1779, March 25. Incloses a letter from R. B. Sheridan about a dedication to Lady Spencer.

About 80 letters from Lord Clermont, 1780-1800.

Nearly 50 letters from Lord Frederick Cavendish, M.P., and Lord John C., 1779-1788, containing political news, domestic and foreign, and notices of proceedings in the House of Commons ;

1780, March 22. A full account of the duel between Lord Shelburne and Mr. Fullerton. (The writer was second to Lord Shelburne.)

1780, June 2. Lord George Gordon brought up the petition. In four hours both houses were prisoners. 1780, June 5. Riots by the mob.

1780, June 9. The taking of Lord George Gordon; the various reports.

1780, June 10. Letter from Lord John Cavendish. Account of the riots, &c.

1784, April 14. Letter from Lord John C. Does not approve that the Duchess of Bedford should canvas for the Westminster election.

1788, Nov. 28. Illness of the King; he is to be moved to Kew.

No. 26.

A bundle of letters from Charlotte, Queen of Naples, to Lady Spencer, and copies of 9 or 10 from Lady Spencer to the Queen of Naples, April 1794 to March 1802;

1794, Oct. 7. Italy is perpetually menaced, and it seems that the regicides redouble their efforts to penetrate. Up to this time we owe our safety to the English squadron. Feels assured that the efforts of England will save Europe.

1798, March 8. The head of the church is driven from Rome, and 20,000 French rob here to the last half-penny; expects the same fate.

1798, June 20. Alludes to the taking of Malta by treason, without a blow struck; is much indebted to England; the appearance of its squadron will save Sicily, now in great danger since the taking of Malta.

1798, Sept. 4. Is so delighted with the complete victory which the brave Nelson, with his fleet, obtained.

1799, Jan. 25. Is in great grief. An army of 50,000, under General Mack, animated by the presence of their sovereign, destroyed in less than a month. The French at the gates of the capital without difficulty. The King obliged to fly to Sicily. The brave Nelson conducted us; our navy was in insurrection; only two ships remained, almost without equipage ;-at Palermo, in an island almost destitute. Our navy burnt; the arsenal pillaged.

1800, Oct. 17. At Sellenbrun, with four of her children.

1802, March 6. Cannot pay her debt to Lady Spencer. Cannot pay her own people; shall be obliged to sell some of her diamonds at a sacrifice. [It appears that Lady S. had lent her large sums of money.]

Letters (about 20) from Mrs. Eliz. Carter to Lady Spencer, 1773-1800. They are chiefly occupied with religious matters ;

1776, July 29. "It is, I am told, a pretty prevailing "notion or affectation of a notion that Mr. Jenyns is 66 not in earnest." She thinks he is sincere (alluding to his book on the Evidences of the Christian Religion). 1800, May 21. It is evident that the wretch who attempted the life of our Sovereign had some companion or confidant; inter alia the letter thrown into Lord Albermarle's carriage appears very striking. About 15 letters from Mrs. Mary Carter.

Many letters from Lord Harcourt, 1784-1805. He was a friend of Horace Walpole.

In 1784, he says he bought at Westminster, from Pinchbeck's son, who had bought in some of his father's trumpery, a portrait of Raleigh, damaged, but certainly of the age he lived in, and he believes authentic, for one guinea; and a portrait of Prior, with frame, for one guinea.

His letters for 1784 are really a diary, and are very amusing.

Some letters from Dr. Richard Warren (one of the doctors employed for George III., when mentally deranged) to Lady Spencer.

1788, Nov. 12. "Rex noster insanit; nulla adsunt "febris signa; nulla mortis venture indicia." This is the whole of the letter, which is dated from Windsor.

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1788, Dec. 2. The King was removed from Windsor to Kew, on Saturday; is no better; has been in this state five weeks. "I persuaded the chancellor to visit "the King; he was more surprised and affected than "Mr. Pitt."

Letters from H. Stanley, 1764-1778, contain some good accounts of journeys abroad.

Five letters from Sir Sidney Smith.

1782, June 19. The Tory at sea off New York. He began a letter to her (Lady S.) after the glorious success on the 12th of April, but lost the opportunity of sending it; .. had been introduced to Prince William and had a long conversation with him about the 12th of April, &c.; he (the Prince) had had an accident by a fall on board the Warwick; the shoulder was put out.

1788, April 26. Ponta de Lima, Portugal. Went to Morocco with an ambassador who was going to pay tribute (he can call it no other name since it is received as such); .. he has a plan for saving the payment and giving freedom and happiness to some millions of oppressed people. (3 sheets, very interesting.)

1789, Sept. 10, Windsor. The King has resumed his usual mode of life; he rose at six yesterday, spent all the morning in answering German despatches till time to go to chapel; then walked on the terrace till dinner; ... he looks thinner than before his illness; this improves him, as he has no longer the florid look and prominent eye that made him appear as if he was going into an apoplexy. He (Sir Sidney) can answer for his memory; ... He (the King) came into the equerry's room when he was there, recognized him and asked him when he returned. (A very interesting letter.)

About 20 letters from Sir William Hamilton, and two from his wife; 1762-1797. They are mostly dated from Naples ;

1767, Nov. 2 (to Lord Spencer). About the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

1783, Jan. 28, Caserta. Sends a small etching of himself in profile, by M. de Nou, the French chargé d'affaires at the Court. (The etching is exquisite.)

1791, Aug. 17, London. About his marriage with Emma; he is 60, she is 24; he admits that her character will not bear scrutiny; but having lived five and a half years with her, he is sure she repents.

1794, July 5, Naples. About eruption of Vesuvius. In a letter of this year he mentions the plot to blow up the theatre with the nobility and royal family.

1796, September. Fears that the French are coming; fears for his vases and his collections of 32 years. 1798, Caserta. Has recollections of Lady Betty Ger

main.

1688, Dec. 17, Windsor. Letter by "Prince d'Orange" (William 3d) to the Marquis of Halifax, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Lord Delawarr, bidding them tell the King that it is for the quiet of the city and the safety of his person that he remove to Ham, where he shall be attended by guards, who will be ready to preserve him from any disturbance.

Copy of a letter from these three Lords to Lord Middleton (apropos of the Prince's letter), asking where they may find him.

1688, Dec. 18.

Letter in French from Bentinck;The Prince says that the King may go to Rochester instead of Ham; it is indifferent to him.

Notes of debates in the assembly of the lords, as to abdication.

(2.) 1651, Oct. 14. Copy of the Earl of Derby's last letter to his children, Lady Mary, Mr. Edward, and Mr. William, in the Isle of Man. Dated from Chester Castle; and a similar one to his lady, dated 12th October.

:

A relation of the surrender of the Isle of Man folio, 372 pp. Begins: The 16th of September Capt. Yonge sent to the Isle of Man. Ends: desiring Col. Duckford and other gentlemen to mediate for her goods, which he promised to her.

(4.) Three letters from Lord Clarendon, one dated in 1665, and two not dated, and three from Frances Lady Clarendon, in 1681, &c.

(5.) Letters (about 10) from Lord Holles, at Paris, in 1665, to Sir Wm. Coventry, of the Privy Council and secretary to his Royal Highness.

Four letters by Lord Holles to M. de Lionne, about one Bailleul, who carried divers flags.

Six letters from Lord St. Albans to Sir Wm. Coventry, in 1666; not very interesting.

(6.) About 30 letters from the Countess of Ranelagh to her brother the Earl of Burlington and Cork, and from Lady Frances Jones her daughter; full of gossip. (7.) Letter, 1678, Jan. 5, Hague. Henry Sidney to the Earl of Sunderland; as to the projected alliance between France and the States.

1618, Jan.. Copy of Sunderland's reply; he says that the King orders Sidney to use his utmost endeavours to prevent the alliance; the King will be impatient to hear from him.

(9.) List of plate, jewels, and expenditure of the Duchess of Marlborough.

(10.) A bundle of nearly a dozen letters of Lord Dungarvan to Mrs. Elizabeth Clifford, not of public interest. (11.) Original journal by the Marquis of Halifax (last leaf gone) of his conversations with King William 3d (folio, 27 leaves and 1 blank). This is a most valuable and interesting document, showing the King's opinions on persons and parties; and the publication of it would be of great service. The journal is on the right-hand page, and notes by the Marquis are in the left.

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The first entry is, He denyed the Duchess of Mon"mouth's request to be restored."

The last entry (under Feb. 8, 1689) is, "Did not approve Bab May for a Commissioner, because he was no speaker."

On December 30, The King said that the Commonwealth party was the strongest in England; he had then that impression given; .. said that at best they would have a Duke of Venice. In that perhaps, he perhaps was not so much mistaken. Said that he did not come to establish a commonwealth, and he was sure of one thing, he would not stay in England if King James came again: he said also, with the strongest asseveration, he would go if they went about to make him regent. The Bishop of Salisbury, a dangerous man and had no principles; bade me speak with those who came from Dr. Oates; said he would give him something though it went hard with him. .. On another day he said he would have some of us talk together to see to find some expedient in Oates's matter. N.B.This was not pursued.

There are two quarto volumes, one intituled "Memo"randa of Conversations between King William and "George Marquis of Halifax, wrote down by that Lord

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upon loose sheets of paper, some with dates and some "with none; correctly copied, to which are added

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some explanatory notes by the transcriber." This copy begins, "Dec. 30, 1688. The King said he had intercepted a letter from Lord Tirconnel to King "James, in which he persuades him to go into France "or into Ireland; but to the latter more faintly, as he is guessed by the manner of it." (This passage is at folio 4 of the original.) The text and the notes copied on the left-hand pages are more full sometimes than in the original. It seems as though Lord Halifax must have himself drawn up a full copy, of which the original here contains the rough notes. The transcriber, or perhaps Lord Halifax, in the supposed full copy, has arranged the entries according to dates. This 4to. ends as does the original at Feb. 8, 1689; but has the additional sentence, "Said Mr. Charleton did tell him four "months since that all good men were dissatisfied with

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my being in employment." After which, "The following discourses must have passed after Lord Hali"fax had resigned the Privy Seal," followed by seven pages, each about half full.

The other 4to. is in green parchment, and corresponds with the 4to. just described.

Two letters from Wm. Farnham to the Marquis of Halifax, one dated Stanhope Court, Aug. 11, 1683, and the other dated Spring Gardens, Christmas Day, about Lord Halifax speaking to the King for his wife and children.

Copy of Speech of Geo. Earl of Bristol in the House of Lords, 1672-3, March 15.

Biographical sketch (7 pp. 4to.) of George Marquis of Halifax.

A 4to. vol. of 103 pp. Memoir of the Earl of Bristol born at Madrid 1612, and died in 1677: at p. 43 to the end speeches of and letters to and by him (copies), tempp. Charles 1st and Charles 2nd.

A large printed paper, intituled, "Impartial account "of names of Privy Council and general officers in "commission under King James." At the foot, "This "may be printed, Norfolk and Marshal, printed 1686." Memoir of Robert 1st Baron Spencer, temp. James I. (3 leaves, 18th century.)

Memoir of Henry 1st Earl of Sunderland, born 1620, and copies of letters by him. (12 pp. 4to., 18th century.) Copy of a letter from Margaret Countess of Cumberland to Dr. Leyfield (she was mother of the Countess of Dorset, Pembroke, and Montgomery). It is an account of her life from her birth, in 1560, at Exeter. It closes imperfectly, before the death of Prince Henry. It is very interesting, and occupies 4 folios, close writing of the 18th century.

A 4to. volume, 18th century, 151 closely written pages, contains copies of letters from Henry Savile, to his brother George Marquis of Halifax, and of a few from the Marquis to his brother. The first is dated in 1661, and the last in 1681. They are written from London, Paris, and elsewhere, and treat of home and foreign politics.

Another 4to. volume, of the 18th century, 153 pages, contains Memoirs of Countess of Shrewsbury and her descendants, with copies of various letters, 1584-1609; very interesting.

Another 4to. volume, of the 18th century, 181 pages, contains copies of 17th century letters, from Lady Thanet, Lord Clifford, Lord Clarendon, Lord Godolphin, Lord Weymouth, Mr. H. Thynne, Sir W. Coventry, Lord Sunderland, Mr. H. Savile, Mr. Sidney (afterwards Lord Romney), Dr. Burnet, Lord Preston, Sir J. Keresley, Lord Halifax, Sir Robert Howard, Lord Nottingham, Lady Margaret Russell, Lady Rachel Russell, Lord Carleton, and others.

Another 4to. volume, of 95 pages, contains copies of letters in the 17th and 18th centuries, from Lord Halifax, Mr. Porter, Duke of Marlborough, Prince George of Denmark, Anne Duchess of York, James Duke of Queensbury, Lady Mary Hyde, Henry Earl of Rochester, Lord Somers, Lord Oxford, Edward Earl of Clarendon, Lord Bolingbroke, and others.

Another 4to. volume, 149 pages, contains Memoirs of Margaret Countess of Shrewsbury, beginning, and going on for some time, as does the life of the Countess before mentioned; but contains less in the middle and more at the end. The letters are very interesting, some being by Mary Queen of Scots, and Arabella Stuart (and some addressed to her). There is a copy of a letter from Sir R. Cecil (afterwards Earl of Salisbury) to the Earl of Essex, when he and Sir Walter Raleigh were forced back to Plymouth by storms as they were going against the Spaniards.

Another 4to. volume contains copies of letters (182 in number) from James Vernon, Secretary of State to King William, and the Duke of Shrewsbury, and a few from Robert Earl of Sunderland, Lord Somers, and Charles Earl of Halifax; 1696-1702.

A 4to. volume, of 9 leaves, contains Memoir of Charles 3rd Earl of Sunderland, who was born in 1674; written in 1780.

(12.) A few letters by the Duke of Shrewsbury to Lord Halifax, and by Sir Wm. Coventry to Lord W. Savile, of no interest. 1690 and 1697.

(13.) Twenty-two letters from Sir John Reresby to the Marquis of Halifax. 1681-1688. These are on political and social matters, and are interesting.

(14.) Letters from Lords Windsor, Plymouth, and others. 1661-1686;--

1681, April 16. Lord Windsor to the Earl of Halifax, dated Hewill; he says that when the King shall call a Parliament, the gentry are confident of ousting Sir T. Winnington in Worcester and Foley in the county. He designs suddenly for London. Heard from George Legge that the Prince was likely to die, and the constable's place of Windsor would then fall in.

These letters are on personal and domestic matters. (15.) About 50 letters, in English, French, and Italian,

from Lord Halifax's sons Henry, George, and William to their father; they are dated from Marseilles, Verona, Rome, Naples, Vienna, and Paris and Madrid, and range from 1684 to 1690.

1686, Sept. 9. William Savile (at Dover) says, "I go "off with the packet with the Duchess of Norfolk, who "is carrying her young daughter to a nunnery in "Flanders."

One of the letters (from Paris) mentions the prisoners Le Sage and Voysin, who were accused of poisoning. Le Sage denies selling poison; he put off people with harmless things. Voysin confesses having sold much; she accuses the Countess of Soissons, who in consequence of the King's threats, went to Flanders. The Duchesse de Bouillon was accused; but cleared herself.

These letters are affectionate and dutiful letters from sons to their father, containing nothing of public interest; they give now and then, but rarely, some trait in point of history of the place whence written.

(16.) Letters to Lord Halifax from Mr. Thomas Sandys, Emanuel Dyas, and John Methuen from Lisbon, 16911694. Sandys went with Catherine, the widow of Charles 2nd, to Portugal, and was in attendance on her. The Queen travelled about; was very obstinate in her resolutions. Lisbon did not suit her; she was frequently very ill. In January 1694 she thought of going to Villa Viciosa; but the King of Portugal (her brother) dissuaded her, and the physicians told her it was subject to fevers; she desired to see the place where she was born.

In 1699, February, the Queen was at Euston and liked it much, and Dias gives an interesting account of her daily life. However, Euston did not suit her health. Dias attended her through France and Spain into Portugal. Lisbon suited her at first, A letter by Methuen is entertaining; noticing the convents, he says, that they are kept stricter in consequence it is said of the Duke of Grafton and some companions. The nuns could only be seen through two gratings nine feet apart, which they opposed by law-suits and violence. There are many complaints about the irregularity in payment of the Queen's allowance.

1693, July 16, he alludes to an engagement between the French fleet and our Smyrna fleet, and the small success of the former.

1693, Nov. 2. Dias writes that the Queen bids him say that she is pleased with Lord Halifax's letter, and that her memory is very fresh with the kindness and love the English nation had for her, and that if they have any faults she has forgot them,

These letters (between 50 and 60) are very interesting for the information they give of the Dowager Queen and her travels and doings.

(17.) A few letters from J. Porter at Bruges in 1683. He held some command in the army and was imprisoned by the French.

1690 Apr. 26. Letter from Thomas Coventry about his being made Earl of Coventry. He does not wish his purse more than necessary to be concerned in this matter; does not wish it to be accounted a purchase.

(18.) A bundle of about 60 letters mostly by Sir G. Rooke, 1693-1699. (A few are from Mr. Crawford.) 1694, Apr. 2. On the Grafton. He is ordered to cruise north with a very good squadron, but not half manned; the "Suffolk," of 70 guns, had but 253 people on board, and out of those the captain told him he had more than 45 able seamen on his book. If he (Sir S. Rooke) gets his ships well home again, he will think he has made a happy voyage. Some are dated from the Nore, Cadiz, Jermyn Street, at Sea, Torbay.

Torbay, 1697, Aug. 3. M. Poutie has taken and plundered Carthagena to the value of one million sterling; one ship has arrived in Brest and six more are coming, and we have no ships in their way.

1629, Aug. 10. In a miserable state for want of provisions and ships.

1699, May 13. This relates to a squabble about refusing to sign the captain's commission; he was sent for by the King to Windsor; relates their conversation. Lady Rooke died of small-pox in 1699. These letters do not contain very much of public interest.

(19.) More than three dozen letters by Lord Chesterfield chiefly complimentary, 1676 to 1691;—

1685, Nov. 6. A long letter about resigning his

office.

1686, July 24. To Lord Halifax on being about to be made Lord Treasurer; lauds him, quotes a distich from Dryden. If Parliament sit any time, and such as the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Rutland, Lord Kingston, and Lord Weymouth and most of the Protestant peers of all counties would go up and unanimously appear for the

preservation of their religion and the laws, he should think that his inconsiderable name deserved to be blotted out from the book of life if he stayed behind. But if a few or none go up, what hope of doing any good?

1688, Dec. 10. The princess of Denmark being at Nottingham without any retinue suitable to her quality, made him go and offer his services. Lord Ferrers and he attended her with most of the gentlemen of the county and above 100 horse to Warwick, where her highness hearing that the King was gone and his army disbanded, thought herself in great security, which made him (Lord C.) take his leave. In their march her highness desired him to be in Council for regulating the little army that was with her. Being yet of the King's Council, he excused himself.

He was

1689, Nov 6. Mr. Speaker of the House of Lords has sent to him to come to Parliament or send two persons to swear that he was not able to come. not well, but he would not obey; he thinks an oath a solemn thing, and will rather submit to such fine as the House will lay upon him.

(19a, formerly 54.) Four letters by Lord Chesterfield to Lord Halifax ;

1696, Nov. 21. Hears that the House of Lords has ordered that peers who do not attend shall be sent in custody; explains that he is sick.

On the 29th he says that the House has given him further time: he would not have come but for Lord Halifax.

(20.) Eight letters from Lords Sunderland, Cowper, and others in 1680 and later years;—

168, March, from Lord Sunderland; about the late king, and he denies the reports of himself being a Papist, of having had a priest in his house, and of having bred his children as Papists.

1688, Dec. 19. (He and Halifax had quarrelled); he asks that his wife may call on Lord Halifax; he has never prospered since they ceased to be friends.

(21.) Letters from Lord Strafford and Lord Sydney, 1681-1694.

April 13, no year. A stiff letter from Algernon Sydney requesting Halifax to read the enclosed, Sir Nicholas Stroughton's case, and deliver his petition; he (Sir Nicholas) desires the protection of the House while his cause is depending before them.

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Several letters from Henry (afterwards Lord) Sydney from the Hague, and one from the camp two miles from Cassels, Aug. 5, 1690; he says that the King is within 20 miles of Limerick; to-morrow he marches towards it to attack it, "but if what we hear of the French's quitting it be true, I believe we shall not find much difficulty in taking it and passing the river. As soon as that is done, I believe the King will make what "haste he can towards England where I hear he is "wished for as much as the people desire to have him "continue here."

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Lord Strafford's letters begin in 1671 and end in 1694, about 60 in number.

1681, Oct. 15. About the Duke of York and Popery. 1684, Feb. 10. Mentions proclamations of the new king and death of the late king.

1687, Feb. 6. The post brings news of Lord Shrewsbury and Lord Dorset having had threatening letters of destruction if not complying with certain things.

No date, Leicester Fields, 2 o'clock. I went yester. day to Windsor and came back but this morning, and being told the Duke of Monmouth had some advantage of the King's forces, killed 400 and lost but 50, and that the King sent for the Maire here, who told him he would not answer for the City, for if there was one for, there were three against, him. The King threatened to beat down the City from the Tower if they stirred.

1694, June 16. Is resolved not to defer marrying: has fixed on Lady Henrietta de Roye. Begs Lord Halifax to arrange for him; offers a jointure of 1,5001. (and 2,000l. if she remain a widow).

1694, Sept. 19. He announces his marriage. (He died a month or two afterwards.)

(22.) Seventeen letters from Mr. Francis Gwine (in one of the letters spelt Gwyn) Ford Abbey, 1695-1699. In one dated London, Aug. 3, he details a proposition, and failure of it, for a land bank to be granted by a patent in consideration of a subscription to the Govern

ment.

(23.) Twenty letters, some from Mr. Edward Southwell and others, 1696-1699. Ten are in French from Le Baron De Villermin at Naples, 1686-1688; in one he says that from 25 April to 25 Sept. they had not a drop of water.

1688, March 6. In this letter it appears that he was a prisoner in the castle of Castelnovo.

1688, Aug. 3, Naples. Cardinal Howard and Ch. Licot made great fetes on the birth of the Prince of Wales; fountains of wine and oxen roasted whole.

Some of Edward Southwell's letters are from the Hague; at the end of 1696 he was in England.

1696, Sept. 24. Sir John Fenwick's tryal is put off from to-morrow sine die, or till after the King's return, which is imputed to a desire he has of not coming upon the stage a prisoner.

1699, May 11. Windsor.-The King has bestowed on him the vacancy in the Council by Mr. Bridgman's death.

These letters contain a little political news, but not much.

(24.) About 50 letters from Lord Weymouth, at Longheat. 1682-1700. A little, but not much of politics ;1682-3, March 9. Chimney money is strictly enforced; 40s. penalty for every chimney not down in the list.

(25.) Between 50 and 60 letters from Sir William Coventry. 1669-1686. Gossipping letters; nothing of great interest.

(27.) Six letters from Lord Feversham (four are in French).

(28.) 1665. Copy of a letter from the Duke of York to the Earl of Burlington, saying that Laurye Hyde wishes to marry the Earl's daughter; that the Lord Chancellor is not in a condition to give much, but that he (the Duke) will befriend them.

Three letters from the Duchess of York to the Countess.

(29.) 1744, Oct. 4. David Mallet to the Duchess of Marlborough; about the life of the Duke, on which he professed to write; is at present employed on the first volume of the Duke's letters, which are very badly transcribed; incloses a list of the books he wants.

Another letter by Mallet to the Duchess; two to (apparently) the second Duke; and one to Jas. Stephens. A paper of instructions for beginning the Duke's history; the writer gives his collections to those who are to write it; he speaks very highly of the Duke, who, he says, never sold any commission or place; he says the Duke allowed pensions out of his own pocket. Between 50 and 60 letters mostly from and to the Earl of Burlington (1680-1692) to and from Henry Brown at Londesborough (very few by the latter).

A few are from Ireland 1665. One is from Robert Cooke to the Earl of Burlington, whom he always addresses by thou and thee; and some by Richard Graham.

(32.) Letters from Lord Clifford to his father, the Earl of Burlington; 1681.

June 22, London Things in confusion; the Dutch in the river, and the French expected to land; but we hear they are employed in Flanders, and until they make peace with Spain we do not fear their coming here.

June 29. Parliament to meet on the 25th of next month; on Wednesday the Dutch fleet, about 80 sail, came up as far as the Hope, but have now fallen down again as low as the Boy of the Nore. They say the Duke of Buckingham yesterday rendered himself a prisoner to the Tower; Wednesday, in the afternoon, he was at Newport House.

July 27. Articles of peace brought over last night signed by Sir J. Coventry; nothing known; only for 20 days we may do cach other all the mischief we can; then hostilities are to cease. We were in great hopes last night to have burned good part of their fleet. Sir Joseph Jorden, with five men-of-war and 15 fire ships, had a fair wind to come up the river to them; when he came up the men aboard the fire-ships would do nothing, except two who set fire to one of their guard ships; the men aboard her put it out.

July 30. The King came to the House and prorogued Parliament till the 10th October; he promised to disband the new raised forces speedily; when in print he will send it. Lord Bristol sate in the House on Monday without his robes; he withdrew when the King came in; as soon as the King went out he came in again.

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(33.) Letter by King Charles I. (holograph). "Oxford, "Nov. 13. Will Savill, this is to assure you that whatsoever tales may be told you (never age being so full "of leyes as this is), I have ever been and am your "assured frend, Charles R."

(34.) About 30 letters by the Duke of Newcastle and his son, Lord Ogle. The contents are chiefly of a local and personal nature. 1664, March 7. H. Mansfield (Lord Ogle) tells Sir George Savile that the King had sent him a paper scaled with his own seal and superscribed with his own

hand, containing a warrant to make his father Duke of Newcastle.

1665. Lord Ogle tells Sir Geo. Savile that the King sent for him and said, "He wanted him to serve on "land whenever he wanted to go to sea."

1684, Jan. 14. W. Ogle has the charter of Berwick, and the surrender thereof, to present to the King.

1684, Feb. 10. The Duke of Newcastle writes that he is grieved at the death of his dear master (King Charles II.). Sir E. Nevile going up with the charter of Rettford surrendered it to His Majesty.

1686, Jan. 30. The Duke is sorry about Lord George Savile, hurt in the furious attack on Buda.

1686, Jan. 17. The Duke wants to marry one of his daughters to Mr. Fitz-James, which the King is pleased to take kindly; says he can give his estate to whom he pleases; will keep up the memory of his father, in spite of his wife.

(35.) Many letters to the Earls of Cumberland and Lord Clifford, tempp. Henry 8th, and Elizabeth.

Thomas Lowther, at Carlisle, to Lord Cumberland ;The town and castle to be fortified; there is no horsemill or hand-mill in the castle; no one who has skill in gunnery; recommends a horse-mill to be made; at the first setting of the siege the mill dam will be pulled down. Entreats the Earl not to spare the King's money, lest he be blamed. The King's purse is full of French gold, and the common voice of Scotland is

war.

Thomas Clifford (at London) to the Earl of Cumberland. News that the Pope is defeated by Duke Fernando and the Emperor, and kept in captivity, and the church of St. Peter at Rome robbed by soldiers; and that the Bishop of Bath and Mr. Winter, who were going to the Pope with great riches, were taken and kept prisoners until the King's pleasure was known. The Grand Duke has besieged the King of Hungary and slain him. After the said news came to London the King was sent for to haste out of the country from Ampthill, and continued at Westminster with his Council for five or six days.

A joint letter by Thomas Clifford and John Lowther to the Earl of Cumberland, is very entertaining for the illustration it gives of border warfare, and the notice of the Armstrongs. The writers, with Jack Musgrave, fell in with four of the Armstrongs, who begged for the safety and life of Christopher (brother of Antony) Armstrong, who was in prison. In return they offered to manage to get five or six of the outlaws, who climbed Carlisle walls, on to English ground, so that they might be taken prisoners. They give news of the movements and doings of the King of Scots.

A letter from Thomas Clifford (at Berwick) to the Earl, gives an account of an expedition of eight score of the garrison soldiers intending to take a town in Scotland, and then falling in with 400 Scots, and defeating them.

In another letter (dated Warkworth, 27 Oct.) he says there is news that there was then with my Lord of Northumberland a pursuivant of Scotland, who hath brought letters from the King of Scots unto the said Lord, by the tenour whereof, as may be perceived, the said King is very loth and in a high fear of war, and offering and demanding a meeting to be had very largely and humbly for the avoiding thereof.

A letter from N. Carnaby: he sends the Lord Privy Seal's letter ordered by the King, à propos of the rebellion of the Commons in Lincolnshire. The Earls of Northumberland, Rutland, and Huntingdon were at Nottingham on Sunday night last with a number of men, reckoned above 40,000, marching forward against the King's rebels the Commons of Lincolnshire which are thought to be about Newark; so they may [meet] them about Thursday next, if the Commons withdraw them not some other day.

Several letters from Thomas Wharton (dated from London, Wharton, Castle of Carlisle, and elsewhere) on Scottish and Northern affairs and frays. One from London gives an account of a great defeat of the Irish; the northern men did well, and overthrew many of Garratt's power. He notices the Act giving firstfruits and tenths to the King; and a report that the King is going to France in April to meet the French King.

A letter (temp. Eliz.), signed Jo. Weadley, says that a watch was still kept at Court, but he could not learn the cause: "It is thought there is some little Irre "between Sir Ro. C. and Sir Walter R. My Lord of Shrewsburie, my Lord of Worcester, and Sir John Stanhope are all sworne of the Privie Councell, aud "this day setteth in the Star Chamber. Some think

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"that Sir Walter Ra. is not well pleased that he made not the fourth. This day sennit, at night, search was "made throughout London; divers gentlemen and "others with women were taken together in bed; some were released, some sent to prison, and the women to Bridewell; some of the gentlemen in"nocent were of our countrie. Besides them were "taken 14, all thought to be Seminaries.

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1613. Jan. 18. Letter by John Tailor to the Lord of Cumberland. Gives an account of Somerset's marriage. The King declared himself plainly that no man did love him that did not show his love to my Lord of Somerset at this time, and so Mr. Dackomb and Mr. Ashton took up 100l. worth of plate in silver dishes and presented them to him in your Lordship's name; never so many and great gifts to a subject before. The Lord of Salisbury gave a suit of hangings which cost his father 1,5007.

There are many more letters by John Tailor in London to the Earl, from 1600.

In a letter, dated 8 March 1602, to Francis Clifford, John Tailor gives an account of the proceedings before the Queen in Council about the differences between the Earl and the Merchant Adventurers.

1616. June 7. Copy of a Council letter to the Lord Warden, Deputy Lieutenant, and Justices of the Peace of Westmoreland, regarding quarrels between the Earl of Cumberland and the Earl of Dorset, about the castles of Brougham and Appleby, on the death of the Dowager Countess of Cumberland.

1617, August 8. A letter from Thomas Littell (at Brougham Castle) mentions the King being at Kendale-a great feast there, and six knights made.

1623, July 9. Copy letter of King James to the Archbishop of York and the Earl of Cumberland, directing them to convene all holders of lands and tithes formerly of the church of Selby, and induce them to contribute to the repair of the church.

1623, July 18. Draft of letter by the Earl to the Archbishop, on his receipt of the King's letter, offering to convene the meeting either at York or Selby, and to aid to his power.

1623, August 17. Copy letter of the Archbishop (Toby Matthews) and the Earl to owners of land, requiring them to meet at York Cathedral on the 17th Sept., between 8 and 10 in the forenoon (but the letter does not state for what purpose).

(35a.) Two petitions to Henry 8th by John Spencer of Wormleighton, against the order for putting land to tillage. (Four brief sheets, argumentative and interesting.)

Copy of Crammer's long letter to Queen Mary (the substance of it is given by Burnet); and of a second letter to the Queen, about two dozen lines; and of his letter to Dr. Story and Martin, the Queen's proctors. These copies are in small folio, bookwise.

1560. Order by the Justices of the Peace for the County of Northampton, settling the rate of wages and the condition of labourers.

A defence (unsigned) addressed to Sir Robert Lane and Sir Richard Knightley, by some person, in answer to slanderous words spread abroad of him. The Earl of Warwick had sent for him and appointed him Master of the Queen's carriages in her journey against the Northern rebels in the three shires of Northampton, Leicester, and Nottingham.

Copy of address by the Commons to King James I., stating his absence from town, and complaining of various things, especially popery.

And the King's answer, dated at Newmarket 1621, rebuking them, and forbidding anyone to disparage the Spanish match.

1635, Sept. 15. Copy of letter by John Driden, Sheriff of Northampton to the Chief Constable of the Hundred of Netotle Grove, County Northampton, the King having ordered the county to furnish a ship of 600 tons; he tells him to bring copies of the last levies of rates and taxes for the relief of the poor, to enable him to lay an equal charge.

(36.) About two dozen letters from Mr. William Hickman to the Earl of Halifax; 1678-1681; mostly on political matters, perhaps a Worcestershire man; in a letter dated 8th May 1680, he mentions that the authorities are enquiring into the Papists' estates, to return to the Exchequer; and an angry speech of Abbingdon, who bade him remember Johnson (a priest who was executed); that a warrant was out to take Abbingdon, who absented himself, but would re-appear.

(37.) Letters from Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Eyre to Sir Wm. Coventry; 1673, &c. Mr. Eyre seems to have

farmed the Excise, and to have let contracts for sailcloth.-Letter from Gen. Eyre to Lord Halifax.

(38.) Letters from John Millington 1681-1688; news local and political from various parts of the country; but nothing on death of Charles II. or the Revolution. (40.) Letters from R. Rigby to Lady Spencer. One about his political conduct occupies three large sheets of paper. One is dated March 20, 1782, past 4, Wednesday; Lord North is this instant going down to the House to give the Thing up.

Copy of letter by Lord Roehampton to Lord Shel burne, dated Sunday, p.m. 6 o'clock, 24 March 1782, about forming a new Cabinet. A list of the cabinet accompanies.

Letters from Mr. Minchin, 1781-1782;

1783, Feb. 19. A letter giving an account of a speech by Charles Fox, and the answer by Pitt.

All the letters in this packet are interesting; some were written in the House of Commons.

(41.) Letters from Sir C. Musgrave, Col. J. Granville, and others, written in the last 10 years of the 17th century.

A letter from Wm. Penn, dated 28 June 1689, in which he laments his losses; has just got to Sussex; is torn from his family; asks Lord Halifax's protection. 1683, July 20. Copy of paper sent by Jo. Tillotson to Lord Russell (signed by Tillotson).

1681, May 3. Letter by J. Tillotson to the Earl of Halifax, about the mysterious business of Fitz-Harris, and the Popish plot.

Saviliana by George Savile, late Marquis of Halifax, in four tracts. The Character of a Trimmer; a Letter to a Dissenter; the Anatomy of an Equivalent; Advice to a Daughter. (Some account of the books and their author 9 pp. 4to.)

(42.) Letters from Lady Burlington 1723-1734, to the Earl of Halifax and his children.

(43.) 1633, April 2. Letter from George Fane to Lord Spencer; reprobates attempt to raise Hidage.

Relation of the fight at the island of Ree, by a soldier then present. Fol., 2 pp.

Copies of letters from the wife of James II. to the Princess of Orange; in 1688. 4to., 8 pp. The last is dated Windsor, and complains that the Princess had not in her letters noticed her (the Queen's) son once since she had been brought to bed.

Copies (9 fols.) of letters apparently by the Princess of Orange, to her brother, about the Queen and her child; interesting.

1602, April 27 and 29. Two council letters for supplies of men for Ireland; addressed to the High Sheriff and the Commissioners for Musters. And copies of two others in 1601.

1679. April 12, 1679, Paris. Draft of a letter to the King, giving an Account of the Duchess of Cleveland's

life there.

A discussion upon the occasion of a Bill proposed to the High Court of Parliament, requiring free liberty of trade with all kingdoms and countries; by the Company of Merchant Adventurers, whom that Bill seemeth most especially to concern. Title and 6 leaves, large 4to; begins (after table of contents), The present Bill confesseth trewlie that the Merchant Adventurers are of long continuance.

A number of letters by the Spencers and others, of the 17th century.

(45.) A few letters by the Earl of Orrery to the Earl of Burlington, 1667.

(46) Letters from Laurence Hyde (Earl of Rochester) to his father (Earl of Burlington) and mother. (47.) Letters from the Earl of Nottingham to his sonin-law, the Marquis of Halifax, 1697-1699.

(50.) Letters and papers to George, the last Earl of Cumberland beginning about 1600. In 1611 he was Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland.

Letters and copies of letters by Wm. Hutton and by Wm. Musgrave.

George Earl of Cumberland was engaged in a lawsuit with the Company of Merchant Adventurers. A letter by him in 1601 says that they are reconciled.

A letter in 1601, by John Tailor to Francis Clifford, says that there was very heavy play at Court, and at last "my Lord joined."

Another letter in the same year, dated "York, in hast," says that Ostend is still besieged by the Spaniards; Ireland's warr not so hot as was expected, for the Spaniards would be gladly gone to their own country upon any reasonable conditions. The Scott was not so kindly entertained as he looked for, and went away discontented. Great triumphs were for two days