16 Dec 1796: Edward James Eliot to Edward, 1st Lord Eliot

My Hon[ore]d Lord

William I believe has inform'd you that he has pretty nearly arranged matters with Mr Walpole who, I fancy, is very poor, and struggles very hard for Every little Advantage that he can beg or borrow. I think there can hardly be a doubt of William's succeeding to the same Rank, etc: however I will find an opportunity of ascertaining it authoritatively as soon as I can.

Poor Mr [Thomas] S[ommers] Cocks's death has vacated a House [11 Downing Street] which is in many respects very much the Thing for John [Eliot, Edward James' younger brother]: and both He and Mrs [Caroline] E[liot] are exceedingly anxious for it. It is however rather too large for them, in consequence of which I have engaged to recommend your taking an apartment in it, instead of your Spring Garden House, which honestly and without any Joke, I do think would be a very good plan for all parties. The situations are equally good, the standing Expense might be the same, or indeed a good deal less, and besides it could finish all Treaty with Sir Ph[ilip] Stevens, who with great Professions does nothing and behaves shabbily.

Mr Pitt will open his Budget tomorrow, of which he is not a little proud, and it must be own'd, with some reason, The new Loan (besides the effect it has had, and the spirit it has call'd forth) makes, upon the lowest computation that can fairly be stated, an actual Saving of two Million upon the Eighteen, to the Country, and the Taxes (excepting one or two) will really I believe be still less objectionable and less oppressive than those of the last Year. He looks too to some little applause on account of the Claim he means on behalf of this Country to put in for some share in the late Austrian Successes: the Exertions necessary for which, it will appear they were after all enabled to make intirely by assistance from Lanc[ashire Militia], given undoubtedly with much secrecy and good management, but still at the time, with considerable hazard.

Upon a minute Examination of Buonaparte's Victory on the Map, he does not appear to have gain'd an inch of Ground as against Alvinczi, and to have lost a great deal as against Davidowitz [Field Marshal Davidovich]. The left of the former may be supposed to have suffer'd, but by the number of French General Officers mention'd to be killed and wounded, probably not more than the Enemy. I flatter myself nothing will prevent my getting to Port Eliot for a week at Christmas. Pray give my Love and Duty to my Mother and Aunt and believe me, my Hon[ore]d Lord

your very Dutiful
and very Affectionate Son
Ed J Eliot

Tuesday December 6 1796.

*Original letter is part of the Eliot collection at the Cornwall Record Office.
Catalog reference: EL/B/3/3/7