Mr: Glover returned at ½ past 8 o'Clock
he & Mr.. Dickenson received equal pleasure
in meeting -- Mr. Dickenson went away
at ½ past 9 -- the ladies returned from
their walk -- they had left Master
Sandford at home. Mr. & Mrs. Glover
supped with us and stayed till ½ past
11 -- the conversation turned wholly
on Miss Glovers character and
improvements -- after they went
Anna Maria & I had ¼ of an hours converse
& then went to our Rooms

---

July 16th. Friday 1784 Anna Maria & I
together parts of the Morning -- Mrs.
Vesey paid me a visit of ½ an
hour & would sit with me in my
Boudoir -- She showed me a very
clever letter she received Yesterday
from Mrs. Montagu -- it was quite
an elegant composition -- the
thoughts were new -- Mrs. Montagu
lamented Mrs. Thrales having
so lost herself in marrying
Piozzi the Italian Singer &c &c
After Mrs. Vesey left me I wrote
a long letter to the Duchess Dowager
of Portland & Mrs. Delany. I

---

write to both in the same letter,
I filled 8 quarto pages. I had
just finished when Lady Stormont
came for me -- I was surprised
to see her but she told me she
thought it would do her good,
we dined tête à tête. she told me
that Lord Stormont was gone to the
House of Commons to hear the debate on
the India business. & that he had
left a message for me, which
was that he thought it would
be proper & what I owed myself
& family & also that it would
be right to put Mr. Dickenson upon a
proper footing, which was, that we
should be presented at Court
soon after a certain event might
take place, Lady Stormont said that
she & Lord Stormont would present us &
that I should engage my other friends
& Relations to go to Court on that
Day. that neither I or Mr. Dickenson
need apprehend that it would
occasion us any material
expense -- nor that there
would be, if we did not choose it,

---

any necessity to go any more
to Court -- but that if we did not, at that time
all my family, & the world would
suppose I had married some
person who was not approved
of by my Relations &c &c
-- I said little in reply to
this -- for I am determined
to be ruled by what will be
most agreeable to my friend.
-- The two dear Boys were with us
as usual great part of the afternoon.
Lady Stormont told me how
her oldest boy (who is at Lord
Mansfields at Ken Wood) behaved
the other day to Mrs. Boscowan
& how properly Mrs. Boscawen had
reproved him for his pertness.
Lady Stormont told me that our Cousin
Colonel Greville desired her to inform
me that he had intended
calling on me this Morning but
that he had been prevented as
he was obliged to set out with
the King to Windsor earlier
than he thought he should.

---

We spent a comfortable afternoon
together -- talked of the Duchess of Atholl
&c &c. I planed the drawing
Box for her & gave all the
particular directions to the
Cabinet maker. at 10 I left
Lady Stormont -- I promised her not to
leave town for more than
a day or two at a time till
she was able to return to
Wandsworth Hill, had her Coach
& Servants home. Miss Clarke's were
out sat in my Boudoir till
they came home which was ¼ past
11 -- wrote a note to Mr. Dickenson
which Mr. Dewes is to take to
Buxton -- by way of an introduction
to his acquaintance. wrote
a Note also to Mr. Dewes --
enclosed these Notes with my
letter for the Duchess of Portland & Mrs. Delany
which he is so obliging to take to
Bullstrode tomorrow. had a
little chat with Anna Maria
went to bed at 12 o'clock.

---

found a kind letter from the
Duchess Dowager of Portland at my
return home this Evening

---

July 17th. Saturday. At ½ past
6 o'Clock this Morning I was
much surprised & shocked by
our Housemaid who came &
knelt down by my bedside
& acknowledged that she had
been guilty of stealing some
things which belonged to me & Miss
Clarke's & that she had been a liar -- She gave me a Cambric
Handkerchief of mine of which she had picked
out the Mark. she implored
my forgiveness and entreated
me to save her from losing her
character -- the motive of her
telling me all this was that
Betty our Maid had detected
& threatened her with acquainting
us -- I was so much affected
& so pained by finding how
much I had been deceived
in this Girls character -- that
I had only power to tell her
I would speak to her on the

---

Subject after I was up. I
breakfasted this Morning with Anna Maria
I told her the whole story &
what I thought it would be
right to do -- she approved, but she
could not assist me as she was
obliged to go out early -- I
questioned Betty, who
told me of many things which she
was certain Hannah had stolen.
I called Hannah & acquainted her
that as Betty alleged these things
against her I should expect
she would let Betty see the contents
of her Boxes -- it was some
satisfaction to me to see that
She did not hesitate in complying
-- I went with them -- to prevent
Betty saying any thing harsh
as I wished to reclaim &
not to oppress her. Betty
saw nothing but some old lace
edging of mine -- besides what
Hannah had before acknowledged
to me she had taken. Betty

---

charged her with stealing a
Muslin apron which the other in
the most solemn manner denied
& then bursting into an agony
of tears she told me that
she relied on my goodness
for not being more prejudiced
against her by what Betty
said for that Betty had
wronged us as much & more
than she had done. as I
saw evidently marks of confusion
in Bettys countenance
& was apprehensive of a
violent quarrel between
these women, I did not
seem to attend to what
Hannah said, but sent Betty out of
the Room to get my things
ready for dressing -- I then
made Hannah acquaint me what
she meant by accusing Betty
in that manner --
She opened such a scene of
fraud -- falseness &c &c

---

that my astonishment was
great indeed -- I had the
most perfect confidence in
Betty & thought her a perfectly
honest & good young Woman
I had imagined her principles
were excellent & also thought
that she had a great Affection
for Anna Maria and me, we
both thought so, & treated her
accordingly. Anna Maria
came home at 11 -- I informed
her of what I had heard -- we
asked Betty if she could vindicate
herself & were both of us
shocked to find she could not
-- As I thought it was best
to take the mildest method &
endeavour if possible to
work upon the minds of
these Women & try first

---

to reclaim them by gentle
means -- I told Anna Maria that
as it would be utterly impossible
for us to give them
a character we would not
turn them away but by a
generous forgiveness &
good advice try to effect
a reformation in their minds
& excite their gratitude.
Anna Maria's thoughts on this subject
were the same with mine
-- we called them & told them
that we would not turn them
away &c &c, & that they might
not reproach one to another.
I insisted upon their mutually
forgiving and made them promise
they would keep this affair a
secret from their acquaintances
-- After they had made this
promise & I had seen them
embrace each other with

---

real signs of forgiveness I
gave them some advice -- they
seemed penitent & so ended
this disagreeable affair. --
Mr: Dewes sent me a very
kind & friendly note which I
answered & sent the packet
I had got ready last night.
at 2 o'Clock Mrs. Elizabeth
Stainforth paid me a Visit
I was obliged to go to Mr-
Glovers so I took the liberty
of shortening her visit, she
walked with me part of the
way. I got to Mr. Glover's at ½
past two o'Clock -- stayed with
him & Mrs. Glover till 3 o'Clock
when they set out for their
House at Sunning Hill for
the Summer -- I promised to
come to them if possible.
Returned home immediately
Anna Maria & I sat together till

---

dinnertime. received a charming
letter from Miss Hannah More --
was disappointed in not receiving
one from Derbyshire. dined
at home with Miss Clarkes --
Mr.. Richard Glover came in
& sat by whilst we dined, he
was going to dine at Lord
Carmarthens. he left us
at 5 o'Clock. -- Anna Maria played
me a lesson -- we separated
till ½ past 7 -- I began
Madame Genlis last work
les Veillées du Chateau
which Lady Stormont lent me
yesterday. Miss Clarkes & I met
at tea. after which they went out
to take a Walk. -- at 9 o'Clock
Mrs. Garrick came to me (from
Hampton) she brought me fine
flowers & fruit -- we had an
interesting tête á tête till

---

10 o'Clock when she left me &
I went & joined Miss Clarkes
at the Veseys -- I took the
fruit with me to present to
them. -- there was no other
Company -- We sat an hour
after Supper. came home
at 12 -- y spirits were quite
worn out with the affair of
the Morning & I was glad to retire
to my room. Anna Maria & I spoke to
William Wilson & forbid his coming
any more.

---

Sunday 18th. July 1784 --
Breakfasted with Anna Maria we
talked over the disagreeable affair
of yesterday & were satisfied we
had at least done what was
most kind & charitable.
I went to May-fair Chapel
there was a stranger in the
Pulpit who preached the most
extravagant discourse I ever
heard -- it was a composition
of loose sentences
in Blank Verse or rather

---

Prose run mad. I came home
immediately after Church -- I
had quite a levée -- the Miss
Clarkes -- Mr. Stanhope Mrs.
Ord Lady Mary Hume. Mrs.
Hamilton & my Cousin --
Each seemed to wish the
other's gone -- at 3 o'Clock
they left me. Anna Maria
kept my Cousin to dinner
she took her to the afternoon
service -- from 3 till 4 I
was quiet, & alone. I shut
myself up in my Boudoir
& wrote the Extracts from Dear
Mrs Delanys letters. Anna
Maria & my Cousin came to
me when they returned from
Church -- we were not together
above 10 Minutes -- Lady
Stormonts Coach & Servants came
for me -- I found her still
quite well. Lord Stormont &

---

my Cousin Charles Cathcart dined
with us -- we had dumb waiters so
our conversation was not under
any restraint by the Servants
being in the room. Lord Stormont
amused me very much by his
conversation. he informed me
of the style of living at Vienna
which was when he resided there
the most polished Court in
Europe. We talked a good deal
about the great difference of expense
in every article between living
abroad & in England. Lord Stormont
said that not only the society
was more agreeable but that
an income on which one could live on with
difficulty in England with bare comfort was
in Italy, France Germany
&c. able to support one in
an elegant manner.
Lord Stormont & Mr. Cathcart stayed with
Lady Stormont & me till 8 o'Clock.
Lord Stormont told me a conversation
that had passed between the King

---

& him after the negotiation
between the English French &
Russians -- when through Lord
Stormonts prudence in conducting
that affair we were saved
from a War with Russia.
When Lord Stormont returned from
Paris the King said to him
that he hoped he never should
out live the rememberance
of what he & his Country
owed to Lord Stormont &
about he might depend upon

---

his eternal gratitude.
How has his Majesty fulfilled
kept up to these professions?
by turning out Lord
Stormont with the last Ministry --
Alas! the promises of
Princes are little to be
relied on -- the King had certainly no
excuse -- no reason for▼
behaving as he has done
to Lord Stormont
Lady Stormont enquired into the
Distress of a poor Woman in the Street
she had 4 young children & was with
Child -- she gave her 2d 6 & made Ld. Stormont do the same
& gave her a letter to enable her to be taken
care of at home
for the Month of her lying in
&c &c

---

Lady Stormont & I sat together till
10 o'Clock -- I gave her some
extracts to read & took up
L'amie des femmes -- I will
get this book. we had some
talk about our Uncle Frederick.
*Lord Stormont is to send to him*
I waited till Lord Stormont came in -- had
Lady Stormont Coach & Servants Miss Clarke's
were at the Veseys -- they went for
me. went to them. they were at
Supper. we stayed till near
12. Mrs. Tracy (one of the
Queens Bedchamber Women)
had called upon me when I was
out. Mrs. Scott was with me in the
Morning. I had some conversation with her about
Hannah

---

Monday 19th. July 1784 Breakfasted
alone -- busy writing all Morning --
several Visits from Anna Maria. saw
William Benn -- asked him how my
Old maid Mrs. Johnston & her husband
went on -- he could not give
me a satisfactory account. they
are still unsettled &c --

---

Received a Note from Mrs. Walsingham
to entreat of me to return with
her to Thames Ditton & stay a
Week -- she was come to Town
on Business -- to tempt me
she informed me she was to
have Philosopher Walker &
that he & her Daughter Miss
Boyle were to construct an
Air Balloon which was to be
let off -- I excused myself
as I had promised my
Cousin Stormont to spend the
day with her & also that
I could not stay so long as a
Week on her account.
My Uncle Frederick paid me a
long visit -- the conversation turned
wholly on the present state of
affairs in Ireland -- my Uncle said
he thought there was every

---

reason to apprehend a Rebellion
there. Received a charming letter
from Miss Hannah More, a letter also
from Mr. Wiggins about the payment
of the rent of the House
in James Street. no letter
from Derbyshire! at ½ past
4 Lady Stormont Coach & Servants came
for me. we dined tête á tête
Lord Stormont was gone to the
House of commons to hear the
debates on the India business.
Lady Stormont & I passed a comfortable
afternoon together she humanely relieved a poor Woman who sent a letter I gave my mite. -- the conversation
turned on the education
of Children particularly Girls
-- we agreed in most points --
& both condemned Madame de
Genlis's method -- her writings
are ingenious & there are
many charming things in them
but they are not proper to put

---

into the hands of Young people
on many accounts, I have not
now leisure to enter into all
the reasons why they are not.
Soon after ten Lady Stormont's Coach
conveyed me home -- she wanted
me to dine with her tomorrow -- I
promised her to come in the
Afternoon but excused myself
dining as I had engaged my
self to Anna Maria. Lord Stormont
came to us at 7 o'Clock -- he made
Lady Stormont very happy by informing
her how well her Brother
Charles Cathcart had acquitted
himself -- he had spoke on the
affairs in India, -- after he had given
us an account of the Speech --
the fine manner &c &c he
went down to dinner. sent
us an excuse for not joining
us again as he had letters to

---

write -- Miss Clarke's were at home
but soon left me being engaged
to sup at the Veseys I sent an
Excuse. I employed myself
in writing out some Verses
Mrs. Vesey had given me. they
came home ½ past 11. Anna Maria &
I sat ½ an hour together went
to our Rooms at 12 o'Clock.
found a note from Mrs. Pepys
to invite me to dine & spend
a day with her this week.

---

Tuesday 20th- July 1784 Breakfasted
with Miss Clarkes -- the Cabinet
Maker brought me Lady Stormonts
Drawing box -- he had executed
my directions very well &
copied the plan exactly. I sent him
with it to Portland Place. Received &
answered a letter from Lady Stormont
-- Settled some business for Anna Maria
had Mrs. Scott for an hour
looked over my linen & gave
her work to do for me.

---

at 12 Lord Stormont came
he sat with me ½ an hour --
I am quite proud of being a
favourite of his -- we talked of
my Uncles, Frederick & William.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
of the Irish affairs -- Lord Stormont
said he imagined things would
come to extremities there.
he laughed & said we must all
go & live abroad or in
Scotland for it would be impossible
if things went on in this
manner to live in England.
Mrs: Delany called upon me, I
went & sat in the Coach with her
for 20 Minutes. she told me that she
& the Duchess Dowager of Portland came to
Town last night, that they were
impatient to see me wanted
me to come to them in Evening this
I could not do nor tomorrow but
promised them Thursday
afternoon. this dear dear

---

Woman was charming well.
After she left me, employed
myself in reading Madame Genlis
working & sorting letters till
dinner time. sent a note to
Mrs: Pepys informed her I could
not give her a day this week.
dined with Miss Clarkes -- No
letter from Derbyshire! -- Anna Maria
played two or three Lessons of Vento's
after dinner -- from 6 till 7 was
in my Boudoir arranging
Papers -- Lady Stormonts Coach & Servants
came for me. found Lady Stormont very
well -- Lord Stormont was at home
& sat with us the greatest part of the
time -- Lady Stormont was delighted with
the Drawing box. Lord Stormont paid me
Compliments upon it. Spent a pleasant
afternoon -- came home at ½ past
ten in Lord Stormont Chariot -- Miss Clarkes
& I sat together till ½ past 11 -- I
sat up till ½ past one -- finished sorting
my letters received the last year.

---

Wednesday 21st. July 1784 Breakfasted with
Anna Maria -- dressed after. Read 2 hours
in Veillies du Chateau. arranged
all my loose papers -- wrote some
extracts. several agreeable little
Visits from Anna Maria -- one from Bell
to consult me about dress -- Mrs. Delany
called -- I did not see her nor Mrs.
& Miss Ord -- I was dressing -- Mrs.
Frederick Hamilton came, I had
appointed her -- I poke to her about
the Stormont affair. I hope I shall
succeed in making up the quarrel
Mrs. Hamilton promised to be guided by my
advice. at ½ past 4 Lady Stormonts
Coach -- I went out of spirits the
post brought no letter from D-shire
a thousand disagreeable apprehensions
made me feel quite miserable.
I found a French Gentleman with Lady
Stormont -- a Compte Segur, Son to one
of the Secretaries of State of the French
Ministry -- he is going Minister to Russia
-- he stayed on till 5. Lady Stormont left me
to change her dress -- she was not long absent
Our Cousin Colonel Greville dined with us
as did her Brother Charles -- we had
the dumb waiters as usual & an agreeable
conversation made the afternoon pass
pleasantly -- my Cousin Robert & I had
much talk about the Royal family &
its attendants -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

---

he told me he saw the Prince of Wales
yesterday who enquired much about
me & sent his Compliments to me.
he wonders that he has not seen
me this Winter -- & said the last time
he had that pleasure was when I was
at the Ball he invited me to &c
I passed his Royal Highness in the Street
when I was goin to Lady Stormonts
to day -- he was in his Vis-à-Vis, the
Carriages passed so fast that we had
hardly time to bow to each other.
Colonel Cathcart left us at 8 o'Clock.
Colonel Greville & I had some talk together
(whilst Lady Stormont was writing a letter)
about our Uncle Frederick he vindicated
himself, I gave him a gentle
lecture. at 10 o'Clock I left Lady
Stormont, the Colonel stayed on, as Lord
Stormont was not returned home
he dined to day with Lord Thurlow
got home by ½ past 10 o'Clock. sat
with Miss Clarkes Anna Maria
& I wrote & chatted. I copied some
verses Mrs.. Vesey had given me.
Went to bed at 12. Anna Maria made
some Italian verses upon me. &
laughed at my uneasiness. I hope
I may have an opportunity of
being revenged & that I may see
 ------ some day as anxious upon a similar
                                                         occasion

---

Thursday 22nd: July 1784 -- Breakfasted
with Dear Anna Maria sat with her till
10 o'Clock -- Kelly came gave orders
for a frame for Leonidas's picture
Read 2 hours in the Vielées du
Chateau, very busy till dinner
time, arranging my Boudoir &
putting every thing in perfect
order for the reception of my
Dear Duchess & Mrs. Delany --
The post went by, no letter
from Derbyshire! I was so
extremely disappointed that
I could check the falling
tear, I reproached myself
for the weakness for I could
not for a moment harbour
any doubts of the affection of
my friend -- I dined with
Miss Clarkes & sat with them
till 6 o'Clock we then separated
I read for an hour in Madame
Genlis, I am to get through
these 3 large Octavo as soon as possible

---

as Lady Stormont has promised
them to another friend -- at 7 o'Clock
my two respectable friends came
they stayed with me till ½ past
10 -- the time passed rapidly --
they made me tell them every
thing about my dearest &
beloved friend -- they were very
highly satisfied, charmed with
his Character & that of his
father -- O how delightful
is virtuous praise! the Duchess
Dowager of Portland said that
our conduct proved that we
possessed the height of sentiment
without being romantic
She & Mrs. Delany touched my
heart in the most sensible
manner by the tender and
delicate assurances of their
love & esteem for me & in which
they assured me Mr. Dickenson
should have his share. they
are both impatient to see
him, & the Duchess told me

---

that she should depend upon his
spending some days at Bullstrode
this Autumn. I desired
the Duchess & Mrs. Delany as I have done
my other friends not to mention
any thing of this affair
at present. the Duchess gave me a commission
to bespeak a Vici de poche
for her -- when they left me
read a long letter which came by this
Post from Miss Gunning (she
had enclosed to to her Servant at St. James's)
she says a great deal about the
disappointment of the whole
family at my not coming
to Horton. the Veseys sent a pressing
message to invite Miss Clarke's & me to
supper we went, Mrs. Vesey gave
us some picturesque descriptions
of places in Ireland -- we came home at
12 went immediately to our
rooms

---

---

Friday 23d July 1784 -- Breakfasted with
Anna Maria -- we had a long conversation
about her Italian Friend --
Received a Note from Lady Stormont to
desire me to inquire about the purchase
of some things for poor Mrs -- .
My Cousin Robert Greville paid
me a long visit -- we went over
the whole affair of Our Uncle
Frederick & the Stormonts, we both
lamented that Mr. Hamilton was so apt
to see things in a prejudiced light
-- however as we have all our
failings we ought to make full
allowance for those of others
& where there are peculiarities
in the characters of our friends
we ought to be careful to
conceal them from the notice
of others if possible: as my
Cousin was going with the King to
Windsor I gave him messages
to the Ladies in the Queens
family -- when he was gone
I sent for Mr. Jackson to

---

consult him about an answer
to Mr. Wiggins letter, he came
immediately & gave me his ▼
advice. he sat an hour with
me, related some curious anecdotes
of the Duke of --
Mrs. Handcock sent me some beautiful branches of orange tree in
flower by the little Swiss & Mary the Children stayed sometime &c &c
when he left me Mr. Stanhope
my old Torment, called he was
not let in -- Mrs. Ord made
me a friendly visit -- Mrs.
Vesey joined us -- Mrs. Ord
promised to enquire where I
could purchase the thing for poor
Mrs x & sent me a note this
Afternoon to Portland place. they
had just left me when Anna Maria
ran upstairs & brought me
the expected letter -- the contents
made me ample amends
for the anxiety I suffered for
the last 3 or 4 days. I wrote
my letter to Mr. Wiggins &
told him I expected him to

---

send me the money due for
the ½ years rent -- which he has owed
these 3 years &c &c this
Money is due to Mr. Jackson
who paid it to me not doubting
Mr: Wiggins immediate payment.
I had just finished writing this
letter which I ordered Richard to carry
this afternoon, when Lady Stormonts
Coach & Servants came for me, I
I found her as well as she was
on Thursday -- Lord Stormont
dined with us we sat long at
table -- no Servants waiting -- he
was very open & communicative
told me some particulars relative
to -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
little George & Charles came to
desert Lord Stormont made them
repeat 2 Greek lines he had
taught them -- the eldest is
about 4 the youngest 3 years old.

---

Lady Stormont & I had an hours
tête á tête we talked of my
Derbyshire friend. I gave her
the outlines of the letter I received
to day -- she was highly entertained
with the account of the
reception of my Picture, &
made my promise to tell Mr.
Dickenson that she should
take upon her to make me
sit to Saunders for a picture
for him & that she thought
I was very saucy & recommended
to him to keep me
in better order. Lord Stormont
joined us & our conversation
took another turn -- Madme-
Genlis -- Mrs. & Miss Hamilton
were our topics & a little
Politics Lord Stormont has no
opinion of Mr. Pitt as a
Financier. Mrs Ord sent

---

me a note according to her
promise -- Lady Stormont & I gave
directions to Mrs. Justi about
getting the things --
At ¼ past 10 o'Clock I came away Lord Stormont
wanted to detain me but I
was anxious to send a few
lines by this nights post to
my friend so I would not
be persuaded. had my
Cousins Coach & Servants as
usual. Lord Stormont
was so good to lend me
the fine Edition of
Cooks Voyages 3 Volumes Quarto
& also the Set of Prints
belonging to them, I am to
keep them till they go to
Wandsworth Hill. Had just
time after I got home to scribble
a few lines to my friend which
I sent by this nights Post enclosed

---

a Packet of Diary -- Miss Clarkes
& their Brother in Law Mr-
Jackson waited supper for me
joined them as soon as I had
finished my dispatches --
Mr. Jackson stayed till 12 o'Clock --
when he left us Miss Clarke went
to her room we sent the servants to bed & then I & -- Anna Maria chatted
over the contents of
the letter I received to day, some
parts of which I communicated
to her -- the subject was too
interesting for me to feel
inclined to go to rest so we
sat talking till 1 in the Morning Anna Maria
to oblige me played a lesson
of Handels & about ½ past 1 o'Clock
we retired to our rooms.

---

Saturday 24th: July 1784 Clarges Street
Breakfasted with Dear Anna Maria
sat & worked with her till past 10 o'Clock
then dressed for the day -- read an
affecting Story in les Veillées du
Chateau whilst my Hair was
dressing -- as Betty generally is
an hour, & sometimes longer & as I read always,
my hair dressing is never lost
time, I most commonly also
take part of that time to scribble in my
Diary. wrote an Answer to my
Dearest Friend's letter of yesterday
which I gave William Benn to put in the
Post office. I sent him 2 packets of
Diary under two covers.
Read & wrote & worked till dinner
time -- dined at home with Miss
Clarkes -- Anna Maria ever obliging played
at my request some lessons after
dinner. we separated at ½ past
5. I read in Madame Genlis for an
hour. Miss Clarke's joined me. we had
tea early. at 7 the Duchess Dowager of Portlands

---

Coach came for me. went to her
Grace at Whitehall. Dear Mrs. Delany
was with her. we had one uninterrupted
hour. I made the two dear
friends very happy by telling them
of Mr- Dickensons generous
assurance that he did not intend
to separate me from the society of
my friends &c. &c.
Mrs. Vesey -- Lady Weymouth (one of
the Duchess's daughters) & her two eldest
unmarried daughters Miss Thynne
& Miss Sophia Thynne came ¼ after
8 -- The conversation was general
& agreeable -- I came away with Mrs.
Vesey at 10 o'Clock. the Duchess goes to
Margate tomorrow. Mrs. Delany on Monday
to Mrs. Boscowans. Mrs. Vesey invited me
to go in with her to supper I excused
myself came home sat with Miss Clarke's
till 11 -- we then went to our Rooms
Anna Maria came & chatted with me whilst I
undressed. I had a little headache &
did not sit up to read -- as I generally
do

---

---

Memorandum
      sent Opie the Painter 4L:4s -- being
      the remainder of the Money for Mr. Glovers
      Portrait -- which he gives me. This Money
left with me by Mr. Glover for the Picture.

---

---

Sunday 25th. July 1784. Breakfasted with Anna Maria
we had a tête á tête till near 11. I
assisted her in writing a letter on business
She went to Church -- I could not not
being dressed -- after I was, read the
Service of the day &c &c in my own
room when Anna Maria returned from Church settled
some accounts with her. She showed me the
Answer she had received to her letter of the
Morning -- it was a satisfactory one, we were
together ½ an hour. I employed myself
in writing -- extracts from Mrs. Delanys
letters which Mr. Dewes has been so obliging
to lend me till my Cousin Stormonts
Coach came for me which was at ¼ before
5 o'Clock -- Colonel Cathcart & Lord Stormont
dined & was with us the greatest part
of the Afternoon. heard that Mr. Fox
had greatly offended his friends
by his late absence from the
House of Commons -- They wrote
to remonstrate to him the folly
& impropriety of it -- he sent for
Answer that he was very happy
& quiet at St. Anns Hill with
Mrs. Armstead -- that he thought
he should stay sometime longer
& concluded his letter by saying
that Mrs. Armistead wondered they did not

---

come & see her. The Gentlemen
talked Politics -- I listened & from what
I heard could only draw the melancholy
conclusion that we were a
ruined People & that the Glory of
the English Nation was set for
ever. I left Lady Stormont before
10 as I had promised Mrs. Vesey to
go to her house to meet Dowager Lady
Barrymore, however I lost the
pleasure of meeting her Ladyship
as she was getting into her Coach
when I drove up to the door. I
found the Veseys alone we sent
for the Miss Clarkes -- we supped -- Anna Maria
wickedly took notice of a blunder
I made by calling Mr. Vesey Mr. Dickenson
& then gave him for her toast.
We spent the Evening in innocent
Mirth & came home at ½ past
11 -- we went immediately to our
Rooms. I found a Note from
Dear Mrs. Delany which informed she
was pretty well & wished to see me
tomorrow before she set out.

---

Monday 26th. July 1784
Read two hours in Madame Genlis went
down at 9 breakfasted tête á tête
with Anna Maria -- we had a long conversation
upon The improvement
of the Mind -- the characters of
Mrs. Jackson's Children -- the method she
followed in bringing them up, & I
condemned it & at last brought
Anna Maria over to my way of thinking.
at 10 dressed for the day -- sent a
Note to excuse myself to Mrs. Delany
it rained so hard -- besides I had
promised Lady Stormont to execute a
commission for her. at 12 the Veseys
& Mrs. Handcock came for me we
went to the late Dowager Lady Harringtons
where there was an Auction. I saw
the Japan Lady Stormont wished to
have -- but the Room was so crowded
& the heat so great that after suffering
for an hour I determined to come
away -- I was near fainting -- a gentleman a stranger
to me very politely handed me through
the Crowd Mrs. Handcock & I would not
wait for the return of the Veseys &
the Coach, & as it was near Clarges
Street & fair we walked home

---

This is the first Auction I ever was
at in London & I think will be the
last -- I saw Lady Payne Lady Irwin
Lady MaryChurchill &c at Lady
Handcock's -- I took leave of good Mrs.
Handcock & came home.
Anna Maria & Bell sat with me till 2 o'Clock
then took leave of me for the day
they went to Mrs. Harris. I wrote
three Letters, one to Lady Wake one
to Miss Burney & one to Miss Palmer.
Was much surprised to see the
Prince of Wales pass by -- as he
went to Brighthelmstone but 3 or 4
days ago. his Horses & Grooms
were at Mrs. Armsteads door for
two hours -- by this Mr. Fox I
suppose is returned &c &c &c &cc
Lady Stormont's Carriage came for
me ½ past 4 o'Clock -- she was quite
well Lord Stormont & her Brother
Colonel Cathcart dined with us -- they
stayed with us till after 8 o'Clock -- Lord Stormont
told me that the french were certainly
taking infinite pains to adopt our
Manners & learn our language -- that
it was astonishing what a rapid
progress they made in both. he
entertained me very much by

---

describing the different styles of
manners in foreign Countries
& particularly the bon ton etiquette
in France. After the Gentlemen left
us Lady Stormont showed me all the
pretty things Madame Justi had
arranged -- we then worked & conversed
till 10 o'Clock -- the Duchess Devonshire
Lady Payne Lady Duncannon were
our topics -- not forgetting Lady Stormonts
three Sons who always afford her
ample matter for converse in our
tête à têtes. got home at ½ past
ten -- sat with Miss Clarkes for an hour
read & wrote -- went to bed at 12.

---

Tuesday 27th. July 1784 -- at 9 went
down to Anna Maria -- Breakfasted tête á
tête -- she read me some passages she
had selected from Akensides pleasures
of the imagination, what genius &
fancy & how many
fine images of Providence & Nature
there are in this beautiful Poem
though I must confess that there
are parts of it which are to me

---

obscure -- but that is more likely
to be a defect owing to my want of
comprehension.
These are among my favourite lines --
“There let thy Soul acknowledge its-
                                                         complaint
How blind, how impious! there behold the
                                                         ways
Of Heav'n's eternal destiny to Man
For ever just, benevolent, & wise,
That Virtue's awful steps, howe'er pursu'd
By vexing fortune & intrusive pain,
Should never be divided from her chaste,
Her fair attendant pleasure, need I urge
Thy tardy thought through all the various round
Of this existence, that thy soft'ning soul
At length may learn what energy the hand
Of Virtue mingles in the bitter tide
Of Passion swelling with distress & pain,
To mitigate the sharp with gracious drops
Of cordial pleasure? “Ask the faithful Youth
“Why the cold Urn of her whom long he lov'd
“So often fills his arms, so often draws
“His lonely footsteps at the silent hour
“To pay the mournful tribute of his tears?
                                                        

---

“O! he will tell thee; that ye wealth of
                                                         worlds
“Should ne'er seduce his bosom to forego
“That sacred hour, when, stealing from the
                                                         noise
“Of care & envy, sweet remembrance soothes
“With Virtue's kindest looks his aching
                                                         breast,
“And turns his tears to rapture.” --
-- After I was dressed Anna Maria sat
with me some time, we read, worked, &
conversed. I wrote letters -- to Miss
Gunning & to Miss Litchfield -- gave
them to William Benn to put into the post. ¼
before 5 Lady Stormonts Coach came
for me (received a note from Lady Dartrey
to desire me to come to Chelsea with the
Vesey this afternoon, I could not being
engaged to the Stormonts) Lord Stormont
dined at home, his friend Mr Langlois
& Colonel Cathcart dined with us as did
William Murray (Lord Stormont eldest Son a boy
of 7 Years old) -- we had as usual our
comfortable dumb-waiters & no Servants
to restrain conversation. I heard
that the Scotch were much discontented

---

with the Taxes on linens Gauzes
& Ribbons -- as it would quite ruin
the manufacturers of Glasgow &
Paisley -- that the Irish grew every
day more violent, & that a Mr-
Pemberton had called out in the
Theatre at Dublin when the Duke of
Rutland came in & they had begun
playing “God Save the King” “no more
of that &c &c God save Louis the 16th
King of France & Friend of the
oppressed. Mr. Langlois told us
that the French Court had but too
good intelligence of every thing
that passed both in Ireland &
England -- & it was but too true
that they were now upon an
equality with us with respect to
Navy affairs. when we came up
stairs after dinner the three little
boys engrossed attention & Politics
were dropped -- William returns to his
Uncle Lord Mansfields at Ken Wood

---

tomorrow. Lord Stormont laughed a news
paper lie which informed the Public
that he had joined Lord Thurlow
& was coming in as Secretary of
State -- this arose from his dining
with him Last Week -- there were
6 in Company & not a single word
was uttered concerning Politics.
The Gentlemen left Lady Stormont
& me at ½ past 8 o'Clock. we worked
& conversed till ¼ past 10.
Lady Stormont told me how ill the
-- had used her late father (Lord
Cathcart) & how he had forgot &
broken promises to all our family
to whom he lay under great obligations.
we talked of our deceased Parents --
of my fathers behaviour when a
Volunteer in the Russian Service.
of the Queen -- characters of the Princess
&c &c -- when I came home I found
a Note from Anna Maria to beg me to
join her & Miss Clarke at the Veseys
I went they were at supper. Mrs.
Vesey brought a Note for
Dear Lady Dartrey to beg I would dine

---

with her on Saturday -- the five or
6 run awat Matches & the several
imprudent ones lately made were
talked of -- however there was no
ill-natured censure, only a few
animadversions on the folly of
people plunging themselves into
certain misery or Unhappiness.
we came home at ¾ past 11 -- went
immediately to our rooms --
Mrs. Boughton (one of the Queens Women
of the bedchamber) called when I
was out this afternoon.

---

July 28th. 1784 Wednesday
Read in Madame de Genlis from
6 till 8 -- breakfasted with Anna
Maria -- sat with her till near 10 --
dressed -- looked over my drawers
gave orders about notable things --
I hope I may assure myself
that Hannah & Betty are become
very sensible of their faults for
they have conducted themselves
extremely well ever since
the day I gave them advice
& pardoned them. I am persuaded

---

that in general mild reproof
& good advice effects a more lasting reform
where the heart is not utterly
depraved than harsh reproaches
& severe treatment. My Old
Maid Mrs. Johnston came to see
me she told me that & she &
her husband were now settled
in a Shop -- I promised to procure
her all the custom I could get.
& I gave her some advice, which she
took very gratefully and promised
to follow -- had several visits
from Anna Maria -- wrote an Answer
to Mr. Wakes letter -- sent him
a gentle Lecture upon his
general conduct &c &c as Lady
Wake had given me a hint in her last
letter that my young friend had forgotten
some of my admonitions. Anna Maria & I
sat & worked together from 3 till 4 -- she left
me to go to dinner. received a very kind, polite,
& friendly letter from Mrs. Boscawen.
she informs me that dear Mrs. Delany was
with her & very well &c ¼ before 5 Lady --

---

Stormont's Coach came for me, we
dined tête á tête, Lord Stormont was
gone to hear the debates in the House
of Commons -- George & Charles were
with us longer in the Afternoon than
usual -- Lady Stormont gave them a reading lesson --
her method is very proper, she does
not tire them, & makes it a reward for
good behaviour when she instructs them.
-- we worked & conversed till ½ past 9 --
when Lord Stormont came home.
he gave us some account of the debates
but as they will be better told in the
News papers than I can recollect, I
shall not note them down. came home
in Lord Stormonts Chariot at 10
Miss Clarkes & I sat together till ½
past 11 -- we wrote and talked. I continued
my employment, which was writing
Extracts from Mrs. Delanys letters
till ½ past 12.
Mrs: Scott came to me after I
came home -- I gave her
                             more work again

---

Thursday 29th. July 1784 -- at 9 went
down to Breakfast with Anna Maria sat with her till
10. our conversation turned on the
use of a learned education for
Women. we were of different opinions
I was against it, however we
left our argument unfinished.

---

I dressed immediately after B. sent
Betty to Church -- the Thanksgiving day
Anna Maria went also, I stayed at home
filled up my time with reading writing
& working -- received a Note from my
Cousin Charles Cathcart to inform me
when the Tax on franking takes
place -- which will be which a fortnight
after this date. Mrs Garrick came
from her Villa at Hampton to make me a visit
she sat with me an hour, she opened
her honest Heart to me, -- it was
an interesting conversation -- I
endeavoured to restore tranquility to
her wounded breast & clear
from appearances which Mrs. Garrick thought
were against her -- this I could do with
a safe conscience for I am firmly
persuaded 's affection for Mrs.
Garrick is pure & unalterable. Mrs. Garrick
feelings are too exquisite for her
ever to enjoy tranquil happiness.
I know how to pity her, for the
greatest part of my life I have
suffered exquisitely from allowing
my sensibility to get the better

---

of my reason -- I trust I am now
a more reasonable being. & as I
think I am sensible of all my faults
& weaknesses I hope to conquer them
& by that means not only insure my
own happiness -- but contribute to
the happiness of my Dickenson & preserve
his love, his confidence, & esteem.
Mrs. Garrick told me she was going
to Mrs Montagus at Sandleford on Saturday
that she was to meet our dear friend
Miss Hannah More there & stay a fortnight.
She insisted upon my telling Mr. Dickenson
that she should expect him to meet
me at Hampton in the Autumn &
that she longed to assure him of her
affection. Mrs. Garrick is one of the
most sincere characters I ever met
with -- her professions are all from
the heart, & a valuable one it is.
Anna Maria sat with an hour, read me a letter from the Glovers & gave me
an Account of the poor Woman she had
relieved &c -- -- A Woman came to
the house enquired for me, but neither would
leave her name or business -- said she would
call again -- she seemed to be a stranger to
London -- my torment Mr. Stanhope called

---

he was not let in. At ½ past 4 Lady Stormonts
Coach came for me -- Her Brother Charles
Cathcart Mr Langlois & Lord Stormont
dined with us. we had as usual Dumbwaiters
& sat long at table -- but we
neer set long after dinner -- the Gentlemen
were deep in Politics -- Lord Stanhope
seems to me to be an impartial
Politician -- yet I have been told there
never existed one -- he does not
appear to me to be biassed by party
-- for example, he both censured &
admired Mr. Pit. The Gentlemen
stayed with us till ½ past 8 -- Lady Stormont
& I had tête a tête till 10, we
worked & chatted on indifferent subjects
When Lord Stormont came home I
took my leave & had his Chariot.
was at home ¼ past 10. the Veseys sent
for me to meet Miss Clarkes, I sent
an excuse as I wished to write in my
Extracts from Mrs. Delanys letters, as I did not go, Miss Clarke's
came to me. we sat together till near
12 -- I sat up, scribbling till 1 o'Clock

---

---

---

Friday 30th: July 1784 Clarges Street
Finished Madame de Genlis's Veillées du
Chatteau -- went down at 9. breakfasted
tête a tête with Anna Maria we talked
of Mr: Dickenson -- of his father -- of hislate Mother
Anna Maria was charmed with their characters.
-- I was busy in notable Work till
12 -- wrote a short letter & enclosed
a Pacquet of Diary for Derbyshire which I
sent to the Post. Received a smart note
& some franks from my Cousin Challes
Cathcart -- Lord Dartrey came to
run away with me to his Villa, but
I could not go being engaged to
Lady Stormont. Lady Dartrey wanted
me to sleep there & return tomorrow
Evening -- Lord Dartrey said she was not very
well. Mr. Stanhope called again
nit was not let in -- he left word
to my great joy that he was going
into the Country in a day or two.
Lady Stormont Coach came for me ½ past
4. I received a letter just before I set
out from Mr. Dickenson Senior I
had the pleasure of reading it twice
over before I got to Portland
Place -- what liberal sentiments

---

& what a Heart has this amiable
Man! -- how happy shall I be to
call him by the endearing name
of father. -- I found Lady pretty
well we dined tête á tête. just as
we had done dinner & the desert was over Lord Stormont
came home from the house of Lords -- as Lady Stormont could not
bear the smell of a second dinner we
left him to eat a solitary meal --
he did not join us till ½ past 7. we
had the 2 dear little boys -- & I told
My Cousin of the agreeable letter I
had received she seems as sensible of
Mr. Dickenson Senior's merit & amiableness
as myself. Lord Stormont acquainted
us with the subject of the debate in
the House of Lords -- he was provoked
with Lord Carlisle for dividing & said
it was a very foolish measure, as
there were but 20 Lords -- & there
were but 4 on their side. &c &c
he sat with us till near 9 o'Clock --
before he went out I made him
give me a frank for my dear
Father. Lady Stormont told me
the Duke de Chatres arrived in Town

---

yesterday -- he has a House in Portland
place a few doors from Lord Stormonts
which he has purchased -- she was vexed he
was come as it will be inconvenient
for her in her present situation to
receive his Visits. we had much
conversation about Lady Charlotte Finch
& the management of the Royal Nursery
at 10 I had her Coach
The Miss Clarke's were at home we sat
together. I immediately sat down to
answer Mr.. Dickenson Senior letter -- but I
could not finish it before the
last Bell went its round. Anna Maria &
Isabella left me at ½ past 11. I
sat up till near 1 o'Clock thinking
over the goodness of Providence
in granting me the wish of me
heart -- viz: the being beloved by
A virtuous Man. & the desire
I felt of so doing my duty in this
life that I may look forward to
his & my being happy hereafter.
God Grant we may so live here

---

that in the world to come we
may still be inseparably united.

---

Saturday 31st. July 1784. Joined dear Anna Maria
at 9 o'Clock -- sat with her till near 11 --
finished my letter to my worthy father
which I sent to the Post -- wrote a Note to
my friend Lady Dartrey which I sent
to Mrs. Vesey to take for me to Chelsea
I excused myself for not going with
the Veseys to dine there as Lady
Stormont wished me to dine with
her, & sick friends must claim the
first right to ones attentions. as Anna Maria
had a bad Cold I walked out to purchase
presents we (the Miss Clarkes & I) meant to give
the Veseys Servants -- they had
been very civil & as Vails were
not allowed we wished to show some
acknowledgement for their civil
behaviour & attention to us.
Met Mr: Powis Member for Northamptonshire. he enquired
much after the Wakes desired me to inform Sir William that he ought to go to Buxton &c. &c
I bought presents for the Butler
& 3 footmen -- in returning home
met my Uncle Frederick -- he said
he had been to make me a visit
he walked home with me & sat a ¼
of an hour. Isabella & Anna Maria were
satisfied with the things I had

---

bought -- we paid equally for them.
I went to the Vesey's I gave Louis
& John the presents -- they were
grateful & pleased -- I gave the
Coachman Money as he was not
a hired servant -- as Mrs. Vesey was
dressing I did not stay to make
her a Visit -- I left word for Edward
to come to me when he came home
he did so -- I gave him his present,
& the one for the Butler. I dressed
-- & had just time to make my
Compliments to Miss Morrel who dined
with Miss Clarke's when Lady Stormont Coach
came for me -- received a letter from my
poor friend Miss Litchfield -- a melancholy account
of her health & spirits -- Lady Stormont was
not quite so well and had had a bad night
Lord Stormont dined with us & soon joined
us after we got in the Drawing Room
Lord Stormont was so good to repeat
to me what he could recollect of many parts of his speeches
Yesterday -- they are by no means
done justice to in the News papers.
& many things left out What Lord Stormont told me on the Subject
of the India Bill was too diffuse

---

& it is too complicated a Subject for
me to render any clear account of, therefore
I wont attempt it --
I was obliged to leave Lord & Lady Stormont
at 8 o'Clock -- as my most dear &
excellent friend Mrs. Delany was
come to Town -- she had been taken
ill at Mrs. Boscowans & being apprehensive
she should grow worse she left
her sooner than she intended. She sent
to beg I would be with her as much
as possible -- & the Duchess Dowager of Portland
left Mrs. Delany in my Charge whilst
she was absent -- had Lady Stormont Coach
found my worthy friend better
than I had dared to hope -- I sat with
her an hour & ½. She talked of nothing
but my future prospect of happiness
& she told me she was in such admiration
of Mr. Dickenson's father that she
should be tempted to Marry him
though she was only in her 85th. Year
&c &c. this dear Woman has all
the cheerfulness & sensibility
which she had when young. & none of her
faculties are the least impaired -- her

---

eye sight only excepted. I do not
think there ever was, or ever will
be any Person superior to Mrs. Delany
-- She is as perfect as human
Nature can be -- my admiration
of her is
not singular -- for this most excellenct
of Woman is adored by all who are
blessed with knowing her. I shall
ever esteem myself happy in
having enjoyed the honour -- advantage,
& privilege of having such frequent
opportunities of enjoying her
charming society. As the Duchess has
left a Coach in Town for the use of
her friend -- Mrs. Delany ordered it
for me I came home at ¼ before
10 -- Anna Maria had a terrible cold, I
made her take Whey & go to bed before
11 -- Miss Clarke & I sat together till that time.
I sat up late scribbling & reading.
As Mrs. Delany has now resolved to
stay in Town till the Duchess returns from
Margate (when they will then go to Bullstrode)
I have promised her to remain in London
& be with her as much as possible. I would

---

give up every thing -- but what relates
to my Dickenson -- for the happiness of
being with her. How flattering to
me is the affection of such a Woman.
I must contrive to divide my
time between her and Lady Stormont
till the confinement of the latter is
over. I heard to day that my Uncle William
is not to come till the end of next Month.
Miss Asgill sent me a message
from Richmond this Morning

---

Sunday 1st. August 1784
Breakfasted with Anna Maria. her Cold rather
better -- she showed me letters from
the Glovers & her Sister Jackson in which
there was most kind mention made
of me. Went to May fair Chapel
was but just returned when Mrs. Delany
sent the Coach for me. I found her
better -- I sat for an hour with her
I was forced to leave her as my
Uncle Frederick was to be with me
at 1 o'Clock -- when I came home
found him & Anna Maria sitting together
he sat with us till 3 o'Clock. I would
let Anna Maria leave us. we talked
of Paintings -- Italy &c &c.
Mrs. Garrick agreeably surprised me

---

by a Visit -- she had put of for a
day or two going to Mrs. Montagu
she sat a ¼ of an hour with us, I
took her into my Boudoir &
we had ten minutes tête á tête, she
them left me & I returned to my
Uncle & AnnaMaria from 3 till 4 was
alone -- read some letters --
scribbled in my Diary -- then
altered my dress & was ready when
Lady Stormont's Coach came at ½ past 4 -- I found
her the same as many days past -- Lord
Stormont -- Colonel Cathcart & Mr. Langlois dined
with us -- Politics all dinner time
Lady Stormont & I did not sit long together after we
left the Gentlemen as they soon joined us in
the Drawing room (we had the 2 dear boys for
some time as usual) Mr. Langlois informed
me that he dined with Sir Joshua Reynolds yesterday
-- that very handsome mention was made
of me by the Company &c &c. the conversation
was lively & agreeable. the Duke de Chartres
is gone to meet the Prince of Wales at Brighthelmstone
-- was pleased to hear Lord Stormont &
Mr. Langlois mention my friend & acquaintance
Monsieur Batin in a manner that proved
they liked him. -- heard that the King of
France was become a great drinker, that

---

he was very indifferent to the Queen &c
&c. Sir Joseph & Lady Yorke & a Niece
of Lady Yorke's called at 8 they were sent
away as Lady Stormont does not let in
any Company -- but as she thought it
would be right to see them she went after
& invited them -- they stayed ½ an
hour. Sir Joseph Yorke is a lively
pleasant Man -- much polished &
quite a Man of the World. his Lady
is a Dutch Woman -- polite, well bred
but not easy in her Manner -- the
Young lady is her Niece, a Girl of
12 or 13 -- an intelligent countenance
& sensible -- Lady Stormont & I
was left alone at 9 o'Clock, I stayed
with her till 10 o'Clock -- we talked
of the late Lady Hamilton her affection
for our Uncle William -- She was
Married 24 Years & her passion for
him, for it could be called by no other
name was as lively to the last moment
of her life as it was when she first
knew him -- she had no object in
life but him & only regretted dring
because she left him behind &c
when I came home, I ran over to
the Veseys for 5 Minutes to enquire

---

after Mrs. Delany as, Mrs Vesey was to
be with her this Afternoon, had the
Comfort of hearing she was charming
well -- Miss Clarke's & I sat together till
½ past 11 -- Anna Marias Cold better -- to prevent
her talking as she was still very hoarse
I read aloud one of Blairs Sermons
(On the Union of Piety & Morality)
I think Blair one of the most elegant
writers we have -- he interests and
persuades -- I went to my room at 12

---

Monday 2d: August 1784 -- went down at 9
Breakfasted with dear Anna Maria -- she was
much better. sat & chatted with her & read
curious Anecdotes in the Morning Herald till ½
past 10 -- then dressed for the day -- worked
an hour -- Notable work. repaired my finest
Screen &c began Cooks Voyages --
Received a Message from Mrs. Delany to say she
was prevented coming to me, as she had
proposed, to take an Airing as the Miss
Murrays were come from Ken Wood to
make her a visit -- William Benn left
a Message which affected me very much
it was to inform me my former
Maid (who lived with me all the time I
was at Court) Mrs. Johnston had been
dangerously Ill, she was taken last friday

---

I sent Hannah immediately -- who brought
me word -- that she was now out of danger
but that she kept her bed & looked wretchedly
-- had visits from Isabella & Anna Maria
during the Morning -- had the pleasure of
receiving a letter from my Derbyshire friend
-- Received also a letter from Mrs. Murray
from Dunkeld -- at ½ past 4 Lady Stormont's
Coach came for me -- she was pretty well
Our Cousin Colonel Greville dined with us
Lord Stormont was at the House of Lords
he was to speak to day on the India Bill.
Colonel Greville gave me several Compliments
which he brought from Windsor from
the ladies in the Queens family.
I stayed till 8 went to Mrs. Delany
she was better -- Lady Bute & Lady
Wallingford were with her but they
did not stay long -- I read to Mrs.
Delany the letter I had received from Mrs.
Murray as it gave an account of
what she had seen in Scotland
that she had seen my Uncle
William -- at the Duke of Atholls
&c &c &c.

---

I sat with her till 10 there was a
mistake about the Coach -- I came
home in a Chair -- One of the
Chairmen happened to be one I
used to employ at St James's -- he
made me so many fine speeches
of his happiness in seeing me
&c that my fare cost me ½
a Crown instead of a Shilling --
The Veseys sent for me to meet
Miss Clarkes as I thought it
would be wrong not to go to them the
last Evening -- as they were to set
out for Margate tomorrow I
put off answering my Dickenson
letter till tomorrows Post -- we
supped & sat with the Veseys till ¼
past 11 -- went to our Rooms as
soon as we came home.
I found a letter from Mr. Wiggins
& a day appointed to settle the
business

---

---

---

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