The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Jonathan Swift to Archdeacon Walls - 2
TO THE REV. MR. ARCHDEACON WALLS.
I HAVE two letters of your's to acknowledge — No, I mistake, it is but one, for I answered the former of September twenty-second, some, time ago; your other is of the first instant, with an account of your mayor squabble, which we regard as much here as if you sent us an account of your little son playing at cherry stones. I told your lord chancellor, that the best thing the government there could do, would be never to trouble us with your affairs, but do the best you can, for we will neither support nor regard you. I have received the lords justices representation, just now sent to the queen. I have said more upon it than any body else would; and I hope my lord lieutenant[1] will put a good end to the dispute. I am heartily sorry for poor Hawley: and doubt such a shake at his age will not be well recovered. Of your four candidates to succeed him, I dislike all but the first, which is Bolton. As to the chair of prolocutor, I said to you in my former all I thought necessary. I dislike the thing for myself; but I would keep a wrong man out, and would be glad of an honest excuse to leave courts and publick thoughts; but it would vex me to be proposed and not succeed.
As for Williams, I am an old courtier, and will think of it; but, if we want a singer, and I can get a better, that better one shall be preferred, although my father were competitor.
I have spoken to baron Scroup about Mr. Fetherston's affair, and hope to get him a good account of it.
You very artificially bring in your friend, Mrs. South: I have spoke to her, and heard from her; and spoke to the duke of Ormond: I will do her what service I can.
My service to gossip Doll, and God bless my goddaughter.
I think you need not inquire about the land rents of the deanery, they are secure enough; and I believe I shall not trouble Mr. Parvisol about them.
There is one farm set for one hundred and twenty pounds a year, another for fifty-four pounds. Rents adjoining to the deanery, about two pounds ten shillings, and duties about eight pounds, or something under; and a small lease of tithes, about four or five pounds; which last I would be glad you would ask Parvisol whether it be included among the tithes he has set. You see all the rents together are under two hundred pounds. I forgot five pounds a year for the verger's house. Service to Stoyte and Manley, and duty to bishop of Dromore.