Books: The Letters of Horace Walpole, Volume 2

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I scarce ever yet found any thing one wanted to know in one of
those books; all they contain, except encomiums on the Stuarts
and the monks, are lists of institutions and inductions, and
inquiries how names of places were spelt before there was any
spelling. If the Monasticon Eboracense is only to be had at
York, I know Mr. Caesar Ward, and can get him to send it to me.

I will add but one short word: from every letter I receive from
you, Sir, my opinion of you increases, and I much wish that so
much good sense and knowledge were not thrown away only on me.
I flatter myself that you are engaged, or will engage, in some
work or pursuit that will make you better known. In the mean
time, I hope that some opportunity will bring us personally
acquainted, for I am, Sir, already most sincerely yours,
Hor. Walpole.

P. S. You love to be troubled, and therefore I will make no
apology for troubling you. Last summer, I bought of Vertue's
widow forty volumes of his ms. corrections relating to English
painters, sculptors, gravers, and architects. He had actually
begun their lives: unluckily he had not gone far, and could not
write grammar. I propose to digest and complete this work (I
mean after the Conway Papers).(995) In the mean time, Sir,
shall I beg the favour of you just to mark down memorandums of
the pages where you happen to meet with any thing relative to
these subjects, especially of our antienter buildings,
paintings, and artists. I would not trouble you for more
reference, if even that is not too much.

(992) Mr. Walpole did not insert any notice of Lord Lonsdale in
his subsequent editions, though the omission has been remedied
by Mr. Park. The piece to which Mr. Zouch probably alluded,
the knowledge of which he may have derived from the noble
family of Lowther, was " a "Treatise on Economies" addressed to
his son, by Sir John Lowther, created Baron Lonsdale in 1696.
This treatise was never published.-C.

(993) The story here alluded to is told, in the Noble Authors,
of Edward Howard, eighth Earl of Suffolk. But Mr. Zouch had
probably apprised Mr. Walpole, that a similar story had been
told of Lord Rochester. The Earl is represented as having sent
for " a gentleman well known in the literary world," (Mallet,)
upon whom he inflicted the hearing of some of his verses; but
coming to the description of a beautiful woman, he suddenly
stopped, and said, "Sir, I am not like most poets; I do not
draw from ideal mistresses; I always have my subject before
me;" and ringing the bell, be said to a footman, "Call up Fine
Eyes." A woman of the town appeared--"Fine Eyes," said the
Earl, "look full on this gentleman." She did, and retired.
Two or three others of the seraglio were summoned in their
turns, and displayed their respective charms for which they had
been distinguished by his lordship's pencil.-C.

(994) Dr. John Burton was a physician and antiquary of
Yorkshire, who died in 1771. His principal work, here alluded
to, is entitled "Monasticon Eboracense." This work was never
completed, the first volume only having appeared in folio.
Some imputations on the Doctor's loyalty in 1745, diminished,
it is said, his means and materials for continuing the Work.-C.

(995) The two first volumes appeared from the press at
Strawberry Hill in 1762.-C.

473 Letter 299
To The Hon. H. S. Conway.
Arlington Street, Jan. 19, 1759.

I hope the treaty of Sluys advances rapidly.(996) Considering
that your own court is as new to you as Monsieur de Bareil and
his, you cannot be very well entertained: the joys of a Dutch
fishing town and the incidents of a cartel will not compose a
very agreeable history. In the mean time you do not lose much:
though the Parliament is met, no politics are come to town: one
may describe the House of Commons like the price of stocks;
Debates, nothing done. Votes, under par. Patriots, no price.
Oratory, books shut. Love and war are as much at a stand;
neither the Duchess of Hamilton nor the expeditions are gone
off yet. Prince Edward has asked to go to Quebec, and has been
refused. If I was sure they would refuse me, I would ask to go
thither too. I should not dislike about as much laurel as I
could stick in my window at Christmas.

We are next week to have a serenata at the Opera-house for the
King of Prussia's birthday: it is to begin, "Viva Georgio, e
Federico viva!" It will, I own, divert me to see my Lord Temple
whispering for this alliance, on the same bench on which I have
so often seen him whisper against all Germany. The new opera
pleases universally, and I hope will yet hold up its head.
Since Vanneschi is cunning enough to make us sing the roast
Beef of old Germany, I am persuaded it will revive: politics
are the only lhotbed for keeping such a tender plant as Italian
music alive in England.

You are so thoughtless about your dress, that I cannot help
giving you a little warning against your return. Remember,
every body that comes from abroad is cens`e to come from
France, and whatever they wear at their first reappearance
immediately grows the fashion. Now if, as is very likely, you
should through inadvertence change hats with a master of a
Dutch smack, Offley will be upon the watch, will conclude you
took your pattern from M. de Bareil, and in a week's time we
shall all be equipped like Dutch skippers. You see I speak
very disinterestedly; for, as I never wear a hat myself, it is
indifferent to me what sort of hat I don't wear. Adieu! I hope
nothing in this letter, if it is opened, will affect the
conferences, nor hasten our rupture with Holland. Lest it
should, I send it to Lord Holderness's office; concluding, like
Lady Betty Waldegrave, that the government never suspect what
they send under their own covers.

(996) Mr. Conway was sent to Sluys to settle a cartel for
prisoners with the French. M. de Bareil was the person
appointed by the French court for the same business.

473 Letter 300
The Hon. H. S. Conway.
Arlington Street, Jan. 28, 1759.

You and M. de Bareil may give yourselves what airs you please
of settling cartels with expedition: you don't exchange
prisoners with half so much alacrity as Jack Campbell(997) and
the Duchess of Hanillton have exchanged hearts. I had so
little observed the negotiation, Or suspected any, that when
your brother told me of it yesterday morning, I would not
believe a tittle--I beg Mr. Pitt's pardon, not an iota. It is
the prettiest match in the world since yours, and every body
likes it but the Duke of Bridgewater and Lord Coventry. What an
extraordinary fate is attached to those two women! Who could
have believed that a Gunning would unite the two great houses
of Campbell and Hamilton? For my part, I expect to see my Lady
Coventry Queen of Prussia. I would not venture to marry either
of them these thirty years, for fear of being shuffled out of
the world prematurely, to make room for the rest of their
adventures. The first time Jack carries the Duchess into the
Highlands, I am persuaded that some of his second-sighted
subjects will see him in a winding-sheet, with a train of kings
behind him as long as those in Macbeth.

We had a scrap of a debate on Friday, on the Prussian and
Hessian treaties. Old Vyner opposed the first, in pity to that
poor woman, as he called her, the Empress-Queen.(998) Lord
Strange objected to the gratuity of sixty thousand pounds to
the Landgrave, unless words were inserted to express his
receiving that Sum in full of all demands. If Hume Campbell
had cavilled at this favourite treaty, Mr. Pitt could scarce
have treated him with more haughtiness; and, what is far more
extraordinary, Hume Campbell could scarce have taken it more
dutifully. This long day was over by half an hour after four.

As you and M. de Bareil are on such amicable terms, you will
take care to soften to him a new conquest we have made. Keppel
has taken the island of Goree. You great ministers know enough
Of its importance: I need not detail it. Before your letters
came we had heard of the death of the Princess Royal:(999) you
will find us black and all black. Lady Northumberland and the
great ladies put off their assemblies: diversions begin again
to-morrow with the mourning.

You perceive London cannot furnish half so long a letter as the
little town of Sluys; at least I have not the art of making one
out. In truth, I believe I should not have writ this unless
Lady Ailesbury had bid me; but she does not care how much
trouble it gives me, provided it amuses you for a moment. Good
night!

P. S. I forgot to tell you that the King has granted my Lord
Marischall's pardon, at the request of M. de Knyphausen.(1000)
I believe the Pretender himself could get his attainder
reversed if he would apply to the King of Prussia.

(997) Afterwards Duke of Argyle.

(998) "There never was so quiet or so silent a session of
Parliament as the present: Mr. Pitt declares only what he would
have them do, and they do it, nemine contradicente, Mr. Vyner
only excepted." Lord Chesterfield.-E.

(999) The Princess of Orange died on the 12th of January.-E.

(1000) By a letter from Sir Andrew Mitchell, of the 8th of
January, in the Chatham correspondence, it will be seen that
the Lord of Marischal's pardon was granted at the earnest
request of the King of Prussia, who said he " should consider
it as a personal favour done to himself." The Earl Marischal
was attainted for his share in the rebellion of 1715.-E.

475 Letter 301
To John Chute, Esq.(1001)
Arlington Street, Feb. 1, 1759.

Well! my dear Sir, I am now convinced that both Mr. Keate's
panic and mine were ill-founded; but pray, another time, don't
let him be afraid of being afraid for fear of frightening me:
on the contrary, if you will dip your gout in lemonade, I hope
I shall be told of it. If you have not had it in Your stomach,
it is not your fault: drink brandy, and be thankful. I would
desire you to come to town, but I must rather desire you not to
have a house to come to. Mrs. H. Grenville is passionately
enamoured of yours, and begged I would ask you what will be the
lowest price, with all the particulars, which I assured her you
had stated very ill for yourself. I don't quite like this
commission; if you part with your house in town, you will never
come hither; at least, stow your cellars with drams and
gunpowder as full as Guy Fawkcs's-you will be drowned if you
don't blow yourself up. I don't believe that the Vine is
within the verge of the rainbow: seriously, it is too damp for
you.
Colonel Campbell marries the Duchess of Hamilton forthwith.
the house of Argyle is CONTENT, and think that the head of the
Hamilton's had purified the blood of Gunning; but I should be
afraid that his grace was more likely to corrupt blood than to
mend it.

Never was any thing so crowded as the house last night for the
Prussian cantata; the King was hoarse, and could not go to Sing
his own praises. The dancers seemed transplanted from Sadler's
Wells; there were milkmaids riding on dolphins; Britain and
Prussia kicked the King of France off the stage, and there was
a petit-maitre with his handkerchief full of holes; but this
vulgarism happily was hissed.

I am deeper than ever in Gothic antiquities: I have bought a
monk of Glastonbury's chair, full of scraps of the Psalms; and
some seals of most reverend illegibility. I pass all my
mornings in the thirteenth century, and my evenings with the
century that is coming on. Adieu!

(1001) Now first printed.

475 Letter 302
To John Chute, Esq.(1002)
Arlington Street, Feb. 2, 1759.

My dear sir,
I am glad to see your writing again, and can now laugh very
cordially at my own fright, which you take a great deal too
kindly. I was not quite sure you would like my proceedings,
but just then I could not help it, and perhaps my natural
earnestness had more merit than my friendship; and yet it is
worth my while to save a friend if I think I can--I have not so
many! You yourself are in a manner lost to me! I must not,
cannot repine at your having a fortune that delivers you from
uneasy connexions with a world that is sure to use ill those
that have any dependence on it; but undoubtedly some of the
satisfaction that you have acquired is taken out of my scale; I
will not, however, moralize, though I am in a very proper
humour for it, being just come home from an outrageous crowd at
Northumberland-house, where there were five hundred people,
that would have been equally content or discontent with any
other five hundred. This is pleasure! You invite so many
people to your house, that you are forced to have constables at
your door to keep the peace; just as the royal family, when
they hunted, used to be attended by surgeons. I allow honour
and danger to keep company with one another, but diversion and
breaking one's neck are strangely ill-matched. Mr. Spence's
Magliabechi(1003) is published to-day from Strawberry; I
believe you saw it, and shall have it; but 'tis not worth
sending you on purpose. However, it is full good enough for
the generality of readers. At least there is a proper dignity
in my saying so, who have been so much abused in all the
magazines lately for my Catalogue. The points in dispute lie
in a very narrow compass: they think I don't understand
English, and I am sure they don't: yet they will not be
convinced, for I shall certainly not take the pains to set them
right. Who them are I don't know; the highest, I believe, are
Dr. Smollet, or some chaplain of my uncle.

Adieu! I was very silly to alarm you so; but the wisest of' us,
from Solomon to old Carr's cousin, are poor souls! May be you
don't know any thing of Carr's cousin. Why then, Carr's cousin
was--I don't know who; but Carr was very ill, and had a cousin,
as I may be, to sit up with her. Carr had not slept for many
nights--at last she dozed--her cousin jogged her: "Cousin,
cousin!"--"Well!" said Carr, "what would you have?"--"Only,
cousin, if you die where will you be buried?" This resemblance
mortifies me ten times more than a thousand reviews could do:
there is nothing in being abused by Carr's cousin, but it is
horrid to be like Carr's cousin Good night!

(1002) Ibid.

(1003) Mr. Spence's Parallel of Magliabechi and Hill.-E.

476 Letter 303
To Sir Horace Mann.
Arlington Street, Feb. 9, 1759.

The Dutch have not declared war and interrupted our
correspondence, and yet it seems ceased as if we had declared
war with one another. I have not heard from you this age--how
happens it? I have not seized any ships of yours--you carry on
no counterband trade--oh! perhaps you are gone incognito to
Turin, are determined to have a King of Prussia of your own! I
expect to hear that the King of Sardinia, accompanied by Sir
Horace Mann, the British minister, suddenly appeared before
Parma at the head of an hundred thousand men, that had been
privately landed at Leghorn. I beg, as Harlequin did when he
had a house to sell, that you will send me a brick, as a sample
of the first town you take-the Strawberry-press shall be
preparing a congratulatory ode.

The Princess Royal has been dead some time: and yet the Dutch
and we continue in amity, and put on our weepers together. In
the mean time our warlike eggs have been some time under the
hen, and one has hatched and produced Gor`ee. The expedition,
called to Quebec, departs on Tuesday next, under Wolfe, and
George Townshend, who has thrust himself again into the
service, and as far as wrongheadedness will go, very proper for
a hero. Wolfe, who was no friend of Mr. Conway last year, and
for whom I consequently have no affection, has great merit,
spirit, and alacrity, and shone extremely at Louisbourg. I am
not such a Juno but I will forgive him after eleven more
labours.(1004) Prince Edward asked to go with them, but was
refused. It is clever in him to wish to distinguish himself;
I, who have no partiality to royal blood, like his good-nature
and good-breeding.

Except the horrid Portuguese histories, that between
Jesuits(1005) and executions make one's blood run hot and cold,
we have no news. The Parliament has taken a quieting-draught.
Of private story, the Duchess of Hamilton is going to marry
Colonel Campbell, Lady Ailesbury's brother. It is a match that
would not disgrace Arcadia. Her beauty has made sufficient
noise, and in some people's eyes is even improved--he has a
most pleasing countenance, person, and manner, and if they
could but carry to Scotland some of our sultry English weather,
they might restore the ancient pastoral life, when fair Kings
and queens reigned at once over their subjects and their sheep.
Besides, exactly like antediluvian lovers, they reconcile
contending clans, the great houses of Hamilton and Campbell-and
all this is brought about by a GUnning! I talked of our sultry
weather, and this is no air. While Italy, I suppose, is buried
in snow, we are extinguishing fires, and panting for breath.
In short, we have had a wonderful winter--beyond an earthquake
winter-we shall soon be astonished at frost, like an Indian.
Shrubs and flowers and blossoms are all in their pride; I am
not sure that in some counties the corn is not cut.

I long to hear from you; I think I never was so long without a
letter. I hope it is from no bad reason. Adieu!

(1004) Speaking of Wolfe in his Memoires, Walpole says,
"Ambition, industry, passion for the service, were conspicuous
in him. He seemed to breathe for nothing but fame, and lost no
moments in qualifying himself to compass that object.
Presumption on himself was necessary for his object, and he had
it. He was formed to execute the designs of such a master as
Pitt."-E.

(1005) The strange and mysterious conspiracy against the life
of the King of Portugal, which was attempted as he was going,
one night through the streets of Lisbon in his coach. many
Jesuits were put to death for it, and also several of the noble
families of the Dukes d'Aveiro, and Marquises of Tavora.-D.
[See ant`e, p. 456, letter 289.]

478 Letter 304
To Mr. Gray.
Arlington Street, Feb. 15, 1759

The enclosed, which I have this minute received from Mr.
Bentley, explains much that I had to say to you-yet I have a
question or two more.

Who and what sort of a man is a Mr. Sharp of Benet? I have
received a most obliging and genteel letter from him, with the
very letter of Edward VI. which you was so good as to send me.
I answered his, but should like to know a little more about
him. Pray thank the Dean of Lincoln too for me: I am much
obliged to him for his offer, but had rather draw upon his
Lincolnship than his Cambridgehood.(1006) In the library of
the former are some original letters of Tiptoft, as you will
find in my Catalogue. When Dr. Greene is there, I shall be
glad if he will let me have them copied.

I will thank you if you will look in some provincial history of
Ireland for Odo (Hugh) Oneil, King of Ulster. When did he
live? I have got a most curious seal of his, and know no more
of him than of Ouacraw King of the Pawwaws.

I wanted to ask you, whether you, or anybody that you believe
in, believe in the Queen of Scots' letter to Queen
Elizabeth.(1007) If it is genuine, I don't wonder she cut her
head off--but I think it must be some forgery that was not made
use of.

Now to my distress. You must have seen an advertisement
perhaps the book itself, the villanous book itself, that has
been published to defend me against the Critical Review.(1008)
I have been childishly unhappy about it, and had drawn up a
protestation or affidavit of my knowing nothing of it; but my
friends would not let me publish it. I sent to the printer,
who would not discover the author--nor could I guess. They
tell me nobody can suspect my being privy to It but there is an
intimacy affected that I think will deceive many--and yet I
must be the most arrogant fool living, if I could know and
suffer any body to speak of me in that style. For God's sake
do all you can for me, and publish my abhorrence. To-day I am
told that it Is that puppy Dr. Hill, who has chosen to make war
with the magazines through my sides. I could pardon him any
abuse, but I never can forgive this friendship. Adieu!

(1006 He was master of Benet College, Cambridge.

(1007) See Murden's State Papers, p. 558, for this curious
letter.

(1008) It was called "Observations on the account given of the
Catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors of England, etc. etc. in
article v'- of the Critical review, No. xxv. December, 1758,
where the unwarrantable liberties taken with that work, and the
honourable author of it, are examined and exposed."

479 Letter 305
To The Right Hon. Lady hervey.
Feb. 20, 1759.

I met with this little book t'other day by chance, and it
pleased me so much that I cannot help lending it to your
ladyship, as I know it will amuse you from the same causes. It
contains many of those important truths which history is too
proud to tell, and too dull from not telling.

Here Grignon's soul the living canvass warms:
Here fair Fontagno assumes unfading charms:
Here Mignard's pencil bows to female wit;
Louis rewards, but ratifies Fayette:
The philosophic duke, and painter too,
Thought from her thoughts--from her ideas drew.

479 Letter 306
To Sir David Dalrymple.(1009)
Strawberry Hill, Feb. 25, 1759.

I think, sir, I have perceived enough of the amiable benignity
of your mind, to be sure that you will like to hear the praises
of your friend. Indeed, there is but one opinion about Mr.
Robertson's history.(1010) I don't remember any other work
that ever met universal approbation. Since the Romans and the
Greeks, who have now an exclusive charter for being the best
writers in every kind, he is the historian that pleases me
best; and though what he has been so indulgent as to say of me
ought to shut my mouth, I own I have been unmeasured in my
commendations. I have forfeited my own modesty rather than not
do justice to him. I did send him my opinion some time ago,
and hope he received it. I can add, with the strictest truth,
that he is regarded here as one of the greatest men that this
island has produced. I say island, but you know, Sir, that I
am disposed to say Scotland. I have discovered another very
agreeable writer among your countrymen, and in a profession
where I did not look for an author; It is Mr. Ramsay,(1011) the
painter, whose pieces being anonymous have been overlooked. He
has a great deal of genuine wit, and a very just manner of
reasoning. In his own walk he has great merit. He and Mr.
Reynolds are our favourite painters, and two of the very best
we ever had. Indeed, the number of good has been very small,
considering the numbers there are. A very few years ago there
were computed two thousand portrait painters in London; I do
not exaggerate the computation, but diminish; though I think it
must have been exaggerated. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Ramsay can
scarce be rivals; their manners are so different. The former
is bold, and has a kind of tempestuous colouring, yet with
dignity and grace; the latter is all delicacy. Mr. Reynolds
seldom succeeds in women; Mr. Ramsay is formed to paint them.

I fear I neglected, Sir, to thank you for your present of the
history of the conspiracy of the Gowries: but I shall never
forget all the obligations I have to you. I don't doubt but in
Scotland you approve what is liked here almost as much as Mr.
Robertson's history; I mean the marriage of Colonel Campbell
and the Duchess of Hamilton. If her fortune is singular, so is
her merit. Such uncommon noise as her beauty made has not at
all impaired the modesty of her behaviour. Adieu!

(1009) Now first collected.

(1010) Dr. Robertson's "History of Scotland during the Reigns
of Mary and James the Sixth," was published in the beginning of
this month.-E.

(1011) Alan Ramsay, the eminent portrait-painter, and eldest
son of the poet; on whose death, in 1757, in somewhat
embarrassed circumstances, he paid his debts. He was an
excellent classical scholar, understood French and Italian, and
had all the polish and liberal feeling of a highly instructed
man. In Bouquet's pamphlet on "The Present State of the Fine
Arts in England," published in 1755, he is described as "an
able painter, who, acknowledging no other guide than nature,
brought a rational taste of resemblance with him from Italy."
He died in 1784.-E.

480 Letter 307
To Sir Horace Mann.
Strawberry Hill, March 1, 1759.

I know you are ministerial enough, or patriot enough, (two
words that it is as much the fashion to couple now as it was
formerly to part them,) to rejoice over the least bit of a
conquest, and therefore I hurry to send you a morsel of
Martinico, which you may lay under your head, and dream of
having taken the whole island. As dreams often go by
contraries, you must not be surprised if you wake and find we
have been beaten back; but at this present moment, we are all
dreaming of victory. A frigate has been taken going to France
with an account that our troops landed on the island on the
16th of January, without opposition. A seventy-gun ship was
dismissed at the same time, which is thought a symptom of their
not meaning to resist. It certainly is not Mr. Pitt's fault if
we have not great success; and if we have, it is certainly
owing to him. The French talk of invading us; I hope they will
not come quite so near either to victory or defeat, as to land
on our Martinico! But you are going to have a war of your own.
Pray send me all your gazettes extraordinary. I wish the King
of Sardinia's heroism may not be grown a little rusty. Time
was when he was the only King in Europe that had fought in his
waistcoat; but now the King of Prussia has almost made it part
of their coronation oath. Apropos, pray remember that the
Emperor's pavilion is not the Emperor's pavillon; though you
are so far in the right, that he may have a pavilion, but I
don't conceive how he comes by a pavillon. What Tuscan colours
has he, unless a streamer upon the belfry at Leghorn? You was
so deep in politics when you wrote your last letter, that it
was almost in cipher, and as I don't happen to have a key to
bad writing, I could not read a word that interests my vanity
extremely-I unravelled enough to learn that a new
governor(1012) of Milan is a great admirer of me, but I could
not guess at one syllable of his name, and it is very
uncomfortable in a dialogue between one's pride and oneself, to
be forced to talk of Governor What-d'ye-call-em, who has so
good a taste. I think you never can have a more important
occasion for despatching a courier than to tell me Governor -
-'s name. In the mean time, don't give him any more Strawberry
editions; of some I print very few, they are all begged
immediately, and then you will not have a complete set, as I
wish you to have, notwithstanding all my partiality for the
governor of Milan. Perhaps, upon the peace I may send him a
set richly bound! I am a little more serious in what I am going
to say; you will oblige me if at your leisure you will pick up
for me all or any little historical tracts that relate to the
house of Medici. I have some distant thoughts of writing their
history, and at the peace may probably execute what you know I
have long retained in my wish, another journey to Florence.
Stosch, I think, had great collections relating to them; would
they sell a separate part of his library? Could I get at any
state letters and papers there? Do think of this; I assure you
I do Thank you for the trouble you have taken about the
Neapolitan books, and for the medals that are coming.