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LETTERS

IJ.f.USTJ!ATrVE OP

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

VOL. II.

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LETTERS
ILLUSTRATIVE OP THE
REIGN OF WILLIAM III.
FROM 1696 TO 1708.
ADDRESSED TO
THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY,
BY
JAMES VERNON; Esq.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
NOW FIRST PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINALS.
EDITED BY
G. P. R. JAMES, Esq.
AUTHOR OF "MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF LOUIS THE FOURTEENTH,"
"RICHELIEU," ETC.
IN THREE VOLUMES,
VOL. II.
LONDON:
HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER,
GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET.
1841.

PRfNTCP BY W- WILCOCKSON, ROLLS BUILDIN'OS, FBITTER LANE.

LETTERS

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE

REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 8, 1697-8.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th, and am sorry Colonel Brudenell is disappointed
of one of his hopes, which was going to Ireland, for
Mr. Blathwayt tells me this day the five regiments
of foot ordered thither are Webb, How, Stanley,
Steward, and Ingoldsby, besides which there are
the regiments of horse of Levison and Langton. I
am afraid there is not much to expect among the
marines ; the King would fain have double the num
ber established, to make up 6,000 men.
If it could be carried, I suppose they would be all
formed out of the old regiments ; people's pulse have
been felt upon it, but there is no prospect of attain
ing it ; on the contrary, they say the attempt will
endanger the keeping the regiments that are in
being, for whose usefulness something may be said,
VOL. II. B

2 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
if it be not overturned by giving a jealousy that
more troops are laboured to be kept up than they
intended, by calling them only by another name.
The backwardness some gentlemen have shewn
to espouse this matter warmly, though it arises from
their judgment and the nature of the thing, yet it
is interpreted to be a greater regard to themselves
than the public concerns, and that the union and
strength of the party appears in nothing so much as
in personal respects and a care one for another. I
have spoken with Mr. Smith, who I find does not
disguise his sentiments, that he is so far from con
senting to an accommodation with Lord Sunder
land, that he declares he will have nothing to do
with public business, whenever he comes to be con
cerned in it. I believe his firmness has made Mr.
Montagu much cooler in the thoughts of it; so
that I began to think it impracticable. I know
not what your Grace's influence might be upon your
coming 'up, if you thought fit to meddle in it.
The King opens himself more and more as to his
desire of seeing you here, when you shall think it
convenient, and is pleased I should now mention it
to you, not to press your coming up immediately,
but that you would have it in your thoughts to pre
pare for the journey when you are in a condition to
undertake it. I find it is likewise the opinion of all
your friends that you should appear here some time
in the session ; if it were but for suppressing the
vanity, and insulting of some very few malicious

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 3
men, who can never have it in their power to
make you the least uneasy. I am confident you will
be freed from impertinence, but withal, I believe
you will find a knotty piece of work to unravel, as
our matters are intricate ; those who don't like to
hear of Lord Sunderland's return, perhaps will not
have it in their power to hinder it, and I know not
what alterations that may produce.
The Duke of St. Alban's came hither last Satur
day ; he left Paris the Monday before. He brought
letters from my Lord Portland, who finds himself
extremely caressed, but no opportunities are given
him to talk of business, and he sees no dispositions
that this frankness will continue, when it comes to
effects. They are putting out fifty men-of-war for
the ocean, and have given notice of it in Holland,
that they should not be alarmed at it, since it is
with no design to disturb the peace.
Lord Portland saw at Versailles, the last time he
was there, Lord Middleton and Lord Melfort, which
was no very agreeable sight to him.
As for our parliament views, yesterday's votes
explain themselves, and to-day the giving the land-
tax was proposed, and chiefly managed by Harley,
Musgrave, and that party ; they were stiff in their
point for proceeding to disband the army, without
staying for all the quantums, and to have the whole
scheme of this year's taxes laid before them at once.
I believe there is another point they will be courtly
in, which is the civil list ; and as for the last year's
b 2

4 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
deficiencies, they will go near to let them shift as
they can, though by the acts of last session they are
to take place on the first aids j they will not shew
much concern for the credit of exchequer bills, con
sidering who is their parent that brought them into
the world. Your Grace will judge .what his sort of
management is tending to, and whether an irrecon
cilable humour is the way to stop the progress of it.
We have a young fellow brought up from Canter
bury, under the notion of Davis the assassinate,*
who never was heard of, and I believe never will be.
This is one David Jolly, a young rakeall, who has
been a soldier in France and Ireland. Harris, the
evidence, remembers he left him in France when he
came over, and acquits him from the accusation ;
however I can't part with him. The landlord where
he lay at Canterbury having deposed he owned he
was a proclamation man, he said he was made drunk
with brandy, and remembered nothing that passed.
He was going away in obedience to the Act of Par
liament, if he had not been thus stopped. I think
that would have been the best way to be rid of him.
My Lord Paget is sending us such another. I
suppose Mr. Yard gives your Grace an account that
Evans is shipped, and expected every day in the river.
My Lord Chancellor has been most troubled with
a sore throat ; he does not yet stir out. The Lords
would have examined my Lord Chief Justice and
the rest of the Judges of the King's Bench, at a
* So written.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 5
committee upon the judgment they gave in the case
of Lord Banbury. But they excused answering it
there, as not thinking themselves obliged to give the
reasons for their judgment but in court, or when the
cause comes before the Lords by writ of error ; this,
they say, is ill taken, and will be reported to-mor
row. If my Lord Chief Justice be sent to the
Tower, as some threaten, it is like to embroil the
two houses.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 10, 1697-8.
I acquainted your Grace in my last, what I thought
was the situation of our affairs, and what little pros
pect there was of an accommodation, unless you were
so happy as to effect it.
I don't believe it ever can be upon the terms that
were once thought of. The King, perhaps, may
look upon that as too like a design to engross him,
which he will very hardly give way to, and your
Grace knows best what others will think of a mix
ture of different interests, especially after they have
borne the shock, and find themselves the prevail
ing side, notwithstanding the confederated opposi
tion against them.
My Lord Chancellor is not yet come abroad, his
sore throat being still troublesome, so that we have
had no Council this week of either kind. It would

O LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
not have been disappointed to-night, but that the
House of Lords sat till near six upon the business of
my Lord Chief Justice and Judge Eyre, who kept
to their point not to inform the House, any more
than they did the Committee, of the reasons for
their judgment in the Earl of Banbury's case, but
stood upon it, that they were at liberty not to an
swer in a matter that he charged upon them, no
body being bound to accuse himself, or furnish an
accusation to his prejudice. If the judgments they
gave, shewed a weakness in them, it might be a
reason to the King for displacing them ; or if they
were guilty of corruption, there was another way of
providing against them, and if their judgments were
disliked, they might be reversed by writ of error.
But they could not submit to be schooled and cate
chised for all that they delivered upon the bench,
where they were entrusted with the execution of the
laws, and the dispensing of justice, and acted upon
their oaths. It was once or twice moved that they
should withdraw, but the question was diverted, and
at last it was carried to adjourn the debate, and the
House till Monday. It is uncertain yet what the
event will be, though it is supposed the matter can't
be carried to extremity, though my Lord Normanby
and Lord Rochester would push it. All concluded
if they should be sent to the Tower, it must end the
sessions too, since the House of Commons would
not bear it.
The Committee this day settled the quantum of

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 7
what was in arrear for subsidies to foreign princes,
amounting to above 400,000^., which was said to
arise from the aids falling short. Two of them were
questioned, whether they should be allowed, more I
think for opposition sake than any other reason. It
being a thin committee, it was carried but by one
to allow what was demanded for the Bishop of
Munster, there being 61 against 62. It was dis
puted likewise, whether 50,000/. should be allowed
the Danes, in pursuance of a treaty made with them
about fifteen months since, whereby they oblige
themselves to forbear any commerce with France, or
to allow the French privateers the liberty of their
ports, unless stress of weather; and if they bring in
any prize, it shall'be instantly released, with other
agreements for preserving peace in the northern
parts, and strengthening the alliance even beyond
the peace. This was excepted against, as a matter
they had never been acquainted with, but it was
carried by 101 against 69.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. February 12, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
9th, and must be always sensible of your favours ;
you would ease me of what you think maybe a trouble,
but I can never find any thing in whatever I can do
for your service.

8 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
While some persons are under these prepossessions
as to my Lord Sunderland, it is fit the matter should
rest a little, that the case may be wrought by time,
and an able hand.
We have had a report here that my Lord Whar
ton, who went out of town the last week, would
make your Grace a visit before he came up again.
The King has heard of it, and was in some appre
hension lest he might divert your Grace from com
ing to town. I don't know why it should be suspected,
since I think my Lord Wharton himself, as well as
the rest of your friends, seems very desirous of seeing
you here, and I take it to be of great concern to that
whole interest, as well as to the publick, that things
be brought to a greater certainty, and it may be
known who are, and who are to be, together.
It is of more consequence than people perhaps
imagine, and I believe the last resolutions will wait
for your Grace's coming up, if it be not too long de
ferred. I don't know but the present intentions are
that my Lord Wharton should not succeed as Secre
tary of State, but there is nothing that may not be
altered for attaining a greater good, and for that
consideration my Lord Chancellor, whom I saw yes
terday, does not make any great doubt but Mr.
Smith may be brought to think more favourably of a
reconciliation, when it is once resolved to labour in
it, and that the usefulness of it shall appear to out
weigh the prejudices against it, which must be the
result of a joint deliberation.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 9
Now I have mentioned my Lord Chancellor, I
ought to acquaint your Grace that he is very much
mended ; he has been abroad this day to take the air,
as cold as it is, and within a day or two, I hope he
will fall to business.
We had yesterday letters from my Lord Portland,
which were sent by an express who came from Paris
on Tuesday last. Your Grace will see in the in
closed news from Paris, what they say as part of
my Lord Portland's errand, in relation to the re
moval of King James. I believe he has touched
upon that string in his private audiences, but I don't
hear he has had any satisfactory answer to it.
There has been little remarkable in the House of
Commons these two days. Yesterday, upon the re
port from the Committee, we had the debate over
again, whether the subsidy were due to the Danes
by virtue of the treaty in December, 1696. Mr.
Molesworth both days shewed his resentment against
the Danes, and did it so waspishly, that it was not
much to their advantage. Mr. Pelham said he
could not understand from any body else, why things
should not be paid, but this gentleman gave the
reason for it, because they were Jacobites ; however,
he was for doing justice to every body.
The bill for restraining Ireland from the woollen
manufacture was this day committed; the argu
ments of Lord Coningsby, Mr. Methuen, and Mr.
Molesworth, making no impressions against it. The
bill for vacating the grant of Irish forfeitures, was

10 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
read the second time and committed, and the three
other bills about grants were read the first time.
The Dowager Countess of Clancarty died this
morning; she contracted her sickness by a deep
melancholy for the- condition of her son and family.
I writ the purport of this letter in my Lord Chief
Justice's Chamber, waiting for his return from
Westminster Hall, to speak with him about the un
lucky business that is to come on again upon Mon
day. He thinks himself in the right not to satisfy
the Lords in the reasons for his judgments, and
they expected to be treated with more deference. I
understand my Lord Lonsdale was as violent against
him as either Lord Rochester or Lord Normanby;
he is very indifferent what resolutions they take,
and thinks he has been so ill-used already, that he
is weary of the place.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 1*, 1697-8.
I have the honour of your Graces's letter of the
12th, which I have read to the King, who was
pleased to find your Grace in so good a disposition
to come up, which he was in some doubts of before,
upon the insinuation I mentioned, as if my Lord
Wharton would rather divert you from it. He still
thinks my Lord Wharton's inclination to a recon
ciliation will depend upon his being Secretary or

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 11
not. I may tell your Grace my thoughts with all
freedom. I believe his Majesty would be willing to
be at liberty in that case, but I think too he would
not withstand it, if your Grace and Lord Sunderland
should advise it, and that it were a thing necessary
to be done for removing of jealousies, and carrying
on the public business more steadily. I don't see
we have so fair a prospect of the French sincerity,
that any new measures may be ventured upon, but
those which have stood firm for the interests of this
government will be as necessary for the support of
it as ever, and this may be no ill time to rivet them
in. His Majesty would be glad to see your Grace
about the beginning of next month ; I asked him
whether it might not be convenient you should
wait on him first at Windsor, whither he thinks
sometimes of going as soon as the weather is rea
sonable. He liked that well enough, but withal
thought it necessary you should come to town, for
the conveniency of discoursing with your friends,
and removing any rats that may be in the way. 1
believe there are but few who will not acquiesce in
what your Grace shall judge our circumstances
may require, and those too will be mollified^ when
they are apprised of what shall be agreed on. Every
body being satisfied that your Grace will propose
nothing, but what you judge safest and most con
ducing to the general good.
I don't know it will be necessary your Grace
should make any long stay here ; when you have set

12 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the wheels agoing you may retire again, if the con
cerns of your health require it. And I believe you
need not wait on the King again till he goes to
Newmarket, which will be in April ; but he de
pends upon seeing you some time before he goes
thither. Your Grace will consider whether it be
best my Lord Sunderland should meet you at Wind
sor or elsewhere : perhaps it may be requisite you
should be satisfied what you would or can incline
the King before you enter into discourses with other
people. Sir James Forbes tells me that he hears an ex
change is negotiating : that my Lord Marlborough
should be Chamberlain, and your Grace Governor
to the Duke of Gloucester, but I know nothing of it
otherwise ; but I observe my Lord Marlborough is
frequently with the King, and therefore I 'hope they
are well together.
I have acquainted my Lord Orford with your
Grace's intention of coming up (who is very glad of
it), and shall do the like to my Lord Chancellor to
morrow. This is the first day he has ventured
abroad, and it is not a very inviting one.
I understand from my Lord Ranelagh that more
regiments are to be sent into Ireland, and Colonel
Brudenell is one of them ; there will be but two
regiments of the old establishment kept up, which
are Hanmer and Gustavus Hamilton. I am glad
both the Colonels your Grace shewed a concern for
are preserved.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 13
I have signified to my Lord Manchester that the
King would have him think of returning within a
convenient time after his audience, as looking upon
any long stay there to be an unnecessary expense.
And as to Mr. Stanion's being left President, the
King has no exception to it, but that he thinks one
residing there with a character useless, and not worth
the charge. If my Lord Manchester, as I writ him
word, will shew him the contrary, perhaps he may
alter his opinion.
The Evans my Lord Paget is sending home is not
yet arrived, and when he comes I know not what we
have to say to him. The Evans that was to be Lieu
tenant to Sir John Friend,* for which we had only
Brice Blair's word, is at Greenwich.
Mr. Holland, who made oath at Constantinople
against Evans, and was sent home by my Lord Paget,
binding him in a recognizance, is still here, and shall
be confronted with the other when he comes.
My Lord Chandos's son comes to me this even
ing, to tell me from his father that Sir James Rush-
out is very ill, and hke to die, in which case his
Lordship desires to be recommended to succeed him.
I don't know Sir James is in that condition ; I heard
his Lady was dying, but if any such thing should
happen, I shall not presume to be recommending in
your province.
* One of the leaders of the conspiracy for William's assassination.

14 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 17, 1697-8.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
14th. It is some time since that I heard of Fisher
and Charlton's beginning to stir, and the reason why
I did not acquaint your Grace with it immediately
was, because your friends thought it unnecessary,
and that it might give you some uneasiness, though
this matter does in no part concern you, and Fisher
told me as much, but now he has brought it home
to you. I send your Grace a copy of the account
I gave of this matter to my Lord Portland, who if
any body might be affected with it, and I find Colt
has since told my Lord Chancellor that if this story
were told he would be mentioned in it, though he
knows no reason for it, nor can his Lordship recol
lect any occasion he gave them, since he was unac
quainted with what Fisher might have discovered to
my Lord Portland.
Charlton has writ to me since that he might have
an audience, but the King will not hear of it, till he
be first informed in writing what it tends to, and
they declining to give him that satisfaction, I con
clude they have nothing material to say, and by their
taking this way of whispers they are destitute of
matter and encouragement to speak openly. Though
I gave Fisher a cold answer as to the making his
pension equal to Porter's, yet I writ to the Treasury
about it, that he may not have a real cavil.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 15
I know not what my Lord Ashley's party is, or how
far they have authorised him to make any proposal
in their names, but I see there is but one sort of
men the King can with safety depend upon, and
many factions and interests are concurring to divide
and pull them to pieces if they can, which there was
a remarkable instance of yesterday in the attempt
upon Mr. Montague,* against whom the design has
long been forming, but it was carried so secretly,
that he did not know what was driven at till yester
day morning, and there could not be a greater dis
appointment given them, or any thing happen more
to his advantage.
What my Lord Wharton tells your Grace in rela
tion to Lord Sunderland can hardly be gainsaid. I
think there is no man in England so much exposed
as he is to have his name tossed about in parlia
ment, and when it happens he will never be so well
defended as Mr. Montague was yesterday. But
these are risks he must run, if he can't live from
court, or the King will not be without him ; he can
endanger no one but himself, and will rather be a
screen to others.
If a party can establish themselves by his means,
and thereby be more serviceable to their country, I
* The enemies of Montague discovered that Montague was possessed
of a grant from the crown, which was held in trust for him by a Mr.
Railton, and laying their plans to take him unawares, the attack was
made, and it was moved that he should withdraw from the house. To
the surprise, however, of the Opposition, the motion was negatived by a
vast majority, and, on the contrary, a resolution was put and carried
that Montague richly deserved the King's favour.

16

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

don't know what hazard they run by laying hold of
the opportunity : perhaps the neglect of it may ren
der themselves more uneasy, and their country more
unsafe. My Lord Chancellor, whom I waited on yesterday
morning, thinks it inconvenient to put off an accom
modation to the end of the session. That is a good
way off, and moles are working under ground in the
meantime, and if a reconciliation be desperate it may
provoke new measures. He thinks if the resolutions
are deferred till towards the end of the parliament,
they may still be kept back till the beginning of the
next, and may be help to make the next worse than
it would be. But as your Grace is soon expected,
I hope every thing will be properly timed.
I have not heard of late that my Lord Sunderland
has writ any thing about these matters : I suppose it
was in expectation of your arrival, I would not think
he did it to wait for yesterday's event.* Whoever
built upon it is miserably disappointed. I hear if they
had broke in upon Mr. Montague, my Lord Chan
cellor would have been the next for sealing and
accepting of grants. But if any body wants to know
which side is the strongest, fair proof is given of it.
Great notice is taken that Lords Nottingham,
Weymouth, Ferrers, and some others, have been in
close whispers of late. We shall soon see whether
it be any new thing they are aiming at.
My Lord Chancellor had an account some time
* The attack upon Montague.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 17
since of Handford the assassinate, lodging at his
brother's ; but we knew not where to find him. If
one will come up that can do it for us, it may be of
use, especially if he would join with Harris to hang
Counter,* and three or four more of his comrades
that lie in Newgate for want of evidence.
Mr. Prior is less sanguine in his letter to me than
it seems he was to Mr. Yard. I don't know what
my Lord Portland will obtain hereafter, but at pre
sent he finds no disposition in the French Court to
King James's removal, and as to the assassinates now
in France, the King wants to be better informed of
that matter, before he can withdraw his protection
from them. We shall therefore send over an abstract
of the depositions as far as they are concerned.
Poor Sir James Rushout died yesterday : pre
tenders appear already for the succession. My Lord
Chandos came to the office yesterday morning, when
I told him it was in your Grace's province, and there
the application must be made.
Paul Foley gives me a strange reason for prefer-
ing him, saying he is the head of the Jacobites in
Herefordshire, and if he were removed, they would
moulder away. He speaks of his son as one other
wise inclined, that would be knight of the shire
next choice, but if he shall vote as his son does,
the Jacobites would have another head of the same
family. * One of those confined with Bernardi and others without trial by a
most infamous prostitution of parliamentary power.
VOL. II. c

18 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
My Lord Dursley writes to your Grace about the
same business. I saw him speaking to the King
this evening, and he tells me the King is inclined
to send him to Constantinople. Mr. Molesworth
has made broad signs that he may be sent thither,
and I remember when Sir James Rushout was chosen,
Sir Richard Onslow then expressed a desire of that
embassy. I name all I know that you may consider
whom you would recommend.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Feb. 22, 1697-8.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
19th, and have read to his Majesty that part which
mentions your coming up, who approves entirely of
all you propose, that the design of your coming up
should not be thought to be on Lord Sunderland's
account, and that he should not be here at the same
time. The King is very desirous to see you first at
Windsor, and if it could be before you have had any
other visits. While these easterly winds last, he
neither thinks of going to Windsor, nor would he
have you venture on a journey : when he thinks of
being at Windsor, your Grace shall have timely
notice of it, that you may come thither accordingly.
We are in a terrible conflict of parties. The
Treasury have had a general attack made upon them
to-day, and they have stood their ground with the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 19
same success, only Mr. Pelham has shewn, that he
is in ill intelligence with his brethren, and took an
occasion to let it be known in an angry manner. What
differences he has had with them at the Board I
don't know, but this may put things at a farther
distance from an accommodation, he being looked
upon as under my Lord Sunderland's guidance.
Mr. Methuen. and Mr. Molesworth both voted for
Mr. Montague ; the last time Mr. Methuen rose up
to speak, but was prevented. My Lord Spencer
shewed a great deal of warmth for Mr. Montague,
and nobody in the House is more violent against
Duncombe. It will be endeavoured to improve this
day's debate to Duncombe's advantage, since it was
not unlawful for receivers to make payments in
exchequer bills, and if all helps fail in the House of
Commons, they hope the Lords will throw out the
bill at the first reading,* as entrenching upon their
judicature, by the Commons letting themselves into
a share of it, when the case does not require so
extraordinary a remedy. If this should happen, I
don't know how such a breach could be made up.
I don't doubt, but some would be willing to blow the
coals to the dissolution of this parliament.
When Fisher comes he shall know your Grace
has endeavoured to procure him an audience, but
I question whether he will have it, till he has com
plied with the conditions.
* This was a bill to punish Duncombe and others for various cri
minal transactions regarding exchequer bills.
C 2

20 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
My Lord Dursley presses his point of going to
Constantinople, and thinks there is the more haste
for it, since the Turkey Company have met and in
tend to know the King's pleasure, whether he will
give them leave to choose an ambassador.
My Lord Chancellor came to the Cabinet Council
on Sunday, but I hear he finds himself a little out
of order again to-day.
Vice- Admiral Aylmer was then brought to kiss
the King's hand for the command of the Mediter
ranean squadron, which they say will be ready in
three weeks or a month.
I have a letter from Mr. Prior to-night of the
18 th, he refers only to another he should send by
express, which I perceive is to give an account of a
third private audience my Lord Portland has had.
Mr. Stower's warrant and bill is signed for his
licence to come over.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
March 10*, 1698.
I have received this day the honour of your
Grace's letters of the 9th and 10th. I was afraid
it would be taken notice of how very negligent some
are in the public concerns, and those particularly
* This letter, as well as the four that follow, was dated a.d, 1697;
but from the date of the facts to which they refer, 1 have dated them a
year later, the proof of thus being the right date existing in themselves
beyond all question.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 21
whose attendance the King has a right to expect.
I wish it don't create an opinion, that it is indif
ferent what party is employed, and one is no more
to be depended upon than the other, and that offices
and employments will cast the balance either way.
I find a corner that has not much voted for sup
plies, are very pressing to have the four days in the
week totally set apart for ways and means. It is a
good opportunity for them to make their court in,
if they have hearts to do it. I believe they will
come in to make money of the East India trade,
and 600,000/. may be raised upon it, as much as
will clear the Excise, and perhaps they will be looked
upon as ill courtiers that shall oppose it.
While your Grace is attending on the King,
nobody can expect that you should leave him. We
have some friends that will not leave their dinner for
a more public concern.
I shall get the letter for the Emperor ready by
to-morrow. I would have seen the Count d'Avers-
berg to-day, had it not been for a visit of the Swedish
Ambassador, who desires his Majesty will favour
him with a private audience, since he can't be very
• soon ready for his entry.
Monsieur Gersdoff was with me yesterday, who
has credentials from the King of Poland. I per
ceive his ordinary residence is to be in Holland, and
he is ordered to come hither from time to time.
He demands a private audience only.
I send enclosed a penny post letter for the King,

22 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
which he allows should be opened. I suppose this
is from Mrs. Hill, the mad lady, who, if she is to be
heard, would have nothing to say but about Mr.
Payton. I think we have now done with Duncombe,* un
less the Lords bring him into conferences for neg
lecting the fine, and the promise to stick close to the
public business. To-morrow we go on to the third
bill ; the point in that to be fixed is, that each county
be charged with their proportion, provided they raise
it, let them lay it how they will.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March ISt, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of this
day, and am sorry you should have the trouble of
writing so long a letter, in so much pain as I hear
you were in. It is some comfort, however, to un
derstand that the spitting of blood abates, and I
hope the anguish of your knee will do so too, that
you may see his Majesty at Windsor or otherwise.
* Charles Duncombe, Esq., stated by Evelyn, to have been "not
long since a mean goldsmith, but now a great banker. He purchased
Helmsley, in Yorkshire, once the property of the Duke of Buckingham,
and drew upon himself the well known lines of Pope :
" And Helmsley, once proud Buckingham's delight,
Slides to a scrivener or city knight."
t This letter was wrongly placed and dated, in the copy of the cor
respondence, being inserted with the letters of 1697, and so dated. 1
have restored it to its right date, which was easily fixed by the business
of Duncombe.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 23
I don't think any thing can prevent his coming to
Woburne. I shall wait on the King to-morrow, and let him
know how you find yourself, and what assurances
you desire of a total retreat ; but I don't expect his
Majesty should give me any answer as to that part.
I imagine he will not be very ready to give your
Grace that satisfaction, in hopes you will not insist
upon it, when you grow better, and your pain is
over. Your Grace gives me great encouragement to
hold on in my appointment ; but I can be no more
persuaded of my qualifications, than your Grace
believes you have health for it.
I cannot but be concerned that his Majesty should
not have explained himself a little more to your
Grace, which I am afraid will have an ill influence
upon our affairs depending in parliament.
People have been big with an expectation of what
kind a settlement we should come to, and if that be
blasted, I know not how business will go on. I
meet with discourses, as if it would be but slowly,
unless some greater encouragement were given. I
cannot tell but the rejecting of Duncombe's bill this
day by the Lords, with such a circumstance as the
immediately discharging him out of prison may
heighten resentments, when people were out„ of
humour before. I believe it will not be well taken,
that Lord Romney and Lord Albemarle went away.

24 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
If the latter thought it sufficient he had appointed
a proxy, those were all laid aside.
Lord Burlington voted against the bill, and I hear
Lord Dorset did the like.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
March 16, 1698.
I have just now received the honour of your
Grace's letter of this day. You find, no doubt,
great uneasiness with the pains that seize you from
one place to another; but your friends are less
alarmed at this than your other illness. If it prove
a gout, that has been an old companion of men of
business. Your Grace will not misinterpret it, if your friends
oppose as long as they can your resolutions of re
tiring. They see a cloud impending over the state
which they think you can only disperse. I think all
agree you should be eased from the laborious part,
and give them your assistance only at your own
conveniency, or at a distance.
I laid before the King this morning what your
Grace proposed of holding the Seals till the end of
the session, provided you could be assured of being
then discharged without passing from one office to
another. His Majesty is willing to free you from
the Seals sooner, on condition you will accept the
Chamberlain's Staff, which he does not expect should

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 25
be a tie upon you, or oblige you to any attendance
till you find your health thoroughly established.
I find the King thinks it of great use to his
service, that it should not be thought you had left
it, and your friends will think they have lost their
best hold at Court, when they see you wind yourself
out of it, and how * business can go on under cold
nesses and distrust.
You having allowed me so much freedom in writ
ing to you, you will give me leave to use it so far as
to acquaint you, my imagination is, your Grace
would not withstand the King's persuasions, and
your friends' desires, as to your accepting this new
employment, if you were satisfied who should
succeed you, and how far that would tend to a
settlement. If it were intended you should have an office for
the name of it, and at the same time there should
be other dispositions of places that were not of a
piece with it, this would look like an artifice, that
you are incapable of. I can't suspect an office should
be put upon you only to give a colour to such a
change. The King told me he thought of being at Wind
sor to-morrow in the evening, and I was directed to
give my Lord Chancellor notice he would speak
with him in the morning. It is not to be avoided,
but if you be not well enough to remove to Windsor,
the King will come to you at Woburne. What
'"' So written, but probably by mistake, instead of no.

26 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
passed yesterday in the House of Lords,* must pro
duce speedy resolutions.
The House of Commons have appointed a Com
mittee to inspect the Lords' journals in relation to
the proceedings against Duncombe, and particularly
his discharge. The Lords, I hear, pretend he was
their prisoner from the time they had sent for him ;
and the Commons intend to be satisfied how the
Governor of the Tower came to carry up their
prisoner without their knowledge or consent; so that
my Lord Lucas at least will have a pretty time be
tween the two Houses.!
The King is apprehensive, and not without reason,
that the heats will be carried very high, and give
great obstruction to business. The Commons, I
perceive, think themselves obliged to assert their
rights, and will t them against the Lords, and rip
up the usage of my Lord Chief Justice, and their
treading the laws under foot in the manner of their
judicature, for which they will instance the setting
aside a judgment of the King's Bench in the case of
Lord Montague's witnesses, and the rejecting, this
day, a decree of my Lord Chancellor's upon Cary's
estate, in which they declare that my Lord Abing-
* In regard to Duncombe.
t Duncombe had been committed to the Tower by the Commons
and is said to have confessed the crime of which he was accused, upon
which he was expelled the House, and a Bill of Pains and Penalties
brought in. The bill, however, was rejected by the Lords, and Dun
combe ordered to be set at liberty, in consequence of which these serious
disputes took place between the two Houses.
X Something omitted in the MS.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 27
don's son, who married Cary's niece, ought to be
relieved, and they say they will give the estate from
my Lord Falkland to Mrs. Bertie during her life,
which is neither affirming nor reversing the decree.
Some of the Lords give good encouragement to
their friends of the House of Commons to retrieve
this business one way or another. And I hear there
is to be a meeting to-morrow morning at my Lord
Wharton's to consider how it is to be carried on.
Sir Rowland Gwyn has made a motion this day,
in the House of Commons, and Mr. Colt seconded
it, that his Majesty should be addressed, that he
will cause a list to be printed of the persons who
have leave to stay in England, pursuant to the late
act. They pretend to mean no more by it, but to
know those who have no leave, that they may be
taken up. That I have no exception to, but I must
always suspect these gentlemen, and I rather ima
gine that they have more mind to be finding fault
with the licences that have been given. I shall see
the use they will make of it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 26, 1698.
I waited on the King at his arrival at Kensington
this evening, which was about nine o'clock. I gave
him some letters which I had received to-day from
Holland, and from my Lord Portland: the latter

28 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
were of the 22nd, o.s. Those mention as if the
King of Spain was something better. They add, that
the King of France has the gout, with the return of
his erysipelas.
He is thought to grow very uneasy at the fatigue
of business, insomuch that he would be contented
to resign Flanders to the Duke of Bavaria, and the
territories in Italy to other people, provided he may
secure to himself the quiet possession of Spain and
the Indies, which would be an ill bargain to him,
and yet perhaps it would be accepted of, if we are
in no better condition to give our assistance.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
March 29, 1698.
I have received this evening the honour of your
Grace's letter of this day. I am sorry I have no
better account to send the King of your Grace's
health, which he enquired after this morning, and
there being no letters then from you, he hoped it
was a sign of your coming up the sooner. I know
not now when you can be expected, or whether you
will be here, or at Newmarket. My Lord Orford is
gone thither this morning, and I suppose the King
will be going on Monday. The third bill being in
such forwardness as your Grace will see by the in
closed. I hope Mr. Wharton is passed his great
danger ; he is now very sensible again, the violence

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 29
of his distemper having thrown itself on his left
arm, which he has no use of at present, but the
doctors think that recoverable, when they have no
thing else to struggle with.
The French Ambassador had a private audience
yesterday. He told Sir Charles Cotterell as he went
to Kensington, that since I made a difficulty of visit-.
ing him, he should be obliged to take notice of it at
his audience, and he was as good as his word. The
answer his Majesty made him was, that he was sure
there was no other practice ; but the Secretary re
ceived the first visit since he has been in England,
and he understood it was according to the ancient
usage. He was but a very little while with the
King, there passed only general compliments. I was
not there, so I have not yet seen him, unless it were
a glimpse of him in his coach, as he was going this
day to Kensington.
The King had a great mind to be satisfied what
his proofs were, which he would have shewn Sir
Charles Cotterell, but he declined seeing them. I
sent, therefore, Sir Charles to him on purpose, on
Sunday, to get a sight of those papers as from him
self, but methinks he has performed it awkwardly.
The Ambassador readily called for his strong box,
and pulled out a letter of the Ambassador Colbert,
which gave an account that immediately upon his
arrival, my Lord Arlington sent his compliments,
that it was fit he should be left undisturbed the next
day to repose himself, but that he would make him

30 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
a visit the day following, according to custom. Sir
Charles said he was going to take out some other
papers of Monsieur Coustin, but Sir Charles was
upon a strain of courtesy, and would no longer seem
to doubt, but he had such papers as he pretended,
and as to Monsieur Barrillon, no mention was made
of him either by the one or the other. This infor
mation being so lame, I have spoke to my Lord
Romney by the King's command ; that Monsieur
Tallard having already made him a visit or two, he
would enter into conversation with him on this sub
ject, and go to the bottom of it, as one that has been
Secretary of State, and can vouch for the practice.
He thinks of seeing him on Thursday next, and per
haps by that time, or soon after it, we may hear from
my Lord Portland, what is said to it, in that Court,
and why they expect more should be paid to their
Ambassadors, than they allow to others. I don't
doubt but Mr. Yard sends your Grace an account of
Mr. Stanhope's letter that arrived yesterday. I have
it back from the King, but find it contains little
more than what he writ to your Grace four days
before. Sir Charles Cotterell tells me the French Ambas
sador intends to make my Lord Chancellor a visit,
and will send to him for an hour. Those in his
station are not obliged to grant it ; at least, they
have a privilege, not to return visits, if they will
make use of it.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 31

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 3, 1698.
I have given his Majesty an account of my wait
ing on your Grace, and that you would endeavour to
be at Newmarket, though it was a very improper
journey for you to undertake in such a condition of
health. I said so much on that subject, that I hope your
Grace will not be pressed beyond what you think
consistent with your preservation.
The King asked whether your Grace said any
thing of my Lord Sunderland or Lord Wharton. I
answered that your Grace wished the way might be
made easy for the return of the former, and that the
prejudices taken against him might be removed.
He thought he was hardly dealt with in some opi
nions people had entertained of him, and that no
body was so opposite to him as my Lord Wharton,
which his Majesty foresaw would happen, when my
Lord Wharton was disappointed as to his going into
Ireland. That it would be resented upon my Lord
Sunderland, though nobody was so earnest as he was
for his being gratified in thaA ^particular. I said I
thought there was a time, when they two had been
very good friends, and I did not know but it might
be so again with some management between them.
As I am unacquainted with any other way but
speaking plain, I thought what was expected in be-

32 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
half of my Lord Wharton should either be granted,
or that he be kept no longer in amusement.
The King answered he knew nothing of my Lord
Wharton desiring to be Secretary, and what he might
have heard of it accidentally, was not a good in
ducement for disposing of places. All that I could
infer was, that the King is not so disgusted with the
manner of my Lord Sunderland's going away, as not
to be willing to have him again, and I believe he
can't well bear being without him, if your Grace
has not a better stock of health to be near him. I
hope you will finally resolve every thing at New
market, now you have the trouble of going thither,
and I shall think myself miserable if your Grace
suffers any thing extraordinary in this journey, since
I had the misfortune to bring you the message. But
if you ease your mind by it, one way or another,
perhaps it may contribute more to your ease, than
solitude and thoughtfulness.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 6, 1698.
I long to hear your Grace got thither, (at New
market), without encreasing your illness. I hope
you will have no more journies put upon you, nor any
thing else you do not like. I thought, for quiet
sake, you might bear the name of Lord Chamber
lain ; if the King would be satisfied you should not

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 33
do the duty of it, but that the key may lie in your
hands, as it does at present in mine.
If that be uneasy to your Grace, and useless to
the King, my Lord Chancellor is one of those who
is for leaving you entirely at your liberty. I wish
people's minds may be otherwise quieted, and that
the King's business be put into the hands of such
a set of men as will go on with it cheerfully and
vigorously. I shall think it at a stand till I see the
civil list provided for.
At present we are beating the bush for smaller
duties, that we may not appear to stand still.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 7, 1698.
I hope this will find your Grace at Newmarket,
and if you have not been disordered with your journey
it will be very good news to hear.
Your Grace will have been informed of the French
Ambassadors partial discovery, which we have heard
no more of since. If I could have found my Lord
Romney in time, I would have gone to him again
this evening. Instead of discoveries, the Ambassa
dor's head is taken up with his ceremonies. De
Bos has been with me just now, to let me know that
Monsieur Tallard told him he had newly received a
Courier from Paris, by which he was more confirmed
that he was in the right in insisting upon the first
VOL. II. o

34 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
visit, and could not depart from it. By what I can
understand, he grounds himself chiefly, if not singly
upon some extraordinary civility that my Lord Ar
lington paid to Monsieur Colbert. There is little
said now of Barrillon, who came when there were no
other Secretaries.
I believe your Grace might have known, or heard
of De Bussy, who married my Lord Newbury's
mother, and was a Captain in my Lord Maccles
field's regiment, and went away upon the revolution.
He is lately come over again, pretending to the
benefits of some office in right of his wife. His
being here having made a noise, I have taken him
into custody ; and if the Ambassador gives no
greater satisfaction in his discovery, I think it would
be the best way to take up a dozen Frenchmen more
of those he is most likely to reclaim, and give him
that reason for it, that if there be a*  and he will
not tell us who he is, we must secure them all. The
letter writ to the Ambassador, says it" is from one
who has been a prisoner here two years since. I
have had Sir William Trumbull's books searched,
and can find no entry about Frenchmen ; and I do
not remember any such, unless it were a fellow that
afterwards went and lived at Bromsgrove, having
married a woman of that country. I think he writ
to your Grace out of some jail. I know not what
became of that fellow. I now recollect myself, that
his name was Lewis Martin Peau, and he married
* Four words are here unintelligible.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 35
a whore about the Savoy. If it be he, he may be
bubbling the Ambassador for ought I know, and is
rogue enough in all kinds.
Dr. Barebone died yesterday, they say Dr. Rat-
cliffe will succeed him.

MR. VERNON, TO THE KING.
April 7, 1698.
Sir Thomas Littleton reported this day the reso
lutions of the Committee about the duty upon coals.
The first of them held a pretty long debate, and the
House divided upon it, but it was carried by 144
against 123, then the rest of the resolutions passed
without opposition.
Mr. Harley made a motion that Knight and Bar
ton might be bailed, grounding it upon their bills
having been passed, and that there might be no dis
pute with the Lords about them. There would not
have been much difficulty in it, if their case had
stood alone. But it not having been done to Dun-
comb, they would not vary from what they did then,
lest any advantage might be taken of it, as if they
owned they were in the wrong, when they kept Dun-
comb so long in custody. Besides this motion being
made without any petition from the parties, it was
deemed irregular and rejected. The militia bill
being the business appointed for the day, the Com
mittee sat upon it, and made some progress, but it
was no better attended than before.
d2 '

86 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
I received your Majesty's commands in Mr.
Yard's letter of yesterday, and went immediately to
find out my Lord Romney, but he was gone out, and
I have no notice yet that he is returned. It is now so
late that he can't well go to the French Ambassador's
before to-morrow morning. I saw my Lord in the
morning, and he then intended to go to the Ambas
sador's this afternoon.
I know not whether your Majesty ever heard of
one De Bussy, a Frencbman, who married my Lord
Newbury's mother, he was afterwards a Captain in
my Lord Macclesfield's regiment of Horse, and
having been a busy French Papist, he left the king
dom at the revolution, and is now lately come over
again, as he says with Mr. Lowman. Great notice
lias been taken of his being here, and my Lord
Romney speaking of it yesterday before my Lord
Chancellor, 1 have taken him up upon suspicion of
treason, and he is now in the custody of a messenger.
It is thought he may be liable to the late act, for
pretending to the profits of an office in right of his
wife. It is supposed he is a denizen, but without
reason. I think I should be justifiable if I took up
all the French Papists now in England, since their
Ambassador owns there is an assassinate among
them, and does not think fit to declare who he is.
Dr. Barebone, one of our members died yester
day at Osterley Park ; they say Dr. Ratcliffe will
be chosen in his place, who served with him here
before for that place.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 3J
I am just come from my Lord Romney, who will
be sure to see the Ambassador to-morrow, as early
as he can, and then he will call upon me, that we
may go together to my Lord Chancellor's before he
goes to the House of Lords.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 8, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of yester
day.* It was a great satisfaction to find you were
able to perform your journey so well. I hope no
body now will have cause to repent your going
thither. I have communicated your letter to my Lord
Archbishop and Lord Chancellor, who have agreed
to meet to-morrow at nine in the morning, at the
Archbishop's lodgings in the Cock Pit, I not being
assured that vour Grace's rooms were furnished. I
have sent a summons to the rest of the Lords of the
Cabinet, who are in town, those are only my Lord
Privy Seal and the Earl of Romney.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 9, 1698.
I have spoke to my Lord Romney about meeting
the Ambassador at his house, who will contrive it as
* From Newmarket.

38 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
soon as he can ; but to-morrow he is invited to dine
with the Ambassador, so it must be some other day.
I wish it may not be at dinner for fear of the conse
quences. My Lord will send me notice the first
time he is there, and I'll immediately go to him,
which will be a more accidental rencontre.
I have found out his Carmelite Friar, who plies
at the Spanish Ambassador's, but I hear he is in
expectation to be entertained by the French Ambas
sador. He is, I am told of a good family, son of
the Marquis d'Ovilliers, and after having lived in
great debauchery, and the great companion of De
Bussy in his lewdness, he threw himself among the
Carmes-Deschausse's about ten years since, and he
has been near two years in England. I have signed
a warrant for the taking him up this night. The
Archbishop's intelligencer could give him no ac
count of this man, but he having the names of four
other French Carmelite Friars, viz., Mander, Breton,
Osfer, and La Rose, I have signed warrants for
apprehending them all. The Ambassador will un
derstand the meaning of it, and therefore I hope he
won't complain, and d'Ovilliers will the less sus
pect why he is taken up. If he is found, I shall
not examine him till his Majesty's pleasure be known,
and then I hope it will be done by the Lords of the
Cabinet Council.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 39

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 9, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
8th. The Lords of the Cabinet Council met this
morning, viz. Lord Archbishop, Lord Chancellor,
Lord Privy Seal, and Earl of Romney. Mrs. Han
sard * and her brother were examined before them ;
for the substance of what passed I refer your Grace
to the enclosed abstract of Mrs. Hansard's examina
tion and deposition, and shall add to it, that the
Lords find strong reasons to suspect that this gentle
woman was in a contrivance for laying the pistol in
the chapel. And it is much to be doubted whether
she was that day in the chapel or not, though she
swears she was, and that she discoursed with the
man that had the pistol in his hand. One thing
very observable in her deposition was, that she saw
my Lord Archbishop in the chapel, and had it in
her thoughts to have revealed the business to him,
whereas he was not there that day. She gives a
very different account of the place, she says the pistol
was laid down very remote from the place it was
found, and she is positive the pistol was laid down
before the sermon, when the gentlewoman who found
it gives a plain, natural, and coherent account of it,
says that a man stooped down after sermon and gave
* During the whole of William's reign constant plots were manu
factured for the purpose of extracting rewards from the Government on
their pretended discovery.

40 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
them notice there was a pistol lying there. Mrs.
Hansard in the account she gave said many things
very shufflingly. My Lord Chancellor looking more
narrowly upon the letters of Macdonnel which she
had put into my hand, observed that the first of
those letters upon which she grounds her discovery
had been altered in the date of it, and was there
fore singed to disguise it. My Lord Chancellor
found out that the letter had been dated the 5th of
March, but was now changed to the 2nd of April,
and they had made no alteration in the year, though
the other letters were exact in that particular ; and
then it was easy to see that the letter was sullied
and had been longer writ, so that it was pretty visible
this trick was intended to be played, just that day
month before^ if his Majesty's not coming to the
chapel or some other accident had not prevented it.
However the Lords did not think fit at present to
take notice to her of these particulars, that the Arch
bishop was not at church, and the letter had been
twice dated ; but were desirous to know what his
Majesty would please to direct upon the information
now given. And therefore they called her in only
to tell her, that she should endeavour to discover
Macdonnel and his accomplices, so as they may be
apprehended, and that she should give me notice of
it, as soon as she knew where any of them might be *
found. And if she received any more letters in the
meantime they should be given to me, which she
promised, pretending withal a great tenderness not

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 41
to expose the life of a man who had trusted her,
and she thought herself embarrassed being under a
double trust, first for the King's preservation, and
then not to sacrifice one who had committed such a
secret to her.
That which the Lords once thought of was to
examine Captain Dixey, who being her acquaint
ance, and living in the house with her, it was sup
posed he might have laid down the pistol, but since
then I have some reason to suspect it is her brother,
who is a young, raw, obsequious fellow, and very
capable of being imposed upon. A gentlewoman
was with me this evening who was at the chapel and
near the place where the pistol was laid. She says
that she observed a young man kneeling down in
that crowd, and wondered how he could bear it.
The description she gives of him resembles very
much this young fellow, as to his age, periwig, and
features. If his Majesty pleases that this examina
tion be proceeded on, it will be proper to confront
these two together. I send your Grace both the
examinations taken before the Lords and the letters
of Mrs. Hansard, and those said to be MacdonnelPs,
which your Grace will please to return when his
Majesty has seen them.
The information from Bristol was likewise laid
before the Lords, who could find nothing else to be
directed upon it, but that I should write to the
Mayor to find out, if it were possible, the two per
sons the woman describes. In the meantime the

42 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
letters from Bristol to their members and others
makes more noise of this matter than I hope it
deserves. I shewed my Lord Archbishop and Lord Chan
cellor the two letters yesterday given me of Martin
Peau,* which they compared with the letter writ to
the French ambassador ; they find a good deal of
resemblance in some letters, though those were in
English, and writ much more in haste. My Lord
Chancellor approves that I should write to the Sheriff
of Worcester to know whether that man be still in
the gaol, and to take care he be secured. I suppose
it will be fit to send for him by habeas corpus, for
he was committed by your Grace to the custody of
a messenger as an alien, enemy, and spy. He was
afterwards discharged by the Council upon his giving
bail that he would go into Spain or Portugal. The
rogue married a whore while he was in custody, and
has never been out of England since. His first com-
mitment bears the date the 25th of June 1695, which
I suppose is the year that Namur was besieged, so
there is no disagreement in that.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 10, 1698.
I send your Grace the Letters I received this
morning from Paris, by which you will see that a
* I cannot clearly discover whether this name is written here Peau or
Pean, but it seems to me clear, that person referred to is the same whose
name is sometimes written Peace elsewhere.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 43
little firmness when one has to deal with the French,
will prevent a good deal of their imposing, and that
my Lord Portland has set them right as to the first
visit, when they were leading us out of the way. I
think I ought now to forbear the accidental ren
contre with the French Ambassador as was intended.
I went, therefore, to my Lord Romney's to let him
know what my Lord Portland writes of the direc
tions sent to Comte Tallard to make the first visit,
and that it will be best to see how he complies with
it, lest they take new advantage by this middle way,
and minute it down for a precedent.
I believe your Grace will be of opinion, that we
should stay to be satisfied whether he has orders or
not, or how far he will take notice of them. My
Lord Romney will make no mention to him of these
advices, but only tell him with great assurance, that
he is in the wrong in this dispute.
I left with my Lord Romney a paper Mr. Prior
sent me, a project of mixing of metals for cannon,
so as to make them much lighter and more service
able. He had a mind to speak to Colonel Brown
about it, that it may be considered whether it will
be worth while to invite the man over.
I have copied the list of dangerous persons, in
serting Macarthy whom Prior speaks of, and I have
sent it to Harwich and Dover, if any of them come
that way.
A master of a vessel who lives at Rye, was brought
to me some time since by Sir John Austen. He
had been at Boulogne, and was engaged to bring

44 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
over two or three persons. I suppose they may be
the same that Hogan mentions; tlie man has pro
mised to be faithful and deliver them up. I don't
hear he is yet returned, and perhaps Prior gives
the reason for it, one of the villains being sick. I
have just now the honour of your Grace's letter of
the 9th. The copy I forgot to enclose was supplied
last night by the original.
The messenger has not yet met with the Pere d' — .
I was told he was lodged in Hedge Lane, at a house
behind the Spanish Ambassador's chapel, which is
in Suffolk Street ; he did not lodge there, and they
omitted to search the chapel-house, where, perhaps,
they might-have found him.
Your Grace will know his Majesty's pleasure upon
the Lord Iveagh's petition. If my Lord Strafford
comes over, I shall make no difficulty to seize him,
and send him to Newgate as an outlawed person.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 11, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of this
dav. I hope you will find yourself well enough to
undertake this journey, and that you will not have
the trouble of any more till you find yourself in
perfect health.
I saw my Lord Wharton to-day, who talked of
going to Newmarket this evening or to-morrow early.
I think his brother is now in that condition that he

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM HI. 45
may be well enough left to the care of his doctors.
I desired my Lord now you were to be altogether,
that you would make an end one way or another.
That if he were to be Secretary of State he would
take the Seals quickly, or if that must not be, that
he would content himself with something else, and
be as well satisfied. I did not expect his answer,
he being so much at liberty whether he will tell me
his thoughts or not, and I can't judge of those I
know so little, when they are in earnest.
But I think both he and many others wish that
your Grace would not refuse the Staff, if it be pressed
upon you, and readily consent that you be at your
own disposal afterwards, so as to have no care upon
you, but that of your health ; and they do not de
sire to see you in that part upon any other terms
which the King cannot approve of. They would
rather preserve you for your own sake, and for the
good you may do hereafter, than expose you to the
hazards you must run by any present service.
If your Grace understood by my letter, that the
King thought my Lord Wharton opposite to his in
terest ; it was not what I meant, for he spoke of
his opposition only in relation to my Lord Sunder
land, and thought him the best disposed to a recon
ciliation of anybody.
The King does hardly believe that so many are
averse to my Lord Sunderland's returning as has been
represented. That may have had a false colour
put upon it by the personal friendships he has with

46 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
some of the Whigs, and the obligations he has laid
upon others. I hope it is not aimed at, that his
coming again should disunite them, and make them
a more inconsiderable party, and therefore fitter to
be laid aside.
I suppose the King will now explain himself to
your Grace, what are his exceptions against putting
my Lord Wharton into that post, and that he will
calmly hear them answered, if your Grace finds
reason for it.
If the King is upon any great reserves with the
other party, I believe he can do nothing so contrary
to it, as the giving my Lord Wharton the Seals
would be. Many of them do not stick at declaring,
that they shall think themselves put out of protec
tion when they see that done. They may censure
him very hardly in it, and I believe he is pretty in
different as to gaining their good opinion, and values
himself at being thought at the greater distance
from them.
I don't know but the Church would be pretty
unanimous in giving him the exclusion, who are not
much more favourable to my Lord Tankerville.
If all together be of such weight as to put my
Lord Wharton by ; it ought, however, not to be done
with any marks of slight or displeasure against him.
And there should appear as little of a refusal on the
King's side as was possible. Affections and reasons
of State may differ, and the latter may carry it,
without calling the former into question. This, I

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 47
hope, may be at least effected by your Grace. So
that both may be satisfied you have done your ut
most, and neither be misunderstood, one by the
other. I may make a very wrong judgment of this matter,
but I think the worst method of all is amusements,
and resolving on nothing. It is little better than
refusing a man every day, when there are denials
that still keep a good grace.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 11th, 1698.
I was very sorry to find in Mr. Yard's letter that
your Grace has had so great a relapse. My first
wishes are, that you were perfectly well, and if that
cannot be soon attained to, I wish you were at
Eyford, or whatever other place may more contri
bute to your health.
I shall follow the directions Mr. Yard has sent
me, and shall give the French Ambassador notice
of what his Majesty has ordered upon his memorials.
I suppose he must have received directions pursuant
to what my Lord Portland writes. But I see no
marks of it from himself. My Lord Romney dines
with him to-day, the party of yesterday being put
off; perhaps he may say something to him.
I suppose he may think it time enough to make
his visit after his public audience, or at least he

48 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
would speak of it to his Majesty first, and give all
plausible turns to it, why he stood it out so long,
and for what reason he thinks of doing it at last.
In the meantime I conclude I must keep my ground,
and make no advances of any kind ; if it be other
wise, your Grace will please to instruct me.
As to the seizing of Macdonnell, that would have
been long since done if any body knew where to find
him. We are promised it now, but I am not much
inclined to believe it. Mrs. Hansard was with me
this evening, and brought me another letter from
her gallant (a copy whereof is enclosed). She says
she has appointed a meeting in Covent Garden
Piazza, on Wednesday next, exactly at five in the
evening ; but she does not yet tell me in what part
of it. Her brother, who came with her, undertakes
the seizing of him, if he may be assisted, and I have
promised he shall have a messenger with him, and
what soldiers shall be needful.
I'll speak to my Lord Romney about it, that some
discreet officer may be employed. She had a mind
to begin some discourse about the charges she had
been at in attending this affair. I told her all that
should be considered when the man was taken.
Yesterday the chapel keeper at St. James's sent
me a young man whom he had seized that morning
in the church, upon the information of some of the -
women, that they had seen him there the Sunday
before, and he knelt down near to the form where
the pistol was found. Upon examination, he ap-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 49
peared to be a glover of Hereford, who works now
at that trade in the city. He came to St. James's
chapel the first Sunday out of curiosity, having never
seen the King before, and yesterday he brought a
friend with him to see the Princess. I took the
deposition, which is enclosed, and then I sent a
messenger Avith him to be informed who he was.
Having received an account from Mr. Morgan, par
liament man for Hereford, that he knew him to be
a harmless honest fellow, a good protestant, and
well affected to the government ; and his master,
with whom he works, coming with him and begging
to see him forthcoming, I dismissed him that night,
seeing no grounds for suspecting him.
I have spoke to the Secretary of Scotland about
the pirates, who had not heard any thing of them
before ; but he would write into Scotland and let
them know his Majesty's pleasure about their pro
secution. I can't yet take any of my Carmelite friars.
The Dutch mail arriving late this evening, I send
the letters to Mr. Yard, who will give your Grace
an account which of them are fit to be laid before
the King ; for my own part, I shall hardly have
time to read any of them.
I enclose a letter that I have just now received
from the French Ambassador, it carries more the
shew of a visit than any of the former.

VOL. II.

50 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 12, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
11th, and am extremely obliged to your patronage
of my son as well as myself.
I do not know that Mr. Cunningham wants a
licence to return ; he is governor to my Lord Home,
son to the Earl of Argyle. It was only desired I
should recommend him to Sir James Ogilvie, which
I have done. He looks upon him as one of the
ablest men of his profession. And that the work
he has designed of bringing the body of the Roman
law into a narrower compass and a better method,
he thinks will be of great use to those that are
guided by it, as they are in Scotland. And it being
an undertaking above his purse, it must lie still
without some encouragement. Sir James will give
him all the assistance (he can), and if there be oc
casion to have recourse to his Majesty, I hope he
will not refuse it.
I saw my Lord Romney to-day to desire he would
let me have an officer and some men to-morrow to
attend Mrs. Hansard in Coven t Garden. I heard
from him that the French Ambassador was gone
this morning to Newmarket. I hope he will have
seen your Grace before he comes back, and make
you the compliment that he came so far on purpose.
I have received this day another letter from Mrs.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 51
Hansard, whereof I enclosed a copy. I know not
what sort of jilt she will prove at last. But I am
surprised to find her own in this letter that she was
little less than perjured in her first deposition, when
she said she had not seen Macdonnal for some years,
before she met him accidentally between St. Alban's
and Barnet.
I perceive there has been more than a promise,
between them, of future kindness. Whether she will
deliver him up at last, I know not ; but there will
be no longer jesting in the matter, if she fails.
I have committed Bussy to Newgate for high
treason. There was found, among his papers which
the messenger brought away, several commissions
given him by King James, as well in Ireland as
elsewhere. These are pretty recommendatory letters
for a man to bring with him into England, when
the late law makes it high treason for any one to
keep them by him after the 14th of February.
I shall let Mr. Prior know that my Lord Iveagh
has nothing to expect here.
I have heard nothing of Hogan yet, though one
might have wished the man at Rye had not under
taken to secure the men he is to bring over ; yet it
must now take its chance, for I know not where to
send to him, if it were necessary to give him other
directions, which perhaps would not be adviseable
neither. It is hard to know upon what principles
informers act, and all is not in their power that they
promise or intend to perform. One ought very well
E 2

52 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
to know those one trusts in a matter of such conse
quence. One may pretend a discovery in order to
secure oneself against accidents or treachery, and
yet go on with a villainy, as far as there is hopes of
driving it. I wish we had some of these rogues any
way. I cannot meet with any of the friars. I hope
the French Ambassador will have satisfied his Ma
jesty in all the parts of that discovery.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 13, 1698.
A pacquet arriving this morning from Paris, I
send your Grace the letters I have received. I find
my Lord Portland desires now to know when he shall
be recalled. If I am to make any answer to it,
your Grace will please to direct me in what manner.
My son sends me two letters that deserve conside
ration ; they were put into his hands by a person that
I employ with his Majesty's privity, who has been
at Calais for a considerable time, renewing his ac
quaintance with David Lloyd, and is but lately come
to Paris; I hope he may be serviceable there. He
mentions a Talbot, that is coming over upon a secret
message. Perhaps your Grace may know of what
family he is, and it may be the easier to have him
watched. Your Grace will please to send me the
letters back when you have shewn them to the King.
I will, in the meantime, jnake some enquiry about

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 53
this young man, who lives near Shoreham. It will
be hard to know what should be done to the French
Ambassador's courier, who has undertaken to bring
over the St. Germain letters.
I have had Mrs. Hansard with me this morning,
and shewed her and her brother to the officer of the
Guards, and all things are concerted for the appre
hending of Macdonnall, if there has been any such
appointment in Covent Garden as she tells us.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 13, 1698.
Having had the honour to write to your Grace
this noon, I have only noAV to add, that our party is
come in from Covent Garden, but have made no
prisoners. The gentlewoman was there according
to appointment, but nobody else appeared. After
she had waited about two hours, she told a gentle
man I had engaged to be assisting, that she was
afraid the man had suspected something that kept
him from coming. She would therefore step home,
and perhaps she might find a letter from him. Ac
cordingly she went away, and came back again soon
after, and said she had met with a letter, which she
offered to read under the Piazzas, but was advised
to do it rather in a shop. And then she put on a
great concern at it, and said she would bring it to
me ; but instead thereof she sent it me by her bro-

54 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE &¥¦
ther, with another short letter, copies of both which
are enclosed. I must own I should have been more
surprised if she had sent me the man. As for her
letters, I am used to them, but if the inditer of them
would have brought me in for blabbing the secret,
they would have done it more artificially, if they had
named some person, who ever had been at my table,
where I am sure neither she nor her spark were
ever mentioned there. And for Colonel Roe, if
there be any such man in being, it is more than I
know. All that I can do with these and her former
letters, is to lay them before a Committee of Lords,
who have appointed to meet to-morrow morning at
your Grace's office, upon the occasion of Sir George
Wheeler's being taken up. My Lord Archbishop
of Canterbury being very inclinable to believe that
he has been maliciously and falsely sworn against.
I hope to give you an account by to-morrow's post,
what the Lords sentiments are concerning Mrs.
Hansard. I trouble your Grace with a letter I received this
day from the Lords Justices of Ireland, recommend
ing a Captain Carrol, a disbanded officer, to a vacant
lieutenancv in Sir H. Bellases' regiment.
The enclosed from my Lord Portland should have
been sent at noon.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 55

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 14, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of yes
terday. It must be a concern to me whenever your
Grace does not find yourself well enough to write ;
but otherwise, I am very well satisfied you should not
have the trouble of it.
The Lords met to-day at your Grace's office, and
were acquainted with yesterday's disappointment.
They saw the letters both of Mrs. Hansard and
Macdonnel. My Lord Chancellor was of opinion
that his Majesty being so soon expected, it would be
best to give him an account of the matter at his re
turn, and know his pleasure as to the further exa
mining into it, and taking the woman up.
Those that my Lord Romney employed have
found a gunsmith that sold the pistol ; he was exa
mined, and said he sold a pair of pistols about three
months since to an Englishman in ordinary clothes,
aged about thirty. That, therefore, cannot be Mrs.
Hansard's brother.
The examination that held the Lords the longest
this morning, was Sir George Wheeler's, one of the
Prebends of Durham, who has been taken up upon
the accusation of a young fellow named Shears, who
married his daughter. He was charged with send
ing money to King James, and his wife's uncle, Dean
Greenville; that the Higgon's, his brothers-in-law

56 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
were frequently with him ; and he joined with them
in their more than disaffected discourses against the
government. That when the association was carried
about to be signed by the Prebends of Durham, he
did not sign it, though he pretended it, but made his
servant write his master's name to it. He denied
every article of the charge, and gave a very plausible
account of his own behaviour and his son-in-law's,
occasioned by his holding fast part of his daughter's
portion, till the promised settlement were made good
to her. But when it came to the point of the asso
ciation, he did not go on so cleverly ; he said he
signed it here in London, when the Bishop of
Durham sent it him ; but he could not remember
whether any one was present; he did it- in haste*
being just going out. He talked so much of his
hand being known, and referred to the instrument
itself whether it were his writing, that my Lord
Chancellor suspected he was prevaricating in that
point. Whereupon he was called in again and exa
mined more particularly to it. He still said he
signed it, and that it was his hand. But always
hesitated when he was asked whether he himself writ
his name. At last, my Lord Chancellor asking him
downright, whether it were not Thomas Simpson
that writ his name, he immediately confessed it,
saying he would not deal disingenuously with them.
This avowal, after so many equivocations, quite de
stroyed the character he would have given himself
by the witnesses he produced, to prove that he was

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 57
of the greatest integrity, and the most exemplary
sanctity that they ever knew in any man. By what I
have now heard, there never was so true a Pharisee ;
he was affectedly devout in outward shew, using all
the ceremonies both of the Greek and Western
Churches ; his practice was to pray and sing psalms,
while he and his friends were travelling in his coach.
I hear they have a much less opinion now of his
saintship. He is remanded to the messenger's
custody, and his man Simpson is sent for from
Durham. I send your Grace an extract of Macky's letter,
which gives an account of the French courier having
scattered his letters on the road. I wish they had
fallen into the hands of some who knew how to
make better use of them than a postboy. It would
have been a very good opportunity to be satisfied
whether these men bring over other letters besides
the Ambassador's, as the late advice from Paris
tells us.
I would have spoken to Sir Thomas Frankland or
Sir Robert Cotton about it, if they had been in the
House to-day ; they both being absent, I have writ
to Sir Thomas Frankland by way of enquiry whether
it be true or not.
I hear nothing of the French Ambassador, not so
much as whether he be come to town or not. I
thought your Grace would have had a formal visit
from him.

58 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 16, 1698.
I received yesterday the honour of your Grace's
letter of the 14th, and the same evening I received
the King's and your Grace's letters from my Lord
Portland and Mr. Prior, which were sent forward
immediately. I am a little in pain for my corres
pondent at Paris, lest he should not think himself
so safe now he is to change hands. I have writ to
my Lord Portland, that he will consider of it, and
not let his service be lost, or he exposed for it.
I'll endeavour to know who this Talbot is, by an
Irishman who offers me his service, and I will write
to Mr. Cook to know who the person was he would
have introduced to your Grace.
I shall acquaint the Lords Justices with your
Grace's readiness to get their desires complied with,
but Sir Henry Bellases has been again beforehand
with them. It will be a great disheartening to the
disbanded officers, if the colonels shall still be al
lowed to sell their vacancies, and exclude men of
service. The disbanded officers in Ireland, I think,
are not to have half-pay, and that makes it harder
upon them. The King has seldom disposed of
vacant commands in Ireland, but at the recommen
dation of the Lords Justices, which keeps up the
respect of the colonels and preserves their autho
rity, now there are so many of the old regiments

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 59
gone into Ireland, and perhaps that method were
better to be altered a little. The Lords Justices
knowing no others but their own disbanded officers,
would be apt to recommend those only. And the
King thinks those that are disbanded here, fitter to
be employed as persons that have given greater
proof of themselves, besides the putting them into
posts, will by degrees ease the nation of this charge.
I think, if there were a list made in Ireland, and
sent to his Majesty for his approbation, of such as
deserve the preference to the employments that shall
fall vacant, and that another list were sent from
hence to the Lords Justices of such English or
Scotch officers as the King would have taken care of
in Ireland, the Lords Justices might have a rate
for their recommendations, according to such pro
portion as shall be directed, either the preferments
to be equally divided to those of both nations, since
the disbanded officers here will solely engross the
regiments remaining in England, or two-thirds of
the officers from hence. This would do right to the
officers, hinder the selling of places, and provide for
the best deserving, since it would be a fortunate
disposal to those who happen first to hear of the
vacancy and make the earliest application. If your
Grace thinks this worth considering, I submit it to
your better judgment.
The French Ambassador made me a visit yester
day, which I returned to-day. I received him at the
bottom of the stairs, and conducted him down to

60 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the door, as I understood by Sir Charles Cotterell
was customary. But I observed he expected me at
the door of his apartment above stairs ; and there
fore upon coming away, and we were upon compli
ment whether he should go down stairs with me, I
excused, rather desiring to be left where he made it
his choice to receive me. He was indeed very press
ing yesterday that I should not have conducted him
down, but I would not abate any thing that was due
to him.
He began his visit yesterday by alleging the rea
sons why his visit had been deferred. That he
thought what had been done to three of his pre
decessors successively would still have been observed.
But his Majesty having told him that the practice
was otherwise ever since his being in England, he
had acquainted the King his master with it, and
received his directions to conform to the present
usage. I let him understand that this reign had
made no innovation in that point, and we happened
to have two masters of ceremonies now in being,
who both served the two last Kings, and they de
clared the practice was always the same.
We had some other discourse about his memorials,
and I find he has more to deliver relating to ships.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 61
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 17, 1698.
I received this morning the honour of your Grace's
letter of the 16th, and had an opportunity to read it
to his Majesty before he went from Kensington to
church. His Majesty expressed himself much con
cerned at your being very ill, and said he would
press nothing on you ; but that you might do what
ever should be best for your health ; only he desired
that you would not let your resolutions of quitting
the seals be known. And did not think it fit I
should make any mention of it either to my Lord
Chancellor or Mr. Montague. I have said there
fore no more to the latter, whom I saw presently
after, but that your Grace found your distemper
increase upon you, however you would endeavour to
be at Wooburn to-morrow night. He told me he
would write to your Grace to let you know how you
may be accommodated with the Princess's lodgings
at Hampton Court, and that he thinks he can secure
you there from all manner of troublesome visits.
I only answered, I would send his letter when he
thought fit.
Since his Majesty has a mind to have this matter
kept in suspense, your Grace will please to let me
know, whether it may not be proper that Mr. Yard
should continue to give his attendance when the
King goes to Windsor. And since your Grace's

62 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
going to Eyford cannot be concealed above a day or
two, I humbly conceive it would be best that your
friends be acquainted your journey is not only with
his Majesty's privity, but by his direction in con
sideration of your health.*
I intend to propose it to his Majesty to-morrow
morning, who has commanded me to attend him,
and I believe I shall not send this letter sooner, now
I know Mr. Chancey is going.
I have said nothing to Mr. Yard of this matter,
and he shall not knoAV I have a letter for him, till
I have orders to deliver it.
To shew your Grace I designed to write to you
last night, if I had known whither to direct a letter,
I now send you what I had then prepared.
An account was given the King this evening at
the Cabinet Council of Mrs. Hansard's discoveries,
whereupon I am ordered to take her and her brother
into custody, together with Captain Dixey and his
wife, who came over with her from Ireland to lodge
in the same house. I have signed warrants for
* The obstinacy of the King in forcing Sunderland upon a ministry
from whom he differed, and the hatred and jealousy of Wharton and
the Whigs towards that nobleman, the resolution of William not to give
the seals to so violent and domineering a man as Wharton, and the fixed
resolve of Shrewsbury to resign, had created such a schism in the Cabinet
that the ministry was every hour threatened with dissolution. Shrews
bury, as we have seen, met the King and several of the ministers at
Newmarket in the beginning of April, but finding that he could do
nothing to smooth angry passions or reconcile contending interests,
returned abruptly to Eyford.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 63
them, and have given orders to bring away all
writings they can find, which will be necessary to
be compared to get at the bottom of this mystery.

• MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 18, 1698.
I come now from Kensington. His Majesty ap
proves that your Grace's going to Eyford be spoken
of as done by his consent, as the best means for your
recovering. The King is not without apprehensions that your
going away thus on a sudden will be interpreted, as
if you were dissatisfied that my Lord Wharton had
not the Seals, and they will say, that in that case,
you would have been prevailed upon to take the
White Staff.
I said I thought your journey to Newmarket,
where so many were witnesses of your ill health,
would satisfy people of the necessity you were under
for retiring from business, and I had not spoke with
any one, who was not of that opinion. His Majesty
said he was sorry you were so ill, but he thought
your bearing the name of Lord Chamberlain would
not have made you worse, and he did not expect you
should have done the functions of it.
If your Grace approves of it, you will direct Mr.
Yard to attend the King at Windsor : he has got

64 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
some inkling as if your Grace were intending for
Eyford. We have taken up Mrs. Hansard and her brother,
with the captain and his wife. I hope the Lords
will meet to examine them.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 19, 1698.
Mr. Chancey has brought me this evening the
honour of your Grace's letter, which I shall carry to
Kensington to-morrow morning, and when I have
laid it before the King, I will let you know, by the
same messenger, how it was received. I hope his
Majesty will be well pleased that you seem already
much easier upon the Hberty you have to retire, and
that you do not renounce his service further than
your want of health calls you off from it. I shall be
mighty glad to see Sir Charles Hedges encouraged.
I think he is the only man of the faculty one needs
to have any concern for.
The Lords met to-day upon the examination of
Mrs. Hansard, and the rest taken up on her account.
It seems she came into England in man's apparel,
and continued so for a fortnight in town, and she
had but a very cracked reputation in Dublin, being
addicted to thieving. They say Colonel Cunning
ham and Palmer, Mr. Pulteney's deputy, can give
an account how chaste she was. She brazened it

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 6.5
out to the Lords, and maintained all she had said
of Macdonnel was true. But for the other part of
her conduct, she said that was of no use to have it
inquired into, and therefore she would answer no
questions about it. I find she has a passion for
Mrs. Dixey, her kinswoman, whom she brought over
with her. And this gentlewoman being taken up
and kept in another messenger's custody, puts her
into great concern. And this night she has writ to
me, to let me know that she would confess all, and
throw herself at the King's mercy. I sent her word
when I saw the heads of her confession, I would get
the Lords to meet and receive it. So much, I think,
is already plain, that there never were two such har
dened liars as she and her brother.
My Lord Chancellor gave me to-day the letter of
Martin Peau, which he writ to your Grace, with
another to the King. They are very different hands ;
but one of them comes near to that which was writ
to the French Ambassador. I wonder I have no
letter from the High Sheriff of Worcester, in answer
to mine about this man. I hope they have not let
him out of prison, and therefore do not care to take
any notice of it.
I can't possibly find the lodging of Pere d'Ouvil-
liers ; * I hear he is going very soon to Holland. I
* This name, as also that of Peau above, is written differently in
various parts of the manuscript ; and in this instance, as in that of all
other names of persons of no historical importance, I leave them as I
find them.
VOL. II. F

66 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
have endeavoured to waylay him at Harwich, Dover,
and Gravesend.
I have read to the King the two advices I had
from Paris.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 28, 1698.
I received yesterday the honour of your Grace's
letter of the 25th inst., which I have laid before his
Majesty this morning, with the inclosed from Sir
Harry Colt. The King thinks your observation
very just upon the behaviour of men out of business
towards those that are in it, which would, in a great
measure be cured, if they themselves were employed,
and put into the same dangers they have raised
against others.
I thought Sir Harry had something in view, when
I saw him lately speaking to the King. And as a
further confirmation of it, he told me on Sunday last,
that some persons had desired him to go on with
them in searching at the Signet Office, whether the
list of licences I brought to the House agreed with
the entries at the Signet and Privy Seal.
I acquainted the King with it, who sent to speak
with him the next day. As he came from the King,
he told me that he hearkened only to these kind of
proposals, to make use of them for the King's ser-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 67
vice. That he asked them whether they intended
any reflexion on the King, which they said they
did not ; but perhaps they should find some others
faulty. I acquainted the King with the answer I made
them, that I did not think myself of that con
sideration, as that any body should think it worth
while to attack me. If they were so disposed, I
would put them in a shorter way, and a much fairer,
to compass their ends. And wherein I would join
with them, if they would go to work above board,
and tell the King I was unfit for the station I am in.
I should own it, and be very ready, whenever his
Majesty pleased to make room for a better ; but if
they thought to drive me out by laying things to my
charge I was not guilty of, I owed that to my re
putation to justify myself as well as I could.
Your Grace pretty well knows what a perverse
humour is predominant in some people, and I wish
the preferring them for it do not increase these
hydras. For my own part, I had rather fall their
sacrifice, than oblige them at that rate. But this
shall not hinder me from obeying all your Grace's
commands, and moving the King in this in what
ever manner you think fit.

f 2

68 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 30, 1698.
Though there be little to acquaint your Grace
with, I would not omit letting you know what pro
gress we make in the House of Commons.
The next week the Malt is to be proposed. I
think they will only ask the continuance of it for
two years longer. They compute it at about 600,000/.
per annum.
The King is desirous to have a trial made, whether
the proposal of the East India Company will be
accepted of.* Your Grace knows the opposition it
will meet with whenever it is proposed ; rather than
it should go, I believe there will be offers made of
raising a greater sum upon that trade some other
way, if they are disposed to sell it. Whether they
will be effectual or not, is another question.
Upon the death of my Lord Cornwallis, Sir
Thomas Felton and Mr. Harvey are desirous that
lieutenancy should be given to my Lord Orford ;
but he has no great mind to it; however they will
* The old East India Company guarded by charters, and having a
strong claim for great services, had been applied to for a loan, and
offered to raise 700,000/. This, however, was not sufficient to meet
Montague's expectations, and a body of merchants was found who
were willing to furnish the sum of two millions, at eight per cent., on
condition of an exclusive right of trade to the East Indies. Although
this was utterly subversive of all the rights of the old Company, Mon
tague seized the expedient; brought in a bill in favour of a New Com
pany, and, in spite of petition, remonstrance, and strong opposition
in Parliament, carried it through both Houses. To this transaction
frequent allusions are hereafter made.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 69
press it as far as they can. They have no excep
tion to the young Lord Cornwallis, more than their
doubts that now he has lost his father, he may be
more under the conduct of his grandfather. Mr.
Montague is like to be a widower, my Lady Man
chester being very ill, with little hopes of recovery.
We have no letters either from Holland or Paris.
It is said the King will be here on Tuesday next.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 3, 1698.
I could never have thought that your Grace had
contributed to the raising a suspicion, as if hands
were to be changed. But it was got into a whisper,
that your Grace declined business, because you could
not act with those you most desired. As to the
changing of hands, it was what his Majesty ex
postulated with the three lords, that he neither
could or would do it, but desired to have some lati
tude for his choice, provided it was still among the
party * * * *
As to the perverse gentlemen, there is no doubt
they are to be kept in humour as far as is fitting ;
but if they can be reclaimed too, it will be better
for them and the rest of mankind.
Mr. Colt has been telling me of late, that Fisher
was very intent upon bringing his business into the
House of Lords, and he made a great merit of it,

70 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
that he kept him from doing it. I have heard so
much of these menaces, that I have told him as
often, I knew nobody was afraid of it, and they
would almost do well to consider, whether this were
the way to attain their ends, which I saw was
making a fortune of late. Mr. Fisher has vouchsafed
to accost me, which was a surprising kindness from
him who always kept at a distance before. Seeing
him put on an air of familiarity, I asked him what
he meant by his threats of appealing to the Par
liament. He said it was not in his thoughts ; but
Mr. Colt, and others he would not name, pressed
him to it ; and he went out of town on purpose to
be out of the way of their importunities. To con
firm what he had said, he came to me yesterday, and
would needs shew me the parts of some letters he
received from Mr. Colt, before he came up to Par
liament. I found the drift of them was to exas
perate Fisher upon the disappointments they had
met with, and, for his part, he would be no longer fed
with fair words and promises ; but they must think
of laying the matter before the Parliament, and
they too did not doubt the House of Commons in
England would reward them as liberally as the Par
liament in Ireland had done to Prendergast. He
gives him likewise some cautions, and one of them
was, that he should not open himself to Vernon ;
and he appoints him a meeting the first night of
his coming to town, that they might consult together.
There were other parts in those letters which he

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 71
did not shew me, but said they contained some per
sons' names who were to be accused, and it was of
so high a nature, that he did not care any body
should see it.
I was well enough pleased to have so far an in
sight into their mystery, and gave him good words,
that his proceeding thus candidly before, had been
some benefit to him, and 1 hoped he would always
find the effects of the same method.
If the King can be prevailed upon to do some
. little thing for him at present, I suppose it would
help to break the cabal; yet after all I cannot have
a much better opinion of him, as suspecting his
suppleness proceeds from a despair of doing anything
in their violent way. One thing I omitted, that Colt
repeats in his letters, which was, that there would
be an indemnity pass this session, and if they could
be cajoled till that was over, they should be slighted
and laughed at afterwards.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 5, 1698.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letter
of the 2nd, and shall acquaint the King with what
Sir William Beeston writes. I perceive he has
himself writ to the Spanish Ambassador, and I sup
pose a copy of his letter must be sent likewise to
Mr. Stanhope.
I have employed, Mr. Madox at the Council

7'2 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Office, to search if any thing were ordered about
the Genoa resident at the beginning of the revolu
tion. I know he has been always here, and I do
not remember that any thing particularly has been
objected against him. I suppose, therefore, when
their Envoy arrives, if it be desired that Ottons (for
that I think is his name) remain here as agent, I
do not know there will be any difficulty in it. It
comes now into my mind, that this man was once
with your Grace ; whether it was that he was sent
for, or had any thing to represent to you, I have
forgot. If our busy gentlemen make any search at the
Signet Office, it is to discover whether all who have
had warrants from the Secretary's Office, have taken
out their licences under the Privy Seal. There are
some of those who, I believe, were poor ordinary
people, and could not lay down three or four pounds,
which the fees amounted to. I do not see how I can
be answerable for their neglect, though they may be
unsafe by it; and yet many of their cases are so
compassionate, that whoever would make a crime
of it, I think he would only shew his own ill-
nature. I hear my Lord Orford does absolutely refuse to
meddle with the lieutenancy of Suffolk. I hope,
therefore, my Lord Cornwallis will have it, who has
behaved himself hitherto exactly well, and I believe
would continue so, if the party had not disgusted
him by preferring another, and his circumstances

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 73
do not put him under the influence of his grand
father and uncle.
I am now going to Kensington to wait for the
King's return thither.
I am now come from Kensington, where I found
Mr. Montague and Mr. Smith, who have given his
Majesty an account of the proposal,* and the recep
tion it has met with in the House. There is no
doubt but it will be very well liked if it succeeds ;
but the King is doubtful whether such a sum can be
raised, and it may be a long amusement if it fails. I
hear Heathcoat, Sheppard, and Sir William Scawen
are the great promoters of it ; but there must be
many more before any thing can be made of it.
The King inquired after your Grace's health, and
was glad to hear it was mended.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 7, 1698.T
I asked Fisher yesterday who those persons were
that should have been accused according to the
scheme. He named to me my Lord Portland and
Lord Chancellor, and that your Grace was to have
been brought in ; but he opposed. This he has
told you himself. I would have been satisfied what
they could have charged the other two with, but he
pretended not to know. This is a blessed gang ;
* In regard to the East India Bill.
1 I suspect that a part of the original letter is wanting.

74 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
they do not care who they accuse when they hope
to get any thing by it, and when that fails them,
and they despair of success, they impeach one an
other, which is the only thing they ought to be
believed in.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 10, 1698.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letter
of the 6th. I would willingly bring Fisher to be
honest if I could, but he has such a wrong turn,
that I can't well hope for it. If his Majesty re
members him to-morrow at the Treasury, it may
give me a greater credit with him, and I will make
the best use of it I can.
What my Lord Sunderland intends I am a per
fect stranger to, and there are none of my acquaint
ance that hear from him of late.
Ben Overton does now and then appear as a me
diator, but without credentials or powers. He has
lately had some discourse with my Lord Chancellor,
which was but the continuing a conference that was
began some ten or twelve days before, and it broke
up in the same manner, by his lordship's being
called away without coming to any conclusion. Ben's
point is to shew that a connexion with my Lord
Sunderland would be a strengthening of the Whig
interest ; but when that article is civilly yielded, I
see no advances made to bring it about. It was

THE REIGN OF AVILLIAM III. J 5
said that the party had entirely submitted it to your
Grace, and they should acquiesce in whatever you
thought fit, and if nothing was concluded, it was
because the King gave you no opportunity to speak
to him of this matter.
This Mr. Overton told me as a secret, which he
said he would communicate to nobody else ; but he
concluded there was no disposition to a reconcilement,
and therefore it was but lost labour to be promoting
it. Whether that be or not, I suppose my Lord
Sunderland will be in town about Midsummer, and
then he must live with people as they will allow him.
I think, in a crisis as to interests, if Mr. Mon
tague's proposal succeeds, as the appearances are
fair at present, he will not only disappoint all the
designs of the opposite party, but yet further
establish the credit of himself and his friends. If
there should be a failure, it would be a public as
well as private misfortune ; and one cannot say, but
it must be a chance, whether two effective millions
shall be raised upon a project. I hear 800,000/. is
already subscribed : when it comes up to a million it
will be brought before the parliament, and I suppose
they will begin to think of the bill for the fund and
the settling of the trade. The hazards to be appre
hended are, that the sum cannot be completed, unless
the present East India Company think fit to bring
in their quota ; and it is rather to be presumed, that
they will do all they can to baffle the design rather
than promote it. The subscribers themselves may
be apt to jar, whether the trade shall be carried on

76 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
by a joint stock or a regulated company, the latter
of which is most to the advantage of those that are
skilled in trade ; and in this way the main body of
the subscribers will be never the better for the sole
privilege of trading, since they know not how to
make use of it. Besides, the parliament may cool
their courage, if they should pretend to regulate
the trade in a manner the subscribers should not
like. It is certain an unlimited bringing of wrought
silks must destroy that manufacture here, and be a
great prejudice to woollen stuff. If the subscribers
be debarred from buying them in, they may ask,
where their profit lies, to go to India and come back
again with pepper, if they can find it ; and if they
furnish the foreign markets merely with Indian
silks, it may abate proportionably the consumption
of our own stuffs. Who knows what a jealousy such
an establishment may raise in Holland, when they
see that trade driven from hence with a fresh credit,
a large stock, and no charge or incumbrances upon
it, which are advantages that must give them the
superiority in all markets. In the last place, the
interlopers, who are the forwardest in this subscrip
tion, and have writ the largest sum, may be sup
posed to do it more for the hindering any acts pass
ing in favour of the East India Company, than that
they design any national good ; and when they have
defeated the Company's establishment, they had
rather leave the trade as it is, than pay any thing
for the liberty they already enjoy.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 77

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 12, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
9th, and send this by a messenger, to whom your
Grace will please to give your directions, that he
may find out Martin Peau. If we can't get him to
own the letter, it is but letting him go at last.
I hear the Friar d'Ouvilliers is still in town, but
he conceals himself so well that I cannot seize him.
He intends to go within a few days for France ; I
shall try if he can be taken at any of the ports.
His Majesty had forgot to give any orders yester
day to the Treasury about Mr. Fisher ; but he is
pleased I should write to them to give him 100/. If
this puts him in good humour, I shall ask him more
questions than I believe he will answer for his French
correspondent ; the soonest one can know that will
be at my Lord Portland's return, and then I suppose
I shall be wiser.
I have got Aubrey Price again in custody. The
Treasury sent to me yesterday a woman that was
taken putting off a counterfeit exchequer bill, which
had been changed from 5/. to 50/. She has sworn
she had it from Price, who was to give her 10/. for
putting it off. He is to be examined to-morrow by
the Lords of the Treasury and myself, which my
Lord Chancellor thinks more adviseable than that
I should do it myself. I suppose the end of it will

78 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE 01
be the sending him to Newgate, . and let Sir Harry
Colt let him out if he can.
I hear the subscription is rose to 900,000/. We
suppose it will be a million by Tuesday next, and
then the House will fall to consider of the Bill.
We had a pacquet from Paris yesterday of the
7th instant, but it brings little news. The King of
Spain was rather better, since he has been in a course
of steel. The French make a very small reform of
their troops ; but Mr. Prior writes as if there were
no great number of ships fitting out. My Lord
Portland thinks of staying a fortnight after his au
dience, and thinks it would be necessary that my
Lord Jersey were there before he came away. But
that there is no likelihood of.
The King dined yesterday with my Lord Jersey
at his Lodge in the Park.
The King goes to the Parliament House on Mon
day, to pass the Coal Act; and on Tuesday to
Windsor. The woman who swears against Price, telling me
of two of his companions, Davis and Carter, that are
known for old coiners, I sent this morning to search
the Fleet prison, where Carter was committed ; Legat,
the messenger, who was employed in it, can inform
your Grace how these keepers of prisons behave
themselves.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
? May H, 1698.
I acquainted your Grace in my last, that I had
taken up Price for counterfeiting exchequer bills.
He was examined yesterday before the Lords of the
Treasury, and was at his old way of shuffling in
matters that concerned himself; and when he owned
any thing, it was with an insinuation, that what he
did was with design to serve the Government in the
discovery of these practices. I shewed him a letter
of his that was taken out of the pocket of Carter,
who was searched that morning in the Fleet prison.
There were expressions in it which shewed they
wanted something necessary for their business. And
he was puzzled enough to tell what he meant by it,
but he took care to give the Lords of the Treasury
no satisfaction, so, by their advice, I committed him
to Newgate for felony, upon the statute about ex
chequer bills.
I have a letter from him this evening, wherein he
tells me he is in irons and close confined: he de-.
sires I will send Sir Harry Colt to him, and he will
tell him all he knows relating to that affair and to
the government.
But that is not the method I shall take. I will
lay his before the King to-morrow at the Council,
and there, I hope orders will be given who shall go
to him from the Treasury or my office, if not from

80 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the trustees for the exchange of exchequer bills,
who had the first notice of this matter.
Old Charlton died on Wednesday last ; I see. no
body that is more concerned for him than Mr. John
Colt. His son, to my knowledge, has been long
ashamed of the conversation he saw his father was
got into. I am apt to think his illness was Mr.
Fisher's motive for applying to me.
Harry Buckley is dead at the Bath, and Mr.
Barrard, member for Lymington, died lately here.
The subscriptions are come to 1,100,000/.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
May 17, 1698. '
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
14th, and did not think of giving you the trouble
to explain what had passed in relation to my Lord
Sunderland ; but since you are pleased to do it, I
may, some time or other, make some use of it, as
there shall be occasion to let Lord Sunderland see
your Grace's kindness and sincerity towards him.
I do not know whether any body else will endeavour
to do him that service, or is capable to undertake it.
I believe he will be here when the Parliament rises.
How people will then look upon one another, I do
not know : chance produces almost as many things
as contrivance and foresight.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 81
I forgot to mention Colonel Godfrey's having the
Jewel Office, when the warrant was signed. He
officiated yesterday at the House of Lords, and
brought the King the crown. I know not whether
Colonel Mordaunt takes it ill that the place was so
soon disposed of, but I hear that he is gone into
the country.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 19, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
16th. I suppose Peau will be found at last ; in
the meantime, I am sorry your Grace has so much
trouble about him.
I have heard no more of Price : if any are dis
posed to support him (which I know nothing of),
they will find they are meddling in a foul business.
The King dined yesterday at my Lord Villers'
Lodge, and went from thence to Windsor. I sup
pose he will come back on Saturday.
My Lord and Lady Clancarty go away for Ham
burgh on Monday next.
Mr. Yard went yesterday to attend on the King
at Windsor.
I hear Dr. Wickhart, who went over as one of
my Lord Portland's chaplains, is come back.
I expect my Lord Manchester will be here to
morrow. VOL. II. G

82 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
The House of Lords have addressed the King
that he will give orders for prosecuting Duncomb,
Knight and Burton. It is very probable the Lords
will shew a severity themselves upon Sir Rowland
Gwynn's impeachments. He has brought over
from Holland one Barilleau, who was an associate
of Gondel's. He has discovered the whole mystery
of their trade, and will give evidence against them.
Sir Rowland has got himself a good deal of reputa
tion by his diligent and prudent management of this
prosecution, and nobody will grudge it him, as long
as his industry is employed in the service of the
public, and ferreting out rogues.
I hope his being so well employed, will make him
honester and innoffensive in all other particulars.
Goodwyn Wharton creeps about again ; he came
this afternoon to my house to make me a visit ; he
is a maimed, weak creature.
Colonel Mordaunt is come to town, but does not
yet assist in the House.
I think we have our fund now for the two mil
lions, if we can keep it. The next debate will be
upon what foot the trade to the East Indies shall be
settled. Sir Christopher Musgrave begins to call
for it already. There is a strong combination to
puzzle the cause in that particular, and the disa
greement between the subscribers may help it on.
The interlopers having a particular interest to keep
the trade free, that they may run away with the
sole advantage of it.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 83

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 21, 1698.
The King is come back this evening from Wind
sor. My Lord Manchester was waiting at Ken
sington to kiss his hand, who arrived yesterday
from France. He was obliging in the enquiries after
your Grace's health : he thinks the King of France
inclinable enough to keep the peace, unless the
death of the King of Spain should alter it.
The news of the Parliament is pretty curious
these two days, by the new fund that is agreed on,
and the book* writ in Ireland to shake the authority
of the English parliament. Mr. Methuen acted
prudently to make the complaint of it himself, for
there were enough ready to do it, if they could but
have got one of the books, which Mr. Methuen
took care to secure in time. Sir Rowland Gwynn
and Mr. Arnold were upon the hunt after them, and
would have given any money for one of them. But
Mr. Smith and Mr. Clark put more business upon
the committee than I believe Mr. Methuen desired,
which was to enquire what proceedings had been in
Ireland to embolden this penman. It is certain
that he presented his book to the Lords Justices,
but that the House knows nothing of as yet. Mr.
Methuen, upon further consideration, is better satis
fied that the committee should go to the bottom of
* William Molineux's pamphlet upon the Independence of Ireland.
G 2

84 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
it, since it may be the best way to put a check to a
humour that may be otherwise troublesome in Ire
land. I find some charge it already upon my Lord
Capel's party.
Legat has brought up Peau, I know not well
what to do with him at last. I should think it might
still be in the Council's power to send him away,
since they had once ordered it.
It would not be like Grieves' case, which Sir
William was so much frightened at.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 24, 1 698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
21st instant, and shall to-morrow subscribe 4,000/.
for your Grace. I have told Sir Harry Farnese of
it already, who being a zealous promoter of the sub
scriptions, is mightily pleased with it.
Your Grace will see, by the account of this day's
proceedings, that the project is like to succeed.
Sir Harry Farnese thinks there is so little fear
of the subscriptions not being full, that he believes
they would rather run up to three millions ; and the
interlopers whom I was afraid of, intend to be pub
lic-spirited, and will submit to an imposition of 20
per cent, upon East India raw silks, which will take
off the opposition of those who are concerned for
our manufactures.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 85
The present company will be able to give no ob
struction, now the just and compassionate part is
provided for, in allowing them three years to draw
home their estates. And their forts and purchases
are left them to dispose of, perhaps they may now
think it their interest to strain a little and raise
their own quota, or they will find their actions
worth very little.
Your neighbour, Mr. How, is come to town ; he
made his first appearance to-day, and spoke in
behalf of the company : he did not do it with that
warmth, as if that were the business which brought
him up : it is suspected, therefore, that something
else is driving at. Perhaps it may be the getting
rid of the troops that are ordered to be disbanded.
The keeping of them up is a great burden upon the
exchequer, since there is no allowance for it. And
I believe they must be parted with at last.
There is another dormant business, that Van-
Hals told me of to-day, which he says is aimed at
my Lord Albemarle and Lord Orford ; but I fear
more particularly the latter.
A petition of one Captain Desborough is brought
into the House and referred to a committee, setting
forth that he commanded a ship in Captain Norris's
squadron that went to Newfoundland.
He says their Commodore, Norris, took prizes to
the value of 47,000/., and though the King gave all
they should take between the officers and seamen,
yet he would account with them but for 7,000/. ; that

86 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
they were so stuffed with prize goods, that they were
in no condition to fight. And he gives that for the
reason why they did not go out of St. John's har
bour when they might have taken Pointis ; that he
disapproving of Captain Norris's behaviour, was
broke by a court martial and left behind, so that he
had much ado to get home, and could not reach
Ireland till about two months since, or else he would
have complained sooner.
By what I have observed, though I shall not tell
it to any one's prejudice, Norris was pretty extra
ordinarily supported, when two of the ships he
brought home were begged by my Lord Albemarle.
And against this grant an instruction was produced
from the Admiralty, which I thought pretty extra
ordinary, since it declares the King gave to that
squadron all the plunder they should take in that
expedition ; which the King since explained himself,
in that he could mean nothing else but the spoils
upon Newfoundland, where it was then thought they
would find the enemy. But the Admiralty inter
preting it to prizes taken at sea, makes the instruc
tion very irreconcileable with the act of parliament,
which makes another distribution of prizes. The
contest about these two ships saved me from pre
senting a warrant to justify that instruction, and to
give all to Norris ; and when the matter was ac
commodated, I had like to have been drawn in to
procure a nolle prosequi for Norris against all in
formations. I little dreamed of what is now coming

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 87
on ; but, however, I thought, in common prudence, it
best to go through the ordinary forms thereof, and
therefore I made him bring his petition, and re
ferred it to Mr. Attorney for his report, which was
never brought me since. And, in the meantime, a
voyage was provided for Norris to the West Indies.
I suppose he is now at Portsmouth waiting for a
wind to go to Barbadoes with Mr. Gray.
By what is mentioned, your Grace will pretty well
understand the state of this case, and if Sir Christo
pher Musgrave and Sir Thomas Dyke have espoused
it, as I hear they have, they will make a troublesome
piece of work of it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 26, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
23rd, and have moved the King in behalf of Mrs.
II eyford, though she has not yet brought me her
petition. His Majesty is very willing to give her the
vacant pension of sixpence per diem, but is afraid it
will do her no good, and he would not have her
disappointed when she thinks a provision is made
for her.
I understand by this that there is no settled fund
for these pensions, and it is uncertain whether there
will be one ; but, however, I am directed to speak

88 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
to my Lord Ranelagh about it, and accordingly as
he gives me encouragement, I can get this done for
her, or otherwise, I hope his Majesty will otherwise
consider her ; but that, I am afraid, must be in a
less proportion.
I know not what to make of the penny-post letter
about the books. I have heard there were such
things, and they have been a good while published.
Perhaps they have done all the mischief they can do ;
however, I would seize the remainder of them if I
knew where. It may be as easy to find them as the
discoverer, since he gives no more notice of himself,
and to put out any advertisement may not be so
proper. Whenever Peau is sent abroad, it shall no fur
ther be any act of mine, than laying it before the
Council. I have not yet subscribed for your Grace, expecting
Sir Harry Farnese to carry me where the roll is kept.
I suppose it may be done to-morrow, or next day.
Your Grace will see by the enclosed that we are now
coming to frame the bill, and the project goes on
hitherto very successfully.
The old company hang off still. If they had a
mind to come into it, it is hard for them to raise
the money ; but they may be satisfied they have not
a strength to oppose it.
They mustered up all their force to-day, and Mr.
Attorney came in to their assistance, and moved all
the strings of compassion towards widows and or-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 89
who had brought their all into that stock, and
thought they had the parliament's approbation, since
the charter was founded on the regulations they had
resolved on : it was answered those were considera-
tions which must perpetuate this company, since
there would be an eternal succession of people that
they should draw in ; but there was no injustice done
them, the parliament allowing as much time for their
dissolution (viz. three years) as was reserved by
their charter.
Tremont, the Frenchman, was executed yester
day;* the court of aldermen had appeared in his be
half, but the heinousness of the crime, though he was
not far dipped in it, made it hard to be remitted, and
for fear of being thought partial to one of that
country, there was a kind of necessity of being
severe. There has not been much done at Norris's com
mittee, who neglect meeting. The captain has
appeared before them, and given them some account.
Colonel Gibson, who was with him at Newfoundland,
tells me what is said in relation to Pointis is mali
cious and false ; as to the profit made by prizes, he
can say nothing to it.
* For coining guineas.

90 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 28j 1698.
I have engaged your Grace in the new sub
scription, having signed for four thousand pounds
in your name. I hope we are now in prospect of a
good conclusion at the session. Perhaps the East
India Company may make another attempt, and
make an offer at least of coming into the project
upon terms. They have held a general court, and
deputed their authority to their committee, which
they have increased by bringing in their late
members, that they had imprudently enough dis
carded. If their proposal should have any tendency
to bring the new subscribers to incorporate with
them, they will make nothing of it ; but if they will
be concerned, they must pay their money and stand
on their bottom. Perhaps some of the subscribers
would not much relish that, desiring rather to see
them totally excluded ; but that the house will not
come up to, if they can raise their quota.
Your Grace will see by the inclosed, that a hand
some provision is made for the Civil List. I have
not seen the King since, but I am told that he never
appeared in better humour.
We have a packet from my Lord Portland this
afternoon, of the 25th instant, o. s. He talks of
staying eight or ten days longer. I do not find they
have any thing new to write.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 91
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 31, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
28th. I have spoke to my Lord Ranelagh about
Mrs. Heyford, who is very ready to assist any one
your Grace recommends, and therefore has received
from the King the confirmation of his pleasure to
give her the vacant pension, though he doubts it will
do her but little good, more than to put her into a
way of being remembered in some other manner. I
find that it is not intended those pensions shall be
charged on the Civil List, which is to be managed
with frugality, and the establishment of the forces
will less bear them. However, he thinks something
may be done for her, and if I knew the officer's
name, I would get the warrant despatched. I have
not seen or heard from Mrs. Heyford since your
Grace writ about her.
My Lord Manchester is very kind to concern
himself for Mr. Stanyon, but I do not find he cares
to accept of any employment at Venice if his Majesty
had a mind to send a resident thither. But I believe
we shall not increase the charge of foreign ministers
beyond what is necessary.
Mr. How staid very little in town, his wife's illness
called him away again.
There was little done in the House these two
days, therefore I give no account of it. The East
India Company are buzzing about among the mem-

92 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
bers, and it is expected they will come out very soon
with some artificial proposal, designed only to defeat
the subscription. When they do it, they will find
themselves pretty roughly handled, and their old
faults ripped up. It is certain we shall never know
when the session will end, if we are set loose again
to raise the two millions some other way.
I have not heard these two days of Norris's com
mittee, but I suppose they meet still. The enquiry
they were upon was, why Pointis was not attacked ?
I hear if there were a fault in it, it will not lie at
Norris's door.
We had a Chapter of the Garter yesterday, and
the Swedish Ambassador delivered back the late
King's ensigns of the order ; the Duke of Newcastle
was invested with the order at the same time.
Some complaint has been brought to his Majesty-
against Sir Edmund Hudros,* whereupon Mr. Blath-
wayte has produced a letter from him, describing
his revocation. It is supposed he has had it for some
time, with an intention to make use of it only when
it could be delayed no longer. His Majesty has
thereupon given direction that a new commission and
instructions be prepared for Colonel Nicholson, upon
the recommendation of the Archbishop and Lord
Chancellor. My Lord Cornwallis is made Lord Lieutenant
of Custos Rotalorum of Suffolk.
* This name is written so indistinctly that 1 am not certain that it is
rightly spelled above.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 93
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 2, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
SOth past. I gave your Grace an account in my
last how the government of Virginia was disposed
of. You have'now a solicitor for that of Maryland
in behalf of Colonel Dudley, who was born in
Virginia. When my Lord Cutts spoke to me of it,
and would have engaged my friendship, I told him
it was out of my province, and would not become me
to meddle ; he thanked me for the hint, and now
applies to your Grace. I asked him who were the
competitors : he named Major Langston, but I won
der I do not see him, for he mentioned something of
this formerly to me. I suppose he must be in Ire
land, his brother Thorn deserves to be remembered,
and I think the Major has a good many friends.
Your Grace will see that a day is appointed to
consider the state of the East India Company. It
is hoped the frightening them with it will be suffi
cient. If they withdraw their obstructions the en
quiry will not proceed ; otherwise, we shall have all
raked up, which may occasion heats and great loss
of time.
The committee that sits on Molyneux's book
resolved to enquire into the occasions and encourage
ments given for it in Ireland, which they say is
chiefly pushed on by Mr. Clark, from whence some
inferences are made.

94 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
They have ordered the extracts of the bills to be
laid before them, which have been lately sent from
Ireland. They will find some that are for confirming
laws made in England, but I think the council here
laid those aside. However, the attempt in Ireland
will be equally, if not more censurable.
The motion yesterday, for the list of the army
disbanded, and to be disbanded, was made by Sir
Thomas Dyke. They say it was not intended to be
carried farther, if Mr. Blathwayte had not happened
to say he should be ready with the lists when he had
orders for it. Upon that, Sir Christopher Musgrave
said they saw now where it stuck, and therefore
moved for an address. I know not whether those
gentlemen will be the most forward in pursuing this
matter much farther. Some suspect they are not
very unwilling to make their court at other men's
hazard. The Swedish Ambassador is to have his audience
of leave on Tuesday next, at Kensington.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 4, 1 698.
We have not been in a committee to-day upon the
East India business ; but only on the bill for the
double duty upon salt, which is not gone through
with. They left off at the paragraph about rock
salt, which will take up some debate. The salt

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 95
springs and the rock having divided interests, the
advocates for the latter will press for a drawback,
to enable them to work, and put them on an equal
footing with the springs, or otherwise they must sit
still. The House will not go into the East India com
mittee till Tuesday next. This is a designed delay,
that if the Company will think of any accommoda
tions in the meantime, they may have opportunities
for it ; there is some expectations of it, but I do not
well see how it is to be done. Some would have
them subscribe as a company, in such proportion as
they think fit, whereby they will be incorporated
with the general stock, and they will still subsist as
a separate company for three years, but to no other
purpose than to draw home their effects, and to
receive and pay their debts ; and in that case, their
forts and castles shall be taken off their hands for a
greater sum than they are really worth. I know
not whether they will think this a sufficient regard
to them, or how they can be assured of paying in
their money, if they subscribe it ; or what advantage
it will be to them, as a company, to subscribe, since
they will have no other privilege than any particular
subscriber. To remove the clamour about the injustice, Mr.
Montague has proposed that the Judges should give
their opinion upon the clause in the Company's
charter, that reserves to the King a power of deter
mining the charter at any time, upon giving three

96 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
years' notice. It is indeed expressed in the charter,
if the King finds it unprofitable or prejudicial to
himself or subjects ; from whence they argue, that
can't be pretended, while the trade is still kept up,
and only transferred to others.
Mr. Attorney likewise argued upon that clause,
that the trade could not be granted to any others
during the three years, which might have had more
weight, if the charter did now exclude others from
that trade ; but the contrary thereof was visible.
My Lord Chief Justice was with the King this
day, and had directions to consult his brethren,
whose opinions will be laid before his Majesty to
morrow at the Cabinet Council.
My Lord Spencer has lost his lady, who died this
morning of the small-pox ; her distemper was mis
taken, being looked upon at first to be the cholic,
which she was subject to, so that the remedies she
took were very improper for her real disease.
The King has signed Mrs. Heyford's warrant.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 7, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
,4th. My Lord Cutts has been asking me whether
you had writ any thing about his friend Dudley.
He may expect to prefer him to Maryland ; but I
think the King has no such intentions. There are

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 97
three competitors have appeared lately, Sir William
Russell, whom my Lord Falconberg has recom
mended, and the whole family of the Russells are
solicitors for him ! But the King thinks he has no
talent for this sort of business, and he considers of
what consequence it is, to have governors in the
plantations proper for their employments, and there
fore he has civilly excused himself to Sir William.
My Lord Scarborough solicits for one Colonel
Blakeston, who has been in the West Indies, and
both he and his father, who lives at Newcastle, are
very zealous for the government. I have heard Ben
Overton speak of this Thorn Blakeston as a man of
courage, probity, and great ingenuity, which are all
qualifications very necessary for a governor. The
King mentioned to me a third, named Parker ; I
know not who he is, or by whom recommended. It
seems he has a good character given him. I sup
pose he has the most powerful friend, and therefore
may carry it.
Your Grace will see by the enclosed account of
what the House has done, that there is a prospect
of an accommodation between the old company and
the new subscribers ; if it succeed, the two millions
will be raised with greater certainty and much less
clamour. I believe my Lord Godolphin and Lord
Marlborough have mediated it. I do not know
what the Company will propose, but I hear it will
turn upon what shall be allowed them for their forts
and castles ; they valuing their whole stock at 50 per
VOL. II. H

98 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
cent., compute their dead stock at 20 of it, which
being allowed them, they will subscribe for 700,000/.,
and that to be received as part of their subscription ;
and they will pay the rest in money, and pretend
only to be incorporated in the general joint stock,
and their effects will be reserved to them for the
payment of their debts, and to make a dividend
among themselves, if there be a remainder.
It is supposed they put in more value upon their
dead stock, about 100 or 150,000/. But for peace
sake, and to make the business go on smoothly, Mr.
Montague shews himself well disposed to give them
more than the worth of these forts, and the prin
cipal subscribers are contented it should be so. I
believe they will agree upon a medium that both
shall be satisfied with.
The Emperor's envoy presses the King that an
ambassador may be sent into Spain, and an envoy
to Vienna, and Sir Joseph Williamson seems de
sirous to return from Holland. If your Grace has
ever thought of persons for any of those employ
ments, or have had any discourse with the King
about such persons, you will please to let me know it.
My Lord Ranelagh had the address put into his
hands about the army ; he has not yet reported the
King's answer, perhaps he may do it to-morrow. I
suppose it is a general one, that the lists shall be
delivered them. If the House will, after that, for
bear calling for them, it will not be ill taken.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 99

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 7, 1698.
His Majesty has ordered a proclamation this
evening for dissolving the Parliament, and declar
ing his intention that he will give directions to the
Lord Chancellor for issuing writs to summon a Par
liament to meet on the 24th of August next, so that
the teste of the writ will bear date on Wednesday
next ; and so much time is allowed for giving notice
to all parts of the kingdom, that people may avoid
trespassing against the law by any expenses about
elections after Tuesday next.
There is a talk as if the King would be going to
Margate on Friday se'nnight. He goes on Saturday
to Windsor, but will be back again on Sunday at
the Cabinet Council.
I have seen my Lord Sunderland this evening,
who took an occasion to wonder at the reports he
meets with, as if he had a hand, or were privy to, the
attacks made on Mr. Montague. He hoped that
would appear too unreasonable to be charged upon
him, it not being very consistent, that while the
Tories were taking him to pieces, he should be
doing the same thing to the Whigs.
He spoke in commendation of the gentlemen who
have had the management of affairs. That nobody
of sense could believe any others so fit to serve the
King, or that the Tories were capable of it at all.
h 2

100 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
That now he was come to town, he should see how
they could bear him, and if he was disagreeable to
them, or any way obnoxious, he would return to
Althorpe, and not come to town for seven years.
I can't yet make a judgment whether they will
visit him or not. If they do, I hope they will grow
to a better like of one another.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 7* 1698.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letter
of the 4th, and read that part of it to his Majesty
which concerned yourself. His Majesty remembered
the promise he made to you, that you should be eased
of the Seals at the end of the session. But as he
has not yet resolved into whose hands he shall put
them, he hopes your Grace will not be uneasy if he
do not yet remove them.
As for your being in the Commission of Justices,
his Majesty refers it to your choice ; but if it be left
to him, he will have your name inserted, as thinking
it most proper, and what will be most agreeable to
those whom he shall appoint. But he does not in
tend it should give you the least trouble of attend-
* These three last letters bear all the same, and were undoubtedly
written on the same day. The only difficulty has been the arranging
them in proper order, which I have done as far as possible from the
context.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 101
ance. I am commanded to send you this by express,
his Majesty being in haste to be satisfied that he
shall obtain this from you.
The King asked me who I thought the Lords
Justices would choose for their Secretary. I sup
posed they would take Mr. Yard, of course, as being
in your Grace's service, and one that was very
capable of the business ; and the clerks in that office
were all along employed before, and the Lords Jus
tices could not well be without those conveniences.
But I desired his Majesty would be pleased to speak
to my Lord Chancellor about it, and know of him
who he thought fittest to serve them, that the re
commendation might arise from his Lordship, who
was the best judge of those Avho should attend them.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, June 9, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
6th, and have laid the inclosed before his Majesty,
who had before taken a resolution that Dudley
should not have that government, having heard but
an indifferent character of him.
My Lord Cutts had put into the King's hands this
morning, before I came to Kensington, the letter
your Grace writ to him. I was ordered to return
it him, he desiring to have it again. I told him at
the same time I found his Majesty was engaged,
though I could not tell to whom.

102 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
He acknowledges your Grace's great civility to
him, and compares it with the different behaviour
of some from whom he says, he had more reason to
expect a kinder usage. I know not who they are
he would reflect on ; but I think the person he re
commends is none of the fittest, and those employ
ments at least should not be carried by the dint of
solicitation only.
1 hope matters are accommodable with the East
India Company, as your Grace will judge by what
passed to-day, though Sir Josiah Child's party of
old members seem resolved to stand it out. I am
afraid they know the ill condition they have brought
their affairs into, and that they have not effects to
answer their debts ; and therefore they would be
glad to lay their ruin upon a wrong cause. Sir
Joseph Hern is broke loose from them, and is a
stickler for bringing them into subscribe, for which
he tells me he is called a betrayer of the rights and
interests of the company. Sir John Fleet and B.
join with him, and if they increase their party, as
it is probable, by all who have been imposed on by
the old company, they will be a great majority. ^
My Lord Manchester was sworn this evening of
the Council.
We have had no letters this week from my Lord
Portland, but we suppose he went from Paris yester
day to Chantilly, where he intended to stay two
days. It is expected he will be at Calais on Sun
day next.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 103
My Lord Ranelagh has not yet made his report
about the army. He stays till this East India busi
ness is put out of danger.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 11, 1698.
The enclosed will inform your Grace what a
tricking proposal has been made by the East India
Company, and I hear they have resolved again at
a general court held this day, that they will not
come into the subscription any other way than by
opening their books and being engrafted upon. They
would have dealt much more ingenuously by stick
ing to their first declaration, that it was not possible
for them to raise 700,000/., since they are assured
nobody will venture upon their rotten foundation.
I hear they talk of keeping their forts during the
three years, and carry on their trade for that term.
I suppose they think this will put a damp upon the
subscriptions, but they may be mistaken. Mr. Mon
tague charges them to have dealt deceitfully, three-
fifths of their committee having undertaken for an
accommodation. Mr. Dodington was one of the
managers of it, but as soon as he saw their general
court fly from it, he immediately sold his stock, and
will have no more to do with them.
Aubrey Price was tried yesterday at the Old Bai-

104 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ley, and found guilty in counterfeiting exchequer
bills. Monsieur de Bassy was acquitted upon his indict
ment for coming out of France without leave. The
point that brought him off was his being sent away
by order of council, from whence it was argued
that he did not go voluntarily into France. He
might have had another indictment laid upon him,
for being in arms in Ireland ; but that Mr. Baker
omitted. I saw the order of council by which he
was sent away, and find O'Hon's name in it, with
some others. I mention it because your Grace had
some remembrance of it, and Mr. Bridgeman pre
tended to search the council books, and said there
was no such order.
I hear my Lord Marlborough is to be of the
Cabinet Council ; he will be a very fit man to be one
of the Lords Justices, there being a want of such.
My Lord Orford thinks of being in the country
most of the summer.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 12, 1698.
I laid your Grace's answer before the King. His
Majesty will avoid pressing any thing upon you that
may make you uneasy, and therefore your name is
not to be inserted in the commission of justices.
But he does not think it fit to break up that office,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 105
since he has not yet resolved to whom he will give
it ; and the continuance of it is necessary, as well for
the service of the Lords Justices, as for the enter
taining and supporting the correspondences that
belong to it. And therefore he hopes you will not
think it any imposition upon you, if the Seals lie till
he sends for them.
I believe your Grace will not apprehend that it
will continue thus long. I am very much mistaken
if your friends will not be pressing to have another
secretary ; and perhaps the obstructions it has met
with hitherto will lessen every day.
My Lord Sunderland was with me this morning
(to whom I made your Grace's compliment, and it
was very kindly taken). He tells me that he thinks
of nothing but going to Althorpe, and setting up his
rest there. The King has endeavoured to make an
accommodation, but he is told his service would.
suffer so much in it, that upon that consideration it
must be let alone. He bears it with more calmness
than I thought he would, and desires that it may be
no otherwise taken notice of in the world, than that
he came to pay his respects to the King upon his
going abroad, and to see his friends, resolving to
return in a fortnight. There is an end of any expec
tations that their friendship can ever be renewed,
and it is only to be thought, that all acts of unkmd
ness may be forborne, which he professes himself to
be disposed to.

106 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 14, 1698.
The King declared on Sunday last, at the Cabinet
Council, that he had appointed my Lord Marl
borough to be Governor of the Duke of Gloucester,
and that he would appoint a committee to settle his
family.

June 16, 1698.
The Cabinet Council did not meet this evening,
there being very little business on the paper, other
wise my Lord Marlborough would have been sworn
this evening. I thought it might be most acceptable
to be sworn on Sunday, and to be admitted of the
Cabinet Council at the same time, which his Majesty
has approved of.
The Lords refusing to give the House of Com
mons the necessary conveniences they ask, for pro
secuting their impeachments, is like to breed very
ill blood. And the manner of refusing it shews such
a contempt,' that it is like to raise great resentments ;
and this disregard to another may very soon make
a fatal breach.
My Lord Rochester and my Lord Peterborough
stand very stiff upon the prerogative of the Peers.
My Lord Steward appeared the first for having some
consideration for the House of Commons, and my
Lord Normanby inclined to him. My Lord Stam-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 107
ford and Lord Haversham joined them. The Lords
are driving at another point, which the King may
be more sensible of.
They are mustering up a strength to throw out
the Poll Bill for the sake of a clause that abridges
them from saving* themselves, though it has passed
otherwise in other bills.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 18, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's of the 15th. We
are not yet out of our entanglements with the East
India Company, but I suppose we shall know what
we have to trust to on Monday. It looks as if the
company were providing how to explain their pro
posal about raising the two millions. If they give
any clear demonstration of it, I don't know but it
may puzzle the cause. The danger of putting it to
trial is, that if they fail, the subscribers may show
cool, when they see the testy party preferred before
them. I acquainted your Grace in my last, that I had
spoke to the King about Mr. Walsh. I had not
then the opportunity of your letter to him as I have
done since ; and he likes the character your Grace
gives of Mr. Walsh so well, that I believe he will be
employed when occasion serves.
* Thus written.

108 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
I had a letter from Sir Joseph Williamson this
morning, wherein he seems desirous to continue
abroad till the winter, which his Majesty is willing
to gratify him in. My Lord Orford told me, the
other day, he heard a Secretary would be shortly
appointed, but could not tell who it was ; for my
part, I see no great likelihood of it. We are pretty
near the end of the session, and Mr. Keen tells me
it will not be many days before the King goes for
Holland. I incline to believe that the Seals will still be left
in your Grace's hands ; and if so, I think you ought
to be in the Commission of Justices, which will not
oblige you to any attendance, if you find it incon
venient. Mr. Attorney tells me that Price's petition will
end in a petition to his Majesty for transportation.
That will be seen to-morrow, when the Recorder
attends with an account of the sessions. For my
part, I have nothing to oppose against his being
transported, if the Treasury shall be satisfied ; but
I think his washing of bills should be looked upon
as more dangerous, and of worse consequences, than
Fremont's washing of guineas.
There is a report in town that my Lady Carlisle
has surprised her husband with the Lady Anne Pop
ham at the old Lady Howard's lodgings.
It is supposed that my Lord Portland may have
landed to-dav at Dover.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 109
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 21, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
18th. What you writ about Mr. Walsh was not
liable to be misunderstood, and I proposed it no
otherwise to the King when I first mentioned it.
And I have acquainted your Grace that T afterwards
read your letter to him, which I hope will have its
effect in due time. If your Grace would bring it
to an issue, and are satisfied such an employment
would be acceptable to Mr. Walsh, you will either
take notice of it yourself to my Lord Chancellor, or
direct me to do it. You having mentioned in your
letter, that he was known to my Lord Chancellor, it
cannot but be of service to Mr. Walsh if his Lord
ship joins in the character your Grace has given of
him, and I believe my Lord will be willing to do him
so good an office.
I wish the Duke of Florence be not so very civil
to put a better colour upon the ill-treatment Plow
man meets with, who is condemned since the signing
of the civil* to pay 47,000 dollars in satisfaction to
the French for their losses. He has represented, that
by the third article of the treaty of Ryswick, all in
juries and damages are to be forgot on both sides,
and therefore he ought to have the benefit of it ;
* So written.

110 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
but the Duke is overawed by the French not to re
verse or mitigate his sentence. His Majesty will
write to him again to let him know what alterations
the peace has made as to French pretensions, and if
the difficulty still remains, we shall make use of it
as a demand upon France, in answer to many they
bring upon us in matters of much less consequence.
I have acquainted the King with Captain Cockle's
case, who would be glad it might be retrievable, and
I have orders to speak with Mr. Blathwayte about it.
His Majesty is of your Grace's opinion, that this
is the proper time to make all necessary enquiries
into the ports and fortifications on the French coast,
and I believe he will take it into consideration.
I have directions to shew the Archbishop of Can
terbury that part of your letter which concerns the
Bishoprick of Worcester. I hope to do it before
next post.
The Lords were upon the poll-bill to-day ; I sup
pose it is passed danger, since I hear nothing to the
contrary. We shall not know till to-morrow what will be
come of the East India Company : their court does
not meet till then. I think nobody expects they
will undertake the subscription upon the terms of the
bill, which leaves the trade fast or loose, at the will
of the subscribers ; and I do not see how the money
can be raised, but upon the presumption that there
shall be a joint stock exclusive of all others, which
yet the bill has not provided for.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. HI
My Lord Marlborough took his place at the
Cabinet last Sunday, and was then sworn of the
Council. My Lord Portland arrived the same evening, and
has been very much with the King since ; he dined
with him this day at my Lord Ranelagh's. I hear
my Lord Sunderland intends to be in town within
a fortnight.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF, SHREWSBURY. June 23, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
20th. As to the query about Mr. Thymbleby, I
think the act against corresponding with King
James, takes no notice of the accidental conversa
tions he mentions. And if he goes no further, it
will be no more criminal in him, than it was in my
Lord James Cavendish, who happened to dine with
the Duke of Berwick at Count Grammont's, where
the Duke owned to him he came over to stir up re
bellion ; but knew nothing of the assassination. If
he made a visit to the late King or Queen, the case
would be otherwise, or if he sent them advices by
any other hand, or assisted them with money, or
brought messages from them, which I believe will
be offences against the law, as far as they are proved.
Considering his circumstances, and acquaintance
abroad, there is one thing I cannot so well approve

112 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
of, that he talks of going over first himself to choose
a place to settle, and then comes back to carry over
his family. There may be room for suspicion in his
going thus backward and forward, when one does
not see any great reason for it. The removing with
his family at once would be taken less notice of, and
it does not seem to be so difficult to resolve whether
to go or not to France, and one may as well be satis
fied of one's accommodation by letter, as by a journey.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 25, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
22d. What I writ to your Grace about the Com
mission of Justices, was of myself, and without any
one's privity. I thought it necessary to counsel you
against the case might happen.
I see your present inclinations carry you to ease
and retirement ; but those may change, and you
grow young again. If you cannot get rid of the
seals when you would, it will be but the same sub
mission that your name is inserted in the commis
sion. One has but a natural consequence on the
other, and will serve at least to fill up the number, —
if it be thought fit to keep out any incommodious
pretender. I believe Mr. Stanhope has had that
discourse held with him, and Count d'Aversperg*
* I leave this name as I find it written.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 113
has given the occasion of it, who longs to get an
ambassador sent to Madrid, and has been sifting
and prying who is likely to be the man. But the
King is not in the same haste they are. The affair of
Shonenberg,  * still through their own fault and
pride. They would have the interdict first taken
off here, at least that a day should be fixed when it
should be done on both sides ; but the King likes
neither of the proposals, and insists that they should
first recall their orders who first laid them. He
thinks it so peculiarly the interest of the Imperialists
to have the correspondence opened, that if they
have any credit in the Court of Spain, they will get
it done ; and if they have not, a minister of his
Majesty that should appear for them, will make so
slender a figure, that there needs no haste of ap
pointing him. This has been lately signified to the
Count d'Aversberg, so that it will be nearly two
months before an answer can come, and he doubts
it will not then be a satisfactory one, the Spaniards
not easily departing from their punctilios.
In that time it is very likely the King will be in
Holland, though I hear no mention made of the
journey ; but what conies from beyond sea, where I
find he is expected. He does not much like the
delay we are threatened with by reason of the im
peachments. The Lords ordered yesterday, that
the trials shall be in Westminster Hall. Sir Chris
topher Wren acquainting them that the scaffolds
* A word undecipherable ; probably rests or rankles.
VOL. 11. I

114 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
may be erected in eight or ten days. The Lord
Great Chamberlain attended his Majesty imme
diately with the Lords address, and brought a war
rant for the court to be erected", which his Majesty
has signed to-day, being advised against any appear
ance of delay on his side. There being yet a pro
bability, that when the Houses see the scaffolds
cannot be erected so soon, and that the trial is like
to be tedious, if eight men* shall desire to be tried
separately, they will fall upon some expedient that
may put off the trials till winter, which would be
most grateful to the King, who desires not to be
insensibly engaged to expect a long issue.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 28, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
25th, and shall lay the inclosed from the Duke of
Florence before his Majesty. The expressions are
full of kindness and respect, and there wants nothing
but a little of his equity, and that he be not turned
from it, by a dread of France.
The Lords read the two million bill yesterday.
My Lord Berkeley then presented a petition from
the Company, and their hearing is appointed on
Thursday ; there was no need of so long a delay,
* Eight men who had been engaged in smuggling to France during
the war.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 115
since the cause has been argued so lately ; but I
think some Lords had a mind to manage the time
that the impeachments might not be defered ; but
that too was unnecessary, since the parties have now
pleaded guilty. I am not yet informed why Longue
ville has not done it, as well as the rest. I know
when he was taken up last summer, he always main
tained to the Lords Justices, that though he had
been in partnership with Gondet,* he never was con
cerned in the silk trade.
I refer your Grace to the votes for the resolutions
that were taken yesterday, upon the report about
Molyneuxs' book ;t there were some reflections ;
made upon Mr. Methuen for putting the seal to bills
that were derogatory to the rights of the Crown of
England. Great notice has been taken in what numbers the
Roman Catholics resort to the chapels of the foreign
ministers, insomuch that it was grown a publick
offence and scandal, that the laws were so openly
affronted. His Majesty found himself obliged to
apply some remedy for preventing great incon
veniences, and accordingly I was directed to go to
all the foreign ministers of the Romish persuasion,
to know what was the number of their chaplains,
and what countrymen they were ; and to let them
understand his Majesty found it necessary to take
some course for preventing that resort to their
* Written elsewhere Gondel.
t Upon the Independance of Ireland.
I 2

116

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

chapels ; but in such a maimer as their privileges
should be untouched ; and to give them notice, that
if any of his Majesty's subjects were entertained by
them as their Chaplains, they should dismiss them,
the law not allowing them to perform the functions
of priests in England.
When I delivered them the message, they pre
tended to be surprised, as if it were an innovation,
though the same thing was signified to them within
these three years, immediately after the assassination
plot was discovered, and the like was done by King
Charles in I678, and the messengers were then sent
to observe the Roman Catholics who went to the
Popish chapels, and seized them coming out. The
foreign ministers having taken so little notice of
the former intimations given them, creates a neces
sity for renewing them. Since they have no other
chaplains now but what are English or Irish, except
one aumonier, that some of them brought with
them, and the number in some of those houses is
very extraordinary The Portugal Envoy alone has
ten chaplains, and nine of them are his Majesty's
subjects. Count d'Aversberg, and Monsieur Hoff
man, have four a piece, and none of them foreigners.
The French and Spanish Ambassadors have six
each, and but three foreigners between them. They
know very well how intolerable this would be, and
how severely resented in their countries, and yet we
must expect they will blow up a noise of persecu
tion ; when, if it were considered aright, it is their

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 117
indiscretion and disregard to our laws, that raises a
clamour in our own people against the remissness of
the government. And all that is intended is to
make the Papists sensible that the way to preserve
the indulgence used towards them, is by making a
moderate and discreet use of it.
The Archbishop has lately spoke to me again
about the Dean of Worcester ; he mentions him with
kindness and esteem, and says he will well consider
the case when it happens. I hope, at least, he may
come into the order upon some removes that will be
made. He says the Foleys were pressing to bring
the Bishop of Bristol to Worcester ; but he thinks
him very inactive, and too bookish. I told him I
thought Dr. Talbot would not leave his deanery for
that bishoprick, and he seemed to be of the same
opinion. I hear Longueville intends to plead guilty to
morrow, and then Sir Christopher Wren will stay
his workmen, otherwise all would have been ready
by Monday.
My Lord Sunderland, I hear, will be in town next
week.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 30, 1698.
The enclosed will acquaint your Grace how the
business of the session advances. I suppose it will
not end till Tuesday or Wednesday next. I think

118 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Longueville intends to stand his trial : they are
working still upon the scaffolds, and will have the
court ready by Monday.
The examination taken up by the Lords against
Sheppard is thought to be aimed at Mr. Montague,
as if the advice came from him ; but it appeared a
groundless clamour.
There are expectations that a new parliament
will be called soon after this rises, and that when
the writs are issued, his Majesty will be going for
Holland. Thorn Foley and Mr. Harley both spoke to me
to desire your Grace, in their names, that if you
did not think fit to promote Mr. Foley's election
for Knight of the Shire for the County of Worces
ter, at least you would not appear against him.
They hear of a meeting that is to be on Tuesday
next at Worcester, where your Grace is to take
some oaths, and he finds it is in your Grace's power
to do him a great deal of good or hurt.
I suppose he has had some intimation that your
Grace is otherwise inclined ; or otherwise, Mr.
Harley would have hardly brought it out in his
soft dry way, that he was confident your Grace
would not concern yourself in elections. Mr. Foley
desired I should remark to your Grace, that he has
stuck by the court and divided from his relations,
in all votes of consequence, and particularly for sup
plies, which I think is true, and that nobody is in
greater advance to the loan.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 119
Harley told me privately that Mr. Foley had been
with my Lord C  to bespeak his kindness ; that
at first he waived interposing any way, but when he
told his Lordship that if he was not sure of the
county, he must oppose Mr. Cox at Droitwich, he
promised he would write in his behalf.
The Lords sitting so late, there has been no
council this evening, so that nothing more has been
done about priests or Roman Catholics. I hear
they have taken the alarm thoroughly, and if it keeps
them within bounds of discretion, the consequences
may not be so dreadful as they are imagined at
present.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 2, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th past. I have not yet had an opportunity of
laying that part of it before the King which con
cerns the Seals and the Commission of Justices.
But I have mentioned it to him, and he giving me
no answer to it, when I attend him with papers, I
shall take that along with me. But if I find him
unresolved I shall easily submit, and would rather
beg your Grace's pardon for the omission than press
any thing of that kind.
My Lord Sunderland, I hear, is expected in town

120 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
on Thursday next. If there be any scheme in
tended, I suppose it will stay till then. As for any
reconciliation, I see no prospect of it. My Lord
Sunderland, I am told, keeps to his declarations, that
he will never meddle in business unless it be in con
cert with the Whigs. I believe, if their inclina
tions were more disposed to an accommodation, they
would think this an improper time for it, when they
are going to new elections, they will be shy of doing
any thing they think may not be generally agreeable.
We shall see in what manner they will live with
him, when he is upon the place.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 5, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2d instant. I had an opportunity yesterday to read
to the King your former letter about the Seals, but
he has not yet declared what he will do in that
matter. Perhaps we may hear more of it when my
Lord Sunderland comes to town, who will be here
on Thursday. I do not hear any body much talked
of for that employment ; but I am told my Lord
Sunderland is very inclinable to my Lord Tanker-
ville, and that his credit and interest is as firm as
ever. But I see no use in declaring any one just
upon the King's going over, unless it were to ease

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 121
and gratify your Grace ; but the Seals lying in the
summer where they did in the winter will have
nothing to be remarked upon, and I think the office
ought to be kept up for the services of the Lords
Justices. I know not what to make of Sir James Houblon's
correspondent in relation to the Italian Count. It
was but an odd information from the beginning ; but
when the life of the King is in the case, attention
must be given against even probabilities. And Sir
James, that brought the advice out of zeal, would
have thought it a great neglect not to be taken
notice of, and therefore I suppose your Grace en
couraged him to proceed, and whether this 150/. has
been laid out or not, since it is demanded upon such
a pretence, I believe it must be paid. For ought
I see Sir James Houblon may expect that this
charge be continued as long as Boazell lives, and as
much longer as they please to keep him alive. But
as your Grace is seeking to get rid of the Seals, I
think it is hardly worth while for to be satisfied
what period they would set to the dogging this man ;
but even leave it to be enquired after by your
Grace's successor, and if they go on in the meantime
with their unintelligible diligence, let them take
their own way.

122 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 9, 1698.
I was very sorry to find in a letter of Mr. Phillips',
that your Grace was taken with a pain in your
knee ; but if you must be out of order, one way or
other, the lower the better.
The King is gone this day to Windsor, and will
return to-morrow to be at the Cabinet Council. He
asked me yesterday, whether I had sent an express
to your Grace to desire the Seals may lie some time
longer in your hands. You will judge from thence
how earnest he is in it, and I hope he may depend
upon your gratifying him in a thing that I cannot
but think reasonable, since he is yet unresolved.
This looks like a very critical conjuncture. My
Lord Sunderland is come to town, and I believe his
Majesty would be very glad an accommodation might
be made. But I hear none of the leading men have
been to visit him, except my Lord Orford, that
called at his house when he was from home. I
suppose they have met this afternoon, my Lord Sun
derland being very desirous of an opportunity to
make himself rightly understood, and that it has
been far from his thoughts to do any of them the
prejudices he finds himself charged with. And
after that, it must be left to them, whether they will
enter into any friendship with him or not ; and if
they shew any aversion to it, he seems resolved to

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 123
return to Althorpe, and never to be concerned in
business, but with them and by their good liking.
How this will be accepted I know not, but if your
Grace were here, I believe you would give your
advice for uniting, if it could be done on safe terms,
which I am inclined to believe, as I do further that
it would be most agreeable to the King, and fix him
unalterably in an interest that is most capable to
support the government.
* I am told that Mr. Montague has made a visit
to my Lord Sunderland, and was with him for some
time in private discourse.
It is the general discourse that the King will be
going this day sennight. In the meantime, I hear
nothing of any changes to be made or places to be
disposed of, though I see a large band of solicitors,
who look as if they depended on promises that had
been made them, when the parliament was sitting.
I know not whether the King will not turn his
back before he comes to any declarations on this
head, or that the uncertainty of an accommodation
leaves this likewise in suspence.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 13, 1698.
I have a new occasion now of sending another
messenger to you, by the King's command, who was
* This seems to have been written at a later hour.

124 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
pleased to tell me this morning, that he found it
necessary, considering the state of the King of Spain's
health, and how much the interest of England was
concerned in the affairs of that kingdom, to send an
Ambassador Extraordinary thither. And his Ma
jesty remembering your Grace had once thoughts of
going into a warmer climate, if you are still of that
mind, he wishes you would take this character upon
you, which he is persuaded you may discharge with
out any uneasiness to yourself, more than undergoing
the journey. And, as it may contribute to your
health, it would be of the greatest advantage to his
service, if matters of such moment could be com
mitted to your management. He desires, therefore,
you will consider it, and let him know whether you
are willing to undertake it. In which case, he would
not press you to be going sooner than you may find
it convenient. The Duke of Gloucester's family is going to be
established, and the Bishop of Salisbury is come up
upon it, who appears a most deserted mourner. His
Majesty, being very intent upon good husbandry till
he gets out of debt, as to his Civil List, begins this
establishment with a retrenchment, and thinks of
allowing no more, at present, than 15,000/. per
annum.*
* The intention of Parliament was evidently to allow infinitely more.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 125
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 14, 1698.
I have been at Mercer's chapel this afternoon,
and have subscribed for your Grace and myself, and
paid the first payment. You will see the terms of
it in the inclosed paper : they opened the books
about one o'clock, the commission not being put
under the seal sooner ; and by five, when I came
thither, above 300,000/. had been subscribed, and
they did not doubt, but it would reach 500,000/.
this evening. I found the commissioners very cheer
ful, the subscribers going on faster than they ima
gined. The East India Company have held a general
court, where it was resolved to leave it to their com
mittee of fifty, whether they should subscribe or not :
they are making proposals about it, and begin with
a demand that 300,000/. be allowed them for their
dead stock. I do not find the subscribers intend to
purchase them at that rate, but rather hope to com
plete the sum without them.
Mr. Attorney did not sign the bill for the com
mission, but went to Peckham, and left it locked up
in his study. There was great difficulty to get his
clerk to deliver it, till the fees were paid and laid
down, amounting to above 200/., and then it was
carried to the Solicitor to be signed. If it had been

126 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the Attorney's draught, more might be said for it ;
but that was done by Mr. Lowndes.
There lay another roll upon the subscription table
for those who were willing to be incorporated: to
the time I was there all had signed it. I suppose
they go on still in the same manner.
It was generally reported this morning, that the
commission of excise had been altered overnight,
and four new names put in it, viz. Mr. Montague,
Norris, Riley, and Fleming. The four said to be
put out are Parry, Strong, Foche, and Evans ; but
I since hear nothing yet has been resolved in it. So
much is true, that the Treasury either have, or are
directed to give in the names of such as may be fit
to serve in that commission.
The King has declared he will be going on Tuesday
next ; a council will be held on Saturday, when the
Justices will be declared. My Lord Marlborough
and Mr. Montague are the two new ones.
The writs for the Parliament were sealed yester
day. Our election at Westminster will be next week.
Bonithon, the steward, desists from standing, but Sir
Harry Colt holds it out ; I do not see what encou
ragement he has for it. But his obstinacy, I believe,
will give us the trouble of a poll, though the num
bers be never so unequal. He rails at courtiers,
and sets up for a national interest till he makes it
a jest.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 127
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 16, 1698.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letters
of the 13th and 15th. Hay ward brought the former
last night ; and a council being held this morning,
I could only acquaint the King, in short, that your
Grace acquiesced in what he would have done as to
leaving the seals at present in your hands. His
Majesty is very well satisfied with it, and will think
of putting you at ease, when he returns from beyond
sea. He asked me, at the same time, whether I had
an answer to the other letter, but that arriving late
this evening, I shall give him an account of it to
morrow. When his Majesty ordered me to write,
he was in some doubt whether you would accept the
employment, though he very much wished it, and
knows not where to place it near so well. The King
acquainted my Lord Chancellor with it soon after,
and he had a great mind to have writ to your Grace
to persuade you to this journey ; and was restrained
only lest he should be thought to advise any thing
that you were averse to, and might prove prejudicial
to your health, though he hoped you might have
been benefited by the change of the climate; and it
would have given general satisfaction to have seen
affairs of such consequence put into your hands.
Disability by want of health is an irresistible excuse
for not going, but it will not be allowed for so good

128 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
reason, that the public must not be served ; because
there are malicious, ill-natured men among us, that
carp at every thing, besides those that fasten upon
the present ministers. And none are so safe as those
that are at a distance. Among other satisfactions
his Majesty had in this choice, he thought your
Grace would be so well supported at home, that
your negotiation would have had all the success
imaginable, and my Lord Chancellor believed you
would have taken Mr. Walsh with you as Secretary
of the Embassy, who with Mr. Stanhope might have
taken off all the trouble and some part of the busi
ness, and the retired way of that court would have
cut off a great deal of impertinence, that is unavoid
able elsewhere. And you might be as much at
leisure for the gout at Madrid as you are at Grafton,
and be in much less danger of spitting blood.
I have another matter to acquaint your Grace
with by my Lord Chancellor's direction. It has been
taken notice of for some time, that the independent
congregations have formed themselves into a fra
ternity, begun at first for the management of their
own societies ; and they have since enlarged them
selves by the addition of some others, who have
associated with them under the pretence of a refor
mation of manners.* They have appointed a general
* Parliament addressed the King during this session on the immoral
and irreligious state of the nation. Dr. Bray laid the foundation of a
society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, and a society was
also formed for the suppression of vice.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 129
meeting, and there are besides several private cabals,
and many discontented persons of all persuasions are
endeavouring to herd among them.
My Lord Archbishop apprehends their design
may be to undermine the church, and my Lord
Chancellor thinks they rather aim at discrediting
the administration, which they represent as atheisti
cal, and designing to drive Christianity out of the
world. The King, being acquainted of this growing sect,
thinks it is of great consequence to have all their
proceedings observed. My Lord Chancellor is for
finding out all ways of getting into their secret, and
in the same clandestine manner to work against
them*, that if it were possible they might be defeated
without noise. Among other instruments proper for
this purpose, he thinks good use might be made of
Mr. Griffith, the independent minister, both as your
Grace has a good influence over him, and as he is
looked upon to be a man of probity, who, however
he may be zealous in his way, would not knowingly
admit of a mixture, that under specious pretences
should be labouring to subvert the government.
His Lordship thinks your Grace might engage
him to be watchful in this matter, and to communi
cate to my Lord Chancellor, or to me, if he thinks
that would be least taken notice of, what he observes
of these designs. He need not be shy of opening
himself as to the innocent part of it, which may con-
* This was the great Lord Somers.
VOL. II. K

130 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
cern their own congregations only ; for that giving
no jealousy to the government, will not be made use
of to create them any disturbance ; but the thing we
would know is, what discontented churchmen or dis
carded statesmen mean by insinuating themselves
into their familiarities. My Lord Chancellor be
lieves he would choose rather to see me ; that his
service, if he will do any, may be less observable ;
but if he likes going to my Lord Chancellor better,
he will contrive their meeting. There will be some
other ways likewise taken to come at the bottom of
this machination.
The council met this morning, and the Justices
were declared. My Lord Marlborough and Mr.
Montague were inserted in the place of your Grace
and my Lord Sunderland. So the number is still
nine. His Majesty holds his resolution to go on Tues
day next. My Lord Sunderland was with him last
night for some time, and took his leave of him then.
I hear he is a little dejected upon it. He told
me he would write to your Grace before he left
town. The subscriptions have succeeded beyond all ima
gination : the whole sum is now writ except 50,000/.,
which many were ready to do, and a much greater
sum. But this, I think, is reserved for some friends,
who are gone into the country about their elections.
The East India Company subscribed yesterday
315,000/., in the name of their treasurer Du Bois,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 131
but did not sign the roll for being incorporated.
This is the sum they value their forts at. They
either design to accommodate with the other sub
scribers, or to trade separately. Sir James Houblon
and Sir Robert Rich did likewise subscribe, without
signing the roll ; but they say they will not hold out.
Mr. Montague and Mr. Smith, the great champions
against a monopoly, signed both.
The Westminster election is to be on Friday. I
think Sir Harry has little to expect, though he has
courted some of the rabble ; but he is obstinate
enough to stand a poll.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 19, 1698.
I have acquainted your Grace with the receipt of
your letters by the two messengers, and had an oppor
tunity on Sunday to lay them before the King, who
will not press any further your going into Spain,
since you do not find yourself disposed or well enough
for such a journey.
That evening his Majesty spoke to my Lord Chan
cellor, that he should propose this embassy to my
Lord Wharton. His Majesty thinking it absolutely
necessary not only to have one of abilities in that
employment, but also such a one as may give weight
K 2

132 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
to his negotiations, and satisfy the nation in the
result of it.
My Lord Chancellor writes to him to-night about
it ; but he is doubtful how the proposition will be
received. As to what your Grace writes about being dis
charged of the Seals some-time before the sitting of
parliament, his Majesty thinks of sending for the
Seals at his return. But if you think that may be
too near the opening of the parliament, he would not
have you uneasy on that account ; and therefore
leaves it to you to order the Seals to be delivered
sooner, if you think fit.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. July 21st, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
18th, and shall communicate it to the Lord Chan
cellor as soon as I have an opportunity. I hope he
will recommend Mr. Griffith's son, but the effects of
it are not to be expected till winter.
I do not doubt but it is intended the parliament
shall be prorogued by proclamation, there being
such a power put into the commission of the Lords
Justices, that they may prorogue them either before
or after their meeting. If any thing alters that in
tention, it must be the death of the King of Spain,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 133
which I hope is not so near ; but whenever it hap
pens, it will require speedy and vigorous resolutions.
I have been talking with Mr. Owen, whom your
Grace knows to be considerable among the Dis
senters, and enquired of him at a distance, if there
were any societies formed for the reformation of
manners ? He told me there was one, that had
subsisted these seven or eight years, but had met
with discouragement from the late commissioners of
the Great Seal.
I suppose the meaning of that must be, that these
zealots applied to them, that some whom they
thought loose in their morals, and not fitted to carry
on the work of reformation, might be put out of the
commission of the peace. But the commissioners
did not think fit to affront men for what they called
want of grace.
He says these gentlemen have still their meetings,
and that there are about fifty or sixty of them. I
would not show so great prying as to ask their
names, and he did not tell me any of them ; but I
perceive the business he is driving at, at present, is
the more easy conviction of those who are guilty of
swearing. He would have a justice of peace levy a
fine in that case, without sending for the party
accused, or letting him know who is the informer,
which he says would be only to expose that sort of
men to be knocked at the head.
He doubts whether this will be allowed to be
according to the received rules of law, that provides

134 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
no man shall be condemned unheard, and that the
party may expect to have his accuser face to face ;
but he thinks it justifiable by the prerogative of the
King of Heaven, whose honour ought to be vindi
cated by extraordinary methods. He seems resolved
to make the trial of it, and so go on till he finds it
disapproved by the courts at Westminster.
But your Grace will easily imagine that such an
inquisition will not be borne in this kingdom, let
the pretenee be what it will.
He thinks there are not above three or four
Justices that would join with him, and the rest are
remiss and dissolute, and perhaps fitter to be re
moved than continued.
I find these reformers are people of all persuasions,
as well churchmen as dissenters, so that it is not
the interest of any particular sect they Avould pro
mote, but the general good of mankind, by intro
ducing a conformity of manners and a primitive
purity. This is a pretty temper to be worked upon
if designing persons get amongst them, and if they
grow to any strength. I know not what models they
may have for establishing saintship. I am inclined
to be of opinion that this may be a way to set up
hypocrisy, but will not much advance real honesty
or virtue, and when men have run through the circle
of severities that are almost inseparable from a
sudden reformation, they will return to a natural
state of being, as good or as bad as they please.
The King got to Margate about ten on Tuesday,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 135
and went immediately on board, but it growing calm,
he came ashore again, and lay at Captain Ball's.
He went on board again the next morning at ten,
and set sail with a fair wind, and I do not doubt,
therefore, he is now in Holland.
The Earl of Albermarle is still here, not finding
himself as yet well enough to undertake the voyage,
but he talks of going in two or three days.
To-morrow we come to our trial of skill with Sir
Harry Colt : he has used such mean solicitations to
all sorts of people, that they say he has picked up
some number of the rabble. I do not think there
are any apprehensions he can carry it ; but he is
resolved to give us the trouble of a poll, and that
may fix us upon a bench for eight or ten days
together, which is not very consistent with the busi
ness which each of us have upon our hands. But
besides, it will be a little incongruous to have such
a trouble given to one of the Lords Justices.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 23, 1698.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letters
for Mr. Griffith, the father and son. I would be
ashamed to say I have not read them yet ; but your
Grace can hardly imagine what fatigue there is in an
election at Westminster, and especially when one has
to do with so obstinate a creature as Sir Harry Colt.

136 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
We had a mighty appearance against him in the
field, both of horse and foot, who run down his men
at a strange rate, and cudgelled him into ditches full
of water, and yet we say they were the aggressors.
Notwithstanding this, Sir Harry demanded the
poll, and I believe he was glad his fellows were
banged, that he might have a pretence to petition
the house. We went immediately to the poll, which
lasted till seven at night. I must say, that for Sir
Harry, there was never more industry, nor more
artifices used to carry his point ; and I know not
what would have been the event if he had either
been beloved or esteemed, or kept up any reputation
among the civilised part of mankind. He has his
rabble under such discipline that almost every one
of them polls for him singly, and his sparks being
on foot had the advantage of being first at the place
where the poll was taken, while the horsemen were
all obliged to go home, and thought no more of it
for that day ; by these means he thought he had
got a great victory. When the poll was cast up that
night — For Sir Harry  222
For Mr. Montague  189
And for myself  171
But he has received a check to-day ; the poll when
we adjourned at dinner-time running —
For Mr. Montague . . .501
For me .  487
For Sir Harry  292

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 137
The poll since dinner was —
For Mr. Montague  242
For myself  239
For Sir Harry  186
So that, as it now stands, Mr. Montague is about
35 before me, and I have 197 voices more than Sir
Harry, and if night had not come on, the inequality
would have been greater. To say the truth, he has
such a mob that any one but he would be ashamed
to be chosen by them. He has not one gentleman
in his list, but has picked up the very scum of the
town, — victuallers, porters, and chairmen. Patch,
your Grace's footman, was one of his voters, and
stated himself gentleman. He has collected all the
papists ; two of them, being notorious ones, were
caught, and the oaths tendered them, as the asseve
ration act directs, which they refusing, were hissed
off. If I did not answer your Grace's expectation in
my first letter, I hope you were better satisfied with
the second, and do not think there is any occasion
for parting with the seals abruptly, after you have
had so much patience with them. We have no news
of the King's landing, but I suppose it will come
to-morrow.

138 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 26, 1698.
I have the honour of vour Grace's letter of the
23rd. But can make but short answers, while Sir
Harry Colt keeps one in Westminster-hall twelve or
thirteen hours a-day. I know not what he will get
by it, for the odds run against him, as will appear by
the inclosed. But I think he intends to tire one to
death ; there is no end of his obstinacy, he taking
such a pride to see himself at the head of the mob.
I have read your Grace's letter to Mr. Griffith,
and it will do the business, if I had time to shew it
to my Lord Chancellor, and be enabled by him to
say something to young Griffith that he may depend
upon. I shall be out of countenance to make pro
mises, if I have not a prospect they will have effect.
I know nothing that can be given him, if the trea
sury do not contrive and propose it, and as my Lord
Chancellor's influence is great there, while I keep
the letter in my hands, and the service is depending,
something may be done.
If I had seen my Lord Chancellor perhaps I
might have known whether my Lord Wharton ac
cepts the embassy to Spain.
I do not doubt but Mr. Yard gives you an ac
count that the Lords Justices have met, and what
elections are made. For my own part, I am so far
put out of the way, that I know nothing and can
think of nothing.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 139
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 28, 1698.
We are at last disentangled from Sir Harry Colt's
intolerable vexations, who I think never intended
to give over polling as long as a man would come up
for him, let the inequality have been ever so great.
But, by good luck yesterday, a little before noon,
the votes of all present were spent. We took the
occasion to call for the three proclamations to be
made, and he would have us adjourn till the after
noon to give him time to recruit. But we insisted
that if there were no more to poll, we might make
an end, and accordingly proclamation was made,
and the bailiff declared he would allow five minutes
between each proclamation. But Sir Harry eluded
it for near an hour by picking up one man and then
another to come in at the second proclamation; and
his servant had got five or six together, whom he
let loose upon us man by man, which the high-
bailiff perceiving, he made them poll all together.
And none appearing after another proclamation, he
shut up the books ; all the justices who were pre
sent crying shame of the tricks they saw played to
gain time. The bailiff had the books cast up that
night, and the totals were —
For Mr. Montague  2836
For me  2662
For Sir H. Colt  2026
Whereupon he declared the election that night in
Westminster-hall, and this day he published it in

140 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
other parts of the Liberty. Mr. Montague was not
present at the conclusion, his lady dying that night,
and he went to my Lord Ranelagh's at Chelsea for
a few days.
Sir Harry threatens to bring a petition, but I am
sure he can do nothing worse to us than the severe
attendance he has tied us to.
Mr. Wright has brought me a bill for 4,000
guilders, which I shall send to-morrow to Monsieur
Jurieu, and he has likewise paid me your Grace's
first payment of the subscription. It seems there
has been a small mistake committed, the receiver
sends me word that I had paid 51. less than I should
have done, which they did not observe at the time.
I have desired Sir Harry  to make it up, and
only mention it that your Grace may regulate your
next payment by it.
The Council have met this afternoon, and have
passed three of the Irish bills, and will proceed on
Tuesday on the rest. I do not mention the bills
and amendments, because Mr. Yard will do it, who
best knows the transaction of it, being present when
the Chancellor of Ireland and the Attorney attended
their Excellencies.
The Chancellor of Ireland talks of going out of
town next week, and will make you a visit on his
way. My Lord Marlborough has got a little fit of
the gout ; it does not confine him from coming
abroad. I hear my Lord Wharton has had no very good

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 141
success in some elections he has laboured for. Simon
Maine has lost it at Aylesbury, and Mr. Mordaunt
at Brackley.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. July 30, 1698.
I have spoke with my Lord Chancellor about Mr.
Griffith, who says he will recommend him to Mr.
Montague. I think, therefore, of delivering the let
ters, as soon as I can meet with Mr. Griffith, the son.
Your Grace has been pleased to make mention in
your two last letters, that you were in some doubt
what would be the properest time for your resigning
the Seals, and how it may be done with most respect to
the King. I do not think myself a good adviser in this
matter, as having always wished it might never be
done ; but now the resolutions are so far taken, if I
may deliver my opinion as to the measure, I believe
it is fit your Grace should write to the King, and take
notice of the liberty allowed you to resign, and to
know his pleasure to whom the Seals are to be de
livered. This has been so long depending, that I
hope it will not be taken amiss by the King ; and
when his Majesty directs it, the Seals may be so
given up as scarce to have any notice taken when it
was done. My Lord Chancellor said nothing about
my Lord Wharton's embassy, and I did not think it
proper to ask him. I am sorry my Lord Wharton

142 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
has had no better success in his undertakings about
elections. I do not hear but they have every one
miscarried. Dormer lost it at Wycomb, Simon
Mayne at Aylesbury, Goodwin Wharton, and Neale,
for the county of Bucks, where my Lord Cheney and
Sir  Verney have carried it. And they say the
Duke of Somerset brings in Colonel Seymour at
Cockermouth. He laments that many honest men will be thrown
out at the elections.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 2, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
SOth. You have too good an opinion of Sir Harry,
if you think he will make any one the compliment
of putting them at ease. He knows all his merit
lies in being troublesome, and that can't appear
enough to his satisfaction, unless it be in the House
of Commons, which he will therefore press for, by
all the ways imaginable.
I hear he is taking a poll in his own house, to
shew what numbers he should have had, if the
books had not been closed so soon. Besides he
makes great courtship to the Tories and Jacobites,
in hopes to make an interest in them to set aside
the election. As an instance of it, he lately sent a
compliment to Sir* Launcelot Lake, who, with one
* So written.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 143
Smithson, is set up for Knight of the Shire of Mid
dlesex, in opposition to the two old ones, Wols-
tenholme and Bocknell. Sir Harry sent him word
he would come to his election with 400 freeholders,
though he never saw him in his life. I find people
more in doubt what sort of parliament we shall have,
than they were at the beginning. There seems to
arise a strange spirit of distinguishing between the
court and country party, and visibly discovers it
self in several elections.
I have spoke with young Griffith, and given him
your Grace's letters. He is gone this morning to
Tunbridge, where his father has been this fortnight.
I find his pretensions are to be of the Stamp-office.
There was a vacancy there by the removal of Mr.
Montague's brother, I wish it be not disposed of.
It is but lately come to my knowledge that my
Lord Coningsby has got the Paymaster's place of
Ireland entirely to himself, and has ousted Charles
from it.
The King left a dormant warrant for it with orders
not to produce it till he was landed ; it was accord
ingly produced on Thursday last at the Treasury.
And that was the first time Sir Stephen Fox heard
of it, but he would neither countersign that nor any
other orders, and w<mt next day for Northampton
shire, and perhaps may come no more to that Board.
He thought it very strange the King should not
so much as take any notice of it to him, and it is
not very well liked that my Lord Coningsby should

144 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
be so insatiable as to have some new grant every
session. They say this is given for a portion to his lady,
and that it is to be the means of accommodating
matters between the father and son.
Sir Cornwall Bradshaw is lately dead, whose
place of Comptroller of the Customs at Bristol is
already given to Mr. Taylor of the Treasury.
The Council have made some further progress
this evening in the Irish bills.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 4, 1698.
There is very little to trouble your Grace with
by this post. Four of the Irish bills were des
patched this evening at council. There do not re
main above two or three more, which will be finished
on Tuesday next, and then a proclamation will be
considered of for giving notice ; the attendance of
the members of parliament will not be expected on
the 24th.
I hear they will be prorogued by writ, which
was a method used in Queen Elizabeth's time.
The election for Middlesex was to-day ; they say
Sir John Wolstenholme and Mr. Lake are chosen,
and Sir John Bocknell is left out, who is a very
honest, sensible man. The Bishop of London has

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 145
been a great shelter for Lake. I am afraid Harry
Mordaunt is in danger of being quite left out. My
Lord Wharton hoped to bring him in at Cocker-
mouth, but I hear that election is over, and Colonel
Seymour, and a son of Sir George Fletcher, are
chosen. Another reserve was in the Isle of Wight,
in the place of my Lord Cutts. But it seems he
has already recommended one Acton, his brother-
in-law, or otherwise my Lord Orford had likewise
writ to him in behalf of Mr. Priestman.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 6, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd, and believe the matter may have passed at
Bishop's Castle, in the manner Mr. Plowden re
lates it. My Lord Macclesfield generally acts
passionately, and therefore what he says in heat and
anger ought to be examined over again ; and the
best of it is, after having vented himself, he will
come back to a better temper. I think myself pretty
well with him at present, and therefore hope I may
persuade him by degrees not to bring this gentleman
on the stage, since it makes nothing to the decision
of the cause.
I hear that will not be the only town my Lord
Macclesfield will find himself disappointed in. We
have no account yet of the Lancashire elections, but
VOL. II. t

146 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
a report runs as if many of his friends would be laid
aside. I had a letter from my Lady Brownlow on
this subject. I answered it with letting her know
I was glad Sir William was chosen, but I wished
Mr. Plowden had not been employed in it. Sir
William Brownlow has behaved himself so harm
lessly, and is so right in voting, that I do not think
the House will, or ought to part with him.
I send your Grace a list of such elections as we
have an account of since the last Gazette. Sir Harry
Hobart has lost it for the county of Norfolk ; but I
believe he may get in at Thetford, when Sir Jo.
Williamson resigns. Sloen tells me they would
choose one of their own countrymen, and that they
shewed a good inclination to Sir Harry Hobart.
As for Sloen, his interest was unmoveable there,
otherwise he is one of the troublesome gentlemen
that some wish out of the house, and for the same
reason, some few others would keep him there.
Jack Arnold has lost it at Monmouth ; whether he
has any reserve I know not. My Lord Cutts does
not so much as think of Sir Harry Colt ; he has
already recommended to his borough in the Isle of
Wight, one Acton, who married his sister. He is
thought too quick in it, since it might have been a
provision for a more useful man. My Lord Whar
ton would have had it reserved for Harry Mordaunt
in case he failed at Cockermouth, which is very
doubtful, he being opposed by Col. Seymour and
Sir George Fletcher's son ; and my Lord Orford

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 147
had recommended Priestman to him, but I now
hear he is to get in at Saltash, and turn out
Moyle. Mr. Molesworth is come up from Cornwall, des
pairing of success, his adversary, Mr. Manaton,
having a visible majority. The town of Penrhyn
has been so kind as to choose me again. I had re
commended my son to them, but they thought they
could best secure it for him against Pendarves upon
the single election. So that we shall have another
trial for it in the winter. Sir Richard Onslow,
with all his popularity, had liked to have lost it in
Surrey. Many gentlemen grew angry at seeing how
unfairly his brother was returned at Guildford, and
therefore encouraged Mr. Weston, who was put by,
to stand for the county, and have chosen him by a
great majority.
We compute that the elections are much mended
for the better. If the county of Gloucester had
made a choice more like to that of their city, it would
have been more pleasing. People have good hopes
of Sir Charles Shugborough, he being so much your
Grace's friend.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 9, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
6th. You have found, in the former lists, that my
l 2

148 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Lord Wharton has been no less disappointed at
Malmesbury than in other places. They add, that
Colonel Mordaunt was treated very cavalierly there
by my Lord Wharton's steward, who, it seems, has
the leading interest there, and told him, in plain
terms, that whoever expected to be chosen there
should pay him 400/. down. What former reasons
were given him to make this demand I know not.
But it passes about for a jest, and they say will be
the ground for a petition. The enclosed will shew
what new elections are come to our knowledge.
Moyle is left out at Saltash, if Colonel Spellot* do
not bring him in, when he shall be chose for the
county ; and Priestman did not carry it, because
the application was made too late to Mr. Boscawen,
who was pre-engaged to Morris.
We hear Sir Christopher Musgrave has Essex
 1 himself to the University that he cannot
serve them. If that be so, Sir William Trumbull
is like to pretend again ; but I hope they will rather
choose Mr. Finch, who is too ill to attend the house,
but took it amiss that he was left out last time. Some
think that Harcourt will pretend at Oxford ; the
return from Abingdon, though not yet made, is like
to be against him. He has been talked of for
Speaker, but he will hardly be in the house time
enough, if at all. The contest will lie, therefore,
between Sir Thomas Littleton and Mr. Foley. That
will immediately throw the house into parties, and
* Apparently so written. + A word or words illegible.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM 111. 149
if we do not very much misreckon, we shall have a
considerable majority.
The Lords Justices have ordered a proclamation
in council this evening for proroguing the Parlia
ment to the 17th of September next. They have
likewise gone through all the Irish bills ; but upon
one that was considered to-day, about allowing equity
to the subject against the King, they have ordered
a letter to go from the Council to the Lords Justices
and Council of Ireland, to know why in this bill,
which was framed upon the like bill passed in Eng
land in the reign of Henry VIIL, several clauses
were omitted which the former bill contained, se
curing several rights and prerogatives to the King,
that are here omitted.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. August 11. 1698.
We have had no account of elections since my
last, more than that of Mr. Norris, and one Captain
Clayton at Liverpool. I wish Mr. Norris be not
piqued at his being left out of the commission of
excise. He did not contain himself before upon the
subject of the forces, and if he shall touch that string
again angrily, he may make it sound harsh, and find
a good many followers.
We had two foreign mails to-day. Mr. Blath-
wayte writes that the King would be going to Zell

150 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
this week, which I suppose will be a journey of three
weeks. It will be a good work if the King can
reconcile the house of Wolfenbottle with the other
branches, Zell and Hanover, who are at great vari
ance. Duke Anthony of Wolfenbottle opposing the
ninth Electorate, and the uniting of Zell to Hanover
by the right of primogeniture, which of late has
been divided, one to the eldest, and the other to the
younger brother.
We hear nothing worse of the King of Spain, nor
does he give any hopes of growing better.
The French squadron is sailed from Brest : they
are like to be joined by so many other ships in their
way, that they will make a greater force than Aylmer
carries with him.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 13, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
10th. I believe my Lord Wharton would not be
very well pleased with the proposal, if he were not
disposed to accept of it. But I don't know why
people in health, and who aim at employments,
should decline such a public service, when they are
every way qualified for the discharge of it.
The letters we had yesterday from Loo make no
mention when the King will go to Zell. We hear
he has an incommodious guest of the French Am-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 151
bassador. My Lord Paget has sent his secretary
back to Vienna. I should have had letters from
him, but that Sir Joseph Williamson, under whose
cover they came, sent them directly to Loo, which
was indeed the properest place. I hear that Mon
sieur Hofman has an account, that my Lord Paget
writ from Sophia, that the Turks had proposed a
place for the treaty, and desired the mediators might
be at Peter Waradin, and the Imperial and Turkish
plenipotentiaries to be at the most convenient places
on each side of it. I hope, therefore, that business
will proceed.
Mr. Aylmer talks of going to Spithead on Mon
day next, and that he will put to sea as soon as the
ships are paid, for which money is sent down. This
will be but a weak squadron, considering what the
French have sent out. We should have been glad
the Dutch would have joined us with some ships,
but there is no appearance of it.
Inclosed is a list of some elections. Sir Thomas
Felton and Sir Jervis Ellways have lost it in Suffolk,
and Ben Sherwood was out-polled in Rutlandshire.
He writ to Mr. Palmer that my Lord Nottingham
was the first man that voted against him. The same
lord writ very zealously to the University of Cam
bridge in favour of Mr. Hammond.

152 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 16, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
13th. I see Mr. Walsh triumphs over Mr. Foley.
I know not whether we have the same reason to re
joice for Sir John Packington. My Lord Wharton
has been run down in all places : it was thought he
might make a stand in Oxfordshire, but that failed
like the rest. I know not whether my Lord Maccles
field will be more successful in the elections he pre
tended to influence. There remains only the county
and town of Lancaster, at the first of which he sets
up his brother, and Sir Joseph Tiley at the other.
Ned Harley has displaced Jack Colt, at Leominster,
though I believe Morgan of Tredegar, will bring in
him, or Arnold, at the borough he was chosen for.
My Lord Chancellor goes to Tunbridge to-mor
row, and my Lord Jersey went for Dover this morn
ing. Aylmer went yesterday to Portsmouth; the
money is following him to pay the ships.
The French letters bring the King of Spain
nearer and nearer to his end. The Spanish Am
bassador's Secretary tells me, the month of Septem
ber has been observed to be fatal to that family.
His father died in it, and many others. They were
in hopes he might have been relieved by his hemor-
roids, but they come upon him in excess.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

153

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. August 18, 1698.
The Council met this day, and had the writ read
to them, by which the Parliament is to be prorogued.
The members of the House of Commons that shall
attend, are to be sworn by my Lord Steward, or
those he shall depute to give them a right to go into
their House, but when they are, they will not be
sent for as formerly, by the Usher of the Black Rod ;
but upon any private notice given them, that the
Lords are ready to read the writ, the House of
Commons are to go thither, if they think fit, and
hear it. It is to be read by the clerk of the Par
liament, so that there will be no Commissioner nor
any Speaker in the House of Lords for that day.
My Lord Chancellor staid in town to read the writ,
and to-morrow morning he goes for Tunbridge.
Inclosed is a list of some elections. All I have
to observe upon it, is, that my Lord Macclesfield has
not been able to bring in Sir Joseph Tiley, at Lan
caster. His brother, I think, was not opposed in
the county, else it might have gone hard with him.
Ned Clarke is come to town, who has got himself
returned with Sir Harry Portman, and Mr. Speke
is dropped, who had a number of voices equal to
Mr. Clarke. He says in those cases the Mayor is
at liberty to return which of the two he pleases, and
that those who would complain of it, ought to shew

154 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
they have a better title. That the Solicitor General
was in the like case since the revolution, and it then
appeared there were several precedents to justify
such returns. In the meantime, Mr. Speke is very
much dissatisfied at it, and will complain of it as an
injustice done him.
The Council have approved of the two charters
for the subscribers, one to entitle them to their
funds, the other to the trade ; which they will soon
have under the Great Seal, and then fall to the
carrying on their other business ; whereby they do
not doubt, but they shall retrieve the small discount
their actions lie under at present. There is a clause
in the charter, to enable them to receive into the in
corporation any of the subscribers, which is done
with regard to the members of the old company,
who, it is hoped, will not always stand out.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. August 20, 1698,
I write this only to acquaint your Grace, that Mr.
Montague intends to be at Winchendon,* early on
Monday, where he will communicate to you two let
ters, one from the Earl of Portland, the other from
my Lord Chancellor, containing matters of very great
consequence relating to Spain, which the King would
* Winchendon, I believe, was a seat of the Earl of Orford. The
news here mentioned was the opening of the first partition treaty.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM HI. 155
have considered here. My Lord Chancellor thinks
it very necessary to have your Grace's advice. There
are none yet acquainted with it but my Lord Orford
and Mr. Montague, by my Lord Chancellor's direc
tions ; and I don't know whether it will be judged
requisite to be imparted to any other except your
Grace, and therefore I forbear any farther mention
ing, not knowing through what hands the letter
may pass.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. August 23, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
SOth, and hope you are now in the enjoyment of
your friends. I promised Mr. Montague, that if I
heard from my Lord Chancellor, I would send him
word. I had a letter from his Lordship this after
noon, wherein he offers to come to town on Friday
night, as fearing a journey to Tunbridge might be
too troublesome to my Lord Orford and Mr. Mon
tague. I have assured by this post of the contrary,
and that they have too great a consideration for him
to divert him from the course he is in, and that I
knew of no business that could or ought to pre
vent it.
I had the first opportunity this day of seeing Mr.
Griffith, he having been at Tunbridge ever since
I received your Grace's letter. I find how much I

156 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
am obliged to your Grace for the good opinion he
knows you have of me, that he chooses to come to
me ; he has promised to do his best to be informed
in that matter, and is very desirous his name may be
concealed. He expressed some concern that his son
should be so long neglected ; who, though he has
married a good fortune, he would be glad to see him
in some employment. I hope now your Grace has
Mr. Montague with you, you will please to engage
him to do something for young Griffith. His desires
are towards the stamping office, and I believe the
vacancy is not yet filled; for its being promised I
don't doubt. But your Grace knows better than
any body of what consequence it is to the public
service, that the Secretaries may now and then have
interest enough to recommend a worthy person,
when they do it without any private considerations ;
they must otherwise make but an insignificant figure,
if they have no other way of gratifying people, but
out of the King's small allowance for secret service.
Mr. Griffith tells me he takes it for granted, the
meeting at Newbury was in the nature of a provin
cial synod, which he has found the Presbyterian
ministers very fond of late, and blames them for it.
This passion of theirs has appeared more barefaced
in Ireland, where they have had such an assembly
at Antrim, and published the sermon preached upon
the occasion, maintaining it was their right and
duty to meet, with or without the allowance of the
laws, or the consent of the supreme magistrate.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 157
If your Grace will turn to their text, it is the
15 th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and the
15th and 16th verses. There you will have their
precedent at large, where the apostles and elders
were  *
The Episcopal clergy intend to remonstrate to
the government there against this liberty ; I know
not how soon we may expect the like to be done in
England, and if it break into an open contest about
church discipline, the moderate man will have a
fine time of it. We hear Sir Scroop How and Mr.
White have lost their election in Nottinghamshire,
by a great majority, and that Harcourt has at last
got himself returned by my Lord Abingdon's in
fluence. The news at the Custom House yesterday was,
that Sir Harry Hobart had had a quarrel with one
Le Neve, a gentleman in Norfolk, and was run into
the belly. I know not whether he be irrecoverable,
but his lady and surgeons are gone down in great
haste. Sir Edward Seymour and Sir Bartlemy Showre
have carried the election at Exeter, by a great
majority of near two hundred each.
Hayward is just now arrived, and has brought
me your Grace's letter of this day.
A French post arrived late this evening, but
finding Mr. Montague has a letter from the same
* Here follow some words which are unintelligible. Neither is it
possible that the text can be correctly cited.

158 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
hand, which is sent to him, I need only say that
they bear nothing worse of the King of Spain's
health.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 25, 1698.
I suppose Mr. Montague will be in town to-night,
and if so, I will endeavour to see him to-morrow
morning. We had a Dutch post yesterday, but there is no
mention yet made when the King intends to go to
Zell ; I suppose he would see this business some
way settled before he thinks of it.
Yesterday's post brought us an account of poor
Sir Harry Hobart's death. He received his wound
on Saturday, and died on Sunday night : they say he
sent the challenge to Le Neve, one of the militia
captains, who had reported him a coward. Le Neve
declined the first challenge, but complied with the
second ; he is likewise hurt in two or three places,
but not mortally.
I hear Sir Harry has left his affairs but in a
confused condition, and his two brothers almost des
titute ; he had eight children, a great debt upon
his estate, and law entanglements upon his wife's
fortune. My Lord Paston is endeavouring to make an
interest at Thetford, where Sir Harry pretended,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 159
and has writ to me to mention it to Sir Joseph
Williamson. He complains very much that a Lord
Lieutenant should make such use of his commission
and authority in opposing those who were firm to
the King's interest, and setting up others of con
trary principles.
Sir Fleetwood Sheppard died this morning at
Copt Hall, having been for some time bed-ridden.
He left no will, and they say there was no occasion
for it. If he has made even with the world, it is all
that is to be expected.
The proroguing of the Parliament by writ went
off yesterday very orderly ; about sixty-three of the
members were sworn by a deputation from my Lord
Steward, and a great many more came too late for it.
When four or five of the Lords were met, we went
to the Lords' House without other summons, and
heard the writ read by the clerk. We were within
the bar, though it seemed a doubtful point whether
it should be allowed us. It was said, there is one
mention made in the Lords' Journal, that the
Commons were at the bar upon the same occasion.
But Sir Harry Goodrick, who was one of my Lord
Steward's commissioners, explaining it to us that
the reason for such a precedent could not be under
stood, since it was not properly a House of Lords,
there being neither speaker nor commissioners, but
a mixed assembly of both.
My Lord Romney treated the Duchess of Ports
mouth yesterday at Greenwich ; she went thither

160 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
and came back by water. I don't know but it was
the wisest way, for the mob begins to ask what she
comes over for, and whether she thinks to carry
back £100,000 under pretence of arrears of pen
sions ; and some come out with it, that she shall
not eat Christmas-pies here.
We have had another attempt on the mail on
Tuesday night ; the Chester mail was robbed a mile
on this side St. Albans.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 26, 1698.
Since I am designed for Tunbridge to-morrow,
I must acknowledge to-night the honour of your
Grace's letter of the 25th.
This impudence of Fuller's is very provoking ; he
has played the same tricks with the Earl of Alber-
marle that he does now with your Grace. He has
writ letters to him lately, dated from Newcastle, to
desire him to return him £300 as he promised him,
for carrying on the business he had engaged him in.
And I do not doubt but he has received part of it
of some credulous honest-hearted man. His Lord
ship is very much provoked at this and some of his
former pranks, and has sent to me that some stop
may be put to it.
I have advised with Nicholas Baker, who tells me
that if proof be made that he has cheated people of

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 161
their money under pretence of serving the govern
ment, and by directions of persons in authority, he
may then be prosecuted in the King's name, or
otherwise he is only liable to be sued by the party
he imposed upon.
I have, thereupon, writ to the mayor of New
castle, to enquire whether he be there, and what he
is doing ; and according as he shall have proof upon
oath against him that he is abusing the King's
subjects by colour of his authority, that he secure
him in order to his being prosecuted.
I have not seen Mr. Griffith since I last men
tioned him, I hope your Grace has not forgot his
son.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 1, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th. I expect to hear from Newcastle about the
beginning of next week ; and if Fuller be there he
will be secured for a cheat. I have told my Lord
Chief Justice what tricks he was playing ; he says
he ought to be prosecuted, though he fears he is
pillory proof.
I received yesterday a letter from John Dutton
Colt, who desires me to send the enclosed to your
Grace, and tells me I have an interest to procure
for him a commissioner's place in the Customs now
Sir Harry is dead. I know of no such interest I
VOL. II. m

162

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

have, if it were more I should not much care to
employ it that way ; but I take it for granted the
number will now stick at the former seven, and that
the augmentation would not have been made but for
the particular concern the Treasury had to do
something immediately for Sir William St. Quintin.
However, these sort of men must have some answers
made them or another.
I believe your Grace will either write yourself to
Mr. Blathwayte, or refer it to me to do it, and I
shall not fail to obey your directions.
Here is likewise a letter enclosed from Monsieur
d'Hervart, who, I suppose, gives your Grace an
account that he had sent you a little bag of vulnerary
herbs. On Monday last, before these letters came,
I found in the office a bag, with a superscription
directed to me, without any advice about it. I could
neither imagine what it could be, nor from whom ;
but the next day Mr. Boyer explained it, and now
Monsieur d'Hervart gives the account of it himself.
I have kept the herbs, and shall deliver them to
whom your Grace appoints. I believe they have not
been carefully enough brought, by being jogged in
portmanteaus, for they are very much crumbled and
near reduced to powder.
This post makes no mention when the King goes
to Zell; but Mr. Cresset, who is there, says the Duke
still expects him, and that he is going to Brook-
huysen to wait for his coming.
The Imperialists begin to act as if they were in

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 163
earnest about the peace. They approve of Peter-
waradin being the place of treaty, and intend their
commissioners shall be there the 15th of this month;
and these resolutions are taken before they have an
answer either from Venice or Poland.
The Duke of Savoy has had his citadel blown up
by lightning, with 1500 barrels of gunpowder in it.
He must make a new provision if he designs to be
troubling his neighbours upon the King of Spain's
death. The French letters make no mention of that
Prince, so they have no account of his being worse.
I had a letter from my Lord Portland, who is appre
hensive lest this season may carry him off, and
therefore wishes that the opinions about it may be
despatched. I shall not fail to put Mr. Montagu in mind of
young Griffith. He came to town last night, and I
have seen him only at the Council.
Vice-Admiral Aylmer writes me word, that he
shall sail towards the end of the week.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Septembers, 1698.
We are very free' from news, hearing nothing
neither from abroad nor at home, only Vice-Admiral
Aylmer writes me word, that his squadron is paid
M 2

164 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
off* I suppose, therefore, their sailing now depends
upon the wind.
I believe your Grace has guessed at the true rea
son why the Duke of Norfolk acts so indifferently ;
he has a grant of a pension, but it is not paid.
I think they should either oblige him, or not invest
him with power to resent a disobligation.
I hear the King has made some provision for Sir
Harry Hobart's brother, and made him a Lieutenant
Colonel of the Marines, which is a very seasonable
favour. I had a letter from my Lord Yarmouth, who upon
the occasion of the late election, finds great fault
that the King's authority has been made great use
of to the prejudice of his service. I believe his son
will try his fortune again at Thetford, when Sir
Joseph Williamson quits it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. September 6, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd. The inclosed of Mr. Oldfield was as I believe
he had stated it. Upon his coming over four or five
years ago, I took bail for his appearance when re
quired ; and I remember the seizing of Mr. Carwyn's
money as it was bringing up to town. Mrs. Turner,
who is now Mrs. Froud, demanded that money as
* So written, but evidently by mistake.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 165
due to her in discharge of a mortgage, and my Lord
Lonsdale appeared very solicitous both for her and
Carwyn's sister ; the money was at last recovered by
them, there being only a suspicion that Carwyn was
to raise a regiment, if the assassination had suc
ceeded, and that this money was provided for such
an occasion.
Carwyn has since obtained a licence to stay in
England, by my Lord Lonsdale's means and Sir
Michael Wharton's ; but Oldfield retired, not having
early notice enough to make his application ; and
since he has been abroad, I think he wanted friends.
Mr. Tyrrel, who was one of the Commissioners for
the Privy Seal, brought his petition to me, but I
advised him to apply to some person of quality, who
should move the King in it, for I could not take
upon me to obtain this for any body. I have heard
no more of it till now, and the King, before he went
over, was grown more difficult in these cases, upon
a letter that was intercepted, which Fergus Graham
writ to my Lord Middleton, wherein he tells him
that according to his directions, he was soliciting for
leave to return, that he might be more serviceable
to his old master than he could be abroad.
The greatest piece of news we have here is the
death of Sir Robert Howard,* and the disposal of
his place ; he died last Saturday morning, but the
news came not hither till the next day. Mr. Mon
tague, who had the first of it, went immediately to
* Auditor of the Exchequer.

166

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

Sir Thomas Littleton, and from thence to Mr. Smith,
at Hampton Court, to let them know he would be
glad of that place, and desired their concurrence in
it ; this being as much in their disposal as the place
of the Clerk of the Pells was, which they gave to
Harry Pelham. Since the business of the Exchequer
required that the place should be immediately filled,
he proposed that it should be given to his brother,
Kitt Montague, who was lately made Commissioner
of the Excise. He took upon him to satisfy his
Majesty for the haste it was done in, without know
ing his pleasure. They made no difficulty to gratify
him ; and accordingly they met yesterday morning,
despatched the warrant, and swore Kitt Montague
into the place, who accordingly has taken possession
of the office.
If Mr. Montague does already know his Majesty's
mind in this particular, all is very well ; but other
wise, I imagine the King must be surprised to hear
such a place is given away without consulting him,
and that Mr. Montague should resolve of quitting
the place of first Commissioner of the Treasury and
Chancellor of the Exchequer, without communicating
to him his intention, for he does not think of joining
the three places together.* And if the scheme
should be laid that Mr. Smith should be first Com
missioner and Chancellor of the Exchequer, his
* It never seems to have entered into Vernon's mind that Montague
might be really anxious that the place of Auditor should be given per
manently to his brother. He was too well acquainted with the eager
and greedy spirit of those days to believe such a thing.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 167
Majesty might expect to have had it concerted
with him.
The Auditor's place is certainly the safest and
most profitable place, but I thought Mr. Montague
was too aspiring to stoop to any thing below the post
he was in, and that he least considered profit,
I can't well conceive how Mr. Montague can be
spared from the Treasury, especially at this meeting
of the Parliament ; there will at least be a jealousy
that he will not perform the same services, since he
does not keep the same post. I can't help having
an imagination, that this will not yet fall out accord
ing to his expectation, but it may rather happen that
his brother will have the place, since he is legally
possessed of it, and that his resignation will be one
way or another obstructed, that the Chancellor may
not give himself so much ease, as perhaps he
proposes. The Princess has been indisposed since Sunday
last, with an appearance of her miscarrying. She
• was let blood the first dav, and I hear now is some-
thing better.
Mr. Sloen came from Tunbridge this evening.
He tells me my Lord Chancellor looks very well,
and talks of staying a fortnight longer, if the wea
ther be tolerable. Sloen has handled the sharpers
severely, and brought away seven hundred guineas
of their money, which he won at the groom-porters.
He shewed me a letter from the Mayor of Thetford,

168 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
which speaks as if my Lord Paston* would be
chosen there.
I had a letter yesterday from the Mayor of New
castle. He said Fuller had been there, but was
gone somewhere into the county of Durham. He
had not yet found any body who could give an account
of his cheats.
Colonel Dogan has been with me not long since,
but 1 know not what he would have. He has been
pressing that he might make out his title to his
brother's estate ; but when my Lord Athlone, who
has the grant of it, was lately in England, and car
ried over a reference with him into Ireland for
examining the Colonel's pretensions, I don't hear
that the Colonel's agent appeared to make out his
right, though they were very earnest to do it before
the reference arrived. And since it is reported that
my Lord Athlone has brought away from thence
near 20,000/., and carried it to Holland. The last
time the Colonel was with me, he would have, offered
me a great bargain, if I had a mind to be a pur
chaser under him : but I suppose there are others
have already made pennyworths of that estate.
We want two Dutch mails ; but have letters from
Paris of the 10th (n.s.) My Lord Jersey had re
ceived a compliment from Comte Torcy, but no
invitation to Compiegne. Those letters speak of the
King of Spain's being rather better.
* Euston it would seem.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM HI. 169
Your Grace will please to remember that your
second payment to the subscription must be made
by Monday next, the 12th inst., or otherwise there
will be a forfeiture. If you give no order for it in
the meantime, I will lay down the money that day.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. 8, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th, and Mr. Yard has shewn me the letter Mr.
Bromfield writ to your Grace. I am far from think
ing him innocent, or that he is wrongfully accused.
Robberies on the highway have been so frequent of
late, and so many persons have set up that trade,
that it will require some severity to suppress it. I
have heard the Archbishop lately take a resolution
that he would sign no more reprieves for any of
them. I question whether Bromfield's services ought
to make atonement for his rogueries. I think he
has given evidence against some that were in France,
and he had some allowance given him that passed
through the hands of Nicholas Baker.
I desired Mr. Yard to inform himself from him
what those services were, that his merits and his
crimes may be laid together before the Lords Jus
tices. A little before he was taken up, he got a
warrant from me to apprehend some disaffected
persons in Kent, and in that county it was he com-

170 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE*OF
mitted robberies, and had been likewise upon the
highway before he came to me. I know not whether
this is the first time he has been apprehended. I
find an old town lady has been long a solicitor for
him, and now she says she has been married to
him these eight months. She formerly appeared for
Johnstone, one of the captains of the Scotch regi
ment, when they revolted at the beginning of the
revolution. I had a letter yesterday from Fuller, dated the
3rd inst., from Newcastle. He says he had seen
the contents of my letter to the Mayor of Newcastle,
and that he is wrongfully charged by the malice of
his enemies, and would know his accusers.
I do not think fit to enter into a correspondence
with him, but have desired the Mayor of Newcastle
to let him know, that when he comes to Whitehall,
as he says he intends very shortly, I shall tell him
what he is charged with, and when occasion serves
he may see the proofs of it.
I hear the Princess is now thought out of danger
of miscarrying.
I have lately seen Mr. Montague, and find that
his taking the Auditor's place has been a sudden
thought in him, neither concerted with my Lord
Chancellor, nor was the King ever acquainted with
it. I told him his friends would much less grudge
him this advantage, if it were but consistent with
his being at the head of the Treasury. His answer
was, that he should not be missed there ; Mr. Smith

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 171
being extremely capable of it, and he should give any
assistance that was required. They are both persons
of great deserts, but I can't imagine how the King
will approve of matters being thus ordered to his
hand ; especially if what I hear be true, that my
Lord Godolphin has long since had his eye upon
this place, and obtained a promise of it. But Mr.
Montague looks upon himself already as in posses
sion, and I believe would be very much out of humour
if it should be delayed.
We are still without our Dutch letters.
Mr. Smith has sent me word he has your Grace's
directions to pay your second payment to the sub
scription, and that he will do it by Monday.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Sept. 10, 1698.
We have not our Dutch letters yet, there being
three mails now due.
I had a letter yesterday from my Lord Jersey,
who heard the Nuncio had advice that the King was
grown worse. But he says he is so great a stranger
there, that he knows not what to credit.
The Admiralty sent me yesterday a letter from
Captain Price, commander of the Centurion, dated
at Cadiz, the 5th of August, giving an account that
Comte d'Estree was arrived with his squadron in
the Bay of Bulls, that he was coming to Cadiz, and

172 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the salutes on each side were agreed on, that the
Admiral should salute gun for gun.
Comte Tallard, before he went over, was propos
ing a regulation of salutes here, and he was then
for a distinction between the flags and the castles,
that the latter should return fewer guns, but nothing
was concluded on.
Count d'Estree has with him four three-deck ships
and three-third rates. There are other French
ships sailing from port to port, who make great
caresses to the Spaniards, and tell the governors
every where that they have their master's orders to
comply with any directions they should give them
for the service of his Catholic Majesty.
Two Dutch men-of-war were to come from Cadiz
the 25th of August, and convoy home a great fleet
of merchantmen. I suppose a great part of the
bullion will then be brought away, which our ships
might have had, if Aylmer had been despatched
time enough. He is still at Spithead, detained by
contrary winds.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Sept. 13, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
10th. Colonel Pope may depend upon it, that I
will do whatever I can to prevent any second let-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 173
ters going to Winchester, to the prejudice of Mr.
Brydges, or any other that has a letter already.
I withstood my Lord Scarborough in the summer,
when it was for the advantage of a parliament elec
tion in a favourite case ; and Mr. Smith has been
very pressing for a friend of his, and I am afraid
will be so still. But I think it so unjust and trick
ing, that I could not come up to it, even before I
knew your Grace would be concerned in it.
We have had four posts from Holland since my
last, and one from Spain. I don't doubt but Mr.
Yard sends you the copy of Mr. Stanhope's letter,
which gives an account of the ill condition the King
of Spain was in. I have a letter from my Lord
Jersey of the 10th instant, o. s., who writes it was
reported at Paris that a courier was gone to Com
piegne, with the news of the King of Spain's death.
I don't yet see that this makes any difference in his
Majesty's journey to Zell, which is appointed for
Monday next. Sir Joseph Williamson is sent for
to wait on his Majesty at Arnheim : I suppose it is
about the grand affair, and that he is to be em
ployed in it. He is on his journey, and therefore
I had no letter from him by the Friday's mail.
I hear my Lord Chancellor will be in town to
morrow. Tunbridge grows inhabitable ; and he
thinks of finishing his course in spa waters, either
here, or at Mortlake.]
The next post may tell us what his Majesty says
to the disposal of the auditor's place. If it were

174 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
consistent with the First Commissioner's, his friends
would rather he should have it so, and perhaps his
enemies too, if there might be more to cavil at on
that side. I have spoke to him about Harry Griffith ;
he is well disposed in his favour. But there is no
thing vacant, and when it happens, pretenders are
infinite. A prebend of Worcester fell lately void. I spoke
to the Archbishop, and went to the Bishop of Salis
bury, in behalf of Mr. Vernon, but the Bishop of
Worcester is like to carry it away for his son. God
help this poor man if the rich and the young are all
to be preferred before him.
It is yet uncertain whether the Princess be out of
danger of miscarrying. She fancies she feels the
child stir, but wants the assurance of it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Sept. 15, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
12th. Your Grace will have good time now to go
to the Duke of Richmond's, the Duchess of Ports
mouth being gone from thence. I expect to hear her
clamoured against when the Parliament meets ; and
I do not find the Treasury are in any disposition to
pay her arrears. I do not, therefore, see she will
have any great satisfaction in coming hither.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM 111. 175
I hope this wind will bring us the Dutch mail
to-morrow. There are three things one would be glad
to hear of: — How the King takes the disposal of the
auditors place ; whether his journey holds to Zell,
notwithstanding the advices of the King of Spain's
illness; and what Sir Joseph WiUiamson went to
Arnheim for.
The Treasury Board is now full again ; both Sir
Stephen Fox and Mr. Pelham were there yesterday.
My Lord Chancellor did not come to town yester
day, but is expected this evening. I hear he has
found great benefit by the waters.
Mr. Spence, of the Post-office, is lately dead at
the Bath.
I think there is no hopes that the Princess should
go out her time ; the present care is, that she may
miscarry with safety.
My Lord Lexington goes over with the Friday's
packet-boat to Holland. He intends to wait on the
King to Zell.
I hear the Princess has miscarried this day.
They talk of two troops of my Lord Galway's
regiment of horse, that are put into Plymouth by
stress of weather. I hope they will make no long
stay here, their company not being very grateful.

176 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. 17, 1698.
I saw my Lord Chancellor yesterday morning,
who came the night before from Tunbridge. I
think he looks very well, but he says he found him
self better the first fortnight he drank the waters,
than he has done since. He intends to take the spa
waters. He longed to know how the King took
this sudden disposal of the auditor's place, which he
was as much surprised at as any body. He joins in
your Grace's expedient, and had rather Mr. Mon
tague should have both the places than quit the
Treasury, and does not know the incompatibility of
them. In that case, Mr. Smith would be Chancellor
of the Exchequer.
The Princess miscarried of a male child. Bassier,
the surgeon, opened it, and found nothing defective
or amiss. He supposes it might have been dead
eight or ten days.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. 20, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th. We hear nothing more of the King of Spain ;
and his Majesty has begun his journey this day to
Zell.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 177
Sir Joseph Williamson writes to me from Loop
that he has waited on his Majesty and received his
commands : for what those were he refers me to what
my Lord Portland would write to me by that post ;
but I received no letter from his Lordship. I hope
he did not write, since it would not be fit the letter
should miscarry, and otherwise, I am in no great
impatience to know why Sir Joseph was sent for.
I don't find that Mr. Montague has heard either
from the King or my Lord Albemarle, though he
writ to both ; but Mr. Blathwayte sends him word
that his Majesty does not intend to interpose in the
controversy between the Treasury and my Lord Car
marthen, at least, he would do nothing in it till he
came back. Mr. Blathwayte falls into a supposition
that Kitt Montague being thus provided for, there
will be a vacancy in the Excise, and therefore re
commends his old friend Mr. Parry. Either he
makes the mistake for want of being informed from
hence how the scheme was laid, or other people may
be mistaken, who think Kitt Montague's resignation
may be consented to ; but the former passes for most
current. My Lord Albemarle has sent to my Lord Marl
borough a list of such servants as the King would
have placed about the Duke of Gloucester ; in which
my son is named for one of the grooms of the bed
chamber. Mr. Boscawen is another, and if there be
a third it is Mr. Hill. This gives me an occasion
to repeat my thanks to your Grace for your con-
VOL. II. N

178 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
cerning yourself from the beginning to procure this
advantage for my son, whom I may now look upon
as almost out of my care.
Mr. Sayers, I hear, is made first gentleman of the
bed-chamber to the Duke, and Mr. Stanley and Mr.
Lister, who were the Queen's servants, are appointed
gentlemen ushers. It is a doubt whether Stanley
will accept of it ; he has more mind to stick to the
Lord Chamberlain's office.
He is just come from Althorpe ; he says they
were at first disturbed to hear my Lord Bristol had
left his estate to my Lord Digby. But they are
better pleased with the account they have received
since, that there is no will, but what was made seven
teen years ago ; and then there was so good an un
derstanding between the brother and the sister, that
it is supposed she may inherit.
The news is lately arrived of Colonel Codrington's
death. I hear his son will be put in for that govern
ment ; and perhaps they had better take one that
has his fortunes made, than one that should make
them there.
Here is a rumour, as if the Jacobites were forming
new projects, and that they hold cabals in several
parts. One of them is said to spring from Hamp
shire, conducted by the Higgons. Some of those
brothers, I hear, are lately gone to St. Germains ;
if they be not all on the other side of the water.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 179

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. (no date), 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th. There is no doubt but the number of troops
kept up may be a handle for quarrelling, whenever
any angry gentlemen will make use of it. When it
is trumped up, it will be with a design to lash some
they may envy or disaffect, though they will be in
the wrong to make it a personal charge upon any
one who are in the administration ; since I believe
there are none of them but have done their utmost,
that the intentions of the Parliament should be com
plied with. But as this charge lies still upon the
kingdom, it will be excused or aggravated according
to what shall happen to the King of Spain. If he
be dead (as is most likely) before the meeting of the
Parliament, I hope the King's firmness and foresight
will then be well approved, that he did not suffer the
kingdom to be unprovided against such an occasion.
And if he should be then living, he will be so like a
dead man, and the preparations the French have
made to seize that country will be so visible, that
perhaps it may have the same effects upon those who
shall consider it impartially. The King of Spain
fell into his dangerous fits after the votes were passed
for disbanding the army, and declaring what they
would allow for guards and garrisons. They were
then so sparing, and mindful of their liberty, upon
n 2

180 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
a supposition that the French King would have as
good reasons to keep the peace as he had to make it.
But when this frightful news came, and they saw
the French troops kept up to assert the Spanish suc
cession, it was remarkable that every body grew
cooler, and laid aside the thoughts of bringing in a
bill for disbanding, which they were once hot upon ;
and for the same reason, I suppose, they did not
bring in an appropriating clause to the two million's
bill ; in which they would not have omitted mention
ing the army. And this clause was not brought in
by Mr. Lowndes till Mr. Harley told Mr. Montague
he would offer no appropriating clause to that bill,
as he had done to the poll and the coal acts. I
know of no directions that were given for the framing
this clause, but the Treasury had, for their own
security, inserted a general power for the issuing
such part of that money as should be necessary for
the use of the forces both by land and sea, which
passed without any remark upon it, though it was
well enough understood that it had a regard to a
greater number of troops than they had consented
to. It was likewise observable they contented them
selves with a very slender answer to the address they
had made for a list of the forces to be laid before
them, and rise without having it.
One ought to think the consideration they had of
affairs abroad made them thus passive : however,
that may not hinder, but even some of those gentle
men may endeavour to increase new murmurs for the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 181
non-execution of their former votes, which they let
fall themselves.
If there appears no reason for keeping up this
number, I believe the reducing them will not be
much contested. Perhaps the greatest squabble may
be about some French regiments, which have been
kept, as it were, concealed in Flanders, and all of a
sudden are going for Ireland.
The disbanding of English, to keep up French,
will be doubly ungrateful, and perhaps be improved
to the prejudice of my Lord Gallway, who, I find,
has been liable to a good deal of grumbling of
late.*

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. 24, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
22nd. If the Duke of Bolton be as much out of
humour as has been said, I know not whether I
should be sorry, that he comes a little in your
Grace's way.
If he be not a dissembler, you will know what he
would be driving on this winter ; and if fair reason
ing can make any lasting impressions upon him, he
may happen to be set right again.
I am in doubt how far I can rely upon the infor-
* I have left out the conclusion of this letter, as it contains nothing
but vague speculations in regard to elections ; and have omitted the let
ter which follows, as it contains nothing of impornce.

182 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
mations given me concerning the Higgons, and
some others; the story is told me with some cir
cumstances that are credible, and some that are
incredible. I take it for granted, that the two younger Hig
gons are lately gone over to France. I should be
glad to be satisfied whether the elder brother be not
gone likewise. My author says he has been in town,
but he went into the country within these three or
four days. The discovery pretended to be made is
of some design forming against the King's coming
over, but of what nature does not yet appear. The
Hampshire people I hear named as concerned, are
John Todd, a friend and neighbour of Mr. Higgons,
and one Everett, an inn-keeper at Hartley-row ; but
whether there be any such characters I know not,
nor what their characters are.
George Sayers is not only made under-governor
to the Duke of Gloucester, but is likewise first gen
tleman of the bed-chamber. Perhaps that might
have been designed here for somebody else, and
exception is taken that it is given to any but a
nobleman. The sub-preceptor is Dr. Willis, who was one of
the King's chaplains at the army. He is a very
grave and devout churchman. I know not what
particular qualifications he has for educating a
prince. Dr. Pratt is still his tutor for the Latin
tongue, and Monsieur Persode, who was born at
Frankfort, but studied in France, and is brother-in-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 183
law to Brigaut, is to teach the Duke the French
tongue ; he has no other masters yet, but for writing
and dancing.
They have thoughts of giving Dr. Newton* the
superintendency of instructing him in the mathe
matics ; and to ease him of a constant attendance, a
Scotchman, who is professor at Cambridge.
The Duke is to have three pages, who are sons
to the Earl of Bridgewater, Lord Dursley, and the
Bishop of Salisbury. He hears they are younger
than himself, he wishes they were older, for then he
says he should govern them better.
The Council met yesterday. It was the first
time my Lord Chancellor has been with the Justices
since his coming from Tunbridge.
It was ordered that the next prorogation of Par
liament shall be to the 27th of October.
A report was read from the Council of Trade,
upon a reference made to them to consider of the
price of guineas : they are clear of opinion, that
the currency of guineas at 22s. is a real prejudice
to the nation ; that it prevents the bringing of bul
lion hither, and will, by degrees, carry away what we
have ; and that it alters the course of exchange to
our disadvantage. My Lord Chief Justice was of
opinion, that the law had left a latitude to reduce
the price if it should be necessary, and the restraint
was only against putting of guineas at above 22s.
But other considerations likewise intervened, par-
* Sir Isaac.

184 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ticularly in relation to loans, which will stop all of
a sudden ; and now they flow in upon the appre
hension only, that the value of gold may be altered,
which there is great benefit by towards clearing the
revenue : this point of conveniency prevails at pre
sent for suspending any determination.
We have a Dutch post to-day. I see no more in
it, than that the King is gone to Zell ; and they say
the King of Spain grows rather better. But if they
can't keep off another fit, it is feared he may sink
under it.
Sir Joseph Williamson is not yet come back to
the Hague.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. September 27, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
24th. There is no doubt but two of the Higgons
have been in France, if they are not there still.
One of them only went to St. Germains, and the
other was at Compiegne. I hear Lewis is lately
gone over, who was gentleman of the horse to my
Lord Feversham ; he carried over with him about
twenty horses, that may be for trade or a counten
ance, and he may have other business besides. If
any of his horses fall to King James's share, one
may suspect they are presents.
Sir Joseph Williamson is come back to the Hague :

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 185
it looks as if the business were done, but it is to be
kept a secret still.
I have letters to-day from Paris, of the 4th of
October, n.s. They have it now in their Gazettes
that the King of Spain is better ; that he dresses,
appears publickly, and comes to the cabinet council.
The French court is going to Fontainebleau, and
King James is invited thither. My Lord Jersey
expects to be there likewise ; but he finds them em
barrassed between the old court and the new.
The parliament was this day prorogued again by
writ, to the 27th of October. Some new members
would have been glad to be sworn, but there were
no commissioners to do it ; there were three ap
pointed by my Lord Steward, viz. Earl of Bridge-
water, Sir Harry Goodrick and Mr. Smith. The
two first are out of town, and the other was not
well. The Council should have met to-day, but there
were not Lords enough, so it is put off till Thurs
day. There is a controversy depending at council
between the city and Sir Thomas Montpesson, who
had leave from the King to put up a pair of stairs
on the river, between Hungerford-market and York-
buildings, but the city pulled them down, and being
summoned to answer it, they have hitherto avoided
it under one pretence or other. I don't yet know
whether they intend to appear at all.

186 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 29, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
26th. There is no expectation that the parliament
should meet in October ; perhaps there may be
more than one prorogation before they do.
I shall see my intelligencer to-morrow, if he has
any thing more to say to me.
Fielding writes that there are great suspicions of
something brewing in the North ; he hopes to
arrive at the knowledge of it, but can't do it yet.
They are polling in the city for a mayor ; the
contest lies between Sir Peter Daniel and Sir Francis
Child. There will be no great choice of either of
them : the Bank and the new East India Company
have spoiled Sir Francis for a good Whig.
There has been a seizure of wines lately at Somer
set-house, to the value of 1500/. Some that had
been servants to my Lord Feversham thought they
had found a secure place for smuggling.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 1, 1698.
We have a pretty strange story from Barbadoes,
by a ship lately arrived at Portsmouth. They give

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 187
an account of Mr. Gray's arrival there on the 27th
of July, with the Sandados and Speedwell men-of-
war, in the latter of which a design was laid to seize
the officers and run away with the ship, on a pi
rating voyage to the South Sea. But it was discovered
a fortnight before they reached Barbadoes, and at
their arrival there, twenty-five of the seamen were
brought prisoners ashore ; among the rest, an old
buccaneer, who was the contriver of the project.
They say the same was laid in the Queenborough,
a ship appointed to carry Sir Thomas Day's son to
his government at Bermudas, and they believe that
has taken effect.
It is but a melancholy reflection to find the fleet
infected with this kind of debauchery, which nobody
knows how far it may spread. One may see what
has led them to it, — the long want of pay, and the
abuse in the manner of it ; the ill example set by
the officers, who have defrauded the men of the
shares they should have had of prizes, cheating and
embezzling themselves, and allowing nobody else, at
least not the poor sailors, to be the better for it ; the
corruption and neglect of the governors in the West
Indies, in receiving pirates under their protection,
and sharing with them in the plunder. How the
discipline of the navy will be restored is another
question, and without it our security is gone, and
our sea walls are undermined.
I had a letter last night from my Lord Gallway,
in which he sent the copy of what had been writ to

188 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Colonel Echlin by an unknown hand, giving an ac
count, in general, that something was designed
against the King's person, and they were endea
vouring to get a more particular information.
My intelligencer was with me last night, who
tells me of another meeting Higgons and his friends
have had, but he still makes a very blind story of
something intended which is come to no maturity.
I let him go on his own way.
By what my Lord Jersey writes to your Grace, I
guess he has had some communication of what has
been doing : there is nothing more to be known in
it than what Mr. Montague shewed you, for the
matter would admit of no alteration.
The Messengers, and Poyche, their clerk of the
cheque, are fallen out, so that we are taking their
informations. They charge him with several abuses,
as allowing bills for persons that never waited, on
raising or sinking of bills as he found his account
in it. When the articles are ready, I shall discharge
myself by laying them before the Lords Justices.
I don't hear that the poll is yet over in the city.
Since the quarter has ended, and his Majesty has
not yet thought fit to put you at ease, I know not
how to avoid putting your Grace in mind that Mon
sieur Jurieu will be very soon pressing in behalf of
the correspondents.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 189

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 4, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2d instant, but I can yet make no guess when the
King will be here. I expect he may be at Loo about
this day se'nnight. Monsieur d'Alonne said he
would make but a short stay there before he comes
to the Hague ; others imagine he will keep his
birth day in Holland. Soon after the King returns
to Loo, I suppose we may know what his inten
tions are.
Monsieur Hofman has been with me to make a
compliment from Count d'Aversberg, who was newly
arrived in Holland. He says the Count had been
endeavouring to wait on the Pensioner, but was
surprised to hear that he was not in town, and no
body knew whither he was gone. He took notice of
a great report he met with there, that the business
of Spain was adjusted between the two Kings, but
he pretends to give no credit to it.
The Council met to-day upon the two Irish bills.
Mr. Solicitor opened the nature of them, and they
are referred to the Commissioners of Trade to give
their opinion of them, and see whether any amend
ments are fit to be made in them. Mr. Solicitor
tells me he thinks them so drawn, as if they were
intended to be made effectual.
The Council of Ireland have done their part ; and

190 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
if the Parliament do so too, we shall have nothing
to clamour at on that side this winter.
In their Woollen Bill they lay 4c?. per pound*
upon all broad-cloth exported, and 2rf. upon all other
cloths, except frize, over and above the present duty,
for carrying on the linen manufacture, — each county
is to be charged with three or four hundred pounds
per annum, besides the charge of erecting work
houses. Sir Francis Child is our Lord Mayor elect, he
and Sir Richard Levet being returned to the Court,
and Alderman Daniel lost it by near fifty voices.
Sir Thomas Powys was married on Sunday last
to a daughter of Sir Philip Meadows.
Mr. Hill is lately come over in one of the yachts,
to solicit the payment of some arrears in Flanders.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 6, 1698.
We have an Irish post to-day, which gives an ac
count of the opening of the Sessions there : the
speech made by the Lords Justices is enclosed ; the
marginal notes are to be the heads of the address
voted by the House of Commons. They adjourned
to the Saturday following, and the Lords to Mon
day. Many of the opposing .Lords being absent,
* This was to satisfy the jealousy of the English cloth-workers, and
the wild and extravagant fancies which supplied the place of political
economy in that day.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 191
the rest moved that the call of the House should be
on Monday. However, Mr. Methuen likes the com
plexion of things hitherto ; he finds the country
gentlemen are come to Parliament with very cool
thoughts. The Duke of Ormond is like to be at the
head of the opposing party, who make great court
to him ; he has taken a house over against the Par
liament House, and intends to live with the same
magnificence he did at Kilkenny.
We are like to have a mortal strife between my
Lord Steward and Lord Stamford, about the axe-
bearer of Needwood. My Lord Steward has sent
up a character of him under the gentleman's hands,
that shews him unfit for any trust, much less that
which was always given before to a gentleman. And
my Lord Stamford is tenacious of his right to dispose
of the place, exclusive of the Lieutenancy of the
Forest. When they come to town the matter will
be brought to the Council. I have had occasion to
write twice or thrice to my Lord Stamford, by their
Excellencies' directions, by which I find I have in
curred his displeasure, but I am the less concerned
at it, as I think he is in the wrong throughout.
My Lord Dorset has sold Copthall to the quakers.
What they will do with it I know not, but they have
given him 20,000/. for it, which was more by four
or five thousand pounds than any body else would.
They say my Lady Dillon is betaking herself to
the play-house for her support.
The Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen at-

192 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
tended the Council to-day, upon their pulling down
Sir Thomas Montpesson's water-stairs ; the result
was, that Sir Thomas (is to) go on with erecting his
stairs, and if he be any more molested, that the suit
be defended at the King's charge.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 8, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5 th. My intelligencer has been with me again, and
now he relates a fact which may evince the truth of
his discovery, if it be real. He says the party have
at last agreed upon buying horses, and that they
will do it in several counties for preventing sus
picion. They intend twenty or thirty horses shall
be bought in Hampshire, and that he and one John
son are employed about it. He says they are to
receive the money for it from Mr. Plowden, who lives
within three miles of Basingstoke, whose son has
been at several of their meetings, and that they
are to go down to Hampshire about it. I take in
writing all he says, but before I can give entire
credit to it, I desire to see some more evident proof.
I can't well imagine how those who are now pri
soners in Newgate for smuggling, can carry on any
material correspondences, or what great occasion
there should be for them, now the peace has laid the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 193
coast open, and all sorts of people go freely back
ward and forward.
I hear from Calais of priests coming over every
day, and here they got into the herd, so that it is
hard to distinguish them. I think some means or
another should be thought on to restrain the liberty
they take.
We have discovered lately some counterfeit malt
tickets, and have seized one Carter, who was prin
cipally concerned in putting them off. I hear
Chaloner is the person who engraved the plate. I
think the mischief, however, is prevented; there have
not been above ten or twelve given out, and we know
where they are.
We have no letters from Paris or Holland.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 11, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
8th. If you are unalterable in your resolutions of
resigning, and the King expects you should do it in
person, I hope you will find but little inconvenience
by it. The letters we had yesterday tells us that
the King was to go to Zell from Goar, and would
begin his journey this way to-morrow, so that I
suppose he will be at Loo about Friday next.
Mr. Brian, who is lately come from Holland,
reports that the King will not pass the seas till the
VOL. II. o

194 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
first light nights in November. He mentions like
wise another thing, that it is believed in Holland
the adjustment was made at Loo about the Spanish
succession. That Comte Tallard and Sir Joseph
Williamson, were shut up with the King seven or
eight hours, and the Pensioner went very soon after
to confer with Mr. Dytevelt, in Flanders.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Oct. 13, 1698.
I received yesterday the honour of two of your
Grace's letters of the 10th. I have not seen my
intelligencer since ; I do not expect him till to
morrow ; but if he makes out his story of buying
horses, more than ordinary care must be used to find
out the rest of his discovery.
We had letters yesterday from Ireland of the 6th.
I perceive the further they go on, greater difficulties
are like to appear. The speech was taken into con
sideration the day before, and it was expected the
House would have passed a general vote for a supply ;
but instead thereof, they fall into a general debate
about laying a duty on the woollen manufacture, in
which, as they pretend, to give satisfaction to Eng
land, that they will not injure the woollen trade here ;
so it looks as if they were maintaining the point
that the heads of a bill for supplies should arise from

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 195
them. It seems yet uncertain whether they will
make this a distinct bill, or join it with the other
parts of the supplies. The house was to go into a
committee on Saturday last, when these matters were
further to be debated. They expected there would
be a fuller house within a few days, and then they
should be able to make a judgment of the success
of the sessions, which seems but doubtful at present.
They are aiming again at the Habeas Corpus Bill,
having appointed a committee to prepare and bring
in heads of a bill for preservation of the liberty of
the subject.
I hear the Lords Justices of Ireland have writ to
their Excellencies here, to acquaint them what the
Commons are driving at by their Woollen Bill, and
think they desire to receive directions from hence
how they are to behave themselves, if such bills be
brought them. This seems to be a very strange
step, and I suppose will not be much approved of
here. The Council have met to-day, and dispatched both
the Irish bills, which are ordered to be forthwith
engrossed, and sent away with all diligence. The
Council of Trade did not make their report about
the duty that ought to be laid on Irish cloths and
stuffs, to bring them on a par with the English ma
nufacture. I hear they had almost finished it when
the Council were about to rise ; but as the case
stands at present, it seems much the best way to let
them have their Woollen Bill, as they sent it, since
o 2

196 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
they are not likely to pass it, as it had been prepared
there ; and it would not be fit to give them a handle
to lay the rejecting it upon any alterations that
should be made here.
The Council have approved of a proclamation
against forestallers of markets, which are described
over again, as they are in several statutes ; and the
justices of peace will be required, by particular
letters from the Council, to the several Custors,
that the laws in these cases be put in execution.
Mr. Norris was chosen Ambassador to the Mogul
by the Directors of the East India Company on
Tuesday last : there were three others in nomination
with him, viz.: Lord Howard of Escrick, Mr.
Duncomb, and Mr. Oxenden, one who had lived in
India. The number was that day reduced by the
ballot to two, viz. : Mr. Norris and Lord Howard ;
the latter would not have come so near it, but that
Norris's friends chose to give their voices to him as
the less dangerous competitor, for the next day
Norris had 17 voices, and his lordship only 5,
whereas he had 13 the day before.
Mr. Norris was proposed this day to the Lords
Justices, who like very well of him, and will send
to his Majesty for his approbation, as also to know
his Majesty's pleasure about complying with the
Company in their desires, that the Ambassador may
go in one of the men-of-war, which is ordered to
India tor the suppression of pirates.
I believe the Earl of Berkeley is now dead. My

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 197
Lord Dursley told me in the morning he lay a dying.
I do not find this will make any alteration in his
lordship's going to Turkey.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Oct. IS, 1698.
I had a letter from Prior yesterday of the 18th,
n. s. My Lord Jersey had received no answer to
the letter he had writ for directions about his going
to Fontainbleau, and therefore he was still at Paris,
and happens to be the only minister that is not at
court. In the meantime, he hears that King James and
his Queen are highly caressed at Fontainbleau ; that
the chief court was made to Queen Mary, every
body being at her toilet in the morning ; that the
King of France comes thither to lead her to chapel ;
that at meals the Queen is placed between the two
Kings at the upper end of the table, and equal marks
of distinction and sovereignty are paid to all three,
and a boire pour le Roi d' Angleterre, ou, pour la
Reine, is spoke out as loud, and with as much cere
mony, as for the King of France.
I believe my Lord Jersey is a little mortified at
the figure he is obliged to make there. I think he
has done himself no great right in the choice of his
house, which I hear is towards theMarais du Temple.

198 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
It is a very remote quarter, if he has no particular
reasons for it.
There is nothing said of the King of Spain,
therefore I suppose he is not thought to be in any
great danger.
Perhaps the French think the reason is ceased
for magnifying it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
18th October, 1698.
######
* I have got Chaloner at last, who is at his old
play of recriminating, and he turns it upon his
accusers that they made the plate ; and he makes it
a merit in himself that he kept it from them, so
as they could not do all the mischief they intended.
It is certain I have now a parcel of rogues in my
hands, who are the most notorious that ever were
for coining, clipping, forging, counterfeiting, and all
manner of villainy, and yet they are such intriguing
crafty knaves, that I fear they will all escape. Davis
and Carter, who accuse Chaloner, happen both to
have been pilloried upon Chaloner's evidence, in the
Bank business. The King's Council are to meet at
the Treasury on Thursday, to consider what is to be
done with them. * A part of this letter omitted.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 199
I have yet a greater difficulty upon my hands,
which I wish I could see the end of. Sir William
Jennings has been making some overtures of late,
about his coming over from France, pretending he
had information to give that might be of use to the
publick. The King having been acquainted with
it, directed that he should make his discovery, and
then he would consider whether he should have leave
to come over.
This message has been carried him both by his
wife and his son ; but both brought back answers he
would be in possession of his pardon first. About a
month ago his son desired he might make another
trial. In the meantime, his former journey being
taken notice of, orders were given to secure him, if
he were found again in France.
However he got to his father ; and perceiving how
the case stood, that either he or his father, or both
of them, must be sacrificed, he said so much to Sir
William of his own head, and gave him such as
surances of his being safe here, that he prevailed on
him to come over with him by the way of Ostend,
and here they arrived last night.
Sir William came to me privately, and when I
heard his story, which I found to be no great matter,
and rather conjectures than any thing else, I asked
him how he ventured to come over.
He told me what assurances his son had given him
in mv name. I said I would undeceive him in that
particular ; that nothing of this was done either by

200 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
my order or privity ; and I went to call his son in,
who was in the next room, but overheard the dis
course, ran away, and has not appeared since.
I told Sir William what was my part to do, and
put him under the custody of a messenger, to be
secured till his Majesty's pleasure be known ; and
have likewise acquainted my Lord Chancellor with
what had passed.
The more I reflect on this affair I am in greater
perplexity about it. I have some pity for an old
man that I see trepanned into danger by his own
son ; and that my name has been made use of, when
I was far from giving any authority for it, and was
better apprised of the law that I could not do it, if I
would. On the other hand, I cannot but have a
little remembrance of the good-nature of our country
men, who may dress up this event in what shape
they please.
We have Dutch letters to-day, which tell us the
King came to Loo on Thursday last ; that he was
expecting the Duke of Bavaria, who was to stay with
him three or four days, and after that he would be
preparing for his return to England.
I suppose, however, he will not come till the light
nights in November. The King has left it to the
Lords Justices to consider of the proper time of the
Parliament meeting, which I believe will be fixed in
the first week of December.
My Lord Montague gave me the inclosed for my
Lord Marlborough. It was brought him to-day by

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 201
the door-keeper, while he was at the Council, and he
opened it, as taking it for a letter directed to him
self. He says he found the mistake before he had
read any part of it, and my Lord Chancellor saw him
seal it up immediately ; then it was he gave it me.
Your Grace may please to tell my Lord Marl
borough that the cause of Eastlow came on to-day.
The issue was, that not only the smugglers are
ordered to be prosecuted, but likewise the magis
trates, for publishing an order, the intent whereof
is to discourage the discoverers.
His Lordship will understand by it that the Bishop
of Exeter will no more forgive the absent than those
that were present at this judgment.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. October 20, 1698.
I had a letter from my Lord Jersey yesterday.
He was thinking to go to Fontainbleau, but hearing
that King James was come away from thence, he
has altered his mind, lest it should be thought he
forbore going there on his account.
He says these journies give King James great
opportunities of seeing young English travellers, and
he affects shewing civility to them.

202 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 22, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
19th, and was glad to see a letter from Fuller's
friends, who begin now to get the better of the
charm, and to come out of their delusion, though
they are still in doubt whom they should give most
credit to, whether to Fuller or me. But their ap
pealing to your Grace will, I hope, undeceive them,
if they are capable of recovery. I see they suspect
me because I did not hit immediately upon Fuller's
designs in his transactions with them. I thought
all cheats were framed for picking men's pockets.
It seems he was coming to that by degrees ; and in
the meantime, I suppose he has pointed out me for
a jacobite as would rather protect the enemies of
the government, than have them discovered.
I thought it best, therefore, to forbear writing
myself on this occasion, lest it may have no other
effect than my former letters had. But Mr. Yard
and I have agreed in what manner he shall write to
the Mayor of Newcastle, in your Grace's name, and
by your command, and he will send a copy only of
these gentlemen's letter, by which they will suf
ficiently understand that their letter has been de
livered, and one does not know what occasion there
may be for keeping the original. If these men are
not strangely infatuated, upon seeing Mr. Yard's

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 203
letter they will be ingenuous with the Mayor, and
tell him all the impostures Fuller would have put
upon them.
In which case the Mayor would do but his duty,
if he followed the advice and direction I gave him,
that he should secure Fuller if he met with any in
formations against him upon oath, that he had abused
his Majesty's subjects upon false pretences of his
being employed by persons in authority ; and as I
see occasion hereafter, I shall give the Mayor the
same advice.
My intelligencer begins now to be more particular.
He was with me on Thursday night, and tells me
that the party had provided sixty horses ; that some
were dispersed about in Kent, and some in town in
horse-courser's hands, which is no good topic of
conversation. That they had engaged an innkeeper
of Canterbury, and had paid in 1,100/. of the sub
scription money ; that they had their men ready to
mount their horses, and talked of having twenty foot.
He promises a list of the men, but does not know
where they are to be found. I am amazed at the
mixture I find in this discovery, that a man should
be admitted into such a secret, be present at all their
meetings, and yet know things so imperfectly.
But whatever is in it must now come to light. If
they have such a design, they cannot delay putting
all their preparations in a readiness, and I must
perform my part to secure as many of them as I can,
before the King's coming over.
I cannot but consider that as the discovery of a

204 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
real plot is the best of services, so it may have a
very ill effect in a new Parliament, if for want of
proof, they should think one has been hatching a
sham plot only to amuse them, and for bye purposes.
I cannot avoid, therefore, allowing a little more
time to let this matter ripen, and I wish it may be
made out satisfactorily at last.
I told my intelligencer that one of the Higgons
was come over in the last packet boat from Calais.
I found he had heard nothing of it; but promised
to bring me an account of what he has been doing
at St. Germains.
I see no occasion for inquiring after Sir Nicholas
Steward. He was only mentioned as having a
relation in Holland.
What the Oxfordshire gentlemen told your (Trace,
one does accidentally meet with from other hands.
I believe I shall take up a non-juring parson
to-day, who deals in policies of insurance upon King
James's restoration. He pays a guinea to receive
fifty, if King James, or his Son, be restored on the
throne, by Michaelmas next.* And I hear from
Calais, that Major Bosier is arrived there, who
belongs to the Duke of Berwick.
He talks of a rumour he has heard of a fresh
design against the King; but pretended to detest
any such villainy.
I wish they had told me at the same time, for
what reasons he came thither.
* It would seem almost a pity to arrest such a man, for he made it the
interest of every one to whom he paid his guinea, to keep King James
away.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 205

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Oct. 25, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
22nd. What you would have done with the letter
about Fuller, I hope has been pretty punctually
observed. I find he has already shifted his quarters, and
would not stay to hear his character. I had a letter
from him last night by the penny post, whereof the
inclosed is a copy. He is now changing his battery,
and thinks, by threats, to make me employ him ;
but I will stand his shock. This is such a rogue,
that it is a shame to a government where he walks
at liberty.
Sir William Jennings was taken so ill on Saturday
night, that the messenger thought he would have
died. I have sent Dr. Hutton to him, who has set
him up again. He brought a great cold over with
him, and being old, fat, and close confined, he was
almost stifled. I wish my Lord Marlborough would
concern himself for him. It would be hard that a
man should suffer, who was foolishly brought over
by his son. The King has had an account of every
step of this matter just as it passed ; but I suppose
he will give no directions till he comes over. Mr.
Blathwayte writes that will not be so soon as we
expected, for the King thought of staying till the

206 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
20th of the next month, unless he altered his mind
upon what the Lords Justices should write to him
about the time the Parliament ought to meet.
We had letters from Ireland yesterday of the 15th,
which gave an account that matters are much mended
there. The day the house was to go into a com
mittee upon the quantum of supply, a debate was
designedly started, and vehemently pursued, that an
address should be made for disbanding the French
regiments, which yet was carried in the negative by
101 against 72.
After that, the same party opposed the going into
a committee that day ; but that was carried in the
affirmative by L05 against 55 ; and before they rose,
they voted the total of what had been demanded,
viz. : 138,000/, and some odd money.
This resolution being reported, the 15 was carried
by 98 against 64 ; and would have been carried by
a greater majority, but that several were absent
upon assurances there would be no opposition made
to the report.
But the difficulty still remains about the Woollen
Bill, as I find by the pains Mr. Methuen takes to
convince me, that the Linen Bill is, to all intents and
purposes, as much a money bill as the other. I per
ceive there are two things apprehended, one is from
England, that they shall be reflected on for giving
up a bill which is looked upon as the only money
bill ; the other is the defection of their friends in

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 207
Ireland, many of whom cannot be brought to approve
of the Woollen Bill. And yet he maintains it is not
on account of the sole right ; but that I must con
fess I do not understand, and I think they do not
enough consider the risk they run the other way.
If the Parliament of Ireland should lay aside this,
and frame no Woollen Bill, it would lie hard on the
Justices and Chancellor, that they had no regard to
the addresses of the Parliament here, which were
sent them by the King's directions.
If the Parliament prepares such a bill, I suppose
they will not lay the duty higher than in the other
bill ; and if they put it lower, it will certainly be
rejected here, and I question whether they will pass
it with the same duty. The Commissioners of Trade
having made their report, since the bill was approved
of, that the duty ought to be 40 per cent, to bring
it to a par.
So that, for avoiding any displeasure about the
sole right, which few in comparison understand, they
may open the mouths of the nation against them for
giving away their trade.
I am of opinion, that if the Irish considered their
interest in this matter, they would pass the Woollen
Bill as it went from hence, for they will never have
so good a bargain of it again ; and it would not
have passed so now, but for the advices that just
then came about their making a bill for themselves.
The bill for the preservation of the King's person
is like to have no better fortune than it had the last

208 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
sessions. It being referred to a committee, the
article men * were allowed to be heard by counsel
against that clause of it which enjoins the oaths,
and prescribes the penalties. It was carried at the
committee by ten to leave out the paragraph. If the
house agree to it, there is an end of the bill, and we
shall be rid of the zealous foreign ministers' im
portunities, who cry out against that clause as the
very firebrand of persecution. t
I have seen my Lord Marlborough, and told him
what has happened to Sir William Jennings.
What Mr. Blathwayte writes to me about the
affairs of Ireland is, that his Majesty had signified
his pleasure to the Lords Justices concerning the
unreasonable pretensions of those in Ireland, his
Majesty being unwilling to recede from so un
doubted a right, which those gentlemen are calling
in question.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Oct. 29, 1698.
# # # # #
$ They write from Loo, that Monsieur d'Alonne
is made Dutch Secretary, and has got Monsieur
* Persons affected by the articles of Limerick.
t A part wanting.
J The commencement wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 209
Zalecherie's place. I must needs say this is not
what I expected, that a place which my Lord Albe
marle had executed so long, should be given to a
creature of my Lord Portland.*
I suppose it must cost the King something con
siderable to set the balance even.
I have just now a letter from Mr. Prior of the
26th inst. o. s. He says my Lord Jersey went for
Loo on Saturday last, the King having sent for him ;
but first he went to Fontainebleau, and desired a
private audience of the King, the same night, which
Monsieur de Torcy was much surprised at when
Mr. Prior first told him of it, and would have made
so sudden an audience impracticable, pretending the
King was in strict devotions, being to receive the
communion next day. But he was better satisfied
when my Lord Jersey let him know he was pressed
to go to Holland, so that at ten that night he had
his audience, and came back with abundance of
assurances of the King's resolutions to keep the
peace. He adds, there is a flying report as if the
Court of St. Germains were to remove to Chambord,
but he knows not what ground there is for it.

* Albemarle had by this time completely superseded Portland in the
King's favour, though not in his esteem ; and through the rest of Wil
liam's life, we find traces of the struggle in his mind to do justice to
Bentinck, while he favoured Keppel

VOL. II.

210 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 8, 1698.
I have acquainted your Grace with the methods
I was obliged to take with my informer Paul Ro
binson. Messengers have been employed ever since
Saturday to find out the persons he mentioned,
according to his own directions ; but of above twenty
he had named, not one was found in the places where
he said they lived, and his excuse is, that he had
never been at any of their houses ; but Johnson, one
of their club, had told him where they lived, and
yet this Johnson is no more to be found than any of
the rest. However, I have taken three of the per
sons named, viz. : Davis, who was known to Chancey
the messenger, as a friend of George Higgons. I
have examined him, who says he remembered Robin
son when he was a servant for Higgons, but he had
not seen him these six months ; and he positively
denied that he knew any of the rest of the club,
except Mr. Higgons, whom he had not seen these
six weeks.
The other two taken up, are Mr. Davenport, a
gentleman of an estate at Brentford, and Sir Richard
Danton, who formerly lived at Isleworth ; but I hear
he hath been several months with Mr. Conyers, the
lawyer, who is a member of Parliament. I would
not examine these, or any more if they can be found,
but reserved them for the Lords Justices.
Having informed my Lord Chancellor on Sunday

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 211
last of my proceedings, I laid the matter this morn
ing before all the Lords Justices, who, having heard
the several informations read, that Robinson had
sworn to, he was sent for in, and owned all he had
sworn to be true ; but my Lord Chancellor examin
ing him upon particulars, he had forgot many of the
names he had told me of, at his first coming to me,
and denied that he knew any such persons ; and he
gave such a stammering account of what had passed,
that I think there is little doubt left but he has been
forging a plot, though I cannot imagine what he
should propose to himself by it. The best of his
plea was an impudent assertion, that if it were not
for our impatience, they might all have been seized
at the club together, and that he offered to contrive
it so. That latter part is true enough ; but he never
thought of it till he found I would not part with him.
Their Excellencies are well satisfied that I staid as
long as such a business was fit to be ventured.
The examining him took up so much time, that
their Excellencies have deferred till to-morrow to
confront him with the persons taken up, and by that
time I shall have more of them. I believe they will
go to the bottom of it, for it is pretty well known
how glad the Duke of Bolton is when he hears
any thing against the Higgons. So that he would
never let go a plot wherein they were named any
how ; but I suppose this will be made so foul, that
nobody will care much to meddle with it, and if
there be any thing in it, all will be done to his hand.
p 2

212 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 10, 1698.
The Lords Justices spent four or five hours in
examining Paul Robinson, and confronting him with
the persons who had been taken up on his account.
Their names are Lady Smith, of Isleworth; Sir
Richard Danton, who formerly lived at Isleworth,
but removed from thence, a twelvemonth since, to
Mr. Conyer's, in Essex ; Mr. Davenport, who lives
beyond Brentford, near Sion House, the master of
the Bell Inn, at Isleworth ; Simmonds, that keeps
the Pope's Head Tavern, in Lombard-street, at
whose houses Robinson informed the clubs had been
kept; Captain Evans, of Blackheath, and one Davies.
These were all the persons that could be found, or
any way heard of, of the great number he had named.
He had sworn there was a meeting at the Bell in
Isleworth, about the beginning of October, where
he saw the persons then present subscribe some
100/., some 200/., for carrying on King James's
service. Those he named were my Lady Smith,
Lord Brudenell, Sir Richard Danton, Mr. Daven
port, and Samuel Smith, a son of my Lady Smith.
I asked him at the beginning whether he did not
know my Lord Brudenell was dead ; then he said
it was one very like him : they called him my Lord,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 213
and he signed L. B. for Lord Brudenell. When
he was confronted severally with the rest, he said,
those were not the persons mentioned in his papers.
He knew them all very well, he had been bred up
by Mr. Davenport, and lived with him seven years.
The persons he had deposed against he had never
seen any where but at the clubs, only he stood out
against Evans and Davies, that they had been at all
the meetings he mentioned. One of them was at
Evans's house at Blackheath. But Evans denies to
have seen him above once since they were in the
gate-house together for the last plot, and then he
met him accidentally in the street ; Robinson charg
ing him positively that he was at the Pope's Head
on Friday last, that being within memory. Evans
has undertaken to prove that he did not stir from
Blackheath all that day, and the like charge being
against Davies, he says he can prove his being else
where at that time, and denies to have seen Robin
son these six months.
Robinson said he had seen Simmonds, who keeps
the Pope's Head, three or four times at the meet
ings that were there, and he will prove that he hath
been at the Bath all the time, and did not return till
Friday last. The master of the Bell denies that
any of the persons named were ever at his house,
so all were discharged except Evans and Davies, and
Robinson is continued in close custodv.*
* # # * #
A part wanting.

214 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 12, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
9th, and think I have escaped very well with my
discoverer, by securing him before he left me in
the lurch.
The Lords Justices sent for him yesterday, to let
him understand how palpable his perjuries were, and
to give an opportunity, if he would be ingenuous
enough, to declare how he came to commit such a
villany ; whether his necessities had prompted him
to it, and whether he had any advisers or assisters
in it. At first he would have gone on in his
old impudence, and said, if he had but two or three
days time allowed him for the apprehending two
men named Flint and Warrener, they would tell
where Johnson might be met with, and then the
truth would appear ; but questions being put to him
about those two men, he gave such contradictions,
and nonsensical accounts, that it was a further con
firmation the fellow was not capable of speaking one
word of truth.
After some pressing, he came out with it very
sheepishly, that his necessities had put him upon
the project of accusing, for want of the money that
was owing to him, partly from Higgons, and partly
from others ; that nobody had advised him to do it,
and he had communicated it to nobody ; that he
never expected to appear face to face with the per-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM in. 215
sons he had accused, resolving to get out of the way
as soon as he had spoke to me once more. This
came from him stupidly, and without remorse or any
sense of the heinousness of his crime, only he thought
he was bewitched. Their Excellencies have ordered
that he be speedily prosecuted, and in the most
exemplary manner. Accordingly, I committed him
last night to Newgate for a conspiracy against the
lives of his Majesty's subjects, by falsely accusing
them, upon an oath, of high treason, in compassing
or imagining the death and destruction of the King.
Mr. Attorney will file an information against him
this term.
I am hardly out of my fright yet, when I consider
the precipice I stood upon so long ; for if he had
given me the slip, he had left me such a load, that
I know not how I should have stood under it.
I know not whether I have not such another dis
covery made me this evening. A Scotchman tells
me, that one of his countrymen hath imparted to
him a design of attacking the King, only with seven
or eight, with short blunderbusses under their coats,
and he was pressed to be concerned, and ran a great
risk in it. But it seems he met his man acciden
tally, and parted with him again, so he knows his
name only, and not his place of abode.*
* Shortly after this letter was written, Shrewsbury visited London,
induced to do so partly by the urgent requests of Wharton and Mon
tague, partly by the hope of meeting the King on his return, and
resigning the seals, and partly by the hope of receiving relief from the
advice of some new physician who had been strongly recommended to
him. He was rather injured, however, than restored by the experiment,
and had returned to Eyford before the 25th of the same month.

216 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 29, 1698.
I hope that your Grace got well to Eyford, and
that your illness is going off. We have now an
easterly wind, and may expect to hear of his Majesty's
landing on Thursday or Friday next. It might
otherwise have happened, that some of the members
would be going home again, as not expecting there
would be a session before Christmas. There is a
great appearance of members in town, and strong
caballing about the Speaker. Some have printed a
paper against Sir Thomas Littleton and Sir Edward
Seymour, that one is a courtier, and the other would
be one if he were employed again.
We have likewise a new pamphlet come out
against a standing army, as is supposed from the
same club. It is not writ with the same spirit as
the last, but all is heaped up they could think of,
both for decrying the army and the ministry. I send
your Grace the papers for your entertainment. .
The easterly winds have sent me back Sir William
Jennings. He writ me a letter yesterday from Deal,
to let me know how near he was to have been cast
away ; but that he would venture it again as soon
as the wind changed. It will concern him, for he
will run no less danger ashore, as well from his debts
as from the law, his creditors having of late been
very inquisitive after him.
It was whispered about this morning, as if the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 217
party would set up Sir Christopher Musgrave for
Speaker, and that Seymour and Granville would
join in it. He is not yet come to town, but they say
he is on the way. I hardly believe he would under
take it if it were less doubtful ; but they compute
there are 284 that may be depended on for Sir
Thomas Littleton.
We have letters this day from Ireland, but no
bills yet. I enclose a copy of Mr. Methuen's letter,
which gives an account of the heats and confusions
they are in. I suppose we are least to have only a
show of supply from there. Having a concern upon
me in relation to the public, I can't forbear trou
bling your Grace with it. I have endeavoured to
recommend Mr. Hopkins to the Lords of the Trea
sury for a small employment in the Custom-house,
as an addition to his place in the office, which is
scarce a sufficient encouragement of itself for the
attendance required. I found a very great coldness
in Mr. Montague and Mr. Smith, and I understand
by Sir Thomas Littleton (who is a great friend of
Mr. Hopkins), that it arises from a jealousy they
have of me,* as if I were neither their friend, nor
cared for the party. They would have him believe
* This jealousy was of some standing, though Vernon did not know
it. In the first place, he had been the man to suggest Methuen for the
Irish Chancery, and that gentleman, to use the expression applied to him
by Lord Somers, was " equally the aversion of Whigs and Tories." In
the next place, by the influence of Sunderland, one great object of enmity
to the existing Cabinet, he had been put into the office of Secretary to the
exclusion of Wharton. So strong was this jealousy, that Lord Somers
endeavoured, in a letter of 16th August, to prejudice Shrewsbury him
self in regard to Vernon, or rather to shake his confidence in the dis
cretion, if not the fidelity, of his long tried friend.

218 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
that if the King is not for his being Speaker, I
must be the man to turn him, since they shall all
give their opinions for him ; and a further ground
of jealousy is, that I am a friend to Methuen. Since
these gentlemen are pleased to have so ill opinion of
me, I am glad they have no worse cause to assign ;
for the first I am sure they are wholly mistaken in,
Sir Thomas Littleton being as sure of me as he is of
himself, he making no difficulty to own that he would
not be put up for Speaker if the King did not approve
of it. And at a meeting one day at Mr. Montague's
upon this occasion, I not only asked Sir Thomas
whether he were resolved to be in the house that
day, for I thought the resolutions of others would
depend upon it ; but I am sure I have laboured as
sincerely as any body, to dispose all I could towards
making this choice, and have had no doubts but it
would be at the King's good liking. As to Mr.
Methuen, I have no particular reasons to be either
his friend or his enemy, as I told Sir Thomas ; but
that I had a natural compassion for any one that I
saw marked out for ruin, and did not know how soon
it might be my own case. I was sensible what a
disadvantageous character people lay under, who are
said to be recommended by my Lord Sunderland;
and I wished people would make more candid judge
ments, or otherwise I know not how far it would go,
since there are but few now in employment, that had
not his help in obtaining them, at least, he pretend
ing that they owe him that obligation. I see no
reason why any one should be angry with me on

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 219
either of those accounts; I know myself unfit to
give the King advice, and therefore I shall never
presume to offer it. I am as sensible it is not in my
power to do any man a service, I know not therefore
why I should suffer on that account. I cannot but
have perceived that I was disagreeable from the
beginning, which I do not wonder at, and therefore
laboured all I could not to come into this post, and
am still ready to go out of it. I always feared it
would be ruinous, as making me incapable to get
bread any other way; but that I think is hard, and
what I have no way deserved. Sir Thomas Littleton
being so kind to me as to give me this account this
morning, I told him I would speak to the Lord
Chancellor about it, who, though he was more their
friend than mine, I knew would judge equitably and
with candour. I thought he would either cure those
gentlemen of their fancies, or give me his assist
ance, that I may go off without any noise, and give
no obstruction to the public business, which is un
avoidable when managers are out of humour. Sir
Thomas approves of it, and intends to speak like
wise to my Lord Chancellor himself. I wish they
may be easy any way, and meet with no greater
disturbance than my behaviour gives them.
Paul Robinson has pleaded guilty to the informa
tion brought against him ; the sentencing is put off
to the next term. Mr. Attorney not expecting this
plea, was not prepared to open the nature and extent
of his crimes.

220 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 1, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
26th November. I am sorry you find yourself no
better since your coming into the country. 1 hope
a little rest, and good open weather, will put you
into the condition you were in before you took your
journey. I have not heard of Fuller since he left New
castle, and know not what is become of him. If it
be the Newcastle men he hath cheated, there is a
good deal of their own fault, for they have had
warning enough, and made a very ridiculous use of
it. If I hear again of this fellow, and find sufficient
proof against him, I shall not stick to get him
prosecuted. r
I waited on my Lord Chancellor yesterday, as I
acquainted your Grace I would. He told me he
was surprised to hear the account I gave him, and
endeavoured to soften it several ways. He did not
think there was so much in it as Sir Thomas Lit
tleton reported, who, he said, was a very honest
man ; but it was his way to add something of his
own. He did not disown but he had heard last
winter that it was taken notice of, as if there was a
more than ordinary familiarity between the Speaker,
Mr. Harley, and myself ; but that he had told them

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 221
there was no umbrage to be taken at it, for if the
King had a mind to send any message to either of
them, he would not want ways of doing it, and they
ought to be better satisfied that it was done by me
than Mr. Guy. I thanked his lordship for the can
dour of his interpretation, but I scarce remembered
that I was ever employed in any such messages. I
had occasion to say some very indifferent things to
the Speaker, but it was not my way to be repeating
them again to others, and I did not know I had given
so much jealousy as to make it necessary. I remem
ber Mr. Harley would now and then take the
humour of sitting by me in jest, and said he did it
to blast my reputation. I did not think he was so
near speaking truth. He employed me once to get
a friend of his excused from being Sheriff in Wales,
and another to be put into his place, whom I sup
pose he had greater reliance upon. The King was
inclined to do it, but Mr. Montague took it up so
warmly, that he was removed, and yet they recom
mended one that Mr. Harley was more satisfied
with. My Lord Chancellor told me he would be my
compurgator as to Sir Thomas Littleton, and thought
these jealousies more fit to be removed, and asked
me whether I would propose any thing he could do
in it. But that I declined, and only said in general
that I knew the worth and usefulness of those two
gentlemen, I should always preserve an esteem and

222. LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
respect for them ; but I wished they would be a
little kinder to their friends, and less severe in the
censures. But if other suspicions were spread
further, and others had the same jealousies of me,
my being in this post would be but an obstruction
to the public business. I should be very well con
tented to retire, and make room for any more agree
able to them. I had told his Lordship, that Sir
Thomas Littleton intended himself to give him an
account of this affair, which he laid hold of, and
said he would speak to Sir Thomas Littleton, and
then consider what he would say to these gentlemen.
I shall be sorry if I have put too great a difficulty
upon his Lordship ; but I thought I was not to sit
still under such undeserved suspicions, and I could
not make it known in a softer manner. If these
jealousies can be removed, one may live easier softie
time longer. If the attempt does only provoke these
gentlemen's resentments, I know my Lord Chan
cellor must be on their side ; and nobody (myself
not excepted), would advise him otherwise; but then
I hope I shall have my ease some other way. I am
prepared for all events ; ruin may fall upon me, but
it shall not surprise me.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 223

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 6, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd, and am very sensible of the favour done me by
your writing to my Lord Chancellor. I hope it may
keep some gentlemen from relapses. But the pre
sent disgust was accommodated yesterday morning.
By this accident I waited for the King's coming to
Kensington on Sunday night, which was about
eleven o'clock, and I think I was the only person
he then spoke to about business, though my Lord
of Canterbury, Lord Privy Seal, and the Earl of
Marlborough were there also, but the King bid me
stay till after he had supped, and the rest went away.
He then asking me how it stood as to the Speaker,
I gave him the best account of it I could, both as to
the prospect there was of Sir Thomas Littleton's
carrying it, and how the other party were divided
whom they should choose, and I added what I
thought proper concerning Sir Thomas Littleton's
fitness for the place, and his deference to his
Majesty's pleasure. I found the King very inclin
able to him, and disposed to do whatever should be
most advisable as to the Parliaments sitting on
Tuesday or not. His Majesty had before appointed
the Cabinet Council to meet, in order to consider
whether there should be a further prorogation. Upon

224 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
this I went yesterday morning to my Lord Chan
cellor, and told him what had passed, and offered it
as my opinion that the Parliament should not be put
off, since I found our friends against delays. I
perceived his Lordship was entirely of that mind,
and desired me to find out my Lord Orford and
Lord Wharton, to know their sentiments. I met
with them at Kensington together with Mr. Mon
tague, Mr. Smith, and Sir Thomas Littleton. They
had been talking together of the same thing, and
only Mr. Smith backward, who feared it would be
looked upon as a trick, that the prorogation resolved
only at the Council on Saturday should be super
seded. But upon further discoursing the matter,
they all agreed it was best the Parliament should
meet next day. My Lord Chancellor came soon
after, and was half an hour with the King in his
closet. When the Cabinet met, his Lordship ac
quainted the King what was done on Saturday, but
that the advice came of his Majesty's arrival before
the writ was sealed, so that act was void, and either
the Parliament must meet, or the Council be sum
moned to order a new writ. As to the conveniency
of this meeting, it was referred to those that were
members of the House of Commons, and Mr. Mon
tague and myself giving an opinion for it, it was re
solved the Parliament should meet next day ; that at
that time directions only should be given to choose
a Speaker, that he should be presented on Friday,
and then the King would speak to both Houses.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 225
When the Council was upt * * * * *, took
occasion to tell my Lord Orford and Mr. Montague,
how instrumental I had been in the accomplishment
of their desires, and gave me a larger share of it
than I pretended to, whereupon the tide turned im
mediately, and I was loaded with compliments, and
assurances of friendship. I told Mr. Montague I
was glad to see him altered in his opinion of me, but
I had always pursued the same point in relation to
Sir Thomas Littleton, and every thing else that was
for their service, though I had the misfortune not to
be rightly understood.
I did not omit acquainting the King with your
Grace's desires to be discharged of the seals, and
the hazard you ran in endeavouring to make that
request yourself, and what an ease it would be to
your mind to be dismissed without incurring his
Majesty's displeasure. His Majesty shewed no re
luctance to it, but said he would speak to me about
it another time, and asked many questions how you
came to be taken ill, and whether you were not better
since you went away.
I waited on the King last night, and pressed again
your Grace's being discharged. He said he was not
against gratifying you ; he would have you eased of
the seals, since you were so weary of them, but he
should be glad not to lose your service in some other
station, and asked if you would not take the Cham-
t Something wanting, probably « the Lord Chancellor."
VOL. II. ^

226 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
berlain's Staff, which he thought it time to dispose
of. My answer was, that I believed your Grace
could not think of meddling with any employment
while you were not in a condition of health to dis
charge the duty of it. Upon the whole, I think his
Majesty, will suspend giving his orders about the
Seals, till he knows your mind about the Staff.
My Lord Portland likewise talked to me after the
same manner, and urged your accepting the Staff, as
what would put the King very much at ease, and
that you would be obliged to no attendance till your
health was perfectly established ; that the King
would be under difficulties as to this office, if it were
not given to you. I said all I could to him to put
him off from it, that if they would let you alone till
you were well, I was confident the King might com
mand your service, either with or without an em
ployment. He still stuck to his point, that this
would give you no disturbance, and you would be
no more tied by it than you thought fit yourself.
His Majesty came to the House of Lords to-day,
and the Commons being sent for, were directed to
choose a Speaker. My Lord Hartington first moved
and proposed Sir Thomas Littleton, which was
seconded, by my Lord Spencer and others, Sir John
Rolles began the opposition, who said Sir Thomas
was an able and an honest man, but he excepted
against one in that station for reasons given in the
printed considerations, which was urged more viru
lently by Mr. Beyerly, with reflections on the Trea-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 227
sury, who was answered by Mr. Pelham, he desiring
that speech might be made when there was a
Speaker, that they might vindicate themselves from
such aspersions. Lord Norris and Mr. Hammond
carried on the debate, and were answered by Mr.
Montague, Mr. Smith, &c, but the naming any
competitor was all along avoided, and yet they would
not suffer Sir Thomas Littleton to be brought to the
chair, without a question which others said was
unusual and unnecessary, unless any other person
was proposed ; but Sir Edward Seymour interpos
ing, that there was no other way of deciding there
but by a question, Sir Richard Onslow, who was for
Sir Thomas, came into it, and the question was put
very much to Sir Thomas's advantage. He carried
it by a majority of 107. It would have been by
one more, had not he voted against himself. The
division was of 242 against 135. Then he ad
journed the House to Friday.
I have been sent for to Kensington this evening,
about writing into Ireland ; and upon my moving
his Majesty about the Seals, he gave me leave to
bring them to him to-morrow or next day. He bid
me likewise know of your Grace, whether you would
take the Chamberlain's Staff, and said it smilingly,
that he believed you would not care for it." I think
this ought to satisfy your Grace, that if the King
parts with you, it is not his pleasure, but quite the
contrary. Though I can carry the Seals to-morrow,
yet I shall defer it till I hear from you again, for I
o 2

228 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
believe you will think it proper that I should deliver
to his Majesty, at the same time, a letter from you
of thanks for your discharge. __ This is a sad office I
am going to perform, but willingly submit to it as it
is most agreeable to the person I have the highest
honour for.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 8, 1698.
I was so full of what I had to write to your Grace
about the last post, that I made no answer concern
ing Mr. Broderick, though I observed in what
manner your Grace espoused his interest. I find he
has made the best of his case, and he has concealed
that his pressing the Lieutenant-Governor about the
oaths had a good deal of mixture of private piques
and passion, which appeared by his and the Chief
Justice coming over to follow their blow, in order to
make the government vacant, that their friend might
fill it. But before they arrived, Sir W. Beeston's
case was laid before the King at the Cabinet Council,
and upon a report of the Council of Trade, it was
thought fit not to take any advantage of the Gover
nor's short omission, since he recovered himself so
soon, and took the oaths. I think his scruples did
not deserve any harsh censure, they no way relating
to the King or the Government, but about observing
Acts of Parliament relating to trade, which were

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 229
not, as he thought, sufficiently specified ; and at
first sight looked like t * * * with * * *
The King has taken notice to my Lord Chan
cellor, and my Lord Marlborough, that he will re
ceive your Seals ; whereupon I told them, that I staid
only for your letter to be presented at the same time,
which they very well approve of. My Lord Chan
cellor hinted to me the great concern your Grace
has been pleased to express on my behalf, which I
am infinitely obliged by. He intends to return you
an answer upon it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 10, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
7th, and am expecting your answer to what I writ
on Tuesday. I have told Mr. Yard that I should
call upon him for the Seals, which he is ready to
deliver. Your Grace will see by the enclosed speech of
his Majesty, how the sessions opened yesterday. Sir
Thomas Littleton was likewise approved, and these
two days have been spent in taking the oaths and
signing the association at the table. Sir Thomas
Littleton executed himself pretty laboriously, and is
rather thought to have overdone it ; and he accepted
a little flatteringly, saying " as the King had done
t Several words wanting.

230 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
many impossibilities, he might do another in enabling
him to discharge the place ; " and added a Latin
verse, which I think is of his own making : —
" Non habeo ingenium, Caesar cum jussit habebo."
My Lord Chancellor made him a neat and pertinent
compliment in giving the reasons his Majesty had
for approving him.
I suppose a little will be done more on Monday
than reading a bill, settling the committees, report
ing the King's speech, and, perhaps, receiving some
petitions, among which Sir Harry Colt has one to
offer, all his endeavours for an accommodation being
ineffectual. The King's speech is very well liked, my Lord
Chancellor has drawn it so as to satisfy the King,
and has given no handle for cavilling. It is left to
the Parliament to consider what land force they will
keep up, and all is laid before them that may induce
a compliance with the King's desires ; but I am
afraid there is no great disposition in the house to
allow of more than 10,000 men, if they can now be
brought to it. It is likewise a further question,
whether the Dutch regiments shall be of that number.
It will be strongly opposed, and perhaps but faintly
supported, and go off without a division, lest the
great majority appear on the other side. If this
rub did not lie in our way, I do not see but this ses
sions might go smoothly enough. We have letters
from Ireland to-day of the 3rd and 4th. The House

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 231
of Commons had provided the remaining 19,000/.,
and also 33,000/. for finishing the barracks, by lay
ing an additional penny per pound upon tobacco,
and retaining the other duties thereon till the year
1703. This bill was likewise come to the council,
and both would be sent over on Monday last, so that
we are in hourly expectation of them. Mr. Methuen
has yet some hopes that both the Linen and Wool
len Bills, which went from hence, may pass; but
they are fickle, so that he can promise nothing. The
Parliament adjourned on Saturday last to the 20th
instant.

MR. VERNON TO HE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 13, 1698.
If your Grace places your satisfaction in being
out of business, you are now at ease, for last night
I delivered the Seals of your office to his Majesty,
and left them in his closet. I presented, at the same
time, your Grace's letter, which his Majesty read
over, and said it was obligingly writ, and then gave
it me to read; the remark I made upon it was, that
it had as much sincerity in it as respect. I think
your Grace has parted with your employment in the
manner you wished, but I conclude it will never be
so well filled again. I do not know whom the King
intends it for, but at present others decline recom
mending any one to him. It is not unlikely, there
fore, that it may remain undisposed of this winter.

232 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
I took the occasion to mention to the King, that in
course one succeeded another, but it had not been
always so, and I thought it was unadvisedly done in
a late instance of Sir John Trenchard, and therefore
I should not think of removing till I knew whom
his Majesty designed. I had envy enough upon me
in the lower post, and should be very well contented
not to increase it. The King thought I ought to
remove, and the course should not be broken ; but
afterwards he said he would consider it when I urged
that there might be Lords Justices appointed again,
and I supposed the person his Majesty would make
choice, might be fit to be of that commission, and
it would be but a confusion if he had not the office
where they met.
I hope your Grace will not condemn this as a
sneaking behaviour, and not knowing what is one's
due. I think I have pretty well considered what
belonged to my circumstances, and I will have
nothing of ambition to answer for.
The King telling me he would have the corres
pondences kept up that are managed by Monsieur
Jurieu. I desired I might have the allowance for
it till another Secretary was named, as also that the
under clerks of that office might have their salaries
continued till they have a new master, which I think
is granted. My Lord Chancellor moved the King on Sunday
on behalf of Mr. Yard, and he will have 500/. for
attending the Lords Justices.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 233
I wish the King were as much at ease as your
Grace. He hath his heart set upon keeping up the
present force, and there seems to be an irresistible
current against it, enough to bear down all foreign
troops, as well the Dutch as French.
The Irish bills came last night, and this day will
be reported at Council.
I send your Grace a list of the bills. The public
ones were read this night, and approved of without
any amendments.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December IS, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
12th. I hope your Grace is satisfied with the pro
vision made for Mr. Rowley at present, till another
Secretary is named, when I shall use my endeavour
that he may come into the station he last enjoyed,
which will be much better than any thing I have to
offer him, or otherwise he shall never want what I
can gratify him with.
Sure my Lord Romney is misinformed if he hears
that an impeachment will be on Kidd's account.
There is a talk as if some had a mind to have aflino-
at my Lord Orford, but I hope it will be impotent
malice. If it comes to that, they will lie heavier on
the treasure he got in the Mediterranean, than what
he expected from the East Indies.

234 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Mr. Heathcote and the merchants have been
with me about Mr. Broderick. I saw they were
beginning to aggravate matters against him, and had
no mind to come to any accommodation. I cut it
short, and told them that Mr. Broderick desired no
more than if there were any charge against him
which amounted to the forfeiture of his office, that
he might be allowed to justify himself. They said
that would be made appear, and offered to put it
into articles, which I left them to do, Mr. Broderick,
the last time I saw him, insisting on his innocence,
and desiring only to be fairly heard. He would
have made me the compliment of it, but I told him,
if that were necessary, I might upon his petition
get him heard by the Commissioners of Trade. He
is not very fond of that bar, but I know of no other
in these cases. Besides he is a pretty unsteady man,
and scarcely knows his own mind two days together.
But I think the least friendship I can do him under
these circumstances, is, that if the charge be brought
home, and like to be well proved, I will advise him
not to expose himself further, and if the objections
are of no weight, I can the better press them not to
be too clamorous, or he may be relieved if they are ;
and then he may either go himself or resign to his
nephew. I have letters to-day from Mr. Stanhope, writ to
Mr. Yard, about the King of Spain's having de
clared the Electoral Prince of Bavaria .his successor,
and his Queen to be Regent during his minority.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 235
The news was so surprising, that the French knew
not what to make of it, but seem nettled at it. They
had formerly threatened Spain that they would make
war upon them, if they disposed of the succession
to this pretender.
I know not whether this will be an argument to
morrow for keeping up our number of troops, but
it will be necessary to find some good topics to in
duce that persuasion, which the Commons are at a
great distance from, as appeared by yesterday's de
bate, when they stopped the motion for a supply, till
they had been in a committee to consider of the
army both in England and Ireland ; and, that no
thing might stop them in it, the two paymasters
were ordered to lay before them a list of the forces
in both kingdoms. They seem to be in a retrench
ing humour, so that I wish we may keep our last
years  * of 350,000/. One side shew violence,
and the other side do not care to lose their credit in
the House of Commons by a further opposition.
Whether the King's expectations will be answered,
is not to be seen at present.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 17, 1698.
The House of Commons have made quick work
with the forces. They resolved yesterday in the
* A word wanting.

236 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Committee, that the army in England should be re
duced to 7,000 officers and servants included, which
was agreed to-day, and a bill is to be brought in
accordingly, by Mr. Harvey, who made the motion.
They have done better this day with Ireland,
where they have allowed there, a number not ex
ceeding 12,000. They have taken care there shall
be no foreigners in either kingdom, and in Eng
land there are not to be so much as Scots in the
regiments. The Committee yesterday would in all probabi
lity have come up to 10,000 men for England, if
any had had authority to propose it, and that the
managers had come warmly into it ; but it now was
as the last year, that his Majesty would not declare
himself on that point, thinking less than the present
number insufficient. Others likewise were in the
reserve, and though Sir Charles Sydley mentioned
10,000, it was but faintly seconded ; and there
being no prospect what number would be fixed on if
the 7,000 was rejected, people came into it without
a division : but after a pretty long debate, spent
only in inquiries, how they could think 7,000 suf
ficient for the guards and garrisons, my Lord Rane
lagh made a mistaken calculation, as if 3,000
men might suffice for the garrisons, and they sup
posed the rest would be enough for guards. Sir
Richard Onslow was insinuating that there might
be help from the marines towards serving the dock
yards.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 237
If after all this the Whigs be under a disrepu
tation as supporters of any army, they are very
unfortunate, since at Court they are blamed for
giving it up.
The King is very uneasy at yesterday's resolu
tion, and thinks it ruinous. I wish we do not find
ourselves unsafe at home and slighted abroad.
I know not whether there may be any remedy by
the bill. At least they make difficulty of allowing
a regiment for Guernsey and Jersey, with a regi
ment or two for the plantations.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 20, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th, but am satisfied nothing can be done for
Appleby. The quarrel he had was with a Com
missioner of Taxes, which was resented at the
Council Board, Sir Harry Goodrick laying it open
with great warmth. He avoided a severe prosecu
tion that was ordered, by being obliged to comply
with the act for his banishment, and his bail were
thereby discharged, or at least the cause suspended
till his return. If after this he should have leave to
come over, it would raise a mighty clamour, which
it will not be fit to provoke on his account.
If your Grace pleases to let your goods remain as
they are, you may do a kindness to your successor,

238

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

and part with them as advantageously. In the mean
time, Tom Shorter will take the same care of them,
since the clerks and servants will be still about the
office. I hope it will not be long undetermined
who shall have the office : my thoughts are my Lord
Jersey will be the person. I believe the King would
be glad to have some approbation of him from his
ministers, but I know not whether that is to be
expected, considering whom they have shewn their
inclinations to.
Count Tallard arrived here on Saturday night ;
he came post from Dover. He saw the King on
Sunday, and yesterday had a private audience. I
have exchanged two or three words with him. He
is pretty grave upon the business of Spain, and
seems only concerned that it makes no alteration in
the business agreed on. There is no doubt they
look very jealously on this event, and suspect the
King was privy to it. He says they knew some time
since the Queen of Spain was negotiating this
matter. There could not be a better trial of the
French King's sincerity in observing the peace. If
he sits still under this, he has a mind to be quiet
the rest of his days. If his intentions are for dis
turbance, perhaps they will appear before we are
too far gone in disbanding.
A design seems to discover itself in the House of
Commons, of having a fling at my Lord Orford, and
perhaps the whole Board of Admiralty. Mr. Harley
and Mr. Foley made the motion yesterday, of going

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 239
into a grand committee to-morrow, to inquire into
the navy accounts, which of them has been passed
with vouchers, and which otherwise, that is by Privy
Seal. This they say principally regards a victualling
account of the flag, while it was under my Lord
Orford's command in the Mediterranean, which the
Commissioners of Victualling refused to pass, and it
was therefore discharged by Privy Seal.
They say, likewise, there has been a squandering
management in the navy, by additional salaries, and
erecting new offices, that have cost the kingdom as
much as the debt of the navy amounts to. I know
not how all this will be made out, but I see a storm
arising, which is enough to make men that do not
aim at getting by their employments, better con
tented with their poverty.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 24, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
21st. I believe the generality of the nation, and the
Parliament agree in what your Grace mentions con
cerning the army. I wish it were as well under
stood and liked at Kensington ; but there it is con
sidered how unsafe we shall be without a great force,
and others argue, as if the greatest danger would
arise from thence. While this controversy lasts, the
ministers and managers have no very good time of

240 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
it, who are represented in the country as the sup
porters of an army, and perhaps are looked on at
court, as having very much contributed to reduce
it even below what was necessary.
The bill was read a second time yesterday, but
before the vote passed for committing it, Mr. Mon
tague spoke against the frame of the bill, that did
not only disband the army, but the militia too ; that
in case of invasion from abroad or disturbance at
home, every body was tied up from giving any
assistance to the public, and that they declared the
army disbanded by a blank day, before any provi
sion was made for paying them. Mr. Harley an
swered him, and though he would not allow the ob
jections to have much weight, yet he said whatever
was in the bill might be altered in the Committee,
except the number of men which the House had
fixed to 7>000. Some thought that as fit to be re
commended as any other part of the bill, but the
debate fell, it being intended to revive it when the
House is going into that Committee. Wednesday
se'nnight is appointed for it, and therefore the call
of the House is ordered the day before, and the
House have adjourned till Monday se'nnight.
There will be some attempt to get some addition
to the troops, to keep them within 10,000, and
without insisting on foreigners ; and yet even that
is despaired of; if the King shall not be pleased to
approve of those endeavours, so that country gentle
men may understand their departing from their

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 241
former resolution will be well accepted of, though it
may not fully answer what his Majesty expected.
I think the King goes to Windsor on Monday,
and will stay there most of next week.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 29, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
24th. I believe the office books may very well
remain as they are, being in Mr. Yard's* custody,
who still dispatches what he has to do at the' office.
I think your Grace is now out of the reach of
injuries. Those only who are in the possession of
offices are to be tossed up and down. The aim at
present is against commissioners, and therefore
overlooks single persons. When they come to it, I
know one they shall not need to have any great
struggle with. I perceive my Lord Orford grows
weary of being the mark, of being so often shot at,
and talks of quitting as soon as he has justified
himself. There needs not much to be done to make
any body else of the same mind. I know not what
we are running into. The King is dissatisfied to
the highest degree, and with this model t of troops ;
he thinks the nation exposed to inevitable ruin. He
blames the ministers for their easy giving way to
it, and is not like to approve of 10,000, more than
* At this time Under Secretary. t So written.
VOL. II. R

242

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

7>000. But, however, tbey will use their utmost
endeavours to retrieve that point, and hope he will
be better satisfied when it is done.* If they mis
carry in it, their enemies will have a still greater
advantage against them, and their friends will be
fewer, but what is really necessary for the kingdom,
ought to weigh down all other considerations.
1 shall be sure to take no notice of what your
Grace writes concerning the Chamberlain's Staff.
I see no likelihood of that Lord's having either of
the employments. I know not what things may
change to, but at present there is a prospect only of
confusion. I would to God this point of the forces
was over, and well settled, that every one might
receive a calmness of mind, and we may know upon
what foot we stand. I believe there never was any
government more out of frame than we are at this
time. The King went to-day to Windsor, intending to
stay there some time.
* The King, as he naturally might be, was indignant in the highest
degree at the manner in which the Whigs had trifled, not only with his
wishes, but with the safety of the country. He now beheld in the most
painful light, what has ever been seen in England, a nation torn to
pieces by the struggles of party : and, flowing from that cause, a flood
of evil measures which happily are in general but temporary, and from
the midst of which, borne up by every selfish, pitiful, and detestable
feelings, are arising from time to time some solitary, but durable insti
tution ; grand, magnificent, and good, proving how, by the will of
Providence, good springs continually from evil. On the day that Vernon
wrote this letter to Shrewsbury, Lord Somers also wrote, informing him
that the King had taken a positive resolution to abandon England to
her fate, and retire to Holland.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 243

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 29, 1698.
I should have nothing to send to your Grace this
post, were it not for the inclosed letter of my Lord
Chancellor. His Majesty is still at Windsor, and
is not expected back till Saturday. My Lord Marl
borough is gone thither to-day. I wish his Majesty
could bring himself to be a little better satisfied
with what the Parliament shall order about the
troops ; but at present the reducing the number,
and the sending away the Dutch, is very grievous
to him.
I think we have at last got rid of Madame Riche
lieu ; I hope by this time she is landed at Ostend.
She changed her mind very often since she went,
from pretending to go sometimes for France, and
sometimes for Flanders ; but I think her real design
was to slip back hither again, but I kept a pretty
close eye upon her, and prevented it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 31, 1698.
The King is expected this evening at Kensington.
He hath been a little out of order, having had some
grudgings of an ague ; but I hope it will not con
tinue when he leaves that sharp air. People's pulses
r 2

244 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
have been felt as to increasing the number of the
forces as far as 10,000 men, but there does not appear
any hopes of carrying it. There are more that shew
a tenderness towards the Dutch guards, and think
it a hardship to deprive the King of them. But I
don't see how they can be consistent with a very
small number ; if we had 10,000, and those included,
I believe the nation would be more secure, and the
King be better satisfied. At present we are under a
great perplexity. Those that are convinced in their
judgments that a greater force is necessary, are
apprehensive of the ill consequences if such a ques
tion be carried against them upon a division, which
fixes people in a party, so that no good is to be ex
pected during the rest of the sessions. If it be not
attempted, the King will be disobliged, and may be
told if there were not more troops, it was because
nobody pressed it. This dilemma is a little stagger
ing. There will be more of the members in town
on Monday and Tuesday, and perhaps they may
then judge better of it. But if a thing be right and
necessary, I think it should be ventured, let the con
sequences be what they will.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Jan. 3, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
31st past, and shall speak to Mr. Yard to give me

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 545
the book of passes, which they will have no occasion
for, whatever they may have for any of the other books.
There went a report yesterday all over the House
of Commons, that my Lord Godolphin was made
Secretary, which the Whig party seemed mightily
alarmed at. I am sure I have not elsewhere heard
any thing of it, and though I do not particularly
know my Lord Godolphin, yet I much question
whether he be of a humour to accept it, especially
as our present circumstances are. If we could pre
vail with one another to have a little more com
plaisance for the King, we should have less to appre
hend of this kind ; but he is so convinced of the
necessity of having a better force than 7>000, and
thinks it so great a hardship to be stripped of his
guards, that he expects those who would serve the
public, or gratify him, should exert themselves
strenuously in these points ; and he thinks the
nation so much undone without a greater number,
that all other services would be to no purpose. We
shall see what to-morrow will produce. If the re
solution be altered to 10,000 men, it must be by
warmly contesting it, since the struggle is more for
mastery than any thing else. The inquiry into the
Admiralty affairs is put off till Thursday. \ always
thought the business of the army must go before it.
They think it keeps us in awe as to a division, lest
the majority that may be for lessening the forces,
should stick together in all other points. Thus
private interests influence the most public concerns.

246 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Jan. 5, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2nd, and have sent the inclosed to my Lord
Coningsby. We had the debate yesterday, whether there
should be an instruction given to the committee to
reconsider the number of the forces that were to be
kept up, but with no better success than before,
though the insufficiency of 7*000 were fully laid
open ; and Mr. Blathwayte was allowed to read of
a paper a state of the garrisons, amounting to 5,000
men, which was not argued against that any of them
could be spared. But Mr. Harley produced old
establishments of King Charles, that made the
guards and garrisons less than 7j000. There were
three persons spoke against augmenting the num
bers, which were alone sufficient ; we gave up the
cause. Those were my Lord Hartington, Mr.
Pelham, and Sir Richard Onslow. Mr. Montague
spoke for thet * * * * and very well, but Mr.
Smith said nothing. Neither of them were for
dividing, as thinking that would be to no purpose,
and they have all along feared this occasion of dis
uniting. Therefore the question was declared in
the negative against the instruction upon the cry of
the house. t A word wanting, probably "instruction."

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 247
We had our foreign mails last night. Sir Joseph
Williamson writes me word, that in Holland, upon
our disbanding resolutions, they think us distracted.
Whether this matter is capable of remedy I know
not, but they say some are relenting, and would give
a greater number in another way, that is, by doub
ling the number of the marines. If they would
make them 6,000, two-thirds would man the garri
sons, and another third would serve at sea, and then
the 7>000 men might be applied wholly to the guards
and a body of horse. I would be glad they would
do it, because the safety of the kingdom seems to
require it, and the King be better satisfied ; but I
see no great reason to hope it, for it is the number
they pretend to be frightened at, as dangerous to
liberty, and their being called marines does not
make them less soldiers.
We have been in a committee this day for the
bill ; the blank for the time of disbanding is filled
up with the 26th of March next, and they are put
in mind they must take care they are first paid.
We are not so strict in the qualifications of those
that remain. They are still to be natural born sub
jects ; but the kingdom of England is left out, so
that Scotch or Irish may serve.
There is to be an exception to the militia, that
they may not be understood to be disbanded, and
they were asked whether the marines were not to be
excepted likewise. But to that no direct answer
was made by the leaders of this reform. They only

248

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

said they would be considered in another place as
hitherto belonging to the fleet, only my Lord Cole-
raine's son, and Sir Thomas  , said they did not
like the marines, and saw no use of them. This
does not look much like an intention to double them,
and yet I think they will not prevail to take them
all away ; but there is nothing we are not capable
of, except it be of preserving ourselves.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Jan. 10, 1698.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
7th. We go on towards disbanding without any
stop that I can see is like to be made. The com
mittee yesterday voted a supply to be granted to his
Majesty, and the house agreed to it this day unani
mously. It is not to be doubted but they intend that
the first money raised shall be applied to disband
the forces, and to that end the Earl of Ranelagh
and Lord Coningsby's estimate, of what is in arrear
to the army, is to be laid before that committee,
which is appointed to sit to-morrow to consider
further of the supply.
My Lord Orford's friends are against any longer
putting off the Admiralty inquiry, though others
shewed their inclinations the other way, by naming
some more papers that would be wanting; but it
being the first business of the day, they went into a

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 249
committee upon it, Mr. Boyle being in the chair.
By what I can judge, they will make little of it ; the
chief thing insisted on to-day was, why the Medi
terranean squadron did not sail before September,
since it was ordered in February, and some touches
were given of the loss received, by the squadron not
being at Cadiz when the galleons arrived. It was
answered, they were stopped for want of money to
pay the seamen. This produced a new query, what
money remained in the Treasurer of the Navy's
hands during that time on account of seamen's wages,
though the Lords of the Treasury answered it off
hand, that Lord Orford had no monev on this account
till they furnished it, toward the end of July out of
the two millions subscription. Some other queries
were likewise made about deductions for poundage,
which is more Mr. Doddington's business to answer
than my Lord Orford's, he claiming it as a perquisite
belonging to his place. They think something will
appear in the letters writ from the Navy Board to
the Admiralty, which are therefore required.
Other questions were asked, what prizes were
taken in the Mediterranean while the fleet was there,
and how disposed of. It was answered by Mr.
Montague and Sir Robert Rich, that they had heard
him declare he had touched none of those prizes,
but had ordered that all of them should be delivered
to Consul  , the agent for the prize-office at
Cadiz. This committee is to sit again, but at this
rate, they may as well let it alone. I think it was

250 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
but originally intended to help on the disbanding of
the army, and that will now shift for itself.
One of the inclosed letters is from John Colt, who
never fails to put in his claim when there is a vacancy
in the Custom House. I just acquainted his Ma
jesty with his pretensions, but he made me no answer.
I suppose your Grace knows that Mr. Brydges hopes
to get it by my Lord Portland's means.
I know not whom the other letter is from, but it
should have been sent last post if I had come down
to the office.
The King is not very right in his health. He
neither eats nor sleeps so well as he used to do ; he
cannot overcome himself under what he thinks a
hard usage.
They have got the bills back in Ireland, and we
shall soon see whether they will pass them.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Jan. 12, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
9th, but I do not see our case is at all mended. We
pass on the disbanding bill, and the King seems re
solved against it. Yesterday we were in a committee
to consider of the supply, and immediately consented
to Mr. Harley's proposal (the estimates being first
read for form sake), that out of the supply should
be granted to his Majesty the sum of 300,000/. for

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 251
disbanding the army, and other public occasions.
It being supposed that this will be more than suf
ficient for disbanding. The resolution was reported
this day, and readily agreed to. Then Mr. Foley
declared it was not their intention to proceed imme
diately towards forming a bill for the money, but
that the disbanding might not stop, he moved there
should be a vote of credit to take up the money at
interest ; and the committee, who have the bill for
disbanding the army before them, are empowered to
prepare such a clause to be added to that bill ; and
accordingly, that committee is appointed to sit to
morrow, when I suppose they will finish the bill,
and get leave to report it next day. It is very pro
bable they will have it brought into the house
engrossed on Monday; such is the haste we make
to run into confusion.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Jan 17, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
15th, and shall forward the inclosed to Mr. Colt.
I do not see what hopes he can have, if he does not
prevail with the Treasury to recommend him.
I believe we shall put the Disbanding Bill off our
hands to-morrow. It was reported yesterday, and
then ordered to be engrossed. It is certain the
King is still very uneasy at it, but what it will end

252 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
in I am not able to judge. Some of the House
of Lords have a great mind to oppose it; but I
.suppose they will well consider before they come
to a rupture with the House of Commons on so
ticklish a point.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Jan. 19, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
16th, and have acquainted the King with Colonel
Windsor's desire to be one of your Deputy-Lieu
tenants, which the King has approved of.
Mr. Fisher will never leave off his dark ways,
which make people afraid to have any thing to do
with him, though they were ever so well disposed
otherwise ; he got me to move the King that he
might have a sum of money given him, besides his
51. per week. I told him the King gave me no
positive answer, and therefore I advised him to
apply to my Lord Portland again, which I suppose
he has not failed to do. And I have writ lately to
my Lord Galway, to know why there has been no
particulars sent over of lands to be granted to him,
I think it might have been done long since, if he
would give himself any assistance ; but he is gaping
after 3,000/. in ready money, upon pretence of
paying debts, and that I think he will never obtain.
I cannot agree with him in the cause he assigns for

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM IIIT 253
being neglected : at least, I know nothing of it, nor
can I imagine anybody ever gave him that reason.
We passed the bill for disbanding yesterday, but
it was long debated for ; the opposition to it was made
with more vigour at first than has appeared hitherto
in any of these debates, and beyond what was ex
pected ; many country gentlemen coming in volun
tarily, and without any concert, to declare their
dislike to so small a number. Among these were Sir
William Blackett and Mr. Norton, who both spoke
very handsomely and close to the purpose ; there
were likewise Sir John Mainwaring, Sir John Phil
lips, Colonel Cornwall, and Mr. Harvey a lawyer,
Sir James Houlton, and others. We had likewise
a division for it, which we need not be ashamed of,
though we lost it, for we had 154 against 221. The
other party did not intend to debate at all, but sat
silent till eight or so had spoke ; but they seeing
themselves pelted from all corners of the house,
came at last into the debate in their own defence.
I think they persuaded none by their reasons, but
their party were obstinate to their first resolutions ;
and yet I believe many aret * * *, and I
think the marines are secured by that day's work.
The bill was carried up to the Lords to-day with a
great attendance. I fancy they will be puzzled to
know what to do with it ; they have put off the first
reading of it till Tuesday next. The King is better
t Words wanting.

254

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

satisfied with the struggle of yesterday : what use he
will make of it I do not know.
The Admiralty inquiry was to have come on to
day, but is put off till next week.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Jan. 21, 1698-9.
There is very little to trouble your Grace with by
this post, the Lords have deferred the first reading
of the Disbanding Bill till Thursday next. The
Earl of Berkeley moved to put it off for a fortnight,
which was a strange motion : if it had been followed,
it is probable the Commons would have adjourned
for the same time. My Lord Feversham was another
that shewed his dislike of the bill : he said he did
not fear troops, so much as arbitrary judges ; and I
know not what besides ; but the lords of weight and
good understanding are not yet come to declare
their sense of the bill ; those of them that wish for
a greater number will hardly think it attainable by
having a difference with the House of Commons on
such a point. I suppose, before they pass the bill,
they will desire a conference with the Commons upon
the state of the nation in relation to its safety. If
it be entered into, I know not what accommodation
it may produce ; but if the conference be refused,
as it is very likely, since the Commons, calling this

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 255
a money bill, will be jealous of the Lords mending
it under any pretence whatever. I see nothing so
safe as the passing it, and when that is over, to
renew the conferences, and make way for further
considerations of the public security, which many
gentlemen of the House of Commons are disposed
to ; if it be not entangled in a controversy with the
Lords, which leaves no room for a free impartial
debate. I have mentioned to your Grace that I
thought the 3,000 marines out of danger ; if there
could be found a way of superadding the Dutch
regiment of foot-guards, I am of opinion his Ma
jesty would be well enough satisfied. I do not find
but many are disposed to pay him this personal
respect ; but how practicable it is, I am not able to
judge.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 24, 1698-9.
The Lords have read the Disbanding Bill this
day the first time, and have appointed it a second
reading on Friday next. My Lord Normanby was
for putting it off till the Wednesday following. Little
was said about it to-day ; some that spoke shewed
what, I suppose, will be the general sentiment, that
though they do not like the bill, and think there is
not a sufficient provision made for the public safety,
yet they are persuaded that any difference between

256 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the two Houses would be the worst way of coming
at such further security as may otherwise be hoped
for. The Admiralty inquiry that was to come on to
day is put off till Saturday, by reason of Sir Robert
Rich's being indisposed, who is the only person of
that Board in the House that is depended on to give
an account of what passed under their cognizance.
This delay was not very easily obtained, Sir Edward
Seymour opposing it. By this one may see that
the promoters of this inquiry do not intend to dally
with it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 31, .1698-9.
I have received the honour of your Grace's letter
of the 28th, and am very sensible of your favour in
the offer you are pleased to make me, which, though
I had no intention of asking, it may prove a great
kindness to me, if I meet with a convenient pur
chase that would be otherwise beyond my reach ;
and since it is indifferent to your Grace, I shall
with less reluctancy accept of it.
Some things have turned out pretty extraordina
rily since I last troubled you. The censure of the
Board of the Admiralty, on Saturday last, though
they are not named, is what I * * * * t when the
t The word expect is here written evidently by a mistake.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 257
proofs were not more evident, as you will see by the
inclosed, and may thereby judge what temper the
House of Commons is in towards men in employ
ments. I cannot approve of Sir George Rooke's behaviour
that day, who sat silent and voted against the ques
tion ; one of his post and character should either
have aggravated or * * * * the charge. I since
hear that Priestman * * * and Kendall were the
only persons that signed the order for providing
those ships ; Sir Robert was ill and could not attend
that day. Mr. Sargesson, of the Navy Board, said
nothing, and went away before the question. He is
supposed to have given Mr. Foley his information.
The Lords read the Disbanding Bill the second
time on Friday, and were in a committee upon it
the next day. It was then that the bill was most
argued against, as to the insufficiency of the num
bers ; but, at the same time, it was allowed to be
more convenient not to reject it. My Lord Chan
cellor and my Lord Tankerville were the most
copious on the subject ; there has been no division
during all the debates on the bill. It was this day
read a third time. I suppose the King will come
to the House to-morrow or next day to pass it ; he
will take that occasion to speak to both Houses to
try if they will come to another temper in what
much concerns their safety, and his satisfaction.
We have a piece of news from abroad which is
yet more surprising, my Lord Portland having re-
VOL. n. s

258 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ceived an account this morning, by express, of the
death of the Electoral Prince of Bavaria.* What
alteration that may make in public affairs, and some
late transactions, nobody yet can imagine.
The House of Commons have resolved to go on
Friday next into a committee of ways and means.
It was proposed by Mr. Paget, and seconded by
Mr. Harley ; thus the management is passing into
other hands. I pity Mr. Bridges, who has his
cause coming on to a hearing, while a party is so
strongly formed, though he fancies he shall be able
to draw some of them off. We are endeavouring
to retrieve ourselves by setting up the Rose Club
again, which intends to meet on Thursday night.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 2, 1698-9.
The King came to the House of Lords yesterday,
and passed the Disbanding Bill, with some other
bills that were ready. After that he made the en
closed speech, which I hope may have some good
effect. Many people seemed moved with it, and
express an inclination to gratify the King in con
tinuing the Dutch guards. If that good humour
lasts, they cannot want the method to attain to it.
* One of the chief claimants to the Spanish succession, probably
named by the King's will at this time as his universal heir, and gene
rally reported to have been poisoned by some over-zealous partizan of
Louis XIV.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 259
We shall see more into it on Saturday next, when it is
appointed to take the speech into consideration ; and,
in the mean time, we are preparing an address of
thanks to his Majesty for his speech, which was
moved by Sir John Mainwaring, as the day for
considering it was by Sir Charles Hotham. Mr.
Harley came into both the motions ; if he be like
wise earnest in promoting them the King may be
more easy at last ; the present number of marines
with the Dutch guard would satisfy us. Without
the concurrence of some of those gentlemen it would
be difficult ; they having still the lead. This day they
were in a committee again upon the Admiralty, and
Mr. Priestman* was singled out for having procured
to himself about 400/. upon pretence of commanding
a small squadron against the * * * *, towards the
latter end of King Charles's reign. The question
was, that an order of the Admiralty, bearing date
the 12th September, 1695, giving unto Henry Priest
man, Esq., an allowance of ten shillings per diem as
commanding of a squadron against * * * * in the
year ] 684, from the date of his commission of Cap
tain of the Bon Adventure, till the time the said ship
returned and was paid off,  t which was passed
without a division. The last vote passed against
the Admiralty was intended to charge them with
? The whole of this part of the letter regarding Priestman is nearly
unintelligible. Many words are omitted as will be seen, which pro
bably may be the cause of the confusion that prevails.
t It is probable that the words " be laid before the house," or others
to that effect, have been omitted.
S 2

260 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
negligence, and this taxes them with partiality. Sir
Robert Rich and Mr. Montague took some pains
in this debate, but very few else shewed any concern
for Priestman, and it is a little shameful, one in his
station should rake up an old pretence to have an
additional salary. It was said some others had the
same, as Sir Richard Booth, Robinson, Wright, and
Killegrew ; but George Churchill showed the differ
ences of the cases ; that those had commanded
squadrons of twelve ships, and were therefore enti
tled to this recompense by former establishments, but
Priestman's command was not above half the num
ber. This committee is to sit again on Monday
next. Mr. Bridges's petition against Sir Theophilus
Oglethorpe was heard last night at the committee.
If he had not a wretched cause of it, it was wretch
edly managed, for it could admit of no debate, and
was at last judged frivolous and vexatious.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. February, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th. I have no more to say at present of Dr.
Kingston, but it is certainly the safest and most
reputable way to have little to do with him, but
leave him to his old acquaintance, my Lord Lucas.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

261

My Lady Westmoreland sent me a letter yesterday
that she received from Mrs. Scott, applying to her
as a friend 6f your Grace, and telling her she had
it in her power now, to do your Grace a great piece
of service ; my lady desiring my opinion of her, and
whether she should see her or not. I have sent her
word that the woman's chief design is to get a little
spending money. I thought, therefore, she might
tell her messenger, who will call for an answer, that
this is the first time she ever heard of her name,
and if she had any thing to communicate to the duke,
she would do well to write to him, whose directions
my lady would expect if there were any thing she
could serve him in. I think it very improper for
this woman to trouble my lady ; besides I think she
knows nothing but what I hear in another way from
her companion Read, who is mentioned in Kings
ton's book.
What we did yesterday in the House of Commons
was to alter the resolutions of the committee as to
laying a duty on the wrought silks and stuffs from
India, which are now to be prohibited as to the
wearing them here, and a bill is ordered to be
brought in accordingly. Sir Christopher Musgrave
and Mr. Harley stuck to their point of a duty ; but
Sir Richard Onslow and Mr. Pelham, with my Lord
Coningsby, opposed it. Mr. Montague came at
first half way towards them, and declared he would
be for a prohibition if it could be made practicable,
but that he doubted of ; and therefore proposed sus-

262 LETTERS ILUSTRATIVE OF
pending any resolution till a bill of prohibition was
framed and considered of. Sir Edward Seymour
thought that a strange way about, and was rather
for an immediate prohibition, -which was closed, and
there was no division on it.
The committee on elections, after three hearings
of Sir Thomas Felton's cause, have last night voted
him and Sir Charles Hedges unduly chosen, and
have brought into their places Sir Edmund Bacon,
and a brother of Sir Henry Johnson. There have
been two or three very hard resolutions carried
against Sir Thomas by the non-attendance of those
who should have taken more care of him. We are
a dispersed routed party, our opposers bear hard
upon us, and we see no means to help ourselves.
The counsel of the two last East India Compahys
were heard to-day at the bar, against committing
the bill. There was no long debate after they were
withdrawn ****** f

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 9, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th. However reasonable it might be to gratify his
Majesty with his guards, there appears no great
disposition towards it, at least in public assemblies.
It was discoursed of at the Rose Club on Saturday
t A part wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

263

night ; but either out of dislike to it, or from an
apprehension of being baffled, they were of an
opinion not to attempt it, but thought it more advis
able to put off the consideration of the King's speech
to another day, which was not in their power, for
the other party would have it take its course. It
was read accordingly yesterday, and Mr. Harley was
pretty quick in proposing, that for a further security
of the nation, a bill should be brought in for better
regulating the militia, which was readily closed with,
as if it were a good deliverance from a debate, that
was perhaps apprehended on all sides. What the
house did afterwards in a committee in relation to
the Admiralty enquiry, I take the liberty to give
your Grace an account of by the inclosed. This I
think may be called charging the Admiralty with
proceeding arbitrarily, and by no rules but of their
own making. How many other heads of accusation
are behind I know not, but they shew a desire to
proceed ; and I believe they have something more
to say to Aylmer, on account of Captain Price, com
mander of the Centurion, who was detained at Cadiz,
and sent cruising with the merchants' money on
board, and not suffered to come home till he had
agreed with Aylmer to give him two-thirds of the
profits of his voyage.
To be sure my Lord Orford must be uneasy at
this questioning of his favourites ; but, on the other
side, there are mean things done by great men in
office, and if the enquiry into it make men wiser or
honester hereafter, it will not be time much mispent.

264

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

I cannot say but there are some things fit to be
reformed, and it is hardly to be done at present, but
by parliament. It would be better, indeed, that par
liament reformed themselves, and save that trouble
to others ; but corruption and partialities have taken
fast hold of us.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. Feb. 9, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
8th inst., and refer you for our parliament affairs
to the inclosed, and shall only add, that the report
of Mr. Bridges's election came on to-day : it was
laboured hard to disagree to the resolution as frivo
lous and vexatious ; but it was carried in the affir
mative by 159 against 134. The Lords have been
to-day laying more express commands upon my
Lord Peterborough and my Lord Orford, that they
should not fall into a quarrel, — being told what they
did yesterday would not be sufficient to prevent it.
They have now engaged their words to be very
quiet ; and it is reported that Lord Peterborough
should brand Lord Orford with being a * * *
and a coward, but he denies to have said so ; how
ever, it was something very gross. My Lord Nor-
manby is visibly changed upon some disappoint
ment. My Lord Godolphin disagreeing from him
in the late debate, my Lord Normanby reflected on
him as if he did it for * * *t ends. My Lord
t A word wanting, probably private.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 2^5
Godolphin only answered with a Spanish proverb,
" that those who live in glass-houses, should not be
the first to throw stones." The inclosed is from
the Chancellor of Ireland.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 10, 1698-9.
The House of Commons took the report yesterday
of the Prohibition Bill for the East India goods, as
also of the bill for incorporating the Old Company,
both which are ordered to be engrossed. They
refused to receive a saving clause for the New Com
pany, that nothing in this Act should derogate from
what was granted to them by the former Act ; they
carried the question for not bringing up the clause
to the table, by 165 against 140. So that the New
Company is in danger of losing their five per cent.
upon the Old Company's goods, if Westminster Hall
does not relieve them.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 14, 1698-9.
I have little to trouble your Grace with, besides
the inclosed account of our parliamentary affairs,
which shews only where the ascendant lies in the
house, and they make their use of it accordingly.
The public has no place in our thoughts, but we

266

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

are pushing at each other as fast as we can. I think
all the hope is, these gentlemen will run themselves
out of breath, or convince the world of their ill-
management, who think of nothing but pursuing
their own animosities on one side, and their par
tialities on the other. I suppose we shall soon see
them shewing the latter, in the case of Sir Joseph
Heme, who is one of the trustees for circulating
Exchequer Bills ; and for what reason this employ
ment was not to be put into Sir Harry * * * t
question. I perceive they do not intend to forget the Ad
miralty ; Mr. Harley moved to-day for a paper they
still wanted, which is the Victualler's exception to
my Lord Orford's account. I suppose that is the
next point they will go upon, and hope to prove it
harder than they did those against Aylmer. I have
spoken to the Archbishop, who desired me to shew
him your Grace's letter, though at the same time
he told me, that the Bishop of Worcester was on
the same hand.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 5, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2nd inst., and have sent the inclosed to Sir John
Stanley. t Some words wanting, which leave the sense sadly imperfect.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 267
I see no reason for any body to trouble himself
about Brown ; he seems to be an abandoned creature,
as he deserves, and it is best leaving him in the cir
cumstances he has brought himself to. Mr. Price,
a Welsh lawyer, and a member of the House of
Commons, spoke to me concerning him yesterday.
I know not who introduced him there, but Brown
has both writ and spoke to him. I told him some
particulars that I think have satisfied him. I let
him know how this fellow first introduced himself,
how he had been supplied, and what sums had been
given, on condition that he should be gone, as he
promised he would, and be no more troublesome to
my Lord Peterborough, or any body else ; that he
never kept his word with me in any point, and
when he found I would be his dupe no longer, he
ingratiated himself again with Lord Peterborough
by the means of Dr. Chamberlain ; and as long as
he could have any support there, he used me with
all the insolence and impertinence imaginable, till
of late they have shaken him off; and now he tries
all ways to fix himself on me again, but I thought
it neither just nor prudent to have more to do with
him. Mr. Price told me that is the resolution he
should take ; he talked of him like a man half dis
tracted. I am not sorry that he has applied himself
to a man of understanding, that can give some
account of him, if any body should be so weak as
to give him a hearing.
I know not whether I am rightly informed as to
Mr. Harley's irreconcileableness to the ministry.

268 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Some think he would not meddle with any employ
ment whatsoever, or if he would, he would not put
himself under my Lord Chancellor, or Mr. Mon
tague, who are still called the ministers, though there
are none that I see who take upon them any manage
ment.* I hope they will recover again out of their
consternation ; and the other gentlemen do not ap
pear so united as to make a fixed party.
We have been to-day upon the bill sent from the
Lords, about appointing commissioners to treat of
a Union with Scotland, and have not vouchsafed it a
second reading. I doubt whether it be prudently
done ; they cavilled at the manner of its coming to
us, without any recommendation from the throne to
both houses, but only by an answer to an address
from the Lords. As to the thing itself, they con
cluded it would be impracticable, and therefore the
two kingdoms should not be amused with it.t Some
talked of a want of authority in Scotland to do any
thing of this kind, they having no more than a
convention that has lasted these ten years, instead of
free parliament. Mr. How said it looked like an
artifice to bring thirty or forty Scotchmen into the
house to supply the places of so many revenue
officers that were to bo dismissed. We had no division
upon the question, the majority appearing to be above
two to one.
* Probably this was the most extraordinary epoch in the history of
party. t Tims are great questions treated !

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM IH. 269
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
March 18, 1698-9.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
15th. If your Grace be half a year in arrear for
what is due for secret service, I think your Grace
should write to Mr. Montague about it, and when
that is done, I will put him in mind of it, that the
Privy Seal may be renewed, if it be necessary, and
the money paid.
We have had a very particular business in the
house to-day. The King having sent a message to
try whether the Dutch guards would be allowed to
remain here ; nobody that heard of it could imagine
that it would have any effect. However, his Majesty
would have it attempted, but for what reasons I
cannot tell. Mr. Harley, who was one that opposed
appointing any day to take it into consideration,
said that the delivery of such a message gave him
much trouble of thought, more than he could ex
press. He added, satirically, that he acquitted the
ministers from having any hand in it ; at least, those
of them who were members ; for if they had desired
the continuance of the Dutch here, they could have
proposed it when they had so many opportunities of
doing it regularly, and with greater prospect of suc
cess, while the Disbanding Bill was depending in
the House. Most who argued against taking the
message into consideration, did it on the topic of
the impracticableness ; since it must be by repeal of

270 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
an act so lately passed. But Mr. How was for
giving plainer reasons, that if it could be done, they
ought not to do it, since it would be giving an undue
preference to strangers, and bring suspicion upon
the natural born subjects, as if they were not to be
trusted with the guard of the King's person, which
made the first alienation of King James's army,
when they discovered his inclination to foreigners.
Harry Ireton vindicated the ministers in such a
manner, that he had better have let it alone, saying
there never was so good a ministry since the first
year of Henry the Seventh, not excepting any reigns
of kings or queens.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 28, 1699.
I believe the King will go into Holland this
summer, though he makes no mention of it yet,
and I believe will not till the Parliament is up ; but
I am sure he will be very well pleased to see your
Grace. I may be too forward in giving an opinion
whether it would be best at Newmarket or at Wind
sor, and therefore I would rather refer it to the
King. I hope to acquaint you with his mind by
next post.
I know not whether you will think the Admiralty
had any great escape yesterday, who carried only by
four in so great a number, that they should not be

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 271
voted out. I think some of them should have little
pleasure to stay in when they find so many against
them, that are like to be uneasy to them at another
time. Some joined with us to-day from whom it
was hardly to be expected, as Mr. Foley and young
Winnington. Mr. Harley withdrew before the ques
tion ; but Sir Charles Shuckburgh never fails his
party. # * # ' * * # X
I hear Tom Foley has been with the King, to
desire the Bishop of Bristol might be translated to
Worcester; and the King's answer was, that he
should' consider it, as much as he and his friends
considered any business that related to him.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 6, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd, and see no occasion for your attending the King
at Newmarket, unless you have a mind to concern
yourself in the disposal of employments that will now
come under consideration. If you would give your
advice in it (I mean to your friends), and if it were
followed, I believe they would find better effects of
moderation and impartiality than they have done
from some other methods. There is no doubt your
Grace will be pressed to come into some share of
t A part wanting.

272 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the administration, and if you would accept of it, it
would give universal satisfaction. Ireland has been
spoke of, as believing you would have the least ex
ception to it. The Chamberlain's office does cer
tainly require more attendance and town residence
than may be fit at present for your uncertain state
of health. I am sure no man wishes to see your
Grace more in business than I do, both on public
and private accounts. But as you have lately quitted
one post, I cannot so soon expect you to engage in
another ; and therefore if you are concerned to stop
other people's surmising it, you may as well see the
King at Windsor, which would be easier to you,
and, as I told you, it would be the same thing to
the King.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. April 8, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th. Seeing your Grace is resolved upon your jour
ney to Newmarket, you will best understand there
in what posture our affairs are, and who are the
persons designed to fill up the vacancies, which I
have no knowledge of. I believe your Grace's ad
vice will be of very great use to prevent some mis
takes that perhaps may be otherwise made. I cannot
presume to offer my opinion to my Lord Orford, but I
think it very much concerns his reputation and future

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 273
quiet to make a right disposal of the Treasurership
of the Navy, and to take care that the Commissioners
of the Admiralty be well chosen. As to the latter,
I hear he would be glad to be quit of Sir George
Rooke, and perhaps Sir George would be willing to
leave that board, if he is like to be on no better
terms with my Lord Orford than he has been ; but
I think it will be wrong either way. I have no
reason to have any partialities to Sir George Rooke,
whom I am, in a manner, a perfect stranger to ; and
I have seen so much of the world, as to prefer justice
and equity before any other respects whatsoever.
But if my Lord Orford should either shew an im-
placableness towards Sir George Rooke, or even a
suspicion in him that he is of an irreconcilable
humour, I don't see but it must be a great lessening
of his lordship's reputation, and leave a ferment for
another year. Besides, Sir George's behaviour has
been such while the prosecution of the Admiralty
was depending, that many of my lord's friends were
very well satisfied with it ; and his enemies would
have liked him better if he had been otherwise,
which deserves some sort of consideration ; and the
neglect of it will give no very advantageous idea of
my lord's temper.
I have nobody to propose or recommend for these
vacancies ; but, as a well-wisher to the public, I
think it is a conjuncture wherein much good or much
hurt may be done, according to the choice that shall
be made of persons, proper or improper, to fill those
VOL. II. T

274 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
employments. I only wish your Grace may be con
sulted and your maxims followed, that every thing
may be disposed of to the most deserving.
I meet with a report as if my Lord Portland were
out of humour again, and was going off. I don't
understand the bottom of it, but I suppose it is a
spice of the old jealousy against my Lord Alber-
marle's increasing favour. I hear my Lord Portland
goes to Windsor instead of Newmarket, and talks
of preparing for a further retreat. If your Grace
comes to Newmarket you will hear more of it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 18, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th ; I only wish that his Majesty might enter
into a free discourse with your Grace upon the con
troversy between the Duke of Ormond and Earl of
Albermarle (relative to the military command) and
then I do not doubt but he would understand the
ill consequences of it, and nobody else could so well
suggest an expedient that he would accept of * * *t.
I hope your Grace will have the same success
in promoting moderation, which ought not to be
rejected, if the necessity for it were rightly under
stood. The right disposing of the commission of
Admiralty, may be a good instance of it ; and if my
t Part wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 275
Lord Orford does not satisfy you in that particular,
I hope he will refer himself to what your Grace and
my Lord Chancellor shall resolve on at your meet
ing at Windsor.
I rejoice that your Grace took this opportunity of
waiting on the King. I am afraid his Majesty took
this opposition so ill from the Duke of Ormond, that
nothing but your softness, and the good opinion he
had of your judgment, could have induced him to
lay aside an unseasonable resentment.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 20, 1699.
I have now got the names of those they say had
the majority of votes by the ballot,* viz 
Earl of Drogheda, James Hamilton, of Tullimore,
Francis Annesley, Sir Richard Leving,
John Trenchard, Hervey Langford.
Sir Francis Brewster.
I suppose they are all sure men, that will expose
the grant the most they can. When I told the King
last night of the commission, he did not like it at
all ; but these things admit of no remedy, and per
haps at last may have no great effect. The for
feitures will not appear so large as is imagined, and
if the King has a third to dispose of, it may reach
to as many as he cares to gratify.
In regard to the commission of inquiry into the Irish grants, I
suppose.
T 2

276 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 25, 1699.
My Lord Portland came to Kensington on Sunday
last in the afternoon,* which was unexpected to most
people. He was with the King in his closet after
the cabinet council was up, and has lain at London
these two nights. He has been very pressing to
deliver up his key, but I think he is consenting to
keep it for some time longer at least. He has been
with the King this morning, and is gone this even
ing to Windsor. I told him he was coming into a
condition where he ought most to be envied, and
yet would avoid it. That was to enjoy what the
ancients so much extolled, cum dignitate otium. He
may be as well with the King as any moderate man
can wish, and have as much share of business as he
will care for.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
April 27, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
25th. As to the King's being at Windsor ; if the
Parliament rises (as I expect) on Wednesday next,
his Majesty will go towards the latter end of next
week to Windsor, and he bid me tell your Grace he
* Portland, finding that the favour of Albermarle with the King was
triumphant, resolved to resign all his offices, and though pressed to
retain them, persevered in his determination.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 277
would not have you defer coming thither ; and there
fore he believes you will not go to your own house
till he has seen you ******
I imagine your Grace will have a pretty difficult
task at Windsor. I hope the King will not expect
too much ; and the next thing to be wished is that
some gentlemen do not refuse every thing. Our ma
nagers have of late left the business of the house to
go on as it will : whether it is their * "" * t being
layed aside they leave to others to act better if they
can, and will have no hand themselves in the short
provisions that are making ; or whether they are out
of humour as suspecting the King is inclined to new
measures, and is not enough displeased with the
party that have so barefacedly opposed him all this
session I believe the King is sufficiently dissatis
fied with some of those gentlemen, however, and
would be glad their number should be lessened. A
majority in opposition is a great weight, and those
are happy advisers that can find out the proper
methods for lessening it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. April 29, 1699.
I made my Lord Orford a short visit yesterday.
I thought him pretty easy, but I understand from
Sir James Forbes that he is very much out of
t Some words wanting.

278 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
humour. He thinks he is for laying down. I take
the meaning of it to be, that if all the Admiralty
places be not disposed of as he would have them, he
will have nothing to do there. I wish the rest do
not harden themselves in these resolutions, and
keep open breaches till ruin flows in upon us.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 2, 1699.
I had an answer yesterday from my Lord Port
land, who tells me he would write into Holland
about the business, without saying a word about
himself. I imagine, therefore, he will go on at this
rate till some new accident makes it better or worse.

May 6.
Monsieur D'Allonne told me yesterday that he
was newly arrived from Windsor, and had brought
up my Lord Portland's key. His Majesty having
yielded to his importunities, had given him leave to
resign it, which he says my Lord received with
great joy, and large professions of zeal and fidelity ;
and the same readiness to serve his Majesty in what
he shall command him. So I presume he will keep
the lodge and the superintending of the gardens.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 279
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 4, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2nd. We have now ended our session, and his
Majesty intends to be at Windsor on Saturday next,
when he would be glad to see you the same day. I
hope, therefore, it is not too long a journey for you
to take. My Lord Chancellor intends likewise to
be there that night or the next morning, and I sup
pose Mr. Montague will do the like. God grant
you may please both sides ; or that you may direct
them in the right way, though it pleases neither. I
imagine beforehand, where the greatest stiffness
will be, and it will not be amiss if all the reason be
on that side too. I think the King will be moderate,
and I am persuaded my Lord Albermarle will join
with you in what you think most advisable. He
took an occasion to speak to me to-day of your
Grace, and made great professions of his esteem for
you. He has the opinion he ought to have of your
integrity and judgment ; and therefore, I believe he
will in a great measure be guided by it.
I should think the grand affair would be to keep
my Lord Orford in temper. Those who have per
suaded him to quit the Treasurership and stick to
the Admiralty* have consulted his honour more than
* Edward Russell, Lord Orford, united in his own person two offices
which ought never to be held by one man — First Lord of the Admi
ralty and Treasurer of the Navy. He seems to have been the most
grasping, avaricious, and intractable of the ministers.

280 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
his inclinations, which perhaps would still draw him
aside. None are like to be so difficult in their
terms as those who think they may have an advan
tage by being refused.
* * * •» + * *
I have not been in the way to hear the descants
upon the King's speech, but I imagine they will
think it an intimation that they are to meet no
more.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May IS, 1699.
I had an opportunity yesterday, before his Majesty
went to the cabinet council, to lay before him the
letter I received from your Grace that afternoon.
The first thing he said to me after he had read
it was, that I should let you know that my Lord
Orford* came to him in the morning, and resigned
his employment in the Admiralty. I understood it
was in this manner. He told the King he had heard
that choice was made of a set of men to be Commis
sioners of the Admiralty, which he was very well
satisfied with, and the rather since he might now
retire, as being no longer useful. The King answered
* The day of Orford's resignation of office has generally been wrongly
stated as the 15tb, whereas this letter proves that it was on the 14th.
He had been vehemently attacked in parliament, as we have already
seen ; but it is evident that the cause of his going out was that Sir
George Rooke had a seat at the Admiralty, notwithstanding his efforts
to exclude him.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 281
that he did not expect so sudden a change in him
after he had resolved to continue in the Admiralty ;
that his Majesty was come to no resolution as to the
commissioners, only he had spoken with Sir G.
Rooke, to be satisfied whether he had been in the
cabals against him, and found that his lordship had
been misinformed as to some facts. Sir George pro
fessed a great esteem for him, and that he had not
failed to express it on proper occasions ; that he had
indeed been silent in some debates of the House of
Commons about Admiralty matters, when such points
were started as he could not justify ; but where his
lordship was particularly concerned he did him the
best service he could. My Lord Orford replied that
he had nothing to object against Sir. G. Rooke, but
wished well to his Majesty's affairs, in whose soever
hands he should put them, and so took his leave.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 16, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of this
day, and am perfectly convinced that your Grace
judges right what modesty will end in ; and you are
extremely kind in the warning you give me; but it
is bestowed upon one who can make no use of it.
I should think myself the most impudent fellow in
the world, if I asked any thing after having received
more than ever I expected, or pretend to deserve ;

282 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
besides, I can't bear the clamour that pursues those
that get any grants. If I had a less sense of reputa
tion, yet I find it so necessary for the support of one
who has but few friends, that it will be my utmost
caution * to do any thing that may bring it into ques
tion, which I find begging does in this envious ill-
natured age. I have heard some say in the House
of Commons, when they were charged with receiving
grants, that they came to them without' their seek
ing ; and it has often been said, both by the King
and my Lord Portland, that whatever was bestowed
upon the latter, was given before it was asked. By
this, one would think the modest run no such danger
in this reign, if your Grace had not been so evident
an instance of the contrary, where * * * t was
overlooked to a greater degree than it can be done
again. I was with the King yesterday morning, when
there was occasion to speak of the offices ; but neither
of us mentioned any additional allowance. I put
him in mind of what my Lord Portland first men
tioned to me when it began to be talked of that my
Lord Jersey was to be Secretary, and that was the
settling at this time of an agreement between the
two offices, that for the future they should be account
able to one another for the fees they received, and
divide them equally. As soon as I heard of it, I
thought it much the best way, that it would not only
keep a fair correspondence between the secretaries,
* So written. t A word wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 283
and those under them, but likewise preserve the
offices from a great many * * *t which they
may be liable to run into from the drawing in of
customers. My Lord Portland bidding me speak
of it to the King, I found him prepared for it, and
said it was the advice of your Grace and my Lord
Lonsdale, that such an adjustment should take place
as soon as it was possible, and this seemed the most
proper opportunity for it. The King told me he
had already spoke to my Lord Jersey about it, and
therefore bid me discourse it with him, which I did
the same afternoon, without mentioning my Lord
Portland as the author of it. He seemed to receive
it as a matter he acquiesced in, which is enough for
me, that have not experienced the conveniences or
inconveniences of it.
We had a short compliment about the offices, and
then I asked him whether he had any occasion for
keeping Mr. Rowley? To that he answered, he
could not part with him, he and Mr. Yard having
been recommended by your Grace. I suppose, there
fore, he will be as he was ; or otherwise, he may
take his choice when I have any thing better to offer
him. I believe your Grace need not be uneasy as
to Harry Mordaunt, for I hope the King will not
depart from what he promised ; though one must
needs say it will be thought an odd choice to put
Mr. Mordaunt into such an employment, when, if
he had some other sort of place, though to double
+ A word wanting.

284 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the value, it would be very well liked. I have been
inquiring into the value of this office, which they
say is but 500/. per annum. The deputy, who
officiates, I hear very much commended, who, I
suppose, will be continued, and that Mr. Mordaunt
will take it as a sinecure.
Your Grace will have understood, from the com
pany you saw to-day, whether my Lord Orford's
quitting was at that time so great a secret as is pre
tended,* my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Montague
both disowning to have been made privy to it,
though the latter went with him that morning to
Kensington. I waited on my Lord Chancellor this morning, to
thank him for his kindness to Mr. Stanyon, his
Lordship having writ to me that I should name
him to the King to succeed Mr. Bridgeman in the
Council Office. I spoke to him, at the same time,
about Brown, who plagues him with letters ; but,
as to other matters, nothing was said on either side.
I did not think your Grace would have the curiosity
to see such a place as I was recommended to. I
confess the sight of the house was disheartening to
me. Being scarce able to raise the purchase, I
could never bear the thoughts of building.
* It will be seen, by a former letter of Vernon's, that Orford's deter
mination to resign, if he had not every thing his own way, was known
long before.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 2S5
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 17, 1699.
I write this before I go to Kensington, because
I think I shall not have more to say afterwards.
I take it for granted the removes will be made of
the President and Privy Seal. I had orders yester
day to tell my Lord Pembroke that he should bring
the Privy Seal with him to Council, and to speak
to my Lord Lonsdale to be ready to receive it,
which they will do accordingly.
The Duke of Leeds * was, yesterday morning, with
the King. What passed I know not ; but, it is said,
he gives no consent to make it a resignation.
I spoke to the King about Mr. Mordaunt, who
will make his promise good. He spoke to Mr. Mon
tague, to know whether there would not be less
notice taken, if he were made a Commissioner of
the Customs, or to propose something of that value ;
but he not being ready to do it, I conclude Mr.
Mordaunt will be Treasurer of the Ordonnance, and
I won't cease soliciting till it is done.
The King spoke yesterday of the allowance at the
Green Cloth, but in a way that I least of all ex
pected, which was that my Lord Jersey should have
my * * *,t and I should have his 700/. per annum.
I begged he would not think of that; for the giving
President, dismissed from office about this time, and his post of
President given to Lord Pembroke.
t A word wanting.

286 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
my Lord a post, and lessening the dues belonging
to it, would be to chagrine or affront him, which I
would never contribute to. My Lord Jersey spoke
to me of it afterwards, and told me he had so
settled it with your Grace, when you met at Lamb's
house. I told him it was so unreasonable a pro
posal, that I could not believe your Grace ever had
it in your thoughts ; and he seemed to say it must
be so. I said I would be judged by your Grace,
whether I ought to be advantaged by any thing that
was taken from him ; but I was so sure you would
disprove of it, that I would not have it put upon
me. I am satisfied you must have been misunder
stood ; perhaps you thought the King would make
the places equal as to profit ; but to make the in
equality on the wrong side can't be the way for me
to my Lord Jersey's good will and friendship, who
would perhaps be as sensible in this point as any
other whatsoever, and may think his perquisites
enough diminished by dividing the fees. Mr. Mon
tague called at the office yesterday, when I was not
there, and I went to see him this morning. He
told me he had seen Sir Thomas Littleton,* and
that he found him very indifferent whether he re
moved from the Treasury, since Mr. Montague and
Mr. Smith stayed there ; and upon that he opened
the convenience there would be in making my Lord
Hartington Treasurer of the Navy, and would have
me concern myself in it. I have seen Sir Thomas
* Now Speaker.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 287
Littleton since, who is not near so indifferent as
was represented.
I have just now a letter from Sir Cloudesley
Shovell, who begs he may not be removed to the
Admiralty, being much better pleased to keep at
the Navy Board.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
May (rao date), 1699.
I received the honour of your Grace's letter of the
13th at Kensington, where the Council sat late, the
Lord President being exact in going through the
whole paper. My Lord Lonsdale received the seals.
Mr. Southwell was sworn clerk of the Council in
ordinary, and Stanyon in extraordinary. My Lord
Chancellor was with the King in his closet after
Council. I think he declined proposing Commis
sioners for the Admiralty, but undertook to know
my Lord Tankerville's mind, whether he would
accept of being First Commissioner. What the
result of it will be I know not ; but Ben Overton
heard my Lord Tankerville say he would be drawn
through a horse-pond before he would take that
employment ; and he spoke himself to my Lord
Marlborough, to get him excused of it, if it were
mentioned. It is thought my Lord Chancellor is more out of
humour than he would let appear. If it be so, I

288 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
am very sorry for it. I don't know what are the
particular reasons.
I believe Sir Thomas Littleton will be Treasurer
of the Navy, though Mr. Montague still wished it
might be my Lord Hartington. I doubt whether
Mr. Hill will be admitted into the Treasury, having
heard that the King is apprehensive Mr. Montague
and he will not agree. All I can say to it is, that
a very useful and able man will be rejected.
The King told me yesterday that he would make
his promise good to Mr. Mordaunt. It can't be
long delayed, the King talking of going to Holland
within a fortnight. I suppose my Lord Devon
shire * has been with him ; but what has passed I
know not. Sir George Rooke was waiting to speak
with the King. I know not what is resolved about
his quitting or staying ; his desires are to be em
ployed at sea ; but that, I think, should be least of
all consented to. Generally, people speak very
favourably of Mitchell, and wish he were at the
Admiralty Board. The King does not think of
excusing Sir Cloudesley Shovell.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 20, 1699.
Sir James Forbes tells me, it is taken notice of
that I am the only person of my Lord Orford's
* Lord Keeper.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 289
acquaintance, who has not been to visit him since
his laying down. I answered that I had forborne it,
because I thought my paying any respect of that
kind was neither expected nor agreeable there, since
I had often waited on my Lord Orford, and parti
cularly when he came last from Chippenham ; but
I had not heard he ever thought fit to take any
notice of it, either in returning the visit, or by ex
cusing it. I could not, therefore, judge otherwise,
but he would like better my staying away. Sir
James told me my Lord Orford had some jealousy
of me (which he was since satisfied in), that I had
carried a message from Sir George Rooke to the
King about his laying down, when he could not
prevail to get an audience himself; but he was
lately informed I had no hand in it, but it was done
by somebody else. I am sure I know so little of it,
that I don't yet understand what is meant by it ;
but if people are ready to credit all groundless
stories, and to act upon them as if they were
realities, I think it impossible to preserve oneself
in the good opinion of such a temper, and there
fore it is to no purpose to go about it. However,
I told Sir James that I should still be as ready to
wait on my Lord Orford as if he were in business,
and I believe I shall do it ; but I wish that those
who do not care to bear slights would be a little
more cautious of putting them upon others.
I could likewise find, by Sir James, that my Lord
Orford is like to be impetuous, and will not have it
VOL. II. u

290 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
thought that his resigning was so much his own
act, as it was the King's to put a force upon him
by refusing every thing he proposed ; and therefore
Rooke was supported, and my Lord Hartington
rejected. Your Grace will judge better than I can
what ill consequences are like to ensue upon such
violent resentments.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 23, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
SOth. I knew I could not be mistaken in what your
Grace intended about the increase of my allowance,
though his Majesty might be willing to understand
it in such a sense as might keep off a new charge
from the civil list, which I know his Majesty is
cautious in ; and therefore I concluded from the
beginning, it was best for me to rest contented with
what I have.
My Lord Jersey told me this morning, he had
heard from your Grace, but it was not yet in answer
to what he had writ to you. I assured him that it
would not alter the case.
I was yesterday to make my visit to my Lord
Orford, which was done with freedom ; we had no
discourse but upon indifferent things. He intends to
dine with me to-morrow, my wife having engaged
his sister Harbord, and some more of his relations.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 291
For aught I know, this may create a jealousy another
way ; but I satisfy myself in good intentions, and
have no other cautions to observe.
My Lord Tankerville has excused himself from
serving in the Admiralty ; he was with the King on
Sunday last, and they parted with great civility on
both sides. My Lord Bridgewater was sent for
yesterday, and though he had really no mind to the
employment, yet he submitted himself to the King's
pleasure, and has accepted it. My Lord Haversham
has been since spoken to, and he comes into the
commission with little entreaty. Sir George Rooke
and Sir Robert Rich stay in ; the latter, I hear,
thinks he has not been very well used by my Lord
Orford, who refused to make his son a captain of a
fifth-rate frigate. I don't find there will be above
one seaman more in the commission, that is either
Shovell or Mitchell. Kendall and Wharton, I hear,
have resigned, and some are of opinion their places
should not be filled up, but that five will be enough
for the commission.
I do not know what is to be done at the Treasury ;
I believe Mr. Hill will not be there, since it is
thought he will not be agreeable to Mr. Montague.
I don't think he will care to be in the Custom House,
and therefore it is better he stayed abroad.
The King has ordered me to write to the Admi
ralty, that his convoy and yacht may be got ready by
the middle of next week, he holding his resolution
to go on Friday se'nnight. I wish he may leave
u 2

292 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
people satisfied and in good humour, but there is no
great appearance of it at present.
My Lord Abingdon died yesterday, of a fever. I
saw my Lord Bridgewater this evening, who tells
me how earnest he was with the King to be ex
cused, but he was pressed beyond resistance ; and
the King would not part with him till he had kissed
his hand upon the acceptance.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 25, 1699.
I had the honour of my Lord Orford's company
yesterday, so that I hope I am not the obnoxious
person I was thought. He had not heard till then
of my Lord Bridgewater's being in the Admiralty,
and seemed well satisfied with it.
I believe, now the King has thought further of it,
he wishes he had rather placed my Lord Haversham
at the Council of Trade, but I doubt whether he can
now alter it so well.
I suppose my Lord Jersey got the warrant signed
to-day, for renewing the commission ; there are to
be five only in it, viz. — Lord Bridgewater, Lord
Haversham, Sir Robert Rich, Sir George Rooke,
and Sir David Mitchell, who, I believe, will do very
well there.
There is still a likelihood of my Lord Tanker-
ville's being second Commissioner of the Treasury.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 293
I suppose Mr. Montague has undertaken to speak
to him about it. Sir William Blackett has writ to
excuse himself from coming into that commission,
but he does it in the terms of disabling himself, and
therefore may be pressed further.
My Lord Ferrers will be sworn a Privy Coun
sellor this evening, and I believe he is intended to
succeed my Lord Bridgewater at the Council of
Trade. The King has had an eclaircissement with my
Lord Steward, and that matter seems to be pretty
well over. The Duke asked the King leave to go
into France this summer, and for that reason would
have been excused from being in the Commission of
Lords Justices ; but the King did not approve of it,
therefore I suppose he will desist.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 27, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
24th, and humbly acknowledge the favour of your
advice, which nobody shall be more punctual in ob
serving. I hope I stand as well as I can expect
with my Lord Orford, and it shall not be my fault
if it be not kept upon that foot.
It has been a good fortune to me that I have had
nothing to do with the warrant for removing the
Commission of Admiralty ; the King signed two,

294 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
one placing my Lord Haversham next to my Lord
Bridgewater, the other put him after Sir Robert
Rich and Sir George Rooke. Before they were
delivered out he was spoke to, I believe, by my Lord
Portland, and appeared very well satisfied to be in
the lower place, whereupon the warrant was de
livered out accordingly, but then he changed his
mind, and thought it an injury to the peerage. The
King was willing to alter it again ; but that Sir
Robert Rich opposes, as being contrary to the pre*
cedents. I don't know how this be ended, but if the
new commission goes on as it has begun, and my
Lord Haversham and Sir Robert Rich fall to squab
bling, they will only make a farce, whereas it was
possible to have constituted such a commission as
would not have been liable to exceptions. My Lord
Tankerville has been with the King this morning,
and accepted of being second Commissioner of the
Treasury. He did it with so good a grace, that
the King is very well satisfied in the giving it
to him.
Mr. Mordaunt attending to-day, I acquainted his
Majesty with it, and as soon as he came into the
bed-chamber, he kissed the King's hand for Mr.
Bertie's place. The Treasury are to prepare the
warrant for it. I believe as soon as Sir Thomas
Littleton waits on the King, which may be on
Monday, the Treasurership of the Navy will be
given him. The new regulation for that office was
approved at council on Thursday last. Whether

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 295
it be Mr. Pelham or Sir Steven Fox that is to make
the second vacancy in the Treasury, I know not.
I take for granted there will be no room there for
Mr. Hill at present. He had desired to carry the
King's compliment to Turin upon the birth of the
young prince. That my Lord Jersey tells me is or
dered ; and besides he may have the offer of coming
into the Commission of Trade as a nearer step to
the Treasury.
The King dines to-day at Hampton Court ; it is
said my Lord Chancellor is to be of the party. I
wish it may be so ; that will be the best mark I have
yet seen of his being in good humour.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 30, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
27th with the inclosed from Brown, who is a strange
fellow to show any kindness to ; he writ this letter
but two or three days after I had been prevailed
with, to send him £30 to get him out of the baiUffs
hands. I made, indeed, conditions at the same time
that he should never trouble my Lord Chancellor
or Lord President, who I found were made uneasy
with his impertinences. I wish he would write from
beyond sea, as he tells your Grace ; but there is not
one word he says to be depended on.
Sir Thomas Littleton kissed the King's hand yes-

296 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
terday, for the Treasurership of the Navy, so that
and Mr. Mordaunt's warrants will be forthwith dis
patched. The contest was kept up till yesterday
between my Lord Haversham and Sir Robert Rich
about precedency ; but last night Sir Robert waited
on the King and gave it up with a compliment, but
the precedents were as much against him as for him.
The King has sent for my Lord Dorset to satisfy
him of the reasons why he is not continued in the
Commission of Justices. My Lord Steward laid
aside the thoughts of going into France, since the
King does not approve of it ; but I question whether
he may be in very good humour, since on Sunday
last he delivered to the King a petition of Captain
Desborough, the person who gave the Admiralty all
the vexation in the House of Lords.
The Parliament of Ireland is ordered to be dis
solved. My Lord Chancellor is to know of the
Duke of Bolton what his intentions are as to his
returning into Ireland. In some discourses I have
had with him, I found him shy of explaining himself,
but he seemed to hint as if he aimed at the lieute
nancy. However, at the last he seemed not to take
it amiss, that I told him my thoughts of the conve-
niency even to himself at present, that the Commis
sion of Justices should subsist, and he be continued
in it.
They say my Lord Stamford is to be in the Com
mission of Trade, and Mr. Hill is designed to sup
ply the second vacancy. If that be so, my Lord

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 297
Ferrers will be unprovided for. Mr. Smith had a
good mind to oppose my Lord Tankerville's taking-
place of him, but I think that is quieted again.
What I mentioned of my Lord Stamford, I have
since heard is contradicted. My Lord Lexington,
seeing no likelihood of his going into Ireland, will
be glad to be in the Commission of Trade.
If the Duke of Bolton stay in the Commission of
Ireland, I don't know but the Earl of Berkeley may
be the third. I suppose Sir Rowland Gwyn will be
provided for in the Custom House. Mr. Pelham
has forbore coming to the Treasury of late, but Sir
Stephen Fox still sticks on.
The King's journey holds for Friday. To-morrow
the council meets, as well for proroguing the par
liament as for naming the Lords Justices.
To-morrow morning my Lord Chancellor, and
some other Lords of the Council, are to meet the
President, Advocate and Secretaries of Scotland, to
confer concerning their settlement in America,*
which we think contrary to the treaty with Spain.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. May 31, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th. I wish I could tell you that my Lord Chan
cellor is entirely in humour. I am afraid he is
* At. Darien.

298 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
more uneasy at losing my Lord Orford, than his
Lordship is at quitting the Admiralty ; but I hope
he will recover out of it.
The King talks of going away this evening, to
avoid travelling, both in heat*md dust. The Lords
Justices were declared yesterday at council. Your
Grace knows who are the three new ones, viz., my
Lord Privy Seal,* Lord Bridgewater, and Lord
Jersey. They are in the place of Lord Dorset,
Lord Romney, and Lord Orford.
Mr. Smith kissed the King's hand last night for
the Chancellorship of the Exchequer. The Trea
sury Commission is passing : my Lord Tankerville
and Mr. Boyle are the new ones, and Sir Stephen
Fox continues in. The parliament is this day pro
rogued to the 13th of July.
The- new commission for Ireland is settled. The
Duke of Bolton is contented to stay in, and the Earl
of Berkeley is the third commissioner. The Duke
is made Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Dorset
shire, and Warden of New Forest. This was pro
cured for him by my Lord Chancellor last night.
The Commission of Trade is not yet fully resolved
on. They say my Lord Stamford would be willing
to be at the head of it, but he has not been asked ;
and if he had it, it would hardly keep him in
temper, his expectations having been higher. I
think he is one of those tempers that nobody cares
either to offend or gratify. The King is inclined
* Lord Lonsdale.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 299
to put my Lord Lexington into that commission,
and Mr. Hill to be the other, who stands likewise
fair for the Treasury at the next remove.
Mr. Hetherington will have the vacant judge's
place in Ireland, upon my Lord Chancellor's recom
mendation. My Lord Herbert has solicited hard,
either for Ireland or the Commission of Trade. I
am afraid you will see him peevish in Worcester
shire, and will less care what becomes of Bewdley.
I believe the King will give the Duke of Leeds's
lieutenancy to my Lord Burlington ; but I don't
know who he designs for Hull.
My Lord Sunderland sends me the inclosed for
your Grace.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 3, 1699.
His Majesty went from Kensington about eleven
on Thursday night; but at what time he got to
Margate, or where he embarked, I have not yet
heard; my Lord Jersey, who went the journey,
thinking it sufficient if he brings up the news him
self. We suppose the King set sail yesterday, in
the evening ; if so, he may now be landed in Hol
land. My Lord Berkeley, though a melancholy mourner
for his son, kissed the King's hand on Thursday,
for his being in the Irish Commission. He\ays he

300 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
must take a turn into Gloucestershire before he can
go to Ireland.
One of the last declarations the King made, was
for filling up the Commission of Trade, with my
Lords Stamford and Lexington : so Mr. Hill is left
out of every thing. I don't know that he will be so
much concerned as the public ought to be. The
King had promised Lord Lexington to make him
of the Council of Trade, since he could not send
him to Ireland ; and he not being thought a very
good chief, my Lord Stamford was taken, he having
asked it at last by my Lord Chancellor, and he was
unwilling to refuse one of that humour, who began
to show himself very dogged for his being neg
lected. The King, at his going away, bid me tell Sir
Francis Blake, he had nothing in reserve to dispose
of but a Commission of Victuallers. He does not
seem inclinable to accept of it, but takes time to
consider.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 6, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd. I think the noise of witches breaks out like
a plague in several places at distant times. If these
miserable creatures are in haste to die by other
peopled hands, and will confess they know not what,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 301
they will be served as they are in Scotland, where
the judges tell them they don't believe them, and
yet sentence them to be burnt.
We have an account this morning, by the Brill
packet boat, that the King landed at the usual
place, the Orance Polder, on Saturday, about five
in the afternoon. I suppose, therefore, the Lords
Justices will meet within a day or two, and open
their commission.
I believe the Duke of Bolton does not think of
going into Ireland till towards next spring. He
intends his duchess shall come over and meet him
in Yorkshire in August. I think he is in good
humour, and willing to do right, both to my Lord
Galway and Mr. Methuen ; the last in great per
plexity about an order he has been served with from
our House of Lords, directing him to put the
Society of London into possession of those lands
which the House of Lords in Ireland took from
them in behalf of the Bishop of Derry.
I am afraid my Lord Berkeley will not be going
into Ireland this month, which is inconvenient, since
the new commission ought to be opened, and the
Archbishop dismissed.
The lieutenancy of Dorsetshire has been vacant
ever since the Earl of Bristol's death. Major-
General Erie proposed the Duke of Bolton to my
Lord Chancellor, those in the county not having
been able to agree about a lord-lieutenant.
My Lord Jersey brought directions from Margate

302 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
to speak to my lord Chancellor about a Lord-
lieutenant for Yorkshire, in the Duke of Leeds's
place. My Lord Cornwallis is married to-day to my
Lady Ames's daughter,
Conway Seymour had a rencontre on Sunday last
in St. James's Park with Captain Kirk, of my Lord
Orford's regiment. I believe both were in drink ;
and, calling one another beaus at a distance, they
challenged, and went out of the park to fight.
Mr. Seymour received a wound in the neck ; but I
think there is no danger in it.
I just now hear the Lords Justices have appointed
to meet to-morrow.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 8, 1699.
The Lords Justices met yesterday ; they were all
present but my Lord Steward and Lord President.
The latter has been much out of order, but is
recovering. I told the Bishop of Worcester that
his diocese is infected with notions about witches ;
he intends his clergy shall rectify their mistakes in
that particular. He told me some of the topics he
would have argued. He don't much controvert the
power of devils in the Gentile world, and their ex
traordinary operations may still take place among
the Pagans. He is inclinable enough to believe

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 308
what some authors have writ of the strange effects
in such places ; but he thinks the Gospel, as far as
it reaches, has destroyed the works of the devil,
and those who are in the covenant of grace can
receive no hurt from the infernal powers, either in
their persons, children, or goods ; that a man may
be so profligate as to give himself to the devil, but
he can have no assistance from him to hurt any
body else in a supernatural way. I think we may
assent to this latter part, and leave the devil and
the Gentiles to argue the rest among themselves.
The Prince, Princess, and the Duke of Glou-
cester are gone to Windsor to-day, to stay there till
winter. Sir Thomas Littleton has not yet overcome his
uneasiness about the passing the Treasurer's accounts
of the Navy Office. He stops his patent till he can
receive satisfaction. I believe the Treasury will so
far gratify him as to consider whether there may not
be more proper and expeditious methods introduced.
I have letters to-dav from Sir William Beeston
of the 21st March. He speaks of the Scotch at
Darien*, that their provisions begin to fall short,
* The Scotch Parliament had passed an Act, some years before, for
the establishment of a company trading to Africa and the Indies. A
great deal of ability was shown by the projectors of the company, and a
large capital was embarked in it. Letters patent were ordered by the
Parliament under the Great Seal, but, it is said, without a warrant from
the Crown. The jealousy of the English and Dutch, however, and the
rights of the Spaniards, were opposed to this company, and the legal
defects of its constitution were employed to ruin it somewhat remorse
lessly.

304 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
and their money likewise fails them. They sent
goods to the value of 15,000/. to sell to the
Spaniards, but the vessel was cast away near Car
thagena, so that their goods were all seized, and
the men put into prison. Sir William believes their
wants will make them run to Jamaica, which he
wishes, as thinking they will be an additional
strength to the island. The Spanish jealousy in
volves the English in this attempt as much as the
Scots. When Sir William sent a vessel to the
Spanish governors, to undeceive them, they would
not suffer a man to come ashore, nor return any
answer. They having seized several of our trading
ships, and carried them into Porto Bello, Rear-
Admiral Benbow has sailed with his whole force to
re-demand them from the Admiral of the Benevento*
fleet. I know not what this may come to at last.
Admiral Benbow was lately at Carthagena, where
he found the Spaniards very much unconcerned
whether the King recovered or not. Upon his
death, they hoped to be under the power of one
that would protect them, and openly avowed their
inclination to France. These are generally their
sentiments in the kingdom of Peru. But in Mexico
it may happen otherwise : the Indians there are very
earnest with the Countess of Montezuma, who is
descended of their race, that she would take upon
her the title of Queen, which she seems willing to
accept ; but the Conde, her husband, refuses it as
* So written.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 305
yet, though it is thought, if the King of Spain dies,
he will set up for himself.
The Scotch ministers, at the late conference,
among other things, touched at the convenience
their settlement might be to England in case of
the King of Spain's death, and that the French
should pretend to seize those countries. I did not
think they were like to be invited thither; but if
there is to be a scramble for the Indies, the footing
the Scotch have taken between Mexico and Peru
will, if they keep it, make them very considerable
in those parts.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. June 10, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
7th, and shall never do any thing to forfeit the
confidence your Grace has been pleased to repose in
me. The ill consequences that attend the disposal
of places to such as are not fit for them, are very
obvious, and the greatest clamour arises from
thence. The Bill of Offices, or the self-denying
would never be thought necessary, if all commis
sions and places were filled with honest men, who
understood the business, and then nobody would
concern themselves whether they were members of
parliament or not ; whereas, things are now left to
VOL. II. x

306 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
chance, and if there be no choice among the soli
citors, the boldest of them must carry it ; and it is
not to be wondered at if a nation be dissatisfied
with such a management, and take what ways they
can to get it redressed.
1 am afraid ministers may find themselves under
a mistake when they yield so much to importunities,
and prefer people merely because they think them
their friends or creatures. Such as are like to dis
parage them do not deserve that name ; but by
always recommending the most deserving, they will
tie to themselves a new set of men, who will be of
more use and credit to them. As we have ordered
matters, and as industry has been overlooked and
discouraged, it may be thought hard to find out the
men who shall be adapted to the several stations.
But if that method were once begun, and kept to,
good men would come to be discovered ; and by
comparing and judging impartially, little or no
mistake would be committed. These notions are,
perhaps, for Utopia, and impracticable every where
else. We have not our letters yet from Holland.
If your Grace will entertain yourself with a pam
phlet the Bishop of Worcester* is very angry at, as
reflecting upon him, in particular, for changing his
diocese so often, I send it enclosed. He has found
out the printer, and sent him to me to-day, that I
* Dr. Lloyd, previously Bishop of Lichfield. He succeeded the famous
StiUingfleet.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 307
should examine him about the author. He pre
tends not to know him more than by guess, and
desires a little time to find him out ; and if he does
not appear, he will return and submit himself to
my censure or prosecution. I thought the proposal
fair, and the man appearing to be sensible and
responsible, I dismissed him on that condition.
Whether the Bishop will be satisfied with it, I do
not yet know ; but I think it is the best not to be
too pert or violent about the press, when it is very
uncertain how far the law will bear me out.
I think Sir Thomas Littleton comes off from his
uneasiness about the treasurership. He has dis
coursed his difficulties with Sergison and Lyddal,
the leading commissioners, and the Navy Board,
and they have assured him, he shall be made easy
in the method of accompting, one way or another.
On Thursday last the Bishop of St. David's
appeal was heard by a Court of Delegates, who
were unanimous in their opinions, that there was no
ground for an appeal, that the cause should be sent
back to the Archbishop's Court, and he should be
condemned in 60/. cost ; so I suppose his deprivation
draws near.
I have seen a letter from the Scotch colony at
Darien, of the 8th of February. It mentions a
skirmish they have had with a party of Spaniards,
whom they drove back to their garrison, taking a
captain prisoner. They had an ensign killed, and
x 2

308 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
fourteen men wounded. They sent two officers to
Carthagena, to demand the prisoners that were
taken there when their ship was cast away, which
was bound to Barbadoes, but, by stress of weather,
drove to the Spanish coast. They then foresaw a
want of provisions if they were not speedily sup
plied ; they reckoned they could not subsist above
three months, which are some time since expired ;
so that if they have no more recruits, their condition
is bad.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June IS, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
12th, and shall not fail to speak to the Duke of
Bolton, as I find it may be of any use ; but he is of
a pretty capricious humour, and may draw back the
more he is spoke to directly, though it be for his
own interest. I believe Mr. Bridges found it so ;
and Mr. Smith tells me he thought the Duke was
not very well pleased with Mr. Bridges for making
him the proposition. He believes, when the Duke
has been in Hampshire, whither he goes next week,
and shall have seen how many houses he has upon
his hands, and have considered what it will cost
him to finish it if he has a mind to live there, and
of what convenience it will be to him to sell it for

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 309
the easing himself of his debt, he will then have
other thoughts about it. In the meantime, I have
spoke to Ben Overton, who, I think, knows more
of the Duke's ways than the others do, and is more
trusted by him ; and he will draw from the Duke
what his intentions are, and to dispose him, as far
as he can, to part with Aberston, which he is fully
convinced he ought to do without any deliberation.
As to the King's buying it, there is no manner of
likelihood of it. Seeing my Lord Portland yester
day, I asked him about it, who tells me, if the
Duke would give him but a guinea, he would pay
him a hundred if ever the King purchased there.
My Lord Portland told me of a purchase he had
his eye long upon, but he was afraid he should go
without it at last. It is my Lord Clarendon's estate
at Cornbury. It is some time since, that, under
hand, he got an old mortgage upon it for 7,000/.
assigned to him in Mr. Eyles's name, who has been
driving the bargain for him with one Tracy, a
steward or agent to my Lord Clarendon, who came
so far with him as to settle the price at about
30,000/. It being thus advanced, my Lord Port
land thought fit to appear in it himself, and spoke
to my Lord Rochester about having been first told
by Tracey, that my Lord Rochester had declared
to him, he had no thought of buying it himself;
but my Lord Rochester showed no good liking to
the proposal, and told my Lord Portland, he never

310 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
heard that his brother had any intentions of parting
with it ; and as to himself, Tracey had never spoke
to him of it. My Lord Portland does not know
what to make of this proceeding ; he is inclined to
believe that my Lord Rochester will rather get into
that estate than any body else shall have it ; but
not having money enough to lay down for it, he will
pay him down his mortgage, as he himself hitherto
paid him the interest, though it did not appear
before. I had heard your Grace had once some thoughts
of purchasing Cornbury, but I told my Lord Port
land that I was confident you were now looking out
for something else. However, he desired I would
know of your Grace, whether you have still an
inclination to it, or are in treaty about it.
He likewise heard that my Lord Ormond had
been lately down to see it ; but since his coming
up, the Duke tells him he shall have nothing to do
with it.
The letters that arrived this day from Ireland
tell us that the new commissioners are like to exe
cute their powers with a pretty high hand, and,
perhaps, exceed the limits of their commission,
and not only report the grants above their value,
but likewise insert other matters, that may draw on
reflections upon the King's ministers who have
served him both in England and Ireland. They
have desired the rooms belonging to the Parliament

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 311
House for their sessions, and they sit themselves in
the House of Lords. My Lord Drogheda is waver
ing whether he should act with them or not.
A ¦  * fire broke out yesterday in the after
noon at Redriff, on Southwark side, which lasted
twelve or fourteen hours, and has destroyed about
two hundred houses, besides several ships in the
river, the fire happening when the tide was going,
so that the ships could not be removed.
Mr. Conway Seymour died this morning. His
death will be charged upon Captain Kirk ; but
some say he would not have died of his wound, if
he had been regular in his diet since he received it.
They talk of a debauch he made on Sunday last,
which threw him into a high fever.
I hear the report of Mr. Seymour's death is con
tradicted ; but there is little hopes he can live.
Eating of fruit, and drinking four or five glasses of
Burgundy wine after, it set him a vomiting, and
opened his wound, and threw him into a fever.
The printer of the pamphlet against the Bishop
of Worcester is ordered to be prosecuted ; the in
formation against him will be grounded on the 12th
and 13th pages, which he speaks of translations
and removes as a scandal to the Church, and a
reproach to the King ; and that in Ireland, as in
Jeroboam's time, the lowest of the people have
been graced with the highest preferments in the
* A word illegible.

312 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Church, as if it were done on purpose to expose
her. As to what your Grace has heard about the Duke
of Bolton's being out of humour with you, I can't
imagine there is any thing in it j but if it be so,- 1
shall know it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 20, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th. I am sorry there should be no end of Brown's
impertinence. He called upon me on Saturday, to
know whether I had any thing to say to him from
your Grace, in answer to his letters. I told him I
had not, and he had no answer to expect. I believe
he has found Jones a timorous man, and thinks
others may be concerned for him ; and therefore he
hopes, by frightening him, that one or another will
supply him with money ; and Mr. Jones often going
to Colonel Purcel's, he imagines that they may be
* * *t to get him supplied as formerly ; and when
he found that would not do, he tried another way,
which was by going to confession to Nugent, and
took an occasion to express his remorse for the
wrongs he had done to Mr. Jones, whereas all the
end of his begging pardon was to draw out another
t A word wanting,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 313
relief. My Lady Westmoreland telling me of it, J
put 20/. into her hands, to be conveyed by Nugent
to Brown, provided it might carry him out of the
kingdom, which he had declared was his resolution.
About that time Brown was taken up, so Nugent
never saw him ; and his friend Purdon applying to
me to help him in this distress, and promising he
would go beyond sea as soon as he had his liberty,
I took back the 20/., and gave Brown 30/. instead
thereof; and these are the requitals he makes me,
and will do the same to any body that shaE be kind
to him.
Conway Seymour died on Sunday last, at eight in
the morning : the coroner's inquest have sat upon
him, and found it a wilful murder. So I suppose
Kirk and Cage both abscond ; they might other
wise pass their time ill. I hear the doctors and
surgeons find fault with one another upon this occa
sion. Bussier is blamed by them for laying open
the wound more than was necessary. He says the
fever was the cause of his death, and belonged to
the doctors to cure, it having no rise from the
wound. The Duke of Bolton went yesterday for Hamp
shire, Mr. Overton telling me he had not a conve
nient opportunity to speak to him. I made use of
what I had just before the Duke went. I found
him dry and reserved as to any treaty about Aber
ston, and merely told me, he had no thoughts at
present of parting with it; and I likewise showed

314 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
an indifference as to buying it, since you had other
convenient houses proposed to you ; but if Aberston
could have been an accommodation to you both,
you would have been as fair a chapman as he can
expect. He said nothing to me now about the
King's buying it. Mr. Pennington sends me this
dirty letter for your Grace from Colonel Mordaunt.
Sir Thomas Littleton can't yet resolve about
passing his patent for the Treasurership of the
Navy, but lets it lie at the Privy Seal. He would
first be satisfied how he may make up his accounts,
and pass them annually, not caring to rely upon
the good nature of the Navy Board for his future
quiet and security. He has, therefore, laid before
the Lords of the Treasury a memorial of such regu
lations and methods as, he thinks, ought to be
settled, for the easier and quicker dispatch of those
accounts which is referred to the Navy Board to be
considered of. If they approve of it all will be
well ; but if they have any material objections, I
believe the Treasury will not interpose to overrule
them, and then I know not what will become of the
place. There are letters from Mr. Stanhope of the 10th
of June, n.s. He writes that the King* is not so
well as he was a fortnight before, his face, stomach,
belly, and legs being much swelled, with a constant
shaking in his head. Since the fright of the tumult,
the new ministers are very pressing upon him to
* Of Spain.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 315
send away all the Queen's creatures ; and if she
goes on to oppose it, they threaten her with a
convent. They design sending the Marquis of
Leganez to the government of Flanders, and seem
fonder of the Duke of Savoy for their king than
either the French or the Germans.
My Lord Portland embarked last night for Hol
land. I have heard no more of his purchase.
I hear that, at Malmesbury, they have put out
my Lord Wharton from the office of their Steward,
and have given it to my Lord Abingdon.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
June 27, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
24th. As for the new ministry in Spain, both
French and Germans are satisfied with them, or
pretend to be so. They write from Vienna, that
they are better liked than the last, and the Em
peror's Ambassador was early in his caresses to
them, insomuch that the Queen took it heinously.
Every body says Sir Rowland Gwyn declines
coming into the Customs, and nobody knows the
reason of it, I suppose. Tom Newport will have
it, my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Montague having
told him that they have writ to the King in his
behalf. The soldiers belonging to the late marine regi-

316 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ments continue in their disorders, clamouring for
their arrears, the Admiralty having referred it to
the Navy Board to make up their accounts, and
they, finding it will be made a work of time, grow
very impatient, and threaten to pull down tbe Navy
Office. The Admiralty have therefore attended the
Lords Justices this day, with the Commissioners of
the Navy, but what has been resolved on I know
not. The city thought to go a-birding this year for
sheriffs, hoping to augment their revenue by fines,
and therefore chose Charles Duncomb and Jeffry
Jeffries ; but they are like to disappoint them, and
talking of holding the office. Sir Josiah Child, who
died last week, has made such a disposition of his
estate as his family is not likely to agree about.
He has left his eldest son no more than was settled
on him in marriage with Sir Thomas Cook's
daughter, which they reckon about 4,000/. per
annum. The other son, who is by the present wife,
is made heir to the rest, and executor. He will
have about 5,000/. per annum in land. He has left
no legacies to any of his daughters, but has given
2,500/. to each of his grandchildren, payable only
to the women, when they attain the age of sixteen,
and the men at twenty-one ; so that his daughter
Bullock has had no portion at all, and Mrs. How-
land wants part of hers, he having promised her to
make her equal to her sister Worcester, who had
20,000/. portion, Mrs. Howland only 12,000/. He

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 317
has left about 1,000/. to hospitals, and has ordered
only 50/. to be expended in his funeral.
They say he does not leave so great an estate as
was expected, and that he has several accounts de
pending, which will either take from his estate, or
some will be great losers, particularly the son of
Sir John Child, who was governor at Bombay,
whose whole estate is got into Sir Josiah's hands.
I just now hear that Duncomb and Jeffries have
signed the bonds to hold the shrievalty.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. July 4, 1699.
I hope Brown will tire himself with his own im
pertinences, for there is hardly any thing else will
put an end to it.
I hope Mr. Boscawen is a little better. The
visitants are returned from Chippenham. Sir James
Forbes tells me there is to be a match — Mr. Cheeke
and Lady Catherine Jones.
I went to see Sir Thomas Littleton yesterday, at
Epsom, where, he tells me, his patent lies still at
the Privy Seal, and is like to do so till he sees how
it shall be possible to pass an account. The Navy
Board have made no answer yet to his memorial,
and they give him no manner of hopes that they
will ease him of the victualling account, which, he
thinks, belongs to another office. They tell him,

318 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
that, if new methods are endeavoured to be imposed
upon them, they shall be obliged to oppose them,
or otherwise they promise to make it as easy to him
as possible ; but he don't know how far that will
go, and would rather know what he may certainly
depend on. I much question whether he will take
this place at last; if he could return to the Treasury
it is certain he would do it.
I hear the Duke of Hamilton is going to Scot
land. He is a strenuous asserter of the Scotch
company ; and if it fail, I wish he does not make
another use of it, to exasperate things against Eng
land, and to cry down the union between the nations
as useless to them. Upon the affidavit of a provoked
woman I have taken up a priest, who said mass to
a Lady Stanley, in Holborn. He proves to be
Phillipot, who taught my Lord Brudenell's sons.
I expect my Lady Westmoreland will concern her
self in his behalf. But the greatest kindness I can
do him, is to get him leave to go beyond the sea,
which I have proposed to the Lords Justices, and
they are not against it.*
* I have omitted two notes, dated 8th and 11th July, that seem of
no importance whatever.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 319

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 13, 1699.
The Parliament met to-day, and were prorogued
to the 24th of next month. Your Grace will see,
by the enclosed from Neves, the account we have of
Kidd*, the pirate. ' I think his rogueries will be at
an end now, for I do not see how he can escape, the
alarm being given every where concerning him.
The disbanded soldiers grow every day more and
more tumultuous. They besieged the Duke of
Schomberg and the general officers as they were
sitting, on Tuesday last, at the Horse Guards, and
afterwards went to his house in Pall Mall, and
threatened to pull it down. He is gone out of town
upon it, and says he will return when he sees orders
given for preserving peace. His letter was brought
this evening to the Lords Justices, while they were
at the Council, and it is ordered that the justices of
the peace take care to suppress riots.
My Lord Jersey tells me that nothing appears
against Jones and the other priest, Marshall, who
was taken up at the same time, and therefore he
thinks of discharging them to-morrow.
Poor Bernard has been with me to bemoan his
misfortune on being charged, on my Lady Mid
dleton's account, whom he never saw in his life ;
but innocently enclosed a letter for Mrs. Catharine
Morris to a Frenchman of his acquaintance at
* See an after note upon this personage.

320 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Dover. They say my Lady Middleton has been
some time preparing to go to her husband, and has
no thoughts of returning hither again.
My Lord Manchester talks of going to France
on Thursday next, and my Lord Berkeley begins
his journey to Ireland on Tuesday ; he goes into
Gloucestershire, and embarks at Bristol.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 15, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
12th. This mad fellow, Brown, will not cease to
be troublesome till his debts plunge him into jail,
and then he will be humble enough. The quarrel
he has to Jones is the same he has to me — that we
have relieved him, and do not continue it. Besides,
he has found Jones a fearful creature, and believes,
that, by bearing hard upon him, he shall squeeze
money out of somebody or another. But that ex
pectation may soon fail him, since my Lord Jersey
intends that Jones and Marshall shall voluntarily
quit the kingdom, or he will not release them.
There is nothing criminal appears against either of
them, but theirs and the informer's character makes
it necessary to be cautious.
I hear Brown brags in coffee-houses how he
imposed upon me, and forced thirty pounds from
me, upon pretence that he was taken up for debt ;

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 321
whereas he only went and lay at a spunging-house,
as they call them, where the bailiffs live. He is
laying such another stratagem, to get something out
of your Grace, by mentioning Smith's name, and
pretending he would be gone as soon as a small debt
was paid. He will not always be so gentle ; in his
next letters he will return to railing.
Mr. Constable has been with me, to tell me that
he thinks Jones hardly dealt with, that he should
be taken up for one thing, and required to leave
the kingdom for another. I only desired him, that
he would likewise consider my Lord Jersey's cir
cumstances. I supposed information was brought
him that Jones corresponded in treasonable matters ;
and was, besides, a priest. It was a justice in him
to put him to no further trouble on the first head,
when he found a failure in proofs ; but there being
no doubt concerning the other, it could not be
totally overlooked, and his withdrawing himself, I
thought, would not be so great a prejudice to him,
as his remaining here ought to be to my Lord
Jersey. I have heard no more of my Lord Bophine's
business than I acquainted you with, and cannot
tell how they came by their discovery. If it was
intended for a secret, it has been ill kept, since I
accidentally heard a good part of it last winter.
I spoke with the justices of the peace yesterday,
and acquainted them with the Lords Justices' direc
tions, that they should take care to preserve the
VOL. II. y

322 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
peace, and suppress riots, in the manner prescribed
by the statute of the 13th of Henry the Fourth,
I have likewise desired Mr. Clark to continue the
meetings of the general officers, that all accounts
may be adjusted, as far as possible. The late dis
turbance was given by the soldiers dismissed out of
the regiment of Foot Guards. One Campbell, that
had been a Serjeant, pretended to state every man's
account, and determined what was due to each man,
according to the time he had served, for which he
took sixpence a piece of them, amounting in all to
five pounds ; and when he was called for to justify
his way of reckoning, he ran away.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 18, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
15th. Mr. Jones was with me yesterday, and seems
strongly persuaded that Brown was the cause of
his being taken up, but he has no other reason for
it than Brown's declared malice. I told him that I
have as great a share of that; and so shall every body
else have that once relieves that fellow's necessities,
and does not think fit to continue it. I asked him
what pique could Brown have against Marshall, to
bring him into the same trouble? All he could
allege was, that Marshall, being formerly invited to
drink a bottle of wine with Brown, declined it.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 323
'Tis certain they mistake the matter ; and if they
set this fellow's name about for taking up two priests,
they will make him more considerable, and grow
vainer upon it.
I said something of his apprehensions to my Lord
Jersey, that if there were any thing in it, Ro more
weight might be laid upon it than ought to be, but
he sees nothing like it. I can't press him to dis
charge Jones, since he thinks his own quiet depends
upon his going away ; and it would be the best way,
if it would make him easy in it.
What I hear further of Kidd,* that if he be not
taken himself by this time, he has made a sad ex
pedition of it. Colonel Blackstone, governor of
Maryland, has lately seized some pirates in their
return from Madagascar ; they were not of Kidd's
crew, but say they saw, lying at Madagascar, the
bottom of the Adventure galley, which brought
Kidd from New York ; as also another ship on

* Captain Kidd had been, at an early period of his life, the com
mander of a British privateer, and afterwards settled at New York. He
was a man of a good character, and supposed to be a skilful seaman.
About the years 1695 or 1696, Lord Bellamont, Governor of New York,
proposed to the impoverished British Government to fit out, by private
subscription, a ship-of-war, as the only means of putting down the
pirates which infested the West Indies and coast of America. The
Admiralty, the Chancellor, Lord Shrewsbury, and the King himself,
sanctioned the undertaking. One half of the subscription was promised,
but never paid, by the King ; but the rest was easily obtained, and Kidd
himself, one of the subscribers, was put in command, and sailed upon
his expedition. Instead of suppressing the pirates, however, he turned
pirate himself, and occasioned vast trouble and annoyance to the rest
of the subscribers.
Y 2

324 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ground, which Kidd had taken from the Turks or
Moors, while she was commanded by a Dutchman ;
but these make no mention what is become of Kidd,
or what depredations he has made.
We hear of a duel that was fought last week
between my Lord Wharton and Lord Cheyney.
The quarrel began at the sessions held in Buck
inghamshire. My Lord Cheyney thought himself
affronted at my Lord Wharton's sitting on the
right hand of the chairman, which, he pretends,
belongs to him, as a Scotch viscount ; but they
say my Lord Wharton has taken the place several
times before, when my Lord Cheyney was present,
and there was no dispute about it. My Lord
Cheyney whispered him in the ear, that he expected
satisfaction from him, and he would send him a
note where he should meet, but he would have no
seconds, nor any body by. My Lord Wharton,
having a very short sword, exchanged with Colonel
Godfrey for a longer, who by that means understood
the business, but was not allowed to have any part
in it. However, he kept on the watch, and observed
whither they went ; and, perceiving they had drawn,
made some passes, and were closed, he and some
others ran in to part them ; they found my Lord
Wharton had disarmed, and was in possession of
both the swords. They say they both dined after
wards with the justices.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 325

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 20, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th. Mr. Constable has been with me. I find by
him, Mr. Jones is in no haste to comply with the
directions for going abroad. I must leave him to
settle it as well as he can with my Lord Jersey.
I only advise them that they don't make Brown
more vain by imagining that he has brought this
upon them, or that he was able to do it.
The greatest news we have is, young Mr. Cowper's
acquittal at Hertford assizes, for the death of a
Quaker lady*. The trial came on yesterday morn
ing, and lasted for nine hours, great number of
witnesses being produced on both sides ; and the
doctors and surgeons came from London to argue
against those of their profession in the country,
about the symptoms of drowning. Several of the
young woman's letters were produced, discovering
her passion for Cowper, and some witnesses proved
that she had thoughts of making away with herself,
and had talked to that purpose. It was expected
my Lord Chief Justice Treby would have sat on
* One of the most interesting cases that ever was tried ; whether we
consider the party-feeling that was excited, the admirable defence of
Spencer Cowper for himself and the three gentlemen who were tried
with him, the bitter and persecuting attempts to fix the deed upon an
innocent man, or the deep tragic incidents of the whole affair, which
displays the strong passions of southern lands in the bosom of an
English girl, and that girl a Quaker.

3%6 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
that trial, but he left it to Baron Hatsell, as the
whole county was run into, parties upon this occa
sion. So every thing has a various gloss upon it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
July 25, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
22nd. Brown troubles all the world with his letters,
to try whom they will make any impression upon ;
but, till I see more ground than from his own
writings, I can't bring myself to believe that he is
in the contrivance against Jones.
My Lady Westmoreland presses upon me, as if I
could influence my Lord Jersey, and procure Jones
his liberty. If he was not over-awed, he would need
no intreaty in the case ; but, as I know what he is
afraid of, I am, perhaps, the most unfit person to
speak to him of any body ; but he, telling me lately
that he had, as it were, leave to dismiss the other
man, as one that was of small signification, and,
besides, a very infirm man, I told my Lord, that,
since this difference was made between the two who
were taken up for the same cause, I thought Jones
would be excusable, if he brought, his habeas corpus
to get his liberty at present under bail, which would
end in his discharge next term, unless he should be
charged with being a priest. I think my Lord
would like it well enough if he took that method,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 327
and would use no means to clog it. If Mr. Jones,
therefore, be uneasy at the close confinement he is
under, or if my Lord Jersey would have him remove
himself one way or another, this may be fit to be
considered ; but I shall not propose it to my Lady
Westmoreland, for, however I may approve of it,
I don't care to be Answerable for the consequences
of it.
Colonel Godfrey has fallen under the condition
Sir Edward Seymour was in some years ago, having
his mouth drawn awry. It came upon him without
any pain or other warning, and he was not sensible
of it, till a gentleman, coming to see him on Friday
morning, first took notice of it. He hath since been
blooded, blistered, purged, and vomited. He finds
himself as well as can be expected under such a
discipline. So I hope he wil] get strength again.
I think the doctors call this a touch of the palsy.
My Lord Dorset was set upon on Saturday night
by four or five footpads, as he came by Tyburn.
He says little of it himself, but I hear they took
from him to the value of fifty or sixty pounds, with
his gold George. They, seeing him fumbling in
his pockets, told him it was not honourable to sink
upon them, and they must search him ; whereon he
threw his money out of the coach, and bid them
pick it up. One of them told him, if they did not
know him they should use him worse.
The Lords Justices have directed me to send a
messenger for one Gore, a justice of the peace in

328 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Somersetshire, upon the complaint of Colonel Pigot,
another justice of the peace, who accuses Gore for
having publicly drunk King James's health, at a
meeting of the Commissioners for Taxes, saying, all
they came about was but stuff and sham, since King
James would be here by Christmas. One Lawrence,
a friend of Gore, is likewise to be secured at the
same time, who wrote to Pigot, by way of advice,
that he should provide for his own safety, and not
be so warm, for a great many of the chief nobility
were gone into France, and he might imagine what
was their business. I don't know the character of
any of these men, but they have an odd way of
speaking and writing, whether it be in jest or
earnest. I thought to have spoke to my Lord Chancellor
this morning about the custosship of Worcestershire,
but he excused his not coming to the Lords Justices,
it being the last day of the Chancery hearings, and
he had nobody to supply his place, the Master of
the Rolls being indisposed.
This evening, Mr. Ellis comes to me from the
Duchess of Ormond, to tell me my Lord Coventry
was her near relation ; and they, having the custos
ship in their family for some time, desired it might
continue so. I bid Mr. Ellis tell her, that your
Grace had shewn the same concern, and I endea
voured to let my Lord Chancellor know it that
morning ; but now I would speak to him in both
their names.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 329
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 1, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th. I suppose there is no fear but my Lord
Coventry will qualify himself for the custosship,
since, as Mr. Ellis tells me, both he and his lady
writ to the Duchess of Ormond to secure it for
him. I know not what to say to my Lady West
moreland's positiveness about Brown. I hope she
does not think that more would be done for Mr.
Jones, if it were believed that he suffered on
Brown's account. I cannot but know from whence
my Lord Jersey's caution proceeds ; and therefore
I don't expect he should act otherwise. I believe
no solicitations would prevail with him. Therefore,
Mr. Jones must either think of going, lying where
he is, or procuring his liberty by habeas corpus.
If the first of them be inconvenient to him, he
ought to choose the last, and not delay it. As for
my Lord Jersey's taking an obligation from him to
appear when sent for, I think it is not to be ex
pected, since he concludes he is a priest, and that,
he will fear, may be thought a licensing him to stay
here ; but if he brings himself before a judge, he
will have nothing to take notice of but the warrant
he was taken up by, which, making no mention of
his being a priest, that will not come into question,
and I don't believe will allow his being charged
with it ; besides, there is no evidence of it. All he

330 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
will suffer this way is the charge of a habeas corpus,
which may be three pounds, and an attendance the
first and last day of next term, which, I think, he
can have no great dread of, if he will not avoid it
by stepping on the other side.
I bad a letter lately from Lord Portland, who
desires me to assure your Grace of his respects and
acknowledgements for the continuance of your kind
ness to him. Sir James Forbes has been telling my
Lord Steward, after you have been in Northampton
shire, you intend to see the * * *t and Chatsworth.
My Lord Steward seems very well pleased with the
thoughts of it, and will prepare to make you wel
come. Perhaps you did not desire Sir James should
be so forward, but it is his way, and I hope there
is- no harm in it. If you are at leisure to go that
way, I don't know but it may put my Lord Steward
in good humour for all the winter. He talks of
going out of town on Friday next.
I believe my Lord Chancellor may be going to
Bath next week. If he continue there till your
Grace's return from Gloucestershire, I suppose you
will see one another, and then you will know his
sentiments in all points.
The Scotch schoolmaster I mentioned in my last
was found guilty of high misdemeanour. To make
it capital, the law requires a proof of  , as well
as  -; the evidence went only to the latter. He
t A word illegible, apparently Berkeleys.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

331

is sentenced, as Rigby was, to stand in the pillory,
but his fine is only 100/.
I had a letter yesterday from Sir William Beeston,
of the 24th of April. He writes that Benbow was
not then returned from the Spanish coast; but they
heard that, it being refused to the Scots to set their
men at liberty who were cast away near Carthagena,
they were resolved to resent it, and to fall on the
Spaniards, wherever they met them, either by land
or sea. This will be a way to push things quickly
on to a rupture. We have never pretended to
demand any Englishman that was seized trading in
those parts, unless it were vessels carrying negroes,
pursuant to the assiento.
I have a letter this day from the Chancellor of
Ireland, of the 26th. He thinks the Commissioners
of Inquiry are not very unanimous. They have
lately sent for my Lord Bellew, and examined him
concerning the reversal of his and his father's out
lawry. They think him very cautious and reserved
in his answers, and pretend not to be satisfied with
them. I hope he will himself send an account of
what questions have been asked him, and what he
answered, which I should be glad to see, since some
of the orders he has obtained have passed through
my hands.
Mr. Ellis is just come from the Duchess of Or
mond, who tells me that she thinks her brother
Coventry as firm to this government as any gentle
man in England.

332 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 3, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
31st. Brown's petition to my Lord Chancellor is a
very extraordinary piece of nonsense and phrenzy.
If the fellow were quite in his senses, or quite out
of them, one should better know what to do with
him. I will endeavour to wait on my Lord Chancellor
to-morrow, and then, perhaps, I shall know what he
has resolved in relation to my Lord Coventry.
I have seen a letter to-day, of the 6th of June,
from Pensylvania, which says, Kidd was come into
that bay with a sloop and a ship that stood off and
on. The sloop's men went ashore to mend some of
their iron work, and were rather kindly received by
the inhabitants than otherwise. They may go any
where for the Pensylvanians ; but the collector of
customs there, being an honest man, had given
notice to Colonel Nicholson, at Virginia, and was
in hopes he would give timely orders to a frigate
which attended that plantation. Since Kidd is got
so far to the northward, I believe he will not be
able to reach the Scots, which is so much the
better. Mr. Grey writes to me from Barbadoes,
that he hears Kidd has 400,000/. on board ; but
that I don't believe.
There is a report of one Mr. Hoste, a gentleman
of 2,000/. per annum, in Norfolk, that he has shot

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 333
himself. Sir Robert Rich has been very like to die
with spitting of blood, but my Lord Haversham has
stopped it by his remedies.
I suppose Mr. Yard has acquainted your Grace
how the lieutenancies of Yorkshire are disposed :
the West Riding to my Lord Burlington, the North
to Lord Irwin, and the Duke of Newcastle to have
the East Riding, with the government of Hull.
I believe you may have heard that my Lord Fairfax
asked for Hull, and, instead thereof, it was intended
to make him lieutenant of the East Riding. The
Duke of Newcastle showed some inclination to the
government before the King went over ; but I
thought then it was intended to be otherwise dis
posed of. I hear some of those who are to meet at
Boughton have promised my Lord Steward they will
make him a visit at Chatsworth.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 5, 1699.
I waited on my Lord Chancellor to-day, who tells
me he had writ to the King about the custosship of
Worcestershire, after the manner you had mentioned
it, in your letter to my Lord Jersey, by which he
understood that your Grace was indifferent whether
your Grace or Lord Coventry were the custos, and
he supposed the King's directions would be, that it
should be disposed of as you would have it.

334 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
I had not an account on Thursday of the judge
ment that was given that day at Lambeth, when a
sentence of deprivation was pronounced against the
Bishop of St. David's, upon three heads^-simony,
extortion in taking exorbitant fees for his instru
ments, and giving certificates to persons of their
having taken the oaths when they had not, which in
the canon law is called forgery. He is, besides, con
demned to pay about 700/. for costs. The Bishops
present at the judgement were — London, Worcester,
Salisbury, and Lichfield ; they delivered their opinion
of his being guilty on each head, only the Bishop of
London doubted whether the proof came up to
simony, and was satisfied as to the rest. The Bishop
of Rochester, who had been at the former hearings,
did not come to the conclusion. Just before the
sentence was pronounced, the Bishop of St. David's
offered a paper, which he read himself, since the
court refused it, importing his resuming his privi
lege, though he had waved it two or three years ago,
in the House of Lords.
One Bellingham, a disbanded captain, is taken up
and committed to Newgate, for counterfeiting ex
chequer bills and bank notes. I was at his exami
nation, with the trustees for the exchange of ex
chequer bills. After some shuffling, he owned the
fact, that he had altered five pound bills into forty.*
It was thought he had some great secret in doing
it, but he said the manner of it was only with
* So written, but probably £50.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 335
aqua-fortis, which, when it had lain a little on the
ink, he washed it with fair water, and that kept the
paper from being discoloured. He had practised
but very little, being found out in time. This man
had robbed the mails with Arthur, who was hanged
by his evidence.
The Bishop of Oxford is translated this day to
Lichfield, the dean may now go on.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 8, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th. On Sunday last, Mr. Jones desired to speak
with me, and told me that the day before Mr. Yard
had sent for him, and let him know that if he did
not think of leaving the kingdom immediately, my
Lord Jersey would commit him to Newgate ; and that
my Lady Orkney, who had concerned herself in his
behalf, had advised him to go away, and no notice
would be taken if he should afterwards come back
again. He being very unwilling to leave his affairs
here, since there was no occasion for such a treat
ment, and pressing me for my advice and assistance,
I told him he was at liberty to take out a habeas
corpus, and put himself upon trial next term ; but
before he did it, my opinion was, that he should let
my Lady Orkney know it, with his reasons for so
doing ; that he being taken up for treasonable prac-

336 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
tices, may be thought to have fixed a guilt upon
himself for running away from justice ; but when he
had cleared himself of this aspersion, by offering
himself to trial, he could then go away with repu
tation. He told me he would take that method ; and
I suppose the advice he received yesterday from his
friends might confirm him in it.
I had a letter from the Chancellor of Ireland yes
terday, of the 2nd of August. By what he now
writes, I don't find my Lord Bellew has been very
reserved in his answers to the commissioners. He
has owned to them that he was obliged to release
and deliver up to my Lord Raby a mortgage he had
of 2,000/. upon his estate. I know not what he could
have told them more, unless he would have added a
release to my Lord Romney of the mean profits he
received out of his estate during the time he held it.
Mr. Methuen writes that tbe commissioners were
preparing to go into the country, to take a fuller in
formation of the value of the forfeited lands ; they
would return to Dublin three weeks before the time
their commission was to expire, and then make up
their report.
Sir Edmund Harrison tells me there are various
reports in town about Kidd ; some say he has sur
rendered himself to my Lord Bellamont upon terms,
others that he, distrusting my Lord Bellamont, had
put to sea again. They talk of proposals he has made
at Long Island, to give 30,000/. to his owners, who
fitted him out, and 20,000/. to any person who should

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 337
procure him his pardon. From this uncertainty of
reports, all Sir Edmund concludes is, that Kidd is
on the New York coast, and in all probability will
be seized there. The Old East India Company are
very inquisitive after Kidd, and if he be taken with
any treasure, it is very likely they may claim it, for
the indemnifying them.
Sir Thomas Littleton had his hearing yesterday
at the Treasury, but nothing was determined, the
Navy Board being against establishing new methods,
and declaring there was no occasion for them. Sir
Thomas is therefore under the same dissatisfaction,
and seemed resolved against taking out his patent ;
but I believe he will not persist in it.
Mr. Montague was not at this hearing, for my
Lord Chancellor and he went yesterday morning
to make my Lord Orford a visit at Chippenham,
from whence they will return on Thursday next.
I am told that my Lord Chancellor thinks rather of
going to Tunbridge than to Bath.
The Duchess of Bolton landed on Saturday last
near Bristol; the Duke and she went and lay at
Sir Robert Southwell's house, and are to be at
Hack wood to-night.
Sir John Bolles has played a mad prank at Lin
coln assizes. He sat upon the bench with Mr.
Justice Gold, and took upon him to govern the
court, which the judge reprehending him for, he
told him he was a member of parliament, that he
stood up for the liberties of England, and would
vol. n. z

338 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
bring the judge upon his knees at the bar of the
House of Commons. The judge committed him,
and ordered an indictment to be drawn up against
him ; but, at the earnest intercession of the justices,
it was let fall, who said no other bill could be found
against him, but that he was distracted, as sometimes
happens to him when he falls into drinking, and
wants sleep. But I think, if I had been there, if I
brought him off, it should be by making him a
madman by record.
The Bishop of Lichfield did his homage to-day
before the Lords Justices, who sat in a semi-circle,
the Archbishop in the midst of them. After he
had repeated the oath, they all kissed him, which
he received kneeling.
The Bishop of St. David's, notwithstanding he
pretended to resume his privilege, brought an appeal
to the delegates on Saturday last ; but, having de
ferred it so long, orders were issued in the meantime
for seizing his temporalities in the King's name.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 10, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
7 th. I suppose there is nothing done to hinder my
Lord Coventry's having the custosship with a good
grace. I have seen a letter he writ to the Duchess
of Ormond, wherein he mentions his having taken

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 339
the oaths to this government, and his readiness to
do it again, and to keep them when he has done it.
I hope nothing will happen to alter this good reso
lution. I have had some discourse with my Lord Jersey
about Jones. He charged me with knowing some
thing of his intentions to take out a habeas corpus.
I would not own that ; neither did I disown that if
Brown had any hand in bringing this trouble upon
him, it was my opinion he should stand it, rather
than betray any fear or guilt on that account. He
told me that Jones's friends had made a great use
of Brown's name ; but he saw no reason to think
he was any way concerned. I don't find that he is
against the taking out a habeas corpus, for he would
willingly be rid of Jones any way; but he wishes
he had resolved it before he told Mr. Yard that he
would go beyond sea. He added, that Captain
Baker, who is brought into this business by my
Lord Stamford, talks of charging Jones before a
judge with being a priest, but thinks he can have
no proof of it. I told him that, without proof, the
judge would take no notice of it ; and it would be
pretty strange to see a man's* changed upon him,
when there is no warrant to express it.
I thought, too, before one gave way to the com
mitting a man to Newgate, as a priest, one should
be a little satisfied whether the King would have
* There would appear to be something left out here ; probably the
word " accusation."
z 2

340 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
such a trial proceed, since he would find himself
sufficiently embarrassed if any such sentence should
be executed. Upon the whole, I think my Lord
Jersey will not be dissatisfied at the habeas corpus,
though he rather wishes he would be gone. I
suppose the thing is now gone so far, that it is not
longer to be deliberated on ; and I hope whatever
is done will prove for the best. It is a point of
honour and justice that Mr. Jones's friends should
be satisfied he is not abandoned, even though they
mistake the cause of his suffering.
All the talk of the town is about a tragical piece
of gallantry at Newgate. I don't doubt but your
Grace has heard of a bastard son of Sir George
Norton, who was under a sentence of death for
killing a dancing-master in the streets. The Lords
Justices reprieved him, till they heard from the
judge that no exception was to be taken at the
verdict. It being signified to the young man, on
Tuesday last in the afternoon, that he was to die
the next day, his aunt, who was sister to his mother,
brought two doses of opium, and they took it be
tween them. The ordinary came soon after to
perform his functions ; but, before he had done, he
found so great alterations in both persons, that it
was no hard matter to find out the cause of it.
The aunt frankly declared she could not survive
her nephew, her life being wrapt up in his ; and he
declared, that the law having put a period to his
life, he thought it no offence to choose the way he

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 341
would go out of the world. The keeper sent for
his apothecary to apply remedies, who brought two
vomits. The young man refused to take it, till they
threatened to force it down by instruments. He
told them, since he hoped the business was done, he
would make himself and them easy, and swallowed
the potion, and his aunt did the like. The remedy
worked upon her, and set her a vomiting, but had
no effect on Mr. Norton, so that he dozed away
gradually, and by eight that evening was grown
senseless, though he did not expire till nine next
morning. He was fully resolved upon the business,
for he had likewise a charged pistol hid in the
room. The aunt was carried to a neighbouring house,
and has a guard upon her. They say she is like to
recover ; if she does, it will be hard if she suffer
for such a transport of affection.
I have seen Sir Thomas Littleton to-night, who
is still unresolved about passing his patent. He
has seen Mr. Montague since his coming back from
Chippenham, who thinks the Treasury should have
made more of that hearing. He will therefore let
his patent lie till they meet again.
The inclosed letter might have been sent to your
Grace a nearer way.

342 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
August 17, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
14th. Jones was with me this morning, and tells
me, my Lord Chief Justice Treby bailed him on
Tuesday last. Mr. Baker was by to approve of
the bail, but he brought no new charge against
him. I told him the account I had from Mr.
Baker of the Brown that comes to him, and he
has nothing to contradict it. I suppose, therefore,
we have the truth of that matter.
I send your Grace a paper,* which, I believe, you
will think ought, at least at present, to be kept as a
secret. My Lord Peterborough solicited me in the
winter to have an interview with me ; but he doing
it by my Lady Dicks, of Somerset House, whom I
did not know, and not appearing in it himself, I
had good cause to put it off. But he, sending Mr.
Clement to me on Tuesday last, whom, perhaps,
your Grace may have seen, he being designed to go
secretary to my Lord Bellamont, and has published
some little treatises about trade, whatever aversion
1 had to this meeting, I thought I could not well
avoid it ; and I did not know but I might as well
draw some use from it, as fear the prejudice of it.
I went privately in a hackney-coach, without any
servant. I don't desire to have my name up upon
such occasion, which is liable to odd construc-
* The paper which follows this letter.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 343
tions ; and I remember what a jealousy my Lord
Portland lay under last winter on that account ; but,
as nothing shall pass between him and me which
your Grace shall not be acquainted with, I hope I
may avoid censure. I am sure I will do nothing
that I shall be ashamed of whenever it comes to
light. For my own part, I am very well satisfied so
far. I was glad to hear that Brown had found a
way to him again, and that he could not see what
use to make of him.
I thought it best he should tightly understand
how Brown came to be at all taken notice of, and
to let the lord see it was his own fault if he did not
live in quiet. I was glad to see the scene opening,
and to discover what he would be at, that all this
finding fault and teasing of people is only to procure
himself a good pension. I perceive I may know
when I please upon what terms he will sit still ; and
though it shall not be thought worth while to grant
them, it may be of use to know them. If I am to
make further steps, I desire to be advised. Perhaps
it will not be long before he sends the same man to
me, either to propose another meeting, or to know
whether I have considered what he said to me. If
this matter is to be improved, I believe I can lead
him to a formal declaration, though he may be very
shy of it at present. If there be as much known as
is necessary, I can with greater ease stop here.
Jones tells me that Brown has disappeared of late ;
therefore it is supposed he is sent somewhere into

344 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the country after this eclaircissement. I expect to
see him forthcoming again, and that he will be
soon turned out of pay ; then we shall know who
last supplied him by his railing at them.
My Lord Chancellor writes to me the inclosed.
This evening I have sent him word that your Grace
had already signified your being very desirous that
my Lord Coventry should have the custosship given
him in the best manner, so as it might not be
thought to be your leavings ; but, however, I would
write again to your Grace, to satisfy him in that
particular. I hope his Lordship does not imagine
that I moved the King in my Lord Coventry's
behalf ; I am sure it was never in my thoughts to
do any thing so disrespectful to his Lordship ; but
I perceive my Lord Coventry is very fond of the
employment, even to the taking indirect ways to
come at it. I hope he will mend all in executing
it right. I hear my Lord Tankerville is very ill, more
like to die than to live. He has had a severe fit
of the gout, which at last got beyond the stomach,
for, they say, it is in his head. He has not slept
these four nights, notwithstanding his taking lau
danum. He was yesterday light-headed, but yet he
knew people-; to-day he has been much worse.
The King has signified to the Lords Justices, that
Henry Vincent and Mr. Coleby should supply the
vacancies in the Victualling Commission. The last
was recommended by the Admiralty, with Phineas

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 345
Bowles, formerly their secretary ; but Papillon had
great exceptions to him. Mr. Montague will be
well satisfied that Harry Vincent has succeeded,
being a very honest man in the Saxon Corner. *
It is very difficult to get a council to meet ; there
were but three attended to-day; another council
therefore is appointed on Tuesday, and the coun
cillors who are in or near town are to be summoned
by letter, there being an absolute necessity of having
a number that day, since the parliament is to meet
the Thursday following.

\_Paper drawn up by Mr. Vernon for the private perusal of the
Duke of Shrewsbury. ,~|t August 16, 1699.
Lord Peterborough, in his discourse to Mr. Cle
ments, said a great deal of the esteem he always
had for the Duke of Shrewsbury, and the desires
he had to live well with him ; but he always found
a coldness from the Duke, even while both of them
were carrying on the business of the revolution.
That, notwithstanding the many advances he made
to the Duke, and the confidences he had placed in
him, the Duke never trusted him but with one
secret only, which he had drawn from him by
shewing he was apprised of it before. That was
when he went to him, and made his compliments,
* So written.
+ For the explanation of this, see the commencement of the preceding
letter.

346 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
upon his last taking the seals. Lord Peterborough
outstayed the company, and fell into discourse with
the Duke about the reasons of his coming into
employment again, which Lord Peterborough said
was a great surprise to many people, and himself
in particular. The Duke answered, that if he could
furnish him with a good reason for his coming in
he would oblige him, for he knew of none ; where
upon Lord Peterborough replied, that he having
been let into the secret of some messages, letters,
and discourses that had passed between the Duke,
Sir James Montgomery, and others, he compre
hended the reason of his taking an employment, and
on that account excused him, and no other. The
Duke then, laying his hands on Lord Peterborough's-
arms, said, there is nothing so strange but it may
come to pass ; one would hardly have expected that
Sir James Montgomery should be able to make a
secretary to King William. But this, he said, he
had never told the King of, and he had too much
honour ever to make any public use of it. He
added, that he had not the same esteem for Lord
Orford, and should own it any where ; for those he
had reason to be dissatisfied with, should find he
did not fear them, but was ready to answer them in
any place, even with his sword in his hand.
He went into a discourse against the Duchess of
Norfolk, calling her several times bitch and pros
titute ; that the remembrance of her old amours
with the Duke made her interest herself in his

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 347
behalf, and shew her malice against him ; but there
was no likelihood he would have put much trust in
her, since, about that time, she made an offer of
herself to him to be a spy, and to betray her father.
When he reproached her with being capable of so
much baseness, she said she hated the court at
St. Germain's, and particularly the Queen, and she
would not hazard Prayton for their sakes. She
thought my Lord very much changed from his
revolutionary principles, if he would not embrace
such an opportunity ; she might have it in her
power to be very serviceable. She saw the Lord
Marlborough and Lord Godolphin coming every
week, or oftener, to her father's house, when any
cloud hung over the government ; and when it was
fair weather again, they would stay away two or
three months. She did not pretend to serve the
government for nothing ; but her father having a
pension of 1,000/. per annum, she expected she
should be paid ; — my Lord and she should share it.
This, he said, he acquainted the King with ; but
one might be sure he could not trust such a woman
with any secrets of his own, and nothing was more
improbable than that he should rail at the King
before her.
He talked as if he had been informed of many
contrivances to ensnare and ruin him ; that he was
forced to be upon his guard ; and for these three
years he had not gone any where, or spoke with any
body, without noticing it down in his table-book.

348 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
I told him I was sorry he created himself so much
uneasiness ; I was sure it was in his own power to
make himself and others more at quiet, if he would
but take half the pains to show a peaceable temper
that he does to shew a restless one. I did not
know any one that would disturb him, but would
rather serve him if they could. Then he run out
into his being ill-used, and he would show he was
not a man to put it up ; he would live well with
people or ill with them, as they behaved themselves
towards him ; but he must see the change made,
and the effects of it. He had been turned out dis
gracefully, and expected an amends to be made
him ; but he did not mean it by being restored to
any of his employments, for he declared he would
accept of none ; and for any thing else it was not a
time to explain it ; but he would have me consider
what he had said ; and if I had a mind to speak
with him hereafter, he would give me an opportunity
for it, and make me a frank answer to any just hint
I would ask him.
He talked likewise of my Lord Sunderland, how
ungrateful the party had been to him, after the
services he had done them. That he understood
they took a pretence to suspect him on his account,
whereas he took great pains to restrain him fol
lowing his own resentments ; that my Lord Sun
derland had told him that he must and would be
his enemy, while he and the party were at variance,
which, he said, he could not take ill from him, but

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 349
commended his frankness, considering whom he had
to deal with.
I told him the Duke of Shrewsbury had always
shewn himself a mild reconcilable temper ; he might
judge of him by his late behaviour towards his
brother, * in procuring him his office in the Ordon-
nance. He said that was no mark of good disposition
towards him ; for his brother was one who would cut
his throat, if they would have him ; and he had not
come near him these two years.
At the beginning of his discourse he talked of
his little friend, my Lord Wharton ; and his better
friend, my Lord Stamford ; and that in general all
the whigs had treated him ill ; and he would ask
how much they had bettered themselves by falling
out with their friends, and by remaining t with Lord
Sunderland ?

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 1, 1699.
I suppose Mr. Montague has acquainted your
Grace with the account I carried yesterday to the
Lords Justices from my Lord Bellamont, of his
having Kidd in his custody at Boston, and that he
had secured part of his effects, to the value of about
10,000/., and had sent to seize his ship, which he
had concealed near Hispaniola, wherein might be
* Colonel Mordaunt, whom the Duke, as we have seen, served so
zealously. t So written, but apparently by mistake.

350 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
about 60,000/. or 70,000/. more ; but 1 wish those
he left in trust have not run away with it.
Mr. Montague can likewise inform you how un
easy Colonel Mordaunt is, that he is pressed to have
people bound with him for the faithful discharge of
his office, which was more than was required of Mr.
Bertie, who gave only his own bond. I met him
accidentally yesterday, and found him much dis
turbed at it. I thought him resolved rather to let
the office alone than to suffer himself to be thus
distinguished. We had a foreign post to-day ; it is the first only
of the two that are due. I see nothing from  *
but about the review. As to the Holstein matters,
they busy in rebuilding the old forts and adding new
ones. I think the Danes will not oppose force
against it ; at present they draw their troops only to
the most convenient places for hindering any more
Swedes coming over. That which makes the Danes
so temperate, is their King's being much worse in his
health since he came to Copenhagen ; he is so very
weak as not to be able to stir out of his bed without
three or four men to lift him. They have now pre
vailed with him to admit his own son, the Prince,
into the Cabinet Council, which he would never hear
of before, though his son be twenty years of age ; but
the King always answered before that, — his father
would never allow him to come into the Council
while he was Prince.
* A word illegible : Paris, I imagine, it ought to be.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 351
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 19, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
l6th. There is nothing yet said whither the King
will come at his first landing ; I can't think but it
will be directly to Kensington, and from thence he
may go to Hampton Court, or Windsor. By the
Tuesday's letters that arrived yesterday from Hol
land, the King has sent for the yacht and convoy,
and it is said he will be at the Hague on Saturday
next. If that be so, I still imagine that it will be
about the middle of the first week in October before
he embarks ; and if he would go to Newmarket, the
plate and matches will be most over before he can
get thither ; and, in all probability, his coming over
so early is to consider matters that will not admit of
delay. My Lord Jersey is sent for by the same post ;
accordingly he goes to-morrow to Harwich, where
the yacht will wait for him. I am glad we are over
that doubt, whether there would be any occasion for
his going or not.
I sent my Lord Chancellor, last Thursday, a copy
of Sir William Beeston's letter, upon which he was
pleased to write to me yesterday, and to acknowledge
the former letters I sent him upon your Grace's
arrival here. * He says the waters have agreed so
ill with him of late, that he fears he shall return to
* It is probable from this expression, that Shrewsbury visited London
between the 17th of August and the 1st of September, during which
period there is a lapse in the correspondence.

352 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
town in a worse state of health than he went ; but
his greatest concern is, that your Grace found your
self so much altered since you left Tunbridge ; but
he still hopes this will not hinder your coming in
to be helpful to the King and nation. He does
not say when he will be in town ; but I suppose
he will not defer it, the King's arrival being so
near. I have just now seen Harry Ireton, who arrived
here yesterday ; but it was Saturday se'nnight that
he came from Loo. He asked the King whether he
thought of going to Newmarket this year, but he
could not find he did. He believes the King will
not be at the Hague till next week. Mr. Andrew
Newport is lately dead, in Shropshire : it is thought
he has left Thomas Newport his heir.
My Lord Jersey has called here this evening ; he
tells me Captain Andrews has persuaded him to go
by Margate ; he will lie at Canterbury to-morrow
night ; he will go directly to Loo, without calling at
the Hague. He still talks as if he would make use
of this opportunity to press for more ease. I tell
him he had as well let it alone, since it will not
be granted him.
The King has appointed Count Frize, a Saxon,
to succeed Mr. Cresset as Envoy Extraordinary at
the Court of Brandenburg. My Lord Lonsdale scru
ples at passing his Privy Seal ; he has acquainted
the Lords Justices with two exceptions he makes to
it. One is his being a foreigner ; the other, that
his warrant was countersigned by Mr. Blathwayt.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 3.53

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 21, 1699.
I have received from Reading a particular of the
Burghfeild rents, which is inclosed.
My Lord Jersey lay last night at Canterbury ;
the wind being fair, I suppose he will be in Holland
to-morrow. We have had no council to-day, there being no
attendance. The clerks are to take care to get a
number on Tuesday, when it is to be resolved to
what time the Parliament shall be prorogued.
I had letters yesterday from my Lord Bellamont,
of the 24 th of July. He has found it necessary to
put Kidd into irons ; and, besides, he is at forty
shillings per week charge for the secure keeping
him in prison. My Lord has used great care and
industry in finding out Kidd's effects, which were
dispersed and concealed in several places ; the whole
is put into the hands of a committee appointed by
the Council at Boston, and it is computed that the
value of what is already secured may be about
14,000/. I question whether any more will be met
with, since they are informed by some of them who
came in the sloop with Kidd, that the ship, the
Quedah Merchant, was set on fire near Hispaniola,
Kidd having met with people belonging to Curacoa
and Antega, who carried away the goods to those
places. The East India Company came down in a full
VOL. II. A A

354 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
body this morning to the Lords Justices, to desire
that the plunder brought home by Kidd might be
sequestered for making satisfaction to those who
suffered by his depredations. So many of those
principal men appearing on this occasion, shews
they intend to make all the bustle about it they can.
I was very glad, from the beginning, that Kidd fell
into my Lord Bellamont's hands rather than any
others. He tells me, likewise, he has secured both
the Commissioners that Kidd had with him.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 23, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
20th, and shall send the inclosed this evening to my
Lord Sunderland. Mr. Guy is lately come from
Althorpe ; he speaks much more doubtingly of my
Lord's coming to town, than Sir James Forbes did.
My Lord Chancellor came to town last night. I
endeavoured to wait on him this morning, but he
was gone out.
We have two mails wanting from Holland ; so we
have no more certainty when the King will be at the
Hague. I hope your Grace's shortness of breath will go
off as easily as your spitting of blood has done.
Mr. Smith has not been well. There is no expec
tation that Sir Robert Rich can recover.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 355
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 26, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
23rd, and am very sorry to hear of relapses into all
the parts of your former distemper. Since your
Grace has no good opinion of Kensington Square, I
hope you may find yourself better at Earl's Court, if
you would be pleased to make use of it. I saw Mr.
Guy to-day, who makes you a voluntary offer of it.
I know no objection to it but what may be called a
fantastical one,* on account of the owner of it ; but
I suppose one may be at liberty to sleep and breathe
where one can. The house is entirely empty and
locked up ; if your Grace will accept of it, he desires
only to have notice of it, that it maybe aired against
the time you would use it.
I think my Lord Chancellor has seen very few
since he came to town ; he sent his excuse to-day to
the Lords Justices for not being with them.
I hear Dr. Gibbons has advised him to take
physic, and I suppose he does it at Mortlock ; they
say he has had some little swelling under his eye,
but that it is gone down again. Dr. Talbot made
his homage to-day for the bishoprick of Oxford.
The Lords Justices have ordered Sir Thomas
Littleton's papers to be brought to the Council, which
are to be considered on Thursday sen'night. The
Commissioners of the Navy, the Auditors of the
* Mr. Guy was the bosom friend of Lord Sunderland. A A 2

356 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Impress, Mr. Twitty, and Sir Thomas  * Mad-
docks, and Hubbald are to have notice to attend.
It was resolved this day at Council, that the Parlia
ment should be prorogued to the 24th of October. I
hear Colonel Mordaunt has sent to George Clark
not to leave him out of the list of half-pay, which he
still thinks himself entitled to, as not being otherwise
provided for. I suppose, therefore, he thinks no
more of the Treasurership.
The French letters came in this evening, which
tell us that Mons. Pomponnet is dead of an apoplexy,
in the eighty- third year of his age, and that the Comte
d'Avaux is the likeliest to succeed him.
I hear Thomas Newpert was misinformed con
cerning his uncle's will, who, they say, has left his
estate to my Lord Newpert's second son.
My Lord Spencer t is come this afternoon from
Althorpe. His marriage is concluded on with Lady
Anne Churchill. I don't know how soon they will
be married, § but I find my Lord Sunderland will
come up to the wedding.
* Officers here written by mistake.
t For some time Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to Louis XIV.,
but dismissed by Louis, it is supposed, in consequence of the intrigues
of the Colbert family ; he was received into favour again, however.
+ The son of Lord Sunderland. He had lately lost his first wife, and
was now about to be married to Anne, daughter of Lord Marlborough.
§ Marlborough opposed the marriage for some time, and seems to
have had strong objections to Lord Spencer, whose harsh manners and
violent whig principles suited not with the courtly and temperate general.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 357
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Sept. 28, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
25th. We had two posts this day from Holland ;
the last mentions that the King was taken with a
little shivering on Friday last, but I have a letter
from my Lord Albermarle of Saturday, who says he
was then very well again, that he had no sign of a
fever, nor felt any pain ; he supposed he had got a
little cold in hunting, but that it was quite over.
One would be glad to hear it confirmed by the next
letters. The Duke of Zell intended to be going homeward
early on Saturday ; I don't hear he went. I suppose
the King's indisposition might make him defer his
journey till Monday.
My Lord Albermarle tells me they should go from
thence in ten or twelve days ; whether he means
from Holland or Loo only, I cannot determine, but
he adds that they shall be soon in England.
My Lord Portland writes me word that he hears
the King will make a very short stay at the Hague ;
he does not come over with him, and hopes not to be
long behind him. My Lord Jersey landed at Rot
terdam on Friday ; I don't doubt but he went next
day to Loo.
The King has signified his pleasure to the Lords
Justices, that the Spanish Ambassador" should be
* Colonna, Marquis de Canales, between whom and William III.
existed a long personal hatred. His offence on the present occasion

358 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
required to depart the kingdom in eighteen days, on
account of his late memorial, which Mr. Blathwayt
terms insolent and seditious.
I hear to-day that my Lord Chancellor has
admitted of some visits, and therefore I design to
wait on him to-morrow. My Lord Spencer was
with him, and he asked very obligingly about his
father's health, and kept up a discourse about him,
which he did not do the last time my Lord came
from Althorpe.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
September 30, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
27th. You are not used to be much pitied for the
pain in your knee ; but it is always thought not to
continue long enough. I have heard of people who
have been much troubled with sweats on their
breasts, and yet have not had their lungs affected;
I hope, therefore, you will escape as well as they.
I saw my Lord Chancellor yesterday ; I think he
looks very well. He expressed himself very much
consisted in presenting to the Lords Justices a remonstrance of the most
vehement and indignant kind, against the negociations between England
and France, regarding a second treaty for the partition of the Spanish
succession. The first had been rendered null by the death of the
Electoral Prince of Bavaria ; and William, with the Earl of Portland,
Marshall Tallard, and the Grand Pensionary of Holland, had been busily
employed all the summer in framing a new scheme of partition.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 359
concerned for your Grace's indisposition. What he
said as to public affairs was, that he hoped the King
would keep himself upon the defensive at the opening
of this session, and not propose any thing for angry
people to lay hold of, who watch for such an occasion.
I can't but think it good advice, and wish the King
may follow it. His Lordship went that morning to
the Lords Justices for the first time, and settled the
message to be delivered to the Spanish Ambassador ;
in which they were directed to follow the precedent
of sending away Don Bernardo de Salinas, in King
Charles's time. Mr. Yard furnished them with
a very exact account, extracted out of Secretary
Coventry's books. They would otherwise have been
in the dark about it ; for though it appeared by
this extract that Sir Joseph Williamson carried the
message, and some letters passed between him and
Don Bernardo about it, yet he remembered nothing
of it. Their Excellencies thinking it fit that I should
carry the message, I went to him this morning to
Isleworth, and when I had delivered the message,
at his desire, I repeated it again distinctly, that he
might write it. I know not how his master may
resent it, but I thought him overjoyed at the receipt
of it : he told me he was very sorry he had it not
last night. I asked him, why ? — and he said he
should have slept the better ; but he told me, withal,
there was nothing in his paper that was not exactly
conformable to his instructions ; and he had fresh
orders sent him to repeat the same things in stronger

360 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
terms, which my coming would now prevent. His
answer was, that he would exactly obey the King's
order in every thing, and in all places. His secre
tary formerly told me that he was weary to the last
degree of being here, by reason they took no care of
supplying him ; and were it not for the danger he
should run at home, by leaving his station before he
had leave, he never would have stayed here so long.
He did as good as tell me that Providence had found
out a way for his deliverance. He desired I would
procure him passports, and let him have a guard, if
he saw an occasion for it, to conduct him to the place
of embarking. I told him I would acquaint the
Lords Justices with it ; and I suppose it will be
thought necessary to grant it, if they could protect
him from his creditors. I believe if he can persuade
them to patience, he will not desire it.
He took notice of its being said, that the paper
was delivered by his order, which he assured me
was otherwise ; that his secretary had only orders to
read the paper ; but when any of the Lords Justices
desired a copy of it, he did not refuse it them. I
don't believe I could ever have found the Ambassador
in so good humour on any other occasion ; he did
not come to meet me, pretending he had taken physic,
but he would needs conduct me to my coach.
We had Tuesday's letters yesterday from Holland,
which tell us the King had no more symptoms of an
ague. He went from Daren on Tuesday to my Lord
Albermarle's house, near Zutphen ; my Lord Romney

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 361
and my Lord Jersey waited on him thither, which
last arrived at Loo on Sunday evening. The King
was to be at Loo again last night ; there was no
mention made when he would come to the Hague,
but Mr. Cardonnell thinks it will not be till this day
se'nnight. One would think by these delays his
Majesty sees no haste for his coming, if it be not
advisable to call a new parliament.
The French post of Wednesday last is just now
arrived. The. day for my Lord Manchester's entry
is fixed on the eighth of November, their style. I
inclose a copy of their news.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 3, 1699.
Sir Robert Rich* died on Sunday night. My
Lord Marlborough would be glad his brother should
succeed him. I wish he may be gratified in it, but
I am afraid there are some who dislike it. There
is now a talk as if Sir Rowland Gwynn had waited
for this vacancy, having more a mind to the Admi
ralty than to the Custom House. I find the King
would still give him the latter, if he will take it.
* A member of the Admiralty Commission.

36-2 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October 10, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
7th, and am sorry you should have reason to write
so despairingly of your health. Since there are means
of recovering it, I don't believe any one will oppose
your making use of them, if you judge it necessary.
I suppose my Lord Jersey writes to your Grace
to make you the offer of his house in the Park, for
he mentions it in his letter to me ; but I fear that
is as much ,to be objected against as Earl's Court, in
respect of the distance to Kensington, and perhaps
you may remember you were nowhere else so ill.
His Lordship tells me the business he is about
will be finished in two or three days. The Emperor's
ministers do not meddle with it now, but have three
months' time allowed them to come in. If they are
still and quiet in the meantime, I take that for a
concurrence ; but if they are clamorous, they may
make foul work.
The Paris letters that came in this evening, tell
us that the new Comptroller of Finances has found
a debt upon them of forty millions, which had been
overlooked, and yet must unavoidably be paid. How
he makes it out I don't know ; but he says they are
thought to be in a worse condition than ever was
known. I hope it is a good sign of a lasting peace ;
I don't know any body that is in a state for war.
He adds, that they now think of seriously reforming

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 363
their troops, and other changes. I suppose, there
fore, we may all rely on this last agreement.
I had letters yesterday from Ireland, of the 4th
inst. The Lords Justices and the Lord Chancellor
have been taking informations concerning several
Irish officers, lately arrived there from France, some
of which, it seems, have talked big, as if their day
were a coming. It does not appear whether their
expectations are from an attempt to be made on the
King's person, or from commotions that are to be
raised either in Scotland, or other parts of the King's
dominions. The Scotch disappointment,* and the
ill-blood that may breed, looks like an encourage
ment to them ; but the Lords Justices here think it
an occasion to shew their care for his Majesty's
preservation. These advices, uncertain as they
are, they have ordered to be sent by express into
Holland ; and that the messengers be dispatched
both ways, as well by Margate as Harwich, and the
guards that be for the King on the road are to be
doubled: there are to be likewise orders sent to
Dover and Harwich, to take up and secure all Irish
and others that come over, contrary to the Act of
Parliament. Perhaps from these multiplied orders,
we shall have a great noise of a new plot. It would
not be amiss if we had one defeated and well proved.
But they don't know what to make of this in Ireland
themselves, as yet.
We take it for granted the King came to the
* In regard to Darien.

364 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
Hague on Saturday last, where they say he may
depart in three or four days. If the wind, therefore,
continue as it is, we shall expect to hear of his land
ing by Sunday or Monday next.
I find Sir Thomas Littleton wavering again, as
to taking out his patent. I thought it had pro
ceeded from his own and his lady's apprehensions,
that they should be for ever involved in accounts ;
but he has hinted to me lately, as if he were advised
not to trust to after determinations. If that be so,
I cannot tell what will be the end of it.*

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
October, either 15 or 16, 1699.
I have seen Mr. Harley this morning, who will
come to your Grace at four this afternoon. He
expresses great respect for you, is very much con
cerned at your indisposition, and thinks it more par
ticularly unfortunate at this time, when there is an
opportunity for your doing a great deal of good ; I
hope he will explain to your Grace in what manner
he means it. He talked to me only in general of
* Almost immediately after receiving this letter, Shrewsbury came to
London. During the whole year he appears to have been labouring to
discover the means of forming for the King a solid administration, of
which Sunderland should be a member. He had visited that statesman
at Althorpe, and Sunderland placed himself entirely in Shrewsbury's
hands. It would seem from a passage in the letters that follow, that the
Duke now contemplated a coalition between the more moderate men of
both parties, and that his first attempt was upon Harley.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 365
favourable dispositions in people, and such an oppor
tunity would leave us like people iii a fog, who should
with great difficulty get out of it. I could not in
decency stay long with him, it being the first visit,
and I took him out of bed in his night-gown.
Since your Grace has such an opinion of staying
here as you were pleased to mention yesterday, I
hope you will put yourself at more ease by going
immediately wherever you like best, since the King
rather wishes you should go abroad than retire into
Oxfordshire. I suppose it is indifferent to your
Grace, if it be not more preferable to go directly
where you may have the speediest and most effectual
remedy ; all other considerations, for aught I see,
are but trivial in themselves, and were they of more
weight, they ought to give way to the necessary care
of health and self-preservation. I can't but think
the King will comply with whatever you should think
fit for you to do. I believe, whatever dislike you
have to your employment, * you would not judge this
a proper conjuncture to resign it ; and if, when you
recover your health, think fit to hold it, I hope it
will not have so many inconveniences in it as you
now apprehend.
* Shrewsbury had accepted, though unwillingly, the office of cham
berlain. N. B. I believe that the date of this letter is inaccurate. It was
evidently dated from memory, and Shrewsbury's appointment was not
announced till the 25th of October.

366 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 23, 1699.
I hope your Grace will get well into the country,
and find the benefit of that air. The King has
appointed a meeting this evening of the Parliament
Members, who are to attend him after the Council.
Since it will be late before I get from Kensington,
I write before I go thither to acquaint your Grace
that I have seen Smith's book * in manuscript. He
sent it last night to my lord Jersey, with a letter to
let him know how ill he had been used, and that he
should be obliged to print that book for his vindi
cation, unless his Majesty should command him to
the contrary. My Lord Jersey carried the book
last night to the King, and told me of it this
morning ; and when I went into the King, he gave
me the book to read, and asked me what was to be
done upon it. My Lord Jersey had told me before,
that the King's opinion was that it ought to be des
pised, and any endeavours to suppress it would only
make the fellow more impertinent ; and I easily
gave into that notion, and the rather, since all the
book contains is your Grace's letter to the House of
Lords, with his own comment upon it, which seems
to me to be of his own framing ; to this he has added
an account of his being sent abroad by Jack Arnold,
* Smith, the informer, again attacked Lord Shrewsbury at this time.
His book was brought before the House of Peers, where he was con
demned for a breach of privilege, his book pronounced a foul libel, and
he himself confined in the gate-house.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 367
but does not name him ; and this he would have
thought a very serious design ; and he concludes
with a list of those who have had licences to come
into England, though they served in France during
the war. He puts down some of the most noted
names, as my Lord Bellew, &c. But he says in the
book, when printed, will be 120 names of such as
have had licences ; and if there be 200 more, I shall
not be afraid to see them, nor any thing else this
fellow can publish.
He makes his dedication to the King, and the
whole will be but a small pamphlet.
The King asked me, as my Lord Jersey did,
whether it should not be sent to you, and Smith to
have his answer when it was returned again ; but I
saw no reason for the delay, which would only have
filled this man with vanity, if he imagined it was
taken into consideration whether his mouth should
be stopped. I was for delivering him his book im
mediately ; and that my Lord Jersey should tell him,
if thought fit, that threatening people to libel them
in print, was not a way to recommend him. The
King seems clear in the matter that the book should
be returned him, and accordingly he put it into my
Lord Jersey's hands this evening, which I hope
your Grace will approve of. If this be the bomb
that is to be thrown, it will go off like a pop-gun.

36S LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Whitehall, Nov. 28, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
25th. My Lord Jersey gave Smith his book on
Friday last, and told him the King did not know
what he meant by it ; and, as from himself, he told
him that he thought threatening people was no way
to recommend himself by. Last night his Lordship
sent me one of his books printed, which I have had
a little more time to peruse, and believe my Lord
Peterborough* has a greater hand in it than I
thought at first ; and I am persuaded all his appli
cations of late have been by his directions ; that if
he were to be taken notice of, he might make his own
use of it. I perceive he has altered his dedication,
and makes it to both Houses of Parliament, as well
as to the King. I suppose the next step will be the
presenting it to each member ; and perhaps he will
write to the Speaker, as he did before ; whatever is
intended, we shall now see within a few days.
Your Grace will see by the inclosed votes what
were the resolutions of yesterday, and you will judge
what they are looking after. They seemed to be
in a calm temper, at least put on the show of it. I
know not what they will do when their committees
make their reports ; but I think my Lord Chancellor
* As any record of this matter, regarding Smith, is uninteresting,
except inasmuch as it developes the character of this remarkable noble
man, I shall omit any thing farther respecting the informer, where Lord
Peterborough is not named.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 369
will not be hurt by them. Mr. Montague happened
to say, that he would guess what they aimed at. It
was one whose virtue had raised him so much envy ;
but they would find that what he had a hand in was
ordered by his Majesty in Council ; but Sir Edward
Seymour answered, that was what they had most
reason to complain of. I suppose the meaning of it
is, that the King is not permitted to be advised but
on one side : perhaps the conclusion will be, to have
a larger bottom, and to make people more easy one
to another.
The resolutions were reported this day, and agreed
to ; the first are to be put into an address presented
by the House to his Majesty ; the inquiries about
charters and commissioners of the peace are referred
to several committees. Sir Richard Cox bethought
himself of a speech against this day, and declaimed
against bribery, which was to set himself loose against
Sir Arthur Trevor, whom he has threatened since
his first coming to Parliament. All he concluded
with was, that his commission should be ordered to
be brought thither, and then they might consider
what to do with him. Nobody seconded him, so
that thunderbolt is over. But my Lord Cheyney
rose up, and made the motion for a supply, which
nobody opposed, and it is resolved to go into a com
mittee on Thursday. These gentlemen now take
the lead, and we must see how far they will carry us.

VOL. II. B B

370 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Nov. 30, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
27th, and have sent the inclosed to my Lord Alber
marle. If that were his business, to dispose of places
in your gift, I suppose you will hear no more of it.
There was a meeting yesterday of twelve or four
teen parliament men at my Lord Chancellor's : they
only discoursed in general about what had passed,
and about the inquiries that are to be made into the
charters and commissions of peace. * I think it was
rather to shew we should stand by one another,
though there was nothing said of it. I, sitting by
my Lord Chancellor, told him of Smith's book, and
what was the design of it. He thought the House of
Lords would take notice of the printing a letter that
was sent to them ; its being superscribed to my Lord
Chancellor does not make a difference ; it was by
their order he writ to your Grace, and you desire
your answer may be communicated to their Lord
ships, and it is accordingly entered in their journals.
We shall see what they or any body else will do
when the book is out.
Fisher came to me last night, to tell me the book
was to be published to-day. I asked him how he
* Perhaps there can hardly be found a more instructive as well as
extraordinary picture of political apathy and degradation in the whole
range of history, than is afforded by these letters at this period .

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 371
knew it ; he said he had it from old Chamberlain,
the man-midwife, who has all along managed this
matter under Lord Peterborough, and tells Fisher
it is he that has maintained  * all along. I
think they are all a parcel of rogues, that have it in
their heads if they cannot terrify people they shall
get nothing. I hope now to see an end of it, once
for all ; or, if it prove otherwise, let villainy ride
triumphant, and honesty truckle to it.
I write this in the morning, because I shall have
some members to dine with me ; and, after that, I
must go to the Council.
Sir Rowland Gwynn was yesterday at the meeting
at my Lord Chancellor's ; so I think he is weaned
from his old gang.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 2, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
29th. It is now plain that my Lord Chancellor is
aimed at, with a great deal of bitterness ; and their
displeasure against him is like to affect some others,
who, perhaps, will be the less concerned at it, when
they suffer in so good company, and for a fact that
has so little guilt in it.
It was appointed yesterday to go into a committee
of the whole House, to consider of Trade ; none but
* A word wanting ; undoubtedly Smith.
BB 2

372 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
those that moved for it knew what was intended by
it. It was imagined they would go upon lowering
interest, especially in relation to the  * of the
Bank and New East India Company ; or that they
would open the trade with France as to wines, which
some endeavoured at last year.
Mr. Moore began the debate with inveighing
against high interest, and that trade could not
flourish while so much money was to be laid out at
eight per cent. He went next to the piracies, which
increased so fast, that our ports in the West Indies
were in danger to be shut up ; and this let him in
to discourse of Kidd, — that he plundered with a com
mission under the Broad Seal in his pocket, and was
encouraged to it by those who were in partnership
with him, and had obtained a grant of all he should
steal. Mr. Howe took it up, and asked what would
become of this nation, if those in authority were not
content to plunder and sweep away by grants all
that could be got here, but likewise sent out their
thieves to rifle whatever was to be met with else
where ?
Sir Christopher Musgrave came into it, and said
these seemed to be horrid things, and whoever were
guilty of them, he should not be for sparing them, if
the proofs amounted to what was represented.
It was ordered that Kidd's commission be laid
before them ; as also the grant to several persons of
what he should take, and the indenture with the
* A word wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 373
treasury about the King's tenth part,* together with
the representations that had been made, from time
to time, by the East India Company, concerning
Kidd, and other piracies, which are to be brought
on Monday, the committee being then to sit again.
Nothing was said this day on the other side, it
being reserved for the bringing in of the papers. I
went accidentally this afternoon to wait on my Lord
Chancellor, and found there my Lord Orford, Mr.
Montague, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Boyle, who, I
suppose, met by appointment ; they talked over this
matter, and gave their opinion what other papers
should be in readiness, particularly as to my Lord
Bellamont's behaviour in seizing Kidd and securing
his effects, and what is to be said in defence of all
concerned. My Lord Chancellor would have no
delay in owning who they were that fitted out the
ship, and what they paid towards it ; which, no
doubt, is prudent, since there is not one name, nor
has one step been made, which is not known already.
It is thought to happen well, that the inquiry is
rather made this year than the last, since my Lord
Bellamont's disinterested proceeding shews how fairly
every thing was intended from the beginning.
Dr. Davenant's book is abroad, and publickly
sold, but I hear more of Smith. It seems there is a
new book come out in justification of the Scots'
Settlement at Darien, and upbraiding the govern-
* The King's tenth part of the prize-money obtained by Kidd, when
sent out to suppress the pirates, was reserved as in regard to ships of war ;
the rest was granted to the subscribers, &c.

374 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ment for abandoning them. Sir Edward Seymour
told me to-day he had one of them, and pretends to
know the author. He says I am mauled in it for
the part I acted, and particularly for the insulting
joy I shewed at their leaving the place, and that I
ran with the news to the Spanish Ambassador.
That, I assured him, was not true ; for I had never
seen the Spanish Ambassador since I was secretary,
till the time I carried him the message to leave the
kingdom ; and I nowhere else shewed more joy than
came to my share as an Englishman, and I thought
we all looked upon it as a thorn drawn out of our
sides, which he did not much disown ; but, however,
said the book was well writ, and what more is to be
made of it, I don't know.
I think, upon the whole, let these inquiries go as
they will, that my Lord Chancellor may come to
what your Grace once said, that you would have
nothing to do with employments, if they exposed you
to be teased and baited in parliament, though I
wish you both more resolution.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 5, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
2d, and am sorry for so many ills you have upon you
at once ; but if you can bear them, I hope you will
be less concerned at our extravagancies here, which

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 375
I hope will all blow over, though nobody can answer
for popular breath.
As I sat yesterday by Sir Edward Seymour, one
was asking me how your Grace did. When I told
him how you were, I asked Sir Edward whether I
should write you word that he had a remedy for you,
that should cure you of all diseases ? " No," said he,
" the Duke of Shrewsbury has been kind to me, and
he shall find me his friend," and he bid me tell you
so. This was said while the House was in their
angry debate upon the papers Mr. Lownds brought
in, which were Kidd's commission, with your Grace's
warrant for affixing the seal, as also the grant to
Lord Bellamont, and others, of what Kidd should
take, and the indenture with the King about the
tenths. I likewise brought some papers, which were
the order for seizing Kidd and his effects as soon as
the notice came of his turning pirate, and the account
of what my Lord Bellamont had done in pursuance
of those orders, and also what directions had been
given for bringing home Kidd, upon receiving the
advice that he was secured. These papers were
with difficulty received, since they had a mind to
pass their censure only on the grant that was previ
ous to all this. Mr. Howe endeavoured to make a
warming speech, and concluded with a motion, that
the grant should be declared illegal ; which Mr.
Harley put more into form, that the grant was illegal
and prejudicial to the trade of the kingdom ; which
Musgrave and Seymour spoke to ; — but Mr. Mon
tague, Mr. Smith, Mr. Boyle, and Mr. Cowper,

376 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
with others, opposed it, saying they could not be
ripe for any question till they had looked through
all the papers, and seen the whole state of the facts,
the end as well as the beginning ; and when the
other side saw there was no withstanding it, they
gave way, without a division, that the papers should
be referred to a committee of the whole House, and
the committee is to meet on Wednesday. Some
moved that the persons named in the grant should
be sent for, to know whether they were trustees or
not ; but were told it was unnecessary, for the persons
concerned would own their names, which will be
done to-morrow. If they could, they would lay the
sole blame of the grant on my Lord Chancellor ;
and by yesterday's disappointment I hope it is more
than they can do, but they will drive it furiously. I
send your Grace his Majesty's answer to the address
which was presented yesterday. The business of
this day has been to vote a loan of 220,000/. to pay
off seamen, to which is to be added 80,000/., arising
out of the surplus of the Customs.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 7, 1699.
* # # * # # #j.
The consideration thereof was put off till this
morning, because they had then appointed to go
upon the Bishop of St. David's privilege, which
t The first page, referring to nothing but the presentation of Smith's
book to the House of Peers, I have omitted.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM HI. 377
some Lords espoused too warmly, and Lord Peter
borough, among the rest, intending to put a slur
upon the Archbishop's authority ; but in the con
clusion it was declared the Bishop had no privilege
against the Archbishop's judicature.*
This morning the Lords took Smith's book into
consideration, and have ordered that he be taken
into custody, as also the printer and publisher of it.
I have not heard the manner it was done in, but they
were not long about it. My Lord Jersey told me
my Lord Peterborough was present, and he moved
to know whether the printed letter agreed with what
was entered in the journal, and he said there was
some little difference, by leaving out a few words ;
but it is not doubted this was the contrivance of him
that made the objection, and all that is in the book
is every where believed to be by the same hand. He
has affected very much of late to be whispering with
my Lord Jersey, who says Lord Peterborough told
him this morning, he wondered what Smith meant
by publishing this book ; that if he had had any
hand in advising him, he should have gone another
way to work. This is after the rate he talked to me
in the summer, when he seemed to disapprove of the
printing the letters, and said, if he did any thing, it
* One of the most important decisions of the House of Peers. The
Bishop, it must be remarked, first waived the privilege of his peerage, and
then, when sentence of degradation had been pronounced by his ecclesi
astical judges, he claimed his privilege; the Lords, however, denied it.
Being no longer a Bishop he was no longer a Peer. Vernon puts the
case above much more strongly in regard to the authority of the Arch
bishop.

378 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
should be a bomb ; but now it is thrown I think it
is very ineffectual, and only makes his own malice
remarkable. There has been no attempt made to bring this
into the House of Commons, and I think there is no
disposition there to meddle with it. Your Grace
already knows how some were bent against my Lord
Chancellor, but that design is now disappointed.
We were yesterday in the Committee of Trade, to
which the papers about Kidd were referred ; as soon
as the commission, grant, and indenture had been
read, Sir Bartlemy Shore rises up to inveigh against
the grant, saying that all the other papers, which
treated of matters subsequent to it, could not mend
it, if it were in itself illegal ; which he undertook to
prove by several arguments. The chief were, that
the pirates were named whose goods were granted
away, which, he said, was contrary to an Act of
Parliament, which forbids giving away felons' goods
till after the conviction, and that the restrictive words
in the grant, which says those goods were granted
as far as the King could do it, and they were grant-
able, shewed only that those who took that grant
knew they were upon an unlawful thing, and there
fore put a colour upon it by these words, for the
pirates' goods are the King's, and he may grant
them after conviction ; yet the goods taken by
pirates, the King is only a trustee for, and no man
loses his property in them ; but, upon making out
his claim, they ought to be restored to him. He

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 379
concluded with a question they had concerted, that
the letters patent granted to the Earl of Bellamont
and others, of pirates' goods, are dishonourable to
the King, against the law of nations, contrary to the
laws and statutes of this realm, invasive of property,
and destructive of trade and commerce.
Mr. Montague was willing, for the saving of time,
to give up the point of reading all the papers ; but,
as it was agreed, I gave the House an account of all
the steps made from Livingston's introducing Kidd
to my Lord Bellamont, to do a considerable service
against the pirates, to the time of Kidd's being seized
in New England ; which, I am told, gave satisfac
tion to many who did not understand the case. And
as it was before approved of by my Lord Chancellor,
I named the lords who were concerned in the grant,
and made use of their servants and dependants as
trustees; which proved likewise of use, that people
might know who they were passing sentence upon,
which otherwise they would have pretended to be
ignorant of ; and it was but too visible that was their
meaning, though those who were resolved to drive
the point said the naming of great men was never
any  * to that House, who would censure mis
carriages wherever they were found. Mr. Cowper
answered to it, that as nobody ought to be influenced
by great names, so neither should there be any envy
or prosecution against men because they were great ;
the flattering or the maligning of them being equally
* Word wanting.

380 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
base ; and they, as well as all other people, ought to
have their actions weighed in equal balances. He
spoke, likewise, very well to the legality of the
patent, and said that pirates' goods came under
three considerations : — First, goods that properly
belonged to them. Second, the ship in which piracy
was committed, and both these the King was entitled
to immediately by the piracy, let the ship belong to
whom it would before ; — and the third, was goods
robbed by pirates, which it was owned belonging
to the proprietor when he should make out his claim
to them ; but, in the meantime, the King had a
possessor's right to those goods, and might lodge
it when he thought fit, and therefore the patent had
taken in all cases in those general words, as far as
the goods were grantable. Mr. Solicitor and Mr.
Dormer, of Buckinghamshire, argued, both of them,
very strongly, for the legality of the grant, and
answered all objections against it, particularly the
statute against granting felon's goods before convic
tion, did not relate to grants, which are under a
different judicature, and before that statute felon's
goods could be granted before conviction. Mr.
Solicitor shewed that pirates' goods have been
granted to every Lord Admiral for these two or three
hundred years, and it was reasonable it should be so,
that they might have an interest in suppressing
them ; and, in the present Commission of Admiralty,
the King reserves the disposal of those goods to him
self. Besides, there was nothing so common as the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 381
grant of felons' goods, which almost every lord of a
manor enjoys ; and the questioning such grants
would be a great shaking of property.
The debate lasted from noon till nine at night,
and every body had a share in it that uses to speak,
both good and bad ; and the decision of it was, that
133 were for the question, and 189 against it ; so it
was thrown out, and a majority of 56 is thought
no small matter as this House is constituted. I
believe a good many of their side slipt away, and
would not stand a question which, upon the argu
ments, appeared so doubtful whether they should
carry it ; and some were offended at the heap of
enormities that were charged upon the grant, which
perhaps would have come up to a gentle censure.
But I believe the contrivers of the question thought
themselves sure of their number, and therefore laid
the charge the heavier, in order to remove my Lord
Chancellor, by an address which was the least they
promised themselves ; but the two houses being
juster than to be led blindly by other men's passions,
I hope those who are thought useful to the public,
and whose countenance in their employments is so
solemnly contended for, will be prevailed with to
abandon them.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
4th, and hope this account will put you more at
ease, as to our cavillings.

382 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 9, 1699.
There was little done yesterday in the House, and
to-day the state of the Prince of Denmark's debt
were ordered to be presented. I send your Grace
a copy of it, it having gone through my hands. I
find my Lord Marlborough has bestirred himself,
though some of the leading men were not to be pre
vailed with. When the regular motion was made
for referring this paper to the committee appointed
to consider of supplies, Sir Christopher Musgrave
opposed it, and moved for a day to be appointed to
consider of this matter, which he said was of an
extraordinary nature, and if they gave way to it,
they might have an innumerable number of unknown
debts, brought upon them : besides, he had heard of
a Privy Seal that was already issued for the Prince's
security. Sir Edward Seymour carried it further,
and said if this debt were to be paid here, it ought
to be done without charging the people, for they had
given 100,000/. extraordinary, to the Civil List, viz :
50,000/. to the late Queen ; 30,000/. to the Duke of
Gloucester ; and 20,000/. for he knew not what use ;
out of which, 15,000/. only had been paid to the
Duke of Gloucester, and the remainder might be
applied to the Prince's debt ; but Sir Bartlemey Shore
and Mr. Hammond spoke roundly for it, and joined
with those who were for referring it to the Com
mittee of Supplies. Mr. Howe was more compli-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 383
mental both to the King and Prince than ever I
heard him, but more especially to the latter. He
would have the Prince paid, if not as a debt, at least,
that he should have the same sum as a present ; but,
however, he disliked referring it to the Committee
of Supplies, and joined with those who would have
another day appointed to consider, and that it should
be done in the House : and this, he said, would be
more honourable for the Prince, and secure them
for the future, from the like precedents. Mr. Harley
was of the same opinion. Perhaps the question might
have been carried for referring it to a committee,
but not to provoke those who shewed an inclination
to do the thing, provided they were not opposed
in the manner that question was waived : and, by
consent, the House goes into consideration of this
debt on Tuesday next.
Mr. Montague made a greater slip to-day than I
ever yet saw him guilty of. When they asked how
it came to pass that they never heard of this debt
before, and that a general list of the debt should be
brought in, and this omitted, Mr. Montague un
luckily replied, that it partly proceeded from a cold
ness and misunderstanding that was for some time be
tween the two courts. He had no sooner said it, but
I observed Sir Christopher Musgrave took notice of
it to those who sat near him, and soon after brought
it into a speech, that he wondered to hear such a
reason given. If there had been a misunderstanding
between the two courts, he was very sorry for it,

384 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
but would not believe it went so far that the Prince
would not have justice done him. I believe Mr.
Montague was sensible he had overshot himself, but
yet he did not go about to explain it. The King
went yesterday to Hampton Court, and returns this
evening. The House of Lords have not sat these two days,
being adjourned till Monday.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 12, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
9th, and shall make your compliment to Sir Edward
Seymour, as soon as I have an opportunity. I don't
think there will be any obligation upon you to come
up sooner than your health will permit, or you have
a mind to. Lord Peterborough, I suppose, has spent
his fire in Smith's matter, and I do not find his train
will take. Smith sent a letter to my Lord Chan
cellor on Sunday, to acquaint him he would sur
render himself next day. Accordingly he applied
yesterday at the bar of the Lords, and told them he
came to them as a court of justice ; that, when he
was examined before, it was one. By the by, I hear
Lord Peterborough behaved himself like one that
raved ; he would have Smith's book read, after he
had owned before, any censure should be put upon
it ; and while it was reading, in a careless manner,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 385
he fell a talking all the while with my Lord Chan
cellor, and then would have it read again, because
he had not minded it ; but the Lords were not for
humouring his frenzies, and their resolution was,
that Smith should be re-committed for a breach of
privilege in printing their proceedings. Lord Peter
borough inveighed against his first order for com
mitment, though he had seconded the motion, there
being no proof that he had published the book till
he came to the bar and owned it ; and I hear some
Lords were not satisfied that it was very regular.
There was something said about his being prose
cuted for defamation ; but some had doubts on that
matter, whether the House should order it, since it
did not appear precedented, but any peer that was
injured was to take his own remedy. By what I can
understand, he will lie in custody until he acknow
ledges his fault, and petitions to be discharged ; and
so I suppose the matter will end.
We have had the Prince of Denmark's business
up again to-day, and it is at last referred to the
Committee of Supplies, without a division, but not
without many negatives. I am afraid it will go but
awkwardly at last. They have ordered the treaty
of Altona to be laid before them, as also the Privy
Seal that has been given to the Prince. They will
pay no more than their proportion of their debt, and
perhaps that is not unreasonable ; but they talk of
addressing to the King, that he will procure the pay
ment of the rest from the States, and other princes
VOL. ii. c c

3S6 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
whom it may equally concern. Mr. Howe would
not consider it as a debt due from them ; but, how
ever, he would requite the Prince's generosity in
delivering up his patrimony, by a present in land of
equal value. For aught I know, that may be in
Irish lands, and that they will take the Duke of
York's estate from my Lady Orkney, and give it to
the Prince and Princess. You may imagine how
disgustful that will be to the King ; but the Com
mission have put these lands into their report, which
will soon be presented to the House. We heard
yesterday that they were landed at Chester. Lord
Drogheda, Sir Francis Brewster, and Sir Richard
Leving, who have not agreed with the others in their
report, have writ an account of it to the Speakers
of both Houses. Sir Thomas Littleton acquainted
the House with it to-day, and offered the letter to
be read ; but Sir Edward Seymour opposed it, saying
they ought not to suffer the commission to be
arraigned by the lesser number, even before they
appeared to deliver their report : so the Speaker is
to keep it for another occasion. My Lord Chan
cellor has the like letter, and, I believe, will acquaint
the Lords with it to-morrow ; for they have not sat
to-day. In the debate about the Prince's debt, Sir John
Rolles fell upon the Bishop of Salisbury, as unfit to
be about the Duke of Gloucester on account of his
country, and his pastoral letter, that would have
made us a conquered people.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 387
Sir John Packington came into it with a set speech,
as if it had been concerted ; and though the Speaker
would have stopped these reflections, yet the House
had a mind to be merry with them, and would have
them go on. I don't know, but they may do it
more seriously another day, since Sir Edward Sey
mour and Mr. Howe gave some little touches, too.
They talk of addressing to the King, for removing
him from his preceptorship.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Dec. 14, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
11th, and shall make your Grace's compliments to
the Lords you mentioned. I did it yesterday to Sir
Edward Seymour, who seemed to take it very well,
though I met him when he was out of humour, upon
losing a question he had engaged in ; for they made
a small attack that day upon the Bishop of Salisbury,
which, I suppose, they had concerted over-night,
and thought themselves secure of carrying it, from
the great number of such as laughed on their side
the night before, when Rolles and Packington broke
through the matter then in question to fly at the
Bishop. But they have misreckoned again ; and it
was very fit they should do so, since the chief thing
they had to charge the Bishop was, his being the
author of a book that was ordered to be burnt for
c c 2

388 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the positions maintained in it, that the King came
by conquest. There were other things said, about
his being a Scotchman, and the giving him a pre
ference was a reflection on the learning and abilities
of the English. They quickly  * up (as the
present manner is,) to a question, viz., That an
humble address be made to his Majesty for removing
Gilbert, Lord Bishop of Sarum, from being preceptor
to his Highness the Duke of Gloucester ; but it was
more rigorously opposed than they presumed it would
have been, and a good deal of right was done to the
Bishop ; and that what he had writ in defence of the
Protestant religion, and English liberty, was more
than a sufficient atonement for any slip he might
make amongst so many volumes he had writ, — and
the turning him out for being a Scotchman, would
not be the way to bring that nation out of the heats
they were already in. Those who were for saving
the Bishop would have been content the question
should have dropt ; but others would have it put,
and would likewise divide upon it, which only
turned so much more to the Bishop's honour, since
the question was carried in the negative by 173
against 13S. That the Bishop should carry it by
a majority of forty, was rather more remarkable than
a greater number in my Lord Chancellor's case,
since this was brought on by surprise. My Lord
Marlborough shewed a great concern for the Bishop,
suspecting at one time or another to be brought on.
* Something wanting.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 389
It seemed, therefore, very strange to me that his
brother, George Churchill, should slip away into the
Speaker's chamber, and not give his vote. I have
since heard it said, that if this question had been
carried it would not have stopped there, but a farther
reform would have been made in the Duke of
Gloucester's family ; and that the governor might
have been found fault with, in order to have made
room for my Lord Rochester, who, they say, would
have been well enough pleased with the employment.
I don't know they did any thing yesterday in the
House of Lords, except reading the letter my Lord
Chancellor acquainted them he had received from
three of the Irish Commissioners. They entered
into no debate upon it, and have deferred the con
sideration of it till the rest of the Commissioners
shall bring their reports. I suppose they are come
to town by this time. Mr. Methuen arrived here
on Tuesday last, and was yesterday with the King.
My Lord Jersey is passing a grant, at this instant,
of the reversion of some of the Queen Dowager's
lands. I wish he has not taken an unseasonable
time for it ; but he has a notion that the restraint
layed by the Civil List, upon granting away any part of
the revenue, does not take place till after Christmas.
It will be well, if they allow him to put his own
interpretation upon it.

390 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
December 18, 1699.*
We have been in a Committee of Supply to-day,
when the fleet and good husbandry was talked of.
I suppose they will come up to 10,000 seamen ; but,
in the meantime, they have only ordered that the
Admiralty lay before them the retrenchments they
have proposed to be made, pursuant to the King's
direction ; as well in the ordinary of the navy, as in
relation to the pay, and half-pay, of the sea officers.
Mr. Montague, and some other of your friends,
desired me to acquaint your Grace, that as soon as
you are in a condition for a journey, they think it
would be for your Grace's service to come up and
appear in the House of Lords, for the silencing of
what malicious people would infer from your absence.
Whatever delicacy you might have on that account,
the impertinent occasion is now over ; and whatever
they may have to ask Mr. Arnold, they can have
nothing to say to you on that score. If you have
thoughts of coming up, there will be no occasion for
it till the beginning of January, for I believe the
House of Commons will adjourn on Tuesday next
till the day after new year's-day ; and, perhaps,
the Lords may not meet so soon.
I ought to mention that my Lord Wharton came
to town on Thursday, and began the debate yester-
* The first part of this letter, referring only to Smith, the informer, is
omitted.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 391
day, and took care of it throughout. My Lord
Sunderland will be here on Thursday next. Mr.
Neale, the groom porter, lies adying. His Majesty
gave me a petition yesterday, presented by his son,
that he may succeed as groom porter, or in the
Transfer Office. The King heard a very indifferent
character of the young man, and has no inclination
to gratify him in either. I told him I thought the
groom porter's place was in your Grace's disposal ;
whether it be or not, I believe the King will give it
to whom you shall propose. I know not whether your
Grace may think Mr. Rowley fit for it, and in
that case it would bring him some consolation for the
loss of his son. I will inquire who this Garret is,
that is mentioned in the petition as a good patentee
and whether he be living.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF* SHREWSBURY.
December 19, 1699.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
16th, and am glad to hear you have thoughts of
coming to town. I suppose you do not intend it
before the next week, and then you will find the
King at Hampton Court, whither he goes the day
after Christmas-day. I hope your Grace will have
no return of spitting of blood, but I, least of all,
would not have it prevent your appearing in the
House of Lords when they meet after the holidays,

392 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
and therefore I think the later you come to town,
the less danger there will be of a relapse. Smith
has been before the Lords to-day, and brought some
letters he received from Arnold, during the time he
was abroad. I don't yet hear what sort of corres
pondence they carried on together, but the Lords
have given no directions for Mr. Arnold's attending
them. I just saw my Lord Marlborough yesterday,
who told me that business was now over, though
my Lord Normanby said their letting fall the debate
about sending for Arnold, would not hinder their
taking it up again when they thought fit. They had
it under consideration to-day what they should do
with Smith, whether to discharge him or not ; and a
committee is appointed to search precedents what
they have done towards the persons whom they have
censured in this manner. I don't think any thing
of a prosecution will be urged by your Grace's
friends, if the forms of the House do not require it.
My Lord Marlborough goes out of town to
morrow, to expect my Lord Sunderland next day
at St. Alban's, and intends to stay there all the
holidays. My Lord Wharton went out of town on Saturday
last. Mr. Stanhope has the offer of going into
Holland, if he has a mind to it. I have given him
an account of it by a letter sent to Paris, but we
hear nothing of his arrival there ; the last news we
had of him was that he was seized with a fit of the
gout at Bordeaux. If he is willing to go to Holland,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 393
I suppose his stay will not be long there, but he will
return to his post in Spain, when an accommodation
is made between us and Spain, which the Emperor
is to mediate. Though I mentioned Mr. Stanhope's
being provided for in Holland when the Spanish
Ambassador was sent away, and it was suspected the
like might happen to Mr. Stanhope, I made no new
instances about it, and the King, of his own accord,
when Lord Jersey read Mr. Stanhope's letter to him,
resolved he should have the offer of going to Hol
land ; which I can't but think is right, though it be
some short disappointment to Sir John Stanley.
They tell me Mr. Garret, mentioned in young
Neale's petition, is his uncle, by the mother's side,
and that he is still living, and is of a trade in the
city, and that he is in trust for this Neale ; but I
think if neither the patentee nor the trustee be
capable of executing the office, it will concern my
Lord Chancellor to commit the execution of the place
to proper hands, however the others may be entitled
to the patent fee. Poor Onslow's election was deter
mined yesterday, as burgess of Guildford. However
his cause had been decried before it was heard, yet
he carried it by the greatest majority that has been
in any division yet, he having 185 against 109 ; yet
all the grandees of the other side divided against
him. I hope it will make his brother, Sir Richard,
less fond of going with them another time.
One may observe what a strength there is like to
be in the Whig party, if they do not moulder again

394 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
by being put upon unpopular things. If they cannot
do every thing that the King may think a gratifica
tion to him, yet I believe he may depend upon it
they will keep the government upon its present
basis, which is no small consideration ; but then they
must be at liberty not to meddle with things they see
reason to despair of; and, as circumstances now
stand, no prudent man will act but with a good deal
of caution, and have some regard to his own safetv,
since the compensations are like to be so small, for
any hazards he shall run.
Since I begun this letter I have been at Kensing
ton. I find his Majesty intends one of Neale's
places for Sir John Stanley, either the Transfer
Office or the master porter of the Mint. Nothing
will be done about the groom porter till your arrival.
I now hear the patentee is Sir John Garret, a mem
ber of the House of Commons.
I hear the Lords have committed Smith to the
gate-house, it being according to precedent in a like
case. I suppose, upon a submissive petition, he will
be discharged.
We were in a Committee of Supply to-day ; the
papers brought by the Admiralty being read, Sir
George Rooke moved for 10,000 men to be employed
this year at sea, but nothing was resolved on, and I
doubt whether they will amount to 520,000/., which,
with the money borrowed to pay off the seamen's
wages and the Ordinary of the Navy, and what they
design for repairs of ships, will rise to above a million.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 395
So, out of the three-pence per pound, if they would go
so high, there will not be enough left to maintain
the land forces ; and those, I perceive, will not easily
be submitted to, there being a great grudge against
the horse and dragoons, whereby the garrisons are
left with fewer men than guns.
They have a mind to set another peevish inquiry
on foot, and therefore have ordered the Admiralty
to lay before them what orders have been given to
four small ships that are sent to the West Indies.
One is the Rupert prize, that Long, the quaker, is
gone in. Your Grace remembers something of him ;
but I intend Sir James Houblon shall answer for
him, who is concerned in the wreck he is to look
after. I think the inquiry is rather after another
ship, viz., the Dolphin, Captain Hunter commander;
he is to look for the wreck granted to the Duke of
Schomberg, from ten to forty degrees. My Lord
Macclesfield, and Travers, of our house, have ap
peared principally in this project. I suppose they
believe my Lord Orford interested in it. If he be,
it is more than I know ; but I remember he brought
a memorandum of it one night to the Cabinet Coun
cil ; and, accordingly, I was to signify the King's
pleasure to the Admiralty Board, for sending away
the ships on that expedition.
Another of the ships mentioned is that which
Dampier* is gone in, to discover whether there be
any isles lying between the Straits of Magellan in
* The famous navigator.

396 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
America, and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
I suppose Mr. Montague recommended him for this
purpose, and, no doubt, had a fair meaning in it.
What the fourth ship is I don't yet know. I imagine
that the hints of these matters came, originally, from
some of the Admiralty or Navy, if not both.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 21, 1699-
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
18th. * * * * * *t I have already
acquainted your Grace, that I thought that we
should adjourn to-morrow till Tuesday se'nnight.
I hear the Lords do not intend to meet so soon, but
will adjourn to the Friday following.
The House of Commons were yesterday in a Com
mittee of Supply, and had the fleet under considera
tion. Sir George Rooke again proposed 10,000
men, but soon after Mr. Lowndes reduced it to
8,000, he discovering so soon that an abatement
would be admitted ; it made way for Mr. Harley's
proposal, of having only 7>000 men for thirteen
months, which is about 10,000 in the summer, and
half the number in the winter, which was carried
without a division, and, perhaps, would hardly
have been so, if the committee had divided ; but I
think the King was inclinable that the sea service
t Part omitted, regarding Smith.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 397
should not exceed 900,000/. this year, which this
number of men would bring it to, considering what
they have already advanced for the arrears of wages,
and that 80,000/. is to be applied to the repairs of
ships. It'will be still necessary to give three-pence
in the pound, if they will keep up the guards and
garrisons ; and there will be a great contest whether
it shall be according to the present establishment.
This resolution has been confirmed to-day, without
opposition. What we have done further, is to order
that Simon Harcourt, clerk of the peace, be taken
into custody for a breach of privilege, in assaulting
Sir John Phillips, whom he met with yesterday in
Westminster Hall, as he came from the house ; and
besides giving him very abusive language, he chal
lenged him, and struck him with his cane. It seems
Harcourt married the widow of Sir John Phillips'
elder brother, and thev have law suits about the
estate. Sir John made it appear how much right
he had on his side, even in the law matters ; so I
think something exemplary will be done to Harcourt.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. December 23, 1699.
The House of Commons adjourned yesterday till
Thursday se'nnight, and have appointed the call of
the House the same day. By their taking care to
have a full appearance at their first meeting, I know

398 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
not whether they have not something else in pros
pect, besides carrying on the Irish Bill, which will
be ready by that time. They talk as if they would
renew their attack upon particular persons, viz., my
Lord Orford, in taking a share of what the Dolphin
frigate should fish out of wrecks in the West Indies ;
as also upon the Lord Chancellor, for the Windsor
lands ; Mr. Smith, for begging the reversions of the
Welsh estate, that was given the King by Sir John
Williams's will ; and my Lord Jersey, for passing a
grant at this time ; — but as to this last, he himself
has stopped the grant, and taken back the bill from
the Privy Seal, though Mr. Lowndes had put it into
the list that lies before the House.
Some were for adjourning till Monday fortnight,
and divided upon it. The same persons would have
been willing the House should have two or three days
before the call, but the majority were for equal usage,
that we might all work, or all keep holiday.
The Lords' adjournment is only for a day more,
till Friday se'nnight. I don't hear that Smith has
petitioned, so that he must lie till they meet again.
My Lord Sunderland came to town on Thursday,
and was yesterday at the King's levee, and has had
no other audience since ; but my Lord Albermarle
has been with him, to tell him the King would speak
with him on Sunday. I suppose this time is allowed
for his talking with other people. I saw him yes
terday in the evening, but company soon came in ;
He talks to every body as if his intentions were to

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 399
return into the country, as soon as my Lord Spencer's
marriage is over. When I went away, he desired I
would acquaint you with his arrival, and excuse his
not doing it himself ; if you came to Hampton Court
he would not fail of seeing you there, or otherwise
he would stay for your coming to Kensington. The
King bid me tell your Grace, that he should go to
Hampton Court on Tuesday next, and stay there a
week ; and when you are in a condition for a jour
ney, he should be glad to see you.
Sir James Forbes tells me he has endeavoured to
make a reconciliation between my Lord Sunderland
and my Lord Orford. I perceive my Lady Sunder
land had laid the foundation for it, by her letters to
my Lady Orford ; and if my Lord Orford were not
already disposed towards it, I think Sir James would
not be so forward in offering his mediatorial offices.
Mr. Montague made a visit yesterday to my Lord
Sunderland. Sir John Stanley kissed the King's hand this
morning, for the Wardenship of the Mint. He still
keeps his place in the Stamp Office.
Your Grace's letter of the 20th has been brought
me this evening. I will acquaint his Majesty to
morrow at what time you intend to be at Hampton
Court. You will not expect to see the King that
day, it being the day the Queen died ; which he has
been hitherto very strict in observing.
I don't apprehend the business of Long* will
* The quaker.

400 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
reflect upon any body. At least, I have most to
answer for, who writ to the Admiralty in his be
half, and prepared his instructions when that
matter was mentioned. I intend to call upon Sir
James Houblon, to give an account of his having
vouched for his honesty. I think they would not
have meddled with these inquiries, but with an eye
to my Lord Orford, though in general they will
condemn the putting the nation to a charge in fitting
out a ship only for projects, and private men's
profit ; which, perhaps, is not very justifiable.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 3, 1699-1700.
Wednesday, 2 o'clock.
I am extremely concerned that your Grace should
fall into a relapse, and that there should be other
causes for it, besides the town air. It would be very
well, if the King could have your service, and you
your health ; but if they can't subsist together, I
wish you may enjoy your health at a distance from
business, which ought not to be imposed upon any
that want health. I suppose, however, that your
Grace will try a little longer, and that I may have
the honour to wait on your Grace at Kensington.
I know not whether Dr. Kingston has sent you
one of his pieces. For my own part, I knew nothing
of his writing it ; — if I had been consulted, I would
not have advised his coming into a print. About

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 401
three weeks, or a month ago, when some of the
Lords of the Cabinet Council met to examine
O'Brian, who came from Flanders, Captain Baker
brought Dr. Kingston to tell what he had heard of
O'Brian ; and, at the end of his evidence, he
desired he might be heard a few words to another
matter, and it was to give his character of Smith,
repeating some of the passages in his book ; — but
when he was withdrawn, I was against making any
use of him, as thinking it much the best way not to
thrust oneself between plot-makers, who generally
make more mischief than they mend ; and, if he
must be scribbling, I wish he had let it alone for
some time longer.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 4, 1699-1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of this
day. It is very mortifying to hear that your illness
increases. As to the stopping Kingston's book,
that is impossible with such scribbling fools, who
imagine others will be as pleased with what they
write, as they themselves are ; and, therefore, pub
lish it before they give any notice. At the same
time he sent me his book he did it to several others ;
and it was at that time in the bookseller's hands, for
common sale. If I could have known of it in time,
perhaps he would have been willing enough to have
VOL. II. D D

402 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
taken a piece of money for suppressing it, for he is
very poor, and whatever he does is with a design to
get something; but this has been a bad way to recom
mend himself. One knows not how to avoid many
impertinences, that will fall out in human life ; but
one may, in a good measure, help being concerned
at it : and it is a comfort that one has such a remedy
within oneself which is more to be relied on than
any thing the world affords. The King came this
evening to the Council ; but I believe he would have
stayed longer at Hampton Court, if he could have
foreseen that the House of Commons would have
been adjourned again till Monday.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Whitehall, January 9, 1699-1700.
Your Grace will allow me to be a little surprised
at the receipt of your letter yesterday ; though, at
the same time, I am very sorry you had so much
occasion for altering your resolution of seeing the
King, before you went one way or another. The
King dined yesterday at Hampton Court, expecting
to see you there, and intended to acquaint you with
a scheme which he has thought on, which, he sup
posed, you would approve, since it is only to have
your assistance and private advice upon occasion,
without either engaging you in a load of business or
in the ministry. I can only mention it in general,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 403
because I don't know more particulars ; but one
thing he added, that if he should be obliged to go
out of the kingdom this summer, he would excuse
you from being one of the Lords Justices, by reason
that you can't bear the town. If you have a mind
to hear more of this matter, I believe I can be more
fully instructed in it, though the King thinks it
would have more prevalency if he had discoursed
with you himself. He is pretty inclinable to imagine
that by the orders sent by Mons. Auverquerque on
Sunday, to have the King's horses and dogs in readi
ness, your Grace might have notice of his coming to
Hampton Court, and therefore hastened away, to
decline coming to an eclaircissement. The King
did not make the observation as if he took it amiss,
but rather to confirm him in the opinion he had
taken up, ever since he had left Hampton Court,
that you were bent upon retiring ; and it is certain
he would do what he could to dissuade you from
doing it totally and finally.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Whitehall, January 11, 1699-1700.
I hope your Grace got well into the country, and
that you begin to find the benefit of it.
It has been under consideration how to brino- the
last book about Darien into the House of Commons,
to have it censured there, as so insolent and scurri
lous a way of writing deserves. But I think it has
d d 2

404 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
been too long neglected, and it has only given occa
sion and time to the Scotch agents and emissaries to
defeat the design accordingly. My Lord Peter
borough took notice of the book yesterday, in the
House of Lords. The turn he gave to it was, that
it was writ passionately, and in the language of per
sons that smarted under great losses ; yet, they do
throughout the book aim at what may properly
relieve them, viz., their being admitted to an union
with England ; — and this he made his theme, shew
ing the convenience, and, in this conjuncture, the
necessity of it, in regard to our present and future
tranquillity ; hinting at the competition for the
Crown that may happen between two young Princes ;
and if one of them, as has been usual, would change
his religion for a kingdom, it is not unlikely he
would put himself under the education of the kirk ;
in which case, perhaps, they would prefer him to
one bred up in episcopacy, though it were by a Scotch
bishop. My Lord Privy Seal can no sooner hear the word
union named, but he runs blindfold into it, and said
all he could think of, for pressing it. My Lord
Halifax opposed it ; and said they should run any
risk rather than be bullied by the Scots' menaces.
However, the gravest men, such as my Lord
Rochester and Lord Godolphin, were for setting
apart another day to consider the business of Darien,
and have appointed it for Tuesday ; but which way
they will handle it, is yet uncertain.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 405

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Whitehall January 13, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
10th. It is some comfort that you are got home to
the use of your own remedies, which, I hope, will
not fail of their usual effect. I have not seen the
King since ; but I have sent him an account how
you are, which he has been inquiring after.
Perhaps I may send for Dr. Kingston, and when
I do I must give him something, he being very poor ;
but I think it best to defer it, at least, till I see
what becomes of Smith, — he has not yet petitioned,
and the Lords adjourned on Thursday, till Monday
next. There may be a mystery in his affecting to
lie in prison, which 1 don't yet understand ; I hope
I may, when his acquaintance comes to town. I
don't know, but they may be preparing another book,
in answer to Kingston ; and, therefore, one must
not be too forward to mix in their controversy.
The business of the fleet was made an end of yes
terday in the committee. They would not come up
to make any addition to the number of seamen.
They would not so much as take the guard-ships
into the ordinary of the Navy, which would have
afforded 800 men more for the public. They have
allowed only 18,000/. to half-pay for the sea officers,
according to a scheme of the Admiralty when they
were required to consider of retrenchments, which
is for nine flags, fifty captains, and 100 lieutenants,

406 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
besides masters and surgeons. The Irish Bill was
read to-day, and a second reading is ordered on
Thursday next. It is directed that all members
should attend that day. Those that moved it, I
suppose, meant to muster up a force against the
third, which I have no prospect of.
Sir John Levison moved for printing the Report
of the Irish Commissioners, which held a debate of
three or four hours. It was pretended that the bill
being grounded upon it, it was fit people should be
satisfied in it. Mr. Montague spoke smartly against
it, that it was not fit to print so many reflections as
they had heaped together without proofs. And
many things were said to expose the Commissioners
and their way of acting, which Mr. Methuen did
very skilfully. Mr. Pulteney and my Lord Coningsby,
particularly the former, were very pathetic in their
expostulations not to be called criminals in print,
upon false suggestions, which they were ready to
clear themselves of ; and appealed to the justice of
the House, that they might be first heard. The
great men kept themselves out of this debate ; and
when they found the temper of the House against it,
they gave up the question, only they were for print
ing some other parts of the reports, viz., the book
that contains the forfeitures, and another that con
tains the grants ; but to this it was objected that
they have not yet been read, and so they adjourned.
It was intended to-day, to make a complaint in
the House against the last Scotch book. It was

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF 407
resolved last night, at a meeting at my Lord Chan
cellor's, and Sir Rowland Gwynn was to open it ;
but other matters lasted till five o'clock. Whenever
this complaint is made, I find it will be opposed.
Mr. Harley, I find, has an odd notion that the
parliament should not declare themselves one way or
another, so as they may reserve themselves to be
arbitrators, if occasion requires.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. January 16, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letters of the
13th and 15th, the former arriving yesterday. I
had an opportunity to read it to his Majesty this
morning, who seemed very well satisfied with the
account you gave of your going away, though he
does not think it needed an excuse. He wished
you a speedy recovery, and will be sorry to hear
what doubts you make of it. Upon this occasion I
must not omit mentioning, that young Crofts, who
broke a vein from a fall from his horse, and spit
great quantities of blood, is now said to be perfectly
recovered by Colbatche's remedies.
Mr. Walsh told me something of his Worcester
shire petition, but has not yet brought it me. I will
do what service in it I can ; but I find he has already
spoke to the Commissioners of Excise, who are under
a difficulty in complying with what is desired.
I am glad your Grace approves of my deferring

408 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
to speak with Dr. Kingston ; the reasons for it still
continue, since I hear nothing of Smith's petitioning.
I want my Coventry man, (who is every day ex
pected), to understand the meaning of it.
I have sent your letter to my Lord Sunderland,
who, I suppose, is now engaged in his son's wedding.
We have had two busy days in the House of Com
mons. We sat yesterday till ten at night. We began
with a complaint against the Scotch libel. Sir Row
land Gwynn, who introduced it, after having read the
passages he found fault with, and before he brought
the book to the table, moved that the address of the
Lords and Commons might be read which was made
when the Scotch company were endeavouring to get
subscriptions here. Mr. Harley and others opposed
the reading this address, as what might lead them
to something that might be further provoking to
Scotland; and they carried it by a division of 191
against 190; but after that the book was brought
up and condemned to be burnt, and an address voted
for a proclamation to be published, with a reward for
the apprehending either the author or the printer.
In the debate about reading the address, both Sir
Edward Seymour and Sir Christopher Musgrave
expressed their dislike to an union, which Sir Edward
compared to a countryman that had a wife proposed
to him without a fortune, and gave this reason for
refusing it, that if he married a beggar he should
have a louse for a portion. This the Scotch have
heard, and are very angry at it.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 409
The next debate was upon a motion of Mr. Mom-
pesson in behalf of the Irish Commissioners, who
desired to be vindicated against the aspersions thrown
upon them on Saturday ; and Mr. Montague was
called upon to name the author of what he said on
Saturday, that a letter had been writ by a Member
of the House, to direct the Commissioners to report
the private estate, because their report would signify
nothing without it, and that would reflect on the
King more than any other grant. He excused him
self as long as it was possible, till they were going
to fix it upon him, by a question that he was the
author of a false and scandalous report. But at last
he named Mr. Methuen, and the words he told him
were writ down. Mr. Methuen owned he had some
private conversation with Mr. Montague at Ken
sington : and in answer to his questions, he told him
what he had heard about letters writ to the Com
missioners to advise their reporting the private
estate, but denied that he had heard those letters
contained the other expressions reflecting on the
King ; though he did tell Mr. Montague that those
expressions were used by some of the Commissioners
in their debate about this matter ; and Mr. Mon
tague misunderstood him, if he thought they were
part of the letter, which he knew nothing of. This
was likewise writ down ; but the House -did not
concern themselves which of them was in the right,
and still went on with their question, that the report

410 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
was false and scandalous, and left it in doubt to
whom it belonged.
Then Mr. Harcourt proposed a question for vin
dicating the Commissioners, that the four who signed
the report had discharged their trust with under
standing and integrity. Nothing was then concluded
upon it, the debate being adjourned till this day,
upon a motion that the five Commissioners, who are
in town, should first attend and clear the reports
that had been spread of them.
Accordingly they were summoned, and Sir Richard
Leving was first called in, his name having been
made use of by Mr. Pulteney and my namesake, for
several particulars he had said to them. He repeated
them again at the bar, and by the account he gave,
it appeared he had been the person who had informed
Mr. Methuen, both of them using the same expres
sions. Then the rest of the Commissioners were
called in, with their secretary, Sir Francis Brewster,
and informed most of what Sir Richard Leving had
said ; and the other three Commissioners, as also
their secretary, denied that any thing was said at
their board reflecting on the King, and so cleared
Mr. Hamilton, who was the person charged.
Mr. Annesley produced the letters he had received
from Mr. Moore, Mr. Harcourt, and Sloen, but
none of them mentioned the King ; only Moore gave
his opinion for reporting the private estate. In the
conclusion, the vote of yesterday passed for vindi-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 411
eating the four Commissioners, and another passed
for charging Sir Richard Leving as the author of
those false reports ; and in consequence thereof he
was sent to the Tower. Sir Francis Brewster was
left out of this vote, as being an old man, that had
not appeared forward to spread any of these reports.
Whether things will stop here, I know not ; but
the party is strong and violent, and some of them
talk of impeaching those who have been instrumental
in passing these grants, and yet the King still insists
to have the thirds reserved, which I can see no good
issue of.
The Lords have been upon the business of Darien ;
they have read the above mentioned address, with
the orders that were sent to the Governors, and for
further information, they will see the treaties with
Spain, and the remarks of the Commissioners of
Trade upon a Scotch memorial, in answer to that of
the Spanish Ambassador's, which are to be brought
them on Thursday ; what they will conclude in, I
suppose, will be an approval of what the King has
done pursuant to their address.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. January 18, 1700.
We have had the Irish Bill read a second time
to-day, and committed. The King being strangely
bent upon having a clause for reserving one-third to

412 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
his own disposal, though every body that would make
any judgment of the House, told him what would be
the consequences of it. As it was agreed among us,
I made the motion; Lord Ranelagh, Lord Coningsby,
Mr. Smith, Mr. Boyle, and Ned Clark came into it ;
but we were pretty well rapped over the fingers, and
some told us that these motions tended to laying
aside the bill. Some great guns kept themselves in
reserve for Mr. Montague ; but he did not speak,
judging right enough, that it would be to no purpose,
and he had an item as if something were to be levelled
at him after this question. The King expected we
should have divided the House, but that would have
been ridiculous, since hardly one would have gone
out, besides those that argued for the clause.
When this was over, Mr. Howe said, they ought
to take notice of those who had a hand in passing
those grants, but he should do it in a gentle way. It
came at last to two questions ; the first was, that the
advising, procuring, and passing the grants of for
feited and other estates in Ireland, had given the
occasion to contract great debts upon the nation,
and of laying heavy burthens upon the people. The
other question was, that the advising and passing of
the said grants was dishonourable to the King, and
that the officers and the instruments concerned in it
had failed in the performance of their duty. Both
the questions passed without any contest ; only after
wards Mr. Smith and Mr. Montague spoke some
thing in their own vindication. The first seemed to

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

413

insinuate as if he had opposed most of the grants,
and both of them made it understood that they had
no more to answer for in these matters than my
Lord Godolphin, Lord Lonsdale, Sir Edward Sey
mour, and Mr. Pelham, who sat at the board with
them, though they did not name them. These late
proceedings give the other party a great triumph,
and the Whigs are miserably run down : at present,
I don't see how they can recover it, but I wish the
King and kingdom be not the greatest sufferers.
The Lords have been this day upon the Scotch
business, and about five o'clock came to this reso
lution, — that the King's pleasure, signified to the
Governors in the Plantations, in relation to the
Scotch settlement at Darien, was agreeable to the
address of both Houses of Parliament, dated 13th
December, 1698.
Some lords are still for examining into the King
of Spain's title to that tract of land, and have
appointed it for.Monday ; but I suppose there is an
end of it. I don't think we shall meddle with the
address, as we intended, to-morrow ; but the peti
tion of the old East India Company will then come
in for their being incorporated.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. January 20, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letters of the
17th and 18th inst., the last of which was brought

414 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
me this afternoon. I am sorry you find so little
amendment ; but if that is to be sought for abroad,
I know not why you should defer it. In expectation
of what is hatching at the gate-house, perhaps there
may be no end of Smith and Kingston's scribbling
one against the other ; and I don't know, but they
may be well enough matched, though one would not
care to be the subject of either of their pens.
I saw my Lord Lucas yesterday, accidentally, who
told me he had got 200/. for Dr. Kingston, from the
King. He talked something as if Dr. Kingston
had a mind to speak with me ; but I told him, in
civil terms, that might be inconvenient, since some
already gave out as if the doctor pretended to be
employed by your Grace. I don't know that King
ston gives an occasion for it ; but some of Smith's
partizans put it upon him.
The King went yesterday to Hampton Court, and
returns this evening. I shall take the first oppor
tunity to know whether he has thought of any
person for groom-porter ; but I am confident he will
leave it to your disposal, if Neale's patent is not
good in law ; and I don't think any exception can be
made to Mr. Rowley's being qualified for it.
We had yesterday the East India Company's peti
tion, praying a bill might be brought in for their
being a corporation. Sir Richard Onslow moved
that the petition might lie on the table three or four
days, that people might consider it, and examine the
truth of the allegations. Mr. Montague took upon

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 415
him to say, that many of the allegations might be
disapproved ; but it was indifferent to him whether
that matter was argued before the bringing in the
bill or after, and seemed rather willing to stay till
the bill was brought in, that the whole might come
into debate together. So the question went for a
bill. We went to-day into the Committee of Supply.
Mr. Harley, who governs in what relates to taxes,
was for avoiding any disputes about the horse or
foot, and proposed, as it was the last year, 300,000/.
should be allowed for the guards and garrisons this
next year ; and reflections were made upon the
exceeding that sum the last year ; and, at the same
time, it was declared that they should not concern
themselves with the payment of any surplus beyond
what they allotted. Their being put in mind that
this surplus arises from maintaining a regiment in
Guernsey and Jersey, and another in the West
Indies, which were necessary in those places, and
they had given no direction for disbanding them,
signified nothing ; but the question was carried, with
a little opposition, for 300,000/. : only they resolved
that half-pay should be allowed to the disbanded
officers ; but they will first examine whether some
new commissions have not been granted in their
wrong. The old East India Company will get no
great advantage by the struggle they have been
making ; perhaps they may carry it for their being
a corporation ; but it was moved yesterday to go

416 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
into a committee, to consider of the East India trade
and how to improve the manufactures of the king
dom. It is very probable that, in the conclusion,
all wrought silks and calicoes from India may be
prohibited, if it shall appear reasonable to be done.
No favour or partiality will prevail in this House to
the contrary.
The Lords have been these two days upon the
bankers' case ; they have only yet heard the council
on both sides. They proceed to judgment on
Monday, which is like to go for the bankers ; but I
don't know what good it will do them, since their
fund is otherwise disposed of, by the Act that pro
vides for the Civil List.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 23, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
20th, and am glad you have found so good an effect
of your desperate remedy. When you are got out
of this disaster, you will have time to consider
whether it will be worth while to fall into it again.
I had an opportunity on Sunday night to lay
before his Majesty your letter of the 18th. He
asked me who Mr. Rowley was, and when I had
given him his character, he bid me tell you he should
not concern himself for any person, but freely left it
to you, to make use of your own right.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 417
The King wondered a little you should be in any
concern about what Smith might be doing, which,
he thinks, ought not to be of any consideration with
you. I hope you now find yourself in such a way of
recovery as not to think it necessary to go abroad,
otherwise it is certain there is nothing that retains
you. My Coventry man is not yet come to town ;
but I hear from another hand, that Smith is tran
scribing something for the press, in answer to Dr.
Kingston, who, I suppose, will not fail to reply. I
see no remedy, but they must be permitted to
bespatter one another as long as they please, provided
they do not throw dirt upon anybody else.
The House of Commons sat yesterday till five
o'clock ; a good deal of the time was taken up about
Sloane's Borough of Thetford, — the merit of that
election being now depending. A question has
arisen, whether any of that corporation took the
association within the time prescribed by the law ;
and, therefore, the cause is removed from the com
mittee to be heard at the bar of the House on Friday
next. The House then went into a Committee of Trade.
It looks as if some considerable regulations would
be made in the East India trade, it being very
calmly debated in the committee, without shewing
any great regard to either company. I suppose, in
the conclusion, neither of them will have much to
value themselves upon their interest in the House.
VOL. II. E E

418 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
At present, they are only making inquiries, to have
wherewithal to ground their judgments on.
The Commissioners of Customs are to lay before
them what silver has been exported since Michael
mas '97 j as also what manufactured goods from
India have either been imported, or exported again,
within that time. They expect it will appear, not
withstanding Dr. Davenant's assertion, that the
great consumption of East India goods is in England,
to the ruin of our manufacturers ; and that what is
sent abroad is inconsiderable, and will not bring
home the silver it carries out. They reckon that
fifty ships have been sent to the East Indies since
Michaelmas '97» either on account of the two com
panies, or by the interlopers. I believe some sorts
of wrought goods will be prohibited, and others so
high and effectually charged, that the trade will not
be very valuable.
The Commons have been this day in a committee
upon the Irish bill, and have gone through part of
it ; and sit again upon it on Monday next. There
is no great attendance given to this committee, those
who brought in the bill being left to model it as they
think fit. Mr. Conyers was put into the chair. I
suppose the meaning of it is, that it is to be sent to
the Lords, as a money bill, and, perhaps, be tacked.
to the Land Tax, which will now be brought on, a
Committee of Ways and Means being appointed on
Thursday next.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 419
The Lords heard the Judges' opinions yesterday
in the bankers' case ; the two Lord Chief Justices
were long in their arguments, and of different
opinions. The Lords gave judgment to-day in
favour of the bankers, and have reversed my Lord
Chancellor's reversal of the judgment of the Barons
of the Exchequer. My Lord Chancellor is allowed
to have argued very well, in maintenance of his
opinion ; but the Lords were near two to one for
the reversal, and there was no need of dividing.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 25, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
22d. I hope now you are in a way of recovery you
will go on with it to a cure. I know nobody wishes
you so much ill, as to think of pressing you to come
to town.
Dr. Kingston came to me yesterday morning,
upon pretence of getting one of the Scotch books.
I told him I would make him the same answer I did
to my Lord Lucas, when he made me the same
demand, — that I did not think it advisable he should
write upon that subject ; for when the Parliament
had passed their censure on a book, and ordered it
to be burnt, I thought it the best confutation of it ;
and, perhaps, such fault might be found in any
thing that should be writ afterwards, as to cast the
E e 2

420 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
blame on the other side. I gave him a hint, like
wise, that for the same reason, if I had known his
intention to write against Smith's last book, I should
have dissuaded him from it, and rather since I fore
saw the use to be made of it was, that in the next
reply your Grace should be charged with having
solicited him to write on that subject, or that it was
done by your means and procurement. I thought
it best to say thus much to him, that if they will
scribble on, as I think there is no restraining them,
he may make it understood that he does it of his own
head. He still pretended as if some gentlemen
had employed him to write. I would not ask him
any questions about it, because I don't care for a
bantering answer ; and I would have him think I
had seen his to your Grace, for the avoiding the
engaging him in communications while this humour
lasts. However, I very much approved of his good
intentions, and told him he had made good remarks
on some points, and where he was short in others,
it was because he wanted due information of facts.
He told me Brown would have no more to do with
Smith ; and he heard the answer he was preparing
was of Smith's own doing, which he would expose
when it came out ; and he would publish the names
of those who contributed to Smith's maintenance ;
among others, he mentioned my Lord Stamford. I
bid him have a care how he meddled with men of
quality, who would be apt to call him to an account

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. -1-21
for it, and then he might find himself in the case
some others have been in, and not be able to produce
his author, and being disowned or ill supported, the
scandal must light upon himself. He thanked me
for any caution ; but I know not whether he is capa
ble of advice, having, 1 perceive, a pique against my
Lord Stamford, after the great intimacy they had
together. I endeavoured to send him away in as
good a humour as I could, without encouraging him
to proceed. I very much feared the consequences of
giving him any thing ; and ho telling me he had
some relief from the King, there was no present
need of it.
The Bill for incorporating the old East India
Company was brought in yesterday, by Mr. Coke,
of Derbyshire, and read the first time ; though it
was endeavoured to lay it on the table to be first con
sidered. They have allowed time for that between
the two readings ; and that being put off for a week,
the House then went into a Committee of Sup
ply. They only voted another loan of 100,000/.
for paying off seamen's wages. They intended
making an establishment for sea pay, according to a
state of it drawn up by the Lords of the Admiralty,
which is by way of medium between the old pay in
King Charles's time, and the double pay established
in Council in '93. They have deferred doing it till
they have a calculation from the Navy Board, to
shew whether it will come within the 30/. per man
already settled for wages.

422 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
We have been to-day in a Committee of Ways
and Means, and have voted a land-tax, not exceed
ing 2s. in the pound ; though Mr. Harley computed
that the particulars already agreed to amounted to
1,300,000/. ; but the surplus of the Civil List, and
what they pretend to save by a better management
of the Excise, is, in part, to supply the rest ; and
wherein it falls short, must be provided for next
winter. They talk of doing something for the defi
ciencies ; but what that is, does not yet appear, more
than that Mr. Harley hinted as if the Irish forfeitures
might be of some use that way. The officers, there
fore, may be pretty much disappointed, who expect
their whole arrears out of that fund.
The Lords have put off the consideration of the
Scotch matters to Monday next, and have adjourned
till then. The Princess miscarried last Tuesday
night, of a male child ; they say it had been dead in
her a month. She, herself, seems to be in no
danger. Captain Kirk was tried this day, at the King's
Bench, for the death of Conway Seymour. The
jury found him guilty only of manslaughter ; and
Mr. Cage, his second, was acquitted.*
* After this letter follow two others, dated January 27th and 30th,
1700, solely concerning Smith and Dr. Fisher, with the exception of one
short paragraph in the latter letter, which I have preserved- Smith still
remained imprisoned, refusing to own his fault, and petition ; but pre
paring an attack in return for Fisher's, and still aiming slander at the
Duke of Shrewsbury.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 423

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
January 30, 1700.
* * # * # # #
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
27th. I hope you will have less melancholy thoughts
now you have brought yourself once more into a way
of recovery : whatever may have befallen some of
your family, many more of them have been exempted
from those weaknesses, and I am confident it is least
of all to be apprehended in your Grace. You have
been disquieted by pressing an employment upon you
too soon, and now you make yourself uneasy by
desiring too eagerly to get rid of it ; but, as to the
latter, one may very well content oneself with being
in resigning temper, whenever the King has a mind
to resume the staff. If, in the mean time, he thinks
it for his service to let it lie where it is, I know not
why that should create any impatience.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 3, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
31st. The chief thing we have done these two days
in the House of Commons is, that yesterday the bill
for prohibiting the exportation of corn this year was
rejected ; and to-day, a bill is allowed to be brought
in for taking off the bounty money upon the expor-

424 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
tation of corn till Michaelmas next, which will, in
some measure, restrain the exorbitancy of exporting.
We had the report this day of the election of
Bishops Castle, in Shropshire. The sitting member,
Sir Wm. Brownlow, and the petitioner, Sir Gil
bert Gerrard, were both discarded for bribery ;
and Mason, against whom was no petition, hardly
escaped a censure, for being a tool under my Lord
Macclesfield ; and his kinsman, Sir Edward Sey
mour moved to have it referred to the committee, to
inquire how far Mason was guilty of bribery ; and it
was dropt only that it might not be a precedent for
bringing more acceptable men in question, when
they are mentioned in evidence by bribery.
Some people shew an inclination to fall upon
my Lord Orford, in a more sensible part than that
of the Dolphin frigate. Colonel Byerley put the
House in mind, yesterday, of several particulars they
formed into an address last session, for regulating
miscarriages in the navy ; one of which was, that
the deductions upon slop clothes, tobacco, &c, fur
nished to seamen on shipboard, ought to be accounted
for. He supposed, therefore, that those accounts
were ready, and moved that the Commissioners of
the Navy should lay them before the House, going
back as far as February 13, 1689. Some say they
will apply it to the public, and put it into their
money bill. If they do so, it will be a sensible mor
tification, both to my Lord Orford and Dorrington.*
* So written here ; but I suspect it should be Doddington.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 425
Mr. Montague moved they might have the like
accounts from the time the Treasurers of the Navy
had salaries appointed them, in lieu of perquisites,
which is ordered, but will not be equally exacted.

MR VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 6, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
3rd, and have read the first paragraph of it to the
King, wherein you argue about your resigning ; all
his Majesty said was, that whatever your intentions
might be hereafter, this would be a very improper
time for your quitting. I will not put myself among
the guessers, for I can make no judgment of what
we are to expect. Those who have an ill-will to my
Lord Chancellor, seem to pursue it still ; they would
fain gather a strength to carry an address against
him, but I believe they are apprehensive of miscarry
ing in it. They have waited for Mr. How's coming
to town, who appeared in the House this morning.
He has no personal dislike to my Lord Chancellor,
but the applause he has from his party will lead him
in any thing they are fond of. My Lord Chancellor
is desirous that they would come out with any thing
they have to object against him, and thinks it much
the most uneasy condition to have their accusations
kept in suspense. I know not what his resolutions
are, if matters are to be left in this uncertainty ;

426

LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF

some say he will rather resign, than be always thus
exposed ; and others say he will not gratify his
enemies so far. If this last be his resolution, I
should most approve of it, and think it best becoming
a man of integrity.
The Coventry man has been with Smith again,
who tells him his book is finished, and gone to the
press, which I likewise heard from another hand ;
he mentions only having exposed Dr. Kingston, but
I believe he has grown into some jealousy of this
person. He asked him when Major Beak would
be in town ; and he telling him he was fallen ill,
Smith said to this man, he knowing Mr. Hopkins
very well, he might do the business ; and repeated
again that he would make a notable discovery if he
was assured of a maintenance and protection ; and
he would make any submission to your Grace ; but
if Mr. Hopkins transacted any thing with him, he
must be assured that he had an authority from your
Grace, or from me. At his desire, the man told him
he would speak to Mr. Hopkins ; who has returned
him an answer that he knows nothing of the busi
ness, and therefore thinks himself improper to
meddle in it. Smith told him he must have Mr.
Hopkins's answer by Thursday next, from whence
I conclude his book is to come out towards the latter
end of next week ; and he is playing the same game
he did lately, when his book was writ for him and in
the press. He brings my Lord Jersey a manuscript
copy of it, and afterwards a printed copy, to shew it

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 427
to the King, and made himself understood that it
should be suppressed if the King pleased ; that is,
if he and his authors might have what they would
ask : which is a snare nobody would run into with
such treacherous people.
He talked likewise of his Scarlet History, which
he should now think of finishing ; that he was
hitherto diverted from it by Kingston's book. This
man asked him how long he thought of staying in
the gate-house; he said that depended on the pleasure
of those who supported him there ; that they kept
him, indeed, very plentifully, but it was in jail. He
would never make the least mention who they were.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 8, 1700,
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
5th, with a second letter from Brown. I shall keep
them together, to be produced as there shall be occa
sion ; but I perceive he is a cast-off, and thinks to
go round again with his old keepers ; but that, one
may consider at leisure. If Dr. Chamberlain was
suborning him, I hear it was at a cheap rate ; for
Brown has complained that he allowed him but six
shillings and sixpence per week.
Mr. How began to open himself yesterday, and
moved for a day to consider the state of the nation,
which is appointed on Tuesday next ; — there was a

428 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
long debate whether it should be in a committee, or
in the House. We moved for the regular way of
doing it in a committee, since, upon those subjects,
people ought to have a liberty to speak more than
once ; but they were for doing it in the House, pre
tending to save time, since, otherwise, it would take
up the whole day in reading the papers that must be
referred to that committee. They carried the ques
tion upon a division, by 162 against 155 ; which is
no very encouraging majority on their side.
They say the reason why they strove against going
into a committee was, that they might bring up
Kidd's business agaiu, and would make it regular,
since it has not yet had any determination in the
House. If this be their intention, one would think
they wanted matter against my Lord Chancellor,
and therefore trump this up once more ; and if it
fails them again, perhaps they may let him alone,
though they are more set against him than any one
else. They talk of examinations about the Dolphin
frigate, and how the Irish grants came to be passed.
They throw out terrors of impeachments, but would
be glad to carry an address. There was another
motion made the same day, by Mr. Hammond, for
appointing a committee to inquire how far the laws
have been put in execution against Papists ; to which
was added a direction to inspect the said laws, and
to report their opinion of them ; as also to propose
what further remedies were necessary for suppres
sing the growth of Popery, and strengthening the

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 429
Protestant religion. The design of the motion was
to charge the government with remissness ; and that,
by the carelessness of the administration, the kingdom
swarmed with priests. But, on the other side, it
was shewn, that the great severity of the laws hin
dered the execution of them ; that putting people to
death merely for their religion was generally con
demned by Protestants, and disliked by Englishmen ;
and if the sanguinary laws were changed into other
punishments, they would have more effect ; and the
House seemed to be very much of this opinion. And
I hope they may find out ways to be rid of priests,
and to breed up the children of Papists in the Pro
testant religion.
Mr. Montague thought this a proper occasion to
be revenged on Mr. Methuen, and said it might be
worth their inquiry whether one bred at St. Omer
was fit to be the King's envoy in Portugal. This
was received with laughter ; but Mr. Methuen, who
came not into the House till after the jest was made,
replied to it, that considering what had so lately
happened,* he thought that gentleman would not so
soon assert things in that House which were without
ground ; for in this case his son never was at St.
Omer. He had sent him into France for his health,
in King Charles's time, at the age of eight years,
and he stayed till he was eleven years old ; during
a part of that time he went to school to the Jesuits'
* In regard to the silly and imprudent speech made by Montague,
respecting the Commissioners of Irish grants.

430 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
College at Paris, whither several French Protestants
sent their sons ; and mentioned the proofs he had
given since of his steady adhering to the Protestant
religion. Mr. How turned the ridicule the other way, say
ing, that if there were such a Popish envoy iu
Portugal, he must certainly have been sent thither
since Saturday fortnight (which was the day Mr.
Montague and Mr. Methuen began to differ), for if
he had been longer there, a privy councillor and a
minister would not have failed to acquaint the King
with it, and have pressed his being recalled.
It would be better that people in the King's
business should forbear their reflections upon one
another in public, which expose themselves and
others in like stations.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. February 13, 1700.
The House sat so very long to-day, that I must
refer you to a copy of an account I am sending to
the King, of this day's debate ; which, I hope, will
be as pleasing to him as it is to my Lord Chancel
lor's friends. I hope his adversaries will let him
alone hereafter, since they got no more ground upon
him. I wish, likewise, it may satisfy him that there has
been no underhand dealing by any one who are in

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 431
the King's business. Some think I did my endea
vours,- according to my weak talent. There has
been a great jealousy, as well of my Lord Marl
borough as of my Lord Sunderland, though I know
no ground for it ; and 'tis suspected that Mr. Harley
fell upon my Lord Jersey, as one my Lord Sunder
land has no great kindness for.
Mr. How is got into the chair of the Committee
against Popery ; but I find their business is to look
for reflections upon remissness, and not care for the
expedients that would remedy the mischief.
We press for condemning priests to perpetual
imprisonment in some remote part, instead of putting
them to death, but shall hardly obtain it ; these
gentlemen upholding the sanguinary laws, because
they know they will not be executed.

MR, VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February IS, 1700.
We sat this evening much later than we did on
Tuesday. The inclosed will inform your Grace
what has passed. Perhaps we might have carried
the last question if it had been more laboured ; but
Sir Christopher Musgrave, and some others, answer
ing with warmth to Mr. Boyle, who would have
diverted the question, we chose rather to let it go
than to put it to a hazard, or encourage them by a
majority to proceed to more personal matters.

432 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
We had success yesterday upon the Prince of
Denmark's debt. They have voted a supply towards
paying his Majesty a portion ; but what that is, is
not yet declared, nor when or how it shall be paid.
It is probable they will charge themselves with one
moiety, and upon the report to-day have voted an
address to his Majesty, that he will endeavour with
the States and Princes abroad, that they may pay
their proportion of the debt ; and some talk as if
they would expect the success before they pay their
money ; and when they do it, it is to be laid out in
land, to be settled, as the Danish lands were, upon
the issue of the Prince and Princess.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 16, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
14th. I send you inclosed Smith's book, which, I
suppose, is published to-day ; it came to me from
one who promised I should have of the first of them.
I have just cast my eye over it, and see what use he
makes of his lying in prison. I find nothing one
should be much concerned at ; so that Kingston and
he may be left to decide their quarrel among them
selves. One may believe my Lord Peterborough
has not been much concerned in this piece. I sup
pose he has his head filled with another project,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 433
which is to carry on a bill for the Duke of Norfolk's
divorce, though he formerly threw it out. He has
got the bill read the first time in the House of Lords ;
and before the second reading, the Duchess is to
give her objections to it, why it should not proceed.
Some say my Lord Peterborough is so busy in this
matter, upon an expectation that the Duke will marry
his daughter ; and, perhaps, it may be to oblige the
Duchess to settle Drayton upon him, and then he
will change sides again. He has sent me another
message by a second hand, that if he could speak
with me, he had something to tell me that was for
the King's service, and might be of use to me. I
have made a civil doubtful answer ; but if it be
pressed upon me, I know not what to do, for of all
men living, I can the least confide in him.
We have been quiet these two days in the House
of Commons. We were, yesterday, in a Committee of
Ways and Means, where Mr. Harley proposed that
the Irish lands should be applied, not only to the
paying of the arrears of the army and the transport
debts, but likewise to the malt tickets, and other
deficient tallys, if the owners of them will exchange
them for land ; the price whereof, he thinks, will
rise by the competition. And this has been approved
of to-day ; as also that there be a further duty laid
on East India wrought goods, to continue till the
prohibition takes place, which will be to Michaelmas
come twelvemonth. Perhaps they imagined then
the Lords would not pass the Prohibition Bill ; but
vol. n. F F

434 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
it has happened otherwise, for they have this day
agreed to it without any amendment.
Since the disappointments in the two days, when
the state of the nation was considered, the bill against
offices, that had lain asleep, was called for ; and
this day we have been in a committee upon it. It
was at first drawn that nobody should be capable of
being elected a Member of Parliament, who had any
office whatsoever, without any exception ; but Sir
Edward Hussey, who had formerly brought in two
bills, declaring that no man should accept of an
office after he was chosen, stuck to his old notions,
and proposed it as an amendment, instead of the
utter incapacity, which Sir Christopher Musgrave
joined in ; and the whole frame of the bill was
altered accordingly, to the amazement of those who
were for turning all men in places out of the House :
at least, they were to come no more into parliament.
Mr. How happened to be out of the House when the
amendment was made, and coming in afterwards,
told them they had made a jest of their self-denying
ordinance ; and so it will be thought, if they stick
to it upon the report. I left the House in a Com
mittee upon the Irish bill, which, I suppose, they
have gone through with.
The King went to Hampton Court yesterday, and
returns not till this evening. He has not yet been
acquainted with the desires of the House about
attending him with an address resolved on upon
Thursday ; but he thinks he was most hardly dealt

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 435
with that day, by coming to him upon so disagree
able an errand.
I find there are as great jealousies of my Lord
Sunderland as ever, which my Lord Marlborough
and Lord Godolphin are involved in. I now imagine
the foresight my Lord Marlborough had of them,
made him wish my Lord Sunderland should shorten
his stay here. He once designed going away this
week, but he talks no more of it.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 20, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
17th. I don't know to what degree there has been
a coldness between Lord Sunderland and Lord
Jersey, but I believe there has been something of it ;
and yet it may alter again, for one sees nothing else
between men of intrigue, but shifting from point to
point. There has been a talk of making Robin Harley
Secretary of State. I don't know whether he would
accept of it ; but if he were so inclined, I could be
contented to resign to him upon an easy composition,
for I find myself the unfittest man in the world for
mysterious managements.
My Lord Chancellor has been pleased to make
me a compliment upon what passed on Tuesday last ;
F F 2

436 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
but he still apprehends the restlessness of a party,
who think 182 a sufficient number to make any one
uneasy. He hears they will have another debate
upon the report from the committee appointed to
consider of the commissions of peace, and will single
out the alterations made in the justices for Suffolk ;
which was done upon the representations made by
the late Lord Cornwallis, who made so great a
change at one time, that my Lord Chancellor says
he and your Grace, and Sir John Trenchard, took
notice of it, and abated something of my Lord Corn-
wallis's heat in that matter.
We have done very little in the House of Commons
these two days. The Speaker came ill thither yes
terday, with a fit of the stone or gravel. In com
passion to him, the House resolved itself very soon
into a Committee to consider of the Land Tax Bill ;
and having made some little progress in it, the
Speaker resumed the chair only to adjourn the House
till to-morrow. If he be well enough, we are to
attend the King to-morrow with the address resolved
on upon Thursday, about the advisers and promoters
of the Irish grants.
The Speaker is a little better to-day, but it is a
doubt whether he will be well enough to-morrow to
go on with the business. If he should come only to
the House to adjourn again, I don't know how such
delays will be borne, or whether they will admit of
such a Speaker, pro tempore, as shall be willing to
resign when Sir Thomas recovers strength ; at least

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 437
it is suspected they will propose Mr. Harcourt, or
Mr. Conyers ; and if either of them be put into the
chair, he will be kept there.
The Lords have been busy these two days. Yes
terday, they heard counsel about the bill for incor
porating the old East India Company. They have
committed it, and intend to proceed upon it on
Friday next. They have allowed so much time to
see what proposal will be made by the New Company
for an accommodation, who instructed their counsel
to express the desires they had of uniting, and that
they would readily submit the terms to the judgment
of the Lords. I am afraid this expedient will avail
little ; they talk as if an accommodation could not
be practicable till the bill were past. I think the
New Company have little prospect, likewise, that
the Lords will admit of their saving clause, though
there is a great appearance of justice on that side ;
but the tide runs strong one way.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 22, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
19th, and shall send the inclosed to-morrow to Mr.
Cresset, to whom I write almost every post.
I have heard nothing further from Lord Peter-

438 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
borough. I hope he is so fully employed about the
Duke of Norfolk's* business, that he will have
nothing else in his head.
The Coventry man has been lately with Smith,
who, I believe, suspects him to be more Mr. Hop
kins's friend than his, and talks to him accordingly.
He tells him he designs to write either to your Grace
or to me, and he would be willing all that is past
should be forgot. If he makes his application to
me, my answer shall be, that he is in the hands of
the House of Lords, (without my bringing him
thither), and I should not concern myself with any
of their prisoners.
Perhaps those who have supported him hitherto
are growing weary of him, and would drop him, as
they have done Brown, who sends me word the six
shillings and sixpence allowed him by Dr. Cham
berlain is stopped, and if I don't relieve him he must
starve ; and now he would lay it upon my Lord Chief
Justice, as if Chamberlain had been his tool. I am
not sorry to see such rogues in a condition as not to
know which way to turn themselves. I think it is
best to leave them there, that they may be deceived

* The Duke of Norfolk had married Lady Mary Mordant, near
kinswoman of the Earl of Peterborough. She had long lived separate
from the Duke, and he had more than once attempted to obtain a divorce,
in which he had failed, and had been constantly opposed therein by the
Earl, who now, it would seem, in revenge of the Duchess having proved
his participation in the papers sent to Sir John Fenwick, moved heaven
and earth to convict her of adultery.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 489
in their vanity, when they think they may play the
fool and the knave with all mankind by turns, and
over and over again.
Sir Thomas Littleton came to the House yes
terday : he was a little eased of the gravel, but had
something of a fever upon him. The House, for his
ease, went into a Committee of Ways and Means till
three o'clock, and when he resumed the chair, Mr.
Harley very civilly desired to know of him when he
thought he should be in better condition to attend
the service of the House, which others approving of,
he gave them thanks for the consideration they had
of him, and if they pleased to spare him till Thurs
day, he hoped he should be well by that time, or
otherwise, he would trespass no longer on their
patience. So that, after having disposed of their
depending orders to other days in the next week, the
House adjourned till Monday, on which day they
will go into a committee to consider the state of the
revenue. It is generally said they will fall upon the
mismanagement of the Excise, and drive at putting
it into a farm. They think elections are more in
fluenced by those officers than any others, and they
would mortify Ned Clark, as a friend of my Lord
Chancellor's. I don't know but this is the only
angry point we are to struggle with this session, and
when it is over we shall hasten to a conclusion.
The Speaker made shift to get to Kensington in
a chair, and presented the two resolutions of the
18th of January in an address, being attended by all

440 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
the grandees that voted it, particularly Sir Edward
Seymour, Sir Christopher Musgrave, and Mr. Har
ley. The King's answer was : —
" That he was not only led by inclination, but
thought himself obliged in justice, to reward those
who had served well, and particularly in the reduc
tion of Ireland, out of the estates forfeited to him
by the rebellion there. The long war in which we
were engaged did occasion great taxes, and had left
the nation much in debt ; and the taking just and
effectual ways for the lessening of that debt, and
supporting public credit, was, in his opinion, what
would best contribute to the honour, interest, and
security of the kingdom."
This answer cannot be reported till Monday.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 24, 1700.
I happened to have a long conference this morning
with the Earl of Peterborough ; but it was not a
private one. As I came from seeing my Lord Jersey,
I was no sooner got into my chair, but my Lord
Peterborough came by in another chair, and stopped
before my Lord Jersey's door, telling me he would
take that opportunity of speaking with me, and kept
me there, tete-a-tete, near one hour, in the view of all
persons that passed by.
He began with Brown, and in great ramble he

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 441
talked that he should be obliged to bring that matter
upon the stage, to shew what practices there had
been against him ; and he was very angry with my
Lord Chancellor for putting off the meeting. He
expected of the Archbishop and Lord President to
re-examine the affair of Brown ; he thought his
Lordship would have vouchsafed him an answer in
two or three months' time, but he put him off by
pretending the delay was from the other Lords.
When I could thrust in a word, I told him I could
say nothing to that meeting, not having heard of it
before ; but as to Brown, I had kept the promise I
had made him last summer, that I would have no
more to do with him, and if others had minded him
no more than I had done, we should have been rid
of him long ago ; that he had been trying to make
his applications again to me upon Dr. Chamberlain's
abandoning him, and stopping the six shillings and
sixpence a week, which he said was done upon his
refusing to swear to a paper that was drawn up for
him ; but I slighted any thing he had to say, and
would not suffer him to pin himself upon me any
more. I thought that whoever consulted his own
quiet, would do well to discard such fellows.
He told me Brown did not come near him, and
perhaps that is true ; he added, that if Chamberlain
had given him any thing it was of his own hand ; but
that nobody will believe. He owned he had Brown's
book, which was ready for the press, and Chamber
lain would have had it delivered back to him, but

442 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
that he refused. He talked something, likewise,
about Smith, and swore a great many oaths that he
had no hand in writing the book for which he is in
the gate-house, nor knew nothing of the author till
a month or six weeks after it was published. I
expostulated with him how he came to set himself
in enmity against your Grace, and to single you out
for all his attacks, who, I was sure, had never de
served any ill-treatment from him. He asked upon
whose account he was put in the Tower. I told him
my Lord Marlborough and my Lord Godolphin were
aimed at by Sir John Fenwick's papers, as well as
your Grace, but every body had quarter given them
except yourself, who had never done an ill-natured
thing to any body, much less to him.
He talked as if it would be fit your Grace should
interpose to bring Smith out of prison, (from whence
he would not petition to be released) ; he would
have your Grace write to the House of Lords to
intercede with them, that this man might not suffer
from any misbehaviour towards you, and since he
had some pretence of being serviceable to the public,
that he should be released ; and he would have
something said in the same letter about himself, as
if he had done but what became him upon the in
formations Smith had given him. I told him I did
not think him in earnest when he made such pro
posals ; I would as soon advise your Grace to sub
mit to his shooting you through the head as to the
doing any thing so mean ; there were honourable

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 443
ways left for people being reconciled, and I was sure
you would take no other.
He run into discourse, likewise, about the Duchess
of Norfolk, and shews great pleasure in taking his
revenge. When he mentioned he had other things
in reserve against those that chose to be his enemies,
I told him, smilingly, that he was better acquainted
with Sir James Montgomery than your Grace was.
He answered, it was no matter for that ; nothing
had passed between them which he had not ac
quainted the King with. People coming to my Lord
Jersey's, broke up the conversation ; and I think we
parted with less chagrin than he shewed at the
beginning. He said something as if we must have
a further discourse.
The King dined yesterday with my Lord Brad
ford, it being his birthday, and entrance upon the
eighty-first year of his age. My Lord Sunderland
was one of the company. The King went that
evening to Hampton Court, and comes back to
night. Sir Thomas Littleton is pretty well again, so that
we shall not need a new Speaker. They give out
that they will find fault with the King's answer to
the address when it is reported on Monday ; the
short construction put upon it is, that the King tells
them the forfeitures are his to dispose of, and the
debts are theirs to pay.

444 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
February 27, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
24th. I did imagine it would come into your
Grace's thoughts that my Lord Jersey might be
accommodated with your Staff. Perhaps, too, my
Lord Jersey would like that employment better than
his own, which he is pretty weary of ; but I question
whether there will be any occasion for vacancies on
Mr. Harley's account. My Lord Sunderland tells
me, he still believes him averse to the meddling
with any employment. I don't know whether this
stiffness may not arise from his being irreconcileable
with this ministry, though I hear Mr. Montague
has talked of late as if he wished he were in em
ployment ; and this change towards him springs from
the moderation Mr. Harley shewed on Thursday
se'nnight, when Mr. Montague was called upon to
withdraw, and Mr. Harley advised looking forward
for future amendments ; which provoked Coke of
Derby to go out of the House, and to say he would
never trust a Presbyterian rogue more. But I think
one may be mistaken in the kindnesses of that day,
when it was so long doubtful whether any thing
could be carried.
I am obliged to your Grace for the good advice
you give me as to my own conduct, which I will
endeavour to put in practice more than I have done.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 445
I find the treating of members is an endless work,
and it is like to offend many more than it obliges.
I have some remembrance of this Lamberty, that
writes to your Grace from the Hague. He waited
on you sometimes when you first came to be Secre
tary. I think Blancard and he did not agree, which
made my Lord Portland jealous of him ; and I don't
know whether he was not sent away. He was a
fresh coloured man, about thirty or forty, who had
a small impediment in his speech.
Some poor refugee has been translating Smith's
book, in hopes to get a penny by it, though it is
a very unlucky piece to turn to their account. I
intend to get Monsr. Bourdieu to inquire who this
Bourneck and Frieback are ; for at the Hague I
perceive they have no knowledge of these worthy
translators. I see no use of getting the copy from
thence, for these authors can soon furnish themselves
with another, if they have occasion for it.
I was with my Lord Chancellor yesterday, and
told him of my street conversation with the Earl of
Peterborough, as well as in relation to him as to
your Grace. He told me he was aware that my
Lord Peterborough lay in wait to shew him a mark
of his kindness, he having told one in confidence,
that my Lord Chancellor stood in his way against
his being revenged on your Grace and my Lord
Orford ; that he could not bear your having the
White Staff, and though my Lord Orford were out of
employment, yet he must be brought lower, and it

446 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
must not be deferred, since, otherwise, he would come
in again ; these Commissioners of the Admiralty.
being such tools, that they could not keep him long
out. My Lord Chancellor added, that though the
Earl of Peterborough was a very ill man, yet there
were others as bad as he. This he spoke in relation
to himself, and that he could give a strange account
of very barbarous contrivances against him. I ima
gine he meant my Lord Sunderland for one, though
I never heard that lord speak otherwise of my
Lord Chancellor than with great esteem for his
abilities ; and for my Lord Peterborough, he told
me he had not seen him for a month.
If people have dark sides, I don't know but they
may put the greatest deceit upon themselves. My
Lord Chancellor seemed very weary of continuing
under these agitations, aud said people could not be
more desirous of his quitting, than he was to gratify
them in it. So that I doubt whether he has resolu
tion enough to bear up against this constant baiting ;
and what happened yesterday, perhaps, he may like
no more than the rest, when they fell upon the King's
speech, and those they thought the advisers of it.
When the Speaker (who is pretty well recovered
again) reported the King's answer, there was a
silence for some time. Mr. How made a very short
speech, as doubting whether he should be supported
or not, and desired to be satisfied whether he was to
be the cat's-foot that day, before he would proceed.
Then Sir Christopher Musgrave, after another pause,

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 447
took exception at the answer, as not being in the
usual manner, and that it rather reflected on their
proceedings ; but what he said was in moderate
terms, and Mr. Harley, who spoke after him, rather
did it by way of reply to my Lord Coningsby, and
in a bantering manner, and left it to others to declare
what opinion the House ought to have of this answer.
Then Mr. How went on to dissect it ; and having
acquitted the King, as Sir Christopher Musgrave did,
and laying it upon his evil counsellors, he concluded
with a question, that whoever advised his Majesty's
answer to their address, was an enemy to the King
and the kingdom.
Sir Christopher Musgrave said he was not for
going so high ; but yet he went very little lower,
and turned it, that whoever was the adviser, he had
used his utmost endeavours to create a misunder
standing and jealousy betwixt the King and his
people. I know not how it came to pass, but this
question was very little opposed. Mr. Montague
and Mr. Smith said nothing to it. Perhaps, as the
humour runs, they think there is little danger in
generals ; and, for the same reason, there was no
forwardness to divide the House, when the Speaker
had declared the question was carried in the affirma
tive, though the cry was pretty equal. It is pretty
certain, when these gentlemen find they have a
majority, they are apt to push it, and drive on to
personal votes.
The House refused that day the leave that some

448 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
lawyers asked to go the circuit ; and that none
should pretend to it, they made a general order, that
none should have leave granted to them till after the
next general call of the House, which is appointed
this day se'nnight. The reason given for it is, that
a bill is expected from the Lords, concerning an
unicn with Scotland ; which, they say, has been
brought into the House of Lords by a side-wind,
and is of so great consequence, that whenever it is
brought to us, it ought to lie upon the table till all
the members have been sent for up. Perhaps this
may be the issue of that bill ; and I wish they have
not other reasons for keeping their party together.
We were in a committee this day upon the state
of the revenue. Mr. Harley opened the general
scheme of the revenue with the consequence it was
to the Members of that House to have a right under
standing of it, and concluded with a particular
account of the Excise, which he shewed had in
creased for six years successively before the revo
lution, which he imputed to the good management
of the then commissioners ; and the said revenue
having proportionably decreased ever since, he de
sired that those who were entrusted with that ma
nagement should give the reason of it. Mr. Clark
gave an answer to it, and shewed that during the
six years before the revolution, there was no higher
a duty of excise than two shillings and sixpence per
barrel upon ale, and sixpence upon beer ; besides
those were times of peace and plenty, and the Jus-

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 449
tices of the peace were obliged to give all encourage
ment to the excisemen, and great care was taken
that the retailer made full measure. The reason
why so many barrels had not been brewed since, he
alleged, was raising the duty to six shillings for ale,
and eighteen-pence for beer, which forced people
upon private brewings, adding to the people being
impoverished by the war, and the victuallers being
burthened with quartering soldiers. The number
of public-houses is decreased 13,000 ; the malt duty
was a further lessening of the revenue, especially
barley being so dear at the same time, and there
being occasion to make bread of it for the poor ; and
further, the brewers have fraudulently set to brewing
ale at 31. per barrel, which they mix afterwards with
small beer, and make three barrels of strong drink,
when they pay the duty but for one ; and if it be
not so mixed, the drink is sold out in less than half
the measure, all which ways have contributed to the
sinking the excise ; but it was visible it began to
rise again, and would daily increase since taking off
the malt duty.
Mr. Harley was about refuting these reasons, when
an alarm was given of a kind of tumult in West
minster Hall, and upon the parliament stairs, of
men and women that threatened Mr. Harley by
name, for putting off the bill about taking soldiers'
accounts, which was appointed for that day.
Upon this the justices of the peace were sent for,
with the constables, who dispersed the rabble, and
VOL. II. G G

450 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
one man was seized who had encouraged the dis
banded soldiers to come next with their arms, and
kill the first parliament man they met. He is com
mitted to the gate-house, and is ordered to be pro
secuted. This tumult, and the making orders against soli
citors, who are the inciters of this rabble, took up
the day, and to-morrow we shall proceed in the same
committee.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.
Feb. 29, 1700.
I have the honour of your Grace's letter of the
26th. If Lord Peterborough could have made any
mischievous use of Brown or his papers, he would
have done it long before now ; but 'tis that matter
confounds him, and he would fain get some justi
fication of himself by a meeting of the Archbishop,
Lord Chancellor, and Lord President, that he may
be a little more at liberty to play his pranks, which
I have given my Lord Chancellor a caution of, and
hope they will keep this matter hanging just as it is,
till there be some security against this man's malice.
I think your Grace is much in the right to wish
yourself out of so unreasonable a persecution, and
for quiet's sake, to be reconciled even with this mad
man. Now I know your mind, I will not let any
opportunity slip that I can make use of, though I

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 451
know I have a terrible and faithless creature to deal
with : the worst of it is, he has a greediness equal
to his malice, and without satisfying one there is no
appeasing the other. He wants money, and would
leap at it ; but he has no moderation in any thing,
and I question whether the King would be willing
to satisfy his cravings. I believe I shall hear from
him one way or another, and then I will see what
he would be at.
I have sent to speak with Monsieur Bourdieu,
but he is not yet come to me.
We were upon the business of the excise again
yesterday, and now their intentions of farming the
excise begin to discover themselves. It did not
appear to me that they made it well out when they
would have charged mismanagement upon the Com
missioners of Excise, but even they agreed that
there was a decay in that revenue, which they
assigned to the causes mentioned in my last. Sir
Christopher Musgrave's question, therefore, was
easily assented to, that there was a decay ; and it was
not opposed, when Mr. Harley made it stronger, and
called it a loss to the prejudice of the public ; but
Sir Edward Seymour's addition was not admitted, —
that it came by the mismanagement of the present
Commissioners. When that question was passed, Mr. Harley pro
posed another, — that the House be moved to consider
of methods for the improvement of that revenue,
which is appointed to-morrow, nobody opposing it.

452 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
In all their debates they hinted at a farm, which
found no great reception; and Mr. Hopkins, of
Coventry, spoke against it as the greatest oppression
they could bring on the subject. I hardly think
such a project will go down with the House. I have
been told they have been trying to bring Duncomb
and Dashwood into it, but neither of them have any
great mind to it. I shall think them much in the
right to refuse it. The usage of the New East
India Company should be a warning how people
advance their money upon parliamentary proposals.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 2, 1700.
I send your Grace Dr. Kingston's answer to
Smith's book ; perhaps you have it from the author
himself. It is a piece of scurrility that is only fit for
the parties concerned. We were yesterday upon the
consideration of improving the Excise. Mr. Harley
proposed the question, that it be our instruction to
the Committee to whom the Land Tax Bill is referred,
that they receive a clause to empower his Majesty to
farm the Excise, if he shall think fit. Mr. Lowndes
laid it open, what the difference was like to be
between a farm and a management of Commis
sioners, which last have always made the greatest im
provement of that revenue ; that I don't think there
will be a farm, though it is allowed of ; but another

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 453
question followed, which, perhaps, was principally
aimed at. It was moved by Ned Harley, that it
should be provided for in the said clause, that no
Member of the House should be concerned either in
farming or managing the Excise. As to managing,
he afterwards explained himself, that no member
should be a Commissioner of the Excise, or hold any
office belonging to the Excise. Perhaps, when the
clause is brought in, they will add the like exclusion
of the officers of the Customs ; the reason will hold
in the same, that being obliged to attend the service
of the House, they cannot so well discharge the
duties in their offices ; and all branches of the
Revenue would increase in the hands of diligent and
skilful officers.
What clauses of this nature they put into the
Money Bill, they make sure of carrying ; whereas
they suspect an effectual bill against offices, will not
pass beyond the House.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 7, 1700.
There has been but little done these two days in
the House. A debate about Bonelace took up yes
terday. To-day, the Committee have gone through the
Bill against Popery ; and it will be a pretty effectual
one. Priests are to undergo perpetual imprison-

454 LETTERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF
ment ; and those who attain the age of eighteen,
cannot inherit any estate fallen to them, if they do
not take the oaths and sign the declaration within
six months ; but the estate must go to the next Pro
testant of the kindred, who is to hold it without
account ; but the person may recover his estate again
by taking the oaths.
We have had the rewarding of the Irish Commis
sioners under consideration ; 1,000/. each is given
to five of them. But Sir Francis Brewster, Sir
Richard Levinge have only 500/. a piece, with this
further distinction, that the 500/. is given to them in
consideration of their expences ; and to the five, for
the good services performed by them.
It was endeavoured to put the four into a question
by themselves, and to leave my Lord Drogheda to
shift with the other two ; but it was carried to put
the question upon each name, and my Lord Drogheda
was first proposed, and had his reward of a 1 ,000/.
without difficulty. The Secretary, Mr. Hooper, has
the same reward with the five.

MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. March 23, 1700.
We had a tedious work yesterday, about the Irish
Bill, which lasted till nine at night. We got so far
as to make an amendment in the body of the bill,
which precludes all clauses from being received.

THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III. 455
There was only one favourable clause passed, for
preserving the grant made to Sir Charles Porter's
children ; though it was opposed, and there were
three divisions for it. Mr. How was for the clause;
which occasioned severe repartees between him and
Sir Christopher Musgrave. Mr. How was called a
proselyte, for altering his first notions about the bill,
and promoting grants to be made by the House when
it is taken from the Crown, to whom it more properly
belonged. He taxed others with being new courtiers ;
and that there was a party who pretended to govern
the House, but they would find themselves mistaken.

END OF VOL. II.

¦ WILLIAM WILCOCKSOS, BOLLS BUILDINGS, FETTER LAN1.