Details
GRAY, THOMAS. Autograph letter signed ("TG:") to the Rev. James Browne, Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge (Pembroke was Gray's college), n.p. [London?], 25 October 1760. One page, small 4to, a trifle browned, small marginal repair to seal tear, integral leaf with address panel in Gray's hand, seal hole repaired, a bit soiled, the numeral "29" at top of letter in Gray's hand, with typed transcript.
ANNOUNCING THE SUDDEN DEATH OF KING GEORGE II
"You will wonder at another letter so soon. It is only to tell you, what you will probably hear before this letter reaches you. The King is dead. He rose this morning about six (his usual early hour) in perfect health, & had his chocolate..between seven & eight an unaccountable noise was heard in his chambre: they ran in, & found him lying on the floor; he was directly bloodied, & a few drops came from him, but he instantly expired. This event happens at an unlucky time, but (I should think) will make little alteration in publick measures...My Service to Pa:; I will write to him soon, & long to see his Manuscripts, & blew books, & precipices. Adieu..." Letters, ed. P. Toynbee and L. Whibley, no. 323. (Milne)
ANNOUNCING THE SUDDEN DEATH OF KING GEORGE II
"You will wonder at another letter so soon. It is only to tell you, what you will probably hear before this letter reaches you. The King is dead. He rose this morning about six (his usual early hour) in perfect health, & had his chocolate..between seven & eight an unaccountable noise was heard in his chambre: they ran in, & found him lying on the floor; he was directly bloodied, & a few drops came from him, but he instantly expired. This event happens at an unlucky time, but (I should think) will make little alteration in publick measures...My Service to Pa:; I will write to him soon, & long to see his Manuscripts, & blew books, & precipices. Adieu..." Letters, ed. P. Toynbee and L. Whibley, no. 323. (Milne)