Annexe
Résumés des lettres concernant la ville de Gênes
Les résumés sont issus des indications fournies par les archivistes des National Museums Liverpool, Maritime Archives and Library, consultables en ligne : http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx ?cat=136-dearle&cid=3-2#3-2. J’ai transcrit de larges extraits de passages qui comportent une description de Gênes ou des voyageurs qui la visitent. Les abréviations ont été développées, et la ponctuation, les majuscules et l’orthographe ont été modernisées. […] signifie texte illisible ; (…) indique mes coupures dans l’original. Sauf indication contraire, chaque lettre ne comporte qu’une seule feuille de papier.
Je profite de l’occasion pour remercier le personnel du National Museums Liverpool, Maritime Archives and Library pour sa disponibilité.
National Museums Liverpool, Maritime Archives and Library
The Earle Collection
Reference : D_EARLE_3_2_1-32
Title : Letters to Mr and Mrs Thomas Earle from Joseph Denham, Italy, 1763-1781
Date : 1763-1781 (32 lettres au total)
Letter to Mrs. J. Earle from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/2 30 November 1763
Apologies for not writing for so long due to pressures of work. The Duke of York has arrived in Genoa, and this evening there will be a ball and masquerade at the Doric Palace in Strada. Denham will be attending and promises a full account in his next letter.
The Duke’s itinerary is described. Ends with compliments to Mr. Earle and Mr. Hodgson.
Genoa, November 30, 1763
Dear madam,
‘Tis so long since the pleasure of writing to you (…) The Duke of York is arrived here last Monday evening and went immediately to the theatre where a magnificent box was prepared for him. He was there again last night and visited several noble Ladies in their houses but he seems particularly taken with Lady Balbi with whom he went home last night to supper attending the theatre. This evening will be a Masquerade ball at Doria’s palace in Strada Nuova, and a supper for this […]ment. This palace was fitted up for his residence but his N.H. chose to stay at the Consuls’and he only takes upon him the Ville of Earl of Ueffer. Yesterday a solemn deputation of noblemen for the Republic waited upon the Duke in great state and one of them complimented him with a very florid Harangue. And every morning there is to […] of the Consuls’[…]as I propose to go to the Ball […] all Genoa is gay and lively on this occasion (…)
Yours,
J. Denham
Letter to Mrs. J. Earle, Leghorn [?] from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/3 9 December 1763 (lettre de quatre pages)
Acknowledges receipt of her letter of 7 November and complains about the Italian post. Discusses the Masquerade Ball and also a second one held at a theatre.
Further details of the Duke of York’s visit. The Duke has given the Commodore £500 to fit out the Commodore’s houses at Mahon and Genoa. The Duke has hopes of commanding the Mediterranean Fleet in the event of war.
The Duke of York received a letter from the Duke of Algiers who, on hearing of the Duke’s arrival in the area, will release two English slaves. Refers to a captain who was recently plundered by the Algerians. Further details of the Duke’s visit, including his entertaining aboard the Centaur.
Denham expresses his disappointment that the Duke will not be visiting Mr. & Mrs. Earle.
Genoa, 9 December 1763
Dear Madam,
(…) You will have seen an Account of the Mascherade Ball at Doria’s palace, the palace is rich of furniture, gold and gardens. The palace has statues and brocades. (…) and on Sunday night last there was another Theatre which was indeed very brilliant (…) the Duke was very gracious and merry. He danced a lot and it must be allowed he danced well. (..) at Midnight he went to Miss Balbi for supper (…) he was particular attached with Sposa Durazzo married few months ago (I supposed about 16). I think she is no handsome but rather pretty (…)
Yours,
J. Denham
Letter to Mrs. J. Earle, Livorno from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/4 29 December 1763
Further details of the Duke of York’s visit. On Christmas Day, the Duke of York went aboard his ship for morning prayers. On the Monday he attended a comedy and on Tuesday night he went to the opera and ball. The Duke has visited the Figlia sisters who live opposite the writer. The last visit at noon caused an uproar in the street, due to these ladies being unchaperoned. The Commodore and his secretary visit daily causing great gossip - but their mother deems it a great honour to be visited by the Duke of York.
Genoa, 29 December 1763
Dear Madam,
(…) on Christmas day the Duke went aboard (…) about the ball the Dukes opened the ball with Lady Durazzo, he talked with young ladies (…) I forgot to tell you that the Duke is in terrible talking with lady Durazzo because he has spoken with young ladies.
Yours,
J. Denham
Letter to Mrs. Earle from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/5 18 February 1764
Denham congratulates Mrs. Earle on having a baby girl. The Duke of York has left Genoa and has written (with his own hand) to Lady Durrazzo. General pleasantries given. In the postscript it is mentioned that Mr. Hardman’s black boy, “Jupiter”, has been made a Catholic by Father Giammone.
Genoa, 18 February 1764
Dear Madam,
(…) the Duke intends to return to Genoa for balls with Ladies and Consul (…)
Yours,
J. Denham
Letter to Mrs. Earle from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/6 2 June 1764
Apologies for his delay in replying to her letter, due to pressure of business. He is pleased to hear the baby is well. The Duke of York has been to Livorno, and is now in Venice and is expected back in Genoa in 15 or 16 days time. He bemoans the lack of good company in Genoa.
Mentions his translation of Tasso’s Aminta which has been sent to a mutual friend, and hopes that it will be shown to her. Describes the Consul’s new house at Sanpierre D’arena. He has been invited to dine, but he has had to decline due to prior engagements.
Genoa, 2 June 1764
Dear Madam,
(…) the Consul is now got into his new palace at San Pierre d’Arena. This is the best house for a private gentlemen that I have ever seen. Almost all the walls are painted by masterly hands, they are painted in fresco. There are fine gardens and a large dehors behind the house with a fall of water in the end, In short is a piece of Paradise. I have been invited several times for dinners there but always happened that I was reengaged at a house here in Genoa where I spend all my spare time. (…)
Yours,
J. Denham
Letter to Mrs. J. Earle from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/7 7 July 1764
Thanks given to Mrs. Lawrence’s children to be placed with Mrs. Ellis.
Duke of York is expected in Genoa from Padua on the 20th. Sends best regards from Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence.
Mentions that he is strictly forbidden to write to Mr. Earle.
Cette lettre, mal conservée, n’est pas entièrement lisible.
Letters to Mrs. J. Earle, Livorno from Mr. J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/8 4 August 1764
Domestic matters concerning the intended visit of Mrs. Lawrence to Mrs. Earle and the problems arising.
Mentions bathing as an attempt to counteract the heat and how copper baths are hired out by the locals. Mentions Mrs. Lawrence’s children and various kindness’ shown.
The Duke of York’s itinerary is again mentioned, and the masques and balls to be held for his entertainment. He went to Mrs. Lawrence’s home. He entertained her and her sister and had a 3 course meal of 20 dishes each.
Cette lettre, mal conservée, n’est pas entièrement lisible.
Letter to Mrs. J. Earle from Mr. J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/9 16 October 1764
Letter contains pleasantries and a mild of criticism of her style spelling and English. Discussed various topics including venison, and Mr. Dance’s plans to go to Antibes by a felucca. Denham’s family has gone to the country. Writes about his translation of Tasso’s and finishes the letter with his translation.
Cette lettre, mal conservée, n’est pas entièrement lisible.
Letter to Mrs. Earle, Leghorn from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/10 17 November 1764
Opens with his methods of passing time counting the bricks on the floor, etc., as well as reading the Book of Lamentations. Therefore he has decided to write to Mrs. Earle. He wants to see her and will go to visit her soon.
Advises her to read the best authors such as Addison and Swift - and she is to practice daily at writing. Discusses philosophy and apologises for writing a “stupid” letter.
Cette lettre, indiquée par erreur dans l’inventaire comme étant expédiée depuis Livourne, l’a été en réalité depuis Gênes. Mal conservée, elle n’est pas entièrement lisible.
Letter to Mrs. Earle from J. Denham, Genoa
D/EARLE/3/2/11 21 Nov 1764
A further commentary on her writing in English and Italian translation. Discusses her writing style, and how she hangs venison so well it should be in the next edition of Mrs. Bradley’s “Art of Cookery”!
Jocular writings concerning their relationship. He (Denham) is to be appointed Commander-in-Chief of a Corps for the Carnival!
Cette lettre, partiellement conservée, est très difficile à lire. Un petit essai y est joint, sur le Trial of riches, dans lequel l’auteur expose de manière ironique comment reconnaître un riche d’un pauvre. Dans la lettre, la phrase « the carnival is called lo spirito folletto », indique une expression autrement inconnue du carnaval.