18 Mar 1794: Edward James Eliot to Mrs. Stapleton

My Dear Mrs Stapleton

I have first to tell you that Mr [William] Pitt is quite well, he went to Holwood on Tuesday morning and return'd yesterday, for which last purpose he had an extraordinary pleasant forenoon, with regard to Lord Hood, he sometimes complains of the fatigue of his situation I am told; but I don't hear of any thing particular having been amiss with Him of late, more than usual, the detachment from his fleet with the Convoy from Cadiz etc I understand are safe arrived.

There are reports of various parts going about to day, such as that all Martinique, except one place, was in our possession; and also that the Parisians had surrounded the Tuilleries, and that the Convention were in the greatest danger and consternation. I do not however know at all, whether any credit is due to them. Other reports you will have in the Times for which I believe there is some foundation, tho' I can not say how much.

We had our Cornish meeting yesterday where among twelve or fourteen people we had fourteen hundred and fifty pounds subscribed for home defence [referencing a meeting in London of Cornish men to raise money for the Cornwall Militia]; we are to meet again to consider how it is to be applied; having very wisely determined at the outset, to get the money first, and then deliberate upon the manner of its being laid out.

I hear of your driving to Curry and back every now and then, and you seem to take your time, generally, to do it; which may be partly owing, I suppose, to business, and partly to your roads; which (unless they are different from ours here) are as wet and dirty as possible.

I hope Mr Woodforde has set Lady Chatham free of her late indisposition before this time.

I remain
My Dear Madam
your affectionate H[umble] Serv[an]t
Ed J Eliot

London March 18 1794

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