectionately and respectfully yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, July lOlh, 1782.
My dear Lord, — -For facts I must refer you to the
"Morning Chronicle," and to the "Evening Post."
I am vexed that you are on your circuit J, as I would
give anything for an hour's conversation with you on
the present state of things.
It seems to me impossible for Lord Shelburne's
Government to last beyond a summer campaign,
unless he gets a very considerable and avowed acces-
* Afterwards Earl of Minto.
f Andrew Stuart, agent for the Ilarailtons, in the Douglas case.
\ Lord Loughborouidi was Chief Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas.
b 3
G THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
sion from the friends of the old Government, and
even then he will be under great difficulties. The
circumstances of the country are, and must be such
as to give great advantage to an opposition of such
strength as the one which is forming. If the new
Government is to consist of Lord Shelburne, the
Chancellor, the Pitts, and the Grenvilles, it will not
do, unless they have a course of good fortune beyond
all probability; and yet I should be very sorry to
see the Closet again stormed -by the mere Rockingham
party.
Lord Shelburne's letter to the Duke of Marl-
borough (which the Duke sent to me) is fair enough,
so far as it goes. He stated the cause and course of
the disagreement, that many of the very party dis-
avowed the principle, " which in truth would take
the executive out of the King's hands, and place it in
a party," " which would prove a tyranny to the rest
of the kingdom ; " he then adds that the King had
called upon him to take the Treasury, at least for the
moment.
Fie communicates Lord K. Spencer's resignation,
offers the office in kind expressions to Lord Charles*,
and promises to send a full account of all arrange-
ments on Wednesday. f I think the offer to the Duke
of Marlborough a very awkward and indelicate one.
They should have found some other office for Lord
Charles. The Duke leaves it to Lord Charles to de-
cide as he likes ; but writes to me that he will not
engage for himself without knowing more. The
Duke, supposing that you were in town, expresses a
wish to hear from you.
I will write more in a day or two.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Most affectionately yours.
Wm. Eden.
* Lord Charles Spencer.
f Parliament was prorogued on the 1 1 th July.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 7
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Lincoln, July 12th, 1782.
My dear Eden, — I have this moment received
your letter of the 10th, the two first I had got at
Northampton. The result of my reflections on the
present state of things is not of much use to anybodj^,
for I am very clear that Lord Shelburne's Govern-
ment will not do, and I don't know what will. Had
Lord Shelburne's party been spliced in with the old
Government at a proper time, I believe there would
not have been pull enough to have snapped the rope,
but after it has been broken completely, I believe
there is no way of tying it together that can make a
strong cord.
Without an avowed support from the friends of the
late Administration, the new system must very speedily
be overset: a bare unopposing acquiescence would not
be sufficient to keep it up for six weeks after the
meeting of Parliament. If it were possible that such
a support should be given disinterested, unasked, and
unconditional, I think it would be the most honour-
able, and in the end the wisest, measure that the
friends of the late Administration could take ; but the
resolution requires more purity and public spirit
than can reasonably be supposed to animate a great
number of persons, amongst whom there are many
irritated at their own ill-treatment, disappointed in
their just expectations, or reduced in their incomes.
The minister too, for whose immediate advantage they
are to make such an exertion, is a man neither liked
nor respected, and to whom even interest could not
easily reconcile the greater part of them.
What I suppose the best plan, I take therefore to
be impracticable, especially as Lord North has not
the talents requisite for the leader of a party out
of office. The thing most wanted at present, is
some person of untainted character and of weight in
the country, under whom men of various descrip-
tions would be disposed to unite, and to range them-
B 4
8 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
selves according to their respective rates of ability
and power. Such a man must be found amongst
those who have not yet been tried in office, for against
every one who has, there prevails more or less of
prejudice which would abate that respect which is the
only support of such a situation. Nothing, I am
afraid, would induce the Duke of Marlborough to
stand forth ; though if he could overcome his aversion
to business, he is better qualified than any man to
take that part. Lord Carlisle has laid himself aside ;
and Lord North has lost a great share of the confi-
dence which men had in him before the late change.
It is probable that many of our old friends will
accede to the present system. They must be solicited,
and they will not stand out against the solicitations.
In a very short time the weakness which I am morally
certain marks the principal department, will be as
well known, as the insincerity and deceit of that
character now is. A minister may hold power, though
he is detested, but he cannot when he is at the same
time despised.
The converts gained from the Rockinghams, the
Duke of Richmond and Conway, will not add much
to the reputation of Government, and the old friends
of the minister are already blasted characters.
I had written so far before I received my news-
paper, which exhibits more early proofs of folly than
I had imagined. Sir George Yonge, Secretary at
War, is most completely ridiculous ; and the other
arrangements are not very happily chosen.
I long much to hear the result of your conference ;
and the only advice I have to offer you, which I am
persuaded is unnecessary, is to beware of engaging
too far. I don't mean that you should absolutely
decline any office, though I think it will be difficult to
find one that would be very eligible in such company.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 9
The following is the first letter in which Lord
Loughborough suggests the Coalition.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — As my mind is not apt to remain
long in a state of despondency, I have taken a notion
that a strong and durable Administration is not im-
possible. There are very good materials for the
building, and there only wants some Amphion, who
could move them with his song. Very few, indeed,
of the stones in the present building are better than
mere rubbish ; and therefore I should begin by
pulling it quite down : in which, perhaps, it would be
much easier to find men willing to unite, than in
forming a plan of a new one. Where their interests,
however, seem to me so very plain, I should not de-
spair that they would soon become sensible of them.
My notion, in short, is, that part of the old
Administration with the remnant of the Rockingham
party could form a stable Government. Their oppo-
site faults would correct each other; and amongst
them they would possess more character, and more of
the public confidence, than any other assemblage of
men. The first thing is to reconcile Lord North
and Fox. The first, you know, is irreconcilable to
no man ; the second will feel his ancient resentment
totally absorbed in his more recent hostility, which I
think he has no other probable means of gratifying.
It always seemed to me his best game to accede to
Lord North, if his temper and his connections would
have allowed him to play it ; for with Lord North he
would have had a better and a more secure share of
power than he could have had with any other consider-
able man ; and he had the prospect of succeeding to
the entire lead of the House of Commons at no ureat
distance. It is now Lord North's interest to unite
with him, even if he were sure (which he is not) of
being able to keep a considerable body of his friends
disengaged from every other connection. Is it not
also the interest of all their friends? The bar which
10 THE COKRESrOXDENCE OF
Lord Rockingham's pretensions formed to that union
being now removed, Lord North and Fox restored
to their former places, there would be ample means
of gratifying the most considerable friends of both ;
and the executive departments, at the same time,
filled with men capable of executing the business of
them, without their being sacrificed to the conve-
nience of an arrangement.
If this plan was prepared to take place when the
public is convinced, as it will soon be, of the inca-
pacity of the present set, I am persuaded it would
best answer the general expectation, and give the
strongest assurance of a permanent Administration.
The Duke of Portland and Lord John Cavendish
are the only men Fox would desire to take into
the Cabinet with him, and Lord North has no men
of that description so much attached to him, as to
make it difficult to admit them. He would even be
at a loss, I think, to find proper men amongst his
own set for Cabinet places. The Duke of Marlborough
would be a great strength, if he could be prevailed
upon to take one, and it might even be necessary to
do more for Lord Carlisle* than he has a right to ex-
pect. Jenkinson might be at the head of the Admi-
ralty. This change would have less the appearance
of storming than any other that may happen, and so
far, 1 think, it would be a great advantage ; for ano-
ther attack by storm (which many people would
rejoice at) would be very serious indeed.
You have now the outline of an idea that has struck
me very much ; and though I know there are great
objections to it, besides the difficulty of disposing
men's minds to forego their prejudice to each other, I
am strongly convinced that it is preferable to any
attempt to patch and prop the deformity, corruption,
and weakness of the present wretched composition.
Yours ever,
July 14th, 1782. LOUGHBOEOUGII.
* Lord Carlisle's acceptance of office under Lord Kockinghani had
annoyed the North party.
WILLIAM, FIEST LOKD AUCKLAND. 11
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
My dear Lord,— I will write very fully by the Mon-
day's post. I do not think the new Coalition alluded
to in your last letter quite impracticable, though
it is full of difficulties. The Paynes * and Andrew
Stuart were with us on Tuesday till yesterday morn-
ing. To-day we came to this street on some business,
and here we found Lord North, who comes to us on
Monday. Both sides are making civil intimations,
and one sidef direct overtures. Let me know how to
direct to you from time to time.
I know no facts but what are in the papers, and
this is merely quasi signum vita?.
Yours very affectionately and respectfully,
Wm. Eden.
Downing Street, Friday, July 20th.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenhain, Kent, July 24th, 1782.
My dear Lord, — Having had during the last few
days constant successions of company of every de-
scription and denomination, and having been also
very busy with my hay (all of which, except about
three acres, entirely escaped the rains), I have post-
poned writing to you ; and I now begin to fear that
your circuit is near its end.
Lord North passed a clay and a half very pleasantly
with us. He thinks that his friends should adhere
to him, or at least to each other, and at any rate
should stand aloof and ultimately join one of the con-
tending parties against the other ; but he fears that
many will be detached from this system by favours
and promises in the course of this summer.
He docs not see much efficiency in the ostensible
Minister in the House of Commons, but thinks Pitt
and the Lord Advocate % will be very powerful sup-
* Sir Ralph and Lady Payne. Sir Ralph was created, 1st Oct. 1795,
an Irish Peer, with the title of Lord Lavington. Sir Ralph married a
Viennese lady, Mile, de Kelbel.
t Mr. Fox's.
\ Henry Uundas.
12 THE COREESrONDEXCE OF
porters. The Advocate was expected yesterday, and
will certainly join Lord Shelburne, if they give him
his Scotch office for life. Lord Gower has written to
Lord Shelburne to say that he wishes him success.
Iiigby seems to hold a different language, and is ex-
amining the possibility of uniting Lord North and.
Charles Fox. Charles sent a message that Lord North
ought to unite with him ; that it was by no means im-
practicable to reconcile their differences ; that he cer-
tainly had pledged himself on one or two points too
far to change his language, but that the present Mi-
nisters had done the same, and that his (Fox's) friends
would be at liberty on those points, though the friends
of the Ministers could not. I found Lord North at
this period exactly as in old times — irresolute, with a
mixture of reserves and jealousies. I incline, however,
to think with him, that it is as yet too soon to form
any system.
Burke's foolish bill* has made it a very difficult task
for any set of men either to form or maintain an
Administration.
Selwyn is much amused with a grave remark of
his servant, who went last week to see Charles Fox's
servants, and found them packing up in Grafton
Streetf, to return to St. James's Street, or such other
situation as they could find. Selwyn asked the man
if they were angry or unhappy? "Non, Monsieur (dit-
il); la comedie est finie, les comediens s'en vont;
c'est tout simple."
Gibbon and Mansfield J dine here to-day. It was a
good remark yesterday of Lord North's on Gibbon's
picture prefixed to the second volume of his History ;
" Mr. Gibbon sells his purchasers a bargain in that
volume."
Barrington || has Salisbury, because the royal
* Burke's economical reform, which had abolished a great many offices.
f Fox's residence, when minister.
| James Mansfield.
|| Hon. Shute Barrington, afterwards Bishop of Durham. His brother
William, second Viscount Barrington, formerly Secretary at War, was one
of the "King's friends."
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 13
promises are sacred. The Duke of Grafton is not
pleased at this.
Our Beckenham parson preached politics last Sun-
day, and his text was " All this availeth me nothing
so long as Mordecai, &c." Lord North observed, that
Mordecai the Jew must mean " Malagrida * the
Jesuit."
I enclose some Irish f politics: pray return them to
me. Let me know your route from time to time.
All well here ; and very happy if we can contrive to
keep within our income ; and all who come to us are
wishing to turn farmers.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Ever respectfully and affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, July 25th.
My dear Lord, — I know too little of the political
world to attempt to write at present about it. We
have had visitors in abundance, but they have been
chiefly Irish — Kingsboroughs, Nicholsons, Clements,
Lees J, &c. To-day we are going to dine at Jenkinson's,
and to-morrow Andrew Stuart and the Paynes are
coming for two days to us. On Wednesday, therefore,
I may possibly have materials for a letter.
I have not heard anything from Lord Shelburne, nor
did he write that supplemental letter describing his
arrangements and system, which he promised to the
Duke of Marlborough; but this morning a servant came
to me from Blenheim with a packet containing two
letters to Lord Shelburne, the one accepting the Yice-
Treasurership for Lord Charles, the other desiring
further time for consideration ; and it was left to me
to forward whichever might seem most expedient.
You may easily guess that I forwarded the letter
* Lord Shelburne.
f Letters from Mr. Eden's friends in Ireland. Some of these will be
found in another part of this volume.
I John Lees, Secretary of the Tost Office in Ireland, father of the late
Sir llarconrt Lees.
14 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
of acceptance ; and I fairly incline to think that the
acceptance is the preferable measure ; but if I had
thought otherwise, unless I could have stated less
disputable reasons than occur to me, I should have
forwarded the accepting letter, more especially as it
was within possibility that the Vice-Treasurership
might otherwise have been offered to me, which
would have been a very awkward and indelicate
circumstance.
The new Government, so far as we can judge the
appointments hitherto made, is not made to last for
ever. It would, however, be a bad business, if it
should break down too suddenly. The Portland Set,
as it is to be called, would not be quite what any
reasonable man could bear, if they were now to come
in as a triumphant party.
Lees tells me that Sir James Erskine* attends to his
Military Office, and is doing extremely well.
Fine weather to-day for hay-making. We are
very busy.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Most affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
Strachy is turned out, and a Mr. Goodenough
(some friend of the Duke of Richmond's), they say,
is appointed Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, Kent, July 25th, 1782.
My dear Lord, — I send you a continuation of Irish
politics. Lord Shelburne's eagerness to gain prose-
lytes from Charles Fox, appears to have led him into
a foolish step with the Duke of Portland. I under-
stand that the Duke wrote a letter to the Duke of
Richmond, with which Burke is quite delighted.
Charles Fox speaks of the Duke of Richmond f in very
harsh terms, and of his ingratitude to those who had
* Lord Loughborough's nephew,
f The Duke was Fox's uncle.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOKD AUCKLAND. 15
saved him from being an outcast from all gentleman-
like society.
Hare * laughs much at the state of things, and
congratulates Charles on coming from the service of
the King of England, once more to attend the King
of Egypt. f He never quitted his upper story in St.
James's Street, for he foresaw that Charles would soon
return to the first floor, and could not think, he said,
of putting himself in a situation to rise at the time
of his friend's fall.
The Advocate dined yesterday with General
Conway, and the day before with Lord Shelburne.
They will give him his own terms.
The strength of the old set will nevertheless be
decisive, if ever brought to action ; but it unluckily
wants a head, and I do not see how to remedy that
defect, unless you can make that situation compatible
with the Chief Justiceship. I really see no other
resource.
Pray let me know what course you steer. I never
heard more from Berkeley Square, and am not sorry
for it.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Very affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Downing Street, July 31st.
My dear Lord, — I attended Lord Shelburne this
morning, and was received with the utmost politeness,
for I was shown into a room where several were wait-
ing, and was ushered forward immediately. Our
ostensible meeting and conversation turned on Irish
politics, but you will easily conceive that it glided
immediately into the large range of politics. I felt
little embarrassment, for I had not one sentiment
that I wished to conceal. I recurred to some of the
* The celebrated wit, M.F. for Knaresborough.
f Fox's devotion to the Faro table is here alluded to.
10 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Irish businesses, as engaging alone my personal
wishes, so far as State arrangements may be concerned.
I said that, whenever I had used every fair and
honourable effort in my power to obtain the just and
wise attentions to friends in Ireland, who had recently
been connected with me in public service, I should
then, but not till then, feel satisfied with myself.
We got into that detail, in the course of which he
hinted that if Lord Carlisle should be dissatisfied and
wish to resign the White Stick, it was a good thing,
and other Lords would be glad to bear it. This too
was rather officiously brought forward, as if he
thought I should not be hurt by his speaking slight-
ingly of that person. I did not appear to observe or
understand it. He closed the subject by desiring to
hear from me upon it.
He then, again, got back to his own situation;
talked of the necessity of making friends ; his deter-
mination to resist the Duke of Richmond's ideas of
exclusion ; his personal partialities to connect himself
with particular people; gave some broad but indefi-
nite hints of some intentions in view respecting me —
to which I clearly answered, that I neither solicited,
nor sought, nor was prepared to receive. We talked
on general matters again, and I will state what passed
in a subsequent letter.
Before we parted, he asked to see me again some
day next week; and said orders were given to admit
me whenever I came to town, and would call.
So much for this. I agree with you that it will
not do, and I do not yet see what will. No news,
except the safe arrival of the Jamaica fleet.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Yery respectfully and affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
In the following letter Lord Loughborough again
returns to his fixed idea that a Coalition should be
made between Lord North and Fox.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 17
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eclen, — Every view that I take of our poli-
tical situation confirms me in the ideas I wrote to you
from Lincoln ; and I likewise think, with Lord North
and you, that it would not be well judged to form
that system (which must ultimately be adopted) im-
mediately, but only to cultivate the dispositions that
appear on the other side, and keep his own friends
in some union with each other. That some will
detach themselves while they see no ostensible system
is very certain, and I am not sure that there is any
great disadvantage in it. We could well afford a
detachment, if one had the picking of the troops to
be detached.
I see by the " Gazette " that the Advocate has
taken his part, and I conclude he has secured his
office for life. Though you know 1 have a very high
value for the Advocate, I am certain he cannot
be so powerful a supporter of the present, as he was
of the last Administration. The regard that he really
feels, and that he must profess, whether he felt it
or not, for Lord North, would be a restraint upon
him in all points where the other takes a part ; and
I have no conception that Mr. Pitt and he will use
whatever abilities can bear up an inefficient osten-
sible minister in the House of Commons. When lie
who ought to be the leader is only a follower, the
pack will never hunt true.
I think it would be of use to insist that Charles
Fox should keep out of Westminster Hall *, as a test
that he wishes for a Coalition ; and it would be a great
gain to himself if he could detach himself from his
mug-house friends.
I send you in return for your Irish letters, which
are very curious, a letterf I had from Burke, in answer
to a few lines of condolence I wrote to him from
Sir John Sebright's. I arrived at this place to-day, after
' Mr. Fox's constituents held their meetings in Westminster Hall.
f This letter will be found in Lord Campbell's Life of Lord Lough-
borough.
VOL. I. C
18 THE CORRESPOXDEXCE OF
having passed an entire week at Elford.* My recep-
tion from the ladyf of the house was full of kindness ;
from the other, very easy and obliging, but so guarded
that unless I had been fresh imported from Ireland,
it would have been impossible to have made more of
it ; it was very kind at the same time, but that sort
of kindness that had no kind of encouragement in it.
I made no speeches, but have written a very polite
and a very attentive letter from hence, which probably
will conclude that scene. There were two Misses of
the party besides, one of whom was so civil and so
good-humoured in contriving little opportunities for
me that signified nothing, that my gratitude to her
was very near beginning to open another scene, and
quite eclipsed Lady Anne's merit, which is more re-
spectable than interesting.
This Buxton is an execrable place, and the waters
had need to be very salutary, to reconcile one to the
badness of all the other elements.
Sir "W. Gordon J is the only person here of my very
extensive acquaintance whom I ever saw before, and
he leaves it on Monday. His politics are the same
with mine, but he thinks the union impracticable.
He has heard of some approaches being made, but
the arrival of the Duke of Portland he supposes will
defeat their effect, as he concludes his Grace is to be
installed Chef de Parti immediately. I found a letter
here from the Advocate, but merely of notification;
there was, I understand, a form of asking Lord North's
approbation, which would be given of course. My
love to Mrs. Eden and all the nursery.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
Buxton, August 2nd.
* Lord Loughborough had been there on a matrimonial expedition.
Elford was a seat of the Suffolk family.
f The lady of the house was Lady Andover. The other lady was
probably the widow of Lord Suffolk, who died March 7th, 1779. Lady
Andover was the mother-in-law of Lady Suffolk.
\ Member for Portsmouth.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOUD AUCKLAND. 19
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
My dear Eden, — The conversation held to you was
perfectly in the character of the man*, and I fancy
your firmness and indifference would disconcert him
not a little. The affected slight with which he men-
tioned Lord Carlisle, reminds me of an observation
I had long ago made upon him, that his art had a
strong twang of a boarding-school education. It re-
sembles much more a cunning woman's than an able
man's address.
I have had a great deal of politics for the last two
days with our friend his late Excellency! , who reckons
very well in general, and has a pretty good guess of
things. He holds the person you visited in great
contempt, and he had good opportunity to know him
both in and out of office. He is clear that the present
system never can be well established, though he
rather thinks those he lives most with mean to give it
all their support; and he very justly says, that the
timidity of one, the indolence of another, and the
ferocity of a third have overset the Government,
degraded themselves, and undone their friends. If
his observation can be relied on, the country gentlemen
have most bitterly repented their folly, and would
rally most heartily under Lord North's standard, if he
would but set it up. Against the delay which in my
last letter I mentioned to you, as in my opinion as
well as yours not unsalutary, there is, I think, a
strong argument to be urged from the chance of some
of the present Ministers, the Duke of Richmond, for
instance, breaking off and deserting back to their old
connections. This would make any Coalition much
more difficult, and much less desirable; and I should
not be for neglecting any fair opportunity of forming
some union on fair terms between the only two parties
which have a reasonable prospect of making a stable
system.
* Lord Shclburne. t Sir William Gordon.
c -1
20 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
This place does not mend. When Sir W. Gordon
leaves it to-morrow, I shall not have one acquaint-
ance left, nor one person whose aspect invites ac-
quaintance. There is a party here with Mr. Latouche
of Dublin, which seems not disagreeable, but they
very wisely live by themselves.
. Yours ever,
Loughborough.
Buxton, Aug. 4th, 1782.
In the following letter Lord Loughborough gives
his opinions on the Reform which Mr. Pitt was then
advocating.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — By the negligence of the Postmaster
at Tamworth, or perhaps by the mismanagement of
the cross posts, which are in general very ill contrived,
your letter of the 25th, with all the Irish inclosures,
returned to London, and only arrived here this morn-
ing. Lest you might be uneasy at the fate of the
letters, as I took no notice of that packet to you
in my last, I return them, though I have no subject
to write upon. It would be a wretched resource
indeed for the whole set, if it could find no other
head than the one you hint at, which nothing but
female politics can ever exalt.
I would take any labour to form what I fancy would
be a permanent system ; but when formed, I am con-
vinced the dispositions of those who must compose it
are such, that I could have no satisfaction in acting
with them (though they would have all the support
I could give them) in any situation but one as loose
and independent as my present : their merit with me
is all comparative.
Lord Shelburne's idea of increasing the repre-
sentation of the counties is a very gross absurdity ;
for it is founded on a notion of moderating; that
which it would encourage. The desire of new
modelling the Government, which has by him and
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 21
others been so mischievously excited, can only be
quieted by a steady adherence to the old Consti-
tution. The reverence which still prevails for it,
and the abhorrence of innovation which possesses
sober men, gives great strength to encounter any
given proposition of change. If these advantages are
betrayed by Government, itself becoming the pro-
jector, he is a wise man who can foresee which project
is most likely to prevail ; and I could venture to pro-
phesy, that in the end the wildest measure will force
its way, and in the meantime the middle one will only
serve to show the absurdity of its authors. It seems
an act of egregious folly in any settled Government
to step forth with a proposal to alter its foundations,
and to address its subjects as if they had sprung up
like myrmidons from the earth, and were assembled
in a great plain to choose what Constitution they
liked best.
Buxton grows worse every day : the weather is
horrible ; and you may guess to what I am reduced
when I had no alternative all yesterday but to read
the worst novels in a circulating stall, or play whist
in a hot coffee-room for five hours.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
Aug. 6th, 1782.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenliam, Kent, August 8th, 1782.
My dear Lord, — I heartily wish that I could send
you something to amuse you. Buxton, with such
company and such weather, must be a mere hell upon
earth, except only, that your devils are dull and harm-
less, and your climate wet and cold. I enclose you
Martin's attack on George Ponsonby* : as it has not
been reprinted in the English papers, you may like
perhaps to read it. Martin was asked, why he would
* Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1806. Mr. Ponsonby was at one time
leader of the Opposition in England.
C 3
22 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
attack so scurrilously a man with whom he had lived
so much ? He answered that nothing less than an
intimate knowledge could have enabled him to say
what he had said.
The Ponsonbys certainly grow unfashionable, for
the Provost writes me a letter, apparently for the
sake of disclaiming them and the Duke's* Government :
and he talks of growing popular, and going into oppo-
sition. Gerard Hamilton f came to us on Tuesday
and met Lees, and Mr.J and Mrs. Scott ; they went
away, and he staid all night. I had much pleasant
conversation with him, but it turned chiefly on little
anecdotes, and those too minute to be repeated.
Lord Shelburne offered him the Secretaryship at
War, and he declined it. I do not believe, however,
that he would refuse the Vice-Treasuryship of Ire-
land, if it were offered to him ; but he is as decided
as we can be, in his opinion that the present frame
of Government will not do, though he thinks that it
may last till Christmas, and possibly later. He thinks
that Lord Shelburne will be supported in essential
points, and that his Government will be rolled in the
dirt, in all the bye battles. He suspects that they
are pushing violently for an immediate pacification,
in the idea that Fox and the Cavendishes are pledged
to support the conditions however bad. He thinks
that some leading set of the friends of the old
Government must ultimately decide on a new' Admi-
nistration, and talks of Lord Gower, Lord Carlisle,
&c, as the ostensible names. He does not appear to
me, to feel Fox's weight in the scale sufficiently.
His visit was certainly by his own appointment, and
he took very kindly to our nursery sort of life, and
made love to your god-daughter. I send you an odd
letter about poor Travers going to the grave in the
same vehicle which carried his father.
* The Duke of Portland.
t Single- speech Hamilton.
% Attorney-General for Ireland during Lord North's Administration,
afterwards Lord Earlsfort.
WILLIAM, FIEST LORD AUCKLAND. 23
The Fosters have been with us, and are gone to
Spa. The Scotts are going to Buxton: he is full
of" rheumatism and personal politics.
This is a strange season, and fit only for people in
office. My wheat is laid, my oats which were ripe,
are slaking, and my second crop of hay is chilled and
checked ; my pastures are wet, and poked full of
holes by the horses. Our Guinea chickens dying of
ague; pears and apples dropping in cart loads, melons
grown rotten instead of ripe. I am wet up to the
knees six times a day, and cannot get the sixth part
of a day's work out of my daydabourers.
We cannot guess what lady struck your sentiment
at Elford.
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
Burke's melancholy letter did not greatly affect me.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, Kent, August 10th.
My dear Lord, — I do not suppose that anything
now directed to you at Buxton will find you there.
It must be impossible for you to bear a purgatory of
no pains, pleasures, interests, or amusements in such
weather as we have had and continue to have.
I naturally grow fond of the fare which is set be-
fore me, and so I contrive to amuse myself with the
mortifications of managing a corn harvest in the
midst of heavy rains and high winds. We know
little of either the gay or political world during the
last week. The Burrels, Bennets, Ancasters, Dr.
Calvert, and the Scotts, make up the list of all that
we have lately seen. Scott is ordered to Cheltenham.
He is in a strange shattered state ; he looks as large
as ever and is as weak as a rat. He is living with
Macnamara. He advances but little in his pursuit of
reparation. Lord Temple* shuns him, and professes
* Lord Temple was now Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.
c I
24 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the system of going to Ireland, divested of all preju-
dice, in order to do what may be right upon full in-
formation. From some little traits which I have
heard of his Excellency, I suspect that he abounds
more in self-confidence than in good sense.
And now for a strange story ; though you probably
will have heard it before you get this letter. Lord
Trentham's * match is broken off. Lady Caroline f
wrote a few days ago that she had a great value for
him, but did not love him sufficiently to marry him.
She certainly has been late in making this discovery ;
as the clothes were bought, settlements completed,
and her lover came to Blenheim to execute. The
Duke, who writes me the particulars, is much vexed at
the incident. He says that Lord Trentham was to go
the next day (Tuesday last) abroad for a year. He
does not think that Lady Caroline has any other pre-
dilection. Mrs. Eden suspects that he must be mis-
taken in this, but thinks that if her Ladyship is at
liberty she ought to marry Lord Egremont.
The Duke of Marlborough is very urgent with us
to fix some time to pass a few days at Blenheim, and
wishes much that you would be of the party. I
should like best to go there about the last week in
October, but I shall be glad to know what your plans
are.
All well within doors, but in a bad way sub Jove.
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
* Son of Lord Gower, afterwards first Duke of Sutherland,
f Lady Caroline Spencer, daughter of the Duke of Marlborough,
married in 1792 to Lord Clifden.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 25
CHAP. II.
Lord Loughborough at Buxton. — Arrival of the North Family. —
" Cabinet Council." — Lord North's Irresolution. — Dispute between
George Selwyn and Lord Weymouth. — Mr. Fox's Decision. — Lord
North at Manchester. — Lord Loughborough strong for a Coalition.
— Mr. Fox's Opinion that it depends upon Lord North. — Lord Lough-
borough's Marriage. — Mr. Eden at Court. — Parliament meets. — Pre-
liminaries of Peace signed. — Peace signed. — Lord Loughborough
violent against the Peace. — His " Testament Politique." — Lord Shel-
burne defeated on the Address. — The Coalition is formed. — Lord
Shelburne again in a Minority. — Lord Shelburne resigns.
The following letter will require some explanation
as to the previous relations between Lords North,
Loughborough, and Mr. Eden. Lord Louo-hborouo-h,
formerly Sir A. Wedderburn, had been Solicitor and
Attorney-General, his cousin, Mr. Eden, Under-Se-
cretary of State, in Lord North's Administration.
They had been the confidential advisers of the Premier
during the American War, and had endeavoured in
vain to infuse determination into the counsels of their
vacillating chief. Their advice was always counter-
acted by others. Lord North, the most amiable of
men, generally agreed with the person he last con-
versed with.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Buxton, August 18th, 1782.
Dear Eden, — This place has agreed very well with
me for the last ten days, or rather I have agreed
better with it; for neither the weather, the company,
nor the entertainment are different. The alteration is
in myself; and I have had a strong proof of a lesson
that age is apt to make us forget, that to be pleased
depends on our own disposition and not on the
objects around us. My neighbours are neither amu-
sing nor interesting, but they arc good-humoured,
and I have found a quiet table of six persons, with
26 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
whom I dine and sup very comfortably upon roast
mutton and batter pudding. The party consists of a
Mr. and Mrs. Beresford * of this county, with their
daughter. He is a sportsman, who has lived a little
in the world, sometimes noisy but always civil. His
wife has been very handsome, which she does not
appear to remember, and is perfectly well-bred and
sensible. Miss is a fine saucy girl between child and
woman, who begins to know that eyes are not made
only to see with. Willoughby Dixief , whom you once
knew, and two parsons who are here to kill moor
game, are the rest of the party. Andrew Stuart
arrived here two days ago, but has been of very little
advantage to me yet. His first conversation was full
of Shelburne politics, and I advised him to live with
his sisters, who are here in a private house for a few
days, and when he was fit to converse with us, I
would make interest for his succeeding one of the
parsons who is going away.
The Norths came here on Friday night, in the
course of their tour; the ladies so fatigued that they
could not leave their room. Lord North and Frederick
supped with me in private : he is in very good spirits
and just as undecided in a party of pleasure as he is
in any other party. All the morning yesterday was
spent in a council exactly similar to those we have so
often attended in Downing Street. To see Castleton
was a fixed point, from hence he was to proceed to
Manchester, and the ladies were to have gone back to
Matlock. I of course proposed that they should come
back to Buxton, on which it immediately occurred
that they might also go on to Manchester ; and which
of the three schemes should be preferred was not
absolutely settled, when I reminded them that if they
did not set out there would not be time to execute
any of them. Stuart and I rode with them to Cas-
tleton, where no servant had been sent to provide for
their reception, and the only room in the only
* The Irish Beresfords originally came from Derbyshire,
f Sir Willoughby Dixie, Bart., of Boswoi-ih.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 27
alehouse, together with the only leg of mutton in the
place, were in the possession of another company.
Fortunately that was Lord* and Lady Harrowby, with
their son and daughter, who shared all with us very
handsomely, and gave so warm a description of the
beauty of the Devil's Cavern, that it was resolved
that all the party should enter. Lord North's resolu-
tion failed at the first water, and after the second was
passed, Miss A. North f and I were the only persons
who had the least wish to advance ; her brother was
ashamed to be left behind, and the two abigails
thought they could not in duty stay. The misery of
the senior abigail was so ridiculous to Miss (who I
fancy at some time of her life has felt some awe from
her) that she would have undergone ten times the
fatigue for so much laughing, and I never shall pass
a merrier hour upon earth, than all the party (the
abigail excepted) passed under ground. Lord North
cut jokes upon the old woman of the cavern and the
guides, which they perfectly understood, and were as
well pleased with them as we were.
The conclusion of the party was, that none of the
schemes proposed took place : they went to Dishley at
night, and Stuart and 1 returned hither.
I am to make a visit to Matlock when the Norths
return to it, which they propose to do about Wednes-
day next, and shall then probably have some farther
conversation with Lord North on a subject which we
had not much opportunity nor inclination to discuss
here : as far as we did touch upon it, his idea seemed not
very different from mine. Miss North has caught a
disorder that has been frequent in this country, a sore
mouth, which as it makes both eating and laughing;
a little painful, is as inconvenient to her as it would
be to most people. She ordered me to send her love
to Mrs. Eden : mine to her and all hers is constant.
Ever yours,
Loughborough.
' Nathaniel Ryder, first Lord Harrowby.
t Afterwards Lady Sheffield.
28 THE COKKESPONDENCE OF
I can't indulge your curiosity yet about the young
lady I saw at Elford, though I have not forgot her. Did
you ever see a Miss Vickers at Dublin, sister to Mrs.
Latouche? she is much handsomer than any Miss I
saw here, and if she had not left this place when she
did, I don't know what might have become of me.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, Kent, August 22nd.
My dear Lord, — I know nothing new, and, indeed,
have not seen anybody during the last five days,
except Storer*, who came to us on Sunday, and pro-
ceeded the next day to Tunbridge, and Baron
Hothamf, who with his lady dined here yesterday.
Mrs. Eden is gone this morning to see the Lady
Waldegraves and Miss Keppel, who are at Sir Peter
Burrel's J, and if she brings back any intelligence of
bon ton or gallantry, I will turn it to a postscript.
Charles Fox desired Storer to tell Lord North, in
case he should see him, that he (Charles) always spoke
with respect of his lordship. This led to a farther
conversation, in which Charles was so good as to
allow Lord North to have a good office, but by no
means in any superintending situations : this he said
was quite impossible. I wish to see Lord North, and
before his mind is poisoned by people who are too
eager to hurry him into office. Robinson's conversa-
tion last week with Scott was that of a settled de-
votee to. Lord Shelburne ; but he added that, though
he thought Lord Shelburne's would be a permanent
Government, he should be able to speak with more
precision in a few days. My view of the matter at
present is this : the Foxites and Shelburnites are
utterly irreconcilable, and each set has a large class
of transferable appendages, which might easily be
attached to any well-formed Government. Under
* Anthony Morris Storer, George Selwyn's friend.
f Sir Beaumont Hotham, one of the Judges of the Exchequer.
% Afterwards Lord Gwydir.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 29
these circumstances we might, I think, among us,
mould and fashion the third party, in a way not un-
acceptable to the King or the public, and very useful
to both : and I should trust this creed without hesi-
tation to the Post-office, even if I supposed that my
letter would be opened, which I do not think in any
degree probable.
My brother * has in manly and most explicit
terms authorised me to promise his steady sup-
port to any system that will not adopt the new-
fangled doctrines. I think, too, that all the Marl-
boroughs, except Lord Robert, would be with us ;
and Mansfield, too, wishes to see himself in that
class ; Lord Lisburn and his brother, and Mr.
Shafto, would accede with great heartiness on one
very easy condition. Then, I see within our reach a
large class of others, whose names I am afraid of
committing to paper, though I think they would be
perfectly well-disposed, and many of them zealous.
Lord North, too, could on very easy terms answer for
thirty or forty, quite as personal friends and fol-
lowers ; and all this mode of collecting about four-
score voices might be considered almost as the mere
sprouting of goodwill, and the foliage of our tree ;
the trunk and large branches to be composed from
the great offices and their adherents.
Selwyn had a dispute last week about the word
" central " against Lord Weymouth, who espoused
" centrical." The next day somebody came and told
him that Charles Fox had decided against him ;
" Then," said Selwyn, " carry him my compliments
with the following authority, from the ' Rape of the
Lock ' : "—
" Umbriel, a dusky melancholy sprite,
As ever sullied the fair face of light,
Down to the central earth, his proper scene,
Repaired to search the gloomy cave of spleen."
\\ lien the anecdote was told me, the word melancholy
was changed into much harsher epithets.
* Sir John Eden, M.P. for Durham county.
30 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
My best compliments to Stuart. I should perhaps
feel more zeal for his friend in Berkeley Square *, if I
also had been treated with a few flattering offers,
even if I had not accepted them.
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
Mansfield made us an extempore dinner visit to-
day, and carries this to town : he has not heard any-
thing new.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — I can write to you about nothing but
the Norths, with whom I passed two very pleasant
days at Matlock, and knew more of them in that time
than in all my former acquaintance.
Politics are not a stronger trial of temper than a
party of pleasure, in which there is nothing to make
entertainment but the good humour of the company.
We went jumbling for eight hours through the worst
road in England to see some tattered tapestry at an
old house of the Duke of Devonshire; and neither
the fatigue, nor the danger, nor the scrambling meal
of cold meat, nor the disappointment at finding
nothing to see, were the least interruption to the
cheerfulness of the day. I carried Mr. Dalton with
me (who had come to spend some days with me here),
and I never saw a man more surprised and delighted
with the new society. Miss North, he says, is so agree-
able, that it is impossible she should not be handsome;
and one cannot believe one's eyes, when they inform
you she is not. He was even disposed to be civil to
Lady North's beauty, and he would do anything for
Lord North. The natural good humour of the family
was very much heightened by the acclamations with
which Lord North was received at Manchester, which
were very flattering to him, who had been more
accustomed to have his carriage broken than drawn
by a mob. The principal people of the town made a
* Lord Shclburne.
WILLIAM, F1EST LORD AUCKLAND. 31
great entertainment for him, and some thousands
followed him to every place he visited with the most
cordial expressions of good will, and the most urgent
intreaty that he would be Minister again. You know
that he is not insensible to this, however he appears
to make light of it, but his family enjoyed it all
without the least reserve.
We had no serious conversation for above five
minutes. He told me of all the applications that had
been made to him, and one from a very high quarter.
He thought very justly that none were sufficiently
pointed to require any other conduct from him
but to keep his friends united, to withstand any
dangerous innovation. His line seems to me to be
very well taken ; but he is rather disposed to under-
rate his strength, which I am satisfied will be found
superior to any other single corps; and it should be
an object with those who see him to raise his ideas a
little in that respect, and dispose him to some timely
exertions, that he may be found in force when the
occasion offers of employing it. Your account of
the treaty broke off, surprised everybody but Miss
North, who thought it a very natural incident, and
did not think the worse of the lady for it.
The latter end of October will be a very good
time for me, if you prefer going to Blenheim
then ; but all times are very much alike to me,
and you may engage for me when you please on
a week's warning. I have had an answer to my
letter perfectly friendly, and no more ; so that
affair ends just where I thought it would, and where
I now wish that it should.
I remain here another week, partly because the
waters are of service to me, and partly because I want
to see a little more of the country. From hence I go
into Yorkshire, but I shall write to you again before
my address changes. My love to Mrs. Eden and all
her nursery.
Yours, ever most entirely,
Loug II BOROUGH.
Buxton, Aug. 24th.
9 4
3jJ THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
My letter was too late for the post, and yours is
arrived since I wrote it. Lord North stays about ten
days at Wroxton, from hence he comes to Bushy for
a few days in his way to Deal. It is very material
you should see him, though at present he is not at all
disposed to profess as Robinson* does: the Tories,
above twenty, are certainly at his service. I think I
may count on them, but I am much more certain of
Sir John Anstruther. Lord Sheffeld is entirely with
me ; Gibbon and Payne you class with Lord North,
I suppose.
It is clear to me that Lord North would out-
number any other party. He stated the overture
made to him from Fox exactly as you understand it,
and professing that he wished no more for himself,
held the proposal in great derision, and justly.
25th August.
If you write soon to me, direct to be left at the
Post Office at Ashbourne. In the next week direct to
the care of Mr. Barnard, Attorney at law, Leeds.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenbam, Kent, Sept. 3rd.
My dear Lord, — Mansfield f has been with me
again. He is very earnest for the demolition of Lord
Shelburne's Government at an}' rate, and yet he has
not fallen in love with Fox, with whom he had taken
a morning's ride. Charles told him various good
anecdotes of Lord Shelburne : they are, however, too
slight to be inserted in a letter. Charles is not san-
guine in his expectations, and says that the whole
will depend on Lord North.
Storer came to me on Saturday, and proceeded
yesterday to Castle Howard. I have a letter from
* "Jack Robinson," Secretary of the Treasury in Lord North's
Government.
t James Mansfield, afterwards Chief Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 33
that quarter, renewing political speculations, express-
ing strong resentment against the premier of the day
for his neglect, and intimating that his intentions
towards the House of Trentham* are also unsatis-
factory.
The game is certainly in Lord North's hands, if lie
would play his cards like any other man so circum-
stanced ; but all the old irresolutions, procrastinations,
quiescences, and lazinesses, will operate more than
ever. In short, I am haunted by the old proverb,
" That it is impossible to make a silk purse of a sow's
ear," whenever I try to reduce that business to any
operative system.f
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
London.
The next letter announces the marriage of Lord
Loughborough.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
My dear Eden, — The lady who struck my senti-
ments at Elford will very soon be your cousin. We
happened, not altogether without some management
on my part, to meet again. In thanking her for her
civil though useless attentions to me, I insensibly
got to say a great deal more which was not ill
received ; and as she very frankly told me, how much
she had said for me, there could be but one reason
for her declining to take the advice she had given.
Happily no such reason existed, and everything was
very soon settled between us. There is a fate that
lights us to our ends; and I trust with full confi-
dence that the star which guided me to Elford has
* Lord Carlisle had married the daughter of Lord Gower, afterwards
Marquis of Stafford'.
"j" The irresolution of Lord North was natural, for whilst Lord Lough-
borough and Mr. '.Men were advising him to coalesce with Fox, Jenkin-
son, Dundas, and Robinson were advising him to support Lord Shelburne.
VOL. I. D
34 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
pointed out to me a very certain road to happiness.
You may conclude that the lady has every merit in
my eyes; but I will tell you fairly my opinion of her
before I became partial. She is not a beaut}', nor
a wit, nor a fortune, neither does she profess any
talents ; but she has a good figure, a great deal of
countenance, a very right understanding, and an ex-
ceedingly pleasant temper. We have agreed that it
is much better to escape all conversation by a speedy
conclusion, which will take place in a very few days ;
and I shall make use of your name, without waiting
for your consent, in a very short settlement.
Mrs. Eden will by this time be a little impatient to
know what other name is to be found in that settle-
ment ; Charlotte Courtenay* is the name that I trust
will not be found long in any other place, and I shall
be very much disappointed if she does not give my
Charlotte the preference to any of that name she ever
knew, except my god-daughter. I am very sure she
will have no better friend.
I shall leave this neighbourhood (where I was
obliged to come for a few days) on Sunday. The
scheme, at present, is that we should come to town
immediately. The chance of any letter finding me,
is not worth the trouble of writing. If my route
should be altered, I will let you know.
Yours ever most sincerelv,
Loughborough.
Wakefield, Sept. 5th, 1782.
Keep my secret for a few days after you have
received my letter.
Lord North to Mr. Eden.
Wroxton, Sept. 6th.
If Mrs. Eden and you will dine and pass the
evening with us, you will be sure of finding us
at Bushey, from Wednesday next to the Monday after.
I shall be happy to see you, as the time stands
* Daughter of the first Viscount Courtenay.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 35
in great need of your information and advice. I do
not feel myself of the importance which people are so
good as to attribute to me, but if I can assist my
friends, it will give me great pleasure, provided that
I neither prejudice the public, nor contradict the
principles I have always professed, and which are the
real principles of my heart. I should add, that
neither my inclination, nor conscience, will permit
me to undertake any difficult office in such arduous
times as these, when the public may suffer irrepar-
able damage by my inefficiency.
Our best compliments to Mrs. Eden. During this
bad summer, we have sincerely pitied the poor farmers
of Beckenham, but a delightful autumn is coming
on to make you amends. Adieu, dear Sir.
Believe me ever,
Sincerely yours,
North.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Beckenham, Kent, Sept. 23rd — 82.
My dear Lord, — It is, I trust, superfluous to assure
you, that you and Lady Loughborough have my
warmest and most affectionate wishes for your mutual
happiness, and so we will let that subject rest till wc
meet ; I am sorry, however, to collect from your
Buxton letter, that our meeting will not be quite so
soon as I had expected. Let us know as soon as you
can fix a plan for passing a couple of days with us
here. The Paynes come to us on the 12th or 13th.
With very little contrivance we could accommodate
you at the same time, and could make out a pleasant
party. We continue bound to the Blenheim scheme
for the 25th of October: I make no doubt that the
Duke and Duchess will muster courage sufficient to
invite Lady Loughborough and you, but I suppose
that you will both be too busy in arranging your
house at Bedford Square, to accept the invitation.
1 love Blenheim, but shall move from this place with
D 2
36 THE COEKESFONDENCE OF
reluctance, for we are very comfortable here and
extremely busy.
I have, since I wrote last to you, made two digres-
sions from my farming system ; the one to Bushey* for
two days, and the other to a levee and drawing room.
I received a letter from Lord North before I saw
him ; it expressed a proper estimate of his own
situation, and a disposition to use it to any purpose
beneficial to the public and his friends. He arrived
here on the Wednesdav night from Blenheim, we
went to him on the Thursday. He had seen Robinson
that morning; Robinson had been tampering with
Lord Shelburne through Ordef, and had persuaded
himself that Lord North ought to avow a system of
general support. Lord North in discussing the matter
with me, concluded in being clearly of opinion that
he ought not to take any decided line at present, nor
to pledge himself in the slightest degree ; but that we
should rather arrange a plan of communication and
conference with friends, and whenever his strength
can be ascertained, to act according to the existing
circumstances, and according to the degree of proper
and honourable confidence which may be tendered,
ever preserving consistency and the Constitution as
far as may be possible. Rigby was with him on the
Saturday, and he came to me on Wednesday before
he went to Walmer, and then continued in the same
sentiment, after having been at the levee.
My visits to St. James's were in consequence of a
very friendly letter to Mrs. Eden and me from Lord
Grantham relative to our two brothers, in which he
said that under the persuasion of its being agreeable
to us, he had submitted to the King to send Stepney
to Berlin, Morton Eden J to Dresden, and Hugh Elliot
to Copenhagen. Dresden is in truth the particular
appointment which Morton has long coveted, and
* Bushey Park, Lord North lived there.
+ Afterwards Chief Secretary in Ireland, created Lord Bolton 1797.
J Mr. Eden's brother, created 1799 an Irish peer with the title of Lord
Henley.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 37
which, consequently, I have long wished to obtain for
him : it is a pleasant and respectable situation, and
the expenses are not unequal to the pay. Lord Grant-
ham added, that this move from a royal to an elect-
oral court would not check his further advancement ;
as to that, however, I shall feel little present
anxiety. Hugh's* appointment is not precisely what
lie would have wished; but 2000/. a year, with
Madame Elliot at Copenhagen, is certainly better
than 550/. a year in England, to which Charles Fox
(in pure friendship towards Sir Gilbertf ) was reducing
him, exclusive of the mortifying circumstance of being
driven from his line with an unfavourable imputation.
Copenhagen is a dull court and desperately cold.
Their Majesties were exceedingly gracious to us,
and went into the whole detail of our farm; and the
King seemed to think this way of life so very benefi-
cial to my health, that he cannot be so cruel as to
have the most distant idea of ever calling me from it.
Lord Shelburne took the occasion to tell me in very
obli"inp- terms, that though the recommendations of
the two last Lord-Lieutenants could not be complied
with, the two small businesses for which he under-
stood me to have an anxiety, had been asked by him
as favours to himself, and would be done (300/! a
vear to Cooke J, and 100/. to W. Ferguson). I thanked
him for the attention, which by the bye will be felt
very unpleasantly at Castle Howard, lie afterwards
said that I never called, though he told me that he was
always at home to me, and wished much that I would
come some morning. I turned the conversation to
general remarks. No particular day was fixed, lie
was hurried off to the Closet, and so we separated.
I had some conversation with Rigby ; but for tiie
latter and the particulars of the various things here
* Hugh Elliot, l;Ue Minister at the Court of Frederick the Great, re-
called by Mr. Fox.
+ Sir Gilbert Elliot.
t Mr. Edwaril Cooke had held m subordinate office under Mr. Eden,
when Chief Secretary of Ireland: he was afterwards Under-Secretary.
n 3
38 THE CORRESPONDEXCE OF
referred to, I will defer you to our meeting. You
are too well engaged to enter into such subjects, and
Colonel Smith, who is come to breakfast with us,
waits to carry this to London with him. He brings
no news, but saw Keppel yesterday.
Believe me, my dear Lord,
Ever respectfully and affectionately yours,
W. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
My dear Lord, — I have a letter from Lord North,
containing in very strong and pointed terms the same
sentiments as those which you feel on the offer made by
SirG. Carletonand Admiral Digby.* I would inclose
it to you, but I am not certain from what you say that
this packet will find you, so I will keep it till we
meet. He says that he has written to many of his
friends to desire their attendance ; that he wishes to
have meetings and communications, and to act in
concert " for the public welfare." He does not think
that the Ministers have any plea in defence of their
gratuitous recognition of' American Independence,
without the interference of Parliament, and he inveighs
against this base treatment of the royalists. He says
that Mr. Fox's proposal in Cabinet was for a recog-
nition to be asked in Parliament ; if so, I am happy
that things are no worse, for in the base and pitiful
folly of that period, Mr. Fox could have carried
anything.
I am now told that Lord Shelburne's language is
that he was only ministerial in signing, yet I doubt
whether Fox will not be ingenious enough to find a
distinction to unite with us against the measure.
I understand that the Ministers are moving heaven
and earth (I use the expression quite descriptively of
the effort and not of the means) to open some Congress
* Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby had offered terms of peace
to America.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 39
in Europe, or other ostensible channel to a pacification
before the meeting of Parliament. They offered to
Spain Gibraltar for Porto Rico. France wants peace,
but finds the attainment of it an unwieldy transaction
where so many parties must be consulted. Holland
cannot be worse circumstanced, and wishes to try
another year. Franklin is not eager for peace ; and
as to indemnifying the royalists, he says that the
Congress have no such power, the forfeitures having
been in the separate legislatures.
Lord Carlisle's* dislike to the present state of public
affairs would not be quite so lively, if he had not
experienced much more personal disregard from the
present Minister than he ought in honour to bear, but
he has taken a fine house in Piccadilly.
I am not yet well able to write much, so I will
conclude here.
My dear Lord,
Very affectionately yours,
W. Eden.
The following letters of Lord Loughborough are
without date, but were certainly written just before
the Coalition was actually formed. The preliminaries
of peace with America had been signed on the 30th
of November.
Parliament met on the 5th of December, but still
the preliminaries of peace with France and Spain re-
mained unsettled.
On the 23rd there was an adjournment for a month,
and the preliminaries with France and Spain were
signed on the 20th January.
Lord Loughborough thought that the time was
< CD t_J
now come when a deadly blow might be levelled at
Lord Shelburne's Administration.
* Lord Carlisle resigned on learning the terms of the Peace.
d 4
40 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — I should be much obliged to you, if
you would iix a time to-morrow or Sunday, to meet
Mr. Newdigate at my house, as I want your joint
authority to enable me to receive Lady Loughborough's
fortune, which Lord Courtenay is to pay this term ;
and Newdigate's stay in town will be very short.
Could you dine here on Sunday?
I have seen and heard a great variety of people on
the subject of the Peace. They all think it as in-
famous as I do, and they all assert that this opinion
spreads very much. In another point they agree
also that Lord North may decide upon the merit of the
Peace and the fate of the Ministry ; but if he neglects
his opportunity, he will not in a month's time have
more influence than Lord Newhaven.*
Some think that he may take either part and name
his own terms ; others, with much better ground, hold
that the publication of the articles has left him but
one part to take. I had not considered him till
yesterday, and I have no doubt that Lord North
is the most undone man in this country, if he does
not mark his utter disapprobation of them. If by
his means they pass without censure, Lord Shelburne
may and will beat him as he pleases, and his friends
will be the outcast of every party. The reproach
and obloquy of the Peace which must rise every day,
will all be transferred to him ; and he decides that
so dishonourable and ruinous a Peace was the neces-
sary effect of his measures, if he does not boldly
oppose it.
I have been strongly urged to go to him by our
friend Ellis, f Do you think it can do any good ?
The case is very different from what I thought it was
when I wrote to you. There is now but one part to
* An Irish peer.
f Welbore Ellis had succeeded Lord George Germaine, as Secretary
of State in Lord North's Government.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 41
advise — to make terms with those who are against the
Peace. Whoever supports it, will be more blasted
than those who made it.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
All those I saw last night murmur greatly at Lord
North. If he delays any longer he will find a great
many of his friends declare themselves independent,
and will be joined to Lord Shelburne, in the abuse at
least that the Treaty deservedly meets with.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Lear Eden, — After I left you, I committed to writ-
ing my thoughts on the present state of parties.
In the evening I went from Payne's to Lord North,
and found him quite alone : reserved in his own part
of the conversation, but very ready to hear mine.
If he had made any confidence to me, I should have
desired him to open himself to you ; but I should
have kept his secret. He told me nothing, and yet I
am satisfied that I know his plan. He will not con-
nect himself with Fox, but means, finally, to support
Lord Shelburne : he will object to parts of the Treaty,
but not vehemently ; he will easily avoid dividing
against it, but whatever is moved, will be qualified
as he pleases. He will oppose, strenuously and suc-
cessfully, the change of the Constitution ; after which
some arrangement will be formed for a few of
his friends, in which lie will acquiesce, without per-
haps taking office himself, but with a certainty of
having one when he thinks fit. This is a bad
game, and I am afraid it will be ill played. The
only fact told me was one that all the town Mill
know to-day. The Advocate* gave a dinner on Satur-
* Mr Dunilns.
42 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
clay to Lord Shelburne; Rigby, Lord Lewisham,
and Mr. North were of the party. The world
would not suppose that they or Lord North were
unapprised of the company they were to meet. Lord
North dines at the Advocate's next Saturday. I don't
suppose Lord Shelburne will be of that party, but
Mr. Orde, perhaps ; I don't believe you will be in-
vited. This incident has not all the weight with me
that the public will give to it, for my idea of Lord
North's line was formed before it was mentioned.
This is neither a safe nor a handsome manner of
opening a game with Lord Shelburne.
I am heartily vexed that Lord North should throw
away the great influence he now possesses ; but for
the rest, I am very willing to shut out all politics.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
In the following instructions Lord Loughborough
points out the course that ought to be pursued by
Lord North's party.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — As a spectator, who has not even a bet
depending, I will give you my opinion on the present
state of the game.
As the party now stands, it is Lord North's turn
to play, and if he passes he gives up. There are
but three possible ways of playing ; by himself, with
Lord Shelburne, or with Fox.
As to the first: the true state of his cards is*, that
he has but one matadore, a tolerable suit or two, and
a great many small trumps. To drop the meta-
phor: there is no man of that degree of consideration
amongst those connected with him, as to compel Lord
North to make any sacrifice in order to procure for
that person any given situation, and I hold that to be
a great advantage. Lord North's party consists of
* The game here alluded to, is ombre.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 43
some respectable friends who are attached to him
from honour and inclination, a great many others
who build their own fortunes upon his, and another
description of men who think he will be a bulwark
against any inroads upon the Constitution. If, with
a party so composed, he should decide to stand by
himself, he would for some time make a very respect-
able appearance. When the danger to the Constitu-
tion is averted, the last set of friends would be very
warm in their esteem, but very cool in their attach-
ment. They would support, but they would not
oppose with him, and at any rate their numbers would
necessarily disappear, for it is not the nature of such
troops to keep the field long. The second description
would be very liable to desertion : if their expecta-
tions were urgent, they would go over to the Minister,
or if their resentments were strongest, they would
fall into the most active opposition. The end, and
that a very speedy one, of playing a separate game,
would be that Lord North would feel his consequence
and influence really diminished, and his sincere and
steady friends would be the sufferers by it. This part,
therefore, is clearly the worst, and he can pursue it
no longer than he has done.
If he were to accede to Lord Shelburnc, on what-
ever terms, Mr. Fox remains with a great party in
connected opposition, and the odium of a bad peace
will then be added to the odium revived of an unsuc-
cessful war. Lord Shelburne will be discharged of a
great part of all the blame which would otherwise fasten
upon him; and with all that load of unpopularity, the
Administration is to undertake, against a very active
and not a very scrupulous opposition, to compose
Ireland ; to regulate our new situation with respect to
America; to restore commerce and heal the wounded
interests of every ancient branch of it ; to settle and
protect the Last Indies ; and to allay domestic dis-
contents by checking the spirit of innovation.
Such would be the state of things supposing an
union with Lord Shelburne, on such terms as Lord
44 THE COEEESPONDENCE OF
North should prescribe ; but that is a very unreason-
able supposition. Lord Shelburne in possession, can
never offer these terras.
An union with Mr. Fox has undoubtedly many
disadvantages: one that will instantly occur to you,
I think, more considerable in appearance than in
reality. The prejudices of Lord Shelburne were very
soon removed, and even the Duke of Richmond's
behaviour did not obstruct his way.
Many of Lord North's friends think ill of Mr. Fox,
but none of them despise him; for one, I certainly
have no reason to like him, but I am persuaded that
without him there can be no steady Government. By
a connection with him the Peace will be left to stand
upon its own demerits, and the blame of the war will
no longer be its defence, nor furnish topics of de-
clamation ; and if he believed himself fixed in Go-
vernment, he would be zealous enough to support it
in all essential articles at home and abroad.
Upon what terras an union could be formed with
him 1 do not pretend to know. But the terms to
be made between two parties out of power ought
naturally to be more advantageous than those which a
Minister can offer. Where is the difficulty, however,
to bring that matter to the test immediately ? If Fox
admits Lord North's consequence in the extent that he
ought ; that is, if he admits that he ought to choose
his own situation, there needs no detail, their friends
will be satisfied with that arrangement ; and I think
better of Fox's understanding than to doubt that he
w r ould wish to give Lord North the Treasury.
If, however, Fox has not settled that point in his
own mind, I am equally clear that the alternative
then must be to unite with Lord Shelburne ; for
Lord North would lose his credit and his friends by
any concession that would throw the Government into
Fox's hands. This would, in my apprehension, make
it necessary to choose the other game, though I
think it the worst of the two for the public, and for
individuals.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 45
Having stated to you my ideas of the best and of
the second best game, it now remains to slate to you
how I think they should be played. Supposing the
trial made with Fox, and that it does or does not
succeed; in making which trial there is not a moment
to be lost.
First supposing that it succeeds, I think the Peace
is to be attacked in every way, except by an open
division against it. No honourable epithet of the
lowest denomination should be suffered to be tacked
to it, nor would it be very difficult to intimidate the
Administration from using any phrase of honourable,
advantageous, adequate, or any synonymous expres-
sion. Thanks for the Peace I should not wish to oppose,
but everything beyond that dry mark of respect. That
business over and the change of the representation,
it would then be an easy matter to frame a motion
for an address, recommending every attention that
had been omitted in the articles of the treaty, and to
season it so that it must be opposed ; the nation
would follow that call, the motion would be carried,
and the Government of course transferred to abler
men than those who wanted such a lesson.
But supposing the experiment does not succeed,
and that Lord North must play the game with Lord
Shelburne, in that case his line at present must be to
provoke some discourse upon the terms of peace, to
put Lord Shelburne in doubt. lie may not oppose
them, and in that way (the only one in my appre-
hension to oblige the other to make advances) induce
Lord Shelburne to make him a proposition ; for I am
very certain that in their relative situations, whoever
makes the first move, gives the other a decisive
advantage.
I have now made my testament politique : I should
have given it verbally to Lord North, but 1 fore
that I shall not meet with him so soon as 1 ought;
the occasion is slipping from him.
1 must not send it to him, for he is careless about
papers, but I appoint you executor.
LOL'GimOKOUGH.
46 fHE CORRESPONDENCE OF
On the 17th of February the terms of Peace came
on for discussion in the Houses of Parliament. In
the House of Lords, the Address was carried by 69
votes to 55. In the House of Commons, the Minis-
ters were defeated by 224 to 208, on an amendment*
to the Address moved by Lord John Cavendish.
The Coalition was now completed, and the amend-
ment carried by Lord John Cavendish was followed
up by another censuring the terms of Peace. Lord
John's second amendment was carried by a majority
of 17 on the 19 th of February.
The following letters of Mr. Fox are written while
the struggle was proceeding.
Mr. Fox to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — I send you inclosed a draught of the
Resolutions thought of; but as I have neither been
able to see Lord North nor Lord John Cavendish to-
night, I think it will be next to impossible to come
forward with them to-morrow. I wish, however, you
would show them to Lord North, and on to-morrow
I will endeavour to see Lord John, and if possible
Lord North too, before the House meets, and settle
as well as the time will permit, whether anything
and (if anything) what we can do, or give notice of,
in the House.
Yours ever,
C. J. Fox.
St. James's Street, Tuesday night.
Mr. Fox to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — I did not receive your note till so late,
that, considering your early hours, I thought it was in
vain to try to see you. I have not seen George North
* Horace Walpole describes this amendment thus : " It was a tempe-
rate and very artful one, declared against infringing the Treaty, though
announcing that the House would consider the terms." The advice given
in this testament politique was followed.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 47
all day. I meant to have called upon Lord North in
the morning, if I had not laid in bed most part of the
day. I will, at all events, see him to-morrow, for
though I do not know your particular reasons, there
are obviously many, why no time should be lost. It
may be well worth considering what further steps
are to be taken in the House of Commons, if Lord
Shelburne should be desperate enough not to resign
immediately.
Yours ever,
C. J. Fox.
St. James's Street, Saturday night.
4S THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP. III.
Tlie Coalition Administration. — Anger of Lord Loughborough.— -Gibbon
and Lord Sheffield. — The King's first Attempt to overthrow the Mi-
nistry. — Mr. Fox's India Bill. — Alarm of Mr. Eden and Lord Lough-
borough. — The Bill carried triumphantly through the House of
Commons. — Letter of Adam Smith.
Immediately after his defeat in the House of Com-
mons, Lord Shelburne tendered his resignation*,
but no successor was appointed till the 2nd of April
following. The reason of this was, that the King
resisted to the last the entry of the Coalition into
office.
The King requested Lord Gower, Mr. Pitt, and
others,' to accept the vacant Premiership. Mr. Pitt,
at one time, was supposed to have consented, but on
consideration wisely determined that the time was
not yet come when he could brave the majority of
the House of Commons, with hopes of success. At
last the King was obliged to send for Lord North ;
and although he attempted to prevent the Duke of
Portland from being the chief of the Administration,
and to keep his friend, Lord Thurlow, as Chancellor,
lie in the end gave way, and the new Ministers kissed
hands on their appointment.
The Dnke of Portland was First Lord of the
Treasury, Lord North and Mr. Fox, Secretaries of
State, Lord John Cavendish, Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer.
No Chancellor was appointed, the Great Seal
being put in commission, and Lord Loughborough
was appointed First Commissioner. Mr. Eden became
Vice-Treasurer of Ireland.
* Lord Shelburne resigned on the 24th of February.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 49
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — The Administration that was sup-
posed to be forming yesterday, will not exist for a
week, if men are convinced that it is only an illu-
sion to withdraw Lord Shelburne for a little time,
carry one or two measures, dissolve the Parliament,
and then reinstate him. This is so natural a supposi-
tion, that it will not require much pains to persuade
the public of it. Lord Gower professedly only lends
his name for forming some Government, which can
only be that of Lord Shelburne, with Jenkinson, and
that must be founded on a dissolution of Parliament.
If this idea spreads, no man will go over from Lord
North's party; and there will be a much warmer
zeal excited against this trick, than hath yet appeared
against any public measure.
The adjournment is unfortunate, because it would
have been easy to have conveyed this idea to all the
House, and given a very warm alarm ; but if people
are active, half the House may be convinced of it
before Friday ; and the reception it will meet with
on Friday will not leave this Ministry a much longer
term than their predecessors under Lord Granville
had in the last reign.
Yours ever,
Loughborough.
Wednesday.
The following is a copy of Lord North's letter to
the King. The copy is in the handwriting of Mr.
Kden. Lord North had refused the Premiership.
" Lord North has the honour to inform His Majesty?
that pursuant to His Majesty's wishes, Mr. Fox and
his friends would assist in forming the new Adminis-
tration, in which it would be His Majesty's desire,
that they should accept of great, honourable, and
efficient offices." — Lord North added that it was His
Majesty's intentions, that the Office of First Lord of
VOL. i. E
50 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the Treasury should be filled by some Peer not at
the head of any party.
Mr. Fox, in the name of his friends, informed Lord
North* that they could not make part of any Admi-
nistration, unless the Duke of Portland should be at
the head of the Treasury.
March 4th, 2 r. m.
Communicated to Mr. Fox, previous to its being sent.
The following indignant letter shows the natural
disappointment of Lord Loughborough on not being
Chancellor.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — Burke called upon me this moment,
and told me that the only obstacle to an entire ar-
rangement was Lord North's attachment to the
Chancellor."} - I would not do so unchristian an act as
to assist him with any means of overcoming that pious
and charitable scruple of Lord North's, but it would
be a singular event in politics, and prove most strongly
the advantage of insolence, brutality, and treachery,
if a hopeful arrangement in other respects should
fail from Lord North's affection to the beaux yeux
of the Chancellor. If he had had the whole distribu-
tion in his own hands, I should have advised him, in
order to form a better connection with the object of
his passion, to separate for a few days at least, to
make the reconciliation of more value. But if he
adheres to this difficulty, I shall think that he will not
satisfy his other friends, so easily as he will satisfy
me. I forgot to tell you to-day that Mansfield will
be well satisfied with an assurance of coming on the
bench, as Wallace^ informs me ; but neither Wallace
nor he, nor Lee J, will think their own situations of
much value if the Chancellor continues.
* The King was very anxious that Lord North should be Prime Mi-
nister instead of the Duke of Portland.
f Lord Thurlow.
J Wallace and Jack Lee became Attorney and Solicitor-General io
the new Government.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 51
Burke is full of Lord North's praises in all other
respects; many handsome observations of the Duke
of Portland to the same effect.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Half-past nine.
Dear Eden, — Lord North came to me about eight
o'clock, and staid with me an hour. He began with
a communication of his appointment (as if I had not
heard it), and proceeded to all the topics that he
seems to have discussed with you. After all this, he
touched slightly on my own situation, asking who
would be Chancellor? — I answered short, not I.
Would the Chief Baron? — I believe not, but I
could not tell. Will nobody ? — I said yes, I did
not doubt that Erskine would. But that won't
do. Will Wallace ? — Better send to him ; I can't
answer for any man who is very fit for the office,
from my own conjectures. These interrogations at
last led to a sort of half-jealous inquiry, whether
I had not been spoken to, to be Speaker of the
House of Lords. I told him then fairly the conversa-
tion Mr. Fox had held to me, and the state in which
I had left that point, together with the civility that
Burke had expressed in the Duke of Portland's name.
He hinted to me that there was no lawyer in the
Cabinet, and that, for his own part, he should have
great occasion for a legal friend. I told him that my
law was at his service, but for the Cabinet, I did not
wish to enter it ; that I should feel myself neglected,
if I was not in a commission for the Great Seal ;
and as to presiding in the House of Lords, (if Lord
Mansfield declined it) I did not wish, but should not
refuse it.
At the close of his conversation, I asked him whether
your business was settled ? — He said no; he was going
about that and a thousand other difficulties to the Duke
of Portland. I could not draw him into any discus-
sion upon it. His whole conversation was kind, but
i •_'
52 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
not the least frank : mine was in the same style ; on
both sides perfectly good-humoured, and perfectly
vague. I told him precisely that I did not consider
myself as having received any distinct offer, and let
him understand that my conduct would depend on
the treatment I received. He seemed quite undecided
whether to quit the House of Commons or not, afraid
of the House of Lords, and of the abuse that he
should receive in the place he left. My opinion is
that he will be re-elected.
I shall see you in the morning at your house, un-
less you can call here before ten. Yours ever,
Loughborough.
The following letter is from Lord Sheffield*, the
editor of Gibbon's works.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.\
D. S. 13th June, 1783.
Nothing extraordinary except that the tax on
receipts has passed with little difficulty, notwith-
standing petitions and instructions against it from
every part of England. The number of expresses
that arrived on Tuesday is hardly credible.
The taxes should always be carried through as
quickly as possible. My constituents took the trouble
of sending me a petition against the tax, accompanied
by several most strenuous letters, but it happened
that I voted for it. As to the matters you left de-
pending, Lord North flatters me daily, that he thinks
the business of the provincial corps will meet little
difficulty, and that all the officers, my clients, as he
calls them, should have half-pay, but nothing is done.
However, there is a want of estimates and parti-
culars which are necessary before anything can be
proposed.
The taxes being passed, the next great object is the
* Jchn Holroyd, created, 9th of January 1781, an Irish peer, with the
title of Lord Sheffield of Dunamore, County Meath.
t Mr. Eden was in Ireland.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 53
establishment of the Prince of Wales. I understand
there will be considerable opposition. Possibly you
may have heard that the King is to give up 50,000/.
which is to be made up 80,000/. The common
opinion is that it is to be 100,000. No bad oppor-
tunity for Ministers to oblige friends. I think it
would be more prudent to give the 100,000/., lest
the Prince with his Court should join the Opposition
for the purpose of getting the 20,000/.
Gibbon and I have been walking about the room
and cannot find any employment we should like in
the intended establishment. He agrees with me, that
the place of dancing-master might be one of the most
eligible for him, but he rather inclines to be painter,
in hopes of succeeding Ramsay. I believe Denoyer's
office is most lucrative, and snug, and fittest for a
country gentleman.
Our friend Lord Loughborough has carried his
ladyship to Brighton to be washed, and if it suits
her, there is some talk of her remaining there.
In short, Charles Fox made the best speech I have
heard on a tax. Sheridan trains on as a man of
business and attention, and George North as well as
Lord North are to be found at the office.
My parliamentary fervour cannot hold out more
than ten days longer. Thank God Burke is quiet.
I shall be very glad to hear Mrs. Eden held out
well ; she seems the least troublesome of the sex. I
also hope the brat did not tumble overboard, and
that when you return there is a chance of a congress
in Sussex. Having written to Foster lately, I have
nothing to say to him. Kemember me properly
where proper.
Yours most faithfully,
Sheffield.
I must not forget to tell you that I am a kind of
deputy for you in your absence.
N.B. — The printer tells me a second edition of
"Observations" will be very shortly wanted.
E 3
54 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Lord Holland relates in his memoirs that Lord
Townshend said " he had always foreseen the Coalition
Ministry would not last, for he was at Court when Mr.
Fox kissed hands, and observed George III. turnback
his ears and eyes just like the horse at Astley's,
when the tailor he had determined to throw was
getting on him." The King made his first attempt to
dislodge the Ministry, on the proposal of the grant
to the Prince of Wales. Lord Temple was consulted,
and the Ministers expected their dismissal. However,
the King, it is said, by the advice of Lord Thurlow,
abandoned his intention.
Sir Ralph Payne to Mr. Eden.
My dear Sir, — I scribble these few lines to you in
some degree of hurry. They are only to inform you
that within the last eight-and-forty hours, the politi-
cal atmosphere has assumed a very cloudy aspect.
The message which the House of Commons has ex-
pected for two days past from the King, seems to be
still at some distance. His Majesty declines signing
it, and all the world are speculating on the cause.
You know how inconsequent, and of course how
uninformed a man I am, and as you cannot place
much value upon my opinion of matters, I shall hardly
venture to give it to you. I will, however, tell you
one or two facts. The Duke of Portland carried the
message to the King, on Friday last, for his signature,
when the King appeared in a very good humour, and
desired him to send it, with some other papers, to be
signed at Windsor. Lord Temple was afterwards
with the King, between two and three hours ; and
when the Duke of Portland sent the message accord-
ing to the King's order to Windsor, His Majesty
returned it unsigned, with a very angry letter ; the
contents of which, as some say, were reproaches on
some of the Ministry for encouraging the Prince of
Wales's prodigality, &c, but this I don't give you as
part of my fact, I only vouch for the letter being
full of displeasure.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 55
Yesterday, on Mr. Pitt's motion for committing his
Regulation Bill, Ministry at first strenuously opposed
the Speaker's leaving the chair, but they did not
choose to try the question, and the Speaker was suf-
fered to quit the chair without a division. The Mi-
nisters certainly had a meeting this morning, and the
Duke of Portland's resignation was much talked of
to-day in the House of Commons, but everything
(at least to such vulgars as myself) is yet mysterious.
The Advocate was, it is said, suspended in his office
as Advocate, two days ago, but it is said and believed
that Mr. Pitt sent an express this morning to him,
to bring him to Town. In short, a change is shrewdly
suspected, and Keene's* face, which is at least an ell
in length, demonstrates that in his opinion, all is not
right. Lord Temple is to be First Lord of the Trea-
sury ; say the gentlemen " on the other side of the
House." I confess that I am not easy — I mean for
my friends — being myself an independent town gen-
tleman with no office, nor even the hopes of one, having
for several weeks past viewed the perspective, which
the noble lordf in the blue riband has held to me
in his camera obscura, with ineffable contempt. In-
famously treated, however, as I feel myself to have
been, I can't afford to lose a Lord-Lieutenant J, a
Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, and a First Commissioner
of the Seals at one stroke. I pray, therefore, most
devoutly, that by to-morrow's post I may be able to
inform you that His Majesty is grown agreeable
again, and that the ship has again righted, and is
pursuing her navigation with a flowing sail. If you
don't hear from me, be satisfied that I have nothing
to say.
Pray send me one line, or rather one word, which
is the day on which you mean to leave Ireland. Harris
has accepted the Hague, so I lay aside my Dutch
* Colonel Keene, a devoted follower of Lord North. He bad a place
in the Lord Chamberlain's department.
f Lord North. J Lord Northin
messengers travel in chaises of their own (for the
purpose), and pass the barriers upon the credit of
their passports. The people here who use this plan,
have in confidence stated to me all the circumstances
and all the premiums, and it goes sometimes to the
extent of 150 parcels. In return they send linen
gauzes and lace blondes, &c, nearly in the same way
to Dover, and thence by the French messenger and
English travellers. The Ministers are not ignorant
of this course, for it was first mentioned to me by a
friend of M. cle Rayneval's, and they can at any time
prevent it without any reasonable offence to us, but
they choose for the moment to connive at it, though
the gentleman who mentioned it to me first, added
that it was growing too great to be tolerated.
I have always feared that the delay would lessen
our advantages, or at least create some unpleasant
discussions. And I now find that several of the
.French manufacturers, upon the expectation that
England will be on the footing of the most favoured
nation, are applying for general prohibitions in favour
of their particular manufactures.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.)
I do not know what have been Mr. Jenkinson's
sentiments on all this business, but I will trouble you
with the copy of a paragraph which I lately received
from him, and of my answer by this courier : —
" I am sorry that your business does not go on so
fast as you wish. I think, however, it is wise to go
on with a reasonable degree of caution : the system to
be adopted is new, and there is none to which the
Opposition are so likely to point their objections,
if we should commit the least error."
Answer. — " I agree with you that it is peculiarly
desirous to avoid any error ; and for this reason I feel
solicitous to proceed no further immediately than is
stated in the Declaration and Contre-declaration, leav-
VOL. I. L
146 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ing the arrangement of specific articles to a mature
discussion, and subsequent clauses to be annexed to
the Treaty ; in doing this we neither commit nor risk
any error. If we go further at first, I foresee many
difficulties and uncertainties; and if we postpone
going so far, we not only hazard the whole, but post-
pone advantages to our trade much more than I
should choose to state to our merchants. Droits
d'entree here are collected in such a way, that if the
prohibitions were removed, our people would feel few
difficulties, and the French ports will also give them
access to all the ports in the world."
I am, my dear Sir,
Respectfully and most sincerely yours,
W. Eden.
The long-expected instructions* drawn up by Mr.
Jenkinson were at last transmitted to Mr. Eden.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, July 21st, 1786.
My dear Sir, — I hope the instructions which were
despatched last Wednesday will have relieved you
from the embarrassments which you have felt. I do
not trouble you particularly on the subject of them,
because they are so fully drawn as to leave nothing
for me to add, at least nothing that I am aware of at
present, though this mode of comprising all in our
Treaty is not what you most approve. I trust you
will find that at least all essential points are as easily
adjusted in this way. I shall, however, be anxious to
learn what passes, and what you think upon it, and
have only to beg that you will write to me fully
whatever occurs to you. You are, I assure you, much
mistaken if you imagine that anything you can write
on that subject is too much. I rejoice not a little in
the account contained in one of your letters on the
* These voluminous instructions will be found in the Appendix.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 147
French finance. I hope you will find leisure to let
me know all that is to be known on that subject.
I am, dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.) Hotel d'Elboeuf, July 25th, 1786.
My dear Sir, — I will tell you with the utmost
frankness what I think of my new instructions. The
whole paper is drawn out with great neatness and
apparent knowledge of the subject, but varies so much
from the principles of all the preceding parts of the
negotiation, that my heart sunk desperately from the
first perusal. Upon the second, I thought it not un-
reasonable nor unwise that you should make an effort
of this kind to gain as much as possible on every
point, and that you should have it in your power to
say that such points as may be lost were at least not
neglected : — some must be lost, for it is absurd to
suppose that we can carry every point when we give
none in return. Upon the third perusal, I began to
think that there were materials to prove a very good
and plausible paper. I feel no scruple in thinking it
a very forcible statement, and M. de Rayneval also
thought it so. I go to-day to Versailles to ascertain
that the French Ministers are of the same opinion. I
continue on very good terms in that quarter, and am
sure that at this moment they will, on my recommen-
dation, do anything that is in any degree reasonable.
I entreat you first to excuse little impatiences that
will arise when those who are employed at a distance
will often seem to themselves to write more than their
employers seem to read. I entreat you next to drive
this business forwards without any avoidable delay,
not merely for the sake of the public, which is greatly
interested in it, but for your own sake, though I am
bound to believe that the result will do solid and
eternal honour to you ; but, for my sake also, for I
148 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
feel no ambition to pass two or three years of my life
here, more especially on appointments which I cannot
desire to be, and on which I cannot maintain the ap-
pearance which I think right.
Have the goodness, also, to send me answers on the
other political questions with this Court, which, at
this moment, is certainly sincere.
I am, dear Sir,
Respectfully and sincerely yours,
W. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
Hotel d'Elbceuf, July 27th, 1786.
My dear Sir, —
"Nil actum reputans, si quid superesset agendum,"*
is a phrase which incessantly haunts me whilst this
same Treaty remains unfinished, and, therefore, as
soon as I had despatched the message on Tuesday,
I went to Versailles, and had the satisfaction of
finding that the conference with M. de Vergennes
and the Comptroller-General upon the paper entitled
" Replique," &c, had taken place the preceding even-
ing, in great detail, in the presence of M. de Rayneval,
and with a very steady and earnest disposition to
gratify us as far as circumstances can admit. M. de
Rayneval meant to occupy himself yesterday and to-
day in preparing the further answer to us, and I
think it probable he will communicate with me before it
finally passes. My speculation is to obtain the admis-
sion of Hardware upon duties not exceeding 10 per
cent., the revocation of the prohibitions of the cottons,
and their admission upon duties which our people will
say are too high, but an admission which, at any
rate, will be profitable to us ; and, with respect to
the woollens, if they would admit them upon double
the duties proposed by Mr. Everitt, 2s. for all above
* Nil actum credens, quum quid superesset agendum. — Lucan's
Pharsalia, lib. ii. 1. G57.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 149
125. per yard, it will be as much as I have any
hopes of attaining. There certainly is a very cordial
and fair wish among those who conduct the business
to do every thing that can properly be done to favour
us ; but I should think it neither honourable nor wise
if I were to suggest or urge more than I believe they
can do without risk to their own characters and situa-
tions. I will write further on this point when I receive
the expected answer.
I send by this courier the remaining articles. I
hope that they will immediately be referred to the
Board of Trade, and that you will have the good-
ness to bring them forward there immediately.
The perusal, examination, corrections, and appro-
bation may all easily be completed in two mornings,
and indeed in one, if either you or Lord Hawkes-
bury would take the trouble previously to read
the articles. It seems to be beyond a doubt that
we ought to retain all those which are compatible
with the other parts of the Treaty and with our
existing laws : they are all favourable to our mer-
chants, and it would not be prudent to attempt to
change the expressions merely because they might
be more neatly expressed. If anything should
occur, however, by way of improvement, I do not
believe that I shall find difficulty here in inserting
it. I shall be glad to have this part of the business
sent to me as soon as it is completed.
M. de Rayneval again mentioned to me the East
India business, and said that his Court would readily
enter into discussion with me for a Convention,
separate, to regulate the East India trade. I think
we might make it a very important work as con-
nected with the remittance of the revenues, peace of
India, &c. ; and, by some small changes of mode,
perhaps it would be practicable to do something at
least as eligible as Perier's late treaty, which failed.
I do not wish, however, to say much about it till I
hear from you, and, therefore, I avoided on Tuesday
secino- M. de Versrennes in private. If the answer to
5 L 3
150 THE COERESPONDEXCE OF
the Replique is as nearly satisfactory as I expect it
to be, I submit to you that it would be right to
suppose the European business completed, and to
treat what remains as mere form, which you may
enable me to finish in a fortnight, and, in the mean
time, for Lord Carmarthen to write me a formal
and ostensible letter upon the East India Commerce.
I have laid the foundation of such a letter in
my dispatch. But, at all events, it is material to
me to know very soon what you wish, for I have
pursued the practice here of telling the French
Ministers, without managements and with sincerity,
what I think right to be done, and, in return, I have
felt some right to the particular confidence which
they place in me. It is awkward to me, therefore,
to be obliged to preserve silence on so great a point,
which they have so often mentioned.
I was occupied a great part of yesterday morn-
ing in stating for the Comptroller-General, M. de
Vergennes, a detailed explanation of the meaning
of " Countervailing Duties and Drawbacks," and it
is not so easy a business to be done in French as
you may perhaps imagine. I took my instances in
the beer trade (which, by the bye, will be opened to
us) and in the silk trade, with respect to which there
would perhaps be a disposition to opening the com-
merce with us in the articles silk stockings and
ribbons, upon a reciprocal duty of 10 per cent, ad
valorem, with a right on our own part to add on
the importation, to deduct on the exportation the
equivalent to the duty paid per weight on the raw
silk, which, I believe, is about four shillings per
pound. I believe this would be advantageous to us,
but these are not matters worth postponing the
conclusion of the Treaty for a single day, as they
may be equally (and perhaps better) effectuated
afterwards. M. de Rayneval told me in confidence
that it was supposed we would have desired better
terms for the leather trade, sellerie, harnois, &c.
Their duty will be high enough, but, as the sale of
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 151
such articles is chiefly to the opulent, I do not know
that the duty is very material to be disputed so far
as 5 or 10 per cent, are in question. There are
great plans going forwards here for settling ware-
houses at Bordeaux,~Marseilles, &c, to supply English
goods to all the world. I think it right to throw cold
water on the zeal of some individuals who are very
alert in such speculations.
If you are not interrupted by other matters in
England, you might enable me to complete all this
business before the end of August.
Mr. Bathurst had dined with a very large party of
his countrymen on Monday last, at my house, before
I received your letter. I have since informed him of
3'our anxiety that I should show every attention to
him.
Believe me, my dear Sir,
Respectfully and sincerely yours,
W. Eden.
The following is an extract from Mr. Eden's
Memoirs respecting the Queen and the Duchess of
Polignac who are mentioned in the following letter : —
" At this period the Queen appeared to possess all
the happiness and cheerfulness of private life, to-
gether with all the splendour and magnificence of
Royalty, and to have no foresight of the calamities
which were coming towards her.
" The evening assemblies at Madame de Polignac's
were subjects of greater animadversion than all the
extravagance of the Court. Such meetings are natur-
ally exposed to the censure and ill humour of many
who are not present, and of some who are, but who
may not think themselves noticed. They are also
open to the suspicion of favouritism, and the impu-
tation of intrigue.
" The persons admitted at Madame de Polignac's
were some of the principal Foreign Ministers and
their Ladies, other foreigners of distinction, and a
large circle of courtiers of both sexes.
l4
152 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
" The Queen conversed, played at trictrac, or
billiards, and often had a concert in which she stood
as one of the singers, and sometimes a small ball at
which she danced. She never entered the supper
room. Perhaps, however, the general style of the
meeting, though innocent in itself, was not suited
to all the circumstances and considerations of the
case."
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
(Private.)
Her Most Christian Majesty, at Madame de Poli-
gnac's, on Tuesday, in a conversation respecting the
circumstance of the late attempt at St. James's on
His Majesty's person*, was led to mention the peculiar
and affectionate manner in which His Most Christian
Majesty was shocked by the news when it was first
mentioned to him. And she added in very becoming
terms, that, on such an occasion, she felt most for
the Queen.
I ought perhaps to mention, as it is in some
degree connected with my public situation here, and
with the attention shown towards it, that though
Mrs. Eden (not being an ambassadress) cannot re-
gularly go to Court, Her Most Christian Majesty
has been pleased to honour her with very particular
marks of favour and attention, of which we cannot
express too deep a sense. During the great Proces-
sion of the Court on Tuesday last (le jour de
PAssomption), Mrs. Eden had the honour of standing
in the balcony with Her Most Christian Majesty and
the Archduchess ; and yesterday she received a
present of carpeting f of very considerable value,
accompanied with the most obliging expressions.
* The attempt on the King's life by Margaret Nicholson,
t This present roused the ire of Lord George Gordon, who was violent
against the Treat)'.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 153
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
(Private) Paris, Thursday, 17th Aug., 3 o'clock.
My dear Lord, — Your dispatch of Monday last was
delivered to me by Rowarth this morning at eight
o'clock, since which I have had at Versailles con-
ferences of three hours upon the various instructions
contained in it. I cannot attempt to write the result
by the ordinary courier, this being the hour of his
departure, but I hope to re-dispatch Rowarth to-
morrow night : he will probably arrive in London
early on Monday morning. " L'exclusion des chiffons
nous chiffonne beaucoup." I trust, nevertheless, that
my dispatch to-morrow will place the whole business in
a form which must be acceptable to His Majesty and
his Ministers, and I beg leave to mention, "d'avance"
that it may be of consequence essential to my success
to receive the answer on Friday the 15th if possible,
but not later than the Saturday morning the 16th.
Your Lordship will see this more particularly when
you receive my letters.
In the meantime I cannot give a stronger proof
of my own conviction that dispatch is become neces-
sary, than by informing your Lordship that though
four of my children have been confined all this week
to their bed by a scarlet fever, and though my eldest
daughter has been very dangerously ill, I have
thought it a public duty to repress my personal
feelings as much as possible, and to go both yester-
day and to-day to Versailles.
I am, my dear Lord, &c.
W. Eden.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, August 20, 1786.
My dear Sir, — Every exertion has been used to
dispatch the instructions you will now receive, and
to make them in every respect as conciliatory as
possiblo.
154 THE COEKESPONDENCE OF
The concessions we have brought ourselves to
make on the great articles of wine and brandy, are
what we had given France no reason to expect.
They ought to be felt as strong proofs of our earnest
disposition to do all that we possibly can on our side;
and will, I trust, go far to remove any difficulty on
any other point. — On the linens we could not concede
farther, without risking a dissatisfaction that might
seriously affect the success of the whole measure.
On the whole, I look upon the great work as
everything but completed, and I see it with more
satisfaction than I can express. It will, in my
opinion, be in every respect desirable that the idea
which you mentioned of this Treaty, being signed
bv M. de Vergennes, should take place ; and I re-
joice that it has occurred to him.
You shall hear from me again very soon, particu-
larly on the Indian business. Too much caution
cannot be used on that subject in the meantime, as
the delicacy of it is, I think, increased by the last
advices, from which I am apprehensive that the
Government in India has, in some points, conceded
too far. I much wish this object may be happily
adjusted while you stay in France ; but I trust,
neither that, nor any other point, will very long
protract your return ; — though of that I think you
can better judge than I can.
I am, my dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
P.S. — In the points left to your discretion, let me add
a firm persuasion that you will yield nothing unneces-
sarily, and at the same time the fullest assurance,
that where you find it really essential for the great
object, you may rely on the most complete concur-
rence and approbation here, For fear of accidents,
it would be as well if, after securing every point, you
should find it practicable to delay for a day or two
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 155
the formal transmisson of the articles, but this should
on no account be thought of unless you see every-
thing safe ; and we shall be impatient in the mean
time to be assured that no difficulty arose.
In the following letter the virtual conclusion of the
Treaty is announced. M. cle Calonne was naturally
very angry at the exclusion of the chief manufacture
of France : —
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.) Paris, Wednesday Evening, 10 p.m. Aug. 23.
My dear Sir, — Your messenger arrived early this
morning ; and after studying the dispatches in my
bed, I breakfasted and went to Versailles. I was led
to do this without delay, because I could not keep
them many hours in my possession without writing,
and because I find it inconvenient to write upon a
subject where there were so many discretionary points.
M. de Raynevalhad been here with me on Monday,
and in consequence of Lord Carmarthen's first letter,
I had prepared him in some measure for a favourable
result. I found him as I have uniformly done, quite
unreserved and cordial in his manner, and to the best
of my belief perfectly fair in his intentions. I am too
late, and also too much tired to plague you with all
particulars at present. I found it necessary to open
all the concessions which I am empowered to make,
in the course of stating all the alterations which I am
desired to require. I hope that I shall settle all the
points in the manner you wish, except only, though I
do not expect, any further reduction of the duty on
hardware ; it will not be my fault if I fail in it, for I
urged it this morning, at least as far as was decent
or safe.
I am firmly convinced that the proposed duty will
give us a full access to the French markets, and will
be thought so low here as to be the subject of much
outcry. M. dc Rayneval informed me in confidence
156 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
that the people most zealous for low duties, all con-
curred in stating the necessity of fifteen per cent, on
this article, and twenty per cent, on the cotton (and
some went so far as thirty per cent.). M. de Ver-
gennes was of opinion for fifteen per cent., and M.
de Calonne, after much dispute, by the aid of a paper
in which I had urged for five per cent., split the dif-
ference, and carried it for ten (but with great doubts).
As to pottery and fayence, 1 shall obtain either ten
or fifteen per cent. As for beer and cyder, probably
a duty of one-third above the internal duty here. As
to the saddlery, I hope about fifteen per cent., but
there is a great internal duty which creates some
puzzle. The reservation as to Portugal sticks next in
our throats, but I hope we shall swallow it. 1 will
state a few other particulars in my dispatch to Lord
Carmarthen.
I also had a long conference with M. de Ver-
gennes and the Comptroller-General* in the apartment
of the former: nothing can be kinder or more concili-
atory than their manner and language towards me.
M. de Vergennes expressed his satisfaction in warm
terms at the appearance of a satisfactory conclusion,
and took occasion in the course of business to tell me
that by Col. Cathcart, he had received a copy of
the " Kecord fait a l'lsle Maurice," f which he had
not had time to open, and it was singular that the
Comptroller-General appeared not before to have
heard one word upon the subject of the late dis-
agreements between the French Settlements and our
Indian Government.
The Comptroller-General lamented rather warmly,
and in a sort of speech, that you would not find it
practicable to open the silk trade. M. de Vergennes in-
formed him that there are " trente mille polissons dans
la ville de Londres qui ont une voix sur ce chapitre ;"
to which he answered that there were above double
* M. de Calonne.
f There had been a Convention signed at the Mauritius between M.
de Souillac and Col. Cathcart, respecting the East Indies.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 157
that number at Lyons, who would execrate him for
admit tin"; all the numerous manufactures of England,
by the same instrument which will exclude the only
well-established manufacture of France.
He ended, however, pleasantly and with good
humour : — " I shall occupy myself to-morrow in put-
ting the whole business into shape, and shall then
transmit it to M. de Rayneval, who thinks it
material to prefix a preamble ; but as I shall see the
whole before it goes to the Council, I hope nothing
embarrassing will be anticipated."
To-morrow morning I go to Versailles, and we shall
probably not return till Tuesday. If nothing happens
to prevent it, you will probably have a messenger
from me on Wednesday, or in the next week. And
unless I should fail in matters of essential importance,
or omit some matter which cannot safely be postponed,
I shall entreat you to return the instrument immedi-
ately with instructions to sign it. I lament that I
have not provisional instructions in my possession for
that purpose ; but if there is no casualty in the in-
terval, the mode of proceeding adopted is certainly
the most becoming.
I wish you would send an order for the remaining
articles from the Attorney-General and the Advocate-
General to be returned instanter. It may be necessary
here to have a Sunday's council for their insertion
also, and the delays are really more dangerous than I
can make intelligible in a letter.
If this business takes the turn which seems probable,
I may hope, perhaps, to return to England about the
end of October. If I stay much later the weather will
be too severe for my family to travel, and yet it is but
too probable that many subsequent points will arise
to be detailed and explained.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yery respectfully and sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
158 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Lord Carmarthen to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Whitehall, August 25, 1786.
Dear Sir, — I have many thanks to return you for
your very obliging private letter of the 17th. The
manner in which M. de Vergennes professes himself
disposed to discuss the Indian Question is certainly
fair and candid ; how far the grants from the Mogul
to the old French India Company can be proved, and
when proved, apply to the present subjects of dispute,
will appear whenever the matter comes to be fairly
investigated.
I am extremely pleased with the account you men-
tion of the Queen of France's gracious attention and
politeness to Mrs. Eden, and hope that neither of you
will meet with anything that is not perfectly friendly
(sur le tapis) during your stay in France.
We had the most favourable answers to-day at the
Committee, from Messrs. Bowles the glass manufac-
turers. They were clearly of opinion that a duty of
from ten to fifteen per cent., in addition to the com-
pensating duty, would prove perfectly secure and satis-
factory with respect to crown glass ; as to plate glass
they could not give us the information we wanted.
Quant aux rubans, nous ne brillons pas de ce cote
la. A shorter and more direct negative was never given
than by a meeting of those concerned in the riband
manufactory, to the general question of opening the
trade of that manufacture. Anything short of abso-
lute prohibition seems, in the eyes of these gentlemen,
to involve them, and of course the country, in imme-
diate ruin and destruction. So much for Spitalfields,
for the two gentlemen (Wilson and Venning if I re-
member right) who were previously examined ap-
peared infinitely more reasonable (though not very
sanguine in their expectations of a beneficial inter-
course in that article) before they had consulted their
commeitans.
I have just received an account of the King* of
* Frederick the Great.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 159
Prussia's death. The loss of anything great, whether
good or bad, naturally occasions a degree of temporary
anxiety and suspense as to the effects likely to be
produced by it. What is his successor to be in the
opinion of the French? They, of course, have formed
an opinion, and perhaps already propagated fifty. If
any immediate effect is likely to take place, Holland
will probably afford the first specimen of the King's
political capacity.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Your very faithful and obedient servant,
Carmarthen.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Sept. 4.
My dear Sir, — We have been working hard to
expedite your dispatch, and I have scarce a moment
left for a private letter. In the main, I trust you
will find everything satisfactory, and I doubt not
you will be able to reconcile the French Court on the
two or three points on which we cannot give way.
The ribands and modes are of this description, and
the rate of duty on the linens cannot be lowered
beyond our former offer. In the glass, I hope and
believe we shall be able to comply. The interval
necessary before the reduction of the wine duty
should take place will be very speedily ascertained :
both these particulars shall be sent to you by another
messenger, who will probably reach you before all
the points in the present dispatch are exhausted ;
and you shall have at the same time an account
about the Britisli-made Wines. In the meantime, it
is enough to say that the duty on them was raised
last Session, and is much higher in proportion to
foreign wine than formerly. I will not enter farther
at present on the subject of my former private letter,
except only to repeat my sincere desire at all times to
keep in view whatever yon feel material either for
your credit or satisfaction in any arrangements that
160 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
may be in question. On the other points I will
write again very speedily. I foresee that at all
events it will be impossible for your presence here
not to be very material when the Treaty comes to be
discussed in Parliament. I write, as you see, in the
utmost haste.
Believe me always, my dear Sir,
Very sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Sept. 12, 1786.
My dear Sir, — Your dispatches reached me this
morning in the country. I allow fully for your
impatience, which is natural, and arises from con-
siderations which I feel in common with you ; — but I
wish to remove one impression. AVe never thought
of confining you so closely as you seem to imagine
to the amended draught of the articles, but coupled
them with the instructions, pursuant to which I
think you would have been warranted, if you had
signed the Treaty in the shape last transmitted to us,
with the exception only of the addition at the end
of the first article, which is too dangerous to be
admitted, at least in its present extent. I persuade
myself nothing can now prevent or retard the happy
completion of the business.
The new idea of fifteen per cent, in general, or on
the essential article of cottons, cannot be listened to,
and I hope will not be proposed, though pressing it
would in fact be breaking off the Treaty. — Silk
gauzes are, for very good reasons, too important to
us to be given up. The glass which we now give (a
little adventurously, as you see by the enclosed
evidence) will, I hope, assist you in carrying this
point.
The liberty to import into all ports, or at least into
most of them, is really necessary to the objects of the
Treaty. And lastly, the reduction we again ask on
WILLIAM, FIRST LOUD AUCKLAND. 161
the heavy articles of iron, seems so well justified by
the state of the present duties from other countries,
that the French can hardly refuse some satisfaction
on that head. But this last point, though very mate-
rial, should not be made a sine qua non.
You may venture to assure M. de Rayneval, that
we are in earnest endeavouring to make it prac-
ticable to reduce the duty on brandy a good deal
below the specified rate, though it is quite impossible
yet to speak positively, as you know the interests we
have to deal with. We are also making good pro-
gress in the idea of classing the duties on linens, so
as to put every other country on as favourable terms
as Germany in the same species.
I am more and more satisfied every hour with
every part of this business, but still I cannot flatter
myself that it is to be all triumph here without any
discontent or opposition ; and I am persuaded your
presence here will be materially beneficial, both with
a view to satisfying many of the manufacturers, and
also when the point comes before Parliament.
I should be particularly glad if you would come
over, if it were only for a week, soon after the sig-
nature of these articles. That time misrht be usefullv
spent for the business itself, — and I should be glad
of the opportunity of talking on many other points
on which 1 would rather talk than write. Anions
them is the suggestion of your having the appoint-
ment of Ambassador to ratify the Treaty. There
may be some difficulty in it, but if you wish it upon
the whole, I shall be much inclined to settle it so.
At all events, it will certainly come best after the
preliminaries are known to be signed.
I am truly concerned that the unfortunate incident
mentioned in your letter to Lord Carmarthen should
have added domestic anxiety to your other fatigues.
Believe me, my dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
The Treaty was signed on September the 26th.
VOL. I. m
162 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1786.
My dear Sir, — I am impatient to congratulate you
most cordially on the important event of the signature
of the Treaty which your secretary brought last night.
It ought to give the most general satisfaction, and
though I conclude some particular interests will not
be contented, the effects of the measure will, I trust,
long be felt, not only on the industry of both coun-
tries, but on their mutual temper and disposition to
each other. I am much struck with the proceeding
of M. de Vergennes and the French Government in
this whole transaction, and particularly with the fair-
ness, assiduity, and knowledge of M. de Rayneval.
Lord Carmarthen's dispatches will state to you some
few points unavoidable in a business of such extent,
which must be set right, but which, I flatter myself,
are really without difficulty.
I am pressed for time, but I cannot end my letter
without adding how impatient I shall be to submit
to the King a proper mode of acknowledging your un-
remitting services on this most important occasion.
I am, with great truth and regard,
Dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
W, Pitt.
The following letter is from Lord Sheffield, who
had installed himself as chief adviser of Mr. Eden,
and was very much surprised that, in spite of all his
prophecies to the contrary, such a favourable result
was arrived at.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, Oct, 4, 1786.
It may be extravagant to give an opinion on forty-
seven articles, a very small part of which are known
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 163
to me, and I must not pretend to say anything con-
clusive ; but with you I am not apt to be on my guard,
and although I may hereafter find something to abuse,
as far as I can judge from the part, I know the Treaty
seems very much of the same kind as the American
and the Irish, viz. the reciprocity is all on one side,
for I have not discovered, since I received your letter
this morning, a single advantage the French have
gained. Observe, however, that I only know extracts
from two articles, viz. 6th and 7th. You say they con-
tain the material points respecting the duties and
general principle of the business. I should be most
afraid the French would quarrel with them when they
find our manufactures filling their warehouses. I
hear they consider the Treaty as an experiment for
two years, and are much pleased with it. If it is all
of a piece with the articles you have communicated,
the French, for once at least, are taken in, and exhibit
themselves very ignorant and foolish.
I could write an excellentpamphlet on the French sde
of the question against theTreaty. On the first blush
of the business I almost wish the advantages were
more equal. You say France will be advantaged on the
article cambrics — positive nonsense ; and I think I
convinced some of the Glasgow people that the im-
portation of cambric will not be considerably increased.
France already had the supply of this country for the
cambrics she is likely to supply. I gave you some
notes on that subject before you went, I believe ; at
least I sent some to Glasgow to conciliate. In point
of revenue Britain will be benefited as far as the
amount of the duty on an article before prohibited.
I like exceedingly the idea of calculating duties upon
the premiums of smuggling, with some small addition
for the superior advantage of direct trade. But the
reduction of the duty on brandy from nine to seven
shillings is not sufficient to prevent smuggling. A
reduction, however, so low as to considerably increase
the consumption in Britain, would of course affect
M 2
164 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
the rum maker and distiller. Considering the igno-
rance and folly of the people, and the timidity of
Ministers on the article of silk, I think you may be
very well content with having obtained the admission
of gauze into France. Nothing can be clearer than
that we can meet the French at market with several
articles of silk besides the generality of ribands.
When the French were disposed to sign so liberal
a Treaty, it is rather remarkable they should stick at
mixtures of silk with cotton and woollen, for I sup-
pose the objection arose on their part, as a very con-
siderable part of the manufactures of Norwich and
Manchester will be excluded. Finally, the Treaty
appears far from a little business. Knowing your
system is not to knock your head against any knot of
manufacturers, and supposing the French would inform
themselves better, I did not expect much — something
plausible but not more. I knew the Ministers were
cowardly, although their ignorance has generally given
them the appearance of boldness. Your former letter
promised that it should be immediately followed by
another, therefore I delayed writing. Your two letters,
with the extracts, arrived together this morning.
Write to me again immediately. I have more to say
to you, but must delay it to another post. We are
very glad to hear Mrs. Eden is so well. She will not
relish this island. Pray tell her I particularly rejoice
in the event at Berwick.
Yours ever,
Sheffield.
P.S. — I shall impatiently wait for an opportunity of
finding something wrong in the rest of the Treaty. I
shall be very quarrelsome if it interferes with a
Spanish treaty. I think there will be at least much
scepticism on the laying open of the trade between
the two countries. Ten per cent, duties, acl valorem,
to be determined by oaths, are little.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND 165
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Oct. 16th, 1786.
My dear Sir, — I have received great satisfaction
in your last packet, from which we learn that the few
remaining points towards the completion of our great
work are settled well, or in a fair way of being so. I
think I may now venture to congratulate you most
fully on an issue to this business far beyond our most
sanguine wishes. In the little (comparatively speaking)
which yet remains to be explained, you will, I have no
doubt, be as successful as you have been hitherto.
To include the buttons especially, and the plated metal
and the japanned goods, in the specification of hard-
ware, and to explain the point of the marque des fers
seems almost all that remains to be done.
I conclude you will have found M. de Calonne
practicable as to the countervailing duty on iron — as
far as relates to the duty on the raw material. It is
very important to us to have these points settled well.
They are not great compared with the whole, but the
credit or discredit of the whole may depend much
upon them.
You say nothing about coming over hither. I wish
most eagerly to see you here as soon as you can make
it convenient ; for it will be of use, more than perhaps
you imagine, in settling the details of the duties in
pursuance of the Tariff; and as to the East India bu-
siness (which you must finish before you leave Paris
finally) it is impossible to send satisfactory instruc-
tions without talking to you on the subject. Private
reasons would make me very anxious to have our
meeting early, but otherwise a week, more or less, is
not material. Parliament, it is now settled, is not to
meet before Christinas. I wrote the other day in
great haste, but I hope you will have understood from
my letter that if the point of rank* is at all material
* The rank of Ambassador for the purpose of signing the Treaty.
M 3
166 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
to you, you may depend upon it immediately, and I
beg you would have no difficulty in stating your
wishes, which I shall be most happy to promote.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours sincerely,
W. Pitt.
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
(Private.) Fontainebleau, Oct. 18, 1786.
My dear Lord, — I now send back the Treaty* with
the several alterations recommended, and with some
others which were correct, and not very material im-
provements. I have obtained the insertion of " Iron"
among the articles to be compensated ; but I think that
you have urged it rather as a colour, and to prevent
objections, than from any intention to make actual
use of it. I am sure that it will be an ill-judged
measure to apply a countervailing duty to any article
except the glass. The policy of applying it as to the
beer ma}' by possibility be well, but in the meantime
it may safely lie. As to the " Toiles peintes et teintes,"
I know that it was urged by the Manchester people ;
but if they will have here sufficient security against
the introduction of Swiss cottons, it will be an idle
caution on our part, and an evasive one. I know it
will be unpopular in England to say it ; but I feel
that the infinite advantages which must result from
the Treaty by a temperate and generous conduct on
our part, will all be risked and, perhaps, will be lost,
by the extreme avidity of our manufacturers and
our complaisance towards them. I already reproach
myself seriously with having urged on the French
Ministers on some of the most material articles a lower
duty than is just or right; but in the meantime I was
urged by England to propose duties still lower, though
I suspected then, and know now, that we were deceived
by some who ought not to have deceived us. This is
not a business in which I feel solicitous for the applause
*The Treaty will be found in the Appendix.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 167
and triumph of the moment. It is impossible that the
Treaty can go forwards with any permanent execution,
if this country is to be overwhelmed with English
manufactures, and is not at the same time enabled to
send wines, brandies, cambrics, linens, &c. to pay for
them. The French Ministers talk on this part of the
subject to my feelings with great candour and good
sense, and their uneasiness is much increased by the
Portuguese business.
My residence here, and my concern with negotia-
tions, are both drawing to an end; but your Lordship's
wisdom and power will be very usefully employed in
putting this great machine of the French commerce
into motion, without occasioning a fatal convulsion in
the system, thus far auspicious, which you have so
essentially contributed to establish.
I am, my dear Lord,
Most respectfully and sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
It will be seen by the following letter that the title
of "King of France " was refused Louis XVI., George
III. claiming the title.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Fraser*
Fontainebleau, 20th Oct. 1786.
My dear Sir, — Observing immediately previous to
dispatching the Treaty to you, that there was a wrong
placing of the precedence between the two sovereigns,
I corrected it, as I had already agreed with M. de
Rayneval ; but it has since occurred to me that the
expression used (as taken, I believe, from the old
Treaty) is " Roi de France." I beg the favour of you
to erase those words, and to insert " Le Roi Tres
Chretien."
M. de Rayneval also desires you to correct a little
inaccuracy in point of grammar in the second para-
* Mr. Fraser was Under Secretary of State.
m 4
168 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
graph of the 6th article. Instead of" ne paieront pas
dans tous les cas," it should be " en aucun cas," and
the negative " pas" should be omitted.
These minutes border on hypercriticisms, but ac-
curacy is a good thing enough when it does not
prevent the progress of real business.
I am,
Most sincerely, &c,
Wm. Eden.
The Treaty was now ratified.
There is no doubt that it was most favourable to
England. It was not merely a treaty of commerce,
it was a treaty of navigation and commerce.
Some difficulties occurred, owing to the French
Ministers trying indirectly to alter the duties* ; but
Mr. Eden, with his usual ability, settled all points by
a supplementary convention, signed on the 15th of
January, which was received with great satisfaction
in England.
The following letter gives an account of a dinner
at Lord Carmarthen's, which made a great sensation
both at home and abroad ; Mr. Pitt's Foreign Secretary
having invited the leaders of the Opposition to his
official dinner: —
Mr. Morton Eden to Mr. William Eden.
Bruton Street, Jan. 18th, 1787.
My dear Brother, — I send you inclosed a pamphlet
which makes a great noise here at this moment, and
which may amuse you whilst your hair is combing
out. It is supposed to be written by Mr. Wraxall f:
there are indeed one or two expressions in it which
savour strongly of his speech in the House of Com-
mons. There are many new publications for and
* The duties were generally from ten to twelve per cent, ad valorem on
each side. French silks were excluded,
f Author of the Historical Memoirs.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 169
against your Treaty; but as I conclude that you have
given directions to have them all forwarded to you,
I shall not trouble you with them. I understand
that there will be a vigorous attack upon it, and that
Lord Stormont means to call evidence to the bar of
the House of Lords. I trust, however, that it will be
found invulnerable : this is the opinion of the most
sensible. I congratulate you on the happy conclu-
sion of the Tariff; but though 1 ardently wish, on my
own account, your return to England, yet I should be
sorry to see your mission finish before our East India
business be settled. I was yesterday seated at table
next to Mr. Hope, of Amsterdam, who, amongst
other articles of Dutch politics, mentioned the power
and art of France in Holland, in diverting the Dutch
from their real commercial interests, to establish in
India a military power which must be at their com-
mand, and prove probably fatal to our interests in
that quarter. Our company yesterday at Lord Car-
marthen's was numerous. Besides the Foreign Minis-
ters and strangers of distinction, there were Mr.
Fox, Lord Stormont, Duke of Manchester, General
Conway, Lord "Weymouth, and Lord Macartney.
Lord North sent an excuse : I met him the other day,
he looks deplorably. Mr. Fox arrived very late — he
had more attention shown him by the Foreign Minis-
ters* than the master of the feast. He sat at dinner
between the Duke of Lauzun, with whom he talked
the whole time, and a zero. Lord Stormont sat
between General Conway and a zero. The Duke of
Manchesterf between two zeros — he himself probably
a third. Mr. Fox was, what is very uncommon with
him, very well dressed.
The Bishop of Durham died yesterday ; the Chan-
cellor's brother, it is said, will certainly succeed
him.
* The Foreign Ministers expected Mr. Fox's immediate return to
power.
f Late Ambassador at Paris.
170 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
My best love to my sister and your children. Be-
lieve me to be, with the most unfeigned regard,
Your obliged and affectionate brother,
M. E.
Mr, Wood/all to Mr. Eden.
Dorset Street, Salisbury Square, Feb. 3, 1787:
Dear Sir, — I thank you for your favour of the
24th of January. You will see by the letter from
Mr. Palmer*, transmitted herewith, that I made the
proper use of that we are to be shown. I shall thank
you, if you continue long enough at Paris, for a line
or two upon the subject, as soon as you shall have
had an opportunity of paying it any attention.
We are just on the eve of tapping your tub at St.
Stephen's. It has been upon the ferment ever since
we met, and a good deal of your yeast has worked
upwards from it. Without a metaphor, on Monday
we are to discuss the nomination of the day, and
expect Monday se'nnight will be stiffly objected to as
too early. The Opposition (as you will have seen,
if the Morning Chronicle f reaches you) contest the
Treaty on the grounds of general policy, as I pre-
dicted they would in my last. Fox and Pitt have
been warm and irascible more than once, on the
topic of the state of our present and probable future
trade with Portugal, and I see clearly, that it will
prove a bone of contention all through the various
debates, that will either mediately or immediately
arise respecting your Treaty. Mr. Pelham J, you will
have observed, is active on the subject.
Mr. Hastings's prosecution is moving onwards ;
Sheridan is to detail the charge about the Begums,
and Fox says he was completely prepared a week
ago, but, being afraid of establishing one precedent
of punctuality on his part, moved the day. This
* Mr. Palmer the Post Office reformer.
f Mr. William Woodfall was Editor of the Morning Chronicle.
I Hon. Thomas Pelham, afterwards second Earl of Chichester.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 171
bon-mot has, however, within this day or two, been
rendered into dull matter of fact, as the examination
of Mr. Middleton and Sir Elijah Impey has furnished
so much new evidence, that it has become absolutely
necessary to move the day a second time, and not go
to Oude till next Wednesday.
I thank you for your piece of news relative to the
Droit d'Aubaine*, which I forthwith communicated
to the public, as I knew many people had contended
that that important consideration had not been settled
with sufficient explicitness in your Treaty.
Begging pardon for taking up so much of your
valuable time, give me leave to subscribe myself,
Dear Sir, yours faithfully ever,
W. Woodfall.
P.S. — As I have put down one bon-mot, I will
scrawl another in the postscript. Lord North, at a
late dinner at the Duke of Portland's, when the con-
versation turned on the promotion of Mr. Jenkinson
to a peerage, said, " Aye, they can't go on without
more of my friends ; I suppose, when any question of
state arises in the House of Lords, and Lord Carinar-
thenf and Lord Sydney are looked to, or called upon,
they w T ill both arise, and like the two mutes\ in the
Mourning Bride, point to Lord Hawkesbury."
The Treaty received the assent of the House of
Commons, although Mr. Fox opposed it on the ground
that France was our natural enemy.
* The right of the French Government to seize the goods of aliens
dying in France.
t The Marquis of Carmarthen, afterwards fifth Duke of Leeds, had
been a member of the Upper House since 1776, with the title of Baron
Osborne.
| The two Secretaries of State seldom spoke in the House of Lords.
172 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP. VII.
Differences between England and France with respect to the Affairs of
Holland. — Letters of Mr. Eden and M. de Rayneval. — Mr. Eden
returns to Paris. — Lord Thurlow's Opinions on the Disputes. — M. de
Montmorin professes a Wish to recede. Revolutionary Manifestations in
Paris. — Warlike Letters of Mr. Pitt. — Notification of M. de Montmorin
that France would assist the States of Holland against Prussia. — Lord
Carmarthen's Circular Declaring that England would arm. — Mr.
Grenville arrives in Paris. — The States of Holland recall their Demand
of Assistance. — Lord Carmarthen suggests that a Declaration should be
signed. — Mr. Eden's Reception at the Duchess of Polignac's Party. —
Mr. Eden remonstrates against Sir James Harris's Suggestions.
The following correspondence relates to the differ-
ences between England and France, with respect to
the affairs of Holland, which terminated in a manner
so satisfactory to the English nation.
For some years the influence of France had been
predominant in Holland.
The Dutch navy, formerly so formidable under
Van Tromp and De Ruyter, had sunk into a mere
appendage of that of France, and their colonial pos-
sessions in the East had been turned into French
outposts, from whence attacks might be made on
English dominion in India. Sir James Harris, the
English Ambassador in Holland, had long been
endeavouring to thwart the proceedings of the
democratic party, who, directed by French agents,
were reducing the Stadtholcler to a nonenity.
An accidental circumstance restored the Prince of
Orange to his rights.
On the 28th of June, the Princess of Orange,
sister of the young King of Prussia who had just
succeeded to the throne of the great Frederick, was
stopped and insulted on her journey from Nimeguen
to the Hague. The King of Prussia determined, by
the advice of that active diplomatist, Mr. Ewart, to
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 17
g
avenge the insult offered to the Princess, and
demanded satisfaction from the States of Holland.
The States of Holland refused satisfaction, and
appealed for assistance from France. On the 13th*
of September, M. de Montmorin, who had succeeded
the Comte de Vergennes as Foreign Minister,
announced to Mr. Eden that the demand of the
States would be acceded to. The English Ministers
received this important intelligence on the 15th.
Their resolution was soon taken, and the French
Government was informed that any armed inter-
ference in Holland would be met with all the might
and power of England. Prussia was promised the
assistance of forty sail of the line, and twenty-five
thousand soldiers. The Prussian troops, under the
command of the Duke of Brunswick, poured into
Holland and restored the Government of the Prince
of Orange. The two nations were now face to face ;
the gauntlet was thrown down on both sides ; they
must either fight or recede. Mr. Pitt, who now
personally superintended the direction of foreign
affairs, not only did not recede, but he made France
promise not to interfere in the affairs of Holland ;
then he made her sign a public declaration to that
effect. Not content with that, he made France
reduce her navy, which she had been increasing for
the last two years, to a peace establish ment. Mr.
Eden, by his great influence with the French Minis-
ters, materially contributed to this glorious result.
The following letter was written by Mr. Eden
when in England in the month of July: —
Mr. Eden to M. de Rayneval.
Lambeth Falace.
My dear Sir, — I send this by the courier who
carries a dispatch to the Duke of Dorset, on which
The Prussian troops entered Holland on the same day.
174 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
I will make few remarks, because it can only be
justly understood by a full and mature consideration
of all its contents ; and I therefore hope that the
Duke will communicate it to M. le Comte de Mont-
morin with that unreserve which is best calculated in
the present moment to bring our discussions to a
right point.
I am so peculiarly situated in this business, that I
see the interior of what is going forwards in both
Governments, — and I have the fullest conviction upon
my mind, that both Governments are cordially
anxious to pursue the wishes of the two Sovereigns
in the maintenance of peace towards each other, and
in quieting the troubles which arise in other states,
without seeking to derive any undue advantages from
those troubles ; at the same time I see with great
uneasiness that, under all the circumstances of the
moment, these good dispositions are liable to be
frustrated, unless the utmost attention is exerted.
I lamented most sincerely the little misconception
which took place so immediately after my departure ;
but the liberality and wisdom of M. de Montmorin's
mind interposed and prevented it from doing any
mischief. The line pursued in that instance has
made a deep and right impression here.
The dispatch which will now be communicated to
you, must be considered collectively, and not by par-
ticular sentences. If it happens (which, however, I
see no reason to suppose) that there is any word or
expression not precisely consonant to the feelings of
your Government, place it to the account of the
differences of the two languages, and consider the
whole import. I aver to my friends here, that your
Ministers are sincere in wishing to maintain peace
and to restore the tranquillity of the Dutch Provinces
upon just and constitutional terms. I now, through
you, make the same averment to friends at Ver-
sailles respecting the Ministers here, — and salvo
lionore on both sides in the measures to be adopted.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 175
We now go great lengths of conciliation, in stating
and limiting the number of our ships, the short
victualling and cruising to the westward, &c. &c.
I conjure you to meet us and repay us with equal
frankness and conciliation; and to tell us fairly and
freely that you have no intention at present to
assemble troops towards Holland. I entreat you
further to recommend the taking effective steps to
effectuate a state of civil peace between the Provinces.
For the purpose of discussion I will recommend
similar measures as far as I can here. I hope also
that the joint arbitration is drawing towards an
actual proposition. It will, however, be much expe-
dited if you could give us a more specific statement
of the plan to be adopted in settling the differences
of the several parties.
In all this, which I write in extreme haste, you
will not forget that I speak from my own personal
feelings, and under the extreme disadvantage of
expressing in few words, and at three hundred miles
distance, what occurs on so great and complicated
a subject. If I had the honour of ten minutes per-
sonal conversation with M. de Montmorin, I should
hope for great information and advantages from it ;
as it is, I can only express wishes and hopes.
I will write more fully in a few days : en attendant,
faites mille assurances a M. le Comte de Montmorin
de mon respectueux attachement.
J'ai l'honneur d'etre, tres sincerement, Monsieur,
votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,
Wm. Eden.
P.S. — Permit me to suggest that, if any delicac}? -
occurs as to the mode for communicating your answer,
it would be an unobjectionable mode to write through
Monsieur Barthelemy, and it will thus continue a
transaction of confidence till the moment comes of
its being ministerial.
176
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
M. de Rayneval to Mr. Eden.
A Versailles, le 20 juillet 1787.
J'ai re9ii, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m'avez fait
l'bonneur de m'ecrire le 10 de ce raois, et je me suis
empresse de la communiquer a M. le Comte de Mont-
morin. Ce Ministre a ete tres sensible a la maniere
confiante avec laquelle vous vous etes explique sur
ces malheureuses affaires de Hollande, et il fait fond
sur ce que vous dites des dispositions pacifiques de
votre, Ministere. La depeche que recoit M. Barthe-
lemy doit dissiper jusqu'a 1'ombre de ses apprehensions
par rapport a nos intentions. II seroit bien a sou-
haiter, Monsieur, que vous revenissiez promptement a
Paris ; c'est le vceu de M. le Comte de Montmorin :—
il pense que ce seroit le seul moyen de se bien entendre,
et de s'entendre promptement Mais, si vous venez
soyez bien muni destructions, afin que le terns ne
soit pas employe en envois de courriers. La cessation
des mesures hostiles est de la derniere importance,
et sans laquelle il sera impossible de rien faire. Obte-
nez que votre Ministere donne dans cette vue les in-
structions les plus precises et les plus peremptoires a
M. le Chevalier Harris : — comptez que nous en agirons
de meme de notre cote.
Je me fais un devoir de vous confier, Monsieur, qu'il
nous revient de tous cotes que vous avez ordonne
l'armement de 1 7 vaisseaux de la ligne : on ne le croit
pas ici, parce que cela est contraire a votre declaration :
cependant vous m'obligerez essentiellement, en me met-
tant en etat de detruire tout ce que Ton mande a cet
egard : vous sentirez de vous-meme, que tout cela est
de la plus grande importance.
La depeche adressee a M. le Due de Dorset est cou-
chee dans un stile convenable et amical : on portera,
j'espere, le meme jugement de celle que communiquera
M. Barthelemy. — Vous pouvez etre sur que Ton de-
sire de ce cote-ci le maintien de la paix et de la
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 177
bonne harmonie : mais n'oubliez pas ce mot : salvo
honore.
J'ai l'honneur d'etre, &c. &c.
De Rayneval.
P.S — Si de votre part on s'expliquera sur ce que Ton
desire relativement a M. le Stathouder, on aura lieu
d'etre content des principes que Ton a de ce cote-ci :
je suppose que Ton ne demandera pas des choses inad-
missibles.
In compliance with the wish of both Governments,
Mr. Eden returned to Paris, and in the absence of
the Duke of Dorset acted as Ambassador.
The following able letter of Lord Thurlow fully
explains the causes of the disputes : —
The Lord Chancellor to Mr. Eden.
London, 10th August, 1787.
Dear Sir, — I don't know where to look for light
enough upon the subject of your present discussion
to give you any material assistance ; but, though I
am arrived at the very point where you hesitate, I
cannot help suspecting some unsoundness in the argu-
ments of our opponents, while they rest so entirely
on generalities. They charge the Prince with violating
the Constitution, and other enormities.
This is denied : still, they specify no one particular,
but, waiving that head, they claim for the States of
Holland the sovereignty of the province ; covering
every pretension, and answering every complaint, in
two short words, sic placet.
This argument, conceived in a style satis pro
imperio, certainly proves a great deal, if it does not
prove too much.
The whole executive power of the province, in-
cluding the judicial, formally resides in the person
VOL. I. X
178 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
of the Prince. If that were transferred to a Marshal
of France, or dispersed among the people at large,
the same argument would cover even these mad
resolutions ; so indeed it would, if, by a sort of Lex
Julia the entire sovereignty were disposed of in the
same manner. To my superficial view of the subject,
it seems, that their Constitution should be read back-
wards. To understand the authority of the States-
General, one must look, not only to the union of
1579, but to the respective Constitutions of each
province. To understand the authority of the Pro-
vincial States, one must look back to the constitution
of their nobles, their towns, and other integral
9 1 O
members. After acquiring a competent notion of the
general subject, another task remains, perhaps more
difficult, to trace the occasion of the present dis-
orders. Upon all these heads I have so little infor-
mation, that I totally distrust my own opinion, or
rather fancy, to which the present interposition of
France appears in an unfavourable, not to say
ridiculous, light ; if the power, which backs it, did
not give it another aspect.
The troubles begin in Holland, where you and M.
Montmorin seem almost agreed they ought to end,
and they are supposed to have begun nearly in the
following manner.
Some dark traditions are found in the prefaces of
histories, that, in the towns of Holland, as well as
other provinces, the provincial magistrates were
originally chosen by the people at large. A contrary
practice has certainly obtained ever since the revolt
from the House of Burgundy, and all historians seem
to agree, that the new sovereignty could not have
been maintained under the old system, if that ever
existed in fact. Nothing is more easy than to persuade
the people at large that all power is best lodged in
their hands ; at the same time a more unjust and
barbarous line of policy cannot be adopted by a
powerful neighbour than this, of exciting and main-
taining the mob of any country in such destructive
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 179
pretensions. This France is supposed to have done ;
and, with so much effect, that, by turning out those
Avho were duly elected, and substituting those chosen
by the people at large, a majority has been gained
both in the Provincial States and in the executive
council.
By the preservative constitution of the towns, the
principal magistrates are nominated by the Prince,
out of classes of three persons, each elected in the
place, and it has been usual for the Prince to recom-
mend even the three : the last seems matter of mere
complaisance ; the first, which is of right, is now
transferred from the Prince to the Provincial States,
equally contrary to the freedom of the towns, and to
the just rights of the Prince.
Such usurpations, probably, would not have been
attempted, certainly not have been maintained,
without force ; for this purpose, bodies of men, which
they call free corps, have been raised, armed, and
trained, voluntarily: that is to say, by the party. It
is needless to comment upon a military force, main-
tained in any state, independent of public authority.
The Provincial States of Holland, thus new modelled,
employ the provincial quota of the Republican army
to the same effect.
These irregular exertions could not have been
made at all without large pecuniary assistance from
France ; nor, when made, have availed without con-
tinual and express assurances, ministerially given by
the Ambassador* himself, that they would be backed
by the Power, and, if need should be, by the arms, of
that nation. It is well known in France, that
nothing short of such violence on their part would
have urged the friends of the old constitution to
make up to England.
Upon these heads, it is gravely observed by our
opponents, that the Stadtholder, having nothing to do
with the sovereignty, has, consequently, no concern
* M. de Verac.
n 2
180 TIIE CORRESPONDENCE OF
in the election of the magistrates. Besides the
interest which every subject has in preserving the
constitution he lives under, surely it is sufficiently
apparent that the Prince has no inconsiderable share
in the sovereignty.
Here many confused reflections arise, which I
want the means to shape or arrange : first, the
general idea of destruction to the State, which is
menaced by these disorders, in which their Govern-
ment seems to be dissolved ; secondly, a question how
far an assembly, so irregularly constituted, and more
irregularly awed by a military force, can be deemed
the Provincial States ; thirdly, what competent au-
thority these States, if they were freer and more
regularly constituted, would have to invade the
franchises of the towns, and change even the prin-
ciples of their own existence ; fourthly, how far the
populace of the towns, contrary to the established
constitution of those places, could subvert the
magistracy, resort must be had to the maxim that
all power, being derived from the people, may be
resumed by them, where the people mean that man, or
number of men, who can make the best fight of it,
but this maxim is no part of any regular government ;
I presume not of France.
[t was necessary to the views of the party, to put
the command of the army into the hands of their
own leaders ; and the Prince has been accordingly
suspended from the office of Captain-general of the
province.
In reasoning upon this head, however, our oppo-
nents seem to agree that his restoration to that office
is an essential step towards restoring the Constitution
of the province, but they still struggle to diminish his
patronage and weaken his authority. This pretension
they rest also on the old plea ; they are sovereigns,
and sic placet.
Their first claim is, to divide with him the collation
of regimental commissions, from Ensign up to Colonel,
inclusively.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 181
I don't know enough of the constitution of the
Union army to judge how far this point is to be
deemed in theory or practice a Republican or pro-
visional point, even as applied to the contingent
furnished by Holland, although given expressly by
a resolution of the States of Holland to their Cap-
tain-general. I am informed that the same power
has been exercised over the whole army by the
Captain-general of the Union ever since it began. It
is said that the quota of troops furnished by each
province becomes thereupon part of the Union army ;
and, though the command of that part of it which
is actually stationed in each province accrues to their
States, and to their Captain-general, as incidental to
their sovereignty, yet the right of bestowing regi-
mental commissions is no such necessary incident.
If Holland claims it while a regiment is locally in
that province, so may the other provinces while the
same regiment is locally there ; and, at all events,
it must devolve upon the States-General, or their
Captain-general, whenever such regiment is locally
in the generality, or in foreign parts, but neither the
other states nor the States-General desire it. Per-
haps they have also conferred it, in like manner with
Holland, upon the Prince ; such a divided and
floating patronage could only tend to corrupt the
army. The same objection occurs in another shape
if it be supposed that each province confers regi-
mental commissions on their own quota. No such
claim has ever been made by the other provinces, or
by Holland, till now. Indeed the claim of Holland,
in its present form, seems quite unprincipled, and
rather contemptible. Public reason either requires,
as has hitherto been thought, that the Captain-
general of the Union should be looked up to by the
army for their promotion ; or that the States respec-
tively should hold that situation. Dividing it seems
to turn on the private and paltry object of encroaching
so much patronage.
The point of commanding at the Hague, and of
N o
182 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
giving the word there, seems small indeed, and not
to be much insisted on, whether as Captain-general
of the Union or of the Province. It is said always
to have belonged to the Prince and his ancestors ;
but, while the Hague remains the residence of the
States-General, it seems properly to belong to the
Captain-general of the Union. It cannot be done by
a public body ; some other officer must do it, if not
the Captain-general. It is impossible to read the
commission of 1766, by which he is made to represent
the whole executive authority, civil and military, of
the province, without supposing this a necessary
incident to that situation ; and the very suggestion of
putting it into other hands has no apparent object
but mortification and insult, or probable motive but
personal animosity. If this cannot be a little sup-
pressed, all hope of peace must vanish. The military
jurisdiction, exercised by the high council of war, is
not said to have produced any actual grievance or
specified complaint ; at least of late.. But it must be
confessed, that it has always been regarded with
jealousy, as giving more umbrage to the civil
authority than should be allowed in a free state, by
assuming the cognizance of civil crimes and by
screening military persons from the civil magistrate.
When King William's military authority was cir-
cumscribed, as you know, in England, a similar plan
was laid before him by the sovereign civil court of
Holland, and that proposal stands on principles not
easily disputed.
The argument on the subject of the patents seems
also with our opponents, at least thus far, that the
difficulties thereupon should find their arrangement
in practice, as they have hitherto done. The patents,
properly speaking, that is the power of marching
and disposing the troops, naturally issue from the
Captain-general. But the local privileges of every
town entitle them to insist that no troops shall be
cantoned within their district without their consent.
This consent is given by an instrument called a lettre
WILLIAM, FIEST LORD AUCKLAND. 183
$ attache. No difficulty has yet arisen on this head
in practice, nor is any likely to arise, but from the
spirit of dissension.
It would look invidious to proceed to that tyranni-
cal and insolent measure of Holland, the sending
troops into the neighbouring provinces to enforce the
reform of their constitutions, because that seems no
longer to make part of the point of national honour,
on which France thinks it necessary to stand. You
remember all that M. Rayneval could find, in a
laboured composition, to say upon this head to the
Prince of Orange, was only to ask it as a peace-
offering : " II faut puiser dans son coeur." Perhaps
" II faut fourrer dans sa poche" would have been as
apt an expression.
God knows what degree of resemblance this repre-
sentation bears to the true state of the controversy.
Allowing it any, it becomes manifest, that these
commotions could not have arisen, nor can now hold
a month without the active support of France. If
she will withdraw her interposition, or confine it
even to such articles as may reform the government,
without dissolving or sapping it, the whole will then
be over ; and that without even the embarrassment
of a foreign mediation; so at least the States of
Zealand have expressed their opinion. No other
country meddled with their affairs till the French
drove them to extremities ; and, if the French do not
insist upon absolutely ruining them, it is probable
that no other power will interfere with them.
What a childish scene you exhibited in your last
despatch ; the minister of a great country exclaiming
that France is covered with dirt in the eyes of all
Europe if she does not persist in abetting a faction
to overturn the constitution of one member of a small
neighbouring State ; childish, I mean, to one who is
ignorant of the secret objects that Court may enter-
tain, and, consequently, of the value to be put upon
them ; and also the private engagements she may
have contracted with the leaders of the revolt.
M -4
184 THE CORRESPOXDENCE OP
Upon these, undoubtedly, the conduct of France
will ultimately turn ; in the mean time, to speak
fairly, her ostensible topics are not a little frivolous ;
the closest alliance with a confederacy of nations
creates no duty or right to assist the invasion of one
on the rest, or to interfere in the interior government
of any. The colour of assisting the lawful magistrate
against his rebels is notoriously groundless.
If France will leave the Republic to itself, the
Constitution will right on its own account ; if France
will be content with the credit of procuring only a
due reform of such deviations as may have fallen out
from the original form of their government, she will
have done no mischief. If she is determined to persist
in overturning the whole, she must 2:0 to war for it.
This letter would have been shorter, if I had
known more of the matter ; but I was in hopes that-
even misconceptions (if these should turn out to be
such) might lead your inquiries a little way towards
that information of which we stand in so much need,
as it should seem, both in your Court and here.
I am, dear Sir, with great regard,
Your most faithful and obedient servant,
Thureow.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Secret.) Seve, near Paris, August 23, 1787.
My dear Sir, — M. de Montmorin mentioned to me
a circumstance on Tuesday last, which I obtained
permission from him to communicate in confidence
to you, but which he entreated me most earnestly not
to state in my official despatches, and of which he
also entreats you to make no use except for your own
private information. He had some time ago hinted to
me, and I believe I remarked it to you at the time,
that he had no sanguine ideas of going forwards to
advantage with the Dutch business by employing
those in conciliation who had been engaged, or may
have been supposed to have been engaged, in a dif-
ferent line of conduct. On Tuesday he told me that
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 185
he had, the preceding day, obtained permission to
offer the Dutch Embassy to M. de St. Priest, and had
that morning dispatched a courier to him accordingly
(he is in his terres at a very considerable distance
from Paris): he had no doubt that M. de St. Priest
would very thankfully accept ; but he has not yet
informed the Marquis de Verac of his intended recall;
nor has he yet taken means to explain the matter to
others who have claims and expectations upon him, nor
is the measure yet known to the other Ministers of the
Cabinet.
You will therefore feel that the request to us
to make no mention of it at present is perfectly
reasonable. M. de St. Priest will be required to pro-
ceed instantly to the Hague. I happen to know him
personally, and with some degree of intimacy. He
showed considerable talents in his Embassy at Con-
stantinople, but happened to quarrel with M. de Ver-
gennes, whom he succeeded there : he has been unem-
ployed therefore since his return, but with consider-
able pretensions, and was particularly talked of for
the situation which M. de Montmorin now fills. I
was glad that he failed on that occasion, because
though he is a pleasant man, and though I happen
to know him well, I had great doubts whether he
would have entered cordially into the system which
we wish to cultivate. He acts much from his own
opinions, and has a degree of harshness in his charac-
ter under the cover of much politeness. He will
however, act with effect and with zeal towards quiet-
ing the Dutch troubles, if he is satisfied (and made
fully sensible) that he is appointed with that view.
I wait with anxiety for further and full instruc-
tions from you on the Dutch business. I have had a
very long and able letter from the Chancellor upon
the subject. I do not quite agree as to all his posi-
tions, but they will be of great use and advantage to
me; and I wish you would take the trouble to say
that I had mentioned them to you with a sense of my
obligation for his kindness in writing them.
186 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
I am more peculiarly anxious on this subject for
its speedy progress, because I see no bounds to the in-
convenience to which I shall be exposed if I am de-
tained here above four weeks longer, and am afterwards
expected to proceed this winter to Madrid. As it is,
I shall be subject to difficulties of various kinds by
going so instantly upon my appointment ; but if I do
not go, I should be expected to go the instant that
the snows are melted and the roads are passable in
January or February, and that would carry me into
passing the summer in Spain, the danger of which I
dread exceedingly. Under this view of my situation,
I have authorised Mr. Liston to pay SOOl. to secure
the immediate possession of a house for four months ;
and I am now working from morning to night to be at
liberty to get away. At the same time I cannot but
foresee that affairs may take such a turn as to make
my removal so soon as I wish almost impracticable.
I am sure that M. de Montmorin, from personal friend-
ship towards me, as well as from higher motives, will
do everything in his power to accelerate our conclu-
sions, but he may not have the means. My difficulty
is not with respect to the Court of Madrid, M. de Mont-
morin and M. d'Aranda*would arrange matters with
that Ministry, and would make it cover their request to
me not to go yet. It turns on a different point : I
want it to be over; I hate so distant and so unoccupied
an exile, and cannot think without pain of having it
to begin in another year. Pray think of all this, and
tell me what you think about it. I will enclose in
my despatches of the day M. de Montmorin's private
note to me respecting it.
As to our East India project, I was tempted to say
not one word about it in this letter, because, though
I think that 1 shall in a few days convert it into a
treaty I am quite afraid to say so yet, lest it should
jDrove a disappointment. It will give me at least as
much pleasure as the Treaty of Commerce gave, if it
* The Spanish Ambassador at the Court of Versailles.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 187
succeeds, for I do not think it of less importance; and
it will be an addition to the successes which we have
had tog-ether in foreign negotiations, which will add
permanently to your fame, both at present and in all
future times. Nothing will then be wanting but a
proper settlement of the Dutch business, which I think
we have also in the best trim possible.
I have some suspicion that M. de Castries's retire-
ment will soon take place. Upon my expressing on
Tuesday last, some regret to M. de Montmorin that the
little teasing business of the Consuls remained un-
settled, he desired me to feel no concern about it,
but to have a little patience, and this with so signi-
ficant a tone, that I could not construe it otherwise
than I have done.
I am quite afraid to write all that is passing here
on the interior disturbances — " Ce sont des horreurs."
Hand-bills were dispersed a few days ago in the fol-
lowing words, — " Le Roi a Charenton, — la Reine a
Sainte Pelagie, — le Comted'Artois a Sainte Lazare, —
le Dauphin aux EnfansTrouves et Monsieur Regent."*
You probably know that Charenton est pour des fous;
Sainte Pelagie pour des femmes de mauvaise vie ; et
Sainte Lazare pour des mauvais sujets. And it is
said that a few days ago, " Damien f " was written in
several places in the great gallery at Versailles. Mon-
sieur is popular merely because a name is wanted
to be placed at the head of the faction that is ferment-
ing. All this is infinitely disgusting to the great per-
sonages concerned ; and yet I have little doubt that
it will gradually revert to good order, for the force
of this government is of a kind which is not easily
shaken even with bad management, of which there
has been much.
I am, my dear Sir,
Respectfully and most sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
* Afterwards Louis XVIII.
f " Damien " was executed tor attempting the assassination of
Louis XV.
188 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
Seve, near Paris, August 28, 1787.
My clear Sir, — You will see in my despatches of
this day the changes in this government, in great
measure pursuant to what I hinted in my last : the
Archbishop* is principal Minister, not Premier. It is
no part of the plan that the Marechals de Castries and
de Segur should remain in office, and therefore it is
not inconvenient that there is a sort of supposed eti-
quette by which marechals of France cannot properly
travailler under a principal Minister. I am very glad
to believe that what is going forwards is perfectly
agreeable to M. de Montmorin.
The Dutch negotiation ripens fast towards the
form and colour that you wish ; but I doubt whether
I can get them to like the idea of a mediation if it is
avoidable, and in truth it is open to many objections.
The East India business continues in a very hopeful
state, and will be concluded in a few days, if the
Marechal de Castries' advisers do not induce him
upon his ministerial deathbed to start some material
objections to it. I shall know on Thursday, but not
in time for the courier.
I consider everything in such forwardness as to put
it in my power, according to all reasonable probability,
to leave this Court in about four weeks, and am taking
my measures accordingly : — if you think me likely to
be disappointed in this, pray take the trouble to write
me a line and say so.f
I much doubt whether the Archbishop has either
health or nerve equal to what he is undertaking ;
but it may do for a time.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours respectfully and most sincerely,
W. Eden.
(Private.)
P.S. — M. de Montmorin has complained rather se-
riously to me, not merely that the papers in general
* The Archbishop of Toulouse.
•f" Mr. Eden had been appointed Ambassador to the Court of Spain.
WILLIAM, FIKST LOED AUCKLAND. 189
which have lately passed between London and Ver-
sailles have been communicated from England to
Prussia, but that we have also communicated the letter
of the 4th July, addressed to M. de Montmorin by
the Duke of Dorset*, though that letter was disavowed
between the two Courts, with such management as
certain considerations of personal good nature mutu-
ally suggested:— he even seems to think that his an-
swer to that letter was kept back. I wish you would
take the trouble to inquire into this at the office, and
to enable me to remove the impression; his idea of it
was that if it was not an accident it was a breach of
faith. The King of Prussia made an insulting use
of it ; they were going to take the trouble to explain
the transaction as it was, but I believe I prevented it.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.) Paris, Sept. 4th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I am much obliged to you for your
few lines to set right the point about the Duke of Dor-
set's letter to M. de Montmorin. I omitted by accident
to carry it to-day to Versailles ; but I shall see M. de
Montmorin to-morrow : — I cannot account for the cir-
cumstance ; the fact is very certain that the King of
Prussia has that letter.
(Secret.) — I suspect that M. de la Luzernef will be
appointed to England in a few weeks, unless M. de
Montmorin should think that his living heretofore in
America may give an unpleasing sensation to the
King ; if so, he will probably send the Due de Vau-
guyon to England, and the other to Spain. As I
know the former and not the latter, I doubt whether
we shall not be sorry for the circumstance which may
keep the former from England : — he is a sensible man,
properly disposed, and honourable, and would bear
* The Duke's letter was a menacing one with respect to French inter-
ference in Holland.
t M. de la Luzerne had been French Minister in America during the
war.
190 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the full confidence of his principal. If you will
find out what will be most agreeable, I will contrive
it, but I beg you not to delay it, if you think it
material.
M. de Montmorin again returned to-day with great
earnestness to the extreme necessity of my re-
maining at least a few weeks longer here : and said
that he should consider my going comme dlun tres
mauvais augure: and that if it was from delicacy
towards the Court of Madrid, he would charge himself
instantly to bear a letter from the Comte de Florida
Blanca, to state some friendly and ostensible reason
for my delaying for a few weeks : — he said that even
his answers could not come from M. de St. Priest*
before my departure ; that at the utmost the armistice
only could be established in the course of the month; —
that he saw no hopes of opening such a discussion
with any comfort or confidence with a new person ;
— that the strange conduct of the Porte f had opened
a new subject of a most important kind, on which an
explanation must take place; — that he could give the
positive certainty of nothing being to be done in
Spain (beyond great personal civilities), except in
concurrence with this Court, &c. &c. &c. To all
which I answered that I had felt what he had already
kindly hinted on this subject ; that 1 had considered
it freely and fairly; and written to you respecting it :
— But personal considerations respecting the Duke of
Dorset, exclusive of the inconvenience and risk to my
family in such a voyage and change of climate in the
midst of winter, obliged me to go even if there should
be a disposition at home to retain me a few weeks
longer here : — and that I had sent the preceding day
to Mr. ListonJ accordingly.
I suppose that His Most Christian Majesty would
* M. de St. Priest had succeeded M. de Verac as French Ambassador
in Holland.
f The Porte had declared war against Russia ; and imprisoned the
Puissian Minister.
| Mr. Liston was Secretary of Embassy at Madrid.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 191
have said something upon the Convention ; but I do
not at present go to the levees, having been obliged
to inoculate one of my children, and the Due de Nor-
mandie not having had the small-pox.
I am, my dear Sir,
Most respectfully and sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Sept. 8, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I received with the most sincere
satisfaction the account of the fortunate completion
of the East India Convention*, which I had hardly
flattered myself would be so entirely agreeable to our
wishes. The despatch you will receive upon that
subject will, I hope, mark our real disposition to
give every further facility that is practicable.
The insertion proposed in the seventh article of the
words, " a l'exception des Francais," was what we
could not agree to without giving up in a striking
degree the principles we have been so anxious to
maintain. I much wish the next subject I have to
speak of, — I mean the Dutch business — was of as
agreeable a nature. M. de Montmorin may in
the end mean fairly, and we are far from wishing to
imply personal suspicion of him, or the rest of the
French Government, in any offensive manner. But
what is to be said of the style or substance of his
confidential note to you of the 4th instant? The
idea of disarming the Free Corps is now represented
as impracticable, which in former conversations we
understood to have been suggested by himself as a
possible alternative, and without which I hardly see
how any cessation of hostilities can be secure. The
manner of speaking of the introduction of French
* Mr. Eden hud concluded a Convention with respect to India with
the French Government. In the Convention France recognised our
sovereignty in India.
192
THE COEEESPONDEXCE OF
troops into the Republic, and of the representation
made by the States-General in consequence, is beyond
measure supercilious and offensive ; and the obser-
vation that the province of Overyssel, and the towns
of Utrecht and Wyk (where the magistracy has been
subverted by force by the Free Corps) " ont deja con-
somme la reforme, que c'est une affaire terminee" is
precisely in the same character. We are sincere and
earnest in wishing an amicable arrangement on just
and reasonable terms. We have no wish (whatever
are the circumstances of France), to urge them
beyond these limits, or to have the appearance of
doing so ; but there will be no chance of the nego-
tiation ending well while the French Minister indulges
himself (in the midst of friendly professions) in a
tone inconsistent with every idea of accommodation.
I guess the quarter from which the intimation came
to you respecting the idea of the Prince of Orange,
being to dispose the Prince to retire in favour of his son.
Nothing could be devised, however, which we should
deem more unfit to be listened to for a moment,
and it is, therefore, fortunate no answer is desired.
It is an idea which I cannot think of suggesting to
any person living. I have expressed strongly, but
exactly, what I feel on these subjects. If, however,
at bottom the French mean conciliation, I am sin-
cerely desirous that such a confidential communica-
tion may be maintained, as will facilitate it whenever
they act directly and consistently towards that object.
On this ground, I much wish that any arrangement
could be found to prolong your stay at Paris.
We have declined making any observations on the
Note Confidentielle you enclosed*, and for this reason,
as well as from the impossibility of acting on so
delicate a business, on explanations which are merely
personal, and not ministerial. You cannot too much
discourage this species of communication It is the
less necessary, as this is not a subject which, in its
* Of M. de Montmorin.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 193
present stage, ought to go into detail. As to the
particular information which M. de Montrnorin
seems to wish you should receive in order to " discuter
la mature au fond" I do not see how it can be fur-
nished without transferring to Paris the whole detail
of the negotiation, instead of confining the discussion
© / CD
there (as has been always intended) to the leading
principles which may serve as preliminaries to the
mediation. The appearance of carrying on the Treaty
at Paris beyond this point, has from the beginning
been thought improper ; nor in fact can all the neces-
sary information be procured, except at some place
within the Republic, or near it.
Faithfully, and sincerely yours,
W. Pitt
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
Seve, 13th Sept, 1787.
My Lord, — I am this moment returned from Ver-
sailles, having gone thither in consequence of a mes-
sage from M. de Montrnorin, who stated to me the
note delivered to the States of Holland on the 8th or
9th instant by M. de Wintemeyer ; and the resolution
of the States thereon to apply to His Most Christian
Majesty for protection.
M. " the minute sent to Mr. Pitt.
222 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
moires and discussions about the advantages to be
derived from gaining Egypt, &c., but all that project
is thought wholly wild.
The Duke of Dorset is arrived and, I believe, dines
here to-day.
I am, my dear Sir, faithfully and most respectfully
yours,
W. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Grenville.
11th October, 1787-
My dear Sir, — I transmit to you by this convey-
ance my French Acte de Commerce de la Mer Noire.
It shows that the French have a very advantageous
traffic in that quarter ; but we must not forget that
much of it will now be in English goods ; and, if they
will not interfere with our position in the last Treaties,
we may composedly see their enjoyment of this trade
for which they have some local advantages over us.
I have received from Abbe Rosellet a copy of his
memoire on the French East India Company. I am
told that it is a curious performance. I will send it
next week to England.
Can you send me one or two copies of M. de Ca-
lonne's memoire?
Pray read my despatch of this date and expedite
matters.
Whilst I am writing I receive your letters and des-
patches of the 8th instant. It is understood here that
Amsterdam is settled amicably though after some
resistance. If that should not be the case, certainly
the embarrassment might grow great. I foresee no
other difficulty. You surely cannot wish* me to at-
tempt to press this Court to sign the words suggested
by Sir James Harris. I will write an additional
despatch.
Sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
* Mr. Eden strongly remonstrated in a despatch against these words,
and they were not pressed by the English Government.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 223
Sir James Harris to Mr. Eden.
Hague, Oct. 11, 1787, Thursday, 2 p.m.
My dear Sir, — As I am by no means certain
whether you are still at Paris, I have addressed my
letter to Mr. Grenville, but it is written full as much
to you as to him, and in case he should not be
returned, I beg you would open it. I need subjoin to
it nothing on public matters, as I have vide mon sac.
In regard to private ones, I have scarcely time to
recollect their existence, and I can suppose that,
although you will leave behind you a thousand
pleasant things at Paris, you, on your side will not be
sorry to enjoy the quiet and indolence of Spanish
life, which, however, I little doubt you will contrive
to make one of activity and business.
Pray remember me most kindly to Mrs. Eden, and
believe me truly and sincerely, my dear Sir,
Yours most faithfully and affectionately,
J. Harris.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
Seve, Oct. 13th, at night.
My dear Sir, — By the despatches which I send this
night you will see that our businesses are approximat-
ing to the right point in the best manner possible,
and I think that the whole will be in such a state of
preparation that it may be executed fully to your satis-
faction, on hearing from Berlin, even if no further
instructions ; but 1 think it possible every hour that I
shall receive further instructions, in answer to my
letter, which may remove all my anxieties and em-
barrassments as to the mode. I own to you, that
when I remarked yesterday that the " satisfactory
assurance not to meddle further in the Dutch broils,"
which 1 had recommended, seemed to be expected
in the form of a written declaration, it alarmed me
exceedingly, but 1 hope I have explained that suffi-
ciently in my despatches.
224 THE COKKESPONDENCE OP
If anything should have led Mr. Grenville to visit
us again here, be so good as to open the packet which
I send to him to-night.
I translated the Chancellor's letter mot pour mot,
and gave it in confidence to M. de Montmorin, and
he took it perfectly in good part, and is to return it
to me with an answer. It was an excellent letter.
We are a little embarrassed about the Duke of
Dorset, and I shall also be perplexed, perhaps, by
letter ; but by the help of M. de Montmorin, &c,
I shall be able to manage as to the former with all
due attentions, and as to the latter, I mean to mark
every possible civility.
I am, my dear Sir, respectfully and most sin-
cerely,
W. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Grenville.
Seve, Oct. 13th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — The enclosed were brought by a
courier to M. de Goltz, who sent them to the
Duke of Dorset's, from whence I received and opened
them, and I have taken copy of them for information
if necessary. They were clearly written previous to
knowing that the business was likely to settle itself
without discussing the Dutch constitutions. If, how-
ever, you feel disposed to give a meeting to M.
d'Alvensleben, I shall be cordially glad to see you,
and we are using all possible means to make this
large house a little warmer than when you left it.
In the meantime I will take care to see M. d'Alvens-
leben immediately on his arrival, and will say every-
thing to him that I think you would wish ; it is pos-
sible that he may enable me to bring this matter to
an immediate conclusion.
I much doubt whether any delay will arise even if
the Prussian forces should not absolutely have eva-
cuated. The disposition to peace here is desired in
earnest, if we clo not desire too far ; and I have great
faith in our making a good use of the moment, for it
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 225
is no compliment to Mr. Pitt to say that his atten-
tion to foreign politics is of the most efficient kind
possible, and infinite advantages still remain to be
derived from it.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
W. Eden.
P.S. — I had an overturn to-day in coming from
Versailles, and broke my carriage very much, but I
was not hurt.
VOL. I. Q
226 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP. VIII.
Doubtful State of the Negotiations. — Mr. Pitt desires Mr. Eden to pro-
cure intelligence respecting the warlike preparations of France. — In
consequence of the taking of Amsterdam, a more peaceful feeling pre-
vails. — The Archbishop of Toulouse reduces the expenses of the Army
and Navy. — Angry Letter of Lord Carmarthen. — Mr. Eden's Letter
respecting the Declaration and Contre-Declaration. — Vexation of
M. de Montmorin and M. de Rayneval. — Letter of Mr. Wilberforce. —
Discussion respecting the Reduction of the French Navy. — The French
Minister signs the Contre-Declaration. — Opinion of the Duke of
Queensberry. — Sir James Harris heartily congratulates Mr. Eden on
his success.
The Duke of Brunswick, who had commenced his
campaign on the 13th of September, had succeeded,
almost without resistance, in restoring the rights of
the Prince of Orange, who entered the Hague on the
20th, amidst the acclamations of the inhabitants.
The French partisans who, under the imposing
title of " Patriots," had so long ruled the land, dis-
appeared with astounding celerity. Amsterdam sur-
rendered on the 10th of October.
The States of Holland had recalled their demand for
assistance from France, and France abandoned the
intention of armed interference. Still the discussions
between the Governments of England and France
were not at an end.
Mr. Pitt was determined to make France sign a
public declaration, announcing that the French Go-
vernment " had not, and never had, the intention of
interfering with an armed force in the affairs of
Holland." Also the demand that the French navy
should be placed on a peace establishment, still con-
tinued.
Mr. Eden had now the chief conduct of the nego-
tiation, although the Duke of Dorset arrived from
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 227
England. His Grace's interference in matters of
business seems to have been more embarrassing than
useful.
&
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
Downing Street, Oct. 15.
My dear Sir, — I wrote two letters to you yesterday,
which I withheld for further consideration when the
messenger went yesterday, but I send them now as the
shortest way of conveying all that occurs.
(Private.) Downing Street, Oct. 14th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I hardly know what ultimately to
expect from the mixture of good sense and ill-humour
with which the French seem to think of their present
situation. We can do nothing without the concur-
rence of Prussia as to disarming ; but if we receive
that, I really cannot comprehend why the French
Ministers should continue the farce of not speaking
out till the Prussian troops are withdrawn. Between
ourselves, this latter event will certainly not happen
till the force in the Republic is put on such a footing
as to leave no risk from their departure. We have
sent repeatedly to press all possible expedition in
this, but the time is still indefinite. If these delays
are got over in any reasonable time, it only remains
to make the declaration of France, not to interfere in
disturbing the present settlement, as clear and bind-
ing as possible. Unless this is done most unequivo-
cally, the ground on which we actually armed is not
removed, and, of course, disarming is impossible.
This is the great point, and as to the manner of com-
ing to it, you will see by the despatch, we have no
objection to making the first advance, and are desirous
of showing all the civility which is certainly wise
under such circumstances.
If M. Alvensleben is arrived from Berlin, it will
be highly important to show him every mark of
attention and confidence, and particularly not to let
him conceive any suspicion that we are in too much
Q 2
228 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
haste to settle with France. This may be the only
way to procure discretionary power from the King of
Prussia, which, in some alternatives, may become
necessary to expedite the arrangement.
As M. Alvensleben was sent expressly in conse-
quence of Grenville's particular mission, and as there
seems no material use in the latter returning to
Paris at present, it may be of consequence to explain
the cause of his absence.
It will, of course, occur to you that circumstances
are much changed since he was originally sent. We
then expected a discussion of some detail, in which
the knowledge he had acquired in Holland might
be very material. Instead of that, things are now
brought to the narrow point of the conditions and
terms of disarming ; and even on that point, if
Alvensleben set out at the time expected, we may
perhaps have no sufficient instructions, as our com-
munication upon it could scarcely have reached
Berlin. Whatever relates to this point, however, you
can with truth assure him, you are fully as much
prepared to discuss with him as Grenville could be.
You will, of course, not fail to impress him with a
sense of our steady attention to the interests of
Prussia in insisting that France should renounce all
hostility in that quarter, as well as in Holland.
Even in doing this, however, I need not say that
some delicacy is to be used, that we may not seem to
think Prussia in a state to fear anything from France,
nor assume a tone of taking it under our protection.
In short, it will be of great consequence to carry this
Minister (who is certainly high in the King of
Prussia's confidence) cordially along with you in
everything you do.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
Wm. Pitt.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 229
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Secret.) Downing Street, Oct. 14th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I much wish you could procure at
any rate accurate intelligence of the actual state of
the French naval preparations*, the number of ships
which may be ready for sea, the extent of their
orders, and the probable destination if things take a
hostile turn. It may also be possible to procure, from
some official channel or other, a copy of any late
return of the effective numbers of the French troops
in all parts ; — that for the East and West Indies
would be most important. What orders have been
given for increasing the land force ? All this infor-
mation may not be very easily obtained, but if it
can be had it will be well worth all the pains, &c,
which could be bestowed upon it.
Yours sincerely,
W. Pitt.
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
Seve, near Paris, Oct. 17, 1787.
My Lord, — I yesterday received your Lordship's
despatch by the ordinary conveyance, and JSo. 43 to-
day. I had already felt the importance of having
further instructions previous to entering into any
agreement relative to disarming, and with that view
had forwarded the despatch (by one of my servants),
which your Lordship will probably have received a
few hours subsequent to the departure of that which
I am now acknowledging. In the mean time, the
messenger sent by your Lordship on the 28th in-
stant, to Berlin, has not yet appeared here ; nor
are there any further accounts of M. d'Alvensleben,
who was expected at Paris on the 12th instant. I
have nothing to add to what I offered respecting the
project inclosed in my last despatch.
1 took occasion, yesterday, in my conference with
* This will be found in the Appendix.
o.3
230 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
M. de Montmorin, to revert to the minute which
remains in my possession. He appeared to continue
not dissatisfied with it ; and upon my remarking
that whatever form might ultimately be adopted,
he must consider it as meant on our part for
public discussion, he appeared aware of that cir-
cumstance, and received it as a communication of
candour. He again lamented our delay, and with
considerable earnestness. The conference went into
length. He took occasion to tell me that the accounts
received of the preparations in England were of a
kind which surprised him, as they showed a perse-
vering activity which appearances hardly seemed to
call for. He then proceeded to intimate to me that
though this Court has received from Spain assurances
of their readiness to arm instantly when required,
they had not yet been urged, and they do not seem to
have made any actual armament. He said, however,
that he was harassed greatly because of the corre-
spondence and business with the different naval ports,
occasioned by the endeavours to keep pace with our
armaments. He spoke of the troops intended for the
islands; he repeated expressly that they were only three
battalions (as I originally stated in my private intelli-
gence) ; and he wished me to understand that there
was not a man more than was necessary for defence,
adding, with a tone of good-humour, that France
had not yet brought her feelings to preparations
for attack. Upon my asking if troops would be
sent at all events, he gave me no decided answer;
he again repeated to me that nothing was yet des-
tined for the East ; he adverted to the agreement
between the two Courts, as an answer to reports which
he had again heard of a squadron being fitted out from
England, for the Dutch ; and I found from a further
expression which he used that he had recently perused
that agreement. Among the advices given for the fit-
ting out, I am informed that it was strongly recom-
mended to the Ministers to apply the utmost activity
in the first instance, and, in consideration of the
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 231
season, to the fitting-out and manning of frigates, for
the purpose of striking a blow at our trade. And there
was, during some days, considerable anxiety about the
French West India fleets ; but most of the vessels,
and all the most valuable, are now said to have escort.
The expectation of war has greatly ceased since the
taking of Amsterdam* ; and this to so singular a degree
that M. de Bougainville, at my table, to-day, handed,
without scruple, a letter which he received from the
Bailli de SufFrein, acknowledging his desire to be em-
ployed, and adding, " inais comme on se flatte d'eviter
la guerre. Je ne crois pas, monsieur, qu'on peut
profiter dans cette occasion de votre zele et de vos
talens."
M. de Montmorin, in talking to me about the
capitulation of Amsterdam, gave me occasion to
remark (in the view of preventing future difficul-
ties) that it seemed a possible case that the States-
General would put a body of troops into that city.
He answered that, from what he heard, this might
be a precaution possibly useful to all parties, and for
the general safety and tranquillity. I then men-
tioned, in great measure as a matter of inquiry,
whether the military establishment of the provinces
would be equal for some time to all the necessary
services ; as, if that should not be the case, it would
become necessary for the States to take into their
pay, for a time at least, a body of foreign troops —
He answered, that if such a measure should be fairly
the act of the States, there could be nothing said
against it, but that observers might doubt the good
judgment of taking a measure (if it were avoidable)
which might foment internal jealousies.
No mention is yet made of M. de St. Priest's pro-
ceeding to his post, nor do I think it very imme-
diately probable.
The Empress of Russia's circular declaration
relative to the conduct of the Porte was presented
If Amsterdam had hell out, the war party in France would have
gained the ascendancy.
q4
232 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
yesterday by M. cle Simolin to the French Minister.
In the course of our conversation, which was
subsequent, he mentioned these affairs as engaging
particular attention (and I happen to know that they
have been recently discussed at the council) ; and he
added, that when those matters should be ripened
through communication between the two Courts, he
foresaw, with pleasure, that the policy and conduct
of France were likely to coincide with the principles
maintained by His Majesty.
It still continues to be thought here, that Russia
will not be unwilling to accommodate the dispute,
upon the Porte making amends for the language which
had been used, and for the insult offered to the
Russian Minister. This moderation, however, is not
attributed to any unwillingness to extend the Russian
empire.
The French Ministers believe that Her Imperial
Majesty was not indisposed to a renewal of hostilities
with the Porte ; but not so immediately as the con-
duct of the Vizier has called for ; and it is thought
even that the interference of the powers to adjust
the quarrel will not be used.
The reductions of the public expenses are going
forward here in every department. The Secretaire
d'Etat pour la Guerre has greatly reduced his bu-
reaux ; his appointments are reduced from 300,000
livres to 100,000 ; and he is to have the assistance
of a Council or Board. I have, in a former despatch,
mentioned to your Lordship that this is also to be
done with respect to the Departement de la Marine.
The Archeveque de Toulouse has also thought it a
reasonable policy to subject two departments which have
the expenditure, even now, of 160 milliards a year, to
some check and control, immediately responsible to him.
The Ecole Militaire is suppressed and given to the city
of Paris in support of the new hospitals ; this is said
to be a sum of 1,200,000 livres. It is stated in the
"Moniteur" to be done "parceque sa majeste est bien
forcee par des besoins imperieux a rechercher scru-
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 233
puleuseraent tout ce qui peut tendre au soulagement
de ses peuples."
I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect,
my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient humble
servant,
Wm. Eden.
M. de Montmorin had assured Mr. Eden and Mr.
Grenville that no French officers or soldiers, autho-
rised by the French Government, had entered Holland,
although it was notorious that Amsterdam had been
supplied with French artillerists; hence the follow-
ing letter of Lord Carmarthen : —
Lord Carmarthen to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Whitehall, Oct. 19, 1787.
Dear Sir, — I own myself at a loss to guess the
motives which have induced M. de Montmorin to
hold so different a language in his conference with
the Duke of Dorset, from what he seems not only to
have used to you, but in a manner to have pledged
himself to, by the declaration he professed to approve
of, and which he appears to have framed in concert
with you.
The withdrawing the Prussian troops, it should
seem by what he said to the Duke, was a sine qud
non to any further mention of Dutch affairs, or even
to any discussion of the situation in which the two
countries actually stand in consequence of them. In
the conversation you held with him, he seemed ready
to agree to our disarming de part et d'autre upon
grounds, I think, perfectly satisfactory to England,
though I do not think them very flattering to
France, and without any mention being made of
the Prussian troops whatsoever; this difference of
language I could wish, if possible, to have explained.
The favourable opinion I was disposed to entertain of
234 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
M. de Montmorin's good faith has, I own, been a
good deal staggered by reading over your despatch of
September 11th, in which you mention the assur-
ances he gave you in the most direct and positive
terms that such French officers and soldiers as might
have got into the Republic with a view to assist the
patriots, had proceeded merely on their own notions
unauthorised, and still less ordered by Government
so to do, representing their numbers as inconsider-
able, and their consideration in point of force merely
the result of calumny, or at least invention.
I happen to be now in possession of the most indis-
putable proof of the falsehood of these assurances,
which I could wish to ascribe to M. de Montmorin
being totally ignorant of what orders had been given
by the War Department* (however incredible that
may appear), rather than impute to him the wishing
to impose upon this Court by asserting in so bold and
unequivocal a manner what he knew to be directly
contrary to the true state of the case.
I mention this circumstance in confidence to you,
in order that you may be upon your guard in any
future conference, in which the French Minister may
make the most direct assertion respecting the future
no less than the past conduct of his Court, though I
see no necessity at present for giving him the slightest
intimation of our having discovered his mistake in
respect to the circumstance above mentioned.
I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Eclen, and am
ever, dear Sir,
Your most faithful, humble servant,
Carmarthen.
Mr. Grenville to Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, Oct. 19th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I have not had an opportunity
before to-day to answer the two letters you have
* M. de Segur, the late head of the War Department, had given the
orders when in office.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 235
been so good as to write me, having been out of town
when your last despatches were received. I am
much obliged to you for the two volumes relative to
the trade of the Black Sea, and the adjoining countries.
They seem to me to be highly interesting, and to
afford much matter for reflection to this country.
It by no means appears from them that anything is
wanted on our part besides activity, and the sort of
knowledge which this work might furnish, to enable
our merchants to engage largely in that very lucrative
commerce. I am still uneasy till you have had from
M. de Montmorin some direct communication of the
line which France is to take on the Turkish busi-
ness, though the agreeing to a mutual disarming seems
to imply a determination not to engage in this affair,
otherwise than by negotiation ; and surely, if that is
the case, what you have already said should be suffi-
cient to set them at ease with respect to our intentions.
You will have seen all the nonsense that is circulated
in our papers about Cherbourg*, &c. All this, absurd
as it is, does not fail to make an impression on the pub-
lic, and there is considerable ground to fear, that we
shall be attacked for having done too little if we con-
clude the business on the footing of the two declara-
tions. This consideration does not alter the disposi-
tion which is entertained here, but it furnishes a
strong necessity for our doing it soon, before other
ideas have taken too deep a root.
I think it would be a proper attention to M. Al-
vensleben, if you would have the goodness to say a
few civilities to him on my part, to express the great
satisfaction which I should have had, if circumstances
had allowed me to remain at Paris, and to have had
an opportunity of cultivating the acquaintance of a
person of his high character. I have sent you two
copies of M. de Calonne's Requete au Boi, which is
praised here beyond any merit which I have seen in
it, as far as I have had time to read it.
* The English papers were demanding the destruction of Cherbourg.
236 THE C0REESP0XDEXCE OF
Believe me, my dear Sir, most faithfully and sin-
cerely yours,
W. TV. Grenville.
P.S. — What has been said on the subject of my
not returning, is, that the discussion has been so
narrowed by subsequent events, and by the line which
France has taken, as to make it quite unnecessary,
but, that if other circumstances had arisen to require
it I should have gone back. This is what I think
would be right to be said to Alvensleben about it.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.) Seve, Friday night, Oct. 19th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — If the French Minister should
propose to us to sign and exchange the two papers
which are now transmitted, you may, perhaps,
wonder that in so great a transaction, where in
substance we have gained all (perhaps more) than
was desired, we risk the delay of five or six days ;
and I own to you that to my feeling the Contre-
declaration as now proposed is so perfectly satis-
factory that I should have thought myself authorised
to sign it, although the instructions say — 1st, " That
no possible doubt must remain as to our having the
full concurrence of Berlin;" and 2ndly, "That we
are authorised to sign only if M. de Montmorin
will agree to the amendments suggested from Eng-
land." Now, as to the first of these points, the
Prussian requisition is that " la Cour de France
n'interviendra plus, et qu'elle recevra a tout temps."
I think that the words we have quoted, — " Que l'in-
tention de cette Cour n'a jamais £te et n'est pas de
s'immiscer par la force dans les affaires de la Bepub-
lique," — are fully adequate to the whole substance
that can with any pretext, or reason, or use, be aimed
at in the Berlin expression ; but my great object has
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 237
been not only to be sure that you were satisfied with
it, but that the Court of Berlin will be fully satisfied.
M. de Goltz is already secured. This eternal
Baron d'Alvensleben ! think of his having stopped a
week at such a time as this to make speeches at
the Court of Dresden, and to be heard there. M.
Alvensleben is expected every hour, and I wrote,
according to your private suggestion, to give us the
great advantage of showing that we were in no hurry
till we had used every possible means to ascertain
that His Prussian Majesty would be satisfied, and
this I wish only to do in the way that you would
wish. As to the second point, M. de Montmorin's
alterations are not material, and perhaps make the
business better ; yet, as the whole turn of the instru-
ment varies from that which you last saw, perhaps in
so important a point it is material and becoming
to submit it once more to His Majesty's Ministers.
Have the goodness only in your last instructions not
to bind us to the precise form of word if the sense is
maintained, because it is always possible that small
changes may be suggested even at the last moment.
I expect that you may dispatch the messenger on
Monday early in the afternoon : if so, he may arrive
here early on Wednesday evening, and the business
may be finally completed on Thursday, and you will
receive it on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
It is already done so effectually that you may safely
be slackening expenses, though it may be neither
wise nor becoming to say so.
I had another motive : pray tell me about the
mode of transmitting these instruments. Upon so im-
portant a transaction, in which you have been so
successful, it is not immaterial to think in what best
way we may present it to the public. It strikes me
that we should write a very short joint letter stating
in these lines that we have signed and exchanged,
pursuant to instructions, the instruments therewith
transmitted, and that those papers should all b*» ~" K
lished in the Gazette ; but if vou think that mode will
238 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
too much shock the nerves of this Government, which
I earnestly wish to manage as far as is consistent
with the solid interest in question, we can write a
letter of general expressions, merely saying that we
have ministerially exchanged documents respecting
the several points in discussion between the two
Courts, and in consequence thereof have agreed,
pursuant to instructions, to the mutual disarming.
In this last way it will not be necessary to publish
the papers, with feelings we have blasted ; and what
is also material, the precise wording of the papers
cannot be made the subject of anticipated Par-
liamentary speeches, but may be kept till the Session
opens, to be laid by you before Parliament. Have
the goodness to think of this, and to give me your
immediate instruction.
You will observe that the words " nulle part " are
left out. I did not observe it till to-night. I believe
it was accidental. I do not know that they are
material : one hostile says as much, but if you think
otherwise I can probably get them re-inserted.
Do not quarrel with the words " Une intention
dont les motifs n'existent plus:" they were words of
my suggestion. They got rid of a diabolical paragraph
on which the French Ministers had obstinately in-
sisted, and which would have embarrassed us ex-
ceedingly; but, in the words as they now stand, there
is certainly no want of bearing and precision, and
they cannot imply anything that can give offence to
anybody.
I send you my original draft of our conference to-
day ; though it looks so unintelligible there are many
less important papers at the Paper Office. It was
up-hill work, and personally very painful to me ; for,
upon the footing I live with these Ministers, I am
quite hurt to see the mortification which they suffer
by the whole transaction ; it has been so hard on
my friend Rayneval, that he has been confined all
this week by a fever. M. de Montmorin is calmer
and firmer, but he tells me fairly that it requires all
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 239
his temper ; he sees it in the proper light, but that
does not prevent his suffering by it. Can anything
be more mortifying to them than the manner in
which they desire an assurance that the Prussian
troops will go, — or at least that an epoch shall be
named,. — or at least that they may be taken into pay
by the States of Holland, which States they neverthe-
less consider in private as an usurpation? Apropos
to this, we will write fully to Sir James Harris by
his courier. I thought it great generalship to bring
it forwards to-day.
I have now been employed, either in writing or
talking about this same business, and in moulding it
to a right shape, during ten or twelve hours in every
day during the last three months. In the midst of
this, the Duke of Dorset arrives from England, and,
in the midst of my anxieties, is perplexing me with
his personal jealousies. He confessed to me yesterday
that he had written to complain of my not being
sufficiently communicative to him ; this is grating,
and, what is worse, it is embarrassing; to-night he
writes to me that he is again well contented, and has
written to you to say so : to all which I say nothing ;
but, nevertheless, it works and plagues me to a
certain degree. Have the goodness to remember me
to Mr. Grenville. I do not write to him because I
have written so fully to you.
I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully and most sin-
cerely,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Wilberforce to Mr. Eden.
London, 20th October, 1787.
Dear Sir, — I shall not wonder if amidst the many
important matters by which your attention has been
occupied since your return to Paris, you have forgot
a promise you made me at the Archbishop's, that you
would take an opportunity of sounding some of the
French Ministers concerning their willingness to come
240 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
to a mutual agreement with Great Britain for the
total suppression of the Slave Trade, by stopping the
exportation from Africa, and the importation into the
Islands. I need not tell you how much Mr. Pitt is
interested for this object, or that one of the strongest
arguments against the discontinuance of the traffic
would be precluded, if the French adopt a similar
resolution. Many reasons induce me to believe
that the Cabinet of Versailles will not be averse to
the proposition, and Grenville assures me I may
build somewhat on the personal character of M. de
Montmorin. It will be sufficient at first to throw out
the idea; and I shall be much obliged to you, if you
will inform me how it is received. I shall, in a very
short time, be able to send you something of a di-
gested plan. I will only add, that, if my going over to
Paris would be likely to facilitate the object in view,
I should cross the Channel with the utmost cheerful-
ness, and therefore I beg you will tell me your opi-
nion frankly on this head. Perhaps M. de Montmorin is
not aware of the barbarity of this horrid trade, in its
several particulars : if so, it will be well for you to
detail them to him, ever keeping in view, that the
great scene of cruelty is not the West Indies, but
Africa, which I take the liberty of suggesting, because
I really was not aware of it myself, till I had looked
into the subject more minutely.
How can I lay down my pen without congratulat-
ing you on the glorious manner in which all the
late proceedings have been conducted, and on the fair
prospect of their admirable termination ? I beg you
will do me the favour to present my best compliments
to Mrs. Eden.
I remain, dear Sir, your most obedient and faithful
servant,
W. WlLBERFORCE.
P.S. — All our friends here are well, and ; as you
may imagine, in high spirits.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 241
Mr. Eden to Mr Pitt.
(Secret.) Seve, near Paris, Saturday, 20th October.
My dear Sir, — Si mon valet-de-chambre ne casse
pas son cou (et e'est une affaire dont il est bien
capable) ces depeches vous parviendront domain
de bonne heure, and perhaps as soon as those
which we sent yesterday. I am vexed a little that I
cannot venture to sign to-day, as M. de Montmorin
proposes to me, but wish that the changes made
should have the sanction of the King's Ministers be-
fore we adopt them, notwithstanding that the change
proposed includes everything that we can wish or
desire. I see many advantages in the five or six
days' delay, but it cannot be more at the outside, nor
so much if you will re-dispatch my servant before you
go to dinner on Monday; in which case I can rely
on his being here very early on Wednesday morning,
and in consequence of that, you shall have the result
without fail, in sufficient time for the " Gazette " on
Saturday next.
As soon as I have sealed this letter, I shall go to
Versailles to state to M. de Montmorin the best rea-
sons that we can find for not signing to-day as pro-
posed, and, in truth, to make all proper and useful
alterations upon this occasion, with Ministers whose
conduct, so far as I have concerns with them, has not
been merely friendly, but uniformly fair and honour-
able ; and though 1 have frequently risked opinions in
my despatches respecting their intent and future con-
duct, which opinions were grounded on their private
assurances to me, 1 have never had reason to retract
or explain any of those opinions, nor have they tend-
ed in any instance to mislead you : besides, I wish to
see them almost hourly, till 1 have your answer, for
the circumstances have been very critical, and 1 wish
to pour business into their hands.
And now for the several points which I have in
view. By the way, on one of them you will give me
a private suggestion ; on the others it will perhaps be
VOL. I. R
242 THE CORKESPONDENCE OF
necessary to give instructions in the despatch which
will be addressed tome jointly with the Duke of Dorset.
1st. Note the mode of writing. I doubt whe-
ther it would not be best that we should write a
joint letter to Lord Carmarthen, stating what we
have done, without making it necessary to publish
the instruments till they are laid before Parliament.
But of this you will be the best judge ; and I wish
you would give me an outline of the expressions best
to be adopted. I shall not have the slightest diffi-
culty herein. * The Duke of Dorset's feelings are tres
aimables, and at present he is (as in truth he has
great cause to be) most fully and cordially contented
with my conduct towards him.
2nd. As to the Court of Berlin, if anything occurs
that may want particular attention, be so good as to
suggest it. I expect it would be right to send a mes-
senger to Mr. Ewart upon signing the Declarations ;
in the meantime I have written a note to M. de Goltz
and the Baron de Alvensleben.
3rd. As to Holland : be so good as to tell me how
far it would be right to send there. As it so nearly
interests the Prince of Orange and our friends there,
perhaps Sir James Harris should be immediately
informed. I wrote fully to him last night on the
state of affairs here, and gave him the copy also in
confidence of M. de Montmorin's private letter re-
specting the Prussian Declarations. You see by the
letter which we now send that this Court continues
practicable enough as to that arrangement if it should
be necessary, and if it is not necessary it will be better
avoided.
4th. As to the Court of Spain : circumstanced as I
am, and considering more especially all the public
circumstances, I conceive that you would wish me to
send immediately to Mr. Liston, and perhaps also I
shall write a few lines to M. de Florida Blanca*,
and shall get M. de Montmorin to do the same.
There is not a possibility of my being at liberty here
* The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 243
in less than three weeks without detriment to con-
siderations of infinitely more importance ; and even
if I was at liberty now, there is great doubt whe-
ther it would be possible to go in carriages beyond
Bayonne.
5th. As to the appointing Commissioners : * you
may think about that, and tell me what Lord
Carmarthen thinks about it, and how you wish to
have it arranged. I received a private note last night
from M. de Montmorin, together with his official
one, and in the former there was this remark : " Je
desire que vous soyez content de ce que je vous
envoie. Si vous vous croyez suffisamment autorise
a signer, nous conviendrons de la forme pour le
desarmement; vous connaissez ma facon de penser sur
nos affaires," &c. &c.
It may be curious to ascertain to what point they
had arrived; and good intelligence may be honestly
obtained without risking anything on our part that
we should not wish to be public. Be so good, how-
ever, as to specify to me what you wish, and I will
manage it.
6th. Tn order to avoid all tricks and stock-jobbing
from this country, which was carried to a great
extent at the last peace by the bankers connected
with the Ministers, you will do well, as soon as
you have determined to accept the two instruments,
to let it be gradually known, or transpire through
England that the disarming is become exceedingly
probable.
I do not recollect any other particulars, but will
send all that occurs to me at the time, if possible,
of the departure of this courier, early on Wednesday j
and, with cordial congratulations on present appear-
ances,
I am, my dear Sir,
Respectfully and most sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
* It was proposed to appoint naval officers, to see that the reduction
of both navies took place.
b2
244 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
Downing Street, October 22nd, 1787.
My clear Sir, — The Duke of Dorset has sent over
a complaint that M. de Montmorin has taken an im-
pression of his not being in the confidence of Govern-
ment, and the Duke seems also hurt at having been
in our late despatches referred to you for instructions.
This last point was certainly a failure of etiquette,
and it would have been better to have addressed the
instruction jointly to both of you. 1 have written to
them to explain, and have assured them with perfect
truth that he is fully and confidentially informed of
our real sentiments and wishes, and that the instruc-
tions to you were meant equally for his information.
I have, at the same time, stated to him the necessity
of his acting both in apparent and real concert with
you for the public service ; and I mention these par-
ticulars, because it may enable you to prevent any
awkwardness or embarrassment which might be pre-
judicial to the affairs depending.
By our accounts from Berlin dated the 9th, you
ought to have heard from them even before your last
despatch, and there is reason to expect that Prus-
sia will have concurred entirely in our proposal to
disarm. I wait most impatiently to hear from you
again.
I am, my dear Sir, most faithfully and sincerely
yours,
W. Pitt.
P.S. — The interesting and singular communications
contained in your last despatches shall be kept with
the caution you desire. 1 wish, if you are at liberty,
you would let me know, in confidence, how the minute
came into your hands.
The following seems to be an extract of the minute
alluded to in Mr. Pitt's letter. Unfortunately, Mr.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 245
Eden's despatches at this time are almost illegible.
It is a most able document, showing the advantages
of an " entente cordiale " between France and Eng-
land.
(Extract.)
Peut-etre se permettra-t-on de dire que le Cabinet
de France a presse" un peu trop vivement les mouve-
mens du parti qui devoit se borner a reduire l'influ-
ence du Stathouderat, et qui a, trop inconsiderement,
developpe le projet de le detruire, quoiqu'on sent en
general combien il est malaise d'assujetir et de regler
les mouvemens des enthousiastes republicans.
Ce defaut de calcul a etc saisi par les Cours de
Londres et de Berlin, quoique mues, en faveur du
Prince d'Orange, par des motifs tres differens. Un
coup de main, provoque par une circonstance de bien
peu d'importance en elle-meme, a decide du sort de
la Hollande; et l'entree des Prussiens y a produit
une terreur si panique, que peu de jours ont sum" pour
la remettre sous 1'innuence stathouderienne, comme
elle y etoit auparavant.
Cependant les actes subsistent : c'est-a-dire, que le
traite d'alliance entre la France et la Hollande n'est
point aneanti. Cette Republique ne fera probablement
pas a la France l'outrage gratuit et inconsidcrc de
lui en d6noncer la rupture, surtout apres l'avoir pre-
venue, par une declaration formelle, du retablissement
de sa tranquillite interieure ; l'avoir remercie momen-
taneinent des secours qu'elle etoit dans le cas de lui
demander ; et apres avoir prie le Roi de lui conserver
sa bienveillance. Tout ce que les sentimens particu-
liers du Prince d'Orange peuvent operer se bornera,
sans doute, a provoquer le renouvellement de I'alliance
de la Hollande avec l'Angletcrre ; d'ou il rcsultera que
la Republique se trouvera comme enveloppce d'actes
pacifiques, et a portce de rester neutre ou de choisir,
en cas de crise, a laquelle des deux Puissances il lui
conviendra mieux de se livrer : question qui ne se
dccidera probablement pas sans renouveler de grandes
r3
246 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
contradictions clans son interieur et sans l'exposer a
de grands malheurs.
Mais, pourquoi deux Puissances, telles que 1'Angle-
terre et la France, occuperoient-elles ainsi les efforts
de leur politique en de vains clebats, pour decider a
laquelle des deux la Hollande appartiendra desormais,
par les liens d'une alliance plus ou moins etroite,
tandis qu'une scene plus vaste, et bien plus impor-
tante, est prete a s'ouvrir vers le Levant, et qu'un
empire qui est le centre ou aboutissent trois parties
du monde est, peut-etre, sur le point d'etre demembre
et partage entre deux Puissances, dont les forces
pesent et peseront encore plus fortement sur la
balance generale ? II n'est pas plus de l'interet de
l'Angleterre que de celui de la France de voir cette
grand e revolution s'operer, et Ton doit croire que si
elles pouvoient s'accorder ensemble, pour y mettre un
obstacle commun, l'empire Turc pourroit encore con-
server longtemps sa nullite centrale et continuer de
nourrir l'inquietude des deux voisins, qui se preparent
a l'envabir. iSTest-il pas temps que l'Angleterre et
la France apercoivent que dans leurs divisions fu-
ll estes elles ne font que repandre et faire sortir de
leur sein les richesses que leur commerce et leur In-
dustrie leur procurent pendant la paix ? Ne voient-
elles pas, depuis longtemps, que les guerres dont
l'Europe est trop souvent dechiree, n'aboutissent qu'a
faire circuler leurs tresors dans les mains des peuples
qui leur vendent le secours de leurs amies ? Faut-il
enfin que ce soit une necessite dans les choses de la
balance humaine, que leurs progres soient sans cesse
arretes et qu'a des epoques marquees par leur pro-
pre aveuglement, elles restituent, en quelque sorte,
aux nations depourvues de l'energie commerciale, les
tributs que les besoins de ces memes nations leur ont
apportes ?
Les limites de leurs possessions, et de leur com-
merce dans toutes les parties du monde, sont a peu
pres fixees, aucune nation ne peut et ne doit desor-
mais se flatter d'envahir le commerce universel ; et
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 247
s'il etoit possible qu'un pareil evenement arrivat,
l'exces de ses propres richesses precipiteroit sa chute.
A l'Angleterre paroit devoir appartenir la plus
grande partie da commerce de l'lnde ; puisque le
besoin qu'elle s'est cree, d'une denree que la Chine
seule fournit, est si excessif que toutes les ressources
de son indnstrie ne parviendroient pas a l'acquitter,
si elle etoit reduite a la recevoir des mains d'une nation
rivale.
A la France sont devolus au contraire des specula-
tions plus voisines et d'un exercice plus commode.
Par exemple, appelee par sa situation au commerce
du Levant, ses avantages naissent de l'inertie des
peuples engourdis qui habitent ce fortune climat; et
c'est ainsi qu'une juste compensation senible s'etablir
naturellement entre les premieres nations commer-
9antes et industrieuses.
De ce principe il resulte, que 1'interet reel de l'An-
gleterre et de la France se rencontre dans le main-
tien de l'equilibre actuellement etabli, et que tout
systeme qui tend a le rompre ne fera que les jeter
hors de leurs mesures, et doit etre meconnu et pro-
scrit par elles. Seroit-il done impossible de faire
revivre les heureuses epoques marquees dans le siecle
dernier par leur union ? et seroit-ce une derision
aujourd'hui de rappeler les temps de Henri IV, de
la reine Elisabeth et de Cromwell, et des ministeres
des Cardinaux de Richelieu et Mazarin, pour faire
marcher d'un pas egal et dans un concert aussi
eclaire" que bien entendu la consideration politique et
l'influence commune des deux premieres nations du
monde ? On ne se dissimule assurement pas que, si
ces heureux s) r stemes out pu etre rompus par les
evenemens, il seroit malaise de se flatter que leur
renouvellement obtint une eternelle duree. II n'est
ni dans le caractere, ni nieme dans la destinee des
hommes, d'etre si sages: la tendance de leurs passions
reeiproques ne sauroit leur permettre d'esperer que les
effets d'une prudence ephemere ; mais c'est toujours
beaucoup que d'en obtenir ces resultats passagers; ils
B -4
248 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
4
font au moins le bonheur de ceux qui vivent dans ces
annees de lumiere et de moderation.
On sent assurement a quel point il est difficile de se
flatter de faire descendre inopinement, dans le meme
bassin de la balance generale, deux Puissances qui
viennent de se choquer aussi rudement dans leurs
mouvemens politiques que l'Angleterre et la France
viennent de le faire, relativement aux affaires de la
Hollande. Chacun craint en general d'ebranler la con-
fiance de ses allies; et peut-etre la France a-t-elle,
en cette occasion, des sacrifices d'amour propre et d'au-
tres encore assez difficiles a faire ; tandis que rien
au contraire ne paroit gener la politique Anglaise.
Mais enfin, une inversion de systeme aussi prononcee
ne sauroit etre l'ouvrage d'un moment. Aussi ne se
permet-on ici d'indiquer que de simples approches.
On ne dissimulera pas meme, en raison de ces circon-
stances actuelles, que c'est a l'Angleterre a en faire
les ouvertures, et que la delicatesse, autant que la
dignite de la France, dans ce moment-ci, ne sauroient
lui permettre de se livrer a des insinuations que le
succes recent du Cabinet Britannique le met, abien des
egards, a portee de hasarder le premier, sans se com-
promettre. On ose done presunier qu'il ne s'agiroit
provisionnellement que de proposer un concert de
bons offices aupres des cours imperiales, pour le main-
tien de l'etat des choses dans le Levant, d'en employer
de plus forts, de plus tranchans, et de plus efficaces
a la Cour Ottomane, pour la disposer a rentrer dans
les bornes de ses traites avec la Eussie, et de con-
solider cet accord pacifique par la garantie des deux
Puissances mediatrices. Cet acte de conciliation as-
surera, du moins pour quelques annees, la tranquillite
du Levant; et eloignera les projets de l'ambition qui,
une fois mise en mouvement, est si difficile a ramener
dans de justes limites ; il assoupira l'effervescence
prete a s'exalter, et les liaisons commerciales, par les-
quelles l'Angleterre et la France se sont recemment
unies, auront le temps d'echauffer les rapports des
deux nations, et de leur faire sentir des convenances
WILLI AM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 249
reciproques qui finiront, peut-etre, par leur rendre la
possession exclusive de l'amitie de la Hollande beau-
coup plus indifferente.
The French Government still seemed very unwill-
ing to reduce their navy. All sorts of excuses were
brought forward, and M. de Montmorin had informed
Mr. Eden that the navy was being remodelled on "a
new system."
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Secret.) Downing Street, Wednesday, Oct. 24th, 5 p.m.
My dear Sir, — Your messenger did not arrive till
early yesterday morning ; and, from an accidental
delay in assembling the Cabinet, we could not return
our answer sooner.
We have suggested a few alterations, apparently
slight, and certainly unobjectionable if the business
is meant to be settled completely, but in substance
of great importance, and such as we cannot dispense
with. The two points I refer to, we thought secured
by our former project, though, perhaps, they were
not as distinctly expressed as they ought ; but they
would be lost by the alterations made by M. de
Montmorin.
These points are, that the disarming should fairly
extend to land as well as sea, and that the naval
peace establishment should be replaced on the footing
it was on before the late jealousies. There is no fair or
tenable ground on which the French Government can
object to either of these propositions ; and it is essen-
tial for us that they should be expressed as distinctly
as is now proposed.
If M. de Montmorin should seriously entertain the
idea of new modelling the naval establishment here-
alter, nothing that is done now will preclude it.
But it would at any time probably lead to much
discussion. At present it would either make the
disarming wholly vague, and perhaps nugatory ; or
it must lead to an explanation of the new arrange-
250 THE CORKESPOXDEXCE OF
ments to be taken on each side, which must postpone
for a long time, and perhaps risk, the ultimate success
of the settlement now so near completed. This
ground seems so strong, that I persuade myself, if
the disposition in France is really fair, it cannot be
contested, and, therefore, I think I may almost con-
gratulate you on the safe conclusion of this important
work. I have no doubt that you would make no
alteration of words that we should have any reason to
regret ; but, in an instrument that is to be so much
canvassed, it is felt impossible to give a latitude in
anything that can in the smallest degree vary the
sense: and nothing else could be much worth altering.
On the first of the six points in your last letter,
I believe it is unavoidable to publish immediately the
Declarations themselves. It will not be, at any rate,
more than a fortnight sooner than they would be laid
before Parliament. This makes the terms of your
letter, when you send them over, of less consequence.
Let me remind you that it is absolutely necessary to
send us over, at the same time, a copy of the first
notification read by Barthelemy. As it is referred to
in these instruments, we must have it in the office,
and you should obtain it before the Declarations are
exchanged. As to the three next points, you should,
clearly, send to Berlin, the Hague, and Madrid, as
soon as the business is concluded. As to the fifth,
respecting Commissaries, much the best mode is what
we have already suggested — an understanding that
an officer on each side will be admitted in the prin-
cipal ports, who may have a private letter stating
who he is, from the Secretary of State, the Marine
Minister, or whoever else is thought best. As to
the sixth, I shall make no secret from this time, that,
although the disarming is not absolutely settled, I
think it very probable. Nothing further occurs to
me at present, and 1 am in great haste.
I am, dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 251
Lord Carmarthen to Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, October 24th, 1787.
Sir, — I observe, by your despatch, that M. de
Montmorin has thrown out to you, in conversation,
an idea of putting the peace establishment of France
on the same footing with our guard ships. He
stated this, however, as only floating in his own
mind, and said that he had not communicated it to
the other Ministers of France. Nor does it clearly
appear, from the expressions of your letter, whether
M. de Montmorin's idea was to increase the number
of the ships which France was to keep in commission,
and in a state of preparation, so as to equal that of
our guard ships ; or whether he means only to keep
up the same number as before, but to put them
exactly on the same establishment with our guard
ships. The latter idea, perhaps, would be reasonable
as a subject of future arrangement ; and there might
be no objection to our giving the necessary informa-
tion for that purpose. But with respect to increasing
the number of their ships to be maintained in a state
of preparation equal to that of our guard ships, such
a measure, if it is seriously in contemplation, must,
probably, lead to an increase of our peace establish-
ment, considering all the circumstances of the situa-
tion of the two countries.
I trust that, as this idea was only thrown out to
you in conversation, you will be able to prevent its
being at all resorted to again, and for that reason this
letter is addressed to you separately ; and the terms
of the declaration are so drawn as to point expressly
to the peace establishment as it stood at the com-
mencement of the year. But if you should perceive
that M. de Montmorin again reverts to this idea, you
will communicate this letter to the Duke of Dorset ;
and you will concur with His Grace in representing,
in the strongest terms, against a resolution which is
so likely to lead the two countries to great additional
252 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
expense, without being productive of any relative ad-
vantage to either. You will observe that, in statin 2;
any alteration of a peace establishment, even as a case
to be supposed, I refer only to measures to be here-
after taken, as the King's servants consider it as a sine
qua non, that, in the present moment, the disarming
should be carried into effect precisely on the footing
on which the navies of the two countries stood
previous to their beginning to arm ; and this, it is
conceived, cannot, at all events, be objected to by
M. de Montmorin, as it will leave any subsequent
arrangements (if any such should, on further con-
sideration, be thought necessary) open at any time
to further discussion ; and, as the introducing such a
discussion at the present moment must obviously re-
tard and impede a settlement, which it is so much
the interest of both countries to accelerate.
I am, with great truth and regard, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
Carmarthen.
Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
Versailles, Oct. 27th, 1787, 11 p.m.
My Lord, — We have the honour to transmit to
your Lordship a copy of the Declaration which we
this day signed at Versailles, and delivered to M.
le Comte de Montmorin, and the Contre-declaration,
which was at the same time signed by him to us, and
also the duplicate of a joint Declaration which was
afterwards settled and exchanged.
We beg leave to accompany these papers with our
congratulations on a transaction which tends to ce-
ment and strengthen the amity subsisting between the
King and his Most Christian Majesty, and to prolong
the blessings of peace to their respective subjects.
We have the honour to be, &c,
Dorset.
W. Eden.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 253
Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
Versailles, October 27th, 1787, p.m.
My Lord, — The French Minister, after some reluc-
tance and discussion, consented to all the alterations
and additions which we were instructed to propose to
him, in the projects of the Declaration, and Contre-de-
claration. And though he proposed some corrections
on his part, he did not adhere to them ; nor is there
the change of a syllable in what was last transmitted
to us by your Lordship ; except, that instead of the
words, " les armemens et tous preparatifs de guerre,"
it now stands, " les armemens et en general tous pre-
paratifs de guerre," which, as he seemed to wish for
the accuracy of the language, and as it made evidently
no difference in the sense, we consented to admit.
We did not neglect to mention very specifically,
conformably to the remark in your Lordship's sepa-
rate letter, that we understand " that the troops which
have been sent to the coast of France on the present
occasion, (with the exception only of such as may,
even in case of peace, be intended to be embarked for
the French possessions abroad,) should be withdrawn
into their ordinary stations ; and likewise, that no
extraordinary number of troops should be collected
towards the frontiers of the United Provinces." To
this M. de Montmorin gave a ready and positive
assurance that it would be done speedily and satisfac-
torily ; that France could have no interest to the
contrary ; and that the conduct of this Government
would be in every respect de bonne foi.
He said that this was not the moment to enter into
any new proposition relative to the naval force esta-
blishment, or to propose changes which might occa-
sion uneasiness or delay : but that it was much his
wish, as the best means of preventing all jealousies,
to put the French navy, in time of peace, upon the
same footing as that of England in all respects ; that
he believed the peace establishment of this country had
254 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
consisted of seventeen ships in a greater or less state
of readiness, as circumstances from time to time
seemed to require; that he did not believe it to
have been inferior to the British establishment as we
seemed to suppose. We intimated as strongly as the
moment would allow, that any innovation in this
business might occasion new uneasiness and mutual
expense. He answered, that he certainly entertained
the idea, but would make it the subject of previous
communication and amicable discussion ; and in the
meantime it was fair to return to the epoch which we
had proposed.
He took the occasion to advert, with some earnest-
ness, to a report of French artillery officers having
been taken in Holland, with instructions, or rapports,
from this Court. He said that he had taken parti-
cular pains to inquire about the fact ; that he could
find no trace of it in the War Office, that possibly
something of the kind may have been done by M.
de Verac ; but he solemnly declared that he had no
knowledge of it.
He approved of the mode of ascertaining the dis-
arming, merely by a letter to be given by your
Lordship to him ; and by one from him to you, to be
delivered by the person or persons employed. He
wished to name on each side a chef oVescadre and a
capitaine de vaisseau.
We wait for M. de Montmorin's return from Coun-
cil to close this despatch, and
Have the honour to be, &c,
Dorset.
W. Eden.
P.S. — M. de Montmorin, on his return from Coun-
cil, having remarked to us that the word " convien-
droit" in the Declaration (which, making part of
a conditional proposition, could not be made more
definitive) leaves the transaction incomplete on our
part, though completed on the part of France ; we
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 255
agreed that the just and best expedient was to state
the agreement to disarm in a third instrument, jointly
signed, and referring to the two preceding instru-
ments.
DECLARATION.
Les evenemens qui ont eu lieu dans la Republique des
Provinces Unies ne paraissant plus laisser aucun sujet de
discussion, et encore moins de contestation, entre les deux
Cours, les Soussignes sont autorises de demander, si i'inten-
tion de Sa Majeste Tres Chretienne est de donner des suites
a la notification faite le 16 du mois de septembre dernier,
par le Ministre Plenipotentiaire de Sa Majeste Tres Chre-
tienne, qui, annon^ant qu'on donneroit des secours en Hol-
lande, a occasionne les armemens maritimes de la part de Sa
Majeste ; lesquels armemens sont devenus reciproques.
Si la Cour de Versailles est disposee a s'expliquer sur cet
objet, et sur la conduite a adopter vis-a-vis de la Republique,
d'une maniere conforme au desir, qu'on a temoigne de part
et d'autre, de conserver la bonne intelligence entre les deux
Cours ; et toujoursentendu aussi qu'il n'y a aucune vue d'ho-
stilite' nulle part, en consequence de ce qui s'est passe ; Sa
Majeste, toujours empressee de concourir avec les sentimens
amicals de Sa Majeste Tres Chretienne, conviendroit avec
elle, que les armemens, et en general tous preparatifs de
guerre, seroient discontinues, de part et d'autre, et que les
marines des deux nations seroient remises sur le pied de
l'etablissement de la paix, tel qu'il existoit au premier Janvier
de la presente annee.
Dorset.
Wm. Eden.
A Versailles, le 27 octobre 1787.
CONTRE-DECLARATION".
L'intention de Sa Majeste n'etant pas, et n'ayant jamais
ete, de s'immiscer par la force dans les affaires de la Repu-
blique des Provinces Unies, la communication faite a la Colli-
de Londres, le 16 du mois dernier, par INIonsicur Barthelemi,
n'ayant eu d'autre objet que d'annoncer a cette Cour une
intention, dont les motifs n'exi^tent plus, surtout depuis que
le Roi de Prusse a fait part de sa resolution ; Sa Majeste ne
fait aucune difficult^ de declarer, qu'elle neveut donner aucune
suite a la declaration ci-dessus mentionnee, et qu'elle ne con-
256 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
serve nulle part aucune vue hostile, relativement a ce qui s'est
passe en Hollande. En consequence, Sa Majeste, desirant
de concourir avec les sentimens de Sa Majeste Britannique,
pour la conservation de la bonne harmonie entre les deux
Cours, convient avec plaisir, avec Sa Majeste Britannique,
que les armeuiens, et en general tous preparatifs de guerre,
seront discontinues, de part et d'autre ; et que les marines
des deux nations seront remises sur le pied de I'etablissement
de la paix, tel qu'il existoit au premier Janvier de la presente
annee.
Le Cte. de Montmorin.
A Versailles, le 27 octobre 1787.
En consequence de la Declaration et Contre-declaration
echangees ce-jourd'hui, les Soussignes, au nom de leurs Suuve-
rains respectifs, conviennent que les armemens, et en general
tous preparatifs de guerre, seront discontinues, de part et
d'autre ; et que les marines des deux nations seront remises
sur le pied de I'etablissement de la paix, tel qu'il existoit au
premier Janvier de la presente annee.
Dorset.
Wm. Eden.
Le Cte. de Montmorin.
A Versailles, le 27 octobre 1787.
Translation of the Declaration and Counter-declaration
which were respectively signed and exchanged at
Versailles, on the 27 th of October, by His Grace the
Duke of Dorset, His Majesty's Ambassador Extraor-
dinary and Plenipotentiary, and the Right Honourable
William Eden, His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary, on the part of His
Majesty ; and by the Count de Montmorin, His Most
Christian Majesty's Minister and Secretary of State,
having the department of Foreign Affairs, on the part
of His Most Christian Majesty.
DECLARATION.
The events which have taken place in the Republic of the
United Provinces appearing no longer to leave any subject
of discussion, and still less of contest, between the two Courts,
the undersigned are authorised to ask whether it is the in-
tention of His Most Christian Majesty to carry into effect
WILLIAM, FIEST LOED AUCKLAND. 257
the notification made on the 16th of September last, by His
Most Christian Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary y which,
by announcing that succours would be given in Holland, has
occasioned the naval armaments on the part of His Majesty,
which armaments have become reciprocal.
If the Court of Versailles is disposed to explain itself upon
this subject, and upon the conduct to be adopted towards the
Republic, in a manner conformable to the desire which has
been expressed on both sides, to preserve the good understand-
ing between the two Courts ; and it being also understood,
at the same time, that there is no view of hostility towards
any quarter, in consequence of what has passed; His Majesty,
always anxious to concur in the friendly sentiments of His
Most Christian Majesty, would agree with him that the
armaments, and in general all warlike preparations, should
be discontinued on each side, and that the navies of the two
nations should be again placed upon the footing of the peace
establishment, as it stood on the 1st of January of the present
year.
Doeset,
Versailles, 27th October, 1787. Wm. Eden.
COUNTER-DECLARATION.
The intention of His Majesty not being, and never having
been, to interfere by force in the affairs of the Republic of the
United Provinces, the communication made to the Court of
London on the 16th of last month by Monsieur Barthelemi,
having had no other object than to announce to that Court
an intention, the motives of which no longer exist, especially
since the King of Prussia has imparted his resolution ; His
Majesty makes no difficulty to declare, that he will not give
any effect to the Declaration above mentioned ; and that he
retains no hostile view towards any quarter relative to what
has passed in Holland. His Majesty, therefore, being desirous
to concur with the sentiments of His Britannic Majesty for
the preservation of the good harmony between the two Courts,
agrees with pleasure with His Britannic Majesty that the
armaments, and in general all warlike preparations, shall be
discontinued on each side ; and that the navies of the two
nations shall be again placed upon the footing of the peace
establishment, as it stood on the 1st of January of the
present year.
Le Cte. de Montmorin.
Versailles, 27th October, 1787.
\n],. I. S
258 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Inconsequence of the Declaration and Counter-declaration
exchanged this day, the undersigned, in the name of their
respective sovereigns, agree that the armaments, and in
general all warlike preparations, shall be discontinued on
each side, and that the navies of the two nations shall be
again placed upon the footing of the peace establishment, as
it stood on the 1st of January of the present year.
Dorset,
W. Eden,
Le Cte. de Montmorin.
Versailles, October 27th, 1787.
Mr. W. W. Grenvitte to Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, Oct. 26, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I think I may now congratulate
you upon the conclusion of this important business,
which has employed so much of our time and
thoughts for the last six months. It ends in a
manner which I think cannot but do credit to all
who have been engaged in it.
Dundas and myself have both tried separately to
obey your commands about the despatch to India,
and are both of us obliged to confess our inability to
make any extract of that letter for the purpose you
desire. The whole of it seems to us to relate equally
to the privileges to be granted to the French com-
merce, and the conduct to be held towards that
nation by our Government ; nor do we see any reason
why any one part should be selected from the rest as
more proper to be sent to the French factories. As
it is possible that you may not have a copy of it, I
enclose one, from which you will make any selection
that may seem to you to be right. It is surely of
great importance that there should be in the Office
some regular notification of your having communi-
cated the despatch in extenso to M. de Montmorin,
and of his intention of sending it to the Isle de
France.
We have hitherto omitted publishing the Con-
vention, but shall do it as soon as the other business
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 259
is terminated. In the meanwhile it is totally for-
gotten b}' the public here, and their curiosity is as
dead on the subject as if no such paper had ever
existed.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Most faithfully and sincerely yours,
William Grenville.
P.S. — This letter was written to go a few days
ago. Since that we have received the Declaration and
Counter-declaration, on which I congratulate you most
sincerely. They seem to be generally approved here,
except by the Duke of Queensberry, who says that
our compelling France to sign such a paper is a pro-
ceeding unheard of between civilised nations, and is not
treating them like gentlemen. I was really mortified
at seeing the papers, &c, which were taken in Holland,
as I had given credit to M. de Montinorin for at least
believing what he said on the subject. The papers
from the Marshal de Segur, and signed with his name,
are by no means formal papers, but are instructions for
parties of the Artillery to draw, secretly and in small
bodies, towards the frontiers, and then put them-
selves under the orders of M. d'Esterhazy. His
orders again expressly direct the march into Holland
in disguise, and point out the places where the men
are to be equipped with their habits de paysan for
that purpose. I never doubted the thing, having had
what I thought indisputable proof of it when I was
in Holland, but I really did believe that it was done
by subalterns, and that it was not consistent with the
dignity of any minister of rank to take such a step,
and afterwards to disavow it in the terms which were
used both to you and me.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Morton Eden.
Scve, near Paris, Oct. 28th.
My dear Morton, — This letter will arrive after a
longer interval than lias been usual in our corre-
-■_»
260 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
spondence. To confess the truth, I have been during
some weeks too anxious respecting foreign politics to
pay due attention to private friendships and domestic
attachments. You know, I believe, that the Minis-
ters in England had given me my letters of recall, and
a power to proceed to Spain, above six weeks ago,
provided that the state of affairs should satisfy me
here that it was expedient. At that very moment
the late fermentation arose, and I determined to see
the end of it and it has carried me so late into the
autumn, or rather to the winter, that I begin to doubt
whether I must not postpone all thoughts of going
further till after Christmas.
In the mean time, thank God, all the businesses
are ended happily, and in a way that, I hope, will do
great and lasting credit to the wisdom and just prin-
ciple of both Governments. Yesterday evening, the
I)uke of Dorset and I signed and delivered to the
Comte de Montmorin a Declaration, asking this
country to state " Whether any effect was to be
given to the notification of the 16th September, of
an intention to arm ; what conduct is meant to be
observed as to Dutch affairs ; and whether hostile views
are maintained towards any party concerned in the
late transactions;" and declaring a disposition (if the
answers should be satisfactory) to disarm. M. de
Montmorin, at the same time, signed and gave to us
a Contre-declaration, stating " That France has no
intention to interfere by force in the affairs of the
Republic ; nor any view to give effect to the said
notification of which the motives no longer exist; nor
any hostile views anywhere, &c. ;" and professing the
same readiness to return to the pacific system. We
then signed a joint Declaration and Convention to
disarm ; and the orders for that purpose will be given
instantly and completely, in both countries, by sea
and by land; and there is so much good sense among
the leading Ministers on both sides that I much hope
to see a cordial good understanding at length estab-
lished.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 261
As it happened to me to have the whole detail of
this negotiation in ray hands, and to act in it in a
way that cannot but be personally satisfactory to
this Court — though, from various circumstances, some
parts of the result must be unpleasant here, — I cannot
regret the having stayed. I conceive that you may
continue to direct to me here, though I am as yet
quite undecided as to my motions and plans, but it
is most probable that I shall remain here to the
beginning of February.
I shall write again to you to-morrow night by a
courier whom M. d'Alvensleben is sending to Berlin,
and the letter will be forwarded from Leipsig. I am
sorry for the loss of Ferguson. Willey is here, and
at present employed under Mdlle. de Sillery (Genlis)
to read every day with the young Princes of Orleans.
He is Irish by birth ; but he would do if you cannot
suit yourself in Holland, for he writes both French
and English exceedingly well, and a good hand ;
according to all that I have heard his character is
irreproachable. He was bred to the bar. I do not
believe that he has more than GO/, a year from
Mdme. de Genlis.
We are quite glad to hear that Lady Elizabeth is well
enough to go to Dresden, but we are afraid of the
winter air for her. Our love to her.
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
Lord Carmarthen to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Whitehall, Oct. 30, 1787.
My dear Sir,— I received your two private letters
by Mayor this morning, and am infinitely obliged to
you for your kind attention to my recommendation of
my friend Dr. Jackson's son, which the young man,
however, could not profit of, on account of Major
Mitchell's sudden return to England, whom he
accompanied home.
I sincerely congratulate you on the event of the
27th. I must confess myself totally at a loss to
s3
262 THE C0KKESP0XDEXCE OF
account for the French Minister consenting to sign
the Contre-declaration ; that, however, is his concern
and not ours. We have printed the translation of the
three papers (toticlem verbis) in the Gazette of to-
night. The Contre-declaration, referring to Bar-
thelemi's communication, and the King of Prussia's
resolution, certainly appears vague and unsatisfactory.
I do not, however, imagine it to be an object worthy
of M. de Montmorin's attention to have either of those
documents published, as certainly they would not
contribute much to the honour of his Court, however
they might contribute towards enlightening the coffee-
houses.
With respect to Holland, I think we have scotched
the snake, not killed it. The French are still at work
there ; and, however M. de Montmorin's personal
character may entitle him to credit, I cannot but
think the utmost attention necessary to his minis-
terial one. We must be upon our guard, and it will
give me great pleasure to find that any distrust I
may entertain of that Minister's political good faith
should be ill-founded, and without any real cause (in
future) to justify it.
There is one subject to which (most confidentially)
I must entreat you to direct your utmost at-
tention : I mean the part which France means to
act with respect to the differences between Russia
and the Porte. At the same time that your
acquaintance with the French Ministers, and the
confidence with which they seem to distinguish you,
render it a more easy task for you than any other
person to sound their disposition on the subject,
your own sagacity must point out to you how
desirable it is for us to collect, as far as possible, their
sentiments respecting it before we hazard a word of
official correspondence which might be turned against
us at either of the Imperial Courts, or which might
in any degree appear to commit this Court in the
event of hostilities being continued to any serious
degree.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOUD AUCKLAND. 263
The armaments at Toulon may have a particular
view, independent of the general preparation. The
Spanish ships I have this day heard of being seen
between Cadiz and Cape St. Mary, may likewise be
ordered round to the eastward ; and I cannot say I
should much regret at hearing the Turkish mission
at Madrid had produced something more substantial
than the bare compliment of magnificent parade,
with which I understand the Mahometan Minister
was received at his public audience of the Catholic
King.
I have nothing to add on the subject of my last
private letter, as I flatter myself the cause of it exists
no longer, and I am sure you will agree with me in
wishing it to be forgotten.
Believe me ever, dear Sir,
Your very faithful humble servant,
Carmarthen.
Mr. Eden to Mr. George Rose.
Seve, 1st Nov. 1787.
My dear Sir, — Enfin je respire — I suspect, by the
by, that you must have occasionally breathed hard
in the course of the transaction : it is, however, a
glorious story, and Mr. Pitt may laugh at the attacks
which will be made upon it, instead of thinking that
he has not forced this country far enough, which will
be the tone of some of the attacks upon him. I own
to you, soon after I saw that his measure was likely
to have full success (and I saw it rather early too),
I shuddered at his courage, for I do not know any
foreign object, not even the recovery of the Dutch
Provinces from France, which, in my opinion, would
compensate to England the probable calamities of a
war, before she is recovered from the effects of the
last war. He is right, perhaps, in having formed a
different opinion; and when he had formed it, nothing
could be wiser than the spirited and decided manner
in which he enforced it. I found it quite pleasant
to negotiate under the cover of such formidable excr-
s4
261 THE COERESrONDEXCE OF
tions as Mr. Pitt was making; and we owe every-
thing to those exertions. If the expense should have
been a million sterling, or even a million and a half,
it was good economy at present, and will probably be
a source of great saving hereafter. Let me know in
what manner and form you mean to present it to Par-
liament. I should like also to have a peep at the
Foreign Article in the speech. Let us act like generous
conquerors and put nothing in it but what is concilia-
tory, and not a word which may imply insult, or even
a sense of triumph ; the story tells itself and will not
suffer by modesty.
Mr. Pitt will probably show you a letter which I
have written to him to-day on my own situation. I
own that it is not very edifying to me, instead of
receiving either solid benefits or external marks of
favour at the close of our successful struggles, to be
preparing for an exile to that horrid Siberia ; but do
not suspect that I am otherwise than in perfect and
cordial good-humour. I feel a grateful and friendly
sense of the manner in which I have been put into
the front rank in the great transactions of the last two
years ; and though in general I have had little more
to do than to stand firm, and obey the word of com-
mand, I cannot but possess a permanent satisfaction
and pride from the consequences; and it certainly is
something to have set the seal to the extension of our
commerce, to the arrangement of the East India dis-
putes, and lastly, to the peace of Europe.
I wish that I could tell you when I shall arrive at
Madrid — certainly as soon as the weather will allow ;
but it would be madness to attempt that journey
with five large carriages, besides waggons, &c, in
the month of December. It is not a matter of exer-
tion — it is impracticable. If the weather should not
be very bad, I am told that it may be possible in
February, or the beginning of March.
I send you the letter about the wines, which ought
to have arrived about this time. You will have the
goodness to accept the caisse of ecliantillons intended
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 265
for me. I will pay for the whole, and will let you
know ; I believe that it will prove excellent wine.
I am obliged to you, and so is the Duke of Dorset,
for having at last settled our money matters. I wrote
to Lord Salisbury to ask whether there was any pre-
cedent for compounding for the chapel furniture, and
as he seems to think that there is not, I undoubtedly
shall not urge it. . I have ordered my first set to
Madrid. I have all this time a house at Madrid ;
and servants in London bound for Madrid, and
various expenses incurred for the journey on the
expectation of going in August, and in the mean time
a sort of open house here ; but I suppose that it is all
for the best, and at worst I shall bequeath the chil-
dren to the Treasury, and you will be so good as to
put them into the hodge-podge Bill.
The Hubers * are still here, but I fear that their
prospects are not good. I have recommended to
Lord Carmarthen to appoint Consuls immediately.
Most sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
It is to be hoped that the congratulations in the
following letter were sincere. Sir James Harris is
very severe in his correspondence because Mr. Eden
was friendly with the French Ministers. Sir James
ought to have seen that this was the reason of Mr.
Eden's success : —
Sir James Harris to Mr. Eden.
Hague, Nov. 1st, 1787.
My dear Sir, — Dessin delivered me on the 22nd
October your letter of the 19th, and yesterday I re-
ceived from Lauzun a confirmation of the accounts
he brought.
I immediately communicated to the Prince of
Orange and Duke of Brunswick this interesting in-
• t . . . .
formation, and, as far as it is known, it seems to give
* M. and Madame Ilubcr.
266 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
great satisfaction here. I heartily congratulate you
on having so largely contributed towards the preser-
vation of the general tranquillity, so nearly being in-
terrupted from the intrigues and designs of the Court
where you reside. These, you may be assured, still
exist, and I could quote to you, were it necessary,
several unquestionable proofs, that all kinds of under-
hand and indirect means are employed here to keep
the spirit of faction alive. I am anxious to hear
when M. de St. Priest is to come, and you will greatly
oblige me by giving me timely notice of it.
The Prussian troops will gradually be withdrawn
from this country, all but a body of about 4,000,
which is absolutely necessary to keep in it, in order to
maintain quiet and' good order.
The town of Amsterdam bows down reluctantly,
and her submission, though nearly complete, is a
forced and uncertain one.
I happen to have messengers coming in on all sides,
and am so hurried as to have barely time to thank
you for the kind assistance you have afforded Mr.
Gomm. We beg of you to assure Mrs. Eden of our
kindest compliments, and to subscribe myself, my dear
Sir, ever most truly and affectionately yours,
J. Harris.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Downing Street, Nov. 2nd, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I have but a moment to write this
evening, and I need say little to assure you how much
satisfaction I have felt in the happy completion of the
work in which you have been engaged. Nothing can be
better than the reception of it here. There seems, how-
ever, still a good deal to be done, considering what we
have discovered of the designs and conduct of France,
before real cordiality can be established. I shall
write again very soon. I will only add one word on
a very different subject. You have had a letter from
my friend Wilberforce, on a scheme which may appear
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 267
to some people chimerical, but which I really believe
may, with proper management, be made practicable.
If it can, I am sure it is an object well worth attend-
ing to, and perhaps you may be able to learn the
private sentiments of the French government upon
it, in a general way ; so as to enable us to judge
whether it can be carried further. I mean the idea
of the two nations agreeing to discontinue the vil-
lanous traffic now carried on in Africa. Pray let me
know what you think on the subject.
I am truly, dear Sir,
Sincerely, and faithfully yours,
W. Pitt.
268 , THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP. IX.
Mr. Eden's Conversation with M. de Montmorin. — Great Discontent of
the French with respect to the Treaty of Commerce. — Correspondence
between the French and English Governments. — The Reduction of the
English and French Navies. — Negotiation for an Understanding and
Alliance. — Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden's Interview with M. de Mont-
morin on the Subject.— Failure of the Negotiation. — Mr. Wilberforce
on the Slave Trade.
. "France, in the spring of 1787, ruling Holland, re-
storing her own finances, re-establishing her fleets
and armies, and building out the sea, has lost her
influence in Holland, and has neither money, credit,
nor government." Thus Lord Loughborough accu-
rately describes the situation of France after the signa-
ture of the humiliating Counter-declaration. England
had regained her prestige lost in the American war,
and the glorious days of Chatham seemed once more
to return.
M. de Montmorin * informed Mr. Eden that he had
been overruled. There is no doubt that the Arch-
bishop of Toulousef, the finance minister, had by
his influence prevented war, but many thought
that he sealed the fate of the French Monarchy.
Discontent at home was aggravated by degradation
abroad. A foreign war might have averted revo-
lution.
_ * It was said of the Archbishop, that he preferred " une guerre inte-
rieure," against the Parliaments, to an honourable " guerre exterieure "
against the English and Prussians.
t The Baron Breteuil was also opposed to the signature of the counter
declaration. — Auckland MSS.
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 269
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
(Private and Secret.) Seve, near Paris, 1st Nov. 1787.
My Lord, — I had a long conference with M. de
Montmorin on Monday morning, and many circum-
stances occurred material to be stated to your
Lordship.
He expressed with eagerness his satisfaction at the
return of pacific appearances between the two Courts,
and was very flattering in his expressions respecting
the manner in which the instructions of His Majesty's
Ministers had been executed, so as to aid him essen-
tially in accomplishing so great a work. He then told
me that in the course of our discussions this country
had been much nearer going to war than from a view
of the circumstances I might suppose.
He said that, exclusive of external interest, there
had been some opinions expressed that a war was
the best mode of finishing the internal troubles which
had prevailed at the time of the King of Prussia's
march ; that there were others also hardy enough to
think that if such a convulsion should shake the credit
of France, it would also shake the credit of Great
Britain, and that the effect would eventually be of less
comparative importance to this country than to us.
He talked with due disregard of speculations; but
he said that there was one moment in which a mea-
sure had nearly been taken, which, he was confident,
must have prevented what has happened in Holland ;
which, though it might have risked an immediate war
with England, would perhaps have ended in an ac-
commodation, infinitely less hurtful to the French
interests than what has now taken place ; and lie
seemed to intimate that he had advised this measure
in council but had been overruled: — this was, the
forming the camp at Givet*, upon the first news of
'' It lias been said on good authority that the Duke of Brunswick
would not have crossed the Dutch frontier if the French had formed a
camp at Givet.
270 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
the Prussian march towards Wesel, notwithstanding
our remonstrances and menaces.
In pursuing this subject, he said that he had no
blame to impute to himself, except perhaps from
weakness of mind, which had prevented his recalling
M. de Yerac from a post for which he was evidently
unfit; — that he had utterly disapproved the French
pursuit in Holland, from the moment in which he
saw to what degree France was committed in it; —
and that, after having opened to me in July his dis-
position to get clear of it, he never could bring the
business to any point with M. de Yerac, and from
motives of personal tenderness had taken the reso-
lution of recalling him, a few weeks too late.
He was candid in avowing that the wisdom and
firmness of conduct maintained by His Majesty and
his Councils in the whole transaction, accompanied
and closed as it had been by full success, bore a cha-
racter which would make a lasting impression, not
merely in history, but in the future politics of Europe.
He then asked me, if there was any truth in the
reports that it had been in contemplation in England
to go beyond the question in dispute, to make demands
upon France of concession utterly strange and humi-
liating. I answered, that on such subjects I had no
pretensions to know more than himself of what might
pass in His Majesty's Councils; that I could only rea-
son from the great and general principles of conduct
which had appeared to guide all the instructions re-
ceived by me ; and from that criterion I was of opinion
that His Majesty, in his determination not to permit
any changes in Europe which might materially injure
the interests of his people, was unlikely to quit this
line of rectitude for the purpose of making demands
which would have given a dangerous example to other
Powers to avail themselves of every favourable mo-
ment, and to urge u le droit du plus fort."
I intimated, however, and rather strongly, that
though such demands were not likely to have been
made by His Majesty previous to a war, they would
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 271
have become just, and perhaps expedient, after engag-
ing in a war upon grounds of provocations furnished
by this country. The French Minister could not dis-
pute this last position ; with respect to the other, he
said that the accounts of some unreasonable demand
being possibly made by us had been the true reason
why France had made such preparations, — which, he
repeated, had amounted to from twenty-five to thirty
millions ; and he added, that if any such demand had
been made, France would have commenced the war
at all hazards, and without a moment's hesitation.
The conversation here turned to the happier pros-
pects which had been opened, and the means of extend-
ing and improving them.
On the subject of the instructions to be sent to the
foreign possessions, he said that he would instantly
stop all vessels that were going from the French ports
till the explanation suggested by your Lordship could
be materially given, and that he would give it in the
amplest manner as soon as he was informed in what
shape we chose to have and exchange it ; and that, in
sending the troops to the East Indies, he would also
willingly avoid any arrangement that might create
jealousy, as far as the internal good government and
security of their possessions might allow. AVith res-
pect to naval force, he professed a readiness to come
to any settlement that might contribute to prevent
uneasiness and expense. He believed, however, that
the best mode was, for the two governments to main-
tain a friendly and explicit communication with each
other, and to ask questions and to give answers with-
out reserve.
He presumed, he said, that we considered the agree-
ment relative to the naval force in the East Indies as still
subsisting. He told me that, according to the accounts
before him, our naval strength in that part of the world
goes far beyond that of France, but that he made no
complaints of this ; it arose partly from the nature of
our commerce, and was also reasonable on considering
the extent and importance of our possessions. He
272 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
tftok this occasion to mention a report to me of our
having sent orders overland to India to seize the
French possessions. He did not mention it as believ-
ing it ; but yet, as a subject of some uneasiness, and
what, though it might be set right, would give a most
unpleasant sensation here.
I told him again that I was utterly uninformed on
such subjects, and had no claim to know anything
respecting them; but though I thought it likely,
because it seemed wise, that we should have sent an
early notice to the East Indies of the late menacing
appearances, I did not think it probable that instruc-
tions had been given to strike a blow anywhere,
and particularly in the quarter where it was always
in our power with little effort to do everything.
The French Minister next spoke of the naval force
to be employed on other stations, and wished to know
whether we were desirous to have it upon the same
footing of mutual explanation as the East India ar-
rangement. He also asked me whether the ships of
war employed by us at Newfoundland, and in other
stations occasionally, made part of the established
number of vessels which come within the list of saiard-
ships.
I evaded the answer, partly because the whole is a
subject of which I have a most imperfect knowledge.
In this part of the conversation it was incidentally
mentioned that two French ships of war, of 74 and 64
guns, are expected next month from the West Indies.
M. de Montmorin next recurred to his speculation
of changing the system of French ships of war in
time of peace. I again suggested (as the Duke of
Dorset and I had already done, jointly and strongly),
that the steps which he may have in view for this
purpose should be previously well examined, and com-
municated and discussed, otherwise they may tend to
create new uneasinesses, and considerable expense at
the same time in both kingdoms. He repeated, that
we are under a misconception as to the peace estab-
lishment in France, which has sometimes consisted of
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 273
seventeen vessels at Brest alone, and though they did
not happen to be in commission, occasionally in a
state of great preparation.
He earnestly wished to be informed of the nature
of the establishment of our guard-ships. He said that
it could be no secret, but that the accounts which he
should receive of it from other quarters would be less
truthful than he should hope to receive from us, and,
as he had nothing in view but what was just and
conciliatory, it must be eligible to us to aid him in it.
He then dropped an expression, intimating that per-
haps the French peace establishment would be com-
pletely satisfactory to us if settled at twelve vessels
at Brest, upon the footing of our guard-ships, and
four at Toulon (it seems to be understood that our
number is seventeen); but this, however, upon sup-
position that our peace establishment was not to be
increased. He professed a strong desire to arrange
this in a satisfactory manner, and said, that in regard-
ing every possible subject of disagreement between
the two nations, he foresaw nothing which might not
be amicably arranged.
The Turkish business was of a serious nature ; but
he could not see a probability of its occasioning any
misunderstanding between us.
I took the occasion to ask him respecting the new
levies making by the Emperor. He professed to think
it probable that his Imperial Majesty would take
possession of Wallachia and Moldavia, and that the
Empress meant, for her part, to keep Oczakow and
one or two places which he mentioned ; but that
Constantinople would remain untouched, provided
that the Porte should be disposed to punish the Vizier
and to finish the war.
Though I have obtained of the French Minister,
and shall forward with these despatches, a copy of M.
Barthelemi's notification* of the 13th Sept., 1 submit
to your Lordship, that there are expressions therein,
which, with just attention towards this Court, should
This notification will be found in the Appendix.
VOL. I. T
274 THE COKEESPONDENCE OF
not be made public, and that at the utmost an extract
only of the material parts should be published.
The Archeveque de Toulouse on Tuesday last ex-
pressed to me in the presence of several of the Foreign
Ministers, the strongest satisfaction at the business
of the preceding Saturday, and afterwards repeated
to me that he entertained great hopes of our having
at length laid the foundation of a long period of peace.
Many people, however, feel indignant respecting the
transaction, and their mortification will be increased
when the Declarations are published.
I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect,
my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant,
Wm. Eden.
Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
Paris, November 1st, 1787.
Mv Lord, — We have not omitted to communicate
to M. de Montmorin that it is His Majesty's intention,
immediately on being informed that the Declarations
for disarming have been exchanged, to reduce the
augmentation lately made by His Majesty in his land
forces ; with an exception only of such troops as
may be necessary to complete the addition which His
Majesty proposes to make to the peace establishment
of his foreign possessions. The French Minister, in
return, assured us that the troops of this kingdom
would be immediately ordered back from the fron-
tiers to their usual stations, except such as it may be
thought expedient to embark for the Islands and the
He de France. We have understood that it was in
contemplation to send three battalions to the former,
and one to the latter, in great measure as necessary
additions, and, at the utmost, to place them in a state
of defence. We further stated, pursuant to the in-
struction from your Lordship, that, in order to avoid
any occasion of jealousy in different parts of the
world, it was His Majesty's wish that an explanation
should take place on both sides respecting such addi-
WILLIAM, FIEST LOED AUCKLAND. 275
tional force to be embarked ; and that it would be a
new proof of good intelligence being re-established,
to suspend the departure till such explanation has
taken place. M. de Monttnorin adopted this sugges-
tion readily and cordially, and said that he would
immediately give the orders accordingly. It remains
therefore with your Lordship to state the degree of
explanation which you wish to take place ; and we
have reason to believe that it will be fully reciprocal
on the part of this Court.
We trust that we have now given a full and satis-
factory attention to every part of the joint instructions
which your Lordship had transmitted to us.
We have the honour to be, &c.
Dorset,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
Seve, near Paris, Nov. 1st, 1787.
My dear Sir, — The despatches which I have found
it necessary to write by this courier are immode-
rately voluminous, but I could not keep within a
smaller compass, and I hope that you will think so
when you read them.
I am anxious to see, in confidence, your foreign
article for the Speech. It will be difficult so to
express it as to be satisfactory to one side of the
Channel, without doing mischief on the other side.
Have the goodness to tell me what papers you
mean to lay before the House. It is with me a
general opinion, which every observation has con-
firmed, that, in foreign politics, the fewer papers
you give the better ; and that, as to domestic
information, it is generally impossible to give too
much. I suppose, however, that in the present in-
stance you must give a copy of the Declarations
exchanged 30th August, to mark our disposition to
avoid arming ; a very short extract of M. Bar-
thelemi's notification of the 13th September, to
T 2
276 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
show the necessity of arming; the letter of M. de
Montmorin, of the 22nd September; his answer of
the 24th ; and the several Declarations signed the
27th October. Surely it will be right to avoid any
further or larger communication of correspondence ;
perhaps even it is unnecessary to give any papers.
I am, my dear Sir, respectfully and most sincerely
yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen
Seve, near Paris, Nov. 2nd, 1787.
My Lord, — I omitted to mention in the despatch of
the 27th that M. de Montmorin has proposed to His
Most Christian Majesty to send M. de Bougan-
ville and M. de Maurigny for the purpose of ascer-
taining the disarming. I happen to see much of
the first of these officers, who is frequently in parties
at my house. He is, undoubtedly, a man of acute-
ness, and of great experience in the service ; but his
imagination is so lively and so unbridled, that I am
not sorry (if the measure takes place) that he is to be
accompanied by M. de Maurigny, who is said to be
peculiarly correct and discreet. Though M. de
Montmorin has named these officers, he remarked to
me that he saw little use in their going soon, or be-
fore the disarming may be supposed to be nearly
completed. He seems to consider the measure as of
little solid utility, except for the purpose of contra-
dicting ill-founded rumours and alarms, if any such
should take place on either side. And I presume
that, in truth, it would be practicable to give an in-
spection to Foreign Commissaries, and yet to conceal
a great detail of preparation, if there is bad faith
in either party, which there is not any ground to
suppose. Upon the whole, it may be doubted
whether the measure, if carried into effect, will not
bear an appearance of jealousy and distrust injurious
to both Governments ; but your Lordship and His
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 277
Majesty's Ministers can alone decide how far that
objection is likely to be compensated by any good
results.
I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect,
my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient humble
servant,
Wm. Eden.
The following letter will show how right Mr. Eden
was in wishing that England had shown a little
more moderation with respect to the Commercial
Treaty : —
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
Seve, Nov. 8tb, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I said nearly all that I had to say
in my several despatches of the 1st instant; and
what I have addressed this day to Lord Carmarthen
is little more than a confirmation of matters which I
had before stated.
M. de Montmorin has talked again with me about
the Commercial Treaty. He says that the representa-
tions from the different parts of Normandy, and even
from Bordeaux also, against our pottery, and against
the cottons, are again urgent to a degree of clamour
and violence ; and it is said that in Normandy
above 4,000 manufacturers are begging in the streets
of Rouen, &c. I wish that we had set those two
articles at fifteen per cent, I proposed it in the cot-
tons and woollens, but the abominable falsehoods of
some of the persons whom w r e consulted had made
the impression. Is it now impracticable to do any-
thing ? For example, in return for having the
privileges of the most favoured nations to our con-
suls ; or is there any other pretext ? It would be a
great thing by way of assisting, if you could raise
the Portuguese duty. I really think that, unless
something is done, the rage against the Treaty here
may grow too strong to be resisted.
278 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
With respect to Dutch affairs, I am sorry to hear
from Sir James Harris, and from you, that the
fermentation has not yet subsided. Amsterdam is
so populous, and makes so essential a part of the
Dutch Government, that means should be used to
gain the general opinion there, or at least to divide
it ; at present it seems to be universally against our
friends. It is the fashion here to say that the Stadt-
holder's measures continue to be the reverse of all
conciliation; and that the same conduct is restored
which originally gave birth to the French alliance.
By the by, it might be material for you, with a view
to the approaching debates, to read the correspond-
ence of that time in the Secretary of State's Office.
When I was in England I meant to have looked
through Mr. Fox's despatches to Holland, but they
escaped my recollection.
I am, my dear Sir,
Respectfully yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private and Secret.) Seve, Nov. 8th, 1787.
Dear Sir, — There is one circumstance connected
with the Dutch business of which we seem to make
less use than should naturally result from it. I mean
the impression which should be given to the French
faction in Holland, respecting all the late conduct
of France. If our friends in the provinces were to
make a sufficient and just use of that consideration,
it ought to have a general and deep effect. The
patriots, as they called themselves, certainly have
bitter reason to complain of France : and though
France may plead in answer the necessity of her
situation, that plea, whatever may be its moral
merits, is politically bad — for this Court spoke great
words through the whole transaction, and held out
false hopes of support, both in talking of the camp of
Givet, and in the notification of the 16th September.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 279
I do not see, in the Foreign Gazettes, that this has
had its due weight ; nor can I collect it from people
here who are come from Holland ; nor do I see a
trace of it in Sir James Harris's letter. On the other
hand, however, the French render justice to the in-
ability and poltroonery of the patriots, assisted as
they were by French artillerists. And it is believed
here, by many of the best informed, that two thou-
sand men possessed of common bravery, and well-
conducted, might, without difficulty or loss, have
impeded for many months the advance of the whole
Prussian army, even if it had been much larger. The
country is said to be peculiarly adapted to measures
of defence. When this is said to me here, I cannot
resist the pleasure of doubting it, when it is con-
sidered that there were so many able French officers
selected and employed ; it is, nevertheless, true that
the resistance made to the Duke of Brunswick was
unaccountably contemptible.
(Secret). — In a despatch which I sent last week, I
expressed a disbelief of M. de Rayneval being con-
cerned with M. de Simolin* in any stock-jobbing
transactions. M. de M on ton, who has talked further
with me about it since, also utterly disbelieves it.
This imputation was raised first on making the
peace of 1783, when it was the constant cry of the
newspapers, that M. de Rayneval, the young Comte
de Yergennes, and M. de Sainte Foyf, were working
largely in our funds. I believe that report to have
been utterly groundless as to the first and second ;
with respect to the third, 1 should be unwilling to
answer for him; there was no trust reposed in him,
and if he could penetrate into my secret, he would
either then or now be disposed to make use of it.
The practice is much followed by Frenchmen, both
in English and in the French funds, and even by
Princes of the blood. It is said (1 do not know with
* The Russian Minister at the Court of Versailles,
f M. de Sainte Foy played a conspicuous part in the French revolu-
tion ; he was a great friend of Talleyrand.
280 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
what truth) that the Russian Minister has long had
an establishment for this purpose at some bank in
the City ; it might, perhaps, be practicable to trace
and to expose it.
I am, my dear Sir, respectfully and most sincerely
yours,
Wm. Eden.
In the following letter will be found a remarkable
conversation between Mr. Eden and M. de Mont-
morin with respect to the Convocation of the Etats-
Generaux : — -
Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
(Secret.) Seve, near Paris, Nov. 15, 1787.
My Lord, — His Most Christian Majesty did not see
the Foreign Minister on Tuesday. M. de Montmorin
also declines holding the usual conference this week ;
but our families happened to pass a considerable part
of the day together on the Monday, and I had in-
cidentally much conversation with him on foreign
affairs.
On a reference to the late explanations, he spoke
of them as forming a mortifying epoch in the annals
of his country, but justly exculpated himself. And
he ajxain intimated that whatever might be the
opinion as to the embarrassments of France, and
whatever in truth might be the extent of those em-
barrassments, she was much nearer entering into the
war than was supposed, and that even when peace
became probable, the preparations here, as well as in
Spain, were pushed on in the most effective manner
to the last moment. He hoped, he said, that we now
have, in fact, what we generally have in ministerial
language, a lair prospect of peace ; but, he added,
that much remains to be done in order to establish
it, and that he was sorry to remark that neither
country seemed, to this hour, cordially disposed to
lay aside its jealousies.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 281
Some allusion took place respecting the war
between Russia and the Turks, and the appearance of
the Emperor's taking part in it. I shall be further
attentive to this subject, because I have suspicions
that something is kept in reserve respecting it. I
know with certainty that it has lately been much
discussed here, and yet, in the four or five last con-
versations which I have had with M. de Montmorin,
he has not introduced the subject ; and when I have
brought it forwards he has said little, and has
watched to turn to some other topic. I tried, par-
ticularly on this occasion, by mentioning a remark-
able circumstance relative to the Swedish Ambas-
sador, who, on the receiving day at M. de Mercy's *
had desired to speak with me in a separate apartment,
when he entered into a long statement of all the
dangers of the Turkish war, and the uneasiness
which the King of Sweden f would see the aggran-
disement of such a neighbour as Russia, and he
expressed surprise that England, who now bears so
great a weight in foreign politics, did not combine
with Spain, France, and Prussia (and he threw
Sweden into the scale) to prevent so great a con-
vulsion as the overthrow of the Turkish Empire. I
do not know whether this communication was made
without instructions ; but I saw no use, and some
inconvenience in listening to it, and therefore
dechned the subject as immediately as personal
attentions would allow. On my mentioning this
anecdote to M. de Montmorin, and the various specu-
lations which M. de Stael had started, he made the
remarks which unavoidably presented themselves, but
did not advance further.
He spoke with less reserve on the measures rela-
tive to the French finances, and on the report which
is now so prevalent that His Most Christian Majesty
will ultimately find it necessary to convene the
Etats-Gcneraux. M. de Montmorin intimated to me
* Count Mercy D'Argenteau, the Austrian Ambassador.
T Gustavus the Third,
282 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
that the act was in great forwardness for authorising
not only the sanction of the new loan, but the suc-
ceeding state of the finances, and he spoke with good
expectation as to the result. "With respect to the Etats-
Generaux, he did not allow that it was quite decided
to convene them ; but he said that if their meeting
should be expedient, he did not conceive it to be big
with such danger to His Most Christian Majesty's
authority as was generally supposed. I did not enter
into the subject with respect to the interests of France;
nor can I foresee how those interests might be affected
by so critical a measure. I think it probable, however,
that the two great objects of such an assembly would
be to support the national credit by separating the
management of the debt from the expenses of the
Crown, and, at the same time, to lower the Royal
privileges and the whole principle of the French
Government. Perhaps the best thing that can be
wished is, that the Ministers should continue to
struggle with the embarrassments of the finance
without having recourse to any measure of the extent
in question.
The messenger whom we sent to Spain from Ver-
sailles, on the 29th October, had not arrived at the
Escurial on the 5th instant. The Spanish armaments
were going forwards, and were much urged by the
Due de la Vauguyon, who retains a parental par-
tiality for the lost cause in Holland, and who talked
so strongly of its being impossible for France to give
way, that he seems to have convinced the Spanish
Ministers that a war was inevitable. The Ambassa-
dor's motive for this language is perhaps not friendly
towards the present French Ministers. He was not
pleased by M. de Montmorin's appointment, and he
has been further dissatisfied by the nomination of
M. de la Luzerne.
The Prussian Minister at Madrid, upon the grounds
of some instructions given in at an early stage of the
late business, had talked of its being expected that
France would guarantee what was done in Holland,
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 283
M. deVauguyon resented this proposition as a dis-
grace to which France should on no account submit.
In his last despatches, he desires M. de Montmorin
to assure His Most Christian Majesty that if the war
should take place, he may rely on Spain having fifty
ships of the line ready for sea early in March.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne was of the party on
Monday. He is desirous to wait here for the arrival
of his brother, who is expected from St. Domingo
about the end of December ; but he is to go at all
events so as to arrive in England about the 10th
January. I have never seen any man more solicitous
to give satisfaction in a foreign mission than he is
with respect to England. He labours under some
disadvantage, from a manner and address which
bear no resemblance to the general ease of this
country, and from being extremely near-sighted ;
but he possesses so much good sense, and has so
honourable a turn of mind, that I have little doubt
of his pleasing.
I enclose a letter to your Lordship from Mr.
Liston, which I have received by a Spanish courier.
I have the honour to be, with the utmost
respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient
humble servant,
Wm Eden.
Lord Carmarthen to the Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, Nov. 17th, 1787.
My Lord and Sir, — As by your despatches it
appears that the French Ministers seem, on the
whole, not desirous of carrying into execution the
idea which was suggested, some time ago, of sending
officers from each country to inspect the steps taken
for disarming ; and as such a measure may, perhaps,
carry an appearance of jealousy, which it is certainly
desirable to avoid, His Majesty's servants by no
means wish to persist in it; and they conceive that a
284 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
full explanation, from time to time, of the progress
made on each side in disarming, will completely
answer every purpose.
You will inform M. de Montmorin that directions
are given by the Admiralty for paying off, with as
much expedition as possible, the ships and seamen
which will not be wanted for the peace establishment.
I enclose to you a state of the naval force of this
country at home as it stood in the beginning of the
present year, which you will deliver to the French
Ministers whenever they are ready (which I take for
granted will be immediately) to furnish you in like
manner with a state of that of France at the same period.
You will also be instructed, in a short time, to enter
into a further explanation with the French Ministers
on the subject of the naval force to be kept up in other
parts of the world ; and you will inform me of any
ideas which they may, in the mean time, suggest on
this subject — I am, with great truth and regard, my
Lord and Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Carmarthen.
Peace Establishment of the Navy for the Year 1787.
On Home Service.
Guardships of the third rate, 16; which, with
frigates and vessels of inferior force, employed for
the protection of the revenue, contained 9,600 men.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Private.) Scve, Nov. 22, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I have not received any answer from
you to the letters which I forwarded you on the
1st inst., and there were some of them which interest
me much both in a public and personal point of view.
I conceive, however, that you must be much engaged
at the present moment.
I have taken a house at Madrid, and am sending
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 285
anything that I shall want there, and shall go as soon
as the season will allow ; at the same time, many hours
reflection, and observation and experience convince
me, that my destination is not only unpleasant and
ineligible to myself and to my family, but that it
is bad for the public interests. I will now, however,
write about other matters.
As soon as I receive the information about the
poor negroes, I will put that business into train,
and shall be tempted to draw up a paper respecting
it, in the event of engaging His Most Christian
Majesty's feelings towards it, and also to have it
forwarded to Spain. Mr. Wilberforce should lose no
time in sending me what is necessary. It must be
managed here with a degree of privacy till it is
settled.
I write despatches of this date to the Govern-
ment, which may be very material to the debate of
Tuesday next. It is possible that there may be a dis-
position to urge the supposed embarrassments of this
country as reasons why Ave should have gone to war
(wretched reasons, by the bye, when we had no
just object !) and also for the purpose of lessening in
the eyes of the country the merit of your late
glorious success. I have wished, therefore, to enable
you decidedly and justly to state that the embarrass-
ments of this country are by no means what they are
represented ; and this, guardedly and well stated,
would be well and kindly taken here, and would
assist me perhaps materially in points of solid
importance.
Some allusions will possibly be made to me in your
debates. It was repeatedly suggested to me last
year from certain quarters, that the friends of the
Government defended the Commercial Treaty in a
tone cold and unfriendly towards me. This, as to
some persons, might have been true, and whether
true or false gave me little concern. At present
both the East India and Dutch questions will again
bring me into view ; and they possibly will be stated
286 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
not only unkindly towards me, but inordinarily so
towards the Duke of Dorset. As to the first of these
businesses, it may be not immaterial to remind you
that it was partly of a commercial nature, that it was
originally proposed to me by the late M. de Vergennes;
that I had two opportunities of short visits to Eng-
land, made partly for the purpose of discussing that
business with you and the India Board; and that it
was afterwards renewed and completed during the
Duke of Dorset's absence. As to the second, the
plain truth is, that the whole detail of the negotiation,
by various accidents, absences, &c, fell into my hands,
and there remained to the conclusion. Something will
also be said perhaps respecting the increase of salaries
to these two Embassies. Nobody has ever doubted,
however, that the increase was necessary. I forget
whether I ever mentioned to you what are the allow-
ances to the French Ambassadors in England and at
Madrid— 50,000 ecus (about ^6,000) is given for
plate and equipage, and 200,000 francs as salary
(about £8,350.)
I send to Mr. Rose a very singular pamphlet of
Mirabeau's. We sent it a week ago to the office, and
you probably have seen it ; if not, it is well worth
your perusal, because, though it contains little, there
are some strong and remarkable expressions in it,
and though he speaks impertinences of England, he
does justice to your coup de maitre.
I wish that you could take the trouble to write me
a few lines about Sainte Foy ; some of his friends
here will take it ill if I say no more about him, and
they are material.
The Archbishop is in high spirits upon the prospects
of his money businesses. It was last night utterly
unknown that his loan is secure ; it possibly will
transpire to-day or to-morrow. Some displeasure is
privately conceived, but I do not precisely know
why, against the Garde des Sceaux. With respect
to the two councillors who are imprisoned, it is
intended to oblige them to sell their charges.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 287
I wish that you would have the goodness to let me
have some account of your Tuesday's debate as soon
as you find it convenient. I have many friends at
Versailles who are eager about it, and they are so
obliging to me that I am glad to use any occasion of
so fair a kind to mark attention.
I am, my dear Sir,
Most sincerely and respectfully yours,
Wm. Eden.
M. de Montmorin to the Duke of Dorset.
A Versailles, le 5 decembre 1787.
Monsieur, — J'ai l'honneur d'envoyer a votre Excel-
lence une note de l'etat ou se trouvoit notre marine
an premier Janvier de cette annee. Vous y verrez,
Monsieur, qu'a cette epoque nous avions, en etat
d'etre armes, 21 vaisseaux de ligne. Comme l'in-
tention du Roi est d'oter jusqu'au moindre pretexte
de soupc,on et de mefiance entre les deux Cours, et
de maintenir la bonne intelligence qui subsiste entre
elles, Sa Majeste a ordonne de reduire au nombre de
1G les vaisseaux qui seront tenus en etat d'etre amies,
sur le meme pied que le sont vos vaisseaux de garde,
savoir, 12a Brest, et 4 a Toulon. C'est la, selon ce que
ni'a dit votre Excellence, le nombre de vaisseaux de
garde que le ministere Britannique se propose de con-
server. Vous pouvez assurer votre Cour, Monsieur, que
nous tiendrons,scrupuleusement, la main a cet arrange-
ment, et qu'il n'y sera rien change qu'autant qu'il ne
feroit dans les ports d'Angleterre des mouvemens
qui nous en imposeroit robligation. Au reste, Mon-
sieur, il est entendu que l'arrangement dont il s'agit,
ne comprcnd pas les armemens legers que Ton jugera
a propos de faire, de part et d'autre, soit pour des
evolutions, soit pour des cas imprevus.
J'ai l'honneur d'etre, &c,
Le Cte. de Montmorin.
288
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Note sur Vetat de la Marine dans les Ports du Roi au
l er Janvier 1787.
Brest.
Ce port offrait 14 vaisseaux (dont les noms
suivent) en etat d'armer au premier ordre, ayant
leur agres, et munitions en 6tat, et prets a etre em-
barques, et on les consideroit comme pouvant etre
assimiles aux vaisseaux de garde d'Angleterre
quant a leur position. Six fregates (egalement de-
nommes ci-apres) etoient dans la meme situation.
300 officiers mariniers, et 1,300 matelots affectes aux
mouvemens du port de Brest, etoient particuliere-
ment destines a former la tete des equipages de
ces 14 vaisseaux et 6 fregates, et Ton ne compre-
noit pas dans ce nombre environ 800 homines de
mer designes pour le service des nottes et gabanes
destines a faire le cabotage, et aux transports des
munitions d'un port a l'autre.
Les batimens armes dependans de ce port etoient
au nombre de 19: savoir, 2 vaisseaux de ligne, 10
fregates et 7 corvettes, reparties dans les differentes
stations.
Vaisseaux en etat d'armer au premier ordre au 1
Janvier 17 §7.
Le Majestueux -
de 110
canons.
Le Terneraire
de
74 canons.
Les deux Freres-
-
80
5)
Le Superbe - -
-
74
L'Auguste - -
-
80
)5
Le Magnanime -
-
74
L'Achille - - -
-
74
1)
Le Neptune - -
-
74
L'Argonaute - -
-
74
?)
La Victoire -
-
74
Le Brave -
-
74
11
Le Zele - -
-
74
L'Ulustre - - -
-
74
11
Fregates.
La Nymphe -
- de 36 canons.
La Galathee -
- de 32 canons
L'Iphigenie -
- - 32 „
La Gentille -
- - 32 „
L'Emeraude -
- - 32 „
La liesolue -
- - 32 „
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 289
Toulon.
Ce port presentoit 6 vaisscaux et 4 fregates,
disposes a armer au premier ordre, et qui pouvoient
egalement etre considered sur le meme rapport que
les vaisseaux de garde en Angleterre, — leur agres, et
munitions etant prets a etre embarques, 400 homines
de mer, dont 100 officiers mariniers, et 300 matelots
etoient reunis dans ce port, destines, comme a Brest,
a former un fond pour l'armement de ces batimens,
s'il avoit lieu. lis etoient employes aux mouvemens
interieurs du port.
Les batimens armes dependans de ce departement
Etoient au nombre de 8 : savoir, 3 fregates et 5 cor-
vettes, reparties dans les difFerentes stations.
Vaisseaux et fregates en etat d' 'armer, au premier ordre,
au l"" Janvier 1787.
Le Guerrier - - de 74 canons.
La Minerve - - - 36 „
L'Alceste - - - - 32 „
L'Iris 32 „
La Vestale - - - 32 „
ROCHEFORT.
Ce port n'ofFroit qu'un seul vaisseau, et deux
fregates, dont la position pouvoit etre assimilee a
l'etat des vaisseaux de garde en Angleterre. 150
homines de mer etoient seulement rassembles dans ce
port, pour former la tete d'equipage de ces trois
batimens, mais on n'y comprenoit pas 250 hommes
destines a armer les flottes et gabanes de cabotao-e
affectes a ce departement.
Le nombre de batimens armes dependans de ce
port dans les difFerentes stations etoient de 4, dont
une fregate et 3 corvettes.
Vaisseaux et fregates en etat d'armer, au premier ordre,
au l er Janvier 1787.
Lc Sphinx - - de 64 canons. | La Nereide - - de 32 canons.
La Courageuse - - de 32 canons.
VOL. I. U
La Couronne
■ de 80 canons
Le Dictateur
• - 74 „
Le Suifisant -
■ - 74 „
L'Heureux
- - 74 „
Le Centaure - >
- - 74 „
290 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
II resulte qu'il y avoit a l'epoque du l er Janvier
1787, en etat d'armer au premier ordre dans les trois
ports, —
Vaisseaux deligne ----------21
Fregates 12
Ou 33
batimens de guerre arines, et 3,100 hommes de mer
rassembles a Brest, Toulon, et Rochefort.
The following letter of Lord Carmarthen relates to
a negotiation that was now carried on between Mr.
Eden and M. de Montmorin, in order to bring about an
understanding between the two Courts. Turkey had
in August declared war against Russia, and the Eng-
lish Minister was naturally anxious to find out the
views of the French Cabinet with respect to support-
ing her against Russia and Austria, which powers
were now combined to plunder and divide the Otto-
man Empire : —
Lord Carmarthen to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Whitehall, Dec. 17, 1787.
Dear Sir, — In any future conversation you may
have with M. de Montmorin, I could wish you to learn
from him as far as possible the nature of those great
lengths he is disposed to go in order to bring the two
countries to a real degree of confidence and good un-
derstanding. We certainly should be ready on our
part to meet him on any ground of arrangement
which might lead to the effectual establishment of
such a situation between us.
I see little probability, however, of so pleasing a
hope being realised, without something specific re-
specting India being agreed to. Our chief, if not our
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 291
only distrust of the views of France being productive
of mischief to us, is founded upon the unpleasant
experience of her hostile intentions in that quarter,
notwithstanding repeated assurances of her pacific,
nay, even friendly disposition towards us. If France
is seriously inclined to remove all suspicion on our
part, and to establish a permanent system of good
understanding and confidence with England, let her
not only declare her wishes on the subject, but act up
to the spirit of such a declaration, and thereby remove
the great source of jealousy and distrust on our part.
What M. de Montmorin stated respecting the interest
of France in the Levant trade, and that of Great
Britain in regard to her Indian possessions, should
not be lost sight of. If the French Minister meant
nothing when he mentioned those subjects, it will be
advantageous for us to know he meant no more. If,
on the contrary, he wished to throw out those ideas
with a view to fair discussion and future arrangement,
no opportunity should be lost of renewing so interesting
a conversation, and the more directly and explicitly the
subject is treated the better.
Believe me ever, dear Sir,
Your faithful and obedient servant,
Carmarthen.
Lord Carmarthen to the Duke of Dorset and
Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, Dec. 18, 1787.
My Lord and Sir, — I observe by Mr. Eden's let-
ter, that M. de Montmorin has taken occasion to
express an opinion that a decided alternative must
now be formed by the two countries, between two
systems, one of which would amount to a constant
state of jealousy and suspicion, the other to an
honourable and explicit understanding between the
c 2
292 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
two Sovereigns and their respective Ministers,
towards which he was willing to go great lengths.
The permanent security of peace, and friendly inter-
course with all other Powers, is certainly His
Majesty's earnest wish ; and no part of His Majesty's
conduct is directed to any other object than that of
the security of his own dominions, and the means of
resisting any attack from whatever quarter it might
come. There will, therefore, be no step adopted, on
the part of this country, which can give any just
cause of jealousy to France ; and there is nothing to
occasion distance and reserve between the two coun-
tries, except the apprehension that the system ot
France may be such as to lead directly or indirectly
to objects injurious to the interests of His Majesty's
dominions.
Whatever may be now the case, the experience of
many years has proved that such has been the nature
of the system pursued by the French Government ;
and their recent conduct with respect to the affairs
of Holland engaged the attention of this country as
appearing to form a part of the same line of policy —
it being a truth which cannot be too often repeated
that their influence in Holland could be advantageous
to them only in proportion as it might afford the
means of annoying us.
It cannot, therefore, be supposed that this Govern-
ment could be justified in laying aside that vigilant,
and even jealous, attention, which results from our
past experience, without the strongest grounds of
conviction that the policy of France is really changed,
and that no view to any encroachment is any longer
entertained. If any explanation can be entered into
which may tend to produce this conviction, on solid
grounds of reason and supported by facts, there
would be the most sincere and earnest wish, on
our part, to meet such a disposition, and to concur
in establishing such a cordial good understanding, as,
if it could be accomplished, would tend more than
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 293
any other measure to the permanency of peace, and
■would therefore form a fortunate era in the history
of the two countries.
But, at the very moment that such explanations
are pointed at, it is impossible not to take notice of
the reserve which M. de Montmorin maintains on
those subjects, which must be felt to be the most
material ; and particularly that at the very time
when his conversations state the interest of France,
in preserving her present situation in Turkey, as
similar to that which we have in the maintenance of
our possessions in India, he declines all further ex-
planation on that point ; while other reports, by no
means unauthenticated, would induce us to believe
that France is pursuing a line of policy directly
contrary to that which she holds out to us on this
subject.
It must also be acknowledged that, if we under-
stood rightly the proposal now made by France with
respect to her naval peace establishment, on which
instructions are now sent to the Duke of Dorset,
what is intended by that Court is little calculated to
promote the removal of jealousies. Nothing, there-
fore, can be more desirable than to come to an ex-
planation, sufficiently clear and precise, to ascertain
how far the two Courts can really understand each
other. From M. de Montmorin's expression of his
being ready to go great lengths in such an expla-
nation, I am inclined, notwithstanding the circum-
stances to which I have alluded in the former part of
this letter, to hope that it may tend to beneficial
consequences. I have already stated to you in
general His Majesty's sentiments on this subject ; it
is hardly necessary to add, that, to answer any good
purpose, it must be made evident that no views are
entertained on either side to give jealousy to the
other. The chief points, to which this country must
naturally look, are what relate to Holland and to
India. If the system lately pursued by France in
Holland, and the views in India, with which it is
i 3
294 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
connected, are completely abandoned, I trust there
is no probability of anything arising to interrupt
the harmony between the two countries ; but it is
material to have as distinct an explanation as pos-
sible, on both these points, and particularly to know
whether M. de Montmorin has anything to suggest
which will give us sufficient security that France
does not intend to give any disturbance to our inte-
rests in India, provided we are willing to leave them
unmolested in the points connected with their com-
merce in the Levant.
In any conversations which you may have with
M. cle Montmorin, you will direct your attention to
the obtaining as full and ample a communication of
his sentiments on the points to which I have par-
ticularly adverted, as well as on any other which he
may consider as connected with them ; and you may
give him the fullest assurances of the disposition of
His Majesty's Ministers to enter, with the utmost
fairness and candour, into any discussion which may
arise out of the explanations which he may think
proper to give you. — I am, &c.
Carmarthen.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Pitt.
(Most secret.) Paris, Dec. 21, 1788.
My clear Sir, — You will see in our despatch of this
evening that we are to have a full conference with
M. de Xlontmorin upon the great question whether
it is practicable to explain and arrange all causes
of jealousy and uneasiness between the two coun-
tries ; and this was intended to have been to-
morrow. I have, however, requested the Duke
of Dorset to postpone it three or four clays longer,
and shall write the best excuse I can find to the
French Minister for not going to-morrow to Versailles
(le jour de Van) ; in fact, I doubt much whether this
same conference may not do us more harm than good,
unless we were in a situation to go fully and fairly into
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 295
the question, and to establish at least some leading
principles as points in which we can eventually
agree. If, as will probably be the case, we enter into
the discussion of this great subject without any defi-
nite purpose, I do not think that we shall collect any-
thing from the French Ministers which I do not know
already, and yet we shall give them the impression
of our having nothing: in view but to extend informa-
tion ; and on the other hand, both M. de Montmorin
and I must feel that, by making speculations which
involve the interests of the Court of Vienna, we are
risking offence in a certain female* quarter here ; and
when offence has already been conceived more than
once, in points of this nature, in which I have merely
discharged my duty, that offence without respect to
anything I may feel in the quarter to which I allude,
would not restrain me, if I did not think that it
might create difficulties which may be avoided, if we
do not proceed in the business till we are prepared to
bring it to some conclusion. It is matter of extreme
delicacy to me to express all that I mean to intimate
here ; but in short, if the discussion is merely a mode
of sounding the views and measures of this Court, I
do not feel that it will answer ; and if it has in view
the possibility of establishing a great and compre-
hensive system, we are not sufficiently authorised to
enter into particulars. I speculate in the dark in my
correspondence, because I receive so few and such
short answers to everything that I write ; but I am
not quite discouraged by that circumstance.
I have endeavoured to learn what is the real state
of the connection between this country and the two
Imperial Courts ; and whatever may be written to you
from other quarters, I venture to express my personal
belief, that nothing has been done either at Vienna or
at Petersburg that ought to give uneasiness. I am
living in intimacy with persons most in the confidence
of what is done here. I have sacrificed much of my
'I'h ■ Queen.
u4
296 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
time during the last week to conversations with them,
and I have some other modes of intelligence which
have been correct ; and I have reason to believe at
this moment that the French Ministers, far from
having any secret understanding with the Emperor,
consider his late conduct* highly unpleasant and per-
plexing ; and are as much in doubt at this moment
as to what line of explanation or of conduct he will
take in respect of the late Belgrade business, as I can
be ; and though they have had many friendly and
confidential communications from Petersburg, I
believe it to be very certain that they have never
gone beyond discussions with the Empress as to the
terms on which she should make peace with the Porte.
I state this as the substance of various opinions con-
fided to me, and think it superfluous to enter into
particulars, and name the individual in a letter;
but in cases when my opinions are contradicted by
intelligence from other quarters, it would be material
if the confidences made to me from England were less
economical than they sometimes are.
In addition to this, I yesterday had a long and
friendly conversation with the Spanish Ambassador,
every expression of which tended to confirm what
I have before stated. He even was earnest in in-
timating his opinion that it would be, at best, an
unbecoming and unwise measure if Great Britain,
France, and Spain permitted the Baltic fleets to
enter the Mediterranean for the purpose of aiding
the Turkish war; and all his ideas went to the im-
pression that it is a favourable moment for our
mutually understanding each other. In talking
about an idle paper which has been circulated here
by some French stockjobber, of the reported con-
nection with the Imperial Court, he said in that
unmistakeable manner which is natural to him, that
* The Emperor Joseph's conduct was very perplexing to his own
subjects. Morton Eden wrote to his brother, " that some mauvais plaisant
had written on the door of the St. Luke's of Vienna, ' Josephus ubique
secundus, hie autem primus.'"
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 297
he did not believe any one Court in Europe had
at this moment formed any decided system respect-
ing the conduct to be adopted.
I am glad that the proposed journey of MM.
de Bouganville and Maurigny is entirely laid aside ;
it would, have been troublesome, and tended to no
good purpose.
The Saxon Minister and M. de Stael, the Swedish
Ambassador, have both taken the trouble to repeat
to me the anxiety of their respective Courts as
to the conduct of the Emperor, and of the Empress
of Russia. I have received these intimations merely
as in the course of loose conversations, and have
hardly appeared at the time to remark them, and
avoided entering into the subject.
The new loan is now filled, and in great measure
also the arrangements for the ninety millions which
are to complete the loan of next year.
I am, my dear Sir,
Respectfully and most sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden to Lord Carmarthen.
January 6th, 1788.
My Lord, — We had a long conference yesterday,
by appointment, with M. de Montmorin, at Versailles,
upon the several subjects of your Lordship's des-
patch. The French Minister opened the business with
expressions of dissatisfaction : he said that England
was in the habit of assuming a tone of complaint and
distrust, and that such a tone was at present better
suited to France, whether she adverts to the late trans-
actions in Holland, or to those in the several German
Courts ; that the measures of this country respecting
the United Provinces had been just and reasonable;
that she had materially assisted them in the pacifica-
tion with us; that she had nearly risked a war for
their protection in the disputes with the Emperor, and
had incurred great expenses on that occasion ; that
298
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the alliance was a natural return to such treatment ;
and that if it were true, which might be disputed,
that the influence of France in the United Provinces
was only useful to her as furnishing the means of an-
noying Great Britain, the same proposition might be
stated in some degree respecting the influence of Great
Britain in the Provinces as tending to injure France ;
that the insinuation of the French Ministers being;
engaged in negotiations with other Courts contradic-
tory to the language which they are holding towards
us, was so vague that it proved nothing but a dispo-
sition either to feel or to express jealousies ; and last-
ly (which he expressed with a tone of good humour),
that when we accused him of reserve on the Turkish
business, we ought at least to ask him questions be-
fore we complained of his not giving answers ; and
that, in the mean time, he might with equal justice
complain of our reserve. When we had maintained
our instructions on these several points with such
reasonings as occurred to us, the conference went into
some discussions and explanations which we conceive
to be of considerable importance.
With respect to the naval peace establishment of
France, M. de Montmorin said, that he was far from
thinking with us that the communications which he
had made to us on that subject were little calculated
to promote the removal of jealousies: — instead of main-
taining here a force upon an indefinite establishment,
and which might incessantly afford us grounds of
suspicion, it was his wish to have it precisely un-
derstood that France had only twelve ships of the
line in the ports upon the north of the Channel and
the Atlantic, and four in the Mediterranean ; that
he had made no objection to our statement of 9,000
sailors in employment on the 1st January, 1787;
that in return he had stated only 3,000 employed by
France, and would tell us now without reserve, that
the number to be maintained would not exceed 1,800.
On this subject he said that he had received accounts
of our disarming very slowly. He did not, however,
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 299
express any material doubts of our good faith and
pacific views; but he added, that any very nice dis-
cussion of the proportionable peace establishment of
either country would be of little utility: whatever
system might be stated and avowed, the degree of
real preparation would be according to the probable
occasions of calling into action the naval force of the
two Powers. The great and essential business, there-
fore, was to establish a sense of cordiality and confi-
dence between them, and with that view, he would
now meet completely and specifically the points of
uneasiness on which we had confined ourselves to
general and indefinite insinuations.
First As to the late reports which have been circu-
lated, not only in the English newspapers, but by the
English Ministers in every Court of Europe, that
France is negotiating with other Powers respecting
the Turkish business in a line of policy contrary to
that which he holds out to us, he said that France
had long had a connection and degree of confidence
with the Court of Vienna, and for some time has also
had a friendly communication with that of Peters-
burg, but that France had used these means of ac-
cess (such as they were), solely for the purpose of
arranging a peace for the Turks with as few sacrifi-
ces as possible, whenever the latter should be disposed
to listen to terms of accommodation, but further than
this, he positively and repeatedly denied the having
taken any steps whatever, and as proof of it, he told
us that at this hour he is ignorant of the views and
plans of the Imperial Courts in the business, either
jointly or separately. He took this occasion to revert
to the unfriendly conduct respecting France, which he
accuses Sir Robert Ainslie* of holding at the Porte,
notwithstanding the late disavowal of such conduct
made by His Majesty's Ministers. Before we dismiss
this subject we think it right to remark, that though
the French Minister was very explicit in denying
' Sit Robert Ainslie was English Ambassador.
300
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
any concert whatever, as to the Turkish business,
with the Imperial Courts, he appeared to avoid any
expression, or intimation of a wish, to settle any joint
line of conduct with His Majesty's Ministers: and
even when the probability of the Empress sending a
fleet from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, and the
necessity of their seeking repairs and refreshment,
either in English, French, or Spanish ports, was inci-
dentally mentioned, he declined risking any opinion
thereon, and professed not to know with certainty
whether any ships were to be sent; he even added
that no mention of such preparations had yet been
made by M. de Segur.*
Secondly. — With respect to our interests in the
East Indies, he specifically and positively declared
that France had no views whatever that could give
us uneasiness. Some allusion being made to the con-
duct of persons calling themselves French agents in
the Courts of the Indian Princes, and to the expected
arrival of the Embassy from Tippoo Saib, he said
that as to the first, he knew nothing and had heard
no particulars ; and as to the Mission from Tippoo, it
might be expected soon to arrive, but that he was
hitherto quite uninformed of its object.
Lastly As to Holland, in answer to our expression
that we hoped we might inform your Lordship that
the system lately pursued in that quarter was com-
pletely abandoned, he assured us without ill-humour,
and decidedly, that it is.
As we had nothing further to state, the conversation
closed here. M. de Montmorin informed us that he
should send the substance of it to M. Barthelemi,
by whom it will probably be re-stated to your Lord-
ship.
We have the honour to be, &c.
Dorset,
Wm. Eden.
P.S. — When mention is made of the Russian fleet,
* French Ambassador at St. Petersburgh.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 301
it ought to have been added, that M. de Montmorin
observed there was sufficient time to come to a fur-
ther explanation, as the ships could not take their de-
parture from the Baltic before the beginning of May
at soonest.
A vessel arrived at Brest a few days ago from the
Isle of France, which brought accounts that the Am-
bassador from Tippoo Saib had intended to sail in a
very short time.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Bugden, Jan. 7th, 1788.
My dear Sir, — The different excursions I have
been making during the holidays have hitherto pre-
vented my answering your letter respecting your late
conversations with M. de Montmorin, and the subjects
connected with them. It is still out of my power to
enter into much explanation upon them. 1 have
great doubts whether the idea of an arrangement and
concert between the two countries, with a view of
securing the general tranquillity in the extent in which
you seem to state it, can ever be attempted with any
hope of success. But supposing it ever to be brought
within a narrower line, it must at all events include
so many important points that no instructions can
well be given upon it without very full consideration,
and the absence of many of the Cabinet during the
holidays makes this impossible.
In the mean time, the more precisely you can find
out what are the leading objects in M. de Montmorin's
contemplation the better.
The point which strikes me as most deserving dis-
tinct consideration is what you throw out respecting
the possibility of the French being induced to relin-
quish the Isle of France and all their possessions in
India, in consideration of some advantages on the side
of the Levant. I am anxious, at least, to know whe-
ther you have ground for thinking that such an idea
has been seriously entertained ; and if it has, what
302
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
sort of equivalent is thought of, and how we are to
be instrumental in procuring it.
As to the measures pursuing towards the two Im-
perial Courts, we had very positive intelligence that
a proposal was made above two months ago, through
the Emperor's Minister at Petersburgh, tending to a
Triple Alliance between those courts and that of
France ; and there seemed good ground to suppose
that the latter w T as ready to enter into the views of the
former against Turkey in order to procure some con-
siderable advantage to itself either in that quarter
or elsewhere. There has since been some reason to
suppose, according to our information, that the answer
from Petersburgh was not very favourable, but we
have not been able to learn anything precise on the
subject. I mention these particulars for your private
information, that you may compare them with your
own observation, and endeavour, if possible, to pro-
cure some further light. I am at present on my way
to Lord Westmoreland's in Northamptonshire for
about a week, after which I return to the neighbour-
hood of London.
I am, my dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
Lord Carmarthen to the Duke of Dorset and Mr. Eden.
Whitehall, Jan. 11, 1788.
My Lord and Sir,— I received this morning your
despatches of the 6th instant, for which I beg leave
to thank you.
I do not observe from any part of your correspond-
ence that M. de Montmorin is at all disposed to come
to that degree of friendly correspondence with England
which alone could justify us in entering upon anything
like a confidential communication with France, either
in regard to our own respective concerns, or to the
general interests of other powers, so far as either
country could be materially affected by them. It is,
WLLLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 303
I think, absolutely impossible for the French Ministers
seriously to imagine that this Government entertains
any other idea than that of a defensive system ; and
it would be equally absurd to suppose that any other
power but France herself, either directly or indi-
rectly, could be capable of rendering such a system
necessary to us. We certainly should not adopt a
line of offensive conduct, or one which could be de-
rived from motives of aggrandisement or ambition ;
but, at the same time, we never, I trust, shall depart
from the most attentive observation of the conduct
of different powers, so long as there remains a pro-
bability of France pursuing any measures, whether
separately, or in conjunction with other Courts,
which may ultimately prove injurious to this
country.
Such being the ground on which we proceed, M.
de Montmorin can have no right to complain of a
reserve on our part, so long as only general profes-
sions can be drawn from the Court of Versailles, at a
moment like the present, when the unsettled state of
Europe may render it necessary for both England and
France to declare their sentiments, and, of course,
commit themselves, however desirous of remaining in
peace and tranquillity, both internally as well as in
respect to each other.
I should be glad to know if the French Ministers
can say their Court is perfectly indifferent to the
consequences that may result from the present war
between the two Imperial Courts and the Porte. If
they are not, why should England, who is bound bv
no engagement to take a part in the contest, and
whose interests do not appear likely to be materially
affected by it, be left perfectly in the dark with
regard to the sentiments of France, and, of course,
liable to entertain suspicions of their intentions,
unless the Court of Versailles actually meditates
some plan injurious to this country?
Further reserve on the part of that Court might
certainly justify those suspicions on ours; and I can
304 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
hardly suppose M. de Montmorin would wish to see
them entertained by us. I could wish you to state
the subject of this letter fairly and without reserve
to M. de Montmorin, as I flatter myself the French
Ministers are equally desirous with us to treat on
every subject wherein the interests of the two
countries are concerned, with fairness and good
faith . the only method in which we can possibly
acquit ourselves of what we owe to our respective
Sovereigns, or indeed to our own personal characters.
I am with great truth and respect, &c.
Carmarthen.
Mr. Pitt to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Bugden, Jan. 7th, 1788.
My dear Sir, — On the subject of the Slave Trade
you will hear from Wilberforce more at large than I
have time to write, and it is the less necessary for me
to do it, as I concur entirely in his ideas. I am per-
suaded a temporary interruption of the trade would
be as full of difficulty and inconvenience as to abandon
it entirely, and the experiment so made would be
most likely to defeat the ultimate object. Besides
this, if the principle of humanity and justice, on which
the whole rests, is in any degree compromised, the
cause is in a manner given up. I therefore trust you
will find the French Government in a disposition to
concur with the measure in its full extent, in which I
am persuaded it will not be found less practicable, and
in which alone it can be effectual.
The subject has as yet only been matter of very
general reports here, and has not at all come under the
discussion of Government. I shall take an early op-
portunity of bringing it forward. In the mean time
you will, of course, take care not to commit yourself
farther than by stating confidentially what you know
of my personal sentiments; and if any official commu-
nication becomes necessary in your despatches (which
I conceive may very immediately be the case), I should
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 305
wish it to be mentioned as a matter on which you
have had opportunities of observing the sentiments
and disposition of the French Ministers, and which
you think it material to communicate from the im-
portance of the subject, and from perceiving that it is
to be agitated in Parliament.
I am, my dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours,
W. Pitt.
Mr. Wilberforce to Mr. Eden.
London, 5th January, 1788.
My dear Sir, — I should not have suffered so long
a time to elapse without returning you my best thanks
for your letters of the 13th and 19th of December, if
it had not been desirable that previously to my an-
swering them I should talk them over with Mr. Pitt,
and he having been rambling in one part of the
country and I in another, 'tis only a day or two since
we effected a meeting. I earnestly wish that your
representation of the barbarity and impolicy of the
Slave Trade may excite its due impression on the minds
of M. cle Montmorin and his coadjutors. Your ex-
pectations of success do not seem very sanguine ; but
look back to the other negotiations that you have
conducted, and ask yourself if you could have precon-
ceived the result of them would be so favourable as it
actually turned out. As to the proposition you throw
out at the close of your memorial for a suspension of
the trade, I cannot say that it strikes either Mr. Pitt or
myself in a very eligible point of view. Taking the
question generally, the inconveniences attendant on
the change we propose will be felt most sensibly at
first, whilst the compensating benefits are of more
slow and silent growth. This holds true both as ap-
plied to Africa and the West Indies, as well as to every
country engaged in the trade. After the expiration,
then, of the term of suspension, the utter abolition
would be attempted under the most unfavourable cir-
VOL. 1. X
306 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
cumstances possible ; add to which, we must expect
that the flame which is kindled will gradually die
away, and the public attention be attracted by some
new object. Many of the reasons which I am per-
suaded will have suggested themselves to your mind
whilst you have been reading the few last lines of my
letter, and which I therefore will not trouble you by
reciting at large, are applicable to the provisional con-
vention of which you speak, about which Mr. Pitt
agrees with me in opinion. You see with how much
frankness I write ; it will, at least, afford you a proof
that I give you credit for taking so warm and so sin-
cere a part in this business, that you will wish all
ceremony to be waived and all reserve in the discus-
sion of it.
I gave the notice you suggest a few days before
Parliament adjourned, and Mr. Fox declared in his
place that he had entertained thoughts of bringing
the subject into public notice, and that he should be
happy to co-operate with me in so good a work. I
hear something of a society that has been set on foot
in Paris — what are its objects, and is it respectable
from the rank, character, and number of its members ?
I have some idea M. de la Fayette is one of its leaders.
Once more, let me repeat my earnest wishes that the
negotiation may be pushed forward with all practicable
expedition. I am clear that much of our success in
this country will depend on its being brought to a
desirable issue before the decision of Parliament be
finally taken.
I shall always be glad to hear from you ; and I re-
main, my dear Sir,
Very sincerely yours,
W. WlLBERFORCE.
Mr. Wilberforce to Mr. Eden.
London, 18th Jan. 1788.
My dear Sir, — I think M. de Montmorin's memorial
of the 5th of January suggests the very conclusion
WILLIAM, FIEST LORD AUCKLAND. 307
that you drew from his conversation, that the French
Cabinet is afraid of committing itself so far as not
to be able to withdraw its pledge, though nothing
should be done in this country. It seems also, as you
say, to apprehend that our attempts will be ineffectual ;
but it is with the utmost pleasure I assure you that
nothing is worse founded than this apprehension. The
fire is kindled in various parts of the kingdom, and the
flame every day spreads wider and wider. The papers
1 enclose will show you what has been done at Man-
chester, which it should be remembered is deeply
interested in the African trade, both as its manu-
factures form one capital branch of export, and as
many of its inhabitants (as is stated to me) have
large concerns in shipping in Liverpool. At Bir-
mingham, to which one of the preceding observations
applies, a society is instituted for the Abolition of
the Slave Trade, and a liberal subscription entered
into ; another society, orginally set on foot by a few
Quakers in the City of London, has suddenly
increased to the size you will see by the account I
transmit you, and it is hourly increasing, and, I am
sure we shall agree, ought not to be diminished.
Besides these demonstrations of the general spirit
that is gone abroad, there appears an universal dis-
position in our favour in the House of Commons, so
far as I can judge during the recess ; on the whole,
therefore, assure yourself that there is no doubt of our
success.
If the French Cabinet and M. de Montmorin are
sincere in their professions of an earnest desire to
relinquish their share of this infamous traffic, and are
only deterred from speaking a more open language
by the apprehension you have suggested, will not
this representation of the state of things on this side
of the water release them from the necessity of keeping
back, and induce them to declare to you in plain terms
that, provided Great Britain shall wholly abandon the
Slave Trade, they will engage for France in doing the
same? I place great dependence on the use you will
308 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
make of the information I have given you, and on
that regard for personal credit which will incline the
French Ministers, if they see a probability of their
acceding to the measure at all, to adopt it in that way
which will be most honourable to them ; as if they
cheerfully, at least pari passu with this country,
stepped forward to obey the instructive suggestions
of their own feelings, not as if they were dragged
reluctantly into our train.
The particular mode of our proceedings in the
House of Commons may be materially affected by the
answer you obtain from M. de Montmorin on this
head, and therefore you will have the goodness to
press him with a hot fire, and as soon as possible
communicate to Mr. Pitt or myself the result of your
renewed attack. I will put up a copy or two of some
of the tracts which have been circulated throughout
England with considerable effect ; they are not always
strictly accurate in their statements, particularly that
of Mr. Cooper's; the other little one is more to be
relied on.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
W. WlLBERFORCE.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 309
CHAP. X.
Letter of Mr. Burke. — Congratulations on the tranquillity of Ireland .
— Sends Crabbe's first Poem. — Lord Loughborough's advice to
young Mothers. — Hugh Elliot's congratulations. — Letter of Mr.
Eden containing curious proofs of Irish tranquillity. — Mr. Fox becomes
a " banker." — Scott's attack on Flood. — Expenses of the Irish Secre-
taryship. — Irish Magistrates. — Lord Rawdon. — Mr. Eden resigns his
offices. — Letters of Mr. Cooke. — Lord Bellamont's eloquence. — Lord
Temple and his Brother. — Fracas between Grattan and Flood. — Mr.
Fox and Mrs. Armstead. — Lord Mansfield and the Prince of Wales at
Tunbridge.
The following correspondence chiefly consists of
letters to and from Mr. Eden when absent from Eng-
land on his official duties in Ireland and France.
Some of Mr. Eden's correspondents kept him perfectly
informed of everything that passed in London society.
Mr. Storer, especially, the friend of Horace Walpole
and George Selwvn, was indefatigable in sending news
of every description to his absent friend.
Mr. Burke to Mr. Eden.
Charles Street, S. S. S., July 28th, 1781.
My dear Sir, — I recollect with shame that I am
very late in acknowledging a favour which you were
very early in bestowing ; your putting it on the
footing of mere justice is far from expressing the
obligation. It only shows that I am not obliged
improperly, and this does credit to my request and
to your compliance. Indeed, the gentleman whom
your goodness has freed from a troublesome affair is
a person of merit and talents, though unfortunate in
the whole course of his life, even beyond the natural
effects of imprudence. I am glad that you find the
Irish Sea, of tempestuous memory, to be as smooth
as a millpond, and that you are not likely to have a
x3
310 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
great call for your seamanship ; if it should turn out
otherwise, you will gain in reputation what you lose
in quiet, and this alternative is a fair composition
upon the whole estimate of human affairs. The fact
is, you come at a favourable time. All the great
points were, I am going to say, disputed, but yielded,
in the time of the last Lord-Lieutenant*, who may
very well pass for the very hero of non-resistance.
He has left you none but tenable grounds. On one
side of the water, the dignity of Great Britain is not
likely to bring you into much trouble. Omnipotence
is entirely impotent, and your supremacy has nothing
left to surrender. I really pity Lord North. He has
very nearly exhausted all the funds of his glory.
He can now no longer conciliate, as formerly, the
affections of mankind by his amiable refusals ; or
command their admiration by the magnanimity of
his submissions. But I beg your pardon, I was
going a little to contradict myself in his favour. I
shall say no more of anything tending to politics, for
such is the power of inveterate bad habits that I feel
myself talking factious language to a Minister of a
Minister, and this you never permit but among
yourselves : you will, however, bear a little of this sort
of stuff, as a sort of relief from the cloying civilities
which you receive so abundantly in your own right, and
on account of your friends on both sides of the water.
The thing is good for little, except for its novelty at
the Castle.
Have you yet been on the Wicklow Mountains ?
Are you acquainted with the nature and properties
of Bonny Clabber ? f This same Bonny Clabber is
a thing neither rich nor rare ; it is poor enough,
and a little sourish ; and yet, when you are fatigued
with shooting or missing grouse, you may think it
palatable after all the cloying luxury of your own
and all the good tables of Dublin. Let me say this
* Lord Buckinghamshire.
t Bonny Clabber is sour thick milk when ready for churning. In
some parts of Ireland they churn all the milk.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 311
in apology for my sour milk, after all the whipped
cream of public addresses and private compliments
which you must swallow before and after the session.
In truth, (however I may express myself) I find
myself much obliged to you, and, though late in my
thanks, I thank you most sincerely. To make my
peace, I send you something better than my poor
thanks or poorer apologies. A young man* of
Suffolk, I think, shows a talent for poetry. The piece
I send you seems to perform a good deal and to
promise more. My humble duty to my Lord-Lieu-
tenant. Pray make my best compliments to Mrs.
Eden, and to the fair young lady who was so
frighted with the sight of the wild man in the
nightcap. To relieve her, I hope that the beaux of
Ireland, si bien coiffes, will make her forget that
hideous figure.
I have the honour to be, with great truth and
regard, my dear Sir, your faithful and obliged humble
servant,
Edm. Burke.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Stafford, 17th August, 1781.
Dear Eden, — I now see with great pleasure that I
have not above twelve hours more to play the judge in.
From hence I must go to Lord Bagot's and to Lady
Andover's, which will take me up three days, two
more I shall pass at Trentham ; and as I travel slow,
1 shall not be at Bangor before Saturday the 25th :
there I shall wish to remain three days at the least,
and till the wind sets fair for Dublin.
I don't condole with you upon the increase of your
nymphs, as it is no additional inconvenience to Mrs.
Eden. The best economy for a young mother is to pro-
duce her sons first, because it is not necessary to bring
* Crabbe, when in great distress, had written on the 27th of March,
1781, to Mr. Burke for assistance, which was given in the kindest
manner.
x 4
312
THE CORRESPONDENCE OI'
them out soon into the world ; but as she will have to
dance in the same set with the eldest daughter, it
matters little how many there are to follow, and I
trust she is by this time almost stout enough to begin
a dance. Her friend Lady Willoughby* is reported
to be in a thriving way, and that she does not come
into Wales upon that account.
The only public news I have heard that is not in
the Gazette, is that Admiral Arbuthnot f , discontented
as he is, reports very favourably the state of affairs
in America ; but the only fact that I have heard to sup-
port his account is that Ethan Allen| acts openly for
us, and has formed a communication with Canada.
I send you an article of private news, which, before
I see you, and perhaps now, may be stale.
" The Duchess of — - — has been screaming again,
which in my mind is once too much. It is very odd
that Mr. Monson should alarm her Grace so much,
for it seemed a very well settled affair between them,
when, behold, she falls a-screaming, tells her Duke,
who challenges Monson, or something like it, forbids
him the house, and now she is looking out for another
screaming party." This incident has been the only
amusement of the summer.
Remember me to Lord Carlisle, and to all your
nursery.
Yours ever most sincerely,
Loughborough.
The following letter is written by Mr. Hugh
Elliot, who was Minister at the Court of Frederick
the Great. He was a man of great ability and
daring. It is stated that the King, having asked
* Lady Willoughby, the wife of Sir Peter Burrell, afterwards Lord
Gwydir.
| Admiral Arbuthnot had been recalled at the request of Sir Henry
Clinton.
I Ethan Allen was an enterprising American officer ; he had taken the
fort of Ticonderoga by surprise in the beginning of the war. He was
afterwards taken prisoner in an attack on Montreal, and sent prisoner
to England.
WILLIAM, FIEST LORD AUCKLAND. 313
him one day if " Hyder Ali, that great warrior, had
not beaten the English," Hugh Elliot answered,
"Hyder Ali was formerly a great warrior; at present
he is only an old King who dotesT
Mr. Fox, on coming into office in 1782, recalled
Mr. Elliot. He was afterwards appointed Minister
at Copenhagen. Late in life he became Governor of
Madras.
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Berlin, 26th August, 1781.
My dear Eden, — I this morning received your
letter of the 4th inst., and sincerely congratulate
you upon the birth of a fourth female.* Ancient
fiction only produced three Graces ; Eleanor has
given birth to one more than the heated imaginations
of poets could reach. As you do not mention her, I
flatter myself she has not suffered more in ushering
a little Irish girl into life, than she did formerly in
adding to the number of the fair sex in England and
America. My best wishes attend all my nieces ; and
I expect they will one day be the means of uniting
all His Majesty's distracted dominions, by contract-
ing alliances with the best matches in the different
regions of their nativity.
I am very sorry you know at the certain loss of a
representative character ; I conceive your situation
to be a real sacrifice to the good of your employers ;
it must be expensive, harassing, and teazing beyond
any other. f I have no doubt, however, you will find
the first year the worst as to money matters — the
establishment being once made, things go on more
smoothly.
I am much indebted to my brother for the kind
picture he has sent all my friends of my wife ; she
is deserving of it, though I must be modest upon
* Caroline, afterwards married to Arthur Vansittart, Esq., of Shottes-
brooke.
t Mr. Eden's first year of office cost him 3000/. of Lis private fortune.
314 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
her account as well as my own, and suppose my
brother has a little exaggerated. As to character
I must with all candour allow qu'elle vaut Men son
mari, who, as well as herself, when weighed in the
very nice scales in which all mankind weigh their
neighbours, might be found wanting in some particu-
lar points. We are, however, a very happy couple,
and only need a little cash to be perfectly well
pleased with ourselves and the rest of the world. As
to the little one, she is like all other children, that is,
like nothing — a round face, staring eyes, toothless
mouth, but reckoned a paragon of beauty, and even
sense, for her age.
My brother thought my health much better than
it was, and I believe it is so, though I assure you
I have given up all thoughts of ever being new
rigged again either in body or mind, but expect to
sink sooner or later, with all my mental and all my
corporeal infirmities, tout doucement, without giving
myself much trouble to mend either the physique or la
morale. I do, however, most sincerely regret some of
my former flights, particularly the pecuniary ones, as
I am seriously embarrassed and may remain so several
years. My children will, I hope, profit by my ex-
ample, and be as prudent, steady, regular people as I
have been the contrary. Providence certainly meant
that there should be such characters as myself even
in sensible England, and therefore turned me adrift
with a small proportion of ballast ; perhaps it was
an experiment, and had it been my lot always to go
before the wind, I do believe none would have had a
pleasanter passage, but unfortunately, as I am now
under the necessity of going very near the wind, I
have great difficulty in keeping my course.
I have received a letter from my brother, dated
Mittau, 22nd August. He had proceeded so far on his
return with Lady Harris and her children all well.
1 imagine he is now at Warsaw. To my great dis-
appointment the caravan goes from thence to Vienna
to England, a considerable distance, which entirely
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 315
cuts off all my hopes of seeing my brother once more
before he leaves the continent. I own I wish for
many reasons he had preferred the shortest road.
Business of infinite importance awaits him in London,
and he leaves himself very scant room to meet it in
time. I do not believe Russian colds have damped
the strength of Lady Harris's volonte, as I think a
very moderate share of compliance to the wishes and
desires of her fellow-creatures would have induced
her not to lead my brother* such a roundabout at
this critical moment. He is indeed the kindest and
best of men ; I scarcely imagine the whole island will
furnish any one other who would have exposed him-
self to so much fatigue and inconvenience. I long to
hear of his safe arrival.
My wife embraces Eleanor ; she longs to compare
nursery notes. Believe me, although my pen is lazy
and seldom tells what I do or what I feel, that
Eleanor and your Honour are often the subject of
my thoughts and conversation. My wife knows you
as well as if she had been brought up in Downing
Street, and often talks of borrowing your apartments
at Greenwich, should the vicissitude of human affairs
carry us to England.
I beg leave to recommend to your countenance and
protection my former squire, La Coste : marriage
and poverty made it impossible for me to keep him
longer. I love him, however, notwithstanding all
his faults, and recommend him as the best hair-
dresser in the world. I should think, in a country
so replete with coxcombs as Hibernia, he might
comb himself into a very good place. Any young
man of fortune who is resolved to ruin himself will
find in La Coste a cheerful companion, parfaitement
au fait of everything necessary to the rigging of a
fine gentleman ; and as he has a wife and four chil-
dren, it certainly would be charity to assist them in
procuring a few of the spoils so necessary to feather
* Sir Gilbert Elliot and Sir James Harris had married two sisters,
the daughters of Sir George Amvand.
316 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
their nest. I must not omit that La Coste is, I be-
lieve, perfectly honest, and that his failings are all of
the amiable kind.
I beg you will tell Madame Dumont that, after
many applications, I at length, some months or near
a year ago, obtained from Prince Taxis an appoint-
ment for her son in one of the post offices in
Flanders ; but as I have never heard from him since
or of him, I do not know whether or not he is in
possession. I wish he may have been in the way, as
it would be cruel were he to miss an employment
which, though inconsiderable, it would not perhaps
be in my power again to obtain.
My best love to Eleanor and the beauties. La
Coste says they are charming.
Yours, most affectionately,
H. Elliot.
P.S. — As to politics, there is a great talk of a
Congress next winter at Vienna, and should it take
place I have no doubt many wise despatches will be
sent from it, and next year old England will never-
theless enjoy the satisfaction of another glorious
campaign, and finish the war in the old way, by
beating her enemies. I expect great things from
America.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Dublin Castle, Oct. 20th, 1781.
My dear Lord, — Though this is a Saturday morn-
ing, you see that I have not the good fortune to pass
it among my beasts, birds, bushes, and brats. The
preparations for the session thicken upon me ; our
money bills have in truth no difficulty, except that
the equalising compact brings forward several novel-
ties for consideration, and it is necessary to be aware
of them all ; and you well know that it is impos-
sible to delegate such a task entirely to any indi-
vidual: our loan would in London be the work of
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 317
five minutes, but here it is as difficult to borrow
300,000^. as it is in Downing Street to get twenty
millions. Then I have another call to town ; I am
giving dinners at the rate of three per week, issuing
twentv-four invitations for each time, and taking the
chance of who will come. This is done in order to
lighten that feverish work when the session commen-
ces, and partly too as an attention to gentlemen who
came to toAvn at the opening of the session. I am
also taking some pains among individuals to preserve
that general right understanding with which we are
brought thus far on our journey. The good temper
of the kingdom continues as complete as when you
left us.
We were glad to hear of your short and sleepy
passage across the Channel: we hardly can flatter
ourselves that you will be induced to visit us again
whilst we continue here, and yet your excursion to
us ought to have some merit in your eyes, for it did
great service both to your health and spirits. Our
little girls are not reconciled yet to your absence, but
inquire every morning whether they shall go to your
door to call you.
You see that we have caught Mr. Fitzgerald *, and
have placed him in Newgate; he is now safely
lodged in the hands of the crown lawyers, who seem
well disposed to give him an exemplary lecture on
the use and abuse of law. I doubt, however, whether
he is liable to any capital charge. His returning to
the metropolis was a very audacious circumstance,
and he now sincerely repents it.
No news, except that a woman is to be tried to-
morrow for poisoning her husband. A poor prostitute
was murdered on Monday by a bawd, on which the
mob took her body to the door and pulled down the
house. On Tuesday they caught a bailiff in the exe-
cution of a writ, and dragged him with a rope through
the river. The same day a party of them beat an ox
* Nephew of the Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry, afterwards hanged
for murder at Castlebar.
318 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
in the streets into madness, and had the pleasure of
seeing it do much mischief; — and this week also they
attempted a rescue of some vagabonds who were going
in a cart to the House of Industry, upon which one
or two were killed. Notwithstanding these and
various similar enormities which T cannot recollect,
everything is apparently quiet, and the whole city as
dull as when you saw it. Do not read this paragraph
to any body !
Yours very affectionatelv,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
House of Commons, Nov. 19th.
My dear Lord, — Whilst the fate of a great part of
the British empire is deciding in the Chesapeake*, we
are in this House amusing ourselves with the woollen
exports to Lisbon, and with examination into the
state of the Irish sugar trade. Nothing in truth
can be more languid and unimportant than our de-
bates are become ; but it has been a matter of much
nicety and difficulty to make them so ; and it is very
mortifying to think that no credit will be given
either for the existence of difficulties, or for address
in getting rid of them. You seem in your letter
clearly to have foreseen the turn that our debates
would take ; they opened upon a professed evident
plan to worry me either into silence or absurdity, and
having failed in that view, they have not system
enough to adopt a regular opposition ; and I am now
at least as well supported both by speakers and by
numbers as I can wish. Every day commences
with some new motion which is meant to teaze ; but
it is ill-pointed, and generally misses fire, and thus
far I am convinced that Government, though the busi-
ness is forced forwards with a total disregard of the
* The expedition of the French and Americans against Lord Corn-
wallis is here alluded to.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 319
popular orators, has gained ground in the good regard
of the public.
Mr. Foster proves a very diligent and right-headed
assistant to me. The Provost is zealous, but requires
attentions. The Crown lawyers do whatever I desire.
Mr. Daly enters into office with right ideas, and has
so much weight in the esteem and respect of the whole
House, that his accession to me not only cramps all
opposition within doors, but has that effect on opinions
through the country, which in the present moment
cannot be too highly estimated. Mr. Bush * is able
and acute, and though we have not anything certain
to suggest for him, he is earnest and cordial on every
point when he is not previously committed. Mr. H.
Burghf continues to a certain degree opposed, but is
personally on a kind understanding with us all, and
hangs so heavy on every factious attempt, that perhaps
he cannot be more usefully employed. Mr. Fitzgibbon
has held a decided line with us. Some of these gentle-
men are really much abler than you would have col-
lected from their first day. H. Burgh is an excellent
speaker, very warm, and if zealous either way, likely
to take the lead in any debate. Daly's excellence con-
sists by no means in the polished style of the other, but
in a sort of genuine eloquence, and a fluency of right
and perspicuous ideas, which make a great impression
on all who hear him. The others you heard, except Mr.
Flood, who has disappointed me beyond description
he sometimes uses a strong sentence or two, and
points a parcel of antitheses in a declamation; but as a
debater or leader of an opposition he makes a wretched
figure, and the wonder is how it can come into con-
templation to purchase him at such a price. Upon
the whole (and not forgetting the accession of the
whole Ponsonby party) we have a very strong Govern-
ment ; and I am only fearful that in consequence of
it our situation will be misunderstood in England.
* Mr. Gervnse Busbo.
t Mr. Hussey Burgh, M.P. for the University, a man of great classi-
cal attainments.
320 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
It is easy to conceive that a considerable bill in differ-
ent ways must ultimately be paid for all this ; com-
paratively, however, with the importance of what we
have done, and are doing, at so critical a moment, our
bill will be very small.
The Habeas Corpus Bill must be passed; for I am
absolutely committed for it. His Excellency must
write to the Chancellor. The proposed clause is
amply sufficient if fairly construed.
Three of our money bills were sent to the Castle to-
day, which is a fortnight sooner than ever was known ;
and yet our bills, from the equalisation duties, are
much more complicated than ever.
I am scribbling Irish politics, because my heart
aches to think of any other. God send us good news
from the Chesapeake.
Yours very affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
The following letter is from an officer who rendered
great services to the Government during the Ame-
rican war : —
Colonel Smith* to Mr. Eden.
23d Nov. 1781.
My dear Sir, — Your success and decided majority
does you the highest and most public justice ; you are
approved, applauded, and admired ; but we are here
now come to that minute so as to think of no one but
ourselves.
There has been a bank kept in the gambling-houses
here by Charles Fox, &c, by which they had cleared
above seventy thousand pounds ; but Charles is again
totally put down at the last Newmarket meeting, and
he is thirty thousand pounds worse than vulgarly
called nothing.
Our speech is truly spirited, and says little.
* Afterwards General, Colonel of the 43rd Regiment. He had served
with Wolfe, and was employed on secret missions during the American
war. He was uncle to Sir Sidney Smith.
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 321
Clinton writes word that he carries Lord Corn-
wallis his relief, and then, resigning him the command,
comes directly to England. Lord Cornwallis appre-
hends and dreads this event, and has written to me to
gnard him from such circumstances by defining and
declaring his own intended return as soon as possible.
Don't you think our affairs in that country are on a
fine settled system ?
I thank you for your note of the 17th and the
newspaper, which I will save you the trouble of send-
ing me, by telling you that, supposing that vehicle
would be genuine in your administration, they are
constantly transmitted me. They afford me much
and real satisfaction every way, particularly in the
trouble it saves my friends.
We have a something going on here that, as soon
as it has shape or existence, you shall be informed of
it ; but if I send you every wild idea I pick up you will
be tired of me.
They are forcing Rodney* out sooner than he ex-
pected, or was resolved ; but this stroke of the naval
god f will not move him in his resolution of serving
while he can give an order.
We are anxious about the Chesapeake, but Graves
will not fight if he can avoid it. He says so himself in
private to the Admiralty, so I do not scandalise him.
My respects to his Excellency and best wishes to
Airs. Eden. — Most affectionately yours,
Edward Smith.
P.S. — I find General Keppel has permitted and per-
suaded Mrs. Knox to write to you upon her concerns.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Dublin Castle, Nov. 30th, 1781.
My dear Lord, — We continue here without any
tidings from the Chesapeake J; I suppose that you in
* Rodney gained his great victory over Count de Grassse, 1 1th April, 1 782.
t Lord Sandwich.
% Lord Cornwallis had capitulated on the 19th of October. The news
arrived on the 25th of November.
VOL. J. V
322
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
England are about this time relieved from your sus-
pense, though probably not from your anxiety.
Yesterday Mr. Flood attempted to renew the busi-
ness of the perpetual Mutiny Bill in different forms,
and being driven out of some had recourse to others, till
at length we finished with a division, 144 to 66. Mr.
Daly and Mr. Bush abused him without any reserve,
for acting on teazing and factious principles. But I
write at present chiefly to do justice to our friend Scott*,
who yesterday showed abilities far superior to any
that either you or I had given him credit for. Flood
had the misfortune to offend him in one of his speeches,
(for he never gives us less than half a dozen orations
in every debate), and in return the Attorney made a
regular attack upon the whole life and character of
the other, with more acrimony where he was serious,
and with more wit when he chose to laugh, than I
have ever seen blended together in a philippic against
one man. There were many turns and expressions
of imperfect taste, but upon the whole it was fully
suited to the taste and disposition of the audience,
though Flood had hardly merited the treatment which
he received. It was contrived to close the debate on
both sides with professions of good humour ; but I
suspect that one of the parties passed the night in all
the tortures of the damned. The character painted
in great detail and mixed with many humorous, but
coarse and awkward allusions, was that of a malevo-
lent outcast from all social intercourse of life, driven
to madness by spleen and vanity, forlorn in reputa-
tion, and sunk in abilities. This line of allusion went
so far that no man could venture to interrupt ; and
though both the gentlemen were quite disorderly, it
was good-natured, and indeed necessary to suffer
them to continue so, till they had talked themselves,
and each other, into some practicable form.
In the frequent occasions which I have to put my
* Scott had been brought into the House of Commons by Lord
Townshend, in order to silence the opposition leaders. He was after-
wards created Lord Earlsfort, then Earl of Clonmell.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 323
parliamentary supporters to a trial, I must do them
the justice to say that they are thus far steady and
cordial, and in no degree teazing. They have various
expectations, but do not urge them at present.
Our new allies do well. Mr. Daly gives all his
weight, which is very great, both in debate and public
estimation, without reserve or hesitation: and this
has encouraged Mr. Fitzgibbon, Mr. Bush, and others
to do the same. And upon the whole our House is
much as you have occasionally wished to make the
English House of Commons, and would have done if
you had been duly supported : the attack is fairly
carried into the enemy's quarters, and the Opposition
is on the defensive.
Notwithstanding all this, I do not feel easy when-
ever I recollect how subject all this system (which has
been raised with infinite trouble and much good for-
tune,) is to a sudden overthrow from various circum-
stances and considerations on your side of the Chan-
nel, which we can neither foresee nor prevent.
I have written more on this little subject than you
will like to read. — All well !
Believe me, my dear Lord, ever respectfully and
affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
P.S. — His Excellency desires to be most kindly
remembered to you.
I have sent a hogshead of claret to Sir G. Elliot,
a part of which he will send to you, and if you like it,
I will send more. I think, in general, that the claret
here is light and wholesome ; but it is not high enough
in its flavour for English tables.
The following letter is from the well known Clerk
of the House of Commons : —
Mr. Ilatsell to Mr. Eden.
Cotton Garden, Thursday, Dec. 13th, 1781.
Dear Sir, — I am very happy if the book I troubled
you with has contributed in the least to your amuse-
324 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ment amidst the variety of troublesome matter in
which you must necessarily be engaged. If the people
on your side of the water think it will be worth their
while to reprint it there, I cannot have the least ob-
jection, but I should scarcely think such an expense
would answer, as, from the subject, the sale of it must
be necessarily confined to a very few persons. Of
this, however, they will be the best judges.
I am extremely glad to find you go on so trium-
phantly, and, at the same time, with so much temper
and moderation ; and hope very sincerely that this
system will continue throughout your administration.
As to the general state of the empire, it is not a whit
worse than, in the course of things, it ought to be.
Such an administration, with such objects of govern-
ment, without activity, without concert, and without
system, cannot expect anything better than what has
happened. But matters are not yet at their worst.
Lord George Germaine*, in the debate last night,
informed us that he purposes to continue in officef,
and trusts the war with America will be continued
in some shape or other till the thirteen united pro-
vinces and Great Britain acknowledge the same
sovereign. If his colleagues, or rather their master,
are of that opinion, our misfortunes are very far
from being at an end. I am no longer, however,
unhappy upon this subject. I have convinced my-
self that these blows are inflicted upon us by the
hand of Providence, and are therefore, like other
visitations, to be endured. VCe were growing an
over-rich, proud, and profligate people, and as I am
perfectly satisfied that human folly alone could never
have reduced us from the pinnacle on which we
stood, to the abject state in which we now are, I com-
fort myself that our rulers are set over us to answer
some great but invisible end in the government of the
world, and that it was necessarv, in the wisdom of
* Afterwards Lord Sackville.
t Lord George Germaine, in consequence of Lord Cornwallis's dis-
aster, was compelled to resign.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 325
Providence, that we should be held fo,rth a spectacle
to all the nations of the earth and to posterity, as a
proof how very soon ignorance, rashness, pride, and
injustice, may destroy the most beautiful fabric of
government that the world ever saw. Satisfied in
this opinion, I received with very little emotion the
account of Lord Cornwallis's misfortune.
I shall receive without surprise the account of the
loss of some, perhaps the most valuable, of our West
Indian islands. I expect the war to be persevered
in obstinately till the oppression of taxes and the
feelings of want shall produce insurrections and civil
commotions at home. I shall never take a part in
these dissensions, but endeavour to remain a quiet
(your active mind will say an insensible) spectator
of those miseries which I cannot avert, and which,
like the scenes of the last century, will come upon
us by degrees, and will so involve the passions and
prejudices of the wisest and best of men, that in
taking an eager part, even against their nearest and
dearest friends, they will flatter themselves, which-
ever side they take, they are supporting the true
constitution of their country.
These are not new opinions. Nothing has hap-
pened that I did not foresee clearly and predict to all
my friends many years since. What I now say is a
direct and necessary conclusion from the mode in
which this government is conducted. I can have no
share in preventing it, I therefore amuse myself in
my own way ; and having, thank God ! no posterity
for whom I am anxious, hope tnat I shall be able to
bear my share of the calamities that are impending
over us with submission and patience.
I am, dear Sir, with many respects to Mrs. Eden,
yours most faithfully,
J. II.
- i
326 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Phoenix Park, Jan. 12th, 1782.
My dear Lord, — This letter shall visit Bath, and
may possibly catch you there on the eve of your de-
parture to the dark air of Westminster Hall. We are
all well here and are enjoying a three weeks' retire-
ment. I wanted an hour of recollection, and, upon
the whole, am not sorry to think that I am at least
separated from London politics ; and so far my situa-
tion is comparatively good. I incline, too, to think
that its positive toils are not ill suited to my constitu-
tion and temper. They are, however, whilst the ses-
sion is going forwards, rather intolerable ; and if an
Irish secretary does his own business, he is like the
first floAver in a glass-house, and must not be expected
to outlive two seasons.
I shall drive hard to finish the business in the
course of April, and all my hirelings here are em-
ployed in putting forwards all our preparations. On
the Mondays and Thursdays I have as usual an open
door at my office, and that practice is now so well
established that nobody attempts to interrupt me on
other days. I generally give dinner, also, on those
days.
His Excellency is in the north-west part of Ireland,
in the county of Cavan, or at Lord Ross's, on the
lakes in Fermanagh. He writes that the people are
incredibly poor, the country beautiful, and woodcocks
plentiful.
I have had time to look into my year's accounts,
which are desperately inflamed by the sumptuous sys-
tem of a parliamentary winter. I am at this hour (in-
cluding the expense of equipage, journey, &c.) about
3000/. poorer than when I accepted this delightful
office. Pray desire Lord North to ask the King to
pay this per contra, and accommodate him in return
with my seat at the Board of Trade. If the times were
more propitious I should seriously ask this, for I have
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 327
too many children to feel easy under a derangement
of my private affairs.
You will see Gerard Hamilton, and he will talk to
you about his office. It would be very convenient to
us if he would sell it on reasonable terms. We wish
to vacate it for Foster, in order to give Foster's to
Mr. Ponsonby's eldest son.
"We have a very mild winter here, and my garden
and forcing-houses are brought into the greatest order
possible. Will you come and see us next year ? I
fear not. Lord Trentham goes on Monday. The
Duke of Buccleuch is coming.
Believe me, my dear Lord, ever respectfully and
affectionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Eden to Lord Loughborough.
Dublin Castle, Jan. 22nd, 1782.
My dear Lord, — I came to town yesterday for a
five hours' conversation as usual ; after which we had
a council in order to issue the brutum fulrnen of a
proclamation against some justices of the peace and
others on the banks of the Shannon, for plundering
a Portuguese ship under pretence that she was a
wreck, because she had fired a signal of distress the
day before ; at the time of plundering she was lying
safe at Arklow. In the week before, at Galway, the
troops were forced to fire on a large mob, who per-
sisted in the same laudable occupation upon the cargo
of an unhappy vessel that had been driven ashore. I
believe that we shall try the effect of an Act to charge
all these depredations in future upon the barony
where such outrages happen.
Wc stayed in town to dine quietly with Lord Paw-
don*, whose accounts of America are interesting, and
when he can venture to quit his reserve (for which
* Lord Rawdon bad been taken prisoner by a cruiser on bis return to
England, and was a spectator from a French man-of-war of Lord Corn-
wallis's disaster.
y4
328 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
he has good reasons,) very intelligent. Nothing is
more demonstrable than that the last fortunate enter-
prise of the French forces in conjunction with the
rebel army succeeded against every reasonable proba-
bility. If Graves* had fought ; if, not fighting, he had
interrupted the Rhode Island squadron, or at least
prevented its junction, (it carried the entrenching
tools and battering cannon); if, doing neither, he had
not undertaken to proceed to the relief upon a fixed
day, (which induced Lord Cornwallis to remain) ; if
Sir. H. Clinton could have occupied Washington in
the White Plains; if, not doing that, he had endeavour-
ed to prevent his march towards the Delaware ; if,
not preventing it, he had only hung upon his rear
with large detachments, (which would have occa-
sioned a delay in the junction of the French and rebel
forces) — if Lord Cornwallis had not fixed himself on
a post peculiarly exposed both to sea forces and land
forces; if he had preferred Cape Fear, or other situa-
tions, off which large ships cannot lie in safety; if he
had marched back towards Carolina; if he had marched
forwards into Maryland ; if he had met a part of the
enemies' forces instead of waiting for the whole ; in
short, if he had not been induced to do precisely what
he did, by Graves undertaking to do what he never
meant to do ; and if, in addition to all this, every
contingency of junction between the Rhode Island,
West India, and Connecticut forces (for Washington
was in Connecticut with Rochambeau) had not suc-
ceeded, against all probability, the undertaking would
have ended in disgrace. Lord Rawdon's services have
been in every respect most highly honourable ; but
Lord Amherst still hesitates about putting his regi-
ment on the establishment, though he has expended
near 700 men within that regiment in the King's
service.
I have been led into this detail without intending
it. Several mails are due to us ; they will probably
* Afterwards Lord Graves.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 329
bring some account of a change in part among your
Ministers ; for it seems neither easy nor honourable
for the same set precisely to proceed with the session.
As for the ensuing campaign, I suppose nobody thinks
of it ; at least I have good reasons to believe that
there is no decided idea respecting it, further than
the manufacture of a new loan ; but these are teazing
subjects.
Flood will be vexed extremely by his dismission
from the Privy Councils ; as an exemplary piece of
discipline, it will have permanent effect here. He will,
I suppose, teaze me with many long debates. We
meet next Tuesday.
We are inoculating your god-daughter, and the
little animal. — Very mild weather. — All well.
Believe me, my dear Lord, respectfully and affec-
tionately yours,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Elliot had served his country with extraor-
dinary energy during the American war, and it ap-
pears by the following letter that he deeply felt Mr.
Fox's conduct in recalling him from Berlin: —
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Berlin, lotb July, 1782.
My dear Eden, — You have been so completely
occupied of late with Irish, English, and, I imagine,
Edenish politics, that you will have had very little
time to think of Berlin or me. Do not judge of my
solicitude about you and yours by my silence. I
really have been so deeply involved in all kinds of
difficulties, that I am not certain if the greatest proof
of friendship I could show those whom I love was
not to wish that they might entirely forget an exist-
ence not very pleasant to itself, and in no ways profit-
able to others. Do not think by this language that I
am cast down or despondent in consequence of my
recall. I have indeed reason to be anxious for my
330 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
family, and have little resource left to support a wife
and child, but, in fact, I rather consider the cause of
this dilemma as a distinction than a disgrace. I
avowed my attachment to the great outlines of the
late system openly and without disguise.
If I am not mistaken, my recall is a proof of the effect
my language, when in England, produced upon those I
thought. then, and think now, the principal source of
our defeats and disgraces. As to any reasons they
may choose to assign of the prejudices entertained
against me here, either on account of any line of
conduct attributed to me, or supposed connections at
home, believe me they are void of foundation. I am
singled out as the first victim in the foreign line,
because I was the most obnoxious, from my avowed
attachment to better men and better principles. This
being the case, I should be ashamed to repine for
bearing the mark of those with whom I wish to
herd, notwithstanding the smart I feel from the
sudden application of the pruning-knife. The late*
administration acted upon the great scale of British
politics ; they endeavoured to support the supremacy
of Parliament over every part of the British empire ;
they endeavoured to repel the insults and attacks of
every enemy by force of arms, and trusted that
English spirit and resolution were sufficient to
counterbalance inequality of numbers and force.
Had they not been checked by the factious oppo-
sition of men who were prosecuting their private
interests at the expense of public misfortune, I have
little doubt that success would have crowned their
measures. The Duke of Ormond says of his son,
who fell nobly, " I would rather have my dead son
than any living son in England ; " so I assure you
I would rather be considered as attached to the
system and views of the late administration, dead as
it is, than to the wild, incoherent, and, I may add,
inconsistent set who have usurped their place.
* Lord North's.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 331
The following letters are addressed to Mr. Eden
whilst residing in England. When Mr. Eden was in
Ireland, he formed a great many friendships in that
country. Lord Clare, Mr. John Beresford, Mr. Cooke,
and others, became constant correspondents. The
following letters will give some idea of the Irish Par-
liament during the stormy time of the volunteers : —
Mr. Beresford to Mr. Eden.
Dublin, July 23rd, 1782.
I had yesterday the satisfaction of most com-
pletely overthrowing the Bill for depriving revenue
officers of their right of voting. When the Bill came
back I again gave it opposition in our House, but re-
fused to divide on it, as if I gave it up ; but, in fact,
we reserved ourselves for the House of Lords, where
we made the best ground we could, and procured
fifteen proxies without saying a word about an opposi-
tion until it passed through the committee and came
to be reported, when we made our attack, and to
their utter astonishment voted it to be received this
day two months, by thirty-four to eighteen. We had
nineteen present and fifteen proxies, to fifteen and
three proxies, the whole of the new Administration
here, and the Ponsonbys, are wild and mad, as is
the Duke of Leinster and Mr. Conolly, who is now
at my elbow ; the Duke was furious and outrageous,
and abused your administration grossly. Bellamont*
broke out into the most violent invective against the
last administration^, both in England and here, that
ever I heard ; abused Fox, abused all Whigs, abused
the Duke of Portland ; gave the merit of all their
measures to yours ; said they promised much and
performed nothing ; that their arrangements were
delusion, and their economy peculation ; he went on
for an hour ; the Duke answered, and Bellamont was
twice worse than before in reply. Brown has just
* Charles Coote, Earl of Bellamont.
t Lord Rockingham's.
332
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
given a devil of a trimming to them on the address,
and stated Coppinger's business strongly. I am just
run up to write thus much, leaving Walsh attribut-
ing all the pretended merit of the present to your
administration.
Yours sincerely*
Mr. Cooke * to Mr. Eden.\
Dublin Castle, 25th July, 1782.
My dear Sir,— You will probably see Foster, who
has it in contemplation to pay you a visit on his way to
Spa, whither the weak state of his wife's health is
carrying him, and he will give you a full account of
public matters, which are in a curious state, but not
in an unpleasant one to a bold and cunning politician,
however perplexing to a timid or ignorant one.
Flood and Grattan are fairly upon the arena, and
Ireland is to be divided by Nose or no-Nose. Flood
was supported on Friday last by murdering black
Sandy X, Spadacino Walsh, Buck English, Jemmy
Browne, and Master Maxwell. The country, how-
ever, is not so near unanimity as the parliament, and
the assizes and reviews will probably create diversion
if not confusion.
Lord Bellamont§ entertained the Lords on Saturday
with an attack on Lord Farnham concerning some
immaterial paragraph in the newspapers, and his pas-
sions growing warm, the Archbishop of Cashel moved
for clearing the House, on which his Lordship ex-
claimed, " By my Lords, if you clear the House
the throat of a man must be cut." They, how-
ever, pacified him and brought him to terms, which
* Mr. Cooke became, in 1789, the Under-Secretary in Ireland.
f Mr. Eden had resigned the Secretaryship of Ireland, on the termin-
ation of Lord North's government in March, 1782. The Duke of Port-
land succeeded Lord Carlisle as Lord-Lieutenant. On Lord Shelburne
coming into office the Duke resigned, and was succeeded by Lord
Temple.
+ Alexander Montgomery, M.P. for Donegal.
§ Lord Bellamont was severely wounded in a duel with Lord Towns-
hend, whom he called out for some imaginary slight.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 333
Lord Farnham readily accepted, being most pacifi-
cally disposed.
It is supposed the Bill for disqualifying revenue
officers will be rejected to-day in the Lords, and the
Bill for allowing Bishops to make leases for thirty-one
years. They talk of being up on Thursday.
We are afraid here that your new administration
will be very short-lived from appearances, and bets
run that Lord Temple will not meet a parliament.
What will become of me ? I knew Tom Grenville* at
Eton very well ; he was good-humoured and appa-
rently of a placid disposition, nothing particularly
brilliant about him, ancl in scholarship and exercises
eoctremus primorum extremis, cfc. Lord Temple was
too much above me to be known but by observation ;
and his sense then, whatever it was, suffered much
from stammering, false pomp and pride ; and he was
obstinate and passionate. What the world may have
done for him I know not ! If they choose to take me
cordially I shall endeavour to exert myself, as far as
I am able, and will work and drudge honestly. I
hope Lees will be reinstated in pleno.
Fitzgerald was dismissed on Saturday — old Pater-
son quite mad. Metge succeeds, f
Forbes's language is that no person is to consider
o-overnment in Ireland as permanent, but that every
man is to act not on the supposition of a system, but
to consider himself as dependent on the Viceroy of the
day. Can this be Lord Shelburne's doctrine ? And
if it be, will not the country associate against it, and
will not Lords-Lieutenant be soon as much slaves
as Charles Fox wished to make His Majesty.
With my best compliments to Mrs. Eden and her
little ones, believe me, dear Sir,
Your most devoted and obliged servant,
E. Cooke.
P.S. — Ought I not to write to Lord Carlisle ?
* The late Right Hon. Thomas Grenville.
f As Judge of the Exchequer.
334
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Mr. Cooke to Mr. Eden.
Dublin Castle, 27th July, 1782.
My dear Sir, — I am just come from the House of
Lords enjoying the happy word prorogue, and harping
upon the speech, which I shall endeavour to send you
this evening. It is certainly well and artfully con-
ceived and expressed ; and the words allusive to
economy and Fox's ministry well chosen and empha-
tically pointed. Yet that point and that emphasis
prove to me more than their obvious meaning, viz.
that the Duke* is going. Before the Duke came down
Lord Bellamont entertained the ladies with a speech
pointed against Grattan, and read some resolutions
asserting freedom of speech and debate, and declar-
ing him inimical to his country who attempted to con-
trol either, but he declined putting them. Grattan
just afterwards came up to his Lordship, and thanked
him for his disapprobation. " You have it, said Lord
Bellamont, entirely ; your whole conduct, every action
of your life entitle you to it, and I give it you most
fully and sincerely." They then mutually bowed.
Lord Bellamont was more beautifully nonsensical
than usual, in compliments to the ladies ; speaking of
the civic wreath he said, " If you touch the laurel the
myrtle is wounded, and the olive takes the alarm."
Little Martin has been abusing George Ponsonby
twice this week for accepting Coppinger's office, with
more bitterness and more ability than you could
imagine, the House enjoying the abuse, and protecting
it by silence. Ponsonby short and inadequate in his
defence. Something must be done for Coppinger,
from the sense of the House, and if any expense be
induced in providing for him, Ponsonby, according to
his declaration, must resign.
I rejoice in the idea of the Duke's departure merely
upon a public principle ; a private one would make
* The Duke of Portland.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 335
me wish his stay, as in probability it would remove
me hence. Nothing but his going can save this
country from confusion. His Ponsonby connection
would have by degrees armed a formidable opposi-
tion against him, and of a nature which would have
ruined Grattan and Lord Charlemont, and thereby
placed Flood at the head of the people. By a change
the fall of the former may be prevented, and the rise
of the latter may be checked.
I had a letter from Daly this day, who is happy
that Fox is riot dictator. Grattan's debenture for
£48,500* is signed to-day, an Exchequer bill payable
in eighty-six. He sets out immediately for Spa.
Ogleby is in London ; he says that he was promised
succession to Burton's employment as Register, and
that G. R., and Lord Carlisle, and you consented. It is
supposed he is now working in this set of lies. The
Duke of Portland thinks him a great financier I I was
highly entertained the other evening by a paroxysm
of the Duke of Leinster's, " He had been treated like
a dog and a fool by Lord Buckinghamshire and Lord
Carlisle ; Fox was the only honest man in the world,
and however he might not refuse his support, he
would never receive office from any Government in
which Fox was not chiefly concerned. " This was in
the height of folly, passion, foam and claret.
Scott better, and going to Buxton. If the Wells
will not cure him of his jealousies as well as his rheu-
matism, he had better continue at Harcourt Place.
Your friends here, which do not diminish, ever
anxious and inquiring. Sir Wm. Parsons's son
elected to-day for the College — Brown, a fellow, his
opposer — the majority 8. The Provost, hors du com-
bat. Parsons wrote a pamphlet against the Mutiny
Bill. Very poor and juvenile, yet I remember this
stroke: " The English Bill of Rights prohibits a per-
petual Mutiny Bill ; the Irish Bill of Rights is a per-
* The Irish Parliament bad made Mr. Grattan a present of 50,000£
336
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
petual Mutiny Bill." Col. Conynghara very poorly,
all rheumatism and scurvy.
Your most faithful and affectionate servant,
E. C
Mr. Cooke to Mr. Eden.
Dublin Castle, 16th Oct. 1782.
Dear Sir, — I pity poor Mr. Grenville* exceedingly ;
brought to be Minister of the House of Commons of
Ireland at his age and in such times ; and I fear the
consequences. He seems sensible and perfectly well-
disposed, and is laborious ; but more wanting in the
great essentials of a Minister, — address, manners,
authority, experience, and knowledge of the world
than can be conceived. How such a young man,
with such disadvantages, and totally under the
guidance of his brother, is to manage and direct the
Parliament of Ireland in its present disordered and
ungovernable state, is out of my power to imagine ;
and unless that assembly is governed, and governed
by the Chief Secretary, you are well aware what a
scene of confusion it will be.
When Lady Temple was waiting at Holyhead,
Flood arrived there ; her Ladyship invited him twice
to dine with her, which he did ; but since his arrival
in Ireland he has never paid his respects to her or
his Excellency at the Castle ; and the other morning
he slunk out of town with his blinds up and went to
Farmley.
The Duke of Portland is trying to get another
fall, as he is daily steeple-hunting. He is coming to
town, from Castletown, where he has been for some
days in Conolly's absence, to Lord Ely's house, in
Ely Place, and he is to sail next week. No name
more unpopular nor more justly so. I know not who
wrote the parallel of the two administrations.
* Mr. W. W. Grenville.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 337
The volunteers stark mad against the fencibles,
but Government will support them.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Most faithfully your obliged servant,
E. C.
Lord Temple resigned the Lord-Lieutenancy, and
arrived in England just before the first attempt of
the King to upset the Coalition.
Mr. Morton Eden to Mr. W. Eden.
London, June 18th, 1783.
My dear Brother, — I have from day to day delayed
writing, in hopes of being able to send you some
account of your girls, but, notwithstanding that I
have fully purposed every clay for this last week
riding down to see them, I have been unable, from
the incessant rains, to accomplish it. The first fair
morning I shall certainly go to Beckenham. Your
political friends will probably have sent you much
more minute accounts of our difficulties than I can
possibly give you. The report which prevailed last
night at a numerous Pantheon was that we were all
out. I did not credit it. I, however, went to bed
uneasy. I was up early, and in Kensington Gardens,
before I had any opportunity of hearing anything on
the subject. I there met Mr. Charles Townshend*,
with an apparently unconcerned face ; this quieted
me, as I suppose that not one of you would take
your dismission more to heart. The Prince of Wales
has been several times in the course of this last week
at my neighbour's. His face is not so blithe as Mr.
C. Townshend's. Lord Temple arrived on Friday,
and was the same day at the levee. He stood next
to Mr. Pitt. The King distinguished them both.
In private, I well know, he abuses Ireland most
* Mr. Charles Townshend, called Spanish Charles, the Treasurer of tin
Navy in the Coalition Government.
VOL. I. Z
338
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
violently. His brother abuses Mr. Windham* for not
buying his plate. Lady North and company are re-
turned from Bath, the son improved in health, but
the ladies not at all so in beauty. For God's sake,
start on your return, as your presence may be most
useful. My best wishes to Mrs. Eden. As we shall
meet soon I shall not now say anything on a subject
which I should otherwise have most certainly written
to you upon. Adieu !
I am, with great truth,
Ever your obliged and affectionate,
M. E.
In the following letter Mr. Cooke gives an account
of the " infamous altercation" between Grattan and
Flood :—
Mr. Cooke to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Dublin Castle, 29th Oct. 1783,
Dear Sir, — Your dinner at the Duke of Portland's
must have ended all anxiety respecting Lees, and
you will probably see him as an Irish Ambassador in
a few days. Respecting myself, I am reduced, or
rather exalted, to that quietness of temper as to be
determined never to speak on my own subject
further ; and I only feel regret that Lord Carlisle and
you should have had so much trouble respecting it,
and still feel yourself engaged for its success.
As to our business here, we want a form of
Government. There is support enough, and almost
almost all the ability of the House, if well arranged
and well directed, but a sad deficiency of discipline.
Last night, Sir H. Cavendish made a motion
tending towards retrenchments. Mason, by desire,
moves the previous question. The Secretary says he
will oppose and negative it fairly. The Prime
Sergeant moves an amendment, and Mr. Grattan
says he will acquiesce in it.
■ Mr. W. W. Grenville was succeeded in the Irish Secretaryship by
Mr. Windham.
WILLIAM, FIEST LOED AUCKLAND. 339
The debate was afterwards most extraordinary.
Flood, in supporting Sir Henry, dropped some hints
which Grattan thought personal to himself ; in answer
he was severe, but orderly, against Flood. The latter
replies with good ability and invective, arraigning his
conduct and desertion of the people, &c. &c, and
saying " that having been purchased by the people to
support their rights for 50,000/., he had sold them for
prompt payment ; and he ended by terming him a
Mendicant Patriot, and saying that if Mr. Grattan
courted colloquies of such a nature, he would have no
reason to rejoice at the end of the session."
The galleries were with Flood, who was able, playful,
sarcastic, and vehement. Grattan felt he had lost the
people. He was obliged to justify his conduct, and
to prove that the person who aspersed him was the
most contemptuous and odious character in the nation.
He therefore delivered, after a justification of himself,
the most violent and unqualified invective that was
ever, I believe, spoken in a House of Parliament, going
through his private and public life, abusing the
defects of his person, the affectation of his manner,
the vanity of his egotism ; called him a notorious
cheat and perjurer, of a bad character, of a bad heart,
and represented his public conduct as a tissue of
false patriotism, hypocrisy, treachery, duplicity, cow-
ardice, and corruption ; and he ended by saying that
" he would tell him to his beard that he was not an
honest man."
Flood replied, and whilst he was coolly defending
himself, the Speaker thought fit, at last, when it
was totally improper for him, to interfere. The
House supported the Chair. No one supported
Flood. He demanded to be heard in vain ; so lied
from the House. Magistrates were then desired
to take him, and Alderman Exshaw found him;
to whom Flood promised that he would not stir
from his house before he saw him again. Grattan
was suffered to be in the House for some time. He
then went home with Cuffe, wrote to his wife that he
z 52
340
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
was sent for to Colonel Morley, who was ill, and hid
himself from the magistrates. Warrants have been
issued against him to-day, but neither are to be
found ; the truth is, some message has passed, and
they have agreed to settle their private affairs to-day,
and to meet decisively to-morrow. Cuffe is Grattan's
second, Black Montgomery Flood's. Sir Frederick*
told me " nothing would bind his relative, and that
the business must be decisive."
You must wait for events and speculations till to-
morrow.
Most obediently and faithfully,
E. Cooke.
(Forster at length settled.)
Mr. Cooke to Mr. Eden.
Dublin Castle, 11th Dec. 1783.
Dear Sir, — I have not written so fully or constantly
of late, as I could have wished or as I ought; but you
hear from others what I would have been afraid to
say. The spirited votes of Parliament have their
effect. Dublin in perfect quiet. The Bishop of Derryf
had the honour of hanging YelvertonJ in effigy at
Armagh on his return home ; his troop and himself,
and the Armagh corps, got all drunk, and after Yel-
verton was burnt one of his corps proposed hanging
Lord Charlemont, for having given the Bishop a cool
reception. A battle was near ensuing, and the night
ended in confusion and drunkenness. The question
which is most likely to be fought is that of protecting
duties ; first, because it is a stroke against England,
and secondly, because it may ruin Ireland ; and thirdly,
because it has a popular sound, and is not understood.
Mr. Pelham§ sails for London on Monday. I hope
you will have some conversation with him ; his great
object is to lay a foundation for a final settlement in
* Probably Sir Frederick Flood.
f The Earl of Bristol, a furious supporter of Irish independence.
| Afterwards Lord Avonmore.
§ The Chief Secretary who succeeded Mr. Windham.
WILLIAM, F1EST LORD AUCKLAND. 341
commercial points between the two countries. And
Government being very powerful at present, and the
attention of the nation diverted, perhaps the time
is fortunate for the adoption of si system.
Let me congratulate you on your India business
and its success, as I consider the real question to have
been whether Charles Fox or Charles Jenkinson
should be minister. I hear you say that you are to
have a majority of thirty in the Lords. I feel happy
that Lord Loughborough is to be agmen ipse. It is
a noble occasion for the display of resolution and
abilities.
The papers sent you out Governor-General, but as
Lees has never hinted the idea, I suppose it is not in
real agitation. I should have felt sorely wounded if you
had not given me the offer of being one of your slaves
to support your palanquin.
I should desire you to present my best respects
to Lord Carlisle, and my sincere acknowledgment for
his continued attention to my interests, if I were not
afraid it might seem to contain a sarcasm. These
delays, in addition to jealousies and uncertainty, have
kept me wavering and disquieted, but I hope I shall
soon again get fixed in my pursuits.
I find that restless fellow Lees, as soon as he has
obtained his own object, has taken up mine to work
with. I only hope his zeal will not do me harm.
Believe me, dear Sir, your most faithful and obliged
servant,
E. Cooke.
P.S. — I hope Mrs. Eden enjoys a healthy nursery
without alarming returns.
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Copenhagen, 26th Dec. 1783.
I am much obliged to you, my dear Eden, for your
letter of the 21st Nov. ; it was a ray of light to a be-
wildered traveller. I by no means pretend to volu-
z 3
342 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
urinous letters from you ; a few short sentences now
and then will greatly contribute to direct my course,
and will be received with gratitude.
Your children are I hope recovered. My daughter
is health itself; I wish I could say as much of her
father. For several weeks I have been paying tribute
to the alternate cold and moisture of this trying-
climate. I only quitted my bed the day before yes-
terday, after a considerable confinement to it with
rheumatism in my head. I am better since the hard
frost set in, and that I have been able to leave the
smoke of Copenhagen for the clearer air of this
retreat.
I have now no other ambition in life than to get a
quiet southern situation. I wish it were possible to
procure the reversion of Florence upon the same
terms Sir Horace Mann has it. He is old, and I
think I should have some chance of being also one
day grey headed under the influence of so warm a
sun. In the rude north my feeble frame will soon
be destroyed. I am a loyalist, it is true, but this
European Newfoundland is worse than Nova Scotia.
Our last letters from England are of the fifth of
December. You had divided with success twice
upon the India Bill, and I was happy to see my
brother's name in the respectable list of directors.
The ideas entertained at a distance concerning this
business cannot be very interesting to you. Foreigners
in general think we are in danger of losing our East
India possessions entirely by the intrigues of the
French and the strength of their allies in Hindostan,
and are, consequently, more solicitous to learn what
military force will be left for the defence of those
distant provinces, than to follow the different modes
of civil government we are so anxious to establish.
I am not a little tainted with the same principles, and
am persuaded that the nations of Europe are perhaps
more desirous to see us driven out of Hindostan than
they were to divest us of the sovereignty and ex-
clusive trade of our colonies in America.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 343
Our empire in the East was not originally founded
upon justice ; it was acquired by force, and by force
I believe it must be maintained. I am more impatient
to hear who is to be Commander-in-chief than who
is to be Governor-General, and in this light I rather
wish that the directors may be the medium of con-
veying to England the sense of the Government in
India, than that they should endeavour, at so great
a distance, to manage the military, political, and com-
mercial concerns of a country so different in every
respect from any nation in this quarter of the globe.
Excuse these unfashionable and exploded ideas ;
they originate from the conviction that what was
conquered by the sword must be preserved by the
sword ; that a military government, secret in its
counsels, sudden in execution, and uniform in sub-
ordination, is the only adequate government for
ensuring the possession of a distant province, the
envy of our rivals, and the last remaining source of
trade and opulence. — Yours most affectionate,
H. Elliot.
P.S. — Mr. Johnstone begs to present his respects
to you.
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Copenhagen, 25th Sept. 1784.
My dear Eden, — I am much obliged to you for your
immediate answer to my last letter, and wish you and
my Eleanor every degree of happiness and comfort in
your new son.* My lively little girl equally interests,
entertains, and occupies me; she makes the meridian
of life more cheerful than even the giddy days of
youth, and I begin to look forward without much
anxiety to future times, as I do not despair of leaving
her some degree of competency. I am very grateful
for the hint you give me of endeavouring to do some-
thing solid for myself. There is no doubt I have
every right to expect that justice will be done me,
* George, afterwards second Lord Auckland.
z 4
'■}■.
344 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
both in point of emolument and reputation ; upon the
Continent I have already re-established the latter, and
I believe removed the strong prejudices entertained or
propagated by friends and foes. I have ever acted
up to my own ideas of right and wrong, without con-
sulting how far the world went with me, and I do not
repent of my system, however eccentric, singular, or
imprudent others may have thought me.
If my superiors see my services in the same light I
see them myself, they will, without doubt, recompense
me for the injustice of Mr. Fox's conduct towards me;
if, on the contrary, it is either not their wish or not in
their power to serve me in .the line of my profession,
I shall endeavour to obtain an adequate retreat for
twelve years' service, and shall willingly forego my own
interests for those of my child ; I hope it will be pos-
sible to obtain upon her life at least a proportion of
the ordinary allowance for invalid exiles.
You tell me Fox is not dead but sleepeth, and that
Hare compares him to Marc Antony, Mrs. Armstead
to Cleopatra, and the ponies to lions. That the ponies
are as like lions as Charles and his mistress are like
Marc Antony and Cleopatra I admit, but I cannot
agree in allowing him any other distinguishing cha-
racter that that of an acute speaker ; as a politician,
were he to end where he is, he must be ranked among
the first of Brouillons (I think in English, Marplots).
What public cause has he served ? what private for-
tune has he bettered ?
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Copenhagen, 11th April, 1785.
My dear Eden, — I have received your welcome
letter of the 22nd March. It was the best opiate I
could have got to alleviate the pain of a severe rheu-
matic complaint, which has fixed its seat in my head
and eyes, to the great detriment both of my corporeal
and mental faculties. I trust Ministers are too much
occupied with their Irish Projects to observe the chasm
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 345
in my humble labours; I sometimes am as uneasy for
my intellects as for my eye-sight. This is the first
interval in which I have been able to write for several
days.
Your act of charity towards Johnstone is most
worthily bestowed ; indeed, my dear Eden, you have
made a more meritorious use of the enlightened un-
derstanding and strong abilities you enjoy than any
other person I have ever known abroad or at home ;
and I often think of you as the best model upon which
all other men ought to have been formed. Many are
indebted to you for the happiness of their lives, and
in your public career you have, both in the hours of
success and defeat, preserved untainted those private
virtues, so beneficial to many, fortune has placed
within the reach of your protection and assistance.
I should have been very sorry that Johnstone had
sacrificed riclies to my convenience. That I wish for
many essential reasons to come home, is true, that the
public service in my confined sphere requires it, is
also true ; but if Johnstone cannot obtain a leave of
absence, I shall sit down under my disappointment
with a good grace, and trust to more favourable cir-
cumstances.
I am considered here as having acquitted myself
with credit in a remarkable era in the political
annals of the present reign ; and I hope I possess
the good will and esteem of some here whose public
and private characters I equally revere. Were my
health and other circumstances better adapted to
northern climates, I should endeavour quietly to do
the best I could where I am, both for myself and
my child, but I have certainly not stamina to resist
many such seasons as the two last have been ; they
have been trying in more icays than one.
My daughter is perfectly recovered from the mea-
sles ; her little head and ready tongue are entirely
taken up with the thoughts of England, and conver-
sations with her fat cousins. She has no companions
here; there is a certain coldness and rigidity of man-
346
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ners, which extends even to children. It would sur-
prise you to see how a numerous society can contrive
to pass their whole lives upon so small a territory as
Copenhagen and its environs, without ever getting
over the unmeaning formality of a first acquaintance.
This gloom would not be unpleasant to me if Nature
was more cheerful, but she is also very penurious of
her smiles. The sea is not yet open, and the ground
is buried in snow, the wind easterly, and the atmo-
sphere hard and penetrating. Were I a heathen, I
should adore the sun; as a Christian, I devoutly pray
to be transplanted to a more southern latitude.
My love to my Eleanor and your little ones,
H. Elliot.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Tunbridge Wells, 15th July, 1785.
Here I am for my health. Your farm, I hope,
will do everything for you, and the business you un-
derwent should require relaxation, &c. I shall be
able only to pass three days here at present, and, on
my return to Sheffield Place on Sunday, I shall think
myself ignorant if I do not find a line from you on
the state of things.
That fine old man, Lord Mansfield, having dis-
patched eighteen causes in one day at Maidstone,
came here on Wednesday and stays till Thursday,
when he goes to Lewes to open the Sussex assizes.
He is wonderfully well; I am mostly with him, and
he entertains me well with past and present history.
He has not a better opinion of present administration
proceedings than we have. I crammed with turtle
3^esterday with him, and shall do the same with
venison this day. I find Lord Sackville is re-
turned to this neighbourhood considerably unwell,
and I am sorry he will not be able to attend the
conclusion of the Irish Propositions in the Peers'
House. I am just going to see him. I wish he had
spoken, and that Lord Stormont had seen him when
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 347
he rose for that purpose. The ministerial men here
insist that Government is sure of carrying the Propo-
sitions in Ireland. I should be content that their
existence depended on it.
Fawkener has got the few arguments that can be
used in favour of the measure, and we are wise
enough to take the trouble of arguing on the subject.
The Prince of Wales passed this way and dined
with Lady Betty Delrne*, but shocked this place by
his want of curiosity. He neither saw the Well
nor the Pantiles.f He amused himself with shooting
pigeons at Brighthelmstone, and so close to the
window of a young married lady that she proceeded
to hysterics. He, however, graciously inquired after
her the next day. Charles Fox also passed this way
another day, and dined at the same place. The
Prince's comrade is George Hanger. |
What I have written, I think, must convince you
of my indisposition.
When I have received the Judges at Sheffield
Place, after the assizes, I shall probably revisit this
place. Cumberland returned from London yesterday,
and told us Lord Thurlow and Lord Camden had
differed on the propositions, but on what point he
knew not, and that an arrangement was to take
place, but how, and when, and what, he was equally
uninformed of. — Yours ever,
Sheffield.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 22nd July, 178.5.
Many thanks for your letter. I hope Mrs. Eden
has not suffered from the showers. We have been
refreshed here, and some of my hay is in a state of
spoiling, but we have not had enough to ensure
plenty of after grass.
* Sister of Lord Carlisle.
f The fashionable promenade at Tunbridge Wells,
X Afterwards fourth and last Lord Colerainc.
348 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
I went from Tunbridge Wells to the assizes at
Lewes, where, having officiated as foreman, I came
to this place to attend the very respectable and
venerable Earl of Mansfield. He is in good preser-
vation and in good spirits, notwithstanding he is
distressed by the death of his old friend the Duchess
of Portland.* Having passed twenty-four hours here
he went to Croydon assizes. We agreed that you are
a most efficient man ; that you have done yourself the
highest credit during the last Session. He spoke in a
very high style of you. I was of opinion the House
of Commons could not do without you, but I did not
mention a word of your being so infernally civil that
you do not appear to be in earnest, or that your only
defect is not being as violent as myself. However,
the manner in which so good a judge mentioned you
gave me much pleasure. I should mention to you
that I am in his estimation a very considerable
personage, and of course I am convinced of his dis-
cernment and good judgment. I hope you attended
the debate on Monday in the Lords' House. I only
know the newspaper account.
Mrs. Eden ought to see the French races at
Brighthelmstone. They are to commence the 2nd
August : and they will be curious. We could go
from hence. Lord Loughborough promised to visit
us after the assizes ; perhaps he will have finished.
Make a party, at least some part of the autumn, to
come here with him and Lady Loughborough. I
was severely handled yesterday by Lady Sheffieldf for
confessing I had omitted to send her best compliments
to Mrs. Eden and you. — Yours ever,
Sheffield.
P.S Here I shall remain till the 6th of August.
* The Dowager Duchess of Portland, daughter of the second Earl
of Oxford, had formed one of the finest collections of works of art in the
kingdom.
f Lord Sheffield's first wife was Miss Way, daughter of Lewis Way,
Esq., of llichmond.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 349
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 1st Sept. 1785.
I am very thankful to you for your notes, although
my transitory life prevented me from receiving them
always in due time, but they are very comfortable to
me in the woods.
Fortunately it is discovered that Tunbridge waters
do me more harm than good, and as it is not recom-
mended to me to bathe at Brighton, I flatter myself
I may stay at home. I quitted Tunbridge Wells
yesterday, and only regret the Lord Mansfield. I
saw much of him, and dined almost every day in his
company. We often talked of you, and, finding I
corresponded with you, he desired me to present his
particular compliments to you whenever I should
write. He says there are only two real men of
business. You are one ; but you will not be elevated
when you hear that I am the other. I have been
greatly entertained with a number of curious anec-
dotes. In my next letter, if I do not forget it, I
shall give you an opinion as to the Speakership of
Ireland.
I was told at Tunbridge Wells by Storer that Lord
North was to be at Lord Brudenell's at Tunbridge
Wells on the 17th September. Perhaps he may call
on you on his passage. Pray bring the Lord North
with you here if you can. Mrs. Eden is under a
solemn engagement to come here. — Yours ever,
Sheffield.
P.S — If you can find what addition will enable
the inclosed to find George Rous, I shall thank yow
for the introduction and sending it to the post. I
mean the barrister.
350
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP XL
Death of Lord Sackville. — Warren Hastings at Cheltenham. — Opinions
of Mr. Hatsell and Sir Grey Cooper with respect to the surplus
revenue. — Sir Ralph Payne's hopes. — Flugh Elliot at Bath. — Letters
of Mr. Storer. — The Duke of Orleans in London. — Mrs. Eden and her
children. — Mr. Pitt and Lord Stanhope. — Lord Cornwallis and Lady
Wallace. — Fracas at the Ranelagh, and duel in Kensington Gardens. —
Lord Sydney in love. — Mr. Pitt votes against Warren Hastings. — Lord
Loughborough amuses himself with literature.
In the following letter will be found some in-
teresting particulars respecting the death of Lord
Sackville : —
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 6th Sept. 1785.
I am very thankful for your notes. They have
conveyed interesting intelligence and at interesting
moments. There is no foundation for the reports
relative to our friend Gibbon. There was a letter
from him about a month ago. He has had the gout;
the report at first greatly annoyed me, although I
have reason to expect any extraordinary intelligence
relative to him from a friend who is near him. He is
not to visit England till September 1786.
I agree with you entirely as to Lord Sackville. He
had many good points : he was fair and downright ;
he had a right understanding. I began to take much
to him : I liked him much, although partly perhaps
because he took much to me. If he had lived he
would have been a good friend to a good cause. On
his death-bed he rejoiced in the fate of the Irish Pro-
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 351
positions and expressed a wish to rejoice with me.
At his latter end he was uncommonly composed.
The newspaper account, however, is trumpery. The
clay before he died, when his dissolution had been
hourly expected for some time, he called to his old
valet-de-chambre and said, Dean Crosbie is to visit at
Drayton*, on his road to Ireland, a letter should be
written to let him know — he hesitated a little, and
then added, — to let him know I am dead. He was de-
sirous that his composuret should be marked. He has
left 300/. per annum to his unmarried daughter
during her maiden state, besides her fortune, which
I understand to be 10,000/., and recommended her to
accept an invitation from Lady Bateman to live with
her. The eldest sonj is lively and promising.
I had often recommended to Foster to aim at the
Irish chair ; but I do not think Administration wise
in taking so good a man of business from a situation
where he might serve them better, or in putting an
enterprising, able, busy man, at the head of the
Commons. A quiet, weighty man was more to be
wished by the Government of this country. When
is Lord Loughborough expected southwards? I hope
you and Mrs. Eden seriously think of a visit here.
My lady and I intend to be particularly agreeable.
There is plenty of room for any infantry you will
bring. — Yours ever,
Sheffield.
P«S. — Have you plenty of game aux environs de
Beckeriham, or is it worth carriage to you ?
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 6th Oct. 1785.
I am glad to hear the venison arrived safely, but we
are outrageous on the subject of your endeavouring
* Lord Sackville's seat in Northamptonshire.
\ The unfortunate Lord George Germaine had been frequently charged
with cowardice on account of his conduct at Minden.
% Afterwards the last Duke of Dorset.
352 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
to shirk Sheffield Place. We must not be tricked in
that manner. It is a pity you should lose all kind of
credit with us. We will not suppose Mrs. Eden acces-
sory to your shabby conduct, or that she in any way
promotes it.
As to attention due to children, you must some-
times leave them ; but bring them all. There is plenty
of good accommodation, or leave some with grand-
mamma. Mrs. Eden should see Mr. Pitt at Brighton.
I must dine with Lord Beau champ there soon. We
can return in the eveninsr. If Beresford should be
with you, tempt him to be of the party. I wish to
know more of him. I have a good opinion of his
sense, knowledge, and disposition. Cooke is in duty
bound to come.
I believe you are a better politician than farmer
— you may learn something here. You will see
1500 acres managed with less trouble than vou
would bestow on 50. — Yours, as you may demean
}^ourself,
Sheffield.
P.S. — I have no intelligence from Ireland except
seven pages from Corry, but I have not time to say any-
thing. The newspapers are shamefully neglected.
Confound your farm. The Glasgow and Paisley dis-
positions may turn out well.
Mr. Hatsell to Mr. Eden.
Cheltenham, Monday, 10th Oct. 1785.
Dear Sir, — I am glad to learn that there is at least
one spot upon the earth where the weather we have
lately had, and, I am sorry to add, continue to have,
has not been prejudicial. All the country we have
travelled over, from Dover to this place, have lost
their crops of barley and oats ; the former of these
articles, in Hampshire, is at forty-five shillings, which
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 353
is already dearer than it was ever known before to
be at any time ; added to this public inconvenience,
Mrs. Hatsell and I have scarcely been able to get on
horseback this last month, except for three or four
days whilst we were at Paulton's. Mr. Hastings
had left this place some time, but there remained a
very large detachment of East Indians ; amongst the
rest Major Scott. I cannot find, upon inquiry, any
foundation for your reports about the great man's
gallantry. Everybody who met him here, amongst
the rest Andrew Stuart, speak well of his behaviour.
As this water is found peculiarly beneficial to consti-
tutions that have been debilitated in a warm climate,
Mr. Hastings talks of building here. This will make
it the annual resort of all the Tsabobs, and I shall
not be surprised, instead of chariots and horses, to
meet litters and palanquins. One bad eiFect Mrs.
Hatsell complains of their having already produced,
that of making everything dearer.
We shall go from hence about this day fortnight
to Sir J. Rushout's in Worcestershire, where I shall
leave Mrs. Hatsell to attend the prorogation on the
27th. I suppose forty members will not attend, and
that therefore nothing more will be done than the
form of going to the Lords to be prorogued by com-
mission. If, however, there should be a House,
nothing precludes their doing business before the
message by the Black^Rod. Perhaps it may be
necessary to move some writ.
Mrs. Armstead left this place on Thursday, hav-
ing, as she told people here, received a summons
from Mr. Fox, that he was to be in town to attend
a great Westminster meeting upon the 10th. We
have in her stead got Dr. J. Jebb*, the great political
Reformer. I left him about an hour ago disputing
upon the walks with Pearson, the doorkeeperf, about
the best mode of mending the Constitution. It
* Brother of Sir Richard Jebb the pl^-sieian.
f Probably the doorkeeper of the House of Commons.
VOL. 1. A A
354 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
seems Pearson differs both with Dr. Jebb and Mr.
Wyvill.*
I hope the employment of the hours you can spare
from farming, will not, as you suppose, prove unpro-
fitable to the public. Whatever may be the result
of your inquiries into the income of the State, and
which I am very much inclined with you to believe
is much exaggerated by Mr. Pitt and his friends, it
will be doing no little service to impress upon the
minds of the people the absolute necessity, not of
economy, but of parsimon}^ in the public expenses,
particularly in the army and ordnance, and what are
called incidental articles, which of late have increased
enormously. I have not yet seen the Report about
the Fisheries, but from the extracts of Mr. Ander-
son's researches, in the newspapers, I collect that it
would be very advantageous to North Britain to
take off the duties upon salt and coals, and to grant
a variety of bounties. This may be true, for what I
know, but will not be very palatable to South Britain.
Mrs. Hatsell has been remarkably well this sum-
mer, and is happy to hear so good an account of Mrs.
Eden and all your young ones, present and to come.
We have a comfortable society here, in a family-party
of both my brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs.
Powys, Andrew Stuart, and Capt. Rowden. We
passed five very pleasant weeks in Hampshire at
Sloane's, Mr. Ellis's, and the Bishop of Salisbury's.
I suppose we shall hardly settle in town till after
Christmas, as the meeting of Parliament will proba-
bly be the end of January. I saw the Speakerf only
for an hour, as he returned from his Buxton expedi-
tion the day before we left Paulton's ; both he and
Mrs. Cornwall had received great benefit from the air
and bathing, but I don't think he has grown thinner.
They did not give a very favourable account either
of Sir G. or Lady Cornwall. I hear Mr. Pitt has
* The Rev. Mr. Wyvill chairman of the Yorkshire Reform Asso-
ciation.
f Mr. Cornwall.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 355
removed lately into Kent. Is it to be near you, or the
Chancellory or Jenkinson ? I think you four would
make a very good Interior Cabinet.
Pray give Mrs. H.'s and rny best respects to Mrs.
Eden, and believe me,
Dear Sir, yours most faithfully,
J. Hats ell.
Mr. Hatsell to Mr. Eden.
Northwick, Saturday, Nov. 5th, 1785.
Dear Sir, — Your letter found me just before I left
Cheltenham. I brought Mrs. Hatsell here to Sir. J.
Rushout's, and went to town for a couple of days to the
prorogation, where the archbishop told me that your
conciliatory visit to Bushey was interrupted by the
lady's having sprained her foot. I suppose, by this
time, all that matter is amicably arranged, and though
the old peer has himself found such benefit from his
matrimonial connections, he may, perhaps, have learnt
that there is a possibility of happiness, though unat-
tended with those advantages lie has so comfortably
experienced.
I am glad to receive your evidence upon the flourish-
ing state of the commerce of the country. I have very
little doubt but that, if party was out of the ques-
tion, which is not to be expected, and all circumstances
considered, perhaps not to be wished, but that mea-
sures might be adopted by suppressing smuggling and
commuting particular taxes, that would have an aston-
ishing effect in increasing the public revenue. The
reducing the duties upon spirits, tobacco, and salt
would operate like a charm ; but other funds must be
found, or the subsisting taxes must be collected with
a dcirree of rigour and exactness that would give too
good a handle for clamour and opposition. What
other objection can there be to declare that, in pay-
ments of above a certain sum (suppose 10/.), nothing
but a written receipt upon stamp should be evidence
of a discharge. To take away viva-voce evidence, in
A A '_'
856 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
smaller transactions, might be too great an interrup-
tion to retail dealings, but in larger payments, I
confess, no sufficient objection occurs to me, and the
produce of such an alteration would be immense.
I shall be anxious to see in what manner Mr. Pitt
applies the surplus he has, whatever it may be. What
I should prefer, if it can be done without the danger
of stock-jobbing, would be to enable certain persons
to buy up Three or Four per Cents, at the market
price : but I fear this is a trust too tempting to
venture in any hands, as they would have the com-
mand of the Funds, and might raise them at pleasure.
If we were secure of a continuance of peace, perhaps
the applying this surplus to converting what are now
perpetual into life annuities, might, to posterity at
least, be the most advantageous. This is the difference
between our situation and the French, which will
set them first at liberty to disturb their neighbours'
peace. The merely setting aside a certain sum, sacred
at all events, to pay off part of the debt, appears to
me, notwithstanding all the calculations of Dr. Price
and Lord Mahon*, to be too dilatory, and therefore, in
our present situation, too cold a measure, under a
pressure of 270 millions. We shall, however, have
the pleasure of hearing all these plans discussed, and
it is some satisfaction that the country is brought into
a state when we have it in our power to discuss this
question with effect, and not merely as a matter of
theory. Had the war continued as long as some
persons in this nation wished it to do, it might yet
have been several years before we could have thought
of a surplus, much less have debated upon the best
mode of applying it.
We are leaving this place on Wednesday, and going
into Northamptonshire, to Sir G. Robinson's. The
continuance of open weather is now of the greatest
importance, as not only the hay but the turnips have
failed in many counties, so that the farmers do not
* Lord Mahon married Mr. Pitt's sister. On the death of his father,
7th March, 1786, he became the third Earl of Stanhope.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 357
foresee how their sheep are to subsist during a long
winter. I take for granted, when the Chancellor and
Jenkinson came to pry into the state of your farm,
they were surprised to find the possessions of one in
opposition in such good order, and in their mortifi-
cation wished to have seen everything exactly the
reverse. I suppose they returned to St. James's
with sad and sorrowful countenances, carrying with
them the plenteous produce of your vineyards. I
have long wished, for the sake of the public, that the
latter of these gentlemen bad a share in the Govern-
ment; he is certainly a man of talents, and habituated
to business, and it is with me no objection to a man
in the Cabinet that he has his master's confidence.
We hope Mrs. Eden and your little ones are well.
Mrs. Hatsell and I desire our best respects to her.
You will scarcely settle before the end of January in
town, nor we till towards the 10th or 12th.
I am, yours most faithfully,
J. Hatsell.
P.S. — I shall be glad to hear of any further
pleasing information you may, in your researches,
have to communicate.
Sir Grey Cooper* to Mr. Eden.
Worlington, Nov. 5, 1785.
My dear Sir, — I fell in with a friend, Sir Ralph
Payne, on Newmarket Heath, on Monday last, and as
we did. not go to the betting-post, or were either of
us in any respect knowing ones, he left Lady Payne
and her Polish countess and came into my chaise,
where we had half-an-hour's conversation on the pre-
sent state of political things and men. The matter of
our talk was somewhat like a letter from a gentleman
in town to his friend in the country, or a dialogue be-
tween Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smith in the Rehearsal ;
he, like Mr. Johnson, though not a friend of the a'u-
* Sir Grey Cooper was celebrated for his knowledge of finance.
\ \ 3
o a
58 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
thor, seemed to know a great deal of what had been
passing on the stage, behind the scenes, and even in
the green room ; and I, like Mr. Smith, knew nothing.
I stared at every thing, and asked foolish questions.
Sir Ralph is a warm friend to his party, and a san-
guine politician ; his hopes are always on the wing
towards the object of his wishes; he turns the medal
and looks at the side that is brightest, and to help
things forward when they flag he is fertile in expedi-
ents, and projects of negotiation. But, alas ! I was a
man of so dull a conception, and so little faith, that
he could not persuade me to think that there was any
fair prospect of our future state being better than our
present. I was, however, very happy to learn that
you had with success interposed to bring about a re-
conciliation between Mr. North* and Bushey Park,
I wrote a letter on that subject about a month ago,
which I hope Lord North saw ; and if I had had an
opportunity of seeing the good man, I would have
ventured to have spoken on that side of the question.
I had a letter last week from a quarter whence I
generally receive correct intelligence, assuring me that
those who converse with the Minister say that he is
confident that he shall have not only a million but
500,000/. more to apply, during the course of the next
session, to the reduction of the Public Debts. If this
prophetical assurance shall be realised, erit mihi mag-
nus Apollo ! but here again I am a man of little faith.
Mr. Locke has a learned, metaphysical, and most ab-
struse chapter on the distinct provinces of faith and
reason, but however distinct those provinces may and
ought to be with respect to revelation and religious
mysteries, I cannot think them so in matters of ac-
compt, or in the state of plain facts and figures. The
accounts you moved for in the last session of the an-
nual produce of the whole volume of taxes do not
promise such an available surplus : and qudcunque via
* This is an allusion to Lord North's being offended at bis eldest
son's marriage with Maria Hobart, daughter of the lion. George Hobart,
afterwards third Earl of Buckinghamshire.
WILLI Air, FIEST LORD AUCKLAND. 359
data, either by taking a fair average of the produce of
all the perpetual as well as annual taxes, and deduct-
ing from it the annual interest of the debt and the
Civil List, and providing for the annual supplies to be
voted for the establishments upon the lowest scale,
and for the deficiencies of the funds, or, by stating the
Supplies, and Ways and Means, in the more usual and
common parliamentary mode, and allowing three
millions for the surplusses of the Sinking Fund, and
150,000/. for a lottery, and with a fair allowance for
disposable money in Exchequer, I cannot contrive to
make our income exceed our expenditure. I wish to
have the assistance of the lights and information
which you may perhaps be possessed of. It may, and
I suppose is, assumed by the Minister, that the aver-
age resulting from the ten years' net produce of the
old taxes is below the fair mark, and that the customs,
excise, stamps, and incidents, will produce much more
than that annual average. And this, 1 take it for
granted, also assumed that the net produce of all the
taxes since the 5th of January, 1776, is much below
what they ought to produce and will produce; and to
say the truth, 1 take it that this will be the case in a
considerable degree. God grant it may ! and that the
Minister may not only promise but perform this most
important national act of beginning to pay off part
of the Debt. Pie must begin with the two mil-
lions due to the Bank, and the Exchequer bills, before
he can arrive at an operation on the three or four
per cents.
I am going to pass four or five days with a party
at Houghton, and the same time at Kainham.* On
my return I shall be most happy to hear of and from
you, and to see your vessel of paper well freighted.
The ladies, and my eldest son who is with us, desire:
to be kindly remembered to Mrs. Eden and you, and
all your young folks; and I am, dear Eden, yours
always truly and ailectionately,
Grey Cooper.
* Lord Townshend'a scat in Norfolk.
A A 4
o/3
60 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Sir Ralph Payne to Mr. Eden.
Swaffhain, November 16th, 1785.
My dear Sir, — I long most eagerly to see you.
Sir Grey Cooper, whom I accidentally met at this
place this morning, in his way home from Rainham,
tells me that he has received a letter from you, in
which you display no very particular elevation of
spirits from your opinion of the political atmosphere.
If it should be very rainy when this reaches you, and
you should be unable, even with your great coat and
galloshes, to discharge the daily duty of your farm,
perhaps you will say something to me of the con-
jectural kind, without the fear of communicating
your vapours to me, who, you know, am of the true
sanguine breed, and shall impute some part of your
depression to the dreariness of the weather. I know
not how the devil we are all to get back again. I
never expected any degree of relief from the virtue
of the worthy House of Commons, or worthier House
of Peers. I never supposed that the other branch* of
the legislature would take the case of this poor empire
into consideration, and reflect how much honester
and abler men those out of office are than those who
are in ; or if he did, I am not silly enough to imagine
that much good would result. But I trust in the
wisdom of Providence, that some new crotchet at
Buckingham House, some schism in the Cabinet, or
storm upon the Continent (which perhaps is brewing
at this instant), some fit of bile in the Chancellor f, of
intoxication in the Prime Minister J, or patriotism in
some honest turnpike man §, will at last effect what I
am afraid the nation has not virtue enough to care
about, and will enable me to greet you, with
" Turne, quod optanti Divum promittere nemo
Auderet, volvenda Dies, en, attulit ultrb." ||
* The King. f Lord ThurW. \ Mr. Pitt.
§ Pitt and Dundas, taking an after-dinner ride, galloped through a
turnpike without paying the toll. The turnpike keeper fired at them.
II iEneid. lib. ix. 1. 6.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 361
Adieu, my clear sir ! Lady Payne's and my best
love, compliments, and everything that is good, ever
attend you and Mrs. Eden ; and I am, ever and ever,
Yours most affectionately,
Ralph Payne.
P.S. — Pray direct to me at Stephen Payne Gal-
way's, Esq., Tofts, near Brandon, Norfolk.
Sir Grey Cooper to Mr. Eden.
Dear Sir, — I have, during the autumn, been em-
ploying part of my leisure in reading all the papers
and correspondence between General Cadogan, after-
wards Earl Cadogan, and Lord Townshend, and Lord
Stanhope, &c. from the years 1715 to 1721. The present
Lord Caclogan sent them to me in a large box, and I
have, to my great amusement and information, ran-
sacked it to the bottom. You know well the Treaty
of Alliance which was made in the year 1716 between
George the First and the Regent of France. The
correspondence during the negotiation of that treaty
(to which the States of Holland at last acceded) is very
interesting and curious, and it may, perhaps, be worth
your going to the Paper Office and casting your eye
over the despatches touching that negotiation from
the 6th of October, 1716, to the 26th of January, 1717,
and particularly a letter of Lord Cadogan to Lord
Townshend, of the 4th of December, 1716, stating the
commercial advantages he had obtained for the States
of Holland, and an engagement on the part of the
Abbe Dubois that the same advantages should be
extended to Great Britain whenever we thought fit
to put our trade to France on the same footing with
that of the States.
You will, I trust, excuse me for troubling you (and
particularly at this time) with a letter ; but I am
apprehensive lest you should be gone to Paris before
1 return to London.
o
362 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
The ladies all send their compliments and good
wishes to Mrs. Eden and you ; and I am., my dear
Sir, yours very affectionately,
Grey Cooper.
The writer of the following letter was a distin-
guished naval officer: —
Sir Andrew Hamond to Mr. Eden.
Gillingham, 10th Dec. 1785.
My dear Sir, — I have just been favoured with your
letter, and could not have received a more sensible
satisfaction from any event that had happened to
myself than I now do, at finding your talents and
abilities are again called forth, and intended to be
employed on a matter of so great importance to the
Welfare of this country. I have for some time past
wished to see you extricate yourself out of an entangle-
ment that bore the worst of aspects, and I rejoice
heartily to find you have been so lucky as to hit upon
a mode 'of doing it so perfectly unexceptionable; for
you stand so high with the commercial people of all
parties, that no abuse can possibly issue against you
for having undertaken the very business everybody
would have wished you to do.
As to my Lord North, I am sure you will have
found him both liberal and candid on the occasion ;
and as to Charles Fox, though I admire his abilities as
much as anybody can, yet I am perfectly convinced
that nothing but the death of the King, or a war, can
bring him forward, and therefore I consider him des-
tined to pass the greatest part of his life in opposition.
I. have heard the King speak of him with that indig-
nation, that I really believe he would rather sacrifiee
everything than allow him to come forward. He
therefore ought not to expect that people who are
no ways proscribed should continue their adherence
beyond certain limits. My Lord Carlisle, I hear, is
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 363
talked of as likely to come into office, so that upon
the whole I think you may make yourself very easy
on the score of difficulties and feelings.
I am glad to hear we are not to lose you imme-
diately. When I know you are at Beckenham I shall
take a ride over to you. Lady Hamond desires me
to say, if Mrs. Eden will leave any of the children with
her, she will take the greatest care of them. Perhaps
it may not be inconvenient to you to pass a clay with
us on your road to France, and I will see you across
the water. Remember us kindly to Mrs. Eden.
Believe me ever faithfully and sincerely yours,
A. S. Hamond.
Mr. Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Bath, Feb. 12 th, 1786.
My dear Eden, — The accounts I received of George's
health prevented me from writing to you till I learned
by your letter of the tenth that he was entirely out of
danger.
I spent three days on the road between London and
Bath, and enjoyed all the happiness of sauntering
through a country full of a thousand interesting
objects to one who has, for the last five years, seen
nothing but snow and the dreary horrors of a northern
winter in the month of February. It was with regret
I again found myself under the necessity of becoming
the inhabitant of a town, though I own that Bath is
the pleasantest town to inhabit I ever was in. I mean
merely on account of its beautiful streets and public
buildings ; for as to society or public places, the little
I have seen of either does not tempt me to make one
either of the public or private parties.
There are a number of beautiful women offered for
public show on the ball nights : of these the greatest
proportion are fair llybernian nymphs with the most
splendid (tallies) shapes that were ever composed of
gauze before and cork behind. One glance of the rear
3G4 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
guards of Miss Cobb, Miss Gray, &c, had more
effect upon my increasing health than all the hot
water I daily swallow. But, alas ! the dear creatures
have got such Arrah, my dear Honey faces, that I
fear they will subject their future husbands to num-
berless little mistakes.
My studies are Cook's Voyages, East India books,
and pamphlets. My only companion Colonel Hor-
neck.* As he served the whole of the last war in
America, I have great pleasure in crossing rivers with
the guards at the head of the column, in manoeuvring
numerous armies (consisting of fifteen hundred men),
and in hearing many anecdotes which prove that
nothing can surpass the bravery and activity of
our troops, except the ignorance and incapacity of
their leaders.
Upon the score of relationship I called on Mrs.
Digby f, and found her a true Elliot, a thin, sensible,
agreeable woman, with a bad stomach.
I also dined with the remains of the Duke of North-
umberland. J He is off to-day for London in a woeful
plight. How happy am I not to be an old Duke with
an immense estate, many titles, and the advantages
which opulence and rank are supposed to give to their
miserable possessor ! Alas, poor human nature ! the
skeleton appears through all the borrowed finery.
May you nevertheless be rich, prosperous, and suc-
cessful. My love to Eleanor and my little friends.
H. Elliot.
Sir Joseph Yorke to Mr. Eden.
Hill Street, March 19th, 1786.
Dear Sir, — You do me much more honour than I
deserve. I have no merit but in my earnest desire to
* Probably the father of Goldsmith's friends.
t Mrs. Digby, the wife of Admiral Digby, was daughter of Andrew
Elliot, late Lieutenant-Governor of New York.
% Sir Hugh Smithson, the first Duke of Northumberland, died in
June, 1786.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOUD AUCKLAND. 3G5
be of service to you in any degree, be it ever so tri-
fling. I am well aware that the affairs of this world
vary so fast, that what was right or customary at one
moment ceases to be so the moment after, and that
five vears' rustication at home renders me rather an
*/
old-fashioned foreigner. What I took the liberty to
hint to you related merely to your credentials, sup-
posing the same etiquette to subsist still at Versailles
as did four or five and thirty years ago. At that time
a Minister Plenipotentiary was an easier and more
eligible character than an Envoy Extraordinary, be-
cause the former had the same advantages, but was
not subject to a kind of half entry at Versailles,
which the ministers of inferior courts looked up to,
whilst those of the greater ones declined, reserving
all kind of representation to the ambassadors only.
If that etiquette is laid aside, all my reasoning falls
to the ground ; but if it still subsists, I thought you
would do well to be armed with two credential
letters, one styling you Envoy Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary together ; the other only as Minister
Plenipotentiary ; either of which you might produce
as you found most proper or agreeable when upon
the spot, the only trouble would be the King's
signing four letters instead of two ; and if my sus-
picions have any foundation you would save yourself
some puzzle and embarrassment.
As to the latter part of your letter, I am unequal to
the giving you any material information concerning
the persons mentioned. Some of them I know, or
have known, but am ignorant in what way they act
or think at present : a very short residence at Paris
will make you master of them. I should not think
M. de Segur would have anything to do with you,
though MM. de Castries and Calonne may ; the first as
having a great deal to do with trade, the latter as
being at the head of the finances. M. de Castries is
a galant homme, but a Land Marshal of France is more
likely to depend upon his commis for all marine and
366 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
commercial matters than upon his own knowledge ;
and, indeed, the ministres en sous ordre are the ablest
men they have. The Comptroller- General* is no fa-
vourite, I believe, in the nation, and will probably
make way for a successor as speedily as those who
went before him. M. de Breteuil is rather warm in
his manner and a little overbearing, but some ad-
vantage may be drawn from that as it makes him
speak freer than a cooler man, and I always found
him at the bottom an honourable one, with whom I
could do business satisfactorily.
Amongst the Foreign Ministers the Sardinian is the
most likely to give you good information, from his
connections, and because at the bottom his Court is
the most friendly to us, and as he was long in Eng-
land he has rather a predilection for this country.
Goltz is ill, I am told, with his master just now; he
is a plausible man, but not much to be trusted. One
of the Dutch, Berkenvode, interferes little, and lets
his colleague, who is the tool of the patriots in Hol-
land, do the business ; but at the bottom Berkenvode is
friendly to us. Of all the others I can only say that
the Dane is probably the best-affected of the north,
for Sweden is France, and the other seems to belong
to the highest bidder. None of them, however, will
stand in your way if M. de Vergennes has a mind
to do the business fairly with you, which you will
soon see, and you will find people enough to give you
information.
Nobody wishes you success more cordially than
mvself, nor can be with more unfeigned esteem than
I am, dear Sir, your much obliged and most faithful
humble servant,
Joseph Yorke.
* M. de Calonne.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. oG7
The following letters are to and from Mr. Eden
whilst residing in France : —
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Downing Street, April 28, 1786.
Just returned from a fortnight's visit to Sheffield
Place, I find your fragment of the 17th instant. We
have been very impatient for an account of Mrs. Eden.
We could only learn that she had been seen safe at
Calais. That she is as cheerful and as active as ever
is only like herself. We rejoice that she is at length
freed from bustle and in a comfortable quiet house.
We now only talk of Hastings, and Whale Fishery,
and Navigation Bill, and not much on anything except
Flastings! The ridiculous Parliament has just de-
termined to hear Mr. Hastings's defence before the
evidence against him, but the Minister lost fifteen
friends on the occasion, and you will hear that George
Hastings not only voted, but spoke vigorously, against
the measure.
The wonderful minister* takes every opportunity of
showing how incapable his understanding is of com-
prehending certain subjects. He even goes out of his
way for that purpose ; and after Jenkinson had dis-
played on the whale fishery, he thought proper to
exhibit, and I am told advanced, that oil is a raw
material, and that no advantage is derived from ex-
porting oil; and that the whale fishery did not raise
seamen for the navy. It would have been utterly
unnatural for him to tell the plain truth ; that the
bounties last year amounted to 85,000/., that next
year they would be above 100,000/., and that the
fisheries being in so flourishing a state so great an
expense was not necessary, and that t lie bounties
might be reduced from 40 to 30. So much for the
Minister lest you should think me insipid. Why
you should have great hopes of accomplishing and
* Mr. Pitt.
368 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
rapidly making progress in your business I cannot
guess. You will daily find that there is still much
to know.
I shall be eminently abusive if you lose sight of
Spain. I most fear that for the sake of carrying
some point that may make a flash you will commit
yourself there. I mentioned in a late letter to you,
sent by Mr. Hibbert, that for the present Ave had
forgot your Treaty. That gentleman by himself, and
a friend, pressed for a letter of introduction to you.
He has a good West Indian estate ; he is connected
with the first people of Manchester. I suppose he
understands manufactures and trade. He has an
agreeable wife and chooses to spend some money on
the Continent.
I have passed a considerable part of the morning
with a deputation from the Bahamas. Luckily for
you I have not time to add more.
Yours ever,
Sheffield.
The following letter is from the " Admirable
Crichton " of his time, Mr. Storer : —
Mr. Storer* to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, April 28, 1786.
Dear Eden, — If my writing to you were in a degree
an acquittal of the debt I owe you for the letters you
wrote to me, while I was in France, I should very
eagerly embrace an opportunity of discharging thern ;
but I am afraid that a gentleman who lives half the
day with Dr. Harwoodf cannot supply you with an
account of the important events that this city pro-
* Mr. Storer was considered the most accomplished man of his time ;
he was a good Latin scholar, the best dancer, the best skater, and an ex-
cellent musician, &c. lie formed a magnificent library, which he left to
Eton College, lie died 4th July, 1799. On his monument at Purley
is incribed,
" Vir sui temporis multo elegantissiinus,
Centum amator artium et in plurimis facile princeps."
f Mr. Storer was reading the classics with Dr. Harwood.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 3G9
duces, or at any rate you will hear of them from
other persons much more capable than myself of
giving you an exact account of them. By this time
I hope that I can congratulate you upon having set-
tled yourself. In a little time more I am sure you
will like your situation. I hear, too, your negotiation
goes on rapidly : in proportion, however, as you like
Paris, I suppose you will retard your treaty; besides,
if you go on very expeditiously you will not give your
friends time to come and pay you a visit.
The assembliesin London are overrun with French:
there is really a colony of them that take possession of
every house in town. The invasion which was dreaded
some years ago is now realised ; and the wits remark
that we shall have no peace for the French till we are
at war again with them. The Duke of Orleans* and
Fitzjames seem as much at home at Brooke's, as Hare,
Fitzpatrick or Fox. Cambyses comes into assemblies,
as he, in the absence of Adhemar, is deputed, I sup-
pose, to do the honours to the French, with a string of
a dozen of his countrymen. The Prince of Wales
makes his serene Highness of Orleans drunk, so that
the latter is likely to improve even his complexion by
his residence in England. I heard of you some time
ago, not at all a la Parisienne, for you were in a
coach with Mrs. Eden, and half a dozen children.
You will find that the French will be quite delighted
with such scenes of conjugal and maternal affection.
We have various reports here about you and the Duke
of Dorset, not a word of which I suppose to be true.
Lord Stanhope f has just published a pamphlet, in
which he states Mr. Pitt's plan for the payment of the
national debt is destructive to the country: it is said
that Mr. Pitt took a great deal of pains to dissuade
him from publishing it, but that his Lordship was
resolved ; consequently for once Mr. Pitt's eloquence
was wasted. The newspapers talk of the Chancellor's
being ill; but I have not heard anything of it dans le
* Father of Louis-Philippe. f Mr. Pitt's brother-in-law,
VOL. I. BB
370 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
monde. Lord Cornwallis* was in hopes about a week
ago to sail by this time; Lady Wallacef wished to go
in the same ship with his Lordship, but he was si peu
galant as to refuse her ladyship, so her hopes of
succeeding with the new Governor-General, as Mrs.
Iinhoff J did with Hastings, are at an end. It must
be curious I think to hear Hastings speaking at the
bar of the House of Commons, — the Proconsul of Asia
attacked by that Irishman, Burke. When you have
any time to spare, pray let me have a line from you.
How do you like Vergennes ? Was his Most
Christian Majesty very eloquent and conversable when
you delivered vos lettres de creancer What did the
Queen do ? If it ever comes in your way, pray pre-
sent the respects § d'un tres petit Monsieur a son Excel-
lence le Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres : desire him
to get the duty upon post-chaises taken off at Calais.
Adhemar is at Bath, but the national debt will be
paid before he goes a-tiptoe again. Give my best
compliments to Mrs. Eden, and wishing her and her
children all happiness and prosperity, I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
A. Storer.
P.S. — Will you be kind enough to take care that
Crosbie has the enclosed. Hugh Elliot has been losing
his money to me at cribbage, but more, I am afraid,
to others at whist.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Downing Street, 10th May, 1786.
We were rejoiced to hear of Mrs. Eden's safety.
Your manuscript did not reach us so soon as the
intelligence of the event, of which I had information
* Lord Cornwallis was appointed Governor-General of India.
f Lady Wallace, wife of a Scotch baronet, was a sister of the Duchess
of Gordon.
\ " Mrs." Imhoff sailed in the same ship with Warren Hastings, and
afterwards, having procured a divorce, married him.
§ Mr. Storer had been Secretary of Legation at Paris in 1783.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 371
at a bookseller's shop, even a day before your letter
reached the archbishop at Lambeth. But my lady is
quite penetrated by your attention, and be assured
we were heartily glad to find all was well.
Matters go on here as usual. No fragment left of
the original India Bill : the finance scheme univer-
sally scouted in city and country. The commutation
tax almost generally reprobated. A pamphlet pub-
lished by Rous, which contains the unanswerable
arguments I made use of near two years ago, has
had a considerable effect. They are very obvious.
Burke's charges made a very considerable impres-
sion and alteration in the silly public, but as none but
downright enemies to Hastings will come forward to
give evidence against him, and as such evidence will
be slighted, and as arguments alone will not do, I
suppose the opinions will not in the end be very un-
favourable to ' Hastings, but the very unusually
avowed maxims he laid down in a defence very in-
judiciously introduced, will not assist him ; on the
contrary, it appears as if part of what has been
thrown out will stick. It was not suited to the
temper of the times to declare profit a justifiable and
proper motive for going to war. However, he so de-
clared in the most distinct terms, and as if he was
delivering one of the finest statements. At one time,
it was thought the business must go to the Lords,
but though the Minister has been much embarrassed,
I think he will hang up the high crimes and misde-
meanours till another session, thereby keeping the
Bengal squad and some others in subjection.
Lord Cornwallis was knighted the last evening he
saw the king. This is a prelude to giving him the
Garter ; but a chapter is not ordered, and I suppose
nothing further will be done till there are more
vacancies. All smile at the giving him the Garter,
and say it should have been reserved till he had done
something, and I am positively of opinion it should
have been given to the Duke of Dorset, and so think
many others.
B B 2
372 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Shall I send you any pamphlets ? I do not care a
great deal about you, because I do not believe you
will send me any information worth having. As to
your Treaty, I mentioned before that we have in
great measure forgot it, but those who have not seem
agreed that it can do no good. I do not meet with
scarce one of another opinion. My lady continues
indifferent. Our best wishes to Mrs. Eden.
Yours ever,
Sheffield.
P.S. — If Mrs. Eden has any business to be done in
London, Lady S. and I shall rejoice in doing it pre-
vious to our departure for Sussex.
Miss Catherine Ann North* to Mrs. Eden.
My dearest Nell, — Thank you a thousand times
for your kind letter, and pink gauze, which I think
the most beautiful thing I ever saw in my life, and
am very impatient for some great ball, that I may
make it up according to your directions, which, by
the by, I think will spoil it ; but, however, as they
are according to the ton, I certainly will follow them
exactly. I was in great hopes it would have made
its appearance at a grand fete at Devonshire House,
but I fear this sad affair of Mrs. F 's will have put
an end to all gaieties in that quarter. Perhaps you
don't know what this sad affair is ; I hope not, that I
may be the first person to tell you of it. Last Mon-
day morning I went to Kensington Gardens, and
every person I met attacked me with, " Have you
heard of the duel ? " " Have you heard of the
duel ? " — " Oh dear no ! Do tell me all about it.
Where was it ? Who was it between ? What was
it about ?" — "Between Mr. F and Jack L ,
this morning, in Hyde Park, about Mrs. F ; you
know they have been going on shamefully a great
* Afterwards Lady Glenbervie, eldest daughter of Lord North.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 37
rt
while." — " Not I, indeed ! They have flirted, certainly,
too much, but many more shameful flirtations are
about." — "Oh ! that there are, certainly, witness Lady
D and Mr. W , Lady T and Mr. B ,
etc. etc. etc. etc. ; but this was very bad, indeed, and
I make no doubt Mr. F has made very serious
discoveries." — " Then you are not sure that he has ?"
" No; but nothing less could justify a duel ; depend
upon it they were caught."
But, however, it certainly is not so; for, upon
further inquiry, I find Mr. F has not the smallest
ground to believe himself actually in the happiest state
in the world, but for some time has been uneasy at
Jack's attention to his wife, and ordered her not to
speak to him ; • but she had too much spirit to be
governed by a husband, and I believe talked the
more to him to show that she had. Some d
good-natured friend (who is always at hand upon
such occasions) wrote anonymous letters to Mr.
F telling him all that happened, and a great
deal more, till he was worked up to a most violent
fury, and, one night, insisted upon her not going
to Ranelagh, when she was engaged. But to be
kept at home to please a surly husband was too
much. She would go ; and go she did. Her tyrant
followed, and found her walking with the tremendous
Jack, whom he tapped upon the shoulder and said,
" Sir, this must go on no longer ; you must never
speak to Mrs. F more." Jack answered, "Sir,
you have no cause for your suspicions, nor any right
to order who I shall speak to." The husband then took
the wife home. On the Sunday after the gentlemen
were walking in Hyde Park, the lady walking in
Kensington Gardens, when Don Orlando, in a violent
passion, rode up to " the object of their different
care," and told hiin he could not bear to see him
lurking about in that place, and demanded satisfac-
tion, which was promised him ; and accordingly they
met the next morning at nine o'clock. Mr. F fi r< s< I
first and shot Jack's hat, who then said, "Sir, fire
B B 3
o
74 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
again, I have no quarrel with you." The seconds
then interposed and parted them. Mr. F then set
out immediately for Brighton, and declares he will
never see his wife again. She is gone, in the ut-
most despair, to the Dowager Lady P , her father
having refused to receive her. I cannot help feeling
sorry for her ; for though her behaviour has, without
doubt, been very imprudent, I do not believe it was
more, and she is now utterly undone.
My best love to Eliza, etc. etc., and believe me
ever and ever yours,
C. A. N.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, May 25th, 1786-
Dear Eden, — I do not mean to let this Friday pass
without writing to you, but as 1 am afraid that I
may not return from a morning's excursion to Chis-
wick time enough for the post, I begin my letter
while my hair is dressing, in defiance of powder and
pomatum. My errand to Chiswick is not only to see
pictures, but also to pay a visit to Lady Payne, who
is very far at present from being in good preserva-
tion. The physicians will not hear of her going to
Bristol or changing the air. As long I suppose as they
can get their fees they will keep her near town. The
sale of the Duchess of Portland, with the different
exhibitions, that of the Royal Academy, and the other
of M. Desenfans*, have engaged the attention of the
connoisseurs. Mr. Cracherodef has bought the Henry
the Sixth missal, and Mr. WalpoleJ has bought the
missal painted by Julio Clovio § ; and, what is more
surprising, Charles Fox has bought a picture for two
hundred guineas at Desenfans. What will please
* Noel Desenfans, the picture-dealer.
■f- Mr. Cracherode bequeathed his fine collection of works of art to
the British Museum.
% Horace Walpole.
§ There are great doubts as to the missal being really by Julio Clovio.
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 375
Mrs. Eden is, that we are going to have a great
many marriages this spring ; it is pairing time, and,
therefore, not very extraordinary. Lord Fairford is
going to be married to Miss Sandys ; Lord Maiden
to a rich East India widow ; and Sir Godfrey
Webster to a West India heiress.* Lord Vernon is
just married, or on the point of being so, to Miss
Georgiana Fauquier. This is some comfort to me,
and makes me hope that some woman may at last
take pity on me, when I find that one of our own sex
has chosen a lady so far advanced in years as Miss
Fauquier ; but, while these couples are entering the
Temple of Hymen, there is one unfortunate pair
retiring from it, and indeed their example is enough
to deter such cautious old bachelors as myself from
entering into any matrimonial engagements.
We are told that la Beaute' de Joconde could not
insure the fidelity of his wife, and we find that F 's
rare qualities could not engage the constancy of
his. Joconde, upon this important discovery, did
nothing, and it is said, il jit bie.n ; but F has
made an amazing fracas. Duels and separation
already taken place. Hugh Elliot, I take for granted,
has already given you an account of this matter.
He was in the box at Ranela^h the ni^ht on which
the altercation began. F insisted on L 's
not speaking to his wife. L told him that he
could not submit to be dictated to by any person ;
that he F might impose any conditions on his
wife, and might hinder her from speaking to him, but
he was determined to address her, and immediately
went to the box and desired her to give him some
tea; the challenge, however, did not happen that
night. The next morning they met again, some-
where in the neighbourhood of F 's house, and
there more words ensuing, on F 's telling him he
knew well what this skulking about his house meant,
the challenge was given. F fired at L and
* Miss Vassal, afterwards Lady Holland.
b it 4
376 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
missed him. L said he had no cause of
quarrel against F , and fired his pistol in the air,
and so the matter ended. The seconds were Fitz-
patrick, and young Fish Crawford.* F is gone
to Brighton, and Mrs. F , after having stayed
a day or two at Lady Diana Beauclerk's, is gone
to Lady P 's. This matter, as you may well
imagine, has en£ao;ed the attention and furnished
conversation for the whole town, and is certainly a
very bad thing. It interests a great number of
people ; some are sorry for F , others think that it
is only measure for measure, and that he deserves it.
All are very much concerned, I believe, for poor
Mrs. F ."
This is not the only matter of gallantry that will
occupy the dealers in scandal ; there is another,
as it is whispered, which is now going on very
rapidly, but, least you should not guess the parties,
I must name them, and yet I should rather wish
to excite your curiosity for a certain time; my
paper, however, will not let me do that, and, there-
fore, brief: Lord Sydney is supposed to be des-
perately in love with Lady S , and as he has
surpassed everybody's expectation in his political
career, it is not to be wondered at if he makes a pro-
gress in the lists of gallantry beyond what people at
first would suppose him likely to do. If anything of
the nature of a duel happens, I hope that Fitzpatrick
and Crawford will be the seconds. All political events,
I suppose, you are acquainted with. Opposition are
not in very great spirits from Mr. Pitt's being once
or twice in a minority. Labitur et labetur.
I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
A. Storer.
* Old Fish Crawford was so called from his curiosity.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 377
Mr. Hatsell to Mr. Eden.
June 14th, 1786.
Dear Sir, — You will have heard, before this
reaches you, of the event of last night — Mr. Pitt,
Dundas, Jenkinson, Sir G. Howard*, &c, voting for
the second article of impeachment about Benares.
The Master of the Rollsf, Attorney-General J, Mr.
Grenville, Lord Mulgrave§, &c, against it. A great
triumph to Messrs. Burke and Francis ! We shall
rise in about three weeks or something more, but I
think the surplus, even this year, will be hard pressed
with the East India 600,000/. ; and if the relief of-
fered to the Company should fail of success, the Ways
and Means will be very short indeed. I wish you
were here to persuade Wedderburn to be Chancel-
lor, for, though Lord Thurlow is something better,
his constitution has received a shake which he will
never recover, and he would be glad to retire to the
Common Pleas. Jenkinson's peerage is to be made
out forthwith. You see the Wine Excise Bill has
passed without the least clamour. He is adding to
the duty on sweets, and mending and improving his
other taxes, all of which, I think, will be much
wanted.
The proceedings of his Most Christian Majesty
raise a shrewd suspicion that his consort is not so
clear in this business as she would wish to be thought.
They would otherwise have permitted the sentence
to be executed on Madame de la Motte. Our stocks
keep up, and, if there is no foundation for this report
about the American armament, will, I should sup-
pose, be at 7bl. before the 10th October. The
American loyalists are a very heavy load upon us,
as you will see by the account of the money voted
for them in this Session. The Bank debt is also now
to be discharged, so there will be five and a half
* Sir George Howard was one of the " King's friends."
t Sir Lloyd Kenyon. J Pepper Arden.
§ Constantino John, second Lord Mulgrave, born 30th May, 1744,
died 10th October, 1792.
378 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
millions Exchequer Bills, great part of which will next
year probably be funded. The Duke of Northumber-
land has left about 250,000/. to Lord Lovaine, and a
good 50,000/. per annum, with his boroughs, to Lord
Percy, but nothing to Dutems, nor Mr. Reevely, nor
any of his relations, and very small legacies to his ser-
vants. He is to be buried on Monday, in Westminster
Abbey, in great state. Mrs. Halifax is much recovered,
and going to Bristol. Lord Grantham is very bad
indeed. We have nobody yet named for Spain, nor
for a successor to the Duke of Northumberland's
riband. Lord North and his friends voted last ni^ht
against Mr. Hastings, but stayed away upon the
Roh ilia war. I hope you are pleased with the portrait
the Archbishop sent you out of the magazine, at least
Mrs. Eden cannot but be captivated with it. Has
the Queen yet seen your children ? Mrs. Hatsell joins
with me in best love to them and Mrs. Eden.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
J. H.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, June 16, 1786.
Dear Eden, — Mr. Hastings seems now to engage
our attention more than he ever did. You will, by this
night's post, receive all the newspapers, which will give
you a full and true account of Tuesday's debate. The
opposition are all astonishment at Mr. Pitt's dividing
with them, and Hastings's friends are full of resent-
ment and indignation against him for having done
so. The Chancellor continues very ill, who is, as
public report says, Hastings's firm friend. It is sus-
pected that Pitt meant to have the credit of appearing
impartial, and therefore voted with Fox, intending,
however, at the same time, to have been in a minority
himself, but his friends were to much attached to
him to leave him so disgracefully in a minority,
therefore voted with him, whereby he was, against
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 379
his inclination, found in the majority. These are the
speculations of ignorant people, with whom I con-
verse, that do not know what passes behind the
scenes, and, therefore, I conclude they are not much
to be depended on. I do not want to find a man who
will give me a good opinion about these events, but
merely to get an opinion, whether good or bad, no
matter ; but nobody can account for these things.
We thought his Britannic Majesty might be acting
an exact counterfeit to what his Most Christian
Majesty is doing ; and that while the Parliament of
Paris was acquitting, and Louis XVI. condemning
the Cardinal, our King might be defending Mr.
Hastings, while the Parliament of Great Britain was
impeaching him. But as Jenkinson and Dundas, Sir
George Howard and Powney*, voted with Fox and
the majority, we begin to apprehend that number onef
is not so great a friend to Hastings, as we supposed.
The day after the debate, a diamond arrived from
the East Indies, as a present to the King, which
Major Scott either presented himself, or delivered to
the proper person to be given to his Majesty. The
friends of Hastings say, that if he had bribed as high
as RumboldJ did, he would not have got into this
scrape. It is disagreeable to me to write to you
about public events, because you must, even at a dis-
tance, know more of them, and be better able to
account for them, than 1 can, or any of those whom
I frequent, who must, necessarily, be very much, at
present, in the dark.
I am glad to find that the duty on carriages is
taken off, or going to be so, as I certainly meditate
an excursion to Paris. Nothing but the res angusta
domi will keep me at home. I return you thanks for
the hospitality and bonne chere you offer me, and can
very fairly say, that your bribe would be a principal
inducement to me for undertaking my journey to
* M.P. for Windsor, one of the " King's friends."
f The King. J Sir Thomas Rumbold.
380 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Paris. Besides pour la rarete du fait, I should like to
meet you and Mrs. Eden in the fourth* country.
You remember, that if you go to Bengal, I am to
go as your first minister to Calcutta. There is no
other part of the world left for you to go now.
^ A creation of baronets, you see has taken place.
They talk daily of a creation of peers ; I am not sure
that they are not already made. Jenkinson has
one leg already in the House of Lords, Bankesf , too,
is close on his heels ; there are two more, whom I
have heard named, but I do not recollect who they
are. Town is still pretty full. A good many people
at the opera. The new Imperial Minister J is arrived ;
I hear he is a great connoisseur in books, and has
brought a great library with him. The North family
are going, for a few days, to the Bishop of Winches-
ter's. Lady Clermont§ I have seen since her arrival.
I find she has puffed you prodigiously at Paris, as a
prodigy of talents and political knowledge. She tells
me that you assured her that you would not stay in
France more than six months ; you will, and the
more you stay, I believe the more you will like your
sejour.
Give my best compliments to Mrs. Eden, and be-
lieve me most sincerely yours,
A. Storer.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, June 30, 1786.
Dear Eden, — I cannot let this post go away with-
out acknowledging your short, but very entertaining
account of Parisian news, and I wish I could return
you anything as agreeable, in order to make up for
the shortness of my present letter. I came home last
night, or rather very early this morning, after having
* Mr. Storer had already met Mrs. Eden in England, Ireland, and
America.
f Mr. Bankes was never created a peer. J Count Rewitzky.
§ Lady Clermont, wife of the last Earl of Clermont, a great friend of
Marie Antoinette.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 381
lost more money at faro, than would have paid for
an expedition to Paris, cursing myself for my folly
and obliged to lay a-bed all the day from the fatigue
of sitting so many hours at play, and from having
got, what I do with a great deal more ease than I do
money, viz., a head-ache. London seems at present
moving into the country, Everything against Mr.
Hastings is over for this Session. Major Scott's* ac-
count about Mr. Hastings's letter, and the message
which he was to deliver to Lord Sydney, seem to make
this affair about the diamond very mysterious. It
is strange that eleven days should elapse without his
being able to see the Secretary of State, when the
letter was so very pressing for his delivering the
message. Lord Fairford and Sir Godfrey Webster
are married, the first yesterday, the latter on Tuesday.
It is said that his Majesty either has or means to in-
terfere respecting Stuart's fighting Lord Macartneyf
again. Stuart has published a pamphlet, wherein he
says very harsh things to Lord Macartney, and what
seems to be perfectly unjustifiable after a duel. By the
by, I hear that my friend Crosbie has been waiting
in the Champs ElyscSes an hour and a half for his an-
tagonist, and was at last disappointed. The world
tl links the Duke of Dorset very much recovered.
Adhemar is upon the point of going to Paris, not
much regretted, very few people, I believe, wishing
for his return. Lord and Lady Beauchamp talk of
going to Spa, and from thence to Paris ; as his Lord-
ship is not very decided in his motions, you must not
be too sure of receiving a visit from him at the Hotel
d'Elboeuf, they are both gone to Bagley for three
weeks or a month. George North's wife lays in at
Bushey; that's a piece of news for Mrs. Eden, to
whom of course you will remember me. I remain, &c,
yours very sincerely, A. Storer.
* Major Scott was Hastings's agent.
f Lord Macartney, late Governor of Madras. Stuart was Com-
mander-in-Chief. They quarrelled, and a duel was fought on June the
8th in Kensington Gardens.
382 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — It gives me great satisfaction to re-
ceive a confirmation of the accounts I have heard
that Mrs. Eden and you find everything agreeable to
you at Paris. Early hours and short dinners are
great circumstances in your comforts, and the air as
well as the diet is much lighter, I believe, than in
London. There is no point of French breeding I ad-
mire more than the precision with which they observe
the hour of an}^ appointment, and the neglect of it is
the most uncomfortable circumstance of a London
life. My dinner-parties have been brought within a
very narrow compass for some months past, and I
believe, nothing has contributed so much to preserve
me in better health and spirits than I have usually
felt at the close of a very busy term. Since the first
of May, I have never had one vacant day, and seldom
passed less than six hours in court. My other work
has been entirely stopped, for there is no thinking
what the law of England has been, when one is em-
ployed every hour in deciding what it is. I have
drawn a plan of a much larger edifice than I shall live
to finish, though a great many of the materials are
provided, and I have got my building above ground,
for 1 have completed the first part, which comes as
far as the reign of Edward I.: the books I chiefly
want are, " Les Etablissemens de St. Louis," " Les
Assizes de Jerusalem," and " Beaumanoir."* I am not
able to give a more accurate account of them, for the
books which refer to them cite them without any
particular description. The last of the three I take
to be a work similar to our "Littleton," and equally
well known in the law. A little bookseller f goes from
hence in a few days, by whom I shall trouble you
with a letter, and ask your protection for him.
The great subject of conversation here, is the
Prince's reform of his establishment. The account of
* An edition of this work was published in Paris in 1690.
t Edwards of Pall Mall.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 883
this event in the newspapers is true in substance, but
false in many of the particulars. The fact is, that
having received what he took to be a decided refusal
of any aid to discharge his debts, he formed, without
communicating it to any person, a determination to
retrench. The first intimation of it was by a letter
to Lord Southampton, expressed in very kind and
handsome terms, directing him to signify his inten-
tions to the rest of his family, and to bring his key.
A general sale of his horses, and other measures to
reduce all unnecessary expenses, were immediately
ordered, and I am persuaded will be steadily pursued,
because I know with certainty that the idea was the
result of his own reflection (no adviser having ven-
tured to propose it), and had been long in his mind,
though never declared. He is pleased with himself,
as I understand, and the public seems unanimous in
approbation of his conduct. I was much afraid of
the next accounts of poor Lord Northington ; he is a
great loss to his friends.
My best love to Mrs Eden and all your nursery.
I ever am, dear Eden,
Yours most affectionately,
Loughborough.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, July 14, 1786.
Dear Eden, — I arrived in town late last night,
when I found your letter upon my table. As I have
not the books, &c, about me which are necessary in
order to answer the researches of your female in-
quirer satisfactorily, you will forgive me if I postpone
answering your letter on that subject till the next
post, or perhaps till this day se'nnight, that I may
not put your Excellency to the expense of postage.
I have been for a few days making a circuit about
Bushey and Richmond. On Monday last Mrs. North
was brought to bed of a son, which died on Wed-
nesday. Mrs. North, as I understand, bears her loss
384 THE COKRESPOXDEXCE OF
with fortitude, and is very well. The death of
this child is, I take for granted, a great disappoint-
ment to George North. He still continues as do-
mestic as ever. By this time you have forgotten
all conversation about the Cardinal and Caglios-
tro. Madame de la Motte, though inscripta nomine
regum, probably will not be for the future much
talked of.
The Prince of Wales will supply you, as he does
us, with ample topics for conversation. Economy
and reform are the principles on which he is to
act. I think if he expects that his Majesty will be
induced by any motives to pay his debts, that he is
mistaken. The King's own letter seems to preclude
him from laying any burdens on his subjects, i.e., from
paying his Royal Highness's debts, but undoubtedly
the Prince of Wales will pay his own debts by perse-
vering in the plan laid down: et cela revient au meme.
Besides this measure is likely to gain great popularity ;
it is just and honourable, pleases the young, and must
be approved of by the old ; none can complain of it
but some of his servants, who have no other resource
but from the Prince's salary attached to their offices :
such, for example, as Lord Spencer Hamilton and
Mr. Stanhope. Jenkinson is made a Peer, and there
was a report that he was to have the Duchy of Lan-
caster, — Lord Clarendon to resign in his favour,
and Lord Hyde was to have Lord Galway's place,
what he was to have I did not hear. This may be,
and is most probably, all a lie. Lord Galway, if he can
afford to make his late purchase, does not seem to
want a place. He has bought Clermont for thirty
thousand pounds. I heard, too, from tolerable good
authority, that Lord Apsley was to have the reversion
of Lord Thurlow's tellership, but Welbore Ellis* told
me in the town of Richmond yesterday morning, that
there was an Act of Parliament which made that im-
possible. I had not time, being on a fretful horse, to
* Afterwards Lord Mendip.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOUD AUCKLAND. 385
stay to hear the whole of his argument, and took my
leave of him uninformed.
Keene* has a most delightful villa at Richmond.
It is pleasant to see a man who had two houses
gratis, and a place in the Chamberlain's department,
who was so poor as not to be able to subsist, and
now that he is deprived of both of his houses, and
his place, he is laying out a great deal of money
in alterations and improvements. Do not talk to me
of Cagliostro's resources, — Keene's are full as won-
derful. Neither the Duke of Queensberry nor George
Selwyn were at*Kichmond : it was not wonderful that
the Duke of Queensberry was not in his own house,
however beautiful and comfortable it might be, he
had rather be in the worst inn than in the best
house of his own. As I am an idle man, my Greek
masterf having left me on account of his paralytic
disorder, I shall undertake your lady's business, and
busy myself with the family of Vere for the next two
or three days. Give my best compliments to Mrs.
Eden, and believe me yours, &c.
Most sincerely,
A. Storer.
* Colonel Keene. t Dr. Ilarvvood.
VOL. 1. C C
386 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
CHAP. XII.
The King and Queen at Blenheim. — Lord Harcourt's sufferings. — Mrs.
Eden's Nursery. — Mr. Storer at Paris. — The Duke of Dorset's
opinions of merchants. — Lord Sheffield's attacks on the Commercial
Treaty. — Mr. Eden's defence of it. — Lord Sheffield and the Duchess
of Gordon. — Sir James Harris and the French Count. — Plays at
Richmond House. — Blindness of Lord North. — The Polignacs. — The
Prince of Wales's Debts. — Alderman Newnham's motion.
The reader of Madame d'Arblay's Diary will re-
collect her complaints about her sufferings when at
Nuneham attending on the Queen. It appears from
the following letter from the Duchess of Marlborough
that the great personages worked harder, although
they did not complain so much. Complaints, too,
are made of the inattention of Lord Harcourt's
family. No doubt the thoughts of the family were
directed to their Royal Visitors. Lord Harcourt's
sufferings seem to have been of the severest descrip-
tion.
The Duchess of Marlborough to the Archbishop of
Canterbury.
Blenheim, Aug. 16th, 1786.
My dear Lord, — Ever since I received your letter
I have been too busy to answer it. We were much
obliged to your Grace for your intelligence concerning
their Majesties, but no invitation was required, as
Lord Harcourt wrote the Duke of Marlborough word
of their intention of honouring us with their com-
pany to breakfast, but made a mistake in the day,
which would have been very disagreeable had we not
got better information from their Majesties them-
selves at Oxford, where we went to receive them, and
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 387
made part of their suite in the theatre. The Duke
of Marlborough wore his doctor's gown, and he and
Blandford stood in the area with the doctors, and
kissed the King's hand immediately after the Vice-
Chancellor. Lord Iiarcourt stood b}^ the King's
chair. Their Majesties were much pleased with their
reception both at Oxford and here, as they were so
good as to say, and, indeed, considering the shortness
of the notice, it all went off very well. They stayed
here from eleven till six. We had breakfast for them
in the library, and after they returned from seeing
the Park, some cold meats and fruit. Lord and Lady
Iiarcourt told us that we were to sit as lord and
lady of the bedchamber all the time they stayed
here ; and poor Lord Harcourt seemed quite happy
to be able to rest himself, and the Duke of Marl-
borough found him sitting down behind every door
where he could be concealed from royal eyes.
We were just an hour going over the principal floor,
as they stopped and examined everything in every room,
and we never sat down during that hour, or indeed
very little, but while we were in the carriages, which
fatigued me more than anything else, as I was not at
all well at the time. Lord Harcourt told the Duke
of Marlborough that he had been full-dressed in a
bag and sword every morning since Saturday, but
the Duke of Marlborough could not follow his
example in that as he had no dress coat or sword in
the country. He desires me to tell you that he had
no misgivings, all the apprehensions were on up-
side ; nobody could do the thing better or more
thoroughly than he did. His eyes are better, and he
means soon to bathe, which, I think, will contribute
to strengthen them.
I must assure your Grace that I am much nattered
with the compliments you pay me, and I assure you
I did the best I could to make good your words.
How far I succeeded I cannot say. I have now
written a much longer letter than I intended, but
the subject must be my excuse for taking up so
c c 2
388 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
much of your time. Whenever you have leisure,
a letter from you will give me great pleasure. I
was very glad to hear what you told us about the
Prince, as it enabled us to contradict many ill-natured
stories that have been propagated in this neighbour-
hood respecting his reception at Windsor. Their
Majesties did not name him at all. The accounts
you will see in the papers will probably give a much
better description of all they saw and did than I
can, for, indeed, my head is far from clear, and has
ached ever since they left us, but I was determined
not to put off writing to you the first moment I
could. We all join in compliments to Mrs. Moore.
I am, my dear Lord,
Your affectionate and faithful friend.
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
(Most Private.) London, August 18th, 1786.
I have only a minute's time to inform you that
Lord Hawkesbury showed me to-day the draft of the
treaty they wish to have concluded with Spain,
which they mean to send to Madrid in a day or
two. He asked me whether I thought it best to com-
municate the contents of it to M. de \ r ergennes, or
to let him wait for that intelligence from the Spanish
Minister. I advised him to lose no time in acquaint-
ing M. de Vergennes with it, who would be exceed-
ingly flattered by such a mark of confidence, and
begged Lord Hawkesbury at the same time that that
intimation might be conveyed by you to M. de Ver-
gennes, having no sort of confidence in my deputy* ,
so that I hope in the course of a week you will have
this commission to execute, unless a noble Marguisf
should throw some difficulties in the way, and wish
this business to go into other hands, which, by the
by, entre nous, I don't think he has credit enough to
effect. There was an amazing full levee to-day ;
* Mr. Hailes, the Secretary of Legation, at Paris.
| Lord Carmarthen.
WILLIAM, FIRST LOED AUCKLAND. 389
addresses from all parts ; Lord Clarendon has the
post office. Lord Tankerville resigned on account of
Palmer* (the projector of the new plan) being ap-
pointed Comptroller-general, which in fact renders the
Postmasters without power or use. Several originals
were knighted, all of whom I have forgot, and hope
never to see again. Few people in town. The Duke
of Rutland mat a son aise in Ireland ; the Whiteboys
beginning to grow exceedingly troublesome, upon
whose account he has been obliged to defer his tour
into the north. Mr. Orde is gone to Spa, and Sack-
ville Hamilton is the active man. The gay world in
London is all dispersed, and Brookes' is reduced to a
little sober whist, which I have contrived to let cost
me near five hundred pounds. I beg my best compli-
ments to Mrs. Eden, and believe me most truly and
sincerely yours, Dorset.
P.S. — Mrs. Nicholson is very quiet in Bedlam ; she
has desired to have the use of pen, ink and paper,
which they have given her ; the Chancellor is better ;
Lord Mansfield but so so.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Bath, 6th Sept. 1786.
Dear Eden, — It was not till Monday last that I
knew you had been so good as to procure for me the
two books I mentioned to you, though I understand
they have been a long while in my study. At the
close of the circuit, I went to Tunbridge, where Lady
Loughborough had been for some time, by Farquhar's
direction, and had no intercourse with London. 1
passed through it on Monday, in my way to Bath,
where I was obliged to go, not on account of health,
but to enable our friend Paynef to bar an entail of
an estate in Antigua. " Beaumanoir" seems to be ex-
* Mr. Talmcr was the " Rowland Hill " of his day ; he carried out
the mail-coach system,
f Sir Ralph Payne.
«• c 3
390
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
actly the book I wanted, though I had not time to
compare it with the passages cited by the Abbe Mably,
which had occasioned my desire to possess the book.
It has been a great mortification to me to be
obliged to pass so much time at Tunbridge, neither
amused nor employed, though I have the satisfaction
to find that the waters have been of great service to
Lady Loughborough. Lord Mansfield, I am afraid,
will not do equal credit to them this year ; their
powers as to him become less effectual every season ;
very few of your acquaintances, or of mine, have been
at Tunbridge this year, and the place has been
altogether uninteresting.
Edwards expresses the highest gratitude for your
kindness to him, and thinks himself under most essential
obligations for some introductions you procured him.
Tt has not fallen in my way to see any of the travel-
lers from Paris this summer, but every report says that
Mrs. Eden's nursery is the admiration of the Court
and town ; that they make parties to see it ; that
she has made domestic life quite fashionable, and
they are only surprised to find that she has not yet
written any books for the instruction of her children.
I take it for granted that you will pass a good part
of the winter abroad ; the society at that season, I
have always been told, is much more agreeable at
Paris, and more united than it is in the summer, and
I am sure the reverse of that is the case in England.
From the meeting of Parliament all society ceases
by the continual interruption of late hours, and the
conversation becomes only a hash of debates.
My love to Mrs. Eden and all her little Parisians.
I ever am, dear Eden,
Yours &c.
Loughborough.
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
Knole, Sept, 8th, 1786.
Dear Eden, — It is the old story over again of my
not returning to Paris. I assure yon at present my
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 391
intention is to be with you next month without fail.
My family affairs will detain me till towards the 16th
or 17th ; and I cannot leave this country without
putting things upon a footing that they may go on
without me. I saw Lord Hawkesbury yesterday at
Court : upon the whole, he is much satisfied with your
proceedings, but is not quite so with M. de Vergen-
nes. You may, perhaps, have it in your power to re-
pair this, and I hope you will, as I should be sorry
that those who are always preaching up the doctrine
of mistrust in French professions of friendship should
have the least reason to encourage others in the same
sentiments. Dundas is just arrived from the High-
lands, and a consultation has been held about Indian
matters. It seems there has been some awkwardness
respecting the searching of French ships. Macpher-
son and the council have given up the point, contrary
(at least) to the meaning of the last Treaty of Peace.
Mr. Pitt, I believe, is a good deal displeased with the
Governor* and Council upon this occasion.
The proposed Treaty with Spain is not yet sent ;
perhaps Lord Walsingham may carry it. I think you
might mention it to M. de Vergennes in a very confiden-
tial way, but, however, I cannot pretend to advise you.
Lord Hawkesbury told it to me in confidence. Our win-
dowf friend does a great deal of mischief ; he writes all
sorts of nonsense, and makes mountains of mole-hills.
No man, I believe, is more desirous of becoming a
mountain than himself, but, however, I don't think,
as yet, he is in the right road, and will continue for
some time a mole. The ArchdukeJ and his spouse
s'amusent beaucoup sur les trottoirs, and walk about
the streets all day long. The King and Queen have
been very gracious to them. The Prince of Wales
had a bad fall from his horse last Tuesday, but re-
* Sir John Macpherson was Governor of Bengal.
-f Mr. Hailes, the Secretary to the Embassy at Paris, is here alluded
to. The Duke and Mr. Eden had talked about his demerits near a
window.
The Archduke Albert and the Archduchess Christine, sister of Marie
Antoinel
4
392 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ceived no hurts ; he has verified the old proverb. I
hear no more of the cordon, but I think it is in a fair
way for me, so I say nothing ; the first time you see
M. de Vergennes dites-lui, je vous prie, Men des choses
de ma part. Pray make my best compliments to
Mrs. Eden, and believe me most truly and sincerely
yours, Dorset.
P.S. — The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch propose
setting out for Paris in about ten days, on their way
to Rome.
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
London, Oct. 6th, 1786.
Dear Eden, — Many thanks to you for your agreeable
intelligence respecting the success of your Treaty. I
sincerely congratulate you upon it. You have found
by experience that I did not overrate the disposition
of the French Court in being ready to meet us half-
way at least. I am convinced things may be carried
still further, if we wish it, here ; but I have not yet
sounded Mr. Pitt or Lord Hawkesbury upon that
head.
I was in hopes of being able to set out next week,
but the absence of Mr. Pitt from London prevents
me; he is gone to his mother's, in Somersetshire;
he is exceedingly afflicted at the loss of his sister*,
and Mr. Eliot is quite inconsolable.
You will see by the papers that Fawkener has
kissed hands as Commissioner to settle a treaty with
Portugal. He sets out this day on his mission ; he
hopes to return time enough to lay his business be-
fore Parliament, in December; the meeting, I hear,
is fixed for the latter end of next month.
I saw the Chancellor, the other day, at Buxton ; he
is certainly recovering very fast.
I know no particular news. People in general are
very much pleased with your Treaty ; the principal
* Lady Harriett Pitt, married to Mr. Edward James Eliot, son of
Lord Eliot.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 393
merchants in the City don't choose to give an opinion
about it ; anything, if novel, is apt to stupify mer-
chants. They think, if they go out of the beaten track,
they must be losers.
I never saw the King in such spirits, — they rise in
proportion to the stocks, which are beyond the san-
guine expectations of everybody. The Heir apparent
is still at Brighton and drives the whole world away.
I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Eden.
If the Queen and Monseigneur should ask any
more after me, pray say the delay of my arrival
is no fault of mine.
I hear no more of the riband* from head* quarters ;
but everybody tells me I am certainly to have it ; a
feAV days must clear up this mystery.
I am most truly and sincerely yours,
Dorset.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
25th Oct. 1786.
I have letters from all parts of this island, and as
yet there seems to be general approbation ; but that
need not be very flattering. Scarce anybody knows
enough, or will know enough, to find out defects for
some time. I cannot sufficiently admire the following
paragraph in your letter : — " The unwise system of
modern party exertions will help John Bull to be ab-
surd, wherever any handle presents itself." Nothing
can be prettier, more innocent and sentimental ; but
I wonder you should expend such pretty things on
me. You mistook. They were intended for some
of the Chambers of Manufactures. Be it known to
you that we, the friends of the country, shall think it
our duty to point out and remonstrate when mischief
threatens, lurks, etc. I, however, have been so simple
a politician as to state that you had done your busi-
ness well ; and having had a correspondence with
* The Duke of Dorset was most anxious about the garter. He was
disappointed on this occasion, as it was conferred on Lord Cornwallis.
394 THE CORKESPONDENCE OP
chief of all kinds, except those of the immaculate
administration, my opinion, with a reserve, is pretty
well known, but I have always declared much de-
pends on what administration may further do.
I am glad Mrs. Eden has had an opportunity of
seeing Fontainebleau. My Lady is quite well, and is
quite of your faction. I do not mean that she at-
taches herself much to Mr~ Pitt. She is, however,
jealous of Mrs. Eden, and says I am blind to the
same merits at home. — Yours ever most faithfully,
Sheffield.
Lord Sheffield to Air. Eden.
Brighton, 20th Nov. 178G.
I write this in time that it may meet you on
your arrival at Beckenham. Perhaps you may find
Lambeth too distant from your business. I told my
friend Wyatt that he might let my house in Downing
Street ; if he has not, you may find it convenient
from the 28 th November to the 14th of December,
and not prevent the letting of it. It is the last winter
the age of my daughters will allow me to stay in the
country. If I don't let the house, I may be tempted
to London as I was last year. I have a considerable
operation in the building way to begin in the spring.
I shall spend my time and money most to my satis-
faction in the country. If the house is not let, you
may have it very reasonable, for the year. It will
be a fine situation for flirting Avith your new master
or for attending the War Office. The house is very
convenient, and excellent stables and coach-houses in
Fludyer Street belong to it.
I shall be very desirous of seeing you. I wish Mrs.
Eden could come and look at us. I shall have
difficulty in getting to London, for I expect different
sets of company after my return to Sheffield Place
next Sunday.
As you begin to be too vain about your Treaty, it
is necessary that I should prepare for your arrival a
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 395
statement of the mischievous admissions and lament-
able omissions in the Treaty. I forgot to acknow-
ledge in my late letter that no envoy or politician ever
expressed himself so amiably and sentimentally as
you — viz., that you would not promote the hellish
trade in negroes. However, your amiability will not
prevent the trade ; you do not know what an
immense business it is. Please to recollect that oar
islands could not be cultivated without them. Pray
write as soon as you arrive. — Yours most faithfully,
Sheffield.
P.S. — There is a good sort of woman in the Downing
Street house who would assist your servants.
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Paris, Nov. 23rd, 1786.
Dear Eden, — Nothing material has happened since
you left us, not even un rechauffe* from our window
friend. The King saw the foreign ambassadors on
Tuesday, on purpose to give me an opportunity of de-
li veri no- my letters of notification of the melancholv
event of the Princess Amelia's death. Their Majesties
were of course ijenetrees. I have seen Messrs. Boulton
and Watt ; they are gone to-day to Versailles to meet
M. de Calonne and M! de Vergennes. They are both
very respectable men, and will do the greatest credit
to our country if they have spirit to employ them.
Calonne, I know, has enough, but I doubt old
d'Argevilliers. I let them into the secret respecting
the coolness if not enmity which subsists between
Breteuil and the Comptroller f, which they felt, the
importance of, as both those Ministers are pressing
them to undertake jobs in and about Paris. They
spoke in high terms of the Treaty. There is no news
as yet from Rayneval. M. de Vergennes is soine-
* The rechauffe was the despatch sent to the Foreign Office from the
embassy. The duke did not appreciate the literary efforts of his
subaltern.
f M. Calonne.
396 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
thing better, though he mends but slowly. I beg my
best compliments to Mrs. Eden. The children were
all well last night. Adieu.
Most truly and sincerely yours,
Dorset.
Mr. Storer was now in I^aris, and seems to have
been very active in superintending the education of
Mr. Eden's children.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.*
A l'Hotel du Palais Royal, Thursday, Nov. 23rd, 1786.
Dear Eden, — All your children are perfectly well,
or were so yesterday morning. Je ne les ai pas em-
brasses d 'aujourd 'hid, excepting Eleanor f, whose sore
throat, however, is better than it was when you left
Paris. I have seen them with the French, the drawing,
and the dancing-master J; it is perfectly VEcole des
Arts. I know of no news since Monday, except that
the Treaty of Commerce is in the French Gazette, and
of course, from its publication, it becomes again a
subject of more conversation. William § seems not to
divert himself so well as he did with you. He is
obliged to make a pis alter of the groom, with which
he is not quite satisfied. Give my best compliments
to Mrs. Eclen. I hope she and the child are not the
worse for the journey.
I remain, yours, &c, most sincerely,
A. Storer.
P. S. — Eleanor says that she does not know what is
become of her sore throat, so that we may safely say
all is well aboard our vessel. Adieu !
* Mr. and Mrs. Eden had gone to England for a few weeks.
f Afterwards Lady Buckinghamshire.
J Mr. Storer's own dancing was perfection. Lord Carlisle writes to
George Selwyn, in 1775 : — "Why should you not tell me what Storer
said at Richmond ? But whoever was offended must have forgiven
him when he danced his minuet at the assembly, or he must have been a
very' hard-hearted person indeed." — George Selwyn and his Contempo-
raries, vol. iii. p. 108.
§ Mr. Eden's eldest son.
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 397
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Paris, Dec. 7th, 1786.
Dear Eden, — There is a very great dearth of
novelty here ; old Vergennes is very far from well. I
mentioned to him the substance of your letter to me,
which flattered him ; he told me the Marechal de
Castries has already returned to him the project of
the nrticles respecting the Consuls. I shall refer you to
my public letter for news. What Hailes's rechauffe
to Fraser is this week I dont exactly know ; but there
is great room for speculation and conjecture about
Holland, Prussia, and Austria. Madame de Lamballe
has been very ill of a fever, but is now out of danger ;
she inquired very much after you, and Mrs. Eden. I
told her you meant to return about the 17th. I un-
derstand that Lamotte, the husband of the famous
lady of that name, is going to publish a memoir in
England, about the affairs of the necklace, the Car-
dinal, &c. As much mention will, in all probability,
be made of the Queen, it is a pity such a publication
could not be stopped, as it can contain nothing but
falsehood and calumny, and will create much ill-
humour and even acrimony a la Cour ici. If a good
clever fellow, who was well acquainted with the
parties, and the transaction, could be found to answer
it immediately, the effect here would be much les-
sened ; and I see no other remedy, as it must be
impossible to prevent the publication. Le redacteur
du Courrier de I 1 Europe is paid by the French court.
Might not he be prevailed on to undertake for
a hundred pounds or two (the money would by
no means be thrown away) to undeceive the public.
1 assure you this is an object in the present temper
of the times worth attention. We have plenty of
English here, Lord Pembroke amongst the rest. Vos
cnfans se portent bien ; but I have never yet been
able to go to them (as Mrs. Eden heard me tell them),
at pudding time. My best compliments to her, s'il vous
398 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
plait. Pray bring me a new Court Calendar and
Almanack. I am, with the greatest regard and truth,
yours most faithfully and sincerely,
Dorset.
P.S. — Mr. Pitt told me he would send me a letter,
to show to Lord Hervey ; will you be so good as to re-
mind him of it, and tell him it is not yet too late.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
A l'Hotel du Palais Royal, Dec. 7th, 1786.
Dear Eden, — I hardly know whether it is worth
while writing to you, as most probably, if you set
out time enough to get here by the 15th, you will
have left England before this reaches you : but to
announce to you that your children are well is always
a good reason for writing. They were flattered with
the hopes of a visit from Madame Lascape ; but she
never came. Our dancing and French masters have
gone on prodigiously well. They have invited me
very often to come to dine with them, but as yet I
have not been able to accept of their invitation. Since
you left Paris I have received a letter from Lord
Beauchamp, who means, as he says, to pass part of
the winter at Strasburg. It is not exactly the place
where I should choose to pass my time, had I the
power, as Lord Beauchamp has, of living very well in
either Paris or London. I am sorry to find that Sir
Ralph procrastinates his journey to a warmer climate :
you may depend upon it that he has no time to lose.
Your accounts are bad of Frederick North* and Lady
Elizabethf , but 1 hope all will turn out well. Morton
is a lucky fellow to get so large a fortune. You know
how difficult it is to pick up any news here; except
what regards oneself there is very little else to be
known. I have dined with his Grace of Dorset,
Arancla, Roucherolles, Souza, &c. &c. Lord Kerry is
* Third son of Lord North.
7 Lady Elizabeth Henley, sister of the last Earl of Northington,
married 7th August, 1783, to Mr. Morton Eden.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 399
coming into the Hotel de l'Universite. The Baron
Bezenval's house is very pleasant : there I get whist
— at the Salon they play too deep for me. I know
very little of the motions of our countrymen. [ believe
that the great General Dairy m pie goes away to-day.
He is no great loss, except amongst the filles de V opera.
Lord Pembroke* is arrived here. He went from Sicily
to Gibraltar, from thence to Lisbon, and so on to
Madrid, from whence he is now arrived at Paris.
Were I my Lord Pembroke, I think too, as I do of
Lord Beauchamp, that I should prefer Wilton and
Ragley to Strasburg or Gibraltar. Mrs. Greville is
come to stay some time in Paris. I am to dine with
her on Friday at the Due de Nivernois'. I go to-day
to hear a dramatic piece read at Madame de Kouche-
rolle's — void de mes nouvelles : as for any other, I
know none ; your correspondent will inform you in
your weekly letter. Adieu. Give my best compli-
ments to Mrs. Eden, and pray bring me some shirts.
I remain, most sincerely yours,
A. Stoker.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 11th Feb. 1787.
I know nothing about Carlton House. I have un-
derstood that neither the Prince nor his friends wish
to bring forward anything relative to him at present.
I delayed writing because I supposed you would
be in London last week to prepare for the debate of
to-morrow ; but as you mention no such intention,
and I hear nothing of you, I suppose you do not
intend to appear till the detail is debated, yet I do not
understand how you are excused present attendance.
You are a peg too high at least on the subject of
the Treaty. It will be incumbent on us to bring you
a peg lower. You say, as to these matters, living in
the kingdom of France is like living; in the kingdom
of heaven. I apprehend, when you arrive you will
* Henry 10th Earl of Pembroke.
400 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
rather fancy yourself in the other kingdom. You will
not find the Treaty quite so great a favourite as you
imagined. Some of the manufacturers who expect
an immediate profit and for a few years, still seem
friendly to it, but I do not hear of any others, who
pretend to have any comprehension of the subject,
that are not alarmed. I am not content, from this
my retreat, spargere voces in vulgum ambiguas, but I
take every proper opportunity of writing grave let-
ters, filled with sagacious, firm, vigorous opinions ;
and am almost ashamed of our eager expectations
from a French Treaty. I have really figged myself
so high on the subject, that if I had not had commu-
nication with you, I verily believe I should write <
strenuously against it, and with as much force and
as good argument as ever I did or was supposed to
do. The political part is a fine theme, and there is
good nibbling at least at the tariff.
I am afraid you will repent your inattention to my
sage advice, viz., not to conclude too soon. It would
have been prudent to settle with Portugal first, and
to have finished the treaties with Russia and Spain.
It was a wicked thing to quarrel so incessantly with
Portugal, which takes more of our great staple woollens
than any country (six times as much as Russia), and
whose imports from this country are increasing so
much. But to return to the manufacturers : it must
be your education in France that has made such a
change in your manners and politeness towards
them; for I remember the time when with great live-
liness you wondered how I could find time to talk
with them, that you could not, and with difficulty
suffered Mr. Wedgwood to be introduced to you
while I collected and collated other friends. These
tender remarks undoubtedly are due to you ; as to
the rest you should be grateful to me, as perhaps
the only friend that does not flatter you too much.
As to pamphlets, they come out in such abundance
that I could only read the two first ; and if it is the
complete investigation that you mean, I entirely agree
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 401
that it is completely incomplete; yet there are some
good parts ; surely it is time something better should
appear. There are several pamphlets with references
on the top like mine.
Yours faithfully,
Sheffield.
Mr. Eden to Lord Sheffield.
Paris, Feb. 1737.
My dear Lord, — Many thanks for yours, because
I am sincerely glad to hear from you, even when I
cannot assent to one single line in vour letter.
The death of M. de Vergennes, preceded by a
three weeks' illness, has thwarted my plans most des-
perately, for I am, at this hour, precisely in the
situation, as to all matters of business, as I was on
the day of signing the Convention — M. de Vergen-
nes' illness having taken place the day following,
and his successor being yet hardly warm in his
office. Consequently, the few arrears which I have
necessarily to settle before I go, and which I hoped
to have finished about this time, remain in static
quo. In other respects also, and in a more serious
degree, the death of M. de Vergennes gives me the
utmost concern. I have seen many public men of
different countries and descriptions, and it is a jus-
tice which 1 owe to the dead, without any disgrace
to the living, to say that J never met with any man
whose manner of acting, both in official and private
life, was to me more satisfactory or more pleasing.
During nearly ten months that I had almost daily
access to him, I never met with any circumstance
that gave me even a momentary distrust ; in the be-
ginning of our negotiation, when I had a great want
of language, he was patient, polite, and encouraging :
he gradually became cheerful, cordial, and friendly ;
and the last morning that I passed with him, which
was the last of his doing business, 1 could not help
remarking, when I came home, that it was impossible
VOL. I. D D
402 THE CORRESPOXDE^X , E OF
for me not to acknowledge that his conduct towards
me, from my first arrival to that moment, had been
such as to entitle him both to respect and affection.
I know that in England we have, in some quarters,
unforgiving feelings relative to him* ; but I know also
that he had great public talents and great private
virtues. And in discussion between man and man, I
always found that he went as directly and as fairly to
the point as Mr. Fox himself can do, which is saying
much.
How can you twist and pervert your own superior
understanding so as to affect even to give countenance
to all the anti-Gallican nonsense which is encouraged
in England ? It does well enough in House of Com-
mons speeches when the subject furnishes nothing
better ; but, further, when the feelings of coffee-
houses and tavern meetings are in question it is a
poor business. I am not so respectful, however,
towards my countrymen, as to deny that it is
possible to persuade a great number of them that
the treaty of commerce has repealed Magna Charta,
and the Bill of Rights, and the Habeas Corpus,
and has actually introduced an universal excise
and wooden shoes. But it will be the nonsense
of a few weeks, and they will afterwards con-
sider it with the same sneer as you would do if
you were at the opposite side of this table and were
talking fairly about it with me. I certainly do not
pretend to foresee to what this new friendship be-
tween the nations will tend ; possibly to something
bad in the course of time. Still less do I pretend to
foresee to what the contingencies of the old system of
commercial hostility would have tended ; probably,
also, to something calamitous, and that soon. But
in the mean time I am satisfied by all the sound
principles of national policy that I can trace in
the writings of David Hume, Adam Smith, Lord
Sheffield, M. Necker, etc., that it would not only
* M. de Vergennes was Foreign Minister during the American Avar,
and had materially contributed to the loss of the American Colonies.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 403
have been absurd, but immoral in the extreme, to
have declined the present experiment, great and
precarious as it may be. In the present moment
it gives bread and employment, and prosperity, to
millions ; and as to futurity, the prospects are, at
least, as good as they were. So much for my creed :
at the same time, I have perfect charity towards those
who either think or pretend to think otherwise. I
can even read with complacency those resolutions to
which my old friend, Mr. Walker, has been induced
to sign his name, though they are grossly the reverse
of anything that is called either wise, or acute, or
ingenious.
When you menace me with the wavering and
fickle disposition of the manufacturers, you remind
me of what I well know. It is very certain that
those who gain on such occasions, are shy and sly,
and snug and silent ; that those who do not gain, are
disingenuous, and sullen, and suspicious ; and those
who either lose or think that they may lose, are con-
foundedly noisy, and absurd, and mischievous. Such
is the state of men : and yet I wish them well,
whether in this courtly state of banishment, or in
the groves of Beckenham, where I shall be glad to find
myself in a few weeks, and to have the occasion of
making a visit to Lady Sheffield, who, I am sure, will
not have lost her good sense in despite of all the per-
versions that her lord is propagating.
Where did you find that the export of woollens to
Portugal is increasing ? The fact is not so. For the
last four years it was little more than 400,000/. a
year, and formerly it was near 600,000/. It sounds
pompous to say that it is six times greater than to
Russia ; but it is greater even to little Denmark, and
four times greater to the Dutch Provinces than to
the Imperial Russia.
I must finish, being summoned by Mrs. Eden and
the girls to a chilcls' ball.
Believe me, my dear Lord, ever most sincerely yours,
Wm. Eden.
i. i> 2
404 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 27th Feb. 1787.
I am sorry for Vergennes, on your account. In
one respect I think it advantageous to you. It will
be a good excuse for your not appearing in Parlia-
ment this Session to defend your infernal Treaty.
It is absolutely necessary and incumbent on us to
abuse you when you pretend to defend it. If you
are wise, you will avail yourself of the opportunity of
passing your time agreeably.
I like your account of Vergennes very much. If
his death had happened sooner it would have been
more fortunate for the English ministry ; it might
have interrupted the Treaty, but it can now only
perplex the execution of it. Every disappointment,
check, and failure will very properly be laid to the
charge of the new system ; and the Minister will soon
feel the consequence of his rashness in departing from
the old course which had proved so successful. I
knew nothing of Walker's* resolutions in the Chamber
of Manufactures till I saw them in the newspapers.
They were very moderate and proper. But Wedg-
wood having managed so ill, and Walker being
DO.' O
denied at Manchester, I apprehend the Chamber will
become very insignificant. I am sorry I was not in
London to assist. I know little except from news-
papers, from which it appears that the Treaty has
been very ably attacked, and most miserably de-
fended, in Parliament. The young gentleman f is
going on just as I could wish, very extravagantly
and very absurdly. Why is he to be so much com-
mended for the mechanical operation of simplifying
the customs ?
I intended to have sent to you a statement much
in favour of the reduction of the duty on brandy to
* Mr. Walker was a Manchester manufacturer. He disapproved of
the Treaty,
t Mr. Pitt.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 405
55., which shows also that it is not necessary to
reduce lower on rum than 5s.
N.B. — There is a difference between necessary and
prudent. I have not time nor space for it at present.
It would be a proper measure in respect to revenue,
independent of the Treaty, emphatically called the
infernal. The Duchess of Gordon * will dance my
house in Downing Street down. The Prince of
Wales and Mrs. Fitzherbert f were there a few nights
aw. It was observed what a revolution had taken
place in that house. I promise a ball to your and my
daughters there next winter. Lady Sheffield con-
tinues to be prejudiced in respect to you, but cannot
be so weak as to approve the Treaty.
Yours faithfully,
Sheffield.
The folio wins: letter is from Mr. Eden's brother-in-
law, Dr. Moore, Archbishop of Canterbury: —
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Mr. Eden.
Lambeth House, March 9, 1787.
Not having seen the protest % in the newspapers, I
send it you as a matter of some curiosity. The last
days of debate were marked by a considerable degree
of eagerness and peevishness, particularly on the part
of Lord Stormont, and in some degree on that of Lord
Loughborough. You have seen the accounts of the
pulling caps between the Duke and the Marquis. §
.Most people enjoyed it. We suppose it not to be
over ; for there appears still a considerable resent-
ment on each side, though not enough to produce
anything serious in Hyde Park. People talk of your
going to Spain. The Archbishop of York asked me
* Lord Sheffield had let his house to the Duchess of Gordon.
f The Prince oi' Wales's marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert took place
Dec. 21,1785.
J The Protest against the Commercial Treaty.
§ The Duke of Richmond and Lord Lansdowne had a violent quarrel
in the House of Lords with respect to the Duke's fortification scheme.
i) i) 3
406 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
to-day with what foundation. I ventured to say
none. Your mother begins to have fears. Oppo-
sition play Jenkinson's game for him by daily calling
upon and reprobating the Secretaries of State, who con-
tinue, like Lord Godolphin, to say nothing, and will
so continue. Lord Porchester speaks sharply and
vehemently, but sans consequence. The Dissenters
are about to move for repealing the Corporation
and Test Acts, which occasions much dilemma to the
Minister, for he must take a part. Beaufoy* moves
it, whence many suppose Mr. Pitt means to support
it. I have, however, good reason to be sure he has
not as yet at least made up his mind so to do. I
know, too, that Lord Lansdowne isf secretly the first
mover of this business. If Mr. Pitt is neuter, it
cannot pass the Commons, but if he is wise he will
prevent its getting into debate there. Should it be
discussed, it will be curious to see the management
on the different sides of the House. The Speaker
and Hatsell tell me they have no idea of its not
being rejected upon the first motion. My anxiety on
this subject makes me doubt this.
I long to hear you are in habit of communication
with M. de Montmorin, because, cela etant, we may
expect you the sooner. I hear not a syllable of
arrangements here. Adieu ! My love to Mrs. Eden
and your children.
Ever most affectionately yours,
J. Cantuar.
P.S. — Hastings J is coming up apace to our house. I
am sorry Sir Gilbert is the man to pursue Sir Elijah,
who is so nearly concerned with Alexander Elliot's §
friend.
* Mr. Beaufoy's motion was rejected by a majority of 78.
f The Earl of Shelburne was created Marquis of Lansdowne, Dec. 6,
1 784. A step in the Peerage was the only offering made by Mr. Pitt to
his former chief.
J Warren Hastings.
§ Alexander Elliot, brother of Sir Gilbert. He was in the Civil
Service in India, and was a devoted friend of Warren Hastings. He
died in 1777.
WILLIAM, FIKST LORD AUCKLAND. 407
Sir James Harris to Mr. Eden.
Hague, April 10th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I must have recourse to your friend-
ship to assist me in a matter of private business,
which will, I hope, however, be attended neither with
trouble nor inconvenience to you.
Comte de Cotleun, whose name I believe scarce can
be unknown to you, since he is supposed to have been
a principal director in the affairs of the Court of
Versailles here previous to M. de Rayneval's arrival,
owes me 27,250 livres, which he has expressed a
readiness to pay to any person I may appoint at Paris.
1 know no one through whose hands I can so safely
trust such a considerable sum to pass as yourself; I
have, therefore, written to him to-day to acquaint
him that he will oblige me by paying it immediately
to you, and to take (should he think it necessary)
your receipt for it. But in case (and here is the
only trouble this business can give you) you should not
in the course of four or five days after the receipt of
this letter hear from him, you will do me an essential
favour in reminding him of his promise by sending
him the enclosed note, and by adding a few civil but
significant words of your own, in order that he may
feel you are more or less interested in the business,
and that I deem it full time for him to liquidate a
debt contracted near a year ago.
I am sure, my clear Eden, you will forgive me
plaguing you with this commission, nor be surprised
at my not being disposed instead of cash to receive
27,250 livres in civil speeches and fair promises.
"When you get the money you will be kind enough
either to remit it here or to England, by a bill of
exchange, according as the course of exchange should
be between the two countries. If, contrary to my
expectations, Comte Cotleun should shuffle and pre-
varicate, I shall advise with my friends what steps I
shall then have to take in order to bring him to
D D 4
408 THE CORRESPONDENCE OE
reason. I however have no reason to expect any-
thing but absolute poverty will induce him to delay
or hesitate. Of course I flatter myself I shall not
prove very troublesome to you on this occasion.
I was made very happy to hear from Count T.
Ben thick, that we have some chance of seeing you
and Mrs. Eden here in the course of the summer.
Nothing will give us more pleasure. Harriet joins
in every kind compliment. Believe me, my dear Sir,
most truly and sincerely, your most faithful and
sincere friend,
J. Harris.
P.S You will be so good as to let me know
beforehand of your coming, that I may get you
apartments.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, April lOtb, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I do not write to you to-day by way of
sending you any news, for I am too new myself in
London to know any ; but I take the first opportu-
nity, even though I make you pay the postage of a
letter for it, to thank you for all your civilities to me
at Paris. Besides this, it is time that I should an-
swer a letter which you wrote to me about seven
months ago, and which I have never received till my
arrival here. I congratulate you, of course, upon
your having signed the Treaty, and am glad to find
that it is concluded so much to your satisfaction in
all respects. I hope, as you do, that it will tend to
make us long and intimate friends with so great a
country as France. My reason for having cut writing
was that I intended to come and see you. If civility
is shown by the length of my visit ; perhaps I shall
pass for a polite man. As you have, since the writ-
ing of your letter of the 28th of September, 1786,
made a journey to England yourself, you perhaps
there did what you wanted with regard to the por-
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 409
traits of Lord Loughborough and Lord Thurlow, if
not, you will give me your orders again.
I wish you a very pleasant voyage to Fontain-
bleau. Much is said here about your going to Spain.
I believe Lord Walsingham flattered himself that you
would accept the embassy in order that he might be
sure of keeping the Vice-treasurership, which, it is
said, notwithstanding your refusal, Lord Walsingham
will find it difficult to keep. Mr. Pitt wishes to give
it to some one else. You must be better informed on
these matters than I can be ; but I tell you the com-
mon reports of the town.
So far has it been considered as certain that you
were to go to Spain, that letters have been written to
me to advise me, if I ever meant to serve in the di-
plomatic line, to apply to you to interest yourself in
my favour to obtain the secretaryship of the embassy
at Madrid. Mr. Lisfon being to be sent elsewhere,
where he may have eight pounds per day.
I saw Lord North before he went to Walmer ; he is
grown very thin, and is all but blind — he could not
distinguish the colour of the wine.
As a piece of news for Mrs. Eden, Lord Herbert*
was married on Sunday.
A play is going to be acted at Richmond House,
which occupies the public attention, but will not
satisfy the town, as there can be only about eighty
persons admitted at a time, and there are to be but
three representations. Mrs. Bruce, Hobart, and
Darner f, Lord Derby, Mr. Edgecumbe, and Sir H.
Englefield, are the principal performers. How Mrs.
Darner got there is a difficult matter to explain.
Mr. Walpole says she will act excessively well. I
forgot Mr. Arabin J, a famous actor, is to be one of
the performers.
His Majesty has not been well. The Prince of
* Lord Herbert married a daughter of Johnson's friend, Topham
Beauclerk.
fMrs. Darner, daughter of General Conway, Horace Walpole'a friend.
I John Arabin, an officer in the Life Guards, father of the late Ser-
jeant Arabia.
410 THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
Wales shook Mrs. Fitzherbert by the hand, both last
night and the night before. If you are not satisfied
with such important intelligence as this, Lord have
mercy on you ! Moreover, I played two rubbers of
whist with Sir John Eden, last night, at Brooke's.
Major Scott*, as you will see by the papers, has
got himself into a ridiculous scrape. I do not know
what sort of an understanding one ought to have to
conduct the affairs of a great empire ; perhaps Mr.
Hastings and Mr. Scott have abilities of that sort,
necessary for so important a task ; but I am sure
that the two first men that one meets in the street
could have managed the citra mare business better
than either of them.
Considering I thought that I had nothing to tell
you, it seems that my matter has grown upon my
hands.
Give my best compliments to Mrs. Eclen ; and
hoping that all your bambini are well, I remain
yours most sincerely,
A. Stoker.
P.S. — Madame de Lascape never sent me my pack
of cards.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, 15th April, 1787.
Your last fragment forbids me to write, saying you
would immediately write fully, and I have daily ex-
pected a letter. Many thanks for the Calonne per-
formance.
It is amazing how totally we have forgot you and
your Treaty. The newspapers scarce mention either.
The amazement has been the curious revolution in the
business of Hastings, and the coalition of Pitt and
Burke ag-ainst him. The consultations and combina-
tions of the said Pitt, Burke, and others — their amiable
* Major Scott was Hastings' agent.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 411
conferences ; but the whole was not perfectly amiable
until the Lord Mulsrrave burst forth with charac-
teristic virulence against the man whom he had so
lately cherished and defended, and whose prosecutors
he had constantly declared to be malicious, factious,
&c. It should not be forgot that scarce anything new
has come out against Hastings this session ; that the
charges against him were printed last year, &c. &c.
To be sure, it would have been full as well if ministers
had examined the subject, and had made up their
minds on it a little sooner.
I have been uneasy about Lord North's eyes. I
have been very inquisitive relative to him : my last
information is from Sir Grey Cooper about a week
ago. His nerves were much agitated and shaken by
his exertions on the Test Act. He did not sleep at
all the subsequent night, but he is now pretty much
the same as he was before that service. His eyes are
very weak, — a melancholy consideration at his time
of life. I am seriously grieved about him. I suppose
Mrs. Eden has accounts of him, yet the above may be
acceptable. We hope that lady is quite well, and all
the infantry.
William Grenville states himself as the commercial
minister of the House of Commons, but one of the
most intelligent men I know has acquainted me that
his late speech on the American Intercourse Bill was
miserable. It is generally allowed that Pitt's speeches
on the Treaty were bad. In general, it has been ex-
ceedingly ill defended.
Yours faithfully,
Sheffield.
Mr. Eden to Mr. Morton Eden.
Seve, April 26, 1787.
My dear Morton, — Many thanks for yours of the
20th. It found me settled here, where we all have
already profited much by the good air, though, till
yesterday morning, it was of the churlish kind ; but
412 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the smell of Paris about this time of the year is an
abomination.
I sent your parcel of patterns as directed ; the
person had already written to me about it. Mrs.
Greville acknowledged to us the receipt of the parcel,
and I wonder that she did not also write to you, as
she is exceedingly punctual and polite.
Lest the money due to you from Mrs. Eden should
be forgot, she wishes you to take occasion to receive
it of Mrs. Sneyd, who will charge it in my account.
The Archbishop did not write to me on Friday
last ; and the newspapers which I received make no
mention of the debate in the House of Lords.
Lord Carmarthen seems to be in a most precarious
state of health.
I suppose that this will find you at Bath. If you
should stay their till the arrival of the Polignacs,
you will take occasion to get introduced to them by
Lady Clermont or the French Archbishop. We have
received infinite civilities from them here. The Du-
chess is elegant, but cold and reserved. The Countess
Diane* is good-humoured and sociable (about forty-
five). The Duchess de Guichef has a most beau-
tiful face, and is pleasant and cheerful. The Duke
de Polignac is one of the most gentlemanlike men
that I have ever seen. M. de Vaudreuil is said to
have considerable talents ; I have not happened to
meet him much. The Duke de Guiche is a good-natured
young man. I suppose that they will all be chiefly
in the Duchess of Devonshire's society. The novelty
of the scene will amuse them whilst the novelty lasts ;
but they will grow tired. They all love play, to a
certain degree — billiards, quinze, &c. I believe that
they go afterwards to Spain. 1 think you manage
ill in your arrangements to go towards the climate
of Dresden in the autumn.
Hugh Elliot writes to me that he expects an im-
* The Countess Diane de Polignac.
f The Duchess of Guiche was the daughter of the Duchess of
Polignac.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 413
mediate leave of absence again. What does this
mean ?
Love to my sister. Yours very affectionately,
AVm. Eden.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, April 27th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I did not mean to make a practice of
writing by the post. The last time I wrote, I did so
from my empressement to make my acknowledg-
ments to you ; that being done, I intended to revert
to the old conveyance as the safer and the cheaper
too. You completely disappointed me by being
silent on French politics. What a storm you have
had since I came away, very sudden and unex-
pected to you courtiers at Versailles. I wish you
joy of having moved to Seve, though, by the account
of the magnitude of the house, and the greatness of
the rent, 1 am afraid you will not move to save. I
am living in expectation for the next courier to leave
the news which you have promised me. The inter-
vention of my old friend was not an extraordinary
thing, but his passing the day afterwards with Him,
and not mentioning that I had arrived, or that he
had seen me, seems to indicate a degree either of ill-
humour or indifference about me, which mortifies
me much.
The motion which is to be made in Parliament
with regard to the Prince of Wales is the subject at
present of conversation. Alderman Newnham * is
to take the lead in this business, but he is not sup-
posed to be able to add much dignity to the mea-
sure by his personal influence, nor likely to insure
it much success by his superior abilities. I do not
understand that the heads of Opposition either ap-
prove of it or mean to support it. A few days will
show us the event. You see Mr. Pitt is copying
* M.P. for the City.
414 THE CORRESrONDENCE OF
French measures by his farming the revenue. This
will not signify much to a private traveller like
myself. The innkeeper is the man most likely to be
the loser. Last night, I saw Sir John * in a great
crowd at Cumberland House. Her Royal Highnessf
only opens her house now once a fortnight, by which
means when it is opened it is so crowded, and so
full, that it seems as if it would take a fortnight to
empty it.
You may tell Mrs. Eden, as a piece of news for
her, that Miss Bennett is going to be married to
Sir John Swinburne J — if I recollect, that is his name.
I am not sure about the name, but I am positive
about the match, and that is the thing- that engages
her attention principally. I heard of it where I
dined yesterday, and Mrs. Bennet § told me of it
herself at Cumberland House. Adhemar gave, ten
days ago, a most execrable ball. There never was
known, even at his house, so general a dissatisfaction,
and that is a good deal to say. I think that I have
now told you what little news there is, both public
and private. I am in great impatience to hear from
you. Adieu. — I am, &c, yours most sincerely,
A. Storer.
The following letter is from Lord Beauchamp, the
friend of the Prince of Wales. It contains a curious
account of the Prince's canvassing the House of Com-
mons in order to obtain a large grant of money : —
Lord Beauchamp || to Mr. Eden.
Dear Eden, — I have not written to you of late,
because, except your Treaty, of which you know
* Mr. Eden's brother, Sir John Eden.
f The Duke of Cumberland, brother to the King, had married a widow,
Mrs. Horton, a daughter of Lord Carhampton.
| Sir John Swinburne married, 13th July, 1787, Emma, daughter of
R. Bennet, Esq., of Beckenham.
§ Mrs. Bennet was a sister of Sir Peter Burrell.
|| Afterwards second Marquis of Hertford, grandfather of the present
Marquis.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 415
from better authority every circumstance that has
happened, the political world has been a mere
blank; but within these few days an event has
started up, of which I will relate to you the par-
ticulars, leaving it to your better judgment to draw
your own conclusions. When the Prince of Wales
first resolved to apply to Parliament for relief, the
case was, in everybody's apprehension, so desperate,
and in the opinion of some was liable to such objec-
tions, unless previously assented to by the Crown,
that many of his most respectable advisers declared
off, and it was universally supposed that for want of
support the plan must fall to the ground. His Royal
Highness, however, persevered, and it has since
appeared that he went upon such grounds as nobody
suspected him to have. A previous conversation on
the subject, which was evidently sought for by Mr.
Pitt, and in which he threatened the disclosure of
many secret particulars, from which the House unani-
mously concluded that Mrs. Fitzherbert was in his
thoughts, and that the inquiry into the transaction*
was to be the instrument of deterring the Prince
from a further prosecution of his project. It pro-
duced, however, a contrary effect, and gave the
Prince an occasion of serving his cause with the
public most materially by a flat denial of the im-
puted marriage. The ground was then changed; and
Mr. Pitt declared his meaning to be that it would be
necessary to have the items of the debt incurred
before the public, and also the private correspondence
with his father. On the Prince's part, the challenge
was instantly accepted, and the turn of the debate
and the impression it made was for the first time
evidently in his favour.
A new circumstance now occurred. Mr. Pitt
opens a correspondence with the Prince, and declares
in general but intelligible terms, that he has the
strongest wish to avoid every cause of personal
* The marriage with Mrs. Fitzherbert.
41 G THE CORRESPONDENCE OP
offence to him, and Mr. Dundas's favourable dispo-
sition is indicated by circumstances, of which I need
not trouble you with the details. From this period
the business assumed a different face, and the Prince
begins a most active canvass of the House ; applies
by letter or personally to every little knot of members,
and indirectly to almost every individual, offering
to submit his plans and his interests to the country
gentlemen, producing his accounts, showing every
letter, and, by the specimen I have seen, he has
been guarded to an extreme degree. In short, Mar-
sham*, Powisf , Hussey, Pulteney, AstleyJ, and others
of that calibre, became converts to his cause, in spite
of their original dislike to it. On this footing the
business rested, when, the night before the motion
was to be made, Mr. Pitt acquaints the Prince, by
letter, with His Majesty's gracious intention to
comply with his wishes, and only hints at previous
explanations being made by the Prince, by which it
was understood that in future he was to be no party
man; but, whatever interpretation was intended to
be put upon them, the Prince instantly communi-
cated his readiness to acquiesce, and personally to
assure the King of his resolution to act in future as
he would wish. The motion is, in consequence, laid
aside, but to this letter, though four days have since
elapsed, no answer was given till this morning, when
the King signified his disapprobation to the increase
of the Prince's allowance at all events, and also to the
payment of his debts, unless the accounts to be pro-
duced to him of the amount should prove satisfactory.
The Prince has accepted this qualified offer, and
promises instantly to send a precis of his affairs. §
1 am, dear Eden, ever yours,
Beauchamp.
* M.P. for Kent. t M.P. for Northamptonshire.
+ Sir Edward Astley, M.P. for Norfolk.
§ The Prince ultimately obtained an additional 10,0007. a year, and
161,0007. to pay his debts, besides 20,0007. for the repairs of Carlton
House.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 417
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, May 10tb, 1787.
I have been in London for some days, and did not
meet any body who thought it worth while to notice
you or the horrid system of which you have been the
instrument. Indeed the Prince's business afforded
full occupation, and its various changes have fur-
nished excellent food for politicians. A letter from
the Prince to his father received a harsh answer,
which produced the precipitate measure commenced
by the Alderman, unapproved by any considerable,
and I may almost add inconsiderable, man in oppo-
sition. Young as well as old wish to avert it. The
Duke of Portland acted with great good sense, good
temper and spirit. The Prince was eminently
strenuous and steady. He had long talks with some
leading men, and began to bend when Mr. Pitt
certainly made a very material move towards him.
Some time before this, the amiable Rolle*, with his
usual elegance and good judgment, insinuated that
the Church and State were in danger from the
Prince's connection with Mrs. Fitzherbert, which
Pitt not only adopted by nods and such like parlia-
mentary applause, but even in a speech. The same
evening, when another subject was before the House,
he endeavoured to explain it away. On his return to
Downing Street, he sent for Lord Southampton, who
waited on the Prince next morning, with what is
called an apology, from Mr. Pitt. The Prince told
Lord Southampton he never received verbal messages
except from the King. From this time he was eager
to declare that he was not married, and Mrs. Fitz-
Herbert insisted that she should not be considered.
Opposition has gained credit, and deservedly, by its
conduct in this business. Charles Fox, however, and
a great part of them could not have avoided support-
* M.F. for Devonshire, afterwards Lord Rolle. Mr. Rolle was con-
tinually alluding to the secret marriage of the Prince of "Wales and Mrs,
Fitzherbert. The "Rolliad" was named after him.
VOL. I. !: E
418
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
ing Newnham's motion if it had been made. There
would have been support from some quarters, and
probably opposition from others where it was not
expected.
At the Carlton House meeting last Friday, it was
the universal belief that the Prince's affairs were
settled, and the public seemed to rejoice that the
baneful difference between father and son was healed.
Some think that Pitt has so bound himself that he
cannot again break loose, but, from various appear-
ances, it is believed that he hoped to find more
suppleness in the King, and that, being disappointed
in that expectation, he has fallen in with his master's
way of thinking, in despite of the paper chains
which, a few days ago, he imposed on himself.
Last Monday produced the ultimatum from the
King that he would not recommend an increase of in-
come, nor even a payment of the debt, till he had com-
pletely examined the particulars of it. The Prince has
very properly considered the declaration as serious,
and on Tuesday was to furnish a precis of his affairs ;
but as the nature of the examination is not specified,
nor the time it is to last, no sanguine expectations
can be raised on the present appearances. If it
should be thought necessary to resume the adverse
plan originally intended, the Prince will then be well
supported by numbers as well as by talents, and the
King will trace great insincerity, at least in the
conduct of those who surround him. But not even
this business made half the impression on me which
my visits to Lord North did. He has no hopes ; he
says he has no expectations but of darkness. He
held up his hand and said he could not see it. He
was, however, pleasant, and with his usual ability
took up the subjects of the clay. I was made the
more miserable, as I expected to find him better.
There is some consolation in his not being able to see
the melancholy aspects of his family around him.
My lady and I were very glad to hear your brattery
is recovered, and that you talk of visiting us with
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 419
Mrs. Eden in autumn. You will find Gibbon here.
If Mr. and Mrs. Trevor are at Paris, pray remember
me very particularly to them. If the above account
I have given should appear curious to you, you may
communicate it to him, but be careful to whom else,
as coming from me.
Many thanks for the printed papers you sent.
That on wool I had two years ago; but pray continue
to send and collect for me. Sir Joseph Banks and I
are busy on the wool subject. I must see the paper
you sent him. We have frequent communications.
'Mr. Eden to Mr. Morton Eden.
Seve, May 10th, 1787.
My dear Morton, — Though we have found good
health at Seve, we continue under an incessant course
of wet and windy weather. I suppose that the
Polignacs will have arrived at Bath before you
receive this. I shall be glad to hear from you how
they appear to amuse themselves at Bath. Mdme.
de Polignac has long filled a principal space in this
country, and her absence makes a considerable void.
Though the parting was apparently amicable, it is
supposed by many not to be temporary, but per-
manent; and that she will never return to the same
distinguished situation. I think it possible that some
distaste had taken place either on the one side or on
both, but it is uncertain ; and at all events the force
of habitude may bring her back with more influence
than ever. Both the Duke and the Duchess always
used their faculties meekly, and were, consequently,
subject to fewer enmities than generally accompany
such situations.
The ports open to-day on both sides pursuant to
the Treaty, and, from the complication of the busi-
ness and interests, innumerable complaints will arise,
and innumerable explanations will be required. It is
E E 'I
420
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
extremely disagreeable to me to continue the instru-
ment of these irksome and fretful discussions after
having completely done all that my commission
required or me ; but I have not been able yet to
obtain my liberty, though I have long and earnestly
urged it.
Yours affectionately,
Wm. Eden.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, May 11th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — Will you be so good as .to send the
enclosed letter to whatever part of France the Bishop
of Agcle is to be found in. There are, likewise, the
Euripides, Theocritus, and Cicero printed at Oxford,
which are sent to you, and which it is hoped you will
be so good as to forward to this bishop. These books
are a present to him from Lord North, who has com-
missioned me to write a letter and convey the books.
Belin, the bookseller, will give you notice of their
arrival, and will undertake to do whatever you desire.
I beg pardon for giving you this trouble, but, as. it is
for Lord North, it is hoped you will excuse me. I
return you a great many thanks for your two last
letters. As everything is French now, we are
inquisitive about what passes on the other side of the
water. All the Polignacs are arrived, and are much
as you can suppose them to be. They came to
London on Sunday, and of course went to Adhemar's
assembly, where all London went to see them. On
Monday they went to see Mrs. Sicldons, and then
slept at Lord Beauchamp's. On Tuesday, they went
to the opera, Madame de Polignac in the Duchess of
Devonshire's box, Madame de Vaudreuil in Lady
Sefton's, Madame de Guiche in Lady Pembroke's,
Mdlle. la Comtesse in somebody's box that I did not
know, and afterwards to a ball and supper at the
Duchess of Devonshire's. On Wednesday they dined
WILLIAM, PIEST LOED AUCKLAND. 421
at the Duke of Manchester's. To-morrow they go
to Bath. On Wednesday morning, too, they break-
fasted at Carlton House. I suppose they contem-
plated the unfinished works of His Royal Highness.
The house is not, however, in a more unfinished
state than his negotiation. This last week everything
has been settled, and is now again unsettled. Last
Friday Alderman Newnham did not make his motion,
it being unnecessary, and now, as it is said, it is to
be made next Monday. It is generally supposed that
the Prince of Wales has gathered strength by the
delay. He had a great meeting at Carlton House ; a
very fine show of members, and his side of the
question, which was at first only sanguine enough
to imagine that he would have a good handsome
minority, now thinks he will have a decided majority.
Lord Gower is to come in for Staffordshire without
any opposition. Lord Bolingbroke*, for his own and
likewise the happiness of his family, is dead. John
St. John has written a pamphlet about the crown
lands ; it costs half a guinea, which will be an objec-
tion to my buying it. I had rather have a proof
print than essays on forests and chaces. You will
wonder when I tell you that I shall even be able to
apply Mr. Twining's advertisement to some use ; a
collector has various ways of making curiosities ; it
is true, that many things are curiosities to him, which
are not so to the rest of the world ; but you will see
some day or other a tea advertisement in Strutt's
dictionary of engravers. The impeachment against
Mr. Hastings was lodged in the House of Lords
yesterday. Poor Laborde ; I am exceedingly sorry for
him. Be so good as to write a line about Cherbourg.
We are all airojr here to know if the works are
o o
relinquished ; the report here is
" pendent opera interrupta, mintcque
Murorum ingentes." f
* Frederick, second Viscount Bolingbroke. Tlie Hon. John St. John
was his brother.
f JEneid, lib. iv. 1. 88.
E jb3
422
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Fawkener does not talk of going to Florence till
August. He looks very well ; full as well, I think,
as when he was married. Mrs. Eden will be sorry
to hear this. I hope all your children are well. Give
my best compliments, and
Believe me most sincerely yours,
A. Storer.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 423
CHAP. XIII.
Mrs. Fitzlierbert and Mr. Fox. — Bon Mot of George Selwyn. — The
Polignacs at St. Paul's and Stowe. — Mr. Wedgwood's Letter. — The
Duke of Dorset and his Secretary. — The Duke of York. — Lord Shef-
field and Gibbon. — The King and Lord Lansdowne. — Lord Lough-
borough's opinions with respect to France. — Calonne at Bushey. — Lord
George Gordon becomes a Jew. — Trial of Sir Elijah Impey.— Curious
statement of the Solicitor-General. — Great Boxing-match.
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Mr. Eden.
The message relative to the Prince of Wales, which
the papers will detail to you, was received in both
Houses yesterday without a word said upon it. In
ours, as far as I could observe countenances, it seemed
to be thought a necessary measure. Mrs. Fitzherbert's
connections are abusing Fox, I hear, loudly, for having
said more in the Commons than he had authority for,
and commending Sheridan for the handsome things
he said. This is to me very odd, as indeed I thought
1 he panegyric when it was uttered by Sheridan ; for he
had certainly preceded it in the same language with
Fox. She is more received than she was, I think,
and stands more forwards. George Selwyn's appli-
cation of Othello's speech I believe I mentioned to you
before.*
• It was a melancholy sight yesterday to see Hastings
at the bar.f I could not help feeling it, considering
the stations he has stood in, though I know him only
* The Prince and Mrs. Fitzlierbert were living as man and wife.
The Prince persuaded Mr. Fox to deny their marriage in the House of
Commons. George Selwyn said that the Prince's request to Mr. Fox
was conveyed in the language of Othello — " Villain, be sure you prove
my love a !" — Auckland MSS.
■j- Mr. Hustings was called to the bar of the House of Lords on the
11th of May.
E E 4
424 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
as a public man ; in which character, I believe, with
many parts to admire, there are many to disapprove
in him. The general appearance in a very full house
was that of men very indifferent and unconcerned
about what was going on. The talk of the world of late
does not seem to forebode anything very alarming to
him. His appearance was proper, — neither daunted
nor insolent. I don't imagine much, if anything,
likely to be said on the Prince's business to-morrow
beyond the necessary statement. Both parties feel
the ground tender. A shot or two may come from
such a quarter as Rolle, but even that I doubt.
When I make a conjecture, it must often amuse you
to see how improvident it turns out. After all our
impatience to see you here, perhaps your quitting
France in the infancy of the execution of your Treaty
might have been matter of concern to you, when pro-
bably you would have found a hundred things going
wrong in it for want of your presence there.
The Polignacs saw a great deal in London in a
short time. They were at St. Paul's to attend the
choir music the day of the meeting of the charity for
the Sons of the Clergy, on which occasion the eccle-
siastics of all degrees meet the Lord Mayor and alder-
men there. They dined at the London Tavern, I
understand, a galanterie of Lord Nugent's. They
desired to have no foreigners there, nor young English
travellers. It was proposed by d'Adhemar to ask the
Archbishop of Canterbury (probably a joke), but the
decorous Nugent pronounced it indecorous. Their
reception at Stowe was magnificent. They found
rooms well aired and splendidly illuminated, good
cooks, great plenty, and numerous attendants; in
short, they found everything there but the master of
the castle, which you will allow was well understood
and comme il faut.
My love to Mrs. Eden and your infantry. Ours
are all well.
Ever affectionately yours,
J. Cantuar.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 425
P.S. — Ford has been here, and thinks very favour-
ably of Catherine j that her fever will go off imme-
diately.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Bedford Square, 21st May, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I am very sensible of your kind anxiety
about me, though it is mixed with a little sharpness
at my silence. You know how idle a correspondent
1 am in general, and the uniformity of my life has
much increased my old bad habits. I have not stayed
one day in town that was not employed in the business
of my court. I have not been in a public place this
season, nor given a dinner, and I have excused my-
self from most of those that were given. In addition
to these changes I had become a very eager sportsman,
and by all these means I have got exceeding good
health, which has borne me through my accident
without the least cross turn, and I am now upon my
legs again with tolerable ease, instead of being fixed
to my chair for six weeks, which was the shortest
period the surgeons had fixed for my walking again.
You have been in so complete a bustle for some
time that it makes one almost giddy to read of it in
the foreign papers. The changes of scene have been
shifted so suddenly on the stage where you are that
the eye can hardly follow them, and the first article
of open importation seems to have been our politics.
It remains to be seen whether France has taken them
all off our hands and robbed us of the manufacture.
I have heard sometimes, and always with great
satisfaction, of Mrs. Eden and you, from a correspon-
dent of Lady Loughborough's, but I have been so
little abroad that 1 have not met one person of the
numbers arriving from Paris, not even Storer, who
has likewise to accuse my negligence in writing.
Give my best love to Mrs. E. and all her charge,
and believe me,
My dear Eden, yours very truly,
Loughborough.
426
THE C0EEESP0NDENCE OF
The following letter is from General Cuninghame,
an officer of the Royal Household : —
General Cuninghame to Mr. Eden.
St. James's Place, 25th May, 1787.
My dear Sir,- — Yesterday the business of the Prince
of Wales occasioned no remarks whatever, although
it was expected that Mr. Rolle and others were likely
to produce curious conversation, the expectation of
which thronged the drawing-room with members of
Parliament.
On Wednesday Sir Sampson Gideon* gave the most
magnificent ball and supper have seen in this
country,
at least
400 persons were present, and I guess
accommo-
300 sat down to supper, well
dated, and a variety of excellent wines in profusion.
The Prince sat at table with Mrs. Fitzherbert, and all
her particular friends near him ; his attention to her
has been more marked lately than usual. The Duchess
of Cumberland sat at another table, and sent for Mr.
Dundas to sit next to her.
Mr. Pitt has conducted this negotiation with
ability, and to the satisfaction of the Prince, it has,
therefore, in my opinion, been a fortunate event
for him. A Minister, at his time of life, to be on
bad terms with the heir-apparent, was awkward.
I am told the Prince is resolved never again to
quarrel with his father. Yesterday the drawing-room
was fine and crowded as a birth-day. The Prince's
household all kissed hands. I believe no alterations
have been made, unless Hotham's. The Queen and
Princesses seemed delighted, and the King very
cheerful.
I hear, from tolerable authority, that there is the
strongest disposition in Downing Street to do what
may be agreeable to you. You know the Duke of
Rutland directed his friends in Parliament to support
Created in 1789 an Irish peer, with the title of Lord Eardley.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 427
the Prince, and also Lord Lonsdale ; but of these
circumstances you will have better information than
I can give you.
I have just now parted with the Duke of Marl-
borough, who seems perfectly well, excepting the
complaint in his eyes.
You may well believe who know my late situa-
tion, that I must be very happy at getting the 45th
Regiment on the English establishment, and now at
Granada. My brother* is no less so at getting Sir
Joseph York's Dragoons. Some time next month I
propose paying a visit to him.
The report of the Post Office is to be made on
Monday next ; but I am told it will end in no bad
consequences to Lord Carteretf or A. B. Travers.
Hatsell told me the House of Commons will finish
their business on Wednesday next.
I have the honour to be, my dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
James Cuninghame.
P.S. — I met Charles Fox going to Court on Thurs-
day when the drawing-room was almost over. I have
just finished a letter to the Duke of Dorset. I hope
to see his Grace here before I set out for Ireland.
Mr. Wedgwood to Mr. Eden.
Etruria, June 16, 1787.
Dear Sir, — I have deferred writing to you for a
month or two past, in consequence of the reports in
the newspapers that you were expected weekly in
London. I have at length desired Mr. Byerley to
make inquiry, and though some of the papers still fix
your return to the latter end of the present week, the
last day of which is now closing, I find from him that
I must not expect the pleasure of waiting upon you
* General Robert Cuninghame created in 1796 Earl of Rossmore.
t Lord Carteret was joint Postmaster-General. A committee bad
been appointed to investigate the affairs of the Post Office.
428 THE CORRESPOXDENCE OF
for some weeks to come, — for I intend to do myself
that honour on your return to England,
I hope you will be permitted to enjoy a summer's
repose before you embark in the fatigues and embar-
rassments of such another business as that which you
have now so happily concluded. But I find your
labours will again be called forth in the same way,
and I congratulate my country on its having the very
important object of a treaty of commerce with Spain
committed to one who has so recently given universal
conviction of his abilities and unwearied assiduity in
promoting the commercial interests of his country.
A merchant from Bordeaux called upon me a few
days ago, and told me that the people in Manchester,
which place he had left the day before, are a little
disconcerted at finding their goods are to pay duty on
importation into France, not ad valorem, but by weight,
and I am directed by a person in London, who has
bought some goods of me for the French market, to
weigh the packages very accurately, that he may the
easier ascertain the net weight of the goods. I have
sent many packages to Paris and Bordeaux without
this precaution, and hope there will be no occasion
for it.
I have made an engagement with M. Daguerre and
Mr. Sykes at Paris, and mean to serve only those two
in that place. Both these engagements are only for
one year. I take a share of the risk along with M.
Daguerre, and have sent a considerable assortment to
Rouen, which I hope will be with him in a little time.
I have likewise made an exclusive agreement with
Mr. Sykes for the city of Bordeaux, to which place
also I have sent a cargo of goods. I have refused
many other correspondents, and am afraid I shall not
be able to supply these two sufficiently in addition to
my old friends.
I have modelled two bas-reliefs, representing the
commercial treaty with France. One of them consists
of three figures, Mercury as the god of commerce,
uniting the hands of England and France. On the
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 429
other bas-relief is represented the temple of Janus
shut, and the door bolted by two caducei ; Mars in
a violent rage is going to burst the door open with
his spear, but Peace arrests his arm and says, or seems
to say, that the door so bolted is not to be broke
open. I hope you will have received the first pair I
made, which I sent by the diligence for expedition,
desiring M. Daguerre to deliver them to you. When
his cargo arrives, if you see anything you should like
to present to your friends, you know I shall esteem
myself honoured by your acceptance of them.
The Chamber of Manufacturers sleepeth for the
present, but may be awaked at any time when its
services are called for. My late antagonist, Mr.
Walker, has quite lost himself at Manchester, and I
may add through the whole island. I am highly flat-
tered by your approbation of my last answer to him,
which in my own opinion was the wisest and the best
because it was the shortest I had made. I am told
that my conduct has been much approved, at Man-
chester in particular. I rejoice to find that all croak-
ing against the treaty is at an end everywhere, except
now and then a silly paragraph in some of the oppo-
sition papers.
I hope your young family has got safe through the
whooping-cough, that Mrs. Eden's health has not
suffered by the anxiety she must have been under,
and that your own is perfectly re-established.
I will not trouble you any farther now, only to beg
your excuse for so long an epistle, and that you will
believe me, with the highest esteem and gratitude,
Dear Sir,
Your faithful and obedient humble servant,
Jos. Wedgwood.
430
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, June 22nd, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I wrote to } 7 ou last Tuesday, and
sent my letter down to the office, meaning that it
should take its chance of an extraordinary courier to
be sent to you. But as, perhaps, I have not sufficiently
expressed my gratitude to you for your friendly
application in my favour, I cannot help still dwell-
ing on the same subject, and, begging you to accept
every acknowledgment that it is in my power to
make you. Your appointment to the embassy will
become now a matter of more notoriety since Lord
Walsingham has kissed hands for the postmastership.
Till this event took place, he never would confess
that he had relinquished all thought of his journey to
Spain. However improbable it may seem, I do not
think it at all impossible but what I may pay you a
visit in that country. I do not hear whether Lord
Frederick Campbell* has kissed hands, but it is gene-
rally concluded, and it has been so for some time past
that he is to be vice-treasurer of Ireland. To-day a
curious event happened in the City. There appeared
& forged Gazette extraordinary, giving an account of
the march of the French troops into the Low Coun-
tries ; it was soon detected ; but it was most probably
intended to influence the stocks. Whether the belief
of its being authentic continued long enough to have
that effect I don't know, but the contrivance was
ingenious. The stamp, and the house of the printer,
as well as the style of the author, I suppose, were all
happily counterfeited. There has been a great cricket
match, in which Sir Peter Burrell does not as yet
make any considerable figure. Most people are leaving
town, as you may imagine. Lord North is going to
Tunbridge ; but alas ! I am afraid, with no prospect
* Lord Frederick was the third son of John fourth Duke of Argyll,
who married the beautiful Mary Bellenden, maid of honour to Queen
Caroline.
WILLIAM, FIEST LOED AUCKLAND. 431
of ever recovering his eyesight. I hear of a com-
mercial treaty going on with the Pope ; but this is a
great secret, and you must not say a word of my
knowing it ; perhaps, in fact, there is no such thing,
but as I am informed of it as a secret, and as a thing
that really exists, I must not be supposed to have
revealed so important a matter. What do you
think of sending me as Minister Plenipotentiary to
his Holiness ? The gravity of my character will
suit with such a mission perfectly well. I beg you
will not consider it as a joke, but think of it seriously
as a means of providing for me, and at the same time
of procuring me the opportunity of seeing that cele-
brated capital.
Once more let me thank you for this act of friend-
ship which you have shown me.
Give my best compliments to Mrs. Eden, and
believe me, with the greatest truth and sincerity,
Yours, &c.
A. Stoker.
The Duke of Dorset to Mr. Eden.
(Private.) Paris, July 12th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — As I know your activity in interest-
ing matters, I feel sure of hearing from Mr. Pitt in
a very few days. You know what my wishes are, as
well as those of my friends here *, and we none of us
shall be thoroughly satisfied till they are accom-
plished. The Dutch are driving Montmorin very hard,
but nothing will be done for them till the mediation
of England is determined upon, Hailes has brought
me another sketch of his ideas for Lord Carmarthen,
which he said he would not send without my appro-
bation. He sticks to me very close, as the only twig
remaining for him to hold by, and however little his
* Mr. Eden was endeavouring to procure the Garter for the Duke of
Dorset. Marie Antoinette was very anxious that the Duke should
have it.
432
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
conduct to me is worthy of praise, I should be
sorry to have him oppressed, as he has nothing to
depend on but his present situation. Your children
are all well at Seve. Storer called there yesterday
evening. The Queen and the Polignacs go to Trianon
the 25th of this month. We have not a great many
English here at present. The Montmorins dine with
me next Tuesday. The Baron de Breteuil has got a
severe fit of the gout. The King is confoundedly
out of humour with his Parliament. I have no other
news but what I have written to Lord Carmarthen.
I have received three or four complaints from Eng-
lish merchants from Dunkirk and Rouen. Pray get
Crawford sent as soon as possible.
I beg my compliments to Mrs. Eden.
I am, most truly and sincerely yours,
Dorset.
Mr, Hugh Elliot to Mr. Eden.
Copenhagen, 16th July, 1787.
My dear Eden, — I am much obliged to you for
two successive short letters from Paris, and I
consider Catherine's enclosure as a full confirmation
of the prevalent report that you have already accepted
the Spanish Embassy. May you meet with as great
success in that undertaking as you have done in your
first diplomatic achievement.
It would ill become me to add either my approba-
tion or dislike to a measure with the nature of which
I am not competently informed, but I have sufficient
faith in your judgment, both as public man and
private individual, to allow myself to doubt of the
propriety of the motives which have determined you
to cross the Pyrenees with your numerous family.
Convinced that you have rendered a reciprocal service
to Great Britain and France, that you have prepared
the happiness and prosperity of future generations in
those two rival nations, that you have raised the only
possible barrier against war and all its miseries, I
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 433
dare not regret that you risk much personal comfort
in applying once more those talents with which you
are so peculiarly gifted to give still greater efficacy
to that system by extending its effects to the next
powerful branch of the House of Bourbon. I trust
our foreign transactions are consistent, and that we
do not thwart our own negotiations in one quarter
by a line of conduct diametrically opposite in another,
though I confess I cannot entirely dismiss suspicions
of the bad effects which may ensue from the unquiet
and restless bustle of Harris, if he really possesses a
degree of influence equal to what is supposed. It is
the universal belief of the ignorant, of whom I am one,
that our conduct in Holland is direct and avowed
opposition to the House of Bourbon, whilst it appears
probable to many that our aim in that quarter might
be obtained by a less violent display of the old system
of jealousy, and by an amicable and frank negotiation
with those you are leaving. But all this you must
know better than anybody, and therefore I persuade
mj'self that your acceptance of the Spanish mission is
a sure prognostic of the probability that public tran-
quillity will not be disturbed. Once more then I
assure you that not only my warmest wishes for your
success will accompany you to Madrid, but that I
thoroughly approve of this arduous and distant em-
ployment of your natural abilities and acquired
talents. May my dear Eleanor and her children
carry health, happiness, and every blessing along
with them.
H. Elliot.
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Air. Eden.
Beckenliam*, Aug. 15tb, 1787.
Having at last finished the business I was engaged
in for N. Scotia, we have turned our backs upon the
great city, and enjoy the repose, the sweetness, the
verdure, and all the comforts of Beckenham most
* The Archbishop was residing in Mr. Eden's house.
VOL. I. F !
434
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
exceedingly, — except George and Charles, the first of
whom is now with Mr. Griffith at his living near
Brighthelmstone, the other with Morton at Broad-
stairs. We are all here, with the addition of Duley.
Charles is said to have spoken well.* It was part of
one of Tally's orations against Antony. I have
heard much praise from the King, and a fair portion
from others. The person I can most rely on for his
judgment and accurate account, says that he began
much embarrassed, but recovered himself completely
after about ten lines, that he spoke very sensibly, and
that his voice is distinct, strong, and harmonious. He
spoke much like a gentleman, says the gentlemanlike
Dr. Davies. Our weather is pleasant, but not hot.
The Duke of Dorset was not arrived when I left
London ; and as, when he does come, he will not
stay in London, my only chance of meeting him is at
court. On that occasion I shall be as civil as I can.
You are very kind to write, for we certainly have
great pleasure in every line from you or from Mrs.
Eden ; but don't think me unreasonable on that
point, for with your engagements it is a most un-
fair thing to expect frequent letters from you, and I
really do not. When you went away I thought your
errand extremely embarrassing and critical on many
accounts.
A visit from Rose on the Nova Scotia business
on Monday last, suggested to me that, without seem-
ing too curious to know how you went on, I might
pick up something from him. He saved me all
trouble on the subject by starting it himself. " Mr.
Eden is going on wonderfully well — a most efficient
and pleasant man in business, etc. etc. ; everybody is
satisfied and more than satisfied." The Duke of York
does not come up to the expectations I had formed
in his personal appearance. It is like that of any
other young officer you meet, neither Vair noble nor
militaire. He stoops much, which I never saw in a
* At Eton.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 435
German officer before, and therefore I wonder, be-
cause he has been living with German officers. It
is a misfortune that he has had no superior to look
up to. You will see by the papers that his establish-
ment is settled ; of course one supposes him to stay a
good deal in England. He seems to be very shy and
diffident. I hear nothing said decidedly of a royal visit
to Blenheim. The idea seems to have arisen from its
having been said last year that the King and Queen
meant to repeat their visit, joined to the circumstance
of a good deal lately done, and a sort of gala barge
having been lately built there.
Lord Sheffield to Mr. Eden.
Sheffield Place, August 22nd, 1787.
" And so it is that some people serve their
country." Yes ; and without certain statements the
country would not have been convinced on a certain
question ; but le grand milord Sheffieldt likes very
much to know what is said of his opinions in foreign
parts, and is very thankful for the communication.
I immediately enclosed the paper on dyeing, &c.,
with patterns, to Sir Joseph Banks. He is both
attentive and intelligent on such subjects. I have
not yet his answer.
The assertion of the Parliament of Paris that the
. Commercial Treaty is a bad thing for France may be
true in many points, although the true friends of this
country have shown that it will be pernicious to this
country. Lest you should forget that you are
mortal, it is proper to assure you that the export to
France is not considerably increased. I went to
London for a few days to conduct the Gibbon to this
place. I saw but few people there ; but some, and
those not inconsiderable, supposed you had not the
least intention of ever going to Spain. It was too
sublime for me. The Gibbon is settled here till
winter ; he will reside witli us in Downing Street in
winter and spring. The three quartos will appear in
r f 2
436
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
the spring, but as to remaining in this country, he
has not the slightest notion of it. He wrote a note
to Cadell, saying he hoped he would think the three
younger of equal merit with the elder brothers, and
equally valuable, and thus the bargain was imme-
diately concluded. He laments very much that he
did not arrive before your visit to this place. I have
not yet succeeded in infusing a proper political zeal
into him.
My lady had great satisfaction in Mrs. Eden's very
obliging recollection and attention to her. The bon-
net is in great, repute.
Lord North has not been so well as he was when I
saw him ; he is better, and the Gibbon and I intend
to see him soon.
Just as I was concluding, your interesting frag-
ment on the banishment of the Parliament* arrived.
The Gibbon and I received it very greedily, gra-
ciously, and gratefully ; at least I did ; and it im-
mediately furnished us with a good subject. Con-
sidering the disposition towards liberality and bustle
on the Continent, it is not clear that the constitution
of France will remain exactly what it has been. I
shall impatiently send to my acquaintance, Mr.
Sneyd, for the Boston wool, on the 27th, on the day
you mention. I am well pleased to hear of the letter
from the Emperorf to the Stadtholder. I expect Lord
Loughborough here.
Yours ever,
Sheffield,
General Cuninghame to Mr. Eden.
St. James's Place, August 28th, 1787.
My dear Sir, — I congratulate you most sincerely
upon your appointment to your embassy J, which
gives general satisfaction.
I am extremely obliged to you for your letter of the
* The Parliament of Paris had been banished to Troyes by Louis XVI.
f The Emperor Joseph. \ The Spanish Embassy.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 437
25th instant, with the proces verbal. The lace I shall
convey to Mrs. Cuninghame as you have directed ;
and Lord Grantham's late servants shall be sent to,
as you desire. Our eternal court-martial is likely to
continue long, and takes up all my spare time. My
brother says Orde is on his way to England ; if he
does not recover he thinks the Duke of Rutland will
not remain in Ireland. General Pitt and the Secre-
tary are on the worst terms, and both cannot con-
tinue in Ireland. Their quarrel impedes the public
business.
I saw the Duke of Dorset often when he was in
town. His Grace seems perfectly satisfied with your
good disposition towards him. I presume upon this
combustion in France he will return from Canterbury
races. I wish you would let me know if he is to
return to France soon, or if there is likely to be a
necessity for it. Some say the Lady and he are
likely to part, and that Lord Pembroke has got
possession, but of this I know only from report. On
Saturday last they began buying at 74^,, and in an
hour's time the stocks fell 2 per cent,, upon the idea
of the Lmperor's joining France, and that the affairs
of Holland had taken a very hostile turn. Yesterday
the stocks did not vary, but the public became more
apprehensive of war than ever. My friend Lord Lans-
downe makes his appearance frequently in town ; some
say he was with the King, and that from that time
Mr. Pitt* took up the Stadtholder's cause with much
spirit and energy, which sent the Marquis back to
the country, disclaiming connection with Ministers.
I shall be curious to know when you are likely to get
forward to Spain. Beresford is returned to Ireland.
The Duke of Rutland is galloping about the country,
and the Duchess has resumed all her beauty in
London. The Duke of York quite military, and is
liked. He appears every day on the parade. Make
* Mr. Pitt at first was disinclined to risk a war on account of Holland.
f r 3
438 THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
my best respects acceptable to Mrs. Eden, wishing
you all possible success and happiness.
I am, my dear Sir,
Yours most sincerely,
Jas. Cuninghame.
Mr. Storer to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, Sept. 9th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I arrived last ni°;ht in town from
Tunbriclge Wells, where I have been for the second
time since you left England.
As you observe, our country is perfectly quiet at
present. There is no agitation but what France
communicates. If we have any motion, it is par
bricole.
Your friends Lord Sheffield and Gibbon were at
Tunbridge on Wednesday, and dined at Lord North's.
Sir Robert Herries* brought us the news in his way
from Paris of the advancement of the Archbishop de
Toulouse, and the resignation of M. Castries and M.
de Segur. As one devoted to the loyal party, you
may fancy this a feu de paille ; but as an English-
man who loves a little mischief in France, and as
one, too, who likes a splendid spectacle, I wish that
this flame, which the Parliament have kindled, may
prove a more durable one. His Most Christian Ma-
jesty seems perfectly in the right to have chosen a
Governor. His dismission of Calonne has fully con-
vinced me that he stands in need of one. Calonne lives
in Panton's old house in Piccadilly. He expects his
two nieces, as it is said, shortly in England.
Lord Beauchamp went abroad about ten days ago,
and he was advised by M. de Ptochambeau to go
through Holland in his way to Spa.
Old Cumberlandf, who came to Tunbridge last
Wednesday, and was of the party who dined at Lord
North's, told us that in London people supposed
* The banker.
t Richard Cumberland, the dramatist.
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 439
there would be no war. I give you his report, for I
arrived in town late last night, and as yet, have not
been out of my house — nay, not even out of my bed,
having had the whole morning a violent headache.
Gibbon has finished his history ; he has brought it
down to the taking of Constantinople, and now he
says that he shall lay down his pen, having blotted
paper enough.
The man's name to whom the Bishop of Agde's
books were sent, is Belin ; he lives upon the Quay,
with the other booksellers, and very near the Pont au
Change.
Give my best compliments to Mrs. Eden, and,
hoping that all your children are well, I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
A. Stoker.
Lord Loughborough to Mr. Eden.
Woburn Farm, Sept. 12th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — I remained in Yorkshire much longer
than I had proposed, and had no letters sent down to
me, so that I only read yours on my return to this
place the night before last.
The letter I wrote to you on the circuit has never
been out of my portfolio, for your departure (of
which I had an account at Windelstone) had put it
out of all date, the chief part of it being an argument
against your returning so soon to the continent. I
thought it would be of consequence to you to see a little
more of the state of things at liomethan you would know
by distant communications. Your letter is an answer
to the other part of my intended letter, which was a
reasoning against your crossing the Pyrenees. That
seems to be understood as a condition annexed to the
letter written to you the morning before you set out.
I read with great eagerness the French news in the
"Leyden Gazette," and am much entertained to find
that the commotions France has been raising in other
countries are come home to her own bosom. The
F F 4
440
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
Parliament is in the right, and I take the principle it
has asserted to be true in the history of Imperial
French monarchy, though the usage of many reigns is
against it. The public creditors would be gainers by
the establishment of the power of the States-General
to grant ; for then it would follow that they could
appropriate, and could also limit the expenses of the
King. The principle, however, is new in practice,
and the direct avowal that, by the constitution of
France, no taxes can be imposed without the consent
of the States, is not to be found (I believe) in any
public act for the two last centuries. It will not be
easy to efface that declaration ; and I should not
think, with the courtiers, that a fire kindled with
such materials will prove a feu de faille. The change
of the ministry is not likely to help to smother it. I
should be much obliged to you for any of the papers
in this contest that fall in your way.
My servant tells me that the wine cooper says the
claret you were so good as to let me have, is the high-
est flavoured of any he has tasted, but recommends
it to be kept some time. If you should chance to
meet at Bordeaux (in case you go there) with wine
that has been long bottled, I should be very glad to
share a little of it. The money shall be paid to Drum-
mond's immediately.
My best love to Mrs. Eden and all the nursery.
Believe me, my dear Eden,
Yours very affectionately,
Loughborough.
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Mr. Eden.
Lambeth House, Sept. 21st, 1787.
The wetness of the weather brought us to town
yesterday, after having enjoyed the quiet and comfort
of Beckenham five weeks. Perhaps I was the more
decided to come by the present critical state of things,
which it was impossible not to feel interested in to a
degree that would not allow one to be quite easy at a
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 441
distance. You know so much better than I do what
is going on here, that I will not touch the subject
further than to observe, that, from some things I have
heard, I suspect Grenville to have imbibed, while in
Holland, rather too much of the heat of Sir James's *
politics ; that his Grace of Richmond still has rather
too much ardour for war ; and th#t they being almost
the only persons whom Mr. Pitt has to confer with at
present, it is but too natural that his mind may take
a bias, under such circumstances, of high tone, which
to the mind of a young man is always congenial. A
vast deal seems to me to depend on your stay in
France : perhaps war or no war may depend upon it.
All things considered, there are circumstances to make
you wish your recall, but I think infinitely more for
not wishing it. They must see that you can't pro-
ceed after October to Spain ; if, therefore, you are so
late detained for public considerations, the consequence
is plain that you must not go this winter, which, as
your mother is not here to hear me, I may venture to
say I am ready to vote for, even should it be added, nor
the next.
The Chancellor and Lord Stafford seem to take
their journey, in obedience to the summons to Cabi-
net, with a very dignified deliberation. They are not
come yet, for which I should feel very indignant
if I felt they would have much to say to the purpose
when they do come. In a moment when so much
rests upon the Cabinet, it is a sad thing not to know
to whom to look for what is essential to wise discus-
sion and determination in it. One sees in parts of it
sufficient obstinacy, and in others perfect indecision.
There is, too, an honourable mind, a fine understand-
ing, with a disposition prompt enough to decide, but
without experience, or, I fear, accurate knowledge suili-
cient of the true temper of other countries. After all
my fears of war, I am not for buying peace at too high
a price neither: to give France possession of Holland
* Sir Jamed Ilarrib.
442
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF
is not a plan of mine. But to take a step, or let go
an unmeasured expression, beyond what is necessary
to prevent that, seems full of essential mischief.
Adieu.
Yours ever, J. C.
Mr. fetor er to Mr. Eden.
Golden Square, Oct. 5th, 1787.
Dear Eden, — Out of charity let us on this side the
water know a little of what is passing on yours, — I
shall hold myself under a great obligation to your
Excellency. This is not the first time that you have
had a risht to that title, therefore there is no charm
in it, nor can I flatter myself by using it, that I shall
gain much. We ignorant folks out of secrets, as well
as out of employment, know not what to conclude by
admirals and ambassadors kissing hands at the same
time, except it means to say that we are to treat sword
in hand. Lord Howe appears in white uniform, and
then the Duke of Dorset kisses hands and sets off di-
rectly for France ; and I hear you are departing im-
mediately for Spain. Wherever you go I wish you
well ; but not to lose sight of countercharges, Bar-
thelemi, too, delivers, or is rather to deliver, his cre-
dentials to-day; and yet we are told that a war is
inevitable. I own I was flattering myself that as his
Most Christian Majesty was giving way to his Par-
liament, he might as well do so by us, and give way
a little more. The war is very popular — no opposi-
tion from any quarter is made to it. The alliance of
the Dutch, and the decided superiority Great Britain
will derive to herself from it, strikes everybody in its
full force. Will not our unanimity, and the dissen-
sions in France, added to the deranged state of their
finances, operate at all to make his Eminence of Tou-
louse give up the Dutch, notwithstanding the repre-
sentations of the Minister of Foreign affairs. Calonne
says the French will not go to war, except Great
Britain forces them into one. I am told by a spy at
WILLIAM, FIRST LORD AUCKLAND. 443
court, that a great personage*, who knows a good deal
of modern history, thinks that there will be no war, but
all the same it is said he wishes it. The French Mi-
nister here, as well as other wise politicians, think,
that had it not been for Calonne's publication of the
French finances, England would not have taken up
this business in so high a tone as she has done. So
much for politics.
Pray let me hear from you before you set out for
Spain. Give my best compliments to Mrs. Eden, and
tell her that while I was Tunbridge I flattered myself
with being able to give her an account, and an early
one, of a match between Mr. Vyner and Lady
Theodosia Ashburnham, but, notwithstanding all his
flirtation, he went into Lincolnshire without saying a
word. If this did not disappoint the lady, at least it
did me, and I take it for granted disappoints Mrs. Eden
too. Adieu. I am, with the greatest regard,
Yours most sincerely,
A. Storer.
P.S. — When you are Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs I will L. I. M M
530 ILLUSTRATIONS.
tioned in this and my former despatch are agreed to, the best
effect may be expected from the joint mediation of the three
Courts ; provided the great obstacle, which at present sub-
sists, is removed, by procuring a satisfactory reparation to the
King of Prussia, without which there is no possibility of
restoring tranquillity. It is impossible to say how far events
may have already taken place to make this no longer a sub-
ject of negotiation ; but if that should not be the case, and if
the Court of France can yet prevail upon their friends in
Holland to offer such satisfaction as the King of Prussia
can in honour accept, His Majesty will be sincerely desirous
to see this point amicably arranged.
From everything I have said respecting the several points
of negotiation, you will perceive how nearly the principles
laid down conform to the language which you have reported
to have been at different times held by M . de Montmorin ;
and I trust this circumstance will convince the French
Court how sincerely His Majesty's ministers are desirous to
take every practicable step for affecting an amicable settle-
ment ; at the same time that it is become their indispensable
duty to prepare for a contrary event. I have not thought
it necessary to take notice of such expressions related in
your despatch as might seem to imply a charge of insincerity
against this Court. The French minister must, however, be
sensible how little foundation there is for such a charge.
The consistency and purity of His Majesty's conduct is
sufficiently evinced by the bare reference to what has passed,
and (whatever may be the issue of the present discussion)
His Majesty's ministers wish to avoid any mixture of warmth
or asperity.
I am, with great truth and regard, Sir, your most obedient
humble servant,
Carmarthen.
P.S. — I have just received your despatches, Nos. 82, 83,
84, by Flint.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
531
The following is a list of the French navy procured by
Mr. Eden for Mr. Pitt :—
ETAT DE LA MARINE FRANCAISE.
Paris, ce 18 octobre 1787
Vaisseaux de Ligne.
A Brest.
Canons.
Canons.
Les 'fitats de Bourgogne
118
Le Citoyen .... 74
La Bretagne
110
Le Diademe
74
Le Royal Louis .
110
LTllustre
74
Le Terrible
110
Le Magnanime
74
LTnvincible
110
Le Northumberland
74
Le Majestueux .
110
Le Neptune
74
L'Auguste .
80
Le Sceptre .
74
Le St. Esprit
80
La Superbe .
74
Le Languedoc
80
Le Zele
74
Le Due de Bourgogne
80
Le Temeraire
, 74
Les Deux Freres
80
L'Argonaute
74
LAmerique .
. 74
Le Patriote .
. 74
L'Hercule .
. 74
La Ferme .
74
Le Pluton .
. 74
Le Leopard .
. 74
L'Achille .
. 74
La Victoire .
. 74
Le Brave
. 74
Le Reflechi
. 64
A RoCHErORT.
La Marseillaise .
. 74
La Provence . . .64
Le Protecteur
. 74
Le Triton .
. 64
Le Genereux
. 74
Le Brillant
64
L'Orion
. 74
Le St. Michel
. 60
LTmpetueux
74
Le Sagittaire
, 50
L'Apollon. .
74
LAmphion .
. 50
L'Aquilon
74
LAnnibal .
. 50
Le Sophin .
64
A L'Orient.
L'Audacieux
74
Le Tourville ... 74
Le Fougueux
74
L'Entreprenant ... 74
Le Boree .
74
A Toulon.
Le Destiu .
74
Le Centaur .... 74
Le Suflisant
74
LTIeureux .
74
Le Puissant
74
Le Mercure
74
Le Dictateur
74
Le Heros
74
Le Conquerant
74
Le Dugue Trouin
74
Le Penseur .
74
Le Souverain
74
Le Guerrier
74
Le Triomphant .
80
L'Alude
74
La Couronne
80
Jl M 2
00
n
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Nota. — II y a encore a, Toulon en construction un vaisseau de 118
canons, qui se nommera, a ce qu'on croit, La Ville de Paris, et un
de 74.
II y a aussi en construction a Brest 2 vaisseaux de 74.
Frigates.
A Brest.
Canons.
Canons.
La Resolution
, .
44
L'Lmeraude
du 12
26
La Consolante
du 18
26
L'Engageante
id.
26
La Nymphe
id.
26
La Fine
id.
26
La Venus .
id.
26
La Felicite .
id.
26
La Proserpine
id.
28
LTphigenie
id.
26
La Penelope
id.
28
La Galathee
id.
26
La Danae .
du 12
26
La Gentille .
id.
26
L'Amazone .
id.
26
La Gloire
id.
26
L'Amphitrite
id.
26
La Resolue .
id.
26
L'Astree
id.
26
La Zemond .
id.
26
L'Atalante .
id.
26
La Surveillante .
id.
26
La Bellone .
id.
26
L'Active
du9
26
La Cleopatre
id.
26
L'Aigrette .
du.8
26
La Calypso .
id.
26
A Roci
[EFORT.
La Pomone .
du 18
26
L'Andromaque
du 12
26
La Gracieuse
12
26
La Courageuse
id.
26
La Fleur de Lys
id.
26
La Nereide .
id.
26
La Ceres
id.
26
La Railleuse
id.
26
L'Harmonie
id.
26
La Flore
id.
26
La Medee .
id.
26
La Guadeloupe
du 9
24
La Fee
id.
26
A L'(
)rient.
La Meduse .
du 18
28
La Didon .
du 12
28
La Driade .
12
28
La Capricieuse
id,
26
A T<
5UL0N.
La Minerve
du 18
26
La Serieuse.
du 12
26
La Turon .
id.
26
La Precieuse
id.
26
L'Iris
12
26
La Montreal
id.
26
La Lieste .
id.
26
La Sultane
id.
26
La Vestale .
id.
26
L'Aurore
id.
26
La Frissonne
id.
26
La Mignonne
id.
26
La Lutine .
id.
26
Cor
A E
La Plei'ade .
vettes.
REST.
id.
26
La Blette
du 6
20
Le Vautour
du 6
20
La Blonde .
id.
20
La Ceres
id.
20
ILLUSTRATIONS.
y o O
ooo
A Rociiefort.
Le Rossignol
La Fauvette
La Perdrix .
Le Tourtereau .
Le David .
Canons.
du6 20
id. 20
id. 20
id. 20
id. 20
Le Chien de Chasse
Le Storrnond
L' Hypocrite
4 autres corvettes de
Canons.
du 6 18
id. 1 8
id. 18
20
A Toulon.
La Fleche .
La Semillante
La Badine . ,
La Brune .
La Poulette
du 6 18
id. 18
id. 18
id. 18
id. 18
La Sardine .
La barque l'Eclair
Le brick la Suzanne
Le brick le Gersant
du 6 14
18
. 14
•
Flottes.
La Desiree.
La Fille Unique.
Le Perou.
Le Dauphin Royal.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
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