Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Mr. Mountstevens to Mr. Sidney, August 29

by Henry Sidney

MR. MOUNTSTEVENS TO MR. SIDNEY.

Windsor. August 29th, 1679.

Honoured Sir,

The last account I gave you from hence was upon Tuesday; that night the King was taken ill with a fit, but much more moderately than upon Friday and Sunday night; since that, he has had not the least appearance of one; so that the physicians are of opinion he will have no more of it. It is believed his Majesty will return to Whitehall as soon as he shall be in a condition to remove thither with safety, which it is hoped he may do the beginning of next week.

Yesterday began the election here of Burgesses for the town of Windsor; which was, by consent of both parties, adjourned till this morning. Mr. Powney, and Mr. Carew, of the Buck Hounds, have outnumbered Mr. Winwood and Mr. Starkey very considerably, by reason of the King's servants; so that it is believed they two will be returned. On the other side, Winwood and Starkey are resolved to petition the Parliament;^[1] and the question will be, whether the House of Commons, as well as the Mayor of Windsor, will approve of the election, and allow voices to the King's servants, who have no other pretence for voting here but as such. If this find you inclined to the politics, pray consult the enclosed list; but if disposed to soft love, I refer you to the poetry^[2] which likewise comes enclosed. I thank you for your favour of the 22nd inst., and am, with all respect.

Honoured Sir,
Your most faithful, most obedient servant,

Jo. Mountstevens.

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1. Winwood and Starkey were the members who sate for the Borough in this Parliament.
2. Those who are interested in such poetry will regret to find that it has not been preserved—the more subtle essence has evaporated.