Letter from George Crabbe, Muston, to the Dean at Lincoln, 1814 January 8 : autograph manuscript signed.

Relating the occasion of the christening of the Marquis [of Granby] at [Belvoir] Castle for which he wrote verses; discussing the vacancy at Croxton; saying "I had the Pleasure of being introduced yesterday to the Prince Regent & dining at the Castle with a very brilliant Company , among whom was (I shall a little surprise you if you have not heard it) was the Rev'd Sir John Thoroton who had the Honour of Knighthood conferred upon him immediately after the Christening of the Marquis : I believe my Verses procured me this Invitation, for to do them Justice, both Dutchesses were extremely civil in the Expressions & the Duke I am sure would have told me good Tidings if he had any to tell : That he fiercely wishes an End to the Suspense we are under, I am pretty certain & I must acquit him of all that I was before apprehensive of. Croxton is yet vacant But we know nothing of the Chancellor's Intention though he has written, for his Letter did nothing more than acknowledge the Receipt of the Dukes & confess that he had not read (he must surely mean not considered) what the Duke had written. Here the Matter rests & here it seems likely to remain;" referring to the events at the Castle, saying "I will not attempt to describe anything or to give Account of any person at Belvoir, not only as I am an ill painter on these Occasions, but because you will find all delineated with great Accuracy in some of [the] papers. The Reception I read yesterday in the Morning Post & was probably copied by others as well the Ceremony itself & perhaps the Departure which takes Place today & indeed my Son John has just heard the Cannon in his walk. The Dress of the Ladies will not be so easily described as I understand the Dutchess had every Succeeding Day some still more Splendid than that of the day before : I can give no name to the Robe of yesterday, but it was literally & entirely covered with 'wraught Gold' nor could I discern any other material than the Metal itself. The Prince Regent looked well, that is in health & I doubt not made those graceful Bendings for which he is famed, but I was too much taken up with my own Awkwardness on my Introduction, to attend to his facility & Grace. I shall be happy to hear a good account of you & Mrs. Gordon in this season which though it may agree well enough (illegible] with those who are perfectly well, is rather too sharp for Invalids and Hypochondriacals in one of which numerous classes I must place myself at various Times & even now I dare not take my usual Journey to Grantham."