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Vi

I

\

CONTENTS.

-

h

u;

4

PAGE

Preface --.-.._.. v

Report ----..... \

Appendix - - - 359

Index ----...... 371

212743

INTRODUCTION.

The Papers from which the present volume is compiled are a
fragment of the Portland collection which was transferred to
Longleat in consequence of the marriage in 1759 of Thomas
Thynne, third Viscount Weymouth (created in 1789 Marquis of
Bath) with Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter of William Bentinck,
second Duke of Portland, by Lady Margaret Cavendish, only
daughter of Edward Harley, second Earl of Oxford. Partly
inherited, partly acquired by correspondence and otherwise, by
the second Duchess of Portland, they are of miscellaneous
character and very unequal value. The more important are
described with more particularity than is here necessary in the
Third Report of the Historical MSS. Commission, Appendix,
pp. 193-194. They are now arranged as follows : —

Vol. i-ii. Select Autograph Letters, etc., 1516 to the
middle of the 18th century.
,, iii. Autograph Letters of Queen Anne, 1704-13.
,, iv-viii. Correspondence on affairs of State subsequent
to the Restoration, and chiefly of the reign of
Queen Anne.
,, ix. Miscellaneous Papers relating to Trade, Revenue,

the Colonies, etc., 1628-1729.
,, x. Miscellaneous Letters and Papers of the 18th

century.
,, xi. Political Pieces in Prose and Verse, 1589-1769.
., xii. Letters of Alexander Pope to Edward, second

Earl of Oxford, 1721-39 (already in print).
., xiii. Jeux cV esprit between the Scriblerus Club and
Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford. Transcripts
of Letters of Swift, Wycherly and Atterbury
(for the most part already in print).
,, xiv. Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1712-84.
,, xv. Letters of Edward Young, author of Night
Thoughts, to the second Duchess of Portland,
1740-65.

VI

Vol. svi. Letters of Mrs. Elizabeth Montagu to the same,
L740-85, mostly contained in the printed
collections: also Letters of Mrs. Pendarves,
afterwards Delany, and others to Harbin,
L788-44.
.. wii-wi. Scrap books.

.. wii. Catalogue of Pictures, Gems, MSS., etc. belong-
ing to the second Duchess of Portland in
1784.
.. wiii. Tapers relating to the sieges of Brampton Bryan

and Hopton Castles.
., wiv. Parentela et Parentalia Hollesiorum. Auctore
Gervasio Hollesio, 1658 ; printed in Arthur
Collins' Historical Collections oj the Noble
Families of ( 'avendishe, Holies, Vere, Harley
and Ogle, etc., 1752, fol.
The collection also comprises divers common-place books and
note-books of which sufficient use was made by the second Earl
of Hardwicke in his Walpoliana, 1783.

The Brampton Bryan Papers serve to supplement the Letters
of Lady Brilliana Harley, edited for the Camden Society by
T. T. Lewis in 1851, and afford a clear and connected account of
her gallant defence of Brampton Castle from its investment,
26 July, 1643, until its relief by Essex, her death early in the
following September, and the second siege of the Castle during the
winter and spring, the surprise by a party from Brampton (Feb.,
It'. Jl) of Hopton Castle, the reduction of the latter place and the
cold-blooded massacre of its garrison (March), and the subsequent
reduction of Brampton Castle. These transactions were certainly
of no great importance, the forces engaged being on both sides
inconsiderable, and the losses, apart from the massacre, insignifi-
cant — indeed, the Brampton garrison would seem to have been
almost as much distressed by the "rotten language" of the
Cavaliers as by their " poisoned bullets," and from first to last lost
only four men, notwithstanding that they had defended a breach
for some days, before, despairing of relief, they surrendered
1 7 Ap., 1644). The Cavaliers are said to have lost five hundred
and fifty men in the three sieges, but this figure cannot be accepted
without reserve, the details of the three narratives being such as
hardly accord with sober history. The defenders throughout

Vll

appear as mighty men of valour, who, when they come to close
quarters with the enemy, do deadly execution upon them or strike
them with "panic fear," while the besiegers have little stomach
save for plundering. The correspondence, however, shows pretty
plainly that the slackness with which the first siege was prose-
cuted arose mainly from reluctance to press "the honourable and
valiant lady " hard. These papers, however, will doubtless prove
a welcome addition to the particular history of a struggle, the
interest in which is apparently inexhaustible. The papers
relating to the latter half of the seventeenth century are dis-
appointing, even the letters of Burnet shedding very little light
upon public affairs.

On the other hand the papers of Queen Anne's reign are of
capital importance in regard of the inner political history of the
time. They enable us to trace the course of Harley's estrange-
ment from the Whigs from its very beginning to the final
rupture. For rather more than a year after his appointment to
the Secretary's office all goes smoothly enough, but from the
tone of his draft letter to Godolphin of 21 July, 1705, it is
evident that he had already incurred the Treasurer's suspicion,
and was hard put to it to find language equal to allaying it. The
numerous alterations in the draft show the extreme care with
which it was studied. But the artist forgot celare artem, the
humility is abject, the adulation laid on with a trowel; and such
expressions as " I cannot allow a thought disagreeable to you,"
" have no other views, no other passions, than to be subservient
to your Lordship," "know my own heart, and I can die a martyr
for what I have written," must have been apt rather to excite
than to allay suspicion in a statesman of Godolphin 's shrewdness
and experience. In a letter of 4 Sept. following we find the
first hint of the expediency of broadening the basis of the
administration. "I take it for granted that no party in the
House can carry it for themselves without the Queen's servants
join with them ; that the foundation is, persons or parties are
to come in to the Queen, and not the Queen to them .... If
the gentlemen of England are made sensible that the Queen is
the Head, and not a party, everything will be easy, and the Qucon
will be courted and not a party: but if otherwise" .

Nor did the appointment of Cowper, one of the staunchest of
Whigs, to the Lord Keeper's place deter Harley from pressing his

Mil

project of a broad bottom administration upon Goclolphin with
more urgency ami at greater length in the following year. On
L6 Oct., ITUC, he writes iliat "many of the most staunch Whigs
not whimsical) have, and do frequently lament the fury of their
lead( is, and have rejoiced when their presumption was humbled,
and. to use an expression of one of them, that, if they were gratified
in nil fchey desire, they would immediately be undone. I am very
far from making them jealous. I did not mean that places
should he given to others, and I was humbly of opinion that who-
would come in as a volunteer to the service should be
accepted as far as he would go, and I am the more confirmed in
this opinion because those who call themselves Whigs, if united,
are the inferior number, and that they will not follow those who
make themselves their leaders, but yet may be united in the
Queen's service b}' her ministers .... I have with grief
observed that the leaders (or zealots rather) of both parties are
frequent even now in their reflections on the Queen's ministers,
1 mean your Lordship and my Lord Marlborough. I cannot but
apprehend danger from both sides in the extreme, and therefore I
am humbly of opinion to increase the number of those who would
devote themselves to the Queen's and your service would be best."

The appointment (3 Dec.) of Sunderland as secretary in
succession to Sir Charles Hedges further strengthened the Whig
interest ; and thenceforth Harley's letters, though written in
much the same sense, are more circumspect in tone, and betray
a certain uneasiness as of a man conscious that he was regarded
with suspicion. "I am very sensible," he writes on 2 Sept.,
1707, "of the difficulties which for one reason and for another
are like to attend public affairs next winter ; it would be very
impertinent in me to trouble your Lordship with my poor
thought of the true occasions of them ; I am sanguine enough
to think I see beyond them, but that is not my business ; " and
eight days later he assumes an apologetic tone, protesting that
he has "no attachment to any other person in the world but"
Godolphin and Marlborough ; and hinting that he has been
misrepresented by " a sort of people who wound those they do not
like in the dark." At the same time he dreads "the thoughts of
running from the extreme of one faction to another, which is the
natural consequence of party tyranny, and renders the govern-
ment like a door which turns both ways upon its hinges to let in

IX

each party as it grows triumphant," adding, "and in truth this is
the real parent and nurse of our factions here." In two subsequent
letters, 17 Sept. to Godolphin, 16 Oct. to Marlborough, he returns
to the alleged misrepresentations. Then followed the discovery of
the treasonable correspondence that had passed through his office,
and though the examination of his clerk, William Greg, failed
to establish Harley's complicity, Godolphin evidently deemed it
morally certain, for at the close of the examination he sent Harley
word by Attorney-General Harcourt that he was disgraced, a
step which in such circumstances admits of no other interpre-
tation, and to Harley's letter protesting his innocence (30 Jan.,
1707-8) he returned only the curt answer:— "I have received your
letter, and am very sorry for what has happened to lose the good
opinion I had so much inclination to have of you, but I cannot
help seeing and hearing, nor believing my senses. I am very far
from having deserved it from you. God forgive you."

On what passed between this date and Harley's resignation
(9 Feb.) the papers shed no light ; nor do they add much to our
knowledge of the means by which the subsequent victory was
organised, while they are entirely silent as to the events which
led to his second fall. Swift's attempt to vindicate him from the
imputation of cunning (p. 227 infra) is only interesting by its
perversity.

In regard to matters external the most voluminous corre-
spondence is that which relates to the expedition, to the command
of which, by Marlborough's advice, Lord Rivers was appointed.
At first (21 July, 1706) designed against France, it was
eventually despatched to Spain for the reduction of Seville
and Cadiz, and sailed in the autumn under convOy of Sir
Clowdisley Shovell. Rivers had been assured that he was not
to serve under Peterborough, and had taken this to mean that
he was to have an independent command. When therefore,
soon after his arrival at Lisbon, he received instructions which
subordinated him to Lord Galway, and entirely changed the
objective of the expedition, he took umbrage and devoted his main
energies to the composition of despatches in disparagement of
Galway, accusing him of complicity with JohnMethuen in treason-
able intrigues, and insinuating that he was now associated with
Paul Methuen in similar practices (pp. 125, 146-150, 155 infra).
These imputations were discredited by the Ministry, by whom he

paa nevertheless treated with the utmost consideration (pp. 160-1
infra). The objective being Valencia, the expedition proceeded in
the winter to Alicante, whence Rivers wrote to Halifax severely
censuring Galway's recenl strategy and asking to be relieved of
his command. Rivers afterwards met Galway and Stanhope at
Valencia, bul no understanding was arrived at, and in March
Rivers threw up his command and sailed for England. The
tidings of the disastrous defeat in the plain of Almanza followed
hard on his return. (See the letter of his friend General Thomas
Erie, pp. 169-170 infra.)

Among minor matters maybe mentioned the letter of Captain
John Ogilvie (p. 187 infra) to Harley relative to the intrigues of
the Jacobites in Scotland in 1707 ; that of St. John to Harley,
dated 11 Oct., 1708, in which he expresses himself as "fully
convinced " that " there is no hope but in the Church of England
party, nor in that neither on the foot it now stands and without
more confidence than is yet re-established between them and
us," and suggests the expediency of " gaining Bromley " (the
future Speaker) "entirely; " and those of the Duke of Shrewsbury
to Harley, Sept.-Dec, 1709, 1709-10 and July-Nov., 1710.
The replacement of the Marquis of Kent by Shrewsbury as Lord
Chamberlain (11 April, 1710) was the first sign which the Queen
gave of her intention to change her advisers. It was followed
by the appointment of Dartmouth as secretary for the Southern
department in place of the Earl of Sunderland, and the transfer
of the seals of the Northern department from Boyle to St. John
(21 Sept.). In the meantime Shrewsbury, as appears from the letter
of 22 July, 1710, had been offered the place of first Commissioner
of the Treasury, but had pleaded incompetence : upon which it
was given to Earl Poulett, with whom Harley was associated as
Chancellor of the Exchequer. The letter of 20 October, 1710,
is peculiarly interesting for the evidence it affords that the Queen
did not believe in Divine right. From that of 25 April, 1711, it
appears that there was then some suspicion of a plot to assassinate
the Queen ; but this was probably a mere canard occasioned by
the recent attempt on Harley' s life. The paper referred to in
the endorsement and subsequent letters was apparently Torcy's
project of peace. (Cj. the letter of Petkum to Marlborough,
dated 17 Jan., 1711, in Hist. MSS. Comm. Fourteenth Report,
Appendix, pt. ix. 355.)

XI

The Countess of Marlborough, whose piteous letter is printed
on p. 204 infra, was the widow of William Ley, the fourth and last
earl. The family had suffered during the civil war. The very
interesting correspondence between Oxford and Marlborough
during the summer and autumn of 1711 shows that the comple-
tion of Blenheim was the price of the apparent withdrawal of the
Duke's opposition to the peace (pp. 203-209 infra). Nevertheless
it is clear from a letter of the Queen to Oxford, which is probably of
later date, that she was by that time convinced that Marlborough
was playing a double game (pp. 212-13 infra), though it was not
until the close of the year that he was dismissed. The course
of the peace negotiations is illustrated, though none too fully, by
other letters, chiefly from the Queen and Shrewsbury to Oxford.
The Queen's letters abundantly evince the ascendency which
Oxford had over her, and the almost tender solicitude which she
felt for his health (pp. 213-15 infra). From her letter of
19 Nov., 1711, it would seem that it was from her that the main
objection to the proposed appointment of Prior as plenipotentiary
came, and that it was grounded on nothing more than his "mean
extraction." There is no evidence that Strafford felt any such
prejudice (Cj. Wentworth Papers, ed. Cartwright, p. 28), and
though the Queen's objection prevailed, Prior acted as Strafford's
confidential adviser at Utrecht, and was afterwards associated in
the same capacity with Shrewsbury at Paris, where it is evident
that the poet proved a more competent negotiator than the peer,
whose naive confession of total defeat by Torcy on the Newfound-
land Fishery question will be found on pp. 228-9 infra. With
this should be compared his handsome tribute to Prior at the
close of the letter to Oxford of 8 March, 1713 (p. 230 infra).
The question of " bona immobilia" referred to in this letter
concerned the claim of French subjects emigrating from the
ceded countries within a year of the Peace to be allowed
to sell their immoveable property. This claim, notwithstanding
Shrewsbury's advocacy and Bolingbroke's apparent inclination
to give way, the British government eventually refused to
concede. (See the Treaty in Corp. Dipl. viii. p. i. 341,
§. xiv. and cf. ib. vii. p. i. 41, §. xi.) The principle for
which the French contended has, however, sinco come to
be universally admitted. (See Rivier, Principes du Droit des
Gens, i. 207.)

XII

Shrewsbury's letters from Dublin, Oct., 1713-March, 1714,
arc diverting by the lively picture which they afford of the strife
of tactions in the city. The Duchess of Newcastle, whose two
letters are printed on p. 248 infra, was Margaret, third daughter
and co-heir of Benry Cavendish, the second duke. She was
widow of John Holies. Earl of Clare, created in 1694 Duke of
Newcastle. The " wicked marriage " mentioned in the first letter
was that of her only daughter, Lady Henrietta, to Edward Lord
Hurley, afterwards second Earl of Oxford. (See Arbuthnot's
letter of congratulation, p. 289 infra.) The Lady Margaret
Harley, to whom the first Earl of Oxford wrote the pretty letter
of 21 Oct., 1723 (p. 250 infra) was Prior's "noble lovely little
Peggy," the future (second) Duchess of Portland.

The letters of Arbuthnot on the publication of Gulliver and of
Voltaire referring to the Henriade and the connection of the
Harley family with France are of considerable interest. But
the diligence of biographers has left so few remains of the wits
of this period unprinted that they are here but meagrely
represented, and abrupt indeed is the transition from the last
letter of the author of Gulliver to the first of the author of Night
Thoughts. It will be observed that Young's letters begin at a
critical epoch in his life. He had married in 1731 Lady
Elizabeth Lee, daughter of Sir Edward Henry Lee, created in
1674 Earl of Lichfield. In 1731 Lady Elizabeth was a widow,
having been married to a certain Colonel Lee, by whom she had
one son (pp. 281, 304) and two daughters, Elizabeth, who married
on 18 June, 1735, Henry Temple, son of the first Viscount
Palmerston, and Caroline, who is frequently mentioned in the
letters and eventually married William, afterwards General,
Haviland (p. 311 infra). By his wife Young seems to have had
but one child, a son, Frederick, who matriculated at Balliol
College, Oxford, on 12 Nov., 1751, studied divinity, and pre-
sumably took holy orders ; but of whom little else is known save
that in 1766 lie placed a monument to the memory of his father
and mother in Welwyn Church. He has been absurdly identified
with the Lorenzo of the Night Thoughts, notwithstanding that
he was but a child when the poem was published.

It will further be observed that in a letter of 20 Dec, 1740,
Young refers to " the great number of touching admonitions
Providence lately has been pleased to give me of my own

Xlll

mortality" (p. 256 infra). The latitude with which " lately " is
used in ordinary parlance is so considerable that we cannot
exclude from the list of these admonitions the death of Mrs.
Temple, though it took place so far back as October, 1736. Of
the other admonitions one was the death on 18 August, 1740,
of Mr. Temple, which was speedily followed by that of Lady
Elizabeth Young.

In the Preface to the Night Thoughts Young tells us that " the
occasion of this poem was real, not fictitious," and three bereave-
ments occurring in swift succession are plainly indicated as the
occasion in the apostrophe to Death in the First Night: —

Insatiate archer ! could not one suffice ?

Thy shaft flew thrice, and thrice my peace was slain ;

And thrice ere thrice yon moon had filled her horn.
The last line would seem to import a period of three months :
but Young is not known to have suffered any great bereavements
but the three above mentioned, and an immense draft on poetic
licence is necessary in order to identify the Narcissa and Philander
of the poem with Mrs. Temple and her husband. The poem
therefore still remains a crux for the critics. Moreover Narcissa
is represented as dying not before but after Philander,0 as dying
in her bridal hour, whereas Mrs. Temple died considerably more
than a year after her marriage, and as denied a grave by Catholic
bigotry and buried by stealth, whereas Mrs. Temple was buried
in the Protestant cemetery at Lyons, and there is neither evidence
nor likelihood that it was ever proposed to bury her in ground
consecrated by the Catholic Church. + It is therefore evident
that the attempt to identify Philander and Narcissa with Mr.
and Mrs. Temple labours, to say the least, under extreme
difficulties, and the tradition of Montpellier that Narcissa died
there about the year 1741, and was buried clandestinely in the
King's Garden, would seem to deserve more consideration than
it has received.

Between Mrs. Temple and Mrs. Haviland there seems to be
ample room for another daughter of Lady Elizabeth Lee, who, if

* Twas night ; on her fund hopes perpetual night ;
A night which struck a damp, a deadlier damp
Than that which smote me from Philander's tomb.
Narcissa follows ere his tomb is closed.— Third Night, 59-62.
t Cf. the article on Young by Sir Leslie Stephen in the Dictionary of National
Biography.

XIV

ahe died early and in a foreign land and was buried in a nameless
grave, may well have escaped the research of the genealogists;
but the lettors unfortunately shed no light on this matter. As to
Philander we gather from the poem that he was a man of the
loftiest character and a sage, and that he died suddenly and in the
full maturity of his powers. Of Mr. Temple we know nothing
that suggests such a character, and the mere fact that he died in
middle life is a very precarious basis of identification. In this
connexion it is to be observed that an earlier draft of the lines
descriptive of Philander's death, which close the Second Night,
serves Young in the letter of 3 May, 1742 (p. 271 infra), to pay a
tribute to his friend Dr. Alured Clarke, then on his deathbed.
Both chaplains to the King, Young and Clarke had been well
acquainted, and though, while Young languished in his Hertford-
shire living, Clarke got preferment, a prehendal stall at West-
minster and the deanery of Exeter, no jealousy had impaired
Young's cordial regard for his more fortunate friend, whose
benevolence was so proverbial that, had he but died a little earlier,
he might well have been regarded as the original of Philander.
Philander is already dead in the First Night, and therefore some
other original than Clarke must still be sought : nevertheless it
is by no means impossible that some traits of Clarke's character
were introduced into the portrait during revision.

The death of Mr. Lee, Lady Elizabeth Young's only son by
Colonel Lee, occurred in 1743 (cf. p. 281 infra, and Notes and
Queries 1st ser. v. 252), nor, had it been possible to antedate it,
is anything at present known of his history or character.

The letters on the whole evince a degree of optimism which is
striking in a man of Young's melancholy cast of genius, and
who deemed himself, nor altogether without cause, to have not
come by his deserts. It is interesting to find such a man ranking
the pleasures of benevolence highest in the scale as being alone
neither 'short' nor 'precarious' nor 'mixed' (p. 266 infra),
and finding no objection to marriage but that "which the wise
world amongst its ten thousand objections never makes" — "that
the husband and wife seldom die in one day, and then the
survivor must necessarily be miserable " (p. 268 infra). There
is sly humour in his remark a, propos of his chances of prefer-
ment:— " I really believe the Archbishop is my friend, but your
Grace knows 'tis dangerous trusting the clergy" (p. 277 infra),

XV

and in his description of the Duke of Newcastle as "our Pope,"
"as fixed as St. Paul's by his own weight in spite of all the
revolutions of- the little court buildings around him " (p. 280

infra). The Mr. M mentioned so scornfully in the letter of

29 May, 1744, is perhaps Edward Wortley Montagu. The book
referred to in that of 28 July, 1744 (p. 283 infra) as, though not
written "to your Grace," yet "written for your Grace," is of
course the Second Part of the Night Thoughts, the preface to
which is dated 4 July, 1744. The Third Night had been
dedicated and introduced with a most courtly apostrophe to the
Duchess. As to public events, little is to be gathered from these
letters, even the Jacobite insurrection of 1745 passing almost
unnoticed. Much the same is to be said of the letters of Mrs.
Montagu ; their interest is mainly in the light they shed on the
social life of the period. In this connection attention may be
drawn to the inventory of the Duchess of Portland's trousseau
printed in the Appendix.

The correspondence as far as the last letter of Swift, pp. 253-4,
was seen through the press by the late Mr. J. J. Cartwright ; the
remainder of the work by Mr. J. M. Eigg, who is also respon-
sible for the Introduction.

THE MANUSCRIPTS

OF THE MOST HONOURABLE

THE MAEQUIS OF BATH.

Vol. I.

THE HARLEY PAPERS

Brampton Bryan.

1643, Jul}' 26. — A true relation of the siege of Brampton Castle
in the county of Hereford begun on Wednesday July 26th 1643,
being the public fast day.

Upon Wednesday the 26th of July about two of the clock there
appeared two or three troops of horse which divided themselves
after they had faced our castle about an hour, from a little hill
on the south side thereof called Pinners, and presently stopped
all our passengers. Not long after there appeared about two or
three hundred foot upon the east part of our castle which like-
wise dispersed themselves. The number of the enemy, as we
understand since, were about seven hundred of horse and foot.

This evening a trumpeter was sent to summon our castle from
Henry Lingen, esquire, High Sheriff of the county of Hereford, Sir
Walter Pye, knight, and William Smallman, esquire, which was
answered by the honourable and valiant the Lady Harley.0
The evening upon their first approach and before their summons
[they] murdered one John Powntney a man born blind,
because upon demand he said he was for the King and
Parliament.

Thursday the 27th many of the foot possessed the town and
church, and we played all that day and night with small shot
upon each other. Some of the enemy were slain, but none of
us. This day they plundered many of our sheep and cattle.

Friday the 28th we continued with small shot till about
the evening, when another trumpet and letter was sent from

* Copies of the summons and answer, and of other letters referred to in this
narrative are printed on pp. 8-22 post,

Wt 0802 A

Sir William Vavasour, knight, Colonel and Governor of Here-
ford, which was likewise answered by the Lady Harley. This
day the parley being ended they plundered our horses which
we endeavoured to suspend, they being housed, but could not,
and in the night the Cavaliers plundered all our fat cattle and
cows.

Saturday the 29th of July a troop or two of Horse appeared
and dispersed themselves about us, and about evening a drum
was sent with another letter, so we ceased from shooting that
evening and night.

Sunday the 30th of July we expected their ordnance and
were compelled to pluck up our portcullis, and about the evening
the honourable Lady sent a letter to the Governor, so we ceased
till a warning piece should be on their side given.

Monday the 31st was spent in letters and answers, here
annexed, with a cessation of arms.

Tuesday August 1st 1643 the enemy approached into our
quarters and began to raise breastworks, but being commanded out
by a gentleman, one Captain Scudamore, refused. Immediately
the Cavaliers fired a house in town whereupon we gave fire
roundly upon them [for] about an hour, but then we espied all
our out-houses, containing very many bays of building, on a light
fire. This evening a trumpet was sent from the governor afore-
said with a letter, which was answered, etc.

Also another letter from the Lady with a promise of answer at
twelve of the clock the next day, yet unperformed.

Wednesday August the 2nd an answer was expected to the
aforementioned, but instead thereof we had peals of ordnance.

Thursday August the 3rd very early in the morning the
Cavaliers fired our mills, and about ten of the clock the fire began
in the town which within a very few hours consumed the greatest
part thereof, then about three that afternoon the enemy planted
a saker against our castle in the stable window. This evening
they made ten shots against us with bullets of betwixt six or
seven pound weight which only pierced our battlements but slew
none of us, wherein the great power of God may be observed,
that in these nine days not a hair fell from our heads by any of
these enemies ; as for our loss by fire and plunder which hath
already been very great to the value of three thousand pounds and
upwards, yet it was observed that all of us took joyfully the
spoiling of our goods. The malignants of the country stood upon
hills about us, and when the ordnance played, gave great shouts,
which no whit daunted us. This night they cast up a work at the
parsonage on the east side of our castle which we could not
prevent in the dark, and the enemy fired a bomb on the west
side, which did no whit annoy us, although they had the wind.

Friday August 4th the parsonage house and barns were burnt
down, which was an advantage to us for there the enemy
quartered their men and began to raise batterings and breastworks.
All this day they played with their great gun; they made
twenty six shots against us which only struck down one chimney
and a battlement of our castle, shattering the tilestones, and

although most of the bullets came in the house there was not
one of us hurt, whereby we may see an Almighty power and
Providence in our protection and preservation.

Saturday August 5th the enemy made twenty one shots more
against our castle, and at last down came the top of another
chimney, at which the Cavaliers gave a great shout — and cause
they had so to do — that with five great shots at eighty yards
distance they prevailed against one stack of chimneys and a
battlement. This was the execution done this week, God
being still pleased to preserve all our lives and support our
spirits. We omitted nothing that might strengthen our walls,
laboured day and night in a cheerful expectation of a happy
deliverance. This afternoon the enemy beat up their drums
and a part of them marched out of town ; many country people
came into their room and made that night many fires and a great
noise, the cause of this alarm is not yet known to us. This
night they made a great shot at us which did no execution as we
were taking down tile and timber.

Sunday August 6th the enemy saluted us very early with their
loud music eight times before morning sermon and then left off,
perhaps ashamed of some barbarism on this day, or rather
because God did blow upon some of their instruments of cruelty
which broke. About one of the clock we heard many muskets
go off and at last discerned them shooting as if some part had
been in skirmish with them a mile off ; the particular of this we
are yet ignorant of. Let me add this one thing remarkable, that
of men women and children never used to such hardships, about
one hundred all immured up in a close house and the dog-days,
there was not one sick or feeble person among us.

Monday the 7th of August, we had secret intelligence that the
enemy had no great hopes of taking the castle, that some of them
were hurt, some slain, that their scouts had taken a little
girl of ours and murdered it, that the Parliament forces
were on their march, etc. This day they made ten shots
with a demiculverin which did no execution ; hi the after-
noon they planted a very great gun on the west side [of] the
castle and made three shots against us, the third bullet came in
at the window and shattered the wall by the clock, broke the bell
and hurt in the lobby at the parlour door the Lady Colebourn,
struck out one of her eyes. Mrs. Wright, Dr. Wright's wife, was
also hurt, but thanks be to God, neither of them mortally. This
was the saddest day that we have yet had since the beginning of
the siege.

Tuesday August the 8th the enemy planted two great guns
against the west side of our castle ; this day they made twenty
nine shots against us, some of their bullets weighed nine
pounds ten ounces, all which did no execution, neither on the
walls nor persons, such was the mercy of God to us. This
evening came in two colonels of the enemy's foot, which vapoured
at their first approach and gave a shout, called us Roundheads ;
these made neither our walls shake or our hearts fail.

Wednesday August 9th the enemy planted five great guns

against our castle as if they had meant this day to have beaten it
to dust, two on the east part, two on the west part and one on the
south. They made forty three great shots against us, which
through (rod's great mercy did us little hurt. This night we had
secret intelligence that Sir William Bruerton had given the Lord
Capell a great overthrow, that Gloucester was not besieged four
days since, that Sir William Vavasour was shortly expected west-
ward, that this county was summoned into Boss upon pain of
death.

Thursday August 10th the enemy was so quiet till evening
thai we could scarce discern they were here, they gave us three
shots out of the steeple which broke some Venice glasses in a
high tower which formerly entertained some of those capon-faced
cowards who have unmanned themselves in offering violence to
so noble a lady, an action which will render them odious to man,
as their 'perjurious' act at Hereford perfidious to God. This night
we had secret intelligence that their greatest gun was yesterday
broken', that the cannoneer was killed and that twenty five of
their men were slain by us.

Friday August 11th the enemy began very early with then-
great guns which in the night they had planted near us. They
made this day thirty six shots against us, which through God's
mercy hurt none of us, nor our walls but very little, besides
continually shooting with muskets and hammer-guns ever since
the siege began and yet not a man of ours slain or wounded,
which is a wonderful thing. This night they made two shots
with their great gun, which likewise did no execution, thanks be
to God.

Saturday August 12th, the enemy continued shooting with
their great guns, sometimes battering at chimneys, sometimes at
the walls below, anon at the windows and tiles, now three or
four shots in the west, then to the south and east, then cursing
the Roundheads, calling us Essex bastards, Waller's bastards,
Harley's bastards, besides rogues and thieves. This was their
language and these were their actions to reduce us to obedience
to the King. This day they made twenty shots against our
castle and so concluded three weeks work, all which through
the wonderful mercy of our good God, did us very little hurt, yet
not a man slain or wounded although so many thousand shots
have been shot against us. I dare say there hath been no such
preservation in these three kingdoms since the beginning of these
unnatural wars. The praise we ascribe only to the God of our
preservation.

Sunday August 13th we were necessitated to work in the
morning, for we found that our wall in the west was sore battered
almost to a breach and that very near the ground ; it was a round
tower that contained a staircase, which might be fortified with
more ease than any part of the castle, there we bestowed much
pains in lining the walls. This day we had secret intelligence
that two more of their guns were broken, that another cannoneer
was sore hurt, that Prince Bupert had sent the enemy word to
leave our castle, and to run away, that an army was upon their

march from London for our relief. This day they played not
with their cannons at all, but lay still, as if they had enough.

Monday August 14th the enemy was very quiet till the after-
noon, then they began out of the steeple to batter. They made
five shots against us this clay, which did us no hurt. This night
we had secret intelligence that the enemy was preparing fire balls
to destroy us.

Tuesday August 15th the enemy continued battering with their
great gun out of the steeple our worst friend. They made this
day nine shots more at our south battlements which did no
execution there ; and from day to day hath the Lord hitherto
preserved us and made their own guns their executioners.

Wednesday August 16th the enemy lay still almost the whole
day ; at evening they made two shots against us from the stable,
which did no execution. This day we had secret intelligence
that the Parliament forces were at Wolverhampton, that Gloucester
was besieged, that the King lay before it, that Bristol was delivered
up upon composition, that Sir William Waller was coming to
raise the siege of Gloucester, that Brampton Castle was given to
Sheriff Lingen if he could get it.

Thursday August 17th the weather being very foul the. enemy
lay still about us and we had a pretty intermission from them ;
but the Lord was pleased this day to sadden us with the breaking
of an iron gun, which was our greatest, whereby an honest and
active gentleman of our garrison was sore hurt and it was God's
great mercy we (sic) had not been slain, which we acknowledge
with much thankfulness. The enemy played not with their
great gun this day.

Friday August 18th being the [twenty-fourth] we were besieged,
our honest cook received a shot through his left arm, which was the
first bullet [with which] the enemy touched any of us. This
night we had secret intelligence that the Scots were come into
England, that the whole kingdom resolved to rise as one man,
that Sir William Waller was made General of a great army in
London and was coming westward, that the cause in the
] was successful through the kingdom, but for us in
particular, without hopes of any relief as yet.

Saturday August 19th the enemy lay very quiet all the day,
there was nothing remarkable save only the conclusion of
another week and not one of us slain, but one hurt ; on the
contrary we were informed that of the enemy there were three-
score hurt and slain.

Sunday August the 20th we spent in fasting and prayer that
we might be delivered out of the hands of these bloody enemies,
who were, by the power of God, this day restrained from dis-
turbing of us.

Monday August 21 the enemy made four shots with their
great gun which did no harm. This day a small part}^ of our
men sallied out upon the enemy and slew some of them, fired a
house where they kept their wild fire, very much to our advant-
age, some that lay prisoners have since confessed that these ten
men of ours that sallied out made four hundred of theirs ready

6

to fly : there was not one of our men touched in this service.
The praise of our preservation we ascribe only to God.

Tuesday August 22nd the enemy made eight shots more
which did no execution. This day they cast up breastworks in
our gardens and walks ; and Lay so near us that their rotten
iiage infected the air ; they were so completely inhuman that
nut of bheir own mouths, and the mouths of their guns, came
nothing else but poisoned words and poisoned bullets.

Wednesday the 23rd of August a drum was sent with a parley
whereby we understood that Sir John Scudamore, knight, had a
gracious letter from his Majesty to the Lady Harley ; she presently
prepared an humble petition to his Majesty then lying before
Gloucester. This night we had secret intelligence from Lon-
don of an insurrection there by the malignant rabble, of great
division between both Houses and other very sad news.

Thursday the 24th of August the parley continued. Sir John
Scudamore came up into the castle by a ladder and a rope, had
conference with the noble lady, demanded her castle, etc. This
day our cook died, being shot into the arm formerly with a
poisoned bullet.

Friday the 25th of August, the treaty continued with a cessation
of arms. This night we had secret intelligence that things were
not so bad in the public as formerly wre heard, that Sir William
Bruerton waited for an opportunity for our relief, that London
was quieted, that Gloucester resolved to fight it out, that such
cruelty was exercised at Bristol, notwithstanding fair promises,
that it will be a precedent to all the kingdom never to believe the
Cavaliers.

Saturday the 26th of August, the treaty continued.

Sunday the 27th of August, the treaty continued. This day
Mr. Lake, vicar of Aymestrey, preached to the Cavaliers.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the treaty
continued with a cessation of arms.

Friday, the 1st of September 1643, Sir John Scudamore
returned again, sent a letter to the noble Lady, and gave her to
understand that her petition to his Majesty had received a
gracious answer, etc. This night we had secret intelligence from
Sir William [Waller] that we should speedily be relieved, that
Gloucester stood out valiantly, many of the Cavaliers were slain
before it, that the Earl of Newcastle had received a great over-
throw, that the Lord Capell's powder house at Salop was blown
up.

Saturday the 2nd of September we expected his Majesty's
answer afore mentioned, which proved only a letter from Sir
William Vavasour wherein he offered a pass and convoy for the
Lady and her servants to march away. In the evening there
came a very sharp letter from Sir John Scudamore requiring our
castle and arms, to admit a garrison, or a positive answer which
was to this effect, etc.

Sunday the 3rd of September there was a cessation of arms.

Monday the 4th of September, we expected the ' Hoggs ' out of
Lingams Park, wherewith they meant to undermine us. This

night we had secret intelligence that Eccleston Castle was taken,
that Sir William [Waller] was bound for Salop county, that this
week he would send a party to raise the siege here, that
Gloucester stood out valiantly, that the Scots were in England

Tuesday the 5th of September, Sir John Scudamore came
again, sent a close letter to the noble Lady, desired admittance to
speak with her, which was not granted, for experience had taught
us, their former words and actions wanted nothing but truth.
This evening Sir John Scudamore sent in the King's answer as
he pretended subsigned by secretary Fauckland here annexed,
etc. This night we had secret intelligence that the Parliament
forces were at Wem, within seven miles of Salop.

Wednesday the 6th of September the noble lady sent early a
letter to Sir John Scudamore here annexed. This morning the
enemy began to remove their carriages, which is contrary to the
law of arms in time of treaty, whereupon we gave them a warn-
ing piece and presently after they began with their great guns
afresh ; they made two shots and no more which did no execution.

Thursday the 7th of September the Cavaliers made two great
shots more with their great guns which did no execution. We
were of opinion that they had enough, and were taking their
leave, at last removing their great guns. This night we had
secret intelligence that Sir William [Waller] was ready to come
to raise the siege here, that the Lord General and Sir William
Waller were upon their inarch for Gloucester to raise the siege
there, that now Bristol began to revolt from the Cavaliers' heavy
yoke.

Friday the 8th of September 1643, the Cavaliers stole away
our bells and as they were carrying them out of town, we sent
some of his Majesty's good subjects to old Nick for their sacrilege ;
some of their great guns, we heard they were now gone.

Saturday the 9th of September we continued with small shot
most of the day and through God's mercy concluded another week
and none of us slain or wounded. This evening the enemy fired
a 'baracado' upon the west part of our castle, which made us
confident they were taking their leave of us. This night we had
secret intelligence that the Lord General was with a very great
army near Gloucester, that the Cavaliers had raised their siege to
give him battle, and that all the King's forces were called together
for that purpose from Exeter, from Shrewsbury, &c. ; that Sir
William Waller came out of London upon Monday last and that
the Cavaliers about us would be gone. This, indeed, was the day
of our deliverance, a day to be remembered and never to be for-
gotten throughout our generations.

The Lord was this day pleased to take away these bloody vil-
lains, and to return them with shame, which had vexed us almost
these seven weeks, for which we desire to be humbly thankful to
our good God, that delivered our poor family out of the hands of
fifteen malignant counties set against us even to our extirpation
and ruin.

These are the several passages of our siege truly related from
our shutting up even to the day of our deliverance. C<>]>>/.

8

lli'.NKV LlNGEN, Sik \\ . I'm: and WlLLIAM SMALLMAN to
[BlULLIANA ) Lady BlBLBY.

1643, July 26. — Our relations to your Ladyship make us
careful to prevent if we can any further inconvenience to you,
and therefore to that end we think lit to acquaint you that [as]
Sir William Vavasour by his Majesty's command hath drawn
his forces before your castle, with resolution to reduce it before
he stirs from thence, 3rour ladyship may do well to take into
your consideration the posture you are in. Bristol is taken
by Prince Rupert and [he] is now before Gloucester. His
Majesty's forces are successful everywhere, so that your ladyship
cannot hope for any relief, and upon these terms if your
ladyship should be obstinate we cannot promise and
expect those conditions for you that are fit for your quality,
especially my Lady Aubigney having been so ill-treated by the
Parliament, neither any quarter for those that are with you, who
further must look for all extremity upon their families and
substance forthwith. Madam we wish you would take this
seriously into your thoughts, and we expect a speedy answer.
Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Hakley to Henry Lingen, High Sheriff, Sir
Walter Pye and Mr. Smallman.

1643, July 26. — Your relations to me which you are pleased to
make mention of might have invited you to another piece of ser-
vice than this that you are now come upon, in which if you should
have your desire it would never crown you with honour before
men, nor blessings from God. For Sir William Vavasour's draw-
ing his forces before my house by the King's command, I dare
not, I cannot, I must not, believe it, since it has pleased our
most gracious King to make many solemn promises that he
would maintain the laws and liberties of this kingdom. I cannot
then think he would give a command to take away an}Tthing from
his loyal subjects, and much less to take away my house. If
Sir William Vavasour will do so I must endeavour to keep what
is mine as well as I can, in which I have the law of nature, of
reason, and of the land on my side, and you none to take it from
me. For Bristol and Gloucester it is no precedent to me if they
are taken, that I should give away what is mine. I believe I
shall have more comfort in keeping my own to the utmost,
than ever you will have in the least endeavour to take it away.

Sir William Vavasour to [Brilliana] Lady Harley.

[1643,] July 28. Wlgrnore Grange. — I took notice of your lady-
ship's letter and denial upon Wednesday night with much regret,
for I thought the demands made to you by those gentlemen who
subscribed the letter were so reasonable that they could not have
found contradiction from airybody, much less from a person of
your wisdom and virtue. How your ladyship can term yourself
one of the King's loyal subjects, when either by your command

9

or connivance at least, your rebels in your house have committed
so many thefts, murders, and taken so many prisoners for no
other cause than for being good subjects. Truly, madam, I don't
understand those declarations you are pleased to mention of our
gracious King are conditional, and comprehend only those who
acknowledge his power and obey his commands, which if it please
your ladyship to do, by delivering up those rebels in your house,
which you now endeavour to protect — and truly madam I must
deal plainly with you — much in vain, for we will never suffer the
King's power to be affronted by so small a part of the county, the
dispute will end, for if you please not to withstand the right
which God and the laws of the land have put into the King's
hands. I shall deal fairly with you, madam. I am your servant,
and to one so noble and virtuous am desirous to keep off all
insolences that the liberty of the soldiers, provoked to it by your
obstinacies, may throw you upon : yet if you remain still wilful,
what you may suffer is brought upon you by yourself, I having
by this timely notice discharged those respects due to your sex
and honour. Copy.

Brilliaxa, Lady Harley to Sir Wiilliam Vavasour.

1643, July 28. — I have considered of your letter you were
pleased to send this morning. For my denial to those reason-
able demands you wrote of, I am ignorant of any demands they
mean to offer to me, for sure I am they made none in their
letter. Those gentlemen you write of seemed in their letter so
far to befriend me as to let me know you had sent soldiers before
my house to reduce it. I know nothing I can be reduced to but
to poverty, and it is endeavoured as much as can be, for all my
cattle and sheep are taken by your soldiers. I wrote the
gentlemen word I would endeavour to keep what was mine as
long as I could and I know that does not make me an ill subject,
nor give anyone warrant to take it from me. Sir, I have heard
such a fair report of you that it possessed me with a belief that
so noble a soldier as yourself would rather have put forth your
power to have rescued me from injuries, than to have poured them
upon me, and I think it exceedingly strange that so ingenious a
mind should take up such false reports, as it seems you have of
me. Sir, my words shall always be so ruled by the line of
truth, that without further protestations you may believe this
truth, that none in my house tolerated by me did ever commit
murder or theft, things which I abhor as much as any can.
Since you have taken up what is fallen, I believe there is so
much virtue in you that you will be glad to know the truth,
though it may seem too long a story. I guess they ground the
report of theft and murder on this accident. Some Welshmen in
my house desired leave to go home Whitsuntide last, which they
did. When they were in their own country they went to the
sheriff's house in Radnorshire and thence or from his son they
took two but')' coats, some balberts, and a horse, when they
returned to my bouse. Before they came in 1 beard what they

10

had done, with which I was so much displeased, that 1 discharged
them presently, paying them what was duo and not suffering
them to (.'omo into my bouse. The sheriffs son two days after
wrote me a letter to let me know what they had done, and they
said bhey had killed a man. I caused the man to go into the
town to search tor what ho had lost, of which they only found
some halberts which wore delivered into the constable's hands till
Mr. Lloyd sent for them, which Mr. Lloyd did the other day and
they wcii' delivered to him. I wish all could say as I can that I
never took anything from anybody that I had not good right to,
and they as willing to give it as I to receive, neither did I ever
favour anyone in my house that would do the least injury. For
taking of prisoners I never did take any, but as I was enforced
thereby as I thought to rescue myself, but upon the score of being
the King's servants I never did. I am so far from that if any
unworthy man bear that name I should respect him for that
though he had nothing else to challenge it. But when my
servants and friends were taken, I took some to regain mine
again. For having any rebels in my house, I know none but
such as appear to be his Majesty's most faithful and loyal
subjects. Surely, Sir, you have discovered that which I cannot
perceive in any, and you and all the world are deceived if you
think there is any drop of disloyal blood in my heart, and none
can less cherish our gracious King's enemies than myself.
Therefore let me obtain the common right that you will believe
myself and family to be the King's most faithful subjects. I
know you have taken up those reports at random, or else I should
be in a labyrinth of thoughts who you should suspect in my
house for a rebel. Why you are pleased to term me obstinate I
know not, my endeavour is to have my will stoop to reason, and
not to do anything because I will do it. Sir, I need not tell you
your soldiers have taken my beasts and all else they can and shot
at my house these two days and nights, but for what cause am
ignorant and I hope the Lord will never leave me so far to my-
self that I should give just cause why I should be so used, and
therefore I believe you will by these lines see your mistake in me
and those that are with me, and so be sorry for what injuries you
have done me, and recall your soldiers that I may not be further
wronged by them. Copy.

Sir W. Vavasour to [Brilliana] Lady Harley.

1643, July 29. — I received your ladyship's answer to my
letter, wherein you were pleased to justify yourself and those in
your house, and to tax me and my soldiers. I shall not trouble
your ladyship with much or often writing to you, only this time
your ladyship hath professed yourself so faithful a subject, lam
confident you will justify it by obeying his Majesty's command,
and indeed madam I shall not exceed the commission given me
by his sacred Majesty, to which I am sworn to be
obedient. For your cattle truly I gave a strict command they
should be safely preserved, to the end, if your ladyship shall

11

approve yourself loyal, they may be restored and shall, or satisfac-
tion if they shall not be forfeited to the King. I make no
pretence myself to them, I have ever abhorred the thing plunder-
ing. For my soldiers shooting these two days, it was directly
against my order, for indeed I was not in a present condition,
my cannon being not then come and I do not love to spend my
shot in vain, nor do I believe they had given fire against your
house had they not been provoked to it, by your first and often
shooting from thence, who have killed a little boy, which truly,
madam, if not timely prevented by a treaty must be revenged.
Copy.

Beilliana, Lady Hakley to Sir W. Vavasour.

1613, July 29. — The letter you were pleased to send me this
day I have received. For my justifying myself in avowing my
loyalty to our gracious King is that which I must always do, and
Sir, for taxing you had not Mr. Lingen and Sir Walter Pye sent
me word that you had sent soldiers against me, I should not have
believed it, that you of so much wisdom would have concluded
one who you did not know to be worthy to be destroyed. Sir, the
letter that Sir Walter Pye, Mr. Lingen, and Mr. Smallman wrote
to me, assured me that your soldiers came before my house in a
hostile manner, and as they said to reduce me ; to what that may
be extended to I know not, so that I looked upon [them as]
a professed enemy, who as soon as they came into the town killed
a man, and that night killed my sheep and lambs, and the rest
they drove away. I waited patiently resolving to bear as much
as with my safety I could. On Thursday morning the soldiers
approached nearer my house, and reviled those they saw _ in my
house, both in words and actions ; they were desired to
keep off, which they would not, and then my men shot;
but I cannot say it was to revenge the killing of the
man when they came first into the town, or the taking of my
sheep, for I will do nothing in way of revenge, but what shot was
made was to keep off those that were my enemies'from too near
an approach ; which action, if you did not account me — your
servant — as an enemy, you would commend, that I endeavoured
to preserve my family. Sir, did you know my heart, you would
see I were more ready to show you respect, than give me occasion
of revenge. Sir, you are pleased to make mention of a treaty, but
in what manner I know not, because you are not pleased to
express it, but sure I am, I am ready rather in the way of peace
to put an end to this difference, than still to have you as my
enemy, for yet I cannot say I am yours ; for sure, had I like the
power you have and as fair an opportunity to do it, I should not
go to your house and do as much as you have done to me. Copy.

The Same to the Same.

1643, July 30.— My rents have been stopped by the gentlemen
of this county for almost these twelve months, and now my
cattle and horses taken by your soldiers. When I heard you

12

were come into this county, I having heard the worth was in you,
I promised myself you would be as slow to such an act as others
had been, but I know not how the gentlemen of this county have
overcome you, for yet 1 cannot tell how to think, that of yourself
you would so injure one that had no way deserved it. I believe
my condition cannot he paralleled, that one of my condition, who
have my husband from 1m1. and so wanting much comfort,
I Bhould be besieged, and so my life and the lives of my little
children sought after, with that of my whole family without any
cause given on my part or of anyone with me. Sir, you have
been pleased to be their instrument to take away that upon
which T and my children must live, which was the stock upon
my ground and which being gone, and my rents not paid, I
must bethink myself of another place to be in, and therefore I
desire you will do me the favour to let me have liberty to send to
Sir William Pelham, who is with the King, that by his means I
may obtain a pass, by which I may go safely to some other place
of more safety than my own house. Copy.

Sib W. Vavasour to [Brilliana] Lady Harley.

16-43, July 31. — If your ladyship shall please to command
your servants and all others within your house to lay down their
arms, and suffer me to send in a guard, I will wait on your
ladyship, and upon the word of a gentleman you shall receive
nothing of violence to yourself or family, or anything within your
house by the said guard, and I shall not exact from your ladyship
beyond my punctual orders from his Majesty, but show your
ladyship all warrantable respects. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir W. Vavasour.

1643, July 31. — For my servants laying down their arms
I know of none they bear but for mine and their defence, a thing
warranted by the laws of the land, and it is strange to me that
my having a few arms in my house is more offensive than [in]
Sir John Winter's house. Sir, for me to yield that you should
place a garrison in my house, I cannot find out any reason for it,
and under what notion you would do it, 1 know not ; but this I
conceive, I should become a prisoner in my own house, which I
cannot yield to, for so I should speak myself guilty ; and thus
much more I must say, my dear husband hath entrusted me with
his house and children, and therefore I cannot dispose of his
house but according to his pleasure, and I do not know it is his
pleasure that I should entertain soldiers in his house ; and surely
Sir, I never will voluntarily betray the trust my husband reposeth
in me. I have hitherto believed very well of you, and that I may do
so, I will not — if I can help it — try how your soldiers will deal with
me ; and I trust the Lord my God will deliver me and mine out of
all my enemies' hands ; but if it hath pleased the Lord to appoint
that your cruelties and wrongs to me and mine, and some of the
inhabitants of this town, must help to fill up the measure of all

13

the cruelties now used against those that desire to keep faith in
a good conscience, I shall not be displeased ; for when the
measure of cruelties is full, the day of deliverance will soon
appear to the Church of God which is now afflicted. And Sir,
let me desire of you not to be displeased if I put you in mind
with the rest of the gentlemen of this county, how you make
yourselves guilty of innocent blood ; for so you will, if you shed
the least drop of any one with me. Copy.

Sir W. Vavasour to [Brilliana] Lady Harley.

1643, July 31.— This return of your ladyship's is so contrary
to your letter the last day, when you were justly sensible of the
great danger yourself and your children were in, as also desirous
to send to Sir William Pelham, that by his means you might
obtain means to pass from this your house ; that I can guess
your resolutions are to be disobedient to his Majesty's com-
mands ; if so, truly madam, I shall discharge my duty to his
Majesty with more pity to your ladyship than envy, and could
heartily wish your ladyship were where yesterday you did wish
yourself ; and for your evil counsellors that think themselves so
free I shall not doubt but suddenly do such justice upon them— if
they continue thus obstinate— as is due to such rebellious disposi-
tions. As for Sir John Winter's fortifying his house, it was for
his Majesty's service and with my consent ; I could wish your
ladyship had the same intentions or loyalty to his Majesty. For
your being a prisoner in your own house, it was never my
resolution. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir William Vavasour.

1643, July 31. — I now perceive you received the letter I sent
you yesterday. I am in the same mind I was then, that if you
will give me liberty to send to Sir William Pelham that so I may
procure a pass, I shall take it for a favour, but that I hope did
not discover any intentions in me that I would admit of a guard
being put upon me. Sir, far be it from me, I should ever believe
our gracious King — to whom I am a most loyal subject — should
take it for a disobedience in me if I should not admit of soldiers
in my house. I am sorry you will not afford me a common
charity, to believe me loyal to his Majesty, since you know not
to the contrary. Sir, besides the right of a common subject, I am
so happy that, my lord my father was in a particular manner
his Majesty's servant, and therefore I should be sorry that any
heart should outstrip mine in loyalty. Who you mean by evil
counsellors I know not, neither is there any in my house guilty
of any crime which may make them liable to justice. Truly Sir,
you are better acquainted with my family than I am ; and if you
know any such you will do me a favour 'if I may know who they
are. Sir, I know not whether it is your intentions I should be a
prisoner in my house, but I should take myself so to be if I were
under a guard. Copy.

14
King Chaeles I. to Brilliana, Lady Haelet.

1643. August 21. The Court at Matson.— Whereas we under-
stand thai Brampton Bryan Castle in our county of Hereford hath
been and is made a receptacle and place of retreat to the rebels
now in arms against us, and a great terror to the country there-
abouts by killing of divers of our good subjects, firing of houses
and many other outrages, and hath been in a rebellious manner
maintained and defended against our forces ; yet being very
desirous to believe that what hath been done in and from your
said Castle hath rather proceeded from your being seduced by evil
counsel than out of your ill-affection to us and our service, and
being willing to avoid effusion of blood, and unwilling that our
forced — in respect of your sex and condition — should take such
course for forcing or firing of the same as they must otherwise
be compelled to take ; for these reasons we have sent our trusty
and wellbeloved Sir John Scudamore, knight, in our name to
demand the said castle to be immediately surrendered to us, and
we do hereby advise and require you to admit of our forces into
the same under the conduct of Sir William ATavasour, knight, or
such as he shall appoint, for the safety and security of that
country, assuring you in the word of a King of our grace and free
pardon for the offences aforesaid in case the said Castle be
immediately delivered according to these our commands ; but if
you shall refuse to obey this our command and advice in so par-
ticular and gracious a manner directed to you, you must thank
yourself for that ruin and destruction which contrary to our
desire will unavoidably involve you ; and so expecting your ready
compliance, as well in order to your interest, as to your loyalty,
we bid you heartily farewell. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Brilliana, Lady Harley.

1643, August 23. Brampton. — The King s most excellent
Majesty hath sent me hither with his gracious letters directed to
your ladyship. I desire to know by this drummer how I may be
admitted to deliver the same and what else is given in charge to
me. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle.— I shall with all readi-
ness receive what your gracious King is pleased to send to me, and
I am sorry that my condition is such, that there is not so fair a
. way for you to come into my house as I desire and I know not
how to offer you the way by which others are enforced to pass ;
but if it please you to assure me of his safety I will send down a
gentleman to receive his Majesty's letter, and if it please you
either by writing or word of mouth, to deliver to the gentleman
what further you will say to me, I know he will be a faithful
messenger. Copy.

15

Sir John Soudamobe to [Bbilliana, Lady Habley].

1643, August 23. Brampton. — I have received your Lady-
ship's, and have taken assurance from the Commander in
Chief of his Majesty's forces here, that the gentleman, whom
your ladyship shall send forth to meet me and receive his
Majesty's letters, shall return in safety ; and for my assurance,
if that may add to his security, I do hereby promise that as far
as may lie in my power, who have no command here, but was
very glad to receive the honour of his Majesty's commands, so
full of tender compassion to your ladyship, had your ladyship
been willing I should have gladly expressed by word of mouth
how much 1 desire your peace and happiness, to which, if my
endeavours may promote anything, it shall be cheerfully under-
taken and faithfully prosecuted by me.

Postscript. — I shall meet the gentleman in any convenient
place of your ladyship's choice. Copy.

Bbilliana, Lady Habley to Sib John Scudamobe.
1643, August 23. Brampton Castle. — I will believe the
assurance you are pleased to say the chief commander of his
Majesty's forces here doth promise for the security and safe return
of the gentleman I shall send to wait upon you ; and since you
are pleased to engage your own promise for his safe return, j
shall have a double confidence in the promise you give of his safe
return. I should have taken it for an happiness to have had the
favour to have seen you myself but since I cannot easily attain to
it at this time, I must desire you would do me the favour to meet
Mr. Phillips in the Bowling Green which is a little on this side
the garden. Sir, if you please to let me know whether I have
made a choice agreeable to your mind, and Mr. Phillips will be
ready to receive the honour of waiting upon you. Copy.

The Same to the Same.

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle. — I must earnestly
desire the favour, that you will be pleased that I may have
liberty to send a petition to his most sacred Majesty, by which
our most gracious King may truly understand my condition,
which I make no doubt but he will commiserate. I presume
Sir William Vavasour will not deny me this favour, for once he
promised to give me liberty to send to the Court.

Postscript. — If I may have liberty to send, I will God willing
fail not to send one very early to-morrow morning if you will
please to procure a pass for him. Copy.

Sir John Scudamobe to Bbilliana, Lady Habley.
1643, August 23. Brampton. — I have spoken with the Com-
mander in Chief of his Majesty's forces now here concerning the
pass your ladyship desires ; his answer is, that he hath no com-
mission to grant such pass, and Madam I take it for a particular
misfortune to me that your ladyship should desire anything of
me which is out of my power to perform. I have yet received

16

nothing in answer fco his Majesty's letter, according to the con-
tents whereof and my duty, I do hereby demand in the King's
name that your ladyship do immediately deliver your castle of
Brampton Bryan into the hands of Colonel Henry Lingen, High
Sheriff of this county, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's
forces under Sir William Vavasour ; and 1 do expect your lady-
ship's positive answer hereunto and shall immediately repair
therewith to the Court near Gloucester. I hope my fortune may
he better hereafter in my endeavours to serve your ladyship.
Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

K)13, August '23. Brampton Castle. — Since it cannot be that I
may obtain the favour of a pass for a servant of mine to go to
the Court, I will, God willing, send you my petition to our most
gracious King tomorrow morning in the which will be my full
answer, and I hope procure me more peace than yet I have had.
Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Brilliana, Lady Harley.

1643, August 24. Brampton. — I know of nothing that
hath been denied your ladyship which is in the power of any here
to grant, and for my own part I am heartily sorry that your
ladyship is not pleased to make use of such service as I am able
to do you, which I am confident might be of far greater advantage
than the passing of a servant to the King. My Lords of Clare,
Holland, Bedford and many others of the Houses of Lords and
Commons are come from the Parliament to Wallingford, and
other places in the King's obedience. My Lord of Clare hath
sent an humble petition to the King, but on Tuesday when I came
from Court he was not yet admitted to come forward to the
King's presence. I have not heard that my Lord of Westmorland
is yet released out of his imprisonment by the Parliament ; and
for my worthy good friend Sir William Pelham he is in Lincoln,
which is lately reduced to his Majesty's obedience, &c.
My Lords of Northumberland and Pembroke are in the case
aforesaid ; and give me leave to tell your ladyship, if you knew
how the affairs stand at London I am confident I should have the
honour of bringing back to his Majesty the notice of your
ladyship's doing yourself right by submitting to his Majesty's
just demands. I must be again a suitor to your ladyship for a
positive answer.

Postscript.— Were your ladyship informed how absolute the
King is both in the north and west, and how much his party
increaseth in Kent, Surrey and other counties about London,
the high differences between the Earl of Essex and Sir William
W[aUer], with the little appearance of recruiting either of
those armies, you would perhaps judge the defending of London
itself three months will be a very difficult business. The good
intelligence the King hath with the Scots and his Majesty's
strength at sea under Sir John Pennington, since the reduction
of Bristol ; these and many other particulars I should have

17

acquainted your ladyship with, had I been admitted to your
presence. The suburbs against the city in arms ; the women
against the House of Commons in multitudes ; the train bands
of London against the women who cry out for their slain and
imprisoned husbands ; divers women killed by the soldiers -in
this tumult, yet unappeased ; Mr. Pym beaten by the women
and with much difficulty escaped their fury by water. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to the King.

[1643, August.] — The humble petition of Dame Brilliana
Harley. Humbly sheweth that your poor and distressed subject
perceiveth by a gracious letter dated 21st of August from your
sacred Majesty directed to your said subject and brought by
Sir John Scudamore, knight, that many unjust informations
have been given to your Majesty against your said subject. Be
pleased therefore, gracious sovereign, to believe me, that my
house is not nor never was, to my knowledge, a receptacle for
any disloyal person, nor was my condition such, as to be a
terror to any, much less did any by 11137 command or privity
either kill any of your Majestj^'s subjects, or fire any houses, or
commit any outrages to bring or cause the forces under the
command of Sir William Vavasour against me, but only kept
such a number of servants with arms as in these woeful times
might defend me against pillaging and plundering, a thing your
Majesty hath in several proclamations expressed your dislike of.
Yet so it is, most gracious sovereign, that I have had servants im-
prisoned, some killed, and now by Sir William Vavasour's forces,
all my horses, cattle, corn and other things taken away ; my house
attempted with many soldiers, horse and foot, with five or six
cannons battering the walls, and almost every day assaulted by
small shot, whereas your poor subject did never offend your
Majesty, or ever take up arms against your Majesty, or any man
of mine, or any by mine appointment was in actual rebellion
against your sacred Majesty; and therefore your poor subject
hopeth and prayeth the premises being graciously weighed your
Majesty will not require that from me which by the law of the
land is mine, and which if I shall give up, I have no subsistence
for myself and mine ; but that your Majesty will be pleased to
command Sir William Vavasour to withdraw his forces and
restore to me my goods, but if your Majesty will — notwithstanding
the premises — command me out of my house, my humble desire is
that you will in your clemency allow unto me some maintenance
for me and mine and fit time to remove myself and family by
your protection to pass to some other place where we may find
subsistence, that we perish not ; so shall she who ever hath been
and ever will be your loyal and faithful subject pray for your
sacred Majesty. Copy.

Lord Falkland to [Brilliana, Lady Harley].

1043, August 30. At the Court at Matson.— Although his Majesty
be in no degree satisfied with the petitioner's excuses of so evident

0802 B

18

facts, and yet less with the unjust aspersions cast upon his
Majesty's officers and soldiers for what they have done according
fco their commission towards the necessary reduction of a place
manned and fortified without his Majesty's consent and against
his Majesty's forces, yet his Majesty is yet once more graciously
pleased, so far to reflect with pity upon the sex and condition of
the petitioner, and to afford the best interpretation to what hath
passed, as hereby once more to offer unto the petitioner and also
the persons with her, full pardon and free licence to depart out
of the castle whither and with what arms and ammunition
— ordnance only excepted — they shall please themselves, and to
assure them of a convoy accordingly ; and in case his Majesty's
forces be immediately received into the castle, his Majesty is
yet further contented that the petitioner and her family may if she
please remain therein until she have provided herself of another
habitation, which gracious offer of his Majesty if it find not a
most ready and most grateful acceptance from the petitioner his
Majesty must not only then most plainly discover the vanity of
the pretences in this petitioner to loyalty and fidelity, but must
be enforced to punish with utmost severity of justice so high a
contempt of his grace and favour.

Note. — Sir John Scudamore added by word of mouth he had
power to grant to her ladyship what other conditions she could
in reason demand, which Mr. Moor told her ladyship from Sir
John. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.0

1643, September 1. Brampton. — I have outgone my pro-
mise ; your petition is delivered to the king and I have his
Majesty's answer. Your ladyship is beholding to Sir William
Vavasour for his encouragement to me therein, without which
I durst not have delivered such a petition to his Majesty.
Madam, I desire to be no longer treated with ceremony by
admitting me to your presence by an unhandsome way, being
ready to undergo far greater difficulties to approve myself, your
humble servant. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 1. Brampton Castle. — I acknowledge your
favour in that you were better than your promise and so you say
3tou have delivered my petition to his Majesty. What Sir William
Vavasour did in giving way to it, I shall be ready to acknowledge
as a favour. I will now it is late hold you no longer with these
lines, but wish you may have a good night. Copy.

* Three letters, two dated August 24 and one August 25, which passed between
Lady Harley and Sir J. Scudamore are printed from other copies at Welbeck on
pp. 114, 115 of the first volume of the report on the Harley papers belonging to
the Duke of Portland. (Fourteenth Report, Appendix. Part II.)

19

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 2. — Had I not taken cold which hindered my
sleep this night these lines should have waited upon you in a
more early hour. Sir, I do abundantly acknowledge your
abundant favour that you are pleased to suspend so (sic) with so
an unhandsome way that I may have the honour to see you,
which I cannot promise myself, for the chamber where you did
me favour to speak to me in being a cold place, I dare not obtain
the favour of seeing you there without fear of increasing the cold
I have now taken. Therefore give me leave to beg the favour of
knowing your mind in the way of a letter, with which, to so
excellent abilities as yours are, it is as easy as to speak. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

1643, September 2. Brampton. — I am very sorry for your
Ladyship's indisposition, I was so far from appointing the room
where I should wait upon your ladyship, that I should have
been content with any room or place. But since your ladyship
permits me not to do you the service I desired, and my
instructions enable me unto, I can be heartily sorry for it,
though I cannot force it upon you. If it please your ladyship to
send one out to meet me I shall deliver a letter to him directed
to your ladyship, and to return to Court, where I shall give this
account that I could not be admitted to say that which was
commanded me, and having no order to discourse that with my
pen which was delivered me by word of mouth. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 2. — Did not my indisposition of health
confine me to my chamber I should now be as willing to wait
upon you in my own house as I was when you last did me favour
to come to me. I will send a gentleman to wait upon you, and I
presume — if please you — I may by your pen know further instruc-
tions, which I should take as an obligation, and will ever be
ready to take up all opportunities by which I may appear, Sir,
your servant.

Postscript. — I desire to know when Mr. Phillips shall wait
upon you. Copy.

Sir William Vavasour to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

1643, August 31. Langford — I have seen your Ladyship's
petition to the King and have been forward to serve your ladyship
with my best endeavours to his Majesty, who hath been graciously
pleased to grant you a safe pass and conduct for yourself and
servants, your arms being delivered up for his Majesty's use. If
I may know wherein I may do your Ladyship further service, 1
shall be ready to receive notice of it from Sir John Scudamore
who hath instructions from me. Copy.

20

Brilliana, Lady Habley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 2. — By your favour I have received
Sir William Vavasour's letter. Mr. Phillips tells me that if I
send an answer to him you will be pleased to take order that it
may be sent to him. On Monday if it please God I will send
him an answer to his letter. Sir, I must beg the favour to know
to who I may direct my letter to Sir William Vavasour that it
may have the honour to come to your hand. Mr. Phillips tells
me you are ready for your journey to Ludlow, where I wish you
a happy arrival. Copy.

Sib John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

1643, September 2. Brampton.— I hope Mr. Phillips did not
forget to speak to your ladyship for your answer concerning the
laying down of your arms and delivering up of the castle; if he
did, then your ladyship must give me leave to put you in mind
of that hereby. Your ladyship in your petition did set forth all
those grievances which you had, which being known to the king,
your ladyship said that notwithstanding that if the king would
command you out of your house, you humbly desired his
Majesty's protection and pass to carry you and your family safe
to some other place where you might find subsistence, etc. This
his Majesty hath graciously granted you, and a convoy also for
your more safety if 3-011 desire it, or if you desire to remain in
the castle till you can be provided in some other place, his
Majesty is contented that you and your family shall so remain
there, so as you immediately receive in a garrison of his Majesty's
soldiers, and to this I must expect your positive answer, that I
may return to his Majesty, whether you will immediately
deliver up the castle of Brampton Bryan in the hands of Colonel
Henry Lingen, which I do now the second time hereby demand
in his Majesty's name and your ladyship's positive answer.
( 'opy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

16-43, September 2. Brampton Castle.— How to give a
positive answer to what you require of me, I know not, for, by
what Sir William Vavasour and you are pleased to write, I cannot
see that his Majesty commands me out of my house, my petition
being delivered by such as I presume intend my ruin. I know
not how to believe whether his Majesty hath seen it or not, since
he is pleased, as you write, to grant me no more than a mere pass
for myself and family. Sir, this concerns the livelihood of me
and mine and therefore before the delivering up of my house, I
must desire my petition may be solicited by some friend of
mine at Court who I may confide in. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

1643, September 5. Brampton. — Upon your Ladyship's
letter on Saturday evening I sent away to Court, and have been

21

at Ludlow ever since expecting what I have not received, and
now, Madam, I am further enabled to serve your ladyship than
hitherto. If therefore your ladyship be pleased to permit me to
wait upon you, it shall appear to your ladyship how effectually I
solicited your petition, even to the obtaining of more than you
prayed, and my actions shall testify than an angry or a little
misunderstanding (sic) shall not discourage me Loni seeking
means to declare myself, your, &c. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

Same date and place. — I am suitor to your ladyship
to know how you will please to permit me to convey that to your
notice which I have in charge to deliver to your ladyship in
answer to your petition, and the rest of the trust committed to
me. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 5. Brampton [Castle]. — Since it is so that
I cannot have the freedom to speak to you myself, if please you
to let me know your mind by letter I shall be ready to receive it.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

16-13, September 5. Brampton. — If your ladyship have a
will to it, I know nothing that can hinder you the freedom of
speech with me, who am here purposely to receive that honour
from your ladyship ; and truly Madam were the thoughts of my
heart known to your ladyship, all these scruples and ceremonies
would be removed, and I should have the same liberty I have
formerly found to your presence : but Madam if you deny me
that be pleased to send some one to the Bowling Green to receive
what is now come to my hands for your ladyship in writing.
Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1643, September 5. — Mr. Moor will do me the favour to wait
upon you in the Bowling Green, that by him I may receive what
you please to make known unto me, for whose safe return I
desire the engagement of your promise.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana,] Lady Harley.

1643, September 5. — Mr. Moor's safe return is promised by
Colonel Lingen and myself who are repairing now to the Green
to meet him presently.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore.

1613. September 6. — Since my petition to his Majesty hath
gained me no- more than the answer you were pleased to send
me last night by Mr. Moor I cannot be satisfied till I have

9.0!

obtained that, by the hand of some, of my own friends, my condi-
tion may be presented to his Majesty, who then I am persuaded
would grant me liberty to enjoy what is my own. Sir, I will
now beg your pardon that these lines waited not on you sooner.
If you will excuse that fault and do me the right to believe I am
most ready to serve your most noble lady and yourself, you will
much oblige me. ( 'opy.

Brampton and Hopton Castles.

1643-4. — An account of the sieges of Brampton Castle and the
massacre of Hopton Castle, by Captain Priamus Davies, who was
an eye witness.

Amongst the several acts of hostility either defensive or
offensive since the beginning of these unnatural wars, more of
God hath not been seen in so weak means of resistance in any
part of the kingdom than in this castle now consumed to ashes
together with the town, and that church [in which] was so long
held forth the truth of God — by the late famous dispenser of
God's truth Mr. Peirson, afterwards, by the no less famous Mr.
Stanley Gower — I may truly say to an unworthy people. The
manner I shall briefly relate. Know, reader, that the county of
Hereford was the first that resolved and then published that
cursed resolution against those high and honourable assemblies of
Parliament. Those malignant sparks who called themselves the
Nine Worthies have kindled such a flame in England that they
may well fear the great Justice of Heaven will find them out. These
began the quarrel against us, which caused that honourable and
gallant Lady Harley to put herself into a posture of defence
against their insolent and illegal proceedings. The castle being
of considerable strength was manned with about fifty musketeers,
some gentlemen commanders, with an answerable proportion of
powder and match, and thus inoffensively did this noble lady live
upon her own in an honourable, resolute and religious way till
the malice of her enemies broke forth as followeth: —

Those gentlemen entered into an association with the adjoin-
ing counties of Wales to reduce as they called it this castle to
the obedience of the king, whereupon a summons was sent from
Mr. William Coningsby, one of the Nine Worthies, which con-
tained many threats and vapours, but no storm followed, save
only seizing upon her revenues very valiantly.

The next summons came from the Lord Marquess of Hartford,
whose honour was presently remanded unto a more honourable
service than to fight with a lady.

The third summons was by Henry Lingen, High Sheriff of the
county of Hereford, Sir Walter Pye, knight, and William Small-
man, esquire, three of the Nine. Upon Wednesday the 26th of
July, 1643, these appeared and faced us with a body of horse
and foot, stopped our passages and sat down before us, took
some of the inhabitants, amongst whom there was one born

23

blind, who [when] they demanded who he was for, he replied for
King and Parliament, him they presently murdered, the summons
being sent as followeth, Arc.0

Upon the 27th the enemy possessed themselves of the town
and church ; we played upon each other all that day and night,
slew some of the enemy. The 28th we continued shooting till
the evening, when another trumpet was sent from Sir William
Vavasour, Governor of Hereford, with a letter, the contents, &c.

The 29th their horse faced us again ; by this time they had
plundered us of all horses, fat beefs, sheep, &c. which was indeed
their business and errand they came about, and then sent a drum
with a letter, the contents, &c.

Upon Sunday the 30th we expected their ordnance, and were
compelled to block up our double portcullis, for the loss of the
church which stood directly before the castle gate, within sixty
or seventy paces, did extremely annoy us. Another letter sent,
the copies, &c.

The 1st of August, 1643. The enemy made their approaches
into our quarters, began to raise breast works and batteries,
whereupon we gave fire and beat them out. The Cavaliers
presently fired a house in the town, and we for our own defence
put fire to all our out-houses, which contained many bays of new
building, which was much for our advantage. A trumpeter was
again sent with a letter, the copies, &c.

Upon the 3rd of August the enemy burnt our mills. This day
the greatest part of the town was consumed and burnt. In the
afternoon they placed a great gun in the steeple and made five
shots which only shattered the battlements but did no execution.
It is observable, that in these nine days not one of us was hurt ;
that all of us took joyfully the spoiling of our goods, that none
of us were daunted either by the enemy, or by the malignants of
the country, who stood upon hills about us, giving great shouts
whenever the ordnance played.

Upon the 4th day the parsonage house was burnt which was
for our advantage, for then they began to raise more batteries.
All this day they played with their great gun, twenty-six shots
they made which did little execution but upon chimneys and
battlements.

Upon the 5th the enemy made twenty-three shots more, at
last came down a stack of chimneys, at which the Cavaliers gave
a great shout and cause they had so to do, that with thirty-seven
shots no more execution should be done. We pretermitted
nothing that might strengthen our walls, but all of us laboured
as they say for life with much cheerfulness.

Sunday the Gth they would not let us rest, they made eight
shots against us before morning sermon, then left off that day as
if they had been ashamed. It was this day observed, that
although there were of men women and children above a hundred
all immured up in a close house, and in the dog days, yet there
was not one feeble or sick person amongst us.

* See pp. 8 &c., ante for the letters referred to in this and succeeding paragraphs.

24

Upon the 7th we had secret intelligence, that the enemy had
no great hopes of taking our castle, that many of them were
slain, that a little girl we had sent out was murdered; they made
five shots more against us this morning. In the afternoon they
planted another great gun against the west part of our Castle.
The third shot the hullet came in at a window, shattered the
walls, which hurt the Lady Colburn, struck out one of her eyes.
Lieutenant Colonel Wright's wife was hurt, hut neither of them
mortally.

Upon' the 8th day they planted another great gun against the
west part of the castle, this made twenty-nine shots, all which
did no further execution. This evening two colonels of foot, the
train bands of Ludlow came before, who at their first approach
vapoured, called us Roundheads, rogues and traitors, and sat down.

Upon the 9th the enemy had planted five great guns, as if
they meant this day to have beaten it to dust. They made forty-
two shots, which through God's mercy did little hurt. The
noble lady was this day more courageous than ever, bid us now
play the men, for the enemy was in good earnest. Among the
many policies of war it is not the least to hold intelligence with
friends abroad, this her wisdom was great. This night we had
secret intelligence through all their courts of guard to our no
small advantage and encouragement.

Upon the 10th they made but three shots which did no
execution, but some Venice glasses in a high tower. These had
formerly entertained some of those gallants who had now
unmanned themselves in offering violence to so noble a lady ; an
act which will render them as odious to man as their late
perjurious act at Hereford before Sir William Waller, perfidious
to God.

This night we had secret intelligence that their greatest gun
was yesterday broken, which killed their cannoneer ; that we
had slain many of their men, amongst others our mason as he
was pointing with his hand to shew the enemy the weakest part
of the castle was shot through that hand into his belly and died.

Upon the 11th the enemy began very early with their great
guns which in the night they had placed nearer to us ; this day
they made thirty-live shots which did no great execution.

Upon the 12th the enemy continued this battery, cursing the
Roundheads, calling us Essex's bastards, Waller's bastards,
Harley's bastards, rogues, thieves, traitors, and all to reduce us
to the obedience of the king and the Protestant religion. They
made this day twenty shots against our castle and so concluded
their week's work. It is very remarkable that notwithstanding
so many thousand great and small shot not a man was hurt.

Sunday 13th of August we were necessitated to work, for we
found that our wall was battered almost to a breach, very
near the ground. Here we made strong barricades and lined the
walls with earth. This night we had intelligence that two more
of their great iron guns wTere broken, the cannoneers sore hurt,
that Prince Rupert had sent the enemy word to fire the castle
and come away.

25

The 14th they made but live shots which did no execution.
In the night we had private intelligence that the enemy were
preparing grenades.

Upon the 15th they continued battering out of the steeple
which did most annoy us. This day they made nine shots more,
upon the 16th but two shots. This night we had secret intelli-
gence that Gloucester was besieged, that the King lay before it,
that Bristol was delivered up, that our castle was given to Sheriff
Lingen if he could get it.

Upon the 18th our cook was shot into the arm with a poisoned
bullet and died, this was the first bullet that touched any of us.
This night we had secret intelligence from our friends abroad
but no hopes of relief, that we had slain about sixty of the
enemy. Sunday, the 20th, we spent in fasting and praying that
we might be delivered out of the hands of these bloody enemies,
who were by the power of God this day restrained from disturb-
ing us.

Upon the 21st the noble lady called a council to advise how
those quarters of the enemy should be fired where their grenades
were preparing. It was resolved that ten men should sally
out upon that quarter suddenly, who were to retreat by a word.
These no sooner fell on but, with rockets from the castle, the
house was fired, all their materials and grenades burnt, our men
slew some of them and retreated back again without any loss, in
all which time the enemy were struck with such a panic fear
that they could neither fight nor run away. At last recollecting
themselves they made four shots with their great gun which
did no execution.

Upon the 22nd day the enemy made their approaches nearer
to us, cast up breast works in our garden and walks, where their
rotten and poisoned language annoyed us more than their
poisoned bullets. This day they made eight shots against
another tower of the castle, which did no execution.

Upon the 23rd a drum was sent with a parley ; a knight was
sent with a letter from his Majesty to the noble lady, she returns
an humble j3etition to his Majesty, then lying before Gloucester,
the copies, &c.

This night we had secret intelligence by letters from London
of an insurrection of the malignants there, into what a low
condition the Parliament party were throughout the kingdom
this exceeding us insomuch that some advised then to deliver up
the castle. But then the noble lady protested, that she would
rather choose an honourable death, for she was confident that
God would own His cause both in the public and private. We
needed no better an encouragement.

Upon the 24th the parley continued with a cessation of arms.

Upon the 25th at night intelligence came to us from our
friends abroad ; that things in the general were not so bad.
That Gloucester was resolved to fight it out to the last man.
That such cruelty was exercised at Bristol notwithstanding fair
promises, that it was a precedent to the whole kingdom never to
believe the Cavaliers.

26

This parley continued seven days until an answer of the
petition aforesaid should be returned. The seventh night we had
secret intelligence through all their courts of guard again, that
(iloucester still held out gallantly although the greatest of our
enemies with divers oaths affirmed that it was delivered up.

Upon the 2nd of September a trumpet was sent by
Sir William Vavasour with a letter, the copies and answer &c.

Upon the 4th we had intelligence that the enemy meant to
undermine us, and that they had prepared ' hoggs ' to that end.
That Sir William Bruerton would send a party to our release.
That Gloucester valiantly stood out.

Upon the 5th a knight came with the King's answer as they
pretended subscribed by Faulkland, here annexed.

Upon the 6th the parley continued. This day the enemy
began to remove their carriages whereupon we gave them a warn-
ing piece ; they answered us with two great guns. Upon the 7th
with two more. This night the enemy stole away their great
guns. Upon the 8th they carried away our bells, which cost
some of them their lives.

Upon the 9th of September the enemy fired their barricade
and then we were confident they were taking their leave.

This night we had secret intelligence that my Lord General
was with a great army very near Gloucester. That the King had
raised the siege to give him battle, and that all his forces were
called away. This night the Lord was pleased to take away these
bloody enemies and to return them with shame which had now
lain before us seven weeks almost, for which we returned humble
thanks to God that delivered our poor family out of the hands
of fifteen malignant counties set against it. During the siege
our sufferings were great, the enemy sat down so suddenly
before us. All our bread was ground with a hand mill, our
provisions very scarce, the roof of the castle so battered that
there was not one dry room in it ; our substance without plun-
dered and all our friends fled, yet this noble lady bore all with ad-
mirable patience, and thus have I truly related the several passages
of our siege from our shutting up to the day of our deliverance.

The former siege being raised and we set at liberty, the noble
lady instead of revenging herself upon the inhabitants of that
country who were active against her to the utmost of their might
and power, yea none more forward and false than her own
tenants and servants, in a courteous and winning way gently
entreated the part adjacent to come in and level those works
which they pretended the enemy had compelled them to raise
against her promising to protect them, and that none of her
soldiers should plunder them, all which they barbarously refused,
whereupon we took out a party and compelled them in, but by her
special command that none should take a pennyworth from any
of them, which was as truly observed, I dare appeal to their own
consciences, until their malice broke forth again. Many that
had not paid their rents of some years before refused ; yea they
would not let us have provisions nor any of the conveniences of
life which they could hinder us from.

27

Our necessities and resolutions would no longer brook such
barbarism ; we then daily sent our parties only against those
that had been most active against us ; whereby our necessities
were in a short time supplied. Also we sent and burnt those
engines of war which the enemy had prepared to undermine us.
The[y] termed them 'hoggs,' which are used in approaches in
war. This exasperated the enemy that they removed their
quarters nearer to us. Whereupon this noble lady who com-
manded in chief, I may truly say with such a masculine bravery,
both for religion, resolution, wisdom and warlike policy, that her
equal I never yet saw, commanded that a party of about forty
should go and beat up their quarters in Knighton, a market
town in Radnorshire, four miles off, where Colonel Lingen's
troop, her late antagonist, was quartered. This was so per-
formed that we brought some prisoners, arms and horses
without the loss of one man; colours also we had, a hand
reaching out of a cloud, holding a sword, with the_ instruc-
tion or motto, Bex et Regina beati, sibi, suisque. This struck
such a panic fear upon the enemy, that for six weeks after they
never appeared, in which time we put ourselves into a consider-
able posture again, and made good preparation for approaching
winter, besides that noble Colonel Massey had sent us one
barrel of powder, some men and arms, which was all the en-
couragement or rescue we had.

By this time the fame of this noble lady was spread over most
of the kingdom with admiration and applause, even of her
enemies, those that were Commanders in chief against her were
extremely jeered in the king's army, but herself honourably
spoken of.

Thus our prosperity, enlargement, and happiness daily in-
creasing and growing up, suddenly and in a moment decayed and
withered, wherein we may behold as in a glass the mutability
and inconstancy of earthly honours and content and that nothing
below heaven is permanent or lasting, but of a decaying nature,
and subject to resolution and change.

This honourable lady, of whom the world was not worthy, as
she was a setting forward the work of God, suddenly and
unexpectedly fell sick of an apoplexy with a defluxion of the
lungs. Three days she continued in great extremity with admirable
patience. Never was a holy life consummated and concluded with
a more heavenly and happy end. Myself and many others of
qualitv being both ear and eye witnesses to our great admiration;
the last period of her mortal abode in this vale of tears, drawing
on apace, she with an undaunted faith and resolution looked
death in the face without dread, and the Lord Jesus with joy
and comfort, to whom she resigned her soul. From Whom she
hath received an immortal an incorruptible inheritance and
crown, which none of her enemies can reach to rob or despoil
her of.

Her body, which she desired might be wrapped in lead, was
carefully preserved and placed in a higli tower of the castle
to attend an honorable funeral which it [blank] but was

28

prevented by the malice of her implacable enemies, as shall
appear in the conclusion of this sad scene.

1 am not able to express the extremity of grief and sorrow
that this sudden deprivation and discouragement produced. Had
the enemy for many days appeared we had been able to make
very little resistance, but volleys of sighs and tears ; and no
marvel, for her gallant resolution, her admirable wisdom in
government, her earnest zeal in religion, her care of all our
preservations, her encouragement in greatest difficulties had so
drawn all our hearts to the admiration and honour of her perfec-
tions, that her commands carried us into the cannon's mouth; in
short her word was a law to us.

The saddest garrison in the three kingdoms having lost
their head and governess, began now to consider what this
loss might be to our public employment in the defence of
religion and laws, and, therefore, seeing the will of God
revealed, resolved unanimously that the commanders should
order the garrison, which continued for a month or two with
good success, till about December, 1648. A commission was
sent from both Houses of Parliament that the castle should
be kept for the King and Parliament, it being of considerable
strength, that the delinquents in the adjacent coimties might be
seized upon, that Lieutenant Wright, a very gallant gentleman,
one whose religion, resolution, good service and great sufferings
speak his fidelity to the kingdom, and to the cause of God, should
command in chief in this castle, and raise a regiment for the
reducing of this malignant county to the obedience of King and
Parliament ; an humble account whereof I shall now give, being
released out of prison, with submission to better judgments how
the first hath been discharged.

He raised a troop of horse, by which means in a very short
time we had victualled the garrison for twelve months, out of the
estates of the delinquents, also provision for our horses, all
which was gained by the sword, besides several delinquents of
quality were brought in prisoners. The fortifications both of
castle and church will yet speak industry and care.

By this time the enemy understanding our authority blocked
us up all the winter, daily assaulted us with great parties of
.horse and foot a few days, but we [ ] upon the

] so that the provision we had, we looked upon as our
last, unless we could contrive some way to keep open our
passages. We were informed that Hopton Castle within two
miles of us was designed for a garrison of the enemy, and
immediately one hundred men to be put into it, which was of so
great concernment to us that by the advice of all our commanders
mm. con. we should attempt the taking of it, which was done
with a party of about twenty men, without the loss of a man.
The manner observable. In the beginning of the night our men
came to the gate, one knocked, a soldier within demanded who
was there ? one of ours replied ' here is one, what do not you
know me'?' who, John Lane ' quoth he ? ' yes, the very same ' ;
whereupon he immediately opened the gate, and our men

29

possessed themselves of the castle. Here Captain Samuel
Moore commanded in chief, with about thirty men, having
authority from Mr. Wallop of Hampshire, the true owner
thereof, to keep it for King and Parliament, the castle being
before given to Sir Vincent Corbet for the disservice done to the
Commonwealth. Captain Moore presently fortified and victualled
it, but in a short time received a summons to deliver it, which
he refused ; whereup [on] a party of horse and foot of Prince
Rupert's army under the command of Sir Michael Woodhouse
sat down before it, made several storms against it, but were
beaten off with great loss, considering the small number of the
besieged. At last two great guns were sent against it, which
played with great fury but still resistance was made. Several
proposals offered, but all refused by the besieged. Sir Michael
Woodhouse being enraged, vowed their ruin ; as [ ]

Major of the Prince's foot assured me. Our men did daily
execution on the enemy, that themselves confessed, there were
above two hundred slain, and many wounded. The enemy
possessed themselves of a brick building very near the castle,
from whence they mined in a secret vault under the castle. Our
men perceiving this, desired a parley, and Captain Moore had
permit to go and return safely; made his demands, that his
men should have quarter for their lives, which was refused ; but
Sir Michael Woodhouse required that they should unblock then-
gate and lay their arms on a heap and turn out and submit to
mercy. This message Captain Moore delivered to his men, who
were contented to submit to mercy and give it under their hands
that they would so submit. They unblocked their port, put their
arms on a heap and came out expecting mercy.

Command was given that they should be bound two and three,
then they were stripped naked as ever they were born, it being
about the beginning of March very cold and many of them sore
wounded in defending their own works, there they remained
about an hour until the word was given that they should be left
to the mercy of the common soldiers, who presently fell upon
them, wounding them grievously, and drove them into a cellar
unfinished, wherein was stinking water, the house being on fire
over them, when they were every man of them presently
massacred ; amongst whom Major Phillips, a young gentleman
of sweet and comely person and admirable parts, suffered. This
inhuman and barbarous act, wherein the laws of God, of
man, of nature, of nations and of arms are violated, cries
to the great Justice of heaven to revenge ; and we hope
that the justice of England will in due time require an
account of it.

But let me return to Brampton Castle again ; where
the next morning this bloody regiment came vapouring
so near that some of them were slain, some unhorsed, so
they wheeled about and marched away to Shrewsbury with
their ordnance. During this tragedy at Hopton, some passages
happened in this garrison which I may not omit. One John
Cotar, an old servant of the house, our new Quartermaster,
contracted with a prisoner Lieutenant Jones of the county of

30

"Radnor, with whom he was trusted, and made an escape, by
which means all our strength was discovered to the enemy. The
night following two others that had pretended and protested very
fair run away ; after these, some fifteen soldiers of the garrison
took pattern and made their escape; so that we were left
not above fifty fighting men. These cowardly and base
spirits gave such encouragement to the enemy together with
a petition of some | gentlemen to Prince Rupert,

one of whom hath been murdered by the Cavaliers, in his
own house, that they resolved with all their power that that
destroyer of petty garrisons could make to come against us.
This bloody butcher Woodhouse with a great army came and
sat down before us; demanded our castle by summons, which
our Governor, notwithstanding his great force, refused to read,
or treat with such a tyrant, returns his summons back again,
and fires upon his army with musket shot at random. Up he
rises, and away for three or four days ; then sends another
summons, which was likewise refused. About the second week
in Lent, 1643, he sat down before us with a close siege, brought
his artillery within a mile of us, and entrenched his men, and
makes his approaches. Our Governor gives command that the
church and those houses in the town that were standing should
presently be -set on fire, by which means the enemy quartered
his men a mile off, and left about three hundred in the
trenches. Upon these about thirty of our men sallied out and
slew about sixteen of the enemy ; gained their arms and
returned without hurt. Then the enemy strengthened their
guards, built huts, raised batteries, brought their cannon
baskets and ' hoggs ' for their approaches. In all this time
we lined our walls to our best advantage, then fell upon them
with a second sally in the sunshine. We here did observe the
great power of God, and the promise made good, that five of you
shall chase an hundred; with a very small party we beat them
quite out of their works, burnt all their huts, cannon baskets,
batteries and ' hoggs ' ; took almost all the muskets in that
regiment, besides a multitude of spades and shovels and other
arms ; slew about twenty-six in the place and returned without
the loss of a man. This gave such encouragement, that we not
only gained time, but daunted our enemies, that they were as we
understood [ ] to rise up from before us. Colonel Wood-

house, enraged at this, posts away to Prince Rupert at
Shrewsbury, tells him a great story; in whose absence we sallied
out twice more ; put the enemy to flight with the same party and
still did execution and gained arms : so that with an hundred able
soldiers more we might have kept it to this day. But God that
had determined otherwise denied us that. The news of relief
came to us about this time from Gloucester, through all their courts
of guard. Woodhouse now returns with most of the Prince's
army ; the Red, Green and Blue regiments of his great ordnance,
which he speedily planted, and a multitude of pioneers and
colliers that began to mine. The multitude being so great, we
thought it not safe to adventure out any more. Then they began

31

with their great ordnance to play upon us. The first day they
made eighty-seven shots against us with a twenty and twenty-
four pound ball ; these made our walls begin to reel, which we
lined within with earth. The next day they continued shooting
as fast as they could discharge, until with a musket bullet
through the port hole we shot their cannoneer. Five days
together they followed the breach, which was very great and fair
to enter, but their hearts failed them. About this time went
another messenger from Gloucester that brought us letters, the
contents whereof were, that within three nights we should be
relieved, and we all resolved to die in the breach rather than
deliver it up.

This night the enemy fired the breach, there being much

timber and combustible matter, so that it burnt furiously. They

had in the day planted their ordnance upon the breach, and as

we were quenching the fire, they played upon us with great and

small shot in a most furious manner, yet not a man plain or so

much as daunted, so wonderful God held up our spirits. We

were fired eight or nine times, which we still quenched. All the

alarm they gave us was by firings, which we could by no

means prevent. Our expectations of relief, the third day being

over, began to fail, we yet resolved to defend the breach to the

very last man ; for their cruelty at Hopton Castle encouraged us

to die like men rather than to rely on their mercies ; besides we

knew not then, but they had given our men at Hopton quarter

under hand and seal, for so we were well informed by very many

that were there, which was the only reason why we would never

admit any parley. Three days more we defended our breach,

yet no relief came ; in all this time we had continual and dreadful

alarms night and day, that we were all tired for want of sleep.

Twice in one night their whole army, which was very great,

cried ' Fall on ! ' ' Fall on ! ' so loud, as if hell itself were broke loose,

discharging such volleys of shot that no rest could be had.

When the alarm was ended, we laughed so heartily in

the breach, ' hollowing ' that barking dogs seldom bite, that

we heard them damn themselves, but the devil was in us.

The enemy now began to terrify us with their mines, which

by this time came very near our walls, swearing most horribly

that they would blow'us up to the devil ; we replied that the

devil was below, and bid them come like men and enter their

breach or be silent, for fain we would have slept. Never did

God keep up the hearts of a poor handful of men or raise them

higher than were ours ; considering what a bloody potent enemy

lay about us and how far all possibility of relief was from us. I

speak this only to the praise of God who manifested His great

power and our weakness, otherwise these truths would render me

ridiculous. The Cavaliers seeing our resolutions to be above

their alarms, were at a stand what to do : to enter the breach

they had no stomach, they had enough of that at Hopton Castle,

began to contrive another way ; they gave some intermission

and sent to Captain Moore, ' tben their prisoner at Ludlow

Castle, that he should write a letter to Lieutenant Colonel

32

Wright, our Governor, to treat of conditions to avoid the
effusion of blood, which letter was through God's mercy
the saving of all our lives, for without it we had never
surrendered the castle. A storm of their great shot being over,
immediately they sent us a parley ; demanded whether we would
receive a letter from one of our old friends Captain Moore ? we
replied, that if all acts of hostility upon their honours and repu-
tations might cease on both sides till the parley was ended, we
would ; which was agreed upon ; presently after the receipt of
this letter, our men appearing upon the walls, the enemy gave
fire upon us ; we taxed them for their perfidiousness and put
them at defiance as men unworthy of the name of gentlemen or
soldiers. Within an hour after they recollected themselves
acknowledged their error and required an answer, which was to
this purpose : that the reason why we refused to parley
with them was their bloody act at Hopton Castle after quarter
given under hand and seal, for so we were informed. They
replied it was false, avowing the same that quarter was not there
given. We being unsatisfied demanded wherein we might
receive satisfaction by a letter from Captain Moore, whose hand
we knew, which was granted, but without a cessations of arms.
About midnight this letter came, which we refused to receive, the
time being unseasonable to let down our ports, the enemy lying
so near us ; at this they stormed and gave us a fierce alarm.

The fatal day being come, which was the Wednesday before
Easter 1644, we received this satisfying letter from Captain
Moore, that quarter was not given at Hopton Castle under hand
and seal. We then accepted a parley with Sir Michael Woodhouse,
colonel, Sir William Vavasour, colonel, and Sir William Croft,
knights, jointly made our demands ; but such was our condition
being miserably battered and without a possibility of relief, that
they would yield to no other conditions than these, viz. : that
the castle and arms should presently be delivered up otherwise
to expect no quarter; that we should yield ourselves their
prisoners ; that the lives of all in the garrison should be
preserved, and that no violence should be offered to any of
us, and if this offer was now refused, to expect extremity.
Our Governor and some of the commanders resolved to purchase
better conditions, at how dear a rate soever; but then our
divines and some others seeing a possibility of life, being
extremely tired with extremities, began to persuade the
contrary" The violence and outrages that threatened our women
and children, whose lives <we preferred before our own, and see-
ing ourselves without possibility or hopes of relief, or of further
defence or longer subsistence, we accepted their conditions and
delivered up the castle.

Within two hours after, as we since understood, an order came
from Prince Rupert to put us all to the sword, especially Doctor
Wright, our Lieutenant-Colonel. Whereupon a council of war
was called, where it was determined that, notwithstanding the
conditions subscribed, the Prince's order must be obeyed. But
Sir William Vavasour, that had more of a gentleman and a

33

soldier in him, protested against it, by whose means, through
God's mercy, we were preserved.

Next day they carried us all away prisoners to Ludlow Castle,
from thence to Shrewsbury, some of us to Chester Castle. The
inhabitants of Ludlow baited us like bears and demanded where
our God was.

It is very remarkable that in both the sieges of Brampton Castle
we lost but four men, yet five hundred and thirteen great bullets
were shot against it, and most of them came in. The enemy
confessed that they lost four hundred of their men there ; and at
Hopton Castle, that they had spent above twenty thousand
pounds before they took it. Six thousand worth of powder in
both places. After they had taken it, it was so battered that they
could not keep it. At last a command came from Prince Rupert,
that destroyer, that both these castles should be burnt and
demolished, which was performed. And thus have I rendered
some account of our service and sufferings. Let the praise be
ascribed to the Lord of Hosts, that hath not given us our lives
only for a prey.

The body of this noble lady we had interred within the castle,
which, when we had delivered up, we besought the commanders
that no dishonour might be offered to it, they promised there
should not ; but since we are informed that it was taken up under
pretence to search for jewels, but the jewels being gone, the
cabinet was raked up again in close cinders ; from whence it will
one day rise against these monsters and usurpers of the name
Christian.

Brampton Castle.

[1643.]— A list of those that were in the castle during the
siege. Includes Dr. Nathaniel Wright, lieutenant-colonel,
governor of Brampton Castle. John Hakluit, Henry Archibold
and Prianras Davies, captains. Thomas Harley, Monsieur
Peter Yachan, Dorothy and Margaret Harley, and nearly a hun-
dred others.

Hopton Castle.

[1644.]— A list of those that were in the castle. Includes
Samuel Moore [More], captain and governor, Thomas Phillips,
major, and twenty-two others.

Sir John Scudamore to Elizabeth Bletchley, in Ludlow Castle.

[1644, May.]— I have received yours and Sir Michael Wood-
house's letters and am very glad yours and my sweet cousins
freedom is so near. I think it tit that you get Sir Michael
Woodhouse to give a pass to a messenger to be presently sent
away to Sir Robert Harley to procure the Earl of Essex's pass
for all you, and for such a friend as you shall make choice of

G802 ^

34

and prevail with io bring you up. As also to send to Sir
Robert to send a hackney coach for you. God willing, I shall
not fail to wait upon you on Tuesday next. My service, I pray,
to my sweet cousins. Copy.

Thomas Harlet to Colonel [Edward] Massey.

1614, May 30. Ludlow Castle. — I and my two sisters, with
those that are with us, since Brampton Castle was taken having
been at Ludlow Castle, where we have been nobly used by Sir
Michael Woodhouse, the governor, are now set at liberty by him
to pass to London. Therefore I desire that if you cannot send a
coach to Hereford for us, that you will give a safe pass for a coach
and horses which shall bring us thither, and Sir John Scudamore,
who is pleased to do us the favour for our safer conduct, to come
with us, and for his servants and horses' safe return. Copy.

Capt. Samuel Moke to Thomas Harley, in Ludlow Castle.

[1644, May.] — I sent you a note from Stafford that my Lord
Bruerton's son is freed from his imprisonment by my Lord
Denbigh, whose enlargement I do conceive will beget yours and
your sweet sisters. I hope also your servants, Samuel Shilton and
William Bagley, shall have leave to wait on you to your father.

I was not free from my imprisonment till Saturday sevennight,
and I sent to you from Stafford, whither I was brought, but lest
that should not come to you I send this to kiss your hand.
Copy.

T. H[arley] to his kinsman, Sir John Scudamore, in Hereford.

1644, June 7. Ludlow Castle. — Our not hearing from you
since Monday is the reason why we send this messenger to you,
by whom we desire to hear if yet you have heard anything from
Gloucester in answer to our letters thither ; and when you do we
shall be very glad to see you here. Copy.

Pe (sic), Lady Scudamore to Thomas Harley, at Ludlow.

1644, June 10. Hereford. — Sweet Cousin, I have received your
letter directed unto my husband ; upon Friday last he went to-
wards Worcester, but is not yet returned ; all that I can say con-
cerning your business is this : our Governor here, Colonel Minn,
went unto Monmouth about nine days past, with a purpose to send
a trumpeter to Gloucester with all the letters, which he did, and
since is returned hither to Hereford, but can hear nothing of the
messenger ever since he went. Whereupon I told my husband that
perhaps the trumpeter might be detained till the Governor of
Gloucester return from " Mamsberry " ; but he saith that the
Governor came back upon Tuesday last. This is all I can say.
It may be'you see my husband before I shall, for I hoped he
would have returned yesterday. I desire you to remember my
service to your little sweet sisters and the gentlewoman with
them. C'ojii/.

35

Sir Michael Woodhouse to Sir John Scudamore.

1644, June 18. Ludlow Castle. — In pursuance of an order
given unto me by his Highness the Prince Rupert to set at liberty
the bodies of Thomas Harley, gentleman, Dorothy and Margaret
his sisters — the children of Sir Robert Harley, knight of the Bath
— who were amongst others taken prisoners in Brampton Bryan
Castle, in the county of Hereford, by his Majesty's forces under my
command, it is therefore by me ordered and I desire and require
you, being their near kinsman, to take into your charge and
custody the bodies of the aforementioned persons, and to take
such course as you shall think fit for the conveyance of them to
their said father in London, or elsewhere. Copy.

T. H[arley] to Colonel [Edward] Massey, Governor of

Gloucester.

1644, June 20. Holm Lacy. — I received your letter and give
you many thanks for your expression of love and kindness to us.
We are come from Ludlow Castle, and intend, God willing, to go
to London. Therefore I desire, Sir, you will do us the favour to
send to my Lord of Essex — who I hear is not far from Gloucester
— for one pass for my sisters, myself and our company to London,
and another pass for Sir John Scudamore — who doth not only
accommodate us for our journey, but himself doth us that favour
to come with us — and his two servants to go up to London, and for
the return of him, his servants, coach and horses. Copy.

Colonel Nicholas Mynne to all Officers and Soldiers
of the King's Army.

1644, June 20. Hereford. — Warrant for William Bagley to
pass to Gloucester and back. Copy.

Thomas Harley to his father, Sir Robert Harley.

1644, June 30. Northampton. — I must humbly beg pardon
that I have not presented my humble duty to you and acquainted
you how it was with us. I thank God my sisters and I are very
well, and though God hath afflicted us — which I pray God to
sanctify us — yet He hath been very merciful to us, so that
among our enemies we have received favour; and it is no
small mercy to us that God still continues health to you and
you to us. Sir, after we had been at Ludlow Castle eight
weeks and more, we were released to go to London, and Sir
John Scudamore to take care to convey us thither — who
hath showed us much kindness, and hath lent his coach and
horses to bring us, and himself comes with us.

We came out of Ludlow on Tuesday, June 18th, and came to
Holm Lacy, where we were used exceeding kindly by my Lady
Scudamore, and tarried there till the Saturday following ; and
from thence went to Gloucester, where we tarried till Thursday
after, and then went to Sheudly Castle, on Friday to Warwick,

86

and on Saturday we came safe to Northampton, where we are now ;
and I hope God will bring us safe to you, to our great joy and com-
fort after so many afflictions. Sir, my brother Robert is very well
and presents his humble duty to you. We met with him at
Gloucester, where not being well he tarried there, and because he
could not pass safe to the army he came with us as far as
Warwick. Copy.

"Relation of the Siege, Surrender and Butchery at Hopton
Castle, by Colonel Samuel Moore [More]."

[1644, February.] — As my memory serves me I went to
Hopton Castle the 18th of February, which was Sabbath day at
night. The Monday sevennight the enemy came before us, who,
facing us with a body of horse first, within an hour sent a body
of foot, who approaching the out walls, we not able to hinder
them because the work did not flank — being an old wall made
round — and burnt the lodging where Richard Steward lay, they
brought ladders to scale the walls, but upon our killing of three,
of which one in the place, they retreated and went out of
the town, but kept courts of guard near us with horse and
foot. At this time we were but sixteen men in all, myself and
Mr. Phillips being of the number. Mr. Phillips came the
Tuesday after I came, who stayed to help to advise the
making of some works, in which we were as industrious as
men could be for that short time ; so Major Phillips advised
to send for more men to Brampton Castle and they
lovingly sent us twelve, who meeting with the enemy six
of them only at that time came to us, the others went back
again ; but afterwards we had about eight more, that we were in
all thirty-one men. The enemy let us alone save for some alarms
in the night, till the Friday sevennight after the first assault, and
then they marched, as we guessed, about five hundred horse
and foot, and entered the town, and that night approached that
part of the wall, about two hours before day, where they
burnt Richard Steward's chamber, and at the back of a
chimney they with pioneers made a breach which our sentinels
discovering gave the alarm, and there we fought with the
enemy at push of pike, throwing stones and shooting. They,
as after some of theirs reported, being two hundred, got
most of them through the breach, but not within our works,
but as in a pinfold, in the circumference of the burnt
lodging, where we killed many, among the rest one Captain
Yaughan, who as since I heard was brother-in-law to Mr.
Edwards of Stretton. There we repulsed them, took six muskets,
ten pikes, eight clubs which they called Roundheads, boards many
and six or eight ladders. After this repulse the next day save one
they marched away in a full body, but it seems they went but to
Clungunford, and kept scouts and courts of guard something more
than musket shot of us, and so we were quiet almost a week save
for some alarms. Then they came again in a full body and entered
the town. The next day Mr. Francis Herbert and Mr. Charles

37

Baldwin desired to speak with me, which upon mutual assurance
of safety I yielded unto, but took one faithful man with me
named Eichard Brecknock, who was within hearing and so were
many of that side, among the rest one Captain Pindore; the
effect of their discourse was to wish me to deliver up the castle
with probable hopes I might live with my wife and enjoyment of
my estate. I answered it was not fair nor like an honest man to
betray a trust, but for my part myself would leave it to them
who trusted me, and if I might live with a safe conscience
at home I should be glad of it. So that was not hearkened
to, and I parted with them, only Captain Pindore told
me Secretary Nicholas wrote to him of the Scots defeat. I
told him I knew Secretary Nicholas well, which as he after
said was the saving of my life. This was as I remember on
Saturday. Next day came in carriage of cannon basket and
such things, and in the night three pieces of ordnance. By
Monday eight of the clock there came a drum and summoned
the delivery up of the castle, which if we did not yield before
the shooting off one piece of ordnance we must not expect
quarter. Our answer was, that we were trusted to keep it for
the service of King and Parliament, by the consent of the owner
Mr. Wallop, and would do it with loyalty and fidelity. As soon
as ever the answer came they shot at us and continued ^ with
shooting with culvering and demi-culvering, that from 9 o'clock
till five they shot ninety-six shots at our out- wall and made a
breach ; but we on the other side did work as fast as we could
and placed boughs of trees and earth to hinder their _ entry.
About five of the clock they approached the breach, which we
defended, and for the space of two hours at least we fought at push
of pike, muskets and clubs, so that we gave them a repulse with
the loss of one man, who was killed with a cannon shot, and three
or four hurt. But they lost, as they afterwards confessed, in all
one hundred and fifty of theirs, some said two hundred. I could
not imagine we killed so many, but as they said themselves, yet
we saw many fall. Next day they desired to fetch their dead
which we yielded to. They were quiet all Tuesday till night and
then they came to the brick tower and set it on fire— which we
had made in the first week we came thither, a work to (sic), from the
out-wall and so to the castle ; and on the other side from the
castle to the out-wall another, to keep the water to us— which
when we saw and could not prevent we set Gregory's house on
fire, which burning took hold on the newer brick house and
burnt it ; then we fell to make up the door of the castle, which
the enemy perceiving shot their ordnance and killed one man
and hurt two more ; we made up the door, but they brought
broom faggots to fire the porch ; we threw water to quench
it, but for all we could do the porch burnt and the door
began to fire, which we did not perfectly know _ till
we came out. Our men, weary with working all night,
and not out of their clothes for a fortnights time,
and the enemy gotten under us through a house of otfice
on the south side ; it was moved we should desire a parley,

212743

38

which being done, they bid us send our conditions which Mr.
Phillips and I contrived shortly to this effect, that we would
surrender the castle, so that we might march away with our
arms and ammunition ; they denied, we should have no condi-
tions but to yield to the Colonel's mercy. We went to consult
together and 'found that so much household stuff with provisions
were in the room below.

The castle consisting but of one room below and another above,
that we had no space to countermine, and our stairs were [ ] up,
being close to the door where the barricade was, and removing
Mr. Gregory's provision and stuff in, both Mr. Phillips my-
self and six more did plainly hear their working under us, and
as the enemy told me when I was in prison they had blown us
up within two hours. We agreed to propose to the enemy we
would yield the castle upon quarter for our lives. Answer was
brought that no other conditions would be yielded but to be referred
to Colonel Woodhouse's mercy. We then consulted again and
being brought into that condition it was thought better to
yield upon those terms, than be blown up, but indeed ^ye all
thought we should only be made prisoners, and did not think of
such a death as hereafter shall appear was upon so many honest
souls. So we told them we would yield to their mercy, only we
desired safe conduct from the violence of soldiers to the
Commander in Chief. So we came out and stood in order, I was
committed to Lieutenant Aldersey, and Major Phillips to Ensign
Phillips, so whilst the soldiers and Henry Gregory and the rest
had their arms tied, we all stayed, and then we were bidden
march, so I went, and thought the rest had followed till I went
over the water by Richard Steward's house towards Mr. Sutton's
house and then I looked back and saw none follow. I marvelled,
but my thoughts were, the rest were to be examined apart ; but
as it seems by the relation afterwards they were stayed behind,
but I was brought before Sir Michael Woodhouse, who asked me
the number of the men, which I told him, and what arms
and ammunition ? I told him about twenty-two muskets, cara-
bines and fowling pieces and three pistols. He asked what I
thought they fought for '? I told him I thought he as many
other men was misled, so he commanded me to the custody of
Lieutenant Aldersey, to one Glasbrook's house in the upper
end of the town, where, after I had been about an hour, an officer,
whose name I never heard, asked me what money I knew of there
hid. I told him none. He urged me and said Mr. Phillips had
confessed some. I told him I did know of none nor knew that
Mr. Phillips knew of any. So he went after some threatenings.
Another came and asked me whether I desired to live ? I
answered it was natural to desire to live, yet I prized not my life
before a good conscience. Then a little after, about three hours
after the delivery of the castle, Lieutenant Aldersey asked me
how many of the soldiers I thought were sent to Shrewsbury ?
I told him I knew not, I conceived all were in one condition ;
he told me none, which I wondering at apprehended they
were delivered and was somewhat cheerful, but then be

39

answered with an oath they were all killed, whereat I was
troubled in myself, though I did not much express my
sorrow, only said I hoped then they were happy, or to that effect.
So night growing on, I was called to eat with Lieutenant Aldersey,
who indeed used me civilly. I could eat but little ; then he let
me lie upon his own bed, where I lay till day break, and then I
rose, and so they fell to prepare for Ludlow, whither I was brought,
and from that time till taking Brampton Castle I was close
prisoner ; my wife had liberty to come to me but not speak
without an officer by. Two days before Brampton Castle was
taken, Captain Dean, in Sir Michael Woodhouse's regiment,
pretended to come to see me, and in discourse told me they had
battered the castle, so as they were ready to enter and were ready
to spring a mine, and if I desired to have them saved, I might do
well to persuade them to yield. I told him I had no means to
write ; he said he would convey the letter. I told him then I would
write what I heard. So I wrote to Dr. Wright that I heard
Brampton Castle was not like to hold long out, and that con-
ditions were granted, better sought timely than stay too long,
but I left it to his more wise consideration. He answered me that
he heard Sir Michael Woodhouse break his conditions with me, for
he promised quarter as he heard, and therefore he would not
treat with him. I replied we were referred to his mercy ; so
then they treated and agreed. I hope it saved blood, but I
confess I had much reluctance with myself, knowing it was their
own ends they sought, and therefore I wrote warily, expressing I
was close prisoner. After Brampton Castle was taken I had my
liberty to speak more freely and to come into the kitchen and
speak with the people of the house, and so continued a while till
my exchange ; only Mr. Symmonds, a minister of Essex that was
Sir Michael Woodhouse' s chaplain, came to see me and got me so
much liberty as to go to the chapel in the castle two sabbath
days, otherwise I was not permitted to go out of the lodge. I
moved Mr. Symmonds that since my estate was sequestered and
my house plundered I might be allowed out of my- estate to pay
for my diet. This was also granted, after that time which was
about a fortnight and three days before my release, but the rest
of the time I paid.

October 23rd, 1644. — This was wrote in a little time after the
whole relation in Mr. Samuel Moor's own hand and belongeth to
the first time they faced us and assaulted us. After they had
done they sent Mr. Sutton to me to tell me the Prince Rupert
required the delivery of the Castle of Hopton. I sent word I
understood no message that came without drum or trumpet ;
then he sent me word he had taken my son, and it's certain they
thought they had taken him, but it was Robin Millard they took
for him. Also I omitted another thing which was, that the
Friday following their first attempt, they sent a summons by a
drum' subscribed by Sir Michael Woodhouse, who demanded the
castle in the name of Prince Rupert, and if we would treat he
would send hostages. My answer was I kept it by authority of
Parliament by the consent of the owner Mr. Wallop, for the
service of King and Parliament.

10

Ee as all the rest as 1 heard by themselves when 1 was in
prison were unmercifully killed. Your brother as some of them
told me offered '200/. to save his life ; they took him and brought
him into the castle to receive the money; he told them if they
would suffer him to send to Brampton Castle they should have it.
They swore at him and stabbed him presently ; all the rest, being
twenty-five, were killed with clubs or such things after they were
stripped naked. Two maids they stripped to their smocks and
cul them, but some helped them to escape. Copy.

Note to above. This was wrote in an odd little scrip of paper
in Mr. Samuel Moore's hand, what it belongeth to I know not
well, though I believe Mr. Samuel Moore wrote this to Mr.
Phillips to let him know that his brother was and how killed. Copy.

William Bagley to Thomas Hauley.

1646, June 15. Putney.— I have cast up my thoughts and
according to my best understanding as far as I am able to judge,
I think your father's losses in the ruin of the castle, the out-
buildings, the burning of the town, the goods and furniture of
the castle, the loss' of all his cattle, his rents and other ruins
that are made upon his estate may be about twelve or thirteen
thousand pounds, besides what waste hath been made in his
woods I know not ; for the church I conceive thirteen or four-
teen hundred pounds may build and repair seats in it again.
And for the townsmen's losses I cannot well say what it may be
until I have some further information from them ; but yet I shall
declare to my thoughts, which are thus ; if all they who have
term for life or years must again repair the buildings out of
those ruins, and your father to repair the rest of the town, then
I think the loss' of the townsmen will amount to about two
thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds, or thereabouts.

The day of our enemies' close approach was July 26th, 1643.
They brought seven great iron guns, one whereof they called
Roaring Megg. Their great god in whom they trusted broke in
pieces at the third shot and hurt many of their own company;
and at three sallies out upon them, we had not one man killed,
but many of theirs ; and when our time was expired that we
must hold the castle no longer we delivered it up April the 17th,
1644. For many acts of God's providence towards us in this
time of our trial and trouble, I believe you have more particu-
larly recorded then I am able to do. Copy.

Beampton Bryan.

1646 [-7], March 12. — An account rendered to the Committee
of Accounts at Hereford of the losses in goods and cattle of those
that were in the castle and town of Brampton Bryan occasioned
by the King's forces, amounting to 2,551L 14s. This sum in-
cludes—Colonel Dr. Wright, 240/. ; Stanley Gower, rector, 368/. ;
Francis Boughey, minister, 134/.

41

Brampton Bryan,

Same date. — An account of the moneys required to rebuild the
church and town, amounting to 3,216/. The church, 1,200/. ; the
parsonage, 250/., and 19 houses the occupants of which are
named, are included in the estimate/''

The Duke of Albemarle, Lord General, to Col. Edward
Harley, Governor of Dunkirk.

16G0, July 21. Cockpit.— The Lords of the Treasury having
appointed that the officers and soldiers of the army give under
their hands what Crown lands were bought by or do belong to
them, he desires that Col. Harley's garrison will deliver to^ him
the particulars of such lands or rents, viz. King's, Queen's or
Prince's lands, as they have really purchased, the time when
they purchased them, with the yearly value of them and whether
in trust or for themselves.

Two copies of these particulars to be sent to Dr. Samuel
Barrowe at Mr. William Clarke's house in the Pellmell, one of
them for delivery to the Surveyor-General, the other to be kept
by him.

Signed.

The Same to the Same.

1661, May 8. Cockpit.— This bearer Sir Bernard De-Gum (de
Gomme) is the gentleman whom his Majesty has appointed to go
over for viewing the fortifications of Dunkirk garrison. I desire
you to tell him when you go out of town that he may go along
with you.

" Young Bobin " to Sir Bobert Harley, at his Lodging at
a strong water shop over against the " Blew Bore " in
Tuttle (Tothill) Street, Westminster.

[16] 62, August 8. — I now perceive it impossible to live within
the cities of London and Westminster and not turn courtier. I
wish your lodging had been at Wapping. But whether I write to
a man of this world or to an angel is a dispute, yet I expect an
answer and am indifferent from what place, but to let you see
that a son of Bobin Hood cannot be ill natured I will make this
manly interpretation of your unkindness, that it is as difficult
to find me as a stag in the forest of Sherwood, where men of that
race could hardly be harboured, as many worthy balletical
records can inform you, yet knowing you to be almost one of us
(though of an Indian race) I dare tell you that I am sometimes at
Swarkeston, sometimes at Warsop, and now at Bestwood, merry in
all places and which is more, well pleased and drink your health

•The letters and papers printed so far in this Report arc taken from modern
copies bound up in Vol. XXIII. of the " Portland Papers " at Longlcat. A few
papers in this volume, besides those noted on p. 18 ante, have been omitted, as they
are printed from the Harley papers at Welbeck in the Commissioners' report on that
collection.

42

dead or alive, which your captain and cornet never will
refuse, and thus I have given you a true and perfect
account of the plots and affairs of this county as to mankind.
Bui should I enter into or upon the other sex, and tell you a true
account of my Lady Newcastle's horsematch, I must crave aid
from Sir John Denham and his fellows who trade in nectar, yet
to speak truth wo have good squeezed malt that smells full out
as well as sandwich (sic), and that well followed makes us appear
like men ; let others express our actions and hers, for we are not
hook-learned. And now Robin by name and not by nature I bid
you farewell, and if thou darest meet me near Warsop upon the
forest at the Lady Newcastle's horsematch the last of August,
where in taffeta instead of armour bright' 'tis six to four I may
appear, you shall see such a fight as England affords not the
fellow and possibly become one of the brotherhood, which will be
no small honour, laying your ordinary knighthood aside, to you
and a particular kindness from, &c.

Postscript. — I have a lady and some of my race remembers
you. Direct your letters by the Nottingham post to Bestwood
and they will find.

Sir RoQbert] Haiiley to his brother [Sir Edward] Harley.

1GG2, November 1. Dover.— I think it fit to send you the en-
closed papers. The two letters are from the Lord Mordant, the
person mentioned in the King's is Mr. Rumbal. I had divers
orders from the King for money, one is with Mr. Rumbal, he can
give you an account how we were dealt with, the others I know
not where they are, and are worth nothing further than testi-
monials.

Sir Robert Murray to Sir Edward Harley, to be left
with the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[16] (57, June 21. Edinburgh.— Till I came hither I was tied
up indispensably from making my business known, now I may
tell you the King hath named me to be one of six commissioners
for managing the Treasurer's place here, the other five are,
Earls Rothes, Lauderdale and Tweeddale, Lords Bellenden and
Cochrane, so that I cannot tell when I shall stir from hence,
though my presence here may be dispensed withal six months in
the year ; but possibly about' September I may go southwards,
but be it when it will, I still intend to come your way.

After I have thanked God with you for preserving you from
your intestine enemy the gout, I shall only take so far notice of
the success God hath been pleased to give the public enemies as
to tell you neither of us needs the other's reflections to fill his
heart with new fits of melancholy ; our hope is, the foundations
stand sure.

There is here a rich East India Hollander outward bound
brought in prize by two of the King's frigates under the command
of Sir Jeremy Smith. There is in her, as I am told, six chests of

43

coined silver and one of ducats, and is fully loaded with other
commodities, so that of twenty-six guns only six can be used. We
hear also of another rich ship brought in last night. I have not
now time to write to the honest Doctor [Burnet ?] ; you will
acquaint him with my concerns, and I intend to write to him by
the next.

Sir Eobbbt Murray to Sir Edward Harley, to be left
with the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[16]67, August 7. Edinburgh. — Till this very evening I cannot
say I had leisure to answer yours from London since I had it,
and I presume now, that this will find you making an end of the
business that your voyage to Westminster interrupted, where I
hope there is no reigning distemper of bodies nor minds, but
that now every one shall sit under his ' Gennetmoil ' (?) and his
' umberleaf ' in peace, and rilled with all the blessings I wish may
dwell at Brampton. This place affords nothing to entertain you
with. I shall be glad to hear of your own and your brother's
safe return to the country. I know nothing as yet of my stirring
from hence till this year be over, but if I do I still retain the
thoughts of making Brampton in my way to London, if I be master
of my time. If you please the while to let me hear from you, were
it only to tell me that all with you are well, returns will not be
wanting, by which you may take some measure of my joy.

Sir Bobert Murray to Sir Edward Harley, at the Unicorn
at the lower end of King Street, Westminster.

[16] 67, December 9. Edinburgh. — -You outdo me still more
and more, the account you give me of the great matter there is
as full as it is remarkable. Now it may be hoped things will go
on smoothly. I have no manner of imagination that the Earl
[of Clarendon] shall ever return again. You and I are not in
danger of needing a confeienceto reconcile us as to the verdict of
Aratus. And I think it is easy for either of us to know what the
other's judgment will be, if the case be proposed. The Earl of
Tweeddale is to be found at the Earl of Lauderdale's lodgings in
Whitehall or his house at the upper end of Suffolk Street. It
will be worth your pains to talk with him. Your health and your
brother's are very precious to me. It is not the first time Marsigni
hath deceived his friends. I am indeed sorry for his miscarriage,
but no less for his brother's detriment. If there were anything
of moment here to entertain you with, I would add it.

Sir Robert Murray to Sir Edward Harley, at Brampton
Bryan Castle, to be left with the Postmaster of Ludlow.

[16] 73, June 24. [London.] — Mr. Clogie hath not as yet done
me 11 ie favour to see me, so his missing of your letter makes my
loss double. Your brother Robin I have seen in the physician's
hands, but Thomas not as yet. I hear of his design, but Dr.
Tong settles at Mr. Sadler's house, and I suspect disappoints

44

liiin. Stories of the engagements with the Dutch fleet were now
too stale and cannot but be fully known to you, but 1 think the
surrender of Maestricht will he new to you, which fell out on
Friday last. The Gazette tells you of a most gallant action of
the Duke of Monmouth that was the cause of it, for being
possessed of that half moon they found a hornwork galled them,
whereupon it was stormed and carried with the loss of some two
hundred men, but immediately upon it the town treated and
had ordinary honourable conditions and 5,000 foot and 1,000
horse they say marched out of it. It will be new to you also
to tell you that Mr. de Schomberg arrived here yesterday, but
what resolution will be taken now that the Duke goes is not yet
told. The "Tombeau de Contraiverses" is printed in English, out
not that translation, you know of another prevented it. I have
not }Tet had the opportunity to get you an answer to your ques-
tion about your mercurial medicine, but I have myself no
kindness for it, but I think I may get you a more skilful judgment
of it than mine. You will have heard of the change of the
Lord Treasurer, and its consequences.

Dr. G[ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley, to be left
with the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[1682-3,] February 15. — The small civilities which I en-
deavoured to pay to your most deserving son are overpaid when
they are remembered. His own merit gives him a just title to
much more than I could ever express, and I confess I never saw
him but with a secret joy in my heart when I observed so many
fair and excellent beginnings in him, which makes me hope he is
born to be a blessing to the rising generation, and that all the few
remnants of virtue and piety that are yet left are not like to go
off the stage so soon but that some young men grow up to fill the
rooms of those that must go off ere long. I am very glad you
are so favourable as to approve those short remarks I ventured
to make on the letter of the French clergy. They had the luck
to be so favourably received by those in Paris that understand
English that those who were writing answers gave over, and
pressed the hasting a translation of that little book into French
which is now printed. You are certainly in the right when you
observe that the cruelty of that church is neither to be appropriated
to the order of the Jesuits nor to the Spanish nation, though the
sourness of the latter and the forwardness of the other have made
both more barefaced than the rest. Their cruel doctrines and
practices began about 350 years before the Order of Jesuits was
formed and as France was the first scene of them so it is no
wonder they should now lick up that vomit while they retain
the same spirit and principles. I am at present at a stand
as to that design of which I spoke to your son, other things
having intervened, but whenever I return to it I will be sure to
make my application to you for such assistances as you can
afford me, being very well assured of your zeal for helping
forward all such undertakings. I pray God preserve you

45

long to be such a support and honour as you are to the
reformed religion and make your son to inherit your qualities as
well as he is to do your fortunes, and am with all due esteem and
acknowledgment, &c.

Postscript. — My most humble and most affectionate service to
your son.

Dr. G[ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley, recommended
to the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[1683,] May 26.— I delayed answering yours till the end of the
week hoping by that time to be able to give you some account of
those who are on their journey hither from Scotland, but my
last letters tell me that one of them will not be here till the end
of the next week and the other not for a week or two after.

I shall take care that the person I recommend to Sir Thomas
Wilbraham have the qualification my Lady desires, but I desire
to know whether I shall soon after his coming hither send him
down or if I may not keep him here a month to help him to wear
off any roughness that may be in his accent. I beg you will give
my most humble service to Mr. Newport, I take it for a very
great honour that he is pleased to allow me to recommend a
chaplain to him. I shall answer for it he shall be both a
good and a learned man, and a true protestant and
sincerely, though not furiously, of the church of England. The
person that is coming up is of great discretion, as well as other-
wise of excellent parts, and will, I hope, soon get over the
accent of his country. I ought to say a great deal in acknow-
ledgment to yourself for your generous charity towards my
countrymen, who have certainly left all they had in this world
upon the account of their conscience when they had no reason to
look for so good a provision as many of them have found in
England. There is good reason to hope they will adhere to the
last who have showed their steadiness so early, and those who
have felt the smart of rigour upon themselves are not likely to
be carried with a tide of severity against their brethren that
differ from them. My last letters from France are the saddest I
have had from thence of a great while, many eminent persons
have abjured their religion, three ministers have lately done it of
whom Mr. de Mahrs, minister of Orleans, is the most remarkable ;
he was a man of great parts and hitherto of an exemplary life.
One De Brues, an advocate at Montpellier that answered the
Bishop of Condom's book, has also turned and refuted himself,
and it is thought many thousands will follow their example.

This affects me more than all their severities, which do likewise
every day increase, for I have received this day an edict of the
5th of May, that if any papist comes within any of their temples
the minister shall be condemned to the amende honorable to
perpetual banishment and confiscation of his goods. This is
since by a private order thus explained that in every church there
shall be one pew or bank for such catholics as shall be sent to
hear and observe the sermon, but the edict is to take place

46

against all that come except those of this pew, so that any
malicious papist by going to one of their churches has it in his
power to bring all this misery on them. I wish we may all have
that tender sense of their condition that may prepare us for the
like when it shall come to our turn. I give my most faithful
service to your worthy son, and am with a deep respect, &e.

Dr. G [ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley, to be left with
the Postmaster at Ludlow.

1683, June 5. — I must begin with my humble thanks for
your kind present of cider which I had to-day. There was com-
pany with me when it was brought in, so I called for a bottle of it
and we all agreed that it was incomparably good.

This morning the gentleman came to me whom I am to re-
commend to Sir Thomas Wilbraham. Upon a long conversation
with him I find him to be a truly mortified and serious as well as
an able man, and I hope within' a month he will have so shaken
off the rudeness of his dialect that his pronunciation shall not be
at all offensive, but by that time I must desire your directions
how I shall address him to that noble family where he is to
serve as chaplain. There is one either on his journey or very
near it that I intend to send to Mr. Newport ; it is not he I
expected that comes but indeed another sort of a man,
one whom I have these twelve years since I first knew him
reckoned among the worthiest of the clergy I have ever been
acquainted with. He has always lived just upon the border of
England, so that I know his accent will have very little of his
country. He had a great living both for the extent of his parish
and for the profits, but he minded the one so much and the other
so little that he was a great and shining light in that country.
He is above forty but has the gravity of threescore. I doubt
not but that honourable person will be very well satisfied with
him and will find it a blessing to have such a one in his family.

But besides these who are all unmarried there are two very
eminent persons that are married who would be very glad if a
door were opened for them to labour in the ministry, and though
of those who are thus turned out the livings were at least 60/.
a year and some above 120/., yet they who have abandoned all
rather than sin against their conscience do not look at high
things in this world but will be easily satisfied with a moderate
competency. You see how much I build on your goodness and
your zeal for the public good as well as your compassion for all
good men that fall under such difficulties. I add no more but
the continuance of my faithfullest and tenderest services to your
son, and beg you will ever look upon me as one that is in a very
particular manner, etc.

The Same to the Same.

[1683,] July 19.— I hope you will forgive a very short letter
now, for my attendance on my Lord Kussell as it takes up the

47

greatest part of my time so it fills all ray thoughts. I shall only
say this of him, that in my whole life I never saw so much of the
worthiness of a brave man and of the greatness of an excellent
christian met together as are in him. He will die clearing him-
self of all those crimes for which he is condemned except only
the concealment of some treasonable propositions which he
opposed to that degree that they were laid aside. He has spoken
to me of many of his friends whom he thought I knew and among
others with great tenderness of his cousin Mr. Newport, and
rejoices much at his recovery and that good temper of mind he
is in. Two days ago the gentleman came hither whom I intend
to recommend to him. I have not yet seen him but he left word
he would be ready when I should desire him to go down, so a fort-
night hence he shall come down, by the grace of God, as he I
recommended to Sir Thomas Wilbraham shall go in the second
coach that goes from hence next week and I shall follow your
orders of writing first by the post to Sir Thomas. I have written
all this not without great uneasiness, so I only add besides my
faithfullest service to your son that I am, &c.

Dr. G[ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley, to be left
with the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[1683,] August 18.— I cannot write any long letter, being^ to
go a short journey for a few weeks over into France, having
obtained a pass for it, so that I have several little things upon
my hand. I intend to come back, if it please God, by the
beginning of the Michaelmas term, and then I shall give you a
more particular account of the state of the protestants of France.
In the meanwhile I beg you will give my most humble service to
Mr. Newport, for whom I will leave a letter which his chaplain
will bring to him within a few days. I hope you will forgive a
short letter and believe that I am both your son's, &c.

The Same to the Same.

[1683,] November 20.— I remember you told me you had a
copy of Mr. Cloggy's [Clogie's] life of Bishop Beadle [sic, Bedell]
and in the leisure that my retirement is like to procure me this
winter I intend to look over that and see what I can make of it, so
if you will do me the favour to let me have the sight of that book
a few weeks I shall certainly return it to you again and shall send
you with it the form in which I will cast it that it may be com-
municated to the author. I shall mix no other matter with this,
being resolved for some time to withdraw myself from all the
conversation and table of the world, so that I neither know
nor will know what is doing abroad, but I will ever consider
myself as particularly happy in the goodness you are pleased
to have for me and will be much joyed to hear of the two
chaplains that by your means I recommended have answered
expectation or not. I give my most faithful service to your son
and am, &c,

48

Dr. G [ilbert] Burnet to [Sir Edward Harley] .

1683, December 8. — I most humbly thank you for the kind
invitation with which you honoured me in that letter which your
son brought me, and if I were master of my own time I would
very cheerfully have embraced the opportunity of enjoying so
much satisfaction and reaping so much advantage, but though it
has been thought fit to hinder my going on in a lecture at St.
Clements, yet I continue at the Rolls as formerly. Last night I
had another from you with one inclosed from Mr. Cloggy, which
I will communicate with Mr. Fraser, and then will set about it
very suddenly and as soon as I have put it in order I will trans-
mit all to Mr. Cloggy before ever thinking of putting anything
under the press. I shall in the next place beg leave to ask you
whether Mr. Newport and Sir Thomas Wilbraham are well
satisfied with the persons I presumed to recommend to them and
if there is anything of which it may be fit to advertise them, for
strangers are apt to commit errors out of ignorance. I know
you expect nothing from me of public affairs and indeed though
I had a mind to write concerning them I know so very little that
I could not give any good account of them. This is still certain
the more we look into the methods of divine providence we must
say clouds and darkness are round about him, but when we shall
see through these we shall be fully satisfied with this that
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of, or rather the
establishment and basis of, his throne. I rejoice very much to
find myself so happy in the kind remembrances of two persons
whom I value so highly as I do yourself and your son, and am
with great fidelity, &c.

Dr. G [ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley. Recommended
to the Postmaster at Ludlow.

[1684,] January 22. — I most humbly thank you for your
kind present and I assure you the founder is not forgotten,
though without any such remembrance I have such deep im-
pressions of your worth on my mind and count myself so happy
in the share you are pleased to allow me in your good opinion
that I please myself not a little in so great an honour. I have
now writ over Bishop Bedell's life, but have varied it so much
from the dress Mr. Cloggy put it in that I am afraid he will
think I have stripped it too much of the ornaments with which
he clothed it. As soon as it is copied out I will send it to him,
and I beg the favour of you that you will desire him to bring it
to you when he gets it, for I believe I may need your assistance
to make him pardon the alterations that I have made in it. I
wish you and your worthy son and your whole family a very
happy year, and am with much gratitude, &c.

Dr. G [ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley.

[1684 ?] April 3. — I take the liberty to ask you whether two
bundles of papers which I sent above six weeks ago directed for

49

Mr. Cloggy, but to be left at your house, came safe through or
not, for though few things miscarry that are sent by the carriers,
yet my not hearing from Mr. Cloggy gives me some apprehensions
that they are not come to his hands. I have since that time got
a great many of Bishop Bedell's letters to Archbishop Ussher
which are indeed worthy of him, and of which if I print the life
I will print a great many, for they relate to the chief matters in it,
in particular two long ones of which the one is about pluralities
and the other the spiritual courts. Whether Mr. Cloggy's delaying
to answer may not flow from his dislike of the method I have
put it in and the uneasiness he finds in telling me so much I can-
not tell, but if this is the truth pray tell him that he may be very
free with me for I will not take it amiss from him, nor will I stir
one step but with his approbation. I humbly beg your pardon
for giving you this trouble, to which I only add my most humble
service to your son, and that I am with great duty, &c.

Dr. G[ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley, to be left
with the Postmaster at Ludlow.

1684-5, January 10. — I am much beholding to you for the
friendly concern that you are pleased to express for me, and few
things can rejoice me more than to find that I have been some
way useful to any person in the best and most important of all
other things. Now it has pleased God so to order it by his
providence that the employment in which I was0 is fallen by the
good old man's death, so that if I had been let alone I must have
been by this time in the same state in which I am. I hope I
shall be a gainer by my silence, and I do not think that any
other person can lose much by it. To be forced to retire into
one's own mind and to examine all that one has said as well as
the principles and motives from which it has proceeded, may
prove both a blessing to one's self and in due time, that is in God's
time, may be of some advantage to others. I am very glad
that you are like to dispose of your son so much to your
satisfaction. I am confident there is a blessing in store for him,
he looks so little like the rest of the youth of the age, and I hope
all these good seeds in him will grow up to a plentiful harvest.
I pray God to prosper all he sets about, and in this more par-
ticularly upon which so much depends.

I am very sorry for good Mr. Garden's death, for the world
can very ill spare such men. He is, I am sure, vastly a gainer
by his change. As for one to succeed him, I shall endeavour to
supply Mr. Popham very speedily with one for whom I can
answer in all respects. There is one that has been for some
time in my house of whose piety and discretion as well as his
learning I can say a great deal. I am under half an engagement
for him another way, but I have writ to know whether
I may dispose of him this way or not, and within a week

*ThePreacliriship at the Kolls from which Burnet had recently b< en removed and
his appointment to which would have lapsed by the death of the Masterof the Rolls,
Sir Barbottle Grimston, a few days before the date of this letter.

0802 D

50

will expect an answer ; if I cannot send him I will send another
that was in office in Scotland and left his church upon the Test.
I carried him with mo to France last year, from whence he is
lately returned; he is also both a good, a wise and a learned
young man, so you shall be sure of the one or the other of these
persons. The former is not yet in orders, so either a title is to
be sent hither for qualifying him to be ordained, or he must go
as Mr. Garden did and be ordained by the Bishop of Gloucester.
I desire to know how soon you would have the person sent
down, and that you will write me the address to Mr. Popham's
house. I am still more and more obliged to be with all humble
respect, &c.

Dr. G[ilbert] Burnet to Sir Edward Harley.

[1685,] February 12.— When I writ to you three weeks ago
I was not then determined as to the person whom I should re-
commend to you for supplying Mr. Garden's room, and the great
change that has been here had driven almost all other thoughts
out of my mind, but without entering into melancholy reflections
upon so great a turn of divine providence, which are fitter
exercises for a closet than for a letter, I shall now crave leave to
tell you that I have disengaged the young man that is in my house
from the employment to which I had half promised him, so he
shall be ready upon a week's warning to go to Mr. Popham's.
He is a learned and pious man as most of his age that I have
known for many years, and he is a very prudent and discreet
person, so that I can answer very confidently for him; he is not
yet in orders, but upon the procuring a title for him as was done
for Mr. Garden I know the Bishop of Gloucester will ordain him.
I beg that you will be pleased to let me know when his going
down will be expected and that you will also let me know by
what conveyance he is to go to Mr. Popham's. I think to go for
some time beyond seas within a few weeks, which makes me
desirous to see this affair at an end before I go. I give my most
humble service to your worthy son and am, &c.

John Locke to Sir Edward Harley, M.P., at Brampton,
near Ludlow.

[16] 94, September 25. London. — Though I cannot doubt but
you are assured there is nobody more your servant than I, yet I
cannot but think a letter from me, especially of the kind this will
be, will somewhat surprise you, for it is no less than to desire
you lay by all that country business which you had reserved to
the little time is now between this and the Parliament, and to
come up to town immediately. So bold a presumption as this
without farther explaining myself will possibly appear very odd
to you, and I myself think it so extravagant that I should not
venture to send it you were I not satisfied I should be able to
justify myself to you for having done it, when you come to town,
and should condemn myself for having failed in that respect and

51

service which I owe you if I had clone otherwise. It is but a
little anticipating your journey up to the Parliament, and 1
conclude you will when you are here think it time not lost. I
therefore earnestly press you again, and if you do not think me a
vain man I beseech you to believe that I would not have writ to
you this fashion had I not had some reason. I should be very
glad to see you here without any answer, but if you think fit to
honour me with a line or two, pray let it be to assure me of your
being speedily here.

Postscript.— I lodge at Mr. Pawlings, over against the Plough
Inn in Little Lincoln's Inn Fields.

Sir Josiah Child to John Morlby, junior, at Halsted in Essex.

1694, October 26. Wanstead.— Being returned to Wanstead
I think it necessary to desire you to hasten in my tithes, that at
this time of general scarcity for money that sum abating your
collection may go in part of my new purchase of the farm you
last sold me, and pray take of my cousin Sparrow what is just
equally with other men ; in matters of right friendship and rela-
tion having no place, neither did I ever expect it from a brother
in the like case, the old saying is allowed among all relations
' what I buy I buy, and what I give I give.'

If you have bought the other farm near my park I shall readily
pay for it though much more money is got by the present funds
then the best bargains of land.

Of Mr. Gray's house and the Butt yard upon further enquiry I
have no opinion at all, not thinking it worth above 11. per
annum, except one should set up for building of cottages, which
you know I never had a mind to.

George Savile, Marquis of Halifax, to Mr. [Kobert?]

Harley.

Monday morning. — I would know, sir, whether . after your
morning sacrifice for the public, you can allow yourself an idle
part of a day so as to call upon me at half an hour past one, and
make a trip to Acton this fine clay, where we will eat a bunch of
grapes to whet us for a piece of mutton at eight of clock when we
return. I would know whether you would have a third, to be sure
I want nobody when I have Mr. Harley;

The Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretary of State, to [Robert]

Harley.

1694, October 4. — The time for the meeting of the Parliament
drawing near occasions my renewing a request I made before to
you, that I might discourse with yourself and Mr. Foley. If you
continue disposed to allow me that favour I will be at home and
alone any hour upon Saturday and Sunday in the afternoon that
shall l>e convenient to you.

Postscript. — I live now in St. James's Square.

52

The Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretary of State, to [Robert]

Harley.

1694, November 6. Whitehall. — If it may suit with yours and
Mr. Foley's conveniency, my Lord Godolphin and I are desirous
to discourse again with you upon the same subject we last met
about. If to-morrow at six in the evening be a convenient time
for Mr. Foley and you, my Lord Godolphin and I will be at that
time at my house in the Square ; but if you are otherwise
engaged at that time, I desire the favour of a line from you to
appoint any other hour, place, or day.

The Same to the Same.

1694, November 20. — I am ' extream ' sorry I was not at home
when you did me the favour yesterday to call. I should be glad
if it would suit with convenience to call here this evening about
seven o'clock, because I would be glad to discourse with you, and
have your opinion in relation to some matters that deserve an
immediate consideration. If I name a time inconvenient to
your affairs, I desire you will be so kind and so free as to name
any other this evening or to-morrow morning.

[Robert Harley to the Archbishop of Canterbury.] °

1701, August 11. — When I first resolved to write to your
Grace I put my name to the letter, and also inserted some par-
ticular passage which had passed between your Grace and myself
formerly, but before I sent it away I altered that resolution, not
out of any apprehension that I have done anything but my duty,
and what becomes an honest man and a christian, but because I
see your Grace is in the hands of some men who have neither
religion nor common morality, and should you show them the
letter or they get it into- their hands, which is very common with
them, it is plain they would make no scruple of prevailing with
you to expose yourself and torment me, and though I shall readily
own this if charged with it, yet I do not think I am obliged to
court my own trouble. Therefore I have transcribed the letter
over again, and altered my hand and left out my name and
some few passages which would make your Grace easily
know who I am. Thus far I will let you know that
I am a lay gentleman, that my mind as well as my fortune
render me independent any other way than as obliged by the
laws of the land, and the duty of a good christian. I have long
lamented the scandalous heats which have been of late amongst
churchmen, and upon all occasions have taken your Grace's part
in discourse relating to the affairs of the Convocation, in hope
that some happy hours would fall out to make up this breach ;
and it has been owing to my influence that many sober clergymen

* We print this document as it stands in the chronological arrangement of the
papers, but there is no other paper throwing any light on the circumstances in which
it was written, or showing that the original letter of which this is a draft or copy
ever reached Archbishop Tenison's hands. The deprivation of Dr. Watson, Bishop
of St. David's, and subsequent proceedings relating thereto, seem to be the subject
of the letter.

53

here in my neighbourhood have not hitherto engaged themselves
in this affair. But now, my Lord, I must speak plainly to you
from the bitterness of my soul, that not only my hopes of healing
are vanished, but I look upon a dismal prospect of ruin to
Christianity and even morality.

In the name of God what did you mean to send a fire-
brand through all your province, and which I am, very
well assured you had no leave for doing, first to procure
and indite such a letter which treats clergymen with such
language as no gentleman gives to any one ; were you afraid
that people would have complied, I know that was the fear of
some people, but to be plain you have brought this home to us
laymen and we must find a remedy. I must tell you what you
have nobody else faithful enough " to do it; you are entirely
under the influence of those who have not only discharged them-
selves from all obligations of religion, but also have for many
years been promoting, first Socinianism then Arianism and now
Deism in the state, they have propagated notions which destroy
all government ; in order to perfect that, they set up for notions
which destroy all religion and so consequently dissolve the
bonds of all society. These are the people who hire the writers,
nay revise the books themselves, at whose charges these books
are printed, and great numbers given away. These are the men
who govern you, who recommend clergymen to you, who laugh at
yOU_to my knowledge— for it after; I heard one myself expose
you for saying to an atheistical peer, ' Pray my Lord have a care
of yourself, good men are scarce, my good Lord Macclesfield is
gone.' Could any one that had common regard to his own
reputation pick out two such profligate creatures. And for your
clergy counsellors two or three who would engross preferments
into their own hands, together with that mad Bishop of Sarimi
who has been contemned by all parties and all times for his
intemperate fury as well as his immoralities and his falsehood.

But my Lord give me leave to expostulate freely with you, and
to lay before you the danger you are flying yourself and all in.
I would use the words of our English Seneca to Archbishop Laud,
and the case is pretty parallel. I do believe your Grace is a true
Christian, and it is plain that Laud was no Papist, yet he did
their business [as] effectually for them as if he were. This enraged
them, and united people against him, and the torrent ran so
strong I need not mention the direful consequences.

If you are not a Sadducee what do you in their tents ? be either
a bird or a beast, part either with your wings or your claws. If
you will be amongst the Sadducees quit the clergy, but now under
your protection and shadow all these execrable heresies grow up
and are nourished whilst you are disputing whether a lower house
of Convocation can adjourn themselves. Oh, ridiculous! and
yet it now appears that they had even abstained from that and
yet you would not let them alone, so that it is very clear those
who 'act 'you mean something else, and your trumping up a
Legatine power, when you sit only by virtue of the Queen s writ,
which last session you sufficiently broke through. It is time tor

r, i

the laity to examine this pretended power, and not leave it to
the arbitrary will of a Metropolitan to deprive his com-bishops
will lout law or example, to save one equally guilty.
Draft or Copy in Harlci/s handwriting.

H[enry] St. John to [Robert Harley].

1701, December 26. — Dear Sir, To tell you that I long
extremely to see you is doing a very unfashionable thing, for it
is professing a great truth.

I came this morning to town, and as soon as I received your
letter went to wait upon you, but unfortunately for me you was
gone out. This evening I am necessarily obliged to return to
Battersea, but to-morrow I will come to London for good and all
if possible ; however, Monday at farthest I will wait on you. Do
me the justice to believe me, Dear Mr. Harlay (sic), your &c.

The Duke of Marlborough to Lord .

1703, June 10,n.s. Hannef. — I have had the honour of yours,
and I do assure you I shall always be glad of any occasion that
may convince you of the esteem and friendship I have for your
Lordship. Ever since the Treaty of Portugal has been men-
tioned I have never heard otherways but that the Duke of
Schomberg was to have that command, for besides his experience
his name must be of great use in that country.

If he does not go I think her Majesty can't do better than to
employ my Lord Rivers, who I am sure will be careful of her
Majesty's and the Nation's honour.

The army here being obliged to govern themselves by what is
doing in Brabant makes me very impatient of hearing they have
begun to act.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1703,'August 11, n.s. Rome. — I cannot express how agreeably
I was surprised by your kind remembrance and obliging letter of
the 3rd June, which together with the manuscript I did not
receive till two days ago. At the same time Mr. Walsh also sent
me so engaging a message from you that all together I am
so confounded that I can only say that, as from my first
acquaintance with Mr. Harley I had a most sincere esteem and
friendship for him, so these additional obligations to the others I
have formerly received make me so entirely his humble servant
that there is nothing I desire more than an occasion of showing
how much I am so, and I hope in a few months to have an
opportunity to assure him the same by word of mouth.

Our letters had been stopped for above a month by the
enemy's troops in the Tyrol, and coming this week four posts
together I have had my time so taken up in answering my
friends' letters that I have not had leisure to see the Library
keeper of the Vatican, nor give him the MS. you favoured me

55

with. Upon the encouragement you give me, if he should desire
anything more out of the Cotton Library upon the same subject,
I will take the liberty to trouble you upon it.

They are very busy here about the Calendar, they see them-
selves in an error but want knowledge to get out of it ; for I can
assure you learning is very rare in this country, and will be
rarer if the Cardinal Norris die, as they say he must of a
dropsical distemper very soon, he being one of the only Prelates
that makes a figure, who has a reputation for learning among
them, and was at the head of those now employed in reforming
the Calendar. It is probable they have better treatises upon this
subject in the Vatican Library, where I believe there may be very
valuable books, but they know little of them, looking but seldom
into them. Here they get more preferment by ignorance and
submission than in other countries they do by labour and
learning ; and it is very j>olitic in them to encourage this laziness,
for these are people who have naturally very good wits, and
should they add a little knowledge and enquiry, the system of
this Court and Church could not stand long.

If there were anything in this part of the world I could serve
you in, as books, manuscripts, prints, pictures, medals, &c, I
should take it for a great favour if with all freedom you would
employ your most faithful and obedient servant.

H. St. John to [Eobert Harley].

1703, September 25. — That quiet which you are gone to seek
in the country and which you enjoy so little of in town had not
been thus early disturbed by me if I had not met two days ago
M. Vriebergen, the Dutch minister, who seeming very desirous
you should know what he did not care to write, lest you should
think he gave himself airs of familiarity (I use his own expres-
sion) , I told him that, as those who have least to say affect cor-
respondence most, so I did sometimes trouble you with my
epistles ; and that if he pleased to tell me what it was, I would
write it to you as a thing I had heard and believed true. It is
in short this — the States gave a plan to Mr. Hill wherein they
proposed to have twelve of their ships of the line of battle and
twenty of ours left this winter in Portugal, and next spring to
augment these to forty-eight by six Dutch to ten English. In
order to this they have sent orders to Allemonde in his return to
leave six ships at Lisbon, they have directed their Admiralty to
prepare stores of all kinds for refitting there, and their
envoys have instructions to press the King of Portugal for
magazines and other conveniences. He has talked of this
scheme to the Prophet [ ] , who does not think

it proper that our seamen should spend their money out of
England, which they must do if they lie any time to refit at
Lisbon. I perceive by your countryman J. B[urchett?] this has
been under consideration, and the result was that they could not
afford so many for tin's winter's service in those parts.

56

There is a Dutch post just now come in, Limburgh is taken
and the garrison are prisoners of war. The King of Spain set
oui IVom Vienna the 9th o.s., and Stirum has had a pretty
sharp dispute with the French and Bavarians. He attacked the
Marquis d' I'sson, who came on one side, and beat him ; but the
Marshal [Villarsj and the Elector [of Bavaria] coming on the
other he was forced to retreat, which he did with very little
loss. The Duke of Vendome is retired from Trent and marches
back to Italy ; Stepney writes that his bombs have not done
10,000 florins worth of damage.

I give you frequent opportunities of showing your virtues,
your patience I often exercise, your charity will appear in for-
giving the length and impertinence of this letter, and your justice
in believing me, Dear Mr. Harlay, your &c.

Postscript. — To-morrow the Westminster scholar dines with me.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1703, October 11, n.s. Alderbeeston. — I have received the
favour of yours of the 2nd instant [September] , and take it very
kindly that you do me the justice to believe I endeavour to
employ my time where it may be most useful to the public,
and are pleased so readily to excuse my not troubling youwith
my letters, which I would not however omit, were I not satisfied
that my Lord Treasurer communicates mine to you, and that
you are informed from other hands of our motions here.

I am sensibly concerned at what you mention of the heats
that continue between the two parties, and should esteem it the
greatest happiness of my life if I could any way contribute
towards the allaying them. Upon this occasion you' will give
me leave to be so free as to tell you that what you write con-
firms me very much in the desire I have for some time had
of retiring from these uneasy and troublesome broils. How-
ever, I shall never be wanting in my duty to her
Majesty and my country wherever my endeavours may be
thought useful, and I must add without a compliment that my
greatest ease and satisfaction is in the hopes I have from Lord
Treasurer's and your abilities and prudent managements _ of
these matters, wherein upon my return I shall be ready to give
my assistance and to be solely governed by yours and his Lord-
ship's good advice, nor do I fail upon all occasions that offer
with our friends here, who have any relation to the Court of
Hanover, to put all things in the truest light.

I am going in a fortnight to the Hague, and shall be obliged
to stay four or five days before I embark for England, where I
long to embrace you.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley] .
1703, December 15, n.s. Rome. — Having understood that
several ' males ' have been taken by the French near Augsbourg,
as well going to, as coming from, Holland, lest one I writ about
a month since should have miscarried, I desire your assistance
to Mr. A^ernon in case he should want it this winter, &c.

57
[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704, May 21. Sunday at two. — 'Tis a pretty hard matter to
please everybody, and especially those who will neither lead nor
drive. I speak now of some of the chiefs of Westminster Hall,
who if they are angry may thank themselves.

I must own to you, I have not the secret nor never can have,
who won't tell it though they are pressed to do it, and yet will take
it ill of one, if one does not find it out.

I doubt indeed the enemy may have been [more?] indus-
trious than we, but I cannot reproach myself for not having done
my part. I never was near so industrious before in my life, and
shall be very glad never to have occasion of being so again.

If it be an objection that a Speaker should not be proposed by
any in the Queen's service, I suppose that may be easily avoided
by a meeting beforehand of those who will join heartily in
carrying on the Queen's service, and the public business ; but
[if ?] that meeting be once settled, I despair of any good to come.
I was very glad to see Mr. Comptroller [Mansell] at the Chapel
just now, but, by what you write and some other observations, I
am afraid Mr. Solicitor [Harcourt] is not very right. I have
scarce had the favour of one word from him since he was elected
into the parliament, though it cost me- more pains than to choose
Mr. Poley.

Mr. Churchill tells me Col. Lee is in town, he has spoken to
him, but you must speak to him too. I have spoken myself with
Mr. Brewer this morning.

If you are not otherwise engaged, I should be glad to carry you
this evening to Kensington between five and six.

The Same to the Same.

1704, June 9. Windsor. — Her Majesty seemed to be willing
you should be here Sunday to take her orders upon the Scotch
memorial about the plot. However, if you should find it any way
inconvenient to come, I can easily make your excuse.

If the letters sent by Duke Hamilton to the post house at
Berwick can be looked into without his coming to know it, it
would be an omission scarcely excusable not to do it.

The Dean of Carlisle [Graham] , who is here now attending
the Queen, has notice that the Dean of Wells [Bathurst] has
broken his thigh, who was before an old dying man, and this
accident Mr. Dean hopes will make an end of him.

In that case would Dr. Atterbury care to be Dean of Carlisle ?
And would Sir Chr. Musgrave like him there, in case we like
Sir Chr.?

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Secretary Harley.

1704, Tune 28, n.s. Rome.— We have this post received the
news that her Majesty has been pleased to place the seals of

58

Secretary of State in your hands, at which I have so great satis-
faction that I cannot forbear troubling you with a letter of
congratulation. At the same time I am sensible the public has
more reason to rejoice than you who will enter into an employment
of great trouble, but the superiority of your genius will make that
easy to you which others have found vexatious.

I shall not omit this occasion to give you my most humble
thanks for your kindness and protection to Mr. Vernon.

I have been here so long that I believe people begin to think
I intend no more to return. I had designed it this spring, when
an unexpected relapse after many months' good health forced me
to defer my journey. I will no more set a time, but assure you
it shall be as soon as my health and the season will permit, and
perhaps sooner than I am expected. However in all places, I
assure you, I am a true Englishman and wish well to all who
are so, and in a more particular manner am your &c.

Lord Godolphin to [Eobbrt Harley].

1704, June 28. Windsor. — I have the favour of yours of the
27th, and have read to the Queen the Earl of Jersey's letter to
you, and one of the same tenor to myself ; as also Lucan's infor-
mation, which latter she has commanded me to send to the Chan-
cellor of Scotland with her Majesty's directions to cause the per-
son mentioned in it to be searched for with all care and diligence,
and to be forthwith seized and examined.

I have likewise received her commands to write as I have done
to my Lord Seafield in favour of my Lord Leven, though the same
reason still subsists which made her decline to grant the remission
desired, viz., that she thought it was more for his service and her
own that all matters of that nature should come free and unpre-
judiced to the consideration of the parliament. To this purpose
I have also written the enclosed to Lord Leven which I must beg
your favour to send him ; and that you would send the enclosed to
Lord Seafield to Sir Thomas Frankland to put under his cover to
Norwich as usual.

Ought not Capt. Byron, the commander of the yacht, to be
examined why he refused the four musketeers demanded by
Lucan for the seizing Sir G. Maxwell and his companions ? I find
it seemed to him that he could not answer the doing it, but I con-
fess it seems to me that it is harder to answer the not doing it.

The Queen tells me the Prince will be next Monday at West-
minster Hall, and her Majesty designing to dine that day at Ken-
sington, and to stay there three or four days will not give the
Lords the trouble of coming hither next Sunday. Pray be pleased
to acquaint Mr. Secretary Hedges with this for fear a summons
should go from the Office by mistake.

Postscript. — I wish you much joy of my Lady Dorchester's
acquaintance at the Office.

Lord Godolphin to Eobert Harley, Secretary.
1704, June 29. Windsor. — I should not have troubled you
again so soon but that the enclosed print, more scandalous in

59

my opinion than the ' Observator ' himself [Tutchin] , is fallen
into my hands. I don't know what course can be taken with
effect to find out the author ; but I think no pains or expense
could be, or be thought, too much to bring him to the punish-
ment he deserves.

At the same time I can't but take notice from the common
news-letters that Mr. Attorney [Northey] has no great success in
his prosecutions of any kind, but this magnifying of France is a
thing so odious in England, that I can't think any jury would
acquit this man if discovered.

H. St. John to [Robert Harley] .

1704, July 13.— I have received from Mr. Bracebridge, the
justice of peace that committed Lieut. Lesley, and Sir Clement
Fisher, two letters in answer to those which I writ in pursuance
of her Majesty's directions signified to me by yours. You will
find in them and the affidavits annexed a full and authentic
account of that whole matter. I shall be in town in a few days
to receive your further directions in this or any other thing.

Enclosure 1.
Sir C [lenient] Fisher to [Secretary St. John].

1704, July 8. — About three o'clock in the afternoon of May
29, the constable of Meriden came in great haste to my
house and desired to me to appear and assist him in
keeping the peace betwixt some soldiers and his towns-
men. Upon this Sir William Wheeler a gentleman of this
country (that was with me on a visit) and I went with a
design to prevent the mischief, but before we met the
soldiers they and the countrymen had fought, and several
were hurt and wounded on both sides. Lieut. Lesley told
me they were on the Queen's service and had done nothing
but what they had orders for. I desired him to show me
those orders ; he gave me a paper which only directed
him to list such men as came to him voluntarily. I told
him I heard he had forced several men along with them,
and had very much exceeded those orders.

Whilst we had this dispute there was an outcry that one of
the country people was dead, and that two of them were
run through the body, and one in the thigh, and that the
third borough who came to the constable's assistance was
almost knocked on the head. This made the neighbour-
ing people flock together to revenge their neighbours'
quarrel upon the officers and soldiers, and they were com-
ing with great eagerness to fall on them. I used all the
argument I could to dissuade them from such an attempt
and told them I would have the officer secured that they
might have their remedy according to law. The lieutenant
afterwards submitted to the constable and was taken be-
fore Mr. Bracebridge. The soldiers had four men in their

60

custody taken by force, viz., an Irishman, a French watch-
maker, Mr. Ebborn's servant, and Richard Smith, a
farmer.

Enclosure 2.

Copies of affidavits relating to the above disturbance, certified
by Sam. Bracebridge.

Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley, Secretary.

1704, July 19. Windsor.— I have the favour of yours of last
night with the enclosed, which I have laid before the Queen.

The letter intercepted to Poland seems to be matter of
curiosity only, what relates to Scotland in it had I believe been
in their thoughts, or something of that kind, before the discovery
of Frazer's plot.

What Mr. Poley writes is unintelligible, the former part does
not cohere with the latter ; but it confirms he is not fit to
continue there [at Hanover] .

I believe your information is right of Duchess Hamilton's
inclinations and her influence upon her son's, but as to the
reconcilement and union of the two Dukes of H[amilton] and
Qu [eensberry] , it may be negotiated by Lord Stair, or some
common friend, but it will scarce be owned by Qu.

I believe the news Mr. Vrybergh has told you, because if it
were not so, we must have had an express. God send us good
news from Augsburg !

I don't by Mr. Secretary Hedges' news paper perceive that in
France it was expected M. Tallard could join before the 8th of
August, our 28th of July. If that be true it leaves room for
much to be done in the meantime.

The same French newspaper makes me very much of opinion
there will be a battle at sea. I don't know but that it might be
reasonable in that view, for the Prince's Council to consider of
sending such stores as are like to be most necessary after an
engagement, to Lisbon by this convoy. By speaking with Sir
D. M[itchell] or Mr. [George] Churchill, you will judge whether
this is proper to be done, or sufficiently done already.

[Rorert Harley to Lord Godolphin.]

1704, July 21.— I send your Lordship enclosed two letters
from the Duke of Marlborough of the 16th and 20th hist. [n.s.J ,
with the original letters from the Emperor and the Elector Palatine
to his Grace. I will bring to-morrow a translation of the Latin
letter for her Majesty, and another for the Duchess of M.; and
then I think after they have been read to the Lords the originals
should be delivered to my Lady Duchess. I send Davenant's
letter that you may see what news they had there [Frankfort ?] ;
also Mr. Robinson's, which is very serious and deserves con-
sideration ; and the Lord Raby's, because that has a project of
making the treaty there. Mr. Stepney's private letter is here-
with enclosed, and Mr. Stanhope's long one with nothing in it.

61

I am sure your Lordship can in a much better manner lay the
Duke of Marlborough's letters before her Majesty ; I beg also
you would with my most humble duty lay the rest before the
Queen.

[Lord Godolphin to Bobert Harley.]

1704, July 31, half-an-hour past 5. Windsor. — The messenger
brought me yours at five. I am very glad to hear you are like
to make so considerable a discovery.

I return you the blank warrant signed by the Queen for
D[eFoe?]'s pardon. Her Majesty commands me to tell you
she approves entirely of what you have promised him, and will
make it good. She resolves to be to-morrow in the evening at
Kensington.

[The Same to the Same.]

1704, August 4. — The Queen is very sorry for the accident
which has lately happened by the misbehaviour of a ' Swedish
Captain ' [altered by Hurley to ' the Captain of a Swedish man of
war '] , and hopes the King of Sweden will give him the punish-
ment due to his fault, to avoid future inconveniences of this
nature, which cannot fail to happen whenever the due respect is
denied to the right of her Majesty's flag.

[The Same to the Same.]

1704, August 13. Windsor. — Her Majesty is very sensible of
the great trouble you have in this affair, and very easy in your
staying at London till it be ended.

She asked me whether the Archbishop had taken any care
about a thanksgiving day for the victory [of Blenheim] . I told
her I had not seen him since the news came, but that I hoped he
would think this success considerable enough for a solemn day
to be appointed for the observation of it all over England at once.

[The Same to the Same.]

1704, September 1. Windsor. — I received the favour of yours
by the post this morning, with the papers which you enclosed,
and return them all in one long bundle by this messenger, as
also the letters you sent to the Queen yesterday, with one from
the Elector Palatine to her Majesty in a very high strain of com-
pliment. I don't know how far it would be reasonable to print
private letters, but I think it might do well, at least, to read that
letter of the Elector Palatine to the Lords of the Committee.

I am not very easy at their being so far engaged in the siege
of Landau at this time of year ; it may draw into length, and
delay the Duke of Marlborough's coining over, besides that it

62

may expose him to new hazards. All these, in my opinion, had
been better prevented, and the Empire might have been con-
tented with seeing the French gone hack over the Rhine.

The fears of France, as well as the desires of Holland, were
that he should have brought his army down the Rhine in boats;
and I must own, that for my own part I should have liked that
measure better, but I can believe in him (Marlborough) against
my own senses.

I enclose to you my letter to him by this post, and I have sent
yon also in the long bundle a paper signed by the Queen which
you sent to her, and which I forgot to mention at the beginning
of this letter.

Our sea victory not proving true makes the discourse of that
matter very disagreeable ; but the news of M. Villadarias's going
with a great body of men to retake Gibraltar may turn to the
great advantage of our intended expedition in Portugal.

The Queen designing to be Monday at Kensington, I suppose
nobody will give themselves the trouble of coming hither Sunday ;
but I hope I shall hear from you as there shall be occasion.

Postscript. — I wish they had offered more tempting conditions
to the Electress of Bavaria.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704, September 12. Windsor.— I beg leave to trouble you
with my letter to the Duke of Marlborough, and the enclosed
address, which yesterday I forgot to desire 'you might be
printed in the next ' Gazette.'

This goes by Mr. Churchill, who is in haste.

The Same to the Same.

[1704,] ° September 14. Windsor. — An express arrived here
this morning from Sir George Rooke, with letters of the 27th of
August, old style, off Cape St. Vincent, which say they had had
on the 13th a long and a sharp engagement with the French fleet.
The not sending away an express till the 27th is, I doubt, a sign
we have not much to brag of ; however, I don't find we have lost
any ship, though several have been ill handled. He says the
French are gone back to Toulon without pursuing their intention
of passing through the Straits. Upon the whole it seems to have
been a sort of a drawn battle where both sides had enough of it,
though 'tis plain the fight was at great distance.

We are said to have 2,800 men killed and wounded, but it does
not appear by any account I have seen what the enemy's loss
has been.

"This letter bears the date " 1705 " written some years after apparently by the
second Earl of Oxford, but it obviously belongs to the preceding year. Dates, in
the same handwriting, are assigned to other undated letters of Lord Godolphin,
which are not always correct.

63

Sir George Rooke may be probably at home in eight or ten
days ; he has left Sir John Lake (Leake) at Lisbon with a
squadron of eleven ships, and with instructions which the better
to enable him to pursue, I think the Prince's Council should wait
upon the Lords to-morrow morning to receive their direction
what stores or provisions might be proper to be dispatched to
Sir John Lake, because if Whetston be not yet sailed from Spit-
head the opportunity of sending them by him might not be lost ;
Sir John Lake being ordered to take care of Gibraltar as well
as of the coast of Portugal.

We are in hopes of Dutch letters to-morrow.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704, September 15. Windsor.— The Bishop of Carlisle's
perverseness [re Atterbury as Dean ?] is very unaccountable, but
a discreet clergyman is almost as rare as a black swan.

When you come to Windsor I shall desire your thoughts as to
the persons for secretary and treasurer for the First Fruits and
Tenths ; my own are at present that they ought not (sic) to have
but very moderate salaries out of a fund designed for charity.

[The Same to the Same.]

1704, September 27. Windsor.— The Duke of Marlborough
says an active stirring minister in Switzerland would be capable
of doing more service than anywhere else, both in supporting and
encouraging the Protestant Cantons, and in furnishing the
quickest intelligence from all parts. I think your cousin Tom
Harley the fittest man in the world for that post. The other
which we have sometimes talked of is of less consequence, and
all that is necessary there is only to have one that won't do hurt ;
but I would not have you think I will ever press anything that
you or he do not like as well as myself.

The truth is, all the ministers sent abroad by my Lord
Nottingham have hitherto done us more hurt than good, and the
sooner they are all changed, not Mr. Hill excepted, the better. _

Sir Cloudesley Shovell being sworn of the Prince's Council,
I take it for granted that Sir G. Rooke has laid down, but I have
not yet heard how that matter is talked of, or understood at
London.

[The Same to the Same.]

1704 [September ?] .—I am not fond of the proposal of two
statues, one for the Queen and th'other for the Duke of
Marlborough. What merit soever a subject may have I am
doubtful that may set him upon too near an equality with one
upon the throne.

My own opinion inclines most to an anniversary thanksgiving
by Act of Parliament for so entire a victory, as the most public,
the most decent, and the most permanent record of it to
posterity, but if this be thought too much because it is upon a

64

fact happened without the kingdom— whereas our precedents of
anniversaries run generally upon occasions at home — I must
submit that to better judgments.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704, October 1. Newmarket. — I am sorry to hear of
Mr. St. John's illness ; I hope he will soon recover, for I know
nobody more abb; or willing to serve the Queen.

I am mighty uneasy that we are so long without knowing the
fate of Barcelona, and can't help fearing 'tis no good sign.

I don't know particularly what Dr. Drake has written, but I
can easily imagine his great patron and his great zeal together
may have encouraged him to meddle too much.

I am sorry the Queen has given any directions about the Great
Seal before my Lord Keeper's coming to town, till when they
cannot be executed, but it would have been too ridiculous to have
continued it longer in his hands ; and whenever the Queen dis-
poses of the Seal, all people won't be pleased, but if her Majesty
gives it to the man who is generally thought the most proper for
it, she takes the method which is least liable to objection.

I wish with all my heart you may have a good account of the
correspondence you labour so much to intercept ; that would be
very material, but there are so few who can be relied upon — are
you sure of Brockett himself ?

[Lord Godolphin] to [Robert Harley], Speaker.

1704, November 8. — I was told yesterday that there had been
a meeting Monday night at the Fountain Tavern, of one hundred
and fifty members, where it was resolved that the money bill
should lie upon the table till the bill of Occasional Conformity be
passed.

One Gellibrand has been with me this morning, and I find he
is able to give great lights into the smugglers' carrying over their
correspondence, &c. I have appointed him to be at my house
to-morrow night after Council ; if you are then at leisure, we will
speak to him together.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704, November 16.— The vote for the 5,000 men will, I hope,
have a very good effect abroad for the public service, before the
men can come to be made use of.

By the enclosed you sent me the D [uke] of Newcastle] seems
to be in very good humour ; if I was denied to Mr. Monckton, I
am very sorry for it, and if he had sent in his name I should cer-
tainly have seen him.

I find plainly it was in the power of the Queen's servants to
have kept out the Occasional bill. She has not much reason to
thank them for it, not that I apprehend they can carry a tack or
put a stop to the money, but when the bill is thrown out in the

65

House of Lords, they will make use of that handle to throw dirt
and stones at whom they have a mind to bespatter. This is what
I chiefly expect from the event of this bill, and which might
have been prevented if these gentlemen had thought lit.

I doubt it will not be seasonable to press the House upon the
matter of the subsidies due to the Allies in the last reign ; but if
you come to the Council this evening I will speak to you of it
there ; and if you do better, that is, stay at home and take care of
yourself, I can, after the Council is up, come to your house, if it
be mot uneasy to you.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

[1704, December 16.]— I must confess by what was writ the
former post, I could not help being under some apprehensions
from the proceedings of the House of Commons with reference to
the Occasional bill, so that the account you now send me was so
much the more welcome ; and when I reflect on the dangerous
consequences the obstinacy of some people might have produced,
I cannot but think this happy turn as great a victory with refer-
ence to England as any advantage we have had since I saw you,
and I hope everybody will do you the justice to attribute the
greatest share of it to your prudent management and zeal for the
public. You will see what I write to Lord Treasurer, so shall give
you no further trouble.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1704-5, January 11.— I forgot yesterday to give you the
enclosed note for Mr. Patterson.

In case the question proposed last night should be agreed to in
the House, it not being usual to send a message to either House
which is not first considered at Cabinet Council, why might not
the Queen return immediately an answer to the purpose follow-
ing, viz. : —

I am glad to find you have so just a sense of the Duke of
Marlborough's merit and services. I should not have delayed to
have made him a grant of some house and lands belonging to
the Crown, as a proper mark of distinction to remain in his family
for perpetuating the memory of his eminent services ; but that
1 find very remote terms granted in the Crown lands, and myself
otherways disabled from performing my just intentions in this
particular, ivithout the assistance of the Parliament.

If any of our company should think these last words, with a
stroke drawn under them, not full enough, they may be easily
made stronger.

[Lord Godolphin to Secretary Harley.]

1704-5, February 12. From the D[uke of] Marlb[orough's]
lodgings, at ten. — I return you Ormiston's letter; he is in the
right, in every tittle of it.

6802 E

66

Pray make my humble excuses for not coming to your meeting
to-night. My cough is very uneasy, and the heat of that room
would kill me, both while 1 was in it, and when T should go oul
of it into the air.

I hope the judges will do well to-morrow, and that you will not
agree to our amendments in the Prize Office bill.

Enclosure.

[Adam Cockhurn of Ormiston, Lord Justice Clerk, to
Robert Harley.]

1705, February 3. Edinburgh. — It is much more to be
known from the tempers of men than from the weather at
present that we are so far removed to the North and distant
from the rest of the world ; for some you know, and not
long ago did see, continue peevishly unsatisfied, never
attempting anything [which] looks like bringing themselves
or others rationally to digest what is proper and fit to be
done in the present state of affairs. 'Tis easy to find
fault with our predecessors, but alas ! never a thought
how to recover that we cry so loudly ' Oh, 'tis lost.'
Without a present remedy, indeed certain ruin seems to
threaten, and how can it be otherwise, for a narrow enquiry
to find faults (not out of design to mend them) and self-
interest possess too many at this time. To be more
plain, the new Ministry are at no pains to gain one man,
nay all their designs are confined within the number of
five or six persons ; and we are wholly taken up to find
Green and his crew pirates. This I can say little of,
the presumptions are strong, but I cannot neglect what
is of more weight to me, and that is, the curbing the
insolence of the papists and Jacobites. You may guess
what pass we are at when the Duke of Gordon takes the
boldness to insult the Government ; he has never been
known to expose himself, but when he thought there was
a sure game in the field. You may come to hear the
•Justice Clerk is too forward and will spoil all, but he
says without some appear with vigour at present we are
undone ; therefore he has proposed the disarming
presently all papists and taking their horses, and what
Highland chieftains are papists that all their men be
disarmed, and that lists of all papists and reputed papists
be sent in to the Council. We must next enquire after
our non-jurant clergy, who these two years have gone
through corrupting our people. You cannot imagine
how far people have laid aside their reason, yea, and
their former desire to a union, and seem rather to hearken
to proposals for the succession. All I can say farther at
present is that the only hope one can have is that at
present there does not appear a fixed determined resolu-
tion among men, so that there is ground" to work if there
were proper instruments.

67

Postscript. — I forgot to write to you about our friend Col. John
Erskine. He is an honest man and met with hard measure
two years ago when turned out of Dumbarton Castle.
Justice says he should be ' reponed,' and the Revolution
people will be all glad of it.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1701-5 [February 24], Saturday.— The House of Lords has left
out the first clause in the bill of Offices, upon the uncertainty
and absurdity of it, and have passed the second relating to the
Prize Office with some considerable amendments, one of which
puts the judgment of offences against that Act into the courts of
Westminster Hall.

I have not heard what the judges have resolved to do about
the Aylesbury men, but I hope no writ of error will lie upon that
occasion for bringing it to the House of Lords.

Major-General Harvey has brought Mr. Secretary Hedges
some letters from Portugal of an old date, which show more
plainly than ever the very ill condition of our affairs there, and
what is worse they scarce seem capable of any remedy. We
can't send a better general than Lord Galway, and to send
another ambassador would only give a handle to malicious people
to lay the blame upon our changing the hand.

If you could intercept the message to France it might prove of
very great use at this time.

I have a poor little grandchild of nine months old more like to
die than live, of a fever, at this hour.

[The Same to the Same.]

170-4-5, March 21. — If you can be at leisure I think it would
be necessary for you to come to my house about seven this
evening, if it were only to take leave of the Duke of Marlborough ;
but I must own I have a by-end of my own in it, for. I want to
speak to you of several things. This matter of the Great Seal
must not'lie long as it does ; I wish you would think what ought
to be done in it, as soon as you can.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, April 1. Monday night.— I hear by Mr. Secretary
Hedges the Duke of Newcastle has the Privy Seal given him
this night ; will he be so formal as to expect one should go to
Clerkenwell to make him a compliment, or will he be reasonable
enough to be satisfied if one wishes him joy in a letter. _ I beg
the favour of you to tell me freely your thought of him in this
point, for I would not willingly stumble in the threshold.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, April 8:— I think you have filled the blanks very well in
the Commission for the Union, and agree it would have been

68

entirely right to have enlarged the number of Commissioners,

but the Scots Commission being fixed to thirty-one and, as they
s,i\ , unalterable, they Mould not suffer our number to exceed theirs,
because in all former Commissions the number of Commissioners
lias been the same, and they were jealous in case ours should
exceed theirs it would have an air of superiority which they could
not well excuse to their Parliament.

For my own part I wish there were no such thing upon earth
as a punctilio of any kind.

[Loud Godoi.phin to Robebt Harley.]

1705, April 12. Newmarket. — I return the letters you did me
the favour to send me by the post, having first given the Queen
an account of the substance of them. Her Majesty thinks it
proper that all encouragement be given to Hughetan to expect
her protection ; and I confess I think his coming over at this time
will give a very ill impression of the affairs of France, and by
consequence please much here.

I have no great reflections to make upon Lord Raby's or Mr.
Stepney's letters.

[Lord Godolphin] to Robert Harley.

1705, April 14. [Newmarket.] — J shall speak to Lord Halifax
here to send for Mr. Montague to town, but I find he is not
without some scruple upon the account of his friendship with Mr.
Stepney, and wishes it might be so ordered as that Mr. Stepney
might not have the least jealousy or uneasiness upon his
nephew's going thither. If the instructions are ready by the
Queen's coming to town I conclude they will be ready before he
who is to carry them.

The Queen goes Monday to Cambridge.

[Loud Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, April 16. Newmarket. — The Queen leaves it to the
Lords of the Committee to resolve what powers it may be proper
for the Duke of Marlborough to have in case of any desertion of
the Irish from the French service abroad.

I have spoken to Lord Halifax here about his nephew's going
to Vienna, and not finding him so forward in that matter as 1
had reason to think he would have been, I must beg the favour
of you not to mention it at home or abroad till I have the honour
to see you.

The Queen is gone this morning to dine at Cambridge.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, April 19. Newmarket. — I return your foreign letters,
and am sorry to find by Mr. Stepney's that Prince Eugene was
not yet gone to Italy, where he seems to be much wanted.

69

I have written to the Duke of M [arlborough] by the last post
to try if Mr. Stanhope would be willing to go to Vienna ; if not,
after the answer comes, I doubt we must be forced to part with
Mr. Paget at last.

I keep Mr. Addison's deposition till I see you, which I hope
will be Sunday night.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, May 2. — The noise which I easily foresaw would follow
from making ' Tackers ' Serjeants [at law] is come_ with great
violence, and I must own I don't see what is to be said to it, and
therefore I think if it be not too late the call ought to be stopped
till next term. For to do this just before the election will, I
doubt, bring a most unaccountable ridicule upon the Government.
But next term the same thing might be done without reproach.

This thing joined with the delay made in my Lord Westmor-
land's request cannot be borne at once, and must needs be the
greatest gratification imaginable to the ' Tackers ' and then-
adherents.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, May 31. — I have received the favour of yours for which
1 give you many thanks, and have had a mind often to be writing
to you, but I considered that the less I troubled your affairs in the
country, the sooner I might hope to see you in town.

You' begin to be much wanted now for the instructions to
Vienna and Hungary, and some which will be as necessary at the
Hague as either. These last are furnished chiefly by our Lisbon
letters. I believe the Queen will resolve to send my Lord
Sunderland ; his rank is proper for the compliment, and he will
l)o thought to wish well to the peace with the malcontents ; and
lie must wait upon the Duke of Marlborough in his way, but lie
can't be dispatched till you come to give him his instructions, and
the time presses in all respects.

Your Worcestershire news is no news here. We hear it not
only from those sort of people but from all sides.

I believe Parker will be the Queen's sergeant, the Chief Justices
are for B[aniste?]r.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, June 3, Sunday night.— My last was to desire you to
come to town, and this night at the Cabinet Council there were
two letters from Mr. Stepney which came this morning, that
will make it still more necessary. The Accommodation with the
malcontents seems impossible unless the Emperor and his
ministers will agree to a guarantee, and in that case there's great
hopes it may succeed.

The instructions for this affair being in your bands, and indeed
much better there than in any other, the Queen has ordered
Secretary Hedges to send tin's express to desire you would conic

70

to town in hopes that you may be able to take her directions
next Sunday night at Windsor for anything that will require to
be added to those instructions.

I shall stay in town till Saturday morning the 9th, so that if
you are here by Friday night I may have opportunity of talking
to you before I go to Windsor.

Lord Marlborough writes me word all the troops designed for
his army will not be together before the 20th N.S. ; but he has
more now than he has forage for, and has therefore been forced
to march over the Saar into the plains, where the M. de Villars
had an opportunity of fighting him, if he had thought fit, with a
superior force, but they chose rather to stay in their camp, and
to strengthen themselves there.

The Dutch have been frighted at Huy and Liege, but I believe
that is all. I wish they would think it worth their time to throw
away a month or six weeks upon those places.

All the accounts we have from Spain, or of it from any other
place, seem to give a very hopeful prospect.

Lord Great Chamberlain [Lindsey] has carried his election in
the county of Lincoln, and I hear Palmer and Pigot have carried
it in Somersetshire.

Queen Anne to Robert Harley.

[1705,] June 14. Windsor. — I send you back all your letters
but the news from Spain, which I have not yet reade being in
hast to send the messenger away, that my letters for the Queen
of Denmark and the Elector Palatin may be time enough with
you to goe by this night's post. I think it will be very proper
that Mr. How should be ordered to make my compliments at
the Court of Hanover upon the marriage, as my Lord Halifax
proposed.

I am your very affectionett freind,

ANNE, R.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, June 21. Windsor. — Having seen the news of the Inter-
nuncios being at the Hague in two several letters, I make no
doubt of the truth of it, looking upon it as the most improbable
thing in the world for anybody to invent.

Lord Marlborough being so near them in Holland will not only
be a bridle upon their negotiations, but taking away their fears it
will also take away their power of proceeding upon them.

I think you are much in the right not to take Edwards, if you
have any way of taking his letters.

I shall order Mr. Taylour by this messenger to take your
directions to whom he shall pay the 1001. to Ogilvy.

I have a letter from Col. Graham who seems very unwilling to
believe the news of his son's marriage.

The Prince has notice that Sir George Bing sailed the 18th
from Plymouth, which T am very glad to hear, the wind having
been very (sic) fair as it could blow ever since.

71

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, June 22. Windsor. — I have the favour of your letter
with a very long one from M. de Guiscard, full of complaints ; till I
see his book which you speak of, I cannot judge how far it is tit
to be printed, but by his letter to me that may possibly deserve
to be considered.

Though I never heard before that there was such a person as
Dorothy Ellis, I cannot but agree her vanishing just at this time
is a very odd circumstance belonging to that affair. I hope the
trial goes on that we may see what it will produce.

The Queen is pleased to allow that Mr. Stratford should have
Dr. Eatcliff's canonry of Christ Church.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, [June] 25. Windsor. — I have received the favour of
your letter of 24th, and have acquainted the Queen with the par-
ticulars of it and the enclosed letters ; that from Scotland diverted
her, though we could but guess at "a" and "F."

The Duke of Queensberry has promised to go down and give
his best assistance, but I am so prepared to expect that all will
signify nothing, that if anything should go well there it would be
a great surprise.

While Ogilvy is in so good a mood you will please to consider
whether he is most like to be serviceable to the Queen there, or
here, or at Rotterdam or at Hamburgh. If Hughetan can make
good what he says we ought to make him very welcome, but I
doubt this wind will not let him come ; but it must bring us news
from sea of one kind or other.

Mr. Secretary Hedges will tell you the Queen's pleasure, for
what you are to lay before the Lords of the Committee to-morrow
about my Lord Sunderland's being directed to speak to the
Pensioner that Monsieur d'Almeto may be instructed to join with
him in speaking a little more strongly, if there be occasion, at
the Imperial Court ; the whole to be guided by my Lord Marl-
borough, whom my Lord Sunderland will please to desire that he
would give him a letter to Count Zinzendorf.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, June 27. — The letters yesterday from Lisbon show so
much disorder and confusion there, as seems to make a necessity
of some present remedy. The only one I can think of like to
have any effect is to insist with Portugal that the General of the
allies may have the chief command, at least of one body of their
army, againsl autumn, and let the M[arquis] das Minas act with
the 'other. It Holland will join heartily and speedily with us in
this representation, I should hope to obtain the point from the
Court of Portugal.

70

Lord Godolphin to Pvobert Harley.

1705, July 4. Windsor.— With the other letters you did me
the favour to send me I return you also Hughetan's paper, which
is very material and has an air of being sincere; besides that
Mr. Secretary Hedges' French letters of this post give a great
confirmation of the tacts mentioned in his paper, and also of the
consequences of them.

1 wish therefore you would give him the encouragement of
speaking kindly to him before I come to town, which will not be till
Tuesday. Perhaps it may be necessary to consult Mr. Attorney
[Northey], how far it is in the Queen's power to do what he
desires in the paragraphs where I have drawn strokes under the
lines of his paper. I am in doubt also whether they will be very
willing in Holland to agree to what he proposes in the paragraph
which I have marked in the margin.

Prince Eugene having passed the Oglio, I don't see how the
French can without fighting hinder him from entering into the
Milanese ; and J find by Mr. Hill's letters the Duke of Savoy is
much heartened from that expectation.

I received yesterday a letter from the Duke of Argyll, which
though it takes no notice of the particular mentioned in Greg's
letter, yet all he says there is T doubt but too great a confirmation
of the Duke of Hamilton's superiority. I enclose the letter.

The Same to the Same.

1705, July 14. Windsor.— Col. Durell, just arrived here from
the Duke of Marlborough, brings the good news of his having
forced the enemy's lines, beaten a good part of the French army,
and taken prisoners two lieutenant-generals and several other
officers of distinction, with their cannon, &c.

The Queen would have the guns fired if there has been no
order given for it already. This success is a great blessing and
an earnest of more, for it will not stop here.

[Eobert Harley to Loed Godolphin.]

1705, July 21. Saturday.— I am justly conscious to myself
that the utmost service I can perform to her Majesty falls infinitely
short of what the Queen deserves, nor can it bear any proportion
to the reverence and affection I have for your Lordship and the
Duke of Marlborough, by whose indulgence and too kind recom-
mendation I have those marks I now enjoy of the Queen's favour ;
and a.s I cannot be without fear lest her service should suffer in
my hand, so I shall always have a concern that I may not do
anything unworthy of your favour. I hope therefore your
Lordship will not think it impertinent if I take advantage of an
expression which dropped yesterday at dinner to open my soul to
you. The Queen I serve with my whole heart ; and to the Duke
of Marlborough I have those obligations only as has an English
gentleman for the great things we enjoy by his valour and
conduct that there will be no room left for me to do more

73

than remember his private favours to myself which I shall entail
as the heirloom of my family. And as to yourself, my Lord, the
seven years that I have enjoyed your protection and (will you
permit me to say?) valued myself upon your friendship, have
united my very soul to you that I cannot allow a thought
disagreeable to you. I have no other views, no other passions,
than to be subservient to your Lordship, if I go astray it shall be
only for want of your direction. I confess I am too apt to tell
my own opinion,' but then with good reason I suspect myself so
much that I double my diligence to bring about what is better
designed by others. Not to trouble your Lordship with many
words. I know my own heart, and I can die a martyr for what
I have written, and that nothing can tear me from being &c.
Draft in Harleys hand with many alterations.

[Lord Godolphin to Eobeet Habley.]

1705, July 30. — I have spoken to the Queen that you may
have those rooms Sir John Stanley showed us in my Lord
Chamberlain's lodgings till your own office can be made con-
venient for you.

I spoke to her also to make Mr. Fleming a baronet, and -at the
same time for one Mr. Miller of Sussex at the request of my
Lord Scarbrough. If you have any occasion to see the Queen
before I see you, upon your putting her in mind of these things,
I believe she will give her order in them all. She will send you
before twelve at night a letter to the King of Spain, which I
suppose you must now enclose to my Lord Peterborough.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, September 2. — I did not trouble the Queen with the
presentment of the Grand Jury [on the pamphlet " The
Memorial of the Church of England."] nor I hope the " Gazette "
shall not be troubled with it. Whether it be proper to print it by
itself or not, I submit to better judgments ; for my- own part I
must own I have neither skill nor taste in anything of that kind,
only I observe when the Government is remiss upon such occa-
sions, it is called negligence, and when it is careful, the effect of
that care is imputed to particular industry.

I doubt it is not a sign of any good news when we are so long
without the packets, though the wind has been southerly enough
to have brought them over, so I hope you will examine your
messenger pretty strictly upon that point when he comes.

By my Lord Peterborough's letter he seems to have so much
more mind to carry the fleet and forces to Italy, than to ( lata-
lonia, that I am apprehensive a very little discouragement will
serve to make them quit that design.

The Queen intends to dine Tuesday &\ the Duke of Bolton's and
to return to Windsor, Saturday.

Her Majesty's servants in Scotland desire an instruction to
pass the two Acts for trade, with that for the Cess, in case the
Treaty miscarry.

[Lord Godolpiiin to Robert Harley.]

1705. September 3. Winchester. — I acquainted the Queen
with what you have written to me about the burning of the
•• Memorial," and now I think people will be satisfied there needs
no more to be done in that matter.

I am sorry you meet with so many difficulties in the affair of
Hannam, and" especially from the directions left by Mr. Attorney
General and Mr. Borrett's strictness in observing them. I doubt
there is something not very right in that matter, but you are
certainly right in following it as close as you can.

I am very glad you design to speak fully and particularly to
those Lords you mention ; in the meantime till I hear how that
has passed I wish you would let me know what the "unreason-
able things" are which you expect will be insisted upon by them.
I have had a great deal of opportunity of speaking with Mr.
Smith here, and I find him very reasonable and very moderate.

Poor Sir Charles Shugborough died here last night of an
apoplexy. I am afraid we have a great loss of him this winter ;
he was set to have done all the service he could, and I doubt we
must count upon an ill man in his room.

T have left off expecting the foreign letters. Mr. Aglionby,
who was here yesterday, told me he stayed at the Brill forty days
for a wind.

[Robert Harley to Lord Godolphin.]

1705, September 4.— I have been disabled from speaking with
Lord Somers and Lord Halifax, though I have attempted it,
partly by want of health and partly by the coming in of the
letters and the dispatching other business.

I am heartily sorry for the death of Sir Ch. Shugburg, I am
afraid the Queen's service will have a loss in him, for such men
as he have a turn of doing for the advantage of the Queen's
service more than twenty others. I hope each of these cross
accidents will excite everybody to exert themselves to promote
the Queen's service. I can only say for myself that I will
sacrifice health, strength, and all I have in this cause; and
since your Lordship commands it I will expose my crude notions
to your correction, as I shall always submit myself to your
direction.

I take it for granted that no party in the House can carry it for
themselves without the Queen's servants join with them ;

That the foundation is, persons or parties are to come in to the
Queen, and not the Queen to them;

That the Queen hath chosen rightly which party she will
take in.

The embodying of gentlemen (country gentlemen I mean)
against the Queen's service is what is to be avoided. Therefore
things which another time may be reasonable in themselves may
prove dangerous to be granted at this time, if they will shock
more persons than they will gain.

(b

If persons who serve without reproach be turned out for not
being of a party it will increase the jealousy that a party who
have once been narrow spirited will be so again, and they will
need all the assistance imaginable to keep them from running
into their old error.

If the gentlemen of England are made sensible that the Queen
is the Head, and not a Party, everything will be easy, and the
Queen will be courted and not a Party ; but if otherwise •

As to the question of the Speaker the Queen loses the grace of
it, if they who set him are not made sensible that the best service
he can ever do the Queen is, by having his name used to carry
that question, and his party ought not to think they have
imposed him upon the Court, but take it as a grace that they
have him from the Queen's influence.

If your Lordship can pardon this, I shall not trouble you with
the like again.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, September 5. "Winchester —Upon reading the Duke of
Marlborough's letters the Queen suspends all thoughts of Lord
P [embroke] 's going to Holland till she comes to Windsor, and
will expect to see him there.

I must at the same [time] trouble you in a matter for which
the Duke of Marlborough, in one of his letters to me, shows more
concern and trouble than I have known him do on almost any
other occasion. It is upon something being omitted to be printed
in the London "Gazette" of the account sent over by Mr.
Cardonnel, of what had passed upon his march to attack the
French in their camp.

He sent me the enclosed paper with the lines drawn under the
writing as you will see them. I suppose those lines under which
the strokes are drawn are what he complains are left out. I
cannot charge my memory so as to remember particularly how
this omission came to pass, but I beg you will recollect what you
can of it, and endeavour to satisfy him in it, by Friday's post.
As I remember his letter to the States was printed in French and
English ; but this is not the first, though much the sorest, occasion
of complaint about the " Gazette."

Enclosure.

Basse Wavre. Aug. 19, 1705, n.s — Yesterday the army
decamped at three in the morning from Fichermont, and
having passed several defiles came through the Bois de
Soignies into a spacious plain, with only the Ische
between us and the enemy, whom we found accordiug to
expectation in their former camp between Neer Ische and
Over Ische ; [about noon our army was formed in order
of battle, and my Lord Duke of Marlborough having
with M. Dauverkerque visited the posts they had resolved
to attack were accordingly giving orders to the troops to

76

advance, with a very fair prospect of success, but the
Deputies of the Stales having- consulted with their other
generals would not give their consent so that it was given
over]0 and the army encamped at Lane, from whence
they marched this day to the camp of Basse Wavre.

[Loin) GoDOLrniN to Robert Harley.]

[1705, September] 19. — I forgot to ask you last night if you
had any opportunity of examining Sir J[ohn] B[arclay]'s son,
and what account he gives himself of his coming over into
England. I think the more public that matter is, the better
< ti'crt it will have.

I am not at ease about several things we have formerly talked
of.

The matter of the prosecuting in which Mr. Attorney [Northey]
is pleased to be so indifferent or worse will come to be a sore
thing. If you don't like Mr. Bbrrett, who I think was recom-
mended at first by my Lord Chief Justice Trevor, pray let us
have another. I wish, as you have seemed to do, that the
Attorney would be a judge, but that matter can't hang long, no
more than the disposing of the Great Seal, in which too much
time has been already lost, in hope something might happen to
make that matter more easy ; but the Parliament being now so
near it would be trifling to let it continue as it is and, as far as I
can judge where T am concerned, dangerous for me, but that is
an argument which would not have much weight with me, if I
thought it safe for the Queen.

I have heard since I came to town of several insolences of the
clergy, which are really insufferable and next door to open
rebellion, and I don't find the least notice taken of it, or the
least thought or disposition to reprehend any of them about it.
If the Parliament be of the same mind we must submit to it, but
if not, I hope they will be punished ; and whether the Parliament
approve of all the noise that is fomented in the kingdom of the
Church's danger is, in my humble opinion, the first thing that
ought one way or other to be cleared upon their meeting.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley.]

1705, September 21, n.s. Augsbourg. — The chief occasion of
my writing to you at present is to inform you that yesterday
morning I was married to a widow lady I was acquainted
with at Rome who, though an Italian, I am thoroughly
persuaded will be not only a good wife but a good Protestant,
she having to my knowledge made her change to our
religion upon arguments well grounded as to the next
world, as she entirely satisfied the Protestant minister who
examined her before he would join us in marriage yesterday.

* The portion in brackets is underlined in the document us having been omitted
from the "Gazette " Further details of this matter will be found in Coxe's Life

of Marlborough.

I (

However as to the sincerity of this act, time and her behaviour
will be the best proof, and I wish people would be contented not
to judge till the}7 might do it upon grounds that were reasonable.
I design in some days to remove towards Frankfort, and
therefore desire you will direct your next for me thither in my
own name, since probably I shall be there before your letters.
Copy.

<

[Lord Godolphin] to Secretary Harley.

170."), September 27. Newmarket. — This is to acknowledge
the favour of yours and at the request of my Lord Halifax to
recommend to your protection the case of Sir G. Heathcote and
the Russia merchants. I cannot enter into the particulars
because I am not informed of them so well as you, but I know
you will do what is best for the trade.

I am sorry Mr. Attorney will be easy in nothing, perhaps he
will be of another mind when he finds it is no more in his power ;
and 1 expect then he should say it was never offered him.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705, September 30. Newmarket. — I must be excused if I say
nothing as to the Electoral Prince's patent, for 1 have not the
the least insight into that matter; but if you are in doubt, i think
it would be right to consult my Lord Halifax.

I have a letter from G. Granville about the government of
Guernsey for his brother Sir B[evil]. Pray let him know that 1
know the Duke of Marlborough has been long engaged to his own
brother, C. Churchill.

1 send you a letter I have received Mr. Pulteney [at
Copenhagen]. 1 should think it right to oblige him; if the
Queen pleases and it be not too late, why should not G. Granville
have a mind to go abroad to one of those Northern Kings'? I
think that it is the readiest way for him to be made easy at
home.

1 shall contribute to your staying in the country as long as you
desire, but you can't but see we shall have another reply from
Mr. B , and you can't but think you will be wanted to

answer the Holland letters as often ;is they come.

i Tin-: Same to the Same.]

1705, October 1. Newmarket. — I am extremely much
concerned for the shame and the ill consequences of our
disappointment in Catalonia. I must beg the favour of you to
thank' M. Vrybergh for the communication of his letter, having
too much to write to-day to be able to thank him myself.

I reckon there must have been some unaccountable folly in
that matter, and the orders mentioned could be none but the
private instructions; however the orders sent from "Windsor by
the Duke of Savoy's courier will be said to have occasioned what
lias been done, though in truth they were subsequent to it.

78

By the Duke of Marlborough's letters, I believe he will yet
judge it necessary to go to Vienna, which, though best for the

service of the allies in general, will yet make our particular still
greater hero at home.

I hope the Duchess of Marlborough and the Duke of Newcastle
between them will be able to convert Mr. Guydott.

1 know nothing of Brockett particularly, but his looks and his
employment together make me apt to think we can't much rely
upon him.

1 shall be Monday next at St. Albans.

I hope Mr. St. John is better.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1705, October 10 ?]— The news from Perpignan does not much
alarm me, and if Prince Eugene can't stir till he has money I
doubt he will be immovable a good while.

I have been at Kensington this evening. The Queen will have
the Cabinet Council Friday morning at St. James's, and to-morrow
in the evening at Kensington, before or after which, as will be
most easy to you, I would be glad to read over the project, or plan
as 'tis called, with you, that we may agree what answer to make
upon it ; though in my humble opinion it is so partial and at the
same time so weak that one must have a good deal of temper to
treat it seriously.

I find nobody that can resolve me whether the seals are to be
given privately to the new Lord Keeper [Cowper] , or with the
purse at Council when he is sworn.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705, October 23.— I return your papers without reading for
fear you might want them at the Cabinet Council which I under-
stand is summoned to meet this morning, but I am obliged to
attend my Lord Keeper to Westminster Hall ; as soon as that is
over, I shall come.

1 doubt Mr. Bromley's partisans will not be so much dis-
couraged by the guns' they heard yesterday as they may justly
be encouraged by the noise which the folly of our own friends
makes every day in the week. I have heard a good deal of it
this morning and I saw it before, but I was willing not to take
any notice of it so long as it was possible to avoid it.

If I have no opportunity of speaking to you this morning I
will come to your office in the evening. It is necessary I should
speak to you with Hughetan and settle that matter, that we may
write to the Duke of Marlborough accordingly. Though I make
no doubt but a vessel has been dispatched with the particulars
of what has passed at Barcelona, yet these winds may hinder us
from hearing them that way for some time.

[The Same to the Same.]

1705 [October 25]. — Now the hurry and the anxiety of this
day is a little over, I must beg leave to put you in mind that the

79

draught of the Speech must not be brought to-morrow to the
Cabinet Council in my hand ; and besides the amendment you
may have made in it there are some which upon reflection I
think myself are proper to be made.

I don't know whether it will be easy to you, to let me come to
3'ou anywhere to-night ; but if not, I shall be at home to-morrow
morning till the Cabinet Council, or that may be deferred till the
evening, if there shall be occasion.

The majority of this day has not been so great but that it will
concern the Court, not to be either negligent or imprudent ; any
false step will easily spoil this session.

I am sorry so many of our friends have played the fool, but
unless we have a mind to do so too, it must not be resented.

H. St. John to Secretary Harley.

1705, October 26. Whitehall. — You was in haste when T saw
you this morning, otherwise I would have spoke to you about
what I write to you now. You may remember, Dear Master, that
some time ago I complained to you that whilst the care of the
forces abroad was in other hands, and Mr. Clark, as secretary to
his Eoyal Highness concerned himself with those at home, I
could not think myself very well used. It was this consideration
that made me write to my Lord Treasurer, as soon as I heard
the "Brimmer" was out to desire that I might, if he thought
it proper, succeed to his business, exclusive of what is to be done
with the Council of the Lord High Admiral. If my Lord thinks
it improper, or more for her Majesty's service to employ another,
I am easy. I tell you what I have done and upon what grounds
I did it, for you have been so kind in millions of instances to me
that I really look on myself as accountable to you for all my
actions. The only thing that made me hesitate was, that 1
should be vexed to be thought greedy after profit, which I
despise with all my heart, and serve the Queen on a much
better principle. All I can say on this head is, that I will
promise to make less of both places than the two gentlemen
that had them made of each; and that as I design to make no
fortune so I will spend in the Queen's service whatever I get in
it. There are some iniquities which do make a noise, that if I
do not begin by destroying I will forfeit my character with you
for ever very willingly.

If you approve what I have done I know your friendship for
me and I depend on it ; if I have been unreasonable I shall
submit to your correction as becomes one who truly values and
ever must be faithfully and entirely yours.

[Lord Godolphin to IIobert Harley.]

1705, December 8. — I should not trouble you so perpetually,
bul that the time is short and we have much to do. The Land
Tax and the Scots' bill ought to pass before Christmas, and by

so

the printed votes which I read sometimes there seems to be
foundation laid for otherways employing some of the few (lavs
hetwixt this and that time.

1 am alarmed also with being informed by some of the Scots,
as if you were not for repealing hut only suspending the Scots'
A.ct : hut 1 can't believe this, because 1 know how industrious
people are to spread falsities, and because it is too plain that a
bare suspension of that Act only makes it not possible for the
Scots to treat, but leaves the failure at the door of England.

1 want to speak with you also about some foreign affairs, and
should be glad if you could call upon me to-morrow between five
and six in the evening.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1705-6, February. — I thank you for yours last night and your
kind enquiry after my health, which I thank God begins to
mend. I have been abroad in my coach this noon to take the
air.

I return you the enclosed ; if the sickness mentioned in it has
been a real' one, might it not be of use to discover the person?

The report you take notice of from Holland of our being weary
of Gibraltar has probably been occasioned by our asking them to
bear their part of the expense of it, which is a demand that I
think ought to be frequently repeated to them. As weary as the
i nit ell are of the Spanish war, I believe they would not be more
easy at our taking off the prohibition of commerce with Spain,
than our people are at their opening the trade with France, and
therefore I cannot but wish that matter might be considered in the
House of Commons, for the more I think and talk of it, the more
I am confirmed that it may prove an expedient very useful at
this time.

H. St. John to Secretary Harley.

1706, April 29. Whitehall.— Upon enquiry into the matters
alleged against MacMahone, the deputy Marshal of the Savoy,
and Murphy his clerk, of their being Irish papists, I am informed
that they were both born in Ireland, that their relations are Irish
papists or reputed so, and that their conversation is chiefly with
such ; as also that MacMahone did serve as a trooper in Flanders,
but being suspected to be a papist was dismissed the service. So
that there is reason to believe that what is alleged against them
in that respect is true. But as to the complaints of their ill
usage of the prisoners in the Savoy, there being no mention made
of any particular instance thereof, I have not been able to make
any enquiry thereinto.

I will give directions for the discharge of these persons unless
I hear to the contrary from you.

[The last paragraph only in St. Joint's handwriting^

81

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1706, May.] — By the discourse I had with you just now at
Kensington, I am sorry to be forced to put you in mind that you
never take any tolerable care of your own health.

I return the copy of M. de Yilleroy's letter to you, because if i-
such a rarity that I think it ought to be kept in the Paper Office.0

Should not the letters of those persons mentioned by Hontargis
be opened ?

As to L'Apostre — there is one of that name who lives in the
city, a nouveau converii he pretended to be. He came into
England since the Queen's coming to the Crown, he has brought
me projects relating to the West Indies, and appeared to me
always very sufficient and very impudent, I never was without
some suspicion of his being a spy.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .

1706, May 6. — As all truths may not be proper to be in the
"Gazette," I desire the favour of you that during this campaign
when I send in your letter as I now do a paper of news, you will
let it be inserted in the " Postman,'* and what is to be in the
" Gazette" Mr. Cardonel will send it to the office as formerly.

Postscript. — I shall depend on your friendship and judgi
to leave out what you may think improper.

The Earl of Rochester to [Earl Rivers].

1706, June 2. New Park.— Recommending Major Keymis to
his protection, who was in Ireland when the writer was Lord
Lieutenant of that kingdom, was in the first service in Portugal
and there made prisoner with his whole regiment. He was of a
very good family in Wales, and had raised a great many very
good men for the Queen's and the public service.

[Lord Godolphin] to Robert Harley.

[1706,] June 8. — The last advices from France say the fleet
was disarming at Toulon, and if that be true, as seems probable,
why might not the squadron with Sir John Leak be divided, and
25 or 30 sail sent to the coast of Italy, which might have an

* Harley, however, appears to have kept the paper in his own hands, for annexed
to this is copy of a letter from Villeroy to Marshal de Tallard (then a prisoner at
Nottingham i. dated 25 May. L706, which runs: — "Votre fils a 6t6 pris Monsieur,
dans une action que nons avons eu avec les ennemis le 23 dont vous entenchez
parler. II est en bon sante. J'envoyai d'abord un trompctte pour le reel
J'espere que M. d'Auverquerk me le renvoyera aujourdhui."

An extract from a letter of Montargis to the Chevalier de Croissy at Nottini
is also annexed, which will help to explain the succeeding paragraphs of Godolphin's
letter. It runs: — "Si vous avez besoin de quelque correspondence a Londres,
vous pourriez vous adresser au Sieur Salvador, ou a Madlle. Anne Maubert ou au
Sieur L'Apostre auxquels j'ordonnerai ce qu'il vous plaitoit. A BruxelL

Bombarde. Tresorier de M. l'Electeur. et a Amsterdam M. Daniel II -nois, ou M.

Andre Petz en feront de meme." The letter was written from Paris, 23 April, 1700.

G802 I

82

effeci to make Naples declare immediately, and be a great assist-
ance to Prince Eugene ; and the other part be still sufficient to
assist and countenance any designs of King Charles the third
upon the coast of Spain, and even upon Cadiz itself, in case
there should be occasion of making an attempt upon that place
and an opportunity of doing it; and if we should, in great
wisdom and security, keep our whole fleet together all this
summer in the Mediterranean, I don't see that it is capable of
doing any service that may not be as well performed by
half .of it.

If there be anything in this thought worth your reflection, you
will come the better prepared for it to-morrow to Windsor, where
1 imagine it will be proper to consider what instructions Sir J.
. Leak has at present.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1706, July 8 [June 27, o.s.] — I thank you for what you mention
of the letters, and the care you are taking to find out the authors,
I should be glad to know them, though as long as God blesses us
with success their writing can have little weight. It may well be
expected in so great a crowd to find some people who are never
satisfied. I am impatient of having your thoughts upon the
methods for the making the Queen's business go easy in the
winter. I am very glad you are so well pleased with Lord Keeper,
I am sure it is my hearty desire that the Queen should encourage
every bod}- that serves her well ; what you desire for him can be
no ways uneasy, but the engagement her Majesty may be under,
but you and Lord Treasurer are the best judges as to the
time.

I have given Prince Eugene notice of the fleets being ordered
on the coast of Italy. I think Mr. Cresset a very honest man,
but would not his going to the Court of Hanover give more
jealousy than the thing is worth ? You know I have no partiality
for Prince Lewis of Baden, but what Monsieur Vriberg told you
is impossible. I should trouble you oftener with my own hand,
but I am sure what ever I write to Lord Treasurer is no secret to
you.

If you send me the copies of the letters you have from the
army, I should be glad to see them.

[Addressed " To Your self" ; and endorsed by Harley as "received
on July 3 " [o.s.]. J

The Duke of Marlborough "for Your self" [Robert Harley].

1706, July [1-] 12. — I am obliged to you for your friendly care,
and I will have Major Cranston observed, and should be glad to
have a copy of the letter concerning Ramillies, and if possible to
be certain of the author. I know not well how to answer your
demand of Prince Lewis, other than that I am afraid nothing will
be done and yet I can see no remedy for it. I am told the
Observator is angry with me.

83

The Duke of Marlborough "to Your self" [Robert Harley].

1706, July [8-] 19. — I must beg your friendship in letting me
have the necessary powers for my security, as to the two points
you will see in Lord Treasurer's letter. And pray let me have
a copy of the letter that speaks of Ramillies, and the reason
you have to believe it Major Cranston's, for he has obligations
to me.

The Duke of Marlborough " to Your self " [Robert Harley].

1706, July 15-26.— What her Majesty has done to Mr. Csesar
is very right ; if Sir George Rook has refused to sign the Kentish
address, should he continue in the council? I am glad the Queen
has ordered Earle to go with the descent, and if Shrimton be
not designed to return immediately to Gibraltar, I should think
it might be for the service to send him, for Lord Rivers can't
have too many officers. I expect your thoughts upon the winter
campaign.

[Lord Godolphin] to Secretary Harley.

1706, July 20. Windsor. — I am sorry, as much as you seem also
to be, that the Imperial Court will do nothing at our request in
relation to Hungary and the Rhine, at the same time that we are
doing so much for them in Italy, Spain and Flanders. I think
this ought to be put home to them not only by Mr. Stepney, who
I doubt is not very well heard at Vienna, but also to the Comte
de Gallas here. If I may use such an expression the Emperor
owes it the Allies to repair in some measure the unaccountable
and scandalous conduct of Prince L [ewis] of Baden.

The expectation of the Queen's coming to town upon Monday
will, I take for granted, hinder most of the Lords from being here
to-morrow, though there seems to be as much business, and as
little uneasiness in the journey, as there has been any Sunday in
this year.

The news of this post is generally so good that I conclude all
the Foreign ministers will be here ; and though your Amsterdam
letter may possibly give a right account of Biscay and Navarre,
I am sanguine enough to believe both Seville and Cadiz have
declared, which will determine all the rest.

The Admiralty are not so lively and vigilant as they ought to
to be; I see it every day upon twenty occasions, but yet I don't see
how at present it is to be mended.

I find you don't think my poor Lady Huntingdon punished
enough yet.

Since I had written thus far I have waited upon the Queen,
who had been abroad early a hunting. I find her Majesty is
desirous the Lords should be summoned to-morrow, several
tilings requiring to be dispatched sooner than Tuesday, all indeed
that relate to the expedition, the troops being all embarked at
Ostend and the weather fair, though not the wind.

84

The Queen's Instructions to Earl Rivers.

1706, July 21. Windsor. — Having been given command of
the forces to be employed in the present expedition against the
enemy, Lord Rivers is instructed to repair forthwith to Spithead
and embark the troops, then to proceed with them to the coast of
France and to land them at such place as he shall find best for
the service. When landed, at a seasonable time he is to publish
the declaration which has been printed in the French language,
in order to facilitate his success ; and he is required to take all
possible care that the declaration be punctually observed, and the
severest punishments inflicted on all persons who shall offend
contrary to it. Lord Rivers is moreover empowered to issue such
other declarations or manifestos from time to time as he shall
judge may conduce to the furtherance of this service, taking care to
give assurances to the people and to make it public that his design
is not for conquest but to restore to all sorts of people their ancient
rights and privileges ; and that no peace will be hearkened to till
the same are secured to them on a good and lasting foundation.

From time to time Lord Rivers is to consider and concert
measures with Sir Cloudesley Shovell, or the commander in chief
of the fleet attending this expedition, for the better co-operating
with him in making any attempt on the enemy where the fleet
can be of use for carrying it on.

He is also empowered to treat and agree with any of the
French nation to come in and join with him, is to give them
assurances that he is not come only to make a diversion but to
fix himself with them till such time as they may be secured of their
just rights and privileges, &c.

He is to give an account of all his proceedings in this expedi-
tion to one of the principal Secretaries of State, and to follow
such other instructions as he shall receive from either of them.
If he shall find insuperable difficulties in attempting to land on
the coast of France, or in taking post there, he is to repair to
Jersey or Guernsey, and expect further orders. Sign Manual.

Sir Charles Hedges, Secretary of State, to Earl Rivers.

1706, July '22. Whitehall. — Her Majesty, having received
advice that the Dutch troops began to embark at Ostend on the
14th inst., and that they will be at Spithead so soon as the wind
serves, commands him to forward the above " Instructions to
Richard Earl Rivers, commander-in-chief of our Land forces
employed in the present expedition," dated at Windsor July 21,
and signed by the Queen.

Lord Godolphin to Secretary Harley.

1706, July 26. Windsor. — I received the favour of yours last
night with the ill news of poor Mr. Methuen's death, very
unseasonable I doubt for the Queen's service in those parts.

Her Majesty approves the sending for his son to Portugal, and
appointing Mr. Chetwynd in his room, but not of sending any
credentials at nresent to my Lord Galwav.

85

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .

1706, July 26. Windsor Castle. — A very odd accident has
happened to me that makes it reasonable for me to see the letters
that come from a servant of my Lord Marlborough's to one that
lives with me, and hers to him. Their name is Forster, and I
expect she will write one to him this post. I don't mean to give
anybody the trouble to copy them, as it has been upon things of
more consequence, I desire their original letters. It is no matter
if their correspondence should fail for a post or two, and I shall
make no ceremony after the provocation I have had to open their
letters, and burn them without letting them know anything of
the matter. I beg your pardon for this trouble.

The Earl of Rochester to [Earl Rivers] .

1706, July 27. New Park.— Wishing his " Excellency " all
happiness in his expedition, both upon the public account and
his own, and that he may have success and honour in it.

H. St. John to Secretary Harley.

1706, July 27. Portsmouth. — I have sent an express to
Windsor, my Lord Rivers and Mr. Erie thinking I can be of
more use here than I think nryself anywhere ; and shall not see
you till Tuesday at soonest in London. I have writ to my Lord
Treasurer an account of what passed on board Sir Cloudesley's
this day. He, my Lord Rivers, and Mr. Erie have no concern
but the fear of not doing what may in some measure be of a
piece with the other enterprises of her Majesty's reign, and
therefore propose attempting the Groyne, if they cannot fix
themselves in France nor hope to winter there.

I forgot to mention to my Lord Treasurer that I find Seymour
and Withers to be elder Majors-General than Lord Essex, and
believe others to be so too, though the register has been formerly
so ill kept in my office that the ranks of the army are hard to be
found. I have therefore told my Lord Rivers that it is impossible
to declare my Lord a Lieutenant-General ; he is, I find, uneasy,
though unreasonably, at it, and urges that if Erie and he should
be killed or die Guiscard will command. You easily see how
frivolous this is. but however, if the Queen shall please to be so
indulgent, I send the draught of an order that signifies nothing
and yet will make the new peers perfectly easy.

I have received all the manifestos from London and put them
into Lord Rivera's hands.

I will not trouble you with particular accounts of our embarka-
tion, in general we want nothing but the Dutch and an easterly
wind.

Sir Charles Hedges to Henry St. John.

1706, July 28. Windsor.— Having written to Sir Cl. Shovell
upon the proposals you mention in yours of the 27th inst., in
which Lord Rivers and General Erie agree if her Majesty

86

approves, 1 shall not trouble you on that subject but only to
acquaint you her Majesty does not think fit to lead them from
the main design by any alternative instruction.

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .

[1706,] July 30. Windsor Castle.— I am satislied there can
never anything pass between this brother and sister that is
worth giving you any further trouble. If you will pardon what
I have done I shall be very thankful.

Postscript. — The great packet to Mr. Forster is the same hand
as that I had before with the prints ; without reading his letters
one may see his impertinence, to have two packets of prints every
week, when I suppose the same is to be had wherever he goes.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, August 1. Whitehall.— Mr. St. John having communi-
cated a letter signed by your Excellency and Lieut. -General Erie
wherein you say you were under some apprehension you were
misunderstood, because an expression in my letter seemed to look
as if you had thoughts of altering the first design, I am
commanded to acquaint you her Majesty did not apprehend you
had any thoughts of proceeding otherwise than was at first
designed, but lest any other view should slacken the proceedings
the Queen did not think fit to give any other orders.

The Duke of Marlborough "to Your self" [Robert Harley] .

1706, August 5 [n.s.] — If you could let me have a sight of the
original letter of Ramillies I could then be sure of knowing the
author, having in my custody an original letter of the major's.
Mr. Craggs will give you the names of the Deputy Lieutenants of
Oxfordshire. I thank you for the powers concerning Flanders,
the other I have not yet received. The siege of Menin goes on
very slowly, and I am afraid that some of our friends have a
peace more at heart, than the carrying the war on with vigour.

Queen Anne to [Robert Harley].

[1706,] August 6. Windsor. — " I have reason to beleeve Mr.
St. Johns will be desired to be heare Friday or Saturday, which
is the occasion of my giveing you this trouble to desire you would
speak with him before he coins, and take care to order it soe with
him, in case there should be any more horse thought necessary
to be sent for out of Ireland, that the regiment may not be men-
tioned that I hindred from being ordered before, which will very
much oblidg

Your very affectionett freind,

Anne R."

Postscript. — " I desire that you will take care that Mr. St. Johns
may not think you know of his being to be heare soe soon as I
have mentioned, that he may not suspect what you say to him
about the Regiment corns from me."

87

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough to Robert Harley.

1706, August 8. Thursday. — I received a letter from Lord
Marlborough last post in which he says it is so disagreeable a
thing to keep a spy about one, that he bids me order a servant to
watch him, and intercept his letters, and if I find it as I imagine,
that I should put him away. This is the occasion of my giving
you this new trouble, to desire you would please to order that any
letters that come to the Post Office from Windsor, directed in the
hand of this receipt, should be stopped, and returned to me, or
any letters directed to David Foulks, which is the name of this
suspected person.

You have expressed so much goodness to me upon several
occasions that I venture to take this liberty, though I know it is
impertinent, because I fancy you may have some servant that
may do it without much trouble to you, and the way my Lord
Marlborough directs I believe would not prove so effectual as this,
for besides the difficulty of servants keeping a secret that live
together, I have observed that they don't care to discover the
greatest villany in the world, unless it be something that hurts
themselves.

Postscript. — I thought the best way of getting my spy's hand
was to make him write the enclosed receipt.

Sir R[oger] Bradshaigh to [Earl Rivers].

1706, August 8. — I was this afternoon with Lady Betty [Savage]
and told her what I heard reported, which startled her very
much, till I named the person I was told she had married, which
when she found not to be the man seemed to make a jest of it,
and notwithstanding all I could say to her, I could not get any-
thing from her to convince me there was no grounds for such a
report. But at last I have got the secret out, and which, I am
sorry to tell your Lordship, is that she is married to my Lord
Barrymore, and that as long since as in June; the particulars
are too tedious at present for me to send you, nor am I thoroughly
informed of them, but in a day or two will give your Lordship
a more perfect account, but must beg your Lordship will not
take notice of it by the return of this post for some reasons you
shall know hereafter, nor that I send you this account, but I
could not forbear letting you know a thing that so much concerns
you, and I am sorry to find those who should have sent you this
account before now have kept it so long a secret ; there was my
Lord of Kerry and Mrs. Scrimshaw present at the wedding, and
now there is a consultation on foot whether they shall own it,
and my Lady Elizabeth Savage to leave her behind with her
Lord. I shall be sent for I am told to consult what is to be done
in regard to letting your Lordship know it as soon as it is resolved
whether I am to be trusted with the secret, which I believe will
not be long. So since what you had from the Doctor was not
groundless, I only at present beg you will take no notice of this
till you hear further from me, for a particular friend of mine
will take it ill.

MS

Brigadier J. Baynes to [Earl Eivers].

1706, August 11. Petersfield. — Yesterday morning I left
London by my Lady Elizabeth Savage's commands, that if I could
ibrv reach your Lordship before you were sailed away I
ihould deliver these enclosed letters to your Excellency, but
finding bhat the fleet was gone, I thought fit to send them after.
Eer Ladyship and Lady Betty both were very desirous I should
see your Lordship and so was I myself, but was so unfortunate
not to be able to get time enough ; their Ladyships being under
a great concern about your Excellency's reception of the news
you receive in the letters. On Friday night I was at my Lady
Elizabeth's house where I found my Lord Barrymore and Sir
Roger Bradshaigh, and by his Lordship's desire, he obtained leave
of both the ladies to come down to submit himself to your Lord-
ship's favour in order to beg your forgiveness for what has been
done without your Lordship's knowledge.

My Lord Barrymore, who was extremely desirous of being
admitted to your Lordship's presence, came hither on purpose
and in hopes thereof with the advice of my Lady Elizabeth with
all the submission to your Lordship, only by his future behaviour
to your Lordship and his Lady expecting your Lordship's recon-
ciliation and favour, which he desires me to acquaint your
Lordship with.

Sir Roger Bradshaigh to Earl Rivers.

1706, August 12. — I sent your Lordship a letter by Brigadier
" Beans " last Saturday, but I believe the fleet was sailed before he
got to Portsmouth. He was desired by my Lady Elizabeth and
Lady Betty to wait on you, what particular instructions he had
from them I was not privy to, though I was with them that night
and desired to say as much as I could to your Lordship to miti-
gate so great a crime as Lady Betty has been guilty of. I hope
you will excuse my presumption in concerning myself so far, but
I hope your Lordship will not let it give you too much uneasiness
since it cannot now be remedied. My Lady Guise and myself
have been very free with my Lady Elizabeth upon this occasion,
and think you have been used with so little regard and indeed
common gratitude that we cannot expect but you should resent it
in the greatest degree ; however I hope as she is your Lordship's
child she will be happy, but that seldom attends disobedience
especially to so kind a parent which I shall always justify your
Lordship in to the world, though I believe there are some would
have it thought otherwise to give a colour to what has been done.
My Lady Guise has writ this post to you and I am sure she is a
hearty well wisher to your Lordship.

Postscript. — I am told my Lord Barrymore has in present near
1,500£. per annum, and I find he is generally well spoken of about
the town and indeed seems more concerned for disobliging your
Lordship than those who have been most active in this affair.

89

The Duke of Marlborough " to Your self " [Robert Harley] .

1706, August 16 [n.s.] .—I am very impatient for what you
promised me in your paper of the 23rd of the last month, being
very sure you will do it impartially ; and I am very confident you
are so kind and just to me as to be sure I shall make no other use
of it, but that of making myself more capable to serve her
Majesty and the public.

La Mott mentioned in Mr. Henry Griffith's letter I do not
know ; Limbec who is my steward has been with me all this war,
and is a very honest man. The Duke of Yandonie will have
to-morrow assembled all his army not far from Lille, and has
assured the governor of Menin that he will relieve the place by
the 20th of this month.

Sir Roger Bradshaigh to Earl Rivers.

1706, August 18. Dunstable.— As your Lordship had com-
manded me in Mrs. Colleton's letter, I immediately went to Lady
Betty and delivered the message, who told me she would send the
letter your Lordship required to my house yesterday, but none
having been left there or any further'answer from her, I thought it
my duty to let you know it, though perhaps it may be sent after
me into the country, which as soon as I receive I shall send to
Mrs. Colleton.

My Lord Barrymore has taken a house in Great Russell Street
where I found them last Friday, when I went for the letter. My
Lady Elizabeth, Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Scrimshaw, were all above
stairs with Lady Betty and Bridget "Beans"; and Mr. Paine below
with my Lord. I do not know in what favour I am with these
ladies but they look very grave upon me and perhaps think I have
talked a little too free of the late affair, but I am sure I have
never said or writ anything to your Lordship to do them any
prejudice ; but what I "thought should not be a secret to you I
took the liberty to acquaint you with, and shall always do the
same where I ever hear anything so nearly concerns you. I shall
Bee Mr. Yernon at Hulms Chapel next Thursday, where we shall
talk over this matter and in the mean time I hope your Lordship
will excuse a hasty letter after a dusty journey.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers].

1706, August 18, Sunday night. Windsor.— I have the honour
of your Lordship's letter from Torbay, which having been laid
this evening before the Queen, with the result of your Council of
War, her Majesty finding that the thing proposed, supposing it
should succeed, could not have an effect in this year answerable to
tbe great expense of this expedition and the expectation of the
world from it, and considering on the other hand that the present
posture of affairs in [Spain] might make it yet necessary to
send more forces into that kingdom for the entire reducing
of that kingdom, sbe has for this year wholly laid aside the

90

thought of a descent in France, and determined to send you with
the troops under your command to make a diversion upon the
coast of Spain.

Your instructions, T suppose, will he to go to the river of
Seville, to land your troops as near as you can to that town,
which is open and very rich, and when you have reduced it to the
obedience of King Charles, to take the best measures you can for
making yourself master of Cadi/, either by attacking it if you
find any encouragement to that, or by keeping their subsistence
from them, which will not be difficult when you are once
possessed of Seville and the country about it.

This proposition is thought more advisable than attempting
any port in Biscay or Galicia, though more remote, because from
that north part of Spain you could have no communication with
the King in case he should be obliged to retire to Valentia or
Arragon ; but from Andalusia upon occasion you might hear
from one another and concert measures.

This proposition is also thought much better than to send the
troops to Lisbon, because it would be inexcusable to expose our-
selves a second time to the humours of the Portuguese ; besides
that this is a thing of very great eclat as well as of the greatest
importance.

You can have no instructions at this time how to govern your-
self in relation to the King of Spain, or in case he should desire
you to join him, we having not any certainty of his present
circumstances.

The long delays occasioned by the contrary winds having
defeated the first design I hope you will have success enough in
this to recompense you for that misfortune.

Upon acquainting the States with the resolution we doubt of
their concurrence, though we must not stay for their answer, but
the French Refugies will I doubt be much disappointed, and their
regiments so weak that it would be well if they could be made
fewer and stronger, and kept on with the expectation of going into
their own country another year.

My humble service to my Lord Essex and tell him I have taken
care of Sir Thomas Clark and Mr. Wallis.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, August 20. Windsor. — Her Majesty having taken a
resolution to send the fleet with the troops on board under your
command to the coast of Spain I hereby send you the instruc-
tions she has thought fit to give your Excellency for that
expedition, and am to acquaint you that her Majesty depends
upon your proceeding accordingly without loss of time. It will
be of great importance to keep your design as private as possible,
for if it should take air perhaps you may find some opposition at
your landing, whereas if you arrive before it is known you will
have none at all.

So soon as you are landed you will take all possible care to give
speedy notice of it to the King of Spain and Earl of Galway, and

91

such others of the Queen's commanders as you shall think fit,
and immediately enter into correspondence with them for the
mutual assisting one another and the concerting such measures
together as may most contribute to the success of her Majesty's
arms and the establishment of King Charles. I send this by an
express, and Col. Richards will follow it to-morrow morning,
who is to accompany your Excellency in this expedition
and may be a proper person to be sent to the King of Portugal,
being acquainted in the country and understanding what the
Portuguese can do for your assistance. I should have sent the
declaration printed in the Spanish language, but there was no
time for it, and 'twas not thought fit to make any delay on that
account, since perhaps you may have no occasion, or if you have
there is a press on board for printing it or any other orders you
shall judge necessary to be published.

I shall send your Excellency a cypher for corresponding with
the Earl of Galway as soon as it can be got ready. I wish you
a good voyage and all possible success.

Postscript. — I send your Excellency extracts of the late
Ambassador Methuen's letters relating to an attempt upon Cadiz,
not knowing but they may be of some use to you and particularly
for concerting measures with the King of Portugal.

Earl Rivers to Lord Treasurer Godolphin.

1706, August 21. Torbay. — Her Majesty's commands signi-
fied by your Lordship in your letter of the 18th from Windsor
shall be cheerfully obeyed, and since the thoughts of a descent
on France are laid aside for this year, mine shall be wholly
employed how I may most effectually carry on the service (with
the small number of troops I have under my command) where I
am directed.

In order to it I have already given directions for the buying
up of hay and oats to make good the stores already spent, but
I find upon a strict examination that all our transports and store
ships will not carry for above thirty-five days of hay and oats so
that I have given order for the hiring of two ships at Topsham
to put provisions of that kind into, the Admiral telling me that we
must expect to be thirty days at least in our passage.

I must beg leave to renew to your Lordship the instance I have
already made relating to a further supply of money, the distance we
are going to makes the reason still the stronger. I gave you an
account that there is but one month's pay for the troops from the
24th of this month and between 3 and4,000/. left for contingencies,
which will be lessened by this addition of hay and oats. If your
Lordship, according to that proportion, would be pleased to send
us two months' more and for contingencies in proportion we shall
be able to subsist till your Lordship can send us a further supply,
which Sir Cloudesley says may be done by the way of Lisbon
and be will take care to send ships for it; but this will take up
some time, so that in my poor opinion we cannot be with less
than what I mention in specie.

92

T desire her Majesty's particular directions in relation to the five
French regiments and Monsieur Guiseard. There is but three
hundred of them in all, I mean private men. [ think the best
way will be to put them in one regiment and give it Vimar
with a double number of officers ; and for Guiseard his project
being at an end he is of no use to me. I shall treat them
at parting as I am directed what's necessary, for the number
he has, which is upward of four hundred, are very good who
1 have put in an English brigade. If your Lordship thinks
lilting J will take the whole clothing with me. Some of our
E nglish regiments are weak which may be supplied by a detachment
from Paston's regiment at Plymouth, I being informed by those
that have seen them that there are five hundred good men in it. I
beg your Lordship's speedy orders that I may take three hundred
of them, which we can get on board with great ease. I hope your
Lordship will send after us more ordnance stores; Lieut. -General
Erie will send a particular what may be wanted. Mr. Onslow says
he will pay for what hay and oats I shall buy here out of some
money he has upon account of the Excise if your Lordship please
to allow it ; then for what he lays out here he will have my hand
for his voucher. I shall submit to her Majesty's pleasure and
your commands in everything but being under the orders of my
Lord Peterborough : pardon me if I press you for an answer
to this before we sail.

Copy.

LOED GODOLPHIN to [EaEL RlVEEs] .

1706, August 21. Windsor. — Your Lordship will have received
the Queen's instructions for the expedition to Seville and Cadiz ;
the first of these places is easy to be had, the second very difficult
till you have the first, but after that I hope and believe you will
soon be in possession of it.

This bearer, Col. Richards, who is a sensible ingenious man,
has been particularly well acquainted with that place and will be
able fully to explain to you the methods by which we hope it is
to be gained, and the necessary steps in order to it. We have had a
great deal of talk with him and I hope you will receive much
satisfaction from the lights he seems to have in this affair.
Besides that, having lately served both in Portugal, in Catalonia
and Yalentia, he can easily foresee all difficulties that you can
meet with, and be as ready to suggest to you such remedies as
they are capable of in that country.

It seems to me absolutely necessary you should make what
haste you can to Seville, that being the only place where you can
get money for the subsistence of your forces, by drawing bills
from thence upon the Paymaster in England ; and there is no
doubt but you will find sufficient credit there, that being a
place of the greatest riches and trade in Spain, which considera-
tion will I hope incline them to assist you in reducing of Cadiz,
and thereby restoring to them the commerce of the West Indies,
of which they have had but little advantage since the French

93

have had the government in Spain. Now our aim being chiefly
to bring back that trade to its old channel it ought naturally to
be a powerful motive to them to give all concurrence to this end.
I ask your pardon for troubling you with so long letters. It is
because I would not willingly omit anything for your information
that may be of use for the expedition, in which I wish you all
prosperity.

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough to Secretary Harley.

[1706,] August 21. St. James's. — The enclosed letter you did
me the favour to send to Windsor is not from the servant I
suspected, but from a foolish woman in another family, that is
married to a footman of Lord Marlborough's. It is of so little
consequence that I think I should not have troubled you with it
again, but you are very good, and I hope will pardon me.

[Lord Godolphin to Kobert Harley.]

1706, August 23. Windsor. — I trouble you with the copy of
an affidavit which I received yesterday in a letter from the
Bishop of Norwich, though I know of no other use that can be
made of it than to observe that favours to any men of that sort
do not seem to be extremely well placed. But as to the words
themselves which surely are no less than high treason if duly
proved, yet not being informed of in so many months after the
time of their being spoken, I doubt much whether they are
questionable at all.

Enclosure.

The Information of Thomas Seaman, of Starston, Norfolk,
yeoman, taken before Waller Bacon, esq., a justice of the
peace, August 17, 1706, about some treasonable remarks
made by Thomas Arrowsmith, rector of Starston, to the
deponent when they were going together to Norwich on
November 13 preceding.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers] .

1706, August 24, Saturday. Windsor. — I received last night
your letter of I lie 21st, and have acquainted the Queen with the
contents of it. Her Majesty approves your intentions concerning
the French regiments.

As for Monsieur de Guiscard, since it is by no fault of his that his
project is laid aside, it seems not unreasonable that he should be
at liberty to serve upon this expedition or not, as he shall incline
to most ; but I shall be able to write more particularly to you
upon tliis head after to-morrow, as also concerning the men you
desire out of my Lord Paston's regiment.

As for the money you desire to be sent you, all care shall be
taken to give you credit upon the Paymaster at Lisbon by the
next packet, and if there be any money in the hands of the
receivers or collectors of the revenue near you, that will be

94

persuaded to take the same methods offered by Mr. Onslow, they
shall have notice that whatever money they furnish you with
shall upon your Lordship's acquittance be looked upon as so
much answered in London upon their account, i am afraid this
will not amount to much, but, however, 'tis all the present hurry
will admit of.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Eivers.

1706, August 25. Windsor. — Forwards certain papers and
adds — The Lord Treasurer bid me acquaint you that he forgot to
tell you that you should not be commanded by the Earl of
Peterborough.

The Duke of Marlborough " for Yourself " [Robert Harley] .

1706, August 26 [n.s.] — My Lord Raby has acquainted me with
your letter, as that came to his hands but yesterday, it is impossible
for him to do other than take his leave at Berlin ; as to his going
to Vienna, he insists on the same allowances Lord Sunderland
had and that of being declared of the Council, which last can
hardly be refused to any Ambassador that can desire it. You
will consult Lord Treasurer in this ; Mr. Stepney has now eight
pounds a day, and I am afraid you will find nobody of quality
will go cheaper, his equipage being already made, and this
commission is likely to last no longer than the war. I am of
opinion you will not find a better choice, but in this, as in all
things else, I submit to your better judgment. You have forgot to
send me the copies of Cranston's letters.

Earl Rivers to Lord Treasurer Godolphin.

1706, August 27. — I have had the honour of your Lordship's
of the 21st and shall obey your commands in every particular,
which I had answered sooner but was in hopes before this to
have had a return to a letter I writ you from hence of the same
date. I writ so fully to you in relation to the subsistence of the
army that I will mention that matter no further, not doubting
your Lordship's care in it.

I hope before I go I shall receive orders for the three hundred
men from Plymouth. A weekly list that General Erie has sent to
Mr. St. John will shew you how weak some of the regiments are,
and what I am sorry to acquaint you with, that the men begin to
grow sickly, which makes me press your Lordship to send us as
soon as possible those regiments that were promised to be sent
after us. If any difficulty should be found to procure transports
for horses from Ireland, if you would send us the men with their
their accoutrements and levy money, which will not amount to
what the transport of the horses would come to, and which those
that mount the horses left in Ireland must pay for, Colonel
Richards assures me we shall not fail getting them good horses
in Andalusia. The reason why I urge this the more is because

95

the five French regiments that if complete should have made
the fourth part at least of what I have with me, are now not three
hundred men besides officers, and there is little probability of
recruiting them where we are to go.

The English regiments I have with me in such a voyage must
be supposed by death and sickness to decrease in their number.
However, I resolve with what I have to push what I am ordered
to the utmost of my power.

As soon as Colonel Richards came I sent him to Plymouth to
avoid any suspicion upon his account where we are going. He is
to join me from thence and I will take him into the same ship
with me to consult with him on our passage, and I intend to advise
with him on all occasions.

M. Guiscard without taking any notice of me as I understand
is gone to Exeter, which seems a little odd. I shall govern
myself to him as I receive directions from your Lordship,
though I cannot think him where I am now going of any use
to me.

Though the wind should come fair it will be impossible for us
to sail till to-morrow or next day, for till then the horse
provisions cannot all be put on board, and if I had not
taken due measures for it as soon as we came hither but
had stayed for Mr. Coleby it could not have been got ready this
ten days.

There is one Colonel Dampier, a French man that was recom-
mended to me by Mr. Stanhope from the Hague, who pretended
to go as a volunteer. He came from Holland with Brigadier Lisle
Marre. I received him very civilly, but the Brigadier came to
me and told me he believed him a dangerous intriguing man. I
found that he writes often to the King of Prussia and the
Electress of Hanover. Not knowing but he might keep other
correspondence and reflecting what Lisle Marre had said made
me order him back in some of the great ships that are parted
from us. This is to prepare your Lordship lest he should make
complaint.

Copy.

In e ])uke of Marlborough " to Your self " [Piobert Harley] .

1706, [August 28-] September 7. — I did acquaint you from
Dendermond of the surrender of that place. I now write to Lord
Treasurer my thoughts as to the acquainting Monsieur Yriberg
with the Queen's resolution of having Mr. Stepney at Brussels,
as I am sure that Holland will not like his being there, they
being so foolish as to affect everything that may make these
people think that they have the absolute government of them;
when you have the Queen's commands, and have adjusted with
Lord Treasurer, what is to be said to Monsieur Yriberg, I beg of
you that you will give yourself the trouble of writing to Monsieur
Buys, and my Lord Treasurer to the Pensionaire Heinsius, for
fear thai Vriberg should give it a wrong turn. I saw in a Dutch
gazette that the English were forced back into Plymouth and the
Dutch to Torbay. but I hope it is not true.

96
The Puke of Marlborough "to Yourself" [Robert Harley].

1700, August 30 [n.s.]. — I am very much obliged to you for the
twocopies you sentmein yours of the 9th. You may be sure they
shall not b'e seen by anybody. That part in which he mentions
Cadogan, he is very much in the wrong, for if those troops had
not been brought back they must have been cut to pieces. The
man you have named is certainly the author.

If yon will employ Captain Cowdal, he must be sent either to
Italy or Spain, for we have here but one regiment which has not
two hundred men in it, and the two regiments on the Rhine are
also very weak, so that his coming to me will be loss of time.

Earl Rivers to Sir C. Hedges.

1706, September 2. Torbay. — There is no part of her
Majesty's instructions that I shall more willingly obey than what
relates to the good order and discipline of her troops, not only
in obedience to her royal commands but likewise for the credit of
her arms which heretofore have suffered so much from the want
of it. But I must needs take notice to you that there is some-
thing wanting in my instructions which seems inconsistent with
this extraordinary management of the Spaniards, for hitherto
what means have been proposed to me, or what directions given
how to carry the army baggage, the artillery, stores of war, and
bread ? If ' it be expected that I exact the carriage thereof from
the country which upon our landing shall render us their
obedience, our friendship may seem to them too burdensome,
and no ways comformable to the fair promises that shall lie made
them. But supposing that they do condescend to our demands,
the next doubt is, whether what they promise may be depended
upon.

Certainly I have been informed that in Portugal and elsewhere
we have been disappointed by depending on the country in this
important article, and God forbid that this expensive expedition
should prove abortive for want of the necessary means to march.
I say not this with a design of aggravating the public expense,
for if the Spaniards will readily come into it, and that it is
judged that what they promise may be relied upon, this article
shall not cost her Majesty a farthing. In the mean time I hope
that her Majesty will be pleased to give me some instructions
hereabouts, and the necessary means to put them in execution.

The same reflections are to be made as to the siege of

[sic, Cadiz ?] , for whether it be a formal attack or blockade, great
quantities of earth must be moved, and whoever does it, either
Spaniard or soldier, must be paid for it, and I have no fund
nor indeed instructions thereabouts.

The weakness of our horse is so great in comparison _ of the
numbers which it is possible the enemy may oppose against us,
that it may be judged necessary to mount some of our foot as has
been practised in Catalonia, but for so doing I desire tohave her
Majesty's orders and instructions.

97

And whereas my Lord Galway in his late manifesto did promise
to all the King of Spain's subjects as well officers as soldiers, who
out of a due sense of loyalty to King Charles should abandon the
service of the Duke of Anjou, that they should enjoy the same
posts or better, and enter immediately into present pay, pursuant
to which divers regiments have been formed and paid by the
Queen, of which there being not a word in my instructions, I
desire that I may have the necessary orders thereabouts.

I am likewise very credibly informed, that by reason of the
extreme dearness of the forage in Spain, which for more than ten
months in the year must be had out of the public magazines, so
that the dragoon cannot subsist upon his pay, as her Majesty has
been sufficiently informed by my Lords. Galway and Peter-
borough, I therefore hope that those under my command may be
subsisted upon the same foot as those who serve in conjunction
with the Portuguese, &e.

I am informed that the irregular price of the Spanish money
wherewith the troops in Catalonia have been paid has caused no
little confusion and discontent, whereas in Portugal, that current
money has been regulated at a certain price. I desire that the
same method of a fixed price may be made with us to avoid the
disorders which fractions and those variable pursuant to the
irregular courses of exchange must occasion.

Whereas it is possible (which however God Almighty avert it
from us) that the King of Spain's person and her Majesty's
troops which are with him may be reduced to such terms that
nothing less than this fleet and this army could save them. The
which it is not possible for me to know but from Portugal, and it

may be not until we are engaged in the siege of , which

it seems by my instructions is the only object of this present
expedition.

The Dutch troops upon this expedition do expect that we should
supply them with ammunition as indeed they have been supplied
in Catalonia. However I desire to have her Majesty's order for so
doing.

Copy.

Queen Anne to Secretary Harley.

[1706,] September 2. — " I forgot when you weare heare to ask
you whether you had writt to the Bishop of London about the
French minister he recommended. I spoke with him myself
when I was at Kensington, and he promised me to take care the
book that is called my Life should not be printed, but I dare not
trust to the Bishop in this matter, and therefore desire you
would give yourself the trouble to enquire after this book, and
take care it may not be printed, for it would vex me very much to
have such a ridiculous thing as this is appear in the world.

I suppose when you told me Lord Treasurer desired the horse
and dragoons in Ireland should be sent into the north you only
meant those that weare intended to be sent abroad, and I hope if
any more should be thought necessary you will take care the

6802 G)

98

regiment I am conserned for may not be ordered, and forgive my
impertinence in troubling you soe often on this subject, since it
is my consern for my friend that is the occasion of it. I am

Your very affectionett freind

Anne R."
For Mr. Secretary Harley.

Earl Rivers to Sir C. Hedges.

1706, September 11. Torbay. — The Marquis de Guiscard and
the other foreign officers being gone, I judged it proper to send
for Mr. Richards from Plymouth, the winds being still out of
the way.

Upon deliberation on our present affairs, Sir C. Shovell,
Lieut. -General Erie and Sir John Norrice being present, there
appeared several powerful reasons to send Richards to Lisbon
sooner than was designed.

In the first place that he might bring away with him the
King of Spain's envoy, Father Cien Fuegos, a Jesuit, a person
entirely informed of the Spanish affairs and a native of Seville
whose assistance in this present expedition is esteemed of the
greatest importance.

The want of money, which he must endeavour to bring along
with him, as much as he can, and for so doing to procure the
King of Portugal's leave.

That if possible he may bring with him some pilots of Seville.

That he may bring with him all the necessary advices that
may any ways influence our affairs.

And lastly that he may induce the King of Portugal to march
some troops that way and particularly some horse.

And it being judged that if he is only sent when we are past
Faro, all or most of these expectations will be of no effect because
they can never join us in time. Wherefore we have judged it
necessary that I should write to the King of Portugal giving him
an account of our design which at present can have less conse-
quences considering that it is already communicated to the States
of Holland and guessed at almost by everybody else. But in case
her Majesty does not approve of this our resolution, you will be
pleased to let me know by express her Majesty's further orders.

Postscript. — The Colonel of the Artillery having made this
additional demand of store of war which has been approved of by

(sic) I hope that the Queen and Council will give the

necessary orders to the Board of Ordnance thereabouts.

Copy.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .

1706, September [9-] 20. — I very much approve of the answer
that is sent to Monsieur Buys, as they would also do, were they not
cursed with the passion of jealousy. It is gone to so extravagant
a length as that some fear the French may be brought to Loo,
but I hope the honest party is much the greater, so that they will

99

approve of a treaty for guaranteeing any future treaty of peace
we may have with France, which must be our security, for there
can be no relying on anything France shall promise.

Lord Godolphin to Earl Eivers, Commander-in-Chief of
Her Majesty's Forces in Torbay, Devon.

1706, September 14. Windsor.— I have the honour of your
Lordship's of the 10th and have also seen the letters you have
written by the same post to Mr. Secretary Hedges, which will
be laid before the Queen to-morrow for her Majesty's directions
upon them. In the meantime I was unwilling to lose this post in
acquainting you that I had received your letter, and that I shall
do my best to send you credit at Lisbon as you desire.

The reasons you give for sending Mr. Richards as soon as
possible to Portugal seem to be very well grounded, but perhaps
it may be necessary he should have some latitude in the instruc-
tions you give him and that he be ordered to make his application
to the" King of Portugal, according to the posture in which he
shall find my Lord Galway upon his arrival at Lisbon ; for if
my Lord Galway be in a condition and within any reach of
assisting your enterprise with a body of horse, he has been
written to these three weeks upon that subject, and informed of
the design of your expedition that he might according turn his
thoughts to every possibility of helping you in it ; but no certain
directions or instructions upon this point can properly be sent you
from hence at present because of the uncertainty we have long
been in as to the state of the King of Spain's^ affairs since his
joining the Portuguese army, the communication with Portugal
being wholly interrupted, and even by the way of France the
accounts we used to have fail us, there being now^ five posts due
from Holland, which was scarce ever known at this time of year.

As to the secret of your expedition, the sending away of the
French officers has made it none, that you are not going to
France but to Spain, but to what part of Spain, if it be guessed
at, is not known even in Holland itself, much less in Portugal ;
and the reason why the Queen was shy of having it known there
till you were passed Faro was for fear of the importunity of the
King of Portugal to have the troops landed there, and his
uneasiness which would naturally follow upon his being refused.

To this consideration may be added that perhaps the Portu-
guese will not be very fond of having C [adiz ?] in our hands,
because the consequence of that would be to transfer from Lisbon
the expense made there upon account of the fleet, to that place.

I do not mention these things to hinder you from sending
away Richards immediately to Portugal, but to let you see it may
be reasonable to give him some caution, not to apply to the King
of Portugal for assistance till he has first learned how far my
Lord Galway, that is to say the King's army, may be in a capacity
to give it ; but these are only my own notions, you will receive
the° Queen's directions upon the subject of your letters, after
to-morrow night, from the Secretaries of State.

100

Robert Harley to Earl Rivers.

1706, September 15. Windsor Castle. — Both your Lordship's
letters to Mr. Secretary Hedges, dated September 11, at Torbay
were received the 13th inst., at night; and they having been
laid before her Majesty, I am commanded (Mr. Secretary Hedges
being gone into Wiltshire) to return your Lordship the following
answers to all the particulars of your letter.

Your Lordship begins with that part of your instructions
which relates to the preserving good order and discipline, and the
Queen is extremely pleased with the remarks you make upon it, it
being agreeable to what her Majesty expected from your Lord-
ship's zeal for her service and your own experience in militaiy
affairs, as well as from your good sense and regard to your own
honour and that of the nation, and it is no ways to be doubted
but you will have the assistance and compliance herein from all
the general officers and others under your command.

As to those points wherein you desire direction I will take them
in the same order as they lie before me in your Lordship's
letters.

1. Relates to the procuring of carriage for the artillery, bread
and necessary baggage for the army.

The answer to this is, that if you find the country so well
inclined to you that you can have this done without money, so as
it can be depended upon, it will be very well ; and in every
instance your Lordship will be as saving of the public money as
is consistent with the carrying on the service. Your Lordship is
entrusted with power to expend money for this and other
necessary services, and my Lord Treasurer hath taken care to
furnish your Lordship with credit at Lisbon.

And in case your Lordship succeeds in the first attempt upon
Seville, you will readily find money amongst those merchants
upon your Lordship's bills drawn upon England.

2. The next point is that of paying labourers in case of a
siege, &c. The answer to this is the same as the former,
the case being parallel, and it is left to your Lordship's good
management.

3. As to your Lordship's mounting any of your foot, that
also is left to your Lordship's judgment to act therein as you
shall judge the good of the service requires.

4. The instruction my Lord Galway had for forming troops
out of such Spaniards as should embrace the interest of King
Charles (how far it hath succeeded you will hear from Lord
Galway); however the Queen thinks it very reasonable your Lord-
ship should have the same power and therefore recommends it
to your Lordship's care ; but if you think it needful you shall
have instruction sent you in form for that purpose.

5. As to what your Lordship proposes of furnishing forage to
the Dragoons, it is the Queen's intentions that the Dragoons
under your Lordship's command should be upon as good a foot as
those under my Lord Galway, but her Majesty will not allow of
any increase upon the establishment of their pay; but that

101

douceur of their forage may be allowed them in the same manner
as it is to her Majesty's Dragoons now in Spain out of the
contingent money.

6. What your Lordship proposes as to the regulation of the
value of the money for the payment of the troops is very
requisite ; and therefore what you receive from the paymaster at
Lisbon will be under the same regulation as it is already ; and
whatever bills your Lordship shall draw anywhere else it will be
in your own power to regulate that so as to do justice to the
Queen and to the soldiers.

7. As to what your Lordship desires of particular instructions
in case (which God forbid) that the King of Spain should be
reduced to such straits and that the case should happen which
you mention : —

All that can be said upon that subject is this ; the forces and
fleet are sent to recover and secure Spain to King Charles, that
which appears at present to be the likeliest way to do it is by the
taking of Cadiz in the method proposed, and therefore that is to be
chiefly in your eye, but because it is impossible at this distance
to accommodate your Lordship's instructions to every unfore-
seen accident which may happen, therefore it must be left to
your Lordship's judgment to do what is best for and most
conducing to the main end and design you are sent upon.

8. As to the furnishing of the Dutch troops with ammunition,
they having no train with them, it is hoped they go out with a
good proportion, but in case that should be exhausted, and they
are not furnished by the States, you are not to let them be
unserviceable for want of ammunition.

I have now gone over all the particulars of this letter and I
hope your Lordship will find the answers distinct and plain.

And now as to your Lordship's proposal in your other letter
to send away Mr. Richards immediately, her Majesty is pleased
to approve of that, and that he bring with him Father Cienfuegos
or any one else who may be proper to assist you in your designs ;
as for his bringing of money that is answered above, that my
Lord Treasurer hath sent you credit upon Lisbon. But great
care hath been taken here to conceal the place you are designed
for from the Portuguese, who it is reasonable to be supposed will
do their utmost to draw the fleet to come to disembark the
forces at Lisbon, if it were only from the great profit they receive
by it, and for the same reason will be always averse to your
succeeding at the place you are intended for, which must
necessarilv deprive them of so great advantages.

Therefore Mr. Richards ought to be directed to go in the first
place to Lord Galway, to whom an account of the design you go
upon hath been transmitted a month since, and his Lordship
being upon the place will be the best judge what instructions
Mr. Richards is to follow, and accordingly you are to write
to Lord Galway to give Mr. Richards such directions as he
thinks best for his speaking to the King of Portugal; and if
your Lordship think it proper to write to the King of Portugal
you are to enclose the same to Lord Galway, who according to

102

the situation of affairs there will order Mr. Richards to deliver
your letter or not ; but it may be your Lordship may find it
easier only to write a short letter to that King in general,
referring yourself to what Mr. Richards shall tell him by word
of mouth and desiring his assistance in the particulars he shall
mention.

My Lord Galway will certainly have informed himself what
assistance he or the Portuguese can give to your undertaking, and
therefore can best direct Mr. Richards how to behave himself
with the King of Portugal and his ministers.

For the reason above mentioned your Lordship will find it will
be best not to take pilots from Lisbon, which will discover the place
designed and alarm the Portuguese, and Sir Cloudesley Shovell
knows best whether as good pilots are not to be had at Faro or
Lagos for the place you go to.

This is what I have received in command from her Majesty to
signif}- to your Lordship. I shall only add my most hearty wishes
that your Lordship's success may be answerable to your great
ability, and to assure you that I am as much your servant as any
one in the world.

Postscript. — The additional demand of stores of war your
Lordship mentions did not come in your letter. I suppose it was
forgot to be put into the packet.

Signed.

Sarah Duchess of Marlborough to Robert Harley.

1706, September 18. Woodstock Park. — You are so very
obliging and good to me upon all occasions, that I can't send the
enclosed without giving you many thanks for your last favours,
and knowing how precious your time is and how well it is
employed, I will take no more of it, than to assure you I am with
a great deal of respect &c.

Earl Rivers to Lord Treasurer Godolphin.

1706, September 19. Torbay. — I have received the honour of
your Lordship's letter of the 14th and one from Mr. Secretary
Harley of the 15th current, with her Majesty's instructions in
relation to those points, which I lately writ about, which being
so very plain and ample I have nothing more to add than my
most humble thanks to your Lordship for the same.

The only difficulty I perceive is about sending away of
Richards, Mr. Secretary Harley seems to insinuate should be
done immediately to my Lord Galway, to the end he might receive
his directions how he should behave himself towards the King of
Portugal, &c. But it being visible that he cannot go so far as
Madrid and it may be further either by sea or land, and return
in time either to do me any service in Portugal, or to be assistant
at my landing, I have resolved not to send him until then, and
in the mean time to send him to Lisbon, where he is to give out

103

that he is returning as express by sea with the Queen's answer
to that dispatch which he carryed over land, and only called in at
Lisbon to deliver Mr. Methuen some letters from the Secretary
of State.

In effect he will not stay longer than to bring off the King of
Spain's envoy, in case he can be induced to come.

By means of the said envoy to dispatch some faithful person
over land with letters to the King and my Lord Galway, which
however shall be writ in cypher.

To bring us what advices and informations he can of our affairs
in Spain, and particularly those that will most influence our enter-
prise.

And lastly to bring with him what ready money the Queen's
paymaster in Lisbon can immediately raise upon the credit
sent him by your Lordship.

After which he is immediately to rejoin the fleet, and so soon as
I am got on shore I will send him or somebody else to my Lord
Galway. I cannot do it before because I have nobody with me
that knows either the language or the country, whereas for the
way we first designed I am sufficiently provided. This is, my
Lord, what we have here agreed upon, in case it meets with her
Majesty's approbation, and I hope it is very conformable to her
intentions.

The wind sprung up very fair on Tuesday last, but it came all
together and so much of it that not a transport ship could weigh.

Postscript. — Although the wind be a little slackened, the Dutch
have not been able to get off all their provisions, but I hope how-
ever that we shall sail to-morrow.

I forgot to advise your Lordship that besides the 100?. which I
lent the Dutch Brigadier pursuant to your orders signified to me
by Mr. Taylor, I have likewise lent him 1,000Z. more.

I am not as yet able to give you an exact account of what our
paymasters have received from the collectors of the customs and
excise, for one of them who has received considerable sums is
absent, but he will be here to-night and by the first opportunity
I will send you an account thereof not but they have given
already their receipts to the collectors, from whom you may
have it.0

Copy.

[Lord Godoli>hin to Robert Harley.]

[1706, September] 19, Thursday. — I return the papers you
sent me last night, with the Dresden passes signed by the Queen.
Whether the King of Sweden's assurances be real or not, I am
of opinion it is our business at present to let him think we believe
them to be so, and to let Monsieur Schutz see we make no
question but the Elector his master will make use of all his

* There was a letter to the same effeot addressed to Seoretary Harley on the same
day. of which a copy is kept in this collection.

104

influence to keep the King of Sweden in that reasonable temper ;
and if the Elector were made mediator of that matter, I don't
see how England could desire better, but whether Schutz
has orders to advance any proposition of that nature I know
not.

I think the French will and must indeed abandon Italy, in
which case our endeavour must be to make the Duke of Savoy
follow them, if we can. I have said so much to-day to the
Comte de Briancon upon that subject that I hope there will not
be much difficulty for him to engage his Master in it, if his letter
by this post can come in time for it ; for unless we can prevail
with him to do this, the consequence of this victory at Turin will
be that the remnant of the French army will be sent into Spain,
which we can't be too early in endeavouring to prevent.

I hear the Duke of Argyll will be here to-morrow. I find by
the Duke of Marlborough's letters to me he wiU expect his com-
mission of major-general should be ready for him, and perhaps
other things which will not be ready for him. The Duke of
Marlborough writes also that these new commissions must all
bear date from the day of the battle of Raruillies.

Robert Harley to Earl Eivers.

1706, September 22, Sunday night, ten o'clock. Windsor
Castle. — Yesterday I received your Excellency's letter by a flying
packet at two in the afternoon. I sent those enclosed for the
Board of Ordnance and Mr.Burchet as directed, and also yours to
My Lord Treasurer together with that to myself with the Council
of War, and the disposition of powder, &c, to Windsor ; and this
day your letter was read before her Majesty who has commanded
me to signify to your Excellency her approbation of your proposal
about Mr. Richards as being "what is agreeable to the service
you are going upon, and the circumstances and particulars you
mention relating to his going are the most proper upon this
occasion.

As to the ordnance stores I suppose that Board will give you
an account what is ordered upon it.

As to the arms and the clothing to be disposed to such troops
as shall come in to you and can be formed into regiments your
Excellency will have full order by the next post, which if you
should have a fair, wind, will yet be with you before you can have
need to put them in use.

Earl Rivers to Lord Treasurer Godolphin.

1706, September 27. Torbay.— Enclosed I send your Lordship
a copy of the manifesto, which I design to publish upon my
arrival in Spain and am now printing here in Spanish, as like-
wise her Majesty's order for preventing the pillaging the
country. If her Majesty thinks fit to make any declaration
therein, it shall be published in the next which I shall have
occasion to make.

105

I intended for the greater encouragement of the Spaniards to
come in to us to have expressed their freedom of navigation and
trade in more general and universal terms, but finding Sir
Cloudesley Shovell a little scrupulous in this matter I gave it over
until I have her Majesty's further directions therein, though it
may be there is nothing more proper to induce the Spaniards to
come in to us than the security of their estates which they expect
the return of from the Indies, and the freedom of exporting the
growth of their country in as ample a manner as they practised
during the last war when they were in our alliance ; and
although I have offered in my manifesto to give the loyal Spani-
ards my passports for the security of their navigation, yet upon
further consideration I shall be very cautious in doing it without
her Majesty's directions therein, and I find Sir C. Shovell of the
same sentiment.

Although I have had sufficient instructions about entertaining
such troops as shall abandon and desert the service of the Duke
of Anjou, it is likewise very probable that some of the most
zealous partisans of King Charles's will offer to raise some body of
horse and foot for his service ; though I doubt not but that the
country when the government thereof shall be regulated will find
ways and means to support them, yet in the mean time it may
be judged necessary to subsist them, we having already arms and
clothes to give them, about which however I desire to have her
Majesty's instructions, which I hope to make so good use of as
not to spend a penny of the public money, more than what shall
be absolutely conducive to her service.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Eobert Harley].

1706, [September 27-] October 7.— I see by the end of yours
that Monsieur Buys has answered Lord Treasurer's and your
letter, if there be anything material you will be pleased to let me
know it, for that may be of use to me at the Hague. As to what
you say of Holland's being against the union, I have not heard
that, but it is certain that some amongst them have very unreason-
able jealousies; for the good of Europe I think this war must
continue another year, so that I hope all honest Englishmen
will be for it ; I intend to be at the Hague at the end of this
month, or the beginning of the next ; and shall make no longer
stay there than what will be absolutely necessary.

As the Parliament grows near, I beg at your leisure, I may hear
as often as may be.

The Same to [the Same] .

1706, October [1-]11. — 1 have by this post sent an
"Observator" to Mr. St. Johns. I should be extremely obliged
to you if you would speak to Lord Keeper, and see if there be
any method to protect me against this rogue, who is set on by
Lord Haversham. If I can't have justice done me, I must find
some friend that will break his and the printer's bones, which I

ion

hope will be approved on by all honest Englishmen, since I serve
my Queen and country with all my heart. When I have been at
the Hague I shall be better able to let you know if Franco's
coming may be of any use, but 1 fear the ill humour is already
gone beyond his reach.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, October 1. Whitehall. — I have received the honour of
your Lordship's letter of the 29th past with the draught of your
declaration, and have laid them before her Majesty, but have
not yet received her commands concerning the instructions your
Lordship desires at the close of your letter. As to the pass-
ports for the security of the Spaniards' trade and navigation, I
believe that cannot be done effectually but by the Queen, in the
terms and manner as have been adjusted by the Council and upon
the memorials of the Envoy of Holland ; for other passports will
not be a security against the English and Dutch men-of-war and
privateers, though it is certainly very right for your Lordship to
give them all the assistance you can for securing their navigation
and the freedom of their trade in case it can be done without
opening a gap for covering and colouring the effects of the enemy.
I believe all this matter will be further considered when her
Majesty returns from Newmarket, and what instructions her
Majesty thinks fit to give will be sent after you, for the wind
being come fair, it is hoped you will not be detained any longer
at Torbay. Your Excellency will have herewith the news we
have by the three Dutch mails come in this afternoon together
with what the last letters bring from Lisbon, which I desire
you will communicate to Sir Cloudesley Shovell. I have only
to add that it is of the greatest importance to let the Earl of
Galway hear from you as soon as possible.

Copy.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1706, October 3. Newmarket.— I return you the letters you
sent me with many thanks, and am glad to find by them the
Duke of Marlborough gives over the thought of any other siege,
since it seems to me to be only losing time and men to little
purpose if Holland will not continue the war, and if they will or
but only make a show of doing it, I think 'tis very plain we may
have the peace insisted upon in our letter, with a great many
thanks from all parties concerned, France not excepted.

I find by the Duke of Marlborough's letter to me, as also by
letters from the Pensionaries, Heinsius and Buys, that they were
extremely uneasy for want of the preliminary treaty, that is to say,
to have their barrier settled ; but 'tis impracticable to have the
guarantee of our succession and the guarantee of a future peace
in the same treaty, for the reason expressed in our answer to
M. Buys' letter of the 25th September.

107

The Duke of Marlborough desires the Queen's leave to speak
plainly to thern in Holland about the French propositions. Her
Majesty is desirous he should not only have her leave but
her orders to do, and has commanded me to let you know as
much, that you signify her pleasure to him accordingly by this
post.

He ought to have powers, and I suppose he has, for con-
cluding and signing this preliminary treaty, and Mr. Stepney
ought also to meet powers and instructions in that matter at the
Hague.

The Pensionary Heinsius in his letter to me seems desirous he
should come first to the Hague before he goes to Brussels, his
argument is, pour eviter des inconvenients ; 'tis easy to see what
that means, but as far as it is now possible I think in that we
might comply with them.

I have no objection to the draft which the Duke of Marlborough
proposes to print, except some literal amendments, faults only
of the transcriber : but the naming of the treaty of the Pyrenees,
I doubt that may fright the people of Holland so much as to take
off the impression which otherwise some of his arguments would
not fail to make upon them. I have therefore drawn a stroke
under some few lines which I submit to be left out, and in their
room inserted one or two small additions in the margin.

I hope your West Indies news is true.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1706, October 10. — I herewith return the letters and papers
you sent me with many thanks for the favour of your letter, and
your being so particular in the matter upon which I desired your
thoughts, though I differ in opinion. I think the matter of
elections was but a pretext taken in the last session, there was an
averseness at bottom to do anything that they thought would
give any merit to the Whigs, though it was and is a demonstra-
tion that without them, and their being entire, the Queen cannot
be served ; but the leaning to what I take to be an impossibility
will, I think, make them jealous and uneasy, and at best but
passive. The consequence of which is that the majority will be
against us upon every occasion of consequence. I hope however
the Queen's service will go on, and for myself I am as little
concerned as one need to be upon such an occasion ; but I am
not blind nor asleep.

The topics you mention would not hurt us alone, if there were
not a preparation to make those uneasy and jealous from whom
only we can have, or hope for, any help.

I think you do very well to have a watch upon Robinson. As
to the affair of Mr. Clement I shall be Saturday night in
London, so I must beg it will be deferred till then.

I wish the convoy might be dispatched that is to bring over
the Duke of Marlborough.

108

Earl Rivers to Sir Charles Hedges.

1706, October 10. Association, ten leagues to the westward of
Scilly. — Ever since our departure from Torbay we have scarcely
had any other than contrary winds from the S. to the S.W. and
sometimes so very hard that a great part of our transports have
been forced to bear away to the number I judge of 50 or 60, and
yesterday the Barfieur on which I was embarked myself sprung so
dangerous a leak as to be judged incapable of continuing the
voyage, so that with a great deal of difficulty I got myself and
some of my servants on board the Admiral ('?).

Sir Cloudesley Shovell having given his rendezvous orders at
Lisbon we are in hopes that the most part of our separated
transports will be there and therefore it is judged proper that we
should go ourselves, the wind permitting us so to do which at
present is [blanlc].

My intentions are to tell the King of Portugal that my orders
are for Alicant, to the end I may conceal our real design,
and this I will persist in until I have her Majesty's further
instructions, and in the meantime I will endeavour to put our
troops on shore in quarters of refreshment until we are joined
by the rest, to procure which I will send Richards before me to
Lisbon.

What I have to request is that all possible dispatch may be
given to those transports which have been forced back to England
or Ireland, and whereas it is most probable that we have lost a
considerable number of horses, the importance of which is so
notorious in this expedition, her Majesty is the best judge
whether a convenient number be sent with the first ships to
recruit what is wanting.

Copy.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, October 15. Whitehall. — I trouble your Excellency with
a copy of my last which was in answer to yours of the 29th past.
As to the instructions mentioned in the close of that letter, her
Majesty thinks your Excellency as General has sufficient
authority to dispose and direct those matters without any
particular instructions, and does not think it for the advantage
of her service, or that it is possible to give particular instructions
for all cases that may happen, but that it is more proper to leave
the direction of such matters as tend to the furtherance of the
main design to the prudence and discretion of the General.
Your Excellency will receive this by the hands of Mr. Crowe
whom her Majesty has honoured with the character of her
Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for making a treaty of
commerce with the King of Spain, in consideration of his
being well versed in the Spanish Trade, of the interest he has
with his Majesty, the knowledge he has of the people and
country, and of the experience she has had of his zeal for her

109

service, upon which accounts her Majesty does not doubt he will
be of good use also to your Excellency and to the Earl of Galway
to whom he is to repair without loss of time with such accounts
and proposals for the co-operation and assisting each other as
3'ou shall judge proper. This gentleman and the Earl of Gal way
are well acquainted and in very good correspondence. You will
find the state of affairs about Madrid much altered since you
left England, but if proper measures are taken and vigorously
pursued all will soon be retrieved. However her Majesty does
not think fit to alter anything you have in direction for
putting the chief design on Seville and Cadiz in execution,
having the greatest hopes of success to her arms under your
Excellency's command and looking on it as the surest
and speediest way to reduce the whole kingdom ; but whether
you succeed or not, it is her Majesty's pleasure that you continue
in Spain for the support of King Charles, and in order thereto
that you join the Earl of Galway as soon as may be after the
expedition against Cadiz is at an end, in case the King of Spain
and the Earl of Galway shall judge your junction will tend to the
furtherance of the reducing the kingdom to his Catholic Majesty's
obedience. When you are master of Cadiz you will leave such a
garrison there as shall be judged fit for its safety, and then take
the proper measures for joining the King's army ; or in case you
shall not be able to make yourself master of that town and have
no prospect of success there, you are forthwith to consider and
concert with the Earl of Galway of the most proper means for
joining and proceed accordingly either by re-embarking her
Majesty's troops or in such other way as shall be judged best for
her service.

All her Majesty's troops in Spain and Portugal are to be under
Lord Galway 's direction who has the eldest commission, and the
Queen takes it for granted that your Excellency has no objection
to it.

Upon the news of the Barjieur's coming back I thought fit
to send you this by the Tartar or Sorlings, since they are now
like to be with your Excellency before Mr. Crowe.

[Robert Harley to Lord Godolphin.]

1706, October 15. Brampton. — I received this morning the
honour of your Lordship's letter of the tenth instant. I arrived
here but last night late, and with other letters from London I
received a private one from the Duke of Marlborough with one
enclosed from the Elector of Hanover to his Grace, which I send
herewith to your Lordship. The public letters are delivered to
Mr. Secretary Hedges, who I doubt not hath attended your
Lordship with them. Your Lordship may please to remember
that Mr. Schutz said there was no such treaty designed by his
master as the King of Prussia would set on foot, and that it was
only a tentative of that Court to fish out the inclinations of the
Queen and the Elector, and to set on foot some sort of negotiation
with Sweden by which he might get something.

110

As to the other particulars my Lord Duke mentions about
the treaty for the succession and the barrier, as also for
guaranteeing the peace, I wrote as fully as I could to
my Lord M [arlborough] Thursday se'nnight, and I think
mentioned the same to your Lordship, that I humbly
conceive that those treaties should be finished as soon
as possible, and also the affair of Minister, for those two points
are made use of by the ill intentioned in Holland to the prejudice
ill' England. The project Lord Halifax brought over I have left
scaled up with Mr. Lewis, who will bring it to your Lordship
whenever you will please to command it. I think the objections
my Lord Halifax makes to the barriers being too generally
expressed, and that it ought to be more particularly specified, are
very just ; but if they are obstinate in it, under pretence they
cannot decently particularise places which yet are not in their
power, I humbly proposed to my Lord Duke to consider whether
that matter might not be accommodated by putting the particulars
into a secret article, but I doubt not his Grace will find out a
proper method to settle that point.

As to home affairs, what I wrote to your Lordship was in
the sincerity of my heart, and what I could collect from my
conversation with both parties, and of which I am at any time
ready to give your Lordship the particulars, but far be it from
me to espouse any opinion of my own, or to differ from your
Lordship's judgment ; I shall always be ready, when required,
and never but then, to give my poor thoughts and such reasons
as I have, and when I have done that I know myself too well
to be fond of any notions of my own. I have no other views
but the Queen's service with that attachment to your Lordship
and my Lord Marlborough which I shall always preserve.

The reason I mentioned elections in my letter was, because
that occasion of stumbling is in a great measure removed ; and
from the little experience I have had, the attempting to bend
everybody to one measure in that affair hath proved one of the
greatest means of ruining the expectation of that party which
hath attempted it. I have often seen the foundation laid of
blowing up each of the factions by that very method and the
reason is plain ; for those gentlemen who think themselves to be
independent, and would be thought to be so, but jet would
support the Queen and serve her ministers, expect their compli-
ance therein should be accepted, and that they should be left
to themselves in personal friendships and matters which they
will always think remote from the government's observation,
and that if they vote for the public service of the government,
and support of the ministers, more ought not to be expected of
them . Indeed I have not been able to answer them when they have
said, why should not everybody's service be accepted of as far as
he will go, and it is not impossible that one step may draw on
another. This I am certain, many of the most staunch Whigs
(not whimsical) have, and do frequently lament the fury of their
leaders, and have rejoiced when their presumption was humbled;
and to use an expression of one of them, that if they were gratified

Ill

in all they desire, they would immediately be undone. I am very
far from making them jealous. I did not mean that places should
be given to others, but I was humbly of opinion that whoever
would come in a volunteer to the service should be accepted as i ar
as he would go, and I am the more confirmed in this opinion
because those who call themselves Whigs if united are the inferior
number, and that they will not follow those who make themselves
their leaders, but yet'may be united in the Queen's service by her
ministers, and yet at the same time they would make everyone
else desperate, nay to use the words of themselves they have pro-
scribed a great many who never differed, yet, from them ; and as
to those who came into them, some whereof have surrendered
themselves and gave elections to them and laid themselves at
their feet, and yet they will not be contented with them, and
every one who have helped to rescue them from the malice
and 'rage of their adversaries and to make them a majority
have been sensible that all that went for nothing and they
were told more than once or twice expressly that they hoped
in a little time to cast them off and do without them.

I have with grief observed that the leaders (or zealots rather)
of both parties are frequent even now, in their reflections
on the Queen's ministers, I mean your Lordship and my Lord
M [arlborough] . I cannot but apprehend danger from both
sides in the extreme, and therefore I am humbly of opinion to
increase the number of those who would devote themselves to
the Queen's and your service would be best ; and I the rather
mention this because so many who have been lately obliged pay
their acknowledgments to and real dependence on other people.
As to myself I have made all the application imaginable to those
who would be thought the chiefs of that faction, and there is
nothing I will not do for the Queen's service and the support of
her ministers, neither would I have troubled your lordship with
this long scribble, but that your lordship's indulgence has
encouraged me to tell you the truth, and what you may when you
please have confirmed from the mouths of those , of that very
party who have no little interest in both Houses ; and now I
have said this I beseech you lordship to be so just to me as to be
assured I have no measures, nor will have any but what shall be
submitted to the test of your better judgment, and that you will
have the goodness to impute it to my excess of zeal when I
cannot forbear saying that this ensuing session may be made
very easy or very 'difficult by either giving or sparing a few good
words without any further engagement than to let those who are
not stigmatised by any particular folly know that they need not be
desperate. I have now tired your lordship's patience with my imper-
tinence and will add nothing more than that having shot my bolt
there remains nothing further for me but to obey your commands.
Copy.

[Lord GoDOLrniN to Robert Harley.]

1706, October 17.— Yesterday there came letters of the fleet of
the 10th. Fifteen leagues west from Scilly they had met with

112

very foul weather and cross winds. However the weather was
then come fair, and they were gone on to Lisbon, which it seems
was their rendezvous in case of separation, though much dis-
persed. The Barfleur in which Lord Rivers was had sprung a
leak and is sent home. The Queen has sent her orders to them
this day to Lisbon.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers].

1706, October 17. — Finding by your letter of the 10th to the
Secretary of State, dated fifteen leagues westward from Scilly
that you had met with bad weather, which had separated great
part of your fleet and transports and that in that case your
rendezvous being appointed at Lisbon, the wind coming fair again
you had resolved to go thither, and upon your arrival not to own
your design to the King of Portugal, but to acquaint him your
orders were to go straight to Alicante ; and finding by the same
letters from your Lordship and from the Admiral that your horses
had suffered very much, the Queen upon consideration of this
misfortune seeing that it was impossible in point of time, were
there no other difficulty, to recruit your horses from hence, and
thinking on the other side that since you were under a necessity
of going to Portugal it might look like too great a distrust of that
King if you should absolutely conceal your intentions from him,
her Majesty has thought fit to allow you a latitude to say
that though your instructions are positive to go to Alicante, yet
in case you see room to hope for any success at Seville or Cadiz
as you pass there, or that the King of Portugal be in inclination
and condition to supply you with horses for that attempt, in that
case her Majesty has commanded you to desire his assistance in
this affair, which if it succeeds will be an entire security to his
commerce for the future, the French having no port to friend
nearer to Toulon except Cadiz.

This argument may be of some weight with the King of
Portugal, and you will, I doubt, be under a necessity of applying
to him, both for your want of horses, and because I am afraid
you will be forced to stay at Lisbon some time in expectation of
your scattered transports.

If ever you come to join the King of Spain the Queen has
determined my Lord Galway shall have the chief command, but
that you shall not be commanded by my Lord Peterborough.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, October 17. Whitehall. — Yesterday I received the
honour of your Excellency's of the 10th inst. and am very sorry to
find you have had such continual bad weather since your putting
to sea, and that the ship you were on board had so great
a misfortune as to oblige her to return. She is arrived with the
Tartar and Soilings at Spithead, and all diligence is used to send
the two last to Lisbon, the place of their rendezvous since the
fleet was separated by storm, in hopes of meeting you there.

113

The Prince's Council tell me those ships stay only for the
Queen's orders, and I dispatch them to-night that there may be
no sort of delay.

The first thing in which your Excellency desires her Majesty's
directions is, concerning the concealment of the real design from
the King of Portugal ; her Majesty approves of your precaution
therein, and the secret is still to he kept as much as possible, and
the King himself is not to know but it was designed for Alicant ;
but since by this accident of the fleet's being dispersed you were
obliged to go to Lisbon, her Majesty would have you at such
time as you judge proper let the King of Portugal know you have
a latitude to stop at Cadiz, if you find a favourable opportunity
for reducing it upon your arrival on the Spanish coast, and that
you are at liberty to attempt making yourself master of it, if
there be any room to hope for his Portuguese Majesty's assistance
in that design, either by furnishing you with horses or troops or
what else you may have occasion for to carry it on. Her Majesty
thinks it is necessary to give some such intimation, since it is
your fortune to be with him, for to go thither directly from
Lisbon, without taking any notice, may give some disgust, which
should be avoided with so necessary an ally at this juncture ;
besides your Excellency may procure some assistance, and
especially in horses, if the king relishes such a design, but you
are to be careful to give this intimation in such a manner and
under secrecy that your real design may not be public, nor make
you liable to pressures to stay at Lisbon for other operations.

As to the other point in your letter all possible care is to be
taken to dispatch to Lisbon all ships and transports that shall be
driven back to England and Ireland, but as to sending recruits of
horses from home, it is not to be depended on, it not being-
possible to be effected in time : but if the King of Portugal can
help you in that particular your Excellency may assure him so
many as he furnishes to her Majesty's troops will be replaced by
the next campaign. But that offer should not hinder your pro-
curing all the assistance you can from the King upon his own
account, which may reasonably be insisted on since her Majesty
has made such an extraordinary effort, far beyond what she is
obliged to do by the treaty, to assist the King of Portugal and
support the King of Spain.

I have written to Mr. Methuen, and in case of his absence
to Consul Milner, to press the King of Portugal to consent that
the subsidies her Majesty pays for the 13,000 Portuguese may be
remitted directly from hence to the Portuguese General in Spain,
which her Majesty thinks is so reasonable a proposal that the
King can not make any difficulty in consenting to it, though the
Portuguese Ministers for private reasons may oppose it. Consul
Milner will be able fully to acquaint your Excellency with the
necessity of having this (lone and of the abuses that have been
committed by the misapplication of the money to the prejudice
of the service. It will l>e a great advantage to obtain this point
and her Majesty hopes your Excellency will use your endeavours,
and press the King to consent to it now the state of the war is

CR0-2 n

Ill

so much altered and his troops are in Spain, and the communi-
cation between them and Portugal is cut oft', so that there is no
sending money but by sea, and it may easier be done from hence
at once than by sending first to Lisbon and afterwards to Yalentia.
Mr. Crowe, who was designed to call on your Excellency, will now
take his passage directly to Alicant and be going in a few days,
but will touch at Faro to learn news of the fleet, and if your
Excellency has anything to impart to Lord Galway I believe it
may be proper to lodge it in the Consul's hands at Faro, sending
copies of the same also by another hand.
Copy.

General James Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1706, October [18-] 29, n.s. Yalentia.— Being told from England
that your Lordship is bound for this part of the world I beg leave
to welcome your Lordship on the coast of Spain, where I hope this
letter will find your Lordship attended with all manner of success
in all your undertakings. The King of Spain and my Lord
Galway [will] give your Lordship an account of our condition
here, and of their thoughts and wishes how your Lordship's forces
and the fleet should be employed. The Duke of Savoy has sent
advice that he is certainly informed that the enemies are prepar-
ing to embark forty five battalions of their beaten army, whether
to return to Italy or to be sent to Spain was uncertain, but the
station of affairs in Italy makes it reasonable to believe they will
give up that country, and push to make an end of the war in
Spain, the only part where they have a prospect to succeed. _ A
squadron in these parts would prevent their attempt on either side
by sea. Your Lordship and the Admiral can best tell how far
this is practicable.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1706, October 23. — I designed to have thanked you last night
for your kind letter from Brampton, but I had so much to write,
that it was not possible for me ; and you ought to be a little the
more indulgent to me, because I should not have had so much
upon my hands if you had been here.

I believe Mr. Secretary Hedges will have informed you of the
Letters sent over by the Duke of Marlborough from the Ejector of
B[avaria] to himself and the States deputies, and also with what
he has been directed by the Queen to write to his Grace upon
that subject. The proposal appears to have been artificial and
ensnaring enough, and I hope the answer is worded so cautiously
as to prevent the ill effects of it, but that we can't be satisfied in
till the return of the messenger dispatched with it last Monday.
In the meantime I think we have the satisfaction of seeing
plainly they have no hopes of succeeding by their underhand
pourparlers, as Monsieur B[uys] terms it. By the way, I have
not heard one word from him since you left us.

115

The other affairs of your province want your care as well as
this. Some measures should be concerted about the King of
Sweden. The King of Poland, by his example, begins to be
troublesome too, and, I doubt, the King of Prussia is naturally
not very unapt to catch that infection.

There is a new mystery about my Lord Raby, more impene-
trable than the former. Mons. Spanheim has new credentials of
ambassador here, provided my Lord Raby do continue at Berlin
in that character.

Our affairs in Spain go very ill and want the speedy arrival of
the fleet.

Mr. Methuen writes from Genoa that Lord Peterborough was
there negociating for money ; but he has [not ?] vouchsafed to
write himself, at least not to Mr. Secretary nor to me. Mr.
Chetwynd writes he is expected by the Duke of Savoy at his
camp. He talks of going back to Spain in a month, and his
friends here give it out, but for my own part I expect him here
by the meeting of the Parliament, and don't know whether I
ought to be glad or sorry to prove deceived in that expectation.

We have great triumphs in Scotland. Not knowing if the
account of them has reached you, I send you a very particular one
in my letter from the Register. All Mr. Johnstone's friends have
done very well, but I don't think he thanks them for it. Mr.
Lewis has brought me several letters to G. Mason from D. F [oe?] .

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

170G, [October 25-] November 4, n.s. Ghilingen. — You will see
by the enclosed that it was printed before they could receive
your remarks. What you have writ in a former letter concerning
a title for Lord Keeper I think so reasonable that I shall with
pleasure endeavour to serve him. My next will be from the
Hague, where I will stay no longer than what may be absolutely
necessary.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

170f>, October 28. Whitehall.— I herewith send your Excel-
lency copies of my letters of the 1st, 13th, and 17th instant. We
have not yet despatched Mr. Crowe, though we are doing it as fast
as we can, and therefore it will be very convenient that your
Excellency should give the earliest advices you can to the Earl of
C.alway of your proceedings and designs in order to your acting
in concert one with the other.

Her Majesty having received an account from her Consul at
Lisbon that the King of Portugal has made large remittances of
money to the army in Spain and intends to send more, does not
think it. so proper a time to press him about the sending of the
subsidies from hence directly thither, as is mentioned in mine to
your Excellency of the 17th, till such time as what he has sent
be replaced.

116

Your Excellency will see in the newspapers sent you from the
Office what progress the Confederates are making in Italy. The
French seem resolved to attempt the re-entering that country,
whose opinidtreU in that respect will it is hoped be of advantage
to the service you go upon by diverting the enemy from sending
a greater force into Spain.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers].

1706, October 29. — I hope this will find you safe and well at
Lisbon, and your transports in good measure gotten together
again. Your Lordship will soon be made sensible by the news
you will meet at Lisbon that our affairs in Spain are in a condi-
tion to require an immediate reinforcement of the army there ;
and though the Queen does not recall your orders for the design
upon Seville and Cadiz, from whence it is probable they have
drawn what troops they can to strengthen their army, and con-
sequently you may find those places weak, yet in case it should
prove otherwise too much time ought not to be consumed in
fruitless endeavours, and most especially if you should hear from
the King of Spain and my Lord Galway that they desire that you
should hasten to join them.

All our affairs in Italy and these parts of the world go as we
could wish.

We hear my Lord Peterborough is at Genoa, but not one word
from himself or of his intentions. The Queen seems inclined to
send my Lord Galway a new commission for the chief command
of all her troops in Spain and Portugal that shall happen to be
together. Lord Galway has several times asked the Queen's
leave to return, upon the account of his being a cripple ; if lie
should persist in these desires, and the King of Spain should give
way to it, the whole care and weight of that service would fall upon
your Lordship. I shall be glad to have your own thoughts and
intentions as to this and everything else relating to the Queen's
service and to yourself, as plainly and fully as you can when you
have opportunity of sending ; and in order to that I hope before
Sir Cloudesley Shovell leaves Lisbon he will settle a constant
intercourse betwixt that place and the coast of Spain within the
Straits.

Earl Rivers to Sir Charles Hedges.

1706, October 29 [o.s.] . Lisbon.— The storm which I gave you an
account of in my last did so disperse our fleet that we never came
together until we met in this river, where the Admiral had given
his rendezvous, thirteen ships except two which we hear are safely
arrived in Ireland, two supposed to be cast away, and the other
nine in St. Ubals (Setuval) ; but the damage which of necessity
we must receive in so much bad weather is very considerable, as
well in our shipping as in our troops, and especially the horse, of
which the Dutch only have given an account of 191 lost and most
of the rest incapable of service. The English have suffered much
less ; but still our loss is very considerable, 1,000 foot missing,

117

100 dead, half the horse spoiled and dead. Notwithstanding this
misfortune a Council of War — a copy of which I send to you —
held the 27th current, in which was present Sir Cloudesley Shovell,
has resolved to continue their voyage to the river of Seville and
do their utmost endeavours to put her Majesty's orders in
execution ; I having here met with not a word from the King of
Spain or my Lord Galway, neither does there appear any sufficient
reasons to dispense with her Majesty's first orders.

In pursuance to this resolution I shall put the horses on shore
for a few days until their ships and stalls be repaired, and until
I can be provided with the necessary quantity of straw and barley
to continue our voyage — our hay and oats being already con-
sumed— -which I presume will he about thirty days.

I do not hear that the Marquis de Villa de Arias, who commands
in Andalusia, has above 4,000 foot and 500 horse, and these
militia; however, the operations of the campaign being every-
where over it is very likely they may detach both from Estra-
madura and La Mancha some troops, and especially horse, in
order to oppose us. This consideration is certainly sufficient to
induce her Majesty to hasten those troops which are to follow us
with all diligence possible, and particularly some horse which we
so much want, and since our late losses at sea more than ever.
I shall immediately dispatch away to the King of Spain, giving
him and my Lord Galway an account of our resolution and an
exact detail of our forces, to the end that they may timely take
their measures either to join us with some troops or to profit
themselves by the diversion which we shall give to those of the
enemy's. And so soon as I am past Faro I will send to the King
of Portugal to give him an account where we are going, that he
may likewise on his part move some of his troops towards
Andalusia in order to join us, to which purpose I presume it might
be necessary that her Majesty should write to the said King,
which letter must be delivered to me here in case it arrives before
I am gone, lest our secret, which as yet is in its entire, should be
discovered too soon.

By order of my Lord Galway and of the late Ambassador, Mr.
Methuen, here has been raised a Spanish regiment of foot, which
regiment I take with me, out of the garrison of Alcantara, which
at the beginning of the late campaign was made prisoners of war,
and more might have been made had there been orders given for
it, those people being very desirous to serve their lawful King ;
and now the Spanish envoy here, the Father Cien Fuegos, tells
me that there are to the number of two regiments more who are
desirous [to be] taken on.

I cannot imagine how the great superiority which the enemy
have over us in horse is any other ways to be repaired than
from Italy, which in all probability Prince Eugene can now
spare, and which we may easily fetch in the spring from either
Genoa or Leghorn, or rather Porto Specia. If her Majesty
does approve of this she will be pleased to give her timely
orders hereabouts to Sir Cloudesley Shovell and write to the
Emperor.

118

Father Cien Fuegos makes a difficulty of going with us upon
this expedition, having bad no orders so to do from the King bis
master, nor indeed any intimation thereof from the Court of
England; however, here is arrived six days ago the brother of
the Duke de Penna Randa, a man of great quality and related
to I ho Governor of Cadiz and to the Marquis de Villa de Arias: he
will go along with us, and hopes to have a great influence upon
those persons who is to have one of these Spanish regiments.

I have ordered Mr. Morrice to procure me money for three
months' subsistence of the army, as likewise a proper sum for the
contingent expenses of the army.

Postscript. — 31 October. — Since I writ the foregoing part of my
letter [I have seen?] the Portuguese Minister Don Diego Mendoza.
They are desirous to have these troops landed and to induce
me the more proposed several projects upon their own frontiers
which besides the improbability of them are as you know so abso-
lutely opposite to the Queen's orders. I told him that these troops
were destined by the Queen to support the King of Spain (it is
generally believed here that we are going to Valentia), and there-
fore I could not without her Majesty's orders change the design,
however that there was still a very considerable detachment of
troops which I believed upon his Portuguese Majesty's request the
Queen would alter their landing ; this I said to silence them.

But my fears go further, for I am apprehensive that these people,
seeing that they cannot overrule us, will indirectly give us all
the hindrance possible in the procuring the necessary straw
and barley to continue our voyage : but of this more in my next.

Copy.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, October 29. Whitehall. — The state of affairs in Spain
being much changed, according to the advices that come by the
way of France, her Majesty thinks it for the advantage of the
service to give your Excellency a latitude in your expedition
against Seville and Cadiz, which is, that in case you meet with
such difficulties as cannot be foreseen here, and that the reducing
those places will take up so much time as that the army in
Yalentia and Catalonia may be put to great straits and extremi-
ties, and the King of Spain's affairs on that side may be in danger
for want of your joining the Earl of Gal way; and in case upon
any notices you shall receive from the King of Spain or the Earl
of Galway, you shall find they judge it necessary to join without
loss of time' for the support of his Catholic Majesty, you are at
liberty to act accordingly as you find the exigency of his affairs
may require.

Earl Rivers to General J. Stanhope.

1706, October 30 [o.s] . Lisbon. — The expedition I am sent upon
being communicated to you near three months ago, I need say
no more to you than that I am got so far upon our [way] , being

119

forced into this port contrary to my intentions and her Majesty's
instructions, having met at sea with such violent weather as has
cruelly shattered our fleet, insomuch that I have not with me
above 8,000 foot and 600 dragoons fit for service. However, in a
Council of War held here it is resolved to continue our voyage to
the river of Guadalquiver pursuant to her Majesty's orders
and instructions, of which resolution I send Col. Worsley to give
the King and my Lord Galway an account thereof. Having not
met here with any letters from them, nor anybody that can give
me an exact account of your affairs, and whereas it is possible
that it may so happen that }rour circumstances are so bad that
nothing but this fleet and troops can support you, I will in this
case sacrifice every other consideration to the honour of the
Queen's arms and the good of my country ; but, as to a friend for
whom I have singular esteem and in whom I have a particular
confidence, I will tell you that I pretend to preserve the absolute
command of these troops, which shall be kept entire, where ever
the public service shall require them to go. With these conditions
I accepted the command, and upon no others would I have come
abroad. But lest you should not rightly understand me, I assure
you that I am very willing to obey his Majesty's commands, and
even my Lord Galway, provided I remain with the absolute and
independent command of them, which being so very reasonable
I doubt not but that your prudence and zeal for the public service
will facilitate everything that shall stand in the way, if it should
happen, which as yet I do not foresee, we should come together.

I have to write with this freedom to anybody else (sic), and
therefore I entirely repose in your friendship to make a proper
use of it.

Copy.

Earl Rivees to "the King of Spain."

[1706, October 30 Endorsed^] — The Queen my mistress having
nothing more at heart than the honour and interest of your
Majesty, and therefore being sensible of the great disappointments
which you have lately met with in Spain, she has generously
abandoned her intended expedition against France to send me
and the troops under my command to serve you in Spain.

What I can assure your Majesty is that I never received her
orders with greater pleasure, not only in consideration of the just
engagement which we are all in to support your undoubted rights
to the Spanish Monarchy, but that I have likewise this occasion
to signalize my zeal among so many other brave chiefs who so
gloriously and so successfully defend your cause.

The Queen my mistress has judged in her great prudence that
nothing would more contribute to your Majesty's service than the
reducing of Cadiz and with it all Andalusia to its due obedience.
Her Majesty's instructions do therefore oblige me in the first
place to go up the river Guadalquiver and oblige Seville to declare
for your Majesty, so that by possessing that important capital
and the neighbouring country to reduce Cadiz to a necessity of
doing the same.

120

I am come thus far upon this design, luit after being detained
a great while by contrary winds at sea I met with so great storms
thai it will require near thirty days to repair our ships and put
ourselves in a condition to continue our voyage, which by a Council
of War we have resolved to do pursuant to her Majesty's instruc-
tions. Wherefore I have sent this gentleman to acquaint your
Majesty therewith, to the end that I may receive your further
commands, and that your Majesty may take some proper measures
to support us, or by sending us some troops, or at least to profit
yourself by the diversion which we shall give to those of the
enemy.

1 have thought fit to take with me the Spanish regiment which
by order of Mr. Methuen was raised in your Majesty's name out
of the garrison of Alcantara, and the Father Cuen Fuegos having
represented to me that there are to the number of two more who
are willing to render their due obedience to your Majesty, I have
ordered the raising of them, one in the name of Don Joseph
Chaver, brother to the Conde de Penna Kanda, who came lately
from Madrid, the other in the name of Major-General Richards,
whom the Queen, my mistress, has so good an opinion of as to
send him with me in this expedition, and therefore I hope that
it will not only meet with your Majesty's approbation, but that
he will not any ways be a sufferer in your Majesty's favour by
his absence.

And as her Majesty has in a more particular manner incharged
me to have all due care, tenderness and respect towards all your
Majesty's subjects, and particularly in what relates to sacred
matters, I give your Majesty my word and honour that you
shall never have a just occasion of complaint in this point,
and that in everything else that relates to your royal service
nobody will receive your commands with greater obedience and
respect.

Copy.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, November 1. Whitehall. — The Bye frigate, on board
which is my letter to your Excellency of the 17th past, being put
back, I send you by another ship dispatched on purpose the
enclosed duplicate of it and with duplicates also of my two last
letters of the 28th and 29th, which were dispatched to your
Excellency by the last packet to Lisbon.

I write by this conveyance to Sir Cloudesley Shovell to signify
to him her Majesty's pleasure, that in regard there may be
occasion for his giving assistance with the fleet in what shall be
resolved on according to the exigency of the King of Spain's
affairs, he is to contribute all he can with the ships under
his command towards putting what shall be resolved on in
execution in such manner as shall be judged advisable by
a Council of War and most to the advantage of that
service.

121

[H. St. John to Robert Harley.]

1706, November 5. Whitehall.— I cannot let this post go
away without carrying you my thanks for the favour of yours of
the 1st, though I hope before this arrives at Brampton the floods
will be abated and you on your way thither.

Nothing, dear Master, will continue long which exceeds its due
bounds, but a short-lived inundation may prove a lasting evil.
The torrent may make such a havoc and leave such scars in a
little time as years will not repair. If you will give me leave to
bring the allegory still more close, no husbandman in his right
senses ever let that flood violently in to spoil his grounds and
destroy his fruits which with care lie might have guided in gentle
streams to the improvement of both.

I am glad you find the same disposition where you have been
as I believe is in other places. It will be one of the greatest
pleasures I can have to be instrumental under you in making a
proper use of it ; in order to this, sure we must have a little more
commerce with some gentlemen than has been of late kept up.

I did not believe when I writ last to you that the application
made to Mr. B[romley] and Sir T. H[anmer] was the effect of
your advice, but I do imagine in fact there has been some
negotiation of that sort.

This day George Granville received a letter from the captain
of the Kiusale to inform him that Sir Bevil died a month ago m
his passage. This misfortune has touched George to the quick.
I hear, by the bye, that his brother has brought from the Barbados
enough to make him easy, though not in any degree such a
fortune as governors usually amass. George is by his will sole
executor.

Adieu! make haste to town, where the public as well as your
friends wants you. No man is more entirely, dear Master, yours,
than H.

Charles III. or Spain to Earl Rivers.

1706, November [13-] 24. Valentia.— My Lord Comte, J'ay eu
un gran plaisir d'apprendre par votre letre l'arrive de la Flotte
et de vos troupes de debarquement a Lisbonne. Tons entendres
mes pansees par rapport a vos operations par les deux letres que
vous receveres avec la presente dont la premiere est la duplicate
de ma precedente. Je n'ay rien a ajuter sinon que pour ce qui
est du commendement des troupes dont TEnvoye Stanhope m'a
parle. Vous pouves confer de ne recevoir d'autres ordres, que
de moy seul. Je me rapporte au surplus a ce que my lord
Galloway vous ecrira stir ce sujet estant bien assure que vous
trouveres en sa personne toute la satisfaction imniagmable, et je
suis tousjours vous tres affectionee esperant de vous bien tost
enibrassei\ Charles.

Prince de Lichtenstein to Loud Rivers.

1706, November [13-] 24. Valencia.— Je connois asses vos
grands merites pour desirer avec passion de connoitre de nieme
votre personne.

122

Les difficulty qu'il y a a craindre, que vous rencontreres clans
1' expedition des villes de Seville, et de Cadix, jointes an peu de
fond qu'on scauroil faire sur l'affection des habitans de
I'Andalousie me font juger, que vous quitterGs sans balancer cette
entreprise, pour embrasser avec plaisir l'occasion de servir sa
maj '' Cath : dans ses presentes necessities. Comme sa maj'L' la
Regne votre maitresse dans le terns qu'elle vous ordonna de vous
rendre avec la flotte sur les cotes de I'Andalousie ne fut
apparement informee de l'etat de nos affaires d'ici, je me tiatte,
que vous entreres dans le meme avis avec tons les ministres et
generaux ici presens, qui out juge- avec sa majeste que les forces
de la flotte ne pourroient etre employe dans la presente
conjoncture plus utilement, qu'en les faisant venir en ce
Royaume ; e'est en cette pensee que j'attens bien tot l'honneur
de vous embrasser, et de vous temoigner l'estime et l'attache-
ment sincer, avec les quels je suis.

Charles III. of Spain to Lord Rivers.

1706, November 24. Valencia. — J'ai ete ravi d' entendre que
la Flotte avec les trouppes de debarquement qui se trouvent sous
vos ordres soit entre dans la riviere de Lisbonne. J'espere que
les contretems que vous aves rencontre en mer n'empecberont
point pourque vous ne vous remettes bientot en etat de pouvoir
executer vos desseins en conformite des ordres de la Regne votre
maitresse. Des que j'apris la resolution de Sa Majeste
Brittanique et le cbangement qu'elle avoit genereusement fait, en
vous donnant les ordres d' aller sur les cotes de l'Andalousie au
lieu de celles de France, j'ay depecbe un navire expres pour vous
aprendre mes intentions par rapport aux operations de la flotte,
et de vos trouppes de debarquement, mais comme je ne scai
point, si cette lettre ait eu le bon sort de parvenir jusques a vos
mains, je vous en ai voulu mander la Duplicata ci-jointe, a la
quelle je ne scaurois aj outer auter cbose, si non que mes
affaires s'empirant ici de jour en jour et ne nous trouvant
nullement en etat de nous opposer aux insultes des ennemis tous-
jours superieures sur nous, tant en Infanterie qu'en Cavallerie,
vous procuries par tons vos soings de venir auplustot avec la
flotte et les trouppes de debarquement dans la Mediterranee,
pour nous niettre par ce renfort en etat de pouvoir arreter les
progres des ennemis, et de recommencer nos operations pour le
plus grande bien de la cause commune. Les ministres et les
Generaux ici presens de la Regne votre maitresse, du Roy de
Portugal, et de M1' • les etats generaux sont convenu avec moy,
que comme les ennemis se sont rendu maitres de la ville de
Cartagene, la flotte ne pourroit entrer dans un meilleur Port, que
celui d'Alicante, faisant continuer la route aux freggattes, et aux
navires de transport, pour prendre celui de Denia, pour y mettre
a terre les trouppes de debarquement, pour la subsistance des
quelles je vas prevenir les ordres, a fin qu'a leur arrivee les
vivres et les provisions pour la nourriture des homines, et de
la Cavallerie de meme que toutes les choses necessaires pour le

123

train du bagage soyent a la main pour entrer aussi-tot dans les
operations qu'on jugera le plus convenables, et d'autant qu'on a
remarque, qu'il y a dans ce royaume et la prineipaute do
Catalogne une grande disette des grains consumes par les
ennemis el a I'occasion de la presence de ndtre arm6e, vous me
faires mi agreable service en prenant soing de porter avec la
flotte telle grande quantity de bled et d'avoine, que vous puissies
ramasser a Lisbonne, Gibraltar, Tanger, Alger, ou en d'autres
ports de la Barbarie, d'autanl que eette provision viendra
tousjours tres a propos pour la subsistance de l'armee quoy
que je ne laisserai point de faire faire en attendant toutes les
preventions imaginables, pourqu' a vos trouppes manque de rien
a leur arrivee. Je me tlatte que la presente aura la sort de vous
rencontre)- encore dans la riviere de Lisbonne, mais en tout cas
qu'elle paroint en vos mains dans un terns, que vous fussing
avec les trouppes actuellement engage" aux expeditions de Seville
on de Cadix, dont le succes a ce que Ton juge ici sera expose" a
mille difficultes partieulierement en cette saison, j'espere que
vous laisser^s pas pour cela de contribuer de vos lions offices a ce
que l'Adniiral Schovel envoye a mon assistance une escadre
de vaisseaux, pour la seurete de ces cotes, et pour pouvoir
entretenir la communication avec les Isles de Majorque, et
d'lvice, et pour pouvoir tacher, s*il est possible de se rendre
maitre du Port de Maon, LTsle de Minorque s'etant de meme
volontairement soumis a mon obeissance, et mes bons sujets de
cette Isle ne desirant que quelques vaisseaux pour serrer du cote
de la mer cette place qu'ils tiennent actuellenunt bloque" par terre.
Je me rapporte au surplus a la duplieata de ma lettre precedente,
en vous assurant de nouveau de mon estime et de ma parfaite
reconnoissance.

General J. Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1706, November [13-]24. Valentia. — lam honoured with your
Lordship's letter of the 30th of October o.s., and am very sorry

the despatches sent to your Lordship near a month ago from
hence could not for want of shipping get to you. The very next day

that we received news from England that your Lordship was
intended lo acton the coast of Spain. I sent my brother with
letters from the King and my Lord Galway to go to your Lord-
ship, hut a man-of-war the j/isn-irj,, which promised to call at
Altea to take in our letters, did not touch there, so my brother
was detained three weeks at Denia and Alicant, and embarked
at last on a merchant ship. I hope he will have had the
good fortune to kiss your Lordship's hands before this reaches
you, hut lest any accident should have prevented him you
will by Col. AVorseley receive duplicates of what was then
writ.

Our circumstances are not mended hut on the contrary since
that time, having lost Cathagena, hut the King and my Lord
Galway write so fully to your Lordship that I have little to add
on that subject.

124

I am very much obliged to your Lordship for the confidence you

are pleased to express in me, which I shall always endeavour to
make use of to the utmost of my power for the service of your
Lordship and the public. I believe the King and my Lord Galway
will have explained themselves to your Lordship's satisfaction on
the matter your Lordship was pleased to touch to me and am fully
persuaded that your Lordship will be made as easy in that matter
as you can wish and desire. The Portuguese General does by
virtue of our treaty claim and is in possession of the command of
those troops that are on the establishment of Portugal; over those
which were of my Lord Peterborough's establishment, he can
pretend nothing, much less of any distinct body sent hither by
the Queen to our assistance over and above what her Majesty is
by any treaty obliged to furnish. The King is too much con-
cerned in interest to have this body join him not to comply with
whatever your Lordship shall insist on, and I do verily believe
that }Tour Lordship will rind in my Lord Galway all manner of
easiness.

The great difficulty we shall have to struggle with will be
provisions, though that will be made much easier than it now is
when we have ships in these seas. I am promised by the King and
his ministers that all possible diligence shall be used in making
magazines, but I fear the country has not wherewithal.
From Majorca we may have considerable supplies so soon as any
shipping comes. If from Lisbon or Barbary your Lordship and
Sir Cloudesley Shovell can get any quantities of corn, and barley
especially, it will be the greatest service can be done us.

Copy.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1706, November] 15, Friday night. — I return your two Scots
letters ; I reckon others are come in to-day, though I have
not had any, but I conclude they will not proceed upon the Union
till they have perfected their Act for security of their Church.
Their majority having fallen at one time from 70 to 32 has made
them very apprehensive, and, I doubt, with reason.

I shall not write to the Duke of Marlborough to-night because
I hope he will be here to-morrow or next day. If he can con-
quer animosity as well as armies his presence will be very useful
in this island of Britain.

I hear Crawford is dead, so there's a government [of Sheer-
ness] for one of his officers. The governor of Virginia [Nott] is
also dead ; I make no doubt but my Lord Orkney will seize upon
that, and I don't see why one might not persuade him to go
down to Scotland and vote for the Union, without which he can't
be capable of it.

What with their lingering there and the expectation of it here,
I doubt we must take the pretext of the floods for putting off the
Parliaments.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers].

1706, November 19. — I have the honour of your Lordship's of
the 30th October from Lisbon.

125

You will see by the instructions you will receive from Mr.
Secretary Hedges by this packet that in case you are not gone
from Lisbon before it arrives the Queen has changed at present
her thoughts of your going to Seville and Cadiz.

This change has been occasioned partly by the delays and
other misfortunes of the bad weather you have met with, but
chiefly from knowing my Lord Gal way's opinion by Monsieur de
Montandre, now here but designed to be sent to Lisbon again
within four days, that your forces could not be so useful to the
King of Spain's service by joining him at Yalentia as they might
be by joining with the troops of the King of Portugal, and taking
post now immediately upon the frontiers of Castille, that so the
army may lie in readiness to march to Toledo as soon as the
season of the }'ear will admit. This, M. de Montandre tells
us, was my Lord Galway's opinion, and to this the Duke of
Marlborough, now arrived, agrees ; and the rather because we
find, both by the Envoy of Portugal here and by what
M. de Montandre relates of the temper in which he left the
Court of Portugal, that they are now as desirous and forward
to march to Madrid as they were backward last summer, because
by experience they find it is not a difficult matter, and because
they have no other way of disengaging their army now in Spain:
and the Queen's consideration in leaving her troops under your
command to act in conjunction with them will probably be so
agreeable to the King of Portugal that he will give you no uneasi-
ness in the point of command, but direct his general, who shall
have the name of the chief command, to be wholly guided by you
in the executive part ; and we are also promised there shall be
the same disposition to make you easy in furnishing all manner
of necessaries for the marching and subsisting of your troops.

M. de Montandre will be dispatched in a few days to Lisbon, to
see all accomplished that has been promised by the King of
Portugal, and from thence he is to give the King of Spain and my
Lord Galway an account in what state he has left all in Lisbon,
that so they may take their measures according for entering into
Castille on that side at the same time you shall begin to march
from the frontiers of Portugal.

Postscript. — I desire to make my compliments to my Lord
Essex, and to tell him that he is declared Constable of the Tower.

Sik Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, November 19. Whitehall. — I herewith send your
Excellency her Majesty's instruction for continuing at Lisbon in
case this meets you there, and you will by express, which perhaps
may reach you as soon as this, receive her Majesty's further
instructions for the operations of the next campaign by entering
Spain on the Portugal wide, the framing of which is now under
consideration ; but since it is of use that your Excellency should
be informed of her Majesty's intentions as soon as possible I here
send you the first draught of what is designed for your instruc-

L26

lions, thai you may he the better prepared by being apprised of
the measures that are taking, which I desire you will communicate
to Sir Cloudesley Shovell. You will see by this draught that
your letters of the 29th and 31st past are come to hand, and I
hope this alteration will be agreeable to your Excellency.

Monsieur Montandre will bring you the instructions as soon as
they are finished, and will more fully explain this matter to you
with the inducement that inclined her Majesty to countermand
her former orders.

If Mr. Methuen he at Lisbon it will be necessary to communicate
all to him, who as her Majesty's minister will give your Excellency
assistance in all that may be needful, being well acquainted with
that Court and the temper of the people there. I enclose a letter
from Lord Treasurer.

Sir Charles Hedges to Earl Rivers.

1706, November 26. Whitehall. — 1 have received the favour
of your Excellency's of the 29th and 31st past with the Council
of War, which having been laid before the Queen, her Majesty
has thought fit to send you the inclosed instructions, a duplicate
of which for more certainty will also go by the packet boat. Her
Majesty has therein so fully recited the motives that induced her
to give these orders that I have little occasion to trouble your
Excellency with any further explanations. It is hoped they will
reach you before you leave Lisbon ; but whether you are still
there or that these come to hand when you are advanced further
towards Cadiz according to your former instructions, I am to
acquaint your Excellency that you are to look upon the latitude
you had then for joining the Earl of Galway as being at an end,
upon the representations and proposals made by the Envoy of
Portugal and Monsieur Montandre. And in case it shall not be
found advisable to proceed upon those former instructions, now
the season of the year is so far advanced, the men-of-war
shattered and the troops fatigued with the voyage, and that the
difficulties in this enterprise appear to be such as may make your
success doubtful and harass your men so as not to be in a good
condition to begin the campaign early, you are then to continue
at Lisbon, or to return thither if you should be gone from thence.

As to the sending your Excellency particular instructions for
giving out clothes or arms to the Spanish troops, or any other
services that you judge tend to the advancing the interest of the
common cause, her Majesty does not think it proper to give
any particular directions, and leaves those matters and all
minute particulars to your Excellency's discretion and prudence,
not doubting but you will in all things order what shall conduce
most to her service and the carrying on the main design for
establishing King Charles on the throne.

Your Excellency will receive with your instructions a copy of
a memorial presented to the Queen by the envoy of Portugal
with the answer which was given to it by her Majesty's command,

127

She takes it for granted that all that is therein proposed will be
effectually complied with, so that I hope your Excellency will
have no difficulty with the King of Portugal in settling any of
those articles, especially since he himself has proposed the same
to the Marquis de Montandre; but whatever else occurs to your
Excellency for facilitating the proposed design and for putting it
in execution early in the year is recommended particularly to
your care to be put into a good method and forwardness, so that
nothing may be wanting when you come to take the field, and
you are, as far as is possible, to get all necessaries provided by
the King of Portugal on the most advantageous terms you can
with regard to her Majesty's interest and the advancement of the
service. At the same time, while all things are preparing for an
early campaign on the side of Portugal, there should be no manner
of neglect in dispatching the Portuguese recruits and all
necessaries for the Portugal troops at Yalentia, it being
the reinforcements the Earl of Galway entirely depends
on, and the principal inducement to his proposing that
her Majesty's troops that were designed for the former expedition
should act in Portugal, in conjunction with the ten thousand
foot and between two and three thousand horse that the King
proposes to join to them, and march to Madrid by the way of
Toledo, as the most effectual means in his Lordship's opinion for
putting him in a condition to co-operate on the other side and
regain the capital, which it is believed will most facilitate the
reducing of the whole kingdom.

The King of Portugal having writ to the Queen upon this
subject, her Majesty has thought fit to return an answer, which
you have herewith, wherein she gives your Excellency a credential
for negociating and adjusting everything with his Portuguese
Majesty for the carrying on of this service. This letter you will
please to deliver to the King, giving him assurances at the same
time of her Majesty's steady and firm resolution to carry on the
war with the utmost vigour in conjunction with his Majesty, and
that you are ready to agree to settle all that remains requisite to
be adjusted on the foot that his envoy here and the TVIarquis de
Montandre have proposed ; I also enclose an extract of the King's
letter and and a copy of her Majesty's answer for your information.

I have no orders to trouble your Excellency with anything
relating to money or what may be wanting for the army, but
must crave leave to refer you to my Lord Treasurer for the former
and to the Secretary at War for the latter. Whatever your
Excellency proposes on those heads I constantly, according to my
duty, lay it before the Queen ; but those are the proper channels
for putting in execution all orders his Majesty thinks fit to give
of that kind.

If Mi-. Methuen be arrived your Excellency will please to com-
municate your orders to him, who, as her Majesty's envoy, you
may be sure will readily assist in everything you think needful,
and I have written to him upon this subject.

I send your Excellency a copy of Monsieur Montandre's pro-
posals and the answers that have been given to them, and care

128

will be taken that they be complied with by the proper offices;
and as to the disposal of arms you will hear from the Board of
Ordnance upon that head.

Postscript. — Your Excellency will receive this by Monsieur
Montandre, who will be able to explain to you more fully what I
now write and the measures that are intended to he pursued.

Signed.

Earl Rivers to Sir Charles Hedges.

1706, November. Lisbon. — In my last I gave you an account
that pursuant to her Majesty's orders and instructions it was
resolved by a Council of War to continue our voyage, in order to
which that I had landed our horses that the ships and stalls
might he refitted, and that I was doing my utmost endeavours to
supply ourselves with the necessary horse meat for our expedi-
tion ; * hut besides the many difficulties which are natural to this
country the continual had weather has heen a great hindrance to us.

I am more than ever surprised that 1 have heard nothing from
the King of Spain or my Lord Galway. On my part I have left
nothing undone that can conduce to the ends that I have been
sent about. I have dispatched an officer away to Valentia to
give them an account of my arrival here and of her Majesty's
orders and instructions to me, and at my request the Spanish
envoy has sent a proper person into the country where we are
going to bring us account of matters thence, and we may probably
expect his return before we go hence. The said Spanish envoy
has assured me that there is a very good disposition among the
great men there to second us.

The Portuguese have given out that Alcantara was besieged,
and the King sent to me to know whether I would not land any
of my troops. I answered him that my orders were to join the
King of Spain, and that without disobeying the Queen I could not
do it ; but this 1 believe was an invention of their own to try my
pulse.

I had a general order from my Lord Treasurer whilst we were
at Torbay to supply the Dutch with money to buy their own
forage, victualling, &c. Upon our arrival here Brigadier Lisle
Mare addressed himself to me that I would continue doing the
same, for that Monsieur Schonenberg, the Dutch minister here,
would do nothing in it, having no orders from his masters for
so doing, which I do not wonder at, the secret of this expedition
being kept from them, and our coming here altogether accidental.
So that upon the whole matter I find myself necessitated to help
them. He has brought me an estimate of about 7,000/., part of
which I have already advanced and the rest I shall pay in a few
days, and by the next post I shall send you his receipt for the
same. I resisted his importunity all I could, hut he having told
me that without this money he could not proceed with me I was
forced at last to comply.

It being long since Mr. Secretary Harley promised to let me
known her Majesty's pleasure what should he done with the

129.

clothing which I have with me, designed for the French regiments,
I am surprised to hear nothing from him. They were very
inconveniently loaded on hoard several men-of-war, which being
subject to he commanded away we may be disappointed of them,
and therefore I shall order them to be landed here, the Admiral
so desiring it, until I have power to dispose of them otherways.

We are hard at work in refitting our ships and in providing of
forage, but the continual rains are a great hindrance to us, and
serve the Portuguese likewise for an excuse of their no better
compliance. However, I am in better hopes than I was in the
writing of my last that they will perform what they have
promised.

Copy.

Don Diego Mendoca to Lord Rivers.

1706 [November 30-] December 11. [Lisbon.] Au Palais. —
Je presentai a sa Mageste le Roy mon maistre votre lettre de le
lle du current, et sa Mageste m'ordona de vous remercier de sa
part de vos souhaits pour la prosperity de son regne ; come aussi
du chagrin ; que vous temoignes, vous a cause la mort du feu
Roy si ai I 'ere.

Sa ditte Mageste m'ordona aussi de vous asseurer, quelle
continuera a observer l'allianse faitte par le feu Roy son Pere
avec la Reyne votre Maitresse, et les autres Princes Allies,
faisant observer de son cote, tout ce qu' a ete estipuledansle
Traite, continuant la guerre avec le meme vigeur, que jusqu' a
present ; parceque elle est dans les my mes intentions, que etoit
le Roy son Pere ; et sa Mageste a charge son Envoye a Londres
de communiquer cela a la Reyne votre Maitresse.

The Same to the Same.

170G, December [1-] 12. [Lisbon.] Au Palais.— Avant hier
j'avois ajuste avec Mr. Richard chez Mr. Methuyn qu'on devoit
envoyer avec Torres un ministre de sa Majeste, pour faire
transporter ici toute la paille qu'il faudroit pour vos chevaux, et
que meme votre Excellence envoyera un Anglois qui parleroit
portugais pour aller avec eux, croyant que cela seroit plus con-
venable pour avoir de la paille, car si on arrete cet homme la,
nous aurons de la pene a l'avoir citot :

Le Ministre et Torres, n 'attendant que le comissaire Anglois
pour partir faites moy la grace de mander si vous souhaitez,
qu'on aille on bien que le dit Torres soit arrete j'attens votre
reponse.

Earl Rivers to Sir Charles Hedges.

170G, December :!- ! 1. Lisbon. — I have before me yours of the
1st, 15th, 17th, 28th, 29th of October and 1st of November, to all
which I will make answer in the amplest manner I can, though
as yet I have not heard one word from either the King of Spain

6802 I

130

or my Lord Galway, whoso advices are so necessary for my eon-
duct 1 have writ fchem by five several occasions, and I presume
that they have been writ [to] from home by the way of Italy. As
to Mr. Crow I have not as yet seen him.

In all my former letters I have acquainted you that it was
still my opinion, as likewise that of the Council of War (a copy
of which was sent you), to pursue her Majesty's first orders and
instructions, and in the same opinion I still remain, but under
the restrictions mentioned in yours, and particularly that of the
29th of October, pursuant to which we shall determine what is
most advantageous to her Majesty's service, and the end to which
I was sent, which is the reduction of Spain.

I am sorry to tell you that the Duke of Anjou, suspecting the
fidelity of his officers and governors in Andalusia, has about a
month ago turned them all out and sent others in their room. He
did it not without reason, for we had several good assurances
that divers of them were our friends, but as yet we do not hear
that they have detached any troops that way.

As to the conjunction of these troops under my command with
those of my Lord Galway, I shall punctually comply with the
same pursuant to her Majesty's instructions, the circumstances
of our affairs, and the judgment of the Council of War ; but as to
my serving in person I hope her Majesty will have the goodness to
excuse me, it being well known that I came not abroad but in view of
the honour of commanding alone, and yet when her service required
me to go to Spain I readily condescended, not doubting but that at
least the command of these troops would have remained with me,
whoever I had joined; but seeing her Majesty's pleasure is now
otherwise, I will carry these troops up to Yalentia (in case it
shall be judged necessary so to do), and so return for England,
having resolved to serve under nobody but his Eoyal Highness
or the Duke of Marlborough.

I observe her Majesty's order to suspend for some time her
former instructions about proposing to the King of Portugal that
we should pay his troops in Yalentia.

The secret of our expedition is as entire as when we arrived
here, neither shall I reveal it until the last, when I will make all
the efforts possible upon the King to co-operate with us, which I
wish he may be induced to ; but as to his giving us any horses to
be repaid again in specie by horses to be sent from England, I
fear that he will scarcely condescend to, however it shall be pro-
posed.

That the enemy infinitely exceeds us in horse if we do
not make some extraordinary effort is certain, and consequently
will prove an invincible difficulty to a long march, such
as we must make if we will go for Madrid. Among all
the projects that have been proposed to me to reinforce
ours, there is none that in all respects does answer the design
as to have a good body of veteran horse from Italy, provided
they can be spared, for our transports so soon as we are secured
ashore may go fetch them; but of this her Majesty is the best
judge whether it be feasible or no.

131

The King of Portugal has established two boats at Faro to run
between that place and Gibraltar. Sir Cloudesley Shovell has
ordered two frigates to attend them, to take up the letters and
carry them to Alicant, so that provided the winds be favourable
we shall have letters every fifteen days, but inasmuch as the
westerly winds do reign here for months together (as at present)
I believe it will be judged proper that a couple of feluccas be
employed to run between Barcelona and Genoa so soon as the
season of the year will permit them.

Whereas in yours of the first of October, it appears that the
article in my manifesto relating to the protection of the loyal
Spaniards, navigation was thought too particular and that with-
out communicating this matter with the States General it was
not to be done. I was in hopes to have been further directed
therein, for want of which I have by advice of Sir Cloudesley
Shovell inserted this clause, we having judged it necessary to
say something to this purpose, which I hope will meet with
her Majesty's approbation: —

"And furthermore we declare that all his Catholic Majesty's
subjects who shall render their obedience to their lawful
King shall be protected in their navigation, to which end
the Queen, my mistress, at the request of King Charles, has sent
already a powerful squadron to the Spanish West Indies to pro-
tect and secure the states and effects of those Spaniards who by
their loyalty shall merit this grace and favour, and to convoy and
bring back their said Spanish ships to Cadiz or Seville provided
the said places are in the obedience of his Catholic Majesty, King
Charles."

I have often writ to have orders how to dispose of the clothing
which I have with me, and which was designed for the French.
I do presume that it may be her Majesty's intentions to bestow
it upon such of the Spaniards as shall come in to us, but about
this 1 desire to have her Majesty's further instructions.

The King of Portugal is dead, and his son will be proclaimed
to-morrow. What influence this will have on our affairs and what-
ever else relates to this Court I entirely remit you to Mr. Methuen :
however, I think it proper to send you a copy of letter writ me by
the Secretary of State

Copy. *

The Duke of Marlborough to [Earl Rivers].

1706, December 4. " St. Jeamses."— Finding upon my arrival
from Holland, the Marquis de Montandre ready to return to
Portugal with the Queen's letters to the King, and her Majesty's
instructions to your Lordship, 'tis with great satisfaction that 1
lay hold of this opportunity to congratulate your safe arrival on
that side after so troublesome and hazardous a voyage. I shall
not entertain jou with the measures we are taking for carrying on
the war in the Low Countries, having fully instructed the Marquis
on that subject for your information,

132

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1706, December 4. London. — The Queen was pleased yester-
day to give me the seals in the room of Sir Charles Hedges, and
to allot me the Southern Province, which is particularly agreeable
to me, as what will give me frequent opportunities of corres-
ponding with your Lordship. I am very sensible of the
difficulties of such an employment, but as our friends would have
me undertake it, so I shall always endeavour by their support
and assistance to be as useful as I can be to the honest
interest. I wish your Lordship all good success.

Lord Somers to Earl Eivers.

1706, December 4. London. — I have the honour of your
Lordship's of the eighth of November, and I assure you it was
very welcome to me, for after the account Ave had of your
dangerous voyage, it was no little pleasure to me to be assured
from your own hand that you were safe and well. I have found
an opportunity of discoursing particularly, upon the subject of
the necessity of your Lordship being well supplied, with my
Lord Treasurer. He gave me a fair occasion, and I laid hold of
it, with respect to the general service, as well as of my friendship
to your Lordship, which obliged me to desire that everything
should prosper in your hands. Nobody could speak more kindly
and promise more fully. He said his whole heart was on the
business you were employed in, and that nothing should be
wanting. I hojDe what he does will be suitable and I can ask no
more.

My Lord Galway has proposed your acting with the Portuguese,
as the most effectual way to advance the interest of King Charles.
I have understood that a great deal is still left to your judg-
ment. I believe you will find the Marquis de Montandre to
have good sense and to be capable of acquainting your Lordship
of the humour of the Portuguese and of the inclination and
qualification of their persons. Be pleased to allow me to suggest
that they will promise anything to oblige you to stay with them,
for the troops they have in Spain give them a real concern ; but on
the other side I hope that your Lordship will take all precautions
possible that they may observe what they promise to you.

I hope you have heard long since of the answer about
Guernsey, that the General Ch [urchill] had an old promise of
it. After this nothing could be said I find.

At length Lord Sunderland is Secretary in place of Sir Ch.
Hedges, and for the same province, for which I congratulate your
Lordship.

I can wish nothing more than I do your success. I will mind
nothing more than your affairs.

Earl Piivers to Sir Ch.vrles Hedges.

1706, December 6-17. Lisbon. — I have already writ you under
the 3-14 current, but it was afterwards judged necessary to detain

133

the packet boat until Col. Worsley arrived with the King of
Spain's letter, &c, which he did two days ago, the import of
which is to this purpose. That the enemy is so superior to
them in both horse and foot that in case we be not already
engaged in the enterprise of Cadiz, the King as well as the
General Officers do earnestly desire that we may come to his
succour, which in a Council of War, of which you have here a copy,
we resolved to do with all possible expedition, and we now stay
for nothing else but a little straw which I wish we may get in so far
as ten or twelve days.

Furthermore, the King of Spain and Mr. Stanhope do earnestly
desire that we should bring with us all the bread and corn we
can, and particularly barley, of all which there is there great
scarcity, for which reason I have ordered the buying up one hundred
days bread and corn for the troops under my command and I shall
leave nothing unattempted to procure the same from Algiers,
Tunis, Majorca, &c, for as to the rest of Barbary I fear they will
not supply us with any, and yet these my endeavours are not so
entirely to be depended upon but that I judge it would be neces-
sary to send some ships from England laden with wheat and
barley and biscuit to Alicant ; it is keeping so much money in the
nation and may if not wanted be sold to profit.

I am informed that our troops there are very weak, to recruit
which as well as my own, I conceive there are but three ways,
one of which her Majesty in her great prudence will be pleased to
make use of. The first is to send entire regiments with a very few
officers, which so soon as they have landed their men in Spain
will return back again to the rest of their officers in England,
who in the meantime will be raising of their regiments again.

The second is by breaking of the weakest regiments into the
strongest and sending the officers back again to raise them anew.
And if there was some such general rule, that when a regiment
should be reduced to such a number (without having been in
service) it should be broken into another, it might oblige the
officers to be more careful of their men.

The third way is by drafts, which occasions great confusion in
their accounts.

We received some letters from Valentia, which we might have
had near a month sooner had there been a frigate to have
brought them away, or indeed had not the Captain of the man-
of-war disappointed him, of which his Catholic Majesty and my
Lord Galway do complain, and indeed this is a matter of such
consequence that he does earnestly desire that three or four small
frigates may have orders to attend that coast and to obey such
orders as they shall receive from the King of Spain, or in his
absence the Get him I commanding her Majesty's forces, and
indeed that all other frigates despatched with letters may be
obliged upon the King's request to stay for his answer. I do
not say this to offend Sir C. Shovell, who is very forward and
zealous in whatever relates to the public service, that this
precaution would not be necessary if we were always sure of
having him here.

134

We are so very weak in horses, and the enemy is so very
superior to us that there is nothing that I will leave unattempted
to reinforce them, pursuant to her Majesty's instructions. I am
told that there are some in Valentia, which I will immediately
buy up, and draw the money upon Mr. Morice, but lest these my
endeavours should prove futile I hope that her Majesty will be
pleased to reflect upon my former proposal of procuring a body
of good serviceable horse to be sent from Italy upon our
transports.

The King of Spain having lost this campaign a great part of
his infantrj7, my Lord Galway has writ to Mr. Morice (not
supposing me to be here) to pay another Spanish regiment to be
raised out of the garrison of Alcantara, pursuant to which I have
given the necessary orders, the plan of which regiment and its
expense shall be sent you next packet, and I doubt not but that
my Lord Treasurer will make account thereof in order to be
regularly subsisted.

I, having by this occasion received all the satisfaction I could
expect both from the King of Spain and my Lord Galway in
relation to the command of those troops which are now under
my orders, have resolved to go with them to Valentia and to
continue there until her Majesty shall give her further direction
therein, the said Earl of Galway having in divers of his
letters assured me that he was desirous of going home on account
of his health, and that immediately upon my arrival he would
remit the command even of his own to me.

Copxj.

Earl Rivers to the Lord Treasurer.

1706, December 6-17. Lisbon. — I will not trouble your
Lordship with the repetition of what I have writ Mr. Secretary,
to whom you will please to be referred. Your Lordship will be
informed that pursuant to the King of Spain's earnest desire
and the unanimous opinion of the Generals there, that without
being powerfully succoured they run a hazard of being entirely
undone. I have resolved together with a Council of War to
make all possible haste to their assistance.

I have here had from Mr. Morice the sum of 60,000/. sterling,
which I judge will subsist us to the latter end of April, supposing
that there be no necessity of any extraordinary expense as the
buying up of horses, &c, which I am resolved to do in case
they are to be had, and therefore I hope that your Lordship will
be very forward in the remitting hither proportionable sums, I
say remitting, because that I am informed that this place will
not always afford the great sums ordinary and extraordinary
which this remote war does require, and therefore if your Lord-
ship should approve of it, I judge it very necessary that a
sufficient credit was likewise lodged in Genoa or Leghorn for any
emergent occasion.

I have a favour to beg of you which is that in the regiments
designed hither that my Lord Barrymore may not be one of

135

them, and I have so great a confidence in your Lordship's friend-
ship that I entirely remit whatever I shall ask or propose in
relation to myself to your better judgement, so that whatever you
think is not fitting to be done that you will not so much as mention
it, and on the contrary whatever is just and reasonable I shall
always meet with your Lordship's concurrence therein, and
therefore I beg that your Lordship will be very plain with me
and in that manner answer whatever I have and shall propose to
you.

I am informed that there comes over to us a good many
French deserters, so that my design is to complete Guiscard's
regiment so soon as I can, and whereas it is not to be expected
that it should be well governed without a Colonel, I beg that her
Majesty will either give me the said regiment or permit me to
nominate a Colonel.

The next thing in which I desire your Lordship's advice is
what I should do in case the King of Spain should propose to me
to take any commission from him which my Lord Peterborough
did, and I hear that my Lord Galway has lately done from the
Emperor. I must confess that I thought it so reasonable the
remaining with the command of these troops (whenever the
service should require that I should join) that I proposed it both
to the King and my Lord Galway, to which they having readily
condescended, I have resolved not only to go up with the troops
to Yalentia, but to stay with them, and my Lord Galway has
likewise further assured me in divers letters that he is still
desirous of going home upon account of his health and that there-
fore he will remit the troops under his command to me. I wish
I was as able as I am willing to undertake anything for her
Majesty's service, but I being conscious of my own insufficiency,
I entirely remit myself to her Majesty's pleasure.

I hope that the Spanish regiment which I take with me, as like-
wise the other to be raised by order of my Lord Galway (as you will
see more at large by what T have writ Mr. Secretary), will be
comprehended in your Lordship's calculations of this future
year's expenses to the end that they may be regularly paid as well
as our own troops.

Copy.

[Lord Godolphin to Earl Elvers.]

1706, December 16. — I have had the honour to read to the
Queen your Lordship's of the 29th of November. Her Majesty
thinks the resolutions you propose to take in case of your forces
joining with my Lord Galway very prudent and reasonable, but
we are in good hopes the orders from hence to stop you at Lisbon
may come in time to keep you there, since the accident of the
King of Portugal's death will probably increase the delays you
met with before in getting all things ready for your leaving it,
besides that the season of the year, through the many accidents
which have concurred to detain you so long, is now very little
proper for such an expedition as was at first designed.

Lse

These considerations, joined with our accounts from Valentia
that they want all manner of subsistence for the troops already
there, have determined the Queen to agree to the plan brought, by
M. de Montandre from the Earl of Galway that your Lordship
with the troops under your command should, in conjunction, with
the forces of the King of Portugal, endeavour to make a diversion
on that side as early as the season of the year will admit of your
taking the held.

The orders to this purpose went from hence time enough to
have reached you before the fleet could have sailed, but they
have unluckily been long kept back by contrary winds, which
makes us now very uneasy under the uncertainty whether they
have come in time to you or not. If you have received them I
believe you will find great assistance from M. de Montandre in
the execution of them, since he knows all that country very well,
is perfectly acquainted with the humour and temper of the
Portuguese, and capable of being very serviceable to you.

I shall only add that our Parliament here is so unanimous in
carrying on the war next year everywhere with all the vigour
imaginable, that whatever they gave out, or brag of, in Spain, it
will be impossible for France to spare them any troops, since
they will have their hands very full on the side of Dauphine, on
the Rhine, and in Flanders.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1706, December 17. Whitehall. — This sudden accident of the
King of Portugal's death makes us very uneasy here, and appre-
hensive of some ill turn in our affairs there, upon this new
Government. It is a very fortunate thing for her Majesty's service
that your Lordship is there with the troops and fleet at so critical
a juncture, and I am sure you will improve it to the best advan-
tage. I send by this packet, credentials and commission of
ambassador to Mr. Methuen, notwithstanding which her Majesty
thought it would be taken as a mark of her great regard to the
new King to have the first compliments made to him by one of
your Lordship's figure and quality, and therefore has writ a lettrede
cachette with her own hand to him which I send you here enclosed.
Your Lordship will at the same time make the compliments of
condolence and congratulation with the assurances of the Queen's
desire of continuing in the strictest amity and friendship with
him, and in order to it she has sent instructions to Mr. Methuen,
her residing ambassador there, to renew the treaties now in force,
which he will acquaint you with.

I hope by this time you have received the last orders that were
sent about joining the troops with the Portuguese. This accident
of the King of Portugal's death makes that yet more necessary.

The Same to the Same.

1706, December 20. Whitehall. — Having received your Lord-
ship's letters from Lisbon of the 3-14 December and of the 6-17,
1 iy which the condition of our affairs in Yalentia seems to require

137

your going forthwith thither with the troops under your com-
mand; I am to acquaint your Lordship that it is her Majesty's
pleasure that you do go 'thither with the troops as soon as
possible, notwithstanding any orders you may receive to the con-
trary, those having been sent before it was known how much the
King of Spain and my Lord Galway did want your assistance.
By the next packet your Lordship will receive full answers to and
directions upon your last letters.

Prince de Lichtenstein to Lord Rivers.

1706, December ['20-] 31. Valencia.— Je me fla.tte que ces
lignes auront le bon sort de vous etre rendu en chemin vers la
Mediterranee, suivant les derniers avis de Lisbonne, par les quels
nous aprimes, que vous series en pen de jours pret pour mettre
a la voile avec la rlotte, et les troupes de debarquement. Comme
Era Majeste par la ci-jointe vous renouvelle ses instances pour
venir au plus-tot a son secours, et de ces pais menaces de toutes
parts d'un nouvelle invasion d'autant plus grande, et dangereuse,
que nous n'avons point des forces a la main pour les opposer
aux leurs, qui restent tousjours dans la superiorite, et s'agrandis-
sent de plus en plus pars les grands renfors, qui leur viemient
de la France, j'espere que votre zele et votre grande application
pour 1'avancement des interets de sa Majeste et pour la seurete
de sa Eoyale personne ne balanceront aucunement pour venir
incessamment a notre secours. C'est dans cette esperance que
je me promets d'avoir bien-tot l'honneur de vous embrasser, et
de vous temoigner l'attachement et la passion sincere, avec les
quels je suis, &c.

King Charles of Spain to Lord Rivers.

1706, December [20-] 31. Valencia.— Quoy que je suis assure
de votre Zele, qu' apres avoir receu mes lettres precedentes du
29 Octobre et 24 Xovembre vous aures fait toutes les dispositions
et diligences possibles pour venir a mon secours avec la Flotte,
et les troupes de debarquement, qui se trouvent sous vos ordres,
je ne scaurois neanmoins laisser de nouveller avec cette occasion
les instances que je vous fis de venir au plus tot dans la Mediter-
ran6e avec toutes les forces, et des provisions que vous aures pu
ramasser, a tin qu'a leur arrivee on soit d'autant plus en etat
d'entreprendre les operations qu'on jugera les plus convenables.
Comme les ennemis tiennent tousjours la superiorite des amies
dans ces pays, et qu'ils vont former un corps considerable dans
le Roussillon pour assaillir derechef ma principaute de Catalogue,
et que d'ailleurs par les avis que j'ay, je ne scaurois me pro-
mettre aucun secours du cote de l'ltalie, vous jugeres ass6s do la
pressante necessite de venir avec toute la promptitude imaginable
a mon assistance y ayant tout lieu de craindre, que faute de votre
puissant secours, et les ennemis faissant tous les effors possibles
■ attaquer ces terres de deux cotes, et pour me prendre au
milieu, ma personne, et par consequent toute l'expedition
d'Espagne pourroit 6tre reduite dans la meme extremite on elle

138

se trouva d'hyver passe. Votre claire voyance est trop grande
pour ne point s'appercevoir que ce seroit la derniere des toutes
les disgraces, qui pourroit arriver a la cause commune dans la
belle situation des affaires, ou nous somrnes par tout ailleur
hormis en Espagne. Ou me vient tie faire un portrait si vif de
vos grandes qualites, et de votre application pour le bien de mon
service et de la cause commune, que je me repose entierement
sur votre zele, que vous ne tardere point un moment, pour
m'ammener votre secours, comme etant le seul, qui pourra
mettre ma personne, et toutes ces terres ;i convert des insultes,
dont elles sout menacees. C'est le plus grand, et le plus
agreable service, que vous scauries jamais rendre en cette con-
joncture a un Prince plein de reconnaissance, et d'estime pour
votre personne.

King Charles of Spain to Lord Kivers.

[1706, December 23-] 1707, January 2. Valencia. — Ayant
apris quoy qu'avec incertitude que la Flotte avoit paru sur la
hauter d' Alicante, Je vous envoye mon ajudant-Eoyal Paul
Lipperz de Rosendal pour vous recevoir et vous feliciter sur
votre heureuse arrivee. Comme je fais tous mes effors autant
que la constitution de ces pais le permet, pour qu'a 1' arrivee des
troupes de debarquement, qui se trouvent sous vos ordres elles
entrassent d'abord aux operations les plus necessaires pour
l'ouverture de la Compagne. Je vous mande ci joint le projet,
dont je suis convenu avec les generaux ici presens, et dont
Mylord Galhvay vous ecrira plus largement, sur lequel je m'en
rapporte, esperant, que votre grand zele, application et experience
ne tarderont guerres a le mettre promptement en execution, etque
vous me marqueres en quoy je vous puisse assister d'ici, pour
seconder les glorieuses expeditions, que vous alles entreprendre
pour mon service, et celui de la cause commune. Sur quoy je
prie Dieu qu'il vous aye Mylord dans sa sainte garde, et en
attendant le plaisir de vous voir, et de vous embrasser bientot, je
vous assure de ma parfaite estime, et bienveuillance.

Lord Somers to Earl Rivers. *

1706, December 23. London. — Though I had not the honour
of receiving a letter from you by the packet boat which brought
an account of your being upon the point of embarking for Spain
(which is a resolution very different from that which Mons.
Montandre reported to be the opinion of my Lord Galway at the
time when he was here before) , yet I cannot forbear to send this
second letter by him, to wish you all possible prosperity in your
intended voyage. I pray God you may meet with all things in a
tolerable condition, and may be able to set yourself well with our
King of Spain, which, as far as I find, may not prove a very easy
matter.

My Lord Galway has a temper and practice in business very
likely to have won upon this young Kiug, but it is said he has

139

not succeeded. Your Lordship will soon find how the fact is, and
from what grounds any uneasiness or coldness has proceeded,
and if it can be set right by any other management. You
will also find that before any thoughts of your going to
Valentia the Queen had wrote to the King of Spain pressing him
in the most earnest manner to hearken to my Lord Galway and
to l)e advised by him, and the Queen and ministers in their
letters to my Lord Galway have been pressing with him to
continue in his command.

I have been confined by a rheumatic pain for this week to my
chamber, and therefore am not so well able to give you an
account of what they write now, but it is certainly to the same
effect. The best service I can do your Lordship is to acquaint
you sincerely of the sentiments of your friends and of those who
mean well, upon such an occasion as this which was not foreseen
or thought of when we parted. They think it would be wrong
for your Lordship in such a juncture to refuse to serve, if my
Lord G. should resolve to continue to command ; they think it
would be to sacrifice Europe to a punctilio, and what would have
a very wrong interpretation in England, where it is believed
nobody but my Lord G. has the art of dealing with the Portu-
guese : and give me leave to say, it would be a very melancholy
thought to me, to have the Earl R[ivers] and the Earl of Peter-
borough] abandoning the service upon the same ground.

Perhaps I have said too much upon this subject but it is out of
the sincerity of my heart, and therefore you will interpret it
rightly. I will ask your leave to add a few words more. If this
be the case I hope your Lordship will go along with my Lord
Galway, who has expressed great respect for you in his letters,
and who is certainly a very easy man to be lived with. But if he
will persist in declining to serve longer, which by all his letters is
most probable, I am promised that everything shall be done to
form a good opinion of Lord Pavers with the King of Spain and
to increase and improve his credit and weight with him. Our
new Secretary assures me he has orders to write this to you, and
my Lord Treasurer said to me he would not fail to write fully
this night to this effect. My dear Lord, do not take ill anything
I may write out of want of knowledge of military affairs, but let
me deal plainly with you ; I have long desired to see you in a
circumstance wherein you might shew what you could and would
do for your own honour and that of your country. I am sure
no man alive is better qualified. I am not sure that things in
Spain are in a very hopeful posture, but for God's sake if it be
any way practicable make the best of it, and do not let men have
a pretence to say you threw away the opportunity out of a
humour.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1706, December 23. Whitehall. — I have received your Lordship's
letters to Sir Charles Hedges of the 3-14 and 6-17 of December,
and must acquaint you thai her Majesty docs entirely approve

140

of the resolution you have taken of going as soon as possible
with the troops under your command to Valentia, where the
King of Spain and Lord Galway seem to he so much in want of
them, and it is her pleasure! that you should go on forthwith,
notwithstanding any orders you may receive to the contrary
(such orders having been sent some time since, upon former
advices from Portugal). As for Lord Galway's staying there, it is
her Majesty's opinion that, if he can be persuaded to it, it is abso-
lutely necessary for the service he should, considering the influence
he has upon the Portuguese, and that nobody has been able to
manage them but him. My Lord Treasurer and I have writ to him
accordingly by the Queen's command. If he is persuaded to stay,
the Queen is disposed to do whatever is possible to make your
Lordship easy in the service, but of this I beg leave to refer to
what my Lord Treasurer will write, who I know intends to write
very fully to you upon this subject; however, at all events in
case he should retire, or that his indisposition should not allow
him to act, I do by her Majesty's command send to your Lord-
ship a commission to command in chief all the forces in Spain
in the absence of my Lord Galway ; and your Lordship may
depend upon it, that there is nothing in the Queen's power to do,
to engage the King of Spain to be influenced entirely by your
advice, that she won't do, and in everything to give you that
credit and authority which is so necessary for the service.

I must also acquaint you that since her Majesty is willing that
your Lordship and the troops with you should join the King of
Spain and the forces in Valentia, it is expected that all the troops
there should act together as much as possible, in order to march
straight to Madrid, and not amuse themselves in lesser projects,
which possibly some about the King may be too fond of. There
will also be such assurances given to Portugal of sending some
troops to join theirs as may engage them to make a diversion on
that side and also to send their recruits to Valentia.

As for the want your Lordship mentions of horse, if there be
any to be bought in Valentia, or from any other part, her Majesty
leaves it entirely to you, but desires that what are bought may
be in the first place for the English troops.

As to any veteran horse, which may be had from Italy, that
must be left to the King of Spain's management with the Emperor,
though I fear that will not be found practicable ; and I hope they
may be of as great use there, for I must acquaint you that there
are measures now taking in Italy, that I hope will effectually
prevent the French from sending more forces into Spain.

As to the provisions, there is a great quantity of biscuit pre-
pared to be shipped for Valentia, as much as will serve 20,000
men for thirty days, winch will be sent by the first convoy. For
any other provisions, you may doubtlessly have them from Algiers,
Tunis and Majorca ; however if more is wanted they will be sent.

As for the clothing which you have with you, and which was
designed for the French, it is her Majesty's pleasure that you
offer it to our regiments that want, provided they will take it upon
their own account, and if they won't, to the Spanish but upon

141

the same terms. As to the methods your Lordship proposes of
recruiting the troops, that of breaking the weakest regiments
into the strongest, and then sending the officers to England to
raise them anew, is the method that has been taken and
directions have been given accordingly.

I send you here enclosed a copy of a letter of Mons. Cavalier to
the Queen. If vou think the design practicable, and that the
circumstances of affairs do permit it, her Majesty thinks it should
be encouraged.

Postscript.— I must not forget telling you that her Majesty has
recalled my Lord Peterborough, and that I have accordingly sent
letters of revocation.

Lord Godolphin to [Earl Rivers].

1706, December 23. — I have had the honour to read to the
Queen your letter of the 6th December, with the account of
Colonel' Worseley's return to you, and the desires of the King of
Spain that you should forthwith bring the troops to Valentia,
and vour resolutions to do so accordingly.

Her Majesty approves of all you have done, and seemed very
well pleased 'with the freedom you allow me of writing my
thoughts plainly to you upon all 'occasions of importance to the
service in which vou are engaged.

In pursuance then of that method I must acquaint your Lord-
ship that in case my Lord Galway can by any means be prevailed
with to stay with the army or with the King of Spain, the Queen
and all her Council are fully of opinion that is in the first place to
be endeavoured for the good of the service; and in that case they
also think that your Lordship will do. yourself right m the
opinion of her Majesty and the whole kingdom if you continue to
stay with the troops ; and, in case of my Lord Galway's absence,
the Queen sends you a commission to command the whole in the
same manner as my Lord Galway does, and will also recommend
you as effectually' to the King of Spain's favour and con-
sideration. .

As to the commission you mention from his Christian Majesty
of the same nature with what my Lord Galway had from the
Emperor it is thought here more for the Queen's honour that you
decline it, unless you evidently find the service is like to suffer for
want of such a distinction.

Yon should not expect now that any troops should follow you:
whatever can be spared from hence will be sent to Portugal to
contribute to a diversion on that side.

Monsieur de Montandre, who will give you this, was despatched
ten days ago with a plan of another nature, but having been
forced back by contrary winds he has been sent for up hither,
upon the news of your going to Valentia, and new instructions
given him accordingly.

I refer to him and Mr. Walpole to give you a particular account
of the vigour and dispatch of our Parliament.

1 12

Tin. Duke of Marlborough to [Earl Rivers].

1706, December 23. London.— This is the second letter you
will receive from me by the Marquis Montandre. Since I wrote
my first we have advice that you are preparing to sail in few days
for Yalentia, where I hope this will find you safely arrived with
the troops, and preparing to take the iield. I exhort the King in
the most earnest manner that no time he lost in entering upon
action before the French can have any considerable succours, and
that his Majesty would please to afford a greater share of his con-
fidence to the Queen's generals, to the want whereof we may in
some measure attribute our past misfortunes. 1 intimate the
same thing to Comte Noyelles and tell him that as you are old
acquaintance 1 doubt not but there will be a perfect friendship
between you. Your Lordship will soon find I believe that he has
a great deal of credit with the King, and doubt not but you will
be able to improve it us may lie most for the service.

I must refer you for what passes here to the Marquis of Mon-
tandre, and pray you will believe me with much truth, &c.

Earl Rivers to the Duke of Marlborough.

1706, December 25. Lisbon. — I had done myself the honour
to have writ to your Grace before, but that I have been so unfortu-
nate in everything that I was to undertake that I had nothing to
communicate to }rou worth your acceptance. These last instructions
I received for my landing here will I fear prove more fatal still,
for they are neither in a condition to do what is promised by
Montandre and their envoy, nor, 1 have great reason to believe,
willing if they were. This King is very young and entirely
governed by the D [uke] of Cadaval, and his ministers are much
the greatest part of the same principle ; this by all that I can
learn is certain, that if the King of Spain is not by me or speedily
by some number of troops from England or Ireland supported,
he will be forced to quit Spain. His expression in one of his letters
is that if I did not come soon to his assistance he should be in a
worse condition than he was last year. In order to which I had
embarked the dragoons and. had not instructions come to the
contrary, had sailed in two days.

I have by the advice of the general land and sea officers com-
municated to the King of Portugal by writing those conditions
which her Majesty does expect he should agree to. Had it been
left to me upon refusal not to have put my troops on shore in
case any material matter demanded had been refused, then I
could have known how to have acted, but I am ordered to insist
upon some things which I shall heartily do, and not told how to
act if denied: however I shall upon their answer, with the advice
of the general officers and envoy of England and Holland, and if
there be any room left that I can be safe, proceed still on and
endeavour to save the King of Spain, who I fear will be lost
before I can assist him; the Duke of Berwick being much
stronger both in horse and foot. My Lord Galway has dealt
ungentlemanlike by me, never so much as to mention the message

143

he sent Montandre about to England as to my landing here, hut
on the contrary presses me to come forthwith and land at Alsen
and Denia or the King of Spain will be lost, or to that effect. All
that he says of Portugal in a letter of an old date is, that if the
Admiral does think it too late in the year to venture into
the straits the next best thing is to land here. This I say in
confidence lest the King of Spain suffer by its being known and
not on my own account, for I value no one's displeasure of a sub-
ject but your Grace's and Lord Treasurer's which I will always
endeavour to preserve.

The Portuguese envoy has put in his memorial what is false,
wherein he says these troops under my command are furnished
with equipage which will be of great use, the country not being
able to supply them. Your Grace will be informed that there
were but three horses to a battalion allowed to be transported and
most of them were lost at sea or dead since. I am very well
assured that the rest of his proposals has as little truth in them,
but I shall let the King know we can not, if we are so unfortunate
as to land here, march but by the same appointed [way?] as the
troops under Lord Galway did.

Copy in Lord Rivers' hand/writing.

Earl Rivers to the Earl of Sunderland.

1706, December 25, o.s. Lisbon. — Under the 5th current I gave
Mr. Secretary Hedges an account of the resolution here taken by
a Council of War, pursuant to her Majesty's instructions, and
the unanimous desires of the King of Spain and my Lord Galway,
as likewise the generals and ministers that assist in that Court,
all which import that they were not in a condition to take the
field, by reason of the great superiority of the enemy both in
horse and foot, that they were apprehensive that they would
attack Alicant, and that without our coming they would lie
exposed to the last extremities, and the King of Spain went so
far as to conclude that without my coming he would be reduced
to a worse condition than he was last year, besieged in some
miserable town.

Pursuant to the said resolution I had actually embarked the
dragoons and should have sailed within a day or two. Your
Lordship may therefore believe that it was very surprising to me
to receive her Majesty's instructions, which were brought me by
this packet boat, to land all her forces here, and that the Queen
should be advised thereto by my Lord Galway, who but a little
before insisted so hard upon my joining him.

It is true the Queen does order me in her instructions to insist
not only upon what the envoy of Portugal and Montandre have
offered there, but likewise some other points, but there being no
instructions given me what to do in ease the King should not
perform what his envoy has promised or the Queen does expect
Iron i hiiii, which in truth I fear he cannot nor will not do, his
answer therefore can only be referred to the judgment of a
Council of War of our sea and land officers, wherein 1 designed

1 II

the Ministers of our Allies shall be present, pursuant to which I
shall stay or go, and I having already given to the King of
Portugal in writing a, demand of what the Queen expects from
him (;d ropy of which 1 send you), I am in hopes to have his
answer before the packet boat goes, if not, it must he the suhject
matter of my next.

If after all the Queen does judge it for her service to have a
body of troops in this country, I cannot, hut esteem myself a very
improper person to command them. The just resentment which
I have shown of their unfair dealing with us in detaining us
here so long, the affront they have lately put upon the Queen's
Meet, the particulars of which I refer you to Sir C. Shovell, who
on this occasion has exerted himself in a manner becoming an
English Admiral, and my constant though civil refusal of landing
any of her troops without her orders has put me upon such a
foot as I fear does unqualify me to serve with them, and besides
I know neither their language nor their customs. But my Lord
Galway who by his long service and experience in this
country has judged that they are capable of doing great
matters, I take to he the more proper person to see them
pei-lormed.

I have here with me part of the clothing of the French
regiments, the rest remaining in Ireland with the commissary
who is inchargeel with them. I have often writ for orders to dispose
of them and without them I will not do it, so that until then
they will be of no use to us.

I do not doubt but that Mr. Methuen does fully inform her
Majesty of the state of the Portuguese troops in this country,
and yet I think it is my duty to let her know what I am credibly
informed of that their foot exceeds not 4,000 at present, and
their horse exceeds not 1,500 effective; what probability there is
that they can send 6 or 7,000 recruits to Yalentia, and put the
number which they have promised into the field may be easily
comprehended by anybody that has the least knowledge of the
country.

The King of Spain and my Lord Galway having writ to me
so positively to bring with me what corn I can procure, more
especially barley, and saying that this could have been furnished
in great measure from Majorca and other places, had they had
some men-of-war and transports to fetch it, and I having men-
tioned in my last to the Secretary of State that I thought it
proper that some men-of-war should be left under command of
the King of Spain and her Majesty's generals, but upon further
inquiry I find that Sir George Bing had ordered some for that
purpose, which men-of-war are by chance since hobbled to Genoa.
The Admiral tells me that he will leave some for that service. I
cannot help upon this occasion saying that never any man was
more zealous for her Majesty's service, nor more kind to her
troops in assisting them with everything that is necessary. I do
not doubt but Sir G. Bing will do the same when he is
gone.

Copy.

145

Earl Rivers to the Earl of Sunderland.

1706, December 31. Lisbon. — In my last I sent your Lord-
ship a copy of the proposals which pursuant to the Queen's
instructions I presented to the King of Portugal, to which I had
some days since his Majesty's answer (a copy of which I do like-
wise send you) . By it you may perceive that as to the first point
they assign neither the number of their recruits nor the time for
their shipping off, and we are very well assured that it would be
to no purpose if they did, they having few or none in the country,
and that in Yalentia they want 7,000.

As to the second point, they positively refuse that the Queen
should have the paying of those subsidies which she and the
States give them.

As to the third, they expect that the Queen should be at the
expense of transporting their troops in case they should send any
to Yalentia.

As to the fourth about the 10,000 foot and 3,000 horse, they
were to join me, their answer is only in general that they will
raise the most they can, but we are assured that they can never
comply in this point and indeed had they had any real design
they would have begun their levies a great while ago.

As to the fifth about the carriage of the train stores of war and
mouth provisions and the baggage of the army, they will be at no
expense, but put it all upon the Queen and troops.

As to the sixth, the command of the army, they will have it
whether they understand it or no.

It concludes that the country is indeed in great want of
provisions and carriage so that it is not possible to provide for so
great an army, and therefore demands but 4,000 foot and all our
horse, the rest they desire may be sent to the King of Spain who
they are very sensible is in want of them.

Upon the receipt of this answer I called a Council of War, of
whose resolutions I here send you a copy, and I hope that what
has been so maturely deliberated and so unanimously resolved
will likewise meet with her Majesty's approbation.

It being therefore resolved that we should sail for Yalentia it
is very proper that your Lordship be informed of the number
and strength of our forces there, which by the exactest account I
can get is from 11 to 12,000 foot and 3 to 4,000 horse, compre-
hending the English, Dutch, Spaniards and Portuguese, as you
may see more particularly by the enclosed list. What I carry
with me is about 9,000 men.

From Spain we are informed that they have given out
commissions for levying of 16,000 men in order to complete their
army to 40,000 of which 10,000 will be horse. This is more likely
because the extraordinary successes which they have lately had,
and particularly the taking of Alcantara has mightily raised their
drooping spirits. What expectations they have from France is
better known to your Lordship. By what I have said the Queen
may judge what is wanting to give us a superiority, and. whereas
our weakness will chiefly consist in horse I hope that some

G803 K

146

proper measures will be taken to reinforce us. 1 can think of
none more proper than to negociate for a good body of German
horse which our transports may easily fetch from Italy.

I carry money with me to subsist the troops until the latter
end of March, and by that time T cannot doubt hut that there will
be proper measures taken for the continuance of the same.

There is in Yalentia a great want of corn and particularly bar-
ley, of which I have given an account home, from whence I hope
that we shall be speedily and plentifully supplied, and in the
mean time I will endeavour to get what I can from Majorca and
Barbary.

Copy.

Earl Rivers to Lord Halifax.

1706, December 31, o.s. Lisbon. — I have met with so many
disappointments since I first engaged in this expedition, that I
thought it to little purpose to write my friends of what I was so
uncertain of doing myself. But of all the counter orders that I
have had from home, there is none that has so much surprised
me as the last, which was to land all my forces here to serve in
conjunction with the Portuguese. My surprise was still the
greater because I found that it was chiefly by the advice of my
Lord Galway that the Queen was induced to this resolution,
who to this purpose sent home Montandre, who touched at this
Court in his way, when measures were further concerted (con-
formable to the late memorial given to the Queen by the
Portuguese Envoy) for which good service the said Montandre
was I hear pretty well rewarded " antemano " (sic).

In conclusion I cannot but judge this the most pernicious
advice that was ever given to the Queen, which in my Lord
Galway could not be ignorance, he knowing better than anybody
that the Portuguese are not in a condition, nor indeed ever
intended, to perform what they promised the Queen, which is
1 »etter seen by their answers to my proposals, than by anything
1 can say, a copy of which I send you here inclosed. Further-
more my Lord Galway could not be ignorant of our weakness
in Yalentia, and the great superiority of the enemy there both in
horse and foot, which is reiterated and exaggerated in all their
letters, as well the King's, his own, and the other Generals' and
Ministers'.

"What other consequence could this project have, but that the
King should be either made a prisoner or drove into the sea,
whilst we should be drivelling away our time in Portugal.

This conduct of his, I do assure your Lordship, has made as
much impression upon me, as whatever I have since heard to his
disadvantage, and has so alarmed everybody else that wishes us
well, that one of them some days since put a paper into my hands
of which I send your Lordship a copy, not doubting but that
in your great prudence you will make a good use of it
in reference to the King of Spain, whose circumstances will
be rendered but the worse if this should be talked of. The poor

147

Prince knows all this and a great deal more, but whether he has
given the Queen any account thereof I know not. For my part I
am under no such necessity of managing anybody. I relate simply
what I hear, and have just reason to fear is too true, for so it is
credibly reported by a great many of the better sort of people in
this country.

Mr. Methuen being very young may be very ignorant of
his father's practices; he seems weary of this employment and
desirous to go home. A man of quality and of an estate is
certainly the more proper person to reside here, who will take
upon him to see that what has been promised in that very ill
treaty is performed, particularly as to the troops, for by the said
treaty we were not to pay any until 15,000 of the Portuguese
were made out to be on foot, and then we were to pay 13,000
Portuguese more provided they were actually in the field, otherwise
in proportion only to what they had, for I can safely say that at
present, all that they have both here and in Yalentia exceeds not
15,000 men. The Dutch envoy Mr. Schonenbourg is so certain of
this that he pays nothing, and tells us that we are a very generous
people taking every thmg upon content which he cannot answer
for to his Masters.

Pursuant to the unanimous judgment of a Council of War of
the Land and Sea Officers in which were present the Queen's
Minister, as likewise those of Holland and Spain, we are resolved
to go to Yalentia. This resolution may save the King of Spain
and cannot hurt the Portuguese, for if the Queen is resolved to
send hither troops, which I hope in God she will not, they may
be here before the Portuguese can take the field and be in readi-
ness with their carriage, &c, to march them. I depend upon
your friendship that you will represent these reasons to the Duke
of Marlborough and Lord Treasurer which if they approve of them
I am desirous it may be communicated to me by the Secretary of
State at the Queen's orders.

I carry money with me to pay the troops under my command
to the last of March, and I do not doubt but that my Lord
Treasurer will support this great work, which cannot be done but
1 iy a very regular subsistence of the troops.

In my last I represented to the Queen the great want of corn
in Yalentia, and particularly barley, with which I hope we shall
be very speedily and very plentifully supplied from home, not that
I shall leave anything unattempted to help ourselves from
Majorca, &c.

Copy.

Earl Rivers to Lord Halifax.

1706, December. Lisbon. — If so pernicious advice0 had boot
given by any other but the Earl of Galway, who better than
anybody knows these people and country and the impracticability

* That is, the advice referred to in the first paragraph of the preceding letter,

which is word for word the same as the opening paragraph of this letter, omitted on
that account. Much of it is however repeated towards the end of the tetter

148

of performing what he advised to, I should the less have wondered
at it, but this his conduct has so scandalised all honest English
men, that I must confess I have since opened both my eyes and
mis to those reflections, wdiich before were impenetrable to
everything that reflected upon the fidelity of this otherwise so
valuable a person.

I was soon let into the secret of the most infamous practices
that ever were managed by men of the characters of the
late Mr. Methuen and Lord Galway, the story of which
you must have the patience to hear, because it is the
grounds of those just suspicions which we have of their
infidelity.

About the time of the King of Spain's embarcation for Barce-
lona there was a Frenchman taken upon these frontiers with
divers letters in cyphers for the Courts of Madrid, France cvc.
He pleaded the pass of Mr. Ambassador Methuen which he had.
Notwithstanding which the Marquis de la Frontierra, governor
of that country, sent him prisoner to this Court, as likewise the
intercepted letters to the King.

In Portugal they have a secret tribunal called the Inconfidentia
where all matters of treason against the State are privately
examined and finally judged, of which was president Senor Eoco
Montero, until then esteemed the partial friend of Mr. Methuen,
and as Minister of the King of Portugal made with him the late
treaty with the Allies.

The delinquent upon his examination confessed that Madam
Armada, a French gentlewoman who is here married to a
Portuguese, the French Vice-Consul and Mr. Methuen were
complices. Accordingly the three French people were seized and
imprisoned but in separate places, and their examination went
forward.

Mr. Methuen at first denied that he had given any such pass,
but he soon perceived that his pass was to be produced. He then
denied that he knew anything of the letters, but the taking up of
Madam Armada and the French Vice Consul soon put him upon
other measures to secure himself before the matter came to such
a height as to render his case irremediable. He therefore twice
threw himself at the King's feet to implore his clemency, and at
the same time negociated with his Ministers (it is to be supposed
by those ways which are commonly practised in Courts) ; and he
was very successful therein.

The King moved with compassion for the lady, by whom he
has two children, and by his Ministers who represented to him
that although Methuen was an ill man, yet his Majesty could
not have a more useful one at his Court, for being master of his
life and honour they could oblige him to condescend to whatever
they would. Hereupon the King ordered Eoco Montero, the
aforesaid President of the Secret Tribunal, to pronounce them
innocent.

Queen Catherine, who was at this time Eegent of Portugal
during the indisposition of her brother, was so far convinced of
the guilt of Methuen, that she deliberated how to suspend him

149

from the functions of Ambassador, which she so positively
insisted upon, that the Ministry found no other expedient by the
King's resuming the government which he did.

Roco Montero, who lived and died in opinion one of the
honestest men in Portugal, shewed no less constancy than the
Queen, for he refused to comply with what the King commanded
him, to whom he replied, that his life and estate were in his
Majesty's power but not his conscience, that they were all con-
victed 'of treason which his Majesty might if he pleased pardon,
but that for his part he was never to be induced to give any other
sentence than according to his conscience and the laws of the
land.

The King and his Ministers seeing that there was nothing to
be gained this way, it was resolved to deprive this honest man,
who for many years had managed the principal affairs of State,
of all his employments. All the papers that related to the trial
and examination of the aforesaid persons were sent for out of his
hands and other judges were named to examine them, who, more
obedient to the orders of the court, smuggled up the business.
The Marquis de Algrete, the Prime Minister of this Court, gave
Mr. Methuen a Carta Absolutoria of whatever was imputed to
him, in consequence of which the prisoners were likewise set at
liberty ; but as secret as this matter was managed it could not
but arrive to the knowledge of several worthy, as well as the
principal nobility, who cannot but reflect with horror and shame
at the weakness of their Prince and the ignominy of his Ministers.

Methuen is dead and incapable of doing good or hurt, so that I
should not relate this long story if with his death I could hope
that there was an end of treasonable practices, but the aforesaid
Eoco Montero did constantly and positively affirm that not only
Methuen was convicted but, by the confession of the prisoners,
that my Lord Galway was complice and knew that the foresaid
letters were sent to the Courts of Spain and France, and this he
persisted in to his death, which soon after happened as well as
that of Queen Dowager. That which is certain is that my Lord
Galway left nothing unattempted to bring Methuen off, which it
seems it mightily imported him to do, for could the papers re-
lating to this secret trial be produced, it is not to be doubted but
that we should discover the most infamous practices that ever
men of their characters were guilty of.

Your Lordship may judge in what melancholy condition the
poor King of Spain must be in who was not ignorant of all these
tine doings, but the fair prospect which the declarations of his
kingdoms of Arragon, Valentia, Catalonia and its dependencies
gave him of getting to Madrid without any further dependence
on either my Lord Galway or the Portuguese did a little alleviate
his grief and induce him to dissemble ; and being other ways
doubtful of the success, should he attempt the communicating
this matter to the Queen, for the laws of England may require
a more positive conviction and should it not be judged sufficient
to remove this man it would render the King's case worse than
before.

150

But now that the state of war is so unexpectedly changed,
partly by the neglect of those advantages which we had the last
campaign, and partly (it is to he feared) through roguery, this
poor Prince is once more in the hands of those people he had so
much reason to avoid, and I am very credibly informed that he
is advised by his friends in Spain that above 30,000 pistoles have
been given this campaign by the Duke of Anjoufor private service,
but what measure he will take to disengage himself I know not.

As to what relates to my expedition I cannot but judge it the
most pernicious advice that ever was given to the Queen to land
her troops in Portugal, which in my Lord Galway could not be
the effects of ignorance, he knowing better than anybody that
the Portuguese are not in a condition, and indeed never intended
to perform what they promised the Queen, which is better seen
by their answer to my proposals (which I here enclose) than by
anything I can say. Furthermore my Lord Galway cannot be
ignorant of our weakness in Valentia, and the great superiority
of the enemy, which is reiterated and exaggerated both by the
King himself and their Councils ; what consequence therefore
can this have, but that the King should either be drove in the
sea, or made a prisoner whilst we should be drivelling our time
away in Portugal. This conduct of his I do assure your Lordship
has made as much impression upon me as whatever has been
elsewhere said to his disadvantage.

As to Mr. Methuen the present envoy I have nothing more to
say, than that he is the son of such a father, and it may be
reasonably expected that he cannot be entirely ignorant of his
father's [words omitted].

I do likewise know' that there are people who have reflected
upon his conduct when he acted here alone, but for my part I
would rather attribute it to the levity of his youth than anything
else, but this I ought to say, that we have not here that value
and esteem which the dignity of our Queen and country deserve,
the great figure we make in the world and the mighty expense of
blood and treasure which we are exhausting to deserve it.
This in a great measure depends upon the qualifications of the
Minister, who to manage these proud conceited fools ought to
be a man whose birth, riches and integrity might make him
respected, who being entirely ignorant of the infamous practices
of this Court, might oblige them to compliance with this treaty as
disadvantageous a one as it was to us.

< 'opy.

Earl Rivers to the Earl of Sunderland.

1706-7, January 2. Gibraltar. — Since our departure from
Lisbon we have met with very bad weather as well as contrary
winds, but we being to touch at Gibraltar I judged it neces-
sary to quit the fleet off Cape Mary's and go before. Upon my
arrival I met with several letters from the King of Spain and
Lord Galway, the copies of which I send you to avoid the repe-
tition of the same.

151

The King does judge the danger he is in to be very great, and
especially if the enemy should invade Catalonia by the way of
Rousillion as it seems they intend, that unless we come to his
succour both he and we are undone. My Lord Galway says that
he can get no bread nor horses from Majorca, and expresses the
great difficulties of getting mules for the army's baggage, artillery
and provisions.

As to the force of the enemy and their undertakings I have
nothing to say, relying as I do upon her Majesty's great prudence,
who will undoubtedly send a sufficient number of troops to
qualify us to act offensively; but as to the difficulty about the
carriage of the army's baggage, the stores of war and of mouth,
I very well apprehended them before my departure from England,
and therefore I obtained her Majesty's sufficient instructions
therein, that in case this great expense could not be otherways
avoided whatever I should be forced to disburse upon this account
should be allowed. To which purpose I writ at large to my Lord
Galway in hopes to engage the King and those provinces in this
expense, which by his answer your Lordship will perceive is not
to be done, and the troops not being in a condition to defray this
great expense themselves, your Lordship will judge it but very
equitable that her Majesty's troops serving in the same country
and in the same army be put upon the same foot. I have with
me but three months' pay for my troops, so that when I shall be
obliged to make this extraordinary expense, I am not without fear
that we shall want money before more will come, which must
entirely ruin our affairs, and therefore I cannot but insist that
timely remittances be made, and such other measures taken
to support us. As to the rest, her Majesty may be assured that
I shall husband the public money as if it were my own.

I have frequently represented the great want of provisions in
Valentia and therefore I earnestly desired that a large supply of
wheat flour, barley and biscuit might speedily be sent and I hope
that it is upon the way, for unless it comes very soon, we shall be
so far from being able to undertake anything that I see not how we
can subsist in the country pursuant to the advices they have, and
besides it is highly advantageous to the Queen and country that
we should supply as great a part as possible from thence of the
foreign expense by the growth of England.

Your Lordship will perceive how much the King of Spain
depends upon the assistance of a squadron of our ships to stay
with him, but I very much fear whether the shortness of their
provisions will permit them to remain there any longer than to
put us ashore, which cannot but be highly prejudicial to the
public service, and seeing the Queen is at the expense of main-
taining this garrison it is more than to be wondered at there is
not lodged the necessary magazines as well of naval stores as of
provisions to supply the necessities of the tleet.

I am informed that my Lord Peterborough is returned from
Ii;ily to Valentia with new projects not to be executed in Spain,
and that he knows nothing of his being superseded in his com-
mand, about which he makes no little stir. It is easy for your

1S2

Lordship to apprehend the ill consequences which such confusion
must produce, which I hope her Majesty will soon remedy one
way or another, for as there is no man more forward to serve her
Majesty than myself when I can do it with her honour and the
public good, so I want not personal reasons enough not to be a
spectator of such a campaign at the last was in Spain.
Copy.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1706-7,] January 4, Saturday. — I am sorry the Bishop of
London is so very refractory, it is certainly for the Queen's service
to oblige the country and my Lord Chief Justice [Holt] in giving
this living to Clegatt, and the claim of the Bishop upon which
he surprised the Queen into this promise is founded upon
nothing but silly nonsense ; but something or other must alwa}rs
hinder right things from being done.

Mr. Strangeways is very desirous of the honour of seconding
Lord Granby. Pitt is also ready to join in the motion, but, by
by what I hear, the former will take it ill if anybody should be
pointed to before him.

I think there is not much to be said upon your Scotch letters
more than to ask you what should be given to D [e] F [oe] .

The Duke of Cambridge's patent being passed, should not a
messenger be sent with it by the next packet boat to Mr. Howe ?

I should be glad to hear what answer you have from Sir G.
Heathcote.

General James Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1707, January 5-16. Valentia. — I am honoured with your Lord-
ship's of the 12th of Dec, for which I return you my most
humble thanks. So soon as I hear the fleet is on this coast, I
will not fail to come and pay my respects to your Lordship, and
receive your commands.

Your Lordship will have heard that my Lord Peterborough is
returned hither from Italy; he expects orders from England in
relation to a project sent thither which his Lordship had
concocted with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene, and
which is not to be executed in Spain.

King Charles of Spain to Lord Rivers.

1707, January [6-] 17. Valencia. — J'aprens avec bien de
plaisir par voire lettre du 23me de Decembre la resolution que
vous aves prise de venir a mon secours avec les trouppes de
debarquement, qui se trouvent sous vos ordres. J'espere que
vous contribueres de tons vos bons offices, a ce, que la flotte ou
au moins une bonne et forte Escadre demeure dans cette mer,
pour pouvoir mener toutes les trouppes en Campagne, dont sans
eela je devrois laisser une bonne partie pour la seurete des
cotes et particulierement de ma principaute de Catalogne. Je
n'ay rien a ajouter a ma lettre et au projet, que je vous ay envoye

153

avec mon Ajudant Royal Rosenthal, si non que je demeure dans
les memes sentimens, a scavoir qu' apres le debarquement des
trouppes vous entries immediatement en operation vers la ville
d'Orijuela, Elcha, Cartagene, et la Murcie pour etendre nos
quartiers, et faire rafraicbir la Cavallerie. Pour le surplus je
me rapporte de nouveau au Comte de Galloway, et en attendant
avec empressement leplaisir de vous embrasser je vous assure de
ma parfaite estime et reconnoissance.

The Earl of Sunderland to the Earl of Peterborough.

1706-7, January 14. Whitehall. — Her Majesty having been
informed by letters from Genoa the last post, from other persons
as well as by your Lordship's of the 12th of December, n.s., to
my Lord Treasurer, and of the 14th of December, n.s., to Mr.
Bridges, that your Lordship has taken up great sums of money
there at a most extravagant price, has commanded me to
acquaint you that she has ordered the bills for the said money
not to be accepted, the same having been drawn without any
authority or permission from her Majesty, and at such a price
which, if answered, must affect all the remittances that shall be
necessary to be made for the public service the whole year;
and also because it appears that some of the persons at Genoa
with whom your Lordship has transacted for this money had
notice from hence that their bills would not be accepted, and that
provision was otherwise made for the supplying with money the
army in Valencia, and at a much cheaper rate than could be done
from Italy ; the Queen thinks this the more extraordinary, in
that your Lordship never acquainted either her Majesty or any
of her ministers with your intentions to take up such great sums
of money for her service.

I am commanded at the same time, to take notice to your
Lordship of the extraordinary manner in which you left Spain,
where you had so great a trust committed to you by her Majesty's
commissions to go to negotiate matters with other Princes, with-
out any orders from the Queen for so doing, or any credentials to
those Princes. Upon all these accounts, I am commanded by her
Majesty to let your Lordship know that it is her pleasure that
you return forthwith to England to acquaint her Majesty with
the reasons and grounds of your proceedings.

< 'opy.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1706-7, January 14. Whitehall. — I had the honour of yours
(if Ihe 25th of December, o.s., and am very sorry you received so
unluckily (he first orders that were sent you to stay, just as you
was going, but 1 take for granted, as the winds have been, you
must have received in very few days after the last orders that
were sent for your going on to Yalentia, as the King of Spain
desires. However, lest any accident should have happened to the
packet, I am commanded by her Majesty to renew those last

154

orders to you of going oil fco Valentia as soon as possible ; and
perhaps fche backwardness of the Portuguese in consenting to
what you have demanded will make your going easier both to
you and them ; however, in order to keep up their spirits, I
have directed Mr. Metlmen, from the Queen to assure the Court
there that the troops which were to have followed your Lordship
from Ireland shall he sent to them as soon as possible, and that her
Majesty will do all in her power to forward any projects they may
have on the side of Portugal, provided they do send forthwith their
recruits to Valentia. As to what your Lordship mentions as to the
clothing of the French regiments, that is left with a commissary
in Ireland, care will be taken that it shall be sent with the troops
that are to go from thence. We were very much surprised with
the account of their firing upon our ships and her Majesty
does entirely approve of what Sir Cloudesley Shovell has done,
and in order to prevent the like for the future, has sent directions
to Sir Cloudesley Shovell in case the like should ever be done to
take his own satisfaction, and has ordered Mr. Methuen to
acquaint the Court of Portugal with these directions. I hope this
will find you in Valentia.

Postscript. — Lord Somers and Lord Halifax have charged me
with their compliments to your Lordship.

I send your Lordship here a copy of a letter [see above'] J have
writ to my Lord Peterborough, by her Majesty's order.

Earl Godolphin to Earl Rivers.

1706-7, January 24. — I am to acknowledge the favour of two
letters from your Lordship by Mr. Bradshaw, and am glad to
find you had the satisfaction before you left Lisbon to know the
Queen approved of your going to join the King of Spain, accord-
ing to his desire.

Your Lordship commands me to write freely my thoughts to
you upon all occasions, and I shall willingly do so, both for that
reason and because I hope it may be for your service.

I think it was pretty strong to insist in your memorial to the
King of Portugal that you could not obey anybody but his
Majesty, because it differs from the Treaty, and also from the
precedent of my Lord Galway submitting to be commanded by
the Marquis das Minas.

As to what your Lordship seems to think you have reason to
take ill of my Lord Galway, you may please to consider that
when my Lord Galway sent Montandre to Lisbon, and from
thence hither, he sent but his own thoughts ; he did not know
how they would be approved at Lisbon, or at London, he did not
think perhaps that we should ever agree to carry so great a
transport as far as Valentia, at that season of the year. Besides
that, Cuenza was not then lost, nor the army so much straitened
as they were afterwards by that and some other misfortunes of
the same kind, upon which the King of Spain called the Council
of War, which came to the resolution of desiring your Lordship to
join him with the troops under your command. This being the

155

case, I find it is not only mine but the general opinion of all
your friends here, that my Lord Gahvay has in nothing deserved
ill of your Lordship or of the public.

But now to look forward. Since my Lord Galway in all his
letters for many months together seems desirous to retire, in
case he persists in that resolution the chief command must
necessarily fall upon your Lordship.

The Parliament has voted supplies for the army in Spain, and
40,000/. for the personal expenses and equipage of the King.

It is tit that you should be informed the Queen and the States
seem to agree in opinion that all your force should act jointly,
and by no means to divide the army, which we are told is the
Count Noyelle's inclination, but still all things of this nature
must be in great measure submitted to the prudence and
discretion of those upon the place, and I doubt not but \rou will
govern yourselves according to the strength and motions of the
enemy, and according to the carriages and provisions you are
masters of for your own troops.

One thing only, I think, one may venture to assure you that
whatever brags of that kind are given out, France cannot
possibly be in any condition of sending troops to the assistance
of Spain this next campaign ; and therefore we ought not to be
so much afraid of an enemy behind us as intent upon pressing
before us. I wish vou prosperity and success, and am ever,
&c.

Lord Halifax to [Earl Rivers] .

1706 [-7], January 27. — I am honoured with three letters from
your Lordship, that of the 31st December is I believe the longest
you ever writ, which I esteem as a particular mark of your favour
and friendship to me. It contains so many matters of the
highest importance, that I wish I may be able to make that use
of it that the confidence you put in me deserves. I showed it to
Lord S [omers] and he is extremely surprised at what is said of
Lord G[alway]. He is very much a friend to Lord G. but
may be trusted with anything that comes from Lord Rivers. I
find your Lordship has wrote to the same purpose both to the
1) uke of M [arlborough] and Lord Treasurer, and we are all un-
willing to believe so ill of a man we have long had a good
opinion of. The appearances are very strange, but he had so
much partiality for the old Rogue [John Methuen] that is
gone, and was so much governed by him, both in Ireland
and Portugal, that I hope he had no share in
the guilt, though he has so great a one in the scandal. I have
always thought Metbuen was the ruin of our affairs in Spain, he
was truly the Minister of Portugal, and not of England. He
diverted the war from being made in the West Indies which
would have enriched us, and touched Spain most sensibly, to
carry it into a place from whence we had no assistance, but they
had our money, and France the silver of the Indies.

156

Count Zinzerling is now here from the King of Spain and, as I
have heard, in a private audience which he desired of the Queen,
complained of one of the Portuguese Generals which the King
suspects, but he carried his suspicions no further.

I hope when you see Lord Galway, you will in some manner
or other be satisfied with him; the King of Spain's Court is so ill
disposed, you will meet with difficulty enough there, to keep them
right, though you were more united and acted in concert. I may
tell you one thing in confidence ; they take it ill here, that you
were so peremptory to refuse to obey any but the King of
Portugal, which was contrary to the treaty which must be
observed till we get a better. I have a nephew, Aid du Camp
to Lord Galway, which I must recommend to your Lordship's
favour and protection. There is also another gentleman, Major
Kemp, who is under your Lordship's command that I hope you
will be kind to. Lord M [arlborough] makes difficulty in giving
General Erie that command, and says he has writ to you about
it. I shall give your Lordship some account of our affairs as
occasion offers.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Piivers.

1706-7, January 28. Whitehall. — I have the honour of your
two letters of the 31st December and the 2nd of January, by
Major Bradshaw, and am very glad to find that you had received
mine of the 20th of December ; her Majesty does entirely approve
of the resolution you have taken, of not dividing the troops, but
of carrying them all to Yalentia, and has ordered me to recom-
mend you, that when you are landed, you do all you can to
prevent any division of the troops, which by all the letters from
thence seems to be the design of Comte Noyelles, but will doubt-
less be fatal to the service if not prevented.

I hope this good success in Aragon will make everything easier
to you when you are in Valentia, and particularly with respect
to the want of corn, which by the taking of Mequinenza you may
be more easily supplied with. However, all that can be done from
hence will be.

As for what money you may want after the end of March for
the subsistence of the troops you may depend upon my Lord
Treasurer's care in it.

We shall be very impatient till we hear of your being landed.
You will be very well pleased to hear that the Parliament has
voted 150,000/. extraordinary for the support of the King of Spain
and the paying of 6,000 of his own troops, which he promises
shall be actually in the field, by Mons. Zinzerling who is come
over from him.

The Earl of Peterborough to Earl Rivers.
1706-7, [January 28-] February 7. Valentia. — I most heartily
wish that your Lordship may have less trouble and as much
good fortune as I have had in this country. I believe you
will soon be sensible that I have had infinite fatigues and that I
have done my duty.

157

I have talked with Britton that is much your servant about all
manner of things, which had I seen your Lordship, I should
have spoke to you about. I am glad to find you have that good
opinion of " Gorge " [Galway '?] that he deserves.

If the enemies come into Catalonia, as the present news seem
to intimate, I doubt the campaign here may have its difficulties,
otherwise the body of good foot will make its way.

From Italy I shall be able to supply you with good intelligence
and good wine, both which are sufficiently wanting in the
country, and my Lord I hope you believe, that upon all accounts
for your public character, for your own, and having the honour
of being your relation, upon all these motives you may depend
upon the utmost of my services. And if things should go ill, assure
yourself that if I can procure any remedy I will even return
myself rather than omit anything in my power for the public-
service.

[H. St. .John to Robert Harley.]

1706-7, January 30.— I was this morning by Lord Marlborough's
direction at your' house to enquire after your health, and whether
he might see you before he went to St. Albans, from whence he
will not return till Sunday night, perhaps till Monday. He
commands me to let you know (and this I imagine is the least
troublesome way of doing it) that he hopes at his return to find
you quite recovered; and desires you would prepare an answer
against Tuesdav from the Queen to the States concerning his
going back to Holland, which cannot possibly be in the middle of
March, as they desire.

I cannot finish this note without telling you that when I waited
on the Queen yesterday she enquired after your health, and
expressed her concern for your illness in such terms as I am sure
came from the bottom of her heart. She said so much of your
having prejudiced your health in her service, and showed so much
trouble, that 1 thought it was proper for me to tell you par-
ticularly of it.

Adieii, my dear friend; I love you without affectation or
reserve, and wish you health not only in this character, but as I
am a good Englishman.

King Charles of Spain to Lord Rivers.

1707 [January 30-] February 10. Valencia.— Ayant receu par
Mr. Richards une de vos letres, et dans le mesme temps ayant
entendeu la heureuse nouvelle de l'arrive de la fiotte, et de votre
chere personne a Alicant, et comme j'etois deja longtems
auparavant informe" du Pere Finfuegos de votre grand zele et
particuliere affection que vous professies pour ma personne et
interests, Je nay pas pu m'empecher de vous embrasser par
cette letre et me rejouir avec vous de votre heureuse arrivee, en
vous remerciant que vous ayez vouleu bien venir icy avec vos
troupes a mon secours, et vous temoignant la particuliere

158

eonfiance et estime que j'ay pour votre personne comme pour mi
si zele" pour mes interest. C'est pourquoy pour vous pouvoir
limy meme embrasser et vous fcemoigner plus emplement de
bouche ce que contiene cette letre, comme je desire fort de tenir
avec vous une particuliere bonne harmonie, et secrete eonfiance ;
je souhaitrie fort [meme j'el trouve tres necessaire] si sa fus
possiblfij de m'aboucher avec vous meme seulment que sa seivt
pour -1\ heures, et que vous [ne disant si se peut a aucune rien
de havoir receu celle cy] sur des autres pretext tachies de venir
ici parsque je desire de concerter tout avec vous en eonfiance et
n'entrer dans aucune operazion sans votre sentiment. Bur quoy
et sur plusieurs choses j'espere de vous entretenir plus emple-
ment, et je vous embrasse en vous asseurant de ma particuliere
estime et affection que j'ay pour votre chere personne.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Haeley.]

[1707, January.] Sunday at two. — I should be glad you
would do me the favour to carry me to Kensington this evening
in your chariot. I will stay for you at home.

We have settled the representatives in Scotland, and poor
Lord Stair is dead, which is a loss and would have been a much
greater loss, if it had happened sooner.

Earl Rivers to the Lord Treasurer.

1707, January — . Gibraltar. — Upon my arrival here I met
with several letters from Valentia the copies of which I do send
to my Lord Sunderland. The King more than ever is apprehen-
sive of his security unless I go speedily to his succour, the enemy
being forming of "troops in Rousillion to invade Catalonia on
that side, which if it be true, will undoubtedly very much
puzzle us.

I was in hopes to have saved the Queen the expense of carrying
the army's baggage, the artillery, and bread by putting the King
of Spain and his country upon doing of it, but by my Lord
Galway's answer your Lordship will perceive that at last it must
be at the public charge.

Your Lordship knows very well what money I have with me,
so that being forced to make this great _ expense at my first
landing, I am apprehensive that money will fall short before I
shall receive any more, unless your Lordship will take some
extraordinary measures to supply us therewith, which should it
happen must entirely ruin our whole affair.

The King presses very hard that a squadron may stay with
him, but I fear that the fleet has so little victuals as not to be
able to remain in the Mediterranean any longer than to put us
ashore, the situation of this place is so very advantagous that it
were to be wished that magazines were here established as well
of naval stores as of provisions for the fleet, for want of which
our ships have been frequently distressed,

159

I hear that my Lord Peterborough is at Yalentia and that he
has brought from Italy a new project, of which I know nothing
but that it is not to he executed in Spain. He knows nothing
of his being recalled home, and therefore continues in the exercise
of his command to the great confusion of the public affairs, which
I hope her Majesty will one way or other put an end to, for so
much disorder cannot produce any advantage to her service, nor
any pleasure to them who are to command. At least I shall very
unwillingly be a spectator of such another campaign as was the
last.

I have often writ home of the great scarcity of provisions
which there is in Yalentia, and that without a speedy succour
was sent of wheat, meal, barley and bisket we should be scarcely
able to subsist in the country, much less to undertake any thing,
and therefore I hope that we shall not be long without it/it being
so visibly for her Majesty's service and the good of England that
whatever part of the public expense can be supplied by the
growths of our country should be done. Copy.

P[aul] Methten to Earl Rivers.

1707, February [9-] 20, n.s. Lisbon.— I hope this will find your
Excellency and the forces under your command safely ashore, but
we have no news of the fleet since your departure except what
was brought by a Dutchman who says he left you near Cape de
Gatt. It happens well that this frigate has staid a little longer
than was intended, for she now carries you the latest which came
from England by the last packet boat, and I have taken care to
send those that are for your Excellency in a bag to Mr. Stanhope.
Everything goes on here with its usual slowth and though the
Portuguese still talk of entering Spain and going to Segovia, I do
not think their preparations answerable to their promises, and
therefore as I am assured from England that those forces which
were designed to follow your Excellency will be sent hither, so I
have used my endeavours that if upon their arrival here the
Portuguese were not in a condition to undertake something
considerable they may be sent forward to your Excellency where
they may lie of some use.

General James Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1707, February [9-] 20. Valencia,— My Lord Galway having
writ several times to your Excellency on the points you did me the
honour to mention to me, I have not thought it" necessary to
1 rouble your Lordship ; but the King having now declared that he
intends in about eight days to go towards Catalonia I think it
in\ duty to acquaint your Lordship therewith, imagining your
Lordship may think it convenient to wait on his Majesty, which
if you do not do before he goes it maybe some time before you
ciin have an opportunity to do it. No motion of the troops on this
side can be made within these ten days for want of provisions
which are gathering and providing as'fast as is possible, so I am

1 60

in hopes to have soon the fortune of kissing your Lordship's
hands hero, which I very much desire both for the puhlic and my
own sake. I need not repeat to your Lordship that I hope you
will do me the honour to accept of an indifferent quarter with
me.

My Lord Galway who is now with me, does not write to your
Excellency because I do, hut flatters himself he shall soon have
the honour of seeing you here and thinks it will he for the ser-
vice you should take measures together hoth for the intended
expedition on the side you are of, as likewise to settle a plan for
the whole campaign. By his Lordship's command I send the
enclosed paper relating to the charge of the mules.

Postscript. — I shall find a bed and a few hottles of claret for
my Lord Essex if his Lordship have a mind to see Valencia.

The Earl of Sundeeland to Earl Rivers.

1706-7, February 14. Whitehall. — I have before acknowledged
your Lordship's of the 31 December and 2 January, o.s.,as I do now
that of 5 January, o.s., in which you sent me enclosed a copy of
one from Monsieur Montandre, to Lord Galway. One can't very
well judge by that letter, not knowing what passed between him
and the Court of Portugal after that was writ, for it appears by
that very letter that they were not come to a final resolution then.
As for my Lord Galway, he has had a great many difficulties to
struggle with which probably have hindered him from acting
vigorously, as he would have done ; but on the other side it is as
certain, that he had once done the business, and if he had been
supported we had continued masters of Madrid and probably by
this time had been so of all Spain. Upon the whole matter, your
coming there with such a body of men as you have with you I
hope will restore all our affairs, and I don't doubt but my Lord
Galway 's temper is such that you and he will have no uneasiness.

As to what you write about Major Russell, it is certainly very-
reasonable that officers should either attend their posts or not be
kept in, my Lord Marlborough has desired me to tell you that he
has spoke to this Russell, and that he does intend to go to his
post in Spain forthwith. As to what you desire to have a
positive answer, aye or no, to all material matters, I assure
you it shall not be my fault, if you have not, I will do my best
to obtain it, and always let you know it as soon as I can.

Lord Somers to Earl Rivers.

1706-7, February 17. London. — I have been very desirous to
lay hold of the first opportunity of acknowledging the honour of
your Lordship's of the 3rd of January. I perceive, with a good
deal of concern, upon comparing it with what your Lordship
wrote to my Lord Halifax, that I went much too far in what I
ventured to say in a former letter I took the liberty to send to
your Lordship. I confess ingenuously to your Lordship that I
thought myself so well established in your good opinion, that it

161

had not been possible for you to have thought that in any hint I
should give to your Lordship I should have any other considera-
tion than that of your interest and service. I assure you I had
no other, I had no regard to anybody else, not to him you call
nay friend ; and since it is necessary to say it, I had not written
with so. much freedom, but at the importunity of all your
particular friends, with whom I am acquainted, who would not
be satisfied but that I, whom they knew to be so entirely your
servant, had credit enough to presume to write all their
thoughts.

Your Lordship knows my thoughts of Methuen, and that no
man in England had better reason than I to have those thoughts
of him. I knew as well as anybody the partiality the Lord G.
had for him, and have blamed it as much, but if I had disliked it
more, yet the march to Madrid would have cured me of any
suspicion of his entering into any wrong measures designedly
till I was better informed. I never heard a tittle of his doing any-
thing disobliging to your Lordship, till I received your letter, and
no servant you have should more enter into a resentment of that
kind, but as 1 know nothing of the particulars, so perhaps your
Lordship may find it a mistake upon further information, which
I say only from former observation of the natural temper of the
man. My Lord, I may say you know how passionately I have
longed to see you at the head of an army, and all our friends
know how positively I have always asserted, that you
would make as great a figure in such a station as the nature^ of
things would bear. I am still of the same mind. Nobody living
wishes it more, nor shall anybody take more pains to contribute
what he can to make you easy in such a station, therefore pray
forgive my freedom in telling you the thoughts of your friends
in England, especially when they happened to agree unanimously
witli the opinion of those who were in the administration. Any
advice at this time would be impertinent because the matter
must have taken its turn one way or other. But I beg your
Lordship to be assured that I will lose no opportunity of giving
you all the proofs I am capable of that I am your particular
servant preferable to anybody whatsoever. I have talked of this
whole affair with my Lord Treasurer at large, and all he would
conclude with to me was, that he had answered your request,
which was to use freedom with you as a friend, and that he had
sent his whole heart to you very plainly. I wish all success to
your Lordship very heartily. I hope you will find great credit
with the King and be able to keep him right. I am bound to
tell you the notion of all people here, that the troops ought to be
kept together, and that all should be done to act offensively, the
charge being so excessive that it will not bear delay, and
according to the intelligence here, the French not being in
circumstances to send any considerable number of troops into
Spain.

My dear Lord, pardon any fault I have been guilty of, since I
am sure I said nothing but with a good intention, and that no
man is more your faithful servant than Somers.

G802 L

162

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1706-7, February 20. — -Monsieur Scliukz showed me this
morning a letter from Hanover in which those ministers assure
him of the King of Sweden's not having taken measures with
France, and of his intentions to prosecute the war against the
Czar, but at the same time they say he is resolved not to stir
from Saxony till the treaty with King Augustus be fully complied
with, and that he is very pressing for the meeting of the ministers
of those who warranted the treaty of Travendale in order to the
execution of that treaty. He added it was the opinion of the
Elector, his master, that it would be very clearly the interest of
the Queen and the rest of the Allies to gratify the King of
ien in these particulars.

I must own myself to have been long of the same opinion, both
because neither of these points seem to be unreasonable in them-
selves, and though there were more objection to either of them
than I think there is, yet we ought to avoid as long as possibly
we can the giving any handle to the King of Sweden to act
openly to the prejudice of the Allies ; but I have little hopes of
prevailing with Holland to make a reasonable step in this, any
more than in other things.

In the mean time, I think it is extremely necessary that Mr.
Robinson should be written to, that he should undeceive the
King of Sweden of the false impressions France has endeavoured
re him of the Queen's having contributed to excite the Czar to
continue the war in Poland, which he may be otherwise but too
apt to believe, because the Dutch are certainly enough inclined
that way.

Upon the whole, I think Mr. Robinson should do his best to
take off these imp and to encourage the meeting d»

by the King of Sweden about the treaty of Travendale.

If I have troubled you too much with my politics, it is because
I think France has no solid prospect of any relief, but from the
false steps of the Allies with the King of Sweden.

Earl Rivers to Lord Halifax.

1707, February 23. Alicant. — I have from Lisbon given your
Lordship an account of those just and reasonable difficulties
which I had of serving with my Lord Galway, and of my desires
to return home. At Gibraltar I met with letters from Lord
Treasurer and Somers; which laid such a stress upon my pro-
I could not but have a regard to the judgment of so
good a friend. About, the same time f received assurances from
ay that I should remain with the independent com-
mand of my troops, so 1 resolved to continue until her Maji

should be further communicated to me— not doubting
of her goodnes she would propose anything to me unbecom-

ing my quality and post as the serving in the nature of Lieu-
tenant-General under my Lord Galway would be.

163

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164

General J. Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1707, February [15-] 26. Valencia. — I did myself the honour some
days ago to write to your Excellency that the King was to make
a journey to Catalonia in a few days, which letter I don't know
whether your Lordship has received ; I told your Lordship also
that want of bread and corn for men and horses would for ten
days hinder the troops on this side to draw together. These
reasons made me hope your Lordship might incline to come
hither, where I believe your Lordship's presence will be much for
the service, in order to settle as well these matters your Lordship
did me the honour to speak about, as the scheme and plan of this
(enemies' ?) operation. The King holds his resolution of going in
ten days, as I believe, at farthest. My Lord Galway commands
me to acquaint your Lordship that he is to meet the Portuguese
Generals to-morrow to see whether and how soon our troops
on this side can be put in motion, if it be still thought
serviceable to attempt Orihuela and Murcia. His Lordship
is advised the enemies are drawing some forces together about
Yecla.

The Same to the Same.

1707, February [16-] 27. Valencia. — The advices we have here
from the frontiers make us a little in pain for your Lordship, it
being said the enemies have drawn together a considerable body,
and we here being in no condition to move for want of provisions,
though we are made to hope by our new assentistas that in a
few days we shall be supplied. I am the more concerned at
this, because it may perhaps prevent your Lordship's coming
hither, where I should have hoped your Lordship and my Lord
Galway might have come to a right understanding in what
concerns both your Lordships and which is of such consequence
for the public service. I know not what to wish may be the
effects of the issue on which my Lord Galway puts this matter,
but am thus far of Lord Galway's opinion, which I believe also
to be your Lordship's, that unless there can be a perfect good
union and understanding between your Lordships, 'tis better
there stays but one here, and whosoever's lot it shall be, I have
too much reason to fear he will meet with very great difficulties
from the extravagance of the several people we have to do with.
I need not tell your Lordship how great a mortification it is to
me to see things brought to this pass between two persons for
whom I have the greatest respect and value ; and that since this
unhappy situation of affairs gives me too much reason to fear
they cannot both serve her Majesty here, I shall to the utmost
of my power be subservient to him that shall undertake this
troublesome task. Signed,

Postscript. — I shall dispatch the pacquet boat from hence in
two days, but send orders to the captain to call at Alicant for
your Excellency's letters.

165

The Duke of Berwick to Earl Rivers.

1707, [February 22-] March 4. Orihuela.— Finding here a
drummer of your army, I could not let slip the occasion of
renewing our old acquaintance, and at the same time desire
your Lordship will be pleased to let me know how my mother is
in her health, for you may easily believe that at this distance
I seldom learn news of my friends beyond sea; if there be
anything in this country wherein I may be serviceable to you,
be pleased to honour me with your commands.

General J. Stanhope to the Earl of Sunderland.

1707, [February 26-] March 8. Valencia.— The Earl Rivers
will probably be with your Lordship as soon as this letter, and
give your Lordship an account of the situation of affairs here.
His Lordship and my Lord Galway have thought it for her
Majesty's service, as it certainly is, that there should be but one
General and one establishment. My Lord Galway offered his
Lordship the command of the whole, which he would by no
means accept of so long as my Lord Galway could be persuaded
to stay. I shall not trouble your Lordship with any detail relating
to the troops nor with the views of our campaign, which my
Lord Galway I know does very fully. The King went yesterday
towards Catalonia, from whence his Majesty promises to join the
army as soon as the Generals shall acquaint him they are ready
to enter Castile. Our time has been so taken up in conferences
and preparations for the King's journey, and mine particularly
with my Lords Rivers and Galway settling what might be necessary
before his Lordship left this place, which he did this morning,
that I have not had a fit occasion to enter into negotiation about
our treaty of commerce, and this journey of the King's will
occasion a further delay in that matter. I shall follow his
Majesty in a few days and lose no opportunity of posting this
business.

My Lord Rivers will acquaint your Lordship with some
particulars relating to the subject matter of my letter to your
Lordship of the 24th of last month, which letter was by a
mistake of mine, as I perceive by reading over the copy, dated
wrong, for it should have been the 23rd.

Copy.

Earl Rivers to General J. Stanhope.

1707, March [6-] 17. Alicant— I having forgot to take in
writing what was agreed upon between my Lord Galway and
myself, you being present when I was at Valentia, I have therefore
desired my Lord Galway to sign a paper to that purpose, a copy
of which I send you. I cannot imagine that he will refuse it,
but in case he should make any difficulty, I desirethat you will
persuade him to what is more reasonable, which if you cannot
do, do pray sign it yourself, for I would not have our friends in
England who are in the same interest imagine that we are parted

1()0

otherwise than friends, which would give our adversaries an
opportunity of prejudicing the interest of our party. In case
this finds you in Valentia pray dispatch this gentleman with
all expedition. In case you desire a copy of what you now sign,
1 will send you one signed hy me.
Copy.

General J. Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1707, March [7-] 18. Valencia. — I have received your Lord-
ship's letter of the 16th, but have no letters from England for your
Lordship in my packets, and my Lord Galway's secretary tells
me there are none in his. There is but one letter come from the
office, which served only to cover one to my Lord Peterborough
of which a copy is sent me. It orders his Lordship to return
forthwith to England to acquaint her Majesty with the reasons
and grounds of his proceedings.

The business of provisions for our army is not so forward as
we hoped, and will I fear occasion some delay in our taking the
field. I am going in two days to Barcelona, where I shall be very
proud to receive any commands your Lordship may have.

Postscript. — Pray my most humble service to Lord Essex and
Mr. Erie if with you.

Queen Anne to Robert Harley.

[1707, March.] Wensday. — This is to desire you when the
Act of Union exemplefyed is finished that you would order one of
the messengers to cary it into Scotland. I beleeve it will be
proper for you to writt to the Duke of Queensberry on this
occasion, or Sir David Nairn will be better able to inform you of
the form then I can do.

For Mr. Secretary Harley.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1707, March 19.] Monday night at 11 [endorsed by Harley
as received on March 24, 1707] . — As to the matter of the ship
Worcester, if a method can be found to make it be forgotten before
next winter it is well, but whether any such can be found or not
I think it was right to keep it out from this session till the

Union was over.

As to the preparations making to carry goods to Scotland,
however the lawyers may vapour in private, I should have been
very sorry to have rested upon the expectation of any opinion
from them in public so as not to have had a bill brought into
Parliament concerning that affair. If the bill be either made
insignificant or the matter be too difficult for the Parliament, yet
when it is once laid before them and fairly stated to them, though
no proper remedy is found, I don't well see how there can lie any
just ground of clamour against the Queen or those who have the
honour to serve her upon that account.

167 -

I hope they will endeavour to terrify people from attempting
this practice from England and Ireland, but when all is done it
is not in our power to prevent it from Holland.

I return your two letters from L and D [e] F [oe] , what

he says of Patterson I dare say is exactly true.

The wind seemed to be this evening southward of the east,
which makes me hope it will not last forty-eight hours longer.

General James Stanhope to Earl Rivers.

1707, March [8-] 19. Valencia.— In obedience to your Lordship's
commands by Captain Humphries I have been with my Lord
Galway who made not the least difficulty of complying with what
your Lordship required, as you will see by the paper he
sends back to you signed by himself and me. The paper
your Lordship sent to me being likewise signed by us it remains
with my Lord Galway ; so that your Lordship need not be at the
trouble of sending any other. I send your Lordship enclosed the
copy of my last letter to the Earl of Sunderland by which you
will see that I had already writ much to the same purpose, the
latter part of that letter relates to the discourse I had with your
Lordship concerning the papers shewed you by the Earl of
P [eterborough] of which I had touched something in a former
letter. So soon as I join the Court I will get that matter
explained, and sent to England what particulars I shall learn.

I take the liberty your Lordship is pleased to allow me of
troubling you with some letters for England whither I wish your
Lordship a happy voyage.

The Same to the Same.

1707, March [9-] '20. Valencia.— I have received the letters from
England but have found none for your Lordship nor has my
Lord Galway any in his packet. I do not pretend to tell your
Lordship any news supposing that you have had it. All we have
very material is the Union of Scotland which had passed the
Commons upon a division of 211 against 105, and had had a second
reading in your Lordship's House. There had been alsoa great
division about continuing the Bank carried by a considerable
majority.

My Lord Galway and I desire of your Lordship that if you are
upon your departure your Lordship will stay twenty-four
hours for our letters.

Duke of Marlborough to Robert Hariey.
1707, March 28. Margett [Margate] .—I have had the favour
of your obliging letter of the 25th and am very much surprised at
what you tell me of my journey, for nobody knows of it from me
but tlie Pensioner of Holland. The wind continuing so very
contrary makes me apprehend that I shall not have time to go to
Saxony, but my first letters from Holland shall let you know the
certainty, so that you may be the better able to give your orders
to Mr. Robinson.

168

Duke of Marlborough to Robert Harlky.

1707, March 81. Margett. — After having been seven leagues
at sea yesterday, I was beaten back by a north-east wind,
which still continues, so that my stay here is like to be some
time longer. This, with what Mr. Stepney writes in his letter of
my journey, makes me desirous you would advise with Lord
Treasurer and know the Queen's pleasure, whether it might not
be proper to defer no longer the acquainting Mr. Robinson with
the resolution her Majesty had taken of sending me to the King
of Sweden, but that she apprehends these contrary winds may
make it impossible for me to go, so that he should lose no
time in endeavouring to gain to her Majesty's interest the Count
de Piper and those others by pension he has formerly mentioned
in his letters, and that till he hears from me from the Hague,
he should take no notice of my journey ; and if I should
not be able to come but send an officer to the King, that he
should be assisting to him in the execution of such instruc-
tions as I shall give him at the Hague.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1707, April 1. Whitehall. — This is to acknowledge your
Lordship's of the 22 Jan., o.s., from Gibraltar. I am very glad
to hear your Lordship and the forces are landed safe at Alicant.
We are very impatient till we hear directly from your Lordship,
not being able to make any judgment of the affairs in Spain
till then. As to what you mention concerning the remittances
of money to you, my Lord Treasurer says that all care is taken
that Mr. Morrice may supply you with it and in time. _ As for
biscuit and provisions of that kind, a very great quantity was
sent from hence, but those ships fell in unluckily with the Brest
squadron, and most of them were taken. However, Mr. Morrice
has bought up nine thousand sacks of wheat at Lisbon, to supply
that loss, and I hope it will do it pretty effectually. As to what
relates to the command, everything has been done that was
possible to rectify the past disorders, as your Lordship by this
time knows, and I hope to your satisfaction.

Postscript. — The King of Spain having represented to the
Queen the great want his troops are in of arms, I am to acquaint
your Lordship that it is her Majesty's pleasure that of the ten
thousand you have with you whatever remain, that are not dis-
tributed among the Queen's own troops, you should give the
rest to the troops of the King of Spain, and the value will be
deducted out of the money given by the Parliament for that
service.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .
1707, April [5-] 1G. Hague. — The reception I have had and the
assurances of esteem they have for her Majesty makes me hope
my journey will be of some use. I hope to leave this place a
Friday night, and the first day's rest I have you shall be sure to
hear from your faithful friend and servant.

169

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, April 11, Good Friday.— This is only to recommend the
enclosed to your care, and to wonder we are so long without the
Dutch letters, when the wind is so perfectly fair.

All the Scots will pour in upon us next week, I wish before
they come we could pour out the English, and that I might go
Monday to Newmarket ; but be that as it will I should be glad
you would call me by five upon Sunday, because I must speak to
the Queen before Council.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, April 15. Newmarket.— As soon as I waked this
morning I received the favour of yours by the flying packet, but
don't send back another with my answer, because I found by the
label it was more than twelve hours upon the road, so I
concluded it would but disturb you by coming at an unseasonable
hour, and I have nothing to write to the Duke of M [arlborough]
but what may go as well by Friday's post.

I return you his Grace's and Mr. Stepney's letters. You may
please to let Mr. Stepney know, I will endeavour to remit the
70,000 crowns next week, but when I come to town I must also
have the Queen's commands to do so signified by you, in
pursuance of a treaty made to that effect.

I hope the million mentioned in yours is but a million of
florins and not of pounds sterling.

The last lines of your letter are very obliging, nobody in the
world is more truly sensible of your kindness nor more entirely
your faithful humble servant, G.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, April 17. Newmarket.— I give you many thanks for
the favour of your letter and the votes of the House of Commons,
by which I find they persist in their first thoughts ofthat matter,
as I always believed they would; but though this be their
unanimous sense and the sense of all England, yet if it be against
the sense of Scotland and contrary to the apprehension of the
Treaty, I doubt it may bring a very great difficulty at this time
upon the Queen.

You were in the right certainly not to be at the head of this
tiling, and perhaps your appearing in it before has been the
occasion of all this broil ; but more of that when I see you,
which I hope may be Sunday at five or six, if you please to call
upon your humble servant.

General Thomas Erle to Earl Rivers.

1707, April [17-] 28. Alcira near Yalentia — Ever since I had
the misfortune to part from you it has been a continual series of
misfortunes to me. The troops that came with you have had no
rest, instead of a march that I could have made in one day to

1 70

have joined the army, which I proposed, I was ordered five days'
march over such precipices as are about Alcoy, by which I lost
above 500 men. When I joined we made a march to Yecla, from
whence the Duke of Berwick retired, as he did from Mont Alegro,
not having then assembled his troops, but we gave him time to
do it with a witness by amusing ourselves five days about taking
the foolish castle of Villena, which noble siege we were forced
to raise because the Portuguese train had not materials to
take it ; but it was thought then it would be no disgrace
because we resolved to march directly and fight the enemy,
which I own that all the Generals were unanimously for ;
but it seems we had little intelligence of their strength till
two young French officers that came to us the day before the
battle and gave us an account they were fifty-eight battalions,
of which thirty four were French, and one hundred odd
squadrons, which proved too true, but then it was too late to
avoid fighting: the consequence was we were entirely beaten,
which we should have been had their numbers been less by the ill
execution of the disposition we made to attack them and by the
worse behaviour of the Portuguese horse, which was the greatest
part of our cavalry. All our infantry broke to pieces, and all
my friends and companions that come over with you are either
killed or taken prisoners. I wish with all my heart I had gone
with them. I cannot give you an exact account of particulars, but
we hear that Count Dona, Shrimpton, Macartney and Briton
made a brave retreat, after being abandoned by all the horse,
to the mountains, where they were obliged to surrender them-
selves as prisoners of war. My own escape was next to a
miracle, Charley Dormer, Boper, Jo. Lawrence, we are sure,
are killed. God knows what is become of poor Jack Hill
and Kirke as yet. I looked upon myself as a sacrifice when
I resolved to stay behind your Lordship, for I will appeal
to yourself what opinion I had of the management I should
be under here, I am now confirmed in that opinion. Judge of
our circumstances, and you will think I am like to be so. We
are now here with about 800 English and Dutch horse, and
above, as they say, 2,000 Portuguese that are not to be depended
on, with which we pretend to make our way to Cortosa, above 30
Spanish leagues, if we can, and a victorious army that has
10,000 horse in it will give us leave. God knows whether I shall
write to you any more.

Postscrijrt. — I send this to your mich (?) to Alicant and it will
be under cover of Mr. St. Johns, who I desire may see this for I
have not time to write particulars to him.

[Lord Godolphin to Kobert Harley.]

1707, April 22. — I called at your office about eight this evening
to have told you what I had several times forgotten to do, viz.,
that I had no objections to what the Duke of Marlborough seems
to desire so earnestly in behalf of the Muscovite ambassador,
about the Queen's allowing him a house, except the precedent of

171

it ; and since he thinks it may be of use to gratify him in this
request I can submit to his judgment, though it does not agree
with my own.

I hear some of the Scots are very warm against the bills de-
pending in the House of Lords, and talk of making a representa-
tion against it to the Queen. I have told those who mentioned
it to me very plainly that I thought it would be very undesirable
for them to meddle at all with what our Parliament was doing,
and I hope they will have patience at least till after to-morrow.

The Queen seems very impatient to have an end, and to put
out the proclamation for declaring that this Parliament shall be
the first Parliament of Great Britain.

My Lord Seafield seems to have a mind the proclamation
should bear date upon the first of May, and that then in the
same proclamation the Queen might also approve the choice
made by the Parliament of Scotland of their representatives ;
but this does not seem consistent with my Lord Keeper's notion
of dropping our English Parliament before the first of May.

I foresee a thousand difficulties and inconveniences during
this whole summer, and perhaps longer, of making the manage-
ment of the revenues of that Kingdom but tolerably practicable.

Why might there not be a particular Committee of Council
appointed to consider how the government of Scotland shall be
carried on till the Parliament of Great Britain shall otherwise
provide ?

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1707, April] 25. Friday at five. — If I had known you had
had the least concern for this Welsh judge or any other, nobody
could ever have persuaded me to open my lips in it, but the
truth of this case is that before my Lord Manchester went
away he made it his earnest request that Mr. Pocklington might
be made a Welsh judge before the first of May, upon which I
spoke to the Queen, and to my Lord Keeper, who alone can
change this, and I hope he will if you say as much to him as
you have done to me. There are some of these judges for whom
nobody will be much concerned.

The Earl of Sunderland to Earl Rivers.

1707, May 6. Whitehall. — Her Majesty having been informed
by my Lord Treasurer of your Lordship's readiness to comply
with her desires, that you should return again to Spain, has
commanded me to assure you that she takes it as the greatest
mark that is possible of your zeal for her service, andthat as
she thinks it absolutely necessary for the public service that
you should undertake this journey, so you may depend upon
everything being done, that may make you easy in it. The
Queen has ordered the Lords to meet at Mr. Secretary Harley's
office on Thursday morning at eleven o'clock, where they beg
your Lordship would meet them, to have your opinion and

172

advice, and to settle and agree upon the instructions to be given
you, and whatever else shall be judged necessary upon this
occasion.

Lord Coningsby to Earl Rivers.

1707, May 12. — I yesterday delivered your Lordship's letter
with the commands you gave me by word of mouth to my Lord
Treasurer, who this morning was pleased to tell me he had laid
them before the Queen, and that her Majesty being apprehensive
of so long a negotiation as your Lordship's demands seemed to
require, had resolved to send away immediately expresses both
by sea and land to the King of Spain with such despatches as
were most requisite to help the present exigencies ; and as she
does not intend to send any others till there came news more to
be depended on from thence than any we have hitherto received,
vour Lordship would have more time to recover your health and
to consider, when there shall be greater certainty, whether it will
suit with your affairs to undertake this expedition.

Postscript. — My Lord Treasurer commands me to give his
service to your Lordship.

H. S[t. John] to [Robert Harley].

1707, May 13. Whitehall.— When I heard to-day at the
Cockpit that Pepper was the man pitched upon to go express to
the King of Spain I imagined you did not know how scandalously
he procured this year a commission of brigadier by imposing a
false date of his colonel's commission on the Duke of Marl-
borough. The thing deserved cashiering, and he seems to have
a mark of favour conferred upon him.

Good night! I have writ to you concerning a demand of
marines from the Admiralty.

The Same to the Same.

1707, May 13. Whitehall. — The Admiralty require the usual
number of marines to be immediately sent on board the several
ships in the margin [Albemarle, Bamillies, Hampshire, Dover,
Pool, Northumberland, Canterbury, Devonshire, Mary, and Defiance,
550 men] . This will prevent the sending such a number with
the squadron designed for Spain as may furnish a battalion to
join the troops which are to land there, unless these ships are to
be of that squadron. Orders are given for recruiting the marine
regiments, but the raising of them is not to be relied on. Signed.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, [May 22-] June 2. — I have hitherto given you no trouble
but by my letters of form. The apprehensions in Holland of the
French being stronger than we will I am afraid make them so
cautious that it may give me great trouble, and then you as a
friend must be troubled, for I can't open myself to many. It is

173

true that by the treaty the French have made this winter in
Italy they have been able to strengthen their army to that degree
that they have thirty squadrons, and twenty-four battalions, more
than we. However, I am verily persuaded with the blessing of
God we should beat them, which would put a happy end to this
troublesome war, of which your humble servant is very weary.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Earl Rivers].

1707, [May 26-] June 6. Meldert. — I have had the honour of
yours by Captain Terill, and I should have been extreme glad I
could have been so happy as to have seen you, so that I might
have been the better able to have known in what I might have
been useful to his Majesty. If I could be of any use I am sure
my heart is sincerely his. His letter is so just and kind to you
that I hope you will excuse my sending the enclosed copy.

The late treaty in Italy has so far enabled the King [of]
France to draw troops from thence, that he has now a superiority
over us in this country that, joined with the necessity we lie
under of covering Brussels and the other great towns, hinders us
from giving Monsieur Vandome that uneasiness we might other-
ways do. Our army is in good heart and good condition, so that
for the public good it were to be wished we could meet upon
equal terms.

You say nothing to me of your returning to Spain, but as I see
by the King's letter it is what he much desires, if it be not uneasy
to yourself I should think you might do good service. Where'er
you are I wish you happiness, and desire you will believe me
what I am with truth, Your, &c.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley] .

1707, June 5-16. — I have sent the Queen's letter to the King
of Sweden. I do hope it may do good, but it is certain the
Emperor's behaviour is unaccountable; the warrant for the
10,000 arms were ordered to be bought in Holland upon the
desire of the Duke of Ormond and Lieutenant-General Ingolsby.
The warrant should have been signed at the same time. You will
be pleased to let it be signed, and I promise you hereafter to
take the best care I can that there may be no more leave given.

I shall be very uneasy till I hear the Duke of Savoy is in
Provence, for if the Emperor should spoil that project this cam-
paign must go wrong, for our friends will not venture, unless we
have an advantage, which our enemies will be careful not to
give.

[Lord Godolphin] to Secretary Harley.

[1707, June] 14, Saturday at noon.— Finding by the Bishop
of Winchester [Trelawney] this morning that he goes for Windsor
to-morrow to do his homage after chapel, and knowing so much of
my Lord Sunderland's mind in that matter, that in case you are

174

not there it is probable the Bishop may be disappointed, which
would make a great deal of noise and uneasiness, it is my humble
request that you would be at Windsor to-morrow, letters or
no letters, since otherwise I find something will happen which
may be shocking and uneasy to the Queen.
I can take care to get you a lodging.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, June [16 received] . Meltlert. — I give you the trouble of
so many copies of letters by this post, that I would not trouble you
with this, but for an expression in yours of the 6th saying you
will not trouble me with home affairs since you must have them
from others. I do assure you from none that I so willingly
would hear, as from yourself, so that I conjure you as a friend
that whenever you think there is anything in which her
Majesty's service is concerned that you would let me know it.

[Lord Godolphin to Rorert Harley.]

1707, June 17. Windsor. — I give you many thanks for the
honour of yours and the papers enclosed, which I have had the
honour to read to the Queen. Her Majesty continues to leave it
to the Duke of Marlborough to direct the Saxons' march as he
thinks best, as also to do what he thinks most proper upon the
French proposal for the exchange of prisoners.

I agree with you that no time must be lost in adjusting with
the Imperial Court the number of troops they will send to Spain,
and the terms of their being sent. Upon these points I think
the Comte de Gallas should be spoken to, and Sir Ph. Meadows
instructed by this post. The Duke of Marlborough is certainly
right in his advice to offer them subsidies for their better support,
but not to charge the Queen with the entire payment of these
troops ; but I think he is not in the right to defer this treaty till
September, since as you observe 'twill then be too late for our
fleet to receive orders for their assisting in that matter. And by
the way I think it will now be time to think what orders, or at
least suggestions, ought to be sent to Sir CI. Shovell, in case
either of succeeding or miscarrying at Toulon, for it is probable
that matter will be determined one way or other by the time
that such orders can reach him. In the mean time I was glad
to find in some of the French letters that our fleet had been from
Monaco.

I think the Elector of Hanover is in the wrong to decline the
command of the army on the Rhine, for his own interest as well
as for that of the common cause. Is it yet too late to offer it to
the Landgrave of Hesse? Why should not you hint that to Sir
Ph. Meadows ?

I wish the zeal in which my Lord Raby describes the King of
Prussia may continue as warm after he hears of the death of the
Duchess of Nemours, but I can't be without my apprehensions it
may put him upon measures that may prove inconvenient to the
Allies.

175

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, June 19. Windsor. — I have this morning received a
letter from my Lord Chancellor by which I find the Chief
Justices have condemned me, and that I must prepare very soon
for my execution.0

I beg leave to desire your favour of sending my answer to my
Lord Chancellor, which is chiefly to prepare him for the trouble,
Sunday or Monday, of hearing the objection of the Prince's
Council against the expedient proposed of leaving out of His Royal
Highness's new commission the clause relating to their salaries.
They seem to think it will not afford them the least shelter in
the House of Commons, against the objection of their having
accepted a new office. All I could say to them was I would beg
of my Lord Chancellor and of Mr. Attorney to hear them Monday
next after Council, and I believe they would be glad if you and I
were there at the same time.

The wind here seems fair enough this morning for us to hope
we may have the foreign letters to-morrow.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, June 20. Windsor. — I have received the favour of your
long letter, and I assure you it is always a satisfaction to me to
find at the opening of it that it is a long letter. Much will
require to be thought upon the main subject of it, but I shall
reserve that point till Sunday night for a walk upon the Green.

I return you my Lord Poulett's letter without knowing very
clearly what he would have done for Mr. Wood ; but if you can
make me know it I believe at this time either you or I can make
the Bishop [Trelawney] do anything. I had last night a letter
from his Lordship to acquaint me, my directions, as he called it,
would be necessary to you for the restitution of his temporalities;
he desires to have them from the death of Bishop Mew. The'
Queen consents to it, and I always think 'tis best not to oblige a
man by halves ; if afterwards they won't make a right return of
it, let them answer for that.

I have had so many papers to day from the Treasury to read
that I have not had time for your Scot's letter. What' you say
of Mr. Scot is extraordinary and worth tracing as far as it can
go-

*An undated paper among Gndolphin's letters at Longleat throws some lighton this
paragraph. The first sentence of it is inHarley's handwriting, and runs thus: —

I cannot find any reason why your Lordship is so much urged to be Treasurer of
Great Britain, when I found yesterday both the Chief Justices are of your Lordship's
opinion that it is not necessary, and so is the Attorney.

Below this Godolphin has written :— If the two Chief Justices are of that opinion,
they will say so to my Lord Chancellor, and then there is an end of it.

To this Harley replies : — The two Chief Justices are now pressed to be of another
opinion, and declare themselves for the necessity. If the Attorney spake with them
first, and took their opinion, then they would be better prepared to discourse it with
Lord Chancellor and the Thief Baron'all together.

Godolphin adds : — I hope the Attorney will speak to them as soon as he can.

176

My brother [Henry] sent me word from Eton yesterday that
the Dean of St. Paul's [Sherlock] was dead ; the Queen gives
the deanery to him, and his prebendary to the Duke of
Marlborough's chaplain, Mr. Hare.

Earl Rivers to the Duke of Marlborough.

1707, June 27. — I had acknowledged the honour of your
Grace's letter before, had I known what to have said on the
subject of my returning to Spain, and I am still in the dark of
what is intended. I shall be ready to do the best service I can
whenever her Majesty commands me. I own I thought it un-
reasonable to be sent away without any troops, only of a message
to the King of Spain with assurances of speedy succours, and I
did complain that I was always the worse in point of my fortune
for any service I have been employed in, not being used as Lord
G-alway and others have been ; if these are crimes to be laid
aside for, I am contented.

I have given my Lord Treasurer the best light I can both as to
the affairs of Spain and Portugal. I did not expect such a fatal
blow, but I saw plainly nothing could be done to our advantage.
If I have been too plain 'twas by the King of Spain's order and I
don't repent it. 'Tis impossible to write what I could say to
your Grace if I had had the good fortune to have met you, and I
flatter myself you wrould have thought it of some weight, though
some of my friends, as they are called, cannot think so hard of
one of them in Spain. This I can assure you that the King of
Spain is so well satisfied of his infidelity that he will never trust
his person with him if he can avoid it, and he has told me of so
many odd circumstances that I can't blame him. If they would
send five or six battalions immediately to Catalonia till more
troops can be ordered, it may happen to be the saving of the
kingdom : for those projects of sending troops from Naples and
the palatines from Savoy may meet with such difficulties that
Catalonia may be lost for want of such a number for the present
as I mention. As for Portugal expect nothing from thence but the
loss of the troops you send. This is so difficult a point that I
can't tell what to say upon it, for if you send none they may
take that pretence of making peace with France, but be assured
that if they dare do it with safety and to their own advantage
nothing that you can send them will hinder it. I hope let what
will happen I shall have your protection, for I can safely say you
don't wish yourself more happiness and better success than, &c.

Copy in Lord Rivers' handwriting.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, June 27. Windsor. — Comte Briancon having acquainted
me yesterday that the Palatine recruits going to Italy had been
detained by the Governor of Bavaria as needing them there, I
desired him to speak to you of it, looking upon it indeed to be a
matter of fresh occasion of complaint, and that Sir Philip

177

Meadows ought to have directions upon it by this post. These
Palatines are the troops which, after the Duke of Savoy's
expedition, I find the Duke of Marlborough thinks the most
proper to be sent to Spain. When does Zinzeling go ?

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, July 4. Windsor. — I hear the wind so strong in my
windows here that I have no hope you can have any foreign
letters at London, unless from Lisbon, which will not bring much
when they do come. However I believe the Queen will expect
you here on Sunday, and that before that time there will be some
business to be done.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, August 7. Windsor.— I have the favour of yours with
the enclosed from D [e] F [oe] , in which he tells me he will
write more fully to you by the next post, so I think it will be
best not to make any answer till you have that letter and I have
seen you, as I hope I shall upon Sunday.

I have read to the Queen what passed betwixt you and Mr.
Schultz relating to Mr. Sc [ott] .

What you write of Mr. Stepney gives me a great deal of con-
cern. I think he ought to have immediate leave to come over, if
his strength will allow him to make use of it ; but how to
supply his station I own myself wholly at a loss.

After all the care that was taken of the outward bound Russia
fleet, I am sorry to hear so ill news of them, their being taken at
so very great a distance gives shrewd suspicions they had intelli-
gence of our intentions.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, August 14. Windsor. — I return the letters you sent by
the messenger yesterday.

By those from the Duke of Marlborough the French have
escaped his hand very narrowly ; and now, I doubt they will
come no more in his reach.

Whatever the French brag of their preparations to drive home
the Duke of Savoy I cannot but hope and think that affair will
succeed ; and I am very glad to find by Sir Ph. Meadows there
is some hopes of troops from Naples for the strengthening of his
arms, which is of as much use to us as if they were in Catalonia.

The news from Leipzic is not so bad as I expected, for since
the negotiations are still continued hostilities will hardly be
begun on that side before winter, which is a great point if it
be gained.

The Queen sees no reason to refuse the -French prisoners any
of their requests mentioned in yours. I shall send Mr. Taylour
to you for your directions concerning their plate.

0302 M

178

1 don't like l)[e] F[oe]'s letter, but I bave often observed
thai he gives you the worst side of the picture.

My Lord Peterborough has written to my Lord Sunderland
for a convoy. Before1 that be sent for him the Queen thinks the
Cabinet council ought to consider and agree in what manner he
is to be treated at his arrival.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, August [18-] 29. — I am obliged to you for the copy of the
Electress's letter, it does not become me to contradict what her
Electoral Highness says, but I hope her Majesty will let Monsieur
de Shutes have for answer, that till she has satisfaction of the
dispute concerning Monsieur Blanzac, and other French officers,
she has taken a resolution of giving no further leaves; besides
Sieur de Lassey has been two years in France.

I shall take care to exchange Macartney as soon as possible,
but it must not be for Plessis Chatillon, for we must break the
French of that arbitrary way of imposing upon us, in all the
exchanges they make. I am afraid neither the business of
Toulon, nor that of the King of Sweden, goes as were to be
wished.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, August 21. Windsor. — I am sorry I can't look upon the
French news of retaking St. Catherine's as a slight thing ; I
am afraid of the consequences of it, though I find the Hague
letters don't set much weight upon it.

The news from Vienna is very good, and from Leipzic not so
bad as I think might have been expected.

In case my Lord Peterborough comes to you in my Lord
Sunderland's absence, the Queen would have him told it is
expected he should attend her Majesty and the Cabinet council,
with the reasons which induced him to quit the army in Spain
and go to the Duke of Savoy, without order or leave upon that
occasion, though in case any forces had been sent thither he had
indeed leave to command those forces.

As to Mr. Scott, her Majesty approves of your speaking upon
that matter to Monsieur Schultz, as you propose in your letter.

H. St. John to Secretary Harley.

1707, August 27. Whitehall. — I have received your letter of
this day's date, intimating the consternation the people of
Harwich have been in upon an appearance of some French ships,
together with a postscript of the Mayor's letter concerning the
ill condition that Landguard Fort is in, there being but one com-
pany of foot there, and the walls down and not capable of de-
fence. In answer to which I am to acquaint you that the large
detachments that have been made from the forces in England
for service abroad have reduced all the garrisons to the lowest
complement of men ; and till the six regiments which were lately
reduced in Spain and are returned home have recruited again

179

it is not practicable to reinforce any of the garrisons, which will
be done as soon as possible. And as for the condition which the
walls of Landguard Fort are in for defence, the Board of
Ordnance have the care of those matters. Signed.

[Lord Godolphin to Eobert Harlby.]

1707 [August] 27, Wednesday. Winchendon. — The news of
Toulon is extremely dejecting, and I dread the consequences of
it, abroad immediately and at home in the winter, if we do not
heartily unite ourselves to struggle with the difficulties of both.
I will do my part for one.

I do not trouble you with what I wish might be written by
Friday's post, because I design to see you at London before it
goes, and to return this night to Windsor ; and I will carry the
letters with me to the Queen.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, September [1-]12, n.s.— I do entirely agree that something
more should have been done then only sending Mr. Scott back to
Hanover, for I think his proceeding ought to have been more
publicly known, to have been disavowed by the Elector. You
will certainly do good service to the Queen in finding the agent
you mention, who solicits a pension ; they live so much within
their own revenue, that I think it must appear extravagant, to
expect a pension from England, when we are at so vast an
expense for this war. Now that the King of Sweden is agreed with
the Emperor, I beg for the service of her Majesty, and the common
cause, that you will be watchful, that nothing be done with the
Moscovite Ambassador that may give offence to the Swedes.

I believe one of the reasons of the French having taken the
the resolution of venturing nothing in this country, proceeds
from the encouragement they have from some of their friends in
Holland that there may be a peace before the next campaign,
which I think is not possible, if we will have a good one.

[Eobert Harley to Lord Godolphin.]
1707, September 2. — I desire your lordship will permit me to
trouble you in this letter with what I did intend to have spoken
to your lordship more at large if I had met with a proper
opportunity at Windsor. I am very sensible of the difficulties
which, for one reason and for another, are like to attend public
affairs next winter, it would be very impertinent in me to trouble
your lordship with my poor thought of the true occasions of
them, I am sanguine enough to think I see beyond them, but
that is not my business. I desire only to assure your lordship
most sincerely, that I am resolved to do everything to the
utmost of my power (if required) to make the Queen's service
and her ministers' easy, and I will be under your lordship's
directions and be active or passive, to do anything or nothing,
to meddle with business or to let it alone, as your lordship shall
think best and shall be pleased to let me know your pleasure.
Copy.

180

Loud Godolphin to Robekt Haeley.

1707, September 4. Windsor. — I return your letters from
Mr. Morice and Sir Tho. Frankland. We can expect nothing
good from Portugal, however we must try to keep up their hearts
and preserve them in our alliance. Mr. Morice's observation is
right that though our expense has been great in Portugal, the
advantage to our trade from thence does overbalance it.

The French ships mentioned in Sir Tho. Frankland's letter
must be those outward bound to the South Sea ; 'tis much too
late for anything from hence to intercept them. Sir Thomas
Hardy has a chance for meeting with them, but 'tis ten thousand
to one. I hope you will not find Mr. Stepney irrecoverable, he
will be wanted now every day more than ever.

[Loed Godolphin to Robert Haeley.]

1707, September 9. Windsor. — I beg the favour of you to
send my letter to Mr. Methuen by this night's post to Lisbon.
'Tis in answer to a very reasonable one which I received from
him since I saw you, and goes herewith enclosed.

I don't think my Lord Galway will care to stay in Portugal,
though I much wish it as best for the service.

I can't forbear adding upon this occasion that if we who have
the honour to serve the best Queen in the world can't agree upon
the proper measures for her service at home, whatever we do
abroad will signify very little.

[Robert Haeley to Loed Godolphin.]

1707, September 10. — As to the last paragraph of your lord-
ship's letter, I crave leave to profess to you most solemnly, that
I have made it my study to serve the Queen upon an honest
principle, that I have no attachment to any other person in the
world but your lordship and the Duke of Marlborough. I know
of no enemies I have but such as either have expressed them-
selves with equal bitterness against both your lordships upon
many occasions, or are so to me because of my adherence to you.
I am too well acquainted with the practices of a sort of people
who wound those they do not like in the dark, and by whispers
and secret misrepresentations would ruin the reputation of any
one they do not fancy. I know your lordship is too just to admit
any insinuations of that kind, and I am so little fond of standing
in any one's way, that any endeavours of that sort give me
no disquiet, because I depend upon your lordship's goodness
to let me know when I am thought a burden to the service,
or uneasy to anyone, and the least hint of that nature shall meet
with a very ready and cheerful compliance in me by a willing
retreat.

As to joining in measures, it has been my endeavour to
give demonstrations that I have been very far from being
pertinacious in my own opinion. I am not fond of giving it, and
am no ways concerned if it do not take. I had much rather be

181

directed than not, and shall never be inquisitive to know any-
thing but how to do my duty. It has been always my temper to
go along with the company and not to give them uneasiness ; if
they should say Harrow on the Hill or by Maidenhead were the.
nearest way to Windsor, I would go with them and never dispute
it if that would give content, and that I might not be forced to
swear it was so.

I am very sincere, and find in what I told your lordship in
my former upon this subject that I had been and would be
entirely under your direction, and whatever is insinuated to the
contrary, I never have acted upon any other foot. I am satisfied
to a demonstration there can be no other centre of union but the
Queen, by the ministration of your lordship and the Duke of
Marlborough ; and there the bulk of the nation will fix them-
selves if they may be suffered, all other expedients are very
wretched things and will end but very ill ; and I dread the
thoughts of running from the extreme of one faction to another
which is the natural consequence of party tyranny, and renders
the government like a door which turns both ways upon its
hinges to let in each party as it grows triumphant, and in truth
this is the real parent and nurse of our factions here. It is time
to relieve your lordship's patience and beg pardon for this tedious
letter and withal to desire leave to assure your lordship that you
have not a more faithful servant nor a truer nor more zealous
friend in the world than myself, to the utmost of my capacity.

Copy.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, September [11-] 22, n.s. — You know better than anybody
the great advantage it must give France if any pretence whatso-
ever should bring the King of Sweden again into Germany, and
you may be sure the Moscovite will print the Queen's answer, as
they have already the Czar's letter.

I have writ to Lord Treasurer to know if he has anybody in
his thoughts to fill Mr. Stepney's employment if he should die.
I hope you will agree on such a one as may be able not only to
help but direct me, for in this country all things are in great con-
fusion. You say nothing to me of the approaching Parliament, I
pray God our ill success abroad may not have an influence on the
Queen's affairs at home.

Lord GoDOLrmx to Robert Harley.

1707, [September] 11, Thursday. — I ought to return you a
great many thanks for the favour of your letter but have not
time to do it now and must therefore beg to defer particulars till
I see you, being sensible I have already detained your messenger
too long.

Not coming to town this week I hope my Lord Sund [erland]
and you will cause extracts to be made of the material points of
Lord Peterborough's instructions which may be considered
scandals at the Cabinet Council, half-an-hour before the Queen
comes in, and made ready for her commands.

182

[Robert Harley to Lord Godolphin.J

1707, September 17. — I am now sensible how much too far
my zeal for your service hath carried me formerly to trouble
your lordship with tedious letters. I will offend no more in that
kind. If you will please to add this fault to my other errors, for
I cannot forbear just telling your lordship how uneasy I am
under the charge of doing anything against your interest. I
was provided against any other attacks, but this strikes me in a
most sensible part, and in fact of which both friends and enemies
will acquit me. However I must arm myself with patience^ a
little time will clear me from this aspersion ; and I learn this,
that it is no more in a man's power to devise the methods by
which he is to be put out, than it is to foresee how he is to come
on. I have done with that, but it is a justice save to myself to
let your lordship know I have told you nothing but truth. I
scorn to deny anything I have done, and if I had ever directly
or indirectly, by myself or any other, recommended those two
persons [ ] , I am not so mean as to deny it,

which I solemnly do.

I have no more to add but most hearty wishes for your
lordship's prosperity and success. You can never have a more
sincere friend and servant, though I am deemed now unprofitable
and useless.

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, September 18. Windsor. — I received last night the
enclosed letters from Scotland, which upon reading to the Queen
she commanded me to send to you that you might let my Lord
Seafield know this night whether you can enable him by any
informations from hence to detain Robert Murray, of which he
himself seems to be in doubt, and to wish much for a speedy
answer. I shall therefore write two or three words to him and
put my letter into Sir David Nairne's hands, who is now here,
referring him to you for such lights as you are able to give him
as to the practices of Robert Murray; but I look upon John
Murray, often named in Frasier's plot, to be much the more
obnoxious man.

The Queen remembers her promise to the Bishop of Koch'ester
[Sprat], that his brother in law should have the first vacant
prebendary of Westminster. The death of Mr. Upman, one of
the fellows of Eton College, brings that matter to bear just now.

I had written thus far before I received the favour of your
letter, with the papers enclosed. The Queen being gone abroad
to finish this year's hunting, I can't send you her commands upon
the particulars till to-morrow. There can be no doubt but she
will leave it to my Lord Lieutenant to give the orders he proposes
about the horse and dragoons.

As to Mr. Vrybergh's memorial I believe the Queen will like
very well that part of it which leaves the direction of the succours
for Catalonia to the Duke of Marlborough ; but I don't know very

183

well what construction to make of the latter part of it. Would
he expect an account from the Queen, or a direction from her
Admiral, what quantity of corn shall be put on board for the
support of those troops? Her Majesty's part in this matter has
been to press the Emperor and the Allies with all earnestness to
send succours to the King of Spain while the fleet is in those
seas to transport them. We can't well imagine that any general
or admiral will embark any great number of troops without
making the necessary provisions for their voyage.

I may take this wrong, and perhaps it is only my jealousy that
they have a mind to create delay.

The concern you express in the close of your letter is very
agreeable, and but due to what you could not but observe in me.
I never had, nor ever can have, a thought of your being out of
the Queen's service while I am in it ; but I am as sure I neither
desire nor am able to continue in it, unless we can agree upon
the measures by which she is to be served both at home and
abroad.

I hope therefore you will give me an opportunity of speaking
thoroughly to you upon these two heads when you come hither
next, which I believe the Queen will expect upon Sunday as
usually, for she has made me write by this messenger to my
Lord Sunderland to bring with him the extracts of Lord Peter-
borough's instructions, that he and you and I might collect some
particulars to be sent to him.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707, September [18-] 29, n.s. Helchin.— I had not time by
the last post to thank you for yours of 9th. I agree entirely
with you, if the pension be desired, it must be disapproved by all
sorts of men.

What the Pensioner has writ to Monsieur Vryberge may prove
very troublesome, for Ostend is what I think no good Englishman
can consent to ; and if they pretend to be angry with the treaty
of commerce concluded with King Charles, and at the same time
pretend they are not in a condition to go on with the war, is in
my opinion very near declaring they must be contented with any
peace, which at this time would be fatal, for I think we have
nothing left to bring France to reason, but by taking such
measures this winter, as may enable us to act with vigour the
next campaign. For my own part I own to you, that I am quite
weary, for if tin; Dutch would have pleased we might have had a
battle the beginning of this campaign, which we might have
given with much more advantage than I am afraid we shall in
the next, for I believe it is both the interest and intentions of the
French to be very strong in this country this next year ; their
good success in Spain will enable them to do it. Though I have
this service at heart, yet not so much as that of yours and Lord
Treasurer's being of one mind, as to what is best tor the carrying
on the Queen's service.

184

[Lord Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

1707, September 25. St. James's. — Yesterday at my return
from Windsor, I found the favour of your letter, for which I give
you a great many thanks, and have not the least doubt but that
you sincerely intend all you say to me in it. But I still think, as
1 said to you at parting, there will be a necessity of your being
here at the Duke of Marlborough's coming over, which I have
very earnestly desired him may be before the meeting of the
Parliament at least four or five days.

I acquainted the Queen yesterday with the substance of your
foreign letters, and left with her the draught of the letter you
had prepared to be written with her own hand to the Elector of
Hanover.

Upon considering this afternoon at the Treasury the letter you
sent me with the papers enclosed about the 4,000/. per annum to
be paid to Prince Charles of Denmark there appears to be a diffi-
culty in pursuing exactly the agreement made by Mr. Pulteney
which imports that he should have a patent for it during his life
under the great seal. Now the Queen cannot grant a pension
beyond the term of her own life. Whether they will be satisfied
in Denmark to have it as the Queen can grant it, or whether the
Parliament when they meet will be so easy as to supply that
defect of her Majesty's power, I must submit to better judgments,
but I reckon this difficulty will keep the matter in suspense till
you return.

There seemed hardly anything in your foreign letters worth
taking notice of, except the last line in Mr. Eobinson's, viz., that
the Swedes had quitted Silesia. That being put together with
the decyphered letters looks as if a new scene were going to
open in those parts of the world, and if the Czar can slip Prince
Eagotsky into King Augustus's place, they two will maintain the
contest for Poland against the King of Sweden and Stanislaus.
All this may be without much affecting our war, unless the Turk
takes the advantage, when Muscovy and Poland can give him no
diversion, to fall upon the Emperor and the Venetians.

I am sorry you have such terrible ill weather for your journey,
it will make the country not pleasant to stay in, nor easy to get
out of ; but 'tis always your (lot?), you forbear to go into the
country as long as ever you can, and then go so late that the
rains force you to stay in it longer than you would. I take
notice of this, that if you don't come back in time you may find
some other excuse.

The two East India companies have been with me to thank me
for my good offices, and to confirm their union.

Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1707 [September 27-] October 7, n.s. Hague.— I am very
much obliged to you for yours of the 16th and I beg you will
do me the justice to believe I am sincerely yours, and that I am
sorry from my heart that you have any reason given you to be
uneasy.

185

The Elector of Hanover desiring to take measures with me for
the next campaign, they are desirous here that I would give my-
self the trouble of going to Mayence or Frankfort, where the
Elector offers to meet me. I shall begin my journey to-morrow
se'nnight, for by that time I shall have marched the army to the
camp, where I intend they shall stay till my return, which will
be about the 28th of this month. In a few days after my return
I shall send the troops to their several garrisons, so that I hope to
have the happiness of being with you by the first week in
November.

Endorsed by Harley: — "R[eceived] at Brampton, Oct. 3,
7 days. Answered."

Robert Harley to [the Duke of Marlborough],

1707, October 16. Brampton Castle.— I received at this
place the honour of your Grace's letter of October 7 [n.s.] , and I
hope this will meet your Grace safely returned from your tedious
journey into Germany, as you spare no pains nor hazard for
the public, so your Grace has the advantage of a superior genius
both in council and action, which has so often been auspicious to
these kingdoms and the liberty of Europe.

As to what your Grace is pleased to express relating to myself,
I own it as a very great favour, and I can most sincerely assure
your Grace that I value myself upon my attachment to your
Grace, and being your servant, I am very far from being uneasy
upon my own account, nothing makes me so but to see those
persons uneasy, to whose quiet I would sacrifice all I have, and
for whose service I would do the utmost in my power,
and yet to be misrepresented to them is very hard for flesh
and blood to bear. But I was provided for it, for your
Grace will remember that I did foretell all this a year ago,
and it was natural to expect to be misrepresented by those who
had no other way of doing me a mischief, and I have not wanted
sufficient warning that I was to be torn from Lord Treasurer.
When your Grace comes over I doubt not but you will be truly
informed of things and persons, because it is of the last conse-
quence to know the true state of the factions here, and the
humours which are prevalent, for the thread seems to be run out
to the bottom, and a few months hence will unavoidably require
some more your usual care to be taken. I have so far foreseen
the storm as to myself that I have used the greatest caution not
to converse with any one either at home or abroad who are not
entirely believed to be in the modern measures, and in the little
time I have to last I shall omit nothing to make every one easy,
and to do my utmost to serve them in their own way. I humbly
beseech your Grace to pardon the freedom in me.*

Copy.

* The copy preserved of this letter is bound up in Vol. X. of the Harley or Port-
land series of papers at Longleat, which contains miscellaneous correspondence of
the Harley family ; but in Vol. V. of that series, which contains copies chiefly of

"iST Hablkt.

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187

getting to sea, but my on board the

shall make use of the first favourable minir a -irons

of being with you, for I long

speak freely to you.

;. John Ogil . Jean «.-

EL: : z. .

1707, November 25. — I writ i -

at this time only to put you in mii-

for I am uneasy here. I find yon

liberty and that th

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Lord Wynton : but he

weeks and at Pari- i smii - bis tab!

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188

[The Earl of Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1707, December 3,] Wednesday noon. — I return the letter
{ (apt. Ogilvie's, Nov. 25] you did me the favour to send me. I
believe most of what it says is true, and more than what he says
relating to Eersland is, to my knowledge, true.

1 incline to think as you do that to-morrow will require so
much of your time in the House of Commons as to make it
reasonable that the Council should be put off till next week. I
will go presently to Kensington to mention it to the Queen.

[The Same to the Same.]

1707, December 5, Friday evening. — I should be extremely sorry
if I were capable of giving to anybody living, and much more to
you, to write me a letter in so very extraordinary a style as yours
seems to me. However if you have any commands for me I will
be at home between eight and nine this night to receive them,
and send to the Duke of Marlborough to meet you there.

At foot of this letter Harley has written. : — " See the copy of
the letter to which this was an answer on the other side."
The copy bears the same elate and runs tints : — " I humbly
beg that I may have leave to wait upon your Lordship
this evening at your house at eight, having some account
to give your Lordship which I think in duty to your
service I ought to acquaint you with ; and I should be
very glad my Lord Duke of Marlborough would be
present. I hope your Lordship will this once pardon the
trouble I give you."

[Robert Harley to the Earl of Godolphin.]

1707, December 17. — For fear I may not find your Lordship at
home, I write this to leave it at your house with your Lordship's
draught enclosed, which I have copied as it is. But I take the
liberty humbly to propose to your Lordship some little altera-
tion in the words I have drawn lines under, viz. : —

In the first paragraph, "of this Session" seems not necessary
and the word occurs after.

Iu the next paragraph, "Public," "imaginable," may they
not be left out ?

In the second page, I have transferred Lord Chancellor's
amendment, and also as your Lordship first drew it ; and I
humbly propose it should stand as it was first drawn, because
the words "my opinion" are not acceptable words to a Parlia-
ment, and being once used caused great sourness, and the next
amendment is not so agreeable to the following lines (sic).

In the third page, " still," will not the omitting this word
make the paragraph more acceptable as well as more extensive,
which the word " still" confines and overthrows.

[Earl of Godolphin to Robert Harley.]

[1707, December 17] . St. James's at 3. — I beg leave to tell
you, upon the backside of your own letter, that I think the

189

paragraph we talked of just now at the House of Lords might
begin thus: — "I told you at the opening of this Parliament that
I cfid hope you would look upon the services relating to Portugal,
Spain and Italy to be of so much importance in the prosecution
of this war, as 'that they might deserve an augmentation.
" I cannot but think it would be of the greatest use," &c.

H. St. John to Secretary Harley.

1707-8, January 14. Whitehall. — Have received your letter
of yesterday's date, with a copy of the address of the House of
Commons to her Majesty for an account of the effective men of
the Portuguese troops yearly since the treaty with Portugal, and
of the number of them present at the battle of Almanza, or at that
time in other parts of Spain or Portugal. Having never received
any account, either from her Majesty's ministers or froni the
general officers serving abroad with those forces, of the condition
or strength thereof, I am not able to make any return of what is
required, unless I can receive information from any of the officers
now in Britain who have served in Portugal and Spain, which I
will endeavour to get. Signed.

Queen Anne to Secretary Harley.

[1707-8, January 21, dated by Harley'] . " Wensday night.— Not
being sure when I shall have an opportunity of speaking with
you, I writt this to desire you would com to me to morrow
morning at eleven o'clock, or the next day at the same hour, as
it is most convenient to yourself. I am with all sincerity.

Your very anectionett friend,

Anne E."
" For Mr. Secretary Harley."

The Same to the Same.

[1707-8, January 27, endorsed by Harley.] " Teusday night.—
I give you this trouble to desire when you speak with St. Johns
about laying an account before the Lords of what regiments can
be spared that you would take care that would not be named I
have soe often mentioned to you, because, besides the reason you
know, if it should be ordered anywhere before theire is a new
Lieutenant-Colonel named, it would bring an inconvenience
upon me, but this must be known to none but yourself.

Your very anectionett friend,

Anne R."

Postscript. — I hope I shall see you to-morrow in the evening.

"For Mr. Secretary Harley."

[PiObert Harley to the Earl of Godolphin.]

1707-8, January 30, Friday.— Last night Mr. Attorney
acquainted me that I was fallen under your Lordship's dis-
pleasure ; ho would not tell me any particulars. This I could

190

not but receive with the utmost grief, and had it not been so late
I had given your Lordship the trouble of a letter to desire leave to
wait upon }'ou, to clear myself. This morning my Lord Duke of
Marlborough gave me permission to attend him upon a like
occasion, and his Grace was pleased to tell me the particulars. I
know it is impossible to ward against misrepresentations or
misconstructions, or the application of things said generally to a
particular purpose which was never thought of; for I do
solemnly protest I never entertained the least thought derogating
from your Lordship or prejudicial to your interest. I am
confident in my own innocency, and I know no better way to
clear myself than to desire your Lordship will let me by my
actions demonstrate the uprightness of my intentions, and my
zeal and duty for your Lordship's person and service.
Draft in Hurley's handwriting.

[The Earl of Godolphin to Eobert Harley.]

[1707-8, January 30.] — I have received your letter, and am
very sorry for what has happened to lose the good opinion
I had so much inclination to have of you, but I cannot
help seeing and hearing, nor believing my senses. I am very
far from having deserved it from you. God forgive you !

Endorsed by Hark)/ : — " Delivered me at the Cockpit by the
Lord Treasurer, Jan. 30, 1707-8."

Henry St. John to Robert Harley.

1708, May 1. Bucklebury. — Mr. Long is now with me, and the
account he gives me is that there are three candidates at
Cricklade, Mr. Dunch, Mr. Vernon, and one Mr. Goddard. The
two former have engaged all the votes but fifty, which are thirty
short of the number necessary, so that if the latter should resign
to me still it is impossible for me to succeed. Mr. Long and
another gentleman of my friends have talked with the bailiff and
others whom they can trust, and you may depend on this as a
true state of the matter.

I have seen Mr. Child's letter to Mr. Long from the Devises
wherein he owns it is impossible to do any good there, and in
short the intention was only to have drawn me in to a share of
the expense.

Mr. Long is clearly of opinion that Mr. Rob. Bertie does not
care to stand, and that I might be chose at Westbury if my Lord
Arlington pleased, wdiich I am far from thinking he will. I
neither have omitted, nor would omit, any trouble, care or
expense in my power since my friends think I might be of some
little use to them and to my country, but know not which way
to turn myself.

My father makes a scandalous figure, neglected by all the
gentlemen, and sure of miscarrying where his family always
were reverenced. 'Tis late at night. I am ever yours most
faithfully.

Postscript. — You will acquaint Harcourt with these matters.

191

[The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert] Harley.

1708, May 6, at night, — I intend to go on Saturday next to
wait on the same person I attended on Saturday last. I hope I
shall have some opportunity of discoursing you before that time
when it is least inconvenient to you.

The last time I saw you I think I told you I was ready to meet
Sir S. Har [court] whenever you thought proper and would give
me notice.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1708, July 29. Heathrop (Heythrop) .— I shall be extreme
glad at all times to see you and especially at this. It would look
too much like mystery if we should meet at any third place, and
think the most natural and unexceptionable way would be that
you would either dine here or lie here one night, as will be most
convenient to you, and am sorry you did not think of doing it
on your way from London to Stow, for my house does not lie a
mile out of that road, and Stow is seven miles beyond me almost
towards Tewkesbury. But I hope, since your horses are at
Oxford, you will be there this evening, and I will send a servant
on purpose with another letter. I shall dine at home every day
this week and the beginning of the next, and am, &c.

[Henry St. John to Robert Harley.]

1708, October 11.— I got home without any misfortune but
that of being wet twice a day to the skin. You was very happy
in nicking the time for your return so as to escape the almost
uninterrupted storm. But 'tis in your fate to do so. You have
before now been in dangers of this kind and have yet been so
prudent and so lucky both, as to receive only some sprinkling
drops and to gain shelter before the whole tempest could over-
take you.

I have thought a good while that you could expect from one
quarter nothing but that you have met with, and this pre-
possession used to make me very uneasy when we were building
up the power of a faction which it was plain we should find it
necessary in a short time to pull down, and when we entered
into some engagements which would prove clogs and fetters upon
us whenever we came in our own defence to play a contrary
game.

This has been, and this is, our case, and what can redeem us
from more than Egyptian bondage? There is one person who
with a fiat resolutely pronounced might do it ; but when I rec-
collect all I heard and saw last winter I despair of any salvation
from thence. There is no hope I am fully convinced but in the
( 'I inrch of England party, nor in that neither on the foot it now
stands, and without more confidence than is yet re-established
between them and us. Why do you not gain Bromley entirely ?
The task is not difficult, and by governing him without seeming

192

to do so, you will influence them. Your friends, I mean such of
them as are in Parliament, will I dare say take their parts and
do everything which they possibly can without direct contradic-
tion to themselves.

You broke the party, unite it again, their sufferings have made
them wise, and whatever piques or jealousies they may entertain
at present, as they feel the success of better conduct these will
wear off, and you will have it in your power by reasonable
measures to lead them to reasonable ends.

If they are not at first strong enough to conquer they will be
too strong to be broken. This hollow square will defend you who
seem to be singled out for destruction, and will be in condition
whenever the propitious day comes to lodge power where it
naturally should be, with property.

I ask your pardon for being so tedious but for my part till I
see something done I shall have no hopes of any employment in
London which can make me amends for leaving this retreat, and
some of the most valuable of our friends whom I have seen this
summer seem to be of the same mind.

Frank [his wife Frances] is extremely your servant and I am
unalterably what I have ever endeavoured to show myself.

G [eorge] G [ranville] who is now with me assures you of his
faithful service.

Robert Haeley to Sir Simon Harcourt.

1708, October 16. — I take it for granted this will find you
returned to London, and very deep in Chancery. If you have a
spare minute for an old friend to peep upon you, let this paper
tell you how wholly I am yours, and now the 16th of November
drawing near it puts me in mind to whisper to you how easy and
light I find myself that I have nothing to answer for but my own
faults, and that nothing of the miscarriages of others, or their
misfortunes, will call for any apology from us, but like the day of
doom they must be judged by their own works.

Our military prowess and conduct is now famous, and the
Dutch will rely upon it, and as for our economy it is very good,
as long as money flowed and funds would run, who but we — wo
sucked till the blood came, and no regard to what was to come
after ; now everything is run out of breath, the mines are
worked out, we have a necessity created of a long war, and
that is now to be made an argument for most extravagant
burdens this next year. It is ridiculous for me to send news to
London, but I cannot forbear letting you know what is the report
of our country, they say that there is a bargain made that Sir E.
Onslow shall again be made a lord, to qualify his son to marry a
vast fortune, this and some other considerations will oblige him
to be Speaker, that Sir P. K [ing] hath upon some promise declined
his solicitations, others think after all it will be devolved on Sir
J. K., for it is plain Sir William will do his utmost to bring in that
relation, though he knows they rail at him and hate him, may
be he thinks their extravagance will make him wished for again.

193

We have it also current here that at a meeting in the City
where were divers of our rulers yesterday se'nnight it was agreed
to raise six millions, and that it was inipossihle to do it by loans,
but it must be by Exchequer Bills, and those to be secured by
the Malt Tax granted for perpetuity, but they will condescend to
let there be a clause of redemption. Is there any need of
Parliament meeting '? Put it ? Put it '?

Jam vacui capita populum Phceaca putabant.

I hear also that the great men of Scotland are also to be
dropped as a sacrifice to the Junto, methinks some care should
be taken to show them their condition, not only that of their
country but of their own persons, and sure you cannot think
for any quarter from the Tun to who have taken" the ' Squadrone '
into their own bosoms.

What attacks have been made upon , and that hitherto

they have received only denial you are nearer to hear than I am.

But give me leave to acquaint you that I received a letter last
post from a friend of yours and mine that Mr. B [romley] would
be a candidate for the chair, in case you and I would' approve
of it, and that they had hopes to carry it. I immediately
returned an answer that after what had passed by discourse
and also letters I could not think there was any room
left to doubt of my serving him heartily, that I wished they
might succeed, that I judged it would be requisite to lose no time
in summoning up all friends, though I did believe it ought only
to be in generals, and that the more it were kept secret, the name
of the person who is to be set up, the greater amazement it would
be to the adversaries. I think if it be well conducted it may be
brought very near, I am sure it will have this one good effect it
will bring people together, who I doubt not but will be sufficient
to prevent a great deal of mischief, for I find the deadness and
want of spirit in some emboldens ill persons to undertake many
things they would not else venture upon.

I have not heard any thing of the Thracian, but I hope George
Granville has fixed his matter and that it appears clear to you.
I wish you would speak to George to write to all his friends to be
in town the first day.

Adieu, my best friend. I think Mr. B. has no need of more
testimonies of your sincerity and mine than what we have already
given him. I heartily kiss the young gentleman's hands.

Copy.

[Henry St. John to Robert Harley.]

1708, November 6. — I am as much convinced as it is possible
to be that going out of employment at the time and in the maimer
we 'li<! was equally honest and prudent. No man's opinion can
add any weight to confirm me in this thought .

I must say further that the merit of this action depends, accord-
ing to my apprehension, on the use which you and your friends
make of that state of freedom which they placed themselves in
by laying down their employments.

No one living is able to do so much as you towards removing
our present evils, and towards averting those which a very short-
sighted man may perceive to impend over us. But you are the
G802 N

194

mark at which every dart of faction is levelled, and it is impossible
either that yon should be safe from daily insults, or that the
least progress should be made towards those views which you
propose, unless a number of gentlemen be satisfied of their danger,
unless they be convinced that to preserve themselves they must
follow you, unless you inspire your party with industry and
courage, which at present seem only to be possessed by the
factions, and with as much of that virtuous love of the country as
this vile generation is capable of receiving and which at present
seems not to have the least share in the guidance of any side.
The fiery trial of affliction has made the gentlemen of the Church
of England more prepared to form such a party than from their
former conduct it might have been expected, and you seem to be
with regard to them in the case of Plautius namalteros sibijam
placatos esse intelligo, alteros nunquam iratos fuisse .

A thorough conviction that these propositions are true has
given occasions to long letters for which I can make no excuse
so good, and therefore will borrow one from fully — " Nunc
tantum significandum putari, id potins amorem tibi ostenderem
meum, quam ostentarem prudentiam."

What you mention concerning Sir William [Wyndham] 's sub-
missive protestations, and the scorn with which Wh [arton ?]
received them surprises me not. But that they should think of
raising sixteen regiments more, and of mortgaging either land or
malt, is to my apprehension downright infatuation and what I
am glad of. They hasten things to a decision, and our slavery
and their empire are put upon that issue. For God's sake let us
be once out of Spain !

The Cardinal [Auditor Harley ?] tells me what you have done
to gain Mr. B[romley], and how well you have succeeded. I
make no question but you will unite and govern the whole body
of gentlemen to their own and to your good. G[eorge]
G[ranville] will not let me conclude without adding a few lines
of an epistle of Tully to Plancus. I have told him that Tully is
not in your favour, and that before you come thus far you will be
tired of my Latin and English too. 'Tis to no purpose, he will
have them sent and here they are — "Scis profecto nihil enim te
fugere potuit fuisse quoddam tempus, quum homines existimarent
te nimis servire temporibus. Quod ego quoque existimarem si te,
ea quae patiebare, probasse etiam arbitrarer. Nunc alia ratio
est omnium reruni, tuuin judicium est, idque liberam. Ineumbc
per deos immortales in earn curam et cogitationcm quae tibi
summam dignitatem et gloriam afferat."

In contributing to which you may depend on me as a man,
how pleased soever I am with the life I now lead, ready to take
any part I may be thought able to discharge.

They are in great uneasiness about the close of the campaign
in Flanders ; the fault is to be laid on the Dutch.

Shall you not be forthwith in London ?

The death of the Prince gives me thoughts which I will not
trouble you with.

I shall be in London to look a little about me at the end of
this month. G.G. [Granville] , who is much your servant, will
be'there very soon.

195

H. St. J[ohn] to Thomas [Harley?].

1708, November 15. Bucklebury. — Dear Tom, I never was
more vexed in my life than when I rose this morning to find the
servants I had ordered to attend you in the morning had been
drunk all night and neglected to wait on you. I have sent them
a grazing, and I ask your pardon for the ill-usage you had.

I forgot to speak to Mr. Harley at Oxford in a matter which
concerns me very nearly, and which I desire you to mention to
him. A kinsman of mine, and as honest a good man as ever
was, is put on the list of sheriffs for Wilts. I would never
solicit to have him excused, nor would Mr. Pleydell desire it, was
it possible for him to discharge the office; but his health is so
extremely ruined by sickness, and his mind so broken by mis-
fortunes, that it would be an act of barbarity to force him into
this employment.

If Mr. Harley could prevail on the Duke of Newcastle, Lord
Poulett, or any other privy councillor to appear for him, it would
be a never to be forgotten obligation ; and I pawn my word and
honour the excuses are true in fact.

Dice (?) is your very humble servant. [These concluding words
are in Mrs. St. Joint s handwriting.]

[Henry St. John to Robert Harley.]

1708-9, January 26. — I obeyed your orders last night, but our
friend at the Temple [Harcourt] was so busy that he was forced
to neglect answering even your summons, and my company would
have been of no great moment in your council.

I am just now told that the motion made to-day by Lord
W. P [aulet] is by direction, and that there is to be the same stress
laid upon the proceedings in consequence of it against you as was
on the election [for Abingdon] against Har [court] . I mention
this to you because I fancy my information comes from one who
has been already very plainly spoke to.

[The Duke of Shrewsbury] to [Piobert] Harley.

1708-9, March 2. — I am sorry we have so often missed one
another, when I have been at your house and you have sent
hither. If you could be at home any time to-night between seven
and ten or to-morrow night, I would endeavour to wait on you.

H. St. John to [Robert Harley].

1709, August 14. Astrop.— Hearing by Dr. Stratford that you
have married your daughter the last week, I look upon myself as
entituled by the part I take in everything which relates to you,
to trouble you with a letter on this occasion. Do me therefore
the justice to believe that I wish the young couple happy in each
other, and you so in both of 'em.

It is great satisfaction to me to consider that this happiness
must needs attend a match, where you have brought into your
family one who by his good sense, his knowledge, his probity,
and his modesty seemed to be akin to you even before his
marriage.

196

[Henry St. John to Robert Haeley.]

1709, September 17. Bueklebury. — I send this note to express
my concern that I am not able to wait upon you at Oxford as
Mr. Granville and I had proposed to do.

You can have nothing to communicate to me which will not be
so far welcome that it comes from you. But I begin to expect
neither peace abroad nor good order at home. I wish you per-
fect health and good weather, two articles of no small importance
to the satisfaction and joy of life.

In three weeks time I intend to go to Lavington, my hounds
and horses are already there, my books will soon follow. In that
retreat if I may hear sometimes that you and the few friends
which I have in the world are well, all will be well with me.
I am ever, &c.

Postscript. — I beg leave to assure my Lord Dupplin of my most
humble service. Frank is extremely yours.

[The Same to the Same.]

1709, September 21. Bueklebury. — Having an opportunity of
sending a letter safely to Oxford, and Stratford having formerly
told me that he had a very sure way of conveying anything to
you, I transmit this to him.

I should have been very glad to have known the particulars of
this noble project, since it's hard to imagine what air of probability
could be given to any story calculated for such a purpose. But
there is an ill nature in the world which makes men incapable
of submitting to the laws of friendship themselves, and of patiently
seeing it prevail among others.

I thank you for those kind comprehensive wishes which you
bestow upon me. In this obscure and private life I am perfectly
easy, and shall with the same ease return to the noise and busi-
ness of an active public life, whenever the service of my country
or of my friends calls me forth.

Since you are so indifferent as not to trouble yourself either
about the peace or about the measures which our governors at
home will pursue, my indifference will increase upon me, and I
will likewise wait with patience for that something which is not
much expected.

Adieu, dear Sir, may you still continue involved in your virtue
and shielded by your innocence, safe from every dart of malice.
May all your designs for the good of your country prosper, and
every other blessing light upon you.

Sic vovet H. S.

Postscript. — I am my Lord Dupplin's most faithful humble
servant. My wife desires you to accept of her respects.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Piobert Harley].

1709, September 3. [Heath rop.] — Though I was not at home
when your servant called yet I had your letter very safe, and
return you thanks for it. If this house should be in your road
to Herefordshire and you would be pleased to take a bed or a
dinner, or both, nobody would be more welcome to me.

197

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley] .

1709, September 18. Heathrop. — I have been very appre-
hensive that the great change in the north might give such an
over-balance one way as might create more difficulties than can
presently occur to one's thoughts, but they may either tend to
the deferring or hastening a peace as they are made use of.

Having company at present with me at dinner I have not time
to say much, but I should be glad if you could let me know what
time the Parliament will sit, when you intend to be in London,
and whether there will be anything of moment, so that one need
be there early in the Sessions.

The master of the " Crown " in Worcester, I think, is called
Glynn, and is postmaster ; if so, he was my servant andean send
any letter directed to me safely hither.

The Same to [the Same].

1709, November 3. Heathrop. — I am very sensible how far I
am from being able to act any considerable part in the good you
mention, but shall always be ready to concur with you in every-
thing may be for the interest of the public, being convinced
nobody can wish better to it nor judge better of it than yourself.

I do not doubt but the generality of the nation long for a peace,
and the majority of those who represent it, when discoursed
singly in the country, agree in that opinion. But how they may
change their minds when they come to London and submit to
their leaders, I will not take upon me to determine. However it
is evident so many circumstances from at home as well as from
abroad make peace desirable, that if the nation could see how they
might have a good one it is my opinion they would be very
uneasy till they had it. Some opportunities have already been
lost ; if more of the same nature should offer it would be for the
service of her Majesty and the public that they might not be
slipped over in silence as the others have been ; and how reason-
able or practicable it may be to look back, and enquire into what
has already passed in that affair, I shall defer mentioning till
I am so fortunate to see you.

The Same to [the Same].

1709, December 1. — I am truly concerned at the cause of your
deferring your journey, and agree it is too just as well as too
melancholy a reason to any man of good nature ; and whoever is
without that best of qualities can, in my opinion, never deserve
so entire an esteem as I shall always have for you. But I hope
your son is in a way of recovery and will soon set you at liberty
to ho in town, where you cannot but know you are much wanted.
I begin my journey to-morrow, designing to be in London on
Saturday.

If this war in the north has been begun or encouraged by any
contrivance of ours it is certain they know not what they have
done, nor how bad the consequence may be, not so much at
present as hereafter ; if all the naval stores should get into one

198

hand it might prove the unhappiest monopoly that ever Englan
saw. But I am entirely a stranger to what has been transacted
in this affair, and hoping it will not be long before I shall have
an opportunity to be more fully informed from you I now
conclude.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.

[1709-1710,] Thursday morning. — I found Lord H [alifax?] very
flaming on the subject you two had discoursed, expressing great
friendship to you and me and desirous we three might debate the
matter together, but he was so possessed of the ruin such a
resolution would bring on everybody concerned in the advice that
he very near declared that he could not accept if that were not
cleared. It will be worth while to endeavour to convince him,
and if that cannot be, it should be considered what should be
said to him here, in case he presses for some declaration ; what
strengthens my suspicion is that he has desired the Secretary
that no step may be made towards it in the office, and that it
may be kept private till he is able to come hither.

On the other side the I) [uke] of S [omerset] is much out of
humour, talks very despairingly — as if he sees nothing would be
done — and sometimes doubtfully, of the above-mentioned council.
I wish he and Lord Rivers and you and I might talk together
soon, and if the motion came from you it were the better. I
doubt he was nothing more out of humour because you and I
were together yesterday, but for that I have but slight ground.

Since I writ so far I have seen the D [uke] of S [omerset] . He
is in better humour but not quite as I wish.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

[1710, July 22, endorsed.'] Saturday. — If any real satisfaction
can be given her Majesty upon what we are to discover to-morrow
morning I believe she will soon come to a resolution, and, as it
will be necessary in the first place to resolve upon the persons to
succeed, so I find an obstruction to any determination from a
thought that I should be employed in that post. I have ten
reasons, every one strong enough to hinder my doing it, but that
of engaging in an employment I do not in the least understand
and have not a head turned for ought to convince everybody
else as well as myself that I am in the right, so that I make it
my request to you to convince her Majesty that I am so, and that
she, you, and everybody will turn your thoughts to the filling
Lli at Commission. In my mind you should be at the head, because
you then come naturally into the Cabinet Council, where you are
so much wanted ; and every one of the other Commissioners
should be persons able to serve not only at that Board but in one
of the Houses of Parliament.

I hope you will be very particular in your instructions to Mr.
Cressett, as well for Holland as Hanover, where I hope he may
be very useful. I have just now yours of last night. I have no
objection to either of them, but wish it may not remind the
world, if Lord Je [rsey] should go, of that step in his conduct
which I think is most exceptional : but of this we will talk more.

199
The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.

1710, October 14.— Her Majesty has given Mr. Secretary
directions to prepare a commission "for my Lord Peterborough to
be General of the Marines ; I presume if you see him it may not
be improper to let him know it, and that as to the other preten-
sion there remain yet some difficulties.

I do not find that she has as yet given any orders about the
two bishops [Bristol and St. David's] , which should not be much
longer delayed.

Her Majesty was so pleased with the good weather yesterday
and the day before, and makes so much more use of it here at
Windsor than she does at Hampton Court, that she seems
resolved to return hither Tuesday se'nnight for the rest of that
week.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1710, October 20.— I send you here enclosed a letter for
the King of Hanover. I have this morning as well as last
night been with the Queen, and discoursed her about the Diuke
of] Ar[gyll]. Last night she resolved to tell him when she saw
him that she was sorry her circumstances would not allow her
to do what she understood he desired. I told her that
answer would certainly disoblige, and this morning I find her a
little softened, but yet not resolved to grant. For my part I see
no medium, and wish you would write to her upon the subject ;
I have said what I can, and will do so again before the D[uke]
comes to-morrow.

The D [uke] of Som [erset] came hither last night, but as yet
has not been with her Majesty.

Lord [Rochester] President, having left with me the City
address, I read it to the Queen last night. She immediately took
exception to the expression that " her right was Divine," and this
morning told me that, having thought often of it, she could by
no means like it, and thought it so unfit to be given to anybody
that she wished it might be left out ; if it can be I find she would
like it much better. Pray talk with my Lord President upon
this ; he will be, I suppose, at the Cockpit, and dines at the Duke
of Queensberry's, and if it can be omit that expression.

If you resolve to go into the country there are very many
things to be settled first ; the state of the House of Lords is bad,
and a great prospect that Argyll, Rivers, Peterborough, Jersey,
and Haversham will be dissatisfied, and Nottingham and Guern-
sey cool, unless her Majesty use some means to please them,
which nobody can so much contribute to persuade her to as
yourself. If something be not done for Lord Fitzwalter that
will lose him and disgust Lord Rivers, who engaged for it.

Some resolution should be taken what to do with the troops
embarked from the Isle of Wight, if they arc not to do the service
they have so long waited for ; and Lord Peter [borough] will be
distracted, and not without reason, if you go and leave his
concerns undetermined.

'200

The Sessions comes on so fast I wish you can be back before it
be necessary to think of the Speech.

I hear the Bank is in great disorder, and I know not how the
Hoard of Treasury can spare you long.

The Duke op Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1710, November 10. — This morning I have had a long discourse
with her Majesty about the Admiralty. You know the objections
she has to Lord Jer[sey], which are no ways to be overcome but
by the sad reflection how few there are capable of that post. It
is now plain by the late orders sent that Lord Raby can hardly
be here in time, for it would be unjustifiable not to settle that
Commission before the Parliament meets. Lord Rivers was
thought on, but I believe he would not care for a place of so great
attendance. She ordered me to write to you if you could propose
anybody, for she seems in haste the Commission should be passed ;
and willing Lord Mohun should be one, though not the first. I
hope in your answer you will propose somebody better than has
yet been thought on, or, if you cannot, you will have no ill occasion
to press for Lord Jer [sey] , or whoever you like best.

The Duke of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

1711, [February 28-] March 10. Hague. — You will have seen
by my letter the last post to Mr. Secretary St. John the situation
I found affairs in upon my arrival here, and I shall desire to refer
you to him from time to time without giving you the trouble of my
letters, unless it be where anything may deserve your particular
care ; and I must now pray that — as you will observe by mine to
him by this post how uneasy I am at the great diminution of our
army to what it was the last year, whereas, considering the great
efforts of the enemy, we ought rather to be stronger. — you will
give your assistance in my desire of her Majesty's orders to
replace the five regiments to be sent from hence, by foreign
troops where they may be had, at the same time I receive her
Majesty's direction for shipping off those regiments.

The Duke of Marlborough to Travers.

1711, April [3-] 14. Hague. — I had the favour of yours of the
29th of the last month by the last post. I believe the reason of
the monies not being ordered for Blenheim is occasioned by Mr.
Harley's indisposition. I hope by this time he is abroad and
the necessary orders have been given. If he lets the payments
begin from the first of March the work may be carried on the
faster. I shall be glad sometimes at your leisure to hear from
you.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1711, April 17. — An express arrived to-night brings the news
of the Emperor's death, the 17th n.s., upon which her Majesty

201

has resolved to call an extraordinary Cabinet to-morrow in the
evening. I doubt your health will not permit you to be there ;
but as 'this is an affair of the last importance I hope you will
communicate your thoughts to somebody concerning the most
material points to be first resolved on and despatched.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Robert Harley].

1711, April 25.— Before I see Mr. Vanhulst I should be glad
to concert with you what should lie said to him, and agree
whether the matter we meet upon to-night should be put into Ins
management.

I cannot help thinking the letter from " Schaffouse " is a cheat
and intended to lay the foundation of a future reward : however,
it is upon a subject of such importance and relating to a life so
necessary and precious to us all that all imaginable care should
be taken of it, and 1 think a particular consideration should be
had in what manner to propose to her Majesty not to be so
exposed to attempts, as she certainly is, for want of attendance,
and by her back stairs every where in all her houses being made
the common way to come" to her as well for strangers as her
nearest domestics. I have lived in four Courts, and this is the
first where I have ever seen anybody go up the back stairs unless
such as the Prince would have come to him unobserved.

As to your own concern I think you believe I wish both you
and the public well, and I hope you will do what is best for both,
and upon that foot I am sure you never can be greater than I
sincerely wish you ; but at the same time that is done I conceive
other alterations should be made, upon which it is impossible to
give an opinion unless one knew how far the Queen would go, and
cut our coat according to our cloth.

[The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.]

[1711, endorsed.'] April 26.— Upon consideration of our debate
last night I am of opinion it will be impracticable that Mr.
Vanhulst should go into Holland, and all who were at the meeting
last night not immediately guess he is the man entrusted. I
am also of opinion it will be impossible to keep this much longer
a secret, nor do 1 think it very safe for us to do it ; both French
and Dutch will speak of it if it do not go on, and if it do it must
soon be communicated to many. Upon the whole I could wish
the Queen would speak of it to-night to the Cabinet, as a paper
come to her hands without saying how, and in the Cabinet let
them debate in what manner it should be; sent to the Pensioner,
either by Lord Etaby or otherwise, as they think best ; and at the
same time Vanhulst might go over privately instructed_ by the
Queen's order to say what she thinks proper to the Pensioner.

Take what method you please, I dare engage the secret will be
none in fifteen days, and by attempting to keep it among our-
selves we shall anger the rest of the Cabinet, Lord Raby, and
even those entrusted with you and me, if without their knowledge
we send a man to negotiate privately.

202

I have a little touch of the gout and in heel, which makes me
write so that I doubt you cannot read it. If it he not too much
trouble I should he glad to know your thoughts, and that you
will excuse mine not so well digested as they should be.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.

[Same date.J Thursday night. — The paper has been com-
municated to-night as was resolved, Lord President] was not of
that opinion, but he submitted it ; I find some of the lords who
refine (sic) the whole is concluded. I wish they were in the
right.

I shall be ready to see Mr. Vanhuls to-morrow morning
between nine and ten ; I have not asked the Queen's leave, but
suppose one may recommend particularly to him to talk freely to
the Pensioner upon the paper the Queen sends him. I name
between nine and ten because you said the morning, but I shall
have nothing to do all day, and could as well see him at any
other time as at that.

The gentleman I begged an employment for in the Customs at
Dover or Deal, I have forgot which — his name was Power — died
two days ago, and has left a numerous family, who must now all
starve. The sons are so young that I will not propose one of them
to succeed him, nor no other expedient to help them.

The Same to the Same.

[1711, end of April.] Friday. — The paper having been laid
last night before the Cabinet Council and Mr. Secretary received
his orders to write to Lord Raby to communicate it to the Pensioner,
I conclude he will do it to-night, and, supposing Mr. Vanhuls will
not go by this packet, hope you will take care at least that he
write to the Pensioner upon the subject, as also to acquaint him
he will be with him as soon as the next letters, desiring no resolu-
tion may be taken till he can discourse him.

Mr. Secretary was asking whether this should not be communi-
cated to Drummond and he instructed to talk with the Pensioner
upon ; it is hard for us to say no without telling him Vanhuls has
that commission which the Queen would have nobody know, so
that if Mr. Secretary ask me I will tell him he ought to receive
her Majesty's directions, and that nobody should be entrusted in
an affair of this nature without her leave, and her Majesty might
be prepared to say she thinks as few as is possible should know
the secret for the present, and forbid him to write it to anybody.
I trouble you with this because perhaps you may go to the
Queen. I am too lame to appear, and apprehend that if I should
force my knee I might be laid up for a longer time.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, May [17-] 28.— I should have written oftener to you but
that I know Mr. St. John acquaints you with my private letters to
him. Mine by this post will let you see the difficulties I meet
with ; and as I shall always be ready to take measures with you
for the carrying on the service with success, so I must beg your

203

friendship and assistance. Upon my word and honour I am no
ways ambitious of power, but if it be not made visible to the
officers that I have the Queen's protection it will make rt very
difficult for me to preserve that discipline in this army which is
for her service, which I have very much at my heart. I am very
sensible of the hurry of business you have on your hands, so that
I do not expect letters often from you, but this bearer, Mr. Craggs,
on whose friendship I rely, you may freely give him your
commands and he will be exact in acquainting me with them.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [Bobert Harley].

1711, May 22. Tuesday.— According to my judgment, which,
without affectation, is very mean, especially in Latin compositions,
the enclosed0 is very well done. The subject is noble, and I
think what is writ upon it very handsome.

I shall be ready to attend you, Mr. Secretary, and the M. del
Borgo. I wish we might first have considered what we should
have said to him, it might have saved time and another meeting ;
but I am of opinion what he says must at last be put in writing
and communicated to the Cabinet Council. I know_ not whether
you design to be at the Cockpit this morning : it is certain we
want your help, and that there are now four things relating to
foreign affairs to be considered of as great consequence as can
be—this of the Duke of Savoy ; the answer to the Pensioner
about the project we sent over; the affair of Portugal ; and the
demand of the King of Sweden, with the whole consideration of
that northern war, and the treaties and engagements the Queen
is in to those different interests. I am confident when you reflect
on the importance of these affairs you will be of opinion they
should be well considered.

I observed in Yanhulst's letter that the Pensioner imagined I
had a more than ordinary intimacy with Lord Eaby. I cannot
conceive what ground he has for that. My acquaintance with
him was as little as can be with one who was always in the late
King's Court, and I never had any correspondence in my life with
trim till he writ to me upon my coming last year into her
Majesty's service ; and can assure you I have never named
Vanhulst, the errand he went upon, or your correspondence with
the Pensioner, to him. The last T did recommend to Lord
Albemarle, and perceive he had taken pains in it, and with some
success.

Surely it is time the Queen began to make such removes as
Bhe is resolved upon. I heard Lord Privy Seal [Bishop of
Bristol] talks of going out of town for a few days this week.
Would not that be a great inconvenience and delay to all
business ?

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, [May 29-J June 8.— I received your favour of the 18-29 past
with great satisfaction, and do heartily congratulate your having
recovered your strength to such a degree as to be able to attend

* The preamble to Hurley's patent creating him Earl of Oxford.

204

the public service again, and I hope the business of the House of
Commons, in which you have so great a share, and have hitherto
succeeded so much to the advantage of the nation as well as to
your own lionour, will soon be happily ended, that you may be
more at liberty to attend at the Council and the Treasury, on
which the (Queen's service at home and that of the public abroad
do so much depend. I am very sensible of the obligation I have
to you that the army here has been hitherto so regularly sub-
sisted, and I am persuaded we are so. much in your thoughts that
I need not pray the continuance of your care of us.

I am extremely obliged to you for the assurance you give me,
that the building of Blenheim shall not be neglected. I cannot
dissemble the desire I have to see that monument of her Majesty's
goodness, and the nation's acceptance of my service, brought to
some degree of perfection, I hope I shall give no just reason for
posterity to reproach you for having been the finisher of it, and
if I have the good fortune to spend any part of my life there I
shall always have in my view a remembrancer of the obligations
I owe you on this account.

M[argaret, Countess of] Marlborough to [the Earl of

Oxford] .

1711, June 7. — Though I have not the happiness to be per-
sonally known to you, yet my grievous circumstances and
present extremity will, I hope, plead my excuse for troubling you
in this manner, being unable to wait on you myself, and indeed
destitute of any friend — except the gentleman that brings you
this — to solicit my affair, which is humbly to desire that you will
please to take into your consideration the prayer of my petition
now lodged in the Treasury, and that some immediate relief may
be ordered me, for I am now reduced to the last extremity.

My Lord, for God's sake let not the multitude of your weighty
affairs make you forget the deplorable condition of, &c.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, June [11-] 22. — I am just now favoured with your
Lordship's obliging letters of the 25th and 29th past ; each of
them gives me occasion to congratulate you upon the fresh
marks you have received of the Queen's favour.

After the kind assurances you give me of your friendship, I
should be very much wanting both in my public and private
capacity if I neglected anything within the compass of my know-
ledge or power that might contribute to the making the discharge
of your high trust as easy and agreeable to you as may be.
I am very sensible how necessary good husbandry is in the vast
expense we are at. I have hitherto heartily endeavo,ured to put
an end to it, and assure you that while the nation is obliged to
bear that heavy burden, it shall be my constant study to manage
that part of the war I am concerned in with the utmost frugality.
I pray I may hereafter have your commands without reserve,
which I would not ask if I were not resolved you shall always
find my returns such as may really convince you it cannot be
more my interest than it is my inclination to approve myself
with the greatest truth, &c.

205
The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, July [5-] 16. — I give your Lordship many thanks for the
honour'of your letter of the ~ and pray you will believe it shall
always be my endeavour to make all possible returns for your
friendship and good offices, of which you continue to give me
such convincing proofs, as well by the provision you make for
the public service, in which 1 have my lot, as for that part of my
private concerns. Upon the former of these points I gave you my
thoughts in my letter of the 4th instant, with the freedom which
you encourage me to make use of, and her Majesty's service
requires. I must expect your Lordship's answer before I can say
any more upon that subject, or send over the person I proposed
to you, so that I shall at this time trouble you no further than
to repeat a truth which all my actions shall confirm: I mean that
of the just value I have for your friendship, and the sincerity
wherewith I am, &c.

Postscript. I fear the conduct of the King of Poland, as to the
corps of neutrality, may prove very troublesome to the Allies.

The Same to [the Same].

1711, July [15-] 26.— I have let a post pass without returning
your Lordship thanks for the honour of your letter of the TV instant,
choosing rather to do it by Lord Stair himself : his private affairs
on your side have been long known to recmire his presence there.
I am persuaded his voyage will give no other umbrage among us,
and I will take all possible care the secret do not get vent in
Holland.

I cannot expect, neither can you give me, greater assurances
and proofs of your friendship than you have done, and I flatter
myself you will not cmestion the sincerity of my endeavours to
ui'.iit the continuance of it, when I tell you I am entirely sensible
that wit bout the Queen's favour, and your confidence, it will
be impossible for me to carry on the service with any
advantage to the public, or satisfaction to myself. The
latter depends wholly upon the former, and it is to the
promoting of that 1 shall most heartily employ all the means
in my power, but I shall shorten this letter, and pray leave
to refer you for the rest to my Lord Stair, who will fully
explain to you every article of the project, and better express
than I can write my true sentiments in regard to yourself. I
know liis Lordship cannot have a more powerful recommendation
to you than bis own merit, and shall therefore only add, that as
I have always bad great reason to be satisfied with the good
service la; has done the public, and bis continual friendship to
myself in particular, so 1 now assure him be can do me none so
great as that of confirming your Lordship in the opinion you do
me the justice to entertain, of my being with the greatest truth,
&c.

Postscript. — Having just now received a piece of the Duke of
Bavaria's new coin, I send it to your Lordship that you may see
the titles he takes.

206

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, [July 27-] August 6. — It is with great pleasure I now give
an account by Brigadier Sutton of our having passed the enemy's
lines, the importance of which may best be judged of by the pre-
cautions the enemy have been taking as well last year as this to
prevent it. You will have heard of our late motions towards the
lines between Arras and Hedin, which, having had the effect I
proposed in drawing the Mareshal de Villars with all his troops
that way, we made a march on Tuesday night with so much
diligence that our advanced troops got over the Sensett at Harleux
yesterday morning by break of day, before the enemy could come
to make any opposition. Monsieur de Villars, with the head of
his line of horse, appeared near Oissy at eleven in the morning,
but finding by the number of troops we had then passed over he
was not in a condition to attack us he retired, and we encamped
between the Sensett and the Schelde. I cannot express the zeal
and resolution all the troops showed on this occasion, good part of
them having marched twenty-four hours without halting, but I
must refer your Lordship for the further particulars of this
fortunate enterprise to Brigadier Sutton whom I am very glad to
send to give the Queen an account of it, being persuaded her
Majesty will be no less satisfied to hear of an event which may
hereafter be of great advantage, and will at present give a just
reputation to her arms in all parts, though I ought not to conceal
from you that by reason of the enemy's superiority our future
operations must be attended with great difficulties. The most
effectual means to remove them at once will be to bring the
enemy to a battle, which I shall endeavour to do as far as lies in
me, having all reason to hope that by the blessing of God the
success will be as happy and glorious as it is necessary for us.
A very little time will show whether the enemy are disposed to
come to a general action or not : if they decline it I doubt not
but we shall be able to make the siege of Bouchain, which place
will be of great use to us in the execution of the project which
has been laid before you ; and if it be possible to prevent it by
bringing the enemy to reason sooner, nothing in my power shall
be omitted which may promote that great end. I desire the
continuance of her Majesty's favour on no other conditions than
the continuing to discharge my duty in such manner as may be
most agreeable to her service. I am sure I shall by the same
means preserve your friendship, and pray you will believe that I
shall with great pleasure embrace all opportunities of convincing
you that I am, with truth, &c.

The Same to [the Same].

1711, August [2-] 13. — I have received the honour of your Lord-
ship's letter of the 24th of July, and must own the share I have
of obligation to you for the kind reception my Lord Stairs has
met with. I shall expect his return with some impatience, as
well upon account of the orders he will bring as for the satis-
faction I propose from the report of his conferences with your
Lordship, and till he arrives I shall not be able to add anything
to what you will have heard from Brigadier Sutton of our further

■207

views here ; but I cannot conclude this without returning you
thanks for a favour which I am to esteem the greater because
you take no notice of it. It is from other hands that I am informed
your Lordship has been so kind as to remove the difficulties that
obstructed the signing the warrant for the building at Blenheim.
I can have no other hopes than from your Lordship" s friendship
to see that work finished in my time, and your past good offices on
that account lay me under the greatest obligations to endeavour
by all means possible to deserve the continuance of them.

Postscript. — You will see by my letter to Mr. Secretary our
present circumstances.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1711, August 8. Heathrop. — I have this moment received
your letter by the messenger, and not having horses laid on the
road cannot easily come in one day, but will be at Windsor
Friday by ten in the morning, and if I find neither your Lord-
ship nor Mr. Secretary there, I will only wait on her
Majesty, and be at London the same evening between seven and
eight, ready to receive any commands you have to lay upon me
and attend you where you will direct me. If your Lordship
should think it more proper I remained at Windsor and did
not come to town, I hope you will send me your commands in
time to Windsor. I shall say nothing more till I have the
honour to see you.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] August 21. — I have bin in soe much paine all the last
night and this day that it is not easy to me now to writt, and
therfore I hope you will excuse me for only thanking you for
your letter and assureing you I do not at all doubt of the sincerity
of your friendship for her that is, with all sincerity.

Your very affectionett freind,

Anne R.
Postscript. — If it please God to send me a tolerable good night
I intend to writt to you againe to-morrow morning.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford] .

1711, August 27. Heathrop. — The news your Lordship sends
of her Majesty's good health is very welcome, but that of the
death of Lord Jerse}* very surprising and melancholy.

The Bishop of Bristol's abilities and knowledge in foreign
affairs make her Majesty's intentions for him very reasonable,
and the only objection I can form to myself against it is that,
being a man who has passed most of his life abroad, and having
(I suppose) not many relations of much figure at home, the
bringing him into such a post adds no interest in either House
towards carrying on her Majesty's business in Parliament ; and
so many of our friends in the Lords' House being dead, and many
more soured or at least become hike-warm by disappointments in
their expectations, I apprehend matters in that House at least
will meet with difficulties.

•208

Queen Axxe to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] August 30. — I give you many thanks for your kind
enquiry after my health, which I thank God is soe much mended
within these two days that I hope, with the help of a stick, to he
ahle to walk to Council a Munday. I have just now signed the
warrant for the Scots signet and several other pappers Lord
Dartmouth brought me, and am too lazy to writt to the Duke of
Marlborough to-night, therefore must desire the fayvour of you
to let Lord Stairs know I can not get my letter ready to go by
him, but will send it time enough to overtake him before he can
get to the Army; which is all I have to trouble you with at
present, but that I am, &c,

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, [August 24-] September 3. — I am honoured with your
Lordship's letter of the if August, and shall have the greater
desire to see my Lord Stairs here because he will be so fully
instructed in your sentiments, by which I shall be entirely guided.
I am not very apprehensive this siege will give the enemy any
light into the intended project ; they must be sensible we could
not well undertake anything else, and it is most probable they
think of securing their frontier by new lines, which I hope may
be of as little use to them as their old ones have hitherto proved ;
besides, I think nothing can be a greater inducement to oblige
them to think seriously of a peace than their being sensible of
our vigorous and early preparations for carrying on the war. I
am very sensible, and so are all her Majesty's troops, of the
benefit we have of your early remittances. The alteration that
has been lately made in the hands through which the money
is afterwards distributed is what I thought Mr. Bridges had
satisfied you in, and therefore as I never concerned myself other-
wise in that matter so I did not think it necessary to trouble
your Lordship with it. I cannot but take extremely kind the
indulgence you express for me in consideration of the business I
have here. I must confess to you the last six weeks have given
me frequent and sensible remembrances of my growing old ; the
conscience of my doing my utmost for the Queen's service, the
hopes of her Majesty's acceptance and the assurance of your
friendship are my chief consolation, and whatever employment
I may have upon my hands I shall always esteem it a pleasure
rather than an increase of trouble if I can any way contribute
towards the putting the war in Spain or any other part of the
service on a better foot. You will please to remember I explained
myself pretty fully to you on that subject before I left England;
if anything I can do or say more may be of use to you I pray
you will not spare me. The affairs in Portugal have at present
no very promising aspect. We might with reason have expected
some advantage from the campaign on that side, but I fear there
is too much ground for the reflection Lord Portmore makes upon
it. Your Lordship will see by what I write to Mr. Secretary that

209

the enemy have made a vigorous effort to succour Bouchain ; as
we had the good fortune to disappoint them, I hope we shall have
the like success in the further uneasinesses he will be every day
giving us.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, [August 30-] September 9.— I cannot omit returning my
hearty thanks to your Lordship for the kind advice you have been
pleased to give me by Mr. Craggs, relating to the money issued
from the Exchequer for the building of Blenheim. I was always
of the same opinion that the application of it should be examined
with the strictest scrutiny, not only for my own sake but that her
Majesty and the public 'might be satisfied the works had been
carried on with the best economy. I have given Mr. Craggs the
names of five persons to be employed in examining and auditing
the accounts from the beginning, and should take it as a particular
obligation if your Lordship would name two proper persons more
to be joined to them in this service.

The Same to [the Same].

1711, September [3-] 14. — I am persuaded I cannot write with
greater satisfaction than your Lordship will receive the account
I have now the honour to send you of our having brought the
siege of Bouchain to a happy conclusion. The Governor beat the
chamade on Saturday about noon, and sent out a good number
of articles. I returned a short answer that the garrison must
expect no other conditions than to be prisoners of war, to which
they at first refused to submit and we began to fire upon them
again in the evening, which lasted till midnight, when they
desired another parley, and after some dispute agreed to accept
our terms. I heartily congratulate your Lordship on this happy
success, which, considering the difficulties the siege has been
attended with, and the continual attempts of a superior army
in sight of us to disturb it, may well be looked upon as
an instance of the blessing of heaven upon the justice of
our cause. I hope the enemy will consider it as such, and
that they will at last seriously think of putting an end to the
destructions they have so long caused in Europe. It is very
evident they do not put so much confidence in their superiority as
they seemed to do in the beginning of the campaign. You will see
by my former letters to Mr. Secretary that out of apprehension of
our designing to undertake something further on this side, they
have destroyed a good part of their own country to make it diffi-
cult for us to subsist in it, and it will be no easy matter to find
forage during the time we shall be obliged to continue here, to
put the town into a posture of defence. Several gentlemen of the
army have solicited me to be the bearer of this good news, and I
should have thought it important enough to have gratified one of
them, but as I am unwilling on any occasion to add to the
expense of the Government I choose rather to send Collins

6802 0

•210

the messenger. Your Lordship will see hy the papers I
sent to Mr. Secretary the difficulties they make at the Hague
in furnishing their part of what will be necessary for the
execution of the project transmitted by Lord Stairs, on which,
in my opinion, so much depends, that I have prevailed upon my
Lord Albemarle to make a turn to the Hague to induce the
States to ;i compliance. As to her Majesty's share, my immediate
aim is to manage it with all the frugality that is possible, and I
doubt not but you will be satisfied I endeavour to do the same in
every part of the war I am concerned in, but I shall at this time
give you no further trouble than to assure you of my sincere
desire to give you the most convincing proofs of the truth,
wherewith I am, &c.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] September 6. — If Lord Stairs is gon I desire you would
send the enclosed by to-morrow's post. I have not said anything
in it concerning Mr. Charters for a reason I will tell you when 1
have the satisfaction of seeing you. I desired Mr. Secretary to
acquaint you with a part of a letter he received by the last post
concerning the Electoral Prince of Saxe, that you might have time
to consider before you come hither what would be proper for me
to do in that matter. Something I think I should do on several
accounts, especial}' on that of my neare relation to him, but it is
a thing of that nice nature that I cannot determine anything in
my own thoughts, and therefore shall give no orders to the
Secretary till I can know your opinion.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] September 13. Windsor. — I thank you for the draught
of the letter you sent me for the Electres of Saxe, which I like
very well, and have only altered a few words. I shall send it
to Mr. Secretary to enclose to Mr. Scot by to-morrow's post ;
hopeing for the satisfaction of seeing [you] on Saturday I will
trouble you with nothing more now but my being, &c.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] September 19, Wensclay night. — I received your
letter this morning, and you may be assured I will not show the
enclosed you sent me to any body. I am very willing to receive
the compliment you mention if you can contrive a very private
way to do it.

Since I saw you, Lord Chamberlain (Shrewsbury) has talked a
good deale to me about the Peace, and I hope he will act very
hartily in it, tho' he seems a little fearfull. I desired to speake to
Mr. Secretary St. Johns to draw the commission himself that I am
to give to the Lords of the Cabinet, for it can be no secret if it

211

goes thorow the clerk's hands, and I wish you would give
yourself the trouble to read it to see that it is as it should be
before it is brought to me to signe. I conclude I shall have an
account from you to-morrow or next day of the particulars of the
Instructions that are come over, and am, &c.

Postscript. — I hope you will excuse the blots of this letter, for
I am in hast and can not writt it over againe.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to [the Earl of Oxford].

[1711,] September 20. — I give you many thanks for the
account you send me of the conversation you had last night, and
am very glad the great affair is in soe good a way. I pray God
send a happy conclussion to it. You are very much in the right
to desire Lord Privy Seal [Bishop Robinson] should be joyned
with the Secretaries in drawing this Convention. I have yet
heard nothing of the warrant Mr. Secretary is to prepare. I
think if he has not yet given my Lord Strafford orders to hasten
away it is high time that should be done.

I received a letter from Lord Dartmouth this evening in which
he tells me Mr. Methuen says 'tis impossible for him to begin
his journey till the end of November, which will be a great dis-
appointment to the Duke of Savoy. If you have interest with
Mr. Methuen I hope you will writt to him to lett him know the
necessity there is of his hastening away, and I will order Lord
Dartmouth to do the same.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, September 21. — I received this afternoon the honour
of your Lordship's letter of the TV instant from the hands of
Lord Stairs, and had so much satisfaction in discoursing with
him upon the several points you mention, that I have scarce
time left to return you my thanks, however I cannot let the post
go without giving you this fresh assurance that I am too well
convinced of the sincerity of your friendship, and care to promote
every thing I am concerned in, to neglect any opportunity that
may offer of demonstrating to you how heartily I desire and
endeavour to merit the continuance of them. By the account
you are pleased to give me of the Queen's health, I am in hopes
the gout, though it some times keep her Majesty under a little
confinement, may the same effect it has been observed to have
elsewhere and lengthen her days, which is the greatest blessing
than can befall her people. I must pray leave to refer your
Lordship to what I write to Mr. Secretary, as well in relation to
the progress Lord Albemarle makes in his solicitations at the
Hague, as to the troops the Elector of Hanover desires may
winter in his own country, the former gives me hopes the States
will come into the measures concerted for the execution of the
project, and the hitter may have reasonable satisfaction, and at

212

the same time contribute his quota here. My Lord Stairs has
brought me a Utter from my Lord Chamberlain of the 22nd of
August, but his Grace does not give me any opinion in it upon
the project. I am very much obliged to your Lordship for your
further explanation upon the overtures of peace, and shall
be very glad to do every thing that lies in my power towards
the promoting that great work.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] September 24.— I have this buisnes of the Peace
soe much at hart, that I cannot help giveing you this trouble to
ask if it may not be proper to order Mr. Secretary, in case he
finds M. Menager very averse to the new propossition, not to insist
upon it, and if you think it right I hope you will take care Mr.
Secretary has such an order in my name, for I think there is
nothing soe much to be feard as the letting the Treaty goe out of
our hands. I desire you would not lett Mr. Gray have any
money till I can speake with you againe.

Postscript. — I forgot this morning to speake to you about Mr.
Framton, who I promised two months ago that he should have
half a yeare of his salary against the next Newmarket meeting,
which is now very neare ; and he desiring the money might be
sent him by the' Duke of Somerset, if you should see him in
town, pray lett him know I have given you order for it.
For the Lord Treasurer.

[The Duke of Shrewsbury] to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, September 27. — Some business obliging me to go this
morning to Windsor, I shall be forced to deny myself the satis-
faction of waiting upon your Lordship ; besides, having a very
great cold, I believe the country air is better for me than so good
a dinner.

I think it was once resolved that the Article of acknowledging
the Pro[testant] succession, and that of Dunkirk, should beput
into the paper Lord Strafford carries to Holland, and since
Menager himself seemed to make no scruple of it, I am of
opinion those two Articles would mend that paper, which of
itself will I fear appear dry. Besides in the 20th Article of the
Barrier treaty England and Holland do engage to enter upon no
negotiation till the Queen's title and the Protestant succession
have been acknowledged. It is indeed added that France^ shall
promise also to remove the Pretender, of which I hope effectual
care will be taken in time, though it has been judged improper to
insist on it just now; but having already been too troublesome
on these heads, I shall submit them, and am most faithfully, &c.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711, September,] Wensday morning. Windsor. — I give you
many thanks for your letter and do not all doubt of the assurances
you give me of your having no veiw but for my service, and

213

acting therein as it is most agreeable to me. I think the D. of
Marlborough shews plainer than ever by this new project his
unwillingness for a peace, but I hope our negociations will
succeed and then it will not be in his power to prevent it. It is
sertinly very right of the D. of Shrewsbury should see the
enclosed, but I cannot think it so, that Lord Keeper [Harcourt]
should be a vicount, and therefore I desire you would endeavour
to make him easy in that matter.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] October 12.— I should not have troubled you with a
letter now, but having heard by Masham how greived Sir Frances
is at Mr. Bear's being to be removed from the Victualling Office,
and thinking it very hard if a man who is honest and harmless,
and has had hopes given him he should continue, should have a
worse place given him, to gratefye other people, I cannot help
writting this to let you know I will have Mr. Bear continue in
the same office, lett there be never soe much fault found with it.

I have several other things to say to you but shall deferr them
till I have the satisfaction of seeing you.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] October 19. Windsor. — I received your letter too late
last night to thank you for it then. I am very glad to find
things are in soe good a way abroad for the Peace, but I am
exstream sorry to heare you have bin out of order since I saw
you, and therefore I desire you would not think of going any
journey till you are perfectly well. I intend, an it please God,
to be at Hampton Court Teusday or Wensday next which will be
nearer to you ; however I desire you would not com thither till
you are easy, which I hope will be soon, and in the mean time
be soe kind to your freinds as to give them an account of your
health, and be assured of my being sincerly your very affectionate
freind.

Postscript. — I keep the letter you sent me that I may return it
safe to your own hand.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] October 22. Windsor.— I had yesterday a long
harangue from Msr. Buys much to the same purpose as his con-
versation with you and Mr. Secretary, and I answered him in
those words you proposed. It is sertinly very right to dispatch
him as soon as it is possible, and therfore I have ordered Lord
Dartmouth to summon the Lords and Msr. Buys to meet at the
Cockpit or at your house to-morrow, as it is most convenient for
your health. I have endeavoured to perswaid one that is heare

214

io go to London to-morrow, but whether they (sic) will or no I
am not yet sure.

I beg you would never make any more excuses for long letters,
for I do assure you it is always a great satisfaction tome to heare
from you.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] October 26. — I must thank you now for your last
letter, and should have don it sooner but for feare of troubleing
you to often when you are not well, and I beg if it is not easy to
you to writt not to give me any answer to this till it is.

I hope everything is now soe well seteld with Msr. Buys that he
will be ready to go in a few days, tho' the Parliament should not
meet soe Boon as we now intend, and I fancy it cannot, for
something must be said in my speech of the Peace, and I ques-
tion whether in Holland they will make any hast to make any
answer to what M. Buys is to say to them ; but you are a better
judge of this.

I wish there could be money enough found to pay the Prince's
servants two quarters of the five they are in arrears, some of
them being in very bad circumstances.

I am very sorry to find by those that came from London
yesterday that you continue still very much indisposed. I pray
God send you your health and preserve your life for the good of
your country and all your faithfull friends ; none I am sure is
more soe then

Your very affectionate freind,

Anne R.
For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, October 28, Sunday night. — I think it will be very
right to endeavour by Gau[tier?] to get from Fr[ance] such
proposals as might secure the Dutch they shall have a reason-
able Barrier and treaty for Commerce, and Savoy a reasonable
Barrier. I proposed at the Cockpit that care should be taken of
acknowledging the King of Prussia, and the ninth Electorate in
the King of Hanover, which last are points I believe will create
no difficulty ; but the Lords there thought these two last should
not be mentioned. I desisted then submitting my sense to theirs,
but backed by seeing it your Lordship's opinion, I begin to
think it is right.

I agree all possible means should be used to keep Buys in
good humour, and if the defensive Alliance can be despatched
without too long delaying his return it would certainly be a very
proper time to conclude it.

Mrs. Masham tells me your Lordship continues to mend. Pray
God give you perfect and long health, no humble servant you
have wishes it more heartily than I do, or thinks it of more
importance to the public. What should we do without your help ?

215

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] November 3. — I give you many thanks for your letter
and am very much obliged to you for the kind consern you express
in it for my health. I am exstream sorry yours mends soe
slowly, and shall continue my prayers for the perfect recovery
and confirmation of it, being truly sensible how much the
welfare of our poor country depends on you.

I will be sure to order Lord Dartmouth to send to the Lords of
the Admiralty to prepare the new commission you sent me for the
Victualling office. I will take care Lord James Murray shall
have Charter [i] s' company in the Guards ; and orders shall be
given to have Msr. Buyses re-credentials and present in a ready -
ness ; but as to the Parliament I cannot tell yet when I shall be
able to open it, for tho' I thank God I am much better then I
was, I am not out of paine and the weaknes always continues a
good while after. However I believe it will be necesary to come
to some resolution at the next Cabinet Council, which I have
appointed on Teusday and I think it wrould be best to have the
Parliament prorouged to that day four weeks, and by that time
I hope both you and I may be in a condition to go to the House.
If you do not think this a proper day, lett me know before
Teusday ; and give me leave to beg you to be carefull of yourself
and not to fatigue yourself with buisnes till you are better able
to beare it, and that you may soon be soe and enjoy a long state
of health nobody I am sure prays more hartely for then
Your very affectionate friend,

Anne K.
For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] November 6. — Not knowing whether Mr. Secretary
has consulted you about the enclosed I send it for your appro-
bation before I would copy it. Mr. St. Johns knows nothing of
the little alteration there is made in the letter, therefore take no
notice of it to him. He proposes the Secretary of the Embassy
tli at is now at the Hauge (Hague) should cary this letter to the
Emperour, I should be^ glad to know whether you think him a
proper person to do it. I intend very soon to trouble you with a
longer letter and therfore shall add no more to this but that I
am &c.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the' Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] November 9. — I must now return you my thanks for
yours of the nth and am convinced that what you say about the
prorouging of the Parliament is very right. I have not yet given
any orders to the two Secretaries conserning the Speech thinking
it will be time enough next week, and I hope you will have your
thoughts on it too, when you can do it without prejudice to your
health, which I pray God Almighty with all my hart to confirm
to you.

216

Since we cannot depend upon the Duke of Montrose to go to
Yiena, why should not Lord Iladdo be offered it. I beleeve Lord
Jersey might do very well, but I think at this juncture we cannot
pari with one vote out of the House of Lords.

When the Duke of Marlborough coin's I should think it will be
best for me just to begin to open the matter of the Peace to him
and to reffer him to you and Mr. Secretary for a fuller account
of all that is passed.

I cannot emagin what Lord Sunderland proposes to himself
in making you a vissit, but I am very easy about it, not doubting
but you will manage him as is best for my service.

If some care is not taken to prevent Duke Hamilton from
going to the House a Teusday he will sertinly then be introduced,
which in my oppinion would be very wrong. I spoke to Lord
Chamberlain (Shrewsbury) to use his interest to hinder it, but his
Grace has got the gout, so cannot go to London. When I shall
be able to undertake the journey I cannot tell for though I am,
God be thanked, out of pain I can't yet walk, but I hope by that
time the publick buisnes requires my being in town I shall get
strength enough to beare the jolting of a coach.

I was very glad to heare by the Cofferer that you weare better,
and wish this may find you perfectly well. How7ever I would not
have you think of coming to this place for feare of catching cold,
but lie carefull of your self that nothing may happen to hinder
you irom being able to lett me have the satisfaction of seeing you
when I com to St. James's.

I am most sincerly,

Your very affectionate freind,

Anne R.

Queen Anne to the Eakl of Oxford.

[1711,] November 15. — I have just now received yours of
to-day, and am very much ashamed I had not thanked you for
your last before, but I hope you will excuse that fault. The
news you sent me in your former concerning the Duke of
Marlborough is something prodigious, and the account you give
me in your last of his proceedings since I think is very extra-
ordinary.

I am sorry the Duke of Shrewsbury should make complaints
of me, I am sure I do not deserve them, for I speak to him of
everything, and advise with him on all occasions and will continue
doing soe, thinking it very right to keep him in good humour ;
but I cannot see how I can say anything to soften him, for I
suppose 1 am not to know he complains of me.

1 have several things to say to you but is it now too late to
begin on any other subject, and therfore I shall trouble you with
a longer letter to-morrow.

Give me leave to wish you joy of your grandson and that you
may live to see him an old man. Pray be very carefull of
yourself that you may get no more relapses before the meeting of
the Parliament, and be assured of nry being, &c.
For the Lord Treasurer.

217

Queen'Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711,] November 19.— I beleeve you wonder'd to receive my
letter that was dated the 16th not till yesterday. The reason of
it was I begun it on Fryday and did not finish it till Saturday
evening to late to send it. The Duke of Marlborough came to
me yesterday as soon as I had dined, made a great many of his
usiall proffessions of duty and affection to me. He seemed
dejected and very uneasy about this matter of the publick accounts,
stayed neare an hour and saw nobody heare but my self. When
I have the satisfaction of seeing you I will give you a more
particular account of all that passed between us.

I have no objection to Mr. Prior then what I mentioned in my
last, for I always thought it very wrong to send people abroad of
meane extraction ; but since you think Mr. Prior will be very
usefull at this time, I will comply with your desire.

I look upon it as a great happynes that the mob was disapointed
of theire meeting, for God knows of what fatal consequence it
might have proved. Should not the person that made the
discovery be rewarded ? I have not yet heard anything of the
letter you mention from the Emperor, but I received one
yesterd (sic) from the Duke of Savoy of which I suppose Lord
Dartmouth has by this time given you an account. I shall not
trouble you with any more at present but the assurances of
being &c.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1711, November 19. — I am very sorry I was from home when
you intended me the honour of a visit this morning, had you
not been otherwise engaged I should not have failed waiting on
your Lordship this afternoon. I shall be obliged to go to-morrow
morning early to Hamton Court, and am very desirous you will
let me know what may be a convenient hour to yourself for me
to come to your own house.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

[1711, November 23, endorsed] Friday. — I do without flattery
assure you that I am perfectly pleased with the enclosed draughts.
There are some few and very small alterations I shall mention
when I attend your Lordship ; I am only fearful lest the most
shining sentences be blotted out when it comes to be corrected.

I wish you and your company good success in what you are
about, but as I apprehend our House to be the place our enemies
have most hopes to prevail in, sol recommend to you to take the
requisite care that our friends come to town in time. Lord
Cardigan has promised me to be here about this day sevennight.
I heard to-day from Lord Poulett that Lords Denbigh and Leigh
stayed in the country, ready to attend if sent for but not unless
they had notice.

218

The Duke of Marlborough to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711 ?] Wednesday morning. — My giving you the trouble of
this letter is occasioned by the illness of poor Mr. Manwayring,
and the desire I have of waiting upon your Lordship this
evening, or to-morrow night, which may be most convenient to
yourself, if you please to send two lines to Mr. Manwayring, I
shall be sure to have it.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1711, .] Windsor, Wensday morning. — I give you

this trouble to desire you would order two hundred pound to be
given to Lady Sylvies, and one hundred to Mrs. Foil ; the first
of these has had a pention of a hundred pounds for some yeares
past, but has not bin payde the two last, Masham can let you
know where she lives, and I desire you would lett her have it
as soon as you can conveniently, for she stays in town for it.
I desire to that you would settle the Vice-Chamberlaine's
buissnes and lett his additionall alowance begin from Midsummer,
1710.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Endorsed by Lord Oxford: — " Wendsday-Mony, Lady Silvies,
Mrs. Foyle, Vice-Chamberlaine."

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

1712, March 29. — Having no opportunity to speak to your
Lordship at your own house, and remembering you desired I
would come to some resolution about Ireland to-day at farthest,
since you are so kind to command me to speak my mind without
reserve, upon the best consideration I am capable of I shall freely
confess my inclination leads me rather not to go, though I shall
always retain a just sense of your Lordship's favour in having
me in your thoughts for an enrployment of such advantage, trust,
and honour.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, May 1. — I remember last year the gentlemen of
Worcestershire at first were only concerned that the Receiver
for the Land Tax should be chosen out of their own county, and
in that I joined, afterwards my Lord Plymouth and some others
recommended the present Receiver who is altogether a stranger
to me, but I did a little espouse his cause because I understood
there was an endeavour from some neighbouring gentlemen, to
get a Receiver out of another county. If the present Receiver
has misbehaved himself I am sure I have no objection to his
being changed, and nobody to recommend in his place, only hope

219

his successor may be a Worcestershire man, else I foresee the
gentlemen will again complain that a hardship is put upon the
county, as they suspected was intended last year ; as to Shrop-
shire I know nothing of the last, and have nobody to recommend
for this jTear, if the old one be removed.

Her Majesty has hitherto been so extreme punctual in giving
me half yearly what she was pleased to promise me at my first
coming into her service, that your Lordship will pardon me if I
take the liberty to acquaint you that the 14th of the last month
half a year was due, I having had the honour then to serve two
years.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford] .

[1712, June..] Monday. — It seems to me highly necessary
that Lord Stratford were immediately dispatched with instruc-
tions what to say in Holland upon this plan her Majesty has
now so publicly laid before the Parliament. Port Mahon and
especially Gibraltar should be secured, the last by sending a new
governor.

If your Lordship thinks there will be any difficulty in electing
a peer in Scotland in her Majesty's interest to fill Lord Marshal's
[Marischal's] place you will think to get as many proxies as can
be from the Scots peers in England, and remember Earls of
Orkney, Dunmore, Dundonald, and perhaps others, are abroad
and should be writ to.

If Sir William Windham removes from his employment to a
better, I have found a way to discover that that place will entirely
please Lord Cardigan, and I am really of opinion he would fill
it very creditably. Therefore if your Lordship can get the
Queen to bestow it upon him you may depend upon his being
gratefully your servant, and I shall take it as an obligation to
myself as well from her Majesty as your Lordship.

I believe your Lordship will resolve to adjourn the Parlia-
ment for about three weeks ; if there be any truth in the advices
Lord Privy Seal [the Bishop of London] sends from Holland, it
will be highly necessary to have the Parliament at hand, and
however one adjournment at least will be convenient to give tyou
a little time.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, August 6. Windsor. — You having told me you believed
you should have some money this day I cannot help giveing
you this trouble to desire if you have any that you would send
me a bill for Coll. Desney, he being very impatient to be gon.
Pray remember that care be taken to send to the Scots peers
who are in Flanders for their proxies, and be assured of my
being, &e.

For the Lord Treasurer.

220

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

171-2. August 20. — I give you many thanks for your letter and
am very glad the election was carved soe unanimous. I am very
much obliged to Lord Mar and Lord Kinnoul for the pains they
have taken, and when you writ I desire you would return them
my thanks. I wish you would turn it in your thoughts against
you com hither who it will be prosperest to give Lord Rivera's
employments to. Duke Hamilton must sertinly have one, if it
be General of the Ordnance I feare he may claime being of the
Cabinet, and if he should I doubt one can't well refuse him
becaus formerly those in that post have bin of it ; but I will take
no resolution in these matters till I see you. _

I should be glad as soon as it can conveniently be done that
you would order the arrears that are due to Prince Charles of
Denmark to be payde, or at least half, for I know he is but
in very indifferent circumstances.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, October 4, Saturday. Windsor.— I am hartely sorry
for your indisposition, but hope in God it will be soon over and
that you will take more care for the future of your health, which
is of soe great consequence to all your friends, and to none
more then myself you may be sure.

I will turn my thoughts the best I can in case the Bishop of
London should dye that his place may be well filled. My Lord
Chamberlain writt to you by my order to send for Lord Strafford,
but till one knows when he will be hear I cannot apoint a
chapter [of the Garter]; therfore I desire my intentions may
yet be kept a secret.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, October 8, Wensday. Windsor.— I was very glad to find
by your letter yesterday you weare soe much mended in your
health ; I pray God perfect it, and tho' I should be very glad to
see you hear I hope you will not com till you can venture the
journey without any hazard.

I have seen several letters from Lord Peterborow both to Lord
Dartmouth and Lord Bolingbroke, but by them one can't guesse
what humour he is in ; I hope his Lordship will com right at last.
Mr. Compton shewed me a Munday an order he had received from
the Commissioners of accounts which I think a very unreason-
able tiling, and they may as well send for an account of the
Secret Service or the Privy Purse as these charity pensions;
besides to have an account of what money the poor Prince call'd
for, for his own private use, layd before the Parliament would be
very shocking to me, and in my poor oppinion very improper.
Therfore I hope you will think of some answer to be sent to these

221

gentlemen that they may not expect their commands should be
complyed with in this particular. I have nothing more to trouble
you with at present, but that I am, &c.

Postscript. — I am a litle tormented with the gout in my elbow
at this time, but els I thank God I am very well.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

[1712, October,] Monday night. — When I attended her Majesty
this evening she commanded me to acquaint your Lordship
that she intended very soon a promotion of Knights of the
Garter, and did desire you would immediately let Lord
Strafford know he should be here as soon as could be in order to
be elected. Lord Bullingbrook tells me a messenger goes
to-morrow night for Holland so that I hope you will take that
opportunity of writing to Lord Strafford, to hasten him over
that he may be back again at Utrecht before the returns from
Lord Lexington arrive, for then in all probability the Pleni-
potentiaries will have more to do there, than they have now.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, October 11, Saturday. — I am very glad you are better,
and hope this fine weather will contribute to the perfecting
your health. I thank God my pain begins to abate but I have
had a great deal since I writt to you last, and am still far from
being easy.

I must thank you for the trouble you have taken in makeing
the Commissioners of accounts reasonable, for I beleeve without
your interposition they would not have bin soe. I desire you
would lett Lord Ballandin have two hundred pound as soon as
you can conveniently, for I am assured by others as well as his
mother that he is starving.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, October 17, Fryday. Windsor. — The occasion of my
giveing }?ou this trouble is that Lord Dartmouth told me last
night Lord Strafford had desired him to writt to the Lords of the
Admiralty that they should pay him the same respect as they
did to Lord Orford which 1 think is not right, and therfore I wish
you could hinder Lord Strafford from going to the board till 1
have spoke with him againe, for feare of any misunderstanding
between them at theire first acquaintance. Hopeing for the satis-
faction of seeing you to-morrow I will not trouble you with any
more but assure you that I am, &C.

For the Lord Treasurer.

990

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

171*2, October 21, Tuesday. Windsor. — Last night Lord
Dartmouth was with me to desire I would give him leave to go
into the country for a little while. He made no complaints but
seem'd very uneasy. I said all I could to perswaid him from
going and desired him to consider of it againe, and to com to no
resolution till he came to London. I fear he is determined not
only in this but to quit, which I should be very sorry for, for I
beleev him an honest man and I think it would be prejudicial to my
service ; therfore I hope you and his other f reinds will endeavour
to perswaid him out of these thoughts.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

1712, November 1. Windsor.— I believe it will be right to send
both Lord Strafford and Mr. Prior away as soon as may be, but
know not how either can return till the Queen has taken her
resolutions about the proposal Mr. Prior came over with. I fear
it will not be approved nor thought agreeable to her Majesty's
speech to let the Elector of Bavaria remain master of a great
part of the Netherlands.

I have been confined to my chamber ever since Tuesday morn-
ing, I am now lame but out of pain, much obliged by your
Lordship's kind enquiry, and more than anybody your sincere,
faithful, and affectionate humble servant.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, November 5. Windsor. — Tho' it is three days since I
heard from you I hope you will accept of my thanks for your
letter and kind wishes for my health, which I thank God is in a
pretty good state considering the badness of the weather. I hope
yours has not suffered by that nor nothing els.

I had a vissit from Mr. Hamden on Sunday, who made very
great proffessions, but I beleeve some thing must be thought on to
do for him to keep him right. The Duke of Ormond was hear
yesterday, I fancyed at first he seem'd a litle uneasy, but after
talking some time he came into good humour ; he corns of a
solicitous famely, therfore care must be taken that he makes no
unreasonable requests. The living that is vacant in Yorkshire is
what I promised the Archbishop of York last spring to give to
Mr. Drake whenever it should fall. Hopeing for the satisfaction
of seeing you in a few days I will not trouble you with any more,
only desire you would be soe just as to beleeve me, &c.

Postscript. — Pray enquire about the other hundred pound that
you ordered for Lord Ballandin, for he sertinly had not received
it last week.

For the Lord Treasurer,

228

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, November 13. Windsor.— I received yours this morning
with a draught of a letter to the King of France which shall be
ready to-morrow, and that I hope will be time enough since my
Lord Strafford, who is to go at the same [time] Mr. Prior does, has
not yet taken leave of me. Should not Duke Hamilton be hasten
again, when I saw him last he talked as if he wanted several
things for his journey ; if that be soe care should be taken that
he has no just prentence for staying. I am very glad the form
of the renunciation is over in Spain. I think one may reasonable
hope now the great work of the Peace is in a faire way of coming
to a happy conclussion. When you com next pray order it soe
that you may be hear by day light, and take more care of your-
self, and be assured of my being most sincerely your very
affectionate friend.

Postscript. — I wish you would give some orders before you com
from London that Lord Abingdon may be payed for as yet he
has received nothing.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

171*2, November 21, Fryday. Windsor.— I give you many
thanks for your letter and the kind consern you express for me
in it. These accounts that are com of a designe against my
person dos not give me any uneasynes knowing God Almighty's
protection is above all things, and as he has hitherto bin
infinitely gracious to me I hope he will continue being soe._

Since you tell me you intend to be heare to-morrow it is not
necessary for me to say any more to your letter, and being
going presently to take the air I must desire you to_ make my
excuse to the two Secretaries that I do not answer theirs.

Postscript.— 1 wish you joy of your new cousin.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1712,] November 27, Thursday night. Windsor.— I have
just now received your letter for which I give you many thanks,
and am very sory anything I said on Teusday morning should
make you think I was displeased with you. I told you my
thoughts freely as I have always and ever will continue to do on
all occasions. You cannot wonder that I who have bin ill used
soe many yeares should desire to keep myself from being againe
enslaved ; and if I must always comply and not be complyed
with, is (sic) I think very hard and what I cannot submit to, and
what 1 beleeve you would not have me. I am very unwilling to put
off the buisnes of the sheriffs till I com to London, but I hope
if the roads will give you leave I shall have the satisfaction of

224

seeing you hear on Saturday, till when 1 shall trouble you nothing
more.

Postscript. — I am sory the Duke of Eitchmond behaves himself
soe strangely.

The Duke op Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

[1712, November,] Thursday.— I give your Lordship many
thanks for the so quick despatch of your orders for my money,
the sum being 1,500/. for equipage, and 1,300/. advance for my
first quarter. Your Lordship will forgive me if I put you in
mind that when first I resigned myself to her Majesty's pleasure
in this particular, I told you as I desired never to be a gainer
so I presumed it would not be expected I should be a loser
by this employment. But my Lord I have now before me a
melancholy prospect, an exact account of my Lord Jersey's
expenses for eight months that he was at Paris — for he continued
no longer— and they amount to above 10,000/. sterling whilst
there, besides 2,000/. spent here in necessaries to carry with
him ; nor must it be computed that if he spent 12,000/. in
eight months, I need spend only 6,000/. in four months, for much
the greatest part of the charge is in the first setting out. Your
Lordship will consider that my Lord Jersey was not sent on any
particular occasion, was a very good manager, and upon many
accounts would certainly save where it was consistent with his
honour to do it, and it cannot be imagined that I can do less
than he did. I do not send the particulars for fear they should
be too tedious, but if for your information you have a mind to
see them I have them ready. I know not what to offer on this
subject, but submit it and my interest to her Majesty's generosity,
and to your Lordship's goodness and friendship always showed
to the most faithful of your humble servants.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, December 2. Windsor. — I desired my Lord Dartmouth
to tell you I did not thank you for your last letter becaus by what
you said I thought you intended to be hear the midle of the
week, but since he went I have heard soe much of the waters
being higher than ever, that I can't help writting to-night to
desire you would not com any time this week unless there should
be occasion for a Cabinet Council, for I intend, an it please God,
if the roads are passable, to be at St. James's next Teusday or
Wensday.

If it be necessary that I should writt a letter of cachet besides
that of credence by the Duke of Shrewsbury, I desire you would
do me the fayvour to prepare a draught and send it time enough
lor me to copy it before it goes.

For the Lord Treasurer.

225

The Duke of Marlborough to [the Earl of Oxford].

1712, December 4. Antwerp. — I am got safe to this place,
having avoided going to Bridges and Gant (sic). When I had
the honour of seeing you last, I then told you the disappointment
of Mr. Cadogan's company would hinder my going to Italy this
season. Your Lordship's friendship in then promising me your
assistance in getting him leave, makes me thus early beg that
you will give my humble duty to the Queen, and that I may
have this mark of her goodness towards me of giving him leave
to be with me, which will be a great ease to me in my retire-
ment. Finding myself very much out of order, I have written to
Lady Marlborough to lose no time in coming to Aix-le-Chapel,
by which I shall have the advantage of one month of the hot
baths, which are as I am told as good in this season as in any
time of the year, and from thence I shall go into Germany, and
in the spring go to the Lake of Geneva, where I will take the best
house I can get, in order to live as much retired as is possible.
It will be a pleasure if I may sometimes hear from you, and par-
ticularly that you are so much master of your own actions that I
may depend upon being easy and quiet at Woodstock, which I
recommend to your friendship and care.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1712-13, January 3, Saturday.— I am very sorry your indis-
position still continues, and therfore not knowing when I shall
have the satisfaction of seeing you, I must desire you this way
to send me a few words that you think may be proper for
me to say to the Due d'Aumont when he corns to me. It is
time now to com to some resolution about the Parliament, ther-
fore pray lett me know your thoughts on that subject ; and give
me leave to putt you in mind of sending the proxies of the Scots
peers to Scotland.

Postscript. — My Lady Masham told me she heard one _ of the
chaises that are com out of France was intended to ' be given to
her, do not take any notice of it to her but find out if it be soe
and endeavour to prevent it; for I think it would not be right.
I should not have trubled you with such a litle thing but for
fear I might forget it when I saw you.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Characters of the Earl of Oxford.

1712-13, January 1. — A paper in Swift's handwriting and
endorsed by him : —

"The Countess of 's Character of Lord Treasurer."

The character of the man whom the Queen delighteth to
honour.

Ambitious to serve his country, and yet knows its faults.

He never will tear up his own bowels from despair, but will
ever act and shew he expects a blessing from a superior Power
for every wise action.

6802 P

226

He appears to be dilatory not from want of the satisfaction to
serve all, but to search out those with the fewest faults.

Proud only by disregarding his own greatness.

Forgives, and unmindful if liis enemy repents.

He is civil to all, without an illjudged respect.

Careful of the public money, watchful to have that managed
with faithfulness.

Concerned for its honour proved by weighing how to pay the

debts rather by advancing its interest the the

whole.

Dutifully admires his sovereign, and if things go amiss,- he
would rather have it thought his mistake or anybody's than
her's.

He adores God, he submits his doubts, endeavours to be perfect
without presuming to hope for perfection.

He hates being commended, but must know he deserves it,
reflecting his superiority cannot last without humility, ever,
suspecting he may err.

Lives without fear and will die with true honour.

Comment by Dr. Sioift.

1712-13, January 1. — The lady who drew the above character
(of Lord Treasurer Oxford) is a person of as much good natural
sense and judgment as I have ever known, and hath received all
the improvements that Court and conversations of princes and
other great persons could give her. Her advice hath many
years been asked and followed in the most important affairs of
state. Accordingly you see in this draft of hers an endeavour
at something that is very judicious and uncommon ; but her
great misfortune was, that in her education she fell short even
of that little share of reading which belongs to her sex, so that
she has neither orthography, grammar, nor choice of proper
words, which last never fails her in conversation, and in subjects
she is conversant with. Besides there is a stiffness and affecta-
tion of something beyond her reach in what she writes. I think
ladies thus qualified should never hold a pen but upon occasions
of perfect necessity, or that when they do, they should employ
some other hand to correct and put into English what they have
to say.

Another paper in Swift's handwriting, annexed to the above, but
without any heading or other explanation, runs thus : — " In this
oppressed and entangled state was the kingdom with relation to
its debts, when the Queen removed the Earl of Godolphin from
his office, and put it into commission, of which the present
Treasurer was one. This person had been chosen Speaker
successively to three Parliaments, was afterwards Secretary of
State, and always in great esteem with the Queen for his wisdom
and fidelity. The late Ministry about two years before their fall,
had prevailed with her Majesty much against her inclination to
dismiss him from her service, for which they cannot be justly
blamed, since he had endeavoured the same thing against
them, and very narrowly failed ; which makes it the more

•227

extraordinary that he should succeed in the the same attempt a
second time, against those very adversaries who had such fair
warning by the first. He is firm and steady in his resolutions.
not easily diverted from them after he has once possessed himself
of an opinion that they are right ; nor very communicative where
he can act by himself, being taught by experience that a secret
is seldom safe in more than one breast. That which occurs to
other men after mature deliberation offers to him as his first
thought, so that he decides immediately what is best to be done,
and is therefore never at a loss upon sudden exigencies. He
thinks it a more easy and safe rule in politics, to watch incidents
as they come, and then turn them to the advantage of what he
pursues, than pretend to foresee them at a great distance.
Fear, avarice, cruelty and pride are wholly strangers to his
nature, but he is not without ambition. His detractors who
charge him with cunning, are but ill acquainted with his
character. For, in the sense they take the word, and as it is
usually understood, I know no man to whom that mean talent
could be with less justice applied, as the conduct of affairs while he
hath been at the helm, doth clearly demonstrate ; very contrary
to the nature and principles of cunning, which is always
employed in serving little turns, proposing little ends, and
supplying daily exigencies by little shifts and expedients. But
to rescue a prince out of the hands of insolent subjects, bent
upon such designs as must probably end in the ruin of the
Government ; to find out means for paying such immense debts
as this nation is involved in, and reduce it to better management :
to make a potent enemy offer advantageous terms of peace, and
deliver up the most important fortress of his kingdom as a pledge;
and this against all the oppositions mutually raised and inflamed
by parties and allies; such performances can only be called
cunning by those whose want of understanding or of candour
puts them upon finding ill names for great qualities of the mind
which themselves do neither possess nor can form any just
conception of. However, it must be allowed, that an obstinate
love of secrecy in this Minister, seems at distance to have some
resemblance of cunning ; for he is not only very retentive of
secrets, but appears to be so too, which I number among his
defects. He hath been blamed by his friends for refusing to
discover his intentions, even in those points where the wisest
man may have need of advice and assistance ; and some have
censured him upon that account, as if he were jealous of Power,
to which he hath been heard to answer that he seldom did other-
wise without cause to repent. However so undistinguished a
caution cannot, in my opinion, be altogether justified ; by which
the owner loses many advantages, and whereof all men who are
really honest may with some reason complain. His love of
procrastination (wherein doubtless nature has her share)_ may
probably be increased by the same means; but this is an
imputation laid upon many other great Ministers, who like mm
under too heavy a load, let fall that which is of leasi consequence,
and go back to fetch it when their shoulders are free- For time

228

is often gained as well as lost by delay, which at^ worst is a fault
on the securer side. Neither probably is this Minister answerable
for half the clamour raised against him upon this article. His
endeavours are wholly turned upon the general welfare of his
country, but perhaps with too little regard to that of particular
persons, which renders him less amiable than he would otherwise
have been from the goodness of his nature, and his agreeable
conversation in a private capacity, and with few dependents.
Yet some allowance may be given to this failing, which is one of
the greatest he has, since he cannot be more careless of other
men's fortunes than he is of his own. He is master of a very
great and faithful memory, which is of mighty use in the
management of public affairs. And I believe there are few
examples to be produced in any age of the world, of a person who
hath passed through so many employments in the state, endowed
with so great a share, both of divine and human learning.

1 am persuaded that foreigners, as well as those at home who
live too remote from the scene of business to be rightly informed,
will not be displeased with this account of a person who in the
space of ... . years hath been so highly instrumental in changing
the face of affairs in Europe, and hath deserved so well of his
own Prince and country.

In that perplexed condition of the public debts which I have
above described, this Minister was brought into the Treasury and
Exchequer, &c."

Jonathan Swift to the Earl of Oxford.

1712-13, January 5. — I most humbly take leave to inform
your Lordship that" the Dean of Wells died this morning at one
o'clock. I entirely submit my poor fortunes to your Lordship.

The Dike of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, January [8-] 19, n.s. Paris.— Upon my arrival here on the
13th I found the state of that affair which was more particularly
recommended to me to negotiate altered from what I understood
when I left London. Her Majesty by her last instructions tied
me up strictly from allowing the French either to fish or to dry
their fish upon any part of Newfoundland, in consideration of
which she consented they should possess and fortify Cape Breton.
Mr. Prior, upon several conferences he had with your Lordship
and Lord Bolingbroke, as well as papers from those skilled in
trade, was instructed to offer some expedients upon that Article,
which he has done and sent them to London ; so that till he has
an answer to them it is evident what I propose or can agree to
will not be regarded.

However in three conferences I have had with M. de Torcy,
the same day and the day after I arrived, and the 17th at Marly,
I used the best arguments of all kinds I could think on, and must
own I found in him more stiffness than I imagined not to go
beyond what Mr. Prior sent over on that head, alleging that to

229

quit entirely the fishery of Newfoundland would beggar three of
their Provinces, and that they expect a loud clamour from those
parts for the restraint they put on themselves by this last offer.

Your Lordship knows I have always confessed my ignorance
in these matters, but shall give you my opinion. If the insisting
on this article in the manner I am instructed be of great con-
sequence to the British trade, it must be adhered to in the most
resolute manner, and this Court given to understand they can
have no peace without it, in which case your Lordship must
write to Monsieur de Torcy in that positive style, but if the
expedient you have from Mr. Prior, may be accepted without
prejudice to our commerce, let us receive her Majesty's orders,
and in either case let them be despatched without delay.

As to the heads of commerce Mr. Prior has also sent new
papers, and writ now at large to Lord Bolingbroke, upon which
nothing can be done till he receives an answer, I shall only
repeat what I have said oftener than once, that if any very
material point remains — as I doubt there does in the main
article — the only way to get over it is to send immediately, to
Utrecht or hither, some person well versed in trade, who can
debate, and knows something of the state of their commerce as
well as ours, for to one so ignorant as I am they affirm some
facts and deny others that defeat all the arguments I could be
master of in the small time I had to be informed upon a subject
I had never thought on before in my life.0

I must not conclude without acquainting your Lordship that
the 17th I was at Marly to wait on the King, and having given him
her Majesty's letter, and made the properest compliment I was
able, he expressed himself in the most handsome and respectful
manner was possible to the Queen, earnestly desiring a perfect
friendship with her, that it might be concluded speedily and last
long, being sure that that was the interest of both nations. He
seemed to value himself upon his punctuality in everything he
had promised during this negotiation, and his submission to the
Queen, especially in the affair of Tournay ; he wished the rest of
the allies would come into a peace, but if they stood out he hoped
there would be no delay in concluding one with her Majesty.
He then desired I would go speak with Monsieur de Torcy and
recommended to me despatch.

All in this country, great and small, desire the peace and want
it, the officers of the army I think as much or more than any.

Give me leave to conclude this long letter, with few words, but
true, that I am, &c.

Sir Isaac Newton to the Lord Treasurer.

1712-13, January 29. Mint Office.— The Assaymaster of the
Mint, Mr. Daniel Brattel, died yesterday about noon, and the
place requires a man well qualified for skill and experience to

* At the end of this paragraph in the original letter is written in Bolingliroke's
hand:— "Odd confession for a Secretary of State who was in offioe at the treaty
of Ryswick."

230

Carry on the assays of the gold and silver with a steady hand.
Of this sort few persons are to he met with, and I do not know
one hotter qualified than Mr. Charles Brattel, the brother of the
deceased. In his brother's absence he has frequently acted for
him in this service to the satisfaction of the officers of the Mint,
so that we know his ability by experience. We are now in the
middle of a coinage of gold, and for carrying on the service with-
out interruption it would be convenient that a new Assaymaster
were speedily appointed. It is a patent place with a salary of
200/. per annum, and 20/. per annum for a clerk.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, [February 26-] March 8— I cannot forbear troubling
your Lordship with a few lines to desire you will take the pains
yourself to examine the justice and nature of our demand of the
Bona Immobilia. If I understand the case right, I take it to be
unprecedented, and such that if at any time her Majesty should
yield or exchange a country, property is so concerned that it
would not be in her power to do, without saving the rights of the
particular subjects, and your Lordship will see when King
Charles II. by the treaty of Breda— ever esteemed disadvantageous
to England — gave up Acadie to France, he got such a saving-
clause as the French now ask. The decision, my Lord, is left
entirely to her Majesty, and by what this King said to me I
must do him the justice to declare, he submitted it in so hand-
some and respectful a manner, that I think the Queen's honour
the more concerned to have the justice of the case well examined
before it be finally determined. However, one way or other, I
think I may congratulate your Lordship that the peace is made,
in which if by good fortune I have any share, I must do Mr.
Prior the justice to inform you, that I have been in so particular
a, nt aimer assisted by his zeal, diligence and ability that I hope
he will be immediately encouraged and countenanced by some
mark of your Lordship's favour.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1712-13, February?] Munday morning. — This is to acquaint
you that I have bin in soe much pain all night with the gout in
both my feet that it is wholly impossible! can goe to the House
to-day, therfore I must desire you to send emediately to Lord
Keeper to prepare a commission for opening the Parliament, and
when he brings it for me to signe I will give him my speech. I
will speake the Dutchesse of Somerset as soon as I can conven-
iently, and have my letter ready to send to the Duke some time
in the evening. If you have anything more to say to me on this
subject or any other I desire you would send me an answer
presently, and be assured of my being, &c.

For the Lord Treasurer.

231

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

1713, [March 27-] April 6, n.s. Paris.— I understand Mr. " Van-
brugg " is fallen so much under her Majesty's displeasure that
it is supposed he will he removed from his employment in the
Works. I think myself obliged as much in respect to her
Majesty's service as in justice to Mr. Thomas Archer to acquaint
you that, impartially speaking according to my skill, he is the
most able and has the best genius for building of anybody we
have, and by my own experience dare assure you he is so
perfectly honest that I am certain the Queen would save con-
siderably if he were in that employment.

I mention this in case only that Mr. " Vanbrugg " be removed,
and give me leave to add that this is a matter in which I will
say with Sir Positive, if I do not understand it, I understand
nothing, and as I can guess at all his competitors, viz. Mr.
Talman, Mr. Wren, Hauksmere (Hawksmoor), &c. if I were with
your Lordship I could give such objections to every one as would,
I am confident, have some weight. At present I shall only say
that if this be done for Mr. Tho. Archer it will be an obligation
to your &c.

AsSAYMASTER OF THE MlNT.

1713, April 10.— Report signed by Cra. Peyton, Sir Isaac
Newton and E. Phelipps on the qualifications of Mr. Catesby
Oadham, Mr. Charles Brattel and other petitioners for the post
of Assaymaster. They have caused trial to be made before them,
and they consider that Mr. Brattel is the more expert and fitter
person for that employment. Annexed is the Memorial of Brattel
and copy of a recommendation of him signed _ by twenty-eight
persons " having great concerns in the importation of bullion in
her Majesty's Mint, and in buying and selling the same for
foreign markets by the Tower assays," including Robert, Stephen
and Francis Child and Richard Hoare.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, [April 21-] May 1, n.s. Paris.— Your Lordship having
given me a letter of credit upon Mr. Cantillon, and there being due
to me upon the 14th of April o.s. 1500/. upon the pension her
Majesty is pleased to allow me, I shall in a few days take the
Liberty to receive that sum of 1,500/. here of Mr. Cantillon, and
desire it may be understood that I design this as half a year of
'my pension, which with what I am able to spend out of my own
estate and what else I receive of her Majesty as Ambassador or
Chamberlain I am ready to lay out in this employment, and for
what this falls short, [am not in pain about it, having both her
Majesty's and your Lordship's [word?] it shall be made good
to me.

In this busy time I expect no answer, and have only to add
that I hope soon to have my audience of ceremony and make my
compliments, and that then you will not leave me long m this
country, where I confess myself heartily fcired.

232
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, May [2-] 13, n.s. Paris. — It is with the greatest satisfaction
imaginable that I receive assurances from your Lordship that
both her Majesty and yourself are satisfied with my services in
this place, that one reflection is more than sufficient to recom-
pense all I suffer by being in a station I am conscious to myself
to be many ways unfit for.

Your Lordship knows I have in England often commiserated
the deplorable condition of the poor Protestants in the galleys,
and am glad this King has promised that they shall be released.
If I had had any notice I should have endeavoured at this Court
to have got that promise as extensive as might be, and doubt not
but those who have transacted this affair have had that care, and
will take good information in order to see that promise fully per-
formed. As to the Bona Immobilia, Lord Bolingbroke tells me
I may assure these ministers that the subjects of France may
expect the treatment they desire in that respect.

The Court is now at Marly, and remains there till a few days
before Whitsuntide, so that opportunities of speaking with the
ministers are now rare. But I am to meet Monsieur de Torcy
next Wednesday at Versailles, where in the King's absence I
design to spend two or three days to see that place at -leisure,
and will take that occasion to discourse Monsieur de Torcy as
well upon the galley slaves, as the Bona Immobilia.

Your Lordship will find I do not so much deserve your praise
as you thought, having drawn a bill upon you for 1,5001 sterling,
the value of which I am to receive of Mr. Cantillon, but at the
same time I acquainted your Lordship that I understood
that sum was to satisfy 'half a year of the pension her
Majesty is pleased to allow me, which half-year was due
the 1-ith of April o.s., so that I count this money puts
her Majesty to no extraordinary charge. Your Lordship will
likewise be solicited for my bill of extraordinaries, my journey
as usual, included with the transport of my goods, makes it so
large, though not more than Lord Jersey's was. I suppose it
is your Lordship's meaning that that and my allowance as
Ambassador should be paid as customary in the Treasury,
which if discharged punctually, I hope I shall not so much exceed,
as I apprehended ; but if I am not regularly paid there, I shall
then be obliged to draw upon your Lordship to avoid the disgrace
of running in debt here.

If Abbe Gaultier had cause to apprehend this Court was
unsatisfied with him, he ought now to be convinced of the
contrary, by the good abbaye they have lately given him. I
have always observed Monsieur de Torcy speak very kindly of
him, and as often as it lay in my way I have endeavoured to
represent his services according to your Lordship's expressions
of them, and agreeable to what I really thought they deserved.

I beg you, my Lord, to give my duty to her Majesty and most
humble thanks for the leave she gives me to return. I hope to
make my entry and have my public audience the week before

233

Whitsuntide, after which several visits of ceremony are to be
made by me and returned to me ; then I must take my leave, and
the same visits are again repeated.

I heartily rejoice that her Majesty recovered her health in the
bad season, the weather now growing warm I hope will perfect
her recovery. To wish her life and health and happiness is no
compliment, for all our happiness I am sure, if not lives, depend
upon hers. After this prayer the next natural thought and my
most sincere wish is long life and prosperity to yourself.

Postscript.— The Duchess of Shrewsbury is very sensible of
the honour your Lordship does her in your most obliging remem-
brance, and is your very humble servant. She has never had a
week's health in this country, and therefore joins with me in
thanks for leave to come home.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, May [ 11-] 22 [n.s.] . Paris.— I understand by a letter from
my Lord Dartmouth that there is some difficulty about allowing
my bill of extraordinaries, the rule being not to exceed 400/. a
quarter ; I thought the custom had been to make allowances for
journeys and other charges mentioned in my bill, and was con-
firmed in that opinion by one now with me, who attended on
Lord Jersey in his Embassy here, and affirms to me that that
Lord had those allowances, and has the particulars now by him
as well of his expense upon his own journey, as of the transport
of his goods, horses, &c, which amounts to about the same I
have laid out, and he is positive it was allowed to Lord Jersey.
Nevertheless if he mistakes, or if any new order has been made,
I do not in the least press that a rule should be broken upon my
account, but only desire that your Lordship will pass what is
regular, and direct the payment of that sum as soon as con-
veniently you can.

My cousins the two Middletons having always had hopes given
tin ni that at the peace they might be entirely at liberty, grow,
I believe, impatient, but are so sensible of her Majesty's goodness
to them that they would press nothing might be disagreeable to
her.

Postscript— Your Lordship is pleased to tell me you will not
forget Mrs. Bathurst, but give me leave, my Lord, to say, that I
have lived in a Court too long not to know that if there were not
some obstacle more than you own this trine would not have
stuck so long as it has. 1 Hatter myself your friendship for me
would have done it long before this, so that if there be an objec-
tion—I neither desire your Lordship to trouble yourself to remove
it, nor to be told from whom or whence it comes— let me know
only there is a difficulty and your Lordship shall have no further
trouble in the matter. But to be kept on in these promises
is their absolute ruin, therefore 1 earnestly entreat your Lordship
to put an end to this affair one way or other.

231
The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

L713, [June29- July 9[n.s.]. Versailles.— A courier passing by

from Barcelona to London, I would not omit this opportunity of
observing to your Lordship that by the votes I see the Bill to
make the 9th Article of Commerce effectual has stopped in the
House of Commons ; neither Mr. Prior nor I having the least
intimation from anybody in what manner this affair has been
transacted, we may be at a loss what to say upon it at this Court,
where at present I do not find they are informed of the fact; but
when they are, though I foresee they will be surprised at your
being outvoted, 1 think they will not be much concerned at the
loss of that Article, which I am confident was thought here very
advantageous to England, but if the majority of the nation
judges otherwise no hurt is done, provided the difference of
opinion upon this point creates no heats that may have an ill
influence for the future. I depend on your Lordship's good
temper and judgment to prevent that fatal consequence.

The Duke of Bourbon and the Prince of Conti having made
cross matches, and this day married each other's sister here at
Versailles, these marriages "have retarded my visits of ceremony
to the Princes and ministers, which I hope now soon to dispatch,
and then to have my audience of leave, which will be a private
one at Marly, whither this King will go next Thursday and
return no more hither till after his journey to Fountainbleau.
I desire your Lordship to give order that what is due upon my
last quarter as Ambassador may be paid to my agent, for till I
have seen how far her Majesty's ordinary allowance will go,
I am unwilling to draw upon you extraordinarily, and flatter
myself I shall not be so expensive to her Majesty as I appre-
hended when I left England.

July 10th. When I had writ so far, understanding a courier
was arrived from the Duke d'Aumont, I stopped our messenger
till this morning that I might hear from Monsieur de Torcy
what news their express brought, and what effect it would have
upon their minds here. I am confirmed I was not mistaken in
my guess. The chief thing they are alarmed at is the division
in the party, and the apprehension that those who oppose this
trade with France may object to the whole treaties of commerce
and peace likewise. We endeavour to show them how one is no
necessary consequence of the other, that the treaties_ in general
may be approved, and yet the Parliament not be willing to make
the 9th Article effectual upon the conditions mentioned in it. I
hope it will not be long before we shall receive satisfactory
information upon this subject, since some particulars which have
happened of late may be supposed to give not only curiosity but
uneasiness.

Qpon the whole allow me, my Lord, to observe that mankind is
so changeable a creature that if this session you find the Parlia-
ment disposed to give a sanction to the peace never defer it to
another, for though to unbiassed men this will always appear the

235

most advantageous and necessary peace England ever concluded
yet no man can foresee what turn faction, interest, malice, envy
&c. may at one time give to the best of actions.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1713, July 5,] Sunday morning. — I am very sorry you con-
tinue soe much indisposed and therfore concludeing I shall not
have the satisfaction of seeing you to-day I give you this trouble
to enquire after your health and to lett you know that I find
myself soe much tyerd with the litle fatigue of yesterday that it
will be impossible for one to undertake that of going to St. Paul's ;
but however I think both Houses should go thither and I will
perform my devotions at St. James's and be contented without a
sermon. It is really very uneasy to me that I cannot go, which
I hope all my friends beleeve. I think it will be best to declare
this to-night, but would not make it publick till I had first
acquainted you witli it. If you think it necessary for me to send
any other message to the two Houses lett me know some time
this evening that I may give Lord Dartmouth orders about it. I
must desire you to think of an answer for me to give to the House
of Commons' address about the Pretender, which is to be brought
to me to-morrow in the evening.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, July [7-]18, n.s. Paris. — I have received the honour
of your Lordship's letter by Mr. Piobarts, and shall serve him
here in what lies in my power. I was glad to find he is not
wanted in the House of Commons, having at this time so easily
got leave to travel.

I have by this post sent to Lord Dartmouth my bill of extra-
ordinaries for the second quarter, it amounts to near 550/., but
your Lordship will please to direct payment of as much only as
is agreeable to the methods of the Treasury; I must repeat that
if you immediately order me to be paid what is due to me as
Ambassador, I shall have the less occasion to draw upon you out
of course, according as your Lordship gave me leave, but it is a
permission I will use as sparingly and as late <is I can.

I suppose the Duke d'Aumont will have spoke to your Lord-
ship in relation to what has passed upon tlie !»"' Article of
Commerce, in the manner I told you in my last. Tin's Court
seems disposed to behave themselves in thai particular as they
think will be most agreeable to her Majesty.

If your Lordship intends Mr. Prior should stay here any time
as her Majesty's minister it is fit he should know it, and have
money advanced to put himself in ;m equipage becoming bis
character, lie live-, now in hired Lodgings dearer than a house.
ami not decent if he remains, but in the uncertainty he is left
he can do no otherwise.

236

The Duchess of Shrewsbury is your Lordship's most humble
servant and much obliged by your kind remembrance. She has
never had a week's health at Paris.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1713, July '20, endorsed by Lord Oxford.'] Munday.— I was
very sory to hear by Lord Masham yesterday that you continued
soe much out of order. I hope this will find you better and able
to read without hurting your eyes. I wish you could speake with
Lord Dartmouth some time to-day, for it will be impossible to
deffer sending all my orders to the Bishop of Salisbury longer
then to-night, he going out of town to-morrow morning. I
beleeve Lord President will be very angry with me for letting
the Bishop go out of town before the Chapter, but I think it is
better not to be troubled with him there. I find Mr. Benson is
very uneasy at his patents being deffered, therefore I think it
would [be] better to stop it no longer, rather than disoblidg him
at the same time I intend him a kindnes ; but talk with Lord
Dartmouth about this too.

I am very uneasy to trouble with a letter at a time when your
eyes are so sore, but I thought it would not be soe proper to say
these things any other way, and therfore I hope you will excuse
your very affectionate friend.

For the Lord Treasurer.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

[1713, July 21, endorsed by Lord Oxford.'] Teusday. — I am
very sory you weare soe much out of order yesterday as to be
confined to your bed. I feare you will not be able to beare the
fatigue of the Enstalment next week, therefore I think it will be
much better to putt it off till to-morrow seven night, and then
there will be no hast of sending my orders to the Bishop of
Salisbury. However, the sooner you can speake with Lord
Dartmouth the better.

I signed Mr. Benson's bill last night, but did not think it
proper to acquaint the Lords with it, becaus in my oppinion it
would have given them a handle to prentend (sic) for the future to
give me there advice what peers to make, everybody being too
apt to encroch upon my right. I hope I shall have the satis-
faction of hearing you are better to-day.

For the Lord Treasurer.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, August [1-Jll, n.s. Paris. — Though what has passed of
late on your side the water has given me much curiosity, con-
cern and surprise, yet being wholly ignorant of the causes of it,
and despairing to be better informed till I wait on your Lordship,
I shall say no more at present, but that the election of a new

237

Parliament being very near, I hope all care will be taken to
promote the interest of such who sincerely wish the good of
their country, preferable to party and faction.

My stay here being short, and nobody named to relieve me, I
imagine Mr. Prior is designed to be left, in which case I cannot
forbear putting your Lordship in mind again that he ought to be
upon some fixed establishment, and not upon the uncertainty he
now is, which is expensive and not creditable for her Majesty.
The handsome rewards the Abbe, who will deliver you this, has
received from the Courts of France and Spain for his pains in
the peace makes Prior, I believe, hope he shall not be forgotten.
I understand Abbe Gautier carries over some plate and other
goods for his own use, and hopes the Custom House officers will
be civil to him. I do not doubt but your Lordship will give
directions that they be as far so as is consistent with the duty of
their employments.

Letters arrived this morning bring me the melancholy news of
your Lordship's indisposition, for which I am heartily sorry, and
ask your excuse for this unnecessary trouble.

Queen Anne to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, August 21. Windsor.— I was very much surprised to
find by your letter that, though I had told you the last time you
weare hear I entended to give the Treasurer of the Chamber to
Lord I)e Laware, you will bring me a warrant in blank. I desire
you would not have soe ill an oppinion of me as to think when
I have determined anything in my mind I will alter it. I have
told Lord De Laware I will give him this office and he has
kissed my hand upon it. Therfore when you com hither bring
the warrant with his name.

As to what you mention concerning Lord Clarendon, Sir David
Nairn, and the Councill of Trade, it will be time enough to take
any resolution about them when I see you, and being in bast to
take the air 1 can say no more of any other subject but Hint 1
am your very affectionate friend.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

171 3, Augusl 1 -1- 23, n.s. Paris.— I received the enclosed letter
from the Marsha] de Villars, 1 send you an extract of it, and have
not made any mention of it to the Secretary. It seems to me as
if that Lord were looking towards England, but of that— as I
would advise you of everything thai comes to my knowledge— I
doubt not but you have a particular information.

I need not tell your Lordship that in this, as in most Courts,
there are two parties; those who were least desirous of the peace,
and in the making of it, ;it least, more biassed to the Dutch, are
very busy in raising jealousies upon the delays in demolishing
of Dunkirk. 1 have mentioned this already to Lord Dartmouth,
and leave it more particularly to your Lordship's consideration.

23S

Mr. Grillenghem goes home very well satisfied with what he
has adjusted here, of which he will give your Lordship a more
particular account.

Mr. Prior being, I suppose, to stay here some time longer, will,
I believe, want some fresh powers, those which he has already
relating only to the making the peace. I shall he at Calais about
ten days hence, being impatient till I have the honour of seeing
you. and assuring you how sincerely I am, &c.

Enclosure : —

Extract —

Marshal de Villars to the Duke of Shrewsbury.

Au Camp de Spire, le 13 Aoust 1713. — J'ay receu une
lettre de M. le Due de Marlborough, par laquelle il me
demande des passeports, et pour retourner en Hollande,
et pour voyager seurement avec des escortes, j'ay cru
luy devoir repondre, que la Paix etant signee, ratifiee
et publiee entre nos Maistres, les Ambassadeurs des deux
Couronnes receus magnifiquement dans toutes nos Cours,
je ne pouvois m'imaginer, que M. de Marlborough et M.
de Cadogan peussent avoir quelque chose a craindre de
nos partys : mais dans le terns que M. de Marlborough
et M. de Cadogan desirent la protection du Roy pour
voyager seurement, les nouvelles publiques nous
apprennent, que le Roy et la Reine vostre maistresse n'ont
pas d'ennemis plus animez, je n'ay pas cru devoir leur
accorder ce qu'ils desirent bienque la consequence ne m'en
paroisse pas bien importante.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, August [18-J29, n.s. Paris. — I have been obliged to draw
upon your Lordship for the sum of 2,000/., one thousand to be
paid at fifteen, the other at twenty days' sight. Bills came in
faster at my leaving Paris than I expected, but at my waiting on
your Lordship in London, which I hope will be in eight days, I
shall give you a particular account of what I have spent, which
as it will not exceed .what I expected, I hope it will not dissatisfy
you. The whole shall be submitted to your examination and
pleasure, depending ever upon your friendship to one who is
with great truth and respect &c.

The Same to the Same.

1713, August 24, in the morning. Dover. — I received the
honour of your Lordship's letter on Saturday the day before I
embarked; this moment I landed here, after a very smooth
passage which lasted about seven hours. I am just taking coach
and hope to be at London on Tuesday.

239

Dr. John Arbuthnot to Lord Harley.

1713, September 2. Windsor.— I hope your Lordship will
excuse my presumption in taking the opportunity of this
messenger to wish your Lordship much joy. If it were possible
to enjoy so great a blessing as my Lady Harriott without the
envy, and with the good will of mankind, I believe your Lordship
does so, as for my own part I can say with truth, that I should
not have had a much more sensible pleasure, if my own son had
been the happy man. I have still another subject of joy which
is that my Lady Harriot has eased my royal mistress of one of
her cares, and 'that my Lord Treasurer's friends and humble
servants will have the pleasure to see his posterity enjoy a plentiful
fortune not erected upon the spoils of the public. On that score
I declare my Lady Harriott our sister being a true rewarder oj
merit. But' I ought to beg pardon qf a young bridegroom for
interrupting his more solid joys with such worldly reflections, as
also for my long letter, and therefore I beg leave to wish the
continuance of your present happiness.

It is a question amongst the learned at this time which is
more happy your Lordship or my Lord De la War in his new
place. Happiness depending upon opinion one would think it
impossible to be more so than my Lord De la War is.

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

[1713, September 2] Wednesday.— I cannot let the messenger
return without heartily congratulating with your Lordship, and
with the young Lord and Lady, upon the conclusion of the match,
wishing to all much and long happiness.

The enclosed was brought me from Lord Rivers, as I was told.
If it be to the same effect with mine your Lordship will find
something very unreasonable and impossible.

I long to see your Lordship, and think myself unfortunate to
have been so Long in England without that happiness.

(^i-EEN Annk to the Earl of Oxford.

1713, October G. Windsor.— 1 am very sorry to find by your
letter I received on Saturday last that your indispotion (sic) con-
tinued soe much as to hinder your coming hither, but I. hope you
are better now and will be aide to bear a journey by the end of
the week, and that the good weather coming again will complet
your recovery. I have felt the sharp weather a litle in one of
my feet, but I thank God it is prety well again now. There are
several things I should speake to you about, but I think it is
better to defier tbem till I can see you, and therfore shall trouble

you with nothing more at present but the assurance of my being
For the Lord Treasurer.

240

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1718, October 8. Windsor.— Understanding from her Majesty
thai your Lordship does not design to be here to-day, I take the
liberty to put you in mind that my journey is so fixed for next
Monday early in the morning in order to reach my own house
the same night, that it would be extreme inconvenient for me to
defer it. At the same time it will be absolutely necessary I
should see the papers I mentioned to your Lordship and have
soiiK' opportunity to discourse you upon them. If in order to this
my coming to London to-morrow will be of use, your Lordship
will be pleased to let me know it, and your own hour, if it could
be such a one as I might return the same evening, it would be
more convenient, but I shall comply with any time you appoint.
If at the same time I receive your Lordship's answer the papers
should be so ready that they might be sent me, I should have
leisure to look them over and come better prepared to receive
your Lordship's directions. I humbly entreat your answer
to &c.

The Same to the Same.

1713, October 9, Windsor.— I have received the letter and
book your Lordship did me the honour to send me, and find the
last contains two establishments, one of the civil, the other of
the military, payments, both settled in my Lord Wharton's
government in 1709, without any new directions accommodated
to the present time. The list of the officers upon half-pay is the
same that was then, of which undoubtedly some are dead and
others provided for ; I have no list of the officers now to be kept
on half-pay, or of those disbanded regiments whose officers it is
expected should be maintained upon the Irish establishment, till
they can be provided in that army, nor do I understand by tins
paper what number of Horse, foot' and dragoons are designed to
be kept up in Ireland.

I shall want your directions about the pensions, of which I find
no mention here, but hope when I have the honour to see your
Lordship you will give me a list of them as now settled, and your
orders thereupon, as also relating to the French Protestant
pensioners.

The disposition of the Concordatum has been in some disorder,
and, as I am informed, several small pensions charged upon it.
I cannot think that fund by any means proper for annual settled
pensions, and hope your Lordship will give me instructions in
that and the other particulars before Monday.

I am truly sorry, my Lord, to hear the pain hangs so long upon
you, and uneasy to give you any trouble at this time ; yet I can-
not forbear being impertinent out of my way, and telling you I
heartily wish you would bring yourself into a method of keeping
better hours. I know by experience that nothing is more preju-
dicial to a strong constitution, and more destructive to a weak
one, than late hours of eating and sleeping.

241

Forgive this digression, which proceeds from iny friendship to
your person, and my sincere wishes for the welfare of England
so much concerned in your health.

Paul Foley to the Duchess of Newcastle.

1713, October 20. — Since I can be no longer serviceable it is
the greatest satisfaction to receive the favour of your assurance
that I shall have your good wishes and any kindness in your
power to do for me.

I cannot think anything your Grace does a slight to me when
I reflect on the many favours }rou have been pleased to oblige
me with, which shall always lie remembered with a grateful
acknowledgment.

As for what your Grace is pleased to mention in relation to
Aldborough, I doubt not but you have been informed that Mr.
Downey is chosen at Pontefract and at Aldborough, that he will
make his election for the former, being a family interest, which
will occasion another election at Aldborough. By the manage-
ment of what your Grace gave me when I went out of town, with
a considerable addition of my own, being a very expensive
election on all sides, I have fixed the interest there in my
own power for so long as I keep the notes which some
are so sensible of that it is believed I can and your Grace
cannot blame me if I do make the utmost advantage of it
for my own benefit, and since your Grace has no other occasion
for them but to be a voucher, 3-011 may assure yourself that and
everything else in my power shall be ready for your service when
wanting.

Give me leave to pray for your health and a happy deliverance
from all your afflictions. I never served your Grace for the lucre
of gain, but purely flowing from affection, and therefore hope
it may be excused if out of the way of my profession I take all
opportunities to serve you, and intend for the future to exclude
myself from having anything to do in the cause on one side or
another.

The Duke of ShkewsbuRy to [the Earl of Oxford].

1713, November 3. Dublin.- — I did not intend to trouble your
Lordship so soon, but that I find in this place a disposition
more obstinate than I expected. The Council who have made
such steps in the dispute about the Mayor, as your Lordship
knows, have been little approved by her Majesty or her Council
in England, are prevailed on here by sonic warm and leading
men among them to think their honour is so concerned in sup-
porting this matter that they will hearken to no expedient but
that the Aldermen should accept one of the three they have
already refused, and if they do not, supported by the opinion of
most of these Judges, think the Mayor oughl to bold over. The
City who, to avoid confusion have not yet questioned the Legality
of the mayor and sheriffs continuing to preserve order for some

6802 M

■2 I -1

time, have now presented a petition to me desiring I would give
some directions, for thai their Courts stand adjourned, and they
dare not proceed to the. trial of criminals nor of actions of meum
and t iik in in the Courts whilst it is disputable in law whether the
mayor can hold over or no. This difficulty seems weighty to me,
who have heard both Lord Hareourt and Sir Ed. Northey assert
thai unless there he express words in the charter to give a. Mayor
such a power by law he cannot do it. But though I have told this
to several of the Privy Councillors I cannot perceive it has any
weight with them ; they think the dignity of their board highly
concerned to oblige the City to submit, which I heartily wish it
were in my power to persuade them to.

I had laboured an expedient which I take to be the same her
Majesty recommended, that the mayor should be prevailed on to
go to a new election, propose two of his former men and another
the City would accept; I added that he should be none of the
seventeen the Council had made a vote against. This expedient
was at first approved by the Chancellor [Phipps] , but when I
had brought the City with some difficulty to consent to let their
seventeen be laid aside for this time the Chancellor went back,
and told me the Lords of the Council were so averse to this as
derogatory to their dignity (though I profess I cannot see in what)
that he must plainly tell me he could not be for it, and was con-
fident the Council would never consent to it. I believe there
never was a case like mine, condemned already as in a Whig
interest for following the orders of her Majesty and her present
ministry.

It is certain that if this ridiculous dispute were adjusted Ave
have the appearance of the easiest session for her Majesty's
affairs that ever was, so that it can be nothing but the excess of
folly, heat, or malice, for any of her Majesty's servants to keep up
this dispute, which if not settled before the Parliament meets
will embroil all.

I must deal plainly with your Lordship, and desire this may be
communicated to her Majesty only. All in power here are so
confederated and engaged upon this trifling point that there is
not one of them I can open myself to, and I cannot help
suspecting a design is laid to put all imaginable difficulties upon
my Government to make it as uneasy as the last was, in which
they had so considerable a share.

I have been very ill since I came, and the vexation of this
usage has made me worse. I wish some of Lord Chancellor's
friends would write to him her Majesty's commands plainly, for
at present he seems to think nothing so valuable as the carrying
this dispute against the City, by which he makes himself popular
with the Lords of this Council puffed up with the same conceit.

Yesterday the Archbishop of Armagh died. It is of great
importance not to dispose of this preferment before the end of
the Session of Parliament, so I hope her Majesty will not be
prevailed on to do it sooner ; and in the meantime will be well
informed who is the properest person to fill that see.

243

The Duke of Shrewsbury to [the Earl of Oxford].

1713, November 19. Dublin. — I return you my most sincere
and grateful acknowledgments for your Lordship's of the 10th,
and for the other letters you procured to be writ hither so
speedily and strongly concerning the affair I applied to you upon.
Your Lordship will, I doubt not, be surprised when I assure you
they have not had the least effect here. This Council does not doubt
but they are in the right, and that her Majesty and her ministers
in England will be convinced they are so. In the meantime the
Parliament which should have met to-morrow I have prorogued
to the 25th by advice of the Privy Council. Then they must
meet, the Whigs angry with me for not settling this dispute,
though it is not in my power, but so outrageous against those
they think the authors of it that if they have strength they will
show their resentment.

It would have been in my power to have prevented all this, and
brought them together in good temper, if 1 had had credit
enough to have got her Majesty's and her ministers' directions
executed : but as it stands I want words to describe the uneasi-
ness of my condition, exposed to the censure of everybody if the
business in Parliament miscarry, and yet without authority
(unless in conjunction with the Council) to make those steps that
would prevent it. But it is unnecessary to say more at this time.
When I see in what humour the Parliament meets I shall trouble
your Lordship further.

Queen Anne to the [Earl of Oxford].

1713, December 8. Windsor. — Whenever I see you I have soe
many subjects to speak to you upon that I often forget something
or other, as I did yesterday to desire you to order Mr. Darcy and
Feilding some money on the account of my stables ; and at this
time that I am going to make liveries and new coaches you can
not lett them have less than three thousand pound, and the
sooner they have it the better it will be for my service.

Now that I have a pen in my hand I can not help desireing
you againe when you com next, to speake plainly, lay everything
open and hide Qothing from me, or els how is it possible I can
judg of anything. I spoke very freely and sincerly to you
yesterday, and I expect you should do the same to her that is
sincerly your very affectionate friend.

For the Lord Treasurer.

[The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.]

1713, December 22. Dublin Castle.- The state of our affairs
here is so dismal that, having given some accounl of it in my
letters to my Lord Bolingbroke, I have neither inclination nor
health to repeal the same to your Lordship. I shall only say

fchat the heats on both sides are such tlmt little is to he expected
from this session, nor at present from this Parliament; and

244

what is worsr, if a new one were chosen I am confident the
humour of the House of Commons would not mend.

My temper is so unfit to join with either of these parties that I
hope her Majesty will recall me, and name some other Governor
more fitly qualified for this tempestuous station, and who will
reside here so as to make himself obeyed hotter than I have been
able to do, even when 1 signified her Majesty's commands; for
it being known I was only to stay here a few months I have
made the figure rather of a Viceroy in a Play than of one who
had the honour of her Majesty's patent.

I have so little prospect that more money will he given than
the three months' impositions passed to-day that L hope your
Lordship will he thinking how to reduce the Establishment so as
to subsist on the revenue. There is no more probable way of
bringing these people to some calmness than to show that the
Queen can support her Government without them, and that if
she asks more money from them it is for their own good and
security.

I entreat your Lordship to give my most humble duty to the
Queen, and assure her I am truly afflicted that I have not been
able to serve her better. I flatter myself she will have the good-
ness to think I have not wanted good- will, whatever other defects
1 have had. I am ever most faithfully your &c.

Dr. John Radcliffe to — — Morley.

1713 [-14], January. — If you are at leisure I should be glad to
have the favour of your company this night, being all alone, but
I hope you will not fail according to your promise to be here
to-morrow at dinner between three and four, and a friend or two
of yours will be here to wait upon you to remember the Phenix,
for I find there is but one of the kind. I hope nothing will
prevent us of enjoying your good company, which is so very
esteemed and desired by him who is &c.

" These to Mr. Morley present."

The Duke of Marlborough to the [Earl of Oxford].

1714, January 29. Antwerp. — I know not by what accident,
but I had not the favour of your Lordship's letter of the 25th of
the last month, old style, till last Friday, so that it was three
weeks coming hither. I have taken the first opportunity of
returning you my thanks for the orders you have given, as also
for your obliging assurances, and as I have resolved to do it in
a more particular manner by Mr. Cadogan I shall end this with
the assurances of my being &c.

The Duke or Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxfouu.

1713-14, February 2. Dublin Castle.— Yours of the 14 January,
which I received last night, has much surprised me, to find that
two of your Lordship's letters to me should miscarry. Would

245

it not be worth enquiring where such a failure has lain, which I
much suspect not to be accidental twice together, because I have
not observed since I have been here to have wanted any other
letter ; and I believe it is new that two letters together from a
Lord Treasurer of Great Britain to a Chief Governor of this
kingdom should miscarry when every private man's letter is
safely delivered.

It never was my thought, much less my intention, to attempt
putting the administration of this kingdom into other hands
than of Tories. But as I was and am now more convinced the
Whigs have the majority in the House of Commons I apprehended
there needed greater management with them here than in
England, where the case is different.

If in that unlucky dispute about this City I had prevailed
at my first coming with the Council to have come to any
expedient — even to that which this Chancellor first proposed,
and employed Sir Jo. Stanley to negotiate, but retracted
after it was accepted by the City — if this point only
could have been settled, many of the Whigs promised me
their vote for the Speaker, which would have been a good
beginning of the Session, and showed them I had some interest
to protect them from the hardships they pretend to fear from a
man they have incensed. But instead of that the Privy Coun-
cillors met in numbers, as I am informed, and entered into-
engagements not to depart from a tittle of what they had
determined. And from that time it was the public discourse
here that it signified little what opinion I was of, since little
regard would be had to it in England ; that I was to stay but
some weeks, and then the government return into the Chan-
cellor's hands, who had the secret of the ministers. All this has
been confirmed by that very Bishop [Lindsay] being made
Primate which Lord Chancellor's intimates reported was to be
several posts before the letter arrived ; though I had proposed
one should be sent from England, and named the Bishops of
Hereford or Chester, or Dr. Smalridge. Tin's opinion was again
confirmed by the Council in England altering their mind in the
dispute with this City and is now so fixed in everybody of both
parties that, as none think 1 am able to serve them, none apply
to me, and I am incapable of doing any service, under the
opinion the two parties have conceived of my small credit at
Court.

I am glad I mistook and that there have been no thoughts of
taxing tliis kingdom from England. It then remains to consider
whether the savings your Lordship shall direct shall be such as
might be proper if yen had a. prospect of a Parliament soon to
sit, and pay off the debt contracted, or such as must reduce the
establishment to the revenue, so as the Government may subsist
some time without a Parliament. I shall soon lay before your
Lordship my thoughts upon that subject when I have made some
necessary enquiries.

1 believe everybody begins to he now of opinion that if a, now
Parliament were called it would not be of a temper (especially

246

about Lord Chancellor) different from this present House of
Commons. The wisest of the Whigs confess they have gone too
far and too fast, and know not how to go hack, and flatter them-
selves the Queen will not make her own business and (as they
term it) the greatest part of the kingdom uneasy for one man,
whom she can easily remove to his advantage, and place another
in his room, a Church man by principle, with whom they pre-
tend not to doubt they should agree. I have shown them how
their own proceedings have made this less probable to succeed.

William Jackson to [the Earl of Oxford].

lllS-14, February 12. — With this I send your Lordship's arms
engraved with a coronet prospective, and all different from what
is usual. I have left a vacancy for the motto and the inscription.

I have had the misfortune of having some time ago a boil
under my eye, which turning to an incurable humour it is judged
by several able physicians and surgeons, and even by Mr.
Serjeant Dickings, to be the King's Evil ; but it being too
difficult to have the royal touch, I humbly implore your Lord-
ship's recommendation to Mr. Serjeant Dickings to grant me
a ticket, her Majesty being to touch next Monday at Windsor.

The Luke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1713-14, March 2. Dublin Castle.— Sir Richard Leving being
obliged to go into England upon some business relating to his
own family I take the liberty to give your Lordship this trouble
by his hands, and as he is well informed of the state of our affairs
here, hope you will at your best leisure give him an opportunity
of acquainting you with some particulars and circumstances which
can much better be explained in discourse than in letters ; I
think it a justice due to his behaviour to testify for him that, to
the best of my observation, he has acted with great duty to her
Majesty, and, in the station he is, with ability in her service.

Hoping it will not be long before I shall wait on your Lordship
in England, and, having no letter from you since the 26th of
January, which I answered the 2nd of February, I shall at present
give you no further trouble than to assure you that I am &c.

Ade[lhida], Duchess of Shrewsbury to [the Eabl
of Oxford] .

[1714, July 30. Kensington.] — The Duke of Shrewsbury being
at Council I have obeyed your Lordship's command in opening
your letter and can assure you I never in my life saw my Lord
in so much concern as the other unfortunate day. The Queen is as
ill as she can be, and the physicians have but little hopes. I
don't doubt my Lord will want both your counsel and assistance,
and has been prevailed upon, I imagine, with this hope, but I
would with all my heart you was in still. About coming or

247

not I cannot pretend to say what is better, only I shall let your
Lordship know that almost everybody comes to enquire how the
poor Queen does, but I imagin the Duke of Shrewsbury will as
soon as he can answer your kind letter.

My Lord, in my particular, nobody is more your servant and
very good friend than &c.

Endorsed by Lord Oxford us received "July 30, 1714, past nine
at night."

John Plumptre to the Duchess of Newcastle.

1714, September 3. [Nottingham.] — I humbly hope your
Grace will pardon this manner of address which I have chosen
at present rather than to wait on your Grace in person, because
my business being a petition, the grant of which I dare not
presume to depend upon, I think it most becoming the respect
and regard due to your Grace, that, in case I cannot have your
Grace's favour, I should spare you the disturbance which great
and generous minds feel when they are forced to deny a petitioner
to his face.

I am so importunately pressed by my friends here to offer
myself again as a candidate for this town at the approaching
elections for a new Parliament, that I cannot refuse them
without incurring the reproach of abandoning them and giving
them up. 'Tis a great honour I receive by their pitching upon
me, but very incomplete, if I must labour under the discoun-
tenance of your Grace, to avoid which, as much as in me lies,
I here humbly apply myself to you. I confess I have just cause
from other reasons, as well as my own want of merit, to
apprehend a denial, but the fear of that is nothing in comparison
with the dread I am under on the other hand of doing anything
slighting or disrespectful to your Grace, which my not applying
to you at all upon this occasion would have the appearance of.
I beg therefore that your Grace would please to put a favourable
construction upon this letter.

[The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.]

1714, December 3. — Some business has happened which will
make it impossible for me to attend your Lordship upon my
Lord Rivers's concerns today or tomorrow, any other time you
will appoint I shall be ready either morning or evening.

I should always have been ready to have seen your Lordsbip
whenever I had thought it convenient, notwithstanding what you
mention. If you should appoint Sunday in the evening I desire
it may be at your house, mine being that day crowded with
company to the Duchess of Shrewsbury, who is your humble
servant, as 1 most sincerely.

The Baroness Kielmensegge to the [Earl of Oxford].

[1714, December 22.]— " Vous seres surpris que sans avoir
l'honneur de vous connoitre, je prenne la liberte de vous faire line
priere. Vous aves unecour proche de ma maison qui m'einpeche

248

la communication dans le jardin de St. James, ou mon mari et
moi voudrions bien quelquefois prendre l'air. Je vous demande
done en grace de vouloir permettre quej'y fasse faire im passage.
Vous vendr6s ce terrain la sans doute avec la maison, mais
com me cela ne sei\i pas fait si tot vous m'obligeres fort de me
permettre d'avance de faire i'aire ledit passage. Si vous voules
avoir la bonte d'envoyer quelqu'un de vos gents, je leur
montrerai l'endroit, et ils pouront vous expliquer plus clairement
le fait que je ne puis le faire par lettre. Si vous voulies vous
defaire de ce petit terrain je l'achetterois voluntiers."

[Endorsed hij Oxford: — "Madam de Kielmensegge, Dec. 22,
1714. Answered that evening."]

The Duchess of Newcastle to Art. Colclough.

1715, March 28.— My great thanks for the favour of your
letter by Sir Garvis, my health was so bad that I could not go
more than twice to London, though business brought me so near
by my enemies' means, they hoping to shorten my life, which is
now their whole design.

In answer to that you write, if I know myself, I am determined
to get my right if justice be not out of England, therefore will
try to the last. You have heard me often declare I valued my
honour far beyond my interest, therefore shall never own my
right to be another's, which I must do by that you propose
making good their pretended agreement by which Harley takes
from Pelham my estate as a gift from Pelham, which estate I
will defend to the last coat on my back. That above mentioned
the Harleys hath endeavoured ever since the wicked marriage.
The proceedings of that crew shall never be mine, nay, the more
they appear in such shapes, the further off they shall find their
design they pretend to take effect. Their treatment of me is
every day more and more notorious, visible to all persons that
will see and hear as well as I that feels their unjust brutishness.
Therefore must beg all that will be my friends never to name the
Harleys nor their allies to me, they giving me hourly reason to
abhor them.

The Duchess of Newcastle to Gace.

1715, April 9. Welbeck— I received your letter of the 2nd
instant directed to my house at London, whereby I know you
had neither my letter from Welbeck when I went towards
London, and another I sent to you to inform you of [my] return
to Welbeck, where 1 have been above three weeks. I never
doubted your justice, therefore had no uneasiness when I did not
hear from you, believing you had not time from other business ;
to hear it was from want of health T will assure you is a great
trouble to me who wishes you, &c, all health and happiness; as
to the tenants, as you told the tenants, I shall do nothing more
than give wood if upon the premises, which if not satisfactory, I
desire you will provide such as will. You know I have no pre-
tence in that estate but my life, though in the rest in that county

•219

I have, therefore shall be at no expense, by reason both Harleys
and Pelham are such as I shall not be concerned, for whoever
have the right neither thereof having yet made out any title but
does all in their power to keep off all hearings of matter of fact,
both believing the}' may tire me, in which they may find their
politic will prove abortive. I doubt not but you hear I am like
to be "least " from one of my enemies, which is almost death to the
other, hoping to be able to torment me when they both joined,
though in so childish a way that makes all reasonable people
laugh. The gold stand and kettle given by both is no news to
you, being known and discoursed of in all this nation.

The Duke of Newcastle, Lord Chamberlain, to the
Earl of Oxford.

1717, July 2.— I am commanded by his Majesty, in as civil
a manner as I could, to acquaint your Lordship that it is his
Majesty's pleasure that your Lordship should not come to Court
till you have his Majesty's leave. I hope your Lordship will do
me the justice to think that what 1 have done is in obedience to
the orders I have received from his Majesty, being with great
truth &c.

The Eael of Oxford to the Duke of Newcastle.

1717, July 2. — I have this moment received the honour of
your Grace's letter, containing his Majesty's commands that I
should not come to Court. I do assure your Grace that I will
obey with the utmost duty and punctuality.

I am extremely sensible of your Grace's great civility, and am
with the greatest respect &c.

Draft in Lord Oxford's handwriting.

Jonathan Swift to Robert Habley, Earl of Oxford.

1717, July 9. Dublin.- -Since I am sure no event can have
any power upon 3rour mind, I cannot help believing that during
this glorious scene of your life (I do not mean your discharge,
but your two years' imprisonment) you have sometimes found a
minute to remember an inconsiderable man who ever loved you
above all tilings. I write to you from an imagination I have
always had, that as soon as you were freed from your jailers, you
would retire for some months to Herefordshire, and that I should
be a companion in your retirement. Therefore if you have any
such thoughts, I beg you will command me to attend, for 1 have
many things to say to you, and feo enquire of you, as you may
easily imagine. You will forgive me if 1 tali ignorantly, for
perhaps you intend to live in town, or pass the summer with my
Lord Harley, or perhaps (as some refiners say) you arc again to
be a minister. In any of these cases, all 1 have said I desire
may go for nothing, and I will wait your leisure. However, pray
let me know as soon as you can by a line from yourself. J will
trouble you no more at present.

250

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1717, August. — Some business lias happened, since I had the
honour to see your Lordship, so unluckily that I cannot possibly
come to London before Wednesday, upon which day I shall be
ready to attend your Lordship at my own house at five, and
endeavour to get my Lord Eochfort to meet you, unless I hear
from your Lordship or Lord Barrymore to the contrary. Pray,
my Lord, be punctual to the hour, and let Mr. Dixon know this
alteration.

The Earl of Oxford to his granddaughter, Lady Margaret

Harley.

1723, October 21.— My dearest grandchild. A little indisposi-
tion hindered me from thanking my dearest Peggy for your kind
letter of the 13 instant. My love to you may inform you how
acceptable any expression of your kindness is ; the oftener I hear
from you my pleasure will be the greater, because I shall find
every time proofs of your improvement. I choose to write to
you upon this day, it being the birthday of my father and your
great grandfather, that it may put you in mind never to do any-
thing unworthy the stock you are descended from in your whole
life, which I pray God may be long. I will tell you that my
father had the courage and firmness of my Lord Vere, your
excellent mother's great grandfather and my father's uncle. _ To
this may be added, he had the sweetness, gentleness, and piety
of my Lady Vere, his aunt, godmother, and your mother's great
grandmother. This I mention to you, my dearest child, for your
information, but for your instruction you have the example of
your excellent mother and father, who are shining patterns for
you, which I hope you will imitate and copy. This is the best
wish can be put up to God for you by

Dearest Grandchild

Yours, &c.

Jonathan Swift to Edward, Second Earl of Oxford.

1724, November 27. Dublin. — I am very happy in the honour
of your Lordship's remembrance, and the many marks I have
had of your favour, neither was I at all uneasy at your Lordship's
delaying to let me hear from you, because I learnt from others
that you and my lady were in good health, and I knew your
silence did not proceed from any change in your good disposition
towards me. I never knew any person more hardly drawn to
write letters of no consecmence than my late lord your father.
It was very seldom I got a scrip from him, and yet I never lost
the least ground in his favour and kindness.

What I had intended in relation to my late Lord Oxford was
both some memoirs of his life and ministry and likewise to make
him have a great part in a History which I wrote in England,
and which his Lordship and the rest of the ministers had read,
but by some accidents was not printed, and I propose to make in
it several alterations and additions.

251

I have many years frequently resolved to go for England, but
was discouraged by considering what a scene I must expect to
find by the death and exile of my friends, and a thousand other
disgusting circumstances ; and after all to return back again into
this enslaved country to which I am condemned during existence
(for I cannot call it life) would be a mortification hard to support.

However that kind invitation your Lordship hath pleased to
give will I hope rouse up my spirits ; but there is another incon-
venience from which I ensure your Lordship for forty years to
come, and then you must look to yourself. I mean the want of
health. I have the honour to be afflicted with the same disease with
your Lordship's father, frequent fits of deafness, and at present I
labour under one which hath confined me two months, and hath
worn out my patience, fearing I shall never recover it ; in such
a case I must confine myself to my deanery house and garden,
converse only with treble and counter-tenor voices, and turn a
speculative monk. I should not have troubled your Lordship
with relating my own infirmities, if they were not an excuse for not
immediately obeying your Lordship's commands to attend you.

I return you my most humble thanks for your promise of my
late Lord Oxford's picture, but that alone will hardly serve your
turn, if ever I have the honour to see you again. In the mean-
time, since your Lordship pleases to ask me the question, I desire
it may be a three-quarter length, I mean below the knees.

I must be so bold to return my most humble respects to my
Lady Oxford, and my sincerest thanks for the honour of being
remembered by her Ladyship.

My unconversable disorder hath hindered me from seeing my
old friend the Lord Lieutenant, from whom I never received
since his arrival any more than one dry message. He hath
half frightened the people here out of their no understandings.
There is a fellow in London, one Wood, who got a patent for
coining half-pence for this kingdom, which hath so terrified us,
that if it were not for some pamphlets against these half-pence,
we must have submitted. Against these pamphlets the
Lieutenant hath put out a proclamation, and is acting the most
unpopular part I ever knew, though I warned him against it by
a letter before he came over, and thought by his answer that he
would have taken my opinions. This is just of as much con-
sequence to your Lordship as the news of a skirmish between two
petty states in Greece was to Alexander, while he was conquering
Persia, but even a knot of beggars are of importance among
themselves.

I doubt Mr. Pope's voyage into Homer-land will bring more
profit than reputation, and I wish his fortunes could afford him to
employ his own genius. I have been told this voyage is to supply
what he lost by a former into the South Sea.

I have tired your Lordship, and will abruptly conclude by
professing myself with the truest and greatest respect etc.

P.S.— i shall desire a gentleman to attend your Lordship for
the ring, which I value more than if it was from the greatest
prince in Europe.

252

Dr. John Arbuthnot to Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford.

1726, November 1(>. London. — I am sorry the bad weather
allows your Lordship so much time for study in the country,
though 1 reckon that even in the must serene day one can
hardly leave Guliver {sic). There has been a vast demand for
(iuliver, the first impression was sold off in a moment, everybody
has been mightily delighted with him. I bad the honour to wait
on her Roya] Highness when she had just come to that passage
of the hobbling prince, which her Highness laughed at. Ministerial
folks say the book is a pleasant humourous book and it was
pity he descended so low. as some little satire, that is too
particular ; some folks that I know wrent immediately to their
maps to look for Lillypott and reckoned it a fault in their maps
not to have set down. Lord Scarborrow met with a sea captain
that knew Guliver, but he said the bookseller was mistaken in
placing his habitation at Rotherith for he was sure he lived at
Wapping. In short the book has made very good diversion to
all the town. It was not possible for me at this time to send
the Ballad, but your Lordship shall have it ; there are a hundred
incorrect copies of it about town. I have just now transcribed
the substance of the paper of Quadrille. I fancy there will be
some comical papers about (Iuliver. I have seen a pretty good
epistle from Guliver's wife to him in the style of Ovid. I happen
to be so unlucky as to have twenty things to do this moment,
else your Lordship should have had the Ballad, and for the same
reason I hope you will be so good as to forgive this hasty and
hardly legible scrawl.

The Same to the Same.

1726, November 23. London. — I am come home so late that
I have only time to thank your Lordship for the honour of yours,
and to keep my promise by enclosing the Ballad, the only copy
that I have. I hope your Lordship will see some copies of verses
with the next edition of 'Guliver.' This with my wishes for
your Lordship's health and prosperity and your speedy return to
town is from yours, &c.

J. Gay to the Same.

[1727-8, February 12.] — I was last night to pay my duty to
your Lordship, and to thank you for interesting yourself in so
kind a manner in my behalf. I had heard before that the King
and Queen were to be present at "Julius Caesar" on Friday, so
that my intention was to acquaint your Lordship that I had
iixed on Thursday. As to the boxes on that day, I fear by what
I have heard about the town they are taken up already, but if
your Lordship would be so good as to send a servant to the box-
keeper, I hope I shall have the honour of Lady Oxford's presence
in the very box she chooses, for I know Mr. Rich would upon all
occasions be very glad to oblige your Lordship.

253

Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford, to Dean Swift.

1728. July 27. — It is now complete two months since I received
the favour of your letter, and a very great one I esteem it, and
also some medals which were of use tome in my collection, please
to accept my thanks for them. Mr. Clayton has heen going this
six weeks, which was one reason of my not writing, and I think
I should not give you the trouble of two letters upon the same
subject resolving to write by him whenever he went. I have
heard some kind of whisper as if the Dean of St. Patrick's would
lie in England this winter. 1 wish he may, but it is too good
news to be true, I fear. Mr. Pope stands by himself Athanasius
contra mundmn. There is never a newspaper comes out but he
is favoured with a letter, a poem, an epigram, even to a distich,
from the numerous herd of dunces and blockheads that are in
and about London and the suburbs thereof. I saw him the other
day, he is as to his health much the same as you left him. he has
at last taken a resolution of going to the Bath this season. I
hope it will be of service to him. My wife and Peggy are much
your humble servants. My wife goes this next season to the
Bath. I hope it will do her good for the badness of her stomach.
I hope this will find you very well wherever it be, for I hear you
often make excursions into the country. I shall be glad to hear
that you are free from your deafness you complained of when
you went out of England last.

Voltaire to [Edward, Earl of Oxford].

[1728,] In Maiden Lane at the White Wigg, Covent Garden.
— Tho' I am a traveller unknown to your Lordship the name of
" Harlay " has been for many centuries so glorious among us
French, and the branch of your house settled in France is so
proud of the honour of being nearly related to your Lordship.
that you must forgive the liberty of this letter.

I have written and printed here a book called the "Henriade,"
in which one Harlay of your house acts a most noble part, and
such a one as you sliould be acquainted with.

For my part, having been in some measure educated in the
house of the late Achilles de Harley, the oracle and the first
president of our Parliament, 1 should be wanting to my duty
if I durst not trouble your Lordship about it, and beg the favour
of waiting upon you before the book conies out.

I expect to know when I may wait upon your Lordship.

I am with much resped &c.

Jonathan Swift to Edward Harlby, Earl of Oxford.

1738, April 3. Dublin.—] have a long time been under a
difficulty of aafely Bending live medals to you. two of which w< re

of the twelve Cesars, and the rest of those Kmperors who

succeeded near them, because I know your Lordship hath a
curiosity in this polite paii of knowledge. They were found in a

25 I

very old churchyard of this city, and as it belongs to me in some
manner, the minister of the church being my chancellor (Doctor
Delany), they were sent to me, gratis, although T expect fifteen
pence for them. However, on account of your poverty, I will
take only a shilling. You will rind that we in Dublin had
Roman medals as well as you. This will be at least a motive,
that your old acquaintance is still alive, as well as your lady,
from whom T have received more marks of friendship and con-
descention than from any of you all. I hourly brag of her
favours, and shew them to all my visitors. A worthy gentleman
of this kingdom, Mr. Eichardson, a member of our Parliament,
will deliver you these, and your Lordship who condescended to
see Faulkner the printer, will know how to distinguish the bearer
of this. You must send me an answer, and my Lady Oxford
must subscribe three lines at least. I am now good for nothing,
very deaf, very old, and very much out of favour with those in
power. My dear Lord, I have a thousand things to say, but I
can remember none of them. I will hold you no longer than
while Mr. Eichardson stands by you. My humble respects to
the Duchess, I hope she hath not forgot me. I hope you see my
friend Mr. Lewis often, he complains of age as well as myself ;
tempora mutantur. Does the Duke of Ormond come over, so it
is here reported ? What is become of Mr. Thomas Harley, and
of Mr. Edward, and his son or sons? Are you and my Lady
Oxford in full health ? Pray tell me everything relating to you
and your family.

E [dward] Ytoung * to the Duchess of Portland.

1740, August 25. Tunbridge Wells.- — "I was extremely ill
when I writ my last letter, and whether it was intelligible to your
Grace I cannot tell. My fever has left me under great weakness,
for which I am advised to drink these waters for a fortnight
longer ; if it will be then convenient to your Grace to admit an
invalid into so happy a society, I shall pay my duty at Bullstrode
with the greatest pleasure. The inducements your Grace is
pleased to mention are very great, but none is greater than the
satisfaction I shall take in paying my thanks for the honour you
do to one so entirely unentitled to it. Madam, I rejoice that the
little innocents enjoy that health which they cannot yet have
possibly forfeited by their crimes ; the contrary of which is
generally the sting of those that suffer in a more advanced age.

" I beg my humble duty to his Grace, and my humble service
to the lady that is with you ; nor must she take ill my liberty in
doing so, for, whatever she may imagine, she is no stranger to
me, which I shall explain when I see her."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1740, September 10. Tunbridge Wells.— " I have the
unhappy advantage of very sensibly condoling with your Grace
on your present complaint, labouring under the same myself,
from a violent cold, which the badness of the season has made

* Author of Night Thoughts, etc.

255

here an almost universal complaint : the excessive rains have
washed away all our company, all I mean that came for pleasure ;
they that came for health are still fishing for it in these waters ;
but the waters themselves now begin to be out of order, so that
I fear I shall scarce rind what I sought. But I hope your Grace's
park may give what the wells deny me, for my physician tells
me that steel and riding are my only cure."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1740, October 13. Ditchley.— " I thank your Grace for the
late favours I received at Bulstrode ; my health, I thank God, is
much better than before, but whether it is owing to the air, or
the conversation, I shall not take on me to determine.

"It is somewhat odd, Madam, that I should be better acquainted
with Miss Robinson since I left her, but to unriddle, I have met
a confident of one of her admirers, who tells me his wounded
friend is in a very melancholy way ; but as he is a soldier, he is
determined to behave in character, and rather to fall than fly.
Your friend, Madam, alone can tell whether 'tis advisable for
him to make his will.

" I hope, Madam, the little ones are as well as you wish them,
and your Grace as well as you deserve to be."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1740, November 7.— " I am much obliged to your Grace for
the honour of your letter, and still more for your desire of a reply.
If your Grace designed only a compliment by if, you are fairly
bit, for I am determined to think you sincere, and to value myself
upon it accordingly.

" As for Miss Robinson, I am as much surprised at her ignorance
in the particular I mentioned, as I am at her knowledge in
general ; both, I am satisfied, are very extraordinary. However,
I have taken the hint she gave about providing against accidents ;

and a friend has written to the gentleman at — —that he

should set his house in order with all convenient expedition.

"I am heartily sorry for Mr. Hay, and hope this will find him
perfectly recovered.

"I am, Madam, much obliged to my Lord Oxford for his kind
remembrance of me; and as for the little ones, your Grace loves
them, but I do more ; I consider children as the next order of
being's to the blessed angels ; spotless innocence is next in place
to perfect virtue, and I shall very shortly Hy to their protection."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1740, November 25. At The 3 Golden Lions by Temple
Bar.—" Your Grace may be assured I should be glad to be onl <>l
debt, but is it possible' your Grace can accept a letter from me
in full for all demands?' I am therefore determined not to write:
for is this writing? Your Grace's correspondents give you a
very differed idea of it; Heaven has blessed you with excellent

256

accomplishments, and with a relish for them in others ; inso-
much that it is scarce a greater happiness than it is a reputation
to be among the number of your Grace's friends.

•• 1 know but one instance where your good nature has imposed
on your understanding, and if your Grace — which would be
hard should be reproached for a single fault, you are sure of
me for your advocate, who am the only gainer by it; but though,
Madam, 1 cannot add to the brilliancy of your letter-box, I can
add to the variety of it. I present your Grace with a letter,
which stands eminently distinguished for0 all the rest, and defy
you to show me another in the whole collection, in which it had
been a merit to be short."'

E, Young to the ])uchess of Portland.

1740, December '20. Wellwyn. — '"I have been above ten days
at this place, where my memory is very troublesome to me, and
my understanding is hard put to it to get the better of its severe
impertinence. I am heartily sorry for Mrs. Elstob, and hope in
God she will not add to the great number of touching ad-
monitions Providence lately has been pleased to give me of my
own mortality. But you, Madam, are her deputy ; how worthily
are you employed ! It is being twice a parent to bring little
machines into being, and then to inspire them with such an
understanding as shall make that being a blessing to them.
How hard is it that a poor whore, who murders her child, shall
be hanged, and a rich one, who neglects the education of her
children, shall escape ! The first — though she designs it not —
makes an angel ; the last makes a legion of devils, if particular
Providence does not interpose.

"I had, Madam, the honour of waiting on the Duchess of Kent,
who, in truth, for a duchess, is a very odd one ; she has a noble
ambition of being always in the right, and either her Grace
studies propriety in all things, or she is so very fortunate, as,
without aiming at it, exactly to hit the mark. "What I have
hinted, Madam, concerning duchesses in general, is nothing to
your Grace ; you are only a titular duchess, and have scarce one
single qualification for it. Insomuch, that if you could find in
your heart to scratch the coronet out of the corner of your
handkerchief, you might easily pass for a lady of as sound a
mind and as good a heart as any in Christendom. As for Miss

R , her heart is hardened, and I find — by what she says —

that she is determined, without any remorse, to carry her face
along with her wherever she goes ; but if that may seem alto-
gether necessary. 1 humbly beseech her — sometimes at least — to
leave her understanding behind. Many an honest gentleman —
though born in Kent — has done it, even when the welfare of his

country was depending. I am glad to hear Mrs. P is proud

of her weaknesses; I shall now entertain some small hope that I
may not entirely be out of her favour; but, Madam, since

* i.e., before or above

257

Mrs. P 's natural antipathy is reen forced by her pride, as

you love ingenuity, I beg you to keep some one corner in
your house unviolated, lest the whole race of those admirable
spinsters, who work without a wheel, may not entirely be des-
troyed. The flies must be very fond of Mrs. P for routing

their grand enemies, but I am afraid she is not aware with
whom she is entering into so strict an alliance, for Beelze-
bub— the learned say — is king of the flies ; so that what
I suspected before is now, I think, very plain — viz. — that Mrs.

P hates a spider worse than the Devil, which, I fear, with

the fair is no uncommon case.

" If, Madam, the gentlemen will not take it ill, that I put them
in such company, I desire my humble service to them, and
particularly, please, Madam, to let my Lord Duke know that I
have a true and grateful sense of the honour he does me by giving
me a place in his remembrance. As for the little ones, he that
knows them, and does not love them, is a monster, and I wish
he was a monster with six or eight hairy legs crawling on Mrs.

P 's work, that she might justly wreak her full vengeance

on him. But men in the shape of men let her spare, and set

Miss R such an example of humanity, as may incline her

to spend the remainder of her days in a cloister, which is the sole
expedient I can think of for her complying with it."

Postscript. — " I had almost forgot to wish your Grace a happy
Christmas, that is, to wish you would make others as happy as
you can. For believe me, Madam, ' they that are most social
are most selfish ; and but by giving happiness to others, we
cannot receive it ourselves.' I desire your Graces to accept this
maxim as a new year's gift ; for I never make but one a year,
and this came into my head from asking myself how 'twas
possible your Grace could be so merry — as you say you are — in
such weather as this. Oh, that I was a salamander, and could

live in flame, as poor Captain B has done for two years

past ! and will she not relent ? I fear your friend loves her flesh
overroasted ; it may be wholesomer, but sure, ladies, it is more
palatable with the gravy in it ; but I grant, meat without bread
won't do."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1740, December?] From The 3 Sphinxes, Temple Bar.—" I
designed to have waited on your Grace, but I find myself
obliged to hunt money all this day, as closely as the staunchest
hound on this side Temple Bar. But what have I to do with
money ? Your Grace promised me what is much more valuable,
the friendship of Mrs. Pendarves ; I thought that long ere this I
should have known her very well, but I know her no more than
I know your Grace; and you, Madam, of all female riddles, are the
most exquisite, and impenetrable. Why was this favour so often
promised? Was it to try my philosophy, and see how well I
could bear a disappointment, or was it to try my taste, and see
how I could relish a jest? The jest is too poignant for my taste,
the disappointment is too heavy for my philosophy."

C802 E

258

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1741, January ?] . Wellwyn. — " It is my duty to write, though
perhaps it would be my prudence to forbear, for what shall I
write ? Yet I will obey your Grace, and disobey you at the same
time, for pray what difference is there between not writing and
writing nothing ? Since your Grace has laid me under an
obligation and a difficulty at the same time by your kind com-
mand, I will take my revenge by being as severe on your Grace's
letter as possibly I can. I am as ambitious to find faults in such
a correspondent, as your friends, the natural philosophers, are
to find spots in the sun : and I think I can do it effectually.

You say, Madam, the more knowledge I have of Mrs. P — , the

greater esteem I shall have for her. Madam, you are mistaken,
my knowledge of her may increase, but I think my esteem for
her cannot ; at least I do not desire it should. Again you say,
Madam, that she has all the perfections of your sex, but none of
the weaknesses : this your Grace designs as an advantageous
character of your friend ; but how far is it from it ! I wish she
had a fault or two I could name, that she might be the more
valuable. By perfection, Madam, in sublunary things we mean
such qualities as render them most agreeable to our own purposes.
Gold without alloy will not work ; it is quite unfit for the mint,

and I fear Mrs. P without a little more of the mere mortal

in her, will hardly receive that impression I am willing to make.
Was admiration our only passion, the most shining excellencies
would infallibly carry the day ; but, Madam, there are other
passions in the heart of man, and those more importunate. But
what impudence is it in me to pretend to inform your Grace of
what lies hid in the human heart ! You have often dissected it
with the most accurate discernment, and I know but one instance
that can call your judgment in question, which is your Grace's
undeserved partiality to, Madam, your Grace's most obliged, and
most obedient, humble servant."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1741. Wellwyn.] — " Notwithstanding my late reproof, your
Grace cannot forbear dwelling on the praises of your friend ;
you say you are happy in her conversation. Had Pope been her
admirer, could he possibly have praised her more ? Your Grace's
endeavour to convince me of her worth is such another attempt
as if you should strive to convince me of the truth of the
Christian religion; both are equally unnecessary, and equally
imply your distrust of judgment ; but your Grace, like some
other celebrated divines, will preach eternally on a text that
needs no comment, and leave quite unexplained what is truly
mysterious. For instance, why has your friend, in spite of
several advantageous offers, devoted herself to the criminal
selfishness of a single life, when she knows that it is her duty to
diffuse happiness as much as possibly she can ? Why has she been
wedded to music, and the pencil, when she knows there is a har-
mony far beyond that of sounds ; and when your Grace by example

259

has convinced her, that there is a way of furnishing her apart-
ments— without the expense of canvas — with a variety of beauties
which a Kneller might be proud to reach ? But this, Madam, is
touching on too tender a point; I see your Grace is under a decent
confusion, to find your friend's justly admired excellencies may
be fairly turned to her reproach. Madam, I should not presume
to take this liberty, had I not the greatest value for you both.
How then can I see with patience one committing a great
error, and the other flattering her in it? This must needs
grieve any honest heart, which knows how many singular virtues
you have, to be tarnished and dishonoured by this, single
indeed, but heinous fault. Mend as fast as you can, and per-
adventure you may find pardon. Boldly, Madam, as I speak, I
am well aware, that I have nothing but my age to recommend
my advice. And indeed I shall be very glad if it can recommend
that, for, alas ! there is nothing else that can possibly be recom-
mended by it. To conclude this melancholy letter with the same
intrepid integrity that runs through the whole, give me leave,
Madam, to say, that as well as you love your friend, and she
your Grace, as much as you are charmed with each other's con-
versation ; if your friend cannot frame to herself the idea of any
conversation which she could like better, she deserves not the
blessing of yours. To have a warm and elegant taste for every
good thing but that which Nature designed for her chief repast
is being, at best, an illustrious rebel to the schemes of Providence,
which, though it may gain her the admiration of the weak,
will make, on the discerning, but slight impressions in her
favour."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1741, February? London.] — " Money is the devil, and ever
doing mischief, but it never did me greater than now, in denying
me [the] honour and pleasure of waiting on your Grace before I
leave the town. But you, Madam, who can confer undeserved
favours with so great facility, will, I hope, find no great difficulty
in excusing involuntary faults. I had the delight and reputation
^yesterday morning of waiting on Mrs. Pendarves, but what
followed stands candidate for a place among your Grace's
mysteries."

Postscript. — ' ' But your Grace is a naturalist, I will therefore
talk with you in your own way. What so flowery and fragrant as
the woodbine ! What so luxuriant and fruitful as the vine !
How they ravish our senses ! How they gladden the heart of
man ! How divinely they inspire ! Such, Madam, is your sex ;
but then, as you are made exquisite like these, so like theso, in
compassion to poor mankind, you are made feeble too. You were
both designed to give a tender twine around something stronger
than yourselves. The vine and woodbine were not designed for
celibacy, but to mingle their branches with the rough oak, or
elm, obliging, and obliged, receiving succour while they confer
the most perfect ornament and delight.

260

"Now, Madam, a lady of genius, that abounds in arts and
accomplishments, she can agreeably employ every hour, by her-
self; she can stand alone; she is free from that weakness which
lays other ladies under the natural necessity of an embrace ; and
being superior to her own sex, affects an independency on ours.
I wish that this is not somewhat the case of your friend.

"If your Grace does me the honour of a line, you will assist me
in this nice speculation. I should be glad for the sake of man-
kind to find myself mistaken about her, for really, Madam, if she
is made only to be admired, I shall value her no more than an
angel. And poor angels, your Grace knows, will meet with many
powerful rivals in so wicked a world as this."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1741, February-March ?] Temple Bar. — " On a review of
your last — for I read your Grace's letters more than once — I find
you complain that dullness and illnature prevails. I shall
endeavour to cure you of that displeasure it seems to give you.

"If, Madam, we have no view in company but of being diverted,
or improved, our disappointments will be great, but if we have a
second view, that, I mean, of paying a decent regard to society,
by free, and frequent intercourse with it, a sense of discharging
this duty will be like carrying our own stool with us into
company, and make us sit easy in it, though Illnature in the

person of Mrs. and Dullness in the shape of Dr. , sat,

one on our right hand, and the other on our left.

" If this advice seems too severe, I'll try to go still farther,
and show how this great calamity may be turned into a perfect
diversion, by the help of a little imagination in us. If then,

Madam, Dr. B and Mrs. M should visit us, let us

suppose ourselves in the theatre, and that the parts of an oaf and
a vixen were represented before us, how then should we admire the
wonderful talents of the performers, and swear every word, air
and action, was acted up [to] the life, and thus steal from a
visit the best dramatic entertainment we ever saw, without the
expense of a crown !

"If this, Madam, seems as fantastical, as the former advice
severe, I will try a third expedient, which is quite obvious
and natural, and which everybody, I believe, makes use of more
or less. I mean, let us make use of bad company as a foil
to recommend the good. We may, I think, justly compare
the dullness of the doctor to the flat insipidness of oil, and
the illnature of the lady to the acrimony of vinegar. Now
might not these — well beat together — make excellent sauce for

a Mrs. P , might they not give us a still higher relish for

the charms of her conversation ?

"And now, Madam, does not your Grace think me bewitched,
that I talk thus to one who could tell me this, and ten times
more ? Madam, I do it out of pure good husbandry ; I pick your
pocket in order to make you a treat ; what I present to your
perusal I steal from your example ; while you, perhaps, Madam,

261

looking on the behaviour I advise, like Eve — in your beloved
Milton — looking into the lake, fancy you see an angel, nor know
it is yourself

" And now, Madam, can you for your soul imagine for what end
and purpose I have written this long letter ? I have written, as
most of our wits do, purely, Madam, for a dinner, and humbly
beg that on Tuesday or Wednesday next — as suits your Grace
best — I may be admitted to your table, there to make an apology

for the trouble I now give you. If Mrs. P was there,

she would be so charitable as to help me out ; but if she is there,
I beg your Grace to remember that her conversation will go down
without sauce, so that you need not be at the trouble of inviting
either of the two cruets mentioned above. But that I may have
the honour of being often in your thoughts, I beg that — for the
future — whenever a cruet of either kind comes to visit you, you
would be so good as to remember, Madam, your Grace's most
dutiful butler."

Postscript. — " As, Madam, persons of the character we have
been speaking of may be called cruets, so there are others, that
may be called salvers, as they present us in conversation with all
that is delicious to the most elegant taste. Will your Grace
stand gossip to the cruets, or the salvers ? If to the last, it will,
I grant, be less trouble to you, but if to the first, your Grace will
have the honour of being asked blessing by half the town. _ I
beg, Madam, my respects to the salvers of your Grace's acquain-
tance, and please to let the cruets know that, if they honour me
with a visit, I shall provide a sideboard for them, that they may
not come too forward in company, which they are very apt to do."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, May 10. Wellwyn.— "I beg your Grace to make my
compliments to Lady Isabella, and pay her my congratulations
on her conversation to Christianity, and please to let her know
that, if she is as good a Christian threescore years hence, I will
venture to promise her infinitely more admirers — and those
worth having — than this world can afford her at fifteen, though
she should prove the fairest of her race. Next to a, fine person,
a fine understanding, and a greatness of mind, are, generally, the
two chief objects of human pride; now ajine understanding is an
understanding of compass, that takes in all things in which we
are much concerned, whether present or future, seen or unseen,
in fashion or out: and a great mind is a mind that has power
to comply with the dictates of this extensive view in spite of all
temptations to the contrary.

" Please, Madam, to let her Ladyship know, that, as she is just
come into a world where there are many very much inclined to
impose upon strangers, I have taken the liberty — as I wish her
well— to inform her of these particulars. And now I give her
leave to be as proud as she pleases of a fine understanding, and
a great mind, provided they are of the right sort. If her Lady-
ship says she does not perfectly understand me, as having not

262

yet learnt our language, tell her I desire her to copy her mama,
and then 'tis no matter whether she understands me or not."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, July 12. Wellwyn.— -" Could I have administered any
consolation to your Grace, and had forborne to do it, I then
indeed had been quite inexcusable; but I too well know that the
first agonies of real sorrow have no ears, and that a man might
as wisely talk with his friend in a fever, and desire his pulse to
lie still, as to philosophize with a wounded heart. These,
Madam, are the strokes of Heaven, nor will they be defeated of
their effect, nor indeed is it for our interest that they should.
Of God Almighty's manifold blessings to mankind His afflictions
are the greatest; they will make us wise, or nothing will. We
cannot bear an uninterrupted prosperity prosperously ; we
cannot bear it without being a little intoxicated with the
delicious cup, which will make our virtue reel, if not fall. Hence
an ancient said as wisely as wittily : — ' No man is so unhappy as he
who never knew affliction.' I therefore congratulate your Grace on
what you suffer, nor let it sound cruel or harsh in your ear, for in
this I am but a little beforehand with your own self ; for shortly
you will bless God for this great calamity, and find that the best
may be bettered by the kind discipline of Heaven. Heaven
suffers nothing to happen to man but what is for his temporal
or eternal welfare, and our fears have as much reason to praise
God as our triumphs. In what a blessed situation are we then,
Madam, under such a Being who does, who will do, who can do
nothing but for our good ! What passion in the heart of man
is half so natural as the love of God, while man is in his
right senses ! We have no motives of love, but either
the excellence of the thing itself, or its benefit to us, and
in neither view has God any rival, or shadow of it. Now why is
Divine love so natural to us ? and why is it enjoined as the first
and great command ? Because, if this is complied with, a course
of duty will be a course of delight; we shall have the same
pleasure in it as a fine gentleman has in obeying the commands
of a favourite mistress. Love carries the whole heart with it,
and when our heart is engaged, among toils and difficulties we
find ease and pleasure, and nothing is too hard for the great
alacrity of our attempts.

"But is not love too familar a passion from such insects towards
the King and Father of all being ? It seems to be so, but I beg
your Grace — for the Bible is a pretty book — to review
the Gospel for Whitsunday, and to see what a familiar
intimacy by that tremendous Power is indulged to men. I
never read it but with astonishment, nor is it possible
for any one who reads it to suspect that any of His dispensations
are really severe, who speaks to us in such language as the
fondest father might make use of, and who will encourage
no expectations in us, that shall not be far surpassed by the
event.

263

"In a word, Madam, Heaven is as solicitous for our happiness
here, as is consistent with Its far kinder concern for our happi-
ness hereafter, and our afflictions — which is saying much in their
favour — plainly tell us we are immortal : were we not, we should
be as free from cares, but then we should be as destitute of
hopes too, as the beasts that perish. May that Power who
bindeth up the broken heart, and giveth medicine to heal its sickness
be for ever your Grace's comfort and defence."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, August 5. Tunbridge Wells. — "There are but two dis-
tempers, and those very different, that bring people to this place,
either redundancy, or want of spirits. The first makes people
mad, the last fools; the first, I observe in this place, like persons
bit by the tarantula, dance immoderately, till the distemper flows
off; the last, like poor Job's friends, sit silent for seven days
together, till the water gives them utterance. The virtue of the
water is yet got no higher than my fingers' ends, which enables
me to write, but when it will arrive at my lips is uncertain ; but
when it does, I shall have the pleasure of conversing with your
Grace's friends, many of whom are here, but all my conversation
with them has hitherto been carried on by signs only on my
part, for sound to one in my state is too great an expense.

" By this time your Grace begins to guess the reason why I left
the town without taking leave : that was rude, but I should have
been much ruder, had I attempted it. To have made your Grace
a dumb visit would have been very unpolite, and at best, like
Hamlet's ghost, I should have been able to have spoke in dismal
monosyllables only, and therefore I humbly hope your Grace will
pardon me for not frighting you out of your wits, for I know no
lady on earth that would have lost more by such an accident."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1741, August. Tunbridge Wells.]—" Sir John Stanley,
between the waters and a high relish of your Grace's regard to
him is so elevated, that he talks of dancing at the next ball. Mrs.
Donellan, whom I have studied, I find to be of an excellent mind
and heart ; I had once thoughts of drawing so amiable a character
at length, but I shall abridge it in one sentence which implies
all. 'She is worthy to be your Grace's friend.' I am heartily
sorry my Lord Duke has been in pain, but I hope by this time
he is reaping the advantage of it, in a quicker relish of health.
There is no one here who have0 so distinguished themselves
either by their wisdom or folly, as to contribute to your amuse-
ment by their history. Here is a great fortune, which is followed
by a pack of noble beagles, but which will be the happy dog no
one yet can tell. I am much obliged to your Grace and to the
Duke and Duchess of Leeds ; when I recover my own country, 1

* Sic.

264

shall prevent the honour of their' sending to me. I proposed
writing a long letter, but your Grace is reprieved from the
execution of that design by the waters. I can neither stand, nor
see, nor think, and if your Grace can read what I have already
written, his Majesty's affairs, at this critical juncture, need not
be at a stand, for want of a decipherer."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, September 17. Wellwyn. — "To be courted by a
Duchess in my old age is a very extraordinary fate. Should I
tell it to my parishioners, they would never believe one word I
spoke to them from the pulpit afterwards : I lie therefore under
a terrible dilemma ; I must either burst by stifling this secret, or
make atheists of my whole neighbourhood. Such scrapes _ as
this should teach the world the wholesome lesson of humility,
and never to covet blessings that are too great for them, which
are very apt to overwhelm them, or to betray, and while they
gratify their ambition, wound their virtue, or their peace.

"But, Madam, 1 think it is in your power to make me some
amends for the injury you have done me, by standing my friend
with your Grace's correspondent, Mrs. Donellan ; I should be
ashamed of not having the truest regard for her accomplish-
ments ; and had I not passed through London, like an arrow out
of a bow, I should have paid myself the compliment of waiting
on her, which I hope to do very soon.

"As for the honour of waiting on your Grace, I have a thousand
arguments against it, and ten thousand wishes for it ; but wishes
and arguments are a very unequal match ; 'tis therefore much
to be feared I shall not have virtue enough to stay away.

"As for your Grace's letter which has fallen into Mr. Murray's
hand, be not troubled ; there were no secrets in it ; had it fallen
into the hands of my Lord Duke himself, it would have done no
harm. 1 beg your Grace to be my Mr. Murray, and in your very
first letter into Bond Street to turn advocate for me. This,
Madam, I repeat because it is really some concern to_ me, for
I am not only indebted to Mrs. Donellan, for the credit of her
acquaintance, but to her mitred brother,0 in a very particular
manner. I am now reading some of his works not yet published,
and that with the greatest improvement and pleasure. He and
I were rivals at Tunbridge as to a married lady, till her husband
in a jealous fit came from town, and snatched her from the
impending danger, but your Grace will keep the secret.

" I have heard Lady P— — h's character, and therefore am not
at all surprised to hear she is at Bullstrode. Her ladyship is
nearly akin to your Grace by a far nobler relation than that_ of
blood. But what is that to me? I have a general objection
against conversing with ladies. When hats and hoods meet, how
naturally do they fall into mutual flattery ! _ The vice, in that
case, seems to have obtained a general toleration ; nay, it passes

i.e., her brother-in-law, Bishop Clayton.

265

for an accomplishment at least, if not a virtue. But if it is an
accomplishment, accomplishments can do mischief ; for this
reason I think for the future, I shall converse with no woman
but your Grace, not that your Grace's never natters, quite the
contrary, but then you discover at the same time so good an
understanding, that your flattery does no harm ; though our
mouths water at it, we dare not swallow it, lest, while we accept
of your compliment, we should lose your esteem ; for this we are
sure of, we cannot do wrong under your Grace's eye, and pass
undetected. Thus, Madam, is your discernment our rescue from
your complaisance.

" If your Grace sees the Duchess of Kent, please to let her know
that there was more virtue in her enquiring after me than she
perhaps imagines ; that there is an unextinguishable ambition
in man which is highly gratified by such honours, shown by some
sort of persons, and that I shall enter it in that short inventory
of goods which Fortune allots me— ' That I was remembered in
absence by the Duchess of Kent.'

"And now, Madam, have I not written a very long letter? and
to show myself still more generous, I have written such a one, as
cannot possibly lay your Grace under the least obligation. This,
Madam, is an instance of generosity, which I desire your Grace
to follow, nor let this frankness give you the least disgust, for
this is the only instance of generosity in which I presume on any
share of competition with you. My Lord Duke, the dear little
ones, and Mr. Achard — your Grace knows my meaning as well
as I do, and can express it better. The sincerity of heart will
appear in its birthday suit, if your Grace will vouchsafe to put it
into words."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

17-11, October 29. Wellwyn.— "Your Grace's little letter is a
great satire; it is extremely kind, and extremely severe ; it pleases
and pains, like a bee in a blossom; from its ambrosial entrench-
ment it stings me home ; like my Lady B it bites, while

it kisses. Is not your Grace tired? If not, I'll run on till
tomorrow, and outposie that huge waterpot of flowers, the

dropsical and facetious Lord G. . But I forget my band,

and therefore, Madam, please to observe that all the pleasures
of man may be ranked under the following heads: —

1. Outward senses.

2. Imagination.

3. Honour.

4. Benevolence.

5. Esteem.

6. Self-approbation.

7. Gratification of the will.

8. Pain avoided,
i). Hope.

"You see, Madam, what a monster human pleasure is, what a
hydra with a thousand heads ! Which will your Grace please to

266

choose ? That, I suppose, which is most like your own; I mean,
which is most worth having of any in this, or any other
assembly.

•• Now, that, Madam, is benevolence, — as I will prove at large
when I have the honour of seeing you — all the other pleasures
are short or precarious, or mixed, as those of sense, imagination,
honour and esteem ; or else mortal, as that of hope, or some way
or other inferior to the pleasure of benevolence, as is even self-
approbation, which is only a consequence of benevolence, and the
cause is always nobler than the effect.

""Whether your Grace has examined this truth as much as I
have done, or no, I cannot tell ; but this I know, that how little
acquaintance soever your head may have made with it, it is a
great intimate, and perfect crony of your heart, or your Grace
could not after my behaviour be so kind to me ; but I dare say
you have studied, as well as felt it, else it would be quite impos-
sible you should be so great a mistress in it. I therefore must
conclude by saying that your Grace is either a perfect riddle, or
a profound philosopher."

Postscript. — " I propose the honour and pleasure of waiting
on you about the middle of next month, if your Grace
permits, but I beg, before I come down you would turn the
ghost out of the gallery. Mr. Goldsmith can do it in a trice,
but spare the poor Red Sea, and send the Devil to the
Spanish squadron, or if you had rather, send the Spanish
squadron to him."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, November 17. [Wellwyn.]— " Your Grace in your last
has brought a very severe indictment against me : I can by no
means plead guilty to it. On Friday I propose rendering myself
at your Grace's tribunal ; I shall not be content with holding up
my hand ; I will hold up my heart at your bar, and if you will
promise not to prick it, you shall take it [in] your hand, and see
if you can find out that fault which you lay to my charge. I am
very tender in this point, for I know that not only good manners,
but virtue is concerned in the violation of that respect, which, I
know, is your Grace's due, and especially from myself. But I
think I shall not fly to your mercy, as an asylum from your
justice ; your justice seasoned with a little spice of goodnature
shall acquit me. I would not, Madam, persist in my vindication,
was it not to rescue your Grace from a mistake, for a mistake in
your Grace is such a novelty that for ought I know, it might
fright you into a fine lady, and give your Grace an absolute
palpitation. As for myself, I can easily own a fault when I
really commit it, as a bankrupt is not very tender of owning a
debt. Especially to your Grace I should freely make confession,
for — i know not how it comes to pass — I find I could prefer a
pardon from your Grace before an acknowledgment from
another."

267

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1741, December 22. Wellwyn.— "As I write this to your
Grace on horseback, you will forgive the many allusions you meet
with to that animal. The first I shall saddle is Mrs. Pendarves.
I look on her understanding to be very surefooted, and perfectly
acquainted with the road ; and though her understanding could
show a good sheer pair of heels, and distance most companies it
comes into, yet is it wisely content not to rob others of then-
good humour by seeing themselves undone ; thinking it enough
that it is in power to give them the spleen whenever she thinks
fit. As for Miss Eobinson, her understanding is of the best
blood, and can carry any plate she thinks good to put in
for, but it is sometimes rather pleased to prance than
run, which has this advantage in it, that it is done with
more grace, and less pains, and yet carries in it a demon-
stration at the same time, that she can leave us whenever
she will. As for Mrs. Dews, my horse says he has no more
similes, unless she will permit me to say, that perfect com-
plaisance seems to be the spur of her conversation, and discretion
to hold the rein. As for your Grace, your understanding has
been in the manage ; Art and Nature can't adjust their rights
about it ; each swears in its turn, that she is your greatest bene-
factor, and not being able to agree, they split the difference ;
Nature takes all that is most amiable in your conversation, and
Art all that is most prudent, yet even this does not end the dis-
pute, for they are forced to call for grains and scruples to
determine which has the largest share.

" Thus, ladies, have I saluted you ,all round ; and I am now for
binding you up in one nosegay altogether. Thus incorporated,
pray, ladies, what are you ? are you the Graces or the Muses ?
You are too many for the first, and too few for the last, and yet
there is a vast deal of both those sisterhoods in you. I will
therefore fairly tell your Grace what I apprehend to be [the]
case. Considering what a world we live in, and that wit and
beauty run both pretty low, those two societies could no longer
separately subsist, and that they might not both make an
absolute break of it, one somewhat like your Grace, and wiser
than the rest, proposed a coalition, and deputed you four ladies
as a little committee to mankind, to show that they still subsist,
and to do them credit with the world. But whether tins be quite
honest in those jades called goddesses, I leave to my Lord Duke
and Mr. Achard to determine, to whom 1 beg duty, respect and
service. "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1712, January 12.--" Your Grace's friend has lately called on
me twice; he passes to and fro like an inhabitant of another
world, and tells us the deceased, the buried in the country,
what is doing upon earth. I sent my compliments to your ( i ran •
by him, which 1 was half unwilling to do, for though we of these
lower regions bear a good regard to virtue, yet, since we are quite

'268

incapable of doing any real service, we are sparing of verbal
civilities, lest it should look like compliment and nothing
else. If Miss Dashwood is the creature you represent, I
<nve your Grace joy of her, but I more congratulate her-
self ; all gain by good qualities, but the possessor most ; but
be pleased, Madam, to observe that this possessor # should
be possessed. Fine women unmarried are like fine diamonds
in the jeweller's shop, gazed at by multitudes, but enjoyed
by none, and if they stay there too long, they are cheapened
down below their real value. The lady and the ring should
be both worn ; the ring, when on the finger, is in its proper
situation, and answering the end for which it was made. Now I
talk of marriage, I will tell your Grace a piece of news; Sir
Thomas Hanmer was married last Thursday to Mrs. Pendarves.
This I heard in this country but yesterday ; I wish it be true, for
I know they would both be happier in that state than singly
they can possibly be. There is but one objection against
marriage, and that is one which the wise world amongst its ten
thousand objections never makes ; I mean that the husband and
wife seldom die in one day, and then the survivor must be
necessarily miserable.

" But to return to your delightful Miss Dashwood, your Grace
says she is extremely modest ; I will let your Grace into a secret,
for I know Miss Dashwood well ; I knew her mother before her,
and I knew her daughter though yet unborn. This modesty is a
lowly and successful cheat ; it seems to decline that which it most
desires; it proceeds from a love of esteem, joined to a diffidence
of our taking the most proper methods to gain it. This diffidence
creates that inward uneasy emotion which discovers itself in
the cheeks ; a blushing cheek who would not kiss ? but why ?
because our own pride tells us it carries some deference in it to
our judgment, and a desire of our good opinion ; so that the
praise we bestow on this virtue proceeds in some measure from
our own vice. Thus you see, Madam, that I take the liberty
of calling your Grace proud ; but, Madam, take not offence
at it, for if love of esteem is a vice — which is all that I
lay to your or Miss Dashwood' s charge — it is a vice that is to be
found in other angels, in those above : love of esteem is planted
in all created rational beings for excellent purposes, and it can
never do harm but when it is conducted or directed amiss. Let
none then be so proud, and so foolish too at the same time, as to
say they have no pride in them. I honour Miss Dashwood' s modest
pride ; it is the only pride that carries its point ; confident pride
defeats itself, and loses our esteem by being too sure of carrying
it. I dwell on this, because, about ten years ago, it was quite a
fashion with young ladies to pretend to more impudence than
they had, and nothing could put them so much out of counte-
nance as to have it suspected that they [were] capable of blushing
at anything. If your Grace knows any such, please to tell them
from me that they extremely mistake their own interest, if their
designs are on mankind ; men are such impudent rascals, but to
their honour be it spoken, so conscious of that their grand defect,

269

that they dote on modesty wherever they find [it], though it
should happen to be in coaldust and tatters. What pretty
company have I brought your Grace into ! "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1742, January 13. Wellwyn — " What your Grace says of
my Lady Oxford grieves me, very sincerely I speak it, for I honour
and love, and ever shall, the virtues of that lady. Your Grace
was so good in your last letter as to pass a very handsome com-
pliment; had it been more, I should have had the honour of
waiting on you here, which I humbly hoped for a week together,
and put my house in order. Caroline, whom your Grace is so
good as to remember, will soon be in town, and humbly begs
she may be permitted the honour and pleasure of waiting on you.
My Lady Cathcart, our neighbour, who has a house in Westmin-
ster is so good to take her to town for some time, that the child
may be cured of starting at a human face.

" I share your concern, Madam, for her Grace of Kent; I have
as well great obligations to her, as a high opinion of her.

"Some, Madam, are apt to think that God Almighty's
providence is indeed very particular and notorious, as to
kingdoms and nations ; but as to persons they imagine it is
somewhat more distant or remiss. The truth, I conceive, is,
that the Almighty's providence and inspection is equal as to
both ; all methods are taken with us, that can be taken with free
agents, in order to our amendment, and though almost every thing
is an instrument in the hand of Providence to this end ; yet what
seems to me to be peculiarly, and in the most eminent, and
evident degree such, is, our friends. With these Heaven can most
encourage, and most chastise us ; these can give us the
greatest pleasure, and these the greatest pain. "I would by
no means damp that blessed and reasonable satisfaction which
arises from them in our days of joy ; far from it. , It is not only
our prudence, but our duty, to enjoy them, but then we should
sometimes consider, amid those most endearing and amiable
enjoyments, that perhaps we are that moment whetting the
arrow that shall wound us ; for most sure it is the more we
enjoy, the more we may suffer from them ; the more severely
we shall feel their folly, their misfortune, or their loss.
; " Your Grace says you have a disposition little able to support
the loss or misfortune of your friends. Madam, I never heard
you commend yourself before. The highest character that can
be given of a human creature is — 'A being with a feeling heart.'
Such a heart, I confess, runs great risk in the present scene ; and
yet human prudence and Divine Providence together form an
ampler shield for our defence than is generally imagined. And
when arrows of pain strike through it, such a feeling heart has
this to say to itself, 'That those very pains well borne will entitle
it to a scene, where there is nothing but pleasure to be felt ; and
where an unfeeling heart shall never enter.' "

270

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1742, February ?] Wellwyn. — "As I design myself the honour
of waiting on your Grace very soon, I shall not by letter fore-
stall what I have to say as to the authors you mention. Fiction
may have a good tendency, and history may have a bad one,
which I believe to be the case with regard to these two writers,
of whom I shall say no more at present. I am much obliged to
the two ladies for the thousand fine things they did not say of
me, but I take it a little ill they did not make it ten thousand,
since it would have cost them no more. Madam, I beg my
love and envy to the little ones, my real duty to my Lord
Duke, and my humble service to Mr. Achard. The
bear your Grace mentioned in your last has stretched out
his great paw, and drags me to town, through bad weather;
and gangs of robbers, which infest Enfield Chase, but what can
the fools expect from a man at law ? I hope they will not beat
me for my poverty, for I can honestly assure them, that I have
parted with my money to gentlemen who deserve hanging full as
well as themselves, which they cannot take ill of me, at least,
not so ill as if I had fooled it away in paying my debts, or
squandered it in charity. I am, Madam, heartily glad to hear
that Mrs. Elstob is restored to her health, and pleasing province
of sowing the seeds of virtue, and accomplishment in so happy a
soil. God preserve, and increase your Grace's peculiar blessings,
you know how to make a right use of them, nor need I say to
your Grace, what I might very properly to many : — ' Happy are
the}' who are not hurt by good things, happy are they who have
nothing on earth which they hold dearer than their Maker.' "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1742.] — "I humbly thank your Grace for your kind letter, but
there are two many melancholy articles in it to give all the satis-
faction I could wish. I hope my Lord Duke is perfectly
recovered of the gout, and that Lady Fanny has likewise set
your Grace's heart at ease as to her disorder. But poor Dr.
Clarke — but why do I call him poor? I know no one whose death-
bed I should envy more ; he's a very exemplary man, I love his
person, and I reverence his character ; I would write to him, but
that I fear might some way or other prove troublesome, yet I long
to know how he does, and to hear better news of him, than your
Grace sent me. If, therefore, you should do me the honour
of writing, I beg, Madam, a line or two concerning him. I pro-
posed much satisfaction in his acquaintance.

" It gives me great pleasure that Lord Quarendon has your
Grace's vote ; he certainly deserves it, and he has as certainly in
it a proper reward of great desert. Lord Cornbury I have not
the honour of knowing, but hope your Grace will introduce me
to his acquaintance; I know his Lordship's character, or I should
not desire this favour. When persons of quality have equal
merit with the most deserving of those below them, they have
really r/reater. The diamond is better set, and throws a
brighter lustre ; I do not mean from their fortune only, but from

271

their manner, which has often a grace and dignity in it incom-
municable to those of inferior rank. Since your Grace by your

own authority has been pleased to divorce Mrs. P and

Sir T H , they need not have the trouble of

going Doctors' Commons. I propose, Madam, the honour of
waiting on your Grace in town about the 18th of next month,
but if possible, and no great trouble to you, I should be truly
much obliged if your Grace would let me hear of Dr. Clarke long-
before. The herse of Mr. Hale, my neighbour, friend, and a
most eminently worthy young gentleman, passed by my door
for his own seat, this very moment ; he went to town to provide
for his marriage with one Miss Gilbert (whom I know well and
admire) and died with her wedding ring on his finger. These
things strike us, but most people are struck so often by them,
that at last they seem to lose their feeling. When these things
cease to pain us, Heaven gives us up ; It leaves us entirely to the
world to make the most of it ; the next step is, that the world,
having us entirely its own, begins to domineer, and denies us our
usual share of pleasure,— which is the necessary case of the
abandoned —and then we are finely bit."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.
1742, May 3. [Well wy n.] — " Such is my opinion of your
Grace's goodness, that I can choose no subject more agreeable to
you than to speak of your friends. Last week a neighbour of
poor Dr. Clarke's0 now in Huntingdonshire called on me; he told
me our friend was still living, and that his physician said he
might possibly live four or five years longer. That is in the ever
blessed will of God. After this melancholy account, I will give
your Grace something more comfortable. The doctor retains his
spirits, and is cheerful under circumstances that fright the
bystander. Now this would be impossible, was there not an
Indulgent Being who frights us with the appearance of remote
evils, in order to give entrance to His fear into our hearts, and
when those evils come supports us under them beyond our expec-
tation, and more still beyond our deserts. Dr. Clarke's behaviour
brings to my memory some lines which I have formerly read,
whether it be in Fletcher perhaps your Grace can tell. After the
author has represented a good man, whose name is Philander, on
his deathbed behaving to the surprise of all about him, he adds :— •
' As some tall tower, or lofty mountain's brow
Detains the sun, illustrious from its height,
When rising vapours, and descending shades,
In damps and darkness drown the spacious vale,
Philander thus augustly reared his head
Undamped by doubt, lindarkened by despair ;
At that black hour, which general horror sheds
On the low level of inglorious minds,
Sweet peace, and heavenly hope, and humble joy,
Divinely beamed on his exalted soul,
With incommunicable lustre bright.'

* i.e., Alured Ularke, clean of Exeter, d. 31 May, 1742.

272

"I hope in God, Madam, we may see our Philander again,
before these verses are applicable to him in their full extent.
Heaven is pleased to permit our friends to be so very dear to us,
that our parting with them — which must necessarily be some-
times the case — might in some degree lessen that strong hold,
which the world is apt to take on our hearts : the most deplor-
able case of all is, when the world so entirely fills our hearts, as
not to leave room even for our friends. If such there are,
Heaven keep your Grace as distant from them, as your disposition
is from theirs."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1742, August 1. Tunbridge [Wells]. — "As this is a place
where books are denied us, as unwholesome, we must either read
human nature, in that pretty edition the good company gives us
of it, or read nothing at all. I have read the company over and
over, some pages of which were very fair, and delightful, others
were sullied, and dogs-eared with the cares and troubles of human
life, and contributed more to the prevalence of the spleen, than
the waters to the cure of it.

"Your Grace, I know, is curious to know the general contents
of this human folio I have been reading, or what real knowledge
I have gathered from my perusal of it.

" Madam, I fancy you have read it so often, and so well under-
stand it yourself, that all I can extract from it will be nothing
but a bad copy of your Graces's own thoughts. However if your
Grace has a mind to contemplate the difference between a Zinks0
and a signpost, I will send you my portrait of human nature,
but I must beg leave to defer exposing myself till my next.

"For really, Madam, though there is no one on earth could
sooner persuade me out of my senses than your Grace, yet I dare
positively affirm that my head is giddy, but whether I stand on
my head or my heels I will not presume to be quite so positive.

" But, Madam, I hope I shall never be so much indisposed as to
forget the great obligations I lie under to your Grace and my
Lord Duke, who has, I plainly find, made so serious a point of
promoting my interest with their two Graces of Newcastle and
Canterbury, that I am scarce more obliged by his favour, than
astonished at his singularity."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1742, August 21. Tunbridge [Wells] . — "Your Grace is pleased
to write to me in so obliging and in so sensibly affectionate a
manner, that it, as it were, chastises, while it confers the
greatest obligation, and gives me some pain to consider how little
I deserve it at your hands. Your Grace is pleased to ask pardon
for giving me most kind and prudent advice ; Madam, rather ask
pardon, for pardon asked, for that seems to imply a mean
opinion of my gratitude or understanding. As to my Lord

* i.e., an enamel by Zincke, then much in vogue.

273

Egmont, whose character I honour, I thought I put myself in
his way. It was not for me by making the first advance "to take
his lordship into my patronage ; but perhaps I was too shy ; I
assure your Grace I'll endeavour to mend for the future.

"I hope in God, Madam, your Grace's spirits are raised by my
Lady Oxford's perfect recovery : the loss of a friend is certainly
the severest stroke under heaven. My Lady Bateman was here
at that time : she had appointed me to drink tea with her that
afternoon, and when I came to the door I met the sad news,
which denied me that favour. I remember the time when I have
trembled at the sound of a post-horn, and was as much startled
at the sight of a letter, as I should have been at a warrant to
seize my person and vast estate.

"I congratulate your Grace on Miss Eobinson's marriage, but I
will not congratulate her spouse till I know he deserves her.
But your Grace knows my opinion of her alread}^; she is a
surprising young being, by which I would mean, something
of a middle nature between angel and woman. Your Grace
will naturally understand this better than another.

" But you, it seems, Madam, are humbly content with desiring
a portrait of mere human nature ; this, Madam, I promised, and
this — God willing — I will perform. But not now, I do not
design to trifle, but to be quite serious in it, not for your Grace's
information, but to rescue you from your aversion, news, and
chitchat, which have by the cruel courtesy of England taken
possession of the epistolary pen. But at present my thought is
accidentally so much engaged on something else, that I care not
to enter on that subject till I am more at leisure.

" I beg, Madam, my humble duty to my Lord Duke, and please
to let his Grace know, that on the receipt of his last kind letter
I immediately writ to the Archbishop, as he advised. It was
such a letter, as neither has received, nor expected an answer.
I hope your Grace's olive branches flourish, and since the spirit
of prophecy is on me, I will foretell a miracle ; they shall one day
be turned into laurels and myrtles. Prophecies, your Grace
knows, are always somewhat obscure, but if you consult Whiston,
or, perhaps, Mr. Ashard — to whom my humble service — he'll
probably let you into my meaning."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1742, October 1. Wellwyn. — "Yesterday a gentleman spent
his day with me here, and he made the day to me most agreeable,
by an entertainment I did not expect from him. How he came
by his intimacy with my Lady Oxford's character I cannot tell ;
but he told me many particular facts, most commendable in it,
of which I knew nothing before. I envy her Ladyship the satis-
faction she must receive from them. Wealth and rank, which
shine so bright, have two rivals that outshine them, I mean
wisdom and virtue. Not to cant, but to speak soberly what I
know to be true ; these two rivals give the only real superiority
to any person upon earth. Wealth and rank will ever indeed

274

gain followers, and those the most complaisant. But bows and
smiles can subsist without love or esteem, and the great person
that accepts them with joy would often reject them with disdain,
if he saw the heart of his admirer. But, Madam, with wisdom
and virtue, it is quite otherwise. These compel our esteem and
love ; we can't withhold them if we would, and it is certain, many
would withhold them if they could ; for all destitute of those
qualities cannot but envy that real and absolute superiority
they give others over them, and envy hates as much as ever she
can ; but in this case Nature is against her hatred, and love and
esteem will necessarily mix with it.

" Thus, Madam, I have given your Grace a key, by which you
may infallibly understand the secret cause of any disrespect I
may possibly show, or any injury I may possibly do, you, or
yours, hereafter. You offer violence, you compel, you extort,
what few are willing to part with, admiration and esteem, and I
hate a tyrant, and you, I know, hate flattery ; and therefore I
have taken care to abuse your Grace as much as was in my
power, and so much was in my power as would have killed half
the duchesses in this kingdom ; for I have fairly thrown your
coronet on the ground, and bid your wisdom and virtue tread it
under their feet."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1742, December 12. Wellwyn. — "I bless God my danger is
over, but my recovery is slow. The good news your Grace sends
of my Lord Duke and my Lady Oxford will promote it ; I never
saw anything in Mr. Hay, but what was a symptom of sound
sense ; I am not therefore so much surprised, as pleased, at the
account you give of his sermon. If your Grace sees him, I beg
my humble service and thanks for his late favour to me at
Kensington. A good sermon is a most rational and high
entertainment to those that are so happy as to have a relish
for it, which, I am persuaded, is your Grace's case. To keep
preaching a little in countenance with those that have no very
favourable opinion of it, give me leave, Madam, to observe
that the wdiole creation preaches ; I mean, that we can
make no just observation on any of the appearances
in the material world, but what will naturally have a moral good
effect on us. The Sacred Scriptures therefore are very justly
considered as God Almighty's second volume, and creation as
His first ; which speaks to the same purpose, and if attended to,
is ever bettering the human heart. How happy then, and wise
is your Grace, who are fond of both these books ! Mr. Hay,
and others, of eminent talents for the pulpit, are only commen-
tors on them, or panegyrists in their praise. Your Grace by
this time sees, there is something sacred, as well as entertaining,
in your drawers of shells, &c. ; they may be considered as so
many little pages of that immense volume, which God Almighty
has published in a most pompous edition to induce His rational
en; it nr.'S to a ready and constant perusal of it. Proceed, Madam,

275

by your exemplary life and behaviour, nay, even by your amuse-
ments, to preach to the preachers, and among others, to the
most attentive of your congregation, your Grace's much obliged,
and most obedient, humble servant."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poktland.

1743, June 2. Wellwyn. — "After so long silence your Grace's
letter gave me the greatest pleasure. Had I known or guessed
the melancholy reason you assign for not writing, I should not
have denied myself the honour of writing to you ; but I was
realty afraid your Grace had taken something ill.

"You are pleased, Madam, to begin your letter with a reflection
both on my understanding and gratitude. I do assure your Grace
that I do, and ever shall look on your correspondence — as I
ought — not only as a great honour, but real entertainment too.
What you are pleased to say about Miss Lee is extremely kind,
and if I wish her well, I must obey your Grace's commands in it.

"As I take it, Madam, I am directly in your way to Nottingham-
shire ; and why should you put j'ourselves to an inconveniency
to avoid me ? I do assure 3Tou, I will neither hurt you, nor
myself; I will receive you, as I ought to entertain, not as your
Grace ought to be entertained. I heartily rejoice with
Mrs. Montague, whose truly polite merits I know and admire ;
and whose virtues, with the world for my rival, I shall ever
honour.

"As for the advice your Grace gives me about preferment, I take
it with all my heart. What God Almighty is pleased to give I
shall receive with the greatest gratitude, nor shall I repine at
what He is pleased to deny, if His mercy is pleased to continue
to me His grace, and my understanding.

"Y'our Grace pays me a high compliment in desiring a long
letter ; nothing but good sense can make such a one agreeable to
your Grace, and to say the truth, at present I have no sense to
spare. Madam, I have been confined to my bed for five weeks
with the most acute distemper, and all the severities those
butchers, surgeons, are able to inflict. I have gone through
twenty nights, and had not twenty hours' sleep, nor am I yet at
all come to my rest, or strength, though — I bless Almighty God
— they tell me I'm past all danger.

" This discipline has so beaten down my spirits and understand-
ing, that, had I not a strong inclination to write to your Grace —
after so long a time — I should not have been able to do it.
Pardon, therefore, Madam, the nothingness of what I write ; please
to accept my duty and goodwill now, and please to give me credit
a little longer for my long arrear of common understanding."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1743, August 25. Wellwyn. — " I beg my humble duty to my
Lord Duke, and a thousand thanks for all his favours, par-
ticularly for his last. How much am I obliged to you both ! I

270

hope, Madam, the cause of those low spirits your Grace com-
plained of when I had the honour of your last letter no longer
subsists. Your Grace is so kind as to invite me to Bullstrode ; if
any friend of mine, and of my standing, should acquaint me
that he was going fco make one in such a gay assembly, I should
smile at him, in my sleeve, for a fool, who knew not his time of
day, and forgot that his holidays were over. But your Grace's
desires are commands, and your commands are sacred. I
propose to myself the honour of waiting on your Grace the latter
end of next month, if that is agreeable to you.

" I have made a short excursion, or I should sooner have
acknowledged those favours which lay me under so great an
obligation ; but I met with no such pleasing and surprising
pictures of Art and Nature as your Grace sets before me in your
two last letters; one would wonder how barren rock should
furnish nutriment to support those large flourishing trees of
which your Grace takes notice. These are strange sights, but
not so strange as to see a rich overgrown miser, who could pur-
chase half a country, where Nature shows us these rarities — it
is not, I say, Madam, so strange to see groves feeding on rocks,
as to see that miser dining on a flintstone, which is a sight I have
been lately honoured with in my travels ; and the worst part of
the story is, I was obliged to dine with him, or to starve.
Perhaps your Grace may desire to know the difference
between these two : as the question is difficult, I must defer the
resolution of it till I have the honour of seeing you. All the
news I can tell your Grace is, that I've lately conversed with a
most extraordinary person, Dr. Taylor, the famous oculist. He
is member of every university in Europe but his own; he talks
all languages but his own, and has an extveme volubility of
tongue ; but it is like the volubility of the machine with which
they winnow corn — I have forgot its name — and is excellent at
throwing dust in our eyes. In a word his tongue is as well
qualified to blind understandings, as his hand is to put out our
sight. My near neighbour, and valuable friend, Sir Jeremy
Sambroke, who has been blind twenty years, is now under his
operations, but with such ill success that we are willing to
compound for his life, which was once thought in danger.
Madam, may the gracious wing of Providence be ever stretched
out over Bullstrode, and may I find all as safe when I have the
honour of waiting on you, as I now wish you, or, which is the
same thing, as I wish myself."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1743, September?] Gubbins, Herts. — "I think it my duty to
ask your Grace pardon for not waiting on you as 1 promised.
Madam, I received a visit that prevented it, I mean the visit of a
violent cold, which stays with me longer than 'tis welcome. I
was forced by it to leave the town for clearer air ; I thank God,
I am better since I came to this place, but not well.

277

" The clay after I saw your Grace I waited on the Archbishop,
who told me that my Lord Duke of Portland was very much my
friend, but that nothing was to be done without the Duke of
Newcastle or Lord Carteret, and presented me with his own good
wishes in the handsomest manner ; for which I humbly thank
my Lord Duke and your Grace. I really believe the Archbishop
is my friend, but your Grace knows 'tis dangerous trusting the
clergy.

" If, Madam, I have the honour of hearing from you at this
place — where I design continuing some time with my friend Sir
Jeremy Sambrooke — I desire to know how my Lord Titchfield
does, who was ill when I saw your Grace. Perhaps you expect
some entertainment, but, Madam, I am neither in a merry, nor in
a philosophical mood. Water gruel spoils my mirth, and an
eternal cough interrupts my philosophy.

" This minute I have the comfort of hearing that preferment is
come very near me, that is, Madam, that my next neighbour, the
minister of Hatfield, is made Canon of Windsor. I left, Madam,
Miss Lee in town, but I do not design her the honour of waiting
on your Grace till I return to introduce her. I beg my humble
duty to my Lord Duke, and hope your Grace will pardon this
nothing from an invalid. I was blooded this day, and to-morrow
begin running the gauntlet through all the rods of an
apothecary's shop. You see, Madam, how dear we pay for life ;
one would think there was something very valuable in it, yet
ninety-nine in a hundred find it otherwise, nor can it be truly
valuable to any but those who have something still more valuable
as their principal point of view. You will pardon this if you
consider that I write on a Sunday."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1743, September. Wellwyn.]— ° ," But I think

myself entitled to ask it of your Grace, since you condescend in
your last letter to ask me for a translation. Pray, Madam, to
what bishopric ? I do not hear that his Grace of Canterbury is
ill.

" Madam, I should have had the honour of waiting [on] you
before now, had not a very melancholy accident happened to
prevent me. The plague rages in foreign nations, and there the
sword is drawn, while we sit smiling under our vines and fig-
trees. Yet some calamities come on board our little island.
There is a young man to whom I wish extremely well, nor is he
altogether undeserving in himself, nor, I think, quite a stranger
to your Grace ; he is going to be married, and my hands are
chosen to be embrued in the blood of his precious peace. The
nuptials are to be the latter end of this week at Putney* As
soon as they are over, and I recovered from the formidable duty,
I propose setting out for Bullstrode, so famous for nightingales.

The first few lines of this Letter have been designedly blotted.

2'78

" On reviewing your Grace's letter, I find you mean a translation
from Rome to Britain. Madam, was I not fully satisfied that
the former is by far the better see of the two, and that your
Grace is absolute mistress of it, I should comply with your
request. There dwells infallibility ; how then can your Grace be
deceived? I dare say, if Lucifer himself was to write in darkest
characters to any Protestant king in Christendom, the Roman
Chair would undertake to decipher it.

"However, if your Grace only means to enquire whether I
understand Seneca as well as yourself, I will venture to expose
myself to you, by letting you know that I take his meaning to
be, that he is a fool that is seeking preferment at my time of
day, and that success — should I have it — would only convince me
that it deserved not so much trouble in the pursuit."

• E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1743, October 29. Temple Bar.—" This day by your friend
Mr. Murray's assistance I carried just one half of my point, the
other is referred to Prince Posterity. Mr. Murray has certainly
learnt your Grace's art, for he helped me to the wing without
cutting off the leg. For the matter stood thus : I had two
annuities of different dates, that of the second date he sliced off
for me with infinite address and dexterity, and left that of the
first date still sticking to the Duke's estate. Though I must do
him this justice, that if any man alive could have cut off the leg
too, he had certainly done it ; for there is no tongue carries a
better edge.

"Your Grace's always shines, and I suppose can cut upon an
occasion, but it is something reserved ; and as your Grace was
pleased to sheath it in silence as to one particular of which I
was in hope to hear you speak, I think it my duty to be silent
too on that matter.

" On Tuesday, Madam, I go to Wellwyn for some writings
necessary to the final conclusion of this matter, for the Chan-
cellor's decree is not yet more than minuted, and some trouble is
to follow its being perfected, before a poor creature embarked in
law for twenty-four years can come safe to land.

" If affairs permit me the honour of seeing Bullstrode again this
season, I will bring with me Mrs. Donellan's packet, as a charm
against any misadventures in my journey. I will not say, as the
religious carry relics, for that is making a saint of her, whereas
I really think her only the very best of sinners. If she is not
content with that character, I am sorry for it, for it is the tiptop
of what our church admits.

" This afternoon I waited on Mr. Virtue ; he showed me a
thousand things that pleased me much ; but nothing half so
pleasing as the simplicity of his own manners, and the integrity
of his heart; he has engraved himself in my memory and
esteem for ever.

"Captain Cole was with him yesterday, but he was not very
well. Miss Cole is in my head ; perhaps, when I see her, she may

279

change her apartment. I have not yet embraced my friend at
your Grace's gate, but I sent him an apology, and he says that
for the sake of the blessed family he will forgive me. If your
Grace would knit the friendship stronger between me and
Josiah — that I think is his name — I humbly beg you to send to
him Bishop Gastrell's work0 I borrowed, for I cannot get it in
town, and I much want to consult it once more on a particular
exigence. I will call on Josiah for it ; and consult him about the
immortality of the soul, and I will return the book safe and
sound with his comment when I have the honour to see your
Grace."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1743, November 20. — " Such and so frequent are the calamities
of human life, that, be our conduct never so correct, our station
never so high, they one day or another will infallibly hook us
in. Oh Madam ! The hook ! The hook ! Why was it not adver-
tised ? Why not a reward proposed ? Why not the Germanic
Empire that reward ? But alas ! in its present situation it would
never have brought it, unless the finder had been as honest as
the lady in the C 1 Street.

"Madam, I have diligently sought it high and low, but in vain.
I looked for it in the presents of inferiors ; in the Nolo episcopari
of Bishops ; in speeches from the throne ; in the self-condem-
nations of fine ladies ; but in vain. I found in all of them a
hook ; but a hook that was by no means a mystery.

" Your Grace's hook is all-mysterious. I therefore diligently
sought it in every page of the Revelations, but not one page
could tell any tale or tidings of it.

" Yet, Madam, do not despair. I hear the daemon of Bullstrode
gallery, that old friend of mine, whisper in my ear — ' It shall be
found.' — And lo ! here it is.

" I heartily congratulate your Grace on this most happy and
surprising recovery of your dear hook, and beg my heartiest con-
gratulations to the two ladies who doubtless have long wept the
supposed loss.

" I beseech your Grace to be more careful for the future, and not
to throw the world into so terrible a panic any more."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1743, December 10. Wellwyn. — "Such is the dangerous
excellency of your Grace's understanding, that a man proves
himself quite a hero who dares to converse with you. What will
become of my poor unarmed, naked simplicity in so unequal a
combat? Why am I thrown in panics when there is no danger
near me ? Why am I told of impending tempests ? Why am I
told of ladies in displeasure, when I am satisfied their opinions
are at peace with me ?

* " Moral Proof of Lhu Certainty of a Future buie" (1725)

280

" As for Mrs. Donellan, I am not only not afraid of her anger,
but I am confident of her goodwill, for is it possible her discern-
ment can stop short of the real meaning of my heart ? I there-
fore defy your Grace's pair of bellows, they may puff the coal of
enmity between us, till they burst. "lis all in vain. Mrs.
Donellan always thinks justly ; and therefore I am safe.

" As for Lady Peterborough I have a high sense of the favour of
her good wishes. But how came I by them ? Her great goodness
gave them to me purely as a human creature in distress, so that,
though they did me a great honour, yet did they a much greater
to herself.

" As for Mrs. Delany, she is very kind in giving me a place in
her remembrance, and please, Madam, to let her know — for she
is a great stranger to the secret — let her know, therefore, that as
long as the prime virtues, decencies, and elegancies, and arts of
life preserve their due estimation in the world, by no one who
ever had once the happiness of knowing her, will she ever be
forgot.

"As to the last part of your Grace's letter I perfectly understand
it, and am extremely obliged by it ; but if your Grace defers till
the great world is settled, I shall wear a mitre in the millennium.
The Duke of Newcastle is our Pope. Ecclesiasticals are under his
thumb, and he is as fixed as St. Paul's, by his own weight, in
spite of all the revolutions of the little court buildings round
about him."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1744, January 17. Wellwyn. — " Your Grace is pleased to com-
plain in your last that I call you an incendiary. I could prove
you such in more senses than one, but you expect I should retract ;
1 will, and to make you full amends, please accept of the title of
an extinguisher. What can quench honest ambition more, than
robbing it of emulation, and hiding laudable example from its
sight ? Has Dr. Delany been with your Grace a month, and does
your Grace mention him, and mention him only ? Why did you
mention him at all '? Had you not, you then might have robbed
me, and I known nothing of the felony ; but now I am robbed,
and murdered my strong and just desire of receiving the
character of so distinguished a person from so distinguished a
pen. But your Grace can set this right in your next, and I
humbly hope you will.

"As for Mrs. Delany, I grieve for her indisposition : what pity
'tis that one who can't but give pleasure, should ever suffer pain !
As for Lady Peterborough, I should endeavour to cultivate my
better acquaintance with her, was I not apprehensive of too
powerful a rival in the Pope ; and who would be a pretender in
vain ? As for Mrs. Donellan, I suppose your Grace was afraid
to commit the very bright things she was pleased to say to your
own bright style, lest both together should set the paper on fire.
Madam, I rejoice at heart for my Lord Duke's recovery; my hum-
ble duty to him ; Caroline gives her duty to your Grace. Next

281

to his poor wife, she is the greatest sufferer, an only sister, and
most beloved. Thus 3'ou see, Madam, though we begin gaily, we
end otherwise. Death steals into the latter end of my letter,
though he has hitherto spared the latter end of my life, nor can
so bright an assembly of ladies, though they hate him, quite
fright him away. Had their meanest admirers no other rival,
they would certainly cany their point."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1744, February. Wellwyn.] — " I know what pain is, and am
heartily sorry for poor Mr. Achard, and I wish I was more sorry
still. We feel not enough for one another, considering who felt such
extremities for us all. Afflictions, as your Grace most justly
observes, have their use with regard to another scene ; and give
me leave to add, they have their excellent use with regard to this
scene too ; they soften the heart, and make us more humane,
they humble the heart, and make us sensible of blessings in that
situation which was insipid to us before. The bare cessation
of pain, if acute, gives us a pleasure nothing else can give, and
the bare remembrance of it is the best preservative against need-
less disgusts, and the most effectual counsellor for prudent
caution, through the remaining part of our lives.

"Madam, I shall be proud of the honour of being introduced to
my Lord Cornbury when I wait on your Grace in town. "When that
will be, I am yet uncertain. As for Lady Andover, she is a person
every good man would, I think, be glad to be acquainted withal,
if for nothing else, yet for this, that angels, those beings of a
nature so remote from, and unlike his own, might give him
hereafter the less surprise. This may look like a highflown
compliment ; what I mean by it is a plain and serious truth ; there
is — if I mistake not — a sort of unterrestrial softness, sweetness,
elegance and ease in her composition ; painters, for their
superior beings, would steal such a face, and philosophers, to
form the juster notions of their excellence, would contemplate
such a mind.

"I humbly thank your Grace for your kind and well-judged advice
with regard to your excellent cousin. He is not the man I meant;
a less exceptionable character is fitter for my purpose. Your
Grace's time for speaking is mine ; I absolutely acquiesce in your
goodness and judgment about it. But I should think that a
promise is like money, it carries interest, and the sooner it is
procured, the richer in hope we should be.

" Madam, I have the honour to acquaint }rou ladies in town, that
it is spring in the country ; that every day your rivals, the
flowers, exceedingly increase, and threaten your empire ; but I
believe their menaces are vain. Mankind, who take upon them
to hold the balance of power between you, are too great profli-
gates to let rural innocence prevail. They are not so much for
fair maids in February, as fair maids round the 3'ear. So that I
consider myself as an unrivalled Sultan, I am just now going to
take a walk in my seraglio, and which will be the happy daisy
I cannot yet tell."

282

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1744] , May 19. [Wellwyn.] — " I rejoice that your Grace found
Bullstrode so delightful, at the worst it is a beauty. To be
pleased with one's own is the greatest wisdom of human life, and
to have reason to be so is the greatest happiness of it. But to
balance this pleasure, your Grace has lost your friend, to whom
you give the epithet of amiable ; amiable is the softest word in
our language, and therefore by far the most proper for Lady
Andover.

"Your Grace enquires with great goodness after my health;
thanks to Mr. Achard — to whom my very humble service — I am
well, blest with so much indisposition only, as is, I hope,
sufficient to keep me out the danger .of thinking myself immor-
tal. What your Grace says of the battle carries in it so much
humanity that it is quite worthy of a duchess ; or rather such
sentiments make duchesses, without coronets, of every lady by
whom they are entertained.

" Another instance of your Grace's great goodness is thinking
of poor Caroline ; I believe the thing is past retrieve ; _ by my
direction she has written to Lord Lichtield to acquaint him with
it. She has not yet received his lordship's answer ; when she
does, your Grace shall know it.

" Your Grace should not have been at the trouble of transcribing
your letter to your cousin. Though seeing is believing, yet faith
is believing too, but your Grace takes me for an infidel. I wish
the M y did, and then I might have a better chance.

" Your Grace's letter to the Duke lays me under the greatest
obligations ; nothing can be kinder to me, or more to the purpose ;
when your correspondent can write half so well, I will certainly
have the honour of waiting on him. What a lucky thing it
would [have] been, if I, like my Lord Edward, had been born a
bishop ! Poor little soul ! I wish your Grace does not find it has
an ill effect on his manners ; however, I am very glad to hear
that he and his little lay-relations are all well, and I beg my
humble duty to their most worthy, and — as yet — most happy
father. But I beg your Grace, when you are next in the way of
wives, that you would forbear looking toward the Bench, though
his Grace of Canterbury is really a comely person ; for indeed,
Madam, to have a second child marked with a mitre, might
occasion suspicion, and cause mischief without the assistance of
an Iago to promote it.

" Caroline gives her humble duty, and looks like a fool, as she
ought to do. If she performs as well every part of her duty in a
married state, she will make the best of what, I fear, is but a
[bad] bargain."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1744, May 29. Wellwyn.—" It is with great feeling of heart

that I look back on my Lord Duke's, and your Grace's late

uncommon goodness to me. On Saturday I waited on my Lady

Oxford to thank her for bringing you into the world. I could not

283

get out of town till Saturday evening. The town is a great net,
where honest men are caught like flies, and know not how to
disentangle their integrity ; and where knaves sit, like spiders,
spending their vitals in spinning out snares of iniquity. _ These
spiders are of various kinds. Some only poison the principles of
those they catch ; these spiders nest in the Grecian, and at White's.
Others are sure to suck the blood of those they get into their
clutches. One of the first sort I saw crawling on Mrs. Mon— gu's
fair bosom. I would fain have brushed it off ; but astonishing to
say it ! I found she was fond of the monster, and it has worked its
way quite into her breast, and is quite visible in that fair and
sweet repository, like a spider enclosed in amber. But give me
leave to say, that amber the most illustrious, so poisoned, will
soon, with all the better part of the world, quite lose its power of
attraction.

" As to the second sort of spiders, the bloodsuckers, they nest
chiefly in the Inns of Court, and Westminster Hall ; two or three
of these lately seized on me at once, and played their parts so
well, that it is almost incredible to think how much I am reduced.

" But it is some comfort to me to consider that your Grace may
be a gainer by both these calamities. Your Grace has a collection

of philosophical rarities; clap Mr. M into one corner of

your cabinet, as a spider enclosed in amber ; and hang me up in
some old clock-case, for a skeleton : then laugh at Sloane.

"And now, Madam, is it not a most melancholy consideration,
that I must soon be re-entangled in this horrid cobweb of the
town ? I will live there, like a tortoise, in a box ; but it shall be
a box of Irish oak, that spiders may not come near me."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1744, July 23. Wellwyn. — "I am but just returned to this
place from a long absence, or I should have had the honour of
writing to your Grace sooner, to return the sincerest thanks for
your and my Lord Duke's late great goodness to me.

" But though, Madam, I have not written to your Grace, I have
written for your Grace, and ordered a copy of it to your house in
town a week ago. For if I have not written for your Grace, for
whom have I written ? Not for ten more in the kingdom. At
least not so many as there should be. I mean not, Madam, as to
the composition, but as to the subject, which is the most delight-
ful, or the most disagreeable in the world, and which of these it
shall be, the conduct of the differently-disposed readers is to
determine.

"Your Grace's turn I well know, and am sure of at least a can-
did reader in you. If this world was eternal, and we were
eternally to live in it, and that in perpetual youth, and with the
conveniences, nay, the glories of life about us ; though this to
most would seem at first view a desirable situation, yet I am
persuaded that on further consideration we should alter our
opinion. For as, now that we know we shall die, the terror of it
flings all our attention on what is agreeable in this world, with

284

which we are, therefore, most unwilling to part; so, if we knew
we were to live here for ever, then our attention— so perverse is
man — would be busy to find out all that was disagreeable in it ;
that would most engage his observation, and a mind, whose
observation was so engaged, would be inclined to change this
scene for another.

"For my own part, Madam, I have good reason to consider
myself as on the verge of that other scene ; and it is a situation
that is apt to give us serious thoughts, and the more serious any
persons are, the more grateful must they necessarily be to those
from [whom ] they have received incontestable proofs of good-
will."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1744, September 16. Wellwyn.— " I am very sorry for Lady
Peterborough's indisposition ; which, by the way, puts me in
mind of my own, which I had really forgot, but now I remember
it, my head aches mightily, and from eating a load of unripe
fruit I have been for a whole week in a good deal of pain. And
now, having discharged my conscience by doing justice to myself,
let me enter on a more generous province, and do justice to my
cousin. I grant that my cousin, as your Grace rightly observes,
is very fit to make a Prince of the Empire, nor would Dutchland
have disowned him, had his fortune dropped him there. But is
this any reason why your Grace should disaffect his conversation ?
Wherein, thinks your Grace, lies the blessing of conversation ?
Is it in giving us an opportunity of admiring the parts of
others, or of displaying our own ? If the first was all it presented
us with, I know thousands that would renounce conversation for
ever. I know a young lady that would turn nun, though she
hates the Pope, and I know a bishop that would turn hermit,
though it forfeited all hopes of a translation.

" Eeconcile yourself, Madam, to the blessings that befall you,
visit my dear cousin, and be happy, look on him and see what
sort of a man it was that inspired a Homer, and a Virgil ; such
were their heroes, and such heroes made them wits ; and does
your Grace prefer wits before that important being that can
make them ? By this time, no doubt, your Grace is convinced of
my cousin's merit, and your own mistake.

"I beg, Madam, my humble duty to my Lord Duke, and best
compliments to Mr. Hay. I am much obliged to Dr. Tillotson
for his blessing ; but now I think of it, I can bless too, I blessed
Mr. Stephen Duck yesterday with a third wife ; they were pleased
to come to Wellwyn for that benediction. How long they may
think fit to repute such is uncertain."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1744, December? Wellwyn.] — " You took notice— I remember
— that my servant looked like an ancient Briton; I then
dissented, and am now come entirely into your Grace's opinion ;

285

for if he had been a modern Briton, he could not possibly have
led me such a dance, but must necessarily have known more of
his native land.

" In a word, I set out from Bullstrode about ten, rid four hours,
and my man's horse stumbling at two, Tom waked, and told me
he fancied we had mistook the way, and seemed to take it ill of
me that I had suffered him to be my master so long ; and told
me, if I would readmit him into my service, he would act in that
character the first man we met, and ask him where we were ;
which he did accordingly, and received in answer, that we were
as far from Rickmansworth, exactly, as we were from Gerrard's
Cross. On this, as I designed to ride but gently, I desired him
to go to sleep again, which he did accordingly, and after some
very dirty dreams, that he could not possibly be mistaken a
second time, I brought him safe into an Inn at Watford, about
sunset.

" But I ask your Grace's pardon, and beg leave that I may now
wait on you into better company. Believe, Madam, a clergyman
for once ; I do assure you nothing could give me greater pleasure
than hearing of his Grace's amendment. As for the ladies, they,
1 suppose, give more pain than they feel, and therefore my con-
cern naturally devolves on the gentlemen. As for the little ones,
I left my good Lord Archbishop a little out of order ; I hope it is
over, for though he probably neither knows, or designs it, I
assure your Grace, the Archbishop gives me his blessing every
time I see him smile. Caroline gives her humble duty to your
Grace; I beg mine to my Lord Duke."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1745 ?] , January 1. Wellwyn. — " Our friends at Chelsea ! alas !
Madam, how many melancholy scenes are there in the world,
when we meet them so often within the narrow circle of our
familiar friends ! What a comfortable reflection is it to consider
that there is a world where they that give us joy will be under
no necessity of giving us sorrow too, which in our present scene
is inevitable ! Mrs. Montague seems to be for picking a hole in
my philosophical surtout ; I give her joy ; it shows her present
situation stands in no need of philosophy; when it does, she
will speak with more reverence of that which will rock her
pains into patience more effectually than a coach and six. When
Wit laughs at Wisdom, ravens should pull out its eyes, and young
eagles should eat them. The surest symptom of a sound under-
standing is neither to fear nor value wit. Lady Wallingford —
to whom I beg my best thanks and respects— surprises me with
her goodness. The mode of the world is to be extremely civil,
but safely too, to shine away in promises, provided they have
evasions in their pocket; but to remember those that forget
themselves, and solicit for trouble, this is a character that
would make saints in modern Rome, and would have made
goddesses in that of old. I know but one lady on earth that

280

rivals her in this most amiable character, but Providence, which
inspires such thoughts and considers the will as the deed, has
saved Lady Wallingford any further trouble.

"Mr.0 Leigh has relented, and my neighbour is returned to his
own house in peace. I hope this discipline has had its proper
effect, and given him a heart fit for his grey hairs.

"Ecclesiasticus, with me a most favourite author, says :—
Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of the
Lord is their glory. If Mrs. Leigh has given him this crown, and
he will wear it, 'tis the most valuable present he ever received
'in his life, and I thank Mrs. Leigh, by Lady Wallingford, for giv-
ing my friend a better ornament for his head than the most rosy
beaver he can possibly put on."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1745, January 17. Wellwyn.— " I find by your Grace's letter
that the country, and so sweet a country, as your Grace's is, is
capable of having a rival, and that rival a perfect dowdy. I
must needs own, that, if the country gives ladies the spleen, town
is their proper remedy, that region of assafoetida. But your
Grace will say it has its aromatics too ; it has, but some of them
are rather too strong, and all of them are apt to affect the head
to its disadvantage, and to lead weak ones by the nose. But to
balance all this, and ten times as much more, your Grace says,
it gives you the conversation of your friends ; if it does, I grant
Elysium could not give you more. Your Grace mentions but two
in your letter, and if a maxim I read in your Grace's book at
Bullstrode be true, I am very near hating them both, for that
says . — < The more a man loves any of your sex, the nearer he is
to hating them.'

"As for what Mrs. Donellan says, there is so much gallantry in
it, that in pure decency I must consider it as rank raillery ; but
I do not like it the worse for that : to be rallied by a young lady
at my time of day is a favour not to be despised. And as for
Lady Andover, pray, Madam, my best respects, and tell her
ladyship, that by the quotation your Grace takes from her letter,
I think she resembles the very beautiful youth— mentioned, as I
remember, by Herodotus— who, perceiving his person had kindled
a passion in a person very unlit for thoughts of that nature,
thought proper to disfigure himself, to prevent a consequence he
so much disapproved.

" And now, Madam, since we are at this play, pray, what is your
Grace like? 'Tis very odd, yet it is very true, you are like — the
destruction of Sodom ; you have brought an ancient gentleman
and his two daughters together, made him drunk with vanity,
and were not they better and he older than somebody else, how
could your Grace's goodness be responsible for the consequence ?
And now, Madam, what am I like ? Why I am like,— no I am
not like, but actually am a fool, and if your Grace does not burn
this letter, I will not, I cannot forgive you."

* Sic : but the contest seems nther to suggest Mrs,

287

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1745, February 2. Wellwyn. — " Your Grace's goodness outruns
me in all my selfish designs, and while my dulness is preparing
my petitions, shows me that my gratitude should be paying my

thanks. I am as much surprised, as obliged, by Mr. kind

zeal to serve one of whom he knows so little. It would appear
quite unaccountable to me, did I not conclude from this instance,
that your Grace is not only my friend, but my friend-maker ; had
you found the philosopher's stone and could turn all to gold, it
would not enable you to make so noble a present. At the name
of the two ladies that your Grace mentions my mind is neces-
sarily struck with those two brightest of ideas, that of beauty,
and that of wit. Those two brightest shafts in the female quiver,
how dangerous to our sex ! but still more dangerous to them-
selves, unless Heaven confers the shield of discretion at the same
time, as It has done, abundantly, in these instances ; otherwise
I should have wanted courage to give them joy of either of those
accomplishments, so courted, envied and admired, in the world.

"I sincerely grieve at your Grace's article from our friends at
Chelsea. Suffering merit is the most affecting object of considera-
tion upon earth ; if we are good, it threatens us ; if we are bad,
it threatens us still more ; and our concern for others may then
be supposed to be very real and sincere, when it is accompanied
with an apprehension for ourselves. I beg my best wishes and
and respects when your Grace sees them again, and please to let
them know that I desire they would take care of their health,
for they cannot suffer in it without putting others out of order.

" Caroline gives her humble duty to your Grace ; her lover is in
Stirling Castle, so that she has a chance of being a widow before
she is a wife.

"I shall religiously observe your Grace's injunction in your
postscript, nor ever dedicate any thing to that gentleman, but
my humble service and thanks when you see him next, and my
gratitude for ever."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1745 ?] , August 21. Tunbridge Wells. — " I had the honour but
this very post, of two letters from your Grace, one of July 22nd,
one of August 20th. As for the comedians your Grace met in
Nottinghamshire I have no cause to envy you, for we have, at
least as good a pack at this place. We have men of seventy that
represent boys of eighteen, and boys of eighteen that represent
changelings, and many of your own sex that represent witches
in the morning, and angels in the afternoon, and women at
night.

"The subject of the book you mention can never be too often
reviewed; ion faith like virtue, is never at a stand ; it is ever in
advance, or decline, and in one view it is more material than our
speculations on virtue, for it is the root of it ; and as for all my
merely moral friends, I shall be sure to trust them, when I am

288

sure it is not their own interest to cut my throat. I am truly
much concerned for the bad news from Chelsea ; God Almighty
alter things for the better.

"But now comes a severe calamity of another kind; why did
your Grace let me know you was at Wellwyn ? Indeed it grieves
me, but I have ever been in the wrong box. As to poor Caroline,
I fear the affair proceeds ; I made her write to my Lord
Lichfield, and she received a letter from him that became the
prudence of his character and the nearness of his relation, but
1 fear it had too little effect. All I can bring her to is that she
will not marry him in his present circumstances, and in that I
am persuaded I may rely on her. She is at Wellwyn.
As for your Grace's enquiries about her I take it infinitely
kind, for what but -your own good heart could put them
into your Grace's head? The Duke of N. received me
with great complaisance, ministerially kind, took me by the
thumb as cordially, as if he designed it should go for pay-
ment in full. In a word, Madam, with great civility — for which
I thank your Grace — he told me the King had made some promises,
and that he— the Duke I mean— had his own pre-engagements,
but that he would certainly do what he could ; so that if nothing
is done, he has kindly prepared me for it.

"As for Mr. Roberts, he is here, he returns his humble respects
for the honour your Grace does him in supposing him of conse-
quence, and says that he heard Mr. Pelham say : — ' that besides my
own flood title, the Duchess of Portland was a person, and character,
which it was very proper for both him and his brother very much to
regard: And Mr. Roberts added from himself, that, if your
Grace would be so kind as to persist in your kind pressing in my
favour, it must necessarily succeed; that your Grace's kind
importunity, would be the Duke's full excuse to competitors ; that
application should be made, whatever fell, or was likely to fall ;
that a deanery was as easy to be got as a prebend, as_ things
stand ; that he would be sure to be my remembrancer with Mr.
Pelham.

" The copy of your Grace's reply to the Duke, which you are so
indulgent as to favour me withal, is such an instance of your
Grace's indefatigable favour, that I know not what to say ; I have
been so little used to such treatment, that I am at a loss how to
behave under it. To return my humble thanks falls very short
of my real meaning.

"Lady Oxford did me great honour by having me in her
remembrance. I saunter, like your Grace, from oak to oak, but
I miss many oaks I was formerly acquainted with in this place.
I enquired after them of the neighbours, who tell me they are
gone to sea, but that meeting foul weather in their passage, they
threw the balance of Europe overboard, which was picked up by
a French man-of-war."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.
1745, September 17. Tunbridge Wells. — " I pretend not to
instinct by mv letters, but to obey, and to stand candidate for

289

your good opinion, by showing my sentiments close with your
own. As for poor Colly, his impudence diverts me, and his
morals shall not hurt me, though, by the way, he is more fool
than knave, and like other fools, is a wit. He has a little wit, a
little humour, and a little knowledge, and will lose none on't.

" Pray to how many better companions can your Grace help me,
within the hills of mortality? It was prudery in Mrs. M. to
tell tales, and 'tis your Grace's compliment to her prudery to
take notice of it. I honour Mrs. M. for what is truly valuable in
her, which is much ; yet have I writ a satire on her in my heart,
but racks shall not extort it from me. Lady Murray I have long
known something of, and love her, but your duchess deserves not
so much of your esteem. I propose, Madam, staying here as
long as the weather will permit, and then, after a few days spent
in London, waiting on your Grace. Your kind concern for poor
Caroline is an obligation to me, who am anxious for her welfare.
I am heartily glad to hear so good news from Chelsea ; there
seems to be much real worth in that family, and its scarcity
should make it precious. Mrs. M's 'many people, and little
company ' is prettily, and truly said ; but let her not complain,
she shines the more, she has often held me by the ear till all
about her were annihilated, and, in a numerous assembly, there
was neither company nor person but herself. There have been
two or three ladies more here whose sense is not amiss. Mr.
Roberts, Madam, is gone. Your Grace will hear soon from Mrs.
M. ; she is much better for the waters. I know more of her than
ever I did before ; she has an excellent and uncommon capacity,
which ambition a little precipitates, and prejudice sometimes
misleads, but time and experience may make her a finished
character, for I think her heart is sound. As for your friend
Mrs. K. I esteem her, as I do the Portias and Lucretias; her
fame rolls down to me through days of old. You see, Madam, I
lay myself entirely at your Grace's mercy. You may quite rum
me, if you please, with a lady, in whose opinion I have an
ambition of standing fair."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1745, Wellwyn.] — " The melancholy cast of your Grace's letter
inclines me to observe that the world is our school; much
discipline and few play days belongs to the nature of it. We
have, notwithstanding,' pleasures allowed us here ; but they are
modem! >■ pleasures, and if we aim at more,- we shall lose even
those, that is, we shall be whipped for it. And yet not to aim at
more is somewhat difficult, for, as we have a glorious holiday
before us in the other world, where there are large delights, we are
endowed with appetites and desires proportioned to them, winch
desires we are very apt to let loose here among objects too little
to satisfy them ; whence unhappiness necessarily follows. For
unhappiness is nothing but disappointment of our desires ; and
happiness is the contrary.

0802 »T

200

"It is plain, then, Madam, that moderation of desire is the single
receipt for happiness on earth, and our most gracious Governor
would have us tolerably happy even here : but how shall He bring it
about '? If He leaves us to ourselves, our desires grow exorbitant,
our minds take no measure of the things about us, but gape as
wide as if we were already in the land of immortality, and conse-
quently they must famish on all the world can give.

"This, Madam, accounts for what seems very surprising,
though it is very common : how often see we persons, possessed of
all that earth affords, as truly wretched, as if they were destitute
of every blessing in life ! How comes this to pass, when their
accommodations are so large ? Because their desires are larger ;
because they let loose that proportion of desire after temporals,
which was designed only for eternals. In a word, because they
cannot bring down their highset palates to the relish of a
moderate repast. The chief cause of human misery is this, that
men are hot in eternal pursuit of that which does not exist.

" Since such is our folly, what shall we do ? Shall we be left
to the fatal effects of it, and so be quite miserable ? No, God
Almighty is too good to suffer it, His wisdom interposes where
our prudence fails. He has a divine art of reducing us to the
relish of moderate goods, since on earth there are no other ; when
we will not choose the means of happiness, he will force them on
us. He kindly sends fears and afflictions, and when they once
show their ugly faces, then bare relief is happiness, escape is
triumph, and moderate enjoyments rise to high delights. When
a highlander's broad sword is waved over the head of a fine lady,
her radiant eyes are opened, she sees that to be true which
before appeared incredible. If he will suffer that fair neck and
shoulders to continue their acquaintance a little longer, she finds
it possible to make a shift to spend one evening, with some
tolerable degree of content, without opera, ball, assembly or
gallant. But I hear your Grace say, Is the man mad ? Is this
his apology? Madam, a volume would not hold it, and — if it
please God — before the week now begun is expired, I will have
the honour of looking like a fool before you for my repeated
transgressions."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1745, October 25. North End. — " Since, I find, your Grace is
in the secret, give me leave to observe, that writers, like other
sinners, when they have once given away to the first temptation,
are carried farther than they designed, and sin on till they are —
what, Madam ? You can guess, 'tis a bad word, and I will not
shock your Grace with it.

"Lady Andover does me honour in remembering that I exist.
Yet 'tis all compliment; there is no sincerity, or she had not
disappointed my assignation with her. Why go to town !
Dishonourable creature ! She is gone only with her husband !

"But your Grace, who are infinitely kind to your friends in such
extremities, has taken care that the disappointment shall not

291

prove fatal. Another mistress is the only cure, and oh, the
charms, and those charms in my bedchamber, oh, the charms
of a wicker chair ! My Lady Duchess, if you love Lady Andover,
and I think you do, and I think she is well enough for a woman's
love ; if you love her, I say, let her not know of this rival, a rival
so irresistible, and that- opens her arms, to take us wholly in,
and hold us fast for hours — perhaps, fast asleep — it must make
her despair; it must break— and let it — her unfaithful heart.

"Madam, the fit is going off, I am coming to myself. I have
often seen our friends at Chelsea ; they are pretty well, and very
good, and therefore will certainly be quite well in time. I am
glad with regard to your Grace, and indeed — as in duty bound —
with regard to the Church, that what is most episcopal in your
family is so well recovered. Then the public papers inform
us, that the Kirk has lately behaved very well. I begin to
relapse ; nonsense is a distemper the bark will not cure ; though
it may have its intermissions, those intermissions are but short.
I know but one instance to the contrary, and an ambition to con-
verse with that instance will hasten me to Bullstrode, soon as
possible."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1745, [November, Wellwyn] . — " I cannot thank you too soon
or too much for the late great favours received at Bullstrode, a
place where a person cannot receive civilities but he must
receive honours at the same time, nor can he return his humble
acknowledgments, without being proud under his humility. But,
I assure your Grace, I am as sincere as I am proud, while I
return my gratitude for your great goodness to me.

"I rid very hard, and got hence by three of the clock, which
you know, Madam, is dinner time. My maid told me she was
glad I came so opportunely, for by that means she thought
verily that she could provide me a dinner again the next day. I
suppose the wench had heard that I eat six times a day at Bullstrode
and was for balancing the account, nor was this the sole felicity
of my journey. My man was ill of a fever ; therefore,, when we
came to St. Albans, he desired I would stop a minute, that he
might take something, being ill ; and as he said he thought his
blood was much inflamed, I stopped, and left him the liberty
of having what he pleased ; on which he drank half a pint of hot
brandy ; then we put on apace, and by the time we had rid four
miles, his horse stumbled, though it was the rider drank the
brandy. On the jolt, Tom waked, and cried, ' Sir, I have dropped
the bag!' I was in a passion at his negligence, and told him I
should then have nothing for dinner. 'No, sir,' says he, with
great joy, 'the venison is here; I only have dropped your
leather bags.' Now, Madam, in those bags was nought but my
shirts, wigs, shoes, razors, &c. ; in short my whole travelling
estate. On being a little disgusted even at that loss, he
told me, to be sure somebody must pick it up, and no doubt
would bring it after us; and then trotted on with great tran-
quillity of mind. Win" 1st T was considering how I should best

202

manage the handle of my whip to knock him off his horse, and
leave him to he picked up by the next comer, with my hags, a
servant from my, and your Grace's, honest landlord at the Bed
Lion overtook me v*illi what was lost; which was left on a
horse-block in his inn-yard. Now judge, Madam, if I stand in
need of highlanders in order to he undone. How long it may be
before they strip me of my shirt, which 1 so happily recovered,
Heaven only knows.

"Beware of Jesuits. 'Oh no,' says your Grace, 'he appears to
he the honestest man that ever lived, not only to me, but to
everybody; even bishops take him to their bosom.' True, Madam,
and what does that amount too ? It is no more than saying
thus: — 'I can't but think him an honest man, because he plays
the knave to perfection.' "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, April 6. Wellwyn. — "I had not omitted my duty in
returning your Grace m}7 early sincere acknowledgments for
your particular favours when I was in town, but as soon as I
returned I was taken ill of a fever, nor can I yet get clear of it.
I heartily condole with every branch of your little family for
what they suffered in their late illness, and bless God for their
recovery.

"Your Grace's kind regard to my little interests is extremely
good in you, whatever shall be the event of these casual things,
your Grace can never lose the satisfaction of having endeavoured
to befriend one, whose chief title to your favour is his being
deeply sensible of it.

"Your Grace gives me great satisfaction, by your account of
your friend Mrs. G. Cole's better health; and I shall ever set a
high value on whatever favours she is pleased to confer on me.

•'Yesterday, Madam, the famous Mr. Whiston called on me, who
prophesied severe things to this poor nation ; he pretended to
support himself by Scripture authority ; how just his pretence I
cannot absolutely say ; but I think there are so many public
symptons on the side of his prophecy, as to hinder it from being
quite ridiculous.

"I wish, Madam, I could at all contribute to your amusement,
but sickness is but a bad correspondent ; however, 'tis better to
have it for a correspondent than a companion. May your Grace
ever keep it at a distance, yet not out of sight ; for, as I take it,
the sight or thought of sickness is the enjoyment of health, and
half the world are unhappy under the greatest blessing Heaven
can bestow, purely from forgetting that it may be taken from
them."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1746] , June 12. Wellwyn. — " I have been so thrown back in
my hoped recovery by a severe cold that I cannot keep my word
in being in town on the 17th. My physician tells me he cannot
set me up for such a journey under ten days, and I take for

293

granted your Grace by that time will be out of town. I have a
brother chaplain in waiting that will do my duty at Court till my
health permits me to come to his relief.

"I should have been extremely glad to have paid my duty to
your Grace ; but as to the other point, viz. of having my curiosity
satisfied by being let into the particulars mentioned in your last,
that is of no moment ; your Grace, I am satisfied, will do what you
can, and if I have the honour of hearing from you, it would add
to the favour if your Grace would let me know how fares our
good friend of Chelsea, of whom you grieved me with so melan-
choly an account in your last.

" Madam, I beseech you take care of your health. I have a
very particular sense of the value of it at present, not only from
my own want of it, but from the disorders and indispositions of
many of my friends and acquaintances. One of them, I find, has
the honour of being known to your Grace, I mean Mrs. Rolt,
from whom I received last post a most melancholy letter; her sole
hope, it seems, is in Bristol waters, to which she is going, and if
she should fail, her children will fall into their father's hands,
which is a most surprising way — one would think — of falling
into ruin. In ancient story it is said of one Saturn, that he eat
up all his children. As for my cousin Rolt I fear he will drink
up his. He has already drank up one half of an ample estate,
and seems to be exceedingly dry still, so high runs his fever,
caught by perpetually basking in the too sultry beams of that
sex, which seems designed by Providence for the comfort of wise
men, and the ruin of fools."

Postscript. — "Madam, I beg my humble duty to my Lord
Duke, and humble service to Mr. Ashard,* and— if your Grace

pleases— to Mr. M . When I last saw his Grace of N , he

told me he had two or three to provide for before me. Three
are just now preferred, but perhaps his two or three, like
Falstaff's men in buckram, may grow to nine or ten. For what
fictions in the extravagance of poesy can exceed the wonderful
realities in humble life? Your Grace will please to answer this
puzzling question in your next."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, July 17. Wellwyn.— " Your Grace's particular regard
for Miss Parsons confirms me in that in which I need no con-
firmation, your just discernment, for most certainly her excellent
disposition is indisputable. God forbid it should fall into bad
hands. Your Grace's apprehensions about her are such as every
true friend of hers must entertain, for she seems left absolutely
naked of defence but her own prudence, and in so young a
creature, and beset by such a world, how precarious a defence is
that ! I pressed her' therefore— after I heard your Grace's kind
invitation — to the utmost of my power to be frequently at Bulls-
trode, and with your Grace's friends in town ; for I cannot but
have for her a very sincere regard and affection.

Sic : Young spells this name indifferently with a c or an g.

294

"Business, Madam, detained me near the town till this week.
I was to wait on Mr. M. ; but he was not at his chambers. I
humbly thank your Grace for his kind intentions towards me. I
am very glad, but not surprised, that he thinks with me with
regard to, &c. Madam, 'tis impossible, 'tis impossible, though,
I confess, the Devil has sufficient footing in the world, and never
fails of a good place at Court. Poor Mr. Ashard ! I am very sorry
for him, but from many late instances of the like nature in our
own neighbourhood, I have great reason to hope he will do well.
For my own part, who lately crept out of the same condition he
is now in, I am far from being re-established in my health. As I
have often in like condition found great benefit from Tunbridge,
I have good hope from drinking these waters a due time ; and
when it shall please God that I am well, I know I shall be better
by waiting on }Tour Grace, which I had much rather do now, if
it was in my power. Lady Bute I have formerly seen, but before
she was Lady Bute. From what I then saw, I very easily believe
what I now hear of her ladyship's excellent accomplishments
and character. I am glad your Grace has the happiness of her
conversation ; I should be pleased and proud to partake of such a
feast, but my ambition has lately met with more rebukes than
one; which should, and, I hope, will, make me wiser than to aim
at anything more than humble content for the future, which is
prudence at all ages, but double prudence at mine."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, September 23. Wellwyn. — "I have not yet got a curate,
but hope sometime next month to get some neighbouring clergy-
man to officiate for me one Sunday, and that will give a
fortnight's absence, which I propose to dedicate to my paying
my duty at Bullstrode, if nothing intervenes to prevent it.

"Your Grace delights in curiosities; I therefore enclose one
to you which is worth the best cockle shell in your museum. A
snail's shell it must not be, for mine is all expedition ; if your
Grace had such a thing as a flash of lightning in the corner of
your cupboard, it would be the most proper return you could
make for my present. It was indeed a clap of thunder to Lady
C 1, who is now panting in the Irish seas under the conse-
quences of it.

" Your Grace's mentioning the Duchess of ■ in your last

put me in mind of this letter. I received it the next day after
date ; I desire you to keep it by you till I have the honour of
waiting on you. If the Duchess plays her cards no better than
my lady, she will be in danger in a little time of being called
hussy instead of her (/race. I send it for your private amuse-
ment only, and beg it may be a secret, for I would not appear
as a confidant in such an affair, much less as the betrayer of the
betrayer.

"How one false step naturally betrays us into another ! Had
her ladyship never married her grandson, she had never been a

295

liar, and if she had never been a liar, she had never been trans-
ported, which, in this case, is, I think, a severer fate than that
of being hanged.

"I beg, Madam, my humble duty to my Lord Duke, my service
to Mr. Achard and best wishes to all, especially to Lady Harriet.
When I am at a loss for a curate I cannot forget his grace the
little Archbishop. What if he made his first ecclesiastical
campaign in the fields of Wellwyn ! His innocence would recom-
mend his doctrine to my parishioners exceedingly."

Postscript.— " This moment I receive advice that the happy
couple are soon to return from Ireland in perfect peace. Since
there are no spiders in Ireland, I wonder how so many webs are
spun there to catch English butterflies. Her ladyship is still, I
believe, but a fair penitent, as well as your Grace's duchess ; I
wish they were both as ready to repent of their sins, as they are
of their follies. But that is the case of but few, and the reason I
take to be this, viz. that folly s hell is in this world, but the hell
of sin in the next. But not many let their minds go a wool-
gathering to the next world, and yet without it, there is no
prudence, safety, reputation, or peace in this, and they that seek
them without it, not only do, but must fail, because it is contrary
to the Almighty's fixed and original plan and law, which no
human effort or wisdom, we are sure— if sure of anything— can
possibly repeal.

" I am deeply concerned for poor Miss Cole, and beg my hearty
service to Miss Parsons when your Grace sees her."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

17-16, October 16. Wellwyn.— " Compassion is not only a
duty, but a blessing ; it is attended with a pleasure, not only, m
common with all other virtues, from a consciousness of doing
right, but with a pleasure of its own peculiar growth, which the
uncompassionate can never enjoy. The more sensible we are of
others' calamities, the more sensible we must ba of our own
escape ; as Ave lament the former, we bless God for the latter ;the
first gives us pain, the second, delight ; hence arises that mixed
sensation which an honest heart feels at the objects of pity,
which to many is a riddle, and which, while they feel, they do
not understand.

"What an object of compassion did your Grace lay before me
in your last ! A human creature, and one of the tenderest sex,
and one of the most deserving in it, and an old acquaintance,
and a friend, and a friend that has so much contributed to
the happiness of others, to be thus afflicted ! If this was all,
the account would be very melancholy ; but this is far from
being all ; it strikes me in a light still more affecting, for con-
sider, Madam, a person deprived of reason by any cause, by
pride, malice, or impetuous desire, is one of the most melancholy
objects under heaven ; and if it touches us so much even when
the cause is criminal, how much must we be affected when virtue
is the occasion of it ! How much more affected still, when a

&96

virtue so rare as that of filial affection is the occasion of it ! I
call it a rare virtue, because fainily-affection naturally descends;
ii descends by instinct, and when it ascends, it is pure virtue that
turns the stream.

'% How virtuous, therefore, as well as unfortunate must our dear
friend be ! And unfortunate virtue calls for all the compassion
and concern which the most tender heart can yield. But
then we should consider on this occasion that virtue itself may
be guilty of excess, that we may stretch it into a fault, and what
you, Madam, will hardly believe, that we may love a parent too
well ; which we actually do, when we give him our ivhole heart.
There's another who claims the supreme seat in it. Had our poor
friend considered that her Father is still alive, that He can never
die, that He is about her path and about her bed ; that
Father, I mean, which gave her that father whom she
mourns, that Father who, though He has angels for His
children, not only permits but invites, nay, commands her to
call Him by that tender name, and promises that, if she does
so, that" He will give her His blessing ; such a blessing as
no parent on earth can give, that He will never leave her, or
forsake her — as her other parent has done — but stretch His wing
over her, with the utmost tenderness, both in this life, and the
next. Had, I say, Madam, our poor friend fully considered this,
it would have been such a cordial to her heart, as would have
made her laugh at Monroe ; this consideration would have done
what medicine cannot do, it would have softened her affliction,
and have prevented the calamity.

"A calamity, I mean, to us; for what it is to her, God only
knows. We know no more of her than of the state of the dead ;
she is actually dead to our manner of life, nor know we at all
what her present condition is as to happiness or misery. That,
doubtless, depends on the nature of the ideas that pass through
her mind, and that we know no more of than of the dreams of
those that sleep. The beggar in his dream may be a king, and
she, under this melancholy appearance, may be happy for ought
we know to the contrary. For now, Madam, she exists in a
separate state; we exist under the reign of reason, she is in the
kingdom of wild imaginations only.

"Let this consideration, Madam, comfort us ; let us hope the
best of her, as we do of friends departed in another way, let us
look on her as a living monument of the realty deceased ; and
then, like other monuments, it will naturally put us in mind of
the vanity of human life, and it will do that kind and needful
office in a manner as much more effectual than other monuments,
as it is more uncommon and surprising than they. Thus her
reputed calamity will be our real benefit, and such, past dispute,
God Almighty designs it to be. For all His dispensations to par-
ticular persons are instructions to mankind in general. His good
providence designs one person to be, as it were, a glass to another,
and to show us our j><>ssil>le misfortunes by the actual misfortunes
of those about us. Since then these melancholy, but most useful
glasses are around us without number, since we may see ourselves

* Sic.

297

in them every hour of the day, methinks our souls should he
better dressed than generally they are ; but these are glasses in
which birthday suits make hut a poor appearance, and therefore
we turn from them. How many heads are now full of birthday
suits ! How little do they think of that hour when the gayest
tulip bed of St. James's on the 28th inst. will look as despicable
in their sight as the wardrobe of Long Lane ! A fine deathbed
suit we should purchase at any rate; it is by far the most glorious
apparel we can put on; but pray, Madam, don't tell them so, for
they will certainly think you mad.

"Madam, I am still under difficulties about my waiting on you;
my schemes have been disappointed, and at present 'tis not in
my power to fix the time. Miss Lee gives her duty to your
Grace ; I beg mine, and humble service, and best wishes to my
Lord Duke, Lady Wallingford, Mr. Achard, and those beautiful
flowers of innocence that smile about the table, and might make
a nosegay for an archangel, but I hope 'twill be very late before
he gathers them."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

174G, October 28. Wellwyn.— " I have got myself a curate,
and was preparing to set out for Bullstrode, but an unforeseen
accident denies me the pleasure and honour of waiting on you,
and what is still worse is that it is a public misfortune which
includes my own. The murrain among the cattle is got within
four miles of us, to a place called Wotton, and! am obliged with
another justice to hold a sessions once or twice a week, to put
the Act of Parliament in execution for preventing its spreading
further, and to pay the poor sufferers what they are entitled to
by that Act, provided they perform the conditions of it.

"I have, Madam, endeavoured to get a curate in tliis capacity
also, but I find it is impossible, so that I am absolutely confined,
and for how long is quite uncertain.

"One particular fact I must tell your Grace, which will show
very particular care is necessary. A farmer had half-a-dozen
cows drop at once; by Act of Parliament he is obliged to dig a
hole and bury them; he was willing to spare that pains, and
finding an old chalk-pit, he tumbled them in, and threw earth
over them; but it happened that this pit was so near the road,
that in a few days the road became offensive to passengers, and
if it gives them nothing more than offence, happy are they.

" The following pretty tale for a tragedy may perhaps be new to

your Grace. Lady C at 59 is smitten with the gay feathers

of 33, and after short ceremoning (?) of billing and pruning, takes
him into her nest. 33 finds it very well feathered, and had a
great mind to pluck some plumes of it for his private use. This
made Dame Partlet bristle against him. At this the cockscomb
rose and could not, bear it; it came to a little sparring, war was
declared, and 33 must show all his generalship on this occasion.
To this end he thought it prudent to strengthen himself by
allies, and it happened very fortunately for him, that there was

•298

a young princess in the family of 18, whom 50 took from the
dunghill, and tossed her into a tuh of soapsuds, out of which
she soon rose, like Venus out of the sea, the delight of her lady-
ship's eyes, and the confident of her heart. This Venus fell in
love with Mars ; which was very happy for him, for she returned
the favours she received from him with the key of her ladyship's
escritoire, where he found the will, which has made him
run mad. In his distraction he snatches hoth away to Ireland,
where the young princess personates her ladyship, who is kept
out of eyesight, for fear of telling tales, and as she before
discovered the undutifulness of her husband, so very lately are
her eyes open as to the treachery of her bosom-friend, and yet
none but these two are ever suffered to come near her. Can
your Grace easily feign a greater picture of distress ? I own I
cannot, and yet for this terrible sore, she neither has, nor is like
to have, any other plaister than potatoes and milk.

"How dearly do we often pay for the gratification of an idle
desire ! If such tales as these were fiction, they would be of use ;
but when they are real, methinks they might make any one
tremble that is within the possibility of the like misfortune.
Pray, Madam, make this a secret, or conceal its author."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, November 23. Wellwyn. — " It grieves me that I cannot
wait on you, but the occasion that subsisted when I wrote last
still continues, and what is worse increases. Nor are the poor
cattle the only sufferers ; a pleuretic fever is epidemical in this
neighbourhood; few escape it, and many die. And yet the
survivors are as gay as ever, and as free from apprehensions of
death as if they were immortal. This is so strange and yet so
true that it naturally excites mere worldly curiosity to enquire
into the cause of it.

" Can you conceive, Madam, the cause of so astonishing a truth?
I take it to be this. The shortness and casualty of life, and the
certainty of death, are such obvious and quite indisputable
points, that it seems nonsense to talk about them ; and from not
talking, they come to not thinking about them too. Those
points want no proof, and therefore they give them no attention ;
that is, they think not of them at all, for the oddest reason in
the world, viz., because the points are so very certain, that they
should think of little else.

" By this time, I hear your Grace say: — ' 'Tis pity this gentle-
man had not continued in his pulpit ; he preaches very well ; I
suppose his parishioners will have the favour of my letter next
Sunday.' Why truly, Madam, this is naturally enough said, but
how comes it to be natural ? This, I conceive, to be the reason,
viz., that on any serious subject a man can't talk common
sense, but it will fall in with something we have heard from the
pulpit, and hence we naturally enough call it preaching. But
this is not so much to the discredit of what is said as to the
credit of the pulpit ; showing, evidently, that religion and

299

good understanding are the same thing. And if, Madam,
you call what I have said preaching, I will present you
with many profligates, that by the same rule your Grace
must call divines. Your Grace little thinks, therefore, that,

while you accuse me of preaching, you are putting Sir

into orders, and presenting ministers of State with lawn sleeves.
For even these, in conversation, will take the side of virtue, not
out of conscience, but out of pride ; not to save their souls, but to

reserve their characters as men of sense.

"But I am out all this while; I have been talking to your Grace
as a divine, whereas I find you are a physician ; I had one of
your Grace's patients with me this morning, Mr. Terrick, from
whom your Grace need desire no other fee than that of being one
of his audience, by which — if I know your Grace's taste — you will
think yourself richly paid. How comes it to pass, Madam, that I
have so many rivals in your Grace's favour ? How comes it to
pass, that at every turn, I hear of your Grace's goodness ? Is
this like a Duchess ? Is not this being a little out of character ?
If you continue this extraordinary practice, I shall return the
preacher upon you, for be assured one good example, and in such
a station, out-preaches all the pulpits in Christendom.

" I therefore thank your Grace for your excellent sermon, and I
hope I shall be much the better for it ; for what can be such a
spur to age, as to have youth get the start of it in what is right ?
Nay, if it does not get the start of age, but only treads on its
heels, even that is a great reproach, and men never bid fairer
for virtue than when they fly from shame as well as guilt. But
take it not ill if I call even you an old lady, for 'tis said : — 'Wisdom
is grey hairs, and an unspotted life is old age.'

" The good company your Grace has with you makes me still
more regret my confinement at this place."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, December 5th. Wellwyn. — " I once saw a poor deserter
shot in Hyde Park : six musketeers were employed in this
melancholy office ; the three first, stooping, shot at his breast, and
then the other three shot over them at his head, and killed him
after he was dead. Such, Madam, is your request supported by
Mrs. Delany's ; either of them would have struck dead the stout-
est resolution I could possibly have taken to disobey your com-
mands. But, Madam, my resolution was quite the contrary, and
though I am in fact a deserter, yet am I an innocent one ; or
rather I am not a deserter, but taken prisoner by the enemy, and
detained in chains, which 1 am willing to break, but the links of
it are too strong, and too many. For first, Madam, next week's
fast insists on my stay, secondly, your friend Mr. West,
who is patron to my curate, calls him to town, and lastly,
my little house is full of London guests, with whom I am on
the foot of some form, and therefore can neither dislodge
nor abandon them. This frosty weather thaws human hearts,

300

and as they sit round a good fire their kind affections flow in
such abundance, that I find my friends disposed to oblige for
some time.

" I would therefore, Madam, have you and Mrs. Delany reflect,
lliat. if you had a person with you, whose company you desired,
vet if his inclinations were elsewhere, you would consider him as
absent still ; so, on the other hand, as I assure you you have my
inclinations, consider me as present, and treat me as kindly as
you possibly can. When a man is personally present, form may
supply the place of goodwill, and make handsome treatment con-
sistent with real disregard ; but kindly to treat the distant in
place, this is pure virtue ; this is the treat which angels give us,
and therefore not absurdly to be hoped from those who bring
them most into our thoughts.

"However, Madam, give me leave to own, that I have my objec-
tions to you: some few marks of mere mortality are still upon
you. Your Grace is guilty of a fault, and of a fault which few
would be guilty of ; you oppress with your condescension and
civilities ; I am really out of countenance at your repeated kind
invitations ; and particularly, when your Grace thinks proper
to distrust your own powers, and call in allies to assist your
unreasonable indulgence towards me. My Lord Duke, the Dean,
and Mrs. Delany ! With such allies as these a less powerful poten-
tate than your Grace might certainly make a most successful
campaign. Suppose the Empress-Queen had a mind to prevail
with the Prinee of Monaco to accept of a million, and distrusting
her own power should engage the King of France, and the Pope,
and the Czarina, to succour her endeavour, and ensure her success ;
would not this be very extraordinary ? Make a very small altera-
tion, put parson for Prince, and your Grace may make the
application."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, December 17. London. — " I am now in town, and
passing by Whitehall I made my bow to your Grace's house, and
was sorry to find it empty. To how many houses in this great
town might I bow, in which I have formerly enjoyed agreeable
conversation, but shall enjoy it no more ! WThose inhabitants
have taken a far longer journey from them than to Bullstrode !
Such thoughts, Madam, will occur to people in years, and as age
is naturally talkative, it will tease other folks with them. How
like a perfect dream seems all that is past ! And a dream it really
is ; all is absolutely vanished, all our plans, our labours, even our
most innocent amusements and delights ; all is as if it had never
been, except virtue and vice. These, though past, are still with us :
the first is immortal and cannot die, the second will be immortal
too, unless it is put to death by repentance. Now, since as an
Arabian proverb says, ' The remembrance of past joys is a sigh ; '
and since by the same way of speaking the infirmities of age may
be called a groan, what fine music must a veteran make in so
delightful a concert as is now at Bullstrode ! Besides, conversing

301

with the blossoms of human life is apt to betray persons in years
into a supposition that they are beings of the same nature, and
in the same state of existence; which is an absolute mistake. For
what is ^Yisdom in the young is folly in the old, and so on the
reverse ; for which reason I once resolved to renounce your
Grace's acquaintance, till I considered that the mischief of your
Grace's age was balanced by the benefit of your example.

" Your Grace wonders what all this means, and what gives
occasion to such random stuff. Why, Madam, to tell you the very
truth-, I am now in a coffee house waiting for a rascally attorney,
who, having robbed me already of all my money, would now rob
me of my time; and rather than do nothing — which is very
tedious — I was determined to write nothing to your Grace."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1746, December 28. Wellwyn. — " I am sorry I could not
have the honour and pleasure of waiting on your Grace after so
many very kind invitations; but your Grace is in the midst of
very agreeable company, which wants not that inspiration you
are so well able to give. So surrounded, what, Madam, canyon
possibly want ? If you call for the delicacies of art or imagination,
Miss Parsons and Mrs. Delany have them at their fingers' ends;
if to cpaalify these sweetmeats you call for the substantial bread
of reason and argument, you have one with you who with
that bread has strengthened man's heart against the insults of
infidelity. Would your Grace, like Drake, travel round the world
in search of curiosities ? Madam, you may spare yourself that

pains, the mighty S ,° like Atlas, on his broad shoulders

will bring the world, like a rare show, to your own door ; he can
present you with all the wonders of Egypt, pour the sevenfold
Nile into the basin at Bullstrode, and luckily — at this season —
give your Grace a Pyramid, as a model for a Christmas pie.

"But think me not, Madam, so stupid or profligate as to depre-
ciate his learned and excellent work ; 'tis as useful as it is
entertaining ; 'tis an entertaining comment on the Scriptures,
and a noble pillar to support our faith. What can so
strengthen our belief as to have set before our eyes still extant
monuments of ancient miraculous facts? By this means faith
is almost lost in knowledge, and ridiculous infidels grow still
more ridiculous in our sight. Most of our travellers go abroad
to damage their religion, few to mend it ; therefore this work is
still the more commendable.

"lam truly glad, Madam, that Miss Parsons is at Bullstrode, of
whose accomplishments and virtues I have a great opinion, and I
consider it as a providential part of reward to her virtue that she
is near your Grace. 'Tis obvious to conceive that it many ways
may be of great advantage to her at this critical period of life ;
who knows but the whole future happiness of it may depend on
this visit ? On very minute causes depend the greatest events
of our lives, and when on retrospect we observe them, we are apt

* Probably Thomas Shaw.

802

to cry, ' A lucky accident ! ' and so rob Providence of Its just
glory and ourselves of the best instruction. When we read the
various manners and fates of nations, we do justice to Providence,
and acknowledge without hesitation the full evidence of the
Divine hand over them. Providence is no less present to —
what we are pleased to call — every accident of our lives,
but Its interposition seems to [be] written there in a smaller
character; in such as we cannot or will not read, but if our
eyes are bad as to this point, it is worth our while to
put on our spectacles ; for I am persuaded that every person at
all advanced in life may with due attention read as useful, and
probably more affecting lessons in their own lives, as they can
in their Bibles. And this I presume, among others, was one
important reason, which gave the saying, 'Know thyself,' so
much fame for wisdom among the ancients.

" But your Grace will say, I know not myself when I write thus
to you ; but pray, Madam, why not ? May I not have the liberty
to repeat to you your own thoughts when I can furnish nothing-
better ? And these are your own thoughts, as far as I can
collect them from your conduct, and if that imposes on me, which
of us, Madam, is most to blame ?

"The infection among the cattle does not spread, and the
pleuretic fever is more merciful than at first. I bless God I
escaped it, and I rejoice at Miss Parsons' recovery ; she has
happily got rid of one pain in her side, but she is at a time of
life very liable to another. If the shaft should come from a wrong
quiver, your Grace will gently extract it, and apply a medicinal
balm more precious than that of Gilead. For what tree drops
wisdom ? But though you are an excellent surgeon in these
delicate cases, yet pardon me if I advise you — strange advice to
a Duchess— to be a tinker, mend one hole by making another.
It is the surest method, if I have any knowledge of the female
heart."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, January 20. Wellwyn. — " On Saturday I sent your
Grace a letter by a courier, like other princes, which I hope came

to hand. That for the Duke of N — ■ I sent open, hoping you

would be so good to seal it, after perusal. How affairs may go,
by your Grace's favour, I cannot tell ; but at present to me they
are very mysterious. On your Grace's saying in a letter, about
six weeks or more ago, that a friend of yours would be considered,
if any removals beneath were occasioned by Bishop Clagett's
death, through the dominion of self-love, I construed myself to be
the man meant ; and employed my thoughts in sumptuous plans
for the consumption of my future abundance, taking it for granted
that your Grace had received some intimation of Ministerial good
intention towards me. From this golden dream I was awaked
by the thunder of Mr. Roberts' letter, which indeed, did not kill
me, but filled me with great astonishment, as being utterly at a
loss how to reconcile his storm and your Grace's sunshine
together. This astonishment was scarce over, when your Grace

803

filled me with new, by taking a dead cause in hand, for dead in
all appearance it seemed to me. Now the question is, whether
your Grace will please to explain, or to keep me in the dark, as
they do nightingales, that they may sing the better. The first
will be the kinder office, though the latter will be the better jest;
but I acquiesce in this, that your Grace will certainly do what is
most proper to be done.

"Madam, I write this letter, lest my courier should have got
drunk, and given my letter directed to the Duke — to whom my
humble duty — to some duchess of his own. She will be surprised
to find herself in your Grace's company, with two or three
Ministers of State about her; and who knows but that I might
find my account in her acquaintance ? 'Tis certain Nell Gwin
made Dr. Ken a bishop.

"When Mrs. Delany calls for inspiration, the sun should call
for light. I long to see, but not to judge, her performance ; and
I think I make a prudent choice ; for if people have not more
vanity than sense, it will ever be less pleasurable to criticise than
to enjoy."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

[1747, January. Wellwyn.] — "As you are my oracle, I have
obeyed your commands, but I consider my letter only as a carriage
for your Grace's artillery. 'Tis your influence must do all the
execution. But whatever success attends your engineering, I shall
thank you, if not for success, yet for your good example. Few will
do so much for their friends; what then will become of their foes?
and yet they are recommended to their goodwill. But in this, as
in some other debts, the verge of the court is a sanctuary. Virtue
has great advantages ; its chief advantage is out of dispute, but
if it was out of the case too, methinks its present advantages
should recommend it to our favour. What reputation does
it gain ! what esteem and affection secure ! Men are so fond
of reputation that by letters and arms, &c, they will take
infinite pains to procure it ; virtue would bring it at a cheaper
rate, but that study they think harder than Algebra, and had
rather lose a limb than another man's wife. I believe the
reason why men prefer vice to virtue, is, because it must be
owned that virtue is more like a wife than a mistress ; virtue
has equal— not to say far superior — joys, but then the joys
of virtue have the misfortune of being unprohibited goods. If
they want more pleasures than virtue can afford, why do they
not seek them where your Grace and Mrs. Delany have so
happily found them, in the curious and elegant arts ? These,
though not moral, are intellectual pleasures, which is next door
to the former, and both are true marks of the human race, such
as are incommunicable to the creatures beneath us, and such us
may one day — if we please — set us on a level with those glorious
beings which are at present infinitely above us, which are now
our directors and guardians, but will be, if we are wise, our dear
companions, and familiar friends.

304

" This is a triumphant consideration, and almost makes it an
astonishment, that good people should he — which notwith-
standing they are — afraid of death. Now, Madam, since to
converse with those who have wisely chosen to gather their
! lowers of pleasure out of the two upper beds of human happiness,
the moral and intellectual, and have left the leeks and onions of
sensuality to those inferior beings whose poverty of nature
affords them no better repast, and to those Egyptian constitu-
tions of our own species, which have no passion for the Promised
Land : since, I say, to converse with such is the greatest
happiness and improvement in this scene, and the fairest
promise of a better, your Grace will easily apprehend that it was
with no small concern that I found myself debarred the possi-
bility of waiting on you at Bullstrode, as I proposed to do."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, February 3. Wellwyn. — "I return my most cordial
thanks for the pains you have been pleased to take in my favour ;
if that will not do, nothing will, and I resign my chimerical
expectations, which it is a shame I should have retained so long.
I consider it as a sort of a curse on the clergy, that the nature
of their provision in this life keeps them generally gaping after
preferment so long that they forget the next.

" Business, Madam, calls me to town in about three weeks, when
I shall not fail to pay my duty at Whitehall. I received a letter
last post requesting Miss Lee's consent to petition the Parliament
for the sale of Frogmore. I know nothing at all about it ; I
suppose Miss Parsons may have talked with your Grace concern-
ing it.

" Madam, I must let you know that I have a new neighbour at
the house that was my Lady Cathcart's ; she is an Irish lady,
and this is the scheme (viz.) : she is to have possession of this
English villa in lieu of an old castle in the utmost north of
Ireland, frowning over the sea, in which Lady Cathcart is to be
imprisoned, till some generous knight-errant shall come to her
relief, and rescue her immaculate virginity from the merciless
tyranny of the giant Maguire.

" My law business is occasioned by disputes arising from the
death of poor Mr. Lee. Mr. Murray is my counsel ; and always
shall be so, for he gave me excellent advice when he bid me
expect nothing. And your Grace was an excellent prophetess,
when you said we should not obtain a positive answer. None
ever received other than an ambiguous answer from the ancient
oracles, and your Grace knows who was the author of them, and
yet Mr. Ptoberts and your Grace is for having me go to Delphos.
I will, when I am in "town, if your Grace continues of the same
opinion."

Postscript. — " As I must- soon resign in much more material
points, I bless God I am resigned in this. I humbly thank your
Grace for your kind wishes and endeavours, and shall call off my
thoughts from so dead a scent to other game. I shall send them

305

to lake a turn, not among the stalls, but among the tombs of
Westminster Abbey. There ambition will go out as a taper in a
damp vault. I will no longer set my thoughts on the pinnacle
of the Temple, to take a view of the glories of the world, lest I
fall down and worship him to whom they belong ; nor do I,
Madam, take this resolution altogether out of regard to that motive
which ought to determine me to it ; but out also of mere human,
secular prudence, for I find that expectation, in a point of this
nature, hurts me much more than despair."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, [March]. London.— " My long service to his Majesty,
my court to the two brothers, and your Grace's recommenda-
tion, these three found a very just title to favour. The Duke's
absolute promise to me myself, that after two or three were
provided for, I should be preferred, this heightens that just
title. Your Grace's last so signal interposition in my favour makes
that just title still higher . After this to sue would be mean in
any that wanted not bread; it would be mean at any time of life,
but monstrous at mine. I am therefore fully resolved to stir no
farther, which is only taking pains to be despised.

" But I long to thank your Grace for your zeal to befriend me,
and therefore will wait on you punctually by ten to-morrow
morning, being obliged to be at Lincoln's Inn before twelve."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, April 16. Wellwyn. — " Amid so many dear domestic
engagements of heart, and so many loud calls from the gay and
great around you, is it possible your Grace can think of one so
much out of the way, of such an invisible being as your humble
servant? I believe' not; I must therefore let your Grace know
that you commanded me to write, and that this comes therefore
from the pen of obedience, not of presumption, but as I have no
business and but little invention, what shall I say ? I will tell
you a melancholy, but true tale, of too late a date.

" A young woman— now about twenty-one — of good birth, and
better principles, was some years in my family. About two years
ago her much elder sister, who had long been governess of my
family and me, married, settled in town, and carried her
younger sister with her. A young apothecary in good business
and circumstances courted her, won her affections, mutual vows
of marriage were passed. Things standing thus, she came down
for a month or two to me the latter end of last autumn ; the
thing was kept warm by letters every post; I invited, nay, pressed
him to come down to her, knowing the pain of absent lovers;
lm! business, Ik; said, hindered him. She returned to town in
high expectations, just before I was last there; the spark visited
her, but his behaviour was cold ; she burst into tears ; on which he
said : - -' My dearest, I understand those tears; they upbraid me;
ami so far they agree with my own sentiments; I upbraid myself.

6802 u

S06

You feel, I see, the force of love, and therefore will the more easily
pardon the same weakness in another. I feel it to distraction, but
ask ten thousand pardons, 'tis for another person. I courted her
some years ago, but she absolutely refused me, which occasioned
the fatal step I have taken with you. But since you have been in
the country, I have received intimations that she has thought better
of it. The temptation is irresistible, and therefore we must
part.' And so he took his leave; a duke could have done no more.
"The heathen deities were said to laugh at the perjuries of
lovers; and if your Grace is as much a heathen as you are a
goddess, you perhaps may laugh with them, but I cannot. If
she lives a thousand years she'll never feel greater pain, and a
good heart in pain is the most melancholy sight in the world.
The sole consolation is, that a good heart in pain by pain will
be made still better. But what young lady of your Grace's
acquaintance would better her heart on terms like these !"

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, June 1. Wellwyn. — " I am glad your Grace has had so
pleasant a ramble, and that you stopped short of Ireland, which
is fond of an English Duchess, and cares not to let them fly home
again, when once in her net. Cornbury, your Grace says, is a
charming place and fit for such a master. My Lord I know not
but from Mr. Pope0 and your Grace ; now Pope was a poet, and
might therefore fib; my Lord Cornbury must therefore thank your
Grace for the good opinion I have of him.

"The Duchess of Queensberry is, your Grace says, very enter-
taining, and so are all oddities ; peevishness and pride are in
their own nature the most ridiculous things in the world, and
therefore must be extremely entertaining to such as only see,
not suffer from them. If Mr. Foot! would take her Grace well off,
you would find her much more entertaining still.

"I congratulate your Grace on the nuptials of Miss Parsons,
that must, I think, be a very happy couple if it is not his fault ;
but a good wife sometimes makes a bad husband, as great
prosperity corrupts good manners.

"Your Grace has sent Lord Titchfield to Westminster; no doubt
it gave your Grace some care and concern, and so will every
thing in life that is valuable and worth our wishes. It is greatly
for my Lord's advantage, and therefore will be greatly for your
Grace's happiness. Whatever advantages a private education
may have, two very great ones it certainly wants, emulation and
early experience in the tempers and talents of others ; the first
is the greatest spur to diligence, and the last is an absolutely
necessary qualification for making any figure in public life. And
why, Madam, should we despair of seeing his grandfather revive
in him ? When Lord Titchfield is Prime Minister, I will apply
again for preferment, and not before. And I think myself
happy that your Grace's wishes concur with my resolution of
neither visiting nor writing any more.

* Imitations of Horace, I. Ep. vi. 60.
t Doulitle6s the actor. Samuel Foote.

307

"If your Grace continues your resolution of leaving the town
in three weeks from the date of your letter, I shall not have the
honour of waiting on your Grace the latter end of this month,
when I am obliged to be on duty at Kensington. If, I mean, the
gout will give me leave.

" Your Grace is jealous either of my bad head or bad heart
without cause, for I do assure your Grace that I have not the
least suspicion of insincerity in your Grace's favour to me, but
with true gratitude of heart remember and acknowledge the
manifold instances of your partiality to one who has no title to
it, but his true sense of your Grace's prudence, _ virtues and
accomplishments, so rarely seen in so eminent a situation, and
so conspicuous a point of light.

"Your Grace is so kind as to invite me to Bullstrode ; I have the
assurance to invite you, Madam, and my Lord Duke, and Mrs.
Montagu, &c, to Wellwyn. I am but four hours from you, and
it may be some amusement to you to laugh at a country parson.
Madam, I shall be proud of that disrespect."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poktland.

1747, September 10. Wellwyn.—" The honour of your Grace's
letter of the 5th I received not till yesterday, and rejoice that all
is well. My Lady Oxford— to whom I beg my humble duty —
does me great honour in remembering me, nor could I have a
greater pleasure than an opportunity of waiting on her, for I
know her Ladyship's worth, so that surveying the magnificence
of the place would be the least part of my satisfaction at
Wellbeck.

" I am concerned for Mrs. Delany's loss, but hope her appre-
hensions for Mrs. Dews will happily be disappointed. If we did
not suffer as much — perhaps more — from what we fear than
from what we feel, the world would be much happier than
it is.

" His Grace the little Archbishop will not catch a fever m his
return ; the weather is now very moderate, and I beg him to be
my guest in his return. Your Grace is so good as to think of
taking me up in your journey, but before Miss Lee returns it [is]
not in my power to be from home, and her I expect not till the
beginning of next month, at which my Lord Lichfield comes to
town to welcome his uncle Fitzroy to England, and then will
bring Miss Lee along with him. As my present fate necessarily
fixes me here, your Grace will be sure to find me on my post
whenever you return, and I shall for the future consider my
post as a post of honour, since it gives me an opportunity of
paying my duty to your Grace in your Wellbeck expeditions.

"I dined yesterday at Stevenage in order to prevent the
infection of the cattle from being spread among us, which has
already begun from that place. Your Grace's friend at the Swan,
tor he pretends great intimacy with your Grace's family, is very
solicitous for your health and return'; the latter of which may, I
suppose, make him so tender of the former."

308

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1747, November 22. Wellwyn. — " Since my last I have been
in a very bad state ; my days more than over painful, my nights
almost insupportable. * What 1 have felt is, I hope, to your Grace
quite inconceivable, for so, I am sure, it must be if you was
never afflicted with the rheumatism yourself ; but I bless God I
am much, very much better, yet still cannot go abroad without
suffering by it. As soon as I can I shall attempt waiting on your
Grace, for Miss Lee is with me now, and sends her humble duty.

" Though your Grace is so kind to offer it, there is no need of
any other tar- water than that you mention; its proportions are
exactly right, and it is the only medicine from which I receive
any manner of relief.

" I do not yet hear anything of the result of your Grace's letter;
'tis this day a fortnight since I had Mr. Gore's promise to put it
in Mr. Roberts'0 hand, who, I suppose, had it the next day, and I
desired it might be returned, which is not yet done.

"I humbly thank your Grace for the offer of your chaise ; I may
possibly ask the favour of having it meet me at Rickmansworth ;
but as yet I am all uncertainty and complaint.

" A second work by the author of Pamela will be published in a
fortnight, and I fancy your Grace will find amusement in it, if, I
mean, your taste is for a melancholy tale. I have heard it
formerly, and not without a tear; but, as I remember, your Grace
laughs at fiction ; if so, I must visit others to see them weep.
Fictitious tears are detestable, tears from fiction are not so.
May your Grace never have occasion for any other."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, February 20. Wellwyn. — " As I opened my chamber
window this morning pretty early, I was struck with the most
beautiful landscape I ever saw. Houses, trees, wopds, fields, all
was covered with one entire sheet of snow, not a single footstep
to be seen, not the least violation of its immaculate virginity.
What an amiable emblem of universal innocence was this ! But
since, as I conceive, our innocence is not yet quite universal, I was
obliged to think of it in another view, and imagine our whole
polluted species doing penance in a white sheet — as the custom
still prevails in Scotland — for their secret sins.

" Now please, Madam, to observe that I send all this to your
Grace purely as an article of news ; you in town are in another
world, and know nothing of what passes in the natural scene of
things. In your hotbed climate frost is warm, and in your sea-
coal situation snow is black ; in all things you are unlike us
innocents in the country ; with you honesty is not the best
policy, nor is the worthy the most honourable man at Court.

"But your Grace long ere this censures me for my triviality ; the
weather, you say, is a common topic of discourse, that indeed you
have often met with it in conversation, but that you never saw it

Doubtless John Roberts, Henry Pelham's secretary. Cf. p. 302.

309

signed and sealed in the solemnity of an epistle before. Madam,
I acknowledge the indictment, I plead guilty, I own my letter is
a kind of frost-piece, and far fitter to make a page among the
winter months of an almanac than in any other composition, but
I assure your Grace that the frost has only nipped my fingers ; it
is got no farther ; my heart lies ten degrees at least southward
of my hand."

Postscript. — " Madam, that my Lord Duke may before this be
on a better than a Chinese foot, and that the little ones may long
trip it with the foot of fairies on Mrs. Delany's light, fantastic
toe, before they know what pain means, is the hearty prayer of
their humble servant and admirer. My humble service to my
physician, Mr. Achard."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, [March. Wellwyn] . — ' ' Except Betterton, I never knew a
player that was a good tragedian, and I never knew a dancing
master that was a genteel man ; and the cause is the same, they
both overshoot the mark. This is a fault not to be feared in
your Grace's band ; and the reason is plain ; for when persons of
low education undertake characters of dignity, they can only
guess at what it is, and so mistake ; but when persons in high
life do the same, they know what true dignity is ; they, for
the time, only change their habits and names ; whereas the
former must change their manners and nature, which is a much
harder task.

" Besides, Madam, who so likely to act a part well, that is, to
pretend to be what they are not, as persons of a Court education !
Dissimulation, which is putting off ourselves, and simulation,
which is putting on another's character, I take to be the whole
science of a courtier. Nor do I speak this to their dishonour,
but the contrary ; for, through the depravity of our nature there
is so much in the human heart that ought to be concealed, that
I cannot but lay it down for a maxim that : — ' They who know not
how to dissemble, know not how to please.' If this startles your
Grace's delicacy, consider, Madam, what is virtue, and religion
itself ? It is little more than curbing the natural tendencies of our
perverse hearts. If, therefore, courtiers instead of curbing or
altering their passions, which they can do to admiration on
secular motives, they did the same on nobler views, courtiers
would be the best Christians in the world. Your Grace may,
therefore, congratulate some of your friends on being so near
that, which, I daresay, they very little suspected.

" For the reason given above, I believe, with your Grace, that
the play will be acted to great perfection; and there is no enter-
tainment that could give me greater pleasure. But then I like
not the reason you give for my being present at it. l Since you arc
to preach so noon dtc.' says your Grace. I perceive, Madam, the
satire that is couched in this argument ; you mean, ' since you are
to preach, you can't do wiser than to come to the best school for

310

acting a part.' I grant, Madam, no preacher can come up to
his precepts, bul then he thinks it is his duty so to do ; whereas
many a tailor has acted Alexander the Great, who never thought
it his duty to demolish the Persian Empire. This is the difference
which your Grace would artfully sink — between a Roscius and

a St. Paul.

"However your Grace's tartness should not rob me of an enter-
tainment that would give me so great delight, had I not many
real tragedies, at this severe season, acting round about me at
home, in several families distresses, disorders, and deaths. And
why has Providence ordered that melancholy tales should give
us pleasure, but to habituate our hearts to tenderness, that they
may not grow callous when opportunities offer, which may
render our tenderness of some real use? I fear, Madam, I can-
not be in town soon enough ; but, if not, I am not utterly at a loss
for some consolation under the disappointment of my desire to
wait on you. For my comfort is, that even at this distance my
pride will be highly gratified, though my poor famished eyes and
ears do not share in the entertainment. For, as it is said,
that Pygmalion's statue grew warm under his embraces, and of
stone became flesh ; so, I am persuaded, how dull and inanimate
a figure soever The Revenge may make on the common stage, its
condition will be very much altered under sncli hands; their
approbation — not to mention their performance — will give it life.

" I beg my best compliments for the great honour done me."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, April 12. Wellwyn. — "Miss Lee joins me in my best
thanks for the favours we lately received in town. I left it ill,
and though I bless God I am better, yet have I no reason as yet
to boast.

"This minute I received the rumour of a great victory in
Flanders; I wish to-morrow's papers do not blast our laurels. I
should have waited again on your Grace before I left town--as
Miss Lee told me you desired — but I was in pain, and unwilling
to make wry faces in company. Miss Lee has acquainted Lord
Lichfield and her uncle the Admiral* of her determination to
marry, so that matter is past retrieve, though against the
pressing advice of us all. I wish Count Saxe found our officers as
irresistible as they are found to be at home. This irresistible
hero is at Portsmouth taking his leave of his friend General
Blakeney, who there sets sail for Minorca. I expect him here at
his return. He is purchasing a majority ; the bargain is agreed
between the parties, and the Duke's leave is waited for, and
expected very soon. The man seems to me to be a plain and
honest man, and I can see not much, she could fall in love with
unless it is his integrity, which, methinks, should have more
charms for an old philosopher than for a young lady. I must
give your Grace joy of Dr. Drummond's mitre. I hope all is
well at Whitehall."

Fitzroy Henry Lee. Cf. p. 307.

311

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, June 4. Wellwyn. — " I much thank you for your very
kind letter, which has set my heart at rest from the uneasiness
of foolish expectation and suspense. Your Grace's endeavours
were not the less kind for being unsuccessful, and to the kindness
of a friend our gratitude is due, and not to his success.

"I should think myself happy to see Bullstrode in its glory, but
I fear it will not be in my power ; the bride0 and bridegroom! &c.
are with me, and how long their stay, and what expedition lawyers
will make in their concerns with them — in which I am concerned
—is as yet uncertain, for there is a suit still depending about her
brother Lee's will, which we must attend till it is finished.

" A young gentleman was with me last week, with whom your
Grace lately made an assignation. He has but four thousand
pounds a year, and he came into my neighbourhood to take
possession of a parsonage of one hundred and twenty pounds per
annum, but it seems it is for the benefit of a minor.

" I give your Grace joy of a glorious piece of news, which
probably you may live to see accomplished; I shall not. Mr.
Whiston was with me this morning, and has assured me that
eighteen years hence the Jews will be converted, and that twenty
years hence the Millennium will begin, and next week he begins a
course of lectures in town to satisfy the world in that particular.
Lady Wallingford will probably have a curiosity to see the new
buildings at Jerusalem, for that city is to be rebuilt; till that
happy scene arrives your Grace may look with satisfaction on the
beauties of Bullstrode, but afterwards it will be of no manner of
note. If Mr. Achard would travel so far, he would probably see
that the mathematics are as yet but in their minority."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, September 25. Wellwyn.—" I ask Lady Primrose's
pardon and your Grace's, that I did not wait on her sooner and
oftener ; but it was a pretty while after she was in these parts
before I knew of it, and afterwards I was prevented from that
honour extremely against my inclination ; though I knew not
what I had lost by it till after my visit, when she gave me much
occasion to think well of her understanding, besides her profess-
ing her just and great opinion of your Grace.

"Madam, I accept your very kind invitation, and his Grace's, to
Bullstrode with great gratitude and pride, but whether I shall be
so happy as to take the advantage of it, as yet I cannot say.
Mrs. Haviland is now in town putting her goods on board for
the North, but she returns to me next week for some— as yet —
uncertain time; I suppose, it depends on the Major's being com-
manded to his post. All that I, therefore, can at present say is,
that whenever health and circumstances admit, I shall be happy
in paying my duty to you.

* Caroline Lee, granddaughter of the first Earl of Lichfiuld, and Young's
stepdaughter.

f William, afterwards General, Haviland.

312

••1 am extremely [glad] to hoar so comfortable an account of

the matrimonial harmony between Mrs. and Mr. L d, and

indeed the more so, because I had lately heard quite the contrary,
and with this particular circumstance, that, though the fact was

true, yet Mrs.L d to all her acquaintance declared the contrary.

Which I accounted for in my own mind from that uncommon
sweetness of temper, and prudence, of which I think her mistress.
And though much urged, as the persons knew me to be no

stranger to Mrs. L d, all 1 said, or could say, was, that, if

the report was true, I thought myself confident that Mrs. L d

was not the occasion of it, or, if she is, no appearances in your
sex are ever to be trusted.

"Your Grace mentions not a word of my Lady Oxford, though
I writ in hopes of paying my duty to her on her journey ; which
puts me in mind of your Grace's going by my door last year
yourself as if it had been a stranger's. Madam, unextinguished
ambition will put such things in one's head, though I, who am
so often receiving fresh honours from your Grace, have, I confess,
the less reason to complain.

" If, Madam, Mrs. L d is still with you, I beg my best compli-
ments, and let her know that her friend Mr. Richardson left me but
on Saturday last, and that she may expect to see before Christmas
part of her own amiable picture in the remaining part of Clarissa.

" I know your Grace has no great esteem of this author; there-
fore in a letter to you I shall suppress my admiration of him,
and will only, instead of panegyrist, turn prophet, and let your
Grace know that your great grandchildren will read, and not
without tears, the sheets which are now in the press. They will
pay their grandmamma's debt to this poor injured man ; and
injured in a point which would touch him most nearly, if he
knew your Grace, and knew your opinion of him."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, November 22. Charles Street, Westminster.—" I am
greatly 'obliged to your Grace for your enquiry after my health.
It is, I bless God, much better, but my yesterday's journey to this
place has much fatigued me. I am very sorry for Mr. Hay, but
hope a Lisbon sun may do much, when there are no physicians to
hinder its operation ; though I think there is something both in
Mr. Hay's manners and appearance that looks as if he was more
fit to make an angel than a man ; as the world goes.

" This moment I received a letter out of Scotland, and find by it
that Mrs. Haviland will soon have it in her power — and I dare-
say in her inclination — to wait on Lady Bell Monk in Ireland.
Thus are we tossed about on the face of the earth till we are
gathered to our fathers.

" I rejoice that all is so well at Bullstrode, the health of those we
esteem is our best cordial under the want of our own.

" A friend of your Grace's not long since deceased in Hertford-
shire has, I hear, mttny claimants to what he left behind him, but

313

I hope no one will claim his bad example of dying intestate, which
occasions all this trouble. I hear his curiosities will come into
the hands of your friend Mr. West.0

"Now I am in town I shall talk with Mr. Richardson on the
point mentioned in your Grace's last letter but one ; and if I
find him guilty either of impertinence or illnature, I shall have a
less opinion of mankind than I had before ; for I own I conceived
him to be as incapable of either as any man on earth. But we
are all very frail, and he that answers for another in almost any
thing only shows that his knowledge of human nature is not
equal to his zeal for his friend."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

17-18, January 29. Wellwyn. — " I rejoice that Mrs. Lambert
has made her spouse so agreeable a present, such presents are
great peacemakers, where peace is wanted, and pour fresh oil
into the lamp of love, where it burns the brightest. I heartily

hope my friend R n was a false prophet ; prophets of old

had two provinces, one was to foretell, the other was to instruct.
Though he may have failed in the first, yet he has not in the
last. Has your Grace read his Clarissa ? What a beautiful brat
of the brain is there ! I wish your Grace would stand god-
mother, and give it its name, Clarissa the Divine. That romance
will probably do more good than a body of Divinity. If all
printers could turn such authors, I would turn printer in order
to be instrumental in promoting such benefit to mankind.

"And yet, Madam, this excellent offspring of the imagination
was in danger of having been stifled in its birth ; or, at least, of
having been made a changeling. I think your Grace knows Mr.
Littleton; he, Mr. Fielding, Gibber, &c, all of them pressed the
author very importunately to make his story end happily ; but does
not your Grace think that it is infinitely better as it is ? It does
end happily, most happily, for Clarissa in the sense of all who do not
terminate their notions of happiness at the grave. The reader
that has most faith and virtue will be most pleased with this
composition. I look on it therefore as a sort of touchstone for
the readers of this virtuous age, who, while they think they are
only passing their judgment on another's ingenuity, will make a
discovery of their own hearts.

" Your Grace is so good as to desire to see me in town. When in
town I shall have the honour of waiting on you, but I have no
thoughts of being there soon, though some of my neighbours
seem to have an irresistible call to the Green Park. The cold
weather, I suppose, makes them fond of fire. Instead of
squibs and crackers, I shall humbly content myself with sun,
moon, and stars, those glorious fireworks of that great King
who in the noblest sense is the author of peace, and lover of
concord.

* Doubtless the antiquary James West, at this date M.P. for St. Albans.
Cf. p. 316 infra.

814

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1748, December 18. Welrwyn. — "Not being at home when
your Grace's letter came, this cannot come to you till Thursday;
ami on Thursday sennight, that is St. Thomas's day, I am obliged to
be at home again, if I have the honour of waiting on you ; and that
time is so short, that I had rather choose some other opportunity.

""When I was in town I talked with the author of Clarissa ; he
and your Grace I find from the beginning were of different
sentiments, though I daresay of equal good intention ; you for,
he against, the match; he against it, from the great inequality
of age ; your Grace for it, from — I suppose — such an opinion of
the young lady's temper and prudence as rendered that objection
of no weight. You prophesied good, and he, ill ; and now you
are both for verifying your several prophecies ; which is all that
I can make, on my best enquiry, of this matter.

"Mr.L being often in theTunbridge season at the Wells,

and she, never, though much enquired after, gave, I find, some
ground for suspicion, but whether a just ground or not, they
themselves alone can tell.

"I have got Mr. Monk to write to Ireland to procure Mrs.
Haviland, who will soon be there, the honour of Lady Bell's
countenance at her arrival in a strange land.

" May this, Madam, find your Grace happy, happy in yourself,
and in all you hold dear ; this I ardently wish, because, whenever
I have the satisfaction of hearing good news from Bullstrode, I
shall be truly capable of enjoying it, though I am not on the place."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1749, May 7. Wellwyn. — "About three months ago I had the
honour of a letter from your friend Mrs. Delany. As its contents
were of the greatest importance, I immediately wrote an answer,
and that duty done, took the liberty to close my letter with an
humble request for a favour at her hands with regard to poor
Mrs. Haviland now in the barracks at Drogheda, and in the
ensuing winter proposing to be at Dublin, where I thought I
could not do better for her, either with regard to her happiness
or reputation, than to recommend her to the countenance of
Mrs. Delany. But I have had no letter from Mrs. Delany since,
which, considering Mrs. Delany's goodness and complaisance,
makes me suspect that my letter never came to her hand.
I remember at that time I doubted if my direction was right ; and
therefore I humbly beg the favour of your Grace to let me know
how I am to direct to her, though I should have thought that
a letter directed to Mrs. Delany in Ireland could not have mis-
carried. She shines not only with her own light, but with that
of her spouse, and how with such a lustre to lead it, could a letter
lose its way? "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1749, August 3. Wellwyn.—" You desire me totell you how
your heart shall get clear of forming ineffectual wishes ; it is, I

315

grant, a sad distemper; yet, though your Grace does me the
honour of making me your physician in ordinary, yet can I not
in conscience wish you quite free from this disease, because I
verily think there is no such thing as a perfect cure of it but
death. However, there are some palliatives that may soften the
pain it is apt to give us.

"First. Madam, I can adminster to your Grace a malicious
kind of consolation from the great number of your fellow sufferers,
for no disease is so epidemic ; but this is, I know, a medicine that
that will go against your stomach.

"I had rather, therefore, observe that frequent blows of dis-
appointment deaden the sensibility of the heart, and thus this
distemper, at long run, like the scorpion, cures the wound it gives.

"But the chief recipe I would prescribe may be called the
balance; I mean, Madam, that your Grace should not permit a
a disappointed wish to give you more pain than a successful one
gives you joy ; and then I am persuaded you would find the
violence of your distemper, in a great measure, abated. But to
play the mountebank no longer, I descend from my stage into a
perfect patient myself ; and must own that I am as much, if not
more distempered, in spite of all my quackery, than your Grace.
For I severely feel the disappointment of my sincere desire of
seeing Bullstrode, which pleasure is denied me by friends that are
to be with me for the summer. I humbly beg that my not waiting
on your Grace may not be misunderstood ; for I am ashamed of
having been honoured with so many kind invitations, and should
be still more ashamed of not enjoying the advantage of them, if
the occasion of it was not most real and unavoidable."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poktland.

1749, September 17. Wellwyn.— "It grieves me that I cannot
wait on you at St. Albans, as I "designed, but am necessarily pre-
vented. Your Grace will perceive by the enclosed that I must
have had great inclination to talk with you. My friend Mr.
Richardson, your Grace will perceive, is very uneasy ; and, I am
confident is very honest ; if therefore on the perusal you can
furnish me, at your Grace's leisure, with anything of consolation
to hiin I shall rejoice.

"I am, Madam, extremely sensible of the many and undeserved
honours I receive at your hands. What would I not give to
wait on you and my Lord Duke at Wellwyn! I wish your
Grace would change the conditions for any other on earth ; for
such is my state of health, that so late in the year I dare not be
from home.

•■ Madam, the bar to my design and promise of waiting on your
Grace at St. Albans was a coachful of ladies, who came to dine
with me.

" The latter part of the enclosed is the only part that desires
the favour of your perusal, and such answer to it as your Grace -
benevolence shall think proper, for I know poor Richardson's
great delicacy is quite in pain about it."

316

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1749, October 5. Wellwyn. — "Accept my most cordial thanks
for the honour your Grace and my Lord Duke so lately did
nn« at this place ; had you continued but four hours longer, you
would have seen the ladies you talked of the night before,
Mrs. Montague and my Lady Sandwich. They dined at the
Inn, and drank tea with me ; and I breakfasted with them the
next day, after which they went to town, both their husbands,
as I understand, being there. As far as I can look into her at
present I like Lady Sandwich very well ; her manner is very
unlike that of her friend. They came from Hinchingbrook,
where Mrs. Montague has spent some time with her ladyship.
I asked her if she had any commands to Bullstrode, for that I
should write soon ; she answered, that she should write herself
on Tuesday night ; your Grace can tell whether her veracity is
inviolable or not.

"I hope your Grace had a pleasant journey, a safe arrival, and
the happy welcome of finding all well ; my hopes are the more
lively on this occasion at present, being awakened by a sad fire
which happened in our neighbourhood the night after your
Grace left us, which has reduced three poor families to_ great
distress ; it was occasioned by a careless disposal of their lime.

" I defer writing to poor Kichardson till by your Grace's favour
I hear what Mrs. Lambart says to his ietter. If he was to
blame, it is evident he repents, and it is the interest of us all to
wish that much power may be afforded to repentance. But I
presume no farther ; your Grace knows what is fit and right to
be done in the case, and, I am confident, will be for no other
measures in it."

Postscript. — "Since I writ the former part of my letter, North,
Mr. West's friend, came to make me a visit, and in the course of
our conversation — without the least provocation or hint from
me — told me that the rise of his friend was owing to some secret
he had to communicate to persons in power. I said, I questioned
it, on which he told me that he had it from Mr. West's agent
at St. Albans, who stood in such nearness to him that his
information could not be questioned."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1749, [October]. Wellwyn.— " Your Grace is extremely
obliging, and your present very acceptable. I have now another
flock besides that of my parishioners, and I fear much the more
innocent of the two.

"I received the honour of your Grace's first letter, but it was
after mine to [your] Grace was written, or I should have made
my acknowledgments for it. Mrs. Hallows knows not how to
express her sense of your Grace's so great favour; and Mrs. Ward
is not with me. I am sorry to hear that I have seen the best of

La(jy g h, and as for her companion I found her out before

your Grace did, which occasioned the disregard I showed her at

317

Tunbridge, of which I know she complained to your Grace. The
paragraph you favour me with, Madam, relating to Mrs. Lambart
gives me real pleasure, for poor Kichardson is a low-spirited
man, and not only deserves but wants satisfactions.

" I return, Madam, my particular thanks for the receipts and
medicine, and for that especially that encounters a sore throat,
my greatest enemy, to which I am most subject; but I shall
stand less in dread of it for the future.

"Lady Primrose and a friend of hers were, some time since,
about taking a house in Oxfordshire, but the bargain went off,
and they could not get it. Sometime after Lady Primrose met her
friend, and was regretting that they missed that pretty place.
'No,' says her friend, 'I have taken it.' 'How so?' says Lady
Primrose with great joy. ' Why,' says her friend, ' I have married
the landlord of it.' Which is very true. It is one Captain
Hervey, with whom I am well acquainted.

"Your Grace asks, on a very proper occasion, ' Is it possible for
a man to glory in his villainies ? ' Yes, Madam, so very possible
that some have committed villainies purely to glory in them, but
the gentleman in question fixed his prudent choice on something
more substantial, and, we may suppose, in pure gaiety of heart
from his extraordinary success, let the secret inadvertently drop
from him. For that it did come from him in conversation, and
that with a person of low rank, I have indisputable conviction."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1749, December 26. Wellwyn. — "My eye is just as it was, I
cannot make use of it without uneasiness; but it would be
greater uneasiness to me not to thank your Grace in a few
words for your most kind enquiry. I rejoice in the welfare of
your amiable fireside, and hope the little exception to it in the
Archbishop will soon cease. I do not hope, but prophesy that
my Lord Titchfield will advance in all things to your own
heart's desire. It is natural to Mrs. Delany to leave marks of
great ingenuity behind her wherever she goes, and still more
natural to leave them there where she knows they will be
relished by an exquisite taste, and be acknowledged by a heart in
which it is her glory to have so large a share. To her and the
Dean, I beg my best compliments, and my humble duty to my
Lord Duke."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1750, April 20. Wellwyn. — "I was lately in conversation with
a certain gentleman who pressed me much to bring my old
tragedy on the stage, and he told me that your Grace had
promised to second him in that request. T should be very glad
to know at your Grace's leisure if this be true ; for I have certain
inferences to make from tbe veracity, or the contrary, of this
reporter.

318

•• 1 beg your Grace to pardon my liberty, and my brevity, for I
am still under my late complaint as to my eye. When the sun is
highest the shadow is least. I cannot say that the shortness of
my letter proceeds from the height of my regard, but I can
truly say it is absolutely consistent with it."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1750, October 21. Wellwyn. — "The many and great favours
I have received at your hands make it my duty to comply with
your requests ; your high rank makes it my ambition, and your
Grace's amiable accomplishment makes it my pleasure, and the
honour you did Wellwyn last year makes it an absolute debt in
me to wait on you. Now it may seem somewhat odd that a man
cannot comply with his duty and his own earnest desires.

"But indeed, Madam, the case really stands thus. Soon after I
had the honour of your Grace's last letter I was obliged to go to
Winchester, where I had a son at the then election standing for
a fellowship of a college in Oxford ; applications to the electors,
&c, detained me there till the latter end of September ; then
business carried me into Surrey, where I continued some time,
determining on my return to Wellwyn to set out for Bullstrode;
but on coming home I found a letter from the Speaker proposing
to meet his son from Cambridge at my house : this I knew not
how well to decline, and hoping their meeting would be soon, I
still proposed waiting on your Grace afterward. But the Speaker
put it off from time to time, and now at last he has let me know
that he will be with me to-morrow, and probably he may stay till
the end of the week. This pushes me too far into the winter to
venture a journey, for the least cold flings me into pains of which
my Lord Duke may have some idea, but your Grace can have
none at all."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1750, November 4. Wellwyn. — " Notwithstanding my truant
behaviour this summer, I am not altogether absent from
Bullstrode ; I am as much there as a person at this distance can
possibly be. I run over most of your alterations in my fancy,
and am exceedingly pleased with them ; nor am I at all
surprised at it, considering whose taste and genius presides over
that scene so very capable of shining ; and I am persuaded that
your Grace can change most things for the better but yourself.
This, Madam, I think is courtly, and on the credit of it, I beg
leave to step into your flower-garden, of which you are so fond.
Why, truly, it is a most gorgeous apartment of your paradise.
What shapes ! what colours ! what combinations of them ! what
varieties ! what inimitable patterns for human art to copy after !
Even a duchess's fingers are far distanced by them. Poor
Solomon ! what a beggarly appearance dost thou make in all thy
glory compared with these ! But I am apt to believe, Madam,
that if Solomon was with us, and sufficiently disengaged from

319

the infatuations of his seraglio, he would be likely to say some-
thing to this purpose: — -'If these things so delight us, if the
glories of the vegetable world so much claim our admiration,
how much more so, the glories, the flowers of the moral world ;
where there are so many deformed and poisonous weeds to set off,
as so many foils, their amiability ! where there are ten thousand
Mackleans0 to one Duke of Portland ! '

" These are flowers indeed worth rearing, flowers that engage
the care, and cultivation, and superintendence, and affection
of superior beings, fill their invisible paths amongst us with
fragrancy, and ever shine in their sight. Pardon the boldness
if I say that the Archangels Michael and Gabriel &c. are florist
with regard to these ; they gaze on them, and protect them for
a season, and then to make their fate as happy as their beauties
are bright, they will gather them one day in glorious clusters
and present them to the Supreme. To whose great protection I,
who am but grass, most cordially recommend your Grace and
the little flowers of your family."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poetland.

1751, July 26. Wellwyn. — "A lady of my acquaintance, who
has a good hand at match-making, and who has lately brought
together the proprietor of Pensilvania and a daughter of the
Lord Pomfret, is now with them at my Lord's seat in North-
amptonshire, and is to spend some days with [me] at her return ;
I expect, the latter end of this week ; which unavoidable accident
denies me that honour and pleasure which your Grace so very
obligingly offers me. But I most humbly recpiest that, at going
into the north, or at your return, or both, you would refresh my
spirit by resting yourself under my roof.

"I rejoice in the restoration of your Grace's health, and I hope
I may congratulate my most worthy Lord Duke on the same
account. There has been nothing but death about me. Mr.
West called on me not long ago, and gave me the pleasure of
hearing you was well, and of carrying or forgetting to carry my
respects to your Grace, with whom he was to dine that week.
He came into these parts in order to purchase for his sister a
considerable estate of one Lady Cotton. Our neighbour, Lady
Caroline Cowper, is gone to Bristol for her health.

" Your Grace perceives, I pump hard for news; and therefore I
will give it over, and content myself with assuring you that
words cannot express the satisfaction it will give me to wait on
your Grace at Wellwyn."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1751, September 3. Wellwyn. — "Your commands are sacred,
and therefore I write, but my eye incommodes me, and therefore
I write shorter than I ought. But I will make some amends for

* The gentleman highwayman James Macluine or Maclean had recently been
executed at Tyburn.

320

the brevity of my letter by the importance of it, for I shall speak
of your (.race's friends'. Mrs. Donellan is setting out for
Ireland to take possession of wealth on her mother's death.
Mrs. Delany in a letter, and that a very ingenious one, to a friend
of mine, says, among other things, that there is hut one Duchess
of Portland, in which she speaks the sense of the nation, and
give me leave to add, that I believe there is but one Lady Oxford,
to whom, and my Lord Duke, I beg my humble duty."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1751, September 29. Wellwyn. — "In order to give the
reason for not waiting on your Grace according to your and my
Lord Duke's very kind desire, I find myself obliged to let you
into a secret, which I desire you not to communicate. I am,
Madam, printing a piece of prose, and am obliged to correct the
press myself, which forces me to be in town till that affair is
over ; and if I can so hasten it as to have it done in time, the
piece and its author shall wait on you together ; if not, I shall
send your Grace the piece as soon as finished. I shall send
it to no one else, not putting my name to it, and for some
reasons desiring the writer may be concealed; which reasons your
Grace may possibly guess at, if you do the thing the honour of
a perusal. As for 'the performance, let that be as it will, I am
sure the subject is such as will meet with your approbation. To
show you that my good wishes — as in duty bound— run very,
very high for you and yours, I wish you all more happiness than
you deserve."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1752, August 6. Wellwyn. — " I this day received the drops,
and with them a demonstration of your great kindness to me ; as
for your Grace's want of capacity mentioned in your last, I am
not in the least concerned about it, for I bless God I have more
than I want, which is more than most princes can say.

"Madam, I should never more have mentioned to^ou anything
about preferment ; but, since your Grace glances at it in your last,
pardon me, if out of pure curiosity I ask what your crony, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, meant by a letter to me two or three
years ago, in which he says, that ' he would say nothing to me,
but that he had acquainted my friend the Duchess of Portland
with what concerned my interest.' I suppose His Grace meant
to say something that was agreeable, unconcerned for anything
more, for I have neither heard from nor writ to him since.

" Your Grace, if you please, may at your leisure unriddle this;
if not, I am quite contented to continue still in the dark."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1753, December 16. Wellwyn.— " I received with joy your
kind remembrance of me, but far otherwise at the same time your
Grace's black catalogue of calamities. You say Mrs. Donellan
has been in danger ; we see therefore that a good understanding
is no security. You say Mrs. Montague is in danger ; therefore

321

it is certain that wit can make nothing more than a poor name
immortal. You say, Madam, that Mrs. Delany is better ; there-
fore she, to my sorrow, has been ill ; long may she live, not only
to give a lustre to your Grace's grotto, but an ornament to your
sex.

"When such as these suffer, what impudence is it in me to
complain ! Though you. Madam, have had more than your share,
yet have you not engrossed all colds to yourself. I have been
much out of order; but am, I bless God, much better, and rear
my head once more to see most of my old acquaintance and
friends drop before me. My Lord Thanet was with me not long
ago, and now I am at a loss how to return his visit."

Postscript. — "Mrs. Delany's humiliation, which your Grace
speaks of, and your own presumption, is to me mysterious and
unfathomable ; uncommon excellence is a sure charm against
humiliation, and the presumption of conferring favours is a new
figure of speech which few, uninspired by Bullstrode's clear air,
would be able to decipher. But I suppose you two ladies,
influenced by this season of town entertainments, are pleased to
put your merry meaning in masquerade, to make a country
parson stare, and your own polite circle smile. Nor can I take it
ill ; jokes at Christmas want no excuse. However since I have
detected you, I believe you ladies will be more sparing of your
raillery in your next; but since raillery is a symptom of health,
may it continue, may it increase ; for, I assure you, on that con-
sideration, the more you two invalids are pleased to laugh at
your humble servant, the more abundantly will he rejoice."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1754, June '25. Wellwyn. — " Through a long absence from
home, I have but just now received the honour of your last letter.
I heartily rejoice with you on my Lady Oxford's good state of
health, and am sorry to hear that your Grace has had reason to
complain. You cure everybody but yourself. I thank your
Grace I have found great benefit from your medicine. I should
have been very glad to have waited on you at St. Albans,
had the fates permitted. I received a present of his late pub-
lished sermons from Dr. Delany, and as bound ingratitude, as
well as charity, much rejoice in the turn his law-affair has taken
in his favour.

" I am glad. Madam, that my friend Mr. Richardson has had
the happiness to recover your Grace's good opinion. I am con-
fident be deserves it. As for the fountain from which the mischief
sprang, I am sure it is a foul one, and therefore desire not to be
belter arquainted with it."

JB. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1755, September 7. Wellwyn.— "I have public duty always
three days in the week, and often much more ; and at present I
have rid curate, nor can I get any. It is therefore utterly out of

6802 x

822

my power to accept your Grace's kind and most obliging invita-
tion, which otherwise I should have accepted with the utmost
satisfaction, and shall ever remember with the greatest gratitude.

"I congratulate you, Madam, and the public on Lord Titch-
iield's recovery ; the public is your rival, nor will you be sorry
for such a rival in your love.

" With what a relish you speak of your most amiable friend !
Your Grace has an excellent pencil, I never saw a more lovely
family-piece, except at Bullstrode.

"They, Madam, that are happy in their" friends and near
relations enjoy more than any other circumstances of life can
give ; and that this for ever may be your case is the prayer of
one who has missed friends where they were most to be expected,
and found them, thanks to your Grace, where they were least
deserved, by no means an uncommon case."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poktland.

1756, January 20. Wellwyn. — "Your last letter is an emblem
of the world, full of misfortunes and death. What reason have
they to bless Heaven who escape so many chances against them !
Yet how few are there who can find out in the calamities of
others God Almighty's admonition to themselves ! My Lord
Bolingbroke's letter is written in a masterly manner. What pity
it is that fine talents and integrity should ever be parted !
While together they make an angel, and their separation gives
us the precise and complete character of Lucifer. And yet from
the beginning of the world thus has it been, more or less. It is
very observable that all curious arts were found out by the
descendants of Cain, who, by the way, fled his native country,
and had a mark of infamy fixed upon him. I rejoice at
Mr. Murray's recovery, and when I have a sore throat your
Grace shall certainly be my physician. I knew not that
Mrs. Bellenden was dead. Does your Grace converse with my
Lady Cowper ? She is come into my neighbourhood, and claims
old acquaintance with me. I think there is something agreeable
in her manner, for as yet I know her no farther.

" I have no thoughts at present of seeing the town soon; but I
shall see it the sooner because your Grace is in it. I wish there
were a few more such scattered up and down in it, to sweeten its
corrupted mass, and reprieve it for another century. I hope that
Wellwyn will this summer lie in the way of your Grace's travels;
if so, I will show you what a fine colony of sheep your Grace has
transplanted from your own Arcadia into a foreign land. I wish
I could prevail with my flock to imitate their innocence; but
they, like their betters, make innocence their prey, for they have
stolen two of my lambs."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1756, July 29. Wellwyn. — " Heaven re-establish your health
and restore your spirits, without either of which the living have

323

little to boast above the dead. Last week Lady Cowper gave me
an account of Mrs. Delany, but mentioned not her indisposition,
of which, I suppose, she was ignorant, for she professes a great
value for her. For the sake of all that know her, as well as her
own, I heartily hope her perfect recovery.

"But to come still nearer to your Grace's heart, I congratulate
you on Lady Harriet's health, nor less on Lord Titchfield's
late-gained reputation. May he one day be the pride of the
nation, as he is now of the University, and then the public will
thank your Grace for giving it an ornament which posterity shall
not forget.

"Poor Lord Andover! but as I know not his character, I can-
not tell if his death is to be deplored, or envied. Nothing is
more to be envied than the death of the good. Last night I
buried a most valuable woman, and her as profligate husband,
now on his deathbed, I shall bury very soon. He was her death
by his unkindness, and his own by his debauchery. The
difference of their last hours, to which I have been privy, carries
in it an instruction which no words can express.

" Your Grace is so kind as to enquire after my health: I have
had a very dangerous fever, which was not easily subdued, but
God Almighty is pleased to continue me here longer at my peril.
I say, Madam, at my peril, as, if we do not truly repent, longer
life will prove in the event a curse, and if we do, death, which
we so much dread, is the greatest blessing."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1758, July 9. Wellwyn. — "I am very sorry that, when you
did me the honour of calling at Mr. Richardson's, I was not there,
but much more sorry for your Grace's indisposition. God in His
mercy remove it for the sake of many, and particularly of two
such sons, for whose welfare the public concern will rival your
own.

" Was I not at present confined for want of an assistant I
should rejoice to add to the number of your animals or rather of
your plants, for at present I have no locomotive faculty.

" I hope with your Grace that my Lord Anson's news may be
good. And now pardon me, Madam, if I presume to enquire
after some news from your Grace.

" I have lately by a dedication taken on me to put his Majesty
in mind of my long service, but, I take for granted, without any
manner of effect. I perceive by your Grace that all hopes
are over ; but though hopes are over, my curiosity is not ; that is
rather increased. For as I was chaplain to his Majesty, even at
Leicester House, and as all other chaplains there were soon
preferred after his Majesty's accession but myself, and as many,
many years ago the Duke of Newcastle promised me — through
the Duke of Portland's kindly presenting me to him — prefer-
ment after two then to be provided for by him before me, and
as there is no instance to be found of any other so long in service
under total neglect, there must be some particular reason for my

324

wry particular fate, which reason., as I cannot possibly guess at
ii. I most ardently long to know.

"'Your Grace's interest with persons in power is at least so
great as to be able to gratify my very natural and very strong
curiosity a little in this point."

Postscript.—" This may seem to your Grace an extraordinary
request : but please. Madam, to consider, here has a thing hap-
pened which never happened before, and which very probably
will never happen again. How natural then for any, especially
for him who is most concerned in it, to wish, if possible, to know
the cause of it, for I am not conscious of the least cause I have
given for it."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poetland.

1758, September 7. Wellwyn. — "Your Grace is extremely
kind in the noble offer you are pleased to make me ; whether it
is tenable with Wellwyn or not, I cannot tell; but be it so, or not,
your Grace's goodness lays me under an eternal obligation. If
it should not be tenable with Wellwyn, will your Grace pardon
me if [I] ask a bold question ? Can your great indulgence go so
far as to give it to my son ? As that would greatly increase my
great obligation, that would much more than double the favour
of giving it to myself.

"My son, Madam, is a student at Balliol College in Oxford; he
is between twenty-five and twenty-six years of age ; I left the
choice of his way of life to himself ; he chose Divinity ; his tutor
writes me word that he makes a laudable progress in it, and he
will take orders very soon.

"I thought it my duty to let your Grace know something of the
person in whose behalf I presume to ask so very great a favour."

Postscript. — " If, Madam, I can obtain that request I now pre-
sume to make, I shall look upon all former disappointments as
advantages, when ending in what I so very much desire."

E. Ytoung to the Duchess of Portland.

1759, April 14. Wellwyn. — " I return many thanks for the
joy you have given me by the most agreeable contents of your
kind letter. I can easily conceive your Grace's great solicitude,
during the dependence of a point of so very great moment to
your own happiness, and the happiness of one so justly dear to
you; but that solicitude is greatly — thanks to Heaven— over-
balanced by your present satisfaction in having well accomplished
the most material transaction in human life.

"Your Grace's relations are now increased, and since they may
now increase yearly, may every increase make a new article in
the list of your enjoyments, till you arrive at those enjoyments
which will admit of no increase or end. I beg Lady Weymouth
to accept my most sincere congratulation, and my hearty
prayer for her as great happiness as that most happy state of
life can confer on those who deserve it most, in the little number
of whom, I believe, her ladyship justly claims a place.

325

"May your Grace always — as now — hear from, and of, Lord
Titchfield to your perfect satisfaction, and may the next news I
hear of my Lord Duke be more to my satisfaction than that
which you can afford me now. Virtue is no security against the
accidents of human life, but it is a great security to our patience
under them."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1759, October 28. Wellwyn. — "From my heart I rejoice at
the delightful scene of your Grace's family-happiness in all the
noble and lovely branches of it ; for that is a happiness of all
other under Heaven the most valuable, except that which is in
the still narrower space of our own bosoms.

" May the pleasure, and satisfaction, which you found at
Longleat be but the beginning of those joys that shall arise
from prudent and fortunate disposal of those you love in the
marriage-state, in which we throw the die for the highest stake
in human life.

"To make that hazardous die turn up aright, nothing bids
fairer than that similitude of tempers which you have discovered
in my Lord and Lady Weymouth. It not only gives present
happiness, but its promises of future are very great, because it is
a private bisque in our . sleeve which the caprices of outward
fortune can never rob us of.

"As far as I can judge of Lady Harriet's temper — I think I have
observed it — it seems to me to be such that it will be a difficulty
on your Grace to find its fellow in our sex. May she find it, or
— what will be more to her honour and pleasure — make it, in
the man she honours with her hand.

" As for my Lord Titchfield, may you ever, Madam, receive
accounts of him, and news from him, as agreeable as was your
last, that your heart, which, you say, is with him, and which, I
say, is then in good and sweet company, may for ever rejoice in
him, and in the prospect of his conveying his mother's and
father's virtues into future times, to bless those who, by his
laudable conduct, will probably be put in mind of days past, and
recollect to whom they owe such a son, and so be the less
surprised, though not less pleased, with what they love or admire
in him."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1760, November 20. Wellwyn. — " More than once I have
heard the famous Mr. Addison say that it was much his wish —
if it so pleased God — to die in the summer, because then, walking
abroad, he frequently contemplated the works of God, which gave
such a serious turn and awful composure to the mind as best
qualified it to enter the Divine presence.

" Summer scatters us abroad into the fields to gather wisdom
there, if we please ; the storms of winter drive us back to shelter,
and contemplation gives place to company. Happy they that

826

enjoy such as those which your Grace says are now with you !
Music is a delicious entertainment, and the only one that I know
of, which earth enjoys in common with heaven. Long may you
enjoy those pleasures here which bid fairest to end in such as
will never cease; lovers of reading and work are most likely to
make those their choice."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1761, January 20. Wellwyn. — " I have taken some hours to
consider of the very kind offer your Grace is so good to make me.
I am old, and, I bless God, far from want; but as the honour is
great and the duty small, and such as need not take much from
my parish, and especially as your Grace seems desirous I should
accept it, I do accept it with great gratitude for your remembrance
of one who might easily and naturally be forgotten.

" The honour, indeed, is great, and in my sight greater still, as
I succeed to so great and good a man. Would to God I could
tread in all his other steps as well as this ! "

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1762, May 27. Wellwyn. — "Of all the severe dispensations,
with which a good God is pleased wean our affections from those
objects which can never satisfy them, the most severe is the
loss of those we love ; and if by His grace and our own prudence
we can support our spirits under that, we may congratulate
ourselves on a magnanimity that is able to stand the greatest
shock of this short scene, into which we were brought with no
other intent than by our gratitude for its comforts and acquies-
cence in its discipline to make ourselves fit candidates for that
glorious scene where tears shall be wiped from every eye.

"Madam, may that Friend who will never leave or forsake us
continue to speak peace to your soul, by inspiring it with true
discernment of those blessings which are wrapped up in the
melancholy veil of our present afflictions, and with the most
lively hope of those joys which are free from all those unpleasant,
but wholesome ingredients, which ever embitter the highest
happiness of human life."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1762, June 1. Wellwyn. — " I read your letter with uncommon
pleasure; no sight is more delightful, or more beneficial, than
that of a rightly-disposed mind. If Britain could show us more
of them it would be an happier world than that in which we now
live. The whole secret of being happy ourselves, and making
those so that are near us, is to preserve a true relish of life,
unabated by any anxious fear of death. Providence has provided
for your Grace what may make life most palatable : may it long
continue to you, Madam ! Such children, and to them such dis-
positions ! It is not only a great but a very rare blessing ; and

827

your Grace can scarce look anywhere out of your own family
without seeing great cause for rejoicing in it; and all blessings
are doubled by the peculiarity of them.

"May, Madam, Bullstrode air second your prudence to the
perfect re-establishment of your health; as for my own, which,
with that of multitudes more, has suffered much through the
whole of the late unwholesome season, it is but indifferent. I
have not, I bless God, much pain, but much languor ; if it was
less, I would certainly pay my humble duty to your Grace ; if it
should be much more, with due submission to the Divine will I
must pay my duty to Heaven."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1762, August 2-4. Wellwyn.— "I congratulate you on prudence
and spirit to go abroad, in quest of rational amusement and
its sweet companion, health, which may you ever find. I am
sadly confined, by my sight greatly impaired, and other com-
plaints, which I am unwilling to" trouble your Grace withal.
My case is this ; I have been troubled near thirty years with
rheumatic pains; they have been now long entirely ceased, and
my physician tells me that Nature throws all that mischief _ on
my eyes and head, which has undergone, and is still undergoing,
great discipline, and to very little purpose. This is bad, but
what greatly aggravates it is that it denies me the power, which
from my soul I ardently desire, of paying that duty which I shall
ever owe to your Grace. But notwithstanding all I have said,
and all I feel, notwithstanding dark days and sleepless nights,
such is my age that I must not complain. Heaven's blessed will
be done, and may it not deny me the comfort of seeing those in
felicity whose welfare I am bound in gratitude to have most at
heart."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1763, June 2. Wellwyn. — "In yesterday's newspaper I read an
article with infinite satisfaction ; I beg leave to give your Grace
joy on that happy occasion. May you, Madam, and Lady
Harriet, I should say, Grey — to whom my humble duty— find
your fullest satisfaction in it. Parents deserve our congratula-
tion on nothing so much as on their final and happy disposal of
those whom they love, and who deserve their love, so well as
Lady Grey. The accomplishment of this important point takes
a great load from the tender maternal heart, and promises serene
days to the remainder of life.

" I hope your Grace is entirely free from the painful indisposition
of which you complained in your last ; that letter I answered
long since, with my fullest acknowledgments to my Lord Bute
for his unmerited indulgence to me. But that indulgence I am
conscious must be owing to your Grace's favour, to whom,
therefore, on that occasion my principal and most sincere
acknowledgments and thanks are due.

828

••Once more I give your Grace joy of so happy a conclusion in
an affair which must have had a just title to your most tender
concern; and that it may yearly present you with new occasions
of joy, till your joy receives its full completion where there is
neither marrying nor giving in marriage, is the prayer of your
most dutiful servant."

E. Young to the Duchess of Poetland.

1704, March 13, Wellwyn. — " If gratitude is any virtue, I
have great reason to he truly concerned upon your Grace's
indisposition: may a good Providence soon remove it, and restore
you to perfect health and a true relish of it, which nothing can
give us so effectually as a little taste of the contrary. Please to
accept my humble thanks for the great honour you design me; I
have long wished for it, for few pleasures are equal to seeing the
face of those whom we know to wish us well. The dancing-
duchess would scarce have so much pleasure in a well performed
minuet; or the busy duke in his political country-dance from
the angry cabals of town to the learned hanks of Cam. How
vain the business or amusements of life to those great things
which infirmities or age will naturally, if not necessarily, bring
to our thoughts ! I bless God I am pretty well, and for me to
hope for more would be folly ; for miracles are ceased.

"Not being able through the weakness of my sight to wait on
Lord Bute, a pretty while ago I wrote to him, and received a
most obliging letter in answer, for which I thank him and your
Grace ; but I do not thank him for raising the price of our provi-
sions by his great hospitality. We are all very welcome if we
please to indulge at his plentiful table, but a chicken will cost us
very dear if we eat it at our own. He nobly entertains the rich,
and charitably relieves the poor, and reads, I hope with Christian
patience, in the papers the great thanks which the public returns
for those virtues.

" I give your Grace joy of being no politician, for whoever turns
his head that way at this time might as good put it in the pillory,
for he will be sure to have dirt thrown at him by some hand or
another, though they stoop for it into the kennel of nonsense and
ill will ; yet some ears are so nailed to politics that they are deaf
to every thing else.

"Madam, your Grace has many that share your good wishes; I
hope they are all well ? And may they all contribute to your
happiness, till your happiness, which must necessarily have its
root in earth, shall arrive in its full bloom above."

Postscript. — "Your Grace says that you shall never forget
that you are on the verge of fifty ; if you should live two fifties
more, after all your experience, this would he your last thought :
what very, very trifles all the world so passionately pursues !
how great the prize it so carelessly neglects! how inconceivable
must that bliss be which cost the blood of God ! These things
force themselves on the thoughts of age, but how much happier
are they in the day of enjoyment and strength of life, when

329

the very thought is virtue, since we must then fight our way
through temptations to the contrary to come at it! How very
different the value of these thoughts in the fine walks of
Bullstrode, and in the melancholy chamber of languor or pain !
These politics are a noble science, and too little studied by
country and court ; few Secretaries of State are made by them.
Your Grace will pardon me for repeating to you your own
words."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1764, August 7. Wellwyn. — " I greatly rejoice that you have
recovered what is most valuable in life, health and spirits, and
that you have recovered them by the most pleasant as well as the
most effectual means; that is, by driving away from your physician
as fast and as far as you can ; which is the most likely way of
leaving your disorder 'too behind you. As for my own health,
which your Grace is so good as to ask after, I bless Heaven that
I suffer no severe pains, but I have little appetite by day, and
very indifferent rest by night, and my eyes grow worse and worse ;
but' Almighty God's most blessed will be done.

"I have not for a long time either seen Mrs. Montague or heard
from her ; but I have heard often of her. Dr. Mousey called on
me a little while ago, and told me he was to wait on her, but
could not be admitted, because my Lord Bath was dead ; and
this last week, one Mr. Keate, of the Temple, an author both in
prose and verse, favoured me with a visit for two or three days,
and told me that some little time ago he had the honour of
dining with Mrs. Montague with about ten more, all or most of
them writers; that the entertainment was very elegant, and that
a celebrated "Welsh harp added music to their wit.

" They are wise who make this life as happy as they can, since
at the very happiest it will fall short of their desires, which,
blessed be God, are too large to be quite pleased with any thing
below ; and whilst by their largeness they give us some little
disgust to this life, they make rich amends for that disadvantage
by giving us at the same time as strong assurance of a better."

E. Young to the Duchess of Portland.

1765, February 1!). Wellwyn. — " It is so long since I had the
honour of writing to you that you may possibly look on this as
a Letter from the dead, but ram still above ground, though I
can hardly venture to say that I am quite alive: the severe
weather on Sunday night almost destroyed me. My being so
long silent was not occasioned by disrespect, for I bear to your
Grace the greatesl [respect]; nor was it occasioned by want of
power, for, I bless God, I am pretty well; nor was it occasioned
by want of inclination, for I desire mailing more than to hear of
your Grace's welfare. Whatever, therefore, was the cause of it. I
beg your Grace to permit me now to enquire after your health
and the health of all those who have the happiness of being

830

related to or of being esteemed by you. In the last letter which
I had the honour of receiving from your Grace, you was about
to make a round of visits to several entitled to one or to both of
the characters above. I hope }rou found and left them well, and
brought home at your return an increase of health and satisfac-
tion. Air and exercise are not greater friends to the former
than the cheerful smiles of those we love are to the latter; and
when is it more necessary to provide for our private satisfaction
and peace than at a time when that of the Public seems to be
in some hazard of being impaired, if not lost ? But what have I
to do with the public affairs of this world ? They are almost as
foreign to me as to those who were born before the Flood. My
world is dead ; to the present world I am quite a stranger, so very
much a stranger that I know but one person in it, and that is
your Grace."

Elizabeth Montagu ° to the Duchess of Portland.

[1749 ?] November 7. Sandleford. — " May not I from my cell
address myself to the Duchess of Portland in her drawing-room ?
I hear that your Grace came to town for the birthday, but I
suppose according to the usual perverseness of my destiny you
will return to Bullstrode before I come to town. But may I not
say I regret my solitude here has not been enlivened by one line
from you ? I have been here a month enjoying in tranquillity the
health I gained at Tunbridge ; the shortness of the days allows
very little commerce with our neighbours; which I do not regret,
for my social virtues had not only been exercised but fatigued. In
a long Tunbridge season, I had such a surfeit of company I was
afraid I should have grown a misanthrope. Having long subsisted
on the news and chat of the da}', no very delicious nor very
nourishing fare, I am now amusing myself with the characters of
the ancient world. Piecord has only preserved their great actions,
and time has obscured the little motives that perhaps gave birth
to them ; for Fate's innavigable tide, as Mr. Prior calls it, is
different from other streams, where the light things are borne
up, and weighty ones sink; the stream of time bears up only
those of weight, the rest fall soon to the bottom. Characters
therefore delivered to us in this manner, and seen from such a
distance, have their little imperfections rendered invisible, and
appear with a dignity and create a respect one is not apt to have
for objects with which one is more intimately acquainted. I have
just laid a book out of my hands which has given me so much
pleasure I believe I shall take the liberty to recommend it to you.
It is entitled ' Choses Memorables de Socrate par Charpentier.'
The character of Socrates has been treated always as almost divine ;
this book gives a picture of the man by the repeating many of

* The Mrs. Montagu of literary and social eelebrity.

331

his dialogues and maxims which were collected by Xenophon
his disciple, and are from him translated by Charpentier ; your
Grace knows that Socrates, pronounced by the oracle to be
the wisest man of his age, presumed so little on this as
to affirm the character was given him only because he was
most sensible that he knew nothing; this humility is a fine
foundation of a great character, and I think it gives one the
highest pleasure to see one character whose fame was raised
by modesty and not ambition. His precepts are all such as
are useful in common life. He despised all the subtleties of
science, every knowledge that did not tend to make a man
better and more serviceable to his friends and country. The
solidity of his merit stood him in great stead, when disgrace,
imprisonment and death came upon him ; ostentatious and vain-
glorious additions forsake people in such severe instances, but
he had a virtue proof against all trials, and that could not be
shaken by outward accidents. If your Grace reads this book
upon my recommendation you will meet with some gross repre-
hensions of particular vices at the beginning of it, which you
must excuse from the want of delicacy in those times; but I
mentioned it that you might not lay the book in the way of the
young ladies, for there are really some things said against vice
that are hardly agreeable to virtue, and not therefore so proper
for young people, whose best guard is the absolute purity of the
heart ; and as I did not know but the book might come within
their reach before your Grace had met with anything exception-
able, I thought it best to speak of it. I cannot help laughing
that the subject of my letter should be the character of Socrates,
but I know that even in London your Grace spends some time in
reading in your dressing-room, and I thought this would please
you. If it entertains you, I shall be glad I mentioned it. The
orange trees your Grace was so good as to give me are the orna-
ments of Sandleford; they flourish in all the luxuriance of health,
and only want to present a nosegay to your hands;, when may I
hope they shall have that honour? I have not seen our friend
Kit Lansdell ; I hear he is disconsolate for the loss of the widow ;
I wonder he managed the affair so ill, for Hudibras says : —
' There is no lover has that power
T'inforce a desperate amour.
As he who has two strings to his bow,
And burns for love and money too.'
But the conqueror, Mr. Gore, has carried her to Bath ; by marry-
ing so many men she has acquired a masculine spirit, and the
other day distinguished herself by dispossessing a lady of her
place at the play ; the company at' Bath did not approve of the
violence of her* proceedings, and if the monarch Nash had not
lost most of his power and prerogative, I imagine he would have
obliged her to behave better. If she proposed to herself these
heroic deeds, I do not think little Kit would have been a proper
champion ; so diminutive a person and so pacific a spirit would
have ill assorted those acts of violence. 1 propose to come to
town at the meeting of the Parliament, but I am much afraid

332

your Grace will be returned to Bullstrode. I am greatly con-
cerned at Lady Wallingford's ill health ; Mrs. Donne 1 Ian says she
is not better bhan when I left her. I beg my compliments. In
whal part of the world is Mrs. Delany conversing with the Muses ?
I long much to see her, and hope she will be in town when I
come, if your Grace is there, otherwise she will be in the blest
regions of Bullstrode. The post is going out, and I must only
add Mr. Montagu's compliments to your Grace and my Lord
Duke, and beg mine to his Grace and the ladies."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.0

1762, June 22. Sandleford. — "I hope your Grace will pardon
the liberty I take in troubling you with a letter, but the state of
spirits in which I saw you in town left an anxiety upon my mind
that I could not till now have suppressed, if my health would
have allowed me to write. I am under the utmost apprehensions
that the great effort your Grace makes to hide your grief from
those whose tender part in it hurts you more than your own
sufferings may have some very bad effect on your health ; and as
your Grace's welfare is of such importance to them, I must beg
that even for their sakes you would not do great violence to your-
self. Sorrow is a kind of poison, and, if not suffered to exhale
itself in sighs and tears, has the more fatal consequences. Your
Grace, with your friends who are less nearly connected with
your affliction, but whose sympathy is such that they will
think of your consolation while they feel your grief, should
suffer your sorrow to have its way unconstrained. There is
no doubt but your Grace's piety and good sense will in time
set before you every argument of consolation. The sting of death
is sin ; the person your Grace laments was the most free even
from sinful thought and evil disposition of perhaps any one in the
world. The prayers of the widow, the orphan, and distressed
were continually offered up in his behalf ; no heart ever groaned
under his oppression, not even an insolent thought ever arose in
his mind. Where in his great rank can one find such another
character! He did justice, loved mercy, and walked humbly with
his God, [and] added to the great virtues of a Christian character
those that became his great station and fortunes. Your Grace
loved him too well long to lament that he is taken from the warfare
of the world and a state of trial to one of perfect bliss and certain
reward. Surrounded as he was with every worldly blessing, he
still in a mortal state must be liable to all the shocks that flesh is
heir to. Had any illness threatened your Grace's life, from whom
all his blessings were derived, what would not he have suffered !
Add, dear Madam, to all your other noble and tender proofs of
faithful attachment to him that of care of your health, which
perhaps is still a most dear concern to him.

"Your Grace in the most unbounded prosperity has shewn a
mind superior to the intoxications of greatness and wealth ; you

* Now, by the death of her husband, Duchess Dowager.

333

have still remembered the Hand from whence they came, and
enjoyed them with humility; I am not therefore afraid your Grace
should forget it is the same Hand that chastises you. I expect
everything from your resignation and good sense, but these
considerations must have a time to take effect, and in the mean
while I fear the consequences of your constraint. Some unhappy
instances of this kind, which have happened amongst my particular
friends, perhaps may make, me more apprehensive, and I hope
your Grace will therefore pardon the liberty I take in writing
on so tender a subject. I had but little time to talk on the
subject with you in town, but the violence I saw your Grace
put upon yourself that evening gave me very anxious and uneasy
thoughts. I hope your good nature will pardon a heart that
has many motives of high regard and gratitude towards you
for speaking so freely. May your Grace enjoy many, many
years of health and happiness! The very extraordinary merit of
your family cannot fail of giving you the greatest felicity. It has
been a singular mercy of Providence that you did not meet with
this trial before they were of an age to shew you all your most
partial wishes for them would be answered, and that the heir of so
many illustrious ancestors and of such immense fortunes would
from his personal wishes and accomplishments add more lustre
to them than he derives from them. May the tender attentions
of the most affectionate of children make you remember the
importance of your health to them, and the harm it may receive
by too violent constraint."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

1764, December 9. Bath. — "The lampoons and panegyrics
which your Grace must have seen dated from Tunbridge and Bath,
must long ago have convinced you that the waters there are of
a nature very different from those of Helicon ; but, unless you
immediately conversed with those who drank them, your Grace
could never imagine the headache, the dizziness, or, to call things
by their true names, the stupidity that comes on the least
application. Very conscious of all this I long forbore to write
to your Grace, but being rather less disordered by the waters for
this last two or three days, I have ventured to lake up my pen
and ink, in some hope, [that] though dull, I may be intelligible,
but it is very probable this will appear an ill-grounded presumption
before my letter is ended. Mrs. Boscawen is extremely flattered
by your Grace's obliging remembrance and offer of the China
pheasants. She says she has not anything prepared to receive
birds of such quality and distinction. She is possessed only of
chicken-pens and hen-roosts, but Lady Smythe, at whose villa
Mrs. Boscawen passes great part of the spring, has more
elegant accommodations; but Mrs. Boscawen could not accept
any favour from the Duchess of Portland to convey it to another,
though her particular friend, without her Grace's permission. I
came to this place merely to visit my sister, who Eel] very ill at
Sandleford in the autumn, but, being on the spot, 1 thought

334

1 would take the opportunity of drinking the waters, and 1 think
they have been of service as to my usual and constant disorder of
the stomach. Of the pleasures of the place I can say little.
The rooms were prodigiously crowded with very uncouth
figures most wonderfully dressed ; those whom Nature designed
to be homely Art rendered hideous, and many, whom education
made awkward, mantua-makers, tailors, friseurs and milliners
made monstrous. Some of the misses seemed to be adorned with
the scalps of Indian warriors, whether brought them by their
lovers from America, or that they are now sold in London as
part of our importation from our Colonies, I do not know ; but I
must say that under our hemisphere I never saw such terrible
dresses. Absurdity of a more melancholy sort appeared in poor
Earl Granville and his illustrious Countess. His Lordship
appeared in that kind of wig which is vulgarly called a scratch,
and so dirty and dishevelled is the said wig that the word
' scratch ' does not seem at all misapplied. The rest of his
dress was in the scratch order. In this figure he walks up
and down the ball-room, and relates in his manner the various
disputes between him and Lady Cowper. The elegance of her
Ladyship's manner, and the dignity of her grief for Lord Cowper,
was very burlesquely represented by Lord Granville, who has
wits enough to ridicule others, and folly enough to make himself
ridiculous, so that I must own what made many laugh made me
melancholy. It is grievous to see such a creature represent the
late Lord Granville, who had all the grace and dignity of manner
added to great talents. Your Grace will easily imagine I am not
extremely delighted with the terrible misses in scalps, or the
wonderful peer in a scratch, so that my amusements in the
public rooms is not great ; but I have had the pleasure of seeing
my sister and Mrs. Boscawen recover their health in a manner I
could hardly have hoped, so I intend to leave this place
to-morrow."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Poetland.
[1772 ?] July 29. Sandleford— " My memory has most
preciously stored up ten thousand instances of your Grace's being
the occasion of joy and happiness to me, but never could I
receive greater felicity from you than last night, when your most
kind and welcome lelter assured me the fever had left you. I
would not speak worse of even a fever behind its back than it
deserves, but I can truly affirm that, while it hung about you, it
made many people very wretched, and amongst them your
humble servant. It darkened the joy of my noon-day saunter,
and cast a heavy gloom on my evening's walk. I have
sometimes had a low fever for some months, and know by
experience how grievous it is. Thank God your Grace has
got rid of what is a sad enemy to every individual it seizes,
but, when you are attacked by it, many are afflicted. Let me
intreat your Grace not to expose yourself to the evening air ;
I used to find it very pernicious when I was in a feverish
disposition.

335

"I wrote to Dr. Beattie last week, and told him how kindly
your Grace and Mrs. Delany always mentioned him, and often
enquired after his health. The account he gives of Mrs. Beattie
is very melancholy. Your Grace would observe with pleasure
that we may expect some productions of his muse. I have
said everything I could to encourage him to publish some
of the essays, which he says he had formerly written for his
pupils and those who attend his lectures. They will communi-
cate instruction and pleasure to the world, and the attention he
will give to them during the publication will in some degree
divert his mind from its domestic sorrows and his own bodily
infirmities. I fancy from what I have heard of his eldest boy, he
greatly resembles the Doctor in talents and disposition. His
push and knowledge are beyond his infant years, but as they set
him above playing with a football, a racket, and other juvenile
sports and exercises, I am afraid he will never attain any degree
of health and spirits. Great geniuses are naturally inclined to
melancholy ; it is pity any want of animal spirits should make
them still less gay. Above life's follies, and its comforts too,
may be an eminent condition, but it does not appear to me an
enviable one.

" I have not seen that work of Mr. Hume's which Dr. Beattie
alludes to ; I hope it will not have any extensive bad consequences,
but at Edinburgh they will receive the doctrine of this antichristian
apostle with great reverence. Just as I had written this much of
my letter I had a visit from a person upon business, so your
Grace is happily released from all the nonsense I should have
written if leisure had allowed. As I think nonsense to be very
wholesome and as good for an invalid as panada or barley water,
I shall now and then take the liberty of writing to your Grace,
till your strength is so established you can pursue your usual
amusements."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1773] August 1. Portman Square.— " Though a quill is as light
as a feather, and mine does not carry any weight of sense or
solidity of reasoning, yet, while the weather was so sultry as it
has been for some weeks past, writing appeared a fatigue to me ;
so I cannot assume any merit in not having before troubled your
Grace with a letter, as my seeming discretion in this point had not
any better source than a perfect inability to write. My physicians
have long told me that writing is very bad for me and will bring
the spasms in my stomach, but Phoebus only, the god of the
physicians, could ever make me totally abandon the practice.
The beams he has darted into my dressing [room] have indeed
had this effect. I rejoiced at reading in the papers that your
Grace was gone to Margate, for there is always a refreshing
breeze on the sea-shore, and I natter myself you have therefore
suffered less by the hot weather than we have done here. I was
happy to find by Mrs. Carter's letters that the Kentish coast lias
not been visited by the storms which have been so terrible in

336

many pails of the world. The lightning struck a tree one even-
ing very near my house, but, thank God, did not do any greater
mischief to us, but it has done a greal deal of mischief in our
neighbourhood.

"I hope your Grace is pleased with Dr. Beattie's new work; I
confess there are some parts of it which require more attention
than 1 can at present dedicate to literary pursuits, but there
are many chapters of it pleasing, amusing and instructive, which
one may read without such serious application. I was much
afraid Dr. Beattie's domestic affliction would have rendered him
incapable of the attention required to arrange what he had, I
believe, chiefly composed for the lectures he gives as professor in
the university at Aberdeen, and am very happy to see he has
done it in a manner which must do him honour and be of use
to the public. I am not without hopes he may make a visit
while I am in Northumberland. To have 1113- mind carried from
the bottom of a coal-mine to the top of Parnassus will be a very
agreeable change. My mornings when at Denton are always
spent in the drudgery of business ; if in the evening the Doctor
will carry it into the playflelds of imagination, I shall think
myself greatly obliged to him. I propose to set out for the North
the end of next week.

" I had intended passing a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Smelt in
my way, but they are going to take the benefit of sea-bathing at
Mr. Cholmeley's at Whitby, so I must defer my visit till I am in
my way back. I own I regret that it has happened so, for at
this fine season of the year I should have found at Langton all the
delights of Paradise, and conversation as virtuous and pure as
that of our first parents. Mr. Smelt has lived in camps and in
Court, and is now a country farmer. In the military life he did
not lose any of the purity of his morals, nor of the integrity of
his principles in a Court, nor in the country has he contracted
any rusticity. In every place he appears respectable and amiable,
but he never appears to so great advantage as at his place in
the county ; he seems to have communicated a pleasing elegance
and sweet serenity to everything around him. Mrs. Smelt
assents, consents and sympathizes in everything he says, thinks
and feels. The tender veneration, the affectionate obedience
their daughters shew them on all occasions makes the domestic
felicity complete. Admitted into this society one almost thinks
one is gone into a better world.

" The regions around me at Denton do not present me with
celestial visions ; there one seems rather to approach the dark
dominions of Pluto ; and as I am a coal-owner myself, I am
sorry to say our sentiments are too like our domains, dark and
narrow, and rather tending to the realms below. We are all
anxious for our gains, and very jealous of our neighbours. I
shall be glad, when I have settled all my business there, to purify
my mind in the society of the Smelts. He has been sadly
tormented with the gout since he left London, and Mrs. Smelt,
who always sympathizes, has had the rheumatic gout in her
knee, but they both hope relief from sea-bathing.

337

" I hope my dear friend Mrs. Yesey is now settled at Margate.
I imagine you will often take an evening's walk together on the
sea-shore. If I had wings, or Fortunatus' cap, which I should
prefer even to an Imperial crown, you would rarely enjoy a
tete a tete."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

1773, December 9. London. — I should have had the honour of
answering your Grace's letter the very day I received it, but I
had then a good deal of company at dinner, and some of them
stayed till almost eleven o'clock. Yesterday passed in that
miserable kind of hurley-burley which I believe peculiar to the
sweet town of London ; or at least, like the fogs of November and
the dust of May, it is thicker, more suffocating, and worse here
than in any other part of the world ; people of business in the
morning, visits, engagements, notes and cards without number
at night ; so that I was harassed and fatigued before the watch-
man's drowzy charm dismissed me and my little cares to rest.
It was only the night before I had the honour of your Grace's
letter that I heard of Mrs. Delany's fall, and though I had the
comfort of hearing that she was well again, yet I was exceedingly
shocked to think of the danger she had been in, and 1 was but
too well aware of the consequences of such an alarm to your
Grace's nerves and spirits. Your tender sensibilities to your
friends often hurt your health, and I have often thought that,
if your Grace had not had so good a heart, you would have had
better, nay, perhaps perfect health. The unfeeling are generally
pure well. But then, alas ! one cares little whether they are so
or not, and how little avails towards happiness the health for
which no one is interested, the joys and prosperities in which
no one sympathizes ! The social state is truly the state
of Nature, for it is that which is most agreeable to the
nature of man, and that for which his great Author
designed him. I will therefore hope with our ' poet, the
broadest mirth unfeeling Folly wears Less pleasing Jar than Virtue's
very tears, and that the Duchess of Portland, who relieves the
misfortunes of many and feels for the afflictions of all, is
happier than all the merry crew who never even in thought
visited the house of mourning. I cannot but think, at a time
when 5»ur Grace was in solicitude and care about Mrs. Delany,
how absurd I must appear by introducing such a queer stranger as
Gondibert ; truly had I known so valuable a person had but hurt
her little finger, I should not have thought of the Great Achilles,
or the well-sung iEneas ; and to bring in an irruption of the Goths
at Bullstrode just at such a season was mal a propos. Your Grace,
who has so nobly assisted the Botham family, will be glad to hear
that good Lord Dartmouth has promised to do something for
Henry Botham, and Lord Dartmouth's promises have nothing of
the fragility of a courtier's or fallaciousness of a minister's promise.
His Lordship had last summer shewn a kind disposition towards
him on charitable motives, so I ventured to wait on Lady Dart-

6802 b Y

388

mouth, and tell her the greal distress of the family on the death
of the father ; knowing that there arc hearts which are affected by
distress, and that her's and her lord's are such. Poverty and care
could not he better represented in the person of any ambassador
than by tin1 thin, pale, yellow face of your humble servant. Lady
Dartmouth received me with infinite good-nature and humanity,
and for once I was not humiliated by begging, nor bid go about
my business, for there was nothing for me some years ago in
behalf of the same Henry Botham. I waited on a Nabob's Lady,
and I protest I had rather be knouted a la mode of the Court
of Russia, or bastinadoed a la Turque than suffer again the sub-
lime disdain of an Oriental Princess towards an humble suitor.
Not so did behave Lady Dartmouth ; she sent me home charmed
with her, and not at all discontented with myself. Mr. Edward
and Mr. George Drummond dined with me on Sunday, and
gave a good account of the Archbishop's health. Your Grace is
very good to interest yourself for mine ; I thank God I am pretty
well. I called on Lady Primrose the other night. She is but
poorly, and I think much worse than last winter. I had
a letter from Mrs. Yesey yesterday ; she is pretty well, and still
at Lucan, but will soon remove to Dublin. It is said Lady
Effingham is to marry General Howard. They are very good
people, but I should think they are both quite as well as they
are ; however, they must know best. He is more lively than her
first husband, she is better natured than his first wife, so the
comparison will always be to their advantage.

" I hear that letters sufficient to compose a volume of Madame de
Sevigne have been lately found and are going to be published,
at which I am sure your Grace will rejoice. She is certainly the
first favourite of the Muse that presides over letter-writing ; such
inimitable grace, such ease, elegance, and sprightliness of
narration, so much good sense in her wit, such justness of
thought in her reflections, render her letters delightful as letters,
and valuable as giving the manners of the times and characters
of the principal persons of the Court.

" Mrs. Boscawen is come to town in good health and spirits.
Mrs. Chapone is much troubled with pains in her face ; she has
promised to dine with me to-morrow, if she is well enough. I
live in hopes that it will not be long before I have the happiness
of seeing your Grace, a happiness I greatly and impatiently long
for. I am very sorry the rheumatism has attacked you, and I
dread the effect of Mrs. Delany's fall upon your nerves, and I
cannot but think change of place and objects would be good for
your spirits ; though I know no place so charming as Bullstrode,
nor where every object within and without is so beautiful and
elegant ; but still change is beneficial when any painful impres-
sion has been made upon the mind. My best compliments and
best wishes attend Mrs. Delany."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1773?] Hill Street. — "I am encouraged to hope by Mrs.
Lambard, upon whom I called in my way to London, that your

389

Grace will lie for some days in town. I heartily congratulate yoia
on the happy state of Lady Weymouth's family, all recovering so
happily from a formidable distemper, which will relieve your
G race ^ and Lady Weymouth from many anxieties. I found
Mrs. Lambard surrounded by her blooming daughters at
work, one reading the while for the general amusement and
instruction of the whole. Surely this education is as good
as riding in the uteiia<i<< in the morning and going to assem-
blies in the evening. Miss Lambards' countenances express
a modest cheerfulness and the blush of health and youth, which
one does not find in the faces of our modern misses. I walked
about the place, which is very pretty, and saw the room
lately honoured by the Duchess of Portland. Master Lambard
came in and showed a sweet rosy countenance ; and all composed
a beautiful family piece. Mrs. Lambard kindly pressed me to
stay and dine with her, and I wished to enjoy more of her
company and of the sight of so much domestic felicity, but was
afraid of being late on the road ; however, I spent two agreeable
hours with her. I shall stay in town till Saturday, and will not
make any engagements till I know whether your Grace has a
leisure hour to bestow. I have been amused by a Life of Sir
Thomas Pope, in which there are some anecdotes of Queen
Elizabeth when Princess ; if your Grace should like to see them,
my book shall have the honour to wait on you. It is written by
Mr. Warton, Professor of Poetry at Oxford. I am now going to
dine with my Bister at Chelsea; I shall be back before nine.
I have a thousand things to say, but hope to deliver them viva
voce before long.*'

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

1774, November 11 . Sandleford. — ' ' Will your Grace accept of a
letter from a head just emerged from plodding dullness and then
whirled about in confusion? You will think, perhaps, from the
account I have given that I have first attended the councils of
some sage aldermen in the nomination of a candidate, and then
followed him to his election. But no such thing ; the dullness
and confusion I complain of are all my own. I have been taking
iar'8 accounts from Mr. Montagu's steward, and, as soon as
they were finished, I began the necessary preparations for my
removal to Hill Street, where I hope to arrive to-morrow evening.
Mr. Montagu will follow me thither on Monday. He loves to
have the family settled before he comes, and I was rejoiced that!
could prevail on him not to delay his journey longer, for this
house is so old it is miserably cold in the winter. I am afraid it
will be some time before your Grace will be able to persuade
yourself to leave Bullstrode ; it has beauties in all seasons, and if
the rural scene is darkened by rain or fog, you can delight your
wit li line landscapes. The pencil of the painter and the pen
of the poet supply the absence of verdure and sunshine ; their
groves never lose their leafy honours, nor are their prospects
obscured by mists,

340

•'I was sure your Grace would approve Dr.Beattie's disinterested
conduct, and 1 knew also that your approbation will give him the
highest pleasure. I am very uneasy about Mrs. Beattie's state of
health ; I fear she will not live long ; if she dies, the Doctor
will marry again, not (as my Lady Wishfort ° says) from any
sinister appetite to the reiteration of nuptials, but for the reason
all studious men of his sort marry, because they want somebody
to make their shirts, mend their stockings, and take care to have
dinner on the table at a regular hour. A philosopher is as
helpless as an infant in domestic life. Our friend Dr. Young
in his old age contrived the best ; he had always some matron
cloathed in grey, who sat at the head of his table in decent sort,
helped the guests, took care that the Doctor should not forget he
was at dinner ; and when the tablecloth was taken away, the sober
gentlewoman shrunk back into her muslin hood, and with com-
posed serenity of countenance listened to the conversation of the
company. With the same affability and discretion she poured
out the coffee and made the tea, and such was her temper and
deportment she was lit to have been High Priestess in the temple
of the Great Apollo, if he had wanted a domestic establishment.
Never did I see her disturbed in any of her great offices of
carving, helping to sauce, or sweetening the coffee, by any of the
sublime or witty things Dr. Young uttered. Often have I dropped
the bit of chicken off my fork, by a sudden start at something
new and ingenious said by our friend, while she, with a steady
hand and sober mind, divided the leg of the goose from the side,
and other things that equally required an undivided attention.
Such a placid personage is a great blessing to a philosopher,
but the difficulty is to find one who would suit so young
a man as my friend Dr. Beattie. He will wish for beauty
and be charmed by vivacity, and a lively handsome girl
may be averse to the retirement and tranquillity he would
like. I am sure your Grace will be glad to hear that Miss Mary
Botham is going to be well married ; the present rector of
Albury takes her as belonging to the glebe. He is a very great
mathematician, and has a good character and tolerable prefer-
ment, and is so kind as to make his addresses to my cousin.
He is very much in love with her understanding and her virtues,
and indeed I am glad she has had the good fortune to meet with
such a match, for the men are not apt to marry for understand-
ing and virtues, though they are the great sources of happiness.
Miss Gregory begs leave to present her best respects. Mine
attend Mrs. Delany. I hope your Grace will not forget how
quiet and comfortable the town is before the meeting of the
Parliament. There is at this time of the year just society
enough to make one's amusements independent of weather, and
if the morning is dark and foggy, the social circle of the evening
makes amends."

See Congreve's The Way of the World.

341

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1775 ?], January 13. Hill Street.— "I had intended
to-morrow, when I expect a visit from Mr. Boyd, to have
proceeded hy your Grace's encouragement to set forward the
plan I had formed for Miss Kitty Chapone, hut the letter I
received on Friday has thrown me into new embarrassments.
Mr. Boyd had a very great desire to get Mrs. Chapone to take
the care of his daughters, and would have come into any
conditions to have obtained her, but his esteem does not go in so
high a degree to any other person, so it was rather to serve Miss
Kitty Chapone than to oblige Mr. Boyd that I conceived the project
of substituting her to her sister, and now so many delays and
difficulties are put in the way I do not know how to act. I was
afraid of meeting with too many on the part of Mr. Boyd, who
objects to exposing his daughters to learn a peculiar cast of the
eye ; but should I get over this difficulty, how does one know
when Mrs. Sandford will be well enough to be consulted about
her sister ? When she is so, she may have scruples on the point
of reputation. If I could persuade Mr. Boyd to take Miss
Chapone, he would undoubtedly write to her the conditions and
what he would settle as annuity, but I don't know that to her he
would make use of the same terms he did to Mrs. Chapone, to
whom he said that all he expected was to secure a friend to
his daughters whose conversation and example would lead
them into all that was good and virtuous; this was a proper
politeness to a woman of Mrs. Chapone's distinguished
talents, and who had lived in the world, but to a young
person he may not use the same complimentary style. Miss
Chapone's good education and disposition promise a good
companion for Miss Boyds, but to answer that she may be
perfectly the example young women in so different a situation
in life should take is saying too much. How can I be assured
Mr. Boyd will like my instructions to write in this manner ? and
perhaps Mrs. Sandford maybe mortified in her weak state of
spirits, if he does not use all this politeness. I see there is still
some scruple about Miss Chapone's incurring any censure by
living with an unmarried man. I cannot answer that^ folly or
malice may not say an absurd or cruel thing, but I think your
Grace agreed with me that there was no great danger of it.
The eldest Miss Boyd is twelve years old; she will therefore
be a guard to Miss Chapone when in the room with her, and I
can make Mr. Boyd sensible it will be better not to be much
with her when the girls are not present. The worst that
can happen from this caution may be that Mr. Boyd may
think Tarn of Lady Wishfort's constitution, who says, what in
integrity to an opportunity ? However, I believe he has too i
good sense not to understand the delicacy of a young worn
situation. Indeed, I would not for the world ]
Chapone to accept this situation if I thought it endangered her
character, which, though of less value than virtue itself, is
certainly the next host thing, and what duty requires every one

342

to be careful of. Advise me therefore, clear Lady Duchess, what
I shall do in all these perplexities.

"I am myself convinced Miss Chapone may never again, have
an opportunity of such an establishment. Her dependent state is
sub] ect to many real evils. Mrs. Chapone is entirely of my opinion
thai (his would be a very happy and advantageous establishment
for her sister. Every condition of life has its evils, a dependent
one many, and especially that of an humble companion. Mrs.
Sandford, who has found a Mrs. Delany, knows nothing of them,
but bow few people, who for want of an independent subsistence
have been forced to enter into a family in the quality of nurses
to old ladies, or companions to country gentlewomen, have not
suffered more indignities and mortifications than belong to servi-
tude itself ! If Miss Chapone, therefore, has not an independent
fortune she must either accept this sort of situation, or live as
companion to some old maiden whose peevishness has driven from
her all who are able to subsist without her, or some ancient matron
who is too blind to write her own letters, too deaf to understand her
family, or so lame she wants to be led from one room to another, for
in these days no one takes a companion that it* is not under some
inability or incapacity. To anything of this sort I should think it
far preferable to have the care of three girls of an amiable disposi-
tion over whom she is to have the authority of a parent, and then
she will secure such an annuity as will be a provision for life.

"It seems to me such solid advantages should not be sacrificed to
unnecessary delicacies. At the same time I am sensible Mrs.
Sandford has been used by Mrs. Delany with such perfect tender-
ness, generosity and delicacy, every state compared with her own
will appear terrible. Your Grace, who knows the world, will be
sensible it may be long before one finds any person with Mrs.
Delany's sentiments and temper. I know your Grrace's humanity
will excuse my giving you all this trouble, but indeed Mips Kitty
Chapone's present situation is a very unhappy one, which first
induced me to think of this resource for her, and now between
compassion for her, regard for Mrs. Chapone, and the apprehension
of offending Mrs. Sandford, which would hurt Mrs. Delany, I am
entirely embarrassed, but shall think I do right, if your Grace
will have the goodness to tell me your opinion. I have enclosed
Mrs. Delany's letter. Mr. Boyd will immediately determine to take
some person for his daughters, so I must make an end of the affair
some way or another to-morrow; but a line will give^ me in-
formation enough, if you will have so much indulgence."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Poktland.

1777, June 7. Tunbridge [Wells].— "If I had twelve months
instead of twelve minutes in which to answer your Grace's letter,
I could not express the joy it gave me. Every post-day I waited
the arrival of the mail with an impatience equal to that of a
young lady who expects an epistle from her Pastor Fido. If I

' Sic.

343

had'not a good many very respectable and venerable wrinkles in
my forehead, I had raised suspicions in the man at the post-
office ; but I daresay he attributed my impatience to a desire of
hearing from some favourite grandson, and wished little Master
would write and quiet the old gentlewoman ; for I used to be very
importunate for my letters. At Tunbridge we have the pleasure of
calling often for our letters on the walks, and I think that, like
fruit, they have the finest flavour when we gather them fresh.
My spirits began to sink exceedingly at not hearing from your
Grace, and while the wind was whistling and the rain beating on
our hill, I durst not name Tunbridge, but was determined to turn
echo to the nightingale as soon as she began her summer note.

" The fine weather is now come to us. We have had indeed
a churlish season till to-day. The wind too here plays a
peculiar kind of melancholy tune, with variations which render
it wonderfully solemn. We have now every reason to expect
fine weather, and I shall most anxiously wish it, that your
Grace may not suffer too much for the happiness you will give
to a heart that loves and honours you, and in whom gratitude
feels so like tenderness unmixed as not to express itself with
that distance which ceremony would prescribe ; and, to be
sure, asking your Grace to honour this cottage has an air of
presumption. However, it is clean and wholesome, and your
Grace's women will be in the next room to you ; you will have a
bell to tinkle at their ear, and you cannot turn in bed but they
must hear you. Dear Madam, as the best people have some sins,
submit to longer penance than you talk of. I do not perfectly
understand Mr. Hawkins' fear of these waters ; they are certainly
excellent for the rheumatism. The sooner your Grace can
come, in all respects the better, but if you cannot come the end
of this month, I will wait for the blessing till it can be had.
Church was so late to-day that I cannot indulge myself in
writing a long letter, but will take that liberty very soon, and
will make report how the skylarks sing their matins and the
nightingales their vespers on Mount Ephraim."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

1778, June 11. — "Continual expectation that business would
call me to London before your Grace would leave it made me
forbear writing, having before me the more pleasing hope of a
viva voce conversation. When I cannot enjoy that, the most
agreeable thing is literary intercourse, and I begin now, as my
return to town is put off till Saturday sennight, to apprehend your
Grace will before that time have shuffled off the mortal coil of a
London life, and have betaken yourself to the Elysian fields of
Bullstrode.

" The spring has been unusually tardy, and it is only within
these few days that we have even partaken of her agreeable
ciiprices of alternate sunshine and showers. April, who used to
be an agreeable coquette, often gay and pleasing, but inconstant,
was this year a sullen, cold, severe prude. May, instead of being

a blooming beauty, was an ugly dirty dowdy. June _ has
hardly attained his fresh vigour, and will have the puny air of
a minor on Midsummer day, when summer used to be reckoned
to come of age. The mornings have been so cold that the
lark has been afraid to rise early, and the evenings so chill that
the nightingale durst hardly sing to her friends and silence
and night for fear of catching a hoarseness. Your Grace will
perhaps wonder why in this churlish season I still continue
to take up my abode here! Why, my dear Madam, though
the sun does not always adorn the hemisphere and gild
the scene around us, yet hope cheers us, and promises all
we wish for to-morrow. I have enjoyed tranquillity and
health, and, what I think no trifling advantage, have escaped
rumours of war, whispers of invasions, and all the displeasing
subjects of conversation which public fears and private indiscre-
tions, I believe, have circulated in society. I have been long
accustomed to hear of baillif s and executions in the houses of the
male gamblers, but I am told that a lady of great birth and rank
has brought herself into the same distress. Genius is ever
accompanied with danger; if this lady had not had greater
talents for play than (with respect be it spoken) your Grace and
your most humble servant, she might have dwelt safe and
unmolested in her castle without even the security of a moat
round it. Gaming is not only a pernicious, but it is a boisterous
vice in a woman. She might with as much propriety and delicacy
amuse herself with playing at cudgels and backsword.

"Has your Grace read Monsr.de Luc's ° Letters from the
Mountains, which he had the honour to address to the Queen. I
think they would amuse you. I like the mountains, but am
most charmed with the mountain persons. They seem to be in
that situation which seems equally distant from the temptations
of want and solicitations of luxury. They possess what Agur
prayed for in so perfect a state of innocence as not to know the
dangers from which they are preserved. Nothing can more fully
prove, too, the goodness of the Queen's heart than that Monsr.
de Luc should know a description of such humble happiness
would be pleasing to her Majesty.

" I propose to come to London for a week in my way to
Northumberland, but must not expect the happiness of finding
your Grace in town so late in the year.

" I hope your Grace will give me leave to congratulate you on
Lord Weymouth's having the Garter, I believe all people will
allow it is properly placed. Might I flatter myself Lady Wey-
mouth would accept of my compliments on the occasion ?

" I hope Mrs. Delany has not lost any of the good looks in which
I left her. My best wishes and respects ever attend her."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.
1779, July 20. Sandleford.—" There are some things in this
world so precious that there are neither scales nor measures by

* The Genevan Jean Andre de Luc, author of Lettres sur quelques parties de In

Suisse.

345

which to regulate them : the heart feels their value, and will not
submit to any thing that those respectable appraisers of ordinary
affairs, reason and experience, can say about them. Of this kind
is the Duchess of Portland's health, and though Hygea and
zEsculapius were to give joint security that she should be well
soon, I could not be easy till I heard she was actually so. The
good account my porter sent me the other day, on this important
and delicate subject, would have given me perfect and complete
satisfaction, if the subject had been less important and less
delicate. May I beg that your Grace's woman would write me a
line? If she assures me that your feverish complaint has
entirely taken its leave, I shall read her letter with more pleasure
than ever I did the best of Madame Sevigne's, whom the critics,
or, what is better, all people of taste, allow to have excelled every
one dans le genre epistolaire.

"I might' perhaps on any other occasion have asked this favour
of Mrs. Delany, but as your Grace's good health is the only
subject to which her pen could not add charms, or your
indisposition such as it could not mitigate and render less
painful and unwelcome ; it would be wrong to employ in vain
what would have such admirable power in any other matter.

" I was greatly mortified thatitwasnot in my power to wait on
Mrs. Delany one morning when she told me she should be at
home, but 1 was detained at my new house by my architect, with
whom I had before made an appointment. He came at the head
of a regiment of artificers an hour after the time he had
promised : the bricklayer talked an hour about the alterations to
be made in a wall ; the stonemason was as eloquent about the
coping of the said wall ; the carpenter thought the internal fitting
up of the house not less important ; then came the painter, who
is painting my ceilings in various colours according to the
present fashion. The morning and my spirits were quite
exhausted before these important persons had the goodness to
release me. I did not get back to my dinner till near 5 o'clock.
The heat of the weather, joined to the hurry and fatigue of busi-
ness, made me eager to escape from London, and I quitted it with
less reluctance ;is 1 was convinced Dr. Turton judged rightly in
not suffering any one to intrude upon your Grace while you had
any remains of fever.

"] hope before this time you are enjoying the paradisaical
delights of Lullstrode. I must congratulate your Grace on Lady
Stamford's safe delivery of a daughter. I think one may indeed
congratulate the world when her ladyship or Lady Weymouth
produces daughters, as all the female virtues are hereditary in
their lines. As many of our modern dames want the modesty of
women, I hope; they will have the courage of men, and if they
are as void of fear as of shame, they will easily [drive] the
French back again if they invade us. 1 must own that last
summer, not foreseeing the probability of an invasion, and the
necessity of the young girls serving in the Light Horse, and the
matrons being formed into regiments of Dragoons, I was sorry
theni striding about the walks at Tunbridge with their

346

arms akimbo dressed in martial uniform. I was assured some
of them would swear like troopers, so no doubt but they will
light like them. I hope, whenever we are so happy as to have
a peace, the Ladies' Regiment will be reformed, as is the phrase.
In quiet times gentle Miss Molly appears more amiable than
blustering Captain Moll.

" I beg my best compliments to Mrs. Delany. Miss Gregory is
ambitious of the honour of presenting her respects to your
Grace and Mrs. Delany."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

1779, December 1. Hill Street. — " Having dined and spent the
evening with Mrs. Vesey, I had not time last night to return
thanks for the honour and pleasure of your Grace's letter. I am
infinitely obliged to your Grace for so kindly interesting yourself
for the giddy nephew and the careful aunt. He recovered the
blow on his stomach sooner than I did the shock of mind on the
occasion. He soon returned to Harrow, where he runs up and
down the Hill, I dare say, with as impetuous velocity as if there
were neither posts nor stomachs in the world.

"My stomach (by way of sympathy) was somewhat afflicted with
spasms for some days after the fright, but, thank God, my
apprehensions for him were soon over, and the spasms having no
new call retreated. Oh, Madam, did not the sudden death of
Lord Lyttelton make you rejoice that his good father did not
live to see an event for which the poor young man was so little
prepared ! My servants saw him pass my door with three gay
females at two o'clock ; these girls were three sisters, and his
cousins ; by eleven o'clock that night he was called to another
world ! He carried these Miss Amnetts in his coach to his villa
near Epsom; at supper, I hear, he declared himself hungry, soon
after complained of pain at his stomach, and expired.

" The usual tenor of his life, the horrid party of pleasure he
was at the time of his death engaged in, would rill one with
unspeakable terrors, if one had not some reason to imagine
there was a tincture of madness in him. I have heard his
father say, with tears in his eyes, that however dreadful it was to
a parent to think their children mad, his son was such. He was
glad to fly to it as a refuge from apprehensions more terrible ;
but in that opinion he had a hope the young man's outrageously
bad conduct would render him unhappy only in this world. It
is said he has left 5,000/. to each of these Miss Amnetts ; poor
amend for their loss of reputation, if that be all they have lost.

" He has left the rest of what was in his disposal to Lady
Valentia, who will be much shocked and afflicted at this event.
Lord and Lady Valentia have been obliged to retire to
Abergavenny, to board in a clergyman's family. This money
will be a relief for a time ; but unless secured by settlement, I
fear it will soon be dissipated. Lord Westcote will possess
Hagley and some estate immediately ; the rest, I suppose, will be
his after the death of the two dowager Lady Lytteltons. Lord

347

Lyttelton's speech the first day of the meeting of Parliament, in
which he talked of his principles and his patriotism, made one
laugh, hut his death turned farce into tragedy. There was an
elaborate encomium upon him in my newspaper to-day. It is
the fashion, and a very pernicious one, to make a man's parts a
kind of apology for his wickedness, but surely they aggravate
guilt in a greater degree than they grace virtue.

" I hope your Grace has done Mr. Jerningham the honour to
read his new poem. I think there are many charming lines in it.
He has graced the simplicity of an ancient feast with a great deal
of elegance, but yet has preserved the character of the wake,
which appears more charming than a modern fete champetre
or regatta.

" Mr. Cole, who called on me one morning, spoke in raptures
of the happiness he enjoyed at Bullstrode. I could easily give
credit to all that could be said of the place and its queen, who
with her there have enjoyed the happiest days of my life, and
that happiness was not the mere result of internal gaiety, and the
pleasures which dance away with down upon their feet ; but your
Grace's conversation and example led me to a way of thinking
which makes the happiness of all times and all seasons. You
taught me neither to admire nor covet what was not really good.

"I hear there is a very lively letter from Charles Fox to
Mr. J. Townshend ; it is written by Mr. Tickel. I wait for Mrs.
Denoyer to bring it to me ; she has not always the earliest intelli-
gence from Parnassus. I believe I must send her a hint to-
morrow morning.

" I am happy in the hope of getting a glimpse of your Grace.
I dined with the Yeseys yesterday, and had the pleasure of
meeting Lord Macartney, who is a great favourite of mine. I
find Lady Macartney finds this climate too cold for her.

" Lord Shelburne was to make a motion in the House of Lords
to-day. Modern patriots treat the constitution of England as
apothecaries do their patients ; they endeavour to give a motion
every day, and fancy that will carry off all distempers. Mr.
Smelt called on me this morning, his visit would have made me very
happy, if be could have told me the Bath waters had been
serviceable to Mrs. Cholmley, but she has had a cold which has
delayed her making trial of them ; she is to stay at Bath the
whole winter.

•• When will your Grace settle in town ? I own Bullstrode has
charms for all seasons, but we who are in this sinful, smoky
town want your Grace's society to purify and enliven it."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1780] , June 29. Hill Street.— "The obliging letter your Grace
did me the honour to write having been directed to Portman
Square, where I have not yet any established family, it was not
conveyed to me till yesterday. I should have returned my I hanks
for so kind a remembrance of me last night, but did not get
home from my visits till it was too late to send a letter.

348

■• Though I was safe in Berkshire during the riots, the news of
them utterly destroyed all the comforts of security, and I felt
more than the horrors of personal danger while I considered so
many persons so much more valuable were threatened, insulted
and injured.

" I can hardly bear to think of the state of things at that time,
and less to write about them. Our country is for ever disgraced,
and dishonour is the most irretrievable, irremediable of all mis-
fortunes. The doctrines that have been lately preached to the
mob prepared them to do mischief, and I must confess I am
very apprehensive that there was some deep-laid conspiracy. I
imagine the wretches who pulled down houses were like the iron
crows they used, mere instruments in the hands of the wicked.

" I came to town last Monday upon business, and also with an
intention to hasten the finishing of ni}r new7 house. I have not
had an hour's leisure since my arrival. Six weeks' fresh air and
leisure had perfectly restored my health ; but I fear, if the weather
continues hot and my business comes so thick upon me, I shall
not long preserve it. I propose to return to Sandleford the
first moment I can get those things done which I came to London
to accomplish. I am always happiest in the country at this
time of year, and tbe late villainous behaviour of the people
has made me almost a misanthrope, and I had rather walk with
the beasts joint-tenant of the shade than live fellow citizen here
with such wretches. Indeed, the baseness of wickedness of some
makes the noble character of others appear more excellent
and sublime. Lord Mansfield's conduct has been great indeed;
I thought I had long had as high a respect for him as was
possible, but my respect is heightened to almost adoration.

" There is an idle rumour that a certain peer was killed in the
riot disguised like a chimney-sweeper. I rather believe he will
live a chimney-sweeper disguised in the robes of a peer.

" Mr. Yesey's health being in a very unpromising way,
Dr. Warren seems inclined to send him to drink the Sunning
Hill waters.

" I have been so often interrupted since I sat down to write that
the third letter-bell has overtaken me at the third page of my
letter, by which your Grace will be released sooner than I should
have prevailed on myself.

" I shall be anxious to hear that the lovely tranquil scenes of
Bullstrode have restored your Grace's health and spirits."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Poktland.

1783, November 22. Portman Square. — "When I had the
honour to receive your Grace's letter, I was immersed in vulgar
business and vulgar cares, and it would have been strange
presumption to have applied the same pen to addressing to the
Duchess of Portland which had been used in writing the accounts
of a coal-mine. After two months spent at Denton in these low
attentions I passed from this purgatory to the Elysian fields of
Tlouseham, and converse with the celestial spirits of Mr. and

849

Mrs. Smelt, and Mr. and Mrs. Cholmley. Persons, things
within doors and without, were all wonderfully changed for the
better. Denton is an old Gothic mansion, but, like what has
been originally vulgar in its character, years have not rendered
it venerable: Then, having been built before our union with
Scotland, the architect had more attention in making the
windows to excluding the arrow s and missive weapons of the
Scotch, than to admitting the rays of the sun, nor can one
discern any object unless standing on tiptoe almost, but the tops
of some tall elms.

" Househam was, I believe, built in the days of good Queen
Bess, and retains on the outside the serious character, the sub-
stantial merit, of those times ; within modern elegance and refined
taste render it agreeable. The view from the windows is very
pleasing ; you behold a navigable river gently gliding through
a green valley adorned with fine trees, and the prospect is
much enlivened by barges continually passing. I must confess
these provincial rivers, which carry on the commerce and are
subservient to the convenience of the country, merely awaken
in me ideas more agreeable than the ocean-bearing ships
of war with Bellona's thunder in their sides, or the Thames
bringing up the spoils of the East Indies, or the produce of the
labour of slaves from the West Indies. At least one may affirm
the great beneficial stream is more suitable to the characters of
the master and mistress of the place than the proud impetuous
waves that carry on the business of avarice or schemes of ambition.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cholmley wish not for any power but the power
of doing good, nor contend for any superiority but that which
transcendent virtue gives ; and all they covet is to make those
around them happy. They have built a village very near
their house, and fitted up and furnished the houses with all
the decent comforts humble life requires, and these habitations
are bestowed on their old or married servants who are obliged
to retire. The children of the latter are taught to read, write, cast
accounts, sew, knit, spin, etc., at a school established by Mr.
Cholmley, and well regulated and frequently inspected by Mrs.
Cholmley. If in the golden age villages were built and inhabited,
I dare say in their modes and their manners they resembled the
village at Househam in every respect. Your Grace will not
wonder that I thought a week a short visit at such a place and
in such society, but business called me to town. However, being-
very desirous my nephew Montagu should have the advantage of a
longer residence with the Virtues of Househam, I gave him Leave
to continue some days longer there, though Alma Mater called
him to keep the term at Cambridge. However wise that old lady
may pretend to be, I think she cannot teach any better lesson
than how to be good and happy, and that may be learnt from I lie
example and conversation of the Smelts and Cholmleys. !•
should have made a visit at Mr. and Mrs. Smelt's in my way to
Denton, but they were at that time at Whitby for the benefit of
the sea air, which proved very serviceable to them. They are now
gone to their sweet retreat in a valley adorned by the river Swale.

350

" 1 wish that to your Grace's enquiry after my ingenious and
good friend Doctor Beattie I could give more ample information.
\ have not heard from him [for] some months ; indeed we are
zealous friends but Lazy correspondents. Writing letter is un-
pleasant to him and unwholesome to me, and indeed, unless
persons converse often together and live in the same society,
literary correspondence cannot go on hrisldy. I consider
familiar epistles to be made up of the thoughts of the
moment and the occurrences of the hour ; even if the air-
balloon, society, should set a post to the moon and stars,
I should not know how to address to the sages in Saturn,
or the man in the moon. I wrote to Dr. Beattie that
I intended to spend the latter part of the summer in Northum-
berland and hoped he would make me a visit there, but I had not
either visit or letter. I have had the comfort of hearing he is
pretty well, and the same person informed me that poor Mrs.
Beattie's mind was so far restored that she lived again with the
Doctor and her children. I dare say your Grace has received
great pleasure from Dr. Beattie's Lectures. I think the world
much obliged to him and to Dr. Blair for publishing their
Lectures. I do not know any works more pleasing, nor more
instructive. I have been much rejoiced at a report that Dr. Blair
will give us another volume of sermons.

"Miss Hamilton will have given your Grace an account of Mr.
and Mrs. Vesey, but the night before last Mr. Vesey was ill, and
had he not been cupped instantly, would probably have had a lit.
I am not happy about Mrs. Vesey; she has lost her appetite, and,
what is worse, in a great degree her hearing ; she is very feeble,
and her spirits are often low ; her corporeal form, always mince
and delicate, is much shrunk, and I am almost afraid she should
melt into air, into thin air, and like an insubstantial [pageant]
faded, leave not a rack behind. As to Mr. Vesey, he has all the
properties of flesh and blood, and I think he will not spiritualize
and vanish like a ghost."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1783,] December 6. Bath.— "I should assume a merit to
which I have not the least pretensions, if I attributed to discretion
my long forbearance of troubling your Grace with a letter ; so I
will honestly confess, it has been owing to an inflammation in my
eyes. The disorder was not in the extreme degree, but threatened
to become worse by any application ; it is now so much abated it
will allow me to write your Grace a Bath Chronicle, though it
would not permit me to transmit you our country journal. I am
sorry to say, it may be difficult to determine which would have
been the least dull according to La Bruyere, who asserts, quil
rant mieux passer sa vie a ne rienjaire, qua feci re des Hens. [He]
would decide in favour of the country journal, and very justly,
if the writer was addicted to thinking in seasons of solitude and
leisure, but my reveries would be less worthy your Grace's
attention than even the historv of a Bath life.

351

il At my arrival here on Monday sennight I found the place
very full of company, a multitude of Irish who come in quest of
amusement, many English in pursuit of health ; from the days
of King Bladud to the present more have been disappointed
than have succeeded in their designs on either of these objects.
Our happiness and our health depend more on our original for-
mation and constitution than on any other things. The weak
stomach may digest a little better, and these waters and the dull
and indolent mind may be a little enlivened by balls and assem-
blies ; but cheerfulness and health are blessings we must receive
from the bounty of Heaven, not the contrivances or skill of man.
" For my own part I have not any motive for passing some
weeks in this place, but to enjoy the conversation of a friend,
who passes most of his time in a distant country. I always make a
visit to Bath when the Primate of Ireland comes to England, as
I enjoy more of his conversation here than in the bustle of
London. I was very happy in the good account his Grace gave
me of Lord Mansfield, a 'health in which the world is much
interested. I find Lord Hardwicke has not yet received much
benefit from these waters, nor indeed is his case such as to give
any flattering hopes of a cure. Lady Grey and Lady Belle
Polwarth seem both in good health. The Duke of Northumber-
land seems in perfect health. Lord Nugent is as gay as he was
forty years ago. The summers do not ripen all geniuses, nor
the 'winters wither them. To pass in the different seasons of
life from gaiety to discretion, and from discretion to gravity, is
the best way of making the journey through this world, but to
fall from levity to sadness is terrible ; so, as my Lord Nugent set
out on his journey with levity for his guide, I think, as far as the
purposes of this life are to be answered, he does right not to quit
his merry companion, especially as his levities have been chielly
in discourse. He has improved his fortune, and raised his
situation more than often happens to the grave and wise.

•' Miss More was so good as to pass a few days with me here.
Your Grace knows her enough to be sensible she made those days
very agreeable to me. ^.Yith a great deal of genius she has
no less good sense, and a most excellent heart, ever exerting itself
in acts of charity and benevolence. She is now encouraging the
publication of a most astonishing poetical work of a poor milk-
woman at Bristol,0 whose unassisted genius has produced lines
which would do honour to Gray or any of our first poets.

" If your Grace has not yet read Bishop Atterbury's Letters, I
think you have a great deal of amusement for the Christmas holi-
days, which I hear, to my sorrow, your Grace intends to pass in the
country; but I cannot wonder thai in such amiable society as
Mrs. Delany and Miss Hamilton you should prefer the charming
abode of Bullstrode with them to the world of sin and sea coal
in London. I propose to be in town the 23rd of this month.
I have taken the liberty to send your (i race a copy of some of the
milk-woman's verses, addressed to Miss More. To understand

■ Mi- ,. Aim Yearsley.

352

some part of tbem I must mention it alludes to her sad own
story. Last winter she, her mother, six children, and her husband,
in want of every necessary, retired to a stable, where they were
found by a charitable person nearly expired; he fetched them
food immediately, and all revived but the poor old woman, who
held up her hands, blessed him and died ; two of the children by
cold and famine have lost their hearing. By contributions they
are now possessed of two cows and twelve pigs ; great riches, but
as riches make themselves wings and fly away, we are now
endeavouring to raise a subscription for her works, and as I have
ne great opinion of a genius being an economist, I shall wish to
buy her a little annuity of 8/. or 10/. a year for her life.
Miss More says the poor creature is harmless and laborious,
and she gives some remarkable proofs of her honesty ; but
a very few days before she went into the stable she restored
two silver spoons to the owner, which she had found by
accident. She is very religious, and piety has raised her mind,
as well as purified her heart. I have bestowed so much of my
paper on the milk-woman's virtues and talents, I have not room
left for a description of Mrs. Hastings' jewels, which bear a
higher value at Bath; but at Bullstrode they would not, so I
think I may be excused for what I have done, and yet I confess
your (Trace's fine museum does not contain anything so wonder-
ful as a she-Nabob; the animal flower, or the electrical eel are
not so much out of the common course of things."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1783,] December 26. London.—" I am set down to wish your
Grace a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, though we, who are
in London, shall not have so joyous a Christmas, nor so happy a
beginning of the new year as you who pass your holidays at Bull-
strode. Though mortified and injured by this resolution, I cannot
help confessing there is not any place which possesses greater
charms at every season than Bullstrode, or any person who has
in themselves* greater resources for gloomy weather and short
days than its Lady ; indeed, the gay conscience of a life well spent
gives the only perpetual cheerfulness and unclouded sunshine.
Mr. and Mrs. Vesey and Mrs. Hancock arrived in town on Friday.
Mr. Vesey seems in perfect health and gay spirits. I cannot affirm
the same of Mrs. Vesey, she looks thin and complains her hearing
is impaired. It is pity it should be so, as she never listened with
pleasure to the whispers of calumny, or the voice of detraction and
envy, but with delight to the praises of those whom she esteemed
deserving. However, the only truly lamentable deafness is that
which oftener belongs to youth than age, turning a deaf ear to the
advice of friends, and the precepts of wisdom and virtue.

" There is a new work come from France called 'L'Esprit de la
Fronde': I have purchased, but have not yet begun it. I do not
suppose there will be as much spirit and vivacity in this work as

* Sic.

353

in [ho Meruoires of Cardinal de Retz, who seems to have been as
much suited by nature for the historian of such a faction as he
was for the leader of it. However, I shall be glad to see the
picture of those transactions drawn by another hand. Never
did any annals, or history of any kind, so strongly paint
a national character as the history of_ La Fronde. About
the same time we carried on a civil war in a
different style. The French put de la gaiete and des g\
into a conspiracy, love intrigue into state policy, and the
fierce goddess Bellona is knit with the Graces and the Lo
dance, a battle is followed by a ball, and an assassination by a
masquerade or a concert. Une chanson sur le Pent Neuf con
them under any military disgrace or political disappointment.
Toujours gai is the national motto, and after all, as in this state
of tilings it is not always possible to be both merry and wise, is it
not best to be merry? Indeed, human life is so short, and
made up of such trumpery, that there is not any solid
foundation for grief or joy, but, that the good might not be ever
without consolation, an unalterable pleasure results from the
retrospect of their own actions, and imparts what nothing earthly
gives or can destroy, The souVs calm, sunshine and the heart-Jelt
joy. On this firm foundation, with confidence as well [asj -
affectionate zeal, I can venture to present my wishes of a happy
New Year to your Grace.

"When I began my letter, which i had not time to finish, I told
your Grace Mr. Vesey was in good health, but the other day,
when he was to meet some of his friends here at dinner, I
had a message to acquaint me he had just had a fit. However, it
was a slight one, and when I called on Mrs. Vesey yesterda
had the pleasure of hearing he was recovering fast, and her
apprehensions wore abated."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1784], June 20. Sandleford.— " On receiving your Grace's
kind and humane letter lasl night I felt very sensibly that
a friend ; ine of life. The interest you take in my

aiiliction is a balm to it. As I would not do anything that
might be a prejudice to Mrs. Alison0 svorld, I shall not

(except to my best and dearest frie /more than that she

married without my approbation, but to your Grace I will con-
fess that the precipitation, with which she entered into an engage-
ment with a man she had not known three months, m
avated my grief. Last October twelve months she went to
Lburgh to 'visit her brother, who was then newly married
i to return to me about the meeting of Parliamen
she would then have opportunity of tr

friends, who would be coming to London on that occasion ; but,
instead of doing what she had promised, she made various

* Dorothea, daughter of Dr. John Gregory, of ! . & with Mrs.

Montagu since her father's death in 1773. She married, 14 June, 1784, Archibald
a, afterwards author of the " Essay on the Nature and Prh

Z

354

excuses and on the 6th of January she wrote me a long letter to
tell me all her future happiness depended on my giving my con-
sent to her marrying a Mr. Alison, who had not a shilling
fortune, nor any preferment but a curacy at Durham. She
accompanied this declaration with the most extravagant com-
mendations of the man, and assurances of his being most deeply
in love with her. Your Grace may believe I did not comply with
her request. I told her that, though I had always had for her
the tenderness of a mother, yet I could not pretend to parental
authority, therefore my consent to her marriage was not necessary,
but my approbation or countenance to such a marriage I
never could give, my respect for the memory of her father, my
duty to my own nephews and nieces, and to the world in general,
forbad my giving my countenance to imprudent hasty engage-
ments, ever heart-wounding to parents and friends, and too
often unfortunate to the young persons who made them. I set
before her the miseries attendant on poverty, and perhaps seeing
a large posterity destitute of a provision. She had said in her
letter she would not marry Mr. Alison till she had an 100?. a
year in preferment, which she did not doubt but Mr. Dundas, then
Lord Advocate, would soon procure him, and with that she should
be perfectly happy. Indeed I hardly thought her in senses from
the wildness and extravagance of her manner on receiving my
remonstrance on the indiscretion of her matrimonial [project] :
she fell into fits as young ladies often do when they cannot
obtain consent to an improper marriage. Finding her both too
impetuous and firm to be shaken in her project, the only hope to
save her was from the calm counsels of time; therefore I told her,
if she would return to me and remain with me till Mr. Alison
had such preferment as she thought sufficient to marry upon, I
would behave to her with my usual kindness, but she must never
speak to me on a subject on which we could never agree. This
condition was kept on both sides, and I also insisted she should
neither see Mr. Alison nor correspond with [him] ; all which she
promised and, I believe, faithfully observed. But one day
this spring she told me she found she could not live without
corresponding with Mr. Alison and seeing [him] sometimes;
upon which I set forth to her the imprudence of her engage-
ment, on which she fell into hysteric, then fainting fits, and
lay as it were dead for some minutes. I saw then she would
marry immediately if I did not allow her to see him a few
times, as he was then in London, and by this compliance I
should retard her indiscreet marriage ; so I consented. She even
alleged her brother's desire to see her and also that of his dying
wife, and she went, as your Grace knows, to Edinburgh. There she
prevailed on a Mr. Nairne, a lawyer, who transacts business for
Mr. Pulteney and is an old friend of his, to solicit a living of him
for Mr. Alison. Mr. Pulteney complied with Mr. Nairne's request,
and has bestowed a living of 150/. a year on Mr. Alison.
Miss Gregory applied again for my consent, I answered as
before, that I could not give any approbation, or countenance to
the match, so she determined to quit all connection with me, and

355

married Mr. Alison. I heartily wish her visions of felicity may
be realized. I had above a year ago got Mr. Smelt to endeavour
to dissuade her from this scheme ; he argued the case very
seriously with her, but found all argument vain ; he hoped, as I
did, time might bring her to sober reflection. I never mentioned
to any one but Mr. Smelt and Mrs. Smelt, who I knew had
great* weight with her, the rash step she had taken in making an
engagement. I should with great joy have given very solid
proofs of my approbation to any man of character and decent
circumstances, for happiness does not attend on wealth ; but
misery dogs poverty at the heels. I am not myself convinced Mr.
Alison's addresses to her did not proceed from a hope, that by the
friends she had, she would be a better fortune, and procure him more
preferment than he would otherwise obtain, for he did not even
pretend to have any hopes of a living but through his interest
with Mr. Dundas, then Lord Advocate of Scotland. Miss Gregory's
behaviour had been so gentle, amiable, and discreet, and with
such appearance of affection and attachment to me, that to see
her sacrifice all prudent considerations of every kind, and all
friendly connection with me, to a man she had not known 10
weeks has been a great affliction, and I believe what the learned
faculty called the gout was the effect of great perturbation of
mind, for which I ask pardon of the great Disposer of all events,
and who has given me, in my nephew Montagu, everything my
heart could wish. Mrs. Delany was the first person to whom I
mentioned Miss Gregory's approaching nuptials, but had not
opportunity to communicate the circumstances which I have
written to your Grace, and which I would beg you to impart to
her. I am afraid all I have written on this disagreeable subject
will appear tiresome. I will now take up the subject that is the
most pleasant and excellent, viz. the Smelts. Yesterday sen-
night they left the regal bowers of Windsor to visit my cottage.
It was doubly charitable to visit me at this time ; they made us
very happy till Saturday, when they went to Oxford hi their road
to the north. I was pleased to see my nephew was as unwilling
to part with them as I was. We have been alone ever since, but
are in hopes of seeing Dr. Beattie and his young Edwin here very
soon. The Primate of Ireland0 is just arrived at Bath. When
he has taken about 3 weeks of the waters, I flatter myself he
will pass some time at Sandleford. There is some degree of
presumption in this hope, for betwixt old rooms demolished
and new ones not finished enough for habitation my house is in
a most horrible condition ; the birds and the squirrels are much
better accommodated. The pleasure-grounds and woods have been
much improved and beautified by the late Mr. Brown, but a dis-
tress has arisen to-day, even from what usually produces great
pleasure. The person under whose direction Mr. Brown's plan is
going forward, has for some time given indications of madness,
and yesterday, while he was ordering the workmen how to apply
their spades, he fell on his knees and muttered prayers; ho is now

Mrs. Montagu's kinsman Richard Robinson first Baron Rokeby of Armagh.

356

vild I know nol whal to do with him. I am going to write to*
Mr. Lupidge, who is to finish | whal | Mr. Brown began, to come
with all speed to take care of this poor creature; in the mean-
time I dare noi walls aboul >und i. I Eeel myself in a very
improper state for a correspondent, i know your Grace will
freedom [ have taken in opening my heart to you .
My most: affectionate respects attend Mrs. Delany. I cannot
express how much we all regretted that we were not at home
when she did us the honour to call in Portman Square. I wish

bad intimated her kind intentions, and then we should have

;i half an hour of her conversation to any pleasure

i lie Town could have offered us. Montagu solicits the honour of

entinghis humble respects to your Grace and Mrs. Delany."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Poetland.

[1784,] July 12. Sandleford. — "Your Grace's kind solicitude for
me on account of the poor lunatic makes my present security from
him appear of higher value ; nothing makes life so precious to
one as finding the persons one most esteems and loves interest
themselves in its perservation. The history of tlie poor madman
is a very extraordinary one; he began his career of life very ill, a
hard drinker, a great boxer, and in short was addicted to every
vice which comes into the character of a low and vulgar libertine ;
but 17 years ago he went mad and was confined for some time ;
he recovered his reason, and may properly be said to have been
since in his sober senses. He left off all his bad habits, drank
nothing stronger than small beer, worked in pleasure-grounds
under the direction of Mr. Brown, and was placed by him to
ad the making a piece of water and the other works
going forward here ; and I was much pleased with his diligence
and attention and great integrity. There was a wildness in his look,
and some singularities, which we attributed to his former illness,
but did not apprehend a return of it till lately. I wrote to the
person who lias the carrying on what Mr. Brown planned for the
improvements here, to acquaint him with my apprehensions, and
to desire he would take the poor man to London, and I would get
him into St. Luke's or Bedlam. I hoped that my lunatic would have
willingly accompanied his old friend, this Mr. Lupidge, to London,
for we wished to avoid any violence, as he would some hours in
the day appear calm and rational. Mr. Lupidge came hither as soon
as he could leave the Duke of Devonshire's at Chiswick, where he
was employed, and all matters were prepared to cany our lunatic
away on Thursday morning; but before the hour intended he
knocked down the man who attended him, and ran out of the
house where he lodged, and knocked down a man who
ivoured to stop his flight. When these men recovered the
blow, the impression of horror still remained, and they durst not
follow him till they had collected other assistance, so lost sight
of him : and though we have sent people to every neighbouring
town, village, and cottage, [we] cannot get any material intelli-
gence, and I am under great apprehensions that it will be difficult

357

to find him, for in his religious enthusiasm lie fancies he must
atone for his past offences by living like Nebuchadnezzar, and it
has been difficult to persuade him to sleep in a house, and lie
has endeavoured to eat grass. I am very unhappy about this
poor creature's being exposed to every danger and distress, but
hope I am not very blameable, as I had committed him to the
charge of his master Lupidge, by whom he was employed to
direct the workmen and to pay them weekly.

"I have tired your Grace with this long history, for I feared you
would be shocked to hear 1 had been so negligent of a poor
wretch as to let him run away. I believe Mr. Lupidge had
indiscreetly talked to the persons where he lodged of an intention
to carry him to London to be taken care of, and these unfor-
tunate persons dread confinement.

"Dr. Beattie writes me word he cannot leave London at present,
nnd as I expect the Primate of Ireland, Sir Wm. Robinson, and
Mr. John Freind next week, my house will then be full, so the
doctor will go first to the Bishop of Chester's.

"The means I am taking to enlarge my house in future makes
it less for the present ; old rooms are pulled down, and the new
ones are not yet fit for habitation. It is just now in the most
terrible condition, but I flatter myself time will make it such, that
I may entertain an ambitious hope that the Duchess of Portland
may honour it with her presence : such a hope will make me
endure with patience, nay, hear with pleasure, the rumbling of the
carts which are bringing bricks, the strokes of the spade, and the
squeaking of wheelbarrows, and all the horrid sights, and horrid
sounds, masons, bricklayers, carpenters, &c, present to the eye
and ear. I have not heard of Mr. and Mrs. Smelt since they left
Sandleford, which makes mo a little uneasy, as they had promised
to write while on the road. I have a flattering vision, a plea
hope, that they will come to Portman Square next January, time
enough to pay their devoirs on his Majesty's birthday."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1785, April?] 17. Ealing.—"! had the honour of your
Grace's obliging card just as I was selling out for Ealing, to
which I retreated on my housekeeper being ill of the smallpox,
that I might avoid any infection from the imprudence of i
who arc apt to visit, in spite of all injunctions, a fellow sei
in thai distemper. And as I find the famous operator,
Mr. Sutton, has just now inoculated at an easy wholi
price half tin: common people in town, and then ord

a io runabout the stive;,-;, 1 think it will be more prudenl
for me io avoid coming out of a, fresh into an infected
and as I am (.» go to Sandleford in a few -lays, I
determined to forbear coming Io town (ill
of inoculation is a Little over. I hope, therefore, your Grace will
excuse my not doing myself the honour io wail on you on Sunday,
which is indeed tion to me. I am nol t<

indifferenl to the amusements of London, hut when Whitehall

358

presents itself to my imagination, then the town appears most
delightful, and the primroses and violets lose their sweetness in
my estimation. I have the pleasure of talking of the Duchess
of Portland with Mr. Botham, who has experienced her good-
ness. The poor man has got a gout that would better become
the velvet cushion of a dean, but he hopes to be well enough to
stand in the pulpit on Sunday. Had the malady been in his
finger or thumb, I flatter myself I could have written as ortho-
dox a sermon as the vicar himself ; indeed I have often offered
niy service to do so, but he chooses to edify his parish his own
way. I believe my sermon would be more lively, his more solid.
I have the comfort to find Miss Botham in better health than
when she was with me a"t Sandleford. I feel so much interested
for all these poor girls I am afraid of dreaming at night that I
am a parson's wife with five children ; a horrible vision it would
be, and I imagine I should start in my sleep if it presented itself
to me. Indeed, my dear Lady Duchess, I cannot express to you
how much I regret losing the agreeable day I might pass at
Whitehall, a day that would be so pleasing while it was present,
and rendered more delightful by the recollection of those past
and gone. However from the happy faculty of memory I shall
retain a sense of the honour and happiness I have enjoyed in
your Grace's friendship."

Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland.

[1785,] July. Portman Square. — " It is impossible for me to
describe the anguish I felt last night on hearing your Grace had
been ill of a fever ; happy for me I did not hear it till I was also
informed that you were recovering of it. I went into Berkshire
the 13th of May, and staid till the 30th of June. On that day I came to
Mrs. Garrick's at Hampton. I came to London yesterday morning,
and spent the evening with Mrs. Yesey, when to my infinite
concern I heard of your Grace's illness. I beg to know how you
are to-day. I am going back to Hampton this evening, but shall
return to London in two or three days to sign my nephew's
marriage-settlement, an operation I had hoped would have been
over long before this time, but the lawyers are not of Hudibras's
opinion that brevity is cert/ <j<><>d, in things that arc or are not
understood. 50 skins of parchment and 50 forms of law were to
be used on the occasion. In the mean time the lover languished,
and the aunt waited, and neither of us knew how long the gentle-
men of the robe would keep us in that state, and as London
disagrees with my health at this season of the year, I remained at
Sandleford in perfect ignorance of what was passing in the world
till last night that I was at my dear Mrs. Vesey's. Oh, Madam !
how unworthy was Mr. Vesey of so good a woman ! "

359

APPENDIX.

(MISCELLANEOUS and UNDATED CORRESPONDENCE.)

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough to [Robert Harley].

[1708?] August 27. Sunday.— "I have told my sister0 why
the pass must be in her name, which she likes as well as any,
since you will do her the favour to order it so as to give her no
uneasiness to travel in her private way.

"I forgot to speak to you for some letters out of Ireland to her,
taken in Mr. Arthur's papers; she says they are only concerning
her own affairs, and if they are from one of my nieces, I know
that one must be a mother to give so much time as is necessary
to read it, but I don't say this to prevent anybody's trying : that
you will order, and when that is done, if you please to send them
to Mr. Guydott, he will give them to my sister.

"I write this with less scruple than ordinary because I am
going out of town, and though you should have the goodness to
intend me an answer, I shall not be in the way of receiving it."
(Vol. iv. f. 206.)

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.

[1711, April 24] . Thursday—" The bill about the resumption
being to be read this morning it will be thought strange if I
should be absent, and therefore cannot receive your favour this
morning. In the afternoon this is so public a day at my house
that it will be inconvenient to see you here, but if you will allow
me to wait on you either at six, seven or eight this afternoon, I
shall not fail to come to you, and send a servant on purpose- to
bring me a verbal answer." (Vol. vi. f. 51.)

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Robert Harley.

[1711, Spring?] Wednesday.—" Since you have excused my dis-
appointing you last night, and allow me to name any time after
to-day, I will not fail waiting on you at your house to-morrow at
half an hour past eight in the evening, if I hear nothing from you
to the contrary.

"I hear from many hands that something extraordinary is
designed but cannot learn what ; I hope the Queen has notice,
and that she will to some of her leading ministers and servants
speak in a manner, that if they know what is designed, she expects
to be let into the secret, and if they do not, that they should
oppose all motions that may raise heat and create divisions, but
go on with the public business and finish the supplies, that our

* Ludy Tyraranell.

360

Eriends and enemies abroad may not discover that we are so much
in need of peace at home, since such a thought would certainly
prevent our having it abroad. If in any particular I can be of use
fco you, be pleased to lot me know it, who am perfectly disposed
to serve to the best of my power." (lb. f. 46.)

The Duke of Shrewsbury to Eobert Harley.

[17 11, Spring?] Wednesday night. — "I have discoursed with the
Queen upon the subject of your letter; she is convinced of the
reasonableness of your arguments, but knows not how to prevail
with a certain person to give way to them, and thinks, if she
should resolve positively to refuse his demands, that it would be
an absolute breach. There will be more time to consider of this
particular. The pain her Majesty has been in has hindered her
writing to-night, and I was unwilling to talk too long and too
much to her on a subject which gave her disquiet at the same
time her disease was troublesome likewise.

I confess I think myself under some hardship to have made

such promises to Mr. Sin.*3 and not be enabled to perform them

unless by expectation, but provided the public service do not

suffer, and we by our unsteadiness are not made a jest, I will

ait readily.

"Her Majesty desires you to be here to-morrow night before
nine.

" I am every day more and more convinced that something of
what I said to Mr. St. John must be resolved; we must have
somebody among us who, if they are positive, will be it, with
better sense and more uniform to the main design than that
which governs and will embroil everthing.

"1 have time to say no more, but, confess I think the step going
to be made with relation to Mr. S. a very unlucky one.

" Surely this letter of Petcum's should be both prosecuted and
answered, if it were only to show it is not a true one, as it is
believed by some ignorant people in the country." (lb. f. 47.)

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the [Earl of Oxford] .

[1711, November?] Wednesday night.— "My indisposition, God
be "thanked, has ended in a short fit of the gout. I waited on the
Queen this evening to give her joy of the compliance Holland has
sii own. I perfectly agree that should be returned by a confidence
on our side, and what your Lordship proposes to be said to
M. Buys f is very right, and nobody so proper upon all accounts
to speak to him as yourself, who are best able to explain to him
our Articles relating to the Assiento and the Commerce, so as to
take away their objections; and if those were once over, we
should have nothing more to do but treat unitedly and like friends
to get the best barrier we can for Holland, and the best terms
can be got for the rest of the Allies.

* Perhaps the late Speaker Smith, afterwards one of the Tellers of the Exchequer,
t Of. Reporl on Portland MSS. vii. 71.

36]

" I hinted to her Majesty to-night that I wished she were soon in
London. There is no probability that her health will permit her
to take any henetit of the country air before she will be forced to
to come to London; and in this very busy time between the
affairs of the Parliament and the peace this small distance from
London loses too much time.

" I hope the North Britain Lords will come in time and good
humour ; some of their own countrymen seem to doubt of both,
but I hope that is only because they are not so necessary as they
would be. I have writ to Lord Cardigan, who designed not to
come yet ; I hope I shall prevail with him.

" I heartily rejoice that your Lordship finds yourself better, and
has thoughts of going abroad, but earnestly recommend to_ you
not to venture too soon and to be careful when you do. It is so
obvious what would be the consequence of your ill health that I
will not offend your modesty to enlarge upon it, but remember a
line in Spenser on the death of Sir Philip Sidney — " Great loss
to all, but greatest loss to me." (lb. f. 71.)

The Duke of Shrewsbury to the Earl of Oxford.

1712, September 19. Friday morning. — ' ' The Queen has rested
so well to-night that I hope her indisposition is over, which I be-
lieve was occasioned by a cold she got taking the air last Tuesday in
her chaise, whilst the' sun was warm, but the wind easterly and so
sharp, that at the same time it was very hot or very cold as her
Majesty turned her faee to or from the wind. I am glad Lord
Rivers has at last taken so good a resolution ; I suppose it will
ease us of a good deal of trouble. I shall be ready any time next
week to attend your Lordship's commands about the jewels."
(lb. f. 80.)

\n [nventory of Margaret Cavendishe, Duchess of Portland's
weding cloaths and linen, July 11th, 1734.

1 Gown and petticoat of white Padnsoy richly imbroidred with
gold and all coulers.

1 Gown ami petticoat of pink armeseen, both gown and petticoat
quite covered ail over with a rich silver triming mixed with
coulered flowers.

1 Gown ami petticoat, white and silver lutestring.

1 Gown and petticoat of white lutestring, clouded with pink
and brown.

1 Gown and petticoal of blue lutestring.

1 Gown and petticoat of green damask.

1 Night gown of white lutestring, imbroidered ail over the
faceing and robings with silver and purple.

1 Ni;.1!! gown Mi' gold lutestring, with contours.

1 Nighl gown of pink damask.

1 Nighl gown of yellow lutestring.

1 White sattin wraper.

'2, Fine calico quilted bed gowns.

362

1 White satten quilted petticoat with a silver triming round the
bottom.

3 "White lino eallico quilted petticoats to ware over the Hoop.

3 White dimity under petticoats.

4 Flanell petticoats.

1 Hoop of white lutestring.

1 Brown Alapine habit laced with silver.

1 Couloured quilted petticoat to wear with the habit.

1 Drab cloath great coat.

1 Pair of shoes, white satten, bradedwith gold and open lace up
them.

1 Pair of shoes of silver tishue braded with silver, lace of silver
up them.

1 Pair of shoes of blue satten, braded with the same coulour.

1 Pair of shoes of green satten, braded with the same coulour.

1 Pair of slipers of silver and an open lace up them and a
deep fringe round.

1 Pair of cloges of blue velvet.

2 Colmar fans.

2 Pair of gold loopings for gloves.

1 Pair of silver loopings for gloves.

1 Pair of pink and silver loopings for gloves.

1 Gold girdle, 1 Silver girdle.

2 Pair of stays, 2 Pair of locks.

Laces and Linen.

1 Very fine point head and 3 double ruffles and tucker.

1 Very fine loopt Brusells head and three double ruffles, and
tucker of half breadth lace and tippet.

1 Suit of dressed night close, the lappets all lace of fine Brusells
lace and three double ruffles and tucker half breadth lace and a
neck handkercheif.

1 Suit of drest night close of very fine loopt Mackleen half
breadth lace, double ruffles and tucker and neck handkercheif.

1 Suit of dressed night close of fine loopt Brusells lace, double
ruffles and tucker and neck handkerchief.

1 Mob, double ruffles and tucker, and hood, all lace round with
a fine Brusells lace.

1 Mob, double ruffles and tucker and hood and double neck
handkercheif, all laced round with a loopt Mackleen lace with a
great deal of basket work in the lace.

1 Mob, double ruffles, tucker, and short hood, all laced round
with a loopt lace with a litle basket work in the lace.

1 Mob, double ruffles, tucker, short hood and double neck
handkercheif of spotted lawn, all laced round with a very fine
Mackleen lace.

1 Mob, double ruffles, tucker, laced round with a ground
Mackleen lace.

1 Mob, double ruffles, tucker, laced round with a Mackleen lace,
all pattern, no ground.

1 Double mob and double ruffles and tucker, all laced round
with a Brusells lace.

363

1 Double mob and double ruffles and tucker, laced all round
with a ground Mackleen lace, the pattern oak leaves.

1 Double mob and double ruffles, tucker, laced all round with
a fine loopt lace.

6 Pair of double ruffles, laced.

6 Laced tuckers.

8 Pair of double ruffles of plain cambrick.

6 Pair of single ruffles of plain cambrick.

14 Tuckers of plain cambrick.

6 Night caps, laced round.

6 Under night caps, laced round.

4 Workt muslin neck handkercheifs and one plaine one.

30 Pocket handkercheifs.

1 Cambrick apron, laced round with a very fine Brusells lace.

1 Spotted lawn apron, laced round with a fine Mackleen lace.

1 Flowered lawn apron.

1 Spotted cambrick apron.

1 Fine callico apron, workt round in a border in the Indian way.
6 Fine Holland aprons.

6 Fine cambrick aprons.

2 Combing cloaths.

4 Pair of dimity pockets.
2 Laced riding shirts.

5 Quilted dressing caps.

14 Pair of white threed stockings.

2 Pair of scarlet stockings.

1 Pair of white silk stockings with imbroidered clocks.

28 Day shifts. (Vol. x. f. 185.)

Elizabeth Elstob to the Duchess of Portland.

1738, December 27. Bath. -' ' The great honour and happiness
and the salary your Grace has so generously vouchsafed to confer
and bestow upon me, so long before I can have an opportunity of
endeavouring to deserve them, commands infinitely greater and
more worthy acknowledgments than I am able to offer. And though
I am truly sensible I amguiltyof great presumption in thus address-
ing myself to your Grace, yet my indispensable duty will not suffer
me to be silent, but compels me most humbly to beseech you,
Madam, to accept of the thanks of a heart sincerely grateful, and to
be assured that I most earnestly beg the Divine assistance to enable
me to perform my duty as I ought, and having that, I hope I
need not fear being acceptable to your Grace. I must likewise
entreat you, Madam, to believe it shall be my constant and daily
practice fervently to beseech Almighty God to pour down the
choicest of His blessings on your incomparable self and your
whole most noble family, and that He, who has endowed you with
so many excellent perfections, will add to them length of days, that
you may long bo a glorious pattern and example to your sex."
(Vol. xiv. f. 86.)

364

Earl or Oeford to [Charles, third Viscount TownshendV] .

1743, Jnlv 24. Houghton. — " I have now writ to Capt. Jackson,
to give Lord Tyrawly a ticket as you desired, and am glad to oblige
him with it. This place affords no news, no subject of amuse-
ment or entertainment, for line gentlemen of wit and pleasure
about town understand not; the language nor taste the charms of
the inanimate world. My flatterers here are all mutes ; the oaks,
tin- beeches, the chesnuts seem to contend who shall please the
lord of the manor ; they cannot deceive, they will not lie. I
sincerely admire them, and I have as many beauties about me
a:, till up all my hours of dangling; and no disgrace attends me
from 67 years of a

" Within doors we come a little nearer to real life, and admire
upon the almost speaking canvas all the airs and graces which
the proudest of the town ladies can boast of. With these I am
satisfied, because they gratify me with all I wish, and all I want;
I expect nothing in return which I cannot give. If these, dear
Charles, are any temptations, I heartily invite you to come and
partake of them. Shifting the scene has sometimes its recom-
mendation ; and from country fare you may possibly return,
with a better appetite, to the more delicate entertainments of a
refined life.

1 • Since I wrote the above, we have been surprised with good
•news from abroad. Too much cannot be said upon it, for it is
truly matter of infinite joy, because it is of infinite consequence."
Copy. (Vol. xvi. f. 303.)

William Murray to the Duchess of Portland.

1745, June 18. — "Few things can give me so much real pleasure
as an opportunity of doing what is in any respect agreeable _ to
your Grace, and therefore, if the case you recommend should exist,
I shall think myself very happy in an occasion of contributing
the utmost of my power to what you wish. I think you conclude
too hastily from the D [uke] of N [ewcastle] 's silence. Nothing is
now open, and he might be afraid of taking the thing wholly upon
himself beforehand, under the present incertainty of his being
able to make such an undertaking good without much difficulty.
If I was the Doctor, under your protection I would not despair of
Windsor, at least not in prose, whatever I did in verse when the
night inspired melancholy thoughts. I return the enclosed with
many thanks. I never saw the spirit and diction and simplicity
of an original better kept up in a translation. I wish your Grace
a good journey and an agreeable summer." (Vol. xiv. f. 92.)

Lord Mansfield to the Duchess of Portland.

1757, November 80.— " The French have insisted that Count
Poniatowski should be recalled from Petersburgh, which may
hasten the sending Keith, and the orders may be sudden. I took
therefore the resolution of speaking to him to-day, first by way

365

of asking his advice upon the general plan, which he said a great
deal for under all the circumstances. So far his opinion con-
firms our ideas. I then mentioned to him the carrying Lord
Tichfield. He very readily undertook to do everything in his
power to make it agreable to Lord Tichfield. He is not to say a
syllable of it. He proposes going to Hamburgh in a man-of-war.
He applauds his taking but one servant with him. As to all
voitures he don't think of any till he come to Hamburgh. I
have in secrecy talked to Czartoryski upon it. He advises it very
much upon the single point of Lord Stormont. As to the rest he
will put Lord Tichfield into the hands of his sister, and give her
very particular instructions. From some letters of hers which
he has shewn me, she appears to have all the parts and good
sense of her family. But though Keith's departure may be soon, it
likewise may not. In the meantime the secret will be absolutely
kept. I have asked Keith to dine with me next Friday, and I
wish Lord Tichfield would meet him. This is properly a note
to Lord Tichfield, though I address it to your Grace." (lb. f. 97.)

Extract of a Letter from Naples.

1760, December 24. Naples. — '-Last Tuesday morning, as I
was sitting in my chamber about half an hour after eleven, on a
sudden the servants of the house came running into my room, the
windows of which command a most noble prospect of Mount
Vesuvius and all the circular shores and islands of the Bay of

Naples. If I could draw like 1 would send you on this paper

a view of this mountain ; but as it is, must desire you to help me
out by imagining to yourself a mountain higher in itself than most
either in England or Wales, but at that time greatly increased in
its stature by a dreadful Prussian grenadier's cap of most black
smoke, which at that time rose suddenly from its head to the
height of many hundred yards perpendicular up to the highest
regions of the air. The morning till that instant had been most
mt and the mountain most quiet and serene. Five minutes
after another vast cloud, not indeed black as that on the mountain-
top, but rather whitish, burst from the plains about. four miles
from the mountain, near the sea coast, and about five miles from
Herculaneum. In a quarter of an hour the whole horizon from
the point of Vesuvius to Caprea, which is said to be farther than
from Dover to Calais, was covered (as it continues to this hour,
Thursday, one o'clock in the afternoon) in a thick fog, in one part
mixed with great surges of flame continually rising and falling.
I bad liked to have seen this phenomenon to a greater advantage

or rather disadvantage, for that very morning Mr. L and

Mr. F (with whom I have had the pleasure of seeing most of

curiosities near Naples) had set out to see the top of Vesuvius,
and I should probably have been of the party, if 1 had not I
apprehensive of the great fatigue of so long a walk. When they
reached the Eermit's I hicb is a considerable way up

Vesuvius (what a situation for a man to '-boose for his residence;
during lifi were informi d by him that the last night there

36G

had been a considerable earthquake there, his cottage having shook
with it, which to him (who had so studied the mountain) was a
plain indication that there would be a considerable eruption
within two or three days. From this cottage they proceeded with
many weary steps up towards the summit, within 50 paces of
which they arrived at half an hour after eleven, when they were
surprised with a sudden discharge of ten thousand subterranean
cannon under their feet, the ground shaking and pouring forth
smoke on all sides with hot water and some red-hot stones. After
having contemplated this unexpected scene for some minutes (for
all their guides but one had deserted them in the smoke) they
began to make as expeditious a retreat as they could in sliding
down the sandy side of the mountain, which roared and rocked
under them, and now and then not without terror casting up their
eyes to that dreadful pitchy cloud which thundered over their
heads ; nor was it "without the greatest fatigue and some bruises
that they arrived safe at Naples in the afternoon. By that time
news was arrived here of the other much worse particulars of this
eruption. All the eruptions before this have been on the point
or in some high part of the sides of this tremendous mountain ;
but the scene of the greatest danger is at present totally changed.
About four or five miles distant from the summit of it and about
fourteen from Naples, in the middle of a fine plain thick set with
large vineyards and farm-houses, this eruption of a sudden broke
out, and that immediately under the floor of one of the houses.
What is become of that house I need not tell you : the place of
it and of seventeen other scattered houses with a palazzo of Signor
Corti, and a tract of land of thirty vineyards, is not to be found
now. The whole space is taken up by a fiery river, or rather lake,
of five miles in length and near two in breadth, rising at one end
from thirteen fiery sources and slowly rolling itself, not without
great noise, towards the sea, which it is now very nearly arrived
at. Sir James Gray, who has been the British Minister here for
several years, has never seen before such a spectacle. But how
would you have been afflicted with it, and with all the cries,
lamentations and desolation of the poor inhabitants. What is
surprising, we do not as yet hear of one life being lost, and all
danger of further eruptions is now judged to be passed. What
is still more surprising, the fiery inundation (or lava, as it is
called here) is at present become an object not so much of terror

as curiosity. I attended Mr. T. F and some other English

to the banks of this Cocytus or Phlegethon last night [Dec. 24] .
We set out from hence as it grew dark, and in about three hours
(through crowded roads) reached it. As we approached, the view
was exactly like what the design generally is of the print before
the first book of Paradise Lost ; but the appearance was totally
different as we came nearer. We ventured not indeed to the
mouth of the volcano, but left it above two miles on our left ; we
saw, however, sufficient of its smoke and flames, and heard enough
of its thunder. You cannot imagine a more dreadful spectacle
than the quantities of ignited stones which were continually
casting up from it like the flying in the air of red-hot bombs in a

367

siege. The sight of it, even at the distance of Naples from it
(which is ten long miles) is even still more terrible (I write this
after sunset the night after Christmas Day). The vast jets d'ean
of red fire blaze across the Bay of Naples, and by the reflexion
of the sea form the most infernal night-prospect ; no jet d'eau
ever cast itself up to half the height. What is scarce credible, a
person near the volcano counted four hundred between the time
of a great fiery stone being projected to its fall again; its roarings
are heard most distinctly even here : such is this new volcano.
As for the fiery river that flows from it, it bears very improperly
that name, we approached within ten or twenty yards, and might
have gone up close to it, as we saw several persons, without the
least danger, but we saw not the least mark of anything liquid.
Imagine an immense mass of solid burning materials above two
thousand yards in breadth and full eight thousand in length, and
in height not quite twenty feet ; its surface and sides appear fiery
only in the night ; by day it is covered with dust and smoke ; this
mass is continually protruded on by an unaccountable power ; its
motion, indeed, is most slow, scarce now advancing six feet in an
hour, but still irresistible, beating down houses, walls etc. The place
where we saw it was where it has rolled across the road leading
from Calabria to Naples, one of the greatest roads in this kingdom ;
this road is walled on each side, and thick set with houses and
gardens, but the road is now absolutely lost under this vast fiery
bank, which is heaped up across it three or four feet higher than
the walls, which are about fourteen feet high on each side of the
road, and indeed without anything like banks to support its
immense weight ; consequently its fiery materials are continually
falling down from its sides, which discover the flames within, and
with the crashing of walls and other edifices that fall before it
form a continued most horrid roar. Is there not part of the music
in ' Sampson ' that expresses something of this kind? But the most
horrid scene is that part of the country where this fiery bank has
rolled through some woods ; the heat having dried all the neigh-
bouring trees, they are continually catching fire one after another,
and with the rising of their flames and sound of their fall add
perpetually something of fresh terror even to such a scene as this.
Indeed I know not how to say I wish you here : we had three small
earthquakes the night before last, and know not what will happen
when this vast rolling fiery mass shall have reached the sea. It was
expected to have fallen into the sea last night, and that very near
the place where Pliny's fleet anchored in the first most dreadful
eruption in the time of Titus — pray turn to Pliny's Epistles and
read the description of it : it is, as you know, in the letter to
Tacitus. But I cannot go on ; the volcano roars and flames still
more terrible, and the summit of the mountain is beginning now
In flash with Humes of the swiftest whitest lightning. — I take up
the pen again, the flames being greatly abated. The Neapolitans,
who are used to such spectacles, are very much pleased, as they
say, with every eruption, as they think it prevents something
much worse. Besides, they say that for one acre of ground which it
destroys it fertilizes an hundred. But these observations, though

3G8

true 1 believe, are never made before the fury of the volcano is
This eruption, bowever, as we find again this day, is not
pasl : the mountain has been roaring with its subterranean thunder
all this day (Dee. 26), and all fche windowsof the houses throughout
Naples have a fresh shock almost every moment. It grows
more violent this evening, and gives the more apprehension as
all the flames on the mountain or plain are now almost extin-
guished (6 o'clock in the afternoon), which makes us fear that the
eruption is choked up, and struggling for a fresh vent. It
tnbles exactly the distant discharge of minute guns. The
houses shake as those at Westminster on firing the Park guns,
excepting only that the discharge of this subterranean artillery
is more frequent, above three times each minute. The Solfatara,
which lies as far from Naples on one side as this eruption
does on the other, begins to show marks of its being disturbed
with it ; all its waters almost boil. December 27.— Excuse me for
continuing this black journal; to-day, indeed, the mountain is quiet
after a very rough night ; orders, however, are given from Court
for the cessation of all diversions ; opera houses, etc., to be shut
for the space of nine days ; processions, etc., ordered. A thick
cloud of white smoke still hangs over one whole side of the great
Bay of Naples. Just now we hear that another mouth is burst
open near the new volcano, but everything here is quiet. I
hope we shall not have such a night as last night : for many
hours the roar and shocks were almost uninterrupted. There has
not been such an eruption since the year '87. The prayers of the
inhabitants seem to have prevailed, and instead of tending towards
tiie sea the fiery deluge spreads itself over the plain only ;
several newT hiils have been cast up by it, of some hundred feet in
height ; we hope it is now all over. December 28-29. — Being the
seventh day of the eruption, all quiet except only that the
summit of Vesuvius begins now to cast out some flames and
vollies of red-hot stones in a greater degree than it has for some
time. The new volcano on the plain is greatly abated. This
night both mountain and plain are quiet."

" December 30. — I cannot send you this letter without taking
notice to you that there is no danger at present here at Naples,
the new volcano being full fourteen miles distant."' (Vol. xviii.
ff*. 183-8.)

Alexander Murray to the Duchess of Portland.

1770, June 13. — " Lord Eockingham called yesterday twice on
Lord Mansfield, and found him at night. The business was from
the Duke of Portland, who had come to town that morning to
speak to him, for Lord Rockingham the day before had dined at
Kenwood, and then knew nothing; it was in consequence of your
Grace's letter an earnest solicitation to Lord Mansfield' to accept
of the mediation. Lord Mansfield told him that he had heard
from your Grace, and that he had seen the letter to you and your
answer, but that for many reasons he had absolutely excused
himself from being a referee between you. But in the course of

369

the conversation he said he had a strong desire to do every service
of friendship to your Grace and the Duke of Portland, and would
have no objection to see the Duke of Portland and him, the
Marquess, and consider with them what might be just and fair
and honourable for the Duke to do or wish; that he should have
no difficulty in saying to them where he thought him in the
wrong and why, because, if he should not be convinced, there
was no hurt done, but that he should have great difficulty in
telling your Grace how much he was in the wrong. This was
accepted with great joy and as what the Marquess thought would
be very agreeable to the Duke. We entered a little into the
business, and the Marquess agreed strongly that all past accounts
must be immediately settled. Lord Mansfield hopes that great
good may arise from this, and that it cannot possibly do any hurt ;
he said that he took for granted your Grace had informed the
the Duke of his having declined the reference." (Vol. xiv. f. 115.)

James Beattie to the Duchess Dowager of Portland.

1773, August 7. Arno's Grove. — "Your Grace's letter came to
hand yesterday ; but the post was gone out for London before I
received it. The concern you are pleased to take in my affairs
does me the greatest honour, and demands from me the warmest
sentiments of gratitude, in which I hope I shall never be deficient.
Of all the anxieties with which this long delay has been attended,
none has given me greater concern than that it has put it out of
my power to pay my respects to your Grace at Bullstrode so soon
as I intended. I am afraid I must now give up all thoughts of
availing myself of your kind invitation till after your return
from Weymouth. My affairs are still in suspense, and I know
not how long they may continue so : though I do expect every
day to receive some intelligence in regard to their final deter-
mination. I had a letter from Lord Dartmouth about ten
days ago, informing me that in a very few days they would
be concluded, and that, if I should after that have occasion
for information or advice, the proper person to apply to would
be Mr. Robinson, Secretary of the Treasury. From this
and from other circumstances I would flatter myself that I
have reason to expect a favourable conclusion at last : but
this delay, which none of my friends can account for,
bears very hard upon me, and by the anxieties, which it is
not possible for me to guard against, has greatly impaired my
health, as well as Mrs. Beattie's. Mrs. Montagu writes me that
she intends to go to Tunbridge next week, as her health for some
time past has been very indifferent. She has the goodness to
ask Mrs. Beattie and me to go along with her ; which would
certainly be of very great consequence to us both; for our com-
plaints arise chiefly from stomach-disorders, which the waters of
that place are said to be very effectual in removing. But
whether it will be in our power to accomplish this, we cannot as
yet determine. 1 intend to go to town on Tuesday next, and
endeavour, if possible, to procure access to some of the people in

08)2 3 A

370

power (for Lord Dartmouth, I hear, is gone into Staffordshire),
and I would fain hope I shall be able either to prevail with them
to bring my business to a conclusion, or to obtain their permis-
sion to go for a week or two to Tun bridge for the recovery of my
health. As soon as any change happens in my affairs or situa-
tion, I will do myself the honour to inform your Grace of it.
Mrs. Beattie joins me in offering most respectful compliments to
your Grace and to Mrs. Delany." {lb. f. 128.)

( 871 )

GENERAL INDEX.

Aberdeen, university of, 836.

Abergavenny, 346.

Abingdon, election at, 19f>.

Abingdon [Montagu Bertie, 2nd] earl of,

223.
Acadie, surrendered to France by England,

230.
Accounts, commissioners of, 220, 221.
Achard, Ashard, Mr., 265, 267, 270, 273.

281, 282, 293, 294, 295, 297, 309, 311.
Acton [co. Middlesex]; 51.
Actors in Nottinghamshire and at Tun-
bridge Wells, 287.
Acts and bills of Parliament :
Cattle disease, 297.
Occasional Conformity ; 64, 65.
Offices ( 1705 ); 67.
Scots (1705; ; 79, 80.
Scottish goods, 106.
Test; 50.
Union, 167.
And nee Scotland.
Addison, [Joseph] ; 69, 325.
Admiral, the. See Shovell. Sir Cloudesley.
the lord high. See Denmark, Prince
George of.
Admiralty, the ; 83.

demand marines, 172.
lords of the, 215, 221.
nominations for, 200.
Aglionby [William] ; 74.
Aix-la-Chapelle (Aix-le-Chapel), baths of,

225.
Albemarle [Arnold van Keppel] , earl of,
203,210,211.
[George Monk, 1st] duke of, letter
from, 41.
Albury, rector of, 340.
Alcantara :

garrison of, 117, 120, 128, 134.
taking of, 145.
Aldborough, election at, 241.
Alderbeeston, letter dated at ; 56.
Aldersey, lieutenant ; 38, 39.
Alcira, near Valencia, letter dated from.

169.
Alcoy, mountains of, 170.
Algiers ( Alger), supplies from, 123, 133,
140.

Algrete, marquis de, prime minister of

Portugal, 149.
Alioante, 108, 112, 113, 114, 122, 123,
131, 133, 138. 143. 157. 164, 170.

letter dated from, 162, 165.

earl Rivers at, 162, 163, 165, 168.
Alison, Archibald, 353h, 354, 355.

wife of. See Gregory.
Allemonde, — , 55.

Allies, the ("confederates"), in the war of
the Spanish succession ; 71 78 83
162. 174, 183, 205.

in Italy, 116.

ministers of, 144.

And see Army, the allied.
Almanza, battle of, 189.
Almeto Monsieur d' ; 71.
Alsen, 143.
Altea, 123.
America, 334.
AmEett, the Misses, 346.
Amsterdam ; 81 note.

letter ; 83.
Andalusia, 90, 94, 119, 122, 130.

Spanish troops in, 117.
Andover, lady, 281, 282, 286, 290, 291.

lord, death of, 323.
Anjou, duke of. See Spain, Philip V. of.
Anne, queen; 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 68, 69,
72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 83, 99, 100, 359.

letters from , 70, 86, 97, 166, 189,
207, 208, 210-25, 230, 235-7, 239,
243.

proposed statue for ; 63.

goes hunting; 83, 182.

desires that a certain regiment should
not be ordered abroad ; 86, 98.

life of, 97.

writes to king of Portugal, 136, 145.

and the bishop of London, 152.

sympathy of, with Robert Harley
157.

and the union, 171.

request of, to earl Rivers, 171.

writes to king of Sweden, 173.

and the bishop of Winchester, 174.

and Prinoe Charles of Denmark's pen-
sion. 184.

at Kensington, 188.

draught of ' ' queen's speech " discussed
188.

address to, from the Commons, 189.

and the "commission," 198.

movements of, 199.

objects to city address, 199.

attempts against, 201.

■M'2

INDEX.

Anne, queen — COHt,

and the mission to Holland. 201. 202.
health of, 207, 208, 211. 230, 860

301.
dismisses lord Godolphin, 226.
relations of, with Louis XIV, 229.
visit of. to St. Paul's cathedral de-
ferred, 235.
right of, to create peers. 23G.
and Irish affairs, 242, 244. 240.
stables of. orders about, 243.
last illness of, 240.
Anson [George] , lord. 323.
Antwerp, letters dated from, 225. 244.
Apostre: sieur L'. See L'Apostre.
Arbnthnot. Dr. John, letters from, 239,

252.
Archer, Thomas, post for, 231.
Archibold. captain Henry ; 83.
Argyll [John Campbell, 2nd] duke of ; 72,

104, 199.
Arianism ; 53.

Arlington [Charles Fitzroy], earl of, 190.
Armada, madam, 148.
Armagh, archbishop of, death of. 242.
Army, the :

"allied, in the war of the Spanish Suc-
cession ; 54, 70. 75. 76, 79.
1 and see Allies ; Spain; Portu-
gal ; Flanders,
embarked at Ostend ; 83, 84.
garrisons of. in England. 178.
horses of. 116, 117,143.
Parliamentary ; 3, 5, 7, 25.

, lord general of. See Essex.

Royalist (" the Cavaliers"), 8. 35.

, besieges Brampton Bryan cast!e;

1-33 passim.

, coloux's of. captured ; 27.

, officers and soldiers of. warrant

to ; 35.
Arno's Grove, letter dated from, 369.
Arragon ; 90, 149.

allied success in, 156.
Arras, 206.
Arrowsmith, Thomas, rector of Starston,

co. Norfolk ; 93.
Arthur, Mr., 359.
Artillery, the, colonel of ; 98.
Ashard. See Aohard.
Astrop, letter dated from, 195.
Atterbury, Dr. Francis ; 57, 63.

And see under Books.
Attorney-General, the; 175, 189.

And see Korthey.
Aubigney, lady ; 8.
Augsburg (Augsbourg); 56, 60.

letter dated at ; 76.
Aumont, due d 225, 234, 235.
Austria, archduke Charles of. See Spain

[Charles III], king of.
Auverquerque, M. d', (Dauverkerque,

d'Auverquerk; ; 75, 81 note.
Aylesbury men, the ; 67.
Aymestrey, co. Hereford, vicar of. See
Lake.

B

Bacon, Waller, J. P. ; 93.
Baden, Prince Lewis of ; 82.

scandalous conduct of ; 83.
Bagley, William ; 34, 35.

letter from ; 40.
Baldwin. Charles ; 37.
Ballandin, lord, 221, 222.
Balliol College, Oxford. See Oxford

University.
Banister [William], Serjeant at law ; 69.
Barbados, the, 121.

governor of. See Granville.
Barbary, supplies from, 123. 124. 133. 146.
Barcelona, 79, 148, 166, 234.

and Genoa, communications between,

131.
fate of; 64.
Barclay, Sir John, son of ; 76.
Barrier treaty, the. See Troaties.
Barrowe, Dr. Samuel ; 41 .
Barrymore [James Barry], earl of, 250.
income of ; 88.
marriage of. to Ladv Betty Savage

87, 88, 89.
relations of, with earl Bivers. 134, 135.
Basse Wavre ; 75, 76.
Bateman, lady, 273.
Bath, 253, 331,347,355.

letters dated from, 333, 350, 303.
society at. described, 334, 351.
Bath [William Pulteneyl, earl of, death

of, 329.
Bathurst, — . See Wells, dean of.

Mrs... case of, 233.
Battersea ; 54.
Bavaria, duke of, coinage of, 205.

[Maximilian Emanuel], elector of;

56, 114, 222.
electress of, 62.
governor of, 176.
Bavarians, the ; 56.
Baynes (Beans), brigadier J. ; 88.

letter from ; 88.
Beadle. See Bedell.
Bear, Mr., of the victualling office, 213.
Beattie, Edwin, 355.

James, 335, 336, 340, 350, 355, 357.

, letter from, 369.

■ , wife and son of, 335, 340, 350,

369. 370.
Bedell (Beadle;, bishop ; 47, 48, 49.
Bedford [William Russell, 5th] earl.

afterwards 1st duke of ; 16.
Bell Monk, lady, 312, 314.
Bellenden, lord (1667;; 42.

Mrs., death of, 322.
Benson, Mr., 236.
Berkshire, 348, 358.
Berlin; 94.
Bertie, Robert, 190.

INDEX.

378

Berwick [James] , duke of, 142, 163

letter of, 165.

mother of, 165.

victory of, 170.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, the post-house at; 57.
Bestwood [co. Notts] ; 41, 42.
Betterton. the actor, 309.
Bing. See Bvng.
Biscay ; 83, 90.
"Bladud, king," 351.
Blair, doctor, sermons by, 350.
Blakeney, general, 310.
Blanzac. Mons.; French officer, 178.
Blenheim, a thanksgiving day for the
victory of ; 61, 63.

building of, 201, 207, 209.

moneys for, 200.
Bletchley," Elizabeth, letter to ; 33.
Bolingbroke. lord. See St. John.
Bolton [Charles Paulet, 2nd] duke of ; 73.
Bombarde, M., treasurer of the elector ;

81 note.
Books and Plays :

Ballade, the, 252.

In Bruyere, quotation from, 350.

Charpentier, work by, 330, 331.

Clarissa, by Richardson, 312, 313.
314.

Congreve, quotations from, 340. 341.

Clogie's Life of Bishop Bedell ; 47,
48.

Fletcher, verses by, quoted, 271.

Fronde, la, book from France on. 352,
353.

Gastrell, bishop, work by, 279».

Gu'liver's Travels, 252.

Henriade, the, by Voltaire, 253.

Herodotus, allusion to, 286.

Homer, Pope's translation of. 251.

Hudibras, quotations from, 331, 358-

Imitations of Horace, 306».

Julius Cccsar. performance of. 252.

Letters of Bishop Atterbury, 351.

Life of Queen Anne ; 97.

Luc, Jean Andre de, book by, 344 and
note.

Lucan. 338.

Pamela, by Richardson, 308.

Pliny, epistles of, alluded to. 367.

Pope, Sir Thomas, life of. 339.

Quadrille, paper on ih-, 252.

Retz, cardinal, memoirs of. 353.

Revenge, the, acted 1748, 310.

Roscius, alluded to, 310.

Socrates, book on, by Charpentier.
330,331.

Spenser, quotations from, 361.

Tombeau de Contraiverses : 44
Borgo, M. del, 203.
Borrett, .Mr. ; 74. 76.
Boscawen, Mrs., 333, 334, 338.
Botham, Henry, ?,:',!.

Mary, 340.

Mr.,' .'558.

Miss, 358.
Bonchain [in France], siege of, 206, 208.

209.
Boughey, rov. Francis; 40.

Bourbon, duke of, marriage of, 234.
Boyd, Mr. and the Misses, 341, 342.
Brabant ; 54.
Bracebridge, Samuel, iustice of the peace

59, 60.
Bradshaigh, Sir Roger ; 88.

letters from ; 87. 88, 89.
Bradshaw, major, 154. 156.
Brampton or Brampton Bryan, co. Here-
ford ; 43,50.
letters dated at; 14, 15, 16, 18,19,

20, 21, 109.
castle; 34. 35, 36, 39, 40, 43, 121.
185.

, Bowling Green in ; 15, 21.

. defenders of, list of, 33.

-, , losses among, 33, 40.

, destruction of, by Prince Rupert,

So.

, letters dated at ; 14, 15. 16. 18,

20,21, 148, 185.

, Pinners hill to the south of ; 1 .

, sieges of, 1-33.

church; 23.

church and town of, possessed by the
Royalist forces ; 1.

, estimate of the losses in , 40.

, account of moneys required to

rebuild; 41.
mills of, fired by the Cavaliers ; 2.

23.
parsonage house burnt ; 23.
rector of. See Gower.
Brattel. Charles assaymaster of the mint,
230, 231.
Daniel, assaymaster of the mint,
death of. 229.
Brecknock, Richard ; 37.
Breda, treaty of, 230.
Brest, squadron of, 168.
Breton, Cape, to be fortified by the French.

228.
Brewer, Mr. ; 57.
Briancon, comte de ; 104, 176.
Bridges. See Bruges.
Bridges, Mr., 153, 208.
Brill, the ; 74.
Bristol ; 16.

bishop of. See Robinson,
surrendered to the Royalists ; 5,

25.
cruelty of the Royalists at ; 6, 25.
begins to revolt from the Cavaliers'

heavy yoke ; 7.
taken by Prince Rupert ; 8.
■waters of, 293, 319.
Britton, Briton. — , 157.
Brockett, — . 64, 78.
Bromley, Mr.. 79, 121, 191, 193. 194.
Brown, Mr., 355, 356.
Bruerton, lord (1644), son of ; 34.

Sir William ; 4. 6, 26.
Brues. — de, an advooate at Montpellier ;

45.
Bruges (Bridges), 225.
Brussels ; 81 note, 95. 107, 173.
Bucklebury. letters dated from, 190, 195,
196.

374

INDEX.

Bulstrode (Bullstrode). oo. Hertford, 254,
255, 204. 276-27H. 282, 285, 286, 291.
293, 294, 297, 300. 301, 804, 307, 311,
312, 314-318, 321. 822, 327, 328, 330,
332, 337-339, 343. 345. 347, 348, 351,
352, 369.
Burehett (Burohet), J. ; 55.

Mr.; 104.
Burnet, doctor Gilbert ; 43, 236.
letters from; 44-50.
at the Kolls ; 48, 49 note.
'•that mad Bishop of Sirum " ; 53.
Bute, lady, 294.

lord, 327, 328.
Buys, monsieur, the Pensionary : 95, 98,

105. 106, 114, 213-15, 300.
Byng (Bingi. sir George, admiral, 70, 144.
Byron, captain ; 58.

c

Cabinet, the, meetings of, etc.. 65, 69, 78.
79, 178, 181, 188, 201, 202, 203,
208, 210, 215, 224.
formation of, 198.
Cadaval, duke of, 142.
Cadiz; 82, 83, 99, 101, 109, 112. 131.
proposed attack on, 90, 92, 96, 113,
116. 118, 119, 122, 123, 125, 120.
138.
governor of, 118.
Cadogan, — ; 96.

Mr., 225, 238, 244.
Caesar, Mr. ; 83.
Calabria, 367.
Calais. 238, 365.
Cambridge, 68, 318, 349.
Cambridge [George Augustus, electoral
prince of Hanover], duke of, patent for,
152.
Canterbury, archbishop of, 272, 273, 277,
282, 320.
And see Laud; Tenison.
Cantillon, Mr., 231, 232.
Cape St. Vincent, engagement with the

French fleet off ; 62.
Cape de Gatt, 159.
Capel [Arthur, 1st] lord ; 4, 6.
Caprea, 365.
Cardigan [George Brudenell], earl of, 217,

219, 361.
Cardonnel [Adam] ; 75, 81.
Caroline, queen of England, 252.
Carlisle [William Nicholson], bishop of ;
63.
[Graham], dean of ; 57.
Carter, Mrs., 335.

Carteret [John], lord, lord lieutenant of
Ireland, etc. , 277.
unpopularity of, 251.
Carthagena (Cartagene), 153.

French masters of, 122, 123.

Castile (Castille), frontiers of, 125.

operations against, 165.
Catalonia ; 73, 77, 92.

army in, 96, 97, 118, 164, 177, 182.
kingdom of, 149, 152.
supplies of, 123.

threatened attack on, 137, 151, 157,
158, 159, 176.
Cathcart, lady, 269.

husband of . See Macguire.
imprisonment of, in Ireland, 294,297,
298, 304.
Cattle disease, 298, 302, 307.

act of parliament concerning, 297.
Cavalier, mons., 141.
Cavaliers, the. See Army, the Eoyalist.
Chamberlain, the lord ; 73; and sec Kent;
Newcastle ; Shrewsbury,
lord great. See Lindsey.
the vice. See Coke.
Chancellor, the lord. See Cowper.
Chapone, Mrs., 338, 341, 342.

Kitty, 341, 342.
Charles I., king :

besieges Gloucester ; 5, 6, 25.
reported to have raised the siege of

Gloucester ; 26.
letter of, to Brilliana, lady Harley ;

14.
increase of his party in the counties

about London ; 16.
his strength at sea; 16.
petition of Brilliana, lady Harley, to ;
17.
Charles II., king; 42.230.

treaty of, with the Dutch. 183.
Charlotte, queen of England, 344.
Charpentier, book of. Sec Books.
Charter is, company of, in the Guards, 215.
Charters, Mr., 210.
Chatillon. Plessis, 178.
Chaver, don Joseph, brother of the duke of

Penna Eanda, 118, 120.
Chelsea. 285, 287, 288, 289, 291, 293, 339.
Chester, bishops of, 245, 357.

castle ; 33.
Chetwynd, Mr., 84, 115.
Chief justice, lord. See Trevor.
Chief justices, the ; 69, 175.
Child, sir Josiah, letter from ; 51.
Mr., 190.

Bobert, Stephen and Francis, 231.
Chiswick, duke of Devonshire's estate at,

356.
Cholmley, Cholmeley, Mr. and Mrs., 336,

347, 349.
Christ Church, Oxford. ,S'ee Oxford

University.
Churchill, C., brother of the 1st duke of
Marlborough ; 77.
general, to be governor of Guernsey,

132.
George ; 60.
Mr. ; 57, 62.
Gibber, Colley, 289, 313.
Cien Fuegos, Finfuegos (de), father,
Spanish envoy at Lisbon, 98, 101. 103,
117,118, 120, 147, 157.

INDEX.

37^

Clagett, bishop, death of. 302.

Clare [John Holies. 2nd] earl of ; 16.

Clarendon [Edward Hyde, 1st] earl of;

43, 237.
Clark, Mr., secretary to Prince George of
Denmark ; 79.

Sir Thomas; 90.
Clarke, Dr. Alured, clean of Exeter, 270,
71.

William ; 41.
Clayton, bishop, 264.

Mr., 253.
Clegatt, — , 152.
Clement, Mr. ; 107.
Clogie (Cloggy), Mr. ; 43, 48, 49.

his life of Bishop Bedell. Sec under
Books.
Clungunford ; 36.

Cockburn, Adan, of Ormiston, lord justice
clerk; 65.

letter from ; 66.
Cochrane (Cockrane) [Sir William. 1st]

lord; 42.
Cofferer, the, 216.
Coinage. Sec Mint.

Coke, Thomas, lord Lovel, vice-chamber-
lain, 218.
Colburn (Colebourn), lady, wounded at

Brampton Bryan ; 3, 24.
Colclough, Arthur :

letter to, from duchess of Newcastle,
248.
Cole, captain, 278.

Miss, 278, 295,

Mrs. G-..292.

Mr., 347.
Coleby, Mr. ; 95.
Colleton, Mrs. ; 89.
Collins, messenger from the duke of Marl-

bro'.209.
"Commission," the, 198,200.
Commons, house of. See Parliament.
Compton, Mr., 220.
Condom, bishop of, his book ; 45.
Confederates, the. See Allies, the.
Congreve, quotations from, 340, 341.
Coningsby, lord, letter of ; 172.

William ; 22.
Conti, prince of, marriage of. 234.
Convocation ; 52, 53.
Copenhagen ; 77.
Corbet, Sir Vincent ; 29.
Cornbury estate. 306.

lord. 270, 281, 306.
Corti, signor. 366.
Cortosa, march to, 170.
Corunna (the Groyne; ; 85.
Cotar, John ; 29.
Cotton, lady, 319.
Cdt ton Library, the ; 55.
Council, the. See Privy Council.
Court, the; 19, 20, 75,78.

See also Matson ; Gloucester.
Cowdal, captain; 96.
Cowper, lady Caroline, 319, 322, 323,334.

[William], lord keeper and chancellor,
78, 79, 82, 105, 115, 171, 175.

[William, 2nd] earl, 334.

Craggs, Mr. ; 86, 203, 209.

Cranston, major ; 82, 83, 94.

Crawford, — , governor of Sheerness, death

of. 124.
Cresset [James], agent at Hanover, 82.

instructions to, 198.
Cricklade, election at. 190.
Croft, sir William ; 32.
Croissy, Chevalier de; 81 note.
Crowe, Mr., envoy to Spain, 108, 109. 114,

115, 130.
Cuenza, loss of, 154.
Customs, the, 202.
officers of, 237.
Czartoryski, — , 365.

D

Dampier, colonel ; 95.
Darcy, Mr. ; 243.

Dartmouth [William Legge, 1st] earl of,
secretary of state, 208, 217, 220-
224. 233 235, 237.
[William Legge, 2nd] earl of, 337,
369. 370.

, wife of, 337, 338.

Dashwood, Miss, 268.

Dauphine. 136.

Dauverkerque. See Auverquerque.

Davenant, — ; 60.

Davies, captain Priamus ; 33.

his account of the sieges of Brampton
Castle and the massacre of Hopton
Castle; 22-33.
Deal, 202.
Dean, captain ; 39.
DeFoe [Daniel], 115, 152, 167, 177, 178.

pardon to : 61.
De-Gum, sir Bernard ; 41.
Deism ; 53.

Delany, doctor, 254, 230, 300, 317, 321.
Mrs., 280, 299, 300, 301, 303, 307,
309,314,317, 320, 321, 323, 332,
335, 337, 338, 340, 342, 344, 345,
346, 351. 355, 356, 370.
De la Warr [John West, 6th] lord. 239.

as treasurer of the chamber, 237.
Denbigh [Basil Fielding, 2nd] earl of ;
34.
[Basil Fielding, 3rd] earl of, 217.
Dendermonde, surrender of ; 95.
Denham, sir John ; 42.
Denia, 122. 123, 143.

Denmark, British resident in. See Pul-
teney.
Charles, prince of, 220.
George, prince of, lord high admiral,
58, 70, 214, 220.

, council of, 60, 63, 79, 175.

, pension for, 184.

, death of, 194.

, secretary of. See Clark.

queen of ; 70.

37ti

INDEX.

Denoyer, Mrs., 347.

Dentou oo. Northumberland, ooal mines
at , 336, 3-18.
description of house at, 34'.*.
Desnev. colonel, 219.
Devizes. 190.
Devonshire [William Cavendish], duke of.

estate at Chiswiek. 356.
Dews, Mrs., 267, 307.
Pickings, serjeant, 246.
Ditchley, letter dated from, 255.
Dixon, Mr., 250.
Dona, count. 170.
DoneUan, Mrs., 263, 264, 278, 280, 230.

320. 332.
Dorchester, lady (1704); 58.
Dormer, '• Charley." 170.
Dover, 202, 238, 365.

letter dated at : 42.
Downey, Mr.. 241.
Drake. "Dr.; 64.
Mr.. 222.

[sir William] , 301.
Dresden passes, the ; 103.
Drogheda, barracks at, 314.
Druinelaer. — , 187.
Drummond, — , 202.
Dr., 310.

Edward and George, 333.
Dublin. 314, 338.

letters dated from, 241-246, 249, 250,

253.
municipal elections at, disputes about

241-243, 245.
Roman medals found in , 253.
Duck, Stephen, 234.
Dunbarton castle ; 67.
Dunch, Mr., 190.

Dnndas [Henry], lord advocate of Scot-
land, 351. 355
Dundonald, earl of, 219.
Dunkirk, 212, 237.

fortifications of ; 41.
governor of. See Harley, Sir Edward.
Dunmore, earl of, 219.
Dunstable, letter dated at ; 89.
"Dupplin," lord, nickname for Harley,

196.
Durell, col. ; 72.
Durham, 354.
Dutch, the. See Holland.

E

Baling, lette*r dated from, 357.

Earle (Erie), lieutenant-general Thomas

. (Mr.); 83, 85, 86, 92, 94, 98, 156,
163,166.

defeat of, 170.

letter of, 169.
East India Companies, the two, 184.
Ebborn, Mr., his servant; 00.

Ebro, the, 163.
Eccleston Castle; 7.
Edinburgh. 335, 353, 354.

letters dated at ; 42. 43, 66.
Edwards, — ; 70.

Mr., of Stretton ; 36.
Effingham, lady, 338.
Egmont, lord, 273.
Egypt, 301.
Elche, town of, 153.
Elizabeth, queen, mentioned, 339.
Ellis. Dorothy ; 71.
Elstob, Mrs., 256, 270.

Elizabeth, letter from, 363.
Emperor, the. See Germany.
Empire, the ; 62.

court of; 71, 82.
Enemy, the. See under France.
Enfield Chase, robbers at, 270.
England, bank of, 200.

Barrier negotiations and, 212, 360.
church of, party of, 45, 191, 194.
Hoods in. 121, 124.
Irish affairs and, 241-246.
negotiations between and France, 214.

222-38.
projected invasion of, 345.
Scots peers in, 219.
supplies from, 133, 140.
transfer of goods to Scotland from,
167.
Epsom, 346.
Erie. See Earle.
Erskine, col. John ; 67.
Essex [Algernon Capel] . earl of. major-
general ; 85, 90, 166.

, as constable of the Tower, 125.

, to visit Valentia, 160.

[Robert Devereux] , earl of, lord-
general of the parliamentary Army,
4, 7, 24, 26, 33, 35.

. differences between, and sir W

Waller; 16.
Estremadura, 117.
Eton, 176.

college, fellow of. See Upman.
Eugene, Prince. See Savoy.
Exchequer Bill, 193.

tellers of the, 360h.
Excise, the ; 92.
Exeter ; 7, 95.

dean of. See Clarke.

F

Falkland (Fauekland. Faulkland) [Lucius
Carey], viscount, secretary; 7, 26.
letter from ; 17.
Faro, 98,99, 102, 117.
consul at, 114.

communications between, and Gibral-
tar, 131.
Faulkner, the printer, 254.

INDEX.

377

Feilding, Mr., 243.

Fichermont ; 75.

Fielding, the novelist, 313.

Finfuegos (sic). See Cien Fuegos.

First Fruits and Tenths, office of. secretary

and treasurer of ; 63.
Fisher, sir Clement ; 59.

letter from ; 59.
Fitzwalter [Charles Mildinay] . lord. 199.
Flanders (Low Countries', 80, 83, 80. 219.
the war in, 131, 136, 194, 200.
French in, 173, 177, 179. 183, 206.

208.
rumoured victory in, 310.
Fleming. Mr. ; 73.
Fletcher, verses by, quoted, 271.
Floods in England, 121, 124.
Flournois, 31. Daniel ; 81 note.
Foley, Mr. ; 51, 52.

Paul, letter from, 241.
Fontainebleau, 234.
Foote, Foot Samuel, 306.
Forster, Mr., a servant of the duke of Marl-
borough, 85. 86.
Foulks, David ; 87.

Fox, Charles, letter from, mentioned, 347.
Foyle, Foil, Mrs., pension for, 218.
Frampton, Mr., 212.

France or French ('the enemy"), 44, 45,
47, 50, 59. 60. 62, 67, 68, 85. 92,
98, 99, 104, 106. 112.
advices from; 81, 118, 174.
ambassador to. See Shrewsbury,
army or troops of : 56. 62, 72 75. 104.

, in Flanders, 173, 177. 179, 183.

206, 208

, in Italy, 114, 116.

, for Scotland. 187.

, in Spain, 122. 130, 133, 134.

138, 137, 142, 143, 145. 146, 151.
155, 158,161, 163,164. 172, 183.

. See also Vendome.

capture of St. Catherine's by, 178.

chaises, 225.

clothing, capture of, 129, 131. 140.

144, 1:34.
character of the. by Mrs. Montagu, 353.
clergy, the ; 44.
coast of ; 84.
court of, 148.
deserters, 135. 170.
Dutch trade with ; 80.
earl Rivers' proposed expedition
against; 84, 119, 122.

.abandoned; on. 01.

fisheries in Newfoundland, 228, 220.
fleet. See under Ships.
invasion of England by, projected, 345.
[Louis XIV.] king of, 173,223, 230,
232, 234. 300.

-, relations of, with queen Anne,

229.
minister, a ; 97 ; tuid see Torcy.
negotiations with England, 214, 228-

238.
officers, 178.

parliament, president of. See Harley.
Achilles de.

France or French — eont.

Pretender disclaimed by, 212.

prisoners, negotiations as to, 174. 177,
178.

propositions by ; 107, 174, 178.

Protestants ; 47, 232, 240.

refugies, regiments of. See under
Regiments.

reinforcements from, 137.

Russia and, 365.

spy, case of, 148-50.

Sweden and. 162.

treaty with Italy, 173.

victory in Spain, 170.

vice-consul at Lisbon, 148.
Franco, — ; 106.
Frankfort ; 60, 77, 185.
Frankland, sir Thomas ; 58, 180.
Fraser, Mr., 48.

Frazer, Frazier, — , his plot ; 60, 182.
Freind, John, 357.
French. See above.
Frogmore, sale of, 304.
Frontierra marquis de la. 148,
Fuegos, father Cien. See Cienfuegos.

(I

Gace. — , letter to, 243.
Galicia ; 90.

Gallas, comte de. imperial envoy to Eng-
land, 83, 174.
Galway [Henrv Massue-de-Ruvigny] , earl
of, 67. 84, 90, 91, 99. 100, 101, 102,
103, 106, 109, 112, 114-19, 121,
123-S, 130, 132-4, 130-8. 140, 150,
151, 153, 154, 157-60, 164, 176.
180.
his manifesto to the Spaniards ; 97.
secretary of, 166.
to command in Spain. 116.
health of, 134, 135, 140.
takes emperor's commission, 135.

141.
and Charles III. of Spain, 138, 139.
and earl Rivers, 135, 139, 141, 142,
143. 144, 246, 147, 154, 155, 156,
162, 163, 164, 165.
alleged intrigues of, 148-150, 161.
plans of, 165.
and the Portuguese, 163.
agreement with earl Rivers, 165, 167.
Garden, Mr. ; 50.
death of. 49.
Garrick, .Mrs.. 358.
Garter, chapter of the, 220. 221.
" (iarvis," sir, 248.
'"Gassion, Jean." See Ogilvie.
Gastrell, bishop. 279.
(lata, cape de. 159.

Gautier, Gaultier, abbe, 214, 232, 237.
Gay, J., letter from, 252.

378

INDEX.

"Gazette," the (.the London Gazette) ; 44,

02. 73. 75, 81.
Gellibrand, -; 04.
Geneva, lake of, duke of Marlborough at,

325.
Genoa, 117, 134.

news from 115, 153.
lord Peterborough at, 116, 153.
and Bareelona, communication be-
tween 131.
English men-of-war at, 144.
George II, king of England, 252, 288,

305, 323.
German horse for earl Rivers, 140.
Germany, duke of Marlborough's visit to,
185, 225.
[Charles VI], emperor of, 215, 217.
[Joseph I], emperor of. 83, 117, 135,
140, 141, 173, 179, 183, 184.

, treaty with, 174.

, envoy of. See Gallas.

, death of, 200.

[Leopold I], emperor of, 00, 69.
[Maria Theresa], empress of, 300
Sweden and, 181.
And see Empire, the.
Gerrards Cross, 385.
Ghent (Gant), 225.
Ghilengen, letter dated from. 115.
Gibraltar, 62, 63, 83, 123, 162, 168.

and Faro, communication between,

131.
garrison of. 151.
governor for, 219.
letters dated from, 160, 158.
earl Rivers at, 150, 158.
advantages of, 158.
the Dutch asked to bear their part of

the expense of ; 80.
straits of, 116, 143.
Gilbert, Miss, 271.
Gillinghen, Mr.. 238.
Glasbrook. — ; 38.
Gloucester; 30, 31, 34, 35, 30.
bishop of ; 50.
the court near ; 16.
governor of. See Massey.
siege of ; 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26.
Glynn, ■ — , master of the •'Crown'' in

Worcester. 197.
Goddard, Mr., 190.

Godolphin [Henry], made dean of St.
Pauls, 176."
[Sidney, 1st] lord, afterwards earl of.
("the Lord Treasurer"); 52, 56. 65,
79, 82, 83, 85. 94, 95. 97, 100, 101,
iUA, 105, 126-8, 132, 139. 140, 143,
147. 153, 155, 156, 161, 162, 108.
171.' 172, 175 note, 131, 183, 185.

, letters from; 57, 58, 00-112

passim, 114. 110, 124, 134, 141,
152, 154. 158, 162, 100, 169, 170,
171, 173-82, 184, 180, 188, 190.

. letters to; 60, 72, 91, 94, 102,

104, 109.

■ , grandchild of ; 67.

, dismissal of, 226.

Goldsmith, Mr., 266.

Gordon [George, 1st] duke of; 66.

Gordon riots, 348.

Gore, Mr., 808, 331.

Gower, rev. Stanley, rector of Brampton

Bryan; 22,40.
Graham, — . See Carlisle, dean of.

Col. ; 70.
Granby [John Manners] , marquess of, 152.
Granville, sir Bevi 1, governor of Barbados;
77.

, death of, 121.

George. 77, 121, 192. 193, 194, 196.
[John Carteret, 1st] earl of, 334.
[Robert Carteret, 2nd] earl, description
of, 334.

, countess of, 334.

Grav, sir James, British minister at Naples,
306.
Mr. ; 51.
[Thomas] , 351 .
Great Seal, the ; 64, 67, 76.
Green, — . and his crew, pirates ; 66.
Greg [William] : 72.

Gregory, Dorothea, afterwards wife of
Archibald Alison, 340, 346, 353-
355
Henry ; 37, 38.

Dr. John, of Edinburgh, 353h.
Grey [Henrietta Bentinck], lady, after-
wards lady Stamford, 295, 323, 325,
345, 351.
Griffith, Henry ; 89.
Grimston, sir Harbottle, master of the

rolls ; 49 note.
Groyne, the. See Corunna.
Guadalquiver, river of, 119.
Gubbins.oo. Hertford, letter dated from,

276.
Guernsey ; 84.

government of ; 77.
governor of. Sec Churchill, gen.
[Heneage Finch], lord. 199.
Guiscard, marquis de ; 71. 85, 92, 93, 95,
98.
regiment of, 135.
Guise, lady ; 88.
Guydott. Mr. ; 78. 359.
Gwyn, Nell, 303.

H

Haddo, lord, 216.

Hagley, 346.

Hague, the ; 56, 69, 95, 105. 106, 107.

the internuncios at ; 70.

duke of Marlborough at, 115, 168.

letter dated from, 168, 184, 186, 200.

news, 178.

treaty, 169.

negotiations at, 210, 211, 215.
Hakluit, captain John ; 33.
Hale, Mr., death of, 271.

INDEX.

370

Halifax [Charles Montague, 1st] lord,
afterwards earl of ; 68, 70, 74, 77 ,
110, 154. 160, 169.

, letter to, 147.

, letter from, 155.

, nephew of, aide de camp to earl

of Gal way, 156 J
George Savile, marquis of, letter from ;
51.
Hallows, Mrs., 316.
Halstead, co. Esses; 51.
Hamburg; 91, 365.
Hamden, Mr., 222.
Hamilton, duchess of ; 60.

[James. 4th] duke of; 57. 60, 72,

187, 216, 220. 223.
Miss, 350, 351.
Hampton, 358.
Hampton Court, 213, 217.

the queen at, 199.
Hancock, Mr., 351.
Haniner, sir Thomas, 121.

rumoured marriage of. to Mrs. Pen-
darves, 268,271.
Hannam, the affair of, 74.
Hannef , letter dated at ; 54.
Hanover ; 60.

agents at. Sec Scott ; Cresset ; Howe,
court of, 56, 70, 82.
[George], elector of, 103. 104. 109.
162, 174. 179, 184. 185, 211,
214.

envoy of. Sec Schutz.

king of, 19*9, 214.
ministers of. 162.
[Sophia], elcctrcss of, 95, 178.
Harcourt, sir Simon, solicitor-general,
attorney-general, and lord keeper,
57, 190,191, 195,213.230,242.
letter to, 192.
Hardwicke [Philip Yorke, 2nd] earl of.

351.
Hardy, sir Thomas. 180.
Hare, Mr., chaplain to the duke of Marl-
borough, 170.
Harleux, 206.

Harley, Achilles de, president of the
French parliament, 253.
auditor, 194.

Brilliana. lady, wife of sir Robert I I I,
letters from ; 8, 9, 11-16, 18-21.

, letters to ; 8, 10, 12-21.

, her defence of Brampton Bryan

castle; 1-27.

, her petition to king Charles I ;

17.

, her death; 27,28.

, her coffin /cabinet) raked up in

close cinders by the Royalists ; 33.

, her father; 13.

Dorothy, daughter of sir Robert (1) ;

33, 34, 35.
colonel, afterwards sir Edward, letters
to; 41-50.

, governor of Dunkirk; 41.

, his brother. Sec bcloic sir

Robert (2).
, his son. See befote Robert (3i.

Harley— con t.

Edward, 2nd earl of Oxford, 255.

, letter from, 253.

, to, 239, 250, 252, 253.

, marriage of, 239.

— — , collection of medals by, 253.

, lady Henrietta Holies, wife of.

239, 251-254, 269. 273, 274. 282,
288,307,312,320,321.

, Margaret, daughter of. Sec

Portland.

Mr. Edward, 254.

Margaret, daughter of sir Robert (1),
34, 35.

sir Robert (1); 4, 21, 33, 34, 35.

, letter to ; 33, 35.

, estimates of his losses at Bramp-
ton Bryan ; 40.

Robert (2) afterwards sir Robert, son
of the above ; 36, 43.

, letter from ; 42.

, letter to ; 41.

Robert (3), sou of sir Edward, sec-
retary of State, afterwards earl of
Oxford, 44, 45, 46, 47. 48, 49, 50,
57, 58, 102, 103, 129, 171, 195.

, letters from ; 52. 72, 74, 100.

104, 109, 179, 180, 182, 185. 186,
189, 192, 249, 250.

, letters to ; 51 , 52, 54-11 1 passim,

114, 115, 121, 124, 152. 158, 166-
84, 186. 188-91, 193. 195-208. 209-
25, 228-47, 249, 250, 359 360.

, illness of, 157, 200, 201.

, policy of, 180, 181, 182, 185,

191, 192, 193,194. 197, 198.

, papers of, at Longleat, 175»,

185n.

— ■ — , misunderstanding with Godol-
phin, 188, 190.

, daughter of, married, 195.

, son of, illness of, 197.

, patent for, as earl of Oxford,

203.

, character of, 225-228.

, — — , comments on, by Swift.

225-228.

, as speaker, secretary of State

and treasurer, 226.

, relations of, with Shrewsbury,

246.

, quarrel of, with duchess of New-
castle, 248, 249.

, dismissed from court, 249.

Thomas (1;, son of sir Robert ' 1 ) ; 33,
43.

, letters from ; 34, 35.

, letters to ; 34, 35, 40.

Thomas i2), a cousin of Robert (3)
63.

, letter to, 195.

Mr. Thomas, 254.
Harrow, school-boy, a, 346.
Harvey, major-general; 67.
llarwiob, consternation at, 178.

Landguard fort at, 178, 179.

mayor of, 178.
Hastings, Mrs., jewels of, 352.

880

INDEX.

Hatfield, minister of, made canon of

Windsor, 277.
Saversham [sir John Thomson, 1st] lord ;

105, 10!).
Eaviland, major William, 2S7, 288,310,
311.
Mrs. See, Lee, Caroline.
Hawkins, Mr., 343.
Hiwksinoor, Hauksinere, Mr., 231.
Bay, Mr., 255, 274, 284,312.
Eeathcote, sir G. ; 77, 152.
Eeathrop. See Heythrop.
Hedges, sir Charles, secretary of state ;
n 58. 60, G7, 69. 71, 72, 99, 100, 109,

114, 115, 125, 131, 139, 143.
letters from ; 84. 85, 86. 90, 94, 106,

108. 112, 115, 118, 120, 125, 126.
letters to; 96, 98, 108, 116, 123.
succeeded by earl of Sunderland, 132.
Hedin, 206.
Heinsius, the pensionary of Holland, 71,

95. 106, 107. 167. 201-3.
Helchin, letter dated from, 183.
Herbert, Francis; 36.
Herculaneum, 365.
Hereford ; 4, 24, 34.
bishop of, 245.

colonel and governor of. See Vava-
sour ; Mynne.
committee of accounts at ; 40.
letters dated at ; 34, 35.
Herefordshire :

the first county to resolve and publish
the resolution against the Parlia-
ment; 22.
Harley's estate in, 249.
high sheriff of. See Lingen.
the nine worthies of ; 22.
Hertford [William Seymour, 1st] marquess

of; 22.
Hertfordshire. 312.
Hervey, captain, 317.
Hesse, landgrave of, 174.
Heythrop (Heathrop), letters dated from.

191, 196, 197. 207.
Highland chieftains ; 66.
Hill, 'Jack/' 170.

Mr. : 55, 63, 72.
Hinchinbrook, 316.
Hoare, Richard, 231.
' Hoggs,' the, machines for undermining

employed in sieges ; 6, 26, 27, 30.
Holland and the Dutch, the States General,
55. 55. 62, 70, 71, 72, 75, 80, 90,
95, 98. 99, 101. 105, 106. 107, 131,
155, 157, 162, 198, 201. 205, 222,
238, 360.
admiralty of ; 55.
ambassador to. See Stepney,
apprehensions in, 172.
barrier of , treaty to settle; 106, 110.

212.214,360.
Dutch gazette, report of a reverse to
the English and Dutch in ; 95.

, mails; 106.

, post ; 56.

, trade with France. 80.

, treaty with Charles I., 183.

Holland and the Dutch — cont.
Dutch gazette — cont.

, troops with earl Rivers' expedi-
tion ; 97, 101, 103, 116, 145.

, brigadier of, 103.

, supplies for, 128.

, letters, 169.

minister at Lisbon. See Schonen-

berg,

, and the war, 183, 192, 194.

envoy of ; 106.

fleet of. See under Ships.

French sympathisers in, 179.

ill-intentioned in; 110.

letters from; 03,77.

minister of. See Vrybergh.

peace negotiations, feeling in, as to,

212, 214, 219, 221.
pensionary of. See Buys ; Heinsius.
purchase of arms in, 173.
States General, commanders in Spain,
122.

, deputies of, 78, 114.

, and loyal Spaniards, 131.

— — , subsidies bv, to Portugal, 145,

147.
transfer of goods to Scotland, from.
167.
Holland [Henry Rich., 1st] earl of; 16.
Holies, lady Henrietta. See Harley.
Holm Lacy. co. Hereford ; 35.

letter dated at ; 35.
Holt, chief justice, 152.
Hooke, Huck, colonel, affair of, 187.

John brother of, 187.
Hopton castle, co. Salop, an account of
the massacre of, by captain Priauius
Da vies ; 22-33.
relation of the siege, surrender, and
butchery at, by colonel Samuel
Moore; 36-40.
burnt and demolished by command of

prince Rupert ; 33.
list of those in, during the siege ; 33.
Horse Rac?s (horsematchesj ; 42.
Houghton, letter dated from, 364.
Housham, 348.

description of, 349.
How, Howe [Emanuel], agent at Hanover,

70, 152.
Howard, general, 338-
Hugheta^ — ; 68, 71, 72.79.
Hulms Chapjl : 89.
Hume, David, 335.
Humphries, capt., 167.
Hungary ; 69. 83.

empress-queen of. See Germany.
Huntingdon, lady (1706); 83.
Huntingdonshire, 271.
Huy ; 70.

INDEX.

881

Incontinentia , secret tribunal of Portugal,
148.
president of. See Montero.
Indian scalps as ladies' headdresses, 334.
Indies, the; 105.349.

West, 81, 107.

. commerce of. 92.

, Spanish. 131, 155.

Ingolsby, gen., 173.

Ireland; 80. 81, 8G, 108. 113, 110. 144,
154, 155, 295. 298, 306, 312, 314,
320, 359.

affairs of, 241-6, 251.

chancellor of. See Phipps.

coinage of. 251.

horse and dragoons in ; 97.

horses from, transport of, 94.

lord lieutenant of. See Carteret ;
Shrewsbury.

parliament of, 242-5, 254.

, speaker of, 245.

pensions in. 240.

primate of. See Robinson.

privy council of, 241-3, 245.

tories and whigs in, 243, 245, 246.

trade with Scotland from. 167.

troops in, 142. 154,240.
Irish, the, in the French service ; 68.

at Bath, 351.
Ische, the; 75, 76.
Italy; 56, 68, 73, 83, 96, 104, 157, 189.

allies (''confederates'') in, 116.

coast of ; 81 , 82.

French troops in, 114, 116.

treaty in, 173.

horses from. 117, 130, 134, 140, 140.

letters by way of, 130.

Marlborough's visit to, 225.

money for the queen's service raised
in, 153.

Palatine recruits for, 176, 177.

reinforcements from, 137, 140, 176.
Ivica (Ivice), island of, 123.

Jersey : 84.

[Edward Villiers, 1st] earl of; 58,
198, 199, 200.

, death of, 207.

[William Villiers. 2nd] earl of. 216,
224, 232, 233.
Jesuits, order of ; 44.
Jews, conversion of, 311.
Johnstone, Mr., 115.
Jones, lieutenant, of Radnorshire ; 29.
Josiah.279.
■ ' Junto," the; 193.

K

Keate, Mr., of the temple, 329.
Keeper, the lord ; 64.

See also Cowper ; Harcourt.
Keith [Robert], to be sent to Russia. 364,

365.
Kemp, major, 156.
Ken, bishop, 303.

Kensington; 57. 58, 61, 62, 78. 81, 97,
158, 274, 307.
letter dated from, 240.
queen Anne at, 188.
Kent, increase of king Charles I's party

in; 16.
Kent [Henry Grey], marquis, afterwards
duke of, lord chamberlain, 210, 212,
216, 220.
duchess of, 265, 269.

, description of, by Edward

Young. 256.
Kentish address, the ; 83.
Kenwood. 308.
Ker of Kersland (Carslandj, affair of, 187.

188.
Kerry [Thomas Fitzmaurice] , lord (after-
wards 1st earl of J ; 87.
Keymis. major ; 81.
Kielmansegge, baroness, letter from, to

earl of Oxford, 247.
King, sir P., 192
Kinnoul, lord, 220.
Kirke, — , 170.
Knighton, co. Radnor; 27.

•1

"J. K. " sir, 192.
Jackson, captain, 864.

William, letter from. 346.
Jacobites, the, 06, 187-
James Edward, the pretender, 235, 212.
Jerningham, Mr., poem by, mentioned,
347.

li'Anostre. sieur ; SI and note.
La Maneha, 1 17.
La Mott, — ; 89.
La Muroie. Sec Muroia.
Lagos; 102.

Lake, Mr., vicar of Aymestrey, preaches
to the cavaliers ; 0.
And see Leake,

382

[NDEX.

Lambard, Lambert, Mr. and Mrs., 812-

314, 310. 317, 338, 339.
Land tax, the ; 79.

receiver of . 218.
Landau, siege of ; 61.
Landguard fort, Harwich, stat'3 of. 178.

179.
Lane (in Flanders) ; 7G.
Lane. John ; 28.
Langford, letter dated at; 19.
Lansdell, Kit, 331.
Lassey. sieur de, 178.
Laud "William, archbishop of Canterbury,

53.
Lauderdale [John Maitlnnd. 2nd] earl of ;

42, 43.
Lavington, 196.
Lawrence, Jo., 170.

Leake (Lake, Leak), sir John ; 63. 81, 82.
Lee. admiral Fitzroy Henry, 310.

Caroline, stepdaughter to Edward
Youn^ afterwards Mrs. Haviland.
269, 275, 277, 280, 282, 285, 287-
289, 297,304.307-312,314.
Col., 57.

Mr., death of, 304, 311.
Leeds [Thomas Osborne. 5th] duke of,
263.
duchess of, ib.
Leghorn, 117, 134.
Leigh [Edward, 3rd] lord, 217.

Mr. and Mrs., 286.
Leipzic, news from, 177. 178.
Leslev, lieut. ; 59.
Leven, lord (1704) ; 53.
Leving. sir Richard, 246.
Lewis, Mr. ; 110. 115,254.
Lexington [Robert Sutton, 2nd], lord, 22!.
Lichfield [George Henry Lee. 4th] earl of,
lord Quarendon. 270. 282, 288, 307,
310.
Fitzroy, uncle to, 307.
Lichtenstem, prince of, letters from, 121,

137.
Liege ; 70.
Lille ; 89.

Limbec, — , steward to the duke of Marl-
borough ; 89.
Limburg (Limburgh), capture of ; 50.
Lincoln, reduced to King Charles I's

obedience ; 16.
Lincolnshire ; 70.

Lindsay [Thomas] , primate of Ireland, 245.
Lindsey [Robert Bertie, 4th] carl, after-
wards marquis of, lord great chamber-
lain ; 70.
Lingams Park ; 6.

Lingen colonel Henry, high sheriff of
Herefordshire ; 1. 5, 11. 16, 20, 21.
22, 25.
letter from ; 8.
letter to ; 8.
his troop ; 27.
Lisbon ; 55, 60, 63, 69, 71, 90, 91, 98, 99,
100 101, 102. 103, 106, 108, 112,
114, 120, 123, 124, 137, 154. 162,
177, 312.
copsul at. 115,

Lisbon — cont.

court of, 148, 154.

Dutch minister at. See Schonenberg.

earl River's expedition to, 113, 116-18,

121, 122, 125. 126, 128-50.
English ambassador at. See Methuen.
letters dated at, 116. 128, 129, 132,

134, 142, 143, 145-7, 159.
paymaster of the forces at, 93, 101,

103.
river of, 122, 123.

Spanish envoy to. See Cien Fuegos.
supplies bought at, 168.
Littleton, Mr., 313.
Lloyd, Mr., 10.
Locke, John, letter from ; 50.
London ; 7, 16, 34, 35, 41, 43. 54, 61, 63,
85, 94, 107, 109, 214, 216.222.223,
238, 240, 248. 264, 289, 307, 331.
334, 330, 338. 343-5. 348, 351. 353.
354, 35S, 361, 369.
bishop of [Henry Comptou] ; 97.
152.

. And see Robinson.

, installation of, 236.

city of, meeting in. to raise war funds.
193.

, address by, to the queen, 199.

, suburbs in arms against ; 17.

gazette, the. See Gazette, the.
Parliamentary troops from ; 5.
reported insurrection of the " malig-

nants " in ; 6, 25.
St. Paul's, chapter of, 236.

, dean of. See Sherlock ; Godol-

phin.

( queen Anne's visit to, 235.

tower of, constable of. See Essex,
train bands of ; 17.
women of, 17.
places and streets in :
Bedlam, 256.
Bond Street, 264.
Clerkenwell ; 67.
Doctors Commons, 271.
Fountain Tavern, a meeting of

M.P.s at ; 64.
Great Russell Street ; 89.
"Grecian," the, 282.
Green Park. 282.
Hill Street, 239.

. letters dated at, 338, 341,

346, 347.
Hyde Park, deserters shot in,

299.
Inns of court, 282.
Leicester House, residence of

the prince of Wales, 323.
Lincoln's Inn, 305.
Lincoln's Inn Fields, Little, the

"Plough Inn" in, 51.
Long Lane, 297.

Maiden Lane, the " White Wigg"'
in, letter of Voltaire dated at,
253.
Portman Square, 347, 356, 357.

letter dated at, 335, 348,

358.

TNT> FA.

383

London — cont.

places and streets in — cont.
Rolls Chapel ; 48.

, preachership at ; 49 note.

St. Clement's, a lecture at ; 48.
St. Luke's.. 356.

Savoy, deputy marshal of. See
MacMahone.

, the prisoners in ; 80.

Suffolk Street ; 43.
Temple, the, 195.

Bar, letters dated at, 260,

278.

, il the Three Golden Lions,"

letter dated at, 255.

. the " Three Sphinxes,''

letter dated at, 257.
Wapping : 41 . 252.
"White's." 283.
Loo; 98.
Long, Mr.. 190.
Longleat, 175», 185;;. 325.
Lords, house of. See under Parliament.
Luc, Jean Andre de. See under Bonks.
Lucan, — . his information; 58.
Ludlow, co. Salop ; 20. 21. 39, 50.
castle; 31, 33,34,35.

. letters dated at ; 34. 35.

, governor of. See Woodhouse,

sir Michael,
inhabitants of ; 33.
postmaster at ; 42-40.
train hands of : 24.
Lupidge, Mr., 356. 357.
Lvttelton [Thomas, 2nd] lord, death of.
'described, 346, 347.

M

Macartney, — , 170, 178.
lord and lady, 347.
Macclesfield [Charles Gerard, 2nd] earl of •

53.
Macguire, Macguire, col. , husband to lady

Cathcart, 294, 297. 298. 304.
Maclean, Macklean, Jame9, the highway-
man, 319.
MacMahone, — , deputy-marshal of the
Savoy, alleged to be a papist ; 80.
his clerk. See Murphy.
Madrid, 102, 109. 120, 125, 160, 161.
court of, 148.
Portuguese at, 163.
proposed expedition to, 125, 127 130
140, 149.
Maestricht, surrender of ; 44.
Mahrs, Mr. de, minister of Orleans ; 45.
Majorca, supplies from, 123. 124, 133, 140

144, 146. 147, 151.
'■Milignants.'- the; 6,22, 25.
Malmsbury (Malmsberry), co. Wilts; 34.
Malt tax, war loans secured on, 193. 194.
Manchester [Charles Montague. 4th] earl
of, 171.

Mansell, Mr., comptroller ; 47.
Mansfield [William Murrav. 1st] earl of,
348,351,368,369. '
letter from, 364.
Manwayring, Mr. 218.
Mar, lord. 220.

Mare, Mar re, brigadier Lisle. 95, 128.
Margate, letter dated from, 167, 168.

as a watering place. 335, 337.
Marines, general of. See Peterborough.

recruiting of, 172.
Marischal (Marshal), lord, 219.
Marlborough [John Churchill, 1st] duke
of ; 60-63. 65, 67-75, 77. 78, 79,
87, 93. 104. 106. 107, 109, 110,
111, 114. 115, 124, 125, 130, 147.
155. 157. 160, 169, 170, 174. 177,
180. 182. 184, 20S.

.letters from; 54, 56, 65, 81,

82, 83, 86. 89. 94, 95. 96, 98. 105.
115, 131, 142. 167. 168, 172-4, 178.
179. 181, 183. 184, 186, 200. 202-0,
208. 209, 211. 217. 218, 225, 244.

. letters to ; 142. 185.

, desires to retire from party

broils ; 56.

-. proposed statue for ; 63.

, suggested answer of the Queen

to a proposal for a reward to ; 65.

, news of his success against the

French; 72.

. to go to Sweden. 168.

, and the war. 173, 183. 185, 200.

204.

, journey of into Germany and

Italy, 185, 225.

, interview with Harley and

Godolphin. 188, 190.

. demands support from the queen.

203, 205.

, successful campaign of, in

Flanders, 206, 208.

. at Geneva, 225.

, question of passports for. 238.

-. unwillingness of. for peace, 213,

216.

. and public accounts, 217.

, chaplain of. See Hare.

— — . servant of. See Forster.

, steward of. See Limbec.

M[argaret] . countess of, letter of, 204.
[Sarah], duohess of; 60.78, 225.

, letters from ; 85, 86, 87, 93.

102, 359.

. sister to. See Tyrconnell.

Marly, 228, 229, 232, 234. '
Marre. See Mare.
Marsigni, — ; 43.
Mary's, cape. 150.

Masham [Samuel], lord, 213, 214, 218.
225, 236.
lady. ibid.
Mason, G.. 115.

Massey, Colonel Edward, governor of
Gloucester ; 27, 34.
letters to ; 34, 35.
Matson, co. Gloue., the Court at. letters
dated at ; 14, 17,

384

INDEX.

Maubert, Madlle. Anne ; 81 note.

Maxwell, sir G. ; 58.

Mayenoe, 185.

Meadows, sir Philip, English envoy at

Vienna, instructions to, 174, 177.
Medals, Roman, found in Dublin. 253.
Mediterranean, the, 82, 122, 137, 158.
Meldert, letters dated from. 173. 174.
Menager, M., 212.

Mendoca, Mendoza, don Diego, Portuguese
minister, 118.
letter of, 129.
Men in :

governor of ; 89.
siege of ; 86.
Mequinenza, capture of, 156.
Meriden [co. Warw.]. the constable of;

59.
Methuen [John], late envoy at Lisbon,
death of, 84, 91.

. intrigues of, 148-150. 155, 161.

[Paul], envoy at Lisbon, 84, 103, 113,
115, 117, 120, 126, 127, 129, 131.
130. 142, 144, 147, 150, 154. 180.
211.

, character of, 150.

. letter of, 159.

Mew, bishop. 175.

Middletons, the, cousins to the duke of

Shrewsbury, 233.
Milanese, the; 72.
Millard, Robin ; 39.
Miller, Mr., of Sussex ; 73.
Milner, consul, instructions to, 113.
Minas, marquis das, 71, 154.
Minn. See Mynne.
Minorca, island of. 123, 310.
Mint, the, 229-231.

assaymaster of. See Brattel.
importation of bullion for, 231.
Tower assays. 231.
Mitchell, sir D. ; 60.
Mohun [Charles, 5th] lord, 200.
Monaco, 174.

prince of, 300.
Monckton, Mr. ; 64.
Monk, Mr., 314.
Monmouth ; 34.

Monmouth [James Scott], duke of ; 44.
Monscy, Dr.. 329.
Mont Algero. 170.

Montasru, Elizabeth, 275, 283, 285, 307.
316, 320, 329.

. letters from, 330-358.

. sister of. 333. 334, 339.

nephew of. 340. 349. 355, 358.

Mr. ; 68. 332. 339. 353, 356, 369. ^ ^
Montandre, marquis de, 125, 126. 127,
128, 131, 132, 136, 138, 141, 142, 143,
146, 154. 160.
Montargis. — ; 81 and note.
Montero, senor Roco, president of
Inconfidentia of Portugal, 148, 149,
Montpellier ; 45.
Montrose, duke of, 216.
Moor, Mr. ; 18, 21,

the

Moore (More), captain Samuel; 29,31,
32, 33.
his relation of the siege, &c. , at Hop-
ton castle ; 35-40.
letter from ; 34.
his wife ; 37, 39.
Moray. See Murray.
Mnrdaunt, Mordant [Henry, 6th] lord,

earl of Peterborough, 42.
More, Miss, 351.352.
And see Moore.
Morley, — , letter to, 244.

John, junior, letter to ; 51.
Morrice or Morice, Mr., 118, 134, 168,

180.
Mott, — , la. See la Mott.
Minister, the affair of ; 110.
Murcia (la Murcie), town of, 153, 104.
Murphy, — , clerk to MacMahone. alleged

to be a Papist ; 80.
31 1 irrav or Moray. Alexander, letter from,
'368.
lady, 289.
lord James, 215.
Mr.. 204, 278, 304, 322.
Robert. 182, 187.
sir Robert, letters from ; 42. 43.
William, letter from ; 364.
Musgrave, sir Christopher ; 57.
Mynne (Minn), colonel Nicholas, governor
of Hereford ; 34.
letter from ; 35.

X

Nairne, Mr., a lawyer, 354.

sir David, 166, 182, 237.
Naples; 82.

extract of a letter from, 365-368.

British minister at. See Gray.

reinforcements from, 176, 177.
Nash. " beau," 331.
Naval stores, 197.
Navarre ; 83.

French in, 163.
Neer Ische ; 75.

Nemours, duchess of, death of, 174.
Netherlands. See Holland.
Newcastle [John Holies] , duke of ; 64, 78,
195.

. made lord Privy Seal ; 67.

[Thomas Pelham Holies], duke of,
lord Pelham, lord chamberlain, etc.,
1 248, 272, 277. 280, 288, 293, 303,

305, 323,' 364.

, letters to and from, 249.

duchess of, letters from, 248.

, to, 241, 247.

quarrels with Harley and Pel-
ham 248, 249.

lady (1662 , her horsematch ; 42.

[William Cavendish, 1st] earl of ; 6,

INDEX.

385

Newfoundland, fisheries of, dispute with

France concerning, 228, 229.
Newmarket ; 106, 212.

letters dated at ; 64, 68, 77, 106, 169.
New Park, letters dated at ; 81, 85.
Newport, Mr. ; 45, 46; 47, 48.'
Newton, Sir Isaac, 231.

letter from, 229.
Nicholas [Sir Edward], secretary ; 37.
Nile, river. 301.
Norrice, Sir John ; 98.
Norris, cardinal ; 55.
North, Mr., 316.

North End, letter dated from, 290.
Northampton ; 36.

letter dated at ; 35.
Northamptonshire, lord Pomfret's seat in,

319.
Northey [Edward], attorney-general ; 59,

72, 74, 76, 77, 242.
Northumberland, [Algernon Percy, 10th]
earl of ; 16.
[Hugh, 3rd] duke of, 351.
Norwich ; 58. 93.

[John Moore], bishop of ; 93. "
Nott, ■ — . governor of Virginia, death of,

124.
Nottingham [Daniel Finch, 2nd], earl

of; 63, 199.
Nottingham ; 81 note.
post, the ; 42.
letter dated from. 247.
Nottinghamshire , 275.

actors in, 287.
Novelles, count, 142, 155, 156.
Nugent, lord, 351.

0

Oadham, Catesby, 231.
" Observator," the ; 105

See also Tutchin.
Ogilvie, capt. John (" Jean Gassion "),

letters from. 187, 188.
Ogilvy fOgivly,). — : 70. 71.
Oglio. the river ; 72.
Oissy, 206.
Onslow, Mr. ; 92, 94.

Sir E. and the speakership, 192.
Ordnance, the, board of; 98, 104, 128,
179.
oulverins ; 37-
demiculverins ; 3, 37.
pieces of, employed by the Royalists
at the sieges of Brampton Bryan
Castle and Hopton Castle ; 2-7,
17. 23, 24, 25. 26, 30, 31, 37, 40.
Boa/inn Megg, a great gun used by

the Royalists ; 40.
a saker ; 2.
Orford [Edward Russell, 1st], earl of,
221.
[Robert Walpole, 2nd], earl of. letter
from. 864.

6802

Orijuela, Orihuela, town of, 153, 164.

letter dated from, 165.
Orkney, earl of, 124, 219.
Orleans, minister of. See Mahrs.
Ormiston. See Cockburn.
Ormond [James Butler, 2nd], duke of,

173, 222. 254.
Ostend, 183.

troops embarked at ; 83, 84.
Over Isohe ; 75.
Oxford, 191, 196,355.

earls of. See HarJey.
Oxford University :

Balliol College, 324.

Christ Church, canonry of ; 71.

, oanons of. See Ratcliff ; Strat-
ford.

fellowships at, 318.

professor of poetry at. See Warton.

scholarships at. 318.
Oxfordshire, 317.

deputy lieutenants of ; 83.

Packet-service, the, 126, 131, 133, 159,

164. 169.
Paget, Mr. ; 69.
Paine, Mr. ; 89.

Mrs. ; 89,
Palatine, the elector ; 60, 61 . 70.
recruits for Italy, 176, 177.
Palmer, — ; 70.
Pamphlet :

The Memorial of the Church of Eng-
land; 73.

, burning of ; 74.

Papists. See Roman Catholics.
Paris ; 44, 81 note, 224".

letters dated from, 228, 231, 232, 233,
235-238.
Parker [Thomas] , queen's Serjeant ; 69.
Parliament, the ( House of Commons) ; 16,
50, 51, 58, 65, 67, 76, 80, 105, 115,
136, 141, 169. 171, 175, 181, 184,
188, 192, 193, 197, 198, 204, 207,
214-16, 219. 220. 225, 230, 234,
304, 331,340, 347, 353,361.
Acts and Bills of. -See Acts.
Long ; 8, 16, 22, 39.

, a commission sent from ; 28.

-, foroes of. See under Army.

, reported great division between

the Houses ; 6.
speaker of ; 57, 75 192, 193, 318.
the women against ; 17.
votes supplies to Chas. Ill of Spain,

155, 156, 168.
queen s speech for. 188, 189, 200.
address of, to her Majesty, 189.
visit of, to St. Paul's, 235.
election of. 247.
(House of Lords), state of, 199, 207.

2B

386

INDEX.

Parsons, Miss, 291?, 295, 301 , 302, 304

marriage of, 306.
Paston. lord, regiment of; 02, 93.
Patterson, — , 167.

Mr. j 65.
Paulet, Charles. See Bolton.

lord W.. 105.
Pawlings, Mr. ; 51.
Peirson. rev. Mr.; 22.
Pelham, lord. See Newcastle, duke of.

Mr. Henry, 288, 308 note.

, secretary of. See Roberts.

sir William; 12. 13, 16.
Pembroke [Philip Herbert, 1st] earl of; 16.

[Thomas Herbert, 8th] earl of ; 75.
Pendarves, Mrs.. 256, 257,258,259,260,
261, 267.

rumoured marriage of, to sir Thomas
Hanmer, 268, 271.
Penn. Thomas, "proprietor of Pensilvania,''

marriage of. 319.
Penna Randa, duke of, 118, 120.

brother of. See Chaver, don Joseph.
Pennington, eir John; 16.
Pepper, brigadier, case of, 172.
Perpignan in France ; 78.
Petcum [mons.]. letter of, mentioned, 360.
Peterborough, lady. 280. 284.

[Charles Mordaunt, 3rd] earl of; 73.
92, 94, 97. 112, 124. 135, 139. 154.
167. 280. 284.
— . at Genoa. 115. 153.

. at Valeneia. 156. 159.

. project of, 151, L52, L59.

.recall of, 141. 151. 152. 153

159. 166. 178. 181. 183.

, letter to. 153.

. letter from, 156.

, as general of marines, 199.

Petersfield [eo. Hants], letter dated at ; 88.

Petz, M. Andre ; 81 note.

Peyton, Cra.,231.

Pheasants, China, present of. from the

duchess of Portland. 333.
Phelipps, E., 231.
Phillips, ensign ; 38.

Mr. ; 15. 19, 20.

major Thomas ; 33, 36, 38.

. massacred at Hopton Castle ; 29

40.

, his brother ; 40.

Phipps, sir Constantine. lord chancellor of

Ireland, 242.245, 246.
Pigot, — ; 70.
Pindore, captain ; 37.
Piper, count de, 168.
Pitt. — , 152.
Pleydell, Mr., 195.
Plumptre, John, letter from, 347.
Plymouth ; 70, 92, 94, 95, 98.
Plymouth [Other Windsor, 3rd] earl of,

218.
Poeklington. Mr., 171.
Poland; 60.

Augustus, king of. See Saxony.

claimants to the throne of. 184.

Stanislaus, king of, 1 15, 184.

war in, 162.

Poley, Mr. ; 57, 60.
Polwarth, lady Belle, 351.
Pomfret [Thomas Fermor, 1st] earl of,
daughter of, married to Thomas Penn,
319.
Poniatowski, count, to be reoalled from

St. Potersburgh, 364.
Pontefract, election at. 241.
Pope, Alexander, 251, 253, 258, 306.

sir Thomas, 339.
Popham, Mr. ; 49, 50.
Port Mahon [Minorca], 123, 219.
Port St. Mary's, 163.

Portland, Margaret Harley, duchess of,
253.

, letters to, 250, 254-358 passim,

363, 364. 368, 369.

, museum of, 294.

, inventory of " weding cloaths

and linen'' of, 361.
[William Bentinck] , 2nd duke of, 254,
257, 263-267, 270, 272-275, 277,
280, 282-285, 293, 295, 297, 300,
307. 309, 311, 315-320, 323. 325.
— , death of, letters on, 326, 332.
, Edward, son of (" the little arch-
bishop ">, 282, 285, 295. 307. 317.

, Elizabeth, daughter of. See

Weymouth, lady.

, Frances, daughter of, 270.

, Henrietta, daughter of. See

Grey.

, Isabella, daughter of , 261.

[William Bentinck. 3rd] duke of, lord
TitchBeld. 277, 317, 322, 323. 325,
368, 369.

, sent to Westminster, 306.

, to go to Russia, 365.

Portmore, lord. 208.
Porto Specia, 117-
Portsmouth; 88. 310.

letter dated at ; 85.

Portugal a nd Portuguese; 55.62, 67, 71,

81.84,90.91.92,96. 97. 99, 101

102. 109. 112. 132. 136. 139. 140'

176, 180, 189. 203, 208.

ambassador in England, 125. 126. 127.

129, 143. 146.
army of; 99. 113-15, 125, 127. 129.
132. 140, 145. 147. 163.

, state of. 144, 163. 189.

— — . rout of, 170.

attack by ou English ships, 144, 154.

coast of; 63.

court of ; 71.

earl of Galway and, 163.

expedition of earl Rivers to, 113-54.

generals in Spain, 113. 129, 148. 149;

and see Mendoz.i.
prime minister of. See Algrete.
proposals of. 146, 150, 154, 159.
secret tribunal in. See Inconjidentia,

the.
subsidies to, 113-15, 130, 145, 147.
trade from. ISO.
treaty with; 54, 124, 129, 147, 148.

154, 156, 189.
troops for, 141 . 147.

INDEX.

387

Portugal and Portuguese — cont.

[John VI . king of. 117, 125. 128. 131,
148. 149.

. plans to secure aid of. 113, 130.

, attitude of. 118. 127.

— , death of, 131, 135, 136.
Katherine, queen of. 148. 149.
[Joseph Emmanuel] . king of. 131. 136.
142. 144. 156.

. letter to from Queen Anne

referred to, 136. 145.

, ministers of. 142.

. reply of to Queen Anue's letter.

145.

. memorial to by earl Rivers, 154.

156.

, and the war in Spain. 163.

[Peter II], king of: 55. 91. 98. 99.
101.102, 108.112.
" Postman," the; 81.
Poulett [John 1st], earl, 175. 195. 217.
Power. — , 202.

Powntney. John, murdered by the Royal-
ists ; 1.
Pretender, the. See James Edward.
Primrose, lady. 311. 317. 338.
Prince the. See Denmark, prince George

of.
Prior, Matthew, 217, 222, 223, 228. 229.

230. 234. 235. 237. 330.
Privy Council, the lords of (the Lords, the
* Council); 64. 78, 83, 94. 98, 106,

169, 171,241,243,24.').
committee of, 171.
lord president of. 202. 236.
Privy Seal. lord. See Newcastle ; Robinson.
Prize office, the ; 66, 67.
Protestant succession, the. 212.
Protestants, French. 47. 232. 240.
Provence, duke of Savoy in, 173.
Prussia [Frederick I.], king of : 95, 109.
115, 174.
acknowledgement of, 214.
British minister to. See Raby.
envoy of . See Spanlieim.
Pultenev [Daniel]. British agent in Den-
mark.' 77. 184, 354.
Putney, 277.

letter dated at ; 40.
Pye, sir Waller: 1. 11.22.
letter from ; 8.
letter to ; 8.
Pyin [John], beaten by the women of

London ; 17.
Pyrenees, the, treaty of ; 107.

Q

Quarendon, lord. See Lichfield.
Queensberry, duchess of, 306.

[James Douglas. 2nd] duke of: 60. 71,
I GO, 187.199.

R

Raby [Thomas Wentworth. 3rd] lord,
afterwards 3rd earl of Strafford, British
minister to Berlin, etc.. 60. 68, 94, 115,
174.201-3.211.212,219-23.
Radcliffe, Ratcliff, Dr., canon of Christ
Church ; 71 .
letter from. 244.
Radnorshire, the sheriff's house in ; 9.
Ragotsky, prince, as claimant to the throne

of Poland. 184.
Ramillies; 82, 83,86,104.
Ratcliff. See Radcliffe.
Regiments; 95, 96.

Dragoons; 100, 101.

English, weakness of some ; 92, 94, 96 .

foot necessity of mounting some of :

96, 100.
of French rifugies (with the English

forces), 90, 92, 93. 95.
the red. green and blue, of prince

Rupert's ordnance ; 30.
See alio Woodhouse ; Paston ; Vimar ;
Guiscard.
Retz. cardinal, memoirs of. See under

Books.
Rhine, the river ; 62, 83, 136.
army of the, 174.
English regiments on ; 96.
Rich, Mr.. 252.
Richard, Mr., 129, 157.
Richards, colonel (Mr.); 91, 92, 94. 95.

98,99. 101, 102, 104, 108, 120.
Richardson, Mr., 254.

[Samuel] , 308, 312-317, 321, 323.
And see under Books.
Richmond [Charles Lennox] , duke of, 324.
Rickmansworth. 285, 308.
Rivers [Richard Savage, 3rd] earl ; 54, 83,
85, 112, 198. 199, 200, 220, 239.
247, 361.
letters from; 91, 94, 96, 98, 102,
104, 108, 116, 118. 119, 128, 129,
132 134, 142, 143, 145-7, 150, 158,
162, 165, 176.
letters to ; 81, 84. 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,
90 92 93, 94, 99. 100, 104, 106,
108 112, 114, 115,116, 118,120-6,
129, 131, 132, 135-8. 142, 152. 153,
154, 155, 156, 157, 159, 160, 104-9,
171-3.
expedition of, 84, 85, 90, 91, 113-165.
instructions to, 84, 96. 100-102, 109,
113 114, 118, 119, 125. 126, 131,
136] 137, 141-3, 145, 151, 153-5.
manifesto by, 104,105, 181.
plans of, 130, 134, 135.
relations of with: —

Charles III. of Spain, 135, 137,

138.1-11.
earl of Galway, 135,139. 140-6.

148-50, 154-6, 161-5.
lord Barrymore, 134. 135.

388

INDliX.

Rivers [Richard Savage, 3rd] earl — cont.
commissions to, 140. 141, 155.
treatment of, by the Portuguese, 144.
reinforcements for, 146.
leaves Lisbon, 150. 154.
memorial of, to king of Portugal, 154,

156.
expedition of, to Valencia/!. See

Valencia.
at Gibraltar. 150, 158.
at Alioante. 162, 163. 165, 168.
agreement of with earl of Galway, 165.

167.
supplies for. 168.

to return to Spain. 171. 172, 173. 176.
Eobarts. Mr., 235.
Roberts, John, secretary to Henry Pelham

(?). 288. 289, 302, 304. 308 and note.
Robinson [John], bishop of Bristol and
London, envoy to Sweden, etc., lord
Privy Seal, 60, 107(?), 162, 167.
168, 184, 199, 203, 207, 211, 219.
220.

, installation of, 236.

[John], secretary of the Treasury.

369.
Miss, 255, 256. 257. 267.

, marriage of. 273.

Richard, baron Rokeby, of Armagh.

primate of Ireland, 351 . 355, 357.
sir William, 357.
Rochester, bishop of. See Sprat.
Rochester [Lawrence Hyde, 1st] earl of,
lord president. 199.
letters from, 81, 85.
Rockingham [Charles Wentworth, 7th]

lord, 368, 369.
Rolls, master of the. See Grimston.
chapel, the. See under London.
Roman Catholics (papists) ; 45. 46 66,
80.
medals found at Dublin, 253.
Rome ; 76.

letters dated at; 54. 56. 57.
Vatican Library : 54, 55.
Rochfort, lord. 250.
Rolt, Mr. and Mrs., cousins to Edward

Young. 293.
Rooke, sir George ; 62. 63. 83.
Roper, — . 170.
Rosendal, Paul Lipperz de. adjutant-roval

to Charles III., of Spain, 133, 153.
Ross, co. Hereford ; 4.
Rotherhithe. 252.

Rothes [John Leslie, 7th] earl of ; 42.
Rotterdam; 71.
"Roundheads"' ; 3, 4, 24.
Roussillon. the, French in. 137, 151,

158.
Rumbal. Mr. ; 42.
Rupert, Prince ; 4, 24. 30. 35, 39.

takes Bristol and besieges Gloucester ;

8.
besieges Hopton castle ; 29.
his order to put the garrison of

Brampton castle to the sword ; 32.

his command to burn and demolish

Brampton and Hopton castles ; 33.

Russell, major, case of, 160.

[William] , lord ; 46, 47.
Russia, ambassador from, 170, 179, 181.

czar of, 162, 181, 184.

czarina of, 300.

fleet, 177.

France and, 365.

merohants, 77.
Ryswick, treaty of, 229;t.

s

Saar. the river ; 70.
Sadler, Mr. ; 43.

St. Albans, co. Herts. ; 78. 157, 291, 315,
316.321.
'• Red Lion ' at, 292.
St. Catherine's, re-capture of. 178.
St. Davids, bishop of, 199.

Dr. Watson, bishop of, deprivation of :
52 note.
St. Germain, 187.

St. John, Henry, lord Bolingbroke. sec-
retary of state, 64, 78. 86, 94.-105,
170, 199, 200. 202. 203. 207-13,
215. 220. 221, 223. 228, 229. 232
243. 322, 360.
letters from; 54, 55, 59, 78, 80, 85
121. 157, 172, 189-91, 193, 195,
196.
letters to ; 59, 85.
as candidate for parliament, 190.
father of. 190.
Frances (" Frank ") wife of. 192, 195,

196.
retirement of, 193, 196.
St. Patrick's, dean of. See Swift.
St. Pelersburgh, 364.
St Ubals (Setuval), 116.
Salisbury (Sarum). bishop of. See Burnet.
Salvador, sieur ; 81 note.
Sambroke, sir Jeremy, 276, 277.
Sandford. Mrs., companion to Mrs.Delany,

341. 342.
Sandleford. 348. 355. 357. 358.

letters dated from, 330. 332. 334. 339,
344, 353, 356.
Sandwich, lady, 316.

Savage, lady Betty, her marriage to lord
Barrymore ; 87. 88. 89.
lady Elizabeth ; 87. 88, 89.
Savoy [Victor Amadeus II.] , duke of, 72.
104, 114, 115. 152. 178,211,217.

, courier of, 77.

. in Provence. 173.

. expedition of, 177.

, affairs of. 203.

-. negotiations of. for peace. 214.

Eugene, prince of ; 68. 72, 78. 82, 117.
152.

, council of. 113.

reinforcements from, 176.
Saxe. count. 310.

INDEX.

389

Saxony, Augustus, elector of. and king
of Poland. 162. 184. 205.
duke of Marlborough to visit, 167.
electoral prince of. 210.
electress of. 210.
troops of ; 174.
Scarborough [Richard Luinley. 1st] earl
of; 73.
[Richard Luruley, 2nd] earl of, 252.
■• Schaffouse, — ," letter from. 201.
Scheldt (Sehelde), river, the. 206.
Schomberg [Meinhardt, 3rd] duke of ; 54.

Mr. de ; 44.
Schonenberg. M., Dutch minister at Lis-
bon, 128. 142. 147.
Schutz, Schultz. Shutes. monsieur, envoy
from Hanover; 103, 104. 109. 162,
177.
Scilly; 108, 111, 112.
Scot "or Scott. Mr., agent at Hanover. 175.

177,178, 179,210.
Scotch, letters referred to. 124. 152.
memorial about the plot. 57.
signet. 208.
Scotland; 45,50.60.71. 73.312.
Act for the Cess (1705) ; 73.

, for trade (1705) ; 73.

affairs of, 115. 158. 169, 171, 182,

187, 193. 197.
bank of. 167.
church of, 124.
clergy of, 66.
council of. 66.
custom of penance in. 308.
French troops for, 187.
lord advocate of. See Dundas.

chancellor of, 58.

justice clerk of. See Cockburn.

parliament of, 68, 171.
peers of, 361 .

, eleotion of, 219, 225

register of, 115.

revenues of, 171.

transfer of goods to, 167.

union with. 67, 68, 124, 166. 167.

, proclamation as to, 171.

Scots, the; 80, 169.

report of arrival of troops in England ;

5.
good intelligence of King Charles I.

with; 16.
defeat of : 37.
Scrimshaw. Mrs. ; 87, 89.
Scudamore, sir John, 2. 6,7. 17, 18. 19,
34, 35.

, letters from ; 14, 15, 16, 18, 19,

20.21.33.

, letters to; 14, 15, 16, 18, 19,

20,21,34,35.

, sent to demand the surrender of

Brampton Bryan Castle ; 14.
Pe.,lady; 22,35.

, letter from ; 34.

Seafield [James OgiWy, 1st] earl of; 58.

171.182.
Seaman, Thomas, of Starston, co. Nort.,

information of ; 93.
Secret service, the, 220.

Secretary of State. See Falkland ;
Nicholas: Harley; Hedges; Sunderland ;
St. John ; Dartmouth.
Segovia. 159.
Sensett, river, the. 206.
Serjeants-at-law ; 69.
Seton. James. 187.
Setuval. See St. Ubals.
Sevi<me. madame de. letter of, mentioned,

338. 315.
Seville ; 83, 98. 100, 109. 112, 131.
English expedition to ; 90, 92.
pilots of ; 98.
proposed attack on, 116, 117, 118, 119,

122. 123. 125.
river of ; 90.
Seymour, major-general ; 85.
Shaw, Thomas, 301.
Sheerness, governor of. 124.
Shelburne, lord (1779), 317.
Sherlock [William] . dean of St. Paul s, 1 /o.
Sherwood forest; 41.
Sheudly castle ; 35.
Shilton. Samuel ; 31.
Ships :

Dutch fleet, engagements with ; ±i.
East India Hollander ; 42.
English and Dutoh line of battle, to be
left in Portugal ; 55.

men of war and privateers. 10b.

English fleet, movements of. etc.. 73,

8^2 84. 88. 115, 116, 120-3. 126,

129. 131. 136-8. 144, 150-2. 157-9.

174.183.

, . affronted at Lisbon, 144,

154.

frigates ; 42.

transports ; 108.

French fleet; 62, 81,178, 180.
Swedish man-of-war. the captain of a;
61.
Ships (named) : —

Albemarle, 172.
Association, 108.
Baraeur. 108, 109. 112.
Canterbury, 172.
Defiance. 172.
Devonshire. 172.
Dover, 172.
Hampshire, 172.
Ipswich, 123.
Kinsale. 121.
Mary, 172.
Northumberland, 172.
Pool, 172.
Bamillies, 272.
Eye, 120.
Sorlings, 109, 112.
Tartar, 109. 112.
Worcester. 166.
Shovell. admiral sir Cloudesley ; 63, 84.
85, 91, 98. 102. 105. 106,108, 114,
116. 117, 120. 123-5. 131, 133. 143.
144.
instructions to, 120, 126. 154. 174.
Shrewsbury (Salop) ; 7, 29, 30, 88.

lord (Japel's powder house at, blown
up ; 6.

890

INDEX.

Shrewsbury, Charles Talbot, duke of, lord
ohauiberlain. 213.
Letters from: 51, 52, 54. 56,57.76.
191 10.-.-203. 207. 212.214.217-19,
221-3.228-17, 2.r>0. 359, 360.
letter to, 238.
announces his marriage to an Italian

widow lady : 76 ; see below.
policy of. 197. L98.
as ambassador to Franc?. 224. 223-

238
— , extraordinaries of. 224. 232-235,

238.
pfiision for, 231, 232.
as lord lieutenant of Ireland, 218,

240-216.
his relations with Queen Anne, 216.
his relations with Harley, 246.
Adelhida, wife of, 76, 233, 236.
247.

, letter from, 246.

( cousins of. See Middleton.

Shrimton, Shrimpton, — ; 83. 170.
Shropshire and the land tax, 210.
Shugborough (Shugburg), sir Charles,

death of ; 74.
Sidney, sir Philip, 361.
Silesia, evacuated by the Swedes, 184.
Silvies, Sylvies, lady, pension for, 218.
Sloane, 283.

Smallman, William; 1, 11, 22.
letter from ; 8.
letter to ; 8.
Smallpox, inoculation for, 357.
Smalridge, Dr.. 245.
Smelt, Mr. and Mrs.. 336, 347, 349, 355,

357.
Smith, sir Jeremy ; 42
Mr.; 74.
Richard; 60.
speaker (?), 360.
Smugglers ; 64.
Sniythe, lady. 333.
Sooinianism ; 53.
Soignies. Bois de ; 75.
Solfatara volcano, the, 368.
Solicitor-general, the. See Harcourt.
Somers [John], lord; 74. 154. 155.

letter from. 132. 138. 160.
Somerset, duchess of. 230.

[Charles Seymour. 11th] duke of. 198,
199, 212.
Somersetshire ; 70.

Spain and Spanish ; 44. 70, 83. 89. 02, 93,
96 99, 100. 101. 103, 104, 105, 109,
115, 116. 118. 137-0. 145. 155. 163.
168, 171,176, ISO. 194,208.
ambassadors to. See Methuen ; Stan-
hope ; Crowe.
army in. 116. 118, 121-3. 126, 127.
129. 152, 153, 17S.

.reinforcements for, 133,141. L42,

172. 177.

. state of, 170.

supplies for. 146. 151, 155. 156,

158, 159, 166.

Spain and Spanish — coat.

[Charles III, archduke of Austria,]
king of, affairs of, 56, 73, 82. 90-93,
96 97, 99. 100, 101, 103-5, 109,
112-14, 116-19, 123-6, 128, 129,
181-5, 137-44, 146, 147, 150, 151,
153, 154, 158, 150, 161, 171, 172,
173, 176, 183.

. letters from. 121, 122, 137, 13S.

152, 157.

-, letter to, 119

, adjutant-royal of. See Rosen-

dal, Paul de.

, envoy of. Sec Ziugerling; Cien

Fuegos.

, victimised by Lord Galway, 148-

150.

, supplies voted to, by English

parliament, 155, 156, 168.

, and Portuguese, 163.

to vo to Catalonia, 164, 165.

coast of ;°82, 90. 237.

command in, for lord Galway, 116.

court of, ill-disposed to England, 156.

dearness of forage in ; 97.

departure of the earl of Peterborough

from. 153, 178.
Dutch generals in, 172.
French in. See France,
horses for, 113, 117, 130,140.
money of, irregular price of ; 97.
order for preventing the pillaging of ;

104.
passports for the security of the trade

and navigation of : 106.
[Philip V.] , king of. duke of Anjou,

97, 105, 130. 150.
Portuguese in. 113, 114, 115, 125, 127,

129. 148, 149, 189.
prohibition of commerce with ; 80.
renunciation of title to, 223.
trade of ; 108.

Spanish Commander. See Villa
d'Arias.

, envoy at Lisbon. See Cien

Fuegos.

• loyal, protection of . 131.

troops. 117, 126, 134. 145. 154.

, supplies for, 133. 134. 135,

140, 159.

war, the, 80.

West Indies. 131, 155.

Spanheim, M., Prussian ambassador in

England, 115.
Sparrow — , a cousin of sir Josiah Child ;

51.
Spire, camp of. letter dated from. 238.
Spithead; 63.84, 112.
Sprat [Thomas], bishop of Rochester,

182.
"Squadrone." the, 193.
Stafford ; 34.
Staffordshire. 370.

Stair [John Dalrvmple. 1st] earl of ; 60.
— . death of, 158.
[John Dalrymple, 2nd] earl of. 205.
206. 208, 210, 211. 212.
I Stamford, lady. See Grey.

INDEX.

391

Stanhope [Alexander] . 60. 69, 95.

James, envoy to Spain, 121. 123, 133,
159.

, letters from, 114, 152. 159,

164-7.

, letters to. 118, 165.

. negotiations of. 165.

, brother of, 123.

Stanley, sir John ; 73. 245. 263.
Starston, co. Norfolk, rector of. See

Arrowsmith.
States General, the. See Holland.
Stepney [George] . British envoy at the
Hague, 56, 60, 68, 60. 83. 94. 95, 107.
_ 168, 169, 177, 180, 181.
Stevenage, the " Swan " at, 307.
Steward, Richard : '36, 38.
Stirling Castle, 287.
Stiruui. — ; 56.
Stormont. lord (1757); 365.

sister of, 365.
Stow [on the Wold. co. Glouc] , 191.
Strafford, lord. See Raby.
Straits, the. See Gibraltar, straits of.
Strangeways, Mr., 152.
Stratford [William] , canon of Christ-
ohurch. Oxford ; 71.
Dr., 195, 196.
Sunderland [Charles Spencer, 3rd] earl of ;
69. 71. 94. 216.
letters of. 132, 136, 139. 145. 153.

160. 168. 171.
letters to. 150. 153. 156, 160.
as secretary of state, 132. 131. 139.

147,158,167, 173. 178. 181, 183.
misunderstanding of, with Harley.
188, 190.
Sunning Hill waters. 318.
Surrey. 318.

increase of kingCharles I's party in ; 16.
Surveyor-general, the : 41.
Sutton, brigadier. 206.
Mr. ; 38, 39.

, the "•famous operator." 357.

Swale, river, 349.
Swarkeston [co. Derby]; 41.
Sweden; 109.

British minister in. Sec Robinson.
[Chas. XII]. king of, 61. 103. 104
115, 178. 179.

, intentions of , 162. 173, 181.

-, duke of Marlborough to visit.

168.

, evacuates Silesia. 184.

, demand of, 203.

France and, 162.
Swift, dean, pipers by. on the character of
Harley. 225-228.
letters from. 249. 250. 253.
letter to. 253.
request from for the deanery of Wells

228.
exiled in Ireland, 253.
history of England by, mentioned, 250.
"Gulliver's Travels " by, 252.
Switzerland, the Protestant cantons in ; 63.
Sylvies. See Silvies.
Symmonds. Mr., a minister of Essex ; 39.

•Tackers;M 69.
Tallard, marshal ; 60.

a prisoner at Nottingham ; 81 note
Talman. Mr., 231.
Tangier (Tanger). 123.
Tar-water, a cure for rheumatism. 30S
Taylor (Taylour), Mr. ; 70, 103, 177.

Dr., an oculist, 276.
Tenison, Thomas, archbishop of Canter-
bury: 61.

, letter to : 52.

Terill, capt.. 173.
Terrick. Mr.. 299.
Tewkesbury. 191.
Thames, river. 319.
Thanet [Sackville Tufton], lord, 321.
•• Thracian," the, 193.
Tickel. Mr.. 317.
Tillotson, Dr.. 284.
Titchfield, lord. See Portland.
Toledo, expedition against, 125 127
Tong, Dr. ; 43.
Topsham [co. Devon] ; 91.
Torbay. co. Devon ; 89. 95. 100. 106 10S
128.

letters dated at : 91. 96. 98, 102. 104.
Torcy, M. de, French minister 228 229

232. 234.
Torres. — , 129.
Torv party in Ireland. 245.
Toulon; 62. 112. 174. 178, 179.
Tournay. affair of. 229.
Townshend. Charles, viscount, letter to
364.

J., 347.
Trade, council of, 237.
Travendal. treaty of, 162.
Travers, — . letter to, from the duke of

Marlborough. 200.
Treasurer [sir Thomas Osborne] , the lord •
44.

See also Godolphin.
Treasury, the, 335.

board of. 200.

the lords of ; 41.

secretary of. See Robinson.

Barrier ; 106, 110, 210, 214, 360.

Breda, 230.

Hague, 169.

of Portugal ; 51. 124. 129. 147. 148

154. 156. 189.
of trade with king of Spain (Charles

III ) ; 108.
of the succession (Spanish) ; 110.
of the Pyrenees : 107.
Ryswick, 229n.
Travendal, 162.
Utrecht. 210. 112-14, 216. 221. 223

229. 230. 231. 235. 237. 238. 361.

392

INDEX.

Frelawuey. sir Jonathan, bishop of Win-
chester. 173. 174. 175.
Trent: 56,

Trevor [Thomas] . lord, chief justice 76.
Tunbridge Wells. 264. 287. 294. 314, 330.
313. 345, 350. 360, 870.
letters dated from. 254. 263, 272. 287.
288. 342.
Tunis, supplies from. 133. 140.
Turin, the viotory at ; 104.
Turks, the. 184.
Turton, doctor. 345.

Tutchin [John], the ' observator' ; 59, 82.
Tweeddale [John Hay. 2nd] earl of; 42. 43.

marquis of. 187.
Tyrawloy. lord, 364.

Tyroonnel. lady, sister to duchess of Marl-
borough. 359.
Tyrol, the, enemy's troops in ; 54.

U

Union, the. See under Scotland.
Upman, Mr., fellow of Eton college. 182.
Ussher, archbishop ; 49.
Usson. marquis d' ; 56.
Utrecht, treaty of. 210. 212-214. 216. 221.
223. 229, 230, 234. 235. 237. 238, 361.

Vachan, Peter; 33.

Valencia, Valentia, 90. 92, 114, 118, 160.
horses from, 134. 140.
letters dated from, 114, 121, 122. 123.
137, 138. 152, 156. 157. 159, 164.
165. 166, 167.
news from. 136, 158.
allied forces at, 145. 153, 164.
Portuguese troops in, 147.

retreat to, 163.

kingdom of. 149.

expedition of earl Rivers to. 125, 127.
123. 130. 133, 135, 137, 139-42, 145-7.
150. 151, 153. 154,156.158.
earl of Peterborough at, 156 159.
earl Rivers at, 165.
Valentia, lord and lady. 346.
••Vanbrugg," Mr.. 231.
Vandome, mons.. 173.

And see Vendome.
Vanhulst. Mr., mission of, 201, 202, 203.
Vatican library. See Rome.
Vaughan, captain ; 36.

Vavasour, Sir William colonel and gover-
nor of Hereford; 2. 4. 6, 8, 14. 15,
16, 17. 18.20.23.26,32.

letters from ; 8. 10. 12. 13, 19.

letters to; 9. 11. 12. 13.
Venddine ( Vandome), duke of ; 56.

his army ; 89.
Venetians, the, 184.
Venice glasses; 4, 24.
Vere. lord and lady, 250.
Vernon. Mr. ; 56. 58. 89, 190.
Versailles. 232.

letter dated from. 234.
Vesey, Mr. and Mrs.. 337. 338, 346. 347.

350, 352, 353, 358.
Vesuvius, eruption of. described, 365-368.
Victualling office, the,' 213. 215.
Vienna ; 68. 69, 78. 83, 94. 216.

envoy to. Sec Meadows.

news from, 178.
Villa de Arias (Villadarias , marquis de,

Spanish commander, 62, 117, 118.
Villars. marshal, 56, 70, 206, 237.

letter from. 238.
Villena. castle of. 170.
Villeroy, M. de ; 81 and note.
Vimar. — , proposed regiment to be given

to; 92.
Virginia, governor of. See Nott.
Virtue, Mr., 278.
Voltaire, letter from, to Edward Harley,

253 ; and see under Books.
Vrybergh (Vriebergen. Vriberg). M.. the
Dutch minister; 55, 60, 77, 82, 95.

memorial of, 182, 183.

w

Wales; 81.

association entered into by the nine

worthies of Herefordshire with

certain counties of ; 22.
Waller, sir William ; 4. 5. 6. 7. 24.

differences between, and the earl of

Essex ; 16.
Wallingford. oo. Berks ; 16.
Wallingford. lady. 285. 286. 297. 311. 332.
Wallis, Mr.; 90.
Wallop, Mr., of Hampshire, owner of

Hopton Castle ; 29. 37. 39.
Walpole, Mr. ; 141.
Walsh, Mr. ; 54.

Wanstead. co. Essex, letter dated at ; 51.
War. secretary at. 127.
Ward, Mrs. 316.
Warren, docfor. 348.
Warsop [co. Notts] ; 41. 42.
Warton. professor of poetry at Oxford.

work by. 339.
Warwick ; 35. 36.
Watford. 285.

Watson. Dr., bishop of St. David's, 52 note.
Watton (Wotton). co. Hertford, 297.
Wavre, Basse. See Basse Wavre.

INDEX.

393

Welbeck (Wellbeck). 307.

letter dated from. 218.
Wells [Bathurst] . dean of ; 57.

dean of, death of. 228.
Welsh judges, 171.

Welwyn ( Wellwyn). co. Hertford, letters
dated from, 256. 258. 261. 262.264-277.
279-287, 289. 291-329.
Wem. co. Salop ; 7.
West. James. 313, 316.

Mr.. 299, 319.
West Indies, the. See Indies.
Westbury. election at. 190.
Westcote. lord. 316.
Westminster : 41. 43, 269, 368.
Abbey. 305.

Hall ; 57. 58, 67, 79, 283.
places in : —

Charles Street, letter dated from,

312.
Cockpit, the. 172. 190. 199, 203.
213, 214.

, letter dated at ; 41.

King Street, the "Unicorn" at

the lower end of ; 43.
Pall MalWthe Pellmell;; 41.
St. James's; 78,216.224.

, letter dated at ; 93.

, chapel of, 235.

, garden of. 248, 297.

Square : 51 52.

Tothill Street, the " Blue Boar '

in; 41.
Whitehall; 43.

. duke of Portland's house

at. 300. 304, 310, 357, 358.
prebendary of, 182.
scholar, the ; 56.
school, 306.
Westmorland [Mildmay Fane, 2nd] earl
Of; 16.
[Thomas Fane. 6th] earl of ; 69.
Weymouth. 369.

Weymouth [Thomas Thynne], viscount,
325.

. garter for, 344.

. Elizabeth [Bentinck] . wife of.

324, 325, 339, 344. 315.
Wharton. — . 194.

[Thomas] . earl of, 240.
Wheeler, sir William; 59.
Whetston, — ; 63.
Whigs, the; 107, 110. 111.

in Ireland. 243, 245. 246.
Winston. Mr., 273,292.311.
Whitby, sea bathing at. 336. 349.
Wight, isle of, troops from, 199.
Wigmore Grange, letter dated at ; 8.
Wilbraham, sir Thomas ; 45. 46, 47, 48.
Wiltshire: 100.

sheriffs for, 195.
Winchendon. letter dated from, 179.
Winchester, bishop of. See Trelawney.
election at. for Oxford scholarships

318.
letters dated at ; 74. 75.

Windsor. 63. 70, 73, 75. 77, 82, 85, 87,
93, 104. 173, 174, 179. 184. 207,
212, 355, 364.
letters dated from, 57, 58. 60-63.
70-72, 83-6. 89. 90. 92-4. 99, 100,
104, 174, 175. 176. 177, 178. 180,
210, 212, 213, 218-24, 237, 23^.
240 243.
queen at. 199.
a canon of. 277.
Winter, sir John ; 12, 13.
Winton. (Wynton; [George Seton, 5th]

earl of, 187.
Withers, major-general ; 85.
Wolverhampton ; 5.

Wood, a coiner of half-pence for Ireland,
251.
Mr.. 175.
Woodhouse, colonel sir Michael, governor
of Ludlow; 29,30,32,33,34,33.39.
letter from ; 35.
his regiment ; 39.
Woodstook, 225.

Park, letter dated at ; 102.
Worcester; 34.

the '; Crown "' Inn at, 197.
Worcestershire ; 69.

gentlemen of, and the land tax. 218.
Worsley, col.. 119, 123, 133, 141.
Wotton. See Watton.
Wren. Mr.. 231.

Wright. Dr. Nathaniel, lieutenant-colonel ;
28. 32. 33, 39. 40.
his wife, wounded at Brampton Bryan ;
3.24.
Wyndham (Windham), sir William, 192,

194, 219.
Wynton. See Winton.

Yearsley, Ann, of Bristol, poemsby, 351,352
York, archbishops of. 222, 338.
Yorkshire, living in, 222.
Young, Edward, author of Night Thoughts,
etc., letters from. 254-330.
as chaplain to prince of Wales, 323.
description of, by Mrs. Montagu. 340.
mentioned in a letter from Win.

Murray. 364.
stepdaughter of. See Lee, Caroline,
son of, at Winchester and Oxford,

318, 324.
cousin of, 284.

Zeela. enemy at, 164. 170.
Zincke, an enamel by, 272».
Zinzendorf, count : 71.
Zinzerling. count envoy from the king of
Spain, 156, 177.

CIRCULAR OF THE COMMISSION.

HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION.

Public Record Office,

Chancery Lane,

London, W.C.

His Majesty the King has been pleased to ratify and
confirm the terms of the Commission issued by Her late
Majesty, appointing certain Commissioners to ascertain what
unpublished MSS. are extant in the collections of private
persons and in institutions which are calculated to throw light
upon subjects connected with the Civil, Ecclesiastical, Literary,
or Scientific History of this country; and to appoint certain
additional Commissioners for the same purposes. The present
Commissioners are : —

Sir R. Henn Collins, Master of the Rolls ; the Marquess of

Salisbury, E.G., the Marquess of Ripon, K.G., the Earl

of Crawford, K.T., the Earl of Rosebery, K.G., the Earl

of Dartmouth, Lord Edmond Fitzmaurice, M.P., Lord

Alverstone, G.C.M.G., Lord Hawkesbury, Lord Lindley,

Lord Stanmore, G.C.M.G., Sir Edward Fry, Mr.

W. E. H. Lecky, O.M., and Sir H. C. Maxwell-

Lyte, K.C.B.

The Commissioners think it probable that you may feel an

interest in this object, and be willing to assist in the attainment

of it ; and with that view they desire to lay before you an outline

of the course which they usually follow.

If any nobleman or gentleman express his willingness to
submit any imprinted book, or collection of documents in his
possession or custody, to the Commissioners, they will cause an
inspection to be made by some competent person, and should
the MSS. appear to come within the scope of their enquiry, the
owner will be asked to consent to the publication of copies or
abstracts of them in the reports of the Commission, which are
presented to Parliament every Session.

To avoid any possible apprehension that the examination of
papers by the Commissioners may extend to title-deeds or other
documents of present legal value, positive instructions are given
to every person who inspects MSS. on their behalf that nothing
relating to the titles of existing owners is to be divulged, and

11

that if in the course of his work any modern title-deeds or
papers of a private character chance to come before him, they
are to be instantly put aside, and are not to be examined or
calendared under any pretence whatever.

The object of the Commission is the discovery of unpublished
historical and literary materials, and in all their proceedings
the Commissioners will direct their attention to that object
exclusively.

In practice it has been found more satisfactory, when the
collection of manuscripts is a large one, for the inspector to
make a selection therefrom at the place of deposit and to obtain
the owner's consent to remove the selected papers to the Public
Record Office in London or in Dublin, or to the General Register
House in Edinburgh, where they can be more fully dealt with,
and where they are preserved with the same care as if they
formed part of the muniments of the realm, during the term of
their examination. Among the numerous owners of MSS. who
have allowed their family papers of historical interest to be
temporarily removed from their muniment rooms and lent to the
Commissioners to facilitate the preparation of a report may be
named : — The Duke of Rutland, the Duke of Portland, the
Marquess of Salisbury, the Marquess Townshend, the Marquess
of Ailesbury, the Marquess of Bath, the Earl of Dartmouth, the
Earl of Carlisle, the Earl of Egmont, the Earl of Lindsey, the
Earl of Ancaster, the Earl of Lonsdale, Lord Braye, Lord
Hothfield, Lord Kenyon, Mrs. Stopford Sackville, the Right
Hon. F. J. Savile Foljambe, Sir George Wombwell, Mr. le
Fleming, of Rydal, Mr. Leyborne Popham, of Littlecote, and
Mr. Fortescue, of Dropmore.

The cost of inspections, reports, and calendars, and of the
conveyance of documents, will be defrayed at the public expense,
without any charge to the owners.

The Commissioners will also, if so requested, give their
advice as to the best means of repairing and preserving any
interesting papers or MSS. which may be in a state of decay.

The Commissioners will feel much obliged if you will
communicate to them the names of any gentlemen who may be
able and willing to assist in obtaining the objects for which this
Commission has been issued.

R. A. ROBERTS, Secretary.

Ill

HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION.

REPORTS OF THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO INQUIRE WHAT PAPERS
AMI MANUSCRIPTS BELONGING TO PRIVATE FAMILIES AND INSTITUTIONS ARE
EXTANT WHICH WOULD BE OF UTILITY IN THE ILLUSTRATION OF HISTORY,
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW, SCIENCE, AND GENERAL LITERATURE.

Date.

1870
(Re-
printed
1874.)

1871

1872
(Re-
printed
1895.)

1873

First Report, with Appendix
Contents :-
England. House of Lords ; Cambridge
Colleges ; Abingdon and other Cor-
porations, <fec.
Scotland. Advocates' Library, Glas-
gow Corporation, &o.
Ireland. Dublin, Cork, and other Cor-
porations, &c.

Second Report with Appendix and
Index to the First and Second Re-
ports .....
Contents : —

England. House of Lords ; Cam-
bridge Colleges ; Oxford Colleges ;
Monastery of Dominican Friars at
Woodchester, Duke of Bedford,
Earl Spencer, &g.
Scotland. Aberdeen and St. An-
drew's Universities, &c.
Ireland. Marquis of Ormonde;
Dr. Lyons, <fec.

Third Report with Appendix and
Index .....

Contents : —

England. House of Lords ; Cam-
bridge Colleges ; Stonyhurst Col-
lege ; Bridgwater and other Cor-
porations ; Duke of Northumber-
land, Marquis of Lansdowne, Mar-
quis of Bath, &c.
Scotland. University of Glasgow :

Duke of Montrose, &c
Ireland. Marquis of Ormonde ;
Black Book of Limerick, &c.

Fourth Report, with Appendix.

Part I. - - - - -

Contents : —

England. House of Lords. West-
minster Abbey ; Cambridge and
Oxford Colleges ; Cinque Ports,
Hythe, and other Corporations,
Marquis of Bath, Earl of Denbigh,
&c.
Scotland. Duke of Argyll, &c.
Ireland. Trinity College, Dublin
Marquis of Ormonde.

Sessional
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1873

Fourth Report. Part II. Index -

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Fifth Report, with Appendix. Part I.

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Contents : —

England. House of Lords ; Oxford

and Cambridge Colleges ; Dean and

Chapter of Canterbury ; Rye, Lydd,

and other Corporations. Duke of

Sutherland, Marquis of Lansdowne,

Reginald Cholmondeley, Esq., &c.

Scotland. Earl of Aberdeen, &c.

»»

Ditto. Part II. Index

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1877

Sixth Report, with Appendix. Part I.

8 6

Contents :—

England. House of Lords : Oxford

and Cambridge Colleges ; Lambeth

Palace ; Black Book of the Arch-

deacon of Canterbury ; Bridport,

Wallingford, and other Corporations ;

Lord Leconfield, Sir Reginald Graham,

Sir Henry Ingilby, &c.

Scotland. Duke of Argyll, Earl of

Moray, &c.

Ireland. Marquis of Ormonde.

(Re-

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1879

Seventh Report, with Appendix. Part I.

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Earl of Egmont, Sir Frederick Graham,
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Duke of Athole, Marquis of Ormonde,
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1881

Eighth Report, with Appendix and Index.
Part I.

Contents : —
List of collections examined, 1869-1880.
England. House of Lords ; Duke
of Marlborough; Magdalen College,
Oxford ; Royal College of Physicians ;
Queen Anne's Bounty Office ;
Corporations of Chester, Leicester,
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Ireland. Marquis of Ormonde, Lord

[C.3040]

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College, Dublin, &c.

1881

Ditto. Part II. Appendix and Index

[C. 3040

[Out of

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i-]

print.]

Duke of Manchester.

1881

Ditto. Part III. Appendix and Index

[C. 3040

[Out oj

Contents : —

ii.l

print.]

Earl of Ashburnham.

iss;{

(Ee-

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1895.)

1S84
(Re-
printed
1895.)

1884

1883
(Re-
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1895.)
1888

1889

1892
1894
1896
1899
1899
1902

1885

1885
("Re-
printed
1895.) :

1885

1885

1885

Ninth Report, with Appendix and Index.
Part I. -
Contents : —

St. Paul's and Canterbury Cathedrals ;
Eton College ; Carlisle, Yarmouth,
Canterbury, and Barnstaple Cor-
porations, &c.
Ditto. Part II. Appendix and Index
Contents : —
England. House of Lords. Earl of
Leicester ; C. Pole Gell, Alfred Mor-
rison, Esqs., &c.
Scotland. Lord Elphinstone, H. C.

Maxwell Stuart, Esq., &c.
Ireland. Duke of Leinster, Marquis of
Drogheda, &c.
Ditto. Part III Appendix and

Index .....

Contents : —

Mrs. Stopford Sackville [re-issued as
[Cd. 1892].

Calendar of the Manuscripts of the
Marquis of Salisbury, K.G. (or Cecil
MSS.). Part I. 1306-1571. -

Ditto. Part II. 1572-1582. -
Ditto. Part III. 1583-1589. -

Ditto. Part IV. 1590-1594. -

Ditto. Part V. 1594-1596. -

Ditto. Part VI. 1596.

Ditto. Part VII. 1597.

Ditto. Part VIII. 1598.

Ditto. Part IX. 1599.

Tenth Report ....

This is introductory to the following :—

(1.) Appendix and Index

Earl of Eglinton. Sir J, S. Maxwell,
Bart., and C. S. H, D. Moray,
C. F. Weston Underwood, G. W.
Digby. Esqs.

1885
(Be- I
printed
1895.) ]

(2-

Appendix and Index
The Family of Gawdy.

(3.) Appendix and Index
Wells Cathedral.

(4.) Appendix and Index

Earl of Westmorland ; Capt. Stewart ;
Lord Stafford ; Sir N. W. Throck-
morton ; Sir P. T. Mainwaring,
Lord Muncaster, M.P., Capt. J. F.
Bagot, Earl of Kilmorey, Earl of
Powis, and others, the Corporations
of Kendal, Wenlock, Bridgnorth,
Eye, Plymouth, and the County of
Essex ; and Stonyhurst College.

(5.) Appendix and Index

Marquis of Ormonde, Earl of Fingall,
Corporations of Galway, Waterford,
the Sees of Dublin and Ossory, the
Jesuits in Ireland.

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1887

1887
1887

1887
1887

1887
1887
1887
1888

1890
1888

1888

1889
1888
1891
1889
1890
1891

1891

(6.) Appendix and Index

Marquis of Abergavenny ; Lord Braye ;
G. F. Luttrell; P. P. Bouverie ;
W. Bromley Davenport; B. T.
Balfour, Esquires.

Eleventh Beport - - - -

This is introductory to the following :—

(1.) Appendix and Index

H. D. Skrine, Esq., Salvetti Corre-
spondence.

(2.) Appendix and Index

House of Lords. 1678-1688.

(3.) Appendix and Index

Corporations of Southampton and
Lynn.

(4.) Appendix and Index

Marquess Townshend.

(5.) Appendix and Index
Earl of Dartmouth.

(6.) Appendix and Index
Duke of Hamilton.

(7.) Appendix and Index

Duke of Leeds, Marchioness of
Waterford, Lord Hothfield, &c;
Bridgwater Trust Office, Reading
Corporation, Inner Temple Library.

Twelfth Beport - - - -

This is introductory to the following : —

(1.) Appendix

Earl Cowper, K.G. (Coke MSS., at
Melbourne Hall, Derby). Vol. I.

(2.) Appendix

Ditto. Vol. II

(3.) Appendix and Index

Ditto. Vol. III.
(4. i Appendix

Duke of Eutland, G.C.B. Vol. I.
(5.) Appendix and Index

Ditto. Vol. II.
(6.) Appendix and Index

House of Lords, 1689-1690.
(7.) Appendix and Index

S. H. le Fleming, Esq., of Bydal.
(8.) Appendix and Index

Duke of Athole, K.T., and Earl
of Home.
(9.) Appendix and Index

Duke of Beaufort, K.G., Earl of
Donoughmore, J. H. Gurney, W.
W. B. Hulton, B. W. Ketton, G. A.
Aitken, P. V. Smith, Esqs. ; Bishop
of Ely ; Cathedrals of Ely, Glouces-
ter, Lincoln, and Peterborough,
Corporations of Gloucester, Higham
Ferrers, and Newark ; Southwell
Minster ; Lincoln District Begistry.

[C.5060 0 3
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1891

(10.) Appendix

The First Earl of Charlemont. Vol. I.

8vo.

["C. 6338
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1 11

1892

TniRTEENTH REPORT

This is introductory to the following : —

>'

[C.6827]

0 3

1891

(1.) Appendix

Duke of Portland. Vol. I.

(2.) Appendix and Index.

"

[C.6474]

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(3.) Appendix.

J. B. Fortescue, Esq., of Dropmore.

Vol. I.

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2 7

1892

(4.) Appendix and Index ....
Corporations of Eye, Hastings, and
Hereford. Capt. F. C. Loder-
Symonds, E. R. Wodehouse, M.P.,
J. Dovaston, Esqs., Sir T. B. Len-
nard, Bart., Bev. W. D. Macray, and
Earl of Dartmouth (Supplementary
Report).

[C.6810J

2 4

1892

(5.) Appendix and Index.

House of Lords, 1690-1691 -

,,

[C.6822]

2 4

1893

(6.) Appendix and Index.

Sir W. Fitzherbert, Bart. ; The Delaval

[C.7166]

1 4

Family, of Seaton Delaval ; Earl

of Ancaster ; and Gen. Lyttelton-

Annesley.

1893

(7.) Appendix and Index.

Earl of Lonsdale

»

[C.7241]

1 8

1893

(8.) Appendix and Index.

The First Earl of Charlemont. Vol. II.

,,

[C.7424]

1 11

1896

Fourteenth Report - ...
This is introductory to the following : —

"

[C.7983]

0 3

1894

(1.) Appendix and Index.

Duke of Rutland, G.C.B. Vol. III. -

[C.7476]

1 11

1894

(2.) Appendix.

Duke of Portland. Vol. III.

[C.7569]

2 8

1894

(3.) Appendix and Index.

Duke of Roxburghe ; Sir H. H.

[C.7570]

1 2

Campbell, Bart. ; Earl of Strath-

more ; and Countess Dowager

of Seafield.

1894

(4.) Appendix and Index.

Lord Kenyon .....

»

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2 10

1896

(5.) Appendix.

J. B. Fortescue, Esq., of Dropmore.

»!

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2 8

Vol. II.

1895

(6.) Appendix and Index.

House of Lords, 1692-1693 -

>.

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No. 18. 1903. Price 2/9.

1895

(7 ) Appendk.

Marquis of Ormonde -

,,

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Vlll

Date.

1895

(8.) Appendix and Index.

Lincoln, Bury St. Edmunds, Hertford,
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The Dean and Chapter of Wor-
cester, and of Lichfield ; The
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(9.) Appendix and Index.

Earl of Buckinghamshire ; Earl of
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Vol. II. American

Fifteenth Report - - - -
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Vol. III.

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J. Eliot Hodgkin, Esq.

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Charles Haliday, Esq., of Dublin ;
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Duke of Portland.

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IX

Date.

1899

1899

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