(654) The Duc de la Vrillibre was dismissed in 1775, and succeeded by M. de Malesherbes, Madame du Deffand’s letter to Walpole of June 26, 1774, contains the following epigram on him:—­

“Ministre sans talent ainsi que sans vertu,
Couvert d’ignominie autant qu’on le peut `etre,
Retire-toi donc!  Qu’attends-tu? 
Qu’on te jette par la fen`etre?"-E.

(655) La Chalotais died in July 1785.  Among other works he wrote an “Essay On National Education,” which was reprinted in 1825.  His son perished by the guillotine in January 1794.-E.

(656) “An intrigue brought M. de Calonne forward, who was not in good odour with the public, because he had contributed to the persecution Of La chatolais.”  Thiers, vol. i. p. 5.-E.

(657) With Bishop Porteus.  “I fear,” writes Hannah More, on hearing of this dinner, “I shall secretly triumph in the success of my fraud, if it has contributed to bring about any intercourse between the Abbey of Fulham and the Castle of Otranto, it sounds so ancient and so feudal!  But among the things which pleased you in the episcopal domain, I hope the lady of it has that good fortune; she is quite a model of a pleasant wife.  Now, I am acquainted with a great many very good wives, who are so notable and so manageable, that they make a man every thing but happy; and I know a great many other;, who sing, play and paint, and cut paper, and are so accomplished, that they have no time to be agreeable, and no desire to be useful,” Memoirs, vol.’Ii. p. 165.-E.

(658) On the 16th of July, five days after the dismissal of M. Necker, the National Assembly obtained his recall.  His return from Basle to Paris was one continued triumph.  During the next twelve months, he was constantly presenting new financial statements; but he soon perceived that his influence was daily diminishing:  at length the famous Red Book appeared, and completely put an end to his popularity.  In September 1790, his resignation was accepted:  as he was quitting the kingdom, his carriage was stopped by the same populace which had so recently drawn him into Paris in triumph; and it was necessary to apply to the Assembly for an order, directing that he should be allowed to proceed to Switzerland.  He obtained this permission, and retired to Coppet, “there,” says M. Thiers, “to contemplate at a distance, a revolution which he was no longer qualified to observe Closely Or to guide."-E.

(659) The Duke, who was colonel of the King’s guard, narrowly escaped assassination.-E.

(660) After an inquiry, instituted by the National Assembly, the whole was found to be a villanous fabrication.-E.

Letter 338 To John Pinkerton, Esq.(661) Strawberry Hill, July 31, 1789. (PAGE 431)