Item 9 - Verse letter from 'Carlista' [Thomas Heron Jones, 7th Visccount Ranelagh] to Sarah Portman

1 folded sheet.

Bolton Row. - Includes a passage on racing (mentioning the horse Cotherstone, Samuel Chifney, and Wyndham); is 'no longer a hero' in London, criticises public opinion. Wishes himself back at Hare Park [the Portmans' home]. Discussion of the other members of the recent house party there: [Frederick?] Delmé ('they say he when he likes can be funny / He's stupid enough when he's losing his money'); 'Little Martyn... *your most particular pet'; John Morley ('a good hand at a dinner, no bad hand at whist'); Sir Richard [Duckworth?] King 'enjoying if not making mirth'; Sarah Portman's brother Tom Thornhill, 'cool as a Cucumber, deep as the Sea'; her 'nice little niece' and 'Mrs Tom Thornhill'. Hopes he will be invited again.

Note at the end by Sarah Portman addressed to Mr [?] Reddy: Delmé had lost his money and was 'so cross & dull', Sir Richard King 'is always ready to laugh', and they laughed at Mr Morley for 'wrapping himself up', so she thinks the verse 'capital'. Lord Ranelagh 'excelled in the thimble act' and was 'entertaining beyond anything at Charades'.