Virginia Argus

From the London Times of June 12, 1810.

MRS. CLARKE.

This singular woman is not yet likely to cease from affording the world subject for conversation: she does at length appear as an Author and Editor: The work which she has published is entitled "The Rival Princes," and some very disgusting matter it contains. That part which chiefly attracts notice is the letter which we hereto subjoin; and we sincerely hope that the Nobleman whose name is subscribed to it is prepared to deny its authenticity, and to charge the whole, or at least the most offensive part, as a forgery upon the publisher. If he cannot do this, his character will, it may be feared, stand in a different light in public estimation from that in which it has hitherto done.

LORD FOLKSTONE TO MRS. CLARKE.

"Coleshill-house, June 27.

"Dear Madam

I thank you for the letter which I have received from you. It is not dated either as to time or place, so I address this to you at your old house. Let me know when you write to me to change the direction. I wish I had some news to send you in return for your entertaining letter, but from this sequestered spot you can expect none—indeed, since I came here, I have done nothing but attend Bibury-races, wander about the fields by myself, and eat strawberries, things which are very entertaining and wholesome, but altogether uninteresting to relate. Your letter, on the contrary, is full of interesting matter, whereon such a hermit as I am at this place, whether he be of a contemplative turn of mind or not, might chew the cud of reflection for many a day. I think, from what you say, there will be hell to pay, if the matter comes on for trial. The whole affair must out, and the Royal Brother, Dodd, and Wardle, will be exposed. I lament that they do not foresee this, or that they did not foresee this, and prevent the eclat. I do not guess at what the latter means to do. I suppose he will trust to his popularity to bear him through, but that will not do: or, after all, though his part has not been so base as that of the other two, it has been a dirty one, and he has suffered himself to be made an instrument of by them. The thing, however, will do no good to the Royal Family in general; or though the Duke's friends and the Ministry will attempt to invalidate your testimony, in consequence of the promises held out to you, there is so much evidence in your statements—so many corroborating circumstances, and so many people know so many instances of the kind, that the public will not be induced to believe your testimony false. The thing, however, will be doubtless attempted; and I should not wonder if the Duke was to be reinstated. If that should be, I hope you will be prepared to give them some new instances and proofs of your power, and the Duke's subserviency. I suppose the public prints will endeavour to mix me up with the Pre-named Trio but that is quite impossible. Whitbread, Burdett, and myself, can in no degree be involved; at least I have no doubt but they are as clear as I know myself to be. I saw by the papers, that the Southwark Baronet had obtained for you your letters. Mrs. Jackson will now be easy.

"As for Clavering, he is acting the part of a perfect idiot. The best thing he could have done, would have been to have walked quietly out of his goal and hid himself. The less he is heard of the better for him. Instead of which, however, he is, I see, publishing a book.—Clavering writing a book !!!—and as for challenging, if he has a mind to fight every body who speaks ill of him, he will have to fire at every man he meets. The idea of fighting with Whitbread, is very bad. He must take care, or he will be running his foolish head into some foolish scrape or another. All this too. I could contemplate with amusement, or at least I could sit by, and observe all these intrigues at work different ways with philosophical indifference, were I not fearful you would be the sufferer. I tremble for the settlement of your affairs, which I should presume to be now more distant than ever.

"I am afraid that you will be tired of this scrawl, which is nearly illegible. Pray let me hear from you again, when any thing occurs, and you have a moment for writing. Your letters sent to Harley-street, as usual will meet me.

Adieu!

"Ever sincerely, yours,

FOLKSTONE."