LETTER 43.[1]
LONDON, March 8, 1711-12.
I carried my forty-second letter in my pocket till evening, and then put it in
the general post.--I went in the morning to see Lord Treasurer, who had taken
physic, and was drinking his broth. I had been with the Secretary before, to
recommend a friend, one Dr. Freind,[2] to be Physician-General; and the
Secretary promised to mention it to the Queen. I can serve everybody but
myself. Then I went to Court, and carried Lord Keeper and the Secretary to
dine with Lord Masham, when we drank the Queen and Lord Treasurer with every
health, because this was the day of his stabbing.--Then I went and played
pools at picquet with Lady Masham and Mrs. Hill; won ten shillings, gave a
crown to the box, and came home. I met at my lodgings a letter from Joe, with
a bit annexed from Ppt. What Joe asks is entirely out of my way, and I take
it for a foolish whim in him. Besides, I know not who is to give a patent:
if the Duke of Ormond, I would speak to him; and if it come in my head I will
mention it to Ned Southwell. They have no patents that I know of for such
things here, but good security is all; and to think that I would speak to Lord
Treasurer for any such matter at random is a jest. Did I tell you of a race
of rakes, called the Mohocks,[3] that play the devil about this town every
night, slit people's noses, and beat them, etc.? Nite, sollahs, and rove
Pdfr. Nite, MD.
9. I was at Court to-day, and nobody invited me to dinner, except one or two,
whom I did not care to dine with; so I dined with Mrs. Van. Young Davenant[4]
was telling us at Court how he was set upon by the Mohocks, and how they ran
his chair through with a sword. It is not safe being in the streets at night
for them. The Bishop of Salisbury's son[5] is said to be of the gang. They
are all Whigs; and a great lady sent to me, to speak to her father and to Lord
Treasurer, to have a care of them, and to be careful likewise of myself; for
she heard they had malicious intentions against the Ministers and their
friends. I know not whether there be anything in this, though others are of
the same opinion. The weather still continues very fine and frosty. I walked
in the Park this evening, and came home early to avoid the Mohocks. Lord
Treasurer is better. Nite, my own two deelest MD.
10. I went this morning again to the Lord Treasurer, who is quite recovered;
and I stayed till he went out. I dined with a friend in the City, about a
little business of printing; but not my own. You must buy a small twopenny
pamphlet, called Law is a Bottomless Pit.[6] 'Tis very prettily written, and
there will be a Second Part. The Commons are very slow in bringing in their
Bill to limit the press, and the pamphleteers make good use of their time; for
there come out three or four every day. Well, but is not it time, methinks,
to have a letter from MD? 'Tis now six weeks since I had your Number 26. I
can assure oo I expect one before this goes; and I'll make shorter day's
journals than usual, 'cause I hope to fill up a good deal of t'other side with
my answer. Our fine weather lasts yet, but grows a little windy. We shall
have rain soon, I dispose. Go to cards, sollahs, and I to seep. Nite, MD.
11. Lord Treasurer has lent the long letter I writ him[7] to Prior, and I
can't get Prior to return it. I want to have it printed, and to make up this
Academy for the improvement of our language. Faith, we never shall improve it
so much as FW has done; sall we? No, faith, ourrichar gangridge.[8] I dined
privately with my friend Lewis, and then went to see Ned Southwell, and talk
with him about Walls's business, and Mrs. South's. The latter will be done;
but his own not. Southwell tells me that it must be laid before Lord
Treasurer, and the nature of it explained, and a great deal of clutter, which
is not worth the while; and maybe Lord Treasurer won't do it [at] last; and it
is, as Walls says himself, not above forty shillings a year difference. You
must tell Walls this, unless he would have the business a secret from you: in
that case only say I did all I could with Ned Southwell, and it can't be done;
for it must be laid before Lord Treasurer, etc., who will not do it; and
besides, it is not worth troubling his lordship. So nite, my two deelest
nuntyes nine MD.[9]
12. Here is the D---- and all to do with these Mohocks. Grub Street papers
about them fly like lightning, and a list printed of near eighty put into
several prisons, and all a lie; and I begin almost to think there is no truth,
or very little, in the whole story. He that abused Davenant was a drunken
gentleman; none of that gang. My man tells me that one of the lodgers heard
in a coffee-house, publicly, that one design of the Mohocks was upon me, if
they could catch me; and though I believe nothing of it, I forbear walking
late, and they have put me to the charge of some shillings already. I dined
to-day with Lord Treasurer and two gentlemen of the Highlands of Scotland, yet
very polite men. I sat there till nine, and then went to Lord Masham's, where
Lord Treasurer followed me, and we sat till twelve; and I came home in a chair
for fear of the Mohocks, and I have given him warning of it too. Little
Harrison,[10] whom I sent to Holland, is now actually made Queen's Secretary
at The Hague. It will be in the Gazette to-morrow. 'Tis worth twelve hundred
pounds a year. Here is a young fellow has writ some Sea Eclogues, poems of
Mermen, resembling pastorals of shepherds, and they are very pretty, and the
thought is new. Mermen are he-mermaids; Tritons, natives of the sea. Do you
understand me? I think to recommend him to our Society to-morrow. His name
is Diaper.[11] P-- on him, I must do something for him, and get him out of
the way. I hate to have any new wits rise, but when they do rise I would
encourage them; but they tread on our heels and thrust us off the stage. Nite
deelest MD.
13. You would laugh to see our printer constantly attending our Society after
dinner, and bringing us whatever new thing he has printed, which he seldom
fails to do. Yet he had nothing to-day. Lord Lansdowne, one of our Society,
was offended at a passage in this day's Examiner, which he thinks reflects on
him, as I believe it does, though in a mighty civil way. 'Tis only that his
underlings cheat; but that he is a very fine gentleman every way, etc.[12]
Lord Orrery was President to-day; but both our dukes were absent. Brother
Wyndham recommended Diaper to the Society. I believe we shall make a
contribution among ourselves, which I don't like. Lord Treasurer has yet done
nothing for us, but we shall try him soon. The company parted early, but
Freind, and Prior, and I, sat a while longer and reformed the State, and found
fault with the Ministry. Prior hates his Commission of the Customs, because
it spoils his wit. He says he dreams of nothing but cockets,[13] and dockets,
and drawbacks, and other jargon words of the custom-house. Our good weather
went away yesterday, and the nights are now dark, and I came home before ten.
Night nown. . . deelest sollahs.
14. I have been plagued this morning with solicitors, and with nobody more
than my brother, Dr. Freind, who must needs have to get old Dr. Lawrence,[14]
the Physician-General, turned out and himself in. He has argued with me so
long upon the reasonableness of it, that I am fully convinced it is very
unreasonable; and so I would tell the Secretary, if I had not already made him
speak to the Queen. Besides, I know not but my friend Dr. Arbuthnot would be
content to have it himself, and I love him ten times better than Freind.
What's all this to you? but I must talk of things as they happen in the day,
whether you know anything of them or no. I dined in the City, and, coming
back, one Parson Richardson[15] of Ireland overtook me. He was here last
summer upon a project of converting the Irish and printing Bibles, etc., in
that language, and is now returned to pursue it on. He tells me Dr.
Coghill[16] came last night [to] town. I will send to see how he does to-
morrow. He gave me a letter from Walls about his old business. Nite, deelest
MD.
15. I had intended to be early with the Secretary this morning, when my man
admitted upstairs one Mr. Newcomb,[17] an officer, who brought me a letter
from the Bishop of Clogher, with four lines added by Mrs. Ashe, all about that
Newcomb. I think, indeed, his case is hard, but God knows whether I shall be
able to do him any service. People will not understand: I am a very good
second, but I care not to begin a recommendation, unless it be for an intimate
friend. However, I will do what I can. I missed the Secretary, and then
walked to Chelsea to dine with the Dean of Christ Church,[18] who was engaged
to Lord Orrery with some other Christ Church men. He made me go with him
whether I would or not, for they have this long time admitted me a Christ
Church man. Lord Orrery, generally every winter, gives his old acquaintance
of that college a dinner. There were nine clergymen at table, and four
laymen. The Dean and I soon left them, and after a visit or two, I went to
Lord Masham's, and Lord Treasurer, Arbuthnot and I sat till twelve. And now I
am come home and got to bed. I came afoot, but had my man with me. Lord
Treasurer advised me not to go in a chair, because the Mohocks insult chairs
more than they do those on foot. They think there is some mischievous design
in those villains. Several of them, Lord Treasurer told me, are actually
taken up. I heard at dinner that one of them was killed last night. We shall
know more in a little time. I don't like them, as the men said.[19] Nite MD.
16. This morning, at the Secretary's, I met General Ross,[20] and recommended
Newcomb's case to him, who promises to join with me in working up the Duke of
Ormond to do something for him. Lord Winchelsea[21] told me to-day at Court
that two of the Mohocks caught a maid of old Lady Winchelsea's,[22] at the
door of their house in the Park, where she was with a candle, and had just
lighted out somebody. They cut all her face, and beat her without any
provocation. I hear my friend Lewis has got a Mohock in one of the
messenger's hands. The Queen was at church to-day, but was carried in an open
chair. She has got an ugly cough, Arbuthnot, her physician, says. I dined
with Crowe,[23] late Governor of Barbados; an acquaintance of Sterne's.[24]
After dinner I asked him whether he had heard of Sterne. "Here he is," said
he, "at the door in a coach:" and in came Sterne. He has been here this week.
He is buying a captainship in his cousin Sterne's[25] regiment. He told me he
left Jemmy Leigh playing at cards with you. He is to give 800 guineas for his
commission. I suppose you know all this better than I. How shall I have room
to answer oo rettle[26] hen I get it, I have gone so far already? Nite,
deelest logues MD.
17. Dr. Sacheverell came this morning to give me thanks for getting his
brother an employment. It was but six or seven weeks since I spoke to Lord
Treasurer for him. Sacheverell brought Trapp[27] along with him. We dined
together at my printer's, and I sat with them till seven. I little thought,
and I believe so did he, that ever I should be his solicitor to the present
Ministry, when I left Ireland. This is the seventh I have now provided for
since I came, and can do nothing for myself. I don't care; I shall have
Ministries and other people obliged to me. Trapp is a coxcomb, and the
t'other is not very deep; and their judgment in things of wit or sense is
miraculous. The Second Part of Law is a Bottomless Pit[28] is just now
printed, and better, I think, than the first. Night, my two deel saucy
dallars.
18. There is a proclamation out against the Mohocks. One of those that are
taken is a baronet. I dined with poor Mrs. Wesley, who is returning to the
Bath. Mrs. Perceval's[29] young daughter has got the smallpox, but will do
well. I walked this evening in the Park, and met Prior, who made me go home
with him, where I stayed till past twelve, and could not get a coach, and was
alone, and was afraid enough of the Mohocks. I will do so no more, though I
got home safe. Prior and I were talking discontentedly of some managements,
that no more people are turned out, which get Lord Treasurer many enemies:
but whether the fault be in him, or the Queen, I know not; I doubt, in both.
Ung omens, it is now seven weeks since I received your last; but I expect one
next Irish packet, to fill the rest of this paper; but if it don't come, I'll
do without it: so I wish oo good luck at ombre with the Dean. Nite, nuntyes
nine.[30]
19. Newcomb came to me this morning, and I went to the Duke of Ormond to
speak for him; but the Duke was just going out to take the oaths for General.
The Duke of Shrewsbury is to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. I walked with
Domville and Ford to Kensington, where we dined, and it cost me above a crown.
I don't like it, as the man said.[31] It was very windy walking. I saw there
Lord Masham's children. The youngest, my nephew, I fear, has got the king's
evil; the other two are daughters of three and four years old. 'Twas very
windy walking. The gardens there are mighty fine. I passed the evening at
Lord Masham's with Lord Treasurer and Arbuthnot, as usual, and we stayed till
past one; but I had my man to come with me, and at home I found three letters;
one from one Fetherston, a parson, with a postscript of Tisdall's to recommend
him: and Fetherston, whom I never saw, has been so kind to give me a letter
of attorney to recover a debt for him. Another from Lord Abercorn, to get him
the dukedom of Chatelherault[32] from the King of France; in which I will do
what I can, for his pretensions are very just. The third, I warrant you, from
our MD. 'Tis a great stir this, of getting a dukedom from the King of France:
but it is only to speak to the Secretary, and get the Duke of Ormond to engage
in it, and mention the case to Lord Treasurer, etc., and this I shall do.
Nite deelest richar MD.
20. I was with the Duke of Ormond this morning, about Lord Abercorn, Dr.
Freind, and Newcomb. Some will do, and some will not do; that's wise,
marams.[33] The Duke of Shrewsbury is certainly to be your Governor. I will
go in a day or two, and give the Duchess joy, and recommend the Archbishop of
Dublin to her. I writ to the Archbishop, some months ago, that it would be
so, and told him I would speak a good word for him to the Duchess; and he says
he has a great respect for her, etc. I made our Society change their house,
and we met to-day at the Star and Garter in the Pall Mall. Lord Arran was
President. The other dog was so extravagant in his bills, that for four
dishes and four, first and second course, without wine or dessert, he charged
twenty-one pounds, six shillings, and eightpence, to the Duke of Ormond. We
design, when all have been Presidents this turn, to turn it into a reckoning
of so much a head; but we shall break up when the session ends. Nite deelest
MD.
21. Morning. Now I will answer MD's rettle, N.27; you that are adding to
your number and grumbling, had made it 26, and then altered[34] it to 27. I
believe it is above a month since your last; yes, it is above seven weeks
since I had your last: but I ought to consider that this was twelve days
right,[35] so that makes it pretty even. O, the sirry zade,[36] with her
excuses of a fortnight at Ballygall, seeing their friends, and landlord
running away. O Rold, hot a cruttle[37] and a bustle!--No--if you will have
it--I am not Dean of Wells,[38] nor know anything of being so; nor is there
anything in the story; and that's enough. It was not Roper[39] sent that
news: Roper is my humble slave.--Yes, I heard of your resolves, and that
Burton was embroiled. Stratford spoke to me in his behalf; but I said I hated
the rascal. Poor Catherine gone to Wales? But she will come back again, I
hope. I would see her in my journey, if she were near the road; and bring her
over. Joe[40] is a fool; that sort of business is not at all in my way, pray
put him off it. People laugh when I mention it. Bed ee paadon, Maram; I'm
drad oo rike ee aplon:[41] no harm, I hope. And so. . . DD wonders she has
not a letter at the day; oo'll have it soon. . . . The D---- he is! married
to that vengeance! Men are not to be believed. I don't think her a fool.
Who would have her? Dilly will be governed like an ass; and she will govern
like a lion. Is not that true, Ppt? Why, Sterne told me he left you at ombre
with Leigh; and yet you never saw him. I know nothing of his wife being here:
it may cost her a c---[42] (I don't care to write that word plain). He is a
little in doubt about buying his commission. Yes, I will bring oo over all
the little papers I can think on. I thought I sent you, by Leigh, all that
were good at that time. The author of the Sea Eclogues sent books to the
Society yesterday, and we gave him guineas apiece; and, maybe, will do further
from him (for him, I mean). So the Bishop of Clogher, and lady, were your
guests for a night or two. Why, Ppt, you are grown a great gamester and
company keeper. I did say to myself, when I read those names, just what you
guess; and you clear up the matter wonderfully. You may converse with those
two nymphs if you please, but the ----- take me if ever I do. Iss, fais, it
is delightful to hear that Ppt is every way Ppt now, in health, and looks, and
all. Pray God keep her so, many, many, many years. I doubt the session will
not be over till the end of April; however, I shall not wait for it, if the
Ministry will let me go sooner. I wish I were just now in my garden at
Laracor. I would set out for Dublin early on Monday, and bring you an account
of my young trees, which you are better acquainted with than the Ministry, and
so am I. Oh, now you have got Number 41, have you so? Why, perhaps, I
forgot, and kept it to next post in my pocket: I have done such tricks. My
cold is better, but not gone. I want air and riding. Hold ee tongue, oo Ppt,
about colds at Moor Park! the case is quite different. I will do what you
desire me for Tisdall, when I next see Lord Anglesea. Pray give him my
service. The weather is warm these three or four days, and rainy. I am to
dine to-day with Lewis and Darteneuf at Somers's,[43] the Clerk of the Kitchen
at Court. Darteneuf loves good bits and good sups. Good mollows richar
sollohs.--At night. I dined, as I said; and it cost me a shilling for a
chair. It has rained all day, and is very warm. Lady Masham's young son, my
nephew, is very ill; and she is out of mind[44] with grief. I pity her
mightily. I am got home early, and going to write to the Bishop of Clogher,
but have no politics to send him. Nite my own two deelest saucy d[ear] ones.
22. I am going into the City this morning with a friend about some business;
so I will immediately seal up this, and keep it in my pottick till evening,
and zen put it in the post. The weather continues warm and gloomy. I have
heard no news since I went to bed, so can say no more. Pray send. . . that I
may have time to write to. . .[45] about it. I have here underneath given
order for forty shillings to Mrs. Brent, which you will send to Parvisol.
Farewell, deelest deel MD, and rove Pdfr dearly dearly. Farewell, MD, MD, FW,
FW, FW, ME, ME, ME, Lele lele lele lele lele lele, and lele aden.
