continue no longer, when I could do no service either to myself, my friends, or the publick. By the accounts I have from particular friends, I find the animosity between the two great men does not at all diminish: though I hear it is given out that your grace's successor[1] has undertaken a general reconcilement. If it be true, this will succeed like the rest of his late undertakings.
I must beg your grace's pardon, if I entreat you, for several reasons, to see lady Masham as often as you conveniently can: and I must likewise desire you to exert yourself in the disposal of the bishopricks in Ireland. It is a scandal to the crown, and an injury to the church, that they should be so long delayed. There are some hotheaded people on the other side the water, who understand nothing of our court, and would confound every thing; always employed to raise themselves upon the ruins of those characters they have blasted. I wish their intermeddling may not occasion a worse choice than your grace approved of last winter. However, I beg you will take care that no injury be done to Dr. Pratt, or Dr. Elwood; who have more merit and candour than a hundred of their detractors. I am, with the greatest respect, my lord,
Your grace's most obedient,
and most obliged humble servant,
- ↑ The duke of Shrewsbury.
