BC_1749_EMONTAGU_LB
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<Q A 1749? T LB EMONTAGU> <X ELIZABETH MONTAGU> [}ELIZABETH MONTAGU TO LYDIA CATHERINA BRYDGES, THE DUCHESS OF CHANDOS. C. 1749. MS HYDE 7 (3)}] <P1> Hillstreet ye 19=th= [\ANOTHER HAND 1749 nov.?\] Madam I had the pleasure of receiving your Graces letter here which was intended for me at Sandleford. Tho it is usually observed that people are most desirious of receiving letters in the Country, I did not find the pleasure your Graces letters always give me was at all diminish'd by receiving it in this great Citty. for the most numerous Societies are almost a Solitude if one seeks a friend of the character of the Dutchess of Chandos there are but few who pay that tribute to virtue of even endeavoring to appear what she really is. I found the Town in a great bustle about the Westminster Election, the Popular affections were strong for S=ir= George, much wit was lavish'd on the occasion, the French Comedy was supported by L=d= T- to the great offence of the Common people, his neglecting to present a Petition for Penlez when desired it by his constituents was another Grievance, & the Ghost of Penlez was carried about the Town in procession. all things seemd to promise success for S=ir= G: till the Court party began to rouse themselves & at a very great expence & other Election [\arts\] got a Majority on the Poll. A scrutiny is demanded but what success it will have is uncertain, the Inhabitants of Whitehall the Admiralty &c who do not pay rates have poll'd contrary to custom. the D- of B- did not find his interest in Covent Garden so strong as was imagined, most of his Tenants voted for Sir G-. The scrutiny is to begin the end of this month [\.\] <P2> This public affair & the Cause of Lady Mary C-he has well supply [\TEAR\] the Town with discourse; the Men are all on the side of the Lady but the unmarried Ladies who would give the World a good opinion of their patience & meekness are of the Husbands [\TEAR\] [{Party{] the most usual opinion & that which people are most ready to declare is that [\they INTO there\] are faults on both sides, the trial is to come on next Term in the mean time the poor Lady lies sick in a Wretched Room in L=d= L-s House where 15 or 16 persons are permitted to visit her. heads of accusation of Cruelty are to appear against the gentleman instances of perverseness & obstinacy against the Lady & how the account will be balanced is not certain, but as the Laws are in favor of the Men it is said she will be sentenced to [\be DELETED\] return to her Husband, at present L=d= Burlington & some others give Bail for his keeping the Peace. she is in a terrible state of health & has hopes of that great Deliverer & final punisher of all Human Woes. an infallible medicine but an untimely cure at 19. When she appeard in Court she lookd so ill that her Sister Lady Stratford who had not seen [\her/] since her going into ye Country, fell into Convulsions when she appeard, & Lady Mary fainted away, the Lawyers tho not of the melting mood almost wept, but L=d= L- & L=d= C [\shewd\] themselves superior to such weakness & stood unmoved L=d= C waited on Lady Mary to her Chair & desired her to take care she did not catch cold as her Chair glass was broken, at which the Mob cry_d out very scornfully <P3> [\TEAR\] [{Tender{] hearted Creature! & it was well he got off without more visible marks of their dislike for they were much [\TEAR\] [{enraged{] . A parting has been much wishd by the [\Ladies INTO Ladys\] [\TEAR rends\] but L=d= C- says he is so much in love with [\her\] he cannot consent to a separation. it seems L=d= L is desirous his Son should perpetuate his family. The Opera's are worse than ever, the Syrens that sing there cannot draw any company. As to Cards they flourish much, but the French ambassadress exceeds all our Ladies for high play. & I am glad our Country [\women/] are willing to give her that [\Preheminence\] ; she loses sometimes three or four hundred pound a night & sometimes wins more, she plays very well. M=r= Mirepoise excells at all games of skill. Lord Chesterfield is usually of Mad=me= Mirepoise party at piquet. The Town is not by any means full, & many people are going into y=e= Country for the Hollidays. We propose to be at Sandleford on Saturday, from whence I shall soon make a visit to Shaw. The Lady Seymours cannot get the Lawyers yet to finish their settlements: they keep all their fortunes in their own power but ten thousand pounds. it is said pretty Miss Carpenter is to be married to S=ir= Geo: Savile, he has a very [\goody\] character & a very large [\Estate/] two good ingredients in a match. I do not hear of any new books or pamphlets that are worth reading. Miss Anstey & M=r= Montagu desire your Graces acceptance of their compliments. May all health & happiness attend your Grace in this & every other Season. I am Madam Your Graces most Obed=t= most Obliged & Devoted Hon Servant EMontagu [\ADDRESS\] To / Her Grace / The Dowager Dutchess of Chandos / At Shaw / near Newbury / Berks [\FOLDED, NO SEAL\]