Item 47 - Letter from Robert Pemberton Milnes to Thomas Davison Bland

2 sheets.

Caen. - Intended to travel to Southampton by rail, but 'posted it' as the line was only completed as far as Guildford; barely any accommodation at the Dolphin owing to visitation by Archdeacon Dealtry and many clergymen. On the packet talked with a dandified fellow whom he later dicovered to be the Prince of Capua; also crossing was Madame de Feuchères, 'who you remember got the estates of, & was believed to be concern'd in strangling, the old Prince Condé'. Took apartments at Rouen recently vacated by Lady Byron 'in her caprice.... that they did not treat her memory with much respect". Galways. Great homage done to Humboldt and Arrego.

Caen disappointing: only 20 English families remain; Brummell at their hotel, 'not an Idiot, but approaching fast to it. He gave me a faint smile of recognition as much as to say I remember you but don't know you'; he is kindly treated as 'l'enfant de la famille' in the hotel '& whenever a bottle of Champagne is call'd for, which is seldom at Caen, the first glass is always sent him'; he has only one worn outfit but still looks gentlemanly; Mr Armstrong the vice-consul manages his precarious affairs and relates how Brummell never showed gratitude for past assistance', seeming 'to think himself entitled to this offering as from inferior beings'.

Postscript: Milnes sending letter by his old friend Maxwell, the new Lord Farnham.