was informed that it was purchased for the Duke of Portland, who had ordered them to bid 100 guineas, or rather by no means to suffer it to be sold. Such an answer ruined all my hopes. I soon however recovered the disappointment, when I had the account of your agreeable journey, and safe arrival at Paris, and I lost sight of "the thirty circular portraits of illustrious personages, finely modelled and coloured by Holbein,” to turn my view towards the illustrious personages, the Dutchess de la Valliere, the Princesse de Tarente, the Dutchess de Chastillon, with whom you are at pre

sent.

Nothing can exceed the polite tenderness of their manner of receiving the English traveller.

I am highly flattered by the Dutchess's being used to wear the cross, and watchchain, which I had the honour of pre

senting to her. It is something to be about her person even in that manner, and where-but the pleasures of a wild imagination are not to be indulged.

The Comte de Gramont called here this morning, when I was absent, and left me a packet from the Comte de Lusignan. It contained one of the most elegant Greek books which I ever saw, the charming Anacreon, printed at Parma, and superbly bound, with two French brochures. If you see the Comte, let him know how kindly I take such a royal remembrance of his humble servant.

Middiman has sent here two copies of No. 6 of Select Views. I paid ten shillings for them. Are they to be sent to you at Paris, or kept here?

The Exchequer bills of 1785 to the amount of two millions are paying off by Exchequer bills of 1786.

Prince's Court and courtiers remain, as

before, fixed and quiet.

Adieu !

LETTER XXXV.

Guildhall,

Tuesday, May 30, 1786.

FROM this place, my dearest Polly, you will only expect a dull letter of business. My thanks and praises shall be given to Mr. Palmer for his new regulation of the post, by which on the Monday I have the favour of your letter from Paris of the 25th, with great exactness, and I likewise received the packet with the letter for Mrs. Swinburne, the Memoire of the Cardinal de Rohan, &c. &c.

Th

end

I am greatly obliged by your kind attention. I sent immediately to Mrs. Swinburne, who had made many inquiries.

Much good humour prevails at present in the city, but no small pains are taken to raise a commotion respecting the new excise on wine; however, there is little probability of success.

Stocks have risen four per cent. within these three days.

D-rnf-d will still go on:

"Destroy his fib, or sophistry-in vain— The creature's at his dirty work again;"

but he can do no mischief.

I rejoice that the Dutchess is so cheerful. She does honour to her sex, her nation, and to the present age.

Mr. Hastings has purchased Beaumont Lodge near Windsor.

The Ambassador will of course give a splendid entertainment next Monday. I

do not pay my duty that day at St. James's, and consequently make no new clothes; but as the House will adjourn on Friday, I make a little tour early on Saturday to Brighthelmstone, and return on the Wednesday of the next week, June the 7th, to attend the House on the 8th.

I beg to be affectionately remembered to all the Holbach family, and to Madame Chantereine, and Madame Genlis. The weather is very fine, but rather sultry.

I was glad of the accurate information which you sent me respecting the abolition of torture in France.

Be careful of that first of blessings, health, and continue to love me with tenderness.

Adieu !