by the next post I shall be able to tell you how he takes it, but I can't be so soon out of my pains as to what you think on't, I mean well, tho I han't the best way of expressing myself I cou'd not determine to immetate your stile and hand, because I cou'd not tell how to bring in your know- ledge of Lord Herbert's death, who died suddenly last Satur- day night which I did not hear till Munday — and then I fell a beating my brains to produce this poor letter, which I almost despair of, for since I have been told Mr. Dolbin, a great stickle for Lord Treasurer in the house of Commons* has the fairest prospect of it, Lord Delawar I know ask't for't, and my Lord Effingham trusted me with the secret that he intended to ask, and told me that last week he had spoke to Lord T — in general to do something for him, who had promised him to take care of him, and ask't him if there was anything in perticular he wou'd have, and when he cou'd hear of anything he like to be sure to lett him know it. I said not a word of my designe to him, nor of my
thoughts of Lord T funning speech that was intended
to make him leave the Whigs in the votes of the Duke of Queen's Bourrow, which took, but the Court lost it by seven votes ; 'tis said the Whigs bestir'd themselves the more about this because the Duke of Monross was not made Secretary of State for Scotland, who is to come in for an equal share of all the profitts of our two, but is to transact no affairs but those of Scotland. 'Tis talk't as if the Duke of Summerset was not so well with the juncto as usual, and that Duke Hambleton is reckon as a very stanch Whig, and that he's to be made Master of the Horse.
I sent you word in my last how gentlemen bestir'd them- selves to throw out Sir Simon Harcourt who they tell me for his dicing speech made a very bitter one against a great man who commands all the mony in the nation, and Mr. Jennins a member died suddenlyf and Sir Simon is gone down to make an interest there, but lett him be choose never so, 'tis
- John Dolben was member for Liskeard.
t William Jennens or Jennings was member for Wallingford. He was succeeded in February, 1709, by Thomas Renda.
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