Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
179.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
Dec. 4th, 1773.
*We have conquered; Winton was amazed at the tempest just ready to burst over his head. He does not desire to go to law, wishes to live in peace, has no complaints to make, hopes for a little indulgence. Hugonin is now in the attitude of St. Michael trampling upon Satan; he holds him down, till Andrews has prepared a little chain of Adamant to bind the foul fiend. In return, receive my congratulation on your Irish Victory.[202] Batt told me yesterday, as from good authority, that administration designed a second attempt this session; but to-day I have it from much better, that they always discouraged it and that it was totally an Iernian scheme. You remark that I saw Batt. He passed two hours with me; a pleasant man! He and Sir John [Russel] dine with me some day next week: you will have both their portraits; the originals are engaged.* Walton is perfectly dry; both the copies will be done from the first pictures; in both they are unquestionably the best, and my Lady has more spirit and sense than in the second. Ah! my Lady, my Lady, what rumours have you diffused in the regions of Bath relating to Sappho[203] and your Slave. Adieu. I am called to cut in for the next Rubber. Town is empty, dirty and comfortable. Newton is at his Villa: I hope my Cabinet afforded a refined tête-à-tête to the congenial souls.
E. G.