04 Apr 1794: Edward James Eliot to Mrs. Stapleton

My Dear Mrs Stapleton

I have to thank you for your letter, and am extremely glad you are well enough recover'd of your fall, to resume your usual functions, and that of writing among the rest. I don't know any thing of Sir Alexander Hood, not even what was reported about him: a line from my Brother [John Eliot, the writer's younger brother] from Plymouth inform'd me of Adm[ira]l Macbride's squadron being in Cansard Bay, on Wednesday night. My Brother was got so far, with my Father [Edward Eliot, 1st Lord Eliot], on their way to Town [London] but as nothing was said of coming by Burton [Pynsent, home of Lady Chatham], I am apprehensive my Dearest Little Girl [writer's daughter, Harriet Hester Eliot] will be disappointed of her visit.

Letters were received yesterday with a complete confirmation of the former reports about Martinique, from Sir Cha[rle]s Grey, who states himself now to be in possession of the whole island except Fort Bourbon [later Fort Desaix]; which will probably not be able to hold out any very great while. I am sorry to say the Sardinian Ambassador's account of Bastin's being taken is not confirm'd, but the contrary.

The revenue accounts of the year being now made up, I have the satisfaction of informing you and Lady Chatham, that the amount is 250,000 pounds more than Mr Pitt estimated it, in last year's Budget, and nearly equal to the largest income of the Country in time of Peace.

Mr [William] Pitt [the younger] and Lord Chatham [John Pitt, 2nd Earl Chatham] are both very well; I wish the latter would follow his Brother's example, in getting up a little earlier in the morning.

I am
My Dear Madam
Your Affection[ate] H[umb]le Serv[an]t

Ed J Eliot

London
April 4th 1794

*Original letter is part of the Eliot collection at the Cornwall Record Office.
Catalog reference: EL/B/4/3/6