The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From John Barber to Jonathan Swift - 1

by John Barber

FROM MR. JOHN BARBER^[1].

I HAVE enclosed all the letters that have come to my hands. I saw my lord treasurer to day, who asked me where you were gone? I told his lordship you were in Berkshire. He answered, "It is very well; I suppose I shall soon hear from him." My lord Bolingbroke was very merry with me upon your journey, and hoped the world would be the better for your retirement, and that I should soon be the midwife. The schism bill was read the second time yesterday, and committed for to morrow, without a division. Every body is in the greatest consternation at your retirement, and wonders at the cause. I tell them, it is for your health's sake. Mr. Gay is made secretary to my lord Clarendon, and is well pleased with his promotion. The queen is so well, that the Sicilian ambassador has his audience to night. She can walk, thank God, and is well recovered. ******** consent, I will appoint the happy day; as does, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

TYRANT.

I forgot to tell you that I saw Mr. Harley, who told me he would instantly send for the horse from Herefordshire, but that, being at grass, he had ordered his man not to ride hard; but that you should have him with all convenient speed.

1. Afterward alderman, and chosen lord mayor in September 1732. In 1733, he distinguished himself in the opposition to what was called the excise scheme.