05 Dec 1796: Edward James Eliot to Mrs. Stapleton

My Dear Mrs Stapleton

After a long interval of silence I am not sorry to recommence correspondence with congratulations on the two events mention'd in my Saturdays letter. The voluntary loan of eighteen millions was compleated at eleven oClock this morning; much more money being offer'd than could be received. nobody, not witnessing it, can imagine the sensation of pride and delight which this has diffused over all the Inn and the countenances of allmost all the people you meet, and I have no doubt but the spirit and confidence it has inspired will be felt over every part of Europe. part of all certainly in the French Directory; who have by their shabby attempt at imposition about their previous acceptance of the Basis, prove themselves to be in a very proper state to receive the full impression such circumstances are calculated to make. I believe indeed the truth to be that their constituents or subjects or whatever one is to call them have shown themselves exceedingly dissatisfied with their first steps in the Treaty, and that the Government however inclined were frighten'd into their late Change of Conduct and Behaviour.

Todays accounts seem to confirm the Notion of some harm having happen'd tho' probably exagerated in Italy.

Mr [William] Pitt Thank God is as well as can possibly be. I saw Lady Chatham this morning not in her best looks, but in good health.

I am
My Dear Madam
Your Affectionate H[umbl]e Serv[an]t
Ed J Eliot

Downing Street Dec 5th 1796

By what I hear of the Danes I don't think any of them will appear very tremendous; nor be except perhaps one or two troublesome.

*Original letter is part of the Eliot collection at the Cornwall Record Office.
Catalog reference: EL/B/4/3/12