Letters [from Francis Willoughby] to Rachel Canvendish (née Russell) and Lady Roos

Scope and Content

These three letters [from Francis Willoughby] are written to the daughters of Lady Russell - Rachel and Anne. The topics of the letters include: the Russells' receiving Lady Arlington and family to visit; the marriage of a friend being postponed; a gift of buckles made of prince's metal; wishes from his sister Efthemia; activities with Miss Booth; the Queen's wax works of fruit and flowers by nuns in her chapel; the princess miscarrying a son a month before she was due to give birth; the marriage of Lady Anne Cook to Mr Colthrop (Lady Knightly of Hampshire's brother-in-law); Lord Darby's guardianship of his grandson; her friend's match; Mr Boyle having to leave; the book Clelia; Lady Drumlanrigg traveling to Scotland with the Duke of Queenberry; Lady Mary Pierpont's pregnancy; a little rhyme circulating about the King; the French and Middlesex militia at Black Heath; French fleets near the Isle of Wight; Lord Torrington; the Queen altering the Lieutenancy; Miss Booth and a new song with words by the Duke of "Summerside" and sung by Lady Arabella Roberts; Lady Cavendish and Lady Brandon and a song.