A.0FCA1 ^1 AV> CO 30 11 ,# c~> — . •>> ^OFCAIIFO% ^OF ^^ ,:\WEUN1VER% ;; -n C r.Eif,^ 5 f^ :^ I ) ^i ^/jaJAINIIJnV -'audiivj-jv) audiivj-iu' iui )SANCflfj> ^.OfCAllF0% ^A.0FCAIIF0%, 55 ^■ so =: %^ CAIIFO% W0^ ^SANCElfj> K % J/ \inti J !»' ? V FT-I ''■«!;, C^.^" v^ 1 i 5- - yo; ^. V ^p c /> ^^' • •p THE WENTWORTH PAPERS 1705—1739- /•ol/- 11/1,111/ isl/u . /'hi/,-., fye „e I,,//' ,'/'f7/,i,/fi '. 'Im-i ,:.;:)~,r.' ,i;-//' „,. pr //I'r (eii,/i;-X< „/^///m-Af. ^»e r/'l^ \%,;/^ ,!p/a' M. A 483 5 8^^ 1583 PREFACE. THE letters and papers from which the following selections have been made form part of the vast collection of oria^inal documents relatinof to the Earl of Strafford which has of late years been acquired by the Trustees of the British Museum. The general correspondence fills fully one hundred volumes, and there are, besides, a few volumes consisting entirely of bills, receipts, and other records of the Earl's personal expenses during the greater part of his life. Many volumes in the collection are altogether of diplomatic and official interest, others relate chieflv to the manasfement of his lar^e estates in different counties of England, while a third portion is made up of letters from his intimate friends and relatives. Although it is almost wholly from the last-named source that this work has been compiled, yet every other volume in the series has been searched, with a hope (often realised) of finding material for a note or illustration. The letters from Lord Raby to George Stepney, quoted in the Introductory Memoir, will be found in the Stepney Collection in the British Museum ; and ^ ^-^ M £ * ■*» r* VI PREFACE. the copies he preserved of a few of his own letters have assisted me a Httle in tracinor out his careeer. In transcribing the letters the original spelling has been preserved as closely as possible ; the exceptions have been only in the cases of the abbreviations of words in continual use, such as " y® " for " the," " y™ " for " them," which simply disfigure the page and render no assistance in estimating the character of the writer or the state of education at the time he lived. The methods of dating adopted by the different corre- spondents were, however, so various^ — some letters, being undated and endorsed by the recipient when abroad in countries where the New Style was in force, were especially difficult to arrange chronologically — that I thought it best to disregard entirely these pecu- liarities, and to date each letter according to the modern system in use in England since 1752. It is with much pleasure that I acknowledge my many obligations to Mr. E. Maunde Thompson, Keeper of the Department of Manuscripts in the British Museum, and to his courteous assistants in the Department, for the kind help afforded me during my examination of these Papers. J, J. c. London : November^ 1882. CONTENTS. TAGRS Introductory Memoir 1-35 Letters of Isabella, Lady Wentworth, to Lord Rary, AT Berlin (1705-1708) 39-67 Letters of Peter Wentworth, and of Lady Went- worth, &c., TO Lord Raby, at Berlin and the Hague (1708-1711) 67-131, 135-204 Chai4A€;ters of English Ministers, by Lord Raby ... 131-135 Letters of Peter Wentworth, Lady Strafford, Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Lord Bathurst, &c., to the Earl of Strafford at Utrecht and the Hague (1711-1714) 205-441 Letters of the Earl of Bute, Lord Bathurst, Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Lady Strafford, Peter Wentworth, Lord Wentworth, Ladies Anne and Lucy Wentworth, &c., to the Earl of Strafford, in England (1715-1739) 441-543 Notes on Lady Wentworth and Colonel Cecil ... 543-545 Index 547-568 ILL USTRA TION S. Portrait of Lord Strafford to face title page. View of Wentworth Castle to face p. /\,\i. Inirodttctory Memoir. SIR WILLIAM WENTWORTH, of Wentworth Wood- house, in the county of York, descended from an ancient family of that name settled in the wapentake of StrafTord before the Conquest, was created a baronet in June, 1611. He had three sons; Thomas, the eldest, who suc- ceeded his father at Wentworth Woodhouse, became the famous minister of Charles I., created in 1640 for his services Baron Raby and Earl of Strafford, and was executed on Tower Hill in May, 1641. The third son, George, settled at Woolley near Wakeiield, where his descendants still remain ; he was a distinguished soldier, received the honour of knight- hood from King Charles, and ultimately suffered severe losses from his devoted adherence to the royal cause in the Civil Wars. The second son, William, with whose descend- ants we are chiefly concerned in the present work, settled at Ashby Puerorum in Lincolnshire. He was also knighted by Charles I., and fell fighting for the king at the battle of Marston Moor, leaving a wife, who was daughter and co-heir of Thomas Savile, of Northgate Head in Wakefield, and two children. Sir William's daughter Anne married Edward Skinner of Thornton College in Lincolnshire, and his son William married Isabella, daughter of Sir Allen Apsley, treasurer of the household to James, Duke of York. Lucy Apsley, sister to Sir Allen, it is interesting to remember, married the well-known Puritan Colonel John Hutchinson, governor of Nottingham, and wrote the famous memoirs of her husband. William Wentworth, early in the reign of Charles II., also received knighthood, and inherited the B 2 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. greater part of the Savile estates in Wakefield, in right of his mother. In legal documents of the time he is usually described as of that town, but it does not appear that he was for any- considerable time a resident there, all his family, with one notable exception, having been born elsewhere. In 1672 his newly-acquired estates in Yorkshire had given him such a position in the county that he was chosen to serve the office of high sheriff ; and there is every reason for believing that during his year of office he occupied Stanley Hall, near Wakefield, at that time the property of the Pilkington family. At any rate, his son Thomas, the subject of this memoir, was born there, if we may take an assertion of that fact in one of his own letters as true. The parish registers of Wakefield prove Thomas to have been baptized in the old church of that town on September 17, 1672. Six months afterwards, that is, about the time of the termination of Sir William Wentworth's shrievalty, and of his election as member of Par- liament for Thirsk, the family moved up to London,^ where the influence of the Apsleys was sufficient to procure for Lady Wentworth, and for most of her children as they grew up, appointments of more or less value connected with the court. Of these numerous children some account is necessary, as they nearly all figure to some extent in the correspondence * Evidence of the above facts is gained from a letter of Wentworth when at Berlin in May, 1709. He is arranging for his mother to take a journey from London into Yorkshire to see his new estate at Stain- borough, and adds : — " If you have a mind to see Wakefield you may go from Strafford in the morning and come back the same night. It is not ten miles distance or else you may go there of a Saturday and lie there, and so go to church at Wakefield the Sunday, or either lie there the Sunday night or return to Strafford ; and then in the afternoon you may go from Wakefield to see ' Standly Hall,' where I was born, if your curiosity leads you to desire to see that." To which Lady Wentworth replied : — " To the best of my remembrance' your father gave ten or eleven pounds for two horses to his coach down to Wakefield .... " Your sister has been used to travel, I never but with the Court, since you was half a year old. Upon my word I pleased myself much with the fancy of seeing the house you was born in, and I wish I could see Ashby, 'and Holback' and ' Sammonby' (in Lincolnshire)." INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 3 which follows. Thomas was the second son ; but his elder brother lost his life when still a youth. The third son, Peter, one of the most regular of letter-writers to his brother, was in early life equerry to the Duke of Gloucester, Queen Anne's son, and afterwards to Prince George of Denmark, upon whose death he seems to have obtained a similar position about the person of the queen. Little else can be told of his career that cannot be gathered from his own letters, so we leave them to tell the story, with the exception of two extracts from a letter, not elsewhere quoted, which have a more direct personal reference to himself In June, 1709, when his brother Thomas was our ambassador at Berlin, he offered Peter a post under him, which he declined, mainly for the following reasons, which we give in his own words : — " I neither can speak nor write Latin, for I had no school- learning, but went from Holland, without knowing one word of Latin, immediately to the University, and there made it my business to understand a Latin author as one does a French book, for I was too far advanced in age to spend much time to make myself a grammarian, my whole design being then to qualify myself for the church, in order to which I was to employ my time to attain the sense of authors, and not stick at the order of words. Ecclesiastical history I was beginning with all my might, but then I married, which put an end to all my studies, and have improved in nothing but in children for these 10 or 12 years last past." " Besides the before-mentioned disqualification, nature gives me no assistance of any quickness of parts to hide the want of acquired ; but, on the contrary, I have an innate horrid quality of an unaccountable foolish bashfulness which is enough to spoil the most ingenious person's behaviour, and what work that would make with so dull a creature as I, in so conspicious an employment, I blush with the very thoughts of it." Peter married Juliana, daughter of Thomas Horde, of Cote, Oxfordshire, and his country house was at Henbury, Dorset- shire. It is only too evident from many letters that have been preserved, though most of them were hardly of sufficient B 3 4 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. general interest to be included in the present collection, that his advancement in life was much checked by a fatal attach- ment to the bottle. His own letters, indeed, are incoherent enough at times to justify the suspicion of it. The circum- stances of his death, not long before that of his more famous brother, as they will appear in the sequel, were very distressing. The two other sons of Sir William Wentworth, Paul and Allen, as we shall have another occasion to mention, were both killed when fighting in the Low Countries. Of the daughters Frances Arabella married Walter, Lord Bellew, of Ireland ; Anne married James Donelan, also of Ireland ; and Isabella married Francis Arundel, of Stoke Bruerne, Northampton- shire. The youngest daughter, Elizabeth, known as " Betty" to the readers of the correspondence, was living with her mother during the chief years to which the letters relate. She was married in 1722, to John, Lord Arundel, of Trerise. Of the place of Thomas Wentworth's education no record has been found, but he appears in the list of pages to Mary, the queen of James II., when only fourteen years old, his mother at the same time holding the post of bedchamber woman to her majesty. Sir William was evidently in high favour with the king, for a news letter of September, 1686, records that, on the marriage of his daughter to Lord Bellew, " an Irish Papist," James made her a present of 3,000/. Lord Bellew, we may note, remained faithful to the king after his flight, and fought for his cause in Ireland at the battle of Aughrim, where he was severely wounded and taken prisoner; his wounds, indeed, were so serious that they brought about his death within a few months after his release. It does not appear that Sir William Wentworth's attachment to his Catholic master was so steadfast ; for, after the Revolution, we are told* a cornet's commission was bought for his son * The main facts which follow of Thomas Wentworth's early career a.r(t gathered from a memoir attached to the Stepney Correspondence in the British Museum, and from a paper in his own handwriting drawn up apparently about the time of his threatened impeachment in 17 15, with a view no doubt to set forth his many services to his country. A few portions of these materials are quoted literally. It will be sufficient to INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 5 Thomas in the regiment of horse commanded by Lord Colchester, afterwards Earl Rivers ; the commission was signed by the Prince of Orange on December 31, 1688, before he was declared king. His elder brother William, who had been very active in the Revolution, and had been recom- mended to the notice of the prince and of Marshal Schomberg, had a troop in this regiment. Very soon after his appoint- ment the young cornet was sent into the Highlands with the expedition against Dundee, in which service he suffered great fatigues, the detachment being unprovided with tents and many other necessaries, " After having been marched back- wards and forwards for several months, and having been in many engagements with the enemy, he was sent by General Mackay in charge of the sick and wounded upon less ex- hausting duties, it being wondered at, particularly by the general, that so young a man was capable of bearing such fatigues." The regiment was soon afterwards ordered to Flanders, and served in all the campaigns in that country till the Peace of Ryswick in 1697, In August, 1692, before the battle of Steinkirk, VVentworth was in the detachment forming the vanguard, which marched all night and came close to the French camp, the soldiers of which were quiet in their tents ; he saw them in confusion and surprise turn out, mount their horses, and form their line of battle. Unfor- tunately the main body of William's army was left far behind, and the detachment was ordered to halt for its approach, which was not for many hours afterwards. This delay caused the king to meet with a severe repulse from the French. The vanguard charged the enemy several times, and Wentworth's squadron was reduced from 250 to 43 men; in the struggle he received a contusion on his ankle from a spent ball, which lamed him for some time. The same vanguard made the rear guard to the army in their retreat, and did not get into camp till break of day next morning. " Dompre, the lieu- refer the reader to Lord Macaulay's History for more picturesque details of the campaigns in which Wentworth bore his part ; as well as for the description of the magnificent embassy of Lord Portland to Paris, which was Lord Raby's first introduction to diplomatic life. 6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. tenant-general of the Dutch troops, who commanded the vanguard, told the king that there was a young cornet who did miracles, and, having ascertained his name, commended him to his majesty for promotion, as he very well deserved it." Upon which the king commanded Dompre to bring Went- worth to him, and said that the general had given him such a character that he might depend upon an early promotion in the service. In the succeeding winter William Wentworth died at Brussels of a fever contracted on night guard, and we are told that his brother at once rode to Breda after the king to beg the vacant troop, but he was too late, for it had been already given to Major Moreton, afterwards Lord Ducie. In the next campaign he was assigned a place in the king's quarters, and became aide-de-camp to his majesty, serving as such at the disastrous battle of Landen on July 19, 1693. He was one of the four officers with the king that passed the Mehaigne after the army was put to flight, and he lay all night in an orchard near the little house, where William and the Elector of Bavaria slept on straw. At a place near Louvain, where the king dined the next day, " he desired some great man to rise and make room for Mr. Wentworth, saying, * Pray let us who continued in the battle and all night together dine together.' " In October of this year he was promoted to be a guidon or major of the first troop of guards, and the king, as a further mark of attachment, gave him more profitable employment as a groom of the bedchamber. We next hear of Wentworth in attendance on the king at the siege of Namur, through the month of July, 1695 ; his brother Paul, a lieutenant in the foot guards, was killed there in the attack on the counterscarp. Sir William Wentworth died in July, 1692, so that, on the death of his cousin William, second Earl of Strafford, Thomas inherited the second title of Lord Raby, the earldom being extinct, and took his seat in the House of Lords in November, 1695. For some family reasons, now difficult to fathom, the earl had not thought fit to secure any portion of his estate to the future holder of his second title, and had devised nearly the whole of it to his nephew, Thomas Watson, second son INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 7 of Lord Rockingham. Watson thereupon changed his name to Wentworth, and from his descendants the present Earl FitzwilHam derives Wentworth Woodhouse, and many estates in Yorkshire and in Ireland. This disposition of the Strafford property was no doubt a sad blow to the successor in the empty title, and throughout life he seems to have been an open enemy to the more fortunate branch of the family ; of this we shall find evidence enough in the correspondence hereafter to be quoted. In 1697 the command of the Royal Regiment of Dragoons was conferred upon Lord Raby, and early in the year fol- lowing he accompanied Lord Portland on his embassy to Paris. When King William went to meet the Duke of Zell at the Goor he was one of the few courtiers selected to attend him. " There he escaped a most eminent danger at a great hunt. Being a young man of daring courage, he singly attacked a wild boar, who, at his second thrust, threw him down, ript his breeches from the knee to the waistband, tore his shirt and some part of his flesh, and would have gored him to death had not the king sent two huntsmen to his relief, who with their spears killed the furious animal upon him." In July, 1699, a commission was issued, with Lord Raby at the head, to inquire into some riots in the Lincolnshire fens, which had led to vast injury to the land there, the banks having been thrown down, and many thousand acres sub- merged by the sea. Frederick the Elector of Brandenburgh was crowned first King of Prussia in 1701, and William dispatched Lord Raby at the head of a special mission to offer his congratulations, and also to make a reconciliation between the two monarchs in a matter arising from the imprisonment and disgrace of Danckelmann, claimed as a Dutch subject. He left England early in April, but his journey to Berlin was but slow ; for on May 9 Sir Charles Hedges acknowledges a letter from him at Hanover, and on May 20 his first letter from Berlin " with an account of your having had audience of the King and Queen of Prussia, and of the young prince, and of the 8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. civilities showed you by their majesties, which is suitable to the respect they have for the King our Master, and your Lordship's own character." His mission was quite successful, and later events show that he made himself very popular with the new king. On June 3, 1701, Sir Charles Hedges, secretary of state, writes, " I am glad to find that you are parting with that court with so much mutual satisfaction." Shortly afterwards the war with France again broke out, and it was during Lord Raby's absence on the duty of seeing his regiment embark for Flanders that the king had the un- fortunate accident which so soon ended his life. Raby speedily returned to the bedside of his patron and friend, and was with him every day till his death. " On kissing hands at the accession of Queen Anne, he told her he had lost all his employments with the loss of the king, except his regiment of dragoons, which he came to offer her to dispose of to some other she might think more deserving ; on which her majesty was pleased to reply, ' My Lord Raby, I commend your concern for the king, but am sorry you should offer to resign your regiment, since, were it now vacant, I know no man in England I would sooner give it to than you, for I know you deserve it.' " In July, 1702, Lord Raby appears with his regiment in Flanders, but the following letter to him, in his great com- mander's own hand, shows him not unwilling to abandon the military profession for something more independent and profitable. " Camp of Assenlen, July 5, 1702. " Sir, — I have every day sence I had the favour of yours been in expectation of an opertunity of sending to Bolduck or else you shou'd have heard sooner. Althoe I have re- ceived three names from England which her Ma*^ is pleas'd to desire my thoughts which might be proprest for the Government of Jamaca, and having made an answer before I had yours, yet I have not fail'd of sending your desire, which I cou'd wish might succeed since it wou'd be of soe much consequence to you. I may tell you that one of the three INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 9 has desired to be excused from going which is my Lord Cutts, another that is here is very indifferent, so that I hope that it may not be disposed of till they know your desires. " I desire you wou'd send to Coll. Ross, that he may take care to send you your two new troops, which I am very glad you desire, for I believe I shall be obliged very spedily to send for you to join the army. — I am with truth, &c., " MARLBOROUGH." A few days after the date of this letter he receives signed orders from the duke to join the train of artillery under Colonel Charles Ross at Bois-le-duc with his Royal Regiment of Dragoons, and march with them to the Grave — by^" the Grave" being meant a fortified town in Holland of that name, and not the place of interment naturally suggesting itself to most readers in such a connexion. Lord Raby took an active part in this year's campaign, had his horse shot under him at Helchteren, and at the storming of the citadel of Liege lost his youngest brother Allen, who had been one of the late king's pages. We find nothing more in the Wentworth correspondence relating to Jamaica, but Luttrell in his " Diary of State Affairs," under date 1702, Sept. 8, writes, " I am told Major-General Ingoldsby has declined the government of Jamaica, and that her majesty has given it to Lord Raby," and on Sept. 12 he states that his commission to be governor is passing the seals. If this were true, the intentions of the queen were soon afterwards changed, for upon his return from Flanders in November, " the Duke of Marlborough," to quote what appears to be Lord Raby s own account of the matter — "having tried in vain to persuade him to go on a mission to the King of Prussia (who urgently desired to have him again at his court), carried him one morning to the queen and said, ' Madam, you know how necessary it is to our service to have Lord Raby at Berlin ; I cannot prevail with him to go, but I hope he will not deny your majesty, if you desire it of him,' The queen pressed it in the most obliging manner, and assured him she would take it so kindly of him ; she promised him to take care that lO THE WENTWORTH PAPERS, he had his promotion in the army as it present, and he should have the nomination of all officers' appointments that should become vacant in his regiment, and that my Lord Marlborough would see her promise performed." That the appointment was gratifying to the King of Prussia is plainly shown by the letter he himself addresses in French to Lord Raby on February 28, 1703, wherein he expresses the great pleasure with which he has learnt that his sister, the Queen of England, has chosen him for envoy at the court of Berlin, and signs himself " Votre tres affec- tionne, Frederick, R." Lord Raby reached the Hague on his way to Berlin on May 8. From Cologne on May 19 he writes to Hedges that he had dined with the Duke of Marlborough at Bonn, and had discussed the affairs of Prussia with him ; he appears at Hanover on May 29, and reached Berlin about June 9. From Lord Raby's private letters during his residence at Berlin we get many glimpses of life at the newly-fledged royal court. The following extracts from them may be given :* — To George Stepney, minister at Vienna, he writes in September, 1703: — "With much ado we persuaded the Electress to a very pretty entertainment, prepared by Madlle. Pelnitz last night in the gardens of Lutzenburg. It was very prettily con- trived, with a noble representation of clouds for Apollo, with fine music ; ill verses made by the Ahh6 Morow, and dances by the Margrave, the two young princesses and all the court. I think the Electress begins to recover her looks since the loss of her son, which had extremely altered her." 1703. — Nov. 3. "We have had a great deal of diversion this week, especially your humble servant, who, besides the king's dining with me, have had some fine, and some of the prettiest, ladies in town, invited themselves to sup and dance * As most of the extracts are printed from copies of the letters pre- served by Lord Raby, not from the originals, the spelling of many words has been modernised. INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. II with me, two nights after the king dined with me, which was trouble enough, for tho' his majesty came extreme private, yet so many followed him, that I was forced to have five or six tables. He was so good to invite himself too, for I am always afraid of too great honours, which occasions too great expense ; and, as for the dancing, you know what a trouble seven or eight women, with as many men, make." 1704. June 7. " I dined yesterday at Madame la Grande Chamballan's with the Princess of Anhalt, who is a very civil agreeable old woman with a great deal of fire for her age. She is now at Potsdam and I believe her daughter * Hanerette ' with her whose shape is good still, but her face red and quite spoiled." The two next letters refer to the visit of the Duke of Marlborough after the battle of Blenheim : — 1704. November 18. To Mr. Whitworth, our Minister in Russia. " The Duke of Marlborough having desired me to speak to the Grand Chambellan who is hereditary postmaster here to order relays to be ready for him in his Prussian Majesty's territories, he has accordingly given the necessary orders for everything to be in a readiness on the road, and his majesty's own horses will be sent to bring the Duke some of the last stages. They intend to receive him with all the honours due to his quality and high merits, and the great glory he has so justly acquired in the empire. They have given particular directions for his reception in all the great towns, and for firing the cannon where he passes ; and the Hotel des Ambassadeurs is preparing here for his lodging and entertainment. The Prince Royal expresses a great impatience to have the Duke here both for the desire he has of seeing the person of so great a General and particularly because his majesty has given his highness hopes that he may set forward on his travels soon after the Duke has been here." 12 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. To Stepney Lord Raby sends the following account of the great Duke's entertainment at Berlin : — " 1704. Nov. 29. The Prince Royal set out last Thursday morning early towards Hanover as he had proposed, but the Duke of Marlborough could not get away from hence till yesterday towards the evening, but hopes to be at Hanover on Monday next ; and after two or three days' stay there to make all possible haste to the Hague. The Duke has been regaled in an extraordinary manner here, the King, his court and ministers and people of all degrees striving to express the great satisfaction they had in seeing his Grace at Berlin. His Majesty besides lodging and entertaining the Duke and his attendants in the Hotel des Ambassadeurs gave his Grace very noble presents, as a hat with diamond button and loop, and a diamond hatband valued at between 20 and 30,000 crowns and two fine saddle horses out of his stables, with very rich furniture, besides several other marks of his bounty and generosity. Mr. Cardonnel had a present of about 740 ducats, Col. Durel one of about 350, and Col. Parks who came along with his Grace had likewise a purse of about 200 ducats. The Duke while here was generally entertained by the King, Queen, and Prince Royal and chief ministers, unless when he did me the favour of eating with me, where at the last supper I gave, the Duke, the King, and his brother did me the honour to come. His Grace has given great satisfaction here with that affable obliging be- haviour which answers all his other extraordinary qualifica- tions, and he is extremely contented with this court, and the success he has had in his negociations which will appear to be much for the advantage of the common cause .... I am proud that my letter to the Secretary brought the Duke hither and he succeeded according as I had sent word he would ; being a young envoy I must let my brethren know when I hit right. The honours they did him at Spandau had like to have thrown him and me into the water, for it being night when w-e passed that fortress the light of the cannon frightened my young horses and they had like to INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 1 3 have sprung over the bridge; for the Duke desired I'd go alone with him thither that we might talk of what was done and what was next to be done." Among the Godolphin Papers in the British Museum is a long letter from Lord Raby to Godolphin, dated Nov. i6, 1704, in which he says that though he has always laughed at those chemists " who pretend to make or extract gold where nature has placed none," and he was very cautious what propositions he submitted to his lordship, " whose nice pene- tration and judgment will quickly see what are reasonable and what are fictions," yet he cannot help laying before him a " seeming extravagant proposal " from a man of very good estate in Prussia, and related to two or three chief ministers there. The proposal is set forth at great length, and with apparent good faith, by Lord Raby : — " out of a marke of fine silver which is worth about 50 shillings he will extract every two months the worth of a ducat in gold, and the silver shall not be diminished," the ducat being valued at 9s. 6d. in England — and the author of it, of whose honour and perfect sanity Lord Raby seems fully assured, is anxious to get over to England, unknown to his family and the Prussian Government, to carry out his discovery of this possible transmutation of metals on a very large scale. There is another letter on the subject dated February 4, 1705, which begins — " I could not but smile at the conclusion of your Lordship's letter, that you should mention my being ever an instrument of making your fortune ; but it may very well happen, and I hope it will, that your Lordship may make mine, which wants greatly an addition ; and if this project hits or fails, I shall rely upon your lordship's favour to make mine, for I am sure you shall ever find me a faithful humble servant of yours. The gentleman grew very impatient for an answer, and is now extremely pleased with yours." After giving a few more particulars of this wonderful project, he desires Lord Godolphin to keep the whole matter secret, for the sake of Lord Raby's reputation if it fails, and for the man's sake if it 14 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. succeeds, whose head or liberty at least is at stake. This is the last we hear of the matter. Stepney was noted at the time for some very indifferent verse-making, upon which Lord Raby grounds a very neatly- turned compliment, worth quoting for its accompanying reference to a writer of wider fame : — " 1705. February' 7. I would have sent you ' Les Memoires de la cour de Vienne,' but the bookseller has it not at present. I thank you for your Latin inscription as it is altered and hope to see it upon the pillar or statue which is to be set up in Marlborough Square, that posterity may see that we had not only as great heroes as the Romans but as good writers. I am impatient for those verses you promise me of Prior's, who has an excellent knack of writing pleasant things and tells a story in verse the most agreeable that ever I knew." Early in the year 1705, Frederick's Queen, Sophie Dorothee, sister of the Prince who succeeded to the English throne as George I., died suddenly at Hanover ; and on February 1 1 Lord Raby writes to his cousin, Mrs. Hanbury ; — "You would laugh heartily to see me in the mourning I am in at present for the Queen of Prussia. I have a crape hat band which, when my hat is on, trails two yards on the ground, so when it is off you may judge how long it is. Then I wear a long black cloak down to my feet, before which is a train belling {?) of three yards long, and my page holds up my train as the ladies ; and my long crape hat band looks like the veils the ladies used to wear. Nothing is so dismal as the court, where you see abundance of gentlemen all in the same dresses. The King's cloak is seven yards long. The ladies come to court to see the King in black veils and black head clothes, with black crape peaks over their foreheads, and all their faces covered with black veils ; and you must imagine all this company in a great room covered top and bottom with black and but four candles in it. To make it more dismal the Queen's body lies in state at Hanover and INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 1$ is to be brought hither, where she is to He upon a bed of state, dressed out as when she was alive, till September next, when she is to be buried." To Brigadier Cadogan he writes, on February 24 : — " News I have not a word to send you from hence, and intriguing in this place is dull in the action, and would be much more in the relation ; besides, you know none of our demt monde here, who are all, at present, under the cloud of large black veils, for our mourning for the late Queen is very deep here, and indeed this Court has lost its chiefest orna- ment and diversion, for she was a princess of extraordinary qualities. All her fault was she had too much wit, and could not spare her friends, which made her enemies. Her husband mourns as all other husbands used to do ; he cried and took on extremely at first, wears a long black cloak, but his grief wears off apace. He sighs when he talks of his Queen in public, and smiles in private when they tell him of marrying again. The eldest sister of the King of Sweden seems to be the fairest in view at present, but he has a mind his son should have the youngest, and does not know well how to reconcile that matter, though some tell him a father and son may marry two sisters." And to his aunt, Lady Bathurst, 6 June, 1705 : — " We are making great preparation here for the late Queen of Prussia's funeral, which is to be in about a fortnight's time, and my house stands in the street where the corpse and pro- cession is to pass, and you will judge how fine the show is to be when I tell you that my footmen are oft"ered £^ English for to let out the two windows that is in the room below stairs where they eat ; and I am so barbarous a Prince that to their affliction I will not give them leave to take money because it is in my house. Her poor mother, the Electress of Hanover, seems still much afilicted for the Queen, and since I have been out of town she has writ me a very melancholy 1 6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. letter, and expresses her grief more strongly in this than in the first she writ me in answer to my letter of condolence." To his sister, Mrs. Donelan, Lord Raby writes on the same subject on July 21 : — " I could wish you here, for we have a very fine town and a great deal of magnificence, and have lately had the finest funeral of our deceased Queen that could be seen ; for with- out story we had the biggest church in the town hung with black velvet and all gold fringes and laces, besides, the roof within was all embroidered with gold and silver, and the vastest quantity of wax lights that could be seen ; the Queen of England's was nothing to it all. The outside of the King's palace, which is a large one, was hung with black cloth, and all the streets was covered with black cloth, where the procession went. The ladies were all drest in white holland with vast long trains which looked very pretty and odd. The pall and the canopy over it were the finest things that could be seen, being all cloth of brocade gold and em- broidered with the richest fringes. I can't tell you half the finery, and if I should you'd hardly believe me, so I shall leave this subject." . . . Of Marlborough's next visit to Berlin, at the end of November 1705, he writes to Stepney : — "The King was so complaisant that he would not let me have the honour of lodging him, as you had, and it was with much ado that I got Lord Sunderland and him to one dinner and one supper. All the rest of the time was invitations to the Veltmarshal's, the Grand Chamberlain's, and the last night the King treated the Duke at a little table in the Queen's apartment, and we were but seven at table ; all was indeed very well ordered ; we had a list of what wines we would call for, there was sixty-four sorts, thirty-two of ' tockay ' — all, I believe, very good, for we drank of several sorts which were so. In short, the Duke was in extreme good humour, and I believe went away well satisfied that his sword was not so long a making INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. I7 here as his staff is at Vienna ; and Lord Sunderland pro- tested to me that the present he had from the Emperor was not worth seeing." Interesting evidence of the state in which our embassy at Berlin at this time was kept up Is given us by a list, which has been preserved, of Lord Raby's so-called "family" in the month of December, 1705. From this we learn that the household consisted in all of sixty-four persons, whose names and positions are for the most part denoted. First on the list are Mr. Tilson, secretary to the Embassy, and Mr. Mogg and Mr. Powell, gentlemen. The chaplain ranks apparently between the maitre d'hotel and the English valet. Then come a French valet, housekeepers, a confectioner, " soumillier," butler, " gargon de cave," a master cook, second cook, and three others ; six pages, three running footmen, one of them "Black a moor"; twenty footmen, "including Dutch John, French John, and Simon the Dane"; two grooms with five English saddle-horses, three coachmen, viz. — " Peter with the eight brown horses, Efrem with the eight bay horses, and another with the six light-brown horses," and a postilion with each coachman. Early in 1706 Lord Raby was advanced from the humbler post of envoy to the more dignified position of ambassador extraordinary at Berlin, and made a grand entry into the city in that capacity in April, 1706; and in the same year an opportunity was given Lord Raby of renewing for a few months his experiences of military life, for the King of Prussia was absent from Berlin for some time on a visit to Holland. On June 8, 1706, he writes to Stepney: — " I shall follow the King to Cleves . . . The marriage of the Princess of Hanover with our Prince I now think sure, and you see our march like the proverb, — " better be at the end of a feast than the beginning of a fray"; and from Wesel, on June 25, we learn, that having received letters from the Duke of Marl- borough and from England, which encourage him to take a step to the army, he was resolved to go thither for some days. From the camp at Helchin, July 22, he writes : — C 1 8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. " I hope future behaviour may make our dilatory pro- ceedings (not to give it a worse name) at the beginning of this campaign forgot. By the extreme good management of Mons. Geldermassen, to save the pence of the States, his masters, I believe our siege of Menin will be retarded longer than one could wish. 'Twill be invested to-morrow, and then the troops are to strive, by breaking the sluices above the town, to force that in the town, that the Lice (Ley) may have water enough to bring the artillery from Gand ; else we must bring it up the Scelve (Sceldt) to this place, from whence we shall have about four hours by land to draw it before the town. " The French will have at least 40 battalions and about 20 squadrons more than we ; the fierty (sic) and vast opinion the Duke of Vandome's successes in Italy, and the French king's letter calling him from thence, have given him, may make him think of coming out to face us, which, if he does, the Duke of Marlborough is resolved to attack him. So we shall soon see the fate of our campaign ; for, if he skulks behind rivers, as I believe he will, a town or two more than this we have besieged will be the utmost of our operations this summer. I will stay a little longer here to see which way this scheme turns." At this time Lord Raby was so much in esteem with Marl- borough that the duke had him in frequent consultation about military matters, and during the siege of Menin he did not miss one day going into the trenches ; on one occasion his German page was shot dead by his side. He also accom- panied the duke in his coach to visit the trenches and the advanced works connected with the siege of Ostend, then being carried on by the Dutch General Overkirk. When General Cadogan commanded a grand forage within a mile of Tournay, with 6,000 foot and 800 horse, Lord Raby went with him as a volunteer. The French, however, had despatched a large force to intercept them, and the two English generals attempted to cover the retreat of the main body by charging the enemy with several squadrons ; they INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 1 9 succeeded in getting their dragoons in good order some distance away, but in passing through a narrow defile a bold effort was made by some French hussars to cut them off from the rest of the troops. In the close struggle which ensued Raby and Cadogan were hustled into a ditch together. Lord Raby's horse sprang quickly out again, and bore him away, after a little more fighting, to a place of safety, where he rallied his men and soon beat the hussars back ; but, in the mean time Cadogan, who had fallen off his horse, had been taken prisoner. General Webb, with a regiment of foot, also marched up to the rescue ; but the hussars, satisfied with their little success, soon put themselves and their prisoners beyond reach in Tournay. An interesting letter, written by Cadogan when still a prisoner to his brother general, has been preserved, and may be quoted at length : — " My dear Lord, " I received with all the pleasure imaginable the honour of your Lordship's obliging letter. I assure your L >rdship the greatest pain I had when I was taken was my apprehension for your Lordship's safety, which I was not assured of till my Trumpet came in the evening. I was thrust by the crowd I endeavoured to stop into a ditch on the right of the way we passed ; with great difficulty I got out of it, and with greater good fortune escaped falling into the hussars' hands who first came up with me. A little resistance I persuaded some few of the dragoons I had before made alight {sic), and who could not get to their horses, saved them and me, since it made us fall to the share of the French carabiniers, who followed their hussars and dragoons, from whom we met with quarters and civility, bating their taking my watch and money. My Lord Duke has been so extremely kind as to propose exchanging the Marquis de Croissy for me, so I hope my prison will not be of very long continu- ance. My most humble services to Comte Maffey. I cannot end my letter without repeating how much joy I had to hear of your Lordship's being well, and 'tis a very sensible satis- C 2 20 THE VVENTWORTH PAPERS. faction to me in my own misfortune that your Lordship, who was so near falHng into the same, escaped it. " I am, &c., "Wm. CADOGAN. "Helchin, 17 August!'' Cadogan was soon released on parole by Marshal Vendome, and afterwards exchanged for Baron Palavicini, a French general captured at Ramilies. Marlborough's letters at this time show his great uneasiness until he knew that Cadogan was not killed, " for he loved me and I could rely upon him." Lord Raby did not return to Berlin until January in the following year, and for some time after that there is little worthy of record. A brief glimpse of affairs when Harley and his party were turned out of office, is afforded us in the following letter written to Cadogan, dated March 10, 1708 : — " Condoling those turned out and congratulating those put into the Secretary's office (for I go no further) has taken up nil my time to-night, so that I can't be as troublesome to you as I designed ; and yet I must ask you this question entirely entre nous : How comes it that Lord Treasurer [Godolphin] and my lord Duke were so violent against Harley and all his party, for I thought you told me that Harry St. Johns and his gang were all entirely my lord Duke's. Stories fly about here as if the Queen should have told Lord Treasurer she had rather part with him than Secretary Harley, and that upon that the Duke of Marlborough told the Queen he'd lay down his employments if Mr. Harley was not turned out. I find by all my letters that the Court has been in a great ferment for some time past. — Believe me," &c. Between May and September, 1708, Lord Raby visited England, one object he had in view being the completion of the purchase of another estate in Yorkshire, whereon he could erect a seat suitable to his growing dignity and im- proved circumstances. The old home of the Cutler family, at Stainborough, near Barnsley, was at this time in the INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 21 market, and he purchased it, one of the many attractions of the spot being that it was not far distant from the ancestral seat of Wentworth Woodhouse, now possessed by his obnoxious relative, Watson Wentworth. But his views on this and other personal matters are best shown in his own words, preserved in a copy of a letter to Cadogan, of inor- dinate length, from which the following extracts will be sufficient : — "Berlin, i6 February^ 1709. " . . . . I need not remind you of my misfortune of growing old in a foreign country, being in inaction when all the world are in arms and seeking honour ; and that I have served constantly from 16 years of age in the army, and have lost 3 brothers I need not either tell you that my coming hither was at the Duke of Marlborough's request, nor that his Grace did not only promise, but swore to me he would take care it should be to my advantage ; and if after I had been here 3 years I desired it, I might return again to the army This he told me in the House of Lords, and gave me a week's time to consider whether I would come hither or no, and pressed me again to it, before I took the resolution. He presented me to the queen, saying more in my favour than I deserved I need not repeat what passed when I was two years ago in the army, nor how my staying there with his Grace's approbation had like to turn to my greatest misfortune. You know all the intrigues that passed at that time concerning me, and tho' great pains had been taken here as well as in England, to show me that my Lord Duke was entirely for removing me from this court, yet I can protest to you I was so far from taking it ill, that considering the information he had from hence and from Holland, that I thought him extremely in the right had things been as they were represented to him Since I returned (from England) I have complained to him (the Duke) that I could not obtain one distinguishing mark of her majesty's approbation of my services, though she re- ceived me the kindliest imaginable, and gave me all the 22 THE WENTWORTH TAPERS. assurances I could desire of her satisfaction and inclination to recompense me. The two things I desired were indeed but feathers, and one a sort of a right, which was to be a Privy Councillor, which no ambassador was ever refused ; and tho' both the Queen and Lord Treasurer promised it me when the embassy was ended, yet I own I had much rather it had been done then, which was all I writ to the Duke about that matter ; . . . . but the other, of being made Earl of Strafford, is what a word's speaking may get done for me now, and with being the head of the Wentworth family, who has so much deserved the keeping of that title in it, I have a very good pretension to ask it ; since the Duke's only objection formerly was that I had not estate eno' to support it, and that I have now 4,000/. a year of my own, I think this is no more an objection. Nay, I have bought a pretty estate very nigh him who the late Lord Strafford made his heir, which with what I had before in that country, I have almost as much land in Yorkshire as he has, and am sure I have a much better interest in that country ; nor can I think the consideration of him can be any bar to me, since he can have no pretensions like mine, and is one that has been and ever will be against the court and the ministry, let them do what they can for him " I know 'tis thought by many that I have a fine post here, but I am weary of it. I grow old in a strange country, and am forgot by my friends in England ; besides, I lose my interest in the House of Lords, where I might say, without vanity, I had more interest when I came away than any young lord in England. And what do I get here } I spend more than the Queen's pay, and see no prospect of getting out honourably. My Lord Duke takes no notice of designing me one of the plenipotentiaries at the general peace, to which I have all the right imaginable. In England all the good places are given as soon as they fall, that an absent man can get nothing ; and in the army the Duke seems not inclined to let me come again, tho' I would subscribe to anything he should propose, if he would let me serve again. Here I want all your friendship ; for God's sake, counsel me what I INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 23 shall do. I would not be importunate to my Lord Duke, and I would not live in despair. Let my Lord but say whether he ever thinks of me, or what he designs to do for me, how long he would have me continue here, and if he thinks me so arrantly good for nothing that I never could be able to make any figure in my country, and whether amongst so many servants so great a man as he must have, I may not be thought capable to be one. England is upon such a foot that the greatest and best of men can't have too many friends. My great-uncle, my Lord Strafford, left it *as a maxim to our family, that an Englishman can't have too many friends, and that people in power should not disoblige the least groom, since no man can tell how things may turn, ' for,' said he, at the time of his trial, ' Lord, how many do I see who I thought most insignificant, who now sits the heaviest upon me.' .... I must conclude with protesting that if I am so unfortunate as that at last, I must find myself baulked of all my hopes, after spending my youth, hazarding daily my life, losing my brothers and not bettering my fortune by the service, I can retire contentedly, and live upon what my birth gave me, even if I should lose what the late king, my great and glorious master, gave me ; and, pray believe me, the uncertainty of my circumstances now makes me more uneasy than the being reduced to live at last upon what I have can make me then, since I am satisfied I have not merited either mistrust or neglect from any one, espe- cially from my Lord Duke of Marlborough, whom I have ever truly loved and honoured " In another letter to Cadogan, written three days later, he points out that Lord Herbert is just dead, who was a Com- missioner of Trade, " which is an employment, has been given to ministers abroad, for Lord Lexington and Mr. Stepney had it whilst they were at Vienna " ; and he expresses his be- lief that Marlborough might easily get this for him. Cadogan's reply to this impassioned appeal was guarded enough ; — 24 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. "Brussels, 12 March, 1709. "My Lord, — Tho' 'tis some time past since I had the honour of your Excellency's letter, yet I deferred answering it till I had a proper occasion of entertaining my Lord Duke at large about the contents of it, which my waiting on him to Ostend, where he embarked last Friday, furnished. I am infinitely obliged to your Excellency for the entire confidence you are pleased to have in me, — 'tis the greatest and best mark of friendship, and which I assure your Excellency I shall always endeavour to deserve. As to your Excellency's being personally well with my Lord Duke, I believe you may certainly depend on it. I have always heard him mention your Lordship with friendship and esteem, and, upon my pressing, as far as was convenient, an eclaircissement on the occasion of your letter, his Grace expressed himself with kindness for your person and regard for your merit. As to what relates to parties in England, 1 have ever avoided speaking to my Lord Duke on that subject, and I always found his Grace declined, as much as he could, meddling in any domestic matters, or disposal of civil employments, con- fining himself to the business of the war wholly, or such foreign affairs as have a relation and connexion with it. As to what concerns your Excellency's interests or pretensions in the army, I can sincerely protest I never omitted any favour- able opportunity of improving, as far as was in my power, the good opinion my Lord Duke has with justice ever had of your Excellency ; and for your rank in the army, which was properly what lay in my Lord Duke's province, your Excel- lency was never forgot ; and I believe on all occasions when my Lord Duke can show his particular value for you, you will receive all the marks you can desire, which his Grace repeated to me several times " To which Lord Raby replied on the 26th March, after a profusion of thanks, " I shall always own myself most obliged to his Grace for the justice he has done me in my promotion in the army, tho' he should not think fit to do anything else for me ; and you must give me leave as a friend to tell you, INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 25 that I believe you laugh at me, when you say that his Grace docs not meddle in any domestic matters or disposal of civil employments, for I believe all England as well as myself are assured of the contrary ; tho' 'tis the same thing whether his Grace can't or won't do anything for me, I can't but solicit and press my friends to do the same things for me, amongst whom I do really count you one of the chiefest, and flatter myself that what you have left unsaid in my behalf you will add in writing ; nor need I repeat that my request is one of these, — either Commissioner of Trade or Earl of Strafford, — tho' I must add another thing which I think I have all the just pretensions to imaginable, which is to be Ambassador and Plenipotentiary at the General Peace, which, since I must return, is the most honourable for me, and the best pretence for the Government to remove me. ..." Writing on April 2, Cadogan says : — " Touching the pre- tensions you have to be Earl of Strafford, I think it extremely just, and that both your birth and services give you an undoubted right to such a favour," and he promises to do all he can with the Duke. His ambition was not, however, destined to be gratified for two or three years yet to come. The power of Marlborough to help him, supposing the will was not wanting, was growing weaker every day, and it was from the Tory party that the coveted distinction was ulti- mately obtained. In the summer of 1709 the King of Denmark and the King of Poland paid a visit to Berlin at the same time, and honoured the English ambassador there with their presence at a grand dinner, the King and Queen of Prussia being also entertained. His later movements that year are shown in a letter written to his aunt, Lady Bathurst, in the January following : — " After treating my Kings and a Queen I set out for Italy, and overran all that glorious agreeable country in two months time. I was above six weeks sick in bed in Rome of a violent fever I got by the excessive heats in travelling thither 26 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. in the dog-days." He bought there a great number of pic- tures, " which, though it cost me a great deal, yet it is a furniture for me and my posterity. I have about 30 pictures, most part originals by the best hands or the copies by good painters after the best pictures in Rome, and had I had time there I should have ruined myself with buying up such sort of curiosities." To his kinsman Sir William Wentworth, of Bretton, whom when making the grand tour he had often met in the preceding year, he writes on February 25, in reply to a hope expressed of drinking " a glass of good ale or strong beer at Strafford Hall " — the name of Wentworth Castle was not given to his seat in Yorkshire for some years afterwards : — " I am going on as hard as I can drive with my building and am at last persuaded to make it of brick and stone as Hampton Court is, and which I am assured will look better than all stone .... so the new front will be something like that of the Duke of Leeds at Keton [Kiveton.''] in our country. We talk much of peace and shall know the certainty of it in a very few days. If it is made I shall soon see you in Yorkshire, or be there before you. I have already brewed very good ale which is in my cellars, so they are not empty ; and I am resolved to turn arrant country gentleman and try to gain my neighbours by looking up my great dogs, opening my cellars, and having no inn by my house." In July he writes to the same friend, " I have great credit by my pictures and find I have not thrown my money away. They are all designed for Yorkshire, and I hope to have a better collection there than Mr. Watson." A love of the fine arts was not, however, a prominent trait in Sir William's character ; indeed, he writes, he has no money to buy them with, and " I shall be well content with the walls of Bretton just as they are so that I have but a good glass of ale or beer to make my friends welcome with when they honour me with their company." Judging by these extracts the liking for INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 2/ malt liquors was yet far from extinct among the upper classes. Writing on 21st February, 171 1, to congratulate the Duke of Argyll on the command of the Queen's forces in Spain, Lord Raby adds " as I have had the honour of knowing you long I must take the liberty to say there is nothing I have longed for more than the ambition of that command ; since naturally it had fallen to my share, had I not been sent (with show of friendship) hither, to this scribbling trade, from my command in Flanders, for my regiment to be sent over into Spain to make a way for others to come in their room to Flanders. I had the good fortune to be Colonel when Mr. Stanhope was but Captain last war, and to be a general officer this, when he was but Colonel ; for I served from the very revolution where I begun in Scotland, and did not miss one campaign last war, and I do protest that I came here with reluctance, and continued every year since soliciting with importunity my return, as promised, to my post in the army, but as your grace sees, in vain. I beg you to believe me that there is no man in Great Britain (since I have lost all hopes myself) that I had rather had that command than your grace." Lord Raby's embassy at Berlin terminated in March 171 1 on his appointment as Lord Townshend's successor in the similar, but much more important capacity at the Hague. In September he was created Earl of Strafford. To this succeeded in a few months his nomination as joint plenipotentiary with the Lord Privy Seal, Dr. Robinson, Bishop of Bristol, to negociate the celebrated Treaty of Utrecht. Many of the circumstances of personal interest connected with his earldom and special diplomatic mission are fully dealt with in the many private letters addressed to Lord Strafford at the time, which are printed in this volume, so they need not be touched upon here. The biographers of Matthew Prior state that he also would have been one of the plenipotentiaries at Utrecht but for the haughty refusal of Lord Strafford to be associated with a person of such low birth. Of the intention to send Prior we have but one piece of evidence in the Wentworth correspondence ; nothing has been found in it to 28 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. show why the Intention was changed. In a letter to Strafford dated November 14, 171 1, his friend "Jack Wiche," our representative at Hamburgh, says : — " They write me from the ofiBce that your Excellence, My Lord Privy Scale, and my old school-fellow and friend Matt: Prior are designed for the Plenipotentiaries to encourage this Peace. Faith, my Lord, though the affair is weighty, it could never be putt into better hands ; experience, resolution, and learning wont be wanting, and who can mannage the interest of Great Britain better, than those who are distinguisht by their English hearts." '}=>' Swift in his Journal to Stella, under date November 20, thus refers to the reported appointment "Odso, I must go see his Excellency, 'tis a noble advancement : but they could do no less after sending him to France. Lord Strafford is as proud as Hell, and how he will bear one of Prior's mean birth on an equal character with him, I know not." Another entry dated February 20, 171 2, thus refers to the two plenipotentiaries, Lord Strafford and Dr. Robinson." "They are both long practised in business, but neither of them of much parts. Strafford has some life and spirit but is infinitely proud, and wholly illiterate." Elsewhere Swift says that Strafford " can't spell," which is true enough according to modern notions on the construction of some words ; but his lordship might have retorted, with Will Honeycomb, that he was above such pedantries, and that he spelt like a gentle- man, not like a scholar. Immediately after his attainment of the earldom, Lord Strafford was married to Anne, only daughter and heiress of Sir Henry Johnson, of Bradenham, Bucks, a city knight who had amassed considerable property as a ship- builder. Johnson had already allied himself with the Cleveland branch of the Wentworths by a second marriage with Martha, daughter of Lord Lovelace, who became Baroness Wentworth in her own right. Through the last- named lady the manor of Toddington in Bedfordshire, where INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 29 Henrietta, Lady Wcntworth, is said to have lived with the Duke of Monmouth, came ultimately into the possession of Lord Strafford. Swift says that Lord Strafford received a fortune of 60,000/. with his wife ; she certainly brought him, on her father's death, some valuable estates, including Freston, Suffolk, and the borough of Aldborough, in that county, which had been represented in Parliament by the Johnsons for many years. Of Strafford's own pecuniary position at this time we are made aware by a paper drawn up by himself evidently at the time of his marriage. His estates at Wake- field and Stainborough in Yorkshire and at Ashby Puerorum, Greetham, Wainfleet, &c. in Lincolnshire, and the house at Twickenham, are put down at 1,500/. a year; the post fines granted to him by King William, 2,000/. a year ; " in the fund of the 99 years" 500/. a year; ready money 14,700/; his colonelcy of Dragoons is valued at 10,000/, and certain in- vestments at about as much more ; 12,000/. in plate and jewels, " besides pictures, very rich furniture, and equipage in Holland to a considerable value." It is curious to notice that although many letters of his mother and of other relatives and friends, some of them here- after quoted, are filled with schemes for an advantageous marriage of Lord Strafford, no reference is found in any of them to the particular match he made. So quietly was the matter settled that his sister, Lady Bellew, writing her con- gratulations on his earldom on July 16, adds, " I hear you are going to be married to Lady Betty Hastings, a great fortune. I wish it true, and all the happiness this world can afford." Of Lady Strafford's amiable and engaging qualities few could doubt who had the opportunity to read through her numerous letters to her husband, which have been so carefully preserved ; for, fortunately for the interest of this work, Lord Strafford's diplomatic labours compelled him and his wife to be much apart in the early years of married life, and a regular correspondence between them was a necessary consequence. These letters would of themselves fill a volume, if printed at length ; but, naturally, the subjects of many of them are of too trivial and every-day a character 30 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. for publication at the present time. Age will, however, add to the value of the unpublished portions, and what now appears tedious and commonplace in the domestic letters of Queen Anne's reign, will probably, a century or two hence, be read with supreme interest. The same remarks may, with equal justice, be applied to the still larger collection of letters of Lady Wentworth to her " dearest and best of children." There is little more of personal interest to be recorded of Lord Strafford, besides what can be gathered from the cor- respondence succeeding this memoir. His connexion with the Treaty of Utrecht is a matter of European history, and it forms no part of the object of the present volume to deal with the difficult political questions suggested by the mention of that ill-starred negotiation. We may, however, here insert a letter from him to his old friend Lord Berkeley of Stratton, who, as we shall see afterwards, is for some years one of his most regular correspondents, which gives us a glimpse of the plenipotentiaries at work : — "Utrecht, 2^ January, 1712. " My dear Lord " Must excuse me if my Letter is short, and I refer you to a Circular for the Transactions here, in short we have open'd the General Conference with the French in spite of all opposition, and I must say they have behaved themselves with the utmost politeness. The old Marechall [d'Uxelles] spoke after Lord Privy Seal had done, and spoke, without many flourishes, to the point, but I was charmed to hear the Abby Polignac, who is, first, a tall gracefuU handsome Man, and has the handsomest Delivery I ever heard a man, so much the more as that he was answered by that whifd Creain Buys, who has many words and little to the purpose. Menager said nothing, nor indeed is very much look'd upon by the other two, who value themselves upon their Quality, being of very great as he is of none. We have gain'd two points to day, I hope they will make them public ; on this the French has declared they look upon the General Points signed by Menager as binding only to themselves and not to INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 3f the allies, and that they are ready to explain the succession to be the Protestant succession and to put in what we shall desire against the Pretender. " These points I think should be publicly known in England to stop people's mouths who roar against Peace, but you'll take no notice you have it from me. The allies meet to-morrow to settle some matters and answers for the French ; amongst ourselves we are impatient to hear from your side, wanting some posts, and know nothing what is done with your 12 Peers nor Prince Eugene nor our great discarded General. They tell us many Lies and stories but I hope all goes well and that you are in perfect health which will be the greatest comfort imaginable to your Lordship's most faithful obedient," &c. Lord Strafford still continued ambassador at the Hague after the signing of the Utrecht Treaty : in November, 17 13, he came over to England for about three months, apparently to look after his own affairs. The following letter was written to Mrs, Arundell, now a lady of the bedchamber, shortly before the death of Queen Anne, in reference to the attempt made to bring over Prince George of Hanover, soon to succeed her as George L : — "Hague, 25 May, 1714. "Dear Sister, " Is there anything in this world to be valued by us equal to the Queen's health and satisfaction .? I am sure there is nothing I would not do to contribute to both. " I must own to you that I was struck with mortification when I received letters last night that she had been extreme ill, and one in the ministry attributes it partly to being uneasy that the Electoral Prince of Hanover would come over, and that House keep no measures with her. I know both to be false ; and if you found an occasion you might let her majesty know what I write, and that there is nothing I would not undertake to satisfy her majesty on this or any other point. " A certain great minister writ to me to write to the 32 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Electress when this affair of Schutz happened, which makes such a noise, which I did and writ roundly to her and told her the truth, so much that tho' she did not show Mr. Harley my letter, yet she told him I had set her right on these matters more than any one had done, and this day I received a letter from her all with her own hand, in which she says the Elector knew nothing of it, and Schutz mistook her orders, which was not to ask, but only to inquire, if the Duke of Cambridge should not have his writ as well as other Dukes, 8ic. " I know you are timorous, but as it is only for the Queen's own immediate satisfaction, there is nothing you ought not venture to contribute to it, but if you think there is no occa- sion to inform her majesty of this, burn this letter and speak of it to no one ; but if the Queen would see my letter to the Electress and her answer, I am ready to send the original of the Eiectress's answer and a copy of my letter straight to the Queen, tho' I would not do it to any one else. As this comes to you in my mother's packet, you may be sure it will not be opened, for they must all know my letters to her are not worth that curiosity ; so if you send me an answer do it by the same conveyance. You need put no name if you have any answer from the Queen, and to disguise in case it should be opened, you may always mention the Queen by the title of our very good Master, which is what few will find out, and the Electress you may call our old Cousin. Don't think by this, dear sister, that I have a mind to draw you into any matters that do not belong to you, or write this but purely out of affection, and for the ease of the best of Queens and mistresses to us both." Little more than a fortnight before the Queen's death, he writes to Lord Berkeley of Stratton of the notorious disputes between Harley, now Earl of Oxford, and Bolingbroke. "Hague, \2,th July, 1714. " My Lord, — Tis my misfortune always to write to you in haste as tis your goodness of friendship always to pardon INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 33 me. We have million of stories fly about of the quarrel between our two great men, but why the D. of M going to England is to be a consequence of it, I can't well see, nor why lord privy seal should be out as the Dutch gazette says, I can't conceive, for let which will get the better of t'other, 'twill be Tory still, for I hope neither will be so mad as to trust the Whigs : I am sorry for the Queen who I am sure is enough perplext, nor can I well tell on which side Lady Masham is ; I am sure none knows the truth more than your Lordship, and if you will open my eyes without a name to your letter be assur'd the secret shall be inviolably kept by your, &c. The peaceful accession of George L led, as we all know, to the downfall of Bolingbroke, and the collapse of the Tory party ; and the recall of Lord Strafford from his embassy at the Hague was soon resolved upon by the victorious Whigs. His duties there did not, however, terminate till the end of December, 17 14. In a letter from him to Lord Halifax written in November asking for a settlement of the accounts connected with his embassy, and pointing out the great expenses he was led into by the necessary celebrations for the Peace and the King's Coronation, he says : — " I assure I had above 500 people whom I entertained both in eating and drinking from 10 o'clock at night till five in the morning. .... 'Tis hard after having served the crown constantly either in the army or ministry ever since the Revolution till this time to think that being recalled without any previous notice I should be obliged either to leave a clamour of debts behind me, or else to pawn or sell some of my things to pay them, which can't be done secretly here. I don't pretend to plead poverty for I thank God my estate and revenues are more than sufficient to maintain me at the full height I wish to live, but it is all so tied by marriage settlements that I can't dispose of one farthing of my capital, tho' I should suffer the dishonour to the Crown and myself of having my baggage stopped for debt, and tho' I have lost already 8000/. a year by the Queen's death, yet I do assure your Lordship D 34 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I am several looo/, the worse in my own fortune by my embassy." An anonymous defender of Lord Strafford thus writes of him at the time of his impeachment : — " In his youth I find him struggling with many difficulties, being under age and without a guardian at the time of his father's death, who dropping off very suddenly left his affairs in so perplext and confused a manner, that without serious application and very prudent conduct, it would have been utterly impossible for him to have disengaged himself. To which might be added his being capriciously, not to say unjustly, disinherited of a great estate, yet his industry in serving his family at home, and his gallant behaviour in serving his country abroad, broke through these obstacles, and together with his marriage have made him very easy in his fortune — without the least imputation of corruption or any indirect practice. How far his Lordship's education in Courts and the army, has allowed him to improve by books I know not, but those great affairs which he has undertaken, and successfully accomplished prove him to be blessed with very wonderful endowments of nature, and to have as clear, and withal as extensive a knowledge of business as any one this age can boast of But what I think should confirm him in the good opinion of all true Englishmen, and for ever silence all unreasonable scandals are those many marks of favour by that most nice discerner of merit, King William, and if the late King of Prussia had not been thoroughly sensible of his Lordship's great abilities and firm integrity it is hardly credible that he would have left (as he in a manner did) all his affairs to be modelled by his Lordship's more dis- cerning judgment. " The late Electress of Hanover, mother to his present ma- jesty, had a most particular affection for him, which is sufficiently known by all that ever heard her speak ot him, .... and it is certain that before vehemence, ungrounded jealousy, and the prejudice of party incited some men, whose INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR. 35 interest it was to sully his reputation, to do him ill offices, he was very well esteemed by his present majesty, as appears by his reception of him at the Hague, and the very gracious letters which I am assured the Earl had from him before and since the Queen's death," After the failure of the attempt to impeach Lord Strafford for his share in the Utrecht Treaty, the ex-ambassador seems to have quitted public affairs in disgust, and to have devoted himself to the completion of his great house and to the im- provement of his estates in Yorkshire. The number of letters addressed to him for some years after his return from the Hague is very small, and it is probable that it was not thought politic to preserve many of them ; for there can be no doubt that the dissatisfied Earl was in occasional corre- spondence with the Pretender — the extracts from the Stuart Papers in Windsor Castle printed by Lord Stanhope in his History prove this clearly enough. Lord Strafford died at Wentworth Castle in November, 1739 ; but his body was removed to Toddington in Bedford- shire, where he lies buried with many others of the ancient race of Wentworth. He left four children, many of whose letters to their father have been preserved with the rest of his correspondence, and are quoted from in this volume. His only son William Lord Wentworth, who succeeded to the title, married Lady Anne Campbell, daughter of the Duke of Argyll, but died childless ; he is chiefly remembered as an intimate friend and correspondent of Horace Walpole. On his death in 1791 the title went to Frederick, grandson of Peter Wentworth, and became extinct in 1799. The estates of the Earl of Strafford went ultimately to his three daughters, Anne, Lucy, and Henrietta, and their descendants. D 2 LETTERS, Letters of Isabella, Lady Wentworth, to her Son, Lord Kasv, at Berlin, 1 705-1 708. February 2, 1705. My dearest dear childe, I am very sorry you have lost your Queen, for I know you had a very great veneration for her, and I doe very much pety the Poor Princis Sophya, sure her greef must be great, and having soe laitly lost a son to,* I lament that such a yousles creature as I should outliv soe many fyne young folks. Cosin Hanburer sent for Betty and I yesterday to meet Bell and her spous, whear we was all very merry and dranck your health in very good wyne ; we playd at cards, I am groan a great gai raster, but when we meet my cossin is denyed to all other company. She and her husband came this afternoon to see me, and Bell and hers, and Peter and his boy, it being my veseting day, and I take the same freedum you gave me when you was hear in making a great show with your tea tables and dishis ; but you left but one tea-pott, that is, the little blew and white one. The post I fear will be gon if I ad any more then to asure you never mother loved her only child, more tlien I doe you, that are the best of children to Your moste infenitt affectionat Mother I. w.t * The first Queen of Prussia died in January of this year. She was a daughter of the Electress of Hanover, and sister therefore of the future George L t In the postscript the writer tells a scandalous story about the Duke of Grafton and a Lady, whose husband had made it up again " with an oth that if ever she is kinde with a tory he never will forgiv her " ; but as the story is contradicted in her next letter it would be unfair to give it at length. 42412-5 40 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. February 13, 1705. My dearest dear childe .... The other day Peter brought his youngist son to se me which is the fynest of all his far beyand Will. I fancy it lyke dear Paul ; it has your skin and very brisk gray eye and a luvly culloar, and very plump round faic, its fyner much then the girle, whoe Bell has geven a very fyne coat to, it being her God Daughter. Its time for you to thinck of a Wife, for this will be Peter's fifth childe. I am very sorry for poor Major Larranc. I hear he is condemd to be shott to death, about a consperecy to delever up Gibletor, with sixteen more offecers all to dye ; he was a freind of poor dear Paul's, soe I am hartely sorry for him.* We have fyne summer wether now, its said to be very sickly. I thanck God we are all well. Fubsf is in sum trouble, for yesterday she parted with her last little one, but it is as great a trouble to Pug for she was infenit fond of it, and soe was the puppy of her March 9, 1705. .... Yesterday thear was great rejoysing, all the Ladys and Gentlemen in thear Birthday cloaths. But the Queen would not giv them a Baul nor Play. Betty was in the Drawing room and loocked very handsom. I wish she had a good husband, for she is now in her Pryme and she affects to be afraid of the small pox, and thearfor I fear would be pepered with them should she get them, and then her market would be spoyled as sister Skynner ses. We shall goe in a fortnight to Twittingham, whear I hope to have many a happy day with you. I pray God send Peece, and then I shall long for that happy time ; but whilst the warr lasts, its my earnest prayers that you may contenew whear you are * In December, 1704, during the siege of Gibraltar, it was discovered that "an English major, and some other conspirators" (according to Boyer's A7inals) were in treasonable correspondence with the Spanish camp. Paul, twice mentioned in this letter, was the writer's son, killed at the siege of Namur in 1695. t Fubs was a pet dog. Pug a pet monkey. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 4 1 and that your days may be long and prosperus. I pray God grant thees blessings to, dearest dear childe, your moste infenit affectionat mother. Fubs, Pug and Pus presents their duty to Folly and Baden. March l6, 1705. .... Lady Windum, Lady Hyde's sister is dead, and Lorde Dalkith the Duke of Munmouths eldest son is dead, was abroad a Munday and Tewsday he was about his own hous, and dyed Wensday morning at fower of the clock ; and there is twoe Strang fishis taken up, and fower sons was seen by severell and a flaiming soard. This I was told for truith, but I know not how to afirm it for truith, but this I will afirm for truth that no son was more beloved by a mother then you ar by yours. Twickenham, March 30, 1705.* My dearest deare childe, we came hear last Tewsday, which hendred me from writing. 'Indeed your gardens are very fyne, and in very great order. We drinck your health every meal. I wish you could be hear with out danger, but when I consedder how many hassards you must run in coming hear I then hartely thanck God for your absenc, and beg he of his marcy will contenew you in health and prosperrety, but that you may still stay whear you are tell the warre is * Lord Raby's house at Twickenham was on the site of what is now known as Mount Lebanon ; he bought it in 1701. It was originally the house of Pepys' friend, Dr. William Fuller, a schoolmaster ; and after- wards belonged to Lady Ashe. On the fourth Earl of Strafford's death it became the property of his sister, Lady Anne Conolly, who pulled it down and built the present house. Her daughter Frances, Lady Howe, inherited it ; then Miss Fanny Byng. In recent times Mount Lebanon was occupied by the Prince de Joinville, third son of Louis Philippe. The neighbouring house, now the Orleans Club, was in the time of Queen Anne owned and occupied by James Johnstone, often named by Lady Wentworth as " Secretary Johnson," he having been Secretary of State for Scotland. These particulars are derived from the Rev. R. S. Cobbett's Memorials of Twickenham, an interesting work containing extracts from the parish registers which have assisted the present editor in verifying many matters mentioned in Lady Wentworth's letters. 42 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. over, for I can not bair the thoughts of seeing you hear before. Our Bedstids being old and craysy just as Betty stept into bed broak all to peesis ; it can not be mended, I hope you will order Mr. Elleson to gett a new one. I will try to patch this up as well as we can, or to Borroe one tell we can gett one. Mr. Elleson ses you ordered the Dogs alowanc to be stopped, you know you always alowed a lever, and sheeps head, when your self and all your famely was hear, and my neacis famely is not soe large as yours, she keeps a very good hous but thear is Fubs, soe I hope you will alow as you did Twickenham, April 2^ 1705. My dearist and best childe, .... A lyne from you givs me more true comforte and joy then anything hear can doe, although we liv verry plesantly hear, eat and drinck very plentefully, fynly and neatly, our coock goes farr beyond Margett for coocking, and both fish and flesh is very resonable, and fowl very plentefull, chickins, pidgions, and rabitts, and very resonable raits all. We have changed only the Butcher upon Pagis request, we by of Moar, and have as good meet as ever was eat. We have syder and wyne and strong ail every meal, and your Brewer sent such Bitter Bear that none can drinck it, soe we have it from one at Wesminstor. This day we have been to se Secretary Johnson's gardens, which is much admired, and from thenc we went upon the water, it being a fync warm day. We drinck your health every meal. My neic and Mr. Hanburer ar very kinde to me, and Fubs is a mighty favorett ; at first my neic was afraid of her jumping upon her, but Fubs is soe suttle as to fawn upon her, and kiss her, and coms gently to her, that she cannot ster without her ; and last Sunday would have her goe with her to church, and I will asure you, Fubs satt very orderly ; and Pug is very kindly treeted but at great distanc, for my neic is very much afraid of her. I have gott my bedsted mended, in my last I was afraid it could not be dun. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 43 Twickenham, April -^^ 1705. My dearest and Best of children, I wish you a happy Easter and many more. The Wedoc Bromly* writ me word of is marryed, I wish you a good Wife before next Eastor. I have found out a match that will plees you I am sure very much ; she has fower thoussand a year and ver prety, but what will plees you most is — she is but fower year old. If you are not marryed by this next Easter com twelv month, I have pro- mist to take and keepe one of Peter's children. Mrs. Went- worth is not marryed yett, which I wunder at ; why would you not take my sister Batthurstf offer, for she by me offerred to try her Retorick with her and none in the world could doe it better then she, and she asured me she would not doe it for any in the world but you, and she has a great deal of Ello- quenc, and can doe Better then any. I wish I had but half as much and then this would be les troublesom to you but baer with it and conseder it coms from a most vehement lover of you, and can never exspres how much she is, &c. Its not a flurrish but a most sencear truith, and to the utmost of my power I will in al things prove it. Twickenham, April 12, 1705. My dearest and best of children, I wish you joy, for I hear you are a step higher in the Army, that you are Major- General. In peec I should lyke it, but O that I had mony enough to by it Quite ofe, and to oblidge you to sett quiet at home diverting yourself in your gardens, and Boocks, and being happy in a good wife and children — even to think of this is a pleasure to me. The * John Bromley was Lord Raby's agent at Wakefield, and it appears to have been part of an agent's duties in those days to look out a wealthy match, with a widow or otherwise, for his master. We shall meet with other instances of this in the correspondence. Later in this year Bromley sends an account of Lady (Betty ?) Hastings, " very handsome and a vast fortune." t Sir Benjamin Bathurst married the writer's sister Frances Apsley. Their distinguished son Allen, created Lord Bathurst in 17 12, Pope's friend and executor, is frequently mentioned in the letters, and appears himself as a correspondent with his cousin at a later date. 44 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. young Lady Blunt told it me. Hear will be a great plenty of fruite this year, al things ar very forward and your Gardens ar in very good order and charmingly prety. What I lyke wors hear is the staying soe long for our letters, that is for yours, the rest I can bair with patienc. All your dums are very well, Fubs never was a greater darling to you then she is to Cosin Hanburers, to both of them. This town is but emty yett, for thear is but few come down yett. The old Lady Blunt and all her Daughters are gon from henc and liv hard by your Aunt Skinner in town ; the young Lady livs in that hous that Mrs. Clark had next to your little hous by the Common. Mrs. Loe contenews yett very ill, I fancy she will hardly clyme up May hill. I pray God send you all the Blessings this world can afford it is the sincear and harty prayers of, &c. [P.S.] My neaphew Batthurst showed me a letter of yours which pleesed him very much, and my sister to — it had versis m it. Its said hear your King and his son is going to be marryed. Twickenham, /z^«^ 5, 1705. My dearist and best of children, I giv you ten thousand thancks for your twoe letters. May the 16 & 26, indeed I began to be very much in the spleen having not hard of a great while before. Your brother Arrundell and Mr. Hanburer have both gott thear elections.* Peter tells me very good news but I want to have it confirmed by you. Its not possable for anybody to be kinder to me then Mr. and Mrs. Hanburer. I am yoused with great respect both by themselves and sarvents, if I was her mother she could not yous me Better, and Betty is as her sister to them both. Peter his Wife and little Willy corns hear next thursday and stays hear a week or as much longer as they plees. Yesterday Lady Broock Brought her Granddaughter, Lady Rachell Nowell to see me. I wish you had her, they say she has at least thirty thousand * Francis Arundell was returned for Northampton, and John Hanbury for Gloucester, at the general election in May, 1705. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 45 pd.* My sister Skinner is just come, this was to goc by the Waterman, but now by her man. She tells me great news, I wish it was treble as much. She ses thear is ten thous- sand pd coming from Ireland to be put into the Bank of England. I sopose you are assured of the safty of it or elc you would not place it thear. I told her the sencear truith that I did know nothing of it. Pray tell me if I may wish you joy or not of being Embassedor, your Brother Peter asures me it is soe. If you be yourself cannot be half soe much rejoysed at it as I am, my joy is upon what you thinck not of, for myne is cheefly upon your being out of danger, and I trust in God the wars will be ended before your time will be out. I hear my neaphew Batthurst has carryed his election [P.S.] .... Fubs is fonder of my neic Hanburer than ever she was of you. She can not move out of one room to a nother, with out her following ; and is very still tell the water is put upon the table, then she jumps up and drincks out of a glas. She will bight her friend Betty if she offers to medle with my neic, and I could fill a hole sheet of paper, should I tell you all her suttle tricks. Twickenham, /««^ 12, 1705. .... In my last I told you Sir John Stanly brought Secretary Hedgis to se your lodginsf and if he had lyked them he had been to have had them. I writt to my sister Battherst, whoe was soe very oblidging that she writt emed- getly to the Dutchis, and urged that I had not my health in the country in the winter : and yesterday she sent the Dutchis letter in answear to it, which was that it was to be feared that I could not keep my lodgins long, for sooner or later I must exspect to loos them, for it was but resonable that the Queen's own famely should be provyded for before strangers. * This lady, a daughter of Lord Gainsborough, was married to the Duke of Beaufort in February, 1706, carrying with her, according to Luttrell, a fortune of 60,000/. t At the Cockpit, Whitehall, occupied by Lady Wentworth when not at Twickenham. 46 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. My sister writt a very kind letter to me and with concern and mighty exprestions of lov to you, and tells me of a kind letter you writt her, which pleesis her very much, and she would advise you to take sum speedy cair to prevent the loosing them, she ses she doubts not but you may prevent it. She sent a man an hors yesterday o purpos, because I should loos noe time to tell it you. My cheef concern is for you, though I doe confess they are very prety in my eys to ; and it will be a great charge to remove all the goods, and hear is not roome for them ; besydse nothing can be more convenyent to you, it being so near the Parlement hous and the Court. Mrs. Dauson and Mother Harreson"^ and Bridgett Harreson all had lodgins in St. Jaimsis upon King Jamsis acount, and why not I ? my father and mother was sarvents to the Queen's own mother as well as they ; and the twoe old ons kept thears tell they died, and Bridget after, tell the great wynd blew them down.-f- I wish you could gett mony enough to bygh a good hous of your own in town, you would soon save it in hous keeping, for those lodgins ar very charg- able, and all things in publick, nothing spoke ore dun but known to all the town and parrafraised upon ; but tell your return I wish you might keep them, for the good of all your goods in them, which will be duble charg, not to remove them whear thay ar to fix. When the Queen Doweger caime over, one of her cheef offecers. Lord Desilvis, brought his mother over, which was as old and ugly as myself ; she never apeared but to me, he being your father's friend. Soe I cannot help wishing myself in cogneto with you, whoe is the Darling of my soul, and the delight of my eys, and dearer to me then any words can exspres, nether is it possible for me to tell you, how much I am, my dearest dear, your moste infenit affectionate mother. * Margaret Dawson was one of the chief ladies-in-waiting on Mary of Modena, and made a deposition concerning the legitimacy of the Pre- tender. Ahce Harrison held the office of " mother of the maids " of honour. t The terrible storm of 26 November, 1703, is no doubt here referred to, famous in literature for the simile drawn from it in Addison's " Campaign." LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTIL 47 Twickenham, /««^ 15, 1705. * * * * Lady EUenor Hollis and a nother of the Duke of New- castle sisters has bought your little hous hear. The young Lady Blunt livs the next doar to it at Mrs. Clarcks, and one that livs very high and has a very fyne coach and leverys has bought Mr. Ryly's house, they call him Captain Goar. My cossin hear take great delight in fishing, and ketch many ; they say the pond by the syde of your Hand has many fish, but some say its nothing but vermin, they tryed but could gett none thear. Mr. Johnson ses you will repent your not takin his advyse to doe it up for he ses it will stinck soe that it will be very ofifensiv to the hous, and unholsom August 14, 1705. My dearist and best of children, I think I forgott to tell you in my last that my neaphew Batthurst has bought Cobhom, Lady Cornberry's estate ; it is a great one and thear is as great a hous upon it as St. Jamsis, it is forty seven thousand pd * . . . . The night before last was an exstreem wynde has broak one of your windos in your dynin room quite down, and every windoe in myn a little. Lady Over- kirk's one I se is quite down and many more broak ; I hear thear is a market boat and seven people drownd .... [P.S.] Sir William Umble f dyed last Sunday night. August 21, 1705. .... I wish insteed of thees lodgins you had such a prety hous, and as well furnished as hers (Mrs. Hanbury's, her niece's). They have a lees for five year of it ; thear is a little garden, a gravel walk in the midle, and a gras walk of each syde, at the end an arber the hole breadth of the garden, and * Cobham descended to Lady Cornbury, afterwards Countess of Clarendon, from the Stewarts, Dukes of Richmond and Lennox. Her daughter married John Bhgh, first Earl of Darnley, and Cobham is still in the hands of the last-named family ; so Lady Wentworth must have been misinformed about the sale of that estate. t Sir William Humble was buried at Twickenham August 18. 48 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. a doar in to the stables. The rent for the hous, stables and coachhous is threescore pd a year, very good water both to drinck and wash with ; the landlord pays the Queen's taxis, they have of all sorts of provetion just by them ; it is in Golden Square. September \, 1705. My dearist and best of children, I think its a long time senc I hard from you. I forgott in my last to tell you Fubs has five of the pretyest puppys that ever you se ; she is very fond of them. Fower of them ar promist already. They are all her coulour .... I hear your master is going to be marryed, if soe pray gett Betty to be made of honor, she is very handsom and will soon gett her a good husband. Hall ses thear is a niece of Lord Portland's in Holland, a handsom young woman worth thirty or more thousand pound, I wish you had her. If you was marryed although I leved twenty mylse ofe of you yet it would be an unspeakable happynes to poor me, for sartainly I should never desier to liv with a daughter in law, for although themselvs ar never so good, yet sum tattling sar- vents or aquantenc will put jealosees in thear head, to breed discontents. I fear I should lov her better then any of your sisters ; being yours, she must have a greater shair in me then any other, you being more dear to me then all the world besyde. September 18, 1705, My dearist dear and best of children, I am much rejoysed at your fyne present, I wish you may often have such and better, tell you ar as ritch as the Duke of Molberry whoe is binding the fynest hous at Woodstock that ever was seen ; thear is threscore rooms of a flower, noe stairs, only a little pair that goes to the uper rooms, which ar only for sarvents, and staitly wood, which he cutts out walks in, and fyne gardens that are fower myles about. It is beleeved furneture and al cannot cost les than three hundred thoussand pd, the LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 49 house will cost above a hundred thousand pd. Why should you not be as fortunate as he ? ... , I hard a Strang od story the other day of Lord Bradford, you know thear is Prayers at Twitnam wensdays and frydays. Sir William Humble was Buiryed either of Satterday or Sunday and the scutyons was upon the reeding desk, and the wensday following, after prayers was up, Lord Bradford toar them down, and stampt them under his feet. Lady Humble's Aunt was thear, and told him his devotion was great that could put himself into soe unusyell a pation, without any pro- vocation ; and Mr. Lastrang told him this was what did not becom a man of his age, honor, and Quallety. My Lord sternly askt him whoe he was, he told him he was a gentle- man. Sum say it put him in mynd of death, and that was what vext him, others say it was sumthing in the arms that offended him, thear being more in them then did belong to Sir Willyam, and others that they should not have hung there soe long. This is as Mrs. Isbell tells me. All our dums ar well, Pug and Fubs ar the pretiest of thear kynde, sure .... September iZ, i7o5- •P 3|6 •(» S(C Lady Broocks dyed sudenly, my Lord is exstreemly afflickted. Thear is a young man of twenty marryed a wedoe of 80 years old ; and Lady Dellawaers mother whoe is worth twenty thoussand pd, and her daughter the kindist child in the world to her, and has don all she can to comfort her after her father's death and brought her to her own hous, whear she had a fyne apartment, and fynely furnished and all the respect immagenable paid her, and she has marryed her coachman. She had been much les to blame had she been slighted bye her Daughter, and not yoused with all this kindness.* .... * Lady De La Warr was Margaret, daughter and heiress of John Freeman, a London merchant. E 50 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. October 2^ 1705. .... I have bcspoak little Hanbury for my husband, for when he is Twenty I shall not be fower scoar as thear is on laitly of that age has marryed one of Twenty Is cosin Wentworth* yett com to you, I wish he had Betty. My sister Batthurst givs a great carrector of Johnson's Daughter the great fortune, I wish you had her, or Lady Rachell ; the last I lyke mightely, she has soe much goodnes in her loocks. December 14, 1705. My dearist and best of children, — I long to hear you have made your entry. I wish Mr. Powell would givthe discription of it to your brother, then I should have the pleasure of hearing it. My sister Batthurst has been with the Queen and goes abroad again. My neaphew askt me whether any body gave you an acount of the Parlement affairs for he sade if you had it not from better hands he should be glad to have soe good an opertunety of keeping a constant correspondenc without having his letters a trouble to you, and aboundenc of kynde exsprestions. Last night Lord Wesmeath was to see me ; it is in the newspapers now that Lord Bellew is turned prodistant, and the old Boe Feeldingf is maryed to the Dutchis of Cleevland, and she owns it and has kist the Queen's hand senc ; and the young Boe Feelding, he that was king William's page, the Lady Deana Howard, Lord Bradford's Daughter, I think she is ; her Daughter marryed Lord Dudly and has a son. This old lady, for she is near fifty if not quite, is fallen in love with this young Feelding, * Sir William Wentworth, of Bretton, near Wakefield. t " Beau," otherwise Robert, Fielding was " that eminent hero and lover, Orlando the handsome," whose gallant career is fully set forth by Steele in Nos. 50 and 5 1 of the Tatler. Luttrell has many entries in his Diary about him : 1706, June 29. — Handsome Fielding, that married the Duchess of Cleveland, died yesterday. July 2. — Beau Fielding, not dead as reported. July 25. — Handsome F. committed to Newgate, the Duchess having sworn the peace against him. On the 27th he was bailed out, and on October 24 his wife appeared against him at the Court of Queen's Bench. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 5 I and ses she only begs he will be sevcU to her, she fears he cannot lov her, though she dus him soe much, and her Weding cloaths ar making. December 20, 170^. My dearist and best of children, — I made as great a mis- take about Feelding's weding, as you did about your sister Bellew's coming, for it was not the King's Feelding but my Lord Denby's brother. Now your Crismas is over, and all the trouble of it, which I thinck great, but I intend to pas by al the good cheer, at leest at home. I am angre with all your sneeking tenents, that never send the leest thing up, nether at Crismas nor noe time ; all els doe but ours. Little Willy was with me yesterday, he is a fyne boy full of mettle; he talks much of you, but remembers your spetting in his face, he flatters me mightely and makse me beleiv he lovs me mightely. This is a day sooner for the Ofiis is shut up tomorroe being St. Tomassis day, soe pray excuse this scrole, I being in great hast this morning, whoe noe pen can exspres how much I am my dearist dear your most infenit affectionat Mother. January 13, 1706. * * * * .... I have hard you say you have been aquanted with my Lord Carbury ; his daughter,* you know, was to have Lord Shrosbery whoe you know is maryed to an Etalyon. This lord's daughter is about seventeen, exstreemly good, and very handsom, and very modist and vcrtuously brought up, millions better then our great cosen W. Write Lord Carburer word, you ar desperet in lov with his daughter, and that mony he wants not, and that you will make as good a husband as Lord Shrosberry. I have hard of spels I wish I could giv that lord one, that he might be as desierus to have you his * John Vaughan, third Earl of Carbery, married a daughter of Geo. Savile, Marquis of Halifax. His only daughter married the Marquis of Winchester, afterwards Duke of Bolton. He had been Governor of Jamaica. E 2 52 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. sun in law as I am of having it soe. Mrs. W. was att the parlement hous the other day, I thinck she sett up her fyne coach and ekopadg before you went, which moste lauhgs at ; and between you and I she is not much admiered, and is not thought discreet in her carridg. This is only between freinds, of which you are that pretious Jewell to me, which Solloman ses, and is sartainly soe hard to be found, but highly to be vallyed when found, and non can be more then you ar by, &c. January i8, 1706. My best and dearist child, .... .... I thanck you for designin me the pleasure of hearing the manner your Entree, which I am sure will be better then any before, for you doe al things lyke yourself, great and magnefesent. I had a letter from Margett whoe exstols Berlin exstreemly, and has geven a very handsom description, and ses you liv great and hansom lyke yourself; but hear is one come from she that was Princ Ruport's daughter, one How marryed her, and this woman that is com from this Lady speaks very indeferently of Hanover and the coart thear, and of all Jarmany, as farr as she see. Pray tell me sencearly how you lyke Margett, and alsoe her husband, and I hope Baden is to make one of the show, and Folly another. Pug and Fubs ar dayly pretier and more devertin. .... I never wish for news but when I am writing to you, that you might have somthing better to entertain you, then lyke the coockco always in one note — nothing but that I lov you and soe till death fetchis me will be, dearist soul, your most infenit affectionat mother. January 19, 1706. My dearest dear child, I have not been soe long without writing to you, as now that I have mist this twoe last poste, being invited to meet my hole famely at Cosin Hanburer's at dinner, whear we stayed tell near twelv at night, having a very good dinner and super, and in the after- noon tea and cofify. I have spent twoe of my days soe with LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 53 her this last week, besydse dyning thear on Sunday, and two days more at Arrundels ; thear I did not dyne, the Docter having soe much company, soe I went as soon as I had dyned, and playd att cards al day, and had tea and coffy and cake and wyne in the afternoon, and at Mr. Arrundel's cost, but a good supper at night at the Dockter's ; so you see I leed a merry Hfe Lord Sandwidg was ill of a feavour, his Lady reported he was mad and would never be fitt for buisnes, soe would have beged his place for his son and that was not aproved of, but it had lyke to have been geven away from both. But a good freind of my Lords has told him of it, and brought him a coach and six horsis and carryed him away from the place and sarvents whear she left him ; he is at Dr. Montegues.* January 30, 1 706. My dearest and best of children, I doe agree with you in the advyse you giv me in yours of the 24th of this instant, and will indevour al I can to keep out of debt, for I will make noe entertainments that I can avoyd I lyke being at Twittingham much better than hear, if I consedered my own pleasure moste, only in spight of all the art mankinde can fynd out thear is severel resons for that to be dearer then hear, and alsoe although all playsis ar alyke to me for health, myne consisting only in my mynde, but Betty never has her health soe well thear, ether very early in the spring or very lait in the year, nor many more are soe that dwel in Twittingham To live at Ashby would be [more] chargable then hear amongst such a next of Begers, and your grandmother was an exsterordenary woman, she had skill in surgery and alsoe in Phesickt — God knows I am igno- rant in both ; and at Waikfield I thinck it not proper having formerly leved thear, and thear being a great deal of gentry * Lady Sandwich was a daughter of John Wilmot, the profligate Earl of Rochester. t The lady here alluded to was the wife of the first Sir William Went- worth, of Ashby Puerorum in Lincolnshire ; she was, as is stated in the Introduction, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Savile, of Wakefield. 54 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. thear, and the Oglethorps ar very poor. Lord and Lady Eglinton boarded a great while at Doncaster. I know twoe or thre plasis I could be in cogneto att ; but poor Mrs. Lake, senc the Dockter dyed, is a boarder herself. Beleiv me, my dear creture, if you conseder it, you will fynde it much more credable then levin ether hear or at Twittingham, without a footman and other sarvents, and leving sneekingly and pete- fully. I know sum maks a great show with as little, but they ar in many traydspeople's boocks, and it will light heavy one them at last If it plees God I never will liv with any child but yourself, whoe is the best of children. February 23, 1706. My dearist and very best of children, Mr. Elleson sent me word this morning that you could not write this post, but I should be sure to hear one a weeke from you, dear creature, doe not obridg me of the cheifist happynes this world can aford me, but lett me have but thre lynse at a time, just to shoe me you are well. You have hetherto been exssteem kinde in never failing me that delight. Lord Huntington is dead and Lady Harryot Godolfin has bairryed her youngist son, for which she and Lord Godolfin, his son and the Duke of Molberry ar in very great affliction for. In my last I writt you word Mr. Hanburer was ill, but, thank God, he is now prety well again. They both designe to go to Twittingham next month and carry all thear own sarvents, and all things for thear kitchin ; and Betty and I and Sue are to have our board for nothing, only we put out our washing. I offerred to pey, but nether of them would hear of it ; I never hard him swear before, but when I did pres him, he swoar I should not. You said in one of yours, that you thought Twittingham hous would be spoyled for want of leving in, soe I thought you would be pleesed att thear going thear ; thearfore I made them the complement to offer it to them, thay having a mynd to goe, when the Par™*^ was up into the country .... Mrs. Hill fetched Betty yesterday to the play, and alsoe her sister Arrundell and treated them both. Mr. Elleson and I had yesterday sum discours about my boarding with him, he ses LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 55 it can not be pry vet thear, becaus Lord Garsy and Mrs. Varnum both corns in the somer thear, and we meet hear at Whithall Chapell ; Varnum and her daughter setts in the saime pew with me, the other has both his wife and self forgott me, I beleiv thears not a thought in my hart that I would hyde from the Darling of my eyse as you are to, Dearest creature, Your moste infinit affectionate mother. Mis Overkirk was marryed to Lord Bellemount last Sunday at St. Martains church. February 27, 1706. * * * * Mr. Elleson tells me Twittingham loocks charmingly; I esely beleiv him for I thought it did soe when I left it ; and I shall be glad alsoe for poor Fubs, for hear I am in a great fright whenever she is out of sight, and espetially if a dog happens to be shott, then I am out of my witts tell I see her. She is a prety senceble creeture, but I fear has forgott all her tricks, for I cannot practiss her. Pug never was soe deverting and buitefull as now. In my last I told you that Lord Huntington was dead, I wish you had his sister, she is young and handsom ; she had left her by her father ten thousand pound, and six hundred a year by sum relation I thinck her grandmother, and now by the death of her brother six hundred a year more. My sister Bathurst I hard it from ; I beleiv her husband can tell you the saim, I wish you had her insteed of Cosin Wentworth One of Fubsis puppys the Duke of Boffoud has got, and designs to put him out to learn all tricks. February 29, 1 706. My dearest dear and best child, — a thousan thancks to you for yours of the 28 of this instent,* short as it was, it was most hartely welcom, if but one lyne its much better then none. I * Lord Raby had adopted, while at Berlin, the new style of writing dates, so that a letter dated by him as written on the 28th would be written on the 17th according to the old style, which was not changed in England until 1752. 56 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. will promis you to breack none of your chyney ; for fear of your sconsis I bought a small pair of black stands, for fear the chyney ons should be broack, and cosin Hanburer has bought a prety sett to carry to Twittingham ; and sister Bathurst designse to goe to Riskins this summer, and Mr. Batthurst and his Lady. I wish you had Lady Mary Haystins, she for cartain has twelv hundred a year inherre- tanc and ten thoussand pound.* Her brother Lord Hun- tingdon is very much lamented [in] his death, and he has left Mr. Stanup fower hundred a year rentcharge. Lady Harryot Godolfin greeved soe much for the death of her youngist son which was the age of Bel's childe, that she has throan herself into the smallpox by her exses of greef. The Duke and Dutchis of Molberry went last Munday to Wood- stock, which you know is geven to my Lord. March 5, 1706. My dearist and best of children, — I hartely thanck you for your last kind letter the third of March I thinck five ginneys is enough, it is what your sister Bellew sent to Peters Nursis, and I sent soe much for I am Godmother, pray be not angree, I could doe no less and it is but to each child once, and I am very proud of Kelly's, I being thear great Grandmother.t But Lord Rockingham gave thre ginneys each, which was nyne in all ; and soe did the great Lord Hallefax, he was Godfather to your sister Bellew ; but Lord Strafford gave but five. Lady Suffolk and Lord Clarranden gave to Molly each of them ten ginneys ; but they stud with King William's Queen. I thinck six would be very Noble for you, But less than five you cannot giv. I fear youl thinck * Lady Wentworth probably means Lady Elizabeth, or Betty, Hastings, who inherited Ledstone Hall, in Yorkshire, from her mother. She remained single all her life, and is still remembered in the county by her great works of piety and benevolence. Her character is said to have been sketched in No. 42 of the Tatler. t The writer's eldest daughter married Walter, second Lord Bellew, whose daughter Mary married Dennis Kelly, of Aughrim ; and it was to the child of the latter couple that Lord Raby was about to stand god- father. Thus Lady Wentworth was a great-grandmother at 53! LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 5/ me mad by my last letter, I writt in hast and dated it the 29 of Febuary and thear is but 28 days in that month. It should have been the second of March. What shall I doe to fynd words to expres how dearly I lov you, or to show you how most sencearly I am Dearist Creature y', &c. March 12, 1706. My dearist and best of children, — We want fower packitts, and I hope I shall have fower letters in them, for in your absenc nothing is soe welcom to me as your letters are. Lady Katthereen Grinvell is marryed to Mr. Bainton, soe poor Mrs. Jeferus must loock out a new sparke to keep her ; al people laughs at her, whoe sett up for witt and discretion, and thincks she has shewed nether in this choyce. Mr. Charls Arundell has got a munckey, he gott it on shipborde, and it is exactly lyke my Pug, only myne is very pert, and full of devertin tricks, and the other is soe kept under it dairs not ster but just as they bid it ; the eys of myne sparkles lyke twoe dyomons, and is perter then ever you see her, and fuller of tricks, but it must be when she has a mynd to it, not elc. Betty presents her duty to you ; I hear often from her and my neic, they are extreemly kynd to her. I wish she had a good husband, now is the best time for to gett her well offe, now she is in her pryme, I thinck her the hansomist of all her sisters. Indeed Mr. Arundell is an extreem kynde husband, as ever I see, to his power. He has a payr of the pretyist coach horsis I ever did see ; they ar very dark, almost lyke black, with whyte mains and long white tailse, and they goe brydling and prancin along, that .al people from the highist to the lowist stairs after them. Severel has inquiered of the coachman whether his master will part with them. I wish you had six of them, I am sure you would be in lov with them, did you see them. My dear creeture, I will relees you this post, without saying any more then to asure you, noe pen can exspres how sencearly I am your moste infenit affectionate mother. 58 THE WENTWORTII PAPERS. March 25, 1706. .... I know noe reson why you doe not make intrest to gett the Duke of Newcastle's or Lord Carburer's daughters, indeed I lyke ether of them much better. If you gave out I was dead, and I will goe and hyde in some corner, then I am sure she would have you, for she has an avertion to a mother in law, as many has and not without reason ; but I am sure if I had never soe great an avertion to one before, yett after they wear yours, next to yourself none would be more vallewed by me. I long to have the discription of your entree, which I sopose is over before this. April r6, 1706. My dearist and best of children, — I long to have the dis- cription of your entry. Hear is a Morockoe Imbasador, he is in his own habbitt, and thear is fain to be a strong gard sett att his doar to keep the mob ofe I wish Betty could be gott in made of Honour, thear are lykly very soon to be room for twoe or thre, as its said. Your sister W. father has setled sumthing upon the eldest girle, and upon Willy for thear lyfe .... [and] has geven twoe Boocks to the girl to ground her in the true relegion, and has writt one leef to tell her he is her grandfather and godfather, and many good wishis for her and prayers. Dear soul could my wishis and prayers prevail you would be the happyist man in this world, for never did any son deserv it more or was more beloved by a mother then you ar by yours Twickenham, /z/// 29 1706. *n •!* *|* v * Just as I came down hear I hard that the Dutchis of Cleeveland's Feeldin was dead, and she in great greef for him ; but it was noe such thing, for insteed of that she has gott him sent to Newgate for thretning to kill her twoe sons for taking her part, when he beet her and broack open her clossett doar and toock fower hundred pd. out. Thear is a paper put out about it. He beat her sadly and she cryed out LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 59 murder in the street out of the windoe, and he shott a blunderbus at the people.* December 10, 1706. My dcarist and best of children, your sister Doneland has been very kyndly yoused by the Dutchis of Molberry ; her graic came hear to se her, and sent thre days after to invite her to dinner, and all this day we have had mantoe women, tierwemen, and al sorts of traids, and to morro she goes as fyne as the son to kis the Queen's hand at Kensington. I am very angre with al your tenents ; al others sends fowls, braun, and severel things, but yours sends nothing. My neic Hanbury has buryed her last son, but her eldist is very well. Betty givs her duty to you, soe dus Arundell and her spous, whoe ar gon to thear new hous, but I have not yett seen it ; it is amongst the great people in Arllington Street, and I must goe in splender when I goe thear. The Duke of Buckingham has buryed his girl, for which he and his Dutchis is in great trouble. My dear dear soul, I am more then toung can tell your moste infenit afifectionat mother. July 8, 1707. My dearist and best of children, I fear the sight of this large sheet of paper will fright you indeed I allways stint my self in my paper, not having power to leev ofe whilst any room left. First I giv a thoussan thancks for your picture, by Mr. Coape; sure not only that but any thing you lyked should then be yours. My daughter Wentworth carryd me yesterday to Chelcy to see Mrs. Skinner, whoe is with Lord Shasbary f not as a sarvent but but as a freind. She was to see me and invyted us to walk in the Gardens, prommisseing me I should not see my Lord, but he sent to her to know whoe we wear, and came to us and showed us his gardens and all his ingenious contryvencis in his hous, gave us fruet and french * See note on p. 50 a7ite. t The third Earl of Shaftesbury, author of the " Characteristics," born in 1671 ; he died in 1713. 6o THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. \vyne and sack, and Tea, and spoake very hansomly of you, and hee is com to see me att Twittnam. I am in lov with him, and alsoe with his wey of hving, it is very delightfull ; he is very obHging and has a mighty ingagin way, but he loocks as if he was very short Hved, which is pety. Was he twenty years older and I as many years younger, I would lay al the traps I could to gett him, his youmore and myne are soe alyke, and he has many contryvencis in his hous that is just to my fancy. I wish Betty had him, he would be next to you in my affection ; he is one that I could sooner be in lov with then anybody I ever yett see, he managis his hous, and many of his affairs very lyke you, and is neet in his person lyke you. I wunder my sister Batthurst gott him not for neic Batthurst ; she is this day marryed to Mr. Pye. TwicKEiiUAM, A u^usi 28, 1707, * * * * This town is full of nothing but of Lady Ash, whoe has left her husband, and Lady Deringwater* whoe last Tewsday cam and went in her moarning coach for Mr. Grims to church, and was marryed to Jamse Roock, Coll. Roock's son. Grims has been dead not thre qrs. of a year yet ; she turned Lady Tuften's children out of the church, and said she would not be marryed tel they went out. She was marryed in whit sattin. She has setled fower hundred a year upon him for her life, and the rest she keeps for her self and hous. She ows a great deal of mony hear ; he sent the ringers twoe ginneys and his mother sent half a one, and his mother is as fonde of her as I should be of your bryde. But God I hope has a greater blesseng in stoar for you, then such a wife. Mr. Bellemear gave her, and wyne was as plenty as small- bear. * The Countess of Derwentwater, mother of the last Earl, executed for his share in the rebeUion of 17 15. She was a natural daughter of Charles II. by Mrs. Davis. Luttrell records her marriage with " Mr. Graham " in May, 1705. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 6 1 September c)^ lyoy. .... Lady Derringwater's new husband corns every day to the coffy hous in his fyne coach and twoe footmen to wait of him, and the coach waits at the cofify hous, and all elc hear walks to it, soe he is laught at for it. Secretary Johnson has a vast deal of company dayly, hear is hardly a day that he has not a coach and six horsis at his doar, and some timse twoe or three more. Sure he must have a vast esteat to entertain soe many, and he has aboandenc of men at work in the grownd before his hous, I see six or seven digin ; it will be a sweet place when he has don, for I thought it very fyne before. Sir Thomas Skippoth has turned out his , and is grown a very good husband, his lady lives with him hear. Lord Dyzer will not be recondsyled to his son, soe he livs with her mother Mrs. Henage ; indeed she is very prety and well bred and has a great deal of witt, very lyke her father the Duke of Devenshire.* .... November 14, 1707. .... Mrs. Hillf now owns her marradg to Coll. Massum ; / its much pety Betty can not gett to be made of honor. She would soon gett a good husband, she is now hansom, but will soon fayde, she is not a lasting buity. Pray what is becom of the lady you told me of a month agoe, I fancy it was only a dreem or will proov noe better. I hear Sir Clously Shovell has left a daughter that will be a vast fortune ; pray make inq'^ after her, his son was drownd with him I am sure, * Luttrell in his Diary writes, under date Dec. 10, 1706 : "The lord Huntingtour, only son of the Earl of Dysert, is married to Mrs. Henneage, natural daughter of the Duke of Devon." Juliana Wentworth, wife of Peter, writing to her brother-in-law, puts the matter as follows : — " Mrs. Harriett Cavendish that use to kiss Grigson the gardener is marri'd to Lord Huntingtower, and Lord Dissert his father says he suspected it, and could have hindered itt if he had pleased, but if he had known his son would have hang'd himself or cut his throat he should for him." t Abigail Hill, who ultimately supplanted the Duchess of Marlborough in Queen Anne's favour, married Samuel, afterwards Lord, Masham. 62 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. could you but see my fyer side, you would laugh hartely to se Fubs upon a cushin, the cat of another, and Pug of another lapt up al but her face in a blanckitt. I have not left room to asure you I am, dear, dear creature your most infenitt affectionate mother J. W. December 22, 1707. My dearist and best of children, I thanck you for yours of the 24 of this instint, although it was short it was hartely welcom to me as al yours are. Last Sunday I was god- mother to Mr, Hanbury's boy, they refewsed the Countess of Winchelsee for me, for she offered herself to ether boy or girl ; twoe ritch sittissons stud with me, on Sir Ambrose Croly,* the other Marchant Morgin, each ar worth abov a hundred thoussand poun a peic. A Bishop crisned it, but what I forgott .... Sir Clowsly Shovell was buryed last night at Wesminstor, and it was very fyne and must needs cost a great deal of mony. {February or March, 1708.] My dearist and best of children .... Neaphew Batthurst was to see me this morning and made many speeches of his great affection to you ; indeed I beleiv him very sincear. I wish your grant was secured by Act of Par'"\ and your mony and all you have put in sum other bodys name that has nothing to doe with Court nor Army, for I hear its in the Gezett that the Princ of Wails is going towards Dunkerk ; then he may soon be hear. Hear is a great deal of grumbling about. All my news I hard just now from Sue, whoe has been to se som freinds in the sety, and they ar full of such news. I wonder my neaphew sayd nothing of it, but I made him sing all the while he was with me, for he sings charmingly. Coals ar above fifty shilling a chaldren to my grief, and coffy ten shilling a pd. I will leev * Or Crowley, a city alderman, described as of Greenwich, elected for Andover in 1713. He died in March 1714. One of his daughters married Sir John Hinde Cotton, the well known Jacobite ; another, Lord St. John, of Bletsho. See note on p. 84, post. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 63 it of if possable, I have for a long time dranck it, twise and some timse thre timse a day. The Duke of Newcastle's daughter is vyolent il of a feavour, the Docters thincks her in great danger ; they pray it may proov the small pox, nothing elc can save her, as I am told. Twickenham, September b^ 1708. My dearist and best of children, I long to hear you ar safe att Berlin. I have had a great deal of company with me to day, and blind Mrs. Ash whoe commends the great room for a handsom room. I was in hopse she would have commended the picturs to, and Mrs. Windom was hear whoe leved in this hous before, and much admiers the great alteration you have made. Poor Mr. Boucher went to the Bath presently after you went, and dyed the week after he went. He made a great dinner for Sir John Garmain and som others, and fynd- ing himself very ill sent for Gath \sic Garth .?] ; but when he came he told him — Dockter you can doe me noe good, for I am just a dying, and soe dyed. He was brought to this church and buirryed verry pryvitly under the Communion table lait at night ; thear was a paper put upon the church door in virs about his many wivs, they say he has fower. Its not known yett what he has left ; twoe old wemen was over hard to be very wety seying, why had he noe scutchyons, for he might have good arms, a pack of cards, a dyse box, and quarter a pair of sissors. His death is now all the discours. I hope and wish that you may be in as great favour with this Queen of Prushee as you was with the last November <^^ 1708. * % % if. The Queen is very good, has sent all the Princis sarvents word thear sallerys shall be contenewed, but Peter reckons he has lost a hundred a year. It seems the Princ out of his prevy purs gave him fifty and now he must pay 4J. in the pd., 64 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and then the Princ was good natured and would have dun somthing for his children.* Novejnber i6, 1708. My dearist and best of children .... I have a moste dismall story to tell you, God forgiv me for it. I cannot help being more then I ought concerned. I shall never lov anything of that kynde a quarter soe well again. I had rether lost a hundred pd., nay all the rest of my doms I would have geven to have saved poor charming Fubs, never poor wretch had a harder death. As it leved soe it dyed, full of lov leening its head in my bosom, never offered to snap at any body in its horrid torter but nussle its head to us and loock earnestly upon me and Sue, whoe cryed for thre days as if it had been for a childe or husband, .... Sure of all its kynd thear never was such a one nor never can be, soe many good qualletys, soe much senc and good nature and cleenly and not one fait ; but few human creeturs had more senc then that had I could write a quier of paper in her commendations. I have buiryed her in this garden, and thear is a stoan layd at her head I leiv all news and the discription of the Princ his buirying to your brother. November 23, 1708. My dearist and best of children, I have been to see a very good hous in St. Jamsis Squair. It has thre large rooms for- ward and two little ons backward, closetts and marble chimney peicis, and harths to al the best rooms, and iron backs to the chimneys. Thear is twoe prety clossets with chimneys and glas over them, and picturs in the wenscoat over most of the chimneys, bras locks to al the doars, wens- coat at bottom and top and slips of boards for the hangings, Thear will want little to be dun to it. Thear is back stairs, twoe coach housis, and stable for ii horses, rooms over for * Prince George of Denmark, to whom Peter Wentworth was equerry, died on 28 October, 1708. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 6$ sarvents, very good offisis, a yard for the drying of cloaths, and leds for that purpus, a stable yard and a hors pond and back gate, which I forgot the street's name it goes into. Thear is a handsom roome al wenscoated for the steward to dyne in, and another good roome for the other sarvents to dyne in even with the kitchin belowe stairs under the hall and parlors. It was my Lord Sunderland's, it was to little for them. They sold it to a marchant, whoe sent his foolish neaphew whoe could not tell me the prise. It is free ground rent, and all is in herretanc. To morrow the man coms to tell me the prise November 26, 1708. My dearist and best of children, I have sent you the exact acount under the gentleman's own hand ; the man that showed me the house was a foole, he did not show me all the stables nor coach housis Indeed it is a noble hous, you may build a gallary over the offisis ; they say this hous is soe strong it will last for ever, and all the new buildings ar very slight. My old Lady Bristo gave it her daughter Sunderlin,* then she lett this young Lord and his Lady liv som years in it, and after she had sold it they heered it for a year of him. He asurse me none of the chimneys smoke and thear is New Rever water in all the ofifisis and great led sesterns in twoe or thre playsis, the kitchin is one, and the brewhous and wash hous. Thear is a large chimney and great and oven and five stoavs in the kitchin. He ses the locks are worth 30/., then thear is picturs over the chimneys. Doe you know my Lady Oogla's, her hous in the Pelmell is to be sold for twoe thousand pound. It has a fyne prospeck in the Parke, but not half soe good as that in the Square, nor soe convenyent ; I beleev that can have noe stables. I have promist Mr. Stracy his answear in thre weeks. I wish and hope you will have that in the square, it is a noble hous and fitt for you, and strong, noe danger of its falling by great wynds ; aboundenc * Robert, second Earl of Sunderland, married Anne, daughter of Peorge Digby, Earl of Bristol. F 66 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. of the new buildings fall. It must be very warm having those brick walls. It is a great frost, my hands ar soe cold I can hardly hold my pen. December \o, 1708. My dearist and best of children .... Yestirday I had lyke to have been ketched in a trap, your Brother Wentworth had almoste parswaded me to have gon last night to hear the fyne muisick, the famous Etallion sing att the rehersall of the Operer, which he asured me it was soe dark none could see me. Indeed musick was the greatist temtation I could have, but I was afraid he deceaved me, soe Betty only went with his wife and him ; and I rejoysed I did not, for thear was a vast deal of com- pany and good light— but the Dutchis of Molbery had gott the Etallian to sing and he sent an excuse, but the Dutchis of Shrosberry made him com, brought him in her coach but Mrs. Taufs huft and would not sing becaus he had first put it ofe ; though she was thear yet she would not, but went away.* I wish the house would al joyne to humble her and not receav her again. This man out dus Sefachoe, they say that has hard both. December 2\, 1708. My dearist and best of children, — Now I hope all your troublesom time is over, but now myne is aproachin, for Crismass brings aboundenc of troublesom gess. T designe to be as sneeking as I can, and doe noe works of suparflewety, only what just nessessety foarsis. This time of mirth the * Nicolini and Mrs. Tofts, the " Camilla" of the Spectator, are here referred to. In a letter in Lord Egmont's possession, dated March 17, 1709, we read : "This day the opera of ' Camilla' is acted expressly for Lord Marlborough. Our famous Nicolini got 800 guineas for his day ; and 'tis thought Mrs. Tofts, whose turn it is on Tuesday next, will get a vast deal. She was on Sunday last at the Duke of Somerset's, where there was about 30 gentlemen, and every kiss was i guinea ; some took 3, others 4, others 5, at that rate, but none less than one." See Seventh Report of Historical MSS. Commission, p. 246. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTIT. 6/ greatist I shall have will be your dear letters, which ar always a joy unexspresable to me. Thear is a story goes for truith that Lady Harryot Vear shows a contract of Mr. Anslow's under his hand and seal ; its said he has offered her five thoussand pd. or an enewety of five hundred a year for her lyfe, but she can recover half his wiv's fortune, he has laitly marryd a great fortune Mrs. Knight.* Letters ^/ Peter Wentworth, and of Lady Wentworth, to Lord Raby, at Berlm, 1708-17 ii. London, December 21, 1708. Dear Brother, * * * * At last I have got some town news for you. Tis said Tom Anslow is put into a terrible fright, for there's a lady, now he's married to the Indian Queen claims him and her fortune, which she says the law will give her, for she has a contract under his hand and seal of marriage, which she will produce. 'Tis said he offers her 5000/. or an annuity of 500 a year to be quiet, but 'tis thought she will have twice as much from him, and so 'twill end. Lady Harriot Vere is the Lady and 'tis said Tom Anslow was really so much in love with her as to intend to marry her, till he found or at least thought she had an intrigue with Lord Chancelor.t I think here's a pretty deal of scandal for one letter. [P.S.] 'Tis not your Addison but his brother that goes secretary to lord Wharton, as Mr. Addison told me yesterday himself I told him he wou'd do well to get this place for his brother. * Thomas Onslow, son of the Speaker, Sir Richard, married a daughter of " Mr. Knight, of Jamaica." t Lord Somers, whose character was otherwise stainless (to which let Swift's dedication to him of ^ Tale of a T'wi^ bear witness), was not noted for the rigidity of his morals. F 2 68 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, December 28, 1708. Dear Brother, I find the Torys designe as soon as the house meets again to be very strick in the examination of those that were concern in the late intended invasion, and they talk that they shall be able to bring strange things to light. Mr. Addisson is certain of going over Secretary to Lord Wharton, and Mr. Steel put in for his place, but Lord Sunderland has put him off with a promise to get him the next place he shall ask that may be keep with his Gazette. I hear it is one of the Scotch members that is to come into Mr. Addisson place, but I don't know his name yet. To-day we had the news that Bruges and Placendal had surender'd, but yet 'tis said the Duke of Marlborough won't come over till the midle of February. We have no other manner of news which I am sorry for, for if I knew any I have time enough to writ it ; all the world is at the Opera where I can't go. When one does not know what to say they talk of the weather, the sudden change will give me an opportunity to make my letter a little longer ; 'tis now a very hard frost and as great a snow as we have had for many years in England. Loi^BON, January 4, 1709. .... My ink has been fros, and tho I writ with it as it comes boiling from the fire, it's white. If I might tell you all the stories are daily brought in of accidents accationed by the great frost I might fill sheets, as childern drown upon the Thames, post-boys being brought in by their horses to their stages frose to their horses stone dead, and we are obliged to the horses for having our letters regular. There are several stories trump'd up that happen'd the last great frost in 1684 and told as now ; they begin to build booths upon the Thames, it begins to a little to thaw, so I hope it will not last so long as that did, for 'twill make all provission very dear and I that have a family must think of that .... there's nobody without their troubles. The Duke of Marlborough LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 69 by all that sees and hears of his successes is pronounced a happy man, but I am told by a gentleman that saw a letter from him to a Parliament man, wherein he said he was vext to the soul at the usage he received from the H. of C — in a year when he had not only all the success cou'd be desired and that he had labour'd more then ever to serve his country ; what was the most cuting that, when Mr. Bromley took that opportunity of the thanks of the House to be given to Web to reflect upon him, none of his friends took him, and that there was not a word said in his behalf. I know you have had a full account how that matter was carried, and that it was not so much in friendship to Web as a pique to the Duke. The Queen now sees company once a week in her , bedchamber in a chair by the bedside, goes to the Chaple every Sunday and holy day, so that she begins to appear in publick pretty much. 'Tis said the Lord Manchester does not desire to be Lord Chamberlain but he wants a more profitable place, and is to have the Paymaster of the Army, Mr. Bridges and Jack How to be out. Loudon, January 11, 1709. Dear Brother, Monday last .... I went to the Committee which was for the ellection of Sal Winnington and Mr. Herbert who is now Lord Herbert.* Winnington is what they call an old whig, Lord H. what they call Lord T — r's whig ; but besides that they say 'twas a case of as great a consequence as has come before a house of many years. The case in short is this — the charter of this corporation was granted by King James the first, King James the 2nd by the process of the several members plague them so as to be glad to give it up, and he grants a new charter to the town and has such men * Of Cherbury. His opponent was Salwey Winnington, of Stanford Court, Worcestershire. The borough in dispute was Bewdley. Lord Godolphin was Lord Treasurer at this time, and until 8 August, 17 10. This fact is mentioned as there are continual references in the corre- spondence to him and to Harley, who succeeded him after an interval, as Lord T. or Lord T . 70 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. chose as he Hkes, and till of late years they have had no con- tested elections .... Lord Herbert gets petitions from a great many hands to the Queen to grant them a new charter .... Winnington's friends was to prove this an arbitrary proceed- ing and that if this was allow'd they might have all the corporations in England new model'd. Sir John Packington made a flaming speech which I won't repeat because they tell me he will print it ... . The house came to the con- clusion of approving Lord Herbert's election, and so of consequence the Queen's charter .... I have sent you a copy of the Dutchess of Ormond's letter to Lady Betty Southwell who she thought a dying,* and Lady Betty's answer which has been all the talk of the town for several vissiting days, and now there's about a hundred copy's of them, so that in a little time we may see them in print, for they print everything. They cry'd about the street The hasty Widdow or the Sooner the Better ; there was nothing in the paper but a parcel of proverbs (?), but the impudence was the title and coming out after the Address to the Queen.t London, January i8, lyog. Dear Brother, .... This day seven Lord HavershamJ made a speech, and last friday they cry'd it about the streets and I * Lady Elizabeth Cromwell (descended from Cromwell, Earl of Essex) married Edward Southwell, Secretary of State for Ireland. She was apparently an old flame of Lord Raby's, for on April i, 1709, Lady Wentworth writes, " Your old Mrs. is dead and left thre lovly boys behynde and a dismall mallancolly husband ; its Lady Betty Southwell whoe made a very good wife, and he a fond husband .... She dyed of a consumtion. Her eldist son will be Lord Crumwell, but som say he will not." t An address had been presented by both Houses of Parliament recommending a second marriage to her majesty. X Sir John Thompson, of Haversham, Bucks, a zealous promoter 01 the Revolution, was raised to the peerage in 1696. In May 1709, Lord Raby's French correspondent in London writes : — " Le Lord Haversham, qui est pour le moins Sexagenaire, a dpousd, en secondes noces, la veuve d'un officier qui est mort Prisonier en France, laquelle etoit sa Domestique en quality de Femme de Charge." LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 7 1 was bit with it, for I bought it to send you and when I read I found 'twas what he had spoke last year, but this morning the true one is come out, and I have sent it here inclosed. . . . They say here Web can't accept of the honour the King of P. intends him without the Queen's consent, which if it shou'd be deny'd, as I suppose it won't, its supposed Web won't send the Diamons back again. Never was there so little news. I have sent you some french verses which are mightily commended. Our English satyrists have been very silent, tho' they talk of some lines upon Dr. Garth which I am promised and shall send you next post. Lady Brownlow's youngest daughter is run away and nobody knows yet with whom, tho' 'twas ever since Twelfth day ; somebody has got a good fortune, they reckon her worth 30,000. Lord Wembs last week was married to Lady Robson's daughter, a twenty thousand pounds fortune, a Yorkshire family ; his lordship has no great estate, and what he has is settled upon his children by a former wife, I have seen two of his sons. Mr. Poultney has had a troublesome affair upon his hands — the Poultney which is distinguish't by being Harry Guy's heir* — he had a quarrel with a gentleman at the Playhouse, and they went out to deside it, but before he got out of the passage there came two more and drew their swords upon him, but the footmen and chairmen pre- vented any mischeif that night. The next morning he meet his men in the court of request, and he struck one with his cane and they at him again with their sticks, but there was company enough to prevent all but broaken heads ; but 'tis thought it can't end so. London, January 21, 1709. Dear Brother, Because the Duke of Ormond is selling his Regiment of horse in Ireland they have raised a report that he's a going * Henry Guy, a former secretary to the Treasury and member for Hedon, left the greater part of his estate, estimated at 100,000/., to William Pulteney, Walpole's great opponent, afterwards Earl of Bath. •JT. THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. to sell his troop of Guards, and they give for reason that he won't be commanded by Lord Wharton, which you know is nonsence, for his being Lord Lieutenant in Ireland gives him no command here. The Person they name for buying the troop I don't think the Court will trust with it, tho' 'tis said he has promised to be a true Whig. Lord Haversham has a touch upon his change when he says the Pretender has as many friends as ever, except one, he means the Duke of Hambleton. The Torys rejoice that the Great Whigs begin allready to use Lord Treasurer as they wou'd wish to oppose him publickly in the house, particularly Lord Summers, who upon the debate of the Duke of Queensburgh sett in the house in a double capacity, differed very much in oppinion from Lord T. — 'tis said to by them that Lord T. told the Duke of O — that the Queen had made him Secretary of State in Scotland, and that the Duke of Q — had been to thank her Majesty, but the juncto* had power to put a stop to^t, designing it for the Duke of Monross, others say the Duke of Monross is very angry and says they have betray'd him, and he'll have nothing more to do with them, for he does not think 'twas ever intended for him. Yesterday was a long day in the house of C, they were resolved to turn Sir Simon Harcourt out, right or wrong ; 'twas debated till past two in the morning, but at last they throw him outf .... London, /fl««Jui}t, 1709 "Vendredi dernier le Lord Blantire, et Mr. Drummond, tous deux Ecossois, se battirent k coups de Pistolet k Hampstead village k 4 miles d'ici ; et le sieur Drummond receut une Balle dans le Cote droit, mais la Blessure n'est pas mortelle." 92 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. of a secret expedition after Macartney was laid aside ; now Wills, that as he says is a younger Brigadeer then he, is made a Major General, and is to command in cheif. He has been a long time a Major G' of King Charles making, reckon a very good officer. Where they are to go is not publicly known, some says upon the coast of France and accordingly the French are preparing for them, some says for Portugal ; where ere they go they go first to Cork to take forces from thence. La Pell is in a great hurry going down for his regi- ment is allready at Plimouth, from whence the Fleet sail. 'Tis said the Q has forgiven Mackartney, but whether ' he's to go Governor of Jamaca is not yet known. London, 17 June, 1709. .... Mrs. Barry they say is married to Count Vienna the sharper ; he has declared he knews of ten thousand pounds already that she has and hopes she'll still prove worth more to him. This is all the news the town affords, at least all that's come to my knowledge. London, i July, 1709. Dear Brother, Yesterday the Queen went to Windsor ; she lies in the house over against the Castle, which is put in mourning, the Castle not being .... Sir Scipio Hill with his new project of getting mony accasions some diversion and talk at White's. You may have heard for this long while he has been dicing of the . . . ; he now come abroad and look a divel, or at least a sad memento mod. He gives fourscore guineas to receive ten guineas a quarter for his life, Sir James of the Peak is his agent, and runs about offering it all that will take. Boscowen has took it, and two or three more, who are of opinion he will not live a month. Those he had made his heirs does not approve of this whim, for he's resolved to dispose of all his ready mony this way if he can find substantial fools enough to take it ; but the crack begins to run as if he may live a great while for all he looks so ill, for he has recovered his voice to a miracle. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTIL 93 London, 8 July^ 1709. * * * * I have now sent you the Tatler of last Saturday, wch I did not sent before, because I was told 'twas dull, but that persons judgement I shall take no more, for having since read it I think it diverfing enough, the news from Epsom is almost matter of fact, wch makes the jest the better, the Ladys are city ladys, names Turners, and I must needs say I like the description of Africanus, wch is Sir Scipio Hill, the day before I was a wittness of some of the divertion as I sent you word. 12 July, 1709. * * * * The prosecution of Lord Wainnan is now order'd again, upon wch the Tatler is to day, the accation I am told is this, that last year when there was a stopt put to't 'twas upon the intercession lady Wainman the mother made to the Queen and that she designed to marry her son, the fool, to Sir John Packington's daughter, 'twas then said that my Lady her self had married her Butler, wch the Queen desired her to tell the truth, and she did assure the Queen upon her word and honour, 'twas false, and she never intended any such thing, but of late she has own her marriage to that same Butler, and put off the match with Sir John P daughter, and married him to her husband's sister, wch they say the Queen is angry at and therefore this fresh prosecution is order'd. [Lady Wentworth.] Twickenham, July 19, 1709. My dearist and best of children, .... I have prefered one of the pupys to Lady Humble whoe is very fond of dogs, she will make very much of it for your sake. I went to Mrs. Bouchers whear I was charmed with prety miss whoe plays one the spenett and sings to it ; her voyse is week but very sweet, and an exackt good ear she has, but your sister is charmed with Mrs. Boucher herself She ses she is the hansomist woman she 94 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. ever see, her wedoes habbitt becoms her very much, and her hous is suitable to her buity, for its very charming. I see over Lady Blunt's wall, your little hous, and the garden is as much altred as this is, and a wilderness at the eend of it. Sure Secretary Johnson must have a great estate, for he has a vast deel of company comse to him dayly from London, coachis and six horsis sum timse thre of a day. Next doar hear is Mrs. Campyons her basterd by the Duke of Devon- shire is kept, indeed its the very picture of the Duke ; she was a true penetent when she dyed and said her mother parswaded her. It seems she sold her for a thoussand pd wanting mony exstreemly — a prety ackt for a mother, sure she had better have beged her bred. Uuly?'\ 1709. My dearist and best of children, I hope I have layd a good foundaytion for you with your ingenyous headpeec to finish. It would be to tedyous to trouble you with all my inventions to bring this to pas, but in short I found none seemed soe secure as this. Hall whoe is very dexterus at all things he writt a letter whearin he aquanted Lady Brownloe that he was sent by a parson of quallety about a buisnes that might be a great sattisfaction to each famely, and beged the favour he might speake a word in pryvitt with her ladyship. Soe he stayd tell she was up, and she came to him, but brought her steward whoe stood at a distanc while he told her that he was sent by a parson of qallety which had seen her youngist daughter and was very much in lov with her, which if she pleesed to giv leev she should have a parteculor of his estate, and then know his name. Soe she said she could say nothing without knowing the name. Soe he told her it was you. She said she had hard a very good carrector of you, but she was not willing to marry the youngist before the elder ; She smiled when he said you was in lov with her. She said she would conseder of it ; he askt her if she would giv him leeve to wait of her again. She said by noe means — or if she would give me leev to wait upon her, she sayd noe, she would not have me giv my self that trouble, but she pre- LETTERS OF LADY WKNTWORTIL 95 sented her sarvis to me. He told her I sent him, and you had writt twoe or thre letters to me about it. Soe Ellison, Hall, and I thinck that you should write immedyetly to my Lady and another enclosed to the young one, and not to lett it get wynd. I am possetivly sure it will doe if you will goe one with it, and yet noe creeture hear knows it but Hall and Ellison ; for I shall dispair if any of Peter's famely know it, not but he and his wife are both to good to hender it, but she has many reletions to my knolledg would leeve noe stoan, as the saying is, unturned to hender it. You know this Lady Brownloe has five daughters, the eldest marryed to Lord Exetor, the second to Lord Gilford, the third is going but not yet marryed, but al things conclewded one with Lord Sher- wood, whoe I hear has noe very great estate but they say the Earl of Exetor lovs drincking and soe dus this Lord Sherwood, and that he has made the match up. This is what Hall tells me. Peter told me he was to be marryed to this lady, for your sister Wentworth is very great with Lord Sherwood's mother and sister. He nor Lord Gilford are what I lyke. Lord Gilford loocks not at all lyke quallety but a little ugly man. I thinck Lord Sherwood is proper and tall, but loocks heavy and dull. As much as I see of them, the youngest will be envyed by all her sisters, if it be her happy fate to gett you. Elleson sess Mrs. Reevsis mother is dead and that she has undenyable twenty fower thousand pound, and he thought you had lyked her. Lady Gilford livs over against your sister Arundell ; I thinck her very prety, but I know the youngist is thought by all the pretyist of them all. Dear soul, loos noe time, but write, and if you would att the same time indite one for me, I may inclose yours and giv it ether to Elleson or Hall to carry ; it will not be proper for me to carry it, because he ask leev for me to wait of her and she refewsed it, and I am soe dasht to a stranger that I shall spoyle the cans quite. God derect you and prosper you, and make you in this and in al things throughout happy, to the great comforte of, Dearist, dear creeture Your moste infenit affectionate Mother. 96 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Are you not aquanted with the Earl of Exetor, what if you writt a letter to him to speak to his mother, and tell him its the ladys parson and not her mony that has charmed you. [Peter Wentworth.] 22 July^ 1709. Dear Brother, * * * * People are generally very angry here at soe many Palitanes being brought over here, and say the Government shou'd have known what to have done with them before they had admited them. And they begin to make reports as if they wou'd bring a Plague among us for they die in heaps at Black heath, of malignant fevours and smal pox, and have graves dug to burry them on the heath. We of the Prince's family have been told that out of Mr. Compton's office the Queen pays to them above a 100/. a day, so that is one reason makes the Queen delay signing the Establishment for the family, for as soon as that was sign'd we shou'd be all runing to receive mony there, and ready to join with the common cry of Charity begins at home, and that these forreigners are a Plague to us.* * A few notices of these Palatines, and other poor German Protestants (about 6,000 in number^ driven to England by the desolation of their country by the French, occur in the French news-letters sent to Lord Raby :— 17-28 Jidn^ 1709. " La Cour a donn^ des ordres pour faire dresser un Etat des noms, age, religion, and profession de chaque Chef des dites families, dont le plus grand nombre est des laboureurs and vignerons. Le Chevalier WiHiam Penn, fameux Chef des Trembleurs, ayant demand^ permission d'employer quelques families de ces pauvres Palatins, sa demande lui k t\.(i octroyee, et demain 70 Families doivent, s'embarquer pour aller en Pensilvanie. 24 Juin-$ Juillei, 1709. " Le Conseil a enfin resolu d'etablir une Partie des pauvres Palatins et autres Allemands Protestants dans la Nouvelle Foret de S. M. pres de LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 97 The Last Tatler is upon D"" Ratclif who they say is desparately in love with Dutchess of Bolton, his passion runs so high as to declare he'll make her eldest son his heir, upon wch account they say the Duke of B is not at all alarm'd, but gives the Old amorist opportunity to make his Court, the D"" lately gave the Dutchess and some other Ladys an entertainm' of musick upon the water, and a fine supper in the Barge. 29 July, 1709. * * * * I shou'd have given you a key to the two Tatlers I sent you last, the Brussel Postscript are verses of Crowders. He show'd them me in manuscript. Aurenzeb is Tom Colson, who never had any friendship with any body but S"" Edward Symour, who brought him into Parliament. This Tatler I know nothing of, only they say the Dutchess of Montague has lately lost a bitch she call'd fidel, and has had it cry'd. We have had great news wch is not yet generally received as Authentick, it comes over by one major Reding, a Prisoner, who's arriv'd from Calls, and reports that just before he came thence, there came letters wch caused a great Melancholy in the Air of every body, and they got into corners whisper'd and avoided letting him hear, but he was well acquainted with the Commissar who, upon inquirery, told him they had rec*^ very bad news from Italy, that Count Taun had fain Southampton, oil il y a beaucoup de Terres k defricher ; et d'envoyer la reste dans les Colonies de I'Amdrique. I - 1 2 Jtcillet, 1 709. " On a dejk tendu 4CX3 Tentes pour les pauvres Palatins a Camberwell et 6cx3 k Blackhead {sic), et comma ce nombre ne suffit pas, on leur a distribud 600 autres k la Tour, qu'il doivent tendre k Blackhead. 24 July-\ August, 1709. " Nonobstant les murmures qui se sont dlevez parmi la Populace contre les Palatins, une Foule du Monde va journellement voir leurs camps k Camberwell et k Blackheath, ou on leur fait des grandes charitez. De sorte qu'ils vivent fort bien et contracter plusieurs mariages entr'eux." H 98 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Upon the Duke of Barwick's Army and had totally routed them, and that the Duke was mortally wounded, and by the next post they expected to hear of his death. 22 August, 1709. * * * * The town is very empty and no manner of news but a fresh talk of Peace being as good as concluded, and I find few people that beleives you are gone to Carlsbad, some fancy you are gone upon some Secreet affair with King Augustus, Coll S' Peirre's immagination has sent you to the Zare of Moscovy, and this day in the Amsterdam news I read you were agoing to Vienna in the Room of S'" Philip Meadows, the Date of that paper is the 30th August, N.S. Mrs. Davers daughter is made a Bedchamber Woman, wch my sister Arundel had hopes of, and I am soriy for the dis- appointment, all her comfort is theres six now wch add to the number of a chance for a Vacancy. The Queen sent for the Dutchess from London to present Bell Davers, till when her grace had not been there since the Queen was at Windsor. The town talk as if the Dutchess has thoughts of resigning the Groom of the Stole, and that upon the condition lady Sunderland shou'd succeed her, but they say the Duke of Sommersett contess the matter for his Dutchess wch is what keeps the Dutchess of M from quiting. The Duke of Sommerset does keep close to Windsor, I don't think he has been three days absent this season. 'Tis certain the Dutchess has not nor does not designe to be much at Windsor, but I believe the talk of her resigning is nothing but town talk ; her house in the Priory advances prodigiously, 'tis now a covering. [Lady Wentworth.] December 9, 1 709. Dearist and best of children, I wish you a merry Crismas and a hundred happy new years .... Lady Comten will not yet see Lord Dorsett, her grandson, .... Lady Shas- bury is .... a pryvit Gentlewoman of noe great famely, her LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 99 name is youer {sic Ewer ?) or such a kynd of name. Thear is a mother and another sister, but he has carrcd her without soe much as one sarvent of hers with her to a hous he has att Ry- gate, whear he had provyded a good discreet wayting woman for her of Bell Skinner's recommending. Bel Skinner is with them as a companyon ; al this is under the Rose, I beg. I fear poor Mr. Batthurst will be turned out of the hous, to morroe is his day of tryel. One Cox joined with him, and its said it is dun out of spyte to Cox. Its much feared he will loos it, himself dus not fear it, but I hard it by others.* Had I his estate I would never atempt it more, and would not cair a fardin for wig nor tory, nor sattisfye them what I was Lord Willoby is going to be marred to one of the Brownloes, that which Lord Sherwood should have had. I have the pretist parret, it talks any thing, and is mighty fond of me [Peter Wentworth.] 16 December, 1709. Dear Brother .... All the news the town is entertain'd with is the extra- ordinary way the house of commons has resolved to proceed against Sacheveril for his two Sermons, wch they call books, but he and the Parsons need not be so angry, for they are the cause of it themselves for they have made their brags that before 'twas printed 'twas perused and examined by three able counsil in the law who has given their opinion that there's no law in being, either Ecclesiastical or Civil, that can be punisht for any of his expressions how sharp so ever they may be taken to be when apply'd to any perticulars. There's none of these courts will condemn a man for inuendos, wch the house of Commons well knew, therefore they wou'd not hearken to Mr. Broomley, and the rest of them that wou'd * The election of Allen Bathurst, and Charles Coxe (of Nether Lippiatt and Lincoln's Inn) for Cirencester, in May, 1708, was declared void, but they were both re-elected on 23rd December, 1709. H 2 lOO THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. have had Sachevcril try'd before a convocation, or at the Queen's Bench ; they know by impeachment was the surest way to have him punish'd wch all the party is very intent upon. The Lord Mayor Sir Samuel Garrard has slipt his neck out of the Collar but how honourable I can't say, for Sacheveril affirms before the house, after Sir Samuel Garrard had deny'd 'twas printed by his command, that the day he preach Sir Samuel complymented him' upon his Sermon and took him home with him to dinner in his own coach, and after dinner told him lie hoped he shou'd see it in print, wch he took for a sufficient command from a superior to an in- ferior, and several other circumstances wch I believe made most of the house believe 'twas the Lord Mayer's desire to have it printed, but they were very willing to lett him scramble off, for no part of the city is to be disoblig'd now mony is to be paid in. The house of Commons past another Vote the same day wch some people are more startled at, wch was passing a Cenzure upon a Sermon of the Bishop of Exeter's preach't a year ago, and printed by the command of the Queen ; it treated of passive obedience, and was answered very spartly by one Hoadly a church of England Divine but has been always reckon by the high Church a republican. This man the H : of C : has given thanks for his answere and has order'd an adress to the Queen that she wou'd prefer Mr. Hoadly according to his great merits. 20 December, 1709- Dear Brother, The day before yesterday I received yours of the 14th and yesterday I executed most of your orders, as having bought the Cartons at the place and price you directed, and in White Friars I heard of a man that made a collection of all the pamphelets that comes out and are worth keeping, and there I meet with some things that related to Tho: late Earle of Strafford, and that man I have imploy'd to get me what else he can find that mentions the life and actions of that Great man. I shall go to Twittenham very soon, and send you a catalogue of all your prints, and there I believe I shall LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 10 1 find S"" Phipil Warricks memories, wch talks of my Lord Straffords amours, wch my Aunt Skinner was provoked at, and thought a lessening to his memory, and therefore wou'd not allow it to be true, tho' there may be others that may take the account of that intrigue to be true, and yet acknow- ledge his lordship to be as great a man as ever liv'd in an age. If you have not Lord Clarendon's History, as I think you have not, I think it won't be a miss to send you the Charactor he gives of him, the Charactors he gives of the men of those times is reckon the finest part of his History. Since you left England it has been reprinted in smaller Volumes, wch reduces the price to thirty shillings. I have a set of those, and can either send you them or writ out my Lord S d's charactor to go over with that Volume of Rusworth's collec- tions that contains the Tryal. There was an appendix ot Dugdal's Baronage, wch I sent you word some time ago was to come out by subscription, and I had subscrib'd half a guinea for you, the book I have and shall send by the Hamborough Convoy. There's a great many I hear are dissatisfied that they han't said enough of their familys and the man tells them if they please to give him any perticulars he has omitted they shall be incerted in his next edition, so if you please to have any thing added of yours I shall give it to be done. [Lady Wentworth.] December 20, 1 709. 'A' 5|C •(* 3|C .... I am very angree with Hall, for I sett him to inquier after a young lady that I writt you word how prety she was, that I se at chappell. I hard she was a fortune and Hall brought me word she would have very little during her father's life, and he was lykly to marry again. She is now going to be marred and has twenty thoussand pound sartain. Hear is Lord Carburer's daughter and the duke of New- 102 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. castle's yett left for you. Its noe shame for a man to be refused, whye should you not write a letter to Lord Carburer to propose yourself to his daughter, and asure him you will desier nothing of her fortune tell he is dead. He is vastly ritch and will giv all he has to her, only is soe covetious he will part with nothing present ; he is very old and will never marry again. Lord Shasbury he made this proposetion and was refused and yet Lord Raby may be excepted, besyds to be refewsed is noe disgrace.* Dear Soul forgiv this im- pertenanc from her whoe lovs you beyond exsprestion, and it would increas her days, the joy of seeing you well marryed. [Peter Wentworth.] London, 24 January, 17 10. Dear Brother, I did not as I told you I wou'd last post persue my Lord Marlborough out of town with a memorial to desire his interest with her Majesty for you in what I had desired of Lord Treasurer, for since I under stood his going out of town was not to avoid sollicitations, but from a disgust he had received to find he cou'd not prevail with her Majesty to give either the tower or the Regiment to the persons he intended. Constable of the Tower I am told he ask't for Cadogan, but the Queen told him she had promised it to lord Rivers, and the Regiment wch was ask't for Merideth, she had promised to Coll. Hill, the last of wch was argued very long, as that Coll. Hill having an old Regiment of foot was as good as he was, and that 'twas a command that was expected to come among the General Officers. In short it ended in the Duke's going out of town, with a resolution not to return if he cou'd not have the naming the Coll. of that Reg*^, where he staid till * On June 14 this year Lady Wentworth had written to her son : — .... Lord Shaftsbury would faen have Lord Carburry's daughter, but my Lord will not agree to it, although he would not desier a fardin with her, he is soe in lov with her. I wish you had made your court to him, I fancy you might have gained him, and then noe doubt of her. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. I03 yesterday, the Queen having not till friday night sent him a letter Mcrideth shou'd have the Regiment as he desired and that she wou'd not insist upon Hill's having. Upon the Duke's coming to town his friends report all is well and right again, but others talk as if there was great matters in agitation such as the Queen can never consent to. 'Tis certain there's a great Hurly burly at Court but the perticular accations 'tis impossible for me to learn at least not saft for me to writ, however I'll venture to tell you what common report says, vis, that L'l M insists upon his being sole General during the Q 's and his joint lives, and the Dutchess of Ormond, Lady Fretcheville, lady Hide, Coll. Masham and Mrs. Masham together with their brother and sister be immediately remov'd from Court. This they say has not a little alarm'd the Q who is said to be so much astonish'd at it that she has frequent consultations with the Contrary party what to do in so nice a conjuncture, and that the General officers has been sounded by both sides to discover what they wou'd do if things shou'd come to extremitys. If these things comes to be more common discourse, I'll venture to writ more at large. It has been talk't as if yesterday was to have been the day to have mov'd for an address in the House of Commons, to the Oueen, to have had Mrs. Masham removed from Court, and all this sessions they say the house of Commons was never fuller, so 'twas not thought a proper time to move what they were not sure of carrying, tho' 'twas said that Harry Mor- dent * did give some broad hints as if he cou'd not be for giving any further supplys, unless some certain persons were removed from the Queen's presence. Whether the adverse party to Mrs. Masham had any such designe, I can't say, but this am asure of that the Queen give the Vice Chamber- lain Cook orders to tell all her friends in the house of Com- mons, that is to say all that had any dependant, that any such address wou'd be very disagreeable to her. * There were two members named Henry Mordaunt or Mordant at this time. One sat for Malmesbury ; he died early in 1710, and was succeeded by Addison. The other sat some years for Richmond, York- shire ; he died about January, 1720. I04 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. The Court is still in deep morning, v/earing Cofifs upon their coats sleeves, wch will be till Lady day, and no Arms upon the Coachs ; the rule for the morning of this year is to be as for a Father. Long pockets in the summer were liked to have obtain'd being an universal fashion, but this Winter its totally out again, and theres no but young fellows in the Army, and the Smarts of them that wears those Coats with bottons up the arms. London, 27 January^ 17 10. Dear Brother, The matter of dispute between the Q n and Duke of M wch I writ you last post of with so much caution, I find is talked about everywhere with a great deal of freedom, and every body is giving their opinion wch is right, and wch is wrong, even of some things wch are doubtfull whether they ever were in agitation, being reported to have been so but by one Party, the Tories, who say, the junto promised the Duke of M to use all their Interest to have him made General for life by the Queen, and then to have it confirm'd to him by act of P ; but this is deny'd by the whigs, this I heard one of the whigs own that at a meeting that lately was held of them, 'twas proposed that at the same time the Duke offer'd to lay down, all th' other great officers shou'd do so too, as Sir Simon Harcourt and Sir Tho. Mansel did when Harley and S* Georges {sic^ were turn out, but Lord Summers and L'' Treasurers were absolutely against any such thing, and I don't hear of many of them that was in earness in doing of it, so it went off What was reported as to the Duke's friends sounding all the General Officers as to their inclinations of standing by him and that 'twas found he cou'd depend upon none but Codagan and Merideth is said to be all false and an invention of the Tories to alarm the Q n with designes of the Duke which he never had, and by the relation I am a going to give you, wch I have from a very good hand, you'l see that the Duke and his friends deny ever having any thoughts of having the Parliament address the Queen for the removal of Mrs. Masham. Thus I am told LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. IO5 from one that had it from a lord that has been spoke with both by the O and Duke and makes the reasons of this late hurly burly pretty plain. 1* 't^ ^ 5f; But I have run off from my first Author, wch assures me all is well reconciled again, and that since the Duke has come to town, he has been with the Queen and is all submission to her Majesty's pleasure, but cou'd not forbear telling her he had a fresh instance of his enemies imposing falsities upon her for truths against him, such was their making her believe he or any of his friends had made any interest among the members of the house of C n's to Adress her Majesty for the removal of Mrs. Masham, wch he protested as he was an honest man he never thought of, and if her Majesty wou'd be pleased to tell him who inform'd her so if he did not convict them of untruth he wou'd be content to be banisht her favour for ever, and beg'd hard that that might be made a Test who was to be believed, he or them. He said she knew he had mov'd it to her Majesty as what he thought wou'd be for her service, and for the ease of her Ministry, but it never enter'd into his thoughts to Stir up the Parliament to prescrib to her what servants she shou'd keep about her person. 30 January^ 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * People may say what they please that all is made up and well again, but such breachs between great people are seldom or neuer so. The feud was very high and great upon the outing of Mr. Harley, and I know that Party reckon it wou'd ne're have been effected if my Master had not been prevailed upon at last to persuade 'twas for the good of the nation. But this matter whose beginning seem'd to be such a trifle has been carryed much higher, tho' in reality both have the same Spring. 'Tis said the Q has been so pro- vok'd as to declare to more than one she has been so slighted by the Dutchess of M that she can't indure the sight of her ; the town says it has been some time that the Dutchess I06 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. has called her gold key Mr. Mannerring Key for 'tis by his perswation she has keept it so long. This Self denial Bill is said to be brought in by the Stanch Whigs, who see to whose share so ever places are like to fall they are not like to fall to them. The Tories to a man excepted Mr. Harley and Sir Thomas Mansell voted for't, nay and I am told that Mr. Harley throw out the whole debate argued for't, but upon the division he divided against it wch reconciles two different Stores I had, one from a Whig, 'tother from a Toiy, the latter told me how sharp Mr. Harley w^as upon Mr. Dolbin for his being witty upon him for being so earness for this Bill, he told the house that a Gentleman had brought a Speech in his pocket and was resolve to speak whether to the purpose or not ; the Whig tells me that Dolbin silenced Mr. Harley by telling the Fable of the King of the Beasts that had lost his tale, and therefore used all his Rhetorick to perswade all the beasts to cut off theirs but cou'd prevail with none but a few monques and jackanaps. Some say this Bill Avill stop at the Lords, tho' others think it their interest to pass it to have all the places to them and their friends. Others have this fine notion why the lords wont pass it, as that whilst such temptations are left for the Commons they will bite at them, wch will keep them from being so popular as the Lords are at present, the Peoples eyes being wholly upon them. 'Tis thought now Schacheverel will come off clear. I am told the Queen has said to the Duke of M that the nation wanted a Peace, and that it behoved him to make no delays in't, and that Lord Townsen has instructions to take his measures as he shall be directed from the President of the Council, and not wholly from the Duke of M . [Lady Wentworth.] February i, 1710. My dcarist and best of children .... I was told that Wentworth Watson was indevoring to bye the Earldom of Strafforde, sure her Majesty will not LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 10/ grant it to any but you. Lord Stairs is going to be marryed to a great fortune. Poor Lady Conaway is dead, and left fower daughters behynd. Our neabour Mrs. Loe has just such a hous as your sister Arundel's ; she keeps her charret and footman, her neic a very prety sober discreet young woman livs with her, which is a fortune, and will be her air. The other day Mrs. Loe's sister which lay at an apothecary's had lockt herself in her chamber, her made went down, and she setting by a stoav great as myne is, a baskit with oringis standing by, she stooped to retch one oring, set her night rail a fyer. She went to doe it out, burnt her hands, but could not put it out, so went to the doar called the made was comming before she called, and the apothecary hearing her cry out, ran up ; but all they could doe to save her lyfe could not longer then a fortnight, she had holse burnt in her neck, her face and ears was burnt very much. The anguiss of it put her in a fevour ; she was a ritch old made, and left all she had to Mrs. Loe. The Queen's answaer to the Adres I sent you word of will be in the Public News, soe I need not trouble you with it Pray is buitefull Dorrinder in the straw yet ; indeed Gallant is now grown very prety and admyred and beloved by every body, he is the best youmored creeture that can be, and Pug gros very fond of him. Your doms are all well at Twitnum. Dear soul I am moste sencearly your moste infenit affectionate mother. Dear Brother, [Peter Wentworth.J London, i^ February, 1710. These verses I send you were sent me by the penny post by an unknown hand, and as I intend they shall not be spread any farther by me, I sent them without taking any copy of them, tho' I find they have been seen by a world of people in this town. I am pleased you are sattisfied with my indeavours to serve you ; but before this you have receiv'd my letters that informs you that if some people were I08 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. as hearty and sincere in using their Interest, as we wou'd have them 'tis now too late, we have daily stores told which shows that interest is much sunk of Late. 'Twas observed that the Dutchess of M did not make her appearance at Chappel with the Qveen her Birth day, wch most of the Ladys of the Bed Chamber did, there was a drawing room at night, but every body in as deep morning as ever. This Story I am a going to tell you, tho' told by Lord Harford him self, wou'd not be so generally received for truth were it not attended by other circumstances. Lord Hartford was at the Duke of M levee and he beckinged him from behind the crowd to come speak to him. The Duke told him he had heard he had given himself a liberty of speaking very freely of him, and in such rude terms that if he was in Flanders he wou'd break him for't. Lord Hartford says he reply 'd he cou'd not do that without a Counsil of War, and demanded what he had said. The Duke told him, he heard he shou'd say he pist backwards {sic) and had deny'd to the Queen his having any designe to stir the Commons up to address the Queen to remove Mrs. Masham. I hear his Lordship makes his brags that he answere his Grace very pertly to't, but what surprises me more is what follows, as that the next day the Duke of M mett the Duke of Som- merset and told him he must make a complaint to him of Lord Hartford who had served him very ill — how, my Lord, says the Duke of S , serv'd ill, I have it under your hand by two letters that he serve very well, — the Duke of M says, my Lord you mistake me, I say serv'd me very ill, and so tell what Lord Hartford had said of him — is that all .-' says the Duke of S , I do assure you he said no more then what he heard me say that you and your friend did sollicite to have an address to that purpose, and that you had with many asseverations deny'd so doing to the Q . The circumstance to make the first part of the Story be beleived is that the Duke did some time agoe reproach Duke Desnee* * Colonel Disney, the friend and constant companion of General Withers, commonly called " Duke " from his habit of using the exclama- LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. IO9 for an ungratefull fellow for making so free with his reputa- tion, and for a confirmation of the latter part 'tis said the Duke of S told the Q he wou'd stand by her with his life and Fortune, even against her insolent General. The Scafels that are building in Westminster hall for Sacheverill's tryall, and the Splendid Ball and entertainment the Portugal Ambassador made yesterday will afford the town so much talk that they for a time will forget to dis- course of these high disputes. The Portuguese was drawn into a greater expence then he first intended. There's a great Old house in Surrey Street that has stood empty for some time wch he took for some month to set up some new furniture he lias bought to carry home with him. Some Ladys went with him to see his furniture and found the rooms so Large and handsome, that they wou'd needs have them promise them a Ball, wch he did, designing for about half a dozen of Roman Catholick Ladys but they talk't much of it that he found himself under a necessity of inviting six- and-twenty couple of the best quality, and that not being thought enough there was three score tickets given for several Ladys and Gentlemen to come in Masquerade. 'Twas expected being in this unrully town there wou'd have been a great many disorders committed, and there was a company of the Guards to protect his house, but every thing was in great order, and all that was there very well pleased, and nobody angry but who was not there. tion. He was a Huguenot refugee. Swift had a great liking for him, and writes of him as one of the Society of Brothers : — " We all love him mightily," " a fellow of abundance of humour," " not an old man but an old rake," &c. He died in November, 1731. A letter dated Nov. 27, no year, from Peter Wentworth has the following passage :— " Duke Disnde's will is much talked of, for he has left nothing to his poor relations, but very handsome to his bottle companions, 500 to Jack Hill, 500 to Lord Massam's son, 500 to Sir \Vm. Wmdham, 500 to Lord Bathurst son, 500 to Lord Strafford's son, and 500 to Lord Bulingbrook .... I never drank a bottle with him or I might have had a 500." no THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 17 February, 17 10. Dear Brother, 5j^ 5jC "Jv ?P The Address that was moved in the house of Commons, for the Queen to send over the D. of M forthwith to transact the treaty of Peace, what ever air it may give his Grace abroad, at home 'tis thought not to have made him a greater Favourite. 'Twas introduced by Sir Gilbert Heath- cot's^ pulling out a letter wch he said had just received from an eminent Marchant at Amserdam who inform'd him the treaty of Peace with the French King was begun affresh, thereof he thought it behov'd the house to Adress the Queen to send the D away to take care of our Interest. Mr. Bromley was against the address and among other reason he reflected upon the manner of this news being brought into the house by a Marchant from another Marchant and that the Queen had been always so good as to communicate matters of importance to the house by the proper Officers. Sir Gilbert answer'd this reflection by saying he had a greater stake to loose and paid more taxes then that Gentlemen. Auther Ansley made a very warm speech against it, as that 'twas exalting that man whose Pride was already intollerable, seting him above the Crown, wch wou'd make us the most abject of Slaves, and that 'twas afl'ronting the Sovereign to prescrib who she shou'd imploy in the treaty of Peace ; and Mr. Walpool told the house that all complyments to the Duke was so many complyments paid to the Queen. The Vice Chamberlain Mr. Cook inform'd the house to the con- trary but in what terms I cou'd not hear, however 'twas carried by a great Majority for the address. Sir Christopher Wren has been before the House of Lords to give an account why the Scaffels in Westminster Hall are not built to contain room enough for each Lords to have eight tickets a peice, he inform'd the lords that the house off" Commons took up a whole side and there was some other place Lord Treasurer had ordered to be left unbuilt, wch wou'd * Member for the City, one of the founders of the Bank of England, Lord Mayor, 171 1. LETTERS OF PETER WENTVVORTH. Ill save the Queen 300/., wch was not thought fitt to be sav'd by the Lords, and they gave him orders to make as much room as ever had been usual. Then he told them plainly that the Q was possitive she wou'd have no body over her head, wch made the house laught coming so pat to what had been so lately the discourse of the town ; but 'twas admited to be very reasonable. [Lady Wentworth.] February 18, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, .... Mr. Lewis of Speer is going to be marryed to Sir Robert Cotten's daughter,* she has six thousand pound. The other day as my coach was going hom about seven of the clock, twoe of the seats was stoal out, and one of my glassis was broack a while agoe, the string broak and the glass flowsed down broak al to bits. I am very lucky. Mr. Page sess all my fillerys and yours ar kild by this hard frost, myne wear charming as well as yours. I told him it was his fait, for want of dungin ; he ses not, he ses Secretary Johnson has lost most of his, and all the neabours about. It freesis now very hard, almost by the fyer side, and yett this thre days the sun shynse, and its very bright wether. Dear soul, never mother loved her only child more then I doe you, and whilst I liv will in al things indevor to prove my self to be Your most infenit afifectionat mother. Last night, being the thanckgiving day, hear was fine fyer works. I se the Rockitts at my windoe. [Peter Wentworth.] London, 21 February, 1710. Dear Brother, Saturday last I sent your two letters to Mr. Bromley and frank't them as you order'd, and yesterday I received another * Catherine, daughter of Sir Robert Cotton, of Combermere (not connected with the antiquary of that name who Hved a century earher), married Thomas Lewis, of St. Pierre, elected member for Monmouth- shire in April, 17 13. 112 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. vvch I send away by this post, and find by your last resolve of having it like brick and stone 'twill be like the Dutchess of M house she has built in the Queen's Guarden, wch is said to be one of the most perfect Models thats in England, There's no news, but all the Ladys are making their advances to the Lords, to get tickets from them to see and be seen at the Tryal, for that reason the Young Lords make a busstle to have their full number of ticket, 8 a peace, though they know there is not room for half that number. They have made an order of the house that no absent lords shall have any, and so all that will have any must be at the call of the house the day before. Here's a supposed letter to a friend sent me by the Penny Post, wch the Tories wou'd have believed to be more then a jest in't. 'Twas talk't by some as if there was a designe to stire up the house of Commons to impeach Mr. Harley for writing his thoughts so freely, as they say he did, to one of the States General, laying open the vast need England had of Peace, our debts being so great, and the Reasons the Queen had, not to have such favourable thoughts as formerly of the Duke of M ; but of his writing such a letter 'tis thought they wanted sufficient proof, or when proved they doubted whether they cou'd carry the matter so high as to bring it to an impeachment to do Mr. Harley any harm. It seems we are not the only Court that discards old favourites for new ones, for 'tis said there's a new one sprung up at Berlin. [Lady Wentworth.] February 24, 17 10. .... Its said that Duke Schoombork's son is to marry a daughter of the Duke of Ormons. Secheverel is to be tryed next thursday ; thear is very deferent openyons of him. Westminster Hall is full of Scaffolds. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. II3 March 6, 17 10. * * * * .... Secheverell will make all the Ladys turn good huswivs, they goe att seven every mornin. Your brother givs you a more exact acount then I can, pray God send it ends well for this comfution seems to me to be lykc the begining of the lait troubles, I having laitly red Bakers Cronekles. I rejouce you are safe, thear will be plenty of soagars now, for I hear thear is a great many of the mob in custety, that are all to be sent for sogars. Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Loe's neice was last Fryday to see me very fynly drest and very noble Jewells one. She keeps a coach and six horssis and fower footmen, did keep six but she being very discreet desiered twoe might be put ofe, for soe many would but make them be envyed ; indeed she was always a great favorett of myne. All my fyer syde is in good health March 18, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, I hear the Duke of Molbery is going over to treet about a peec, I pray hartely for his good suckses, and then as hartely for your return. I hope you will not lett one post slip without a letter to Lady B. and her daughter ; in my own immagenation I doe conclewd it dun, if it be not your fault, delay in such afairs loocks ill and seldom prospers. I went the other day to see your great wulf dogs. I thinck them very handsom, but they are very poor ; they eat bread very gently out of my hand, but you must take cair they hurt not Folly nor Dorrendor. Just now the Lady Raby that would be soe was to see me, she goes to morroe into the country, but I own I lyke this last much better. God grant this last may be soe and make you as happy as ever man upon earth was, or can be, in a yNVio.. I am sure it must be her own fault if she be not soe, for soe good a son can not but be a good husband. One great happynes, they are all modist vertious young wemen. I hear send you a paper to make you laugh. Dear Dear Creature I am your moste infenitt affectionate mother J. W. I 114 THE wp:ntworth papers. April s^ 1 710. .... Your godson Arundell is sure as lovly a boy as ever was seen, and of an undanted sperritt. I wish he was a Cornett, he is the very pictur of your poor brother Will, you could not help being fond of him, if you see him, he has such a wheedling ingagin way with him. I am Tom didemus both for the peac and seeing you, I wish hartely for both. I beg you to be sencear and to tell me the real truith, whether I shall be blest with seing you or not, and near what time, for I would goe to Twitnum, its now fyne warme wether, but if the leest hopse of seing you I would not goe for the world, tell you came, so I beg you for one to trust me with a secrett and you shall see its possable for one of our sex to keepe one. Pray why would you not trye to gett Sir W. W. for Betty. Sir Sumthing Keneday is kild in a dewel, noe quarrel of his own, but takeng a nothers part.* .... [Peter Wentworth.] 7 April, 1 7 10. Dear Brother, I can not enough express my thanks for the great concern you tell me you have for my illness, and I am willing to believe that your kind wishs with those of my other friends has contributed to my recovery. My Sickness came very unseasonable for I was a diligent attender at the Drs. tryal and pleased my self with the fancy that I shou'd have sent you more particulars then any body, for the Saturday, the day before I fell ill, I got into the house of Lords, wch was the first day they debated whether the house of C had made out their charge against the Dr., and truely from that days debate I did not think the Dr. wou'd have got off so triumphantly, for all that spoke then for the Dr. were Lord Haversham, Notingham, jernsey, and lord North and Grey. * Under the same date as this letter Luttrell records : — " Sir Richard Kennedy was some days since killed by one Mr. Dormer, in a quarrel at Woodstock." LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTM. II5 They went upon the question Lord Notingham had ask't the Judges in Westminster Hall, wch was whether by the laws of England in all indictments and charges the very words that are said to be criminal ought to be in the indictment or charge. All the Eleven Judges declared thier opinion that by the Law of England the very word shou'd be exprest, but Lord Sommers and Lord Chancelor and Lord Hallifax, answered all th' other lords objections so clarely that Mr. Lechmore and S'^ Joseph jekel* that were next me concluded the Drs. business done, for they carry'd the matter so as to have this question put that in the judgement they wou'd give of the Dr. they wou'd be guided or the rule they wou'd go by shou'd be by the Laws of England and the Laws and usuages of Parliament. There was some strugle to have the words Laws and Usuages of P left out for they came at last to own that the laws and Usuages of P were the Laws of of England, but the question was put with those words, and carry'd with out any divission. Then Lord Treasurer mov'd that the clerks shou'd make out extracts of the books of P of Paralel cases, against munday and so to adjourn till that day, wch was readily agreed to. Lord Wharton said in the Debate the question that had been askt the judges, and some lords seem'd to lay such a stress upon, was nothing at all to the purpose, for it only respected tryals in the courts below, and if any question had been askt the judges as to the Laws of P he did declare that none of the judges wou'd dared to have answered it. Lords Sommer and Hallifax, produced the treason act made in the 9*'' of K. W. as an Act of the greatest benefitt to the subject, and even in that act there was a Saving clause, that not withstanding any thing therein, the rules and customes of impeachments shou'd be in full force. The Scotch Lords and some reputed Whig Lords knew how to make their court, that tho' they let it be carry'd that the commons had made out their charges yet when it come to the punishment they carry'd it to be very slite. If you were plenipotentiary your ten pound a day wou'd * Nicholas Lechmore sat for Cockermouth, and Sir Joseph Jekyll afterwards Master of the Rolls, for Eye. I 2 Il6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. be made a hundred pounds a week. This and the little letter I writ which my Mother'enclosed to you is the only thing I have writ since my illness. I gain strenght ever day so that now I hope to be a very good correspondent to you again. I hear the Peace is off wxh I am sorry for, for you might have come to the Hague in spite of the Duke of M now is your time to push to be Earl of S for there is to be a new promotion among the lords. * -Sf * * [Lady Wentworth.] April 2%, 17 lo. My dearist and best of children The small pox is extreemly about, and very mortell ; Lord Lumly is dead of them. .... Now I have a commecall story and a very tragecall story to tell you — first, hear coms a woman to sell things and brings with her many tickitts for a sixpany Lottery, soe for a jest I brought them to Pug, whoe toock one and I markt it with J P for Jinney Pug, and she has got a prise, a silver needlecase and silver thimble ; but poor me have lost fower silver spoons, one last summer, the other three a weeke agoe out of the table baskitt. All my sarvants ar very honist, it fretts me very much to se the ill luck I have. I thinck I must make a gethering for som new ons ; I thretten my man to pay for them, but it wall ruin the poor wretch, he is a decaid gentleman's son, he is very honist and sober, only a little silly, but myghty willing and good natured. He leved half a year with your brother Wentworth before I had him, he had more buisness then he could doe. Dear creetur, millions of blessings ever atend you, it is the harty prayer of your most infenit affectionate mother. [Peter Wentworth.] \2june, 17 10. Dear Brother, I put myself in the Q n's way as often as I can, but can see no look as if she intended to send an answere LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTIL 11/ soon, and as she told me she wou'd send for me when she had writ one, I dare not put her in mind on't, tho' I am very impatient you shou'd have it. The talk still continues as if there wou'd be changes at court, tho' now 'tis dwindle only to the removal of Lord Sunderland, for Earl Poulet, and among other reasons that are given that there is not a more thurrow rout, is that Harley and Lord Rotchester are not agreed who shall fill the vacancees. In most countys in England they are allready soliciting for Votes each party for Parliament men, for a new Parliament the high Church con- clude there will be, and the Whigs seems to fear it ; as for the Duke of Shrewsbury 'tis said he has promised the Whigs to be intirely in their interest and has promised the same to the Torys. Lord Halifax is to be marryed to lady Burling- ton. S*" Thomas Skipwith died last week at the Bath, and 'tis reported to that Jack How is dead also there. •I* ^P "I* "i* [Lady Wentworth.] June 13, 1 7 10. My dearist and best of children, I am now packing up for Twittingham, indeed the weather has been very colde al last week, this is a prety warm day. I hope to giv you a good acount next poste of your gardens You would have been pleesed to have sett in my place last Sunday at Whit- hall Chappell, for thear was Mrs. Brownloes and my Lady ; she that sat by me I take to be the youngest, for she has veiy lovly roundnes at the bottom of her face, and lovly eys and I brows. Thear was but twoe thear, the other is not soe handsom, but she is very soon to be marryed to Lord Willoby. My Lady was very much set out, but very ugly, as al old people ar that is very youthful in thear dres ; but I should hold my toung, for I have bought myselfe a very light gay mantoe of a silk that is al the mode, in hopse to see you, and will not put it one, tell I doe. Il8 THE WENT WORTH PAPERS'. Twickenham, Midsummer day, 1710. My dearist and best of children, .... Sir Thomas Skippoth * is dead at the Bath, and has left his son 12 hundred a year, his daughter 6 thoussand pd, and his miss one thoussand pd, but in this town they will have it that he has morgaged his hous to her, for monny he owed her. I had a lady yesterday that told me a great deal of news, but little of it true I beleiv. First that the Queen would have given Lord Sunderlin three thoussand pd a year, when she put Lord Darkmouth in his place, and he told her majesty that if he was not capable of sarving her, he did not desarv such a pention, thearfore would not rob the govern- ment of soe much ; and the Duke of Buforde to be Master of Horss, the Dutchis of Summersett Groom of the Stoal and Lady Fretswell to be Ranger of infell chase or som great forrest I have forgott. But the Duke of Ormon to be Leftenant of Ireland, and Lord Rotchister Treasurer, the Chanclor to be out. How many soe ever of thees prove true yet thear is sartain to be great removse : it makse me have a thoussand fears. I wish you had noe regiment and was wel setled with a good wife at your new house in Yorkeshire. I have red Baker's Cronekles and I cannot but thinck the timse now ar very lyke the begining of those troubles ; and S'cheverel is very much adored, the Bisshop of Salsberry as much dispysed which I am not sorry for, its justly com upon him. I know you will laugh at me and say polleticks is not soe fitt for me as to speake in the commendation of your most wunderfull prety table, the fraim of which is very much admired by al that see it. Hear was a lady the other day that has thre very prety daughters, and her favoret she made stand under your Picture you brought from Prutia, and said she never see twoe facis more alyke. Indeed the lady is very prety, but her face is thinner, the eys is very lyke. She did exspect I would have wisht her my daughter, but indeed I * Son of Sir Thomas Skipvvith, of Metheringham, Lincolnshire. He married a daughter and co-heir of Lord Chandos. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. II9 did not, for she has noe fortune conscderable. Being highly deh'ghted with it myself I cannot help inviting al the ladys in to the garden, and some ar tender and cair not set a foot in the wildernes after sunset. Now to me in the heat its coold thear, and when colde its warm thear, its a charming place, indeed I fear you will never make Strafforde soe prety, or at leest not in my days. Dear soul I fear I have tiered you. Twickenham, /««^ 29, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, in my last I told you all my news, and have only one dismall story to tell you now, which is that moste of the young men in this town are in Newgate. It seems its a custum in thees country towns for the young men to steel the Maypoale from one to the other, soe all the young men of Twitnam went to Whitton and they it seems had notis of it, soe was upon thear gard and fought for it. It was in the dark, and they had not been known only one of them to save himself told of the rest, and one of the Whitten men is dead, and another very ill, but he its thought will recover. Sir Charls Duncome * livs at Whitten, soe he must be for his own towns men. One of thees poore wretchis was brought home hear last night dead of the small pox, his mother redy to run mad for him, as good a young man as ever leved. Lady Mary Chambers promist he should com to noe hurt, for she loved him very much, he having been a sarvent of hers, he is much lamented. Mr. Elleson has been hear to loock after the affairs hear, soe Pall, Pug, and the rest of thear train went with him in to the charming garden. Hear is Lady Grenvill with her twoe grandsons the Duke of Buford's sons, lovly boys, I wish you had twoe such. Lady Clarck has beged me to giv her most humble sarvis to you and ses she lovs you dearly. She is soe fond of me, that if she dyse before me I am sure she will make me her air, or at leest leev me a good leagasy. I wish I could fynd out a * Member for Downton, and Lord Mayor 1708-9, when his niece the Duchess of Argyll acted as Lady Mayoress. To her he left 200,000/. on his death in April, 171 1. I20 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. cheape and good pictur drawer and I would send you Gallant his wife and daughter and beloved al thear picturs, and Pug in the midle. I see one of Willy Wentworth dun in black, very lyke him, and for five shilling. I fear rriy little sun at Ritchmon is quite vanisht, and noe more thought of; I should rether have the Duke of Buforde, for all he has twoe sons. My letter is called for, soe I must only asure you I am, my dearist dear creeture Your moste infenit affectionat mother. [Peter Wentworth.] y:) June^ 1710. Dear Brother, 'Twas some posts ago I writ you word from Epsom the various reports and opinions there was amongst men upon some of the Cheif of the Bank's going to the Queen just before lord Sunderland was turn'd out. Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Sir William Scowen and Mr. lies and their friends affirming that the Queen sent for them to assure them she had no intentions to make any other change in the Ministry but only the removal of Lord Sunderland, and since that I have heard they have given out for a further confirmation of this truth, that Sir G. Heathcote was so transported with joy that he cry'd out aloud in the Queen's presence — God be thanked, when as the torys affirm they came of their own accord to make believe that upon the change of Ministry the Credit of the Nation cou'd not be supported, and that the first time they came the Queen wou'd not see them, but at last when they got the Duke of Newcastle to introduce them, she even then wou'd not hear their business but by the Duke and sent them her answer by him, wch was to this effect, that they ought to mind their own business, and she wou'd take care to imploy none but those that shou'd serve her and the nation faithfully ; and upon the supposition that this was fact they inveighted against the Bank for having the insolents to concern themselves to advise the Sovereign in state affairs. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 121 But since I believe I have learnt the true matter of fact. That these Gentlemen was brought into the presence of the Queen and did receive this equivocal assurance from her that she had at present no intentions to make any more alterations in the Ministry and that all reports that tended to the lessen- ing the Credit of the nation proceeded from enemies of the Government, and as good subjects she did not doubt but they wou'd assure their friends in the City she had nothing more at heart then the Good of her People, and now 'tis agreed on all hands that neither they nor [the Queen ?] men- tioned any thing concerning a Parliament. 5(C 3jC ^ *7v [Lady Wentworth.] Twickenham, /z//y 7, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, I never remember such colde wether at this time of the year, which I fear will make corn grow dear ; it is rissen a little. I told you a great lye in a former letter, that thear was a great many of the young men of this town in Newgate, but thear was but twoe, most of the rest run away ; one of those twoe dyed thear, and yesterday the other was quitted, which was your poor glazier's son, whoe is grown very poor, being laime this great while. Its said Sir Charls Dunckom made the jury at Tedinton bring it in murder, but the jury at London brought it in but chanc medly. Al this town hate Dunckome and Secretary Johnson, for he said he would have them all hanged [P.S.] Just now I hear Dunckom is soe much concerned for the death of that poor good young man that dyed in Newgate, that he has been a freind to this and bayled him his own self. Twickenham,////)/ 13, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, senc I came hear I have been much out of order in my head, but I have been blooded and taken a great many slops, which has sett me in parfit health again ; I have gott a vast stomak, I am fallen in lov 122 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS, with Lady Humble, the more you know her the better you lyke her. I lyke her better then Lady Effingham or Lady Betty Hastins, she is not a buity but very fyne skinn, only her face is taned — and fyne shape prety hands, and none can have more senc then she has, vertious discreet none more, and a very good manager, and they say is worth at leest ten thoussand pd. If I was a man I would have her before som with thirty. When she was to see me the other day her eys was seldom ofe from your picturs, but most on that last. She is young enough to have children, she is soe good a huswife she will duble her fortune by good manadgement ; her conversation is worth a great deel. Lady Clark ses none is fit for you but the Duke of Newcastle's daughter. Lady Tuften has buiryed this last Sunday one of her daughters but has five very handsom ons left. For five thoussand pd you may by her hous, and one or twoe may be be bated if you will take a daughter ; it is the moste convenyents hous I ever see, all the offissis wonderfull good, it was the Queen's grand- father's, it stands in the midle of a garden, its a charming revew, thear is thre ways for a coach to com to it.* Blynd Mrs. Ash I was to se yesterday, she asks how you doe and tels me Lord Willyam Paulett has a great place and twoe thoussand a year pention, secretary Johnson's neaphew, pray what is his dissarts, he wants it not, and poor Mr. Arundell can gett nothing. I had just now a very mallancolly letter from his wife ; its sade thear is a stop to the Queen's making any more changis, soe thear is to my saying more then I am, &c. [Peter Wentworth.] London, i8 July, 1710. Dear Brother, From the talk of the town it is a very hard matter to Judge what will be the issue of the affair. The Torys are very upish and expect all to come in for Places and every day report that .some or other of the Managers are out, tho' as * York House, Twickenham, built by Lord Clarendon. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 23 yet there has been no more removes since Lord Cunningsby. Nay the Whigs report that they expect it will be a thro' change, but by the long demure that is some conclude the leading men of both sides are agreed, and that there will be no New P and very few more changes if any. I have seen Mr, Harley's coach at Mr. Boils* door and several affirms that Lord Halifax and Lord Summer have been offten with Mrs. Masham, and that Lord Halifax was to go over a Plenipo but he wou'd not accept of the Employ unless he cou'd have assurance there wou'd be no new Parliament ; but since the French Ministers are gone from Holland there's an end of his stipulations. I doe believe matters wou'd be agreed if they did dare to trust one another, for if the present Ministry wou'd engage that the Present Parliament shou'd take noe notice of the addresses that has been, th' other party wou'd be sattisfied with the points they have gain'd and wou'd not, at least till the winter was over, attempt any more. 'Twas affirmed and all over the town that Prior had the Commission of trade, and in the Prints, but I am sure he has not, 'tis yet undisposed of. The man Lord Treasurer solicited for to go to Portugal was Lord Trylawly ;t Lord PortmoreJ came in certainly by the other interest. In my last I writ you Lord Berkley's opinion that you under valued your pretentions in being contented with so little as a Commissionar of Trade, and that he did not think your asking leave to come over as material as I did ; but I can't be perswaded but if you cou'd work it about so as to be thought to come over for your pri- vate affairs as you did two years agoe, you might make it worth your journey, for tho' before you can obtain leave and be here all matters will be agreed or else the Queen intirely in new hands, yet I think when you are upon the spot, you * Henry Boyle, Secretary of State, afterwards Lord Carleton. t Sir Charles O'Hara was raised to the Irish peerage as Baron Tyrawly in January, 1707, for his military services. After his long campaign in the Peninsula he was made commander-in-chief of the forces in Ireland. X David Colyear, a distinguished military man, was created Earl of Portmore in 1703. He married Catherine Sedley, Countess of Dorchester, the mistress of James IL 124 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. will be better able to make a judgement of matters, for really- some are so uncertain, that they are turn'd first one way then another. The Sunday before last Dr. Hescrourt an old Chaplain thinking to make his court preacht in St. James's Chappel before the Queen a very high and foolish Sermon, and had orders sent to him by the present Lord Chamberlain that he need not trouble him self to preach before the Queen for she had provided one to do it when it came to his turn. [Lady Wentworth.] Twickenham, July 22, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, ten thoussand thancks to you for all your kindness, whatever corns from you will be highly vallewed by me. I hope you will bring the little dog yourself, but I doe not wish for your comming tell the timse are more setled, sure amongst all thees changis it will be hard if you get not a good one. I thought it had been a brag, but is sartainly true. Lord Paulett, Secretary Johnson neaphew, whoe has a vast estate, was offered to be secretary of state, and he refused it ; and now he has excepted of the preveseel, I thinck it is, or som such great place. Sartain those that has noe depcndenc upon the Court ar much happyer, but few ar of that mynd. Last Sunday, thear could not be a more dismall mallancolly sight then poor Lady Tufton led by her eldist son, the eldist daughter following led by the other, and the other fovver daughters following one after the other, al in long scarfs, and allamode huods over thear faicis, not a bit to be seen of them. Soe they sat al churchtime, and a very hot day, I wonder they was not smothered. The young lady you ask after was one Mrs. Cornish the shreevs grand daughter that was hanged a little before King Charls dyed or not long after, I forgett which, he was in som plot ;* I thinck your sister Wentworth got aquanted with them at the Bath. This * Henry Cornish, Sheriff of London, was tried and executed under very barbarous circumstances in 1685, for an alleged share in the Mon- mouth Rebellion. The judgment against him was afterwards reversed. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTIL 12$ young women is very handsom, but not soe handsom nether. Indeed you have sett me a task, its what is soe conterary to me I know not how to effect it but one moment, I wish the poor man be safe, for we have had terrable stormse hear. Coll. St. Peer and his lady was hear and lodg at Ritchmon. I have a coach att my doar soe must conclewd Dearist dear Soul Your moste affectionat Mother. Twickenham, July 28, 17 10. My dearist dear, yesterday morning came your gentleman of the hors and brought me, what was most welcome to me, the good news of your health and good loocks, and al the prety things, and the water, which next poste I will tell you how I lyke it ; I cannot se soe soon. Your box of essins is very prety, soe is the shoe you sent me, and the prints. He has ten for Yorkeshire, your brother six, and the box of treeckle she is to have when she coms hear, which will be next week ; the rest shall be disposed as you ordred, and the arms I will keep tell your clossit flower (closet floor.?) is finisht, it must lye awhile becaus elc the boards may shrinck — a million of thancks to you for all thees prety things. The gentleman would not dyne hear, he said he had aboundenc of busines and was to return back presantly again to London. I would by noe meens have you part with your prety Perl tell you come yourself, and then you will see my Gallant and the rest are as well looct to as your Perle, and Sue is as fond of them as myself. .... It has been a very sickly time at London and every whear, I thanck God I am very well now but my head has been much out of order, but it went ofe only with a vapor fitt. I did fear convultions, but it did not com to that. I was blooded and toock aboundenc of slops ; my blood had noe fait but being to good and to much, the fynest colour you ever see; and Jackson hear blooded me, and I bled presently very freely ; and at London just before you came I had Missis Dockter, and a famous sirgion and nether could bleed me but at my wrist and keeping my hand in hot water 126 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [P.S.] Your sister Betty has won a pair of silk stockins at the half crown lottry, I wish I could give you joy of the thousand a year for your lott. [Elizabeth ("Betty") Wentworth.] \_July?\ 1 710. Dear Brother, I seldome trouble you with my impertenent Letters, so I hope you will not refewes me this favour, it being the first I have beged of you senc you went over, it is to give me ten pd for a tickit which is the leest sum that I can put in. My dearest Brother maye ashure himself if I win a prize I shall be very greatful to you. I have spent all the mony I have saved out of my alowanc in littel jewels, I have bought a dioment Buckle and lettil string for my neck, and I gave you the honour as to tell everybody you sent me twenty ginneys towards it : this is ye last favour I will ask tell I am going to be married, and then I know you be as good as your word, to give me my weding cloaths, but pray be not frighted, for I beleiv it will be a long time first if ever, except I win ye thoussand p*^ a year, for mony now adays is the raening passion. I hope my dearest Brother will excuse this trouble from her who is sencearly Your moste dutyfull and afectionat sister ELIZ. WENTWORTH. [Lady Wentworth.] August I, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, I have tryed the water you sent me, and upon my word its the best I ever see, farr beyand S' Amans that is twenty shillings a quart, Seals is LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 127 but I2S. the quart, but this is far beyand any yett that I ever see indeed, a thoussand thancks to you for it. Mr. Arundel's mother makse very good and puts gold into hers, but yett this better then any. I had soe many thancks to giv you last post I had not room to answear you about the coach. Edwards the man you left me was a very good coach man, and gave the smothist fynist words in the world, but had many shufling ways with him. He when he gott a new gob, he would chang my horsis and giv me ver bad ons, and often his horsis would be laim, and then I could not have it, and some timse the coach would want mending, and be taken ofe the wheels under pretenc of mending, when being taken of and put one has been al that has been don to it ; but he has wanted the horsis, this I have been told is the only reson. This man is a very good coach [man], a better can not be, he will have none of thees tricks ; he keeps me three very good horsis hear, in case any mischanc coms to one. But my coach has not so much eas as you thinck, for although I stayde at hom when I had none yet now I seldom mis going out to take the air or make some threvoles [sic) pretenc to goe about the streets : when I am not well its a great devertion to me, and then your sister Betty goes out often. .... I hard hear that the Grand Chamberlin is dead, is it true, pray tell me ? He that was to goe to Hanover I hear kist the Queen's hand to goe next day, and insteed of goeing to Hanover went to Heaven, I hope, for he died the very next day.* I hear the Million Lottrj'- is drawing and thear is a prise of 400/. a year drawn, and Col. St. Pear has gott 5 {szc) a year ; it will be hard fate if you mis a pryse that put soe much in. I long tel its all drawn ; they say it will be six weeks drawing. I thinck I told you Peter and his wife comse to-morrow. Next pew to me thear setts a young lady very genteel and very fair, but I thinck farr from a buity, but its said she is kept by the Duke of Molberry ; his dutchis for all she is many years older then this, yet she is ten timse handsomer * James Cresset ; see the next letter. 128 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Peter Wentworth.] 4 August, 17 lo. Dear Brother, There is still no certain truth to be learn't in this town, for one sett of People are full of hopes and assurances there will be a new Parliament, th' other say 'tis so bold a stroke that it can't be with any safty to the advisers, but for all their bulling and the many pamphlets that are writ against, they seem to fear twill be brought about. I have been told again that Lord Halifax has had several meetings with Mr. Harley so much that it gave the high Church a jealousie that he was making terms for himself and to drop them, but now they seem to be satisfied that those two can't agree in their Politicks. Lord Halifax is said to be employ'd as a mediator having no place but for life, so what he said wou'd seem more from principle then interest. What is said of Mr. Boil I don't know how to make agree for 'tis said positively by some he's to be made an earle, others that he has declared he will stand for Knight of the Shire for York, against S^ W-^ Strickland. The Death of Mr. Cresset was a great disappointment to some people and reported by way of jest that he was poissoned by the Whigs, he was certainly to go with some very secreet instructions to Hannover, and I was told that Mr, Harley went the next day to offer it to Mr. Pooley who refuses to go, wch is deny'd by my friend, but says he believes if it had been ofifer'd he wou'd not have accepted it because he very much att his easie, and he has heard him say formerly he wou'd go abroad no more. * * * * The Duke of Summerset is a great favourite, and is said to govern in concert with th' other Duke and Harley. I begin to think things are at some stand, for Lord T. had a great levy yesterday were I was, tho' of late his lordship' has not been so much at Kingsinton, as he was about the time of Lord Sunderland's being out. The Duke of Shrewsbery was above LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 1 29 two hours this morning with the Queen and went down to his apartment by a back door. She rested very well last night but the gout stil remains so much that they begin to think she can't go to Windsor this summer. [Lady Wentwortil] Twickenham, ^2/^«j-/ 4, 1710. My dearist and best of children, Pray how dus your Grand Chamberlin doe, its reported hear that he is dead. Its a very sickly time hear, and at London aboundenc dyse of feavours, but the smallpox is the raening diseas. My neaphew and neic Batthurst was hear yesterday, and they say this is a very prety place, and they went to Secretary Johnsons, and my neaphew ses that is as noble a place as ever he see. I went with them and lost a pair of glovs to Mr. Batthurst for I layde that this hous was beger and measured, and that is begist ; they are covering the roof now. Mr. Batthurst is going to build up Riskins, that is crackt as this was. He ses he beleevs this has cost you 4 thoussand pd, gardens, hous and all ; but sure it has not cost you half soe much, has it, not with the mony you gave for it and all ; but I did not say soe to him [P.S.] The Million Lottry is drawing, and som very ordenary creeture has gott 400/. a year. August 7, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, if this wintor wether con- tenews my stay well be short hear at Twitnam. I fear thees great wyndse will doe great mischif at sea. I hear thear is seven ships cast away going to Ireland, that, had they past that part of the sea but twoe howers before, they had been safe All my designse are how to secure your lov, which is more vallewed by me then all the ritchis of the Indees. Its sartain if Lord Bradford had leved but one fortnight longer he had marryed Sir Thomass Skippoth's daughter. K I30 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I wish you would inquier about this Sir William or Sir Robert, I forget vvhitch, Trotman's daughter ; al say she is a vast fortune but very ugly ; her freench woman has a sister in Barlin waits of som lady thcar. Pray whats become of my little son in law, what will you say if Betty with her one lott you gave her should gett the thoussand a year. Thear is a lady gave her footman in the last before this, mony for a lot, and he got five hundred a year, and she would have half, and they had a law suit, but the lawyers gave it all to him. My poor coach man has had a sad loss, a young hors not six year old, a very brisk fine hors, cost him seventeen pd, has been sick this fortnight and this morning dyed, and after his hynde parts was quite dead and stretched out, he eat hay out of thear hands. It was a very handsom hors and kept his flesh to the last. The Duke of Queensbury is to com to Lady Folklands hous [Peter Wentworth.] London, 8 August, 1710. Dear Brother, To day about nine in morning my Lord Treasurer had a letter from the Queen, wch he keept a secreet till about twelve, and then it flew about the town that he was by that turn'd out. 'Tis said the Treasury is to be in Commission, there's several named but its agreed by all, that Mr. Harley is to be the head of that Commission : and Lord Pawlet, Lord Hide, Mr. Paget. The Chancelour of the Exchequor lett it be who it will, must be one of the Commission. Some think Mr. Smith has made his court so well that he'll keep in. There's no -more doubt now but there will be a new Parliament; by next I shall tell you more. II August, 17 10. Dear Brother, SfC ^ SfC S|C I sent you last post that Lord Treasurer was out, but I think I did not writ you the manner. The Queen writ him a "CHARACTERS" OF THE MINISTERS. 131 letter and sent it by a Groom to tell him 'twas for her service that the Treasurery shou'd be in commission, so he might break his Staff at home, she wou'd not give him the trouble to bring it to Kingsenton. He writ an answere to the Queen's letter and sent it by Mr. Smith, who at the same time gave up his place, for he knew 'twas designed for Mr. Harley. The Commissionars of the T is now certainly known. L'l Pawlet, Mr. Harley Chancelor of the E , S"" Thomas Mansel, Mr. Paget, Mr. Benson. Since that's come out lord Rivers was at the admiralty for an order for a Yatch. and 'tis said he'll set out for his journy to morrow for Hannover; some that heard he was to go beyond sea concluded he was going to command in Flanders. His business to Hannover the town says is to perswade the Elector of H to take the command of our Army upon him and his lordship to command under him. 'Tis said no more will lay down their places all the rest being resolved to be turn'd out. Mr. Hamden* was thought of for one of the L^^ of the Treasury but he refused to accept on't saying he cou'd not serve with those that were for dissolving the Parlia- ment. [Paper indorsed " Caracteres de plusieurs Ministres de la Cour d'Angleterre."t] Lord Treasurer Godolphin was often in King William's time the Chief Commissioner of the Treasury and at the coming of Queen Anne to the Crown was made Lord Treasurer, in which post he continued till now, 17 10. He is allowed a very cunning man, modest in his behaviour, speaks not much, a severe countenance but affable in his behaviour when he pleases ; speaks seldom in the House of Lords, but when he does is well heard, and speaks very handsomely and always much to the purpose. * Richard Hampden, member for Bucks. t This paper was evidently drawn up by Lord Raby — it is partly in his own hand — about the time of the change of ministry, and is inserted here, as many of the characters are named in the preceding letter. K 2 132 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Lord Paulet is thought a man of very good sense as well as estate, he has never been in affairs but has always been much favoured by Mr. Harley, who got him made an Earl in this Queen's time before the Union ; and he was to have been Secretary of State in Mr. Harley's former project, when Lord Treasurer and the Duke of Marlborough got the better of him. Upon the remove of Lord Sunderland he refused being Secretary of State and after got this employment [as Com- missioner of the Treasury.']. Mr. Harley is generally allowed as cunning a man as any in England, and has been always employing spies and in- spectors into every office to have a general information of everything. In King William's time he was always against the court, and I heard it then said that though he had but 500/. a year he spent half of it in clerks to copy out what papers were given into the House of Commons concerning treaties, &c., so that Mr. Blathwaite and others of the King's people were almost afraid to speak before him. When he was chosen Speaker the King used him with great civilities. Some time after the Queen's coming to the crown he was made Secretary of State, I think in the room of Lord Not- tingham. During which time it was said he sent Toland about to inspect the foreign courts and give him the charac- ters of the Queen's ministers abroad. He got in with Mrs. Masham, promoted her marriage, and got her husband which was to be, the Regiment of horse of Lord Windsor, whom he got Lords Marlborough and Treasurer to put out, because he had opposed the election of Lord Treasurer's son at Cam- bridge in favour of Mr. Windsor his brother. But the Duke of Marlborough and Lord Treasurer finding his greatness with the Queen, and by what means, got him removed, not without great pains ; and, had not the Duke of Marlborough offered to lay down, Lord Treasurer would have sooner lost his staff than he his employment. Since that time the Queen was never rightly well with those two Lords. They would have recalled Mr. Harley's plate as Secretary, but the Queen gave him a privy seal for it. The Pretender's descent "characters" of the ministers. 133 in Scotland, and Grig's intelligence with France happened at the same time, which gave great advantage to his enemies against him, but he kept quiet and well with Mrs. Masham till he brought about this change, cunningly pretending only to clip the power of those two Lords by bringing moderate people on both sides, that he got most of the whigs to join with him only out of hatred to those Lords. He put Lord Shrewsbury in to help his designs, and though now he passes for a tory he was formerly a great dissenter. He did govern all till Lord Rochester and the crowd of tories came in upon him, how I don't yet know. Mr. Benson is of no extraction. His father was an attor- ney and no great character for an honest man, and I think concerned in the affairs of Oliver Cromwell. He left him a good estate in Yorkshire of about 1500/. a year, and an old seat just by Wakefield. This gentleman has been a very good manager and has saved 5 or 6000 pounds or more. He has lived very handsomely in the country without being a drinker, though very gallant amongst the ladies. He had travelled in Italy where he had the good fortune to strike up a friendship with my Lord Dartmouth, by whose means he married a daughter of Lord Guernsey's, which marriage and Lord Dartmouth's friendship procured him this em- ployment [at the Treasury.] By the means of Lord Dart mouth as I take it he first came over to the Tory party, though he has been very moderate. He is always elected a burgess for the city of York, where he used to go constantly every assizes, and is building a house 12 or 14 miles from thence. Sir Thomas Mansel is of Wales, a neighbour of Mr. Harley's, had always a good estate but a very violent tory, refused to sign the association in King William's time and chose rather to leave his seat in Parliament than do it, though the next Parliament after it was passed into a law he signed it and has ever since been chosen in Parliament. He was made Con- troller of the Household upon the remove of Sir Edward 134 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Seymour ; he quitted that charge with others when Mr, Harley was removed, who undoubtedly procured him this employment. He is a man of wit and gaiety and has lived much about town. Mr. Paget is one who has been in and out of several employments in the late reign as well as this. He is always in the House of Commons and I take it they give him this employment in recompence to his father who has been so long ambassador at Constantinople who seems to desire none. Lord Kent whilst Lord Ruthen was always violent to the tory party and was never in any employment till he was made Lord Chamberlain on the removal of Lord Jersey as it said for -^ {sic) Pounds which he gave the Duchess of Marlborough. He is one of a good estate, a very ugly figure, of but indifferent parts, and was always governed by Lord Treasurer and that party whilst he was Chamberlain. He was made a Marquis about the time of the Union, and I think a Duke now upon his being removed. The Duke of Shrewsbury succeeded him as Lord Cham- berlain, a man of great parts, of a great family and great intrigue, very affable and obliging in his behaviour, very handsome person though but one eye. He was mightily esteemed by King William ; he was twice Secretary of State, and at last Lord Chamberlain ; which he quitted on pretence of spitting blood occasioned by a fall from a horse. Upon which he went and lived for some years at Rome, where he married a Lady very poorandof an indifferent reputation, which lost him his credit amongst his old friends. I suppose that vext him and made him fall in with Mr. Harley who procured him this employment in which he has extremely insinuated himself with the Queen, and manages all things. The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Treasurer thought after he was in employment to have gained him but were mistaken, for 'twas he I believe brought in the tories. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 135 Lord Sunderland was always a violent whig, very violent in the house of commons during his father's life time, and con- tinued so in the house of lords after his death. He married during his father's life time the Duke of Marlborough's second daughter. [Peter Wentworth.] Twickenham, iZ August, 1710. Dear Brother, Jj* 3j» »p *■ .... I find by all party 'tis agreed, 'tis resolved for a new Parliament. I have not consult lord Berkley because before I came out of town it was his opinion there wou'd be now a new P , and I have it from a friend of Mr. Hamden that he certainly did refuse to be one of the Commissionars of the Exchequor upon account they wou'd give him no assurance there shou'd not be a New P ; and in a corner of St. James's coffee house, I heard Jack Poulteny* and Mannering talking, Manering was of opinion that the Whigs upon a new election wou'd have the Majority, Poulteny said no, by God they have managed it so cunningly that they are sure of a Majority, and then he fell a whispering. I suppose some of their cunning proceed from a blunder of the late ministry that did not foresee that a dissolution wou'd come, who has directed her Majesties choise for sheriffs this year, almost thro' out England of Tories, their friends they keept off till next year when they thought they should have use of them in elections of P men. The letter from Lord Godolphin to Lord Chumondley for his interest, and his sham excuse that when he came down into the country he found all the Gentlemen of the County fixt in another interest is another argument to me a new Parliament is resolved, and this was a little before my L'^ G. was out. Mr. Lewis since he has been * John Pulteney was a Commissioner of Trade, and member for Hastings. Mannering was probably Arthur Mainwaring, member for Preston, closely attached to the Duchess of Marlborough's interest. 136 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. in* has been very cautious how he discovers his opinion con- cerning a P but more then once he has told me that the change of the Ministry must be attended with the consequence of a new P and as much he has writ to you. The Tories have already spent so much mony upon the assurance of it, that I can't believe they'll be served so basely to be disappointed in that perticular tho' I believe they will in other points of all coming in for Places. My Lord Rotchester is certainly highly disgusted against Mr. Harley, and there goes a saying cur- rant about for his, as that before the winter was over he did not question but he shou'd see the Duke of Shrewsbury go sick into the country, and Harley glad to get over into France in a cock boat ; he, Buckingham and Notingham being left out in this new Scheme of Harley's makes me believe he was author of a book wch was said to be Toland's, and I have read it over again since I have been here in your Pleasant Study. Having no news to writ you, I hope you'l pardon me if I endeavour to entertain you with some of my own thoughts being absent from the bussy part of the world. The Title of the Book is the art of Governing by parties, 'twas writ in the year the King of Spain died, dedicated to William the 3d King of E , S , F , and Ireland, Statholder of G H Z U and Overysel Supreme Majistrat of the two most potent and florishing commonwealths in the Universe. I confess this extraordinary didication looks more like Toland's impudence of calling this Kingdome a commonwealth, but when I read in the book how he by the by wou'd have it understood for what reason he terms it a Common Wealth I think it Harley again, wch is England being a mickt Monarchy. King, Lords, and Commons, each a check upon the other wch is to be calculated for the good of the whole that it may more properly be called a Common Wealth then a Monarchy. If it shou'd prove that Toland is realy the Author I cou'd almost swere 'twas revised by him, and that * Erasmus Lewis, one of Harley's favourites, was at this time in Lord Dartmouth's office at the Treasury. Swift was very intimate with him, and makes frequent reference to him in his Journal. LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 137 the report, Toland gave out himself, that Harley was his friend, was true. Tho I know Mr. L about that time deny'd Mr. Harlcy's having any thing to do with that fellow. * * * * I must now tell you another reason that's just come into my head that there will be a new Parliament, wch is that these new Commissionars since they have accepted of Places must be choose again, and they will be thought too con- siderable men to let them loose any days of setting in the house. The talk of the town was that Lord Peterborough was to be the head of the Admiralty, and that Lord Haversham was to be join'd with him wch was an article his Lordship did not like, but howsoever 'tis believed 'twill be comply'd with. There will be a promotion of Lords, but it won't be till they see what strenghth they have in the house of commons, Mr. Boil an Earle, Mr. Bathurst a Baron, and S'' William Windam a Baron. You'll see in the Publick Prints an Advertisement from General Web who says that as it has been falsely given out that he wou'd not stand for West- minster this was to lett his friends know he intended it and as he was lame he hop'd his friends wou'd excuse his waiting upon them and give him their Vote. 'T* *!* ^ 'I* [Lady Wentworth.] August 22, 1 710. My dearist and best of children, .... I sopose that the eldist Brownloe of those unmarred was to have Lord Sherwood, and that match broak ofe ; and she had her weding cloaths made and was in a iew days to be marryed to Lord Willoby, but fell ill of the small pox and is dead, soe the others will be vast fortunse, and the youngist has had the smal pox, but it has not spoyled her buity. Hear is a very prety girl that will be worth 30 thous- sand pd., she has a resemblanc of neic Hanbury, such a blooming complextion as (sic) she had only better eys. It is Sir 138 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. William Mathews only childe, an aquantenc of your brother and sister Wentworth's. I wish howerly for that happy day which would be an inexspressable joy to, dearist dear soul, Your most infenit affectionat mother. The happynes I meen is to see you marryed which God grant may prove throughout happye whenever it is. I can not but beleeve thear is a great reward in stoar for you for all your goodness to me. [Peter Wentworth.] London, 25 August^ 17 10. Dear Brother, I come here to hear news, and find still all parties agree that there will be a new Parliament. I made a visset to Mr. Scarborough, who is very well with Mrs. Masham,and yet better with Dr. Albertmote [Arbuthnot.?] who is a very cunning man, and not much talk't of, but I believe what he says is as much heard as any that give advise now, and his opinion is that there must be a new Parliament. I put Mr. Scarborough upon the talk as that Mr. Harley had ofifer'd Mr. Hamden to have been of the New Commission, and that he had refused it upon the account I writ you. He said 'twas true, and that he thought the Queen's answere to him upon that subject was very just, wch was that tho' she offer'd him an employment yet she did not ask his advise ; he told me he had this answere from very good hands, wch by his way of speaking I believe was Dr. Alburtinote the Prince's Dr. who is hardly a moment from Kingsenton. He confirmed to me likewise the report of Lord Peterborough's being offer'd to be at the head of the Admiralty wch he said was very fitting for he had had very hard usage ; he believ'd if he accepted on't he wou'd go out to sea, and not be a Land Admiral, but by little hints he gave in his discourse I found that business wou'd not go so cheverly, for I believe the grudge that was between him and Harley upon his return from Spain is not quite wipt of He said upon the Subject of a new Parliament that he cou'd not imagine why there shou'd be such a noise about it, for what LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 39 shou'd English men fear an ICnglish P- , and the more frequent Parliaments we have had has always been esteemed the greatest benefitt to the subject. I said nothing of my self to him but what was Coffee house talk, he said there was not trusting to the Whigs lett them promise never so fair as to compremising matters, and those that talk so much against a New Parliament must have some damn designe to carry on in this. I told him some people had said the Duke of Leeds had lately alter his mind as to that matter and had been with the Queen to tell her so ; he said to his knowledge that was a damn'd lye for he was with him yesterday, and that he continued in opinion more now then ever that there ought to be a new P . His opinion is well heard by the Queen, so that I think I am right in not dilivering your letter, tho' I think 'tis great pity, that your zeal for her Majestys interest so well exprest, shou'd be concealed from her. * * * * Twickenham, 5 September, 17 10. Dear Brother, This day sevennight I was in town and meet General Web who always asks after you, my business was to start the discourse of elections, he said the Party was very in- dustrious and did not stick at Lyes, if they thought 'twou'd serve them, some body had the impudence to put into the Public prints that he didnt stand for Westminster, wch he had not declaired. With his and others discourse I went sattisfied to Twittenham that a new Parliament was the fix't resolve of the court. Dr. Lancaster came here a Saturday and told me they had lost Web for a candidate for West- minster. I told him what discourse I had with Web last tuesday, and that he seem'd to resent that people shou'd practise such unfair ways of printing advertisments without authority, so I wou'd have perswade the Dr. that the report was only from those that wisht against him, he thought it strange, but yet he was pretty possitive that his intelligence was true and some people begun to fear there wou'd be no 140 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. new parliament, but he thought there wou'd. This alarm'd me. I said nothing but I whip up to town with your letter in my pockets with designe to diliver them, but when I came there I found Web had since I saw him publickly declared he wouM not stand for Westminster, and that for some time 'twas thought he did it not to divide interest, for 'tis upon the same interest that Medlicote and Cross, high church. But very soon after the town knew a stronger reason then that, for now 'tis known that the Duke of Bolton is out of his Em- ployments, the Duke of Beauford made leiutenant of Ham- shire and Warden of New forest, and General Web Governor of the Isle of Weight, from whence there's six members sent the Governor being always sure of being one, without any trouble. This is judged to be no unmasterly stroak of our new Lords of the T , Web being a popular man, and they show their good husbandry by saving the Queen here by a pention of a looo year, for it seems Webs pention runs for so much till he had a government given him, to say nothing of the pique 'tis thought, 'twill be to some body ; and for the Dukes they reckon one as great a man as th' other, one sup- porting the Whigs th' other the Tories. Lord Godolphin is out of his leiutenancy of Cornwell, the Pattent drawn for Lord Bath, and lord Rotchester during his minority to act for him. So that now there remains no doubt with any man that a new Parliament is resolved, and I am at rest that I did not diliver a certain letter, tho' 'tis much wonder'd at that the Leiutenancy of London is not yet changed for that most be done before the proclaimation comes out, wch is said to be designed for the tenth of this month. Some say the matter of the Leiutenancy of London is now under agitation. * * * * I hope you will have a good answere to your Letter from the Duke of Summerset, tho the town gives him the Charactor of being very Whicical {sic) and changeable as to his resolves. Mr. Rowe in his didication of his Edition of Shakespare, gives him the caractor of the Greatest patriot and best Patron in the world ; and truely to him he was so, for he stickled hard for him to be in the Duke of Q Office, so much LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. I4I that he had like to have quarrcll with the Duke who had a mind to have shuffled him off. They tell a Story wch has lately happen'd when Dr. Shachevel was at Marlebourgh, and treated highly and presented by the people. The Duke of S being there invited him to come and dine with him the next day, but that night he received letters from court wch did not please him, so he came away early that morning in a pett for London and order'd his Steward to lock up his doors, so the Dr. went away without a dinner. Those that tell this Story most favourably, say the Dr. sent to know what time his grace wou'd give him leave to pay his respects to him, and he sent him word at ten the next morning and went away by six. * * * * Twickenham, 12 September, 17 10. Dear Brother, Wednesday morning Lord Steward, Lord President, and Mr. Boil was out, in their places Duke Buckingham, Lord Rotchester and Harry St. John's. His Grace of Bucks being Lord Steward is a surprise up the town, for he was never talk't of for that. I see several come from Flanders, Duke Argile, Lord Orerry, Lord Orkney, Lord Stairs, and the old soldier Harry Weathers, who I spoke to at White's ; he inquired how you did and told me he was to go again to Flanders as soon as he cou'd. I suppose he comes to recoiioitre for the Duke of M , and the Scotch to see what they can get for themselves ; I have had no opportunity to talk with anybody upon that subject, so 'tis only a thought of my own. .... Lord Portmore has done one good thing for himself, has sold his regiment for 6000/. to Kirk his lieut. coll. ; of a stranger he cou'd have had joool. as Lord Trelawley told me I mett Mr. Monckton,* who was just come up to town to * Robert Monckton, of Hodroyd, Yorkshire, son of the distinguished Royalist Sir Philip, and second cousin to Lord Raby, was a Commissioner of Trade. He sat many years for Aldborough in Yorkshire. His son was made Lord Gal way. 142 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. take care of his place, and I find by his discourse, wch he desired me to say nothing of, he'll be no whig any longer, for he says he anger'd since he came to town some of his old friends by being so reasonable as to mentain 'twas fitt the Queen shou'd use her pleasure in disposing employments as she pleases, and he assures me the Duke of Newcastle his friend is of the same opinion, and that the party will be very angry with him, tho he served them as long as he cou'd, but he wou'd not fly in the Queen's face for them. His policy I suppose for his opening himself so freely to me with an air of confidence is that I shou'd tell it about court I have just received an account from London the Proclama- tion for the dissolution of the Parliament came out yesterday, the three new councelors being sworn in Wednesday night, so it comes out with the advice of council. Mr. Hasselby is made secretary of War, and George Greenville they say is to be Treasurer of the Navy, but that is not done yet, A member of the house of C. is to have it, or else I cou'd wish it for a Lord. The Lord Chancelor will not be out till the wright {sic) are issued for a new Parliament. The remove of the Admiralty is not made yet. Twickenham, 15 September^ 17 10. Dear Brother, Since I writ you my last I cou'd not rest here sattis- fied, being of several minds as to my speaking to Mr. Harley of a White Staff" in the matter I writ you ; for not withstand what my Lord Berkley told me I thought some step shou'd be made towards him as if we thought his favour was not to be neglected ; so I resolv'd at last to go, being sent word he saw company of Wensdays. And I was well pleas'd I did, for he received me very civilly among a crowd of old fassion out of the way gentlemen, faces I had never seen excepting Sir Stephen Fox's, Sir Jacob Banks', and Mr. Godolphin's of the Custom house, who I was surprised to see there, and by the grimace and cringes there seem'd to pass a world of speechs. Mr. Harley came up to me and ask't me if I had any commands for him, so I begun my speech concerning LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 43 you, but before I had done he step away to another, wch discouraged mc a little ; and so I saw him dispatch half a dozen, who made their bow and went off, but I was resolved to go through with it, tho' I had staid to the last man. But before that he came to me very civilly and ask what 'twas you wou'd desire, and beg'd my pardon he had left me as he did, but he told me 'twas with designe to have a good deal of talk with me. After he had heard me out he told me the Queen did designe to do for you, and was very sencible you had done her good service, of wch he was a wittness, but 'twas not a White staff. Other company coming he told me he intend to writ to you the next post, and wou'd tell me more of it another time, wch I desired he wou'd please to appoint that I might wait upon him accordingly ; he wou'd not give me that trouble but wou'd writ or tell Mr. Lewis to tell me There was a report about the town that the Whigs had got his Grace [Somerset] again, for they say he often flys out, and is angry if things are not just as if he wou'd have them. I dont send you this as a truth but to show some people are very angry with him, and wou'd have him pass for an unstedy man. The Whigs have set up General Stanhope for Westminster, whose glory is fresher in the minds of the people then Webb's. London, 26 September^ 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * I find schemes that are said to be drawn are not always keept to, a fresh instance of wch is the surprising news I have mett with that the Duke of Sommersett has left the Court in a Pet and gone to Petworth, and it is concluded by all the town that he'll nere return Master of the Horse more ; what I shall writ you of this subject is matter of fact, if those that say they have seen it may be believed. The day the Parliament was dissolved he came out of council in such a passion that he cursed and swore at all his servants, and order'd them to pack up all his things at Kingsenton, 144 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and tho his supper was ready he wou'd not stay to eat it. The next day he came to offer the Queen to lay down his place, with leave to go into the country ; but the Queen bid him consider on't, and gave him leave to go into the country. The Saturday morning he went out of town the Queen her- self gave orders that the leading coach shou'd be to go out with her only to attend the Gold Staff in waiting, so the Duke of Sommerset might be at liberty to take the Master of the Horse's charriot and horses to travel with, but he con- tinued to the last in a huff and went out of town in his own coach, and not thro' St. James Park, as Master of the Horse he might do. They say he own he has been deceived by Mr. Harley, for all he intended to do was to free the Queen from the power of the two great men, and was promised that things shou'd be carried no further. After that there was some change made he did not like, but was content to bear with hoping 'twould go no further ; but when they came to dissolve the Parliament, 'twas what he cou'd never consent to, and Mr. L told me this morning that 'twas very true he was much sett upon having the Parliament continue, and had the vanity to think he cou'd manage that house of Commons as he pleased, and because they wou'd not believe him in that perticular he was angry. 'Tis odd an enough {sic) for him that has been running down those that wou'd be telling the queen upon every rub they met to their will they must lay down, that he so soon shou'd be at the same game himself He has meet with the juncto, and they all made him believe they receive him very cordially, and he has declared he will give all the interest he has in every place he has any influence in to Whigs, There is three Tellers of the Exchequer to be out. Mr, Vernon is the first, and what surprises the town is that Mr. Smith the late Chancelor has it. Vernon's son they say is to be a Commissionar of the Excise, some say a Com- missionar of Trade, wch is in a manner to lett the father fall easily. Some talk that the Duke of Ormond is to be Master of the Horse, the Duke of Shrewsbery Lieutenant of Ireland, Duke Hamilton Chamerlain, Others say that Hamilton is LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. I45 to be Master of the Horse, and Ormond Lieutenant of Ireland and Shrewsbery to continue as he's ; but there's no know anything till 'tis done Twickenham {end of September, 1710?]. Dear Brother, .... From what I have told you in my late letters of Lord Barkley's opinion, that what is to be done for you is determin'd, and to spealce of anything else is but teizing them to no purpose, and that the Duke of Sommerset is Stanhope's fast friend is certain, for 'tis he that setts him up for West- minster ; Cockermouth the place he has always serv'd for is the Duke of Sommerset's interest. The reputation the late victories in Spain has gain'd him with the generality of people, tho it has been indeavour'd to be lessen, in the Post Boy and other papers, as proceeding cheifly from the conduct and orders of Staremberg will make it very invidious for any to succeed him, and they must expect to have the brightest of their actions sull'd by black malicious coulors cast upon them, and every misfortune or humane failing ex- agerated into crimes, and if none of them shou'd happen a thousand lyes would be spread, and the distance is so great, 'twould be long before your friends cou'd have the sattis- faction to have them disprov'd. The usage Lord P h met with was an affliction to his friends in his absence, and when he came home he did not extricate himself out of them without difficulty. All wch I take to be a greater discourage- ment to a brave man, then the hazard of the change of climate, or the accidents of war. I believe you to have a greatness of soul capable of surmonting all difficulties, and therefore tho' tis more against my inclination then perhaps you will believe, yet I dare not from any pussilanimous thought as they may be esteem of mine give the least obstruction to what I see you have so much at heart to undertake. There seeming some propability that Stanhope may be remov'd, for the resentments are very great against the managers of the D'"^ Tryal, and there was a town talk before Stanhope went from hence that the Duke of Argile L 146 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. wou'd be sent in his instead {sic), but upon Sir Thomas Parker's being made lord cheif justice, and the Queen's speech at the rising of the ParHament, that vanish't. I can't recollect whether at the time I writ you this, if I did not 'twas omitted by my illness, tho I think I did writ you how the Duke of Argile had ingratiated himself by declaring to the Queen that he wou'd seeze any persons she pleased to command, and some say carried his speech so far as to say he wou'd bring her their head, and then he and his brother voted in the tryal as desired. Wch puts me in mind to repeat what I remember I did writ to you from Epsom, wch I now do to confirm you that the Tryal gave great offence at court, and was a stumbling block to the late ministry, and all that adhered to them. The account I had from old Coll. Corn- well, who I went to see at his house at Biflit. He told me he was to see Lord Kent,* and he seem'd to be in a great perplexity how to vote in the Doctor's tryal ; Cornwell told him the surest way to know the Queen's mind was to ask her himself He took his advise, and the Queen told him she thought the Commons had reason to be sattisfied that they had made their allegations good, and the mildest pun- ishment inflicted upon the Docter she thought the best. He went away, and voted for the severist. Cornwell went to him the next day, and when he told him what he had done, Cornwell told him he might expect to have his key sent for very soon. The Duke said no, 'twas the wisest thing he had done a great while, notwithstanding he knew he had acted against Q n's opinion, for he had such fresh assurance given him upon that subject that cou'd not fail ; but Cornwell was in the right and his Lordship deceived, as he own to him afterwards but told him the Q had dismist him with all the marks of kindness, and promises of doing anything for him he cou'd ask. Then Cornwell said to him 'twas his business to ask something ; he said he cou'd think of nothing but one thing, wch was that his Lady might be of the Bed- * Henry Grey, twelfth Earl of Kent, descended from the Greys de Ruthyn. He was created Duke of Kent in April, 17 10. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTIT. 1 47 chamber, then that he must ask whilcst the promise was fresh in memory, wch he did, but was paid with complymcnts, as being sorry they were engaged. The town upon this change reason'd as if his Lordship was trick't by the Treasurer, and the Duke of Shrewsbery's succeeding had appearance from former greatness {sic) as if he was not come in without his consint ; but I knowing this story cou'd not help smih'ng at all the fine reasoning thereupon, tho I said nothing. I was told of a speech the Duke of Argile made to the Queen before he went to Flanders wch I made no reflection upon till now that it seems it might be from a veiw he had to command in Spain — that the Duke of M put him upon all the desparate services, wch he observed was not to gratifie the desire he had always to distinguish himself, but to expose a life he knew wou'd have no perticular attach- ments but herself He thought he might take notice of this perticular without the calling his courage the least in question. I writ you in my last he was come over, so if there is a change he may be an obstruction, tho' I think it can't be till Stan- hope come home to take his place in the house of Commons, and then if he adheres to oppose the court in their known opinion, there may be a fresh provokation to wipe out the merit of his past action ; but at present his late services seems to speak for pardon for his past fault, but since I have concluded with myself that there is a possibility that he may be remov'd, I have resolv'd to give Mr. L. your letter and see him burn it or tear it before my face, and according as he advises proceed to solicite others. Your desire of commanding in the army again is known to the Dukes of Sommerset and Shrews- bery, tho' there must be no adress made to the first Duke about this, for he's Stanhope's friend. In this and several other things the town says he has not gone in consort with the new advisers, so much as lately 'twas reported the Whigs had got him again. The Prince's Dr., a Scotchman, is a powerfull solicitor for Argile with Mrs. Masham, who now is visseted in crowds by Whigs and Torys, some of whom I have heard wish her damn. For my part I han't had courage to go with the crowd yet, because I know she reckons me in L 2 148 TIIE WENTWORTH PAPERS. the number of those that rail'd at her, tho' I never did. Since that notion of hers after I had told to Mr. L my inno- cence she came once to see my wife, who was not at home, and I mett her one day at the Cockpit to visset my sister, but all the while I staid there she hardly spoke a word, but when I was gone Miss Betty said she was in good humour and talkt much and made a long visset. The Scotch are national, and there is no geting the Doctor in another interest, so that in my poor opinion there is not much hopes for you, but I wou'd not neglect anything you think for your interest, but if I was to choose for you, it shou'd be to come home to your country with the endearing charactor of being an instrument of bring- ing home a good Peace, which if they make you, and give you at the same time a commissionar of Trade, you need envy nobody's glory nor profit [Lady Wentworth.] Twickenham, October 2, 1710. My dearist and best of children, the Queen is com to Hampton Court, sure she will not stay long, it is soe very coald. Its said she designes to stay six weeks. Thees thre nights I have been much happyer then in the days, for I have drempt I have been with you. I had a very comickal letter the other day from Miss Bellew, whear she desiers me to let all her relations know she is in the land of the leving yett, and is in better health then she has been of som years, and has workt me a very prety black and white purs, and sent me. Flert has a nother lettor of prety puppys, she has five now, but never had but fower before. The man stays, soe you will be releist this time when I have asured you that I am more then I can tel you, my dearest dear soul, your moste infenit affectionat mother. October 6, 17 10. My dearist and best of children Betty has lost al her hopse of the Lottry, als drawn now ; she is at Neic Hanbury's. The small pox is very LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 149 much hear, and at London to, I am afraid for her ; She is soe very fearfull of them. Pray my dear, why will you let Lady Mary thin * goe, she is yoang, ritch, and not unhandsom, som sey she is prety ; and a vertious lady, and of the nobillety, and why will you not trye to gett her. Its said Lord Villors Lady was worth fower scoar thoussand pd ; you might have gott her, as wel as Lord Villors. I beleev Memveel told you of her. I hear Lord Jarzy has receaved forty of it, and his son and he is at deferenc about it. He has not don well by his son, the young lady is not yoused well as I hear amongst them, which in my openion is not well.f Dear soul, I hope God has a blessing yet in stoar for you, in reward for all your kyndnes and goodnes to. Dearest dear, your most infenit affectionate mother. [Peter Wentworth.] Twickenham, 20 October, 17 10. Dear Brother, Wednesday the Seals were given to S"" Simon Har- court, and S'' Edward Northy made Solicitor General, and yesterday the Duke of Ormond was declared lord Leiutenant of Ireland, that day the Duke of Sommerset came to Hampton court and look't as he used to do, but without doubt but he's inwardly nettled to have return to court, with the loss of all the Elections he has endeavour'd to carry, and to see he was so much out in his judgement, as to think the Whigs wou'd have a great Majority in the new house. Above half the elections are over and the Torys have carry'd it every where almost, so that they will be stronger then they was in the first year of the Queen's reign. The part the Duke of Som- merset has acted and is like to act is look't upon with very * Thomas Thynne, who married Lady Mary Villiers in May, 1709, died of the small pox in April, 17 10. Lady Mary afterwards married George Granville Lord Lansdowne, the poet. t The young lady in question was Judith, daughter of Frederick Heme, a city merchant, who married Lord Villiers, afterwards the Earl of Jersey. ISO THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. contemptable eyes by both Parties, and I believe if the Queen did not her self bear in mind the diligent attendance he has given her, there would be nobody say a word to him to per- suade him not to quite the Court. 'Tis thought by some that the Duke of Ormond was not named sooner for the L* of Ireland because Master of the Horse was a place was thought wou'd have been as much to his liking, and his attendance about her Majesty's person as agreeble to her as any Nobleman's, and he having the character of a generous good natured fine Gentleman, and not one that wou'd set up for a Politian, those that are in possession of the Queen's ear cou'd have suffer'd him near there without any jealousy. I know the Duke of Ormond has piqued himself upon the not asking this of any, but I believe the Dutchess of Ormond had a promise on't for near six months agoe. * * * * Lord Powlet has complymented Brigadeer Masham by having him choose a member in a burrow he commands.* The Torys will be so stronge in the house of Commons that they may call some of them up to the house of Lords, where they won't be altogether so strong without some help. Brigadeer Britain's regiment is embarked with several others for a secreet expedition wch is to be commanded by Lord Shannon who has been in the Isle of Whight some time, and now that Air (sic) is like to be so soon in our hands our landing in France is again talk't of. But there's no news I am so intent upon as what will be done for you. They think themselves so strong now that they need make no court to any body and opposition will signifie nothing till they begin to fall out among themselves, and then wou'd be a time to come if it cou'd be nick't right ; for before 'twill be taken as you say as no favour but a running with the stream, and may disoblige if the tide shou'd turn again. It seems to be so strong at present that as Lord Haversham says an opposition wou'd look as vain as to attempt to stop the stream at Lon- don Bridge with one's thumb. * Samuel Masham was returned for Ilchester at this time. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 151 Twickenham, 27 October^ 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * Your Letter of joy to the Duke of B will come very unseasonable for he's in great affliction for the loss of his son wch is dead. Last Munday the Major and New Leiu- tenancy of London was at Hampton Court, with a fine address, and Mr. Harley was very joious with the rich men Sir Charles Duncomb and Sir Francis Child, the first of wch they say crys every thing thats now done is very well and talks as if they shall never want money, but the divil a penny does he lend. You sent for the Last present State of England to be sent you with other pamphlet come out besides those I have sent you, but I reckon now you have leave to come over I need send you nothing but what I can enclose in a letter. Lord Godolphin is very ill at New market. Lord Abington is dead, so there will be a new election at Brendford where his Brother was chose. In a great many of the elections the no conformist have voted for the Torys, and 'tis thought it proceeds from the assurance Mr. Harley has given there preachers that there shall be nothing this P done against them, but their toUeration keep inviolable. . . . , * « H: ^ London, 31 October, 1710. Dear Brother, I cou'd not meet Mr. Harley a Sunday to deliver him your letter, but I did yesterday morning before he went into Council. There was so many people about him, he coming lately, that he had not time to open it and read it, but told me he had writ to you since I saw him. I am to town to day to deliver my letter my self in the office, soon ; one hears more news hear then one does at Court. The Duke of Sommersets friends has found out sonie excuse or other for 152 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. his not being at the Cabinet Council since he came to town, but I find he has really not been sommons'd, and they talk here afifresh that he'll certainly be out, and the Duke of Shrewsbury Master of the Horse, and Lord Jersey Chamberlin ; and they will have it that Lord Rotchesster, has a party distinct from Harley and the Duke of Shrewsbury. All I know is that Lord Rotchester seem'd to be very great with the Duke of Shrewsbury and that he always dines there when he comes to Hampton Court, and Sunday after dinner they retir'd from the company that drank tea with the Dutchess, and sett talking in the Window for above half an hour, and so I left them very earness in discourse. Lord Rivers I hear landed Saturday but he was not at court yesterday. They talk very dismally of General Stanhope who they say has carry'd his men on but won't know how to get them back again, for we have accounts from Portugal that they will send none of there troops to join them. Sir George Bink and Mr. Methin brought me to town in their coach, and Methin was lamenting that 'twas feard we shou'd be forc't to leave the Seige of Air, and he shou'd be the more sorry because in all likely wou'd 'twou'd be the Last of the Duke of M actions abroad but there's an express come in wch says the town is sur- render'd and he tells me the news I writ of Lord Peter- borough's being made General of the Marines is true. I have been told that the Dean of Christ Church in Oxford have writ to a great man that they ought not to put any trust in that spaun of a presbiterian Harley, may be the High Church may be provok't with the orders Lord Chamberlin has given all the parsons that preach before the Queen not to entertain her with politicks. I know this to be given into order for the Dutchess of Shrewsbury told me so, and they are all told it before they have leave to go into the pulpit. Some of the Duke of Ormond's friends give out words as if they were very cordiall towards Harley and Mrs. Masham for they think 'twas them defer'd his being made Lord Leiutenantof Ireland so long, and that the Duke was given to under stand that he shou'd address himself to Mr. Harley, wch they say he cou'd not bring himself to do. I have seen him tho' very often take LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 1 53 Mr. Harley in a Cornor and talk with him a good while before and since he was declar'd. Sunday I made my bows to the Duke of Bucks, and he's short sighted and I thought he had forgot me so I got Mr. Scarborough to present me to him, and he told me he had the favour of a letter from you. I said I knew you had congratulated his Grace upon the birth of his son, for the lost of wch I beg'd leave to condole for you and my self too ; and now I shall tell you a pleasant story accation'd by the death of this child. Lady Dotchester says the Duke kill'd it with over care, he wou'd not let it suck from the apprehention he had that there was no sound woman to be mett with, nor be fed with a Spoon because he designed the Dutchess when she was well enough shou'd give it suck herself, so he had an invention of a Sucking bottle wch was so managed in short the child was starved, then they were in hunt for a Nurse. Mr. Walpool had a child at nurse, that nurse got herself recommended there, the Duke examin'd her Breast himself and told her he like't her but wou'd see the child that suckt her wch she brought without asking Walpool's leave, and the Duke made her undress the child and he examined it all over strake naked and found it without any spot so he said he wou'd have her. She went with joy to her Master Walpool and told him all that had past and beg par- don she had gone without his leave ; he said he would not have her loose her place, but charged her to tell the Duke, that all the soundest Nurses in England cou'd never [make] a child of his sound, and if he had a mind to have a sound one there was no way but to desire him to get it. The child was open'd and Lady Dotchester said they cou'd see nothing but that it was starved. The Queen comes a Munday to Kingsenton to go to the Chapel at St. James's to the thanksgiven and return a Wed- nesday Hampton Court. I was to see Lord Berkley tod ay but cou'd not find him at home, by next post I hope to send you word what I can get out of him. I shall end my letter that I may carry it soon to the Office ; a Lady has promised a very pritty song that is made upon Mrs. M wch I shall send with her most humble service as soon as I can get it. 154 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, 7 November, 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * .... I heard since I writ to you of the report of your being to be Ambassador at the Hague that 'twas in the Dutch prints, and that 'tis lord Townsend is to be recall'd who is reckon'd too much a creature of Lord Sommers as well as of another great Lord. Here's now a very hot discourse again about the town that Lord Rotchesster is to be lord Treasurer, Mr. Harley Master of the Rolls, Lord Pawlet Privy Seal, S"" Thomas Mansel controler again, Mr. Paget in the Admiralty, Mr. Benson chancelour of the Exchequor ; and I have heard it observed that a little before the changes has been made they have been always much talk of about town. But of my Lord Peterborough the town are sending him three several ways at once to Vieima, West Indias, Spain. Lord Havers- ham they say died of a broken heart for he found they did not intend to do for him as he expected. What to make of the Duke of Summerset I can't tell yet, he has never been at Counsel, he came up to town but went back to Sion this morning, so was not at the Chapel at the thanksgiving. St. James's house is out of morning, but the Queen and every body that comes to court is still in morning and will be so till after the time the Prince was buried. There has been a great report as if the Princess Sophia was dead ; they say lord Rivers says he was received very kindly at Hannover, but when 'tis said he had no present that seems not very well to agree. The Queen goes back to Hampton Court to morrow and will not come here again till the Parlia- ment meet. I o November, 1 7 1 o. Dear Brother, Since you desire I shou'd writ to you every post have been mightily vext that this did not go as I design'd it. I have open it again to tell you how it happen not to go last post, I staid at home after my wife went out a purpose to writ to you and desired she wou'd send the man home LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 155 before 8 a clock, and she did order him to go home by 7; but being the thanksgiven day, he staid out Mobing on't till he thought 'twas time enough to come to us to Mons. Vriberg's where we were invited to a ball that night, or else I had not left it to the hasard of its not being carried. I left a great charge before I went out that it shou'd be certainly carried before nine a clock and when the maids found the man did not come home they attempted to go Avith it but said they cou'd not get along for the Mob. I had done up this Medley as a paper mightily commended by some toping Whigs, and the next post to have sent you the Examiner if any thing worth notice, wch is a paper of the Tories, and I find it handles a matter wch is really the reigning Vice of the times, but it is practised by one side almost as much as 'tother. I have got some very smart pamphlets of both sides but don't know how I shall send them you, for they are to big to be conveyed by letter. I have very little to add this post but only the discourse continues that the treasurery will be in one hand ; but I was told to day that the Bishop of Rotchester ask't the Lord of that Name if the report was true, he did assure him it was not a time for him to accept of that office. I met likewise with a relation of the Master of the Rolls who tells me the Master is very well and has not thought of selling his place for 20,000/. ; for if he lives to the year 171 1 by leases that will be out then he will receive above 30,000/.; all Chancery lane is his as Master of the Rolls, so that one does not know what to believe.* London, \o November^ 17 10. Dear Brother, Since I writ to you last tuesday I have seen Mr. Tilson, and find he's of opinion as I sent you word some time agoe my Lord Berkley was, that they were happiest * Sir John Trevor was Master of the Rolls from 1685 to 1688, and again from 1693 to his death in May, 17 17. He was member for Yar- mouth, but in 1695 was expelled the house for receiving a bribe to further a bill. His judicial character seems, however, to have remained unimpaired. 156 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. that had a just accation of being absent from the first Sessions of this Parliament ; but I told him he knew the Queen had given you leave to come over and I did not see how you cou'd avoid it. He said the leave was worded in such terms that it left you absolute master of coming or staying as you thought best, and by some of your letters to him he judged you was not fully determin'd to come over, for you had only writ to Lord Rivers to ask his advise as a friend whether you had best ask leave or no, and he immediately writ to Mr. St. Johns to get leave for you. You know I sent you word Mr. Harley took your poump to him in the same manner for a desire to come over and wou'd ask it of the Queen for you, so that there wou'd be no way to avoid it but fresh business arising or this court being perswaded that Berlin is such an intriguing court, that no stranger tho' never so able a man cou'd tell how to manage them. I told him I found that here people had a notion that, he was no more to the Allies then Elector of B and that an Envoy wou'd do as well there. I found he spoke pretty much upon the caution with me so I wou'd not name any bodys name, but he told me let those people be who they wou'd they were much out in their judge- ment, and if he was to talk with them he wou'd make it plain the King of Prussia was to be courted at this juncture, and the recalling an Ambassador and sending but an Envoy he believed wou'd be resented ill there, and your coming over he seem'd to think wou'd end in that, tho' at this time he thought it wou'd not be right. Company came in so I had not time to sound him if he had heard of any thing of a designe of your being Plenipo and Ambassador in Holland, wch, to tell you my poor thoughts, I don't like so well as I did at first, for by all report every thing at the Hague is so much dearer and the constant company that's unavoidable to have there is enough to swollow up twice the profit of the 30/. a week more that you have there. Every body says that Lord Townsend runs out. If you are sent in his room you by that are made a declared enemy to the juncto, and ruin'd with the Whigs for ever, and the Tories are not noted to stick so fast to their friends as th' others, and besides if LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 57 there's any truth in the report that they are hke to fall out among themselves one wou'd not desire to be rank't of their number. What to advise or to think of this matter I know not, things changing or said to be changing thus every day. I confess your last hint to me that it may turn again th' other way has shaken the opinion I have had hitherto that it wou'd be best for you to be here, but my comfort is your own judgement is most likely to extricate you out of all difficulties. 'Tis not to much purpose to talk of what's past, but I can't help thinking if you cou'd have order'd matters so to have come over when I first writ you the removal of Lord Sunderland wou'd be follow'd with many more chances that you wou'd have got some good thing here, wch nobody wou'd more rejoyced at then I ; at least you wou'd have been better able to judge how things wou'd go, and whether it wou'd have been best for you to scramble off and be out of the way this Sessions. I writ you in some of my former letters that 'twas thought the Duke of Marlborough wou'd indeavour to make his court to the Tories, and I am now told he has made good advances towards them, and 'tis thought necessary for him so to do by those Whigs thats his real friends. I am impatient till I have a letter from you, for the first I have now I believe will lett me know something of your resolution upon the letter you have received long before this from Mr. St. Johns of leave. The Duke of Shrewsbury I writ you thought you upon your way home, when I de- liver'd your last letter to him, but the discourse I have had with Mr. Tilson, and your desire to have several prints sent you as they come out put me in some doubt. My Mother is in daily expectation of you, but your writing to have inquire about Mrs. Herrols lodging put her as I told in so alarm as if you did design them for her, and she wou'd not part with her Garrets for world to leave them to your footmen. Mrs. Herrol is such an impertinant Woman that she's sure they shou'd be scolding every day of their lives. Lord Brookes house is to be lett in Arlington Street, theres five year yet to come of his lease. Lord Barkley told me Lord Asburnham's house is to be sold a great penny in Deans yard but it stands 158 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. in such an Ugly place that you wou'd not take it for nothing to be obliged to live in't. I told you I had little to add but I mean news, wch you find tho' I have troubled you with so long a letter I confess I am so pusled to think of your coming or not coming this winter, that I believe I cou'd writ whole sheet pro and con, and not know my self what to determine at last. If I consulted my own interest I shou'd be very solicitous for you coming : but I believe my best way is to resolve as Lord Berkley said he wou'd to advise nothing about for fear it shou'd be wrong. 28 November^ 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * The Queen's Speech you'll have sent you from the office, and you'll see 'tis calculated to give all people sattisfaction, and I think it has most, tho some that came out of the City said after it Stock fell above two p. c. — and gave for reason that Scheveral's word of indulgence was used instead of tolleration, but now they come to read it they see that word attented with two words they like, wch are by law. At the naming Mr. Bromley to be Speaker S"" Thomas Hanmore* made a fine speech in commendation 01 that Gentleman and gave some encomiums upon the prospect there was by the late change of having the affairs of the Nation better man- aged, but did it in such fine terms that those that does not approve of the side he espouse say 'twas very fine for a sett speech wch is his excellence. * * * * London, 31" November^ 17 10. Dear Brother, What past remarkable in the house of Lords Tues- day I did not hear till next morning or else I shouM have sent it you by that Mail. When they had drawn up or * Or Hanmer, of Euston Hall, Suffolk, member for that county, "the most considerable man in the House of Commons," writes Swift. He was himself elected Speaker in 17 12. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 159 resolved upon their address of thanks to the Queen for her Speech My Lord Scarborrough made a motion as if he thought it then a proper time for that house to thank his Grace, and was seconded by the Duke of Richmond. The Duke of Argile rise up and desired the Noble Lord that spoke first wou'd explain himself,, for he did not know who he meant by his Grace ; Lord Scarborrough answer'd he cou'd mean nobody but his Grace the Duke of M who has made such a Glorious campaign. Then the Duke of A made a speech against the thanks of the house being given to the D. of M ; all I cou'd hear of his Speech was that he said 'twas true there was four towns taken this Campaign, and but one of those four was of any use or advantage to the allies, th' other three having cost more blood then 'twas worth, and before the house thought of giving him any thanks they shou'd have an account of the business he was cheifly sent over for. A Plenipotentionar for a Peace, when that matter was heard 'twou'd be time enough to consider whether thanks shou'd be given him. Lord North rise up and second the Duke of Argile. Then Lord Ferrers rise up, and they say, said a great many hand- some things in the praise of the Duke of M but con- cluded as he was not here 'twou'd be more proper to defer the thanks of the house till he came over, wch was a motion the Duke of M friends were glad to close in with that it might never come to a question to have the house divide about it, for they saw they shou'd lose it. Lord Wharton they tell me made a very confused speech, wch seem'd not to be acted but real ; he said he was a mased that such a motion shou'd now have been made, but more a mased that being moved it should meet with any opposition, and after repeating some of the great services the Duke of M had done the Nation, wch was not spoke with his usual briskness, he join'd in with lord Ferrers to have the matter dropt till the arrival of the Duke of M . 'Tis doubt'd whether Lord Scar- borrough designed this motion as a service or a disservice to the Duke, 'twas plain he did it with out conssulting any of the great men of that side for they all seem'd to be surprised l60 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and unprepared for't. In the house of Commons the Whigs, the Tories say, have begun to show their teeth before they can bite. Mr. Walpool, at the committee that was appointed to draw up their Address of thanks for the Queens speech, S'" Thomas Hanmore was in the chair, took notes and writ down what he seem'd not to like ; they there told him 'twas unparliamentary to writ so before the thing was finish't. But he mentain'd it to be the right of every member to writ what he pleased or why had they pen and ink allow'd. After some squabling they yeild him the point, but when 'twas finisht they desire to have his notes, but he made no answere but took his paper and lapt it up very deliberately and went away with it into the house, and showed it to Letchmore and some more who sett there heads together how they wou'd desire to have it amended when it came into the house. The Tories tell me as they had cook't it they made arrant nonsence on't and there was an hour debate about the words wch and and, who was for the Which and who for the And I know not, after that Mr. Walpool wou'd have the Pretender mention'd, wch accation'd some debate, but Mr. Harley's speech yeild up that matter. He said their mentioning the house of Hanover imply'd they had not thoughts of the Pretender, without naming him, wch seem'd to be all together needless, but since he had been nam'd he knew what use wou'd be made of it without doors if now refused. So 'twas agreed to but they amended to that amendment, so that the Tories say the Whigs did but make a rod for their own breech. 'Twas presented to the Queen to day about three a clock, since I shall see it in Print to morrow I thought 'twas not worth making my dinner stay to hear it. I must confess I long till it comes out because I have heard all this talk about it, tho' I beleive 'twon't be so well as the Lords for I hear 'tis three times as long. London, 8 December, 1710. Dear Brother, Last Sunday I thought I had a great deal of news to writ to you by the tuesdays Post, but that morning 'twas LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. l6l all contradicted again, by those I thought knew matters better then my first informers, so that I miss writing. All I had to tell you of the Duke of Argile's being to go to command in Spain, I was assured proceeded from nothing but the sup- position, that after what the Duke of Argile said in the house last week, wou'd make it impossible for him to serve in Flanders again under the Duke of M . The town has long reported that Mr, Harley and Lord Rotchester do not act in consort, but our friend in a cornner assures me 'tis only reported by those that wish to see them fall out among themselves, and that they agree intirely in the same measures, wch is for earring things moderately but I believe they will be both deceived if either of them thinks they can govern this house of Commons, there being a great many country Gentlemen that are resolved to proceed in methods of their own. Some impeachments they say they are resolved to have, to begin with Lord Godolphin, but some great men 'twas thought had art enough to get that waved ; but that their fury might be spent upon some body, 'tis said they give into the impeaching Lord Wharton, against whom they say there's most evidence of his unjust proceeding in Ireland. His regiment of Dragoons is broke, and Fips they says is declare Lord Chancelor of Ireland. I heard to night as if Mr. St. John was to go to the Hague in the room of Lord Townsend, and that S*" Thomas Hand- more was to be Secretary of State, and lord Isley in the room of the Duke of Oueensborough. There has been speechs made already in the house of Commons as if they did not think there had changes enough. One Gentleman said there had been 15 and he own they had been very well fill, but he cou'd but wonder why in all this time there were not many more ; so now they talk of the remove of three of the Commissionars of the revenue in Ireland. Some of the warm Tories are angry that Mr. Harley divided with the Whigs in the Staffordshire election, the divition was whether it shou'd be heard at the bar or at a Committee, M 1 62 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London [about 12 December], 17 10. Dear Brother, I am told that there's nothing in the Report I writ you word of last post, that Mr. St. Johns was to go abroad, but this peice of news you may depend upon as true, that Mr. Hill is to go Plenipo in the Room of Cadogan, wch is thought a mortification to the Duke of M . The Queen has sent to Meredith, Mackcartney, and Honeywood, that she has no more occation for their service, she being inform'd it has been their frequent health in the Camp, ' Confusion to the New Ministry '; there was some talk as if Cadogan was to have the same message sent him, but the proofes are not so many and so strong against him. I have heard 'twas propose to the Queen to have these Gentlemen try'd by a Council of War, but that was thought showing them more favour than such insolence ought to meet with. 'Tis said Ross always when they begun these sort of healths left the Company, he's reckon'd a cunning Scotchman. All the favour these unfor- tunate gentlemen solicite for now is to have leave to sell, wch is thought won't be granted them. Now the Officers begin to curse again the president the late Ministry gave in turning out Lord Windsor, whose talking never came up to the Extravagance of these gentlemen. Some of their Expres- sions are, they say, too bad to be named so I can hear no more on't. I am to wish you joy of the Command of the Queen's Quota in the North, which Mr. Witworth told me, a Sunday, wou'd certainly be sent, but I shou'd be glad to hear your pay was commenc'd, tho' if you ask't it before the coming of the forces those that sett up for good husbandry for her Majesty might represent it as unreasonable, tho' they say Lord Peterborough has 5/. a day allow'd him till he comes to command as General of the Marines, wch is half pay. At St. James's Coffee house they are possitive still that Mr. St. John's is to go abroad, but now they say 'tis into Spain, and I don't know for what reason ; but the Whigs of late speaks with much more temper ot Lord Rotchester then Mr. Harley, the former they say acts openly and upon principle. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 63 and like a man of Honour, but they will allow nothing of that to Mr. Harley, and levell all their spleen at him. I hear all and say nothing. When the place Bill was brought in they say Mr. Harley spoke against its being read the first time, but 'tis thought 'twill pass the Commons by a great majority, but 'twill meet with a stop in the house of Lords. They tell a commical story of Lord Crommortney, who was ask't by the Queen how the Scotch Lords wou'd vote, he said they were all agreed, she ask't how agreed in what, he answer'd to take as much mony as her Majesty was please to give them. I believe nothing of this tho I was told it by one that said he had good reason to beleive it true. There's a town talk too as if there wou'd be three new Secretarys of State Lord Lexington, S'^ Thomas Handmore, and Lord Isle, and that Lord Dartmouth is to have a pention of 3000/. a year for his resigning, but they know nothing of these matters at the office, or at least they wou'd not own it. 'Tis talk't too as if S'' Thomas Frankling and Mr. Evelin are to be put out of the post office, and Franck Guin, L'^ Rotchester guine as they call him, is to have it to himself. I have heard the post office call'd the Scotch office because so many have pentions out on't, and so many of them expect the like. We have had a rumour that the plague was come to Newcastle, but from the best accounts it's found to be falls, every body was much alarm at its being there for by the great trade this town has here 'twou'd soon be brought here. The Queen since the Death of Mons"" Spanheim has made Madam Montander a present of a thousand in Mony wch she likes better then a jewel. London, 15 Decetnber, 17 10. Dear Brother, All the talk of the town runs upon the dismission of the three officers I writ you last, there's nobody but what says if they were guilty of all that's reported of them they deserve great punishment, 'tis said 'twas not a health drunk in a drunken fitt, but a constant health among them — Confussion to the present ministry, and Damnation to all that had a M 2 164 THE WEXTWORTH PAPERS. hand in the change, without exception, and damn all that wou'd not stand by the Duke of M with their lives and fortunes. I know several gentlemen that have spoke to Honneywood, who denies that ever he drank any such health, and defies any body to prove it. Of th' other side 'tis said these healths were drank at Cadogan's house, and that when they came to them Ross and Billy Care flew out of the com- pany in a passion. The Court is not willing that the matter shou'd be brought to fending and proving, for fear of ill blood. I have been told that one great person that inform'd the Cabinet Council, declared he was ready to tell it to all their faces. I don't care to tell who the town suspects for informers for fear I shou'd be wrong and my letters seen. I was with Mr. Tilson and he told me that now the Lords of the Treasurery had order'd the debts to the forreign Ministers to be laid before them and went to Mr. Powis and desired he would take of Lord Raby's affair, for as he says he's the man whose proper business 'tis, he told him he never yet had any acknowledgement from you yet, wch he cou'd not say of any of the rest, I desired Mr. Tilson to writ to you his opinion of the matter he said he did not care to writ it to you, but he really thought it in his power to help you more then then the value of a present once a year wou'd come, 'twas you wou'd be paid in course, and 'twas his business to lay before the Lords your business as well as the rest and there was a way of doing things. I have told this to Mr. Ellison to day, and he thinks it pretty extraordinary that he shou'd be so con- tinually making such broad signs for a present. [Lady Wentworth.] December 15, 17 10. My dearist and best of Children, for all the great scairsety of mony, yett hear will be a gloryous show one the Queen's birth day, wonderful rich cloaths ar preparing for it ; thear was one that see Mr. Pit's great dyomont that I writ you word of, and they say its as big as a great eg ; I would have LETTERS OF PF.TER WENTWORTH. 165 the sety of London bye it and mak a presant of it to put in the Queen's Crown You know your grandfather's Burlen {s2c), they say he put ten thoussand pd in the lottry and lost it all, and is really worth forty thousand pd ; what straing luck som people hav, he always was of a generus temper. I wonder how he got his ritchis, his wife was my mother's woman, and the best creeture that ever was, but dyed in a year after she was marryed, and he a wedoer ever senc [Peter Wentworth.] 19 December, 17 10. Dear Brother, * * * * The town talk of a world more officers that are to be out and have give Cadogan's regiment of Horse to Lord Windsor, but Mr. L tells me there's to be no more, and as for Cadogan he knows he had clear himself from being Guilty of such indiscrestion as th' other three Gentlemen. There's some people talk pretty freely of lord Stairs as to his coming quite about, and some whisper as if they suspect him to be an informer, Lord Orrery as a friend to the Duke of Argile and his being to have Meredith regiment is but into the same clase, but I can't tell where is the scandal of in- forming, if the matter of their information be true. I have sent you the last Medley, wch is a very impudent paper, but carries the sence of those that seem not to approve of the dismission of these officers. There's several has made intersestion for Honneywood to be restord as a young man that might be drawn in, but 'tis thought he can't be pardon'd without th' others. He and Mackcartney are to sell for 2,500, and Merideth for 3,500, wch Lord Orerry can well afford to give for he can sell his for more mony. 'Tis talk't affresh now that the Duke of M wou'd command the Army next year, and they say Lord Rivers going again to Hanover makes it plain he was very well received there, not with stand reports to the contrary ; and now he goes with con- firmation of what the Elector agreed to, wch is supposed to take the command of the Army in Flanders upon him, and 1 66 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. then crys the Tories there's an end of the Noices the Whigs has made that they are for the Pretender, when the next heir has the Command of our greatest Army. I am assur'd to day that Mr. Hill desires to be excused from going abroad, pretending ill health, tho' it seems odd that he shou'd suffer it to be in the Gazet and receive joy of it from several of his friends two days agoe wch I was told by those that had been with him then to give him joy, and yet 'tis affirm'd to me with so much circumstance that I can't but believe it. What so some reports to be his reason I take to be invention, as that he waves it upon the talk of Mr. St. Johns being to go in the room of Lord Townsend. There's a strange story goes about as if the Duke of M had writ Circular letters to all the Princes of Allies to use their several interest with the Queen for him and that some of these Princes had sent copies of his letter to their Envoys here. I shall hear more of this matter to morrow if there's any truth int. The pam- phlets I hav^e collected I keep to go with Mr. Witworth who tells me he goes very soon. * * * * London, 21 December^ 17 10. Dear Brother, What I heard last post of Mr. Hill's excusing his going abroad for want of health is true, and it is not yet known who is to go in his room. Some talk as if 'twill be Prior. Last night came in a mail from Lisbon wch give a very different account of our affairs in Spain to what the French have indefer'd to make us believe ; from the office they will send you an extract, and by the Gazet to morrow we shall the particulars in general. I hear that our army is in a very good condition, 17,000 foot and 7,000 horse and plenty of all sorts of provission, and that we keep Garison still at Toledo, that King Charles went to Barcelona not out of any apprehension of the Enemy, but that he might have a more speedy correspondence with his Allies ; as an instance of wch he went from Madrid but with a Regiment of Horse, and took with him from thence two Grandees ladys by way LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTIL 1 67 of reprisal, for the Duke de Medinic Colli. Both the Armies are in winter Quarters. 'Tis talk't very much now that the Duke of Newcastle will be out, and lord Notingham made privy seal. There was a tryal this week of two of that Duke members in the house of commons and they were thrown out, and by that his interest in that house is judged very small. I was yesterday in the Gallery to hear the debate of the Commons upon the committment of the place Bill, but just as I got in they call out for the question, and the house divided and carried it for the committment four to one. When they came into the house again I got in, and heard Mr. St. Johns move to have a day appointed for the com- mittment of the qualifieing Bill, wch he wou'd had the same day as the Place, wch was opposed, and there was some wrangleing about that, till 'twas agreed at last to have it two days after. Mr. St. Johns speech was pretty remark- able, for in seting out how necessary this Bill was to be enacted he gave some touchs upon the late management, as that we might see a time when the mony'd men might bid fair to keep out of that house all the landed men, and he had heard of Societys of them that joint'd Stocks to bring in members, and such a thing might be as an Administration within an Administration, a juncto ; and these mony'd men might arise to such a pitch of assurance as to oppose the Crown and advise in matters that did not belong to them. He had no reply to any thing, but not approving the day he nam'd. I have sent you a speech they say was spoke by S'' John Packington. * * * * [Lady Wentwortil] 26 December, 17 10. My dearist and best of children, I was blest with twoe of yours this day, one the 24, the other the 28, which made me have a real merry Crismas, Lord Broock's hous is not yett gon ; it is a very good one, and has a doar in the park l68 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. as al those have, a little garden to it. Lord Stayr's, Lord Marquis of Dorchister, and Lord Gilford, and then Lord Broocks is next and Mrs. Duns and Lord Chamney ; you must know most of these houses, if not all. I will by next post giv a full acount of the pryse, but I writt you word of it before, and I told your brother of it. I was just now to see Mrs. Loe and her neic. She had ten wax candle, six in one room and fower in a very little one, and very fynly furnished, the house is in Bond Street ; but if he had a thoussand a day your sister Betty would not have had him, he is soe ugly. I hear Tom Arundell behaved himself very handsomly, but was desperetly wooded, had seven wounds with a soard, and was laid amungst the dead bodys. Whither this was in the first or the last fight I can not tell. This account Col. Mun- day gave, and he has been com from then twoe months, came hear but yesterday. Hear is straing things saide about this misfortune in Spane ; its sad to loos soe many livs December 2(), 1710. My dearist and best of children, hear are choyce of good housis to be had. My Lord Broocks is as I told you of in my last, which stands in the midst of good company. Thear is five years to com of my Lords Lees which is to be sold, and I sent to inquire what they ask for thear time, and whoe the land lord is, and his rait to sel it. Thear is a prety garden and a doar into St. James Parke. The next hous is Lord Litchfeild's, Lady Overkirk designs to leev it and take a les ; you knew thear is a prety garden and a charming prospect, and the most convenyents in the world for thees lodgins. Thear is a doar at the foot of the stairs that coms in to thear eating room, the worst is the comming to it in a coach is not handsom ; the coach way is in Downing Street. It belongs to the Crown and is granted by three livse and one of these three livse is out, soe the life you may beg of the Queen that is out, and the other twoe I hope you may beg as they fall. Thearfore this hous may be a great pene- worth to you, and it is as noble a hous as you can have. And thear is a third which is a very good one, and very con- LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 169 venient and well built, my father had the building of it, and it cost ten thoussand pd. The wals arc of a great height, becaus none should over loock them, a prety little garden and coach hous and stables for more then oaght (sic) horsis. Its the strongist built of all the housis in the Squar ; its next doar to my nephew Batthurst. The prise is six thoussand pd. My father built it by the order of King Jaims for Lady Dorchester. The grownd rent is very small, not abov 15 pd. a year. Moonsear Spannyor leved thear. In the worst of thees housis one mey be very esy and happy. Nether of the other twoe have coach housis or stables belongin to them. My neaphews hous has six rooms of a flower, besydse closits and very good sellors and ofifesis and good rooms over the stables. Lady Dorchisters is much better, its the best in the squar. Pray tell me which of them you lyke. Dear soul my paper is al fild with thees housis, I wish the best of them were fild with you and all your goods, with the adetion of a good, buitefull, vertious wife, to the great comfort of, my dearist dear, your moste infenit afifectionat mother. Thear is a vollery {sic) of birds to Lord Litchfields. Jatitiary 2, 171 1. My dearist and best of children .... Did I not tell of the Queen's great loss ? She had a dog shut up in a turn-up bed and soe smothered. The Queen is better natured then I, for sartainly I would have put those away that did it I thanck God thear is not abov thre days more to the end of Crismas ; its over with you. I believe it cost you a vast deal, or is it not the fation to have Crismas Boxis and New Years Gifts with you. I re- member King Charls did yous to give New Year's Gifts and Vallintyns, but it was soe vast an expenc, that they wear both left ofe. It is bitter colde in any roome but this, and this is comfortable warme, but your lodgins ar excessif cold, the rooms soe large and soe highe if the fyer be never soe great one syde freesis while the other burns. Dear, dear soul, its mor then time to relees you from my nonsenc, and to asure you I am your most infenit affectionat mother. i/o the wentworth papers. [Peter Wentworth.] LONDO'S, January g, 171 1. Dear Brother, When I writ to you last I was told that the summons of Lord Galway and Tirlawly was to have been this day, but going to the Court of request Saturday, I found they were then appointed to attend the house, and that there were so many lords of opinion that this affair being such a publick concern that 'twas fitting as many shou'd hear it as cou'd, and in order to keep a good correspondence with the house of Com- mons any member of their house ought not to be refused going into the Gallery, so I knew I cou'd get in with them without troubling any lord. Accordingly I got a first row in the Gallery, and shall give you the best account I can now, I wish my memory was better. As soon as the order of the day was read there was some little debate in what manner they shou'd proceed to question these Lords, 'twas agreed it being a committee of the whole house every lord was at liberty to ask what questions they pleased, but the first question that was to be asked by lord Abington, the Chairman, was settled before lord Galloway was called, and likewise that the two lords shou'd not be call'd in together but one after another. So Lord Gallway was called in first and he was told by Lord Abington that he was commanded by the house to desire his lordship to tell them the transactions of Spain from the councils of war before the battle of Almansor and so on as far as he cou'd. Lord Galway made a very modest speech and excused his speaking ill English and the badness of his memory from his age and infirmities, but when he knew what account their lordships required of him he wou'd give them the best he cou'd ; but that it might be the more exact and to their satisfaction he wish he might have the liberty of giving into writing what he had to say. Upon which there was some lords ready to speak to the reasonableness of the request, Lord Rotchester moved since this matter seem'd to be subject of debate that Lord Gallway shou'd withdraw, which he did, then Lord R spoke of the respect he had for the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. l/I Lord that had been at the bar, and that what he ask't cou'd in justice be deny'd no man that appear'd before them ; but he did not understand my Lord right, whether he did then desire to be excused saying anything, but demanded further time. So Lord Somers told him as he apprehended him, he was then ready to give their Lordships the best account his memory wou'd permit, but in case of mistake, he might have a Hberty of recollecting himself in writing. If so. Lord R — - — said, when his lordship was called in again he shou'd be told that the committee desired he wou'd be pleased to give them a relation of the affairs of Spain as far as his Memory wou'd then let him, but that if he had rather not say nothing now, but reserve all to writing he might, but it wou'd be more agreeable to them to hear him now, and that he might have the liberty of writing afterward what he pleased. So my Lord Gallway began his relation from his being sent for from his retirement in the country to Windsor to the Queen ; who told she wou'd have him go to Portugal to command her forces there, he had beged to be excuse as prefering a private life for his own sattisfaction to any thing else, but the Queen's commands was possive ; so 'twas his duty to obey, in short he run thro' the whole relation of the transactions abroad from his Landing at Lisbon to his return home with an air of much sincerity and truth, but it being pretty long and what my memory will not be able to relate truely, I shan't attempt it ; beside by what in the debate fell from Lord Hallifax I find it will be printed, if not by the Authority of the house, I know 'twill by Lord Gallways friends. When Lord G had done his relation he was ask't by Lord Pawlet, if he remember'd who besides himself, Lord Tirlawley and Stanhope were of the same opinion they had sign'd in a counsil of War. He said there had been so many counsils that he did not know what counsil his Lordship meant. Then Lord Peterborrough desir'd that his opinion and Lord Tyrlawley's might be show'd Lord Galloway to refresh his memory ; they had been read in the house the day before. When my Lord G had seen the opinion he said he did remember, that at one counsil they were all required to set 1/2 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. their hands to the advise they ,2!"ave, and that when he had read Lord Tyrlawley's opinion, he said 'twas so entirely his that having the misfortune to loose his hand he subscrib that as his ; who else was of that opinion he cou'd not then recol- lect, the King of Spain was present, and the minutes of the counsil were taken by his clerk, wch he said, to avoid or excuse his not being able to lay them before them, being call'd upon by some lords so to do. Being ask't if he had no more to say then, he was demist and lord Tyrlawley call'd in, who seem'd prepared to say as little to them as possible, things were so long ago that he had forgot, that he was a soldier and had not been used to carry pen and ink about with him, but if they wou'd ask him to any perticular point he wou'd answere them as far as his memory wou'd let him. Then they ask't him if at a counsil of war held in Valentia king C being present before the battle of Almansor, there was any more besides him self, lord Golloway and Mr. Stanhope of the same opinion wch had been deliver'd in writing. He said he not being at that time a Lieut. General had no writ to be at a council of War, but he said he remember'd that king C had done him the honour to admit him, and to desire him out of his own perticular esteem to be present at several of his privy councils wch the Spainiars call'd junctos, at wch the house laught. Then they ask't him if he did not re- member to have given his opinion in writing at any of these, wch was ask't him by Lord Pawlet, and lord Peterborough desired that his memory might be refresh't they wou'd show him his own hand, wch was likewise sign'd Golloway. He own the hand and did remember he had that once gave his advice in writing, and that Lord G looking over it said 'twas so exactly his thoughts that he wou'd sign as his. But the question if there was any more of that opinion, he said he cou'd not remember there was any body of any other but Lord Peterborough, but when he was desir'd to name any he cou'd not then recollect any but the Marquis Dasminas. When they had done with asking him questions he withdrew, and they order'd an extract of General Stanhope's letter to be read wch gave an account that only he, Galloway, and LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 1 73 Tyrlawley were of opinion that they shou'd act offensively that campaign, and the Extract of Lord Sunderland's letter was read that was an answer to that, wch was to prove that the Ministry approved of those measures, wch by the sequel of the Debates you will find they were resolved to judge the loss of Spain. I have been a constant attender of the house of Lords, and they have set so late, and the Clerk has so often disappointed me of the papers that he has promised me to send me post after post, wch has been the occation that this did not come as I design'd it of this day sevenight ; but this night he has promised me faithfull to send me some of those I have given him a list to writ out. But for fear he fails me again am resolved to send you this letter, tho' if I have those papers they wou'd put me in mind to have writ you how they proceed from one thing to another ; but at present I shall tell you that the Torys has such a majority even in the house of Lords that they carry what they please, much to the surprise of the late Ministry and their friends, who thought themselves sure of a majority of 14 at least wch was the number the Tories cary'd their first question [Lady Wentworth.] January 16, 1 7 1 1 . My dearist and best of children I always had a great veneration for Lord Rotchester, the now Lord President, whoe I mett to day, coming down the Great Stairs as I was coming up. He told me he was very glad to see me, although he did not waite of me, yett upon his word he was very glad to see me ; and I stood like a changling, dasht with his sevillity, and could not say a word, which folly I had kept to myself, had not your brother Wentworth been bye, whoe I was sure would tell you, with al the news thats sterring Its said that Lord Willoby is to have the next sister to his Mrs. thats dead ; the Lady Brownloe is very fond of him, they say. Everybody tells me Mr. Batthurst is to be made a Lord ; himself denyse it. He is, next to you, the fynest Gentleman and the best young man I know ; I lov him dearly. Sure now you will 174 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. gett sombody to speak to the Queen to make you Earl of Strafford ; I would have it to hender Watson from it — God forgiv me — now thear syde is out will be the time to get it. Fools may advise wise men, and thear advise may prove luckey. Your brother is not loved by the cheef now, a mischevyous lye was told of him, as he swears it is. He fancies it was Harker, one livs with your sister Belle w, the other sister with Mrs. Massam, but is put away now ; and another livs with Lady Hyde. Dear, dear soul, your moste infenit affectionat mother. [Peter Wentworth.] LOHDOa, January i8, 171 1. Dear Brother, Here's more papers that has been laid before the lords, and I have been with the Clerk again to desire him to writ the rest upon as little paper as he can, and that he shall be paid as much as if 'twere writ upon more paper. He has sent me the translation of G. Stanhope's opinion, wch I don't send you because I sent it last post in F. I have told him the originals without the Translations is all I want. The examinations in the house of lords begins to cool, yesterday they meet again and not having all the papers they pretent to want they have adjourn'd it till munday. The Duke of M is very submissive and complaisant to every body. Last Wensday Mr. Harley and he had a meeting and he visset all the Ministry. To day I hear the key is taken from the Dutchess, and given to the Dutchess of Sommerset, Mrs. Masham, Privy purse, Mrs. Hide, Mrs. of the Robes, and Dutchess of Shrewsbury to be a lady of the Bedchamber, but that the Duke of M has his Commission enlarged and declar'd Generalissimo of all her Majesties forces. We want three mails from Holland. [Lady Wentworth.] January 19, 171 1. My dearist and best of children . . . They say Lord Bartly is to marry Lady Luesy the Duke of Ritchmon's daughter. Here is a Lady that has LETTERS OF J'ETER WENTWORTII. 1/5 refused many great matchis declaring she never would marry and is now fallen in lov with a third brother, a Scotchman. I hope thear will a time come that you will fall in lov to, and be throughout happy both in a good wife and children lyke yourself, a greater blessing I cannot wish you. This is the sencear and harty prayers of, my dearist dear you moste infenit afifectionat mother. [Peter Wentwortii.] London, /aweary 23, 171 1. Dear Brother, Last Saturday I had three letters from you the dates were ye loth, 13th and 27th, and having been with Mr. Tilson, Lewis and Lord Berkley I find I shall have no accation of solliciting the great men you have mention'd. Mr. Tilson is as close as possible, and he tells me it behoves him so to be, for if he does but talk of coffee house news people presently run away with it, and report it as certain, for they had it from the office. He's not surprised that you should have told me what they writ you from hence they design you, but between him and me he fears you have told it to some people at Berlin, by reasons you give the Secretary why you shou'd tell it wch I find by him are not approved of But of this he desired me to say nothing, so I desire you'l take no notice to Mr. Tilson that I have ; but I thought it necessary to let you know it because if you have not said any thing on't you may not I told Mr. Tilson that this had been the discourse of the town for above these two months, and as such Mons. Bonuet or others might have writ to Berlin. All that he says, if so, wou'd go for nothing, but if it is found to come from you, that's making the report authentick. About the dispatchs you return by the Messenger I said nothing to him because I heard nothing of his going till his coming back, and that was by a letter he brought Capt. Dilks from his son and thought it best to take another opportunity to pump him about that, so I went from him to Mr. Lewis who told me he had a letter from you and that he had given you his opinion in that case by yesterdays post, but he wou'd tell me more 1/6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. plainly he thought it shou'd be the last thing you ought to solicite for. The War in Spain wou'd be but just keept alive, for a Peace must come very soon, and it would be more for your Glory and advantage to be a Plenipotentiary at the Hague to conclude that then, to begin the Mettee {sic) of the war when both sides are so tired of it that a Peace must be very soon ; and if Lord Grey was sent he wou'd not have the com- mand of above two or three thousand men, and you wou'd not care to go with less powers then Stanhope. I told him they talk that the Duke of Argile wou'd go to command in Spain, and that the town said he wou'd not go without he had assurance of being well supported. If so that an Army shou'd be sent there 'twould be for the sake of the Duke of Argile, and not from a prospect of any progress we can make there by force of Arms ; the work must be done by treaty. And if it had not been resolved before the chances that has been at Berlin, to be sure now 'twas necessary you should not stay there long. I told him the Perticular regard the King himself had to you, that might be very true, but when Ministers had made themselves intimates with those in dis- grace their recall seemed to be natural, and he thought it very rediculous in the Dutch to lett Mr. Vryberg continue here who was in so deep with our late Ministry, In short I find by him there is no change in the resolution of your being to go to the Hague, so when I was with Lord Berkley he told me you had writ to him that you wou'd have nothing moved in th' other affair without there was any alteration in what had been signified to you. I was in the house of Lords yesterday and enquirery begins to cool a little there, for the house con- sented to what Lord Godolphin and Duke Marlborough pro- posed, that the Establishment and the Non effectives shou'd be referr'd to a select committee of the lords; but after that the Duke of Argile, and was second by lord North, open'd what an dishonour the Lord Golloway had done to the Imperial Crown of England by suffering the Portuguese army to take the right of us. The Duke of Bolton had told the house he had been to see Lord Gallway and found him sick in bed so that he could not be there to answer for him self Argile said LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. \^J^ he did believe Lord G might be sick, and idso sick of the business, but however 'twas there duty to make an inquirery into an affair that concern'd the honour of the Crown so much. So 'twas agreed by the house that the Chair man shou'd writ him a letter to know if the matter of fact was true and the reasons why he did so; but the Duke of Buck desired the last part might be left out, for that house ought not to suppose there was any reason to be given for such a fact, and he was confident there cou'd be no good reason given. If Lord G own the fact, without their asking to be sure he wou'd tell them why he did so, wch was order'd as the Duke of Bucks desired. The Duke of Argile came up and told me the matter of fact was so notorious that my Lord G cou'd not deny it, but he knew what he wou'd pretent, that they were to have it by the Treaty, tho' he had read the treaty and 'twas only allow'd them in their own country and he gave it them all their Marchs to Madrid. Another perticular that passed in the house I shall mention and then I shall trouble you no farther, wch was when it had been objected by the Duke of A and them that there appearM upon the Spainish Establishment several regiments that never were sent there, the Duke of M denyd to have known any such instant, but he said he took it was the sence of that house that whole matter shou'd not now be debated but referred to a select committee, so that he wou'd only now inform the house of one perticular, wch was that tho' there had been such talk of starving the War in Spain for the sake of the Army in Flanders, he wou'd tell them that his memory wou'd bare him to say that 5 or 6 years ago there was sent from the Establishment of Flanders three Regiment of foot. Blood, Mackcartney an other, the Royal Regiment of Dra- goons commanded by my Lord Raby, and 7,000 Palatine with some Hessians, so he reckon up about 15,000 men wch was upon the Flanders Establishment and was never made up to that Establishment again. The Duke of Bucks rise up and thankt him and said he did deserve the thanks of the house for informing them of these particulars, wch he believed veiy few had heard of before ; for his part he did assure them N 1 78 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. he had never heard so much and 'twas very worthy their notice, and bow'd several times to the Duke of M and he to him, so that I beheve the Ministry is wiUing to make the Duke of M easie as to his Command in the Army, if he does not trouble himself to advise who shall be employ 'd here at home. Twas very true that the Duke of M carry the key to the Queen last thursday, but the places are not yet given. London, January 26, 1 7 1 1 . Dear Brother, You'l find by Mr. Lewis's letter of last post that the scheme as to the earring on the War in Spain was very different from what he told me that very morning ; he tells me to day he knew nothing of the resolution of the Duke of Argile's going to command in Spain till some hours after he had seen me, but he did not fail to writ you that night. Wednesday the Lords were upon the Debate if Lord Gallway's reasons were sufficient to excuse his having the Censure of that house pass upon him for giving the post of Honour to the Portuguese after they were out of their own country. What he gave in writing was to this effect that when he came into Portugal he found the line of Battle settled, and 'twas with a great deal of pains that he had brought the Portuguese to march to their Borders, and that if he had then insisted upon the right of the English they wou'd have gone back again, and he thought their march to Madrid of too great a consequence to the interest of the Allies to have it dis- appointed for a punctilio, resolving the first opportunity he had to resume our right, wch was when he join'd the Spainards. The Duke of Argile mov'd the question first against him, and was seconded by lord North, that the Lord Gallway taking upon him to give away the right to P had lost the honour of England. Lords Hallifax, Cooper, and Sommers endeavour'd to excuse him by reading the treaty wch had yeilded up so many points to the Portuguese, that tho' he had not express Authority to give them the right when out of LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 79 their own country, yet by the intention of the treaty for so great a good as was in vein (for 'twas then bcHevcd the CastiHans were more in the interest of K.C ) his lordship might judge he shou'd be justified to wave insisting upon a point of Honour. The Duke of M spoke and said as things then stood his lordship did not seem to be so much in the wrong to act as he did ; he own by any thing that appear'd he had no express Authority to do as he did, but he wou'd beg that out of compassion to that Lord's age, the loss of an eye, and of an arm, they would be tender of what censure they passed upon him. The Duke of Argile said that noble Duke's compassion was known to be very great, and he thought compasion a very good thing, and out of compassion to his Queen and Country he wou'd insist upon the question as first moved and seconded. The Duke of Bucks rise up and desired that the words " lost the Honour " mig^ht be left out, for he hope England had not lost their honour nor never wou'd, and then he joked and said if they did he believed no vote of that house or any act of P they cou'd make wou'd get again what they own was once lost. So he wou'd have the question run thus that what lord G had done was dero- gatory to the Honour of England. Lord Anglesea opposed that word as too soft an expression for so great an offence and it required some thing stronger, as Contrary to the Honour. The Duke of Bucks rise up to defend his word Derogatory, and said 'twas the word that was always used upon such like occation in a Court Martial and for the word Contrary 'twas not English and he did not understand what it meant. The Duke of Argile seem'd to be surprised that he did not under- stand so plain and common a word as Contrary and thought it very good English. The Duke of Bucks reply'd that he should not trouble them much, but wou'd tell them plainly he wou'd not vote for a question he did not under stand, and if the word contrary was there he would be against the question, they cry out put it, and the Duke of Bucks keep his word and devided against his party [....*] none over with him but himself. * MS. illegible. N 2 I So THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, February 20, 171 1. Dear Brother, This loyal country club is a great disturbance to Mr. Harley, who finds they are past his governing; their Number is increased to a 150. They are most of them young gentlemen of estates that has never been in Parliament before, and are not very close, but declare to every body what they designe, to have every Whig turn'd out, and not to suffer that the new Ministry shou'd shake hands as they see they do with old. I was told by two or three of this club last Sunday, that they begin to send the old Fellows among them, but damn they ^^'on't be bite so, and that neither their weadles nor threats shall bring them under government, what has once been carried by the majority of their club they will stand to to a man in the house ; they don't care for their telling 'cm they will be dissolved for 'tis what they know they dare not do, for they will be all choose again. Mr. Bathurst who is of this club, tells me they talk of examining into the grants, and he ask't me the nature of yours wch I told him, and he said as 'twas a lease there was no danger and he wou'd give me timly notice if there was any occation to make friends about it. I spoke afterward to Lord Windsor about it and he said there was some such talk but it wou'd come to nothing, for the talk was of ordering a committee to inspect into the exobitant Grants, and he did not see that wou'd reach any body but Lord Portland's ; yours was so incon- siderable and judged so by the house when jack How men- tion'd the exorbitant grants in King W time, that there wou'd be no accation to make friends about it, if there was he himself would be your Solicitor. 'Tis talk now by every body that the Duke of Argile won't go into Spain, that last week he was very plain with persons at the helm, and told them if they did not support him so and so he wou'd not go, for if they designed Spain shou'd be lost by degrees, he had rather any body went then he. They say this has so much offended that the 3000 a year pension that was said to have been granted him is not yet past nor will not pass, but he LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. l8l goes on with the resolution of selh'ng his regiment for 7,000 to Coll. Schvine if he can raise the mony. Frank Godfrey is to sell for the same sum to Coll. Dunn who it seems pretents to sell out of Pique that Britain and Sutton has their com- mission of Brigadeer antedated to his, and it has been decided that it shall stand good against him. Old regiments become now the fashion to be sold makes Coll. Cornwell very fond of buying one, and has said often to me he wish't you wou'd talk with him in earness about selling yours to him as you did in jest when here in England, for he had rather have yours then any Regiment in the Service, and wou'd give what any body wou'd give. I don't hear there's any alteration in the resolutions con- cerning you, I am told of it by every but I still say I know nothing. London, March 6, 171 1. Dear Brother, Last post I writ you word that Duke Desney told me that he cou'd assure me if I did not know it, that the letters of revocation was gone to Lord Townsend, and your cre- dentials were sent that week, to you to succeed him. He had been drinking with Mr. St. Johns who told it him, but he bid me take no notice I had it from him. So the next morning I went to Mr. Tilson, and told him what I had heard in the Coffee house, naming no authcr ; he said 'twas true and it shou'd have been it that day's Gazett but 'twas forgot, and then gave me two letters from you, one had an Enclosed for the Duke of Argile, and 'tother a Draught of what alteration you would have Mr. Bromley in the design of your house if the prise wou'd not rise by it. I went with the letter and Mr. Cope a Sunday morning to the Duke of Argile, he was at home but he had order'd to see no company, so I left our names and }-our letter, thinking I shou'd see him in the Chappel at noon ; but he not being there I knew where I shou'd find him in the evening at Wills Coffee house. As soon as ever he saw Coll. Cope and I, he came up to us, and made a civill excuse that he did not see us in the morning, 1 82 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and then told us we might depend upon't that any body that was recommended to him by Lord Raby, he wou'd have a great regard for, for he cou'd truely say he had a long time a great respect and love for him. He wou'd tell us plainly how the matter stood with him, that 'twas some time ago that he was engaged for his Aide Camps ; Cope telling him he had been disappointed of his Chap man for his troop, the Duke told him if he wou'd stay till he had disposed of that, and settled any affairs he had to do, when ever he came to him he shou'd be wellcome as coming from you. How highly Mr. Cope thinks himself obliged to you, how pleased he was with the Dukes reception, I leave to him to writ, wch he said he would do by this post, and to tell you what he said more perticular to you, that he cou'd not tell for what, or where the politicks was for keeping you from coming to command in the Army when you had desired it, but now was your oppor- tunity, to take your post in Flanders, for which reason he was mighty glad to hear you was to come to the Hague as well as for several others ; but if you let this slip he fear'd you wou'd for ever loose your pretentions in the Army, as he wou'd writ you word, then he fell a protesting how he had ever admired your behaviour in all respects and 'twas the highth of his ambition to immitate you : I must confess I believe some of this advise proceeds from a desire that you may give a certain great man the same uneasiness he did last Campaign. He said he wou'd advise you to insist upon't, and he cou'd not see how they cou'd deny you. Cadogan was every year in the feild and Lord Orerry was to be there too when he please, and there was nothing more easie for you, then upon any accation to be soon at the Hague, But I find the pen men have a different notion of this matter, for I was saying to Mr. Lewis as from myself, knowing your great inclination to Arms that your coming to the Hague, might give you the pleasure of being some weeks in the Camp, and he cry " oh no impossible." Then I instance Cadogan and lord Orerry, he said that was all wrong, for that maxime of 'tarn Marti quam Mercurio ' only put the queen upon the expences of keeping extraordinary Envoys, and making sine- LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 83 cures of her Ambassadors, for a man cou'd not be in two places at once ; but he was glad I had spoke of this subject to him for since by me he saw your inclination was still for the Army it had prevented him writing you his thoughts, that now wou'd be a proper time to get a good sum of mony in desiring leave to sell your Regiment, and attach your self solely to civill imployments, but shou'd he do so, besides you not thinking so much of it as he thought you did, he fear'd you might think he had the hint from some great man, so he wou'd writ nothing about it tho' he protested he never heard any body speaking such thing, 'twas purely his own thoughts from some of your letters that seem'd to solicite a Civil Employ, and he beg I wou'd take no notice about it, wch I promised so must beg you to take no notice to him. I writ it to you because I know you desire to know what every body says. I was very glad, before I received you last letters that your coming to the Hague was no longer desired to be a secreet, for I found by them the thoughts of any of us having divulged it too soon gave you a great deal of uneasiness, and believe Mr. Tilson keept it longer a secreet than he need. It being thus publickly known I thought there was no accation to go to Mr. Witworth. Give me leave to wish you joy for I believe you are very well pleased to be out of your suspence. I was saying something like this to Mr. Lewis, and he said you was not so well satisfied as I thought, for he found you expected fresh Exquipage mony, wch he believed there wou'd be some difficulty about. When I spoke as to the reason- ableness of it he said he cou'd not say but you had a just pretention to't, and the demand was nothing but what was very natural for you to make, but yet at this time of scarcity of mony was what he was affraid you wou'd not get. I said nothing to him, but I am affraid they will make use of an argument you used your self in some of your letters to the great men when you first desired to be removed from Berlin, that by sending you 'twou'd save the Queen the expence of equipage mony. You know best what you have to do but I shall venture to give my poor advise, that instead of desiring to go into the Army, after you are settled for some time at 1 84 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. the Hague, to ask leave to come over to England for a fort- night or three weeks ; for I do believe any mony affair is better solicited personally then by letter and you wouM be better able to judge who are and who can be your best friends, I met the Duke of Argile yesterday again at the Back stair and he told me, if I thought you wou'd be upon you way to the Hague, as the town talk't, he wou'd not writ to you, for his letter might miss and he shou'd see you himself there. I told him you always took care before you remov'd to give notices to the Post Masters of 'tother side where they shou'd send your letters that they might come soonest to hand, and that you might have the pleasure of hearing from him as well as seeing of him, so he promised to writ to you this post. I shall be sure to keep the secreet of the Order of St. Andrew, but how to bring it out to the man that shou'd know it, is what I have been thinking and find it very difficult, for I can never find him alone, and the little while he has to stay in England, and there being never a one now vacant, makes it appear almost impossible to be brought about, tho' I had the happiness to meet with a fitt opportunity and sound him with all the adress and dexterity I cou'd wish ; whilst he stays I will not fail to put myself into his way as much as possible. Before this you know Mr. Cecil is gone with Lord Orerry to Holland. At Wills Coffee house I did take the Duke of Argile aside and told him I had writ you some account of the Debates of the Lords upon the Spainish affairs and among other things I had writ that the Duke of M had reckon'd your Regiment as one that was taken from the Flanders esta- blishment and had never been made up to him, and that you had not writ to him to tell him the manner 'twas made up, because you did not know but I might have made a mistake in what the Duke of M said. The Duke of Argile told he remember very well the Duke of M did say so, and that he remember then he told him 'twas not then a proper time to answere him but when it was he cou'd answere, the Debate then running upon the Deficiences at the battle of Almansor ; and afterwards went and sat by him and told him of Cadogan, Ross, and Stairs troops coming over well made LETTERS OF TETER WENTWORTII. 1 85 lip for your Regiment. Then he told me he knew very well how all that matter of your Regiment was managed, and he cou'd have told the Duke another, reason why he wou'd not want any of his number, for the twelve pence in the pound he was to have. But that matter is all over, 'tis too late to talk of that now. You'll see in the Gazett the account Capt. Cosby gives of our misfortune in Spain, but in his discourses in coffee houses he blames the Marchal more plainly, and some that have talkt to him say he says he believes he lett Stanhope be lost out of a Pique, not knowing the enemy was so numerous, and tho' he might have had a cheaper Victoiy over them. London, March 9, 1711. Dear Brother, T'other day the Duke of Argile had a duell with Coll. Cout, who has a company of Guards. The accation on't was this, the Duke of Argile had a penny post letter sent him from an unknown hand that the night before his health was proposed to be drunk and that Coll. Cout said, damn him he wou'd not drink the health of a man that had changed sides, and one that had sold his country for a shilling and wou'd sell his god for half a crow^n. Upon this letter the Duke went to him to know if he had said any such thing ; Cout said he was in drink, but cou'd not deny but he might have said some such thing, so they faught in Hide Park, the Duke disarm'd him and there's an end of the business ; but some think it worth the Duke's w'hile to find out who the person was that sent him the penny post letter, for 'twas doubtfull \vhether 'twas a friend or an enemy. What happen'd yesterday all the town is so full of that no doubt but you'll have it from several hands, but as there's no other news stiring I shall tell it to you as the Duke of Argile told it me in the evening at Wills Coffee house. Count Guiscard was walking the Park between 12 and i and was sent for to the Committee of Council at the Cock- pit, when he was examinM upon a discovery Mr. Plarley 1 86 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and St. Johns had made of his correspondence with France. He answered the questions they made him with equivocation, so they sent him out into the next room whilst they con- sidered whether they shou'd show him a letter under his own hand he had writ to one Mauroe. In that room it seems there lay a Pen knife upon a table wch he stole off, and when he was called in again, Mr. Harley ask't if he did not know the name of Maureau, at Avch he turn'd pale. Mr. St, Johns said if he had nothing to say for himself they must call in the Messenger to take him into Custody. He ask't if he might not have his liberty upon Parole, wch was deny'd him. Then he said he had something to say to Mr. St. Johns in Perticular, he said what he had to say he must say it aloud before the lords ; then he ask't to speak in private with Mr. Harley who gave him the same answere Mr. St. John did. Upon wch he drew out his pen knife and stabt Mr. Harley in the breast wch at the first stab broak, so his repeting the blow did no harm. It seem'd as if he did not know 'twas broak for he was striking at all that were next him, who drew their swords, and 'tis said 'twas Mr. St. Johns that run him thro' the belly. They say the Duke of Buckingham got up a stool and threw at him. Guiscard has two wounds, and if the Duke of Ormond and some other lord had not prevented he had been kill'd when down. After they took him out and bound him he desired he might speak with Duke of Ormond, who went to him and the Duke of Argile stood at the door and heard him ' why, my Lord, had you not the goodness to lett me be killed.' He said he did not intend to have stabed Mr. Harley but he did intend to stab Mr. St. Johns, who had used him very ill, as had the Duke of Marlborough, who he had sent a challenge to but he had treatd him like a foot man and wou'd not answere him, and if he had had an oppor- tunity before he went he wou'd have stab'd him. The Duke of Ormond said that for these four or five days he heard he had been desirous to have a private audience of the Queen, he hoped he had no ill intentions to her. He said no, she was a Good Woman, and had always treated him very civilly. The Duke of Argile was not in Council at the examination of LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 87 Guiscard, but he and Lord Rivers came runing from Dinner at Lord Marr's in the Prive Garden, as soon as they heard Mr. Harley was stabed at the Cock pit. Mr, Harley is like to doe well, but Guiscard is resolved to die, he wont suffer his wounds to be drest nor will neither eat nor drink. London, March 20, 171 1. Dear Brother, Duke Desney told me last Friday that you was upon the road to the Hague, and I saw it in the Dutch Slip that you left Berlin the 6th, so that if I writ to you next post my letter]wou'd find you at the Hague. Mr. L desires me to tell you that what Mr. Tilson proposed to him from you he takes as a great favour and honour you intend, but that his engagements and obligations are such to Lord D his pre- sent Master that he dares not even make that step of thanking you himself, nor propose directly what he wou'd be very glad wou'd come to pass, wch is that you wou'd writ to Lord D or Mr. Harley to desire to have him, and that he might still keep his office as Walpool did, so that whilst you came over for two or three months he might stay at the Hague, and when you return'd he might come to England, for considering how ill they pay the foreign Ministers, this place he has is as valluable for they receive their comings in every day, and since he has been under my lord D he has been so perticular kind to him and intimate, that his Lordship wou'd have reason to think him ungratefull if he thought he was seeking out any other Patron, and of th' other side. If he did find some way to show he was very sencible of the honour you do him you wou'd have [no] reason to think him unworthy, therefore he beg of me to let you know how matters stood with him. In one of your letters you say you have no Secretary, so that I am affraid Mr. L won't be able to answere all your ends if you intented to make use of him as such, as well as secretary to the Embassy ; otherwise I don't know where you cou'd have pitch't upon a fitter man, if one cou'd judge by the readyness he has always exprest in doing anything Mr. Ellison or I have desired him for your service. He wou'd be very 1 88 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. faithfull to you, and he knows men and things very well, and is a sober diligent man. Really before I knew you had any thoughts of him I said to Mr. L I did believe you wou'd not care for W and I wisht you wou'd think of him, if he thought 'twas for his service. His answere then to me was, he believed, as there was Daroll and Laws, they wou'd sink that place to save the Queen 40s. a day. But now he's of another opinion, and he told, reflecting upon the hint I gave him, when Mr. Tilson spoke to him from you, he thought I might have had it from you, so he was resolved to beg the favour of me to tell you what I now have. The Queen I thank god is very well again and is quite ride of her Ague. They keept it a secreet till the danger was past how many fitt she had had, so that when Dr. Ratclif heard her Phisitians had given her the Bark upon the first fit as he thought, he said the Elector of Hanover was to pay the Queen's Doctors. I have sent you an examiner and a Medley well is all the news of the town. The Duke of Argile was to go to Greenwich to day so will see you very soon at the Hague. Since I writ this a gentlemen tells me that Mr. Harrison says he's recommended to you for your Secretary. So I went to Mr. L and he tells me he hears so ; and that 'tis Mr. St. Johns recommend him to you, for your own private secretary. He is the man that writs the Tattlers since Steel left it of, he's a very good Scholar and was some time tutor to the Duke of Queensborroughs children and of late brought into his office.* * William Harrison was educated at Winchester and New College, Oxford ; he wrote a few poems and continued the Tatlcr after Steele. Swift was greatly attached to him as " a pretty little fellow with a great deal of wit, good sense and good nature"; and the following extract from his Journal to Stella shows to whom Harrison owed his appoint- ment : — "171 1, March 15. I was this morning at Mr. Secretary St. John's .... and he has given me for young Harrison the Tatler the prettiest employment in Europe — secretary to Lord Raby, who is to be ambassador extraordinary at the Hague, where all the great affairs will be concerted, so we shall lose the Tatlers in a fortnight. I will send Harrison to-morrow morning to thank the Secretary." Of his unfortunate early death in September, 1713, we find mention later in the corre- spondence. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 1 89 London, March 27, 171 1, Dear Brother, We expect now every [day] to hear you are come to the Hague. I sent you word that the P had adjourn'd themselves for a week, in a complyment to their Speaker, who they found by the greif he was in for the death of his son wou'd not be able to attend the business of the house ; but 'tis believed that if Mr. Harley had not been still ill of his wound, and that they hop'd by that time he might be able to come abroad, that complyment wou'd hardly have been paid. During the recess they say the Oct. Club has sett their heads much together and have solicited all their friends to be sure not to fail coming to the house Monday. The Whigs were awar of this solicitation, and did not fail of giving their attendance to, but were in expectation that some state mine was to be sprung and somebody or other blown up, little suspecting the true matter ; and for what I can hear the court was as much surprised to find 'twas to oppose one of the ways and means of raising mony. When Lowndes proposed the tax upon leather as a certain found that wou'd bring in a hundred and forty thousand pounds a year, and was seconded by Mr. Benson, when he found they all rise up to oppose it he seems thunder struck, but did bring out thus much, that as they came prepear to oppose this he hope they had ready to offer the house in lieu thereof as good valuable a fund, but they had nothing like to offer. Then the Court Party call'd for the question still not doubting but they shou'd carry it, without spending any time to debate it ; but they were much mistaken for upon a devission they lost it by forty. And then when 'twas too late Mr. St. Johns made them a long speech of what a fatal consequence 'twas to the affairs of the nation to refuse so good a fund for a supply, and that our credit wch was just reviving to a great heighth this vote would throw it all down again. So that several Politians that cou'd not endure Mr. Harley say they see now there's no man the Court imploys has address enough to manage the House of Comrnons but him ; if he had been well he wou'd cither 190 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. have had intelligence of what was intended and so have endeavour'd to have brought them to the house in a better temper, or at least when there he wou'd have seen how 'twou'd have gone and wou'd have put it off for a fitter opportunity. But ever since some body has bestir'd them selves and have brought the house into the temper is desired ; for they brought the business in again to day by another tittle, a duty upon raw hides, instead of leather. For the passing of it there was 170 odd against eighty odd, wch accations much speculation how so many men in one night time shou'd be brought over. This morning when 'twas talk't of that changing the tittle of the Bill, was the expedient thought of to bring it pass to day I heard some Parliament [men] say, that was by no means Parliamentory, and wou'd be an ill presedent. Yet they confess a prorogation wou'd take upon to much time wch they said was the only way to come at the Bill regularly, and perhaps some have been brought to give their Votes for't this way rather then be keept so long from the country, wch perhaps they were told wou'd be the consequence, for now they have voted all the Supplys that have been ask't. If they oppose the methods of raising the mony without showing better they wou'd be reckon'd so ill a Parliament as not to be trusted another Sessions. London, April 6, 171 1. Dear Brother, I am glad to hear by my mother that you are got well to the Hague. Mr. Tilson told me you arriv'd there VVensday was sevenight ; before that, the Duke of Argile was gone from thence, wch I am sorry for, for I believe he wou'd have spoke several things more free to you then he did to me. I met Mr. L yesterday and he was in a great hurry, but he desired me to come and speak with him this morning, wch was to tell me that Mr. Watkins is made Secretary of the Ambassie, who is Judge Advocate at t'other side of the water, and all business that my Lord M and Cardonel has to draw up in Latine is done by him, for it seems Cardonel can't make Latine, and is a creature of his Grace's. He says this LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. IQI business was carried very oddly and some people think that tho 'tis absolutely in the Queen to give to whom she pleases, yet 'twas usual to consult the Ambassador that the Person might be agreeable to him ; but things have been so carried that now 'tis too late to make any objections if any shou'd occur to you. But what he thought was necessary to advise you was that you shou'd be extreame carefull who you take for your Secretary, for 'tis plain Watkins has and will have particular attachment to the Duke of M and those that have join'd with him to get him this employment. The caution he wou'd advise you to, he protests he does not mean against Mr, Harrison, for he does not know but he may be such a man as he cou'd wish you, one intirely in your interest and wou'd depend upon you, so that you might put any con- fidence in him. I wou'd have known who he meant by his some People that thought this peice of management so extra- ordinary, but must pardon him for that he never named names ; but by his discourse I found he wou'd have me think the Persons were no inconsiderable ones. This he wou'd tell me, that there was a world of intriguing going forward and one cou'd not tell well who was who. I believe when I can get any more time with him I shall be able to give you some better account of this affair, for by some words he dropt I guess there's one Person in't, that is one of your corre- spondence, but I dare not name his name till I am more sure. Mr. Tilson told me t'other day for news that Mr. St. Johns had recommended Mr. Harrison for your Secretary, and as he was his relation he had promised to assist him with the best intelligence. I told him I had heard of this recom- mendation some time ago about the town, and ask't him if he had any answere from you upon that subject, and he said no not as yet, I know Harrison dependence upon it for he tell everybody he's preparing for his journey to the Hague. The man has a very good Character for a very ingenious man, and a good clerk, wch all Scholars are not, for some are so affected with their learning that they bring it in were they shou'd not, for in business the most short and expressive plain words are best. 192 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. There no news in town but the talk of Mr. Harley's come out with a White Staff, when he goes abroad, and not into the House of C ns but into the House of Lords. And I hear too the house of Commons begins to be out of humour again, and talks of going into the examination of the male- administration of the late Ministry. London, April 13, 171 1. Dear Brother, Mr, L told me the Mr. H had spoke to him about the letter you was so kind as to writ concerning him, but as he told him he wou'd writ to you himself, he thought twas best to referr you to that letter, wch if he writs by this post he believes 'twill be the first letter he has writ since his illness. Telling me of this letter of yours gave me the certain knowledge of the Persons I writ you I guest and hoped in a little time to poump out, for Mr. L told me plainly that the recommendation of Mr. W who every body allows to be a very Good man, and a Tory by Principle but has a perticular attachment to a certain D , was done by him who has recommended a private Domestick to you, with- out the Privety of the Gentleman you lately writ to, and 'tis he that thinks it wrong that you was not first acquainted with it, and yet more wrong when he had done that to think of having anything to do in recommending th' other. But all this has been done in his illness and the blundering manage- ment that was about the leather Bill had not been if he had been well. Mr. L says he has nothing to say against the Persons or qualification of either, but you shou'd have one at least who shouM esteem you his chief Patron, and whom you might confide in. I have been wath Mr. Tilson to desire he wou'd hasten the passing your privy seal, for they tell Mr. Ellison as soon as that passes there's mony ready for you in the Treasury. He tells me he has spoke to Mr. Secretary about it, and has made him sincible it ought to be dated from the day of your taking leave at Berlin, wch Mr. Ellison told me before he LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 193 seem'd to make a difficulty of. But when I came to speake of the equipage mony he hum'd and hau'd strangely, and at last said there was the only difficulty, that expences of the forreign ministers was strangely grown since this Queen's Reign, and espicially those that were upon the establisment of the Hague, that he thought the Treasury wou'd think of saving the Queen what they cou'd, but nothing of that wou'd be determin'd till Mr. Harley came abroad. I said 'twou'd be hard to make you the first instance of their good husbandry, and what thought you had had equipage mony 'twas so long since that it might reasonable be supposed to be wore out. He wisht you the whole but he fear'd 'twou'd be but half. I made him promise not to neglect puting Mr, St. Johns in mind not to neglect representing the matter as favourably and as soon as possible to Mr. Harley. Lord Townsends landed last night and to day I saw Horace W * who tells me he left you well at the Hague, but that the Packet met with a Flushing privateer wch she took for a French, and threw her letters over board, so that you will have the trouble of writing your letters over again, for 'tis expected to hear from the Hague every post. Mr. Tilson told me some time agoe you cou'd not do as at Berlin writ but once a week. Mr. Lewis says too people are very uneasie if they mis a post from Holland. The Queen went out to day to take the air and before she went out Lord Townsend came to kiss her hand. I have been to wish Lord Windsor [joyi*] of his regiment, and told him the town said Masham wou'd have Wood's when he died, but my Lord said Masham did assure him had quited all thoughts of the Army, and to put him off with this regiment to get Woods wou'd not be using him well. The Place most people say Masham will have is Cofferer, and the talk of his being made a Peer is revived again. I am, &c. * Horatio Walpole, the diplomatist, brother of Sir Robert. His more famous nephew, Horace, was born in 1717. O 194 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, April i6, 1711. Dear Brother, There's a certain young lady that has a great love and affection for you, has had a mind a great while to writ to you, but is restrain'd by her modesty so has desired me to give a short history of her affair. It has been for some time that my sister Betty has had frequent opportunities of seeing Coll. Selwine at Mrs. Han- bury's, and he has profest a great deal of love and respect and sincere passion for her, wch she has received with a becoming modesty, so that he has no more from her then that she has no avertion to him, but my mother perceives he has taken deep root in her affections ; so that what they both beg of you by me is that when Coll. Selwine comes to wait upon you at the Hague you will be perticular civil to him, for they depend upon't that by your engageing behaviour he's to be fix to Betty for ever. He went for Holland yesterday, the day before he sent to my sister Arundel to know if she was at home and that if Mrs. B : W : was with her he wou'd come and wait upon her to take his leave. Mrs. Masham was with my sister when the message was brought her, wch Mrs. Masham said for such a pretty gentleman as Sylwine was not very civil, to tell one Lady he wou'd come to see her if she had another with her ; so that she might not think strange on't she told Mrs. Masham he was a lover of my sister Betty upon wch Mrs. Masham advised to send him word my sister was not there but she expected her in half an hour, so to send for her immediately, for 'twas so advan- tageous a match that it ought to be encouraged by all means, and so said some handsome things of my sister Betty, but fear'd his friends wou'd think her Fortune too little for him. He has often brag'd to my sister Betty of your great favours to him and has profest all the obligations and respect for you imaginable and she in return has brag'd that she's your favourite sister. Since Mr. Powell came here I seeing he was well acquainted with Coll. Sylwine I have got her con- sent to tell him of this affair, wch has been a great satisfac- LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 95 tion to her to hear he confirms what Sylwine has often told her, that he has the happiness of your good esteem, and Mr. Powel says you think him as pretty a fellow as any in the army, and that if you were to choose for her he shou'd be the man. He told my sister he was obliged to go strait to the Army, but he wou'd go out of the way on purpose to wait upon you. I am a very bad body at representing and puting circum- stances together, so am very glad of this opportunity of Mr. Powel to whom my sister will give a faithfull relation in order to be communicated to you, from whose management our cheif hopes of good success depends. There's no news stiring. Mr. Harley is gone to lye at Kingsenton for the Air, and 'tis hoped he'll come soon to town to enter upon business, for there's nothing to be done without him. I have seen the memorial Mr. Ellison gave into the Treasury, wch I hope will have a good effect for Lord Powlet took it up and read it, and order Mr. Powis to make up your account, wch he did immediately and gave it into the Lords before they went from the Board, wch amonted to above ii,ooo, but he had put in the 1,500 equipage mony wch I hope you will get. London, May 4, 171 1. Dear Brother, There's no news I can writ you but you will before have seen it in the Publick prints, as that the Lords yesterday throw out the Bill to impower Commissioners to examining into all the Grants since '88, without any Debate ; but this perticular may be you won't hear and if you don't give me leave to writ such trifles my letters must be very short. There's one Baker the jest of the Duke of Argile, Lord Orerry and the wits of Wills Coffee house, the man they say has learning but is crakt, and has a very formal air, so they call him Don Diego. In the house of Commons when they were to Ballot for the Commissionars the Whigs to turn the Bill into redicule gave all their Votes for Mr. Baker. They were O 2 196 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 70 odd, SO that he lost it but by nine, wch he was so pleased with that he has gone about solliciting the Lords either to throw out the Bill or add a clause to make him a Commis- sionar. The Speaker of the house of Commons has been very angry with this jest, and has told them openly in the House if they make a jest of themselves within Doors, they can't expect people will be less free with them out of Doors. The October Club are very angry they have lost this bill, and swear next year they will bring in one, so that it shan't be in the power of the lords to reject they will make a mony Bill on't. The Death of Lord Rotchester was very sudden he din'd with Mr. Roberts, the Commissionar of the Revenue of Ire- land, and a little after four he found a pain in his Stomack, so drunk some Usquebath, and at 5 walk over the Park his chair following, at six he writ a letter to the Queen to excuse his not coming to council for he found him self ill ; she had not received this letter two minutes before another Messenger came to tell he was dead. I am very sorry for the loss of him for I believe he was your friend. Mr. Powel tells me the postage of letters are much dearer to you then at Berlin so I shan't send this in a cover. London, May 11, 171 1. Dear Brother, Mr. Powel tells me that letters are much more chargable to you at the Hague then they were at Berlin, so that I am afifraid my letters are hardly worth the postage ; but as I mist the last, I fear you wou'd think me idle shou'd I not writ this, tho' I have no news to writ but what is talk't of will be very soon, and of late most of the changes and promotions that has been made has been for sometime before talk't of Mr. Harley is to be Earl of Oxford, Lord Trea- surer and Knight of the Garter, Lord Pawlet, Lord Steward, and the Duke of Buckingham, President, Sir Thomas Mansel, Sir John Holland's White Staff, Mr. Benson Chancelour of LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 9/ the Exq"^, Mr. Paget is to be call'd up by writ to the house of Lords and to be made first Lord of the Admiralty. There's some talk that the Duke of Shrewsbury is to be Master of the Horse and President too, but that I don't think likely, because it has been a maxime of late that nobody shou'd have two places of such different nature ; and besides I believe the Duke of Sommerset is still very well with the Queen, and the Dutchess you know, since he has been reported to be out of favour, carried the point of being Groom of the Stole and Mrs. of the Robes. Mr. Masham is declar'd Cofferer. Some great ladies has afford the town some divertion by their quarrel. Lady Harvey who has been a Slave to the Dutchess of M Daughters has at last pluckt a spirit not to be the object of their laughter any longer, for the Dutchess of Montague had told her she was a fool. Lady Harvey in return in a whole assembly of Ladys told her that might be, but she was honest and had lain with nobody but her own Lord. Her Grace had lain with the Duke of Grafton and the Marchal, so they call Lord Villars. This quarrel is spoke of in all companys, and the Ladys are ready to fall into parties who was most to blame from the begining to the end. The Dutchess of M made not reply, but O Lord my Lady is in a Passion. London, May 15, 171 1. Dear Brother, 'Twas much talk't of as I writ you last post that Mr. Harley wou'd last Sunday come out Earle of Oxford, Lord Treasurer and Knight of the Garter, but now 'tis said that it won't be till next Sunday by wch time 'tis supposed the mony Bill will be got thro' the house of Commons, in wch house Mr. Harley is thought so necessary that he can't be spared from thence till the Queen's business is done there. Mrs. Masham 'tis suppose will yet for some time defer having a title confer'd upon her husband, for he has been down at Windsor to be choose a Member of the House of Commons upon his having the Cofferer's Place. The Duke of North- 198 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. umberland was not let into the secreet that the court wou'd set up Masham for that Place, so he had recommended one Alsworth, but as soon as ere he had an intimation of their design he went down to Windsor and told them his Gentle- man wou'd desist, so that he was at liberty to solicite them for Mr. Masham, who is like to find no opposition there. Mr. St. Johns has assured me he has writ in as strong terms as possible to the Lords of the Treasurery of the necessity of paying you off your great arrear, and that the least they can do is to pay you half, and he had repeated it so often to them that he was tired ; but he was now just come from the Queen and had represented the matter to her as an affair that was for her Honour, and that her business cou'd not go on without she wou'd be pleased to give some order about it. So that now he thought he had wash't his hands on't, but I beg him not to think so, but that he wou'd still continue his good offices and solitations till he saw some fruits on't. For his part he thought 'twas necessary, and shou'd do his endea- vour to have the Establishment of the Foreign Ministers so regulated that they shou'd be paid every quarter, but he said he found you was in a mistake about Mr. Chetwin and Lord Stairs being paid all their Arrears, for he knew Chetwin got but one quarter. I told him I had heard my Lord Stairs was paid to a day before he went away, if so he said 'twas very scandalous to have him paid as Envoy to the K. of P., and being in England most of the time. The letter of recommendations I took the liberty to writ you was not only in regard to the friendship my sister B has for those Bellews, I must confess I had a little self interest in the matter ; for some time ago Coll. Bellew was inquiring after my family and ask't me why I did not get my sons into the Army. I told him how happy Willy was by your favour, and that the Duke of Ormond had 'tother day ask't after his godson George, so that I did designe before he went into Ireland to ask a Colours for him. He very kindly told me he was to have a Regiment, and that when I had asked he wou'd put the Duke in mind and desire it might be in his regiment, wch was a great favour, for he might be set down LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 1 99 to a Coll. that wou'd make interest against having a child, and I might have more trouble in soliciting that Coll. than I had in speaking to the Duke. So Dear Brother let me beg you to receive the gentleman civilly, and writ him a hearty recommendation to Lord Orerry, I know you have a world of business, but nobody can writ a letter with more ease nor better then you can. If the Regiment is broak the year after 'tis raised, the half pay will keep the Boy at School and save me that charge I am now at. London, May 22, 171 1. Dear Brother, I had the favour of yours of the 26*'' May, with a Circular, I shall be making a collection of Pamphlets &c. against Mr. Powels return, wch may be pretty large, for his time of departure is not fixt, and he talks now of having orders to go down to your house in Yorkshire, wch I hope soon with very good authority may be call'd Strafford, for I have been with the Duke of Shrewsbury, who is more come- atable then Mr. Harley, to whom I was force't to writ, and find by Mr. Lewis he gives the same answere as his Grace did to me, that there was no need of any body to put the Queen in mind of it, and I might depend upon't as a thing done. Mr. Lewis has told Mr. Tilson as much that he may be prepearing to make an eloquent Preamble in Latine to your Patent ; if it had come thro' his office he shou'd have been glad of the honour of performing that part, and he had given Mr. Tilson some intimation, that if he pleases to consult him he's ready to give him the best help he can. He drew up Lord Godolphin's wch his Lordship gave to Dr. Hare to examine, and after they had both model'd it, my Lord had the modesty to strick out above half, for as 'twas to be supposed what the Queen says, he thought 'twas too many complyments for her to make to any body. Lord Powlet drew his in English, and Lewis translated it into Latine ; Lord Wharton, said he wou'd bite them all, for he wou'd have none but that she was mov'd to't merely by her Will and Pleasure. When I was at the 200 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Duke of Shrewsbury's my Lord Scarborough was there and he was talking of his building, and they did agree there was no Building without a Survoyer, even when they agreed by the great (sic) ; wch agrees with the advise Mr. Benson is always desiring to send you word, you must be at the expence, wch in the main will be mony saved, for a blunder in building is not to be repaired without a great expence and lost of time and labour. If mony was not so scares with me and the charge of the journey up and down to Yorkshire so great I shou'd be tempted to let my Wife have the pleasure of seeing your house. London, May 29, 171 1. Dear Brother, This day last was sevenight I watch't for Mr. Harley's coming out of the committee of Council, wch is held at the Cock-pit, not being able to meet him any where else, to know what answere he wou'd give my letter I had writ him to desire he wou'd remind the Queen of your request at this time of promotion of Peers. He took me by the hand as he came out, and told me I need not have given myself the trouble of writing to him, for the Duke of Shrewsbury was a very good rememberancer, and that he wou'd writ you him self the first post. That afternoon I was going to Twitten- ham to give my wife a little country air after her lying in, so as I had writ you in the morning all the news I then knew, my letter being sealed up I desired Mr. Powel to tell you this. I was a little surprised at his naming the Duke of Shrewsbury to me, for in my letter I had not mention'd any body but put it as if you depended upon his friendship in that affair, so I told Mr. Lewis his answere, and ask't him if he had said any thing of my having spoke to the Duke about it. He told me upon Mr. Powel's and my telling him I cou'd get at no opportunity of speaking to Mr. Harley, and desiring him to lay hold of the first, and that he had, and then in dis- course he did tell him the Duke of Shrewsbury was engaged in the affair, wch he believed was for your service. Sunday I received your inclosed for the Duke of Shrewsbury and Mr. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 201 Harley, and according to your orders I shcw'd them to Lord B that morning, and his advise was that I might deliver the Duke's because that was in a manner a letter of thanks for the thing done or to be done ; but as things then stood th' other was not so much a propos, for last friday he was introduced into the house as Earle of O , but the giving of him the White Staff was defer till this remarkable day the Restoration. If in my absence there was any post arrived, I had taken care to have had it in two hours, and like wise if any thing news that cou'd be communicated to you only by me I shou'd have been inform'd on't to have writ you by the friday's post ; but there was nothing but this promotion of Mr. Harley's wch I knew you wou'd have by the publick news, so I hope you will excuse the omisson of that post, being detain by the charms of Twit. I have sent you the Preamble of the Earle of Oxford's Patent wch they tell me was drawn by Dr. Friend one of the School Masters of West- minster, who is reckon'd to have a very correct stile in the Latine. 'Twas printed with the English translation, so I have sent that too wch I think was very well done. 'Tis thought the Parliament will be up a Saturday, this day sevenight will be the longest, so that in a week or ten days I hope I may wish you joy of the Earldome of Strafford, and as you have more goodness then most Brothers usually have I shall venture to put you in mind that if you continue in the mind you some time ago sent me word you were, that in default of your Ishue, you wou'd have me and my Heirs incerted in the Patent if I desired it ; I then answer'd you tho' 'twas an affair of that nature wch was not decent for me to solicite you in, yet when offer'd by you, not to be refused by me, but accepted of with all due gratitude for so perticular a mark of your esteem, and that I ought to be far from repining at my Fate of being a younger Brother but to re- joyce to be preceeded by one who has so great and noble a Soul as to think of his family and Posterity in its largest extent. May you be remembered with veneration by late Posterity, who has retrieved an honour, and estate to support it when the Late Earle shall be held in detestation by them. 202 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. My Lord Berkley told me a Sunday he wou'd writ to you this post that you might not be guilty thro' advertancy of the like omission of the Great Earle of Strafford, who by not procuring the Earledome to descend as well as the Barony to his Collateral line, has occation'd you the trouble of a solici- tation for't. I told his lordship you had the Goodness to think of this your self, and mention'd it some time ago to me but however he said now was the time for you to have it mov'd to the Queen, or else when the Patent was drawn 'twou'd be too late. But to day I saw my lord Berkly and he told me he heard you was coming over so wou'd not trouble you with a letter, but advised me to tell you as his opinion you shou'd by no means neglect this opportunity of perpetuating the honour to your family. I know 'tis not every age that can produce so great a man as your self, as to extricate a Family out of Difificultys, an omission and a capricious humour had laid them under, therefore it behove me not to neglect to remind you to writ by the first post to Mr. St. John or the Duke of Shrewsbury that you desire the title may be intail'd upon your collatoral line. I am the more instant in desiring this, because the Queen by that request may see you have a perticular esteem and friendship for me, and by that means I may be more regarded by her and I do assure you I have greater veiws and hopes from thence then from any prospect of succeeding you in your honours. The copy of my letter to Mr. Harley is not worth senting you, but when you come over if you require it, shall be forth coming. My Mother, and we all are in great joy and expectation of seeing you here soon. I am, &c. Lord Oxford has the Honour entailed to his Brothers, and I cou'd name you several others but I believe you need not many examples to perswade you to do what you have once thought of, whose thoughts are always guided by reason. LETTERS (W PETER WENTWORTII. 203 London, y«;7r i, 171 1. Dear Brother, Wednesday morning I had your letter the 5th June, where you take notice that you want my letter of the i8th, but at the same time you own Mr. Powel told you what the Duke of Shrewsbury said to me, and in some of my others since I have repeated it to you : but since you are so obliging- as to say for my letters you don't grudge postage, tho' they are dearer then at Berlin, I shall writ with pleasure every post. Last post I writ you word that I deliver'd your letter to the Duke of Shrewsbury, there was a great deal of com- pany with him so he did not open it, but told me he heard he shou'd see you very soon. Lord Windsor was there who by the by I believe is stiring about to make interest to be made an English Peer; I found him yesterday at Kingsenton, and he's a little provocak't at the report of Sir Richard Child's being to make a lord,* tho' he's to pay ^10,000 for't, for he says that's begining too soon to be like the Dutchess of M to doe any thing for mony, making a man that's no Gentleman a lord. They talk that Lord Pawlet will be lord Steward, and the Duke of B President, but for that change he has made a further bargain that his Dutchess shall be Lady of the Bedchamber. I believe they will defer ordering your patent till you come over so I hope you will make what hast you can, or at least if business happens that you can't come as soon as they seem to expect, you will writ to let them know it, that there may be no handle for delay. This is only a fancy of my own, I have had no intimation of any such thing from any body, only what I have told }'ou that the Duke of S told me we shou'd see you here ver>' soon. By the talk of ever>' body you shou'd now be upon the Sea for England, but I won't take that pretext to miss writing for I will writ every post till I see you. 'Tis talk't that Britain is to be Envoy in Spain in the room of Craggs, Mr. Secretary * Child was member for Maldon in 1708, afterwards for Essex; he was made Lord Castlemaine in 17 18, Lord Strafford bought his house in St. James's Square. 204 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. St. Johns is very much his friend, yesterday he made Mrs. Britain a vissct of 4 hours long. I was in that Street, the next door, and saw him go in and out. Mr. Powel wont venture to go into Yorkshire till he sees you, or receives yet more possitive orders. My Wife presents her humble service to you and is glad to hear you are like to be your own taster of the Barbados water. London, Ju7ie 6, 1 7 1 1 . Dear Brother, Yesterday the house of Commons attended the Queen with there representation, and there I met Mr. St. John, who told me the day before he had sent a Yatch and a Gaily to fetch you over, but he hope he shou'd see you before they cou'd get to you ; and I hope so too for talking a Sunday with Mr. Tilson, I find the Warrant will be defer'd till you come, tho' I endeavour'd to perswade him it wou'd have a better air if it was order'd before, for it wou'd look more as if it came without your Solicitation. The Duke of Hamble- ton's Warrant is in the Secretary hands, but will not yet be sent to the Atturney General till he was resolved of his several titles, he's to be an English Duke and his three Brothers are in the Entail. He had a mind to have been Earle of Cambridge but that you know is given to the young P. of H ; he pretends it was in his Great Grand father's titles but they have show'd him that it was forfeited, so I think he's off of that. The house of Commons are adjourn till Thursday, one reason for that is that they may have time to ishue Writs for sixteen members that is to have places and so to be choose again, wch if it is not order'd whilst the P ■ is seting there will be treating till they meet again. I believe you wou'd [not] receive this letter but I think myself under the obligation of a promise of writing to you till I see you.* * Shortly after the receipt of this letter Lord Raby came over to England, was created Earl of Strafford, and early in September was married, as narrated in the Introductory Memoir. There is consequently a gap of some months in the correspondence. He returned to the Hague about 21 October. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 205 Letters addressed to the Earl OF STRAFFORD, at Utrecht and the Hague. November, 171 1 — December, 1714. [Peter Wentworth.] Hampton Qovkt, November 2, 171 1. Dear Brother, Since I have been here I have had but one oppor- tunity of seeing your house at Tvvittenham, the building seem'd to go on faster then the work in the Garden, tho' that was pretty well advanced since I saw it. Ever since you left me I have waited close at Windsor and here to make up for my absence before, so that at court I here less news then at London, yet because I think it a long while to be without corresponding with you I shall endeavour to entertain you with the little I have, espicially now the Queen is fain ill of the Gout, that I don't know when I shall be in London. My Lord Treasurer has been ill for two or three Councels before we came from Windsor, they say he's better, but not yet able to come here, some will have it a politick sickness to avoid sollicitations at the Treasurery &c. I suppose you know what Count Galliash is order'd away for, yet however wanting other news I shall tell you what I hear here, that w^hen the Secretary of State sent him the proposals of the french for Peace, to communicate to his Master, he sent them that night to the daily Courrant, wch printed them the next morning. 'Twas certain Stock fell upon their being publish't, and since that they say he has not been very mannerly in his Expres- sions towards the Queen. There was a letter he writ to Lord Dartmouth I hear was taken very ill. I heard before the disgrace of the Count that the forreign Ministers thought they were not used well by our Secretarys to be sent these proposals of the french not till two posts after you was gone, so that they said their Master's Minister at the Hague as soon as you came there wou'd know them and give an account to 2o6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. them, and they that was here upon the spot wou'd be able to send them nothing but stale news ; but on th' other side if they had not done so they wou'd have writ into Holland and the States might have been prepossest with prejudice against what you had to communicate to them. Madam Montander, and Lord Leister will have a great loss of the Count, and the Emperor will hardly find an other that will make that figure without pay they say, all that the C. G. had from him was an exemption from taxes. Our unfortunate expedition to Quebeck will as some say be brought up in Parliament, and I find the whole blame will be laid upon People that are farthest of the Plantations. As soon as Duke Desnee landed in England he writ a letter to Mr. St. Johns and told him the next foolish Expedition he wou'd send him of by Gar he shou'd [go.^] himself; this is told about for a peice of witt, in any other body 'twou'd be taken as a peice of insolence and vanity, or folly in th' other to take upon him to be the con- triver of the Expedition. I please my self with the fancy that I am very well with the Queen, for when ever she speaks to me she speaks in a very obliging manner, and two or three times when I have been out with her in the rain she's very gracious and orders me to go into the coach, wch was a favour she seldom show'd to any but Lister that was a sickly weakly man. I am to thank you for the favour of some Circulars, but of late I have wanted them, I know you are so full of business, that it wou'd be unreasonable to expect the favour of any thing under your own hand but if there's any thing I can do to serve you there's nobody wou'd be more proud to execute your commands then Your &c. The Parliament will meet at the time appointed but be prorogued for a farther time, as some say not only because the Queen and Lord T are ill, but expectations that you may be able to give an assured account that we shall have a peace this Summer. letters of lady strafford. 207 [Lady Strafford.] St, James's Square, November 15, 171 1. I can now tell my Dearest life and soul that much to my sattisfaction I am now settled in our house much better then I cou'd have believ'd for the time we have had posseian {sic) of it, for Capt. Powell got all things as ready as he cou'd before I cam to town. I am extremly pleas'd with the work'd Bed, for now tis clean'd 'tis as good as new and looks very gentell. I have hung the room with green Camlet. . . . I hope nothing will prevent my going over to you (for all the pleasures this world can aford me without your company I find do's not in the least divert me) and so the less furniture I put up the better (tho' to my great comfort they now talk of a peace again very much). I heard to-day that there is two french gentlemen com over in the ship with Madam Gouerneys daughter and are gone to the Queen to Hampton Court, who 'tis given out is very ill of the gout ; and Lord Oxford 'tis also said is ill, but for reasons of State, and for the same reason the Parliament is adjourn'd. I fancy you'll think me very rediculouse to pretend to send you any news of this kind, but you bid me send you all the Chatter-Chitter I heard, so like an obedient wife I'll obey your commands ; tho at the sam time I know my self a fool in sending you that for news that you knew before, but nevertheless to obey your commands I'll begin again. Count Gallass is leaving this Court very soon with the greatest disgrace in the world ; 'tis said he is wholly wrapt up in the Whigg interest and so by consequence opos'd the peace with the utmost rigour. If so I am so very angry at him I could ring his neck off, tho' I keep all those voiolent isic) inclinations to my self Lord Harley is very soon to marry the Duke of Newcastle's daughter. Mrs. Kingdom 'tis generally said is marred to Lord Conway, but 'tis not yet own'd. Sister Wentworth gave a ball before she left Windsor. A lady told me yester- day that she was a making a visit to the Duchess of Shrews- bery and Sister W cam in and the Duchess entertain'd 208 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. her u-ith no otherc discourse but commending of me, and how glad she was you ware marred, that at last my sister was not very well pleased with the subject. I am told the Duchess of Marlborough intends to sett up an Assembly to out do the Duchess of Shrewsberry's I think myself the happyest person in the world and I hope our love to won anothere is so sinceire that that alone will crown all our othere blessings in this world. St. James's Square, November 20, 171 1. .... I have this day been to see Lady North an Gray* and made her all the fine speeches I could think off, and have promised her to carry her to an Opera which she seem'd very much pleased with ; her cloths are not yet com, so I have not my scarfe yet. I sent you word I was to goe to Hampton Court last Sunday, which I did, but my fathere would have me take his coach horses and sadle horses for my men. The queen took a great deal of notis of me, and the Duchess of Somerset is most extremly civill to me, as soon as I cam (tho' she was not in waiting) ingaged me to dine with her, and Lady Scarborough invited me to diner, but I was ingaged before. The Duke of Marlborough went up the back starrs to the Queen jest as I cam away You desire scandall and this town at present will suply you, for Lady Linsey is with child and the town says if she knows the fathere 'tis Lord Lumley. Mrs. Grant (that was maid of honour) is going to bring her husband into Doctors Commons for being akin to Lord Sharrard. Lady Guilford is mad. I hope you wont now complain for Scandall. I am a torment to every body that comes near me for Ballets but can get non. Lady Batthurst and that fameley makes the greatest court in the world to me. Lord Barkley has been twice to see me but I was not at home * Lord North and Grey served under Marlborough and lost his right hand at Blenheim. His wife was a Dutch lady, the daughter of Mons. Elmet, Receiver-General of the States. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 209 St. James Square, November 23, 171 1. My dearest life and soul, I am now to thank you for my hood and scarfe which without a compliment is the finest I ever see ; Lady Went- worth is ten times more delighted with it than if you had sent it to her self. Mrs. Robinson has been with me to-day and I would make her drink tea. I find she is very much trans- ported at his being Plenipotentinary {sic)^ but she says those things call'd pages she's most concern'd at, for they are what she has never been used to, but when they have don with them she'll make them all parsons. She and I am the best conversation in the world, for I am very grave with her, and whatever she says I conferm she is infinetly in the right. . . . Here is no news nor scandall stirring that is new I have here sent you the Spectators for Mr. Elleson said you had them allways sent to you, and I have them taken in, so the same will do. I can say no more for Lady Wentworth is staying in pain for this letter for fear she should not be time enough to writ her self; I tell her Fll asure you she and all her little fameley of creatures are well and so she need not write this post, but that will not do. I am my dearest life and soul yours intirely. [Peter Wentworth.] Hampton Q.oxi'S.T, November z^, 171 i. Dear Brother, Being misinform my self last Tuesday I misinform you, for it seems notwithstanding the General report Mr. St. John was never designed to have been a Plenipo, when I told it Mr. L for news, he said, it might be but he cou'd not believe it, 'twou'd be using Prior hardly that had the Management with Mons"" Menager, when he was named by the French for one of their side, not to name him of ours ; and he yesterday told me he heard Mr. Prior wou'd be the third. The Queen goes to morrow for London, and I hope P 210 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. will convince them that she has not been in that dangerous condition that some disaffected people has been pleased to report her. There came in a fellow booted and spur'd to a coffee house in the City Sunday night and said he was just come from Hampton Court, and the Queen was given over. She has been a broad these two or three days and I thank God very well. Mr. Lewis told me yesterday that they sent a mesenger that day to Holland. If I had been in London, I wou'd have sent you some of the Prints that have been publish't about the disign'd procession of Queen Elizabeth's birth day. The figures that were taken are show'd at the Cock-pit, and I hear the Dutchess of Marlborough has been to see them. The Dutchess of Montague and Lady Sunder- land went their in a Mob, to have past for Servant Maids, but every body knew them. They say the Dutchess of Marl- borough designes this Winter to keep assemblees and live after a most magnificant manner at her new house, but I think she might be warned by the advise she had from a country Gentleman of about two hundred a year, who was made very drunk at her house at St. Albans, for it seems she has keept open house there all this summer ; he told her, her entertainment was very noble and fine, and if she had lived so two or three years agoe it might have signified something, but now it wou'd signifie nothing. We hear here the place of Congress i.? Utrect, and the time the first of January, our stile, and it is expected that you will have more Voluntier at that Congress then ever you had at any Campaign. Ther has been a report that you wou'd have time before the meeting of the Plenipos to come into England but now I find there's noe thoughts on't. I was t'other day in company with Lord Steward and heard him say 'twas to be wish't you cou'd have time to appear here this Session, if it were only upon the account to leave your Proxey, for the Party in the house of Lords were much stronger then in the house of Commons. This is a place I hear very little news, and when I come to London where I fancy I shall hear more, I may be disap- pointed ; but since you have encouraged me you shall not fail of hearing con.stantly from your, &c. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 211 Hampton Qov^t:, November 2^, 171 1. Dear Brother, Wedensday there came in 5 packets from Holland and I had the satisfaction of receiving as many circulars from you, and with them a letter under your own hand, wch tho' 'twas very satericall upon me gave me a great deal of pleasure and not a little confussion. I confess I laid myself very open to you by neglecting so long writing to you, but I profess sincerely 'twas out of a diffidence of my self, that I was not capable of giving you any entertainment that way : and I think I had as good add another plain truth, for my Wife has threaten'd to writ to you her self for that purpose, that this Modesty of mine was very much encouraged by a more un- pardonable fault, lazyness. I am now so roused by your manner of reproving me that I am resolved, cotit que coiit, there's no post you shall faill of having a letter writ by me. My wife and I contend who are most sincible of your obliging expressions towards her, and there's no way to decide this controversy but to believe us both a like, and that in the highest degree. Saturday there came in another mail, and I had the favour of yours of the 24th instant, and the satis- faction to know you received mine of the 2d, and you seem'd so affectionate towards my Wife and me that I can easiely pass over your Raillery, tho' by the by I must tell you I had not heard of nor seen my Lady Strafford, when I writ that letter. I was one day in town last week and went to see her, found her very well. Sunday she came here to see the Queen, and I waited upon her from her Coach and to her Coach, and I thought she look't as well as ever I saw her in my life, tho' all the Court says she looks a little thin, with an air of breeding ; she tells me that Sir Harry intends to carry her over to you in the Spring, and no doubt then but you will conjure up what you tell me is vanish't, for 'tis a season when all things in Nature ingender. All the news I can tell is that at the Whig Coffee houses you are cursed, and in all the Tory houses blest and cry'd up to the skys. I have sent over to P 2 212 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Ireland some of the post Boys that are full of your praise, for I must own I am delighted when I hear you commended, let it come out of what mouth it will. I suppose you have the post Boys sent you, that of Saturday sevenight, upon the complaint of Count IMafee and Don Louis has been the cause of Abel R being taken into custody. 'Tis supposed his punishment won't be very great, for all the world concludes it too good a paper for him to be the Author of, and too much the sence of our present M for him to fear being left in the lurch't. The last week Mr. Drummon and his Wife was here and very much carrest by Mrs. Masham, and her friends cry him up for one that has been a great support of our credit abroad, and very instrumental in laying the ground work of this good Peace we are likely to have ; but I must do them the justice, that to me they own that you have the honour of doing your Queen and country emminent service it this affair. The Whigs begin to rail at Mons"" Buys and make him a sort of a Monster, calling him a Tory Dutchman, and are very angry that they were not permited to go on with their sup- scribtions for burning the Divil and the Pope &c., all their fine figures being seized by a warrant from Lord Dartmouth, and the train bands out to prevent any tumult, for there has been information that the Duke of Montague, Edgecomb, and Steel were to be at the head of the Mob that was to have made this procession ; if so I know nobody has more reason to be thankfull ^twas prevented. We had a Council here last Saturday and I hear Lord Privy Seal and Mr. St. Johns are named to be Plenipos with you. Lord P. S. took his leave of Sir John Waters and told him he shou'd see him no more till he came from Holland. Sir Harry St. Johns in a very obliging manner desired that the first letter I writ to you I wou'd be full of his acknowledgements to you for the many favours you have show'd his son at the Hague. I have not left room to subscrib my name so I hoped you'l pardon me if I do it in this cover, paper being scarce with me here, and believe me to be with much truth Your, &c. LETTERS OF LADV STRAFFORD. 213 The Duke of Marlborought came alone here a Sunday, went up the back Stair and about a quarter of an hour with the Queen, and went strait back again without dinning, but he come again this morning just as the Queen came in from taking the air, and dines with Lord Halifax. [Lady Strafford.] St. J.\mes's Square, November 25, 171 1. My dearest life and soul, .... I am very glad you aprove of my going to Hampton Court. The Queen cam to town last night and after church to day see the Ladys that car'd to goe in her Bed Chamber. I went and she spoke more to me then to any body that was there. I have been to night at the Duchess of Sumersets who is realy extremly oblidging to me, and I have also been at Mrs. Massham's to night, I was at her Grace of Shrews- bury's who I think is more rediculouse in her talk then ever. She told all the company as they cam in that she was very much out of humour for she had things growing upon her tooes like thumbs that made her so lame she could not stirr St. James's Square, November 27, 171 1. .... Next to you I believe Lady Wentworth loves me better then any of her childaren. I own I believe sister Betty in her self wou'd be very good humour'd, but my sister Aurundell governs her as won wou'd a child, and she is with her every day and they get som little od body or othere to play at cards, and such a dirty place sure nobody ever went into, and they eat jelly and drink Chockolet from morning tell night. .... I went last week to see our picktures and I like them worse than ever I did, for he has made a Dwarfe of you and a Giant of me, and he has not tooched the dressing of them sence you went. 1 made Capt. Powell scold at hime to mend them, for they are nethere of them like. He is so ingaged with the Marlborough daughters that he minds no body clce. 214 THE WENTWORTII PAPERS. The world says Lady Har. Rialton has latly been in Pickell for her sins, and Lady Jersey in the same way ; if they are as bad as the town says they are, I wonder they are ever out of it. I think Lady North and Gray a ver>' prity sort of woman ; we went to the opera togethere last Satturday and she seem'd mightily pleased at my earring of her. . . . Sister Wentworth and I am civill to won anothere to the last degree, but not great. I went to see her last, and both her rooms was as full of candles as they could be, and only the Lord Hunsdon and Jack How at Cards, for poor Peter was at Hampton Court, but now he is in town. Capt. Powell tells me he carr}'s this, but I don't believe him for he has set so many days to goe and has not. He dined yesterday at Lord Privey Scales, he says he hug'd and kiss'd Mrs. Robinson extremly ; I don't know which party was the most to be envyed in those imbraces. She told Cap. P if I would goe over when she went I shou'd lye between her and her husband ; you may believe I shou'd be very fond of that favore Her Grace of Shrew.sbery is now very coquet with Lord Ashburnham, and I think rathere more so with Lord Starrs for she pull'd him about so in the Queen's lodging 'twas a sham to see her. ... I wish I could make Lampoons and Ballets for then you should have plenty of them. Here is a new woman com to sing in the operas ; the town has laid it out that Lord Ashburnham must take her, and then he and Lord Portland shall decide whose mistress sings best The Duke of Marlborough has brought over the finest sute of hangings that ever was seen for the new house at St. James. Lady Rawstorn has desired to see all Lady Wentworth's dumb creatures so I have contrived that the monkey, the parat, and the five doggs shall be all shute up in a chare togethere, and Lady Wentworth in anothere to see they are not run away with. If you don't think this letter long enough the next shall be longer, for you can't be more diverted with reading them then I am with writing 'em, for even talking to you in this way is more pleasing to me then all the conver- sation in the world besides. I fear som part of this you'll hardly read for I have speelt it abominably, but you must take LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH, 21$ it for better for worse as you have don me, and to my dearest soul adieu yours for ever. [P.S.] .... The Parliament is put of tell friday sevenight most peaple think 'tis because the Scotch members are not yet com up, and they are all of the court party, and the Whiggs are all in town to a man. I have been all this day in search of a Ballet made of Lord Treasurer and Mrs. Oglethorp, but could not get it to send to you. [Peter Wentworth.] London, November 2']^ 171 1. Dear Brother, The Queen was at the Chapel last Sunday and was so well as to see company in her bedchamber afterwards. I writ you this good news because some people have made it their business to spread abroad a report as if she was dan- gerously ill. 'Twas very variously reported as to the setting or proroga- tion of the Parliament. I was at the Duke of M levee this morning, his house is very fine, but 'tis not filled so much with Company as when he was in lodgings. He said the parliament wou'd be prorogued to munday next, but I went after to the Court of request and there I heard from a member of the house of Commons who had it from the speaker that it wou'd be till Thursday or friday sevenight. All the Whigs are in town, but the Torys that think they have been neglected delay coming. Some say the seting of the house is deferr'd till the coming up of the Scotch, others that till the messenger that was dcpatch't for Holland from Hampton return. You desire to hear what the Whigs and Torys say, knowing you have the post Boy, by Abel Rooper, I have sent you this enclosed wch writs in opposition to him. The pamphleet war grows fiercer than ever, and if the Wisdome of the Legislature does not find out some remedy to moderate it, grave people think it may be of ill consequence. It is not yet certainly known who is to be the third Plenipo, Some say Sir Charles Hedges, 2l6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. others Lord Orrery. Prior they say is to be a commissionar of the Custom house. This is all this news I can get and if it were not for this extraordinary print hardly worth your acceptance. London, November 30, 171 1. Dear Brother, The Whigs say there's no believing the Parliament is to set this day sevenight to do business, tho' they are told so in the Gazet, wch they think of less authority then a Pro- clamation, and some of them pretend to say they know the same time that was publish't there was notice sent to the Scotch Members they need not come up by that time. I hear that the Duke of Beauford had a thousand pound in bank bills sent him by a Messenger ; he told the Messenger there was some mistake 'twas not meant for him. He said 'twas directed for his Grace, but the Duke told him 'twas certainly meant for some Scotch Lord, and gave it back again and wou'd not receive. His friends pretend to say he had spent near ten thousand pounds in the last Election. We had a report here that the Mob had been up at the Hague and had threaten to tear you to peices, but upon inquirery I find there was not a word of it true. I writ because I'll keep my word of not missing a Mail, but I am really ashamed I have no more news to send you. London, December 4, 171 1. Dear Brother, I had the favour of yours of the Sth last Sunday, and yesterday yours of the nth. I was sorry you debar'd me the pleasure of showing the former, wch I believe wou'd have got me the complyments of sev^eral upon your acquiting your self so handsomely of the charge reposed in you, 'tis not every body that is blest with such a happy presence of Mind and so ready a Wit. The Whigs won't speak before me but no doubt among themselves they don't spare you, for by indefferent people I hear they own that the New Ministry LETTERS OF PETER WEXTWORTH. 217 can't brag of many men of spirit and parts heartily imbark't in their interest, besides your self. There is in one of the Gazet a la main a relation of high words that has past between you and the Emperour's Envoy, and upon the reading of that passage 'tis the cry of every body there's [no] body so fit to manage a Germain Count as my Lord Strafford. The Torys cry, if we shrink now and don't go thro' with the Peace they are undone, the Whigs will get up again, and these latter seem to be in some hopes this will be the case, that there's so many of the Allies to satisfie, that it will be almost impossible to make a fast, honourable, and lasting Peace in any short time. If the conclussion shou'd be spun out into any length, they wou'd desire no better, for they are alert and active, and don't doubt but to be able to disturb and confound matters so as to break of this treaty, and get it once more in to their own hands. But I have been told by one that is a well wisher to you, that peace is very sure, the French offering everything that Eng- land and Holland can desire, and told me a great deal of discourse that Mons'^' Buys and Lord T had together, and his lordship drive Mons^' Buys so close with his arguments that he did as good as own he cou'd have nothing to answere against the security the French wou'd give, and that nothing pinch him, but that the Negociation did not begin first with them. This my Author seem'd to have from so good Authority that he desir'd I wou'd not mention a word of what I heard, for fear it shou'd be guest from whence he had it; but writing it to you I reckon no breach of promise, for if true you know it already, if not you may know how they banter Parliament men, such a one was he that told me. Mr. Bretain told me a Sunday that he believe he shou'd go to Berlin, and he wou'd wait upon you for your instructions ; 'tis I\Ir. St. Johns that's his friend, and I am told he has stickled up much for his being Governer of Barwick, but since that won't do, he has got him this. This is a scandalous town we live in, who will not allow he has made this friendship whole himself by his drinking with Mr. St. Johns, but that he has taken his wife to 2l8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. his assistance, and connives at her doing him good offices. I told this news of Britain being Envoy to Berlin to some Gentlemen that I thought were very much his friends, and they cry'd out immediately Bretain is a very pretty fellow, but no more fitt for a Minister then any of them, and con- sidering his birth and education, very unfitt for that Court who pique them selves upon quality ; if they shou'd find out, that he was always reckon 'd a bastard and had been page to two several Lords, lett him have the Eloquence of an Angel they wou'd hear him with prejudice. The Queen has changed her Drawing room nights, there are to be now tuesday and friday. She begins to night. [Lady Strafford,] St. James's Square, December /^^ 171 1. .... I could freely live all the year round in a desart with only you, and say with a great sinceirity I wou'd not envy kings there state Nor once desire a happier fate. I'm afraid you'll think I am turn'd poet .... Lady Pawlet and I am very well togethere and Lady ' Stiffback ' * in her formall way. I am to day to goe to a very od figure of a Lady that's Lord Treasurer's who is like an old house keeper, but I hear Lord Treasurer takes it as a compliment paid to him for she seldom goes a brode, so I am content'd to do it in hopes it may be of service to you. I last week met the Duchess of Marlborough and the Duchess of Mountague in a viset and they both looked upon me with the most spleen and mallis I ever see peaple. I own I think they may envy me but I envy nobody, for as you and I love won anothere all things elce in this world are but Triffles. I believe sister Wentworth is now more extravagant then ever for fear the * Lady Strafford gives a somewhat coarser nickname to the lady in question, who it appears afterwards is Lady Dartmouth. She was Anne Finch, daughter of Lord Guernsey, afterwards first Earl of Aylesford. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 219 world shou'd think she is mortified at your being marred, but she can^t govern her passians so much but the world takes notis of her uneasyness. She is talkM on for Mr. Nash and Coll. Joslain more then ever. I wonder her husband can be so imposed on as to be pleased with there company. She is mighty witty as she thinks upon Capt. Powell I own I like sister Betty^s humour very well, I carry her abrode with me very often ; I can't but say I think my earring her into good company might be of advantage to her and make her gentell which indeed at present she is not I have now sent you two Ballets. As for scandall the town has now a great deal at Lady Mary Gore's cost, tho' som says she desarves more then is said of her. At the Bath there was a perticular set of company six men and six wemen that mett two or three times a week to dance, and won night all the candles was blown out, and the men was very rude, upon which Mr. Gore desired her to goe no more into that com- pany, but she told him she would and if citizens pretend'd to marry Quality they must take it for their pains. And Lord and Lady Berkley has had a great quarrel about one Capt. Smith's wife. When 1 here of all these Ouarells I think how happy I am in having won I love and loves me again. Lord Barkley has been three times to see me, and I have happen'd to be all ways abrod which I was very sorry for. The Queen has changed her Drawing room nights to Tusdays and Fridays, to night is the first she has had since she cam to town ; I goe with Lady Portland. The Duke of Kent is made a Jest on by every body in being (as he thinks) the head of the Whigg Party, for sure never any body was so free as he is ; he subscrib'd considerably to those Images that made such a noise. I believe his ready mony is no great Burthen to him, he need not be so free of it The Bookseller need not send you any more Spectators for I'll do it, being allways desirous to be of use to you. These verses was sent to Lord Treasurer. Tho' Guiscard's knife mistook the Strok Felton's sword may do the work. 120 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS, [Peter Wentworth.] London, December 7, 171 1. Dear Brother, The whigs were very upish upon the coming out of this Daily Courant a Wednesday, but Thursday they were a little down again upon the Duke of M being out of the Ordinance, and that place given to Lord Rivers. To day the Queen made very good speech to both houses, and afterwards [stayed] to hear the debate the Lords had upon the thanks they were to give her for't. You have heard my Lord Notingham is gone over to the Whigs, and he battle it hard to carry this inclosed question. I did not know the queen was to stay the Debate till I had din'd and when I got there ^twas over, but I got this from one of the Clerks. The Lords carryM this by one or two voices, the same question was under debate in the house of Commons, but there ^twas carried against it by above a hundred. Some people reckon this wrong manage- ment of Lord T , that he did not compute better in the house of Lords. I met Mrs. Ramsey yesterday, and she desired me to present her service to you, and to tell you you are her constant boast, and that you are the favourite toast of all the Tories both men and women. I hope by next post to have more to writ you upon the several reasonings upon the Queen's Speech, for I find people are mightily divided about it. My Lady Strafford was to hear the Speech, with Lady De la War. I saw all your house yesterday and I believe when I see it furnish^t, I shall like it much better then Mr. Bathurst's. You order'd me to tell you my mind plainly so I desire to have time till I see all Sir Richard's goods out of it. •'Tis late to night so I shall conclude. [Lady Wentworth.] December 7, 171 1. My dearist and best of children, I was yesterday att Lord Keeper's, I went with dear Lady Strafford, whoe is hear now, LETTERS OF LADY WENTWORTH. 221 but thear is Lady Evling Pirpoynt, and Lord Sherwood's sister, and more young ladys, soc I have stole from them to make myself and them much esier, and to giv myself the pleasure of conversing with the Darling of my soul, whoe it is a pleasure to thinck of when absent. I hope Mr. Powel is aryved safe with you. They say thear is a ship lost, that came over with the Duke of Ormon. Its sade the Duke of Molberry was put out of a place worth thre thoussand a year, and has layde down that in the Army. Thear are aboundenc of storys goe about, but one very commical it is that Dockter Gath went to Lord Darkmuth and told him he was sorry he must goe to law with him for breaking open his hous taking his goods out. Soe my lord askt what he ment ; he said the hous whear the imagis was taken from was his, and the Devell was his. My lord sayde he would return the Devel to him again. The Dr. said he designed to make a great funurel for the Devel and have a sarment preeched. My lord asked what the tex should be ; he said it was, that his desyples came in the night and stoal him away. Perl is groan very fatt but dus al her Tricks and is very Brisk. Lady Went- worth* is to bring her Dogs to vesitt myne — and myne must not be soe ill bred but return the vesitt. Bell went to-day to see Lady Limster and my lord was just then given over by the Dockters. I thinck it is a very unholsom season one day is a great frost next very hott. Thear is hoaps for you yett, the Twelv thoussand pd. lott is not yet drawn. Dear Soul I fear I have tiered you, thcarfore I will ad noe more then to asure you I am your moste infenit affectionat Mother. Millions of thancks to my dear soul for all your cair of me. * The Lady Wentworth here named must not be confounded with the Lady Wentworth who writes the letter. She was the second wife of Sir Henry Johnson, daughter and sole heir of John, Baron Lovelace, and in right of her grandmother (sole heir of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Cleveland) Baroness Wentworth in her own right. Toddington, in Bedfordshire, where Lord Strafford was buried, which belonged to the Cleveland branch of the Wentworths, came to Lady Strafford on her Stepmother's death. 222 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, December ii, 171 1. .... I am to go to night to Court with Lady ' Stiffback.' I am told that the night before the Parhament meet the Queen sent for the D. of Kent and talked to him a good while, and the next day he voted with the Tories. ... I have heard of a wfedding which is to be next week, 'tis Lady Mary Thynn to Mr. Grinvill. Lady Oxford, Lady Betty Harley, and Mrs, Massam cam hethere together to night, and Lady ' Stiffback ' brought her sister Benson to see me. I have here sent the Lord N m's ballet. [Peter Wentworth.] London, December 11, 171 1. Dear Brother, There was some people of opinion that the vote of the house of Lords might be retrieved the next day, but I hear all the ministry was not intire of that mind, so 'twas not pust in earness. Lord North and Grey open'd the debate and said he cou'd not tell whether 'twas very regular, but he hop'd since what had happen in the house of Commons was sufficient for them to think of some expedient to alter what had past their house yesterday by so small a majority as one. I believe he was surprised to find so long a Pause after his speech, and that when Lord Jernsey that had voted with him the day before declared that tho' he had voted that the advise that was given shou'd not stand part of the address, but now 'twas carried by a majority 'twas not Parliamentary, when they thought they had muster'd up more of their opinion, to endeavour to alter it. Then some lords desired if it was to stand part of the address, that they might have the liberty to protest, and 'twas answered readyly, yea, yea ; then the Speaker said " is it your pleasures that this advise stands part of your address," and the noise for the affirmative was LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 223 greatest, then the Keeper said " the yeas have il, let it be order'd," My Lord Anglesea rise up and desired the question might be put, whether that shou'd stand part of the address. The Lords of the other side said no such question cou'd be put after once the Keeper had said let it be order'd. My Lord Anglesea insist'd that till the Keeper had said " as many as are content, say content, and as many as are not, say not content," and this saying " yeas have it," without divideing the house wou'd not do, whilist there was any Lord wou'd say he had said no. My Lord Rivers, Lord Carmarvene, said they had said no, upon wch the house divided. They that were for having the advise part of the address was order'd without the bar, and they that staid in the house saw they wou'd loose several they had the day before, cry'd yeild, th' others cry'd tell, tell, so that for some time there was a great noise in the house. The Keeper appointed two tellers. Lord Abington and Lord Sunderland ; Lord A wou'd not tell because those of his part said yeild, Lord Sunderland said if he did not do his duty he wou'd his, and tell without him, and so begun. But they that wou'd not be told hop'd and skipt about, wch was sport for us that were spectators. The house of Commons was up soon that day, so there was a great many ; wch made some Lords appoint that the orders of their house might be read in order that nobody shou'd come into the house but Lords, wch was read a Munday, The Queen has show'd her liking of the Commons' address better then the Lords by ordering them to attend her first, the dissenting Lords went with the Commons yesterday, and the address of the Lords was not so well attended as was expected to-day. But it is very doubtfull what to make of this business for people know that my Lord T to be a very adroit and able man do say he cou'd not have been so out of his computation without some further fetch that we poor mortals can't dive into. They say the Duke of Sum- mersett, just by the Queen, call out louder for the question then anybody, and was not only content with that and a proxey he gave that way, but pulled out the Duke of Cleveland with him ; and yet he keeps his place. 224 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, December 14, 171 1. Dear Brother, The Whigs reckon that my Lady Sunderland's smart reply to Lady Rotchester is coming on a pace. Lady Rotchester one day at hampton court flerring ask't Lady Sunderland what was become of the whigs, she had heard nothing of them of late, she believed they were all dead. Lady S told her if they were all dead they wou'd soon have a Glorious resurrection. The house of Lords met yesterday and adjourn'd till Saturday ; the accational Bill they talk of, that Lord Notingham is to bring in, was not ready but will be by that day. Lord Wharton is to second him, it is to have for title a Bill for the further security of the Church, and the Protestant Succession in house of H . If it is cook't up as some people suppose 'twill be commical to see all the Torys against it ; one part of it, as the advising the invita- tion of some of that family over, has been proposed and rejected by each party in their turns. My Lord Wharton, tho' he seems now to be mighty fond of Lord Notingham, cou'd not for bear his jest a friday, for, when the lords were to name who shou'd be of the committee to draw up the address, he nam'd Lord N and Duke of Cleveland and wisper'd the Lord next to him, that he had match'd them well, being both changelings. They talk much of Lord Chomondley and the Duke of St. Albans to be out, but the Duke of Summerset, notwithstanding he voted the same way, by all I can [hear], will still keep his place. When the White Staves were to wait upon the Queen to know her pleasure when she wou'd be attended with the address the Duke of Buckingham out of a joke present my Lord Chomondley to the Queen, told her, Madam, this is your Majesty's Treasurer of your household, put his Lordship much to the blush. I find now my Lord Treasurer had reckon and muster'd up a good Majority, but he was deceived by above 8 that had promised him to vote quite contrary to what they did; there's no fence against that. Duke Hambleton wou'd not venture in the house with his proxeys till his business is decided in LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 22$ the house of Lords ; Thursday next is appointed for that. I designe to get into the house to hear the debate for there's a great deal to be said of both sides, and if ever any cause was debated without party this will be so. Every day for these two or three days the Whigs have report that Prince Eugene was landed, but now 'tis said he does not come, and there's a rumour spread as if Lord Privy Seal was not to go over to Holland, but I hear my Lord say he believed he shou'd go next week. I have sent you the Lords' reasons for dissenting from the advise. I have heard a great many Tory Lords regret they had not your Proxy, London, December i8, 171 1. Dear Brother, This bill of my Lord Notingham's was so well cook't up that it met with noe opposition yesterday, but order'd to be engross, and will have the third reading to morrow in order to be sent down to the Commons. They say 'tis the same as the late famous Occation Bill, with another title, and some little more favour show'd to the Dessenting Teachers, to please the Whigs ; and the Tories say they won't loose so good a Bill for the sake of such a trifle, there was nothing in't as they talk't of a designe to invite any of the family of Hanover into England. My Lord N made a complaint of a grub street speech they had cry'd about, as spoke by him in the house, of which he said he had not spoke one word, and now they cry up and down a sham speech of his vindication from the former. The Duke of Summerset went out of town a Saturday, to keep his Christmas at Pittworth, upon wch all the tories were full of the news that he was turn'd out. I believe that's too tough a bite for them or any body to meddle with; the Dutchess of Summerset is left in town. There's several schemes of the removes, as Mr. St. Johns to be made Earle of Bullingbrook, Lord Dartmouth Master of the horse, Sir Thomas Handmer Secretary of State ; another that the Duke of Beauford is to be Master of the horse, or the Duke of Shrewsbury, and he Lord Chamberlain. In short people Q 226 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. report everything as they wou'd have it. I was told by a famous Whig that he had it from one of the October club, that assur'd him as a friend that he might depend upon't my Lord Treasurer had assured him there shou'd not be a Whig in place by Lady-day, but withstanding this he wishes you well off of this business you are ingaged in. The Whigs are mightly disappointed that they won't see Prince Eugene. Mr. St. John told them in the house of Commons when mat- ter of the Peace was in debate that he knew of no preliminary articles only that the french had made proposals, wch the Queen thought sufficient to induce her to hearken to have a congress to have a good Peace agreed on ; and for what they talk't of going upon the preliminary articles that were agreed on by the Meeting that was at Gertrudenberg, tho it had been so often said in that house and else where that all but two of them were agreed, he cou'd assure that not one of them had been sign'd by the French King or any of his Ministers. 'Twas true the Queen was advised to sign them all, for what end he cou'd not well say, and shou'd be loath to guess what veiws some of the advisers had in't. This matter has been mightly debated in coffee houses since I have heard several offer to lay wagers that some of those articles were sign'd by Torcy, some argue from the Emperor's lateletter to the States G that [he] desires to go on upon the same articles that were agreed to by the French, but tis answere the french Minister agreed to them in words, but never sign any. London, December 21, 171 1. Dear Brother, Yesterday I was in the house of Lords to hear the debate of the Duke of Hambleton's Patent, the Queen was there all the while. First his Council was heard, wch was Sir Tho. Powis, and Sergant Prate,* they both seem'd as if they lay under difficulty, that they had no Lawyers to * John Pratt, Serjeant-at-Law, member for Midliurst, who became Lord Chief Justice in October, 17 14. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 22/ answere, but was to suppose what objections were to be made; they exspaciated much upon the undoubted prerogative of the Crown in the creation of all honours, and laid it down as a maxime in the Law that the Crown cou'd loose no prero- gative that it had not given up by some express words in an Act of Parliament, and that the subject cou'd not be debar'd from any right but express words. There was no express words in any of the articles of Union but a Scotch Peer might be made a peer of great Britain ; if their being to be represented by sixteen shou'd be interpreted as a bar, 'twou'd put them into a worst condition then the meanest of her Majesty's subjects. After the Counsell was order'd to with draw there was a long pause, and seem'd as if every lord was loath to begin, at last Lord Jernsey began, with an apology that no man cou'd be more for the just prerogative of the Crown, and that he shou'd be very ungratefuU if he was not, for 'twas by Majesty's grace and favour that he sat there ; but he thought it no complyment to so just a Queen to tell her the prerogative went beyond the Laws. He said the Duke's counsil had truely gone upon supposes, for nobody cou'd deny but the Queen might create him Duke of Brandon, but since the articles it cou'd not give him a vote there, for there was express words that the nobility of Scotland shou'd be represented by sixteen, and the rest shou'd enjoy all the previlcdgcs of Peers but Voting in that house and setting at the Tryal of Peers. He made a very long speech, but this was the substance of the whole. Then Lord Abington spoke and desired that the orders of the house might be read, and they wou'd find upon their books that the Duke of Queens- borough was introduced into the house Duke of Dover, and that for three year he had sat and voted there as such without dispute ; the only dispute was whether he cou'd have a voice in the Election of the sixteen and 'twas determin'd he cou'd not, wch was a farther acknowledgement of his being a Peer of Great Britain. My Lord Jernsey and Lord Sunderland answered him to the effect that the word in the books claiming as Duke of Dover show'd 'twas a case never desided, only connived at for a time. Other lords [said] that did not seem Q 2 228 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. to be for the honour of the house to let any set there so long without any right, the Duke of Buckingham gave that up and said there was presidente of Lords setting in there house for tweenty [years?], and after, upon examination of their patents, have been turn'd out. Lord Treasurer spoke for the Duke of Hambleton, said they were a court of judicature, and sat there to do right according to the Laws in being, and this was a question of Law, and they were not to considere of the conveniance or inconveniance now, but whether by right his patent was not good ; so he desired the opinion of the judges might be asked as the law now stood whether the Queen could not grant such a patent. This was seconded by my Lord Steward ; Lord Wharton and Sunderland opposed having the Judges' opinion ask't, for 'twas a matter of their preveledges, had nothing to do with that. Lord Keeper made a very fine speech and show'd that as 'twas matter of Law 'twas always the costome to ask the judges' opinion, and that when they had ask't their opinion they might determine as they pleased as to their previledges, and said the most of any body as to the Validity of the patent. The question they wou'd have ask't the judges was to this effect — If by any act of Parliament the queen was disabled from making one that was a Peer of Scotland before the Union, a Peer of great Britain. The Duke of Buckingham said he must observe when ever people were against asking the Judges' opinion they knew the Law was against them. My Lord Keeper rise up again to confirm what my Lord Marr had said, appealing to the Commissioners of the Union, whether 'twas not at that time understood by them all that the Queen's prerogative remain'd as it were before the Union; for when 'twas objected by some of the Scotch, that the article where the sixteen Peers were stipulated for might seem to debarr any of them being made Peers of Great Britain, they were told the Queen's Prerogative wou'd be still the same, wch was the chief inducement to them to agree to be represented by so small a number. Lord Keeper said as he was a commissionar he did believe they all took it so, then, and for his part he thought so till. They argued a long while to the question [to be] ask't the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 229 judges. Lord Godolphin that had not spoke all the day said he wou'd propose to shorten their time that a previous question shou'd be put, whether that question be ask't, wch was put ; the house devided 63 against, and 49 for't. By the lords that w^ere for it and against, there did not seem to be much party in't ; Only all the court was for't, but they did seem to labour it very hard. Then the next question that was put was to this effect, whether the Queen cou'd grant her letters patent to any peer of Scotland that was a peer before the Union, to be Peer of Great Britain. My Lord Isle* made a very moving speech and said he trembled to think of the consequence, that the Queen had not a power, for he was sure 'twould be deem'd a breach of the Union. He was answered by my Lord Halifax, who said if we were to considere of consequences we of south Britain had some consequence to considere as well as they, but he was sure it was no breach of the Union, but pursuant to the real intent and meaning of the article ; and he appeal to my Lord Notingham that he had made some objection to that article, as if there was a latitude left to the Crown to bring into the house what num- ber it please of Scotch peers, if he did not then answere 'twas plain there was to be no more then sixteen to sett and vote in that house, the rest of the Peers were to enjoy all priveledge of Peer but that. The manner of choosing was left to them whether they wou'd have it by rotation or some of their most antient Nobility, or to be new elected as they have determin'd ; therefore nothing cou'd be more their act and deed and he shou'd vote for the question, and think he shou'd do her Majesty good service to prevent a great deal of troublesome solicitation. Lord Pembrock proposed a question to moderate this matter, wch was that Duke Hambleton's Patent shou'd be admitted for his life only and instant a case like that, I think 'twas that of a Lord Banbury, but that wou'd not do. So the house divided, against the Patent they were 57, and 52 for't. Lord Marlborough and Lord Godolphine, * Hay, brother of the Duke of Argyle, and his successor in the title in 1743. 230 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. went out of the house before either of the devitions of the house. All the Scotch to day are in a great fury and some hot head fellows talk that neither Commoners nor Lords of that Nation ought to come into the house any more. I wish I had a better memory, then I might make this debate very entertaining to you; 'twas very much so to me for I fasted with content till 8 at night. I am sorry the Queen staid so long for she's got cold and I hear can not go to the house to morrow to pass the occation Bill and the Law wch will be ready then ; 'twill be past by Commission, I heard of a good saying of Lord Privy Seal's, some lords were talking to him by the fire side that we ought to carry on the war with vigour to obtain a good Peace ; these were lords that had never been of the Army, so he said he wou'd venture head for the making of a Peace, wch was more then they wou'd do for continuing of the War. My Lord P S spoke once in this business but he spoke so low that I cou'd not hear all he said, but I found he was against the question. [Lady Strafford.] St, James's Square, December 21, 171 1. . . . , The Duke of Mountague and Lord Jersey are the dearest freinds that ever was, which is a great Jest to the town, because the Duchess and Lord Jersey has been so a great while. They say the Queen is to buy Lord Portland's Place and give it to the Duke of Beauford. The Duchess of Beauford is the most altered I ever see anybody, she is less than Mrs. Bathurst Pray read this friday's Spectator, I think it pretty.* [Endorsed December — , 1 7 1 1 .] There is a Play to-day at Drury lain for all the Whigg toasts. I hear the Duchess of Mountague is to be a toast no ■* The motto of the Spectator for that day was, "Virtuous love is honour- able, but lust increaseth sorrow." Steele is credited with the authorship of the paper, which treats of the levity of conduct of many young married women of quality. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 23 1 longer. I would have had my sister Betty gon because she is a Whigg, but she rathere chose coming to stay with me all this day. Mr. Leigh^s sister that you might have had is com to town twice as ugley and twice as fatt as ever ; I wish you could but see what a figure she is. [Peter Wentworth.] Loi^DO'S, Decemi>er 2 s, 171 1. Dear Brother, A Saturday last after the Lords had read the mony Bill, that and the Bill of accational conformity was past by Commission ; a great many Lords thought there was nothing more to be done, so went away. My Lord Notingham movM for an address to her Majesty, that the Congress shou'd not be openM till her Plenipo had instructions to lay all the pro- posals of the French before every one of the Ministers of the respective Allies ; ^twas argued by the Court that was giving them selves an unnecessary trouble, for her Majesty had told them in her speech that she wouM take care that all her Allies shouM have reasonable satisfaction. There was but three score lords in the house and they saw 'twas to no pur- pose to divide about it, but my Lord Steward got words added that make it seem as if they thought the Address very needless. The words are these — if her Majesty had not given such instructions all ready, the Address was to be presented by the White Staves — so I don't know if it will be printed. I suppose they will send it you from the Secretary's office for I saw it in writing there. The Lords are adjourn'd till Wed- nesday sevenight, the Commons for three weeks. So this Christmass time we shall have little news to send you, and they say the frosts are so great that what good news you have to send us can't come to us. There has been so many people has ask't me and seem'd to wonder I han't the curiosity to go over to this Congress, that I begin to have an inclination to ask the Queen leave for a month, and if you cou'd give me an}' hopes that when 232 THE WENTWORTH TAPERS. the Peace was sign'd you might send me with the news, I shou'd not hisitate a moment from geting leave. I wou'd [not] say any thing that I went over with that veiw, but it wou'd be an advantage to me that wou'd more then pay the trouble of going over. I beg the favour of answer to this perticular as soon as possible, not doubting but when ever you are put in mind of any thing that may be for my advantage, you will not let slip the opportunity. London, December zZ, 1711. Dear Brother, There came in three packets yesterday and I had the favour of three letters from you, and I must own I was highly pleased to find that my letters were agreeable and entertain- ing to you. 'Tis an encouragement to me to be a greater inquirer after news and reports that fly about the town then ever. Yesterday I had this story from a pretty good hand, that the Duke of Sommerset was push't heartily after the vote about the Peace, but it was answered by the Q when any thing came before them that immediately concern her interest, they might depend upon't he wou'd vote agree- able to't. Before the Duke of Hambleton's Patent came into question in the house of Lords, 'twas known the Duke of S had declar'd he wou'd be against it, so then they went the Oucen again and told her this was a matter that imme- diately concern'd her prorogative, and if she cou'd not ingage him in that vote, 'twas plain he was more attach't to a party then to her. She sent for him, he declar'd in his opinion he must be against having more Scotch peers brought into the house, but as an expedient and to show how ready he was to comply with her desires, he desired leave to go into the country, and that he wou'd leave his proxy with one that wou'd vote for't ; and this expedient has been turn'd upon him as an imposition and a trick, wch was not fit to be used towards her, for he knew Duke Hambleton was to have Counsel, and when ever councel is heard Proxy are not ad- LETTERS OF TETER WENTWORTH. 233 mitted. This work't so much that a letter was writ to dis- miss him, and given the Dutchess to send him, at the same time signifieing the desire to have her keep her place ; but the answere was he wou'd never leave her M ■ till she dismist him, and when ever that was her Pleasure, he must have the Dutchess. Upon that there has been a demure, and till to day it has been the talk of the town this was a remove cou'd not be made, but there's come out a Prophecy, wch I here send inclosed, and the Dutchess of Sommerset is gone for Pettworth to day, and the report is they have carried the point for the removal of them both. How their Places are to be fill'd is not certainly known. The talk is by the Duke and Dutchess of Ormond, and the Duke of Shrewsbury Lord Lieut, of Ireland, the Duke of Beauford Lord Chamberlain, Sir Thomas Handmere Capt. of the Band of Pentioners in the room of the Duke of St. Albans. I think I writ you word that they had talk'd my Lord Dartmouth out, and to day I heard, he was by an accident mightily alarm'd the next day that he had voted against the Patent ; he came to speak with the Queen, and Avas told he cou'd not speak to her. The report of his being out came into his mind and put him to some confussion ; after some time he recover'd himself in- quired how her majesty did, heard she got cold and a toutch of the Gout, so concluded 'twas her indisposition and not any offence he had given prevented his seeing the Queen. There was a long cabinet Council last night, the result of wch you'll know soon, for there goes a messenger for Holland to day. I was told to day by a friend of the Duke of M that he never till now had mist of having some letters from Holland, but by these three mails he had none, intimating as if there was a suspicion that his letters were intercepted. If good words will bring him into favour again, he bids fair for't. People does not know what to make of his friend Walpoole's being so ready to have those affidavits read in the house, the consequence of there being read there is, that they are in the votes ; wxh for this three weeks at least will leave an im- pression upon people's mind in the country that his Grace and Walpool has been guilty of notorious bribery, and tho' 234 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. they shou'd be able to clear them selves when the whole matter is heard, as is pretended they can do, the matter had better been hust till such time, as I heard it wou'd have been if Walpool had not moved for't himself. Some fancy he has over shot him self fancying the Tories wou'd oppose it, being" it came from him. My wife and I wish you many happy new years. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, December 2d,, 171 1. .... I love Lady Wentworth better than ever, for she is to me as if she ware my own mothere and I believe next to you she loves me the best. I have heard an old saying there is no catching old birds with chaffe, so I hope I am to old for sister Wentworth to play me any of her tricks, tho' I must say she has laid as many trapps to draw me into her gang of company as ever any body did ; but she has never accom- plish'd her design, for I have been but twice to see her since I cam to town and then I did only make her a formall viset. She has invited my sisters and I to play at cards with her of twelve day, and since I here there is to be Mr. Nash and a great many more of her fellows, so I don't intend to say any thing tell the day comes, and then I'll send her word I have a great cold and so can't wait on her. I am not so much a fool but I can see through her designs, for she thinks if she introduces all her folks to me, if the world reflects on her for keeping such company, she'll say that I keep there company as well as she. I thinke my brother the greatest fool that ever was, for he is the fondest thing of the world of Nash and delighted with all his wife dos. She cam to the Queen's Chaple last Sunday after the prayers ware over, and she and Lady Jersey sat out among the men, which was made a great jest on ; but my brothere seem'd mightily pleased at her con- trivance and said she was much in the right, 'twas the warmest place The Queen is still ill of the gout and a cold ; I goe to the back starrs every day to know how she dos, for the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 235 lady in waiting allways tells who comes to know how she dos One of your tickets is a blank, the othere is not yet come up. I have four blanks and two 20/. and two to com up ; if I have the 12,000/. 'tis at your service, as my self is and every thing elce is I have. I hear the Queen will not concent to have the Duke and Duchess of Somerset remov'd. I hear there is a most scandalouse Lampoon com out against the Duchess of Somerset, but I have not seen it, for I am very cautious who I inquire for things of that nature of, and perticalarly of her, because the whole famely is so civill to me [Peter Wentworth.] London, Jatmary i, 1712. Dear Brother, There was some truth as well as some falsewood in in what I writ you last post. I have it from very good hands that there has been a letter of demission to the Duke of Sommerset, but it has been recalled, and tho' 'tis not certainly known by me whether 'tis yet sent, I begin to believe it certainly will be. The Dutchess of Sommerset has been every day with the Queen ever since the report of her hus- band's being out. This day being New Year's Day the lords and ladies, &c., has been to wish her Majesty many happy new years, and I thank God the Queen was so well as to come out to receive the complyments of her good subjects. She took pains to be civill to the Dutchess of Sommerset, she spoke to her two or three times and I had the pleasure to see her very gracious to my Lady Strafford, who she spoke to twice. If the Dutchess must out, she will leave the Court with a very good grace, for every body is pleased with her good breeding and civility ; and 1 believe if her Duke had thought her what all the rest of the world thinks, capable of advising him, matters wou'd not be as they are. Their case is the reverse of the Duke and Dutchess of M , in the eye of the world 'tis she has been the ruin of him, and he the ruin of her {sic). Last night the Duke of M received a 236 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. letter to tell him he was out of all. The tories say this is something like, the Treasurer is now in earness ; if he had begun this with him and the Duke of Sommerset, he wou'd never have lost so matterial a vote as he did in the house of lords, nor have been at the trouble to have desired the Queen to make use of her prerogative in so large an extent to bring above twelve lords into the house at once. The Whigs roar and cry this is altering the Constitution, and as for the affair of the Duke of M they cry shaking their heads, all for the better, this makes out plain what they have said the ministry is sure of a peace ; but as they have this assurance from the French, whose faith is not to be relied upon, where are they shou'd they meet with a disappointment as to this perticular. Their reasonings pro and con wou'd be too imper- tinent for me to entertain you with, tho' you have blown upon my vanity to such a degree by commending my letters that I begin to think I can never be long enough. If I err therein I am soon crub'd {sic, curbed ?), a word will do the business. The whigs pique themselves upon the finness of the Lords to spin out their debate till they knew for what time the Commons was adjourn'd ; and then for them to adjourn but for ten days they wou'd have time to have drawn up an address for giving the Duke of Cambridge place of all the Lords, wch was to be the preparation of inviting him over. The Queen can't adjourn either house, and to have prorogued the Parliament wou'd have been to begin all affairs de novo, and if she had desired the lords to have adjourn'd them- selves 'twas fear'd she cou'd not have carried it, so there's this number of Lords made, wch will be a majority enough to carry all her majesty's reasonable desires. We shall see to- morrow if the Court will lett them endeavour to go on with the business they pretent to, or if a farther adjournment is desir'd. The Scotch Lords sent their circular letters to all the Commons to meet them a Sunday night, and have drawn up a remonstrance against the resolution of the Lords in the affair of Duke Hambleton, and among other things they affirm this to be a breach of the Union. They say 'twas to be deliver'd to-day ; as soon as 'tis 'twill be printed and LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 2^ I'll send it to you. My Lord Duplin was in the first list I saw of the new creation, but that that is come out to- night has left him out. I have heard it disputed if his crea- tion wou'd be valide ; should the Lords nere retrack their resolution, he's certainly no more then a commoner now, but he's heir appearant to an Earl wch was before the Union, and they say the articles reachs them and their heirs ; it look as if these reason right, and that there wou'd be another attempt to settle this matter of the prerogative in a clearer light and the articles of Union. I believe all these new Lords will go plumb for the Q and Church, but as to the affair of the Scotch Peers they will not be all in a note. I was to day to wish my Lord Windsor joy, and he told me he and you used to go hand and hand in your preferments, but nov/ you had so far outstript him that there was no hopes of his overtaking you, unless his nephew and children died, and then he might be before. He spoke this only to show how the world went, for nobody cou'd have more sattisfaction in your preferment then he had. I believe he really wishs you well, but I can but think has some little burning of envy. Mr. Bathurst and all his family give them- selves airs as this grace and favour was purely her Majesty's goodness to them, and not at all their seeking ; so far I believe they are in the right, it came to them at a time they did not expect it, for if the T r cou'd have managed the house without them, they might yet be feed with promises. Lord Windsor told me he cou'd. not obtain the favour you did of having his brother in his patent ; 'twas what they all ask't, therefore the Queen would grant it to none. Sir Miles Wharton, since he cou'd not have it for his brother, has re- fused it for himself unless they will pay the fees, so you see he's left out of the list. * * * * London, /a««(try 4, 1712. Dear Brother, Wensday last the house of Lords meet and the new Lords were introduced one by one, and so were sworn. The 238 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Duke of Buckingham was for having them sworn all together to save time, my Lord T r saw that was not altogether the opinion of the house, so he pull'd the Duke and whisper'd him not to press that matter, and besides 'twas thought my Lord Treasurer might think there was a design in some to oppose the Patent of his son-in-law, for out of doors that matter had been much canvassed. They granted that an Earl's son in the eye of the law was no more then a com- moner, but if their Lordships' resolutions concerning the Duke of Hambleton were rightly grounded upon exceptions that are in the Articles of Union, then the same wou'd be good against Lord Duplin, for the words are — they and their heirs. He was introduced as John Hay, Esquire, created Lord Hay ; tho' he was last introduced I hear he has the precedence given him next the two Earles' sons. But there was nothing moved in that affair, the Lords reserv'd them- selves for one of greater consequence. As soon as the new Lords had been severally sworn my Lord Treasurer told them, according to the order of the house he had attended her majesty with their Address, and he read her answer, wch was to this effect, that she cou'd not imagine there cou'd be anybody after the speech she made them at the opening of the session, that cou'd doubt but that she had given her Plenipotentiars all necessary instructions in the affair of Peace. Then my Lord Keeper told them he had been with her Majesty that morning, and she had given him a message to deliver to the house under her hand and seal, wch he read, wch was to this effect, that having matters of great impor- tance to communicate to both houses she desired they wou'd adjourn themselves forthwith till Munday sevenight, till wch time the house of Commons stood adjourn 'd. Upon wch my Lord Sommers began, and said there were many Lords had more experience in the law of Parliament then he, but that for a great part of his life he had made it his study to be versed in the records of both houses, and in all his reading he cou'd never find that any such command ever came singly to either house from the Crown. He confest that such a command had been often sent to both houses at the same LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 239 time and comply'd with. He said 'twas a matter of such consequence that he hoped lords wou'd come to some reso- lution that their books might be search't, to see if there was any precident, but he wou'd not prescrib to them, but he thought they might appoint a committee immediatly to in- spect them ; and if there was no such precident found he did believe her majesty wou'd thank them for doing their duty to her and themselves in endeavouring to be rightly inform'd, and did not doubt but they wou'd find her majesty wou'd readily recall her command. My Lord Rivers the mean while Lord Sommers was speaking went about from one to t'other of the Court sides saying they shou'd not suffer it to be debated. Lord Scarsdale rise up and said he hoped no Body wou'd mind what that lord had said, but comply with her majesty's desire and adjourn forthwith, and therefore his motion was for adjourning. Lord Carmarvine said he seconded that Lord's motion to adjourn. Lord Notingham said sure Lords wou'd not be in such hast in such a matter that so nearly concern'd their Constitution, and he cou'd not but observe as had been observ'd before by another noble lord, there cou'd be no president found for the like, and 'twas an known and good maxime in the law that what never had been ought never to be ; nobody had more duty for her majesty then he, and shou'd ever show her more respect, and let people cast what reflections they pleased upon him, he wou'd always perform the part of an honest man. Such a command ought never to be sent to either house separatly, but if to either 'twou'd me more tollerable to the house of Commons, for they were not a court of judicature ; the house of Lords were judges of meum and timm, and there ought to be no stop in matters of justice ; there were several private causes appointed to be heard between this and the time the house of Commons were adjourn 'd. Lord Ferrars said he desired to answere that Lord who lay it down for a maxima that what never had been done ought never to be done, that everything had a bcgining, if otherways it wou'd be in vain to search for precedents ; but this was no extraordinary exercise of the prerogative, for the Queen's desire was that they wou'd 240 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. adjourn themselves, wch sure the house might do ; therefore he was for adjournment. Then Lord Sunderland rise up in a passion and said he was amazed lords shou'd so call out for the question and not give themselves time to look into their books ; nobody likewise had more respect for the Queen then he, but anything that was done irregular cou'd never be imputed to the crown, but the ministery, and 'twas of dan- gerous consequence to let such advise pass without any exa- mination, for who know what designes a ministery had to carry on ; if this was suffer'd to pass into a precedent, when- ever they found a majority in one house and not in t'other 'twas but for them to advise to have a command to have that house adjourn'd for a week, a month or for the time that wou'd serve their turn. I had forgot to tell you my Lord Steward had said before Lord Sunderland spoke that they might now adjourn according to her majestie's desire, and after when they met again examine if this was any prejudice to their preveledges, wch my Lord Sunderland set forth as a very trifling expedient. Lord Steward was nettled at him for his reflection upon the ministry, and said in obedience to her majesty's commands he wou'd not answere that lord now, wch wou'd be to run into a debate, but he wou'd take another time. Then Lord Godolphin spoke and was of the same mind as Lord Sunderland, still insisting upon the irregularity of adjourning one house and not th'other. Lord Treasurer answered him, and said he and other lords insisted upon a matter that cou'd not be known to them in that house, for, first, neither house ought to take notice what the other house is a doing, nor cou'd they search their records, and 'twas more then any body prove that the same message was not sent to the house of Commons. Lord Cooper and Lord Jernsey spoke against the adjourn, but nothing remarkable but what had been spoke of before. Lord Chomondley [spoke] for the adjournment in a manner remarkable enough, he told the house that he was lett into noe secreet of either, noding his head to this side and that side, saying neither of this side nor that side, so he was an impartial man, and in pure respect to her majesty shou'd be for complying with her LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 24 1 majestie's desire espiciall when she had t^iven them so good a reason as that she had matter of importance to communicate to both houses. They call'd out for the question, and for adjourning were sixty three, against it forty nine. The Whigs call'd out for the proxys, but they did not get much by that neither, for one side had 19 and t'other 18, wch was I have forgot now. We People that are not let into the secreet do suppose, from the Duke of Marlborough's being turn'd out, and the Queen's being ready to communicate to her Parlia- ment matters of importance, that a Peace is not far off. In one of yours you desire to hear what people say of you. I was yesterday in the city with a relation of my wife's, and there came up a marchant to us and told us for news that Mons. Hensius had intercepted two of your letters going to Mons. Torcy and thereby had discover'd secreets that were not to be known to the Dutch, and was going to tell how Mons. Hensius had pumpt and made you deny you had writ any such thing, and then pull'd out of his pocket a copy of your letter, wch you deny'd to be your hand, but you were whole confounded when he puU'd out an original letter of your own. But my cozen Palmer told him I was your brother, so I could hear no more of him. To day I saw Sir John Lambert* and he told me that in the city they had for this week spread about this ridiculous story, and that you was so disagreeable to the Dutch that they had desired you might be recall'd, and he offer'd to lay any of them in Garroway's coffee house a 100 guineas there was not a word of truth in either of the stories. Tho' they wou'd lay no wagers they had it from several of their correspondence as they said, you behaved yourself very haughtily to the Dutch, and was very imperious in your way to them ; and then they made a dia- loge between you and Prince Eugene, that when you was to perswade him from going into England you told him when the mob was up nobody cou'd answere for the mischeif they did, his reply was he that had done so much for the liberty * A wealthy merchant whom Harley had knighted for his pecuniary services to the Government. R 242 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. of Urope need never fear an English mob, who alhvays was of the side of those that were for liberty and property. I was at a place yesterday and there came in a lady and said she was just come from the Dutchess of Marlborough, and there was a message came from P E to know if the Duke was at home, but upon inquirery I found he was not come this morning. If he comes before to morrow there will be a crowding to see him at the opera. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.*] January 6, 1712. It is a new world since I had the honour to write to you, the D. of Marl, out of all his places, the D. of Ormond in some of them, twelve new Lords, at which some take offence, others laugh, tho' noe body can deny their being well chosen, at least most of them, for their estates and families. They will have it that the D. of Somerset is to be out, but I doe not hear it is soe yet. Her Grace looks melancholy, as I think she hath reason. I find P. Eugene will come in spight of the world, but his journey is not like to signify much unless some people here hope by his means to raise the mobb. It is reported that D. Hamilton is to be Master of the horse, but I am apt to think that story proceeds from himself, as that of his being Secretary of State last Summer. They say he and his countrey men have made an address to the Queen, about their being excluded the house of Lords, and that they flatter themselves with bringing that matter over again, but it is to be hoped that cannot be done. The Queen saw company on new year's day, where I had the honour to see My Lady Strafford. My Lord Windsor hath at last attained to what he hath soe long desired, but how a man of his singularity likes coming in with soe much com- pany, your Lordship knov/s better then I doe. Now you are entred upon your great business, I shall be afraid of writing, unless it be to put you in mind now and then of your Lord- ship's most humble and most obedient Servant. * William, fourth baron, at this time Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. letters of lady strafford. 243 [Lady Wentwokth.] St. James's Square, January 8, 1712. My dearist and best of children, a thoussand thancks to you for the kyndness of yours of the 12 of this instent, but I shall never thinck it possable for any dog to compaer to charming Perl, I never goe anywhear without her except to church. Hear is a straing unnaturell reporte of Lady Abar- gane that she has in pation kild her own child about seven year old, she having been a great while whiping it, my Lord being greeved to hear it crye soe terryably went into the roome to beg for it, and she threw it with such a forse to the ground she broack the scul ; the girle leved but fower howers after it. I am sure never any letter from me was half soe welcome as this will be, although I never will yeeld that any creeture can lov you better then, dear soul, your moste infenit affectionat mother. [P.S. /// Lady Strafford's ]iaiuhvritiug7\ Lady Wentworth tells me you are very fond of folly, I am glad of it beleiving you will grow fonder than ever of me sence Folly has your Affection. I have taken it into my head that Prince Eugen has been som time or othere wounded in the , for I never see any body sit down so stiff. I here the Whiggs are very angry with you, I think 'tis for you credite, for they never love any body that is good. I am my dearest Life and Soul more then I can express my self yours intirly. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 8, 1713. .... Prince Eugin was with the Queen a Sonday night, Mr. St. Johns went with him. I hear he is very much morti- fied at the Duke of Marlborough being out of favore. The Duke of Shrewsbury is still named for Ireland, his Duchess is very ill of a feavore I goe to day in all my aires to see the Prution envoy's lady, and the Ds. of Buckingham sees R 2 244 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. company, so design to goe there to-night. I hear Mr. Prior is discontented and dos not thinke the court dos well by him. I was told to-day that the Queen will not consent to have ethere the Duke or Duchess of Somerset taken from her I sent you word in the begining of this that the Queen was to have a Drawing room to night for Prince Eugen ; but she has a little of the goute, so she had non. But I went to make a viset to the Duchess of Ormond, and Prince Eugen cam to make her a viset, so she told him who I was. Jack How's son has run away with Mrs. Thynn, Lord Weymouth's neece. I am jest com from the Prution Envoy's lady, she is hand- som, but her face is exactly like a sign in the Strand where they sell Babys ; * she cant speak a word of English, she told me she se you at the Hague. St. James's Square, January ii, 1712. .... The mobb are so fond of Prince Eugen that his coach can hardly goe about. 'Twas generaly said when he first came that he would only keep company with the Whiggs, but except the Duke of Marlborough he's alltogethere with the Court party ; he dines to-day with the Duke of Ormond. I hear if the Duchess of Somerset goes out the D. of Ormond will have the key. The queen is going to marry two of her maids, Mrs. Scarborough to Sir. Robert Jenkeson, and Mrs. Warburton to won of a great estate and a great Whigg, but I cant tell his name. The Duke of St. Albans is out of his place, and the Duke of Beauford has it. The Prusian Envoy was here to-night and brought me my laced twilete ; I like it very well as I doe every thing you doe, and thank you for it. .... Pray take notis of an advertisemente I think in one of the Post Boys of Mother Jenings and Madam du Soison, mothere to Prince Eugen. f * Dolis. t Writing again on the 1 5th January, Lady Strafford says : — " The Ladys here dont admire Prince Eugene, for he seemes to take very little notis of them"; and in the same letter: — "that frittfuU creature Prince Eugene takes up everybody's conversation." LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 24S [Lord Berkeley of Strattox.] Jamcary 11, 1712. I had the happyness of a letter from your Lordship at a time when I least expected it, dated the day that we thought the Congress was to begin, which I find now was put off for some days, but I hope you will now soon enter upon the business, and accomplish it to your wishes. Prince Eugene I suppose hath altered his plan, since he finds the D. of Marlborough out of all his places, and they say he will stay here but a little while. There are mighty crowds in a morning to see him, and he is invited every day about to dinner and is I think generally liked. He dines to day at the D. of Ormond's, who is yet only general of the forces in England. The D. of Marlborough is very uneasy at the report of the Commissioners of Accounts, and they say, with reason, for that there will be open'd such a scene of corruption as never was known. However Mountains often bring forth mice, tho' noe body can doubt his greediness hath got the better of his understanding. There hath gone about a most impertinent lye concerning your Lordship, of some of your letters being intercepted to I doe not know who in France, with God knows what in them, and that you were order'd to goe away, as Count Gallas was here. Tho' I was sure it was a most notorious lye, it was soe often repeated, that I askd My Lord Poulet about it, and found with great satisfaction, not only the falseness of the report, but that your whole behaviour was intirely approved by the Ministers. I am afraid Mr. Powell never received my letter, which I should he sory for, because I shall be undone if he does not now and then send me word how your Lordship does, when I cannot hope to hear it from your self. I begun to write late, or your Lordship had had a longer trouble. 246 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Peter Wentworth.] 'Lo^DOU, January 11, 17 12. Dear Brother, This interval of Parliament there's very little news to tell you, well made me miss last post. The wonder is still why the Duke of Sommerset is not out, the town says he has promised to come into all the measures of the ministry, and now they see that his assiduity has made the Queen loath to part with him, that they might not seem to press her so much as the late ministry did, they give themselves an air as if they will act cheerfully with him, tho' he's not removed. He went to Sion yesterday, and he cannot move without some fresh talk about him, but everything one hears wou'd be too im- pertinant to trouble you with. The Duke of Beauford had a great levee this morning to wish him joye of the Duke of St. Alban's place, the band of pensioners. Some people will argue the Duke of Sommerset is yet to be out, and that he only stays in till they cou'd perswade the Duke of Beauford to be sattisfied with this place, the master of the horse being designed for some other. You have heard that P. Eugene had an audience of the Queen Sunday at six a clock ; he did not stay above a quarter of an hour with her. He has show'd himself much to the Ladies, for a Munday night he was at Lady Betty Germain's Assemblee, and there were ladys came there that had never been there before to see Lady Betty, which made a crowd ; the next was Lady Harvey's and there was the like company. Wednesday was the Opera and there he brought a great crowd, so much that Operas are to be perform'd thrice a week whilst he stays here. He has been to return all the vissits of the ministry, they say he's to dine with Lord Treasurer to-morrow. He was at the Dutchess of Shrewsbury's assemblee last night where I had stairing enought of him, but I had more modesty then most of the ladies, for I saw none of them scruple as fast as they cou'd get up to see him, to look him full in the face, tho' he was looking at them. He sup that night at the Duke of Shrews- LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 247 bury's ; Nicholinia sung. Prince Eugene's levee is mightily crouded, for a world of people of fashion goes there with [out] ever being presented to him, for we are very curious of seeing what has been so much talk't of; I defer'd my curi- osity till yesterday. It has been industriously spread about the town, the congress had been put off for a further time, but I am glad to find by your letter to day, tho' some of our Politians here will pretent 'tis not sufficient, for to afford her M matter enough to let her P sett a Munday, but there must still be another adjournment. This week I was up in the city, there I heard it reported that the Dutch was fiting out a great fleet, and when you ask't them what they meant by't, they told you they never ask't the Q what she meant when she was fiting out a great fleet for the expe- dition to Canada. They has reported there likewise that you have been damn'd uneasie to have one sent that must take place of [you]. I told them I had the honour to be acquainted with my Lord Strafford and that he and all his friends were very well satisfied with it, for if you had been a Duke by his office of Privy Seal he must have his place, and nobody cou'd be better together then you two were, which I am glad to find confirm'd by your letter I received to-day London, /rt:«««ry 12, 17 12. Dear Brother, The Whigs are pleased to give out that there was but very odd figures at Court of the Birthday, and that there was no Women fitt to look at but my Lady Strafford, Lady Lansdown, and Lady North. They gave out before that there wou'd be very little company, and 'twas said the Queen wou'd not come out; but there was as much fine cloaths as ever, and I thank God the Queen appear'd both morning and afternoon as usual, and the next day had got no cold but was rather better then before, and a friday I was out with her to take the air in Hide Park. On her Birth day she gave P E a sword sett with diamonds, the Queen being to be car- ried in her chair from her dressing room to the great Drawing 248 THE WEXTWORTH PAPERS. room, everybody but the ladies in waiting and my Lord Chamberlain was keept out of that appartment ; but when the Queen goes in her chair 'tis my business to be there, so I saw my Lord Chamberlain come in with P Eugene alone and go into the dressing room, and after staying 2 or 3 minutes he came out with the Sword the Queen had given him in his hand, and then pull'd off his own Sword and gave it to a page of the back stairs that stood at his elbow, and put on t'other. There was better order keept this birthday then ever I saw, at night the Guards were doubled, some people affirm there was no accation for't, but only to show their diligence and over and above care, and to cast an odium upon some people, but other people that pretent to know more say 'twas no work of supperrogation but what was absolutely necessary. 'Twas talk't of as if the Duke of M intended to make a ball that night at his house, but when he found how it was took as a sort of vying with the Court, he let it alone, but the Dutchess of Marlborough did send to several Ladies to invite them to a danceing a friday night. I know some ladies she invited, but that morning there was papers cry'd about the Street as representing it a design to sett up for themselves, that there was several people that had made cloath for that day that had not for the birthday ; so they put off their Ball but sent to all the Ladies they had invited there wou'd be no danceing but that the Dutchess wou'd be at home, and shou'd be glad to see any of them that wou'd come. The Queen was at the house a Saturday and past three publick Bills and my Lord Gore's, P E was in the house and all the lords had their robs on ; and there I saw the Scotch Lords, who has given out they will go to the house no more, and they say they went then purely out of respect to the Queen. In the Private cause between lord Moon and Duke Hambleton there was none of them there, the votes were equal, so proxys being called for Lord Moon cried it by 3. Yesterday I hear most of them was in the house and there was a great debate whether the Scotchs shou'd be heard by Counsil before the Bill for tolleration of Epicopacy be read, wch is sent up by the house of commons ; 'twas carried that counsel shou'd be LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 249 heard on Wednesday, that is to morrow, so I intend to attend this house that day, for whilst counsel is at the bar they that can crowd may hear. I have been told by those that were members of the house of commons at the time the Union was treated of that that matter was fully debated, and a tolleration insisted on for the Episcopacy by the Archbishop of York's son with a great many reasonable arguments ; but he was told by the members for Scotland that the Episcopacy there was better then if they had any such bill, for there was no law against them in Scotland, and a tolleration wou'd suppose they lay under the misfortune of being against the laws in being, and there was liberty for them to preach and pray as they pleased, so that they took the oaths to the Government. Then 'twas Mr. Sharp's business to show them a law against them, wch he did as he thought by producing their Statute book, where any minister that shou'd read the Liturgy of the church of England to a congregation forfeit so many marks for the first offence, and for the second or third Banishment ; but that was proved by the Scots to be meant only against their own Mini.sters of the Kirk, and so look't upon by the house. So the business fell and is now revived out of a mischeivous intention to the peace of the kingdoms, or by those whose Zeal is more predominant then their prudence. As far as I hear of this Bill there's no accation to make such a noise about it one way nor t'other Whiteman's lieutenant Coll. writs that he's affair [sic afraid i*) his men will have their throats cut in their beds. The Scotch Guards and some other Scotch regiments are sent for here and others are to to from hence in their room. If we had but once a good Peace we shou'd be better able to deal with these sort of people. I am pleased to hear the discourse continues that the Master of the horse is keept for you. I was told b}' a lord that another Lord told him when he ask't for't he was answer'd 'twas keept for you, and that I heard again by another, and Dr. English told me but yesterday that he had it from v^ery great men, that you wou'd ccrtainl)- have it, tho' 250 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. the town reports 'tis either for you or the Duke of Argile, but he's pretty sure 'tis not designed for him, 'tis not yet put into commission. I have seen of late Sir Stephen Fox go often to the Queen, wch was the only thing that given me an opinion such a commission might be. I was told a story to day wch I will not affirm for truth till I have inquired farther into't. 'Twas that a Gentleman desired to speak to the Queen, and the Dutchess of Ormond being in waiting wou'd have introduced him, but she was told by the page of the back stairs, that the Dutchess of Sommerset was just gone and had left orders that nobody shou'd be permitted to speak to the Queen till she came again. 'Tis certain the Dutchess of Somerset remains in great esteem with the Queen still. My Lady Masham is not yet declar'd lady of the Bedchamber, lady Katherine Hide has waited as such. The day before the birth day I was to know if the Queen wou'd go abroad ; she wou'd not go out but bid me have the chair in readiness the next day, so I found I cou'd not avoid being seen by her and my cloath not being come from Holland I took up a resolution to make a plain suit and was telling my Lady Burlington my disappointment, who told me she knew several in my case &c., but when she went abroad with the Queen she told her all I had said to her, so that my complyment was better made to the Queen, then if I had not been disappointed. 'Twas very obliging of Lady Burlington for which I tell you the story. I wish I had my mony again, lett who wou'd have the cloaths. There's five mails come in and I have just now received the favour of four Letters from you of 5th, 9th, 12th, i6th. And when I go out I shall be flock't about for news. Before I came in I went into St. Jameses coffee house and there they said the french had explain'd themselves upon their proposals and that we shou'd have canidy, Hudson's bay, and the same trade in the West indias as we had in the time of King Charles the 2nd ; Dunkirk shou'd be demollish't, but the Emperor was to renounce all his pretensions to the Kingdome of spain, and the Spanish flanders, but was to have Naples and some other places in Italy, Lisle and Douay to be restor'd to the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 251 French, and there they shook their heads and more when they said the Elector of Bavaria and Cologne were to be restored. They run on with forty things more wch were invented upon the coming of the Messengers, for the Mails were not yet come to town. They ask't me, I told them I knew nothing for I had not my letters. I had heard you and others say before you sent me a copy of the Pentonary letter that you was very well with him, and therefor I did with a great deal of courage affirm it to be a lye and made story ; and shall take care that nobody shall see any of your letters but to whom it may be of service to you. That I may not make your packet too big I must beg the favour of you to tell Mr. Powel I have received three letters from him, and thank him for the trouble I have given him, but I hear nothing of my cloaths. I am glad he has received the Bill and shall writ to him next post ; I fear my cloaths are lost because they had not a charge of them from you. LonDOi^, January 15, 17 12. Dear Brother, Yesterday the house of lords was very full, and there was great expectations to hear what the Queen wou'd say, and likewise what lord Notingham, it having been given out that he was to open the eyes of the world. The Lords and we intruders waited till almost two a clock till my Lord Keeper came ; I was told there was a cabinet council seting at the Cock-pit, but my Lord Keeper told the house he was coming to wait upon them according to his [promise ?] but he received a Message from her Majesty to come to her im- mediately, wch he did, and she had given him this Message under her sign manual to deliver to the house, that she de- signed to have been Personally there, but she was taken with a sudden fit of the Gout. By the blessing of God she hope to be well to come a thursday next, therefore she desired they wou'd adjourn till that time forthwith, wch was readily 252 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. comply'd with. I have been told that the Queen was not to have given any account of the progress of the Peace, but 'twas to have been upon the subject of the representation of the Scots. The Queen's answerc to them they keep as a great secreet, as 'tis fiting they shou'd, for the Queen bid them do so till she had laid it before the P 1. My Lord Rivers took me by the hand in the house and desired me as often as ever I writ to you, I wou'd present his service to you and assure you nobody was more your humble servant then he. My Lord Masham follow'd him, and told me he had the favour of a letter from you, and he wou'd take the liberty to answere. Lord Steward [Paulet] told me he had received a letter from you that day, and that you was very well. Having very little news to send you I fill my letter with those that desire their service to you. Lord Windsor show'd me the letter you writ to wish him joy, he told me he had his answere ready for you, wch before this I suppose you have received, for 'twas three or four posts agoe since he show'd it me. The Whigs still continue to report the Peace was sign'd at Windsor the beginning of October, and that the Dutch know the very persons that was by, and every circumstance of it as all that was said and done at that time. They say if the Allies come into't, 'twon't be known publickly, those private trans- actions ; but if the Treaty shou'd break off the world wou'd ring with it, and they say if it shou'd prove a good Peace, the Ministry here wou'd have the glory on't, if an ill one you and my Lord P S wou'd have the odium of signing on't. I hope to God the Queen will be well enough to come to the house a Thursday, for some report her worse then she's, others that 'tis but a Politick gout. Prince Eugene saw the Queen a Sunday after chapel for three minutes. The Duke of Sommerset is not out yet, they say he's gone done to Marlborough to set up a Whig in the room of Lord Bruce. I was told that Saturday last the Queen took all her cloaths and devided them herself in six several heaps, and stood by whilst the bedchamber Women choose as they were eldest, and that Lady Masham took in her turn, and 'tis given out as if she will continue Bedchamber Woman. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTPf 253 London, y««««ry 18, 17 12. Dear Brother, Yesterday there was a world of people at Westminster expecting what the Queen wou'd say to the houses of P . My Lord Keeper brought her Message in writing and read it, 'twas the same as that to the house of Commons, wch you see in the votes, only the affair of the Scotch Peers was more to the house of Lords. She told them 'twas a matter of im- portance and desired there advise and that they wou'd take it into consideration, whether her prerogative shou'd be perticu- larly bound as to them. My Lord Clarendon moved that an Address might be made to express their concern that her Majesty's indisposition continued, wch prevented them the honour of her presence, and to give her thanks for her great condescention in assuring them they shou'd know the terms of the Peace before 'twas concluded. Lord Winchelsea seconded the motion, Lord Scarborough he rise to speak only to order, he approved of the motion that had been made and seconded, but 'twas irregular to have any motion made till the Queen's speech had been read by the clerk. Lord Clarendon beg the pardon of the house if he had made his motion out of order, for he own'd he was not well acquainted with the order of the house. Lord Abington rise up to justifie the regularity, for this was not a speech spoke by the Queen, but a Message sent to the house by the Lord Keeper, and that when the Queen did make a speech, it was not read by the clerk till reported to the house again by the keeper, and so read as is reported ; but there was more respect to be paid any thing that came so immediately from the Queen under the sign manual. Lord Keeper made the same distinction as Lord Abington, but said if any lord desired to hear it again he was ready to read it again. Then Lord Clarendon made his motion and was seconded as before, wch was agreed to readily. Then Lord Treasurer spoke that the other parts of the Queen's Message shou'd be taken into consideration and thought it absolutely necessary that some things shou'd be done to satisfie so great a part of the Nation, and wish't 254 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. some expedient might be found out. Lord Godolphin said as 'twas thought a matter of such weighty consideration 'twou'd require some time, and therefore he proposed the house might to morrow go into a committee of the whole house for that business, wch the house came readily into. Then Lord Notingham desired leave to bring in a Petition of the Executors of Francis Lord Anglesea, wch was read setting forth that they cou'd not perform the Will of the Dead by reason the Duke of Buckingham stood upon his previledge, and as they were advised by council, the Duke cou'd not make use of his previledge, therefore they pray'd the opinion, and the order of the house that no use might be made of Previledge. Then Lord Angelsea laid the case before the Lords, wch in short was that his brother* had left his Daughter in Lord Haversham's Guardianship, and besides the twelve thousand pound, left her by settlement, he had left her 3000/. more and three hundred a year mentainance, with a proviso that she never saw her mother nor the lady Dotchester. If it cou'd be proved she had been in either of their companys for twelve hours she was to forfeit the 3000 and the 300 mentenance. He expressed the great concern he had for his brother's memory, and how desirous he was to perform his Will according to law, wch he was prevented by a pretended Previledge. Here the Duke of Buckingham said never any man stood less upon Previledge then he did, and in this case 'twas the better time, the sooner 'twas de- cided ; if so, Lord Angelsea desired he wou'd declare before the house he wou'd wave his previledge. The Duke said no, as they said he had none he was of opinion he had, and therefore he wou'd have the determination of the house. Then Lord An • related how the Duke got his Neice from Lord H Executor, he had an habeas corpus brought into the Queen's Bench to produce the child before the judges, and when she was there the Dutchess stood of one side of the child and the Duke of t'other cokesing on't, and when the * The Duke of Buckingham had married the widow of the late Lord Anglesey, brother of the present Lord. She was a natural daughter of James IL by Lady Dorchester. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 2$ 5 judges ask't the child who shou'd be its guardians, she said she wou'd go home with her Mamma. For eight years he had never made any endeavours to get the child, but if he was rightly informed he said to one of her guardians she was now allmost twelve years old and 'twas time to get her a husband, and what a miserable condition his poor neice must be if she was to be made a prey for her mony, she that had a prospect to be worth 6000 a year, besides 15000 or 16000/. The Duke of Buckinc^ham rise in a oassion and said 'twas false and not a word of truth in what my Lord A had told the house, and said whilst the child was with Lord Haversham he thought her in very good hands and never desired to have it removed, but he wou'd leave it to be judged who was most likely to sell the child, the mother and he, or a private Gentleman who wou'd have the Guardianship of her and had a son of her age, and then said something of how ill he had been paid the Dutchess jointure. My Lord Angelsea said since he inention the jointure he wou'd tell the house how he used the estate when he got possession ; he let all run to ruin, and in arrears and order'd his agent to manage the estate so as 'twou'd cmbarass the heir to make any thing on't and this he cou'd show under his [hand ?]. The Duke of Buckingham said a man that cou'd talk so un- parliamentary wou'd not scruple to tell any untruth, and all that he had now told the house w^as so. Lord Angelsea rise to answere him, then the house call'd them to order, and had the order of the house read to them and made them declare upon their words and honours it shou'd go no further. The sport to some standers by (sic), for there past some pretty smart repartee between them that was not spoke out to the house but loud enough for those that stood by. There was very good debating in the house of commons but I cou'd not get in there, you see by the publick prints the effect on't. I heard some say to day joking since the D. of M busi- ness was to come on next thursday 'twas necessary to kill his Bull Dog. I heard S"" Thomas Hanmore made a very fine speech and among other things he observed Sir F. Bacon's case who was thought guilty of bribery that all the proves 256 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. lay against his servants that had taken bribes, but Mr. Walpool was the first that ever took bribes for his servants. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 18, 17 12. .... I fancy you and I could live very prettyly at Twittenham by our selves in a rurall romantick way ; I must confess 'twould not be very much in the modem way of living, but that's no matter so long as we like it The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort are the fondest of won an- othere in the world, I fear 'tis to hot to hold. He's never out after seven a clock at night, and if he has any company he takes an opertunity to tell them they must be gon by that time; and if he comes home and the Duchess is abrod he sends all the town over to fetch her home to keep him company. Now I own I fancy peaple may love won anothere as well without making so great a rout. . . . 'Twas carred by a great majority for sending Mr. Walpole to the Tower ; my father is very tite to the court party, which I am very glad of, he sate in the house of commons till allmost past twelve a clock last night to give Mr. Walpole a helping hand to the Tower. The Queen has still the gout in both feet which makes peaple think she can hardly be well enough to goe to the house a Monday I have used the utmost of my skill to make a Tory of Mr. Elleson, but in vain. [Peter Wentworth.] LONDOii, January 22, 17 12. Dear Brother, They have made such a strick order that now at least for some time there's no geting into the house of Lords to hear there debates ; but I hear they have declared the Duke of Buckingham is to have no previledge in the case of the Petitioners, and that my Lord Treasurer and the rest of the LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 257 court, that spoke to have some expedient found to sattisfie the Scotch peers, cxpress'd themselves in wishes that some thing might be found out to content them, rather then in naming any. 'Twas by some put upon the Scots in the house to propose some, but they seem'd not prepear'd, so 'twas put off again till yesterday ; and when it came then to be con- sider'd, they cou'd come to no resolution but have appointed Thursday next to take it into farther consideration. Yesterday there was leave given to bring in a Bill for the tolleration of Episcopacy in Scotland, which they say is a little unseason- able to do a thing that will disoblige the common people before they have done anything to oblige the Lords. Friday night the Duke of Sommerset came to town and was with the Queen on Saturday morning ; and when he came home from St. James's he puU'd off the Queen's liverys from his men, so 'tis known he's out. That week the Dutchess was in waiting, so she appear'd a Sunday with the key ; some say yesterday she resign'd it, but one can know nothing till we see her again, for there's [no] believeing any thing but one's own eyes. There's nobody Master of the horse yet, Duke Hambleton puts in for't, and his friends give out he's like to have it. 'Tis talkt in town that it will be put into commission of some time, but 'tis most likely the Duke of Ormond will have it, tho' he's not so solicitous as the Duke of Hambleton for't. The Queen's message has given a general sattisfaction. I was told by a lord to-day that Lord Notingham made a speech for an hour against having the last words in the address inserted. The cheif of his argument was that it wou'd be giving a sanction to any Peace the ministry shou'd make. * * * * [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] January 25, 17 12. Two letters I have of your Lordship's before me, convince me of what I thought impossible, that there could be an encrease of the obligations I owe you, since I see that noe hurry, noe business can put me intirely out of your thoughts. S 258 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Your Lordship will see now that the wind is changed, how quiet we are notwithstanding all endeavours to the contrary. The addresses of both houses will be an encouragement for you Ministers to goe on, and Prince Eugene is likely to find his journey ineffectual, but is in some danger of being kill'd with good cheer, having been allow'd but one day to dine at home. It is not known who is to be the D. of Somerset's Successor. Some say 'twill be for some time in Commission others name the D. of Ormond, and D. Hamilton himself, and they say Dss. Hamilton hath made her stays of late with loops for the gold key, but it is not well known whether that place will be to be disposed of, tho' some people will reckon but half the work done if she continues, but it is said that the Queen hath writ to the D. of Somerset to desire he would let his wife continue in her place, and that he shews the letter ; I can hardly think it true. You will hear the Votes of the house of Commons upon Lord Marlborough, which are to be layd before the Queen, and hang over his head to keep him in awe. He was to day at the house of Lords looking pretty cheerful. The Lords have been taken up with finding out relief for the Scotch Peers, who take their case very heavily, and D. Hamilton hath never been at the house since his patent was disallowed. They are not likely to find much redress, and hitherto there is very little progress made in their business. I am glad you have the satisfaction of a colleague you like, for it is noe small plague I believe when the contrary happens. I have noe acquaintance with him, but I have always heard a great deal of good of him, and that his wife hath a great deal of merit and good understanding. You guessed very right of the two new Lords, for I never saw more satisfaction in any faces then theirs, and if they were made by hundreds as they are by dozens, there are people would be glad to be of the number. I shall ever desire to be in that of your Lordship's most devoted humble Servants. There is a Prussian envoy with an orange ribbond, the truest German I ever saw for drinking and everything else, who they say hath a pretty wife. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 259 January 29, 17 12. I sit down to write to your Lordship by a kind of mechanick motion, forc'd by a natural bent, always inclining me towards you, without considering whether I have anything worth sending you ; but now it comes in my head that, people being much upon the reserve, and I not very inquisitive, I seldom hear anything but what is stale, for a little patience brings out every thing, and two or three days sooner or later makes no great difference with me. I dare say you know more then I doe of the D. of Marlborough's business, for I am con- founded between the contradictions I hear, some will have it that he hath taken vast sums that did not belong to him, others with great confidence affirm he hath had less then other Generals. Sir John Germain was brought witness for him, who in his ill English said that he had heard some people say that it was usual for Generals to take those sums for intelligence ; but they have not yet done with his Grace, and there are other things that will lye heavy upon him, particularly the loss of great numbers of men, for want of hospitals and surgeons, which being chargeable he took for himself the money which should have maintained them. On Thursday they goe upon the treaty of barriere, a very sore place, that I doe not know how My Lord Townsend will get over. My Lady Harryet Rialton, and her sister Sunderland have both writ to the Dss. of Somerset to acquaint the Queen that since their father was out, they desir'd leave to give up their places. I wish with all my heart My Lady Strafford was to succeed one of them, for noe body would better become it. Prince Eugene din'd yesterday at my Lord Treasurer's and designs to appear in great splendor at the birth day, in a fine equipage. Hitherto he hath had but one footman. I hear just now that Lady Catherine Hyde is Lady of the bedchamber. S 2 260 THE WENTWORTII PAPERS. [Peter Wentworth.] London, January 29, 171 2. Dear Brother, Since the lords won't admit any body to hear their debates 'tis a difficult matter to know what to writ ; one tells it one way, another another way, as the debate last Friday was related to me, which made me not writ to you last post. But upon farther inquirery I know the matter right now, which was that after a long debate they only came to a declarative sentance, that the manner of sending Scotch peers might be altered, without any breach of the Union, at the request of the whole body of Scotch peers. 'Twas put at first by the consent, but that word was cryed out against by several, as leaving them still a legislative power. There was a division whether the house shou'd be resum'd and the reso- lution reported to the house then, or adjourn ; 'twas carried by 8 to resume the house, which was proposed by my Lord Treasurer, and before the house rise this day was appointed for the committee to sit again to take this matter into farther consideration. What they do more in't I shan't be able to tell you till next post. In the house of Commons they are to read the Bill for the Toleration of Episcopacy the third time to-day, the Scotch to a man is against it, and have converted some people who were for the first and second reading. Sir Harry Johnson told me this morning he had been sent to, to attend, for both sides were mustering up all their forces. Prince Eugene has been every day entertain'd at some great man's. Lord Portland has given him in one day a dinner, musick, and a dancing ; everything was mighty fine there. The Duke of Buckingham treated him a Saturday, and if he did not outdo Lord Portland within doors he did without, for he had a whole regiment of the militia all in buff, to stand to their armes for the Prince's coming, and going from his house, «)« «fC SfC 'T^ LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 26 1 LOHDO'S, Fein/arj' i, 17 12. Dear Brother, The house of Lords met yesterday, and my Lord North complain'd of the sermont that was preach't by the Bishop of N the Martyrdom day ; he owned he was not there but wished lords that was there would recollect their memory. Lord Abington said he was there but cou'd not remember the very words, but the drift of the sermon seem'd to be calculated to extenuate the crimes of the rebellion, by reminding his audience that the Royal Martyr was the occasion of it by the prosecution of the ship money, &c. The Bishop of Sarum thanked God he was there and professt he never heard a better, and that there was nobody cou'd find fault with it, but those that were against the late happy revolu- tion. Upon that the lords call'd out " to the bar," the Bishop rise in confussion and profest to God he did not mean any lord in that house, for sure it cou'd not be thought he cou'd be so indiscreet ; there was very few lords at the Sermon, but a very full congregation of other people. His excuse was taken and then the Duke of Bolton said the Lords cou'd not judge of his sermon without they would order it to be printed, so the business, for those that thought it an ill sermon wou'd not be for publishing it. They had a division [that] day upon passing a Bill sent up by the Commons to repeal the Act of Naturalisation ; the Scots lords to a man went out of the house and would not vote one way or another, but 'twas carried by 18; which some people that are very good friends with the Queen and court was very glad it happen'd so, for without them they cou'd have carried it by two, and it seems they give themselves airs as to whatever side they shall go to 'twill make a majority, and for that reason they think they are to be deny'd nothing they shall ask of the court [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, February 8, 17 12. 'Tis a hard task my Dearest life for me to be allmost three weeks and not hear from you, tho' I hope to have a good 262 THE WENTWORTH PArERS. many letters togethere. I must tell you that 'twas allowed I had the most Jewells of any body there, and the Queen told me I was very fine and my cloths was very handsom ; and I thought myself very handsom, I hope if you had seen me you'd have been of the same opinion. Mrs. Scarborough the maid of honour was marred to Sir Robert Jenkeson, they gave favours to non but the court, except myself. Generall Webb's daughter is com in maid of honour in her room. I think I never knew anything so much talked of as your being to be master of the horse, and if 'tis put into commition brothere Wentworth will be one I hear Prince Eugene is turn'd Tory, and the Duke of Ormond is the person that has made a convert of him. I believe in a little time you'll hear sister Arundell is run mad with pride, for I never see any take so much state upon her in my life as she dos, and because she could not be as fine as I and goe to Court on the Birth, all Lady Wentworth cou'd say she would not com to se me drest. And because she has noe coach I offer'd to call to carry her to church, and a Sonday when I went she let me stay som time and sent word she had not sleept well and so could not goe ; but as she is very great with Lady Massam I will be very civill to her. I doe love sister Betty very, and I realy believe she loves me, and we make shift to romp togethere every day, but she allways comes by the worst.* I have noe news to send you, so will torment you no longer than to tell you I am intirely yours. St. James's Square, February 12, 1712. .... Lord Massam and Lord Bathurst is named for being in the Commission of Master of the Horse, tell your Excel- lency comes home. The Duchess of Summerset told me a Sonday that noe Body was so fine of the Birthday as I, * On January 15 this year Lady Wentworth wrote that she was sure it would be much to her daughter's advantage to be a good deal with her sister-in-law, "for I thinck Betty a very fyne woman, only wants a little polishing to make her compleat, and Lady Strafford's sweet and easy temper and gentle meen will take ofe the rufness of the other, for Betty has a great deal of wit and very good natured."' LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 263 indeed it cost me a great deal of mony. The town has made out a story of the Duchess of Shrewsbery and Lady Oxford. The Duchess of Shrewsbery told me of it, she says they will allways make a story of her every year, but she likes this the best. They say she went to see Lady Oxford and she said, " Madam I and my Lord are so weary of talking Politicks, what are you and your Lord .''" and Lady Oxford sighed and said "she knew no Lord but the Lord Jehova," and the Duchess made answer again " Oh, dear ! Madam, who is that } I believe 'tis won of the new Titles, for I never heard of him before." St. James's Square, February 15, 1712. I believe, my Dear, Utricht produces more news than this place, tho' about three weeks agoe there was a story about town that fritten'd me out of my witts ; I did not sleep for three nights. 'Twas that a letter of yours was intercept'd going into France against the States of Holland, and that they had set a gaurd about the door tell they cou'd send you in disgrace out of there country ; and I keept myself in this frite longer than I need, for I wou'd not ask peaple what they thought for fear they should think I believ'd it ; and I look'd like a thing dead, but I told every body I had a great cold and it lay mightly in my head. So your poor Pug has been in great cares about you, tho' not without all the reason in the world, for what ever is any concern to you is dubly so to me. My diamond necklace is now the finest as well as my earrings of any body's in town. I must tell you that I wish as much as you for your being Master of the Horse ; but if we have it not we have more happiness than ten thousand in this town, which is our love to won anothere, which no body can take from us Prince Eugene has given an order to six ladys and six men. The ladys are the four Marlborough daughters and the Duchess of Bolton and Lady Berkely. 'Tis a medall — Cupid on won side with a sword in won hand and a fann in the othere, and the othere side is Cupid with a bottle in his hand with a sword run through it. And the motto's are in French which I dare not write to you 264 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. but the English is " won don't hinder the othere." I desire you'll send me som more of those French paper, for I take a great deal of pains and have translated it all. I have sent you the Examaners ; I thought you might like to have the set, so I got you all this year's and will send them to you every week, tho' I hope there will not be many before I am so happy as to see you. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] February 15, 17 12. After a tedious dead time for news, the wind changed, and brought six packets, and to me the satisfaction of three letters from your Lordship and some circulars, for all which I return a thousand thanks, desiring the continuance of soe much goodness, and as for the circulars I am always glad of them because my Lord Strafford is constantly mentioned in them, but I must tell you the French proposals doe not goe down well here. I am sure tho' I am one of the heartyest wishers for peace, I should have been mighty glad the clamour had been prevented by some better offers, and I still hope they make some further, since in no bargain the most is offered at first. Besides Dunkirk which they must be pay'd for, I do not see they yield any thing, which does not look like people who have had the worse of the War. I am sorry to have those who love making complaints, have any colour for it. We had a tedious debate on Wednesday about the toleration in Ireland, but at last the Bill past in the committee with some amendments. The thing is without dispute v^ery reasonable, but I could wish and soe did many more who did not care to own it, that it had been let alone, things of that kind having been mischevious in Scotland where the Presbyterian clergy is very povverfull, and the generality inclined to St. Germains. I suppose the promise of laying the Peace before the Parlia- LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 26$ ment was to prevent any uneasyness they might have upon that subject, but the effect of all concessions of that kind, have for the most part, instead of satisfying the people, occasioned more unreasonable demands. I would not willingly have My Lady Strafford see the letter about the Princess of Auvergne, who I fancy you are half in love with, but I hear this unhappy Princess hath married her gentleman of the horse. We must not wonder at such things that have always happened in the world. I have seen her brother the Duke of Aremberg a very pretty young man, his legs ex- cepted, that were very crooked. They tell us the Dauphiness is dead, and that the Dauphin may marry one of the arch- dutchesses, and put the Emperour in better humour. They say nothing yet of P. Eugene's going, tho' his present was enough to put him in mind of it, since those things are generally given at parting. I saw it and thought it very rich and genteele, and the diamonds very white. My Lady Strafford lookd very well there. Your last letter was brought me by one Barton a Messenger whom I remem- ber long agoe at My Lord Jerseys, and I thought of sending this by him, for he goes to night, but I could not get it ready time enough. At his return if you write by him I believe it will come very safe. The report of the Master of the Horse being kept for you hath been here as well as in Holland, upon what grounds I cannot tell, but I heartily wish it you. That matter I think lyes asleep, for I hear noebody else named. Since I writ this, I hear the Dauphin is alsoe dead. If that Kingdom falls under a minority, they may be torn by factions as well as we. The house of Lords hath ordered an address to represent their indignation at France not offering to ow^n the Queen till the Peace is signed, and to shew their resent- ment at the rest of the proposals being in a style of conquerours. In short if they doe not rise in their offers, I doe not know what will become of it. This vote was unanimous, only some would at first have adjourned to another day, pretending that these proposals were not authentick. 266 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Peter Wentworth.] London, February 15, 17 12, Dear Brother, Yesterday the house of Commons had the Barrier Treaty under consideration. My Lord Townsend's two letters were read, in one of wch he owns he had yeilded up the Dutch a town or two that were not directly in his instruc- tions, and that were not according to the counter project, and justifies himself to Mr. Boil by telling him that the Pentionary told him there was a party in Holland violent for a Peace, and that he cou'd not perswade them to go on with the war without he wou'd sign the Treaty with these towns. Mr. Boil's letter was read wch said the cabinet here was mightily surprised at what he had done. Then Mr. St. John begun to tell the house of what dangerous consequence this treaty was to England, 'twas not only a barrier for the Dutch against the French but against the Emperour and \illegible] be a great damage to our Trade. He expaciated very handsomely upon those subjects, and then said other gentlemen that wou'd speak after him wou'd no doubt lay the pernicious consequence more home to them. Author Moor second him and besides what Mr. St. John's had said in other words, desired the house wou'd considere at what time this treaty was made, in whose hands the Treasurry, the Seals, the Admiralty, and the great offices, and at a time when the French were ready to give reasonable concessions for a Peace; and then under a pretence for the security of the Protestant Succession, to give up to our great rivals in trade what must inevitable put us out of a power of ever resenting any injury they wou'd or shou'd offer us that way. Lord Castle-Comber and lord Harford answer'd for the treaty that 'twas no more then what was in the treaty of Munster and the Grand alliance, but when they were told that the English were not parties to that treaty, they answered by the Grand alliance they had made themselves so. I wish I cou'd re- member all that Mr. Lechmorc and Mr. St. John said ; at LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 26/ last Lechmore, with a good deal of Wit and impudence mixt with some caution, run over the talk of the Whigs in town as if those that were the Queen's advisers were frenchefie, and that this inglorious and ignominous Peace we were going to make, if any credit cou'd be given to the proposals that were publisht, cou'd not be made whilst this Barrier Treaty stood in their way, and therefore 'twas to be damn'd by the house. Mr. St. John told him those that had the honour to be ad- visers to the Queen abhorr'd the french and french Interest as much as any body cou'd ; but 'twas not this treaty that stood in the way of a good Peace, but from her Majesty's factious subjects at home, who writ letters abroad and bid the Dutch stand out, they wou'd find enough w^ou'd stand by \piece worn off^. In short the house came to this resolution that this treaty under Colour of a garranty of the Protestant Succession, was dishonourable to the Queen and Nation ; they carried this question by 162, and then they made another question wch they carried, that those that signed and had advised the Queen to ratifie this treaty were Enemies to the Queen and Country. There's a mail come in to day with the Death of the Dauphin and we hope here this may facilitate the hope we have of a good Peace. London, February 19, 17 12. Dear Brother, The Court did not oppose the Address of the Lords as to matter but only as to form, that in a Parliamentary way they cou'd not take notice of any such things till they had some publick authority for't. My Lord Wharton said he had publick authority and pull'd out the Amsterdam Gazeet. My Lord Treasurer told them he had seen it under the French King's own hand, where he had owned the title of the Queen. Lord Hallifax moved for this address first, 'twas a surprise upon the Tories, for there was several of them absent, the Whigs were there to a man, so 'twas to no purpose to devide the house if it had been of greater con- sequence. 268 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I did hear a certain person say the house of Commons wou'd be brought to address almost in the same manner, which wou'd be a mighty baulk to the lords that stickled and valued themselves so much upon this address. 'Twas one I thought in the secret, but I find he's not, or that the ministry have changed their thoughts, or that they cou'd not bring the house exactly into what they wou'd, for they have only ordered a representation to be presented her Majesty, show- ing where the allies have failed of their Quota, desiring her endeavours to prevent the like for the future and promise that they will supply her with her Quotas to carry on the war, till a good and lasting peace shall be obtain'd. The day I was in the house of commons to hear the debate about the Barrier Treaty, I did not set myself to remember so much as I might, because I was promised by a member that he wou'd give me the notes he had taken, from whence I thought I shou'd have been able to have Avrite you the whole debate from the beginning to ending ; but the gentleman has not keep his word with me, so I shall entertain you with a little more of it, tho' it won't be so methodical. Mr. St. Johns had show'd 'twas our business to provide a Barrier for the Dutch against France only, and that 'twas amasing that any Englishman shou'd think of giving them one against England. King William, who was born in Holland, if he had inclined to have favour'd the Dutch in a point prejudicial to England, the wonder had not been so great, but he was so just that at a Treaty where the Dutch had projected to have Newport, Ostend, and some other towns, the King rejected it as prejudicial to England. There was a Scotch Member that speak very well, a Doctor of the civil Law, show'd them that all Treaties were founded upon the Civil Law, and there 'twas a maxime that no bargain cou'd be valide that had not re- ciprocal advantages to the parties treating ; in this Treaty there was nothing stipulated for the advantage of England, therefore 'twas void and of no effect. Upon which Letchmore and Sir Joseph Jekel said they were sorry to see we were so "Frenchyfie," and to fall to their method of distinguishing away the faith of all Treaties ; we reckon it our glory being LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 269 religious observers of our words, and had reproached the French for breach of faith, but now was falHng into their way of distinguishing between the letter and spirit of a treaty. Sir William Windam that proposed the first question, said that under colour of securing the Protestant succession they had made a treaty dishonourable to England, had enveight against what the Whigs cheifly vindicate this treaty. We ought never to admit forreigners to be judges of our laws. A standing army was what he hoped we should never see in England, but to allow of tweenty or 30,000 forreigners to come over was of more pernicious consequence, and that by this treaty the Dutch might do when ever they judged it proper. This sort of argument against the Garranty of the Dutch was urged likewise by others. The answer to't was that they were not to come but in case of the unfortunate day of the demise of the Queen, and then not to come un- called for. Did they think the Pretender wou'd forbear to land, if he saw no forces to resist him, but only being told there was an act of Parliament against .-* Mr. Moor and others put the house in mind when this treaty was made at a time when the administration were in the hands of the late ministry ; and how weakly they defended us in the late in- vasion, and how backward the Dutch were in assisting us at that time ; and all the late ministry did was to get an Act of Indemnity to save themselves for their notorious neglects. On the Birth night I help Mr. Bromley into the Dancing room, so this day when I was carried into the house by some members the Sergeant found me out and wou'd not lett me stay without I sent to ask the Speaker's leave. So I did, and he sent the Sergeant word he cou'd not give me leave because he had refused several that had made application to him, but if he wou'd let me stay he wou'd take no notice, so I obtained my desire. London, February 22, 17 12. Dear Brother, The house of Lords divided yesterday whether they shou'd adjourn till Monday or till Saturday. They carried it 270 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. for Saturday by one voice ; tho' 'twas a trifle the Whigs bragg they have a majority in the house of lords notwith- standing the new lords. When the commons were upon the troops they were to pay, my lord Hartford called for the treaty that my lord Strafford signed with the Dutch for the paying the Palatine troops. Tho' the court was willing that shou'd be allow'd of, yet they cou'd not make the October men comprehend the matter, some of them mistaking it so much as to say they had an enough of the Palatine, and they knew nothing they were good for but to bring plague and poverty ; but others that were wiser and understood what they were upon, argued against, that they might be consistant with themselves who had voted the day before they had paid more than their quotas for these several years. When the managers found they cou'd not have this matter go as they wou'd have it, they got it adjourn'd till another day. Tho' this treaty was call'd for as signed by you, 'twas found not to be signed by you, as Sir Harry Johnson told me. They say there will come out a history of all the merits of all the pedegree of the new lords. 'Twas said by one — when they were talking of the reasons why none of the lords had preambules to their Patents, but my lord M , 'twas for want of time — that was not the true reason, for the only reason of a Preabule is for service done and these were created for service to be done, and therefore cou'd have no Praables (sic). They lay wagers in the city ten to one that the King of France is dead, [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, February 25, 17 12. I have no news for I think there is nothing talked of but the death of Prince Eugene's nephu. He dy'd of the small pox, but most peaple sayes he had more destempers then won, and they say he never went to bed sober sence he came, and he was a great admirer of Ladys ; besides they say Prince Eugene is not much troubled for him. I hear Lord Treasurer is very uneasy about the Duchess of Somerset or they say LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 2/1 she is more publick in espousing the Whig intrest then ever. .... The town says Lord North and Gray is very jealouse of his Lady, tho' they say without a cause, for I never heard no harm of her. I am jest com from the Drawing room, and the queen spoke to me very civilly, and Lady Wharton stood jest by the Queen, and she reached across her to speak to me and took no notis of her, which pleased me very much. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] February 26, 17 12, It is noe compliment when I tell your Lordship that my heart leaps at the coming in of every post when I see your seal, tho it proves only a circular, for all of them I return many humble thanks. I was yesterday to wait of My Lady Strafford who hath had a sore throat, but was very well again and in cheerfull and agreeable humour, that I regret the time you loose from her. We are in great expectation of the next letters to hear of the proposals of the allies, which I hope will quell in some measure the angry humour reigning at present, and give a better opinion then is generally con- ceivd of the peace, I mean among people that will be con- vinced, for those who like themselves for being out of humour, it is noe matter what they think or say. Prince Eugene's nephew dyed yesterday morning of the small pox, or rather of drinking which threw him into it, for he fell in with the young debauchez here, who kept him continually drunk. They say his uncle was not well satisfied with him, nor did honour him with any great share of his kindness. Having never had the small pox, he was persuaded to remove out of Leicester house, and to lye at the D. of Grafton's in my neighbourhood. I saw a little more of him on Sunday last then I had done, in a visit to a Lady, but found him as reserv'd, tho' better bred then any English man. They talk of his going away soon. My Lord Pelham is dead of an Apoplexy and left his son I believe the richest heir in England ; with what he had 2/2 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. before of the D. of Newcastle's estate he must have admirable talents from nature, if such a heap of riches soe young let's him be good for anything.'^ They talk of great news of my Lord Albemarle's burning the French Magazines. If it proves true such a train of misfortunes upon France may make your work the easier. [Peter Wentwortii.] London, February 29, 17 12. Dear Brother, I have no news to tell you but a parcel of invented stories of you and the Bishop. They have been about the town for some time, but late came to my ears. They say when the French deliver'd their explanation of their proposal, the Bishop began his speech with highest indignation against them, and was going to give his opinion that they shou'd break off any farther treaty, but you aw'd him with your looks and made him think of turning his discourse to modera- tion. Some report that you govern the Bishop as you please, and others that you and he has continual dispute about place. Some Whigs, that I know in King William's time cry'd up Dr. Robison as one of the ablest ministers the King had, and understood the several interests of Princes the best of any Englishman, now run down the Bishop of Bristow as an ignorant man that knows nothing. For you they say is a brisk enterprizing man, but they know how to get things out * This youth, in whom the title of Newcastle was revived, became the notorious Prime Minister of George II. Later in the correspondence we find the following reference to him in a French news letter, dated July 23, 1714:— Avant bier 21 de Juillet jour auquel le Lord Pelham fut majeur (c'est k dire eut 21 ans accomplis) et entra en possession de plus de vingt quatre mille Livres sterlin de Rente, de la succession du feu Due de Newcastle, ce jeune seigneur donna a sa Terre, k tous les gentilhommes de la Pro- vince de Sussex, un Rdgal des plus magnifiques, dont on fait monter la Ddpense k plus de deux mille Livres sterlin. Outre les marques de sa libcralitd et de sa g<5nerosit(5 qu'il repand dans le Public, on assure qu'il en a donnd une tres particuli^re k son Frere auquel il cede tout son Bien Patrimonial qui est de 5 k 6000/. st. de rente. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 273 of you ; 'tis but working you up into a passion, and then you'll say things they are glad to catch at. This particular I was told by one who owns himself mightily obliged to you in his affair at the Hague, and he had reason to believe this came from Prince Eugene's family, and told me I ought to give you notice of it. He had heard the stories of the dis- agreements between you and the Bishop, but took them all for lyes, as I sure {sic) him, and every body that talks of it. Mr. Huton who is a friend of the Bishop's had got this story that the Bishop's manner and yours were different in receiving the proposals of the French, but that he said but proceed by agreement from yourselves, tho' 'twas represented otherwise by letters from Utrecht, and he was very glad to be confirm'd by me that there was a very good understanding between you and the Bishop. They report too that 'twas dangerous for an Englishman to walk about the street of Holland, and that you was forc't to go to the Hague to represent it to the States, who now have taken care. They say too that the Bishop and your accounts of affairs are so different that the Queen has sent instructions to you both to writ in consort, and to sign each other's letters. You see I am in great want of news or else I shou'd not writ you such stuff. I saw Sir Harry St. John's to day who is full of acknowledgements for your civilitys to his son, whose letters to him are always filled with your praise This was a bussy day in the house of Lords ; if the Queen had not gone , out to take the air I wou'd once more have attempted to have heard the debate, 'tis upon the Place bill. If the Court does not prevent it the lords will bite the Commons and pass it. . . . [Lady Strafford.] \_AIarch?'\ 17 12. I have this morning my Dearest life receaved yours of the 5th March. I am going to day to the Cock Pit to Lady Wentworth, it being viseting day. Prince Eugene leaves this town to-morrow. Capt. Sanders carrys him over, he was here to know if I wanted anything to be carried over. The T 2/4 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Whiggs have now invented a new story which is that you svvare and Hectcr at Lord Privey Seal, and frite him out of his wits, and make him your tool. I am told that Lord Treasurer and Lady Massam begins to be jealous of won anothere. 'Tis now again talked of the Duchess of Somerset's being out ; and the key is named for the Duchess of Ormond or Lady Rochester. Mr. Stratford the marchant is brock and they say what was his ruin he lay'd out vast sumes the peace wou'd be conclud'd by such a time, which time being exspired he was forced to goe of. Generall Meredeth the Duke of Marlborough's great freind has most of what he is worth in his hands Sister Betty will be in love with Prince Eugene, let me say what I will, for she is a terable [P.S.] Sis Betty and I am this moment in a great dispute which is handsomest, she or I ; we both argue in behalf of our own persons. Forget I am that insiped thing your wife, and be an impartial judg. [Lady Wentworth.] March 4, 17 12. My dearist and best of children, a million of thancks to you for yours of the 8th of this instent. I have six the pretyist puppys of Flerts that ever you see. Sir Harry Johnson is to have one, and Sir John Lake is to have another, and Fill Gary another. Thear was a dredfull fyer the other day in Albemal Street, Sir William Windom's hous burnt down ; the Duke of Ormon stopt it from going farder, he worked as hard as any of the ordenary men and gave many ginneys about to incurradg the men to work hard. A made ran baerfoot and in her smock to Nothumbarlin hous with the strong box of jewels and most of the plate, and al his writings ar saved, yet he has lost abov twenty thoussand pd. Twoe poor maids jumpt out of the windoe, and beat thear brains out ; one was very prety, and was put out only to improve: her, a ritch groser's daughter in the sety. They ar LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 2/5 much more concerned for their sarvents then for al the other lossis. You know Bel Skinner went to Etally with Lord Shasbury and his Lady, they wear but just setled at Naples befor my Lady and Bell Skinner fel out, and my Lord paid twenty ginneys for her passadg back, and writins drawn for the captain to set her safe at Bristoe, which is near cus Han- bury. My Lord is the best of husbands. Mrs. Skinner hard thear you was marryed to a great fortune ; my Lord said he did know your Lady, and if she had not a fardin, she would be the best fortune in England, she was soe good. Indeed I am of my Lord's opinion. .... [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 5, 1712. This is to thank your Lordship for your letter by the Queen's Messenger, who by the way I can say nothing of, neither now nor formerly, and I intend tliis shall goe by him, if he is dispatched soe soon as he tells me. I am sorry to hear the French are not likely to rise in their offers, because I am afraid it will goe down very ill here, where people are not wanting to give every thing the worst turn, and to let nothing fall that is likely to give an ill look to those they would expose, and those who have fed themselves with fancies of getting the entire monarchy of Spain, will not easily digest such an abatement. However a peace is neces- sary and I doe not doubt but we shall get as good as is to be had, and may we not hope that the dreadful blows the French King hath lately received in his family and the burning of his Magazines added to all other things will make him willing to pay something dearer for peace. As for your being Master of the Horse and the D. of Shrewsbury's going over, I cannot think it more that Coffee house news, tho' I never wisht more to be mistaken. That Duke hath been of late much out of order and soe hath the D. of Buckingham, both for the same reason, as the town will have it, who give out that they have both layn in for their wives, that is, have been sick with T 2 2/6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. fretting for their Ladies being refus'd to be of the bed- chamber. I would not give much to Duke Hamilton for what he'll get for his pretentions, but I fancy he would give a good deal to be rid of his wife, Avho grows every day madder and quarrell'd lately at the play house with My Lord Tyrawly's Son, soe loud, that every body heard it, with such language as is seldom used but at Billingsgate, and he taking it in the best manner that could be, laughing extreamly at her. Yesterday the Commons carried their representation to the Queen which takes up near an hour in reading, and is in the best of language, penn'd by Sir Thomas Hanmer who outshines all in that house. Mr. Lechmore gave it high com- mendations, and said it was pity soe fine a thing, was not true, but when he was call'd upon to show in what particular, he was not very ready to doe it, Mr. Hambden said it was writ not to inform but to inflame the Nation, for which he had like to have been sent to the Tower. On Saturday night last Sir William Wyndham's house, the next Street to that where I live was burnt to the ground without saving so much as their clothes, and two of the maids kill'd with jumping out of the Window * [Peter Wentworth.] London, March 7, 17 12, Dear Brother, I have no fresh news but rather then miss this post I shall writ [what] I heard past in the house of lords upon rejecting the Place Bill last week. The whigs and those that were out of place was for it, and some of the Tories who either themselves or relations had places was also for it, so 'twas carried by six for the committing on't. They tell me my Lord Anglesea made a * On March 4 Lady Strafford writes in reference to this fire in Albemarle Street :■ — " Sir W. Wyndham gave 7000/. for the house, finely furnished and fine pictures brought from his country house." Sir William and Lady Katherine were "forced to go in the street without clothes." The Queen gave them lodgings for a time in " St. James's house." LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 277 very ingenious speech, professing that it had always been his opinion that this was a very good Bill, and therefore wou'd vote for't, but repeated some of the arguements of some of the late ministry who were against it last year, as an incroach- ment upon the prerogative, which he did not think, but those that did he cou'd not see how they cou'd be for't ; so prest that matter very handsomely upon them, but he was answer'd by none of them, but they voted as they had resolved before for the Bill, as being against the Court. When 'twas com- mitteed they made two amendments, the first that it shou'd not take place till after the demise of her present majesty, and whereas this Bill had reserved for the Commons about 40 or 50 of great places and yet wou'd have it pass for a self-denial Bill, the Lords wou'd not allow of any one of them ; they carried these amendments by 16. The Whigs seeing that went away ; when the Court saw themselves strong enough they throw the bill out [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, March 11, 1712 .... Here is nothing talked about but men that goes in partys about the street and cuts peaple with swords or knives, and they call themselves by som hard name that I can nethere speak nor spell ; but a Satturday night coming from the opera they asalted Mr. Davenant and drew there swords upon him, but he took won of them and sent to the round house, but 'tis thought 'twas sombody that would have been known and they gave mony and made their eskape, but what was the great jest about town w^as they said they had cut of his head of hare.* Pray tell Capt. Powell that won of his dear * On RLirch 14 Lady Strafiford writes : — "The town says Lord Hin- chingbrock is among those that goes about doing mischiefe"; and on the same day Lady Wentworth : — " I am very much frighted with the fyer, but much more with a gang of Devils that call themselves Mohocks j they put an old woman into a hogshead, and rooled her down a hill, they cut of soms nosis, others hands, and severel barbarass tricks, without any provocation. They are said to be young gentlemen, they never take 278 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Mr. Harvey's sisters is to be marred this week to Sir Rich. Anderson, and the other stays for him. You accuse me of sending you no verses, but 'tis because I had non unles I made them my self or stole them out of som old book ; tho' I have jest found som that I can justly repeat to you not doubting but you'll soon return them with som of your own making I think my poetry very extrodinary ; as a reward I desire you'll send me som green tea, for mine is allmost gon. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 14, 171 2. My Lord, Now the fate of Europe is in your hand, it is very kind to think of your humble Servant, and that when even the Dutch will cringe, that you will condescend to think of your old friends. The Bill to make the Sheriff's accounts more easy was ready a 2*^ time to day and committed for Monday, and Lord Delaware presented a petition from My Lady Strafford to be heard by Councell, your interest in the post fines being concernd, which with other petitions to the same purpose, was referred to the same committee. Your Lord- ship need not doubt my attendance, and it is very likely that a bill that hath been soe often unsuccessful, will meet with the usual treatment, or else that a saving clause to indemnify your Lordship will be agreed to, but it is pity it hath been so neglected in the house of Commons, for they say generally that a bill of this kind is wanted. I was very happy lately in finding My Lady Strafford at home, and seeing you master of so good a house in town, and was much entertained with a sight of fine pictures you have sent over. I was much any mony from any; insteedof setting fifty pound upon the head of a high- wayman, sure they would doe much better to sett a hundred upon thear heads." The Spectator issued on March 12 contained an account of this nocturnal fraternity which borrowed its name " from a sort of cannibals in India, who subsist on plundering and devouring all the nations about them.' LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 279 taken with a man drawing of a picture, and two pieces of architecture, one of St. Peter's church, and another of an amphitheater. There are some of Sheep and Goats, good in their kind, I believe, but not so agreable as the rest. The D, of Buckingham carried a cause yesterday in the house against Lord Conway, which hath extreamly enhvend him, not having much of the favour of the house, and he was thanking every body to day, as if they had considered him more than his cause. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, March 21, 1712. *r» •I* "P T* We have at last got rid of Prince Eugene. I fancy you wont make so great a rout with him as was made hear. I beheve Mrs. Marshall was very sorry to leave London so soon, for she seemed to like it very well. I think her pretty but aukward and simple ; and her husband is the formallest disagreeable peece that ever was seen, tho* I am very ungrat- fuU in saying all this, for they made the greatest rout with me in the world, and he cam the night before he went away to know if I had any service to you. I have been at Mr. Jervises to see our pickturs ; I think he has mended them both extremly and has made yours a good deal taller and the robes are well of them both.* The Queen has a Drawing room to-night, so I goe as soon as I have dined to the Cock Pitt to wait on Lady W and then I goe to Court ; and I have made sister Betty goe, for I think there * Kneller as well as Jervas appears occasionally in the correspondence, thus on Febioiary 28 Lady Wentworth wrote : — " Sir Godferry has made a good picture of Neic Hanbury and is drawing Peter Batthurst wife — pray let Sir Godferry Nelloe draw your Lady's picture, whoc is the best panter we have, nether of her picturs dus her justiss." In January, it appears, ten guineas were paid to Benjamin Arland for a portrait ot Lady Strafford, about which she writes to her husband :— " I believe you'll thinke this man has made me as much to handsom as Gervise did to ugley, tho' you know I never want for vanity about my own person, so I must confess I thinke it somthing like." Later in the year another artist, " De Garr," is at work on a " picture on horseback." 280 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. is nothing will improve her so much as keeping the best company. To morrow here is an opera for Nicolina's benifit, I believe all the town will be there ; Lady Dartmouth and I goe together, and Mrs. Hill, Lady Massam's sister. I was to see Lady Massam two days agoe, and she was not at home ; but she cam to see me the next day, which for her was very much, for she has disoblig'd a great many this winter by not paying there visets, tho' she has all this winter when she was well com very often to see me Sister Wentworth goes to the Bath next month with Mrs. Cornish. All the Twitten- ham ladies that are in town have been to see me, except Lady Humble, who can't bare the sight of me to think I have got what she so much admired. I have asked Lady W a thousand times to carry me to see [her], but she says not for ten pound, for she is a mighty good woman and she wou'd not have her laughed at for the world. I must tell you my love to Lady Wentworth every day increases, and I may ventur to say I believe hers to me dos not decrease, for 'tis imposible for her to be fonder of me then she is ; nor is it posible for me to be so fond of any thing as I am of your dear self Adieu ! St. James's Square, March 25, 17 12. .... I hear the Duke of Argile makes the greatest pro- distations of friendshipe for you that ever was. My father is layd up with the gout : I believe I shall jumble my guts out between this and Russell street, for since my fathere has been ill I hav gon every day. Here is a new play which has taken extremly call'd the distrest mothere. I had not seen it tell last night for I dont much love Traidys {sic), but I think it's a very good won. Lady Massam is very ill and her son is like to dye. 'Tis said the Duchesses of Somerset and Shrews- bery is at great difference with won anothere. I still am told you are to be Master of the Horse. I wish the Queen would make me a Lady of the Bedchamber. I wonder Lady Scar- borough keepes her place, for Lord Scarborough oposes the Queen in every thing that's in his power with all the voiolence in the world I fancy by this time you'll think I never LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 28 1 intend to cease tormenting you with my nonsence. I fancy every letter you have from me you find me out to have less witt than you thought before ; but you have won thing for your comfort, which is, the less witt wemen has the better wives they make, so according to that rule you are a most happy man in your choise. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 25, 17 12. I have your Lordship's before me of the 30th new stile, a day of great expectation, which hath faild us, like most things of this world, by the French not giving their answer. It hath been reported here that they had desir'd a cessation of arms, and to deliver Dunkirk and Namur immediately, the first of great importance, the other of very little (I only tell you what is said in the town) and that this is only to prevent the siege of Cambray, after which we may march to Paris, I am afraid as we did after taking Lisle and Tournay. The D. of Argyle is come in high praises of General Staremberg, with whom he agreed better then Stanhope did, and I find that Staremberg is the Newe [hope ?] of the tories, in opposition to Prince Eugene, who they say is but a novice in comparison of Staremberg. He must without doubt be an extraordinary man to maintain himself in such a countrey, under soe many disadvantages. Then his personal qualities must gain the love of every body, noe gasconnades, noe haughtiness, and a life fit for a religious house. Now to goe from a camp to a more peaceable place, I may tell you that the Sheriff's bill is not in a likely way of passing, for after three days fruitlessly spent about it they have been forc'd to refer it to a private Committee, where in all probability it will draw in length, and come to nothing. The D. of Shrewsbury certainly goes for Ireland, after long aspiring to it. There hath happened an odd thing lately in that countrey in the North parts, where they let great tracts of land for feeding cattel, which are kept by a few shephards, and the poor people enrag'd that they 282 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. could get noe labour, nor place to dwell, have slaughtered above twelve thousand sheep and other cattel. My Lord Northampton is made constable of the Tower, and this day the bill of recruits pass'd by commission with two private bills. The Duke of Ormond talks of going next week."* [Peter Wentworth.] London, March 28, 17 12. Dear Brother, .... The Duke of Shrewsbury will be declar'd very soon Lieut, of Ireland. They have done with the talk of your being master of the horse, but make you lord chamber- lain ; 'tis resolved on by the town some thing you must have. Isreel Feilding has had a complaint made of him by the Vice- chamberlain, for his giving out that his place was to be sold. He had got a bouble as he thought, who he told he had the disposal of that place for 7,000, two thousand was to be given to Mr. Cook, and the rest to a great [er ?] lady then my Lady Masham, that was to say more in favour with the Queen, for 'tw'as her majesty's foster sister, that's his wife. Upon this story's coming they tell of several places he has pretended to sell, and so pick up a little mony about them, and has had some sham or other to put the people off. 'Twas he they say sett the report about that Lord Portland was to sell. You judge very right of our coffee houses, for they begin to report the Peace will certainly be all off, and that you and the Bishop are coming over, but I hope for better news before this happens. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, April ^, 1712. * * * * Here is won Lunn a goldsmith brok with six thousand pound of Mr. St. Johns and as much of Lord Lansdown's * On March 28 Lady Strafford writes : — "Lord Scarsdale is so angry that he has noe place that he declares he'll turn whigg, and as a mark of that he led the Duchess of Marlborough out of the Opera." LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 283 mony in his hands, which I think should make peaplc very carfuU of trusting to goldsmiths. The Duke of Ormond is still here but he is to goe very soon. The Duchess of Shrews- bery is at present very happy, for Coll. Murry is come from Scotland with whom the town says she has an intreague. She is in that as she is in all othere things not in the common way ; for last week in the Drawing room Coll. Murry cam in so she run to every body she knew. " Oh ! " says she, " here is Coll. Murry, the town says I have an intreague with him, so I should not give him any of my pretty kind eyes, but I will and smile upon him two." You desired all the Chitter Chatter I heard, so in obedience to your Excellency's commands I doe, tho' I write nonsence. [Peter Wentworth.] London, y^/r// 4, 17 12. .... There's a great goldsmith broak, Lun, he had six thousand of Secretary St. John's m.ony, and as much of Lord Landsdown's ; he has ruined a great many people. The Whigs seem to be mightily pleased, for they are pretty sure there will be noe peace this year, and then they expect all to come in again ; but others say they do but flatter themselves in one and th' other. April 8, 17 1 2. . . You find by the votes that the house of Commons are very angry with the Author of the Daily Currant, for they don't allow it to be any real memorial publisht by the Dutch. Saturday the Queen sent a letter to the Atturney General about the two and a half per cent, taken by the Duke of M , and voted by the house of Commons to be publick mony, as such to recover it for the publick by law. Out of the October Club there's sprung a new one call'd the March Club ; they call themselves the Primative October men, and are resolved to take no places, and are provoked that the 284 THE WENT WORTH PAPERS. October admitted Mr. St. Johns for their president, and the shameful partiaHty in the Committee in Athur Moor's business, which by the March Club when it came to be re- ported to the house went against him.* [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, April Z, 1712. .... I wonder Mons. Marshall [Eugene] can talk of his great liveing here, for they had a very indiferent lodging in St. James Street, and the house was keept the nastiest I ever see a house, and used to stink of your favorite dish, onions, ready to kill me ; and she sat in the first room with a cole fire and tallow candles, which I know was made a great jest on. And for her head I leave you to judg howmuch like mine 'tisv/hsn you see her, for I dress mine exactly the same as when you went Pearl is very well again which I am very glad of, for 'tis not to be exprest the rout Lady W made with it while 'twas sick. She brought it here every day in two little night gownds made fitt for it, and its leggs was put into sieves, that I had a great deal to do to keep myself grave, for her affliction was to great for me to laugh. Lord Biron's Lady is dead, tis said she died of a distemper her Lord gave her. 'Tis said the Duke of Graffton is to marry Lady Bell Benwick. Now they say the Duke of Shrewsbery dos not goe to Ireland, for if there is a peace the Duke of Ormond will goe himself. St. James's Square, April 15, 17 12. .... I'm sure you would be much diverted if you did but see how earnest Lady Wentworth is about getting Sir William Wentworth for sister Betty ; and Lady W call'd * The Committee of Privileges had reported to the House that a petition by John and Elizabeth Sandes referring to their son-in-law, Arthur Moore, member for Grimsby, was frivolous and vexatious ; but the House negatived their decision. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 285 me up in a corner to beg of me to commend him to sister Betty, and she says she makes no doubt but 'twill doe, for his eyes she says sparkled mightly at the sight of sister Betty ; and she is as grave when she speakes of him, and in her thoughts the match is allready made up * Lord Mohun now owns his marriage to Duck Griffin ; I wonder he should give himself the trouble to marry her, for every body says he has for som years taken the same libertys he can doe now. Sister Wentworth goes next Monday to the Bath for seven months with her two children. . . . Lady Massam has not been with any body or receaved any visits at home this six weeks, and som says the Queen has order'd her to live very privatly that she may not get the envy of the Peaple, like the Duchess of Marlborough. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] April 15, 17 1 2. Want of matter hath kept me longer then I like from writing to your Lordship, and I believe I should for the same reason have put it off some time longer, but that your Lord- * With regard to poor Betty's matrimonial prospects at this time we may quote the following extracts from other letters of Lady Strafford: — April II. " Sis Betty .... hopes you'll provide her a husband against she comes [to the Hague], for she begins to be in fears of leading Apes in Hell." " But 'tis an old proverb, and you know it well, That women, dying maids, lead apes in hell." The London Prodigal. Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothifig uses the same expression, and a lady correspondent of Mr. Bickerstaff (No. 210 of the Tatler) complains of the gigglers " who call me old maid and tell me I shall lead apes." April 25, Lady Strafford writes:— "Sir W. Wentworth I hear made a great Ball at his lodgings last Monday ; I think Lady W has don thinking of him for sis Betty"; and on May 2, "Sir William Wentworth brought his sister to see me; she is the head taller than sis Betty and the aukwardest creature I ever see I am now at the Cock Pitt at cards, and Lady Wentworth is the happyest creature in the world, for Sir W. Wentworth is here and play'd at cards with sis Betty and Brother W. and I. 286 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. ship's of the 19th would make that a reall fault, which else had been a reasonable fear of being troublesome. Without it I should have been puzzled to have guessed at the business that brought the States to your House, who without doubt were startled at your message. Some of their friends pre- tend to say that they were under noe fixed engagements, but only to furnish as much as they were able, but it is very im- improbable that they should be left soe much to their own generosity. I know it hath been all along their excuse that they did what they could, and I remember was made use of many years agoe by My Lord Portland, at the beginning of this War, in a dispute I heard between him and another Lord alsoe dead, telling him that the Parliament would not be long satisfied with the deficiency of their parts. His answer was that it was true they did not furnish what they were obliged to, but it was impossible for them to doe more. Wriberg not long before he dyed made use of the same argument, saying they were undone and beggars ; and he was told that tho' one would give what could be spar'd, one would not suffer one self to be cheated by beggars. Sir Thomas Hanmer's going over with the D. of Ormond hath rais'd variety of discourses, and after all, I was assur'd that he is only gone over for his pleasure, tho' some would have it that he had some secret commission about the peace, others that he was to be a check upon the D. ot Ormond, like the Deputys of the States. We are in great expectation of the first of May, when something is to be communicated to the parliament concern- the peace. I fancy some times it will meet with more approbation then is thought, for some of the Whigs say it will be a better peace than was at first intended. I cannot doubt but you will be well taken care of after the negociation is over, but whether that is yet thought of, is more then I know. If I can any way find it out, I will, but the Lord you mention hath given me twice or thrice such wrong information that I doe not know how to rely upon it, I dare say without any design of imposing upon me, but it must be either that he is not trusted soe much as he thinks he is, or that LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 287 designs were alterd. The Queen seems to be very well, and goes to take the air, and to church three times a week, and I dare say that what you hear is very false, and skilful people say that after soe many years past since her having children, she is likely to live a great while. That this maybe rightly conjectur'd is I am sure your wish as well as that of your most faithful servant. [Lady Wentworth.] April 11^ 17 12. My dearest and best of children, it does very much rejoyce me to hear you are well. I am in great hops wee shal see you soon hear. Poor Lord Tenent has lost his Lady of the smal pox ; he wants noe mony only a boy. I wish Betty was maryed to him. I have a sad pen and you litle time, thear- fore will only asure you noe toung can exspres how wel I lov you, and tel death taks me shall be your moste infenit affectionat Mother. [Peter Wentworth.] London, May 2, 17 12. Dear Brother, * * * * A great many members are mightyly vext that they are come up to town, big of expectations of what was to be told them. Yesterday they had a division whether the call of the House shou'd be then, or that day sevenight ; the Whigs was for having it then, for they know as soon as that was over the Tories wou'd all be running out of town. 'Twas carried for that day sevenight but by 30. The Lords had adjourn'd before, and I am told they have resolved to pass no Bill till the Commons have retrack't their intended tack of commis- sionars to inspect into value and consideration of all grants since the year '%^, to the Lottery Bill. If we are to have a 288 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Peace the court need not use their endeavours to alter this resolution, for 'tis said there's already mony enough to dis- band and pay off. The week I was at my father's in Oxford- shire I went over to see Lord Harcourt who lives but two miles off, and when his letters came in that brought the news of the resolution of the house of commons to lay a farther duty upon stamp paper, in leiu of bricks and mortar, and the tack to the mony Bill, he said he believed those gentlemen did not mean to complyment my Lord Godolphin and the late ministry, but they acted as if they were advised by them. . . . [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] May 6, 17 12. Tho' I thought myself extreamly happy, when I had longer letters from your Lordship, the short ones I now and then receive give me such assurances of your friendship, that I am infinitly satisfied with them, for the business of Utrecht would be alone sufficient to employ you, but I perceive a good deal of your time is spent upon the road between that place and the Hague. How in the midst of all this, you can think of an old friend, would be incomprehensible to one that lov'd you less then I doe. An expectation was rais'd last week that something would be imparted to the parliament relating to the peace, but it was more from a fancy then any just grounds they had for it, it being only from an order to call over the house last thursday which is put off for a week longer. Some warm men had contriv'd to tack a bill of enquiry into the grants, to the lottery bill, which would have made a convulsion in the house of Lords. This was thought to be neglected at first by the court, but they say these two things are to be sent up single. I am sorry your Lordship is con- cern'd in one of them, but it is but a distant fear. The chief aim is at My Lord Portland, who hath provok'd a set of people by his over meddling in elections for the sake of those who would give him up at the first opportunity. Thequakers are in great alarm upon the account of a bill to prevent the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 289 splitting of freeholds, wherein a new oath is impos'd, without an exception for them (who will take none), that will take away their votes in elections, Tho' they are an odd sort of people, yet having done nothing to forfeit the indulgence given them, I doe not see why it should be taken away. They talk noe more of a master of the horse then if there was to be none. Some will have it the D. of Somerset is to have it again. My wishes are for another Lord, whose Lady I hear talks of going over to him, which I should rejoyce at for it is pity there should be soe long a separation. My Lady Portland would never forgive me, should I omit her humble thanks for your Lordship having express'd your- self surpris'd at the rigour of the sentence against her, to one Mr. Van Leer. She is inform'd it may have a good effect at the revision, to make the Judges more carefull in not persisting in soe crying an injustice, as to make her children's estate lyable to Mr. Puvenvoirdes pretentions upon my Lord Port- land in England, which they have nothing to doe with if they were never soe well grounded. I wish your Lordship hath patience to come to this part of my letter, which will not be necessary to convince you how much I am, &c. [Peter Wentworth.] London, May 9, 17 12. Dear Brother, At Wills coffee house I had some conversation wath our Yorkshire Captain [Cecil], who told me as a secreet what he said the D. of Argile told him t'other day — that Lord T had been with him to excuse his not being master of the horse, and that the Queen had sign'd a warrant for puting it into commission. His Grace took him short, and said he need make no excuses for a disappointment of what he had never ask't; and the Lord T the day he went there had told several he was going to make the Duke of Argile easie, he gave him assurances of nothing but in general that the Queen had a great regard for him, and shou'd be glad of some other opportunity of obliging him. Then our Captain u 290 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. fell into the discourse of what a great love the Duke of Argile had for you, and that upon all accasions he never heard a man speak better of another. He ask't him if his Grace thought you might be Master of the horse ; he wish't it you with all his soul, but he believed for the same reason they did not give it him, they did not designe it for you, for they did no more care for rivals in favour no more then other people. He said he found by his Grace there was something designed to be done for you, which he thought was that you might sell your Dragoons, and the Queen to make up the purchase of what more Lord Portland wou'd be order'd to sell his troop for. I told him I thought the discourse of that Lord's being order'd to sell was over, and besides the management of the Treasury did not seem to tend to part with ready mony. I have been upon the pump at both the offices, and in neither do I find there has been any warrant directing commission to be drawn to put the Master of the horse in commission ; so if I am rightly inform'd there can be no such commission sign'd. I believe our friend is rightly informM as to that Duke's affec- tion to you, but in other things he has but glimmerings, and may be mistaken ; but in a scarcity of news I am glad to meet him, that I may writ you what notions some people have. He tells me the Chancelour of the Exchequor has argued very strenuously with the Duke of the fittness of forceing down upon the Lords a resumption of grants, and that he has told him openly in the coffee house that whatsoever Lord T= shou'd be for, that he wou'd be against, tho' he shou'd never have any himself; but you see by the votes of the Commons they have receedcd from those thoughts ; by a glorious majority our Politians are not well pleased with this sort of manage- ment, of letting things run so far and then to show their address in bringing it off well again ; with a great deal of care it might have been prevented being moved London, July 8, 17 12. Dear Brother, .... My Lady Strafford tells me she will send you the Flying Post of last Saturday, which is a very impudent paper. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 29 1 They tell me he will be prosequcted for his first paragraph. Capt. Cicil told me there was he and several others proposed to get the fellow to a Tavern and beat him soundly for his impudence to you. Others said 'twas doing the fellow, at least those that set him on, too much honour to take notice of him ; 'tis the same man that writs the Observator. By this you may see the parties' spleen begins to work against you, but 'tis well their malice does not prompt them to say worse. They cannot deny you to have courage, and are desparately afraid you'll succeed in your undertaking The Parliament was this day prorogued till the last of this month. My Lord Bullingbrook was introduced this morning. Mr. Walpool is come out of the Tower, but met with a dis- appointment, for he had no musick nor dinner prepared for him by the Hanover Club ; and there was the last Tuesday was fortnight, which proving only an adjournment, he was forc't to stay in till now. At St. James's Coffee house they expect the Dutch will hold and stand fast by the Emperor and conquor France this summer by themselves. I din'd with my Lord Bathurst to-day and my aunt desir'd me to wish you joy of being First Commissioner of the Admiralty. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, July 18, 17 12. .... All the news I know is the Duke of Beaufort is so ill Dr. Ratlife says he can't live a month, tho' he goes a brode; but the Dr. says his loungs are touched ocationed by former drinking. I beg of you for my sake as well as your own that you wont drink, for tho' you dont presently find the effects of it you see by the Duke of Beaufort what ill conse- quences comes after it. Perhaps you will think me very im- pertenant to pretend to advice you, but never the less whan I think your helth concerned I cant forbare .... Lord Rivers has writ to severall of his friends from the Bath that he is much better than when he went down. Here is four nam'd for Garters, Lord Treasurer, Duke of Kent, your self, and Lord Pawlet. I find non of the Court cares for Lord Pawlet. U 2 292 the wentworth papers. [Peter Wentwortil] Windsor, July 25, 17 12. Dear Brother, The best news I can send you from this place is that the Queen is very well. She din'd at Hampton Court a Tuesday, and the next day in the evening she came here, yesterday went out to take the air in her chaises in this forest. She has the use of her limbs more then I have known her for this 5 or 6 years past. The news you send us from Utrecht from the French Plenpos there is flattly contradicted by our news writers, the Post man, &c., and I find there's great ones seems doubtfull who to believe, a little time will show the truth. I don't care to name people's names, but I heard a great man that expects a Garter, and who the Duke of A says won't become one, tell another great man that he saw in the Dutch Gazet that Lord Strafford was to have a Garter, and told it as I thought with an air of dissatisfaction ; and I believe the person he said it to thought as I did by his answere, which was " Your lordship knows everything is not true that's in the Dutch Gazet." .... When I was at Hampton Court I went to walk in your gardens at Twittenham, which are very pleasant, and your stables are fine pile of buildings, and makes a good show from the water. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] July2g, 1 7 12. * * * * I crept out a little more into the world last Sunday to Windsor, where I heard nothing but of people's deaths, My Lady Greenville of an apoplexy playing at Cards with the Duchess of Ormond at Richmond, the Duke of Leeds of convulsions at My Lady Lempster's in Northamptonshire as he was going into the North, and Lord Fitzharding I found struck with a palsie at Windsor, lame all of one side and almost speechless. I din'd at Lord Paulet's, and hearing there was to be a Council resolv'd to stay till Monday to be LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 293 at it. By that time dinner was over, everybody look'd willing to be rid of one another, without much enquiry how you intended to pass your time, which would have layn very heavily upon me, but that it came into my head to goe and see Cranburn, where I was well entertain'd with one of the prettyest places I ever saw. The Councell seldom ending till three a clock and having a good way to goe home, I resolv'd not to dine till I came to my own house, and it was well I took that resolution, for noe body was soe gracious as to offer me a dinner, which never happen'd to me before, tho' they were in noe danger of having their tables crowded, the Council being thinner then ever I saw it. You cannot imagine how I enjoy myself at Cane Wood, after this hurry, and how quiet and pleasant it is. The town hath made you first Commissioner of the Admiralty, but not yet Knight of the garter, which I hope cannot faile you, if the D. of Leeds is dead. Some time since My Lord Cornbury came here to see me, and half an hour after comes in Mr. Powell, in which visit I doubt I had but a sm.all share, but I hope you will allow the usual one in your friendship to your Lordship's, &c. [Peter Wentworth.] Windsor, Attgust ^, 17 12. Dear Brother, This last week I had the favour of two circulars from you of the 5 and 9th and 'twas a greater satisfaction to me because they had the addition, as usual, of some lines from your own hand. The bearing of the Author of the flying post I believe is better let alone, for as I am here I shall have no opportunity of seeing Capt. Cicil, but I shall be very watchful! to put your other commands in execution because they are the imployments I wish you heartily. ]\Iy wife was to go a fortnight hence to the Bath but I writ her last night to go there as soon as she cou'd after receiving my letter, and to say nothing; but the minuite she heard my Lord Rivers was dead to send me a letter, and that I might have it as 294 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. soon as any body, to hire a horse and send the footman away she has with her. Wednesday my Lord Treasurer came here to the Queen, and it being an unusual day with him, that we might think there was nothing extraordinary 'twas given out that he came only to fetch his son that he had left here a monday ill of this new Distemper, call'd by Dr. Swift a feavouret. The next day my Lord Bullingbrook came in the morning and was with the Queen an hour, 'twas a fine afternoon, but her Majesty did not go out, for he was appointed to come again after dinner, and he was with her some hours. 'Twas given out by the Society that he wou'd not be at their meeting Saturday night because he was to go and see his Lady at his country house. They cou'd not have given out a more unlikely sham, for 'tis well known he does not trouble her much with his company. We had a world of people from London yesterday, and they are all full that his lordship is gone into France. The conjectures thereupon are various, some think that Lewis Baboon having had this ad- vantage, is shuffling off from what he had promised for the Allies, others are of opinion 'tis to give a finishing stroak. I am not very smoaky, but I don't fancy to see that sattis- faction in some people's faces as I cou'd wish. The fourth part of John Bull is come out, wch I suppose my Lady will send you, with a preface of condolance to Grub street upon the new duty of stamps upon all printed papers. I have heard this part much commended, but in my poor opinion I think the humour flags and does not come up to the two first, tho the Author is the same,* who I din'd with t'other day and by his friend's sly commendation of the admirable banter, and his silence, 'twas plain to me he had a secreet pleasure in being the reputed Authour. I have writ to my Lady Strafford to know her resolution about going or staying here ; the Duke of Kent told me he believed she wou'd have been here but she has got a touch of this new distemper. There's no danger in't for nobody is troubled with it for above two or three days ; the Queen and * Dr. Arbuthnot. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 295 I are the only people that have not had it, or fancied they have had here. Some say 'tis a forerunner of the Plague, it begun with the horses ; before I came out of town all our horses had a cold. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 5, 1 7 12. I hope I may now wish your Lordship joy of My Lord Rivers's regiment, as well as of the Admiralty, and that you are pleas'd with it. His Lordship, whose calculations were as nice as any body^s, thought it more valuable then a troop of guards, and sure nothing can be more honourable. You are now climb'd up to one of the highest branches, and I doe not doubt but you will gain sure footing, and maintaine your- self there. What I wish now, is to see you come over and enjoy your high posts. Duke Hamilton is a most happy man with the Ordnance, which he says he never ask'd for. I wonder how he forgot it, for it is the first he hath miss'd asking for these four years. He says he is alsoe to goe ambassadour to France, but that I believe is only upon some particular message and not to reside. The Dutch are like to receive a great mortification occasion'd by the heat of Count Rechteren. If My Lord Strafford had happen'd to have done anything of that kind, how some of his friends in England would have magnified it! I have not been at Windsor this good while, but think to goe there next Sunday. They say there are full courts there, tho' there is soe little company in town, that 'tis a wonder from whence they come. I was last week to wait upon My Lady Strafford, who look'd a little pale, but there is noe harm in that as long as one knows the reason. You have so many relations that would take it ill not to be godfathers that I will not offer myself this time, but I will be ready for you at any time, when you doe not care to ask any body else. Mr. Powell hath been very good to me in writing something after the circulars. I am glad that he knows that any account of your Lordship, is the most acceptable thing in the world to, Yours, &c. 296 the wentworth papers. [Lady Wentworth.] August 8, 17 12. .... I have found out a husband for Betty. He that is now Lord Winchelsy is old, soe is his Wife, and noe children ; and my Lady Winchelsy has a son that will be Earl, which dus not dislyke Betty nor she him, they youss to meet at Neice Hanbury's, I have seen him often, he is a prety genteel welbred modist young man and sings fynly ; his mother is a very subtle creeture as livs, or elc it might be easely dun. Could wee not gett a place for him that would make up her little fortune, or have you noe Dutchman for her, or was she made of honor her prety face, fyne shape, and three thoussand pound added to what she has would get her of in a quarter of a year. Dear, dear soul parden this long scrole from y"^^ &c. [Peter Wentworth.] Windsor, August ir, 1712. Dear Brother, .... The Duke of Argile is in waiting and I was t'other day in the Cathedral with him and he said he cou'd not imagine what they staid so long before they dispose of the Garters. If they reserv'd it till the winter 'twas enough to kill half of the new knights, for part of the cerimony is that they stay in the Isle {sic) half naked before they robe, and 'tis very cold as he can wittness. I heard no talk yet of any chapters being call'd. I am glad to hear you are weary of being abroad and that your work will be soon finish't, for your business will not be done so well in your absence as when you are here. My Lord Masham was just now to make me a visset, and desired me to present his humble service to you. .... All the news we have here is that I am invited to a Ball to-night, at the Dutchess of Shrewsbury's, who desires me whenever I writ to present her service to you. If my dancing produces any news you shall have it in my next. There's to be but 7 couple— women, her Grace, 5 maids of LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 297 honor and Miss Touchct ; men, the Duke of Argile, Lord Cardigan, Lord Masham, Lord Bathurst, Sir Robert Rich, Mr. Darcy, and myself. Lord Masham told me my Lord Bullingbrook wou'd be back here this week, but I am affraid I must wait to hear from London what has been the success of his expedition. They that came from thence yesterday told me 'twas to conclude a league with France and Sweden, offencive and defencive. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 12, 1 7 12. I can never say half enough to your Lordship for your kindness in writing to me such a letter as I received last post, tired as you were with writing. I was almost in the spleen for want of hearing from you, but now I am refresh't with such a mark of your kindness, and the agreable account of your progress to and from the army. I hope you are almost at the end of your trouble, and near coming home to enjoy the good place design'd you, and the bleu ribbond, which I shall be overjoy'd to see you adorn'd with. I never yet saw an installment, but am resolv'd when yours is, to be one of your guests. I heard one piece of news lately that you can best tell the truth of, that Sir Henry Johnson is to be one of the Admiralty as well as yourself I was again at Windsor last Sunday, and think the Queen looks and walks better then I have seen her in some years. Her subjects have for the most part been sick with a feavorish distemper that tor- ments them extreamly for some days, I have escaped it hitherto, but all else in the house have had it. Lord Rivers is languishing at the Bath without hopes of recovery, and will be succeeded in his title by a priest, but his estate will goe as he pleases. Lord Scarsdale I find is going to Vienna, and Lord Bolingbrook expected back in a little time, and then they say we shall hear more of the Peace. If the french man you saw at Utrecht is poor, I believe him very honest, for he never ask'd me for any thing, and I have offer'd to lend him 298 THE WEXTWORTH PAPERS. money, if he had occasion, but his answer was that he wanted for nothing, tho I am apt to think his circumstances are not plentifull. Your Lordship will wonder to hear I have sold Cane Wood. A Lord Blantire of Scotland ofifer'd me 4,000 pounds for it, which I thought worth hearkening to, considering the little time I stay out of town, and that a place of half that sum might serve me. I wish I may get a house in your neigh- bourhood of Twitnam, for I was always fond of that part of the country. I am still at Cane Wood, but would be glad to remove since it is none of my own. It seems 'tis the D. of Argyle hath bought it under another name, and I am desir'd to stay till the goods are valued, part of which he desires to buy. I forgot to tell you that soon after you went, I met Lord Treasurer who with a shake by the hand, told me that our friend My Lord Strafford was got well into Holland. I was not sory to find that he knew I had the happyness of such a friend. The new Duke of Leeds is enrag'd at his father's will, who hath leapt over him to leave his estate to his son, and he threatens to pull him out of his coach. I could not but be sory for the success the French have lately had, but am not at all soe for the Dutch being humbled who seem'd for some years to have lost the tramontane, and to forget what they and their neighbours were. I hope we shall soon be happy in a peace and noe circumstance in it will please me more then the honour you are like to gain by it. [Peter Wentworth.] Windsor, August 17, 1712. Dear Brother, Friday day last we had an account that for certain my Lord Rivers was dead, and it was so firmly believed at London that Capt. Dilkes writ me word 'twas certainly true. My Lord Cardigan at the waiting room mention the report to my Lord Treasurer, and his answere was, 'twas not true, for he had a letter from him a Tuesday last, and that he was LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 299 n a fair way of recovery, and that he expect to hear from Green the Surgeon a confirmation of his mending ; and at that time I heard it, I took it for one of his usual banters, and so did other persons of more consideration then my self there present ; but how ever having your orders not to put them in mind of their promise till I was sure of his Death I said nothing, but a Saturday Morning my Lord Forbes came to me and told me I might depend upon it my Lord Rivers was dead, notwithstanding what Lord Treasurers said, for he had a letter from London that was very perticular, and the Duke of Argile believed it. Then I thought it time to go to my Lord Treasurer but he saw no company, then I went to the Duke of Shrewsbury and he was gone out a setting (szc). I told my Business to the Dutchess of Shrewsbury who is always very gracious to me, and admitts me to her twillet, wch was very well I did, for she prepear'd his Grace to give me a favourable hearing. As soon as I saw him at the Back Stairs he ask't me if I was sure he was dead, and I affirm'd it, being assur'd of it by my Lord Forbes ; within half an hour after I had spoke to him he went into the Queen and did not stay long, but brought me word the Queen was sure he was alive. So I thought I need not seek an accation to speak to my Lord Treasurer that day nor the next. Sunday morning I received a letter from Capt. Dilke who told me he saw a letter from Green to Major Halsey, who told him my Lord Rivers was in a fair way of recovery and that he intended to give that news to be inserted in the post Boy Saturday night. By my Lord Forbes the Duke of Argile know I was to solicite my Lord Rivers' imployments for you, so he told me Sunday morning he had once thoughts of changing his troop for that Regiment, but now he had no thoughts of it, and since you had a promise did advise me to push it now, for tho' it were possible my Lord Rivers was not yet dead he was certain he cou'd not live many days, for so Dr. Olivant had assured ; and that his pretentions might not be any obstruction to you he had declared to the Ministry he had no thoughts of changing, and he wou'd declare his thoughts freely to every 300 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS body that they ought to do it — generously, all at once. Upon this incouragement I spoke to my Lord Treasurer at night, and met with this odd answere " Mr. W you need not give you self any trouble about my Lord S for the Queen is determined what to do for him." All that I can tell you from this business that the Duke of Shrewsbury and the Duke of Argile are your sincere friends : his Grace of Argile has been with me just now to tell me my Lord Rivers did dye Munday morning at nine o'clock and the Queen knows it, so as soon as I have din'd I'll be with the Duke of Shrewsbury and if he advise me I'll go to morrow to my Lord T . I fear to loose this post, so wou'd not venture to keep this letter till I can inform you what farther success I shall have in my sollicitations for you."^ [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] London, September 2)0, 1712. When I last writ to your Lordship I thought it quite as sure that you were to succeed My Lord Rivers in his regi- ment, as I wisht you in all his other imployments ; it was soe positively reported for some days, and I did not find my mistake till I heard from Mr. Wentworth at Windsor how it was. Your Lordship knows the world soe well in general, and soe particularly in courts, that it is not possible to tell you anything upon that subject that you have not thought of over and over, but nothing provokes me more then to see how often those that are least lov'd are best serv'd. However I hope it needed not be doubted, but you will have the Admiralty with the same advantage that My Lord Orford had it, to make you some amends for missing of the other aims. I have two reasons for being very sory for the * From another letter written about this time we gather that Lord Rivers left his mistress, Mrs. Colliton, 2,500/. a year for life, his natural daughter 10,000/., and 500/. a year tq " Mrs, Oldfield the Player." Swift makes some forcible remarks on this will in his Journal to Stella, and adds, " I loved the man, but detest his memory." Savage, the poet, was the son of Lord Rivers, by Lady Macclesfield. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 3OI retarding of the peace by the impertinent business of Count Rechteren, a pubhck one and the other private. The first I need not mention, the other you may easily guess is because I must be soe much longer without seeing you. Mr. Powell was soe kind to send me from Amsterdam that Count's factum, which hath confirm'd in the thought I had before of his being intirely in the wrong. I was last Sunday at Windsor. The Queen did not goe to church, but came out after into the drawing room looking very well, tho' she had not been soe the week before with a cold, and the reason of her not going to church was a touch of the gout in her foot. I am sory to see she grows fatter. They doe not say a word of her removing from Windsor. Last week a fancy was taken that the peace would be proclaim'd on Thursday. What grounds they went upon I cannot imagine, but hope it is not far off. One of the notorious inventions of the Whigs is the new Duke of Gloucester they have rais'd in France ; their policy consists in nothing but inventing lyes. What they will doe this Winter I doe not comprehend. I wish I could send you conjectures for want of intelligence, for I hear nothing in this empty town where I see noe body, and had it not been for my thanks for your kind letter of the 30th new stile, you would not have been troubled so soon with your Lordships most obedient, &c. [Peter Wentworth.] Windsor, October t, 17 12. Dear Brother, By the favour of yours of the nth I find Mr. Taylor was return'd, which if I knew anything of his going again I cou'd have sent you papers of both sides, some arguing that there can be no peace safe without our Allies all come into it. Others argue on the contrary that we shall have a fine time of it, if all the world shall be at war but ourselves, then will trade flourish, and our only rivals in that, the Dutch, will receive a mighty disadvantage, by leaving us at liberty to 302 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. out-trade them — nay, there is a book to prove the justice and necessity of a war with Holland in case the Dutch do not come into Her Majesties measures, which they say was writ by Dr. Swift ; so that I think they that can bring them into those measures without a war deserve all imaginable praise. 'Tis peace England wants, and not to change wars. But the difficulty that lies upon her Majesty's ministers, 'tis fear'd will come from another quarter, that the French won't be per- swaded to grant all that for our allies we have stipulated, and we are now so broak among ourselves that it will not be in our power to force them to keep their words, and then where will be our good peace. 'Tis not my business to trouble my head with politicks, but you have order'd me to write what people say, and were I at London, I cou'd give you much more of this talk.* Some day last week was the Princess Sophia's Birthday and some people made a bonfire at St. James, and with their drawn swords sung " Hanover hast away over " ; they are not known who they were, but 'tis reckoned very insolent. Lord Godolphin is not like to be hurried a good while ; he lyes in Jerusalem Chamber till they can have a number of Whig knights of the Garter to bear the Pall, for they don't find the Tory knights so ready to come to town a purpose. I have got Mrs. Dives to give me a copy of a song the Tory ladies are always a singing and is the news thing we have at Windsor. [Lord Ailesbury.] Brussels, October 12, 17 12. My Lord, Your obliging complements I received by Mr. Devenish I am most sensible of. I can answer for myselfe that Imerit a little your friendship, having that true respect and esteem for your Excellency. Your own merits, besides your great * Here follows a paragraph about Dr. " Alburtnight " and the state of the Queen's health, expressed in the plainest terms. LETTER OF LORD AILESBURY. 303 services you have clone our Queen and Country obliges me to set the highest marks of esteem on you. I coulld not refuse the request of Brigadier Devenish made me notwithstanding a sort of resolution I have taken not to meddle in anything that doth not particularly concern myself. I found such ingratitude (and I may justly call it soe) and insincerity from the two cheifs in the late Ministry, and soe little politenesse from two in the present, one that in this coniuncture makes the most figure, that I allmost took an oath never to have to do with any one. I tooke notice of it to a Lady in or neare the court, an old acquaintance of mine ; and she answered me with prudence and caution that she cer- tainly believed it was not for want of a due esteem but out of policy. That can be nothing but that they imagine I am obnoxious and a corresponder elsewhere, or at least thought to be soe. Some years before I came out of England I rid my hands of all that past follies, and ever since I have kept firm to the resolution, and since the Queen's coming to the crown I defie any one to cast a blot on me. I confesse that during the Whig ministry, I was silent and submissive and gave my interest in making members to noe side, because I coulld not give it to a Whig. Since the happy change it lay in my power to render the Queen great services, and I may say I was not idle ; for not only the States Deputies here on that change and those of the Council of State that were not hardened, were much satisfied with what I told them, for they all came to me as distracted persons, imagining the new Ministry either woulld not or coulld not carry on the war ; for they had notions inspired into them as if there was noe mony amongst the Tories and some hinted as if the Queen and new ministry had not the will as well as the power to support the alliance. That last until the arrival of my Lord Orrery. I am here as at the head of the River, I have the good fortune to be thought an honest man and persons of all parties speakes to me freely, and then 'tis impossible but to pick up. I had a thing of the last importance communicated to me ; I did communicate it to the secretary for this district, that is, he sent some one on purpose, I stated all in writing. 304 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. but to this hower I never knew whether it was received. I doubt not of it the person belonging to the Secretary, soe I conclude they thought me a busie body and not worth thanking. I writ to my Lord Treasurer few lines of con- gratulation and had the same return. I beg your Excellencie's pardon a thousand times for this long digression. You are pleased to honour me with your frendship, and my heart is too full not to vent it, and to one I know that abounds with honour and generosity. To tell you the truth, this what I have related and the Queen's desire formerly that I woulld not think of coming over until the peace, makes me resolve to stay in these parts, where I am suffered by all that are most esteemed here. I live as comfortably as I can under a severe melanchoUy, and with but an indifferent health. I can live handsomely for half of what I can in England — my fortune being soe impaired by my long banishment, not being permitted to come into England onely for a month or two on my son's coming to age and on his marriage, to my unspeak- able preiudice and never to be repaired. All these considera- tions makes me resolve to live here rather then live in England as a suspected person. I own 'tis very hard, my heart is brim full, but now I have had the satisfaction to open my self to a person I esteem soe much, and for soe many and great reasons, I find my selfe more at ease.* [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, November 2$, 1712. .... My brothere Arundell has got the small-pox, and Mr. St. Amand thinks he cant live, which maks me deferr making my men's surtout coats tell I see whethere he lives or dy's ; for, for a brother's morning all peaple put there servants * On June 5, 1713, Lord Ailesbury writes from St. Amand that he had gone there for his health, the waters there having wrought a perfect cure on him 14 years before, from an illness " contracted during my cruel confinement in the Tower, with the addition of a most just grief that there attended me." He had been imprisoned on suspicion by William III., an event which hastened the death of his first wife. On his release he was allowed to reside at Brussels. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 305 in gray, and what won dos in that kind to doe Hke othere peaple is in respect to won's self more than those won morns for. The Oueen coms to town the latter end of the next week. I heard last night that the D. of Shrewsbery was declar'd for going to France, and that the Chanceller of the Exchecker is to have Mr. Manering's place preferring that before his own, being for life; and 'tis said Mr. Hambden is to turn tory and be made Chanceller of the Exchecer. Non of our lottry tickets are yet com up Prizes, what blanks I cant tell, for Mr. Ellison is not yet com to town. November 28, 171 2. .... Here is a wedding named that pleases me of all things ; 'tis Lord Bartley to Lady Kathern Jones. I don't know whethere you know her, but she is a very great prude, and exactly his formality in petecoats. I know no one so fitt to sit matron like amonst his children, and I believe will not increase the number. I have known her a great while. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] December 2, 17 12. My Lord, Tho' your Lordship hath not been very punctual in ordering Captain Powell to let me know of your safe arrival in Holland, yet I am overjoyed to hear it by other ways, and will not make it a pretence to omit doing what you enjoyn'd me at parting. All your desires sink very deep into my mind. I can neither forget them, nor be easy till I have perform'd whatever I think you have a mind to. I was this morning to see one of your brother Ambassadours and bleu ribbonds, the D. of Shrewsbury, who is going immediately into France. He seem'd not much pleas'd with it, spoke of the expence it would be to him, and how likely it was to keep him longer then he wish't, for he must stay there till the peace was made if it was made, a word that almost startled me, and then must take a character and make an entry. If the Queen stays X 306 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. much longer at Windsor, it will be well if some of her cabinet councell are not drown'd for I never saw ways soe full of water as they were last week. I know noe greater pennance then lying at Windsor; I came back heartily tired. You see what was done at Council, a proclamation for Macartney, and another for the election of a new peer in Scotland. The D. of Richmond's house was search'd for Macartney and the Committee of Cabinet sent for him to acquaint him with it, out of respect, but he takes it another way, and says they have noe right to send for anybody but in matters of treason. I think the D. of Marlborough is gone at last. The reason is yet a mistery, and I have often reflected upon what a great minister told you concerning him, which I cannot believe. That Duke stay'd at Sir Harry Furnesses for a wind, and now I hear Sir Harry is dead.* The Whigs drop off apace, and the town grows more dull if possible then ever, and I find myself soe much soe that it is fit I should hasten to the assurance of my being as much as ever yours, &c. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, December i6, 1712. .... I receaved the half pound of Bohea tea and 'tis extremly good. Here cam yesterday to me a warrent for a fatt doe out of Windsor Park ; I believe 'tis your fee upon being in the Admiralty, for it came from that officcf They say the instalment will not be yet. I think I ought not to have writ so long a letter to you to day, for I am sure you'll have a very long won from Lady Wentworth with very great lamentation ; for her monkey is dead. I have been as little merry as I could sence, for Lady W was so much troubled about it that she was realy angry if I laughed, and * Sir Henry Furness was a London alderman, and member for Sand- wich. t On Dec. 30 Lady Strafford writes : — " The Commissers of the Vitelling Office sent here last week a doz. of tongues and a doz. of marybon's as your fee of being in the Admiralty." LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 30/ you may believe it cou'd be no affliction to me to make me malancoly, and I could not cry for my life. The day it dy'd I expected Lady W to diner and she nethere cam nor sent word, and I stay'd diner for her some time, but she would not so much as see me that day. But what is the most extrodinary thing is she has two of its Pickturs drawn since 'tis dead, won larg and the other in minatur. Now if Capt. Powell would ever oblidg Lady W he should make a coppy of verses upon Pugg's death. Lord Treasurer's daughter was marred yesterday to Lord Carmarthan. . . . 'Tis sayd the Queen will make the Duchess of Hambleton a lady of the bedchamber to help to pay the debts. The Spanish Ambassadore that is com over is the strangest dirty creature. I see him play at Basset with the Queen, and his hands were the dirtiest things I ever see. , . . St, James's Square, December 19, 17 12. .... I cant tell what you find it in Holland, but I think it the coldest winter I ever felt, tho' in all the snow the Queen goes out every day to take the aire. The day for the instal- ment is not yet fixed ; as soon as 'tis Lll let you know. 'Tis now publickly talked that Lord Peterborough is to have Lord Rivers' regiment. The Queen has given Lord Carmarthen Mr. Dunce's lodgings in Whithall. Lord Treasurer went himself and fetched the Duke of Leeds to his son's wed- ding, and they say he behaved himself that day as well and with as much respect and kindness as any body could doe. Lord and Lady Pawlet was at the wedding, and she was in all her fine true lovers knots of diamonds set in as much silver as would make a pare of candlesticks. . . . Non of your tickets is yet com up, except they are blanks ; I have two 20/. com up, but they will sell but for 15/, a peece. [Lord Berkeley of Strattox.] December 19, 17 12. I must begin with condoling with your lordship the death of Mr. Arundell, for tho' I know the intimacy between you X 2 308 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. was not great, yet your infinite good nature does I am sure give you a concern for your sister's condition, which I am sory is not soe good as she deserves. I had the satisfaction this week of a letter from Captain Powell, with an account of your return from Amsterdam, and Count Tarouca's design'd magnificent ball. It will make as great a noise as one he made here two or three years agoe. We shall abound with ambassadours. The Spanish fill'd the drawing room on Fryday with his train ; it seems he is an Italian, but looks that noe more than a Spaniard, being fair and pretty fat. They say he is the greatest complimenter that ever was. Yesterday the D. of Ormond had him at dinner. There is a youth with him about 1 8, nephew to Cardinal Porto carrero, a grandee of the first class, and some other scrubs of the lower class. I do not know what those classes are, but am afraid that lower class is like the barons' bench here. There is also a Duke D'Atri, who they say is the 57th Duke of his family — a swinging gasconnade in my opinion, for at that rate they must have been Dukes about the time of our , Saviour, tho' I believe that title some what more modern. Mr. Wentworth having told me your Lordship's desire about the installment, I told Lord Paulet that you would take it for a favour, if he would let me know in time when it was to be, which he said he would doe as soon as he knew it, but that hitherto he had not enquir'd about it, out of fear of appearing too much in haste. Tho' I told you in my last that the D. of Shrewsbury did not seem fond of his embassy, I perceive it was only a copy of his countenance, for he is extreamly pleas'd with it. He hath an unusual honour done him by the King's providing a house furnish't, call'd the hotel de Soissons, which is one of the finest in Paris. There is a talk of Lord Orkney's being to have the Ordnance, which some say the D. of Ormond expected. I never saw my Lady Strafford look better then when I saw her last Saturday, She is always very gracious to me, and soe I dare say she would be to any body she thought one of your friends. The Duke of Leeds behav'd to a wonder at his son's wedding. My Lord Treasurer hath been ever since at Wimbleton, LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 309 where I suppose noe body hath seen him but particular friends. It is time to come to a repetition I shall never be weary ot, my being unalterably your Lordship's most faithful and most humble servant. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, December i^, 17 12. I cant help telling my Dearest Life that I never wished my self so much in Holland as now, for tho' you tell me 'tis only the tooth ack, others hear say you are ill. You may easly believe what a concern 'tis to me, I beg you for God's sake to take care of your self Lady Wentworth has not been here this five days nor out of her chamber, and she still sent me word she was ill, but I fear she has heard you are ill and is in to great trouble to see me ; for I have desired to wait on her every day and she never would give me leave but wonce. I never was so impatient for a post coming in as now. Last week 'twas reported here that you and Count Zinzendorf had faught a duel, sword and pistol, and that you ware kill'd, but they ware so good to me as to keep that from me tell they were convinced 'twas a ly. I wish I could be as well sattisfied your illness is no more than what you say yourself .... Here is a great many rumours talked of, as — the Duke of Beaufort to be Master of the horse and Lord Carmarthan to have his place, you to have the Ordnance, and the Duke of Leeds your place. Lord Fitzharding is dead who had two very good places, teller of the Exchecker and Treasurer of the Chamber. The teller's place I am told Lord Jersey expects, which is 2,000/. a year ; and Treasurer to the Chamber Lord De la Warr solicits for, and to quite his pention of 1,200/. a year for it, they say that is 1,400/. a year. Lord Portmore is to have the Duke of Hambleton's green Garter. I receaved this day i pound of tea directed to our Lady Wentworth, one to sister Betty, and \ a pound to my self, which I have this moment tasted and 'tis extremly good. I conclud thers is not so 3IO THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. good, but I'll keep that thought to my self. Lady Went- worth cam to town to night. I hope in God I shall have a letter from you to night with the joyfull news of your being perfectly recovered, I own I was sorry for your having the tooth acke, but I cant say frighted, for tho' 'twas troublesom 'twas of no consequence ; but the town says you are ill, which perfectly frites me out of my witts, for doe but consider what a miserable condition I must be in, whose whole happiness in this world intirly depends on your welfair, to hear you are ill. Adieu, pitty won who truly loves you. [Peter Wentworth.] London, December 2^.^ 1712. Dear Brother, Yesterday I saw Mr. Vanbrug and he tells me he spoke to Lord Treasurer and he told him he was ready whenever the rest pleased and he desires they would name the time [for the installation of knights of the garter] ; and he tells me he will goe to them all and advise them to get it over before the Parliament meets. My Lady Strafford says my Lady Oxford and Lady Powlett talk that they are to go to Windsor to do the honours, so that I believe it will be as soon as the holidays are over. The Whigs make a gethering for the author of the Flying Post, and those that won't give two guineas are never more to be admited for one. They were t'other day at White's teiseing Mr. Hamden that he was no Whig ; he afifirm'd he was a Whig still, but he was for peace. They offer'd him the touch stone, two guineas for Ripath, he gave his two guineas, now his name is cnroll'd [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] December 26, 1712. I was soe pleas'd with your Lordship's kind remembrance of mc in your letter that it made me insensible of any un- LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 3 I I easiness till I found you had been indispos'd with a dcfluxion, a complaint that reigns much here, and which noe body will escape, if this foggy weather continues, comparable to nothing but what I have heard is frequent at Amsterdam. I hope your Lordship is before this time perfectly recover'd, and that I shall some way or other hear it soon. The news of the provinces coming into the Queen's measures is very agreeable here, and I hope every body thinks your share in that turn as great as I think you deserve. The battle in the north is alsoe a great part of the conversation, and I own I had a secret pleasure in seeing Rosencrane's lofty looks a little humanis'd. Otherwise I doc not know what is most desirable for us at this juncture. I din'd last Sunday at the D. of Buckingham, who always loads me with civilities, and had a magnificent service of new guilt plate from the beginning of his dinner. He was full of this news, and seemed pleas'd. Lord Fitzharding is dead at last, and hath thought fit to leave me one of his executours, which will be noe profit to me, but some trouble, having to doe with odd kind of people. However he hath left but few debts, and his two good places are very welcome to the ministry who have long had an eye upon them, but the Queen had the goodness to keep him in for his life. I had a visit that surpris'd me Uvo days agoc, of a young Spaniard, that came over with the ambassadour. His name is Montejo, nephew to the famous Porto carrero. He had heard by a mistake that I had been to see him, which I was glad of, when I found him to have a great deal of wit, and a manner very engaging. Perhaps you may see him in Holland. He brought with him a Don Carlos de some thing, that I did not like soe well. I was to look for them this morning but did not find them. I will endeavour to pick up some thing next time more worthy your attention. January 2, 1 7 1 3. After wishing your Lordship many happy years, and that they may be spent to your satisfaction in your own countrey. 312 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. where you have been such a stranger, I must return my humblest thanks for the good news in your last. Every body seems pleas'd with the hopes of an approaching general peace, but the pleasure I have in seeing it effected by your Lordship is not equally felt, tho' I believe I have many sharers in it. The Duke of Shrewsbury is got over at last, after a tedious time in getting to Dover, but the Duke d'Aumont is not yet come. The Queen hath had a touch of the gout in her hand with a good deal of pain, but was easier after it swell'd, and was soe well yesterday as to see company, which was soe little expected that there was not many ladies, but what with men and the littleness of the bedchamber it was a crowd ; I saw My Lady Strafford there. My Lord Treasurer hath been ill of a feavorish cold, and hath seen noe company this week. They say the parliament will not sit quite soe soon as was intended. They talk of the instalments being near, but have heard nothing of it from My Lord Paulet, tho' he call'd here lately when I was abroad, perhaps to tell me when it was to be, as I desir'd him. My Lord Selkirk is come from Scotland and going to France to sollicit the pretensions of his family. The young Duke of Hamilton is to marry My Lord Orkney's daughter. Lord Galloway is dead in Hamp- shire of the gout in his stomach and Lord Shaftesbury at Naples. My Lord Nottingham I hear is come to town, tho' many people thought he would not come this winter. He is no friend to the peace you know. Your pardon is much wanted for this interruption. January 9, 17 13. I received your Lordship's of the 15th, new stile, and have since spoke to Lord Steward about the instalment, who tells me he believes it will be soon, tho' he does not yet know the time, but as soon as he knows it, he will doe himself the honour to write to you, and acquaint you with it. This I hope is enough to satisfy you in this point, for I dare say there is no noe thought of leaving you out, nor danger of your being forgot. I had an opportunity of speaking to him LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 313 last night at council and going home with him afterwards. The chief thing done in councel was reading a proclamation to suspend the act for recruits, which will be acceptable to the countrey, ever uneasy under that law of necessity. I have not seen the Duke d'Aumont, but hear of nothing else. They say he is a very fine gentleman, and will spend a great deal of money here, but those who have a mind to have his house pull'd down, or have him affronted, give out that he sells wine by the bottle, and french stuffs, nay turnips, for there is nothing too ridiculous for them. My Lord Treasurer was out of order last week and saw no company, but is abroad again. The Duke of Ormond hath been shut up too, upon the death of his daughter My Lady Ashburnham. The Duchess of Marlborough hath given great presents at her taking leave of her friends, severall fine diamond rings and other Jewells of great value, to Dr. Garth for one. They say the parliament will be put off to the 20th of this moneth, some say longer, and are most likely to say true. You have all that is come within the reach of your Lordship's, &c. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 13, 1713. In the first place I must tell my Dearest Life that I re- ceaved your letter of the 17th a Sunday, and you bid me not be jealous of the woman that made those fine verses of you. I own to you I find your honour so very vain concerning your own person that there is no danger of your falling in love with anybody but your self; and pray tell Capt. Powell I say so, who I am sure will extremly agree with me in my opinion. I think 'tis realy commiting a sin to doe any thing to highten your vainity, but at present I can't help it in telling you that everybody laments you are not to be instal'd your self, because you wou'd make so good a figure. The Duke of Kent told me a Sunday night that he and the rest of the Lords had agreed that the instalment shall be next Thursday sevennight, and that Lord Treasurer had given 314 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. mony to the Wardrope on purpose to pay for the Garter robes, &c., so I have sent Mr. ElHson to day to claime them, for I am told that is the custom ; as to the Coller I can borrow won in case it should be wanting. Sir Jacob Banks was here this morning for he cam to town as soon as he had my brother's letter,* .... St. James's Square, Jajiuary [sic, February?'\ 13, 1713. I receaved my dearest life's letter of the i8th this morning and thank you for that to Dr. Chamberlain. t This letter will be a very dismall won to Capt. Powell since it brings the news of poor Lord Cornbery's death ; he dy'd yesterday morning of a feavour got by a surfit of drinking, for he and a good many more drank as many quarts of Uskquebath as is usall to be drank of wine, and was never cool after. Lady Theodotia will now be a great fortune, for Cobham is settled on her, and she is now Baroness of Cliffton I have got your Garter robes from the Great Wardrope, but I don't hear any time set for the instalment I was a Tusday at Sir Godfry Kneller's, and there's the Duke of Buckingham drawn in his Garter robes, and I found out that Mr. De Garr has left out the Cross and Garter on the outward mantle, so I went to him and shoAved him where he had omited it and order'd him to put it in. * Bankes, member for Minehead, a zealous Tory, was about to act as Lord Strafford's proxy at the coming installation of Knights of the Garter. Sir James Wishart was the other substitute proposed. + Hugh Chamberlen, a noted physician, who attended the Queen of James II. at the birth of the prince afterwards known as the Pretender. Lady Wentworth was very anxious to secure his attendance on Lady Strafford on an approaching event of family interest, but, writes she to her son, " he is so proud he won't go to any body except the husband writes to him," and "he won't take less than 100 guineas to be always ready to come." In another letter we read that Dr. Chamberlen " keeps his coach and two footmen and is very much courted. Lord Bathurst invites him oflcn to dinner and drinks a bottle with him, for he loves a glass of good wine. He is very great also with Lord and Lady Masham." . He died in 1728; his epitaph in Westminster Abbey was written by Bishop Atterbury. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 315 St. James's Square, January 27, 17 13. I have not heard from my Dearest life scnce I write last. The only thing that is now talked of hear is of the French am- bassador's house which was yesterday in the afternoon burnt down to the ground, and a house of each side of it. It was ocation'd from the confectioner's room which was at the top of the house, and the suger's boyling over set fire of the bords and so of a great wooden beam. The whole street had been burnt if the Duke of Ormond had not by his great care prevented it I had allmost forgot to tell you that now I'll be vain in my turn, for a Sunday I was at court to inquire how the Oueen did, and the French ambasadore and severall other forainers say'd I was the handsomest woman there. You have so often told me of your beauty that I was resolved to return it as soon as I had any opertunity. The Whigg book I sent you by the last messenger was write by the Bishop of Salsbery's son [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] January 27, 17 13. From my not writing to your Ex>' last post you may con- clude your letters were not come to me, else I could not have let the post goe away without my thanks for two of the kindest letters I ever received from you, for I was pleas'd with every part, the news of the approaching peace, the desire you shew of letting me share in your satisfactions, and even the account of your ball, which tho' call'd little, did not I fancy prove soe in the expence. I hear the instalment that should have been to day is put off, I doe not know to what time, upon the D. of Kent's being taken ill. I have not seen Lord Paulet of late, but he was soe very positive in taking it upon him to send you word when it was fix't that I could not doubt his sincerity, nor can I think such a monstrous thought could come into any body's head, as to think of putting you off longer then the rest, therefore I would fain have you easie in this matter. I think myself oblig'd to tell you the ill as well as the good of every thing where you are 3l6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. concern'd, therefore cannot omit telling you that severall whigs grumble much at the Emperour's not having Stras- burgh, and the separate cessation of arms just after My Lord Strafford, the Duke of Ormond, and before that Mr. Lumley, had assur'd the States that the war would be push't on with vigour; that if this comes into parliament, they cannot be soe regardless of truth, as to give their approbation to such a behaviour to allies, tho' never soe faulty. For my part I must always be for the peace so necessary and in which I am sure you have acted with soe much sincerity, but you know we have always whimsicall people amongst us hard to be pleas'd. Many of the gentlemen are alsoe angry at the parliaments soe often put off. There is a story goes about, which tho' I believe nothing of, yet I cannot help sending you, that Lord Sussex and his son in law,* lately come from France, went to one Mr, Lewis, a gentleman of a good estate, with compli- ments from My Lord Melfort and the Pretender, for the good inteligence constantly sent them, but, seeing him surpris'd, ask't him if he was not in My Lord Dartmouth's office, and that this gentleman told this before 20 people in the choco- late house ; but if there was any thing of this, we should certainly hear that that Lord and his son would be taken. They say the countrey gentlemen will take it very ill if there is not at least two shil. taken from the land, and some will have that the whole four will be taken off, supplied by a lottery or by taxing the funds, which will I doubt be cry'd out upon as a breach of publick faith. You have heard that the Marocco ambassadour was seis'd here for reprisals of what they had taken of our ships, which w^as occasion'd by our neglect in resenting the truce now expir'd and will cost much dearer then the presents that must have been given for that renewall. Duke d'Aumonts hou.se was yesterday burnt down to the ground with two of his neighbours. You have heard of Lord Carbery's death, whose daughter is they say to marry My Lord Hartford.f * Barbara, daughter of Thomas Lennard, Lord Dacre, created Earl of Sussex, married Charles Skelton, a General in the French service, t A letter of Ralph Palmer to Viscount Fermanagh of this date in LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 317 St. James's Square, January 30, 17 13. .... What I told you about the confectioner's room being the accation of seting the ambasadore's on fire was a mistake, for I find all Peaple think 'twas don through treachery, and the ambasadore had three letters sent him before the fire broke out that his house would be fir'd; and jest now I heard two men was taken up about it. Lady Rochester told me that the D. of Buckingham told her she might report it from him that he knew there was a great pot of fire instruments found in the top of the house, and, as a mark that 'twas set on fire, the room it brok out in was a room the D. of Powises goods was put in and never had had a fire in it. The Queen has given him her own lodgings in Sumerset house.* . . . February 6, 1 7 1 3. .... Lord Bathurst was here this morning to show us his person before he went to court, his cloths ware both extremly fine and very handsome, and he like won you know very well pleased with his own person. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] February 10, 17 13. I find I cannot hold, but must be scribbling some times whether I have anything to say or noe. The finery of the Sir Harry Verney's Collection of MSS. {see Seventh Report of Historica MSS. Commission, p. 508) gives the following curious, if true, account of Lord Carbery : — " He had redeemed his estate and amassed wealth by the government of Jamaica, where he carried many shauntelmen of Wales, and sold 'em there for slaves, as he did his Chaplain, to a black- smith ; and though he has left his daughter 4000/. per annum besides a great personal estate, was contented rather to keep all he had gotten to himself than to dispose of her well in marriage with any part of it, or the settlement on or after his death, tho' 84 years old, so that you will not wonder at his servant's answer upon an ' How do you V sent to him, that his master, he believed, was by that time got half way to hell, whom through excessive penury he almost starved living." * From a letter written in March this year we learn that the French Ambassador afterwards took Lord Ranelagh's house in Chelsea. 3l8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. birth day's is not worth the troubling you with, and without a parliament this town doth not afford much. When that is to sit is yet a dispute, tho' appointed for next tuesday. The gentlemen grumble at their being kept soe long to noe pur- pose and I doe not know what humour they will be in when they doe meet. I must not forget one thing at the birth day, / that My Lord Somers was there and hardly any other of his party. Your acquaintance Lord Cornbury had made fine clothes for that day, but was taken very ill with a feavour that hath not yet left him. I was very sory to hear of your pictures being stopt at the custom house, but hope you will get them off without paying 70 per cent, for your own goods, as if you were a merchant. I had the honour to play at Ombre lately with My Lady Strafford and Lady Portland, One hears noe more of the instalment, then if there was to be none, and some think it will not be in soe long time that you may be here your self, and not want a representative. Lord Selkirk is gone or going very soon to France to sollicit the pretensions of his family, which many say is nothing at all, and if anything My Lord Abercorne hath the right. Notwithstanding the story I sent you word of hath been disprov'd to a degree very uncommon, yet many will not be persuaded out of it, and others affect to believe it. I have some remorse for not having writ to Capt. Powell, but he will have reason to thank me for escaping soe dull a letter as must come at present. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, February 16, 1713. .... I am told Lord Petterboroug is not at all pleas'd with Lord Treasurer's usage to him. A Satterday Lady Portland sent to me to desire I wou'd com and spend the evening with her, and Lord Hartley was there, so we play'd at Ombra, and I can asure you his formality is in the greatest perfection at that game that ever I see it, and he has found out that I play extremly well at it which is what no body LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 3 19 ever found before Mr. Harison was very fine on the Queen's birthday. If you had given Sir Jacob Banks ten thousand pound it wou'd not have made him half so happy as being your proxey. The robes are all ready to be given out at the Wardrope, and I hope to get yours to morrow. Sir Jacob Banks told my brothere as Mr. Elleson was not in town he'd pay the fees for the robes, but I thought that wou'd not look well to have him out of pocket, so I sent word that I wou'd send him the mony whatever it was, for I can asure you I can never imploy any mony I have so much to my own sattisfaction as in pleasing you who I love much better than my self Adieu ! St. James's Square, February 17, 1713. In the first place my Dear I receaved your letter of the 22nd a Satterday by Lord Privey Seal's gentleman who very civilly came to me and brought me the lace clouts and tea as soon as he cam ; and brought me a fine compliment from good Mrs. Robinson and Lord Privey Seal, and as he brought me the things safe I gave him a ginney. Mr. Harryson dy'd last Satterday and is very much lamented by all that knew him here."^ His brothere Poets bury'd him, as Mr. Addison, Mr. Philips, and Dr. Swift I can tell you the reason the Duchess of Rutland did not goe to court on the Birthday; the Duke is soe great a Whigg that he did not care she should goe. I can asure you I was set out in very great order for the Spanish Ambassadore and he say'd I had won of the best houses he had been in. There was a Spanish Duke and another noble man of Spain that cam over with them ; Mons. Forcerner brought them, and my brothere was here with me I can tell you there is 3 peaple allready named for Mr. Harrison's place, Mr. St. John's (Lord Bulling- * See note on p. 188. Harrison came over from Utrecht with the Barrier Treaty at the beginning of the month, fell ill, and died very shortly. On February 3, Lady Strafford writes : — " I see your favourite Mr. Harryson yesterday who says you are the best of men ; he has found you so." Swift writes very feelingly of him in his Journal of February 13 and 14, adding, " No loss ever grieved me so much." 320 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. brock's brothere), Mr. Hare, and Mr. Wattkins that had the place before. The Queen is still confin'd to her dressing room. I am realy told the Queen is mightly concerned for Lord Cornbery, and sent herself twice a day to know how he did ; he was jest agoing to have had Lord Windsor's regi- ment. I have again play'd at Ombra with Lord Barkley, and he has now found that nobody plays better than L If you are ever jealous of anybody it must be Lord Barkley, for I have heard in severall places where he has say'd no man in the world was so happy in a wife as you. You know I am like you and have no vanity at all, so to be sure I don't believe what he says. [Peter Wentworth.] London, February 17, 17 13. Dear Brother, .... Poor Mr. Harrison is very much lamented ; he died last Saturday. Dr. Swift told me that he had told him that before he died he told him he owed about 300/., and the Queen ow'd him 500/., and that if you or some or your people cou'd send an account of his debts, that I might give it to him, he wou'd undertake to solicit Lord Treasurer and get this 500/., and give the remainder to his mother and sister. [Lady Wentworth.] February ig, 1713. My dearist and best of children, I hear Mr. Cardenel is put out. My neaphew Batthurst told us soe. I was to see my sister just now, whoe is not well. I made a very short vesit, for my dear Lady Strafford being aloan, I longed to come back to her ; for I am hear in the square from morning tel night, I dyne and sup hear every day, and sure never was soe good youmored a creeture, she never is out of youmore. She and I have play'd to-day at pickit, I will not own she plays better, but had better luck Pray give Dr. Earst* * William Ayerst, Lord Strafford's Chaplain. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 321 many thancks for his sarment, which is very much admired by all that has red it, as wel as by Dear soul, your moste infenet affectionat mother. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, February 20, 1713. .... Here is an extrodinary wedding a going to be. Lord Townsend to Dolly Walpole.* I can't tell whethere you know her Carrecter, but she is won Lord Wharton keept. I am for having the Whiggs have all such wives. Lord Cornbery is to be bury'd to night at the Queen's charge in Westminster Abby. . . . The man has not yet begun your othere print, nor can I get him to set the day. I hear the Duchess of Shrewsbery is mightily liked in France. I am told by every body that Lord Dartmouth will very soon be declared of the Post Office, and Sir Thomas Hanmore to be Secretary of State. [Peter Wentworth.] February T./!!,^ 1713- Dear Brother, .... We are making great preparations for a peace, 'tis reported that last Thursday every thing was sign'd here, and 'tis sent over into France to be signed by the King of France. There's fireworks making which is to be in St. James Square, and the Anthem for the Thanksgiven is to be rehearsed this week at Whitehall, and now they say the Queen will certainly goe to the House next Tuesday. When my Lord Bullinbrook recommended his brother to be Secretary to the Embassy 'tis said he told her that this employment wou'd be a charge to him, for his father never wou'd be at any charge for any son, and her Majesty paid nobody ; but 'twas all in hopes of better. * In July this year, Lord Townshend married Dorothy, sister of Sir Robert Walpole, Y 322 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] February 2J, 17 13. I wish your Lordship much joy of your daughter, and tho' I wish't at my heart, it might be a son, yet I hope you will live to see her a satisfaction, and an honour to you, and your family, and that you will soon come over, after finishing that great affair, in order to a son. They send me word My Lady is very well and I hope she will continue soe. It is generally said the Parliament will sit to do business if anything can be believ'd after soe many delays, but the funds being near expiring makes it every day more necessary. I am much concern'd when I hear of any Lords' discontents, for fear of another inundation of peers. They say the Queen looks very i well after the tedious fit of the gout she hath had, and it is thought she will be at the house on Tuesday. My Lady Portland is going into Holland with a prospect of finishing her troublesome law suit, where I fear she will not find many friends besides your Lordship. I wish her success with all my heart. There is such running after my Lord Carbery's rich daughter, as you never saw. My Lord Lumley makes the greatest bustle, but whether the most in favour, I doe not know. My Lord Winchester and Lord Hertford are alsoe in pursuit. I believe your Lordship was very sory for Lord Cornbury, and Captain Powell should be condol'd with. It was a melancholy thing to see such a young man drop. His sister will be a fortune by this, and I have heard that My Lord Ashburnham likes her, but have not heard whether enough to think of marrying. My Lord Paget is dead and hath left all he could from his son to his housekeeper, [Peter Wentworth.] London, March 3, 17 13. Dear Brother, Altho' last Saturday Lord T shook several country gentlemen, members of the house of Commons, by the hand, LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 323 and told them that the night before there was a courier arriv'd from France and that all was agreed to — the King of France having left all matters in dispute to the Queen and that now the house wou'd set to do business. How the Whigs came to know it the Lord know ; but they laid wagers that the Queen wou'd not go this day to the house and that the house wou'd not set to do business, so that all the hearty Tories that my Lord T did the favour to speak to have lost their mony, and are laught at into the bargain. They begin now to murmur much and not to understand the jest of such bites. The Queen was abroad in her chair Friday and Saturday, and she look't very well, and I hope to God she's so. 'Twas in order to use herself to the air to be able to go to the house to day as was given out, but since she did not go that banter has been much censurer (sic). [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 6, 17 13. A letter from your Lordship at this time was as unexpected as it was kind to furnish me with some answers to the imper- tinencies one meets with every day, for though I avoid as much as possible all politick disputes I am glad to give some reasons why I am not of some people's minds, who deliver their notions with an air, as if they were unanswerable. What your Lordship says for the cessation of arms is enough to satisfy any impartial man who must think that Dunkirk is equal to the advantages of any of our glorious campaigns. I hope the new King of Prussia is more humane then he was represented, since he makes such court to you. I have heard that he peaks himself upon being a great friend of the D. of Marlborough. We are told that two new Kings are to be made at Utrecht, a title that will grow almost as common as that of Duke here, and majesty will be noe longer a dis- tinction. We were again disappointed on Tuesday and soe was" the whole town, for I never saw a greater crowd then was at Y 2 324 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Westminster. Whether it will be the same thing next week is yet a dispute. 1 saw a gentleman that din'd lately at Duke d'Aumont's, and after all hath been said of his mag- nificence, I begin to think our nation is improv'd and they degenerated. I believe you were sory for the death of Mr. Harrison, who was thought a very ingenious man ; one must confess you have one that outweighs him. Lady Portland hath been kept here much longer then she intended by one of her sons falling ill who is something better, but not yet recover'd. I have neither marriages to tell you of except Mr. Stanhope's, nor deaths, only of one Mr. Pyne of Ireland, kill'd in a duel lately in Chelsea fields by one Mr. Biddulph, who is also much wounded [Peter Wentworth.] London, March 20, 17 13. Dear Brother, This day I had the favour of yours of the 28th, and do believe you have been fatigued enough with writing, and be glad to find your computation prov'd true that general peace wou'd be sign'd in 8 or 10 days, tho' we have some impatient here that think that a long time, and others that are so malicious as to assure that it will be much longer a coming. What the Tories are jealous and angry at is, of a meeting 'tis said my Lord Treasurer had at my Lord Halifax's with Lord Summers, Lord Orford, Lord Wharton and Lord Cooper, &c. Their reasoning upon't is, the Peace is not so good as to stand the test of nice inquiry, and they are to be bust {sic, hushed I), or that 'twas to compound with them not to produce some letters that have been intercepted to encourage the Dutch to hold out, if they will promise to approve of all that's to be laid before them ; and they fall a railing at this sort of trimming as if the thing were really so. Others tell you the Whigs are cunning men who see we shall have a glorious peace and are come in of themselves to approve of all, and were it not so, since they see it must be, they will agree to anything, so that they may come in again, LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 325 and then they curse those that wou'd advise the trusting such men again. They are angry to hear that the Duke of Som- merset is to come in again Master of the Horse, and that if Lord Keeper had died Lord Cooper wou'd have been Chan- celour, and Lord Pembrok is to come in for something. The Queen sent for me yesterday, which was to ask me what time my Lady Strafford wou'd have the christaining, because she wou'd send Lady Katherin Hide to stand for her, I was very glad of that opportunity of seeing her Majesty look so well. I saw her again to day at Chapel carried in her chair and after that she touch 150 poor people; and now fine weather begins I hope to see her better and better every day. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, March 24, 1713. .... The child was chrisen'd last Satterday. The Queen sent Lady Katthern Hyde (as being the Lady in waiting) and the Duchess of Kent stood for Lady Wentworth, and Lord Treasurer was here. I believe the Queen considers my vainity and designs to make you a Marquise, for the custom is when she stands godmothere to a Lord, she sends 20 ginneys to the nurses, to an Earl, 30, and to a Marquis, 40, and she sent 40 here. I began to see company a Sonday, and am to sit in order tell Thursday ; all the Queen's ladys has been here and every body admires our house. Mr. Shales has been very civiU in lending me a great deal of plate. I think the bed the handsomest made up I have seen any where, and a great many is gon away with the thoughts that the gilt leather is gold brocaded stuff. Lady Essex was yesterday to see me; she never viseted me before, she cam to desire me to give you a great many thanks for your civillitys to her son and says she believes he is so fond of being at your house that she feared he was very troublesome. The French ambassador now begins to be very entertaining to the Ladys, for every Thursday he makes a very fine super, and has muskick and asks som Lady of quality to com and invite her own company. 326 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Last Thursday the Duchess of Richmond was Lady of it, and this Thursday the Duchess of Buckingham is to be. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 31, 1713. I was not a little surprised yesterday at the sight of Mr. Powell, but overjoyed to hear he had left your Lordship in good health soe lately, for I believe noe body ever came from Holland in soe little a time ; and that your great work was drawing near to an end. He tells me you have thoughts of having My Lady Strafford over, which I am glad of, because I think you will both be pleas'd with it but I would rather see you here together, then hear of your being soe anywhere else. I am alsoe to thank your Lordship for }'our favour of last week and sending me the account of the King of Sweden, an account exceeding all romances. It makes one impatient to hear what is become of him since his imprisonment. I hope the parliament will now sit next week, in good earnest, after soe many times being put off, and that those who are so fond of the war, will think fit to be peaceable. Your Lordship is soe tormented with publick matters that I will venture to tell you of what relates only to myself. My Lady Bellasyse was ever the most obliging to me in the world, but I never knew I had half one share of her favour that she hath expres't in her Will, where she hath left me joynt executour with her nephew Sir John Wodehouse, which is likely to prove a considerable advantage to me, and will help to portion my daughters. Your Lordship sees how much I rely upon your friendship, that I venture to entertain you with such a subject. My Lord Winchester is to be the happy man that marries My Lady Anne Vaughan. They say it is concluded. My Lord Peters dyed lately of the small pox much lamented, tho' a Papist. I was very v/ell acquainted with him, and lik'd his humour extreamly. My Lady Strafford is just gone from hence looking better then I ever saw her. I have had a sight of your daughter who I believe will prove a great beauty. That LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 327 your Lordship may have a son next year and every year till you are weary is the sincere wish of yours &c. April — , 1 7 1 3. I congratulate your Lordship with all my soul upon the peace, which generally people seem to be glad of, and I believe some who put on an uneasy countenance are pleas'd and approve it in their hearts, but I am happyer in it then most people, being always a true well wisher, that it might succeed in your hands. The parliament meets now without fail on Thursday, and they hope that two months will dispatch the business, but the gentlemen will have a disappointment in being eas'd the shilling which would be [so] popular a thing that I wish heartily two could be taken off of the land, but that cannot be without a further mortgage, and all those excise taxes are see expensive in the gathering that they doe not near answer what they are given for. I hope it will not be long now before you will come to take your rest a little in your own countrey and see as much happyness as you can desire, which cannot be more then is wish't you by your Lordships real servant. I hear there is a Councell to night, but I could not goe having been out of town all day and [returned ?] too late for it. [Peter Wentworth.] London, April 6, 1713. Dear Brother, Last Friday we received the news of peace being sign'd by the Dutch, with a great deal of joy, but I did not writ that post because I staid to hear what people said of it abroad. The next day I went to Court, there every body was mightily pleased, and a world of members of the house of Commons wish't mc joy of the glory you had in bringing this great affair about ; even some that used to say " damn the Dutch, no matter if they sign or no," express their satis- 328 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. faction and own it worth the while staying so long for them — all owning the vast pains and trouble you had undergone, and since it had succeeded so well your content must be the greater. They laught heartily at the several pocket questions that are lost by the Dutch signing, and many a fine speech that's spoilt on this occasion. ^ ^ * * [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] April lo, 17 1 3. I am always infinitly oblig'd to your Lordship for allowing me a place in your thoughts when crowded with soe many great affairs, and shewing a concern for anything that happens to me, particularly in this executourship of My Lady Bellasis, which proves very considerable, and was soe little expected that it is in a manner fallen from the clouds. I return thanks at the same time for the little book, which is valuable in its kind, and hath a recommendation to me in having your name in it, that I am always glad to ... . You will see by the [speech] wch the Queen made yester- day, for which the commons order'd thanks immediately, but the Lords would not let it goe without a debate, and were beat by a majority of two and thirty, there were long speeches that amounted to noe more I think then that it did not be- come their prudence to give thanks for anything before they knew what it was. My Lord Hallifax was the first opposer, then My Lord Cooper, Lord Sunderland Lord Nottingham and his brother. Lord Treasurer said that an address of thanks did not pre- clude any enquiry into the peace and .... there would be an examination into the endeavours used these two years to obstruct soe good a work. Lord Peterborough said it was known by every body that there had been an endeavour to make a captain general for life. My Lord Sunderland took it up, saying it was a thing of great consequence if true, LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 329 therefore he would doc well to prove it. The other answcr'd nothing. I was sorry I could not be at Councell last Tuesday, where the articles of peace were read and ratified. My Lord Cholmley is since that turned out, and soe is Sir Richard Temple. To morrow at two oclock is appointed to present the address. April 2d,, 17 1 3. It is with great satisfaction that I hear of My Lady Strafford's arriving safely in Holland. The next good news I hope to hear, is that you are coming over together, for I reckon you must doe nothing hereafter apart. I endeavoured to wait upon My Lady before she went, but doe not wonder in the hurry she was in, that I did not find her. I was alsoe very sory that I miss'd of Captain Powell when he call'd upon me. We are impatient here for the ratifications of the peace, as if it was not already concluded and anything left to doe besides formalities. The house of Lords hath had little to doe besides reading the report from the Commissioners of accounts. One of the most remarkable things in it, is My Lord Wharton's taking a thousand pounds for his recommendation to Lord Godolphin for a Custom house place, which he flatly deny'd the truth of last Wed- nesday in full house, tho' sworn by the man who gave it ; and as I am inform'd, it is one of the best actions his Lordship ever did, for it seems he hath a sister in very low circumstances, with a daughter wholly unprovided, who brought him this man, and he gave ^200 of the money to his sister, and put out the ;^8oo for the daughter. The house of commons hath pleas'd a great part of the nation with taking two shillings off the land, and were unanimous in it, both parties striving to get the credit, and the rest of the money is to be rais'd without a lottery (one of our late grievances) by granting a longer term to the Bank, and some other advantage to the African Company. There goes an odd story of Mrs. Dormer, whom you may better know by the name of Die Kirk that a footman of hers pre- 330 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. tending to have had great familiarities, being refus'd money beat her very unmercifully. The story is so publickly told that there needs noe great scruple in repeating it, with this caution that she is nearly related to My Lady Essex now with you. [Peter Wentworth.] London, April 28, 1713. Dear Brother, * * * * How the removal of Lord Chomondley was I know not, but I have heard that in Council he did not approve of some part of the Queen's speech, and that he has talk't of this him- self. As I writ you last post I know not how the Duke of Argile's affairs has been or is, tho' he appears at Court and Lord T r's as usual. To inquire after Sir Richard Temple is reckon ill manners. I have heard no reason asigned, but that he has never been at Court, or with any of the ministry since the change ; if true, 'tis sufficient. I don't hear yet who the regiment is given to.* Mr. Addison's play of Cato by the Tories is apply'd to them, and by the Whigs to themselves. My Lord Bullingbrook's gathering of 50 guineas and giving it to Booth as Tories' guineas for acting the part of Cato so well that opposed a perpetual Dictator was a home strock. I am just a going to the Drawing Room ; if I can hear any news there I'll writ it as soon as I come home. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] May 2, 1713. A thousand thanks My Lord for your letter, where I am glad to find the great business is near an end, and you will have time to think a little of your pleasures, and of your * Sir R. Temple, of Stowe, was one of Marlborough's generals. On the return of the Whigs to power after the death of the Queen he was created Baron Cobham. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 33 1 friends, tho' they cannot complain you ever forgot them. It is a more busy time then ordinary here upon the accounts of the treaty of trade, which is understood by soe few that it gives a large field to those who have a mind to find fault, and it hath been soe long a receiv'd opinion that a trade with France is prejudicial to this kingdom that it is noe easie task to beat them out of it. The Lords are not yet come to a debate, but have spent their time in reading papers from the commissioners of trade, and are to goe on with their work to day. Yesterday was taken up with a long debate concerning the Scotch. My Lord Seafield * after a long speech of the hard- ships his nation had endur'd, concluded with a motion for leave to bring in a bill to dissolve the Union, preserving the Succession. All his countreymen joyn'd with him and most of the Whigs, but were beat by a majority only of four, and that by proxys, for the present Lords made an equality. What hath provoked the Scotch is the malt tax, after the assurances given them in the Articles of the Union that it should not be tax'd during the war, and before it is well ended, it is impos'd upon them, tho' to pay the debts of the war. Lord Peterborough was very pleasant in comparing the union to a marriage, and own'd we had been a little rough to our spouse. Tho' this matter is over in parliament, it is to be fear'd it will not be so in Scotland, where they will never pay this tax, and the officers who are to gather it, will be in some danger, as well as the justices of peace if they take their part. Tho' the days are imploy'd in business, the nights are reserved to pleasure, for balls are much in fashion. There hath been two lately in my neighbourhood at My Lord Wharton's and the Duke of Bolton's. There is a report but whether upon any good ground, that finding the D. of Marl- borough does more mischief abroad then he could do here, he is sent for, and that he hath been viewing the Emperour's army. Several merchants were heard to day in relation to the treaty of commerce, and My Lord Bolingbrook made his * James Ogilvy, fourth earl, an eminent lawyer. 332 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. first speech and came off very well. There were some re- parties between him and My Lord Sunderland, for upon his saying that a malicious faction had stirr'd up everything to hinder the peace, and when it was made, to run it down, the other said there might be faction in a ministry with as much more danger as they had more power in their hands. [Peter Wentworth.] London, May 8, 1713. Dear Brother, JjC V * ^ We have no news here but of the Duke D'Omond's {sic) Ball last night, and Masquerade. The entertainment was very fine, but the masquers very dirty and shaby, for most of them were the Duke's own family, and the English are not enough used to the thing, nor had not timely notice to have any habits. There's a gentleman came to see me yesterday to tell me of the finest purchase in England, a noble seat cost above twenty thousand pounds, and will be thrown in for nothing, the whole purchase is but forty thousand pounds, and may be your half way house into Yorkshire, lying near Northampton ; and he hears the mony you have with my Lady is to be laid out in land [Lady Wentworth.] May 12, 17 13. .... What would I give to see Stattyra and Roxseany together.* My neic Pye and her husband and children goes to day to Twitnam, they have taken a hous thear, and soe my neaphew Peeter Batthurst has dun Did I ever tel you the church is fallen down, and the fat minister is dead and Docter Pratt, he that taught the Duke of Gloster, is minister .-' Soe before it fel he preached one sarment in it, but would * Lady Strafford had just joined her husband at the Hague. On April 10 Lady Wentworth wrote that she had sent to Ireland for a wolf's tooth, for her granddaughter Lady Anne — " none ever breeds their teeth ill that has a wolf's tooth. I had one for all you." LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 333 preach noc more, but ordred Pasmore to make a tabcrnakle in the church yard, which al has and must contrebute to. Soe he preached thear and exhorted al to giv thancks for thcar great deleverenc for the church not falHng when they wear in it, it being then standing. The people all laughed at him, and in a week's time it fel down to the grownd, soe all the parrish contrebutse to the building of it. I hear Sir Jamse Ash has geven a hundred pd, his daughter that is but fowerteen has geven three scoar, his blind sister a hundred, Mrs. Windom fifty, Lady Tufton fifty, and her son fifty, Lady Humble fifty, Mr. Boucher forty. This I harde by a Twitnam body att Whithall church. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] May 12, 1713. Tho' it looks ridiculous to make excuses for not writing, unless my letters afforded more diversion, yet I must say thus much that I was truly vex'd that I could not last Friday let your Lordship see some part of the sence I have of your Lordship's goodness, soe visible in your letters. The very haste you seem'd to be in, is an argument of the place I possess in your heart, which I find noe business, noe nor your favourite passion, ambition, is able to jostle me out of Pardon this last word, which the freedoms you us'd to allow me have made me too cautious in choosing. I thank your Lordship for the treaty you sent me. It hath since been lay'd before both houses, and the house of commons is not in very good humour concerning the trade, and make some difficulties of taking off the duty upon Wine, but they say it will all blow over. They think they will be up by midsummer. The D. d'Aumont will be broke here if he goes on with his entertainments, which exceed anything we have been us'd to here, and exceeded himself the day that the peace was pro- claim'd, and had a fine ball and masquerade. That day the mob was very unruly in breaking the windows of those houses that were not illuminated. I scap'd by living in a street 334 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. out of the way, and had rather have had my windows broke, then the trouble and the stink of the candles. I am just now come from dining at the D. of Ormond's, where contrary to custom there was but little company : My Lord Peterborough one of the number extreamly entertaining. [Peter Wentworth.] London, May 15, 1713. Dear Brother, Yesterday I was in the house of Commons from one a clock till ten, and had a great deal of sattisfaction in hearing a very regular debate, tho' those of the adverse party com- plain of not having fair play, the question being so often called for. The first dispute was if the several petitions and representations from marchants shou'd be read that had been given to the Commissionars of trade, and had been ordered to be laid before the house and was then before them ; but they being very voluminous and that extracts being made thereof, 'twas told the house by those that wou'd have the main business come on of the 8"^ and 9'^^ Article, 'twas sufficient for them to be read, and if any member wou'd call for any one perticular paper they might. But they wou'd not be sattisfied with any such thing, they wou'd have all or none, so the house devided if they shou'd then go into a committee of the whole house, to read over the treaty of Commerce and Navigation, wch was carry'd by a great Majority 31 1 and 103. Authur Moor began by setting forth what advantages the Queen had obtain'd for her subjects from France by this Treaty and talk't for an hour and half very well, and ended with this motion that the Committee wou'd come to a reso- lution to move the house for leave to bring in a bill to enable the Queen to make the S^** and q*"* Article effectual, wch was seconded by Sir James Bateman,* Letchmore opposed it, by desiring that they might read over all the act of Parlia- ments that such a Bill must of necessity recind. The Chan- * Member for Ilchester, Lord Mayor of London, 1717. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 335 celor of the Exchequer said that was nothing but for delay, so made some reflections as if they wou'd indeavour to do as they had done abroad, which had been the occasion the Queen cou'd not sooner lay before them the Treatys ; if they had any objections to the Article, they [could] make them, and they wou'd be answered. Sir Richard Anslow and Smith and Worthley Montague insisted to have the acts read, the main of their Argument was that no Law cou'd be abrogate without being read. So they devided the house again, but lost it by a great Majority. Then Lechmore and Stanhope fell upon the Tariff, Lechmore wou'd mentain our whole woolen manufacture was prohibited, not withstanding the explanatory [clause] that confined it to these four Speices ; Sir Thomas Hanmore endeavour'd to sett him right, he wou'd not understand it otherwise. Stanhope's arguments were brought from the ruin of our Portugal trade wch was a much more benefitial one then France, and if we admitted of this Tariff by Parliament, upon every breach thereof the nation wou'd be engaged in War ; we had been a florishing trading nation without a Tariff with France, and why shou'd we try new experiments at the expence of breach of Treaty with an nation whose trade was much more advantagious to us. The Peace was made, and this treaty of Commerce was a distingk thing from it, and was laid before them to take or leave, so that at least it was an affair of more time then the house seem'd to be disposed to give. Lord Castlecomer* undertook to prove this Tariff that was so boasted of was directly against our interest ; he made the house laugh by desiring leave to read a paragraph out of a French Author who had writ what great things Lewis the 14th had done for his people, and among other thing was this Tariff or book of rates was contrived for the Advantage of his subjects. Sir Peter Kingf spoke to the same purpose but express't himself better, and added that this Tariff of '64 was not the * Sir Christopher Wandesford, member for Ripon. t Member for Beeralston, John Locke's friend and executor. 336 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. most advantgious that ever any nation traded with France, for we had a better in '44, by the .... that was in OHver's time. In short all these objections were answer'd very well, wch is to no purpose to writ you, since you must know all that is to be said for't. Mr. Caesar told me Sir Thomas Hanmore is to report to the house a Tuesday next, your pension, but it is so put that they will be able to keep off any censure passing upon't. . . . London, May 26, 1713. Dear Brother, Since you seem to like my accounts of what is done in Parliament, I shall give a relation of what I have heard of the Malt-tax, since now 'tis like to make so much noise. The court did manage themselves so nicely that they carried it in the comittee, but by the Speaker's voice, that the Scotch shou'd be excused the duty upon Malt. When they reported it to the house they disagreed with their Committee by 25, notwithstand there were speeches that told them 'twas a breach of the Union, for there 'twas expressly stipulated that during the war they shou'd have no additional taxes laid upon them, and if 'twas levy'd it must be by a standing army. The answere to this was that when the Peace was, they had agreed to be tax't in all things alike to the English, wch the Scotch allow; but here's the Breach, they say, that what they were to pay towards the war was mention'd in the Articles of Union, and no more then that burthen were they to bear to support the War, and now by making them come in this year to an equal proportion with us in this Malt tax, wch is apropriated to defray some of the expences of the War, they are made to pay towards the War. The reason that waight with a great many country Gentlemen, that don't depend upon the court for bringing them in, is that they may be casied of this tax next year, wch they are apprehensive will be ask'd of them again, being what is levy with the most ease ; if the Scotch are with them they know they will join with the Country Gentlemen to take it off. When the Scotch LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 337 found there was no way of geting themselves [off] they join'd with the Whigs now to throw out the bill, but they cou'd not succeed in that, so last night all the members of both houses had a meeting and agreed upon an address to the Queen, full of respect to her, but in short 'tis to desire that leave may be given to bring in a bill to dissolve the Union. There was not one man either lords or commons dissented from it ; the Duke of Argile and Lord Mar, Mr. Lockard and Mr. Cobern presented it to the Queen to day. I am told their Answere was that she was surprised that in a matter of so great a consequence that they shou'd take so hasty and rash a resolve ; by next post I shall be able to tell you more of this matter. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] June 19, 1713- I cannot forbear writing some times to put you in mind of your humble servant and old acquaintance, tho' my head is so full of the business of trade, with hearing of nothing else, within and without the house of Lords, that it puts out all other thoughts, and yet I know so little of it that I should get noe credit with speaking of it. There hath been high feuds in the house of commons, for after all the time spent, and debates past, it hath been the opinion of many, that it was best to let it drop. None were soe warm for this opinion as My Lord Anglesey, and Sir Thomas Hanmer. The Whigs are apparently elevated at this division, who must have this justice done them that they observe better discipline, but the others all think themselves fit to govern. There hath been a quarrel between the D. of Bucks and Lord Conway about a law suit in which his Grace was cast, who said that he declar'd before God that notwithstanding he lost it, he had done nothing but what was justifiable, and if My Lord Conway had been his son he could not have done more. This one would think carried noe provocation in it, but My Lord Con- way answer'd that he would rather be any man's son in England then his, and the D. of B reply'd that he would Z 338 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. rather have anybody for his son then such a fool as he. This occasion'd a challenge, but mischief was prevented. Your Lordship hath heard of My Lord Dorset's being out of Warden of the cinq ports. I wonder'd less at his going out then his staying in soe long when he oppos'd the court in every thing, but it seems he assur'd several people that he would be for the malt bill, tho' he had been for breaking the Union, but when it came to the question, voted against it. I believe there are not many people concern'd for him. The house of Commons sat last night till eleven a clock, and flung out the trade bill by 9 only. It makes a sad breach among the Ministers and their friends, and occasions much grumbling and complaints. It is a dispute beyond me, and I v»^ill say nothing to it, nor trouble you any longer. [Peter Wentworth.] London, /une 23, 17 13. Dear Brother, ^ *^ ^ ^ When I came to town I was surprised to find the House of Commons had thrown out the Bill for Commerce with France. The little while I have been here, the best account I have of it is. Lord T did not labour in it heartily saying he left it intirely to them, if they did not think it for the advantage of England The estate I writ to you of in Northamptonshire of Sir Edward Longville is sold to Dr. Ratcliff, but I shall very soon send you per- ticulars of others. London, June 26, 1713. Dear Brother, Since I writ to you last you'll see the Commons have mended matters by a very good Address, which they pre- sented to-day to the Queen at Kingsenton, and they have likewise, nemme contradicente, gone into a committee to con- sider of her Majesty's message to the house concerning the LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 339 debts the late ministry run the Civill List into, to the year 1710; only Mr. Smith made a motion that to make her Majesty perfectly easy they might see what debts has been these three years last past, and was seconded by Craggs, but it came to nothing. They were at it again to-day, and Mr. Smith appeal'd to Mr, Lownds if when he left the Treasury there was any more owing then 200,000, and now by the estimate they saw 'twas about 500,000. They tell me Mr. Hamden talk't to this purpose, that he beleived there was nothing owing, but this wou'd be a fine sum to lay out in the next election. They battled a good while, then came to a division, and the court carryed it by 100 against 40. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] June 26, 17 13. Tho' I am always very glad to hear from your Lordship, it is a lessening of your satisfaction to have it owing to a mis- take, for I made noe complaints of you to My Lady Portland nor was in the least inclin'd to take it ill that you had not writ to me, for certainly the foot, upon which you have allow'd me to live with you, is above such little regards. I only told her that I did not find by the frequency of your letters that you were more at leisure then you had been, and this she took for a complaint, tho' never design'd for any. I do not know what to say to you about the trade business, being stunn'd to find people soe ready to divide upon every occasion, which must give a great advantage to another set, better regulated and united. Some would give it a turn as if the French were overjoy'd to be off this treaty, that was soe much for our advantage. This hath been an unlucky year for duels. There was one two days agoe at Hamsted between one Mr. O'Brien and Coll. Hickman, and the last was kill'd. Mr. Vernon who was in Denmark is going to be married to Mrs. Boyle, My Lady Clifford's daughter, who hath neither beauty nor fortune to tempt him. My Lord Lonsdale is going into the same state with My Lord Burlington's sister, z 2 340 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. not the eldest, but the prettyest. We are now to be enter- tain'd with sights, the Duke d'Aumont's entry next week, and going to Paul's the week after. By that time I hope the parlia- ment will be dismis't for it is tiresom being there at this time of year. One of our Scotch lords My Lord Blantire is dead. [Peter Wentworth.] London, y?^;/^ 30, 17 13. Dear Brother, Yesterday the Duke of Bolton made a motion that the house might be summon to day to examine if their previledges were not invaded by the message the Queen sent but to the House of Commons, to inable her to raise 500,000 upon the Civil List. Everybody thought it a motion that cou'd do a minority no good, especially there being many precedents, where in mony matters the house of Commons had been only sent to ; and a very late one in the 5000 pen- sion out of the Post Office to the Duke of Marlborough. But it seems this was not the matter intended, for upon Lord Treasurer proposing that a Committee of the House shou'd be appointed to examine into the Previledges 'twas readyly agreed to. And then my Lord Wharton began to open the business that was cheifly intended, and as the Whigs say was a perfect surprise and upon the Ministry and Torys. This address whereof I send you a copy, 'twas admitted readily by the whole House, excepting Lord North and he was the only one that declared himself against the Address. Lord Paget moved that the first part might be added, which was agreed to. I wou'd have fain got in, but they wou'd let nobody in ; they say they were very merry upon one another. Lord Peterborough was for sending the Pretender to Rome. . . . London, July 3, 17 13. Dear Brother, I had the favour of yours of the 8th, and it began with the best Proverb I ever heard, it being so well explain'd by LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 34 1 you, for well be pleased to accept my humble thanks. The Lords presented their address yesterday to the Queen ; her Answere I suppose you'll have from the office. Wednesday the Commons order'd an address to the same purpose, 'twas mov'd by Mr. Stanhope, and seconded by Auditor Harley, for fear some Whig shou'd second. There was a profound silence for some time in the house, but it was agreed to by all but Sir Wm. Whitelock,* who told them he cou'd not be for that Address because he remember'd in Oliver Cromwell's time, when he obliged France to banish the person Charles Stuart, it hastened on his Glorious Restauration, wch follow'd in a year and a half afterward. The Speaker went out of the house, so the house was adjourn 'd till to day; malicious people reported 'twas a Politick sickness, to hear first what answere the Queen gave the Lords, before their Address [should .''] be reported to the house. Mr. Stanhope's friends think he had not fair play, he having first moved it, and debated it, that he was not put into the chair in the Committee that was to draw up the Address, but that they shou'd choose Mr. Harley, contrary to the known rules of the house. They tell me there was some debate in the house of Lords, upon the Queen's Answere to them, but what it was I shall not know till to morrow. * * * * [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] July 3, 17 13. I must begin with my thanks to your Lordship for your willingness to lend me your house at Twitnam if I had occasion for it, which I take as I ought to doe, extream kindly, but I am very cautious how I trouble my friends, and always very fearful, least they should suffer by their kindness to me by my own or my servants' ill luck or neglect. I have taken * Of Henley, for many years member for Oxford University. The Addresses referred to in this and the preceding letter urged certain steps to be taken against the Pretender. 342 • THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. part of Mr. Chomley's house for three years, where I shall be happy if I can have your Lordship's neighbourhood any time this Summer. Since the dutch rejoyce soe much at the throwing out the bill of commerce, I am afraid we have great reason to mourn, for noe body can think they are our friends in point of trade. My Lord Wharton made one day this week a very set speech, concluding to address to the Oueen that she would use her interest with the D. of Lorrain, and other princes to remove and not suffer the Pretender to continue in their Dominions. Noe body oppus'd this except my Lord North, who said it was unnecessary, and that he believ'd all possible care had been taken in that matter already. My Lord Paget mov'd and it was agreed that thanks should be inserted for the care already taken. The address was presented yesterday, but I have not seen the answer, for an engagement I could not well put off hinder'd my going, tho' I hear every body resolv'd to goe. They say this is only a prelude to another address for bringing over the Prince of Hanover, which will meet with more opposition. The Duke d'Aumont's entry was very great and fine. My Lord Scarsdale met him at the Tower and My Lord Windsor complimented him after his coming to Somerset house. They say he insisted upon being met by a Duke, as the D. of Shrewsbury was, but was told it was not the custom. My Lord Dorchester's only son is dead of the small pox, which very few recover of late. Your Lordship's business being soe near at an end, gives me hopes of seeing you soon, and then they say you are to goe into France, and the Marquis d'Alegre to reside here. I never heard of My Lord Townsend's quarrel but in your letter, but it may for all that be true, for they are very industrious in concealing anything that is to their disadvantage, or would please their enemies. The Queen hath sent a message to the house to day that she would goe on Tuesday to Paul's, and they have resolv'd to attend her in robes, with only two horses, to avoid con- fusion. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 343 London, July 14, 171 3. Dear Brother, * * * * There's to be a great masquerade to night at the Duke of Oumond's [Aumont ?] but I believe it won't be so well order'd as yours. I was not at the last but have a ticket to go to this, and then I shall be able to tell you if it answeres to the magnificance of the discriptions of yours. What I hear say by every body is that nobody does his Queen and country more honour in publick entertainments then you do. The Lords threw out a Bill yesterday that came from the Commons without giving it a second reading, the title of the Bill was for a drawback for some tobaco, but by its several clauses it contain matter for eleven Bills, for none of the clauses had any referance to each other, so that the Lords reckon it in a manner so many tacks. One of the clauses that they most pride themselves for throwing out was that for taking of half duty upon all the French wine Sir John Lambert and Sheppard had imported, tho' the House of C will do jobs as they call it for Lord T they won't. Lord Halifax was for demanding a Conference with the Com- mons upon the Bill, but the Duke of Buckingham said it was more becoming the dignity of their house to throw it out with contempt, and if they pleased to demand a conference with them there Wcis reason enough to be given for their so doing. I have sent you an impudent paper they cry publicly about the street, with the sham of it being answer'd. This is all the news I have. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] July 21, 1713. After my return from a little progress I have been making to settle my son at the University, the first thing I doe, is to pay my acknowledgements for two letters I lately receiv'd from 344 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. your Lordship, the first while I was at Oxford, and was wel- com'd with the other when I came home. I doe not in the least doubt but your masquerade was generally applauded as it deserv'd. I have not heard since from Lady Portland, but I hear from one she writ to, that it was extreamly fine, and particularly commended the richness of the side board, which reach'd to the ceiling of the room. The magnificent part I know your Lordship too well to question, and I fancy it was as orderly as any thing could be where there was such a crowd. Madame la Quintessence made me laugh very heartily, but either you sent me the wrong paper, or I am very dull in not finding out anything relating to that entertainment. Your Lordship is very kind and generous in repeating the offers of your house at Twitnam, a favour I would sooner receive from soe good a friend then from any body, but I am now settled in an ugly house at Richmond, yet what I like better then anything in London at this time of year, where one is poyson'd with stinks and smoke. I intend some times to goe over the water and walk in your garden. I have had a most pleasant ramble to Oxford, the most entertaining place I ever knew. The nobleness of the buildings, the neatness of the chappels, the beauty and good order of the library's afford a variety never to be weary of. Then the Countrey soe open, yet fruitfull, and intermixed with Woods. I went to Blen- heim, which is soe great a building that it exceeds my com- prehension. It looks like a great college with a church in the middle, for the hall looks like one, and the pillars soe crowded that half the number would have had a more pleasing effect, but after all the apartments below and the offices are very fine. Above stairs they have nothing but lodging rooms enough to lodge an Army. I would walk you into the gardens, if there was anything worth it, besides some vistos through the woods in the Park ; else it is only a large piece of flat ground very disagreeable. There is a bridge to make the coming to the house easy, between two hills, with only one arch above a hundred foot from pear to pear, and between 30 and forty foot high, and now it is built, the business is to LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 345 make a river, for at present you might without straining your self, jump over it, and this rivulet is to be penn'd in, to make a canal. The park is very large and the ground very fine, some wood, but not enough. There is a lodge very pleasantly situated among high trees, with a delightfuU lawnd before it, descending gently, and then ascending, as pleasant a prospect as I ever saw, with the town of Oxford at a distance. From thence I went to Cornbury, and in my way saw a fine piece of mosaick work discover'd last year very intire. Cornbury is a very fine seat with a noble terrass in a pleasant park. There are a great many fine Vandykes, among the rest, one of My Lord Strafford. The Duke of Shrewsbury's is a very good house newly built, with free stone. I was pleas'd with his avenue of a mile and half long, not of single trees, but square plats of equal bignes and distance, which is new, and looks very well. I took Mr. Polteney your acquaintance with 'me, who is easy enough, and I think a companion is wanted upon such occasions. I am afraid I have kept you too long with this account but must tell you that General Lumley is married to one Mrs. Wiseman, with whom he hath been long in love, and that I am afraid I shall loose a gold medal by being out of the way the day that the parliament ended, but as long as I keep your favour, other losses will be patiently born. [Peter Wentworth.] London, July 31, 17 13. Dear Brother, .... My Lord Treasurer has been ill for these ten days, but thank God he's very well again. He was abroad yester- ' day, I saw him at Kingsenton. The Queen will review her household troops to-day in Hide Park, where all the town that's left will be. Wednesday next she goes to Hampton Court and stays there three or four days before she goes to Windsor. My month of waiting is out after this day, so I can go to Windsor with my son to see your installation with- out asking leave. I wish you had been here yourself, some 346 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. people reported you was coming over in the Packet boat. 'Tis said Lord Privy Seal is sent for over to be Bishop of London, tho' the town has talked of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, and of the Bishop that married my Lady Plymouth, and also distinguish't by the name of Lady Masham's Bishop.* I don't hear that Lord BuUingbrook will have the Garter this chapter [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] I am extreamly peevish at myself for troubling your Lord- ship with a tedious account of Blenheim, quite forgetting that you had seen it which now I perfectly remember. I will not repeat the same fault about your own house at Twitnam where I past an hour very pleasantly last week, but I cannot help saying that I find it soe much improv'd that I can hardly think it is the same place, and I think it altogether extreamly pretty. I am in a very ugly house at Richmond, but like the airings about it very much. I was uneasie at first with think- ing that one could never be alone in a town soe full of com- pany, but find one is seldom hurt by the things one is afraid of I am sory your Lordship hath had soe ill success about the chaplain, and wish I may be more lucky to him, but in almost three years I have not been able to provide for a very deserving clergy man, a kinsman of my wife's. Men of that function are very long liv'd. I have often been told of several being given over that are yet alive. There are about five and forty livings in the Dutchy. The greatest number small ones, but seven or eight very good ones. The best that hath fallen in my time was one in Lincolnshire worth not above one hundred pounds a year, in the fenny part where few people care to goe. Perhaps after such a long time a good many * Dr. Bisse, who was chaplain to the Countess Dowager of Plymouth, a daughter of the Duke of Leeds, married her ladyship about August, 1706 (see Luttrell's "Diary"). He was made Bishop of St. David's in October, 1710, and translated to Hereford in January, 17 13. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 347 may goe off together. I would promise your Lordship the first that falls, if I was not engag'd to the gentleman I mentioned. There is alsoe one in Hertfordshire that I have promis'd, but after that I am free, and your Lordship may command me, for T will never promise any other. If one of a hundred pounds a year would content Mr. Ayerst, perhaps I might be able to serve him sooner, till a better falls. How- ever he may depend upon what I can doe, after that gentle- man is provided for, and I shall be impatient to have it in my power to doe a thing you soe much desire. I am intirely of your mind about Benson. Every year that house receives some great blow,* that I am perswaded (setting aside my being a member of it), it is the interest of the publick to have its dignity kept up. Your servants at Twitnam told me they expected you in a fortnight, but by your saying nothing of it, I conclude it is a mistake. [Peter Wentworth.] London, August 7, 17 13. Dear Brother, My son and I give you a great many thanks for the pleasure you have given us of seeing the Installation. There was a vast concourse of people, the Isle of the Church was never so full. There was three tables for the knights in the Guard-chamber, which was very well serv'd, tho' the room was so crowded that they cou'd [not] come very orderly to set on the removes, but the ladies' table was perfectly well serv'd, and the removes were set on in the greatest order imaginable. Sir Jacob Banks perform'd his part very well, and demanded of the Herald that your titles shou'd be read when it came to his turn to drink the Queen's health for you ; but they said that cou'd not be you not being present, with which he wou'd not have been sattisfied, but it happen'd that my Lord Treasurer, not being very well after he came out of the church, was not at the dinner, so his titles was not read. * Robert Benson was raised to the upper house as Lord Bingley on July 21, 1 7 13. See note on p. 85, ante. 348 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. August 17, 1 71 3. Sir J. B took his stall before Lord Peterborough, for you was elected long before him, and the Knights of the Garter has their precedence from their election not their quality; but the town will have my Lord Peterborough had like not to have been installed at all, for he had not paid his fees that amount to near 300/., which is by the Statutes first to be paid, but of this I saw nothing, tho' I am creditably inform'd they were forc't to take his note. The like dispute I hear they had with the Duke of Argile, who wou'd not pay his mony till all was over. Without a jest you was wish't for, tho' 'twas con- fest if your Proxy had been drest he wou'd have made as good a figure as the best of them. This Munday has been a day of sattisfaction to some and a day of disappointment to many more. Saturday I saw Mr. Lewis who told me in a day or two he shou'd be able to tell me if the report was true that Lord Dartmouth shou'd change his place, but it is known by everybody that Lord D is Privy Seal, and Mr. Bromley secretary, Lord Landsdown treasurer of the household, Sir John Stonehouse Controler, Sir William Windham Chancelor of the Exchequor, Frank Guine secretary of war. Lord Bing- ley treasurer of the chamber, Lord Denby teller of the Ex- chequor. They tell a story that Lord Bingley sent to the Herald's office for supporters, and they shou'd send him word they cou'd find no arms to be supported. He sent them word that Lord Sommers had no arms or supporters, till he was made a lord. They sent him word that was a mistake, for he wisely foresaw what honour was coming to him, and a little before he had a Privy Seal from the King for the Heralds to give him arms ; and after that he might have supporters. Sir Thomas Hanmore is to be Speaker, so now I think all the places are disposed of but Master of the Ordinance and Master of the horse. I hear no talk now of the postmasters to be remov'd. 'Tis talk too that Ned Nicolas * is to have Mr. Compton's place, treasurer of the pensions. Lord Wil- * Edward Nicholas, member for Shaftesbury. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON, 349 lowby is made Dean of Windsor, Mons"^ Pless has been in with the Queen three or four times, and staid longer then some people cou'd wish. We have had horse races, and Lord Portland has been bubled out of his mony ; little Lord Essex was very much concerned for his uncle, and for the ten guineas he had lost of his side. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 18, 1713. My Lord, The joy I always have at the sight of your letters was cool'd when I found your Lordship was indispos'd with a feavorish distemper, which I shall be impatient to hear hath left you. I sincerely doe not know how your garden at Twitnam could be lay'd out better then it is, but my skill is not great. The house I think full enough for the extent of ground, and the use you will make of it, never designing to settle there ; but I cannot approve of some wooden urns painted like stone, ready to be set up before the house, for it looks too paltry for My Lord Strafford not to afford real stone. I sent to Mr. Launce whom I have always imploy'd to goe to Mr. Ellison, but he is out of town for three weeks. As soon as he comes back, he shall goe, but since you give me leave to speak my mind I think your house in the Square needs noe addition, and should be afraid such a room as you have a mind to, should darken it, and such a piece of ground as you have for a garden is such an advantage in a town crowded with buildings, that it is pity to lessen it, and after all My Lord Portland's great room is dark and unpleasant, but you know best what will please you. I went yesterday to counsel at Windsor, where a proclamation was order'd for the parliament's meeting the 12th of November. There I met with abundance of news, Mr. Bromley Secretary, Lord Dart- mouth Privy Seal, and a face I did not know with a white Staf, whom I soon heard to be Sir John Stonehouse They nam'd the new Lord for some place that I have quite forgot, 350 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Sir William Wyndham to be Chancellour of the Exchequer, and Mr. Gwyn Secretary of War. I hear nothing of what you have been told concerning Lord Bolingbroke, which may not be less likely notwithstanding, nor of the Master of the horse, nor Ordnance. I should wish you joy of your star, tho' a story hath gone about that you have wore that these three moneths, which I have always contradicted as if I had seen you. The Duchess of Newcastle and her daughter's parting makes a great noise. They say she will marry My Lord Harley, and that she hath chose his father and uncle for her guardians. I beg pardon for inclosing a letter to Mr. Ayerst. I should be very glad to have it in ray power to serve him, but would be unwilling to raise his hopes too much, for fear I should be as little lucky to him as I have been to some others. [Peter Wentworth,] London, Septembers, 1713- Dear Brother, Yesterday I received with an enclosed copy of your Letter to Mr. Lewis, a letter from you, by wch I find you persist in your opinion that you ought to come home, wch I can't help saying I am sorry for. They say the business will be over in a fortnight or three weeks time, and 'tis pitty you shou'd not have the finishing of what you have taken so much pains in, and what some may envy you in. The manner of their letting you know the Expedient is not very hand- some, nor with much regard to you, but if I cou'd comply with the expedient, I wou'd take no notice of that yet. I find 'tis thought what people do abroad is no Example to us, and what is under the Great Seal of England must be com- ply 'd with by all her Majesty's subjects. I find people in London talk that you shou'd either not have gone so far with them, or to have gone quite thro' with them, and not to leave them now for a Pas, wch here in England is look't upon as a thing of no consequence, but a LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 35 1 fitt subject of debate for Ladys. I am in hast now, but I must say tho' your letter is altogether very well, yet I am very afifraid they will make objection to't as if 'twas betraying private conversation, as they did to a speech I told you of, you made in a certain place two years ago. I have not seen Mr. Lewis yet, and I don't know his thoughts upon't, but I am just going to Windsor and when I hear more you shall, but I'll never begin the discourse my self. Capt. Dilks tells me that Mr. Marshal told him last night for News that the Bishop of London was recall'd, and he was so possitive in't that he said he might use him for the Author, but of this you'll know more then we, I'll venture to wish you joy and conclude. Windsor, September 8, 17 13. Dear Brother, .... My Lord Treasurer came here a Saturday night, and went away yesterday, and looks in high delight, as well he may, for it is a great match for his family. They say he's like to bring about a composition with the Dutchess and Lord Pellham, so that there may be no more law suits, that no more of the estate may be spent among the lawyers. We Tories carry the elections everywhere, but the Bucking- hamshire election has given accasion of the most talk and triumph. The Whigs there put wool in their hats, saying 'twas all going into France, and they were resolved to keep some on't, before 'twas all gone. Lord Wharton, Lord Bridgewater, Lord Portland and Lord Essex were at the head of them with wool in their hats ; and Lady Wharton with her own fair hands made up several cocars for the country fellows. The Tories had oaken boughs in their hats, and these jokes in their mouths against their adversary that their wits were gone a wool gethering, and that they look't very sheepish, and ba'd them out of the feild. ■je * -x- * 352 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] September 8, 171 3. I received your Lordship's most welcome letter last Satur- day, and have been since at Windsor, but heard nothing of what you mention about your acting as first plenipotentiary, and observ'd your directions in taking noe notice of it, but I cannot imagine how it will end, without new full powers, and then the bishop cannot be the first. I heard a report that your Lordship was to succeed My Lord Orrery in something very advantagious, whereby he got a great deal of money, which made my heart leap, but I heard it since contradicted. I saw the D. of Shrewsbury, whose going for Ireland is again much talk'd of. Hee looks very well after his being in France, and is in mourning for his father in law Mr. Bridges, who dyed of a gangreen in his toe with cutting the nail too near, and was forc'd to have his leg cut in two places. I have again sent to Launce about your intended building in the Square but he is still in the countrey. When I goe to London I will look into your house and give you my opinion, weak as it is, since you desire it. I doe not know but your design may doe very well, when that little building is taken away, and you have soe many pictures, that you will want a room to put them in. I am extreamly pleas'd to hear your Lordship is perfectly well again ; Mr. Ayerst was soe kind to let me know it before. Such a violent illness as you had in Italy is felt a great while, and one often finds remem- brances of it, but I hope this will be the last. I wish you were out of that unwholsome marshy countrey, and, if I cannot see you here, that you were in the good air of France if the post be what you like. The talk of Elections drowns every other news here, but some people expect a great revolution in Poland, and that Prince James Sobieski will be placM upon that throne by the turks, and wish they doe not think fit to meddle with more crowns in Europe. For my part I am not apt to be disturb'd with things at LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 3 53 that distance I am of your Lordship's mind about Lord Morpeth whom I am acquainted with, and Hke much better then his father who, sufficiently vain of his quality and estate, is yet more puft up by a flattering party for their own ends. My Lady Betty Mountague at least fifty years old is going to be married to Sir James Mountague formerly Attorney General, and Lady Theodosia Hyde I believe you have heard is married to an Irish Mr, Blythe of a good estate, who will soon have enough of her if I can give any ghess. You never took notice of the foolish report of your wearing the Star before you were install'd. I say nothing of My Lord Harley's great match, because I believe your letters have been stuft with it. They say he is to be made earl of Newcastle. September 1 1 , 1 7 1 3. It is hardly worth troubling your Lordship again soe soon, only to let you know that I was at your house at London and believe such a room as you design will be much better then the little building now standing there, and will not take off more of your light I met Mr. Ellison there who knows Mr. Launce and will speak to him about it when he comes to Town. I had the honour to wait upon Lady Anne your daughter who is extreamly thriven, but she was soe imploy'd in sucking that she would hardly vouchsafe me a look, at which I am soe disoblig'd that in revenge I wish her a brother. [Peter Wentworth.] Windsor, Septetnber 13, 17 13. Dear Brother, ^ !jC 5fC 5|? I hear some talk as if the Queen will stay here till after Christmas, and that the Parliament won't set till after that, and tho' 'tis certain we have a great majority of torys, yet 'tis thought they will begin their meeting late and be up soon. 2 A 354 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Horace Walpool has qualified himself and is choose a member of P , he that was abroad with Lord Townsend. I'll send you a list of all the Parliament men, but it will be hard to say who is whig and who is Tories, people change so often ; but by one I have in my eye who will give me his help I believe I shall distinguish them pretty well. I hear of a bite that is design'd the Guardian Steel, who as he thought had resign'd his place before he stood for a member ; but it seems he has not, for the Commission is not alter'd, nor will not be till after he's turn'd out of the house, and then may be he may have leave to resign. I wish you was here before the Duke of Shrewsbury goes for Ireland, and that affair I don't hear is yet settled. Whoever is against us I am sure the Queen stands well for us yet, and God long preserve her; she's so well as to go a hunting to-morrow. The Duke of Ormonde presents Cadogan to kiss the Queen's hand to-day. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] September 22, 17 13. I received your Lordship's of the 22nd, and am extreamly sory to see the restless thoughts you have been troubled with of late, but since what hath happen'd I doe not see how you could behave otherwise then you have done. Every body I believe will find a different treatment when they are wanted, from what they will meet with at other times, which being soe general may be less resented, and I hope your thoughts of a private life will not be too hasty, since it is always time enough to take that resolution. It is alsoe to be hop'd the Queen will not be dissatisfied if you stand upon your right, especially when it is not your case alone, but may be many others, and I cannot imagine why you should not doe in this case what I have heard you have done upon other occasions, in the most submissive terms to lay the matter before her in a letter, and then there can be noe mistake. I wish I was better able to advise you for I would doe it in the sincerity of my heart. Mr. Launce hath LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 355 view'd your ground, but says it will not doe for such a room as My Lord Portland's, for that you cannot take above 17 foot in breadth and Lord Portland hath 23, but it may doe for a gallery. He says he will give me an exact draught of your ground which I will send you I have not been lately at Windsor but I find your precedency business begins to be much talk'd on, and is mention'd in the daily courant. One who is just gone was saying that till there are new powers sent, he that is first nam'd must sign first, unless the privy seal being taken away vacates the first commission, which is more then I can decide I hope some way will be found, for your satisfaction is ever wisht by, &c. [Peter Wentworth.] London, September 2g, 17 13. Dear Brother, I came here early Sunday Morning, having leave from the Queen, and I received from you to day a letter wch lets me know that you have received the letters I lately writ you. I am sorry you persist in the desire to be recalled, because I find the cry runs now that they have found means to sattisfie you, as the Bishop is still to continue to be the same man he was, as to Bristol, tho' the Privy Seals are given to another, and as he stands first under the Great Seal of England there can be no dispute. I did tell the Duke of Argile you had ask't leave to come home and he told me he thought you was in the right, and the other had no more reason to dispute place with you then his footman had ; he is of opinion that the Duke of Shrewsbury is the only man whose word is to be relyed upon, but he wonders he's so over seen as to be sent into Ireland. Since I writ you last I saw Mr. Tilson and he told me you had falln hard upon him, tho' he must always speak his mind that whilst this Commission is in being there is no reason for a dispute, and that there might not there was to be no new one, and he told me Ross had kiss't the Queen's hand to go Envoy to France. I am glad to hear you have received 2 A 2 3S6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. your 500/. well shows they have a mind you shou'd be quiet still, and really if you cou'd let the Queen know by the Duke of Shrewsbury that what you do is purely in defference to her, I mean in case you was come to a resolution to comply with their expedient. I believe my Lady Roistone will not dye this bout, but if she does I beg I may have nothing to do in that affair, for I remember what a scrap I had like to have brought my self into about my Aunt Skinner, and in this affair I forsee a great many more reasons to deter me from medling, and I really think Mr. Ellison very honest, and if you will give him authority and stand by him when you have done, nobody fitter. Since I came home I have been no where so know no news. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] September 29, 1 7 1 3. I am really much concern'd at what hath happen'd to disquiet your Lordship of late, but hope some expedient will be found to satisfy you, rather then comply with the desire you have shewn of being recall'd which would have but an odd look, the minute after your doing such good services. I was at Windsor on Sunday where one never hears anything, but by chance, and if any sort of inquisitiveness appears, you are less likely to hear a word. Lord Paulet and Lord Dartmouth are both in the countrey, or I would have contrived to have turn'd the discourse upon your subject, without naming you first. The most of the elections are over, the gentlemen are not come back, and the court was thin. They say My Lord Ila is not in the court list of Scotch peers and will not be one. Lord Mar is in Scotland and Secretary of State, tho' one of the hottest for dissolving the Union ; I am sorry to see that that sort of behaviour meets with better rewards then sincere zeal and affection. The D. of Shrewsbury says there is noe difference in Ireland but protestant and papist. I wish he could bring it to that, but the truth is that they are to the full as much divided as here, but he will fare the better there, LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 357 for the dread they have of Lord Anglesey's being sent to govern them, if the Duke of Shrewsbury should not succeed in their parliament, who is a warm gentleman, and Lord Anglesey more of a party then is lik'd in that Kingdom {sic). He hath been long intriguing for that government, tho' he pretends an averseness to it, and at some time or other will certainly have it. I am sory I have soe little news to send you, but nothing must hinder me from now and then repeating the assurances of my being your Lordship's, &c. October (), 17 13. I received your Lordship's which I fancy came by Capt. Powell, being sent me by the penny post to Richmond, where I repine being at this time, for fear it should hinder me of the satisfaction of seeing him and talking of your Lordship, but I am much reviv'd with the hopes of seeing you soon here, well contented with everything, for it can never enter into my head that you should be put by from your just pretentions. I doubt you must give over the thoughts of a room like Lord Portland's which your ground will not allow of, in Mr. Launce's opinion, but he hath given me a draught of a gallery which he thinks will doe very well and be like the D. of Kent's. I think it a pretty plain draught, and I fancy wall appear more soe to your Lordship, and I venture to send it over, that you may have full time to consider of it before you come over, I hear noe news but of a fine prank of the widow Lady Jersey. It is well known her Lord dyed much in debt, and she after taking upon her the administration sold everything and made what money she could, and is run away into France without paying a farthing of the debts, with only one servant and unknown to all her friends, and hath taken her youngest son, as 'tis suppos'd to make her self a merit in breeding him a papist. My Lord Rolingbrook sent after her, but too late and they say the Queen hath writ a letter with her own hand to the King of France to send back the boy. My Lord Jersey is come up to town about this, much con- 3S8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. cern'd. Others may be much surpris'd at this action, but she is a lady that never had but a low room in my esteem. I should scruple detaining your Lordship any longer, tho' I had many more things to say, since I am soe near a better opportunity of opening to your Lordship the heart of your most faithful, &c.* [Peter Wentworth.] London, March 2, 17 14. Dear Brother, * * * * The best and only news I have to tell you is that the Queen really grows better every day, and since she has come to town has been often publickly seen. The day we came from Windsor to Hampton Court, Dr. Alburtenhead {sic, Arbuthnot 1) read a letter to a matter of ten of us that was at table, that Sir Thomas H was unanimously choose speaker, but that Mr. Steel blunder'd so in his first speech that he was the jest of the house, and that he made so ill a beginning that he wou'd for ever after be the standing jest of the house whenever he rise up to speak, like Sir Geofifry Geoffrys.f This letter the Dr. did not then tell us who it came from, but yesterday I was in company with one that told me the Dr. had show'd him a letter he told him he had from Lord T , with this wit upon Steel. I laught at the jest, but did not seem to have ever heard anything of it before, and for want of news I writ it you for your diversion. London, March 5, 17 14, Dear Brother, The first thing the lords did after thanking the queen for her speech was to condemn a Pamphleet call'd the Spirit * Lord Strafford came over to England early in November this year, and did not return to the Hague till February, 17 14. + Or Jeffreys, of St. Mary Axe, London, and Brecknock Priory. He represented Brecon borough for some years before his death, at Bath, October 27, 1709. In September of that year Sir Samuel Garrard and he had been nominated for the office of Lord Mayor, when the former was chosen. His estates came through his daughter to the present Marquis Camden' LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 359 of the Whigs in answcre to the Crisis.* Lord Wharton made the motion seconded by the Duke of Devonshire, but Lord W was out in his intended introduction of the matter, for he begun by telling the house, as he past thro' the court of request this Book was put into his hand and lighting accidentally upon the 20th and 21st page were the reflection upon the whole Scotch Nation is ; but when he came to read the words he had bought a second edition, were those pages were left out, so he was forc't to call to some lords that had the first edition in their pockets. I have the first Edition wch I'll send you by the first Messenger that goes, 'tis writ with a great deal of spirit, the Whigs guesses it to be Dr. Swift's. The lords have the Printer in costody, who they say will not confess, but if the worst comes to the worst, I hear they have found out a man that will own, wch will save the Doctor's Bacon. Mr. Gore has not acquited himself very well of the part that was assigned him in the house of Commons. As soon as the Speaker had return'd to the house with the Queen's Speech and had read it to the house, Mr. Gore rise up with a paper in his hat wch he did not read well, to make the motion of thanks, and repeated the Queen's speech word for word, so that Sir Joseph Jekell observed upon him that the spirit of prophecy was not ceased, for there was a gentle- man that know the Queen's speech before she spoke it, for 'twas impossible to remember it upon the first reading ; but however the question that was concerted went cleverly, and the Commons are come into a warmer address then the Lords. I don't know the reason but stock still does not rise. The next book that the Lords fall upon will be that of the Heriditary Right ; the commons when they have time to con- sidere Pamphleets will begin with the Crisis and English &c. I have sent you a Ballet, because I heard of the accident when I was with you at Dover, and the last four lines are very much sung by the Whig Ladies. I have no news to send you but that I thank God the Queen continues [well] / and after chapel to-day touch a great many poor people, * The Crisis was written by Steele, the answer by Swift. 360 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, March 12, 17 14. Dear Brother, Last Tuesday 'twas expected by the Whigs that there wou'd have been some debate in the house of Lords, but they, and we without doors, were baulk't, for what they proposed was carried without any opposition, an Address to the Queen to ishue her proclamation, with a reward to any person, that wou'd discover the Author of the Spirit of the Whigs, a Pamphlet so call'd, that answers the Crisis. We were too wise to devide the house in a matter where we were sure to have the Scotch to a man against us. Yesterday when they came to report to the house, the address from the committee appointed to draw it up, Lord Gernsey proposed some words to be added, upon wch the house devided ; the house consisted of 88. The words as I heard them were to this effect, that the Author wou'd have it beHeved he was a person that was in the secreets of her Majesties administration. I hear the Debate lasted some time, and am sorry I knew nothing of it till to day, that I might have had some thing to entertain you, for by the letter I received from you to day, you seem to be very desirous to [know] what the houses do more then is related in the votes. All I can tell of this matter at present is, that they divided but 33 for those words being inccrted, and 58 against them. The Duke of Kent and Lord Longville was with the 33, the first vote they have show'd themselves against us courtiers Yesterday Dr. Alburtenot said the Queen was taken about noon as she was at Windsor with a shivering. He set up with her last night, but he and they all say she's much better then she was the second day at Windsor. I hope by the next post to give you a better account. God long preserve her Majesty. The Dutchess of Sommerset has been for some days out of order and keep't at home, but now is well enough to be abroad at St. James's again. To morrow the house of Commons is to be upon Mr. Steel. To day Sir Thomas Hanmer show'd the house a letter that was left with his Portor with a letter for him to offer him a LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 36 1 brib of 300/. to expedite a Bill that was to be brought into that house ; the Person is ordcr'd to be taken into Custody. I shall send you some Papers by the Passage boat as you desire. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] March 16, 17 14. I have forebore till now troubling your Lordship with my letters, conscious of my inability either to inform or divert you, but after the favour you have express'd to me in soe kind and soe long a letter, it is impossible to be silent. I could not have believ'd your Lordship soe much master of french, as I see you are. It is soe long since I writ in that language, that I am sure I could not approach you in choice of words, and clearness of expression I did hear something of a Servant of your's running distracted, but not of his being a Spye. I am glad Bothmar had the mortification you gave him about it. I am much pleas'd with what the Electrice says to you of her having the names of Whigs and tories, invented only by ill designing people, but ought to be detested by all honest men, as well as by Princes, who should be above listing themselves in any. It is spoke like a great Princess. Notwithstanding the aspersions that have been thrown there is such an aversion to popery, that I believe in my conscience, the generality thinks of nothing after the Queen, but the house of Hanover. As for Scotland I doubt the case is a little different. The house of Lords hath been taken up with a book call'd the publick Spirit of the Whigs, where the Scotch are most unsufferably abus'd, but doe not shew half the resentment that other people shew. Much bustle hath been made to find the Author to noe purpose It is imagin'd to be Swift, who hath more wit then judg- ment. They say this will occasion an examination of other pamphlets who are soe bold as to attack the Queen and her ministers. It would be happy if it would occasion some restraint of the intolerable liberty of the press. The Com- mons were on Saturday upon Mr. Steele who hath been very 362 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. free in his writings, but he hath had time allow'd him till Thursday next. They talk much of the D. of Argyle's loosing his places, and My Lord Stair's, who hath play'd and lived at such a rate that he will be quite undone if he is turnd out. To return again to Mr. Steele he makes a sad bustle still about Dunkirk, and mov'd yesterday that an address might be presented for all papers relating to that place to be layd before the house, but he and his friends were beat by a great majority. Here are people that will face you down that there is not one bit of the fortifications of Dunkirk demolisht. For my part I cannot but be sory that they are, since I am persuaded it might be of great use by its nearness to the Downs where we have always ships, and should be pleas'd to have some of our ancient footing on the continent. I am apt to think both the French and Dutch are glad to have it demolisht. Upon My Lord Cooper's motion, to morrow is appointed to goe upon the Q.'s speech, when I suppose all the venom will be pourd out. Her Majestic had last week a little fit of an ague, but is very well again. [Lord Bathurst.] April 6, 1 7 14. My Lord, I shou'd have troubled your Lordship with a letter before this time if any thing material had fall'n within my knowledge ; I'm sure your Lordship must have had an account of Mr. Steele's affair in the House of Commons, which is the only bustle that has been there yet. The House of Lords have been calling for severall papers and last friday enter'd upon some of them. They read a Narrative which was laid before them, in which was contain'd an account of the whole progress of the Peace and what was wanting to make itt Universel, and what obstructions her Maty had mett with during the Negotiation. This was laid before them in pursuance of an Address they had made. My Lord Cooper and My Lord Hallifax debated only of the LETTERS OF LORD I'.ATIIURST. 363 part which related to the Catalans, they confess'd they were glad to find that so much had been done and such endeavours had been us'd to obtain their antient privileges for them, and they concluded with a Motion for an Address that the Queen wou'd continue her most pressing endeavours that they might be restor'd to all their privileges. Lord Chancellour clos'd in with the Motion, making an addition att the beginning, viz., to thank her Mat^ for what she had already done, and to express the satisfaction of the House in the Methods that had been us'd for obtaining those conditions for the Catalans. This putt an end to the Debate and Saturday they cook't up the Vote into an Address. One thing seems a little in the Dark to me which I believe your Lordship can sett in a true light — How it came to pass that the business of the Catalans was giv'n up on a sudden, when itt had been propt so earnestly all along. I began this yesterday morning, and must now fill up the rest with what happen'd in the Debate yesterday. I have endeavour'd to gett the best account I cou'd from Lords of my acquaintance, for no body was suffered to hear the Debate who was not of the House except Baron Schutts, who staid in the whole day. Lord Wharton began a generall attack upon the Peace, call'd itt a bad bargain, a lamentable conclu- sion of such a glorious war, &c. ; then he sett forth the Dangers we were in from France and expatiated upon all the common topicks theWhiggs are daily talking in Coffee Houses. Lord Nottingham afterwards made another Harangue, and after him Lord Townshend, but they concluded without any Motion, only generall complaints. Upon which Lord Bolingbrook took notice how difficult itt was to make a reply to such discourses that aim'd att no particular point, and wherein no Method was observ'd, but he thought what was said might be reduc'd under three Heads, objections to the Peace in generall, the manner of making itt, and the non execution of some parts of itt. He spoke to every one of these Heads, and answer'd what was alledg'd by every Lord who had spoke before him. The Arguments on both sides cant be brought within the Compass of a letter neither wou'd 364 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. these be any thing new to your Lordship, I shall only mention two points that were insisted on to prove the Non- execution of the treaty, that Dunkirk was not demolish'd, and that Placentia was not in our Hands. Your Lordship can judge how easily those points cou'd be answered. My Lord Bolingbrook concluded with the matter relating to the removal of the Pretender from Lorain, in which he sett forth vi^hat had been already done, and that he was ready to agree to any thing that cou'd be further propos'd, but hop'd that groundless assertions wou'd not be thrown upon those who had the Honour to serve her Mat^. After the Debate had held some time, without tending to any particular Point Lord Ferrers said he thought itt was time to propose a question that they might come to some conclusion, so he mov'd that the Succession in the House of Hannover was not in danger. When Lord Chancellour read itt he had added the words (under her Maty^ government) ; they said that was not the Question, for my Lord Ferrers had mov'd itt without those words, but My Lord said he want itt so. They said that as to her Maty no body cou'd have a thought that itt was in any danger from her, but for her Ministers that was another case. Lord Anglesey oppos'd itt violently and fell a railing against all the proceedings of the Peace, he said he had been one of those who was for indicating the Suspension of Arms, not for any reasons he had heard within doors but for some he was told without, viz. that there was a peace concluded advantagious to this Nation and secure to all the Allies, that the Protestant succession was effectually secur'd by itt, and that we shou'd have such a trade as wou'd bring in 2 millions per annum ; What there was of all this that prov'd true their Lordships cou'd now judge. He said a good deal more with a great deal of Warmth and concluded that if the Succession was not in danger before, this Vote wou'd make itt so. They divided att last upon the additional words and itt was carried that those words (under her Mat^' government) shou'd be added. Contents 66, Prox. 11 ; Non. 53, Prox. 10. Lord Windsor has left his Prox. with Lord Orrery who was not content. Itt was near 9 when this was over, and then the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 365 Duke of Bolton renew'd a motion which he had made just after Lord Ferrers made his, for an Address to the Queen to give a reward to any one who shou'd take the Pretender dead or aHve if he landed in Britain or Ireland. That was agreed to without opposition. Another motion was made by Lord Hallifax which was join'd to the former, that the Queen shou'd be desir'd to gett the Emperor and all those Princes who had been in Alliance with her to be guarantees for the Protestant Succession. This was not oppos'd neither, they are to putt this Vote into an address and letter to be brought before the House on thursday, and then 'tis said that other matters are allso to be debated. If your Lordship will pardon the Defects of this account I shall endeavour to send you a further of what may occurr remarkable in either House. I shall judge whether your Lordship will permitt me to continue a Correspondent by the Answer you return, for if you send me no news from the Hague in return for this Bundle I send you, I shall take itt for granted you wou'd not be troubled with any more, but if you shou'd be very busy and can't afford time for to send news, you may fill your letter with some of your D. Dossunas snuff for once. [Peter Wentworth.] London, April d, 17 14. Dear Brother, Since the commons turn'd out the lords in Steell's business, the lords, to be even with them, have turn'd them out ; so that I can go and hear no more of their Debates ; but as I can gether it from the third and fourth hands you shall have. We of the Court turn'd the address as we cou'd wish about the Catalains, as you'll see by the Address wch is now come out in Print with the Queen's answere. There was not so much debating about this a fridayas was yesterday when the lords where upon the state of the Nation. A friday I hear nothing matterial but some repertee between lord Halifax 366 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and lord Bullingbrook. After the letters had been read, Lord Halifax said he observed that one of the secreetarys had treated the affair of the Catalians with seriousness to the Honour of the Queen and himself, using this Expression that the Queen thought herself bound in honour and conscience to see they had their just rights and previledges granted them, but th' other secretary treated the matter as a jest and ridiculous. Lord Bullingbrook answer'd with some warmth that the Lord mistook the matter, for where he used the word Ridiculous 'twas to Count Zinsendorf who wou'd throw the whole care of those people upon us, after the Emperor had given them up, wch you may perceive the Queen hints at in her answer to the lords' Address. Yesterday Lord Angelsea surprised most of the house by declaring to this effect, that he was drawn in to be for the cessation of Armes by all the solem promises and protes- tations that 'twould be a glorious Peace, but time had show'd him to the contrary, and as I am told said a great many sever things upon that subject. The Duke of Argile was very smart, wch was to be expected from him, for you know Lord Dundonal has his troop. After all their wrangling we carried it by 13 that the Hanover succession was not in danger under her Majesty's administration, tho' Lord Angel- sea, Lord Abington, the Bishop of York, and Lord Asburnham devided against us, but I send you a letter inclosed that will give you a better account so I'll conclude. I must tell you one thing more that Lord Wharton after the business was over said in the Hearing — Lord T you carried it by your Dosen.* London, 4/Jn7 9, 1714. Dear Brother, Yesterday we courtiers thought we carried matters bravely, for we had four stragling lords return'd to us — Lord * The twelve new peers (of whom Lord Bathurst was one) created at the beginning of the year 1712 to strengthen the Government. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 367 Angelsea, Arch Bishop of York, Lord Carterwright and Lord Asburnham ; Lord Abington was a seeker and staid out of the house till the Questions was over. The two questions we carried was that the time shou'd be left to the Queen when she wou'd ishue her proclamation against the pretender, and that the reward that was to be given shou'd not be for his head, but to those that shou'd apprehend him and bring him to justice. To day there's mighty matters talk of to be done, and the Whigs are come off poorly, for the 4000/. that has made a noise as having been ishued from the Treasureryto Jackobite Highlanders, has been bravely own by my Lord T , and not near the sums that has been given them by the late Ministry to keep them quiet, and besides 'twas some on't to persons that were unjustly taken up on suspicion of the late invasion. They cou'd not prove that Sir Patrick Lawis has any com- mission from any Prince, but that he came over with the Spanish Embassador by a Spanish name, and if he gave offence to any body he was ready to be gone. This is all that was done to day ; the lords have adjourn'd till munday. London, April 13, 17 14. Dear Brother, To day the lords were to be upon the papers that lyes before them of the Spanish treaty, &c., but the Queen's answere to their Address being first reported to the house, there were some lords that seem'd not to think it so clare as they cou'd wish. Therefore they begun to speech it, and wou'd have had a representation to the Queen to show they had reason at this time so to address her, but that matter was work't off and they came to a resolution of addressing her again upon the Answer. I shall not endeavour to write the Answer because you'll see it in print, and I heard it but once read ; nor can I pretend to give you an exact account how the Debate was managed, because my Lord North still insists that none of us shall come in to hear them. The house devided upon the Word ' industriously ' being put in, wch 368 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. was proposed by the Court, they were equal 6i and 6i, till the Proxys were call'd for, and then we courtiers carried it by two. I am told that the Bishop of London and Bishop of York and the new Bishop of Bristol, Smaldridge, were against the Court. All the observation I have heard from this day's debate is that the Party against the Ministry increase daily and portends a change of some of them. By the next post I hope to give you a better account of this matter. A thursday the house of commons have the state of the nation under their consideration, and they will sett all matters right, for I have heard some of those honest Gentle- men say that the sure way to bafle the whigs is to put a negative to all the Whigs propose. Mons. Shout has desired a Writ to summon the Duke of Cambridge* to the house, and 'tis order'd. London, April i6, 17 14. Dear Brother, They tell me Lord B Narative will be printed, or else before this I wou'd have endeavour'd to have sent it you. You'll see by the printed votes how the business went yester- day in the house of Commons ; and to day I have been an evesdroper at the door of the house of Lords and have staid so long to hear how matters went there that I can't this post tell you the particulars I have gather'd ; only that, the Question was carried for thanks to the Queen for the care she has taken of her subjects, notwithstanding the obstructions she has met with, and the desire of the lords that she'l con- tinue with the same steadfastness to promote the general good of Europe. In short the Question was carry'd by 19. The Bishop of London was with the Court now, and I believe Lord Angelsea was so to, for he did not speak a word in this day's debate. The truth is I have been so long fasting that I am gone to eat and drink and defer writ more perticular till next post. * The Prince Electoral of Hanover, afterwards George II. " Shout" was Baron Schutz, the Hanoverian Envoy. news letter. 369 [News Letter.] April 20, 1 7 14. My Lord, I send you here an account of the most remarkable Passages that have happened since my last. It was proposed and agreed upon in the house of Lords to present to her M an humble address of thanks for her most gracious answer to their last, after a long debate the words which they acquiesced in were these : — That an humble address be presented to her M to return her M the thanks of this House for her most gracious answer to their Address ; and to assure her M that this House will continue to consider of, and humbly to offer to her M as well as to concur with her M ■ in all proper methods for supporting her Majesty's Government and for strengthning the Prot. Succession in the House of Hannover as the only effectual meanes to put an end to those feares and jealousies, which have been soe universally and in- dustriously spread throughout the Kingdom. The word Industriously was proposed by the D. of Leedes to be inserted, which was seconded by Lord North, after which the Earl of Sunderland was for having the words, not without reason, or justly, added. Lord Treasurer, the A. B. of York, and the B. of London were for having both the additional words dropt ; but the D. of Leedes, and Lord North insisting that their word Industriously should be inserted, it was put to the Vote of the House and came to a Par, upon which the Proxys being called, it was carried by two Votes that the word Industriously should be inserted. Lord Anglesey was for dropping both the additional words, but the main drift of his Speech was to complain of the obscurity of the Queen's answer ; and he said, he wisht that those who had the Power of advising her Majesty would be so kind as to direct her, to express herself in such words as might not cause three hours debate in the House to understand. Lord Wharton made a very canting speech upon her M 's answer, and said that 2 B > 370 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. his heart bled within him to find that after so humble, so respectful, so dutiful an address, her M should return so unkind an answer, which word unkind he several times repeated in a very tender accent. Thursday, i ^th. — In the House of Commons Sir Ed.Knatch- bull, having made a motion to consider the state of the Nation, and the time being come that he should speak to it, said ; that the reason of his making this motion was that several Gentle- men who had endeavoured to cast an odium upon her Ma- jesty's Administration, by insinuating groundless feares into the minds of the People, might have an opportunity of pro- posing their objections to the House, which was the most proper Judge of those matters. He was seconded by one Mr. Bultoil,* who, having shown it the duty of every member, to endeavour to redress the grievances of their country if they knew any, said he had one Gentleman in his eye (hinting at Mr. Wallpool) who since he was continually complaining, must certainly have something to object against now, but there following a profound silence in the House for a quarter of an hour Sir Ed. KnatchbuU rose again, and said he thought convenient that in order to ease the minds of the People both in town and country of their groundless feares, it should be voted by that House whither the succession in the House of Hannover was .... under her Majesty's administration or .... (illegible) on that said that he could not agree to the Question for he thought the Succession in the H. of Hannover was in danger, and among other things he particularly found fault with a passage in the Praeamble to the Treaty of Peace. He was answer'd by Arthur More, who show'd that the very same words were in the Praeamble to the Gartrudenburg Treaty, when Mr. Wallpool was Secretary. Young Craggsf rose up to make his objections, and among other insolent expressions it is reported that he said the Succession in the H. of Hannover could not but be in danger, so long as her present Majesty was alive. Sir Tho. Hanmer made a set speech * James Bulteel was member for Tavistock, t James Craggs, jun., sat for Tregoney. NEWS LETTER. 37 1 to dissuade the House from putting the question, and said that the Ministry ought not to screen itself under the august name of her Majesty. However the House being resolv'd into a Committee, and the question being put, it was voted by 208 that the Succession was in danger, and by 256 that it, was not. It is certain that my Lord Treasurer and Lady I Masham have fallen out, and Lord Anglesey has quarrelledl with them both ; they know not what to make of Lord Anglesey's wavering, for the very next day that he had made such a flaming Speech against the Peace, he was at Lord Treasurer's Levee. On Friday the i6th it was moved in the House of Lords and carried by the majority of 19 to present her M with an Address of thanks for the safe, honourable and advanta- geous Peace, but it was very strenously opposed by Lord Hallifax and others, who affirmed that whereas (sic) it had been insinuated this Peace would be very advantageous to our Merchants in the way of trading in Spaine, and that they would be favoured in their customs more than any other nation. The B. of Sarum made a speech in the House and said that there had been examples of ministrys being called to an account for less faults than this had been guilty of, for this, he said, had persuaded her M to breake her word, in making a separate Peace without acquainting her allies with it. He was answer'd by my Lord Bolingbrook, who said, that her M did acquaint her Allyes with it so soon as she had thoughts of making a Peace, but that they were too stubborn to condescend to her M 's measures. The Address was sent down to the H. of Commons on Saturday for their concurrence, which was taken very ill, and some Gentlemen said with a great deal of warmth that the House of Lords endeavoured to thrust them blindly into what methods they thought convenient, without allowing them time to deliberate, or giving them opportunity to peruse such Papers as it was absolutely necessary for them to peruse before they could rightly pass their Judgment on affairs : so that that matter is deferred till Thursday next. On Saturday too the Place Bill which had passed the House 2 B 2 372 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. of Commons, and would have past the House of Lords, had not one of the Bishop's been detained out of the House longer than ordinary by the strangury ; soe that it was cast out only by an equality. The Tobacco Bill which was designed to raise money, to supply what could not be raised for want of a Parliament in Ireland was thrown out yesterday. This matter was very nice, for the Votes being equal, the Speaker gave it against the Court, which he would not have had the opportunity of doing, if Mr. Lowndes had not been obliged to goe to the house of office, and he ran with his breeches in his hand, but they would not let him in. [Lord Bathurst.] April 20, 1 7 14. My Lord, Since I had the Honour to write last to your Lord- ship there have been severall debates in the House of Lords which if I were able to give you a good account off, itt wou'd be a very great satisfaction to me, finding the last I sent was not unacceptable to your Lordship, But my misfortune is that I never have time to write, tho' I have nothing else to do, and yet I do assure your Lordship if I really had a great deal of business upon my hands I shou'd be ready to neglect any part of itt rather than fail to obey your Lordship's commands, but being constantly en- gag'd in some party or other every night, the greatest diffi- culty is to sitt down to write. I have reserv'd this morning on purpose to try to recollect as much as I can what I have pickt up of the last week's debates. There was an address mov'd by the D. of Bolton about taking the Pretender, Dead or Alive ; itt was askt in the House whether if any Person shou'd shoot him or poison him he wou'd not be guilty of Murder. Lord Trevor gave his opinion that by the Law of England he certainly wou'd, and upon that consideration itt was agreed to turn itt to give the reward to any one who shou'd apprehend him and bring LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 373 him to justice in case he landed or attempted to land. An- other alteration was made in the address by Lord North to leave itt to the Queen when She saw convenient. The Answer (which I suppose you have seen already) took notice that She did not att present see any occasion for issuing out this Proclamation, but wou'd do itt when ever itt was necessary and that the most effectual security to the Hanoverian Succes- sion was to putt an end to groundless jealousies &c. Lord Wharton fell upon this next day and said he was afflicted to the last degree with this unkind answer to so dutifuU an address. He knew her Majestys goodness was such that She wou'd never take any thing in ill part from her House of Lords, unless some bold whisperer had misrepresented their debates and intentions, therefore the Ministry ought to answer for this, &c. The debate lasted some time in this manner, other Lords urging that the House had left itt to her Majesty to take her own time in issuing the Proclamation, but the Whig-Lords insisted upon the latter part of the Answer in which they said the Queen charg'd that house with being the Authors of groundless jealousies. Upon that Lord Trevor explained the Queen's meaning to be that She approv'd of the pains the House had taken in considering of the state of the Nation and agreed with them that the proper and only means to secure the Succession was to putt an End to jealousies, as the House had endeavour'd to do by the Vote they pass'd that the Succession was not in Danger. Upon this Lord Abingdon mov'd an address of thanks to her Majesty for Her gracious answer and that they wou'd continue to doe their utmost to secure the Succession and to prevent those jealousies which had been so universally and industriously spread over the Nation. I may mistake the exact words of these motions for I have not gott any copies by me but I think I remember the sense right. I must now tell you that the whiggs mov'd the words and not without reason and the tories added and industriously in the room of them, for the motion was made without either. Another day the D. of Argile and Lord Townshend fell 374 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. upon the Treasurer for a sum of money which they found to be paid to some Highlanders in Scotland, who they said were Nonjurors and Papists and they mov'd that some per- sons who were now in town might be summon'd to appear before the House to be examin'd about this matter. Lord Wharton said that the Ministers ought to give an account of this, they must not shelter themselves under the Queen's authority, for what ever the Queen did the Ministers that advis'd itt were to answer for. Upon that Lord Treasurer spoke, and much bolder and clearer than ever I heard him before. He said he wou'd always stand by that maxim, and shou'd att any time be willing to be tried upon itt, and he hop'd that some rule wou'd be observ'd whenever they came upon the consideration of matters passt under the last Ministry. As to the calling of witnesses he said there was no manner of occasion for itt in this case, for he own'd that he had paid this money, he own'd that he had advis'd the giving itt, and therefore hop'd that they wou'd immediately come to a censure if they thought he de- serv'd itt, for having effected that service for the sum of 3500/., [for] which in a former reign 16000/. had been given without effect. In short Lord Townshend who made the Motion said he was satisfied and thought My Lord Treasurer had cleared the matter and desir'd itt might be dropt. But then Lord Bolingbrook gott up and said itt wou'd be very hard that after this matter had been brought upon the stage and an accusation had been fram'd against the noble Lord (who had done as great service to his Country and with the least gain to himself that ever any Minister had done), itt shou'd be dropt without doing him the justice to declare him innocent, when they own they thought him so. Upon that he mov'd a Question, that the said sum was well applied, and itt passt without a division. This passage which I have last mention'd will in some measure give an answer to one part of your Lordship's letter, for you will find by this that those great men agree very well in publick what ever little scuffles they may have in private. Your intelligence of an answer giv'n in writing and a Lady's interposing to make up a LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 375 quarrell, is what I never heard, and I can venture to say has no foundation. I believe there has been some quarrells but the Queen her self interpos'd and keeps them together; how long things will continue in this posture I can't determine. But now I must go on to another day's work which was the greatest of all. The Peace was consider'd and the D. of Argile spoke with a great deal of warmth, show'd what a Posture the Nation was in to have commanded any Peace, how weak the Enemy; he said he had since passt thro' their country and itt was not to be expresst how miserable the People were, but by our cessation of Arms we had scandalously deserted our Allies, and made a shamefull Peace, and so run down every article. I can't remember the exact words. There was a great deal said on both sides, but I shou'd tire your patience quite out if I undertook to run thro' all that, for there was nothing cou'd be said new upon that subject which has been so sifted for 2 years past. The Bishop of London spoke, but itt was only in answer to the Bishop of Sarum who endeavour'd to perswade the Lords for conscience sake not to approve the Peace, which he said was founded upon perfidy, in that we had broke our treaties with our Allies. Att last the Question was carried that the Peace was safe, honourable, and advantagious, and to desire her Majesty to go on in such measures as wou'd make the same compleat. I shall lose the post if I add any more or stay to make a handsome conclusion. Itt was carried by a Majority of 19. [Peter Wentworth.] London, April 21, 1714. Dear Brother, Last post you had a letter from me, but may be you don't know it. The best news I can tell you in this is that the Queen is well and grows better and better every day, has touch't twice a week. I saw her in the Drawing room last tuesday and she look't mighty well. She forbiding Mons'' Shout's the court, the Receipt he has given the chancelour 376 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. for the Duke of Cambridge's writ, is the talk of the town still, tho' it was ever since last week. After this sessions 'tis much talk'd of that there will be a change in the Ministry, but whether it be by an intire sett of Whigs or an intire sett of Tories our Coffee Politians can not say. 'Tis certain never Ministry has been so much abused in both houses and so little said in their defence, wch they say protends a change. God direct the Queen always for the best ! I was in the house of commons yesterday to hear the Debate wch was about concuring with the lords in their Address. Lord Downs first mov'd for't, and was seconded by Mr. Gore, and thirded by Mr. Medlicote. Then Mr, Walpool made a very long and entertaining discourse against it, and had so many pretty turns, that I am angry at my unhappy memory that cannot retain them ; shou'd I attempt to repeat after him I shou'd spoil the jokes, but I may tell you in generall that he banter'd and scouted the Narrative which he held in his hand, wch he said he might be very [free.-'] with, for it came to them signed by nobody and had the stylle of some late Pam- phleeteirs. 'Twas writ without any regard to order of time, so he hoped the house wou'd excuse him if he hop'd and skipt about in following as wild and loose an account as 'twas ; 'twas all the Ministry had to say for themselves for making so dishonourable a Peace, and was what made him more averse then before to join with the Lords' address. He told them he did [not .''] know what use they intended to make of carrying such a vote, but he fear'd it wou'd not be better then what they made of the votes of the last Parlia- ment, upon wch my Lord Strafford was sent to frighten the Dutch into the Peace. He need not say much of my Lord Strafford's manner of speaking, he was known to be a man of spirit and spoke with spirit ; and so left you and came to those words in the Narative wch says that the taking of such a town was not worth the blood of one single soldier, to be the saying of Pentionar Hensius, when every body in the house remembers, a member of their house last Parliament, since remov'd to another house, did with much warmth assert them to be the words of P. Eugene. His observation upon LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 377 that was that some sort of people ought to have good memorys and bantered the saying of Hensius that he that was against a Peace was a traitor to his country ; that might be true if spoke against Peace in general, but he that was for any Peace was much more a Traitor. Mr. Bromley answer'd him and defended the Narrative, but not so well as the other had rediculed it. Mr. Stanhope only spoke to one point, as to the Duties we were to pay in Spain, wch he said by the three Explanatory articles were left at large, and insteed of being at a certainty of ten p.c, it wou'd amount to i8 p.c, wch he appealed to Mr. Moor whether the Duties of the Alcavalos, Scientos, and Mellones were not to be paid besides the Duties of lo p.c. Mr. Moor's Answer left it upon the uncertainty that if they were paid in king C.'s time at what the Duties were 15 at the lowest, it was to be under- stood to be now paid, wch Mr. Stanhope afifirm'd wou'd amount to a prohibition. Mr. Hasilby* was very spart and witty, he begun with a design'd blunder, by saying the two noble lords that mov'd to have the blank filled — then his own friend behind him set up a great laugh, he acted a confussion, and owned he had mistaken, but he was led into it by the thought of the Blank Patents of Peers that was to be filled up at least with one of their names. He play'd much upon the Asciento, but when he came to the affair of the Catalains he seem'd to be serious. A people, that the Queen had said she thought herself obliged in honour and conscience to see they had their just rights and privelidges, scandalously abandon'd, but a Reverend Divine that was intimate with the Ministry had let them into the secreet, how it happen'd ; for in his Spirit of the Whigs, he treats them as a Parcel of rebells, and as such not fitt to be trusted with the Previledge of giving money, wch was very apt to put Republican principle in them. If this Doctrin prevail'd it might in time be apply'd to them of that house. He concluded if the * Probably John Aislabie, member for Ripon, who in the following year moved for the impeachment of Lord Strafford for his share in the Treaty of Utrecht. 378 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. ministry cou'd not sleep without such continual healing votes, to save the dignity of the house he wou'd come into giving them an act of endemnity, but he dread a Ministry that was too proud to ask one. Cadogan answered Mr. Bromley's vindication of the Cessa- tion of Arms that part where he asserted that when the Duke of M was for fighting, a Deputy of the States pull'd out of his pocket an order from the States not to fight. Cadogan said that worthy member was misinformed, for he knew the matter to be thus, that he pulled out no orders but gave it as his opinion that they ought not, and desired it might be referr'd to the opinion of all the Generals ; and all the Generals but one was of his opinion against fightings. And now he was up he wou'd declare his opinion of the barrier that was given to the Dutch might be taken from them by the French whenever they pleased. Lisle and Conde being theirs. He answer'd Mr. Bromley likewise as to this peace being better then that at Ryswick ; that was a conclution of a ten years unsuccessfuU war, this of ten years the most successfull ; 'twas attended with such success that it even went beyond their hopes or the enemies' fears. If they had been lett to have gone on they wou'd have been in the heart of France. After him Ross spoke, and blam'd the obstenance of the Allies that they wou'd not come into the Queen's measures for a cessation of Arms for two months, wch wou'd have been great retardment to the progress of their Arms ; for if after that time they found the King of France not sincere he believed they might have enter'd the heart of France, but 'twas high time for the Queen to separate her troops when 'twas known that none of the Allies wou'd obey her General. He confess their was a project sett a foot in the late Ministry wch wou'd have put a Glorious end to war, and wou'd do justice to the General he serv'd under, and to all the officers of that campaign ; 'twas much wish't and expected by them all and cou'd not fail of success, but that Prince Eugene had orders from the Emperor not to take it, and he they all own was a man of spirit and desirous of action. He was so moderate in his speech that some that LETTERS OF TETER WENTWORTII. 379 sat by me [said ?] that he smelt a Rat, and might be well of all sides if a change shou'd happen. Governor Pits declared him self against every part of the Address, and for his part he [felt ?] that the Peace had left us in such a miserable condition that they ought to be thinking of another sort of an Address how to reduce the King of France in a condition, and to be the Arbitrator of Europe ; therefore he mov'd that an humble address be presented to her majesty, that her present Ministry shou'd be sent to France to be his Ministry for three years. This was a jest they say of Harry Killigrew's in the time of King Charles the 2'' when 'twas suspected that his Ministry was in the Interest of France. In severall of their speechs they lay a stress upon the seperate articles being signed only by the Queen, wch gave away all the advantages of the treaty if there was any, and it was using her ill in advising her to sign what none of them darst. I don't endeavour to recollect what was said for us because you know more then was said. We did not trouble ourselves niether to say much, for we knew our numbers, and so did the Whigs, for after all their violent speechs, they did not devide upon the question, but 'twas carried nemine contra- dicente ; wch when I wonder'd at a Member told me he saw it wou'd be so because he saw none of S'' Thomas Hanmer's squadron speak against it, and the whigs wou'd not devide to show how weak they were. A moderate Whig told me 'twas never design'd to have a devition but only to show the Queen she was not well served, and as she had made the Peace, wou'd do nothing to disturb her. You shall have the Narative very soon. I believe this will be the last stroak concerning the Peace, tho' they talk of battling it again when they come to the state of the nation. Some people think you happy to be out of this hurley, burrly, and that you are not let into the secreets of the different schemes of the several partys ; others are of an other opinion. 38o the wentworth papers. [Lord Bathurst.] [May?l 1 7 14. My Lord, Had any thing happen'd here since my last in the least worth your Lordship's notice I shou'd not have fail'd to have done my self the Honour of sending itt to you. I never was inquisitive after News before now, and always abhorr'd a long debate, but the hopes of having some thing to write to you (after you have been pleas'd so very obligingly to accept of my poor Correspondence) makes me long for an occasion that may furnish me with matter to give you some enter- tainment. Nothing has passt in the House of Lords but the hearing of Causes. One of them has made some noise because itt seem'd to be made a party matter. Rooper the Protestant heir of Rooper deceased (but a pretty distant relation) sued Constable and Ratcliff, 2 Papists, for a sum of money that was left to them, about 10,000/.; the point that itt turn'd upon was this, that this money was to arrise by a Sale of Lands and the Act of Pari* says no papist shall have any lands or profitts out of lands by Purchase. The Lawyers explain the w^ord Purchase to signifie any way what soever that a man has a thing, that is not by descent, but not to trouble you with the particulars of a cause upon which the Judges (of whom 1 1 were present) spent 5 long hours in arguing, there happen'd to be 6 of them for reversing, and 5 for affirming the Decree. The Whiggs who were very zealous to show their abhorrence of Popery, attended to a man, the others, (of whom severall were in doubt which way the Cause ought to go in justice, and severall in prudence did not care to appear for Papists upon any account) made a very small number, and did endeavour to prevent a division. Your humble servant was one of those who remain'd in doubt and did not vote, but one thing must be taken Notice of, that as this Act of Pari* was explain'd by Lord Chief Justice Parker all the Marriage Settlements of the Papists are overturn'd, they can't be able to lend money upon a Mortgage, they can't recouver any debt from any Man who has not a per- sonall Estate, and most of those who are now in Possession LETTERS OF LORD BATIIURST. 38 1 of Estates in Land have and ought to forfeit them to the next Protestant heir. What consequences may follow upon this I can't tell ; but I think itt is necessary the Act shou'd be made perfectly clear and intelligible which att present itt is not. Itt seems Jack How brought it in in K. William's time to endeavour to throw Popery att his Head, and by that means itt past in a Hurry, and nothing has ever been tried upon itt before the case I have mention'd. Your Lordship may judge of the Dearth of news when I have been forct to fill a letter with the report of a Cause, but there is one thing I must give you an account of, tho' I don't know what ground there is for itt. Itt is reported all about town to day that the D. of Cambridge is coming over imme- diately and they say that letters came in last night to some Whigg Lords with positive assurances of itt. Your Lordship will know more of the truth of this matter on your side of the water and I beg you will lett me know your opinion of itt when you are next att leasure to give me a line. I have not heard any thing of Lord Paget's going, tho' itt was said att first that he wou'd go in a few days. I don't doubt but your Lordship's intelligence will prove true, tho' I'm att a loss att present to account for your quick alteration. I know your Lordship must have had an account of the Queen's illness from better hands ; I hope she will in a short time be perfectly recover'd. I have now nothing more to add in relation to publick affairs, and therefore beg leave now to congratulate you upon your hopes of a son which I doe assure you no body (not excepting my Aunt Wentworth her self) does more heartily wish for. My Wife was brought to bed of one last week, and I think, besides the satisfaction of having two strings to one's bow, 'tis so great a comfort that ^tis not a Daughter, that I have the utmost desire your Lordship may have the same success. The Courier has not yet brougt me the Snuff, but I return your Lordship ten thousand thanks ; and as to the other parcel, if your Lordship will send over a pound when you have an opportunity that will keep me a great while and I shall be extreamly thankful. 382 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. May 21, 1714. My Lord, Since I had the Honour to write last to your Lordship I received the snuff, which is very good, and I return your Lordship a thousand thanks. I cou'd not omitt writing upon that account, but besides that, I know if I mist another post, you wou'd interpret itt to proceed from neghgence, and not from want of news, tho' I beg that you will be assur'd I shall never fail in keeping up the Correspondence you Honour me with, unless I am entirely unprovided with any thing worth the reading. Now that is a good deal my Case att this time. The 2 Houses have been adjourn'd during the Holydays, and they are the main Springs from whence all the News on this side flows. To tell you who was hang'd, who married, who died of small-pox or feavours lookes more like a Bill of mortality than a letter. But for want of other matter I'll send you Something of that. Poor Mr. Pooley (who was somewhere abroad some time ago) hang'd himself last week, he has been sick and melancholy a good while, and has had his head much perplex'd about religion. I think there are not many here who are in danger from that quarter, but there is a bill brought in this day into the House of Commons to prevent the growth of schism, which if itt takes effect may in time prevent the Mischiefs that are likely to arise from false pretentions to religion. Itt is chiefly to hinder Seminaries of Non-con. Ministers. I have not seen itt yet, and therefore can give but an imperfect account. People talk still of Divisions att Court, what ground there is for that I can't tell. These last 2 days the Discourse has been that Lord Bolin k wou'd be turn'd out, but if I can guess any thing he stands as firm as any One whatsoever. His Parts make him generally esteem'd, and his other good qualities as generally belov'd. Time only will show us what is the truth of these matters. In the mean time I can only send the idle rumours of the town. I wish your Lordship all prosperity and am ever yours. LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 383 [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] May 25, 17 14. The letters have come so regularly of late that if there was noe sea to cross, they could not be more exact, and have made me very happy in receiving soe often the honour of your letters, which french or english I am always infinitly pleas'd with. I find by your last I am to thank you for a present of snuf, which I dare say I shall find very good, having a partiality to every thing that comes from your Lordship, and I am such a moderate taker of snuff that if I should live seven years it would last me. I am sure it is very kind to think of me. You rejoyce my heart in telling me that there is now noe thoughts of the D. of C 's coming, for besides the ill manners and absurdity of the thing, it could tend to nothing, but setting us together by the ears. Those who wish for his coming pretend that he will still be here in a little time. The new bp of Bristol who hath a very fair character in all kinds, by the perswasions of Sir Thomas Hanmer hath inclin'd a little towards that side, of which they are very proud and cry him up to the skies. When matters are pretty well between our great folks, there is another bp. that you have not seen, who renews the breach, and widens it worse then at first. What these misunderstandings will end in, I cannot see, but it is pity that the entertainment it gives their enemies does not make them agree better. The house of Lords had some rest for this fortnight. To morrow they meet again, but I cannot see any great matters likely to take them up, unless a bill should pass the commons, brought by Sir W" Wyndham to suppress presbyterian Schools and Seminaries. It will alarm the Sectaries, and my humble opinion is that noe body should be made uneasy if it can be avoided, but I doubt it is design'd to inflame the high church against those of the ministry who doe not appear zealous for this bill. I am hinder'd from saying anything more, but nothing shall, from being ever your &c. 384 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lord Bathurst.] May 28, 17 14. My Lord, I have received your Lordship's present of snuff by Mr. Bromley, itt is extreamly good and there is enough to last me a great while. I have sent your Lordship the Paper which was laid before the House of Commons, you can't oblige me more than in laying any commands upon me, but your Lordship will find this is only a part, and call'd for by the House upon a particular account which was the paying of the foreign troops. There was a debate the other day in the House of Commons whether the Hannover troops shou'd be paid till the time of the Cessation of Arms ; itt was argued on one side that her Maty had giv'n them notice that if they did not obey the commands of her Generall she wou'd not pay them, and therefore itt was not usuall for the House to give money when it was not demanded by the Crown ; on the other side the Justice of the matter was urg'd that they shou'd have their pay for the time they did serve, that they were hir'd to carry on a war against France, and that itt was contrary to the Grand Alliance to come to such a Cessation of Arms without the Consent of all the Allies ; that itt might be reckon'd to be demanded by the Crown as well as any other money because itt came before the House in as regular a manner as any other, that itt had come from the Treasury, &c. but att last upon a division it was carried by a great Majority for the leaving of the Chair ; so the matter remains unsettled and to be resum'd whenever the House thinks fitt. I have no other News to send your Lordship but the melancholy account of the Duke of Beaufort's death, who was just gott into the Country, and after having heated him- self a shooting in the morning he drunk a great quantity of small Liquor which made him vomit Blood and he died in three days after. This is so small a Packett that I did not think itt necessary to send itt about but I shall observe your Lordship's direc- NEWS LETTER. 385 tions when there is occasion, and only beg that your Lordship wou'd take as many oppertunitys as you can to lay any of your comands upon &c. [News Letter.] June I, 17 14. My Lord, This day the Commitment of the Bill of Schism was proposed in the House of Lords. Lord Bolingbroke first moved it, shewing the advantages it would be of in uniting the Nation, and stifling for the future the divisions amongst us. Lord Cowper was against the committing of it, because, he said, it was much stricter than the Bill of Uniformity; for that he said was levelled against a publick Education only, but this descended so low as to prohibit the meanest school as could be. He urged further that the terms of it were too rigorous ; and that it was putting too much Authority into the hands of the Bishops, to give them the power of licensing or refusing whom they pleased, soe that any Gentleman that had a mind to have a Private Tutour in his Family, must have the Bishop's approbation before he could enjoy that Privilege. Lord Wharton spake against the committing of it in a very jocose manner, saying that it might be of very great prejudice to the Nation, since one that made the greatest figure in the State and had been the Authour of such a Peace as they had all unanimously agreed to be advan- tageous had been educated in one of those private Semi- naries. Lord North spoke with a great deal of heat for the committing of the Bill and shewed his inclinations at least for it, which likewise did Lord Abington. The Earl of Nottingham said that it was certainly what every honest man must wish that there was an uniformity in Religion, but this Bill he thought ill timed, and something like persecution, in that it denyed a man the liberty of disposing of his own children ; that it weakened the Toleration Act, and that it was dan- gerous because that tho' now they had the happiness of having soe worthy Bishops ; yet it possibly might happen 2 C 386 THE \YEXTWORTII PAPERS. that a Person who had wrote lewdly, nay even Atheistically, might by having a false undeserved character given him be promoted to a Bishoprick* by her Majesty whose intentions were always good. It was answered by the other Party that the same plea of persecution had been used in the Occasional Conformity Bill. Lord Treasurer at last said that the whole of it came to this, whether that House had a power of regu- lating the education of children or not ; for his part he was of opinion the Bill would be of very good consequence, and as for those little hardships which some of the Lords had complained of, they might be amended by the Committee. It was carried that it should be committed without dividing. Afterwards the D. of Devonshire proposed to the House a Petition of some Dissenting Protestants, that the House would hear Councell in the matter ; after some dispute whether that wanted a president or noe they came to a division, and the Petition was rejected by three Votes and 3 Proxys. [Peter Wentworth.] London, June 4, 17 14. Dear Brother, Since the Princess Sophia was a friend of yours I am sorry she's dead, but she was of a great age and cou'd not be expected to live long. I have a long time heard she was the only friend you had at that Court, and if I had not many more weighty reasons to desire that the time might be far off before you shou'd have any need to make your court affresh, this wou'd be an inducement to me to be hearty in the wish. They tell me the Queen is well, and I hope in God she's so and may out live all that wish otherways. The town wonders much that she has not given the King of Sicilia Ambassador Audience yet, and I believe he's sorry for't because he's forc't to be at a greater expence till that's over then he cares for. There's no manner of news in the town. IVIy sister D * Swift, made Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713, is always supposed to have been aimed at by this remark. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 387 tells mc Sir Harry says my Lady Strafford will be here at Michelmass ; 'tis a question ask't me very often, when you will be over and it is as truely answer'd by me that I do not know, and by this information I don't think I am able to be more certain. The Discourse continues still in town that there's no perfect agreement with our Great men and there's such a struggle that it must end in the fall of one of them ; but where 'twill I can't tell. The Duke of Beauford's place is gaped at by many lords. My Lord Paget's not going to Hannover has given a great deal of speculation, some saying Lord B has got the better of Lord T by having the man rejected wch he was against at first ; others says 'tis my Lord Paget's own doings, who refused to go without having full instruction before he went, and that he capitulated not to stay above three months, wch gave Lord B an oppor- tunity of recommending my Lord Clarendon who accepts of the Employ with out asking questions, and a person the Queen has always desired shou'd be in some employment. This is said to vex Lord T , but if there's a word of this true I know not. London, /?^«i? 14, 1714- Dear Brother, The best news I can tell you is that the Queen is very well. The first day I saw her since her coming from King- senton was this day sevenight when she gave audience to the King of Sicilia's Ambassador. The thursday after I went with her to Kingsenton and a friday she went abroad to take the air in her coach round Hide Park, and wou'd have gone abroad a Saturday, but that there was a great council. The Duke of Shrewsbury lead her into the council room, she has not been able to walk so far for some time past, she has order'd her coachs to go abroad to day, so. I hope I shall find her well, and that her Excercise may do her good. The Lords have gone quite thro' the Schism Bill, and have come over th' other party cleaverly, for whilst they were busy in giving instructions to the Committee to receive clauses to 2 C 2 388 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. the destruction of the Bill as 'twas sent up to them by the Commons, my Lord Angelsea and Lord Bullingbrook have carry'd a clause that the house of commons did not think fitt to send up to the lords for fear of the loss of the whole Bill, wch was to extend the Bill thro'out the Kingdome of Ireland. The Duke of Shrewsbury came time enough to give his vote against it, but notwithstanding that 'twas carry'd by six. Last week the Commons were out of humour with the ways and means projected by Mr. Lounds, so that they have all to begin again. All the Lawyers were against an addi- tional duty upon the Stamps, and all the Scotch against that of Soap ; but there will be ways and means found to bring some of these off, and then the Court will carry it their own way, espicially sence yesterday there was nothing but trifling pro- positions offer'd to the House, as a tax upon pins, &c. Our Coffee house Politians say this matter has been lett slip a purpose to show that the T has lost his interest in the house of Commons, and then comes another lord and musters up his forces, and carries the very things that was before rejected. I have heard the under strapers of that Lord blame the management that these projects were not sooner laid before the house, that tho' they do carry it their own way they must be forc't to keep the house so much longer time setting. Other people think this is all farce and that there's no falling out between the great men. Lord T has voted all along for the Bill, wch 'twas thought he wou'd not have done if they differ'd in earnest. [Lord Bathurst.] June 15, 1 7 14. My Lord, I acquainted your Lordship in my last what a sad Dearth of News and Politicks we labour'd under, and I was in great hopes that this bill of Seism wou'd have occasion'd some Debate that might have furnisht me with matter for your Entertainment. Itt was for that reason I deferr'd writing LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 389 you last post expecting the Grand Debate wou'd have been this day, but unluckily tis putt of till Wednesday ; then the Bill is to be committed and that will be the Day of Battle. I don't doubt but this matter will very soon (if itt is not allready) be talkt off in Holland, and I take itt for granted itt will be represented there as the beginning of a Persecution. I will therefore state to your Lordship as well as I can what the design and tenour of this Bill is. There was an Act of Uniformity past in Queen Elizabeth's time, another in Charles the 2d, which are printed in all our common prayer Books that they might be the more publickly observ'd. However in direct defiance of these laws the Dissenters have been very industrious in setting up Schools and Seminaries and have gone upon a Notion that the Toleration has sett aside those laws. Now this Bill is only to give a new life to those old Laws, and to take care that these troublesome People (who generally differ from the Establish'd constitution in State matters as much as in Church) may not encrease, and by brooding up their children in the same way perpetuate those unhappy divisions we have amongst us. I know that in Holland they take no such method, but they observe one rule which effectually secures them, and makes all other precaution needless, which is that nobody has a right to Vote upon any occasion who is not of the Establish'd religion. Thus I am inform'd itt is with them. I wish itt were so here and after that I shou'd think there cou'd be no manner of Danger from these Dissenters, and for my own part I shou'd be for ever after entirely dispos'd to favour them in any thing they desir'd. Thus much of my letter my Lord I writt this day senight and happen'd to miss the post that night and therefore kept itt with a design to finish itt the next. We had that day again a very long day about the same bill, and I din'd after- wards in company and did not come home in time to finish itt or send itt. Since we have had nothing to doe or talk off but this bill ever since, I thought I cou'd not do better than to send your Lordship the same which I had begun upon the subject, that I might att the same time give your Lordship 390 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. some proof that itt has been by misfortune and not negligence that I have been so long without putting your Lordship in mind of me. This day the bill was read the third time and past, carried by a majority of eight only. They have made severall alterations but in substance itt is still the same as itt was sent up from the Commons, only a clause is now added which makes itt take effect in Ireland as well as England. Yesterday the Lord L 1 of Ireland came into the House and spoke against itts being extended to Ireland, the reasons he gave were because they had no act of Toleration there and that the Act of Uniformity was putt in Execution, and that as long as he had any thing to do there itt shou'd be putt in Execution ; therefore he thought it needless, and besides to take a whole Kingdom in by a clause he thought not so proper as to bring in a Bill for that purpose. My Lord Chancellour answered him and took notice that his Lordship thought that putting the Act of Uniformity in Execution in Ireland wou'd do no manner of Harm, which was a great satisfaction to him to hear from a Noble Lord who was just come from there, and gave a full answer to all the Objections that were rais'd in the last day's debate by Lord Wharton and others who threatned dismall consequences from itt. As to the Objection that itt was not proper or necessary nor decent to do itt by a clause, he thought nothing cou'd so properly be done by a clause in relation to that Kingdom (as a great many Instances cou'd be giv'n of things that had been done in that matter) as this, which was only to invigourate an act that they already had and that was thought to be a good one, and which upon Experience they had found to be so ; this was chiefly intended to make the prosecution more easy and to remove an evill which every body acknowledg'd to be one and some thought a very growing one. Upon that his Grace gott up and desir'd to explain himself as to one matter, he said he did not alledge that there had been any one brought to punishment upon that Act in his time ; but that there had been a prosecution began and that the person had submitted, and so the prosecution was stopt. Lord Anglesey then gott up and said he had known Ireland some time, but he never NEWS LETTER. 391 knew any prosecution of that nature take effect ; he knew of a person who was prosecuted for building a meeting-house, but upon his submission and promise to leave itt off the pro- secution was stopt, and as soon as the prosecution was stopt he went on again. Itt was built, and had been preacht in ever since in open defiance of the law. The question was then putt and every body continued in the same mind they were off before. I believe I cou'd recol- lect some other passages in the long transactions of this bill, but I'm afraid I have tir'd your Lordship already, and I'm going to night out of town, and 'tis already dark. [News Letter.] June 25, 1 7 14. My Lord, I who have had the honour to write to you formerly am not a Person who write for mony ; but have the happiness to be entrusted with the instruction of a Relation of your Lordship's, and among us we endeavour to pick up what Parliamentary and Domestick news we can. Different persons are now forming to themselves different schemes, some think that Lord Treasurer will be cashired, and that Lord Boling- broke will be made Lord Treasurer, that Sir Wm. Windham will be made a Lord and Secretary of State, and Mr. Campain who was lately one of the Comm. of accounts, Chancellour of the Exchequer,* and Sir Const. Phipps is to come out of Ireland to be made Attorney General ; others talk as if the D. of Somerset was to be Master of the Horse again. The whole discourse of the Town now runs upon those impudent methods that have been used in listing Souldiers for the Pretender. There has been a very sad discovery of one Capt. Hew who was listing Souldiers for the Pretender in Town. One of the Queen's Messengers disguised himself under pre- tence of listing himself in the Pretender's service, and being appointed by this Capt. Hew to meet him at a certain place * Henry Campion was member for Sussex. 392 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. where he was to be shipt off with three or four more, he came to the place in his proper habit and seized the Capt., who is now in Custody. Lord Bolingbroke assumes the Honour of this discovery to himself and pretends that he put the Messenger upon it ; but others don't scruple to say that my Lord was angry with the fellow for discovering it, and that the poor fellow would have but little thanks for his Pains. In the House of Comm. the Whiggs reckon they have carried a great Point by surprize, for on Tuesday last Mr. Stanhop desired that a Gentleman might make a motion after the regular time, and told the House that the motion would be to desire them to take some method whereby they might prevent the listing of men in any of her Majesty's dominions either in the French King's or the Pretender's service ; which motion after some debate being deferred till Thursday, and the Tories expecting that it should then be made, the Whiggs fearing that if it were proposed by them they should be strenuously opposed, prevailed with Mr. Freeman to move that an Address of thanks might be presented to her Maj. for her Proclama- tion, which she has issued out promising 5000/. reward for any one that shall apprehend the Pretender in any of her Maj. Dominions, and bring him to Justice. Lord Hartford seconded him, and said that such an address would be very convenient in pursuance to what the Lords had done, and that that House might seem heartily to join with it he thought it would be necessary for them to vote 100,000/. reward to any that should bring the Pretender dead or alive, to be paid backe by the Nation. Sir Wm. Windham endeavoured to banter this of, saying that it was an extravagant proposition, and that he might as well propose 200,000/., and another 300,000/. ; and Mr. Campian very seriously said it would seem a downright affront to her Maj. to vote 100,000/. reward, after she had thought fit to propose but 5000/ He was answered by Mr. Boscowen* who alledged that in Proportion 5000/ was as much to be paid out of her Majesty^s Private Purse, as 100,000/. by the Nation. Mr. Bromley said that so large a reward as * Hugh Boscawen was member for Penryn. NEWS LETTER. 393 100,000/. would make the funds which they had raised for her Maj. fall short ; but he was answered that if once the Pretender was brought to justice, such a sum as that might soon be retrieved ; and at last 100,000/. reward was carried without a Division. On the same day there was hot work in the House of Lords upon what the H. of Commons had let drop, viz. the preventing raising forces for the French King's or the Pretender's Service. Lord Bolingbroke was at Dinner with Sir Wm. Windham, and being informed what the House was upon hurried thither as fast as he could, but in his hast put on Sir Wm's coat instead of his own, and did not discover his mistake till he came almost to the House, when feeling for some Papers which he should have occasion for there, and by that finding out his mistake, he was forced to drive back again for his own coat, and return'd to the House. When he came he said, he could not but think that the proposal was a very good one but that he had one to offer which he hoped they would think better ; which was to prevent the raising any forces in her Majesty's dominions for the Service of any Foreign Prince without her Majesty's own seal manual, which Proposal of his past the House, in which Lord Bolingbrook's friends glory. Those of the other Party say he was very roughly treated in some of the speeches, but of the particulars I cannot inform your Lordship. We have found out a person who according to your Lordship's desire will write you a letter every Post ; he requires a guinea a month. The person is Mons. Boyer ; Mons. Durett spoke to him, who did not acquaint him that it was your Lordship whom he was to write to, but he said it was what he had of several Persons who were abroad, whom he wrote to after the same manner. He sends your Lordship two for a sample in the last of which you will see how the Queen's fourth part of the Assiento is disposed. I think in some of our former letters we informed your Lordship how Mr. Walpool bantered the benefit of the Assiento, proposing that it might come into aid of some of the funds, as not being worth about 2000/ or 3000/ ; but passing from that and setting an higher value upon it they address'd her Majesty to give it the Publick, supposing it would go to some 394 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. favourites who did not deserve it of the Nation. The Town takes notice that her Majesty did not answer the address, but the same day that it was presented sent her part of the Assiento with a Letter as a Present to the South Sea Com- pany. This affair of Arthur More's, which the Lords and Commons will both have under examination, makes it more apparent that it was designed to be given among some of the Courtiers. Arthur More denies all, but says that if what they accuse him of were true, he could justify himself from the instructions of the Admiralty, as no body in this world passes without censure. People have been bold enough to say, that your Lordship has dropt some expressions in favour of the Pretender, which report is the more malicious at this time, because he and his interest is so much run down, [Peter Wentworth.] London, /««^ 29, 17 14. Dear Brother, The changes at Court does not go so rug* as some people expected and gave out, that 'twas to be all intire Tory with the least seeming mixture of Whigs. 'Twas hotly reported that Lord Dartmouth wou'd be out and that Atturbury Bishop of Rotchester wou'd be made Lord Privy Seal, but that discourse begins to cool. To-morrow 'tis expected that there will be warm work in the house of Lords. I have had a mischance to sprain my foot, so that I am affaird I sha'n't be well enough to be there, but have a promise from one to bring me an account how it goes. Some tells me 'tis to be open'd by Lord Notingham, others by Lord Sommers ; if by the latter 'tis look't upon as matter of more weight. There has been a rumour about the town as if the F. K. had refused to send the P. over, fearing the success might draw him into a fresh war, and it has been said that Lord * The word " rugg " is used by Swift in his essay on Sharpers in No. 68 of the Tatler. He writes : — " I am employed in looking over the several notices which I have received of their manner of dexterity, and the way at dice of making all rugg, as the cant is." LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 395 T has given out that if it had not been for him the Pretender had been here long agoe ; and 'tis supposed of late he has been taken into grace and favour of the Whigs, and that he has promised them if they impeach Lord B he will not oppose them, and that underhand he has given them some matters to go upon ; and people don't stick to say that all the Captains that are gone under Sir James Wishart are a parcel of Jacobites and persons unknown to the fleet, and all put in by the recommendation of Lord Bulling and what was to be brought us home in that fleet I dare not name, tho' some people pretend that some of these things will be made plain to-morrow, but as I sett at home I believe I am told many a lye. I w^as told that the A: B: C: {sic) was to be brought into the house yesterday to leave his proxy to vote to-morrow, but till next post I can writ no more of these matters, and then may be this mountain may bring forth a mouse. The Queen I thank God continues so well as to be abroad every day. The Dutchess of Sommerset has been very ill at Kingsenton, but to the disappointment of some people is like to do very well again. Lord B goes on still merryly, and in his cups and out of his cups brags what a mighty man he is. He has often frolicks at Greenwich, and there he banters the people with the expectation of his bringing the Queen there ; till t'other day I could not imagine from whence such a rumour of her going there cou'd be spread. There's a story of him some time ago, but I heard it since I writ to you last, which was that he himself shou'd brag that in one day he was the happiest man alive, got drunk, harrang'd the Queen, and at night was put to bed to a beautyfuU young lady, and was tuck't up by two of the prettiest young peers in England, Lord Jersey and Bathurst, who by the by makes no pretty figure in the w^orld to be pimps for his Lordship, who they suppose is happy in armes of nothing but common • . He has now Bell Chuck, a blackguard girle, in high keeping, who was first kept by Lord Orrery. I have done and beg your pardon for enter- taining you with such stuff. .... 396 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, /tt/y 9, 17 14. The address that was last presented by the White Staves from the Lords to the Queen was not so worded as to ask in express terms who 'twas advised her to sign the three explainatory Articles, so as I hear since her answere was home enough to that Address, and did not deserve to be resented as Lord Sunderland wou'd have had it, saying if the house was to receive such answeres from the crown they were of no use and might walk out and never come in again ; but you see by the printed Representation that this heat ended very coolly, and that there's more in the title then in the thing itself 'Twas expected that they had reserved all their fire for yesterday. They began the business of the day about two a clock and the Examinations and Debates lasted till ten. I was in the house all the time and thought then I cou'd have remember'd almost all to have writ you to day, but I find I can't perform it as well as I thought. However since you are so obliging to say you like my Letters I'll give you the relation as well as I can. Lord Halifax began by saying he rise up to propose the method they shou'd proceed in, wch shou'd be to relate matters of fact as it appear'd to him, and wou'd to the house, for as he went on he wouM call for the papers to be read to prove the transactions of affairs to be as he set them forth, wch he wou'd do with out any reflections upon them or the persons that seem'd mostly to be concern'd, but shou'd reserve himself for that hereafter as they fell in Debate. Then he told the house the king of Spain had granted licence for four ships to trade to the South Seas, and beside a ship of five hundred tun that was to go once a year. All this was laid before the South Sea com- pany very fairly by the Lord Treasurer, as appear'd by the minutes of company, as likewise some time after the quarter part that was reserv'd to the Queen, from whence the Diffi- culty arose how they cou'd trade with the crown in Partner- ship ; the method of counting with the Exchequor wou'd meet with insuperable difficultys. Some time after Lord LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 397 T had found out this expedient for them that the Queen shou'd by an assignment under the great seal give her right to private Persons, with wch the company seem'd to be satisfied, so accordingly the Queen's right was vested in Mr. Lounds and Mr. Taylor, but when they came to demand of them their proportion 20 p.c. to go on with the trade, they were told that they cou'd advance nothing, that they were only trustys and were to give a declaration of trust that it shou'd be for the benefits of Persons hereafter nam'd in another writing drawn up with blanks — to A B such a part, to D E such a part, and so on. Then they were to consult their counsil how they shou'd be able to trade jointly with these blanks ; they advised they shou'd pay in their first 20 p.c. and if hereafter they did not pay their proportions as call'd for by the company, then by a writing that was to be executed between them they shou'd forfeit their first pay- ment; and in that there was some words put in by the Atturney General that was not approv'd on by the Court, and the words that was ofifer'd to be put in in the room was not satisfactory to the Company ; but to make short Lord Treasurer seeing matters going on with so much wrangling, in January, I think, took his leave of the company and told them he could serve them no longer, then they shou'd see how things were managed since. I find I can't go on to distinguish what was said by the several Lords, so I'll tell you who spoke of a side and use their arguments as they come in my head. Lord Townsend spoke next and pursued the same method as Lord Halifax, calling for letters of Lord Bullingbrooke's to be read to show how things were managed, as he went on with his discourse. Then Lord Wharton spoke but he said nothing more remark- able than the rest, but when he came to that period of time that Lord Treasurer had left the management of the com- pany he made this joke, and here, says he "is the End of the reign of one great Minister, I mean only as to the South Sea company ; they were used with Douceurs before, but from hence forward you'll see they are treated with a high hand." Then Lord Cowper the last of that side ; but to return where 39S THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I left off. They call for Lord Bullingbrook's letter to be read dated in February, wherein he tell the company that the Queen expects that the Persons she shall name shall stand upon the same foot with her, and to have all the benefit as she herself was to have had before she conveyed her right to them, and if they did not agree to this proposal within three or four days the Queen wou'd give it to others that were ready to accept of it on her terms. There was more letters of Lord Bullingbrook's read, but this and that were, he answeres, a representation of the lords of the Admiralty against the Queen's being at the whole charge of fiting out the four men of war. Sometimes in reading the letters the clerk would mistake and begin with some of Lord Oxford's but the managers soon stopt them and there was nothing call'd for but Lord Bullingbrook's. The inferences they wou'd draw from the reading all these papers and the Examination of several persons was, that for the sake of some few Particular persons the whole trade of the Nation was put to a stop, and that these perticulars valued their private interest more then the publick, and the argu- ments run to show that the company was in the right and had desired nothing but what was reasonable ; they were ready to comply with every reasonable proposal, but the offence was they were still pressing to know who the Queen's assignees was, and that they might be upon the same foot with them, and not to come in for the benefit of the trade and bear none of the burden. The first people they called in was the commissionars of trade, their secretary and clerks, they examined them only as to a letter that was said to be dropt from Gilligan offering Author Moor a sallery from the King of Spain, and the Grant from him of some Duties to the Queen. They were ask't by Lord Chancelar if they had seen such a letter, one by one ; Mr. Monckton was ask't first, and he said he had never seen it, but he had heard that there was a letter dropt by Gilligan, but he return'd immediately and 'twas given him again. He was ask't if he had never heard the contence, he .said yes, but he cou'd not remember it; from whom did he hear of this letter ? he thought he had LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 399 heard my lord Gilford speak of it, and their secretary. Upon wch my Lord Gilford rise and said he had never seen any such letter. Afterward M seem'd more possive that my Lord did speak to him of it as a letter that had been found by some of the clerks. My Lord Gilford did not answere again, but I find by that Lord G does not take it well of M what he said. All the Rest of the commissionars said they had never heard of such letter till that day. When the secretary Poplin was examined he came at last to say 'twas one Wheeler, a clerk of theirs, that had spoke to him of it ; he was the best evidence, for he swore that Author brought him the paper Giligan's letter mention'd, wch was a grant from king Philip to the Queen of some duties reserv'd to him, and he order'd this Wheeler to make an endrossment upon of a Grant of the Queen to him of the said Dutys, upon wch Author Moor was confronted with this man and he diny'd flately that he had ever order'd any indorsment to be made, and as a proof he had these original papers by him. So he was sent home to fetch them and he brought them, there prov'd to be no indorsement, but Wheeler was still possitive that he had make one by his order, and said that in all such paper that came from abroad there was Duplicates, and if they would send for one Cranburn a menial servant of Mr. Moor this matter wou'd appear plainer. He was order'd to be sent for ; in the mean while the Directors of the South Sea were call'd in and examined as to what had been said to them, as that a sum of money might make things go easie. They said there had been such a talk among them. At last they said Author Moor he mention'd it but never named to whom it shou'd be given ; besides they gave the detail of the whole business of the transactions that had been with them for these two years. Capt. Johnson came in and gave an account how Author Moor had made him meet at his house Decoster the jew and Doedil an Irishman, to agree about keeping storage for sixty tun of Goods not belonging to the company ; he scrupling of, the next news he heard was his ship was not to go the voyage. There was severall things appear'd ill enough upon Author Moor, but there was no 400 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. motion made to pass any sensure upon him. My Lord Wharton mov'd a long question, but the meaning of it short was, that whatever did belong the Queen the lords wou'd address her to give it intirely to the company. My Lord Bullingbrook made a short speech but spook very handsomely, as that tho' he spoke to them with some concern it did not proceed from any consciousness of any thing wrong that he had done, but for the nation, that the humour shou'd run to mistake things as they did ; he had leave from the Queen now to tell them that y^ p.c. reserved for Gillingham was designed for people beyond sea, wch at first made people stair, but at last was understood to bribe the Spanish Minister ; and he told of the Bargain that France had made for the licence of six ships to go to the south sea with several looo of Rixdolar and at the 12 [month .^] end the ships to be the king of Spain's, and they broak the bargain with them and gave us this advantage treaty. He thank God this was not a time to have inuendos, private hints and insinuations do any man an injury as to his life and fortune ; when any perticulars were plainly laid to him 'twas time to answere. Mr. Boyer has told you in his french letter how the matter ended and I fearing to be too late for the Office shall end, I don't send you the printed address because he has sent it in his letter. Pray send word how you like these letters, for you are to pay a guinea a month and if you don't like them you had best stop at the first month. [News Letters.] July 9, 1714- This Day the Queen went to the House of Lords and gave the Royal assent to the Lottery Bill— Militia — Vagrants — Longitude — Dagenham Breach — Linnen Cloth — Equivalent — Popish Recusants — Reducing the Rates of Interest — for preserving Ships and Goods — to prevent listing of Soldiers — The Curates Bill, and to 14 private Bills, and afterwards made a speech to this effect, viz. NEWS LETTERS. 4OI My Lords and Gentlemen, The progress you have made in the PubHck Business and the Season of the year makes it necessary to put an end to this Session. Gentlemen of the House of Commons, I return you my hearty thanks for your services to me and my Country parti- cularly for the supplies. She hoped to meet her Parliament early next Winter pre- pared with matters for establishing Commerce with France and Spain to the satisfaction of all persons concerned, and recommended a Disposition to lay aside all Divisions, then both Houses were prorogued to the loth of August. July, 1714. My Lord, Having very little news to write and yet being loth that this should come empty to your Lordship, I have enclosed the O 's speech and a Spectatour, the former of which, the Whiggs very much exclaim against, as having not soe much as mentioned the House of Hanover and as being (as they are pleased to say) more than a little too severe in the last Paragraph ; the latter is thought to be wrote as a Banter upon those blank A B's and C D's mentioned in the H. of Lords in last Thursday's Debate, as to be sharers of the Fourth part belonging to her M of wch debate I reckon your Lord- ship has already had a more exact account than I can write. It is confidently reported (tho' the insolence of it makes it somewhat incredible) that last Tuesday Lord Nott. should say in the H. of Lords that this Peace patch'd up with Spaine was so infamous that he believed K. James the 2d who was expell'd for male-administration would have scorn'd to have signed it, had he been now alive and in Power, nay that even that Person, whom some People had the impudence to stile K. James the 3d, if he had the reins in his hand, w^ould have scorn'd so far to have betray'd the interest of his people. One Mons. Boyer has been taken up for conveying to the Press those letters wch were said to be wrote by the Q 2 D 402 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and Lord T to the P. Sophia and the El. of Han. but whether they have dismissed him, or what they intend to doe with him, I cannot yet learn. I hope I shall not trouble your Lordship with repetition, if I write you word how they came to be publick with us ; it is said, that the El. communicated them to the D. of Alarlb. as a great secret ; but that the Dutchess accidentally lighting on them, thought it her duty to communicate a matter of so great consequence to one Mr. Boscowen a Relation of hers in London ; who was so generous as to communicate it to his Friends, and they to theirs, and so on from that courageous speech of Lord B k's wch he made in the H. on Thursday last, showing his readi- ness to clear himself of whatever should be laid to his charge. Some persons conjecture that Lord T and he are reconciled by the mediation of the D. of Shrewsbury ; others think that there never was any such thing as a real quarrell, but that it was a sham enmity acted on both sides with a design only to retard the vigorous proceedings which they expected from the W — ggs, who being brought to a coolness might be induced to leave them to unmask one another ; others think that there really was, and is still an irreconcileable enmity between them, and that what Lord B k said, proceeded from an assurance that he had of his own preeminence in her M 's favour wch last seems to have the greatest air of probability, if it be true (as people report) that Lord B k should say, that the D. of Shrewsbury had endeavoured to heave him out of her M 's favour, but that he had been too hard for him too. If there be any thing else material, I suppose your Lordship has it in the enclosed, and therefore not to be tedious I am &c. July, 1 7 14. My Lord, On Wednesday last, the day on which Lord Nott. was to make his motion, to consider the condition of our Com- merce with Spain, the Bill of the Commissioners of Accompts was brought in from the H. of Comm. to the H. of Lords and had its first reading, when the Whiggs thinking that they NEWS LETTERS. 403 had the majority opposed the second reading of it. Lord Wharton said, it never had been of any use but was a con- stant unnecessary burthen to the Nation. Lord Anglesey replyed that tho' there had not yet been any considerable discoveries made, yet since it was probable there might be, and the burthen to the Nation was but twelve thousand pounds a year, it was in his opinion to be continued. Several other things were urged by the Court side to prolong time, and at last Lord Scars, put a previous question, whether that question of rejecting the second reading of the Bill should be put or no .'' The House divided upon it, and it was carried that it should, in which time several of Court side being come into the House, it was carried that the Bill should have a second reading by the majority of two. After which Lord Wharton complained of the irregular proceeding of the House, and said it was never before known that a previous question was put in that manner. Lord Scar, rose up to excuse him- self, and said that not being so well acquainted with the proceedings of the House as that Noble Lord it was easy for him to make a mistake ; but since he had not been corrected in it before, he hoped he stood excused. Then they came upon the Business of the Day, and Lord Nottingham pro- posed, that the proceedings might be regular, that the papers relating to the Treaty and Commerce might be read over. After the reading of several not altogether necessary, they being about to reade a copy of the Treaty of Spain wch was in Print, Lord Cooper said, that the reason of reading over the Papers, as he conceived, was, that the House might be the better informed in the case, but the reading of a copy of the printed treaty, wch could not but have been in every one's hands, was, he said, in his opinion altogether unnecessary, and very tedious ; he then proposed that such papers only might be read, as any Lord should think convenient to call for, upon which Lord Nottingham ordered some of Lord Boling- broke's and Lord Lexington's Letters to be read, by which it appeared that nothing had been laid before the Councill before the 14 of October, tho' the Peace was signed and ratified the February following. Lord Nottingham all this time took 2 D 2 404 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. down observations upon everything that was read. It being now about 4 a clock Lord Chamberlain proposed, that since it was impossible for them to goe over the papers then, they would adjourn, and appoint Friday wholly for the business. Lord Townsend then said that it was not his intention to oppose what that noble Lord had moved ; but that he could not but observe, that though in the Articles at Utrecht several disadvantageous concessions were made, yet these things remained upon the same footing as they did in K. Charles the 2d's time, but that in the three explanatory Articles even all those advantages were given up. It was then ordered that several Merchants should attend the House on Friday to give them an account of our trading in Spain. On Friday, my Lord, we endeavoured to get into the House but could not ; however we heard as much as we could at the Door. After the reading of the papers was over, the Merchants were called in to the bar. They all unanimously gave their opinion, which they backt with several reasons, that our trade with Spain was wholly impracticable ; all that was said to the contrary was by Lord Bolingbroke who said, that by making a peace with Spain, we had made it either with a weak or strong government, if with a weak one, then the Merchants by underdealing might bring down the tax below what was settled ; if with a strong one, then the peace must be good because, the tax being settled, they could not be imposed upon. It was observable that there was not a word said either by Lord Treasurer or any of his Friends in defence of the Peace, soe that all readily conclude, that Lord Treasurer endeavours to sacrifice Lord Bolingbroke. It is likewise remark- able that there was not one merchant to speak in defence of our trade with Spain. It was this day again repeated that the Treaty at Utrecht was well enough managed ; and that all inconveniences were owing to three explanatory Articles, It was at last agreed, neniine contradicente, that an order should be past to address her M that she would be pleased, to let the House know who was the person that advised her Majesty to make this Peace ; all that they disagreed upon was whether it should be done on Saturday or Monday. Lord LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 405 Wharton said he was of opinion that they should not only address her M but also expect her answer on Saturday, for which he was corrected by Lord North who said that her Majesty ought not to have any time prescribed to her to return her answer. However it was at last agreed without opposi- tion that her M should be addrest on Saturday. Lord Wharton said in the debate that Arthur More and Gillingham were the Authors of this Peace, and that the three explana- tory Articles were made between London and Madrid. I had almost forgot to acquaint your Lordship that on Wed- nesday Lord Nott. mentioned a paper which was sent to the Secretary of State containing all the Merchants^ opinions at Cales concerning our Trade at Spain, and said he wondered that it was not laid before the House. Lord Bol. said there was indeed such a paper, but he said he had heard the same 3 or 4 months ago in town, and did suppose it was sent from London to Cales, and from thence back again to London. Lord North answered that if these Papers contained the opinions of the Merchants at London and was backt by those at Cales, it was then a further confirmation of the truth of them. I hope your Lordship will excuse this hast, the reason of which is that we are afraid of being too late. [Peter Wentworth.] London, /?//)/ 16, 17 14. Dear Brother, * * * * The gentleman whose letters you say you like name is Somners, a very ingenious young man, an admirable scholar, and has answered the character I have had of him of being a sober, discreet young man, and fit for a tutor to my son. I have had him half a year in the house, and I find my son has made a considerable improvement with him. In two years he designs for orders ; he never goes abroad but with my son, so that he knows no news but what I tell him. I don't make use of his hand so much out of lazyness as for 4o6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. security that if your letters shou'd be open'd they shou'd not be known to be mine nor from whence they come, and that was the reason I did not writ his name by the Post. That they do open letters is certain, or else how shou'd Lord Treasurer know that in the same post the Duke of Marl- borough [sent] letters to Mr. Torcy, the Pretender, the Elector of Hanover, and to himself, a fine medley. Things I believe are patch't up among them, [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] July 27, 1 7 14. I am but just return'd from a ramble I have been taking Northwards. It was partly upon business, but more for pleasure, and seeing all the fine seats that came within my reach was a very great one. I am asham'd to say I did not see your Lordship's, but since it will out at one time or other, had as good own it now. If I had had more time I should not have valued the distance nor ruggedness of the way. I found your Lordship's the day I came home, but am stunn'd with the stories I meet v/ith of changes at Court, and having seen but few people where I am a little way out of town, can give you noe certain account of anything, but that most agree that the great man is to be out, to be succeeded by a com- mission, Mr. Bridges said to be one, Lord Anglesey to goe to Ireland. For my part if I knew who would serve the nation best, I would be for them, but till I know that better then I yet doe, I own I am afraid of changes. They say the Lady you enquire about, is for Lord Bolingbrook. I grieve to think what the Queen must suffer by all these uneasynesses. I have not heard a word yet of Lord Dart- mouth's going out, and don't doubt of a great deal more being said then is true. [News Letter.] London, /w/y 30, 17 14. My Lord, Wherever this Gentleman had his information, the account which he gives your Lordship of the Q 's illness LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 407 is exactly true, as I have been inform'd by Persons whose intelh'gence there is noc reason to scruple. People are in a strange consternation upon this sudden illness of her Majesty, soe that the Militia is up and the D. of Ormond has thought it convenient to order the guards at Kensington, at St. James's, and at the Tower to be redoubled. Lord Treasurer I believe was as soon libelTd as displaced, and there have come out three or four different Papers of him to day, one of which they call the live mare's elegy. I am informed that when Dr. Ratcliffe was sent for to her Majesty in her illness, he answer'd, too morrow would be time enough to wait on her Majesty, but the insolence of this expression makes me scruple the truth of it. Mr. Wentworth is now at Kensington and perhaps may bring home the news of some alteration in her Majesty. If he comes home time enough your Lordship shall have it in a separate Letter, but this I was obliged to send now, for fear it should be too late for your Lordship. [Peter Wentworth.] LoNDON,y«/y3o, 1714. Dear Brother, I came to-day from signing Articles with Mr. Fitch in Dorsetshire. I mett the unvvellcome news of the Queen's illness, wch was very surprising. I got to Kingsenton about six a clock and whilest I was there her Majesty had the benefitt of vomitting thrice by the help of Cardis. Dr. Alburtenhead came out and told the company of it and said 'twas the best symptom they had to day, and that she felt pain in her feet, their being Garlick laid to't wch likewise was well, and was then gone to sleep. 'Tis now nine a clock and I am come home to writ you this, but they tell me there's no judging how the decease will turn till twelve a clock. I overheard Dr. A in a whisper say 'twas ten thousand to one if she recover'd, wch was dismall to me. The chaplains desir'd the Queen's servants that were in waiting to come and pray for the Queen, so I and three or four more was the 408 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. whole congregation, the rest of the company, and there was a great deal of all sorts Whigs and Torys, staid in curiosity to hear what they cou'd pick up. The Duke of Sommerset and the Duke of Argile are in Council, wch they say they may be tho^ not summon'd, for they were never formally struck out. There was a great meeting this morning at Baron Both- mar's. The Queen to day about one a clock gave the Treasurer's staff to the Duke of Shrewsbury, my Lord Chancelor holding her hand to direct it to the Duke. When he took it, he told her he wou'd keep it to resign to her again when she was better. London, August 3, 17 14. Dear Brother, Before this you will know we have lost our good Mistress. I am sencible I shou'd have felt her goodness more, if it had not been for a wicked one about her, God forgive ; her I forgive, and I fear those whose interest 'twas the most to have keept her alive hasten her Death ; for Doctor Shadwell tells me and all the world that when he felt her Pulse a Wednesday before dinner he did not like it and ask't her how she did, she say very well, he said he shou'd be glad she was, but by her pulse he was sure she was not, and went from her and told it to the Duke of Shrewsbury who went to see her, but she was bussy so did not, but sent Dr. Alburtenhead who after Dinner brought the Duke word her Pulse was well, and the same thing he made Dr. Slown say, for they had always had a mind to keep the Queen's illness a secreet. The town tell a world of stories of Lady Masham now ; as that a Friday she left the Queen for three hours to go and ransak for things at St. James's. I can't say if this is true or false, a Saturday I remember perticularly I see her go away, but as I thought with too much grief, to have any thoughts of herself. I hope people wrong her, for she wou'd be a monster in nature to be ungratefull and to forget a Queen so soon that raised her from nothing. Lord Bullingbrook sunday made a Bonfire and the finest LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 409 illumination in town at his house in Golden Square, but that might be out of Policy fearing the mob, but there was no accasion for this precaution, for King George was proclaim'd very Peacably and ever thing has continued ever since. I was in hopes you wou'd come over upon this ill news, and after having taken care of your self made interest for me that I might be a groom of his Bedchamber, for I wou'd not be a Querry all my life time. That's an employment that none can lay claim to but the late King's Bedchamber, and here's some of them dead ; but if you can't succeed for me in that I hope you will endeavour to get me some Patent Place, or a Commissionar of the Custom house or Excise. 'Tis said there are schemes sent over to the King already, and they that are upon the spot with him will have an add- vantage, wch I hope may be your case whatever becomes of your poor unfortunate brother. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 3, 1 7 14. I am soe stunn'd with all that hath happen'd within this week that I can hardly fix to doe anything, after the melan- choly scene at Kensington, and the hurry at London, but my first thought after coming to Richmond was to write to your Lordship, whom it would have been some comfort to have seen among our governours. It was a surprise to me, and I fancy will not be less soe to himself, not to see My Lord Wharton's name in the list, and My Lord Sunderland look'd very pale when the names were read. They sit very diligently, and their coaches drive into the Court, which will hardly hold them all. They have pitch'd upon My Lord Dorset to goe to Hanover. I doent hear of any orders yet for mourning, or the funeral, but intend to goe once in two or three days to London to see what is doing in parliament, where they have only taken the Oaths and adjourn'd. The Duke of Buckingham took Mr. Bothmar in his coach when the proclaiming was. The Duke of Marlborough is landed. 4IO THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Tho' I could talk to you for ten hours, yet I find my pen goes on soe heavily that I will for this time take leave of your Lordship sooner then I intended. [Peter Wentworth.] London, August 6, 17 14. Dear Brother, Since we were to have for a time 26 kings I was sorry not to see you among them ; you and lord Angelsea being absent made but 24. At the end of the throne there was a bench run quite across the house of Lords where the Regency sat, the Chancelor in the Middle. He made speach to both houses, the lords were all in their Robes, even those lords that mett with a disappointment that they were not named, among these I heard it reckon a great jest, that Lord Windsor shou'd be very angry he's not one, and his Lady too resents it The Duke of Marlborough was never so much out of favour with me as he^s now at present, for the insulting manner he enter'd the town, he that used to come so privately when in favour, and with Victory, to suffer himself to be met with a train of coachs and a troop of Militia with drums and trumps. He's asham'd of it and says be beg the City to ex- cuse their complyment but they wou'd not. To day Sir John Packin^ton mov'd the house that Doctor Ratclift * shou'd be expell'd the house, for not coming to the Queen when sent for, but he was not seconded and so it dropt. He's a Dog and I don't love him for what he did to the Duke of Gloster, but however he has this to say for himself, that he knew the Queen did not send for him and had expressed her aversion to him in her last illness. Mr. Addison being made secretary to the Lords justice makes people fancy he'll be one of the secretarys of State when the King comes, and the report runs that he had orders to settle all Lord BuUingbrook's papers, * This eminent physician had entered ParHament in August, I7I3) as member for Buckingham. He died on November i, this year. LETTERS OF LORD BATMURST. 41 I but there's nothing of that ; the lords desired to have laid before them all matters that were then transacting and not finish't. Those papers Mr. Addison has the possession of, and 'tis reported, as Boyer tells you, that you have such a project laying before you, and that the lords have writ to you not to proceed any farther in't. This day there's a very cleaver banter come out upon Doctor Swift, wch if you stay I must send you. This day I have taken the Oath of office to King George, but I hope to God you'll get me something better. * * * * [Lord Bathurst.] August 10, 1714. My Lord, I believe your Lordship will think I might have had sufficient matter to fill a letter during this month, and there- fore will accuse me of Negligence if I don't give some account of my self. I must therefore begin with telling you that I went into Glostershire about business the very day the Parliament rose and came back to town but a few days before the Poor Queen fell ill. I was going out of town again that very day when I heard she was taken with a fitt (as they call'd itt) of an Apoplexy. I went immediately to Kensington and found there was no room to expect her life. She did indeed hold out beyond every body's expectation. Every thing has been so quiet since her death, and we go on so unanimously in both Houses of Parliament for his Majesty's service that I have nothing of any moment to mention upon that head, only that the Tories in the House of Commons are the Persons that appear most forward to do the King^s business. Sir William Wyndham and Secretary Bromley mov'd for the Civill list, and that will very soon be settled. There is a matter which occasions a good deal of talk here, tho^ people generally know very little of the matter, I mean the treaty which was on foot between the Queen and Kings of France, Spain, and Sicily. There are some in great hopes 412 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. that they may make some use of that to cast a Blame some- where, but I don't find those who were concern'd in itt here under any uneasiness upon that account ; 'tis said your Lord- ship has Orders to lay itt before his Majesty. I hope and I don't in the least doubt but what ever your Lordship has been concern'd in the more itt is enquir'd into will the more redound to your Honour, and I wish as earnestly that nothing may happen to give any alterations to those matters you have been att so much pains in settling. We have some here who begin already to talk of a new war, but surely they must either be very ignorant of the condition of their Country or else maliciously bent upon its ruin. For my own part I don't fear such designs and therefore will trouble your Lord- ship no longer but only to assure you that I am, &c. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 13, 17 14. It was very kind in your Lordship to think of me in your affliction, wherein I take a very large share, without the least regard to my own interest, which I have not had leisure to think on, tho' busied with nothing but the melancholy thoughts of the loss of our good Princess. It is a great satisfaction to hear from your Lordship and not from flatterers, that we have soe wise a Prince, able I hope to see through the malicious representations he hath been plyed with, and now convinc'd by the unanimity that hath appear'd, of the falseness of them. The Lords Justices sit very close, and I suppose doe a great deal of business. The Council have little to doe, but expect every hour to hear when the King comes. You heard I don't doubt, of the fine entry of the D. of M . I have heard little of him since, but that he is gone to the Bath. The Dr. you mean I suppose is Arbuthnot. The lady his friend, I never made court to, which frees me from taking any notice of her now. They say the Queen was very loath to part with the late Treasurer, but was teas'd into it. Most of those call'd Tories were very warm against LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 413 him, not thinking him enough of their side, and his insincerity- daily lost him ground, but some say My Lord Trevor, not Lord Bolingbroke, would have had the chief credit. The time was not fix'd yesterday for the funerall. If I thought your Lordship was to come with our new King it would revive me extreamly, but I doe not know what to wish, till you inform me which way you incline, for that will always be a rule to yours, &c. [Peter Wentv^orth.] London, August 17, 17 14. Dear Brother, 'Twas with a great deal of pleasure I heard the King had writ you a gracious letter, because there was a great many in this town did fancy you wouM be neglected by him. I can't fancy myself very sanguine by hoping for something better then a Querry ; if it was not for the Act of Limitation there might be some danger of losing that, and as my circum- stances is it might give me some uneasiness, tho' in reality I shouM not loose much, for 'twou'd be more expensive to be Querry to him, then to the Good Queen. Till the Act of P is explain'd none but a native born English man can have any employment civill nor military, nor a seat in P 1 ; the judges' opinion have not been ask't in this matter since the Death of the Queen, but was ask't when the Act past to impower the Queen to leave Kingsenton to Prince George, and then one half was of opinion that the Act did not intend any retrospection, and the other half was of a contrary opinion, and therefore there was a clause in that Act to except him notwithstanding he was not born in England. I have sent you a copy of what the Daily Currant of yesterday says a,mong other things was contain'd in your speech to the states. My lord Windsor was criticising upon the word Acquired Right, it shou'd have been undoubted, but he hopes the Daily Currant has mistaken and that what you writ was not, so tho' I have heard others that I am sure is better scoUars think the word acquire very well and proper 414 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. there ; he says 'tis much taken notice of. Boyer has writ you all the currant news, so I have the less to trouble you with. Call him not my B for I never spoke a word to him in my life, but what he writ you concerning this quadurable League has been all the talk of town, and I have been told by those that pretend to have it from some of the Lords justices, that when my Lord B was ask't about it he owned there was such a project and that it then lay before you, upon wch 'twas said, the lords writ to you to lay before the King how far you had proceeded therein. The Duke of Shrewsbury was for having you come over but was over ruled by the rest. They say too there was a bundle of Papers that the Queen gave to the Dutchess of Summerset seal up, wch she desired might be burnt without looking into ; she gave it to the Lords acquainting them with the Queen's desire and they did after some Debate burn them, without reading them. London, August 20, 17 14. Dear Brother, I have made it my business to tell about the king's Gracious letter to you, wch has had this good effect that it has stopt the impertinence of a great many mouths that were ready to be open'd against all they suppose were going out of favour, and you were one in the City that was sup- posed to be declining, but I hope better things now. Your French news letter will tell you all the news that's stiring so that I have very little to writ. Some people think this delay is a politick of the King's, that what alterations that are to be made, in Acts that are restraints to him, may be done by the Parliament before he comes, but that can't be, because they say the Lords justices will prorogue the Parliament till the 20th September, next week. The Queen's corps was to have been remov'd from Kingsenton to-morrow night, but upon an Express they have received from the King 'tis put off till Tuesday next, and the Ladies that are to walk at the Funeral are to have their Mourning deliver'd them from the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 415 Ward Robe, upon wch I hear some ladies will go that had excused themselves before. London, August 20, 17 14. Dear Brother, I can't say I am sorry I have little news to writ to you because that happens from having every thing going on so peaceably and quietly. At present the strifif is who shall show themselves the most Zealous for the Present King George, wch is some disappointment to the leading Whigs, for they did expect some opposition in the manner of grant- ing the Civil List, wch the less experienced Tories were ready to give, but they were better advised by the wiser, who are for proposing every thing that's for the honour and dignity of the Crown, so much that some people out of doors of both Partys begin to fear that we shall have the rights and Libertys of Englishmen complymented away, but those reflections are made by people that are of opinion that we have a Prince that's ready to catch at them. I must do this French news writer justice that he has never mist you a post, for they come every post to my house and if I am not at home Mr. Somners carries them to the office or sends them, but of late they have been very neglegent there. Boyer gives you a true recital of the words of the Act of Parliament, and the judges and lawyers are devided in their opinion concerning the said Clause, the Major part are of opinion that the enacting words imply no retrospection. I hear My Lord Chancelor is of that opinion, but what reasons they suppose it with I know not, unless it be from the meaning and inten- tion of the Law wch is to prevent any encroachment of foreigner upon us. But th' others that argue for the letter of the Law say the Parliament have sufficiently declar'd there meaning to be, that none after the Demise of Queen Ann, that are not born of English Parents notwithstanding natu- ralisation, shall be incapable of any employment Militairy or Civil, for by a subsequent act wherein they empower'd the Queen to leave Kingsenton house to Prince George, they say that notwithstanding any thing contain'd in the former Act 4l6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. against Foreigners setting in either house or having Employ Civil or Military he, was in this Act excepted. I hope the resolution you have taken of staying to see the King first will prove for the best, and am glad to find you have had the same thoughts of the bedchamber as I, but if you don't bring it about I shall despair of it, for the Duke of Shrewsbury has so many people flocking about him, that there's no speaking to him now, I have been to see yet but four of the Kings, Shrewsbury, Kent, Halifax, and Abington ; the two or three others I intend to wait upon is Argile, Dart- mouth, and Somerset. If I may be of the Bedchamber they will have a Querry to dispose of If it be my hard Fate only to continue Querry I shall loss the Pension the Queen wou'd have continued to me till she had given me some thing else better, for all the Querrys had some other Place. I am not at liberty to deliberate wch is best, to go over or stay here for the Arrival of the King, for by Act of P all her Late Majesty's servants are obliged to take the oath of office to the King, wch I have done. 'Tis expected that we shou'd attend the funeral wch is thought will be within a fortnight, all the servants are order'd to wait as they did in her life time till she's under ground. My sister A[rundell] has had much setting up and has behaved herself with much more decency after the Breath was out of the Queen's Body then any of the bedchamber women. She's well spoken on by every body, I have heard it mention'd by people that did not know me. Lady Masham, Mrs. Hill and Danvers are cry out upon for their behaviour; tho' they roar'd and cry'd enough whilst there was life, but as soon as there was none they took care of themselves. Mons"^ Bothmar has been all over Lady Masham's lodgings in St. James's and I hear her goods are to be removed very soon [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] August 31, 1714. I am asham'd to have let a post goe, tho' but one, without my thanks for your Lordship's kind letter of the 31st new LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 417 stile, where I am glad to see your Lordship hath receiv'd such gracious letters from our King. Some that are none of your friends are nettled at the favours you mention in your memorial to the States. The world continues very quiet here, and it is wonderfull that there hath not been soe much as an indiscretion. The whigs are really peevish to have the lye soe handsomly given them. There was an opinion that this parliament would have been made use of, to doe the business of the year in the time they are allow'd to sit, but now they say we must expect a dissolution, and tear one another's throats at elections. You can best tell when we shall have our King, but they tell us not till next week. I have been surpris'd at the change I have perceiv'd in Mr. Hill's discourse ever since the Queen fell ill. That mystery is now disclos'd, for I hear he puts in for the bishoprick of Ely. I am afraid of living to be old, for that age, most suit- able one would think to quiet and retirement, is more set upon the world, and more tormented with ambition, then the time of day when it would be more excusable. There was a report some time agoe that the D. of M had a Commis- sion of Captain General sent him, but one hears noe more of it. Now they will have it that he hath such a Commission dormant in case of any commotion. I hope he will not have that occasion to produce it. I am glad to enjoy a little air at Richmond till the King comes, for I would be in town at that time, tho' I doe not expect to be long detain'd there.* [Peter Wentworth.] August 31, 1 7 14. This day my Lord Bullingbrook was told that the King had no more accasion for his service, and that Lord T — ■ — and Lord Cooper went with him from St. James to the Cock- pit to seal up all his papers. Mons'' Guildenberg mett me to * On August 31, Lady Wentworth writes to her son : — " Al hear are in great rapturs of the King, and say he is the Wysist and Richis Princ in Yoarup ; I hope he will prove soe." 2 E 4l8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. day in the park, and told me 'twas reported in town that all the answere you had from the king to some or all your letters was Mi Lord, fay receii voire lettre, George Roy. I assured him that was false, for I knew you had received several very obliging letters from him, with which he was sattisfied and seem'd pleased. We have report in town that there's three new commissions from the King, the first the Duke of Marie- borough as Genera], th' other Lord Cooper as Chancelour, the last to Lord Orford as Admiral. London, September 17, 17 14. Dear Brother, I am always glad to receive letters from you, but have never been better pleased a great while then with yours of the 25, wch gave me an opportunity to-day to contradict a knot of Marchants at St. James, that were talking of the news of the day, wch was that Lord Townsend was declar'd secretary of State in the room of Lord Bullingbrook, and that the Duke of M- wou'd be declar'd general as soon as the King came over, and that General Cadogan was to go Plenypo to the Hague, and that Lord Strafford was recall'd. Tho' I did not know the Gentlemen I took the liberty to inform them right, that Lord T was secretary of State, in the room of Lord B and that Cadogan was to go to Brussells for the affairs of Flanders, but I cou'd assure them Lord Strafford was not recalled. I saw General Wade to-day who tells me he has mett with that ridiculous report of the short answer the King gave you to the letter he received by him, and he had taken pains to undeceive a great many wch he can very well do, for you did him the Honour and favour to show him the King's answere, wch was in as obliging terms as a sovereign cou'd \nx\\. to a subject and contain'd a full sheet of paper. I was sorry you did not come over with the King, but I don't know what to think now, whether 'tis not best you don't ; if the reports has any influence, 'twill quash all that, but your not being here will give advantage to have stories raised that can't be so soon contradicted. I hope all will turn for the best. I am just T>ETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 419 now going to Greenwich, and expect the news that the king will be there as soon as I ; the D. of Shrewsbury has pro- mised to present me to kiss the King's hand. You will find by my last that I gave directions to B to send his news letter strait to the secretary's office, wch I am pleased I did because 'tis your desire in this last letter I received. London, September ^\, 17 14. Dear Brother, I have the sattisfaction to tell you we have got our King and Prince safe and well at St. James; I gave him my hand to help him out of the Barge, the Duke of Shrewsbury presented me to kiss the King's hand, and my Lord Bathurst mounted me up a pretty Spanish horse to ride by the King's coach side, so that my Person is well known to his Majesty. This day I received your letter of the 28th with the inclosed memorial, and shall observe your orders. I have ten thousand thanks to give you for thinking so much of me, succeed or not succeed I shall still have the same gratefull sence of your goodness to me. All that was declar'd at Greenwich was that Lord Dorset and Lord Berkley was made Gentlemen of the Bedchamber aboard the Yatch, and Capt. Sanderson knighted. Sunday Billy Carr, and Coll. Tyrol was declared Grooms of the Bedchamber to the King, lord Hartford Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the Prince, Coll. Houton Groom to the Prince ; I saw them wait at Dinner tho' none was admitted but who sent in their names. The Duke of Marlborough was declared General. Sunday morning the Duke of Ormond was coming up to the house, and Lord Townsend mett him and told him he was coming to bring him the message from the king. To day I am told the Duke of Sommerset was declar'd Master of the Horse, wch was not done sooner because he ask't to be Groom of the Stool, and there being a great many pretenders to't the King cou'd not resolve so soon about it. The King and the Prince went in a coach, the Duke of Northumberlain, the Gold Staff, and Dorsett with them. This day Lord Cooper had the seals, so that now the Whigs 2 E 2 420 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. reckon they carry all before them, and the Tories in a manner give it up. There's nothing gives them any hopes of any moderation but your being continued in favour, tho' they are dailly threatened that shall not continue long. They are for driving on so fast that they are angry with the Duke of Shrewsbury for being of opinion that the changes shou'd not have been so fast. Dr. Garth made his jokes of him, but I believe that is because he finds that his Grace is for preferring Dr. Shadwell before him. Some says Mr. Boil will be secre- tary of State, others General Stanhope, but there's nothing of that done yet. I hope Boyer's letters comes regularly to you for I have desir'd him to send them directly to you ; he writs you all the Whigs wou'd have, wch you find does not always come to pass. The Gentleman that writ your letters is gone into the Country. There happen a quarrel at Court to day wch Davenport was the begin of, he standing just by Alsworth said that he wonder'd how any body cou'd have the impu- dence to come there that had drank the pretender's health. Alsworth ask't him if he meant him, D said he knew best if he ever had, wch Alsworth deny'd. Coll. Chudleigh having an old grudge came up and affirm'd he had, so Als- worth went out with him ; the Coll. kilPd him upon the spot fairly. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] September 24, 1 7 1 4. The hurry of going three days to Greenwich to one soe little fond of crowds as I am may be some excuse for not answering your Lordship's sooner. Now it is over, it is some pleasure to think of the bustle one liv'd in for that time, to soe little purpose, for it is impossible the King can remember any face that was there. I am glad your Lordship had soe many opportunities of speaking to him, in hopes it may have lessen'd some impressions soe carefully given him, but here he is soe beset by some people that he can only hear one side, but indeed the other's backwardness is as blamable as their LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 42 1 forwardness. I intended to have spoke to him, but since I see soe many removes, I will let it alone, and expect my orders every hour with great resignation. I went yesterday to the Councill, where the King took the oath for preservation of the Church of Scotland, and repeated the words with a better accent then I expected. Lord Chancellour Cooper made a speech in his name that you will see in print. The Prince came in and took his place in council without taking any oath. There happen'd an ugly thing on Tuesday at St. James's. One Aldsworth parliament man for Windsor was insulted by Davenport, Coll. Chudleigh, and another for a Jacobite, and Chudleigh and he went out, and Mr. Aldsworth was imme- diately kill'd, which is noe great wonder for he had such a weakness in both his arms, that he could not stretch them, and this from being a child, and is suppos'd not to be a secret to those gentlemen. My Lord Bolingbroke is highly threatn'd in the Coffee houses with an impeachment, but words are but wind. My Lords Sunderland and Wharton are made amends for being left out of the list of Justices, but Secretary would have been more the inclination I fancy of the first. [Peter Wentworth.] London, September 24, 17 14. Dear Brother, To day there came in a mail from Holland and I had the favour of a Packet from you, and am glad to hear your cold was better before I heard you was incommoded with one. Your french letter will tell you all the changes that has been and those that are talked of, wch does not allways prove as reported, for the Duke of Shrewsbury is not out from being Chamberlain, for Dr. S told me that my lord Duke, as soon as the King came, resigned his Treasurer's Staff and S of Ireland, and told his Majesty if he wouM accept of his service as Chamberlain with the pension of 422 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 2000/. he desir'd nothing else, wch the King accepted, but yet 'tis still reported about the town that Groom of the Stool is still in contention between him and the Duke of Sommersett. If the Duke of Sommerset has not the master of the Horse the Duke of Rutland is to have. The Duke of Argile has the Gold Key by his side as Groom of the Stole to the Prince. I saw him at the Duke of Marlborough's levee wch is now crowded as much as ever; the D. of A and M seem'd to be as dear friends as if there never had been any deferrence between them, but I cou'd not see that General Web cou'd fix upon him. I believe Earle will have all Web's imployments but his regiment, and I believe 'tis what he thinks himself, and his former greatness with the Prince will avail him very little, for the whigs have got so intirely the possession of his ear that he pretty freely speaks his mind to be that there's hardly any but under that denomination in his interest. The Duke of Argile has had a little disappointment that his Brother Iley has missed being secretary in the Room of Lord Marr. Mr. Stanhope has possession of Mr. Bromley's office, but Lord Townsend is order'd to have the Northern provences and knowing those affairs best, and Stanhope that of Spain for the same reason. Mr. Lewis is quite out, so I cou'd not consult him about finding the Print or Author of that Grumb Street paper, but I mention it to day to Mr.Tillson, and he's of opinion that it's making the thing of more conse- quence then it deserves it being so very a grumb that it was no sooner read then forgot, and besides there could be very little done to them if found out, and it must be vour own atturney that must trunce them. I cou'd not see Lowman to day but I shall to Morrow and deliver him your letter ; they talk of his being such a favourite that he's to be clerk of the Greencloath, but the act about forreigners must be explained first and so other objections as to his Genteelity. It is said Charles Churchill is refused being a groom of the Bed chamber to the Prince upon the account of his illegiti- mace. I shou'd be very sorry that all the Good Employments shou'd be gone before you come over and they are disposed of so fast that if you be recalled as soon as 'tis reported there LETTERS OF PETEiR WENTWORTH. 423 is appearance you'll come too late. Stocks are fall'n but 'tis supposed they will rise again for a world of people have sold for ready mony for the Elections. London, September 28, 17 14. Dear Brother, 'Tis said that Kings are Gods upon earth, for they know better what to give then we know either to ask or require, for every body has not had the Places they ask't, and some had places ofifer'd that they have refused, tho' there's yet but one instance of the kind, wxh was Sir Thomas Hanmer who is gone out of town without accepting Chancelor of the Exchequer, wch they say was very much prest upon him both by the King and Prince. I saw him with the Prince thro' a Window and the Prince seem'd to argue very closely, and had a world of action and Sir Thomas's answeres were with obliging smiles, it lasted for above a quarter of an hour. Mr. Broomley, when Teller of the Exchequer was offer'd him, desired time to considere of it, and has at last concluded to take it. So has' the Duke of Sommerset Master of the Horse, 'tis said the Duke of Shrewsbury is Groom of the Stool and privy purse but that is not certain. They tell you that the Duke of Buckingham entertained the King a great while with telling him, that he was misinform'd and that he had yet heard but one side, and he cou'd make it plain to him that the Whigs was but a hand full of people in respect of the Church party. The King heard all he had to say, and his Grace came out very well sattisfied, but an hour after Lord Townsend came to tell him he was out, and 'tis said that Scraggs harangued the king a great while with all his services and at the conclusion desired to be secretary of War. The King heard him out with patience and all the Answer he had was Non. The next day Guy Poultney had it. 'Tis said that both the Duke of M and Duke of Argile solicited earnessly with the King for Charles Churchill to be Groom of the Bed chamber to the P but cou'd not prevail upon the account of his Birth, so that my Lord M came out and told the Duke of Argile they must insist no more on't for it wou'd not do. On friday 424 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. nig-ht last 'tis said the king and Prince sup't with the Duke of M . They walk't in the Garden, and of a sudden sHp't from the Company over to the Duke's, where 'tis said his Grace made the Prince an offer of the house and show'd him how it might be easily be joint to the King's house by a Gallery. There's no change of the admiralty, but 'tis reported 'twill be next week. Mr. Lechmore is difficult to please, but Sir Joseph Jekeel will be first provided for. London, October \, 17 14. Dear Brother, Before this noe doubt but you have heard what places have been given besides those that have been reported to be given. My Lord Orford has been said to be a going out of town dissatisfied that he had not the nomination of the lords of the Admiralty. But this day 'tis said he has carried his point and order'd to stay, and that he's so generous as to desire no more then the rest of them, and insists that there shou'd be six besides himself. You have heard that the council was dissolved and to day they have nam'd them a new. All that I inquired about was if you was left out, and I am told by one of the clerks that you were. The Bishop of London is in, but they say that's because of his great diocess here and being Bishop of all the forreign plantations. Cadogan is declar'd Master of the robes, and is said will be made an Irish Lord. I was with the King a Wednesday last at Kingsenton and walked all over the Gardens with him, and after all over the lodgings, both wch he lik't very well. The King took us at a surprise, his coachs were order'd at three quarters of an hour warranting, but I was more ready then his Grace of Sommerset, who came before the Gold Staff wch was Lord Asburnham, so that the King went alone in the coach with the Duke of Sommerset. I sent to know of the Duke if he wou'd have me ride or go in the leading coach, as King William's Querrys did when the King did not ride himself He sent me word I must ride, so I did, but after I was off a horse back I was every where with him. I find people are not sattisfied, for the Whigs fall out among LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 425 themselves, there's not any three people hold together. The Treasury was settled to day. Lord Halifax at the head of them, he has made his nephew that's to be his heir Auditor of the Exchequor for life, but 'tis supposed he reserves the profits during his life. They tell a pritty extraordinary thing of Guy Poultney that he shou'd tell his majesty that he was a man of Estate, and that he served his majesty only purely for the Honour of serving him, and that he found upon the old Estabishment that for Secretary of War there was but 1400, but upon my Lord Bullingbrook's coming to't 'twas made 2400, and he desired to accept it but upon the old establishment, that his M might have a 1000 a year to gratifie some body else. The King has taken him at his word and told him he shou'd find few such men ; this story he tells himself The Duke of A le told me he had received a letter from you and wou'd writ to you this post, so I shall say no more to you but in generall that he assured me he had always a friendship for you. The Duke of Shrewsbury has been ill of the Gout, but was abroad to day and went before the King in Councill to day. I am sorry you did not come over with the King, for then you might not have been forgot, but if things go on as they doe you may soon be remember'd. What one writs one post one is obliged to contradict the next. They say upon Sir Thomas Hanmer refusing the Chancelor of the Exchequor he has pluck't a spirit and refused Teller. London, October 5, 17 14. Dear Brother, I have no more news to writ then what I sent you last post, only that I have heard since that the King and Prince has been very obliging and have been at several places in town at supper. The King play'd at sixpenny Ombre at the Dutchess of Shrewsbury's. The Duke of Argile carried the P to my Lady Rotchester's where was the quondam Maids of Honour, and yesterday the Prince was at Mrs. Cadogan's. I hear there's three mails out of Holland but 'i3- 426 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I have not yet received your Letters. 'Tis expected by every body that we shall see you soon here. Britton I heard received his Answere that he was not to be Bedchamber man. London, October %, 17 14. The High Whigs, for there's already a distinction among them, are dissatisfied with the D. of M ; they say 'tis one of his sneaking maximes to be reconciled to those that have disobliged him most, thus they term a good christian temper to be ready to be reconciled to one's enemies. And they are angry with the Duke of A that he's for having Ross and Breton continued. I think the Duke of Argile very wise in accepting the key to the P for it will give him frequenter access to court then the juncto men care for ; they know he'll loose no opportunity of serving himself and friends. Web I am told gives out that he had n'ere gone to the D. of M levee but for the Express commands both of the King and Prince, which is taken for a gasconade of his. The B. of L says he finds it the discourse of every body that Cadogan is to succeed you at the Hague, for they seem to give out that there's an necessity for't you being very disagreeable to the Dutch, wch he knows to be false, and he's sure nobody can serve his King and Countr}' better then you in that Station ; there are Partys there as well as here, viz., the Pacifick and Guerrier, the last of which perhaps are not your friends, but he's sure the former are, if it was otherwise. He thought an English council shou'd think as they did in King C the 2nd time concerning some Ambassador that was employ'd in France that the court was always uneasie with, upon wch every wise man in council said the King might send one more for the French purpose, but none more for the interest of England. 'Tis a General observation here that no sett of Minister will stand long, but I am of opinion that he that come first fars best, and Whig as I am, I'm sorry you are not taken in with them now. You are keep out of the way but till every thing is fix't and then your solicitation will be of no use. I never mind the publick papers till I LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 427 have some other confirmation, a gentleman told me that had it from Cadogan himself that he was envoy and Plenipo at the Hague, wch amases me to think you know nothing on't yet. I have said that we whigs are already divided among ourselves and as an instance, Mr. Stanhope is not the man some of us desired for secretary, Mr. Boil was there man, who is gone into the Country dissatisfied, as is Mr. Smith and Spencer Compton. There's Lord Cunningsby rails but is valued by neither party. It has been wonder'd at how Mr. Caesar keeps in all this while, but yesterday was let into the Mistry ; Haselby will not accept of being a lord of the Treasury, because they have promised him to be Treasurer of the Navy, but Lord Orford insist to have his friend Mr. Dorrington in the Navy office, or else he won't accept of the commission of the Admiralty, wch it seems they court him to take. By this dispute the Treasury remains still in the Duke of Shrewsbury, and he had had an opportunity of giving two Places vacant by the Death of Mr. Bridges, Costomer of Carlile to Mr. Archer, and treasurer of the salt office to Mr. Broomsreed, Miss Touchet's brother-in-law. If by these disputes you shou'd at last be fix't in the Admiralty 'twou'd be noe disagreable news to me. I have given you one account of Mr. C— — but here's another that I heard to day, that he has been cunning enough to make his court to the Forreigners who, tho' they pretend to have nothing to do with the English affairs, yet from the top to the bottom they have a great stroak in recommending Persons that are fit to serve his Majesty ; most, nay all the addresses are made to Mons'" Bothmar, he having been so long in England and is suppos'd to know all the English. There are people wicked enough to suggess that way is made by some to these persons by mony. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] October 8, 1714. I am oblig'd to your Lordship for two letters of the 4th and 1 2th instant, but by what accident I know not, that of 428 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. the 1 2th came first. I doe imagine your Lordship does not sit very easily with what you hear every post, and I am not very Hkely to settle your mind, seldom having accounts I can depend upon till things are done. You may believe I am very attentive to any thing that relates to your Lordship, but I can gather nothing, but that the whigs are inveterate against you ; but I reckon much of their spleen will evaporate in words, and since the bishop of London is taken into the Councell, I know nothing you can be accus'd of, of which he is not a sharer. As for quitting, it is what noe one body hath yet done, unwilling I suppose to be thought to slight the service, or mov'd by the noble example of those who, four years agoe, would quit none of their imployments till they were turn'd out. I own I wish you still some imployment abroad, it being what you are used to, and is more out of the strugle of parties then anything, and I would choose France for you, because I believe I should make you a visit there. I look upon myself as out, since I am left out of the Council and am inform'd that Lord Stamford hath had the offer of my place, but he insisted upon being Commissioner of Trade with it, as he formerly was, and this I suppose is the true reason of my hearing nothing yet about myself. They said yesterday that all the bedchamber was nam'd except the groom of the stole, which lies between the Dukes of Shrewsbury and Marl- borough. The names I heard were the D. of Richmond and Grafton, Lords Manchester, Selkirk, Stairs, and Carteret, Lincoln, but I am not sure this is true. The ranks were not soe well kept at the entry as they should have been, and you might have been there without the mortification of going behind the Scotch, but the coronation will be more strict. The D. of Marl, hath the honour of all these changes, and is most fearfully rail'd at, but I own I am more upon the reserve, since I see soe many who are not asham'd to strike up with those they have abus'd but the day before. As fit as Mr. Stanhope may be for his post, the generality are noe more pleas'd with it, then with Cadogan's LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 429 having the robes, both whose advancement in the army, or in embassys, would not have been grudg'd them. Mr. Bromley, tho' perhaps of noe very shining parts, hath a character of great integrity. It is said Sir Thomas Hanmer offer'd to accept of Chancellour of the exchequer, if Mr. Bromley was suffer'd to continue Secretary, and Mr. Bromley refused a Teller's place, unless for life, which I would never have ask'd, because not likely to be granted. It is thought Sir Thomas expects to be again Speaker. It looks very great to be courted to take employments, but a little reflection would I should think abate of the eagerness for what does oftener dis- credit a man then prove of any honour or advantage, and is perhaps in a very little while turn'd out in a worse condition then he was taken in, but there is no doubt but that noe reflections of this kind are new to you, and that instead of moralizing I had better take leave and release your Lordship from Yours &c. [Peter Wentworth.] London, October 12, 17 14. Dear Brother, I was very glad to receive your last letter with the word of comfort for your self and your humble servant. That Cadogan is to succeed you it may well be but 'tis not now immediately as his friends report, for I have been at the secretary's office and there they assure- me there's no letters of revocation as yet to you, and that Cadogan's commission is, as Lord Orrery's was, Plenipo and Envoy at the Hague, and 'tis not the first time we have had an Ambassador and Envoy at the Hague at the same time, but are to be upon the management, so 'tis supposed that won't last long. Lord Shellburn that is with Cadogan every [day .^] says he knows Cadogan has the same appointments as an Ambassador, and wou'd have the tittle, but that he can't transacted several things with the same easie {sic). No doubt but you have heard the displacing of the judges, wch they are of opinion cou'd not be done by Law, but those that have the Places are of 430 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. opinion it might, wch are as good Lawyers as th'others, so that 'tis not a matter that can be disided by the Politian Coffee men. The Princess landed this morning at 4 a clock at Marget, the Prince, D. of Sommerset, and Duke of Argile went in coachs to meet her. The town, or perhaps them- selves, have named four Beautys for Maids of her Highness, Viz., Molly Ballidin, Mis Shorter, Mis Hammond, and Bell Roe. If her H has any spice of jealousy, some people may be baulk't. The D. of A has carry'd the Prince to sup with the quondam Maids, is very sociable among them. Our Groom of the Stole is not nam'd. I wish it was and then wou'd follow soon the rest of the family, but I hear they are not to be nam'd till after the coronation. I cou'd not meet with Mr. Caesar to day, but I shall see him to morrow and shall hear what he says as to the matter of mony. In my last I was much out of my Politicks, for Mr. Caesar is out and Aiselby has his place, but what one writs one post, is generally contradicted the next. If 'tis any comfort the outed people has a world of people of their side and are very possitive of earring in a Tory P 1, but as we have no War we don't care what Parliament we have, Whig or Tory. I find everybody is backward of speaking to the King, tho' they are ready enough to speak to the Prince ; the Duke of M 'tis said is most heard with the King. London, October 15, 17 14. Dear Brother, * * * * What I writ you of Web's gasconade I have lately had some further intelligence about, so that they did Web wrong that said he was a baggadosier, for when some people prest hard to have Web outed of all, the King ask'd if he had not done his Duty well in his several posts, wch cou'd not be denied. Then the King said he wou'd have no regard to people's private piques, and ordered Web to be continued and to wait upon the D. of M . They tell another per- ticular wch I don't give so much credit to as I do to the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 43 1 Other — that the Prince shou'd recommend to the Duke of M to give the Duke of Argile the first regiment of horse that shou'd be vacant, wch by his Grace's looks the Prince perceived was a surprise to him, but gave him no time to reply but said, I don't only recommend it, but I expect it from you, my Lord. The town begins to come into the notion that Cadogan's going Envoy and Plenipo to the Hague is not your immediate recall, for they recollect that he was so when the Duke of M was at the Hague Ambas- sador, and Lord Orrery was the same lately, and his appoint- ments are no more then what lord Orery had. There's to be a chapter call'd a Saturday to give three or four Garters ; Lord Orford 'tis said has refused it, so the persons named are Lord Halifax, who is to be made an Earle, the Duke of Bolton and Duke of Bedford. Lord Harvey is to be made Earl of Bristol, and his son a gentleman of the Bedchamber to the Prince, for in that Employment they are to be all Earl's sons. There's a great dispute with the Earls Marchals of England and Scotland, and the Duke Duglass has put in his claim to carry the crown, as an Heriditary office, there being none in England that pretend to't by Heriditary right. These matters were before the council yesterday, but how decided I know not ; some people pretend 'tis matter to take up time so as to put off the coronation till decided. I hope 'twill be dispatch't soon for they. say the family is not to be settled till after that time. The Princess came out into the Drawing room about 7 a clock and staid till ten. There was a Basset table and Ombre tables, but the Princess setting down to Piquet, all the company flock't about to that table, and th'others not used. 'Twas a pool, the Dutchess of Marleborough, Lady Pembrook, and the Countess De Peckenburg. They say we are to have these appartment every night but Sunday. My Lord Bridgewater who is Lord C to the Princess and wears a Gold Key, no Staff, was very obliging to me, becken't me thro' the crowd and pre- sented me to kiss her H hand ; she repeated my name aloud and smilingly gave me her hand. This morning I have heard ill news, that there's four 432 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Grooms of the Bedchamber nam'd, Briton, Jemmy Dormor, Mr. Howard, Lord Suffolk's brother, and George Feilding, wch I must confess vexes me above all the rest. There's yet a glimmering of hopes, for they say there is to be 8 and there's yet but six declarM. I saw Web to day and he told me he was asham'd he had not answer'd your letter, but did not know what to say ; he wish't you here, and was sorry you shou'd be used so in your absence. The D. of A shuns me, there's nothing but patience in this world. All this matter will have a turn, I hope it will be very soon in your favour whatever become of your most humble ser- vant. London, October 2(), 17 14. Dear Brother, By these two mails that came in to day I was glad to hear you was well. Within these two or three days I was told that we shou'd see you very soon, Sir Harry Johnson had said that the William and Mary was gone for Lady Strafford who was very near her time. I tell you my Author Capt, I shou'd say Sir William, Sanderson, told it again at court to day that Sir Harry Johnson told him he expected my Lady Strafford the first fair wind, but I find by your circulars that Yatch is to bring over my Lady Portland. It must be confest I know not the world so well as you, nor have been so conversant with it, but know enough not to have too much faith in Man. The smiles of Princes's are always more eligible, then there neglects, or no notice, tho' neither the one nor the other shou'd be attended with any consequence. I writ you my reception as news without any further thought, 'tis the wonder of all the world how Feilding made his interest and some say 'twas done by a mistake that he was taken for William Feilding Lord Denby's brother, who says he had a possitive promise of it. Some says the Duke of Sommerset spoke for him that he might be rid of him and have it in his power to oblige somebody else with his place. Your friend Poultney they say got his place by speaking directly to the King himself; he got Mons'' Bothmar to present him to the LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 433 King and then made a lamentable story as if he had been a sufferer for his principles of being a whig, and therefore he hope his majesty wouM do for him ; wch he promising, Poult- ney told him there was an Employment not yet disposed of vis. chamberlain to the Princess, wch he desir'd and he had it the next day. What succeeds with one man does not with another, for Craggs had a long Audience of the King and sett forth his own meritts at large, and then ended with desiring to be made secretary of war and was answered with a No)i. The D. of S is easier then he was, for his Dutchess is now declar'd a lady of the Bedchamber, but not groom of the Stole as reported. Yesterday the Prince and Princess walk't quite round the Park, the ladys that was with her were the Dutchess of Bolton and the Dutchess of Shrewsbury and Lady Nottingham, who talks French very well. I walked some time behind them and heard them. We have very little news in town, tho' we have quite an new world. * * * * London, November 2, 17 14. Dear Brother, I am infinitely obliged to you for thinking so much of me. Upon the receipt of yours of 6th and 9th, wch I received yesterday morning, I had new hopes and went to wait upon Mons'' Georie, but found him not at home ; but this morning I found him at home and he told me he shou'd be glad to do either you or me service ; he had spoken to the King of us both, and this post wou'd answere three letters he had from you. After I had made him my acknowledgements of his favours to us I desir'd he wou'd speak that I might be made Groom Extraordinary, and that the Establishment might not be exceeded, I might continue my sallery as Ouerry to the King and the Pention I have as servant to the late Prince of Denmark. He promised he wou'd, but I have no great faith in success, because he told me he shou'd see me at court at noon, where I did not fail to meet him, but he said nothing to me. I did not make much up to him for fear people shou'd take notice, for the cry is already that too 2 F 434 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. much is done by forriegners. Upon my Lord Albermarle's coming over 'tis much talk't of again as if he was to be made Groom of the Stole, to decide the dispute among our great men, and the judges have already given their opinion that the Act of Parliament against Forreigners has no retrospect, tho' some people pretend they will have a pluck at them for all that, for the words are as plain as words can be against them, and those very lords, for whom the law is to be broak, were present and gave their assent to't tho' that matter was then objected in the house ; but they were such hearty friends to the Hannover succession that they were willing to lose their previledges rather then have the nation want so great a blessing, for wch they may be relieved in a court of equity, but by common Law not, tho' 'tis not likely it will be ever tryed there, for there's no penalty upon a forreigner that does act in contradiction to that law, nor any reward for a prose- cutor so that nobody but the P 1 itself can take notice of it. There's a great many people want to have }^ou over at least before the setting of P , for they say they want such a great man as you to be at the head of them, but I shou'd be sorry to see you at the head of a discontented party, but wish rather to see you and some others sattisfied. I think a Pention without an Employment a poor thing, let it be never so great, for one that can live without it. I hope Fortune, but to say better God's Providence, will direct you for the best, and for the good you wish me may you never have any thing to Chagreen you. We have now such fine weather that I wish my Lady at sea with a fair wind, and saftly arriv'd at St. James Square by next week ; by wch time I hope I shall have time for a few days to go into the country to see my wife, who is now ill of a feavour, wch makes me more uneasie then the mortification I have lately meet with. Dr. Ratclift dying this morning, and has left 80,000/. to the University of Oxford ; he has died like an illnatur'd brute as he has lived, he left none of his poor relations any thing. Mr. Bromley and .Sir Geo. Beaumond are left Executors. There's a second part of the Secret History of the White Staff, wch tells the world no secret, that there's a great many Rogues in the LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 435 world of all parties and nations, but it may serve to divert the Spleen of Spleenitick people, of wch number I am at present and shall be so till I hear my wife is better. The Prince and Princess walk in the Park every day and is much follow'd, and hetherto tho' they have drawing rooms every night they are much crowded. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] ( November 2^ i7M- Your Lordship is very kind in shewing see much concern for me in regard to my being remov'd, which I will assure you, with all the sincerity I have ever us'd with you, was rather a pleasure then an affliction, for I should have had more squables about elections and other vexations then I could have born with patience. When my Lord Townsend came to me he said that, tho' the King was determin'd to give the Dutchy Seal to My Lord Guernsey, it was not with any design to discountenance me, or from any dislike, and he would be glad if I would accept to be a Commissioner of Trade, I said I would be very ready to serve him in any thing he thought proper, and would have been soe tho' I had noe imployment. Since that I have heard nothing, and am under noe impa- tience, but not without some apprehensions of having com- pany in that Commission I should not like. Besides, tho' I did not think it proper to give myself airs as if I had been a leading man in refusing a place, I cannot think I can keep it long, if some people continue in power, for I cannot alter my opinion of things, nor of persons neither. As for the pension they have offer'd you, I am really glad of it, because whatever it be grounded upon, it shews a consideration they have for you, but what to advise in it, I am at a loss. Your fortune is soe much above it that you need not value it upon that account, and I know how ill solliciting My Lord Hallifax for your payments would goe down with you. On the other side it will be very disobliging to refuse it. In this dilemma I am 2 f 2 436 THE WENT WORTH PAPERS. thinking that if you still prest to be of the bedchamber, supernumerary without pension, it would shew an inclination to the service, a disinterestedness, and leave you at full liberty in parliament, where by the way I cannot think a new war will be lik'd, and to me seems a very wild project, that may bring the ruine of the contrivers, which I hope will happen before that of our countrey. I reckon your Lordship will soon know what is to become of you, and since you are in soe uneasy a situation wish I may be soe happy to embrace you here soon. I thought My Lord Derby would have come into the bedchamber, since he had not his old place again,* but now it is fiU'd. I doe not know what method hath been taken to satisfy him or whether any. You knew our acquaintance Pulteny hath a gold key. He hath drank all in the bowl, for all his philosophy. Lord Lumley is to be Master of the horse to the Prince, and Lord Longueville to the Princess, who hath angred highly the Lords' daughters in letting them kiss her hand, which Mrs. Sidney, Mrs. Hatton, and some more have refus'd to doe. I doe not know whose advise it is, but I wonder she should doe less then the Queen before she came to the crown. I wish My Lady a good passage and will wait of her as soon as she comes. [Peter Wentworth.] London, November 5, 17 14. Dear Brother, This morning I found Mr. G at home and he told me the King said I must be content yet awhile with what I am. He did assure me the King had read all my memorial. Then I told him since I had the honour to see him I knew there was three or four gentlemen soliciting for the same thing T ask't. He promis'd me that he would again speak to the King of it, and desire if he made any extraordinary that it shou'd be me. With this, and the letter I received from '* The Earl of Derby was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster before Lord Berkeley. The latter's successor, Heneage Finch, Lord Guernsey, was made Earl of Aylesford about the time of his appointment. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 437 you to day wch gives mc the good advise to muster up my philosophy, I begin to pluck up a Spirit and live in hopes of better days both for myself and you too. I thank you for the F. King's ansvvere to Prior, wch was what I had not seen and makes the discourse I was told was lately between the King, Mons. Overkirk, Lord Berkley,* and Mons"^ Iberville more intelligible to me. The King, asking Count Nausau, who had lately past thro' Dunkerk, an account of the Canal of Mar dyke, and how far the old harbour was destroy 'd, he giving a relation of that matter in a manner that has lately been represented to us in coffee houses, Mons'' Iberville in a genteel manner indefer'd to turn it into redicule. Mons"" Overkirk did not mind him as to that, but gave the King an exact account of what he had seen and measur'd. Then M'' Iberville said Mons. Overkirk did not understand navi- gation, and he desired the King to ask Lord Berkley, who said he had never seen the Places but if they wou'd agree in the number of feet of Depth and breadth of the Canals he cou'd be able to give his judgement, wch being told him Lord Berkley said the bigest ship his M had might sail there, so the King said that all we had gain'd was to change a round harbour for a long harbour. Lord Orkney is made G. of the Bedchamber Extraordinary, wch I did not hear till today tho' they tell me it has been done ten days agoe. We have no news at all only stock fell upon the notion of a new war, and the speciall commission that's going down to try the riot that has been in the country makes an noise. 'Tis said Lord Halifax was not for that method, but for leaving on't to the Ordinary commissions. Oyer and terminer, wch are at the Asyses and Circuit ; for these summery ways of justice makes people reap up the Star chamber &c., as likewise the special commissions given in King James's time, all wch they say is against the petition of Right and Magna Charta. But the King expressing a desire that these rioters might be brought to speedy justice, as the surer way to prevent them growing more, 'tis agreed upon. * James, third Earl of Berkeley, a distinguished naval officer, only remotely connected with Lord Berkeley of Stratton. 438 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lord Bathurst.] Ros,, November y, \-j I i\. My Lord, I received the Honour of your Lordship's most obliging letter last night, which I wou'd not fail to take the first opportunity to answer, tho' I am not able to send you the least word of news from this place ; but I am going to morrow into Glostershire (where I design to stay some time to serve my friends att the next Elections) and I shou'd be less able to send you anything worth the reading from thence. I have been but little in town of late, and the Discourses I have heard in the Country from all Ranks of people are not so proper to mention in a letter, only this, that the great ground of their dissatisfaction is that they think there wants to be a proper person near the K who might shew him the true interest of the Nation, and that he has yet heard only one side. I own I heartily wish that your Lordship were in England, you cannot easily imagine of what con- sequence itt might be, but when you consider that there has not yet been above one person of Consideration who has had any opportunity of laying the true state of matters before him, you will be more inclin'd to believe what I say. The Duke of Sh is the only man that I know that has had itt in his power to talk with him of one side, and whether he has had any great opportunity, or made all the use of itt that he might have done, is what I can't determine. The advantage your Lordship had of an easy conversation with him abroad, and of being Master of the Languages he speaks (which by the by has been a sad defect in some of our friends) might have had considerable effects. You need not My Dear Lord have giv'n me any assurance in relation to your sticking firm to your Party. I know that you have too much Honour than to leave your friends, and too much understanding not to find out the ill consequences of itt. Those who have blam'd every thing which has been LETTERS UK LADY STRAEEORD. 439 done abroad for these 4 years last past must in their own justification endeavour all they can to oppress the principal Actors in those affairs. And on the other hand, the Credit and reputation your Lordship has amongst the most con- siderable part of the Nation in number and value, is a foundation that a man who had not all your Lordship's qualifications might build something upon. One person, who might reasonably claim a great share in the credit of the Negotiations, but who always endeavour'd to engross the whole, has now so entirely lost all interest with the Tory party that I can't think he can ever recover itt, if he shou'd endeavour itt, but of late itt has been thought that he has been more intent upon trying to gett in with the other party, tho' with still less probability of success. I can't con- clude this without telling you that I hear the M y begin to quarrell amongst themselves, and that the party express publickly their disgust against a great D. who they say wou'd engross all the power as he did formerly. What this may produce in time I can't tell and itt is said that he has had some check from the K himself. [Lady Stkaeford.] London, November 11, 17 14. I last night my Dear heard you were recalled which I own I could not be sorry to hear but very much the contrary. Mr. Cholmundely told Memville that you are to be a Lord of the Bed Chamber. I believe the Duchess of Shrewsbery will devour the King for [she] wont let any body speak to the King but herself, and the town says she rivalls Madam Killmansack. I think her Grace more extrodinary in her discours than ever. The key is at last dispos'd on to the Duchess of St. Albans. Baron B has not yet been to see me nor Madam Killmunsack who I am told dos not goe to Court to the Princis Prince Kurikin has been to see me and he desired to see our daughter, and his face frittened her soe that I could not make her goe nere him The 440 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Venetlon ambasadress has got loose from her husband and sticks closs to Lord Stairrs. I am jest going to dine with the Duchess of Rutland at Lord Rochester's, so can say no more but what I am intirely yours. [Peter Wentworth.] London {Nove7nber?'\ 26, 17 14. My Lord, I did not writ to you last post because I had no news but tho' I have very little now I must writ to you because you flatter me and tell me my letters are what you like. I tell you the reports of the town, not always those that are the most idle, but whatever are repeated by people of some weight, tho' I must confess that they don't allways prove true. What is now reported among them is that the D. of M and the Duke of A have a misunderstanding, the D. of A ask't the D. of M for some employment for a friend of his, and he told him the King had disposed of it, upon wch the Duke of A ask't the king for't, wch he granted him. The Duke of M went some hours after to the King, and ask't the King for't ; he told him he had granted it to such a one at the Duke of Argile's request, my Lord M insisted 'twas an employ under his juridiction upon wch the King made some demur, however the town has reported that the Prince has stood by the Duke of A and reproved the Duke of M . We don't hear storys right but there certainly has been some jumble with them. It has been said that the Duke of Shrewsbury was disastisfied and that he was going out of town this week but I hear to day he's desired to stay and that what he desires shall be done. My Lord M friends gives out that he never ask't for groom of the Stole and that if the king shou'd offer it him he would refuse it. I hear Lowman say that the king offer'd it to my Lord Albermarle, and he refused it at the Hague, but now that he's coming over 'tis talk't for him again ; but how these things will goe the Good God know. In the city LETTER OF THE EARL OF BUTE. 44I they report upon Mr. Stanhope's going to the Empiror that we are to begin a new war, they begin to smoke that the Emperour has agreed with the French King the Elector of Bavaria shall have all Flanders that his country is left intire to him, at wch rate, say they, good bye to all the Barrier that we and the Dutch are to have. 'Tis said that Cadogan is to set up for Westminster, and that Medlicote has promised him his interest, so that he secures him his place of com- missionar of Ireland. Upon wch they say the Duke of Ormond has turned him out of being Deputy Steward, by wch means his interest will be nothing and then how long he may keep his place in Ireland is not certain. Cadogan takes his interest and fame to be so great in England that he stand at three places.* We have now four Ladys of the Bedcham- ber named to the Princess, the Dutchess of Bolton and Dutchess of Montague ; Dorset and Berkeley you heard of before. The family is not yet fix't, as soon as it was I shou'd be glad to go out town, not as one disgusted, but my affairs require it sattisfied or dissatisfied. {Letters addressed to the Earl OF STRAFFORD, after his return to England, I7i5-I739-] [Earl of BuTE.f] [1715?] My Lord, I am honor'd with your letter which, however jocular a strain its wrote in, I cannot resist being pleas'd with, since it comes from you ; from my Lord Strafford any thing must be agreeable, and rather then not have the honor of his * He was returned for Woodstock, and in June, 1716, was transferred to the House of Lords. t James, second Earl, father of the well-remembered minister of George II. and George III. He died in 1723. 442 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. corespondance I shall be proud to enjoy it even at the rate of being the subject of your diversione. Your Lordship is pleas'd to be so mery with your humble servant as to prefer my loe taste in architectur to the con- summated experience of Bingley and the rising merit of Bathurst. Forgive me my Lord if from an impartiall reflec- tione on my own abilityes I refuse the acceptance of so unmerited a preference ; it is honor enough for me to be ranked in a classe inferior to the hight that they do shine in, for I do freely own myself to be in the same situatione with respect to them in architectur, that I am as to your Lordship in regaird of your other great good qualityes, that is, I admire in you that noble ardor and heroick virtue that I cannot equall, as I do in them, these architecturall Accomplishments I ne're can arrive at, much lesse exceed, and therfor must content myself at a distance to contemplat and kindle at your respective excellencyes, and far off your steps adore. I return your Lordship my humble thanks for your plans of Stainborough and Twitnam, but above all for your print, which, notwithstanding of the profane use you devote it to in your letter, I cannot treat with too much respect. I am indeed sensible that in comparisone of these noble happy seats that providence has justly rewarded you with in requitall of your great deserts, the finest apartment in my possessione is no more than such a necessary house as you mentione, yet as the Gods of old disdain'd not to be enshrin'd in the humblest temples of their votaryes, I flatter myself you will submitt to accept of a place for your effigies in the politest recesses of the habitation of your friend, and tho' to your Lordship this slender demonstratione of respect can be no more an additione, then adoratione is to them. Yet to me or mine may possibly arise this benefit, by viewing the pictur, to be fir'd and excited to the imitatione of the virtues of the originall. The inscription at the bottom containing the many great offices your Lordship so honorably obtain'd and so deservedly bore (were I the great man at court you mentione) would rather afford mc an agreeable reflectione then the mortifying l:|ilJ«! \S ■^^ »': LETTERS OF LORD 15ATIIURST. 443 one you suggest. From your example I should view a fall with pleasur, and learn that true merit may be out of place, but never in disgrace, and that when power is earn'd by virtue the same qualityes by which it is accquired continue the purchaser great when it is lost, as yours in particular give you the strongest title to the love and esteem of My Lord Your Lordship's most faithfull humble Servant BUTE. [Lord Bathurst.] August 31, 1 717. I received the honour of My Dear Lord's letter by the last post, and am sorry to find by itt that your house at Boughton* is so indifferent ; as to the gardens being a little run to ruin, I think that of no consequence, they may be soon brought into some order. Fine groves and large rows of old elms in a fine country are invaluable things, besides in my opinion to be within a reasonable distance of London is no small con- sideration. I have almost a mind to make a journey on purpose to see this place to try if I can't lay a scheme of making itt convenient and habitable for a small sum of money. I think you need not propose to go any further, for since you have laid out so much money att Stainborough that shou'd still be your main seat ; and indeed itt is a very fine place to talk of in town, which I have heard say is the right use of a seat in the country, and since you design'd itt for your monu- ment, I wou'd (if itt were my case) make no other use of itt. Pardon me if I show some spleen to a place that keeps you so far from me. But raillerie apart I really think Boughton shou'd not be neglected if itt can be made habitable for a moderate sum of money. There may be times when you * Lord Strafford purchased the manor of Boughton, Northampton- shire, of Lord Ashburnham, in July, 17 17. The house, gardens, bowling- green and spinny, park, &c., sold for 2,150/.; the manor, g,ooo/. The present owner holds it by descent from Lady Lucy Wentworth. 444 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. may enjoy that, and that you might not care to remove your family so far as Stainborough. I'll say nothing of Colston Bassett, but only that I wish itt stood in Boughton Park, or if you cou'd spare itt I shou'd have thank'd you to have lett me have had itt att Richkings. I shou'd have been very well satisfied with itt there, and itt wou'd have sav'd me some money ; but I don't know how you can call itt a seat, unless you mean that itt is a proper place to sitt down att in the way to Stainborough. My notion of a good seat is where there is great parks, fine woods, and plantations, and an extensive command for all kinds of country sports in a dry soil. I think any house good enough to sleep in, and the only magnificence the country neighbours have a notion off is your strong beer and beef After having writt all this stuff I need not tell your lord- ship that I have no manner of news to send you, itt wou'd have been inexcusable to have fill'd a letter in this manner if one had had anything else to have said in itt, but after begging your pardon for detaining you so long to so little purpose I will conclude as shortly as sincerely that I am, &c. September 2Z^ ijij. My Dear Lord, I troubled you the last time with a long letter without any news, and therefore think myself oblig'd to take the first opportunity to send you what I can learn. Itt is not unlikely the story relating to my Lord Peterborough may be in the Public papers that come out to night, but being uncertain of that I will not leave itt out. I was in town last Thursday and was told there were letters from abroad giving an account that Lord Peterborough was seiz'd att Bologna upon pretence that he had a design to murder the Pretender. The mob of the town when they heard what was the occasion of his being taken up had an inclination to fall upon him and pull him to pieces ; this I suppose is incerted to show that the Pretender is very popular in Italy. The letters mention some particulars of his having Bills found about him to the value of 14,000/., LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 445 and some other odd circumstances. What will the House of Lords say when they meet, to a Peer of England's being taken up on such a Pretence ? The great affair that occasions the most speculation att present is my Lord Cadogan's going into Holland. Some say itt is in order to settle with the Dutch the business of the Northern Fishery, which the Government have for some time past had a project to establish, and accordingly proposals have been made for erecting a Society. Itt is said my Lord Cadogan has carried over a very considerable sum of money, and no doubt itt must cost a great deal to bribe the Dutch to consent, who are more likely to endeavour to bribe others to stop itt. Other people say confidently that my Lord Cadogan's business is to bring the Dutch to join with us in sending a Fleet to the Mediterranean to stop the progress of the Spaniards ; and others say itt is to make the Duke of York Statholder. However that is, itt's pretty certain that the Dutch are in no small confusion att this time. The King of Prussia has his thoughts bent that way, and has a good large body of troops in their neighbourhood. We shall hear more of these matters when the Parliament meets, which they say will be very early. God knows what temper they will be in, for itt is certain there is no better intelligence now than there was when the Parliament rose between the present and the late ministry, and itt has been said that some of the latter who are now att the Bath seem to be afraid of being taken up, for the writers for the court have accused them of being in Plots with the Jacobites. I can tell you no more upon public affairs, and perhaps you will think this little worth the trouble of reading, but however itt will answer my purpose so far, I hope to draw an answer from you by which I ma)' know how your Lordship and the rest of the family att Stainborough doe, and when you think of returning southwards. Perhaps you have not heard an account of Lord Jersey's illness. I'm inform'd that he had not been in bed for almost a month before, and for one week had liv'd entirely upon 446 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. brandy without eating anything. He was seiz'd att last with convulsions, and they thought he would have died ime- diately ; he continued lightheaded a long time, and now tho' his feavour is gone off he has his sences but by intervalls. I'm afraid itt is odds whether he will ever recouver them entirely. Lord and Lady Landsdown came to town, but finding there was no danger as to his life, and that itt wou'd take up a long time to bring him to a perfect recouvery they went back again to Longleat. Adieu My Dear Lord, and since I have detain'd you so long already I won't trouble you with the ceremony of an impertinent conclusion. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] [Bruton ?] August 25, 17 1 8. The little expectation I had of a letter from your lordship in this remote place, was no lessening to the pleasure I had in receiving it. It is well for me that I have not soe much company to entertain, as you tell me of at Stainborough, for I should not know what to do with them. Tho' no body is gladder to see their friends, I am strangely at a loss with those for whom I feel nothing but indifference, but I could be tempted to envy you My Lord Dartmouth, who always inspires me with good humour, not only while I am with him but for some days after. Besides seeing Lord Paulet twice I have conversed with very few ; but those few much better then are commonly found in the countrey. I can brag of very little I have done here, only the walls are covered. The hot weather has killed half my trees, and the other half escaped by force of watering. I have had no account yet of the South Sea interest being received. As soon as I do, your orders will be observed or any other you think fit to send to, &c. letters of lord batiiurst. 447 [Lord Bathurst.] RiCHSKlNS, December lo, 17 19. My Dear Lord, I am but just return'd from a long progress, and the first news I hear is that Lady Strafford is brought to bed. I am very glad to find she is well, but I do assure you no body (except yourself) can be more concern'd att the disappoint- ment you have mett with ; but no more of that, you must only look upon itt as one year lost, and begin again as soon as you can. I propose to be in town on Munday, and do myself the honour to kiss your hands, but I cou'd not lett this oppor- tunity slip of putting you in mind of an humble servant, and if you have a leasure moment one line by my servant who returns to morrow to lett me know the Chart du pais wou'd be exceedingly obliging to a poor North-Country Gentleman, who knows nothing that has pass'd on the South side of Trent for a month past. I pass'd by Boughton and show'd itt to Mr. Lewis and described itt's beauties, and he is much charm'd with itt. I am quite confounded in my Politicks, and surpriz'd to the last degree that the Ministry shou'd bring in the Peerage bill without a probability of carrying itt. I take itt for granted this Parliament will be soon up, and for good ; but you will laugh att the speculations of a man who has been conversing only with country farmers. Be so charitable as to inform me a little that I may know to talk when I come to town. I won't answer for itt that I think right in anyone thing in the world but in this, that I shall always be, &c. RiCHKiNGS, August 5, 1720. My Lord, I received your commands by my brother Ben to attend you at Stainborough. I shou'd do itt with great pleasure if I cou'd spare time, but I have severall little affairs upon my hands which will not sufferr me to be so long absent 448 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. from home att present. I long to know how my mother has perform'd her journey, which, if she has had her health, must I'm [sure?] be very agreable to her. I heartily wish I cou'd share in your diversions att Stainborough, but all I can do is to wish that they may not be interrupted by ill health or ill weather. I'm sure everything else will be good. I can send your Lordship no manner of news, but that the stocks have sunk a little of late ; I don't know for what reason, but there is no doubt of their reviving again very soon. I am, &c. London, August 30, 1720. My dear Lord, I was in hopes your Lordship wou'd have come up to town att this time which considering the great concerns you have in money wou'd surely have been very proper. Mine are extreamly inconsiderable in comparison to your Lord- ship's, and yet I find itt very prejudicial to me to be long out of the way. My brother Ben is come from Richkings this morning where he brought my mother last night. They are all very well after their journey and extream full of the enjoyments of Stainborough. I don't in the least wonder att itt, for I know your Lordship can make any place agreable, but Stainborough is in itt self a very delightfull place in Summer. I will not contend what itt is in winter, for I reckon no place good in that season but London. Those are my present thoughts, but I won't answer how long I shall remain in those sentiments ; and that I may have a place of retire- ment ready against I find an inclination for itt, I am preparing matters in Glostershire to make up a Hermitage, and since your Lordship was once so good to take up a lodging with me att Paltry-town {sic) I hope I may have the honour of seeing you there when itt is finisht. I go into Glostershire next week and shall be back again before Michaelmas, and I must beg to know when I may hope to see your Lordship in town. All I can inform your Lordship of att present from hence is that there has been a hard struggle to keep the Stocks up, and if they rise after the books are shutt, which is LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 449 after to-morrow, all will go well ; otherwise I won't answer what will become of them. This is now the crisis, in my opinion. I don't find the Dutch doe us any great harm, the Exchange alter'd a little, but is now again in our favour, which is a proof as certain as any can be ; but there has been considerable sums sent to Portugal, and that has been more prejudicial to our Stocks. Besides which some of the Directors have been playing the Rogue and have endeavour'd to run down the stocks after having sold their own out, in order to buy in cheap again. This has putt people in a fright, and itt is not so easy to bring them out again ; but I expect a considerable alteration in a few days. As to the Lustring {sic) which your Lordship was merry upon in your last letter I believe our schemes are defeated. I had information from those who were in the secret and bought a good deal for the opening of the books, and if the Regency wou'd have lett them alone itt wou'd have risen prodigiously, but I think they were much in the right to knock all those bubbles on the head, and I loose nothing by itt but the hopes of gain which no body can part with easier than I can ; for those books I believe will never open again, unless they can make such interest with the Governor as to be sure that they shall not be prosecuted, and in that case the bargains that have been made for the opening of the Books w^ill be bene- ficial enough. But for my own part I think if the great bubble can be supported that's enough for the kingdom. We are alarm'd here with the news of the spreading of the Plague in France, but as cold weather is now coming on we hope that it will secure us, otherwise we are in a great deal of danger. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] November i, 1720. Your kind letter My Lord was a most seasonable cordial in this melancholy time, and has given me the only agreeable moments I have felt since I came hither. The sight of you would have given me strength to bear the 2 G 450 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. daily disappointments I meet with, a happyness I twice attempted at your house. I have so long given over my money in France that the trouble of it was almost worn out, when my subscribed annuities fell to almost nothing. A great many flatter themselves with the king's coming, tho' his going did not sink the stocks, and the meeting of the parliament, but I wish it is not past their power to cure the fright that has seized every body. In the midst of these bustles, I am going to dispose of one of my daughters to My Lord Byron a disproportionable match as to their ages, but marriages not offering every day, I would not miss an opportunity, tho' attended with never so many inconveniences. I see so many undone people, that I comfort myself with having any thing left. I truely rejoyce that you are one of the prosperous, and wish you a long enjoyment. The name of the place where your letter is dated is un- known to me, but I guess it in Suffolk, but not knowing the direction, this shall be sent to your house in town. My Lord Sunderland came yesterday to town. November 12, 1720. My Lord, I have waited all this week for some news to send you, but now I can no longer put off my humble thanks for your last kind letter, tho' I was much mortified to see your Lord- ship had not escaped the general calamity. What influence the King's coming will have we shall soon see. He came to town last night, as I hope you will soon do, to attend the Parliament, our last refuge. So many undone people will make London a very melancholy place this winter. The Duke of Portland is of that number, and indeed was so before, but, thinking to retrieve himself by the South Sea, has compleated his ruine. The description of your seat in Suffolk* cxtreamly takes my fancy, which has always been * This letter is addressed to " Freston, near Ipswich," a seat of Sir Henry Johnson, who died in 17 19. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 45 1 to a seat near the sea. Besides many conveniencies it has some thing great and noble. That you may long be happy in this and your other fine houses is the sincere wish of, &c. [Lady Anne Wentwortil] July 25, 1 72 1. Dear Pappa, I told Lady Hariote that you said, as soon as she could speak, you would send her A compliment, and she said thank you Pappa. I also told Lady Lucy and she desired me to give her duty to you and says she would have writ but her nurse would not let her. Lady Hariote desires you to bring her a Baby. Pray give my duty to my Mamma, and tell her that Lady Lucy's head is much better, and the lump that was in her head, and the kernels that was in her neck are almost quite disperst. I am Your most affectionate and dutifull daughter.* [Lady Strafford.] BOUGHTON, Jtlly 25, 1724. I am very glad my dear life you are got safe to town. I thank God all our babes are very well, and the next good newes is all the hay was got in last night ; the weathere seemes settled to be fine. I would not goe abrod tell all the hay was in that the men might stick to it. I believe I have more imployment hear than if I had been in town, for the day you went we walked a great deal, and in the evening Mrs. Briscoe came ; Next day Mrs. Clark and Mr. Clarke cam and yesterday Lady Ann and I rid out in the morning, and in the afternoon Lady Erwin and Morpeth came hear. I carred them all over the gardens which they corhmended extremly. Mr. Meth- wine went from Altrope yesterday. To day we ware invited * Little more than eight years of age. Her only brother, Lord Went- worth, was born about March, 1722. 2 G 2 452 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. to dinner to Sir Robert Clarke's* where Mr. Isham and Mrs. Ishame met us. They prest me mightily to stay supper ^there being a moon) but William not being used to the roades I would not, tho' indeed he drove very carfully ; we went in our flying chariote for the good of the horses. Poor Sir Robert had been out all day yesterday to get som young partridges for my supper, and as I did not stay he would make me bring them home with me. I hartely wish you had some of them ; I design my love shall have his belly full if he likes them, for I could let him eate me if it would doe him good, poor baby. There was a Thursday last a horse race at Rugby in Warwickshire, and Lord Denby, Lord Craven, Sir Fuller Skipwork, and a great many more ware there, and got soe drunk they ware forced to lye there that night, and the next day hired a hay cart and fourteen of them went home in it, with fidles playing before them to Lord Denby's, and all this day guns has been going of there, that was heard at Sir Robert Clark's. Lord Craven's brothere is marred to Lady Craven's woman, tho' 'tis not yet owned publickly, but his brothere has found it out. I fancy Lady Erwinf is weary all- readyof LadyMorpeth'sformalety,forshedesired me that when I ride out I would let her know and she would come and ride with me ; soe a Tusday she is to come hear in the afternoon and we are to ride towards Lord Northampton's, and if they are not come down we are to see the house and chase. This is all the news I can tell you at present. I am glad to here Lady Wentworth is better ; I beg my humble duty to her, and am, my dear Life, ever yours most truly. BouGHTON, August 3, 1724. ?}» 5|C ?j^ A 1 never knew the cook soe sober and quiet as he has been ever since you went, and he drest the dinner perfectly * Probably of Snailwell in Cambridgeshire, which county he had represented in the preceding Parhament. t Richard, fifth Viscount Irvine, married Lady Anne Howard, of the CarUsle family. She was a very indifferent poetess. Lord Morpeth was her brother. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 453 well when L. P^rwin dined hear. The hamper of wine I sopose will be at Northampton to morrow, and I'll send for it ; as to white wine there is three bottles of the white port left that came from London, for a pint is the most I use in a day, and very often a pint sarves two days I want to know what you would have me doe about Lady Pomfret's geese. Lord Wentworth and the girlcs I thank God are per- fectly well, and Lord Wentworth is grown very fond of me which makes me very happy. He comes every morning to eate his breakfast by me ; I thank God he eates very hartely five times a day. Lord Northampton's famely came down a Satturday and Lady Hallyfax comes down to day to stay for three weekes We din'd to day at Sir Jus Isham's and there was a very handsome dinner; Mrs. Clark was there but Sir Justin was not well enough to dine with us. I design to goe to morrow to Lady Morpeth's for Lady Morpeth has been hear once and Lady Erwin three times since you went. A Dieue my dear Life and soul all happyness ever attend you. [Lady Anne Wentworth.] Stainbrough, November 15, 1724. Dear Papa, I was very glad to hear by your Lordship's letter to my mama that you think I am improved in my writing. I have had as good luck as ever at cribadg, and am now very far from a bankerupt. I have sent you a ribus of my own making, and tho' [it] is not a good yet I hope it will divert you. Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Oglethorp gives their service to you. Lord Wentworth and Lady Hariot gives their duty to your Lordship. I am, &c. [Lady Lucy WENT^voRTH.] November 17, 1724. Dear Pappa, I hope your Lordship will excuse this being the first that ever I write in my life and i hope you will come hither 454 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. soon for the country is very dull without your good company pray give my duty to my grand mamma i am dear pappa your, most affectionate and most dutifull Daughter LUCY WENTWORTH. [The Duke of Bedford.*] WoBURN Abbey, July 20^ 1725. My Lord, It was no small Mortification to me to have been detain'd so much longer in town than I propos'd before I heard of the Honour your Lordship intended me, but when I heard how great Pleasure I have been debarr'd from by my stay it has made the Town and every thing else more dis- agreable. I have hasten'd my Journey and am now at Woburn where I shall be proud of the Honour of your Lordship's Company as soon as it suits with your conveniency. I beg you will bring Mr. Pope with you, or in case he should have left you by this time that you would be so kind as to write to him to meet you there. For I have an earnest Desire to be personally acquainted with that Gentleman whose Works I have so long admirM. I have nothing more to add but that I am, &c. Woburn Abbey, August 5, 1725. My Lord, I hope your Lordship and all your Family got well to Town. I wish you a good Journey into Suffolk and an early return to Town in the Winter, that I may have the Pleasure of your Lordship's company there. I believe I shall be at Windsor with the Duchess of Marlborough in a Week or 10 Days Time. I am sorry the Circumstances of Mr. Pope's * Wriothesley, third duke. He married a granddaughter of the Duchess of Marlborough, and died without issue in 1732. LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 455 Affairs will not permit him to come to see me this Summer. Your Lordship will be so kind as to assure him that whenever he does mc the Favour no body shall be more welcome. His Expression of the Honour he has for your Lordship and the value he puts upon your Favour give me a greater esteem for him and a greater Opinion of his Judgment than all his other Writings besides. I do not know anything he has publish'd that I have not got. I am a Subscriber already for his Translation of Homer's Odyssee. If there be any thing else that he is going to publish I shall be very glad to be a Subscriber to it. I am with a very particular Esteem and Respect My Lord your Lordship's most Oblig'd Obedient Humble Servant BEDFORD. My Wife joyns with me in her humble service to my Lady Strafford. [Lord Bathurst.] RiCHKlNGS, October 26, 1725. My Lord, I am but just return'd home from a long Northern Expedition which has taken me up above a month. My own affairs carried me into Darbyshire and Staffordshire, and having promised Lord Carlile to wait on him at Castle Howard, I took the opportunity of an interval of time that I had to pay that visit. I was oblig'd to be in Staffordshire within a week upon an affair of some consequence to me, but I cou'd not pass so near Stainborough without calling there. I came from Lord Downes that morning and got thither time enough to see the House and gardens and the Menagerie before it was dark. I was oblig'd to go on to Rotheram that night, else I cou'd not have got to the place of my appoint- ment the next day, but your Lordship's steward was verj' obliging to me, and presst me to stay that night. I shou'd have ventur'd to have taken that liberty rather than have 456 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. gone so far in the dark, had I not been oblig'd to it, by parti- cular business. I shou'd have thought my self very happy if I cou'd have had the pleasure of waiting on your Lordship and my Lady there, but indeed I had great satisfaction in seeing that place so much improv'd since I was there last. The Gallery is a very magnificent room, now the pillars are up, and the gardens are extreamly improv'd by laying them open to the Park. I thought the cascade in the Court very handsome till I saw that in the Menagerie, which exceeds it very much and is indeed as handsome and as agreable as any I ever saw. It was the more surprizing to me because I did not expect it and did not think your lordship had such a command of water there, or that there was so large a fall [Peter Wentworth.] London, /a;/«^r)' 25, 1726. Dear Brother, According to my promise I send you the sequel of the debate in the house of Lords. After Lord Townsend had done speaking then the Duke of Rutland got up and said two or three words by way of form to third the Address ; then Lord Bathurst got up and said his fears of a war was increased since he had heard what Lord Townsend said in cxpassiating upon the ingratitude of the Emperor who was sounding the alarm every where to battle, and as one lord had taken notice of the mismanagement of the last war, he wou'd of the ill management of the ministry of the mony in a long peace, which made us not in so good a condition as we shou'd be to enter into a new war ; and he was for Englishmen warding off the insults and menaces of Foreign l^owers not only with words but blows. He had not in the least any distrust of the King, but of his ministry he confest he had, and that 'twas the right of every member of parlia- ment to find fault with them. He thought there was no accation to have any mention made of the Pretender to rease LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 457 any fears in the minds of people about him, when all agreed his was an expiring interest, and he cou'd have agreed that those words might stand part of the adress, but not his Per- J2ird adherents, which was a sort of calling names to no purpose. Then Lord Falmouth got up and said he never did fear the Pretender, nor did not now, and believed he never shou'd untill he shou'd see one that had been a minister of his a minister here, and then the Pretender was to be dreaded by everybody ; and then he laught to those lords that set by him, and told them he had nick Bat. for his friend B {sic). Here was an end of the debate ; the adress was carried as you see without any devition. 'Twas thought in town that all things were agreed upon with Mr. Poultney and the ministry, but he seemed in very good earness when he spoke things he thought reflected by Sir R. Walpoole, who answered him very well with a great deal of diliberation and temper, there had been above four millions paid and a sinking is still going on. The war we had with the Spainards was before his time and none of his advising ; for every thing that happen in his time he cou'd answer when called upon. But as for my friend Horace, he made but sad work, and gave Shippen an opportunity of bantering the great Embassador ; to be sure the Hanover Treaty as he called it cou'd not be made to protect any of his Germain dominions, for the Act of Settle- ment had provided in very strong words that the English shou'd have nothing to do. Lord Finch said it might be called the Hanover Treaty from the place it was dated, but there was done nothing but purely for the interest of England, Hungerford* had an opportunity to crak a joke on the Knights of the Bath. Sir Robert Sutton being the first that moved for the address, when H had a mind to answer something Sir R. S had said, without nameing him he said he had difficulty how to describ him, and, looking about the house, said he spied many adorn'd like him, and at last call'd him the member with the badge. Every thing goes * John Hungerford was member for Scarborough. Sir Robert Sutton, a well known diplomatist, was member for Nottinghamshire. 458 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. very well, and since the Commons comes so heartily in to give the Supply there's no fear any forreign Power dare invade us. I am told the Duke of Warton is one of the Perjured ad- herents meant. He has been very bussy at Vienna, informing them of the state of the nation, which if true is horrid for any Englishman to be guilty of. A man may be disobliged by some perticular People, but that he should carry his resentment so far, as to do anything that might tend to the ruin of his country {sic). [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, May 22, 1729. Col. Cissell was here this morning. I went to Kensington a tusday with Lady Hartington ; there was a good deale of company. The Queen came up directly to us and talked to us both a good deal and seemed in very good humoure. The Prince gave a ball last night in the Island in St. James Park. May 25, 1729. There is every night three tables. The Queen's party is the same every night, the Queen, Princess Royall, Lady Char Ronsey {!) and Mr. Chursts (.-') ; and the Princess Emely, Duchess of Dorset, L. Dela Rain, and I ; at the third table Princess Carl, Lady Hillsborough, Lady Betty Garmain and L. Ann Lumly ; and in the outer room was a commerce table that play'd the Prince, six maides, Lord Ashburnham, Coll. Townsend and Coll. Paget. [Lord Wentworth.] London, May 26, 1 729. Dear Pappa, I should be very glad to hear you was pleas'd with my letter. I have obey'd your command in walking in the peark LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTII. 459 every day. I believe my sisters designs to write to you. I hope I shall see you in a short time at London again. My mama is gone to Chelsea. To day and yesterday she walk'd with the Queen and was ready to drop down she wass so weary. Excuse my bad writing ; so I am your most affec- tionate and most dutifull son WENTWORTH. [Peter Wentworth.J Kensington, July 31, 1729. Dear Brother, Last Saturday the Prince of Wales surprised the Queen and all his dear sisters with a very pritty enter- tainment at Richmond. He had by the help of one Mr. Mercier a gentleman my son knows, got Mr. Rich and his company of Comediens to perform the play of Hob in the Gardens. I have sent you the prologue not for the wit of it, 'tis hearty and honest, but to show you that Mr. Rich had the same thought with you that the Queen's illness proceeded cheifly from the trouble of parting with the King. Yesterday the Queen and all the royal family went to dine and sup at Clivden, how they were diverted I know not, but I believe very well for they did not come home till almost four in the morning Kensington, August 19, 1729. .... I have full employment from morning till night waiting upon the Glorious Royal Family, and there are daily honours and favours heaped upon me, but no mony yet. I have been made Secretary to the Queen, groom of the Bed- chamber to the Duke, and, since my Lord Pomfrid has left us, I have P. Ann for my Master of the Horse As a distinguishing mark of her favour she has made me a present of a hunting suit, 'tis blue richly trimed with gold, linned and faced with red .... I am prouder on't than of a blew or red ribbon. 460 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Kensington, August 21, 1729. .... Yesterday the Queen and all the royal family dinned at Claremont, and I dinned with the Duke and Sir Robert, &c. His R.H. came to us as soon as his and our dinner was over and drank a bumper of rack punch to the Queen's health, which you may be sure I devotely pledged ; and he was going on with another but her majesty sent us word she was agoing to walk in the garden, so that broak up the com- pany. We walked till candle light, being entertained with very fine french horns, then return into his great hall, and everybody agreed never was any thing finer lighted. Her majesty and P C , Lady Chariot Rousey, Mr. Shutz play'd there at quadril ; in the next room the Prince had the fiddles and danced, and did me the honour to ask me if I could dance country dances. I told him yes, and if there had been a partner for me I shou'd have made one in that glorious company — the Prince with the Dutchess of New- castle, the Duke of Newcastle with Princess Ann, the Duke of Grafton with P Amelia, Sir Robert W with Lady Cathern Pelham .... Lord Lifford danced with Lady Fanny Manners, Mr. Henry Pelham with Lady Albermarle, Lord James Cavendish with Lady Middleton, Mr, Lumley with Betty Spence .... The Queen and Prince have invited themselves to the Duke of Grafton's hunting seat, that he has near Richmond, Saturday ; he fended off a great while by saying his house was not fit to receive them, and 'twas so old he was afifraid it wou'd fall upon there heads, but his R.H., who is very quick at good inventions told him he wou'd bring tents and pitch them in his gardens, so his Grace no {sic) come off, the thing must be Saturday. [Lord Wentwortpi.] London, May 25, 1730. Dear Papa, We walked in the Park last night, their was a great deal of company, Lady Bab Mansel, Lady Grace Vane, Lady LETTERS OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 46 1 Betty Lowher and a Miss Bolthcr, Mrs. night, Mr. Meados, Mr. Conalcy, Count Nassau, Lord John Murry, and we saw Lady Dey Spencer, Lady Bab North, Lady Catherin Noel and Miss Mountague looking over the wall. My sesters give their duty to you. I am, &c. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] Bruton, October 12, 1730. I cannot make the excuse of business where I have soe little, for noe sooner acknowledging your Lordship's most kind entertaining letter I am ashamed to name the date, but you were pleased to tell me of so many places you intended going to, that it was impossible to fix upon any for a direc- tion, before your removal to London, not to be avoided I suppose since it is law business that calls. I am sorry for the occasion, which I always dreaded, chiefly for the tedious- ness. Your Lordship will have full time to follow it, since the parliament is not likely to meet soon, and I wish you well at the end of your travels, as they call it in Westminster hall. My Lord your fine house is put in a frame, and I walk over your walks some times till I fancy I hear the cascades, Noe place is worth any thing without wood and water ; these I find Stainborow abounds in. There is nothing more pleasant than seeing fine seats, but they are very thin strowed here about. I went a year agoe to see a famous house of Mr. Dorrington's, a vast heap of stones that has the look of a great hospital. Naming My Lord Huntington, I have heard a fine description of his park ; your Lordship who has bin there, can judge whether it answers. We have had a fine autumn, don't you regret leaving the countrey soe soon. I can only write of the weather for I seldom see any body out of the house ; and for news, no body will vouchsafe to send any. I desire none better than of your health and ease in body and mind, for your Lordship has not in the world a truer well wisher than, &c. 462 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lord Wentworth.] December 12, 1730. Dear Papa, I have no news to tell you but Mr. [or Mrs.] Southwell is dead. Pray Papa, give my duty to Lord Bathirst and my service to Lady Bathirst. Monswer I beleve is gone to France for he sent for his Trink to the kings arms and was ready in a hackney coach and toke in in to him and bid them drif a way to jerin crose.'^ This Letter is of my one spilling. I am Dear Papa Your most affectionate and most dutifull son WENTWORTH. {December, 1730.] Dear Papa, Master Wallpole came to me last night wee playd at Quadarill and I won 10 pence at a penny a fish. The day before yesterday we went to Lord Holderness and Lady Caralina Darcey. I hope I shall see you sone in London. My cosin Lee has sent me the dor-mice. We have had very good weather hear — I hope you have had the same : this Letter is of my one Spilling : I am, &c. London, December 16, 1730. Dear Papa, Master Wallpole was to see me yesterday. Lord and Lady Pomfret is come to town. Duke and D^^^ of Devon- shire is gone out of Town to kepe their Chirstmas in the country. We have writ a great many Letters and derected them to Cirencester. We was in as great a fright as you cold be for fear you should be sick in hearing from you (sic). Lord and Lady Oxford is not come to town yet ; my couzen * Charing Cross ? LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD, 463 handborought is at bath and desings to make to much of you, she says that she has eenquired whare is the best clarit and has provided as warm a room as she has in her house ; my cousen Lee has sent me the Dor-mous But it is dead. The old Dor-mous is very well and in perfect good health. Lord Delorain and Mrs. Witworth are both dead of a fit of an Appoplex : I have tiered you long enough with my silly scroll. I am, &c. London, May 27, 1731. Dear Papa, My mama and Lady Anne went to a Ball at Lord Mayor's, you was envieted. There was Lord and Lady Oxford and Lady Marget Harley, Duchess of Briegwater and Mr. Conaley, the Earl of Rothes, Mr. Morgin Vane, Lord and Lady Essex and Lady Betty Nightingale, Lady Atkins and Miss Pegge Stonhouse and Lord Gore after them, and Lord and Lady Lichfeild, Mrs. Menal, Miss Bartey and Mr. Herbert, Mr. Fredrick and Mr. Jack ditto. Lord and Lady Brickshire and Lord Andover. Pray, Papa, give my service to Mr. Lee. I am, &c. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, May 27, 1731. I had my Dearest the pleasure yesterday of yours of the 24th, and am glad you are so well. I thank God our jewell and the girles are perfectly soe. I believe by this time you dont complain of the weathere being so hott, for yesterday and to-day is as cold as winter. Lady Ann was very happy at Lord Mayor's ball ; She says she wishes this Lord Mayor was like Whittington. The supper was very fine, he seemed very sorry he had not your company. The Ladys was Duchess Bridgwater, Lady Barkshire, Lady Lichfeild, Lady Oxford, Lady M. Harly, Lady Betty Nightingall, Miss Lewson, Lady Atkins, Mrs. Stonhouse, Mrs. Menell, Mrs. Cottens, and Mrs. Lockwood. The men. Lord Barkshire, 464 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Lord Essex, Lord Lichfeild, Lord Oxford, Lord Gower, Lord Rothes, Lord Duplin, Mr. Vane, Mr. Conely, Mr. Fredericks, Lord Andover, Mr. Jefferys and Mr. Lisle .... The Duchess of Leeds has taken a lodging in Garman Street and cam to it last night. Som day this week the Duke of Devonshire is to give a very fine entertainment at some famouse house, the company that is asked is the Duchess of Marlborough, Dowerger Lady Burlington, Mr. and Mrs. Hanbery and myself. The Prince supps in town allmost every night with som of his ladys, last night it was at Lady Hillsborough's, but by what I hear there is at these suppers hardly enough to fill their bellys. No body sees any thing of the King and Queen. A Dieue my Dearest ever yours. [Peter Wentworth.] London, yi^/)/ i, 1731. Dear Brother, Tuesday there was an order for a battalion of the Guards to march by Friday next for Portsmouth, to go on board the Fleet that's to carry Don Carlos to Italy, that our fleet may be well man'd in case we shou'd meet with any French fleet by the way, that shou'd have a mind to speak to us. Don Carlos is to be aboard our Admiral, that we may command the Spanish ships that goes with us ; that expedient was found out, to make the Spaniard wave their insolent demand to command us. These orders to the Guards were kept as secret as they cou'd, in order for to job in the city (sic)^ but yesterday the orders that are given out, for all the horse and dragoons to march to the Kentish and Sussex shoar, has alarm'd every body, but I don't find stocks are fain yet. We know the French have marched 25 battalion to Dunkirk, and are fitting out a great fleet ; they say we have broak the Treaty of Utrech, and they are at liberty to fortifie Dunkirk publickly ; and that we may not pretend to hinder them they will have a fleet out before the town. We hear nothing yet of any transports but if we should neglect to guard our coast LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 465 that would be soon had. I find the people in general are glad to have a stroak with the French, but how the people at the helm are disposed I know not, but do not doubt but they will take the best and wisest course, for the honour and safety of the nation. I have not been at court since I knew of Mrs. H being Countess of Suffolk, but by some gentlemen I hear she's so well pleased that she hears better already. In the Prints 'tis said she's made Groom of the Stole to the Queen, for out of the Bedchamber it seems 'tis resolved she shall not go. I heard that my Lord Suffolk had arrested the body of the late Lord, but what he means by that I know not, nor could the person that told me the news tell me.* London, /w/y 15, 1731. Dear Brother, .... The author of the true Briton's name is Arnold a shamby {sic) atturney of new Inn ; and he may swear him- self black in the face that he's set on by nobody, he gains credit by very few. The courage and boldness he puts on in owning himself the author of those Pamphlets, is an argu- ment there are great people assist him, for the fellow is a known coward. The King's going to York races is yet uncertain ; if he does go 'twill be going post, for he's to be out but 7 days, so it can't be called a Progress into the North. Sir Charles Wager is made Admiral of the blew ; before he and Lord Torrington had a great dispute but about what I know not. The malcontents triumph much upon the tryal of Franklin being put off till next term, which happened by the accident of one of the jury not appearing. The counsell for the King moved that a talis de circumstantibus might be choose, and Lord Cheif Justice allow'd to be law; but the counsell for * Charles Howard had just succeeded his brother in the title. His wife was Henrietta, daughter of Sir Henry Hobart, a great favourite at court and with the wits ; to her Swift addressed the well-known epigram, in allusion to her deafness. Her correspondence with the most notable of her contemporaries (including Lords Bathurst and Strafford) was edited by J. W. Croker, in 1S24. 2 II 466 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Franklin and the foreman of the Jury made exceptions to't, that the Court was forced to give it up. The late act of ParHament for the better regulation of juries was strong against them. They tell me a talis man is, there is always a number of men in the court that are qualified to be jurymen, they put their names into a glass and one is drawn out, who is not to be excepted against, either by the King or defendant. The foreman's objection to that method was that they might happen upon one that was not a gentleman, and as he was impanneled to be of a special jury of all gentlemen, he could not act if it was otherwise. V/ho are to be reckoned gentle- men here in England seems to be a nice question. I think the law determined them to be so that have a treehold estate in land, and no tradesman. Mr. Scraot was among the forty eight before they were reduced to 1 2, but he was objected to as being no gentleman, for he has no land nor any mony, but ten thousand he had for the sale of his daughter Miss S . Franklin's counsel were all voluntiers, for they wou'd take no fees of him. He was attended by a great many lords and gentlemen, Lord Winchelsea, Lord Bathurst, Sir William Windham, Sir Thomas Sanderson, William Poultney, Esq"", cum multis aliis. As soon as these persons were got out of Westminster Hall, the mob gave them a huzza, and cry'd " a Poultney and liberty for ever." Mr. Poultney seem'd modestly to desire the mob to forbear their shouts, but if he had not been pleased with it what business had [he.?] there .-' 'Tis amazing these people will call it a victory when their fatal sentance is only delay 'd for three months. Franklin had the impudence to subpoena Sir R. W and Horace his brother, neither of which intended to come ; the penalty of not coming is a lOO {sic) paid to the King, which to be sure wou'd have been given them back again, but Franklin will have an opportunity to plead, his cause suffers for the want of two matterial witness ; he denies that their being ministers of state is a lawfull excuse for their not appearing as witnesses, for Lord Townshend and General Stanhope were witnesses for the King against Francis the jew, and the sub- ject has as much right to subpena witnesses as the King has. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 467 London, /«/)/ 17, 1731. Dear Brother, I have the favour of yours of the 14th and I think you may be easie about the King's coming to York Races. I writ to you last post of the uncertainty of his going and have been at the War office, and they assure me there's no orders from thence to the Dragoons in the North to take their horses from Grass ; those orders may come from a double diligent Coll. to his Regiment, I shall go Munday to Hampton- court to stay, and then I shall know for more certain ; and in case he does, will endeavour to send you the Routs. I believe you may safely invite him to come to your house, without puting yourself to any charge. You are well with Lord Scarborough, if you writ to him to invite the King from you wou'd have a civill answer to be sure, if he does not come ; and if he does, and cares for coming to Wentworth Castle it may be the occation of excusing himself to Lord Malton, to whose house I think it wou'd not be creditable for you to meet the King. Upon his going I believe he'll stop at no place but at the Duke of Newcastle's at Notingham till he comes to York, where you and your family may meet him, and invite him in his return. I hear the Duke of Newcastle has made no preparation for his reception wch I think is a sure sign he does not go, his lieing will take up more time then making a cold repast, set out with fruit, as was for the Late King at Coll. Norton's, wch is all you will have occasion for if the King accepts your invitation. You have ask't my opinion and I am at all adventures for an invitation, because you may pass what answer you please upon your Country, and the Queen will like he shou'd be invited by more people then he can go to, and you have done the civil thing, which one time or another 1 hope will turn to your advantage. 2 II 2 468 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Hampton Court, /«/>/ 22, 1731. Dear Brother, Here am I at the fountain head of news, and know no more then when I was at London, as to what you want to know whether the King goes to York ; but I have given my self airs among some as if you were making preparations to receive him. The Marquise de Mermond you know is every day with them, he told me, that tho' there was yet no orders for the King's going it might happen that he might go, and he knew the King design'd to lye at Lord Malton's and it might well happen, he might breakfast with you the next day. You are nearer York so he cou'd not so well lie at your house. He talks that 5 or 6 days is soon enough to give orders, when 'tis possitively resolved of. When I spoke to Mr. Bloomberg to give me the King's Rout to York, which he has promised me if he went, but he believed he wou'd not. He tells me his mother writes him word all the Northern people are in great expectation of his coming ; and of late nobody but Lady Burlington ventured to speak to the King about it, and then he talked to her as if the first day he sat out he wou'd lye at Notingham. Then Lord Scarborough told him, he ventured to put in his word and say if he intended to have Guards 'twas impossible. My Lord Scarborough so little thinks of it, that's he's gone to his house in Sussex, and I believe as I said in my last, since the King can't go in the manner he wou'd, he won't go at all. The Duke of Graffton is always here, and from the Rumour that still continues in the North of his coming you may make the complyment by him to invite the King to Wentworth Castle, and not cost you one farding. Sir Robert does not come from Northfolk till next Sunday, as Horace told the king }'esterday at his levee. The Queen and all the Royal family has been very Gracious to me in their words and looks since I came here. We go to dinner at three and start from Table a little after 5 in order to walk with the Queen a little after 6, so that if I was not master of my resolution of never takeing a drop of Wine too much at that Table, I have no opportunity to do it; LETTERS OF PETER WllNTWORTH. 469 for tho' I can't walk so fast as the Queen and the little ones, I am and will be always there to see them set out, and linger in the Garden near home to see them come in and set down to play in the Drawing Room. At nine there's a coach waits to carry me home to my Quarters in Hampton town, so I am at home by ten. up every morning by six a clock and ride out by 8 or 9 till 11; then new dress for the Levees, and morning drawing Room ; if I don't make something of it at last I shall have hard Fate. The hounds will be here next week, and we shall begin hunting Wednesday. To morrow I intend to give the Queen a Memorial against Sir Robert's coming, of wch I send you a copy, if I succeed t'will be a constant two hundred a year besides the little dab of 150. * * * * Hampton Court, /?/// 26, 1731. Dear Brother, I am very glad any thing I can write can be agreeable to you. As to what you want to know, the same uncertainty remains for the King has not yet declared he will not go, but as no orders are yet given for his going, I think it certain he will not. About three weeks ago the Prince betted Johny Lumley 20 guineas to 10 the king wou'd go ; I shou'd be glad his highness wou'd take now my two or three to one he did not go. Friday day last when I gave the Queen my memorial, she gave me an opportunity to put the Question slyly to her, but she gave me no answer but a smile ; she ask't me where you was now, I told her in Yorkshire, in great expectation of seeing the King and her Majesty there, but as to the memorial I had the answer desired, when she had read it, she said I shou'd have it, she wou'd speak to Sir Robert and gave it me again biding me give it her again when Sir R. came, if she keep't it might be mislaid. My Wife and Son I know will reckon all this nothing. I know as well as they that it is a long time to Christmass, and that many things happen between the Cup and the Lip, yet I am resolved to be such a fool to be pleased till the time comes. I took 470 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. occation when I got her alone with the Duke and young Princesses, coming to the first door, she comes out into the Garden, and had a good long limping walk with her before we came to the usual place of waiting where all the company meets at her going into the chaise. Saturday last I carried a coach full of Ladys in a coach and six, to Sir John Charder who has treated the Prince with two balls ; the first women were the neighbouring country farmers' daughters and his servant maides, the next were Lord Hallifax's daughters, and ladys the Prince had named. They talk Mr. Poultney is to be impeach't as soon as the Parliament meets. I heard Sir Wm. Young say they had reported he was gone to Northfolk to give Sir Robert an account of Franklin's tryal, but he had staid in London untill he came here ; he sat next to Lord Winchelsea, whose countenance was much cast down till the tryall was put off I am a diligent, sober attendant at Court so havn't much time to write. [Lord Bathurst.] RiCHKiNGS, July 28, 1 73 1. My Lord, I received the honour of your Lordship's, and am extreamly oblig'd to you for your kind inquiry after my son. The news writers were pleas'd to put it in their papers that he was married last week, and now again that he is to be married next week. I take no notice lett them put in what they please, the liberty of the Press is the greatest security of the liberty of the subject and therefore all little inconveniences which arise from it are to be submitted to. However the truth of the matter is this, I have made a pro- posol to one of this young ladies trustees who lives in the country, and he approv'd it. When I came to talk with the other who lives in town he tells me he is under an engage- ment to receive a proposal from another person first ; there- fore what will come of the matter I can't yet tell. I like the young lady very well, but her fortune is not so great as your LETTERS f)F PETER WEXTWORTfl. 47 1 lordship takes it. I believe in land and money it may be about 50'", and she has a pretty good prospect of 30 more. I have another match in my family much nearer a con- clusion. My eldest daughter is going to be married to Sir John Woodhouse's eldest son. He is of a very ancient family in Norfolk and has an estate of near 4000 per annum. Having told your lordship now all that relates to my little family I beg leave leave to assure you that no body can be more zealously concern'd for anything than I am for the prosperity of yours, and it is the greatest joy imaginable to me to see Lord Wentvvorth promise so well in all respects. Your lordship will readily believe it will not be in my power to wait on you at Wentworth Castle this year having these negociations on my hands, but I hope next year to have the honour of kissing your hands there, and I take it for granted that every year will add new beauties to the place. .... [Peter Wentworth.] Hampton Court, August 3, 1731. Dear Brother, Upon the Death of Mr. Low,* several people tells me you have a fair opportunity to make me a Member of the house of Commons. I tell them 'tis what I don't desire, and keep the true reason to myself that if there's any mony to be spent you will not do it for me, I fear ; but since there's a bill past that no mony is to be spent, I have some small hopes you'll try it for me. I am sure it will turn to both our advantages, for I see nobody is so much minded as Members at Court. You ask't me in one of your letters if I cou'd have any serious discourse with Sir Robert Walpole ; the setting me up for Alborough, tho' I did not succeed, wou'd give me an opportunity of creating an intimacy with him, the talking to him of the intentions you had for me, wou'd show you esteem'd me, and by that means I might be more regarded * Samuel Lowe and William Windham were returned for Aldborough, Suffolk, in August, 1727. 472 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. by him. I cou'd likewise tell the Queen I wou'd undergo the fatigue purely to serve her and the R. F. The business of the house wou'd be far from a fatigue to me, for 'twou'd be a pleasure, you know I have often crouded into the house when I had no business, and I shou'd not be so preposterous to neglect it when I had, and if I had not made a full resolution never to be concern'd in liquor again, having full employment in business wou'd keep me from it. My Lord Grantham, who was one of the idle tattlers against me, told me yesterday that he had observed me ever since I came here I had been very sober, and wish't me joy. I thank't his Lordship and told him as I had promised the Queen so I wou'd him, that he nor no man shou'd see me the least concern in drink, that as by the Queen's goodness to me I had some prospect of having my affairs easier, I shou'd have no occation to drown and stupifie my thoughts. You may remember when Coll. Negus* proposed to you in the late King's Reign, to bring me into Parliament, he wou'd get me 500/. from Court, and if there was any occation for't I don't doubt but I could get the same sum now, but it wou'd be better if it cou'd be done without troubling them for mony, and show your interest the greater. If you don't approve of me for your member, I shou'd be glad you wou'd use your interest for my son, who is a very sober man, and will make a very good Member of Parliament, but as I have more experience I have the vanity to think I shou'd make as good a one. I beg the favour of your thoughts and answer soon, for till I hear from you I shall do nothing but think of it. The news of the Peace is as we cou'd wish, and Sir Robert will not prove such a blunder as some people wou'd make him. Franklin reckons he has obtain'd another Victory, for when he had given bail, the Atturney Generall proposed he shou'd be bound to his good behaviour, but Lord Raymond said that untill he was found guilty, in the Eye of the law Mr. Franklin was an innocent man, and therefore cou'd not bind him to his good Behaviour. ■^ Francis Negus was returned for Ipswich in August, 1727. LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 473 Hampton Covkt, August 17, 1731. Dear Brother, .... I have been with Mr. Draycot, and I am scncible that you cannot come off from Mr. Bence unless he's off him- self or letts you off, nor then shall I expect your interest unless the Court prevails with Capt. Purvise to give up his to me, which is not so impropable as you seem to think, for if we can make Sir Robert believe Purvise must loose it by having your interest against him, he v/ill be for me. I do assure you I knew nothing of the letter that was writ to you the fift untill a post after, that I had a copy sent me as the thoughts of some coffee house politians that are always settling the nation, and are very much my friends ; nor did my wife know anything of it untill Sunday that I told her of it. I had an opportunity of showing the copy to Mr. George Tilson, who admires the letter saying 'twas a mighty well writ letter, and whoever they was, they was very much my friend, for nothing cou'd be more to my advantage then to be brought into Parliament, and he advis'd me as soon as I had any incouragement from you to propose it to Sir Robert, and he believed it wou'd do ; but I shan't do that yet, for I am a working it about that they shall propose it to me. There's a new French song come out, said to be writ by Madam Veller, answer'd by Lord Harvey mighty well, and I have heard them both often as we ride out airing agreeably sung, but have not memory enough to remember the words. It begins with Sir Robert's telling Cardinal Fleury a short history of his life. The first time I heard the Queen and Lord Harvey sing she called up Lady Malpas* to her and told she should hear a song was made upon her and her father ; and last Saturday hunting she sung it to Sir Robert himself, with an additional stanzar " Voye Poultney le Triumph de cettc jour, Sir Robert en liste, chacun auray son tour." The joke is that Sir Robert had the cord the Ranger wears, and 'tis supposed, one day Mr. P may have another sort * George, Viscount Malpas, eldest son of the Earl of Cholmondeley, married Mar}', daughter of Sir Robert Walpole. 474 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. of cord. I am endeavouring to get a copy of them to send you, which I am sure wou'd please you, but more if you cou'd hear how agreeably and good humer'dly the Queen sings them. London, October 7, 1731. .... Upon the death of Dr. Sayer I proposed to Mr. Tilson that Sir Robert shou'd set up Capt. Purvis there at Totness, and me at Alborough, which he thought very feasible, and wou'd talk thoroughly of it to Horace ; and to inforce his arguments I have sent him your very good letter, and keep the inclosed as in honour I am obliged to do till I see him next Tuesday I will go to morrow early to Hampton Court, and find if the affair of Totness works with them, which is a borrough that the court has always carried. Mr. Reynolds has a good Tory interest there, and for my sake if either Purvis or I am set up there by the court, he'll use his best endeavours to bring in his friends to my interest.* .... The report that was set about Friday last of the Queen's death was the invention of the Spittlefeild wevers and the stock jobbers, to fall stock. I ride out with her Saturday morning, she was very cheerfull and in very good humour, which one can't be without one is in perfect good health. . . . [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] January 15, 1732. My Lord, I have signed and sealed the proxy. You'll be pleased to date it, for I believe it should be after the meeting of the parliament. I can hardly think you will have divisions near enough to call for proxys. It is a great pleasure to hear of your lordship and [your .''] constancy to your friends. You * Peter's hopes of parliamentary distinction were not realised, for we find that in January, 1732, Sir Henry Gough was returned for Totnes in the place of Exton Sayer, LL.D. ; and Geo. Purvis, of Darsham, for Aldborough. LETTER OF CAPT. POWELL. 475 love journeys and I live in hopes of your taking a progress again westward, the road is a bowling green in comparison of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. When I goe into the north it shall be to see Stainborow ; everything else will be but accessory. I have not seen Pope's verses. These people are all flattery or abuse. They put me in mind of some who cannot be civil to one body without affronting the rest of the company. Mr. Trevanion* told truth of his often hearing from hence, but it is the sisters keep the correspondence. I seldom write to my daughter, tho' I love her intirely and she deserves it. All here are proud of being remembred, and I am &c. [Capt. Powell.] Paris, March 28, 1732. My Lord, * * * * Her Majesty has been very ill since her delivery, and thought in great danger. The poor girl had not so much as a squib let off for her ; and when Count Clarimont went to compliment his Majesty, he bid him be short, for 'twas but a daughter. Here is strange strugling for the Bishop's papers.f A fortnight before he dy'd, he sent for the Lieutent de Police and told him that he woud give orders to his servants, that whenever they should think him in danger, to come and call him to seal up his scruetore, &c., which he promis'd to do. But here is two sorry fellows, one calls himself Lord Sample, and the other Salthill, a broken wollen draper, who were the Bishop's erectors, they happened to be with him as he chang'd (for he went off suddenly), and charg'd the servants to keep it a secret and let no soul in ; and for fear Sir Hector Macklin and another Sample (that made his escape) should come to dine there as they were invited, they sent a message in the Bishop's name to desire them to excuse him, for he had * John Trevanion, of Carhays, Cornwall, married the writer's daughter Barbara. t Atterbury, Bishop of Rochester, banished in June, 1723 ; he died February 15, 1732. 4/6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. business that hinderd him from dining with them that day. So that they had the house to themselves for 24 hours, and when they had sent 3 boxes out of it, they sent to Obrian and others to seal up things. This Obrian does the Pretender's business here, and demanded the papers in his Master's name, but was refus'd. However his seal is on them, and they wait for orders from Rome. I am told that Morris has din'd with Lord Walgrave and that he is for giving up the papers into his hands, but that the Cardinal will be solicited to interpose ; that, in short, no one can tell yet to what intent they carryd the papers away. After they had lain some time at this Lord Semple's lodgings they were sent to the Scotch Colledge where they are to lye till further orders. This keeps Morris from seeing the will. If he should have had time to have alterd it, he might find himself bit of his 20000/. as they say he is worth, and all left to him with little or no notice taken of his own son. Why I say alter it, is because the Bishop and he quarrel'd, which was the reason he went to England with all his family in that bad weather, but that w^as kept a secret, but those few who knew it was in hopes that he woud make a new will, that they might be the better for it. I met Lord North where I din'd yesterday, he is something off his bloom but not of his Politess, for he press'd me much for my comands to Sprague, w^hither he sets out to-morrow. After to-morrow there is to be no plays for three weeks, so that I think to retire to Varsailles if the season is any thing good. Your Lordship is mightly alterd if you dont like long letters, so that I shall make no excuse for this. [Lord Bathurst.] St. James's Square, October 28, 1732, My Lord, I received the honour of your lordship's as soon as I arriv'd here last night ; instead of taking my northern journey I was oblig'd, upon some family matters, to come up here. When children are grown up to be men and women they will LETTERS OF GEORGE PHIPPS. 477 allways find one something to do. I am now upon a trans- action for your godson, which (if it goes on) I shall take the liberty to send your lordship an account off. I am extreamly glad to find that your lordship is so well recovered after such an ugly accident. I wonder why you have so little regard for your own safety as to venture upon a skittish colt. I think the Duke of Argyle's maxim is a very good one, that one ought not to run any hazards in time of peace. It sounds well in his mouth and it wou'd so in your lordship's, as you have both distinguish'd yourselves by military courage. We country gentlemen may be fond of showing our prowess in venturing our necks a hunting, but such atchievements will add no honour to those who have lookt death in the face in battles and seiges. Your country, your family, your friends, my lord, have all a right to reproach you for this useless danger you have run yourself into. 5|C ^ic 5(C vv [George Phipps.] January 8, 1733. .... Lord Malton is to have a Diner to morrow for his tenants, itt being his son's birth day. They say 'tis an out of way thing, the people are to dine upon wood dishes ; they cutt down wood on purpose to make them of Punch is to be the liquor cheifly and I think the cheapest, for Lord Ma seldom keeps any great stock of malt drink. They have bought verjuce for the punch, a little brandy will make country people drunk. I and my wife are invited, but shee does nott go abroad yett. I design to go and see in what maner this feast is ; we have all ticketts sent, so no person addmitted without, and the roome we must dine in sett upon the tickett.* * The writer of this, and some succeeding letters not remarkable for refinement of expression, was one of Lord Strafford's Yorkshire agents probably an attorney in the neighbourhood of Barnsley. Lord Malton was the son of Thomas Watson Wentworih (frequently referred to with no friendly spirit in the early part of the Correspondence), having been made a peer in 1728. His son became Marquis of Rockingham, and Prime Minister in 1765 and 1782. 4/8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. January 23, 1733. .... As to Lord Malton's entertainment, I was there and dined att the table with my Lord ; att which dined Sir John Bland, Mr. Wentworth of Wooley, and Mr. Matt. Wentworth, and 5 or 6 parsons, with some others, all the low end being tenants. There was in the prayer hall six tables made of deals with benches, such as in the tents att Boughton fair. Att four of them there might be about 32 people, the other two something above half the number, the tables being less. I looked upon itt that the bulk of the men satt there in that hall. Our dishes stood single, the table allowing no more ; first dish, roast porke ; 2nd, turkey ; 3rd, venison pasty ; 4th, cold beefe roast ; 5th, fruit pudding ; 6th, a goose ; 7th, aple pye ; 8th, a hogg's head in souce ; so then the course begun again, and kept in this forme to every table. We eate upon trenchers and wood dishes, and drunk in horns ; my Lord did the same. The horns held near pints and the punch was made strong, and the common people drunk full horns just after dinner that 2 or 3 horns would make them drunk or sick ; punch is the cheapest liquor to make a treat of — the numbers are magnified in every thing. My Lord would have me to sitt next to Mr. Wentworth of Wooley, whether itt was out of respect to your Lordship or that I might have the opportunity of seeing the wisdome of Solomon. My Lord drunk ale and so did I, and I went of with flying colours ; but several staid the night and some lay ruff There was one man found dead supposed to be choaked with punch. I think itt was a troublesome noisy thing, and I am affraid of being so to your lordship of such a matter as I did nott much think off after I saw itt, and I am, &c. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] February 3, 1733. My Lord, Of all the priviledges of the noble house there is none I like better than proxies, since it brings me the happyness LETTER OF LORD WENTVVORTH. 479 of a letter from your lordship, and the pleasure of knowing you are recovered of the pernicious cold that spares soe few at London. I hope there is not the least feeling left of the accident in Yorkshire. I don't imagine numbers will ever come so near as to call for proxies, but in all events I always think my self safe in my Lord Strafforde's hands, tho' I expect to be miserably defeated in the Army bill. The noise made about excises will I fear bring the load again upon land. They talk as if excises were a new thing, when almost every (sic) is soe already and noe care to prevent retailers raising the prices at the same time. My daughter would have bin proud of your lordship's notice ; I do not wonder you should not know her, for I hardly recollect her myself. What with children and an old husband she has quite lost her youth. The town is highly obliged by your assembly after a great dejection for the loss of the Duke of Norfolk's. As I am one of your oldest acquaintance I will venture to say there is none wishes you better, nor is more truly yours, &c. [Lord Wentworth.] London, March 29, 1733. Dear Papa, I hope by this time you are in good health at Suffolk. We was last night at the Duke of Devonshire, it was a ball, thier was 8 couple, viz. Lady Coroline Cavendish and Lord Sunbury, Lord Heartington and Lady Mary Montague, Lord Conoway and Lady Hariet,* Mr. Walpole and Lady Lucy,* Mr. Conoway and Miss Wortley, a Mr. Webster and Lady Dorothy, Mr. Whitworth and Lady Betty Cavendish, me and Lady Betty Montague ; and we had a very handsome supper, viz. at the upper end cold chikens, next to that a dish of cake parch'd almonds sapp biskets {sic), next to that a dish of tarts and cheescakes, next to that a great custerd, and next to that another dish of biskets parch'd almonds and pre- served apricocks, and next a quarter of lamb. I hopy Ody and Hatty is very well. I am, &c. * Lord Wentworth's sisters. 480 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Capt. Powell.] August ()(;<:) 1733. My Lord, I had troubled your lordship long ere this, but that I knew you were so much in motion of late it wou'd be un- certain of meeting you. I am sorry to do it now, by way 0/ condolance for the loss of dear Lady Wentworth, tho' 'tis no more then what might have been expected some years agoe, yet I am perswaded every one is concern'd at it that knew her, and your lordship in particular, who has lost the most affectionate mother that ever was. I always thought her my friend, and she show'd it to the last, by several inquirys she made after me 2 or 3 days before her death. I shall put on my decent sable, and sail up to-morrow to pay my last duty to her dear remains. I believe I shou'd have avoided that ceremony (had not Mr. Wentworth desired me) because I know I shall be more sencebly touch'd at it then can be imagin'd. Since even now I find how it affects me at what I write, I am to blame for dweling so long on this melancholy subject, but pray forgive me, for I can not help it.* I am * In the latter part of her life Lady Wentworth appears to have lived almost entirely at Twickenham, receiving an annuity of 200/. from her son. Her quarterly acknowledgments of the amount have been carefully preserved along with many other vouchers for the Earl's disbursements, including receipts from grocers, bootmakers, tailors, lawyers, the Sun Fire Office, the Governor and Company of Undertakers for raising the Thames Water at York Buildings, &c. One receipt in Lord Strafford's handwriting, and signed only by Lady Wentworth, runs thus : — June y^ lo"" 1728. Received of my son Strafford ten pound in part of my Quarter due next midsummer. I hope God will forgive him for paying me before it is due and breaking his resolution but it is because he is going into the country and I promise to be a better manger {sic) for the future and never to ask him before my quarter is due only this time My son Peter took advantage of my good nature and weedled me out of six and twenty shilling w"^*" I fear he will never pay me. ISABELLA WENTWORTH. Twickenham parish register records her burial there on August 10, 1733. LETTER OF LORD BATHURST. 48 1 sorry it fell out at a time you design'd Lady Lucy and the little ones so much diversion. I reckon I am laught at for a good Intelligence for writing she was ill after she had been dead two or three days ; but by that 'tis plain I dont spend my time idley at coffee houses as may be imagined by some, for I declare notwithstanding the town is empty, I am almost harrass'd out with parties of pleasure, and have not a minute on my hands. From Twickenham I design a Saturday to go take leave of the Court and some neibouring villages, and then retire to some remote place to mortify after my volup- tious way of living I din'd to day at Capel More's with Lady Grace Vanes,* who cry'd at relating her mother's marriage, which she did not know till last Saterday when she din'd with her grace. As she was going away she desir'd Mr. Southcoute to carry him (sic) home, but he answerd that he was at home already, for the Duchess had done him the honour to marry him. As the Duchess had ask'd her to return the next day to meet the Duke and Duchess of Clevland, she went and when she told the duke that her mother was married to Mr. Sout., he cry'd pho, p/io, it cant be I am not such a fool neither as to be- lieve that; and she says that all she can do will never make him believe it. I visited Lady Mary Saunderson this morn- ing, and found her in black for Lady Wentworth. [Lord Bathurst.] Cirencester, August 15, 1733. My dear Lord, I ought to have writt to you before this time to have con- dol'd with your lordship upon the death of my aunt, but I have been in such a perpetuall hurry ever since, that I have not had a moment's time. I don't know what is to be say'd upon such an occasion, for tho' she seem'd likely to live some years * Lady Grace Fitzroy, daughter of Charles, Duke of Cleveland, a natural son of Charles II., married Henry Vane, Lord Barnard. Her mother was Anne, daughter of Sir WiUiam Pulteney, of Misterton. 2 I 482 THE WEXTWORTH PAPERS. still, when I had the honour to see her last, yet it did not appear to be a life very desirable, she being so far advanc'd in years. I hope your lordship and all your family are in good health ; for my part I have not time to be sick, for having the rage of elections upon me at this time, I can think of nothing else. I have sett up my son for the county here, and it had like to have been without any opposition, but the contrary party would not submit at first to a compromise, and now Mr. Chester is join'd with my son we will not agree to a peace, and I believe indeed we shall carry it for both.* We have at last brought it about that my brother Ben shall have an easy election at Gloster, and we are very secure of Ciceter ; but the entertaining a whole county is not only pretty trouble- some, but is attended with some small expence. I hope this will excuse me for not paying my compliments to your lord- ship sooner, and I shall trouble you no farther now but to assure you that I am, &c. [Sir John Bland.] KiPPAX Park, October ii, 1733. My Lord, I am very sorry to find by your Lordship's Letter which I have this Moment Receiv'd that you Missapprehend the Cause of Lord Bruce's servant being sent from Bath into Yorkshire, which was upon no other Account than to give Notice to some of us, whom he had appointed to meet him on Fryday and Saturday last, that he could not possibly be at Doncaster till next Tuesday. Had there been any Thing Materiall in the Message, I assure your Lordship you should immediately have been inform'd of it by Me, for I give you my word there are no Misterys in our Transactions, nor has any step been taken * The election did not come off until May, 1734, when Benjamin Bathurst and Thomas Chester were returned for the county of Glou- cester. LETTER OP" SIR JOHN BLAND. 483 which is a Secret to your Lordship. I have too great Regard for your Lordship and too great Confidence in you to conceal any Thing from you, and as Nothing New has happen'd since I left Wentworth Castle, unless that Sir George Savile has declin'd, and Sir Rowland Wynn declar'd himself a Candidate for the County. I give your Lordship This Notice of it though I make no doubt but it is already known to you. I order'd Lord Bruce's Servant, who was here to Call for your Lordship's Letter to Lord Bruce at the Angel (at which House he had not been nor intended to be at in his Return) and carry it with him to Meet his Lord on the Road, and wrote by him to my Lord to let him know how much you insisted upon seeing him in his way to Tanfield. All which Consider'd your Lordship must needs acquit Me from having the least Design of persuading Lord B to any one Action that might be disobliging to your Lordship and herein I can answer not only for myself but my Friends too, who are Equally Sollicitous to procure your Lordship's Friendship and Assistance in the Affair. S^ J. Stapylton and Mr. Fox left This Place just after I receiv'd your Lordship's letter this Morning, who finding I had a letter from you, desir'd me to Intimate this to your Lordship together with a Tender of their Best Services. I beg your Lordship to rest Assur'd that there is not one friend of Ours who differs herein in Opinion with us and therefore I can Venture in all their Names, as well as my own, to Sollicite your Lordship for your Zealous Assistance in this Affair, which will be of so great Consequence to Our Cause. Hitherto we have desir'd Nothing more of any one than his Appearance at the Meeting at York on the 31st and to use his Interest to bring as many friends thither as he can. Both which I now heartily request of your Lordship. I have told your Lordship all that it is possible for me to know of Lord Bruce's Motions, and have nothing to add that is new, but that I have This Morning received a letter from Sir R. Wynn desiring my Vote &c. for him, whereupon we resolv'd to add to the Advertisement lately printed in the York and Leeds papers, That as Sir G. S had now 212 484 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Actually declin'd All Freeholders were desir'd not to Engage Themselves before that Meeting, which I hope your Lordship will desire from All you meet or are acquainted with, and particularly Mr. Wortley who I hope is in Yorkshire. A Message from your Lordship will I doubt not make him a Zealous friend and if you are acquainted with Sir T. Saunder- son* I believe a letter to him would bring him to the Meeting. I am extremely oblig'd to your Lordship for your Kind Ex- pressions towards Me and as I have for so many Years Experienced your Lordship's goodness to me, you shall on all occasions find a gratefull Acknowledgment of it from, &c. [Lord Bruce.] Bramham, Friday fnorning [^October 26, 1733.] My Lord, I sent your Lordship word by your servant of the sad accident hapned to Sir J. Stapleton. Sir J. Bland, Mr. Fox and I are of opinion that Sir Miles, son of the late Sir John, should have the offer of being the candidate ;t and as I doubt not but your lordship will be of the same opinion, I intend before our being at York on Tuesday evening to know Sir Miles's thoughts upon it, that in case he should not undertake it we may think of another. We here have sent to all parts of the county to acquaint our friends that the meeting holds for Wednesday, and to desire them to be at York on Tuesday night. Only your lordship's side of the country is not sent to, which I beg you will be pleased to do. I depend upon the honour of seeing your lordship at York on Tuesday evening, and am &c. Sir Miles is a hopeful young man and well esteemed of. By this accident I cannot yet learn what answer is come from Mr. Turner. * Member for Lincolnshire, afterwards third Earl of Scarborough. t Sir John Stapleton, of Myton, had not sat for Yorkshire in the Parlia- ment about to be dissolved. Sir Thos. Wentvvorth and Cholmley Turner, of Kirkleatham, were elected in 1727; in 1728 Sir Thos. Wentworth was raised to the peerage as Lord Malton, and Sir Geo. Savile took his place. My Lord, letters of lord bruce. 485 [William Ingram.] Wakefield, October ^d, 1733. * * * * I received your lordship's letter last Wednesday in the evening and not before, and that day Sir Rowland Winn had been about our towne and gott a great many votes. I sent my clark next morning to your tennants not to promise or ingage their votes till they heard from you ; but my clark tells mee that some of them had promised Sir Rowland their vote that day, and indeed I had on Sir Rowland's application to mee last week promist him my vote and intrest, which I could not tell how to deny him, since hee is one of my best clyents and I am under greate obligations to that family. Besides if I had denyed him I should have disobliged several of his friends who are my best clyents, and truly, my Lord, I cannott live as I do without buisinesse, wherefore I hope your lordship will pardon me if I cannott oblige your lord- ship herein ; and I hope Sir Rowland will bee for the intrest of the country, and never prevailed on to accept of a pension or place. And since Sir John Stapleton is dead, who unfor- tunately dyed yesterday by a fall from his horse on Brammam Moor or thereabouts, I could wish that the gentlemen att their meeting at York would think Sir Rowland a fit person to represent this county I am &c. [Lord Bruce.] York, Wensday night, October ^x^ I733- My Lord, We are all very much concerned to hear of your lord- ship's having been taken ill, and much hope it will go off. Upon a meeting of our friends last night, we were unani- mously of opinion to set up Sir Miles Stapleton, who was accordingly proposed too day at the George, after waiting almost an hour for Sir Rowland Wynn, and his friends, who 486 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. came afterwards into the room and proposed Sir Rowland, which we did not regard. Afterwards we dined together and were 6^ in all, of which 47 were counted in before Sir Row- land, &c. came in ; consequently the others but 20, a glorious majority, and all our friends say that the affair goes on quite well. There will be another meeting for to give Turner opportunity of joyning Stapleton, and I will take care that his friends shall press him to it, and make him do it, I am, &c. [Circulars.] Myton, November 1, 1733. Sir, At a General Meeting of the Gentlemen, Clergy, and Freeholders of this County, to consider of proper Persons in the Country Interest, to represent them in the ensuing Parlia- ment, I had the Honour to be nominated as One. The Favour of your Vote and Interest will very much oblige, Your humble Servant, MILES STAPYLTON. York, November 3, 1733. Sir, Sir George Savile having declined standing Candidate for this County at the ensuing Election for Members of Parliament ; at the desire of a great Number of Gentlemen, Clergy, and Freeholders met here, who have requested us to represent this County in Parliament, and to support each other's Interest ; We offer you our Services, assuring you that we are hearty in the Interest of our Country, and will do all that is in our power to preserve our happy Constitution in Church, and State as by Law Established ; and desire you to favour us with your Votes, and Interest, and the Obligation shall ever be acknowledged by Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servants, ROWLAND WINN. CHOLMLEY TURNER. letter of sir john lister kaye. 487 [Sir John Lister Kaye.] Grange, November 4, 1733. My Lord, I am favour'd with yours and was very sorry to hear of your disorder at Wakefield, which I hope is pretty well gone off, as your lordship intends for London so soon. The account Lord Bruce gave you of a majority of our friends was fact, and at that time, as appear'd under Mr. Turner's hand, in one letter I saw to Sir J. Bland, he declared he would not join anybody. There was another letter from Mr. Turner to the other people, as Sir J, Bland inform'd me, to the same effect. We named Sir Miles Stapleton {after having sent to desire the other gentry to come, and staying there an hour for them, and two hours after the time appointed in the advertisement), who was unanimously agreed to by very near sixty of us ; and the next day Sir Harry Slingsby and I were deputed to wait upon Sir Miles, who agreed to under- take it, and that evening Sir H. S went home to take care of his neighbours. I stay'd with Sir Miles when we fix'd the Circular letter, and sent it immediately for the press. The next morning I went to dine with Sir Harry, and in the evening we visited a very handsome number of Freeholders that were desired to meet at Knaresbrough, who were all very hearty with us, and by several of Sir Harry's emissarys we found that neighbourhood mighty hearty. It was dark when I got home last night, and have promised Sir Miles to meet him at York on Tuesday night next to visit the Freeholders there. This morning I have sent him copys of the Poll Books, which I had taken with a design to have printed them. If your lordship wou'd see the originals I have them and wou'd send you them for three or four days. I am obliged to be at a funeral to morrow and shall go part of the way to York from thence. I had a list of all in Wakefield which I'll endeavour to find this afternoon which, with the Books, if I find it, I will leave out if your lordship wou'd have 'em. As all the friends to the Excise scheme are as hearty for 488 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Sir Rowland Winn as they wou'd have been for Sir George Savile, I fancy Lord Burlington will not be active for him, tho' he may be for Mr. Turner, and am in hopes his people will let Sir Miles have their second votes. The Dukes of Somerset and Bolton and the Dutchess of Bucks are much our friends, and all of them entirely against the last time. I hope your lordship will give orders about Wakefield, Sheffield, and Barnesley, and what other places occur to you. I am, &c. [Godfrey Wentworth.] WOOLLEY, November 4, 1733. My Lord, I have the favour of your Lordship's letter and beg leave to assure you that I was extreamly concern'd to hear of your indisposition, not only as it deprived us of the honour and credit which our meeting at York would have received from your Lordship's company, but also from the tender regard which I allways desire to express for your lordship's health. I am obliged to your lordship for thecoppy of Mr. Turner's letter which I had not seen before, and by what I learn'd at York did imagine he would not have join'd either party, but have ventured to stand upon his own legs. I am equally concerned with your lordship that I don't find Sir L. Pilking- ton's name in our list, but am much more so to acquaint you that he appear'd at the head of the other party, but by what inducements he was drawn over I am really as yet at a loss to conjecture. I must now beg leave to return your lordship thanks for the kind proposal you made to me at Hutton-pannel, which I have a very gratefull sense of, and should readily have embraced, if the uncertain state of health which I am at pre- sent subject to would permitt me to give that due attendance which I think every person who has the interest of his country LETTER OF SIR JOHN BLAND. 489 at heart ought to resolve upon before he accepts of a seat in ParHament. I intend to go for Bath in about ten days' time for the recovery of my health, which if I am so fortunate as to obtain, shall be much obliged to your lordship for any favour you are pleased to think me worthy of in that way ; and in the meantime I hope you will believe me when I assure your lordship that nothing can give me a greater satisfaction than to imagine that any of my thoughts or actions have merited your lordship's approbation, and that I am, &c. [Sir John Bland.] KiPPAX Park, November 11, 1733. My Lord, This day I received your Lordship's by Mr. Traves, and am much pleas'd to hear that Mr. Wortley is come Home and that he is so Zealous with Us. I should be very willing to meet him at Barnsley, if it was in my Power to do it, but I am under a promise to meet Sir Miles Stapylton to morrow at Leeds. We are invited to dine with the Mayor, and on Tuesday we are to go about the Town, and after Our Business is done there I am to go to all the Towns round about this place to Sollicite Votes, which is a very Hard Task upon Me that have not one Gentleman within many miles of me who is not now a profess'd Enemy. I was in hopes that Mr. Charles Savile of Methley would have prov'd a friend, since his family as well as himself had always been so, but I have been disappointed for he has sent an Agent to sollicite in the Opposite Interest. I would have given your Lordship an Account of Our Success at York yesterday, but I knew not where to direct till I saw Mr. Traves to day. We found that Town in generall most Zealously affected towards Us, and the populace so Exasperated against our opponents, that it was not in our power to prevent their assembling in very great Numbers and showing their dislike to them. I believe we had hearty promises from at least two Thirds of the Voters in that City, and from almost All the Countrey voters we met with in the 490 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Streets, and many of the principall Citizens ofifer'd their ser- vices to Sir J. Kaye and Mr. Duncomb, pressing them to offer themselves Candidates for the City at the next Election, which they were far from refusing though they did not positively Assure them they would accept of their ofifer. We are told that the Dutchess of Bucks has order'd all her Interest to be Single for Sir Miles. If the other great Interests would desert Turner in the same Manner I think he must desist, and if that should be the Case I know no person so proper to be joyned by them with Sir Miles, as the gentle- man your Lordship mention'd, whom I have desir'd to meet us at Leeds on Tuesday, that he may confer with other gentlemen besides my self, who would not undertake to give any Advice singly in an Affair of this Nature. Your Lordship observes very rightly that a Meeting of Our friends at London is Necessary, for this whole affair will turn upon the Determination of Absentees, who must either sup- port us in another manner than they have hitherto done, or not expect that a handfull of us Countrey gentlemen can oppose our selves against the United Interest of the Court, whereby we can only render Ourselves Obnoxious without any possibility of success. Our Adversary's have Attorneys employ 'd as their agents in all parts of the County. These fellows have money given them to treat the Meaner Free- holders with, and by this Means alone they will inevitably Baffle Us, if it is not in Our power to use the same. I do not hereby Mean that any gentleman should be Assisted by a Publick purse to gain and bring in any Interest that properly belongs to him, but there are vast Numbers of Independent Freeholders who have always expected the Civility of a pot of ale. These are the Men that carry'd the Election for Turner against Sir J. Kaye and will Carry this against Us, if timely application be not made to them. There are great Numbers of these freeholders about Dent and Sedber beyond Lord Bruce^s and the D. of Bolton's Estates, and in severall other distant parts of the County, and even about the City of York where we have scarce any gentlemen our friends to engage LETTERS OF GEORGE PIIIPPS. 49I them, except those who live in the Town, who I fear have not Substance enough to undertake this Task, though I doubt not but they will do as much as can reasonably be expected from them. My wife returns Lady Strafford her Hearty Thanks for her kind Inquiry after her health. I hope she is somewhat Better than she was, though she is still in a very weak Condition. My best ' Services attend Lady Strafford and the young Ladys and Lord Wentworth. [George Phipps.] November 17, 1733. My noble Lord I believe I told your lordship that Mr. Wortley was att Leeds, and on Monday night next Sir Miles, Sir John Bland, Mr. Fox, Sir John Kay, Mr. Wortley and severall other gentlemen are to meet att Sheffield and drive there the next day, to go about the town to gett votes. I believe that we shall have the worst success in Sheffield of any town in Yorkshire ; but I hope nott so bad as people imagine. I find that no other person is to be put up with Sir Miles, but my opinion is that two against two would have been better. Mr. Travis is to go to Sheffield to be in the cavilcade for Mr. Wortley I am affraid that the cause will starve for want of money, and severall votes will be lost for a small matter of treating. I will do what I can for the cause but a methode should be concluded of, which way money may be raised to give some small matters of money for meat and drink to those who are realy poor and cannott afford to go without. There was eight aldermen and the mayor att Leeds for Sir Miles, and every person paid his proportion, so Sir Miles was only his share {sic). Lord Malton and Jessop was att Sheffield last Tuesday, and gave a treat, but I don't know as yet how much itt cost them, but I can know. 492 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. The whole number of votes in Leeds... ... 250 Single votes for Sir Miles ... ... ... 158 Halfe votes for Sir Miles 36 Persons nott home so can't tell for who {sic) 30 Denied Sir Miles ... ... ... ... 25 I am now with Mr. Wortley and we are sending messengers about to invite gentlemen to the meeting at Sheffield ; and I am &c. December i, 1733. My Noble Lord As to elections going on I find the hearts of the people to be mostly inclin'd to Sir Miles. I look upon itt that the other party must buy a great many if they carrie in any great numbers. I think if Mr. Wortley wou'd sett up itt wou'd be one way to secure Sir Miles, by breaking Lord Malton's interest in our quarter. But if Lord Burlington stands fast, and con- sidering who is for us that was against us the last election, itt will be easie to carrie two against Sir Rowland and Turner, especially by laying out a little money northward about Sedborrow or thereabouts where are great numbers of free- holds, but att such a distance they will not come, unless something be given towards their charges. Lady Londonderry has the comand of severall votes att both Cudworth and att Bolton, if your lordship wou'd pleasure to secure them, and I will speake the freeholds December 18, 1733. My Noble Lord, I postponed in expectation to hear some particular accounts from the north of Sir Miles's success there. Sir Miles desired we wou'd write to him how votes stand, and we shoud hear from them ; but no account is come, only one letter from Mr. Robinson, Lord Thanett steward, who writes to Mr. Fenton to take care of Boulster Stone votes, and LETTERS OF GEORGE PIIIPPS. 493 further sayes that without boasting with them there are 40 to one for Sir Miles. We encrease our votes here upon which we have lately had a very sufficient proofe by Lord Malton's makeing a counter march upon us att Sheffield which was done by the advice of Mr. Shore &c., who told Lord Malton that if another treat was made att Sheffield those votes Sir Miles had got wou'd come over to his lordship again ; so on Wed- nesday last they came to Sheffield to treat with wine. And in answer to this there is a gent, that lives near Sheffield who's name is Bampford, of estate about 800/. per annum, nott married, about 23 years of age, one of Sam^ Fleming's sons is his steward, who espouses Sir Miles's interest ; I have been with him att scverall places. So Mr. Bampford hearing of Lord Malton's design went to Sheffield that day, and likewise sent for me to meett him, but I was gone to Barnsley to end the affair of Fenton and Morton which I did. But I went the next morning to Sheffield to see how matters stood, where I found Mr. Bampford who had been treating Sir Miles's men with ale only, and their numbers had increased 5 for Sir Miles, who all sign a paper to stand fast and true, so that we hope to have a ballance against their molten images ; we do very well and much better then cou'd be expected. Sir Tho. Sanderson, if he gives Sir Miles his interest he will cramp Lord M on that side. I can't find Lord M interest is anything like the last time, I think halfe will not be carried in by him as was then. Lord M servant who went to treat this time att Sheffield told Lord M that the money wou'd be spent in vain which prove so. We have nott been at Rotheram yett, only Mr. Bamford and I is to go. I humbly conceive by your lordship's letter that as to some money towards managing the election that I levelled parti- cularly att your lordship. I ment the whole body att a general meeting, which should be as soon as could be. Mr. Wortley bore Mr. Traviss charges and mine and furnished 494 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. me with some money to spend att some other places ; those on the place are always actors I don't think what has been spent is any thing consider- able by any that has attended Sir Miles. I believe Bampford has spent as much as any. Lady Winn brings everything about this election up to a quarrel. Mr. Matt"' Wentworth who designs to stand for the regester ofifice went to ask Sir Rowland to give him leave to stand neuter, which Lady Winn resented so much that when Mr. Matt. Wentworth was going away she sent a servant after him to desire him to come no more there, which has displeased all Matt. Went- worth's friends. Lady Winn was rediculing a gentlewoman in York, and the lady was present unknown to Lady Winn ; but the gentlewoman fell upon her ladyship so warmely that Lady Winn made her exit. These things doe Sir Rowland harme. Sir Rowland told Justice Norton that he would have the Election or itt should cost him dear, upon which Horton {sic) said ' take notice, gentlemen, a man that will buy his country will sell itt, so I hope no wise person give Sir Rowland his vote, and I now tell Sir Rowland I will make all the interest I can for Sir Miles.' I tell people Geneva is a dangerous liquor, and Sir Rowland was edducated there. I do what ever I can .... I hear for truth that there are severall gent, that are upon Sir Rowland's side who says that they will have Sir Rowland swore before they give their votes that he will not vote for any excise. Sir Tho. Sanderson has 96 votes in Tickhill which Lord Malton had the last time. [Verses on the Yorkshire Election, 1734.] tom thumb a candidate. By Tom Thumb Boots of the Angel Inn Doncaster. A meeting at York was appointed of late By some who'd be thought to be friends of the State In order to fix on a Knight of high birth And well fam'd for his Learning, his Riches and Worth. Derry down, &c. VERSES ON THE YORKSHIRE ELECTION, 1 734. 495 The Folk then that came (with a L d at their head, The son of a L d from his country who fled)* Were what some call Jacks and N — nj — r — rs in plenty And high flying Priests wanting fifteen of Twenty. Derry down, &c. But before they proceeded a Person to name One starting up cry'd how much death was to blame In taking Sir John at a juncture so nice For he sure wo'd have had the general voice. Derry down, &c. But since what has happen'd cannot be prevented As well as we can we must all be contented And speedily fix our choice on some other To fill up the place of our deceased Brother. Derry down, &c. To naming they went, then to D — nc — b the Rich, Was the first upon whom this Assembly did pitch. Of the honour design'd he'd a right gratefuU sence But pray'd they'd excuse him, not liking th' Expense. Derry down, &c. The M — St — r of B— rds— 11 came next in their mind, But for reasons best known to himself he declin'd F — X likewise stood off that they should not endanger So hopeful a cause on th' account of a stranger. Derry down, &c. Then to show Sir J — hn K — y how much they respected Since the others refused it they'd see him elected With hearts hands and purses they'd stoutly stand by him That Sir R— wl— d or T— rn — r should never come nigh him. Derry down, &c. * A reference probably to Lord Bruce, who was the eldest son of the Earl of Ailesbury. See p. 302, ante. 496 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. But called to mind what a mean disposition For his sake they made at the last opposition. With disdain he flung back and heartily swore They never should serve him as they did heretofore. Derry down, &c. Then the R — ct — r of G — si — y who oft has chang'd sides Yet true to his interest he always abides Who so often has turn'd the coat on his back Yet let him turn't as he will it will always be black. Derry down, &c. This R — ct — r I say for much truth speaking fam'd Cry'd, Friends old and new let it never be nam'd A man for our purpose that we cannot find At so numerous a meeting and so well inclin'd. Derry down, &c. You all know the danger to which we're exposed It will soon overwhelm us if not soon opposed That Gigantic Monster by some call'd Excise Stares dreadfully at us with ten thousand eyes. Derry down, &c. Lett us send for the Man of great worth and great prowess Who at all times to help us most ready I know is Whose very appearance no Giant can stand Of the Brood of such Monsters he'll soon clear the land. Derry down, &c. The Man whom I mean is the mighty Tom Thumb. The meeting gave signs of applause with a Humm, And there never was shown such a general joy As at naming this hero a Parliament Boy. Derry down, &c. The Tall Man at W — rtl — y will send all his power Such offers he makes as he ne're did before He swears to the tune of five hundred he'll spend But Tom Thumb the Great to St. Stephens he'll send. Derry down, &c. VERSES ON THE YORKSHIRE ELECTION, 1734. 497 A New Ballad or a Bob for Sir R d. To the Tune of A Cobbler there was, &c. An Election there was or 'twas said there would be Of two Parliament Knights out of Candidates three They were Stapylton, Turner, and Sir R d W n And a canvassing first the last-nam'd did begin. Derry down, &c. Thus jades at Newmarket tho' oft they get start Their want of blood hoping to make up by art, Yet waiting the event, they must certainly find They'll show their false mettle by lagging behind. Derry down, &c. He sets off with letters in which he gave proof Geneva had stock'd him with learning enough If not to write English, yet how to save cost For he wisely took care to send by the Post. Derry down, &c. But lest his Epistles so learned and prevailing The design they were sent for, should happen to fail in Himself foUow'd after to show his good breeding And thus he discharges his Rhetoric and Reading. Derry down, &c. ' Your vote. Sir, I ask, why you won't sure deny me Let me tell you both country and court will stand by me.' ' The last we believe, Sir, but further forbear Till from York at the General Meeting we hear.' Derry down, &c. The country assembled. Sir R d appears Attended indeed with some few of his Peers Excisemen twice three. Esquires under a score Three Bands, a Church Procter, and not a soul more. Derry down, &c. 2 K 498 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Their Knights they proposed, then objections demanded Assertions were made, then how well he was landed How in all points they deem'd him a Candidate fit And therefore resolv'd in the House he should sit. Derry down, &c. Reply none was offer'd, good manners forbad it Yet for merit great numbers thought Stapylton had it Superior at least in his country's opinion As much as W n P y to any court minion (sic). Derry down, &c. Let the Vicar of Wragby, let friends to Excise, Solicit and treat them, all they that are wise. All that value their Country, Religion, or Trade For no bribe, drink, or money will sell him their aid. Derry down, &c. For Sir Miles they will vote all, and so tell Sir R d No principles formed in Geneva or Holland They will trust in the Senate their sense to relate Nor Laws to prescribe 'em in C h or in State. Derry down, &c. [Lord Wentworth.] LO'SDO^!, January 2} ^734- Dear Papa, .... I went yesterday with my uncle and Monsieur Baud to see the great man, I never saw such a monster, he is eight foot and three inches high_, he is a Suiedish or Polish man, he was dress'd like the Algerinains embassadors, his wastcoat was yellow with gold loops and a robe of scarlet velvet or damask laced round with gold and a turband on is head, he lives at Mr, Burleighs in charing crosse ; and after that I went to see my Lord Deerhurst and I saw my Lord LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 499 Coventry They say Princess was married the day before yesterday in private, and that they do not own it till he comes from the Bath. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 5, 1734. I was very glad my Dearest to hear by your letter to my love and Hamilton that you ware got safe as farr as Ipswich. I thank God my Royal Rose and the girles are perfectly well. We had last night and this morning a great deal of snow, but it thaws as it falls. L. Anne Harvey .... invited my love and I yesterday to a fatt Pig and two Partridg, which my Jewell eate very well of The Queen, Princess Royall, and Duke of Marlborough christened Lord Portmore's daughter last night, the Chelsey Duchess of Rutland did the honours. We receaved this week from Wentworth Castle, half a doe, a turkey, 2 pullets, 2 partridges and a woodcock, and 2 bottles of ale for you. Mrs. Duncomb of Yorkshire was here a Thursday, she tells me Sir John Kaye has declared he'll stand for York citty. I told her I heard Mr. Duncomb was to joyn with him, but she said she cou'd not tell, for he thought it time enough to declare. She makes sad complaints of Versally, she says he's gon away and they can't tell what is becom of him, and has left all their hall in rubish. We had a good deal of company a Thursday ; the Bank won 60/., there was no English play'd but L. Crew, Sir R. l^ich, and Lord Chessterfield's brothere, who I fancy lost the most. I was yesterday at Buckingham House, Mr. Ceaser was there and rail'd extremly against the Court, but the Duchess did not in the least enter into the conversation but rathere took their part ; and when he was gon she told me she hoped I took notice she gave him little or no answere. Lady Bullin- broke is dying. My brother calls often to see me, but he has told me no news. My love was yesterday to return Lord Granby's viset and they had a party at Codrell, which was 2 K 2 5O0 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Lord Granby, Lord Dalketh, Lord Robert and Lord Went- worth, and my poor love lost half a crown — a Dieue my Dear ever yours. St. James's Square, January 8, 1734. I receaved my Dearest yours of the 3rd last night and you may be sure am happy to hear you are so well. I thank God my Royal Rose and the girles are extremly so, and yesterday he walk'd round the Park ; a Sunday I carred him to court with me, and whilst I was at church my brothere took care of him and show'd him all the rooms at St. James, and when the Queen cam in he made his bows very handsomly A great many of the Forreners (my brothere says) talked to him and said he spoke french perfectly well. My love says he likes going to court better of a Sunday than any day. We ware yesterday at court ; they thought in the morning they shou'd have had no hazard for want of players, but at last they got the D. of Graffton, Lord Harrington, Mr. Shutzes and Lady Betty Garmain, which was all besides the K., Q., Prince and Princess Royall. There was a ball, but twas sad company in the great drawing, but there was a room keept for the Prince and his company, and when he was going to dance he cam up and said he hoped he shou'd have Lady Lucy's company in his set, and he was sorry Lady Anne Conolly was not there too, for he had a great deal of pleasure in the company of me and my famely ; and he asked Lucy if she had got a partner, for if she had not he wou'd get her one, but Mr. John Bosscowin had asked her. The Prince danced with Lady Bab Mancell I hope Ward- man will com to London, if he does he shall see an opera and all the Royall famely. Lady Kaye showed me a letter from Leeds that says every thing goes well for Sir Miles Stapleton. We have terrablc cold weathere here and I fancy we shall have snow. I wish you would ask Wardman, if we shou'd want Molly Wood in town, if he knows of any maid Mrs. Wardman cou'd get that wou'd be fitt for Wentworth Castle ; for Nanny Downing is such an nasty I must be as bad as mothere Needham to keep her LETTER OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 5OI St. James's Square, January 10, 1734. Mr. Labee tells me Lucy will be a very fine dancer, he says he was pleased to see her hold her self so well and proper when she danced at Court a Monday, tho' twas but in country dances. I wish I cou'd say as much for poor Harriote, for she pokes sadly and I tell her of it perpcatually The town of Northampton has desired Major Compton to name who he pleases to joyn with him, and they'll chose him ; and the Duke of Bedford told me he had heard that, hoping Gowcr would be the man. Lady M. Wortley cam here this morning-, her dress was a sack and all her Jewells, and she walked here from her own house ; she had no news, and I was sadly tired of her before she went. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] January 26, 1734. My Lord, What a support in life the kind remembrance is of a valuable friend, is easier felt then expres't. The marks of constancy I receive from your Lordship renews the pleasures of our first acquaintance. My Lord Bruce in expectation of strong debates at the first meeting sent me a messenger with a proxy. My answer you saw. My Lord Henton's calling up^ has put an end to a disagreeable struggle. Daughters are no burden to My Lord Carteret. It is not the only instance of his good luck. The loss of one who did the part of a mother to mine soe many years has nearly touched me in this remote corner, her com- pany will be mis't, tho' for my own particular, London would be a solitude, where most of my acquaintance are gone and the time past for making new. I must ever be, My Lord your Lordship's most humble and most obedient servant. * John, afterwards second Earl Poulet, had been called up to the Lords in the life-time of his father, with the title of Earon Hinton St. George. 502 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. My Lord, [Richard Wardman.] Wentworth Castle, March 12, 1734. « * * * As this day is Sunday I gallop't over to Wakefield to see what time Mr. Fox and Mr. Wentworth voters was to meet, and the day ; so it is set out for next Wedinsday morning at six a clock ; and I call'd upon Mr. Wentworth of Woley in my way home, and he told me the same. And we ar to joyn Mr. Wortley and Mr. Traviss with their companey at Tadcaster the same day, and so go all together in to the Citty of York ; which I hope will bee the greatest number of men and a greater show then the Ribin and Black Coats can make Mr. Phipps we know him and so dus all man- kind that ever see him, and his great tallant is of braging and telling of lyes so that nobody minds him, nor, if your lordship will believe me, he is not much taken notice off by no body ; but I think your lordship not puting him in to no power he will bee out of temper, for he did expect to have seen your lordship in Yorkshire, for I allways told him that I expected your lordship every day. As to horsiss for the voters we must let them that wants have some from our tenents, for Mr. Wortley has got one hundered horsiss off his tenents and other people and gives 12 pence a day for them, so I must get one of some of our tenents for old Rook, Mr. Wentworth of Wooley has sent 70 pounds to help Mr. Bamforth with his men, and they want to know what Mr. Wortley will do, for he has not declar'd his mind yet. Wentworth Castle, ^4/^// 20, 1734. My Lord, I receavcdyour lordship's letter of the i6th. As there will be a meeting of a great many gentlemen at York the 26th to consider how to bring in their men at proper times, and to consult with Sir Miles to do every thing for his intrest, and with all to save their mony ; so tell that day is over we LETTERS OF RICHARD WARDMAN. 503 can't judg the time or day our country men must go into York. I was sent for to Silkson yesterday by Mr. Fenton and Mr. Walker to give a small treat to som freeholders and we spent five shillings apeece, and Mr. Fenton thinks that if we had a meeting at Barnsley before Lord Malton comes down that with spending your lordship a ginney or two might spirrit them up again ; for since the Post Office is not got my Lord Malton is not much looked upon amongst them * but they are all riding about and does not leave a stone unturned, for we doe think hear that their hearts failes them, and if due care be taken of Sir Miles men Sir Rowland must loose it. Your lordship and Mr. Wortley has been expected very much in Yorkshire about this election. If Mr. Wortley had known of the meeting at York very likely he wou'd have gon ; if he does not com down our intrest about Sheffield will sink, for Mr. Bomforth is not able to sup- port the charge, and what advice to give your lordship about spending your mony I am not wise enough to judg ; but a little at Barnsley and at Wakefield wou'd look well, and the world wou'd see your lordship did doe great things and stirr about. It is thought Mr. Spencer does not spend his mony freely nor does not take much pains ; and indeed if your lord- ship do joyne with Mr. Wortley they will expect you to joyn your purse with him, for that is the cheif thing our contry gentlemen wants your lordship and Mr. Wortley to bee at the most expence. If your lordship wou'd have me go over to York, or Mr. Traviss, perhaps they will be bringing one in for such and such toAvns in the weapen tacks to take care of the men belonging to those places ; but I will not pretend anything without your lordship's orders &c. Wentworth Castle, May 5, 1734, My Lord, I received your lordship's letter dated the 2nd instant, and a whole sheet of paper pays no more post than half a * This seems, from another paper in the collection, to refer to an unsuccessful attempt by Lord Malton to obtain an official appointment for his brother-in-law, Henry Finch. 504 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. sheet, so I hope to fill this sheet before I have dun writing. Every letter I have from your lordship costs 7 pence. The first thing I shall begin with is — elections. Last Thursday we had a great meeting at Barnsley, the great Mr. Wortley, Mr. Wentworth of Wooley, and some gentlemen from Sheffield and Darfield. Mr. Wentworth sent for me and Mr. Travis and we went all over the town of Barnsley, and I hope we got the better half of the voters. We had a good diner and every one payd their shares and then parted, and to-morrow Mr. Wortley and Mr. Wentworth goes to Sheffield, and layd their commands of Mr. Travis and me to meet them their. So Mr. Travis and I have considerd that he shall go and I stay at home, for its of a Munday and a good excuse for me, it being our sale day in the woods. This time of election will soon bee hear, and I cannot write to your lordship above once or twise before it begin, and shud be glad to have your orders about the tenents and other people that is for your lordship intrest. Abraham Rock he will want a horse, and two more at Barnsley that will want horsis. It will bee of great expence if your lordship was to treat those people yourself and yeet more I doubt if you was to make a purs with Mr. Wortley or Mr. Wentworth. Mr. Travis will go with all your tenents and friends about Wentworth Castle and Barnsley at the time when Mr. Wortley and Mr. Went- worth goes, and that will bee of the 15th instant; and I believe that very day all Wakefield that is for Sir Miles goes. Their is an old man they call Johnson your lordship tenent that lives at Wakefield, he will want a horse to Yorke ; or elce I think they ar all rich enough at Wakefield too bear their oune expencies. Mr. Travis I doubt will want mony, but he is modest and dus not say any thing ; I am afraid his tenent dus but pay him badly. We both -appear for your lordship, and is as sparing and as carefull as we can, and what orders your lordship gives us we shall take care not to exseed. Yesterday after the other partys had heard so many gentle- men had been for Sir Miles, came Sir Rowland Winn and all his crue of people too Barnsley, and a great diner at Tom Hacksworth's, but we had ours at your lordship's inn at LETTER OF GEORGE rilllTS. 505 Roper's ; but wc had a great dale of better gentlemen, but they was more freer of their mony, and spent a great dale more mony then we did ; and I doubt got one or two of our men that had promisd us. Mr. Wortley takes a great dale of paines about this affair, and this day a great many gentle- men is to dine with him at the Lodge. Just now Mr. Went- worth of Wolly cald hear to know how your lordship did, and with his humble servis to your lordship. So he is gon to dine at Mr. Wortley's ; and so goes to Sheffield to morrow to make what intrest they can for Sir Miles ; but I doubt my Lord Malton purs strings opens more easily then theirs will do, and he has sent and been at Sheffield before them, for he dus not spaire his mony, and I think he will bringe in Sir Rowland at last, for it is thought they begin to get men of us now so much for elections. ^ JjC ^ 5P [George Phipps.] Mayd, 1734. My noble Lord, Mr. Wortley is very hott for Sir Miles, and has nott rested one day but Saturday last. On Thursday we went to Barnsley and was mett by Mr, Went worth of Wooley, Mr. Nevile of Chevett, Mr. Beamont of Darton, Mr. Fenton and severall others, and we had great success. Sir Rowland came to Barnsley on Saturday, upon which a great part of the voters left the town. On Friday we went unto Handsworth parish and some adjacent towns. Mr. Bampford attended, Mr. Stacie of Balyfield, Mr. Williams and severall others. This parish joyns Eckington parish where Mr. Griffith lives and pretends great interest there ; but we find ours much superior for Sir Miles. This day we are att Sheffield with Mr. Wentworth and the same gentlemen who dined with Mr. Wortley yesterday ; with a further addition of gentlemen, Mr. Wrightson and others, we shall run them hard ; but nott without hopes of carrying a majority. But where we go next itt will be considered of this night. 506 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. There has been a large subscription att York, and some of the money sent to Mr. Bampford, for a great part of the poorer sort must have horses sent, &c. or they can't go. Mr. Wrightson tells me that an express is just comed in to Mr. Nevill to acquainte him that Sir William Milner has declined the pole at York, so Sir John Kay must be chose with Mr. Tompson. The gentlemen wishes that your lordship's affairs would allow your lordship so much time as to take a step into Yorkshire before the election. 'Tis supposed that either Turner or Winne will give up before the election. But I take this to be only grounded upon Milner's giveing up at York. Lord Malton went to York yesterday to meet gentlemen upon Turner's andWinne's account to settle the time of their men's coming into York. I find by reports in the country that person is affraid of being mobbed ; he has put all his own servants into new liveries, and the old ones he has put upon farmer's sons, so he is double maned. Sheffield mob huzza'd Mr. Jessop out of the town last night, ' Sir Miles for ever and no Excise,' but cou'd nott quiet them [sic) but followed to the end of the town. I am glad to hear Mr. Conolly is choose and that Northampton election went so well. [Lord Bathurst.] May 13, 1734. My Dear Lord, I received the Honour of your Lordship's by the last post, and am much oblig'd to you for the goodness you are pleas'd to express in it to me and my family. I have had enough of Elections for this time, and shall leave Mr. Wode- house to fight his Battle himself; I have secur'd him a retreat here, in case of a defeat. I think he can expect nothing else, for I take it for granted the Norfolk Election must be carried (one way or other) as the great Man wou'd have it. If your Lordship has a leisure hour I shou'd be glad to hear how matters go in the Great world particularly as to LETTER OF REV. DAVID TRAVISS. 507 foreign affairs. I think no more of Elections, only I shou'd be glad to know whether there is any Hopes of getting some of our Country Party return'd among the sixteen. Your Lordship sees the Numbers of our County Election in the News-papers but I must lett you know the reason how Mr. Chester came to be so far before my son. In the first place when we sett out last year he was thought so far behind that we took all the Pains we cou'd to sett him forwards, and afterwards Stephens either out of Policy, or out of Pique to me, threw all the Votes he cou'd upon Mr. Chester, and turn'd severall who had promis'd my son either to vote single for himself, or give their second Votes to Mr. Chester ; besides which we find about 2 or 300 voted single for Mr. Chester upon some mistaken notion or other, but as it happen'd my son had still a Majority of 654 and it wou'd have been made up 700 if we had not clos'd the Poll. I beg pardon for troubling your Lordship with this long account but we are very proud of our Victory, it being to be observ'd that there have not been two Torys sent up out of this County not ever since the Revolution, and only 2 or 3 instances that one has got in. [Rev. David Traviss.] York, May 18, 1734. My Lord, * * * * We have great hopes of Sir Miles's success. Mr. Wortley joining him adds vastly to his intrest. The Poll last night stood thus For Sir Miles Stapylton 4822 Sir Rowland ... ... ••• ••• 45^1 Mr. Turner 4505 Mr. Wortley 3604 I'm Your lordship's most dutifull chaplain. 508 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [RlCHx^^RD WaRDMAN.] York, May i8, 1734. My Lord, We ar now in great hopes of crowning our desire for Sir Miles Stapylton. I shall set down hear underneath this line how the poul stud Fryday night. [see last letter] It is now thought that it is out of all their power to hinder Sir Miles to be the very first man chose for this election, and the next too him we think will bee ether Mr. Turner or Mr. Wortley without they deceive us with some unknown men. My Lord Malton intrest I fancey has not answer'd his expectation, for his number of men has made but a poor show, and indeed his way of making intrest was with im- ploying a parcell of attourneays that loved both mony and wine [more] then serveing him ; and if Sir Rowland Winn loose the poule I may say it will bee a great greefe to both Lord and Lady Malton. They appear hear with two coachess, all their childer and all their servants, all new close, new furnature, and cost a great and rare show. My Lord Downs brought in ... ... 700 men Hazelbee of Rippen brought in ... 1700 men Duncome and some joyned him ... 600 men Lord Strafford and Wentworth Woley {sic) 600 men Lord Strafford and Wortley ... ... 600 men Bamforth near Shefield ... ... ... 200 men I have not time before the post goes to say any more, but those that I have mentioned is all for Sir Miles' intrest, and it is thought, this day being Satterday, that before night it will bee near known who will get the better ; tho' they must bee nice judges to find out the other party seceritts, for they carry every thing so close that we live in fear till such times as it is over. I shall give your lordship a better account by Sunday post ; and I wanted to let your lordship known how LETTERS OF RICHARD WARDMAN. 509 we stud this Satterday at noon, but their harts fales them, we have so many men to be poulcd and they very fue, that they will not cast up their books. York, May 20, 1734. My Lord, I hope this day will put us in great hopes of makeing us shure of Sir Miles being the very first man elected, tho' a great many thinks that he will not, but Sir Miles and Sir John Blan dus not at tall fear it. As yesterday was Sunday I have been riding about Wakefield and all the placess whear I thought I cud do any serviss. Sir Miles voters of Satterday night 6428 Turner ... ... ... ... ... 559^ Winn ... ... ... ... ... 5554 Mr. Wortley 4864 Sir Miles is before them all 830 men, and they do think that Mr. Wortley will out poul Sir Rowland Winn. It is this day at 12 a clock thought that it will bee Sir Miles and Mr. Turner ; but God knows what men they have yeet to come, for just now as I was writeing this letter hear is 800 men coming in for Turner and Winn, which puts a stop to our thoughts Mr. Wortley is very much commended for his behavever, and if it bee possable they will bringe him in, for the Getty of York gives all their vots to Sir Miles and Wortley. York, May 22, 1734. My Lord, Never was such an election as this, for we cannot make an end of it I doubt this day. We have been night and day a riding for voters, and just now we have got the better of them ; and the number of voters stands thus — Sir Miles Stapylton is 7^99 Wortley is 5901 Winn is 7702 Turner is ... ... ... ... ... I^^Tl 510 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. So it sertanly will be Sir Miles and Turner which all the world of our side will bee very well pleas'd. They have just now shut up their Books, but it is sopos'd that the other side will have a screwteney and are very hot upon it, but Mr. Wortley stands to Sir Miles and backs him out bravely ; but what the consequence will bee at last I cannot tell at present, for all the gentlemen that is Sir Mileses friends is desired to stay by him to the last pinch, and indeed every body that is Sir Miles friends has been very active, for it has been the hotest election that ever was in England. Your lordship intrest and Mr. Wortley has spoyl'd my Lord Malton's, that he cud not nor did not bringe in by a great number they expected [sic), which I belive has been a great greefe to my Lord Malton and Lady Malton, and it is said that Sir Rowland Winn Lady freats very much now. My Lord Bruce is in the town, Mr. Duncome, Mr. Heazellbe, Mr. Wentworth of Woley, and twenty mor I do not know, who dus not spare mony nor man nor horse ; as likewise on the other side my Lord Malton has taken as much paines and come every day to the Grand jurey room, but this day he has not com'd, for he fear'd all was over. [Rev. David Traviss.] Barke, May 24, 1734. My Lord, I wo'd have wrote to your lordship from York the last post, cou'd I have given an account so exact as I cou'd have wished for. The Books were clos'd on Tuesday last in the evening, but with much difficulty, and proclamation was made by agreement of the candidates to mete the morning following by 9 o'clock ; which accordingly they did and held their con- ferences til about 6 in the evening. Sir Rowland strenuously insisted upon a scrutiny, and Sir Miles and Mr. Wortley insisted upon 10,000/. bond as a security that Sir Rowland shod defray all expenses that might attend it. Warm disputes arose amongst them, but nothing brought to a final deter- LETTER OF RICHARD WARDMAN. 51 T mination. At last it was unanimously agreed upon that the candidates sho'd meet upon the 30th instant, in order to make a final decision, and proclamation was made accordingly ; and the High Sheriff immediately declar'd that Sir Miles had a majority of voices, as your lordship may perceive by the following account — For Sir Miles 7899 ; Mr. Turner 7877 ; Sir Rowland 7702 ; Mr. Wortley 5901. Mr. Wortley has done singular service to the cause ; and indeed all gentlemen in the interest of their respective candi- dates have excited their best endeavours. Messengers were continually sent into every quarter who brought the halt and the blind in coaches, chairs, and waggons. Mr. Wortley, my Lord, insinuates as if there wo'd be no scrutiny, and that Sir Miles must indisputably be a sitting member, which is the sincere wish of all true patriots and particularly of your lord- ship's most humble chaplain. Sir Miles was the only candidate that was char'd. [Richard Wardman.] Wentworth Castle, May 24, 1734. My Lord, I got home last Wedinsday night, God be thankt, and am alive and my poor mare, I doubt I have allmost kild her ; and two horsiss we borrowed, one of John Crawshaw, one of Tomey Walker, and they have broke both their backs and I doubt will both die. Sir Miles has had the honer of being the very first man chose at this great election, and was carried in the chare about York. He outpouled Mr. Turner 17 men and Sir Rowland 109 men, which is a very great afflection to my Lord Malton, and Sir Rowland wants to have a screwta- ney ; but I hope they will consider better of it and will let it end with nine nifjhts wonder. When their hot blud is coold once they will consider that they will bee in the ronge, or at least will consider that mony will grow cost. My charges will come to about 4 or 5 pounds, and if these 512 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS, two horsiss die, it will make the journey so much dearer. I cannot tell what Mr. Traviss has spent, but he has lost his horse, he was stole I believe out of the stable the first night, and I left him at York in a sad freat. Their was three horsis kild or died one night at York. Mr. Wortley tenents has two horsiss by us that is allmost dead, but this is owing too carelessness. I lent two of your lordship's old horsis, and sent them to grass at Streethousess, whear they was well taken care off, and is no worse at tall. I have found your lordship's letter dated the 14th instant, and you mention that if Sir Miles looses the election you will be rail'd at, and if he caryes it your lordship expects no great thanks ; but I cannot think no such thing, for Sir Miles was pleas'd to see us, both Mr. Travis and me, and I am sure I took as much paines as any man, and rid to Wakefield all night and fetcht up all the old men I cud git ; and indeed so did everybody that was consern'd, and if we had not been so very active as we wear we had lost the day. Mr. Phipps he hopt about and told every body Mr. Wortley woud come in before Sir Rowland ; and I will do him justice that if any body axt what number your lordship sent in, he crackt and lyed well enough, and so did Mr. Travis, so that nobody did know how meney or how fue we had. I cannot say but your lordship will come pretty well of, and if you had joyn'd any of them more mony had gon, and woud not have lookt no better then what your lordship did by sending Travis and me ; and as we have got in Sir Miles their no danger but he will return his thanks to every body at his proper time, and so farewell elections [Rev. David Traviss.] J^ARK'E, June I, 1734. My Lord, On Wednesday last I accompani'd Sir John Bland and Mr. Wentworth of Wolley to York. There was really a very great appearance of Gentlemen in the interest of Sir Miles Stapylton. The day following the Sheriffe publickly LETTER OF GEORGE PIIIPPS. 513 declar'd the adjournment unnecessary, and that it was occa- sion'd by bad advice, but had since obtain'd the best counsel, and that he thought himself oblig'd in honour as well as duty to return Sir Miles Stapylton and Mr. Turner, Upon which declaration Sir Rowland Winn immcdiatly and indeed very abruptly left the court. Mr. Turner did not appear. Sir Miles's success is certainly to be attributed to Mr. Wortley as acting in conjunction with him. Mr. Wortley is vastly carest by the gentlemen. My Lord Malton has been impos'd upon by his agents ; his lordship was made to believe that he wo'd have 1 500 voters, but the number did not answer the calculation. His lordship had only about 400. [George Phipps.] June II, 1734. My noble Lord, * * * * Mr. Wortley went from York to Newcastle, and he is not returned, but I expect him in a week or less. Sir Miles was att Leeds Races, and was upon a scaffold, and gentlemen crowding upon itt the scaffold shott an end, but going gradually down no person was hurt except two men that was below. Lord Malton went to Malton, and his Lady, on Friday after the poll ended ; and returned on Thursday morning, when the Sheriff declared Sir Miles and Turner. I think Lord M gott home the ist inst., or night before; but I think Lady M never stoped in York in their way from Malton, or att least if she did she never appeared, that I cou'd see ; as I wrote before, Lord Malton was in town but never appear'd att the windows as usuall in the great room att the George Inn. If Rowland and Turner had carried their point there was to have been fine balls, and venison to be sent from Woodhouse ; and then have tooke a tour to Scarborough. There was one or two of their creatures had patched up little equipages for that purpose, but we spoiled their dancing, &c. and at last Sir Ro or Lord M , or both are to pay the piper without dancing, for as I am told, 2 L 514 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. and I am satisfied 'tis so, they agreed to pay Mr. Turner all the expence he sho'd be att if in case Turner woud joyn Sir Ro . I take that to be the cheife motive of Turner joyning Sir Rowland. Lord M , I am told for certain by his workman that as soon as he gott home turned of all his workmen except Marke Smith, and a few of other sorts of workmen who are finishing the bargains. We have a neighbour's daughter, who Lady Ma turned away last Thursday; the girl says that an- other servant informed Lady Ma that shee joyned in the cry att York (a Stapleton for ever), and the girl said when she went out of the house she said to one of the servants, now she would cry ' Stapleton for ever.' The girl sayes that Lady Ma bought a fine suite of clothes, but, loosing the election, the close was never unpacked and her ladyship's Scarbrough jorney was put off. The girl sayes that for some time past her ladyship has pleased herselfe with the thoughts of a petition being lodged next Sessions ; but such a thing wou'd make Lord Ma more rediculous and hated then he is. The girl I spoke of was att Malton with Lady M , and what vexed her ladyship very much was, the mobb all the road to Malton and those voters which had been att York aff'ronted them all the way " Down with the Rump, no bull beefe, a Stapleton and Wortley for ever." Tis said that Mr. Westby of Ranfield left Lord Malton att York upon some words ; Lord M was so ill vexed that he stuck att nothing, so Mr. Westby did nott altogether like his going on, upon which spoke his opinion which Lord M did not like, so parted in a civil way as 'tis said. Mr. Grifiith has complained against the housekeeper and the steward at Woodhouse for not treating the freeholds as they shoud have done ; so they both are in disgrace. They say Lord Malton is very much out of temper and sower. Sir William Rooke is gone madd upon this election ; Mr. Witton is very much disordered ; one Doctor Lee of Divinity of Hallifax is dis- ordered ; and Coll. Folley behaves himselfe very oddly. They are like people just awaked from a dream, they can scarce beleive the election is lost, they made themselves so LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 515 sure of itt. Lord Malton is very much vexed att bonefires which are made att every little town round about ; never such bonefires and rejoyceing I never see upon any occasion, and people gives money to drink. 'Tis reported Turner is dead, but I can't affirm itt ; but, if so, Mr. Wortley will out poll Sir Rowland 1000 men, [Peter Wentworth.] Kensington, July 30, 1734. Dear Brother, Of late I am much pleased with my son George's letters,* and they please the Duke [of Cumberland] who shows them the King and Queen, and he has desired me to let him see every letter he sends me from the army. The Queen told me she believed now my son wou'd do well, and did not think me in the wrong to have forgiven him so soon. In his letter to his brother he's a little too free in his censures upon the Germains at Berlin ; when I gave them Mr. Pointz to read I left it to his descretion whether he would show it to the Duke, he told me he had read it to them, for he knew 'twou'd only make them laugh, and he had cause for his resentment for his ill reception at Berlin, and hoped Lord Strafford wou'd write letters of thanks to Count Dagentfelt and Prince Maximilian, which wou'd have a good effect for George. The same thing General Diemar said to me when I desired he wou'd convey my letter to Prince Max, which he accepted readily and said in his letter he wou'd add some words in my son's favour. He knew you was acquainted with Prince M at the Hague, he said ensign's pay was but smal in Germany, and we shou'd allow him something. I said I believed and hoped you wou'd allow him twenty pound a year, for you talk'd of doing of it when at Berlin. He said that wou'd do well, and the young man deserved encourage- ment, I never fail of taking all opportunities of speaking * George Wentworth, born about 1702, was a god-son of the Duke of Ormonde. He was at this time encamped on the Rhine with one of the German armies. In 1738 we hear of him fighting the Turks on the Danube. 2 1.2 5l6 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. well of your good intentions for me and my family, and when people talk Lord Strafford shou'd do so and so for you, my answer is, everybody knows best his own affairs and what good you'll do us, you must take your own time for't. I am sattisfied you love us, and really wish us well Kensington, August 20, 1734. Dear Brother, 5fC jp SJC ?fC A gentleman told me t'other day that Mr. Delafay was dieing. I knew he had some good places in Ireland and I had my eye upon them, but knew not the names of them ; knew they were sine cures, for he has always lived in England at the Secretary's Office. I was told one of his places was house keeper of Dublin Castle for life, which he had sold lately for three thousand pounds, another called the King's wine taster of Ireland, worth three hundred a year, which I designed to ask of the Queen for the joke sake, for the gentleman told me he had got a grant of the reversion for his son, a young fellow of twenty. I believe Sir R. W will sooner lett me have some employment in Ireland then here, if I can have timely notice of some place of three or four hundred a year. I have write to Mr, Conoly to desire he'll order some of his people to look out sharp for me, and give me timely information. I dined yesterday with one Major Farrer a Yorkshire man who was braging how many voters he had brought in for the court, and railed much at his late Coll. Lord Stairs, who had put him by of his right of being major three times ; but was full of his praises and encomiums of Lord Malton, to whom he owed his now being major, for as he ask't nothing for himself he cou'd serve a friend, and he was of so generous a temper that he took a pride in doing so. To his praises of my Lord Malton I heartily join'd with him, for his kindness to George, but as to his invectives against Lord Stairs I was silent, tho' 'tis the fashion now at court to rail at him. He told me all the Whigs had taken a resolution not to appear at York races ; I said we Whigs were generally reckon wise men, and was LETTERS OF LORD WENTWORTH. 517 sorry they shou'd take up such a silly resolution to hinder their own devertion for the sake of any party, and beside I thought we ought to go among the Torys, for by our good sound arguments we might bring some over to our side. I had received a letter out of Yorkshire that informed me that the Whigs were come to their sences and ashamed of their reso- lution of staying away from York, and droping in a pace which made it a great and numerous assembly ; which he seemed not to believe Kensington, September io, 1734. Dear Brother, Since I received the enclosed letter I send you from George, Mr. Carew arrived here, and I have been several times in his company, and he give me the pleasure to assure me that George is really become a sober diligent young fellow, and sticks close to P. Max. where ever he goes, and keeps the colours vacant for him, but does not give him the commission, because he wou'd still keep him near his person ; as soon as he has it the rest of the officers will be calling out for his doing duty in his post ; and he says in six months he dares swear the P. Max. will give a company when he'll under stand the language better, but says your letter is much expected both to him and Prince Eugene to revite {sic) them in their good intention to dear G ; and I have been told by him and several considerable Germains here that letters of recommendations from great men in England is of more service with Germain Generals then a purse of gold, there- fore I once more intreat to write to Prince Eugene and Max., and I have and will tell every body 'tis by my desire you do not yet give him any more then you have given him, till we see further proofs of his good behaviour. [Lord Wentworth.] London, April 15, 1735. Dear Papa, I wish it was in my power to write again with my silver pen since you like it, but I gave it yesterday to Mr. 5l8 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Godfrey to have my arms ingraved on it. He ask'd me for my arms and coronet i8 pence, but for my supporters he asked me three shillings and sixpence, so you may be sure I would have only my arms for I think quite extravagent to have any thing else ; I am overjoy'd, for the queen has just , sent to invite me to the Duke's ball. I am to go at half an hour after six and I am to be dress'd in all my best, and Mr. Morin is sent for to do up my hair, and so I am to go to the Drawing room this morning and to wait of the Duke. I am to dine at Mr. Scawens to day .... My mamma and sisters goes to night to Mr. Leveridge's benefit, I was to have gone had not the Duke sent. Mr. Scawen got them her, for he makes great interest for him, the play is the Royal merchand or the beggers bush with a vast deal of danceing and Mr. Glover and Madameselle Salle London, May 27, 1735. Dear Papa, .... We are all to dine at the dowager Lady Bur- lington's to-day, I fancy there will be a great feast. My Lady Svvasso [.''] is dead, she diy'd in a convulsion fit as she was at dinner with a great deal of company, it was in the news yesterday. We dined yesterdaye at Lady Francis Williams, my mama and I ; the company was Lady Coningsby, Lady Francis Williams, my mama, fat Lord Hinton, tall Mr. Selwin, and Mr. Williams and L We had a very good dinner, for we had at the first course three macerell, then after that we had beans and bacon and boyl'd chikens, and then we had four little plates pidgeons one rabbits {sic), in an other goosberry tart and sparrow grase and no desart.* I think I have told you all the news I know, so I will tire you no longer with stupid letter. * On April 17, Lord Wentworth wrote that he had dined with his sister Lady Anne Conolly, and, he adds : — " We had an extream good dinner, for we had for the first course a soop and a pig, and for a second course a green goose and a veal popeats Artichoks and charr {sic). " LETTER OF LORD BATHURST. 519 [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, /««^ 3, 1735. * * * * I was at Kingsington a Sunday, there was a good deal of company, and the Queen very civill, I hired a mare and Lucy and I went in your machine chariote. Lady Anne carred Lady Gallway and Mrs. Candish in her coach, but we went and cam togethere. Lord Bathurst cam here the othere morning and told me I might know the viset was to my self, for he knew you was out of town. He cam between one and two and stay'd till past three. He has a most extrordinary fancy for a conveyance at Cirencester that outdoes your con- trivances, but I am sure I wou'd not goe in it ; he designs to buy the bottom of an old barge that holds twelve people, and to put it upon the carredg of a waggon, and so to have it drawn about with six horses, and a table in the middle. I find he sees Lady Suffolk often . [Lord Bathurst.] Cirencester, August 11, 1735. My Dear Lord, Your Lordship's letter follow'd me down here, and I had the Pleasure of receiving it the day after I arriv'd. I cannot easily tell you the great satisfaction it gave me, to find my self in your thoughts, to find that you and all your family are now in good health, and as appear'd by your letter full of spirits and chearfull ; I receiv'd only one mortification from it, that I can have no hopes this year of enjoying your good company in that agreable place. As I am but just got hither your Lordship may easily imagine that I have a great many things to doe,, the summer will be over before I have lookt round me. I unfortunately engag'd in an affair of selling one Estate and buying another just as the Parliament rose, imagining I might have finish'd all the matter in 3 520 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. weeks time ; one delay upon the back of another kept me in town till the latter end of the last week. Your Lordship who is a lover of the Country may judge of the mortification it was to me to be kept so long away from a Place I am fond off, and confin'd to a Place I dislike extreamly at this time of year. My health has sufferr'd by it, and I own my self at present many years older than your Lordship, for I am sure by your last letter that you are quite in health and Vigour. Your Lordship need not recommend to me the laying aside all Political thoughts. I was sufficiently tir'd with the wild schemes and Conjectures of the Politians I us'd to meet in the Park I shall scarce look into a news paper for these next two months. I am already laying designs for the next season's planting and that will take up all my thoughts till I am oblig'd to come to town again. I make use of that expression for I really look upon it as an obligation for every person who has a seat in Parliament to attend during the Session, at least whilst there is any hopes that a Vote may be of use ; I am not yet convinc'd but it may be of Use, and even in the next Session of Parliament. We still enjoy more liberty than some other Countries. I have read in an account of Persia that when the Eunuchs govern'd there as sole Ministers they made the Sophy publish an Edict to forbid the people from making Capons, the privilege of being reserv'd for themselves, and too great an Honour to be com- municated to Brutes ; now we have still the liberty of cutting our Fowls, and I believe under the present gentle administra- tion might be admitted to ourselves; a benefit I ought in Prudence to have taken hold off some years ago, that I might not have got more Children than I am now able to maintain, considering the just and necessary taxes we are all oblig'd to pay to support the Exegencies of the Government who have labour'd under a long and fruitless Peace. But, my Dear Lord, if I can get rid of a cruel Head-ach which has persecuted me this last week, I shall trouble my self about nothing, but receive the joy of hearing of my Friends when they are absent, and keeping my self in hopes of seeing them in Health and Spirits next winter. Your LETTER OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 52 1 Lordship may be assur'd you are always uppermost in my thoughts, being sincerely with the utmost regard and Esteem, &c. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] [Bruton?] February 14, 1736. My Lord, After a thousand acknowledgments for your unwearyed goodness, give me leave to say I am unjustly complained of, for with what face can I without absolute necessity trouble my nearest friends with letters from such a place as you know this is. Tho' I never stir, it is a pleasure to hear of your motions, because I believe they preserve your health. My Lady Westmerland I have known ever since I was her neigh- bour in Dover street and remember dining with her in your Lordship's green house at Twitnam ; but My Lady Kildare is a much longer acquaintance, your Lordship very justly remarks her great politeness and entertaining conversation, but perhaps you do not know that it is never at the cost of any body she lives with at all civilly ; in this she is strict to a scruple. My Lord Poulet I visit once in a summer, I doe not hear he stirs in matters of election. He is constantly kind to me ; his son I know but little. I may truly say a day seldom passes without my remembring your kind visit here, in a humour that left me noe room for wishes, unless it were for lengthening that happyness. I have sent for the pamph- let that is soe much in vogue, tho I read but few, unless well recommended as this is. I don't know how 'tis in other places, but where I am concerned noe tenants pay, and we must live upon air, tho' moist and unpleasant with the con- tinual rains. The entertaining letter I have now before me cures all present uneasynesses and I am with the greatest truth &c. B. 522 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. [Lady Strafford.] Tusday^ 4 o'clock [May, 1736]. We are my Dearest just com from Court where there was. realy a great deal of finery. The Princess is neithere hand- som nor ugly, tall nor short, but has a lively pritty countenance enough. The D. of Grafton told me we ware to meet in the Great Drawing room at six, and the Peers and Peeress's to eithere goe down into the Chaple after the Queen, or to sitt during the Cerrimony above in the King's closset (which he said as a friend he thought wou'd be the best place). Then we are to see them supp and then see them abed ; and to- morrow at twelve o'clock we are to goe to be presented in the Princess's room, and at night is a ball.* [Lord Bathurst.] June 27, 1736. My Dear Lord, I wou'd not have troubled you with a letter singly to have made my Compliments to you and return'd you my thanks for the Honour you have done me, but I am really in pain till I hear how you got to the Bath, and what alteration you find in your health there. Your Lordship had a terrible day for the journey, but I think the thunder and Rain have cool'd the Air a little, which will make the Place you are in more supportable, and the Waters more Beneficiall. If you stay a fortnight, I can't help coming over to look at you for one day, in hopes of prevailing with you to give me one day at least upon the return, and one day when you are in health will be better than a week whilst you are in disorder, nay I will fairly own to you, in your last visit you gave more pain than pleasure to your obedient and faithfull servant. I beg my compliments to Lady Strafford and Lord Went- worth. * This was the occasion of the marriage of Frederick, Prince of Wales, to the Princess Augusta of Saxe Gotha. LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 523 Cirencester, July 17, 1736. My Dear Lord, I hope this will overtake you and find you safely arriv'd at Wentworth Castle. I don't think any Air is so good as that where a Man of taste has lay'd out his works himself ; there is certainly more pleasure in riding about woods which have been cutt and modell'd by one's own contrivance and fancy, and thro' Avenues of one's own planting than in any others what soever, and as pleasure tends to health I think your Lordship is more likely to find benefit by that than by all Dr. Cheney's prescriptions. However I please my self with this reflexion, I shou'd be glad to have it certi- fied under your own hand, or under Lord Wentworth's, who without any disparagement to you certainly writes a better : Indeed he writes too well for a Man of Quality, but I comfort my self that when he comes into the world and has been an Ambassadour and Plenipotentiary abroad, or a Secretary of State at home, the delicacy of his hand-writing will go off ; till then I am asham'd to write to him, for mine is good for nothing and yet I have never had any business to spoil it. I can assure you my Lord I shall go on with much more satisfaction with my plain works now since they have had some share of your approbation, and if you wou'd be so good as to come and see them once every year you wou'd spurr me on to do something handsome. The truth of it is I have undertaken too large a design for my pocket and I must leave to a son or a Grand-son to finish. I can imagine what it will be 50 or 60 year hence and the force of my imagination must supply the weakness of my purse. Your Lordship has the Pleasure of seeing things almost in perfection in your own time, a noble building and plantations well grown about it, but the most agreable sight you can see there is that fine youth who is one time or other to succeed you in it. Without any compliment I like him better the more I see of him and I really think he promises every thing that can be desir'd. My best wishes will allways attend your Lordship and him, but I must not conclude without making my compli- 524 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. ments to my Lady Strafford, and my wife tells me we ought to make many excuses for the ill entertainment we gave her here, but I tell her that neither My Lady nor your Lordship came here to be entertain'd within doors, and it was the fault of the weather and your Lordship's indisposition which hinder'd me from entertaining you better without ; however without making excuses I trust to your Lordship's goodness to excuse all faults and omissions in one who is so sincerely &c. [Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.] July 29, 1736. My Lord, You know how to do the most obliging thing in the most obliging manner ;* in telling me that I have given you pleasure, you do not only take from me the shame of being troublesome, but have found a way to make me pleas'd with my selfe, since I never can employ [myself i*] more to my own satisfaction than in showing your Lordship that I am with the utmost gratitude and esteem my Lord, Your Lordship's Most obedient humble servant, M. W. MONTAGU. [Lord Bathurst.] Cirencester, September (>, 1736. If I calculate right My Dear Lord you must have been now about a week at Wentworth Castle, and before this letter comes to your hands you will have had a fortnight's rest there, and triall of the Effect the Scarborough Waters have had upon you. Now I beg of your Lordship most earnestly that in a post or two after you receive this, you will order a serv^ant to write me in two or three lines an exact account of the state * Lord Strafford had been asked by the writer to interest himself on behalf of some poor petitioner named Elizabeth White. LETTERS OF LORD BATHURST. 525 of your health, and then afterwards at you own leasure you will send me an answer to this. I am in great hopes those waters, the bathing in the sea, and the Exercise may have totally re-establish'd your health. I think all the three have an equal chance to be of service in your case ; but if these Rheumatick complaints and want of sleep shou'd still remain I hope your Lordship will resolve to go to London for advise without delay. I am persuaded Dr. Burton wou'd cure you. It is plain that your Lordship's disorder is from the Blood and Juices, that is to be rectified by proper Medicines. Your Lordship ought not to be reckon'd above 50 year old. I seriously think you are as young as I am, considering the difference of Natural Strength ; and if I had the same complaints as you have, I shou'd make no doubt of getting rid of them by a Course of Medicine under Dr. Burton's care in 6 weeks time ; I name that period, because I have heard him and other Phisitians say that in such a space they can entirely change the habit of the Body in respect to the Blood and Juices. I hope you will be in a condition to laugh at all this advice which I have the impertinence to send you. I shall be exceedingly glad to find that, but if it shou'd prove otherwise (which God forbid) I then most earnestly beg of you to follow it without delay, for delay may so totally alter the habit of your Body that it may be incurable. I know you hate Phisick and Phisitians and love Quacks, but I shou'd think that you have sufferr'd enough by them to grow wiser for the future ; I am satisfied that Ward poison'd you, and if the effects of it are not yet quite recouver'd it is high time to con- sult with those who can remove them. I am very serious upon this affair and therefore write with that freedom which becomes a friend, a Relation, and an humble servant, upon a serious occasion. It is a rainy day and therefore my thoughts are more gloomy, and I shall remain under apprehensions of your indisposition's hanging upon you till I am assur'd of the contrary. It is a very sickly time all about us, but my family continue well at present. I go on with my works and have great 526 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. satisfaction in hoping to see your Lordship here next year and show you quite a new scene about the House. I have cut throw one of the Hills and lett in a View up one of the Diagonals which terminates upon a little building which I have erected ; next summer I shall build another to answer the other Diagonal and cut thro' that Hill, and by removing part of the Hill before the House in the straight line I shall have a View of the Park which I propose to sett off a little with some proper Ornaments. All this levelling work will not amount to above 50 or 60/. and the situation of the House will appear as good again as it does at present. I have brought a considerable quantity of stone and lay'd it round that stand in the great Centre of my wood, that when some unskillfull person sees it, he may be convinc'd that wooden machine was not erected with a design to remain, but only for a trial to see what height and size wou'd be proper for the stone-building ; having done this I may lett my stone lie there as long as Lord Bristol has left his for the building of his House. I waited upon My Lord Chancellour [Talbot] a little time ago who has a pretty place about 12 miles off, but a sad House, and finds himself oblig'd to build. He has not begun yet, he has very good stone near him but he is so surrounded with Common fields that I think he cant possibly make a great thing of it, but it may be made a pretty thing. The Park may be made like yours at Boughton and he has a pretty river runs by one side of it. It is just such a kind of place which I beleive your Lordship will agree with me can't possibly make a noble seat, like Wentworth Castle, Castle Howard, &c. My Lord Chancellour is very fond of sports, and he has a fine Country about him for that purpose. Having nothing more to send your Lordship from hence I shall only beg leave to make my Compliments to Lady Strafford the young Ladies and Lord Wentworth, and I beg your Lordship to tell him that if he likes hunting he must come here to see it in perfection ; you have nothing like it in Yorkshire except upon the Wolds, which is too far from you. I'm sure I coud entertain him here in the hunting- season to his satisfaction. LETTERS OF LORD BATIIURST. 52/ Adieu My Dear Lord and be assur'd that I am with the Utmost sincerity respect and affection &c. {Received October i8, 1736.] My Dear Lord, I have omitted for some time to return your Lordship my thanks for your last obliging letter, having had company in the House with me and a good deal of business besides. It gave me great satisfaction to find that your Lordship was so far recouver'd ; but I tremble to think of the strange way of managing yourself, to bath in the sea contrary to the advise of your Phisitian, and when your blood was so much disorder'd that you found you wanted a fire when other people complain'd of heat ; to travell about afterwards with a violent looseness upon you, to stop that all at once without any pre- caution ; a thing which has kill'd a hundred men, and you come off with a fitt of the Gout for 24 hours. Indeed My Lord you have too good a Constitution to be thrown away at this rate. You want nothing but to rectifie your Blood after having been poison'd by Ward's Arsenick, and you have at least 10 years to come of youth and Vigour. Now what I wou'd beg of your Lordship is this ; to leave the Country and come up to town, unless you find you are perfectly recouver'd, and then to put your self into the hands of Dr. Burton, who is both an understanding man and an honest man ; I dare answer for it that he wou'd sett you up in as good order as you ever were in your life, and then for God's sake resolve never to meddle with Quacks again as long as you live. I hope your Lordship will forgive me for pretending to give you advise, I wou'd not be so bold upon any other occasion ; if I err, it is in thinking your health of greater consequence than you doe your self, and as I really think I have a great concern in it, as well as every body else must have who has the honour to know you, I can't forgive you for managing it so ill. I wish I cou'd have the pleasure of waiting on you at Wentworth Castle but I can't at present stirr from hence and 528 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. if I shou'd be oblig'd to go to my own afifairs in those parts it will be towards Christmas by which time your Lordship will certainly be remov'd to London. I am determin'd how- ever to pay my respects to you there next year if I am able ; I think of making my tour as soon as the Parliament is up, and I don't see anything likely to happen which shou'd occasion a long sessions. My wife desires to be joyn'd with me in making our Com- pliments to my Lady Strafford Lord Wentworth and the young Ladies and I will trouble your Lordship no further but to beg leave to assure you that I am with the utmost sincerity and respect, Your Lordship's most faithfuU and obedient servant BATHURST.* [Lady Lucy Wentworth.] LoiON, January 8, 1737. Dear Papa, .... My mama has been so good to give me leave to goe to the Opera to night with Lady Anne. 'Tis to be a new one call'd Meropy, but the foolish Buffo's are to be left out which I am very glad of, but am sorry they are to have five hundred pound a piece for acting that silly stuf two nights, if one may beleive Mr. Hamilton. The Opera is to be heard but once for he says 'tis the worst that ever was composed. Lady Anne was last wensday at Mr. Hendle's house and she likes the new man much better then Conte' * As this is the last letter from Lord Bathurst in the collection, we append to it a few remarks upon him by his brother Benjamin, addressed to Lord Strafford on July 26, 1738 : — " The account you send me of my brother does not in the least surprize me, he has more than once in my opinion quitted his best friends for those I think very indifferent. He fly's about in life as in his journys, still persueing something new, without taking the least delight in any thing he once has known. My lord Bullingbrook himself would long since have been discarded for a Cornbury or a Lyttleton, did he not become new to him by his frequent trips into France and his changes in politics." LETTER OF LORD BERKELEY OF STRATTON. 529 who she does not at all aprove of. We were very sorry the Queen wou'd not keep Twelf night, I believe nobody regreted more then I, except the Groom Porter, who I hear is much disturb'd about it, tho to comfort us both her majesty says when the King comes she'll make a Twelf night, which I don't credit much. We were at court last night, and Miss Chambers was the finest body, but I can't say the handsomest. Lord Tulimoor seem'd to have a mind for her, but Mr. Gren- vill soon came and displaced him The most unhappy body I know is Miss Clavering who was married yesterday to my Lord Donkelan, for I never heard any man have so bad a caracter ; he has lately almost kill'd his servant, they don't think he can live. I had a letter yesterday from Lady Anne Wentworth, but she said Yorkshire was just as we left it, and no news stiring but Miss Fuljamb's wedding, which she gave me no other particulars but that Mr. Ebetson had given her a fine watch set with diamonds. I hope, Dear Papa, you wont take it ill that I writ so much (considering how dull it is) for nothing woud make me more unhappy, since the whole study of my life will be in every respect how to please your Lordship and to prove how sincerely I am as I ought to be Dear Papa Your most affectionate and most dutiful! daughter L. WENTW^ORTH. Lady Hariot beggs her duty to your Lordship. [Lord Berkeley of Stratton.] January 12, 1737. Give me leave My Lord a little to unburden my heart and reproach you for coming soe near without letting me know it. If you did not care to see me, I commend your prudence, for I would certainly have gone to the Bath, at least for one night, as I did since to see an acquaintance. This mortifi- cation was succeeded by another, when I heard you were not well, but I hope it was a false report, or that \-ou are well 2 M 530 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. recovered, since your assembly is in the prints. One line will dispell my black vapours. You are a long time without the sun shine of his Mat'''. One would think some witch raised these cross winds, as K. James the first thought when kept in Denmark and hanged severall after his returne to Scotland, One side of paper is enough from this retired corner. May you long live happy and kind to your most obedient servant. [Lady Lucy Wentworth.] London, January i8, 1737. Dear Papa, I fear this will prove a very short Epistle there being nothing now to be heard of but the King, which no body knows so much of as your self, your civilitys was not at all lost for 'tis every body's conversation how much oblidged his majesty was to you, and he look'd with quite a pleased face on the whole family, which did not allways happen. There's vast crowds every day to be presented, and every body at court looks happy. Last Sunday there was a vast deal of musick at Church, too much I think, for I doubt it spoilt everybody's devotion, for there was drums and Trumpits as loud as an Oritoria. I wish the news may be true about Lady Russel's mony that is found. I own I think if there's as much found as will pay her debts her relations has done very ill by her, not to be more carefull in searching before they let her memory be so expos'd. Lord Persival is to be married soon ; she's to have twenty Thousand pound, and Lord Egmont is to alow 'em in present 1500/. a year and their house in Pell-mell. 'Tis now said there'll certainly be a night at Court for play and a ball as of Twelf day. I was very sorry to see the wether so bad as 'twas yesterday for it must make the country very unpleasant but to day is charming fine, we have not walk'd once I think since you went. I wonder you dont name Mr. Tyrell for I fancy'd he'd be a sure viseter for you oftener perhaps then you coud wish. They have begun to act the Buffo's again ancj J believe will perform before his majesty to LETTERS OF LADY LUCY WENTWORTH. 53 1 night for the first time, for he was not at the Opera a saterday as most people thought he wou'd to show he was safely arived. Tho 'tis with great pleasure I write Yet I wish to doc it no more haveing hopes that before my Dear Papa can recieve a nother of my letters I may in person assure him, I am, with great sincerity his most Affectionct and most Dutifull Daughter L. WENTWORTH. London, January 29, 1737. Most people when they write wish their letter to be reciev'd, but I differ from them now for I hope my Dear Papa wont get this, but will have left Freestone before this arives there, Mr. Conolly was here this morning and desired his duty to you and wishes your hops may prosper, but is sorry you had not Taffy to assist you. As Lord Vane has taken so much pains to get my Lady and as 'tis in so perticular a way I thought you woud not dislike to see the Advertisment so I've sent it, as I knew you have it not in any of your news- papers. I never thought I shoud have vanity enough to Emagen I cou'd Rivel my Dear Papa in any thing, but I realy think I stand a fare chance for it now in Lady Kildare's favour for she invited me to spend the evening with her last Saterday which I did, and at parting our Compliments were so long that my Cousine Hanbur)- (who was to carry me home) thought she shoud have dyed with laughing, or rather the fears of staying there all night. Lady Pen Cholmondly is come to town but where s'he is I cant tell. S'' Tho. Franklin's Daughter's match is quite at an end upon some 111 behaviour of Mr. Boucher's. Lady Andover is come to town and the greatest beauty that has been seen a great while ; they are to live on v/ith Lord Barkshire. Lord Tankervill has now a great mind to be friends with my Lady and says if she'll live with him again he'll give her a new suit of Close — but I fancy she wont sell her quiet at so cheap a rate. I had a letter from Mrs. Ebetson who says her father is a most 2 M 2 532 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. dismal widower, I am not at all surprised at it (for I allways thought him a most dismal stupid man). Lady Anne desires her duty to your Lordship and thanks you vastly for the hare which was a very fine one ; Lady Hariot also desires her duty and I hope Dear Papa will doe me the Justice to believe I am with the utmost trueth his Most Afifectionet and most Dutifull Daughter. [Peter Wentworth.] Kensington, Novembe?- 2,0, 1737. Dear Brother, The Queen being so often reported dead when she was alive, made me desire you wou'd not believe her dead till you heard it from me, which I sincerely wish't I might never live to tell you, for she was wanted in this world, I am not ; but so is my hard fate, that I am obliged to tell you that the best of Queens died Sunday night between ten and 11. The King talk't of going next day to this place, but P. Emelia and Caroline being so ill as to keep their beds, Sir R. W and the Duke of Graffton perswaded him to keep at St. James'. The Lord Chamberlain has order'd all the servants that are in waiting shall do their duty every day from 12 at noon till nine at night ; they are allow'd out of that space of time 3 hours for dinner, this to be continued till she's bury'd .... Kensington, December i, 1737. Dear Brother, T* T* *(* 'K The Queen made no will that I believe, saying all she had was from the King, so she wou'd leave it all to him. They say there was more policy in this then love, for the world will never know what she dyed worth. After she was speechless a little while before she dyed she pulled off her rings and put them into the King's hands. There was a chattering lady condemned that, but I see nothing worthy of LETTERS OF PETER WENTWORTH. 533 censure. They told me one story which I can't vouch for truth, but I think very probable, and it shows the Queen's spirits to the last. She say to Ranby that was come to make an incission in her side " before you begin let me have a full veiw of your comical face," and whilst he was cuting her she said " what wou'd you give now that you was cuting your wife "; Ranby, upon some jealousy, is seeking not only for a separation, but a divorse. They tell you several letters was writ by the Prince for admittance to see the Queen, but nobody dared to give the King the letters ; at last they prevail with the Duke of C , the King bid him tell them that gave the letter they shou'd have an answer in an hour's time which was ('twas not then convenient) very laconick, and as often as they sent after, that was the continual answer, so the Prince has not seen her. London, Decefnber lo, 1737. .... I think 'twas bravely said of the King when they gave him an account of 12 or 13000 a year pensions the Queen gave in charity, which he knew nothing of, he said, besides paying all her servants, that charity shou'd be paid, for he wou'd have nobody feel her loss but himself* * In many short letters written in 1738 Peter complains much of ill- ness ; and in that of November 18, probably his last to his brother, Peter concludes : — " I can't imagine who puts it into your head that I fall out with people, there are people that have unaccountably fallen out with me, but I will fall out with nobody, nor is it fit I shou'd, for I am falling soon off this terestable Glob {sic) ; but 1 will mentain the post assigned me according to Sir R. Steel's Christian Hero, maugre the spite and malice of the world, and however you will be to me I assure you I am," &c. On January 13, 1739, Lady Strafford, after writing that she will be going to Court as soon as her brother, meaning Peter, is buried, continues in a later part of the letter : — '• My nephew [William] has just been here ; I realy pitty him, but cant in the least wonder at his not going to the mews, when he gave me his reasons, for I fear his fathere's affairs are in a very bad way, and he is adviced by his friends not to goe into the house, and also to make a vollentary declaration in Docter's Common's that he will have nothing to doe with any of his late fathere's effects .... He had order'd the funerale to be just the same as his mothere's and he is to be bury'd to-morrow night. He sayd to besure he had a naturale 534 the wentworth papers. [Lady Lucy Wentworth.] London, December 2g, '^737- Tho 'tis alhvays a sincere pleasure to me to write to my Dear Papa yet I own when I consider'd I had nothing in the world to say it mortified me extreemly till I reflected I was to dine at Lady Kay's and then I thought if I stay'd till I came home, I cou'd not fail of preducing some news, but I find I have stay'd for little purpose. We had a very gentle pritty dinner, and her gentleman very well dress'd ; she was very sorry you was not of the party. She told us of Lady Kenoul's good luck ; somebody spoke in her favour to the Queen just before she dyed, but the goodness she intended her was by her majesty's death prevented, but now it has been told the King, he said he was sencible by not knowing Lord Oxford much he had not behaved to him so well as he deserv'd, but he hoped to make him some amends by emediatly ordering Lady Kenoul a pension of 600/. a year, and to be paid her and my lord to have nothing to doe with it.* She's coming up to town to return the King her thanks. 'Tis thought their won't be any settled drawing rooms till the twelf day and new years day is over, because the King chooses to avoid seeing so much company as are alhvays at court on those days. Lord Vane keeps a Lady in the country, so he's now easy without my Lady, but she's comeing to town from the Bath, and says she's sure she can behave in a manner that will make her be esteem'd as well as ever. Poor Lady Kay has got all her trumperys together to be ready to wait on the Prince and Princess a sunday, but I fancy, tho' she'll spare no pains, she'll hardly rival Lady Archibald. If this frosty weather continues I conclude you'll make your visets on foot to Lady Anne Hervy, but I doubt she'll never return feeling for the loss of a fathere, but own'd he lived in such dayly agony of somthing even worse then death befalling him .... 'twas a mercy it pleased God to take him." * The Earl of Kinnoull married, in 1709, Abigail, youngest daughter of Robert Harley, afterwards Lord Treasurer and Earl of Oxford. LETTERS OF LADY LUCY WENTWORTH. 535 them in the same manner to you. Lady Helena Perceval is to spend the evening with us and is here allready, but I hope my Dear Papa will doe me the justice to believe no bodys company can give me half the pleasure that I feal when I can asure him how much I am with the greatest regard his Lordships most affectionet and most dutifull daughter. London, /rt««flry 3, 1738. Dear Papa, We had the satisfaction last night of hearing your Lordship was got safe to Freeston, which place I fear now you'll find very cold, for the weather is so changed for the worst that one hears nothing but whisling winds and beating rains which is a more disagreable sound in the country then in London, tho' bad enough in both. I have with pleasure starved myself these two mornings in window in hopes to send your lordship some news about the Prince and Princess; a Sunday they went to St. James's Church, and was far from makeing the congragation wait for they was there before the cushens and books was laid for 'em. They had aftenvards a drawing room and there apear d a good deal of company, by the number of coaches ; but all the servants says there's allways double the number at your Assembly, so your com- pany will make a greater show in the Square then his Royall Highness's. Yesterday the Princess and Lady Chariot Edwin went in the coach and the Princess {sic) and Lord Baltimore went on hourseback to Kew to viset the Lady Agusta, and return'd at night ; as being new things there's allways a great mob atends there goeing out and comeing in. The Plays , began last night and was vastly full, and the Operas are to begin to night and I conclude will be as full. Those that has heard the rehearsals commends the Opera and the new man's singing vastly. I hope you'll forgive the dullness of my letter, for there is not much news and what little there is being to be devided in three but a small quantaty can come to my share. There is a speach that generaly atends this time of year which I long to make but won't for fear it shou'd 536 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. sound like begging, so must content me with very sencerely wishing it to my self, which I hope Dear Papa will doe me the justice to believe, as it realy is the true and greatest wish of your Lordships most dutifull and most affectionet daughter L. WENTWORTH. Lady Hariot beggs her duty to your Lordship. [Lord Wentworth.] London, y(2:«««ry 3, 1738. My Lord, * * * * Your lordship order'd me before you went out of town to go to major Foubert's and inquire about the price of learning to ride. I would have gone sooner, but they did not ride last week because it was Christmas Holidays ; but I went this morning and told the major that you was now in the country but order'd me to waite upon him to inquire about the price. He say'd the price was six guineas enterence and three guineys a month, and that when he saw you he should never disagree with you about the price. There was about seven poeple riding, my Lord Holderness, my Lord Dalkieth, my Lord Deerhurst, Mr. Roper, Mr. Wallop, Mr. Whitworth, and Mr. Ashburnham, and I think he has fewer this year than last, and he seem'd very happy that you thought of it. I believe all his scollars was there to-day, and last year he had 15 or 16. As for news I think there is none stirring. The Prince and Princess of Wales went to Kew yesterday, and they had a drawing room last Sunday ; but there was very few poeple, the only one we knew was my Lord Coventry. I believe they are to have another to-morrow, and I fancy they will not have so many as a Sunday, because as that was thier first to be sure all those that disigned going to him (sic) went then. Mr. Hamilton has been at the rehearsal of Pharamond the new opera and goes to it to-night. To be sure it will be vastly full, since there has not been one so LETTER OE LADY STRAEEOKD. 537 long a time and a new person to sing into the (bargain ?). I heard (but it is so unHkely that I do not put it in by way of news) that the King is to be married the summer after next to the King of Denmark's sister. I am surpriz'd poeplc can raise such reports when they see the King is so vastly troubled still ; and it is fixing a thing a vast while before it happens. [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 5, 1738. I am glad to hear my Dearest that you are so well. I was yesterday at Lady Huntingdon's christening ; we first had a dinner of five and then seven. The godfathere was Lord Batman, and the godmother Lady K. Wheeler (but Mrs. Walkenshaw stood for her) so there was but six at dinner, viz. my Lord and Lady Batman, Mrs. Walkenshaw, Mr. Kent, and myself I think the Princess puts me in mind of the chapter where they send out into the highways to call in the lame, the halt, and the blind, for never people took so much pains to get company. Mrs. Walkenshaw told Lady Huntingdon that the Princess was quite in a fuss ; she had sent to her. Lady Huntingdon sayd she did not in the least expect it^ having never had the honour to see the Princess, having been at no court of some years. But just as wc had dinn'd comes a gentleman usher from the Princess to say she wou'd wait on Lady Huntingdon ; but she sent an excuse saying her house was not fitt to receave her. As soon as the man was gon Mrs. Walkenshaw cry'd ' now, ]\Iadam, you must wait on the Princess.' The Duchess of Qucensborough was presented yesterday to the Princess. Mrs. Walkenshaw sayd they had a very full court, upon which Lady Huntingdon asked who there w^as. All the ladies named was, Duchess Qucensborough, Lady Blandford, Miss Windham, Lady Orkney, Lady Cobham, Dow. Lady P'itz waters, Lady Mary Cowley, Lady Kaye ; men, Duke of Qucensborough, Duke of Marlborough, Lord Coventry, Lord Chessterfield, Lord SSS THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. :)3 Bomont, Lord Cornbery, Lord Cobham, Mr. Poultney, and Sir William Windham. I thought it scandelouse for such a woman as she to be rediculing the King and the poor Queen. .... a Dieue my Dear ever yours. [Lord Wentworth.] LOT!, January lo, 1738. My Lord, It was with great pleasure I receive last night a letter from your Lordship in the Keyonick (szc) stile ; I think you succeeded in it vastly for it contain'd a good deal in few words, and just in her ladyship's way of expressing herself, only yours was a greal deal easier to be found out I must begin with a very odd story that my mother heard at Mr. Scawen's and he is very possitive about it, but niether she nor I believe it, because she has heard of it from nobody else. A Saturday night between one and two a clock the King waked out of a dream very uneasy and order'd the vault where the Queen is to be broke open immetiatly and to have the marble coffin also open'd, and went in a hackney chair thro' the horse guards to W'estminster Abbey, and went down into the vault and stood and consider'd her coffin very attentively a good while and then went back again to bed. I think it the strangest thing that could be, for it was im- possible for the King to think she was not there, and besides it must have shock'd him so that he would not have come to chapel as he did with no alterations in his looks. January 12, 1738. The story about the King I believe was true, for Mr. Wallop told me he heard of one that saw him go thro' the Horse Guards a Saturday night with ten footmen before his chair, and he went towards Westminster .... There is copy of verses made upon the Duke and the Prince of Wales comparing one to a monkey and the other to a lump of lead. LETTERS OF LADY STRAFFORD. 539 I saw them but have not got them ; if I had I would have sent them to your lordship, but they are nothing extrordinary well writ, for there is not above eight lines. Mr. Shipen is supposed to be the author. There is another copy about Norfolk House but we have not seen them yet. I believe Glover was never reckon'd so good a master as Denoyer, but as the Princesses could not have him they was forc'd to take the other as the second best. London, /<7;nm;7 19, 1738. My Lord, * * * * The Prince and Princess of Wales bespoke the day before yesterday at Drury Lane, Venice preserved, and the Harlot's Progress after it ; and the Dutchess of Oueensberry last night bespoke at the same house Harry the fourth and Sir John Falstaff with the same entertainment. We was at Covent Garden Play House last night, my mother was so good as to treat us with it, and the Dragon of Wantclifif {sic) was the farce. I like it vastly and the musick is excessive pretty, and tho' it is a burlesque on the operas yet Mr. Handel owns he thinks the tunes very well composed. I conclude your lordship will go to it as soon as you come to town, for every body generally commends it and it has been acted '^6 times already and they are always pretty full. The poor operas I doubt go on but badly, for tho' every body praises both Cafferielli and the opera yet it has never been full, and if it is not now at first it will be very empty towards the latter end of the winter [Lady Strafford.] St. James's Square, January 2, 1739. Many marly happy new years to you my Dearest and that you may injoy all }'ou wish. I hope this will find you got safe to Friston Hall, tho' to-day is the worst day I ever see, it snows so hard. The King sayd yesterday he was sorry you had so bad weathere for your journey. There was a vast 540 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. crowd at court yesterday, and every body in their best cloths. Madam V 1 was there not very fine, and the King did not speak more to her then he did to othere people. I am now quite fond of the Bishop of Oxford, for he told me he saw Lord Wentworth as he cam in, and he looked like an angile, for he realy thought him the handsomest young man in England. And after the King was gon the French Ambassadriss cam to me and sayd she was mightily obliged to my Lord my son for his politness, for she cam very late and he wou'd give her his place The Duke of Bedford is thought in great danger ; Lord Essex is down with him, and 'tis said won't leave him, tho I heard to-day one part of his estat reverts to the Crown .... The article in the news about the Bishop of York's Pallas being burnt was put in as a joke, he never allowing any fire in his kitching since he left Yorkshire. I heard Sir R. W laughing at it to the Bishop of Oxford My Dearest, a Dieue, Ever Yours.* [Lord Wentworth.] London, January 2, 1739. * -x- * >i< According to your lordship's orders I begun to day to ride, the major seem'd very glad to see me, and I believe his joy was very sincere, for he has very few schoolars ; all I saw was a Captain How, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Whitworth, and a * To this last letter of Lady Strafford to her husband it may be ot interest to add that her will is dated January 26, 1 739-40, about two months after his death. In it she desires to be decently and privately buried in the family vault at Toddington, near her dear deceased lord and hus- band ; and leaves all her jewels and the furniture of her house at Twickenham to her son William, then Earl; 1000/. to each daughter; and all else to her son. Lord Bathurst was made sole executor. Two codicils to this were executed in March and August, 1754, by which she leaves to her daughter Lady Anne ConoUy, "my late lord's picture (drawn by Lens) set with diamonds, and all my Dresden china"; there were other legacies to daughters and grand-daughters. LETTERS OF LORD WENTWORTH. 54I Trooper that the Duke of Argylle recommended to Major Foubert. I had the pleasure yesterday at court to see Madam Valmut, but I do not think her a beauty but very well, she was not fine. There was as great a crowd as of birthday. The Prince of Wales had a drawing room for the first time yesterday and is to have a ball of twelvt night. The Duke of Kent is to come to town very soon, for his wagon is at present at his door. They say that the cheif promoters of the riots in Drury Lane Play House is Lord Peterbrough and Sir Thomas Aston and that Mr. Fleetwood chalenged my Lord Peter- brough but his lordship did not choose to fight. Mr. Rich at Covent Garden is soon to have a new tragedy call'd Mustafa, and a farce with a great deal of machinary, in which he is to act himself; and if that does not retrieve his former losses he will leave off the manedgement of the Play House .... The Duke of Oueensbury's nephew Master Douglas, brother to Lord March, is a dying of the small pox. My Lord and Lady North was vastly frighten'd lately, for there house was a fire, but they soon put it out without any damage. Yester- day Lady Fanny Mountague was marry'd to Sir Roger Bur- goiene. London, January 4, 1739. * * * * I hear their will be a vast riot to night at the Play, for young Gibber is to act and the Templars are resolved to hiss him off the stage ; the event of the Play your lordship shall hear in my next There was a report yesterday that the Duke of Bedford could not live, but to-day I heard he was very well. Mr. Beckford (that your lordship saw at York races) was marry'd yesterday to the eldest Miss Ashley. The Dutchess of Oueensbury has hired Hickford's great room for her sons and Lord Beauchamp and others to act Julius Caesar, but I do not hear when it is to be. January 6, 1739. .... Young Gibber was vastly hiss'd a Thursday, but his old friend Lnpudcnce kept him from being either out of countenance or in the least disturb'd at the noise. 542 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. London, /iz;«m?7 9, 1739. * * * 5!^ I heard yesterday that Lord Lemister my Lord Pomfret's eldest son is dead in France of convulsion fits which he has had very frequently for a great while. Master Douglas the Duke of Oueensbury's nephew dyed a Sunday morning of the small pox ; they had phisicked him in order for his being inoculated. The Dutchess is in vast concern, for he was a great favorite of hers. Mr. Handel rehearsed yesterday a new Oratorio call'd Saul, and Mr. Hamilton thinks it a very good one ; and for a chief performer he has got one Rusell an Englishman that sings extreamly well. He has got Francisschina for his best woman, and I believe all the rest are but indifferent. My Lord Deerhurst gave me an account of the Ball at Norfolk House last Saturday ; it consisted of five couple, first. Miss Selwyn and Lord Darnley, Miss Hamilton and Mr. Pit, Miss Windham and Mr. Lyttleton, and two iNIiss Cooleys with two men whose names I did not hear. The Princess of Wales play'd at Lottery, the Prince walked about and talked to the company. There was a great deal of good company and a great deal of mob at the King's court that night, my sisters did not get parteners. The Duke danced with Lady Caroline Sackville, and I with Miss Hubart. 'LOJ^HO'S, January 13, 1739. My Lord, I had the pleasure of receiveing yesterday a letter from your Lordship dated the lOth, with the account of the Duke of Hamilton's dining with you. As for the dinner I am sure his grace never eat a better or a more genteel one ; the only thing I question being well done was the soop, which generally women cooks dress sadly, but my mother says Mr. Tod understands cookery as well as his wife, so perhaps on such an occasion he might help her. I dare say the duke was mightily pleased with his entertainment, but I wonder how poor Lord Clydsdale could keep his eyes open so long, for I conclude ADDITIONAL NOTES. 543 he did not drink punch as long as the duke did. Yesterday we was surprized by the arrival of Mr. Powell from Bath ; he told us no news, except that he travell'd up to town with my Lady Townsend and Miss Edwin and always dined and supped with them on the road. My Lord Effingham has been very ill, but is now quite recover'd. I hear Mr. Handcll has borrow'd of the Duke of Argylle a pair of the largest kettle-drums in the Tower, so to be sure it will be most excessive noisy with a bad set off singers ; I doubt it will not retrieve his former losses. They say the Parliment will not meet a Thursday unless the convention with Spain comes a Monday, but I assure your Lordship I do not affirm my news in the least, my author Avas Lord Deerhurst this morning at Foubert's. The Prince and Princess of Wales has there drawing rooms of Wedensdays as usual, but they have very few coaches. Lord Darnley is very constant, his equipage makes a show in the Square, but I am sure his person makes none in the drawing-room. My cousin Went- worth came to town last night and lay at the Tower, and I believe is not yet come to this end of the town The weather of late has been very good and the weather glass is still very high, so I flatter myself the fine weather will hold till your lordship, which will make your journey quite pleasant. I hope your two companions Leapy and Fly behave well, and do not at all entertain themselves with Suffolk sheep, tho' I think Leapy has no objection to raw mutton. Fatima is vastly mended since your lordship left her and is almost recover'd ; all the rest of the horses are in parfait health. I am sure your Lordship is by this time very much tired of this long letter, so I will conclude. ADDITIONAL NOTES. Lady Wentvvorth. Isabella, Lady Wentwoith, was a lady of the bedchamber to the Queen of James II. at the time of the disputed birth of the Prince of Wales, afterwards known as the Pretender. From a note to the O.Kford edition 544 THE ^VENT^YORTH PAPERS. of Burnet's History we learn that in 1703 Lady Wentworth gave testimony to the genuineness of the birth to Dr. Hickes, Dean of Worcester, at the lodgings of Mrs. Dawson, in St. James's Palace, who had also been of the bedchamber to the same queen. Lady Wentworth added to her testimony " that she had asserted the truth of his birth shortly after the revolution to Dr. Burnet, now Bishop of Sarum, when she told the doctor, that she was as sure the Prince of Wales was the queen's son, as that any of her own children were hers ; and when, out of zeal for the truth and honour of my mistress, I spake in such terms as modesty would scarce let me speak at another time." A copy of the original document, which was signed by Lady Wentworth, and attested by Dr. Hickes and others, was said to be in Magdalen College, Oxford. Colonel Cecil. Captain, afterwards Colonel, Cecil, occasionally referred to in the correspondence, became notorious in later life as one of the chief Jacobite agents in England. Many other papers in the Wentworth collection, not otherwise of sufficient interest to be inserted in the text, furnish material for an account of himself and his family, which seems worth narrating. Among the letters addressed to Lord Raby in 1708, is one from Wakefield, dated August 4, which runs : — My Lord, It is with abundance ot shame I give you this trobel to beg a faveor I haed not confidenc to aske on you when hear nor inded cane I now dow it with ouet blushin, it is my Lord to beg the faver on you to speak to my Lord Duek of Malbrow for my sone that hee will be pleased to give him a letill betor commison, he is bashfull and cannot speak for him selef, if your Lordship goes for Flandors. If not I beg the faver on you to wriet to the Duek in his be holfe. I know my Lord it is in your pouer, ben a genrall, and that the Duek won't refues aneything you aske. My son joynes with me in begin this faver of you, and if you my Lord reqire it, he can have severall frendes to give your Lordship an acount of his behaver wich I hope won't be below the caracktor of on you ar pleas'd to think worth spekin for. I humbly beg on you not to deny me this reqest, for I know you deliet in dowing good, if to me it is to a helplous widow and the best sone in the world. Good my Lord don't deny, and I hope it may puet both him and me ouet of the necesity of givein you father trobel. I am not unsencabel of the obligacions I have to your Lordship and I out not to be furthor trublsum to you, but it is natrall to adres our selefes to thos wee hope to met with a return from. 1 hop my Lord will ablig me in this and not to be more trobelsum I conclued my selef my Loard &c. ANN CECILL. The writer continues her appeal on September 29, and another letter dated January 31, 1709, concludes : "My lord give me leave to renew ADDITIONAL NOTES. 545 my request to you for my pore sone to beg on you to give him your letor to Mr. Cadugan or treasurer, ben it is not in your Lordship waye to write to duek Malbrow. He has ben in the hotest of sarvis this year to wich the duek of Orgile haes bene a witncs and haes given him his promis to do him all the kindnes he can He is in the Lord Orerie's regiment in Bruseles." Ann Cecil was the daughter of William Oglethorpe (of Oglethorpe, Tadcaster, one of a distinguished family), who married the widow of the last Savile, of Northgate Head, Wakefield. Oglethorpe died in 1674, but his widow or family occupied the old house in Northgate till Mrs. Cecil's death about 1718 ; one of his sons, William Oglethorpe, rose to be Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and died in 1707. About Ann Oglethorpe's marriage there is a mystery. It is registered as having taken place in 1673 at East Ardsley with John Plantagenet, an historical surname to which the husband, according to an entry in Oliver Heywood's Diary, had no claim ; and he appears, after a time, to have deserted his wife. It seems likely that his real name was afterwards discovered to be Cecil, for there is no probability of a second marriage with another person. In a collection of Hopkinson's Pedigrees of West Riding Gentry (now in the British Museum but formerly belonging to Colonel Smyth, of Heath), to which a few additions have been made in a later hand, it is stated that she was married to " John Cecil, of Sutton, Wilts, one of the Exeter family." Her only child, William, had a com- mission given him by Lord Raby in his own regiment ; in a letter written by him to his lordship on March 3, 1703-4, he mentions his having quitted that regiment for another, and refers to the death of his grandmother on the preceding Monday. Other evidence shows that Mrs. Oglethorpe died on March i in that year. On December 28, 1709, John Bromley, Lord Raby's agent, writes from Wakefield : — "Poor Captain Cecil was sadly mavvled at the Battle, I am told, his arme was all shattered to peeces, the splent bones are still comeinge oute ; he was also shoot through the side. He is at Brussells now." In April, 1709, Lord Raby, when writing to General Cadogan urging Cecil's advancement, says, " his mother lives in a house of mine and I have some small obligations to her and her family." In April, 1712, Bromley writes, "Major Cecil has not been here this winter." Cecil was afterwards Colonel and Equerry to George I., and later in life became the Jacobite agent. In 1744 he was arrested with Lord Barry- more and put under examination. It was then alleged of him that he was an intimate companion of the Duke of Argyle and of Lord Orrer^', had been a zealous champion of the Whigs in the latter end of the Queen's reign, and Equerry to the late King ; but for several years past it was well known that the greatest part of the Jacobite correspondence had gone through his hands. Nothing definite was however proved against him, and he was set at liberty. 2 N INDEX, A. ABERCORN, Lord, 318 Abergavenny, Lady, 243 Abingdon, Lord, 151 ; speeches, &c. of, 170, 223, 227, 253, 261, 366, 367, 373. 385, 416 Addison, Joseph, Secretary to Lord Wharton, 67, 68 ; and the Junto, 75 ; at Harrison's funeral, 319 ; his play of Cato, 330 ; Secretary to the Lords Justices, 410 Admiralty, fees to commissioners of, 306 Ailesbury, Lord, letter of, 302 ; his son. Lord Bruce, 495 Aislabie, John, speeches, &c. of, 377, 427. 430. 508, 510 Albemarle, Lord, 272, 434, 440 ,, Lady, 460 ,, the mad Duchess of, 79 Aldborough, Suffolk, 29; members for, 471 {)iote\ 474 Aldsworth, candidate for Windsor, 198 ,, Mr., killed in a duel, 420, 421 Alegre, Marquis d', 342 Almanza, battle of, 172, 184 Althorp, 451 Anderson, Sir Richard, 278 Andover, Lord, 463, 464 ,, Lady, 531 Anglesey, Earl of, 179, 223, 337, 367, 368, 371, 410; his dispute with the Duke of Buckingham, 254; speeches of, 276, 369, 388, 390, 403 ; his speech against the Peace, 364, 366 ; and the government of Ireland, 357, 406 Anhalt, Princess of, il Anne, Queen, accession of, 8 ; and the Prince of Hanover, 31 ; second marriage recommended to, 70, 75 ; the preachers before, 152 ; her ill- nesses, state of health, &c., 209, 215, 235, 251, 256, 287, 292, 297, 301, 302 {note), 312, 322, 323, 325, 358, 359. 360, 375- 386, 387.; Di-- I^ad- cliffe's remark on her illness, 188 ; her attendance at the debates, 220, 223 ; her reception of Prince Eugene, 246, 247 ; and Lady Strafford, 208, 213, 234, 271 ; godmother to Lady Anne Wentworth, 325 ; review of troops by, 345 ; and the South Sea Company, 396, et seq. ; her last speech to Parliament, 401 ; her death, 407, et seq. Annesley, Arthur, 77 ; speech of, no Apsley, Sir Allen, i ,, Lucy, married to Col. Hut- chinson, I Arbuthnot, Dr., 138, 147, 294, 302, 358, 360, 407, 408, 412 Archibald, Lady, 534 Aremberg, Duke of, 265 Argyll, Duke of, 35, 141, 165, 280, 281, 289, 290, 296, 297, 299, 300, 330. 337, 355. 362, 366, 374, 375, 408, 416, 422, 425, 426, 428, 431, 477. 541. 543 ; aii'i Sacheverell's trial, 146 ; his attempts to gain the Queen's favour, 146, 147 ; opposes vote of thanks to Marlborough, 159; his command in Spain, 27, 161, 176, 178, 180; his advice to Lord Raby at the Hague, 182 ; his speech against Lord Galway, 1 76, et seq. ; his duel with Col. Coote, 185 ; at the Hague, 188, 190 ; said to have bought Caen Wood, 298 ; his fees for the Garter, 348 ; Duice of Marlborough and, 422 423, 440 . . Arland, Benjamin, painter, 279, note Arnold, pamphleteer, 465 Arundel, Lord, John, of Trerise, 4 2 N 2 548 THE WENTWORTH TAPERS. Arundel, Charles, 57 ,, Francis, of Stoke Bruern, and his wife, 4, 44, 53, 57, 59, 98, 107, 122, 127, 213, 262, 416 ; his illness and death, 303, 307 ,, Tom, wounded in Spain, 168 Ascough, Lady, her daughters, 77 Ash, Sir James, 333 Ashburnham, Lord, 214, 322, 366, 367, 424, 458 ; Bough ton sold by, 443 Ashburnham, Lady, 313 Mr., 536 ,, house. Dean's Yard, 157 Ashby Puerorum, Lincolnshire, i, 2, 29, 53 Ashe, Lady, 41, note; and her husband, 60 Ashe, blind Mrs., 63, 122 Ashley, Miss, her marriage, 541 Assiento, the, 393, 394 Aston, Sir Thomas, 541 Atkins, Lady, 463 Atterbury, Bishop, 394; his death and seizure of his papers, 475 Aumont, Duke d', French ambassador, 312, 313 ; his house burnt down, 315, 316, 317; entertainments by, 324. 325 ; his masquerades, 332, 333, 343 ; his entry, 340, 342 Auvergne, Princess of, 265 Ayerst, Dr. Wdliam, 320, 346, 347, 35o> 352 B. Bainton, Mr., 57 Baker, "Don Diego," joke againstj 195 Baker's Chronicle, 113, 118 Ballidin, Molly, 430 Baltimore, Lord, 535 Bampford, Mr., and the Yorkshire election, 493, 494, 502, 503, 505, 506, 508 Bank of England, 45 Bankes, Sir Jacob, 142, 314, 319, 347, 348 Barcelona, 166 Barnard, Lord, Plenry Vane, 481, note Barnsley, 20, 488, 489, 503, 504, 505 Barrier Treaty, the, debates on, 266, 268 Barry, Mrs., and Count Vienna, 92 Bateman, Sir James, 334 „ Lord, 537 Bath, 63, 117, 118, 219, 291, 293, 297, 445. 489, 499. 522 Bath and Wells, Bishop of, 346 Bath, Lord, 140 Bathurst, Allen, afterwards Lord, 43 («o/^')>44, 45. 47, 50. 56, 62, 99, 109, 129, 137, 169, 180, 220, 237, 262, 291, 297, 314 {note), 317, 320, 394, 442, 466, 519, 540, note; letters of, 362, 372, 380, 382, 384, 388, 411, 438, 443> 444, 447, 448, 455, 47°, 476, 481, 506, 519, 522, 523, 524, 527 ; his speech against the ministry (1726), 456 ; marriage of his daugh- ter, 471 ; his brother's remarks on, 528, note Bathurst, Ben, 447, 448, 482, 528, 7iote ,, Sir Benjamin and Lady, 43, 45, 50, 56, 79 ,, Lady Frances, aunt to Lord Strafford, 15, 25 ,, Mrs., 230 Peter, 279 {note), 332 Bavaria, Elector of, 6, 441 Beauchamp, Lord, 541 Beaufort, Duke of, 45 {note), 55, ^^8, 140, 225, 230, 233, 244, 246, 256, 309 ; his two sons, 1 19, 120 ; bribe offered to, 216; his illness, 291 ; death of, 384 ; his place, 387 Beaufort, Duchess of, 230, 256 Beaumont, Sir George, 434 ,, Lord, 538 ,, Mr., of Darton, 505 Beckford, Mr., 541 Bedford, Duke of, 431 ; letters of, referring to Pope's works, 454 ; (1734), 501 ; his illness, 540, 541 Bellasyse, Lady, her will, 326, 328 Bellemont, Lord, his marriage, 55 Belle w. Col., 198 ,, Lord Walter, 4, 50 ,, Lady, 29 ,, Miss, 148 Bence, Mr., 473 Benson, Robert, afterwards Lord Bing- ley. Lady Wentworth's note on, 84 ; Commissioner of the Treasury, &c., 131, 154, 189, 196, 200, 442 ; " character " of, 133 ; his wife Lady Dartmouth's sister, 222 ; his peerage, 347 ; story about his coat of arms, 348 Benwick, Lady Bell, 284 Berkeley, Lord, William, of Stratton, 174, 175, 176, 202, 208, 219; letter to, 30 ; letters of, 242, 245, 257, 259, 264, 271, 275, 278, 281, 285, 288, 292, 295, 297, 300, 305, 307, 310, 311, 312, 315, 317, 322, 323, 326, 327, 328, 330, 12,1, 337, 339, 341, 343, 346, 349, 352, 354, 356, 361, 383, 406, 409, 412, 416, 420, INDEX. 549 427, 435, 446, 449, 450, 461, 474, 478, 501, 521, 529 ; Lady K. Jones and, 305 ; at Ombia, 31S, 320 ; execiuor to Lady Bellasyse, 326, 328; takes his son to Oxford, 344 ; his seat at Bruton, 446 ; marriage of his daughter, 450 Berkeley, Earl of, 419, 437 „ Earl and Countess of, 219 Lady, 263, 441 Berkshire, Lord and Lady, 463, 531 Berlin, Lord Raby's missions to, 7 ; court of. Lord Raby's letters de- scribing, 10, et seq. ; court at, 156, 218 ; Geo. Wentworth at, 515 Bertie, Miss, 463 Berwick, Duke of, 98 Bewdley election, 70 Biddulph, Mr., Mr. Pyne killed by, 324 Billingsgate, the language used in, 276 Bingley, Lord, see Benson, Robert Birdsall, 495 Bisse, Dr., and Lady Plymouth, 346 Blackheath, the Palatines at, 96 Bland, Sir John, 478, 484, 487, 491, 512 ; letters of, 482, 489 Blandford, Lady, 537 Blantyre, Lord, his duel with Mr. Drummond, 91, note Blantyre, Lord, and Caen Wood, 298 ; death of, 340 Blathwaite, Mr., and Harley, 132 Blenheim, battle of, II Blenheim Palace, 48 ; Lord Berkeley's description of, 344 Bloomberg, Mr., 468 Blunt, Lady, 44, 47, 94 Blythe, Mr., 353 Bolingbroke, Lord, see St. John, Henry Lady, 499 Bolther, Miss, 461 Bolton, 492 Duke of, 140, 176, 331, 431; speech of, 261 ; his motion about the Civil List, 340 ; motions by, 365, 372 „ Duchess of, 263, 433, 441 ; Dr. Radcliffe and, 97 „ Dukeof(i733), 488, 490 Booth, the actor, 330 Boscawen, Hugh, speech, &c., of, 392, 402 ,, John, 500 Bothmar, Baron, 361, 408, 409, 416, . 427, 432 Boucher, Mr., of Twickenham, his death, 63 Boucher, Mr., 333, 531 Mrs., 93 Boughton, Northants, bought by Lord Strafford, 443, 447 ; letters from, 451.452 Boughton Fair, 478 Boulsterstone, 492 Boyer, Abel, news letter writer, 393, 400, 401, 414, 415, 420 Boyle, Henry, Secretary of State, &c., 89 {note), 123, 128, 141, 266, 420, 427 Bradenham, 28 Bradford, Lord, his conduct in Twick- enham Church, 49 ; death of, 129 Bramham, letter from, 484 Moor, 4S5 Park, 133 Brandenburgh, Elector of, 7 Brentford election, 151 Breton or Britton, William, envoy to Berlin, &c., 203, 217, 218, 426, 432 ; his wife and St. John, 204, 217 Bretton, Yorkshire, 26 Bridges, Mr., 69, 78, 406; death of, 352, 427 Bridgewater, 351 ,, Lord, 431 ,, Duchess of, 463 Briscoe, Mrs., 451 Bristol, 275 ,, Bishop of, Smalridge, 368 ,, Bishop of. See Robinson, Dr. ,, Earl of. Lord Hervey, 431, 526 ,, Earl of, and Lady, 65 Bromley, John, Lord Strafford's agent at Wakefield, 43, ill, 181, 545 Bromley, William, of the Treasury, 69, 83. 99> 1 10, 158, 348, 349, 392, 41 1» 422, 423, 429, 434 ; Speaker, 269 ; speech of, 392 ; his defence of the Peace, 377, 378 Brooke, Lady, 44 ; death of, 49 ,, Lord, his house in Arlington Street, 157, 167, 168 Bruce, Lord, 482, 483, 487, 490, 495, 501, 510 ; letters of, 484, 485 Broomsreed, Mr., 427 Brownlow, Lady, and her daughters, 71, 94, 95, 99, "3, "7, i37, i73 Brussels, Lord Ailesbury at, 302 Bruton, Wilts, seat of Lord Berkeley of Stratton, 446 Bruton, letters from, 461, 521 Buckingham, Duke of, Sheffield, 59, 89 ; his offices, 508 „ Sir Charles, of Whitton, 119, 121, 151 Mrs., 499 Dundee, Viscount, expedition against, 5 Dundonald, Lord, 366 Dunkellin, Lord, 529 Dunkirk, fortifications,&c.,of, 250, 264, 281, 323, 362, 364, 437, 464 Dunn, Col., 181 ,, Mrs., 168 Dupplin, Lord, 237, 238, 464 Durel, Col., 12 Durett, Mons., 393 Dysart, Lord, and his son, 61 ECKINGTON, 505 Edgecomb, 212 Edwin, Lady Charlotte, 535 „ Miss, 543 Effingham, Lord, 73, 543 ,, Lady, 122 Eglinton, Lord and Lady, 54 Egmont, Lord, 530 Elizabeth, Queen, procession on her birthday, 210 Ellison, ^Ir., or Capt. Francis, Lord Strafford's agent, 42, 54, 164, 192, 195- 256, 353, 356 Ely, bishopric of, 417 English, Dr., 249 Episcopacy in Scotland, toleration of, 248, 249, 257, 260, 264 Epsom, 93 Essex, Lord, 349, 351, 54° „ Lady, 325, 330 , , ^ ,, Lord and Lady (i73i), 4^3. 404- Eugene, Prince, 88, 90 ; his visit to England, 225, 226, 241-248, 258, 259, 260, 263, 265, 279; death of INDEX. 553 his nephew, 270, 271 ; his wife, 279, 284 ; his inilifferent lodgings, 284 Evelyn, Mr., 163 Examiner, the, Tory paper, 155, 188, 264 Exeter, Bishop of, his sermon, 100 ,, Lord, 95, 96 F. Falkland, Lady, 130 Falmouth, Lord, speech of, 457 Farrer, Major, of Yorkshire, 516 P'eilding, George, 432 ,, Israel, 282 ,, William, brother to Lord Denbigh, 432 Felton, Sir Thomas, 78 Fenton, Mr., 492, 493, 503, 505 Fenwick, Sir John, 83 Fermanagh, Viscount, letter to, 316, note Ferrers, Lord, speech of, 239 ; his speech on vote of thanks to Marl- borough, 159; motion by, 364 Fielding, Beau, and the Duchess of Cleveland, 50, 58 Figures of the Pope, &c., seized, 212, 219, 221 Finch, Lord, speech of 457 ,, Henry, 503, note Fitzhardinge, Lord, 292; death of, 309, 3" Fitzwater, Lady, 537 Fleetwood, Mr., 541 Fleury, Cardinal, 473 Foley, Col., 514 Foljambe, Miss, her wedding, 529 Forbes, Lord, 299 Forcerner, Mons., 319 Forest, the New, 96, note Foubert, Major, his riding school, 536, 540, 543 Fox, Sir Stephen, 142, 250 ,, Mr., of Bramham, 483, 484, 491, 502 France, peace negotiations with, 87, 88, 90 ; death of the Dauphin, 265, 267 ; peace with, signed, 327 ; peace with, debate upon, 362, 372 ; the plague in (1720), 449; threat- ened war with (1731), 465 Francis the Jew, 466 Francisschina, a singer, 542 Franklin, trial of, 465, 470, 472 Frankling, Sir Tliomas, 163 Frederick, Mr., and Jack, 463, 464 Frederick I., King of Prussia, 7, 10, 11 ; his entertainment of Marl- borough, 12; death of his queen, 14, 15, 16, 39 Freeman, John, 49, note „ Mr., motion by, 393 Freschville, Lady, 103, 118 Freston, in Suffolk, Sir Hen. John- son's seat, afterwards Lord Straf- ford's, 29, 450, 531, 535, 539 Friend, Dr., of Westminster School, 201 Frost, a great, 66, 68 Fuller, Dr. William, 41, note Furness, Sir Harry, 90 ,, Sir Henry, death of, 306 G. Gainsborough, Lord, 45, note Gallas, Count, 205, 207, 245 Galway, Lord, Ruvigny, his examina- tion by the Lords on the campaign in Spain, 170, et seq.; charged with dishonouring the crown, 1 76, et seq.; death of, 312 Galway, Lady, 519 Garrard, Sir Samuel, 1 00 Garra way's coffee house, 241 Garter, Knights of the, installation of, 296, 313, 314, 347 Garth, Dr., 63, 71, 221, 313, 420 Geldermassen, Mons., 18 Geneva, Sir R. Winn at, 494, 497 George, Prince, of Denmark, 3 ; his death, 63, 64 George I., proceedings on his acces- sion, 409, et seq. ; his landing at Greenwich, &c., 419; his interviews with Buckingham and Craggs, 423 ; his amusements, 424, 425 George II., expected to visit York races, 465, 467, 468, 469 ; rumour of his second marriage, 537 ; his visit by night to the Queen's tomb, 538 Geori, Mons., 433 Germain, Sir John, 63, 259 Germaine, Lady Betty, 246, 458, 500 Giant, a, show of, 498 Gibraltar, siege of, 40 Gifts, New Year's, 169 Gillingham, or Gilligan, of the South Sea Company, 39S, 399, 400, 405 Gloucester, election for, 507 ,, Duke of. Queen Anne's son, 3 ; and Dr. Radcliffe, 410 Glover, Mr., 518 Godfrey, Frank, 181 Godfroy, engraver, 518 Godolphin, Lord Treasurer, &c., 13, 554 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 69, 74, 76, 77, 130, i35> 140, i5i» 161, 199, 229, 240, 254, 288, 329 ; his burial, 302; 'character' of, 131 Godolphin, Mr., of the Custom House, 142 ,, Lady Harriet, 54, 56 Gore, Gear, Captain, of Twickenham, 47. ,, William, his marriage, 84 ,, Mr., 219; speeches of, 359, 376 ,, Lady Mary, scandal about, 219 Gouerney, Madam, 207 Gower, Lord, 248, 463, 464 Grafton, Duke of, 39 [note), 197, 284, 428, 460, 468, 500, 522, 531; his hunting-seat near Richmond, 460 Granby, Lord, 499 Grant, Mrs., 208 Grantham, Lord, 472 Grave, the, 9 Greetham, Lincolnshire, 29 Grenville, Lady, 119 ; death of, 292 „ George, 142 ,, Lady Katherine, her mar- riage, 57 ,, Mr., 222 Green, the surgeon, 299 Greenwich, Lord Bolingbroke at, 394 ; George I.'s landing at, 419, 420 Grey, Lord, 176 Griffin, Duck, and Lord Mohun, 285 Griffith, Mr., of Eckington, 505, 514 Grims (Graham ?), Mr., married to Lady Derwentwater, 60 Guernsey, Lord, 114, 222, 227, 240, 360; his daughter married to Benson, 133 ; Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 435, 436 Guildenberg, Mons., 417 Guilford, Lord, 95, 168, 399 ,, Lady, 208 Guiscard, Count, his attack on Harley, 185, 219 Guiseley, rector of, 496 Guy, Henry, of the Treasuiy, 71 Gwyn, Frank, 163, 348, 350 H. Hacks WORTH, Tom, of Barnsley, 504 Hague, the, Lord Strafford's embassy at, 27, 31, 33 ; 154, 156, 181, et seq. Halifax, Lord, Savile, a godfather, 56 Halifax, Lord Montagu, 33, 115, 213, 328, 343, 416, 434, 436 ; speeches of, 229, 267, 362, 365 ; marriage of, 117; his dispute with Bolingbroke, 365 ; speech against the Peace, 371 ; his speech on the Treaty of Com- merce, 396 ; his nephew, 425 ; to be an Earl, 431 ; his daughters, 470 Halifax, Lady, 453 Halsey, Major, 299 Hamilton, Duke of, 72, 73, 144, 204, 224, 242, 257, 258, 295, 309 ; and Lord Mohun, 248 ; the debate on his patent, 226, et seq., 232, 236 Hamilton, the young Duke of, 312 ,, Duchess of, 307 ; her quar- rel at the playhouse, 276 Duke of (1 739), 542 Mr., 528, 536, 542 Miss, 542 Hammond, Miss, 430 Hampden, Richard, 131, 135, 138, 305, 310, 339 Hampstead, 91, note Hampton Court, 26, 148, 151, 152, 208, 209, 210, 211, 292, 345, 358 Hampton town, 468 Hanbui-y, John and his wife, 39, 42, 44, 45, 47, 52, 54, 275, 279, note Hanbury, Mr. & Mrs. (1731), 464 Handel, his music, &c., 528, 539, 542, 543 Handsworth, 505 Hanmer, Sir Thomas, 158, 160, 161, 163, 225, 233, 255, 276, 286, 321, 335, 336, 337, 348, 358, 360, 370, 379, 383, 423, 429 Hanover, 7, 12, 14, 127, 128, 131 ; court at, 52 Hanover, Electoral Prince of, and Queen Anne, 32 Hanover, Electress of, Sophia, and Lord Raby, 34 Hanover, Princess of, afterwards Queen of George IL, 430, 431 Hanover club, 291 Harcourt, Sir Simon, 72, 73, 104, 149 ,, Lord, 288 Hare, Dr., 199 „ Mr., 320 Harley, Robert, afterwards Lord Trea- surer and Earl of Oxford, 20, 32, 74, 76 ; speech of, 106 ; Chancellor of the Exchequer, 130, 131 ; Lord Raby's "character" of, 132; author- ship of Toland's work attributed to, 136 ; his manner of receiving com- pany, 142 ; and the city men, 15 1 ; and Lord Rochester, 160, 162 ; and the October Club, 180; stabbed by Guiscard, 1 86 ; his management of the house, 189 ; his recovery, 195 ; made Earl of Oxford, 196, 201 ; his politic sickness, 205, 207 ; his marriage, 207 ; and Mrs. Ogle- thorpe, ballad on, 215 ; his wife, INDEX. 555 218 ; speech of, 228 ; and Lady Masham, 274, 371 ; to have the Garter, 291 ; his son's illness, 294; his daughter married, 307 ; iihiess of, 345 ; installed Knight of the Garter, 347 ; his speech about money paid to the Highlanders, 374 ; his speech on the Schism Bill, 386 ; and St. John, disputes between, 387, 388, 394, 402, 404 ; and the South Sea Company, 396 et scq. ; his daughter, Lady Kinnoull, 534 Harley, Lord, his marriage, 350, 351, 353 Harley, auditor, 341 ,, Lady Betty, 222 ,, Lady Margaret, 463 Harrington, Lord, 500 Harrison, Alice and Bridget, 46 Harrison, William, secretary to Lord Raby, 188, 191 ; his death and burial, 319, 320, 324 Hartford, Lord, 266, 270, 316, 322, 419 ; his quarrel with Marlborough, 108 ; speech of, 393 Hartington, Lady, 458 ,, Lord, 479 Harvey, or Hervey, Lord, 78 ,, Lady, 246 ; and the Duchess of Montague, 197 Harvey, Mr., his sisters, 278 Harwich, Dream from, a pamphlet, 74, 75 Hasselby (Aislabie?), Mr., 142 Hastings, Lady Betty, 29, 43 {note), 55, 56 {note), 122 Hatton, Mrs., 436 Haversham, Lord, 72, 114, 137, 150; speeches of, 70, 74 ; his death, 1 54 ; a guardian, 254, 255 Hay, Lord, John, 23S Heathcote, vSir Gilbert, speech of, 1 10 ; Queen Anne's reccpf ion of, 120 Hedges, Sir Charles, 7, 8, 45, 215 Helchteren, battle of, 9 Henbur)', Dorset, 3 Heneage, or Cavendish, Harriet, her marriage, 61 Hensius, Mons., 241, 376 Herbert, Lord, of Cherbury, and Bewdley election, 69 ; his death, 23, 73 Herrol, Mrs., 157 Hertfordshire, 347 Hervey, Lord, to be Earl of Bristol, 431 ; song by, 473 Hervey, Lady Anne, 499, 534 Hescrourt, Dr., 124 Hew, Capt. , arrest of, 391 Hickman, Col., his duel with Mr. O'Brien, 339 Hill, Abigail, 54, 61. See Masham, Mrs. and Lady Hill, Col., 102 ,, Mr., envoy, 162, 166 ,, Mr., and the Bishopric of Ely, 417 ,, Jack, 109, note ,, Sir Scipio, anecdote of, 92 ; " Africanus " in the Tatler, 93 Hillsborough, Lady, 458, 464 Hinchinbrook, Lord, 277, note Hinton, Lord, son of Earl Poulet, 501, 518 Hoadley, Dr., lOO Hob in the Gardens, a play, 459 Hobart, Sir Henry, his daughter Lady Suffolk, 465 Holderness, Lord, 462, 536 Holland and the Barrier Treaty, 266, 268 ; and the Peace, 327 ; Lord Cadogan's negotiations with, 445 Holland, Sir John, 78, 196 Honeywood, Col., dismissed, 162, 163, 165 Hooton Pannel, 488 Horde, Thomas, of Cote, 3, 58, 288 Houton, Coll., 419 Howard, Mr., brother of Lord Suffolk, 432 Howard, Charles, succeeds to the Earl- dom of Suffolk, 465 Howard, Lady Anne, 452, note ,, Lady Diana, 50 ,, Mrs., Countess of Suffolk, 465 Howe, Capt., 540 ,, Jack, 69, 78, 117, 180, 214, 381 ; his son, 244 ,, Lady Frances, 41, note Hubart, Miss, 542 Hucks, William, 72, 7iote Hudson's Bay, 250 Humble, Sir William, his death, 47, 49 Humble, Lady, 93, 122, 2S0, 333 Hungerford, John, speech of, 457 Hunsdon, Lord, 214 Huntingdon, Lord, 54, 55, 56 ; his sister. See Hastings, Lady Betty Huntingdon, Lord, his park, 461 ,, Lady, christening party with, 537 Huntingtower, Lord, his marriage, 61 Hyde, Lord, 130 „ Lady, 41, 103, 174 ,, Lady Katherine, 250, 259, 325 ,, Lady Theodosia, 353 Hyde Park, 1S5, 247, 345, 3S7 556 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. I. IbbETSON, Mr., his wedding, 529 Mrs., 531 Iberville, Mons. , 437 Hay, Lord, the Duke of Argyle's brother, 161, 163, 229, 356, 422 Ilchester, Masham member for, 1 50 lies, Mr., 120 India Company, East, 76 Indies, West, 250 Ingoldsby, General, 9 Ingram, William, of Wakefield, 4S5 Ireland, great slaughter of cattle in, 281 ; religious toleration in, 390 ; the King's wine-taster of, 516 Irvine, Lady, 451, 452, 453 Isham, Mr. and Mrs., 452 Sir Justin, 453 J- Jamaica, Governorship of, 9, 86, 92, 317, note Jeferus, Mrs. and Mr. Bainton, 57 Jeffreys, Mr., 464 Sir Jeffrey, 358 Jekyll, Sir Joseph, 1 15, 268, 359, 424 Jenkeson, Sir Robert, 244, 262 Jennings, Mother, 244 William, 73 Jersey, Lady, 214, 234, 394; the widow, her husband's debts, 357 Jersey, Earl of, 55, 149, 152, 230, 309; his son and successor, 358, 394, 445 ,, Lord, his daughter, 84 Jervas, Mr., the painter, 279 Jessop, Mr., 506 Jocelyn, Col., 219 Johnson, Capt., 399 ,, Sir Henry, his daughter married to Lord Strafford, 28 ; notices of, 211, 256, 260, 270, 274, 280, 297, 432 Johnstone, James, Secretary for Scot- land, his house at Twickenham, 41 {note), 42, 47, 61, 94, III, 121, 129; his nephew Paulet, 122, 124 Jones, Lady Katherine, and Lord Berkeley, 305 K. Kaye, Sir J. Lister, 491 ; letter of, 487 ; candidate for parliament, 490, 495> 499, 506 Kaye, Lady, 500, 534, 537 Kelly, Dennis, of Aughrim, 56 Kennedy, Sir Richard, killed in a duel, 114 Kensington Palace and Prince George, 413, 415 , ^ , , Kent, Earl and Duke of. Lord Raby s "character" of, 134; his vote at Sacheverell's trial, 146 ; to have the Garter, 291; his offices, &c., 219, 222, 294, 313, 315, 357, 360, 416, 541 Kent, Duchess of, 325 „ Mr., 537 Kew, 535, 536 Kildare, Lady, 521, 531 Kilmansegge, Madam, 439 Killegrew, Harry, 379 King, Sir Peter, speech of, 335 Kingdom, Mrs., and Lord Conway, 207 Kinnoull, Lady, her pension, 534 Kippax Park, letters from, 482, 489 Kirk, Lieut. -Col., 141 Kiveton, Keton, 26 Knaresborough, 487 Knatchbull, Sir Ed., motion by, 370 Kneller, Sir Godfrey, 279 {iiote), 314 Knight, Mrs., 461 ; and Thomas Ons- low, 67 Kurikin (?) Prince, 439 L. Labee, Mr., dancing-master, 500 Lake, Sir John, 274 ,, Mrs., 54 Lambert, Sir John, 241, 343 Lancaster, Duchy of, livings in gift of, 346 Lancaster, Dr., 139 Landen, battle of, 6 Lang, Mr., 79 Lansdowne, Lord, 282, 283, 348, 446 ,, Lady, 247, 446 La Pell, his regiment, 92 Lastrang, Mr., 49 Launce, Mr., architect, 349, 352, 353, 354, 357 Lawis, Sir Patrick, 367 Lawrance, Major, at Gibraltar, 40 Lawson, Mrs., 453 Lechmore, Nicholas, 1 1 5, 160, 276, 424 ; speeches of, 266, 268, 334 Ledstone Hall, 56, note Lee, Dr., of Halifax, 514 Leeds, 483, 489, 490, 491, 500 ,, Duke of, the first, 26, 139; death of, 292 Leeds, Duke of, the second, his father's will, 298 ; at his son's marriage, 307, 308, 309 ; motion by, 369 INDEX. 557 Leeds, Duchess of, 464 Leicester House, Prince Eugene at, 271 Leigh, Lord, his house, 168 ,, Mr.,, his sister, 231 Lempster, L.idy, 292 Leveridge, Mr., 518 Lewis, Erasmus, 135, 136, 144, 175, 182, 187, 190, 192, 199, 316, 348, 350, 422, 447 Lewis, Thomas, of .St. Pierre, III Lewson, Miss, 463 Lexington, Lord, 23, 163, 403 Lichfield, Lord, his house, 168 ,, Lord and Lady, 463, 464 Liege, storming of, 9 Lifford, Lord, 460 Limster, Lady, 221 Lincoln, Lord, 428 Lincolnshire fens, riots in, 7 ; fenny part of, 346 Linsey, Lady, 208 Lisle, 250, 281 „ ]\Ir., 464 Lockhart, Mr., 337 Lock wood, Mrs., 463 London, streets, &c., in : — Albemarle- street, great fire in, 274, 276 ; Ar- lington-street, 59, 157; Bond-street, 168; Chancery-lane, 155; Downing- street, 168 ; Golden-square, 48, 409 ; Jermyn-street, 464 ; Pall Mall, 65, 530; Pall Mall, Duke of Marl- borough's house in, 89, 98, 112, 214, 215 ; Russell-street, .Sir Hen. John- son's house in, 280 ; St. James's- square, description of house in, 64. See St. James's. Surrey-street, 108 London, Bishop of. Dr. Robinson, 368, 369. 375. 424- 426, 428 London, Lord Mayor of, ball given by, 463 Londonderry, Lady, 492 Longueville, Lord, 360, 436 Longville, .Sir E., his estate in North- ants, 338 Lonsdale, Lord, 339 Lotteries, u6, 126, 127, 129, 130, 148, 165, 235, 307, 329 Louis XIV., Baboon, 294 Louis XV., his treatment of his queen, 475 Lovelace, Lord, his daughter married to Sir Henry Johnson, 28 Lowe, Samuel, death of, 471 ,, Mrs., of Twickenham, 44, 107; her niece, 113, 168 Lowndes, Mr., of the Treasury, 189, 339> 371, ?>^^, 397 Lowther or Lowher, Lady Betty, 461 Lumley, Lord, little, 75 ; death of, 116 Lumley, Lord, 208, 322, 436 ,, Lady Ann, 458 ,, Mr., 316, 460; killed, 91, note ,, General, 345 ,, Johnny, 469 Lunn, a goldsmith, bankrupt, 282, 283 Luttrell, his "Diary of State Affairs," extracts from, 9, 60, 61, 81 (note), 114, note Lyttieton, Lord (1738), 528, ttoie Mr., 542 Lytton, Mr., 7j, note M. Macartney, General, charge against, 85, 92; dismissed, 162, 163, 165; search for, 306 Macklin, Sir Hector, and Atterbury, 475 Madrid, 166 Maintenon, Madame, 90 Mainwaring, Arthur, 106, 135, 305 Malpas, Lady, Sir R. Walpule's daughter, 473 Malt-tax, 336 Malton, Lord, 467, 468 ; celebration of his son's birthday, 477, 478 ; and the Yorkshire election, 491, 492, 493. 503, 505. 506, 508, 510, 511 Malton, Lady, and her children, 508 Manchester, Lord, 69, 78, 428 Manners, Lady Fanny, 460 Mansel, Lady Bab, 460, 500 ,, Sir Thomas, 104, 106, 131, 154, 196; " character " of, 133 Mar, Lord, 187, 228, 337, 356, 422 March, Lord, his brother, 541 March Club, the, 283 Marlborough, 252 ; Dr. Sacheverell at, 141 Marlborough, Duke of, letter of, 8 ; urges Lord Raby's mission to Berlin, 9; his visits to Berlin, li, 12, 16; Lord Raby's complaints against, 2\,et seq.; his house at Woodstock, 48 ; his house in Pall Mall, 89, 98, 112, 214, 215; debate on vote of thanks to, 159 ; out of the Ordnance, 220, 221 ; his letters opened, 406 ; other notices of, 54, 56, 68, 69, 74, 76, 102, 104, 108, 164, 165, 174, 177, 178, 186, 190, 191, 192, 213, 234, 242, 243, 245, 258, 259, 283, 306, 331; his landing after the Queen's death. 409, 410 ; to be Captain-General, 417, 418, 419 ; Argyll and, 422, 423, 440 ; dissatisfaction with, 426, 428, 439. 55« THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Marlborough, Duke of (1734), 499; (1738), 537 Marlborough, Duchess of, 45, 59, 98, 105, 108, 208, 210, 218, 248, 313, 402, 431, 454, 464; her daughters, 213, 263 Marston Moor, battle of, i Masham, Col., afterwards Lord, 61, 193. 197, 252, 262, 296, 297, 315, note ; returned to Parliament, 150 Masham, Col. and Mrs., 103, 104, 105, 109 {note), 174, 194, 197 Masham, Mrs., afterwards Lady, and Harley, 132, 133, 371 ; her great influence, 147 ; her relations with the Queen, &c., 33, 212, 213, 222, 250, 252, 262, 274, 285 ; her sister, 280 ; her Bishop, 346 ; her conduct on the Queen's death, 408, 416 Mathews, Sir William, 138 Maximilian, Prince, 515, 517 Meadows, Sir Philip, 98 Meadows, Mr., 461 Medina Celli, Duke of, 167 Medley, the. Whig paper, 155, 165, 188 Medlicote, candidate for Westminster, 140 Medlicote, Mr., 376, 441 Melfort, Lord, 316 Menager, Mons., 209 Menal, c^r Meynell, Mrs., 463 Menin, siege of, 18 Mercier, Mr., 459 Meredith, General, 102, 104, 162, 163, 165, 274 Merope, opera of, 528 Methley, 489 Methuen, Mr., 152, 451 Middleton, Lady, 460 Milner, Sir William, candidate for York, 506 Mogg, Mr., 17 Mohocks, the, 277 Mohun, Lord, and the Duke of Hamil- ton, 248 ; his marriage, 285 Molsworlh, Mr., 87 Monckton, Robert, 141 ; Commissioner of Trade, 398 Monmouth, Duke of, 29, 41 Montagu, Duchess of, 97, 210, 218, 230,441; and Lady Harvey, 197 Montagu, Lady Betty, 353, 479 ,, Lady Fanny, her marriage, 541 ,, Sir James, his marriage, 353 „ Lady Mary, 479 ,, Lady Mary Wortley, letter of, 524 „ Wortley, 335 Montagu, Dr., 53 ' ,, Miss, 461 Montagu, Duke of, 212, 230; and the mad Duchess of Albemarle, 79 Montander, Madam, 163, 206 Montrose, Duke of, 72, 73 Moore, Arthur, speeches of, 266, 269, 334. 370, 377 ; petition concerning, 284 ; accusations against, 394, 398, 399, 405 Mordaunt, Harry, 103 More, Capel, 481 Moreton, Major, afterwards Lord Ducie, 6 Morgan, Marchant, 62 Morin, a hairdresser, 518 Morocco, ambassador from, 58, 316 Morow, Abbe, 10 Morpeth, Lord, and his father, 353 Lady, 451, 452, 453 Morrice, Atterbury's son-in-law, 476 Munday, Col., 168 Murray, Col., and the Duchess of Shrewsbury, 283 ,, Lord John, 461 Muscovy, Czar of, 98 Mustapha, a tragedy, 541 N. Namur, siege of, 6 Naples, 250, 312 Nash, Mr., 219, 234 Nassau, Count, 437, 461 Needham, Mother, 500 Negus, Col. Francis, 472 Nevile, Mr., of Chevet, 505, 506 Newcastle, the plague at, 163 ,, Duke of, his daughter, 58, 63, loi, 122, 207 Newcastle, Duke of, 167 ; to receive George IL at Nottingham, 467 Newcastle, Duke and Duchess of (1729), 460 Newcastle, Duchess of, her mad sister, 79 ; her daughter and Lord Harley, 350. 361 New River water, 65 Nicholas, Edward, 348 Nicolini, the singer, 66, 247, 280 Nightingale, Lady Betty, 463 Noel, Lady Catherine, 461 ,, Lady Rachel, 44, 50 Norfolk, election for, 506 ,, Duke of, his marriage, 84 Dukeof (1733), 478 ,, House, 539, 542 North and Grey, Lord, 114 176; opposes vole of thanks to Marl- INDEX. 559 borough, 159 ; speeches of, &c., 222, 261, 340, 342, 367, 369, 373, 385, 405, 476 North and Grey, Lady, 208, 214, 247 North, Lord and Lady (1739), 541 ,, Lady Bab, 461 Northampton, 453 ; seat near, 332 ; election at, 501, 505 Northampton, Lord, 452, 453 Northants, Sir E. Longville's estate in, 338 Northey, Sir Edward, 149 Northumberland House, 274 „ Duke of, 197, 419 Norton, Col., 467 ,, Justice, 494 Nottingham, Lord, 114, 167, 220, 224, 231 ; his Grub-street speech, 225 ; speeches of, &c., 239, 251, 254, 257, 312, 328, 363, 394; his speech against the Schism Bill, 385 ; his speech on the Peace, <5i:c., 401, 402, 403 Nottingham, Lady, 433 O. O'Brien, Mr. , his duel with Col. Hick- man, 339 O'Brien and Atterbury, 476 Observator, the, 291 October Club, the, 180, 189, 196, 226, 270, 283 Oglethorpe, William of Wakefield, his family, 54, 545 Oglethorpe, Mrs., 453 ; Harley and, 215 Oldfield, Mrs., legacy to, 300, note Olivant, Dr., 299 Onslow, Thomas, and Lady Harriet Vere, 67 Onslow, Sir Richard, 335 Opera, the, 66, 68, 208, 214, 246, 280, 528, 530, 535, 536, 539 Orford, Lord, Russell, 300, 324, 418, 424, 427, 431 Orkney, Lord, 141, 30S, 437; his daughter, 312 Orkney, Lady, 537 Ormonde, Duke of, 7 1, 1 12, 118, I44, 145, 149, 150, 186, 198, 233, 245, 257, 258, 262, 2S5, 286, 308, 334, 407, 419, 441 ; at the Albemarle- street fire, 274 ; at the Ormond- street fire, 315; his daughter Lady Ashburnham, 313 Ormonde, Duchess of, 70, 103, 244, 250, 274, 292 Orrery, Lord, 141, 165, 182, 184, 195, 198, 216, 303, 352, 364, 395, 429, 431. 545 Ostend, siege of, 1 8 Overkirk, General, 18 Mons., 437 ,, Lady, 47 ; her house, 168 ,, Mrs., her marriage, 55 Oxford, Lord Berkeley's visit to, 344 Oxford University, Dr. Radcliffe's legacy to, 434 Oxford, Earl of. See Harley, Robert ,, Lady, 222, 310 ; and the Duchess of Somerset, 263 Oxford, Lord and Lady (1730), 462, 463, 464 Oxford, Bishop of (1739), 540 Packington, Sir John, 70, 167, 410; his daughter, 93 Paget, Lord, 340, 342, 381, 387; death of, 322 ,. Col., 458 ,, Mr., Commissioner of the Trea- sury, 130, 131, 154, 197 ; "character" of, 134 Palatines, the, in England, 96, 270 Palmer, Ralph, letter of, 316, note Papists, their estates, case concerning, 380 Paris, Hotel de Soissons, 308 Parker, Sir Thomas, chief justice, 146, 380 Parks, Col., 12 Pasmore, of Twickenham, 332 Paulet, Lord William, 122, 124 ,, Lord, Commissioner of the Treasury, Lord Steward, &c., 116, 13c, 131, 154, 171, 172, I95> 196, 199. 203, 240, 291, 292, 312, 315, 356, 446, 521 ; " character" of, 132 Paulet, Lord and Lady, 307 ,, Lady, 310 Peak, the, Sir James of, 92 Pelham, Lord, death of, 27 1 ; his son, afterwards Duke of Newcastle, 272 Pelham, Lord, 351 ,, Henry, 460 ,, Lady Catherine, 460 Pelnitz, Madlle., 10 Pembroke, Lord, 229, 325 Lady, 431 Penn, William, 96, note Perceval, Lord, his marriage, 530 „ Lady Helena, 535 5<5o THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Peterborough, Lord, 137, 138, 145, 152, 154, 162, 171, 172, 307, 318, 328, 331, 334. 340, 348, 444 Peterborough, Lord (1739), 541 Petre, Lord, death of, 326 Petworth, 143, 225, 233 Pharamond, opera of, 536 Philips, Ambrose, his tragedy of the " Distressed Mother," 280 Philips, Mr., the poet, 81, 319 Phipps, Sir Const., 391 ,, George, letters of, about the Yorkshire election, 491- 494.505. 513 ; Wardman's opinion of, 502, 512 Pictures, 26, 278 Pierpoint, Lord, 79 ,, Lady Evelyn, 221 Pilkington, Sir L., and the Yorkshire election, 488 Pitt, Governor, 76 ; speech of, 379 ,, Mr., 542 ,, diamond, the, 164 Place Bill, 276 Placentia, 364 Plantagenet, John, 545 Pless, Mons., 349 Plymouth, 92 ,, Lady, and Dr. Bisse, 346 Pointz, Mr., 515 Poland, King of, at Berlin, 25 Polignac, Abbe, 30 Pomfret, Lord, 459 ; death of his eldest son, 542 Pomfret, Lord and Lady. 462 Lady, 453 Pooley, Mr., 128; suicide of, 382 Pope, Alexander, 75, note ; the Duke of Bedford's letters on, 454 ; Lord Berkeley's opinion of, 475 Poplin, Secretary of Board of Trade, 399 Portland, Lord, his embassy to Paris, 5 {note), 7 ; notices of, 48, 75 (note), 180, 214, 230, 260, 282, 286, 288, 289, 290, 349, 351 ; his house in St. James's Square, 349, 355, 357 Portland, Duke of, ruined by the South Sea Company, 450 Portland, Lady, 219, 289, 318, 322, 324. 339. 344, 432 Portmore, Lord, 123, 141, 309 ; his daughter, 499 Portocarrero, Cardinal, his nephew, 308, 311 Portraits of Lord and Lady Strafford, 213 Portrait painters, 279 (note), 314 Portugal, ambassador from, ball given by, 109 Post Boy, the, newspaper, 212, 215, 244 Post, the Flying, 290, 293, 310 Post Office, the, 163 Poultney. See Pulteney Powell, Mr. or Capt. John, attached to Lord Raby, 17, 50, 91, 194, 195, 196, 207, 213, 214, 219, 278, 293, 295, 307. 308. 313. 314, 326, 357, 543 ; letters of, 475, 480 Powis, Duke of, 317 ,, Sir Thomas, 226 ,, Mr., of the Treasury, 164, 195 Pratt, Sergeant, 226 ,, Dr., of Twickenham, 332 Press, the, liberty of, Lord Bathurst on, 470 Pretender, the, addresses in Parliament concerning, 340, 341, 342 ; debates about, 364, 365, 367, 372, 456; enlistments for, 391, 392 ; heavy reward offered for, 392 ; Lord Peter- borough and, 444 Prior, Matthew, his verses, 14 ; pro- posed as Lord Strafford's colleague, 27, 28 ; his appointments, &c., 123, 166, 209, 216, 244, 437 Prussia, the new king, 323 ,, King of (1717), his designs against Holland, 445 Pulteney, John, 135 Mr., 345, 457, 538 ,, William, his quarrel, 71 ; at Franklin's trial, 466 ; threatened impeachment of, 470 ; other notices of, 423, 425, 432, 436 ; song about, 473 Pulteney, Sir William, of Misterton, 481, note Purvis, Capt. George, 473, 474 Puvenvoirde, Mr., and Lord Portland, 289 Pye, Mr., 60, 332 Pyne, Mr., killed in a duel, 324 Q- Quacks, Lord Strafford's love for, 525. 527 Quakers, the, 288 Quebec, expedition to, 206 Queensberry, Duke of, 72, 73, 130, 161 ; and Nicholas Rowe, 140 ; as Duke of Dover, 227 ; death of his nephew, 541, 542 Queensberry, Duchess of, 537, 539, 541 Quintessence, Madame la, 344 INDEX. 561 R. Radcliffe, Dr. John, theTatleron,97 ; on the Queen's illness, 188, 291 ; estate bought by, 338 ; and the Queen's last illness, 407 ; his expul- sion moved, 410; death of, 410 (noie), 434 Ramsey, Mrs., 220 Ranby the surgeon, 532 Ranelagh, Lord, his house at Chelsea, 317 Rantield, 514 Ratcliff and Constable, case against, 380 Rawstorn, Lady, 214 Raymond, Chief Justice, 473 Rechteren, Count, 295, 301 Reding, Major, 97 Reeves, Mrs., 95 Reigate, 99 Renda, Thomas, 73, note Reynolds, Mr., his interest at Totnes, 474 Rialton, Lady Harriet, 214, 259 Rich, Sir Robert, 297, 499 ,, Mr., and his Comedians, 459; of Covent Garden, 541 Richmond, Duke of, 306, 428 ; his daughter, 174 Richmond, Duchess of, 326 Richmond, Surrey, 125, 292, 357, 409, 417, 459, 460; Mr. Chomley's house at, 341, 344, 346 Ridpath, 310 Riskins, Lord Bathurst's seat, 56, 129, 444, 448; letters from, 447, 455, 470 Rivers, Earl, 5, 102, 13 1, 152, 154, 165, 187, 220, 223, 239, 252 ; his illness and death, 291, 293, 297, 298, 299, 300 Roberts, Lord, 500 ,, Mr., revenue commissioner, 196 Robinson, Dr., Bishop of Bristol, 27, 212, 214, 258, 319, 346, 351 ; his wife, 209, 214, 258; and Lord Strafford, stories about, 272, 274 Robinson, Mr., 492 Robson, Lady, 71 Rochester, Earl of, Wilmot, 53, twte „ Lord, Hyde, 118, 136, 140, 141, 152, 154, 161, 162, 173 ; his speech on Lord Galway's examination, 170; his sudden death, 196 Rochester, Lord, 440 Lady, 224, 274, 317, 425 Rochester, Bishop of, 155 Rock, Abraham, 504 Rockingham, Lord, a godfather, 56 Roe, Bell, 430 Rolls, Master of the, and Chancery Lane, 155 Rome, Lord Raby's purchase of pic- tures at, 25 Ronsey, Lady Charlotte, 458, 460 Rooke, James, his marriage, 60, 61 ,, Sir William, 514 Rooper, Abel, 212, 215 ; his case against Constable and Ratcliff, 380 Roper, Mr., 536 Roper's inn at Barnsley, 504> 5*-'5 Ross, Col. Charles, 9 ,, General, 162, 164, 184 ; envoy to France, 355 ; his speech on the Peace, 378 Rotherham, 493 Rothes, Earl of, 463, 464 Rowe, Nicholas, his edition of Shake- speare, 140 ; the Duke of Queens- berry and, il>. Rugby, horse-race at, 452 Rupert, Prince, 52 Rushworth's Collections, loi Russell, Lady, her debts, 530 ,, a singer, 542 Rutland, Duke and Duchess of, 319 ,, Duke of, 422 ; speech of, 456 ,, Duchess of, 440 ; of Chelsea, 499 Ryly, Mr., of Twickenham, 47 Ryswick, Peace of, 5, 378 Sacheverell, Dr., the proceedings against, 99, 106, 109, no, 112, 113, 114, 118, 145, 146; the Duke of Somerset's rudeness to, 141 Sackville, Lady Caroline, 542 St. Alban's, Duke of, 224, 233, 244, 246 St. Albans, Duchess of, 439 St. Amand, Mr., 304 St. James's Chapel, 124 ,, Church, 535 ,, Coffee-house, 135, 162, 250, 291 St. James's Square, Lord Strafford's house in, 278, 349, 352, 353, 355, 357 ; houses in, 64, 168, 169 ; tire- works in, 321 St. Tames's Park, 168 ; the island in, 45S St. John, Henr}', afterwards \ iscount Bolingbroke, 20, 32, lO<) (note^, 141, O 562 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 161, 162, 166, 198, 209, 212; his speech on the Place Bill, 167; Duke Disney and, 181, 206; present at Guiscard's attack on Harley, 186; his recommendation of Harrison, 188, 191 ; speeches of, 189, 226, 266, 267, 268, 371, 374,393; and Mrs. Britain or Breton, 204, 217 ; with Prince Eugene, 243 ; his loss by a goldsmith, 282, 283 ; and the October Club, 284 ; made Viscount Bolingbroke, 291 ; his wife, 294 ; and Addison's Cato, 330 ; his first speech to the Lords, 331 ; and the Garter, 346 ; his defence of the Peace, 363 ; his dispute with Halifax, 366 ; his dismissal, 382 ; and the Schism Bill, 385 ; and Harley, dis- putes between, 387, 38S, 394, 402 ; and Capt. Hew's arrest, 392 ; his dissipated life, 394 ; his letters on the Treaty of Commerce, 397, 398, 403 ; his speeches thereon, 400, 402, 404, 405 ; his bonfire on accession of George I., 409 ; his proceedings after Anne's death, 410, 412, 414, 417, 421 ; Lord Falmouth's speech against, 457 ; and Lord Bathurst, 457, 528, note St. John, Sir Harry, 212, 273 ,, Mr., brother to Lord Boling- broke, 319, 321 St. Paul's, Queen Anne going to, 342 St. Pierre, Col., 125, 127 Salthill, and Atterbury, 475 Salle, Madlle., 518 Sanders, Capt., 273 Sanderson, Sir Thomas, 466, 484, 493. 494 „ Capt., afterwards Sir William, 419, 432 ,, Lady Mary, 481 Sandes, John and Elizabeth, 284, note Sandwich, Lord and Lady, 53 Saul, Handel's new Oratorio, 542 Savile, Charles, of Methley, 489 ,, Sir George, 483, 486, 488 ,, Thomas, of Wakefield, i Sayer, Dr. , member for Totnes, 474 Scarborough, 457, note waters, 524 ,, Earl of, his son killed, 91 {note) ; moves vote of thanks to Marlbo- rough, 159 ; his build- ing, 200; speech of, 253 Lady, 208 Lord and Lady, 280 Lord (1 73 1), 467, 468 Mr., 138, 153 5> >» Scarborough, Mrs., 244, 262 Scarsdale, Lord, 239, 282 {note), 297, 342, 403 Scawen, .Mr., 518, 538 Schism Bill, the, 385, 387, 388 Schomberg, Marshal, 5 ,, Duke of, 112 Schutz, Baron, 363, 368, 375, 45^, 460, 500 Scotland, Secretary of State for, 72, 73 ; Peers of, their elegibility as Peers of Great Britain, debate on, 227, et seq., 236, 242, 260; tolera- tion of Episcopacy in, 248, 249, 257, 260, 264 ; motion to dissolve the Union, 331 ; and the malt tax, 336 ; Swift's abuse of the nation, 359, 361 Scowen, Sir William, 120 Scraot, Mr., 466 Seafield, Lord, his motion to dissolve the Union, 331 Sedberg, 490, 492 Selkirk, Lord, 312, 318, 428 Selwyn or Selwin, Col., 181 ; and Betty Went- worth, 194 „ Mr., 518 Miss, 542 Sempill, Lord, and Atterbury, 475, 476 Seymour, Sir Edward, 97, 134 Shad well, Dr., 408, 420 Shaftesbury, Earl of, the third, at Chelsea, account of, 59 ; his way of life, 77 ; and Lord Carbery's daugh- ter, 102 ; and Lady, in Naples, 275 ; his opinion of Lady Strafford, ib.; death of, 312 Shaftesbury, Lady, 98 Shakspeare, his Henry IV., 539 ; his Julius Ccesar, 541 Shales, Mr., 325 Shannon, Lord, 150 Sharp, Mr., speech of, 249 Sharrard, Lord, 208 Sheffield, 488, 491, 493. 503. 504, 5o5. 506 Shelburne, Lord, 429 Sheppard, 343 Sherwood, Lord, 95, 99, 137, 221 Shippen, Mr., speech of, 457; verses by, 539 Shore, Mr., 493 Shorter, Miss, 430 Shovel, Sir Cloudesley, his death, &c., 61, 62 Shrewsbury, Duke of, his marriage, 51 ; his appointments, relations with Queen Anne, &c., 117, 128, 136, 144, 145, 152, 197, 199, 200, 202, INDEX. 563 203, 225, 233, 243, 299, 300, 387, 388, 402 ; Lord Rahy's character of, 134 ; illness of, 275 ; Lord Lieut. of Ireland, 281, 282, 284 ; his em- bassy to France, 305, 308, 312 ; at Paris, 342 ; his seat, 345 ; going to Ireland, 352, 354, 355, 356 ; receives the Treasurer's stail", 408 ; after the Queen's death, 414, 416, 419, 420, 421, 423, 427, 428, 433, 438, 440 Shrewsbury, Duchess of, 66, 174, 207, 280; her ridiculous talk, 213; her flirtations, 214, 283 ; Eugene at her assembly, 246 ; and Lady Oxford, 263 ; ball given by, 296 ; in France, 321 ; her entertainments of George I., .425. 439 Sicily, Ambassador from, 386, 387 Sidney, Mrs., 436 Silkstone, 503 Sion House, 154, 246 Skelton, General Charles, 316 Skinner, Anne (Lord Straftbrd's aunt), I, 40, 44, 45, lOI Bell, 99, 275 ,, Edward, of Thornton, I Skipwith, Sir Fuller, at Rugby races, 452 ,, Sir Thomas, at Twickenham, 61 ; death of, 1 1 7, 118 ; his daughter, 129 Slingsby, Sir Harry, 487 Sloane, Dr., 408 Smalndge, Bishop, 368, 383 Smith, Capt., 219 ,, Mr., late Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, 130, 131, 144, 335, 339. 427 ,, Mrs., maid of honour, 84 Snuff, 365, 381, 382, 383, 384 Sobieski, James, 352 Soisson, Madame du, 244 Somers, Lord Chancellor, 67, 72, 115, 154, 238, 318, 324, 394; his coat of arms, 348 .Somerset, Duke of, 73, 98, 108, 128 ; his patronage of Ruwe, 140 ; his treatment of Sacheverell, 141 ; and the Whigs, 143, 144; his anger with the Court, ib. ; offends both parties, &c., 149, 151, 154 ; rumours about his apj'.ointnients, &c. ; 223, 224, 232, 235, 242, 246, 252 ; his loss of office, 257, 258 ; later notices of, 289, 325, 391, 408 ; after the Queen's death, 416, 419, 422, 423, 424, 432, 433 Somerset, Duke of (1733), 488 ., Duchess of, her relations with Queen Anne, &c., 118, 174, 197, 208, 213, 225, 233, 23s, 242, 244, 250, 262, 270, 274, 280, 360, 394, 414 Somerset House, 317, 342 Somners, a tutor, 405, 415 Sophia, Princess, celebration of her birthday, 302 ,, Electress, her notion of Whigs and Tories, 361 ; death of, 386 ,, Princess, 402 Southcote, Mr., and the Duchess of Cleveland, 481 South Sea Company, the, 396, et seq., 446, 448, 450 Soutiiwell, Lady Betty, 70 " Mr. or Mrs., 462 Spain, the English army in, 27 ; the campaign in, debates upon, VJS),- ^t scq., 176, ct scq. ; ambassador from, 307, 30S, 319 ; treaty of commerce with, debate on, 396, el seq. Spandau, the Duke of Marlborough at, 12 Spanheim, Mons. , 163 Spectator, the, 209, 219, 230, 401 S pence, Betty, 460 Spencer, Mr., 503 ,, Lady Di, 461 Spitalfields weavers, 474 Stacie, Mr., of Balyfield, 505 Staffordshire election, 16 1 Stainborough, 20, 22, 26, 29 Stainborough, Wentworth Castle, building of, &c., 79, 84, 1 12, 181, 199, 200, 442, 443, 446, 447, 448, 461 ; Lord Bathurst's description of, 455; letters from, 453, 502, 503, 51 1 ; invitation of George II. to, 467, 408, 469 Stair, Earl of, 107, 141, 165, 168, 184, 198, 214, 362, 42S, 440, 516 Stamlord, Lord, 42S Stanhope, Colonel and General, after- wards Lord, 27 ; a candidate for Westminster, 143, 145, 147 ; in Spain, 152, 171, 172, 176, 185 ; his speech on trade, 335 ; address moved by, 341 ; speech ol, 377; to be Secre- tary of State, 420, 422, 427, 428 ; his going to \'ienna, 441 ; a witness, 466 Stanhope, Mr., legacy to, 56 ; his marriage, 324 Stanley Hall, Wakefield, 2 Stanley, Sir John, 45 Slapleton or Stapylton, Sir John, can- didate for Yorkshire, 4S3 ; his sudden death, 484, 485 ; Sir Miles a candi- date, 484-514, passim 202 564 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. Staremberg, General, character of, 281 Steele, Richard, 68, 89 ; and the Tatler, 85 ; to head a mob, 212 ; his pamphlet on the Crisis, 359, 360 ; his expulsion from Parliament, 354, 360, 361, 362, 365 ; his first speech, 358 ; his notion about Dunkirk, 362 ; his Christian Hero, 533 Steinkirk, battle of, 5 Stepney, George, Lord Raby's letters to, 10, II, 12, 14, 16, 17 Stoke Bruern, Northants, 4 Stonehouse, Sir John, 348, 349 ,, Miss Pegge, 463 Stracey, Mr., 65 Strafford, Earl of, Thomas first, i, 23, 100, loi, 345 Strafford, Earl of, William second, 6, 22, 56 Strafford, Lady, letters of, 207, 208, 209, 213, 218, 222, 230, 234, 243, 244, 256, 261, 262, 263, 270, 273, 277, 279, 280, 282, 284, 291, 304, 306, 307, 309, 313, 314, 315, 317, 318, 319, 321, 325, 439, 451, 458, 463, 499> 519, 522, 537, 539; no- tices of, 211, 235, 242, 247, 294, 295, 308, 320; her portrait, 213; Lord Shaftesbury's opinion of, 275 ; her visit to Holland, 329 ; her return to England, 432, 434, 436 ; her will, &c., 540, note Strasbourg, 316 Stratford, Mr., the merchant, 274 Strickland, Sir William, 128 Stutton, 86 Suffolk, Lady, a godmother, 56 Suffolk, Lady, 519 Sunbury, Lord, 479 Sunderland, Lord, 16, II6, 157, 223, 227, 328, 332, 369, 409, 421 ; his house in St. James's Square, 65 ; and Steele, 68 ; proposed pension to, 118 ; " character " of, 135; speeches of, 240, 396 Sunderland, Lady, 98, 221, 224, 259 Sussex, Earl of, and his son-in-law, 316 Sutton, Sir Robert, speech of, 457 Sweden, King of, his sister, 15 Swift, Jonathan, extracts from his Journal to Stella, 28, 29 ; and the Tatler, 85 ; his kindness to young Harrison, 188 {note), 319, 320; the new distemper christened by, 294 ; book by, 302 ; his answer to Steele's pamphlet, 359, 360, 361 ; his Spirit of the Whigs, 377 ; Lord Notting- ham's reference to, 386 ; banter upon, 411 Tadcaster, 502 Talbot, Lord Chancellor, 526 Tanfield, 483 Tankerville, Lord, 531 Tarouca, Count, 308 Tatler, the, papers in, 85, 86, 91, 93, 97, 188 Taylor, Mr., 78, 397 Tea, 306, 309 Teddington, 121 Temple, Sir Richard, 329, 330 Tenent, Lord, 287 Tenison, Archbishop, 75 Thames, the, great frost on, 68 Thanet, Lord, 492 ,, Lady, her mad sister, 79 Thirsk, 2 Thompson, Mr., candidate for York, 506 Thornton College, Lincolnshire, I Thynne, Mr., his marriage, 84 ,, Mrs., 244 ,, Lady Mary, 149, 222 Tickhill, 494 Tilson, George, secretary to Lord Raby, afterwards at the Treasury, 17, 81 {note), 155, 157, 164, 175, 181, 187, 191, 192, 199, 355, 422, 473, 474; suicide of his brother William, 81 Tobacco and wine duties, 343 Tod, Mr., 542 Toddington, Bedfordshire, 28, 35, 540 Tofts, Mrs., the singer, 66 Toland, a spy for Harley, 132; his book on Government said to be by Harley, 136 Toledo, 166 Torci, Mons., 87, 88, 241 Torrington, Lord, 465 Totnes, election at, 474 Touchet, Miss, 297, 427 Tournay, 281 Townshend, Lord, at the Hague, 27, 154, 156; his recall, 181, 193; his marriage, 321 ; notices of, 266, 342, 354, 363 ; his attack on Harley, 374, 375 ; speeches of, 397, 404 ; secre- tary of state, 418, 422, 466; speech of, 456 Townshend, Lady, 543 Townsend, Col., 458 Travis, David, Lord Strafford's chap- lain, and the Yorkshire election, 489, 491, 493, 503, 504, 512 ; letters of, 507, 510, 512 Treason bill, the, 82, 83 INDEX. 565 Trevanion, John, Lord Berkeley's son- in-law, 475 Trevor, Lonl, 372, 373, 413 „ Sii John, Master of the Rolls, 15s Trotman, Sir William or Sir Robert, 130 Tufton, Lady, at Twickenham, 60 ; and her daughters, 122, 124 Tufton, Lady, ;i^^ Tulimoor, Lord, 529 Turin, relief of, 90 Turner, Cholmley, a candidate for Yorkshire, 484-515, /aw/w Twickenham, Lord .Strafford's house at, 29, 41, 44, 53, 54, 63, 81, 94, III, 117, 119, 205, 256, 292, 298, 341. 344, 346, 442, 521, 540, fioii^; Secretary Johnstone's house at, 41 {no^e), 42, 61, 94, III, 129; the island at, 47 ; York House, 122 ; and Whitton, fight between, I19 ; church, scene in, 49 ; church, mar- riage at, 60 ; fall of the church at, 332, 333 ; ladies of, 280 Tyrawley, Lord, 123, 141 ; his exami- nation by the Lords on the campaign in Spain, 170, ei scq.; his son, 276 Tyrell, Mr., 530 Tyrol, Col., 419 U. USKQUEBATH, 314 Utrecht, the congress at, 210, et seq., passim Uxelles, Marshall d', 30 V. Valentines, 169 Valmut, Madam, 540, 541 Vanbrugh, Mr., 310 Vane, Lord and Lady, 531, 534 ,, Lady Grace, 460, 481 „ Morgan, 463, 464 Van Leer, Mr., 289 Varnum, Mrs., 55 Vaughan, Lady Anne, daughter of Lord Carbery. Sec Carbery, Lord Veller, Madame, song by, 473 Vendome, Duke of, 18, 20 Venice, ambassador from, his wife, 440 Vere, Lady Harriet, and Thomas Onslow, 67 Verney, Sir Harry, his MS.S., 316, note Vernon, Mr., of the Exchequer, 144, 339 Verses on the Yorkshire election ( 1 734), 494-498 Vienna, Count, and Mrs. Barry, 92 Villiers, Lord, treatment of his wife, 149 ; and the Duchess of Montagu, 197 Villiers, Lady Mary, her marriage, 84 Vryberg, Mons., Dutch envoy, 1 55, 176, 286 W. Wade, General, 418 Wager, .Sir Charles, admiral, 465 W^ainfleet, 29 Wainman, Lord and Lady, 93 Wakefield, I, 2, 29, 53, 85, 133, 487, 488, 502, 503, 504, 509, 512, 544, 545 ; letters from, 485, 544, 545 Walberton, Mrs., maid of honour, 84 Waldegrave, Lord, 476 Wales, Prince of, Frederick, his enter- tainments, 458, 459, 460, 464, 500 ; his marriage, 522 ; and his dying mother, 533 ; verses on, 538 Wales, Prince and Princess of, their amusements, 535, 536, 537, 539, 541, 542, 543 Walkenshaw, Mrs., 537 Walker, Mr., 503 ,, Tommy, 511 Wallop, Mr., 536, 538 Walpole, Horace, 35 Walpole, Horace or Horatio, 87, 193, 354 ; speech of, 457 ; and Franklin, 466 ,, Master (Horace ?), 462 ,, Mr., afterwards Sir Robert, 85, no; his remark on the Duke of Bucks' child, 153; his taking notes objected to, 160 ; charge of bribery against, 233, 256 ; committed to the Tower, 256 ; relea-ed, 291 ; speeches of, 376, 393, 457 ; and Franklin, 466 ; song about, 473 ; other notices of, 370, 466, 468, 469, 470, 471. 472, 473, 479, 531, 540 Walpole, Dorothy, her marriage, 321 Warburton, Mrs., 244 Wardman, Richard, Lord Strafford's bailiff, 500 ; letters of, 502-5, 508-12 Ward's Arsenick, 527 Warwick, Sir Philip, his Memoirs, lOI Waters, Sir John, 212 Watkins, Henry, Secretary at the Hague, 190, 191 ; his attachment to Marlborough, 192 Watkins, Mr., 320 Watson, Edward, 75 ,, Thomas, son of Lord Rock- ingham, see Wentworth, Watson 566 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. »» Weathers, Harry, 141 Webb, General, 19, 69, 71 ; and West- minster election, 137, 139, 140, 143 ; his daughter, 262 ; other notices of, 422, 426, 430, 432 Webster, Mr., 479 Wemyss, Lord, 71 Wentworth, Allen, his death, 4 „ Lady Anne, 353 ; letters of, 45 1> 453 ,, Lady Anne, daughter of Lord Mai ton, 529 ,, Baroness, wife of Sir Hen. Johnson, 221 ,, Elizabeth or Betty, 2, 39, 40, 42, 44, 168, 213, 219, 231,262, 274, 279, 285, 287, 296 ; letters of, 76, 126 ; Col. Sel- wyn and, 194 ,, Sir George, of WooUey, I ,, George, son of Peter, his letters from abroad, 515, 516, 517 Godfrey, of Woolley, 478, 502, 504,505, 508, 510, 512 ; letter of, 488 Lady Harriet, 451, 453, 479 Lady Henrietta, 29 Lady Isabella, mother of Lord Strafford, i ; letters of, 39-67, 76, 80, 84, 93. 94, 98, loi, 106, III, 112, 113, 116, 117, 121, 124, 125, 126, 129, 137, 148, 164, 167, 168, 169, 173, 174,220,243, 274,287,296, 320,332; her dumb pets, 40, 42, 45. 49, 52. 64, 106, 209, 214, 274, 284, 306; illness of, 452 ; her death and burial at Twickenham, 480, 481 ; her evidence on the Pretender's birth, 543 Juliana, wife of Peter, 58, 59, 61 [note), 75 {note), 211, 214, 219, 234, 285 Lady Lucy, 443 {note), 451, 479; letters of, 453, 528, 530, 531, 534, 535 „ Matthew, 478 ; Lady Winn's behaviour to, 494 Paul, his death, 4, 6 Wentworth, Peter, brother of Thomas account of, 3 ; notices of, 39, 40, 43, 44, 66, 95; letters of, 67— 533, passim ; his sons, 198, his desire to enter Par- liament, 471, et seq.; his illness and death, 533, ^^0^^ ,, Thomas, afterwards Lord Raby and third Earl of Strafford :— his parentage and birth, I, 2; page to Queen Mary, 4 ; his services in Scotland and Flanders, 5 ; takes his seat as Lord Raby, 6 ; accompanies Lord Portland to Paris, 7 ; his nar- row escape at the Goor, 7 ; sent on a special mission to Berlin, 7 ; at King William's deathbed, 8 ; seeks to be Governor of Jamaica, 8, 9 ; at the storming of Liege, 9 ; sent as Envoy to Berlin, 9, 10 ; his letters from thence, 10, et seq. ; his estab- lishment, 17 ; appointed Ambassador Extraordinary, 17; with the army m Flanders, 17, 18; nearly captured by the French, 19 ; his purchase of Stainborough, 20 ; his desire to be Earl of Strafford, 22, 25 ; picture buying at Rome, 26 ; hospitalities at Strafford Hall, 26 ; his ambition to command the forces in Spain, 27; appointed Ambassador at the Hague, 27; created Earl. of Strafford, 27; his marriage, 28, 29; his letters to Lord Berkeley, 30, et seq. ; his recall from the Hague, 33; im- peachment and defence of, 34 ; cor- respondence with the Pretender, 35 ; his death, &c., 35 ; "characters" of statesmen by, 131, et seq.; his por- trait, 213 ; and Bishop Robinson, stories about, 272, 274 ; his pictures, 278; to have the Garter, 291, 292; birth of his eldest daughter, 322, 325 ; dispute with Dr. Robinson about precedency, 350, 354, 355 ; Walpole's remarks on, 376; his recall, 418 ; George I.'s letters to, 413, 417, 418; his purchase of Boughton, 443 ; accident to, 476 ; his bad health, 522, 524, 525, 527; his love for quacks, 525, 527 Wentworth, Watson, son of Lord Rock- ingham, 6, 21, 22, 26, 79, 106, 174; his son. See Malton, Lord ,, Sir William, father and grandfather of Thomas, I INDEX. 567 Wentworth, William, brother of Thomas, death of, 6 „ Lord William, 35 ; his birth, 451 [note) ; letters of, 458, 460, 462, 479, 498, 536, 538-543 ; hi« handwriting, 523 ,, Sir William, of Bretton, 26, 50, 1 14, 284, 285 „ Castle. See Stainborough ,, Woodhouse, l, 7, 21 ; entertainments at, 477, 478 Westby, Mr., of Ranfield, 514 Westmeath, Lord, 50 Westminster Hall, Dr. Sacheverell's trial in, no, 112 ,, election for, 137, 139, 140, 143. 145' ,, Abbey, 538 Westmoreland, Lady, 521 Weymouth, Lord, his niece, 244 Wharton, Lord, 67, 68, 72, 199, 224, 228; speeches, &c., of, 115, 267, 324, 331, 340, 342, 351, 359, 363, 366, 374, 409, 421 ; his speech on vote of thanks to Marlborough, 159; in Ireland, 161 ; and Dolly Walpole, 321 ; alleged bribe to, 329 ; his canting speech, 369, 373 ; his speech against the Schism Bill, 385, 390 ; his speeches on the Treaty of Com- merce, 397, 400, 403, 405 Wharton, Duke of, at Vienna, 458 Lady, 80, 351 ,, Sir Miles, 237 Wheeler, clerk to Board of Trade, 399 ,, Lady K., 537 White, Elizabeth, 524, ttote White's Coffee-house, 92, 141, 310 Whitehall, the Cockpit, 45, note Chapel, 55, 117 Whitelock, Sir William, speech of, 341 Whitham, Brigadier, 91 Whitton and Twickenham, fight be- tween, 119 Whitworth, Minister in Russia, letter to, II Whitworth, Mr., 479, 536, 540 Mrs., 463 William III., his campaigns in Flan- ders, 5, 6 ; death of, S ; and Hol- land, 268 Williams, Lady Frances, 518 Mr., 505 Willoughby, Lord, 99, 117, 137, 173, 348 Wills, General, 92 Wills' Coffee-house, 184, 185, 195 Wimbledon, Harley at, 308 Winchelsea, Lord, 253, 466, 470 ,, Countess ol, 62 ,, Lord and Lady, 296 Winchester, Lord, his marriage, 322, 326 Windham, Ash, 75 ,, Lady, 41 Mrs., 63, 333 Miss, 537, 542 (See Wyndiiam.) Windsor. 92, 306, 345, 347, 356 ,, Col. Masham, member for, 197 ,, Lord, 132, 162, 165, 180, 193, 203, 237, 242, 252, 320, 342, 364, 410, 412 Wine and tobacco duties, 343 Winn, Sir Rowland, candidate for Yorkshire, 483-515, passitn Winn, Lady, her conduct during the election, 494, 510 Winnington, Salwey, and Bewdley election, 69 Wiseman, Mrs., 345 Wishart, Sir James, 314 {note), 394 Witton, Mr., 514 Wobuin Abbey, letters from, 454 Wodehouse, Sir John, 326 ; of Nor- folk, marriage of his son, 471 Wodehouse, Mr., candidate for Nor- folk, 506 Wolf's tooth, virtue of, 332, note Wood, Molly, 500 Woodstock, 48, 114 {note), 441, note Woolley, near Wakefield, i, 502, 504, 505 ; letter from, 488 Wortley, Mr., and the Yorkshire elec- tion, 484, 489, 491, 492, 493. 496, 503. ei seq- ,, Lady M., 501 Mi=s, 479 Wragby, vicar of, 498 Wren, Sir Christoplier, no Wrightson, Mr., 505, 506 Wyche, John, envoy at Hamburgh, 28 Wyndham or Windham, Sir William, 109 {tiote), 137, 348, 350, 391, 392, 393, 411, 466, 538 ; his house burnt down, 274, 276 ; speech of, 269 ; his bill against Presbyterianism, 383 Yalden, Dr., and the Tatler, 85 York, Benson member for, 133 ; races, George II. expected at, 465, 467, 568 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS. 468, 469 ; election meetings at, 483- 490, fassiin, 502, et seq. ; the George at, 485 ; races, the Whigs and, 516 ; Mr. Beckford at, 541 York, Archbishop of, 366, 367, 368, 369 ; speech of his son, 249 „ Duke of (1 71 7), 445 Yorkshire election (1734) letters con- cerning, 482-515 ; ballads on, 494-498 Yorkshire Wolds, 526 Young, Sir William, 470 ZiNZENDORF, Count, 309, 366 WVMA.V AND SONS, I'RINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON. 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