uses me in other things, sure he will not refuse me the common civility of letting all my coaches and horses come over to me, tis but what I did to Prince George when he went from me. I send the bearer Ralf Sheldon to you to bring them away so sone as a pass can be gott for them from the Prince of Orange. Speake for the passe yourself and to Lord Middleton to have it solicited, and give directions to Delarbre to bring over himself, or, if he be not yett ready to come, to send the best of my guns and pistols over with Sheldon, this bearer, to whom I refer what else I have to say. James R." MISCELLANEOUS. Abstract of several petitions to King Charles II. for grants of ground about the Tower in the Little Minories (one is by Col. William Legge), with the surveyorgeneral's reports thereon. Interrogatories and other papers on the subject 1686. Report on the boundaries of the Tower Liberty. The Little Minories, Well Close, and old Artillery Ground, were places always of right belonging to the liberty of the Tower. A bundle of papers relating to the establishment of the King's stables in 1669, when Lord Dartmouth was Master of the Horse. Numerous letters to Lord Dartmouth while he was governor of Portsmouth. About 20 bundles of papers on Ordnance matters 1670-1688, and a few earlier, some relating to Ireland. Papers relating to the royal forests when Lord Dartmouth was Lord Lieutenant of the forests of Alice Holt, and Woolmer. Copy of the perambulation of the forest 26 Hen. VIII. (99.) There is another bundle on the same matters, and in this is a copy of the perambulation in 29 Edw. I. On the 8th October 1688, William van de Velde de Oude writes to Lord Dartmouth that he has delivered at his Lordship's house, five pictures (in gold frames at 31. 10s. a piece); Lord Berkeley paid him for a piece of 4 feet 201.; Lady Berkeley his mother paid him for a piece of 5 feet 231., he leaves it to Lord Dartmouth's generosity. 1687, April 28th. Curious account of the fireworks at Blackheath. 1687, June 15th. Order of march of the train from the Tower to Hounslow. 1688, April 17th. Letter by Samuel Pepys to Lord Dartmouth. The King by Conway's letter to Lord Dartmouth in 1674 said that foreign flags coming before any castles on the coast were to be lowered and kept so within gun shot. 1688, April. Letter by Edward Sherborne about firing on ships not striking their flags. Cannot give an answer. Cannot find Pepys' opinion supported by books. 1688, Dec. and 1689 Jan. Many papers relating to the navy, the ships to be paid off, and places of their distribution. A bundle of papers relating to Lord Dartmouth's imprisonment and examination (he died in the Tower in 1691). A folio book containing copies of official letters and papers, beginning with the commission by James II. in September 1688 for Lord Dartmouth to be Admiral of the Fleet. There are copies of letters by and to Lord Dartmouth, to and by James II., and the Prince of Orange. The last document is the order of the Prince of Orange, dated 10th January 1689. There is a 4to volume of memoranda written by the first Earl of Dartmouth in Bishop Burnet's history of his own time. 1690. Copies of some papers taken with the Lord Preston (fol. 9 pages): about the restoration of King James 2nd. PAPERS OF THE 18TH CENTURY. A packet of Minutes of Council from the middle of 1710 to the middle of 1713. Two packets of correspondence from about 1704 to 1715. Official letters from Matthew Prior at Paris in 1713, 3 and from Lord Bolingbroke in 1717 4 Extensive correspondence of Wm Legge 1st Earl of Dartmouth about the same time. Letters from Harley (about 30) in 1710-1722. Letters from Judith Reed at Philadelphia 1773-1775, some of them touch on the rebellion. Letters between Geo. Legge and M. Francklin, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and other Nova Scotia Fapers. A long and interesting letter, four folio pages, in 1765 from Wm. Smith of New York, to the Rev. Mr. Whitfield on the discontents of America, specially regarding the Stamp Act. About 50 letters from John Hough, bishop of Worcester, to Lady Kaye, beginning in 1740. (In Wilmot's Life of the Bishop, 4to, Lond., 1810, are 43 letters by the Bishop to this Lady.) Letter from Dr. Dodd at Plaistow in Essex, dated Nov. 22, 1759. He dissuades Lord Dartmouth from taking holy orders. Lord Dartmouth answered that he had never had any thought of so doing. Letter from John Wesley dated June 14, 1775, on his way to Dublin. This is a long and eloquent letter to the Earl of Dartmouth protesting against the war with America. (It is printed in Macmillan's Magazine for December 1870.) Letter from Dr. Johnson to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated April 25, 1783, recommending Mr. Desmoulin for employment. Nearly 50 letters by King George III. to the Earl of Dartmouth, 1773-1804. In one of January 19, 1774, he alludes to the people of Boston's unjustifiable proceedings. On the 28th January 1775 he does not approve of Lieut. General Gage for America as Commander-in-chief, but proposes Sir Jeffrey Amherst. He hopes to prevent effusion of blood. On the 10th of June 1775 he says that America must be a colony or be treated as an enemy, I cannot close this short notice of the manuscripts without expressing my great obligations to Lord Dartmouth for his attentions to me during my stay at Patshull. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL SPENCER, AT SPENCER HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S. This Collection consists, with few exceptions, of letters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The letters of the 16th century chiefly relate to Northern and Border matters; those of the 17th century are, for the most part, addressed to Geo. Savile, Marquis of Halifax, whose name is well known in the History of England during the latter half of the 17th century. The letters of the 18th century give much political, social, and literary information. The notes by the Marquis of Halifax of his conver sations with King William III. are particularly valuable; and it may be hoped that Lord Spencer will at some time publish them. The letters are very numerous. Rapidly looking over them, I made notes and extracts of such as appeared to contain matter of more than private interest; but it must not be supposed that these notes contain all that is worthy of extract. Box 31a. Seventeen letters from the Duchess of Marlborough to John Lord Spencer in the years 1726, 1742, and 1743. They are written by an amanuensis, but are mostly signed by her, and there are two or three memoranda by her own hand. They are very characteristic, and abound in money matters. 1742, June 20. The Duchess abuses the government; mentions their having raised a million for the Queen of Hungary; they will try to borrow more; is assured that the next step will be to move parliament to give greater interest, "but it will do nothing with me." 1743, Oct. 23. Death of the Lady Carteret. The King offered that Lord Carteret should not go with him to the army. Lady C. begged he might not omit the last service in his power to Him, and said that she was not in any danger; "but if I don't mistake she "died two days after." 1743, May 30. Approves making Mr. Pelham Lord of the Treasury. Lord Bath in a great rage at it he wishes to vindicate himself in the Craftsman's name. In the paper of Old England in the Craftsman of 6 August he mentions this: "I suppose for some time they will be entertaining, as they are written by "Lord B. to shew the greatness of his character." 66 Sunday (no year). Refers to Saturday's paper of Old England. "I am of his mind that the D. of Cumber"land will not except (sic) of Hanover if His Majesty "would give it him; but as the Prince of Wales is the "eldest brother, I wish he had it, on condition that 86 a "the younger brother should leave England, which is "now but a province to Hanover, and all the money in little time will go there. Officers come over give "full account of all that has passed abroad. His "Majesty was prevailed not to be exposed to fire as was reported, but to go into a wood out of reach of "musket shot, which was certainly very right, because "he was secure, and by that means could give direc"tions to gain so great a victory as he did." Here and in 35 G., are many inventories of plate and jewels belonging to the Duchess. In 31a is a grant of arms, dated 26 Nov. 1504, by Richemount, otherwise Clarencieux, to John and Thomas Spencer, sons of William Spencer, of the County of Warwick, the arms are, "Azure, a fess ermine between "six semewes heads, silver erased; the crest upon the "heaulme is a moure heyne in his proper colour, "membred gowles standing on a wreath azure and "silver, mantelled of the same tasselled gold." The arms are depicted on the margin and the autograph of Clarencieux remains, but the seal is gone. 1565, May 14. Ratification (by way of Inspeximus) under the Great Seal, in accordance with the Statute of Hen. VIII., of a Dispensation by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, to Nicholas Cooke, B.A., Chaplain to Robert Dudley, K.G. and Earl of Leicester, to hold a third benefice with two others. 1690, Aug. 18. Holograph will of the Duchess of Marlborough, on a sheet of letter paper, disposing of 7,000l. given to her disposition by the Duke. She gives 500l. to get poor people out of prison. In C. 24 are a number of fine deeds of the 13th and 14th centuries; many with fine seals, and many being grants to and by the Abbey of the Holy Cross at Waltham. A letter signed "Exeter," dated Newark, 1624, alluding to extortions in taking money from men pressed for his Majesty's service to release them, and directing suppression of the practice for the future. No. 19. A large collection of letters from Lord Jersey to the Countess Spencer, from 1769 to 1804. They relate to personal matters, town gossip, and political events; 1769, Dec. 23. Lord Chatham is to speak (in the House of Lords), even though on his back. 1769, Dec. 22. The world is full of nothing but Junius's last letter; a sort of speech to the King, impudent and wicked; some give the credit of it to Lord George Sackville, but most to Wilkes. Beckford, the Lord Mayor, very angry at the Guards going through the City to the rioters in Spitalfields, drums beating and fifes playing, without his permission. His letter to the Secretary at War I saw. In future his leave is to be asked. 1798. A report of Bonaparte being taken. On the taking of Rome the French offered passports to go through France, to buy pictures, statues, &c. at Rome. Box 24. 1793, November 6. Letter in French from Louise de Stolberg, Countess of Albany (at Florence); she recommends Zimmerman on Solitude. 1780. A letter in English and another in French from L. M. T. B. d'Orleans. 1764. A letter in French from the Duke of Braganza (at Milan). 1766. Á letter in French from Frederich Prince of Hesse. 1764. A letter in French from Cardinal Albani (at Rome); he sends an alabaster vase, a counterpart of one which Lady Spencer admired at his country house; and another in 1765, on the same subject. 1761. Several letters from the Duke of York. In one he says he defers carrying the Buchentour and other things from Venice to the Queen, until he has shewed it to Lady Spencer. 1763. Letter from the Duke of Cumberland. 1764. A letter from Louise, wife of Prince Frederich of Prussia. 1765. Letter from Elizabeth Augusta Electress Palatine about Lady Spencer's intercession for an innkeeper, who had behaved badly.-And copies of Lady Spencer's letters to the Electress. 1794. Letter from Augustus Frederick Duke of Sussex (at Rome). Upwards of 50 letters from David Garrick. They range from 1776 to 1779, and are very sprightly and interesting; 1776, Nov. 15. He mentions the Electrical Eels ex hibited in the Haymarket, at 58. a head; sends a (bitter epitaph on Dr. Johnson, by Soame Jenyns: "Here lies poor Johnson: reader, have a care; A scholar and a Christian, and a brute. Will tell you how he wrote and talked, and coughed [and spit." June 6. A card by Mr. Garrick to Lady Spencer. Mr. Garrick has fixed next Saturday for the last time of acting. 1776, Nov. 9. Mentions a new fashion for ladies, of illuminated heads; head-dresses made of evergreens and lamps; a new invention, heard of by him, by a confectioner and toyman (Pinchbeck). 1777, Sept. 14. Electrical apparatus at the Pantheon, to show that pointed conductors invite lightning and produce evil; and his Majesty ordered Mr. Wilson, the great electrical performer on the occasion, to take down all the pointed conductors of Dr. Franklin and place blunted ones in their room at the Queen's house.........no less than 400 drums and many thousand yards of wire in the apparatus;.... it is to be hoped there is no party spirit in the business Miss Hannah More, whose essays your ladyship did not much fancy, has written a good tragedy lately......... The subject from Chevy Chase, the quarrels between the Scotch and the English. 1777, Oct. 22. Mentions Foote's death on his landing at Calais, he had much wit and no feeling; sacrificed friends and foes to a joke, and so has died very little regretted, even by his nearest acquaintance. A letter written by David Garrick, in Mrs. Garrick's name, in German English. 1777, December 11. Our tragedy succeeded; cordial applause; not a dry eye in the house. 1778, Nov. 17. Have just finished the prologue to Henry Fielding's long lost comedy; it was given over for gone by the family, but it fell into my hands after 25 years' absence; it is to be acted on next Saturday se'nnight. Nov. 24. The new comedy will not be ready for next Saturday. Upwards of 20 letters from Mrs. Garrick to Countess Spencer, ranging from 1780 to 1792. Between 70 and 80 letters from Sir William Jones, ranging from 1768 to 1791. He seems to have been a tutor to Lord Althorp ; 1768, Aug. A letter from Wimbledon. 1768, Sept. 3. Encloses an exercise by Lord Althorp. 1768, Sept. 9. The professorship of modern lan. guages is vacant; he is asked to put up for it. In June 1769, he dates from Harrow; in August following from Oxford. In 1770 he was at Nice with Lord Althorp. There is an interesting correspondence about his quitting the tutorship of Lord Althorp, on a difference of opinion regarding the mode of education to be pursued. 1780, June 16, Temple. Speaks of his being detory of the American war in the manner of Thucydides, termined, if God preserves his life, to write the hisi.e., from his own personal knowledge of many actors in it on both sides, and of the events. June 20. In the House of Commons vehement sparring and bickering between Dunning and Burke, not from sudden heat but from long nourished disgust, and, I fear, rancour. 1781, Feb. 21, New College, Oxford. Asks Lord Spencer to seal a petition, and says that this is the same Margaret Williams whom you recommended last "Christmas at the Almoner's office." 66 1783, Creshna-nagar. Is charmed with Sanscrit The Brahmins do not know how much he is assisted by Latin and Greek. 1791, Oct. 24. Our army stormed Nundee Doorgum on the 18th. Letters from General J. Cunningham, 1771-1788, politics and chat. More than two dozen letters from Richard Rigby, M.P., to Lady Spencer; these range from 1777 to 1788, when he died. They contain much political information ; 1779, Jan. 29. Offers Lady Spencer a room in the Pay Office to see Garrick's funeral, 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; 66 1776, July 29. It is, I am told, a pretty prevailing "notion or affectation of a notion that Mr. Jenyns is "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. 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. (1.) 1688, Nov. 17. Letter from Robert Brent to Lord M. (Middleton): press on the King to make no treaty and call no Parliament until the suppression "of the rebellion; to venture his crown; if he lose it, it will be but for a short time; an usurper can only be supported by force. 1688, Dec. 1... Letter by Lord Middleton to Lord Halifax. The King desires that your Lordship and my Lord of Nottingham attend him in his bedchamber at 4 this afternoon. 1688, Dec. 10. Copy of King James 2d letter to Lord Faversham, saying that he had sent away the Queen and the Prince of Wales and was going himself, and thanking the officers and soldiers. 1688, Dec. 12. Copy of King James's letter to Lord Faversham (dated at Faversham): "I had the mis"fortune to be stopt at Shelness by a rabble of seamen, "fishermen, and others, who still detain me here, "although they know me; ... asks him to send servants, linen, and clothes; wants money; all his had been taken. وو 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, 168, 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. 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. 66 There are two quarto volumes, one intituled " Memo"randa of Conversations between King William and George Marquis of Halifax, wrote down by that Lord upon loose sheets of paper, some with dates and some "with none; correctly copied, to which are added 66 some explanatory notes by the transcriber." This copy begins, "Dec. 30, 1688. The King said he had 66 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 "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 my being in employment." After which, "The fol"lowing 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, he alludes to an engagement between the French fleet and our Smyrna fleet, and the small success of the former. 1693, Nov. 28. 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) arc 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. 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. He was 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. 66 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." 66 66 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 ho 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. |