[63] Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. John Bourne, of Spital, was married, Jan. 1, 1800, to Robert Jennings, Esq. of Hull.
[64] Mr. John Belt, of York, Surgeon, died Jan. 23, 1800.
Presuming that you are returned from Hinckley, and _have nothing in the world to do_, I hope you will give us your company in an evening very soon; for at that time of the day I see nobody else. Let me hear by one of your _Representatives in Parliament_[65] on what evening I may expect you, that I may _rectify_ my spirits accordingly.
[65] So he humourously styled the Printer's Errand Boys.
I was led into the following investigation from a natural and kind of instinctive curiosity, and a desire of knowing what was the antient state of the Court to which I have the honour, by the favour of his Grace William the late Duke of Devonshire, to compose a part. It is obvious to suppose that so large a body must have undergone various revolutions, and have borne very different complexions according to times and circumstances: and having occasion to consult some MSS. in the Lord Chamberlain's Office, by his Lordship's permission, upon a matter of no consequence to relate, I thought I discerned, in the course of my search, that materials were to be found sufficient to furnish out a detail. Having free access to the use of a large Library, and by the favour of many friends, to whom I take this opportunity of testifying my obligations, I was enabled to trace back the state of the Court in darker ages, though but by a glimmering light.
Notwithstanding ample revenues have always been provided for support of the dignity and splendour of the Royal House of the Kings of England, equal, if not perhaps superior, to those of any Court in Europe, yet we shall find they have varied very much in different Reigns, as times and circumstances have required; though not always for laudable reasons. Some of our Kings have been so profuse, that, either from their extensive liberality, or more frequently worse inducements, they have thereby lessened the estates of the Crown so very much, that retrenchments, either in the number or expence of their Households (and sometimes both) have become the necessary consequence. Others[66] have found the Crown Revenues so much contracted at their Accession, that they have been obliged to demand resumptions of grants made by their immediate Predecessor, in order to enable themselves to support the Regal dignity with a proper degree of splendour. Others[67], again, from a wanton spirit of prodigality, have rendered it necessary for them to resume even _their own_ grants; a measure equally scandalous to the character of the Prince, as derogatory to the honour of the Crown.