at 3 -- A M came & took leave
of me as she was going to M^rs.
Jacksons & I should not see her
all day -- had W^m. Benn &
got him to write answers to
notes &c -- after I was dreʃsed
scribbled in my diary --
Miʃs Palmer call'd but was
was not let in as I was dreʃsing
-- A little before 5 Lord Stormonts
Charriot came for me went
there to dinner -- only Lady S——
M^r. Nicholson (M^r Murrays tutor
& me -- the 3 boys came down to
desert -- M^r. N. & they left us
soon -- Lady S & I went upstairs
& had a comfortable tête a tête
till near 9 -- she gave me ½
a Guinea for my poor Woman
-- we talk'd of y^e. Royal family
-- &c &c. Lord Stormont came in
for 10 Minutes before I came
away -- told us the Prince of
Wales was better (he has been
very ill again & if he goes
on as he hads done it is

---

thought he will fall a
Victim to his irregularities.
-- A little after 9 left L^d. S^t.'s
had his Chariot -- went to
M^rs. Burrows -- a large party
& few People I knew. ex
Conversed w^th. Young M^r. Cambridge
Miʃs C Smith M & a few others.
At ½ past ten was brought
home by M^r.. C. Smith & his
daughter -- . sat up ½ an hour
wrote Notes -- Miʃs C. was
gone to bed -- A M would not
come into y^e. room when she
came home as she had been
at M^r. Jacksons^[1] --

---

Sunday -- 21^st.. March 1784
Lady Wake call'd to take me
to Church -- I was not ready &
could not go -- after I was dreʃs'd
A M. came & sat w^th. me till 3
oClock -- we read together the
letter in R. Eloise^[2] on Duelling

---

A M took leave of me
till thursday -- she is going
to her friend M^rs. Harris.
M^r. Wake came for ½ an hour
told me that the felt that
he was better for the
friendly advice I had given
him -- that he endeavourd
to correct his errors &c &c
M^rs: Vesey call'd for me &
put an end to our conversation
she was good to carry me
to Stratford Place as I was
to dine with M^rs: Walsingham.
-- She set me down but did
not go in. but Lady Denniver
(Lady Cecilia). Rice Lord Talbots
Daughter) & her daughter
Miʃs Rice & M^r. Walker din'd
with us -- After dinner M^r.
Walker play'd a Hymn &
Songung a Song of his own composing
w^ch.. was not without merit
-- M^rs. W & M^r. W. talk'd so

---

much of y^e. Beauties of
Matlock & other parts of
Derbyshire that I feel
more impatient than ever
to see these Romantick
Views -- w^ch. describe so
well. The company went
away before 8. -- M^rs. W. &
I set out soon after -- I set
her down at Lord Exeters &
had M^rs. W. Coach on to M^rs.
Delanys -- found her alone
only her Great Neice Miʃs
Port -- y^e. Dʃs D^r. of Portland
had been there but was
to the Queen. M^rs. D. was
pretty well -- she shew'd
me some of Swifts Letters
I read one aloud to her. --
She used to correspond with
him -- it was in a lively
stile -- & y^e. Compliments he
paid her were just &
expresʃ'd in a peculiar

---

at y^e. same time in an
elegant manner. I wrote
a Note to y^e. D^ʃs. w^ch. M^rs. D
was to give her Serv^t in y^e.
Morn^g. as she sends daily
to enquire after her friend.
to tell her Grace I was not
sure of getting a ticket for
y^e. Ancient Musick for to-
morrow Eve^g. &c
at ¼ past nine Lady Wake
sent her Coach for me. calld
for S^r. W^m. at one of y^e- Clubs
& we went home together his house
-- found Lady Wake & M^r.
Wake setting together -- M^r. Catton
gone to Cambridge -- we had
supper & I sat till 11 o'Clock.
-- y^e. Diʃsolution of Parliament
&c were y^e. topics of conversation.
I came home in a Chair.
saw Miʃs C for a few Minutes
-- she gave me a good account
of M^rs. Jackson & her little Fanny

---

Monday 22^d March 1784
-- Notes from my Uncle W^m. -- wrote
to M^rs. Buller to inform her
she & her Sister Lady Baʃset
might go to see y^e. Vase on
Wednesday Morn^g. & to M^rs.
Aufrere of Chelsea to say
S^r. W^m. & I w^d. come any
Morning she & M^r. Aufrere
were to be at home.
The D^ʃs. D Portland sent to me
to know if I had got a ticket
&c. Miʃs Clarke came at 1
o'Clock & sat w^th. me an hour
or two. read y^e. Papers &
chatted.. Miʃs Niven -- dreʃser
to y^e. Princeʃs's came brought one of
M^rs. Hicks little Girls w^th. her.
she staid a good while. talk'd of
y^e. Princeʃs's & Ladies of y^e.
Queens House. She said y^e. Queen
went to see y^e Prince of Wales
this Morning before she went
to Windsor -- that she heard he
was better -- Miʃs Glover

---

came soon after Miʃs Nevin
left me sat ½ an hour. I
promised to go to M^r. Glover in
the Afternoon --
As Miʃs Clarke & I were going
to dinner rec^d. a Ticket from
S^r. W^m. Hamilton (S^r. W W Wynns)
for y^e. Concert -- sent immediately
to y^e. D^ʃs. D^r. of Portland to
inform her I could have y^e.
pleasure of going with her
-- at ½ past 5 ran up &
had my hair better dreʃs'd
& was just finish'd when
y^e. D^ʃs. Coach came at ½ past
6. went sent an excuse to
M^r. Glover -- Miʃs Clarke was
going there. went to
Whitehall -- did not get out
y^e. Dear D^ʃs. & I went to
y^e. Concert -- saw a great number
of People I knew. conversed w^th.
M^r Howard & Lord Gilford &c
I was much pleased with the

---

Musick -- some of Handels
Chorus's were finely perform'd
-- The Ducheʃs & I quitted y^e. C—
before it was quite over --
Lady Greenwich L^dy. Coventry &c
were in y^e. waiting Room conversd
a little w^th. them & came away
I went home w^th. y^e. D^ʃs. she was
so good to say she had been much
pleased to have me with her.
I did not go in w^th. her had her
Coach home. M was at home
at ½ past 10 o'Clock. Miʃs C——
came into my room for ½ an
hour & then we went to our
rooms.

---

Tuesday 23^d. March 1784
M^r. Wake came when I was dreʃs
ing did not let him in.
Miʃs W: King for ½ an hour
then my old Maid Goodyar who
was w^th. me above an hour --
told me she was going to Marry
& ask'd my advice w^th. respect
to her affairs & future plans for settling
had W^m. Benn to ask him some

---

questions respecting the man she
talkd of going into partnership w^th.
&c &c. M^rs. & Miʃs Orde & my
Aunt Dow^r Lady Warwick they sat
sometime -- my Aunt told me her
Son Co^l. Greville was better.
When they left me M^r Wake came
went to Miʃs Clarke & sat ½ an
hour with her. M^r. Wake came
a little before three walk'd w^th. me
through y^e. Park (met Lord Walsingham) to M^rs. Delanys
I did not find her in good spirits
she was unhappy about her Nephew
M^r. John Dewes who was worse.
-- she lent me some very pretty
Verses of y^e. late Miʃs Bowdlers
to Copy -- gave me a charge, not to Give
them to any one -- as D^r. Bowdler
her Brother had desired y^e.
Copys not be multiplied.
M^r.. Wake call'd for me and
attended me to Miʃs Gunnings
at S^t. James's left me at y^e. door
& said he would call in ½ an
hour to Chaperon me back
again. found her in Bed
w^th. an Ague fit -- she was

---

however in pretty good spirits.
M^r. W. call'd for me & walk'd
w^th. me to M^r. Glovers. where I
din'd & spent y^e. day -- M^r. G.
in good spirits -- & health -- though his
eyes were bad. only y^e. family
M^r. Wake came in after dinner
& brought a Meʃsage to desire
me to go over to their house
this I c^ld not comply with.
he returnd again at tea time
sat an hour & brought me
a letter from my friend Miʃs
Litchfield. After he went Miʃs
Glover read aloud till supper
in Lord Clarendons Hist: part
of y^e. reign of Charles y^e: 2^d. y^e.
trial of y^e. Earl of Stratford.
M^r: Glover after supper
talk'd over some of the
Characters of y^e. Ministers
& great Speakers of y^e. House
of Commons in that Reign
-- I had a coach came home
at 11 -- Miʃs C. gone to bed --
read after I got to my room
& was undreʃs'd for an hour

---

a Dialogue in Plato. &c & my
friends letter w^ch. did not give much comfort

---

Wednesday 24^th: March 1784
After I was dreʃs'd went & set w^th.
Miʃs Clarke read y^e. Papers to her.
Lord Napier came he was shewn
into y^e. Parlour after he had paid
his Comp^ts. to Miʃs C. he desired
me to go upstairs to my breakfast
room as he had something to com
municate to me -- I complied, I
imagined it was relative to busineʃs
& was not a little surprised when
he told me he had this Morning
made an offer of marriage to
Miʃs C      but was equally
pleased to find he had been
accepted -- as she is a Woman
of good Character -- is I have
heard & from what I have been
able to judge from her manners
& countenance good temper'd
& has a large fortune & is
a Woman of a proper rank in
life for him to marry. we
talk'd y^e. affair over -- he desired

---

me not to mention it for the
present as he had not yet told
any of his family. M^r. Glovers
Coach came for me at 1 oClock
L^d. N. took leave of me. I went to
M^r. Glovers -- Miʃs Glover came &
sat in the Coach w^th. me till he
was ready. we went to my Uncle
Williams. M^r. G. only went in
Miʃs G. went on with me to S^t.
James's & waited for me in y^e.
Coach whilst I paid a visit to
Miʃs Gunning -- she was in bed
but better & going to get up --
her Sister was w^th. her -- M^r.
Gunning their Brother came in
& gave us y^e. News of the Great
Seal being stole out of y^e. Lord
Chancellors house. heard that
y^e. Prince of Wales was so far
Recoverd that he rode on horse-
back yesterday & was going to
day to y^e House of Lord's. M^r.
Devaynes y^e. Apothecary came in
he told me y^e. Bark w^d. soon

---

Remove Miʃs Gunning's fever &c.
Miʃs G. return'd me y^e. paper w^ch.
I had left w^th. her Yesterday con-
taining the melancholy narrative
of M^rs: Setons distreʃs's w^ch.
L^dy. Stormont sent me to try to
get something from my acquain-
tance towards a subscription for
her & her Childrens relief.^[3] Miʃs
G. told me her father had promised
to give something. I staid ab^t.
20 Min: return'd to Miʃs Glover
She set me down at home &
went back for her father as
they were going into y^e. City.
M^r. Fisher & my Uncle Frederick
had call'd during my absence
I wrote a long note to M^rs. Jackson
& work'd. till 4 oClock Miʃs Clarke
& I went & din'd with our opposite
Neighbours y^e. Veseys -- only themselves
-- we continued in y^e dining room
till 7. I read M^rs. Setons melancholy
Story -- M^r. Vesey promised me
to subscribe -- & M^rs. Handcock
gave me secretly a Guinea &
desired me to take no notice that

---

she had done so. before tea I
run home stay'd only a few Min:
to answer some notes. M^r. Wake
had call'd & left a Meʃsage ab^t.
my going this Eve^g to Lady Wake
&c. Miʃs Clarke came home --
I return'd to y^e. Veseys -- a M^rs.
Trip came in but did not stay
long -- I wrote an Answer to
a letter I rec^d. from A M at M^r
Veseys & enclosed some letters w^ch.
had come for her. M^r. H. Walpole
came at 8 & staid till 10 & no
other company so we had the
pleasure of his conversation
uninter̄upted. he talk'd of
Hamiltons works, his Memoirs
of Gram̄ont^[4] &c. M^r. Walpole
has lately published a new
Edition of Gram̄ont w^th. Notes.
The conversation was well
kept up & was very agreeable
-- I staid supper -- read Miʃs
Bowdlers Poem on Hope to
M^r. & M^rs. Vesey & M^rs. Handcock
they were much pleased with

---

it & gave it y^e: praises I think
it merits. After supper M^rs.
Vesey gave me a description
of their Villa in Ireland
(Lucan) she has a warm
imagination & her descriptions
are lively & I may say, very
pictoresque. Lucan is I
have been inform'd a beautiful
Place & M^r. Vesey has built
a fine house there not many
years sinceago. I came home
ab^t. 12. & went immediately to
my room. My Cousin M^rs. Charteris
                   had call'd when I was out.

---

Thursday 25^th. Employ'd myself
in Notable Work from y^e. time
I got up till near 3. M^r. Wake
call'd -- but I had given orders
no body should be let in --
Miʃs Clarke came & sat w^th. me
sometime. Betty dreʃs'd my
Hair & kept me near 2 hours
to make me smart. I read
during y^e. time in Plato. I
am a great admirer of this
author -- this is the second time

---

I am reading it. & hope to
reap profit as well as pleasure
by studying him. I generally
read whilst my hair is dreʃsing
by w^ch. means that time is not so
idle spent. at 5 oClock my
Aunt Warwicks Coach came
for me -- I went there to dinner
-- we had My Uncle William.
My Uncle Frederick & his Wife
& Daughter -- it was near 6
before we went into y^e. dining
room -- The conversation
was chiefly family subjects
-- Relations -- connexions &c
I bore little part for I thank
God I have no portion of
family pride. After tea Musick
was y^e. topic -- & other general
Subjects. S^r. W^m left us at '9
-- My U: F & his Wife before
10 -- I took leave of him for
6 Weeks as he goes on Monday
to Ireland to settle some affairs.
At 10 oClock Gen^l. Clarke -- my
Aunts Warwicks second Husband. was so obliging

---

to offer me his Coach for y^e. Eve^g. as
my Aunts was a new Carriage &
she does not like her Horses to get
into Crowds. for I was going to
two Aʃsemblies -- a ¼ past ten I
went to y^e. Ducheʃs of Chandos -- spoke
to her -- walk'd through y^e. Room's
it is a very fine house & handsomely
fitted up -- there was a good deal
of Company -- but not many of
y^e. 1^st. ton. I spoke to a few people
& then came away. went to
Lady Humes (S^r. Abraham Hume's Lad[y)]
This was a more elegant Aʃsembly
This House too is a good one but
not on so large a Scale as Chandos
House -- one room is very elegantly
fitted up & is a pretty form a long
Oval. the other 3 are hung with
some fine Pictures. There were
many of my acquaintance. I had
a good deal of conversation w^th.. M^rs.
Charteris  ---  Lord Clarendon &c &c
there were few Gentlemen at either
of the Aʃsemblies -- they are all so
busy in Politicks & preparing for
a New Election. the Young Ladies
we ---  most  ------  them dreʃs'd en habi[t]

---

de Bal -- as it was an Almack^[5]
night. I came soberly home at
11 -- Miʃs C was gone to bed, I sat
up till 12 & wrote in my diary
at Lady Humes saw y^e. Marquis de Bouillé

---

March 26^th. -- got up pretty early dreʃs'd
for y^e. day -- answer'd Notes. Rec^d. a
letter from M^rs. Jackson w^th. a good
account of little Fanny & telling me
she hoped it w^d.. not be long before
we could meet. -- sorted my Papers
work'd -- look'd after our little family of
Birds -- had Miʃs Clarke for some time --
the day so snowin bad -- Snow & rain -- that
I could not walk out to see Miʃs Gunning
& M^rs. Delany as I intended. ½ past 4
oClock Lady Wakes Coach came for me
din'd there we din'd tête a tête -- S^r.
W^m.. & his Son were gone to Eʃsex -- after
Dinner y^e. 2 Miʃs Wakes came down to desert
Miʃs Wake looks & is vastly better. they
left us soon. Lady Wake & I sat below for
some time -- I shew'd her Miʃs Bowdlers
verses w^th w^ch. she was much delighted. L^dy.
W—— told me how much satisfaction it
gave her y^t. S^r. W^m. w^d. not offer himself
a Candidate for y^e. New Parliament as
his health was so bad. We went into
y^e. D^r. room at 6. Miʃs Wakes were there
& remain'd w^th. me we chat[ted] on com --- 

---

topicks -- at ½ past 7 -- Lady Dartrey &
Miʃs Penn call'd to take Lady Wake to
Texiers readings -- they wanted to prevail
on me to go but I resisted their entrea
ties & my own inclinations -- & made
y^m. set me down at M^r. Glovers as I knew
he wish'd me to come to him as Miʃs
Glover was out & he had no one to read to
him &c. I found him & M^rs. Glover at
Backgammon. they soon left off & he & I
conversed together -- we did not want the
aid of a Book -- the American War. the character of
Gen^l. Washington. whom M^r.
Glover esteems very highly -- the Marquis
de la Fayette. Marquis de Boulle -- to
the merit of each of these -- M^r. Glover
did ample justice. Miʃs Glover & Miʃsrs Lenton return'd at ½ past ten from the
Oratorio -- I came away immediately
in their Coach. Miʃs Clarke was out
& as she had been to M^rs. Jacksons I went
to my Room before she return'd home. had
W^m. Benn before I went upstairs to talk
over Goodyars intention, of going into partner
ship with M^r. J here. He said he thought it
w^d. not answer. Miʃs Asgill had been
to see me. left word she had been ill or
sh^d. have call'd before. a Note from Miʃs
Gunning w^ch. inform'd me she was better.

---

Saturday 27^th: March 1784
My Uncle W^m. call'd on me at 9 o'Clock
we went to Chelsea to Breakfast with
M^r: & M^rs: Aufrere. The snow lay as
deep as it had done any time during
y^e. Winter -- but y^e. Sun was out & the
day look'd chearful. M^r. Aufrere is a

---

a Man of Large fortune advanced in Years
simple of plain in his manners but well bred & sensible
-- M^rs. Aufere is of a certain age -- well bred
unaffected & very sensible -- they both
poʃseʃs great taste for y^e. fine Arts
w^ch. has been improved by travel.
They have an only Child who is Wife
to the Rich M^r: Pelham of Lincolnshire.
Their House is near Chelsea Hospital
it is large & spacious -- all the principal
rooms of w^ch. there are a great number are on y^e. Ground floor. every
room has an Air of Comfort. & is
furnished w^th. fine Pictures of the
firstbest Masters -- M^r. Aufreres collection
is of the first claʃs. Lord Exeter
was w^th. them when we went in -- we were
there 20 Min: past 9 & he had walkd
from Town. S^r. W^m. Meredith came in
-- After Breakfast we look'd at some
of y^e. Pictures for our time w^d. not admit
of seeing them all w^th. that attention
they merit. M^r. A. has just made
an addition to his Collection of thr 4
Pictures w^ch. he got from france. 2 most
beautiful Landscapes of Gasper Pousin
one of Albano w^th. cupids. & a Landscape
of Salvator Rosa -- these are very
Capital Pictures -- particularly y^e.
Gasper Pousins w^ch.. are in his very
best manner. We spent our time
much to my satisfaction & y^e. conversation
was interesting & agreeable -- at 12
my Uncle & I came away. My Uncle told

---

me of his intention of visiting Scotland
&c. &c. before his Return to Naples.
he set me down at home. I went in y^e.
Parlour made Miʃs Clarke a visit for
a ¼ of an hour. then went to my B.
room scribbled in my diary. S^r. Robert
Gunning came & sat sometime. told
me Miʃs Gunning was better -- he gave
me a Guinea for M^rs. Seaton. I rec^d. a
note from Miʃs H More with M^rs. Garricks
Ticket allows me y^e. use of her
whole Box without paying any thing at Drury lane Theatre
for one night -- this is for next thursday
when M^rs. Siddons is to act. I ask'd
S^r. Robert Gunning to join my party &
invited Miʃs Bell Gunning -- he was
obliged to me & said he should gladly
accept it & w^d. inform me if his
Daughter could comego -- my Uncle Frederick
came -- he sat sometime -- took leave
of me he goes on Monday to Ireland.
I told him I should be happy to have
Miʃs Hamilton to go to y^e. Play on Thursday.
he said she w^d. be happyglad to go. I did not
invite M^rs. H. as I will only have
Ladies enough to fill y^e. front Row.
Anna Maria came home before dinner
she came to me -- told me how she had left
her friend &c &c. I din'd at home
with Miʃs Clarkes -- sat with them y^e.
whole Eve^g. -- they left me to go to y^e
Veseys for an hour before tea. I sent

---

an excuse to M^rs. Pepys for not
going to her aʃsembly -- or rather
Bas bleu. by M^rs. Vesey -- I had a
Headach -- Miʃs C—s  ---  writing &
conversation fill'd up our whole
Eve^g.. Miʃs C. went to their rooms
at 11 I sat an hour after them
finishing an extract out of M^rs.
Delanys Manuscript letters --
A Maria & I had some conversation
-- though she was in bed & I in
y^e. next room -- we can hear each
other so easily that we generally
have some talk after we are in
our rooms.

---

Sunday 28^th. March 1784.
Intended to have gone to Church w^th.
A Maria but as Betty was to dreʃs
us both -- I was not ready when M^r.
G. Coach came -- read y^e. Service of
y^e. day &c. in my own room.
Lady Stormont came at 1 oClock
& sat some time. I gave her w^ht
Money I had got for M^rs. Seaton. &c
She told me Lord S. went yesterday
to Scotland & Lord & Lady Cathcart
M^r Graham & Col. Cathcart -- y^t.
her sister M^rs. Graham was to
come to her -- to be in y^e House on
Tuesday &c. M^rs. Vesey came.

---

Miʃs Clarke & I went w^th. her & M^r.
Vesey to take a jumble^[6]. went to
Portman square -- set M^rs. Vesey
down at M^rs. Montagus -- we took
a drive for ½ an hour return'd
for her -- I went in for ten
Minutes saw M^rs. Montagu &
Miʃs Gregory took leave of y^e.
latter who goes next tuesday to
Scotland for some Months. we
then went to M^rs. Iremongers -- set
M^rs Vesey down -- went on to Lord
Dartreys -- enquired how they were
I call'd on L^dy. M: Hume & left
word I w^d. wait on her & Miʃs
Humes on tuesday Eve^g.. we
then went back for M^rs. Vesey &
came home at 3. M^r. Wake had
call'd -- I found Notes w^ch. I answerd
-- Miʃs H.^[7] c^d not go to y^e. play --
Miʃs Glover & Miʃs Is. Gunning
could. &c &c &c. at 4 had
M^r. Veseys Coach -- went to M^rs.
Walsinghams to dinner. Miʃs Jane
Vernon -- L^dy. H. Vernons daughter
(not y^e. M^d. of Honor) din'd with us --
after dinner we look'd over some

---

fine Colord Drawing's & Prints --
of y^e. Ornaments &c of y^e. Vatican
after tea Miʃs Rice came
she & Miʃs Jane Vernon were going w^th.
M^rs. W: to y^e. Concert. I like both
these young women -- they are
well bred & fashionable without
Airs. before 8 -- we set out.
I went in y^e Coach w^th. them -- set
them down at S^r. W: W: Wynne in S^t.
James Square & went on in M^rs.
W. Coach to Doct^r. Turtons in y^e.
Adelphi -- met there Col^l. & Miʃs
Goldsworthy -- D^r. Kaye -- y^e. Duke
of Gordon. M^r. Vanburgh -- & Miʃs
Noseley who is upon a Visit to M^rs.
Turton -- we all sup'd at D^r. Turtons
a tolerably pleasant Eve^g. --
at ½ past 11 I came home in a
Chair -- Miʃs C did not get home
till 12. Miʃs C's were gone to
bed -- I had some little talk w^th-
A Maria -- she had been to M^rs.
Jackson's & y^e. Glovers -- a good
account of M^rs. J & little Fanny

---

Monday 29^th.. March 1784
A Cold Snowny Day. & high Wind.
M^rs. Carter came at 12 & sat sometime
w^th. me she was but poorly. She told
me Miʃs Purdecy -- had been in town
but that she had not had time even
to come to her -- wrote abundance
of Notes & a few extracts out of
M^rs. Delanys letters. M^rs. Iremonger
sent to desire me to go to her in y^e.
Eve^g. as did Miʃs Asgill to come to
me but I was engaged. Anna Maria
came & sat a little w^th. me. &
I went to her before she went out.
dreʃs'd at 2. Lord Dartrey call'd but
w^d. not come in as I was dreʃsing as
did Miʃs Jane Vernon. after I was
did^[8] saw Miʃs Clarke for a short time.
at ½ past 4 Lady Stormont sent her
Carriage for me -- went there to
dinner. Lord Stor: set out on Friday to
Scotland for the Election -- nobody but M^r..
Nicholson at dinner -- I ask'd him by Lady
Stormonts desire to go to y^e. Play on thursday.
After dinner only y^e. 2 youngest boys came
down Master Murray was in disgrace &c.
Lady S. & I had tête a tête from ½ past
5 till 8. she told me Lord & Lady Cathcart were
gone to Scotland for y^e. to remain there all
next Winter -- &c &c. M^rs. Graham was to
come to her on Tuesday or Wednesday for a

---

fortnight before she & M^r. Graham went
to Scotland. we talk'd of M^r. Fielding y^e.
R Family &c &c. at 8 she took me in
her Carriage I set her down at Lady Warwicks
& went on in her Coach to M^rs. Hanburys
Aʃsembly. it was so early that none of y^e.
Company were come. I had a tête a tête
w^th. her for a ¼ of an hour -- saw her eldest Son
a boy of 4 years old. M^rs. H. told me she had
invited Miʃs Thursby to spend some time
with her in London but did not know
whether M^r Thursby would give her leave
to come &c. A great many people came that
I did not know & some I did. y^e. Minchins
Bathursts. Tollemaches Miʃs Scawen
M^rs. C. Hoare. Lady Beaumont &c &c. had
a good deal of Conversation with Lady Tri:
Bathurst. she is a sensible pleasing Young
Woman. at 10 had Lady Wakes Coach went
there to supper -- only her & M^r. Wake.
Miʃs Clarkes call'd for me at 11 they came
in & sat ½ an hour. when we came home
went immediately to our rooms.

---

Tuesday 30^th. March 1784. After I was dreʃs'd
had A Maria for some time we talk'd over
House affairs. M^r. Adam came & sat
an hour w^th. me -- he gave me a description
of Lord Caʃsels place in Scotland (Airshire
& of the House he had built there for
him -- we talk'd of M^r. John Hope
M^r. Adam had known him intimately
for many years. At ½ past 1 oClock Lady Wake
call'd for me set me down at little
Burlington House -- S^r C. Asgills.^[9]

---

^[10]

---

I sat ½ an hour with Miʃs Asgill
we renew'd our old acquaintance
w^ch. from some accident had been put
a stop to for four years. Lady Asgill
came in before I came away. Lady W:
was so good to call for me I went away
pleased w^th. my visit as I really have
always had an affection for Miʃs Asgill
-- she is beautiful -- elegant & I believe
very amiable. I went home w^th. Lady
Wake -- Saw Miʃs Wakes. set down to their
dinner & then went & sat w^th. Lady
Wake whilst she dreʃs'd. a little after 4
we went down to dinner. S^r. W^m. & M^r.
Wake -- M^r. Baldwin Wake S^r. W^m.^s Brother
& Miʃs Wake S^r. W^m.^s Sister dined w^th. us
-- I stay'd till 7. had Lady W: Coach went
to Lady Mary Humes. there was only
her & her youngest Daughter^[11] at home
Lady Mary was not well & has been
ill some time -- we work'd & chatted talkd
of eoconomy. Scotch Relations &c.
at 10 I run over the way to Lord Dartreys
-- sup'd w^th. D^r. Lord & Lady Dartrey.
M^r. Davies M^r. Dawsons former tutor
there -- at ½ past 11 came home in
a Chair. Our Man was ill & W^m. Benn
came for me. found Miʃs C: were gone
to bed. went immediately to my room
not without having had some talk
w^th. A Maria.

---

Wednesday 31^st. March 1784
Read the 1^st. part of y^e. Morning. A Maria
came to me for some time. our Man
Serv^t. Richard very ill w^th. an Ague.
Miʃs Gunning sent to me at 12 I walkd
w^th. her Ser^vt. to attend me through the
Park. found her but poorly. her
Sister was w^th.. her      I sat till near
2. S^r. Rob^t. Gunning & M^rs. Lisle
came in -- they talk'd of Lord Napiers
Marriage, as I found it was now
generally known I wrote a note to
him to desire he w^d. acquaint y^e.
Stormonts & his other Relations
as they w^d. take it ill to hear of
it first from others. went w^t.
Miʃs G. Serv^t. to M^rs. Delany. sat
20 Min: w^th. her. found her pretty
well. Miʃs Gunning & her Sister
came for me in y^e. Coach. set me
Mrs Hood^[12] down at M^rs. Walkinshaws. I sat
½ an hour w^th. her -- M^rs. Mary
Moyston was there. Miʃs G: call'd
for me again & set me down at
M^rs. Glovers. she was ill & confin'd
to her Dreʃsing room -- saw M^r. Glover
M^rs. Lenton & Miʃs Glover. I stay'd
& din'd tête a tête w^th. M^rs. Glover in
her room. she told me some anecdotes
of M^r. G's sisters -- their behaviour
to her &c. a little before 6 had her
Coach w^ch. had brought A Maria to their

---

house -- came home dreʃs'd -- Miʃs Clarke
came to me for ¼ of an hour. after I
was dreʃs'd wrote in my Diary at
S^r. W^m. Hamilton & M^r. Wake had call'd
when I was out. at ½ past 9 my
Uncle William came for me. we went
together to M^rs. Montagu's a large & fine
Aʃsembly -- y^e. French Ambaʃsador
many foreigners -- &c &c. Lady
Bathurst told me that Lady Triphena
had desired her to give her Comp^ts. to me --
introduced her 2^d. Daughter to me &c.
had a good deal of conversation w^th.
Lord Hartcourt. Lady Harriet Grey &c.
&c. a pleasant Eve^g., more so than a
great aʃsembly generally is. ab^t. a ½
past 11. my Uncle & I came away he
set me down at home. saw at M^rs. Montagus
y^e. new invented Lamp of w^ch. more hereafter^[13]
-- Miʃs C's were gone to bed -- enquired
how our poor Serv^t. did heard he was very
poorly -- went immediately to my Room.

---

Thursday 1^st. April 1784 --
Miʃs Port came before I was dreʃs'd -- she
staid only a few Minutes told me M^rs. Delany
wish'd to see me next Wed^y. afternoon.
went to AMaria sat a little w^th her --
spent y^e. Morning in reading writing &
working -- Betty's Sister M^rs. Harman came
at 2 & dreʃs'd my Hair. din'd at home

---

with Miʃs Clarkes. at ½ past 5
M^r. Wake & Miʃs Glover came to
go to y^e. Play -- S^r. R^t. Gunnings
Coach came for me & we set out
before 6. M^r: Wake A Maria &
Miʃs Glover went in M^r. Glovers
Coach. I went in S^r. Roberts &
call'd for him & Miʃs Is: Gunning
we got to y^e. play before it began
-- M^rs. Siddons was very great in
the Character of Lady Randolph
in Douglaʃs^[14] -- y^e. other actors were all bad.^[15] M^r. Nicholson came to
y^e. play -- he told me M^rs. Graham was
come to Lady Stormont &c. y^e. play
was over before 9 -- S^r.. Rob^t. Miʃs Is:
Gunning & I came away went to
M^rs. Walsinghams Aʃsembly -- saw most
of y^e. People I met last night --
y^e. French Ambaʃsador &c. I do not like
y^e. french Ambaʃsador -- his manners
are not elegant nor does he look
like a Man of fashion. ab^t. 10 o'Clock
I came away w^th. S^r. R: Miʃs Is & M^r.
Gunning -- set them down at Lord Bathursts
where there was another Aʃsembly came
home in their coach -- undreʃs'd -- put on
my Robe de Chambre & went & sat w^th
Miʃs Clarke. A Maria did not come home
from y^e. Play as she had staid y^e. entertainm^t

---

till ½ past 11 -- we chatted till 12
& then went to our Rooms. Miʃs H. More
Lord Napier & the M^rs. Adams^[16] had call'd when I was out.
                                                         in y^e. morng

---

Friday 2^d. April 1784
M^r. Wake came at 12 but I did not
let him stay as I was going to make
Visits. the Veseys were so good to lend me
their Coach & a Serv^t. as ours was still
too ill to go out. went to M^rs. Boscowans,
wish'd her joy of son Lord Falmouths
intended marriage w^th. Miʃs Crewe.
she told me she was going to send to invite
me for y^e. Eve^g. I told her I had no Serv^t
as mine was ill. she promised to send
both her Coach & Serv^t. &c. from her
went to M^rs.. Walkinshaws, only staid
a few Minutes -- she was but poorly.
enquired at M^rs: Baker door to know
how she was -- heard but an indifferent
account of her -- left my Name for
her Sister Miʃs Julia Conyers.*
& went to M^rs. Glover -- she was rather better
-- saw M^rs. Lenton & Miʃs Glover -- sat an
hour & ½ -- M^r. Wake came to walk
home w^th. me & was very happy to be
my beau. he came & staid till 4
I din'd at home & alone. went up
immediately after to dreʃs -- at 7
run over to y^e. Vesey's to see M^rs. Handcock
who had been extremely Ill -- she let
me come into her bed room -- M^rs. Vesey

---

was sitting with her. I thought good M^rs.
Handcock was much alter'd w^th. her
illneʃs -- at ½ past 7 M^rs. Boscowans
Coach came for me -- went there
met her two Daughters -- viz the
young Ducheʃs of Beaufort & M^rs.
Levenson -- M^rs. John Pitt, her sister M^rs. Iremon-
ger -- Dowg^r. Lady Gore (Mother in law
to M^rs. Levenson) Counteʃs Rothes
her husband S^r. Lucas Pepys &
her Son (by her first husband who
was a Son of M^rs. Boscowans)^[17] --
Lord Leslie. & M^rs.. Price there
was one Card Table. Lady Middleton
was also there who is a very pleasing
Woman -- Elections & Politicks were
y^e. principal topicks of Conversation.
at 10 had M^rs. Boscowans Coach she
insisted upon my making what use
I pleased with it, & if ever I was
in distreʃs for a Carriage to send to her.
I went to Madame Saladin de Crans
aʃsembly -- she has not long been
married -- was a Miʃs Egerton -- it was
too early for many people to be there
-- the Churchills y^e Humes &c &c
some Men I did not know -- Col^l.
Hamilton of Geneva was there
he desired to be introduced to me

---

I did not recollect him but he did
me -- told me of having seen me
when very young at my Great Aunts
Lady Mary Colleys -- had some
conversation with him & M^rs. Walpole
& then came away was at home before
11 -- found A Maria in my Breakfast
room -- Miʃs C. gone to bed -- we chatted
for ½ an hour -- then went to our
rooms.

---

Saturday3^d: April 1784.
At 11 y^e. Glovers Coach came -- went there
w^th. Anna Maria -- she, M^rs. L & Miʃs
Glover went to y^e. City -- M^rs. Glover was
better Lord Napier was paʃsing by as
I was at M^r. Glovers door -- he stop'd &
spoke to me told me he had been to
his Grandmothers in Hertfordshire
-- Dow^g Lady Cathcarts', &c I gave him a
note to send for me to my Uncle W^m.^s
to desire him not to call for me to take
me to M^rs. Garricks to dinner as he
was to have done. & Anna Maria
took one for me to M^rs. Garricks to excuse
me to her -- I promised to be with her
before y^e. Coffee was ready. the reason
of my putting off going was, that Lady
Stormont had sent a preʃsing invitation
for me to dine w^th. her -- as I could have
no other opportunity of seeing her Sisters M^rs:
Graham & Miʃs Cathcart as they were

---

to set off tomorrow Morn^g for Scotland. I sat
w^th. M^rs. Glover till 12 -- she was better --
M^r. Glover was not up & I paid him
a Visit in his bed room -- Lady Wake
call'd for me -- I went to introduce her to
M^rs. Newton as she wish'd to see her
Pictures -- we took up Lady Dartrey at
y^e. Veseys' & then went for Lord Dartrey
& Master Dawson -- we proceeded to
M^rs. Newton's who rec^d. us w^th. great
civility & took y^e. trouble of shewing
us her fine Collection of Pictures.
M^rs. Newton is Widow of y^e. late Bishop
of Bristols who was a judge &
lover of y^e. Art & had indulged
himself in making a collection of y^e
works of some of the first Masters -- it would
exceed the limits of my diary to
give a description of those Pictures
w^ch. pleased me the most -- neither do
I think I am equal to descriptions
of any kind -- at least not to such
as w^d. well expreʃs or convey
any true idea. Lady Herries &
some other Company came in before we
came away w^ch. we did at 2 oClock --
L^dy. D &c set me down at home -- I
wrote for ½ an hour in my Journal
then dreʃs'd -- Miʃs Glover Miʃs A M
C: came into my room whilst I was
dreʃsing -- told me of their mornings

---

excursions &c. at 5 Lady Stormonts
Carriage came for me went there -- met
M^r. & M^rs. Graham -- Miʃs Cathcart Lord Napier.
-- we were mutual in our congratulations on
his approaching Marriage -- Lady Stormont
said many kind & proper things & offer'd
to present Lady Napier at Court &c &c
M^rs. Veseys Coach came for me just as
we had din'd -- I took leave of y^e Grahams
& Miʃs Cathcart. M^rs. Graham told me she
hoped to return to England in y^e. Autumn.
When I got to M^rs. Garricks y^e. Company
were still in y^e. dining room I went in
to them -- & my excuses for not dining w^th.
them were accepted. there were. M^rs.
Montagu -- her Nephew M^r. Montagu. M^r.
Vesey. S^r. Joshua Reynolds. Abbé Grant.
S^r. W^m. Hamilton M^rs.. Carter Miʃs H More Doc^tr.
Turton -- who said he had been invited to
represent me. -- M^r. H: Walpole came
soon after me & we left him w^th. y^e.
Gentlemen -- as y^e. Company were
coming in we hurried into y^e. Drawing
Room -- D^r & Miʃs Burney. M^rs. Walsingham
M^rs. Wilmot. M^rs. Morrice. M^r. S. Jennings.
M^r. & M^rs. Pepys. M^rs. Ord. Lady & Miʃs Younge
M^rs. H. Hoare. Lady Rothes. Bishop of St Astraph
his wife & oldest Daughter (Shipley) & several
others. I spent a very pleasant Eve^g.
My Uncle W^m. went away early to go to
see his Neice's M^rs. Graham & Miʃs Cathcart.
M^rs. Carter & I came home w^th. M^r. Vesey
-- they set me down first. it was ¼ past

---

10 when I got home. sat w^th. Miʃs Clarkes
till ½ past 11 -- they then went to their
rooms I sat up till 12 --

---

Sunday 4^th. April 1784. Anna Maria
Miʃs Glover & I went to May fair Chapel
-- the Clergyman's Text was taken out
of Isaiah Isaiah -- “For Israel will not
“hear, my People will not Consider.”
he censured y^e. diʃsipations of the
fashionable world -- the evils ofarising from bad
example to inferiors. &c. &c. his
language was poor -- his delivery
bad -- upon y^e. whole it was sad
common place stuff.^[18] After Chapel
we went & sat ½ an hour w^th. M^rs.
Carter who lives near -- Miʃs Glover
parted from us & we went & paid
a visit to M^rs. Carter Vesey
after M^rs. Handcock -- heard she was
better. Miʃs Shipley was sitting with
M^rs. Vesey -- Anna Maria & I came
home -- M^r. Wake came at 2 -- Lord
Napier soon follow'd & I sent M^r.
Wake away. Lord Napier & I had an
interesting conversation. we talk'd
over his future plans &c &c he
told me he hoped out friendship
w^d. not be leʃsen'd by his Marriage
& y^t. I woud esteem his Wife as
my Sister &c &c.      M^rs. Newtons Coach
came for me -- & we parted w^th. mutual
aʃsurances of Affection & friendship.

---

-- I call'd for M^rs. Carter & we went together
to M^rs. Newtons -- we sat sometime together
before M^rs. Newton came we were well
amused in looking at some of the
Pictures. soon after M^rs. Newton camejoin'd
f us -- M^rs. Hood came in who staid
½ an hour -- y^e. Westminster Election
was y^e. Subject. as soon as M^rs. Hood
left us we went down to dinner.
M^rs. Hood is a little lively old Woman
Wife to Admiral Hood -- The late
Gilbert West was her Brother -- M^rs.
Newton told me that she was always
much admired by the Men & had
many offers w^ch. she refused as she
had no inclination to Marry -- her
attractions were, her sense, good humor
& vivacity -- for she never was handsome
& had not even a good Person.
Admiral Hood was in love with
her almost many Years & at last
gain'd her by dint of perseverance
-- she was 50 Years old when she
married, she is now near 80 &
20 Years youngerOlder than her Husband^[19]
-- his attachment to her is as
lively as ever & they are a very
happy couple.

---

M^rs. Newton & M^rs. Carter entertain'd
me very much w^th. descriptions of
the dreʃses of former times -- the farthen
gales^[20] -- &c. & y^e. ladies riding on
Horseback w^th. immense Hoops
& long lappets &c &c. M^rs. Newton
show'd us y^e. Catalogue of her pictures
w^ch- was written by y^e. late Bishop
-- it is written in the stile that y^e.
French call a Catalogue raisonné
At ½ past 7 M^rs. Carter & I had M^rs.
Newtons Coach -- she set me down
at the Glovers. M^rs. G. was so much
better that she was down stairs.
M^r. Glover was at home, M^r. John
Antrobus there for some time
Miʃs Clarkes came before Supper
Politicks was y^e. principal topick
of discourse. Miʃs C & I came
home at 11 -- went immediately
to our rooms

---

Monday 5^th. April 1784
A Maria came & sat sometime in my
room before I was up -- we talk'd of
Lord Napiers Marriage &c. at 2
M^r. Wake came & stay'd sometime
this is his Birthday -- he enters
into y^e. 17^th. Year of his age.^[21]

---

-- he had not left me long before Miʃs
Clavering came she staid ½ an hour
-- I was very well pleased with her --
she told me she understood from Lord
Napier that a friendship had long subsisted
between us -- that she hoped I approved his
choice & that she might share in our
friendship in future. she spoke of him as
I believe she felt and as I know he
merited. I have every reason to hope
they will suit each other & be as happy
as the generallity of Mankind are
who are good humor'd, sensible &
prudent. The Dartrey's came for me
& A Maria to carry us to Lady Wakes
to dinner I was not quite ready A M
went w^th. y^m. & they sent y^e. Coach back
for me. As I paʃs'd through
Piccadilly saw y^e. Prince of Wales
on Horseback going into y^e. Court of
Devonshire House he kiʃs'd his
hand to me -- I thought he look'd
ill. Lord & Lady Dartrey M^r. Dawson
Miʃs A M Clarke Lady Wake M^r.
Wake & y^e. 2 Miʃs Wakes were
the Company -- we congratulated
Lady W & her Son on y^e. return of
this^[22] -- he shew'd me y^e presents he
had rec^d.. S^r. W^m. & M^r. Catton were

---

out of Town -- we spent y^e. day
chearfully -- Lord Dartrey left us
after Coffee -- M^r. Vesey came to tea
we play'd at Commerce to amuse y^e.
Young People -- M^r. V. left us before
supper -- Lady D & her Son y^e. moment
it was over. A M & I staid & chatted
w^th. Lady Wake & her Son till ½ past
11 -- when we came home A M & I
had a little conversation & then went
to bed.

---

Tuesday 6^th.. April 1784
Rec^d. many notes & invitations, sent answers.
at 12 both y^e. Miʃs Gunnings came they
staid some time. Miʃs G. was got pretty well
again -- told me she had been at M^rs. Hobarts
Yesterday Eve^g. for y^e. 1^st.. time of her going
out since her illneʃs -- there was a Ball
y^e. Prince of Wales was there.
After they went M^r. Wake came & sat
above an hour -- told me of some
uncomfortable things that had happen'd.
Lord Napier came & I sent him away.
Lord N. & I talk'd over Miʃs Clavering
&c &c after he went A Maria came
to take leave of me as she was going
out -- I din'd at home & alone --
read & wrote till near 8 when Lady Wake
came to sit y^e. Eve^g: with me, she told me

---

of her various distreʃs's -- respecting
her uncertainties inor rather S^r. Wm's
Miʃs Asgill came at ½ past 8 & staid
till 10 -- she look'd very pretty &
affected us much by telling us the
story of her Brothers imprisonment &
danger of losing his life in America --
y^e. anxiety & misery of herself &
Parents -- & told her how well the
Queen of France had acted -- how
feelingly she rec^d. Lady Asgill her
Brother & herself when they went
to Paris this last summer to return
thanks -- all this I will endeavour
to recollect & write down at large.
-- Miʃs Asgill left us at 10 o'Clock --
Lady Wake & I went down to Supper
Miʃs Clarkes came home & join'd
us -- After Supper Lady ^W. rec^d. a
letter from M^r Edwards^[23] y^e. person
who was to take y^e. House she was
in some distreʃs ab^t. it as she was not
prepared to quit it so soon -- sent to Lord
Dartrey's &c. we offered all y^e. aʃsistance
in our power -- She left us at ½ past 11 --
we soon went to our rooms

---

Wedⁿ- 7^th. April 1784 -- M^r. Wake came
early in y^e. Morn^g. to acquaint me
how affairs went on -- A Maria & I
both saw him -- After he left us
A Maria staid some time with me. M^r.
Wake came again at 1 o'Clock sat an
hour w^th. me & told me they had got
other Lodgings &c &c. when he left
me went to dreʃs Lady Beaumont
& M^rs. Hamilton (my Uncle F: wife)
call'd, I did not see either. Lady
Wake, Lady Dartrey call'd I did not
see them -- they left meʃsages -- after
I was dreʃs'd A M came & sat w^th. me
Lord Napier came for me he came
up -- saw A Maria -- it was 5 oClock
he brought Lady Claverings Coach
for me, we went together to her House
I made him a present of a pair
of Sleeve Buttons -- & made him
give me his old ones. was intro-
duced to Lady Clavering -- she
appears to me to be a friendly
& good natured Woman -- without
pretensions -- she is Mother in
Law^[24] to her late Husbands Children
& I am told has ever treated
them as her own -- they are
all & justly much attached to her

---

I was also introduced to M^r. &
M^rs. Peachel -- Miʃs M^rs: P. is sister
to Miʃs Clavering -- & appears to
be equallyas sensible & good temper'd
a Woman as Miʃs Clavering is --
before dinner Miʃs Clavering pre-
sented me with a ring with hers
& Lord Napiers hair enclosed &
repeated her wishes to have an equal
share in my friendship with Lord
Napier. After dinner when y^e. Serv^ts-
were withdrawn -- y^e. conversation
turn'd upon y^e. several neceʃsary
aranjements respecting y^e. mar-
riage -- we then left y^e. Gentlemen
& went up to y^e. Drawing room --
I came away before they rejoin'd
us -- the Ducheʃs oʃDow^gr. of Portlands
Coach came for me soon after 7.
I went to M^rs. Delany -- M^r. Barnard
Dewes was w^th. her & her great neice Miʃs
Port -- I found her out of Spirits for
her Old friend Lady Mansfield is
dangerously Ill^[25] -- she was siezed last
Sunday w^th. a Paralectic Stroke -- her
friends must wish for her release
as she is I beleive 81^[26] & has not been
able to swallow any sustenance or speak

---

since she was taken. y^e. Dowg^r. D^ʃs
of Portland came soon after me --
M^r. B. Dewes staid y^e. whole time --
Lady Wallingford came & stay'd
½ an hour. after she went I
took an opportunity of asking
y^e. D^ʃs. if she remember'd D^r.
Sandys -- my friends grandfather^[27]
She & M^rs. Delany both told me
they had known him well -- y^e.
D^ʃs. told me many circumstances
relative to him -- & when she found
I knew his Grandaughter made
many kind enquiries after her.
She told me D^r. S— had often
spoke of her w^th. y^e. tenderest
Affection -- I spoke of my friend
as I felt. at 10 I had her Graces
Coach -- went to Miʃs Tryons Aʃsem
bly y^e. Maid of Honor -- met there foriegners of
Distinction & fine folks -- had
y^e usual aʃsembly conversation
w^th. those of my acquaintance &
came away in ½ an hour -- there
were Card tables -- & in y^e. 1^st- Room
Musick -- Miʃs Guest^[28] play'd a leʃson
very finely whilst I was there --

---

I was at home before 11 -- sat w^th-
Miʃs Clarkes for near an hour
& then we went to our Rooms

---

Thursday 8^th. April 1784
M^r. Wake came to desire me to
be ready to go out with Lady Wake
-- After he left me had A Maria
for some time -- Ab^t. 1 he came
to tell me his Mother was coming
that she was at y^e. Vesey's -- I went
over y^e.. way with him to their house
saw M^r.. & M^rs- Vesey -- M^rs.. Vesey said M^rs..
Handcock was not so well as she
had been -- M^rs. Boscowan was there
with one of her grandaughters^[29] (y^e. Duke
of Beauforts child.) -- she offer'd to take
me to M^rs. Delanys but I declined it
as I was going out with Lady Wake.
-- L^dy. Wake, her Son, & I went to
make Visits -- went to Miʃs Smith
found her at home sat ¼ of an
hour -- I set Lady W—— down at Lady
M. Milbanke's -- W^m. went on y^e. Coach
w^th. me -- I call'd on Lady Beaumont
M^rs. & Miʃs Orde -- & D^gr. Lady Warwick
-- they were all out -- we returned
for Lady Wake & then went on together
we were let in at M^r. Burkes a

---

West Indian -- where S^r. W^m. Wakes
Sister is on a Visit -- we saw
only Miʃs Wake sat ½ an hour
with her -- Miʃs W is not at all
a mon gre^[30] nor ever was -- she
is a proud, -- mean, under-bred conceited
Miʃs.^[31] we call'd at a Shop or two
in our way home -- M^r. Isted of
Northamptonshire paʃs in the
Street -- M^r. W. got out of the Coach
& run after him to enquire w^ht-
news there was relative to y^e.
Elections in that part of y^e. World --
Lady Wake & I went on to y^e.
Glovers -- only left a meʃsage at
y^e. door -- she then brought me home
-- M^r. Wake return'd to us as I was
getting out of y^e. Coach -- I took
leave of them & came in -- met
M^r. Vesey going out of our house he
had been to visit Miʃs C's --
At ½ past 3 Lord Dartrey call'd he
sat with me till past 4 oClock -- our
conversation was wholly relative to
S^r. W^m. Wake. we lamented the
alteration -- &c &c &c

---

Lord Dartry told me he heard
M^r. Farhill was married to a Miʃs
Wilson of a large fortune^[32] -- After
Lord D: left me I went down to dinner
-- Miʃs Clarke & I din'd tête a tête. A M——
was out. I sat sometime w^th. her after
dinner. M^r.. Fisher & Miʃs Egerton had
call'd when I was out in y^e. Morning.
before 6 I went to my B room -- wrote
some advice ion general subjects in
a Pocket Book M^r.. Wake had left w^th. me
for that purpose -- he came at 6 for
it -- he staid an hour -- told me his
Father was come to Town from Nor'tonshire
& other Places where he had been -- that
he had dined with them at Lord
Dartreys -- he told me of y^e. mortification
y^e. Spencers had rec^d. by y^e. People of
Northampton having rejected Lord Lucan
for their Member -- & having chose
one in opposition to the interest
of y^t. family. M^rs. Jackson came
& M^r. W. left us -- M^r. Vesey paid
Miʃs Cs a visit below -- the comfort
able tête a tête M^rs. J & I, had hoped
to have enjoy'd was cruelly disturbed
by an unforeseen event^[33] -- .
Ab^t. 11 A Maria came home she
came to us -- M^rs. J—— left us ab^t.
½ past 11 -- A M. & I sat up

---

for some time, I conceal'd what
had happen'd from her for fear
of agitating her Spirits &c &c
I sat up after she went left me --
went to bed at 12.

---

Friday 9^th. April 1784
A Maria was so very indifferent w^th.
a bad Cold that we put off going to
Church. After we were dreʃs'd we spent
y^e. Morning together -- we had a very
interesting conversation -- I was
obliged to pain her heart by a
communication of w^thht- I had heard
last night. M^r. Wake came w^th. a
Meʃsage from his mother to desire
me to take an airing w^th. her -- she
was to call in a ¼ of an hour -- I
promised to go & he left me.
Little Mary Jackson came -- I went
down to y^e. Miʃs Clarkes till Lady Wake
call'd -- w^ch. she did at ½ past 1 o'Clock
A M. took little Mary to y^e. Coach -- after
they had p^d. their Comp^ts. to Lady Wake
I got set out w^th. Lady Wake M^r. Wake
& y^e. 2 Miʃs Wakes -- we saw Lord Dartry
he croʃs'd y^e. Street & spoke to us.
We went through Hyde Park to Kensington
there waswere a great many Carriages & Riders
it look'd lively. we left Miʃs Wakes
at a Lady's House to pay a visit to a
young friend -- call'd at a M^rs. Cummings

---

she came to y^e. Coach & talk'd sometime
w^th. Lady Wake -- we then took an airing
for a ½  -  a Milean hour -- Lady Wake read
some part of a discourse on y^e. day
by y^e. Bishop of Chester, Porteous.
we call'd for Miʃs Wakes -- I set
Lady Wake & her daughters went
home. M^r. W. went in y^e. Coach w^th-
me to M^r. Jackson's. I took leave
of him there. I sat w^th. M^rs. Jackson
till she was summond by M^r. J. to
dinner -- I sat by them whilst they
din'd -- at ¼ past 5 Lady Stormont's
Carriage came for me -- went to
dine with her. Mr. Nicholson the Tutor din'd
w^th. us -- after dinner y^e Children for
some time. Lady Stormont & I had
a tête a tête till near from ½ past
6 till near 11. we talk'd of Lord
Napiers Marriage -- Lady S. desired me
to inform him that she w^d. be happy to
be of use to him &c &c. she means to
present Lady Napier if poor Lady
Mansfield is soon released^[34] -- she still
continues in y^e. same state. we talkd
over our Childish days & our old
acquaintances -- our Parents &c &c
I left her before 11. had her Carriage
came home -- found A Maria alone
we conversed together for some time
& then went to our Rooms -- her
Cold was very indifferent --

---

Saturday 10^th. April 1784. AMaria
came & sat with me for some time -- M^r. Wake
call'd I did not see him as I was dreʃsing
he left a Note for me or rather a letter
I was amused in reading it for it was
nothing leʃs than a description of myself
this he had written in y^e. stile of a
very partial friend. M^rs. Garrick
& Miʃs H. More came & sat sometime
with me. M^rs: Garrick was in
good spirits & it was an agreeable
Visit. -- After they went Lord Napier
came -- he staid from 2 till 3 oClock -- he
Shew'd me a Watch & Bracelets he
had got to present to Miʃs Clavering.
I told him of Lady Stormonts friendly
offers to  ------  him & her &c &c
gave him a little present to present
from me to Miʃs Clavering --
When he left me M^r. Wake came
& staid till 4 o'Clock -- he talk'd to
me of his Tutor -- I was sorry to find
by what he said that he did not
love him -- he spoke however very
sensibly on y^e. subject & promised
me to behave always towards him
w^th. propriety -- & acquiescd in my
opinion of M^r. C's merits --
but it is not easy to turn aside
y^e. prejudices of Young Men of his age --

---

a ¼ after 4 I forgot to mention y^t.
Miʃs Port call'd on me at 11 o'Clock
she brought me a Meʃsage from M^rs-
Delany -- staid ¼ of an hour.
Ab^t. 20 Min: past 4 M^r. Glovers Coach
came for me -- as I was going out rec^d
y^e. long expected letter from my friend
from Mansfield -- it depreʃs'd my spirits
for it contain'd an uncomfortable ac-
count of her health. I din'd w^th.
M^rs. Glover her Sister M^rs. Lenton &
Miʃs Glover -- M^r. G. was out -- I staid
w^th. them till ½ past 7 when M^r. G. came
home -- he was well -- I had only time
to pay my Comp^ts. to him as his Coach
was waiting for me -- I went to Lord
Dartrey's. where I spent y^e. Evening --
Lady Wake -- Lady Beaumont & Lady
Shelborne -- Dartrey & myself were
y^e. party -- Lady Shelborne told us
a diverting anecdote of A Mans
going a few days ago to the Lord
Chancellors -- he told y^e. Porter
that he had found & brought
the Seals w^ch. were lately stol'n^[35]
& put a Basket carefully
tied up in his hands -- The
Porter flew to his Lordship who
eagerly order'd & aʃsisted in
opening y^e. Basket. -- when to

---

instead of y^e. Seals a pretty
new born Infant was discover'd
-- the Man who brought it did not
stay for his reward.
-- Lady S & B went away at
10 == I saw at Lord Dartreys where
he is upon a visit to M^r. Dawson
Master George Clayton -- son to
Lady Louisa Clayton -- I thought him
grown -- we went down to Supper
found Lord Dartrey & S^r. W^m. Wake
in y^e room -- the Wakes
brought me home at 11 --
Miʃs C's were gone to bed --
I went to my room.

---

Sunday 11^th. April 1784
I went down to Breakfast with Miʃs
C's. & Miʃs Glover came -- A Marias Cold
being very indifferent I proposed
our reading Prayers together at
home after I was dreʃsd. I went
to dreʃs soon after Breakfast -- M^r.
Wake call'd but was not let in --
After I was dreʃs'd A M & I were some
time together. Lady & Miʃs Clavering
came at 2 & staid sometime -- Miʃs
C thank'd me for my little present --
Lady C. hoped our acquaintance w^d
improve & other very civil things paʃsd

---

Lady C. invited me to come to her
House next friday Eve^g. the day
y^e. new married pair are to return to
Town -- they are to be married tomorrow
After they left me M^r. Wake came to
know whether I could dine at their house
I excused myself as I had promised
to dine at home -- he made me many
promises of future good conduct
-- & many profeʃsions of affection
gratitude & so forth. he staid till
past 4 -- the Miʃs C's & I din'd
together -- I sat with them till
6 -- then went to my room for
½ an hour & read in y^e. Scripture
return'd & drank tea w^th. Miʃs C's
Miʃs Gunning came to me at 7
oClock & sat w^th. me tête à tête
till ½ past 11 -- she opened her
heart to me -- told me the struggles
of her Mind w^th. respect to her
attachment to y^e. World -- how far
that interfered w^th. her love
to God & duty towards him -- I
gave my opinion as well as I was
able -- I do not think we need retire
from y^e. world to fulfill our duties -- for if we
are placed in y^e. midst of temptations
our resisting them is an example to
our weaker brethern -- & we have certainly
a greater power of doing good & may often
influence by our others to admire &

---

follow Virtue --
She then told me of her acquain
tance w^th. Rouʃseau whom she
saw at Paris ab^t. 7 years ago
-- how much she admired him
&c &c. &c.
After she left me A. M. came
to me for ½ an hour we talkd
of Miʃs Clarke -- her opinions
&c -- & then went to our
Rooms^[36]

---

---

      Monday 12^th. April

I hear Lady Mansfield died
this Morn^g[37]

---

Monday 12 April 1784
Mr. Wake & M^rs. Carter call'd
when I was dreʃsing -- I did not see
either -- Lord Napier came & staid
½ an hour talk'd over his
Matrimonial arrangements --
seem'd happy & in good spirits.
When he left me A M came to
me & Lady Wake call'd to take
leave of us as she goes into
y^e. Country tomorrow -- she said
she hoped to be in Town (as she
is only for y^e. present going to
Upshire farm in Eʃsex w^ch. is
but 14 Miles from London) for
a few days in the Course of
y^e- Week. A M left us together
Lady Wake told me how much
(& alas! I fear she has reason)
she was out of spirits.
After she went Miʃs C—— came
to my room -- she staid with me
from 2 till past 4 -- A M just
came in to take leave of us as
she was going out -- Miʃs C &
I had a very interesting conver
sation we dind together

---

I staid w^th. Miʃs Clarke till 8 oClock
-- When M^r. M^rs. Vesey came for me
went w^th. them to M^rs. Ordes -- a
Bas Blue party. there were
M^rs. Montagu M^r. Walpole M^r. & M^rs.
Pepys. S^r. L: Pepy's Lady Rothes
M^rs. Garrick -- Miʃs H. More -- D^r. &
Miʃs Burney -- M^rs. Wilmot M^rs.
Morrice -- S^r J: Reynolds Miʃs Palmer
Lord Monboddo -- Miʃs Orde & her Second
Brother who is in y^e. Church.^[38] M^rs. Carter.
-- the Chief thing I heard was a
difference of opinion respecting Dryden
M^r. Walpole & D^r. Burney extolld him
above all our Poets.
Miʃs Palmer told me that my Uncle
William had been often at S^r.
J Reynolds lately -- that he escorted
my Cousin Chs Grevilles Mistreʃs
in a Hackney Coach & that her Uncle
was painting this Woman's picture
for him to take to Naples -- I shall
make use of this intelligence to
have some entertainment in
plaguing S^r. W^m.. Ab^t. 10 o'Clock I came
away from M^rs. Ordes -- M^rs: Carter came
away also & y^e. Veseys set us both down
M^rs. C at home & me at S^r. W^m. Wakes
I found S^r. W^m. Lady Wake & M^r. Wake at home
I sup'd with y^m. & staid till 11 -- came home
in a Chair -- Miʃs C's were gone to bed &
I went to my room immediately --

---

---

Tuesday 13^th. April 1784
M^r. Wake came before 11 to take leave
of me -- he staid sometime. I gave
him all the advice I thought he
might stand in need of & he rec^d.
it gratefully -- & his affectionate
heart was so full that he wept
like a Child at parting, though
it is not improbable we may
meet again in a few days as his
father talks of coming again to
Town -- If this Youth is so happy
as to withstand the snares and
temptations of the world he will
be y^e. comfort of his Parents &
the delight of his friends & a
valuable Member of Society.
After he left me A Maria brought
her friend M^r. Harris to pay me
a Visit -- his Ship not sailing
so soon as was expected he is
return'd to his friends for a few
days -- whilst they were with me
Lord Monboddo call'd -- he staid
sometime -- he promised to bring
me some Manuscript Poems -- par-
ticularly a Song M^rs. Hunter has lately
written. Lord M. is quite a character

---

sometime or other I will attempt
to describe him. My Old Maid
Goodyar succeeded his Lordship -- she
told me she was married last week^[39]
to a M^r Johnstone -- was now settled
in busineʃs &c &c I promised to
use my endeavours to serve her
& gave her a Table Cloth & a
Breakfast Cloth towards her
house linnen. M^rs.
Delany call'd
but did not come in neither
could I go down to her -- din'd at
home w^th. y^e Miʃs Clarkes -- read
to them till 6 oClock in Grays
odes -- then went to my room &
begun a letter to my friend Miʃs L.
wrote a note to my Uncle W^m-
to remind him of his promise
to serve W^m. Benn -- at 7 the D^ʃs.
Dow^gr. of Portlands Coach came
for me went to M^rs. Delanys --
Lady Andover an old friend of hers
& y^e. D^ʃs.^'s came in -- she did not
stay -- soon after she went the Ducheʃs
came -- both she & M^rs. Delany were
very low y^e. death of their old
friend Lady Mansfield had much
afflicted them. orders were given
that no other company was to be
let in -- I esteem'd it a mark of

---

their affection to wish to have
my Company in preference to
any other person -- I endeavour'd
to amuse them & succeeded pretty
well -- In the course of conversation
I ask'd them whether they thought
M^r. S Jennings a real convert to
Christianity & whether he was an
Observer of Religious duties --
they told me he was both.
At ½ past 9 I left them -- had y^e.
D^ʃs.^'s Coach -- went to enquire how
our Vis a Vis Neighbour M^rs.
Handcock did -- heard she was so
much better that I went in -- she
was in her Bed room M^r. & M^rs.
Vesey were sitting w^th. her -- they were
very glad to see me & good M^rs. H.
appear'd much recover'd I sat w^th.
them till ½ past 10 -- when I came
home found Miʃs C's were gone to
bed -- I run up to enquire how
A M did she said sher Cold was better
& had she known I should have come
home she w^d. not have gone to bed
so early -- I came down again to finish
& sent my letter & Diary to my dear
friend at M.—— then went to my
room.

---

Wedⁿ. 14^th. April 1784
A Maria sat w^th. me y^e. greatest
part of y^e. Morn^g -- I employ'd
all my leisure till dinner time
in looking over & reading letters
some of w^ch. recall'd very painfull
Ideas of past events.
M^rs. & Miʃs Hamilton came &
sat sometime with me. M^rs. H.
inform'd me she had had good
accounts of my Uncle Frederick
& her daughter M^rs. Stratford &
that my Uncle had sold his Villa
in Ireland & hoped to return to
England very soon. I din'd at
home tête a tête with Miʃs Clarke
A M din'd out. I sat w^th. her
the whole afternoon -- except ½
an hour before tea when I went
to my room & wrote in my Diary.
we chatted & read & wrote. till
A M came home
Lady Cecilia Johnston visited
me this Eve^g. for y^e 1^st. time this
Comp^t. is owing to Lord Napiers
having married her Neice --
they were married yesterday Morn^g.
rec^d. notes from Lady Stormont &c &c

---

Miʃs C—— went to bed at 10 -- A M came
came home before 11 -- we sent y^e.
Serv^ts. to bed & sat up writing till
1 o'Clock

---

Thursday 15^th. April 1784
The whole dayMorning I employ'd in
writing extracts from M^rs. Delanys
letters -- A M came & sat sometime
in my room & wrote a letter &
read  -  & work'd -- I sent excuses
for not going in the Eve^g. to
Lord Dartreys & M^rs. Mansels
Din'd at home M^r. & M^rs. Harris
Master Maʃsey din'd with us --
I left them soon after dinner
& co had tea sent up to me
& continued writing y^e. extracts
till 12 o'Clock. saw A M
made me two or three flying
Visits in y^e. Course of y^e. Eve^g.
rec^d. an invitation from Lady
C Johnston for next Sunday

---

Friday 16^th. April 1784
Had my Hair Dreʃs'd for y^e. day in y^e.
Morning -- read in a Novel call'd Hen-
rietta^[40] w^ch. M^rs. Handcock sent me --
there were strokes of nature w^ch.
affected me. I employ'd my time
till dinner in writing extracts from

---

Dear M^rs. Delanys letters. wrote a
Note of congratulations to greet
y^e. Lord & Lady Napier when they
came to Town & to tell them w^ht.
Lady Stormont had desired me.
rec'd. an affectionate answer --
A Maria made me a short visit
-- Din'd at home -- good old M^rs.
Ruʃsel din'd with us -- came to
my Breakfast room soon after
dinner -- continued writing the
Extracts till near 7 -- then dreʃs'd
in my best bib & Tucker to
wait on y^e. Bride & Bridegroom
at ½ past 7 Lord Napiers
Carriage & Serv^ts: -- I went to
Lady Claverings where I was
invited to meet them.^[41] notwith-
standing a Heavy shower of rain
& contrary to y^e. custom in Londⁿ-
L^d. N—— flew to hand me out of
y^e. Carriage -- hail'd me by the
name accustom'd name of Sister
& handed me up to y^e. Drawing
where there were only Lady Clavering
Lady Napier & M^rs. Peachel her
Sister -- I saluted them & my
Brother took y^e. same liberty w^th-
me & then return'd to y^e. Gentlemen
in y^e. dining room whom he had

---

left on my Arrival -- ab^t. ½ an
hour after I came y^e. Gentlemen
who had din'd there came up --
they were Gen^l. Johntson (Lady C
Johntsons husband) M^r. Henry
Clavering -- (Lady Napiers Youngest
Brother) -- & M^r. Peachel. --
in the Course of the Eve^g there
were a good many People came
-- three Card Tables -- those I knew
& convers'd with were S^r. George &
M^r. Howard -- M^r. & M^rs. Peachey --
Lord & Lady Delawar M^rs. Lisle
(Lady Delawar's Mother). Lady M. Hume
Miʃs Egerton. M^r: Jennings (M^rs.
Peacheys father) -- 2 foreigners from
Bruges a Compte & Compteʃse
Paten -- M^rs. Anderson -- (Gen^l.
Johnstons Daughter) & Lady C—— Johnston,
first Cousin to Lady Napier as
her Mother was sister to Lady
Cecilia Johnston -- & daughter of
Lord Delawar's Grandfather.
a M^rs. Morrice -- Lady Heathcote
a M^r. & Miʃs Godfrey -- I think that
was y^e. name. two of Lord Napiers
half Uncles -- M^r. Napeir y^e. elder
married to Lady Sarah Bunbury
that was -- now Lady Sarah Napier --

---

Sister to y^e. Duke of Richmond --
she too was there & to my great
distreʃs desired Lord Napier to
introduce me to her -- had she
been always good as she was & is
still handsome, good humor'd --
engaging, & agreeable, I should
have been well pleased -- but as
she now is now her acquaintance
can do me no credit. I could
not avoid being civil on this
occasion but my principles &
hers are too opposite for me not
to avoid any further intimacy.
-- I was also introduced to a
M^r.. Francis by Lady Clavering
as an old friend & intimate
of their family -- he appears a
Clever man -- is Son to the
Mr. Francis who translated
Horace -- he was in India when
Sir -- Clavering was there^[42] -- a
Man of good character & esteem'd.
Lord Napier introduced me to
Cap^t. Patrick Napier y^e. Younger
Brother of Lady Sarahs Husband
-- he is so like my late friend
Lord Napier that I quite loved
him at first sight -- he is in

---

y^e. Navy -- Modest in his
Manners & a most good humor'd
countenance -- he had for some
time y^e. charge of Prince William
at Sea but that Youth not
behaving properly he with a
true spirit of independence
gave up the charge w^th. credit
to himself. there were a few
other people I did not know --
When all y^e. Company were gone
except. M^r. & M^rs. Peachel --
Lord & Lady Napier -- Lady --
Heathcote M^rs. Morrice --
Cap^t Patrick Napier -- & a
Clergyman who appear'd an intimate
I thinkI was introduced to him his name is Wheeler was Stopford
a Man of humour & Sense --
Lady Clavering order'd an impromtu
supper in y^e. Drawing room --
we were lively with propriety
& y^e- Eve^g closed agreeably --
at 12 I had Lord Napiers
Carriage & came home -- Miʃs C's
gone to bed & I went directly to
my room

---

---

Saturday 17^th.. April 1784
Employ'd myself all morning in
Writing extracts from M^rs. D: letters
-- at ½ past 4 the Miʃs Clarkes &
I went to y^e. Veseys to dinner --
M^rs. Handcock well enough recover'd
to dine with us -- M^rs. Carter &
M^r. Richard Burke a Brother of
y^e. celebrated Edmund Burke --
he appears a shrewd sensible Man
-- The conversation after dinner turned
on y^e trials for Murders -- those
of Miʃs Blaney -- Miʃs Jeffries &
Donnelnan -- M^r.. B—— display'd lawaw
knowledge -- we sat long after dinner --
when we went into y^e. Drawing Room
we made a comfortable circle round
a little table & work'd & chatted -- y^e. 2
Gentlemen M^r. Vesey & M^r. Burke joind us
for an hour -- Dreams & superstition
were y^e. subjects of conversation.
Miʃs Clarkes & I came home before
10 -- we had supper in my B: room.
A M & I wrote. I wrote a letter of
enquiry to Miʃs Planta after y^e.
Queens Health as it was & had been
reported she was ill. -- I sat up
sometime after Miʃs C's went to bed
at 12: M^rs. Vesey told me that when she was at
Avignon some years ago she saw y^e. Duke
of Ormond -- that he paid great attentions to^[43]

---

---

Sunday 18^th- April did not go
to Church -- had my Hair dreʃs'd
for y^e. day -- read prayers in my
own room -- & then employ'd my-
self in writing extracts from
the letters -- till dinner -- had
2 inter̄uptions -- viz Lord Napier
& M^r. Fisher -- Lord N, did not
stay long M^r: Fisher a good
while -- M^r. Fisher told me
M^r. Farhill was not married
to Miʃs Wilson but was to be
in a fortnights time -- he told
me also that he did not imagine y^e.
Queen had been so ill as was represented
at least they hardly mention'd it in
y^e. family -- it was a Cold.
I dined at home & alone, therefore
made a hasty meal & return'd to
my writing till past 8 o'Clock
I then put ondreʃs'd myself -- Lady F
Napier came to visit me, but was
not let in. at 9 Lord Napiers carriage
& Serv^t. came for me -- our Serv^t. not
yet being recover'd enough to go out
in an Eve^g.. -- went Lady Cicilia
Johnstons -- met there most of y^e. company
I had seen at Lady Claverings -- all y^e.
Napiers &c. & many others -- Ambaʃsadors
Maids of Honor -- Women of Honor &
women without Honor -- such as Lady Derby

---

&c. a strange mixture -- but all
people of Rank & fashion but few
of Principle -- or real Virtue.
There were several Card Tables --
-- At some of w^ch. sat old Wrinkled Dow-
agers -- such as Lady Greenwich &c.
It ws a fine scene for a moralizing
Mind -- I confined my conversation
-- to Lady Clavering -- Lord & Lady Napier
M^r. Wheeler y^e. Clergyman -- for there were
2 at this aʃsembly -- S^r. Rob^t. Gunning
M^r: Howard & my Uncle S^r.. W^m. Hamilton
& Lord Delawarr. at 11 I came away
Lord Napier -- ever attentive to me
as to y^e. Sister of his Heart attended &
handed me to his Carriage w^ch. I had
to bring me home. Miʃs C's were
gone to Bed -- notwithstanding had some
talk w^th.. A M whilst I undreʃs'd -- as
we can hear one another very plain
as y^e. partition of y^e: rooms is but
a thin Wainscote. I read in my
Cordial y^e. New Whole Duty of Man
w^ch.. I always do Morning & Eve^g.
this is a most excellent Book
adopted to all stations & capacities
Went to bed ab^t. 12.

---

Monday 19^th. April 1784 --
Whilst my hair was dreʃsing finishd
y^e. Novel of Hen̄riatta^[44] -- this Novel
is above y^e. common run of these
kind of writings -- there are strokes
of Nature & y^e. facts are not all
beyond probability. Lady Dartrey
call'd to invite me for y^e. Eve^g.
but did not come in. M^r. Wake
came and made me a long
Visit -- he attended his Mother
to town this Morning from
Eʃsex -- she only came on busineʃs
& returns to morrow -- he told me
his Eldest Sister was much better
but that S^r. W^m. was again
confined with y^e: Gout. he
repeated & repeated his old
profeʃsions of Affection -- gratitude
&c &c. When he left me saw
A Maria for a little while, em-
ployed myself w^th. my Extracts & working
till near 5 -- when M^r. Glovers Coach came
for me -- went to M^r. Peregrine Custs
(Uncle to Lord Brownlow) to dinner --
M^r. & M^rs. Glover M^rs. Lenton 2 Miʃs
Clarkes M^r.. Pardo & M^r. Phipps were
y^e- Company -- I was I believe y^e.
Lady of y^e. day and y^e. party made on

---

My Account as this was y^e. first
time of my visiting M^r. Cust -- my
inducement for accepting y^e. invi-
tation was to please Dear M^r. Glover
who has for many years lived in
great friendship w^th. this Gentleman
M^r. Cust is an Old Batchelor
of ab^t. 56 years of age -- is
poʃseʃsed of a large independant
fortune w^ch. he lives up to in a
proper manner is, & has been in Parliament many years -- as far as I
can judge he has a benevolent
temper of mind & much good
humor -- I do not think him
a man of Parts he has
common plain sense & tho he is
not brilliant he is by no means
dull. perfectly civil but not
refined. M^r. Pardo my wise
penetration could make nothing
of for neither his counten-
ance or manner or conver-
sation seem to be interesting enough
for me to dwell a moment
upon. M^r. Phipps is an old
friend of y^e: Wakes -- a Batchelor
of some standing -- he bears a
most excellent Character -- his
manners are rather more pol-
ished than M^r. Custs & without
knowing it was so, one would

---

say -- what a worthy good man
that appears. Mr. Cust gave
us a very handsome dinner
every thing rarest in y^e.
Season -- well dreʃs'd -- such a
Dinner as English Men of
fortune used to have -- the
Desert & Wines suitable.
After M^r. Cust had made
all y^e. Ladies give their
toasts after dinner --
if a fine lady was peeping
over my Shoulder at this
moment & saw what I wrote
last -- how she w^d. exclaim
at y^e.. Goth!
we Women went up into
y^e. Drawing room where
we sat ab^t. an hour talking
Nonsense. we then return'd
to y^e. Gentlemen who sent
up us word Coffee & tea was
ready -- M^r. Cust having y^e
Gout excused himself from
coming up stairs. we went

---

then to y^e: men -- found y^e.
Bottles & Glaʃses cleard away
& Tea & Coffee &c placed in
their Stead -- M^rs. Glover did
y^e. Honors -- After tea y^e. Card
Table was placed -- & a Work
Table -- I seated myself at
y^e. latter as did those who c^ld.
not join'd y^e. Whist party y^e.
1^st Rubber. M^r. Cust M^rs. Glover
2 Miʃs C's & I -- M^r. C gave
us Puz̄lels to find out &
riddles to explain at ¼ before
7 Miʃs C's & I came away --
had M^r. Glovers Coach -- they
set me down at Lord Dartreys
-- Lady Wake M^r. Wake & M^r. Cowslade
were there -- spent an agreeable
Eve^g. w^th. y^e. Dartreys -- sup'd & came
away at ab y^e. same time Lady W—
did -- came home in a Chair --
My Young friend M^r. W. very
gallantly walk'd by y^e. side
of mine in y^e. Mud & till Iwe
got to their House. found y^e.

---

Miʃs C—'s in y^e. Parlour after
a little converse -- went to bed.

---

Tuesday 20^th. April 1784 --
Before I was up rec^d. a Note
in Verse from Lord Napier
with a present of an elegant little bottle
fill'd with of Attar of Roses to hang to my
Watch from Lady Napier. a little
after 10 Lady Wake & M^r. Wake
came according to promise to
breakfast w^th. me -- she, amiable
Woman was in tolerable spirits
considering every thing. they staid
w^th. me till 11 -- then went below
take leave of Miʃs Clarkes & we
parted not knowing when we
might meet again as S^r. W^m. Wake has
not settled his plans for y^e. Summer
-- as soon as they were gone I
endeavour'd to amuse myself
by setting down to writing my
Extracts from M^rs. Delanys letters
-- M^r.. Wake found an excuse to
return'd & staid a considerable
time as he said Lady Dartrey was
w^th. his Mother & they did not
set out for Eʃsex till 1 oClock.
Miʃs Port came to his great morti

---

fication -- however she did not
stay long -- brought me a Meʃsage
from her great Aunt M^rs. Delany
to desire my Company next
thursday. M^r. Wake expreʃs'd
such affliction & shew'd such
marks of sorrow by not being
able to refrain from tears that
I was obliged to reason with him
on y^e: folly of such gr endulging
such grief for a cause that
did not justify it -- he pleaded
that it arose from y^e. uncertainty
of seeing me again for a long
time &c &c. M^rs. Iremonger
came to see me & he hurried
away not to expose himself
to her veiw w^th.. red-eyes -- y^e.
uncommon attachment this
Youth has conceived for me
is to me no longer a subject
of entertainment w^ch. it was
at first to his Mother & family
& myself; I esteem'd it a youthful
Vanity of affecting y^e. Man but it has lasted
too long & grows too serious

---

^[45]

---

^[46]

---

for me not to endeavour to
extinguish a Paʃsion w^ch.. if not
discouraged may mark his
future days with misery.
for how many have been made
wretched by a disappointment
ofin a first attachment -- as it
certainly is when real & y^e.
Person poʃseʃsed of great sensi-
bility the most difficult to
conquer & y^e.. most lasting.
M^rs. Iremonger did me the favor of
setting with me a good while
her conversation is always in-
teresting -- I was
extremely flatter'd by her kindly
preʃsing me to make her a
Visit this Summer -- she wrote
down all the Stages & said when
ever it suited me to come for
a fornight or 3 Weeks I should
acquaint her & she would her
Carriage & Serv^ts. a Stage to
fetch me -- if I go to M^r. Glovers
at Sunning Hill I shall be
44 Miles distant. in short
she endeavour'd to make it

---

convenient -- & If I could
manage it I am sure it
w^d. be highly agreeable. she
took leave of me as she said M^r.
J Iremonger & herself thought
of going out of Town on friday^[47]
but if they did not she hoped
I would go to her on Saturday
Eve^g. the acquaintance of
& friendship of such a Woman
as M^rs.. I. is an honor & advan-
tage to any one who is sensible
of y^e. benifit of forminghaving really
virtuous acquaintances &
intimacys -- M^rs. Garrick then
came & brought me a most
beautiful Nosegay w^ch. she had
just rec^d. from her Villa at
Hampton -- I had only time
to thank her as she was obliged
to run away immediately --
A: M: came & sat with me whilst
I fill'd my flower Glaʃses &
adorn'd my room -- I gave her
a few to wear & a Rose to present
to little Katherine Jackson as
it was her Birth day & she

---

was going to dine at her Sisters.
M^rs. Rowe (Miʃs Sorrel that was)
made me a Visit I congratulated
her on her marrigage & she not
look as if she had repented w^thht
she had done. M^rs. Newton
came before she left me &
brought her 2 Grandson's y^e
Master Hands -- M^rs. Rowe took
her leave & M^rs. Newton sat
an hour -- I was much pleased
w^th. y^e. Children -- they were so well
behaved -- y^e. eldest 5 years old
a very Sensible boy -- not pretty
y^e.. Youngest ab^t 3 a sweet Child.
M^rs. Newton was so obliging as
to ask me if I wanted to pay
any Visits & as it was a warm
fine day she should have no
objection to be out in y^e. Coach
any time I chose, I accepted
her Offer -- we set out at 3 --
I call'd on Lady Napier to thank
her for y^e Attar of Roses &c &
took her a Nosegay for M^rs. G.
had brought me a profusion

---

did not find her at home, but
left y^e. flowers -- call'd on
her Sister M^rs. Peachel --
M^rs. & Miʃs Tryon. Lady Frances
Harpur. Lady Caroline Peachey.
M^rs. Carter -- they were all
out. M^rs. Newton then brought
me home again -- I was out
only ½ an hour -- Saw A Maria
& Miʃs Clarke before they went
out -- sent an Excuse to M^rs:
Jackson.. din'd alone therefore
made a short & hasty meal --
came to my B room & wrote y^e.
Extracts till past 11 o'Clock without
interuptions. Rec^d. a letter from
Miʃs Planta w^ch. inform'd me
the Queen had not been so ill
as was represented & that she
was recover'd. Miʃs C's came
home soon after 11 -- sat with me
for a ¼ of an hour -- we then
went to our rooms

---

Wednesday 21^st. April 1784
-- Rec^d. a Note early in y^e. Morn^g
from M^rs. Walsingham to invite
me to go w^th. her to y^e. Pantheon at
12 o'Clock as she was a Subscriber
& had y^e. liberty of taking her
friends -- to hear y^e. Rehearsal
of y^e. Concert w^ch. is to be perform'd
for y^e: Memory of Handel -- she
said I should hear Sign^a. Mara in
great perfection & that she w^d send
her Coach for me. I declined accepting this
obliging offer as M^rs. Jackson had
sent me word she would make me a
Visit in y^e. Morning -- dreʃs'd for y^e.
day when I got up -- was a long time
under Betty's hands as she comb'd
out my Hair. begun y^e. Quarto
Edition of Francis Horace for
Hairdreʃsing Reading. Read through
his Preface (w^ch. I think proves
him a Man of Sense & Modesty)
& several of y^e. Odes I& notes -- I
mean to read y^m. all w^th. attention
I admire Horace as a Satirest --
he is so well bred & good humor'd
that even y^e reproved could
not I think be offended. w^ht.
is said in y^e. preface I think very

---

just: viz. “There is a kind of Satire
of such malignity, as too surely pro-
ceeds from a desire of gratifying a
constitutional cruelty of temper. the
Satirist does not appear like a magis-
trate to give sentence on y^e. Vices of
Mankind, but like an Executioner to
Slaughter y^e. Criminal. He does not
love Mankind as he ought, who indulges^[48]
to his natural sagacity in a discernment
of their faults, & an ill natured plea --
sure of exposing them to public View.
“Horace was of another spirit; of a natural
Chearfulneʃs of temper; an easineʃs of
Manners, fashion'd by the Politeneʃs of
Courts, a good Understanding, improved
by conversing with Mankind; a quick
discernment of their frailties, but, in
general, so happy an Art of correcting
them, that he reproves without offending,
& instructs without an affectation of superiority.
He preserves a strenght of reasoning neceʃsary
to persuade, without y^e. dogmatical seriousneʃs,
w^ch. is apt to disgust or disoblige. He has this
advantage over y^e. rigid Satirist, y^t. we receive
him into our Bosoms, while he reasons w^th.
Goodhumour & corrects in y^e. language of friend-
ship. Nor will his Satires be leʃs useful to y^e. present
Age, than to y^t., in w^ch. they were written, since he does
not draw his Characters fr^m. particular persons, but
fr^m. Human Nature. w^ch. is invariably y^e. same
in all Ages and Countries.
The Morals of Horace are drawn from y^e. two
purest fountains of human Wisdom, a
good Heart & a well improved understanding”^[49]

---

-- Lord Monboddo came at 12 o'
Clock -- he had forgot his promise
of bringing me -- y^e letter w^ch. had
been addreʃsed in one of y^e. Papers
to y^e. Prince of Wales w^ch. I have
heard commended & M^rs. Hunters
Poetry but promised to bring it
to me & likewise to add to my
Collection of Manuscript Poems.
M^r. Stanhope came in -- what
a pair of originals^[50] had I to
entertain! they talk'd of
y^e D^ʃs. of Devonshires conduct
in repect to y^e. Westminster
Election -- they spoke sensibly
when they reprobated it -- yet
shew'd their good nature in
speaking in milder terms of
this outrageprostitution toof female delicacy
than I had yet heard -- even
from her own Sex. L^d. M:
took his leave after he had been
w^th. me ½ an hour -- M^r. Stanhope
remain'd -- M^rs.. Duck of Kew
(one of y^e famous Stephen Duck's
daughters) came & made me
a Visit -- she is a good kind of

---

woman very civil & grateful to me
for some little attentions I p^d. to her
& her Sisters^[51] when I was at Kew w^th.
y^e Royal family -- she told me her
motive for coming to Town was to
see her friend M^rs.. Franklin Widow
to D^r. Franklin who was one of y^e.
Kings Chaplains & translator of
Sophocles Tragedys. She is left
in distreʃs w^th. a large family -- it
was a fortunate circumstance y^t.
M^r. Stanhope was with me for as
M^rs. Duck said M^rs. Franklin was
going to publish her late husbands
Sermons by Subscription and y^t.
she was going to endeavour to aʃsist
her in getting Subscribers M^r. S—
said he should be happy to
subscribe as D^r. Franklin had
formerly been private Tutor to
him at Westminster School &c.
he therefore put his name
down for 4 Sets -- one for him-
self, one for his wife Lady
Catherine one for his Son in
Law S^r. Hungerford Hodgkins &
y^e. 4^th. for his Daughter Lady Hodgkins.
M^r. Stanhope staid w^th- me til
for an hour after M^rs. C. Duck &
renew'd his old entreaty of

---

^[52]

---

▼^[53]

---

desiring me to feel as great &
sublime a friendship for him
as he did & had done so long
for me -- told me what a
pattern of perfection he
thought me &c &c I let him
run on till at last my head
quite ach'd w^th. listening to
this voluble eccentrick genius
& then I civilly dismiʃs'd him
w^th. saying I had letters to
write.      Miʃs Finch (Lady C: Finch's Daughter)
came after M^r. Stanhope sat near
an hour -- was in one of her most
agreeable humours -- when she
pleases no one can be more
pleasant & entertaining.^[54]      A Maria came & sat
w^th. me for ½ an hour before
she went out -- I was taken
w^th. a faintneʃs w^ch. I fancy
was owing to y^e. great change of
Weather as y^e. Air was as
sultry as it is often in June
it soon went off by her being
so good to give me some Harts-
shorn & Water -- Miʃs Clarke
came & though she was dreʃs'd
& going out to dinner preʃs'd
me in y^e. kindest manner
to let her remain at home to
attend to me -- this I w^d. by no
means either allow her or A. Maria
to do & before they went out

---

I was quite recover'd.
I din'd at home alone & came to
my B room y^e. moment I had din'd
-- rec^d. a note from M^r. Wake w^ch.
inform'd me S^r. W^m- Wake was
poorly -- that He & his Mother
had a safe journey & that he
was very miserable & unhap-
py at having parted from me
&c &c. I was not quite well
& c^ld. not  ------  work or attend
to writing therefore amused
myself till ½ past 6 w^th. reading
Warton on y^e. Writings & Genius
of Pope.^[55] Rec^d. a letter from
my friend Miʃs Litchfield
w^ch. affected my Spirits too
much for me to reply to it
this Eve^g. -- I sent her by
return of Post my Diary.
at ½ past 7 I went to our
Vis a Vis Neighbours y^e. Veseys
Carried M^rs. Handcock the
Reverie to amuse her -- M^rs. & M^r.
Vesey carried me to Lord Dartreys
to enquire after Lady D— as
she was not well y^e. Servant
told us she was better & was

---

going to bed -- we set M^r. Vesey
down -- & M^rs. Vesey left me
at M^rs. William Egertons where
I was engaged -- there was one
Whist table. M^rs. Shuttleworth
Gen^l. Balkeley Major & M^rs.
Master Miʃs Egerton & Mr
M^rs. Egerton -- I sat & chatted
w^th.. M^rs. Master & her Sister
Miʃs Egerton -- &c till ½ past 10 when
M^rs. Vesey call'd for me &
brought me home -- I wrote
in my Diary till Miʃs Clarkes
came home w^ch. was ½ past 11 --
they came & sat with me ½ an
hour & then we went to our
rooms.

---

Thursday 22^d. April 1784 --
I got up at 8 o'Clock unrefreshed
for want of Sleep for my Mind
was so occupied w^th. my friend
Miʃs Litchfield & my heart so
pain'd ab^t. her, that it was
near Morning before I closed
my Eyes & then it was only to
dream of her -- & those dreams
were of y^e. most melancholy

---

kind. I dreʃ had my Hair
dreʃs'd for y^e. day as soon
as I got up -- read y^e. whole
time in y^e. New whole duty
of Man w^ch.. composed my
Spirits -- After my Head was
dreʃs'd went into y^e. Parlour
M^rs. Lenton was come to spend
y^e. day at our House -- I sat by
whilst she breakfasted -- read
y^e. New's Papers to them. &
Master Dawson call'd he was
shewn into my B Room -- I went
up immediately to him -- he
brought me an account that
Lady Dartrey was better -- he
staid with me a good while &
I amused him & myself with
sorting Shells -- he brought
a bunch of Violets with roots
to them w^ch. I planted in a pot
of Earth -- when he left me --
I put on my Gown & dreʃs'd
for y^e. day -- & then was a
considerable time in arranging
& sorting shells & putting

---

my boxes &c to rights. begun
a letter to my friend M^s. Litchfield but was
not in spirits to go on with it.
M^rs. Lenton came & sat w^th. me ½
an hour before dinner -- we din'd
at 4 -- sat w^th. her & Miʃs Clarkes
afterwards till near 6 -- then went
to my B: room & wrote in my
Diary -- at 7 y^e.. Ducheʃs Dow^g. of
Portlands Coach came -- I went
& took leave of M^rs. Lenton before I
went out -- call'd upon my old Cousin
M^rs. Walkinshaw for ten Minutes
found her very poorly she told me
she had suffer'd a good deal since
she saw me. -- from her, went to
M^rs. Delany to whom I was engaged
met there M^r. Horace Walpole
y^e. D^ʃs. D^r. of Portland & Lady
Weymouth. Paintings -- Vertú
& Beauty were the chief topics
of discourse -- y^e. conversation
was agreeable -- informing and
entertaining. M^r. Walpole was in
good spirits & related some lively
anecdotes -- among other things
he told us that he had made a
small collection of y^e. smart &

---

& witty things said by fools --
once in their lives -- for example
A Miʃs Fanny Ruʃsel who was
a grandaughter of Oliver Cromwell
& serv'd y^e. Princeʃs Emily as
Woman of y^e. Bedchamber being
one 30^th. of January in waiting on y^e. Princeʃs
The Late Prince of Wales came in just as she
was pinning up y^e. train of her RH: Gown --
Oh Fanny says he are you not ashamed not
to be at Church to day -- it is quite extroa-
dinary that you are not mortifying fasting
& Prayer for y^e. Sins of y^r Grandfather -- reply'd she I think it much
more extroadinary that the Grand-
daughter of Oliver Cromwell should
be employ'd in pinning up the tail
of Your Sisters Gown.”^[56]
I staid after M^r. W. & Lady Weymouth
-- The D^ʃs. ask'd me when I heard of
my friend Miʃs Litchfield & this brought
on an interesting conversation -- a little
before 10 I left these amiable Women
came home in y^e. D^ʃs. Coach -- sat w^th. Miʃs
Clarkes till ½ past 11 -- wrote a letter on
Busineʃs to our Landlord S^r. Ric^d. Rycroft.
before I went to bed

---