Can ne'er refuse to praise a NECKER's page, Paris, 18th January 1786. JOHN SINCLAIR. These verses were soon translated into French by Monsieur Goddard, Advocat au Parlement de Paris, and being inserted in several of the Paris newspapers, were of considerable use to me as an introduction to the literary societies of that metropolis. Traduction par M. Goddard, Advocat au Parlement de Paris. LE TRIUMVIRAT LITTERAIRE. Quelque soit le climat où regnent les talens, IV. THE DUCHESS OF GORDON. This celebrated character was equally distinguished for her beauty and her talents. She lived, for many years after her marriage, at Gordon Castle, and was the admiration and delight of all those who visited it. When her family grew up, she resolved to spend the winters in London, and at once took her station at the head of the fashionable world in that metropolis. Having married her daughters to some of the first noblemen in England, (the Dukes of Richmond, Bedford, and Manchester, and the Marquis Cornwallis), she grew tired of gaiety, and frequently resided in Scotland, more especially at Kinrara Cottage, on the banks of the Spey*. She employed much of her time in embellishing that mountain residence, and improving the situation of the inhabitants in its neighbourhood. For this purpose she established a farming society in Badenoch, which excited a great spirit of improvement in that part of the kingdom. It is a singular circumstance, to find the same individual who was at the head of fashion in London, declaring, that after all," books, peace, and solitude, were the blessings she valued." • The following lines, addressed to the Duchess of Gordon, give but a very imperfect idea of the beauties of Kinrara, her Grace's favourite residence in the Highlands of Scotland. What beauteous scenes attract the ravished eye. Its rocky summits to the azure sky; Beneath, each species which the forest boasts Spread their wide branches o'er the encumbered slope, Chaunt their wild notes, and animate the scene; Pours forth its tribute to the thirsty main. Here lived the lovely Jane, who best combined A beauteous form to a superior mind. Letter from the Duchess of Gordon to Sir John Sinclair. I can wait no longer, and feel that I have delayed too long in claiming your protection and advice for our infant farming society in Badenoch. I sent the papers, with the plan, to be printed at Inverness, and they have never been returned. The first copy was certainly due to you, by every person who feels, as I do, the real use you have been of to your country, and which ages unborn will value even more than we do. I need not tell you how ignorant, how lazy, and uninformed, the lower ranks are in Badenoch, particularly our weak sex. With superior minds, and capable of every thing that is great, when brought into the field, or any situation they are fitted to fill, the brave sons of the hill shew themselves; but those on whom fortune frowns, and who remain at home, are really wretched. No employment, and constantly taken in by their better informed neighbours. A tryst, (or public market), would prevent imposition; premiums would excite industry; and meetings, once or twice a-year, would create a kind of good will or friendship, that ought to subsist in all ranks of society. Our funds are as yet very small; but I hope, when the rich and powerful consider the benefit it may be of to the best part of the creation, and certainly the most sublime and beautiful, they will come forward, and enable us to have a woollen manufactory in that country, to give employment to the Highland spinsters. The moment I can get a copy of the papers, I will send them to you. It was you who first inspired me with that desire for improvement in the Highlands, which I now feel; and I trust to your knowledge and friendship for instruction. Now I have lost my daughters, agriculture, and adorning nature, are my only delights. Yours ever, with much esteem, &c. J. GORDON. On the same subject, (the Farming Society of Badenoch,) I find the following communication: Letter from the Duchess of Gordon to Sir John Sinclair. Inclosed is one of the papers regarding our infant society. You love to do good. Now is the time; for nothing can be more idle or more uncomfortable than the lower ranks of the people in the Highlands. Do protect my bantling, for I wish to make the inhabitants of the most beautiful country in the world, happy, rich, and independent. Yours ever, J. GORDON. Letter from the Duchess of Gordon. DEAR SIR JOHN. Kinrara, Perth, May 6. 1809. To do good is your motto, and at this moment you can do a great favour to Lord Macdonald. Mr M Pherson, (Dalwholie), is most anxious to be appointed factor to his Lordship. Had I the choice of a hundred, he should be the man. He is quiet, industrious, much respected, well informed; and when any disputes arise among the lower ranks, he is always the peace-maker. He is regular in performing every moral and political duty. I have wrote Lord Macdonald, and he may be assured that he cannot find a better man. The awful events of each day fill me with horror; and the irritating neglect our great rulers shew to Scotland, will soon make us as bad as John Bull. There is a report that the Highland dress is to be given up. Adieu then to the glory of the 42d and 92d regiments, and that noble spirit which distinguishes the sons of the mountain. I came to meet the spring, and all her lovely children. Not a leaf on the fragrant birch; the hills white with snow, and the glass little above 30. Shall I rejoice I am here? Books, peace, and solitude, are the blessings I value. My compa nion, Jane*, is gay as a lark, and we are planting and watching every flower. I saw the best of wives, and the most lovely of daughters, the day before I left Edinburgh. Yours truly, J. GORDON. V. LADY CRAVEN. I had the honour of being introduced to this fashionable lady, during a short excursion to Paris in 1786. She was distinguished for beauty and accomplishments, and in particular excelled in music. Visiting her one morning, I observed a plain looking gentleman, dressed like a country squire, who spoke English remarkably well, though rather with a foreign accent. To my surprise, this turned out to be the Margrave of Anspach. We had an interesting conversation on various subjects, which, it appears from Lady Craven's letter, No. 2, he had not forgotten. Letters from Lady Craven to Sir John Sinclair, No. 1. Lady Craven has received the map and note Sir John Sinclair was so good to send to Lady Berkeley's for her, and returns him her thanks. She would be glad to know if Robertson the historian is dead or not. She had wrote to have a complete set of all his works for the Margrave's English library, but receiving no answer, is afraid he is dead. Lady Craven will be very glad to entertain a literary correspondence with Sir John, having just established a Literary Society here, and would be glad to have all the information she can, of what is going on in the world of letters. • Lady Jane Montagu, daughter of the Duke of Manchester, and the Duchess of Gordon's grand-daughter. She died young, universally lamented by all who knew her. |