the kind manner in which he has mentioned me to the general. I am ever Your most affectionate mother. TO THE COUNTESS OF BUTE. Sept. 26, 1759. MY DEAR CHILD,-I am very glad to find by yours of Sept. 3rd that yourself and family are all in good health. I cannot complain of mine, though the season is more sickly than has been known of many years past, occasioned by the excessive heat. We have had no rain for three months, and if the drought continues the most fatal consequences may be expected. There is already a mortality amongst the cattle, which frightens everybody. I am invited to a great wedding to-morrow, which will be in the most splendid manner, to the contentment of both the families, everything being equal, even the indifference of the bride and bridegroom, though each of them is extremely pleased, by being set free from governors and governesses. To say truth, I think they are less likely to be disappointed, in the plan they have formed, than any of our romantic couples, who have their heads full of love and constancy. I have not yet received my books from Mr. Mackenzie, though he has sent them some time ago. I believe you will soon see a Mr. Ferguson, who (between you and I) is, in my opinion, the prettiest man I have seen since I left England. A propos of men, here is lately arrived a tall, fair, well-shaped young fellow, with a good character, the reputation of a good understanding, and in present possession of twelve thousand pounds per annum. His name is Southwell. I charge you not to look upon him; and to lock up your daughters if he should visit Lord Bute. He honoured me with a visit, which hindered my sleeping all night. You will [be] surprised to hear he has neither visible nose nor mouth: yet he speaks with a clear, audible voice. You may imagine such a figure should not be seen by any woman in a possibility of breeding. He appears insensible of his misfortune, and shows himself every day on the Piazza, to the astonishment of all the spectators. I never saw [so] shocking a sight. My dear child, God bless you and yours. It is the zealous and daily prayer of your most affectionate mother. My compliments to Lord Bute, and hearty blessing to all our children. TO THE COUNTESS OF BUTE. [Nov. 9, 1759.] MY DEAR CHILD,-I received yours of Oct. 18th this day, Nov. 9th. I am afraid some letters both of yours and mine are lost, nor am I much surprised at it, seeing the managements here. In this world much must be suffered, and we ought all to follow the rule of Epictetus, " Bear and forbear." General Wolfe' is to be lamented, but not pitied. I am of your opinion, compassion is only owing to his mother and intended bride, who I think the greatest sufferer (however sensible I am of a parent's tenderness). Disappointments in youth are those that are felt with the greatest anguish, when we are all in expectation of happiness, perhaps not to be found in this life. I am very sorry L. [Lady] F. [Frances] Erskine has removed my poor sister to London, where she will only be more exposed. I would write again to her if I thought it could be any comfort in her deplorable condition. I say nothing to her daughter, who [is] too like her father for me to correspond with. I am very much diverted with the adventures of the three graces lately arrived in London, and am heartily sorry their mother has not learning enough to write memoirs. She might make the fortune of half a dozen Dodsleys. The youngest girl (called here Bettina) is taller than the Duchess of Montagu, and as red and white as any German alive. If she has sense enough to follow good instructions, she will be irresistible, and may produce very glorious novelties. [I know nothing of her, except her figure.2] 1 General Wolfe was killed at the siege of Quebec, in September, 1759.-T. 2 This is inserted from another copy in Lady Mary's handwriting.-T. Our great minister has her picture amongst his collection of ladies-basta! My health is better than I can reasonably expect at my age, though I have at present a great cold in my head, which makes writing uneasy to me, and forces me to shorten my letter to my dear child. I have received the books from Mr. Mackenzie. Mr. Walpole's is not amongst them. Make my best compliments to Lord Bute, and give my blessing to all your children. Your happiness in every circumstance is zealously wished by (dear child) your most affectionate mother. TO MR. WORTLEY MONTAgu. Venice, Nov. 23 [1759]. I Do not write to you often, being afraid of being troublesome, and supposing that my daughter communicates my letters to you. I have the pleasure of hearing from her that you have good health and spirits, which I heartily wish the continuance of. I have seen lately a history of the last years of Queen Anne, by Swift. I should be very glad to know your opinion of it. Some facts are apparently false, and I believe others partially represented. The winter is begun here severely, but we have had a most delightful autumn. I hope everything is to your satisfaction in England. TO THE COUNTESS OF BUTE. LORD BRUDENELL 2 is still here, and appears to be in a very bad state of health, and extreme unwilling to return to England, being apprehensive of the air. I fear his parents will have the affliction of losing him, if they resolve to keep him with them: he seems highly disposed to, if not actually fallen into a consumption. We are now in the 1 [Swift's work was first published in 1758, thirteen years after his death, and then only by an anonymous (and hostile) editor, who thus, as he said, produced it "in spite of all attempts to suppress it!" The author himself tells us (in his Preface), that it was written in Queen Anne's" happy reign," but put aside on the accession of George I.] 2 John Lord Brudenell, only son of George Earl of Cardigan.-W. carnival, and all but myself in eager pursuit of the pleasures of the season. I have had a letter from Mr. Mackenzie, who is excessively liked at Turin. I cannot be persuaded to go thither, but heartily wish I could contrive some other place to see him and Lady Betty. I am determined, on account of my health, to take some little jaunt this spring; perhaps on the side of the Tyrol, which I have never seen, but hear it is an exceeding fine country. To say truth, I am tempted by the letters of Lady F. Steuart and Sir James. I never knew people more to my taste. They reside in a little town but two days from Padua, where it will [be] easy to find a convenient lodging for the summer months, and I am sure of being pleased in their company. I have found, wherever I have travelled, the pleasantest spots of ground have been in the valleys that are encompassed with high mountains. My letter must end here or not go, the gentleman being come to demand it. He sets out to-morrow, early. I am ever, my dear child, your most affectionate mother. My compliments to Lord Bute, and blessing to all yours. I would send you my token, but I perceive he does not care to be charged with it. TO THE COUNTESS OF BUTE. [Venice, January, 1760.1] I AM always glad to hear of my dear child's health. I daily pray for the continuance of it, and all other blessings on you and your family. The carnival hitherto has been clouded by extreme wet weather, but we are in hopes the sunshine is reserved for the second part of it, after Christmas, when the morning masquerades give all the ladies an opportunity of displaying both their magnificence and 1 Mr. Dallaway and Lord Wharncliffe date this letter "Venice, Jan. 20, 1758;" but the original has no date or endorsement, except the English postmark: "Feb. 4." It could not have been written in 1758, because it contains an allusion to Mr. Mackenzie being at Turin. From a mention of Lord Brudenell as on his way to England, it was probably written soon after the preceding to Lady Bute, in which Lord Brudenell is also referred to. The presumed date (1760) is further confirmed by the allusion to the defeat of the French fleet, which refers, no doubt, to Sir Edward Hawke's victory on the 20th of November, 1759.-T. their taste, in the various habits that appear at that time. I was very well diverted by them last year. Mr. Southwell has left us some time. I was almost reconciled to his figure by his good behaviour and polite conversation. Here are at present few English. Lord Brudenell ought to be at London. I think I have already told you he resembles his grandfather, but it is a strong caricature. I hear Rome is crammed with Britons. In their turns I suppose we shall see them all. I cannot say the rising generation gives any great prospect of improvement, either in the arts and sciences or in anything else. I am exceedingly pleased that the Duchess of Portland is happy in her son-in-law. I must ever interest myself in whatever happens to any descendant of Lady Oxford. I expect that my books and china should set out. Since the defeat of the French fleet I should imagine there can be no danger on the sea. They will be a great amusement to me; I mix so little in the gay world, and at present my garden is quite useless. I wrote lately to your father, who I guess to be returned to London. I am informed Mr. Mackenzie makes a very good figure at Turin. General Graham has bad health, and Mr. Hamilton is the Lord knows where, which occasions much speculation. Venice is not a place to make a man's fortune. For those who have money to throw away, they may do it here more agreeably than in any town I know; strangers being received with great civility, and admitted into all their parties of pleasure. But it requires a good estate and good constitution to play deep, and pass so many sleepless nights, as is customary in the best company. Adieu, my dear child. You see I am profoundly dull. I desire you would be so good to attribute it to the gloominess of the weather. It is now almost night, though at noonday. I am in all humours, your most affectionate mother. My compliments to Lord Bute, and blessing to all yours. TO SIR JAMES STEUART. Venice, Feb. 13, 1760. SIR, I have waited (in my opinion) with very exem |