L30/14/315/7

From Beilby Porteus, Lambeth to 2nd Baron Grantham:

4 Feb 1774

From: 1774 To: 1774

Mr. Waddilove visited soon after he arrived at Whitehall. Grantham and [Frederick] Robinson well in Madrid. Brought a reminder from Grantham that Porteus "in debt on the score of correspondence". Long explanation of why and an apology. Glad things going well in Madrid, he censures Grantham for becoming so acceptable to the `natives' and thus possibly protracting his residence in Spain. Mentions a predecessor Sir Benjamin Keene who stayed a long time. Porteus thought this example may have deterred Grantham. "This winter promises to be a rich one in literary productions". Mr. Jacob Bryant's `a New System or an Analysis of ancient Mythology' in two volumes Quarto has already appeared; Porteus will review for Grantham this and, Mr. Mason's `Life of Gray' in Press at York, Wharton's History of Poetry, two volumes of the late Lord Lyttleton's works, Robertson's History of America and Macpherson's History of England from the Restoration to the Death of George I. Description of Bryant's career, fellow of Kings etc... "supposed to have read as much Latin and Greek as any Man in Europe". His latest researches are on the earliest Ages of the World etc... First two volumes only a part of his intended work. [Long and detailed resume of the work follows concluding with] "Throughout the whole he brings many astonishing proofs in confirmation of the Mosaic Account & it appears from the clearest evidence that everything which that Sacred Historian has advanced literally true. To us who are apt to think that there is some Truth in the Bible it is...no small satisfaction to see it's Authority vindicated by the testimony of a Layman, who is undoubtedly one of the first Scholars in Europe; at a time too, when such shallow Writers as Voltaire, D'Alembert, Diderot & others of that respectable school are everyday nibbling & pecking at the sacred volumes, however, God be thanked they find a little too hard for their teeth though they are somewhat of the sharpest...". Several engravings in book e.g. the marriage of Eros and Psyche (Love & the Soul) From Duke of Marlborough's collection. Plate engraved by Bartolozzi from a drawing of Cipriani. Mason's `Life of Gray' will contain all of Gray's published work, several fragments from amongst his papers connected together by a narrative of his life and work. ‘History of Poetry’ thought to be a subject Gray once intended to write upon. Mr. Wharton, Late Professor of Poetry at Oxford has taken up and almost completed the work. Lord Lyttleton's volumes will contain already published works plus a few speeches in Parliament, also, gleanings of his bureau consisting of many trifling things which he wrote when very young and never meant to publish. Concerning Robertson's History, Porteus doubts not that Grantham will contribute a good deal [see L30/14/331/1-6]. Macpherson in possession of Mr. Carter's papers which Lord Hardwicke gave £200 to read and which are extracts from memoirs of James II in the Scotch College at Paris. Also has original letters which passed betwixt the Hanovers and Heads of Whig & Tory party in England under Queen Anne; bought for 27 shillings by Mr. Duane [?Matthew Duane] a great antiquary. Another new work, publishing by subscription, contains copper plate engravings and descriptions of Palaces, Castles, Churches etc...in England. A short history of each is added by the author Grose [?Francis Grose]. Mr. Stephens, formerly Fellow-Commoner of Kings, in conjunction with Dr. Johnson has recently published a new Edition of Shakespear. Has followed plan pointed out by Mr. Farmer in his essay `the Learning of Shakespear' i.e. read everything written. Stephen's has thrown light on obscure passages and has "visible superiority" over commentators before him. Great question of Literary Property comes on by appeal before the House of Lords tomorrow: "whether an author (or the bookseller who claims under him by purchase) has a perpetual and exclusive right to the property & sale of his works by common law; or only for the term of 14 [?] years as granted by Patent by the Act of Queen Anne". Bishops Warburton and Law have written pamphlets each stating opposing sides of the argument at present between English and Scottish booksellers. Broader discussion in letter. "Our Great beauty of Cambridge" Miss Thomas married Mr. Parry a Welsh Gentleman about six weeks ago. Married at Palace by Archbishop. Match approved. Parry has fortune and fine house in Denbighshire etc... Grantham's letters to Cambridge, with the Spanish translation of Sallust, highly spoken of. University resolved to answer it in form by University Orator hence delay in answering [see end of letter - misinformed]. Refers to Grantham's previous letter containing description of all his residences in Spain and the times of year he resides in them. Currently at the Pardo "strolling amongst the stunted Evergreen Oaks, or perhaps fast asleep under them". Porteus would rather be there "enjoying the genial mildness of a Spanish Climate" instead of present frost and snow. "If you will make me Archbishop of Toledo I will absolutely come & reform you all" otherwise send some evergreen oak to improve the Sitio [residence] at Hunton, one already there thrives". Hopes packet of books sent, received safely. Concerning Dr. Beattie [essay sent], King has given a pension of £200 a year. Essay in printing at a subscription of one Guinea to raise money to settle on his wife in case of accident. Montagne manages subscription, Porteus subscribes & everyone he knows. Asks to be informed what Mr. Shadwell sends in order not to duplicate as with `Letters of Poland'. Will send parcel including Asylum Sermon last year, Archbishops Cornwallis and North present. Presently in waiting at St. James';, next Sunday preach before King. Queen confined to her house same as last year at this time. Read prayers to her last Sunday. Pays visits to Mrs. Stainforth, bad cold at last visit. Called on Miss Robinson yesterday. Looked well. Hasn't seen Miss Parker, [Grantham’s sister]. Porteus' sisters well, currently in York. Waddilove to call upon them. Glad that Grantham has acquired Topcliffe living for Waddilove. Refers to a promise at Grantham's to meet him [Porteus] at Newby next time he visits. Misinformed about answer from Cambridge - Vice Chancellor [?] to reply not Orator. Mrs. Porteus sends respects to Grantham and brother.

item

Waddilove,
Robinson, Frederick,
Keene, Benjamin,
Bryant, Jacob,
Mason,
Wharton,
Lyttleton,
Robertson,
Macpherson,
Carter,
Hardwicke,
Duane,
Stephens,
Johnson,
Farmer,
Warburton,
Law,
Thomas,
Parry,
Beattie,
Shadwell,
Cornwallis,
North,
Stainforth,
Parker,
Porteus

Madrid, literature, poetry