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the father of the late Colonel Timms; and from
thence came the intail of some part of his estate.
Mr. Elwes, at an early period of life, was sent
to Westminster School, where he remained ten or
twelve years. He certainly during that time, had
not misapplied his talents; for he was a good classical
scholar to the last; and it is a circumstance very
remarkable, yet well authenticated, that he never
read afterwards. Never, at any period of his future
life, was he seen with a book; nor had he, in all
his different houses, left behind him two pounds
worth of literary furniture. His knowledge in
accounts was little; and, in some measure, may
account for his total ignorance as to his own concerns.
The contemporaries of Mr. Elwes, at
Westminster, were Mr. Worsley, late Master of
the Board of Works, and the late Lord Mansfield;
who, at that time, borrowed all that young Elwes
would lend. His Lordship, however, afterwards
changed his disposition.
Mr Elwes from Westminster School removed to Geneva, where he shortly after entered uwpon pursuits more congenial to his temper than study. The riding master of the academy had then three of the best horsemen in Europe for his pupils; viz. Mr. Worsley Mr Elwes, and Sir Sidney Meadows. Elwes of the three was accounted the most desperate: the young horses were put into his hands always; and he was, in fact the rough-rider of the other two. He was introduced, during this period, to Voltaire, whom, in point of appearance, he somewhat
