Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Robert Murray Keith (c.1697–1...

Thomas Steavens (c.1718–1759). Robert Murray Keith (c.1697–1774) Diplomatic and Grand Tour correspondence from Vienna A significant series of nine autograph letters signed, "Robt Keith" or "R.K.", addressed to Thomas Steavens and written from Vienna between 1748 and 1751, together 31 manuscript pages, principally on folded bifolia, one longer letter extending to two bifolia. Several retain contemporary docketing and later numerical references. Old folds, occasional toning, soiling and minor splitting or wear at folds and edges; the letter of 22 June 1750 more heavily handled, with small marginal tears and losses, but the collection substantially complete, legible and generally well preserved. Vienna, 30 November 1748, 2 pp.; 7 May 1749, 2 pp.; 17 May 1749, 2 pp.; 24 May 1749, 3 pp.; 7 June 1749, 3 pp.; 29 October 1749, 7 pp.; 22 June 1750, 4 pp.; 31 October 1750, 4 pp.; and 7 June 1751, 4 pp. (9) An extensive and frequently candid correspondence combining British diplomatic and political intelligence with accounts of Viennese court society, aristocratic marriages, military appointments, travel, health, friendship and sexual intrigue. The earliest letter thanks Steavens for his assistance to Keith's son, who had arrived in Vienna after travelling with Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. Keith commends his son to Steavens's continued friendship, remarking that he "needs no Recommendation to make him agreeable every where," and offers his own services in return. A letter of 7 May 1749 introduces another traveller, Mr Stevens, and asks that Steavens assist him among the English community and recommend him to the Russian consul at Venice and the governor of Milan. The letters of May and June 1749 contain particularly lively Viennese intelligence. Keith describes the celebrations for the birthday of the Empress Maria Theresa, including "a high Gala at Court," a numerous and splendid company and a crowded opera. He reports that two aristocrats, apparently Prince Anton and Prince Kinsky, "fought a Duel yesterday Morning, but there was no Hurt done," and records the appointment of Prince Joseph Friedrich of Saxe-Hildburghausen to command the Croatian forces, "an Employment of Profit as well as Power." Sir Charles Hanbury Williams was preparing to return to England, while Keith remained uncertain whether he would proceed to Berlin. In the letter of 24 May 1749 Keith expresses relief at hearing of Steavens's safe progress, having feared that an English traveller reported dangerously ill near Laibach might have been him. Baron Firmian "begs to be remembered to you with the rest, for you must look upon him in all Respects as an affectionate Brother," while Keith promises to speak on Steavens's behalf to Prince Esterházy. The letter of 7 June 1749 is exceptionally frank. Keith approves Steavens's preference for "the Company of Venetian Courtesans to that of our worthless Countrymen" and discusses Amelia, Teresa, Lucy and "poor Rose." Reflecting upon his own affairs, he claims to have reduced his romantic attachments to two women and intends eventually to dismiss one, since "my Figure begins to alter, and my Finances have already suffered so much, that of necessity I must retrench a Part of my amorous Equipage." He also records receiving "many Obligations" from Count Harrach and drinking Steavens's health with Baron Firmian. The substantial seven-page letter of 29 October 1749 ranges widely across personal and diplomatic affairs. Keith discusses Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, Madame Starhemberg, Count Pech and the movements of Baron Firmian; comments upon Danish political affairs and negotiations involving the King of Prussia; and reports rumours concerning the Ottoman Porte and Russia. Count Bartenstein appears socially, while Keith also refers to Steavens's Venetian companion, the "Ancilla," and jokes about restoring Steavens's health with punch, Firmian's favourite liquor. The later letters continue the mixture of intimacy and international intelligence. Keith writes of Steavens's reconciliation with his brother, the activities of Sir Charles Hanbury Williams and social life among the Starhemberg, Liechtenstein, Harrach and Trautmansdorff families. He records courtship and proposed marriages, including what he calls "entirely a Love Marriage," and discusses Viennese and imperial affairs, the settlement of matters within the Empire and hopes surrounding the election of a King of the Romans. In the final letter, dated 7 June 1751, Keith discusses financial arrangements involving Count Firmian; advises Steavens on remaining in Paris; sends greetings from Madame Starhemberg and members of the Liechtenstein family; and reports military preparations near Bruck, where a camp commanded by Prince Lobkowitz was expected to comprise several regiments of horse and dragoons together with Croatian battalions. Robert Murray Keith (c.1697–1774) was a Scottish-born British diplomat, descended from a younger son of the second Earl Marischal. Appointed British minister at Vienna in 1748, he became minister-plenipotentiary there in 1753 before transferring to St Petersburg in 1757, where he represented British interests until 1762. He subsequently retired to the Hermitage near Edinburgh and was known among his friends as "Ambassador Keith." He was the father of the soldier and diplomat Sir Robert Murray Keith (1730–1795). The present correspondence dates from the opening years of Keith's appointment at the imperial court in Vienna. (R. D. E. Eagles, "Keith, Robert (c.1697–1774), diplomat," Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004)

Estimate:£300

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