0 pounds per annum. I'm much obliged
to the D(uke) for his liberal and kind manner of treating with me. I
have succeeded better, I find, in negotiating for myself, than when
I employed another; but I have this time had to deal with a person
who seemed willing to comply with anything which I could propose in
reason, and has even gone beyond my proposals; and I have reason to
flatter myself that his Majesty has not that reluctance to oblige
me, which his grandfather had, and has certainly a much better
opinion of me. Then, if this Election goes off without an enormous
expense, I shall be enabled to pay off much the greatest part of my
debt; but my imprudences have been beyond conception. I hope that
that Providence which has preserved me from the usual effects of
them will be kind enough to let me enjoy some few years of ease, and
to pass them with your Lordship. I will not then complain of my lot
here, which, were the cards to be shuffled again, I might mend in
some particulars, without perhaps adding anything to the general
felicity of my life.

I went from the D(uke) of G(rafton's) to a little concert at
March's, where was Sir C(harles) and Lady S(arah). She and I went up
into the rooms above, which are now gilding and repairing, and I
communicated to her such parts of your letter as I thought would
please her, and which I thought you would be pleased that I should
repeat to her. . . .

Monday morning.--Miss Blake(89) did not leave them till yesterday.
She went with Lady S(arah) to Court, and then Sir Ch(arles) and Lady
S(rah)dined at Mr. Blake's and left her there. I saw Lady
S(rah)afterwards at the D(che)s of Hamilton's.(90) Assembly is there
at present; Lady Harrington has not been able to see company for
some time.

There is now no talk but of Elections. Lord Thom(n) is thrown out at
Taunton, and opposed at Winchelsea, and so it goes on. This is the
week I am in most apprehension of, because I think next, as the
Judges will be then in the town (loucester) there can be no treating
nor bustle; but as yet I know of no opponent. Sackville sticks close
to . . . (sic). I was with her Grace most part of yesterday morning,
with Lord W. Gordon. Harry St. John asks me if you have mentioned a
Me Chateau Dauphin; all Italian news interests him much. . . .

(88) George III.

(89) Carlisle in a letter refers to her as Selwyn's ward.

(90) Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of Hamilton and Argyll (1734-1790);
a sister of the equ