Brett, Piercy (fl. 1788-1792) to [John Maunsell]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05186 Author/Creator: Brett, Piercy (fl. 1788-1792) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 October 1791 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
This appears to have been sent to British General John Maunsell, who mentioned to Knox that he would pass along letters from Brett (see GLC02437.05188). References receiving a letter "with the enclosed from your brother the Clergyman." Writes, "I have no news to send you this time; the times do not afford any. The troubles of Europe are nearly at an end, and every thing begins to assume a face of tranquillity. Louis the 16th has accepted of the new constitution, and all the people of France, [&] Paris in particular, rejoicing thereat, and nothing now heard in any quarter of that city but vive le roi! On this occasion the Champ de Mars was crowded, and it is said about 100,000 Men and women were dancing all together at one time. Only think how merry they must have been. The old National Assembly was dissolved last friday, and the members of the new one immediately took their seats. At home here, there is nothing going forward. Our gracious sovereign is still bathing and inhaling the nitrous and saline particles of the ocean at Weymouth." Reports that the Duke of York is married. Also notes that General Parker died and left £120,000 to his brother. Parker's regiment, the 12th Dragoons, has not been given away yet, but three men are being considered for the job: William Fawcett, General Ainslee, and General Russel Manners. Mentions troubles with business associated with claims of the Havana prize money. Tells of the elopement of his old friend General Gunning. The woman he eloped with was married to the clothier of the regiment, and the clothier had the general arrested and placed in a "spunging house," or a by-prison.
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