LETTER 63.[1]
LONDON, April 7, 1713.
I fancy I marked my last, which I sent this day, wrong; only 61, and it ought
to be 62. I dined with Lord Treasurer, and though the business I had with him
is something against Thursday, when the Parliament is to meet, and this is
Tuesday, yet he put it off till to-morrow. I dare not tell you what it is,
lest this letter should miscarry or be opened; but I never saw his fellow for
delays. The Parliament will now certainly sit, and everybody's expectations
are ready to burst. At a Council to-night the Lord Chief-Justice Parker, a
Whig, spoke against the peace; so did Lord Chomley,[2] another Whig, who is
Treasurer of the Household. My Lord Keeper[3] was this night made Lord
Chancellor. We hope there will soon be some removes. Nite, dee sollahs;
Late. Rove Pdfr.[4]
8. Lord Chomley (the right name is Cholmondeley) is this day removed from his
employment, for his last night's speech; and Sir Richard Temple,[5]
Lieutenant-General, the greatest Whig in the army, is turned out; and
Lieutenant-General Palmes[6] will be obliged to sell his regiment. This is
the first-fruits of a friendship I have established between two great men. I
dined with Lord Treasurer, and did the business I had for him to his
satisfaction. I won't tell MD what it was. . . . [7] for zat. The
Parliament sits to-morrow for certain. Here is a letter printed in
Maccartney's name, vindicating himself from the murder of the Duke of
Hamilton. I must give some hints to have it answered; 'tis full of lies, and
will give an opportunity of exposing that party. To morrow will be a very
important day. All the world will be at Westminster. Lord Treasurer is as
easy as a lamb. They are mustering up the proxies of the absent lords; but
they are not in any fear of wanting a majority, which death and accidents have
increased this year. Nite MD.
9. I was this morning with Lord Treasurer, to present to him a young son[8]
of the late Earl of Jersey, at the desire of the widow. There I saw the mace
and great coach ready for Lord Treasurer, who was going to Parliament. Our
Society met to-day; but I expected the Houses would sit longer than I cared to
fast; so I dined with a friend, and never inquired how matters went till eight
this evening, when I went to Lord Orkney's, where I found Sir Thomas Hanmer.
The Queen delivered her speech very well, but a little weaker in her voice.
The crowd was vast. The order for the Address[9] was moved, and opposed by
Lord Nottingham, Halifax, and Cowper. Lord Treasurer spoke with great spirit
and resolution; Lord Peterborow flirted[10] against the Duke of Marlborough
(who is in Germany, you know), but it was in answer to one of Halifax's
impertinences. The order for an Address passed by a majority of thirty-three,
and the Houses rose before six. This is the account I heard at Lord Orkney's.
The Bishop of Chester,[11] a high Tory, was against the Court. The Duchess of
Marlborough sent for him some months ago, to justify herself to him in
relation to the Queen, and showed him letters, and told him stories, which the
weak man believed, and was perverted. Nite MD.
10. I dined with a cousin in the City, and poor Pat Rolt was there. I have
got her rogue of a husband leave to come to England from Port-Mahon. The
Whigs are much down; but I reckon they have some scheme in agitation. This
Parliament-time hinders our Court meetings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and
Saturdays. I had a great deal of business to-night, which gave me a
temptation to be idle, and I lost a dozen shillings at ombre, with Dr. Pratt
and another. I have been to see t'other day the Bishop of Clogher and lady,
but did not see Miss. It rains every day, and yet we are all over dust. Lady
Masham's eldest boy is very ill: I doubt he will not live, and she stays at
Kensington to nurse him, which vexes us all. She is so excessively fond, it
makes me mad. She should never leave the Queen, but leave everything, to
stick to what is so much the interest of the public, as well as her own. This
I tell her; but talk to the winds. Nite MD.
11. I dined at Lord Treasurer's, with his Saturday company. We had ten at
table, all lords but myself and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Argyle went
off at six, and was in very indifferent humour as usual. Duke of Ormond and
Lord Bolingbroke were absent. I stayed till near ten. Lord Treasurer showed
us a small picture, enamelled work, and set in gold, worth about twenty
pounds; a picture, I mean, of the Queen, which she gave to the Duchess of
Marlborough, set in diamonds. When the Duchess was leaving England, she took
off all the diamonds, and gave the picture to one Mrs. Higgins (an old
intriguing woman, whom everybody knows), bidding her make the best of it she
could. Lord Treasurer sent to Mrs. Higgins for this picture, and gave her a
hundred pounds for it. Was ever such an ungrateful beast as that Duchess? or
did you ever hear such a story? I suppose the Whigs will not believe it.
Pray, try them. Takes off the diamonds, and gives away the picture to an
insignificant woman, as a thing of no consequence: and gives it to her to
sell, like a piece of old-fashioned plate. Is she not a detestable slut?
Nite deelest MD.
12. I went to Court to-day, on purpose to present Mr. Berkeley,[12] one of
your Fellows of Dublin College, to Lord Berkeley of Stratton. That Mr.
Berkeley is a very ingenious man, and great philosopher, and I have mentioned
him to all the Ministers, and given them some of his writings; and I will
favour him as much as I can. This I think I am bound to, in honour and
conscience, to use all my little credit toward helping forward men of worth in
the world. The Queen was at chapel to-day, and looks well. I dined at Lord
Orkney's with the Duke of Ormond, Lord Arran, and Sir Thomas Hanmer. Mr. St.
John, Secretary at Utrecht, expects every moment to return there with the
ratification of the peace. Did I tell you in my last of Addison's play called
Cato, and that I was at the rehearsal of it? Nite MD.
13. This morning my friend, Mr. Lewis, came to me, and showed me an order for
a warrant for the three vacant deaneries; but none of them to me. This was
what I always foresaw, and received the notice of it better, I believe, than
he expected. I bid Mr. Lewis tell Lord Treasurer that I took nothing ill of
him but his not giving me timely notice, as he promised to do, if he found the
Queen would do nothing for me. At noon, Lord Treasurer hearing I was in Mr.
Lewis's office, came to me, and said many things too long to repeat. I told
him I had nothing to do but go to Ireland immediately; for I could not, with
any reputation, stay longer here, unless I had something honourable
immediately given to me. We dined together at the Duke of Ormond's. He there
told me he had stopped the warrants for the deans, that what was done for me
might be at the same time, and he hoped to compass it to-night; but I believe
him not. I told the Duke of Ormond my intentions. He is content Sterne
should be a bishop, and I have St. Patrick's; but I believe nothing will come
of it, for stay I will not; and so I believe for all oo. . . [13] oo may see
me in Dublin before April ends. I am less out of humour than you would
imagine: and if it were not that impertinent people will condole with me, as
they used to give me joy, I would value it less. But I will avoid company,
and muster up my baggage, and send them next Monday by the carrier to Chester,
and come and see my willows, against the expectation of all the world.--Hat
care I? Nite deelest logues, MD.
14. I dined in the City to-day, and ordered a lodging to be got ready for me
against I came to pack up my things; for I will leave this end of the town as
soon as ever the warrants for the deaneries are out, which are yet stopped.
Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis that it should be determined to-night: and so
he will for[14] a hundred nights. So he said yesterday, but I value it not.
My daily journals shall be but short till I get into the City, and then I will
send away this, and follow it myself; and design to walk it all the way to
Chester, my man and I, by ten miles a day. It will do my health a great deal
of good. I shall do it in fourteen days. Nite dee MD.
15. Lord Bolingbroke made me dine with him to-day; he[15] was as good company
as ever; and told me the Queen would determine something for me to-night. The
dispute is, Windsor or St. Patrick's. I told him I would not stay for their
disputes, and he thought I was in the right. Lord Masham told me that Lady
Masham is angry I have not been to see her since this business, and desires I
will come to-morrow. Nite deelest MD.
16. I was this noon at Lady Masham's, who was just come from Kensington,
where her eldest son is sick. She said much to me of what she had talked to
the Queen and Lord Treasurer. The poor lady fell a shedding tears openly.
She could not bear to think of my having St. Patrick's, etc. I was never more
moved than to see so much friendship. I would not stay with her, but went and
dined with Dr. Arbuthnot, with Mr. Berkeley, one of your Fellows, whom I have
recommended to the Doctor, and to Lord Berkeley of Stratton. Mr. Lewis tells
me that the Duke of Ormond has been to-day with the Queen; and she was content
that Dr. Sterne should be Bishop of Dromore, and I Dean of St. Patrick's; but
then out came Lord Treasurer, and said he would not be satisfied but that I
must be Prebend[ary] of Windsor. Thus he perplexes things. I expect neither;
but I confess, as much as I love England, I am so angry at this treatment
that, if I had my choice, I would rather have St. Patrick's. Lady Masham says
she will speak to purpose to the Queen to-morrow. Nite, . . . dee MD.
17. I went to dine at Lady Masham's to-day, and she was taken ill of a sore
throat, and aguish. She spoke to the Queen last night, but had not much time.
The Queen says she will determine to-morrow with Lord Treasurer. The warrants
for the deaneries are still stopped, for fear I should be gone. Do you think
anything will be done? I don't care whether it is or no. In the meantime, I
prepare for my journey, and see no great people, nor will see Lord Treasurer
any more, if I go. Lord Treasurer told Mr. Lewis it should be done to-night;
so he said five nights ago. Nite MD.
18. This morning Mr. Lewis sent me word that Lord Treasurer told him the
Queen would determine at noon. At three Lord Treasurer sent to me to come to
his lodgings at St. James's, and told me the Queen was at last resolved that
Dr. Sterne should be Bishop of Dromore, and I Dean of St. Patrick's; and that
Sterne's warrant should be drawn immediately. You know the deanery is in the
Duke of Ormond's gift; but this is concerted between the Queen, Lord
Treasurer, and the Duke of Ormond, to make room for me. I do not know whether
it will yet be done; some unlucky accident may yet come. Neither can I feel
joy at passing my days in Ireland; and I confess I thought the Ministry would
not let me go; but perhaps they can't help it. Nite MD.
19. I forgot to tell you that Lord Treasurer forced me to dine with him
yesterday as usual, with his Saturday company; which I did after frequent
refusals. To-day I dined with a private friend, and was not at Court. After
dinner Mr. Lewis sent me a note, that the Queen stayed till she knew whether
the Duke of Ormond approved of Sterne for Bishop. I went this evening, and
found the Duke of Ormond at the Cock-pit, and told him, and desired he would
go to the Queen, and approve of Sterne. He made objections, desired I would
name any other deanery, for he did not like Sterne; that Sterne never went to
see him; that he was influenced by the Archbishop of Dublin, etc.; so all now
is broken again. I sent out for Lord Treasurer, and told him this. He says
all will do well; but I value not what he says. This suspense vexes me worse
than anything else. Nite MD.
20. I went to-day, by appointment, to the Cock-pit, to talk with the Duke of
Ormond. He repeated the same proposals of any other deanery, etc. I desired
he would put me out of the case, and do as he pleased. Then, with great
kindness, he said he would consent; but would do it for no man alive but me,
etc. And he will speak to the Queen today or to-morrow; so, perhaps,
something will come of it. I can't tell. Nite dee dee logues, MD.
21. The Duke of Ormond has told the Queen he is satisfied that Sterne should
be Bishop, and she consents I shall be Dean; and I suppose the warrants will
be drawn in a day or two. I dined at an ale-house with Parnell and Berkeley;
for I am not in humour to go among the Ministers, though Lord Dartmouth
invited me to dine with him to-day, and Lord Treasurer was to be there. I
said I would, if I were out of suspense. Nite deelest MD.
22. The Queen says warrants shall be drawn, but she will dispose of all in
England and Ireland at once, to be teased no more. This will delay it some
time; and, while it is delayed, I am not sure of the Queen, my enemies being
busy. I hate this suspense. Nite deelest MD.[16]
23. I dined yesterday with General Hamilton.[17] I forgot to tell oo. I
write short journals now. I have eggs on the spit. This night the Queen has
signed all the warrants, among which Sterne is Bishop of Dromore, and the Duke
of Ormond is to send over an order for making me Dean of St. Patrick's. I
have no doubt of him at all. I think 'tis now passed. And I suppose MD is
malicious enough to be glad, and rather have it than Wells.[18] But you see
what a condition I am in. I thought I was to pay but six hundred pounds for
the house; but the Bishop of Clogher says eight hundred pounds; first-fruits
one hundred and fifty pounds, and so, with patent, a thousand pounds in all;
so that I shall not be the better for the deanery these three years. I hope
in some time they will be persuaded here to give me some money to pay off
these debts. I must finish the book I am writing,[19] before I can go over;
and they expect I shall pass next winter here, and then I will dun them to
give me a sum of money. However, I hope to pass four or five months with MD,
and whatever comes on it. MD's allowance must be increased, and shall be too,
fais. . . [20] I received oor rettle No. 39 to-night; just ten weeks since I
had your last. I shall write next post to Bishop Sterne. Never man had so
many enemies of Ireland[21] as he. I carried it with the strongest hand
possible. If he does not use me well and gently in what dealings I shall have
with him, he will be the most ungrateful of mankind. The Archbishop of
York,[22] my mortal enemy, has sent, by a third hand, that he would be glad to
see me. Shall I see him, or not? I hope to be over in a month, and that MD,
with their raillery, will be mistaken, that I shall make it three years. I
will answer oo rettle soon; but no more journals. I shall be very busy.
Short letters from hence forward. I shall not part with Laracor. That is all
I have to live on, except the deanery be worth more than four hundred pounds a
year. Is it? If it be, the overplus shall be divided between MD and FW
beside usual allowance of MD. . . . [23] Pray write to me a good-humoured
letter immediately, let it be ever so short. This affair was carried with
great difficulty, which vexes me. But they say here 'tis much to my
reputation that I have made a bishop, in spite of all the world, to get the
best deanery in Ireland. Nite dee sollahs.
24. I forgot to tell you I had Sterne's letter yesterday, in answer to mine.
Oo performed oor commission well, dood dallars both.[24] I made mistakes the
three last days, and am forced to alter the number.[25] I dined in the City
to-day with my printer, and came home early, and am going to [be] busy with my
work. I will send this to-morrow, and I suppose the warrants will go then. I
wrote to Dr. Coghill, to take care of passing my patent; and to Parvisol, to
attend him with money, if he has any, or to borrow some where he can. Nite
MD.
25. Morning. I know not whether my warrant be yet ready from the Duke of
Ormond. I suppose it will by tonight. I am going abroad, and will keep this
unsealed, till I know whether all be finished. Mollow,[26] sollahs.
I had this letter all day in my pocket, waiting till I heard the warrants were
gone over. Mr. Lewis sent to Southwell's clerk at ten; and he said the Bishop
of Killaloe[27] had desired they should be stopped till next post. He sent
again, that the Bishop of Killaloe's business had nothing to do with ours.
Then I went myself, but it was past eleven, and asked the reason. Killaloe is
removed to Raphoe, and he has a mind to have an order for the rents of Raphoe,
that have fallen due since the vacancy, and he would have all stop till he has
gotten that. A pretty request! But the clerk, at Mr. Lewis's message, sent
the warrants for Sterne and me; but then it was too late to send this, which
frets me heartily, that MD should not have intelligence first from Pdfr. I
think to take a hundred pounds a year out of the deanery, and divide it
between MD and Pr,[28] and so be one year longer in paying the debt; but we'll
talk of zis hen I come over. So nite dear sollahs. Lele.[29]
26. I was at Court to-day, and a thousand people gave me joy; so I ran out.
I dined with Lady Orkney. Yesterday I dined with Lord Treasurer and his
Saturday people as usual; and was so bedeaned! The Archbishop of York says he
will never more speak against me. Pray see that Parvisol stirs about getting
my patent. I have given Tooke DD's note to prove she is alive. I'll answer
oo rettle. . . . Nite.
27. Nothing new to-day. I dined with Tom Harley, etc. I'll seal up this to-
night. Pray write soon. . . . MD MD MD FW FW FW ME ME ME Lele, lele.
