L30/14/315/15

From Beilby Porteus, Lambeth to 2nd Baron Grantham:

31 Mar 1777

From: 1777 To: 1777

Details of Porteus' promotion to the See of Chester. Owes much to their Majesties good opinion of him; thinks others spoke well of him also; Duke of Montagne, The Archbishops, The Bishops of London, Winchester etc.. Formally recommended to Lord North by the Archbishop. Didn't like being in competition with Dr. Butler who was supported by Charles Townshend (Treasury), Lord Onslow, Mr. Cornwall and Lord North himself. Butler appointed to preach First Sermon before House of Commons, this and other circumstances made Porteus assume he would succeed to position. Had no idea of his own success until two days before decision made - Thursday 19 December. Lord North sent for him on the 20th and he went to Kiss Hands with the King same day. Whilst waiting in the Outward Room until Levee began Dr. Butler came in, asked Porteus if he was come to Kiss Hands, upon his answer `yes' "The visible effect this had upon him hurt [Porteus] inexplicably; & we both sate down on the same Bench without speaking a syllable, you may more easily conceive than I describe the painful Awkwardness of this silent meeting, till luckily a third Person came between us & relieved us from this misery". On easier terms now but hopes for Butler to be his colleague on the Bench as he long was at the Chaplain's Table. May be soon as Bishop of London died yesterday of inflammation of the Bowels. Dr. Moss, Bishop of Bath and Wells most likely to succeed him, and the new Bishop will be either Butler or Graham. Requests Grantham burns this letter after reading it. Talks of Chester and the Episcopal house, almost rebuilt by Bishop Keene. Intends to visit after the Birth-Day to prepare for a longer residence next year - early part of Summer. Autumn in Kent, Winter in London. Diocese takes in all of Richmondshire extending to Boroughbridge and Easingwould etc.. It is now the fashion to publish in Quarto and two volumes of that size come out almost every week, there is: History of Philip II by Dr. Watson, The Works of Lord Chesterfield, Two Quarto volumes of Captain Cook's last Voyage round the World by Dr. Forster. There will be another Quarto volume or two by Cook himself. Also a General History of Musick by Sir John Hawkins "some wicked wits have amused themselves with burlesquing some parts of this work in the Newspapers". Assures Grantham however, that book full of useful and curious information and will be a proper Accompaniment to his Violincello if he is not frightened of price 5:5:0. Finally mentions Dr. Beatties Essay on Truth.

item

North,
Butler,
Townshend, Charles,
Onslow,
Cornwall,
Moss,
Terrick, Richard,
Keene,
Watson,
Chesterfield,
Foster,
Hawkins, John,
Beattie

Archbishop, Bishop of London, Bishop of Winchester, DEATH, literature