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Collected Correspondence of Elizabeth Montagu
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Elizabeth Montagu was born on October 2, 1720, in York, England. She was the first daughter and fifth child of Matthew and Elizabeth Robinson, two well-connected and wealthy members of society who were generally distant and preoccupied parents. She spent much of her childhood in Cambridge at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Conyers Middleton, Elizabeth's grandmother and her second husband. On these stays, Montagu and her closest sister, Sarah, were introduced to academic pursuits and pleasures. They were educated in Italian, French, and Latin and read classical and English literature and history.
Montagu's interest in lively intellectual life continued through many important friendships in her adolescence and early adulthood. She was a close companion of Lady Margery Harley, whom she met in Cambridge. Harley was three years older than Elizabeth and introduced her to a glamorous society life. After Harley married the second duke of Portland, Elizabeth regularly visited them in London, experiencing the sort of free intellectual discourse between men and women at their home that she would later emulate in her "bluestocking" gatherings.
Elizabeth married Edward Montagu on August 5, 1742, despite her disdain for marriage. Her only child John died unexpectedly in September 1744, devastating Elizabeth. Her relationship with her husband was cordial but distant; he was preoccupied with his business and political interests and she enjoyed her intellectual pursuits.
Montagu is most famous for her "bluestockings parties," gatherings of literary figures and intellectual socialites at her London home at which drinking and card games were banned in favor of witty discussion of literature, philosophy, and other topics. Often called the "queen of the bluestockings," Montagu and her friend Elizabeth Vesey organized these meetings. Montagu also pursued her own writing, including an appreciated and acclaimed essay on Shakespeare, displaying her nationalism and belief in his genius and condemning the less positive evaluations of contemporary critics such as Samuel Johnson and Voltaire.
Montagu died in 1800, leaving her estate to her nephew, Matthew Robinson Montagu.
The collection consists primarily of correspondence of Montagu and her contemporaries collected by A. M. Broadley for his 1903 extra-illustrated copy (in twelve volumes) of Dr. (John) Doran's A Lady of the Last Century (Mrs. Elizabeth Montagu) (London, 1873). Included are letters by Robert Adam, Hugh Blair, William Cowper, Richard Cumberland, David Garrick, George Lyttleton, Conyers Middleton, Sir Walter Scott, Richard B. Sheridan, Voltaire, William Wilberforce, and Edward Young. In addition, there are twenty letters by Montagu to various members of her circle and four letters to her from Frances Reynolds.
The Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1922) was consulted during preparation of the biographical note.
Gift of Dickson Q. Brown in 1954.
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This collection was processed by Anna Bialek in June 2005 . Finding aid written by Anna Bialek at the end of June 2005 .
No appraisal information is available.
People
Subject
Place
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Author
- Anna Bialek
- Finding Aid Date
- 2005
- Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
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Collection Inventory
Consists of letters to and by Mrs. Montagu removed from the extra-illustrated volumes of A. M. Broadley's copy of Dr. (John) Doran's 1873 biography of her. Identifications for the letters have been taken from Mr. Broadley's notations in combination with the letters' placement as they had been tipped into Doran's book.
Divided into incoming and outgoing subseries, each arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
Consists of letters received by Elizabeth Montagu from individuals such as Robert Adam, William Pulteney (Earl of Bath), and Robert Hay Drummond (Archbishop of York), as well as others.
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
1 box
Discussion of ornaments, fixtures, structures, and work to be done in Montagu's home
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Description of Anstey's eagerness to write to Montagu and admiration of her and of Anstey's new house on Queen Street and renovations being made to it
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Description of a letter from Bath's son describing his military success
Physical Description1 folder
Description of a conversation between Bath and Mr. Montagu in which the latter turned down an offer of a journey due to excessive private business
Physical Description1 folder
Description of coming social engagements
Physical Description1 folder
[MISSING FROM FOLDER, 6/2005]
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Description of the recovery of "Dr. Cambell" and Beattie's relief at his recovery. News of the "usual health" of "Little Montagu," and discussion of the death of his older brother. Regrets that Beattie has been too busy with the demands of the College to arrange his son's papers
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding Montagu's judgment on "Stoke" and her excellent letters. Discussion of Beaufort's son's travels through Europe.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regrets about Montagu's illness and the death of her friend. Discussion of progress of "our young friend", his studies and activities
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Apology for and discussion of illness and condolences and regrets about Lady Robinson's death
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Notification of a finished "plan" (probably for renovations to gardens at the Montagu country estate) and the promise to send the plan for the Montagus' approval
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Letter in congratulations of the joyous event of the day before it was written, most likely Matthew Robinson Montagu's marriage to Elizabeth Charleton
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
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1 folder
1 box
Regarding a visit to Sandleford as part of Donnehan's summer travel
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Notice of the cancellation of a party at Hampton
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Note of thanks for a gift presented to Boccage in place of a visit with Montagus, which was cancelled because of Mr. Montagu's illness
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding a prior submission of works by the author
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding his approaching visit to Sandleford
Physical Description1 folder
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1 folder
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In admiration of Montagu's wit, kindness, and ability to entertain. Also discusses Gregory's relationship with Montagu's nephew and his mistreatment of her.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Description of the delayed shipment of wheat to the Montagus. Also regarding the activities and merits of Mr. Beattie, whom Gregory recommends Montagu take under her patronage
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter accompanying undescribed enclosed documents
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding essays written by Kames on political matters as an effort to bring the virtues of sense, reason, and poetry as discussed with Montagu to politics
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter on obedience and submission, specifically in marriage
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding and seeking advice on the recovery of Montanga's sister (-in-law?) from illness
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the actions of Mr. Bottom as he awaits Montagu's arrival, as well as the author's enjoyment of the fine weather
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the marriage of Miss T. Levisons
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding paganism, friends of More, and Montagu's visit to Bristol
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the ommission of subscribers to a work by Dr. Beattie on the printed list of subscribers
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Note of thanks for Montagu's hospitality and care of Pepys' children and an invitation for Montagu to visit him in Bath, perhaps when her husband travels there in October
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding friendship
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Note of thanks for Montagu's letter and news of recovery from Portland's debilitating illness
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Notification of the author's appointment to a new vicarage in Lowestoft
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding visiting, illness, and gratitude for Montagu's entertainment of Pulteney's daughter
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding Pulteney's sadness at Montagu's absence and gratitude for her visit
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding Montagu's illness and Robinson's upcoming journey with Wilberforce
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding wounds, injuries, and treatment associated with a fall against a railing
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding health, Montagu's recent arrival to her winter quarters, and mutual friends
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A promise to write to Bankers regarding a letter of attorney
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
An offer of something for a masquerade and an invitation for Montagu to come to town to visit the author and her husband
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the author's gratitutde for Montagu's friendship
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Discussion of Spencer's illness and Montagu's charms and talents
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Includes what may be an exerpt from a work by Montagu sent to the author, then describes the author's delight at a work sent to her by Montagu and praises Montagu's skill, talent, and wit
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Discussion of the author's illness and recovery from [gout], Montagu's feeble health, and upcoming visits from mutual friends
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the author's regret for Montagu's illness (undescribed) and her hope that Montagu will recover fully
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter probably accompanying a written work by the author, expressing his humble gratitude that Montagu would read and comment upon it
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
In reply to Montagu's response to a written work sent to her by the author for review
Physical Description1 folder
Consists of letters written by Elizabeth Montagu to William Pulteney (Earl of Bath), William Weller Pepys, and [Matthew?] Robinson.
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
1 box
Montagu expresses pleasure at the recovery of Lord Bath from a toothache, and describes the visit of a mutual friend and the Montagus' upcoming plans, including Mr. Montagu's engagement in the House of Commons
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Montagu describes her excitement at the birth of her nephew and the recovery of her sister from the pregnancy. She also describes her expectation of a visit from her nephew and provides various pieces of news about mutual friends
Physical Description1 folder
Additional letters removed from the Broadley volumes.
The letters are arranged alphabetically by correspondent. Included are letters to Broadley about Mrs. Montagu and his collection.
Physical Description2 boxes
1 box
Describing Tomlinson's book on Denton (?), which includes two portraits of Mrs. Montagu. Letter is written apparently in reply to a pamphlet sent to the author about Mrs. Montagu, which included information that her burial place is unknown
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
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Describing the author's movements and the delivery of seals to the recipient
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding legal matters
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding the weather and affairs of government
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Notice of the postponement of the recipient's appearance at court the following day due to inclement weather
For reply see Hurd, Richard
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter apologizing for the infringement of a tenant farmer on the recipient's land (by passing through the bottom of a field), and in request that he may continue to do so as a favor to Lord Chatham
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Describing briefly the author's satisfaction with M. Deverede's "decision," which will go to court, and describing his illness from which the author has recovered and his supcoming travels
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
Describing his business deals with Mr. Johnson, who presented the author with two offers, the second of which he will take. The author professes his incompetence with business, and asks for advice on how and whether to sell the copyright to his [written] work
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
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1 folder
1 box
A letter describing the tragedy of a woman deserted by her husband in a particularly deceitful way, soliciting aid for her as she has lost all of her possessions and means. Document also has a pasted clipping of a typed description of the letter
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter in praise of the recipient's translations of the author's ballads and in thanks for books sent by the author
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Describing her garden and asking the recipient to comment upon a new "impression" of "CiCeron"
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter containing remarks and comments on an enclosed work written by the recipient (work not included in the collection)
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter thanking the recipient for his visit and his appreciation of art and beauty
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
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1 folder
1 folder
1 box
A letter inquiring into Mr. Hume's finances and bringing news of the death of a mutual friend
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A reply (on the same piece of paper) describing the author's financial state
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Request for the placement of money into an account
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Discussion of the author's daughter's poor health and the family's possible move to Southampton to aid her recovery
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding the author's upcoming travels
Physical Description1 folder
Notice of the death of Lyttleton, with a brief biography
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter requesting the recipient's visit as well as asking for advice on and help with the chaotic political situation at the time
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
An invitation for the recipient to visit, describing the author's desire to see him
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the author's failing eyesight, and his acquaintance with a Captain Moore during a trip to Moffat
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the publication of a collection of works by the author, with an explanation of the ommission of certain Odes so as not to create a complete collection of his writings while he is still alive
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Sending greetings to visitors Mr. Melmoth was unable to see during their visit
Physical Description1 folder
Regarding the completion of and the recipient's support for an unidentified task
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter regarding the author's possibility of seeing the recipient if he visits him at Wimbledon
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Discussion of the business troubles of the author, as well as his chaotic, busy life and ill humor
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter bringing news that the Duke of Bedford is the Secretary of State and Lord Sandwich is the First Commissioner of the Admiralty. The letter also appears to have accompanid another letter which was opened mistakenly by the author but was written for the recipient.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
A letter regarding the fate of a picture of the Madonna, which was transported to be copied for an engraving plate and was damaged on the return trip. The letter appears to be written by the creator of the picture, who begs the recipient to send him news of the extent of the damage so he may assess whether he can restore it.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
A letter informing the recipient of a visit from the author as soon as possible
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the affairs of a convention which had occurred in Dublin to discuss Parliamentary reforms, with the suggestion that some of the discussions there may have an impact on upcoming proceedings in government
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding the payment of mortgages and interest
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
Regarding travels and illnesses
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
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Regarding the payment of 1,000 pounds
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
A letter counseling the recipient in the "case of a young man," who apparently was married by someone not of the clergy of the Church of England (perhaps a layman or woman), and now wants to marry another under the presumption that his first marriage was unlawful and thus nonexistent, so he is free to break his marriage contract. The author advises that although people must be married by a priest of the Church of England, and not a layman or woman, the fact that the young man and woman spoke promises to be married is a contract in verbies, and thus they have a legal obligation to observe their vows. The author also discusses his pleasure to have received the question and other matters of piety in England.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the placement of submissions of work by the author to a book of collected works being formed by the recipient
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
A letter containing the designations for pictures previously sent by the author
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A request to a bookseller for two sets of works by Bishop Hoadly, just published in a three volume folio. The books were to be "half bound and letterd" and were to be sent directly to Shipley.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
A letter congratulating the recipient for his recent marriage
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the demolition of the Bastille and the fate of its parts
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter of introduction of an English gentleman, a Mr. Gilmer
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Regarding the author's respect for the recipient's writing
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
A letter accompanying enclosed letters from Lord Anson which were part of a discussed situation involving secret letters from the wife of the author to Lord Anson in support of her brother, which were known to the author and recipient, whose knowledge was unknown to his wife. The letter also asks the recipient to determine whether the two men shoudl tell his wife of their knowledge of the entire case.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
Additional Montagu correspondence that was not collected by Broadley.
This series is arranged into two subseries: Letters by Elizabeth Montagu, and Letters to Elizabeth Montagu.
Physical Description1 box
Consists of letters written by Elizabeth Montagu, added later, to individuals such as David Garrick, Frances Reynolds, and Elizabeth Vesey, as well as others.
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
1 box
Regarding the nature of wisdom and anger, with other comments and news of having a portrait painted
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
Discussion of upcoming visits, Miss Gregory's romantic life, and Montagu's esteem for the recipient's husband, David Garrick. Note on Montagu's death, residence, and activities during her life
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
Regarding upcoming travels and Montagu's inability to see the recipient in London, as well as a discussion of illness
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Regarding renovations on the Montagus' home
Physical Description1 folder
A letter to plan a personal visit from the recipient for Montagu to deliver valuable written work
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
Regarding upcoming visits; an invitation for the recipient to see Montagu
Physical Description1 folder
Notice and apology that Montagu is unable to visit the recipient due to illness
Physical Description1 folder
Regarding upcoming visits and Montagu's esteem for the reicipient's husband
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder
1 box
Regarding Montagu's criticism of Shakespeare, female criticism, and general criticism. Lengthy discussion of the role of the critic and Montagu's own role as a critic, specifically as a female critic in a highly literary society.
Physical Description1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
Consists of letters received by Elizabeth Montagu, added later, from Frances Reynolds.
Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Physical Description1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder