He married
Mdlle. Curchod, Gibbon's one attachment. Their only child became the
celebrated Mme. de Stael. In 1790 he finally was forced to retire
from office as Director-General of Finance.

(296) Thomas Pennant (1726-1798), the naturalist and traveller,
author of several "Tours" in the British Isles which have become
classics. His energy in travelling and scientific spirit and
capacity of observation made him too modern for Selwyn and his
friends: Walpole said that, Penaant picked up his knowledge as he
rode.

(1790,) Aug. 22, Sunday, Richmond.--.. . I have nothing (more) to
tell you of Caroline, than that we saw her yesterday in the
afternoon, en passant, that is, in her boat, which was full of the
company she had had at dinner, and which, as Mie Mie told me, were
the Greggs, but ayant la vue courte, I could not distinguish,
myself, who they were.

My garden was as full as it could hold of foreigners and their
children--Warenzow's boy and girl, and the Marquis de Cinque
minutes, who, of all the infants I ever saw, is the most completely
spoiled for the present. His roars and screams, if he has not
everything which he wants, and in an instant, are enough to split
your head. His menace is, "Maman, je veux etre bien mechant ce soir,
je vous le promets."

The Duke was in the best humour the whole day I ever saw him, who
you know has been at times as gate as the other. He said that my
dinner was perfect, and so it was dans son genre. The ladies were
much pleased with their reception, and the Duke took such a fancy to
them, and to the place, that he believes that he shall be more here
than anywhere, and he went to town intending to send down all
preparatives for residence. Me de Bouflers told me que je m etois
menage une tres jolie retraite, and indeed at this time it is
particularly comfortable to me, and the circumstance of Caroline
having a house so near is not by any means the least of its
agremens. . . .

Monday.--Yesterday was a fine day, but neither news or event; on the
Thames une bourgeoisie assez nombreuse, and in the Gardens. I saw
our friends at Isleworth in the morning, before they went out in
their phaeton. They were going to Lord Guilford's, and to-day dine
at Mr. Ellis's. I believe that Madame de Roncherolles dines at Mr.
Walpole's, for she has sent to me to carry her. I do not dine there
myself, but shall go to fix with Mr. Walpole a day for Caroline and
Mr. C(ampbell) to see Strawberry Hall.