you, that the executing it to any real effect will be attended with a vast expense. You are to consider whether it is worth it. I am, with the most affectionate respect, Your obliged, obedient humble servant, street, left a card, then to Coleman-street to one Mr. Bryan's -thence to a paper-hanging shop in Holborn, thence to a shop in Chandos-street, thence to a cabinet-maker's, the corner of Newport-street, Long Acre, - then to a milliner's across the way, thence home, where he dined. At seven in the evening, went to M. Borel, (the new Dutch ambassador) at Whitehall, staid about ten minutes, thence to Russell's the toy-shop, then to the Countess of Yarmouth's, and so home. staid about half an hour, staid there two hours, Wednesday, July 15.- About ten o'clock went to the Duke of Newcastle's office, staid there an hour and came home. - Between twelve and one went to Brompton to Lady Browne's, who was not at home,-then to her town-house in Upper Brookstreet, but not at home there, then went home and dined. At eight in the evening went to Mr. Cleland's, but not at home, thence to Baron Hop's (the Dutch ambassador), staid two hours, and then home." - (1) A letter from Mr. Stanley to Mr. Pitt, of the 9th of June, contains the following passages: "The Duchesse d'Aiguillon is most grateful for his Majesty's gracious condescensions in favour of the convent founded by her ancestors at Quebec. She has recommended to my care some holy oils, to be used in the sacraments at Canada. If they reach you, I do not doubt of their being treated with that respect which she deserves, and which even a mistaken religion has a right to claim. "Since the affair of Damien, the King has never been easy in his mind. If, when he is hunting, or on any occasion, he meets a person whom he is not used to see, he starts, and is extremely agitated. The Jesuits are charged by the vulgar as promoters of that attempt. The Dauphin is esteemed much THE EARL OF BUTE TO MR. PITT. Sunday, past 4. [June 14, 1761.] LORD BUTE presents his compliments to Mr. Pitt, and most heartily returns him the sincerest felicitations on this new and glorious event. (') Bussy seems in this, as on every other point, to have received instructions of a very different nature from the sentiments expressed by Choiseul to Mr. Stanley; but, in all probability, the minister and his deputy will soon hold a more corresponding language. (2) attached to that society; which does not make him beloved, as they are generally hated. "The Pretender's eldest son is drunk as soon as he rises, and is always senselessly so at night, when his servants carry him to bed. He is not thought of, even by the exiles." (1) The expedition which had sailed from Spithead, on the 29th of March (the fleet under the command of Commodore Keppel, and the land forces under that of General Hodgson) arrived off Belleisle on the 7th of April, and on the following day attempted a landing; but, after several desperate efforts, were compelled to desist. A second attempt was made on the 25th, when they effected a landing, and commenced the siege of the fort with vigour; the garrison, commanded by the Chevalier de St. Croix, threatening on their side a long and obstinate defence but, debarred by the British fleet from any communication with the continent, and pressed on all sides, the chevalier, on the 7th of June, capitulated, and the garrison marched out with the honours of war. (2) It appears by a letter from Mr. Pitt to Mr. Stanley, that M. de Bussy had this morning stated that his court expected that England, "sans préalable et sans compensation," should restore Belleisle. THE HON. COMMODORE KEPPEL (1) TO MR. PITT. (Private.) SIR, Valiant, Belleisle Road, June 18, 1761. I HOPE I have not said too much in my public letter, as the whole I meant was to show the situation of the enemy, as well as the King's forces in these parts. By the reduction of Belleisle you have effectually roused France in every part of it, and I cannot help thinking they feel themselves so hurt and dishonoured, that they will risk their ships and every thing to wipe it off. That once a resolution of the court of France, can they expect at any time to do it with selves than at present? fight upon equal terms. the King's ships there, less advantage to themBefore Brest they may If they chance to escape they may, if they time (1) Second son of William-Anne Keppel, second earl of Albemarle. He entered the sea service when very young, and, after a series of gallant exploits, was in 1760 made colonel of the Plymouth division of marines. On the conquest of Belleisle being concerted, he was nominated to the command of the squadron appointed for the cover of the siege, and, sailing from Spithead on the 29th of March, contributed by his prudence and bravery to the reduction of the citadel of Palais, the capital of that island. He afterwards rose to the highest honours in his profession; and in 1782, as a reward for his brilliant services, was created Viscount Keppel, and appointed first lord of the admiralty. He died unmarried, in October, 1786. "I ever looked on Lord Keppel," says Burke, in his Letter to the Duke of Bedford, "as one of the greatest and best men of the age, and I loved and cultivated him accordingly: he was much in my heart, and I believe I was in his to the very last beat." their business and are lucky, be with our squadron at Basque road at the spring tides, when their ships in Rochefort are pushing out. This fortunate junction for them would very probably prove unfortunate for the King's squadron there; but as every thing is now situated and appears, I think it would be disreputable to withdraw the squadron, upon a supposition of what may happen. I wish it could be supported and made up sixteen ships. I have, to enable Sir Thomas Stanhope to give the enemy a good reception, reduced myself to eight sail, two of which ships I have just sent to look into the Vilaine, where the enemy have two ready, and are endeavouring to make three others fit. I hope the disposition I have made of the force under my command will be thought well of. Time must show what the enemy intend; and I trust every part will be re-enforced, that nothing may be left to chance that can be provided against. I am, Sir, with respect, your most obedient servant, A. KEPPEL. MR. PITT TO LADY HESTER PITT. July 2, 1761. MY DEAREST Life, I HAVE gone through the labours of the corps diplomatique from ten this morning till past two, and am not at all the worse for the sweat of my brow. I have just received an epistle from Pam (1), with a continuation of good accounts from the nursery. All are in perfect health. I propose to see them tomorrow evening, and to devote Saturday to children and to hay-making; and I hope Sunday will prove a day of rest from business — a day of impatience, but of a sweeter kind, it is sure to prove, big with the dear expectation of receiving again my delight and comfort on Monday. The enclosed note to Lord Temple you will be so good as to deliver to him. My compliments to all. Your ever loving husband, W. PITT. M DE VOLTAIRE TO MR. PITT. MONSIEUR, Au Chateau de fernay, près de WHILE you weight the interets of england and france, y' great mind may at one time reconcile Corneille with Shakespear. Y' name at the head of Subscribers shall be the greatest honour the letters can receive, t'is worthy of the greatest ministers to protect the greatest writers. j dare not (1) A familiar name of Mrs. Sparry, a most faithful and attached servant, who, in the capacity of nurse, brought up all the children. |