L30/15/26/16

From James Harris, Hague to Frederick Robinson:

23 Dec 1785

From: 1785 To: 1785

Answering his and Gertrude's on same page. Madame Hagenhauzen, observe exterior civility's to her on Lady Yorke's account, but no more. Taken under latter's wing and stayed there by means of flattery and obsequiousness, on no account admit her to their familiarity. Descended from E: 11, but no better than if descended from George Dandin. Wrote a word in her favour to the Prince of Wales who answered "that he should probably have Bastards enough of his own to provide for, without having those of his great grandfather entailed upon him". Encloses hair from the four children, all well. Believes in none of the changes and that Robinson's conjecture right, "public took opportunity of Eden's defection to give their opinion on the stability of character they think belongs to some other members of Opposition. Lord Carmarthen's destination P___ obscured by Gertrude's putting seal over name, maybe Paris. Eden's conduct consistent with Harris's 24 years knowledge of him. Confirmed by what happened during Shelburne's administration. King of Spain has put down bull feasts. Harris would want them restored etc.. John Hewden a Valet de Chambre has dismissed himself from Harris's service. Prosperity spoilt him, however he is honest and was promised a character. Robinson's marriage with Harris's sister has consolidated their friendship.

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George IV,
Eden,
Carmarthen,
Shelburne,
Hewden, John,
Harris, Catherine Gertrude