12.

alagos en le voyant, que l'attachement que vous conserve
pour lui de si loin, avoué que j'ai raison, Dona Theresa est
toujour ediffic de la manière dont vous me prechez sur la
devotion je ne manque pas de lui lire toujours le moindre
petit article, mais il faut quelques fois que je corige et
augmente, a propos on a fait une niche superbe au St. Antoine,
que vous adoriez si précisement toute les fois que nous
passions en voiture dans une rue derrière de ces vous,
A dieu chere pti pour moi c'est vous seul que jadore.

13.

No. 62

Madrid le 2 Fevrier

(1789).

Jay recue votre No. 56 je ne scai réellement qu'y repondre,
les avocats que je vous ai fait vous ont mie aux desespoire
a ce que vous dite, mais vous ne bl cependant pas ma
franchise ainssi je veux continuer toujours de même a votre
egard, car si je venais a ne plus meriter le titre d'amante
je veux conserver celui d'amie et vous pouvés bien être sure
que vous n'en trouverai pas de plus sincère et plus tendre.
Je vous en ai assuré dit dans ma dernière lettre sur certain
article, ainssi je n'en parlerai pas davantage pour le
moment, vous massuré que votre portugaise n'occupe sûrement
point votre cœur, et qu'elle n'a pas même le pouvoir de
vous distraire des reveries ou vous a plongé mes deux
lettres, tout cela est bien fait encore pour me soutenir
dans le dengue ou mon cœur m'entraîne, mais comment faire pour
resister à la tentation, si vous vouliés être aussi sincère
que moi, nous verions si vous y avez résisté aussi longtemps
que moi je ne puis le croire me rappelant combien de peine
vous aviez à y résister même en ma présence, et puis ce qui
s'est passé avec Folk .... n'est pas trop aussi en votre
faveur, a Dieu je n'ose vous citer davantage jusqu'à voire
la manière dont vous agirai avec moi, j'attens avec impatience
votre lettre de demain en attendant soyez persuadée que je
vous aime toujours de tout mon cœur.

No. 64.

le 9 Fevrie

(64 in answer fiery and satirical ... every line a two edged sword Sent off Tuesday 24 Feby.)

J'ose a peine vous ocrire je vois dans quelle etat vous ont mit mes dernieres lettres, et tout ce que je pourrai vous dire encore n'est point fait pour vous tranquiliser, ainssi il est inutile de vous en parler, mais considere bien les circonstence et notre situation, coment pouvés vous exiger que je passe ma jeunesse, le meilleur tems de ma vie, a m'ennuyer et a me lamenter de votre absence, ayant aussi peue de certitude de vous revoire vous m'assure bien que vous en avez tout le desire mais a quoi cela m'avance t'il si pendent ce tems des aneés se passent, et quand meme nous nous reverions, ce ne seroit encore que pour quelques mois, ainssi croye moi une amitie solide et bien plus preferable dans la situation ou nous sommes d'ailleurs vos affaires comement a s'arenger en Angleterre, j'y prendrai toujours le plus grand interet et vous serai bien oblige si vous continues a me faire part des moindres choses qui y ont raport. Vous me demende d'on sort ce Mº de St. Aldegond d'une famille de flandre tres ancienne et tres distingué come il sont 4 freres et servent touts en france, il est assi difficile qu'ils fassent touts une egale fortune ainssi ses parent ont envoye celui c'y en Espagne, et il vient d'etre fait cadet quoi qu'il n'y est encore que 6 mois qu'il est ici, Sil continue ce train la il ne peu menquer d'etre exempt dans un an d'ici, pour Mº de Roquesa (au) il pretend aussi d'entrer au service mais je ne cr.... pas qu'il reussiere jai parle de vous a Mº de Meneses, il m'a dit qu'il vous connoissoit beaucoup et se metoit a sourire (<u>one word deleted and indecipherable</u>) ce qui me fait croire qu'il est bien informe de vos histoires, il l'est bien de notre liaison, mais ce n'est pas de cela qu'il rioit, je lui en parlerois encore la premiere fois que je le veres, mais il part dans 8 jours avec l'ambassadeur, et peut etre reviendrai t il encore avec lui a/

① In Beckföldi hand.

Perfectly secure and easy upon the subject of Campbell's claim. No 31

Widnes 20/5/89

36 in answer sent off Monday 2nd March.
for expressed upon Nairn's commitment. An
income of 12,000 desired. Slight complaints of
Barti. A word or two of Port and the Mrs of M.
Affectionate expressions, and the scheme of St Omer's
hired. Incs. my mother and Vincent

The above in Beckford's hand

My dear Friend,

I have ordered your horses to Town as you
have directed, and I shall try to send you over four coach
horses and two saddle horses as good as I can, and for the
Ambassador I will do as well as I can at the same time.

I should have real pleasure in getting
matters arranged as I have long wished, and if we are
spared this crop and one more without accident you will be
just where I could wish you. The Salteh business is a
little interrupted. That would have made matters quite
charming as between you and myself. However I do not
despair but I shall make that do.

I have made another purchase at Hindon so
that we may now (sigh) as to that matter as Alexander did
unless Sir H.G. should think of treating with us for his
property there.

In the great business Mr. Wilkins I am
sure is very uncomfortable, and I have the greatest hopes
of getting something decisive done when he has attained
to majority, but till then I fear we must not expect much.

The bustle about the Regency is suspended
by the pleasing accounts of the King's recovery. I hope
nothing will interrupt his perfect reestablishment in health.
You would scarcely believe that the prospect of the Regency
made some of the causes from Jamaica to be renewed with
alacrity particularly that of the late Mr. Sturt's family
about Cath: Hall. I hope I have given Mr. Campbell and
his claim of the Westmorland Estates quite a sickener. The
answer put in for you is too long for your perusal, but we
claim as really due to you upwards of one hundred thousand
pounds upon that property if he was let in to redeem, and
even/

-2-

even supposing some of our demands could be shaken half
that sum would for ever debar him of any right, so that
I conclude I shall hear no more of him or his suit. Nairn
I have had taken up upon an attachment and I have as he
most righteously deserves fairly taken him in hand as he
is a malicious scoundrel. Your mother is not all well
but your children are charmingly; and I am with the utmost
regard

My dear Friend

Your most obedient and most affectionate
humble Servant

Thos. Wildman.

Lincolns Inn.

20th Feb. 1789.

(Address);

A Monsieur

Monsieur

Beckford

Hotel D'orsay

Rue de Varennes

Paris.

Mr. Lettice.

Fonthill 31st May 1785.

My dear Sir,

I had as soon at once be established in the
Pillory, a mark for all the rotten eggs and oranges of the
Capital as remain at Fonthill - pelted with snivling advice
and pestered with letters full of nonsense and contra-
dictions. Such are the Epistles that Heroine Ly. E[uphemia] and
such I am sorry to say those which are dictated to you.
And can you suppose I will stay here with my hands crossed
on my breast - and my mouth pursed up into a demure
simper - whilst my heart inspires nothing but revenge, and
all uncharitableness. You ought from your knowlege of me
to be certain such caution quietness and moderation is
quite out of my character. And so I am to throw myself
on the merciful connivance of Id. and Ly. L[oughborough] - to wait
their bidding - and run the risk after all, of being turned
a'drift like a mad dog'. Can you suppose there is any
very persuasive eloquence in your cautious, moderate and
quiet Epistle. Your kind recommendations of that selfish
sorceress - and the perspective you hold out to me of my
stay a(t) F. being probably connived at. Only probably
for of this you venture not to be certain. I fear my
enemies are too little used to the handling of weapons to
give me an opportunity of disarming them in the only
manner I can desire. Nothing if I am fool enough to take
root in England shall prevent my loading them all with
the bitterest reproaches and insulting them by every
means in my power. I doubt not Mr W[illiam's] exertions - of my
Mothers I say nothing being ignorant which way the wind
blows and having no weather cock in prospect. Ly. E. I
have/

19

-2-

have long learnt how to appreciate. I fully remember her
Ladyship's kind wishes for my voyage to Jamaica. Do you
think the good Lady who is not a little given to the perusal
of news Papers - never heard of West india seasonings
Hurricanes, and Shipwrecks. To be sure - I enjoy not the
reputation of a very gallant personage or else could I refuse
the sacrifice of my favourite schemes to the unanimous opinion
of such a Bevy, such a garland of Beauties Ly. G, Ly. E and
Mrs. Hervé'. The last mentioned grace I should conjecture
suspects Ly. M's predilection for England therefore out of
pure good nature urges her stay. If I could immediately
shine forth in London - appear at the Opera - at Robsons -
at the Exhibition - at Lord Exeters concerts etc. etc. - I
might be tempted to put off my Continental excursion, - but
to be buried alive in the flower of my days confounded with
other vegetables at F. - and condemned to the reception of
members [royal order] [ingram]
none into my society but such honorary Sir G H Ly. Eff Ly.
[emia]
Euph. Mrs. H.H.H. Howard etc. etc. is too woeful a prospect -
and exchange it I am determined for the Dent de Jaman the
Dent de Mouch the Bec d'ouche and other Muses - less perpen-
dicular and talkative than most of my worthy relations. I
am much disappointed at your not fixing a day for your
journey to Fonthill, as I am almost sure of convincing you
Salisbury plain the marshy exhalations in its neighbourhood
the formal steeples I have just mentioned are but wretched
equivalents for the wild rains, the inspiring air, the
disinterested herds and all the glories and delights of your
beloved Mountains. Their sight and their atmosphere becomes
every day more and more necessary for my health and spirits
as well as for those of Ly. M. - who has been too little
acostomed to the life of an Abyssinian-Infanta to relish
imprisonement - tho Fonthill were the Palace and Salisbury
Dismal the Valley of Amara. Adieu my dear Sir. I pray
the/

-3-

the great Pachacamac to turn your heart - and Riwasa
the Deity of Dismals not to turn (sia) mine from its
purpose. Come and I am sure of convincing you: but
then if once illuminated hide not your light under a
bushel, - let your concurrence with my opinion, if
once obtained, be as conspicuous as Harrow on the Hill
and let me have reason to say unto you - "Lord now
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to
thy word. For thine eyes have seen my salvation.

x The virginians style their swamps and heaths Dismals.
See Smith's Tour.

(From a note on the folder this letter would appear to be a copy of one sent to Mr. Wildman. The copy is in Beckford's handwriting.)

Chateau de la Tour.

Jany. 18th 1786.

My dear Friend

Lady E. has chosen an unfavourable moment for presenting her petition to me, — dejected as I am by your representation of the state of my affairs. It must be wretched indeed, if the money I allott for one thing is taken without ceremony for another, as in the case of the old furniture. Never was surprise equal to mine upon hearing from Mr. Foxhall that the £248 I intended to remain in his hands for the purchase of Books prints etc. was sent up to you by "whose order he could not inform me". I must never pretend to give orders again, if they are to be treated in this manner that I may by resignation and silence avoid exposing myself as a mere cypher. Nothing can possibly be more mortifying, more distressful to me and Lady M. than the proposed reduction of our quarterly allowance. The very idea has sunk our spirits to such a degree that we are unable to hold up our heads. After the prudent resolution of foregoing Paris and shutting ourselves up in this Castle, we little expected such a reward. Every object has changed its colour in our eyes, since the receipt of your last perplexing letter. I can easily conceive such Bills as are stated to me, a most weighty pressure, but with the full powers you have from me of felling timber, leasing upon Lives and even stripping Fonthill I could not but think you would find wherewithal to defray them, without cutting into the quick of my existance and drying up the source of the comforts and amusements of my solitude. But act as you think proper. The advances you mention stop my mouth. I cannot endure the idea of your being a loser and therefore (and so help me God, for that only reason) bow my head under

* this/

-2-

this new shower of hailstones and coals of fire, which
it has pleased the Rulers above to pour down upon me.

Yes to be sure - I shall willingly open my gates to
Lady E.' and good Mrs. Sweet whom her Ladyship wishes
much to bring with her as a postchaise companion. I
shall eagerly seize an opportunity of reviving in my
mind the agreeable circumstances which attended her
arrival the 23rd of October -85 at Fonthill. What -
is there no corner of the Earth in which I can shelter
myself from this vile Hag - and her treacherous influence'.
Must I call upon the Mountains to cover me? Must an
embassadress from Lady G. and the Devil - a plenipotentiary
of that Drivler Lord S^V^ - pursue us where ever we go.
No - this is too much to request indeed, my dear Sir,
and after the cold specimen of her exertions in my favor
last Spring - or if you will, the solid proof of her
impotence in every thing but mischief. I must have
value received from Lord A^L^, Lord S^L^. Lady G^L^ and the
whole phalanx, - a treaty must be offered before I admit
within my Courts any Charge d'Affaires or resident.

I send a faithful prospect of the star chamber or
open roofed appart^A^ destined for intruders. This little
vignette if occasion offers, I beg you will shew the
fair original of that lovely figure which H^L^ has so
energetically represented be - howling the loss of
liberty.

My Dear Lady M.

I am sorry I should have managed matters so badly but you desired to know what time all plagues will be out of the way and as that will be the only day I mentioned it to you. I hope you will persuade William to come with you, but I am sorry to say Lord and Lady Loughborough dine here that day if you don't think that will hinder you. I hope you will come. I shall expect you both.

I remain yours affectionately
W. Courtenay.

My love to W. and hope he will come.

Addressed. Lady Margaret Beckford.

Naples

July 29th 1782.

Dear Mr. Count

Your favour of the 20th inst. reach'd me yesterday. You see I seize the first post to answer it. Our friend, tho' still extremely weak, being sufficiently recovered to think with some attention on the subject of your letter, I have already discussed with him the two plans you propose for the publication in question. Altho' upon your first plan he will be obliged to sacrifice so considerable a share of the materials which lie before you, he is equally decided with myself in greatly preferring it to the other. He wishes therefore to have the subject absolutely chang'd according to the idea we talk'd of when with you at Padua, and only so many of the letters inserted as can, with the changes and corrections you may judge necessary, be properly adapted to the new argument.

I acknowledge the other plan not to want great ingenuity; but the objections to it appear to me very formidable indeed. Suppose only it were possible (and what has happen'd proves it so) that something should, after the publication tempt the principal actor, in some incautious moment, to any insinuations that might discover to whom the story belong'd, would not this latter plan be of the most dangerous consequence to his reputation? In the next place, I cannot admit the possibility of treating the true subject so as not to do more harm than good to society. What excites abhorrence is far from always destroying curiosity and curiosity in warm minds will conduct them strange lengths. I am persuaded that the first step to the precipice, I am pointing at, has generally been directed by curiosity: passion has finished the work. Convinc'd, as I am, of the truth of these/

-2-

these premisses what conclusion can I draw from them but that
this topic can never safely be mention'd, much less publish'd,
in any community?

With respect to precedents and examples of other
works on this subject you will suppose after what I said, I
shall with great difficulty allow them any authority.

July 30th.

You intimate that the force, the sublimity, the ditthyrambic
of the expressions are infinitely beyond the most violent
language of ordinary passions; but if by ordinary passion you
mean that for women I can't agree with you having myself known
several instances of this passion so violent as to have produced,
as our Poet expresses himself, Words that break and thoughts
that burn, and wanting nothing but that variety, grace and
sublimity, which the magic alone of our author's imagination
has infused so largely into the letters before you, and which
had done just the same tho' the object had been such as we wish.
The post is this moment going and I have only time to subscribe
myself with Mr. B--'-s best compliments, my dear Sir, your
most faithful and obedient humble servant. J. LETTICE.

Addressed - A Monsieur, Monsieur le Comte Benincasa, a Venise.

De Venise ce 7 Octobre 1780.

Monsieur et tres cher ami

Si je repousse le feu, et les flammes, qui sortent du volcan, ce n'est pas, mon cher ami, que je ne sois tres combustible: c'est que de bruler avec, par cette étroite participation que l'amitié cause cela ne seroit guères propre à arreter, moindrer votre incendie. Le langage le plus passionné de l'amitié même dans vos circonstances se borne à vous plaindre, à vous admirer, et a rester dans le plus profond étonnement. Je vous proteste hautement, que ni la création, ni la destruction des êtres ne me paroissent pas plus incomprehensibles, que votre état, et la nature du malheur qui vous accable: j'en appelle a vous même, qui ne l'entendez pas plus, tout en l'eprouvant de cette horrible force, que vous faites. Faut-il donc convenir, mon cher ami, qu'il existe en nature un principe aussi fort, et aussi monstrueux à la fois, qui ne peut cependant rendre aueun compte des terribles effets, qu'il cause? A quoi tend cette tendance aussi irregulière aussi heteroclite? Est-ce le fatum? Est-ce un sort jeté sur vous par quelque genie malefique, et tout puissant? Faudra-t-il admettre cet ordre d'êtres mitoyens, que la raison combat avec tant de succes et d'evidence, et qu'elle endosse si plausiblement sur le compte de son ennemie déclarée l'imagination? Cette imagination, mon ami, relativement à un individu aussi étonnant que vous, et qui par une extraordinaire perfection et finesse d'organes en est si richement pourvu est votre principe createur, votre monde. Puisque malheureusement elle n'exerce son empire tyrannique sur vous, que pour vous tourmentez, voyez s'il ne vous conviendroit pas mieux de courir/

courir les risques d'une revolte: vous ne manquerez pas de bons, et rideles alliés au dedans, et au dehors. Le joug, et les maltraitemens que vous souffrer a present, mon ami, n'epargneront pas plus votre pretieuse existence: ils l'abregeront aussi bien, qu'une guerre malheureuse, qui pourvoit ne pas l'être: j'ose meme vous dire avec le ton de la plus evidente certitude a mon tribunal calme, et geometre, que j'ai de bonnes raisons pour vous dire, qu'au moyen je ne dirai pas d'une resistance decidée, ce qui vous effrayeroit, mais d'une temporisation un peu soutenu, les effets de cette tyrannie pourront perdre de leur force, et laisser peu a peu prevaloir le parti contraire. Vous conviendrez aisement, mon cher, que toute action d'ame ou de corps use chaque fois un peu les instrumens, et leur fait perdre un peu de leur tension ou en general de leur aptitude a produire la meme action avec le meme degré de force: plus encore, si chaque action exige un grand usage de ces instrumens, et donne de fortes secousses. Cela pose, mon ami, vous voyez la consolante perspective, que je me forme sur votre compte, et que je garderai pour moi avec la plus grande confiance, si vous l'avez en horreur a present. D'ailleurs ne vous ai-je pas fait sentir une autre reflexion, qui me paroit de la plus grande conviction? Reelement dans quel departement ne portez-vous pas cette empreinte d'heterogeneité? Vos passions doivent être en bonne architecture aussi fortes, aussi enthousiastiques, aussi mortelles, que vos talens sont prodijieux, que votre entendement est rapide, et perçant, que votre jugement (quand vous deignez en avoir du commun d'ici-bas) est exact, et irreprochable/

18.

irreprochable. Toute l'inexplicabilité consiste dans l'objet de la passion, objet qui n'est pas commensurable ni a la force, ni aux souhaits possibles quelquonques de cette passion. Vous allez me citer votre vision beatifique: j'ai l'honneur de vous reprendre ce que ci-dessus: plus vous en avez joui, moins cela peut se soutenir: car encore une fois vous avez des organes, et ils ne sont pas impassibles. Mais voyons: tenez, le voila ce que vous souhaitez si ardemment: n'y touchez pas au moins (ou bien le diable m'emporte touchez-y et ce sera plutôt fait), n'y touchez pas: placez-vous: l'achez la bride a votre imagination, nagez dans votre contentement: au premier moment, que votre ame oppressée, suffoquée de plaisir, voudra reprendre haleine, demandez-vous vous-même que suis-je? que fais-je? Moi, qui suis au dessus des hommes a la distance d'un aigle, qui plane dans la premiere region des airs, je me perds en extase pour un objet humain des plus communs, des plus minces? Je meprise la masse de l'humanite, et de ses interets les plus analogues a mon bien être: et je suis heureux de je ne sais quoi: Qu'est ce que c'est que ce tort horrible, que je fais moi-même a majuste ambition, et a tant d'autres sources de plaisirs, que j'enferme dans mon ame, plaisirs, qu'on recompensera, qu'on contentera, qu'on diversifiera en mille manieres? Que d'ici-jez-vous, mon ami, a quelqu'un qui eut la meme maladie, le meme transport dans toute la force, que vous le sentez, pour le soleil? S'il ne manquoit d'aucune autre aptitude pour être un homme des plus interessans, des plus admirables, voudriez-vous plutôt donner dans l'absurdite d'admettre une attraction inconnue et necessaire entre lui, et le soleil, que le combattre, le detourner, l'exoreises? Cependant il auroit d'aussi bonnes raisons a dire, que vous. Oh/

19.

Oh mon cher, je finis l'article en vous disant franchement,
qu'il vous ne suceomber pas dans peu, je vous verrai renaitre
a vous meme, et vos semblables. Savez-vous bien, cher B., que
vos lettres mettent sans dessus dessous notre excellente
Comtesse? Elle est ce matin toute hors d'elle-même, s'attendrissant
extremement sur vous, s'impatientant de ne pouvoir sur le
champ courir a vous, et a d'autres a la fois. Elle sort
d'une longue incommodite, elle est encore assez foible dans
sa convalescence, et elle veut sortir absolument ce soir pour
aller au theatre, en consequence d'un certain retour, qu'elle
a appris. Oh la digne personne! que ne peut-elle avoir son
esprit en repos relativement aux choses les moins dignes de
l'inquiete, parleur petitesse, et leur nature!

Je voudrois etre dans le cas de devoir vous prier, que
vous reveniez: a l'exception de toute autre circonstance,
aucune part vous ne serez aussi bien en pais de connaissance.
Courage, revenez bien tot: entreprions de beaux voyages; je
vous servirai d'interprete aupres des hommes. Malheureusement
rappellez-vous, qu'il vous faut de la sante, comme au dernier
de ceux-ci: ayez-en soin: elle est le fondement de toute
jouissance: il est tems d'en moissonner dans un champ qui en
presente une abondance aussi riche, aussi choisie.

Je vous prie de faire mes complimens a Mr. Lettier: adieu.

Votre tres h. et tres ob. serviteur
et tres-devoué ami BENINCASA.

Mr. Lettice.

May 12 1785.

I know, my Dear Sir, as well as yourself what it is to shiver on the verge of an agueish fever, and you may easily believe the state of suspense in which I am at present tormented can but ill agree with my nervous and irritable constitution. What I chiefly intreat of my [talked] M. and Mrs. W. is to take me out of this dreadful state and if they use any further means to use them speedily; least the bone of contention itself, for certainly I am fretted to a skeleton, should not much longer have an existence. I sincerely wish you in the tranquil pure atmosphere of some piranean mountain and myself out of the reach or hearing of Id. L. or any of my contemptible or Ly. M.'s. detestable relations.

However much as I wish you, my Dear Sir, or myself delivered from such tramels I cannot with any comfort hear of your departure or settle my own, without the reviving assurance of the Memorial we talked of employing your friendly attention. For God's sake, if I am to be ruined, let me not be the sole victim nor suffer the pillars I have shaken (sig) about me to crush your friend alone.

( ) had Jeanette i.e. Susannah Stowess, wif of Granville, i. marqu. of Granville and had flarget Drury Square awr. had Euphemia E. is Lady Euphemia Stowess, also an awr.

Mr. Lettice.

Fonthill Novr. 27 1784.

My dear Sir,

The sky is very dark and we have reason to apprehend more storms. I am glad the person _paragraphed_ is only styled _Amateur_. It would have been the highest injustice to have set him down as a professor. I think the passage about sympathy will make some nodles repent their rashness. I have little hopes that scandal is exhausted and fear its venom will poison your peace of mind much more than my own. Ly. M. is very well, my M. very billious; but very resolute and affectionate.

I am extremely sorry to send you such bad news from Id. O. We must (sic) not expect much sunshine in this gloomy month.

Were it not for the Emperor I should still found a convent and be canonised; but whether a Saint or a Sinner I shall always remain my dear Sir your most affectionate and grateful h. s.t. W.B.

Vii BB.

S.H. 17/vi/84

The data upon which you reason are sufficient to support your conclusion; Lord C. has informed me that he has changed his plan. I have written to his Lordship a letter upon the subject which he will not perhaps easily answer. I am convinced nothing could have thrown matters so much topsy survey but the Devil & Devilkins that prompted Lady & Lady - &c. to plot against you at Fonthill. With respect to Wm. whatever loser he may be in not coming hither, I have but little to regret on that score; at least at present. My first object in taking him was to oblige you, as I know you wished it, & I am confident I ed. have done him some good. The immediate emolument upon a very accurate calculation would but have barely paid my expences, without compensating at all for my time devoted to him. So that I have but little to regret on this score, only that perhaps the connexion might be of service to my family, if I shd. be taken from it before they are fixed in life - and that by acceding to Lord C's application, I have since rejected a proposal that wd. have been very advantageous.

If it were in my power, I would gladly come to town, but it at present is morally impossible for me. I wish earnestly to see you & flattered myself that you wd. have fulfilled your promise of coming hither. I want much to see Fonthill & trust the time will again come when we shall turn over books & arrange them & enjoy them as I have done.

Pray have you seen at any time Dr. Cook's travels in Russia, Persia, &c. in 2 8vo vols.? It is curious & authentick. He lent his papers to Jonas Hanway, who purloined much of them to put into his own book. I know a person who has a set which I dare say I can procure you, if you wd. wish to have it.

You are very good with respect to the £200. Thro' our disappointment & another along with accumulated & unavoidable expences I am put to the greatest difficulty for the want of it. If therefore you will be so good as to send me inclosed in a letter, or a draft for it, or an order for me to draw for it, it will be of the most immediate & essential service.

I/

SH. 20/X 84

Rendlesham 20 October 1784.

I began to suspect you were no longdr in the land of the living, or at least that you were gone to the land where all things are foregotten, till a letter from my friend Taylor brought me some vague intelligence of you - intelligence which I now find to have been well grounded, tho' at the time it first reached me I confess I could scarcely believe. How are the mighty fallen: what Lady L., that termagant of decorum &c. &c. under the same roof with you, & that roof her brother's? verily wonders are not yet ended! With respect to William:— I have done with him. He & his Father may play their own game after their own fashion. I certainly have not been well used by them, but as the event has turned out, I congratulate myself on the escape. Whether the Noble Lord is as happy at the result of his rencontre with Sir Charles B. relative to his sister Sir George, I will not pretend to guess. Your idea of Taylor, be assured, is a mistaken one. There is not a person living who is more my friend, nor more inflexible in his ideas of rectitude &c. &c. Lord U. has never tho' they have met so often, opened his lips to him relative to the affair of William & treatment of me. Nor do I believe now that he ever will.

The Proof Plates of Johnson's song book be assured you have, but what you did with them I have no guess. Your copy of the book I ordered to the Binder, & directed him to bind it in maronne, like your other books of the sort. I have subscribed for you to Strutt's book of Engraving, fine paper, & will take the greatest care of the Heads. I shall send you my translation of Vathek by piece meal, that being the only way in which I can hope you will have patience enough to read it with a pen in your hand. I see so many new beauties whenever I look into the original that I am altogether ashamed of my copy & am ready to sacrifice/

sacrifice it to the Potentate of the Palace of subterranean
fire. I wish to bring it you with the rest & will if possible -
but fear, much as I wish to see you that it cannot be in my
power till you come to town. What would I not give to ramble
with you amongst your wilds, & catch the rich groups of
variegated foliage before they lose the best tints of October?
Pray is not Lane's rock at the place where my favourite streamlet
broke thro the fence, on the edge of the hanging meadow?

But I am rambling too far. I should be unspeakably happy
to blunder amongst your pine stumps & prick my shins in your
furze brakes, & will when it is in my power.

When do you think to be in London? The Newspaper tells me
you are to be a Lord before Parliament meets - which for aught
I know is very likely. Should it be so, I trust you will not
forget that a Lord cannot do without chaplains, & that a
chaplainship is an exemption to a Clergyman for being sometimes
out of residence.

I rejoice to hear Lady M. is well, & pray she may realize all
your hopes.

(Unsigned).

Addressed:-

To
William Beckford, esquire
M.P.
Fonthill-House

Wiltshire.

V.B

April the 20 1781.

My fate is sign'd my Dear William. There is no
gem or any thing else that can prevail on Evergreen
to let me come to England. He has had letters
about us from England and you are the innocent cause
(of my misery deleted). God only knows what will
become of me - one minute he says he shall take me
with him in the country, and the next that I shall go
into a convent. He has been closeted by all Paris
since his return from the country. He says he's
uneasy to see me grow so thin and yet he will not
consent to let me see Dear Old England which only
can make me happy. I've been told since you left
me that you have told many people here that you was
very glad to leave Paris on my account as I am of so
bad a temper that I plagued you to death while you
was here and also that you knew nobody that is half
so coquette. All this I have treated with the
contempt it deserved as it's in nobody's power to
make me have a bad opinion of you. You ask me my
Dear William why I let you go. Could I have kept
you with propriety and had I been Empress of the
whole world I wou'd have given it to have kept you
with me - but alas happiness is not for me. I
do nothing but think of your children. Were they
not wicked and did they only love you with the
affection that I do - I shou'd like to go and end
my days with them. I cannot stir out without
meeting the Venetian Ambassador. He does nothing
but stare at me as if I was a wild beast. I intend
to dine with the Maréchal de Biron.
1
spindle next Friday for the last
time.

-2-

time as he will otherwise say I only went there
for you. I've seen Ly. Snip. She has also
had letters about us and has given me a deal of
good advise. How imprudent it was in me to see
you so often my Dear W. I had no idea of what
I should suffer from your absence till the time
came. I've not yet seen the fondling abbe.
Prince David plagues my heart and soul out with
fine speaches. You are not in his good books.
I spent the evening there yesterday and he wanted
to kiss my hand which I refused by telling him that
there was an Act of Parliament which had pass'd both
Houses forbiding all women to have their hands kiss'd
till they arrived at the age of forty. He said he
imagined the Bill was brought in by you. I shall
tell the Abbe the same thing. Lord Buckrum and the
Captain are in the country. They did not dine with
us last Wednesday. We had only Mr. Conway M D'altier
le Baron de Bilboque and the poor Doctor who is in
dispair at Evergreen's refusal. Wou'd to God I
was a man I wou'd then see you every day and talk
to you of the children and Venice till you bid me hold
my tongue. I ask'd Ninny this morning if she had
been at B --- d since you was gone. She told me
to my great surprize that she had never thought of
you after the Tuesday night you parted. Ly. Spider
has not been visible since your departure. God
bless you my Dear William. I hope you are much more
happy than I am. Ly. Mary was delighted when I told
her/

-3-

her you had not forgot her. She desires her
compts. I've remembered all the music you used
to play on my poor unfortunate piano forte. Your
beautiful air you made in England is divine on my
harp. I only play it when I am alone and I believe
I shall try to forget it as I remember you told me
you did not wish any body to have it. I wish you
would tell me why I write you such long letters
(for I cannot bear deleted) although I hate writing.

I hope you will always answer my letters by
the return of the Post.

Unsigned. No address.

1782.

I am not surprized to find that the Spirit hath
moved you. I knew the moment of inspiration would
come, and beheld the Power herself descending,
surrounded by an effulgence of glory. A splendor
of golden radiance kindled beneath her footsteps, and
the fiery track that marked her way thro clouds of the
saddest purple, is still glowing, from earth to heaven.
Such was my vision'. I conversed too, with your Crone;
fair
visited the top of the chasm into which the unhappy one
fell; noted the ivy that surrounded the sarcophagus
which her Lover was exploring; and beheld the earth still
fresh, from whence the loss'd crag broke beneath his
weight. But, a truce to visions'. I shall wait with
the most anxious impatience till I learn the story from
yourself. The evening I returned I neither gave sleep
to my eyes nor slumber to my eye-lids till I had
carefully transcribed Valombrosa, and transferred the
remaining corrections to the Grand Chartreuse. I shall
think every hour a century till I receive and we have
prepared the whole. To-morrow, I shall write to
Cipriani. We did not go to Bell's for his poets. If
you wish to have a set, I can demand from him the best
impressions. I was glad to find the boys had written.
They soon intend to trouble you again. Nothing could
make them happier than your letters to day. I long for
the time to come for a renewal of that happiness I have
so lately enjoyed with you, and promise myself infinite
enjoyment in the favour of your company. Main time
whatever I can do that may be at all grateful to you,
I/

Rendlesham near Melton & Ipswich

4 May 1784.

I was not at home when your letter arrived or you wd. have
heard from me in answer by the return of the post. Mr. Nicol
(in the Strand) who is the publisher promised me you should have
actually have such a copy as no one else ed. procure you, and
I am confident he will not break his word. The plates you
know were all worked off in his house & under his own inspection.
I have written to him in the strongest terms that your wish may
be gratified.

William is to come hither on his return from Devonshire.
Everything is ready for his reception. I shall devote myself
entirely to him:- For he has not a moment to lose.

I shd. be glad to come to town but I have neither time nor
money for such excursions.

Before you left England you wished to procure a fine copy
of Grose's Antiquities. As the supplemental part is now
publishing, if I were in town & could spare time to pick out
impressions I would complete mine, but that not being the case,
I despair of doing it in the manner I cd. wish & therefore have
thoughts of parting with it. If you choose to have it let me
know, as I wd. wish it to get rather into your's than any other
hands. It is very carefully & superbly bound in Russia after
your own heart.

Adieu'.

I am very late & fear missing the post. (Unsigned).

(No address).

I write by return of post to return you a thousand thanks for your very kind letter, and to assure you that but for your assistance, I should have been utterly unable to extricate myself out of the ambarrasment which I have explained to you. The sum referred to is £200, which I shall take the earliest opportunity to repay.

I have not yet heard from Lord Courtenay. His Lordship wrote to me almost a month since to inquire if I was prepared for Mr. Courtenay's reception, and at the same time desired an immediate answer as he intended William shd. come to me as soon as possible. I wrote the same day, but have heard nothing in return. A report has reached me from different quarters that Lord C. is shortly to be married to Sir George, lady Honeywood's friend, and this marriage I conjectured might occasion the delay. I shall however soon know more of the matter, as I will lose no time in writing. Having been in daily expectation of Lord C's arrival with William, I cannot at present be absent from home, otherwise I should be exceedingly glad to come up to town, as I should greatly rejoice to see you.

With respect to Lord and Lady L. & Sir John and Lady W. (') I am totally at a loss to conjecture the ground of their dislike to me. There is not one of them whose persons I know, and I am confident there is not a transaction of my life that, without the utmost malignity, they can turn to my disadvantage in any representation. If, however, I can trace anything to them which they have either done or said to my disadvantage, we shall soon be better acquainted.

I feel myself under great obligations to Sir George Yonge for the interest he hath taken in my concerns. He was so obliging as to lend me a very curious book when I was last in town, which I should have returned, but have waited for an opportunity by means of Lord Courtenay. If you wish to receive the Ms. you refer to, I will send both together without/

See Hosking, John.
14 June, 1784. "To
Bampfley in county of
month is last Counting."
Probert George Suphia,
you. Jan. 4. Sir Richard
Wynne Bampfley,
4th Mar. 4. June 1814.

(1) Sir John Worsley, 8th Bt.
4 Dec. 1749, Sir H. 1752
1799-87 (City of London)
17. VI. 1770. Francis,
1st Dan. of Vins.
Courtenay, 17th June 6.
Mar. 1748/7. 8. 1828
Somewhere in the
Q. Charlotte.

-2-

without delay.

I hope that within a month I shall be able to send you
a finished transcript of Vathek. I rise at 5 every morning
to pay my devoirs to him.

You did not tell me how you like coffee. I have not
reerd. mine, but expect it to day.

I am, more than I can express myself your's

S.H.

June 8. 1784.

(No address).

25

Paris January 27 1784.

You ask me after Lady K. and Miss S. Neither have
as yet made their appearance. The latest arrivals of
notoriety from our English world are Lady Clarges - escorted
by her faithful chevalier and Lady Craven by her footman.
The former are caressed and invited to every thing by every
body - the latter -

Far from splendor, far from trouble,
Deeming fame an empty bubble,
Free from Husband, care and strife
Leads a calm, domestic life -
and so let her by all means. I will never come within
glare again of her magnificent eyes - if I can help it.
They scorch me up, and if I happen to mention you, dart
thunder bolts. This I cannot endure. Most different
is the expression our beloved Moli, as Sacchini calls her,
gives her glances when you form the subject of conversation.
The/

Alluding to the footman with whom she retired from
England - hence the grand scandal which banished her
Ladyship once for all from St. James's. This fellows
favor did not last at Paris above a month or two. Upon
his dismissal, a Conte de Brossac took the place, who was
supplanted in his turn by one of the Vernons and to him after
many other vicissitudes of the same genus succeeded the
best looking of her admirers M. le Cte de Tilly ancien
page du Roi - the miserable margrave all the while
"brochant sur le tout" (like an escotcheon of pretence
in pencil).

-2-

The admiration she feels, in all sincerity for you, is
glowing, and vehement; but at the same time, not without
a delightful mixture of tenderness. This disposition
to talk about you from noon till night is to me all in
all - and in order to profit by it - I am for ever and
ever at Lady Clargeses. Her dear little self and her
devoted Moli lead me where they please. I cannot quit
them. They are no every day copies of every day people.
Originality marks them for her own, and they act as that
glorious power dictates without submission to any rules
that were ever established. So do I - no wonder we
agree so perfectly. We have in common the most curious
instincts, superior to all the reason that ever was
boasted of. At three rooms off we are capable of
devining assembled fustitude and keeping out of its way.
When creeping things cross our path (as they did 2 or 3
nights ago at the D. of Manchester's) such as poor
dwindling Ld. St. Asaph and half a dozen others of the
same genus - we tread over them. When Lady Lucan appears
she stares and we stare, but push on with intrepidity.
Madame de Boufflers was all but thrown down by Molis
predominant elbow, and in one of my grand advances, I
ran my Marechal-powdered head full against tall Mr.
Whitworth's fine waistcoat. He looked queer, and would
have looked serious, had not Anthony Storer interposed
his good offices in true diplomatic style. So we shook
hands, and I proceeded clearing all to the right and to
the left as if unconscious that there existed any-bodies
in this breathing world except my own. It was a glorious
campaign in its way and we carried all before us. We
did/

-3-

did not however encamp on the field, though cordially
invited to a rousing supper, no - no - we hurry-scurred all
over the Foire St. Germain and two or three other idling
places of a more delicate renown and then got home at half
past one to a most comfortable poule au riz and delicious
maraschino sherbet which Moli knows how to compound delectably.
You have no conception to what a strange variety of places
we rattle to in the course of a week. One of our favourite
haunts is the Louvre and our great delight hunting out the
artists in harbours. Twas there, yesterday, we caught
Robert (who is as industrious as a spider) spinning a most
beautiful web, light aeriel enfilades of palaces, bowery
trees, fountains and waterfalls, guy as Watteau, but more
classical. It is astonishing with what facility these
creations grow under his pencil. They are intended for the
Comte d'Artois and most heartily do I envy H.R. Highness
their possession, - the hues of these lengthened perspectives,
these graceful avenues are so delicate so vapoury. The
applause we gave them afforded him such delight that upon
our telling him we were going to the Jardin du Roi he said -
Pray let me accompany you - an hour with you will repay ten
which I have passed by lamp light and dawnlight without
stirring from my easel - I don't know when I ever worked so
hard. He had but to ask, and we were most happy to comply.
Off we set, soon we arrived and I had not been in the garden
half an hour, before I met with an adventure - the great
Lioness fell in love with me. Robert had set down very
composedly to take the portraits of some peruvian aloes to
place in vases on the balustrades of his imaginary palaces -
the Ladies had fallen in with the young Comte de Buffon, who
insisted/

-4-

insisted upon galanting them round the principal repositories
of stuffed birds, aligators and crocodiles. Begging to be
excused this peregrination, I made straight to the land of
living curiosities. My first compliments were paid to a
wolf, who without shewing the smallest degree of fierce ness
advanced to the bars of his cage and peering through them
took a friendly dogish sniff at me. My next sweet looks
and tender speeches were completely thrown away upon a
hyena - the most haggard, malevolent, disconsolate animal
I ever met with. I had the patience to watch her dismal
prowlings for some time. Up and down, forwards and
backwards, unceasingly did she slink along, uttering a horrid
half human cry - looking as sad and woeful as we may imagine
a condemned soul would look,- just entered on the endless
path of a dreadful eternity. You may well suppose my eyes
were averted right willingly from this ghastly object to
the Queen of the brute creation the famous Lioness - renowned
superior in penel)
for her extraordinary size and uncommon (sic) comeliness.

She was lying in her handsome Pavillion - with her glorious
muzzle between her enormous paws, - I thought in great
dudgeon, an opinion not shared it would seem by her keeper,
for he entered her iron palace without any ceremony. She
rose up with an air of serene not offended majesty - stood
stock still, and began looking me full in the face with
singular earnestness. I returned this mark of attention
by looking at her in my turn to the full as decidedly. By
degrees her eyes appeared to change colour and lose their
fierce ness. Finding that my intense manner of gazing
produced a favorable effect I tried to confirm it by talking
to/

-5-

to her with every variety of sound I was master of, modulating
my voice into the most opposite tones, sometimes gentle,
sometimes peremptory. She answered me by the strangest of
subdued growls - it is possible to form any conception of. All
on a sudden she became as good humouredly playsome as the most
familiar of parlour spaniels - threw herself on her back,
rolicking and frolicking about in the highest glee conceivable -
her immense mouth as red and as large pretty nearly as a heated
oven, wide open the whole time as if distended by a fit of
laughter. She now uttered a sort of comfortable chuckling sound
which I answered by an imitation of this strange noise which
was crowned by the most perfect success - for the keeper turning
round to me with an obsequious bow said aloud - Monsieur - you
have won the affections of the Lioness so completely that if you
have any curiosity to enter within these bars and even touch her
you may with entire security. She is not more kindly disposed
towards myself than towards you. I have had a long experience
of her habits. I can interpret her looks and her language. She
has taken a fancy to you. She wants you to show her marks of
kindness. Advance - you need not hesitate. I would stake
my life upon the gentleness of her behaviour. An invitation
so consonant to my own interior wishes was immediately accepted,
and I entered the cage with such a pure and perfect confidence
as totally precluded the sensation of fear. I smoothed down
the enormous paw which the keeper took up and held forth to me -
leisurely and deliberately touching one after the other the
terrific talons with which it was armed. Whilst I was thus
engaged - the royal captive lowered her head mildly - half
closing her eyes as if disposed to fall quietly asleep. You
know/

-6-

know my predilection for animals, and to think I possessed
the power of conciliating one so formidable enchanted me
beyond idea. The uncommon sounds which had been issuing from
the Lionesses abode during the last half hour drew a crowd of
idle spectators around us, whose surprise at seeing me quite
at home in so perilous a situation passed all bounds. Had
these good people beheld the Prophet Daniel himself in the
Babylonian den, or the three holy children walking unsinged
through Nebuchadnezzars fiery furnace, they could not have
testified a greater degree of astonishment. Can this be
possible, exclaimed forty or fifty voices in chorus: What
talisman does this young gentleman possess? Who ever before
took a Lioness in this fashion by the paw? How the d—-1
did she suffer such an audacious liberty? Ah Messieurs
replied the keeper "Qui peut reprendre des caprices des Dames"
pas moi assurement. This was convincing — every one felt the
truth of the observation from his own private experience, and
every one withdrew shrugging up his shoulders — gesticulating
with his hands and pesting and diabling with heart and soul
against the Englishman, whose boldness or rather impudence —
they thought far more deserving of reproof than admiration.
I had not quitted my beloved's grated boudoir nor relinquished
fondling her lovely paw when Lady Clarges, Robert, Miss Carter,
and the Comte de Buffon came up. I thought poor Lady Clarges
would have fainted, so great was her terror at this unexpected
spectacle. Her faithful companion bore the strange sight
with masculine fortitude — Monsieur de Buffon with a something
not unlike national jealousy. All agreed in pronouncing it
to be one of the most decided instances of love at first sight
on the part of the Lioness, and of very unwise hardiness on
mine/

-7-

mine ever heard of. Robert, who is as lively as light and
remarkably fond of every thing out of the common routine was
in perfect extasy. I will set off, said he, without a
moment's delay and tell Monseigneur le Comte d'Artois what I
have seen, but can scarcely credit - adieu milord, notre pere
Adam was a fool to you. He was as good as his word, for Lady
Clermont, who was present when he arrived, told me that his
animated narrative of her Leonine Majesty's condescending
kindness and my temerity excited the greatest surprise in the
royal circle and that nothing else was talked of at Versailles
during the whole evening.

Before closing my letter, I must not forget
informing you that the Leonine expressed her sorrow for my
departure by setting up a roar so loud, so vigourous, so
terrible, that it seemed to shake the cage I had just quitted
to its very foundation. My whole party shuddered and looked
aghast. I, for my own part, felt a more uneasy sensation,
when reflecting upon the risk I had run of being snapped up
by this tremendous vocalist, than at the moment of actual
danger. Do not imagine, however, that I shall cease following
my up "bonne fortune". I mean to visit her Leonine Majesty
tomorrow, and many a tomorrow, I hope, after that. You know
I am pretty perseverant. I know also, my beloved Louisa, that
you are not alarmed for my safety in any particular. Have
you not repeatedly had reason to believe that I am watched
over by a guardian power - that an invisible protection invests
me that has not hitherto failed upon any occasion either with
respect to animals, or the Lords of creation themselves?

Note.

I went at least 20 times after this to the Jardin du Roi, and
was/

was invariably received by the Lioness with the most evident
marks of affection. Upon my return to Paris from Spain in
the year 1788, she recognised me the very first instant I
appeared before her.— The same keeper preceded me into the
same cage where she lay extended with her young: he took
up one of the cubs and gave it into my hand — she looking
on with the utmost complacency. After caressing it with
sincere fondness, I returned it myself to the mother, who
shewed every sign of approbation, and even manifested an
intention of licking my hand — an honour, however, I begged
leave to decline — the keeper telling me that having _once_
himself received this most rough, though flattering distinction
he never wished to have it again repeated. He said his hand
had been fairly excoriated.

Read to Rogers 13 March 1840.
to Mrs. Gore 26 July 1840.

To A. 17 May 1841.

[The above in pencil in Beckford's hand].

Paris in 1784.

The "jours gras" are over and we have entered into those
which by courtesy are styled lean. The Devil, as usual
no loser, is laughing almost <u>aloud</u> at his baffled antagonists
Monseigneur l'Archevesque's exhortations to keep lent,
placarded all over the town have been pelted with old-laid
eggs most bespatteringly: his commandments, and those of the
Decalogue, are certainly preached up in five hundred pulpits
and as certainly trampled down in twenty times that number of
Caffes Boudoirs, and dining-rooms. Nothing so vulgar as
religion is ever alluded to at those select great diners
and "petits soupers" where the new light of doubly refined
philosophy is shedding its beams - in profusion. The
insects it has hatched are acquiring fresh vigour every day.
Some lull all terror of the future asleep by their soft
drowsy hummings, others are sharpening their stings, and
even threaten to use them. In the mean while, Paris is
more festive, more glittering, and more abominably depraved
than it ever was known to be since the <u>pious</u> æra of Henry
the third and his chaste mother Catherine de Medicis. The
perpetual noise and bustle of theatres, ball rooms, and
gaming houses passes all idea. Every variety - every
contrast of sound may be heard here from night till morning
and from morning till night - speaking metaphorically - the
cooing of doves, the hiss of serpents the song of the
nightingale and the braying of the ass. The Capital,
perhaps, was never before so thickly or effervescently
peopled. Its traps continually set as continually catch
victims, and its innumerable dens of corruption and crime
which/

-2-

which, instead of being put down, are almost legally
protected, seldom close without lacerating in some shape
or other to the very quick the dupes who enter them.
Beneath these dens are some still deeper atrocities—
perpetrated in the chase of pleasure are such as make my
blood boil and freeze alternately. O for a Serpent
Scourge and all the tremendous power ancient mythology
assigned to the Furies that I might revenge the insults
humanity receives in these sinks of revolting vice!.
Every/

 Readers acquainted with the Justine and Juliette of
the Marquis de Sades will comprehend my horror and
indignation at the style of amusement these dens afforded.
The volumes referred to (the most blasphemous and obscene
ever printed and which came hot from Hell soon after the
date of this letter) are filled with the records of
experiments tried for the purpose of exciting by every
species of torture the most unheard of debaucheries.
How Majendie would have enjoyed such ingenious essays on
the nervous system'. The experiments he has been suffered
to perform on living animals were to the full as
excruciating, and firmly do I believe that the terror
of still existing laws alone prevents this Monster
from dissecting the human subject alive. Nothing
would gratify his insatiable curiosity so highly nor
from the whole tenor of his professional career am
I disinclined to credit, what I have frequently heard,
that it has been already gratified.

-3-

Every thing at Paris one sees, one hears, one feels from
the painted face to the cork protuberance is shear art.
Rousseau's prose poems in praise of nature have been sung
in vain. Nature is forgotten or unknown. I am sick to
death of the pedantic gabble in such vogue here at the
present moment in the highest circles about political wants
and political miseries, admiration for rebellious America
and contempt for cathedrals and palaces, Versailles and
Rheims certainly not excepted. The turgid display of
sentiment, not one of these titled praters and prateresses
actually feel, is to me perfectly nauseous. The reality
of their liberal wishes and good will to the people at
large is so problematical that I am more than persuaded
this pretended milk of human kindness would turn to the
deadliest poison at the first evident approach of a
patriotic thunder storm. That such a tempest is brewing
requires no inspiration to foretell. Alas! Louisa, it
matters but little to us what colours the sky assumes or
what storms burst from it, circumstances we no longer
controul keep us assunder - all that can most depress my
spirits and wither my heart is concentrated in that idea.

Rd. to Rogers 13 March 1840
to Mr. M. 22 March

Read to Dr. Gairdner 16 Feb.
1840
to Mrs. Gore 26 July 1840
to the US. Feb. 1842.

Lady Clermont often said to me - Keep aloof from Madame Neckers parties if you possibly can; they wont suit you. O that I had followed this excellent advice - but there is no resisting fate, nor such a billet as I enclose to you and which I beg you will not fail to return. I went early, according to summons, and found Gardel and two of his vice-gerents, the slimmest of the slim, each armed with his slender kit, Piccini at the harpsichord and Mormon all and the Abbe Raynal acting the part of audience. Mademoiselle pounced down upon me the moment I entered, and we began dancing menuets, then followed a gavotte, which, though I performed, as I flattered myself, in/

x Je crois, monsieur, que vous faites l'honneur a maman de
diner cheselle mecredi. Si je voudrois bien jouir de tous vos
talents, et c'est pour cela que j'ose vous proposer de venir
a une h. et demic - avant le diner. J'ai promis a un habile
danseur le plaisir de vous admirer, et le soir a un bon
musicien celui de vous accompagner. Pardon si je mets votre
modestie a cette epreuve, mais vous avez cependent trop de
franchise, et de jugement pour vous amuser a etre modeste.
Je n'ai peins encor fini l'ouvrage extraordinaire que vous
avez eu la bonté de me confier Monsieur. Il est difficile
de le quiter, car vous transporter si rapidement d'idées, de
tableaux en tableaux qu'il est impossible de trouver un
intervalle entre une sensasion et l'autre. Vous revez quand
vous n'avez rien a peindre - l'imagination qui invente ou

represente les objets, n'a jamais ete portee plus loin
La nature a sur vous un bien grand empire. Votre ame est
entrainee pas tout ce qui l'environne - vous ne devez jamais
oublier les lieux que vous avez vu, car chacun d'eux a fait
naitre des pensees qui ne peu vent s'effacer. J'ai souvent
ri de votre maniere de peindre, mais je crois que vous ne
vous doutiez pas que vous etiez gai, car vous parlez votre
langue naturelle, lors meme que nous vous trouvons extra-
ordinaire, - j'aime beaucoup l'origine que vous donnez aux
Flamands - quand a vous, monsieur, c'est dans le Mont Ætna
que je chercherai la votre et je vais me hater de voir si
vous parlez de ce volcan avec reconnoissance. Agreez,
monsieur, l'assurance des sentiments distingues avec lesquels
j'ai l'honneur d'etre votre tres humble et tres obeisante
servante. (Ce dimanche, Louisa Necker.)

-2-

in my best style, did not exactly delight Gardel, who took
the liberty of observing that I rose much higher into the
air than was at all necessary. This exhibition ended and
another pounce from Mademoiselle brought me to the harpsichord,
where sat Piccini like a King on his throne. He accompanied
me admirably - much less, I believe, to his own satisfaction
than mine, for all he said was "I perceive you have heard
Pachierolli". It was next Mademoiselle's turn to display
her musical abilities, which she did with a vengeance, for
she sung incomparably out of tune from the first note to the
last of the grand aria in Piccini's Didon. He said nothing,
but looked daggers. His most animated pupil had scarcely
quavered the last roulade, when the great door of the grand
saloon flying open discovered a synod of sallow "literati"
in full court dresses, and a row of long waisted pink and
yellow dowagers all seated on fauteuil composed of the
stiffest tapestry all taking deliberate pinches of snuff at
frequent intervals, and all determined to cross examine poor
unfortunate me as if I had been actually expected to take
degrees in their supremely dull coterie. In this exemplary
task they were aided and abetted by Buffon, de la Lalande
and a host of scavants their literary confessors. Zoology,
Geology, and Meteorology formed the chief topics discussed, but
tautology prevailed over all, for the same deductions from the
same statements were repeated over and over again,
every time, it appeared to me, with additional driness. The
dinner was more unetuous than the discourse - to the affliction
of my stomach you may easily imagine. Of the whole formidable
party assembled at table, the master of the house himself was
the least husky and wearisome. I had been told that he felt
much depressed by the loss of power. Whether he entertains
warm/

-3-

warm hopes of regaining it, or whether the consciousness
of having acted uprightly, according to his Genevan notions,
sustains his spirits, I cannot say, but I never beheld any
mortal being more complacently self-satisfied. It does
one good to witness the serene and happy attention with
which he listens to all the fine things his flatterers and
satellites (still a numerous band) are perpetually declaiming
to his glory and praise, but the person of all others to whom
he gives ear the most assiduously is his own dear self. I
often put in a few words to the same tune, which coming from
a hopeful young man, who had read his de Lolme and other
worshipful works of similar plausibility never fails to
elicit a placid smile. Indeed, I must say he always treats
me with peculiar kindness and even a sort of deference the
exact reason for which I have not yet discovered. After
all, and in spite of the rank prejudices against him, so
rife in the circles in which I chiefly move, it must be
allowed that he possesses intellectual qualities of a high
description. As to his exterior, it reminds me of the
maître d'hôtel in the ballet de Mirza - nothing but a napkin
under the arm wanting to perfect the ressemblance. When he
has just received a well turned compliment, his mouth becomes as
round as the letter O and he appears as if on the point of
whistling a bul-finchish reply. His pedantic, domineering
consort (nee Curchand) is a very different sort of personage -
just such a one as Molière would have gloried in - half
precieuse-ridicule and half Comtesse d'Escarbagnas - the latter
character she certainly acted before me in perfection. Singing
and declaiming to please your name sake and antipode the brown
Louise had completely parched me up. Being therefore as
thirsty as the deserts of Arabia, I begged earnestly for a
very large goblet of water. I happened to be seated by
Madame/

-4-

Madame in the very centre of her magnificent saloon. The goblet was brought in. I had scarcely begun quaffing it when she screamed out, 'Monsieur - in these cases it is the etiquette to rise from your seat, and take your glass of water at the distance of at least two or three paces'. Is it so indeed Madame, answered I, I beg ten thousand pardons. I will immediately retire, - and so I did, but my foot slipping accidentally (or the reverse, which ever you like best to conjecture -) the whole remaining contents of the capacious goblet fell into Madame's richly brocaded lap. I leave you to figure to yourself her angry gestures, the general surprise, the general consternation, and the lightning-like swiftness with which I darted to the door of the apartment. It had hardly closed upon me, when it was re-opened in most violent haste by Mademoiselle Louise assisted by Marmontell - and followed by her father lamenting the catastrophe which had just taken place and beseeching me to return, and hear explanations. None would I hear. None would I accept. I ran down the stairs without looking behind me, and never intend to run up them again. So help me providence.'

My dear Friend,

Your No. 5 came last night. I have
answered the Doctor's letter very fully, and as he has
desired it to be directed to him at his Bankers I have
inclosed you a copy of my answer. When he leaves you
he should deliver up his Books to you. I hope the
Doctor is not reckoning to receive his annuity both
upon the first and last day of the time, because if
he is he will receive one quarter most certainly twice
over. There can be no harm in the Book I settled
when with you being sent to me - with Berti's books
that are done with. I am certain the Doctor was paid
completely and in full up to the first of July inclusive.

Your Tea Kettle will be sent you forthwith
from Boulonge. Tell Berti if you please that Monsr
Ducaloy of Boulonge will pay the duty etc. for me, and
that therefore Mr. Peregaux need not advance any money on
that account. I mention this for fear of our paying
twice, - and they are a little in the sharping way there.

This quarter you will act as you find
convenient with either by drawing for the 500 or the
servants wages extra or forbearing both; in short do that
which will make you the most comfortable. I feel you
have too many plagues already upon your hands, for me not
to wish fervently to throw in a little mite of assistance
to make a little balance.

I have nothing now to detain me from
Fonthill but your Portugal business, and to-morrow I will
make that my care to do what if any thing is to be done.
I thank you for the extract of your letter. I wish every
one/

one was as much your friend as the M. of M.

I certainly wish Mr. Lettice was better provided
for in the church but if you determine to try the strength
of your recommendations for him, I would have you consider
well when and how that is best to be done. Do not be
precipitate in making promises.

I am glad your wine is arrived from Bordeaux.
I shall not order you any but Madeira and Port. Both Burgundy
and Champagne you can get by Mr. Peregaux's recommendation
better than from mine. The Madeira and Port I hope are by this
time shipped.

The horses I have given orders about to Jack
I have inclosed you a letter from Mr. J. Stitt
which came yesterday.

The sketch of the last year's planting you have
also inclosed. You know what was done before, and now you
see what remains to be done. Bracher asks £2400 for his
Estate. I think that is quite too much but to an indifferent
person I suppose worth about £2000 but I will do what I can
when I am there.

With the most perfect respect and regard

I am My dear Friend

Thos. Wildman.

30th Septr. 1788.

(No addresses).

33

A 9 heures

Dimanche 22 de Juin 88.

Je suis toute triste, je ne pense et parle que de vous
Infantado
avec le bon Perein, qui temoigne plus que jamais son bon
coeur, et son attachement pour nous, il vouloit aller demain
a Madrid voire les Toros, et n'auroit pas manqué d'aler vous voir
mais son pere ne le laisse pas aler, il me charge de vous dire
cela, ainsi que mille autres choses, je lui ai fait voire la
belle lettre que jay recu, il est furieux, et dit que si jamais
je découvre la personne, qu'il le fera aranger de manière
a ne plus voiloir manger de dindon, pour vous je voudrois
que le gout des petits chats vous passat, C'est un ragout
que je ne puis digéré, vous vous en été done regalé le même
jour de votre arive, Cela n'est pas joli, jay eut Roxas a
diné, je l'ai bien traité malgré sa fatal rasssemblance mais
je ne pourroi pas en faire autant au professeur en peinture.
S'il avoit eut au moindre ladresse de bien saisir vos jolies
traits, a la bonheur, je me suis endormi hier a la comedie,
le moment que j'y etois eveillé j'y ai vue @ogollendo, il ma
dit mille folie, et que je vous avoit donné un doux baasé
dans la loge, il disoit que je n'ai jamais aimé personne come
vous, je lui ai dit que c'etoit bien vray. Je m'en vais
Portugal, et ne penserai encore qu'a vous car je ne vie plus
que pour vous, les petits gants sont toujours dans ma poche
et quand je suis seule je les mets et les couvres de baasé,
Perico ne scavoit que c'etoit je les lui fit voir, il me
demandoit ce que jaimerai mieux jetter pas la fenetre lui,
ou les gants, je repondit de manière a ne pas jetter ni l'un
ni l'autre. Portugal nous ce tous invité a diné pour meneredy
il faudra que j'y aille nest-ce pas?

① In Beckford's hand.

No. 10.

Lundi le 28 Juillet 1788

(Answered 11 Augt. )In Beckford's
No. 12. ) hand.

Mon Dieu que vous ëte aimable cher pti de m'ocerre
Si en detaille sur tout ce que vous faite et penssé,
mais vous seavez bien pour qu'd vous vous doné cette peine
et combien mon coeur est reconnoissant aux moindres preuves
de votre attachement, votre lettre m'a fait tant de plaisir
que je ne me possedoit pas de joye et de reconnoisence, au
point que je vous ai accordé a l'instant tout ce que vous
me demandé pour Ki Ki - j'y ai reflechi ensuite davantage,
mais malgré toute la repugnance que j'y trouvait le pouvoir
que vous avez sur moi l'a emporté, et j'ai été hier pour cela
entendre la masse, a la petite Eglise de Ki Ki, lui et son
Payré sont tout de suite venue a la porte de la sacristie
pour me voir, je vous laisse juger de tout ce qui se passoit
en moi, mais je surmontoit touts les sentiments que j'eprouvoit
et la masse finie je fût a la sacristie, et demanda a Ki Ki.. to
de voire sa chambre il m'y mona et me presenta sa Mayre qui est
une petite feme toute ronde petite et laide. Jay dit que
j'avois eut de vos nouvelles et que vous me chargiés de bien
des choses por el chico a qui j'adressoit la parolle, et
qui me repondit que l'obligent succellant épouvantable
Mr Kauf... a qui j'ajoute ces justes titres etoit venue de
votre part lui donner de vos nouvelles j'ai palie je crois
jusqu'au livres, et une suqure froide s'empara de tout mon
corps ce n'est pas la tout, Sur cela le pere et la mere
parlerent de toute les bontes y carigno que vous avies pour
leurs fils, c'est la le terme dont il se sont servie, et
qu'il ne scavoit coment il avoit merité, au point que vous
vouliés l'emmener avec vous, a quoi eux n'avoit pue consentir
n'ayant que le seul enfant, il me prit un serement de coeur
si/

7.

si terrible, que je ne pouvoit pas parler, et je sortie a
l'instant pour me laisser aler a toute ma douleur, en arivant
ches moi je fut un peu consolé, ayant recue votre lettre de
Bayoune, qu'aporte un valet de chambre de Papa Vang [....]
qui dit en avoir été chargé je doute qui ce soit par vous
car vous ne m'en dite rien, mais c'est bien negligent a lui
de ne pas me l'avoir aporté plutôt enfin il vaut mioux tard que
jamais car je lui croyoit le même sort que la première, vous
enragé dite vous contre Veril et ceux qui vous ont fait quiter
l'Espagne cette manière de vous exprimer est tres vray puisque
ce n'est pas moi seule que vous y avez laisse, et que vous
regretez, car ce maudit Ki Ki, vous tient aussi a cœur que
moi - vous m'en parlez encore et craignés que je ne m'aquitterai
point de tout ce que vous me dite pour lui (four words deleted
and indecipherable)C'est ce que je ferai dorenavant je ne serai
plus aussi bonne que je l'ai été hier en voila assi, je ne
vou point vous ennuyer davantage avec mes plaintes, qui ne
font qu'exiter ma jalousie, et me faire deraisonner, mais aye
egard a l'amour extreme que j'ay pour vous, et qui me consume,
au sujet du portrait je ne veut point aprofondir ce qui en
est jaime mieux vous croire, mais je vais vous dire come jai
sene ce que je vous ai dit, c'est par Beuste a qui je parloit
de votre portrait que j'ai, et il me dit lequelle le premoier
ou le second, je fut surprise mais je ne fit s'emblant de
rien, et lui dit seulement que je ne scavoit pas lequelle
c'etoit sur cela il me dit, a c'est qu'il y en avoit un plus
ressemblant, que l'autre, je ne perdit pas courage et lui dit,
c'est celui que j'ai, et que l'autre vous l'aviez envoyé a
mariatira ce qui auroit pue etre puisque c'etoit la votre
premiere intention, cependant je ne le croyoit pas milles idées
facheuses me vinrent a l'imagination, et je fut toute suite
vous faire part de mon chagrin, car je vous dit tout, j'y trouve
du soulagement, et souvent on est consolé, et vous faite
raillement/

3-2

raillement dans ce moment tout ce que vous pouves pour cela,
(sie) sur le parti que vous avez prie
ce que vous me dite de franchi me tranquilise de beaucoup
mais ne serais ce pas pour faire place a d'autre, et n'etre
pas importune, vous ale dire, **toujour de la jalousie** et vous
avez raison mais je ne puis la surmonter, elle est plus
pardonnable qu'a d'autre ou elle ne provient ordinairement
que de l'amour propre, et ce n'est surement pas la ce qui
m'exite. C'est un sentiment tout different je recevrai avec
bien du plaisir votre **Agnus Dei** et las coplitas, al santissimo,
mais je n'aime pas les paroles que vous avez choisie, ni que
vous composie de preference de la musique d'Eglise, et cela
pour cause, moi je vous envoy par Beuste ces deux aires de
la gully, dans les traine deluse, c'est tout a fait votre
genre de musique, le Rondeau surtout je jurerai vous l'avoir
entendue chanter ou autre chose qui lui ressemble infiniment,
les paroles sont rest'a in pace amato ben, Idolo mio, mio dolce
amor je vous envoy aussi Gil blas de Santileane qui vient de
paroitre en Espagnole, et come on dit, transposé a sa premiere
langue dans laquelle il doit etre bien plus interessant, et
jay penssé que cela pouroit vous faire plaisir, mais pour mon
portrait a l'huile je n'en ai encore aucune nouvelle mais je
ferai toute les demarches possibles pour le r'avoire c'est cette
apres dine que Beuste doit etre parti il s'aretta a baniere
et n'arivera a Paris que le 15 de Septembre je lui ai bien
recomendé de vous parler souvent de moi, c'est un bon diable et
suis faché qu'il soit parti j'avois de la confiance en lui nous
parlions presque toujours de vous et me tenoit souvent compagnie
a l'opera il etoit toujours dans la loge et les autres jours nous
promenions le soir ensemble au Prado, et Perico aussi mais
actuellement je ne scai ce que ferai je ne veu pas aller seule
avec/

Jeudy le 30 Octobre

1788

No. 37

Pauvre pti est done toujours malade, mais cependant sens
fievre apresent, c'est un grand point de gayne car il n'y
a rien de si dengereux que ces fievres continua, j'espere
que vous vous remetre apresent et reprendra votre jolie
figure, qui quoique maigre et hideuse, come vous dite qu'ell
est apresent feroit tout mon bonheur, je la devorerai de
mes yeux, et de caresse, si je pouvois la revoire un instant,
je vois que vous etes absolument decide a quitter l'Angletere
surtout d'apres la maniere dont le Roy meme agie contre vous
c'est cependent affreux, mais sur quelle pied alle vous en
Portugal demande vous quelques charge, je pensse bien que ce
n'est qu'a cette condition qu'on peut ce decider pour ce pays
avec l'esperence de jouer un jour un grand role, joubliai dans
le moments tout les charmes et agreements que vous trouves dans
ce pays je voudrois bien que vous puissiez les oublier come moi,
vous m'assure au moin pour la Baleine que le tems de cintra
est passe, disant que tout passe exepte votre attachement pour
moi. C'est bien jolie au pti de dire des choses aussi tendre
C'est qu'il seait bien combien sa petite lui en est reconnoiss-
ante, et y est sensible, et elle peut bien vous aimer, aussi
toute sa vie, je vois que nos soirés Turques vous tienent
furiusement a coeur vous me les rapelés toujours mais elle
sont bien faite pour cela par leur originalite et puisque
j'y ai passe des moments si heureux, mais je ne les oublie
pas non plus; j'en parle meme tres souvent avec les petites
Sabatinie que je vois quelques fois, elle sont tout autre
depuis qu'elle sont avec la mere qui est une feme charmante\ elle a une voix superbe et chante avec beaucoup d'expression,
les petites chantent aussi tres joliment. Je vois que vous
n'avez pas fait grand cas des ambassadeurs de Tiposaib, que
vous/

vous me dite partie apresent, j'attens avec impatience de
pouvoir vous doner bien des nouvelles d'Achmet Vassir, ce
Mr Gravina doit toujours ariver pour le jour de la St. Charle,
l'ambassadeur de Venise a reçu ces jours c'y une lettre de
Don Pedro l'intreprete mais il ne parle de rien que de la
pretention et du desir qu'il a de venir come interprete de
la cour d'Espagne, tout le corp diplomatique est au Silio la
Portugaise a couché d'un garçon avec beaucoup de peine
et de travaille, on craignoit même pour elle et encore depuis
l'acouchement, mais le Marquis Joseph m'ecrit ce matin quelle
est un peut mieux et qu'on craignoit pour l'enfant qui ne
vouloit pas teter, Jay vue quiniones a l'opera il nous a
raconté tout ses malheurs d'ont il est retablie a present et
il est reparti hier, son depart vous surprend mais je non
scai le vray motif, je vous ai deja parlé de celui du jeux
mais on dit aussi que c'est pour des affaires d'interets a
lui, et c'est ce qu'il dit et qu'il reviendra en 6 mois mais
il a vendue tout ses erets ce qui fait croire a tout le
monde qu'il ne reviendra pas, vous n'avez done plus vue Perico,
il m'avoit cependent bien promit de vous voir souvent en depit
de Nasonado et de sa chere mere, vous n'avez que faire de me
conseiller de ne point cerire a Careney, la maniere dont il a
parlé de moi est indigne il s'est fait plus de tort qu'a moi,
ne parlent apresent de ce qu'il a fait croire qu'il m'a eut
car come tout le monde est persuadé apresent du contraire,
on trouve affreux en lui de l'avoir fait croire, vous aures
été bien indigne aussi de tout ce quil a dit encore, je ne
scai ce que je lui ferai si je le revoi, mais je lui dirai
bien toute les horreurs possibles, et puis je ne le revoirai
plus de ma vie. Vous ne me parle plus de Felk ... je crain
qu'il n'y ai quelques choses la dessou, ni du petit neveu de
D. Diogo de Meneses Conde de Loysão.®
Marielve, vous alis encore me dire que le demon de la jalousie
me tourmente toujours, come vous me disiés l'autre jour au sujet
de Ki Ki, vous voulès que je sois tranquille tandis que je vois
que vous y penssé toujours, je passe plutôt quelques petits
alagos/

*In a different hand.*

66

12.

alagos en le voyant, que l'attachement que vous conserve
pour lui de si loin, avoué que j'ai raison, Dona Theresa est
toujour ediffic de la manière dont vous me prechez sur la
devotion je ne manque pas de lui lire toujours le moindre
petit article, mais il faut quelques fois que je corige et
augmente, a propos on a fait une niche superbe au St. Antoine,
que vous adoriez si précisément toute les fois que nous
passions en voiture dans une rue derrière de ces vous,
A dieu chere pti pour moi c'est vous seul que jadore.

13.

No. 62

Madrid le 2 Fevrier

(1789).

Jay recue votre No. 56 je ne scai réellement qu'y repondre,
les avocés que je vous ai fait vous ont mie aux desespoire
à ce que vous dite, mais vous ne blames cependant pas ma
franchise ainssi je veux continuer toujours de même a votre
regard, car si je venois a ne plus meriter le titre d'amante
je veux conserver celui d'amie et vous pouves bien être sure
que vous n'en trouverai pas de plus sincère et plus tendre.
Je vous en ai assé dit dans ma dernière lettre sur certain
artiele, ainssi je n'en parlerai pas davantage pour le
moment, vous massure que votre portugaise n'occupe sûrement
point votre cœur, et qu'elle n'a pas même le pouvoir de
vous distraire des reveries ou vous a plongés mes deux
lettres, tout cela est bien fait encore pour me soutenir
dans le dengé ou mon cœur m'entraine, mais coment faire pour
resister à la tentation, si vous vouliez être aussi sincère
que moi, nous verions si vous y avez résisté aussi longtemps
que moi je ne puis le croire me rappelont combien de peine
vous aviez a y resister même en ma présence, et puis ce qui
s'est passé avec Folk .... n'est pas trop aussi en votre
faveur, a Dieu je n'ose vous ecrire davantage jusqu'à voire
la manière dont vous agirai avec moi, j'attens avec impatience
votre lettre de demain en attendant soyez persuadé que je
vous aime toujours de tout mon cœur.

No. 64.

le 9 Fevrie

(64 in answer fiery and satirical ... every line a two edged sword Sent off Tuesday) 1789
24 Feby.

J'ose a poine vous ecrire je vois dans quelle etat vous ont mit mes dernieres lettres, et tout ce que je pourrai vous dire encore n'est point fait pour vous tranquiliser, ainssi il est inutile de vous en parler, mais consideré bien les circonstence et notre situation, coment pouvés vous exiger que je passe ma jeunesse, le meilleur tems de ma vie, a m'ennuyer et a me lamenter de votre absence, ayant aussi peue de certitude de vous revoire vous m'assuré bien que vous en avez tout le desire mais a quoi cela m'avance t'il si pendent ce tems des aneés se passent, et quand meme nous nous reverions, ce ne seroit encore que pour quelques mois, ainssi croyé moi une amitie solide et bien plus preferable dans la situation ou nous sommes d'ailleurs vos affaires comement a s'arenger en Angleterre, j'y prendrai toujours le plus grand interet et vous serai bien obligé si vous continués a me faire part des moindres choses qui y ont raport. Vous me demendé d'on sort ce Mº de St. Aldegond d'une famille de flandre tres ancienne et tres distingué come il sont 4 freres et servent touts en france, il est assi difficile qu'ils fassent touts une egale fortune ainssi ses parent ont envoyé celui c'y en Espagne, et il vient d'etre fait cadet quoi qu'il n'y est encore que 6 mois qu'il est ici, Sil continue ce train la il ne peue menquer d'etre exempt dans un an d'ici, pour Mº de Roquesa (Au) il pretend aussi d'entrer au service mais je ne cr.... pas qu'il reussiere jai parlé de vous a Mº de Meneses, il m'a dit qu'il vous connoissoit beaucoup et se metoit a sourire (one word deleted and indecipherable) Ce qui me fait croire qu'il est bien informé de vos histoires, il l'est bien de notre liaison, mais ce n'est pas de cela qu'il rioit, je lui en parlerois encore la premiere fois que je le verés, mais il part dans 8 jours avec l'ambassadeur, et peut etre reviendrai t il encore avec lui a/

I n Beckford's hand.

Perfetly secure and easy upon the subject No 31
of Campbell's claim.

W.OMNI 60/11/89

36 in answer sent off Monday 2nd March.
To be expressed upon Nairne's commitment. An
income of 12,000 desired. Slight complaints of
Barki. A word or two of Pout and the rest of M.
Affectionate expressions, and the scheme of St Omer's
hired Incs. my mother and Vincent

The above in Beckford's hand

My dear Friend,

I have made another purchase at Hindon so
that we may [now [sigh] as to that matter as Alexander did
unless Sir H.G. should think of treating with us for his
property there.

36

-2-

the Devil seize me if I do

I am writing to you who will at once understand
me and therefore without pressing further do meet me at
St. Omers if you can. You have no idea how trifling
actions of persons in certain situations are exasperated.

Your bringing a portugal orange with you has been talked of
in London and stories built upon it, I am certain, and
I know that correspondent will and her Mod. du Day also and Mlle de Day's ms

which a correspondent of yours could write upon. I have
I know that correspondent will and her Mod. du Day also and Mlle de Day's ms
I have a great reason to believe and that person I am confidently
certain is your friend and would go lengths to serve and
assist you, but has cautioned me not to over act my part

I know that correspondent will and her Mod. du Day also and Mlle de Day's ms
I am confidently
 assist you, but has cautioned me not to over act my part
as I do not live in the world to hear all that is said.

I will be punctual to the day and hour if possible, but
much must be planned and considered before you fix the
time and manner of your return to your own Country, or
the whole of your past will only be a prelude to your
future sufferings.

Now if you continue to think our meeting essential, fix
your own day at St. Omers and with the leave of the sea,
I will be punctual to the day and hour if possible, but
much must be planned and considered before you fix the
time and manner of your return to your own Country, or
the whole of your past will only be a prelude to your
future sufferings.
I forwarded the inclosed letter the
day it came to Mrs. Hervey.

Your mother desired me to write you that your... (tom)
Mrs. Finney is dead. She died about a week since.
I think your mother still very poorly. Your children
are pretty well. Poor Mr. Collett is very ill.

I am My dear Friend

Your most truly obliged and most
affectionate humble Servant

Thos. Wildman.

Thos. Wildman.

Lincolns Inn.

14th April 1789.

(Address) - A Monsieur

Monsieur

Beckford

Hotel D'orsay

Rue de Varennes

Paris.

① yes provided
she was paid -
her letters all
point towards
my rocket.

② a pretty caution-
perfectly in swift
seraphim's style

③ 3 or 4 goodish
titled women
and 2 or 3 men
who always
delighted me
form Mrs. H
world.

④ what a
humble
prophecy!

⑤ So much the
worst. I know
she was both
grateful and
affectionate.

The manuscript was in
Beckford's hand and are
shown as they appear in the
original, except those in the
margin which are interlined
where the numbers indicate.

2/

3.

I want words to describe the horrid effects of this
letter upon me - my blood curdled - every nerve in my
frame quivered. It deprived me of appetite and rest -
my health withered before it. Monday morn: the day
after I received it I could not eat my breakfast and
felt as if I had been rocked on board of a ship in a
storm the whole night.

The above is in Beckford's hand.

On the back in pencil in Beckford's hand :
Infernal rascal this Wildman !

37

-2-

why must Margaret be exalted to such a height of happiness?
Why must she possess lawfully and eternally what I would
suffer ten thousand deaths to enjoy one instant. William-
it must not be, — that cold-blooded disciple of pale-eyed
chastity must not revel in your arms — pant on your
breast — mingle her soul with your's, and under the
sanction of virtue wantonly indulge all the luxurious
fancies of vice. Since the dawnings of reason first
illumined my infant mind, never has it been torn by such
a variety of distracting passions.— Jealousy — fury — anger
revenge — and despair possess it by turns, and harass me
out of all patience. For mercy's sake do not give
yourself away yet — see me — speak to me — ere the cursed
knot is tied — and let my longing arms be folded once
more round the lovely form of my own William. Beckford
too — (Eternal tortures seize him) has altered his plan
and stays here till I go to Town. He is determined to
kill me by his hated presence. What shall I do? In
vain I search for an expedient to meet you in comfort.
I can think of none. Next Saturday he goes to Mr. Dražda's
for the greatest part of the following week, then returns
to move no more till the middle of April. Had he made
this visit later in the month you might perhaps have
contrived to come during his absence — but Fortune is
against us and every thing conspires to make me completely
wretched. I could write a volume of exclamations on our
miserable situation, and imprecations on the cruel authors
of it.

Unsigned.

Addressed. William Beckford Esqr.
Wimpole Street,

London.

40

IV

Paris 2 March 1784.

The set you stand in such awe of - arrived the very
day you predicted. I continue to like Ld. Lucan very
much. He is shrewd - pleasant, and quick - but the
latter epithet cannot with any shadow of truth be applied
to Miladi. She is more vehement, more active and takes
longer strides than ever. Yesterday for three hours
running did she whisk me up and down the flights of
stairs and mighty cool apartments of the Bibliothèque
Royale - on the high hunt after portraits - for a
Shakespeare she is manufacturing in I know not how many
ponderous volumes and upon which she has lavished already
more burnished gold leaf and gaudy colouring than ever
bedizened the King's State Coach - or the City barge.
You would have trembled had you seen her distending her
nostrils like an Ogress scenting her prey, and still
more had you heard the strange inquisitorial questions
she had the confidence not to say impudence of asking
me about you. I was prepared for something of this
kind, Lady Margaret having told me that during the last
visit she received from her and which was prolonged
pretty nearly through the whole evening she kept on
introducing your praises by main force at every turn
and even twist of the conversation. How I detest
these perfidious praises my beloved Louisa - knowing
too well to what they tend'. They have already done
a world of mischief, and are likely to do a great deal
more. Deliver me therefore O gracious Heaven from
this meddling, ranting, flaunting over-accomplished dame,
and so prays, with equal fervour, I believe, the poor
worried guardian of the royal Library. The complaints
he/

-2-

he makes of her creasing the books and scratching the
M.S.S. are bitter indeed. Most sincerely do I pity -
most perfectly can I sympathise with his sorrows for no
longer ago than last night - had I not resorted to a
decisive coup de main - my finest purchase at the
Valliere sale would have been utterly ruined. She
was in the very act of demonstrating its perfections
by prising a beautiful madonnas eye out with her
sharp-pointed nail - when making a lucky snatch at the
book, I bore it off like a whirl wind to her speechless
astonishment, for she seems never to have imagined that
there existed her equal upon earth in violence and
tantrumical activity. More for the purpose of
dissipating mournful reflections than any other, I
have busied myself lately a great deal in selecting
books from the late Due de la Valliere's admirable
collection - and had often the glorious misfortune
of having the Emperor and his most Christian Majesty
for competitors. I bought the M.S. just mentioned,
in spite of their august teeth. It glittens with golden
letten and curious miniatures where amongst other
nonsensical figures shine Jupiter and Juno married by
a mitred priest before the image of our redeemer. I
was out bid for the famous guirlande de Julie and
the fleurs de Rabel - but I regret neither. What I
have carried off, please me better - but much as I like
for an opportunity of showing the other half
my purchases how willingly would I give one half to you.
When will that opportunity arrive? My heart sickens
every time I reflect upon the uncertainties in which
both of us are doomed to live. I see no point of
light in the far distance, although I strain my eyes
to catch the faintest ray.

After having waited long in earnest expectation of
a letter, I have at length received two. Disappointment
had left full scope to my imagination, and I fancied a
thousand things, every one of which might have happened;
but I am happy to find that not one of the thousand hath
actually happened. Thank Heaven! that the baleful
influence which spread itself so extensively over us,
hath not extended to those happy regions of glittering
clouds and clear blue sky that you inhabit. For, that
it has not, I conclude from your silence on the subject;
but as silence is not absolute proof, I find myself
precluded at once, both from condoling for your
sufferings, and congratulating on your recovery.

Why are your sums more intensely hot than usual, while
we have scarcely any sun at all? Nothing but rain and
cold fill up the months of our summer. Yet, were it
otherwise, I would gladly exchange a more grateful
temperature to enjoy those objects, which perhaps to you
have lost the charms of novelty. Blessed St. Anthony!
how would I throng and press to reach thy shrine, and
behold the beneficiaries of thy miracles. How would I
but a truce to St. Anthony, and the Pope etc. for the
present: I will return to them when I have nothing else
to write. When shall I receive your concluding letter?
The printer absolutely refuses to begin printing till he
has the whole copy in his hands. We wait only for it.
You desired Cipriani might be paid, but did not tell me
how much. I do not recollect if you made him any
allowance for the prints you had of him; he also has had
a good deal of trouble with Bartolozzi. The proper
time/

-2-

time no doubt to pay him will be, on delivery of the
other plate, which will be in September. You once
spoke of giving him a £20 note - but will that be
enough for designs, prints and trouble? With respect
to the books purchased by Elmsly, it was your intention
when you went, to have all but a few new bound; if I
am not mistaken: - I will expect your directions
concerning them. The poets I have procured some
beautiful morocco for, and they are to be gone about
immediately. I have received no part of the catalogue
of Croft's books yet from Paterson, but am in constant
expectation of it; when it comes I will immediately
transmit it to you. I long anxiously to read your tale,
but I have not yet been able to see Mrs. Starke. She
certainly is a wonderful creature. You talk of growing
vain as the son of the morning. I have no objection to
your becoming an arch-angel, but I don't wish to see you
an arch-angel in ruins. Hayley's new poem is I fancy
too large to send you. The subject you know is Epic
Poetry. It possesses uncommon excellence. In the notes
he hath translated three cantos of Dante's Inferno with
very great success, and the greater part of D'Ercilla's
Aracauna - which from his translation appears to be one
of the noblest productions in the world. We have nothing
besides in the literary way worth mentioning except that
Stewart has published in 24to vols. a history of my
favourite Mary of Scots, and vindicated her from the
horrid crimes imputed to her.

The boys are well, and have given me less plague
than usual.' Their vacation is begun, and they are to
be sent for next week, which I suppose will break in with
an engagement to your mother, who hath invited me to be
of/

-3-

of the party.

They go to Rendlesham, and I shall follow them for a
fortnight, after waiting the result of my Wife's lying-in.
Should the produce be a boy, shall I ask you to be his
sponsor? Tristram's father had not more conundrums about
christian names than I have. As it would be my highest
happiness to see him a minstrel he no doubt must be called
Edwin, and with your permission Beckford may be added.

John Spencer asked for you yesterday and desired to be
remembered.

I am most heartily your's
S.H.

August 3d. 1782.

No address.

I dare say, you have some time since concluded that
I am gone into the land where all things are forgotten.
The truth is, I am just returned from its confines. Such
has been the state of the air, from the almost incessant
continuance of rains, that hardly any one has escaped its
baneful effects, and even those, whose constitutions are
not under the domination of "every skiey influence" have
been rendered abject under this. I deferred answering
your letter from Dover (which I should have been as little
surprized by, had it borne on it the post mark of the
moon) for two days, till I could give you some intelligence
respecting those of your concerns in my hands - and the
very day I saw Mr. Wildman I was seized with the illness
which hath exceedingly reduced me, and hardly left me in a
state capable of writing. Not only have I been confined
to my bed, but in fits of almost constant delirium, have
been haunted by the wildest imaginations that the Daemon of
Vagaries ever set to persecute the victim of a fever.
Amongst all the torments of caprice that agitated my
brain the strangest was that which persuaded me of your
being imprisoned in the enchanted castle of Atlant every
apartment of which I roamed round incessantly in search
of you, and all without success, though I heard you
perpetually calling me, where ever I went. And now, tho
that delirium be at an end, my anxiety in not meeting you
is not much less. I have a thousand fancies to utter
about these things that so few understand, which I believe
must be bottled up (like Orlando's wits) till your return.
The plate is finished, and in my hands. I am more choise
of it than gold; yea, than much fine gold. Nothing can
be more fine. I have the drawing also. I gave Mr.

Wildman /

-2-

Wildman notice of a draft upon him for the money and he
has the receipt. The same shall be done about St. Bruno,
which Bartolozzii is busy upon. I spoke likewise to Mr.
Wildman about the paper and print, according to your
desire, but my illness has prevented the book's going to
press, till next week. Cipriani I find you forgot to pay -
I do not know whether you paid him for the prints you had
of him, or not. I did not choose to speak to him on the
subject till I heard from you. Mr. W. would have paid him,
or at least desired me to, but I thought it was better to
defer it, till I had mentioned it to you, as he certainly
is entitled (on account of a great deal of trouble he has
taken) to more than he asked; and I know it was your
design to give him more, on account of his moderate charge.
Elmsly has purchased your books - some he gave dear for,
but all taken together, they are by no means dear. Horace
Walpole has published in 5 v. 8vo price 15/- an improved
edition of his Anecdotes of Painting - it is a neat book,
rapidly purchased. I have secured a good set for you.
Tom Warton has a poem in the Press addressed to Sir John
Reynolds, from which I expect much. I shall buy you one.
Hayley's great poem will be published in ten days. Patterson
I shall see as soon as I can and will forward the catalogue
to you as it is printed. I have found after repeated
inquiries in whose hands the Koran is which Job wrote for
Dr. Chandler. If you wish me to purchase it, I think I
can get at it for a reasonable price.

I intended to have filled my paper but am unable, having
made my head quite giddy with writing what I have written.
Mrs. H. has been ill almost as long as I, and the boys also
have been greatly indisposed. Both desire their love.
Remember/

-3-

Remember me to Mr. Lettice; whom I saw this morning sitting postilion on the foremost of four post-horses and driving the God Silenus in a hack-chaise.

Adieu. God bless you'.

June 4 1782.

Unsigned.

Addressed - William Beckford Esquire.

V.F

London July the 28th

1781.

"You cannot conceive the pleasure your charming letters
[grive] me my Dearest William. Were my spirits sunk to
the lowest ebb, those marks of your affection would revive
them. I stand more in need of that consolation now than
ever. God knows when we shall meet, — I much fear not so
soon as we expected. B — mentioned yesterday his
intention of going to Fonthill for a few days some time
in August but seems to have quite forgot that he promised
to go at the beginning of the month and to leave me there.
I dare not remind him of it, but am still in hopes that
when once we are there he may be prevailed upon to go
away without me. I told him that you expected us soon and
wished to know the day. His answer was that he could not
yet fix it. What shall we do my William? I cannot
endure the thoughts of being so long from you. I know
you to be unhappy, and flatter myself that I could afford
you some consolation. That alone, were my own satisfaction
out of the question, is sufficient to make me impatient, but
when the pleasure I always experience in your company is
added to the pity I feel for your disagreeable situation,
this tedious delay almost drives me mad. You cannot conceive
how much it agitates me. I am frequently at the point of
telling him how much I long to be with you, but am deterred
by the fear of exciting his suspicions. It is so much our
interest to encourage his present security that I would on
no account run the risk of destroying it by my impatience.

"We left Tunbridge Thursday, stay here till Monday, go
to Stratfieldsea for a few days, and then return to Stepleton,
where tho' but sixteen miles from each other we may perhaps
not meet this age. How happy I should be to ramble with you
in/

-2-

in the woods where far from the prying eyes of our torments
we might without fear say and do whatevdr we chose. Were I
my own mistress I should fly to you. Love and friendship
are said to lend wings. Tell me - from which do you think
I should borrow them? I was at Foote's last night with
Lady Craven whose farce the Silver Tankard was acted. It
is by much the most stupid and uninteresting piece I ever saw,
totally void of wit, humour or incident, and full of vulgar
expressions much more becoming the mouth of a Billingsgate
woman than the pen of a fine lady. I could hardly force
myself to pay a proper attention to it tho' she seemed to
expect praises. As my looks are entirely recovered I
intended to sit once or twice to Sir Joshua during my stay
in Town, but he is unfortunately gone abroad so that I must
wait till next year when I may perhaps look ill again. Tho'
the Waters have been of service to me yet I am far from being
quite well. I do not think either of us can ever expect
an uninterrupted state of perfect health. Our minds are too
susceptible of every impression and too active to allow of
that tranquillity which is absolutely necessary towards the
preservation of it. Adieu. I will try every method of
attaining the wished for period of our meeting and will let
you know the result of my endeavours."

(Unsigned).

(No address).

( ) Elizabeth, Ltd.
Craven. Companions
Of The Silver Tankard
An acting Soprano's drabs
Is now a Cardinal.
It is not a better
Picture than his haphazard
It has not been up
It's Cardinal p. Sir.

( ) Responses. For
picture to be com-
mitted by Miss
Bingham.

V.A.

Paris April 15th 1781.

The Sun has never shone on the Rue de la Planche since
you left it nor do I imagine it will appear any more
in France without you make it your Courier which I
cant flatter myself will ever happen as I fear our
Wednesdays parting was for ever. Our dinner was
almost my death. Your place was left some time
before any body wou'd take it, when at last M. le
Baron said je la prendrai mais sans l'espoir d'etre
aussi aimable que M -- r. Lord Buckrum never spoke
a word all the time he was here. He left us as soon
as dinner was over to go and see <u>Auguste</u>. I think
it not unlikely the latter may ask his Lordship to
present him here, but I will do my best endeavours to
prevent it, as I do not like wicked people <u>vourself</u>
excepted. Ever green left me Thursday morning and
I've nothing left to comfort me but my harp and piano
forte. As for Nimy her behaviour is most strange
since your absence. she does nothing but look at me and
say ma pauvre cruchette vous voila bein change et
bein a plaindre, follow'd by a most pleasing simmer
all which I'm obliged to swallow without appearing to
see it. I wou'd not for the world she was to know
we correspond. She ask'd me for your direction in
England so that her intention is to write to you.
Poo de Salm
Prince David sent to enquire after me the day you
left me and propos'd me to go to Longchamp with Ly.
Hock which I refused as I went with good Ly. Mary to
my convent where I stay'd till the Wednesday's bores
were/

① This identification and others interpolated throughout are in Beckford's hand.

-2-

Ly. Kerry ()

were gone. Her Ladyship of snip is in the country
and does not return before Monday so that I've nothing
to tell you about her. I imagine I shall lose
nothing by waiting. I am tired to death of all they
say about us and have shut my door to every body but
Ninny who I'm obliged to see. There is one person
in Paris who they would not name that said they saw
me in the chaise with you Wednesday morning. I'm
certainly much flatter'd as it was Mr. Burton they
took for me. If Ever Green hears all this he will
soon silence me when I ask his leave to let me go to
England. Bellon does nothing but cry to me and says
he hopes as I'm a young lady of resolution and courage
that I shall not alter my mind. I shall not be easy
till Ever Green has consented. If he refuses I shall
go directly into a Convent. I wish you would write
to him if it was only three lines to say you are safe
arrived. I believe he expects it and I did not dare
to tell him you would not. All our Wednesdays bores
will enquire if he has heard from you and if [he] says
not they will directly imagine we correspond. Adieu
mon cher ami. When I've seen all the gabblers I will
let you know what they say. Ninny says she's vastly
hurt at your being gone. Ly. Mary does nothing but
talk of you. I love her dearly as I'm sure she has
a sincere regard for you. Once more adieu.
Pray write to me constantly and what you've heard in
England about me.

Unsigned. No address.

① Square brackets are used to enclose words or sentences obviously left out.

April the 25th 1781.

I received yours dated the 17th and am most exceedingly miserable at the account you give of yourself. I trust in God you will not be ill my Dear William and that it is only owing to over fatigue. Take care of yourself and do not sit up late. I should like very much to know what harm people can say of me. If it's a crime to be unhappy I must own myself very guilty. I guess from what quarter it comes and it hurts me the more when I reflect of the great friendship there always was between our mothers. I don't think that in twenty years if you had a child that was unhappy I could bring myself to be its enemy. How cruel it is of evergreen not to let me come to England. He comes to town on Wednesday and returns the Thursday morning. I am so ill with fretting that I verily believe I shall fall sick. Would to God I had breath'd my last on Wednesday the 11th of April which was the day I parted with perhaps my only friend. Adieu. Write to me often; it's the only comfort I have.

Unsigned. No address.

7

Paris May the 6th 1781.

It is now five posts since I've heard from you my
Dear William which both surprises and hurts me. This
is my fourth letter without one single line in return.
I did not imagine you wou'd so soon forget your friends.
I find so much difficulty in persuading myself to it -
that I am rather inclin'd to think my letters are by
some means or other prevented coming to your hands.
Shou'd I not receive one from you by tomorrow's post
I shall be convinced my suspicion is true and shall
write no more as I see no way of preventing it. Shou'd
illness be the occasion of my not hearing from you -
beg you will write the first moment you are able - as
I really am very uneasy about you. Ninny goes into
Thanetshire next Friday. She talks of sending your
ring by the old Doctor. He has told Evergreen I want
change of air, and I believe I do, for I am as ill as I
can be. I've a constant slow fever which has only
allow'd me to go out once since you've been gone. I've
the most beautiful watch and chain making that ever
was seen. If I shou'd ever be happy enough to see
you I will shew it you. Adieu. I've time to add
no more.

Unsigned.

Addressed - a Monsieur
Monsieur de Beckford
No. 12 Wimpole street
Cavendish Sqre.
a Londres
Angleterre.

Par Ostende.

May the 18 1781.

Your letter gave me more joy than my poor weak
pen can describe. I was in ten thousand fears
least you shou'd be ill or that my letter shou'd
have met with some untimely end. We were all
very near destroy'd two days ago by a most violent
thunder storm which fell very near our house -
beat down a stack of chimenys - burnt a bed and
melted all the plate in the hotel of Madame
D'Estourmelles - luckily the family were out of
town. The lightning was so violent that I
imagined once my levite was on fire. I was glad
for the first time since you left Paris that you
was safe in England. I imagined you wou'd of
course hear the report about us. You know it is
sufficient for two young people to be seen twice a
 Prince and Ps. de Stelm
together for it to be said. The Davids are gone
M. de la Jumagne
to their principality and so is Nimy. I am not
sorry at being a great deal alone as I am never tired
of my own good company and am very often of other
peoples. I am ordered change of air as my health
is going very fast. God only knows where it will
be - as I think it very doubtful if the lady in the
Mr. Seymour
country will consent to let Evergreen go with me.
He is more there than ever. I never see him for more
than four and twenty hours in the week. I am sincerely
rejoiced you are resolv'd to forget your wicked
children the US. I wish you had never known them for
your own sake. I have been ask'd by one or two
people if I had heard nothing of your Venice adventures.
I answered in the negative as I shall to all those who
may.

-2-

may ask the same questions. You must certainly
have said something of them to other people. Did
you never give a hint to the Gabbles. If you did -
you put it into good hands. We have furnished con-
versation to Lady Meidon. This I am certain of -
as she has made many trips to Paris to talk of nothing
else. Don't forget there is an old man in our family
that will be in England in the Summer. If I can do
anything for you my Dear W. I shall be happy - but for
no other person. Adieu. I enclose you apurse of
my own work. Let it sometimes remind you of the
sincerest friend you have in the world.

Unsigned. No address.

Wednesday June the 6th 1781.

I've only just time to write you a few lines my
Dear William as I am in the midst of trades people
and confusion. We set out for Dear Old England on
Saturday - but shall not arrive there before the
middle of the week after next - as we are to stay
a couple of days at Bruxelles where I imagine I shall
see _good_ little Mrs. Harvey. She will ask me a fine
number of questions. Evergreen has made me write to
Miss Monckton[L.Y. COOK] to make interest with her mother
to give me a bed at her house for the two or three
days I shall stay in town. Adieu I hope I shall be
lucky enough to meet you while I'm there - but you
must not think of coming to me after what has been
said. Once more adieu. Always your unalterable
friend.

I hope you never told Miss M. I write to you. If
you have - you've done very wrong.

Unsigned.

Addressed - A Monsieur

Monsieur de Beckford
No. 12 Wimpole Street
Cavendish Sqre.

Par Ostende. a Londres.

Anglsterre.

Rue de la Planche.

1 Sepbre. 1778.

My dear Sir,

I beg you will not judge of the value I
set upon your very kind remembrance by my long silence
since I had the pleasure of receiving your letter. For
some time past a variety of unforeseen accidents have
not left me the master of my own time. My Muse is too
sleepy to amuse you in the same manner with yours. I
am glad you have made the conquest of so amiable a
female. She will give you pleasure without fatigue
and be a resource to you when your moments are idle or
inemploy'd. I have in the course of my life often paid
my court at that altar, and like other females have
sometimes found her capricious but always pleasing even
in her worst of humours. Your talents and facility will
I dare say always bring her to temper again should she be
cross or coy and the pleasant use you will make of her
will make her forget both coyness and caprice. Pray
tell Mrs. Beckford that I have lately read, a visit for
a week from Ld. Torrington and Mr. Harvey, the one from
Holland, the other from Brussels; the Peer is desirous
of settling at St. Germain's and has left me a commission
for that purpose. I shd. not be surprised if the other
came also - chacun en famille. We have all been half
dead here with the violent heats, and are now almost
shivering with cold, but all this without storm or rain,
which change is a very unusual phenomenon. Georgiana
has lost all her hair since a violent fever and long
illness which alarm'd me very much, and has been obliged
to pay a very unpleasing tribute at the end of it, by
cutting/

-2-

cutting off all her hair and submitting to have her
head shaved - but as in this life we are told that "tout
est pour le mieux" I don't doubt but her hair will come
much thicker. We have still many English here, and at
a house where I dined yesterday there were at least as
many as french. It really appeared to be a national
alliance. They expect here to receive every hour an
account of an engagement between the two fleets in the
Channel but I don't think the event so near. This is the
only kind of news I permit myself to write therefore you
must not be surprised if I confine myself to that principle.
I beg a thousand kind things to Mrs. Beckford and Miss
Courtenay. G. and Madé send the same and many compliments
to you. Adieu, My Dr. Sir, I am always very sincerely
your's, (signet) H. Seymour.

Holograph.

Addressed - A Monsieur
Monsieur Beckford,
Seigneur Anglois
à Genève.

Paris JanV 20th 1784.

You are very kind my dear Sir to have taken pity upon
my state of darkness tho' over head & ears in business & to
have sent me the interesting Letter I have just received. I
am not at all surprised that the C. carried their point; but
I should be astonished indeed were not his M. to dissolve
this rotten & corrupt parliament. If it should be kept
above ground in its present state of putrefaction - we shall
be all infected - & a pestilence must insue. From such an
influenza good Lord deliver us. It will prove is-ten (sic)
times worth than the colds & consumptions of 1782 or the
fogs of last Summer. If my friend Mr. Pitt gives way in
the least - we are an undone Nation - & the current of our
own wealth turned against us. A ministry who are able to
force upon the s. such a Bill as that for the regulation -
or-rather (sic) oppression of the E.I. ComV. must sweep all
before them. I confess my anxiety is now very great - the
light is become too vivid - not even to pierce my eyelids &
forces me whether I will or no to be broad awake. In six
weeks I hope to return & look about me.

I flatter myself Ld. C. will see plainly that a twelvemonth's
undisturbed study in Suffolk will (sic) is be far preferable to
flattery dissipation & sistering at Powderham Castle. I have
nothing so much at heart as the welfare of my dear little Friend.
I know you are sincere, attached to him. I trust therefore you
will agree with me in this point & not suffer the opportunity
to escape of placing him under the direction of so able a man
as Mr. H. - Probably Ld. C. will let him remain a few months
longer at W. It would be a pity to remove him till he has gone
thro' the school - and laid in a stock of classical knowledge
which I am convinced is better insinuated under the auspices
of the birch than sub tegmine fad in Suffolk or in Dev. Unless
you think me too troublesome I sd. esteem it a great favor if
you/

you would let me know immediately what is likely to be
decided upon & whether the M'Gregors have any undue influence.
Let me conjure my dear Sir to exert every nerve in keeping
U. out of that society. Nothing well can be more trifling
& more daudling than one part of it - old Nicholas himself
is not as pernicious as the other. Nothing can prove the
decline of the B.G. so much to one educated in the tenets
of Mary Druseur as the operas being neglected when P. is at
the head of it. The French will easily believe we are
ruined exhausted ravished &c. &c. but they hardly credit me
when I tell them. Vestnys has lost the power of attracting
full Houses. Into what a state-of numbness torpid miserable
condition are we fallen! I hope I shall soon be revived
with a few lines from Wm. who I am sorry to say has very
much neglected me & that I shall soon have opportunity of
thanking you for another Letter - & of repeating the assurances
of sincere esteem & regard with which I remain my dear sir
your most faithful & obliged humbl servant.

(Unsigned).

(No address).

29

Charles Street, Janry. 30. 1784.

Dear Sir,

I come now to our young Friend -
and am sorry to say he played us and his sister Honywood
a sad trick this Xmas. I intended going into Devonshire
and offered to take him for the Holydays, but he declined
it on account of a Play he was to act in. Lady Y. then
invited him to Hampton Court, but he declined it saying
his sister Honywood was alone, and very dull at Evington,
and had pressed him so much he should go there. Accordingly
we concluded him gone there, but after a fortnight's time
enquiries came from Evington where they had been expecting
him in vain. When after a strict search he was found in
the arms of his uncle and aunt McGregor at Mitcham in Surry,
whither they had decoy'd him with sugar'd words and promises.
He is however safely returned to his friends again who are
all glad to see him considering the danger he has been in
and I have the pleasure to tell you he does not seem the
worse for it at present but he seems sensible he has had an
escape and he'll not run such risks to make his friends
uneasy again. You see what you said was in the spirit of
prophecy. I hope it will be in the spirit of history no
more. I must now tell you that the conclusion of the
business with Mr. Henley waits the arrival of Lord C. in
Town, who is expected in the course of next month. I so
perfectly agree in sentiment with you that I need add no
more on the subject but when I see anything likely to be
done I will not fail to let you know if indeed I have not
the pleasure before that of seeing you here which I sincerely
hope/

Paris Feby. 5th 1784.

My dear Sir,

The' your letter is almost as dark & mysterious
as the proceedings of M'Gregor & Co. I thank you heartily for
it - & am very grateful for your casting light upon me - by slow
and prudent degrees. Had you let in the full blaze I must
have been blinded. Lady M., who waxeth more & more like the
Balloons every day, will I flatter myself be able to return
home in about three weeks. I long not a little for the time,
as I am all eagerness & curiosity - to observe the Phenomena
of yr. House. Ld. N. seems to have a fine apparatus & F: more
dexterity than Katerfelto, his black cat or even the Devil.

Wms. jaunt to Mitcham passes my understanding. I am sorry
he wants spirit so much as to swallow sugared words which fall
from tongues which so frequently have dropped venom on himself
& his Friend. I begin from this little trait to have
apprehensions that all Mr. Henley's skill will not prevent his
being a trifling inconsistent character. How often has he
protested to me that he abhorred the M.G. male & female &c.
supposing him sufficiently Christian to forgive the injuries they
have already done him in the opinions of many - he ought not,
had he a grain of generosity, to have forgotten so easily the
stabs they have attempted to give my character & the anonymous
Epistles with which they pestered himself & Ld. O. He seems
with respect to his sister to have behaved in the silliest
manner - & to have shuffled off going to Hampton Court - on purpose
to obey the summons of Ly. H: bitterest enemies. After all - it
is the little pitiful deceit the foolish pretence of the play
so very much
of Grington &c. &c. that disgusts me & forces me whether I will or
no to communicate my sentiments to you upon the subject. (sic).
He is old enough now - to speak his mind aloud - & to distinguish
flattery from sincere professions of friendship - in short one
sd. think - to prefer his sister & Ly. Yonge - to L. & Ly. Erskine.
We have nothing but snow & starvation at Paris. Beggars & eats
die/

die by dozens in garrats without being aloud to importune
gilded counts and spangled Marquesses with cries or mewings for
sustenance - such is the police of this happy Capital! I hope
you are a little warmer & more compassionate in Engd. I imagine
Ld. c. has entered into treaty with H. by this time & I eagerly
wish you was plenipotentiary upon the occasion. I beg Ly. Y.
to accept my best compts. & you my dr. Sir a thousand thanks
for yr. kind atten<sup>18</sup> to my serawls & the assurance of my
remaining most sin<sup>Y</sup>.

Yr. faithful & obt. humble, sert. W.B.

(No address).

30

VIF

12 Feb. 1782.

We were all in high glee this fair morning at the
Palazzo Courtenay - giggling and romping at a glorious
rate - coursing each other up and down stairs through
all the rooms in transports of hilarity. To increase
our happiness, the famous dancing dogs made their
appearance in the Square. There was Don Lelio in his
Field Marshal's uniform, la Signora Rosalba in her
slatternly silk petticoat and la Contessa Dorothea in
her preposterous hoop. Let us have them up, cried the
children and so we will, cried I, - by all the powers
of the nursery, and up they came and set to dancing with
great solemnity. Don Lelio in spite of his imposing
uniform had rather a currish look - a cast of the retired
turnspit - but the Contessas drooping paws as she crimbled
along - were quite sentimental - - the conductor, a wizzend,
baboonical piedmontese, very formal and serious, was plying
his squeaking fiddle most ruefully, when a musical thought
darted into my brain with such vehemence that I rushed to
the harpsichord and fell a playing, with all my soul, and
with all my might a sort of minuet, so flowing, so grand,
and at the same time so tenderly voluptuous, that Sacchini
hallood out from the next room, where he was giving a lesson
to C[C] Aspetta - Aspetta I moost write dis down, and so
he did, bestowing upon it very extravagant commendations.
Both Lady Mountedgecombe and Lord Alingdon, who happened
to come in during the most fervent paroxysm of my musical
"estro", appeared delighted beyond bounds, and kept praising
not only the composer of the minuet but the dancers - in
the most enthusiastically glowing terms - repeating again
and again how admirable! how divine! Not so divine - very
gravely/

-2-

gravely said the sneaking Piedmontese under a strong
suspicion of being quizzed - not so divine - po r
things'. "hanno la gratella". You shall have this
famous minuet if I can get it out of Saechinis clutches,
if not, I will try to write it down myself - shorn of
accompaniment and of that ethereal spirit which, ten to
one, has already evaporated.

Famous it was doomed to become, for the great Maestro
turned it into a chorus for female voices, and placed
it "sans ceremonie", and without adding or diminishing
a note, in the 1st act of his Oedipe

25 Feb. 1782.

We had one of the pleasantest parties imaginable
t'other night at Lady Clargesses - quite in our own
way - none but the faithful in Pacchierotti invited -
not a single suspicious or heretical personage. Mary
did not manifest herself in consequence of a swabble
(sic) with Sacchini. That kind-hearted entertaining
 creature the chevalier Molly Carter was in the highest
 possible flow of her most exuberant good spirits a little
 bordering, perhaps, on the obstreperous. I shall not
 forget in a hurry the vivacity of her eager looks - nor
 above all the grasp of the arm by which she took me into
 a darkish sheltered corner on purpose to ask ten thousand
 questions about you - how you looked, - how you sung -
 where you were going - when you were coming - how I could
 live at a distance from you and not blow my brains out,
 and so forth, and so forth, her eyes glaring all the
 while through the gloom like a couple of post-chaise
 lanterns. She absolutely adores you and by a reflected
 light is condescendingly partial to me. We were ranting
 you may believe in no very discreet or quiet manner when
 the graceful mistress of the mansion breathed forth a
 gentle hush and began singing a notturno with Pacchierotti
 in that subdued tone we delight in - your own dear style -
 your own most perfect intonation like the smooth harmonious
 song of the blest in the elysian scenes of Gluck's Orfeo.

The moment I caught these sounds, that moment forgetting
every thing else and every body, I wrapped myself up in
the folds of an immense curtain and there I remained
entranced while they were singing and re-singing "Pur nel
sonno almen talora" - and when did I last hear this touching
melody/

Viki

Wimpole St. March 17th 1782.

"The Begum is raving at a rate, the prince of the abyss
himself has no conception of, whilst Aunt Effingham blows
up the flames, and declares it shall no longer be her
fault if they do not envelope Peter and make him blaze.
She tells every body that comes in her way, royal and
unroyal that she, at least, is completely scandalized and
believes all the wild tales which were so charitably
circulated of our orientalisms last December at Fonthill.
Be not alarmed Louisa. Let us defy their venom. The
more it randles - the more your soul will be rivetted to
mine. I cannot write the millionth part of what I feel -
but I will fly down to you - in defiance of their
machinations - let them assume what colour they may.
Thursday I reach Fonthill, and Saturday will bring me,
I hope, under the shadow of your guardian mountain.
Bertoni accompanies me, so we shall not want for music -
at intervals during the tragic melodrama - for such it
may become - unless our good kind Sir George interferes
with his fanatical consort to prevent it. Peter cannot
be propitiated for ever. Wildman complains bitterly of
the last loan and is talking in horrors already about
ways and means to meet a catastrophe he is taught by the
ruling power in the corner of Grosvener Square to expect every

① We used to give my mother that appelation on account of her strong tendency to a sort of oriental-like despotism.

② My father's sister, a Lady of the bed chamber and a prime
favourite confidentially dining very often with the K. and
L. — when few Ladies, and fewer Lords, ever enjoyed that
distinction. After her 1st husband's death, she married
Field-Marchal Sir George Howard.

③ The hill above Stepleton.

-2-

every minute. I cannot remain with you very long even
if we escape flagrant persecution. Return, I must - for
the grand Ball at Devonshire House the 21st. All London,
the most curious varieties of notwithstanding ten thousand malevolent insinuations, is
at my feet and all Misses in array whenever I show myself.
There is a general rising the moment I put one foot before
the author in a dancing attitude and of a mounting on
chairs and tables to get a glimpse of my evolutions. If
I promise to sing at such or such a place on such or such
a night - the rage and intriguing to be of the party is
most truly ridiculous. Our holy Aunt - to her utter
discomfiture, for she predicted my star was on the wane,
saw me at the zenith of this sort of glory last Saturday
at Marlborough House - where I contrived by dance, and
by song, and by frolic to produce a vivid sensation, and
made those laugh, who looked as if they had never laughed
before in their lives - and those who were naturally
given to a laughing mood laugh doubly. It was an
animatrd scene, and the Duke who is growing extremely
partial to me, seemed to enjoy it - not so her Grace the
Duchess whose serene and stately composure appeared to be
a little ruffled - but old Bedford was much amused at the
noisy tumult which had broken in upon the long established
etiquette of these whispering galleries. The more I
continued vaulting and pirouetting and mimicking this
singer and t'other - the less willing, of course, the
company were to go away. Many began to show evident
symptons of a wish to be asked to sup - no easy matter
without a repetition of the Loaves and Fishes miracle.
However, at length a scanty collation consisting chiefly
of/

An interlineation in pencil.

-3-

of salads, crayfish, cold pastry and slices of french
pie made its reluctant appearance. Such cool,
parsimonious fare did not suit me. The Duke saw that
it did not and beckoning me most graciously into a snug
little room with a cheerful fire - we sat down exclusive-
ly and en famille to a very warm and very comfortable
repast. These were pleasant moments full of excitement
and busy life - but what are moments such as they
compared to those more fortunate retired hours we
passed at Fonthill immured in the Turkish chamber -
when joy thrilled in every vein and every glance we
cast at the vaulted ceiling, glowing with saffron light,
reminded us of the subterranean retreat of the princess
of the Isle of Ebony in the tale of the 3 Calenders
and induced us, like that victim of ruthless jealousy,
to run every risk sooner than renounce our present
happiness.

XXX