15. The Secretary came yesterday to town from Hampton Court, so I went to him
early this morning; but he went back last night again: and coming home to-
night I found a letter from him to tell me that he was just come from Hampton
Court, and just returning, and will not be here till Saturday night. A pox
take him! he stops all my business. I'll beg leave to come back when I have
got over this, and hope to see MD in Ireland soon after Christmas.--I'm weary
of Courts, and want my journeys to Laracor; they did me more good than all the
Ministries these twenty years. I dined to-day in the City, but did no
business as I designed. Lady Mountjoy tells me that Dilly is got to Ireland,
and that the Archbishop of Dublin was the cause of his returning so soon. The
Parliament was prorogued two days ago for a fortnight, which, with the Queen's
absence, makes the town very dull and empty. They tell me the Duke of Ormond
brings all the world away with him from Ireland. London has nothing so bad in
it in winter as your knots of Irish folks; but I go to no coffee-house, and so
I seldom see them. This letter shall go on Saturday; and then I am even with
the world again. I have lent money, and cannot get it, and am forced to
borrow for myself.
16. My man made a blunder this morning, and let up a visitor, when I had
ordered to see nobody; so I was forced to hurry a hang-dog instrument of mine
into my bed-chamber, and keep him cooling his heels there above an hour.--I am
going on fairly in the common forms of a great cold; I believe it will last me
about ten days in all.--I should have told you, that in those two verses sent
to Lord Treasurer, G---d stands for Guiscard; that is easy; but we differed
about F---n; I thought it was for Frenchman, because he hates them, and they
him: and so it would be, That although Guiscard's knife missed its design,
the knife of a Frenchman might yet do it. My lord thinks it stands for
Felton, the name of him that stabbed the first Duke of Buckingham. Sir Andrew
Fountaine and I dined with the Vans to-day, and my cold made me loiter all the
evening. Stay, young women, don't you begin to owe me a letter? just a month
to-day since I had your N.22. I'll stay a week longer, and then, I'll expect
like agog; till then you may play at ombre, and so forth, as you please. The
Whigs are still crying down our peace, but we will have it, I hope, in spite
of them: the Emperor comes now with his two eggs a penny, and promises
wonders to continue the war; but it is too late; only I hope the fear of it
will serve to spur on the French to be easy and sincere: Night, sirrahs;
I'll go early to bed.
17. Morning. This goes to-night; I will put it myself in the post-office. I
had just now a long letter from the Archbishop of Dublin, giving me an account
of the ending your session, how it ended in a storm; which storm, by the time
it arrives here, will be only half nature. I can't help it, I won't hide. I
often advised the dissolution of that Parliament, although I did not think the
scoundrels had so much courage; but they have it only in the wrong, like a
bully that will fight for a whore, and run away in an army. I believe, by
several things the Archbishop says, he is not very well either with the
Government or clergy.--See how luckily my paper ends with a fortnight.--God
Almighty bless and preserve dearest little MD.--I suppose your Lord Lieutenant
is now setting out for England. I wonder the Bishop of Clogher does not write
to me, or let me know of his statues, and how he likes them: I will write to
him again, as soon as I have leisure. Farewell, dearest MD, and love Presto,
who loves MD infinitely above all earthly things, and who will.--My service to
Mrs. Stoyte and Catherine. I'm sitting in my bed, but will rise to seal this.
Morrow, dear rogues: Farewell again, dearest MD, etc.
LETTER 35.
LONDON, NOV. 17, 1711.
I put my last this evening in the post-office. I dined with Dr. Cockburn.
This being Queen Elizabeth's birthday, we have the D---- and all to do among
us. I just heard of the stir as my letter was sealed this morning, and was so
cross I would not open it to tell you. I have been visiting Lady
Oglethorpe[1] and Lady Worsley;[2] the latter is lately come to town for the
winter, and with child, and what care you? This is Queen Elizabeth's
birthday, usually kept in this town by apprentices, etc.; but the Whigs
designed a mighty procession by midnight, and had laid out a thousand pounds
to dress up the Pope, Devil, cardinals, Sacheverell, etc., and carry them with
torches about, and burn them. They did it by contribution. Garth gave five
guineas; Dr. Garth I mean, if ever you heard of him. But they were seized
last night, by order from the Secretary: you will have an account of it, for
they bawl it about the streets already.[3] They had some very foolish and
mischievous designs; and it was thought they would have put the rabble upon
assaulting my Lord Treasurer's house and the Secretary's, and other violences.
The militia was raised to prevent it, and now, I suppose, all will be quiet.
The figures are now at the Secretary's office at Whitehall. I design to see
them if I can.
18. I was this morning with Mr. Secretary, who just came from Hampton Court.
He was telling me more particulars about this business of burning the Pope.
It cost a great deal of money, and had it gone on, would have cost three times
as much; but the town is full of it, and half a dozen Grub Street papers
already. The Secretary and I dined at Brigadier Britton's, but I left them at
six, upon an appointment with some sober company of men and ladies, to drink
punch at Sir Andrew Fountaine's. We were not very merry; and I don't love
rack punch, I love it better with brandy; are you of my opinion? Why then,
twelvepenny weather; sirrahs, why don't you play at shuttlecock? I have
thought of it a hundred times; faith, Presto will come over after Christmas,
and will play with Stella before the cold weather is gone. Do you read the
Spectators? I never do; they never come in my way; I go to no coffee-houses.
They say abundance of them are very pretty; they are going to be printed in
small volumes; I'll bring them over with me. I shall be out of my hurry in a
week, and if Leigh be not gone over, I will send you by him what I am now
finishing. I don't know where Leigh is; I have not seen him this good while,
though he promised to call: I shall send to him. The Queen comes to town on
Thursday for good and all.
19. I was this morning at Lord Dartmouth's office, and sent out for him from
the Committee of Council, about some business. I was asking him more
concerning this bustle about the figures in wax-work of the Pope, and Devil,
etc. He was not at leisure, or he would have seen them. I hear the owners
are so impudent, that they design to replevin them by law. I am assured that
the figure of the Devil is made as like Lord Treasurer as they could. Why, I
dined with a friend in St. James's Street. Lord Treasurer, I am told, was
abroad to-day; I will know to-morrow how he does after it. The Duke of
Marlborough is come, and was yesterday at Hampton Court with the Queen; no, it
was t'other day; no, it was yesterday; for to-day I remember Mr. Secretary was
going to see him, when I was there, not at the Duke of Marlborough's, but at
the Secretary's; the Duke is not so fond of me. What care I? I won seven
shillings to-night at picquet: I play twice a year or so.
20. I have been so teased with Whiggish discourse by Mrs. Barton and Lady
Betty Germaine, never saw the like. They turn all this affair of the Pope-
burning into ridicule; and, indeed, they have made too great a clutter about
it, if they had no real reason to apprehend some tumults. I dined with Lady
Betty. I hear Prior's commission is passed to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary for the peace; my Lord Privy Seal, who you know is Bishop of
Bristol, is the other; and Lord Strafford, already Ambassador at The Hague,
the third: I am forced to tell you, ignorant sluts, who is who. I was
punning scurvily with Sir Andrew Fountaine and Lord Pembroke this evening: do
you ever pun now? Sometimes with the Dean, or Tom Leigh.[4] Prior puns very
well. 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. And so I go to my business, and bid you good-night.
21. I was this morning busy with my printer: I gave him the fifth sheet,[5]
and then I went and dined with him in the City, to correct something, and
alter, etc., and I walked home in the dusk, and the rain overtook me: and I
found a letter here from Mr. Lewis; well, and so I opened it; and he says the
peace is past danger, etc. Well, and so there was another letter enclosed in
his: well, and so I looked on the outside of this t'other letter. Well, and
so who do you think this t'other letter was from? Well, and so I'll tell you;
it was from little MD, N.23, 23, 23, 23. I tell you it is no more, I have
told you so before: but I just looked again to satisfy you. Hie, Stella, you
write like an emperor, a great deal together; a very good hand, and but four
false spellings in all. Shall I send them to you? I am glad you did not take
my correction ill. Well, but I won't answer your letter now, sirrah
saucyboxes, no, no; not yet; just a month and three days from the last, which
is just five weeks: you see it comes just when I begin to grumble.
22. Morning. Tooke has just brought me Dingley's money. I will give you a
note for it at the end of this letter. There was half a crown for entering
the letter of attorney; but I swore to stop that. I'll spend your money
bravely here. Morrow, dear sirrahs.--At night. I dined to-day with Sir
Thomas Hanmer; his wife, the Duchess of Grafton,[6] dined with us: she wears
a great high head-dress, such as was in fashion fifteen years ago, and looks
like a mad woman in it; yet she has great remains of beauty. I was this
evening to see Lord Harley, and thought to have sat with Lord Treasurer, but
he was taken up with the Dutch Envoy and such folks; and I would not stay.
One particular in life here, different from what I have in Dublin, is, that
whenever I come home I expect to find some letter for me, and seldom miss; and
never any worth a farthing, but often to vex me. The Queen does not come to
town till Saturday. Prior is not yet declared; but these Ministers being at
Hampton Court, I know nothing; and if I write news from common hands, it is
always lies. You will think it affectation; but nothing has vexed me more for
some months past, than people I never saw pretending to be acquainted with me,
and yet speak ill of me too; at least some of them. An old crooked Scotch
countess, whom I never heard of in my life, told the Duchess of Hamilton[7]
t'other day that I often visited her. People of worth never do that; so that
a man only gets the scandal of having scurvy acquaintance. Three ladies were
railing against me some time ago, and said they were very well acquainted with
me; two of which I had never heard of, and the third I had only seen twice
where I happened to visit. A man who has once seen me in a coffee-house will
ask me how I do, when he sees me talking at Court with a Minister of State;
who is sure to ask me how I came acquainted with that scoundrel. But come,
sirrahs, this is all stuff to you, so I'll say no more on this side the paper,
but turn over.
23. My printer invited Mr. Lewis and me to dine at a tavern to-day, which I
have not done five times since I came to England; I never will call it
Britain, pray don't call it Britain. My week is not out, and one side of this
paper is out, and I have a letter to answer of MD's into the bargain: must I
write on the third side? faith, that will give you an ill habit. I saw Leigh
last night: he gives a terrible account of Sterne; he reckons he is seduced
by some wench; he is over head and ears in debt, and has pawned several
things. Leigh says he goes on Monday next for Ireland, but believes Sterne
will not go with him; Sterne has kept him these three months. Leigh has got
the apron and things, and promises to call for the box at Chester; but I
despair of it. Good-night, sirrahs; I have been late abroad.
24. I have finished my pamphlet[8] to-day, which has cost me so much time and
trouble: it will be published in three or four days, when the Parliament
begins sitting. I suppose the Queen is come to town, but know nothing, having
been in the City finishing and correcting with the printer. When I came home,
I found letters on my table as usual, and one from your mother, to tell me
that you desire your writings and a picture should be sent to me, to be sent
over to you. I have just answered her letter, and promised to take care of
them if they be sent to me. She is at Farnham: it is too late to send them
by Leigh; besides, I will wait your orders, Madam Stella. I am going to
finish a letter to Lord Treasurer about reforming our language;[9] but first I
must put an end to a ballad; and go you to your cards, sirrahs, this is card
season.
25. I was early with the Secretary to-day, but he was gone to his devotions,
and to receive the sacrament: several rakes did the same; it was not for
piety, but employments; according to Act of Parliament. I dined with Lady
Mary Dudley;[10] and passed my time since insipidly, only I was at Court at
noon, and saw fifty acquaintance I had not met this long time: that is the
advantage of a Court, and I fancy I am better known than any man that goes
there. Sir John Walter's[11] quarrel with me has entertained the town ever
since; and yet we never had a word, only he railed at me behind my back. The
Parliament is again to be prorogued for eight or nine days, for the Whigs are
too strong in the House of Lords: other reasons are pretended, but that is
the truth. The prorogation is not yet known, but will be to-morrow.
26. Mr. Lewis and I dined with a friend of his, and unexpectedly there dined
with us an Irish knight, one Sir John St. Leger,[12] who follows the law here,
but at a great distance: he was so pert, I was forced to take him down more
than once. I saw to-day the Pope, and Devil, and the other figures of
cardinals, etc., fifteen in all, which have made such a noise. I have put an
under-strapper upon writing a twopenny pamphlet[13] to give an account of the
whole design. My large pamphlet[14] will be published to-morrow; copies are
sent to the great men this night. Domville[15] is come home from his travels;
I am vexed at it: I have not seen him yet; I design to present him to all the
great men.
27. Domville came to me this morning, and we dined at Pontack's, and were all
day together, till six this evening: he is perfectly as fine a gentleman as I
know; he set me down at Lord Treasurer's, with whom I stayed about an hour,
till Monsieur Buys, the Dutch Envoy, came to him about business. My Lord
Treasurer is pretty well, but stiff in the hips with the remains of the
rheumatism. I am to bring Domville to my Lord Harley in a day or two. It was
the dirtiest rainy day that ever I saw. The pamphlet is published; Lord
Treasurer had it by him on the table, and was asking me about the mottoes in
the title-page; he gave me one of them himself.[16] I must send you the
pamphlet, if I can.
28. Mrs. Van sent to me to dine with her to-day, because some ladies of my
acquaintance were to be there; and there I dined. I was this morning to
return Domville his visit, and went to visit Mrs. Masham, who was not within.
I am turned out of my lodging by my landlady: it seems her husband and her
son are coming home; but I have taken another lodging hard by, in Leicester
Fields. I presented Mr. Domville to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Prior this morning.
Prior and I are called the two Sosias,[17] in a Whig newspaper. Sosias, can
you read it? The pamphlet begins to make a noise: I was asked by several
whether I had seen it, and they advised me to read it, for it was something
very extraordinary. I shall be suspected; and it will have several paltry
answers. It must take its fate, as Savage[18] said of his sermon that he
preached at Farnham on Sir William Temple's death. Domville saw Savage in
Italy, and says he is a coxcomb, and half mad: he goes in red, and with
yellow waistcoats, and was at ceremony kneeling to the Pope on a Palm Sunday,
which is much more than kissing his toe; and I believe it will ruin him here
when 'tis told. I'll answer your letter in my new lodgings: I have hardly
room; I must borrow from the other side.
29. New lodgings. My printer came this morning to tell me he must
immediately print a second edition,[19] and Lord Treasurer made one or two
small additions: they must work day and night to have it out on Saturday;
they sold a thousand in two days. Our Society met to-day; nine of us were
present: we dined at our brother Bathurst's.[20] We made several
regulations, and have chosen three new members, Lord Orrery,[21] Jack Hill,
who is Mrs. Masham's brother, he that lately miscarried in the expedition to
Quebec, and one Colonel Disney.[22]--We have taken a room in a house near St.
James's to meet in. I left them early about correcting the pamphlet, etc.,
and am now got home, etc.
30. This morning I carried Domville to see my Lord Harley, and I did some
business with Lord Treasurer, and have been all this afternoon with the
printer, adding something to the second edition. I dined with the printer:
the pamphlet makes a world of noise, and will do a great deal of good; it
tells abundance of most important facts which were not at all known. I'll
answer your letter to-morrow morning; or suppose I answer it just now, though
it is pretty late. Come then.--You say you are busy with Parliaments, etc.;
that's more than ever I will be when I come back; but you will have none these
two years. Lord Santry, etc., yes, I have had enough on't.[23] I am glad
Dilly is mended; does not he thank me for showing him the Court and the great
people's faces? He had his glass out at the Queen and the rest. 'Tis right
what Dilly says: I depend upon nothing from my friends, but to go back as I
came. Never fear Laracor, 'twill mend with a peace, or surely they'll give me
the Dublin parish. Stella is in the right: the Bishop of Ossory[24] is the
silliest, best-natured wretch breathing, of as little consequence as an egg-
shell. Well, the spelling I have mentioned before; only the next time say AT
LEAST, and not AT LEST. Pox on your Newbury![25] what can I do for him? I'll
give his case (I am glad it is not a woman's) to what members I know; that's
all I can do. Lord Treasurer's lameness goes off daily. Pray God preserve
poor good Mrs. Stoyte; she would be a great loss to us all: pray give her my
service, and tell her she has my heartiest prayers. I pity poor Mrs. Manley;
but I think the child is happy to die, considering how little provision it
would have had.--Poh, every pamphlet abuses me, and for things that I never
writ. Joe[26] should have written me thanks for his two hundred pounds: I
reckon he got it by my means; and I must thank the Duke of Ormond, who I dare
swear will say he did it on my account. Are they golden pippins, those seven
apples? We have had much rain every day as well as you. 7 pounds, 17
shillings, 8 pence, old blunderer, not 18 shillings: I have reckoned it
eighteen times. Hawkshaw's eight pounds is not reckoned and if it be secure,
it may lie where it is, unless they desire to pay it: so Parvisol may let it
drop till further orders; for I have put Mrs. Wesley's money into the Bank,
and will pay her with Hawkshaw's.--I mean that Hawkshaw's money goes for an
addition to MD, you know; but be good housewives. Bernage never comes now to
see me; he has no more to ask; but I hear he has been ill.--A pox on Mrs.
South's[27] affair; I can do nothing in it, but by way of assisting anybody
else that solicits it, by dropping a favourable word, if it comes in my way.
Tell Walls I do no more for anybody with my Lord Treasurer, especially a thing
of this kind. Tell him I have spent all my discretion, and have no more to
use.--And so I have answered your letter fully and plainly.--And so I have got
to the third side of my paper, which is more than belongs to you, young women.
It goes to-morrow,
To nobody's sorrow.
You are silly, not I; I'm a poet, if I had but, etc.--Who's silly now? rogues
and lasses, tinderboxes and buzzards. O Lord, I am in a high vein of
silliness; methought I was speaking to dearest little MD face to face. There;
so, lads, enough for to-night; to cards with the blackguards. Goodnight, my
delight, etc.
Dec. 1. Pish, sirrahs, put a date always at the bottom of your letter, as
well as the top, that I may know when you send it; your last is of November 3,
yet I had others at the same time, written a fortnight after. Whenever you
would have any money, send me word three weeks before, and in that time you
will certainly have an answer, with a bill on Parvisol: pray do this; for my
head is full, and it will ease my memory. Why, I think I quoted to you some
of ----'s letter, so you may imagine how witty the rest was; for it was all of
a bunch, as Goodman Peesley[28] says. Pray let us have no more bussiness, but
busyness: the deuce take me if I know how to spell it; your wrong spelling,
Madam Stella, has put me out: it does not look right; let me see, bussiness,
busyness, business, bisyness, bisness, bysness; faith, I know not which is
right, I think the second; I believe I never writ the word in my life before;
yes, sure I must, though; business, busyness, bisyness.--I have perplexed
myself, and can't do it. Prithee ask Walls. Business, I fancy that's right.
Yes it is; I looked in my own pamphlet, and found it twice in ten lines, to
convince you that I never writ it before. Oh, now I see it as plain as can
be; so yours is only an _s_ too much. The Parliament will certainly meet on
Friday next: the Whigs will have a great majority in the House of Lords, no
care is taken to prevent it; there is too much neglect; they are warned of it,
and that signifies nothing: it was feared there would be some peevish address
from the Lords against a peace. 'Tis said about the town that several of the
Allies begin now to be content that a peace should be treated. This is all
the news I have. The Queen is pretty well: and so now I bid poor dearest MD
farewell till to-night; then I will talk with them again.
The fifteen images that I saw were not worth forty pounds, so I stretched a
little when I said a thousand. The Grub Street account of that tumult is
published. The Devil is not like Lord Treasurer: they were all in your odd
antic masks, bought in common shops.[29] I fear Prior will not be one of the
plenipotentiaries.
I was looking over this letter, and find I make many mistakes of leaving out
words; so 'tis impossible to find my meaning, unless you be conjurers. I will
take more care for the future, and read over every day just what I have
written that day, which will take up no time to speak of.
LETTER 36.
LONDON, Dec. 1, 1711.
My last was put in this evening. I intended to dine with Mr. Masham to-day,
and called at White's chocolate house to see if he was there. Lord Wharton
saw me at the door, and I saw him, but took no notice, and was going away, but
he came through the crowd, called after me, and asked me how I did, etc. This
was pretty; and I believe he wished every word he spoke was a halter to hang
me. Masham did not dine at home, so I ate with a friend in the neighbourhood.
The printer has not sent me the second edition; I know not the reason, for it
certainly came out to-day; perhaps they are glutted with it already. I found
a letter from Lord Harley on my table, to tell me that his father desires I
would make two small alterations. I am going to be busy, etc.
2. Morning. See the blunder; I was making it the 37th day of the month, from
the number above. Well, but I am staying here for old Frowde, who appointed
to call this morning: I am ready dressed to go to church: I suppose he dare
not stir out but on Sundays.[1] The printer called early this morning, told
me the second edition went off yesterday in five hours, and he must have a
third ready to-morrow, for they might have sold half another: his men are all
at work with it, though it be Sunday. This old fool will not come, and I
shall miss church. Morrow, sirrahs.--At night. I was at Court to-day: the
Queen is well, and walked through part of the rooms. I dined with the
Secretary, and despatched some business. He tells me the Dutch Envoy designs
to complain of that pamphlet. The noise it makes is extraordinary. It is fit
it should answer the pains I have been at about it. I suppose it will be
printed in Ireland. Some lay it to Prior, others to Mr. Secretary St. John,
but I am always the first they lay everything to. I'll go sleep, etc.
3. I have ordered Patrick not to let any odd fellow come up to me; and a
fellow would needs speak with me from Sir George Pretyman.[2] I had never
heard of him, and would not see the messenger: but at last it proved that
this Sir George has sold his estate, and is a beggar. Smithers, the Farnham
carrier, brought me this morning a letter from your mother, with three papers
enclosed of Lady Giffard's writing; one owning some exchequer business of 100
pounds to be Stella's;[3] another for 100 pounds that she has of yours, which
I made over to you for Mariston; and a third for 300 pounds; the last is on
stamped paper. I think they had better lie in England in some good hand till
Lady Giffard dies; and I will think of some such hand before I come over. I
was asking Smithers about all the people of Farnham. Mrs. White[4] has left
off dressing, is troubled with lameness and swelled legs, and seldom stirs
out; but her old hang-dog husband as hearty as ever. I was this morning with
Lord Treasurer, about something he would have altered in the pamphlet;[5] but
it can't be till the fourth edition, which I believe will be soon; for I dined
with the printer, and he tells me they have sold off half the third. Mrs.
Perceval[6] and her daughter have been in town these three weeks, which I
never heard till to-day; and Mrs. Wesley[7] is come to town too, to consult
Dr. Radcliffe. The Whigs are resolved to bring that pamphlet into the House
of Lords to have it condemned, so I hear. But the printer will stand to it,
and not own the author; he must say he had it from the penny-post. Some
people talk as if the House of Lords would do some peevish thing, for the
Whigs are now a great majority in it; our Ministers are too negligent of such
things: I have never slipped giving them warning; some of them are sensible
of it; but Lord Treasurer stands too much upon his own legs. I fancy his good
fortune will bear him out in everything; but in reason I should think this
Ministry to stand very unsteady; if they can carry a peace, they may hold; I
believe not else.
4. Mr. Secretary sent to me to-day to dine with him alone; but we had two
more with us, which hindered me doing some business. I was this morning with
young Harcourt, secretary to our Society, to take a room for our weekly
meetings; and the fellow asked us five guineas a week only to have leave to
dine once a week; was not that pretty? so we broke off with him, and are to
dine next Thursday at Harcourt's (he is Lord Keeper's son). They have sold
off above half the third edition, and answers are coming out: the Dutch Envoy
refused dining with Dr. Davenant,[8] because he was suspected to write it: I
have made some alterations in every edition, and it has cost me more trouble,
for the time, since the printing, than before. 'Tis sent over to Ireland, and
I suppose you will have it reprinted.
5. They are now printing the fourth edition, which is reckoned very
extraordinary, considering 'tis a dear twelvepenny book, and not bought up in
numbers by the party to give away, as the Whigs do, but purely upon its own
strength. I have got an under spur-leather to write an Examiner again,[9] and
the Secretary and I will now and then send hints; but we would have it a
little upon the Grub Street, to be a match for their writers. I dined with
Lord Treasurer to-day at five: he dined by himself after his family, and
drinks no claret yet, for fear of his rheumatism, of which he is almost well.
He was very pleasant, as he is always: yet I fancied he was a little touched
with the present posture of affairs. The Elector of Hanover's Minister here
has given in a violent memorial against the peace, and caused it to be
printed. The Whig lords are doing their utmost for a majority against Friday,
and design, if they can, to address the Queen against the peace. Lord
Nottingham,[10] a famous Tory and speech-maker, is gone over to the Whig side:
they toast him daily, and Lord Wharton says, It is Dismal (so they call him
from his looks) will save England at last. Lord Treasurer was hinting as if
he wished a ballad was made on him, and I will get up one against to-
morrow.[11] He gave me a scurrilous printed paper of bad verses on himself,
under the name of the English Catiline, and made me read them to the company.
It was his birthday, which he would not tell us, but Lord Harley whispered it
to me.
6. I was this morning making the ballad, two degrees above Grub Street: at
noon I paid a visit to Mrs. Masham, and then went to dine with our Society.
Poor Lord Keeper dined below stairs, I suppose, on a bit of mutton. We chose
two members: we were eleven met, the greatest meeting we ever had: I am next
week to introduce Lord Orrery. The printer came before we parted, and brought
the ballad, which made them laugh very heartily a dozen times. He is going to
print the pamphlet[12] in small, a fifth edition, to be taken off by friends,
and sent into the country. A sixpenny answer is come out, good for nothing,
but guessing me, among others, for the author. To-morrow is the fatal day for
the Parliament meeting, and we are full of hopes and fears. We reckon we have
a majority of ten on our side in the House of Lords; yet I observed Mrs.
Masham a little uneasy: she assures me the Queen is stout. The Duke of
Marlborough has not seen the Queen for some days past; Mrs. Masham is glad of
it, because she says he tells a hundred lies to his friends of what she says
to him: he is one day humble, and the next day on the high ropes. The Duke
of Ormond, they say, will be in town to-night by twelve.
7. This being the day the Parliament was to meet, and the great question to
be determined, I went with Dr. Freind to dine in the City, on purpose to be
out of the way, and we sent our printer to see what was our fate; but he gave
us a most melancholy account of things. The Earl of Nottingham began, and
spoke against a peace, and desired that in their address they might put in a
clause to advise the Queen not to make a peace without Spain; which was
debated, and carried by the Whigs by about six voices: and this has happened
entirely by my Lord Treasurer's neglect, who did not take timely care to make
up all his strength, although every one of us gave him caution enough.
Nottingham has certainly been bribed. The question is yet only carried in the
Committee of the whole House, and we hope when it is reported to the House to-
morrow, we shall have a majority, by some Scotch lords coming to town.
However, it is a mighty blow and loss of reputation to Lord Treasurer, and may
end in his ruin. I hear the thing only as the printer brought it, who was at
the debate; but how the Ministry take it, or what their hopes and fears are, I
cannot tell until I see them. I shall be early with the Secretary to-morrow,
and then I will tell you more, and shall write a full account to the Bishop of
Clogher to-morrow, and to the Archbishop of Dublin, if I have time. I am
horribly down at present. I long to know how Lord Treasurer bears this, and
what remedy he has. The Duke of Ormond came this day to town, and was there.
8. I was early this morning with the Secretary, and talked over this matter.
He hoped that when it was reported this day in the House of Lords, they would
disagree with their Committee, and so the matter would go off, only with a
little loss of reputation to the Lord Treasurer. I dined with Mr. Cockburn,
and after, a Scotch member came in, and told us that the clause was carried
against the Court in the House of Lords almost two to one. I went immediately
to Mrs. Masham, and meeting Dr. Arbuthnot (the Queen's favourite physician),
we went together. She was just come from waiting at the Queen's dinner, and
going to her own. She had heard nothing of the thing being gone against us.
It seems Lord Treasurer had been so negligent that he was with the Queen while
the question was put in the House: I immediately told Mrs. Masham that either
she and Lord Treasurer had joined with the Queen to betray us, or that they
two were betrayed by the Queen: she protested solemnly it was not the former,
and I believed her; but she gave me some lights to suspect the Queen is
changed. For yesterday, when the Queen was going from the House, where she
sat to hear the debate, the Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord Chamberlain, asked her
whether he or the Great Chamberlain Lindsey[13] ought to lead her out; she
answered short, "Neither of you," and gave her hand to the Duke of Somerset,
who was louder than any in the House for the clause against peace. She gave
me one or two more instances of this sort, which convince me that the Queen is
false, or at least very much wavering. Mr. Masham begged us to stay, because
Lord Treasurer would call, and we were resolved to fall on him about his
negligence in securing a majority. He came, and appeared in good humour as
usual, but I thought his countenance was much cast down. I rallied him, and
desired him to give me his staff, which he did: I told him, if he would
secure it me a week, I would set all right: he asked how; I said I would
immediately turn Lord Marlborough, his two daughters,[14] the Duke and Duchess
of Somerset, and Lord Cholmondeley,[15] out of all their employments; and I
believe he had not a friend but was of my opinion. Arbuthnot asked how he
came not to secure a majority. He could answer nothing but that he could not
help it, if people would lie and forswear. A poor answer for a great
Minister. There fell from him a Scripture expression, that "the hearts of
kings are unsearchable."[16] I told him it was what I feared, and was from
him the worst news he could tell me. I begged him to know what he had to
trust to: he stuck a little; but at last bid me not fear, for all would be
well yet. We would fain have had him eat a bit where he was, but he would go
home, it was past six: he made me go home with him. There we found his
brother and Mr. Secretary. He made his son take a list of all in the House of
Commons who had places, and yet voted against the Court, in such a manner as
if they should lose their places: I doubt he is not able to compass it. Lord
Keeper came in an hour, and they were going upon business. So I left him, and
returned to Mrs. Masham; but she had company with her, and I would not stay.--
This is a long journal, and of a day that may produce great alterations, and
hazard the ruin of England. The Whigs are all in triumph; they foretold how
all this would be, but we thought it boasting. Nay, they said the Parliament
should be dissolved before Christmas, and perhaps it may: this is all your d-
---d Duchess of Somerset's doings. I warned them of it nine months ago, and a
hundred times since: the Secretary always dreaded it. I told Lord Treasurer
I should have the advantage of him; for he would lose his head, and I should
only be hanged, and so carry my body entire to the grave.
9. I was this morning with Mr. Secretary: we are both of opinion that the
Queen is false. I told him what I heard, and he confirmed it by other
circumstances. I then went to my friend Lewis, who had sent to see me. He
talks of nothing but retiring to his estate in Wales. He gave me reasons to
believe the whole matter is settled between the Queen and the Whigs; he hears
that Lord Somers is to be Treasurer, and believes that, sooner than turn out
the Duchess of Somerset, she will dissolve the Parliament, and get a Whiggish
one, which may be done by managing elections. Things are now in the crisis,
and a day or two will determine. I have desired him to engage Lord Treasurer
that as soon as he finds the change is resolved on, he will send me abroad as
Queen's Secretary somewhere or other, where I may remain till the new
Ministers recall me; and then I will be sick for five or six months, till the
storm has spent itself. I hope he will grant me this; for I should hardly
trust myself to the mercy of my enemies while their anger is fresh. I dined
to-day with the Secretary, who affects mirth, and seems to hope all will yet
be well. I took him aside after dinner, told him how I had served them, and
had asked no reward, but thought I might ask security; and then desired the
same thing of him, to send me abroad before a change. He embraced me, and
swore he would take the same care of me as himself, etc., but bid me have
courage, for that in two days my Lord Treasurer's wisdom would appear greater
than ever; that he suffered all that had happened on purpose, and had taken
measures to turn it to advantage. I said, "God send it"; but I do not believe
a syllable; and, as far as I can judge, the game is lost. I shall know more
soon, and my letters will at least be a good history to show you the steps of
this change.
10. I was this morning with Lewis, who thinks they will let the Parliament
sit till they have given the money, and then dissolve them in spring, and
break the Ministry. He spoke to Lord Treasurer about what I desired him. My
lord desired him with great earnestness to assure me that all would be well,
and that I should fear nothing. I dined in the City with a friend. This day
the Commons went to the Queen with their address, and all the Lords who were
for the peace went with them, to show their zeal. I have now some further
conviction that the Queen is false, and it begins to be known.
11. I went between two and three to see Mrs. Masham; while I was there she
went to her bed-chamber to try a petticoat. Lord Treasurer came in to see
her, and seeing me in the outer room, fell a rallying me: says he, "You had
better keep company with me, than with such a fellow as Lewis, who has not the
soul of a chicken, nor the heart of a mite." Then he went in to Mrs. Masham,
and as he came back desired her leave to let me go home with him to dinner.
He asked whether I was not afraid to be seen with him. I said I never valued
my Lord Treasurer in my life, and therefore should have always the same esteem
for Mr. Harley and Lord Oxford. He seemed to talk confidently, as if he
reckoned that all this would turn to advantage. I could not forbear hinting
that he was not sure of the Queen, and that those scoundrel, starving lords
would never have dared to vote against the Court, if Somerset had not assured
them that it would please the Queen. He said that was true, and Somerset did
so. I stayed till six; then De Buys, the Dutch Envoy, came to him, and I left
him. Prior was with us a while after dinner. I see him and all of them cast
down, though they make the best of it.
12. Ford is come to town; I saw him last night: he is in no fear, but
sanguine, although I have told him the state of things. This change so
resembles the last, that I wonder they do not observe it. The Secretary sent
for me yesterday to dine with him, but I was abroad; I hope he had something
to say to me. This is morning, and I write in bed. I am going to the Duke of
Ormond, whom I have not yet seen. Morrow, sirrahs.--At night. I was to see
the Duke of Ormond this morning: he asked me two or three questions after his
civil way, and they related to Ireland: at last I told him that, from the
time I had seen him, I never once thought of Irish affairs. He whispered me
that he hoped I had done some good things here: I said, if everybody else had
done half as much, we should not be as we are: then we went aside, and talked
over affairs. I told him how all things stood, and advised him what was to be
done. I then went and sat an hour with the Duchess; then as long with Lady
Oglethorpe,[17] who is so cunning a devil that I believe she could yet find a
remedy, if they would take her advice. I dined with a friend at Court.
13. I was this morning with the Secretary: he will needs pretend to talk as
if things would be well: "Will you believe it," said he, "if you see these
people turned out?" I said, yes, if I saw the Duke and Duchess of Somerset
out: he swore if they were not, he would give up his place. Our Society
dined to-day at Sir William Wyndham's; we were thirteen present. Lord Orrery
and two other members were introduced: I left them at seven. I forgot to
tell you that the printer told me yesterday that Morphew, the publisher, was
sent for by that Lord Chief-Justice, who was a manager against Sacheverell; he
showed him two or three papers and pamphlets; among the rest mine of the
Conduct of the Allies, threatened him, asked who was the author, and has bound
him over to appear next term. He would not have the impudence to do this, if
he did not foresee what was coming at Court.
14. Lord Shelburne was with me this morning, to be informed of the state of
affairs, and desired I would answer all his objections against a peace, which
was soon done, for he would not give me room to put in a word. He is a man of
good sense enough; but argues so violently, that he will some day or other put
himself into a consumption. He desires that he may not be denied when he
comes to see me, which I promised, but will not perform. Leigh and Sterne set
out for Ireland on Monday se'nnight: I suppose they will be with you long
before this.--I was to-night drinking very good wine in scurvy company, at
least some of them; I was drawn in, but will be more cautious for the future;
'tis late, etc.
15. Morning. They say the Occasional Bill[19] is brought to-day into the
House of Lords; but I know not. I will now put an end to my letter, and give
it into the post-house myself. This will be a memorable letter, and I shall
sigh to see it some years hence. Here are the first steps toward the ruin of
an excellent Ministry; for I look upon them as certainly ruined; and God knows
what may be the consequences.--I now bid my dearest MD farewell; for company
is coming, and I must be at Lord Dartmouth's office by noon. Farewell,
dearest MD; I wish you a merry Christmas; I believe you will have this about
that time. Love Presto, who loves MD above all things a thousand times.
Farewell again, dearest MD, etc.
LETTER 37.
LONDON, Dec. 15, 1711.
I put in my letter this evening myself. I was to-day inquiring at the
Secretary's office of Mr. Lewis how things went: I there met Prior, who told
me he gave all for gone, etc., and was of opinion the whole Ministry would
give up their places next week: Lewis thinks they will not till spring, when
the session is over; both of them entirely despair. I went to see Mrs.
Masham, who invited me to dinner; but I was engaged to Lewis. At four I went
to Masham's. He came and whispered me that he had it from a very good hand
that all would be well, and I found them both very cheerful. The company was
going to the opera, but desired I would come and sup with them. I did so at
ten, and Lord Treasurer was there, and sat with us till past twelve, and was
more cheerful than I have seen him these ten days. Mrs. Masham told me he was
mightily cast down some days ago, and he could not indeed hide it from me.
Arbuthnot is in good hopes that the Queen has not betrayed us, but only has
been frightened, and flattered, etc. But I cannot yet be of his opinion,
whether my reasons are better, or that my fears are greater. I do resolve, if
they give up, or are turned out soon, to retire for some months, and I have
pitched upon the place already: but I will take methods for hearing from MD,
and writing to them. But I would be out of the way upon the first of the
ferment; for they lay all things on me, even some I have never read.
16. I took courage to-day, and went to Court with a very cheerful
countenance. It was mightily crowded; both parties coming to observe each
other's faces. I have avoided Lord Halifax's bow till he forced it on me; but
we did not talk together. I could not make less than fourscore bows, of which
about twenty might be to Whigs. The Duke of Somerset is gone to Petworth,
and, I hear, the Duchess too, of which I shall be very glad. Prince
Eugene,[1] who was expected here some days ago, we are now told, will not come
at all. The Whigs designed to have met him with forty thousand horse. Lord
Treasurer told me some days ago of his discourse with the Emperor's Resident,
that puppy Hoffman, about Prince Eugene's coming; by which I found my lord
would hinder it, if he could; and we shall be all glad if he does not come,
and think it a good point gained. Sir Andrew Fountaine, Ford, and I dined to-
day with Mrs. Van, by invitation.
17. I have mistaken the day of the month, and been forced to mend it thrice.
I dined to-day with Mr. Masham and his lady, by invitation. Lord Treasurer
was to be there, but came not. It was to entertain Buys, the Dutch Envoy, who
speaks English well enough: he was plaguily politic, telling a thousand lies,
of which none passed upon any of us. We are still in the condition of
suspense, and I think have little hopes. The Duchess of Somerset is not gone
to Petworth; only the Duke, and that is a poor sacrifice. I believe the Queen
certainly designs to change the Ministry, but perhaps may put it off till the
session is over: and I think they had better give up now, if she will not
deal openly; and then they need not answer for the consequences of a peace,
when it is in other hands, and may yet be broken. They say my Lord Privy Seal
sets out for Holland this week: so the peace goes on.
18. It has rained hard from morning till night, and cost me three shillings
in coach-hire. We have had abundance of wet weather. I dined in the City,
and was with the printer, who has now a fifth edition of the Conduct, etc.:
it is in small, and sold for sixpence; they have printed as many as three
editions, because they are to be sent in numbers into the country by great
men, etc., who subscribe for hundreds. It has been sent a fortnight ago to
Ireland: I suppose you will print it there. The Tory Lords and Commons in
Parliament argue all from it; and all agree that never anything of that kind
was of so great consequence, or made so many converts. By the time I have
sent this letter, I expect to hear from little MD: it will be a month, two
days hence, since I had your last, and I will allow ten days for accidents. I
cannot get rid of the leavings of a cold I got a month ago, or else it is a
new one. I have been writing letters all this evening till I am weary, and I
am sending out another little thing, which I hope to finish this week, and
design to send to the printer in an unknown hand. There was printed a Grub
Street speech of Lord Nottingham;[2] and he was such an owl to complain of it
in the House of Lords, who have taken up the printer for it. I heard at Court
that Walpole[3] (a great Whig member) said that I and my whimsical Club writ
it at one of our meetings, and that I should pay for it. He will find he
lies: and I shall let him know by a third hand my thoughts of him. He is to
be Secretary of State, if the Ministry changes; but he has lately had a bribe
proved against him in Parliament, while he was Secretary at War. He is one of
the Whigs' chief speakers.
19. Sad dismal weather. I went to the Secretary's office, and Lewis made me
dine with him. I intended to have dined with Lord Treasurer. I have not seen
the Secretary this week. Things do not mend at all. Lord Dartmouth despairs,
and is for giving up; Lewis is of the same mind; but Lord Treasurer only says,
"Poh, poh, all will be well." I am come home early to finish something I am
doing; but I find I want heart and humour, and would read any idle book that
came in my way. I have just sent away a penny paper to make a little
mischief. Patrick is gone to the burial of an Irish footman, who was Dr.
King's[4] servant; he died of a consumption, a fit death for a poor starving
wit's footman. The Irish servants always club to bury a countryman.
20. I was with the Secretary this morning, and, for aught I can see, we shall
have a languishing death: I can know nothing, nor themselves neither. I
dined, you know, with our Society, and that odious Secretary would make me
President next week; so I must entertain them this day se'nnight at the
Thatched House Tavern,[5] where we dined to-day: it will cost me five or six
pounds; yet the Secretary says he will give me wine. I found a letter when I
came home from the Bishop of Clogher.
21. This is the first time I ever got a new cold before the old one was
going: it came yesterday, and appeared in all due forms, eyes and nose
running, etc., and is now very bad; and I cannot tell how I got it. Sir
Andrew Fountaine and I were invited to dine with Mrs. Van. I was this morning
with the Duke of Ormond; and neither he nor I can think of anything to comfort
us in present affairs. We must certainly fall, if the Duchess of Somerset be
not turned out; and nobody believes the Queen will ever part with her. The
Duke and I were settling when Mr. Secretary and I should dine with him, and he
fixes upon Tuesday; and when I came away I remembered it was Christmas Day. I
was to see Lady ----, who is just up after lying-in; and the ugliest sight I
have seen, pale, dead, old and yellow, for want of her paint. She has turned
my stomach. But she will soon be painted, and a beauty again.
22. I find myself disordered with a pain all round the small of my back,
which I imputed to champagne I had drunk; but find it to have been only my new
cold. It was a fine frosty day, and I resolved to walk into the City. I
called at Lord Treasurer's at eleven, and stayed some time with him.--He
showed me a letter from a great Presbyterian parson[6] to him, complaining how
their friends had betrayed them by passing this Conformity Bill; and he showed
me the answer he had written, which his friends would not let him send; but
was a very good one. He is very cheerful; but gives one no hopes, nor has any
to give. I went into the City, and there I dined.
23. Morning. As I was dressing to go to church, a friend that was to see me
advised me not to stir out; so I shall keep at home to-day, and only eat some
broth, if I can get it. It is a terrible cold frost, and snow fell yesterday,
which still remains: look there, you may see it from the penthouses. The
Lords made yesterday two or three votes about peace, and Hanover, of a very
angry kind to vex the Ministry, and they will meet sooner by a fortnight than
the Commons; and they say, are preparing some knocking addresses. Morrow,
sirrahs. I'll sit at home, and when I go to bed I will tell you how I am.--I
have sat at home all day, and eaten only a mess of broth and a roll. I have
written a Prophecy,[7] which I design to print; I did it to-day, and some
other verses.
24. I went into the City to-day in a coach, and dined there. My cold is
going. It is now bitter hard frost, and has been so these three or four days.
My Prophecy is printed, and will be published after Christmas Day; I like it
mightily: I don't know how it will pass. You will never understand it at
your distance, without help. I believe everybody will guess it to be mine,
because it is somewhat in the same manner with that of "Merlin"[8] in the
Miscellanies. My Lord Privy Seal set out this day for Holland: he'll have a
cold journey. I gave Patrick half a crown for his Christmas box, on condition
he would be good, and he came home drunk at midnight. I have taken a
memorandum of it, because I never design to give him a groat more. 'Tis cruel
cold.
25. I wish MD a merry Christmas, and many a one; but mine is melancholy: I
durst not go to church to-day, finding myself a little out of order, and it
snowing prodigiously, and freezing. At noon I went to Mrs. Van, who had this
week engaged me to dine there to-day: and there I received the news that poor
Mrs. Long[9] died at Lynn in Norfolk on Saturday last, at four in the morning:
she was sick but four hours. We suppose it was the asthma, which she was
subject to as well as the dropsy, as she sent me word in her last letter,
written about five weeks ago; but then said she was recovered. I never was
more afflicted at any death. The poor creature had retired to Lynn two years
ago, to live cheap, and pay her debts. In her last letter she told me she
hoped to be easy by Christmas; and she kept her word, although she meant it
otherwise. She had all sorts of amiable qualities, and no ill ones, but the
indiscretion of too much neglecting her own affairs. She had two thousand
pounds left her by an old grandmother,[10] with which she intended to pay her
debts, and live on an annuity she had of one hundred pounds a year, and
Newburg House, which would be about sixty pounds more. That odious
grandmother living so long, forced her to retire; for the two thousand pounds
was settled on her after the old woman's death, yet her brute of a brother,
Sir James Long,[11] would not advance it for her; else she might have paid her
debts, and continued here, and lived still: I believe melancholy helped her
on to her grave. I have ordered a paragraph to be put in the Postboy,[12]
giving an account of her death, and making honourable mention of her; which is
all I can do to serve her memory: but one reason was spite; for her brother
would fain have her death a secret, to save the charge of bringing her up here
to bury her, or going into mourning. Pardon all this, for the sake of a poor
creature I had so much friendship for.
26. I went to Mr. Secretary this morning, and he would have me dine with him.
I called at noon at Mrs. Masham's, who desired me not to let the Prophecy be
published, for fear of angering the Queen about the Duchess of Somerset; so I
writ to the printer to stop them. They have been printed and given about, but
not sold. I saw Lord Treasurer there, who had been two hours with the Queen;
and Mrs. Masham is in hopes things will do well again. I went at night again,
and supped at Mr. Masham's, and Lord Treasurer sat with us till one o'clock.
So 'tis late, etc.
27. I entertained our Society at the Thatched House Tavern to-day at dinner;
but brother Bathurst sent for wine, the house affording none. The printer had
not received my letter, and so he brought up dozens apiece of the Prophecy;
but I ordered him to part with no more. 'Tis an admirable good one, and
people are mad for it. The frost still continues violently cold. Mrs. Masham
invited me to come to-night and play at cards; but our Society did not part
till nine. But I supped with Mrs. Hill, her sister, and there was Mrs. Masham
and Lord Treasurer, and we stayed till twelve. He is endeavouring to get a
majority against next Wednesday, when the House of Lords is to meet, and the
Whigs intend to make some violent addresses against a peace, if not prevented.
God knows what will become of us.--It is still prodigiously cold; but so I
told you already. We have eggs on the spit, I wish they may not be addled.
When I came home tonight I found, forsooth, a letter from MD, N.24, 24, 24,
24; there, do you know the numbers now? and at the same time one from Joe,[13]
full of thanks: let him know I have received it, and am glad of his success,
but won't put him to the charge of a letter. I had a letter some time ago
from Mr. Warburton,[14] and I beg one of you will copy out what I shall tell
you, and send it by some opportunity to Warburton. 'Tis as follows: The
Doctor has received Mr. Warburton's letter, and desires he will let the Doctor
know where[15] that accident he mentions is like soon to happen, and he will
do what he can in it.--And pray, madam, let them know that I do this to save
myself the trouble, and them the expense of a letter. And I think that this
is enough for one that comes home at twelve from a Lord Treasurer and Mrs.
Masham. Oh, I could tell you ten thousand things of our mad politics, upon
what small circumstances great affairs have turned. But I will go rest my
busy head.
28. I was this morning with brother Bathurst to see the Duke of Ormond. We
have given his Grace some hopes to be one of our Society. The Secretary and I
and Bathurst are to dine with him on Sunday next. The Duke is not in much
hopes, but has been very busy in endeavouring to bring over some lords against
next Wednesday. The Duchess caught me as I was going out; she is sadly in
fear about things, and blames me for not mending them by my credit with Lord
Treasurer; and I blame her. She met me in the street at noon, and engaged me
to dine with her, which I did; and we talked an hour after dinner in her
closet. If we miscarry on Wednesday, I believe it will be by some strange
sort of neglect. They talk of making eight new lords by calling up some
peers' eldest sons; but they delay strangely. I saw Judge Coote[16] to-day at
the Duke of Ormond's: he desires to come and see me, to justify his
principles.
29. Morning. This goes to-day. I will not answer yours, your 24th, till
next, which shall begin to-night, as usual. Lord Shelburne has sent to invite
me to dinner, but I am engaged with Lewis at Ned Southwell's. Lord
Northampton and Lord Aylesbury's sons[17] are both made peers; but we shall
want more. I write this post to your Dean. I owe the Archbishop a letter
this long time. All people that come from Ireland complain of him, and scold
me for protecting him. Pray, Madam Dingley, let me know what Presto has
received for this year, or whether anything is due to him for last: I cannot
look over your former letters now. As for Dingley's own account of her
exchequer money, I will give it on t'other side. Farewell, my own dearest MD,
and love Presto; and God ever bless dearest MD, etc. etc. I wish you many
happy Christmases and new years.
I have owned to the Dean a letter I just had from you, but that I had not one
this great while before.
DINGLEY'S ACCOUNT
Received of Mr. Tooke . . 6 17 6
Deducted for entering the letter of attorney . 0 2 6
For the three half-crowns it used to cost you,
I don't know why nor wherefore . . 0 7 6
For exchange to Ireland . . 0 10 0
For coach-hire. . 0 2 6
--------
In all, just 8 0 0
So there's your money, and we are both even: for I'll pay you no more than
that eight pounds Irish, and pray be satisfied.
Churchwarden's accounts, boys.
Saturday night. I have broke open my letter, and tore it into the bargain, to
let you know that we are all safe: the Queen has made no less than twelve
lords,[18] to have a majority; nine new ones, the other three peers' sons; and
has turned out the Duke of Somerset. She is awaked at last, and so is Lord
Treasurer: I want nothing now but to see the Duchess out. But we shall do
without her. We are all extremely happy. Give me joy, sirrahs. This is
written in a coffee-house. Three of the new lords are of our Society.
LETTER 38.
LONDON, Dec. 29, 1711.
I put my letter in this evening, after coming from dinner at Ned Southwell's,
where I drank very good Irish wine, and we are in great joy at this happy turn
of affairs. The Queen has been at last persuaded to her own interest and
security, and I freely think she must have made both herself and kingdom very
unhappy, if she had done otherwise. It is still a mighty secret that Masham
is to be one of the new lords; they say he does not yet know it himself; but
the Queen is to surprise him with it. Mr. Secretary will be a lord at the end
of the session; but they want him still in Parliament. After all, it is a
strange unhappy necessity of making so many peers together; but the Queen has
drawn it upon herself, by her confounded trimming and moderation. Three, as I
told you, are of our Society.
30. I writ the Dean and you a lie yesterday; for the Duke of Somerset is not
yet turned out. I was to-day at Court, and resolved to be very civil to the
Whigs; but saw few there. When I was in the bed-chamber talking to Lord
Rochester, he went up to Lady Burlington,[1] who asked him who I was; and Lady
Sunderland and she whispered about me: I desired Lord Rochester to tell Lady
Sunderland I doubted she was not as much in love with me as I was with her;
but he would not deliver my message. The Duchess of Shrewsbury came running
up to me, and clapped her fan up to hide us from the company, and we gave one
another joy of this change; but sighed when we reflected on the Somerset
family not being out. The Secretary and I, and brother Bathurst, and Lord
Windsor, dined with the Duke of Ormond. Bathurst and Windsor[2] are to be two
of the new lords. I desired my Lord Radnor's brother,[3] at Court to-day, to
let my lord know I would call on him at six, which I did, and was arguing with
him three hours to bring him over to us, and I spoke so closely that I believe
he will be tractable; but he is a scoundrel, and though I said I only talked
for my love to him, I told a lie; for I did not care if he were hanged: but
everyone gained over is of consequence. The Duke of Marlborough was at Court
today, and nobody hardly took notice of him. Masham's being a lord begins to
take wind: nothing at Court can be kept a secret. Wednesday will be a great
day: you shall know more.
31. Our frost is broken since yesterday, and it is very slabbery;[4] yet I
walked to the City and dined, and ordered some things with the printer. I
have settled Dr. King in the Gazette; it will be worth two hundred pounds a
year to him. Our new lords' patents are passed: I don't like the expedient,
if we could have found any other. I see I have said this before. I hear the
Duke of Marlborough is turned out of all his employments: I shall know to-
morrow when I am to carry Dr. King to dine with the Secretary.--These are
strong remedies; pray God the patient is able to bear them. The last Ministry
people are utterly desperate.
Jan. 1. Now I wish my dearest little MD many happy new years; yes, both
Dingley and Stella, ay and Presto too, many happy new years. I dined with the
Secretary, and it is true that the Duke of Marlborough is turned out of all.
The Duke of Ormond has got his regiment of foot-guards, I know not who has the
rest. If the Ministry be not sure of a peace, I shall wonder at this step, and
do not approve it at best. The Queen and Lord Treasurer mortally hate the Duke
of Marlborough, and to that he owes his fall, more than to his other faults:
unless he has been tampering too far with his party, of which I have not heard
any particulars; however it be, the world abroad will blame us. I confess my
belief that he has not one good quality in the world beside that of a general,
and even that I have heard denied by several great soldiers. But we have had
constant success in arms while he commanded. Opinion is a mighty matter in
war, and I doubt the French think it impossible to conquer an army that he
leads, and our soldiers think the same; and how far even this step may
encourage the French to play tricks with us, no man knows. I do not love to
see personal resentment mix with public affairs.
