persuaded to Lord Halifax, but he desires to be excused, and I believe Mr. Godolphin will be the person, upon which you know there will be a vacancy, which we do mean to use all the arts imaginable to compass your filling; the thing seems hopeful enough, but yet too remote to give me the joy I should have on that occasion. I could not forbear saying so much, though you must never take the least notice, directly or indirectly, to my Lord, till he does to you, but, I assure you, 'tis much at his heart. The business of the petitions is not gone any further than the first step that noble Lord made you heard of; nor, I hope in God, will not. One thing is passed better than was expected—the new Common Council is chosen on the day it uses every year, St. Thomas, and they are the greatest part, nay, almost all, the same as last year, which is a very lucky thing. The Duchess of Portsmouth has put away all her papist servants, and she and Mrs. Crofte are now made up again, after the great fray you have heard about the lodgings. The Duchess of Portsmouth is every day more of a jade than ever, but don't understand that I mean as to France, for I believe that is quite out of her head; but I mean to every body, and in every particular; but I think she is so hampered, 'twill hurt none of us, and so long
