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[pitt-able]

As report might possibly carry to Burton an exaggerated account of my having been unwell (...)

There is one aspect of Pitt’s correspondence that I find incredibly endearing. Whenever he had been ill – and, starting maybe in early to mid-thirties, he was quite often ill. Some of these illnesses were trifles that passed quickly but sometimes he was seriously ill. The newspaper often reported about his health – he was Prime Minister after all and not also was his persona of public interest, his absence was also noted. Whenever he was recovered enough to write letters, his first order of business usually was to write to his mother and these letters were always along the lines of “I do not know what you heared about my health – BUT whatever it was, it was vastly exaggerated. I am fine, I am fine. I have always been fine. Nothing to worry about.”

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Thank you for the tag - and always feel free to do so. :-)

I actually did knew about this because Austen's actions here are legendary.

I kind of love that one of Jane Austen's biggest fans was the Prince Regent (later George IV). She didn't think very well of the nobility in general, but she motherfucking hated him, a wastrel who very flagrantly cheated on his wife.

But he loved her writing, was the first recorded purchaser of Sense and Sensibility, and kept copies of her books in all his residences. She never made enough from her writing to live on during her lifetime, so this wasn't support she could casually toss aside. His librarian kept suggesting ideas for new books to her, which she turned down with exquisite politeness. Much to her aggravation, she found herself obliged to dedicate Emma to the man.

Local Novelist Is So Talented She Can't Beat Royal Patron Off With A Stick

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William Pitt’s "Records"

Pitt was the youngest Prime Minister to ever assume office (and he likely will be able to keep this distinction.) He was 24 years and 205 days old when he assumed office. The next oldest Prime Minister was Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton who was 33 years and 16 days old when he assumed office.

He was also the second longest serving Prime Minister with a total tenure of 18 years and 345 days before he died in office. Only Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister served longer - with a tenure of 20 years and 315 days.

Pitt was however the longest inhabitant of Downing Street Number 10. While he spend pretty much all of his Premiership in Number 10 (there was some delay with moving in), Walpole only moved in during September of 1735 (his term ended on February 11, 1742). George II had offered Downing Street 10 as a private gift to Walpole in 1732 but he refused to accept unless Downing Street would become an official residence for office holders.

Speaking of dying in office, Pitt was one of seven Prime Ministers to die in office. (Which, might I add, means that 12.5% of all Prime Ministers (56, the current one not included) died in office. That is an eight of all office holders – and there is also a number of Ministers who died within weeks of leaving office.)

From these seven, he was the youngest to die in office for Pitt died aged 46 years and 240 days. Out of all Prime Ministers, there was only one who died younger. William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire, died aged 44 years and 147 days.

Pitt also was one of 17 men who had two or more terms as Prime Ministers. The record holder here is William Ewart Gladstone with four terms.

Pitt also has the dubious distinction of being the first Prime Minister to fight a duel while in office. The Duke of Wellington would later be the second and last Prime Minister to do so.

Pitt was one of only four Prime Ministers who never married.

While many, many Prime Minister had some type of kinship with each other, either by blood or by marriage, Pitt had some of the more direct relations to other Prime Ministers. He and his father, William Pitt the Elder (very conveniently named) were one of only two father-son-couples. The Young Pitt and Lord William Grenville were furthermore the only full cousins. Pitt and George Grenville were also one of two uncle-nephew-couples who filled the office of Prime Minister.

Last but not least, enjoy this lovely sentence from Wikipedia. The modern equivalent of over three Million … let that sink in.

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No, that is a wonderful summary and I have nothing more to add. Or maybe one thing; it is not at all impossible that Pitt himself owned a copy of the print. He was known to collect some of Gillray's prints, both works that featured and did not feature him.

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She mourns (...) her faithful Pitt

This very ... patriotic, poem was published by The Gentleman’s Magazine in early 1806. It was written by the anonyms “B” to commemorate all the changes the end of 1805 and the begin of 1806 brought to the nation. While I find some of the stanzas a bit … questionable, some passengers sound rather nice.

The New-Born Year Eventful entrance of the new-born Year! Britannia mourns her bravest Hero Slain, Her NELSON coffin’d on the trophied bier, And borne in triumph to the sacred Fane. She mourns her ablest Statesman snatch’d away, Her faithful PITT, illustrious Chatham’s Son; Pitt, who asserted George’s royal sway, And of true Freedom’s truest friends was one. She mourns CORNWALLIS, India’s friend sincere, Who twice the Ocean cross’d that land to save; But, oh! Too far advanc’d in life’s career. He cross’d the Ocean for an Indian grave. Ill-omen’d entrance of the new-born Year! So pale desponding Senex faintly cries- Ill-omen’d? – Blot away that word of fear: For the bright gleams succeed to low’ring skies. Now gallant COLLINGWOOD protects our coast- He and his comrads train’ in NELSON’s school, Have learn’d this maxim each true Briton boasts That God for Britain the proud waves doth rule. Look ye for guardians of domestic life? Behold the Church, the Senate, and Bar- May these dispel our cares and curb our strife, And guide us through right paths whene’er we err! Bless’d be the counsel, whencefoer’er it springs, Whose zeal, combin’d with judgment, warmly glows, Which smooths the pillow of the best of Kings, And guards fair Britain from insulting foes. B.

The Gentleman's Magazine, 1806, 2:76, p. 255.

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The House of Commons reacting to Pitt’s Death

Pitt died on January 23, 1806 and the House of Commons meet the next day. The death of the Prime Minister had spread like wildfire – especially since his health had been so bad for so long, so there was no need for a public declaration. It was assumed everybody present was aware of the circumstances. In fact, the first order of business was a letter from the King read to the Members of Parliaments (the King thanked them for expressing their condolence upon the death of his brother, the Duke of Gloucester) and the continuous affair of the impeachment of Henry Dundas, Lord Melville. Pitt’s death was the third order of business that day. It was proposed that the House should debate his funeral and a show of public respect on Monday next, January 27.

His death was of a political and social consequence. Pitt’s passing left many important positions vacant, not just the office of Prime Minister. He had a considerable group of friends and followers in Parliament. Many of his colleagues, even if they were in opposition to his political points, expressed sympathy, respect for him.

There was also a certain order of business that was expected when a person of such public interest and a Prime Minister no less, died.

The topic of his death and funeral was again brought up on January 27, when a replacement for Pitt’s seat in Parliament was also sought. The House also took the time to reflect upon Pitt’s character and political legacy at length. Mr. Lascelles rose to present the motion:

I shall therefore conclude with moving, “That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that his majesty will be graciously pleased to give directions, that the remains of the right hon. William Pitt be interred at the public charge; and that a monument be erected, in the collegiate church of St. Peter, Westminster, to the memory of that excellent statesman, with an inscription expressive of the public sense of so great and irreparable a loss; and to assure his majesty that this house will make good the expences attending the same.”

Corbbett’s Parliamentary Debates, Vol. XI, London, p. 73.

The vote went as follows:

Corbbett’s Parliamentary Debates, Vol. XI, London, pp. 73-74.

Mentioned in the last instant is the debate over the full payment of Pitt’s debts (messy affair and messy debate) that would be discussed Monday next, February 3, 1806. On that day, the House was much more divided upon the topic of Pitt’s debts, but one very interesting speech came from nonother than Charles James Fox:

I shortened his speech a bit, but Fox essentially goes on to criticize some of the arguments and tactics made by the other proponents of the notion – while still being in support himself.

Corbbett’s Parliamentary Debates, Vol. XI, London, pp. 127-140.

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William Pitt’s Obituary

This obituary for Pitt was printed in The Gentleman’s Magazine in early 1806. In the next issue a detailed biography of Pitt’s professional and private life would be printed and the issue after that would inform the readers of Pitt’s funeral procession.

The Gentleman's Magazine, 1806, 1:76, p. 95.

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(...) his life departed like a candel burning out

On this day in history, January 23, 1806, William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of Great Britain died aged 46 at Bowling Green House on Putney Heath.

At three o’clock on Wednesday Colonel Taylor arrived express from His Majesty at Windsor, and returned with the melancholy [news] of all hopes having ceased. I remained the whole of Wednesday night with Mr. Pitt. His mind seemed fixed on the affairs of the country, and he expressed his thoughts aloud, though sometimes incoherently. He spoke a good deal concerning a private letter from Lord Harrowby, and frequently inquired the direction of the wind; then said, answering himself, “East; ah! that will do; that will bring him quick:” at other times seemed to be in conversation with a messenger, and sometimes cried out “Hear, hear” as if in the House of Commons. During the time he did not speak he moaned considerably, crying, “O dear! O Lord!” Towards twelve the rattles came in his throat, and proclaimed approaching dissolution.

(…) at about half past two Mr. Pitt ceased moaning, and did not speak or make the slightest sound for some time, as his extremities were then growing chilly. I feared he was dying; but shortly afterwards, with a much clearer voice than he spoke in before, and in a tone I never shall forget, he exclaimed, “Oh, my country! how I love my country!” From that time he never spoke or moved, and at half-past four expired without a groan or struggle. His strength being quite exhausted his life departed like a candle burning out.

Earl Stanhope, The Life of the Right Honourable William Pitt, Vol. 4, John Murray, London, 1862, pp. 381-382.

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I can recommend George IV by Stella Tillyard as part of the Penguin Monarchs-series. It is short but very good. I also liked George IV (a very common title) by E. A. Smith. Many of his letters have been published one way or another and they also offer a great insight.

Anyone know a good bio on George IV, prince regent? English or French. Thanks!

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The poor Duke [Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany] looked very ill, scarcely spoke & ate nothing. I am sadly afraid he is in a bad way, for he is grown very thin, never sleeps and has constant spasms in his stomach. Sir Henry Halford is very uneasy about him, and attributes his illness a good deal to mental un- easiness. (…) He will be a great loss if he does die, for he is universally beloved by every rank & class. The King [George IV], who (au fond and notwithstanding his jealousy of his popularity) loves him more than any of his family, is in great anxiety & uneasiness about him.

Francis Bamford, the Duke of Wellington, editors, The Journal of Mrs. Arbuthnot 1820-1832, Vol. 2, January 1826 – January 1832, Macmillan & Co Ltd., London, 1950, p. 28.

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Prince Edward learns how to Swim

Even royal Dukes like to swim in the sea and Prince Edward, later Duke of Kent, learned how to swim in the summer of 1780.

He wrote to his older Brother Prince William, later William IV, on July 28, 1780 to congratulate him on his approaching Birthday, his recovery from an illness and to tell William of his trip to the seaside. William was the only one of George III numerous children that joined the Royal Navy and Edward did not neglect to include all the fleet movements that he could observe while staying in Sussex. Below the cut is a complete transcript of the letter but I mainly wanted to focus on two paragraphs.

Edwards Birthday Wishes:

My Dearest Brother,

I am very happy to congratulate you upon your approaching [inserted] Birth Day, as well as upon your late Recovery. We heard of your having been ill, and of your being recovered at the time, so that we fell no uneasiness at all, but were rather glad to hear that you had got over so unpleasant an illness.

Edwards learning how to swim:

I am upon the coast of Sussex now together with my two Sisters Elizabeth, & Sophia, & my Brother Octavius, for the benefit of bathing in the Sea; at first I did not like it much, but now I am fond of it. I begin to attempt Swimming, & I hope to get some notions of it before I leave this Place.

I find it quite noteworthy that Edwards congratulate William beforehand on his Birthday (I have always been told that that would bring bad luck.) He writes this letter on July 28 and Williams Birthday was on August 21 … so Edward was quite a few days off. There is a possibility that he thought this would be his last chance to write before August 21, but I find that rather unlikely. Since the word “approaching” was clearly added later, I could imagine that Edward simply confused Williams Birthday. We should not forget that in July 1780, Queen Charlotte was pregnant with her fourteenth child. Edward therefor had to keep track of thirteen birthdays, many of them being quite close together.

Prince Edward to Prince William, July 28, 1780, GEO/ADD/4/204/8 (03/30/23)

My Dearest Brother,

I am very happy to congratulate you upon your approaching [inserted] Birth Day, as well as upon your late Recovery. We heard of your having been ill, and of your being recovered at the time, so that we fell no uneasiness at all, but were rather glad to hear that you had got over so unpleasant an illness.

I am upon the coast of Sussex now together with my two Sisters Elizabeth, & Sophia, & my Brother Octavius, for the benefit of bathing in the Sea; at first I did not like it much, but now I am fond of it. I begin to attempt Swimming, & I hope to get some notions of it before I leave this Place.

If I should want to be put in mind of you, I am daily so [inserted] by seeing fleets pass before my window, bit I trust that my dear Brother knows that I want nothing to remind me of him.

We have had Captain Cummins of the Carisford Frigate to guard the Coast between Dungenness and Beachy Head; but he quited the Station on the Last Day of June; Lieutenant Macdowgal of the Flying Irish Cutter was lately relived by Captain Fortescue of the Scourge Brig, and Lieutenant Bivet of the Surprize Cutter. These two vessels in Company with the Carisford took a very good prize, as they were coming here. You see that by his Majesty’s kind care we are not entirely left at the mercy of Privateers that might have come this way.

We have all received great benefits from sea bathing. I daresay that your letters from Windsor inform you that all our family is very well. I conclude, Dear Brother, with assuring you that success to the fleet & continuance of good health to you are the constant & sincere Wishes

Of your very affect. Brother

Edwards

P.S. Mr. Bruyeres desires me to make his best respects & most sincere good wishes for the return of many of your Birth Day in health, happiness & glory [inserted] acceptable to your Royal Highness.

Pray give my compliments to Mr. Majendie, Mr Bruyeres begs to join with me.

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I hope you will be ready with a candidate at Hull on the supposition of your being seated for Yorkshire, which I am sanguine enough hardly to doubt. We are more successful everywhere, with only a very few exceptions, than can be imagined. I hope you bear all the fatigue tolerably. I whish it was over. God bless you.

William Pitt to William Wilberforce, April 6, 1784

A. M. Wilberforce, editor, Private Papers of William Wilberforce, T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1897, pp. 6-8.

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I would not for a thousand reasons have you absent, tho’ I hate that you should come before your time, and if any particular circumstance made a week or ten days a matter of real importance to you, I think I could postpone it as long as that.

William Pitt to William Wilberforce, December 19, 1784

Pitt wished Wilberforce, presently on vacation in Italy, to be present for the debate of a reform-bill in early 1785 and promised his friend, that he would try to make parliament postpone the vote until he could make it.

A. M. Wilberforce, editor, Private Papers of William Wilberforce, T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1897, pp. 8-10.

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For the sake of this letter I am leaving a thousand others unanswered, and a thousand projects unread. You will probably think it was hardly worth while.

William Pitt to William Wilberforce, 1784

A. M. Wilberforce, editor, Private Papers of William Wilberforce, T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1897, pp. 10-11.

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I am very glad to see you write without the assistance of a secretary. Perhaps however, you will not be able to read without the assistance of a decypherer. At least in compassion to your poor eyesight it is as well for me to try it no further.

William Pitt to William Wilberforce, July 31, 1782

A. M. Wilberforce, editor, Private Papers of William Wilberforce, T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1897, pp. 3-4.

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A Day in the life of William Pitt the Younger

Pitt’s niece Lady Hester Stanhope described what appeared to be a typical day in the life of William Pitt while in office, using two examples. I have shortened the passage a bit since she is rather emotional here and occasionally gets off subject.

“When I think of the ingratitude of the English nation to Mr. Pitt, for all his personal sacrifices and disinterestedness, for his life wasted in the service of his country!” Here Lady Hester’s emotions got the better of her, and she burst into tears: she sobbed as she spoke. “People little knew what he had to do. Up at eight in the morning, with people enough to see for a week, obliged to talk all the time he was at breakfast, and receiving first one, then another until four o’clock; then eating a mutton-chop, hurrying off to the House, and there badgered and compelled to speak and waste his lungs until two or three in the morning! -- who could stand it? After this, heated as he was, and having eaten nothing, in a manner of speaking all day, he would sup with Dundas, Huskisson, Rose, Mr. Long, and such persons, and then go to bed to get three or four hours’ sleep, and to renew the same thing the next day, and the next, and the next. (…) Ah, doctor! in town, during the sitting of parliament, what a life was his. Roused from his sleep (for he was a good sleeper) with a despatch from Lord Melville; -- then down to Windsor; then, if he had half an hour to spare, trying to swallow something: -- Mr. Adams with a paper, Mr. Long with another; then Mr. Rose: then, with a little bottle of cordial confection in his pocket, off to the House until three or four in the morning; then home to a hot supper for two or three hours more, to talk over what was to be done next day: -- and wine, and wine! Scarcely up next morning, when tat-tat-tat-twenty or thirty people one after another, and the horses walking before the door from two till sunset, waiting for him. It was enough to kill a man -- it was murder!

Charles Lewis Meryon, Memoirs of the Lady Hester Stanhope, As related by Herself in Conversations with her Physician, Volume 1, Second Edition, London, 1845, p.63-66.

That certainly sounds like a most miserable work-life-balance. On a sidenote, the last passage here was used almost word for word in one scene in The Young Mr. Pitt (1942)

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Anderson’s Dictionary I have received, and am much obliged to you for it. I will return it safe, I hope not dirtied, and possible not read.

William Pitt to William Wilberforce, August 6, 1783

A. M. Wilberforce, editor, Private Papers of William Wilberforce, T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1897, pp. 4-6.