we thank him for it, and to conclude that his town has no mind to do any thing at all in such matter, either upon fear of angrying France, or in doubt upon our condition here to support them in any dangers they may by that means draw upon themselves. If this should be their mind, I will not determine whether they have reason or no, but leave men to judge of their own interests, without pretending to dispute them out of it. All your business I think is only to know, as clearly as you can, what they would be at, and to tell it as clearly as you can here.
I shall be glad to receive the letter you mention by Bridges, which tells us those things which we have most mind to know; though I suppose you will not send it by him or any other hand without a good deal of cypher, which you need not be so much afraid to deal with, at least not with me.
THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO MR. SIDNEY.
Sir,
Your last was of the 22nd instant, S. V., wherein you press for an answer to the propositions made to you some weeks ago by the Prince and Mon-
