W1/6001/5

Lady Elizabeth Whitbread, Grove House, to Maria Edgeworth (2 sheets)

1 April 1823

From: 1823 To: 1823

You will be surprised I should be the channel thro' which you received a letter from your American friend Mrs Griffith. A Mr Hunter called with letter addressed to himself from Mrs Griffith in which I was mentioned associated with Mr Ralston, letter also alluded to assistance I could render Mr Hunter in his views in this Country. I asked his place of birth. He looked confused & distressed. I begged him to forgive me but Mrs Griffith had desired he tell his 'interesting' story, he answered 'quite justified in asking' but not forthcoming with answer. He said he had letters of introduction to people in this country, mentioned several, expected to have interview with Mr Wilberforce next day, had already seen Mr Rush & had best recommendation from America - Mr Maddison & Mr Jefferson - asked if any from the president (Mr Monroe) he said no, Mr M absent from seat of Government when he quit it. Chief object of visiting this Country to gain information from literary men & societies & institutions in England & proposed to go to Scotland but not to Ireland. Said he was proposing to publish work in London, title 'The Manners & Customs of the Indians, with the Life of the Author' (Himself). Quite prepared with work, but not concluded terms with publisher. Not acquainted with Mr Ralston but had often heard Mrs Griffith speak of him. Thus have I given you the conversation which passed between me & the young Indian - he seems to be half-caste, what the Americans call bois brule, first appearance not prepossessing but something so modest & interesting together with his foreign accent, that first impression vanished. Have spoken of him & publication to my brother (Lord Grey) & Miss Fox - who promised to speak to Lord Holland & Lord Lansdowne - I also spoke to Mr Ellice who is much connected with America - Thus I hope his book will sell well. Have been much affected by weather and not yet able to seek interview with Mr Wilkie. I do not send remainder because it would make frank too heavy.

item

Whitbread, Elizabeth,
Edgeworth, Maria,
Griffith,
Hunter,
Wilberforce, William,
Jefferson, Thomas,
Madison,
Monroe, James,
Grey, Charles, 2nd Earl Grey,
Fox,
Holland, Henry Richard (Vassall) Fox, 3rd Baron,
Lansdowne, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of,
Ellice

North America, Native Americans, books