L30/14/314/3

From Sir James Porter, Ham, Surrey to 2nd Baron Grantham:

24 Oct 1774

From: 1774 To: 1774

Acknowledges Grantham's letter of 1 October. Porter experienced Grantham's situation for 15 years and from the sixth to the 15th year "constantly solicited" his return; feels he went too young [and in a sense became out of sight out of mind], hopes this will not be his Lordships case, sure it cannot be due to his established connections, situation and station in life etc... Assumes Grantham has heard the rumour [of his succeeding Holdam see L30/14/314/2]. Goes on to praise Grantham's "stock of knowledge" etc..., expresses great concern about all ranks of men in present generation and the next. Spaniards he met at Vienna and other places reserved at first but ultimately prove to be "open conversible and men of honor". "We had a nursery of the several provinces of Spain who foiled the fortunes of Ch. the IIId at Vienna, we must take mankind as they are and make the most of them". Russian Peace a surprise, [goes on to convey at length his views on the situation elaborating on some of the content of L30/14/314/2]. Comments on tactics, compares them with a similar situation in 1762 "at the very spot of the last scene of action", with the Vizier posted in an "unattackable camp at Schumalu on the side of the mountains towards the Danube, he set a good Corps of troops to defend the passes, these blockheads instead of lining them and covering them at the very entrance, went out to meet the avant garde of the Russians, were beaten and as they generally do all ran away, the passes free, the Russians kept them, cut off all their convoys starv'd their army, these all dispersed and the poor Vizier was left with 14000 ragamuffins". Mentions Montecuruilly's [?] memoirs. Details of the Peace not known but they [Russians] are to have three ports in the Crimea two of which will hold any navy in Europe particularly Fanicale[?]. Mention of Russia's "great card to play to get the better of Pugatschoff's[?] rebellion". News which "pray hear from the public or others before you mention it from me" that the Emporer has entered the Turkish territories and is taking part of Moldavia to join it with Transilvania and extend as far as Chotim[?n], that fortress included, by agreement with the Poste. Makes for a formidable arrondiseement for his new acquisitions in Poland." Comments on "his Maj" taking possession of a district possessed by the Venetians in Dalmatia to which he says they have no right. The Republicks ambassador says they know nothing of the matter. Brief mention of his tour with his two eldest children. Lord Bessbro[Bessborough?] called twice in his absence, has met with him once at Rowhampton, his nephew is taking an "extraordy. line herding with all the low ragamuffins in the Kingdom introduced by that vagrant the scum of human nature Wickes[?] [deleted in letter] and sitting upon that stinking foundation for Westminster". Porter expresses a "paroxysm of gravel to mark him down with a vote". Lord Camden calls sometimes; has been ill "disappointment often demolishes the animal as many remember the scene at Tom Walpoles". Frinwell [?Trinwell] is in for Lyn, his brother for Yarmouth. Porter lives with very worthy Oxford men, Baron Alvensleben the Kings first Minister for his [?] affairs, also General Carpenter and Lord Suffolk from Bushey. A friend in Town is the Lord Chancellor. Intends to see Prince Massarano. Lord Mansfield’s. journey was simply to show himself and visit a nephew, no hidden agenda. Lord Camden has visited last two or three years. Remembers a colleague of Grantham's, Mr. Massin, well, very complimentary about him. The elections "have succeeded beyond expectation", no doubt of a Parliament to support Government effectually. Dissolution of old Parliament wise "saves drunkenness, riot and expence and will strengthen the Kings hands in the American affairs, these stand with dullness and obstinancy but no commotion or violence..." comments on "general congress" mentions Glle [?Grenville] if he "had been a wise man it would never have been begun..." Letter from Count Vergennes mentioned. "If your Lordship does not give me a left handed blessing in reading this letter you must exceed Socrates and all the stoicks in patience". "I went 40 miles with a quarry in me to knock down the pritty sweet Sir Joe Mawbey he sung himself to all the freeholders of this County but like the swan his dirge, after two years labour and expence and quitting the borough of Southwark, two days before the Election starts up my little friend Scawen. I fear'd for him measures were ill taken, however the popular lad with infamous Wilks at his heels was knock'd down at once, and is now on the stool of folly & repentance." George Onslow has given up County and Parliament. Worsley write from Hovingham. Draper full of rheumatism. Waits on Miss Robinson.

item

Holdam,
Bessborough,
Wickes,
Camden,
Walpole, Thomas,
Alvensleben,
Carpenter,
Suffolk,
Mansfield,
Massin,
Grenville,
Vergennes, de,
Mawbey, Joseph,
Scawen,
Wilks,
Onslow, George,
Worsley,
Draper,
Robinson

Russia, Crimea