17 Apr 1794: Edward James Eliot to Mrs. Stapleton

London April 17th 1794

My Dear Mrs Stapleton

The accounts, which you will see in the Papers, from Martinique, are I believe nearly the true ones except that the siege is not so far advanced as the Times, at least, make it to be. There are also Letters from St Domingo with news of the arrival of two regiments, which was thought to be as much as was wanted for the reduction of the Forest part of that Island: indeed the Government there is entirely in the hands of Blacks who have imprison'd all the whites that remained within their reach, about 1200 of the latter had been some time with the British Troops, and made till the late arrival, much the greatest part of the Force.

Mr Pitt continues perfectly well and enjoys the expectation of his Holydays very much: some few of these he expects to pass at Walmer. I am in hopes of getting a stage or two out of Town tomorrow evening, but some business of my Father's unexpectedly obliging me to go into Gloucestershire. I am apprehensive it will be Monday night if not Tuesday morning before I reach Burton. I think it rather shabby of you all to shut up your correspondence so soon.

I am
My Dear Madam
your affect[ionate] H[umble] Serv[an]t
Ed J Eliot

*Original letter is part of the Eliot collection at the Cornwall Record Office.
Catalog reference: EL/B/4/3/9