THE DIARY
OF THE
EIGHT HON. WILLIAM WINDHAM
1784 TO 1810
EDITED BY
MES. HENRY BARING
v
PREFACE.
THE * Diary of the Eight Honourable William Windham'
was given to me by my brother William Windham, a
short time before his death, in December, 1854.
It is in truth chiefly a record of Mr. Windharn's health
and feelings, made for himself alone, which can hardly
be supposed to possess much general interest ; but there
are many passages interspersed in it, strongly indicative of
his character, which I trust I shall be forgiven for wishing
to rescue from oblivion.
No portion of this Journal of any consequence has ever
been made public, with the exception of that which re-
lates to the last moments of Dr. Johnson, which Mr.
Croker included in his edition of Boswell's account of his
life. The records of several years are wanting, having
been unfortunately mislaid long since. A life of Mr.
Windham, prefixed to his speeches, was published by
Mr. Amyot in 1821.
The political career of Mr. Windham is part of the
history of his country, nor is it my purpose to discuss it.
It brought him ultimately into connection with both the
great parties of the ( State during many eventful years,
VU1 PREFACE.
but even in the heat of those times, no one ever doubted
for a moment that his course was guided by the highest
principle and the nicest sense of honour. On this subject
I gladly transcribe the eloquent language of the late Earl
Grey in his speech hi the House of Lords, at the time of
Mr. Windham's death : ' It was his misfortune,' he says,
' at different times to differ from that distinguished and
regretted character ; yet in the heat of political disagree-
ment he never ceased to admire his many and splendid
virtues. He was a man of a great, original, and com-
manding genius, with a mind cultivated with the richest
stores of intellectual wealth, and a fancy winged to the
highest flights of a most captivating imagery, of sound
and spotless integrity, with a warm spirit but a generous
heart, and of a courage and determination so character-
istic as to hold him forward as the strong example of
what the old English heart could effect and endure. He
had, indeed, his faults, but they seemed, like the skilful
disposition of shade in works of art, to make the im-
pression of his virtues more striking, and gave additional
grandeur to the outline of his character.' *
If therefore, after much consideration, I determine to
submit these pages to the press, it is not with a view to
enhance the fame of the writer, but to preserve some
portions of a relic consigned to me (<iAa8sA$a xara>
Saxpt/ sl/Sojuli/Tj), before time shall have obliterated all
names and traces of the former possessors of Felbrigg,
and whilst there are still living those who cling with fond-
ness to its memories.
* The late Lord Lansdowne, when last at Felbrigg, in the year 1861,
remarked, that Mr. Windham had the best Parliamentary address of any
man he had ever seen, which was enhanced by the grace of his person and
the dignity of his manners.
PREFACE. IX
It appears that the task which I have undertaken was
at one time committed to the able hands of the late Mr.
George Ellis, and it is indeed much to be regretted that
it was not performed by so intimate a friend of Mr.
Windham, and so accomplished a scholar. Mr. Ellis had
written a preface to his intended publication, which forms
part of the present volume, but he had gone very little
way in arranging the extracts for publication.
From the brevity with which every event is recorded,
and the length of time which has elapsed since their
occurrence, allusions will, no doubt, be found to persons
now forgotten, and to incidents which the Editor is unable
to explain ; but it is possible that, by a comparison with
other memoirs of the time, these papers may contribute to
elucidate some of the important transactions of the age
in which Mr. Windham lived.
CECILIA ANNE BAKING.
1 1 BERKELEY SQUARF. :
January 1, 1866.
GENEALOGY
WINDHAM FAMILY.
IT may be well to attach to this memorial some history of the
ancestry of the Windham family. Soon after the Norman Con-
quest, Alwardus, an eminent Saxon, became possessed of lands
in the county of Norfolk, and resided at Crownethorpe Castle,
in the parish of Wymondham, and assumed his surname from
that place.
Felbrigg was purchased in 1461, by John Wyndham, of the
trustees of Sir Simon de Felbrigg, alias ' Bigod,' who was a
descendant of a younger branch of the Earls of Norfolk. Sir
Simon was standard-bearer to Richard II. ; and his brass, one
of the finest in England, is now in the church at Felbrigg. He
was one of the first Knights of the Garter. John Wyndham
was at the battle of Stoke, near Newark, in 1487, and was
knighted for his valiant behaviour. He was a correspondent of
Paston.
He became afterwards engaged in the interests of the House
of York. Lord Bacon, in his ' History of Henry VII.' gives the
account of the King's jealousy of Edmund de la Pole, Earl of
Suffolk ; whereupon he says, ' W. Courtenay, Earl of Devon-
shire, and Sir John Wyndham, were taken into custody, and Sir
John was beheaded on Tower Hill, 6th of May, 1503. Sir John
Wyndham was page to the first Howard, Duke of Norfolk, and
married his daughter. Their motto, au bon droit, was assumed
at this time.'
Xll (fEXEALOGY OF THE WINDHAM FAMILY.
His descendants were men of energy and consideration ; one
was Vice-Admiral of England, and fought under his uncle, the
EarL of Surrey ; and others in the next generation rose to
eminence at the bar. Sir Thomas Wyndham, of Felbrigg, was
a distinguished naval commander, who attended Henry VIII. at
the conferences between Ghiisnes and Ardres.
In the days of Queen Elizabeth the eldest, or Norfolk, branch
of the Windhams became extinct, and the property of Crowne-
thorpe and Felbrigg went into possession of a second son of Sir
Thomas Wyndham, settled in Somersetshire. He was Sir John
Wyndham, who married Joan Portman, of Orchard Portman,
from whom descended, first, the Egremonts, second the Wind-
hams of Felbrigg, Wadham, Salisbury, Dinton Askrigg, Clear-
well, Cromer.
There is in the church of Felbrigg, a monument to the
memory of Thomas, third son of Sir Edmund,* who died un-
married, on December 20th, 1599, erected by his cousin and
heir, John Wyndham, of Orchard, county of Somerset.
Livest them, Thomas ? yeas : where ? with God on high.
Art thou not dead ? yeas, and here I lye.
I that with men on earth did live to die,
Died for to live with Christ eternallie.
Sir John Wyndham, of Orchard, succeeded, therefore, to the es-
tate of Felbrigg. His sons, during the Civil Wars, were attached
to the Eoyal cause, and Colonel FrancisWyndham, his fourth son,
is memorable for conducting Charles II. to bis seat at Trent,
after the battle of Worcester, when he entertained the King
with the following remarkable passage of his father, Sir John
Wyndham, calling his sons together before his death and saying
to them : ' I commend you to honour and obey our gracious
Sovereign, and in all things to adhere to the Crown, and though
* The will of Sir Edmund Windham is given at length in Collins's
' Peerage.' He wishes that ' his son Edmund should have the manors of
Felbrigg, Aylmerton, Metton and Runton, Sustead and Barningham ; and
that they should find an honest priest to sing in the churche of Felbrigg for
my soule, and for my wife's soule, and for my fader and mother soules, and
all my friends' soules.'
GENEALOGY OF THE WINDHAM FAMILY. Xlll
the Crown should hang upon a bush, I charge you, forsake it
not.'
It may be well to say, after this somewhat long digression,
that Thomas Wyndham, who married the daughter of Sir John
Lytton, of Knebworth, was the direct ancestor of the last Eight
Honourable William Windham, from father to son. William
married the daughter of Sir Joseph Ashe, of Twickenham, a
staunch Royalist. His portrait, and that of his wife, are at
Felbrigg. Miss Ashe, sister to Mrs. Windham, married the
(Restoration) Lord Townshend. Ashe Windham was born in the
family coach on the high road, but although he came hastily
into the world he remained in it to the age of 77. He represented
the county of Norfolk in the days of Queen Anne, and died in
1749. His son William was a very remarkable man, and took
more after his uncle Charles, a handsome, dashing naval offi-
cer, captain of the ' Kent,' one of the finest 74's of that day.
He fought a good action off the coast of Barbary, the picture of
which is in the north drawing-room at Felbrigg, and his own
portrait is in the dining-room.
Colonel Windham quarrelled in early life with his father, and
lived much abroad, having entered the Hungarian hussars in the
days of Marie Theresa.
He was a beautiful horseman and swordsman ; very handsome
in person, slightly made, but athletic ; fond of adventures,
and in company with Pococke, in 1741, penetrated some of the
higher valleys of the Alps, and ascended Mont Blanc. He de-
lighted in theatricals : Garrick and others were his constant
guests. He was a very good classical scholar, besides being
well acquainted with French, German, and Spanish.
There is now at Felbrigg, or there ought to be, a MS. of his
upon the art of war, which proves that he had studied the theory,
both ancient and modern, to good effect.
He hunted the hounds from Felbrigg to London, and married
Sarah Hicks, the widow of Robert Lukin* of Dunmow, who was
* The Lukins, or Lykyns, are an old Essex family, the direct ancestors
of Geoftry Lukin, of Chignall Castle, in Essex, the ruins of which may still
be seen. They lost all their property in the Civil Wars.
XIV GENEALOGY OF THE WINDHAM FAMILY.
possessed of great beauty, good sense, and determination, as may
be judged from the fact of her having been able, at the age of
41, to captivate one of the most admired Cavaliers of his day.
She came of a good family, but was left by her husband in
very reduced circumstances.
From these parents sprang William Windham, the author of
this < Diary,' and the last of his branch of the Windham family.
He was born in Golden Square, London, on the 3rd of May,
1750, and died 3rd of June, 1810.
From great personal love to the late Admiral Lukin, his
nephew by half blood through his mother, he left him the whole
of his property, on the condition of his taking the name of
Windham, and then left the property, in remainder, to the head
of his family, the late George O'Brien, Earl of Egremont.
Admiral Windham had six sons: the eldest married Sophia,
youngest daughter of the first Marquis of Bristol. They had one
son, by whom the property has been sold.
PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS.
THE public life of Mr. Windham may be considered as
having commenced in the year 1783, when he undertook
the office of Principal Secretary to Lord Northington,
appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland ; arid it happened
by a fortunate, though, probably, accidental coincidence,
that he began, in the same year, that series of Diaries
which will furnish the most amusing and interesting part
of this narrative. It was not, indeed, without much
hesitation, that the writer of that narrative was induced to
abstain from the publication of the original documents, in
the exact state in which they have been left by their
author, with the suppression only of the very few passages
which it might be deemed imprudent to draw from their
concealment.
But it appeared, on a careful examination, that merely
to suppress what was only interesting to Mr. Windham
himself would by no means be sufficient ; that many
things which, at the moment they were consigned to paper,
might have been well worth noting, had, by the lapse of
time, been rendered wholly unimportant ; that much
which was once clear had become obscure ; that some
XVI PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS.
mode of illustration would, therefore, be absolutely neces-
sary ; and that the chain of events being frequently im-
perfect, the intermediate links must, after all, be supplied
by the biographer. On these grounds it was thought
more convenient to employ the materials furnished by
Mr. Windhani in the shape of extracts, so as to be con-
nected, but not confounded, with the texts, than to fatigue
the reader by an irksome reference to occasional notes,
the effect of which would be to multiply the calls on his
attention at those moments when, from the barrenness
of the story, it was most exhausted and torpid. Whether
this opinion be justly formed will best appear from a short
account of the motives by which the Journal in question
seems to have been dictated, of the purpose which it was
intended to answer, and of the mode in which it was
conducted.
It is not improbable that the project of undertaking
this troublesome task may have been suggested to Mr.
Windhani by his friend, Dr. Johnson, to whose advice he
always listened with reverence, and whose example he
was ever disposed to follow. The reader will have fre-
quent occasion to remark that the species of mental
discipline to which Mr. W. was so anxious to subject
himself was, even in many minute particulars, exactly
conformable to the practice of Dr. Johnson. To establish
the empire of reason over imagination was their common
object ; and with a view to acquire the power of continued
thought undisturbed by the intension of fancy, they im-
posed on themselves the same exercises ; accustoming
themselves to occasional composition in the learned lan-
guages, converting Greek into Latin epigrams, and taxing
the memory by long mental calculations. An English
translation of Thuanus was, as Mr. Boswell relates, fre-
quently meditated by Dr. Johnson, and has been partly
PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS.
executed by Mr. Windham, with that sort of reluctant
diligence which would be almost unaccountable if, in
undertaking the task, he had been solely guided by his
own predilection for the voluminous historian. Dr. John-
son wrote, in two quarto volumes, a diary of his own
private life, and strongly recommended to his friends the
adoption of this practice.
* The great thing to be recorded (said he) is the state
of your own mind, and you should write down everything
that you remember ; for you cannot judge at first what is
good or bad : and write immediately, while the impression
is fresh, for it will not be the same a week afterwards.'*
There is, indeed, an apparent allusion to this advice
amongst the minutes of a conversation with Dr. Johnson,
which Mr. Windham has preserved, and which took place,
as Mr. Boswell relates, when Mr. Windham, ' before he
set out for Ireland, as secretary to Lord Northington, then
Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, expressed to the sage some
modest and virtuous doubts, whether he could bring him-
self to practise those arts which, it is supposed, a person in
that situation has occasion to employ. 'f The heads of
Dr. Johnson's answer were, as appears by Mr. Windham's
notes, 'I have no great timidity in my own disposition,
and am no encourager of it in others Never
be afraid to think yourself fit for anything for which your
friends think you fit
' You will become an able negotiator ; a very pretty
rascal
4 No one in Ireland wears even the mask of incorruption.
No one professes to do for sixpence what he can get a
shilling for doing
* BoswelTs < Life of Johnson,' vol. ii. p. 75, 8vo. edit. 1793.
t Ibid. vol. iii. p. 453.
a
XV111 PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS.
' Set sail ; and see where the winds and the waves will
carry you
' Every day will improve another. Dies diem docet, by
observing at night where you failed in the day> and by
resolving to fail so no more!'
It may, perhaps, be considered as some confirmation of
the conjecture here advanced, and as a proof of Mr.
Windham's deference to his friend's admonition, that he
actually began his 'Diary ' in July 1783, the conversation
just cited having taken place in the beginning of June.
The work itself is also, as the reader will presently
observe, exactly conformable to Dr. Johnson's advice. It
is wholly devoted to the purpose of self-examination. The
employment of time is punctually brought to account,
and severely scrutinised ; and many pages are filled with
expressions of regret for the valuable hours unprofitably
wasted ; with lamentations over those habits of indolence
from which neither the bustle of business nor the tranquil-
lity of solitude was found to be a sufficient preservative ;
and with resolutions of future amendment ; resolutions,
however, which, when recorded, only served to awaken
new remorse, because they were constantly succeeded by
fresh avowals of repeated negligence.
The severity of self-reproach with which Mr. Windham
accustomed himself to contemplate his own omissions,
though such as the generality of mankind are in the habit
of considering as most venial, was probably encouraged
by the example or precepts of his friend ; and it affords a
curious instance of practical coincidence between two
persons whose dispositions were, in many respects, ex-
tremely dissimilar, and even opposite. But the habit
certainly originated in a strong impression made on Mr.
Windham's mind during his illness at Bury in the year
1780, and which appears to have produced a considerable
PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS. XIX
effect on his character and conduct during the whole
remainder of his life.
That a man in the bloom and vigour of life, already
distinguished by his various attainments, ambitious of
every kind of distinction, and conscious that all were
within his reach, should contemplate, with no common
alarm, the prospect of being arrested in his career by a
disease which, without much hastening his death, might
deprive life of all its enjoyments, is perfectly natural. It
is not less natural that, feeling himself responsible for the
due use of his talents, and persuaded that the preservation
of them depended on regular and active exertion, he
should deplore, with sincere contrition, the frequent in-
stances in which he had inadvertently resigned them to
intervals of dangerous inaction. The corroding anxiety
which had thus fastened on his mind, explains that sudden
air of dejection which was sometimes observable even in
his gayest moments, that ' dread of competition, and
habitual distrust of his own abilities,' of which he often
expresses his consciousness, and that hesitating indecision
which formed such a singular contrast with the general
firmness of his manly and intrepid character.
It will also sufficiently account for a peculiarity in the
Diaries, which, for the purpose of guarding the reader
against any future disappointment, it may now be proper
to notice.
Mr. Windham was in the habit of registering, day by
day, the names of all the persons whom he met at the
tables of his friends and acquaintances, as well as of the
guests whom he invited to his own ; and, indeed, there
are many volumes of his Journal which contain very little
else. He has thus furnished us with a muster-roll of his
contemporaries, comprehending, probably, every individual
a2
XX PREFACE BY MR, ELLIS.
with whom he associated during a long series of years ; but
a muster-roll unaccompanied, in almost any instance, by
the slightest comment. Such a list, it is true, was a suffi-
cient aid to his memory, since the names of persons who
Were familiarly known to him could require* no further
designation. Yet it may seem strange that he, who,
though shrinking from dispute and controversy, was par-
ticularly fond of rational discussioja, and who, at the hours
of study, delighted to unravel whatever appeared most
entangled in subjects of science or of literature, should
suddenly dismiss from his mind the topics with which it
had been so strongly occupied in society. It may be
thought odd that, whilst employed in committing to paper
much that was certainly trivial, he should, in scarcely any
instance, attempt to perpetuate the scenes in which he had
received both amusement and instruction. It may excite
some surprise that, whilst many of his intimates were
dropping into the grave, he was not induced to sketch, for
his own satisfaction, some memorial of those whom he had
been accustomed to meet with pleasure, but could hope to
meet no more. The answer is, that the daily toil which
he had imposed upon himself was a daily conflict with all
his natural propensities. Whilst occupied in tracing the
waste of a life which he considered as unusually preca-
rious, dissatisfied with his past exertions, and looking with
melancholy forebodings to the future ; it was not likely
that his mind should be directed fo any extrinsic objects,
or that his feelings should be much awakened to sym-
pathy.
But, although the following extracts from the ' Diary '
may possibly fail to satisfy all the expectations which the
public may have formed, they will at least be found to
exhibit such a minute and impartial description of the
writer as no other pen could possibly furnish.
PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS. XXI
Unexceptionable materials for biography must be of
rare occurrence ; because few persons are disposed to ex-
amine their own conscience, and fewer still are, like Mr.
Windham, aware that to draw up a faithful and dis-
passionate record of such an examination, requires no
common portion of candour and sagacity.
' What a pity it is (says he, in an article of his ' Adver-
saria ' ) that a man cannot, for a while, stand at a dis-
tance from himself, and behold his own person, manner,
behaviour, and character, with the eyes of a stranger !
What a pity that no one can see himself as he is seen by
everyone else ! It is from this impossibility that one meets
people every day, who are as perfect strangers to their
own characters as a man would be to his own countenance
who had never seen the reflection of it in a mirror. In
this latter predicament few can be found ; art, incited by
vanity, having furnished us with such ready means of
viewing our own persons. But there is no mirror that can,
at one view, give us a distinct image of our characters.
That image is only to be formed like the map of some of
the planets, from the result of observations made with
pain and difficulty, and at various times. For this reason
few people ever form it at all, but remain in such total
ignorance of the appearance of their own characters, as
seen from without, that nothing is more common than to
hear a man arraigning in others the very failings for which
he is himself most notorious, and treating his own favourite
follies, the very vices of his own bosom, with as much
severity as if he had not the smallest kindred or relation
with them ! '
It was such an image of his own mind that Mr. Wind--
ham was desirous of delineating for his own improvement ;
and if that image be, as it certainly is, extremely different
from the idea of him impressed upon the memory of his
XX11 PREFACE BY ME. ELLIS.
friends, it is only because he was able to discover, and dis-
posed to exaggerate, defects which were invisible to any
other observer.
The first entry in the ' Diary' informs us, that having
left Dublin on the 8th of July, 1783, he arrived in London
on the 13th. His return from Ireland was rendered ne-
cessary by the ill state of his health ; and this compulsory
abandonment of his post was the more distressing, because
he was aware that the state of public affairs did not admit
of delay, and that his protracted convalescence would be
likely, at that busy moment, to occasion much inconve-
nience to Lord Northington. Whilst thus harassed by
disease and anxiety, he seems to have been utterly inca-
pable of any mental exertion ; but having fortunately found
in his friend Mr. Pelham (the present Earl of Chichester)
a successor to whom he could safely delegate the duties
from which he had withdrawn himself, he soon began to
regain his health and spirits, and to revert to his usual oc-
cupations. He complains, indeed, in his Journal which
he seems to have resumed as soon as he was able to hold
a pen that his powers of bodily exertion were still very
imperfect ; that a drowsiness which he was unable to over-
come often interfered with the progress of his studies ;
and that to complete a common letter of business required
a succession of the most strenuous efforts. But the tran-
quillity of his residence at Oxford a place which he always
visited with delight ; the gaiety, or the air, or the waters
of Tunbridge Wells ; gentle exercise, and frequent change
of air and of company, had, before the end of the year,
completely restored his strength, and enabled him to
encounter the fatigues of an election. He set off for
Norwich on the 19th of December, having then learned
the dismissal of the Coalition Ministry, and commenced an
active canvass with a view to the dissolution of Parliament,
PREFACE BY MR. ELLIS. XX111
which was expected to follow almost immediately. That
measure, however, the new Ministers deferred till the
24th of March, 1784, during which interval, though unable
effectually to resist the two great parties united against
them in the House of Commons, they rapidly acquired an
unexampled ascendency in the affections of the people. A
large majority of the nation declared their determination
to support the legitimate prerogative of the Crown, against
what they deemed the unjust and arrogant claims of their
own representatives ; and Mr. Windham tells us on the
21st of January, that ' the Corporation of Norwich have
been voting an address to the King on the appointment of
the new Ministry, and the freedom of their city to Mr. Pitt.'
Yet he writes this in London, to which place he had
returned on the last day of the preceding year, and which
he did not quit till the end of February, so confident was
he that the favour attached to his private character would
counterbalance the unpopularity of his political principles.*
The events recorded in the 'Diary' at this time are, in
general, such as every man must have to tell who mixes
in the extensive society of London ; and consequently
stipulates to accommodate his own habits and occupations,
and modes of life, to those which he finds established by
fashion. But a regular commentary on the moral and
physical effects of this state of hurried existence, consigned
to paper at the moment, could scarcely fail to amuse by
its novelty, even if it were not rendered interesting by the
talents and character of the writer ; and this consideration
has led to the selection of the following extracts.
* And he was accordingly returned to Parliament for the city of Norwich
on the 5th of April, 1784, after a long contest, at the end of which the
numbers on the poll were as follows: Sir Harbord Harbord, 2305 ;
W. Windham, Esq., 1297; Hon. H. Hobart, 1233.
XXIV MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
MATHEMATICAL NOTES BY MR. WINDHAM,
EXTRACTED BY MR. ELLIS.
To explain the reason of the common operations respecting
numbers, in other words, to the common rules of arith-
metic, a beginning must be made by explaining the prin-
ciple of the notation of numbers according to the methods
now in use ; the connection between which and the rules
of arithmetic is so direct, that those rules have, for the
most part, nothing else in view than to exhibit, in that
notation, numbers which are already known and defined.
When it is proposed to multiply or divide any number
by another, nothing more is required than to exhibit the
product or quotient of those numbers according to the
notation now in use ; for, in fact, the quotient or product
required is just as much defined, and often as satisfactorily
so, by being the quotient or product of the given numbers,
as it can be when exhibited in any other form. Five times
seven is as good a description of thirty-five as three tens
and five, and so of any other operation. It is not here, as
in many other cases, that you are wanting to ascertain
whether the number in question is, or is not, given.
To judge of rules, therefore, that have for their object
the exhibiting of numbers according to a certain form of
notation, we must consider what that form of notation' is,
and how it is effected that, by means of nine simple marks,
and one to denote the absence of all marks, the power is
possessed of expressing all possible numbers.
To begin with the most general conception. If there be
a series of cells or places, each of them capable of con-
taining a certain number, no matter what, of units ; if this
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXV
series may be extended without end, it is plain that, in
such a series, beginning at one extremity and adding places
or cells as occasion may require, any possible number may
be disposed of.
It will obviously make no difference as to this possibility,
though the capacity of these cells, and the number of units
capable of being contained in each, should have any pro-
portion one to the other, that may be thought proper.
Let it be supposed, then, that each succeeding cell, pro-
ceeding from one end, should be capable of containing
just ten times the units capable of being contained in the
one preceding it.
If to this you add the condition that, in distributing
your numbers through these cells or places, as soon as any
cell is filled, and that a number equal to a ninth part of
what it contains is further collected, you discharge the
whole into the cell next behind it, you have the principle
that will guide to the exhibition of any number according
to the notation now in use.
For, beginning with a first or lower place, as soon as ten
are collected, which is all that the first place can contain,
and a ninth part besides, you discharge the whole into the
place next following, marking the whole so discharged as
one in the second place. You repeat this operation till you
have filled the second place, that is, till the number of
these wholes discharged into it is nine, marked as nine
units of the second place ; and till you have collected one
whole more ; then, agreeably to the principle laid down
with respect to all places generally, you discharge the
whole of what you have collected into the next or third
place.
The two former places are then empty, and capable of
admitting a repetition of the whole of what is above
described ; which may, accordingly, be repeated till the
XXVI MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
third place shall in like manner overflow by the collection
of one unit of the third place more than the third can con-
tain ; when the whole ten units of the third place shall be
transferred to the fourth as one unit of the fourth place.
It will not fail to be observed that these successive
wholes or unity of the several places, and successive dis-
charges, all arise from the continued accumulation of units
in the first place. It is the addition of one that completes
the supernumerary or tenth unit of the second place, and
thus produces a necessity of transferring the whole to the
third place. The same accumulation of one in the first
place again fills the second place, and causes the necessity
of a new transfer to the fourth place. In general, the con-
tinued accumulation of units in the first place produces
the units of the second place ; these again produce the
imits of the third place ; the units of the third place those
of the fourth, and so on through all possible numbers ;
there being no reason why the operation should ever stop
while there is the power of adding indefinitely new places
behind.
Conceive, as an illustration of this, that all the places
up to a certain extent are completely filled. The addition
of one in the place of units, or the next one added to the
number already so collected, will have the effect of empty-
ing all these places, and transferring their contents, with
the one added, to count as a unit in the place next behind.
For since the place of units has, by the supposition, as
many as it can contain, the addition of one forms, with
the number so collected, what is to be transferred as a unit
to the second place ; and since the second is, in like man-
ner, supposed to be full, the addition of what is a unit of
that second place produces a number that must, in like
manner, be transferred as a unit to the third, and so on
till you get to the place first beyond those at first supposed,
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXV11
and which, being wholly unoccupied, can receive and
retain all that it is wanted to put into it ; which is the
thing that was to be shown.
All the preceding places of course remain empty, and
are ready to receive whatever intermediate numbers shall
be added, till they are again filled, and that the addition
of one beyond what shall be necessary to fill them shall
occasion the same operation to be repeated, and transfer
another unit (of the new and higher denomination) to the
place next beyond those originally supposed.
It was above observed, that the law regulating the
proportion of the capacity of these places with respect to
one another, made no difference as to the possibility of
disposing in them all possible numbers ; supposing the
number of these places to be capable of being increased
without limitation, it will still less make any difference
whether, when the size or capacity of these places is
supposed continually to increase, it increases by one
proportion or by another.
In the notation now in use they increase in a decuple
proportion ; so as that each place will contain just ten
times what is capable of being contained in the one pre-
ceding, the progress being always from right to left : or
that each unit in the succeeding place should be equal,
precisely, to ten units of the preceding ; or, what is obvi-
ously the same thing, should be equal to the nine units
already contained in that preceding place, with one unit
of the same value added to them, in which way we have
spoken of these comparative values in some of the para-
graphs preceding.
But it is plain that the principle of the notation, and its
fitness to express all numbers, could be the same, though
the proportion between the capacity of the contiguous
places, or the value of the units contained in them, was
XXV111 MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
different, as a sextuple, for instance, or any other ; only
it must be observed that, in this case, viz. of a sextuple
proportion between the value of the units, the number of
units capable of being set down in each place must be
five : and generally, that whatever be the proportion
settled between the capacities of the contiguous places (the
proportion being throughout the same), or the value of
their respective units, the number of units, capable of
being set down in each place, must be one less than the
number expressing that proportion.
Example. Where the proportion is ten, the number of
units capable of being put in each place must be ten, one,
or nine ; where the proportion is nine, must be eight ;
where six, must be five.
The reason of which is that, in order to ensure the power
of expressing all numbers by means of a few marks having
certain relative values, according to the places in which
they are put, the addition of a unit in each place (having
the value which belongs to it in that place) to the units
already put there, supposing the place full, must constitute
a unit such as belongs to the place following : this of
course it can only do when the number of the units, ca-
pable of being contained in each place, is one less than those
that would constitute a unit of the value of those in the
place next following ; so as that the addition of one shall
make the whole equal to one of those of the place follow-
ing, i. e. counting from right to left.
Were no recourse to be had to the expedient of express-
ing the numbers in each place by the same marks having
different values, the above restriction would not be neces-
sary ; whatever the proportion was of the capacity of the
places, nothing would be required but to go on to the
succeeding places after you had filled those that went
before.
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXIX
But, for the sake of the above contrivance, by which,
through the means of only a few marks, all possible num-
bers may be expressed in a manner to make them known
with perfect ease and precision, it is necessary, as was be-
fore said, that no more units should be contained in each
place than with the addition of one more will constitute a
unit of the place succeeding.
That a series, such as those above described such,
namely, as that the value of a unit increases according to
a stated proportion in each succeeding place ; and that the
number of units capable of being put in each place is one
less than the number expressing that proportion, is cap-
able of expressing all possible numbers, may be otherwise
shown, thus :
Since the value of the units in the assigned proportion,
by taking more and more terms or places, may be increased
without limitation, a place may always be found the unit
of which shall be greater than the number assigned, what-
ever that number may be. Find the place next below it
in which the unit shah 1 not be greater than the assigned
number, and calling this place A, deduct the unit of A from
the assigned number as often as it shall be contained in
it. The numbers of times of its being so contained cannot
be greater than nine, otherwise A would not be the high-
est place (or the first in descending) in which the unit was
not greater than the supposed number.
If it measures the proposed number, or is contained in
it a certain number of times exactly, nothing is necessary
but to set down the figure denoting that number of times,
which, by the observations just made, can always be done;
and the whole of the proposed number will be expressed
in the place A. If there be a remainder, that remainder
must be less than the unit in A, and an enquiry must be
again made in the places below A, for the first in which
XXX . MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
the unit shall not be greater than the number now remain-
ing : let that place be called B, which may be the next
below A, or not, as it may happen, and the same process
will be again to be repeated with a less number, and with
fewer remaining places ; that is to say, it must be consi-
dered how many times the unit B is contained in the
number now under consideration : the figure expressing
that number of times must be set down in the place B,
and an enquiry must be made what place next below will
contain a unit not greater than this new remainder.
As it is plain that the number of places to which these
successive enquiries relate is limited, and is continually
decreasing, if the operation does not previously stop, by
the occurrence of some remainder that is measured exactly
by the unit of a term or place preceding the last, you
must come, ultimately, to the last, or place of units ; that
is to say, you must have a remainder which is measured
only by units ; and by being less than the unit in the next
place above, or ten, must contain not more than nine
units, and which can, of consequence, be expressed in the
last place. This, therefore, being the only remaining part
of the proposed number, has been expressed, which is
what was required to be shown.
It is to be observed that, by an inadvertence, what is
here said has been accommodated only to the case of the
decuple notation, though capable of being easily trans-
ferred to any other.
Otherwise, as it is plain that this process can never stop
while there is a remainder, and while a term can be found,
the unity of which is not greater than that remainder, and
as such a term must always be found in the last term or
place of units, it follows that, if the process is not pre-
viously stopped by the completion of the work, and the
entire expressing of the number proposed, such comple-
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXXI
tion must take place when the only term, the unity of
which is not greater than the remainder, is the place of
unity itself. For the remainder, then, being less than ten,
or, in the case of any other proportion, less than the unity
of the last place but one, must be capable of being ex-
pressed in the last place ; which last place, by the prin-
ciple before described of the series, may contain any
number that is not equal to the unit of the last but one.
Thus we are led, equally, to the same conclusion, viz.
that in a series such as has been described, any proposed
number whatever may be expressed.
Before we proceed to apply the consideration of this
series to the explanation of the operations of arithmetic, it
may be well to make one or two general remarks ; the
first of which may be that, the form of the lines being
everywhere the same, that is to say, each term having
exactly the same relation to the term preceding it, the rela-
tion will be the same between all terms. Taking two and
two, which are equivalent, from each other ; for each rela-
tion will consist of an equal repetition of the relation sub-
sisting between contiguous terms, which we have just
observed is everywhere the same. Whatever the relation
is between one and ten, the same will be the relation be-
tween 1,000 and the term next above it ; that is, between
1,000 and 10,000. And, therefore, whatever relation
there is between one and the next term but one, that is,
between one and 100, the same will be between 1,000
and 100,000.
The lowest term, therefore, of any two, in whatever part
of the series taken, may always be considered as one ; and
is, in fact, one with respect to the terms above it. For
one is anything that we choose to consider, without refer-
ence to any quantity less than it ; and which is contained
in it a 'certain number of times. Thus, with respect to
XXX11 MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
10,000 or 100,000, 1,000 is one. Though, with respect
to a quantity contained in it a thousand times, it is a
thousand. In considering, therefore, the terms of a series
such as has been described, whenever I am looking only
to the relations which any term chosen has to those above
it, I may consider myself as at the beginning of the
series, and proceed just as I should if the term chosen
were actually the first. Thus, if the term which presents
itself in the course of an operation be the fifth from the
bottom, or that of which the units are each equal to
10,000, and that I am merely considering its relation to
any term or terms above it ; I have no occasion to consider
it otherwise than as one, and may throw out of iny mind
its character of 10,000, which it possesses only with re-
ference to the first of the series, or fifth term below it.
With these observations in mind, let us proceed now
to the consideration of the several rules of arithmetic,
describing the nature of each operation as it occurs.
The first and simplest is Addition ; the object of which
is, to express in a prescribed form of notation, viz. in that
which we have been considering, the number which results
from, adding together any two or more proposed numbers,
exhibited each in the same form of notation in which it
is required that the whole should be expressed.
The first step for this purpose is to arrange the series
in which these are severally expressed in such a manner
as that like parts may be under like ; that done, and begin-
ning with the column containing the lowest places, you
arrange in your mind the sum of the units there found,
according to the proposed method of notation; setting
down, as the result of your operations so far, whatever
figure may be found in that sum in the place of units. The
figure so set down, with the remainder of the sum, which
you carry in your mind, makes the whole of the first
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXX111
column ; and as the remainder, which you carry, contains
no place of a lower denomination than tens (for whatever
was found in the place of units has been set down), add
this remainder to whatever is contained in the second
column, which is, in fact, a column of tens, but which you
have no occasion to consider in performing the operation
otherwise than as a column of units ; that is (agreeably to
the observation made some time since), otherwise than
with relation to the columns that follow it to the left
hand, taking care only that the lowest figure (0, or other-
wise) of the number so collected, shah 1 be set down in the
place which will give it its proper value, that is, in the
second column. In this manner you will have got rid of
the second as well as the first column ; that is to say, the
figures set down with the remainder, which you are to
carry, will be the amount of these two columns, and,
being added to the remaining columns, will give the
amount of the whole.
The same process then recurs; you add the remainder,
if there has been one, to the third column, and set down
the amount, if it can be done, under the third column ;
otherwise, so much of it as can be set down, and add the
remainder when you take the sum of the fourth column,
If there is no remainder, you take the sum of the fourth
column by itself, and set down the whole, or as much of it
as can be ; that is, the last figure of it, if it has more than
one place, under the fourth ; and so on, for as many
columns as there are. Should the sum of the last column,
with or without any remainder that may have been
carried to it, amount to more than one place, the last
place is that which will correspond in denomination to the
last column ; and the others must, accordingly, be placed
below it.
In general, beginning with the lowest column, you take
b
XXXIV MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
the sum of each column, setting down, underneath, the
figure of the sum that is in the place of units. The
figure of the sum that remains, and comes next, if there
is any other figure, is a unit of the next column, to which
next column the whole remainder of this sum may be
added, considering it as a number, the lowest term of
which is of the same denomination with the second
column ; and the last figure of the sum resulting is, in
like manner as before, to be set down under the third
column. The process will be repeated for as many
columns as there are ; setting down, as before, the last
figure of the sum formed from the last column under the
last column, and any other figures of which that sum may
consist, in their proper order. As an example take the
one adjoining :
5
7
3
2
5
1
9
2
2
9
3
8
4
9
Q
9
2
1
8
1
7
2
6
1
9
2
1
9
7
2
2 5
3
9
Here, the amount of the first, or lowest column, is 19>
when thrown into the form of the established notation, of
which I set down 9 in the place of units, and carry the
remainder 10, which may be considered as one in the
place of tens, to the next column, which, with the one
so carried, produces 103, i.e. 103 tens. Setting down,
then, the 3 in the place of tens, I carry the 10 to the
MATHEMATICAL NOTES. XXXV
column of hundreds ; the amount of which is 15, which,
added to (the hundred tens remaining of the 103 tens, or)
the 10 hundreds remaining of the 10 hundreds and 3 tens,
makes 25 hundreds (2,500), and, together with the number
before set down, makes 2,539 : the sum of all the columns,
or of all the numbers, the sum of which was proposed to
be taken.
Subtraction is the rule for expressing the difference
between two numbers, or the number which arises by
taking the less from the greater. Here, the same condition
is to be observed of putting like parts under like, the num-
ber to be subtracted, and which is, of consequence, the
least number, being put underneath.
In this state, were all the parts of the upper number to
be subtracted, nothing w^ould be necessary but to subtract
these latter parts from those above them ; and the sum of
these remainders, each by the place it was put in having
its proper value, would be the remainder of the whole
taken from the whole.
The only difficulty arises from this, that while the num-
ber above is, upon the whole, greater than the number
below, some of its parts may not be greater than the
parts of the lower number corresponding to them. To
understand the mode of proceeding in this case it must be
recollected that one, in any place, is, by the very formation
of the series, greater than the whole collection of units
that can be disposed in all the places below it ; conse-
quently, that if one number is, upon the whole, greater
than another, it must be greater in the highest place ;
moreover, that one, in any place, is equal to the whole of
what can be contained in any number of places below it,
viz. to the result of nine, put in each of those places,
together with the unit of the last of those places.
Supposing, therefore, that in subtracting one number
b2
XXXVI MATHEMATICAL NOTES.
from another, I find that the subtracted, though necessarily
less upon the whole, is greater in that particular place
which I am about to subtract, than the upper number, I
borrow one from the next place above in the upper num-
ber, in which there is a significant figure, and conceive the
one so borrowed to be distributed between the place of
the upper number, from which the subtraction is to be
made ; and, in the intermediate places (if any there are) in
such a manner as to allot nine to each of the intermediate
places, and ten to the place in question, so as to dispose of
the whole (agreeably to the second remark made not long
since) of the one so borrowed. The ten so allotted to the
place in question, together with the number previously
belonging to it, if there was, in fact, any number, and
the place was not occupied by an 0, must be greater than
the number to be subtracted, which, from the nature of the
series as before set forth, can never be greater than nine ;
but as that number was, by the supposition, greater than
the number above it, in the place in question, when this
greater number is subtracted from the other, augmented
by ten, the remainder must be less than ten, and, of con-
sequence, may be set down in its proper place ; inasmuch
as any'number up to nine inclusive, i.e. any less than ten,
may be so set down.
MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS.
One does not understand how anger should enter the
mind, except through the medium of pain or opinion. A
certain degree of anger, however irrational, may thus arise
towards anything by which we are hurt : as a child will
show a desire of beating an object against which it has
struck its foot. But if no pain be felt nothing can be a
MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. XXXV11
just occasion of anger, but the conviction of certain
qualities and dispositions existing in the object of our
anger. No one, therefore, could naturally feel angry
against things not affecting him with uneasiness, and of
the nature of which he was entirely ignorant ; yet instances
of anger, so applied, every day occur ; and, in fact, all that
hostility by which classes of men are incited against each
other is, in the greater part of those who feel it, of that
sort. But the same is observed in men standing singly ;
and in these enmity is found to operate so capriciously
that one would suppose that people had the power of
creating to themselves objects of resentment out of any-
thing they thought proper, without the least natural
connection between the object and the passion. As some
sounds are naturally significant of the things which they
express, and others significant only by compact, so some
things may be said to be naturally objects of resentment,
and others to become so only by arbitrary association.
When such an association is once established men will
grow angry at the mention of particular subjects, as they
would grow hungry at the sound of a dinner-bell. On
some minds, even without such an association, particular
subjects seem formed to produce such effects : as, on the
minds of many Tories, the mention of Whiggism will
operate like the sight of anything red upon a turkey-
cock.
' God has made the intellectual world harmonious and
beautiful without us ; but it will never come into our
heads all at once ; we must bring it home piecemeal, and
there set it up by our own industry, &c.'*
It seems as if great knowledge of the system of things
* Locke, ' Conduct of the Understanding.'
XXXV111 MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS.
was never the effect of single views, or intuitive and
simultaneous perception. The portion that can be seen
at once is never sufficient to determine the general law.
The laws of nature, therefore, seem to be known to our
minds only as a curve is, by the assignment of its points ;
the assignment of which points, in nature, is a matter of
painful investigation and subtle invention, of nice and
difficult examination, and operose comparison of minute
particulars.
Every important discovery of the nature of things has
been the result of deduction following deductions, of which
the several parts have been performed by minds not com-
municating with one another, and of which no one has
seen more than the part immediately before him.
It appears sufficiently in the orations of Demosthenes to
what a horrid pitch the practice was carried, among the
Athenians, of applying torture, as a means of discovering
truth. It seems to have been the ordinary process when-
ever a slave was to be examined, and to have been applied
at the instance of either party. Of the dreadful cruelty
and injustice of such a practice nothing need be said ; the
wonder is, how a practice should have become so general
that seems founded in absolute absurdity. How is it that
suffering is connected with speaking truth ? Why must
those declarations be true that are made in moments of
extreme pain"? Pain and truth of declaration have cer-
tainly no physical and necessary connection, so as to make
it true of every being that, at a certain degree of pain, he
must speak truth. The connection between pain and truth
is established on no other principle than between pain and
any other act in the power of the person suffering, namely,
that which will subsist whenever the performance of the
MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. XXXIX
act can be made the condition on which the pain shall
cease. If, therefore, torture is inflicted in order to extort
confession of a truth, which would be known for such as
soon as confessed : as if, for example, a man were required
to discover where he had hidden his treasure, or such
other fact as carried its own proof along with it, whatever
other objections there might be to the use of such means,
they would, at least, answer their purpose. The condition
above stated may then be applied ; because the sufferer,
knowing that the truth, when declared, will produce a
cessation of torment, will be urged by his sufferings to
declare it. But why should a man under torture, either
greater or less, be inclined to speak truth rather than
falsehood, if he has no reason to suppose speaking truth
to be a readier way of putting an end to his pain ? The
operation of the torture must be to make him speak, not
that which is true, but that which he conceives most likely
to be taken for truth ; and, as in innumerable cases, those
two may be very different, it will, of consequence, happen,
in innumerable cases, that the application of torture will
produce the very reverse of what is intended.
In reading anything mathematical, particularly any
enunciation or definition, I think I have observed it to be
the best way to examine completely every step as you
advance, and not to endeavour at getting a general idea of
the whole previous to the consideration of parts. There
is danger in the last method of getting an erroneous idea
which may mislead you throughout.
One is seldom aware of the number of arrangements
that may be made upon a few words. Let the following
sentence be taken as an example :
xl MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS.
' One must consider, therefore, the knowledge of this
as most useful in all situations of life.'
The number of words here is sixteen ; but considering
those as one word only which must always be contiguous,
and in the same order with respect to one another, the
number will be reduced as follows: 'One must consider'
= 1 ' therefore ' = 1 ' the knowledge ' = 1, 'of this ' = 1,
' as most useful ' = 1, 'in ah! situations of life '=1, making
in all six ; upon which, therefore, the number of arrange-
ments will be 720. For the facility of reckoning these,
call them respectively by letters of the alphabet, and
perhaps there is not one of the 720 but might be suffered
without great violence to the construction.
It might be useful, as well as curious, to examine the
extent of the benefit which may be derived from ab-
breviations of expression in matters of reasoning. The
advantages of the language of infinitesimals in mathema-
tics, and of technical expressions in all arts, are instances
in point. Whoever attends to the work of ratiocination
will perceive of what advantage it is to the mind to express
its reasonings in least terms, and to review them in their
most succinct form. A great part of the operation of
reasoning is directed to no other purpose, and is no more
than a skilful abridgment.
DIARY
OP THE
RIGHT HON. WILLIAM WINDHAM.
1784.
January ~\.st. I had returned to town the night before
from Norwich, where I had been from the 19th ult. in
consequence of the expected dissolution of Parliament.
The Ministry had received the King's message on the
night preceding, that is to say, Thursday the 18th.
2nd. Came down a little after eight. Eesumed mathe-
matics about ten. Fisher* called, and continued with me
more than an hour.
12th. Great day in the House of Commons, viz. the
first day after the adjournment ; I stayed till the first
division, about half-past two, in which the Opposition
divided, 232 against 193. House did not break up till
past seven.f
19^. Came home to dress a little after six. Went
immediately after to see Dr. Johnson ; sat about an hour
and a half with him. Went after to the Club with Mr.
Kyland.J Spent the remainder of the evening alone with
* John Fisher, Bishop of Salisbury, 1809; died 1825.
t It was the debate on Mr. Fox's motion for resuming the ' Committee on
the State of the Nation/ immediately after the formation of Mr. Pitt's
administration. f
J John Ryland, Baptist minister, kept an academy, and officiated to a
B
2 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1784
him ; learnt some anecdotes of Dr. Johnson's life. Walked
home.
2~Lst. Spent some time at Kobson's, who had put out
a catalogue, and bought Boletus' ' Comment. Ling. Lat.'
vel. 5/. 5s. ; Themistius' ' Orations ' by Petavius, and
Theodor. in Libr. Laur. Valla. Did not get to the ice
till past two. About eight I set out for Dr. Johnson's,
who not being well enough to admit me, I called at
the Pay Office. Soon after came home, having just time
to write a letter to Norgate : the corporation of Norwich
have been voting an address to the King for the ap-
pointment of the new Ministers and the freedom of the
city to Mr. Pitt.
22nd. Did not rise tiU an hour after I ought. Got
to the ice between one and two ; pleasant skating. Called
on my way home on Lady Cornewall. Dined at Cole-
man's company, Mr. Elliot, Dr. Wharton, and Thorn:
Dr. King, Sir Joshua. Went afterwards to the Club
Dr. Brocklesby, Mr. Cook, Mr. Allen, Daines Barrington.
Went to Brookes's and supped Fox, Fitzpatrick, Hare,
Sheridan, and, late in the evening, Gr. Selwyn.
23rd. Skated in the morning. Went afterwards to
Legge's, and went afterwards to Brookes's, where I stayed
till the House of Commons broke up between two and
three in the morning. Called on Lord Palmerston rela-
tive to a borough mentioned to me the evening before
by Fox. Was in great health and spirits all day.
25/A. Dined alone. Between eight and nine drove
with Dr. Horsley* to see Johnson, on whom I had called
the day before, but with no better success than now, he
not being well enough either time to admit company.
Went home with Horsley ; sat with him till twelve.
27th. Went out, a matter of necessity, that I might
not be too late as usual, for some books that I had
congregation in Northampton : he was much esteemed by Dr. Johnson and
other eminent men.
* Dr. Samuel Horsley was Bishop of St. David's in 1789.
1784] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 3
marked in Payne and White's catalogue ; did my busi-
ness with the former ; but falling in with Sir Gilbert
Elliot, went with him to Fox's, and afterwards, by myself,
to the Duke of Portland's.
29^. Went in the evening to the pit with Mrs. Lukin.
Mrs. Siddons, I think, in 4 Mrs. Beverley.' The night of
Lady Buckingham's rout, I had gone out, if I recollect
right, early in the morning in order to see Miss Kemble,
and had breakfast with Sir Joshua Eeynolds.
31st. Went with Horsley to the Club : this was the
morning, 1 believe, of my going with Steevens to see
Eomney and Hamilton's picture of Mrs. Siddons. The
same was the time of Horsley's finding out the notes in
my Stanley's ' JEschylus,' while in Theobald's hand.
February ~Lst In the morning went to Mrs. Siddons
to settle about play in the evening ; the part, ' Isabella.'
Mrs. and Miss Keinble and I went together. This was the
day for moving the address in the House of Commons.
th. Steevens called just after breakfast; went with
him to Sir Joshua and Burke's, to settle engagement.
Went with D. Burke to Kensington Gardens to skate,
and stayed there with unusual satisfaction till near three,
when I was obliged to come away, having engaged to
dine with Steevens at Wood's, to go afterwards to the pit.
4 Measure for Measure.' After the play, went with Miss
Kemble to Mrs. Siddons' dressing-room: met Sheridan
there, with whom I sat in the waiting-room, and who
pressed me to sup at his house with Fox and G. North.
bth. Went to the Club: present, Horsley, Poore, Dr.
Brocklesby, Cook, Mr. Allen. Went afterwards to West-
minster meeting.
1th. Did not rise till past nine; from that time till
eleven, did little more than indulge in idle reveries about
balloons. About twelve, went out; called on Mrs. Siddons,
afterwards on Fox. Burke, Horsley, Sir Joshua Eeynolds,
to dine with me ; they went, except Horsley, before nine ;
B 2
4 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
and Mrs. Siddons and Miss Kemble came, &c. Have not
seen Dr. Johnson since 19th ult., i.e. to the present day
inclusive, nineteen days.
8th. From the commencement of this account, Janu-
ary 1, to the present day, February 8, a space of five
weeks and four days, it appears that, excepting one morn-
ing, viz. 2nd, and that for about an hour, not an attempt
made to resume mathematics ; no Latin written, little read ;
no Greek even looked into, no translation; no progress
made in any author ; nothing but a little odd information
collected, of history, physiology, and biography.
Debated whether I should go out ; at last resolved in
the affirmative, intending to call at Lord Townshend's,
and thence to proceed to Dr. Johnson. The determination
against my present liking, particularly in the first article ;
let this instance show the advantage of acting now and
then against the present impression. I called on Lord T. ;
let in ; stayed there till eleven o'clock, much pleased at
what I had done, and enjoying myself more than I had
done for a long while. In the latter part of the evening
the Spanish Ambassador, Signor del Campo, came in,
and, with his secretary accompanying him with his voice
and guitar, sang several Spanish airs. At eleven o'clock
I went away with Jack Lee,* and called at Sheridan's,
where there had been a meeting about some Westminster
business.
9th. My old practice, a practice at least established
since the year 1779, of rising as soon as I waked, I have
only discontinued since my leaving Tunbridge in Novem-
ber last ; nor had I for many months before that main-
tained it regularly. I have tried it this morning for the
first time for more than these two months, and the effect
I find in exciting a disposition to employment, as well as
furnishing the time and conferring the capacity, is quite
equal to what I have been accustomed to lay it at.
* Jack Lee, Solicitor-General in 1782 ; Attorney-General in 1783. He
was noted for his jokes and his honesty.
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM.
. Went about half-past five to the pit; sat by
Miss Kemble, Steevens, Mrs. Burke, and Miss Palmer.*
11$. Don't recollect what I did to-day.
12th. Went out pretty soon; called on Mrs. Siddons;
sat there a good while : pleasant. Steevens came in ; went
with him, and had a good deal of discourse about the
picture. Afterwards to the ice.
13$. Went out soon; called on Lady T. and Mrs.
Beresford about box ; proceeded to Drury Lane ; thence
to Dr. Fordyce to consult about balloon. Just able to
dress and dine for the play part, ' Mrs. Beverley ;' stayed
the farce also. Finished Baker's ' Keflections on Learn-
ing;' it should rather be called, I think, Baker's Reflec-
tion, for it seems to me to contain but one, and that a
very poor one.
14$. Day of Westminster meeting in the Hall; busi-
ness not over till two. Stayed in very earnest conversa-
tion with Mrs. Byngf till half-past five.
15$ Employed (with a slight interruption) in read-
ing the first vol. of Petavius, J with such other matter as
grew Out of that ; not dissatisfied with my morning.
Began this morning some historical collections not in-
tended to be preserved in the present copy, but to serve
as an experiment of a work of that sort that may here-
after be made more complete.
16$. Vandeput called. Argument with George ||
about the propriety of the law which discharges a bank-
rupt from his debt on the condition of his surrendering
his all.
* Niece to Sir Joshua Reynolds. Married to Lord Inchiquin.
t Daughter of Commodore Forest. Sister to Cecilia, afterwards Mrs.
Windham. Married to the Hon. John Byng.
| Rationarium Temporum.
Sir George Vandeput, who stood for Westminster, 1751.
|| George Lukin, his half-brother on the mother's side, afterwards Dean
of Wells. He married Miss Katharine Doughty, of Hanworth, who is fre-
quently referred to in this Diary, as Mrs. Lukin.
6 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. Cl784
During the hour or two that I was in my own room
while they were in Duke Street, went on with the sacred
history, and read the twenty-second chapter of Numbers in
the Greek containing the story of Balaam. Afterwards sat
down to the continuation of the account in ' Adversaria : '
' Mirari, aliquando, subiit,' &c. ; but could not satisfy my-
self about a sentence I was attempting ; at last went off
into a reverie about an air baUoon.
Yith. Did not get up till ten minutes past ten. The
first effect of what is here stated is, that I have two
hours less in the day, at least that my day begins two
hours later. Are there not also other losses ? Are not
the two hours which I should so gain, better than any
other? Would not every other hour be improved by
additional health and spirits ? And might not the ad-
vantage gained in the application of my time be more
than in proportion to the time added ? There is great
reason to think that all this difference would be found,
and if so, the conduct is very unwise that sacrifices the
hopes of such advantages, either from the pleasure of
continuing an hour or two in bed between sleeping and
waking, or from the uneasiness of shaking off sleep before
it has left me of its own accord. I will continue this con-
duct no longer, but to-morrow morning revert to the
practice of rising as soon as I wake. Dined at the Club ;
conversations about balloons, at which Sir Joseph Banks
chose to take offence, and exposed himself most com-
pletely. Went with Burke for a short time to Brookes's.
18^. Did not go out till I went with Mrs. Lukin to the
play, Mrs. S. in 'Belvidera;' met Steevens there by ap-
pointment. Mrs. S.'s performance very happy, and the
whole pleasant.
19^. Day remarkably fine. Went out early with in-
tention of skating, but, after calling in Leicester Fields for
the purpose of proposing to Mrs. Siddons to go, and pass-
ing a quarter of an hour with Sir Joshua, proceeded to
1784] DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 7
Grosvenor Square. A little before nine went to Sheri-
dan's, where stayed till near three. The first meeting of
the Club: present in the course of the evening, Lord
Fitzwilliam, Lord Fred. Cavendish, Lord Eobert Spencer,
Fitzpatrick, G. North, Tickell, Eichardson, Adam, and
General Burgoyne ; the six last only stayed.
20th. Called on the Duke of Portland; dined at home
between five and six. Evening spent by myself; have
gone on with Petavius; continued, though slowly, an
article in the 'Adversaria;' time employed in it about
two hours ; not in bed till near two.
21st Bose not till half-past nine. Steevens below, who
continued with me about an hour. Wrote to Sheridan,
as per list, urging him to apply in time to Coleman
about Miss Kemble. After reading for a little while
in Petavius, took up continuation of article in ' Adver-
saria,' and continued it with little intermission till four.
The time employed in continuation of article in * Adver-
saria ' has been about two hours.
It appears by a list that I have not wrote a letter since
the beginning of this month, at least, that is to say, three
weeks ; there are three or four that have been upon my
mind for at least that time, and by the neglect of which
great inconvenience may be sustained.
The continuation of the article in the 'Adversaria'
happened on the 16th. This might furnish an article
against the use of Latin, it being certain that this would
have been despatched in much less time in English, pro-
bably in a few hours, and that my return to mathematics
has been delayed on this account.
29th. About six in the evening left London in com-
pany with George and Mrs. Lukin. Experienced the feel-
ing not unusual to me upon those occasions of indecision
and want of preparation. Walked down, before I went,
towards St. James's, in order to learn the particulars of the
disturbance that had happened the night before between
8 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1784
the chairmen at Brookes's and Pitt's mob. Dined in my
way back with Tickell : during dinner a strong paroxysm
of mental malady.
March \st. On the journey we slept the first night at
Hockrill, the second at Thetford, not arriving at Norwich
till the third day ; when George and Mrs. Lukin proceeded
to Felbrigg, and I prepared for the celebrated meeting
at the Swan.
2bth. Went over to Norwich ; met the account of the
dissolution of Parliament.
April 5th. Day of the election.
~lAth. Day of the county election.
2,0th. Came to Felbrigg. In the morning had break-
fast with Dr. Parr, who lent me, to take in the chaise, a
treatise of Andronicus Ehodius, lisp} JQcWcoj/, as also one
of Pletho.*
29^. Set off for town in order to vote for Fox. Slept
at Barton Mills, having left Hanworth, whither I had gone
the preceding night between twelve and one. During my
stay, I have spent my time more satisfactorily I think,
upon the whole, than for the same time at any former
period, the causes of which are to be sought for in the
exertions of the month that has preceded. I have made
some progress and laboured not unprofitably in the ' Arith.
Univ.,' and have missed, or seemed to miss, no opportunity
of going on with Thu 8 . [Thuanus], yet I cannot find that
I have sat down to it more than once.
Of books taken up at odd times I have read some
sermons and other treatises, lent to me by Dr. Parr.
Among the rest Gibber's letter to Pope, and 'Eemem-
ber Sawney's Fate.' I am going on with the historical
volume of Petavius ; when I was here last I read through
Phasdrus.
May 2nd. Left town with Lord Derby, who was going
* George Gemistus, sumamed Pletho, Platonist phil. A.D. 1400.
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 9
to Newmarket. Arrived there about five, and passed the
evening by myself.
3rd. After seeing a greater part of the sport, went on
my way to Norwich and arrived at Cossey* about eleven
o'clock. The Prince and the Duke de Chartres were at
Newmarket. I dined at Barton Mills, and was in the
next room to Lord Orford.
4,th. On my way to London, viz. when I went up to
the Westminster election, read Petavius, very diligently.
On my return, after quitting Lord Derby, had no book,
and thought chiefly what I was to do at the Swan.
Left Felbrigg, with little prospect of returning for a
long while. Got to Norwich before nine o'clock ; sat
some time with Dr. Parr. Arrived in London, having
come by the diligence in time to be at Covent Garden
before the poll of that day was over.
14:th. Saw a tight battle at the corner of Eussell
Street.
15th. Eose early in order to attend the office in
Lichfield Street, on the part of Pat Carney, taken up on
the charge of being concerned in the riot when the con-
stable was killed. Breakfasted with Baker ; went thence
to Colonel North. Dined at three with Dr. Brocklesby ;
present, Dr. Johnson, Colonel Vallancey, William Smith
(Member for Sudbury), Deveynes (the apothecary), Bos-
well, Murphy, and somebody else. After dinner, took
Johnson an airing over Blackfriars Bridge, thence to
the Club ; present, Boswell, Murphy, Brocklesby, Berry,
Mr. Bowles, Hoole and his son, and a son of Dr. Burney ;
he that was expelled Cambridge.
May 18th. Parliament met.
June 23rd. Play at Aylsham, bespoke in my name.
Slept at Hanworth.
i. Arrived at Felbrigg. On my way down I read
* Cossey Hall, Norfolk, seat of the Jerningham family.
10 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
very diligently (except when I slept) in the article
' Cebes' Table,' which I had not read since my being at
Glasgow ; a volume of the ' Monthly Eeview ;' Petav.
Eat. ; and a good deal of Eousseau's ' Confessions.'
27th. Eose about eight. Walked before breakfast
near the house, taking with me Horace, and reading
and repeating an ode, ' Mercuri nam te.' Eeturned about
one from church, from three to four going on with me-
morandums, and working a logarithm or two.
July 3rd. Doughtys* supped with me, the whole party
having taken before a pleasant ride by the Beacon, and
through Aylmerton Field. The country beautiful, the ap-
pearance of the company gay.
th. Left Felbrigg. All the way in the chaise I read
very earnestly Petav. Eat. vol. i. Dined at Fakenham,
drank tea at Swaffham, and slept at Brandon, where I
did not arrive till past eleven. The last stage very
pleasant ; the moon shone, the country looked wild, and
the slow progress of the chaise gave me an opportunity
often to walk.
My stay at Felbrigg was very satisfactory ; I made con-
siderable progress in mathematics, and felt that if I could
have stayed, I should have made more. At the first,
from an opinion of my strength, I indulged myself more
than was prudent in the thoughts of the place, and quickly
found reason to repent of the indulgence. Let this be a
caution against next time. Suppose I come now to the
* The Doughtys of Hanworth were unquestionably one of the oldest
families of country gentlemen in England at the time of the Conquest. They
were jjwners of the manor and demesne of Hanworth, and continued in un-
broken succession till the year 1819. The records of this family, which in
consequence of their connexion with the Royal Manor were very perfect,
were formerly kept in the great chest in the church of Hanworth ; but in
the sixteenth century they were taken away by the Earl of Northampton,
and have never since been found.
The old mansion was burnt down in the reign of Henry VIH. The
present house was built in the end of the seventeenth century. They inter-
married with the SvUdn, or Boleyn.
1784] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 11
resolution, that, for the first week after my next return to
Felbrigg, the thoughts of the place, while I remain with-
in the house, shall not, if possible, be admitted into my
mind.
bth. When I came, the House of Commons was just
up. But the Hatters' business, which I came to attend,
viz. an application from them to prohibit the exportation
of rabbits' wool, had been compromised.
July 12th. Having been ill in the night from some
accident that caused a sickness in my stomach, did not
get up till past ten. After breakfast, Mr. Steevens came ;
sat with me till half-past one. I believe, my mind clear,
and his visit pleasant. After he went, a long conversa-
tion with the man upon the Hat tax, in which I expe-
rienced the same clearness of faculties noted above. At
nine, went to Coleman's to be present at Miss Kemble's
first appearance in the 'Guardian;' after the play went to
Bolt Court to leave my compliments with Johnson, and
wish him a good journey. I am sorry to find that he
continues far from well.
IQth. Bead Pitt's India Bill. Eoyds called. Feel very
strong and distressing. Great feeling of weakness while
I was reading the Bill; also during my conversation with
Koyds. Went down to the House; third reading of the
India Bill. Went out during the debate, and rode a
good deal. Wrote articles 14th, 15th, and 16th.
17 'th. Called in at Beckett's to settle a party going
to Putney, where Mr. Canning* was to give the Club
supper. Agreed with Eichardson and Sir James Erskine
to meet in the Park at half-past eight, and to go by
water. After some debate took a boat, though the tide
was against us ; near half-past nine when we set off, half-
past eleven when we arrived ; passage not unpleasant.
Found at Canning's only Sheridan and Mrs. Sheridan.
* Father of the present Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe.
12 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
Carried in Sheridan's coach into Fulham town, thence I
walked to Legge's, and was in bed about four.
18^. Have foolishly suffered the morning to pass,
with little or nothing done, though I had brought down
materials for employment in 'Adversaria' and 'Arith. Univ.'
19^. Note to Miss Kemble ; read article in ' Lex.
Mercatoria.' The fortnight that has elapsed since my
return to town, * July 5th,' is certainly a proof that the
progress made in study of any kind is much slower here
than in the country. During the latter part of my stay
in Felbrigg, more was done every day in mathematics
than in the whole time since I left it ; in fact, excepting
a few hours one evening, that, namely, in which I supped
afterwards with Shore at the Thatched House, I don't
know that anything has been done. In the same period
spent at Felbrigg, considering the rate at which I was
going on, there can be no doubt that the advance-
ment would have been very considerable ; yet I cannot
charge myself with mismanagement or neglect, with
having missed many opportunities of being at home, or
misapplying those which I had.
20th. The greater part of the time, till now, one
o'clock, spent in foolish reveries about balloons. Went
early to the House of Commons, to attend a business of
Lord Milton's.
2~Lst. Eose a little before eight with the intention
of going out before breakfast and doing my business
at the Custom House. Bad morning. Stayed at home
with very little interruption till four. Employed almost
the whole time in mathematics ; application pretty close
but not very satisfactory.
22nd. Too late for going, as I intended, to the Custom
House. Thought I felt a want of air and motion, and
walked out first to Sir Sidney Meade, where I found only
a servant of the Sardinian Ambassador exercising a
horse. Thence to Fozard.
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 13
2 3rd. Called at Lord Northington's ; walked with
Courtenay, afterwards, without going home, to the House
of Commons, and about seven came out, and taking a
boat, rowed about for nearly an hour. Went to Mul-
grave's : present, Lord Longford, Charles and Augustus
Phipps ; walked home part of the way with Lord
Longford.
24:th. Kent called while I was at breakfast; imme-
diately afterwards set out for the Custom House ; took
boat at Whitehall ; walked home from the Custom House,
endeavouring all the way to fix my thoughts on some-
thing, and utterly unable to accomplish my purpose.
25^. In the morning began by putting up and taking
account of my books that I had got from the Custom
House ; sat down by way of repose to open the leaves,
and read a little in a new publication, pretending to be
the ' Memoirs of Voltaire.' After that lounged a little over
Barry's pamphlet that he has just sent me. I had but
little time then to take mathematics before dinner came.
After dinner finished Dodington.* On this occasion one
or two remarks are to be made ; the day being observ-
able for being passed wholly in the house, is an argument
that such instances are not frequent. Being passed in
the manner above described, yet not very ill passed, it
shows how very unprofitably one's time is in general
disposed of.
27th. Dined with Lord Palmerstonrf present, Lord
Northington, Sheridan, Sir Ealph and Lady Payne, and
Lord North.
28th. Was to have dined with Lord North ; went to
the House of Commons ; did not come home till half-past
twelve. Burke spoke much about India matters ; J it was
* Dodington's Diary.
t Henry Temple, second Viscount Palmerston, born 1739, died 1802.
J The debate on the third reading of Mr. Pitt's India Bill. Mr. Burke
rose at 11 P.M., and spoke with great vehemence against the Bill. In this
14 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
upon this occasion that he made the happy comparison
between the delinquents in India and the malefactors in
Newgate ; a good deal of feel, if I recollect.
August 1st. Went to Tickell's at Hampton to dinner,
drove down in my phaeton ; pleasant day with him and
his wife ; particularly enjoyed the situation. Returned in
the evening to Legge's, at Fulham, calling in the way at
Mr. Canning's, where was Sheridan.
2nd. Instead of attending the House, went to see the
wager rowed on the Thames. After passing some time
at home, in preparation for my journey, resolved to defer
it a day longer.
6th. At Cossey, and engaged in Norwich ; dined
very pleasantly at the Bishop's.* Sir William Jerning-
ham, Sir Thomas and Lady Beauchamp, Lady Lough-
borough, present. After dinner Nichols took me, with
Mr. Gooch the chaplain, into his room, which was
calculated to inspire the most delightful ideas of mon-
astic life.
Qth. Upon getting to Hanworth, found Mr. Bulwer's
family there, and dinner over. Nearly bedtime before I
got home.
\\th. At home all the morning till I went to Han-
worth to dinner. In great spirits before I set out, in
consequence of being satisfied with my morning's work ;
but before I got to Hanworth found myself sick, and,
before dinner was over, was obliged to go out.
14^/i. Eode out early, taking a round through Ayl-
merton Field. Employed in the translation of a Greek
epigram ; remained at home till about seven.
IQth. Eode before breakfast with Mrs. Lukin. After
Doughtys went away, George and I played three games
speech he broke out into the famous apostrophe, beginning with ' Forgive
me, O Newgate ! if I have thus dishonoured your inhabitants by an odious
comparison.' The Bill was read a third time, and passed.
* Lewis Bagot, Bishop of Norwich, 1783 to 1789.
1784] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 15
of draughts, out of which he beat me two ; after which
I read till bedtime Cardinal Bentivoglio's ' Memoirs.'
18th. Much debate, both this morning and over night,
about the method to be pursued relative to my leaving
the country. Soon after I got up, Kent came, which was
a new circumstance to complicate the deliberation. I
accordingly set out on horseback, leaving my horse after-
wards at Aylsham, and proceeded from thence in a
chaise ; in my way met Lady Buckingham, with whom I
had a good deal of conversation. Got to Norwich about
dinner, and called upon the Bishop, who would not ask
me to dinner ; dined at Taylor's ;* drank tea, and passed
two hours with Parr. Taking my horse again at Ayls-
ham, arrived at Hanworth by supper, and got home by
eleven.
Sufficiently satisfied with the employment of my time
during my stay at Felbrigg. I had brought with me from
Ipswich a problem taken from the 'Ladies' Magazine,'
which I had met with there ; this I set myself to solve,
and completed during my stay (vide ' Adversaria '). Now
for the material fact, that this is perhaps the only Latin
verse I made or attempted to make, since the verses
wrote the first year after my leaving Eton (that is to
say, seventeen years ago), sent to George from Scotland.
After such an instance of neglected talent, can I wonder
at any deficiency of power or acquirements, or can I
be surprised, as I have sometimes been inclined to sup-
pose, I should be incapable of doing what it now ap-
pears I have not attempted for seventeen years. The
fact, however, was this I did not find myself at all
incapable, but executed what I undertook with a degree
of facility that I had no right to expect ; let this be a
reason to inquire at least whether I shall not find that
half the things of which I supposed myself incapable, I
have never attempted.
* A zealous Whig, and a cordial supporter of Mr. Windham.
16 DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
Other employment during my stay at Felbrigg was, I
think, going on with Petav. vol. i. Much satisfaction in
reading Cardinal Bentivoglio's c Memoirs ; ' Lucan also
gone on with.
Part of the time applied to the solution of the problem
was rather unprofitably spent ; and, in general, I am of
opinion that the endeavour to make out solutions, unless
very vigorously pursued, is the least advantageous part
of mathematical study ; without great care, it quickly
degenerates into musing. My object is to preserve in my
mind, as much as possible, a continued series of connected
thoughts, which cannot easily be done where the next
idea proper to follow, or the idea sought, cannot from
the nature of endeavour always be found. The mind is
then very apt either to pause in perfect suspense or to
fly off to extraneous matter.
19th. Left Felbrigg; went in the phaeton; from
thence to Holkham, with Doughty in his carriage.
20^. In the morning we all rode about on horse-
back ; the place finer than I expected ; nothing more just,
in my opinion, than Coke's ideas of laying it out. Coke
accompanied me after dinner in his chaise to Lynn.
21st Walked about the town all the morning with
Eishton ; first time of my ever having been there ; much
disappointed at the want of all those appearances which
usually characterise a trading town.
22nd. Left Wisbeach immediately after breakfast;
arrived at Peterborough in time to see the cathedral
before dinner.
23rd. Eose early, and debated long whether I should
breakfast before or after seeing Burleigh ; my determina-
tion right at last, that I would breakfast first. Spent full
two hours there very satisfactorily. Late before I got to
Leicester ; overturned by the way.
30#/i. Arrived, after seeing Lord Vernon's house by
the way, in good time at Ashbourne.
1784] DIAEY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 17
Johnsonian Memorandum of Conversation.
The credit due to the first translators of Greek authors.
The principal of all amusements is to beguile time,
and fill the interval between active thought and per-
fect vacuity.
Grasvius and Benedictus give the palm to Sir Thomas
More,* among all the translators of Lucian.
The three whom Scaliger declares himself to envy,
Politian, Picus Mirandula, &c.
The source of everything in or out of nature that can
serve the purpose of poetry to be found in Homer ; every
species of distress, every modification of heroic character,
battles, storms, ghosts, incantations, &c. Dr. J. said he
had never read through the ' Odyssey' completely in the
original.
Anecdote of his first declamation at college ; that hav-
ing neglected to write it till the morning of his being to
repeat it, and having only one copy, he got part of it by
heart while he was walking into the hah 1 , and the rest he
supplied as well as he could extempore.
Description of himself as very idle, and neglectful of his
studies.
His opinion, that I could not name above five of my
college acquaintances who read Latin with sufficient ease
to make it pleasurable ; the difficulty of the language
overpowers the desire to read the author; that he read
Latin with as much ease when he went to college as at
present. Attention to the language overpowers the re-
gard to the matter ; rather not know the contents than
o
dig them out of Latin.
That a year or two elapsed between his quitting school
and going to college.
* Sir T. More appears to have appended some translations from Lucian to
his ' Utopia.' Ed. Basil, 1563, 8vo.; Oxon. 1663, 8vo.
C
DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
His opinion of that fact of Sir Thomas Hearne, that he
had never been in London.
Eecommended the reading the ' Fasti ' of Ovid ; also,
Watton and Wood on Homer.
Commended Ovid's description of the death of Hercules.
Doubted whether Virgil would not have loaded the de-
scription with too many fine words, that Virgil would
sometimes ' dare verba.'
Opinion that there were three ways in which writ-
ings may be unnatural : by being bombastic and above
nature, affected and beside it, fringing every event with
ornaments which nature did not afford, or weak and
below nature ; that neither of the first would please
long; that the third might indeed please a good while,
or at least many, because imbecility, and consequently a
love of imbecility, might be found in many.
Barretti had told him of some Italian author who said,
that a good work must be that with which the vulgar
were pleased, and of which the learned could tell why it
pleased ; that it must be able to employ the learned and
detain the idle.
i Chevy Chase ' pleased the vulgar, but did not satisfy
the learned ; it did not fill a mind capable of thinking
strongly.
The merit of Shakespeare was such as the ignorant
could take in, and the learned add nothing to it.
' Stat magni nominis umbra,' would construe as ' Umbra
quse est magni nom. h. e. celebrata.'
T5p7ro[j.sv6s T? VOQV o TrXe/ova eJSo> the offer of the
Syren to Ulysses. Any man will preserve his respect
who can promise this to another ; applied to a college
tutor.
Opinion of Howe's translation of Lucan, that it would
have been improved if Eowe had had a couple of years
to render it less paraphrastical.
Quintilian says of Lucan that he is
1784] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 19
'Declamatoribus potius quam poetis annumerandus.'
'AirsXavov fj,sv <s oiKelaw, rjpeXovv 8' o>p dhXorpuav.
Approved turn-out of Isocrates,* of whom he was dis-
posed to speak favourably.
Vast change of the Latin language from the time of
Lucretius to Virgil ; greater than known in any other
even the French.
Suspicion that the old grammarians have given us, from
an analogy, more modifications of tenses than were ever
used. Kernember but one instance of second future, viz.
euftt> in Josephus ; and three of the optative, if I recol-
lect ; of the preterite and middle, one of them in Hesiod.
The first female warrior, the Camilla of Virgil, the
story of Dido in Ovid's 'Easti,' also Mezentius; Virgil's
invention, therefore, less than supposed. Take from him
what is in Homer, what do you leave him ?
Conjecture of the passage in Lucan, ' Q,uis justior
induis se,' that it should be read with an interrogation to
avoid the indicative after ' quid.' In like manner the
conjunctive, a very slippery mood, use doubtful after
' seu ' and ' sive,' ' Seu per incertos ' and ' sive tu mavis
sive sub incertas zephyris motantibus,' &c.
Great advantage of a University, that a person lives
in a place where his reputation depends on his learn-
ing. Argument about that feel, that persons on great
heights suppose themselves to have, of a wish to throw
themselves down.
Boethius was translated by Alfred, two of whose trans-
lations are extant and in print, by Thorn. Aquinas, and
by Chaucer. Chaucer translates the poetical parts into
prose. Boethius the classic of the barbarous ages.
The idea of Delitescence, one of those that please the
mind in a hilly country. Torpescence, much of the
faculties of mankind lost in them.
* Isocr. Panegyr., p. 56 A. ed. H. Stephens
c 2
20 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
' Qui stupet in statuis,' applied to Jos. Warton's admi-
ration of fine passages ; his taste is amusement.
The pretensions of the English to the reputation of
writing Latin, founded not so much on the specimens in
that way which they have produced, as on the quality of
talent diffused through the country.
Erasmus appears to be totally ignorant of science and
natural knowledge.
But one Italian writer is mentioned in Erasmus.*
Opinion about the effect of turnpike roads. Every
place communicating with every other. Before these
were cheap places, and dear places. Now all refuges
destroyed for elegant or genteel poverty. Want of such
a last hope to support men in their struggle through
life, however seldom it might be resorted to. Disunion
of families by furnishing a market to each man's abilities,
and destroying the dependence of one man on another.
September 1st Left Ashbourne at half-past one, having
gone with Dr. Johnson in the morning to prayers, but
regretted upon reflection that I had not stayed another
day. At Sudbury I suffered myself after dinner to go
to sleep, I was then too late for Lichfield ; so that the
question lay chiefly between staying there for the night
and going to Walton. On this I did not decide, till
the sight of a guide to take me across the forest, but
before I had gone far the difficulties of the way and the
uncertainty of his information made me again hesitate,
till at last, after a long delay and walking about the end
of the forest, I decided upon returning to Yoxall.
3rc?. Eose at six ; morning delicious, and country
not unpleasant.
Arrived at Birmingham, walked about the town, wrote
great part of a long letter to Mrs. Siddons, went to the
* Probably Laurentius Valla, whose work on Latin grammarwas 'honoured
with a paraphrase by Erasmus/ says Hallam, Literature of Europe, part I.
ch. iii.: whence Johnson conjectures that he did not understand Italian.
1784] DIAEY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 21
play, ' Much Ado About Nothing ;' ' Benedick' by Yates.
Amazingly satisfied with my day.
4ith. Had some conversation, before I set out, with
Lord and Lady Lucan, who had slept in the same inn, on
their way from Ireland. After dinner, pleasant drive to
Chapel House, reminding me much of my drive through
the same country in the year '79.
bth. Breakfasted at Woodstock, stayed till King* came
home and settled to go with him next day to Burke's.
Got to Oxford in time to have some dinner prepared for
me in college. After writing a letter to Miss Loveday,
went to All Souls', where were the Warden, Finch, Van-
sittart, Sir Joseph Banks, Jenkinson and Topham. Drank
tea with the Warden. Went with Finch to Horsman's
in search of Price.
1th. Rode in the morning to Clifden. Should have
enjoyed the scene, but for the heat. Lord Inchiquin
returned with us to dinner.
9^A. Translation of Thuanus. The design of this was
first conceived, if I do not mistake, in the early part of
the year 1783, when I was at Felbrigg ; but, after about
ten days, no more was completed than the first paragraph,
with which at last I was so little satisfied as afterwards
to cancel it. Still, however, I found even by that imperfect
trial, that it would answer very well to my expectations.
The work was then not resumed till my being at this
place, Oxford, after my leaving Ireland,^ at which time
I brought down the book from London, bespoke a quan-
tity of paper of a particular size, and planned a course of
proceeding for the execution of it.
During the time of my being last at Felbrigg, as at
every other time and place where I have had a prospect
* King (Richard), M.A., Oxon, 1774, polemical divine, author of Abra-
Jutm Ply why's Letters.
t Mr. Windham resigned the office of Chief Secretary for Ireknd in
August, 1783.
22 DIARY OF THE BIGHT HOtf. W. \VINDHAM. [1784
of leisure, I have purposed to go on with this under-
taking, but have as uniformly suffered it to be deferred
from day to day, till the opportunity was past. If the
work ever is to be executed, it must be now. The period
is arrived of all others the most calculated and destined
in my mind for the purpose, nor is there a single circum-
stance attending it that can furnish me with a pretence
for dispensing with my resolution.
10th, llth, 12th. At Oxford, usefully and diligently
employed : on the last of the above days, being Sunday,
dined at Nunehaui : present, Mr. Whitehead, Mrs. Macart-
nay, Lady Mary Fordyce.
13th. Left Oxford about twelve for London. Day
excessively hot ; notwithstanding which, kept myself weh 1
employed, so as to complete the demonstration which
I had left off over night of the 6th Proposition of the
4 Arithmetical
Got out of the phaeton at the top of the hill near
Burke's and walked down, and found them all going
to London the next day on the same errand as myself,
viz. to see Lunardi ascend. Very pleasant during the
evening.
14th. Went up in Burke's carriage. Much talk.
Dined at his house, and sat till I went to Dr. Fordyce.
London appeared as if I had been long absent, though
the time was only from August 4th, viz. six weeks.
15th. Lunardi ascended. Dined at Sir Joshua Rey-
nolds's, with Burke, Lord Inchiquin, Dr. Burney, &c.
16th. Dined unexpectedly at Burke's. Uncomfortable
rather from want of decision of arrangement. Had long
conversation with Fox in the street.
Ylth. Breakfasted at Burke's. Met a curious man, a
Mr. Foster, who had come through the back part of
Persia. In great spirits and power all the morning.
Employed myself in looking into Calmet's ' History of
the Bible,' and getting some lines out of Oppian cited in
1784] DIAKY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 23
Stackhouse's work, which apply very well on the present
subject of balloons.*
18th. Walked to Canning's in hopes of meeting Sheri-
dan. From the uncertainty of their coming, viz. he and
Tickell, took a boat and proceeded to town.
In the 'Life of ^Esop' by Planudes, mentioned in some
of the preceding articles, and read during my tour, the
number of words of which the meaning was unknown to
me was forty-two.
2Qth. Came to town in the morning, I think, by water;
with the waterman, whose phraseology I noticed as a
specimen of natural eloquence.
21st. Resumed doctrine of chances after an interval
of two years. It was about two months before that
period that, being at Carshalton, I had occasion to reflect
on the great benefit and pleasure I had derived from that
enquiry, and to form new resolutions for the diligent
prosecution of it. On my leaving Oxford at the end of
October, '82, I quitted the pursuit, just at the moment
when I had the greatest encouragement to persist in it.
23rd. Fulham. Driven by shower into grocer's shop,
and amused by the wit of gardeners. Set off on foot to
town, but taken up by Lord Spencer. Called on Mrs.
Siddons, her mother, and Miss E. Kemble there.
27th. Eose early and walked to town with Horsley.
Usual effect of a walk before breakfast, viz. great alertness
oit yap ri 7re\i KaOvnspTfpoi' dvfpHiii'
offiojif fitv car opfiT^i rjv aTptnrov t\oi'raf
Cf}pa<; vntp(f>icr\ovQ /3/uoTOf iffflttrtv, oatra ff <pi<\a
olwvdiv vtqit\riai icai f)ipi Sivtvovrn
ti\i \aftaiq\6v Trtp tx^i' f?/ja<; ' ov v tadwatv
ClllTOl' f;l'f//Ol TTTfOI'ftoV f>6 Of, OvSl XfOITfl
pvnar' aynvopey Sp.T]9r]filvai' d\\d Kai 'ivtidv
fef/pa KtXaij'Oppii/of, VTtipfiiov a^Oug, civcty/cy
K\1vav virrpppivavric, VTTO JfeyXijffi c' tOijKav
ovprjdiv rnXaspyoi' i%itv -novov f\KVTTijpa.
OPPIAN, Halieutica, v. 10-20.
24 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHA.M. [1784
of spirits. The balloon being again deferred, called on
his brother. Afterwards to see Blanchard's balloon.
Met Burke and D. Burke ; walked with them to Pantheon
to see Lunardi's.
Employed in transcribing notes from ' Loci Plani.'
29th. About nine came to Brookes's, where I heard
that the balloon had been burnt about four o'clock.
Stayed talking on public matters with the Duke of Port-
land till eleven. Home, settling argument on the prin-
ciple of chances.
October 2nd. Eowed up the river as far as the lock,
the longest row I ever took. Eeflection on the folly of
supposing oneself incapable of that which one has never
properly attempted.
Mr. Windham to Mrs. Siddons.
Oxford : October 10, 1784.
I sincerely congratulate you on the victory obtained over
malice and brutality the first night of your appearance. From
Mr. Lawrence, a friend of Sheridan's, who was present upon the
occasion, and who is just come down here, I have received the
whole account. Nothing has pleased me more than the style
of your address, which completely removed any regret for the
necessity of delivering it. It spoke the only language proper
for the occasion the language of innocence, disclaiming favour,
and calling only for justice against calumny and outrage. I
regret that I was not in the house at the time. You will now
resolve, I hope, that the matter shall end, and that nothing shall
provoke you to further explanation.
Yours most, &c.,
W. W.
Oxford, October \Qth. For the first time almost since
my being interrupted by my mother fourteen months
ago, tried an instance of multiplication in my head : the
problem required a sum of 4 places into 1 of 3. I exe-
cuted it without mistake in little less than ten minutes,
In comparing this with former attempts of the same kind,
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 25
I think I should say that I was improved in continuity of
attention, as the time of performance rather shows ; but
not in strength of conception or retention. The numbers,
if I recoUect, were 8,352 into 437 ; the product 3,649,824.*
18th. At Burke's read in Keil the explication of those
phenomena which give to the two tropics the names of
Cancer and Capricorn : ignorant as a person was likely to
appear from a want of this knowledge, and easy as it was
to acquire it, I had been content to remain without it till that
day. The fact gave occasion for me to reflect on the folly
of that practice which refused information on every subject
till I could sit down to study it professedly. Most of the
knowledge necessary to save a man from the appearance
of gross ignorance may be collected without hindrance to
any other pursuit, and almost without effort, by the mere
use of those opportunities which chance is every day
throwing in his way. In fact, that knowledge which it is
disgraceful not to have, must from the very condition of
it be easily got. How foolish, then, to neglect, much
more to decline, such knowledge! yet such has been
my practice all my life. In fact, I seem to have treated
knowledge like commodities subjected to a duty, which
can only be permitted to land at certain places regularly
appointed. Thus my information goes no further than
my studies, and all that knowledge which is floating in the
world, and which to a mind properly prepared affords
its chief nourishment, has been wholly lost to me ; kept
off by negligence on the one hand, and a perverse fancy on
the other ; and leaving me, like some exotic in a green-
house, to the precarious and imperfect supply of art.
27th. In the evening, Fisher being expected, removed
into the rooms which I had inhabited during my resi-
dence in the university, and to which I now return after
an interval of thirteen years. Oh ! that the intermediate
* Correctly done by me in six minutes, llth Oct. 1825 ; not having looked
at the product. T. AMYOT.
26 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1784
time had been employed in the way in which it now
appears to me that the perseverance of a month would
always have enabled me to employ it. There is not a
period of my past life that would not have been improved
beyond all proportion by the very means that were neces-
sary to secure happiness in future. How strange, then,
the infatuation that could neglect such means ! Other men,
if they have been idle, have been happy ; others, if they
have sacrificed the hopes of future good, have sacrificed
them to present enjoyment. To what have I sacrificed
them?
29th. Breakfasted with Chief Baron Yelverton ; em-
ployed all the morning in going over the University
with him. Sat with Burgess,* Crofts, and Schomberg
till half-past twelve.
November bth. I refused to-day an invitation to dinner
at the Warden of All Souls', where I should have met a
pleasant party, on the principle of not sparing time. My
resolution over night was to devote this morning to the
removal of that load of neglect which has been upon
my mind, in the whole or in part, I may say, for many
months. Only three hours now remain to dinner, one
of which I cannot weU forbear to spend at the Fencing
School. If I could only have prevailed upon myself to
begin the work at the time I had proposed, I should
have been prepared probably for any vigorous exertion,
and it would have qualified me for the full enjoyment of
the literary conversation that was to succeed. How
different is the state of each period as it actually hap-
pened ! how useless ! how unproductive ! how joyless !
how unsatisfactory !
8th. Set off for Sir George Cornewall's.
21st. Went with Burgess to Caversham.
Fulham, 28th. Soon after I had done breakfast, a stop
* Thomas Burgess, became Bishop of St. David's in 1803, and remained
there till 1825, when he was translated to Salisbury.
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 27
was put to any further business, by a message from
Burke, which obliged me to go out : from him I went to
call on Dr. Johnson.
2$th. This morning rose early, disposed to be dili-
gent, but interrupted between ten and eleven by Lord
Spencer : by him and consequent business, relative to bal-
loons, together with a visit to Phipps, employed till past
four o'clock. Evening passed in a way in which I find
few examples in the whole history of my London life. I
have sat the whole time at home, and I have employed
myself in the same way as at Oxford or Felbrigg. What
upon earth has prevented my doing the same thing every
second or third night, or for ten nights together ?
3Qth. Proposed to execute the work so shamefully
delayed, and so indispensably necessary, of copying the
paper which ought to have been sent to Sir John Stuart*
two months ago. Found a pretence for employing my-
self for the time in something else, and accordingly took
up Euclid. In consequence of something there, thought
I would look (for almost the first time after about eighteen
years' intention) into Locke, whose opinions I consulted
on the subject of infinity. The reading this chapter
(which I must finish to-morrow) is quite an epoch in my
literary history.
Before this proceeded far Lord Spencer came in, and
we soon after proceeded to the balloon, which, after seve-
ral hours' waiting, we saw from the top of Lord Derby's
house. A little before it went up we were joined by
Burke. Instead of attending the House, went to see the
wager rowed for on the Thames.
December bth. Upon recollection, that when mention
has accidentally been made of Thucydides, I have often
found myself at a loss for want of sufficient acquaintance
with the style and nature of his work to give any opinion
* General the Hon ble Sir John Stuart.
28 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [174
upon it ; and also that for some months back, viz. since
my reading the ' Life of JEsop' by Planudes, in August, I
have not read a passage . in any Greek author, I deter-
mined to sit down to Thucydides for a couple of hours,
in which time as much may be collected as to supply the
deficiency above stated.
Tuesday, 7^.-^-Ten minutes past two, P.M. After wait-
ing some short time in the adjoining room, I was admitted
to Dr. Johnson in his bedchamber, where, after placing
me next him on the chair, he sitting in his usual place
on the east side of the room (and I on his right hand),
he put into my hands two small volumes (an edition of
the New Testament), as he afterwards told me, saying,
' Extremum hoc munus morientis habeto' He then pro-
ceeded to observe that I was entering upon a life which
would lead me deeply into all the business of the world ;
that he did not condemn civil employment, but that it
was a state of great danger ; and that he had therefore
one piece of advice earnestly to impress upon me that I
would set apart every seventh day for the care, of my
soul ; that one day, the seventh, should be employed in
repenting what was amiss in the six preceding, and for
fortifying my virtue for the six to come ; that such a
portion of time was surely little enough for the medita-
tion of eternity. He then told me that he had a request
to make to me, namely, that I would allow his servant
Frank to look up to me as his friend, adviser, and pro-
tector in all difficulties which his own weakness and im-
prudence, or the force or fraud of others, might bring
him into. He said that he had left him what he con-
sidered an ample provision, viz. 70/. per annum ; but
that even that sum might not place him above the want
of a protector, and to me therefore he recommended him,
as to one who had will, and power, and activity to pro-
tect him. Having obtained my assent to this, he proposed
that Frank should be called in, and desiring me to take
1784] DIAKY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 29
him by the hand in token of the promise, repeated be-
fore him the recommendation he had just made of him,
and the promise I had given to attend to it. I then took
occasion to say how much I felt, what I had long foreseen
that I should feel, regret at having spent so little of my
life in his company. I stated this as an instance where
resolutions are deferred till the occasions are past. For
some time past I had determined that such an occasion
of self-reproach should no longer subsist, arid had built
upon the hope of passing in his society the chief part of
my time, at the moment when it was to be apprehended
we were about to lose him for ever ! I had no difficulty
of speaking to him thus of my apprehensions ; I could
not help, on the other hand, entertaining hopes ; but with
these I did not like to trouble him, lest he should conceive
that I thought it necessary to natter him. He answered
hastily that he was sure I would not ; and proceeded to
make a compliment to the manliness of my mind, which,
whether deserved or not, ought to be remembered that
it may be deserved. I then stated that, among other
neglects, was the omission of introducing, of all others, the
most important, the consequence of which particularly
filled my mind at that moment, and on which I had often
been desirous to know his opinions. The subjects I
meant were, I said, ' natural and revealed religion.' The
wish thus generally stated was in part gratified on the
instant. For revealed religion, he said, there was such
historical evidence as, upon any subject not religious,
would have left no doubt. Had the facts recorded in the
New Testament been mere civil occurrences, no one would
have called in question the testimony by which they
are established. But the importance annexed to them,
amounting to nothing less than the salvation of man-
kind, raised a cloud in our minds, and created doubt un-
known upon any other subject. Of proofs to be derived
from history, one of the most cogent, he seemed to think,
30 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
was the opinion so well authenticated and so long enter-
tained, of a Deliverer that was to appear about that time.
Among the typical representations, the sacrifice of the
paschal lamb, in which no bone was to be broken, had
early struck his mind. For the immediate life and miracles
of Christ ; such attestation as that of the apostles, who
all, except St. John, confirmed their testimony by their
blood ; such belief as their witness procured from a people
best furnished with the means of judging, and least dis-
posed to judge favourably ; such an extension afterwards
of that belief over all the nations of the earth, though
originating from a nation of all others the most despised,
would leave no doubt that the things witnessed were true,
and were of a nature more than human. With respect
to evidences, Dr. Johnson observed, we had not such evi-
dence that Csssar died in the Capitol, as that Christ died
in the manner related.
11 th. First day of skating ; ice fine. Find I have lost
nothing since last year.
Between nine and ten went to Sir Joshua, whom I took
up by the way to see Dr. Johnson Strachan and Lang-
ton there ; no hopes, though a great discharge had taken
place from the legs.
12th. Came down about ten ; read reviews, wrote to
Mrs. Siddons, and then went to the ice ; came home only
in time to dress and go to my mother's to dinner. About
half -past seven went to Dr. Johnson's, where I stayed
chiefly in the outer room till past eleven. Strahan there
during the whole time, and latterly Mr. Cruikshanks and
the apothecary. I only went in twice, for a few minutes
each time. The first time, I hinted only what they had
been before urging, viz. that he would be prevailed upon to
take some sustenance, and desisted only upon his exclaim-
ing, ' It is all very childish ; let us hear no more of it.'
The second time I came in, in consequence of a consul-
tation with Mr. Cruikshanks and the apothecary, and ad-
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. 31
dressed him formally. After premising that I considered
what I was going to say as a matter of duty, I said that I
hoped he would not suspect me of the weakness of impor-
tuning him to take nourishment for the purpose of prolong-
ing his life for a few hours or days. I then stated what
the reason was, that it was to secure that which I was
persuaded he was most anxious about, viz. that he might
preserve his faculties entire to the last moment. Before
I had quite stated my meaning, he interrupted me by say-
ing that he refused no sustenance but inebriating susten-
ance, and proceeded to give instances where, in compli-
ance with the wishes of his physicians, he had taken even
a small quantity of wine. I readily assented to any ob-
jections he might have to nourishment of that kind, and
observing that milk was the only nourishment I intended,
flattered myself that I had succeeded in my endeavours,
when he recurred to his general refusal, and begged that
there might be an end of it. I then said that I hoped
he would forgive my earnestness or something to that
effect ; when he replied eagerly, ' that from me nothing
would be necessary by way of apology ; ' adding with
great fervour, in words which I shall (I hope) never for-
get ' God bless you, my dear Windham, through Jesus
Christ;' and concluding with a wish that we might meet
in some humble portion of that happiness which God
might finally vouchsafe to repentant sinners. These were
the last words I ever heard him speak. I hurried out of
the room with tears in my eyes, and more affected than
I had been on any former occasion.
\3th. In the morning meant to have met Mr. Cruik-
shanks in Bolt Court, but while I was deliberating about
going, was sent for by Mr. Burke. Went to Bolt Court
*/
about half -past three. Found Dr. Johnson had been
almost constantly asleep since nine o'clock in the morning,
and heard from Mr. Des Moulins an account of what had
passed in the night. He had compelled Frank to give
32 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
him a lancet, and had, besides, concealed in the bed a pair
of scissors, and with one or the other of these had scari-
fied himself in three places, two in the leg, &c.
On Mr. Des Moulins making a difficulty of giving him
the lancet, he said, ' Don't you, if you have any scruples ;
but I will compel' Frank ;' and on Mr. Des Moulins at-
tempting afterwards to prevent Frank from giving it to
him, and at last to restrain his hands, he grew very out-
rageous, so much so as to call Frank ' scoundrel,' and to
threaten Mr. Des Moulins that he would stab him. He
then made the three incisions above mentioned, of which
one in the leg, &c., were not unskilfully made, but the
other in the leg was a deep and ugly wound, from which,
with the others, they supposed him to have lost nearly
eight ounces of blood. Upon Dr. Heberden's expressing
his fears about the scarification, Dr. Johnson told him that
he Was timidorum timidissimus.
A few days before his death, talking with Dr. Brockles-
by, he said, ' Now will you ascribe my death to my having
taken eight grains of squills, when you recommended
only three ; Dr. Heberden to my having opened my left
foot, when nature was pointing out the discharge in the
right.' The conversation was introduced by his quoting
some lines to the same purpose from Swift's verses on
his own death.*
It was within the same period (if I understood Dr.
Brocklesby rightly) he enjoined him, as an honest man
and a physician, to inform him how long he thought he
had to live. Dr. Brocklesby inquired in return whether he
had firmness to learn the answer. Upon his replying that
* The lines referred to were probably these :
The doctors, tender of their fame,
Wisely on me lay all the blame :
' We must confess his case was nice,
But he would never take advice.
Had he been ruled, for aught appears,
He might have lived these twenty years.'
1784] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 33
he had, and Dr. B. limiting the term to a few weeks, he
said that ' then he would trouble himself no more with
medicine or medical advice,' and to this resolution he
pretty much adhered.
In a conversation about what was practicable in medi-
cine or surgery, he quoted, to the surprise of his phy-
sicians, the opinion of Marchetti, for an operation (I
think) of extracting part of the kidneys.
He recommended for an account of China, Sir John
Mandeville's 'Travels;' Halliday's 'Notes on Juvenal' he
thought so much of as to have employed himself for some
time in translating them into Latin.
He insisted on the doctrine of an expiatory sacrifice, as
the condition without which there was no Christianity,
and urged in support the belief entertained in all ages
and by all nations, barbarous as well as polite.
He recommended to Dr. Brocklesby, also, Clarke's
' Sermons,' and repeated to him the passage which he had
spoken of to me.
While airing one day with Dr. B., in passing and re-
turning by St. Pancras' Church, he fell into prayer, and
mentioned, upon Dr. B.'s enquiring why the Catholics
chose that for their burial-place, that some Catholics in
Queen Elizabeth's time had been burnt there. Upon Dr.
B.'s asking him, during the same airing, whether he did
not feel the warmth of the sun, he quoted from Juvenal,
'Prseterea minimus gelido jam corpore sanguis
Febre calet sola.'
45 past 10 P.M. While I was writing the adjoining
articles, received the fatal account, so long dreaded, that
Dr. Johnson was no more ! May those prayers which he
incessantly poured from a heart fraught with the deepest
devotion, find that acceptance with Him to whom they
were addressed, which piety so humble and so fervent
may seem to promise !
D
34 DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
Dr. Brocklesby made him an offer of 100/. a year if he
should determine to go abroad ; he pressed his hands and
said, ' God bless you through Jesus Christ, but I will take
no money but from my sovereign.' This, if I mistake not,
was told the King through West. That Johnson wanted
much assistance, and that the Chancellor meant to apply
for it, His Majesty was told through the same channel.
On dissection of the body, vesicles of wind were found
on the lungs (which Dr. Heberden said he had never seen,
and of which Cruikshanks professed to have seen only
two instances), one of the kidneys quite gone, a gall stone
in the bladder, I think ; no water in the chest and little in
the abdomen, no more than might have found its way
thither after death.
15^. Fulhani. The two days passed there afford a
strong example how much more is sometimes done on
supposed occasions of idleness than in times professedly
devoted to study. Stopping at shop and looking
into some things in Simson's 'Algebra,' I felt at that
moment what an amazing difference would take place in
my mind had I employed the years of leisure which had
lapsed through my life in making myself master of the
subjects then before me. To these reflections my practice
so far conformed, that, after going home about eleven
o'clock, I sat up till past two employed very diligently in
reducing the formula which I had given in the morning.
The work since that time has never been resumed ; neither
that nor any other kind of work has been done. I cannot,
indeed, say that all the time has been misspent ; much of
it has been employed in performing the last duties of
respect and affection to the great man that is gone.
But two entire mornings have been taken up, I fear,
with little utility of any sort, certainly with none to
myself, in attendance on Indian business, and much the
greater part of the time dissipated in such avocations as I
fear will be for ever incident to a life in London.
1784] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 35
. Went to business as soon as I got downstairs,
without trusting myself to a book.
Went out to dine at my mother's; took with me
Scioppius ; * returned home about seven, tired ; had
rather suffered my mind to wander. After reading about
an hour during tea in the ' Life of Dion,' recollected the
Club in Essex Street, and drove down there.
19^. KB. On the day preceding, I had dined at
Lord Palmerston's : company, Sir Joshua Eeynolds, Sir
Joseph Banks, Colman, Malone, Langton,f and Dr.
Warren.
20th, A memorable day the day which saw depo-
sited in Westminster Abbey the remains of Johnson.
After our return from the Abbey, I spent some time with
Burke on the subject of his negotiation with the Chan-
cellor. We dined at Sir Joshua Eeynolds', viz. Burke and
E. Burke, Metcalf, Colman, Hoole, Scott, Burney, and
Brocklesby. Burke, E. Burke, and I went afterwards to
Lord Loughborough.
21st. I had only time to call for a moment on Sir
William Jerningham, who had just returned from France.
23rd. Never felt so much danger on horseback as
in riding down to Fulham, my horse not being frost-
shod.
2th. Walked to town. Dined at the Mitre Horsley
Metcalf, Maskelyne,J Wilson, Hutton, and Welsh. Went
home with Horsley, to whom I showed my idea about
balloons ; afterwards to Byng's.
* Gaspar Scioppius, a German writer of great learning, and of as great
asperity, born about 1570, died 1649. Author of upwards of 100 different
publications, &c., subjects of criticism, religious opinions, Jesuits, Protestants^
&c., sent forth under feigned names. He also wrote a Latin Grammar.
See Hallam's Lit. of Europe, part iii. ch. 1.
t Langton, a very good Greek scholar.
J Dr. Nevil Maskelyne, Westminster, and Catherine Hall, Cambridge ;
a famous mathematician.
The Hon. John Byng, afterwards Viscount Torrington.
2
36 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l784
25th, Christmas Day. Sat meditating whether I should
undertake with Sadler the enterprise of crossing the
Channel ; I had before determined against it, and now
confirmed the determination.
2Qth. Looked a little before I came down into Halley's
' Treatise on Annuities,' prefixed to logarithm tables.
28th. In the evening with Sir Joshua to Mrs. Siddons',
where were Lord and Lady Palmerston also.
3lst. Sat with Mrs. Legge reading Waller, the first
poetry of Waller (except possibly one or two pieces), I
ever read in my life : much struck with the merit of it.
Whilst we were talking, Lord and Lady Willoughby
came in. Sat in my bedroom till near one, trying un-
successfully, though not unpleasantly, at the translation
of an epitaph on .ZEschylus ; but I should mention that
I first wrote a letter to the mayor of Norwich.
Though I have talked all my life like a man familiar
with Locke's writings, and am in fact acquainted to a
great degree with their subject and character, yet I don't
recollect to have looked into them with attention at all
continued more than three times. The one was many
years ago at Rainham, * where the book happened
to be in the room where I slept, and I read the part
relating to association ; the other when, about two or
three years ago, in consequence of a conversation with
Eepton, I examined the argument about personal iden-
tity; and lastly, in this very month, when a passage in
one of Williamson's dissertations made me desirous to
read the chapters on the idea of .infinity. The first
of the above times has been remembered, not as an in-
stance of my reading Locke, but as an example of
the great accessions made to knowledge, and the valuable
ideas acquired in careless and accidental excursions of
the mind.
* Rainham, Norfolk, the seat of Lord Townsliend.
1784] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIND HAM. 37
The following letter, though anterior in date to the
commencement of Mr. Windham's Diary, is inserted in
this place, because it throws light on the formation of Lord
Eockingham's Administration.
The Right Hon. W. Windham to Mr. Bartlett Gurney, Norwich.
March 25, 1782.
DEAR SIR, After every expression of dislike and reluctance,
the bitter draught is at length swallowed, and His Majesty has
submitted to the hard necessity of taking for his Ministers the
most virtuous set perhaps of public men that ever appeared in
this country. About four o'clock to-day Mr. Dunning announced
to the House of Commons, in the room of Lord North, who did
not choose to come down, that the arrangement known to have
been proposed the evening before, was accepted, and that it
would be signified in form to the House on Wednesday next.
The arrangement is as follows : First Lord of the Treasury,
Lord Rockingham ; Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord John
Cavendish ; President of the Council, Lord Camden ; Privy
Seal, Duke of Grafton ; Commander-in-Chief, General Con-
way ; Ordnance, Duke of Richmond ; Admiralty, Admiral
Keppel ; Secretaries of State, Lord Shelburne, Mr. Fox.
Other appointments are left for further consideration. Every
art of evasion and negotiation was put in practice to the last,
and it was hardly known what was determined upon tiJl the
moment Mr. Dunning came to the House, his message coming to
him, as I understood, from Shelburne, to whom it was signified
by the King. Lord Rockingham's conduct has been as great in
the latter part of this negotiation as in the former. He refused
absolutely to abate one jot of his first declaration ; at the same
time he was willing to sacrifice every private punctilio by which
the King hoped to have created a jealousy between him and
Lord Shelburne. The first-fruits of this administration will be
an exclusion from Parliament of all those who have fattened on
the ruins of the country by jobs and contracts, and the destruc-
tion of one source of undue influence without doors in the
exclusion of the votes of revenue officers. Secondly, the great
articles of reform proposed in Mr. Burke's life, will go on with
all despatch. With what face will people oppose the appoint-
ment of a Ministry, composed of men who have uniformly
38 DIARY OF THE RIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. [1784
supported the cause of the country for near twenty years, and
who make it the condition of their entering into office, that they
should deprive themselves of the means of corrupt influences ?
Those who declare themselves enemies to this administration
must declare themselves the friends of corruption and enemies
of reform. My best respects and congratulations to all friends,
and believe me,
Dear Sir,
Your obedient and faithful servant,
W. WINDHAM.
If you see Mr. Armstrong I will be obliged to you to say that
I will write to him shortly.
P.S. A blank was left for the Chancellorship in case Lord
Shelburne should have required it for Dunning : but it is said
Mr. Dunning does not require it.
1785| DIARY OF THE RIGHT IIOX. W. WJXDHAM. 39
1785.
January 1st. Having come from Fulham the day be-
fore, spent the evening by invitation at Mrs. Siddons' ;
only Miss Kemble, and latterly Signer del Campo. Learnt
his ' Seguidilla.'
Mrs. Siddons to Mr. Windham.
Saturday, January 1, 1785.
DEAR SIR, I wish you many happy returns of this day, and
hope you will not he engaged this evening to tea, as I am to
have a little music ; but my party does not exceed two gentlemen,
who perhaps you know, with my own fireside. I am sure you
would like it, and you can't be to learn that I am truly sensible
of the honour of your society. I am flying to rehearsal, and
shall flatter myself that you will give me the happiness of see-
ing you.
I am most truly yours,
S. SIDDONS.
2nd. Went for an hour to Horsley's ; talked with
him about Plato, and the opinion mentioned by him
long since as entertained by a person whom I now find
to be the Mr. Mitcheh 1 that I dined with at the Mitre, of
the penetrability of matter, of which opinion I find Mr.
Cavendish also is. At my return, in consequence of our
conversation, I took down Plato, and read about half of
the ' Dialogos ' of Meno. In the evening thought I would
go to Mrs. Vesey, which I did, but found none there
but old Sheridan. After a short stay and calling at Lady
Galway's, went to Duke Street, where I stayed with Mrs.
Byng and Cecy till near eleven, and found in the satis-
40 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIXDHA.M. [1785
factoriness of my visit a sufficient compensation for my
absence from home.
4:th. Mrs. Siddons in * Belvidera;' performance happy,
but some innovations introduced, in which I at least doubt,
and the last 'scene injured by a failure of voice. I did not
feel quite my usual pleasure. After the play deliberated
about going to Brookes's ; at last went, and finding Fox
there, stayed to supper.
6th. Fulham. In the evening Lady Lonsdale ; long
debate about her coming.
8^. Cholmondeley * arrived from Broadlands.
10th. The last eight days were far from being among
the portions of my life that I have spent with least ad-
vantage. Nor is that necessarily conveyed in the account
given, but this fact is clearly deducible from it, that
time so passed affords but little opportunity for the use
of books, and will admit of but little advancement in
studies requiring continued application. A man may
be a poet, an essayist, arid a philosopher, who lives in
that way, but he cannot be an historian, a philologer,
nor a mathematician.
IQth. Came to Felbrigg.
18th. In the two days, or day and a half, I was at
Felbrigg, was not unemployed. Went on with the seventh
book of Euclid, which I began lately. Examined articles
(mathematics) in Chambers' ' Dictionary.' Entered things
in 'Adversaria.' A great portion of the time was spent
in meditating on the fundamental question, whether the
idea of proportion belongs primarily to number or to
quantity. I am as yet pretty much of my former
opinion, which I conceive to be the same as Barrow's. I
think I can reduce the question to very narrow limits.
* George Cholmondeley was the son of the Hon. and Rev. Mr. C., who
married the sister of Peg Woffington. He was an agreeable, sociable man :
he married three wives one of whom was Miss Francis, daughter of Sir
Philip Francis.
1735] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 41
One part of my employment at Felbrigg was the ex-
amination of some calculations in the ' Transactions ' rela-
tive to the increase of mankind, which I should formerly
have passed over without an attempt to understand them,
but which I found, from that cause only, would not have
been understood.
19^. Arrived at Bury at six. Eather think that this
is the second time only of my having been here since my
great illness.*
20th. Set out the next morning before it was well
light ; stopped at Sudbury ; dined at Chelmsford ; got to
Eepton's by tea. Diligent by the way.
21st Read diligently, but with interruptions from
question of going with Sadler : called on Sadler as soon
as I came ; walked much about. Dined at Legge's : Chol-
mondeley and Douglas f there: more of feel than I am
now often acquainted with.
22nd. Up late ; literally lounging till twelve or one.
Went to Brookes's ; the Prince being there, did not go to
supper, but sat in the outer room with Lord Foley and
Lord Duncannon.
30^. Very little done the last week that can be
recollected with pleasure. On the 25th Parliament opened.
On the Wednesday I went to see Mrs. Crawford in ' Belvi-
dera,' and found her much as I expected, though her
disparity was very great. I can perhaps better conceive
the delusion that, aided by a little prejudice and the re-
collection of Mrs. C. in better times, could hesitate about
the preference. The chief faults that I should find would
be, that her articulation was cramped and timid, her
tones sometimes colloquial and vulgar, her action confined,
and her countenance inexpressive. A new man of the
name of Pope performed ; I pronounced him in my own
judgment as inferior, upon the whole, to Brereton.
* A fever, from the effects of which he never entirely recovered.
t Afterwards Lord Glenbervie.
42 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
Friday I dined at the Mitre : present Maseres,* Hutton,
Mr. Brown, Mr. Atwood,f and Mr. Horsley. Conversation
more pleasant than usual, till at last we got to politics,
which I have enough of elsewhere.
Dined at the Duke of Portland's, to meet Club. Went
to Mrs. Siddons', where were Sir Joshua and Miss Palmer,
Sir Charles and Lady Dorothy Thompson, Kemble and
Miss E. Kemble ; talked, rather than felt, gaily. In the
whole week nothing done, though some attempt made;
the result, I fear, rather retrograde.
31s. Between January 20th and this day, 31st, read
political pamphlet, viz. ' Gleam of Comfort,' which I think
written with copiousness and vigour, and conceived at
first to be E. Burke's, but am now inclined to think to be
O'Brien's. Parr agrees with me in opinion of it, which
I hardly expected, the style being perpetually licentious
and incorrect. It was the vogue at the Duke of Portland's
to call it bad; it did not appear to me there was anyone
in the room who could have written it or (Fox excepted)
so good a one.
February \st. The House of Commons having broken
up early, went to Club in Dover Street, where I found
only Steevens and Colman. Drove to Mrs. Siddons',
in order to communicate a hint on a passage in ' Lady
Macbeth,' which she was to act the next night. Not
finding her at home, went to her at the playhouse.
3rd. Thirteen days since I came to town, a time
during which, in any situation such as Oxford or Fel-
brigg, considerable advance would have been made in
some articles of study, or some habit of mental improve-
ment. At the end of this time in London I find my-
self less powerful in every respect than at the beginning
of it. I cannot have the smallest doubt that this would
not have happened in the. country. In what then does
* Maseres (Francis), Cursi tor Baron of Exchequer, a mathematician of note,
f G. Atwood, F.R.S., a famous mathematician, educated at Westminster
and Trinity College, Cambridge ; patronised by Mr. Pitt.
1785] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 43
the difference consist ? Is it from causes merely mental,
occasioned by the difference in the habits of life, or from
bodily causes dependent on the temperature of the air
and want of opportunities of exercise ? This should be
ascertained by exact observation. I suspect that enough
time might be found for most purposes, both of business
and pleasure, if there was no intermediate state, and
every moment not wanted for amusement was vigorously
employed in business.
5th. Went between seven and eight to sleep at Kent's.
Whether from imagination, or from some other cause,
certainly found myself much pleasanter by the time I
arrived there. Strongly bent upon having a residence
out of town.
6th. I dined at the Speaker's : * Fox, Lord North,
Sheridan, Eden, General Burgoyne, Fitzpatrick, G. North,
Lord George Cavendish, Leigh, Lord Surrey, and Welbore
Ellis. Supper of the Club, at my house ; Brummel,
Eichardson, Adam, Sir J. Erskine, Canning, Tickell, Dud-
ley, Ellis, Shore, and Lord Fitzwilliam. More of feel than
of late.
1th. Went to meeting at Fox's on Westminster busi-
ness ; from Fox's house, where I sat up till past two.
Well employed in De Moivre.f Had reason to reflect,
as usual, on the folly of not recurring to such studies
oftener.
8th. Drove to House of Commons with Symonds,
and in way back saw race between Charles Phipps and
Stepney.J
9th. Day bright and tempting ; rode to Hampstead to
call on Steevens. Went to the House and spoke for the
first time. Not home till seven in the morning.
* Charles Wolfran Cornewall, of Winchelsea, Sussex.
f Abraham De Moivre, born 1667 at "Vitry; wrote in the 'Doctrines of
Chances;' died in London, 1754.
J Sir Thomas Stepney (singular in dress), a Welsh gentleman of fortune.
Mr. Windham delivered his maiden speech on the 9th Feb. 1785, on the
Proceeding relative to the Westminster Scrutiny.
44 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
i. Eose at twelve and continued at home till
dinner, with the feel that sufficiently proved the import-
ance of exertion to happiness. My mind was so light,
and my powers so active and vigorous, that no undertak-
ing appeared difficult. The activity of the mental powers
awakened the feelings also, and made me susceptible of
enjoyment, to which I am in general a stranger. It is
strange that an exercise of powers of which previously
one might have been pretty certain, should have produced
such effects ; yet certain it is, that life appeared dressed
in new colours, and I myself to be endued with new
capacities of enjoyment. At five went to dinner at
Legge's, where 1 remained, partaking more of the plea-
sures of the company and conversation than I can often
remember to have done till now. Cholmondeley dined
at Legge's, and Ellis and I supped there and carried me
home.
Ibth. Drove from the House of Commons, without
dining, to Drury Lane, to Mrs. Siddons in ' Lady Macbeth.'
~\.Qth. Went to Sir Joshua's, where were Lord and
Lady Harcourt, Mr. Edward and Charles Jerningham,
Sir Charles and Lady Thompson, Mrs. Siddons and Miss
Kemble, Lord and Lady Loughborough.
February 25th to March 18th. Twenty-two days.
Penryn Committee.
March 20th. Eode down to Fulham to dinner. I was
doubtful whether I should not have returned to town
to meet the Club at Canning's, but am well satisfied at
having stayed. My brother and William* breakfasted
with me this morning, and lastly I read a proposition
out of Euclid with William, and have advised his being
* William, eldest son of the Dean of Wells and Mrs. Lukin, and father
to the editor; entered the navy in 1781 ; he commanded at different times
the 'Standard,' the 'Doris,' the 'Thames,' the 'Gibraltar/ the 'Mars,'
the 'Chatham.' There is nothing to say of him as an officer but that he
thoroughly understood and did his duty, and that in Sir S. Hood's action, in
1806, he was prominently mentioned in despatches. He died in Jan. 1833.
1785] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIADHAM. 45
sent for some time to stay with me, if the addition of an-
other person in the house is not too inconvenient. I think
I shall find my own account, as weh 1 as his, in the taking
upon me the office of instructing him.
I have now reached the 20th of March, two months
since my return to town ; for the greater part of the time
literary business almost wholly abandoned ; faculties, how-
ever, not dormant, considering that three weeks were
spent on the Penryn Committee.
I am afraid the fact is, that in no equal period my
faculties were ever so much excited. Such are the
advantages I have lost by delaying so long my entrance
into business ; and such the reasons of that superiority
which men of the world are perpetually to have over men
of study. The love of knowledge and general desire of
improvement w T ill not produce such exertions as are called
forth in the prosecution of business involving present
interests and terminating in immediate consequences.
What progress might men make in the several parts of
knowledge, if they could pursue them with the same
eagerness and assiduity as are exerted by lawyers in the
conduct of a suit !
How much I might have done in the last three weeks
in mathematics, if I would have bestowed upon them
every day as many hours as I have spent in the com-
mittee room, leaving all the remainder of the day for
other purposes or amusements!
What a pity I cannot suppose the place where I am
Ehodes, and do that involuntarily for a favourite study
which I do by compulsion in a business the most un-
grateful !
21s. Rode out before breakfast towards Wimbledon ;
fell in with the hounds ; morning pleasant. Just in time
to go down to the House to attend the presenting of the
Norwich petition.
23rd. Went out in order to attend the balloon in
46 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
which Zambeccari and Sir Edward Vernon were to
ascend.
25^, Good Friday. Breakfasted at Sir Joshua's ;
morning that came in. Eeflected while I was there
on the strange state of my past life, in which time was
either wanting, or supposed to be wanting, for such com-
pany as I was then in. From Sir Joshua's to Banks's,
thence to Fordyce's for balloon news, thence with a few
intervening visits home. Dined in Grosvenor Square,
Mrs. Legge's birthday, her 36th year. ' Eheul fugacesF
I went away, and after a short visit to Horsley, went
home, not feeling sufficiently fresh to go either to Lady
Palmerston's or Mrs. Crewe's.
27th. Day cold ; snow in the air, and I languid and
heavy. A little before seven set out to return to Fulham,
but stopped for the best of an hour with Lady Cornewall ;
very pleasant. The Speaker and his wife were coming
to drink tea with her, and perhaps I might as well have
sent my carriage back and stayed.
28M. Set out at twelve to ride to Moulsey to see the
balloon for the first time. Drank tea with Lady Corne-
wall. At ten to the Duchess of Portland's ; very pleasant.
29^. Cholmondeley breakfasted with me. Went
about twelve to Mrs. Siddons' ; back to Mrs. Legge ; Lady
Brudenell there. Went early to the playhouse ; Duke
of Portland's box ; Mrs. S. in ' Desdemona.'
31,st In my way out of town called in Stanhope
Street, and finding Lady Cornewall at dinner, was pre-
vailed on to stay. Stay would have been pleasanter but
for the old reason, want of determination what to do.
From the time of my return till twelve o'clock well
employed, having at length, after a delay transcending
all credibility, considering what is at stake, begun, and
pretty successfully, what I should say on the subject of
Eeform.
April 2nd. Walked to Duke Street to enquire after
1785] DIARY OF 'THE BIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 47
Mrs. Byng, then to Lady Cornewall's to drink coffee,
thence to Fulham in the carriage.
From my arrival well employed in preparing for the
Eeform ; success such as to inspire hope, and as ought to
have increased diligence.
Zrd. I had settled overnight that I would excuse my-
self at dinner at Sir Kalph Payne's, where I expected
to meet Fox, Lord North, &c., and from Mrs. Siddons
in the evening, that by devoting this day to the prosecu-
tion of my intended speech I might have some chance
of getting ready in time. Many good resolutions were
formed for this purpose, and many reflections made on
the extreme folly I should be guilty of, were an opportu-
nity thus procured, and thus purchased at this price, in
the end thrown away. What has been the state of the
fact ? "Tis now past ten at night twenty-two hours
and a half since the time when these resolutions were
made. Till one, all that I did besides reading some reviews,
which I had no business to look at, was to write three or
four notes, and to give some directions. At a little past
one, I rode, and taking this opportunity to fulfil a neces-
sary purpose, the calling on Wilberforce, did not return
till four to dinner. At dinner thought with effect on
work ; then from indulgence, necessary or blamable, read
reviews ; before seven walked, during which, thought, but
not on work. Dressed at eight. Liddel to tea, for whose
continuance till past ten I am not answerable. It now
strikes eleven. All that I can say is, that, bating the
failure of my appointed purpose, the day has not been
very ill spent.
^th. Dined at the Whig Club, at the London Tavern ;
Duke of Portland in the chair. First time of my hearing
to any advantage Captain Morris.*
hth. Eose in good time with feel of considerable en-
* Captain Morris was a natural son of the Duke (Jockey) of Norfolk
known as a singer and composer of songs.
48 DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. [l785
joyment ; but abated somewhat by uncertainty about the
disposal of the day. If deliberations like this can harass
one's mind, when can it be at rest ? Such dubiety may
exist wherever choice can exist. The course determined
on for the present was to go out on horseback ; but no
decision was come to, even when my foot was in the
stirrup, where I should go to. Thence to Tickell, but,
altering my mind, turned from the door. At seven called
in Stanhope Street, and having stayed till near eight, sat
down, and with assistance of Lady Cornewall, wrote a
pretty long letter to Parr. At nine, set out to ride hither.
At Walham Green, found a Scotch piper playing, who
they told me was the Duke of Atholl's piper, and whom
I accompanied for some time, but without feeling from
his strains all my usual satisfaction.
6^. This habit of indecision, if some means are not
found to stop its progress and abate its malignity, will cor-
rupt and eat away my understanding to the very core ; it
wastes my time, consumes my strength, converts comfort
into vexation and distress, deprives me of various pleasures,
and involves me in innumerable difficulties. Some canon
must be framed for proceeding in these cases. Let the
first resolution be, that from the moment the question is
instituted, and the trial commenced, no interruption should
be permitted, nor any adjournment take place. The cause
should be concluded before the jury go out of court. The
methods of conducting it will be the same as in other
cases ; approaching indeed not so much to the cases usually
submitted to courts of judicature, as to cases resolvable
under the doctrine of chances. A distribution must be
made into the primary modes of action which the question
admits ; these, again, must be continually subdivided, and
all the combination of parts, capable of existing together,
be made out and compared. If this work requires to be
performed completely, more time than the circumstances
will admit, or than its importance deserves ; and if the
1785] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 49
condition above proposed that, namely, allowing no in-
terval in the discussion is not found sufficient limitation,
some certain period must be allowed, at the end of which
the return must peremptorily be made, whether my con-
science is made up or not. An adherence to these rules
will, I have no doubt, go a great way towards a cure.
The fact on which the above speculation arose was
that, till eleven o'clock, I could do nothing, from not
having been able to settle in what manner I should dispose
of the day ; and in consequence, seven of the best hours
of the day, viz. from seven till two, without more having
been done than the writing of the present article, and
thinking loosely on some parts of my work. Half-past
three, went to dinner at Kent's ; not unpleasant. Quarter-
past five, rode, going over wild ground about Wimbledon
Common; not unpleasant, but not so pleasant as it might
have been. Eeturned about seven, pleasant and refreshed ;
from then till bed-time, employed chiefly in thinking on
work ; latterly in doing, what I have so often thought of
and never performed, and of which the trial shows that
the neglect is to be severely regretted, namely, in getting
by heart parts of Johnson's writings. The present in-
stance was No. 104 of the 'Eambler.'*
7th. Upon considering in the morning how I should
regulate my going to town and dispose of myself there,
remembered the resolutions of the day before : returned
to Legge's to dinner, to meet Mills, who was just come
from abroad. Sat up till past two in my bedroom,
settling satisfactorily the plan of speech on Reform.
10fA. Dinner at the Duke of Portland's : present,
Burgoyne, Mr. Ladbroke, Powys, Francis, Mr. Stanley,
Burke, Sawbridge, Fred. Montague, afterwards Sir Gilbert
Elliot. Did not go away till ten. Burgoyne wants me to
* < The Original of Flattery.'
E
50 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
be nominee on his committee, but I must not on account
of Eeform. Went from Burlington House to Duke Street,
where were Cecy, Malone, &c.
11th. At five, very unwillingly, went to town, but,
besides an engagement at Sir Joshua's, wished to hear
Erskine on the Eeport of the Private Committee. Eide
not unpleasant ; business not come on ; felt while I was
in the House that I could have rose without difficulty
and with perfect possession of myself.
12th. My purpose to have spent some hours in trans-
lations, but diverted from it by reading propositions.
It was near two before I sat down to it ; from then till
the arrival of Lady Cornewall tolerably successful. Ee-
turned to town in Lady C.'s carriage. Dined at Club :
Malone,* Lord Ossory, Sir Joshua, Boswell, Bishop Ship-
ley, Dr. Warren, Fordyce. Stopped at mine own house,
and wrote answer to Wildman, declining to be nominee
for Mr. Curtis.
14th. After reading the remainder of Matty's 'Eeview,'
returned to Thuanus, and succeeded ; doubtful when
Lady Cornewall came whether I should go to town ; de-
termined at last upon going. I might have done better
by staying, and I might not. Drank tea at Sir G. Corne-
wall's ; at Fulham by nine. Had felt much mental dis-
order during my absence, but was now pretty right ; and
sat down for the first time since this day se'nnight effec-
tually to prosecute my purpose : continued my employ-
ment till one, with success more than I deserved.
l&th. Put no constraint upon myself as to the time of
rising. Eead carefully a proposition entered in article in
* Adversaria.' It is now absolutely necessary that I should
go to my task. Went to Bensley's. Upon coming in, not
finding myself in a state to proceed with my main busi-
ness, went on with propositions. In my contentions with
* Edward Malone, born at Dublin 1741, died in 1812. An intimate friend
of Burke and Johnson.
1785] DIARY OP THE EIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. 51
myself, during the latter part of my walk, strained my
mind very much so as to bring on a degree of headache.
Surely these states are the effects, not of want of exertion,
but of want of method.
18th. Went to town without a suspicion that I should
not deliver some part at least of what I had prepared
with so much thought, and to my own apprehension with
so much success, on the Parliamentary Eeform. The heat
of the House disordered my faculties and enfeebled my
powers and brought on a state of inability, from which I
could never recover sufficiently to venture to rise. I have
done very wrong ; I was wrong not to use greater efforts
to recover myself ; I was wrong, I believe, not to make the
attempt, even in the state I was.
19th. Dined with Horsley ; went with him to the pit,
to ' Macbeth.'
2Qth. Met Minching, who applied to me to be nominee
for Okehampton ; I was too late for the ballot, which was
for Burgoyne ; remained in the House waiting to intro-
duce Burnard to Fox.
21st With Mrs. Byng to the play ; ' Othello.' After-
wards to Brookes's, where stayed supper till about three.
Fox there.
23rd. At Fulham, all day employed iu settling notion
treated of in page 160 of 'Adversaria,' viz. of those pro-
positions which, instead of giving the proof, seem rather
to point out how it may be given. Though I did nothing
else during the day, did not succeed in settling that.
Sadler called after dinner, and at tea I had the company
of Liddel.
21th. Breakfasted at Kent's. At Chelsea I took a
coach. To dinner at Horsley's to meet Lord Monboddo.
In the carriage so sick that I fainted.
2bth. Went by appointment to dine at Bensley's ; the
only person there Dr. Roberts, master of St. Paul's School,
very stupid, and I should imagine very illiterate. He
E 2
52 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
said, as we walked home together, that Erasmus had not
begun to learn Greek till he was fifty but could not tell
me where he learnt it.
How long after fifty did Erasmus live ?
SQth. Went to town to attend ballot ; was nominee
for Lord Spencer. Obliged to go to Bloomsbury to meet
Lord Spencer, to hear something of the cause. Dined at
Club Lord Ossory, Lord Palmerston, Fordyce, Boswell,
Langton, Banks, Colman, Burney. Went to play, ' Zara.' *
29th. Waked at six. Got up a little before seven.
Sauntered, rowed, employed on question in mathematics
and metaphysics. My thoughts have rambled, but with
this consolation, that they have gone to pleasurable ob-
jects. It would have been better however, in the end,
even for the interests of pleasure, that they had been kept
to their proper object.
May bth. Went up in balloon.*)* Much satisfied with
myself ; and, in consequence of that satisfaction, dissatisfied
rather with my adventure. Could I have foreseen that
danger or apprehension would have made so little im-
pression upon me, I would have insured that of which,
as it was, we only gave ourselves a chance, and have de-
ferred going till we had a wind favourable for crossing
the Channel. .1 begin to suspect, in all cases, the effect
by which fear is surmounted is more easily made than I
have been apt to suppose. Certainly the experience I
have had on this occasion will warrant a degree of con-
fidence more than I have ever hitherto indulged. I would
not wish a degree of confidence more than I enjoyed at
every moment of the time.
12th. Spoke for the second time in the House for
the adjournment of the debate on the Irish Propositions.
* Tragedy by Hill.
t Memoranda copied from pocket-book, one which I had in balloon :
' N. the current which brought us over. The wind N.E. when we came to
Rochester. Circumstance of hat falling. Crossed at Tilbury. Direction of
wind after descent, contrary to that immediately preceding.'
1785] DIARY OP THE EIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. 53
Felt more possessed than on the former occasion, but
thought my performance inferior, and conceived that
others thought so too. I have found since that they
were inclined to think well of it. They are so good as to
be cheaply pleased. It was a mere effusion, and though
delivered in a forcible and perhaps graceful manner, con-
tained nothing more than anyone would have thought
of in conversation.
16^/t. Sat long with Mrs. Legge in the morning. Con-
versation about reasons, for and against, being acquainted
with Mrs. Sheridan, whose singing the evening before at
Mrs. Crewe's I was extolling.
18th To Mrs. Siddons' ' Kosalind.' To Brookes's;
talked to Fox* about Homer. At twelve to Mrs. Crewe's
rout ; home not till past two.
20#A. Not home from the House till seven in the
morning. The debate was on the Irish commercial pro-
positions, &c. Falling in with Burke, dined with him in
St. Albans Street ; old H. not at home. After dinner we
went to the Exhibition, thence to Burlington House,
where we drank tea, sitting chiefly with the Duchess, on
account of the Duke's accident ; not unpleasant. Lord
John and O'Brien there. Thought when I left my own
house I would return and not go to Mrs. Crewe's ; ac-
tually did go home, and then at last altered my mind and
went to Mrs. C.'s. Not unpleasant there, and doubtful till
this moment whether I did wrong.
21st. Eose late. By the time I had wrote a letter
to Captain Palmer, Bill Lukin's captain, and one to Mr.
Wilkes at Norwich ; time to go to balloon.
June 21th. One month and five days since last article.
My late stay at Felbrigg appears to have been just fifteen
* Fox said of Mr. Windham, ' He was, indeed, a very singular character,
and that he was almost the only man he had ever known who was a thinking
man without being a grave man " vir gravis et constans " a meditating man
with so much activity, and a reading man. with so much practical knowledge.'
54 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
days. I went down with Doughty in the mail coach, and
returned in the mail diligence ; sufficiently pleased with
both journeys. I don't think my time at Felbrigg was
spent quite so well as it might. The first cause, suffering
myself to be withdrawn from going on with Maclaurin,
which I had resumed (and was proceeding in prosperously)
by an endeavour to solve a problem occurring accidentally
in Pappus. This took me up four days at least and I
at last did not accomplish it, and was wholly drawn off
from my other pursuits. The want, then, of some stated
task on which I might be intent, relaxed my endeavours ;
yet I cannot accuse myself of having been much absent
from my room or of having spent ill the hours passed
there. I finished the first volume of Eobertson's 'History,'
the ' Monthly ' and Matty's ' Eeviews ;' read a sermon or
two of Clarke's; translated into Latin a good deal of
Lucian's ' Dialogue de ;' went through with William
the second book of Euclid, and twenty propositions of
the third. To Thuanus only a single sentence was
added.
I tried at first for the division of time, the going
out in the middle of the day, but found that besides the
objection of the heat, the prospect of going out at the
time seemed rather to unsettle me during the morning,
nor could I return in time to gain any interval worth
having before dinner. Then I took the method of taking
my exercise before breakfast. The general objection is,
the early unsettling of thought ; the advantage may per-
haps be secured and the inconvenience avoided, by con-
fining one's walk or ride in narrow bounds.
Had an interruption of above an hour with a man of
the name of Wilson, who has a plan for improving the
police.
I came back at eight, after dining at my mother's
and going to the House, where was some talk about the
Scrutiny Bill. Felt how little power I have to supply,
1735] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 55
by solitary exertion, the effect produced in the mind by
a debate ; and what immense benefit I should find from
the necessity of passing six weeks in such exercise of the
understanding as must be practised by those by whom a
s debate is carried on.
From eight till ten have been completing the conspectus
of the books ' De Sectione ' till twenty before one ; finished
with great attention and great comfort the formulas ex-
tracted from Guignee for the construction of quadratic
equations.
28th. From breakfast till past three diligently em-
ployed in mathematics; from then till past four discuss-
ing with Sir Gilbert Elliot some elementary matters in
the same science, which he is resuming. He thinks that
the impossibilities of two lines having a common seg-
ment follows from their not being capable of contain-
ing space. I rather think his reasoning not legitimate.
His observation upon Williamson's remark on Simson's
Corollary to the Eleventh Proposition, is right enough,
that he has expressed himself as if Euclid had made a
mistake, which is not the case. Simson's Corollary, too,
may be established, though not precisely by his means,
yet by help of the axiom that says all right angles are
equal ; but then that will not well answer Simson's pur-
pose, because that axiom itself cannot be admitted unless
the point in question, viz. the impossibility of a common
segment, be admitted. At half-past four went to dress to
dine at Mr. Hamilton's ; present, Beresford, Judge Eyre,
Courtenay, Sir Godfrey Webster, Andrew Stuart, General
Dalrymple.
July 9th. Went to Windsor with Ellis and Munday.
IQth. Dined at Chiswick ; Mrs. Sheridan and Mrs.
Crewe, Sheridan, Crewe, Ellis, Munday, Lord William
Eussell, Duke of Portland.
llth. Stayed at home till I went to the House of
Commons, but did little else than write a letter to Gurney,
56 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1785
and meditate on a problem for finding a point in a given
diameter where the perpendicular and the line to the
extremity should be equal to the diameter. Vide ' Ad-
versaria.'
12^A. Three o'clock at home, with little interruption ;
yet, except writing a letter to Norwich, have done nothing
but meditate without success on the problem above men-
tioned. I believe, in my present state of mathematical
habits and acquirements, this kind of exercise is the
least profitable ; the fact is that, after a certain time, one
can neither lay it out of one's thoughts, nor yet make it
possess them altogether. I must now go to the House.
16th. Went to Beaconsfield; conveyance, Sir Joshua's
coach ; object of visit, to meet Madame De Genlis. Her
manners were what we should call French, but riot re-
markable either in that or any other respect.
30th. Burke, Beresford, Beresford jun., Malone, Lord
Sunderlin, Courtenay, and Boswell dined with me ; sat till
eleven. Spent an hour at a coffee-house in Conduit
Street. Walked a good while, the moon shining bright,
in Berkeley Square, enjoying a feel of more happiness
than usual.
August 9th. Set out for the North. Dined at St.
Albans ; saw the Abbey, which I had seen before in tour
made with Mulgrave and Colman. Great quantities of
Eoman brick in structure of church, one twenty-three
inches long and about the thickness of a common brick.
Church five hundred plus feet in length : longer this, I
believe, than Peterborough cathedral. The origin of the
expression ' dining with Duke Humphrey ' * to be re-
* Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, brother of Henry V., was indeed
buried at St. Albans, but the tomb of Sir John Beauchamp, in old St. Paul's
Church, was popularly supposed to be that of the Duke. Fuller in his
writings says, persons of the better class, who could not afford a dinner,
were always welcome at the table of the Duke of Gloucester. When the
Duke was dead they often went without a dinner, and they were then said,
1785] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 57
f erred probably to the times when the courts of justice
were held there, viz. during the plague of Charles L's
time, when those students who, for want of some place
to dine at, were compelled to walk about in the church,
were said to dine with Duke Humphrey. This conjecture,
if I am not mistaken, I had heard, though I had so totally
forgot, that even the mention of the expression on the
spot did not recall it to me. From St. Albans proceeded
to Stevenage, walking through Lord Melbourne's park
and drinking tea at his inn, where I had so often stopped
during the days of Ickleford. From this time tih 1 the
middle of the day thought much of those times, but not
so much as I ought.
10/A. Went on to Milton without stopping. Some
time before we could get dinner ; Lord Fitzwilliam not
having dined at home.
\\tht Kode in the morning to Peterborough and saw
the cathedral, attended by the Dean. Eemarkable in the
building that there are no buttresses. Part near the altar
built by Henry VI., I think. Architecture of different
ages ; Burke thinks four. Tomb of Mary Queen of Scots ;
removed to the Dean's garden and used as a summer
house. Burke's observation, that as it. had been a recep-
tacle of dead beauty, so now it was of living viz. Mrs.
Farrant.
Lord Fitzwilliam. Public day. No one remarkable ;
but a most offensive fellow by the name of
In a collection of voyages, translated from an English
collection, an account of three voyages in years 1550,
1551, 1552, to the coast of Africa, by Thomas Windham,
a gentleman of Norfolk, but removed to Somersetshire,
and who is there styled the 'Father of the English navi-
gation to foreign seas.' In the last he died, as is there
mockingly, to dine with Duke Humphrey, to intimate they were the same
description of people who formerly dined with him, and unless they got a
dinner with him, would have none at all.
58 DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
represented, by his obstinacy and presumption in acting
contrary to the advice of one Pinteado, a Portuguese,
in connection with whom he had undertaken the voyage.
12th. Parted with Lord Fitzwilliam after an early
breakfasting, we proceeding with our journey, he going
a-hunting. At Grantham, where we dined, overtaken
by Lord Daer, who with Lord Selkirk was returning to
Scotland.
1 3th. From Newark to Wentworth, through Worksop
and Eotherham. Progress slow ; walked a good deal.
Way over part of Sherwood Forest, which has newly been
enclosed. Agreeably surprised by the magnificence of
the house and beauty of the place.
14^. Between looking over the house and driving to
Wentworth Castle (Lord Strafford's), morning altogether
taken up ; so but little time was spent in the library, where
the goodness of the collection would have induced me to
stay more.
loth. Passed through Wakefield and Leeds. Saw
LasceUes.
VERSES LEFT AT LASCELLES', BY R. BURKE.
Hail, Harewood ! splendid, hospitable dome,
A regal mansion, and a quiet home,
Made to receive our monarchs, when they move
To reap the harvest of their people's love ;
Made for the heroes', for the lovers' joy,
Grand as a palace, finished as a toy.
17th. Breakfasted at Eichmond. Spent an hour or
two in looking at the castle, which is very magnificent.
Arrived at Mr. Morrit's to dinner.
ISth. Breakfasted with Jack Lee at Staine Thorp.
Saw with him Eaby Castle and Park. Nothing can be
imagined more in the character of ancient feudal gran-
deur. Thence to Durham. In the same room where I
stopped in the year 72.
1785] DIAEY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 59
. Saw Alnwick, and dined with the Duke. Pre-
sent, Lord and Lady Percy and Mr. Moore, secretary of
the Society for the Encouragement of Arts. After dinner,
instead of going, as we intended, to Whittirigharn, to meet
our other chaise, were driven, by mistake of the postboy,
to the next stage on the north road, twenty miles from
the place we proposed. The last stage was a cross road
over a moor ; for the greatest part of which I walked ;
feeling great enjoyment, though not so much as I ought
to have done.
20th. Arrived about seven at Minto. Incessant rain
all day.
21 st Passed without any memorial. The pain in my
face sufficient to prevent my employment, and to keep
me uncomfortable. Uncornfortableness not a little in-
creased by the humour of Lady Elliot of keeping the
windows open, and allowing no fire. In the evening, not
being able to read, small talk with Lady Harris.
23rd Employed for some time in my own room,
partly in some algebraic questions. Took a walk with
Burke and Sir Gilbert.
24:th. Left Min to. SawMelrose. Drank tea at Gala-
shiels. It was dark nearly when we passed Dalkeith,
but not so much so but that I thought I recollected part
of the road. Much pleasure at arriving in Edinburgh,
where we were lodged at Duns Hotel.
2bth. Dined with Adam Smith ; present, Dr. Kobert-
son, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Erskine (Henry). Don't recollect
anyone else.
Dr. Eobertson told me that Brantome, though little
favourable to what he found in Scotland, speaks of Holy-
rood House, part of which remains as -it was in his time,
as of a building not inferior to anything of its kind on the
Continent. The modern part was built after James I.'s
time, when they had no kings to inhabit there ; but there
being a surplus of some money, which they feared the
60 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
Parliament would lay hold of, they chose rather to apply
it in this way. He cited an observation of Lord Holder-
ness', that it was the most commodious of any of the
king's houses.
28th. Heard Dr. Eobertson preach. Dined at John-
ston's. Walked about in the park, of which my recollec-
tion was sufficiently correct, as also of Burns' house, which
I surveyed only on the outside. Supped in the evening
with Principal ; only his son present. Sufficiently pleasant.
29^. Left Edinburgh in time to dine at Lord Lau-
derdale's, where we have stayed the night on our way
to Glasgow. Hatton (Lord Lauderdale's) ; a respectable
old house, more commodious and better fitted than I
had expected. Style of living good. Present at dinner,
Lord Glencairn, Sir William Cunningham and his new
wife. The superiority of Southern manners very observ-
able in the latter.
31s Set off for Glasgow ; on the way I had allowed
myself to ramble too much from what should have been
the subject of my thoughts, viz. the recollection of the
period of my first being in this country.* Indulged only
in fancies.
September ~Lst. Ceremony of Burke's admission ; none
but boys present. Saw the library, and the classes that
I had been used to : mathematical class appeared much
smaUer. Feel at the sight of the college, and in general
upon arrival here, not so strong as at return to Oxford ;
reason probably the interval too long, the stay not long
enough ; the character of the place too, perhaps, not so
striking. Dined in the college hall : present, Mr. Meek,
Dr. Williamson, Mr. Eichardson, Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Wil-
* On leaving Eton in 1766, Mr. Windham was placed in the University of
Glasgow, under the tuition of Dr. Anderson and the learned Dr. Robert
Simson the editor of Euclid. He removed to Oxford in 1767, and was entered
a gentleman commoner of University College, Sir Robert Chambers being
his tutor.
1785] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. 61
son and his two sons, Mr. Hamilton (Professor of Anat.),
Mr. Arthur, Mr. Young, Dr. Irwin, Mr. Millar and son,
Dr. Eeid, Dr. Taylor, Lord Maitland, and Burke. I re-
mained among the latest, finding in them so much wish
that I should stay, and in myself so much satisfaction in
staying, that I was content to sacrifice to that motion
time that would otherwise have been spent with Lady
Harris. I was soon obliged to go away in order to attend
the Committee of Operative Weavers, who were assembled
at our inn, in honour of Lord Maitland and Burke. I was
obliged to say a few words, which I did in a manner very
unsatisfactory. I certainly might have done better, if I
could have exerted myself more vigorously to collect my
thoughts. From the inn we were conducted in grand and
orderly procession ; the windows on each side being lined,
and a transparency with different superscriptions carried
before us, to Dr. Stevenson's, where we were to sup.
2nd. When Burke went to the College I took my
walk to Hamilton Hill to see Miss ; so altered that
with any assistance from circumstances less than I had,
I should not have known her. Alas ! how frail and tran-
sient is beauty.
3rd. Breakfasted at Luss. After dinner, long walk
to Loch Long. Our boatman had ten and sixpence
would not take a crown for going on to the head of the
loch ; so we parted. All our rowers shrewd intelligent
men ; one had been in the 77th in the time of the
mutiny.
4:th. Dined at the inn, ten miles short of Inverary.
Had message in the evening from the Duke, with whom
we engaged ourselves to breakfast next morning.
5 ill. Passed riding about the grounds and the castle :
persons there Lady Augusta Campbell, Lady Derby, Miss
Campbell (the same who has travelled with Lady Derby),
and a painter who seemed to be an Englishman, and one
or two others.
62 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
6th. The country magnificently wild before you come
to Loch Awe. Stopped at a cottage, where there was
an old man who had been wounded at Foutenoy. Good
specimen of Highland living. Some melancholy reflec-
tions.
7th. Melancholy reflections continued. Country to
Killin very fine, particularly from Loch Dochart. Mr.
Campbell, Lord Breadalbane's factotum, talked to us on
the bridge, and waited upon us afterwards with his son,
the most modest, gentlemanlylike man I ever saw in
Scotland.
Sth. After seeing the Hermitage and Lord Breadal-
bane's, set off for Blair. A great fool for letting my
desire to show Burke the northern lights break up our
walk.
9th. To Blair. Could not effect our return to Mac-
laurin's to dinner. Vexation added to my melancholy ;
drank tea there ; not quite satisfied with myself.
lOfA. Saw the place (Dunkeld) ; day unfavourable.
Arrived at Perth by dinner ; went before dinner to see
the scene of the conspiracy, in Gowrie's house. Some
time spent by me in the evening, in a bookseller's shop
where I purchased Johnson's ' Poems,' and a small book
of astronomy for Miss Morrit.
11th. Followed Morrit, &c., to Lord Kinnoul's place,
to my mind one of the finest in Scotland ; the recep-
tion not the most flattering ; no concern of mine. The
sycamore tree at Dumblane, proportionate in all its parts,
measured three of our spans and a cubit, which at 5 ft.
8 in. for a span would be about 19 ft. 6 in. The sycamore
at Dunkeld was, I think, two spans and an arm, and a
space of the same size nearly, but neither of these I
distinctly recollect a bad specimen of my memory.
At Lord Kinnoul's was a Mr. Erskine, a deformed young
man of engaging manners, and whose character H.
Erskine says corresponds ; and a Mr. Hope, another ad-
1785] DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 63
vocate, of sulky appearance, and self-sufficient, conforming
in like manner, as the same authority informs me, to his
character. Wrote out verses I had completed before I
went to bed :
As Adam by the bright Archangel led,
Saw life's great span, in destined order spread,
So in these leaves to thee, fair nymph, is shown
The instructive image of a world unknown ;
Where thou mayst learn, by trial, yet untaught,
How never happiness by wealth was bought,
There see what ills assail the rich and great,
Nor scorn the blessings of an humbler fate.
Still to this fate with equal hand is given
The choicest bounties of indulgent Heaven,
Untainted joys, the sunshine of the breast,
Love's purest flame, by mutual ardour blest.
To thee, fair charmer, be such joys decreed,
Of worth and beauty, such the precious meed.
Bless with thy charms some fond admiring swain ;
Some swain be found, worthy those charms to gain.
12th. In the morning after breakfast to see the castle,
and thence to Hopetown House. Barely got to Hope-
town in time to dress. Lord H. absent, on account of
Lady Haddington's funeral. A large company to dinner
chiefly of retainers of the family ; of the rest, Sir W. and
Lady Cunningham, Mr. Hope and his wife, of Amster-
dam, and her sister. Style of living in the house, though
grand from the numbers entertained, not uniform and
consistent, nor of the same quality throughout.
13th. Proceeded to Edinburgh. After dinner walked
to Adam Smith's. Felt strongly the impression of a
family completely Scotch. House magnificent and place
fine. Burke, after riding about with Sir W. Cunning-
ham, proceeded to Edinburgh, where we arrived in time
for dinner : after dinner walked to Adam Smith's ; found
there Colonels Balfour and Eoss, the former late aide-de-
64 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
camp to General Howe, the latter to Lord Cornwallis.
Felt strongly the impression of a company completely
Scotch. Faculties not clear.
~L4:th. Dined at Adam Smith's ; present only a Mr.
Skene. After walking with Burke in the Square went
home.
16^. -Saw in the morning Bolyrood House; dined
with the Advocate.
l&A. All day at Minto.
19#A. Dined at Longtown, just in the south of the
river the Esk, I think that divides the counties. Carlisle
pleasant appearance and pleasant /<?<?/ at approaching
it. The North of England more connected in my imagin-
ation with old times, than Scotland ; and England itself,
viewed perhaps with more complacency,
20th. Out by half-past six, attended by a postboy on
horseback, to see Eden Hall ; * spent an hour there with
much satisfaction ; five pictures on each side the drawing-
room. Thence to Ullswater, from which we returned only
to save our daylight. At dinner Lord Surrey came in with
a proposal, which we should have probably accepted, but
for the most unaccountable of all pieces of stupidity in our
servants. They carried us by a tedious journey to Appleby.
2Ist. From Appleby to Kendal, on a moor, before you
arrived at the house where we baited, those stony tracks
are to be seen which are called in the country scars, and
which are in appearance different from any that I remem-
ber to have seen elsewhere. The rock for several acres
arises above the surface in small contiguous masses, each
consisting of several horizontal lamina, like scoriae, much
detached and some of them loose.
We arrived at Kendal time enough for a late dinner,
after which we walked about the town, and had some
talk with a dyer whose yard lay by the side of the river,
* Eden Hall, Cumberland, the seat of Sir George Musgrave.
1785] DIAEY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 65
and in whose manners I observed much of that confident
familiarity which I think I have observed in the people
of the North. It was here, if I am not mistaken, Mr.
Burke's bedroom was adjoining to mine, and that I ap-
prehend that he must have overheard me singing. I
went to bed in great spirits.
22nd. Kirby Lonsdale. We passed through several
pleasant villages, one particularly at the foot of that high
hill mentioned in the books, and talked of as the highest
in England. We entered Yorkshire in that part which
is called the Craven, a singular country, rich in pasture,
and naked in trees.
2Srd. Skipton. We went to see the castle, which is
a venerable pile, belonging to Lord Thanet and kept by
him from decay and dilapidation, capable of habitation,
though not in the condition of a house inhabited. The
day was dreadfully rainy, and in walking up a severe hill
of some miles in length, I got so completely wet as to be
obliged the next stage to yield to Burke's solicitations, to
take brandy to my boots and breeches, though not to my
stomach.
Wentworth. Here we found Lord G. Cavendish and
Lord Frederick with Sinclair and some company from
York.
2th. In the morning I went with great eagerness
into the library, and enjoyed there very strongly all
that feel, that a library usually excites. A message from
Lord Fitzwilliarn obliged me soon to leave it, who pro-
posed my accompanying him, Lady Fitzwilliam and Lord
George, in a drive round the grounds. I should have
been better pleased to stay where I was. I examined in
the library with Mr. Burke some passages in Bede, rela-
tive to the state of Ireland in his time, which are far,
however, from supporting Mr. B.'s opinion to the extent
in which he stated it, and consulted Stephens and A.
Gellius on the meaning of the word, about which Mr. B.
F
66 DIAKT OF THE RIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. [1785
was wrong. He contended that in the passage of Cicero,
' Gratiosi erant in dando et cedendo loco,' it was not to be
understood in the English sense of the word, but meant
that from the magnitude of the favour, they acquired con-
sequence and authority.
25^. Breakfasted at Sheffield. Found myself looking
at everything with the eye of a stranger. The town situ-
ated upon ground very unequal, dirty, as must be sup-
posed ; great marks of opulence, both within and without.
At Derby I got some dinner a large inn on the left hand
side, the first time of my being in the town since I was
there with Byng and Cholmondeley ; much struck with
the beauty of the country, for a stage or two before I
arrived ; town I think very handsome,
26th. I cannot recollect what book I had, but con-
ceive Dalzell's ' Collectanea.' From Atherstone I went to
Coventry ; stopped at the sam6 inn and looked in to
the same room that I was in on my return from Ireland.
At Woodstock I accepted the invitation of King, and
slept for the night, passing the evening not unpleasantly,
though feeling for the first time after a long interval a
return of sensation. Mention was made of Knight,* and
of his proficiency in the study of Greek, though taken
up late.
The conversation impressed me deeply with a sense
of my own neglect and excited strong resolutions to
retrieve them.
27th. Arrived in Oxford to breakfast ; called first
upon Burgess and Winstanley,f at All Souls' ; on Croft,
Dr. Stinton, &c.
Thus ended my tour, in the same place from which it
began, after an absence of just seven weeks, one day and
a few hours.
* Payne Knight, a Greek scholar.
t Dr. Thomas Winstanley, D. I)., Camden Professor of Ancient History.
1785] DIAEY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 67
MISCELLANEA ON TOUE.
' Burke's idea of the application of the character of
' jEneas to Augustus, as a person who kept his passion
' for women in subjection to his politics, and was con-
1 trasted in that respect to Anthony.
' His general criticisms on the book, where jiEneas in-
4 troduces himself to Evander.
' The parallelisms of Virgil : always figurative, his
4 verse slow an idea of a prose style, that might be
i formed from Virgil, of what sort I did not well un-
' derstand.
' Johnson and L'Estrange, the extremes of the English
' style.
' Every man has some little corner in his mind which
4 he reserves for meanness a Slut's hole.
' Eather be turned out on the India Bill, than on the
1 Prince of Wales's business ; rather be drowned in the
4 Ganges, than be wrecked on the harbourless coast of
1 Wales.
* Lord Lovat's remark upon Sir Everet Fawkener,
1 when he came to give evidence against him " both
4 their heads in a bad way."
* To some man who was with him when one of the
* rabble called out " to see the old villain," " Which of
4 us does he mean ? "
October 3rd. I stayed at Fulham, except for a night
or two, till the time of my intended journey into Norfolk.
I should do well to recollect how ill I was,or how much
at least my illness, such as it was, rendered me incapable
of employment, that I may learn to improve with dili-
gence the advantages of health and neglect no reasonable
means by which those advantages may be preserved.
F 2
68 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM [178*
Mrs. Siddons to Mr. Windham.
Half-past nine, Monday Night, October 31, 1785.
DEAR SIR, I am shocked and mortified beyond measure at
the spiteful accident which has deprived me of the pleasure of
seeing you. What have you thought of me ; I can't bear the
idea. I was out yesterday when your kind letter arrived, and
have not been permitted to see it till this moment ; the servant
put it this instant into my hand, and it is now nine- o'clock. He
begs ten thousand pardons for having forgotten to deliver it to me
before, but, notwithstanding all his humility and penitence, I am
obliged to muster all my forbearance to resist scolding him most
furiously. The King commands * Measure for Measure,' next
Wednesday, and I am to play 'Mrs. Lovemore'* this week, which
will keep me constantly employed till it is over. So that if you
will not have the goodness to call on Sunday, if you should
happen to stay in town, I shall think myself a very unfortunate
woman. If I had not received the letters you were so good as to
favour me with, I should not have needed, as you so modestly
suppose, to have been reminded of you, and this you know. I
thank you for them most sincerely, and should have acknow-
ledged the honour you did me had I known where to address
you. If I had imagined you remained in town at this un-
fashionable season, I should most certainly have made frequent
enquiries about your health. I was extremely sorry to hear you
had been ill. In the hope that we shall meet before you go
(and God knows whether we ever may afterwards on this side
the grave),
I remain, dear Sir,
Your most obliged and obedient humble servant,
S. SIDDONS.
November 25th. Left London, and arrived at Hors-
ley's, having been put back the night before by the singular
fog, which so blinded the road from Whitechapel that no
carriages could go faster than a foot's pace ; and of those
advancing at that rate, most were preceded by lanterns; we
could so little keep the road, that in the small distance be-
* In the play of ' The Way to Keep Him/ by Murphy.
1785] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 69
tween the end of the stones, and a few yards beyond the
turnpike, one of the horses was twice in the ditch, and the
carriage near overset. I had drunk tea on my way out
of town, with Dr. Scott, and at my return went to Duke
Street. Part of our conversation at Dr. Scott's was on the
case in which he was concerned, of the smuggler, who
being himself on shore, had shot a man in the water. I
had settled my own mind on the case, and the principles
on which it must be determined, viz. that in reality the
fact was committed in no one place, and that it must de-
pend on analogy and construction of other cases, and on
expediency, which part of the fact the jurisdiction must
follow ; this I had settled in my own mind, and I believe
rightly, but in talking the matter over with him I argued
it most vilely.
December ~L3th. Eeturned to Norwich. My thoughts
during the drive were employed in settling the question
relative to the pressure of fluids.
14^. From Aylsham in the morning ; Adey and I rode
in most pleasant weather to Holt, this being the day of
the annual meeting of the trustees. During the ride home
with Gr. Wyndham,* &c., the fineness of the night and
the freshness of the air gave me a feel of youthful spirits
not often experienced, even in youthful times.
From this time to the remainder of the month, I
continued constantly at Felbrigg ; so that here may be
concluded the Journal of the year 1785.
* G. Wyndham, of Cromer Hall.
70 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
1786.
January \\ih. Left Felbrigg, after having been there,
with little interruption, since December 3rd. The weather
during the greater part of the time severe and bad ; the
ground deep in snow and the sky often not clear : the
cold in the house such as to make me restless and uncom-
fortable.
Of the manner in which my time was spent there some
more particular account should be found than in the pre-
ceding journal : upon the whole, it was very diligently
employed, and very successfully. As usual, the amount
of what was done did not equal what was proposed ; but
I cannot much charge the deficiency upon any failure of
my own pains or powers. The part most omitted was
translation. I tried for the interval before my going to
Norwich, viz. for about ten days, the disposition of my
time by rule, part of which was that I would be in my
room by eight, and open the day, excepting in a few
cases, with mathematics.
The success, both of my adherence to the rule and of
the rule itself, was such as to encourage a repetition of
the method. There was a difficulty in the management
of the evenings. If I went to the Parsonage after dinner,
which was the time least advantageously spent at home,
I did not willingly return to tea, which was the time to
be spent at home with most advantage. I got into a
method at last, to be adopted, I think, on future occasions,
particularly in winter, of going to the Parsonage to sleep.
Though the pleasure is lost by these means, of that idle
1786] DIARY OP THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 71
reading which, may succeed the studies of the day, yet
company, perhaps, never comes so seasonably as at the
close of an evening, either for the enjoyment it produces,
or for its effect on the mind, both before and after.
13th. What happened during my stay at Norwich,
don't particularly recollect. I lodged at Mr. Taylor's.
Rainham, 16^. Company at Eainham, besides Miss
Montgomery, Paxton, Mr. Perceval * and Mr. Chute.
Perceval a young lawyer, and from his quickness and
acuteness likely, I should think, to be some time or other
a distinguished man.
18^. Set out for Holkham. Drive not unpleasant;
feel of great satisfaction on my arrival, which was not
rendered less by the circumstance of arriving in the midst
of the audit.
During the whole of my stay here I enjoyed myself
very much ; in this enjoyment the house itself had no
small share. Of the modes of existence that vary from
day to day, none is to me more pleasing than habitation
in a large house. Besides the pleasure it affords from the
contemplation of elegance and magnificence, the objects
it presents, and the images it gives birth to, there is no
other situation in which the enjoyment of company is
united with such complete retirement. A cell in a con-
vent is not a place of greater retirement than a remote
apartment in such a house as Holkham.
Accordingly, during my stay there, I have read more
than I have done in the same number of days in places
to which I have retired to read. The easy transition from
company to study gained to employment many hours
which, by coming in portions too small to admit of any
reduction, must in other situations have been thrown
aside as useless.
The pond at the back of the house was frozen for two
* Afterwards the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who became Prime
Minister in 1809, and was shot by Bellingham in 1812.
72 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1786
days so as to bear, and the ice was so clear and the
weather so pleasant, that all the pleasures which solitary
skating can give existed in great perfection.
216-2. Eode after breakfast, and on one of Hoste's
horses, to Eainham. Before I set out, went for the first
time into the library on the top, which I had heard of
when I was last there, and forgot again. The room and the
collection answered fully to my expectation, and give a
pleasing impression of the use that might be made of it,
and the comfort enjoyed in it, by any literary chaplain
belonging to the family.
At Eainham, in the room of Mr. Chute and Mr. Per-
ceval, there was a Captain Beauchamp, of Lord Town-
shend's regiment, a brother of Sir T. Beauchamp and
an acquaintance of Symmons.
22nd. Set off before breakfast with Frederick Town-
shend, who was going, like myself, though on a different
footing, to Cambridge. Journey not unpleasant. I read
a good deal ; among other things, part of Keill's ' Treatise
on Trigonometry,' which Townshend was taking with him
to Cambridge.
23rd. Spent with Symmons, in Cambridge. Went to
see Clare Hall Chapel and Trinity Library : the former
newly fitted up, and in wrong taste, in my opinion. Sat
a quarter of an hour with the Bishop of Peterborough.
In the evening Symmons had to tea with him three
gownsmen, one was of Clare Hall, an intelligent man and
competitor of Dr. Prettyman, when the latter was junior
optime. I was troubled during the evening with some-
thing of fever.
2th. Went to London by the Barkway Eoad ; dined
at Ware.
This was the day of Parliament meeting. Doubted be-
tween going to the House or to Brookes's ; determined, after
a little deliberation, both as a commencement of good
and a departure from former habits, to spend the evening
1786] DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 73
at home. What my employment was, I don't for certain
recollect, but I think it was mathematical ; I know, not
unsatisfactory.
London, 28th. On the day before, but I think on the
28th, went to Horsley's. This was the time of Horsley's
showing me his argument, drawn up in the form of a de-
monstration, to prove that motion cannot originate in an
extended substance. The former part, on which he did
not profess to lay much stress, seemed to me completely
inconclusive, even in the form of it ; the other part, which
he seemed to think conclusive, I did not examine with
equal attention, but suspect that, like other arguments of
the same sort, its cogency would be found, on a close in-
spection, to amount to very little. An argument intro-
duced in the course of it, against an infinite series, as a
thing infinitely impossible, because each succession was
impossible, being an effect without a cause, seemed to
me completely sophistical : it is sufficient to show its
inaccuracy, that it admits the idea of a gradation of im-
possibility. In all these reasonings, people seem to forget
that the demonstration will never be produced by the
mere form of the reasoning. If the matter be brass,
though you mould it for ever, it will never become gold.
During one of the mornings of my stay, I had a plea-
sant walk over the encampment.
February. Of the whole of this month I can give no
other account than that it was passed in town, and that it
was probably during this period that I said what little I
have said this session in the House. The instances of such
exertions have been as few in number as the exertions
themselves have been inconsiderable. That on the Ord-
nance was the principal, both in the quantity produced,
and still more in what was prepared. Besides that, I don't
recollect that I opened my hps, except on three occasions :
the seconding Francis's motion ; the reply to what Wilber-
force said in answer to Burke ; and, the other night, on
74 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WIXDHAM. [1786
Major Marsack's evidence on the Ordnance business.
When Sheridan made a motion, I said half a dozen words
in seconding the motion. This has been the extent of
my oratory in this my third session.
March. The chief event that I recollect of this month
is my going to Pytchley. I set off on Sunday, having
been the night before to the opera, for the first time this
year. The King was there, after a long interval ; and
the house being uncommonly full, the gaiety of the scene
struck me forcibly. I went to sup at the BeUinghams' :
stayed till late, in good spirits, but distressed rather from
not having determined positively to go. The next
morning I set off : arrived at Pytchley about eight
o'clock.
The company there, Lord Winchelsea, Lord Spencer,
Darner, Conyers, and Lord Cathcart, who came down
the same day ; Isted, Assheton Smith, Harry Churchill,
and afterwards Northey. Doughty did not come till the
next day. The weather was very delightful, and we hunted
the next morning. I rode Doughty's horse, Nobbs, and
when we went out in the morning, and for some time
afterwards, was foolish enough to entertain doubts of the
sufficiency of my horsemanship. We had a day delight-
ful for the weather, and sport sufficient for my powers
and wishes. Littleton Powys was in the field, and Han-
bury, with whom I renewed my acquaintance.
The next day I went to Lord John Cavendish's, whom
I had met the day before. The morning following, I had
determined upon returning to town, in order to attend the
motion of Dundas for the alteration of the India Bill ;
on which occasion I had made up my mind to speak.
The beauty of the morning, and the distrust of my reso-
lution (should I return) to fulfil what was the purpose of
my returning, determined me to accept Lord John's
offer and go out a hunting. I continued during every
part of the day to think that I had decided rightly, and
1786J DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 75
the event, though it added nothing to the rectitude of the
determination, gave me still further reason to be satisfied
with myself.
The next day I left him, later perhaps than was
necessary and fancied therefore that I could not conve-
niently get further than St. Albans, where, after some
deliberation previous to my arrival, I resolved upon slay-
ing for the night. The next rnorninsr I rose early, and
/ '
breakfasting at Barnet, got to town about twelve.
May 1st. Elliot* came in time to partake of my din-
ner and we set off, after some small delay only, about
six o'clock. At Epping Place we drank tea. At Hockrill
the people were not gone to bed and we stepped, while the
chaise was preparing, into the kitchen. I don't think we
began to sleep till towards Chesterford. I felt myself
little disposed to sleep at all, partly in consequence of
the benefit found from the air, and partly from, being
amused with the topics we had talked upon : we had a
great deal of foreign wars and foreign politics. It was
about three or four, I apprehend, when we reached New-
market ; and a good deal after, before we had contrived,
by the aid of chaise, cushions, and horsecloths, to make
our beds.
2nd. The circumstances of the fight, which was the
object of our excursion, need not be recorded. The
winner's name was Humphries (Eichard, I think) ; and
the butcher's, Sam Martin. The man, by the way, of
whom I won my bet, but of whom I probably may not
get payment, was Young. The spectacle was upon the
whole very interesting, by the qualities, both of mind and
body, which it exhibited. Nothing could afford a finer
display of character than the conduct and demeanour of
Humphries, and the skill discovered far exceeded what I
had conceived the art to possess. The mischief done could
* Right Hon. W. Elliot, Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1806.
76 DIARY OP THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1786
not have affected the most tender humanity. After the
battle we proceeded to the race, and from thence to Cam-
bridge. Symmons spent the evening with us.
May ~\.2th. Went late in the evening with Lawrence
to Burke's. By a very foolish determination of mine,
stopped to sleep at Uxbridge, though I might have known,
and it proved afterwards, that everything was prepared
for our reception that night.
14#/i. Eeturned to town in order to dine with Chol-
mondeley, Lord and Lady Harcourt, Lady Anne* and Lady
Margaret, f Mrs. Siddons, Stonehewer, and E. Boothby.
Went afterwards with Lady Anne and Lady Margaret to
Miss Monckton's, where it was expected Mrs. Jordan
would have come. Felt, when going home, in a particular
good disposition to study.
2Qth. Dined with Crewe and Mrs. Crewe. Present,
Pelham, D. Long, Munday, H. Greville, Lord Edward
Fitzgerald.
21st. Went to Mr. Burke's, in order to meet Messrs.
Dillon, sons of the Archbishop, Lady Jerningham's uncle.
The elder was an ecclesiastic; the other, though not
more than twenty-two, had served during the greater
part of the American War. The younger spoke English
with great facility, and the elder very remarkably for a
man who had never been in England before. I went
down in my phaeton.
22nd. Went with Pelham and Harrison to the House,
where the business was the conclusion of Middleton's
evidence. Finding there was no wrangling, and therefore
no necessity for staying, came home.
23rd. Stayed at home till I went to the House to
attend the Carlisle Committee. Doubts whether I was not
* Lady Anne Lindsay, daughter of the Earl of Balcarras, married to
Andrew Barnard, Esq.
t Lady Margaret Lindsay, married to Alexander Fordyce, Esq.
1786] DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 77
to be nominee. Walked from thence to Sir Joshua's :
found Duke of Hamilton and Lady together.
Walked with Sir Joshua to the Club.
24th. My employment was some matters in De
Moivre.
26th. Some Irish tunes, from an organ which we had
at the door, gave me those sensations of happiness which
music sometimes inspires me with, and which I hardly
know from anything else.
June 1st. Day of motion on the Eohilla War. Ordered
my servant to meet me at the House of Commons, mean-
ing to proceed from thence to Fulham. Luckily, just
before I stepped into the carriage, I considered whether
it would not be better to pass the night in town, for the
sake of information I might gain at Brookes's on the
business of the next day.
I there got from Long the report of the Secret Com-
mittee, in which I found great advantage, and settled to
come the next morning to Francis to breakfast. I have
seldom found myself more clear than during my visit to
him, and afterwards, till I went to the House : but some-
how, by the time I got there, my mind had got into some
disorder, and my spirits into some agitation ; and by the
time Burke had finished, I found myself in no good state
to speak. The same state continued, though with a little
amendment, till the time of my rising : yet I contrived
somehow to steady and recover myself in the course of
speaking, and so far executed what I had prepared, that I
conceive it to be fashion to talk of what I did as rather a
capital performance. "Tis a strong proof on what cheap
terms reputation for speaking is acquired, or how capri-
cious the world is of its allotment of it to different people.
There is not a speech of mine which, in comparison of one
of Francis's, would, either for language or matter, bear
examination for one moment ; yet about my performances
78 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
in that way a great fuss is made, while of his nobody
speaks a word.*
The House adjourned about three o'clock. Burke took
me to walk in the Park ; not much against my will, though
I was more disposed, and it would have been better for
me, to have gone home. It was about five when I got to
bed.
2nd. Obliged to go by twelve to a meeting about the
wool, at the ' Crown and Anchor.' A good deal affected by
the fatigue of the preceding evening. Tempted to speak
on an incidental point in the debate, and succeeded so ill,
where I think I might have succeeded so well, that any
pleasant feeling derived from the preceding evening was
completely done away, and a degree of vexation subsisted
more than was becoming even for a greater degree of
failure than might possibly have been the case : I am
afraid that what I said was awkwardly and cumbrously
stated. The House did not break up till near seven, and
I, having supped at Brookes's and walked afterwards with
Fox, did not get home till about ten. Went out with
Mrs. Lukin in the phaeton ; returned home through
Grosvenor Square, where Cholmondeley came to the win-
dow, but I would not stop, restrained chiefly by the consi-
deration that it would look like a desire of hearing of my
speech : for the same reason I continued at home during
the remainder of the evening.
3rd. I had set out with my head very clear : I found
afterwards, from whatever cause, that I was not likely to
succeed well in the work I had proposed, viz. Maseres,
Hutton, &c., and took the opportunity, therefore, of look-
ing over some parts of Voltaire's works, particularly his
tract on the ' Civil Wars,' which I read with unusual
satisfaction. Dinner was brought early, and after dinner,
* The ' Francis ' repeatedly mentioned by Mr. "Windham with so much
friendship and respect was ' Sir Philip Francis,' to whom the authorship of
the ' Letters of Junius ' is now confidently ascribed.
1786] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 79
possibly from having in some small degree eat too much,
I went to sleep. When I waked and was deliberating
how to dispose of myself, it occurred to me to ride to
Francis's, to whom I meant to have sent before I left
town, that is, to have left orders for sending. My feel on
arrival was sufficiently pleasant to make me regret that
the thought of going there had not occurred sooner. A
little persuasion induced me to stay the night.
4:th. Though I dined moderately, I was not able to
apply to any other work than the reading Claudian ; till,
after walking to Kent's, I continued well employed in set-
tling questions relative to the application of the doctrine
of chances to cases of suffrage. Vide i Adv.' p. 49.
7th. Dined at Sir G. Cornewall's and went to the play.
Mrs. Siddons did 'Kosalind' much better than the first
time, but not equal to her tragedy : there is a want of
hilarity in it ; it is just, but not easy. The highest praise
that can be given to her comedy is, that it is the perfec-
tion of art ; but her tragedy is the perfection of nature.
8th. Dined at home. In the evening went to the Duke
of Bolton's and Lady Howe's : did not come home tih 1 near
four. The light let in at Lady Howe's windows, and the
sight of Hyde Park, destroyed all the inebriation of a
midnight amusement.
23rd. Bartlet Gurney had called in the morning about
the Bill on Stamps affecting the country bankers. The bill
being withdrawn, I was in time to dine with Langton.
24:th. Water-party to Dagenham Eeach : Lord and
Lady Palmerston, Sir Gilbert Elliot, Mrs. Crewe. Supped
at Lord Palmerston's, and came away about one. The
whole very pleasant : the first party on the Thames I ever
recollect to have been in.
2bth. In my walk from Brookes's I think I was stopped
in the street by Peter Bath.
26th. Went to the House of Commons, where the
business was such as very little justified the summons that
80 DIAKY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l786
occasioned my attendance. It was issued, I presume, for
the purpose of procuring an audience for Sheridan. After
loitering with great impatience in and about the House,
went with Fitzpatrick into the court to attend poor
Sadler's trial, which he lost by a great preponderance of
proof. Whether produced by the merits of the case, or
by corrupt practices on the other side, I don't feel quite
prepared to say.
27th. Went to De Meinaduc : Mrs. Crewe, Lady Pal-
merston ; afterwards Miss Crewe, and Mrs. Sheridan, and
General Burgoyne. The quackery too gross to need the
confirmation of his declining to try it on me.
3(M. Did not go out, except to Desenfans' Exhibition,
till I set off for Wilberforce's. Present : Sir G. Elliot,
Chev. Eevel, Mulgrave, and two Cambridge friends of
Wilberforce's, Eomilly and Baynes, I think. Very
pleasant.
July 1st. Set off in my phaeton for Burke's, whither
I was to go by invitation to meet a party. In a few
miles overtook General Smith and D. Long.
We arrived all rather too late. Present : Mrs. Crewe,
Fox, Sir J. Erskine, Mr. Griffiths, Lord Inchiquin, Adey.
It is very odd that I cannot recollect whether D.
Burke, junior, was there ; he was the next day I know ;
but I don't remember him in the discussion on an arith-
metical matter started by D. Long.
2nd. At dinner, Sir G. Elliot. Fox gone I returned
into my room a short time before dinner, and proceeded
with some success in Maseres, which I was reading over
again ; added considerably to the strength of some good
resolutions.
3rd. Set off about twelve for Oxford, on horseback.
Eide to Tedsworth ; spirits gay ; thoughts shamefully idle.
Dined comfortably at Tedsworth, and should have arrived
at Oxford pleasantly enough, if, in riding up Shotover to
ease the horses in the carnage, my horse had not taken
1786] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 81
me by surprise, and turning violently round, and kicking
upon being struck with the spur, thrown me off with a
good deal of force. Though I was bruised a little, and
made very sick, I should not have found myself so uncom-
fortable as I did, if I had not in some measure charged
the fall as my own fault. I certainly fell at last from
consenting to fall ; yet I am not sure that I did unwisely
and think, I am sure enough, that I was not frightened.
What, perhaps, made me most uncomfortable was, the
feeling that if I had been hurt as much by a blow and
fall in boxing, which was a subject one had been talk-
ing of not long before, with the same apprehension, too,
of possible serious hurt, how little inclination at heart
I should have felt to continue the combat. I felt that if
I had stood up, it would merely have been from fear of
shame, and that ah 1 the ardour of combat would have left
me. I argued, that if such could be the effects of pain
so slight and danger so unlikely, what might happen in
trials really severe ? I hope in this, as in other cases, one
should do better than, by inference from smaller things,
one should suppose. The impression, however, destroyed
the pleasure I should have had in arriving at Oxford. At
the Star, I found Knight, who, in a conversation with
Burgess, who supped with us, showed a knowledge of
Greek literature, chiefly in what related to the antiquities
of the language, that reminded me of my own deficiencies.
In the course of conversation afterwards, his general
powers did not seem to correspond to his particular
attainments.
4th. Called in the morning on Burgess, and spent some
time in Corpus Library, the first time of my being there.
At twelve we set off, Knight and I, to Woodstock, where
we were disappointed in our hopes of meeting King, but
passed some time not unpleasantly in seeing the grounds
at Blenheim. I supped, at my return, in the common
room at University, where was Dr. Croft and one or two
G
82 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
young men. Slept at the lodging which I had directed
to be taken for me at St. Giles's.
Wth. Went into Fisher's rooms. The difference of
comfort not to be mistaken. Though I had resisted man-
fully, during my stay in lodgings, the effect of place not
combined with disturbance, yet it soon appeared that such
circumstances as a small difference in quiet, an exposure
somewhat greater to the sight of moving objects, some-
thing less of privacy, and the general character of the
objects around, less connected with the ideas of study
and comfort, had an effect too important to be overlooked
or neglected, both upon the temper of my mind and the
disposition of my time.
17$. The morning before last rose earlier than my
usual time, after a night not restless but rather wakeful,
and all morning felt an unusual flow of spirits and acti-
vity of faculties. Yesterday morning I lay later than
usual, and, instead of the feeling above mentioned, was
troubled with a slight headache. This morning, after a
night much like that described above, I rose very early,
and, after struggling for three-quarters of an hour witli
languor and uncomfortableness, suffered myself to lie down
again, and slept tolerably comfortably and without much
interruption for two hours. Upon my rising I felt cer-
tainly more vegetus and active, than before, and con-
tinue pretty much so at present. These observations are
detailed for the purpose of settling, by a collection of
such instances, what that management of sleep is, that
most suits one's constitution, and is, of consequence, most
conducive to health and spirits.
ISth. Left Oxford. The last week since my coming
into Fisher's rooms was one of the most comfortable I
remember to have passed for a long while. When one
considers what the effect might have been of a month
spent at that rate, it is a satisfaction to think that the
experiment was hardly in my power.
1786] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 83
Surtees was in college, and Dr. Croft, who had coine
there to print his ' Bampton Sermons.'
In the morning I breakfasted with Eoyd, who had come
the night before, and joined us in the common room,-
where I was supping as a sort of leave-taking : in general
I had been in the practice of supping in my own room.
Before I set out, I bought of Fletcher a little treatise just
published by Ludlam, which I read with considerable
diligence till my arrival at Caversham a little before
dinner. Pen and Miss Eiches were out. There were in
the house Dr. Loveday and Mr. Bagshaw. Company
to dinner, Mr. Powney, whom I had never seen before :
he has an odd sort of humour that I was far from dis-
pleased with. The effect of time spent in solitary appli-
cation was perceivable upon this occasion, and I felt in
myself considerable difficulty of talking.
2Qth. Arrived at Fulham by dinner. Had nearly
finished, during the drive, the treatise ascribed to Demetr.
Phalereus, of which Burgess had furnished me with a
copy newly published in Holland or Germany. ' Few in-
stances where I have read so long and so attentively. For
the last stage, took to the treatise above mentioned of
Ludlam. Difficult to repel regret for former waste of
time, in which so much might have been done.
2lst. Went in the morning to town, having reason to
think that Sir Harbord* had obtained his peerage.
2'2nd. From this time I remained constantly at Fulham,
excepting two days, as appears by migrations, till the 8th
of August. One of the times I dined at Serle's, and the
other when I dined at Lord Frederick Cavendish's. At
the former dinner were present, Phipps, the Attorney-
General, Mr. Atherton, a Mr. Trail, and Woodcock ; at
the other, Lord Bessborough, Lord G. Cavendish, jun.,
D. Long and his brother, and Baker.
* Sir Harbord Harbord was created a peer in 1786 by the title of Lord
Suffield.
G 2
84 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
Another day I had been absent, having gone to dine
with Sir Joshua at Fulham. This was the Sunday preced-
ing the Eton Speeches, at which, probably, I should have
done more wisely to have been present. The days that I
particularly remember to have been in town were the
21st and 22nd, as mentioned. The day of my going to
the Custom House, viz. the 1st of August, the day on
which I was to have dined at Malone's, but went instead
to a boxing-match. N.B. Walked that day a great deal,
in weather more than commonly hot, and found in myself,
in the evening, unusual clearness of faculties and activity
of spirits.
The morning in which I went with Sheldon to town by
water, and in my way to the Commons, if I recollect,
called in at Elmsley's, and spent some time very satis-
factorily in looking into Condorcet, and Bernouilli's com-
parison, I think, of the reasoning by syllogism and by
equation.
August 8th. Instead of going to town early, as I had
proposed, stayed till near three. The lateness of the hour
created the necessity of a new road, by going across to
Paddington without passing through London. My path
led me close to Holland House, and afterwards, by a
slight deflection, through Kensington Gardens. The walk
afforded much of that pleasure which results from fami-
liar objects seen under new appearances. After a fort-
night's absence, one begins again to think of these places
with complacency.
9th. Dined with Sir Joshua. I did not feel disposed
to talk much till after tea. Subject started about chance,
on which Sir Joshua was teaching his grandmother to
suck eggs, by beginning himself with an addled one.
Walked to Burke's, and in the way thought of the
question : under the stimulus of a dispute, incited to think
with effect of that which, for want of such an incentive,
had been presented a thousand times before my thoughts
1786] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 85
without ever being brought to a decision. Eemained to
supper, where were only Malone, Courtenay, Boswell, and
myself. After I went home, faculties so clear and active,
that I did not for some time go to sleep, but continued
thinking with considerable power and good effect on the
question, Eeflection on the advantages of good society.
Oh ! where is Dr. Johnson ?
10th. Sir Joshua, Courtenay, and Malone dined with
me. Too much dispute, but pleasant, resulting in some
shape, and to some degree, from forbearance of causes
which had rendered me less pleasant the day before.
13#A. After a morning of much mixed employment of
mind and hands, set off reading a book I had just pur-
chased, ' Hartley on Mind.' My destination was Horsley's.
15A. What little I read was in Eobins'* ' Treatise on
Fluxions.' Eead, too, Wilson's ' History of Navigation,'
prefixed to ' Eobertson's Works,' from which I learnt,
among other things that I have forgot, that Willis and
Briggs were originally of Cambridge ; so that it would
seem that Halley was the only eminent mathematician
grown from the seed in Oxford. Keill had probably
laid the foundation of his mathematics in Scotland.
~LQth. Drive from Bury to Thetford in the dark : very
pleasant. Thought closely and successfully on the prin-
ciple which Sir Joshua fancies himself to have made out
of the beauty of a circle : causes, certain or possible,
numerous ; that which he supposes he does not under-
stand, and amounts to little when it is understood. After
arrival at Thetford, wrote tolerably long letter, and satis-
factory one, to Sir W. Jerningham. What an account of
myself! How inexplicable to anyone not in the secrets
of my mind, that the power of writing such a letter in
reasonable time, and with tolerable facility, should be
new, and matter to be recorded !
* B. Robins published a discourse concerning the certainty of Sir I.
Newton's method of Fluxions and of prime and ultimate Ratios in 1735.
86 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [178G
Yith. Journey pleasant, though observation employed
a good deal on objects about me ; faculties clear. After
dining at Holt, arrived at Felbrigg about seven, I appre-
hend, when I found a letter to be answered from Nor-
gate : wrote a few lines to Eepton also, which I afterwards
burnt. In Gresham Field * I got out of the chaise, and
walked the remainder of the way, much pleased with the
appearance of objects, and viewing them with the eye of
a stranger.
September 1st. Stay at Felbrigg commences.
After some consideration, it appears to me that a period
such as the present, in which events are too few to keep
a journal constantly going, and what is noted is more
matter of reflection than of fact, the account is best kept
by entering articles as they occur, without regarding
much the order of time. The inconvenience of the con-
trary method is, that articles cannot be entered as they
occur, for fear of others that may remain of a prior date,
and claiming of consequence to be entered first. This
will oftener happen in proportion as the journal is resumed
at longer intervals, and includes facts less distinguished by
consideration of their dates. It doesn't appear either, that
to the method now recommended much objection will
arise from the want of that, which is the principal advan-
tage of the chronological method the readiness, namely,
of finding any fact required, since it is proposed only
to follow this way, in periods certainly defined, and not
widely extended.
2nd. From half-past eight, when I came into my own
room, till twelve, employed (except during the time of
breakfast, when I looked into Valla and Voss's ' Etymo-
logy') in translation ; my attention not quite steady nor
my progress great. Dined by myself, and read with much
* The village of Gresham, about three miles from Felbrigg, was the
birthplace of Sir Thomas Gresham ; and the remains of old Gresham Castle
are still to be seen.
J78G] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. 87
satisfaction some extracts in an old Review of '54, I
think, from a Life of Sextus Fifth. At five, came into
my room, and, though rather tired, wrote a longish letter
to Mrs. Byng. Drank tea at Doughtys'. Came home with
them. Riding a little in the park by moonlight. Wrote
a long letter to Norgate on Custom House business.
$th. Cromer sittings on Friday ; Sherringham on
Saturday. At the Aylsham Assembly was Lady Bel-
more * who had just returned from a long residence at
Paris. I am now resuming Maseres, after an intermission
of, I believe, very near a week. Dined at Lord Suffield's ;
came straight home.
10^/i. From employment and the lightness of the atmo-
sphere, felt languid. Galloped about the park. Interrupted
by a messenger from Norwich : formal requisition for my
attendance ; answer, an indirect refusal, expressed pretty
much to my satisfaction. 'Tis curious that those who are
thus forward to make use of me are the very persons who,
in defiance of their own express assurances, would not
advance a sixpence toward the expense of my election,
though the object of it was infinitely more theirs than the
present one is mine. I think this transaction determines
pretty much what I should do about, going ; and I will go
on the morning of the llth, and not before.
~L2th. From eight till nine, closely employed on Ma-
seres ; from nine to past ten, in like manner with Valla ;
from that time till now (one) not less closely with Maseres.
I have not read more than two papers, if so much, of the
' Rambler ' since my being down here. Dined at Wolter-
ton on my return : found Kent in the steward's room, and
a messenger from Norwich, by whom I was obliged to
send a few lines, which cost me too much trouble.
IMi. Had another messenger, my answers by whom,
joined to some business in the steward's room, took me
* Harriet, daughter of John Earl of Buckinghamshire ; married, first, the
Earl of Belmore, and, second, William Marquis of Lothian.
88 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
up till near dinner. Letter not unsatisfactory, nor unsa-
tisfactorily written. Great enjoyment of my dinner, and
after with Hunt, Hicks, George, and afterwards Adey.
17th. Just returned from Norwich, half-past one.
Must return to-morrow in order to be at Sheriff Pater-
son's dinner and the Assembly. Of the public proceed-
ings of the election, it is not necessary to take any notice.
The only observation for this place is, that I did not keep
my own thoughts under such control during the time as
I might have done, nor preserve sufficient attention to
what was proper at every moment to say or do. Had I
so done, I should have quitted Norwich sooner by several
hours, and by those means have put myself still further
from the suspicion of having had any share in the man-
oeuvre of putting up Mr. Buxton.* I do not apprehend,
indeed, that anyone wih 1 impute it to me.
18^. Since my return from Norwich yesterday, have
read in Plutarch the life of Aristides, the only work I
have done. I must now (ten o'clock) dress, to set off for
Norwich again.
20th. Came from Aylsham, where I had slept. Day
uncommonly fine, and spirits uncommonly good. I had a
song in my head, which I had heard at the dinner of the
day before, descriptive of a fox-chase at some place near
Anglesea, as I conceived, and which carried my thoughts
into that part of the world, attended with a feel of en-
joyment which I seldom know. As these moments of
happiness depend often on causes subject to our own
direction, it is worth while to enquire what they are, and
take such means as may bring them into action. On my
arrival at home, I did what was most proper, and sat
down to Thuanus, but was interrupted before long, and
not unpleasantly, by Lady Buckinghamshire, driving
through the park, with whom I rode to Cromer, and con-
* Robert John Buxton, of Shadwell Lodge, Norfolk, created a baronet
in 1809.
1786] DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 89
tinned to attend till half-past three. Well employed till
sleep obliged me to go to bed. It occurs to me upon this
occasion, that that foolish feel or notion by which one part
of a day used to be sacrificed to another, and all power
lost of terminating a neglect once begun, has for a long
time ceased to operate. I don't recollect that for many
times back of my being at Felbrigg, I have ever loitered
away a whole evening as I used to do at Hanworth or
the Parsonage.
25th. Visit in the morning from the Bishop, who rode
over with Mr. Gooch. Eead after they were gone two
stories in Boccaccio, with my mind greatly engaged. At
twelve o'clock I ordered my horses, to ride to Cromer.
Day uncommonly pleasant. Eeturned about one : sat
down to translation. After that, went with Kent to
settle things in the park. Just as we were about to return
to dinner, saw Legge's chaise coming down Alymerton
Common.
2Qth. Instances of days, passed like the two last, incline
one to look with great admiration at those, who in situa-
tions not affording them, to all appearance, a moment to
themselves, are able to produce all the works of retire-
ment. Since the arrival of Legge, yesterday till now,
past nine in the evening, what opportunity appears to
have been lost ! yet what step has been taken in study of
any kind ? I have neither had time to fix in my mind any
mathematical question, to sit down to translation, nor to
read ten pages of any book I have in hand. Something,
however, might yet have been done, and, in fact, has not
been altogether omitted, that something which is the
dause of the phenomenon above alluded to, which is one
of the main desiderata in the management of the mind.
It will be well when such advance shall have been
made in the discipline of thought, that times, spent as I
have described these to be, shall not be lost in improve-
ment. It is some evidence of the good habits in which
90 DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1785
my life has been passed lately, that an interruption to
study such as the present, does not occur without be-
coming a subject of observation.
27th. After breakfast I went to dress, having been too
late to do so before. By the time that was over, I had a
summons from Kent to attend the cutting some wood.
From thence till dinner was employed in walking and
riding with Legge. All the time since has been passed in
the library, partly in talk, partly in meditation, neither
very instructive, yet not wholly without amusement. I
now feel rather impatient of three days wholly lost to any
useful pursuit.
28th. Went with Legge to Norwich. We rode by
Hanworth, Wolterton, and Blickling ; and from Aylsham
proceeded in a chaise. Very pleasant. -Saw some of the
families at each place : at Blickling, Lady Belmore, Lady
Caroline,* and Lady Sophia,f dancing.
I am surprised often and shocked at my deficiency in
computatory habits. I might console myself, possibly, if
I could have before me all the time, employed in any part
of my life, in acquiring those habits. I can now believe,
what it is my interest to believe, that notwithstanding
the attention, which I have always paid indirectly to those
subjects, the real time spent in the exercise of them, would
make but a poor figure, in comparison of that of any
pupil in his third year at an academy.
3(M. The time passed at the Bishop's,J where I had
a bed for the first time, was very pleasant. I read the
greater part of one morning in Reid's ' Inquiry,' and ac-
quired several new ideas. His idea of what he calls the
' geometry of visibles ' seems to me ingenious, but in some
respects requires examination as to the truth, particularly
in the supposition that persons having only the sense of
* Lady Caroline Hobart ; married William, second Lord Suffield, 1792.
t Lady Sophia Hobart ; married Richard, Earl of Mount Edgecumbe, 1789.
\ The Bishop of Norwich, Lewis Bagot.
1786] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 91
seeing could know only two dimensions : that is, stating
the question generally, whether reflection alone might not,
from the knowledge of surfaces, give the knowledge of
solids.
October 1st. Wednesday, went to Norwich to the Ses-
sions. Heard from Branthwayte, in the court, that there
had been talk about the intended camp. Don't know
whether to be glad or sorry that the matter was not
brought up. I should have made, I think, a good argu-
ment for the thing, and a good philippic against the op-
posers, but should have said something, perhaps, harsher
than I should have thought creditable.
1th. The Camp. I forgot to get from Hicks a list of
the names.
$th. Blickling Ball. During my ride to Adey's, where
I dined with G. Wyndham, Musgrave, Hyde, and Munro,
&c., suffered myself to think on idle things, camping, &c.,
and thought I was the worse for it. While I was dress-
ing, however, added a line or two to the Latin poem I
was meditating, and which, by the way, if I do not com-
mit to paper I shall forget. I must not forget, some time
before leaving this, to take an exact account of the
quantity done since my arrival, and to make some cal-
culations and reflections thereupon.
16^. Dined at Wolterton, and stayed the night. The
Han worth party dined and supped there. Lord John
came about ten o'clock. Particular feel of satisfaction
while sitting in the drawing-room.
2lst. Eace in the park. The day not good enough for
any ladies except Miss Wyndham. *
23rd. Dined at Cromer. Had G. Wyndham and P.
Johnson j* to dine with me. Sat late, talking of nothing but
hunting : part of the time not unpleasant, as I found my
* Sister of Gr. Wyndham, of Cromer.
t Rev. Paul Johnson, of Runton.
92 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
mind detained with images of happiness, such as they
were.
24:th. Sat for some time at the Parsonage : Mrs. Lukm
very gay and pleasant. Afterwards, continued till past
twelve finishing the life of Lysander.
25th. Got ready to go to Norwich. Was obliged to
ride fast to Aylsham ; ride not so pleasant as the fineness
of the day should have made it. The dinner was at
William Herring's, the sheriff twenty present. Lee
took me from thence to the Bishop's, where I accepted
their offer of a bed. The pleasant feelings I have had for
the two times I have been at the Bishop's will, on the
simplest principles of association, become a cause of my
being pleasant there again. The Bishop told me, upon
coming in, of the curious sermon of Prettyman.
'2Qth. I stayed at the Palace till past eleven. Very
pleasant. The Bishop and I had some talk about mathe-
matics, on which I found him an advocate for the Newton
opinion about the attention due to geometry. He talked
of Cotes as a man who had read Newton too hastily ;
that is, as projecting new things on old principles,
without first considering how far those principles should
go of themselves. I have borrowed of him Sim-
son's posthumous works, in order to read the treatise ' De
Limitibus,' which is a subject I have reverted to of late,
and on which I hope to find my ideas clearer and more
certain by this treatise.
November 9th. Dined with Sir Eobert Laurie. Came
home ; went on with my thoughts closely applied to
Simson's ' De Limitibus.' Alarming account of the
Duke of Portland.
14th. Set out for Swaffham meeting. Went to Holt in
my chaise, thence in hack to Fakenham, thence on horse-
back to Eainham. Company at Eainham, only Paxton.
Slept in a room at the head of the brown stairs, very
comfortable.
1786] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 93
loth. Waked by times in the morning, and thought
with good effect of that which had employed me during
part of the way, and the day before, the old question
of negative quantity. I should have mentioned, that
in my pocket, besides the volume of Livy I had been
reading, I took with me the collections of Greek epi-
grams with translations, and began a version with happy
success. After breakfast I retired into my room with the
second volume of Sanderson, and went through some that
I had read before of the Diaphantine problems, fixing in
my mind more clearly, I think, than before, the nature of
that kind of proposition. I rode out for a short time,
and afterwards found myself engaged to a walk with Lord
Townshend to one of his plantations.
\Qth. Went with the ladies viz. Lady Townshend,
Miss Yanneck, and Miss Montgomerie to Houghton, for
the first time since the pictures have been gone.*
17 th. Coursing at Westacre. The second time of my
attending such a meeting. I cannot recollect in what year
the first was, nor assist myself by recollection of the horse
I had.
~L$th. Having settled in the morning to go home, sent
forward my horses, and was obliged, therefore, to adhere
to my purpose, which the bad weather that came would
have disposed me otherwise to change. It was a fall of
rain and snow, with a south-east wind, which continued
the whole way, and made my ride, both from the cold
and uneasiness of the storm against my face, as unpleasant
as any I recollect to have had. I continued, notwithstand-
ing, to keep my mind tolerably well abstracted, and con-
cluded a verse or two in some epigrams I was translating
and settled a question about the increments of logarithms,
from Sanderson, which had rather puzzled me. Arrived
at home about four, having set off at a quarter before one.
* The Houghton pictures were sold by George, third Earl of Orford, to
the Empress of Russia in 1799, for 40,555.
94 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
After changing my things I got some dinner, and, what
is remarkable, though I continued by myself 'during the
evening, did not go to sleep.
The evening was spent in a manner particularly satis-
factory.
22nd. At three, when I was preparing to go to
Wolterton, Lord John and Walpole came, with whom I
returned to dinner. Came away in the evening, and
supped in Hanworth.
26th. For some time past I have been in the practice
of sitting for a considerable time after I have gone into
my bedroom, and generally of reading in the ' Eecess,'
which I have done with unusual satisfaction.
27th. Interrupted at twelve by justice business. Exer-
cised my horse in the riding-ground, and a little cudgel-
ling with young George. Eesolved to leave off Plutarch,
which I have been reading, sometimes more diligently, at
others less so, for nearly the whole time of my being
down. I leave off at the end of the life of Lucullus.
28th. ' Organum,' for two or three hours. The morn-
ing being apparently fine, and George * calling, I agreed to
ride out and join him some time after in the wood, where
he was going to shoot woodcocks. As I found my incli-
nation not strong to go out, and the comfort considerable
where I was, I congratulated myself on an arrangement
which gave me near an hour more in my own room, and
debated within myself the wisdom of going out at all. I
decided at last, perhaps not very improperly, to go, and
after walking my horse an hour in the riding-ground, went
with the gardener and settled some things proper enough
to be considered.
30^. Yesterday the Dough tys dined here, previous
to their setting off to-morrow to Northamptonshire. Felt
* George Lukin, second son of the Dean, then about sixteen years old ; a
great favourite with his uncle, Mr. Windham, from his love of athletic pur-
suits and excellent personal appearance.
1786] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WTNDHAM. 95
myself in greater spirits than ordinary : I had indeed, in
the morning, a special cause of satisfaction the having
made out a problem, not certainly of great moment, but
in a manner that was satisfactory to myself.
December 1st. To go on with the effect of riding, or
not riding ? To-day, between two and three, went out
with my brother, and continued chopping and walking till
half-past four. Upon the whole, I am of opinion that
at this time of the year, and at such times probably in a
great degree, the system of staying at home, is, for the day
itself much the best ; but whether the same proportion of
time spent in the house that would be good for a smaller
period, would be good also for a longer, is obviously a
different question.
5^. Went to Norwich : slept at Taylor's.
7th. Eode home from Aylsham. Day particularly
fine. Employed during ride in translating Greek epigrams.
Went to Parsonage, and, finding the weather so fine and
the horse so much improved, proposed to Mrs. Lukin to
ride.
8th. Employed in various things preparatory to de-
parture. A good while spent in the steward's room.
Young George came over after dinner, but I was too
sleepy to hear him with effect. Spent all the evening at
home : employed chiefly in writing out 'Adversaria' and
Diatribes on the law, relative to the business of Colby.
9^. Rode over in great haste, and in a vile morning,
to Wolterton, fearing to be too late for my appointment
namely, the examination of the man from Colby. Not
so possessed of myself, or so handy in drawing up his
examination, as I ought to have been, but pretty well.
18th. Eeturned to town. Finch (Seymour), who is
going to the Mediterranean in the ' Pearl,' rode with me
as far as the turning to Battersea.
\th. Of the ten days remaining of the year, I can
recall but little in addition to what is preserved under
96 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
migrations. I dined once at Sir Joshua's, and once at
Malone's, to meet Lord Sunderlin and Lord Carysfort.
On a comparison of the time passed since my return, with
time spent at Felbrigg, some striking facts present them-
selves. In the whole time I have written but about three
pages of translation. I have never, that I recollect, sat down
two hours together to mathematics. If after this I feel
in myself a great diminution of power, if my faculties are
perceptibly less active, my comprehension less clear, and
the command of my thoughts less certain ; if the confi-
dence and alacrity with which I engage in any work are
greatly decreased, and a proportionate tendency is felt to
relapse into my old distrust of myself, and fear of compe-
tition ; it may seem unreasonable to charge the alteration
to the effects of London air.
I am of opinion that the presence of Mrs. Lukin, how-
ever pleasant in many respects, and in some conducive
even to the purpose of study, by promoting general spirits,
and rendering home more attractive, did, notwithstand-
ing, contribute to retard my progress in different works,
and to produce some of the effects above stated : with
another person in the room application cannot be quite
unbroken : something will perpetually happen to create
the necessity of speaking, and still oftener to provoke the
desire, which, whether indulged or resisted, will equally
operate as interruption. Two consequences will there-
fore follow : first, that instances of thought, contrived
uninterruptedly to a certain extent, will be less frequent,
inasmuch as many that would happen will be prevented
by the way described ; and, secondly, that the prospect
of such interruption will both itself operate as a dis-
turbance, and will likewise discourage the prosecution of
employment to which continuity is necessary.
1786] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 97
HISTOKIA LITEEAEIA.
January.
Books Read. Dionys. Halic. Rom. Antiq. Dedication of Musurus
to Card. Bessarion ; prefixed, I think, to Dion Cassius. Several
chapters of Dion Cassius ; small portions of other Greek authors.
(The above when I was at Coke's.) Hesiod. Monthly Rev., Dec.
Monthly do., do. Some few pages in Thucydides.
Work Done. Some work done in Simson. Some small matters in
De Moivre, and others of a similar sort, at Rainham. One and a half
page of translation.
February.
Books Read. Philo- Judaeus. Narrative of what passed at Alexandria
under Avillius Flaccus (Mangey's Philo, vol. ii. p. 517, foil.). Monthly
Rev., Jan. Monthly do., do. Orat. of Themistius, viz. 11, 13.
Work Done. Half a page of translation.
March.
Books Read. Reviews. Orat. of Themistius, viz. 5, 6. Plutarch
(part of). Petavius (part of, in post-chaise).
Work Done. A little in chapter of Sanderson on Binom. Theory.
About this time had finished Quaest. in Simson. Settled some rules
and notions for the application of the doctrine of chances to evidence.
Four pages of translation.
April.
Books Read. Reviews. Indian Papers.
Work Done. Six pages of translation. Martial (in post-chaise).
May.
Books Read. Abelard and Eloise. Mysterious Mother. Essay on
Criticism. Essais de Voltaire. Louis XIV. &c. Plutarch (part of).
In this or following month, about 100 pages in the N. Heloi'se.
Work Done. Six pages of translation.
H
98 DIAKY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1786
June.
Books Read. In Nupt. Honorii, &c. (Claud.) De Raptu Proserpinse
(ejusd.) Small part of Diogenes Laert. Reviews. Between this and
, when I bought the twelfth set of Plutarch, had completed
nearly what remained of the first vol., after deducting the five lives
read at the close of last year at Felbrigg, amounting to eleven lives :
upon recollection, only ten read.
Work Done. Read over again part of Maseres on Logarithms : two
pages translation.
July.
Books Head. H. Tooke's *E7rta Trrepoevra nearly. Progress in the
Organum. Treatise nepi 'Ep/jirjt> ascribed to D. Phalereus. Some pro-
gress in Valla. Novel of Caroline. Several books of Tasso. Book
1 and part of 2nd of Castle of Indolence. Chapter in Abbe Raynal
on the Manufactory of China.
Work Done. Looked over Treatise of Ludlam. Progress in Maseres.
Articles in Advers., particularly one on Neg. Sign. Translation of
seven pages.
August.
Books Read. Progress in Plutarch. Small portion of Hartley on
Mind. Book 21 of Livy. Progress in Theological Tracts, and part of
Juvenal.
Work Done. Progress in Maseres ; six and a half pages of trans-
lation.
September.
Books Read. Progress in Plutarch. Do. Theological Tracts. Small
do. in Organum. Juvenal, in all near half. Occasionally Valla.
Work Done. Progress in Maseres. Ten pages of translation. Euclid
with nephew.
October.
Books Read. Progress in Plutarch. Small do. in Organum.
Work Done. Progress in Maseres. Nineteen pages of translation ;
and Euclid with nephew. Simsori, De Limitibus. Some occasional
mathematics.
November.
Books Read. Completed in Plutarch in all about 400 pages :
379 in present volume. Finished the Recess. Finished all but a page
or so of the 22nd book of Livy.
Work Done. Progress in Simson. Twenty-five pages of translation.
A great deal done in all in Adversaria.
1786] DIARY OP THE BIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 99
December.
Books Read. Review (Monthly), September. Julian! Misopogon.
Markland's Preface to Statius. Began Paley Avith Mrs. Lukin. Progress
in Hartley.
Work Done. In all, the six books, and part of the seventh of Euclid,
with nephew. Simson, De Lim. nearly completed. Chief part of Lud-
lam. Occasional reading in Wolf. Elem. Part of Preliminary Discourse
of Condorcet. Some occasional mathematics in Descartes. Bernouilli.
Ars Conjee. Hales, etc.
Memorandums copied from Red Pocket-Book.
Epistolas Familiares Erasmi ad ... Basil,, lately, 8vo. Much
history of the progress of the change of the Latin language to be got
from the preface of Dufresne, i, e. Ducange. Information of the same
thing to be found iu the Conspectus Saeculorum of Cave's Historia Lite-
raria. Jonsius, de Historia Philosophic^,
H 2
100 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. [1787
1787.
Velut fidis arcana sodalibus, 1787.
January 17th. Left London for Bath.
19^A. It was long a doubt whether I should go to
Bath : the inducement of taking in my way a battle that
was to be between Ward and Johnson determined me to
go, and the event gave no reason to regret my determina-
tion. It was not then foreseen that we were to have the
company of Cecy.* During the greater part of the way
I was employed in some mathematical speculations, in
which I met with good success ; and from Devizes to
Bath, in working out with great pains the recollection of
some things read lately in Petrarch. I don't know when
I have exercised my mind in a manner to call for greater
exertion, or to be attended with more salutary effects : I
mean, in the work last mentioned. We got out at the
Bear, and proceeded from thence Mrs. Lukin in a chair,
I on foot to . After long difficulty on the part of
Mrs. Lukin, I prevailed upon her to remain behind, and
came away about ten. There had been a considerable
fall of snow and the roads threatened to be very bad, but
as we retired from Bath the road became better and the
day delightful. I proceeded with great gaiety and in
bright daylight to Marlboro', where I dined ; and thence,
with equal comfort in a clear evening, to Newbury, where
I slept.
* Cecilia, daughter of Commodore Forrest, whom he afterwards married,
1790; >
1787] DIARY OF THE EIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. 101
My employments during my stay sufficiently satis-
factory. I had taken with nie Hales's 'Analysis,' and read
as much in it as might make these nine days an equal
number, taken indifferently from the period of my resi-
dence at Felbrigg. Something was also done in Charges
against Hastings and something in translation : but of this
last, as appears, only three pages. At Bull's Library I
called in two days, and read with considerable attention
part of Priestley's ' Letters on Mind,' into which I had
looked once before, either at Norwich or Cambridge, I
don't recollect for certain which. I must confess, that on
the great question of the sameness of matter or mind
by whichever name you choose to denominate the common
substance, whatever it is, I feel and I have long felt, very
much of his opinion. It seems to me likely to prove one
of the greatest discoveries ever made in metaphysics,
and to do a great deal in clearing away difficulties upon
those subjects. I shall be glad when the course of my
pursuits, interrupted and retarded as they are, brings me
to the consideration of this question.
29th. London. The first place I went to was
Brookes's; the first time of my going there since my
leaving Norfolk. Burke, Francis, Fox, &c.
February. All my attention was now fixed on the
question next to come on of the Begums. The morn-
ing after the first debate, I rode before breakfast to
Fulham, and returned, if I recollect, with Disbrowe and
Hayes : no opportunity given me for speaking. I con-
tinued after that reading pretty diligently the Charges,
with a view of making choice of one : by this time
attention to these had supplanted nearly ah 1 other
reading.
18th. I went to Salt Hill, in order to meet Mrs.
Lukin, who was to come that evening in the coach from
Bath. Much deliberation before I resolved to go and
many doubts as to the expediency of it : these were all
102 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1787
done away with before I had gone three miles, by the
strong feeling I had of the effect constantly experienced
from a journey. The day was fine and I felt, during the
whole of my absence, an alacrity and vigour of mind
clearly distinguishable from anything known since I had
passed that way three weeks before. Not many days
before, I had gone to the pit to see the ' Count of Nar-
bonne : '* it was one of the pleasantest evenings of the
sort I recollect to have passed.
It was some time before this and in this month, that
there was the question on the Commercial Treaty ,f on
which I spoke, and which gave occasion to the dispute I
have been involved in with the meeting of the manu-
facturers of Norwich. Whether they decide or not upon
an address, which is the measure they have proposed, in
order to do away an impression supposed to have been
made by my speech, the conclusion cannot, I think, be to
me a cause of any dissatisfaction : I have in my own
opinion so defended myself as to stand unconvicted of
having done any wrong.
March 29th. The interval from my return from Bath
to the date last mentioned, I may add to the present time
(29th), has been employed altogether in preparation for
questions in the House of Commons, and other incidental
business.
Hardly a page of Greek has been read since my leaving
Felbrigg : the only exception is, I believe, a short oration
of Demosthenes. On mathematics, the work done very
little. At my first return from Felbrigg, the same habits
continued that I had been cultivating with such success
there, and I felt almost to count the days which sus-
* A tragedy by Jephson. It was founded on Horace Walpole's ' Castle of
Otranto,' and for that reason was carried through the theatre by Walpole
himself.
t The Commercial Treaty between Great Britain and France, negotiated
and signed by Mr. Eden in 1786.
1787] DIARY OF TIIE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 103
pended my intercourse with such subjects. By degrees,
however, the feeling wore off; the use of mathematical
books discontinued, till the prospect of resuming them
faded from the sight, or was followed at last by none of
those feelings or purposes which it was accustomed to
excite. This was strongly exemplified in the instance of
Descartes' 'Geometry,' and of Huygen's ' De Ludis Aleas '
and Condorcet ; which I bought soon after my return
and for some time felt so eager about as to take them
with me occasionally when I went to Fulham. How
long have they now stood on the shelf, not distinguished
from any of the volumes that rest undisturbed by their
side ? If one considers generally the length of time, one
wonders how so little can have been done ; if one con-
siders the several portions as they pass, none seems to
be lost.
Among the work done must be reckoned a portion of
Paley, read with sufficient care, and of which I felt the im-
mediate benefit in part of the argument on Fyzulla Khan.
I cannot at present recollect any particular facts that
have happened ; but it seems to me that I have oftener
had company to dinner have been oftener, though not
often, to see Mrs. Siddons, and have to a great degree
abated the frequency of my visits to Legge's. My calls on
Burke have been more frequent, both in mornings and
evenings ; at Horsley's, I think less. The Club in Essex
Street I have never attended, nor have I dined this year
with Dr. Scott. At Dover Street I have been very con-
stant. The places at which I can recollect to have
dined have been Langton's, Sir Joshua Eeynolds's, Ma-
lone's, Sheridan's, Boswell's, Burke's, Francis's, Mills',
Legge's, Sir G. Cornewall's, Long's, Crewe's, Dover
Street, Serle's, Onslow's, Major Grymes's, and Adair's.
What a great proportion of dinners must have been at
home or at the House of Commons ! Balls or parties,
except Lady Harcourt's and Miss Adair's, with a Sunday
104 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. [1787
evening or two at Francis's, I have been at none. The
Opera, too, I have not yet been at. The period consi-
dered three months, bating thirteen days. It would seem
that good management and vigorous exertion might in
that time have produced more to literature, without
deducting anything from amusement or business.
April 4cth. I have a notion that this was the day I
moved the Charge. The manner in which my time had
been spent for ten days preceding I may well remember.
Let me recollect that my reflection constantly was, how
much might have been done in every branch of study,
how much happier my life might have been, had I exerted
in general the same diligence as I now did for this special
purpose. The reason I had for this reflection, and the
strong conviction I felt of the truth of it, ought to be
deeply impressed on my mind. A thousand inabilities
which I have admitted to operate against general study,
were overruled by the strong necessity under which I
then acted.
The experience of the ten days, or more, spent in pre-
paration for that Charge, proved very clearly how much
of what one imputes to corporal incapacity, is caused
merely by the want of some principle to urge one strongly
forward. How often the body is taxed when the mind
is in fault ! How much of that obstruction which health
seems to oppose will shrink away before a resolute deter-
mination !
1th. Our attendance began, if I recollect right, at the
India House, on the committee for the impeachment of
Hastings. It is observable that the period of my attend-
ance there was a very happy one. The causes which made
it so must, one would think, be mental ; for during the
whole of the time, as for some days before and after, there
was a continued decided easterly wind. Notwithstanding
this, whether from the advantage of going out often before
breakfast, the gaiety of the streets in the City, the novelty
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON; W. WINDHAM. 105
of the situation, or the share I took in part of the busi-
ness, it is certain that my mind was, for the greater part
of the time, unusually gay and clear.
8^. For some time past I have proposed to myself to
revert to a system, discontinued for a long while, of early
rising. The difficulty is not so much in the execution, as in
the satisfying myself that it ought to be executed. It has
seemed to me that, after a portion of sleep, something more
than ordinary, and extending beyond the hour which would
be called very early, I rise with more freshness and gaiety,
with better spirits and greater alacrity, than at a period
such as would be required on the plan above mentioned.
The question is whether the observation be true, and then
how far the fact depends on causes likely to cease by habit,
or removeable by, my own effort. To rise without a quan-
tity of sleep such as the constitution requires, will cer-
tainly not be good, in the long run, for study any more
than for health. But supposing the same quantity of
sleep to be taken, will the effects described be connected
more with its termination at one time than at another?
I rather think not, though the fact may undoubtedly be
so ; because there are reasons, not depending either on
use or effort, that apply to the one and not to the other ;
such as the state of the air at one period of the morning
and at another, the appearance of things, and the con-
sciousness of the relation to which one stands to the busi-
ness of the day. The experience of to-day and yesterday
would determine me to the opinion, that with respect even
to the feel at rising and for some time after, and indepen-
dent of other considerations, the earlier hour was to be
preferred to the later ; for though I felt yesterday, having
risen at half-past six, that something of that vigour was
wanting which ought to follow sleep, and that a fit of
drowsiness overtook me in different parts of the day, yet
to-day, when an opposite course was tried and when I
did not rise till nine, that languor was perceived, I think
106 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM [1787
in a greater degree, and extended its effects for a longer
period. Had this even been otherwise, there is the great
consideration of time gained, to which it will not be easy
to oppose advantages of any other sort by which its weight
can be counterbalanced. I am of opinion, therefore, that,
from this day for some time to come, I should rise every
morning at seven o'clock, and for that purpose be in bed
by twelve. There is a difficulty always in disposing of
the time gained by early rising, previously to breakfast,
as the hours so obtained are wanted, for opposite pur-
poses for study, to which they are especially fitted, and
for exercise, which agrees with me at that time better than
at any other. I think the practice, upon the whole, must
be nearly such as I have proposed, that to rides or walks
for the sake of health more cannot be allowed than two
or three times in a week.
ll/i. Mrs. Siddons, Sir Joshua, Sir Gilbert, Langton,
and Malone supped with me. The evening particularly
pleasant.
15JA. It was to-day (Sunday), I think, that I went
down to Hendon to Mrs. Crewe. The evening preceding
was Jephson's play of ' Julia,' to which I went with a
party from Boswell's. This is ascertained by the circum-
stance of my having met Lawrence the next morning at
Adam's, where I stayed till near four, employed usefully
on Fyzulla Khan. After the play went to Burke's.
16th. At Mrs. Crewe's were present Sheridan and
Mrs. S., Tickell and Mrs. T., Dr. Parr, and Ellis. I arrived
just as dinner was going on table. Great enjoyment, and
conversation pleasant, till late in the evening, when they
involved everything, as usual, in noisy dispute. They so
stunned and confounded, with their clamour and alterca-
tion, faculties which could not naturally be well turned to
reasoning, that after incessant debate, in which I however
took no part, they came to a decision, not contradicted
but confirmed by their cooler judgment next morning,
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 107
that it was no consequence ; ' that if persons having the
clearest conceptions were sometimes the least clear in
communicating their conceptions, then the persons the
most clear in communicating, would sometimes have the
least clear conceptions.' The words taken down were,
indeed, ' had not always the greater power of communi-
cating ;' in which case, as I desired them to note at the
time, the conversation did not, in strictness, hold, but that
distinction had no share in their objection. Parr was
among the fiercest, and brought down all the powers of
Aristotle to show, that between those propositions there
was no consequence. I applied to them at the beginning
the story of the supposed contradiction in the witness
who deposed first that the man had one leg shorter than
the other, and then that he had one leg longer.
Ylth. Club-day : present, Sir Joshua, Lord Ossory,
Lord Palrnerston, Bishop of St. Asaph, Malone, and Dr.
Burney. I went away soon, in order to go to Bensley's
benefit Mrs. S. in ' Belvidera.' From Mrs. Crewe's, the
day before, I had an unpleasant ride, the wind being still
NE., and had the aggravation, on arriving at the India
House, of finding, that between uncertainty, whether I
should go there or not, and delay in stopping to see a
foot-race, I was too late for my purpose, and too soon
for my servant to have arrived to take my horse. After
dinner I drove to Burke's, where I found Ellis and Dr.
King, and should have stayed to supper, but that it was
necessary for me to call in Duke Street, in order to settle
with Byng about going the next day to see a battle at
Barnet between Martin and Mendoza. We agreed to go,
for which I was sorry by the time I got home, but did
not like to send a message to put it off. In the morning
we discovered, fortunately before we set out, that each
was going in compliment to the other. Some time, I con-
ceive, in this week the night I knew of Mrs. Jordan's
benefit I had company at dinner, namely, Adam, Tickell,
108 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. W1NDHAM. [1787
Dodwell, Ellis, Cholmondeley, and Courtenay. When we
broke up, I went with Courtenay and made a visit to Lord
Townshend, who had come lately to town, and has a
house in Argyle Street. My visit was well taken, and was
agreeable to myself.
2\st Saturday. I dined at Crewe's : present, Parr,
Tickell, Ellis, Eichardson, Mrs. Tickell. Dinner not
pleasant, nor such as repaid me, either for the loss of
Mrs. Siddons in ' Isabella,' or for a dinner at Adam's with
Anstruther and Sir Gilbert Elliot. I had risen very early
in the morning in order to read the case of the Salt Ash
Petition, of which, if I had known as much as I do now,
I should perhaps have undertaken the nomineeship.
23rd Monday. Attended for the last time the meet-
ing on the Wool business ; from whence I proceeded to
the Committee, and dined upstairs with Francis. From
thence I was proceeding straight home, but being induced
to go into the House, in order to procure admission for
Crome of Norwich, I stayed therefore, first, from desire
to hear Pitt and Sheridan, and then in order to be present
when Burke gave some explanation on the paper, thought
to be improperly looked into by the Committee.
24:th Tuesday. I rode out, after calling on Frederick
Montague. Met Lady Buckingham and Lady Emily,* with
whom I continued walking till it was time to return
straight home. This was the day of the Salt Ash Petition,
for which, by the fault of the servants, and partly of my
own, I was just too late. The business in the House was
Sir Gilbert Elliot's notice, and the Shop Tax.
2dth. Burke, Sir G. Elliot, and I dined with Wilber-
force ; the day sufficiently pleasant, except that we talked
more than I could have wished about India, though not
in any way that was improper. We came away on foot,
and took a turn or two in the Park. I went afterwards
to Mrs. Acourt's.
* Emily Anne Hobart; married, 1704, to Robert Marquis of Londonderry.
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 109
27 th. I did not wake till near eight, and dressed in
a hurry, wishing to breakfast with Kent, but, fearing to
be too late, changed my purpose and rode to Burney's,
where the event of my visit turned out beyond my hopes.
First, found him just going to breakfast, and Porson with
him : with them I stayed enjoying myself much, partly
from the society, and partly from the pleasantness of the
air, till twelve, when I returned home. From one till
three I wrote the letter which I had upon my mind,
to the Norwich Free Blues,* who had sent me a letter in
form from their Society-room, at the Fountain in Clare
Market, containing a review of my conduct, and remark-
able as an instance of that notion and style and compo-
sition which spreads now into ale-houses and cellars.
28fA. This morning I had intended to spend at home,
but was forced out about twelve by a note I had received
from Burke, mentioning a business of some sort which
required me to call upon the Duke of Portland : before I
went out, Urquhart called. The business was a report
which the Duke had heard, but without believing, that I
had been among the persons to advise the Prince on the
business now impending. Burke having been at Burling-
ton House, carried me away with him in his carriage, to
help to make up a committee at the India House. On
the way, he explained to me what had passed in the
House the day before relative to the Prince ; f on which,
as well as on the general state and character of our
party, and of some of the persons who composed it, he
descanted in a strain of superior wisdom. I made no
stay at the India House, but returned on foot, calling at
several places and doing several necessary pieces of busi-
ness by the way.
The walk from the India House to St. Dunstan's, took
* Blue ai.d white are in Norwich the colours of the Whig party.
t With reference to the marriage of the Prince of Wales with Mrs.
Fitzherbert.
110 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. [1787
me, I observed, at a rate somewhat lower perhaps than
my ordinary one, twenty minutes. One of my errands
was, if I recollect, to order from Nourse the new edition
of the ' Tatler,' of which I have since read a volume, and
think rather of running through the whole.
This day is to be remarked as having been the found-
ation, probably, of an Eton Anniversary, never before
held, and not unlikely to be continued from this time.
Dodwell has, I think, the honour of being the prime
mover. The persons present, as far as I can recollect,
were as follows : Johnes, Poyntz, Sir Gregory Turner,
Sir Layton, L. Darner, Winnington, Sir G. Thomas,
T. Windsor, G. White, Townshend, Neville, Tickell, Chol-
rnondeley, Mundy, Grey, Dodwell, Pulteney, A. Smith.
The presence of so many persons, all imparting the ideas
of a particular period, and many of them unconnected in
one's mind with any other, produced in a considerable
degree the effect that one would suppose : it would have
done so in a degree still greater if I had not happened to
be in a state unfavourable rather to such impressions. As
it was, I felt at some periods during the course of the
evening sensations of enjoyment, such as one has not often
known since life was in the spring, and which contributed
in their turn to recall and impress the images by which
they were produced. I remained there, rather enjoying
one's own feelings than the conversation, which, for its
merits as conversation, though not perhaps its effect in
recalling past scenes, approached full near that of a party
at the ' White Hart,' till near twelve, when I went with
Mundy to Mrs. Crewe's.
2$th. Dined at Francis's. Present : Burke's son, Sir
G. Elliot, E. Burke, M. A. Taylor. In the evening Mrs.
Eeid and Miss Adair. No dancing.
30th. The misdemeanours of Oude having been put
off, was enabled to keep my engagement with Mulgrave
to meet Lord Longford.
May \st. Club, Dover Street. Went from thence to
1787] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. Ill
the Opera, the first time since March twelvemonth. Saw
Lady Buckinghamshire there. After the Opera, I con-
tinued talking to her till she went, which prevented my
arriving at Marlay's, with whom I was to sup, till near
twelve. Mrs. Crewe, Mrs. Sheridan, Lady Palmerston, H.
Pelham, and Crewe.
2nd. Met Lady Buckinghamshire and Lady Caroline,
and walked with them in Kensington Gardens. Had called
in my way on Lady Cornewall, whom I have hardly seen
five times this winter. Air very delightful and refreshing.
Had intended to think of something to say on the Post-
horse Tax, but, for want of time in the morning to turn
it in my mind, had pretty much given up the idea.
On finding myself alone in the House, sufficiently fresh
and clear, resumed my purpose, and offered myself to the
Speaker immediately as Pitt sat down. Some one else
having been pointed to, and my next offer proving in like
manner unsuccessful, I gave up the point for the time,
proposing, if I spoke at all, to wait till Pitt, or some
one else from the Treasury Bench, should have spoken
again ; but to this intention an interruption was given by
a sally, in the usual manner, from Sir Eichard Hill ;* in
answer to which I hazarded an attempt, not so adventur-
ous as it appeared, because part of what I said had passed
through my mind on a former occasion, when Harding f
once had made a speech of the same sort, but of which
the danger was still sufficient to make me look back to it
with terror, and undertook the office of chastising him.
The experiment in the present instance seemed to have
succeeded to the utmost of my hopes : there is no danger
of my being betrayed by its success into a careless and
unsafe repetition of it.
* Sir R. Hill was the uncle of Lord Hill, of Peninsular celebrity.
t George Harding was brought up to the bar. He had some reputatior.
as a speaker, but never rose above mediocrity. He finally became a Welsh
judge.
112 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1787
. Went into the Park before breakfast, where two
of the regiments of the Guards were exercising, and from
thence proceeded and breakfasted with Palmer. Dined
at home ; and though I ate only some minced veal, some
spinach, and eggs, in moderate quantity, felt myself
greatly oppressed, so as to afford a strong instance in
confirmation of the opinion, that a solitary dinner, for
whatever reason, does not so soon pass away as one ate
in company. The reason first occurring would be, that
for a dinner ate in company some time was taken ; but
the fact does not seem to correspond ; for I have made,
if I am not mistaken, as many intervals in dining alone,
and have yet found that digestion does not take place so
quickly. Besides the effect that company may have on
the mind, much, I apprehend, is to be ascribed to the
action given to the lungs and stomach by talking. In the
evening, about six o'clock, I drove down to Fulham, and
drank tea with Liddell, and from thence proceeded to
Kent's. On my return to town, proceeded to Burke,
who had been peevish and impatient in the morning
because I would not stay when he supposed he had some-
thing to say to me. With him I had some conversation
about the motion to come on the next day relative to
the Prince.
4:th. Went out before breakfast, to learn something of
the meeting to be held that morning at Carlton House,
of which notices had been sent that morning. After the
meeting, at which the Prince signified only that the
business was likely to be settled amicably, drove with
Sir Gilbert Elliot to Mrs. Siddons', to whom we were
admitted ; then to Gally's. to whom and Mrs. G. I was
introduced.
5th. To Beaconsfield, where I arrived in time for din-
ner. Drove in my own carriage to Uxbridge : fell asleep
by the way, as I recollect to have done in going down
last July. Took a long walk at night, notwithstanding
1787] DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 113
the coldness and unpleasantness of the weather. Slept
pleasantly, and waked early. Took up a volume of Cud-
worth and learnt some facts relative to the Atomic philo-
sophers that deserve to be remembered.
Qth. Came to town after breakfast. Got upon my horse
at Uxbridge, in order to ride some way with the Duke
of Portland, who was coming through : journey pleasant.
Company at home Knight, Burney, Porter, Langton,
Paradise,* and Lawrence. Of the remaining days of the
week no recollection, except that on Monday I went, after
dining at home, to Mrs. Siddons' benefit part, ' Alicia ':f
sat in Lady Palmerston's box, Mrs. Crewe and Lady
Williams.
Wth. Dined with Cholmondeley : day memorable for
being that on which the ports were opened to French
goods and the Impeachment carried up against Hastings.
14:th. Having returned home at a little past nine, sat
down to Maseres on ' Neg. Signs ' till past eleven and
continued employed on that and some small logarithmic
operations, the first mathematics I have read, I should
suspect, for full two months. I took to it more readily
and with better success than I had reason to apprehend
after such long disuse, though still with such sense of
deficiency as snowed what is sometimes gained by what
appeared now to be wanting.
IQth. Dined with Sheridan : present, Fox, Parr, Grey,
Corry, Lord Eobert,^ Courtenay, Lord Grenville. The
same evening went with Lady Palmerston to Vauxhall
to masquerade : determined upon going after full debate
not much in mood to go, and very sorry for what I
had determined when I found the party : turned out, in
the event, perfectly pleasant.
* Paradise was another member of the Johnsonian circle.
t In Howe's ' Jane Shore.' { Lord Robert (Spencer).
I
114 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1787
. Eton meeting ; seventy-four present. Dined with
Edwin * for the first time.
2(M. Went about eight to Francis's : employed in the
useful work of examining bills ; to bed in great comfort
between one and two. It was my purpose now to get
out of town as soon as I could. On Monday, if I
recollect right, I was detained at the House waiting to
attend Burke, with a message for taking Hastings into
custody. It was eight before I came away.
22nd. Did not come home till late, not having finished
my dressing when part of the company came to dinner.
This consisted of Fox, Adam, Burke, Dr. Scott, Francis,
E. Burke, Cholmondeley, J. Lee, Sir G. Elliot. None of
them went away till late. 'Twas a very pleasant day.
23rd. I found in the morning the want of a ride and
took the opportunity of going to Fulham to see Mrs.
Siddons. I did not get to the House of Commons till
after the motion was disposed of for printing the
report of the Post-office Committee. I returned home
again, being to dine with Lord Eobert, whose dinner was
not likely to be ready till past six. I learnt for the first
time, from Sheridan at the House, of the death of poor
Canning, the news of which shocked me less in conse-
quence of the account I had heard before and which
shocked me a good deal that he was past recovery.
He was a very friendly, and seemingly a very honourable
man, and one so linked with us by political sentiments and
by other ties to those whom I am likely frequently to see,
that his death makes a void in the prospect of life which
will continue to be for some time perceived. The party
at Lord Robert's was : Duke of Portland, Lord Hertford,
Lord Beauchamp, Lord Palmerston, Fitzpatrick, W. Ellis,
Burke, Grey.
24th. Went out, in order to learn from Miss Adair
* Edwin, the celebrated comedian.
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOIST. W. WINDHAM. 115
whether I was to sup with her or not or rather to put
myself in the way of being asked, having been told by
Mrs. Siddons the day before that she was to sup there.
Just able to get in time to Malone's, where I was to dine.
Went home, if I recollect right, when I quitted his house ;
that is, after carrying home Burke.
25th. Felt vexed at my arrival in Stratford Street
(Miss Adair's), to find that supper was half over. Erskine
there, and Mrs. Erskine, H. Greville, Bentinck. Tired, and
rather dull. Took Greville and Bentinck in the carriage,
who wanted a conveyance to Lady Gideon's ball. Had
an invitation which I should have found, perhaps, more
pleasant, but could not have accepted to the exclusion of
the other, to meet Lady Harris at Lady Palmerston's.
2Qth. Two of the persons I called on were Eoyd and
A. Smith. From Queen Anne Street I went to Duke Street,
where, to my great surprise, I found Cecy, just arrived
for a stay of two days from Binfield. The meeting her
gave me a feel of great satisfaction, and made me hesitate
in my own mind whether I should not defer my journey
for a day or two. Augusta* was with her: grown in her
*/ o
appearance and size much more womanly, and to my eyes
and taste so attractive, that it was with great difficulty I
could forbear to mix in my conversation more of softness
than would become the relation in which we stand. Miss
Eich came in soon after.
28th. Arrived in Norwich in time to go to the play.
The book I read upon the road, which I had bought at
Naulder's the day before, collected by H. Stephens from
Ctesias, Agatharchides, Memnon, arid Appian ; of which I
read, I think, the whole from Memnon, and the whole or
nearly of the 'Annibalica' of Appian. My journey was
sufficiently pleasant, but struck me with the difference
from that which I made, much about the same time of
* Mrs. Disney, sister to Cecy, afterwards Mrs. Windharn.
I 2
116 DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1787
year, before my going to Ireland, and which, odd as it may
seem, considering the anxiety I felt upon that occasion,
produced feelings of enjoyment much superior to any
known on this.
3(M. To Aylsham in a chaise ; from thence to Fel-
brigg on horseback ; employed, I think, chiefly in the
' Organum,' which I now resumed till supper. The dis-
tribution I have proposed for my time is, to breakfast at
nine, to have the boys for their lesson after breakfast, to
dine at the Parsonage (which is at three), to return
straight home soon after dinner and continue at home
till eight ; then to ride or walk out, and afterwards, in
general, to sup at the Parsonage.
June 1st. Eesumed the employment mentioned May
14th (logarithmic operations) for the first time since that
date. Query, Whether I have done to-day anything that
might not have been done equally well in London ? I am
better certainly, in no respects, unless it be in health, and
the capacity I may feel to employ the remaining hours to
greater advantage. To know the full extent of this latter
difference, I must take in the probable state, in which I
shall rise to-morrow morning. 'Twould not be right to
mention, among the advantages of being here (Felbrigg),
the impossibility of going out, and the freedom, therefore,
from all the distress of choice ; that being an advantage
founded on a defect in myself, which reason and habit
might cure.
3rc?. Rose at seven ; went to church at half-past nine :
a good sermon from Johnson,* which I listened to with
great attention. Eode with him to Aldborough, and thence
a round by myself till near one o'clock. Eead at and
after dinner, till finding myself in danger of going to
sleep, dressed and walked on bowling green.
4:th. Went to Norwich to dine with the sheriff. King's
birthday. Slept at Taylor's ; he absent.
* Rev. Paul Johnson.
177] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 117
1th. Brettingham came ; though the business on which
he carne, viz. to assist me in some alterations in the
house, and the connection he has with places and times
which I reflect on with pleasure, might well occasion
some satisfaction in his arrival ; yet there was an effect
from his company of putting one's mind into a state of
cheerfulness and activity, above its ordinary rate at this
place, which seems to show that the solitude here is more
than is salutary.
$th. Brettingham went away, and has answered per-
fectly the purpose of his coming down, having settled
what is necessary for the alteration and repair of the
drawing-room, and reduced the question of the hall and
the library to a state in which it must soon be decided. My
present opinion is for opening the flat window again, and
lighting the room altogether from the south. The advan-
tages I propose by this are, the obtaining a pleasanter
light, more warmth, and better appearance when the
curtains are down and, above all, getting rid of the idea
of an end room.
llth. At home till dinner. I went into, the riding-
ground, gave a lesson to bay mare. At seven, went out
and took airing Mrs. Lukin going in phaeton, I on
horseback towards Bodham. Struck with the novelty,
to me, of the scene.
15th. I had felt myself particularly strong and clear, but
lost some of the advantage by a foolish contest with myself,
whether a wish of exercising my horse before dinner, sooner
than it should lose a day, should be indulged or not. The
disturbance given myself in arguing the question became
a reason for deciding it in the affirmative. We drank tea
out of doors. When they went away the party from the
Parsonage which was about nine or past, I came into my
room, and continued in my chair, thinking with great
intentness on the question in page 261, K. U., till past
eleven, when the effect of thought, so long and so earnestly
118 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1787
continued brought me into a state different, as it appeared
to me, from what I have frequently experienced from the
same cause such as seemed to me a natural precursor of
that which, some time or other, will be my end a para-
lytic stroke.
16th. From whatever cause, it happened whether
from continuing too long in bed, or from the same as
occasioned what is stated above I felt all this day low
in spirits and feeble in mind. I was so drowsy as to be
obliged to betake myself to the couch, where I continued
fast asleep till I was waked by Mrs. Lukin coming under
the window in the phaeton.
18^. Left home for the Guild, Mrs. Lukin, Cecilia
and Mary in the chaise, I on horseback. We had settled to
sleep at Aylsham in the absence of the Adeys, and in our
way to see Blickling. Great pleasure in seeing the house,
and afterwards the park. Much occasion to me of reflect-
ing on the influence of place and external objects.
19th. Slept at Taylor's.
20th. Expectation of going to the camp. Great be-
nefit from visit to Norwich. I had felt languid and low
before, whether the effect of illness or any mental cause,
can't say a little suspicion of the latter.
22nd. Cromer meeting. Only myself there. Eead, in
the intervals of business, Q. Curtius, which I brought
for the purpose from the Parsonage. Drank tea at home,
meaning to continue there all the evening ; but Mrs. Lukin
tempted me to drive her in the phaeton, which I did, going
the gap way to Cromer, and driving a considerable dis-
tance below cliff. The pleasantness of the drive atoned
for the interruption.
23rd. No progress made in Maseres since the 15th.
All mathematics cannot, however, be said to have
stopped for that time. I must not omit, also, what is
continually going forward in teaching George : perhaps,
in hearing him his propositions, which have generally
1787] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 119
taken an hour, and sometimes much more, my faculties
are as much exerted and as highly taxed as in any em-
ployment I have. I have always accustomed myself a
good deal to demonstrate propositions without the scheme
before me, but believe the practice to be of great use, not
only as an exercise to the mind, but for the truer con-
ception of the proposition. It is not impossible that Pitt's
clearness and distinctness of exposition may have been
acquired, in some measure, by the habit of going through
demonstrations without the assistance from a diagram.
24^. Went over to Norwich again to dine with the
new mayor Harvey, having read about a page and a half
of Maseres before I set out. The time so short, that I
hardly thought it worth while to take up the book,
but did it on a principle, which this instance may con-
tribute to confirm, that such kind of transient applica-
tion, however little it may produce in itself, is of great use
for the purpose of connection. A point properly placed
will connect objects at any distance at less than the double
of that at which they could have connected themselves.
It is curious to observe how this principle applies in
various subjects, and the use that architects make of it in
accommodating to each other the ornaments of the seve-
ral parts of a building. Brettingham, the other day, while
he was contriving alterations for the library, furnished
an instance of this.
26^A. Passed the whole of the day at home and alone,
except three-quarters of an hour in the evening, when I
heard George his Euclid (the same proposition, by the
way, in the 12th book, about the section of a pyramid into
two pyramids, which was the subject of a dispute so
many years ago between me and Cholmondeley), and half
an hour in the morning, when I was hearing Eobert* his
* Robert Lukin, third son of the Dean, secretary to the Tennis Club, and
one of the finest tennis players of the time. He was a most amiable man,
and a very respectable scholar.
120 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. W1NDHAM. [1787
Horace and Greek grammar. This is the first day passed
wholly at home since my coming down. What is the
opinion to be formed respecting the passing more days in
the same way from the experiment made in this instance ?
Certainly very favourable. After dinner I was not quite
able to keep myself awake, and was very near going over (in
despair of working to any effect) to the Parsonage. After
tea I grew into spirits more than ordinary, so as to make
me dance and sing about the room (effects now very rare),
and have continued till now (twelve o'clock) with great
clearness and alertness of faculties, which I have employed
with grand success in filling the two or three last leaves
of the * Adversaria.' I will now go to bed with no other
apprehension than that the activity of mind that I still
feel may prevent me from sleeping. The balance between
the benefit of hours passed alone and hours passed in
company is perpetually changing, as the enjoyment from
the latter grows greater continually by their infrequency,
and the others by too long continuance may part with
much of their advantage.
28th. Norwich. Breakfasted at the Bowling Green.
Just time was left to get to Eainham, by what I supposed
their dinner. Pleasant ride, and pleasant state of mind at
dinner : Lord Townshend, Money, Sir Edmund and Lady
Bacon, Dillingham, young Bedingfield and his wife, &c.
Settled to go in the evening to Yarmouth, under the
guidance of young Suckling, whom I remember a lout at
Dereham, but is now a fine officer- looking man. Set off
across the marshes ; ride very pleasant, when we were
relieved from the apprehension of losing our way.
July 3rd. Great folly. After sitting at home till six,
suffered myself, without any necessity or any temptation,
to be absent till half-past eleven at the Parsonage. What
have I gained by this ? What I have lost I know.
6th. Eeceived a letter, to my great surprise, from
Wilberforce, saying he should be the next day at Nor-
1787] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 121
wich, and if he found a letter from me should come on
to Felbrigg. As I was going this day to Norwich, it was
not necessary to answer his letter. Had the mortifica-
tion to find that Wilberforce had been gone about half
an hour.
1th. On finding it market-day, wished I had gone
home. No room at the Angel to breakfast in. Went to
the Maid's Head, to attend the meeting relative to the
sending for Mara to sing at the Cathedral. One of my
purposes of going there was to meet Sir W. Jerningham,
with whom I settled I should go in the evening to Cossey
for the purpose of writing my letters.
8th. Set off on return home, and for the first time
came by Cawston and Hevingharn. I was employed,
I have a notion, for part of the way, in the translation of
an epigram, viz. from Greek into Latin, and for part, I
remember, in settling anew the question about the ad-
vantage of blackening or whitening fruit- walls.
\\th. Went to Norwich for the sessions. Particularly
obliged to attend, as it was expected that Barber's
cause would come on, and some occasion might be taken
by the wisdom of the magistrates to make some observa-
tions or propose some resolutions against camping. Slept
at Taylor's.
~]_2th. After dining with the Justices, rode to Cossey,
drinking tea by the way at Earlham with Mrs. Gurney,
where I stayed some time. Edward Jerningham at
Cossey.
~Loth. Eode over to Aylsham before breakfast to meet
Burney, in order to go to the Blickling Library. While
we were waiting in the hall, heard Lady Buckingham-
shire's voice in the passage, and could not resist the incli-
nation to speak to her, though the consequence was, what
I foresaw, yet did not wish, that I should lose so much
time to the inspection of the library. I had not above
half an hour with Burney, when a message from Lady B.
122 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1787
obliged us to depart, in a manner sufficiently whimsical in
appearance, the reason given being that Lord B. was
expected, and the message arriving unfortunately at the
moment of a violent rain. It turned out that we departed
just in good time, though it might have been the very
worst, for in our way to Aylsham we met Lord B. By
the greatest good luck, it was in a part of the road which
enabled us to escape unseen into Holley's stables, where
we remained till he was past. In the library at Blickling,
the most remarkable thing that I saw, was a manuscript
lexicon of Suicer, in seven volumes and upwards in folio,
which appears to have been copied from a printed copy
published in 1682, and, by a note at the end, to have
been concluded in 1784. It is difficult to conceive, how
so large a work could have been written out in the time,
as it did not appear clear to me that more than one hand
had been employed ; and it must have been copied from
the printed edition, as the additions were incorporated in
the text. If no edition has been published since that in
1682 including the additions of this manuscript, what is
here preserved would be a valuable assistance to any
future compiler of a Greek lexicon. Suicer was a native
of, and a professor, I think, of Zurich, and died, I believe,
in the year when this manuscript was finished.
ISth. Set off after breakfast to ride to Cossey, in order
to proceed from thence to Mr. Ives', at Catton. The day
hot, and the fatigue of the latter part of my ride so much
that I could maintain no series of thought.
2Qth. Cossey. Before dinner had some talk with a
friar of Calabria, who had come over to collect charity for
the rebuilding of his convent, destroyed in the late earth-
quakes. He spoke no English, so I conversed as well
as I could in Italian. The evening, i. e. the supper,
at Cossey pleasant as before. The whole of my stay at
Cossey has been very pleasant. Of the remainder of my
stay at Felbrigg I can give but little account, having
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 123
neglected to make any memorandum till now, a month
from the time. The day of dining at Sir Eobert Laurie's
was the same as that of G. Wyndharn's return from
Yarmouth by water.
August Till the 4th, continued at Norwich or at
Cossey ; the assizes having commenced on the morning
of the 31st ult., and a meeting having been called in con-
sequence of the proclamation. After the meeting, for the
debate of which, such as there was reason to apprehend,
I found myself less prepared than I ought, I set out for
London, going from Thetford to Bury, where I expected
to gain intelligence of a man whom I had been applied
to, to endeavour to save.
6^. Fell in, fortunately, with a dinner at Malone's.
Found much satisfaction in such a restoration to better
society, with the health of the country to qualify me to
enjoy it. Proceeded to Nepean. Detained between his
house and the office till near five o'clock, when I found a set
of people going to a battle in Tothill Fields. Got some
dinner at the tavern in Palace Yard, and proceeded thence
to the scene of action, where, between six and seven, saw
very commodiously from a dray, a smart battle between
Jack Joseph, a soldier who showed upon his back floggings
which he had received to a distinguished amount, and
one Hardy, I think, a carpenter. Joseph was bulky, but
old and corpulent, and not a match for the other in acti-
vity, but he fought most courageously, and after eleven
times being either thrown or struck down, gave me a
great persuasion that he would win, even if his antagonist
had not given out suddenly, in a way very discreditable
either to his courage or his honesty. The opinion was,
as I heard from Hanger and Ayton afterwards, that lie
fought booty.
21st. Day of return from Beaconsfield. Had company
to dinner ; that is to say, Sir Joshua, Malone, Courtenay,
who came from Bath, and with him, not unwelcomely,
124 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1787
old Mounsey,* at the age of ninety-three. I don't know
that he improved the conversation much, but it was not
for want of spirits to talk, nor from any cause that might
not equally have existed forty years ago. To me his
presence was a satisfaction, independent from what he
might add or take from the society.
24#A. Dined by appointment at Francis's, to proceed
from thence to the play at Eichmond.
27th. Went with Mrs. Legge to Strawberry Hill, and
afterwards to dine at Kempton Park. Silent during
the greater part of the day, not from want of power to
talk, which I felt in an uncommon degree, but from want
of inclination, founded on ill-humour. On our return in
the evening, I got out at Hammersmith, and had a plea-
sant walk by moonlight home. I was considering with
myself as 1 came along, whether my walk there was not
preferable to such, as I should have been taking probably
at the same time at Felbrigg. Nothing entered except
migrations and some letters from time to time above-
mentioned till now, September 7th. I shall set down
such particulars as I can remember under the month, and
as nearly as I can under the dates to which they belong,
In general my progress in all kind of useful work during
my stay in London this time was superior to what it had
ever been before, and nearly equal, if not quite, to some
of the best times at Felbrigg. My spirits were accordingly
gay, and my thoughts pleasant, notwithstanding some
periods of languor. I think I may, upon the whole,
reckon the month passed this time in London amongst
those cretd notandos.
September 1(M. Day of going to St. Paul's ; pleasant
in all its circumstances.
* Dr. Messenger Mounsey a physician; he was born in Norfolk in 1693,
and died at Chelsea College in 1788 at the age of ninety-live. Was noted
as a humourist, and numerous anecdotes are recorded which show his
great eccentricity.
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 125
. Determined before I went to sleep that I would
stay at home next day ; did not go out farther than
Steevens' garden. Bead Petrarch : much dispute, ending
pleasantly.
12th. At Salthill, where I breakfasted. Douglas came
in, unluckily not till just before I was going away ; he
was returning from the circuit and a short tour he had
made afterwards. If an unexpected renewal of acquaint-
ance is numbered justly by Dr. Johnson among the pleasing
incidents of life, a meeting such as the present, without
a prior intermission of acquaintance, may be numbered
among the pleasing incidents of a journey. I passed on
gaily to Oxford, where I dined.
\th. Set off early. On my way through Cheltenham
saw Walsh, Leblanc, Travel, and Lane the counsel. Had
been employed chiefly in thinking on some mathematical
matters, and continued to be so, particularly on the ques-
tion agitated between Wallis and Barrow relative to pro-
portion as applied to number or quantity. The discus-
sion begun now and not ended till during my stay at
Gloucester resulted in a change of my former opinions and
a return to the side of Wallis, namely, that proportion is
a comparison of parts ; id est, a comparison of numbers.
I arrived at Gloucester in time to hear part of the music,
and in consequence to dine with Horsley at the ordinary.
The time spent at Gloucester has not much in it to be
recorded ; it answered very little in the way I intended,
any more than visits perhaps to Horsley are in general
likely to do. His habits are not of a sort to incline him
to talk much ; no conversation can arise from the society
in which he lives. His studies are remote from the sub-
jects on which I wish to hear him, and his thoughts still
more remote, being intent wholly on prospects of Church
preferment. All the work I did during my stay was the
discussion in my mind of the question before mentioned,
the working some questions in Dodson, and the reading
126 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1787
what is mentioned in Hist, and Lit. of Plutarch. Though
much could probably not have been done, nor much
profit made of Horsley's society, the chief failure in the
satisfaction of my stay is perhaps to be ascribed to my
having been unwell.
19#A. Left Gloucester. Had set out with the purpose
of dining with the Duke of Norfolk, but finding myself
much too late, was glad to arrive just in time for a dinner
at Stoke.
20th. Kode with Foley and Lord Wentworth, who had
arrived overnight, about the grounds. View grand and
beautiful. The whole of my stay at Moccas* uncomfort-
able from illness.
25#/i. Went away, proceeding to Knight's at Downton
Castle ; stayed with Knight ; my sore throat getting a
great deal better. Eead part of the preface to Dufresne's
' Glossary,' and to the ' History of Anna Comnena,' and
collected from books and conversation many useful parti-
culars, part of which are probably lost by this time by
want of the precaution in making notes. Knight was
employed in reading Homer, with a view to the doctrine
of the Digamma.
28th. Set off before breakfast ; had pleasant journey
to Crewe Hall, where I arrived in good time before dinner.
In the house Mrs. Greville, Mrs. Sheridan, Miss Lindley,
Wilbraham. Charles Greville, Bridgeman, and Sheridan
came the next day. Thomas Grenville was there the day
of my arrival, but went away to Chatsworth the day after.
October 1th. Went to Capesthorne Mr. Davenport's ;
several there, but none whose names I recollect, except
two of Mrs. Davenport's brothers. The only lady was, I
think, Mrs. D.'s sister.
Sth. Came from Congleton on Sheridan's horses, and
found my ride pleasant. During the whole of my stay
at Crewe I was not so well as I ought to have been,
* Sir G. Cornewall's.
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 127
which I ascribe almost entirely to my own mismanage-
ment of myself. I did not suffer my time to pass wholly
without profit, having found opportunities of reading, par-
ticularly in some mathematical parts of the ' Philosophical
Transactions.' On what day we went to Chester I don't
recollect ; it was before my going to Capesthorne. Our
party was Mrs. Crewe, Mrs. Greville, and Mrs. Sheridan ;
Mrs. Lane must have gone before ; Greville and Bridge-
man were to join us there. A visit to Chester was one
of the things I had looked forward to whenever the time
should come of fulfilling my intentions with respect to
Crewe Hall. It is sufficient to say of a thing so long
expected, that the event did not disappoint me. Both in
going and returning I found my faculties particularly
clear and my spirits good ; and during the evening and
the morning which was all that we passed there
enjoyed as much as I could expect of those reflective
satisfactions which I hoped the sight of the place would
inspire.
\Qth. We went to Stafford. I had deliberated whether
I should leave Crewe before, in time to go round by
London, or leaving it before, should gain so much time
in my stay at Felbrigg, or should do, as I finally decided,
comply with Sheridan's earnest, though not very author-
ised wishes, and attend the party to Stafford. The course
upon which I decided was, upon the whole, right, both
with respect to my own satisfaction, and still more clearly
with respect to the difference of satisfaction or discontent
occasioned to Sheridan.
]_Qth. Arrived at Felbrigg. My thoughts, for part of
the way, were employed drawing up resolutions for a
society which Sheridan and I had projected, for the en-
couragement of ancient games.
Of the particulars of my stay at Felbrigg I can recol-
lect but little, but I know, upon the whole, very satisfac-
tory. Though my professed work (Maseres) went on but
128 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l787
slowly, the business of explaining to George the doctrine
of logarithms has so settled niy notions on the funda-
mentals of that doctrine as to require, I trust, nothing to
be corrected or added in future.
November 24:th. As it appears, I left Felbrigg. Of my
stay in London little can now be said, except that it was
satisfactory, both in respect of the habits in which I lived
and the state in which I found myself ; I went more into
company, and engaged myself more there, and at the
same time did more at home than any preceding period of
equal extent, except probably the months spent in London
at the end of the summer.
December. Amongst the events of this time I must
not forget the speech about Francis, which seemed clearly
to have been the best I ever made, and which, by the
credit given to it, entitles me to pronounce with greater
confidence on the degree of admiration due to public
speaking. In the whole of that speech nothing was
found that I had not on various occasions said before
in company, without exciting any particular observation
in those who heard me, or appearing to myself particu-
larly to have observed it. For some time before my leaving
town Mrs. Lukin had been with me ; she was in town at
the time when the speech above mentioned was made, and
had suggested, in talking upon the subjects, one of the
points which I afterwards made use of, and which was
just as good, for aught I know, as any of those with which
it was associated. Our journey was delayed a day for the
sake of the battle, at Staines, between Eyan and Johnson,
which I went to see. Next morning Mrs. Lukin, myself,
and Eobert set off for Felbrigg.
Neither my time nor my thoughts were employed in
this visit to Felbrigg in the same manner as upon other
occasions. I had now the business of preparing for West-
minster Hall, and my purpose in coming down was to
make that my principal employment, keeping other studies
1787] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 129
in the same subordination as that in which I had usually
kept articles of business to other studies. I am afraid to
say or to think how little I acted up to that purpose. Let
me only set down, that after the excuse of not being fur-
nished with my brief was removed, I did go to work, at
first languidly, but, for the last week or so, with sufficient
vigour. My regrets might be less if the neglect of one
business had made way for a diligent prosecution of
another ; but, the fact was, I fear, quite the contrary ; the
time gained by neglect is seldom applied to any useful
purpose and relaxation, once admitted, is apt to extend
its influence throughout. Of the books I used, or the em-
ployment I followed, my recollection is not perfect. De
Lolme's work on the ' Constitution ' was one which I read
through, all but a few chapters, with considerable atten-
tion, profit and pleasure ; it is surely a work that, by the
matter and style of it, as well as by the circumstances in
which it was produced, manifests uncommon powers.
K
130 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
1788.
March 23rd. There is no estimate so fallacious, as that
which is made of the duration of neglect. Till the inter-
val was actually noted, could I have conceived, that near
three months were elapsed, without the journal of this year
having been begun ! The neglect, of which this is part,
had not its origin even within the year; much of the
journal of last year, was not completed till after the com-
mencement of the present and much even yet remains
undone.
April. Let me now go on after an interval of three
weeks, added to the neglect before noted, to give such
a summary as can be made out, of the part of the year
already past ; that I may get at length into the regular
train of journal, and endeavour, by future diligence, to
make up for what has hitherto been omitted. The period
of these omissions certainly confirms a remark, which I
have often before made, that whatever the connection
may be, whichever of the two is cause, or whether both
result from some common principles, the punctual continu-
ance of my Journal, and a diligent prosecution of other
business, always go together, so that I think I may pro-
nounce safely of any period, in which the one has been
neglected, that the other has not been well maintained. I
have accordingly been clearly sensible of a relaxation in
many parts of study and discipline, during the time above
stated, in which I find this blank in my journal. I may
likewise, T think, perceive something of a relaxation of
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 131
power, to be traced directly to the neglect of my Journal,
as a cause.
There is perhaps no practice, that keeps so much alive
in me the habit of writing, that preserves so much the
disposition to take readily to my pen, or improves so much
the power of using it with facility. The observation made
by Boyle on the use of writing meditations, that the
variety of matter, conduces eminently to a promptness of
expression on all occasions, may be applied with equal
truth to the practice, as I have used it, of journal
writing. It is whimsical to recollect the state of my pur-
poses and feelings, compared with their state at present
on the business which I am to bring on in Westminster
Hall ; I was then full of anxiety, full of resolutions of
diligence, impressed with the conviction that no time was
to be lost ; not without a reasonable regret of the neglect
already incurred. Three months have now elapsed, being a
much longer period than I then foresaw would be allowed
me. It is very possible, I fear even probable, that the
business will come on in a month, yet I have added no
great sum to my preparation and I feel less of all those
convictions, than before. My former state was certainly
that most consistent with reason and my present com-
posure has more of insensibility, than of rational confi-
dence. I perceive already the beneficial effects of jour-
nal writing, when it brings so strongly into my mind, the
sense of my folly and the necessity of better conduct in
future.
On my arrival in town, conformably to the state of
mind above described, I got out, I remember, in
Holborn and proceeded in quest of Adam, Douglas
and others, who might inform me the course of our
business and concert measures for the assistance to be
given to my part of it. I had then an idea that the ques-
tion about Sir Elijah Impey, was to come on the 4th of
next month ; that question, namely, for which I now think
K'2
132 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
it will be time to prepare myself, in the course of the
next three or four days. Douglas was going to Mrs.
Legge's, and took me home in his carriage. In the course
of our drive, we talked upon Sir Elijah, and I then con-
ceived that idea on the argument about discretion, which
I think the true one and with which I hope to clear away,
some of the confusion, which has gathered upon that ques-
tion. The trial itself, however, removed any ill effects, and
restored my mind to its full tone. I went down the first
day, viz. the 10th, with Sheridan ; the weather was fine,
the scene unusual and the occasion, among the grandest,
that can arise in society ; my companion, a man qualified
to act in great concerns, everything around carried
evidences of the general attention and interest, and contri-
buted to raise the mind above itself, to confer upon it
new capacities of enjoyment and new powers of action.
Till these impressions had become fainter by repetition
and the business in the Hall grew to be less interesting,
nothing perhaps was lost of that vigour and alacrity,
which I had brought with me to town and which, when
afterwards impaired, the commencement of the trial had
restored. But, by degrees, fatigue and interruption
came to prevail and before the recess took place, em-
ployment of all kinds was fallen in arrear, and the balance
of the account seemed to be considerably against me.
Felbrigg. The two days of the journey were far from
being better than any of those, that had preceded. Though
the air was so genial and the aspect of things so gay, as
forced one into something of enjoyment, I had a feeling of
impediment upon my mind, more than is now frequent
with me.
8th. We arrived at Barton Mills about nine o'clock.
I had determined to proceed on another stage to New-
market, notwithstanding its being the time of the meet-
ing. Luckily, when the horses were actually put to,
Mrs. Lukin suggested something, which recalled to my
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOJST. W. WIXDHAM. 133
mind what I had myself known, of the difficulty of pro-
curing beds, in the instance when I came down there
once with Lord Derby.
$th. The next morning we breakfasted at Newmarket,
between which and the chaise being ready, I sat with
Fox, while he was dressing and talked about horses
and the opinions entertained about them at different
times. Fox conceived long ears to be a merit, and
was surprised at my telling him the judgment given
both by Xenophon and Oppian, in favour of short ones^
He did not seem to think either, that the head afforded
much ground for judging of the qualities of a horse,
although he took notice, that it was generally mentioned
as a commendation and instanced the ' Argutum caput '
of Virgil, without being satisfied, what the precise mean-
ing was, affixed to that term. I felt to regret at that
moment, the neglect one is apt to live in of all one's
purposes, which prevented my being able to say, both
what the meaning was of argutum in that passage and
what the result of the judgment was, given by all the
ancients on the subject. It was a question I have often
thought of satisfying myself upon, and would easily be
made out. Upon looking since into Gessner and Heyne,
ad locum, they seem to consider it as relating wholly to
the size. When I returned to the inn we set off, having
no purpose of staying for the race ; but upon Mrs. Lukin
saying, as we went by the course, that she had never seen
a race, neither at Newmarket nor anywhere else there
being reason too to think, that the first was over the Bea-
con course, and would soon take place we agreed to stop,
which I was particularly glad afterwards that we did, the
fineness of the day having shown the course to its best
advantage, and Mrs. L.'s enjoyment of the whole having
been, as great as I could have expected. At Hockerill,
where we got some dinner, we found Lord Townshend,
who would introduce Mrs. Lukin to Lady T. and Lady
134 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
Elizabeth. At Epping Place we joined again and they
came in to tea to us. We again came together at Islington,
where we drank porter with them, Lord T. having stopped
the carriage opposite the public house at the corner. Our
stopping at Epping was further distinguished by the cir-
cumstance of Mr. O'Brien, the Irish giant, being there,
to whom I introduced Mrs. L., in a way to produce upon
her the full effect of the wonder.
May Qth. I have in the first place no complaints to
make of myself, on the score of having accepted too many
invitations, or of having gone too much to Brookes's. To
the Club I have gone every time, I believe, of its having
been held. I was at the dinner, also, of the Eoyal Aca-
demy, which I enjoyed to a great degree. Among my
dinners at private houses, I must not forget that at Chol-
mondeley's, the women being Mrs. Lukin and Mrs. Byng,
and the men Assheton Smith, Neville (no one else) and
Delancey, whom I had never seen before since the time
of our being at Eton. Such meetings, when known be-
forehand, are apt to produce disappointment, by promis-
ing a satisfaction which a thousand circumstances may
, happen to defeat. Being fully aware of the probability of
such disappointment, I indulged no expectation, or, rather,
had prepared my mind in a way to make the absence of
painful reflections a source, to a certain degree, of enjoy-
ment. The dinner compared with what I had happened
to find dinners at Cholmondeley's on former occasions and
with what I had expected from this was rather pleasant.
Ever since my leaving town, that is' now near five
months, I have been employed slowly and at intervals, on
Fyzulla Khan ; and latterly, on the Wool business, on
which I cannot charge myself to have expended so much
time, nor to have sacrificed time to so little purpose. The
business on which I have suffered my pains to have been
thrown away is that of Sir Elijah Impey. I have looked
forward for the period above mentioned, on which,
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT RON. W. WINDHAM. 135
negligent as I have been, I had prepared myself in a way
to have appeared, I think, to good advantage and which
I have now suffered to pass by, without any use made of
it. The debate lasted till half-past seven. In our way
from the House we were boyish enough to amuse our-
selves with throwing stones at each other during our
progress through the Park and oranges when we came in
St. James's Street. Since the decision of this question,
considering myself released from all further care about the
business of the sessions, I have felt my mind more airy
and excursive and turned my thoughts with considerable
enjoyment to the prospects of literary pursuits.
12th. Dined at Twickenham with Sir Francis Bassett.
Fox drove me down in his phaeton, according to an ar-
rangement which I had settled prudently in the morn-
ing and which turned out as pleasantly as I could wish.
The party at dinner was not so well chosen as it might
have been ; the only persons whom I should have much
wished to meet being Fox, Hare, and Lord Eobert,
amidst many who had little pleasantness of their own to
contribute or could much aid that of others. Captain
Morris, who was of the number, was not here in his
element and afforded to me a strong proof how much
particular performances depend for their effect on circum-
stances. Captain Morris's obstreperous merriment did
not accord well, any more than the persons and manners
of many of the guests with the elegance of a Twicken-
ham villa. The beauty of the scene however, the fineness
of the weather and the first sight of the country in its
spring attire, affected the mind very agreeably and made
the party abundantly pleasant. To this enjoyment no
interruption was given, when, agreeably to an engage-
ment settled with G. North in the morning, I proceeded
to Bushey. Fox set me down, and stayed long enough to
get some tea. The next day being 13th I went to Bea-
/
consfield.
130 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
We returned to town, Burke taking Elliot and
myself in the coach to Bulstrode, which I saw for the first
time, and Sir Gilbert joining us afterwards with the horses
at the gate.
Ylth. Eton meeting ; the first large and formal one at
the Festino. I sat there till ten ; very pleasant. The person
I had been next at dinner was Sir Peter Burrell.
19th. I was to have dined with Lord Sheffield, where
I should have met Gibbon, Lord North, Burke, and Fox ;
but it was the third reading of the Wool Bill, which it
was necessary for me to attend, and on which I purposed,
and ought, to have spoken. Enough matter was in my
mind, and no particular impediment was felt to prevent
my making use of it ; but the disposition of the House to
terminate the debate furnished a pretence for remaining
silent, and before the value of this pretence could be
estimated the question was put. I rather regret I did not
speak.
20th. In the House the business was Burgess's motion,
relative to the expenses of the trial, on which if I had
been practised to speaking, as I ought to have been, it
would have been right to have said something ; but not
being so practised, I was right, perhaps, to remain silent.
I went to the Club and got some dinner on a side table.
There were present Lord Ossory, Sir Joshua, Malone,
Lord Spencer, and Steevens. We had a good deal of
pleasant conversation. About 9 o'clock I went to the
play, where I expected to meet Mrs. Crewe. The play
had been ' The Eegent ; ' the farce, which was all I saw,
was 'The Eomp ;' one of the parts of which, 'Miss Tom-
boy,' I think, was acted by Mrs. Jordan.
21s/. I went from Westminster Hall to Hatton Garden;
but having met Ives, whom I had called upon, walked
with him, talking on Norwich politics, till it was time to
turn home.
23rd. Went out in the evening to see Lady Anne and
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 137
Lady Margaret before their going to the Duke of York's
ball.
24^. Just time to get ready for our party, with Lady
Anne and Lady Margaret, out of town ; took things with
us, and dined on mount in Eichmond Park. Lady Cun-
liffe, the person who so civilly gave up her place, re-
turned from Eichmond to Putney by water ; very plea-
sant. Full ten when we landed.
2oth. Went after dinner to Kensington Gardens, I
think rather to my loss. Proceeded to Francis's, thence
to Manchester Square again. How fairly may such
evenings be called lost when no duty is fulfilled, no im-
provement made, no enjoyment felt. I had in my mind
the question agitated by Priestley, about the impenetra-
bility of matter, but was too much upon the confines of
sleep to be able to carry it on.
Mrs. Siddons to Mr. Windham.
Four o'clock, Thursday Morning, May 29, 1788.
MY DEAR SIR, I take the earliest opportunity to thank you
for your very obliging letter, and I should certainly put your
kindness to the test were I not obliged to leave town to-morrow
morning, not without some regrets at having seen so little of
you during my stay. I take my leave of you, my dear Sir,
wishing you all the good you deserve, and above all things
health of body and mind, for I think the languor of one en-
feebles the other. It is lucky for me, however, that I have so
pleasant an employment to beguile this tedious night as writing
to you. ' Past four o'clock,' says the watch, and I have been
unable to close my eyes to shut out the day, or to stop my ears
to shut out the noise of my own terrible cough, which has tor-
mented me four nights in the same way. I have this moment
taken the resolution of getting all the business of the day done
in an hour or two, and then taking a tolerable quantity of
laudanum to procure a little sleep, for, though * Macbeth shall
sleep no more,' I fancy a little will be necessary to enable his
lady to get through her bloody business to-night. I beg ten
138 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
thousand pardons for troubling you with this history, but when
a lady's in the talking vein, you know .
Adieu ! my dear Sir. There is nothing of which I am more
proud than the honour of being
Your affectionate and obliged humble servant,
S. SIDDONS.
June 9th. I had been that morning with Fullerton
and Palmer to Croydon, to a boxing match, and after
dinner went before coffee with Elliot and Cholmondeley
to the philosophical fireworks. The boxing match was,
in consequence of a purse collected by subscription, under
the direction of H. Aston, G. Hanger, &c. The com-
batants, Fewtrill and Jackson, both of them large ; one of
them, Jackson, a man of uncommon strength and activity,
but neither of them of any skill, or likely, so far as appeared
upon that occasion, ever to become distinguished. The
fight, which lasted an hour and ten minutes, was wholly
uninteresting, it being evident from the beginning which
was to prevail, and no powers or qualities being displayed
to make the prevalence of one or the other a matter of
anxiety. The fight which succeeded this between Crabb,
a Jew, and Watson, a butcher from Bristol, under 21,
was of a different character ; so much skill, activity, and
fine make, my experience in these matters has not
shown me. After a most active fight of forty minutes
the Jew was very fairly beat. There was also another
fight, between a butcher and a spring maker, neither of
them large, but one of them, the butcher, a muscular
man, which though smart enough for the time, ended
soon by what seemed a shabby surrender on the part of
the spring maker ; his plea was having sprained both his
thumbs, or, as he called it, but not truly, according to
their appearance to me afterwards, put them out.
13#A. Every one of the days, which were four, of
Sheridan's speaking, I attended Mrs. Lukin and Miss
Loveday, the three first to the great door, the last through
1788] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 139
the Common Pleas. The third morning, the day on which
the business broke off, contained in the parts given none
of those brilliant passages which made such impressions
on the others. From the time of my feeling assured
that there was no likelihood of the charges of Fyzulla
Khan being brought on this year, I found my mind much
lightened and many inlets of enjoyment opened that had
for some time been closed up. Ideas of study began now
to repossess my thoughts, and to produce an effect on the
disposition of my time. The chief interruption was the
having Mrs. Lukin with me, which certainly operates in that
way, whatever compensation it may bring in the pleasure
of her company. How it is that her presence, so little
restraint as it imposes, should be a hindrance to employ-
ment, is not discoverable at first sight ; nor need perhaps
be in fact so, if there was nothing wrong in the habits of
my own mind. But as the case is, I have very little
doubt of its having that effect. The great desideratum with
me is continuity of thought : whatever touches me in that
part, is liable to leave a wound that is long in curing ; the
ethereal substance with mo, does not soon close, but long
divisible. There were several parcels of books which
had been waiting unpacked, for a time of leisure to
examine them ; one was, Euler on ' Sounds,' which I
bought in February, and which seems to contain just
such a treatise of the elements of music as I have so
long wished for. At different times I read with Mrs.
Lukin some passages and parts of authors.
I find the same question applying to this period as to
many others, with equal difficulty for furnishing an answer.
. . How it is possible to have passed so many days
and weeks with so little visible occupation, and yet to
have done so little ? I have dined out less often, and still
less often have had any company to dinner. I blame
myself for this, because I think parties of that sort far
from injurious, even to the application of time. The
140 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
thought necessary to combine such a party, the choice of
the persons, uncertainty about the day, the trouble of
writing the invitations, and in the present instance, I
believe, a circumstance so trifling as the delay of setting
my room to rights, are the causes that for a winter
together keep me from the enjoyments of conviviality in
the society of pleasant friends. Against dining out, the
lateness of the hour is with me a principal objection :
before five o'clock, if I have stayed at home, I get weary
and exhausted and want the relief of dinner ; if I have
gone out, I am tired in another way, and having done
nothing by way of employment during the morning, I am
impatient of the prospect of suffering the evening to
escape in the same manner. My inclination, I believe,
in each instance, is for staying at home, but it is very far
from being certain that the inclination in each instance is
the rule of happiness upon the whole ; and such is often
the perverseness of one's will, that one's inclination is for
staying at home merely because one is obliged to go
abroad. Though it be true, therefore, in general, that
both when I do dine at home, I do so by choice, and
that when I do not, my wish is notwithstanding to do so,
I am still far from certain that more frequent dinners
abroad would not be of advantage to me ; certainly, in
such companies as a little thought and decision would
provide. I have omitted, in the enumeration of dinners,
one at the Duke of Portland's, where were Burke, Fox,
Mr. Ellis, G. North, Lord Stormont, Lord Loughborough,
Pelham. It was a very pleasant one. At the Club I
never failed when it was in my power. I believe the
party with Lady Anne and Lady Margaret to Eichmond
must have been quite at the beginning of June. We set
out about two. Dined in Eichmond Park, on the same
spot where I had dined once before with Malone and his
sisters, and came home from Eichmond as far as Fulham
by water. It was pleasanter than such parties generally
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 141
are, or than I expected this to be. One throws always at
such play, with a certain advantage on one's side in the
circumstances of its being out of town, and conferring all
the benefit of fresh air, the effects of which I felt as
usual, and must consider, probably, as a principal source
of my enjoyment. I must not forget, in the mention of
this party, the civility of Lady Cunliffe, who, having been
in possession at our arrival of the spot where we were
to dine, resigned it with great good humour and courtesy
in our favour.
23rd. Stayed at Cossey. Eead in the morning some
portion of different French books, among others, for the
first time, some of Madame de Sevigne's ' Letters.' The
quantity I read was not sufficient to enable me to form
any judgment about them, except that they seem to be
conversant, chiefly as letters ought, about such little circum-
stances and occurrences as people object to in the letters of
Dr. Johnson. That they do not contain remarks so acute,
and reflections so fine, I may venture to conjecture, with-
out having read enough to assert. I will read more when
I next go there, that is probably in the course of this week,
in order to oppose this instance, if the fact should sup-
port me, to the petty and malignant cavils of those who
object to the genuine and familiar correspondence of Dr.
Johnson; that it does not recite important facts, nor
abound in learned disquisitions.
24^. Set off before breakfast in a chaise, and had
a drive, not unpleasant, to Aylsham. There is such a
dearth of objects, and poverty of ideas, in the ride from
Cossey hither, as makes me always think of it with dissa-
tisfaction, though it has happened generally, in fact, that
I have found it tolerably cheerful. It has been the thought
of what I was going to, or the impression of what I have
left, that has protected me from the mean associations
which pightels * and gorse commons, Stratton and Fel-
* The Norfolk name for a small field.
142 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
thorpe, naturally draw with them. The parts are, per-
haps, not numerous, in which twenty miles could be taken
producing so few objects worthy of attention, or so little
chance of meeting anything not connected with the spot
on which it is found.
Since that time and it is from then that my residence
here (Felbrigg) may be most properly dated I have
dined almost every day at home, and by myself, and have
not very often been betrayed afterwards into sleep. The
Eed Kooni has been the one inhabited, and some of the
hours passed there after dinner, reading either Gibbon, or
some accounts of Switzerland, with a view to our tour
(these are the books which I have chiefly read at those
times), have been nearly as pleasant as those which I re-
collect to have passed one spring at Fulham I think that
of '85.
July 15^. Went to the Assizes ; G. Wyndham took
me in his chaise ; arrived just in time to be on the Grand
Jury. I had a lodging at Sharp's, the back of the inns.
Of persons at the assizes, besides those usually there, were
Lord Townshend and his son, Lord Charles, Coke, Colhoun,
and Gal way. Lord Townshend came there for the pur-
pose of establishing his society for the protection of game,
in which he has found, I believe, but little encouragement.
On Friday we went to the Gardens, and on the way back
to Cossey I thought of some matters relative to the con-
struction of logarithms.
25th. By the post yesterday I received a summons
from the Duke of Portland to attend the Westminster elec-
tion, and during a ride afterwards, which I took with Mrs.
Lukin, determined to set off immediately. It has so hap-
pened that, for the first time possibly in my life, Mrs.
Lukin and I have not been separated for, I believe, near
six months, and the concern she feels at the prospect of
separation now, is such, as does great credit to the goodness
of her heart, and claims a strong return of kindness and
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 143
gratitude from me. I have promised her to-night that
my absence will not make me forget her, and certainly
if I forget her, whom shall I remember ? Where shall I
ever find one so amiable, so worthy, of understanding so
acute, of integrity so confirmed, of disposition so pure,
and attached to me from feelings of such genuine
affection ?
26th. At my return from the Parsonage last night, I
had settled to go this evening to Ipswich, and set off, in
consequence, immediately after breakfast. I have since
new-cast my journey, partly that I might settle at greater
leisure what remains to be done here, partly that I might
have the enjoyment of some time spent here with the
consciousness of having completed all my business, and
partly that I might not leave the country without a visit
to Cossey. Something now, if I had time, I should like to
say of the character of my stay this time. I must con-
fine myself to the observation made, in part, I believe,
before, that though the amount of what I have done, is
certainly very small, I cannot complain either of delibe-
rate misapplication of time or defect of power. The
summer is perhaps, upon the whole, less favourable to
application than the autumn or winter, and at Felbrigg
possibly more than at other places, yet this disadvantage
has been better repaired in. the present than in any
preceding summer. On the 26th I took my leave of
Felbrigg. I had received a letter announcing the exer-
tions made on the part of the Ministry, and soliciting
the attendance of all friends, to support Lord * the
Thursday preceding, viz. 24th, and had determined in
the course of that evening that I must go. The debate
with myself continued to the last on the course I should
take ; I made up my mind therefore to going by New-
market, and sleeping on the road.
27th. At my arrival at Newmarket, just as I was
* Lord John Townshend, who was elected for Westminster.
144 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. [1788
giving orders for something for dinner, and in a state to
want some relief from my own thoughts, after an exer-
tion of them continued with little intermission during the
journey, I was surprised agreeably with a message from
Colhoun and Galway, who were in the house, and at that
moment at dinner. Upon comparing notes we found that
we were going upon the same errand, and had the same
purpose of stopping for the night at Hockerill. We
agreed therefore to go on for the remainder of the journey
together.
August. What followed for the next month must be
entered very shortly, having been omitted at the proper
time, and delayed now to a time, perfectly improper,
namely, the morning of my arrival at Calais. During the
continuance of the election I sacrificed, far too much time,
to the business of canvass, by which I lost hours, which
might have been employed to great advantage, and with
great comfort, and obtained nothing either in service,
credit, or amusement, that compensated me for that loss.
3rd. The Sunday before the poll closed I dined and
slept at Shene, coming up the next morning with Burke
and Francis, in Burke's chaise.
6th. The day following the election, I introduced
myself, foolishly, or perhaps rather unluckily, into a
party at the Duke of Portland's, having found that Fox
was to dine there ; the business of which proved to be
one in which it was not in my power to have any concern,
namely, the settling the application to be made for the
payment of the elections.
Qth. I set off on my way to see Hippisley and Mrs. H.
at Bristol. I omitted the visit which I had intended, and
should, notwithstanding the absence of Penn, have been
glad to have made to Caversham.
Bristol. After a few hours was introduced upstairs
to Mrs. Hippisley, from whom I found a reception such
I had no right to expect, and has endeared her to me
1788] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HCL\. W. WINDHAM. 145
beyond measure. The first and only time my having been
that road before was in a journey from Oxford to Bath,
with Stanhope, I should think in the year 1780 or '71.
H. and I parted at Stoke Church Hill, he going to
and I straight on to town without stopping, as I had at first
proposed at Burke's. The occasion of my hurrying on so
much was, that I might write a letter to be inserted in
one of the papers, to take off, as far as one could, the
effect of the accident at Brighton,* of the death of a man
in a boxing match. I finished this, contrary to my usual
practice in the execution of anything requiring any degree
of thought, the next evening, and the next morning, I
think, sent it to the ' Morning Chronicle.'
VI th. I went the next morning to Windsor, to see my
mother, from whence I proceeded for my first visit to
Bulstrode. Burke came in consequence of a note from
the Duke, left to be delivered to him in his way from
London, where he had been sacrificing himself as usual
to the public service, and attending a dinner of Queen
Anne's parish.
22nd. I called upon Erskine, at Paddington the first
time of my having seen him there, or seen any of his
children, which are now not less than four; it was six
years, perhaps near eight, since I have fairly made him a
visit. As a habit of preparing for events known before-
hand, and requiring measures to be previously taken, is
one of those in which I have been all my life dreadfully
deficient, but for some tune less so than before ; it may
be as well to note, with respect to that habit, what the
character was of the present instance. I think it never
happened to me before to be so well prepared and with
so little effort, proportionably to the nature of the journey.
Notwithstanding the lateness of my going to bed, I was
* A man being killed in a prize-fight at Brighton, in the presence of the
Prince of Wales, the Prince declared that he would not in future patronise
or be present at any pugilistic contest.
L
146 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOIST. W. W1NDHAM. [1788
up at five, and was at Douglas's by half-past seven, though
for want of meeting a hackney coach I walked all the
way, and with some delay, from places that I called at.
Adam called just before we set out, which was not till
near nine. I felt, as I had done for some time before,
that I should have been glad if the journey had not taken
place.
Calais, 24:th. Strong recollection of the place ; same
in going after dinner to St. Omer. Went to Comedy ; en-
quired for Paston, j~un. ; saw old Paston, who expressed
a most affecting joy. The uncle, who has spent his life in
the French service, came to sup with us ; the invitation
rather too much of his own seeking.
25th. We dined at Arras. Town well-built, not inferior
to St. Omer, but different in some respects, having in the
houses a greater mixture of materials. The church which
they are building, magnificent work ; and the College of
Benedictines adjoining, an edifice not unlike the new part
of Magdalen College, but upon a much greater scale. As
we passed out the town, we saw a vast number of people,
well dressed, and with great appearance of gaiety, enjoy-
ing themselves on a sort of public walk. The women
very remarkable for the neatness of their dress about the
legs, and the fineness and clearness of their caps ; their
caps were all nearly of the same sort, and no woman
seemed to be so poor as not to be provided with one. I
cannot think that such a collection of well and properly-
dressed women, is to be seen among the same class in any
part of England.
Cambrai. Arrived at Cambrai not till late ; obliged to
wait a considerable time for admittance.
%Qth. Walked for some time about the town ; listened
to a man singing upon a stage the history of a malefactor,
drawn up in the way of the ' Eake's or Harlot's Progress.'
St. Dizier's. I first saw the preparation for frogs ; Doug-
las saw afterwards more of the process, beginning with
1788] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT 110X. W. WINDHAM. 147
the cutting off half their heads with scissors. They catch
them with nets, I understand, and only fricassee the hind
part ; the fore parts are used for soups. Here the road
to Nancy and to Langres separate. Near here is a seat of
the heir of the Due de Choiseul. From Chalons we had
observed the trees on the side of the road cut down. They
have got everywhere much into the use of Lombardy
poplars. When grown to a sufficient height, and planted
close enough, they have a errand effect in closing the roads
v O
as between walls. I never knew before what they were
good for.
Nancy. The wood near Nancy is the most extensive 1
ever saw anywhere ; no trees but elm and poplar and
walnut, by the side of the road. Where there were woods
there appeared to be oak and beech, but the woods, till
we came to Lorraine, were very rare ; and until we came
to Laon, hardly any at all. Except one oak, that was
carrying to Cambrai, I saw no oak of any magnitude, till
we reached the forest above Saverne. The commandant
had an English groom and English horses, which he very
foolishly was riding also in the English manner; his
groom had about as much notion of riding, as English
grooms commonly have.
31st. Set out by a little past five, or earlier. Did not
stop until we reached Saverne, where we viewed the
palace, building by the Cardinal de Eohan, a magnificent
pile, and I think of very good architecture. The descent
to Saverne the most beautiful scene in itself, and present
ing the most beautiful view, that we have seen; the grand
woods of oak through which you descend, the romantic
situation of the town, the richness and beauty of the plain
beyond Strasburg steeple, and the view of the Ehine at
the end, and the mountains of the Black Forest terminating
the whole.
Strasburg, September 1st Ascended to the highest
part of the steeple as before, and though with some anxiety
1,2
148 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
beforehand, with little at the time. I thought myself out
of it ! The appearance of objects much the same as when
we thought ourselves in the balloon quite low.
Schaffhausen. The true river presented itself to view
in all its original greatness. Douglas agrees with me, that
it is wider than the Thames at Westminster Bridge, and
thinks what we saw first, as wide as the Thames at Kich-
mond. We had hardly set our foot on the other side
before we were struck, I at least, with the different ap-
pearance of things from any we had seen before. Though
the houses were of materials inferior to most of those we
had seen, being of wood and plaster instead of stone, and
the architecture certainly not more regular, there was
nevertheless an air of neatness, in whatever it consisted,
that gave to my eye a decided superiority over any build-
ings of the same rank in France. The country was be-
sides of a sort, that I always think of with pleasure, a rich
flat, extending from between high mountains and a great
river ; everything had a look of comfort, population, and
industry. The mixture of great trees and orchards with
the houses gave a great resemblance to villages in Here-
fordshire, but, with the advantage, I think, on the side of
these. After Offenburg you begin to enter the hills, the
appearance of which has long been as beautiful, as most
I have ever seen : they rise with sufficient abruptness, in
forms beautifully varied, to a height well entitling them
to the appellation of mountains, and everywhere covered
with woods or vines. The entry to them is by the river
Kinzig, which runs into the Khine, four leagues to the south
of Strasburg, and is taken notice of in the geographical
books. A little on this side Offenburg we passed through
a village, where there was a fair, and on going into the
house, saw the peasants dressed in red jackets, and the
women in their common habit, dancing two and two, the
sort of dance, which, upon sight of, I recollect to have seen
formerly, travelling with Erskine between Lucerne and
1788] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 149
Berne, and which consists principally as to figure, in turn-
ing round. They have, like the planets, a double motion,
each couple turning round half, and the whole in succes-
sion moving in a circle. Nothing can be more remote
from beauty than the countenances of the women through
the whole of the Foret Noire. We hardly saw one that
had the least pretensions to be called pretty ; we have
observed, indeed, a regular decrease of beauty, from the
time of our setting off to the present moment. The women
of Flanders were handsomer than those further in France,
those in France better than the Strasburgeoises, those
better in a greater degree than the Foret Noire. A
woman, in one of the couples I saw dancing as above, was
the only one that might be called an exception to these
observations.
Donneschingen, 3rd. The residence of the Prince of
Fiirstenburg, and further remarkable as being the source of
the Danube. Beyond is a village on the summit of a bare
and pointed hill, formerly the capital of the principality,
and now occasionally the residence of the prince in his
excursions of hunting. He is himself about thirty years
old, much addicted to music, inclined to reading, and not
very fond of field amusements ; is married to a princess,
described by the host as amiable ; he is a man I should
conceive, from the appearance of the country and the dis-
course of the people, well-deserving of his subjects, and
from some anecdotes mentioned by our landlord of his
civility to English travellers, of great courtesy and hospi-
tality. From the information of our host, that a courier
must be sent forward to Schaffhausen in order to secure
admission to the gates, Douglas had proposed, that Meyers
should go on from the next stage without waiting for our
coming. I was of a different opinion, not wishing so long
beforehand, to deprive ourselves of an option. After much
discussion, part of it not very amicable, and the imper-
tinence of the last postboy, who wished that we might be
150 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIITOHAM. [1788
overturned, it became as much my opinion as it was
Douglas's, that we should go forward. It soon appeared
that the road was as bad as the people had declared. I
walked on, and had rather intended to have walked the
whole way, though said to be at least twelve miles ; but
coming to a hill where the road appeared to be so bad as
to make it probable some assistance might be wanted to
support the carriage, I sat down waiting its arrival. It
was so long in coming that I conceived, notwithstanding
the care I had taken, that I must have missed the way,
and under that idea set off across the fields, following my
ear, and making out my way as well as I could in the
dark,* meaning, if possible, to keep in reserve the power
of returning in time, supposing the sound I had heard not
to be that of the carriage. Luckily this purpose I was
able to effect. While 1 was trying the sound which I had
* This adventure, which Mr. Windham regrets as having occasioned the
possible loss of a prospect, was a matter of more serious alarm to the com-
panion of his journey, as appears "by the following extract from a little diary
kept by Lord Glenbervie during this tour, and kindly communicated by him
to Mr. Ellis :
'Windham walked on before the carriage from the Zoll-haus, from
whence the road very soon ascends a steep hill, and passes through the
Black Forest. As Mr. Windham walks very fast, I had proceeded a mile
or two without seeing him, but without anxiety. When the moon set, 1
stopped at a cottage to have lamps lighted, by which I was detained near
half an hour. I then went on for about another half hour through the
woods, when Windham's man, who was following the chaise on horseback,
rode up and expressed great anxiety about his master. I had at that
moment, under the same impression, called to the postillion to blow his horn ;
but, by a strange perversity of chance, he was the only postillion since we
had left Kehl who was unprovided with a horn. I hallooed as loud as I
could, but nobody answered. After proceeding a little farther, I repeated
the same experiment, and still without success. There is no made road
during this stage, and the track for the first two German miles (or French
leagues) is extremely bad. At this place it was so much worse than the
rest that the postillion advised me to get out. I did, and then hallooed
again, when Windham's voice answered me, from a very considerable dis-
tance to the left. Having been misled from the road by a noise and voices,
which he took to be ours, he had got into wet and marshy ground at a dis-
tance from any habitations, and, as the postillion said, was in the neighbour-
hood of a lake.'
1788] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 151
gone in pursuit of, and doubting whether it could proceed
from the carriage, I heard what soon proved to be the
sound of Douglas's voice coming from the road which I had
left. At a house where we stopped, a little short of the
town, we had the satisfaction to hear that our admission
need not be doubted. At a little before twelve we arrived
at the inn where I had been in the year 1780. Some
fruit, a good bottle of Burgundy, made me forget my
fatigues.
4:th. The bridge is divided into two arches of very
unequal length, not of very regular form, as they make
together one arch. Each of these is supported below
at each end by about five oblique timbers terminating
nearly in the same centre, and the innermost of which
does not reach to more than a fifth of the arch to
which it belongs. The roof of each arch is supported
much in the same manner, except that the oblique pieces
do not actually terminate in the same centre, but abut,
one after another, on the periphery of the bridge, and that
the two interior meet the roof at a distance from each
other of less than 3 feet ; whether, if produced, they
would meet in the same point, I was not able, with such
observation as I could give it, to ascertain. Precautions
were used at the foot of each, to prevent them from forcing
themselves outwards, by pieces of timber, nailed on where
they abutted upon the periphery.
The only part of our passage which was not abundantly
pleasant, was that which succeeded our leaving LaufFen-
burg, where the extreme heat of the sun, acting upon us
without the intervention even of an umbrella, and at a
time, when our stomachs were full, may well be supposed
inconsistent with any great enjoyment ; notwithstanding,
I resisted sleep, and, between reading and looking about,
kept my thoughts going pretty well. The short rest we
had at Numph, and the fruit and wine I got there, while I
lay stretched on the grass in the shade, was in itself a great
152 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
relief. By what we supposed the ignorance or obstinacy
of the boatmen, we were kept an irksome three quarters
of an hour waiting at a little door at the east end of the
bridge for admittance.
Basle, 6th. In the evening, Douglas and I went to
see the ' Dance of Death,' thence to the Library, which,
though a great object in my imagination when I
stopped before at Basle, I had never seen, we now saw
very much at length. The professor of theology, the
person to show it, was very civil and patient, and we
tried both to their full extent. After the cabinet of
pictures, in which, besides many excellent and curious
pictures of Holbein, there are two portraits, which I saw
with much pleasure, of Bernouilli and Euler. We went
to the room of manuscripts, where we saw a MS. in literis
uncialibus of the 0. T., the date ascribed to which I don't
recollect ; another small copy of later date, by which it ap-
pears by the private marks, corresponding to those of the
printed one, that Erasmus took his edition ; and a third,
considered by the professors, of the 13th century. It was
from this last that we copied the passage at the beginning
of St. John's Gospel. There was a curious collection of
letters of Erasmus in his own hand, which was a fair and
flowing character, such as might be expected from him.
Supped at the table d'hote with the two Abbes ; curious
mixture of ignorance and information about affairs in
England, and exhibition of French conversation, which did
not render me better affected towards it, though perhaps
not worse in itself than what might be met with from
persons of the same rank in England.
The natural timber of the country through which I have
passed since my leaving Basle, as in the Foret Noire, as per-
haps between Basle and Schaffhausen, seems to be fir, and
of the spruce kind. In one place only, and that in the
Foret Noire, I recollect to have seen a silver fir, though I
am far from saying that there may not have been a great
1788] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 153
many. None of them that I have seen, or hardly any,
have been of a great size, the reason of which seems to be
the want of care and culture, and their being oppressed in
consequence by their own numbers. What reason is there
to think that in the production of trees nature should just
take that course which would produce them separately
for the greatest size ? Yet this, I remember, was 'one of the
opinions of Mr. Stillingfleet. When I say that I have seen
no larger ones, I mean now growing, for of the trees cut
down, of the fir kind, I saw some at SchafFhausen, larger
than any I remember to have seen, except those at
Florence.
7th. Set off rather before eleven, Douglas in the
chaise, for Zurich and Lucerne ; I in an open chaise, with
Meyers on horseback and Morton in the carriage, for
Berne. On the way I met an English carriage, with
a person whom, till I came quite near, I took for Fox.
The places hitherto in Switzerland, where I have seen the
largest and greatest numbers of oaks, was in the great
wood, on this side Basle. Before the separation of the
road between this and Berne, there was a very large oak
on the top of the hill from Soleure. I do not think,
however, that I have seen yet any oak tree so large as the
oaks at Eainham, Kedleston, or perhaps as one or two at
Felbrigg.
9th. I rose early, and continued in my room, making
calculations upon some of the results given in Dutens, till
dinner was ready at the table d'hote, where were two
friars of Soleure, who spoke nothing but German. I deter-
mined, upon a just estimate of probabilities, to proceed
straight to Bienne, conceiving that I had in that way the
best way of meeting Fox. I supped at the table dhote,wlnere
there were many people, few of them of very decent condi-
tion. The man I chose as the person to sit next, was a native
of Bienne, whom, from his dress and manner, I should
have taken for a rider, and who perhaps might be one,
154 DIAKT OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
but who had, as he informed me, been an advocate. He
wore his hair tied, without powder, had boots, and a large
cutlass, which I conceived to be intended for the defence
of his property. With the French which he has acquired
he seems to have taken in also a proportionate share of
French grimace and affectation.
IQth. Dined, according to engagement, with Woodruff
and Bruce. While we were sitting after dinner, and talk-
ing about Eton, received a message that Fox was in the
house, and desired to see me.
\\'th. Almost the whole day spent with Fox, that is,
from after breakfast till supper.
12^, Friday. To-morrow will be three weeks since my
leaving England, ten days of which will have been passed
in Switzerland. For these last two days and a half, I have
been living with Fox. We have talked a great deal, but
I think not much upon anything but what we have seen,
or about to see. We went this evening to the walk over
the river, where the fir hedges are, and where I remember
to have gone with Erskine, and afterwards took a long
drive. In the morning I sat at home till near one ; em-
ployed, with considerable exertion, nearly the whole time
with some matters out of Dodson. When I went to din-
ner, I felt rather tired and exhausted. I have not been
idle ; with the help of Dutens' Tables and Dodson I have
given myself something in mathematical employment,
which I have pursued, perhaps, once or twice, with as
much diligence, as at times here most appropriate to such
purposes. Among the observations Fox was making, one
was the extreme mildness of the government of this can-
ton, and at the same time the great power lodged in an
aristocracy, and again, the example given here lately of
the greater prudence sometimes, of people in the adminis-
tration of public money, than in that of their own, so
contrary to the position assumed in the discussions, that
1788] DIARY OF THE BIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 155
took place on the India Bill ; the Government here
having always placed their money in the English funds,
while individuals, lured by the temptation of greater in-
terest, risked all theirs in the French.
13#A. In the morning, before I went to Colonel Brown,
I had seen Lavater, who gave, as Fox informed me after-
wards, an opinion of me, which from its peculiarity and
agreement with what many have said of me, seemed
an extraordinary effort of his art, viz. that I was a man
who did not choose to do anything which I was not
conscious of doing well ; but the whole mystery of this is
perhaps done away, by supposing that he took his opinion
only from observing that I did not speak French, and yet,
judging from my manner in pronouncing a few words, that
I could have done it tolerably well had I been willing. We
all set off after dinner for Thun, I leaving a letter written
in haste, ' but expressing all I wanted for Douglas,' who
arrived ten minutes after I was gone. Fox and Mrs.
Armitage set off before, Hare and I followed in his
carriage, their servants coming in the one I had hired.
Slept at inn over the water and above the bridge, not the
same I was in the time before. Saw in the morning the
old man, whose teeth Erskine had knocked out. Thought
to have reminded him of the fact, and have given him
some money, but was deterred from the sulkiness of his
look ; was sorry afterwards that I had been so. Memory
of lake hardly so correct as it ought to have been. In
passing before, I recollect I had been, for part of the
way, calculating in my head, I doubt, whether so actively
employed this time. We were four hours in crossing
(lake of Thun). Inn the same as before. Went before
dinner into the churchyard, and it being Sunday, thought
of Dr. Johnson, and for once, happily, did not think in
vain. I prayed with some fervour, and feel at this mo-
ment the effect of having done so, and of the note, of which
156 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l783
I am now taking of it. Nothing can be more beautiful
than the valley, separated rather from the rest, at the end
of which Meyringen is.
25th. Quitted Lausanne with Douglas. Everything
had been arranged the night before for my setting off by
myself by way of Besan9on, but upon his coming into my
room, and seeming unwilling we should part, I agreed to
stay and proceed with him to Geneva. Violent repentance
of this, which continued all the next day and the morning
following, till Douglas himself, perceiving probably that
I was grudging every moment of delay, expressed his
opinion that each had better go his own way.
October 1st. It was ten o'clock though I had risen at six,
before I set off in a two-wheel French chaise for Paris, by
way of the Jura and Dijon. A letter I got in the morning
from Mrs. Lukin assisted the effect of a fine day, and made
me very gay. I am sorry to say that the pleasantest mo-
ments of my tour have been those which I have passed by
myself. Something of uncomfortableness hung upon my
mind, as it does perhaps still, from apprehension of ridicu-
lous and vexatious distresses, in which I might be involved
for want of speaking and understanding sufficiently the
language, but that was overpowered by the other sources
of satisfaction which I had ; the consciousness of having
fulfilled my purposes, and the prospect of being speedily
in England, and the feel of being left at large to the
government of my own motions, and the enjoyment of
my own thoughts. I travelled on therefore with great
gaiety, walking generally before the chaise, the country
being perfectly wild and mountainous, till about ten, when
I reached at length La Maison Neuve.
4:th. We are now at Fontainebleau. We have seen the
palace, not quite as I could have wished, the light having
failed us, and, in consequence, the time. I have seen it,
however, with great satisfaction. The Queen's chamber
and dressing room are fitted up in the richest style, with
1788] D1AEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 157
great neatness, as it seems to me, in workmanship, and
elegance of taste. The other apartments were magni-
ficent and costly, which I thought less elegant. The whole
effect from the outside, from the extent of the build-
ing, variety both as to form and parts, and style of archi-
tecture, was very grand and princely. I am delighted,
too, with the nature of the country, and of its fitness
for the purpose for which it is intended. There is art
enough to remind one always of the neighbourhood of
v CJ
greatness ; but not so much as to destroy the enjoyment
of wildness and solitude. The morning was delight-
ful, and gave the prospect of a fine day for entering into
Paris ; this failed us, however ; the air, instead of clearing
up, and giving way, as we expected, to a bright sun,
continued so thick that nothing could be seen at a dis-
tance of half a mile. The Faubourgs, as I was prepared
to find, were mean and dirty ; but the town itself, even
in what I have yet seen of it, surpassed my expectations,
and is in various respects superior to London, though in
others much inferior to it, and perhaps inferior on the
whole : the comparison is very difficult to be made. I
have been since to the Italian Comedy, where I found no
one that I knew but St. Leger, who had been at the camp
at St. Omer. Young Broadhead was also there, and
Captain or Colonel Leigh, and two other English, whom I
did not know. Leigh's opinion of the French troops was
that they were larger men than the English ; and the
Swiss regiments were the finest he ever saw. He had
understood that their war mano3uvres were very slow ;
and, from his own view, he was of opinion that, in respect
of their camps, they were very ill-appointed and provided.
He mentioned a curious anecdote of one of their colonels,
who, in conversation with St. Leger, on the present dis-
putes, expressed his doubts of the troops' acting. From
the theatre I came home, and feeling now, 'as I have
done ever since my arrival,' much impressed with the
158 DIAKY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WIJVDHAM. [l783
idea of being in Paris. Eome certainly was a finer sen-
sation ; but this comes next.
6th. En sortant ce matin j'avais 1'idee de me rendre
chez Haile,* afin de trouver des nouvelles de Burgess.
8th. Went about in the morning with Hare.
9^. Douglas and I went to Versailles ; the gran-
deur of Versailles passing my expectations. Nothing
more princely than the great gallery, which is open, I
understood, to all persons of decent appearance. We saw
the King and the Comte d'Artois. Both Douglas and Mr.
Dovrun confirmed strongly my idea of the resemblance
of the King to poor Lord Northington. The Queen, un-
luckily, had not either gone to mass with the King, nor
gone to the Comedy. By the aid of Mr. Dovrun, we
obtained admission to see the Little Trianon, which I
really thought very pretty. This made us so late in
returning, that instead of going, as we talked, to the
Varietes, which I had not seen, we took a tour only
in the gardens of the Palais Eoyal. Douglas kept me
talking till past one. There was a difficulty also about
my passport. Particulars of the journey not worth re-
cording. It may be of more consequence to observe of
my stay in Paris, that much of the pleasure of it was lost,
by careless intemperance and neglect of preserving that
degree of high health, which I had enjoyed during the
journey. In an evening I was tempted to eat largely of
grapes, and to drink proportionately of an agreeable Bur-
gundy, which they sold at two livres a bottle ; to this, I
believe, is to be ascribed, that, till the last night, when I
had not done so, I never had a comfortable night's rest.
How much influence this must have had on the pleasures
of thought and imagination, may be easily understood on
* There is no evidence to identify this person. Could he have been the
Thomas Hales, better known as M. d'Hele, author of the ' Jugement de
Midas,' to whom Mr. Van der Weyer has devoted an interesting passage in
his ' Lettres sur les Anglais qui ont e"crit en Fran^ais' ?
1788] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 159
reflection, though they were not considered in practice.
For my rooms I paid six livres per diem ; they consisted
of bedroom, sitting-room ; ditto, ditto, for servant ; they
struck me at first as superb, but afterwards as mean, such
is the force of comparison. For my carriage I paid fifteen
livres per diem, two livres for coachman, lacquais-de-place
two livres. Traiteur, for dinner, four livres. Breakfast,
coffee and bread, but I think not butter, fourteen sols.
For grapes I paid, according to the charge of the lacquais-
de-louage, whose name was Thornasin, eight sols per
pound. The incidents of my journey I have already
agreed not to set down. The quarter of the Prince de
Conde's stables, which I counted, contained sixty stalls.
The peasants spoke here, as in the neighbourhood of
Fontainebleau, with great horror of the mischief done by
the stags, boars, and game. One of them, of whom I
made the enquiry, was the man who struck me with such
a resemblance of the countenance in Hogarth's print of
the preparation for war. My arrival at Boulogne was
very pleasant, as was my whole journey. It was at some
distance from Boulogne, I think, in the stage but one be-
fore, that I got the first view of the sea. Pleasure of the
same sort as that of the Ten Thousand. The room and
reception at Payne's were uncomfortable ; a pleasant feel,
however, at the consciousness of being at home : much
struck with the appearance of things the next morning.
One of the circumstances most striking, a look of confi-
dence and alacrity in the people, the same as I remember
to have remarked the first time of having gone into
France and St. Omer. An air of neatness too in every-
thing, which I had in like mariner remarked.
November 14#A. I went to Sir Joshua Eeynolds', and
from thence home, where I heard, for the first time, of the
death of my late footman, poor James, whose long conti-
nuance in my service had enough imprinted him on my
memory and whose good qualities enough recommended
160 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1788
him to my regards to make the news of his death an occa-
sion of tenderness, which does not fail to return whenever
the subject passes through my mind.
How I passed the five days till my leaving London
(19th) I don't particularly recollect ; but I remember, in
general, that little of them was spent at home, not so
much from impatience of being there as from habit of
vagrancy, and satisfaction more than ordinary, which I
found in moving about the streets. The impression of
London as a new place was not worn off in those few
days, nor the habit lost of fixing my attention on objects
around me, and keeping my mind steady while my body
was in motion. Of my stay at Felbrigg I must speak in
the lump. From the moment of my arrival in England I
had left reading French, and from the time of my leaving
London had taken to reading Greek.
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. W1NDHAM. 161
1789.
February kth. If I have again failed of making the
commencement of my account coincide with the beginning
of the year, I have gained at least on the account of the
year preceding. Let me hope that these advantages may
be an omen of the superior diligence with which this
Journal will be carried on ; for I have no reason to alter
the judgment, given in the outset of the last volume, that
this practice of journal writing leads one insensibly into a
habit of composition, strengthens the powers of recollec-
tion, and by showing how one's time is actually disposed
of, suggests the means and excites the desire, of disposing
of it to greater advantage.
It must have been in the preceding month that I spoke
upon the Prince's right. All that I have done besides in
that way, since the present meeting of Parliament, and
previous to the present month, was in that short discussion
on the interpretation of the Address to the Prince, in
which the only merit I could pretend to, was, that I took
the lead, and pointed out first the unfairness of that pro-
ceeding. During the whole time of my being in town, as
well previous, as subsequent to the commencement of the
year, I have stayed more at home, than during any preced-
ing period.
My visitings, however, have been unexpectedly increased
by two balls, one at Lady G. Cavendish's, the other at
Lady Porchester's. I should have liked both better, if the
coat I had on, had not been finer, than I liked.
On Monday last (2nd) was the debate on the Phantom,
M
162 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
on which I had prepared myself and conceived I should
make a grand argument ; * but when the business began,
my powers deserted me more, I think, than they have
done for a long while back, though not at all in the same
way as formerly ; and I had given up almost entirely the
intention of speaking, when, unexpectedly, an opportu-
nity offered, of which I took advantage. My performance
seems to me, to have been as well thought of, as any I have
exhibited ; and is likely to be better thought of, as a cri-
terion of my powers as a speaker, since it was evidently
a speech, which I was not so bent upon delivering, but,
that a very slight difference in the circumstances would
have put the intention aside.
After the House, having been set down by Lambton at
Brookes's, I was tempted to go in to supper and sitting
down with Grey and Fitzpatrick, continued there till be-
tween twelve and one.
3rd. I dined at Malone's against my wishes, it being
the day of the Club. I suffered myself to go to Beckett's
principally with a view to see what had been said by the
' Gazetteer ' of my speech the Monday preceding, a curi-
osity I have seldom, felt before and still less often indulged.
The next day was much the same sort. I rose late ;
was tempted to go out ; met Lord Porchester at Burlington
House, who gave me such an invitation from Lady P., to
go to an assembly which she Ifad in the evening, as could
not be declined. I went there accordingly and having
been invited to stay to supper, did not get home till
between two and three. On Friday, which was the day
following, I rather suspect was the day of my dining with
Miss Adair, her father and brother, in expectation of
* Before the opening of Parliament 1789, the King being insane, the
question arose, by what authority the letters patent for the convocation of
Parliament should be issued. The King was described as a phantom and
the Parliament itself supplied the temporary deficiency of the executive
power.
17S9] DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 163
meeting Mrs. Siddons. What I did on Saturday I don't
recollect : on Sunday, I conceive, I dined with Lord Stor-
mont, calling in the evening at Francis's.
It was perhaps the Monday after that I made another
little exertion in the House, not on any previous intention,
but pretty much at the desire of Burke, who, upon Dun-
das's getting up, desired me to wait upon him. What I
did, answered the purpose sufficiently well. It was imme-
diately an answer to Hawkins Browne ; the matter relative
to a motion of Lord North's, for appointing by office, in-
stead of by name, certain of the Queen's Council, on which
the principle was stated, which directed one or other
mode of appointment, and the suspicion to which Parlia-
ment would expose itself, by adhering so tenaciously to
one of these. Mention was likewise made of the nature
of this second office, which Parliament had to perform,
and the importance shown to be not less than that of the
first. People seemed to think the observations important
and well laid down. The recollection of it now produced
by these remarks, makes me know, that the observations
were not well laid down, and far from powerfully urged.
I think, the day after, went to the battle between John-
son and Eyan at Eickmansworth. The party were Crewe,
Fitzpatrick, Grey and George. We had set off in time :
the day was fine ; the company pleasant. We had an
object before us ; the country air did its duty by me and
I felt all those spirits, which such a concurrence of causes,
was likely to produce. The delay that took place after-
wards, with the change of weather and vexation at being
made too late for the debate, took off all satisfaction and
made me well disposed to have gone away without seeing
what we came for.
The battle at length took place and was certainly a
very grand one. Yet upon the whole I both blame and
am sorry for my going. The occasion was one of those
on which not to have gone would have been as much
M 2
164 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
matter of remark as the going. And I am not sure that
if I had stayed I might not have taken part in the debate.
19f/i. Went to Windsor. The objects of Eton, seen
in company with an Eton boy, produced upon my mind
more than their usual impression, and by disengaging my
thoughts from present associations gave me for a while
a new view of life.* We lodged at the Castle. In the
morning, we took before breakfast a short walk on the
Terrace, and after breakfast saw the Castle. In our way
through Eton, stopped at Mr. Hetherington's (Domine
Newman, that was), walked through the school-yard, the
cloisters and playing fields, and so to the chaise at the
end of the Long Walk.
22nd. Called, I remember, on Lady Howe, and meet-
ing Fitzpatrick near Hay Hill, went back with him to
Burlington House to see Fox. Lost time in deliberating
whether I should dine at Lord Spencer's or not ; deter-
mined at last for dining and found in the event, that I
had determined very rightly. It was just six when I
went there. From the time of my going to that of my
returning, was just three hours. What was I likely to
have done in those three hours had I remained at home ?
At dinner, were Sloper, George Conway, Bingham,
Charles Greville, Mrs. Howe, old Lord George, and
Marchant.
Monday, ZSrd, was the night of my going to Mrs.
Gaily. Before supper I came away, not knowing whe-
ther the party proposed the Saturday before, was to take
place, of going to see masks. About this I received a
note from Lady A. Lindsay.
Thursday, 26 th. Know not what I did. Upon recol-
lection dined with Mrs. Crewe and went to the play.
Mrs. Jordan, in ' Hippolita' : f much amused. Play incom-
* Mr. Windham's father died when he was eleven years old. He was
sent to Eton at the age of seven, and remained till he was sixteen,
t In the play of ' She Would and She Would not,' by Gibber.
1789] DIARY OP TUE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 165
parably well acted throughout ; no part, in my opinion,
better than Miss Pope's. After the fourth act, went up
to Mrs. Crewe in Mrs. Sheridan's box, where were Miss
Linley and Miss Tickell, and for awhile, Tickell and
Eichardson. I don't know when I have seen a play with
so much enjoyment.
28th. Called on Delegates.* Dined with them at Lord
Fitz william's, and called afterwards on Lord Townshend
not at home and at Walpole's, with whom I sat for
some time ; thence home. Mrs. Lukin uncomfortable at
the seeming asperity in my manner. Sat till twelve or
past, to take off that impression.
March ~Lst. Went out at two to attend a meeting at
Burlington House. Dined at Lord Spencer's, with Dele-
gates, Prince, and Duke of York.
Monday, 2nd. Dined at Adair's. Mrs. Siddons, Burke,
E. Adair.f
3rd. At home all morning, I think. Dined at Club.
Numerous meeting ; Bishop of Killaloe, Lord Palmerston,
Lord Elliot, Sir Joseph Banks, &c. I had felt during the
morning, what continued' there, something of languor,
which made me adopt finally a purpose, before conceived,
of going to Mrs. Byng at Drury Lane, where Mrs. Siddons
was to appear in ' Coriolanus.' By the delay of the ser-
vants and negligence of the waiters, I did not arrive till
her part was finished. To accommodate Mrs. B., I stayed
part of the farce, 'The Waterman,' so as to take her
home.
4th. Dinner, I think, at home. In the evening, Mrs.
Sheridan's, with supper for the Delegates.
5th. Dinner, I have a notion, in like manner at home.
Duchess of Devonshire's ball ; stayed till four.
Qth. Employed, I conceive, for part of the morning,
* Meaning the persons to whom the Royal authority was delegated.
t Sir Robert Adair, the intimate friend of Mr. Fox, was bom in 17(53,
and died in 1855, at the great age of 92.
166 DIAKY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIA'DHAM. [1789
with the business of Sudbury, about which a letter had
been brought me, on the Wednesday night, at Sheridan's.
Dined at Mill's.
1th. Employed again about Sudbury. Great self-re-
proach for having neglected till then, what I had intended
so long ago, on my leaving the country in Norwich. Dined
at Lord Porchester's ; Thomas Grenville, Lord Eobert
Spencer, Crawford, Sir Gilbert Elliot, Pelham, Lady
Almeria Carpenter. Dozing in my own room, till it was
time to go to Mrs. Crewe's, to a supper prepared for the
Delegates, to which I Went with a great deal of reluctance,
but where I found myself very comfortable.
8th. I spent the whole of the morning at home, but
was far from being, during the whole of it, profitably
employed. The great employment, which should have
engaged me from some time back, viz. the preparation
of myself for saying something on the King's Message,*
I had wholly neglected. Part of the morning was lost -in
idle talk with Mrs. Lukin and part in deliberation what
I should do respecting dinner. One of my visits in the
morning had been to the Bishop of St. David's, an invita-
tion to stay and dine there not firmly and skilfully re-
fused, involved me in a sort of promise to go there in the
evening. I drank tea, therefore, with him.
10th. The want of good preparation and the dis-
couragement arising in every quarter to the intention of
my saying anything, furnished a pretext for silence, abun-
dantly sufficient for the moment, and that moment once
past, nothing was left but to condemn my own want of
resolution, and to regret an opportunity which might
have been improved greatly to my own credit, and per-
haps in some degree to the advantage of the cause.
After the House I went in very bad spirits to dine with
Fullarton. About 10 the coach came, and we went to
* The King's Message of this date was to announce his recovery from
illness.
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 167
see the ' Illuminations ; ' Lady Margaret and Lady Anne,
and Douglas, whom we took up at Lord North's, but from
the crowd of coaches we could not get into any of the
best streets.
12/A. Notice to attend the Delegates at Carlton House,
to receive the Prince's answer ; went punctually at the
time, viz. one o'clock. Journey not unpleasant except to
Mrs. Lukin, who was low-spirited and affected with some-
thing which I had said beyond what she ought. The drive
from Lothian's to Carlton House was the time of Burke's
intemperate attack on me, for a difference, which he had
forced me to declare, on the affairs of Baretti* I must
endeavour to obliterate from my mind, the impression,
which passion so unreasonable and manners so rude would
be apt to leave.
1M. Entry into Sudbury.
16^. After a good deal of business done in Norwich,
in the way of calling, came away at half past twelve.
From some accounts which I heard, cannot help enter-
taining doubts of the security of my seat. Will it not be
advisable to put the question to people by a species of se-
lect canvass? It is very fair to say, that they now know
enough of me to be able to make up their minds, and
that I may reasonably expect, they should declare their
minds, while time is yet left to me to look out for other
situations. We arrived at Felbrigg about half past four
and went to the Parsonage for some dinner, where we
found George Wyndham.
IStk. Set out for the purpose of being at Norwich
to-night, to be present at the illuminations on the King's
recovery ; and at Thetford to-morrow to meet Coke, who
expects something to be said on the candidates for the
county.
lO^A. After walking about the town the preceding
evening, supped at Tuck's Coffee House in the large room
* Baretti stabbed a mai\ in the Haymarket, and was tried for it.
168 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W^ WINDHAM. [1789
above stairs. The two Crowes, Herring (John), Buckle,
Bolton, James Beevor, &c. Felt as gay and happy, as in
better company. Slept at Taylor's, who was in London.
I had come from Aylsham with G. Wyndham. The
thought had occurred to me of going to Wretham, where
I found Coke was ; but want of timely thought and de-
cision suffered the moments to elapse, till my things were
taken to my lodgings, and I thought it too late. It was
not too late to have decided upon going, even after my
things were removed to my lodgings. The uncomfort-
ableness occasioned by the whole of this, determined me
to listen to a request of Alpe's to sup with them at the
' George,' instead of returning to read Simson's ' Algebra,'
which I had newly purchased, at my lodgings.
20th. Woke pretty soon and thought earnestly of
some matters that had occurred in Simson. Breakfasted
at inn (Bell). Day spent as usual on such occasions. The
Grand Jury 23 in number. I dined with the judge, Sir
Nathaniel Grove. At dinner Hobart was stating the case
of a vote objected to at the Colchester committee, to a
pauper, but admitted as having never received anything,
though he had been excused paying parish rates. Mingay
confirmed the decision of the committee in the true spirit
of a literal lawyer, because he had never received anything,
and the judge seemed disposed to do the same, and so
most of the others. But it is plain that, in the spirit of
the act, to have a payment remitted is the same as to
have a payment made. The only doubt is, as the judge
also remarked, whether the principle of construing a dis-
qualification strictly, should not operate in favour of the
vote.
22nd. Went away between eleven and twelve and
expected to enjoy myself as usual during the drive (to
Cossey), but soon found my attention go away without
suspecting the cause, which did not discover itself till
afterwards to be sickness at the stomach.
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT 'HON. W. WINDHAM.
24:th. Mrs. Lukin and Mary, who had breakfasted
here, returned to dinner ; and before dinner was on table
George came in from Aylsham fair. We dined in the
library. They proposed, between nine and ten, to go
home ; I rather pressed them to stay, thinking that I was
not likely to employ the time to any advantage by my-
self. But the event showed I was mistaken ; for though
I was excluded from my own room the fire being gone
out I remained in the library reading Hume's ' History '
with great delight and profit.
2oth. George and Mrs. Lukin dined here, I think,
and certainly slept here. I wish I could know at once in
what year it was that we used pretty constantly to walk
out just before it was dark, taking a circuit through the
park and woods and sometimes beyond.
27th. Day remarkably pleasant. This was an instance
of a ride highly beneficial : I was thoroughly languid and
jaded before I went out, the justice business having fol-
lowed on some hours spent in diligent study, and imme-
diately upon getting on horseback felt my spirits revive
and rise gradually into a state of enjoyment which con-
tinued during the remainder of the day.
30th. Waked in the morning at five by a messenger
from Norwich, informing me of Coke's intention to can-
vass Norwich the next day. Wrote to Forster my reasons
for not coming as soon as I was up. Another express
at the same hour. Obliged now to go. Bead before I
went to bed the account in the papers of the commence-
ment of the settlement of Botany Bay.
April 1st Eeturned to Felbrigg about twelve. Came
in the chaise till within about half a mile and thought
with great success of questions concerning impossible
roots and negative signs, the same as had engaged my
thoughts in going from Aylsham.
2nd. Wrote a long letter to Forster and Unthank, on
the subject of the advertisement which had been sent me
170 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
from the Bury paper, put in by Sir Edward Astley. I
had some more letters to write, particularly to the provost
of Dublin, which I should have finished during the even-
ing, but did only begin.
3rd. At three I went to the Parsonage and their
dinner being begun, returned and dined in the red room.
Very comfortable. I read Hume's ' History.' A week has
now passed, for it is just so long since Brettingham came,
during which, except about a page or two of translation
and some mathematical work carried on in my head, I
have hardly had any regular employment, or thought of
anything, but cornices, colours, stained glass, &c.
4th. Instead of betaking myself to any earnest em-
ployment, or contriving how to despatch most quickly
the attention necessary to be given to what was doing
below, I rather abandoned myself to the prospect of
interruption and suffered my thoughts to wander, because
my time was likely to suffer some slight disturbance. I
had hesitated, as the day before, between the red room
and the library, but decided differently and dined in the
library. I felt so comfortable as to purpose to myself
as a memorandum, that one of the ways, ' qua ratione
queas, etc.,' was to read English history in the library. It
was near eleven before I was settled in my own room. 1
considered then, not entirely without success, though in
a state too near to drowsiness to be proper for such dis-
cussions, the question I have had in my mind lately about
impossible roots.
Qth. Anniversary dinner. Eeturned to Aylsham with
Adey in the chaise ; slept during part of the way and for
part, thought of address which is proposed for Fox, in the
repeal of the Shop Tax. Though my faculties were not
clear, my attention was very connected.
I0th. After walking out for a little while in a mild
but hazy morning, I sat down to translation. What is
the advantage, for purposes of pursuit, of residence here
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIIS 7 DHAM. 171
over residence in London ? One consideration is, that
every day here is not passed as I am supposing this to
be ; nor every day there as I have supposed the one
stated to be. There is then, to cover all, the great and
ruling difference of health, which avails, I am persuaded,
more than any other.
12th. Having risen at a little after seven and found
the morning very fine, was tempted to order my horse,
the first time of my riding out before breakfast since my
being here. I went round by Crorner, and called on
G. Wyndham, who was just setting off for London. Church
was in the afternoon ; the congregation fuller than I can
remember almost to have seen, even of late, when cer-
tainly a change had been made in that respect, and which
I cannot help suspecting to have been brought about by
the arrangement of Mrs. Lukin, perceiving at different
times what my opinions were and particularly, probably
upon occasion of my giving to George the living of Eunton.
\th. Bose at seven, and the morning being the same
as yesterday, followed the same course of riding and have
found the same effects. My spirits may be said, in fact,
to be over good ; for instead of pressing me forward to
vigorous application, they have broken out in singing and
dancing. Upon the subject of singing, I have discovered
a fact which I am not pleased with, that my voice in
notes which I used to command, is become harsh and
feeble. Whether this is only disuse, or some temporary
cause, I cannot tell, but suspect it may be among the
number of those changes which years are every day pro-
ducing, or that it may be the consequence of straining
my voice, when speaking this winter in the House of
Commons, at the commencement of a hoarseness. The
air in which I made the observation was, ' Viene o caro.'
From trying again and not finding the effect in the same
degree, I rather hope it may be only disuse, a considera-
tion which may recommend the practice occasionally of
172 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
singing to oneself oftener than one's spirits now prompt
one, for the purpose of keeping one's voice in proper
style for other uses.
14:th. Eose by time and rode out ; ride confined to
park and woods. This was one of a very few occasions
in which dinner seemed to make no break in the day, nor
to occupy more than the mere time employed in eating.
What a difference it would make in the quantity of one's
time and in the degree of one's enjoyment, if this was
always to be so ! and is there not very good reason to
believe that it depends on oneself only to have it always
so ? Surely this is worth the experiment.
15th. Eode to Hanworth. Dined, as I had purposed,
at Parsonage. Mrs. Lukin, after dinner, produced some
letters of mine, some of which she had shown me the night
before, from dates as early as 63. Of later dates she
has a great many, which I am to see. Those which I
have seen hitherto show no powers of any sort, yet they
have more regularity than I should have expected from
my letters of those periods and have occasionally, I think,
something in the structure of sentences resembling my
present writing.
16th. Spent the chief of the morning in the library,
in a kind of desultory mathematical reading ; and when
the time came for riding out, supposing that a ride was
to be taken before dinner, found myself so much distracted
and exhausted, as to stand very much in need of that
relief.
17th. Justice meeting at Cromer. The weather having
been rendered by the rain uncommonly pleasant, took a
ride round by Eunton, calling, in my way, at Johnson's.
I had decided to return home before I went to the Par-
sonage and I continued employed with great success,
from seven to half-past nine, in stating at length the
nature of the argument used by Simpson (Thomas) in
assigning the sum and of the series I 2 , 2 2 , 3 2 , &c.
1789J DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. TTINDHAM. 173
ISth. Bode out with Mrs. L. before dinner, confining
our ride, from the lateness of its commencement, to the
park. I had to settle the place of some fir-trees, to be
added to those at the S. E. corner of the house. We
dined in the red room. The supper in the library ap-
peared to me more domestic and convivial than I had
ever probably found it before.
\th. Uncomfortable from the same causes that had
made me so before. I had not dispatched my business
as I ought, nor felt the power to do so now. The feel
was increased by some irritation, more than was wise, at
the folly of George bringing his boy John to breakfast,
to be stuffed with chocolate, &c., at the expense of our
conversation. After various delays I set off with George
in the chaise, not till it was so late as to leave little hopes
of reaching Ipswich before eleven. In setting off, it
occurred to me that I had done wrong not to ride to
Aylshain. I accordingly ran back for my horse and
thus had the satisfaction of again taking leave of Mrs.
Lukin, though my riding back so unexpectedly occa-
sioned a momentary alarm.
20th. Left Ipswich not till near twelve. Saw Hum-
phries there and was entertained for the first time with
some sparring : felt much amused with the whole of the
business. During the whole of the way I was employed
in thinking first, on a proposition ; then, on some ques-
tions about combinations, particularly about the affinity
between an increase of a rectangle, the nearer the parts
get to equality, and the increase of the combinations, the
nearer the numbers being complements to each other, and
which may be taken an equal number of times out of
the proposed number, get to equality. There must be
something of a principle common to these two processes.
We dined at Witham ; drank tea at Ingatestone, where
we were detained some time for want of horses.
May. It is now more than three weeks since I
174 DIARY OF THE BIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. [1789
arrived in town. My departure from England last sum-
mer is the point, perhaps, at which I may state myself to
have made, in this progressive improvement, the greatest
step. It deserves to be remembered that, according to
this statement, the greatest improvement seems to have
been made at times when least opportunity was afforded
to solitary study. Let me recall, as far as I can, in what
manner my time has been passed, that some opinion may
be formed as to the causes of this effect and some infer-
ence as to the most advantageous application of time
in future. I had company to dinner, I think the 10th,
when Byng, Palmer, Courtenay and Malone dined with
me. They stayed a short time and I walked afterwards
about the streets, meditating on some business the Cen-
sure, I think, on Burke and the Managers, which was to
come on the next day. I have spoke in the House this
time oftener than usual once on the Censure that is,
one day ; for I spoke in the course of the day three times,
on the Eepeal of the Test, &c., Acts, on the Hawkers and
Pedlars, viz. 18th.
To-day (20th) a few words on the bringing up of a Bill
to prevent the robbery of gardens. Of these speeches,
what the estimation was, I don't know. That on the
Censure, appeared to me to contain a statement of part
of the question, sufficiently obvious, but which had by
some means been overlooked and which I thought more
forcible than any that had been urged. Pigott was of
the same opinion. I don't recollect, however, that from
others I heard much commendation of it. Let me recol-
lect, by the way, that there must have been another
opinion of my speaking on the same question, since part
of what I said now, was, in answer to remarks made on
what I had said before. What I said the other day, on the
Hawkers and Pedlars, seemed to me to have more the
air and character of a speech, and to be treated in a way,
more calculated to take with the hearers, than anything
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 175
I had ever done. Some things, too, which have been said
to me since, might favour that opinion ; yet, whether it
is that the thinness of the House and smallness of the
occasion made less notice to be taken of it, or that all
praise is relative to previous expectation, and that where
more is expected more must be done to gain the same
praise, I have heard less of this (though certainly as much
as it deserved) than I have heard on former occasions.
It certainly seems to me very odd and is a proof how
much the notion of a speech raises in people's imagina-
tion the value of what it consists, that anything I have
ever said in the House should have been thought of a
second time. Much of the praise given on these occa-
sions, certainly depends on the circumstances and estima-
tion of the speaker.
Let any one remember the reception and examine the
language and matter of any of Francis's speeches and
then say what the proportion is, on matters of this sort,
between praise and merit. Francis's speeches are regular
compositions, exhibiting in many parts great force of
thought and conceived, throughout, in language peculiarly
elegant and energetic. I know not any one whose speeches,
in respect of clearness and force of diction, can stand in
competition with Francis's. What I have said at any time
must come infinitely short, since I should despair very
much, even, of writing such language. What I have said
can, in fact, rise to no higher character, than that of a few
loose points, acutely argued and sometimes forcibly ex-
pressed. So much for that.
I do not recollect when I have felt so gay and pos-
sessed my faculties in such good state. Yet I do not from
hence infer that this latter condition is the consequence of
those preceding it. These spirits and this good state are
rather the consequences of causes quite opposite, which
give the greatest proof of their efficacy, by having pro-
duced an effect capable of resisting the operation of present
176 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
habits and possibly of being even improved by them. It
has been by different habits of life that I have succeeded
so well in the present ones. I am inclined to place them,
as well as everything else that is good, principally to the
operation of causes more remote and of which the seat is
in the mind. It is exceedingly difficult to ascertain the
true point. It is exceedingly difficult, to put one's wishes
and purposes respecting sleep, in such a state, that the
effort to wake shall just have force enough to overcome
sleep, when sleep is the effect of vicious indulgence and
not when it is wanted for the repair of weariness. I
think I am now in danger of extending it too far, and it
must always be remembered, that the error on that side is
the most hurtful, as it involves in it, not only the abate-
ment of the use of time, but the absolute and total loss of
it. When I first came to town I went on with what had
been my employment at Felbrigg, changing only the im-
mediate object, and resumed the question in Jones about
the circulating figures. Though my first attempt was not
quite satisfactory, I seemed afterwards to be making some
progress, when the interruptions of other concerns obliged,
or at least occasioned, my laying it aside. From that
time I can only say that I have hardly done anything in
mathematics, except a cursory solution of one question in
Dodson, and the completion of a proposition in Stuart,
on the day I went to Salt Hill (April 17th). It is re-
markable that the getting into the country air seemed to
restore at once all my inclinations and all my powers.
Probably situation, such, namely, as exempted one from
interruption and association, had their share in this, as
well as the influence of air and motion.
All mathematical studies have, therefore, been sus-
pended, or as nearly as I have stated, since 20th April to
now, 30th May. A great difference this from what I had
looked forward to. In the midst of so much interruption
as business and engagements must give at this time of
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 177
year, it may be questioned whether mathematical studies
had not better be wholly laid aside, than prosecuted so
imperfectly as they must be in such a state. Another class
of studies wholly laid aside have been classical studies.
Since the year 1785, in which I conceive it was that I
went to Scotland, I have not passed so long a time as I
have, measuring back from the present, without looking
into a Greek author. I have not read a line of Greek since
I came to town. The same may be said of my stay at
Felbrigg and even of the whole of my time since my
return from abroad. The last Greek I read, or rather
meddled with, was in the chaise with Douglas. The last
I read professedly was in my journey to Bristol, just before
that. Of Latin, I have read none for a much longer period.
Indeed I hardly know when I have read any, studiously
or professedly, at any time.
25th. Dinner at Sir Horace Mann's.
26th Boodle's ball.
Nth. Westminster Hall.
3(M. Out in the morning, viz. meeting at Burke's,
Norfolk Club. Hippisley's afterwards, where detained in
dispute about Slave Trade with an old gentleman, who
proved to be Judge Gould's brother.
June 1st Dinner at Douglas's. Went with Sneyd to
Lord North's.
2nd. In my way out of town, called upon Lord and
Lady Lucan, with whom I sat for a quarter of an hour.
It was eleven when I got to Bocking, where I stopped the
night. The country was in its highest beauty and co-
operating with the mildness and freshness of the air,
inspired considerable feelings of vernal delight. I had
stopped for a few minutes at Eepton's.
bth. Arrived at Felbrigg between twelve and one.
Got to the Hall and into my room about two. My stay
at Felbrigg, which lasted only two days, had nothing re-
markable, except its having been the time of my begin-
N
178 DIAEY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
ning Smith's ' Harmonics,' and acquiring whatever know-
ledge I have of the subject, beyond the inspection of the
first pages of the same book, when I bought it ; and a
similar inspection of the introductory discourse of Euler.
I arrived at Felbrigg on a Friday morning and on Sunday,
while I was sitting at dinner at the Parsonage, received a
letter which made it necessary for me to return imme-
diately. The occasion was the vacancy of the Speaker's
chair, by the advancement of Grenville to be Secretary
of State. I set off in about two hours after I received
the letter, taking Mrs. Lukin in the chaise to Hanworth,
where we drank tea, and from whence I set off on horse-
back, following the chaise. My journey, which continued
all night, was not unpleasant ; and if I had executed what
I had intended and intended in such a way that I thought
the execution safe, I should look back to it with pleasure ;
but, the vexation I feel at having suffered myself (I know
not why) to be restrained from speaking upon the occasion,
makes me impatient to drive from my memory the whole
of that period. The consequences of such omissions are
probably much greater than one is apt to reckon them.
The way to estimate them would be to consider, what
portion such a day would have made, of all the political
fame and consequence, that one has. This, in number,
would not be inconsiderable ; but, if it be taken, as it
ought to be, according to its proportion in value, the
difference will be such, computing it at so much per cent.,
as would make up the interval between cheap and dear,
good and bad, in a bargain or in a fortune. However
low one may estimate such kind of fame and certainly
no one can care less about it than I do one cannot but
regret the loss of an advantage comparatively so consider-
able, and that might have been secured at so cheap a rate.
I am quite sure that if the occasion were to occur at this
instant, without borrowing anything from what was said by
others, I could make a speech, which, at the rate of fame
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 179
allowed to such exertions and enforced by the particu-
larity of the subject, would have been remarked very
generally throughout the country, and have been remem-
bered by many several years hence. Nothing now re-
mains, but to convert my regrets to the purposes of
reformation and to learn by what I have done amiss, to
avoid similar misconduct in future.
~L2th. Mundy's : Elliot, Cholmondeley, Legge, Harris,
i. e. Lord Malmesbury, Sir G. Cornewall, Lady Middleton
then said to be unwell, now, alas ! dead. We all gay,
and going to the masquerade at Mrs. Strutt's. This was
an instance of a masquerade, not exciting any high hopes,
yet producing much pleasure. I don't know when I have
felt stronger satisfaction, or found my mind in better state.
\^th. At two, set off to go with Lady Palmerston to
Sir Joshua Eeynolds', at Eichmond. Went in the carriage
with her and Sir H. Englefield. Present : Lord Palmer-
ston, Lord Carysfort, Lord Darnley, Lord Malmesbury
and Lady M. and Ellis. Supped at Mrs. Crewe's : Lord
Macartney, Lady Duncannon, Sheridan and Miss Draper.
IQth. My stay at Felbrigg, which continued for twelve
days, had nothing remarkable, except that, in proportion
to the enjoyment I had lately had in London, I felt more
the want of such enjoyments where I was. I missed the
satisfactions I had left, and experienced that effect, which
I must always to a degree lay my account with, and which
in the general conduct of life I have never enough con-
sidered, that as opportunities of study are multiplied, the
incentives to it are often in the same proportion with-
drawn. I found certainly, according to Dr. Johnson's
expression, a very great and sudden refrigeration of ap-
plication. I forget how much of my time was employed
in business, which I cannot without inconsistency con-
demn, since I have long condemned the omission of it,
namely, in reading letters and papers, transmitted to me
from my father and which for the greater part I have
N 2
180 DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
suffered to remain unread for now near twenty years, that
I have had access to them. It is a singular fact that in
all that time I should never have found a fortnight, to
know whether they were interesting or uninteresting, im-
portant or unimportant. What life has mine been, that
has afforded time for neither business, pleasure, nor study !
29th The family from the Parsonage had supped and
lay at Felbrigg, as they had done the evening before that.
The excesses in my banker's account had forced upon me
this time an attention to my affairs, which I had never
practised in equal degree before, but which I hope from
this time not to discontinue. I am quite persuaded that
the habit of attending, as much as was necessary, to
practical concerns, so far from diminishing the time given
to other pursuits, would be found to enlarge it and cer-
tainly to increase the progress made in them.
3(M. On my arrival in town, went to Burke's and
found that, as I had expected, they had had a brilliant
day in Westminster Hall. I fell in with Adair, Fitzpa-
trick and Lord John Townshend, who were going to
Brookes's, and by a degree of weakness not to be thought
of with patience, suffered them to drag me with them.
July 6th. Boxing match at Wimbledon : Darch and
Gainer, James and Tucker, Hooper and Tyne ; the three
first victors. I came away before the last battle was over,
in order to be in time for the Committee. Dined, I have
a notion, upstairs and spoke, I think, a few words upon
proposal of sending some corn to the relief of France.
Did not state my meaning satisfactorily, nor obviate, as I
might have done, the complaints of Wilberforce.
1th. ' Albo lapide notandum.' Spoke a few words for
the first time in Westminster Hall. I am quite sure that
the effect of this, inconsiderable as the event seems na-
turally to be, will be felt through the whole summer, as
its consequences may run on for a much longer period.
I acquitted myself in a way not so good as might have
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 181
been, but enough so to make me think myself well off.
I dined at the Club ; Lord Macartney, Dr. Fordyce, Sir
Joshua Eeynolds, Malone, Lord Elliot.
8th. Trial ended for this year. I went to Lincoln's
Inn afterwards, taking a boat from Westminster Bridge.
9th. Was to have been the day of Sheridan's motion
about the million, but, forty members not having been in
the House by four o'clock, it was put off
IQth. Motion came on. I went away to dine with D.
North. Came away before the division with Villiers.
1.1th. Party to Chertsey. Southgate Farm and Lord
Portman's ; Francis's family, Mr. and Mrs. Culveden, Gor-
ing and his daughters. Very pleasant ; much struck with
the beauty of the place ; felt the country perfectly new
and strange ; surprised that there should be so much
near London of which I knew so little. Eeflections on
the little acquaintance I have had with such modes of
pleasure and such scenes of life.
13th. Stayed at home till between four and five, when
I went to the House, in order to attend Francis on the
Indian Budget. Dined upstairs with General Burgoyne.
Drank tea with Sir Joshua.
15th. When I left the House, hardly forty members
remained. A long debate took place afterwards and
lasted tih 1 past eleven, Fox having come down to make a
sort of protest against the Tobacco Bill.
16th. Went to the House to attend business of Scott
(Major), and came away with Burke, Sir Gilbert Elliot
and Courtenay, to dine by appointment with Sir Joshua
Eeynolds. When we came away, I walked some time
with Burke and Lawrence, in St. James's Square, talking
on general subjects.
19th. Am vexed that, before leaving Windsor, I did
not contrive to give some more reproof to the insolence
of the innkeeper. Saw part of the Castle at Windsor,
and called on Eobert at Eton.
182 DIAEY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
2\st. Dined at Club as a point of duty and at the
expense of a party from which I expected satisfaction, at
Francis's. Only Courtenay and Sir Joshua, Malone having
(not very fairly) stayed away.
22nd. From the kind memorial furnished me from
Norwich, of which mention will be made below, this was,
I find, a day by no means to be forgotten, being that on
which I made the motion, or rather, I am sorry to say,
proposed the motion, for receiving the inquiry about the
exportation of corn.* It is curious to observe how dif-
ferently proceedings in Parliament appear, according as
they are viewed in their causes or their consequences, in
the talents necessary to conduct them and the effects they
produce, or the impression they make out of doors. This
motion about the grain is an event almost in the history of
the times. It has not only occasioned a good deal of talk
here, but has engaged even the attention of a neighbouring
nation. Yet to the production of this so little thought
went, that the merest trifle would have turned the pur-
pose aside, and in the support of it nothing more was said
than the most cursory consideration suggested. The mea-
sure, which may have made an impression on the mind of
a great nation, was adopted with as little consideration and
dismissed with as little execution of mind, as could be given
to any opinion thrown out in a private company.
* Towards the end of this session Mr. Windham called the attention of
Government to a requisition from France, which was then suffering the
greatest distress from a scarcity of grain. The object of this requisition
was, to be supplied with 20,000 sacks of flour from this country. So small
a boon ought to be granted, he thought, from motives of humanity and
might be safely granted ; but a committee of the House of Commons having
decided against it, the Ministers, though they professed themselves disposed
to afford the relief sought for, would not, after such a decision, undertake to
grant it upon their own responsibility. The leading part which Mr. Wind-
ham took in favour of this requisition occasioned amongst some of his con-
stituents at Norwich a considerable clamour. He allayed the storm by a
printed letter, addressed, ' To those of the citizens of Norwich who are most
likely to be affected by an increase in the price of provisions.' Vide Amyot's
Life of Mr. Windham, vol. i. p. 26.
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 183
2 3rd. Dined at Mr. Culveden's for the first time of my
having been there ; great many persons played at trap-
ball. Went home with the Francis's after supper.
August ^th. To-day I received the letter from Norwich
enclosing the handbill relative to what I had said about
the exportation of corn. The necessity of thinking of
something to be said in answer to this, added to what
else I had to do, occasioned my staying at home till
dinner, when I had, as I mentioned, company.
5th. At work all the morning and till the post went
out in writing and copying what I was to send to Norwich
in answer to the handbill ; well-satisfied with my punc-
tuality and dispatch and not dissatisfied with my per-
formance. By taking the form of a letter to the common,
which was likewise the properest, there was less necessity
for being solicitous about the writing. It was good enough
not to be ashamed of, and was very well calculated to
answer its purpose.
\~\_th. Brighthelmstone. The morning after my arrival
I saw Fox, and had a very pleasant hour with him before
his going to St. Ann's. Till last night I have been in his
house, an advantage of comfort and retirement which I
have not made the most of. On Friday, the day after our
coming, I dined with the Prince and had the satisfaction
of seeing in the morning and again in the evening, a
fencing match with the great St. George ; when every one
was retired in the morning, I took up a foil with Eoland
one of the fencers, and was shocked to find how much I
had lost, not only in skill, but of strength and activity. I
think I was considerably below what I was some four or
five years ago at Oxford. The mode of life is as new,
almost, as that of another country, and though, hitherto,
not such precisely as I should wish to continue long
together, yet I am far from thinking that a month or two
here might not be spent with equal profit and pleasure,
and that if it had not been a slackness in me, in the pur-
184 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
suit of satisfaction, that I have never been here before
with a mixture of company, with leisure and good air,
must give great advantages to this over the solitude and
languor of Felbrigg.
12th. The regular day of the packet was yesterday,
but I had given up the thought of going on account of the
business of to-day, namely, the celebration of the Prince's
birthday. Accounts are said to have come from London
discouraging any English from visiting or staying at Paris ;
but I cannot prevail upon myself to lay any stress upon
them. Except the danger of accidental mischief to which
every one may in some measure be exposed, who comes
within reach of a tumult or of dangers from robbers,
which these times may certainly increase, but against
which prudence may guard, I cannot conceive that any-
thing more is to be apprehended than in travelling in
France at any time.
~L3th. The entrance to Eouen was magnificent beyond
my expectations, though the evening had began to close
in, so as to take off something of the view. The post before,
we had seen a notification which prepared us for some dif-
ficulty likely to occur, on account of their having suffered
us to go from Dieppe without a passport. The Garde
Bourgeoise thought themselves obliged to carry us to the
Hotel de Ville, while our chaise remained at the gate, and
much ceremony took place, attended, however, with great
civility throughout. Before it could be settled, that we
should proceed to our hotel, upon the strength of my letters
which I mentioned to Messrs. Quesnel, without them or the
testimony of some person of the place, we should have
been obliged, they seemed to think, to go back to Dieppe.
September 8th. All the time I had for employment at
Paris was occupied in reading and writing French for
study. The advantages gained in the acquisition of lan-
guage or in the efforts made for that purpose, would have
redeemed the time from suspicion of having been ill em-
1789] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 185
ployed. But it is by no means necessary to have recourse
to that consideration ; much pleasure was felt and many
impressions received. The advantages received conse-
quently cannot be doubted. The day spent in the Na-
tional Assembly, the walk to Chaillot, the dinner with
Dillon, are all instances of that opinion. The day of
Jephson's and my leaving Paris was, it appears, the 6th.
Gardener, Digby, and Throgmorton called the morning
of my going, and sat till near the time of our departure.
Nothing could be more gay and pleasant than the whole
of our first day's journey. The magnificence of the Castle
of Gallion,* and the views in the first stage from Mantes
and still more the view in the approach to Rouen, will be
thought by many superior to anything, which the island
can show. In the last instance and in certain respects I
am inclined to that opinion myself.
9th. Arrived at Brighthelmstone. About an hour
before our arrival I came upon deck and was well
enough to enjoy the prospect, literal and figurative, that
was before me. I wish I could think that, by better
management in contriving to come in for the close of the
Prince of Wales's dinner, I had enabled myself to enjoy
equally the retrospect. There never was anything so
stupid as my not going (notwithstanding the lateness of
the hour before I was enabled to dress) to see, at least,
whether I might not have gone in.
10th. Another folly, that, before I set out and quitted
a dinner so pleasant as was offered me, I did not think of
inquiring whether Lord North had not left Tunbridge.
The whole of my dinner was poisoned by the reflection
of my former folly. Before our arrival, too, it was dark
and the weather cold and gloomy. When I arrived and
* The Chateau de Gaillon, near Vernon-sur-Seine, was built by the
Cardinal D'Amboise in 1515. It was demolished at the Revolution, with
the exception of the portal. A gateway from the chateau was removed to
the Ecole des Beaux Arts, in Paris.
186 DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [179
found Lord North was gone, the measure of iny unconi-
fortableness was full.
1\th. The only thing well done at Tunbridge was
the rising in the morning (agreeably to what I had pur-
posed overnight) so early as to be ready a little after six
o'clock. The day promised nothing but incessant rain
and the appearance of things was much less gay than I
had been accustomed to. We went into London, how-
ever, tolerably cheerful and arrived there between two
and three. Having got out at the end of Parliament
Street, I went to Lord Palmerston's, whom I did not find
at home, and to Mrs. Guise, whom I did. From her I
heard for the first time the story of her daughter's mar-
riage and of the unhappiness she was likely to meet
with. It had evidently preyed much upon Mrs. Guise's
spirits, nor does it appear too much relief is to be hoped.
The advice I gave them, of securing a good understand-
ing with the parents, is, I am persuaded, the best. I have
seen them again since. I had dined, as we had settled,
at Malone's, where were Courtenay and Jephson ; and in
the evening Sir Joshua, whom I had called upon in my
way and found in as melancholy a way, with respect to
his eyes, as the newspapers had represented him. The
six days I passed in London had nothing in them remark-
able, particularly after the time passed there in nearly
similar circumstances last year. The degree of enjoyment
in both cases nearly the same, that is, in both very con-
siderable and proceeding in both from much the same
causes. I walked the streets with a mixed sensation of
strangeness and acquaintance, looking at it as at a new
place, yet enjoying the comfortable reflection all the while
that I was at home.
12th. I should have done more to my satisfaction if I
had dined with Lord Palinerston and a large party at
Shene. The cause preventing my going was, that I could
not afford the expense of taking a chaise on purpose. This
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDIIAM. 187
to me is nothing new, but would seem very odd to those
who judged of one's means of expense by one's nominal
income. Having given up the party to Shene, I went
after dinner to Kingston House, to Lady Anne and Lady
Margaret : there I stayed till between ten and eleven.
16^. I don't recollect for certain but, I think, went to
a fencing match and sat for a good while with Eamsden,
the first time since my acquaintance with him in the year
1772. I decided rather hastily upon sending a number of
books back to Felbrigg, particularly my set of Commenta-
tors, which, though proper enough to be kept at Felbrigg,
are perhaps too valuable and in too good preservation to
be trusted to the risk and accidents of a passage by sea.
Ylth. I set off, it appears, on the 17th. The purpose
of going by Thetford, and of meeting Lord Eobert, though
not Fox, I accomplished. The occasion is to be remem-
bered from its having put me upon thinking with more
care of the puzzle which I heard of once before in the
same society, of the expediency or act of a person mean-
ing to go to a certain point, changing his place, unless
he knows beforehand of the relation and distance to the
point sought, of that to which he is required to change.
They state the question something differently, but that
above contains the substance. Lord Eobert, who was the
person that started the question, showed, as might be
supposed, that he knew nothing of the doctrine to which
it belonged. I said at the time what was an answer to
his objections, but did not understand the full extent of
the difficulty, nor make out the true solution till I thought
of it in my post-chaise the next day. I must make an
entry of the solution in the 'Adversaria,' as the reasoning
is of a sort not quite obvious.
18th. I arrived at Norwich early, having risen be-
tween five and six and traversed the town, not without
some little anxiety and more I think than I ought to have
felt, for the reception I was to meet with. My anxiety
188 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
perhaps was more properly mortification at finding, or
seeming to find, that my publication had not been well
thought of. Yet, I don't know why I should be much
moved by that, for the publication certainly contained
nothing that was absurd nor ill calculated for its purpose,
and more than that, it did not pretend to. I stayed the
evening and had a supper, neither unprofitable nor
unpleasant, at Taylor's.
October kth. Felbrigg. -My mother went away.
12th. After the Sessions, the next thing seems to have
been the Camp, which took place to-day. The particulars
need not be set down, both because they are unimportant
and because they are well remembered.
19th. I went with Mrs. Lukin to Coke's. Party there:
Fox, Button, E. Fawkener and Boothby. There were
others whom I had not known of before ; Captain Eo-
berts, a relation of Coke's, who had served a great deal
in America ; and afterwards Eishton, &c. My stay, which
continued till the Saturday following, was sufficiently
pleasant, would have been much more so, if the pain in
my face had not at all times given me a certain degree of
annoyance and occasionally been such, as to destroy all
thought and comfort. I contrived, however, notwith-
standing all impediments, to do something, particularly
to go on for several more propositions in the treatise
4 De Arte Conjectandi,' which I had judiciously brought
with me. I read likewise several useful papers. One
paper, an investigation by Dodson, in the year 1754, of
some questions of survivorship, which presented a fair
mark to the exercise of one's thoughts and on which
they have been employed till this time.
24th. At my return home on Saturday, I found Dod-
well, who, not having received my letter, had been ar-
rived since the Thursday. The sight of him at Felbrigg
excited very pleasing emotions ; he is a man for whose
character I feel great respect, in whose company I have
much pleasure, and to whom, from early acquaintance
1789] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 189
and sense of his regard for me, I feel much attached. I
hardly know any one whose esteem I should feel more
pain to forfeit, and whom I would go greater lengths to
serve.
30th. I had gone to Fakenham. That night was
memorable for an event long to be remembered by the
calamity it has occasioned ; a storm which, from its
suddenness as well as its violence, has produced a greater
destruction among the shipping on the coast, than any
that has been remembered for a long while. The traces
of it are seen everywhere, some less shocking, as vessels
stranded, the crews and cargoes of which have been
saved and others more melancholy, as the wreck of those
which have perished altogether and the carcases of the
unfortunate crews.
November 5th. Lady Buckingham's ball, which was to
have been on the 3rd, was put off on account of the
death of poor George Byng, to the 6th. I did not go,
partly because I did not like it, but more because Mrs.
Lukin did not go. I felt a little dissatisfied at her not
being asked, but was less influenced in staying away by
that dissatisfaction, than by a desire of qualifying any
disappointment which Mrs. Lukin might have felt.
1th. Palmer and I and Lord Frederick went to Eain-
ham ; Lord Frederick slept here the night before ; Palmer
and he went in the chaise, I on horseback. The poor Mar-
quis is so broken that possibly he may never return from
Bath ; it is hardly possible that he should live long ; the
prospect of leaving life seems to soften his mind and ren-
ders him sensible to attentions. I am happy in having
shown all that was in my power in this instance.
9fA. On our return we rode as far as Holt. I thought
that from the common near Chads we saw what was Fel-
brigg woods ; Query, if it is so ?
12th. Palmer left me and the same day I set off to
Holkham to meet Lady A. Lindsay. The day was very
bad, and I had hesitated so long about going or not, as to
190 DIARY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1789
add to the uncomfortableness of the uneasy feel of being
too late. I went on, however, very well, thinking with
sufficient earnestness of the paper in the transactions
mentioned above of Dodson's ; and at Holt, while the
horses were baiting, had the satisfaction of hitting off a
mode of reasoning, which the result showed to be right.
It is not easily to be conceived how much effect this has
had on the course of my thoughts ever since, how much
all my enjoyments have been improved by it and what
new animation it has given birth to. I should not have
had, I am persuaded, so much pleasure in the fox-chase
this morning, if I had not hit upon this solution of the
case contained in that paper. What encouragement this to
proceed, even, now ? What cause of regret, that in years
and years, I should have proceeded so little, hitherto !
Why might not I, at this moment, have been among first-
rate mathematicians ?
22nd. The effect, however, of these reflections seems
to have ended very much with the making them ; for I
cannot cite the ten days that have elapsed since then as
among the times when the prosecution of particular pur-
suits has been most diligent or most happy. I sat down
about nine o'clock to other employments, particularly the
resumption of the proposition left unfinished in Theodo-
sius,* and found my faculties in a state of activity and
clearness such as can hardly be matched but by instances
far removed from this, or from each other. I felt at this
time that there was no question so troublesome or diffi-
cult that I was or need be afraid to encounter ; nor did
this feel leave me till myself chose to dismiss it, thinking
that a continuance of execution so late at night, would
prevent my going to sleep readily and leave something
of weakness next morning. The expectation in both
parts seemed not to be without foundation. It was past
* The !><(piK ', or Spherics, of Theodosius, a profound and accurate work,
on what we should now call Spherical Geometry.
1789] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 191
eight before I rose, and to dissipate what I thought was
amiss in myself, ordered my horse and took a short ride.
From that time till church, which was in the afternoon,
I did little but read the French papers ; neither resuming
translation, which stood first in order, nor completing
what I had begun overnight in Theodosius, nor engaging
in a work hardly less necessary the writing another
letter for the papers, on the same subject as Mill's. At
ten o'clock I determined, after some consideration, to go
over and sleep at the Parsonage, and the event abun-
dantly confirmed the propriety of the decision, for I felt
instantly relieved and animated.
23rd. About three went out to exercise my horse, and
give some directions about planting. At four rode over
with George to Hanworth ; Doughty just returned from a
good chase with Coke's hounds near Holt. In the even-
ing found I could do nothing but read Cook's Voyage,
which T did till twelve o'clock.
24:th. From about ten till near two, with little inter-
vals, have been looking into some books of my father's,
which stand upon my table.
29th. London. Dined at Malone's, where was a meet-
ting relative to Dr. Johnson's monument. Present, Sir
Joshua, Sir Joseph Banks, Metcalfe, Boswell, Courtenay
and E. Burke.
December ~\.st. Dined at Lord Lucan's with a large
party of French. There were a Madame de BoufHers,
Due and Duch. de Luxembourg, French ambassador,
and the daughter of Madame de Boufflers. Of English :
Sir Ealph and Lady Payne, Lord Macartney, and in the
evening, Mr. "Walpole.
4:th. Set off for Norwich. Drank tea at Newmarket.
Between Chesterford and Newmarket I had thought with
great success of Proposition 13-2 of Theodosius, which had
been left incomplete, when I came away from the country.
Journey as usual very pleasant.
192 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. |I790,
1790.
April 2nd. My Journal has been neglected, it must
be confessed ; but in return my neglects in other articles
have been less than at any former period. It is in some
respects consolatory and in others grievous, to consider
how different my life has been this time from what it ever
was before. I have now began to discover, for the first
time, that as much may be done in London as at any
other place. To what is this change owing ? Is it a fact
that has always been true and only now discovered ; or
is it, that some change, not depending on myself, has
really made the difference ? I suspect that there is a con-
currence of causes, but that the principal is in my own
determination. Let us say in what this change consists.
Internally and substantially, I make a greater progress in
all sorts of employment. I possess my faculties in greater
perfection and enjoy throughout the day, in every situa-
tion, either of solitude or company, a higher degree of
happiness. The places at which I can recollect to have
dined are Coke's, Sir Gr. Cornewall's, Lord Palmerston's,
Lord Malmesbury's, North's, Francis's, Mr. Culveden's,
Eurke's, my mother's, Tierney's, &c. Of these, the only
place besides Thomas's at which I have dined frequently,
has been my mother's. Since my coming to town this
time, I have perceived the first instances in her of a
decay of faculties. It consists principally in a continual
forgetfulness and misapplication of names. From the
moment this has been perceived, whatever impatience
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 193
used formerly to be felt, has been lost in the general wish
to alleviate the sense of such a misfortune, should it chance
to be felt and to render what may remain of life as happy
as possible. The consequence has been, that I have dined
with my mother, as often as I have been disengaged, and
have sought by every means to contribute to her satis-
faction, whatever was in my power.
Previous to my departure from Felbrigg to London
and from the beginning of the year, my chief employment
was Theodosius and translation. For some time before
I went, the time spent by myself and in hard and vigo-
rous application, came to be more considerable. I felt
accordingly my powers of application increase and my
faculties strengthen. Many, however, both during that
period and still more before, were the omissions with
which I had to reproach myself. Little care was taken
to regulate the course of thought, when it was not regu-
lated of itself, in virtue of some express and positive
employment.
My journey into Norfolk on the 6th instant was not
intended as an excursion of pleasure, nor made in cir-
cumstances likely to answer that purpose. I should have
liked to have gone down, when first the business requir-
ing one's attention was at end, and when I should have
had before me the prospect of staying at Felbrigg for
some weeks. My journey both in going and coming was
less fatiguing or disagreeable, than I had been inclined to
expect ; so much less so, that if it were not for some
objection in point of decorum, I should be tempted every
now and then to obtain by those means a week or two
in Norfolk, when it may not be convenient to lay out 20
in a journey thither in a postchaise.
IQth. Day of the Tobacco business. I spoke more
from the consideration of the use, which a speech could
be of in its effects at Norwich, than from any hope of my
speaking in a way to gain credit. In this, however, as
o
194 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1790
in other instances, the event bettered my expectation, so
cheaply is reputation in this way obtained, or so much
has my manner a power of setting off, what in point of
matter had certainly nothing extraordinary. I believe
it rather the former. The only points that in my own
opinion had any merit, I either forgot, or had not an
opportunity of introducing. Some time after this, I think
on the , came on the Duke of Atholl's business, on
which I executed more completely what I had intended
and felt during the time more master of what I was
about. In the judgment of others therefore, this had
more of the performance of a practised speaker than
any other speech I have made. I soon after spoke a
little in opposition to the Silk Bill proposed by Wilmot.
As I am upon the subject of speaking, it may be as well
to add here, though by a slight prolepsis, that I have
spoken this year twice in Westminster Hall ; the former
time more at length, though less to my satisfaction, as I
only repeated matter, which, though my own, had been
stated by others, either of themselves, or at my sug-
gestion ; the last time more shortly, but more satisfactorily,
as I succeeded, in my own opinion, in clearing a question
of misconception, and placing it upon its true footing,
when the endeavours of the Court and other Managers
had failed.
May 8th. At home all morning, employed in prepa-
ration. Dined at Club : only Lord Spencer, Lord Pal-
merston and Lord Ossory. Went afterwards to Burling-
ton House, principally for the purpose of procuring
admission to the Hospital. Found there Lord and Lady
Walpole, Lord John, &c. Doubtful whether or no I
should go the next morning without hearing Fox.
Monday, 10th. --In consequence of notice in the
papers and an answer given to me, as the result of an in-
quiry, which I had directed to be made at Carlton House,
I dressed and went thither in a chair : had then the mor-
1790J DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 195
tification to find that there was no levee. This was to
have been the day of Burke's motion for the resolutions
respecting the trial. I went afterwards to dine at Brookes's
in order to talk over the motions to be made by Grey on
the Wednesday following. When I came home I found
William was arrived.
\\th. Spoke, in Westminster Hall; Burke's motion,
which must have been put off the day before. I may
remember the fact, by the circumstance of its having been
the subject of enquiry when I came into the Club, where
I could only get a hasty and imperfect dinner before it
was necessary to go to the meeting at Burlington House.
12th. Employed the greatest part of the morning in
walking about with William, so as to have little time to
consider what I should say upon Grey's motion. Spoke,
however, and sufficiently well ; a little more consideration
would have enabled me, certainly, to have spoken better,
both by furnishing me \\ith passages ready prepared and
better, therefore, than those I could frame at the instant,
and by leaving my thoughts more at liberty to go in quest
of others. The ludicrous instance of Lord Burleigh, I
took from Sheridan, who, as he could not use it himself,
wished it to be employed by some one else. If I had re-
collected it at the time I would have introduced it in a
way, to allot to Sheridan the merit of his own thoughts ;
for, besides my general rule of forbearing in any instance
to appropriate to myself the reasonings or remarks of
others, I would not countenance, by any seeming return,
what Sheridan does, with so little scruple, with respect to
others, and to me among the rest.
13^. Employed again during the morning in walking
about with William. In the House Francis's motion for
an account of the appointments and salaries of ambassa-
dors to Spain.
14:th. Went out to pay some necessary visits in the
morning and meeting Lord Macartney, accompanied him
o2
196 DIAET OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
to Mrs. Bouverie's and afterwards to Macklin's Exhibi-
tion in Pall Mall. I dined at Lord Eadnor's, where were
Sir Edward Littleton, Sir Matthew Eidley, the Solicitor-
General, Bouverie and Lady Bridget, Annesley and
Adams. At nine I walked away and calling upon Mrs.
Crewe, sat with her, talking over many curious particu-
lars of the set in which she lives.
15^. Though it is now past four, I have sat entirely
at home ; I have done nothing but meditate a speech,
on the old subject of evidence.* From four till it was full
time to dress for dinner, I was employed in a letter to the
Library Committee at Norwich, who had transmitted to me
a petition to the Duke of Norfolk, praying that they might
have the use of the Eoman Catholic chapel for their books.
As I had formerly applied for this on behalf of the Eomari
Catholics themselves, it was necessary to explain to the
Committee, why I could do no more for their petition than
present it. Dinner at W. Stanhope's. A University party ;
sat there talking, for the best part of our subject on
matters of law, till about ten and walking away with Sir
W. Scott, went for an hour or more to Lord North's, from
thence home, where I found from Mrs. Crewe a book with
verses by Lord Holland, which I continued reading till
twelve. The verses seem to show a fertile and formed
mind and a very amiable disposition ; their exact merit
can only be estimated by knowing the age of the writer,
and comparing his productions with what has been done
by others, at the same time of life.
16^. Eose at nine remarkably fresh and active. Em-
ployed for the greater part of the time on Bernouilli,
till I was surprised at finding that it was near four.
Dressed in haste, much satisfied with my morning's work,
* The late Lord Chief Justice Denman, upon being asked by his son-
in-law, the Rev. J. Beresford, to name the best speech he had heard during
his life, and that which he thought the most worthy of study, answered,
without hesitation, ' Windham's Speech on the Law of Evidence.'
1790] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WItfDIIAM. 197
and went to my mother's. At about seven or before went
to Mrs. Siddons', who was not well enough to admit me.
Eeturned home, drinking tea and reading Shakespeare
till nine.
Ylth. Went at six to dine with Coke. I sat next to
Burke, with Fox next to him, and had a tolerable share of
conversation, the principal subjects of which were Bruce ;
the conduct of the judges on the Impeachment ; Dunning ;
farming; architecture and painting. Fox was stating, as
a test of the merit of Blackstone's ' Commentaries,' that if a
man had all that ready in his mind, he would be a better
lawyer, possibly, than any man in the country. He was
giving an opinion too against Baron Eyre, compared with
Wilson, or even with Buller. Others were inclined to rate
Buller above Wilson. Burke was speaking in terms of
high commendation of a design in the Exhibition, given
by one Bond, for a new House of Parliament.
18th. Trial. Spoke a little. Dissatisfied with myself
that I had not spoken more. An opportunity had been
given to introduce that which I have so long meditated
and certainly, if I am to judge by former instances, would
have been considered as good.
20th. The next morning I felt not remarkably fresh,
but was, as usual, brought into a better state by the trial.
Spoke again more at length. Elliot (not Sir Gilbert) told
me that he thought I, more than any of them, ' hit the
nail on the head.' It is the praise in such cases most to
be aspired to, but I am not quite sure that I deserved it.
I am afraid, too, this will be my opinion when I come to
see the report of the writer of shorthand. In the House
of Commons afterwards, I spoke on Francis's motion
relative to the appointment of ambassadors and salaries
of ambassadors to Spain. What I said was delivered
readily and with good possession of myself; I should
suppose without much impression, for it was the effect
of very little previous thought and merely uttered that I
198 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAif. [1790
might practise myself in getting up, and might do what
I thought would be gratifying to Francis. I had engaged
myself to dine with Thomlinson, to meet Lord Bucking-
ham and Charles Townshend ; but being made too late
for his dinner, recurred to an invitation, which I had before
declined, from the Duke of Portland, where was a large
and pleasant party. Present : Fox, Burke, Sheridan,
Erskine, Lee, Mansfield, Lord Loughborough, Grey, Orde,
Mr. Ellis, G. North.
2Ist Went in the morning to meet Burgoyne at
Burke 's, relative to the motion to come on in the House.
Little time to think of the business, namely, motion for
censure of Scott.
22nd. Dined at Knight's. Went afterwards to Lady
Payne's. There were present : Lord and Lady Jersey
(the latter of whom I then saw, I believe, for the first
time), Lord Carlisle, Monsieur Barthelerny, Del Campo,
and one or two other foreigners.
23rd. Dined at Sir Henry Englefield's : Stanley, Miss
Stanley, Miss Berrys and Miss Seton. Engagement made
in the morning very pleasant. An Hungarian or Aus-
trian engineer, called in the evening, who had lost an
eye by excessive watching, five days, as was said, at the
siege of Belgrade.
25th. Stayed at home employed, as I have been for a
day or two past, on the question started last year, at
Francis's, in consequence of a discussion of it, by Lord
Kaimes, relative to the claim of the owners in case of
jetsom. At five went to Club, where the question was
to be put, of filling up the number to forty. Present:
Lord Ossory, Lord Macartney, Lord Lucan, Sir Joshua
Eeynolds. The death of Thomas Warton, the news of
which had arrived a day or two before, changed the
question of enlarging into that which was the real object
of it, a ballot proposed by Sir Joshua for the election of
Lord Carlisle.
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIKDHAM. 199
26th. At a little past four set out to the House in
order to attend a business about the Wool Bill. Stayed
there to hear a little discussion about the alteration of
the Tontine : it was near six when I came away. Tier-
ney, who brought me home, prevailed upon me to come
into the house to dine with him ; but I decided finally
upon coming away and dining, for the first time, almost,
since my coming to town, alone. At about seven, or
a little past, walking, not so much thinking where I
should go to, as impelled to go somewhere. The place
of most attraction was Duke Street, from the hope of
seeing Cecy. I there found Byng and Col. Bertie, who
had come that day from a tour into Sussex.
27th. Though I meant to take a part in the business
that was to come on in the House, viz. the adjourned
debate on Major Scott, I could not bring myself to settle
well to thinking on the question, but rambled into speeches
in Westminster Hall and what was still more remote, the
question which has employed me lately respecting jetsom.
When I set out to walk to the House, the fineness of
the day and the gaiety of my thoughts, rendered me
still less capable of meditating on what I might say,
which inability was again increased, by the length of
the walk and the company of Courtenay. With all this,
when I spoke afterwards I seem to have done as well
^s at most other times and to have gained, perhaps,
something of new credit, by my resistance to a hot
attack from Pitt.
2 8 th. Called at Fox's to know whether attendance at
the House was necessary. I was detained by the case of
the poor man who was vomiting blood in St. James's
Street and with Mr. Ferguson, of the House of Commons,
who took his full share in the act, continued occupied in
finding means of relief, till we determined finally in send-
ing him to his home in Bishopsgate Street. When this
was done, instead of going to the House, where Scott was
200 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
to receive his reprimand, I proceeded to the Club at the
Globe.
29^. Called on Lady Cornewall before going to Ke-
vely's. The drawings are of views and antiquities, made
during travels into Greece and the countries of the Le-
vant, in company with Sir Eichard Worsley. I had great
satisfaction in seeing them. It was a whimsical circum-
stance that the first person who presented himself to my
view, and with whom I was placed cheek by jole, was
Mr. Hastings. The conversation, too, or rather the ex-
position, by Eevely, of some of the particulars of the
state of Athens, was of a singular character, considering
the auditors, being an account of the violences and mis-
conduct of the governors. Mr. Hastings did not stay
long not in consequence of that conversation, though
probably in consequence of the company with which he
found himself joined. Some of the particulars learnt
upon this occasion, not of the greatest consequence, but
convenient to be remembered, are :
That Alexandria is now a very inconsiderable place,
being entirely confined to the isthmus between the two
harbours. That all around towards the land, is desert,
into which no one goes, not entirely because there is no
temptation, but because it is full of Arabs, who plunder
all that they lay hold of, though, if resistance is not made,
they are not disposed to offer farther violence. The
horses throughout all these parts, he describes, and has
represented in his drawings, as full of that sort of action,
which is usually ascribed to them. He described particu-
larly the practice of all the Turks, who alone for the most
part, are either indulged in, or can afford the use of horses,
of putting their horses on full speed and stopping them
as suddenly, and that this stopping was, as it ought to
be, on the haunches.
30^. Dined at Lord Spencer's. After dinner went
with the rest for an hour to Brookes's, principally with
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 201
a view to see Grey and settle about going the next day
to the launch. Continued talking there pleasantly till
near eleven. The conversation was likely to appear to
me pleasant, as part of it consisted in flattery to me of
what I had done the Thursday before in the House. Let
me recollect, however, on all occasions of this sort, the
remark I whispered to Pelham, and have often repeated
to myself, that , while he acted with a party, often
heard compliments of the same sort.
3lst Wrote to Mrs. Lukin in the morning, and, with
that and other notes, did not get to Grey till twelve
o'clock. Called on Vandeput and went down by water :
perfectly pleasant. We were there in good time ; but
did not manage well, not to go first on shore and see
more of the nature of the operation, as well as ascertain
more satisfactorily what would be the best situation to
take in the effect. When I parted from Grey and his
brother, I went to Smith's at Lincoln's Inn ; but after
waiting for three-quarters of an hour, slumbering over
' Gilbert on Evidence ' and which seems to me, as it has
done before, to be written in a legal, antiphilosophical
style, was obliged to go away without seeing him.
June 1st. Dinner in Dover Street. Ballot for Lord
Carlisle, who was rejected: present, Sir Ch. Bunbury,
Sir Joshua, Lord Lucan, Dr. Fordyce, Dr. Warren,
Malone, Courtenay, Steevens, Dr. Burney and Fox.
2nd. Trial ; nothing remarkable. Discussion after-
wards between Fox, &c., about Tontine. We were obliged
likewise to wait in expectation of motion from Scott.
Walked to Mrs. Crewe's. After supper, Sheridan came in,
who has put a case to me, about Tontine, which may have
the effect of making me apply a little to that subject.
4:th. At a little before six walked to Crewe's, where
I went to dine. Afterwards of company Mrs. Sheridan,
Miss Linley, Tom Sheridan, young Crewe, Charles
Greville. The first time of seeing young Crewe since his
202 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
return from abroad. He looks something between a Ger-
man count and an Italian singer.
7th. First day of Fox's summing up. By delay in
staying to settle things previous to prospect of leaving
town, I did not get to Westminster Hall till after Man-
agers were gone in. Business not begun till the at-
tention of the audience was wearied. Day upon the
whole, not brilliant. Dined by engagement at Sir Joshua
Eeynolds'.
9th. Straight to Westminster Hall, where I came, not
till after Fox had begun ; performance very brilliant ;
glad that I had come. From thence I went home and
continued employed, I conceive, in preparations for going
till near seven. By staying so long before I went to
Malone's, I wearied myself considerably and was too
late for his dinner.
Suppose I had stayed only half the time and left
undone the things, whatever they were, that occupied
the remaining half, should I have been worse, except in
imagination ? Would not all the things which I disposed
in their places, have been just as safe and remained just
as quietly, though I had left them where they were at
first P They would so certainly, and often much of the
anxiety which one gives oneself upon such occasions
might well have been spared. But I believe it may
generally be said, that the trouble taken at such times, is
at least the means of saving trouble at some future time,
and often such, as would not at any future time be equally
effectual. One does, what must some time or other be
done, and must be done with greater effort or with less
effect, if not done then. Such is almost constantly the
case with letters : such is very much the case with things
suffered to get into disorder.
10?A. Breakfasting at Newmarket, arrived at Norwich
about seven in the evening.
What took place afterwards it is not necessary to detail ;
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT RON. W. WIKDHAM. 203
as much of it will be remembered as is worth remember-
ing. The whole business, on my part, was conducted in
a manner perfectly satisfactory to myself, except in the
single instance, of my yielding to the persuasion of others,
and consenting to let Wilkes go to town.
15i?A. The Tuesday, at night, I had gone over to Fel-
brigg ; the occasion too memorable to be forgotten
Mrs. Lukin's illness.
18^. Day of election.
19th. Slept at Taverham. Coke there. In great
spirits and great possession of myself during the whole
time of the election.
July 1th. Promised Lady Buckinghamshire to ride
over to Blickling.
8th After walking about very pleasantly and drink-
ing tea, I accompanied Lady Buckinghamshire and Lady
Caroline in their chaise, till I set off for home by the
Barningham Eoad.
Now for a little criticism on what I have done. I have
found an amazing drop or fall, in mathematical studies,
meaning by that word, in the present instance, my liking
and appetite, rather than my power. The thought of any
mathematical book no longer excites the same longing to
be employed about it, nor the same impatience of any
thing that holds me from such studies. The times
which residence here is likely to afford me are no longer
employed by imagination in great advances to be made
in that region of knowledge. It is strange that in so
short a time not more than six weeks and with so
little abatement of power, so great a change should be
made in what may be called feeling. I suspect that
during the whole of the time since my return to Felbrigg
I have not been quite well.
19^. Now is certainly the time to make a vigorous
and steady effort to place myself in some situation in
those studies, from which I may hope, at the end of the
204 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
race, not wholly to be left behind. So much remains to
be done, that unless great increase of powers conies with
employment, life will not suffice for my completing but
a very small part of it. Some increase of powers is felt
almost every day a great one, certainly, within this year
or two. A fair trial, by application to such studies, con-
tinued from day to day through a long period and made
what it ought to be and what it might, in each instance,
has never yet been given. To apply for a certain number
of hours each day and for a certain number of days,
neither one number nor the other, being such as to call
for any extraordinary exertion and to preserve, during the
times of such application, a degree of attention as has at
all times probably been in my power, but is now become
perfectly easy, will, I am sure, place me in a situation,
with respect to those studies, altogether new and lead-
ing to consequences in all ways the most desirable and
important. What infatuation, bordering upon madness,
that in the number of years that have now rolled over
my head, such a trial should never have been made !
I borrowed from the library at Norwich, Capparonier,
or Vauvillier's edition of Sophocles, which, so far as I have
used, promises well.
The plan settled in my mind at present, though far
from settled irrevocably, is, that after Sophocles, I should
read some Pindar, then a book or two of Thucydides,
then a large portion of Homer, taking Plutarch perhaps
at the same time ; either then too, or after, I must take
a good many plays of Aristophanes. The incidents by
which the uniformity of life may be varied are of course
not numerous. On Sunday, the 18th, George Wyndharn
dined here.
The evening of our going to Oromer was very fine and
the party altogether very pleasant. We went, for the
first time for me, to the New Inn, which promises to be a
great accession to our comfort. Poor Alsop has spared
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 205
me all difficulty and delicacy with respect to him, by find-
ing it necessary to abscond. Such a reduction at the
close of life is very melancholy. The scene on the beach
was enlivened by an object, quite new to me, and new,
perhaps, to the place the unloading of a foreign vessel.
She was a Norway brig from Christiansand. The cap-
tain spoke tolerable English and was a well-behaved man,
more so probably than the average of such men with us.
August. Just previously to my setting off for the
Assizes and almost, I may say, on the very evening
Saturday, 24th July), I felt that strong sense of the un-
happiness of my own celibacy that lively conception of
pleasure I had lost that gloomy apprehension of the
conviction which I should feel of this hereafter, clouding
all my prospects, relaxing all my motives and in an es-
pecial manner destroying all enjoyment, that I might ever
have in residence here, that unless I could resolve man-
fully to fight against such images, and force my mind from
the contemplation of evils, admitting no remedy, the most
fatal mischief must ensue, both to my happiness and to
my powers. Of this resolution the necessity was not at
first foreseen, nor the resolution of consequence fully
taken. These images, accordingly, continued to pursue
me during the time of my absence at the Assizes. It is,
indeed, sufficiently plain, that wisdom must condemn the
thinking on uneasiness, which thinking cannot mend.
The hint or symbol for enforcing that truth may be the
reflection on the broken teacup in ' Easselas.' The precept
will not come with less weight for coming from Doctor
Johnson, nor will it be unsatisfactory to me to owe to
him, what may alleviate some of the sorrows of life,
September \st In riding from Wrexham, I settled
some matters about the distribution and construction of
Quadratic Equations, and again more lately, viz. when
I was last at Holkham, that I repeated the demonstration
of the proposition learnt from Condorcet : that when the
206 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
majority of votes is given (neither more nor less), the
probability of each vote being supposed always given, the
probability of a right decision is always the same what-
ever be the number of votes.
2nd. I went over to Mrs. Lukin with the horses and
we rode to Cromer the ride not being uncomfortable
and I repeating to her with great fluency, a part, ad-
ditional to what she had already heard, of ' Theodore and
Honoria.'
5th. Many causes occurred to render this visit a period
of great note some, indeed, to distinguish it only as an
interesting passage in the journals of the year, others as
making it a marked epoch in my life, the most fatal, it
may be, that I have ever known. The meeting at Eain-
ham a party of persons connected with, and newly ar-
rived from Ireland could not fail to revive, strongly, the
recollection of a period which I never think of without
very particular emotions ; but, when these persons were of
the number of those I had formerly known there and
were now seen in a place, having, in itself, always a con-
siderable tendency to put me upon reflections on past
times and distant situations, the effect would naturally be
greater. It must be greatest of all, where one of the
persons was Mrs. Beresford, who made early so strong an
impression, with whom I have continued since upon such
a footing of friendship and whom I see only at such long
intervals, the last having extended from the year of my
going with Mr. Burke into Scotland, a period of five years.*
The conversation, too, which we had, was more than
at any other time calculated to increase the impression,
above alluded to. The two days passed there were, ac-
cordingly, quite of a distinct character from any that
preceded or have followed them, and sufficiently marked
* In 1783 Mr. Windham was made Chief Secretary to the Earl of North-
ington, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, under the Coalition Ministry. He
resigned this appointment in August of the same year.
1790] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 207
by the impression they made, though not by the conse-
quences they produced, to become one of the smaller
epochs of life ; but the great fact whicn distinguished this
period, is that above pointed at, and which I must now
proceed to state. Let me state it at once and without
further circumlocution, for it is a subject too painful to be
dwelt upon.
It has happened to me more than once within, perhaps,
these three or four years for the instances preceding
this time have not excited sufficient attention to be cor-
rectly remembered to be seized with sudden suspensions
of the power of recollection, which have made me [sup-
pose], with little serious apprehension, that I thought my
memory was not so good as it had been. The first time
when this happened so as to occasion a real alarm, or to
make an impression that did not immediately wear off was
on Saturday, the 4th inst., the day preceding my going to
Eainham. In going to Hanworth with Mrs. Lukin I found
myself unable to recoUect the name of Maria Cosway,* a
name sufficiently familiar to me to come, I should have
thought, into my mind the moment it was wanted ; that
is, to have followed instantly the image on description.
It was not, however, as I recollect, till after several mi-
nutes, that the name was recovered ; and the suspicion
excited by this failure having put me upon trying my
powers in other instances, the defect seemed so consider-
able as to leave little doubt of a change either permanent
or temporary, and to fill me, in consequence, with the
most alarming apprehensions. The impression of these
was too strong not to remain upon my mind the next
morning, and to put me upon a continuance of the same
trials. The result, so far as related to the recollection of
names, seemed every where the same ; I even fancied
that the impression of the objects themselves, and of many
* Maria Cosway, wife of the English artist of that name, and artist herself.
DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l790
scenes, both of an earlier and later date, seemed to be
more faint than they naturally should, and than they
used to be. It may not be amiss to set down some ex-
amples of each ; a better judgment may be formed
of these apprehensions, and something of a foundation
laid for ascertaining the truth of new ones that may
arise in future. I had one day I think on the Sunday of
my going to Eainham a considerable difficulty of recol-
lecting the titles of Lord Ashburnham, Lord Bulkeley,
Lord Belgrave, Lord Deerhurst, and Lord Jersey. The
name of Lord Fitzwilliam's huntsman I have likewise
been unable to recover. These were the principal in-
stances and many of them sufficiently strong. There
were various others, particularly of those which, though of
a sort to come into my mind upon the first call, did not
present themselves till after a sensible pause and interval.
It is not to be conceived that one should submit readily
to the belief of a fact so fatal, as that which the above
instances gave reason to apprehend, or that one should
not try every means of accounting for the appearances in
question in a manner less painful. One reason to appre-
hend that there was a real change, and to prove that the
name forgot was such as one ought to recollect, i. e. be-
longed to an object known with that degree of familiarity
that the name should naturally follow, was that the failure
of the recollection came as a disappointment and frus-
trated an intention which one had been proceeding to
execute as matter of course. One's only mode of ex-
plaining this, was by the effect of a sort of latent prospect
of failure, operating like what would be called baulking,
in the case of any bodily feat ; like that inability which
seems to take place upon having attempted once or twice,
without success, some difficult leap. In every other respect,
so little reason had I to apprehend any decay of faculties,
that I had been remarking sometime, that with respect at
least to the effect, whether from increase of natural power,
1790] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 209
or what was indeed more likely, from improved habit, my
powers seemed to be advancing.
1th. I rode out with Metcalfe and Mrs. Lukin, round
by Cromer and afterwards had Astley, Mrs. Astley, and
Lady Stanhope to see the house ; I made my excuse against
dining with them at Cromer.
1$th. Went with Mrs. Lukin to dine at Wolterton.
Lord Frederick had just arrived from D. North's. We
came back in the evening. At dinner I felt myself in
brilliant spirits.
27th. Dined at Hanworth ; out of humour, when I
came back ; and led of consequence through a succession
of causes into taking an uncomfortable ride about the
park, in a beautiful moonlight night, and retiring early to
bed tired and dissatisfied.
28th. It was on the 23rd, I think, that John and
James Gurney, Mr. Barclay and Mr. Eobert Herring
dined with me. The manufacturer and the merchant
showed a superiority over the country gentleman, and
we had a pleasanter day, than I have here often expe-
rienced.
October 11th. A day uncommonly fine. So well em-
ployed, as to make me late in getting ready for the Camp.
By the time I was dressed, Doughty and Isted came, who
went round the grounds, while I was settling some justice
business, &c. We afterwards rode together to the ground :
perfectly pleasant, as was the whole day.
15M. Cromer meeting; day remarkably fine; Lady
Buckinghamshire had called and left some violet roots.
It was so late before I got down, and such in other re-
spects was the course of circumstances, that though I ar-
rived at Cromer before Lady B. was gone and found her
and Lady Caroline, on the steps leading from Terry's, I
had little opportunity of staying to talk with them. Was
not at the Parsonage to-day nor saw Mrs. Lukin. Unusual
this, as it is plain from the fact being so long remembered.
p
210 DIAKY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
17th. Eode in the morning, after church, after exer-
cising my horse among the fields near Eunton. Day so
fine, that I could not do otherwise than enjoy my ride,
though I contributed little to it by my own efforts. When
I came back employed with Kitty ; * Mrs. L. went home
about ten. I had been for some days, viz. since Thursday,
out of humour with her, in consequence of her neglect
of herself.
20th. On the Tuesday, Monday, or Saturday preceding,
I don't for certain recollect which, my morning was very
much taken up by a visit from Mr. Elwyn, with a brother
of his, who lives near London. He (the brother) has a
good deal of knowledge of pictures, and told me, that
the little picture under the large one in the bow-window
room was by Sallart, and the 'Finding of Achilles' in the
middle room by Yanharp.
22nd. Some passages of Aristotle examined, and the
morning before, a passage in D'Alembert's preface to the
' Encyclopedia.' I believe this morning I examined more
carefully, than I had ever done before, the arrangement of
the collection which is here, of the ' Philosophical Trans-
actions.' I still cannot find any account of a paper of
Dr. Clark's, referred to in the manuscript paper, inserted
in old Barnes's hand, in the copy that was here of Saun-
derson.
2bth. Till Nicholls went, engaged with him. Mrs. L.
and Mary breakfasted here. Eode as far as Marble
Hill with him.
2ftth. Day of Blickling Ball. In our way to Blickling
tried my memory as to ' Theodore and Honoria,' and found
that I had not lost it ; for the remainder of the way talked
with Mary about music.
2Qth. Was preparing to go to Cromer upon hearing
that Lord Charles Townshend and Colonel Barre, were
there, when the whole party from Wolterton came, Lady
* Kitty Lukin, second daughter of the Dean of Wells.
1790] DIARY OF THE BIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 211
Walpole, Lady Wodehouse, Mrs. Townshend, Mrs. Hussey,
&c. Morning spent at Cromer.
Mr. Windham to Mrs. Crewe.
I have behaved very ill in point of correspondence, and very
undeserving of all the merits you have shown towards me.
The cause has been, not as before, any uncomfortableness of
mind that disinclined one to exertion, but good genuine dila-
toriness, such as makes one often defer things that are upon
the whole pleasant, as well as those that are unpleasant. It
is so long since I received your letter, that I hardly remember
distinctly the points in it that I ought to answer. The time
fixed for your going to Welbeck was the 1 8th, I think. I was
not without thoughts of joining you; but finding upon enquiry,
that it was a hundred and eighty miles from here, my heart
failed me and I resolved upon grubbing on quietly where I
was. You must know that in one respect the longer I stay
here, the longer I feel disposed to do so : for though after a
length of solitude company becomes more pleasant, there is
both in long continuance in one place something that incapa-
citates one for moving ; and to me here, an occupation in various
pursuits, which the more time I have to engage in them the
more hold they take of my mind, and the more unwilling I am
to quit them. In London these things have never time to
attach ; but here they have nothing to weaken and dissipate
their effect, and, as they were my first love, recover all their
original empire. It would have been better for me, perhaps,
that I had never meddled with anything else; or, meddling
with other things, that I had begun to do so sooner. From
some cause or other I am now a little of two characters, and
good in neither : a politician among scholars, and a scholar
among politicians. As Dr. Johnson said from Pope, of Lord
Chesterfield, ' a wit among lords, and a lord among wits.'
Under the present half of this divided empire, I am very
sorry that Parliament is to meet before Christmas ; and look
with great concern to the termination that is to be put in three
weeks' time to various schemes which I fancy now, if time was
given me, I could pursue to some effect. Of the business that
we are to meet upon I am as ignorant as need be, and don't at
all know what the right judgment is about Pitt's proceedings,
p 2
212 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [l790
or what the points on which principally he is to be attacked. I
have in fact, for some time past, nearly forgot that I had any-
thing to do with it : though a late great politician, who has
been unexpectedly thrown upon this coast like a whale, has
within these few days a little awakened my political ardour.
The little fishing town that is within two miles of me has
contained no less a man than Colonel Barre. The history of
his coming here is not a writ of outlawry nor any warrant issued
against him for treasonable practices, but his having been on a
visit to Lord Townshend, and been tempted to proceed thus
far, on occasion of some of the children having been sent hither
to bathe. To you who don't know the seclusion of this corner
of the world, but who live in all the resort of the Palatinate,
there may appear in this event nothing wonderful : but you
cannot conceive to us what the appearance is of any one besides
the natives, or, as we should describe it, of one out of the
shires. As I could not prevail upon him to take up his abode
with me, I must go down, I think, and see him again to-day.
One of the circumstances to render me less inclined to remove
to London at this time, one at least of the motives wanting, is,
I conclude, that we must not look for you there. I fear I shall
hardly be able in the interval between the breaking up and the
meeting of Parliament, again to get as far as Cheshire. I had
an invitation the other day from Lord John, to renew my
hunting in Northamptonshire, and I made daring the winter
a half promise to Lady Spencer to go at Christmas to Althorpe.
But all this is dark and doubtful ; and nothing certain but
death and taxes, and that Pitt will come out with new lustre
from all the present measures, and heap new confusion on us
oppositionists. Farewell ! I must live upon hope, with the aid
of a letter now and then. Remember me, pray, to Crewe, and
to all that are obliging enough to think of me ; my thanks to
Mrs. Lane and Miss Rover, and believe me, &c. &c. &c.
W. WINDHAM.
Felbrigg, Oct. 30th, 1790.
Wth. Dined with Colonel Barre and Lord Charles at
Cromer. A considerable regale.
November 1th. On Thursday I conceive it was, that
a material incident happened the arrival of Mr. Burke's
1790] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOJN T . W. WINDHAM. 213
pamphlet.* Never was there, I suppose, a work so valu-
able in its kind, or that displayed powers of so extraor-
dinary a nature. It is a work that may seem capable of
overturning the National Assembly, and turning the stream
of opinion throughout Europe. One would think, that
the author of such a work, would be called to the govern-
ment of his country, by the combined voice of every man
in it. What shall be said of the state of things when it is
remembered that the writer is a man decried, persecuted
and proscribed ; not being much valued, even by his own
party, and by half the nation considered as little better
than an ingenious madman !
8th, 9th, and IQth. Nothing particular that I recollect,
except one of the days I did not see Mrs. Lukin ; Mary
had called in just before dinner and sat with me at dinner
and for some time afterwards ; I read with her part of a
satire in Boileau and a chapter or two out of Harris's
' Hermes.'
13^A. Day uncommonly fine. The night was so clear
and mild, and* a ride appeared likely to be so beneficial,
I preferred coming from Wolterton with George on horse-
back, to a ride with Mrs. Lukin in the chaise. It was a
great doubt with me whether I should not go with them
to the Parsonage, thinking that little could be made of the
remainder of the evening, but here was an example how
ill many things are judged of, till they are tried. I had
not been in my own room, five minutes before I congratu-
lated myself upon having come, and passed the time till
my going to bed both in useful employment and a satis-
factory frame of mind.
IQth. Set off with Mary for Norwich. Meeting about
a new Bill respecting Wool. Dined at young Forster's :
comfortable from memory of the election. Ball in the
evening sufficiently pleasant ; Lady Buckinghamshire, &c.
there. Mary and I sat up afterwards at the Angel.
* Mr. Burke's ' Considerations on the French Revolution.'
214 DIAEY OP THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1790
17th. Did my business, and came in time to dinner at
Aylsham. Something of fatigue in coming back, which
disqualified me from thinking of anything very earnestly ;
talked with Mary therefore about music.
20th. A day or two before our setting out for London,
Edward Coke came over to Hanworth, where I met him
at dinner, I think on a Monday, and on the day but one
after, he dined at Felbrigg, when we made the bet about
the woodcock.
27th. Upon the whole, however, I must say that the
account of the whole period, amounting to a good four
months' delay, even from my being settled at Felbrigg,
fell miserably short, both as to the work done and the
effect produced, of what I had expected. The conviction
of this, coming as it has done progressively, and being a
general truth, composed of several successive ones, has
not failed at various times to make a deep impression on
my spirits. All that I have done will be seen in ' Hist.
Liter.' and small indeed is the amount. No other reflec-
tions need be made on this. It may be as well to pass
on to the month that has elapsed since my return to
London. The journey is set forth as much as need be in
the migrations.
2$th. Having arrived at Kimberley not till four o'clock
and despairing of being able from Thetford to reach
London the next night, we agreed to stay and so make
three days upon the journey.
30^. It was three o'clock, I conceive, or rather earlier,
when we arrived in Hill Street. George and William
were there to receive us. They returned to dinner, I have
a notion, after accompanying me part of the way to the
House. As I was too late to take my seat, I was obliged
to sit under the gallery and here, either from the heat or
the effect of a good deal of mathematical thinking as I
came along, or else from causes which I dread to think of,
I found a return of failure of memory, having for a long
1790] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 215
while been unable -to recollect the name of 'Brown,' mem-
ber for Dorsetshire ; the title of Lord Muncaster, and,
what is the most serious, the name of Sir Adam Ferguson.
This last is a very alarming instance.
December \st. In general, excepting one dinner at
Burlington House, where were Burke, Fox, Grey, Tom
Grenville, Hare, &c., I cannot recollect to have dined
once at a private house for the first three weeks of my
being in town.
4:th. I must add to the above, a dinner the Saturday
after my coming to town, at Sir Joshua's, where were
Burke, Lord Palmerston, Boswell. I went afterwards in
the evening to Lord Guildford's.
hth. Went to Francis's with young Eichard and Elliot.
Elliot and I returned in the evening. Mem. I had to
pay the whole of the chaise, which I am sorry to say is
an expense not too small for me to be obliged to consider.
It was proposed that Francis and I should have had a
conversation about Burke's book, but the presence of
young Eichard of course prevented that design.
19th. I went again to Francis's, with Burke and Sir
Gilbert, in Burke's coach, and returned with Pelham and
Lord Pahnerston in Lord Palmerston's chariot.
20th. Was the first debate, I conceive, on the con-
tinuance of the Impeachment ; the day therefore on which
Bastard made his motion, seconded by Colonel Macleod.
22nd. The second day of the same debate. I went
home about eleven, before the end of Pitt's speech. We
had sat that day on the Committee, in order that we might
finish the Counsel, till five o'clock. Douglas singularly
unfortunate, so as to seem, from weariness or dissatisfac-
tion of himself, to have lost all taste and judgment.
23n?. Made our report. I stated what I had to say
satisfactorily to myself at the time, but upon reflection,
not so clearly and forcibly as I might, with a cause so
clear. I ought to have made it impossible for any man
216 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDIIAM. [1790
of common fairness or judgment to have refused his vote
on the side for which I was contending. Yet that was
clearly not the case ; nor had Coke and Gaily been less
decided, should I have been able possibly to carry a
majority. It is singular that to the last Milles ha'd a very
imperfect understanding of the question. After the Com-
mittee broke up, I came home to dinner and was tempted
to stay afterwards, not thinking that any very good speaker
would rise so early, till I was too late to hear a speech of
Burke's, which is confessed by all, to have been in his
happiest manner, and in that manner, in which I should
most of all, have liked to hear him I mean of wit and
pleasantry.
27th. I called with Elliot on Maseres, and received the
portion, which he has lent me, of the work of his, which
is printing.
2$th. At the Club ; past ten when we broke up. I
was tempted to go with Boswell and Langton, after calling
on Courtenay,-who was gone to bed, to Boswell's lodgings,
where, with his daughters and sons and young Langton,
I sat disputing with Langton, on the American war, Kep-
pel, &c., with more heat than I liked, till between one
and two.
3Ist. Not out during any part of this day and the
preceding. What is this change, that should enable me
now to pass two days continually in the house without
any perceptible inconvenience ? It is probably no change
but in my opinion of my being able to do it. ' Possunt,
quia posse videntur.' What a pity that this discovery was
not made sooner !
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 217
1791.
January 10^. The account itself opens with an
event the most unpromising and distressful. Yesterday,
the 9th, was the day of Mrs. Lukin's being seized with
the fit, which exhibited her to me for a moment or two
as actually breathing her last, and which for a much
longer time left one in suspense what was to be the con-
sequences of it. Of the remoter consequences the appre-
hension must still remain ; but all immediate danger I
trust, is removed ; and future danger will, I hope, be
prevented by that caution which will have been taught
by the present attack.
12th. It is to be regretted that I have not, by a more
regular observance of the practice of journal writing,
ascertained the extent to which this habit has been
carried. It is more to be regretted that a habit, known
at all times to be so salutary, and now found to be so
easily practicable, should not have been begun years and
years ago. What a difference it would have made at the
time ! what a difference it would have made in my present
condition, and in all the future fortune of my life ! It is
not too much to say, that, to this single circumstance,
considering the way in which habits propagate each
other, the whole difference may be ascribed of my being
something or nothing. But such reflections it is vain to
pursue further. I have certainly never enjoyed in London
such perfect capacity for application, nor have been in
such good spirits ; it has likewise seldom or never hap-
218 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDIIAM. [1791
pened, notwithstanding the quantity of time spent with
Mrs. L., that I have made so much progress ; I must state
the whole as a golden period.
17 'th. The battle at Wretham, which I went to see,
and which made up the whole a very pleasant and inter-
esting day, must have been on this date.
29^/t. A dinner at Fox's, with Grey, St. John and
General Burgoyne.
3(M. Set off with Mrs. Lukin and Mary for Bath. I
had not decided on the journey till the day before, partly
from uncertainty about my own wishes, and partly
from a doubt whether there might not be in the House
something to make attendance necessary. Mrs. Lukin
did not know of my intention till after my return from
dinner at Fox's. We arrived at Caversham, where Mrs.
Lukin was expected, between seven and five ; the first
time of my being there since Mr. Loveday's death.
31<st We proceeded to Marlborough with all possible
satisfaction. The very memory indeed of this, as of all
other parts of our journey, will always be to me a source
of great pleasure.
February 1st. My stay different from any preceding
time, as all places have in fact come now to be viewed
with different sensations. The great change began during
my residence at Felbrigg last summer.
6th. The day after my return : dined at a large dinner
at Fox's.
1th. After the House, dined at Brookes's: Hare, Fox,
Grey. Dispute about question of Chance (Sir J. St.
Clair).
8th. A consideration for some days of the question
started at Brookes's relative to the advantage which a
person has by a right of leaving off play at his option.
18th. Within this time Kitty had come, but on what
day, I don't recollect. The change which her coming
has made in my habits has been something, though not
1791] DIAEY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. 219
very considerable. For some time, while the ' Anabasis
continued, the attractions of that work used to prolong
my stay below after breakfast and lead me often into
her room when I came home. The same was in some
measure the case while she was going through Theo-
phrastus.
March. My habits as to dining at home, or reading
with Kitty, have been much the same as the latter end
of the last month. She has been reading for some time
Plutarch's 'Apophthegms,' in a small edition which I
bought lately, by Stephens. At breakfast or at dinner I
have generally made her read some to me, and either
from her reading having become more distinct, or my ear
more practised, I find that I understand better. About
this. time, in consequence of correspondence with Maseres,
began to get again into Mathematics.
2\st. The Lauder Committee began, which has given
me so much vexation, from the reflection, that if I had
stood by my own opinion, I might have prevented at
least the vote of vexations. It ended on the 23rd.
26th. Dined with Lord Fitzwilliam : company, Sir
Thomas Dundas, Lauderdale, Lord Stormont, Lord Por-
chester, T. Grenville, Mr. White (the Counsel), Sir
William Cunningham, Lord North, Major Maitland, Grey.
From dinner we all went to the Opera House in the
Haymarket, where for the first time they performed for
money; the singers, to avoid the Act, coming in their
own dresses and confining themselves to the airs. It
will be seen whether this restriction will be considered
sufficient.
21th. Dined with Coke : present, Fox, Burke, Duke
of Portland, Lord Fitzwilliam, Grey, Fawkener, Mr.
Anson, D. North, Lord Tichfield, Lord Petre. Went
with Fox and Fawkener to Mortimer Street, to Sir James
St. Clair's ; thence in Fox's carriage to Lady Webster's ;
from thence walked home.
220 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1791
Dined at home, previous to going to House to
hear King's Message ; was to have dined with Sir Joshua,
but sent excuse, in order to go to see Mrs. Siddons, in
4 Desdemona ;' got a place in Mrs. Erskine's box. Foresee
great plague from Miss A - .* Great enjoyment of the
entertainment. From thence to Burlington House : found
my faculties there clear.
29^. Went to the House, prepared to speak if neces-
sary ; found myself in particularly good state for speaking,
though without anything very material to say. Vandeput
had called in the morning and taken up a good deal
of time, which I was obliged to submit to the purpose
of his visit having been to serve me in respect to William.
When Pitt had spoke, I rose to answer him, and never,
surely, was a better mark presented to such an intention.
I am as well satisfied, however, that Burke's rising at the
same time gave me an opportunity to remain silent. It
was not twelve when I came home, but finding Simcoe's
book, which Major Grymes had sent me, I continued
reading that till near one. An instance here occurred of
failure of recollection ; I could not, I believe, till next
morning, recall the name of ' Lawrence,' the person taken
prisoner during the American war and President of the
Congress.
30th. I rose late and was hurried during the morning
with continued notes and messages. I spent a good deal
of time, too, in hearing Greek from Kitty. At three Fox
called to go with me to Wilberforce's. When we went to
the House, at a little before five, it was up. I went into
the Lords, in hopes of having an opportunity of speaking
to Lord Grenville, about the Wool Bill, but found them
debating about the production of the Treaty with Russia.
After staying there as long as I could, I proceeded to the
Eumelian's, where I found a large company.
t Before I went out Tierney called and had a
* Miss Adair.
1791] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. AVINDHAM. 221
lon<r conversation with me about his business, which was
n
to come on that day. I did not go out till it was so late,
that I had only time, previous to my going to the House,
to leave a card at Sir Henry Hunlocke's. In the House
there was a discussion about the right of the sitting mem-
bers to separate their interests, in which I took part, but,
as usual, did not state satisfactorily my own ideas.
April 1st. Went to the House to attend the Catholics'
Bill.
2nd. Went in the morning, according to engagement
made the night before, to see the optical deception in
Bond Street. Dined at Lord North's. Instead of join-
ing the party to the Opera I came home and employed
myself reading the absurd work of Dr. Cooper in answer
to Priestley. Such a compound of dulness and self-suffi-
ciency I could not have expected even from him.
3rd. Dined with the Speaker. After dinner Sir Gil-
bert, supported by the Speaker, got into a puzzle, about
the going of a horse, conceiving that there was such a
thing as stepping with one leg shorter than with the
other. Sir Gilbert was more confident than he ought
to have been, in a matter where he was so wrong.
4:th. -Bead till breakfast with great diligence in Apoll.
Ehodius. My reading this, is another instance of books
read in consequence of being bought. The copy is a
very pleasant book of Stephens's printing and has the
recommendation, which made me prefer it to _a better
copy of the same edition, of having the name of ' Barrow '
posted in it.
5th. I had been employed probably during the morn-
ing in thinking of Grey's motion which was expected
next day ; I was not very well and accordingly not com-
fortable. In the evening went to a meeting at, Burling-
ton House.
Qth. Went to the House, and most foolishly was too
late for the ballot, though the night before Fox had
222 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOX. W. WINDHAM. [1791
given notice that endeavours were likely to be made by
the other side to prevent our attendance.
8th. Committee met at eleven. Went down between
six and seven expecting to find the Quaker Bill, but
found the Catholic Bill, on which I said a little relative
to advowsons.
9th. From the Committee walked with Sir Gilbert
Elliot and continued so, hearing much political informa-
tion, till half-past four. Mrs. Crewe had asked me to go
to the ' Siege of Belgrade,' but I sat at home, not doing
quite well, yet not very ill, having made some progress in
settling a question revived by what occurred on the Com-
mittee, relative to the estimate of the probability of the
truth of a decision, according as the question is divided or
not, or otherwise varied. According to the result of what
I was trying last night, supposing no error in the operation,
the probability that a decision, determined by three out of
five questions on each of which the probability of right
decision was , was right, would be -^^-, the remaining
cases being not merely those of wrong decision, but of
no decision at all. I must enter this however more par-
ticularly in ' Adversaria.'
12th. Day of Grey's motion. I made more than one
attempt to speak, but without any great wish of succeed-
ing, though I found myself in very good state as to bodily
feel for the purpose. It was not more than two, I think,
when we got home. Numbers 173 to 253. Pitt could
not be called up ; and Fox accordingly did not speak ;
Sheridan most brilliantly.*
13th. At about ten o'clock or past, went with Burke
and his son to the door of the Duchess of Leinster's,
where they sat me down. Eoorns intolerably hot and so
crowded that I could not get away till for so long, that it
was twelve before I got home.
* Mr. Sheridan's brilliant speech on the 12th April, 1791, was delivered
upon Mr. Grey's motion respecting the preparations for a war with Russia.
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 223
. Dined at Burke's.
Dined at home. Day, I think, of Burke's mo-
tion, on which I spoke. Speech, I believe, compared with
others of my own, thought to be good.
IQth. Committee as usual. Dined with Wilbraham.
YIth. Committee. Went with Mrs. Crewe to Hamp-
stead ; dined with Hippisley ; pleasant walk back over
Primrose Hill, where I found by the way a man of
superior condition, to his auditory at least, declaiming
against the Eussian war and the Ministry. Q. Whether
this might not be only a way of declaiming against
all government, i. e. of exciting general distrust and
discontent ?
18^. Committee. What became of me afterwards I
don't recollect. I ought to have been employed, think-
ing of the question of the Slave Trade that was to come
on the next day ; but I suspect I was not certainly not
to any purpose.
19^. Day of Club, but I was not there, though I
forgot to send any excuse. This was the day of the
question, so long expected, of the Slave Trade, on which,
after all, found myself unprepared to speak. However
blame able, I was for not having been better prepared, I
don't know that in the state in which I was, I need feel
much regret at not having spoke.
22nd. Committee. Dined at Lord Malmesbury's.
Lady Margaret, Lady Anne, Lady Payne, and Sir Ealph ;
the General Conway that served in America, &c. In
the course of the evening I had a good deal of con-
versation with Sir Gilbert, on the discussion intended to
be introduced by Burke, relative to the Canada Bill ; on
which subject we agreed so little and Sir Gilbert did in
my opinion show so much asperity, that we parted, I am
afraid, not quite in charity with each other. Burke was
there, but I was glad to avail myself of the conversation
224 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDIIAM. [17Q1
in which I had been engaged in the corner of the room,
so as to go away without speaking to him.
25?A. Committee. Called in my way home on Lord
Monboddo. My habits of thought are not quite what they
ought to be, but I tremble lest my powers of thought are
not what they ought to be. I certainly have continually
most alarming instances to confirm the fears first conceived
during the course of the preceding summer.
26^A. Committee. Went with Bishop of Clonfert,
Lady Claremont, and Elliot, to dine with Mrs. Crewe
at Hampstead. Elliot and I walked after dinner to
Hippisley's ; much conversation by the way on Burke's
intention, which stands for Friday next, of discussing the
French Kevolution.
27th. Committee. Eumelian ; sat next to Lord Mon-
boddo ; the Polish and Prussian Envoys there.
2Sth. Committee. At nine we drove to the Lyceum,
meaning, if it had proved the night, to have taken so
much of Dibdin's foolish performance, as I presume it is,
of ' Ways and Oddities.'
30#A. Committee. Dinner at Royal Academy ; the
second time, I think, of my dining there. Very pleasant.
Sat with Marley and a French gentleman, a Mons. de la
Tour du Pin, whom I liked so well that I have proposed to
call upon him. The account of this month is far from
being favourable. Little has been done and I have felt for
a great part very much out of spirits. Both circumstances
are perhaps to be accounted for in some measure from the
same cause, viz. this most wearisome Committee, which
business occupying so much of one's time and exhaust-
ing the mine of one's strength and spirits, has not brought
the usual compensation of increase of knowledge and
good exercise of faculties ; but has, on the contrary, left
one's faculties for a great part of the time in a state of
repose ; or, so far as it has employed, has not exhibited
them to myself in a state of advantage. Whether it is
1791] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 225
want of habit, want of exertion, or want of power, I do
not find in myself a capacity of exercising well, at the
same time, both memory and judgment, or of collecting
and digesting on a sudden, a multitude of small particu-
lars. The suspicion that this deficiency may have some
connection with the change lately suspected in myself and
serve as a new proof of its existence (a proof, I fear,
not necessary), has contributed very much to depress my
spirits.
May 2nd. Marley, Courtenay and his son, and Bos-
well dined with me. The first dinner of the sort which
I have had this year ; liked it very much. When they
went away, which was about ten or past, continued below
stairs and had Kitty to read Theocritus. Glad to find
my memory of it so good.
4th. After dinner, made Kitty read Milton to me till
I found it necessary to go to sleep ; afterwards came up
into my room and during coffee and for some time after
read Theocritus with her.
Qth. Committee. Fatal day of rupture with Burke ! *
I had gone down earlier in consequence of note from
Wilberforce and did not return home from the Commit-
tee, but got some soup with Francis, at the Spring
Garden Coffee House. It was latish before the House
broke up.
7th. Committee. Dined at Lord Stormont's. I came
away with Lord North, who set me down at home.
8th. Dinner at Sir G. Cornewall's : went from there
to consultation at Sir Gilbert's about his motion on the
Test Act as affecting Scotland : present, Erskine first,
afterwards, Fox.
12th. Committee. Did not return till near five,
* On the Gth May, 1791, the Quebec Bill was re-committed and Mr.
Burke made the speech which led to the termination of his friendship with
Mr. Fox. See Lord Russell's Life and Times of Charles James Fox, vol. ii.
p. 253.
Q
DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1791
having had long conversation at Burlington House with
the Duke, Lord Fitzwilliam and Lord Eobert Spencer.
13^. At nine or before, went to the Star and Garter.
Present : Fox, Sheridan, Grey, Lord Eobert, Grenville,
Tarleton. Very pleasant. Came away at eleven with
feel of enjoyment, or rather, perhaps, capacity of enjoy-
ment, rarely felt.
14:th. Fretted by necessity of writing to Bath and un-
certainty of dining at home or with Miss Adair, with
whom I was to go to see Mrs. Siddons in 'Zara,' who
acted for the Fund.
15#A. Breakfasted below with Mary and Kitty, reading
St. Simon. After that, went out to call on young Eichard
Burke, whom I was glad not to find at home. Called in
my way back and sat some time with Mr. Siddons, Mrs.
S. being from home. I had sent a note to Lord Petre, to
excuse myself from dining with him. from the expectation
of meeting Mr. Burke, and otherwise from wishing rather
to dine at home. By an answer from him, however,
I find that Mr. Burke has excused himself, so I must
still go. The company at Lord Petre's were Coke and
Mrs. Coke, &c.
IQth. Conclusion of the Quebec business. The House
being up I went into the Lords and lounged there with
little enjoyment or benefit, in consequence of the effect
of the heat, till, I believe, ten or past. The business was
the continuance of the Impeachment. The House very
full both within and without the bar ; and the whole
scene such as, but for the heat and my coming so newly
from dinner would have afforded me much enjoyment.
The only circumstance that did give me satisfaction was
some overtures of reconciliation from Burke.
17th. Committee. Day of decision ; there having
been two questions, each of two votes, on which the
rest of the Committee were equally divided : my voice
has certainly determined the election. I hope that on
1791] DIARY OF THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 227
both, my decision has been right, but on neither, cer-
tainly, was I very confident. On the last, however,
which was a question of law, considerably more than
on the first. I should have had no difficulty on the ques-
tion of the four votes mooted by Lord Eadnor on the
second day, and substituted for the eight that had voted
on the first.
l$th. Employed chiefly in reading part of Erskine's
speech upon Libels and thinking over that question which
Fox was to move the next day.
20t/t. Went to the House by about half-past four ; the
business did not come on till past six. Continued in the
House and attentive during Fox's speech and the greater
part of Erskine's. Then went into the Court of Bequests,
endeavouring to settle my ideas into some form, such as
might admit of my speaking ; afterwards sat some time
with party of Grey, Sheridan, Grenville and Anstruther
at coffee-house. Found grand schemes for the masquerade
at Miss Pulteney's (the public one was at Eanelagh) and
regretted that I had sent back my ticket. Came home
doubting whether one would not be sent me in consequence
of message, which I directed Mary to give to Lady Buck-
inghamshire. Just as I was going to bed, Lady Anne and
Lady Margaret called, with whom in about an hour after-
wards I went, and with whom I stayed till between three
and four.
23rd First day, I think, of the trial. Found the
good effect, as I had been accustomed to once before,
particularly last year.
26th. Trial. Dined at Sir Godfrey Webster's (very
pleasant), and went afterwards to Sheridan's box to hear
the first part of ' No Song, no Supper.'
28th Went to play. Mrs. Jordan in ' Eosalind.' I am
still of opinion, there is more in her person and natural
manners than in her acting. Her merit lies out of her part.
The words set down by the author she does not repeat
Q 2
228 DIARY OF THE RIGHT HOX. W. WINDIIAM. [1791
with greater propriety of tone, emphasis, or gesture, than
others. But she has of these, certain peculiarities, which
indicate dispositions, such as take strong hold of the
affections, at least of the male part of her audience ; and
therefore, when the part is of a sort to admit a large por-
tion of these, she produces a great effect. The true
acting of the part may, in many instances, not require
what she throws into it, but it may admit it ; and if the
expression so thrown in is of the sort described, the effect
of the whole will be improved, though the part is thereby
neither better nor worse acted.
3(M. Trial. Eecollect nothing more. Yes, it was the
day of Sir James Erskine's summing-up. I had walked,
I have a notion, with Fox in the Park.
31st Something in the House that prevented my
dining at Club ; possibly conclusion of business on Libels ;
on which, by not speaking, I lost an opportunity of stating
what I may now say with confidence would have been cre-
ditable, because Fox has said in part, previously, precisely
what I had intended and not having stated it so distinctly
as I know I could have done, all the House appeared struck
with the truth of the statement, and disposed to give to
the person who made it, great credit for his ingenuity.
It is very vexatious that I would not produce these ideas
when I actually had them and thus have made an im-
pression, which I know would have been strong at the
time and not speedily forgotten. The proper occasion
for doing what I am thus regretting would have been at
the opening of the business, viz. on the 20th.
June 2nd. At the House. Grey's motion. Spoke.
The House broke up by about hall-past eleven. I in
good spirits, probably from having spoke. Having been
dressed, I had nothing to do but get my domino and pro-
ceed to the Duke of Bolton's, where I enjoyed myself
more than at any masquerade for a long while.
3rrf. Went home, I have a notion, to get some dinner
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 229
with Francis. Don't recollect what became of me, but
I conceive nothing good.
7$. Dinner at Lord Kadnor's. University people.
After dinner went to Lord Townshend's, in order to
speak about Courtenay's business. I walked to the opera
at the Pantheon ; there, had a conversation with Lady
Jersey for the first time.
Wth. During the journey to Bath I don't think I felt
quite the same as on other similar occasions. The air
seemed as usual to refresh me, but I doubt if I felt the
same enjoyment of the country.
12th. Went to Abbey church. Walked after church
with Wilberforce who had arrived the night before and
whom I had called upon as he was at supper ; our con-
versation on religious subjects. He adopts, as I under-
stand, the Trinitarian doctrine, but not in any absurd way.
I had settled with Mrs. Lukin to go to Marlborough in the
evening, but having in the meanwhile met with Elliot,
he prevailed upon me to stay that evening, to which, in-
deed, I was further inclined by having received intelli-
gence of a boxing match that was to take place on the
Tuesday and to which I proposed to go with him. Went
in the evening by agreement with him to the Duke of
Devonshire's, where I settled to dine with the Duke the
next day and to meet Lord Charlemont.
IMi. I could not persuade Elliot to go to the boxing
match which I had heard of, and was of consequence not
very eager about it myself.
l&h. Set out not till near eleven ; had little prospect
of being in time for the combat, nor felt much expectation
that it would be both at the place or hour that would
enable me to see it. To my surprise, however, I found it
just where I thought to expect it and luckily for me, not
yet begun. Nothing could be more unlike a meeting for
such a purpose in the neighbourhood of London. No
great crowd, no traffic of people hurrying along the road
230 DIARY OP THE RIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1791
nothing that could be called tumult ; it was, as I observed
in my letter to Elliot, more like a congregation of Puritans
assembled to hear one of Cromwell's preachers. The name
of the victor was Jones ; of the other, Lawrence.
Ibth. Caversham. Miss Riches dined there. In the
evening Captain Manley called, the sea officer who had
been in one of the voyages with Cook, a man of remark-
ably pleasant countenance and manners. I think he and
PeUiam are the instances of persons with whom I recol-
lect to have been most struck.
16th. Went to play ; the ' Clandestine Marriage ' and
' Midas.'
18th. London. In the morning, I think, in my way
to Burlington House, whither I was going as for some
days before, met the Duke's note with account of French
King's escape.
21th. Mary went ia the evening with the Misses
Malone to Eanelagh. It was the day before that we had
the terrible fracas about her neglect of providing William's
things.
29th. Nothing done during the whole of this month
in way of literary labour and very dissipated habits
contracted. With the practice of literary pursuits the
inclination too lost and new sentiments and new feel-
ings superinduced. I may date a great alteration since
Mary's coming, which appears to have been May 12th.
All these causes have, of course, been greatly increased
since the arrival of Mrs. Lukin, viz. since the 18th.
July. The progress of this month hitherto has been
much the same as the time described above. I can recol-
lect but little of what I have done, nor is there anything
useful to be recollected. Something, however, has been
effected. I have, though late, and after an interval for
which latterly no excuse can be made, resumed in some
degree mathematics. The accident of some correspond-
ence with Maseres has been the means of this reform.
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HOtf. W. WINDHAM. 231
It is dreadful to find how much I have lost during this
intermission, or perhaps from an earlier period ; not per-
haps of the power, but of the ardour of inclination for
such studies ; I may say, indeed, during the last year the
ardour or zeal for all studies. Something must be done
to oppose this evil, ' crescenti et in dies serpenti.' I fear
a dreadful change in my mind in all ways ; the prospect
is very dreadful, considering all circumstances and be-
gins already to affect my spirits, though not to any great
degree.
Let us pass from this to the manner of late in which I
have managed my time and to the state of my mind in
other respects. I have certainly for a long while, perhaps
for a twelvemonth, remitted greatly that exertion and
vigilance which I used to employ in the government of
my own thoughts. I have lost likewise much of my
ardour for study and, since Christmas at least, of my dili-
gence in the prosecution of it. The relaxation in the
government of my thoughts is the more inexcusable, as
the exertion of the power would have been more easy,
and the effect more complete ; though it is perhaps from
this very cause, that so little exertion has been made.
While my mind was in that strange state, that nothing
but continued endeavours would preserve any thought at
all, something was necessarily done and the necessity of
that something, like the defects of northern climates in
the production of the finer fruits, led to exertions that
did more than supply the deficiency to which they were
called. When without any exertion at all, I could be in
a state of tolerable comfort, I acquiesced in what I had,
and not being below mediocrity, never rose above it. . But
little pains has been taken to strengthen my memory, by
the recitation of passages formerly known or purposely
committed to it ; no pains hardly taken to confine my
thoughts to any prescribed course, or to restrain them
from idle and unprofitable subjects ; no exertions made
232 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. [1791
on subjects of an opposite character ; little in short clone,
except at times of stated business, to carry on the great
work of mental improvement. It is with a view, there-
fore, perhaps to what might have been (certain things
being admitted as actually possessed), rather than to com-
parison of what is with what has been, that I complain or
the deficiencies of my present state. I am not what the
same habits that I now possess would have made me a
little while ago. Let us endeavour to find other causes
for this besides that most unwelcome one of a commencing
decline in my own faculties. To ascertain these let the
facts be first stated. My readiness of application at least,
if not my ardour, had suffered no decrease during the
time that I was employed in drawing out an explanation
of the principles of common arithmetic for George and
Mary and in writing those papers for the newspaper, on
the subject of Pugilism. The latter of these employments
must have begun a little more than a fortnight before my
going down to Bath. My eagerness for a return to literary
employment subsisted likewise, I remember, when that
journey took place, for one of my reasons against deciding
for it, was my ideas of the manner in which I could employ
the ten days or a fortnight likely to intervene, before the
business of Parliament should begin. It is a pity that an
opportunity of realising these ideas was not given, and
that I did not decide against the journey. It would have
been well if I had noted the progress of it from day to
day, so as to have had in one view the manner in which
they were severally passed, and the causes by which either
time had been occupied or thought disturbed. A few
only of these can now be called to mind. One morning,
not long since, was spent very well in seeing Mrs. Harte
(Lady Hamilton that is to be) and the display of those
powers which seem really to form an epoch in the history
and study of antique grace. This must have been the
loth, for it was on the day following, I think, that I dined
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WIXDHAM. 233
with Knight and that day was the 14th. The company
at Knight's were, Crachrode, Johnes, junr., and Charles
Greville ; besides, I mean, Sir William Hamilton and
Mrs. Harte.
19th. In the evening I went to Column's first; Mrs.
Byng there, with whom for part of the time I sat in
Column's box. The play was ' Inkle and Yarico ; ' the
farce was a translation.
25#7*. About seven o'clock or past, I went out, taking
Eobert with me, who had come fresh from Eton (which
he had left now finally). Called at Paradise's, where I
found Count Zenobio.
27th. Day without a breath of air and very oppres-
sive. Dined at Lord Loughborough's. About ten went
to Paradise's, where I was engaged and where, after some
time and by means of Boswell, whom I met and brought
in with me, got some tea : present, Woronzow, Matsante,
Zenobio, Knox, whom I had formerly introduced to Fox.
31st. Stayed at Aubert's till nine or thereabouts ;
Marsden there, whom I remarked as a man of something
more than common.
August 3rd. Dined, I think, with Malone. I could
not for the life of me make Malone comprehend that, till
the game of draughts is brought to a certainty, no man
can complain that it does not afford him an opportunity
of showing the extent of his skill.
August 5/A Francis called in the morning, the first
time of my having seen him since his return from Paris.
7th. Dinner at Sir Joshua's. After dinner, Sir H.
Englefield and Beattie, whom I saw for the first time.
Though I was desirous to see more of Beattie, I felt when
I went up to tea at eight o'clock so desirous of a little
air abroad, particularly of that on the terrace of Somer-
set House, that I suffered myself insensibly to be drawn
that way.
12th. I had called at Burke's in the morning and had
234 DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDIIAM. [1791
accepted an invitation to dine at the Gray's Inn Coffee
House, with O'Hara. On the same day I had gone with
Burke and Sir Joshua to see the Duke of Graft-on. The
dinner at O'Hara's was far from unpleasant ; there was a
medley of odd people ; one of whom, however, was very
curious, a Mr. English, an Irishman, who writes the histo-
rical part of the ' Annual Eegister.' When we parted, I
came home with Burke and Sir Joshua and afterwards to
Burke's to receive the Greek translation of 'Wolsey's
Speech,' by Young, Dr. Brocklesby's nephew, who is said
to be not more than eighteen.
15$. I went with Sibille, having dined between two
and three, to see a rowing match between two men for a
private wager ; the names of the men were Cooke and
Holmes, both of Hungerford.
21st. During the morning of which I went out and
saw Sir William Hamilton and Mrs. Harte. I walked
afterwards with Charles Greville, whom I met in the
streets.
23rd. Mary went to Somerset House. I had at dinner
Burney and Person. When they went away, I walked
with Person as far as Somerset House.
27th. Canterbury. After seeing the Cathedral the first
time since my being there in the year 1780, 1 remember
within a word or two, the lines which I had noted in the
epitaph^of Prude.* As to the place of the tomb, I was not
* In the Warriors' Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral :
' Sacred to the memory of William Prude, Esq., Lieut.-Colonel in the
Belgick wars , slain at the siege of Maestricht, July 12th, 1032.
( Stand, soldiers ! ere you march (by way of charge),
Take an example here, that may enlarge
Your minds to noble actions. Here in peace
Rests one whose life was war, whose rich increase
Of fame and honour from his valour grew,
Unbeg'd, unbought ; for what he won he drew
By just desert : having in service been
A soldier, till near sixty, from sixteen
1791] DIARY OF THE EIGHT HON. W. WINDHAM. 235
quite right, but nearly. At Dover, dined with Walpole ;
found Mr. and Lady M; Churchill there ; amused our-
selves in walking upon the pier.
29th. Sailed in the morning for Calais ; passage four
hours and a half.
September l.st. Dans la seconde poste apres Amiens,
il m'est arrive un accident qui aurait bien pu me couter
la vie ou au rnoins un ceil, et qui me laissera peut-etre des
marques tres-difficiles a effacer. Ce qui me consola pour
le petit mal que j'avais eprouve c'est que je restai si
entierement maitre de .moi-meme dans une crise oil pour
quelques moments je ne pouvais m'attendre k rien que
d'etre ecrase.
J'etais occupe a tenir le cheval par la bride, tandis
que le postilion otait ses bottes pour detacher les pieds
du cheval de la lirnoniere ; et dans 1'instant il me donna
un coup de son pied sur le nez, sans cependant rien blesser
que la peau, me renversa sous son ventre, et pendant que
j'y etais, continua de pietiner avec toute sa force. C'est un
miracle que je sois echappe, et sans avoir reu le moin-
dre mal excepte ce coup sur le nez. Quoiqu'il n'y ait eu
point de Providence particuliere en tout cela, je n'en dois
pas moins en etre reconnaissant a Celui qui prend soin
a tout ce qui se passe dans 1'univers.
3rd. J'ai cesse de me faire force en tachant d'eveiller
dans mon ame des sentiments qui peuvent paraitre con-
venir a de certaines circonstances. Je ne laissai pourtant
de sentir quelque chose de particulier en entrant dans
Paris, soit que je le considere tel qu'il est en Im-meme,
soit par rapport aux autres fois que je rn'y suis trouve.
Years of his active life ; continually
Fearless of death, yet still prepared to die
In his religious thoughts ; for midst all harms
He bore as much of piety as arms.
Now, soldiers, on, and fear not to intrude
The gates of death, by example of this Prude.' 1
236 DIARY OF THE RIGHT IIOX. W. WIA'DIIAM. [l791
th. II nous vient milord Palmerston, qui est dans la
merae inaison, et qui pense meine d'y rester encore quel-
ques jours. J'ai eu occasion aussi de voir, pour la premiere
fois, milord Thanet, qui avait ete sur la route en meme
temps que moi, et qui m'a prevenu infiniment en sa
faveur.
6th. En allant ce matin a 1'hotel pour accompagner
Payne aux Tuileries, j'ai fait connaissance avec Monsr.
le Viet, de Noailles. Aux Tuileries j'ai vu pour la
premiere fois la Eeine. Nous les avons attendus, pour
les voir (le Eoi et la Eeine) en allant a la rnesse.
$th. C'est peut-etre ce jour-ci que milord Palmerston
est passe chez moi, pour me conduire a voir les tableaux
dans la Galerie, oil tous les deux ans on en fait 1'exposi-
tion. C'etait par la faveur d'une dame qu'il avait la
liberte d'y entrer. II y avait cette dame, une jeune
demoiselle assez belle, et Monsg 
