L30/14/176/3

Sent from St. James's Square 19 November 1771, received 10 December:

1771

From: 1771 To: 1771

Apologises for not writing sooner because of hectic social life. Received at St James's magnificently. Relayed information about Grantham to the 1st Lord of the Treasury and Secretary; "you know they do not love hearing these things but I must do them justice to say they admitted the truth of your arguments". Harris feels hurt about his "successor", although I fancy soon, very soon indeed, I shall make room for him". Mentions "an affair which I fear will give you some trouble", but "let it take what turn it will I am certain you must gain credit by it". "Among the female part of this nation I have as yet met enough which has tempted me to give up my old inclinations, or assume new ones. I have notwithstanding seen most of the beautys you mention'd to me, Lord Hartford's daughters, Lord Hillsborough's and many more yet I have wish'd to obtain nothing from them but their pictures, which if well painted would appear full as much animated as their persons - their eyes have no speculation in them and their arms are as if they were just taken down from the Cross; I do not love a lewd and profligate woman, but I own I can neither admire or deal with these very insipid nymphs...". Introductions to Court included Vyse and Beckford (presented by Sir James Gray), Moustier and several other French officers. Many people asking after Grantham, including Lords Pelham and Gower, Mr Draper, Lord Rochford, Mr and Mrs Reehs, Lady Pembroke. Lady Payne "who is gone to the Caribee Islands, and the Fox just returned from the Continent. Your brother too is remembered... by all Lincolns Inn and the Temple". "It will scarce be worth my while to be admitted at Brookes as I shall begin a fresh banishment probably longer than the last". Madame de Bejur's house alterations. Grantham has had a cold and rheumatism. "Your Court decorated with its new ribbands will appear as like that of France as possible, as the colour is blue, and as the star differs only by containing the immaculate conceived instead of the immaculate conceiver". Sends compliments to Madame Valdecabjana, mentions Munro and Amaz. Has "perhaps very sillily refused a fine woman... I would never consent to see her with a reversionary fortune of £40,000... I mean never to sport wantonly with my own happiness or that of other people".

item

Harris,
Hartford,
Hillsborough,
Vyse,
Beckford,
Grey, James,
Moustier,
Pelham,
Gower,
Draper,
Rochford,
Reehs,
Pembroke,
Payne,
Fox,
de Bejur,
Munro,
Valdecabjana