LETTER XLII. Prince's Court, Tuesday, June 27, 1786. I HAVE the satisfaction, my dearest Polly, of announcing to you the perfect success of the Chamberlain at Midsummer. No opposition of any kind. Every hand was held up for me. I made a speech, which was highly applauded, and indeed it was firm, collected, and spirited. After my re-election, I thanked the livery in warm and animated expressions. certainly wished to trip up my heels, but I stood too firm. He maintains his old character of being faithless and foolish. I had taken no small pains to obtain a great attendance of my friends, who were indeed very hearty in the cause; and at no time have I found the people more zealous in my support. This is a most pleasing reflection to me; for it has settled on the firmest foundation, for the rest of my life, the honourable rank which I now hold in the metropolis of my country. The contest of the Auditors is a mat ter of mere amusement, in which I take no part. The second part of the Picturesque Beauties of Boswell was published yesterday, and is still better than the first. I shall send it to you on Thursday morning, with the remainder of your handkerchiefs, &c. &c. I have the favour of your letter of the 22d, and am much concerned at the good Dutchess's indisposition: I beg you to assure her of the tender part I take in it, and of my warm wishes for her speedy recovery. Yesterday I gave a venison dinner to Sir Charles Bunbury, and Messrs. Jekyl, Gordon, Penn, Vaughan, Boswell, and Mainwaring. The members were chancecustomers, allured by the flavour of the venison, which they scented from afar. It was a cheerful day, but we all regretted your absence. The weather has been for several days rainy and sultry. Mr. and Mrs. Hastings are both delighted with Beaumont Lodge. Last night they returned to town. We have strong invitations to the Lodge.-Heaton was not at Guildhall on Saturday! It is expected that the Parliament will be prorogued at the end of the next week. My colleague, Mr. Mainwaring, is become the subject of much popular abuse on account of the Lottery bill, which is approved by all men of sense. Your account of Madame La Motte amused me exceedingly. So much for the House of Valois ! I have sent your bounty to Burt's family. H. shewed me your letter to him. I selected two of yours, which I carefully perused first above stairs, and then let him read. Adieu! LETTER XLIII. Prince's Court, Friday, June 30, 1786. I WAS highly pleased, my dear est Polly, that I had an opportunity yesterday of giving you so great an enter tainment as the Second Part of the Picturesque Beauties of Boswell. The first you admired; the second will please you still more, for it has still greater merit, contrary to the received idea, and it is a just one, of almost all second parts. I have just now the favour of your letter of the 27th, and I am happy that the good Dutchess is so far recovered : I hope her perfect cure is not far distant. By the last post I sent you all the detail of Midsummer-day, and its propitious conclusion for the Chamberlain. I received the Mercure, No. 24, yesterday, the Leiden Gazettes, which are exceedingly curious, and four numbers of the Journal de Paris, which are sad trash, and I think not worth continuing beyond the present abonnement. I forgot to mention the good Dutchess's letter, which is in the highest degree obliging. I will not fail to communicate to Mrs. |