Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Correspond...

Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Grand Tour Letters Correspondence from Edwin Sandys, William Trevanion, Edward Eliot and Isaac Mendes, 1747–1749. Sixteen autograph letters signed to Thomas Steavens, comprising five from Edwin Sandys, four from William Trevanion, three from Edward Eliot and four from Isaac Mendes; written from London, Berlin, Leipzig, Ombersley, Padua, Vicenza, Verona and Bologna, 1747–1749. Approximately forty seven manuscript pages, principally in English, with one Mendes letter predominantly in French; chiefly on folded bifolia, including one folio-sized bifolium; integral address leaves or panels, contemporary dockets and remnants of red wax seals. Original folds, occasional spotting, toning, staining, edge wear and opening tears or small losses, in places affecting a few words. One Eliot letter apparently lacks its opening; otherwise substantially complete and generally clearly legible. A personal correspondence combining Grand Tour news, parliamentary and diplomatic affairs, court appointments, illness, books, music, theatre and candid accounts of fashionable society. Sandys, Trevanion and Eliot write as members of Steavens's close English circle; Mendes's letters extend the account to friendship, introductions and social reputation in northern Italy. Sandys writes from London and Ombersley concerning parliamentary expenditure, the European peace settlement, military affairs and the fall of Bergen op Zoom; Garrick and Lacy at Drury Lane, masquerades, opera and the relative merits of Handel and Hasse. Mutual acquaintances include Charles Townshend, George Lyttelton and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Other passages concern illness, venereal disease and women; he asks whether those of Venice are "so handsome as common fame makes them". Trevanion writes from Berlin, Leipzig and London about journeys to Dresden, Vienna and Turin; health, continental politics, Hanbury Williams, Lord Berkeley and sexual misadventure. On 15 April 1749 he announces that Frederick, Prince of Wales, has appointed him Groom of the Bedchamber. He requests green and white Dresden china boxes and toothpick cases, praises Lyttelton, Sandys and Eliot, and urges Steavens: "for God's sake let not absence break thro' that friendship which nothing but death ought". Eliot's three Leipzig letters discuss Hanbury Williams, Stanhope and Harte; books, servants, social visits, health and travel. His humour includes the assurance that Steavens's new silk breeches will display his "Backside" to the greatest advantage. The substantial letter of 26 July 1748 contains approximately fifty historical, diplomatic and political titles, described as "a Catalogue of all the Books I can think of in the way of Treaty Learning". These include works on the Westphalian, Nijmegen, Ryswick and Utrecht settlements; Grotius, Pufendorf, Leibniz and Mably; Wicquefort's Ambassador and Callières on negotiation. Eliot distinguishes books he possesses from those he lacks and adds: "My list as you will easily perceive is not at all methodical—Do not give Copies of it." Mendes writes from Padua, 30 June; Vicenza, 13 July; Verona, 20 July; and Bologna, 26 July 1749. His letters concern opera, dinners and carriage excursions; wine and French playing cards; servants and recommendations; presentation to the Duke of Modena and introductions elsewhere in Italy. He repeatedly assures Steavens of his friendship and offers the use of his connections. The final letter responds frankly to criticism of his conduct, explaining his association with a woman from Vicenza, regretting an unsuccessful recommendation of a servant, and defending his reputation and financial honour. Edwin Sandys (1726–1797), subsequently 2nd Baron Sandys, entered Parliament in 1747. William Trevanion (1727–1767), of Caerhays, Cornwall, represented Tregony from 1747 until his death. Edward Eliot (1727–1804), of Port Eliot, subsequently 1st Baron Eliot, entered Parliament in 1748. Isaac Mendes's further identity remains unconfirmed. (16)

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