as it is possible, and we are less splenetick than we have been this many a day. God continue it! and, what is more hopeful, the Duchess of Portsmouth[1] does not meddle in this affair, and will be governed well enough, though she were more a jade than she is, which I think can hardly be. Having said so much, which you may rely on, from knowing that I am not of an humour to hope upon slight grounds, I shall now proceed to what Mr. Gilbert Spencer recommended to me in your concerns, which will ever be most sincerely mine. A thing called a steward he says you want, and truly they are a sort of cattle hard enough to be found good at present. I know of none, but there is a man who did serve my father, and since served the Duke of Monmouth in place of clerk of the kitchen, and who is now discharged from the place, but upon no dislike, and sent into Holland to buy horses for him. Durville is his name, and, indeed, I think he may be a tolerable servant to you; honest he was, and had many good qualites when he lived with my father, if he has not been since spoiled. He will take any pains. However, you may talk to him about it. I am for ever yours. My head aches, and I can say no more.
- ↑ The passages in italics are in cipher.
