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PRIVATE AND ORIGINAL 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF 
 
 CHARLES TALBOT, DUKE OF JHREWSBURY, 
 
 WITH 
 
 KING WILLIAM, 
 
 THE LEADERS OF THE WHIG PARTY, 
 AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED STATESMEN; 
 
 ILLUSTRATED WITH NARRATIVES 
 
 HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL : 
 
 FROM THE FAMILY PAPERS 
 IN THE POSSESSION OF HER GRACE THE DUCHESS OF BUCCLEUCH, 
 
 NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. 
 
 By WILLIAM COXE, F.R.S. F.S.A. 
 
 ARCHDEACON OF WILTS, &C. 
 
 L01<!I>0N: 
 
 Printeb for LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, and BROWN 
 PATERNOSTER'ROW. 
 
 182]. 
 
A. HI 2.^'^ 
 
 
 Printed by T. C. Hansard, Peterborough-court, Fleet-street, London. 
 
TO 
 
 HER GRACE 
 
 ELIZABETH, 
 
 DUCHESS OF BUCCLEUCH, &c., 
 
 AS A TESTIMONY OF RESPECT, 
 
 AND 
 
 A PROOF OF GRATITUDE, 
 
 FOR THE LIBERAL AND UNRESERVED COMMUNICATION 
 
 OF THE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS 
 
 DERIVED FROM HER GRACE'S RELATIVE, 
 
 CHARLES TALBOT, 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, 
 BY 
 HER OBUGED AND OBEDIENT SERVANT, 
 
 WILLIAM COXE. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Although many publications have issued from the press, to 
 elucidate the later period of our Annals, every reader, acquainted 
 with English History, must be sensible of the obscurity which 
 involves many parts of a reign, so interesting to posterity, as that 
 of king William the Third : a period, when the struggle of a recent 
 Revolution excited the most violent contests of party; when 
 a new system of government and policy was introduced and 
 developed ; and when the minds of men were agitated with 
 fearful recollections of the past, anxiety for the present, and alarm 
 for the future. 
 
 Much light has doubtless been thrown on this period, by The 
 Correspondence and Diary of Henry, second earl of Clarendon ; 
 The Memoirs of Reresby, and Wei wood ; The Conduct of Sarah, 
 duchess of Marlborough ; The collections of Carstares, Lockhart, 
 Cole, and the earl of Hardwicke ; The Historical Memoirs of 
 Dalrympk ; and even by the garbled documents of Macpherson ; 
 but these publications have only partially removed the veil, 
 and the knowledge which they have afforded, has served to 
 excite additional curiosity. 
 
 b 
 
II PREFACE. 
 
 No apology, therefore, can be deemed necessary, for presenting 
 to the reader the Correspondence of the Duke of Shrewsbury, who 
 Avas a principal actor in the Revolution, who possessed the full 
 confidence of king William, and held the office of Secretary of State 
 during the greater part of his reign. The value of these papers 
 will be more highly estimated, when it is considered, that they are 
 not mere official documents, but private correspondence, never 
 intended for the public eye. 
 
 The Collection is divided into three Parts : 
 
 The First Part contains the Correspondence with king William. 
 It comprises the earliest period of the duke of Shrewsbury's official 
 career, from his appointment as Secretary, at the Revolution, to 
 his resignation, in 1690 ; the ineffectual negotiations, in 1693, to 
 induce him to resume the seals ; and, finally, his epistolary com- 
 munications with the sovereign, from his second appointment, in 
 April, 1694, to his departure for the continent, in 1700. 
 
 Little needs be said, to prove the value and interest of this 
 Correspondence, which not only developes many important trans- 
 actions of state, but exhibits, in the clearest light, the characters 
 both of the sovereign and the minister. The letters of the king 
 are distinguished by good sense and firmness, as well as by a tone 
 of simplicity and condescension, seldom found in the corres- 
 pondence of a sovereign; those of the secretary, are marked 
 by a respectful frankness, and spirit of independence, which as 
 seldom occur in that of a courtier. With these are blended a few 
 letters, which passed between the duke of Shrewsbury and the 
 earl of Portland, because they may be considered equally as 
 confidentia 1 though indirect communications- with the king? 
 
PREFACE. m 
 
 and, in general, explain subjects, alluded to in the royal cor- 
 respondence. 
 
 The Second Part contains : first, a selection from the Corres* 
 pondence with adn}iral Russell, during his command in the 
 Mediterranean, which is calculated to exhibit his character, 
 and to display the difficulties, attending this memorable enter-' 
 prise. A few documents are added, relative to his expedition 
 to the coast of France, in I696, when he frustrated the in- 
 tended invasion of England. Secondly, the Correspondence with 
 viscount Galway, during the two last campaigns of the war in 
 Italy, in 169-3 and I696, describing the military transactions in 
 that country, and unfolding the mysterious policy of the duke of 
 Savoy, and the causes of his defection from the grand alliance. 
 Thirdly, the Correspondence with the earls of Portland and Jersey, 
 and sir Joseph Williamson, who were all employed in negotiating 
 the peace of Ryswick. 
 
 The Third Part consists of the confidential Correspondence of the 
 duke of ShreAvsbury with Robert, earl of Sunderland, lords Somers 
 and Wharton, admiral Russell, earl of Orford, and Mr. Montague, 
 chancellor of the exchequer, who was raised to the peerage, by 
 the title of lord Halifax. It embraces the period from 1695 to 
 1704, and will serve to elucidate the Correspondence with the 
 sovereign. It opens a view of the transactions in the cabinet, 
 and proceedings in parliament, and displays the jealousies, which 
 the king entertained against the whigs, as well as the feuds which 
 prevailed among themselves. It also unfolds the conduct of lord 
 Sunderland, exhibits his influence with the king, records the . 
 cabals, which occasioned his disgrace, and traces the cause 
 which led to the removal of the whig administration. 
 
iv PREFACE, 
 
 This whole Correspondence is entirely original, and has never 
 before been given to the public, except a few letters, which have 
 been printed in other works, and which are here introduced, to 
 render the series more complete. 
 
 With these various documents are interspersed political, his^- 
 torical, and biographical narratives, which are intended to exhibit 
 the progress of events, as well as to display the views of parties, 
 the proceedings in parliament, and the secret history of the cabinet. 
 In composing such elucidations I have consulted and compared 
 the writers of the times, and the most authentic of our national 
 historians. I have, also, availed myself of a miscellaneous col' 
 lection of papers, consisting of correspondence with spies, exa- 
 minations, and other official documents i« the Shrewsbury papers; 
 but I have derived peculiar advantage from the letters of Mr. 
 Vernon, who was first private secretary to the duke of Shrews- 
 bury, and, from l697 to the close of WilUam's reign, secretary of 
 state. His correspondence, which begins in September, 1696, and 
 extends to November, 1708, is extremely minute and circum- 
 stantial, till the departure of the duke for the continent. It has 
 furnished numerous indications of character, and historical facts, 
 connected with the administration of his noble patron, which, 
 hy no other means could have been rescued from oblivion. The 
 whole was found too voluminous for publication, but a few 
 extracts and explanatory letters are occasionally introduced.* 
 
 I scarcely think it necessary to apologise to the reader, foF 
 
 * The letters of Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury form three quarto volumes, 
 xlosely written, which, if printed, would scarcely be contained in a less compass. Unfor- 
 lunately, those of the duke of Shrewsbury to him, are not preserved in the family papers- 
 
PREFACE. T 
 
 having adopted an uniform, style of orthography ; for, if the 
 language of the writers be scrupulously preserved, it cannot be 
 gratifying to the eye, to toil throu^gh all the varieties of spelling, 
 which custom and caprice have introduced. This alteration has 
 been chiefly necessary in the letters of admiral Russell, who wrote 
 more like a seaman than a scholar. 
 
 The letters from king William are all autographs, and written 
 in the french tongue; but, for the sake of uniformity, they are 
 translated with as close an adherence as possible to the originals- 
 The same remark may be appKed to those of lord Portland and 
 •lord Galway. 
 
 The rest of the Correspondence, with few exceptions, is 
 autographic ; and, in those few cases, where another hand is 
 employed, the letters preserve the same confidential character, 
 ^eing dictated by the principals, when unable, from indisposi- 
 tion, or other causes, to use the pen. 
 
 The letters of the duke of Shrewsbury are, in general, the 
 •original draughts, in his own hand-writing, with many erasures 
 and alterations : a few only appear in that of Mr. Vernon, his 
 .secretary, but corrected by himself. 
 
 These papers first attracted my attention while I was com- 
 posing the Memoirs of John, duke of Marlborough. At that 
 period I was favoured with the inspection of several transcripts, 
 made by the late Edward Lyte, esq., treasurer to his present 
 majesty, when prince of Wales, through the kindness of his 
 daughter, Mrs. Fisher, of Tidwell House, near Exmouth. The 
 perusal not only furnished much valuable information for that 
 
VI PltETACE. 
 
 work, but induced me to apply to the Duchess of Buccleuch, 
 as possessor of the originals, for leave to examine the whole 
 series. Her Grace readily acceded to my request, communicated 
 many other documents, connected with the public life of her 
 noble relative,* and, finally, permitted me to oiFer this selection, 
 in the present form, to the public. 
 
 I have also to record my obligations to lord Montagu, for his 
 kind acquiescence in the indulgence granted me by his noble 
 mother, and for his communication of the manuscript Journal, 
 kept by .the duke of Shrewsbury, during his continuance abroad. 
 This diary, though confined to the incidents of his private 
 life, and travels, at a time when he ceased to be of public con- 
 sequence, yet furnishes some curious notices of his character and 
 feelings, and affords the most conclusive proofs of his attachment 
 to the government established at the Revolution, and his sincere 
 devotion to the doctrines of the Protestant Church, which he had 
 deliberately embraced. 
 
 The portrait of the duke of Shrewsbury was engraven from an 
 original picture, by sir Peter Lely, preserved at the Charter 
 House ; and, for permission to take a copy, I am indebted to the 
 kindness of the reverend Dr. Fisher, the present master. 
 
 I need not appeal to the indulgence of candid readers for 
 trifling inaccuracies, which may occur in these pages, when they 
 are apprised, that, during the progress of the work, I laboured 
 under a gradual decay of sight, which considerably impeded my 
 researches, and precluded me from correcting the press. I have, 
 
 * See page 665. 
 
PREFACE. VU 
 
 therefore, still greater reason than before, to repeat my grateful 
 acknowledgments to my former secretary, Mr. Hatcher, Post- 
 master of Salisbury, for his aid in the accomplishment of this un- 
 dertaking. 
 
 In closing these prefatory remarks, it is proper to observe, that 
 the work naturally terminates with the departure of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury from England, in 1700. My materials have, how- 
 ever, enabled me to add a brief view of his conduct during 
 his stay abroad ; and I have also adverted to the political trans- 
 actions, in which he was subsequently engaged, as well to render 
 the Volume more complete, as to connect it more intimately 
 with the History of the times. 
 
 Bemerton, 
 Nov. 1, 1821. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Correspondence with the king; 
 
 b ■ 
 
 CHAPTER I.— 1689.. .1692.— Biographical anecdotes of Charles Talbot, duke of 
 Shrewsbury — He renounces the roman catholic religion — Takes an active part in the 
 revolution — Acquires the confidence of king William — Appointed secretary of state — 
 Difficulties of his situation — Regrets the alienation of the king from the whigs — Corn- 
 mencement of his correspondence with the king — Solicits permission to resign — Re- 
 monstrates against the system of domestic policy, and the proposed dissolution of 
 parliament — Resigns the seals, and heads the opposition in the house of lords — The 
 king disgusted with the tories page 3. 
 
 CHAPTER II.— 1693. ..1694.— Resolution of William to effect a new change in the 
 administration, and reconcile himself with the whigs — Importunes the earl of Shrewsbury 
 to become secretary of state — Remarks and correspondence on the subject — Changes 
 in the administration in favour of the whigs — Shrewsbury accepts the seals — Rewarded 
 with a dukedom and the garter — Commencement of his administration page 18. 
 
 CHAPTER III. — 1694. — Transactions in 1694— Causes of the failure of the attempt 
 on Brest — Naval expedition under admiral Russell to the Mediterranean — Military 
 movements and intelligence — -Correspondence during the absence of the king abroad, 
 from May to July pageSl. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. — 1694. — Irish affairs — Domestic transactions — Restoration of the East 
 India company — Arrangements for the continuance of the fleet in the Mediterranean — 
 Correspondence from July to January , page 55. 
 
 CHAPTER v.— 1695.— Effects of the death of queen Mary— Disposition of the par- 
 liament— ^Naval and military operations — Expedition of admiral Russell to the Medi- 
 terranean — Recall of the fleet, in consequence of the threatened invasion — Farther 
 considerations on Irish affairs — Administration of the lord deputy Capel — Correspond- 
 ence from June to October, 1695 page 80. 
 
 C 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. — 1696.— Character of the new parliament— Arrangements for the 
 re-coinage of the silver — Depreciated state of public credit — Different expedients to 
 raise supplies — Failure of the attempt to establish a land bank — Embarrassments of the 
 king, from the want of means to carry on the war — Defection of the duke of Savoy — r 
 Division in the grand alliance — Necessity of peace — Correspondence from May to 
 September, 1696 page 109. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— 1696... 1697.— Attempts of the french to invade England, and 
 plot of the Jacobites to assassinate the king — Seizure of sir John Fenwick — His accusa* 
 tion against the duke of Shrewsbury and others — Magnanimity of king William — 
 Shrewsbury injured by a fall from his horse — Decision of parliament in his favour — 
 Bill of attainder against Fenwick — Kindness of the king — Shrewsbury repeatedly 
 solicits leave to resign — Correspondence from Sept. 1696, to April, 1697 ... page 14S. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— 1697... 1700.— Measures adopted for the restoration of public 
 credit — Continued distresses of the country — Successes of France in the Netherlands, 
 Catalonia, and South America — Negotiation for peace — Accusation of Price, Chaloner, 
 and others, against the duke of Shrewsbury, for endeavouring to favour the escape of 
 sir John Fenwick — Exposure of their plot — The king again refuses to accept his re- 
 signation — Permits him to quit the post of secretary of state — Prevails on him to accept 
 the staff of lord chamberlain — His final resignation, and departure for the continent — 
 Ccffrespondence from July, 1697, to July, 1700 page 166. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 No. \.^— Correspondence with admiral Russell, in 169-5, 1696, and 1697. 
 
 No. 2. — Correspondence with the earl of Galway, in 1695 and 1696. 
 
 No. 3. — Correspondence on the negotiations for the peace of Ryswick, 
 in \69Sand 1697. 
 
 CHAPTER I. — 1694!. — Naval operations — Intended attack on Brest — Motives which 
 induced the king to dispatch a fleet into the Mediterranean — Junction of the Toulon 
 and Brest squadrons— Departure of admiral Russell — His proceedings in the Mediterra- 
 nean — Compels the french to retire to Toulon, and saves Barcelona — His disputes with 
 the Spaniards, and jealousy of the dutch — Directed to winta: in the Mediterranean — 
 His objections and oppositions combated by the duke of Shrewsbury — Complains of the 
 king's paramony and inattention to his services— Correspondence from May, 1694, to 
 January, 1695 , page 189. 
 
 CHAPTER IT.— 1695.— Proceedings of the fleet in the Mediterranean— Transport of 
 a reinforcement of troops, from Finale to Catalonia — Russell approaches the french 
 coast, but is driven off by a storm— Oflfends the king by his fretful complaints — Mili- 
 
CONTENTS. xi 
 
 tary operations in conjunction with the Spaniards in Catalonia — Destitute condition 
 of- the Spanish army — Second expedition to the coast of Provence — Disappointed in 
 his purpose of attacking Toulon — Resumes his station at Cadiz — Considerations on 
 the state of the fleet, and its disposition after his departure — Returns to England — 
 Succeeded in the command by sir George Rooke — Correspondence from February to 
 September, 1695 page 29.1. 
 
 CHAPTER III.— 1695.. .1696.— Return of admiral Russell from the Mediterranean- 
 Entrusted with the command of the fleet prepared to repel the projected invasion from 
 France — Blockades the french harbours in the channel — Unable to destroy their arma- 
 ments — The enemy relinquish the projected invasion— Return of the admiral from his 
 command — Correspondence in February and March, 1696 P^gs 246. 
 
 Correspondence with lord Galway. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. — 1694. — Origin and progress of the House of Savoy — Situation and 
 views of Victor Amadeus — His accession to the grand alliance, and subsidiary treaties 
 with the maritime powers — Operations of the war, from 1690 to 1694 — Mission and 
 death of the duke of Schomberg — Lord Galway appointed embassador ,and commander 
 of the auxiliary forces in Italy — Siege and capture of Casale — Ambiguous conduct of 
 the duke of Savoy — Correspondence during the campaign of 1695 po-g^ 255. 
 
 CHAPTER v.— 1695.. .1696.— Recall of the british fleet from the Mediterranean— 
 Developement of the private machinations of the duke of Savoy — His secret intelligence 
 with France, and pilgrimage to Loretto — Projects for the ensuing campaign, and arti- 
 fices employed by the duke to deceive the allies — Correspondence from February to 
 April, 1696 page^lS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— 1696.— Campaign of 1696— Advance of the french into Piedmont- 
 Movements of the allies — Continuation of the delusive conduct of the duke of Savoy — 
 His negotiation with marshal Catinat, the french commander— Accepts the offers of 
 France — Concludes a treaty of neutrality — Joins the french army in invading the 
 Milanese — Compels the allies to accede to the neutrality, and the Germans and auxi- 
 liaries to withdraw from Italy — Retreat of lord Galway — Correspondence from April to 
 November, 1696 page 288. 
 
 Negoliations and correspondence relative to the peace of Ryswick. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— 1696. ..1697.— Commencement of the negotiations for peace— Pre- 
 tensions of the respective parties — Preliminary discussions and arrangements— The 
 mediation of Sweden accepted — Appointment of plenipotentiaries — Assembly of the 
 congress at Ryswick — Obstructions arising from the hesitation of the french to acknow- 
 ledge king William, and to abandon the cause of James— Correspondence with lord 
 \'illiers and sir Joseph Williamson, from August, 1696, to July, 1697 ... page 316. 
 
 C 2 
 
xii CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 1697. Continuation of the negotiation, under the immediate super- 
 intendence of the king— Private conferences between the earl of Portland and marshal 
 Boufflers— Arrangements relative to the acknowledgment of William's title ; to the 
 conduct to be pursued by France towards king James and his followers, and to the 
 jointure of the exiled queen — Proceedmgs at Ryswick — Discussions on the german and 
 Spanish claims — Correspondence from June to August, 1697 V^S^ ^*^* 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— 1697. ..1698.— Progress and conclusion of the negotiations for the 
 peace of Ryswick — Signature of the treaty by the maritime powers and Spain — The 
 Germans abandoned by the other allies, and compelled to submit to the terras dictated 
 by France — Correspondence from August to October, 1697 — Observations on the first 
 partition treaty, as connected with the peace of Ryswick — Dissatisfaction of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury page 365- 
 
 PART III. 
 
 Correspondence with tlie Whig Leaders, and lord Sunderland, 
 from 1695 to 1700. 
 
 CHAPTER 1.— 1695.— Characters of lord Sunderland, Somers, Orford, and Wharton, 
 and Charles Montague, afterwards lord Halifax — Correspondence on the proposed con- 
 vocation of a new parliament page 385. 
 
 CHAPTER II. — 1696. — Accusations of sir John Fenwick, against the duke of Shrews- 
 bury and others — Preparations for his trial — Indisposition of the duke of Shrewsbury, 
 and his retirement into the country — Proceedings on the bill of attainder in the House 
 of Commons — Account of Smith, the informer, and his accusations — Correspondence 
 on the subject, and on the transactions in parliament, from July to November, 1696 
 
 page 402. 
 CHAPTER III.— 1696. ..1697.— Decision of the House of Lords on the bill of 
 attainder — Disclosure of the insidious practices of lord Monmouth with Fenwick and 
 Smith — Farther proceedings in parliament on this subject, and disgrace and imprison- 
 ment of Monmouth — Correspondence in December, 16^8, and January, 1697. 
 
 page 43t). 
 CHAPTER IV. — 1697. — New plot of lord Monmouth — Account of his connection with 
 Brown, the highwayman and informer — Ministerial changes, and arrangements in favour 
 of the whigs — Somers appointed chancellor, and Montague first lord of the Treasury — The 
 whigs attempt to secure the promotion of lord Wharton to the office of secretary of state 
 — Opposition of the king — Conduct of Sunderland^ and embarrassments of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury,^ — Machinations of Price, Chaloner, and other informers — Correspondence 
 from January to September, 1697 pa^e 469. 
 
 CHAPTER V. — 1697. — Irksome situation of the duke of Shrewsbury, in consequence 
 of the malicious insinuations of Price and others— Offers to resign — His resolution. 
 
CONTENTS. • xiii 
 
 strongly combated by his friends — New attempts of the whigs to obtain the seals for 
 • lord Wharton — Preparations for assembling the parliament— Shrewsbury persuaded to 
 retain the seals — Sudden resignation of sir William Trumbull, and appointment of Mr. 
 Vernon, as secretary of state— Resignation of lord Sunderland — Correspondence, from 
 September to December, 1697 ^ ,.. page 489. 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— 1698— Parliamentary -proceediiigs on the military establishment— 
 The ministry unable to prevent the reduction of the army to 10,000 men Dissatis- 
 faction between the king and the whigs— Attempts to effect an accommodation, by the 
 promotion of Wharton as secretary, the appointment of Shrewsbury as chamberlain, and 
 the admission of Sunderland into the privy council— Application of both parties for the 
 mediation of Shrewsbury— Ineffectual meeting at Newmarket, between the king and the 
 whig chiefs— The whigs refuse to coalesce with Sunderland— Endeavour to strengthen 
 their cause preparatory to a new election— Project for a new East India com- 
 pany, carried through the House of Commons— Dissatisfaction of the kina on his 
 departure to Holland— Continuation of the correspondence from January to July, 1698. 
 
 page 513. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— 1698.— Offer of the embassy to Spain, rejected by lord Wharton— 
 Contest for the new elections — Declining influence of the whigs — Scheme of Mr. IMontague 
 to secure the auditorship of the exchequer, in reversion — Protracted stay of the king 
 abroad — The whigs jealous of his majesty's returning partiality to the tories — Shrewsbury 
 perseveres in his resolution to resign, in opposition to the joint efforts of the king and the 
 whigs — Embarrassed situation of affairs in Ireland — Correspondence from July to 
 October, 1698 page 547. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— 1698.. .1699.— Resignation of the duke of Shrewsbury, and his 
 refusal to accept the staff of chamberlain — Meeting of the new parliament — Choice of a 
 whig speaker — Continued misunderstanding between the king and the whigs — Discontent 
 in the lower House, at the conduct of the king — Farther reduction of the forces Dis- 
 mission of the dutch guards — William forms the resolution of withdrawing from England 
 — His interview with lord Somers — Dissuaded from his purpose — Fruitless efforts of the 
 whigs to prevent the reduction of the army — Ineffectual appeal of the king, to avert the 
 dismission of his dutch guards — Lord Orford attacked by the tories — Appointment of 
 lord Jersey as secretary of state — Overture from the king to the whigs — Shrewsbury 
 solicited to mediate, and accept a post in a new system of administration — Waits on the 
 
 king at Newmarket and Windsor — Discontent and sudden resignation of lord Orford 
 
 Retirement of lord Portland, and favour of lord Albemarle — Intended retreat of Montague 
 from the Treasury-board — Compromise effected by the mediation of Shrewsbury' — Minis- 
 terial arrangements — Correspondence from December, 3 698, to l^.Iarch, 1699. page 665. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. — 1699. — Confidential communications between the duke of Shrewsbury 
 and lord Sunderland — New and ineffectual attempt of Shrewsbury to mediate a recon- 
 ciliation between that nobleman and the whigs — Accepts reluctantly the post of lord 
 chamberlain — Decreasing influence of the whigs — Montague retires from the Treasury- 
 board, and accepts the auditorship of the exchequer — Arrangement in consequence of 
 this change — Correspondence from May to December, 1699 page 586. 
 
xiv CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER X.— 1699... 1700.— Proceedings in parliament on the affair of captain Kidd, 
 and on the resumption of the Irish grants — New attempts to mediate a reconciliation, 
 between Sunderland and the whigs — Mediation of the duke of Shrewsbury solicited— Dis- 
 appointment of the king and lord Sunderland — Dismission of lord Somers — Resentment of 
 the whigs— Vacillation of the king — Various and contradictory overtures to the whigs — 
 Proposal to lord Somers to return to office, rejected — Ineffectual attempts of the king 
 to conciliate the whigs — Meeting of Shrewsbury with the chiefs of the party — Alarming 
 state of the country — Shrewsbury extorts the royal permission to resign — Offends the 
 whigs by his intimacy with Sunderland — Refuses various offices of state — Retires to the 
 continent page 599. 
 
 CHAPTER XJ[.— 1700... 1705— Brief account of the conduct of the duke of Shrews- 
 bury, during his residence at Rome — He refuses to accept a post in the administration, 
 after the accession of queen Anne — Falsely supposed to have been privately reconciled 
 to the church of Rome — Justifies himself against the imputation — His correspondence 
 with lord Godolphin, the duke of Marlborough, and the whig chiefs, from 1702 to 1705. 
 
 page 632. 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— 1705... 1718— The duke of Shrewsbury departs from Rome— Arrives 
 at Venice — Proceeds to Augsburgh — Marries the marchioness of Paleotti — Hopes of the 
 ministry and the whigs to engage him in the administration — Correspondence on the sub- 
 ject — State of parties in England — His interview with the duke of Marlborough, 
 at Frankfort — Declines all proposals to take a share in public affairs — Lands in 
 England — Alienates his whig friends — Correspondence and intimacy with the duke of 
 Marlborough — Joins Harley and the tories, in procuring the disgrace of the whig admi" 
 nistration — Supports the protestant interest at the close of Anne's reign — His subsequent 
 conduct, and death page&5iQ., 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 6,' I. last, after but insert as.— p. 72, I. 4 from bottom, ybr supply read safiety,— p. 78, the letter 
 from the duke of Shrewsbury, dated Jan. 22, 1695, is misplaced. It should have been introduced in 
 p. 108, the date being 1695-0, instead of 1694-5.— jd. 260, I. '22, for western read eastern. — p. 386, 
 /. 25, 26, 27, I have erred in stating Sunderland to have been made president of the council, and 
 prime minister, at the accession of James the second, whereas he was then merely continued in 
 the ofSce of secretary of state, to which he had been appointed by Charles, and did not become 
 president of the council and 'chief minister till 1686.— p. 302, /or 30 June or 10 July read 30 June 
 and JO July. — p. 472, note second, fir probably lord Monmouth read probably lord Sunderland. — 
 p. 613, I. S,for June 13-23 read 13-24, and 1. 19, for Jan. 25-Feb. 4, read Jan. 25-Feb. 5.— The reader 
 wOl also find a few other letters in the seventeenth century misdated, the new style being advanced 
 eleven instead oiten days before the old. — p. 630, 1. 7, for induced rearf inclined. 
 
Works by the Author of these Memoirs : 
 Sold by Longman, Horst, Eees, Orme, & Brows, London. 
 
 1. Memoirs of John, Duke of Marlborough; 
 with his original Correspondence, collected from the 
 Family Records at Blenheim, and other, authentic 
 Sources, in 3 Vols. 4to., 91. 9.s., and a few were printed 
 on Imperial paper, with the arms emblazoned, 18^. 18s. 
 
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PART I. 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE KING. 
 
 From 1689 to 1700. 
 
PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 1689—1692. 
 
 Biographical anecdotes of Charles Talbot, duke of Shrewsbury — He renounces Ike 
 roman catholic religion — Takes an active part in the Revolution — Acquires the 
 confidence of king William — Appointed secretary of state— Difficulties of his 
 situation — Regrets the alienation of the king from the whigs — Commencement of his 
 correspondence with the king — Solicits permission to resign — Remonstrates against 
 
 the system of domestic policy, and the proposed dissolution of parliament Resigns 
 
 the seals, and heads the opposition in the house of lords — The king disgusted with the 
 tories. 
 
 O elucidate the Correspondence, which we are about to 
 submit to the reader, it Avill be proper to introduce a brief 
 account of the life and character of a minister, who possessed 
 the full confidence and esteem of his sovereign, and whose 
 administration comprises one of the most critical periods in our 
 annals. 
 
 Charles Talbot, twelfth earl, and first duke of Shrewsbury, 
 was descended from one of our most illustrious families. He 
 was son of Francis, eleventh earl, by Anna Maria daughter 
 of Robert, second earl of Cardigan. His parents being roman 
 catholics, he was brought up in the strictest principles of that 
 religion, and received a learned education, as appears from 
 numerous comments and remarks on authors, in every branch 
 of literature, Avhich he left in manuscript. 
 
 He was born in I66O. His father being killed in a duel* 
 
 * This duel was occasioned by the discovery of the duke of Buckingham's licentious 
 connection with the countess of Shrewsbury, which has been so often mentioned by our 
 
 B 2 
 
4, CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. 1 
 
 with the duke of Buckingham, he succeeded to the title in the 
 eighth year of his age. Having arrived at years of discretion, 
 he began to entertain doubts concerning the doctrines of the 
 roman cathohc church, which in the reign of Charles the second 
 still formed a subject of the most violent controversy. In this 
 state of mind, he recurred to the advice of the celebrated Dr. 
 Tillotson, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury. He drew from his 
 grandfather, the earl of Cardigan, and from several learned priests 
 of the romish communion, the principal arguments, in favour of 
 the church in which he had been educated. These he submitted 
 to Dr. Tillotson for his replies ; and after a studious investigation 
 of the question for two years, he acquiesced in the reasoning of 
 the learned divine, by renouncing the roman catholic religion, and 
 becoming a convert to the church of England. His first at- 
 tendance on our public worship, was at Lincoln's Inn Chapel, 
 May 4, 1679, in the twentieth year of his age. 
 
 The young earl of Shrewsbury gave a convincing proof of his 
 sincerity, by refusing to reconcile himself to the church of 
 Rome, after the accession of James, though this refusal drew 
 on him the resentment of his bigotted sovereign. The same 
 conviction led him to be among the foremost of those, who 
 opposed the measures of that monarch, for the re-establish- 
 ment of the roman catholic worship ; and as early as May, 
 l687, we find a letter, conveying professions of his zeal to the 
 prince of Orange, who was then endeavouring to gain par- 
 tisans, and ascertain the state of the public mind in England. 
 He was likewise one of the illustrious seven, who signed the 
 Association,* in June, 1688, inviting over the prince. Convinced 
 
 poets and biographers. The countess afterwards espoused George Rodney Brydges, esq. ; 
 of Keynsham, in the county of Somerset, and died April SO, 1702. She always professed 
 a zealous attachment to the roman catholic religion, and maintained a secret correspondence 
 with the court of St. Germains. In Macpherson's Papers, we find abundant proofs of 
 her intercourse with the Stuart agents : an intercourse which exposed her son to unjust 
 suspicions, and involved him in frequent embarrassments. 
 
 * See the draught of this celebrated Association in Dalrymple, App. to B. 5, p. 107, 
 
1689—1692.] WITH T.HE KING. 5 
 
 of the necessity of an immediate revolution, he even mortgaged 
 his estates ; and repairing to Holland, offered his purse and sword 
 to our great deliverer. 
 
 He accompanied the prince to England, and encouraged him 
 with the hope of a general declaration in his favour. While 
 William remained in suspense at Exeter, we are informed by 
 bishop Burnet, that the earl of Shrewsbury was one of the 
 nobles, in whom he chiefly trusted, and by whose advice he 
 drew up his famous Declaration. In the progress of the Revo- 
 lution he took an active part, and was one of the three peers 
 dispatched <by the prince, to treat with those sent by James. 
 In the convention parliament he espoused the cause of 
 William, and opposed the impracticable measures of those, avIio 
 wished to act in the name of James the second, to establish a 
 regency, or to place the crown on the head of Mary. While 
 things remained in confusion, the earl of Shrewsbury, the 
 marquess of Halifax, and the earl of Danby were the peers to 
 Avhom the prince opened his views, and intimated his resolution 
 of returning to Holland, if the parhament should persist in the 
 arrangements, which they seemed disposed to adopt. 
 
 On the settlement of the new government, in which Shrews- 
 bury had taken so active a part, he was nominated one of the 
 privy council, appointed secretary of state, and intrusted with the 
 lord-lieutenancy of three counties. His services, amiable 
 character, deportment, and talents for business, endeared him 
 to William, who considered him as the only person capable of 
 conciliating the two rival parties ; and from his general popu- 
 larity, called him the " king of hearts." 
 
 In his principles Shrewsbury was a moderate Avhig ; but from 
 the circumstances in which he was actually placed, he identified 
 himself with the zealous members of that party, who Avere selected 
 to fill the principal offices of state. After so sudden a change. 
 
 attested by the ciphers of lords Devonshire, Danby, Shrewsbury, Lumley, the bishop of 
 London, admiral Russell, and Mr. Sidney. 
 
6 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 1. 
 
 however, it could not be reasonably expected, that all classes 
 should long remain satisfied, or readily coalesce in the support of 
 the new government. Cabals and machinations naturally arose. 
 The king was alienated from the whigs, by a suspicion that they 
 intended to diminish his prerogative, and reduce him to a mere 
 cipher ; and his feelings were pecuharly wounded, by their refusal 
 to grant him a permanent revenue. The whigs, on their part, 
 were jealous of the partiality manifested by the sovereign to 
 his foreign favourites ; disgusted with his cold and repulsive 
 demeanor, and alarmed by his endeavours to extend his au- 
 thority. Of these contentions the tories adroitly profited. They 
 expatiated on the bias of their principles in favour of the preroga- 
 tive, and professed their anxiety, to grant those powers and 
 advantages, which were withheld by their opponents. Scarcely 
 a year therefore elapsed, before the king manifested a strong 
 aversion to those, who had taken the most active part, in calling 
 him to the throne ; and an equal partiality to those, whose 
 principles were considered as unfavourable to his title, 
 
 Shrewsbury enjoyed too high a share in his confidence, not 
 to be affected with this change in his sentiments ; and foreseeing 
 that he must either renounce his own principles, or withdraw from 
 the party, with whom he was hitherto identified, he became 
 anxious to retire fi'om a situation, surrounded with perils, and ill 
 adapted to his temper, naturally timid and indecisive. These 
 feelings and apprehensions gave rise to the Correspondence 
 which we here present. 
 
 THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY TO KING WILLIAM. 
 
 [Complains of the dilatoriness and lethargy in every branch of administration — States 
 his own ill health and incapacity, and earnestly requests permission to resign. ] 
 
 " London, Aug. ^11 -Sept. 6, I689. — Sir; I have lain in hopes 
 ever since Sunday to have waited upon your majesty myself, but 
 it seems with very little reason ; for instead of that happiness, I 
 have not been able to rise out of my bed, and when I shall, God 
 only can tell ; but it is hke to be so long, I should be very wanting 
 
1689—1692.] WITHTHEKING. 7 
 
 to your majesty, my country, and myself, if I did not now lay 
 before you, your own interest, as well as my condition. I am 
 sure, Sir, your affairs want somebody, whose vigorous health, as 
 well as zeal, might carry them on, with greater spirit and dis- 
 patch, than hitherto they have seemed to move Avith. Every 
 thing at present appears to be at a stand : there has been no 
 fresh committee, nor other council, since I last waited upon 
 your majesty, except that of twelve privy counsellors, which 
 met last night by my appointment. I was not able to attend, 
 but am informed no one thing was done. I do not endeavour 
 to excuse myself from my share of blame in this ruinous 
 lethargy ; but really, Sir, my indispositions of late have 
 been so frequent, and I have the comfortless prospect of so 
 very ill health, for the future, that 1 am very sensible how in- 
 capable I am, to supply a place, where diligence and industry 
 are absolutely requisite. They are talents that naturally I never 
 had, and have now more reason than ever to despair of obtaining, 
 since ill health, as well as a lazy temper, join to oppose it. Sir, 
 there are a thousand faults I see in myself, and more than a 
 thousand that, without question, others see, which made me 
 sensible of my own unfitness for the employment I am now in. 
 I shall ever pay all the acknowledgments and gratitude ima- 
 ginable for your majesty's first and partial choice of me ; and 
 the best return I can now make is, to beg you will be pleased 
 to confer it upon somebody, easily to be found, in all respects 
 more capable of serving you. Jf there is any thing that I think 
 I ought to value myself upon, it is for having always told you 
 sincerely my thoughts ; and I do now, with the same sincerity, 
 affirm in the presence of God, that I think it would be for your 
 majesty's interest, to permit me to retire from a station that, 
 through many incapacities, I am unable to discharge as I ought. 
 
 " I am apprehensive your majesty may think it will look like 
 a hardship done to me, and that your good nature may over-rule 
 your judgment, to refuse me what I thus earnestly beg. I will 
 therefore trouble you with some circumstances relating to myself, 
 that would otherwise be unnecessary and impertinent. Your 
 
8 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 1. 
 
 majesty may remember the employment of secretary of state 
 was what I never solicited for, but rather accepted with fear 
 and trembling, being all my life sensible of my own inabihties, 
 though at that time I could not foresee the accidents that have 
 since happened to increase them. My constitution is ex- 
 tremely impaired, by the frequent returns of these fits, which 
 nothing but rest and quiet can deliver me from ; and the con- 
 sciousness of an obligation to do business, my health will not 
 permit me to follow, puts my mind upon the rack at the same 
 time with my body. The importunities of some people, private 
 business, with my own fears of neglecting the public, make 
 my whole life one continual disquiet ; and at. the same time I thus 
 torment myself, I also prejudice your majesty's affairs, which are 
 neglected by me, whilst they might be effectually done bj' many 
 others. 
 
 " A man in good health and good humour, who is well pleased 
 with the world, and has reason to be so, will undoubtedly take 
 more pains about the things that relate to it, than one whose 
 indisposition, both of body and mind, has levelled his ambition 
 to desire nothing but ease and quiet. I beg your majesty not 
 to interpret what I write, as the melancholy whimsy of a sick 
 man, that will vary with the next recess of his fever ; but as the 
 instant prayer of a faithful servant, who knows his life and for- 
 tune must have the same fate with you and your government ; 
 and therefore, by interest, as well as inclination, is obliged to 
 advise what he thinks must conduce to their safety. 
 
 " It is some weeks since I have had it in my mind to make 
 this humble request to your majesty ; but did not dare go about 
 it till now, that I think your affairs are in so good a posture, 
 that I shall not be suspected of designing to make friends with 
 any other party, which in me would be folly ever to attempt. 
 But what presses most my desiring it at this time, is the great 
 decay of my health, which makes the burthen of my place (too 
 weighty for me at best) now insupportable. I have only at 
 present to beg your majesty will believe I am in earnest, in what 
 I ask, and that when in appearance I shall not be under the same 
 
1689-1692.] WITHTHEKING. 9 
 
 Strict obligations of studying your service and interest, my 
 poor credit and life shall, to the utmost, be employed in what- 
 ever you will command. The tediousness of this letter has 
 already taken up too much of your time. I shall expect no 
 other answer, but somebody to demand the seals, and that they 
 may be bestowed in honest and able hands, is the hearty 
 prayer of," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Refuses to accept his offer of resignation — Refers him to lord Portland.] 
 
 " Hampton Court, Aug. 18-28, 1689. — I cannot conceal my 
 surprise at the contents of your letter, which I received yester- 
 day : as 1 did not imagine that you would propose to quit 
 your post, at this particular time, which would prove very 
 prejudicial to my service, as well as to my kingdom. With 
 the view, therefore, to explain clearly my sentiments, I shall 
 send lord Portland* to you to-morrow, to whom alone 1 have 
 
 * Among the dutch adherents and favourites of king William, William Bentinck, 
 earl of Portland, claims the first place. He was descended from a noble family 
 of Guelderland, and born about 1649. After receiving a liberal education, he was 
 placed about the person of the prince of Orange, in the quality of page of honour. 
 He manifested his attachment to the prince, by attending him during an attack of 
 the smaU-pox, at the risk of his own life, though he had never had the disease, and 
 it was then regarded with scarcely less horror than the plague. This proof of 
 affection made a deep Impression on the mind of William ; and his esteem for so 
 devoted a servant was strengthened, no less by a sense of gratitude, than by a full con- 
 viction of his integrity, prudence, and eminent abilities. 
 
 When the revolution in Holland took place, which restored William to the power 
 and dignity of his ancestors, Bentinck was among the first who shared his favour. 
 After filling a superior place in his household, he was promoted to the command of 
 the first regiment of guards. Notwithstanding his youth, he was employed In mis- 
 sions of great delicacy and importance ; managed the correspondence with the patriots 
 in England ; and superintended the preparations for the memorable expedition of the 
 prince. He accompanied him to England, and held the first place In his confidence at 
 that critical period. 
 
 The change of government being effected, he was rewarded with all the honours 
 which his grateful master could bestow. He was appointed groom of the stole, 
 keeper of the privy purse, and admitted Into the privy council ; and, being naturalised, 
 was raised to the peerage, by the title of earl of Portland. To maintain this dignity, 
 
 C 
 
10 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 1. 
 
 communicated your letter, and I Avill not mention it to any 
 other person. You will please to follow the same example ; 
 and no one can have more esteem and friendship, I beg you to 
 believe, than I have. " 
 
 REPLY OF THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Will submit, though reluctantly, to his majesty's commands — Expatiates on the 
 difficulty and delicacy of his situation, and of finding proper and faithful persons 
 to act under him — Repeats his wish to retire.] 
 
 " London, Sept. 1-11, 10"89. — I make no question. Sir, but 
 
 the king rewarded him with liberal grants in land and money, notwithstanding the 
 strenuous opposition which was made in parliament, and the censures which he encountered, 
 for his liberality to his foreign favourites. 
 
 For a considerable period the earl of Portland was the constant companion and con- 
 fidential friend of his royal patron, and the chief organ of his private communications 
 with Shrewsbury and the other ministers. He was also chosen to conduct the most delicate 
 negotiations with foreign courts, and enjoyed a large share in the secret management 
 of domestic affairs : nor was he less distinguished by that species of merit to which 
 William was peculiarly partial, for he signalised his courage and skill as a soldier, 
 both in the Low countries and in Ireland. 
 
 His want of familiarity with the English language and customs, his reserved temper, 
 and above all, the odium attached to his foreign birth, precluded him from cultivating 
 those friendships and connections, which attract popularity and give stability to favour. 
 Hence his character has been handed down to posterity in the colours of prejudice ; 
 and while his integrity, prudence, and sterling sense have been overlooked, he has 
 been loaded with the imputation of pride and arrogance, and contempt for the nation from 
 whom he derived his wealth and consequence. Indeed he himself candidly acknow- 
 ledged this natural reserve and coldness, which in him, as in his royal master, obscured 
 many great and solid virtues. 
 
 In the course of this correspondence we shall find him supplanted in the royal 
 favour by a younger rival, Arnold Joust Van Keppel, afterwards earl of Albemarle, 
 which induced him to resign his employment at court. But nothing could weaken 
 the high esteem which William entertained of his fidelity, zeal, and prudence ; and he 
 not only continued to entrust to his management the most delicate and confidential 
 affairs, but even on his death-bed gave him the strongest tokens of the most affectionate 
 regard. 
 
 On the demise of William, Portland lost the consequence he had so long en- 
 joyed, and withdrawing to private life, distinguished himself by acts of charity and bene- 
 volence till his death in 1709. — The best account of the earl of Portland is given in 
 Birch's Biographia Britannica ; art. Bentinck. 
 
1689—1692.] W I T II T H E K I N G. 11 
 
 my lord Portland has done me the right, to inform your majesty 
 how entirely I am resigned to whatever you may command, but 
 at the same time, I am sure his judgment is so good, and his 
 affection for your service so real, that he could not but be con- 
 vinced, what I proposed was for the pubhc good ; and I hope 
 though he would not promise me, he represented it as such to 
 your majesty. 
 
 " My incapacity to go through with a place of so much toil 
 and trust, does every day grow more apparent, as my health and 
 strength decay ; and I am sure if my spirits be not dis- 
 burthened of the vexatious thoughts, that my weakness is a 
 prejudice to my king and country, the trouble of my mind will 
 itself be sufficient to hinder my recovery. Upon discourse with 
 my lord Portland, I find what your majesty had already hinted 
 to me, concerning Mr. Vernon,* to be the thought of many, 
 
 * James Vernon, esq. was descended from an antient and honourable family, long 
 seated at Haslington, in the county of Chester. He was the son of Francis Vernon, 
 esq., by Anne, daughter of Mr. Smithes, an alderman of London; and at an early 
 period seems to have been placed in the office of the secretary of state. Here his zeal 
 and diligence attracted the patronage of the earl of Shrewsbury, who appears to have 
 employed him as his private secretary. The imputation here alluded to, we are not 
 enabled to explain ; but it is evident that the experience of his noble patron completely 
 removed it, and that he was not employed as under secretary of state, but treated 
 with a degree of familiarity and confidence, which seldom occurs between a patron 
 and his dependent. 
 
 We shall find Mr. Vernon superseding sir William Trumbull as secretary of state, a 
 post which he continued to hold during the whole reign of king William. He also 
 represented the city of Westminster in parliament, and made no inconsiderable figure in 
 the House of Commons. Soon after the accession of Anne he was removed from his 
 post, and his services rewarded with the lucrative office of teller of the exchequer. He 
 died at the advanced age of 83, in January, 172fi-7, and was buried at Watford in 
 Hertfordshire. He left several daughters and two sons, James, a commissioner of the 
 excise, and Edward, afterwards admiral of the white, and the conqueror of Porto-bello : 
 both fixed their residence in the county of Suffialk. His family was dignified with the 
 peerage in the person of his grandson Francis, who in 1766 was created baron Orwell 
 of Newry, in the county of Down in Ireland, and in 1777 viscount Orwell and earl 
 of Shipbrook. He was the only surviving male of his lineage, and dying at his seat of 
 Orwell Park, near Ipswich, in 1783, the title became extinct. — Ormerod's History of 
 Cheshire — Communications from W. Wood, esq. Bluemantle. 
 
 c 2 
 
12 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I— Ch. 1. 
 
 only with this aggravation, that whereas people have an ill 
 opinion of Dr. Wynn, as suspecting his disaffection only to 
 this government, they have a prejudice to the other's morals in 
 general, and think this was not observed when he was under Mr. 
 Fenton. But he can be faithful to none, it seems, now. I must 
 either employ those that are believed to betray your majesty, 
 or, in the condition I am in, take the whole drudgery upon 
 myself — a hardship I hope your majesty will not impose upon 
 me ; for, as on the one side, I am fully resolved to make use of none 
 that shall be suspected by the world, so I am sure I will take 
 nobody into a place of that trust, I cannot well confide in, think- 
 ing it reasonable in what relates so nearly to myself, to have my 
 share of blame with the rest of mankind. 
 
 " Since I saw my lord Portland, I have made some inquiry 
 concerning men proper for such employment, and cannot find 
 one, with whose ability and integrity I can satisfy myself. It 
 is no wonder I should have acquaintance with none ; for busi- 
 ness was a thing I had always so little to do with, or inclination 
 for, that the men of that trade were ever strangers to me. 
 
 " You see. Sir, how impracticable it is for me to remain, being 
 reduced to one of these three hardships, besides what I have 
 mentioned, of my health : to employ either those, other people 
 cannot trust, such as I myself cannot confide in, or else take the 
 whole toil upon myself. Of the two first, I am sure I will do 
 neither, and hope your majesty will not expect the last from 
 me, the business and subjection being much greater than my 
 parts or constitution could be able to perform. Though men 
 are often very ill judges of their own excellencies, yet generally 
 they may be credited, when they speak to their own defects. 
 I would therefore beg your majesty to believe me, when I 
 do upon my Vord affirm, I am not the same man I was six 
 months since; neither my memory, my application, nor my 
 judgment is, or I believe ever will be, the same. If your ma- 
 jesty will have me continue, I shall infallibly expose your busi- 
 ness and my own reputation and health. I have yet, God be 
 thanked, just enough understanding, to know that I am now fit 
 
1689-1692.] WITH THE KING. 13 
 
 for nothing : if you are not enough convinced already, it would 
 be better to trust me than to find it by your own experience ; 
 that would cost both your majesty and me too dear. Indeed, 
 Sir, my spleen does not make me so ill a judge of myself as you 
 perhaps imagine; I never pass three hours of the day, nor 
 night, without violent torment, of which my mind has its share 
 as well as my body. Nothing but rest from business and retire- 
 ment can ever make me a reasonable creature again : but dis- 
 pose of me, Sir, as you please, for I will show you that I am to 
 the last, Sir, your majesty's," &c. 
 
 To this letter the king making no reply, the earl of Shrews- 
 bury applied to lord Portland, expressing the uncertainty of 
 his situation, and desiring to be informed of his majesty's 
 pleasure. 
 
 " London, Sept. 4, l689. I have troubled the king and your 
 lordship so much already, that if it were only my own business, 
 I would be no more thus impertinent; but his majesty's con- 
 cerns being something mixed with it, makes me venture to give 
 you this one farther trouble. Since you did me the favour to 
 call here, I writ one letter to the king, who was pleased to return 
 word, there was no answer ; upon which I am a little at a stand 
 to know what his majesty in the meantime expects from me ; 
 whether he resolves to put another in my place, or that I shall 
 continue. Two words from your lordship to clear this difficulty 
 would be great charity to a man, whose mind is enough disturbed 
 without this uncertainty. My lord, the short state of my case 
 is this : if the king looks upon my retiring as disrespectful to 
 him, or any way prejudicial to his affairs, I will suffer all ex- 
 tremities rather than insist upon it ; but if it could be represented 
 with the advantages the thing naturally bears, as intended in the 
 first place for his service, it would be a great obligation to, my 
 lord, &c." 
 
 This application extorted a reply from the king, in which 
 he again solicits him to continue in office. 
 
 " Hampton Court, Sept. 5 — 15, 1689- I should not have deemed 
 
14 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 1-. 
 
 it necessary to reply to your last letter, had I not perceived from 
 that which you wrote to lord Portland, that you expect an answer. 
 I therefore entreat you to relinquish at present your intention of 
 resigning the seals, as it would be greatly prejudicial to my ser- 
 vice, and to the welfare of my kingdom. I will use all my endea- 
 vours to render your post as little troublesome to you as possible, 
 and I will speak to you on the subject, Avhen I have the satis- 
 faction of seeing you. I likewise assure you, that no man can 
 feel more friendship for you than I do, of which I will strive 
 on all occasions to give you the most convincing proofs." 
 
 Thus disappointed in his wish to escape from the trammels of 
 office, Shrewsbury observed with equal anxiety and regret, 
 the increasing alienation of the king from the whigs; and his 
 arrangements for proroguing the parliament, in which they were 
 predominant, preparatory to a dissolution and change of ministry. 
 Against this design he therefore remonstrated, in respectful, yet 
 manly terms, in a letter, dated December 22, 1689. 
 
 " Sir; — Since I received your majesty's commands by my 
 lord Portland, I have considered, as well as I am able, the present 
 posture of your affairs, and how they may at this time suit with 
 an adjournment so long as he proposed, which, as I remember, 
 was to the middle of the next month. I think myself obliged in 
 duty to lay before you my sense of this matter ; and though I 
 am very incapable to put any thing in writing, fit for your majesty 
 to speak to your parliament, yet that is not the only reason makes 
 me now decline it, but a thorough conviction that an adjourn- 
 ment for so long a time can be of no advantage, but will cer- 
 tainly prejudice your business For the nation will reasonably 
 conclude, either that you part with your parliament in anger,, 
 which is a bad preparation towards the meeting it again so 
 soon ; or else that you have not that pressing occasion for money, 
 which you and your friends have often represented to them, since 
 you defer their consideration of it for three weeks, without any 
 apparent good reason. Besides, it will more and more exas- 
 perate the house of commons against those persons who have 
 
1689—1692.] WITHTHEKING. 15 
 
 had the ill fortune to be named in this last address, since they will 
 be pointed out as the authors of this advice. 
 
 " By what I find from my lord Nottingham the argument 
 used for this delay is, to expect the church of England men 
 to return, who are gone into the country, and, he says, so 
 depend upon this recess, that they will think themselves un- 
 fairly dealt with, if they are foiled in this expectation. What 
 encouragement they had to rely upon it I do not know ; but 
 supposing they had good grounds, I will say the same thing to 
 your majesty I did to him, that your resolution in this, must 
 be suitable to what you determine, either to join or not join with 
 the church of England. 
 
 " I think your majesty does not suspect me to be so violently 
 biassed to either of these parties, as not to see the faults of 
 both, and the dangers that may likely ensue in joining with each 
 of them. I wish you could have established your party upon the 
 moderate and honest principled men of both factions; but as 
 there be a necessity of declaring, I shall make no difficulty to 
 own my sense, that your majesty and the government are much 
 more safe depending upon the whigs, whose designs, if any 
 against, are improbable and remoter than with the tories, 
 who many of them, questionless, would bring in king James, and 
 the very best of them, 1 doubt, have a regency still in their 
 heads ; for though I agree them to be the properest instruments 
 to carry the prerogative high, yet I fear they have so unrea- 
 sonable a veneration for monarchy, as not altogether to approve 
 the foundation your's is built upon. I hope. Sir, you will excuse 
 this plain dealing, from a man that means your service honestly 
 and heartily, and rather chooses to expose himself to your cen- 
 sure for these lines, than to the remorse of his own conscience, 
 for having writ a speech to a purpose absolutely disagreeing with 
 his own opinion. 
 
 " Sir, my humble advice to your majesty is, that you will be 
 pleased not to adjourn the two houses beyond the Monday after 
 Christmas-day ; or else, that you will leave it to them to 
 
16 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 1. 
 
 appoint their own meeting, which will probably be about the 
 same time. My next request is, that you will pardon this pre- 
 sumption from one that is with all truth, duty, and respect, your 
 majesty's," &c. 
 
 This firm remonstrance deferred, but did not prevent the pur- 
 pose of the king, for on the 27th of January the parliament was 
 prorogued to the 2nd of April. In the interval his majesty 
 carried his design into effect by a dissolution, and the tories were 
 enabled to gain a preponderance in the new elections. At the 
 same time several of that party superseded the whigs in the 
 offices of state. 
 
 A vehement struggle accordingly ensued, between the two 
 parties in the new parhament, which assembled in March, I69O. 
 Among other expedients to embarrass their opponents, the whigs 
 brought forward an act for abjuring king James, by which they 
 hoped to reduce .the tories to the predicament, either of offend- 
 ing the king by opposing it, or of contravening their own 
 principles, by giving it their support. On this point the contest 
 was carried to such a height, that the king was at length 
 obliged to favour the scruples of the tories, by intimating his 
 wish that the parliament would discontinue the discussion. 
 
 Shrewsbury, who had warmly promoted this act, was dis- 
 gusted with these measures, and determined to deliver up the 
 seals. William, however, was still too partial to his favourite 
 minister, to acquiesce in his resignation, and employed the in- 
 fluence of archbishop Tillotson, and other friends, to divert him 
 from his purpose. But nothing could soothe the chagrin of 
 the noble secretary, and it was not without great difficulty that 
 he was dissuaded by bishop Burnet from repairing to the royal 
 presence, in a temper of mind which must have provoked a per- 
 sonal altercation; he however conveyed the seals several times 
 to the king, who refused as often to receive them. He re- 
 mained without acting, till the agitation of his mind threw him 
 into a violent fever, and the seals were dehvered through the 
 hands of lord Portland. He resisted all representations to retain 
 
1689—1692.] WITHTHEKING. H 
 
 this emblem of office, even till the return of the king, who was 
 then preparing for his expedition to Ireland, and relinquished 
 his post on the second of June.* 
 
 The ex-minister maintained his consistency by a vigorous op- 
 position to the measures of the tory administration, and par- 
 ticularly distinguished himself, by the introduction of the bill for 
 triennial parliaments into the house of lords. 
 
 William had, however, advanced too far to recede, and therefore, 
 before the close of the year, he removed the remainder of the 
 whigs, to confide the helm of state entirely to the tories. But in 
 the progress of events, he had cause to regret this hasty resolu- 
 tion, which threw him into the power of a party, many of whom 
 were lukewarm in his cause, others adverse to his title, and all 
 incapable of giving that energy to his government, which cir- 
 cumstances required. We find him, therefore, on his return 
 from the campaign of 1693 disgusted with the mismanagement 
 of his new ministry, and anxious to regain the confidence of the 
 whigs. In this predicament he recurred to the intervention 
 of Shrewsbury. 
 
 * According to lord Clarendon, he sent the seals to the king by admiral Russell : Diary, 
 V. 2, p. 245, June 3 ; but we have the authority of Shrewsbury himself, in a subsequent 
 letter to lord Somers, dated Sept. 22, 1697, for asserting that they were sent by lord 
 Portland. 
 
 D 
 
18 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 2. 
 
 CHAPTER 2. 
 1693—1694. 
 
 Resolution of William to effect a new change in the administration, and reconcile himself 
 with the whigs — Importunes the earl of Shrewsbury to become secretary/ of state — 
 Remarks and correspondence on the subject — changes in the administration in favou'"' 
 of the whigs — Shrewsbury accepts the seals — Rewarded with a dukedom and the garter 
 —Commencement of his administration. 
 
 W ILLIAM had been fully convinced of the necessity of 
 changing his measures, and restoring the whigs to favour, before 
 his departure from England, in the preceding spring of 1693 : and 
 as a prelude to give them hopes, had nominated sir John 
 Trenchard secretary of state, and sir John Somers lord keeper. 
 During his stay on the continent, this necessity pressed more 
 strongly on his consideration ; for the consequences of confiding 
 his affairs to a weak and heterogeneous ministry, were felt in 
 every branch of the administration, and in every rank of the state. 
 The marquis of Caermarthen, president of the council, and prime 
 mover of the government, justly observed, " that the ministers were 
 incompetent to decide one day what the House of Commons 
 would do the next.''* To add to the embarrassments of the king, 
 they were divided by mutual jealousies, more disposed to thwart 
 each other, than to adopt the vigorous measures which were ne- 
 cessary for prosecuting the war; and some in the higher as well 
 as in the subordinate stations, were justly suspected of infidelity. 
 The king had cause also to apprehend, that the earl of Rochester 
 had gained a paramount intiuence over the queen, and was using 
 his interest to promote the views of his party. 
 
 Strongly impressed with these considerations, William returned 
 
 * Dalrymple, Part 3, b. 2, p. 50, 8vq. 
 
1693—1694.] WITHTHEKING. 19 
 
 to England in November 1693, with a full determination of re- 
 conciling himself to the whigs. With this view, he endeavoured 
 to conciliate their confidence, by dismissing the two tory admirals, 
 Delaval and Killigrew, under whose direction the naval service 
 had been scandalously neglected, and by confiding the command 
 of the channel fleet to admiral Russell, the hero of La Hogue. 
 He also took the seals of secretary of state from the earl of Not- 
 tingham. 
 
 Without a moment^s delay, he summoned the earl of Shrews- 
 bury to his presence, and offered him the vacant post of secretary, 
 with the hope that his interposition would regain the affection 
 of the whigs. , But he either was not sufficiently explicit in the 
 declaration of his sentiments, or shewed too strong an inclination 
 to form a motley ministry ; for the conference terminated in a 
 warm altercation, and Shrewsbury retired in disgust to Eyford, 
 his country seat, in Oxfordshire. 
 
 The king, although extremely mortified at this abrupt de- 
 parture, did not intermit his efforts ; but, unwilling to renew his 
 personal- application, at the risk of another refiisal, he employed 
 Mrs. Villiers, his mistress,* to write to the earl of Shrewsbury, 
 pressing his return to London, and his acceptance of the seals. 
 
 In conformity with this command, she strongly urged his ma- 
 jesty's wish-f- with every argument which seemed likely to have 
 an influence on the mind of her noble correspondent. 
 
 " Monday night. — I found the king in a temper I wish you 
 covdd have seen, because I cannot expect it, for your being gone 
 into the country. I saw that concern that I am sure could not 
 but be sincere ; for what design could he have in despair of you, 
 my lord ; saying to me, you were in the wrong, in an agreeable 
 manner of you. I took the liberty to judge of your reason for 
 
 * Elizabeth Villiers was daughter of sir Edward Villiers, and sister of Edward, who was 
 created in 1691 viscount Villiers, and afterwards earl of Jersey. She had been maid of 
 honour to the princess of Orange, and was subsequently married to the earl of Orkney. 
 
 -|- This letter was written in the beginning of November, because the reply of the 
 Earl of Shrewsbury, is dated November 4. 
 
 D 2 
 
20 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut I.— Ch. 2. 
 
 your avoiding to hear. I said I believed you so sincere, that it 
 could be no other but your not being convinced, that he wished 
 you to serve with the esteem that the world has of you. He 
 assured me, that when he valued any body as he did you, he 
 could easily forget some mistakes. In short, my lord, I write 
 now by the king's commands, to assure you, that he desires you 
 to come back, and serve him and the nation ; and since you have 
 the justice done you to be popular, I must say, you ought to 
 return. I cannot think you can refuse him. I said I thought 
 it was impossible, supposing you had thoughts of doing it some 
 few days ago." 
 
 After adding that she was undone, if her application did not 
 succeed, as the king would never forgive the disappointment, she 
 continues : 
 
 " If you doubt what I say, you shall have a letter at or neai- 
 London, to assure you of it from himself. I leave a good deal 
 to Mrs. Lundee * to say, which would make this too long, whom 
 I am extremely obliged to for this favour. I cannot return it 
 but in being just to her, that she merits the trust reposed in her. 
 I have a great satisfaction with the expectation of your answer, 
 for I am persuaded you cannot fail in your judgment in this ; 
 since the king has condescended to ask what you are the only 
 man that can deserve. Upon my word, I did not propose writing ; 
 but pretending to judge of your reasons, shewed that there had 
 been messages ; and therefore being thought sincere, he said I 
 might write in his name, and be believed, though I did not know 
 you.-f He would have Avrit ; but he does not know by whom I send, 
 so it was not thought proper to venture his own hand. This will 
 engage me to what I wish extremely," &c. 
 
 This letter was conveyed to Eyford by Mrs. Lundee, and the 
 
 * Mrs. Lundee, to whom the earl of Shrewsbury was attached, was the daughter of the 
 Jacobite governor of Londonderry, who betrayed the confidence of William, and deserted 
 his command during the celebrated siege of that town. She appears to have been on 
 terms of particular friendship with Mrs. Villiers. 
 
 ■f Probably something omitted in the original. 
 
1693—1694.] WITH,THEKING. 21 
 
 most sanguine hopes were entertained by the king and his confi- 
 dant, that the earl would yield to their joint solicitations. How 
 great, therefore, was their surprise and regret, on receiving a pe- 
 remptory refusal, contained in a letter to Mrs. Villiers, dated, 
 Nov. 4, 1693. 
 
 " It is impossible to be more highly sensible than I am of the 
 favourable thoughts the king has been pleased to express con- 
 cerning me, nor be more convinced of the obligations I have to 
 you, madam, for your part in this matter. It challenges all the 
 duty and gratitude in my power, both to the king and to your- 
 self; and could I be persuaded that my service would be of any 
 use to his majesty, or to the public, there are no difficulties of 
 any kind should hinder me from begging I might be employed, 
 with the same earnestness I now beg I may be excused, because 
 of the unfitness of my own temper for the present circumstance 
 of affairs ; and this, upon my word, is my true reason to decline 
 what otherwise would be my interest to take. I speak this 
 plainly, because I hope you will believe me; and if you do, I am 
 sure you have goodness enough not to condemn me, for doing what 
 my judgment teaches me is right, though I should be mistaken. 
 
 " If this matter be laid before the king, I promise myself justice 
 from him. There is a word or two in your letter, that makes me 
 tremble when I think of it ; and had I not known it had been 
 impossible this could be any prejudice to you, that thought would 
 have gone further to persuade me than any argument I have 
 lately heard used ; for your sincere and generous proceeding in 
 this business, has obliged me more than is possible to express.'' 
 
 The effect of this refusal upon the king and Mrs. Villiers will 
 be best explained in a letter from Mrs. Lundee, written soon after 
 her return from Eyfi)rd, from which, however, it will be evident 
 that they still retained hopes of overcoming his repugnance. 
 
 " Nov. 10. — I could not write sooner than this post to you, 
 because I did not get to London till Sunday evening. My friend* 
 was surprised at my ill success. She said but little, but I believe 
 
 * Mrs. Villiers. 
 
22 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I— Ch. 2. 
 
 thought enough. She still wishes you could change, as she is 
 convinced the king desires the same, with more sincerity than is 
 possible to make you believe. She is angry, but it is in your 
 power to make her otherwise. The severest thing I heard her say 
 was, your obstinacy was even to a passion. But I could not 
 suffer her to mistake so much, as to give the worst character to 
 what deserved the best ; for I told her what she called obstinacy 
 in you, I knew was resolution and courage, in persevering in 
 whatever your judgment directed you was right, though never so 
 contrary to your humour ; but granting you were wrong in your 
 opinion, till you could be convinced, you are in the right to persist 
 in it. And certainly among all the virtues, this firmness of mind 
 justly challenges the precedency, and is the guardian of all the 
 rest. 
 
 " Now, to comfort you for frightening you in this part of my 
 letter, I must tell you the justice I did you was not ineffectual, for 
 she thinks of you as I do, and what can you desire more ? She told 
 me the whole time I was away, her thoughts were employed 
 studying how to oblige you. I think there were a great many 
 advantageous things designed for you, to recompence the trouble 
 of the seals ; a dukedom was to have been given you immediately, 
 and in so pretty a manner, you were not to know it till your 
 patent was passed for it. This is a secret, and you must never 
 take notice that I gave you the least hint of it. Believe me, this 
 has not dazzled my eyes so much as to make me let fall one word 
 to persuade you to come into the government. But your friend 
 has assured me every thing goes well beyond expectation, and 
 being assured of her sincerity, and indeed having a good opinion 
 of her judgment, I cannot but wish you would consider once more, 
 and do not be partial to your own sense, though I am persuaded 
 it is very good ; yet what the fortune-teller said of you, runs on 
 my mind : ' You were one that would often stand in your OAvn 
 light.' I fancy you will have a letter from the king. This you 
 must not seem to know neither, for it would injure me, and not 
 serve you. 
 
 " Pray write to me the post you receive this ; and let me hear 
 
1693—1694.] WITHTHEKING. 23 
 
 when you think of coming to London, and how long you will be 
 in town before I shall see you. I believe you will hardly read my 
 letter, but I cannot help it : my head aches intolerably." 
 
 Failing in these private overtures, William had no other resource 
 than to make a direct appeal to some of the whig leaders, hoping 
 that their interference would evince his sincerity, and prove suc- 
 cessful. He accordingly made an official communication, through 
 Mr. Wharton, comptroller of the household, which was seconded 
 by admiral Russell, and their arguments were enforced by the 
 private solicitations of the ladies. 
 
 MR. WHARTON TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 " Dec. 1, 1693. — My lord ; I am commanded by the king to 
 acquaint your lordship, that he hath not hitherto disposed of the 
 seals, in hopes that you may be inclined to serve. In order to 
 which, when I asked his particular directions what argunjents I 
 should make use of to induce you to it, telhng him that nothing I 
 could say (as from myself) could have much weight, your declin- 
 ing it hitherto proceeding, in my opinion, from what had passed 
 betwixt his majesty and your lordship, of which I knew not the 
 particulars, and to which I could say nothing ; he told me then, 
 and commanded me to write you word, that whatever might pass 
 in discourse betwixt his majesty and yourself, he is very far from 
 disliking your principles, or having any sort of unkindness or pre- 
 judice to your person. That he is more convinced every day, that it 
 is for his interest, and that of the public, to pursue such measures 
 in the management of his affairs, as he knows will be agreeable to 
 you ; and that if you will be prevailed upon in it, he is most con- 
 fident that you shall not disagree in any thing material, and doth 
 promise to order it so, that you shall have no sort of reason to 
 repent your entering into his service. 
 
 " That I might not make any mistake in a matter of this conse- 
 quence, by misrepresenting what the king said to me, or putting 
 his commands into other words than he should approve of, I have 
 ihis morning shewed this to him, and by his commands I now send 
 it to your lordship. 
 
24 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I. Ch. 9... 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Dec. 1, 1693.— My lord ; Mr. Wharton has this morning 
 shewed me a letter he sends to you by the king's commands, as also 
 he has told me what steps had been made with him, to prevail with 
 him to write it; by which it does appear the king has still his 
 thoughts of you. What the king says in his letter, I hope for his 
 and our service he will perform. It Avill be very impertinent in me 
 to advise or persuade in this matter, but this I must say, if you 
 accept of the seals, it will be a great satisfaction to the sober party, 
 as they tell me. You know my thoughts, and therefore I will con- 
 clude with assuring you of my being," &c. 
 
 MRS. E. VILLIERS TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Dec. 1, 1693. — The king desired me to give you this trouble, 
 my lord. I cannot hope to persuade, nor can I believe it necessary, 
 since he shews that extreme inclination for your serving him, even 
 when things go well. I say that, to convince you it can be no 
 design, but what you wish : I thought the same before, or I had 
 never endeavoured to have made you uneasy. I have had so great 
 a share in Mr. Wharton's letter, that I may pretend to join with 
 him; for I carried the message from. him. But I do assure you, 
 nobody but the king knows of my former pains in this matter. I 
 hope with great satisfaction, since this will unite the whole party 
 for ever, which will- continue me, my lord, to be," «&;c. 
 
 MRS. LUNDEE TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " JDec. 1. — I expect you are conquered, some hours before you 
 receive this ; for I believe you can no longer resist the importunity 
 of the king, and the intercession of the person who sends you the 
 inclosed. If an accident had not happened, this express would 
 have been with you before Mr. Wharton's. If you come to town, 
 I do not question but you will compliment her with your yielding, 
 which will be, I find, agreeable enough to the king.; and for all I 
 know, may be one of your best reasons for doing it. For my part, 
 I shall forbear giving my opinion at this time, because it is imper- 
 
1693-1694] WITHTHEKING. 25 
 
 tiuent, where it can be of no consequence. But nothing can pre- 
 vent my wishing that Providence may be your director ; for I own 
 it is a difficult matter either to undertake or let it alone. You must 
 never take notice of those particular favours, which were to be 
 placed on you, which I told you of in my last. Write me a 
 long letter. I do not know whether I ought to wish you to come, 
 though it is cowardice in me not to do it ; for they assure me here, 
 that your party, as they call it, does wonders. If you think that 
 can be true, come ; but if you have the least doubt, for God's sake, 
 never undertake it. * * * * 
 
 " I have a great deal to tell you when I see you." 
 Even these solicitations, however flattering, failed of success ; for 
 in the interval, Shrewsbury appears to have conceived some disUke 
 at the conduct of the whigs themselves, which his letters do not 
 specifically explain. 
 
 THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY TO MR. WHARTON. 
 
 " Dec. 2, 1693. — Sir; I am sensible it is a great misfortune to 
 receive comnjands from a prince one would willingly serve, and at 
 the same time find something in one's-self, that makes it impossible 
 to obey him. At the time I first waited upon the king, I must 
 declare I went with all the real intentions imaginable, to enter into 
 his service, if he should be pleased to think me wbrthy of it ; but 
 something that passed then, having given a delay to that matter, I 
 have now had more time, and some opportunities to observe how 
 unfit I am for a court. I doubt whether I am skilful enough to 
 agree, even with those of whose party I am reckoned, in several 
 notions they now seem to have of things ; and if that should prove 
 so, joined with the nmny other defects, which make me improper 
 for a place of so much industry and application, I beg the king 
 would have the justice to consider how useless I should be to his 
 affairs, and how inconsiderable 1 shall appear in them. Some time 
 before I went out of town, I communicated to you a design I had, 
 with the king's permission, of travelling into Spain. The more I 
 consider my own temper and circumstances, the more I am con- 
 firmed in that resolution. In the mean time, I beg you will 
 
 E 
 
26 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.-Ch. 2. 
 
 represent my gratitude for his majesty's favour, with all the terms 
 of duty on ray part you can express ; for nothing you can say, I 
 am sure, can equal the real sense of it. But I am confident the 
 king will not command me, nor would you advise any friend, to 
 take upon him an employment, that he is almost certain, before- 
 hand, he shall not acquit himself of with satisfaction to his master 
 or the pubUc. Shew your friendship, pray, and, if possible, make 
 my excuse in as dutiful a manner as 1 mean it ; and you will lay 
 me under an obligation never to be forgotten by your's," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SHREV\^SBURY TO MRS. E. VILLIERS. 
 
 " Dec. 2, 1693. — When you, madam, have attempted to 
 persuade, and have failed, you may conclude the thing is impos- 
 sible; for nobody can find better arguments, nor given in so 
 agreeable a manner ; but the main objection still remains, which is, 
 my own temper, that nobody can know the difficulties of so well as 
 myself. Besides, since I wrote my last letter to you, I find by the 
 votes, that there is not such a thing left in being as a party of 
 my mind. Either they or I are much changed since last year, 
 and be it one or the other, my figure in that station is likely to be 
 very odd ; hated by one side, for coming in the room of a man* 
 they reckon a martyr for their cause ; and not fully agreeing with 
 the other, in the late notions they seem to have entertained. I see 
 myself so unfit for the world, that I am confirmed in a. resolution 
 that sometime since I had taken, of traveUing ; but that is little to 
 the present purpose, only that I love honestly to tell my mind, 
 because I fancy to a distinguishing judgment, there is that peculiar 
 to truth, that it carries its own evidence; and if I can convince 
 you, that I act to the best of my understanding, you will have that 
 charity for me, as to make my excuse to the king, in the best 
 manner you can ; and you may truly say for me, that I am in the 
 highest degree sensible of this favour. But whilst I am begging 
 you to make my peace there, I wish I did not stand in as mufch 
 need of having mine made with you. I hope you will conclude 
 
 * Nottingham. 
 
1693—1694.] WITHTHEKING. 27 
 
 that those actions upon which one's whole reputation depends, are 
 not to be guided by compliments ; and if you knew the uneasiness 
 it is to me, when I think I act contrary to your commands, you 
 would believe, that I fear I never shall have an opportunity to 
 shew you with how much esteem," &c. 
 
 The last resource was, to try again the eflfect of personal persua- 
 sion ; and accordingly, we find, that Shrewsbury was once more 
 summoned to wait on the king, with the hope that he would not 
 presume to refuse a direct and pressing offer. Accordingly, when 
 he repaired to London, to attend his duty in parliament, he was 
 invited by Mrs. Villiers to a private interview, that she might 
 convey to him farther communications from the king, and 
 enforce his majesty's earnest solicitations that he would again 
 accept the seals. While he delayed obeying this summons, the 
 impatience of the king increased, and Mrs. Lundee was com- 
 missioned by her friend to solicit a meeting with him the ensuing 
 day, for the purpose of imparting some information relative to a 
 proposal, which, the next morning, would be made to him from 
 his majesty. Shrewsbury, however, persisted in his determina- 
 tion, and prudently endeavoured to elude a meeting, which could 
 only tend to increase the embarrassment likely to arise from such 
 repeated importunities. We find him accordingly expressing these 
 sentiments in his reply to the note of Mrs. Lundee : 
 
 " Dec. 18, 1693. — It was two or three o'clock this morning 
 before I came home, and therefore could not answer your 
 summons last night ; but was infinitely surprised to find that there 
 must never be an end of this matter. Could I have thought it pos- 
 sible, I would have buried myself yonder this winter in the snow. 
 It is most certain one cannot refuse to attend Mrs. Villiers ; though 
 the more inclination one has to comply, and the more respect one 
 has for every thing she commands, the more one is tempted to do 
 a rude thing, and keep out of her sight ; for nothing can be in- 
 vented more tormenting, than to be forced to refuse, what is 
 earnestly pressed by a person one wishes to serve and obey. But, 
 however, this, I see, and more, must be endured ; because people 
 will not think me so sincere as really I am ; and that the difficul- 
 
 E 2 
 
28 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 2. 
 
 ties I have made are only to be the more courted. I avoided 
 going to Kensington the last week, though I really thought it was 
 even unmannerly in me not sooner to pay my duty to the king ; 
 but being determined not to do what was expected, I apprehended 
 making my court would look rather coquetting than dutiful or 
 civil ; and am afraid my being yesterday at Whitehall, has met 
 with that interpretation. 
 
 " It falls out that a great deal of company is to dine with me, 
 that I know not how to disappoint ; and parliament hours being so 
 very uncertain, I must beg it may be deferred to some other day, 
 that she will command ; for it will be impossible for me to day to 
 be punctual to an hour.'' 
 
 Notwithstanding the peremptory tone of this letter, he was again 
 importuned by the ladies in the name of the king ; and besides a 
 note from Mrs. Lundee, received a message from Mrs. Villiers, 
 comitianding him to wait upon his majesty, and communicating to 
 him previous information on the subject of his audience. 
 
 MRS. LUNDEE TO THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Thursday, one o'clock, Dec. 26, 1693. — ^The message you had 
 this morning, if I had not been enjoined, you should have had last 
 night. Pray God you may come off without angering your master 
 too much. I think you, of all mankind, the most impartial, and 
 therefore I have less fear you will ever depend upon the honesty of 
 your party, so far as to put it into the power of any of these 
 persons to injure you. 
 
 " I was with Mrs. Villiers just now. She desired me to tell you 
 that she would by no means have you let the king know she sent 
 Mr. Felton with a message to you ; for he desired her to see you ; 
 but she thought letting you know it by him less trouble, because I 
 believed you are resolved. I seemed concerned this matter should 
 be pressed so far, as a meeting with the king ; but she said it is 
 occasioned purely out of kindness to you ; for making your answer 
 positive to him, would have incensed him so much : and she saysj 
 she has all along taken great care to persuade him of your kind- 
 ness to him, as well as of your truth ; for my part, 1 am not 
 
1693— 1694.J WITHTHEKING. 29 
 
 concerned you are to see him ; for now there will be no groundless 
 persecution. If you have time enough to throw away so, I should 
 be very glad to see you for an hour or two any day this week ; 
 after that, you will have a day of jubilee, for you shall be vexed no 
 more by any of us. I shall be in pain till I know how you and the 
 great monarch part. Do not you be unreasonable, I beg you, for 
 your devilish party are v.ery angry already. 
 
 " Mrs. Villiers, I believe, expects a compliment from you. 
 Write such a letter as she may see, and remember not to name Mr. 
 Felton to the king. 
 
 " May I entreat you to burn this, and believe I will never write 
 nor tell yoja a lie while I live/' 
 
 We find no reply to this note; but a letter from the earl of 
 Shrewsbury to Mrs. Villiers, will sufficiently develope his em- 
 barrassment and extreme anxiety, lest he, in his audience, should 
 offend his majesty, as he had done before, by a frank avowal of his 
 sentiments. 
 
 " Dec. 25, 1693. — I received this morning by Mr. Felton, 
 a message from your ladyship, by which I am commanded 
 to Avait upon the king. I have such a dread, from what 
 happened the last time, that though it is an honour I must 
 not refuse, yet I cannot help receiving it with great 
 apprehension ; and the more, because I am given to under- 
 stand that his majesty intends me the honour to offer me the 
 seals. I have said and writ so much to you, madam, upon this 
 subject, that I should not now repeat how unfit I know myself 
 for that or any other place, relating to the ministry ; and that 
 nothing can prevail with me to take this employment, where I 
 shall be useless and insignificant to the king, as well as uneasy to 
 myself; but I think it more respectful to his majesty, that he 
 should know this beforehand, than that I should remain in a 
 doubtful silence till I am brought to him, and give occasion for a 
 fresh discourse, that I have refused a place, that I am sensible too 
 much honour is done me when it is offered. 
 
 " You will believe it very natural to wish I might be excused 
 receiving it ; at the same time that I must confess myself obstinate 
 
30 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 2. 
 
 in any thing of consequence, I have upon consideration rest Ived. 
 I am to the last degree uneasy, when I cannot comply with the 
 king's commands, who has shewed so much more favour to me 
 than I could expect. 
 
 " I dare say no more now, lest this letter should not come into 
 your hands, before you see the king ; but after having laid so many 
 obligations upon me, you must conclude me the most ungrateful 
 creature breathing, if I am not," &c. 
 
 From subsequent letters, it appears, that Shrewsbury, appre- 
 hensive of a new altercation, succeeded in excusing himself, though 
 with difficulty, from a personal audience. 
 
 We have no farther documents on this interesting transaction, 
 and therefore we can only observe, that affairs continued in the 
 same anxious suspense, till a short time before the king's 
 departure lor the continent, in the spring of 1694. He then 
 adopted a new system of policy, by raising some of the other 
 whig chiefs to the principal posts of his government. Admiral 
 Russell was placed at the head of the admiralty, Mr. Montague 
 was made a commissioner of the treasury, and soon afterwards, 
 chancellor of the exchequer ; and the favours of government 
 again flowed on the heads of that party, though Godolphin and 
 some other moderate tories were still retained, on the condition 
 that they should give a vigorous support to the war. Shrewsbury 
 himself was at length convinced that the king was sincere, and 
 again accepted the seals as secretary of state. His compliance 
 was rewarded with a dukedom, and the order of the garter. He 
 enjoyed the principal share in the confidence and favour of the 
 monarch ; and from that period was considered as the head of the 
 administration.* 
 
 * The contents of this chapter are principally drawn from the original correspomlence 
 which passed on this occasion, and which was preserved by the duke of Shrewsbury. It is 
 indorsed, " Letters from Mrs. Villiers, Mrs. Lundee. &c. when I was solicited to accept 
 the seals the second time." The replies of the duke are draughts in his own hand-writinw, 
 with many erasures and corrections. 
 
1694.J WITHTHEKING. 31 
 
 CHAPTER 3. 
 1694. 
 
 Transactions in 1694:— Causes of the failure of the attempt on Brest — Naval expedition 
 under admiral Russell to the Mediterranean — Military movements and intelligence — 
 Correspondence during the absence of the king abroad, from, May to July. 
 
 JL HE king departed for the continent on the 6th of May, leav- 
 ing, as usual, the administration of affairs in the hands of the queen, 
 and soon afterwards commenced his correspondence with the 
 minister. The leading topics are, the unfortunate attempt against 
 Brest, and the naval expedition to the Mediterranean, under 
 admiral Russell. 
 
 The failure of the attempt on Brest has been ascribed to the 
 secret intelligence conveyed by the Jacobites and friends of the 
 exiled family, to the court of St. Germains ;* but this correspond- 
 ence will shew, that the causes may be more naturally traced to 
 the publicity of the design itself, to the delays in equipment and 
 preparation,-]^ to the want of an adequate land force, and to the 
 rashness of the officers entrusted with the execution. Such was 
 evidently the opinion of the king and minister, and the latter in 
 particular anticipated a disappointment, even before its de- 
 parture. 
 
 The naval expedition to the Mediterranean was intended to 
 curb the efforts of France in that quarter, to protect the coasts of 
 Spain, and particularly to assist in the defence of Barcelona, 
 which was on the point of falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 The cautious conduct and guarded advice of the cabinet council, 
 
 * See Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough, Chapter 6. 
 
 ■j- The continuator of Rapin observes, that the expedition was the conversation of the 
 town for above a month before it Sailed. 
 
32 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. S. 
 
 will manifest the difficulties to which the king was continually re- 
 duced, and the responsibility to which he was exposed by his 
 timid ministry. It will be seen, indeed, that this important service 
 could not have been accomplished, had not the spirit of the king 
 over-ruled the doubts and objections of his servants, and the un- 
 expected opposition of admiral Russell himself, who was averse to 
 so long an absence from England, and disliked a species of service, 
 at that time, new and untried in the system of naval operations. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Wishes admiral Russell to sail for the Mediterranean— Hopes the preparations for the 
 attack on Brest are matured — Regrets that his own continuance in England has 
 prevented him from anticipating the enemy in the field.] 
 
 a 
 
 Loo, May 14 24, 1694. — There can no longer be any doubt 
 that the squadron which left Brest on the 7th of this month has 
 sailed for the Mediterranean, after joining the ships from Rochfort, 
 so that admiral Russell has no time to lose in following them ; and 
 although it is not in your department, I am well assured that you 
 will use your endeavours to hasten his departure, and persuade 
 him to leave to the squadron, which remains in these parts, the 
 execution of the attempt on Brest, hoping that from the westerly 
 winds which have for some days prevailed here, the provision or 
 store-ships, and the galliots, with bombs, may have reached Ports- 
 mouth, and that the vessels of war may have been paid ; and as 
 the wind is now turned to the east, the whole may be ready to 
 put to sea, or it will be too late to prevent the design of the 
 enemy ; nor do I see how this will in any manner prevent the 
 attempt on Brest. You will, I am convinced, take care that none 
 of these affairs shall be neglected. 
 
 " The enemy are collecting their troops from all quarters. I 
 have also ordered ours to take the field ; and I am preparing to 
 depart from hence, and join the army in three or four days. The 
 length of the session in parliament, which detained me in England, 
 occasioned my losing a favourable opportunity of anticipating 
 the movements of the enemy This 1 told you before my de- 
 parture, and now, that I am on the spot, T am more clearly con- 
 
1694.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 33 
 
 vinced of its truth. God knows when we shall again have so 
 good an opportunity, the loss of which we shall have cause to 
 regret this whole campaign." 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 [Will execute his majesty's commands — Anticipates a failure at Brest.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May %^-June 2, 1694. — As soon as I received the 
 honour of your majest/s letter of the 14th, I gave Mr. Russell 
 an account, by the first opportunity, of your commands ; and 
 find by a letter I have just seen, from him to Mr. Secretary, that 
 he himself is very fearful, that the delays in attempting the two 
 services at once, will spoil the design in the Mediterranean. I 
 understand, that your majesty is constantly informed by Mr. 
 Secretary of what relates to the fleets, therefore I shall not 
 trouble you wiih the repetition. The wind stands now so di- 
 rectly west, that I conclude Mr. Russell Avill very soon come to 
 St. Helen's ; but whether he do that, or remain where he now is, 
 at Torbay, which he will do in case the wind turn easterly, in 
 expectation of being joined by the rest of the fleet, your majesty 
 may assure yourself, that nothing on my part shall be wanting, to 
 press him to lose not one moment, that can be gained, to go im- 
 mediately away with the squadron he designs for the Streights, 
 and leave the rest of the fleet to execute what may be done else- 
 where, of which, as I must own, I never had any great opinion, 
 so now less than ever, because of the delays which have been 
 made, and the alarm it has given beyond sea." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING.* 
 [Lord Normanby displeased, because he was not summoned to the meetings of the council.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May 11-21, 1694. — Sir; you were pleased not 
 only to allow, but to command me, to apply to yourself, in any 
 thing I thought most proper to be communicated to you alone. 
 
 ♦ We have here, as in other parts, placed these two first letters, dated May 11-21 and 
 May 22-June 2, a little out of the regular order, that we may not interrupt a series of 
 the other letters, which mostly refer to a diflferent subject. 
 
 F 
 
U CORRESPONDENCE [Pari I— Ch. 3. 
 
 It has happened, that within these two days, I have been engaged 
 in a negotiation, of which I think it absolutely necessary to give 
 your majesty an account, just as it fell out. 
 
 " By her majesty's directions, I suppose, Mr. Secretary 
 'JVenchard, upon Wednesday last, writ letters to my lord keeper, 
 lord Portland, privy seal, lord Sydney, and myself, to meet at his 
 office to consult about the two services that are now expected 
 from the fleet, viz. that of the Mediterranean and the attempt 
 upon Brest. This being at Mr. Secretary's office, where many 
 people came in upon business, could not be such a secret, but 
 the marquis of Norman by* hearing of it, came to me yesterday 
 morning, and so positively assured me, that your majesty had, in 
 express terms, promised him to be called to all councils, when 
 any, in what place soever, should be summoned, that he could 
 not believe but this proceeding of the queen, in leaving him out 
 in any consultations, must proceed from a mistake, and there- 
 fore desired me to go to her majesty, and to acquaint her, how 
 he understood himself to be left here, entrusted with your ma- 
 jesty's business of the most secret concerns. I waited upon the 
 queen accordingly, and she was pleased to permit me to tell my 
 lord again, that your majesty's instructions to her were, that there 
 should be no cabinet council ; but lords should be summoned, 
 sometimes one, and sometimes another, as they should be judged 
 most proper for the business they were to advise about ; only 
 some whose employments belong to the crown, made it necessary 
 they should not be excluded. This answer was very far from 
 satisfying my lord, who, depending upon your majesty's promise, 
 that he should never be left out in these cases, thought he was ill- 
 used, and insisted much, that he should at least be summoned to 
 all the other meetings of this kind, till your majesty should clear 
 this point, which the queen not thinking fit to do, he has, I sup- 
 
 * John Sheffield, earl of Mulgrave, recently created marquis of Normanby, and after- 
 wards duke of Buckingham. He was at this period only a privy counsellor ; and from 
 his personal attachment to king James, was considered as doubtful in fidelity to the reign- 
 ing sovereign. Though esteemed by the king, he was not employed in any other post of 
 trust or confidence. 
 
1694.1 W I T H T H E K I N G. C5 
 
 pose, writ a letter to your majesty, to lay this complaint before 
 you. I think myself obliged, having discoursed two or three 
 times with him upon this subject, to tell your majesty that I find 
 by him, that in case this distinction be made between him and any 
 other person whatever, no expedient of calling him sometimes, 
 and not others, will in the least soften this, which he calls an 
 affront. I am very unable to offer any advice in this matter, not 
 being acquainted with what value your majesty puts upon his 
 satisfaction; but this leads me into the consideration, that this 
 manner we are now in, of holding secret councils will, most cer- 
 tainly, give the same reasons of discontent to my lord steward, 
 chamberlain, and all the rest, who are not constantly admitted, as 
 if actually they were excluded ; and though one may imagine, 
 that in these summer months, there should be seldom occasion of 
 calling these councils, since we shall, I hope, be free from the 
 great occasions of fear from our enemies ; yet frequent accidents 
 will arise, upon Avhich orders can never, in your absence, be given, 
 unless some people do meet to take the lead, that otherwise would 
 lie upon one, in advising the queen in matters it cannot be pre- 
 sumed she herself can be thoroughly informed of. It is much 
 easier to lay before your majesty the difficulties of this present 
 method, than to propose another, free from exception ; but this, 
 with submission, is clear, if business of no great moment offers, 
 there is the less reason, upon small matters, to give a general dis- 
 satisfaction. It is most certain, my lord Normanby, if he be 
 not called constantly, will be disobliged to the last degree; 
 and if he should be called, and my lord steward,* and my lord 
 chamberlain,-]- and perhaps some others, left out, as certainly 
 they would have the same reason of dissatisfaction. 
 
 " I must own, that if there be any body you suspect would 
 betray you or your counsels, it is much better disobliging that 
 person, than entrusting him with things of a less nice nature, than 
 such as may come before a cabinet council ; but whether it be so 
 
 * Duke of Devonshire. "f* The earl of Dorset. 
 
 p 2 
 
36 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 3 
 
 advisable at this time to hazard the dissatisfying men of consi- 
 deration, Avho are in your interest, rather than admit them to 
 councils, where they intend no hurt, 1 shall humbly submit to your 
 majesty, begging your pardon for this freedom and length of 
 letter." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " JVhitehaU, May 15-25, 1694.— Sir ; having troubled your 
 majesty last post with a long letter of my fears, I am very 
 glad to learn from what the queen has been pleased to tell 
 me, of my lord steward's manner of discoursing to her, that 
 some of them were vain. I am sure his taking it so right, will 
 have influence upon others, who cannot reasonably complain, 
 if he be satisfied. I cannot answer that it will have that good effect 
 upon the marquis of Normanby, but rather believe the contrary, 
 because he still insists upon a promise from your majesty. We 
 find some other inconveniences in this method of meeting : it being 
 a council that is not thought fit to be allowed, we cannot so well 
 summon the admiralty, nor other persons, to attend, whose infor- 
 mation we often stand in need of; but if once the land forces are 
 on board, and the fleet joined, in order to its being divided again, 
 as Mr. Russell shall judge proper, the other service of this summer 
 will, I hope, afford less difficulty." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [On some favour requested for lord Montagu — Wishes . to resign the lord lieutenancy of 
 North Wales — Recommends lord Carberry as his successor.] 
 
 ''Whitehall, May 18-28, 1694. — Sir; with this, your majesty will 
 receive a letter from my lord Montagu,* which he has com- 
 municated the contents of to me already. There is no question but 
 his family and his estate make him fit to receive any honour your 
 majesty may think proper to confer upon any body ; and I must 
 own, 1 have ever lived so kindly with him, arrd wish him per- 
 
 * Ralph lord Montagu, afterwards duke of Montagu, 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 37 
 
 sonally so well, that I should be glad of any mark of favour your 
 majesty should be pleased to shew him ; but much doubting 
 whether at a time you seem to have closed your intentions of pro- 
 motions of that'kind, you will be disposed to grant such a favour as 
 he has asked, I think it may not, on the other side, be improper to 
 give a doubtful answer, till such a time as your majesty shall 
 return. You will then be best able to judge how far it may be fit to 
 oblige a man, who is certainly very able, and I believe may be 
 made very willing to serve you. Before I close this letter, I 
 cannot but observe to your majesty what I have already taken 
 notice of, that you have been pleased to confer upon me the 
 honour of b,eing your lieutenant in North Wales, where I have 
 neither estate nor acquaintance, and consequently no interest to 
 serve you, as one in that post ought to do. I always understood 
 it was for want of somebody better qualified, that 1 was put 
 thereupon, and that when any fit person could be found, I should 
 be discharged; your majesty will allow me now to present my 
 lord Carbury* to you, for whose fidelity and service I will be 
 answerable. I did not offer him to you sooner, because I could 
 not beheve that he would accept such a half-lieutenancy without 
 pension, when his father, of much less merit, was president of the 
 whole, with a considerable allowance. Whatever my lord Cafbury 
 may have done in quitting the admiralty, that may have been 
 displeasing to your majesty ,•!• I must ingenuously own myself to 
 have been in great part the occasion of, and pretend to more 
 interest in him, than in any one man alive; and if your majesty 
 will, upon my word and consideration, allow him this mark of 
 your confidence, I am sure you will gain a man of very good parts 
 and courage to your service. And if the obliging me be any 
 argument, you will do it much more than you can believe, from 
 ihe consequence the thing appears to have, since much more, as to 
 
 * John Vaughan, earl of Carbui-y, or Carberry, in Ireland,, and baron Emelyn in the 
 county of Caermarthen. 
 
 •f- He left the admiralty in 1690, about the time that the duke of Shrewsbury resigned 
 the seals. 
 
S8 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 3. 
 
 my particular, depends upon it, than your majesty will easily 
 imagine. 
 
 " Sir, I have been so much more troublesome to you than 1 
 designed, that I must beg you will order Mr. Blaithwayt to make 
 answer to such things as you shall think fit, and not trouble your- 
 self, unless with what you judge proper only for y(mr own 
 knowledge." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Disapproves the marquis of Nonnanby''s pretensions — Grants the lieutenancy of Wales to 
 lord Carberry — Urges the departure of the fleet.] 
 
 " May 2^-June 1, 1694. — Since the departure of the last courier, 
 I received, at Loo, your letter of the 11th, and here this morning 
 those of the 15th and 18th. It is true, that I did promise my lord 
 Normanby, that when there was a cabinet council, he should 
 assist at it; but surely this does not engage either the queen or 
 myself, to summon him to all the meetings, which we may order, on 
 particular occasions, to be attended solely by the great officers of 
 the crown, namely, the lord keeper, the lord president, the lord 
 privy seal, and the two secretaries of state. I do not know the 
 reason why lord Sydney* was summoned to attend, unless it was 
 on account of some business relative to the artillery, which, how- 
 ever, might have been communicated to him. I do not see that 
 any objection can be made to this arrangement, whenever the 
 queen summons the aforesaid officers of the crown, to consult on 
 some secret and important affair. Assuredly that number is fully 
 sufficient, and the meeting cannot be considered as a cabinet 
 council, since they are distinguished, by their offices, from the 
 other counsellors of state, and therefore no one can find fault if 
 they are more trusted and employed than others. 
 
 " I agree entirely with you, that if lord Normanby is admitted, 
 all those who have ever attended any cabinet council, should 
 likewise have a seat. Doubtless the queen communicates to him 
 
 * Henry Viscount Sydney, afterwards earl of Romney, one of the king's friends, master of 
 the ordnance. 
 
1694.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 39 
 
 the business, that is to be discussed, and places confidence in him, 
 with which he ought to be contented ; but if he forces us to have a 
 regular cabinet council, merely that he may attend, and when we 
 do not deem it advantageous for the welfare of our service, it is 
 assuming too much. 
 
 " I have received the letter which you sent me from lord Montagu, 
 on the subject of which, it will be more proper to give a verbal 
 than a written answer, and therefore it must be deferred till my 
 return. 
 
 " I am willing that lord Carbury should be appointed lord 
 lieutenant of North Wales in your place, as you seem so desirous 
 of it, and I am always happy to oblige you, when in my power. 
 I am under great uneasiness lest our squadron should arrive too 
 late in the Mediterranean. If you could expedite this business, 
 by writing to admiral Russell, or by dispatching the ships that 
 remain, it would be of the utmost importance." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Wishes to suspend the appointment of lord Carbury, in favour of lord Macclesfield — 
 Recommends the grant of some of the Irish forfeited lands to lord Bellamont.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 1-11, l694. — I shall ever acknowledge the 
 favour your majesty has been pleased to do me, in allowing that 
 my lord Carbury might be lord lieutenant of North Wales, much 
 above what the thing seems to bear, because I esteem it as a trust 
 you were pleased to repose upon my passing my word, in which I 
 assure you. Sir, I am never capable of deceiving you willingly. 
 But having accidentally mentioned my intention of begging this 
 favour of your majesty, before I had received your letter, but after 
 I had sent mine to ask it, to a friend of my lord Macclesfield's ; I 
 understood my lord had so set his heart upon the hopes, some time 
 or other, of coming into this employment, that though he is not ill 
 satisfied that I had it, who he was sure would surrender it, when- 
 ever your majesty should find it for your service ; yet, if it should 
 fall into my lord Carbury's hands, who would be likely to desire the 
 continuance of it, it would very much put him out of humour. 
 
 " I having never mentioned this- to my lord Carbury, any other- 
 
40 CORRESPONDENCE [Part 1.— Ch. 3. 
 
 wise than to find whether he would accept it, if offered, have not 
 taken notice to him of your majesty's favourable intentions towards 
 him, because I thought it was not fur your service to disoblige my 
 lord Macclesfield, and that, perhaps, a little time might make this 
 matter more easy, either of the one side or the other ; so that for 
 the present, Sir, I continue as your majesty was pleased at first to 
 command. 
 
 "I suppose my lord marquis of Noriuanby has acquainted 
 your majesty in a letter from himself, that he is not satisfied in 
 being left out, because the meeting is not to have the name of a 
 cabinet council. It seems as if he would be contented if he might 
 be called at some other times, with the two lords with the white 
 staves. 
 
 " Compassion will not permit me to refuse seconding what my 
 lord Sunderland says, he has writ to your majesty, in behalf of my 
 lord Bellamont,* that he may have some forfeited lands in Ireland. 
 His condition I really believe is necessitous to a great degree, and 
 there are several persons, members of parliament, who lay great 
 weight, and think his friends obliged to see him taken care of. 
 He seems to the world to have been displaced, for a reason that 
 would do your majesty great prejudice to have it believed that it 
 sticks with you. As to indiscretions, Sir, I will not be answerable 
 for him, but dare engage, that no man living is more faithful and 
 zealous to your majesty and your government, even under these 
 hardships, than he is." 
 
 * Richard Coote, son of Richard lord Coloony, went over to the prince of Orange at an 
 early period, and was consequently attainted by king James. He was restored after the 
 Revolution, created earl of Bellamont, made governor of the county of Leitrim, and appointed 
 treasurer to the queen. But his violent attack against lord Coningsby and sir Charles 
 Porter, the lords justices, whom he impeached in the english House of Commons, excited 
 the displeasure of the king, and occasioned his dismission. Being soon afterwards restored 
 to favour, he was, in 1695, nominated governor of New York, and seems to have been 
 intimately connected with the duke of Shrewsbury, and the whigs. His name wUl again 
 appear in the affair of capt. Kidd. 
 
 See farther the account of Irish affairs in the next chapter. 
 
1694.] WITH THE KING. 41 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [On some meditated changes in the commissions of customs and excise — Strongly recom- 
 mends Mr. Molesworth, lately envoy in Denmark — Laments the death of Talmash, 
 and the failure of the expedition against Brest.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 15-25, 1694. — Sir ; last night tliose persons 
 met, which your majesty was pleased to direct should consider of 
 the commissions of Customs and Excise, and came to are solution 
 pursuant to the list I have here inclosed. I could not observe 
 much difference of opinion, concerning the persons to be turned 
 out, unless in relation to sir John Worden. My lord keeper, Mr. 
 secretary Trenchard, and myself, had received several informations, 
 though not' such as we could prove, as if sir John were guilty of the 
 tAvo faults this commission is by every body charged with, corrup- 
 tion, and a bias towards employing under-officers disaffected to 
 your majesty's government. Upon these accusations we three 
 were inclined to think it proper he should be removed ; but my lord 
 Godolphin, who pretends to a perfect knowledge of him, did so 
 entirely answer for him, as to the first, and differing in opinion as 
 to the second, we thought it proper to leave the matter thus 
 before your majesty, to direct in it as you please. 
 
 " As to sir Robert Clayton, who is marked doubtful in the list of 
 the Customs, sir Robert Dashwood, sir Stephen Quarme, and sir 
 John, who are likewise marked doubtful in the list of the Excise, 
 we all agreed, that these four fall under the same consideration, 
 as persons who neglect their attendance in their employments, 
 and are at best so useless in them, that the commission would cer- 
 tainly be improved by leaving them out, and putting diligent men 
 in their room. But then it remains a question, how far your ma- 
 jesty, in prudence, will consider them as eminent citizens, and 
 persons, who all do, or should, promote loans, and other services 
 your majesty may expect from the city. For these reasons, they 
 are left for your majesty to determine as you please. The reasons 
 for removing sir Richard Temple are, corruption, disaffection, 
 neglect, and in short being good for nothing. Mr. Booth is by all 
 agreed to be a well-wisher to your government, but so highly 
 
42 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 3. 
 
 charged with corruption, as it is said, he understands, nor minds, 
 no other part of the place. Mr. , of the excise, is a 
 
 person I do not know ; but by the accounts given of him, suspected 
 to be ill-incUned to the government ; though as to my own particular 
 knowledge, I can say nothing to him. Mr. , by every body 
 
 known, and I believe hardly denied by himself, an avowed 
 Jacobite, that keeps clubs, openly declaring their principles. 
 
 " Having said thus much in relation to the persons proposed to be 
 turned out, I shall trouble you with very little concerning those 
 offered in their room. Your majesty knows most, or all of them: 
 only I doubt it will be necessary I should say a few words con- 
 cerning one, which I myself offered, though he was readily con- 
 sented to by the rest, who agreed he had talents extremely proper 
 to make an industrious, faithful, and zealous officer, and that is, Mr. 
 Molesworth.* I apprehend your majesty has received a disadvan- 
 tageous character of him ; and perhaps that same active, busy 
 spirit, that made him an uneasy correspondent to a secretary of 
 state, may not be an ill recommendation towards putting him into 
 these commissions, which want warmth and zeal ; and I must do 
 him the justice, that in my idle time, having looked over many of 
 his dispatches, and the answers to them, he was often full of his 
 own projects, and perhaps too tedious for one that had multipli- 
 city of business to answer ; but in the concerns with Denmark, it 
 were to be wished that his opinion had been followed in many 
 particulars. 
 
 * Robert Molesworth, who was so strongly recommended by the Duke of Shrewsbury, 
 is well known in the political and literary history of this country. He was born in Dublin, 
 and married, a sister of Richard, afterwards earl of Bellamont. In imitation of his 
 brother-in-law, he, at an early period, went over to the prince of Orange, and was likewise 
 attainted by king James. On the accession of king William, he was rewarded for his attach- 
 ment, and sent as envoy to Denmark. He offended that court however by his censures on 
 their conduct, and still more displeased the king of Denmark, after his return, by his publi- 
 cation on the Revolution under Frederic the third, which changed the government from 
 one of the most limited, into one of the most absolute in Europe. He klways distinguished 
 himself both in the Irish and English parliament, as a zealous partisan of the protestant 
 succession, and was consequently removed from the privy council in 1713. He was restored 
 to favour after the accession of George the first, and in 1716, created viscount Molesworth. 
 He died in 1725. 
 
1694.] WITH THE KING. 43 
 
 " Upon the whole, I think the man truly honest, zealous for your 
 government, a lover of business, painful and industrious in any 
 employment, and very good parts to set all these at work. He 
 has a relation in the west, by whose interest he is almost sure to 
 come in sir Peter Colledon s place into parhament,* where I am 
 sure he has talents to be made a very useful man for you ; and if 
 he be desperate of your majesty's favour, I foresee he will be a 
 very troublesome popular speaker, having suffered as much for 
 this Revolution as any man of his estate, and got reputation by 
 his book, which is writ with great ingenuity. 
 
 " But, Sir, having troubled you, I doubt, too long upon this 
 subject, I will only add, that in case you should think fit to re- 
 move four out of the commission of the Customs, Mr. Clark, of 
 the house of commons, who is proposed for the Excise, would, I 
 believe, be the most acceptable and proper person to add to the 
 three in this list mentioned ; and if your majesty should resolv<^ 
 to continue sir John Worden, in regard of his long experience, I 
 should think there would be the less occasion for advancing that 
 other, Mr. Clark, who has now some place, which he fills very well 
 in the Customs. 
 
 " Sometime after I had returned your majesty's answer to my 
 lord Montagu, upon my lord Falkland's death, he came to me to 
 offer himself, if he could be useful, to your majesty in Holland. 
 I found he meant it as a comphment, and proof, that he was 
 ready, in any capacity, to serve your majesty, I promised him to 
 acquaint you with it ; and I suppose whatever answer you will 
 return, he will be no farther troublesome to you upon it. 
 
 " Since the writing this, I perceive my lord keeper and Mr. 
 Secretary are of opinion, that Mr, Wilcox, who is hkewise one of 
 the Excise, should be removed : he was formerly a brewer, and is 
 suspected still to continue that trade. We think ourselves more 
 at liberty to speak of this man, without my lord Godolphin, be- 
 cause he is a whig, and a dissenter, though, for my own part, I can 
 say nothing for or against him. 
 
 * In the parliament of 1695 he was elected for Camelford. 
 
44 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.-Ch. 5. 
 
 " Though I have detained your majesty with an unreasonable 
 long letter, yet I cannot help adding a few words to lament the 
 loss of poor Mr. Talmash. Captain Green, who has indited this 
 inclosed relation, brought me the sad news this morning; and 
 saying he had a message to deliver to the queen, at which he de- 
 sired none should be present but myself, I immediately car;-ied 
 him to her majesty, where he spoke much, to the effect he has here 
 signed. The account pretending to be very exact, and more par- 
 ticulars than I could charge myself with, I desired him to set 
 them down in writing, which accordingly is done ; and at the same 
 time, by her majesty's command, I recommended to him not to 
 divulge several of the circumstances, .which, your majesty will 
 observe, may be construed to the prejudice of some of the* , 
 
 and truly, I hope, rather happened by mistake and accident than 
 any other way ; for, by a gentleman I have spoken with to-night,, 
 who was also in the action, I am informed several of the boats 
 ran foul on one another, and others drew too much water to allow 
 them to land at an ebbing tide, as it was when the lieutenant- 
 general went ashore. 
 
 "Mr. Secretary will give your majesty an account, that we 
 every hour expect what proposals will come from the fleet. I 
 confess I have very little hope in any ; and yet I perceive the town 
 expect, since the men are on board, we should not leave their 
 coasts at rest. I always concluded it would have been agreed 
 between the sea and the land officers, who promoted this design, 
 what to attempt in case this of Brest did not succeed, which I 
 ever feared too probable ; but it seems no such thing has been 
 considered. I am impatient to rid your majesty of this tedious 
 trouble, and remain," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Regrets the failure of the expedition against Brest— Wishes another attempt to be 
 
 made on the french coast.] 
 
 " Camp of Rosebeck, June 18-28, 1694.— You may easily con- 
 ceive my vexation, when I learnt the repuls e our troops had expe- 
 
 * Omitted ; probably ofBcers. 
 
1694 ] WITHTHEKING. 45 
 
 rienced in the descent near Brest ;* and although the loss is very 
 inconsiderable, yet, in war it is always mortifying to undertake 
 any thing that does not succeed ; and I own to you, that I did 
 not suppose they would have made the attempt, without having 
 well reconnoitred the situation of the enemy to receive them ; since 
 they were long apprised of our intended attack, and pade active 
 preparations for defence ; for what was practicable two months 
 ago, was no longer so at present. I have written to the queen, 
 and I write to you by Blathwayte,-f expressing my wish, if it be 
 possible, that another expedition should be made on the coast of 
 France, though I am not able to form any precise plan, not having 
 it in my power to consult naval officers, who are naturally the 
 best judges in slich affairs. 
 
 " I am well aware that sufficient forces are not provided for 
 any considerable enterprise ; but if we could make some descent 
 on any part of the coast, we should at least alarm the enemy. 
 God grant that Russell may soon arrive in the Mediterranean, as 
 from that alone we expect success in this campaign. May God 
 confer on us this favour." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Laments the death of Talmash, but disapproves his rashness — Excuses the ofiScers 
 
 who were charged with cowardice.] 
 
 " Camp of Rosebeck, July 1, 1694. — I am indeed extremely 
 
 * The unfortunate attempt on Brest appears to have been made with a culpable ig- 
 norance of the state of the place, and the force of the enemy. Considerable difficulty 
 occurred in stationing the ships of war to protect the descent, from the number and 
 strength of the hostile batteries ; and when this operation was effected, by the zeal and 
 courage of the naval officers, general Talmash disembarked on the 18th June, N. S., with 
 900 men, in a small bay, to make good a landing against a force far superior, and supported 
 by cavalry. The British troops were accordingly charged, in the moment of disembarka- 
 tion, and driven back with great slaughter. As the attempt was unadvisedly made at 
 the ebb of the tide, retreat was impracticable, and the greater part were either killed or 
 made prisoners. The general himself received a wound in the thigh, which, after a 
 few days, proved mortal. Even the ships, which had been brought forward to cover the 
 landing, escaped with difficulty, after a considerable slaughter of the crews ; but the only 
 loss was twa vessels of war, one of which was destroyed, and the other grounded, and was 
 reduced to surrender. 
 
 f One of the king's private secretaries. 
 
46 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. S. 
 
 affected with the loss of poor Tollemache ;* for although I do 
 not approve of his conduct, yet I am of opinion that his too 
 ardent zeal to distinguish himself, induced him to attempt what 
 was impracticable ; and from all the accounts which I have seen, 
 the disorder that took place in the disembarkation was fortunate 
 for us, as, had more troops landed, our loss would have been 
 greater. This disorder probably gave rise to the reports, that some 
 persons were not eager to land, though I am sure there are many 
 for whose courage I can answer. 
 
 " I explained to you by the last post my opinion concerning 
 our future operations, to which I have nothing to add ; and I 
 impatiently expect by the next post an account of the resolutions 
 which have been adopted on this occasion. I will soon reply to 
 you on the proposed changes in the boards of Customs and Excise." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is not surprised at the failure of the attack on Brest — Lord Marlborough offers his 
 services — Recommends the king to take him into favour.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 22- July 2, 1694. — Sir; I never was so en- 
 tirely satisfied with the design upon Brest, as to be surprised at 
 its miscarrying, especially since the enemy had so much warning 
 to provide for their defence. But I always concluded it was not 
 to be attempted, in case their preparations had made it so im- 
 
 * Thomas Talmash, or as it is usually spelt Tollemache, was son of sir Lionel Tal- 
 mash, of Helmingham in Suffolk, and brother of Lionel, third earl of Dysart, who in- . 
 herited that title in right of his mother Elizabeth, daughter of William, second earl 
 of Dysart, and last of the line of Murray. After improving himself by foreign travel, 
 he embraced the military profession, arid soon attained distinction by his skill and 
 bravery. Disapproving the measures of James the second, he resigned his commission, 
 and . repairing abroad, attached himself to the interest of the prince of Orange. On the 
 Revolution he was not only reinstated in his profession, but obtained the Coldstream re- 
 giment of guards, and was soon afterwards raised to the rank of lieutenant-general. He 
 signalized himself during the war in Ireland, and in the campaigns of Flanders ; 
 and at the battle of Landen in particular, performed essential service, by superintending 
 the retreat of the british infantry. His military reputation induced the king to pro- 
 mote him to the command of the ill-fated expedition against Brest, in which he fell 
 a sacrifice to his ardent and enterprising spirit. 
 
1694.J WITHTHEKING. 47 
 
 practicable as it is related now to appear to those who viewed it 
 from the ships, but that then they had full power to try what 
 could be done on any other part of the coast they should find 
 more feazible, though the advantage should not altogether be so 
 considerable as the seizing a post at Brest. But either no such 
 second project was formed, or at least Avas so damped by Mr. 
 Talmash's being wounded, that the fleet returned hither without 
 thinking fit to try upon any other place. 
 
 " The loss your majesty has received is considerable only in 
 two points, first, that people's expectations are raised to what I 
 doubt the success of your fleet in the channel cannot possibly 
 answer this year, though the landmen should all return on board ; 
 and secondly. In the person of Mr. Talmash, who was generally 
 well-beloved, esteemed, and trusted ; and though perhaps not 
 altogether without his faults, yet when people consider what 
 officers of the English nation remain to supply his post, it 
 makes the loss to all who thus consider it, extremely more to be 
 lamented. 
 
 " Writing upon this ' subject, it is impossible to forget what is 
 here become a very general discourse, the probability and con- 
 veniency of your majesty's receiving my lord Marlborough into 
 your favour. He has been with me since this news, to offer his 
 service, with all the expressions of duty and fidelity imaginable. 
 What I can say by way of persuasion upon this subject will sig- 
 nify but httle, since I very well remember, when your majesty 
 discoursed with me upon it, in the Spring, you were sufficiently 
 convinced of his usefulness ; but ^some points remained, of a 
 nature too tender for me to pretend to advise upon, and of which 
 your majesty is the only and best judge ; but if those could be 
 accommodated to your majesty's satisfaction, I cannot but 
 think he is capable of being very serviceable. It is: so unques- 
 tionably his interest to be faithful, that single argument makes me 
 not doubt it."* 
 
 * See ]VIemoIrs of the Duke of Marlborough, ch. 6. 
 
48 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 3. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 TLaments the rescue of a convoy, laden with corn, hy the French admiral, Jean de Barth — 
 
 Complains of the admiralty.] 
 
 " Camp of Rosebeck, July 5, 1694.— You Avill see by Blath- 
 wayte's letter an account of the unfortunate event which has 
 occurred with the squadron of John de Barth.* I do not compre- 
 hend where these vessels were stationed which ought to have 
 joined the Dutch ; for assuredly that loss would not have hap- 
 pened, and we should have done great injury to France, by pre- 
 venting the arrival of the corn which they so much want. It seems 
 as if some curse attended all the orders of the admiralty." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Suspends the intended changes in the boards of Customs and Excise, in compliance with 
 the representations of the Treasury.] 
 
 " Camp of Rosebeck, July 8, 1694. — I have examined the 
 names of the persons proposed to be re-appointed commissioners 
 of the Customs and Excise, as well as of those who are to be re- 
 placed by others ; and before I decide, it will be necessary to have 
 the advice and opinion of the Treasury ; because I see, by a letter 
 which I have received from lord Godolphin. that it would be con- 
 sidered as injurious to the Treasury, and for which there is no pre- 
 cedent, to dispose of those commissions which are under their 
 department, without their previous knowledge, upon which I shall 
 expect your answer. 
 
 " Although the wind is favourable, we are two posts in arrears, 
 and I am afraid some accident has happened to the packet/' 
 
 * This refers to the brilliant exploit of Jean de Barth, the french commander, who, in 
 the Summer of 1694, was sent out with a squadron, to meet and convoy, from the port of 
 Velker, a fleet of transports, laden with corn for Dunkirk. This fleet was already at sea, 
 and being met off the Dutch coast by the vice-admiral of Friezland, was captured. De 
 Barth, however, approached the ensuing day, and not only recovered the convoy, but cap- 
 tured the vice-admiral and two other ships, and returned with his charge in safety. 
 
1694.1 W I T H T H E K I N G. 49 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Recommends a new attempt on the coast of France — Conveys hints against the fidelity 
 of captain Sanderson, commander of the king's yacht — Complains of lord Godolphin's 
 opposition to the appointment of new commissioners of Excise — Urges the necessity of 
 a change in that department.] 
 
 " July 10-20, 1694- — Sir ; I am to acknowledge the honour of 
 four letters from your majesty of the 28th of June, and of the 1st, 
 5th, and 8th of July. As the three last arrived all together, upon 
 Sunday, with the same packet-boat, I did not trouble yourmajest}^ 
 with any thing upon the first, it relating to what is to be done by 
 the channel fleet and land forces, of which I conclude Mr. Secre- 
 tary gives a constant account ; and the designs we have on foot 
 appear so frivolous, that it is not very pleasant writing upon them. 
 
 " The fleet is now gone again to attempt something upon Dieppe, 
 from which they were before diverted by bad weather ; and I wish 
 the same fate do not attend them again, it having blown extreme 
 hard these two or three days. The season is so far advanced, that 
 I believe the seamen will not advise the going into the bay, and I 
 knoAv nothing in these seas so well worth attempting as St. Malo's 
 or Dunkirk; and by all the projects that ever I heard of destroying 
 those places, it is to be effected with a squadron of light ships, and 
 without landmen. 
 
 " Du Earth's force at Dunkirk being now so increased, nothing 
 can be attempted there, without such a strength as may be suffi- 
 cient to keep him in, which may be easily provided ; and then, if* 
 proposals be feasible, the destroying that port is become 
 more considerable, by the growing force there, and by the injury we 
 every day receive from it. 
 
 " It is some time since a young gentleman came to me, from 
 France, who was bred a papist, served as a lieutenant of a ship, 
 on board the fleet, till the late king went away; followed his for- 
 tunes into Ireland, and afterwards went on board the french fleet, 
 where, upon some suspicion, he was seized and thrown into 
 
 * The name of the person who had offered the project here alluded to, is omitted. 
 
 H 
 
50 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 3. 
 
 prison, for above two years ; and being released, came straight 
 away, and surrendered himself to me, professing to turn protestant, 
 and to be very desirous to revenge himself of the ill-usage he had 
 received in France. He pressed to go on board the fleet, as a vo- 
 lunteer, pretending to do good service by his knowledge of their 
 ports and coasts ; but before I would recommend him to any body 
 there, I put him upon giving me some account of the designs of 
 the party here, which he undertook unwillingly, thinking it an em- 
 ployment not very becoming a gentleman. But by my persuasions, 
 and a promise of his not being produced, he did discover some 
 things in which I found him true, and among others, he told me he 
 had learnt from his father, captain Terwitt, an eminent sea-cap- 
 tain in king James's time, and a papist, that there was no man, 
 whatsoever, the Jacobites did more entirely depend upon, than 
 captain Sanderson, the captain of your majesty's yacht. 
 
 " I have troubled your majesty with this long story, because I 
 would inform you exactly of the manner I came to know this, 
 by thinking it on the one hand a very hard thing to ruin a man 
 upon a whisper; and yet, on the other side, the employment he 
 is in, gives him such opportunities of betraying your majesty's 
 person, that I cannot think it safe you should trust yourself with 
 him again. This young man has so convinced me of his sin- 
 cerity, that I have sent him to my lord Berkeley, with whom he 
 had formerly some acquaintance ; and by his behaviour as a vo- 
 lunteer, if there be any action, he desires we will judge of his zeal. 
 
 " I have a letter of the 9th of July, which pretends to be writ 
 fi'om Versailles : I have not had enough from the same hand to be 
 very confident of the intelhgence ; only some posts since, he did 
 give assurance, that Gironne Avas the place they did design to 
 besiege, and so far he has told right. Now this informs, that upon 
 the news of the reduction of Gironne, a courier was immediately 
 dispatched from the court to the duke of Grammont, commanding 
 in Biscay, to be by him forwarded to Madrid, with invitations to 
 a peace, and arguments, that they could never expect assistance 
 there from your majesty or the states. 
 
 " Three Lancashire and Cheshire men, who have been engaged 
 
1694] WITHTHEKING. 51 
 
 in enlisting soldiers, and buying arms for the disaffected gentlemen 
 in those parts, have made an ample discovery of the whole 
 matter to my lord keeper, Mr. Secretary, and myself. AVhereupon 
 Mr, Secretary and I, have sent out warrants for the seizing the 
 persons and arms of about twenty considerable gentlemen there- 
 abouts ; and if these witnesses make good at their trial, what they 
 have deposed before us, they will every man, both lives and for- 
 tunes, be in your majesty's power. 
 
 " But I detain you too long. Sir, before I begin to speak of 
 what is most important, the question your majesty is pleased to 
 require my answer upon, whether it would be an injury to the 
 Treasury to settle the commissions of Customs and Excise, without 
 consulting them ? I am not well enough acquainted with the pri- 
 vileges that board pretends to, to give a positive answer to that 
 question, but am sure it had been more direct in my lord Godol- 
 phin, to have made that representation to your majesty, when first 
 you acquainted him with the manner in which you intended this 
 should be settled ; and if he had happened to have overseen in- 
 sisting upon it, when your majesty spoke to him, sure he could 
 not forget acquainting us with the injury he apprehended was 
 done to the board, since, it seems, he went directly home, and wrote 
 to your majesty to that effect. I have discoursed my lord keeper 
 and Mr. Secretary upon this subject, who seemed much surprised 
 at this unlooked-for obstacle ; and as on the one side they look 
 upon some alteration necessary to the support of these two 
 branches of your revenue, and the complying with people's ex- 
 pectations, who seeing the under-offices of these two boards filled 
 generally with the most declared Jacobites of the country, think 
 a change absolutely necessary in point of state ; so, on the other 
 hand, I find they agree with me, and would be very shy in giving 
 their opinions of persons and their affections, at a meeting of five 
 commissioners of the Trea;Sury, and the addition at least of mj 
 lord president and privy seal, who will have reason to complain, 
 if they are excluded such a public consideration. I have been 
 told, that the last commission of Excise was formed without con- 
 sulting any person of the Treasury-board, except my lord Godol- 
 
 H 2 
 
52 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 3. 
 
 phin : perhaps, if he had ruled this alteration, as he is reported 
 to have done that, this difficulty would not have been started. 
 By what I have writ your majesty will easily discern my opinion. 
 I shall only add, by my lord keeper's and Mr. Secretary's leave, 
 that theirs is the same, not only to the necessity of making a con- 
 siderable change in these commissions, but to the impracticability 
 of doing it, now by a meeting with all the commissioners of the 
 Treasury ; but your majesty is the only judge, and we must submit 
 as becomes, Sir, your's," «&c. &c. 
 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Is anxious for news from the army— Deprecates the risk of a battle.] 
 
 " JJhitehall, July 10-20, 1694.— We have been so accustomed 
 to hear ill news, that I begin to be very willing to compound to 
 hear no news at all, though I hope if occasion be given for any, 
 where you are, it will be for his majesty's glory, and the public 
 benefit. But if I might venture to give my opinion, I should think 
 the loss of a battle so much more dangerous for our affairs, than 
 the gaining of one would be advantageous, that it ought not to 
 be hazarded, if it might be avoided, without considerable pre- 
 judice to the reputation of your affairs. I do not know why I 
 give an opinion, in a matter I understand so little, and others 
 know so well ; but we have an english proverb, that ' lookers-on 
 see more than those that play ;' and it is certain in these cases, a 
 commendable desire of glory may bias people, who can otherwise 
 judge the best, to enterprise those things, that, in this circum- 
 stance seem less prudent ; and a man out of danger, may own 
 being afraid, v/hen those in it are shy of giving a safe advice. 
 You will excuse, I hope, my lord, this freedom in one whose zeal, 
 only, makes him speak, and is, with great respect," &c. &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the riots in Northamptonshire — Suspects the fidelity of lord Monmouth, lord lieu- 
 tenant of the county — Declines accepting the services of the earl of Marlborough.] 
 
 " Camp of Rosebeck, July 15th, 1694.^ — With respect to the 
 
1694.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 53 
 
 riots in Northamptonshire, I recollect, that not long ago I was 
 informed, that lord Monmouth* had made his peace at St. Ger- 
 main's. Not knowing what to believe, you must try to discover, 
 if possible, whether he, who is lord lieutenant of the county, has 
 fomented or interfered in those riots ; and you will please to give 
 me your opinion, whether that employment should not be given 
 to another person. 
 
 " As to what you wrote in your last letter concerning lord Marl- 
 borough, I can say no more, than that I do not think it for the 
 good of my service to entrust him with the command of my 
 troops. 
 
 " I did not receive any letters from you last post, and I have 
 nothing to write to you from hence." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Mentions the dissatisfaction of the whigs at the report that general Trelawney was to be 
 
 appointed in the place of Talmash.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 13-23, 1694. — Sir ; having troubled your ma- 
 jesty with so long a letter the last post, I should not now importune 
 you again, but that, since the arrival of the last post, there has 
 been a general report spread, as if there were encouragement given 
 beyond seas to major-general Trelawney, that, in case he would 
 pretend to the lieutenant-generalship, and colonel of the guards, 
 in the place of Mr. Talmash, he would not fail to succeed. This 
 is so commonly believed here, that many people have been with 
 me to declare their apprehensions r<f it ; and finding it a thing 
 that will universally dissatisfy that party, which is distinguished 
 under the name of whig, I thought it my duty to acquaint your 
 majesty with it " 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [Excuses the conduct of lord Monmouth, and opposes his removal.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 17-27, 1694. — Sir ; I am to acknowledge the 
 
 * Afterwards earl of Peterborough. 
 
54 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch, $. 
 
 honour of your majesty's of the fifteenth of July, w:hich came to 
 my hands last night. 
 
 " I can give no answer to what yOur majesty is pleased to 
 inquire concerning my lord Monmouth's making his peace at St. 
 Germain's. It is natural for a man that is very ill on one side, to 
 desire not to be so on the pther ; but I dare say, let him have 
 made what advances are possible of that kind, if he could find 
 his account under your majesty's government, it is what he 
 would prefer much before any such alteration ; and at this time 
 he appears in so much a better temper to act any thing for your 
 majesty's service than you can believe, that I should not think it 
 at all advisable to turn him out of his lieutenancy ; and for his 
 having any thing to do in that disturbance at Northampton, I 
 dare engage he knew no more than an accidental tumUlt of the 
 rabble, occasioned by their seeing corn sold in quantities out of 
 the town, and is now quiet,^ without any other interposition, but 
 that of the magistrates alone." 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 55 
 
 CHAPTER 4. 
 
 1694. 
 
 Irish affairs — Domestic transactions — Restoration of the East India company — Arrange- 
 ments for the continuance of the feet in the Mediterranean. — Correspondence from July 
 to January. 
 
 AlS the affairs of Ireland occupy a considerable portion of the 
 ensuing correspondence, we shall detain the reader with a few 
 explanatory remarks, on the changes of government, and the state 
 of parties, in that kingdom. 
 
 It is well known, that Ireland did not imitate the example of 
 England and Scotland, in acknowledging William and Mary ; but 
 that, from religious sympathy, the people, in general, preserved their 
 fidelity to king James, and when he landed in the island, 
 zealously supported his cause, in arms. His first step was conse- 
 quently to summon a parliament, and to endeavour to crush the 
 protestant interest, by repealing the Act of Settlement,* passed 
 soon after the Restoration, for establishing the titles to landed pro- 
 perty. The intestine troubles which ensued, contributed still 
 farther to increase the animosities both civil and religious, and to 
 render the possession of property insecure ; and, therefore, the first 
 care of William, after the reduction of the country, was, to restore 
 the system, which had been overturned by the exiled monarch, to 
 reward the zeal and exertions of those who had proved themselves 
 faithful to his cause, and to dispose of the property which had 
 been forfeited by the rebellious partisans of James. On the 
 surrender of Limerick, which secured to him the possession of the 
 whole kingdom, he made a temporary regulation for this purpose. 
 
 * For an account of the Act of Settlement, see Leland's History of Ireland, vol. 3, b. 6, 
 ch. 3. 
 
56 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 He appointed lords justices, nominated a privy council, consti- 
 tuted judges, disposed of the vacant bishoprics, and filled the 
 different departments in church and state.* He thus established 
 a temporary system of government, to manage the affairs of the 
 country, until his regulations were ratified, by the sanction of the 
 Irish parliament. 
 
 This object, however, was not easily attained ; and it required 
 no ordinary hand to direct the reins of government, in a country 
 just emerging from civil convulsion, torn by feuds both political 
 and religious, actuated by all the impulse of national rivalry, and 
 suarrning with open or concealed rebels. This irksome task, in 
 which it was impossible to satisfy or concihate any party, was first 
 confided to lord Sidney, sir Charles Porter, and Thomas Coningsby, 
 esq., under the title of lords justices. Lord Sidney being absent, 
 he may be considered as a mere cipher. Of the other two, 
 Coningsby was a staunch whig, and attached to the english 
 interest ; while sir Charles Porter, who held the seals of lord chan- 
 cellor, had been formerly employed in the same capacity by king 
 James, and by him considered as a fit instrument for accomplish- 
 ing his hostile designs against the protestant establishment. He 
 was, however, not sufficiently supple to promote all the views of 
 the arbitrary monarch, and was accordingly dismissed ; but this 
 choice is sufficient to justify the inference, that he was not un- 
 favourable to the popish interest, f • 
 
 Jt is both needless and difficult to scrutinize their proceedings ; 
 and we shall only observe, that they soon became obnoxious to all 
 parties. They were charged with gross frauds and embezzlements 
 of public property, with mismanagement of the forfeited estates, 
 
 * Kenriett, p. 572. 
 
 •| After describing the plans of James, with regard to Ireland, and the ministers he 
 selected, Burnett thus characterizes sir Charles Porter, and the motives for his promotion : 
 
 " The archbishop of Armagh had continued lord chancellor of Ireland, and was in aU 
 points so compliant to the court, that even his religion came to be suspected on that 
 account. Yet it seemed he was not thorough-paced. So sir Charles Porter, who was a 
 zealous promoter of every thing that the king proposed, and was a man of ready wit, and 
 being poor, was thought a person fit to be made a tool of, was declared lord chancellor of 
 Ireland." Vol. 3, p. 52. 
 
1694.] WITH THE KING. 57 
 
 with unjust partiality to papists, and with encouraging the depre- 
 dations and excesses of a hcentious soldiery. Although these 
 charges were considered as exaggerated, if not wholly groundless, 
 it was deemed necessary to remove them. But their dismission did 
 not soothe the animosity with which they were pursued ; for the 
 accusation was preferred by lord Bellamont, before the english 
 parliament ; and, after undergoing a solemn inquiry, was de- 
 clared unfounded. Still, however, they were not deemed safe from 
 farther attacks, without a confirmation of the pardon, which the king 
 had previously granted. He likewise evinced his approbation of their 
 conduct, by the dismissal of lord Bellamont from a lucrative 
 situation, as well as by the continuation of sir Charles Porter in 
 the post of chancellor, and the appointment of Coningsby, who 
 had recently been raised to the Irish peerage, to the office of vice 
 treasurer.* 
 
 On their removal, the government was confided to the hands of 
 the king's favourite, lord Sydney ,+ in September, 1692, with the 
 title of lord lieutenant. He immediately repaired to Ireland, and 
 summoned a parliament, which, except that name be given to the 
 assembly held by James, had not met for twenty-seven years. 
 It was hoped, that he would allay the animosity of parties, satisfy 
 the contending interests of a divided people, obtain the confirma- 
 tion of the Act of Settlement, and procure such supplies as so im- 
 poverished a country could furnish. He was, however, speedily 
 involved in the same difficulties as his predecessors. He was 
 charged with the same frauds and mismanagement, accused of the 
 same partiality, and loaded with the same hatred. After a fruitless 
 struggle, he was recalled by the king ; and the parliament, which 
 had evinced the most hostile opposition to the views of govern- 
 ment, was prorogued. 
 
 A new change now took place in the Irish administration. Lord 
 
 * He was created baron Coningsby of Clanbrazil, in Ireland, in 1692. In 1695 he 
 resigned the post of vice treasurer, but was re-appointed in 1698, and held it during the 
 whole reign of William. In 1716 he was raised to the british peerage, by the title of lord 
 Coningsby. 
 
 ■J- Soon afterwards created earl of Romney. 
 
 I 
 
5S CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 Capel, sir Cyril Wyche, and William Buncombe, were, in the 
 commencement of 1693, appointed lords justices. This commis- 
 sion comprised no less contrariety of character than the former. 
 The two subordinate members, Wyche and Duncombe, were 
 men of honour and integrity; but obstinate and froward in 
 temper. They were jealous of lord Capel's superior influence 
 and favourable to the Irish interest ; and sir Cyril Wyche in parti- 
 cular had been the confidential counsellor of lord Sydney in the 
 measures which had created so much unpopularity among the 
 english party. The wish of balancing their principles and views, 
 doubtless contributed to the choice of lord Capel. 
 
 Henry Capel was second son of Arthur, first lord Capel, who 
 was beheaded by the republicans, after the siege of Colchester, for 
 his attachment to the royal cause; and brother of Arthur, first earl 
 of Essex, who was implicated with Sidney and Russell, and whose 
 existence was so mysteriously terminated in the Tower. 
 
 From the character and sufferings of his father and brother, it 
 may readily be inferred, that Henry lord Capel was imbued with 
 principles no less hostile to republican tyranny, than to the 
 despotism of an arbitrary monarch. On the accession of Charles 
 the second, the zeal he had manifested in support of the crown, 
 and the services of his family in the royal cause, entitled him to 
 the favour of the restored sovereign. He was honoured with the 
 order of the Bath, appointed a privy councillor, and in 1679 
 placed at the head of the admiralty ; at the same time that his 
 brother, the earl of Essex, was raised to the office of first lord of 
 the Treasury. 
 
 He was a distinguished speaker in the house of commons, and 
 a zealous supporter, no less of the rights of the people, than of 
 the just prerogatives of the crown. Hence, when the party with 
 which he was identified, were removed from favour, he resigned 
 his post, and became a vigorous champion of the popular cause, 
 and the national religion : he seconded the motion of lord Russell 
 for the bill to exclude the duke of York from the throne.* The un- 
 
 * Kennett has preserved his speech when he seconded lord Russell, as one of the best 
 given on this memorable occasion. 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 59 
 
 fortunate fate of his brother did not darap his courage ; for he 
 continued to oppose the arbitrary measures of the two last sove- 
 reigns of the Stuart race, until the Revolution opened a new era, 
 more consonant to his character and principles. In that transac- 
 tion we find him among the most zealous adherents of the prince 
 of Orange, and his attachment was rewarded with the office of a 
 privy councillor, a seat at the board of Treasury, and in 1692 with 
 the honours of the peerage, under the title of Baron Capel of 
 Tewksbury. His sound sense, liberal principles, attachment to 
 the sovereign, and zeal for the protestant cause, won him the 
 patronage of Shrewsbury, and were sufficient recommendations for 
 his appointment to the arduous post of directing the government 
 of Ireland. 
 
 Unfortunately, however, the views which actuated the king in 
 the choice of this new commission, were again frustrated by the 
 discordant opinions and characters of its members ; for lord 
 Capel, a zealous whig, and attached to the english interest, was 
 vehemently opposed by his two colleagues of different principles ; 
 and by their machinations, the king was disappointed in his hope 
 of assembling the Irish parliament, and procuring the confirmation 
 of the Act of Settlement, and the establishment of order and 
 stability in the state. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Complains of the conduct of the lords justices in Ireland, for delaying to give their opinion 
 as to the expediency of calling a parliament.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July M-Aug. 3, 1694. — Sir; Yesterday, by the 
 queen's command, Mr. Secretary Trenchard communicated to 
 some lords, called upon that occasion, two letters he received, 
 one from my lord Capel, and one from the two other lords 
 justices of Ireland. When I saw them first, I confess I was 
 extremely surprised, to observe they were answers to questions 
 relating to a parliament, which, I remember, were sent them 
 near seven months ago, by your majesty's command, and, I con- 
 cluded, long since returned. They dilFer absolutely in opinion, as 
 your majesty will perceive, when you read the two letters. Had 
 
 I 2 
 
60 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 not my lord Capel's great indisposition, and the backwardness the 
 others have shewn to come to a resolution, been a sufficient ex- 
 cuse for his share of the delay, I must have declared, that all three 
 had been guilty of a neglect of the highest moment, in deferring to 
 return your majesty an account of those questions till now, that 
 it is so late, that were there the best disposition imaginable in 
 Ireland, there is not time left, to repass over the summons, so as to 
 call a parliament, before that in England must necessarily sit. 
 
 " All the lords that were present at the reading these letters, did 
 agree, that a parliament was necessary to the Avelfare of Ireland, 
 and almost all were of opinion, that, would the time allow it now, 
 it were advisable to call one, there being good grounds to hope 
 they would meet and act with good temper. But I must observe to 
 your majesty, that these two lords justices have not contented 
 themselves with giving a lame opinion, as if the parliament will 
 not act for your service ; but lest it should be tried, have artfully 
 deferred the giving that opinion, till it is no more possible to make 
 the experiment, before the next spring, of their observations. I 
 have one of my own to add, that if these two gentlemen are to 
 conduct this parHament, when it does meet, who have given their 
 opinions that it cannot succeed, even they will have address 
 enough to order it so, as infallibly to make good their advice. 
 
 " Sir James Montgomery's* lady was with me two days ago ; and 
 though she would not directly own, that she was ordered by her 
 husband to come to me, yet she gave broad hints, as though she 
 were desirous I should believe and acquaint your majesty, that if 
 sir James might have his pardon, and leave to return to his own 
 country, he was entirely disposed to live quietly and privately the 
 rest of his days, at home. I gave her not much encouragement to 
 hope any such favour from your majesty, but thought it my duty 
 to acquaint you with it," &c. &c. 
 
 * Sir James Montgomery, a gentleman of good family in Scotland, was one of those 
 changeable partisans, who often appear in troubled periods. He first took an active share 
 in the Revolution; but in consequence of some disgust, became a zealous adherent of the 
 abdicated king ; and being impUcated in an intrigue for his restoration, absconded, and died 
 in exile. 
 
1694.] . WITH THE KING. 61 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Sends a new list for the boards of Customs and Excise — Desires farther inquiry to be 
 made into the truth of the accusation against captain Sanderson.] 
 
 " Camp of Mont St. AndrS, July ^3-August 2, 1694. — Since 
 my march of yesterday, I have been so much occupied, that I 
 have not been able to write to you. I have .considered what you 
 wrote to me in your letter of the 10th July, respecting the changes 
 in the commissions of Customs and Excise, and I inclose a list of 
 those who are to remain, and of those who are to be removed. 
 This list you will give to the queen, to whom I have also written, 
 explaining the manner in which she will best act with regard to 
 the Treasury. If you think of any more proper method, you 
 may propose it to her. 
 
 " I am very much surprised at what you write concerning 
 captain Sanderson, having always heard a good character of him. 
 You will please to make farther inquiries whether he may not 
 have been misrepresented. If there is likely to be any appearance 
 of truth in the report, I own to you I should not like to trust 
 myself in the yacht, under his command. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Is pleased with the backwardness of the french to fight — Affairs of Ireland — Lord 
 Capel thinks a parliament might safely be called— The other justices of a different 
 opinion.] 
 
 " IVhitehall, July 27-August 6, 1694.— My lord ; You will 
 readily believe, by what I writ in a former letter, that the news 
 of the backwardness the French have shewn to engage, is not 
 displeasing to me. May they continue in that mind, or when 
 they alter, have cause to repent it ! 
 
 " I did by the last post say something to the king upon the 
 state of his affairs in Ireland, which I think in no good way of 
 management. It is four months since his majesty demanded of 
 the lords justices their opinion concerning the temper of gentle- 
 men in Ireland, in case a parliament should be called. They all 
 agree, as all the world must, that a parliament is necessary for the 
 
62 CORRESPONDENCE. [Part I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 settlement and carrying on the government. My lord Capel 
 thinks they will meet in a temper to do the king and their country 
 service ; the other two differ, and think they will not in the least 
 recede from any unreasonable demands they formerly insisted on. 
 I confess I have some reasons to believe, as well as to hope, that 
 my lord Capel's information is the more just; but the other two 
 gentlemen have so long deferred, though often pressed, as I am 
 told by my lord Capel, to give any answer, that the year is now 
 so far advanced, that the necessary forms will not permit a session 
 before November, the very time the english parliament will sit ; 
 so that by delays they have made that necessary which otherwise 
 perhaps would not be advisable ; and it is now impossible a par- 
 liament should meet there sooner than next spring. But at the 
 same time, if some assurances be not given to that country, that 
 then they may certainly depend upon one, I have cause to believe 
 that such complaints and clamours will be sent from thence to the 
 parliament here, as will very much obstruct his majesty's business. 
 This is what I did not say in my letter to the king, before I 
 had more grounds to apprehend the consequence. But if you 
 think it worth troubling his majesty, I desire you will acquaint 
 him with it, that he may have it in his thoughts to apply a 
 remedy. 
 
 " My lord Capel is liked and beloved by all parties. The 
 same, I doubt, cannot be said of the other two ; and whenever 
 the hour comes, that a parliament is to meet, if it be conducted 
 by those two gentlemen, who have declared the session will be 
 unsuccessful, 1 shall recant my opinion, and agree with them, that 
 most certainly it will be so. I have shewn your letter to my lord 
 Romney, and shall always be ready to obey any commands you 
 may lay upon me. Your's," &c. &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Has submitted the list of commissioners of the Excise and Customs to the queen — On 
 the different opinions for the continuance of the fleet in the Mediterranean — Wishes 
 his information not to be divulged.] 
 
 " JVhitehall, July 31-Aug. 10, 1694.— Sir ; 1 attended the 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 63 
 
 queen with the hst your majesty was pleased to inclose of the 
 commissions of Customs and Excise. As to what relates to the 
 last, I am so ignorant of the merits of the three doubtful persons, 
 that I did not dare to give any opinion, more than that I had 
 learnt of late, sir John Roche did not attend the board very 
 diligently, which before was the objection to him. But in relation 
 to the ditference whether sir John Worden or sir Robert Clayton 
 should be dismissed, I thought it my duty freely to declare my 
 opinion now, as 1 had done before, to your majesty ; for every 
 day's experience convinces any body that will examine, that, 
 besides those imputations, and partiality to his old fellow-servants, 
 however unfit and disaffected they are, he does continually 
 insist so stiffly and unreasonably against reforming any errors or 
 abuses', that are practised in the office, that it is sufficient to say 
 a thing is an antient custom, to engage him blindly to espouse 
 it ; so that whilst he remains, no reformation can be hoped for 
 in that office, which stands in as much need of it, as any other 
 in the kingdom. 
 
 " The lords of the committee this morning had under consi- 
 deration Mr. Blaithwayt's letter to Mr. Secretary, concerning 
 Mr. Russeirs stay in the Mediterranean. If in case it cannot be 
 so ordered, that a strength may stay there all the winter superior 
 to the fleet the french will leave, it is certain those ships that are 
 designed to return, must come away so early as will give the 
 french fleet an opportunity of assisting at the siege of Barcelona, 
 which an inferior force of your majesty's will not be able to 
 hinder; and the reputation your arms have gained by being 
 master of that sea, will vanish with the loss of that town in the 
 autumn. It were, therefore, to be wished, that it might be so 
 contrived, that your majesty's fleet might be laid up, and fitted 
 at Cadiz, if it could be done with safety to the ships. There they 
 would be ready to act, as you should command the next year, 
 and be in such a place as they would certainly watch the motions 
 of the french ; that in case they should send a squadron into 
 the ocean to be stronger here, a squadron of the like strength 
 should be immediately dispatched from Cadiz to reinforce us also. 
 
64 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 " It is likely, Sir, I talk very sanguinely, especially of this 
 matter, not knowing yet the minds of my lords of the committee 
 you advise with upon this point, nor the opinions of the admiralty, 
 seamen, and others whose judgment must guide their lordships, 
 to know what return you will have to it ; but I am in hopes, by the 
 next post, an answer will be returned to your majesty, what they 
 advise and what they think feasible in this matter ; and in case 
 they should venture to give their opinions, that the fleet might 
 be kept abroad so long, it will be absolutely necessary the Dutch 
 be so much of the same mind as to take care for providing to 
 refit their squadron, as we shall ours, 
 
 " I desire your majesty will take notice of nothing I write 
 upon this subject, because it is very likely nothing I have men- 
 tioned will prove to be the opinion of the committee ; but in 
 case it should, I thought it might be of use to your majesty to 
 give you this hint a post before, that you may be the better pre- 
 pared to resolve, if it does come, no time being to be lost, if 
 such a resolution be taken. 
 
 " I will use my utmost care to discover the truth of what is 
 suspected concerning captain Sanderson, and give your majesty 
 an account of it." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The king approves his proposal on the meeting of the Irish parliament — Blames the 
 lords justices for deferring their advice — Military movements and plans.] 
 
 " Camp of Mont St. JndrS, Aug. 6-I6, l694.— Sir ; I this 
 morning received the honour of your letter of the 27th OS. I 
 have spoken to his majesty on what you write concerning Ire- 
 land. He said, that the lords justices could not answer nor 
 excuse themselves for having so long delayed to give their advice : 
 that the time is elapsed for holding a parliament this year, 
 whence those two, who were adverse to a session, have indirectly 
 obtained their end. But since we cannot have one this year, his 
 majesty has ordered me to inform you, that what you propose is 
 very reasonable ; and that every assurance possible should be 
 given, that they shall have a parliament, in a manner that it may 
 
Hm.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 65 
 
 be indubitably known. It is said, that my lord Capel is more be- 
 loved than could have been expected ; but his health is so bad, 
 that I think he will not live long. With regard to the two others, 
 I do not know them ; but there will be ample time before the 
 meeting of the Irish parhament, to speak to the king on the 
 subject. 
 
 " I have nothing new to inform you. We begin much to want 
 forage; but when we move from hence, the camp we shall occupy 
 will be equally advantageous, and we shall be so much the far- 
 ther in advance *of the enemy. The difference will be, that we 
 shall give them a little more liberty, and they will not be obliged 
 to pass the Mjeuse before us ; but they may march to the Sambre, 
 and traverse it under the cannon of Namur. I am," &c. 
 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Is gratified that the king will follow his advice in summoning the Irish parliament in 
 
 spring.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 10-20, 1694.— My lord ; I have your lord- 
 ship's letter of the 6-l6th, and am glad his majesty so far approves 
 my thoughts, that he is willing we may in discourse give assur- 
 ances that a parliament shall meet in Ireland in spring. I wilL 
 for my part, endeavour to make use of it, to prevent any cla- 
 mours being brought from thence to the session here, which would 
 extremely disturb his majesty's business, that meets with other 
 delays but too many. I am," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Again adverts to the different opinions of the members of the council, individually, on 
 the continuance of the fleet in the Mediterranean — His own reflections on the sub- 
 ject—Thinks the decision ought to be left to admiral Russell.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 3-13, l694.— Sir ; Yesterday, when Mr. 
 Secretary Trenchard sent your majesty a letter, the result of what 
 the committee had advised, I did not trouble you with my opi- 
 nion, because I thought I had discovered something of that in 
 my former letter, but chiefly because the committee Avere una- 
 nimous in no one thing, so much as resolving to give no judgment. 
 When they were so diffident of theirs united, you may be sure I 
 
 K 
 
66 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 4 
 
 was much more so of my own single, and therefore I had not 
 presumed to say any more to your majesty upon this subject, but 
 that the queen did me the honour to send for me, and chid me, 
 saying, that in so important and nice a point, I ought not only 
 to give your majesty an account of my own thoughts, but, as 
 near as I could, collect the thoughts of the whole committee. It 
 is, therefore, in obedience to her commands, and no presumption 
 of my own, that I venture to report to your majesty, that every 
 body agreed, the decision ought to be left to JMr. Russell, who 
 alone could judge whether, with the assistance proposed and 
 promised from hence, the fleet might, with reasonable safety, 
 winter at Cadiz. My lord president* thought it too nice a point, 
 and declared he Avould give no opinion ; but managed his argu- 
 ments so well for and against it, that I will not decide what 
 opinion he is of; but am sure he has left himself latitude enough 
 to be of either, as the event shall give occasion, 
 
 " My lord Normanby, the first day of the consultation, was 
 the most clear and violent of any there for the fleet's remaining ; 
 but the next day changed his mind, and took great pains to shew 
 his dissent. My lord steward was in the country, and my lord 
 chamberlain-f- absent. My lord keeper,|. as much as I can recol- 
 lect, was so inclined for the fleet's staying, that he wished it might 
 be represented, with all the advantage the thing will bear, of what 
 use it would be if Mr. Russell could be supplied, as that the 
 fleet might early be useful the next summer : my lord privy sea]§ 
 and myself were of the same mind. My lord Romney was read}'^ 
 to declare himself positive for the fleet's staying, and Mr. Secre- 
 tary to-day owned that was his mind. 
 
 " After what was represented in Mr. Secretary's letter yesterday, 
 there remains not much for me to say upon this subject. The 
 
 * Sir Thomas Osborne, so well known under the title of earl of Danby, in the reign 
 of Charles the second ; created marquis of Caermarthen in 1689, and duke of Leeds in 
 May 1694. 
 
 f Earl of Dorset. 
 
 I Sir John, afterwards lord Somers. 
 
 § Thomas, earl of Pembroke. 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 67 
 
 advantages that may ensue from the fleet's stay, are certainly 
 more in number, and appear to me more likely to happen ; but 
 the danger that is possible from it, of more importance. If the 
 fleet can stay, and be fitted out the next summer, nothing can be 
 attempted by the french in those seas this autumn. You will pro- 
 tect the Turkey trade, both this and the next year. The next 
 summer your majesty will certainly be master in the Mediterra- 
 nean, as well as in the ocean ; and if the french should avoid a 
 battle, and coop themselves up at Toulon, such a quantity of 
 bomb vessels might be sent as would probably destroy their fleet 
 in port ; or, if that fails, might lay in ashes many populous and 
 rich towns upon that coast. The report of their being designed to 
 continue there, would, in all probability, strike such a terror in 
 France, as would incline them this winter to ask a reasonable 
 peace. 
 
 " If the fleet comes away, the French are left at liberty to act 
 any thing upon Barcelona, or otherwise, upon that coast, just as 
 if no fleet had been sent. The merchant ships in those seas, and 
 the men of war left to defend them, will be exposed to imminent 
 danger, and that trade destroyed, because the french will remain 
 masters, till such another fleet be sent, which will hardly be worth 
 while again, if it be so soon to be recalled ; and the great ships 
 will unavoidably be exposed, let them come away as soon as 
 they receive orders, to cross the Bay of Biscay in a later season 
 than were to be wished, and are afterwards to pass through the 
 cliannel, which has never been counted safe, later than the 
 equinoxes. 
 
 " But to all these plausible arguments, that make one fond of 
 their staying, there is one objection, that I confess is of the greatest 
 moment to England ; that if the ships proposed to be sent to 
 refit the fleet, should either be taken by the enemy, lost in storms, 
 or unreasonably detained by contrary winds, your ships there 
 will many of them be unserviceable, and this nation exposed to 
 what the french may attempt, if they should be masters at sea. 
 When there is but a bare possibility of such a misfortune, it closes 
 one's mouth ; and I have nothing more to add, but that I hope'' 
 
68 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I— Ch. 4. 
 
 your majesty will think this letter only proper for your own breast, 
 and believe it comes from one full of zeal for your own service, as 
 becomes," &c. &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is perplexed by the indecisive advice of the council on the stay of the fleet in the Medi- 
 terranean — Complains that the responsibility is thrown on himself — Has, nevertheless, 
 given orders for its continuance.] 
 
 " Camp of Mont St. AndrS, August 6-16, 1694. — I received this 
 morning your letter of the 31st July, and I hope that the com- 
 mittee will be of your opinion, that the fleet should winter in the 
 Mediterranean, namely, at Cadiz. As to myself, I entirely agree 
 with you, for the reasons you mention ; but I did not think proper 
 to issue positive orders, without being apprised of your sentiments 
 in England, particularly as I do not know whether the ships can be 
 there refitted and revictualled, should the resolution be adopted 
 for their continuance in the Mediterranean. The dutch I am 
 assured, will give their consent, and take care to provide all 
 the necessaries requisite for the maintenance of their ships ; but 
 unless positive orders for his continuance in the Mediterranean 
 are speedily dispatched to admiral Russell, I fear he will be 
 already on his return. I impatiently wait for the next post, that 
 I may know the opinion of the committee on this affair." 
 
 " P. S. Since I wrote to you above, the courier is arrived with a 
 letter from Mr. Secretary, of the 2nd-12th. 1 do not know if I 
 rightly comprehend him, but it appears, that the committee are of 
 opinion, that admiral Russell should winter at Cadiz, but dare 
 not declare that opinion, through fear of being responsible for the 
 event. I do wish that they had spoken more clearly on this oc- 
 casion, and indeed they ought to have done so, to prevent my 
 being exposed to the supposition of acting solely from my OAvn 
 opinion ; but as there is no time to deliberate, I am reduced to 
 the necessity of coming to some determination, and I have ac- 
 cordingly resolved, to order admiral Russell to winter, with his 
 
1694.J W I T H T H E K I N G. 69 
 
 whole squadron, at Cadiz. May God grant that this may suc- 
 ceed, for the good of the kingdom, and for the welfare of our 
 allies." 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Approves his majesty's resolution on the continuance of the fleet — Intelligence that the 
 Spaniards are listening to private overtures of accommodation.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 10-20, l694. — Sir ; I cannot but be extremely 
 glad your majesty has taken those resolutions you have, concern- 
 ing the Straits fleet. I confess' there is some hazard in it ; but if 
 it succeed, it Avill be of great advantage. There has been a meet- 
 ing this evening about changing the management of the victual- 
 ling into a contract, but no resolution yet taken, and the victuallers 
 are to be discoursed with to-morrow morning, to know what 
 money they will expect for the carrying on this unforeseen service. 
 
 " I have had another letter from the person that formerly gave 
 notice, that a project of a separate peace was carrying on in the 
 court of Spain, which confirms his former advice ; but I suppose 
 Mr. Russell will be a sufficient agent to prevent such a proceeding 
 this year." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [The queen and council have modified admiral Russell's instructions, so as to permit his 
 return in case of absolute necessity.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 14-24,1694. — Sir; The lords of the committee 
 have this morning finished a draught of instructions to Mr. Russell, 
 to be laid before her majesty, for her, if she thinks fit, to approve 
 and sign ; which, if they do not exactly agree with your majesty's 
 orders to him, the lords are in hopes do not at least differ from* 
 your intentions, since they observe in Mr. Blaithwayt's letter to 
 Mr. Secretary, your majesty did give your positive orders to Mr. 
 Russell to winter in the Straits, only because you feared such a 
 latitude as was proposed, would leave him under doubts and un- 
 certainties too great, for any one man to resolve in so important a 
 case, apprehending possibly, at the same time, that an inclination 
 to return home, might have some influence upon his resolutions, 
 left at such a liberty ; but that your majesty supposed, upon any 
 
70 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 extraordinary accident or necessity, Mr. Russell would, notwith- 
 standing those orders, return. If, upon examining the extent and 
 force of this order, with all the nicety and consideration I am 
 capable of, I could have been of the same opinion, I should never 
 have given my assent to advise the queen in the least to have 
 enlarged or explained what your majesty had signed ; but being 
 convinced, that it is penned Avith such strictness, that the admiral 
 must answer with his head his disobedience in returning, even 
 though the fleet and nation were endangered by his stay, I could 
 not resist joining with the rest of my lords, in endeavouring to 
 pen such instructions to Mr. Russell, as we conceived would 
 oblige him, in all ordinary cases, to winter at Cadiz ; but in extra- 
 ordinary difficulties, which are possible to arise from the enemy, 
 but more likely from the weather, or the ill condition of the ships, 
 then to give him such a liberty, as necessity only can justify 
 making use of. 
 
 " The victuallers have been several times before the lords of the 
 committee, and seem ready in their business, and so reasonable in 
 their demands, for this new service, that every body almost 
 agrees, it would not be advisable in this nice conjuncture, to 
 change hands. If a contract were to be made with the new under- 
 takers, it must now soon be finished and signed, though not to 
 begin till the new year ; and your majesty's fleet, that must be 
 victualled at Cadiz, just as if they were at sea, must be provided, 
 till that time, by persons, who will know, that at the end of that 
 service, they are to be discharged." 
 
 REPLY OF THE KING. 
 
 [Thinks the queen''s instructions to admiral Russell too vague — Hopes the duke of Shrews 
 bury has urged his continuance in a private letter.} 
 
 " Camp of Waninghem, Aug. 30, l694.— I received by the two 
 last posts your letters of the 10-20th and 14-24th. I am 
 glad that you approve the resolution which I adopted, that admiral 
 Russell should remain with his fleet in the Mediterranean, and 
 winter at Cadiz ; but 1 very much fear, that the last orders which 
 the queen sent him, leave him too much at liberty to return, if he 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 7i 
 
 wishes it, as I doubt not that he does, and which is evident from 
 the letter that he has written to the secretary. I trust, however, 
 that the private letter you have written to him, will induce him 
 not to follow his inclination ; for wherever there is an unwilling- 
 ness to do any thing, reasons against it are easily found, to prove 
 that impossible, which is not so in effect. Therefore, if means can 
 yet be devised to convince him of the importance of his continu- 
 ance in the Mediterranean, it will be very necessary to do so. It 
 appears to me, that it will be extremely difficult to change, at pre- 
 sent, the commission of victualling ; but as a considerable sum of 
 money will be requisite, should the fleet winter in the Mediterra- 
 nean, and as the treasury has no fund for that purpose, it perhaps 
 might be eligible, in making the contract, to oblige the contrac- 
 tors to advance the said sum. For this reason, I am of opinion, 
 that it will be necessary to lay this important business before the 
 committee of the lords, to be again examined, unless some posi- 
 tive resolution on the subject should have been adopted before 
 this reaches you." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Alludes to the rumours maliciously circulated, that the king, in regulating the East India 
 company, was influenced by the Dutch, who were desirous to ruin it.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 24>-Sept. 3, l694.— Sir ; Mr. Blaithwayt is 
 informed of what I have acted in relation to your majesty's com- 
 mands to the East India company,* and I have sent him a copy 
 of their answer. 
 
 " As I think it to be my duty to acquaint your majesty with 
 every thing that is or can be for your service, so I think it would 
 be a breach of that duty, if I should conceal what is whispered by 
 
 * In the preceding year the East India company had forfeited their charter, by neglect- 
 ing to pay the tax on joint stocks. A great effort was accordingly made, to supplant them 
 by the mercantile interest, who had long regarded their privileges as an injurious monopoly. 
 Several proposals and counter-proposals were at this period offered on both sides, and the 
 observation of the secretary probably alludes to some indulgence which the king was dis- 
 posed to grant to the old company. 
 
72 CORRESPONDENCE [PaIit I.-Ch. 4. 
 
 some here, who have heard of this proposition, and industriously 
 given out, that it arises from the suggestion of persons in Holland, 
 who hope, by their means, to ruin this company, and would, before 
 any other is set up, destroy the english trade, and possess them- 
 selves of it. It is impossible for any child to be more ignorant 
 than I am, of what is advantageous for england to do, or not to 
 do, upon this particular, having never had an opportunity to 
 examine, or be informed of any thing that relates to it; but I hoped 
 your majesty would excuse the freedom of my advertisement, and 
 believe, that it proceeds from a true zeal for your interest, as 
 becomes. Sir," &c. &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [The queen and council have ^ven more positive orders to admiral Russell — Arrangements 
 for forwarding his supplies — Suggests expedients for maintaining a proper fleet in the 
 channel, to protect the coast from insult.] 
 
 " Whitehall, August "iS-Sept. 7, 1694. — Sir ; by the express Mr. 
 Secretary sent last night, I have writ to Mr. Russell to the effect 
 your majesty commanded in your's of the 20th.* I find the queen 
 is doubtful, Avhether the last directions dispatched to Mr. Russell 
 do come entirely up to your majesty's intentions, or whether they 
 do not leave him too much room to return. This, by her majesty's 
 special commands, was particularly considered by the committee, 
 and they were unanimously of opinion, that nothing could be sent, 
 unless the orders were penned so positive, as to leave him no lati- 
 tude, in any case, to use his discretion. And Mr. Blaithwayt's 
 letter again repeating your majesty's commands to be with that 
 reserve, that it consist with the supply of the fleet, I am confident 
 he will understand it so as not to come back, but upon such an 
 extremity as your majesty would not wish the fleet should be ex- 
 posed to. 
 
 Upon a representation from the lords of the admiralty, that the 
 different convoys being furnished, which can be necessary to guard 
 the supphes to be sent at several times to Mr. Russell, for instance,, 
 
 * This alludes tp the king's letter of the 30th. 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 73 
 
 two third-rates now under orders to go with the victualHng ships 
 immediately to Cadiz; a second convoy, with the stores designed, 
 about a fortnight hence ; a third, with more stores, about a month 
 after that; and a fourth, with victuals necessary towards the 
 spring : that these several convoys being furnished, there would 
 then not one ship, except a first or second rate, be left to guard 
 the coasts this winter, or the next summer. The lords of the 
 committee did think fit to propose to her majesty, that an order 
 should be sent to Mr. Russell to send home ten ships of the third 
 rate, or upwards, concluding, that since he is strong enough now 
 for the french fleet, this detachment would not lessen his force, 
 considering the reinforcement he will necessarily receive upon 
 the occasions I have before mentioned ; and that without such a 
 squadron were returned hither, we should not be in a condition 
 to protect the coasts from any small insult, either of the french, or, 
 what now possibly may be apprehended, from the danes.* 
 
 " This leads me to put your majesty in mind, that I hope you 
 will, before your departure out of Holland, particularly recom- 
 mend, that their fleet designed for the channel should be early 
 ready; for without their assistance, we have not strength sufficient 
 to defend ourselves against the fleet, the french may, in the 
 spring, set out from Brest, Port Louis, and Rochfort i and your 
 majesty having exceeded your quota in the number of ships you 
 
 * In this and other letters allusion is made to the dispute which had at this time 
 arisen with the king of Denmark. The british government had insisted that all danish 
 ships should strike their flags, or lower their topsails, not only to british fleets, squa- 
 drons, or men of war in our own seas, but even to single frigates in the seas of the 
 north. This pretension being strenuously resisted, had led to unpleasant rencontres ; 
 and remonstrances and counter-remonstrances were offered on both sides, through the 
 british ministers and agents, and Plessen, the danish envoy in England. The dispute 
 was aggravated by the indulgence shewn to the vessels of the king of Sweden, whom 
 the british government were desirous to conciliate, and was fomented by the insinuations 
 of France. However, the manly and judicious proceeding of the court of Denmark, and 
 the conciliating conduct of king William, who was too prudent to embroil the two nations 
 for the sake of a humiliating ceremony, prevented a rupture ; and the question seems to 
 have been afterwards compromised, to the satisfaction of both parties. — Correspondence 
 of the duke of Shrewsbury with sir Wm. Trumbull and Mr. Gregg, british consul at 
 Copenhagen, in August and September, 1694 
 
 L 
 
74 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 have now in the Mediterranean, proportionable to what the states 
 have there, unless it may be depended upon here, that that ine- 
 quality will be made up, as it has been this summer, by their 
 furnishing more ships for the channel, it will not only create a 
 great clamour, but may dangerously expose these kingdoms, 
 any disappointment of this kind being of the last importance. 
 
 " I suppose my lord Godolphin will have given your majesty 
 an account, that the demands of the victuallers are so moderate, 
 that there will be no occasion upon that account to change hands ; 
 and indeed. Sir, without an absolute necessity, even those that 
 are partial against them, think an alteration at this time too 
 hazardous to be attempted/' 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks him for his information — Justifies himself against the charge of listening to 
 the dutch, in regard to the East India company — Anxiety for the stay of admiral 
 Russell in the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Cafnp of Rousselaer, Sept. 9, 1694. — I received yesterday 
 your letter of the 24th of August, O. S. What I ordered Blath- 
 wayt to write to you concerning the East India company, was 
 done in conformity with the advice which I received from Eng- 
 land ; and I tell you in confidence, that it was suggested to me 
 by my lord keeper ; you may speak to him on the subject. Hence 
 you will perceive the falsity of the report, that this advice was 
 nsinuated from Holland. I am well aware, that I am ever, though 
 undeservedly, exposed to such calumnies. I am much obhged to 
 you for having acquainted me with it, and I intreatyou to continue 
 informing me whatever you hear relative to the same subject. 
 
 " I am under great alarms lest admiral Russell should not 
 receive ray orders to continue in the Mediterranean ; and the more 
 I consider that affair, the more important it appears to me. I 
 know, from the best authority, that there is nothing France so 
 much dreads. It would therefore be expedient to risk sending 
 some vessel to meet him, and order him to return, even should 
 he be on this side Cadiz. If it be practicable, I desire that this 
 may be carried into execution as soon as possible." 
 
 ] 
 
1694.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 75 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Farther difficulties about Instructions to admiral Russell — His orders have been rendered 
 
 more positive.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 7-17, 1694. — Sir; In obedience to your ma- 
 jesty's commands of the Qth, N. S., the committee have humbly ad- 
 vised her majesty, that an order to the effect of that I have inclosed 
 to Mr. Blaithwayt, should be dispatched to Mr. Russell, with dupli- 
 cates of her majesty's instructions to him, of the 14th of August, 
 and her order of the 27th of the same month ; and at the same time, 
 the better to convince Mr. Russell of your majesty's mind, I 
 should send Tiim an extract of that part of your majesty's letter 
 which relates to his stay ; all which I have done. 
 
 " As to the first part of your majesty's letter, which Avas 
 not proper to communicate, and relates to the East India com- 
 pany ; I have not had a moment's leisure to discourse my lord 
 keeper upon it. By the next post I will give your majesty a 
 better account of that matter ; and in the mean time, hope you 
 will be satisfied with the orders which are sent to Mr. Russell. 
 No one person of the committee did dare to advise, that he should 
 be positively commanded to return, wherever he were met on this 
 side Cadiz, since he might possibly be so far from that port, ad- 
 vanced in his way here, that it would be extremely hazardous for 
 the fleet to return thither again this season. 
 
 " I am extremely glad the liberty I used in representing what 
 was reported concerning your majesty's orders to the East India 
 company, is not displeasing to you. I shall ever, with your 
 leave, practise the same freedom, with that zeal and sincerity which 
 becomes,"' &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is pleased that admiral Russell has obeyed his instructions — Desires him to take mea- 
 sures with the admiralty for a fleet to protect the coasts— The dutch will furnish 
 their quota.] 
 
 " Dieren, Oct. 12, l694. — I rejoice much that admiral 
 Russell has obeyed my orders with such promptitude. I am con- 
 
 L 2 
 
76 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 cerned at his chagrin, but I hope that he will not find so many 
 difficulties as he apprehends. He will not, I confess, pass his time 
 very agreeably this winter at Cadiz, but I doubt not that in the 
 spring he will be able to render essential service. 
 
 " It will be necessary to provide a good squadron this winter 
 for the protection of our commerce and coast. On this subject 
 you will please to speak very seriously to the admiralty, exhorting 
 them to neglect no means, and to employ the most strenuous 
 exertions to that effect. You may be confident, that the dutch 
 will have at least twenty ships fitted out, and I will take care, 
 before my departure for England, that the ships shall be in such 
 readiness as to be able to put to sea early in the spring." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [On the means of collecting a fleet to protect the coast — Has gained no farther intelli- 
 gence on the character of captain Sanderson, but deems it prudent that he should 
 be removed.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 9-19, 1694.— Sir; I am very glad to find by 
 your majesty's letter of the 12th of October, N. S. that so good a squa- 
 dron will be prepared by the dutch, to be in a readiness this winter. 
 By the inclosed paper, a copy of which I formerly sent to Mr. 
 Blaithwayt, your majesty will see it is impossible the lords of the 
 admiralty can provide a winter guard ; but, in case of extremity, 
 some of the forty-three men of war, appointed cruizers by act of 
 parliament, may, undoubtedly, be made use of, to protect the 
 coasts, as well as the trade, as the dutch will be stronger than any 
 thing the french have to set out in these seas. So that unless Mr. 
 Tourville get out of the Mediterranean and Mr. Russell cannot 
 follow him, I think we shall be quiet here, and the great consi- 
 deration will be, in what manner one may the most effectually 
 annoy them in both seas the next spring ; concerning which, I 
 question not but your majesty has your thoughts. 
 
 " I have employed several people to know further concerning 
 captain Sanderson ; but all I can learn is, the Jacobites call him a 
 very honest man ; but I cannot discover that he has said or done 
 any thing to deserve their good word. However, I confess I wish 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 77 
 
 he had a better employment, rather than this of constantly carry- 
 ing your majesty over/' 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Presses the king to take proper precautions in his passage to England, against the 
 
 enterprises of Du Bart.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 19-29, 1694.— Sir ; Mr. Blaithwayt's last 
 letter, which gives an account, that it is believed Du Bart is out, to 
 watch any opportunity of advantage upon your majesty's crossing 
 the seas, is the occasion of my giving you this trouble, though at 
 the same time I conclude I know your humour so well, that you 
 will think it very impertinent ; but, however, I cannot resist beg- 
 ging of you, that if this report should be confirmed, you will not 
 come in a yacht, but in a man of war rather. Besides what I 
 have already hinted to your majesty, one cannot imagine what 
 accidents night, mists, or storms, may occasion. I may perhaps 
 be so much in the wrong, that a man of war may be less safe 
 than a yacht ; but I am sure your majesty owes it to the preser- 
 vation, not only of England, but of Europe, to take all reasonable 
 care of yourself. I am sensible this is a subject you will dishke 
 my troubhng you with, but I could not dispense with myself from 
 doing it, and hope you will pardon, Sir," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Requests directions with regard to Mr. Russell's commission of captain general — Sends 
 
 papers for signature.] 
 
 ^'London, Dec. 15-25, 1694. — Sir; For want of legs,* I am 
 forced in this manner to lay the inclosed letter from Mt. Russell 
 before your majesty, desiring that the letter itself may be returned 
 to me, with your commands, what answer shall be made to it. 
 I hope your majesty will not forget to give some immediate direc- 
 tions about the regiments you intend to send into the Mediterra- 
 nean, and about Mr. Russell's commission, if you are come to a 
 resolution in what manner it shall pass. The papers for your 
 
 * Having the gout. 
 
78 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 4. 
 
 majesty's hand, which come at the same time with this, are things 
 that come either from the Treasury, or the Ordnance, or by order 
 of council ; and some of them requiring dispatch, and being only 
 things of course, I hope your majesty will be pleased to sign them." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [On the transport of troops to the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " London, Dec. 23-Jan. 2, 1694.— Sir; I have here, inclosed, sent 
 
 your majesty the answer of the lords of the admiralty, by which it 
 
 will appear, that much assistance is not to be expected from this 
 
 convoy, for transporting the troops. I have also inclosed the 
 
 answer of the commissioners for transportation, who calculate the 
 
 charge of as many men as your majesty shall think fit to send, at 
 
 forty shillings a head, without victuals, and that the ships cannot 
 
 be ready in much less than a month. 1 am sorry for the occasion 
 
 which makes this a time so improper * to think of matters of this 
 
 nature; but if it be resolved the men shall be sent, no time ought 
 
 to be lost in giving orders for the preparations ; and if they are not 
 
 to go, the admiralty ought to be acquainted with it; because I 
 
 doubt, depending upon this event, they intend to send Mr. Russell 
 
 fewer men than otherwise they designed, which may prejudice the 
 
 service."' 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREVi^SBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Approves the recall of sir George Rooke from the Mediterranean — Recommends him to 
 refer the matter to the cabinet council.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Jan. 23, 1695. —Sir ; I am extreme glad to hear 
 by my lord keeper, that your majesty designs immediately to 
 recall sir George Rooke, and very sorry my head continues so 
 ill, that I am not in a condition to wait upon you, to receive your 
 commands upon it. I wish the orders may not be delayed beyond 
 this very day ; but yet hope they will not be dispatched without 
 calling a cabinet council. Those lords will think themselves much 
 
 * He here alludes to the illness of the queen, who was attacked with the small pox, on the 
 23rd of December, and died on the 2bth. 
 
1694.] WITHTHEKING. 79 
 
 slighted, if, after having been consulted upon that matter all along, 
 they should now be left out, in a point so very material ; besides, 
 at the same time these orders are sent, there are many other consi- 
 derations, which no single person can recollect to lay before your 
 majesty, so fully as the committee. 
 
 " My condition renders me so useless, and is so very painful to 
 myself, that I beg leave to go into the country for two or three 
 days, to try if air can give me any ease." 
 
80 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 CHAPTER 5. 
 1695. 
 
 Effects of the death of queen Mary— Disposition of the parliament — Naval and military 
 operations — Expedition of admiral Russell to the Mediterranean — Recall of the fieet in 
 consequence of the threatened invasion — Farther considerations on Irish affairs — Admi- 
 nistration of the lord deputy Capel — Correspondence from June to October, 1695. 
 
 ^A-T this period of his administration, Shrewsbury was involved 
 in many difficulties. The unfortunate death of queen Mary, 
 which occurred on the 28th of December, 1694, gave scope to 
 numerous cabals among the disaffected, and even several partisans 
 of the Revolution considered the title of the king as essentially 
 weakened by her decease. An objection was indeed suggested, 
 that as the parliament had been convoked in the joint names of 
 the king and queen, it was virtually dissolved by her death ; but 
 this objection was fortunately overruled, though it left a consider- 
 able impression on the public mind. On this event, the disputes 
 which had long subsisted between the princess Anne and king 
 William, were apparently reconciled, through the agency of lord 
 Somers ; but the accommodation was far from being cordial, and 
 the party in opposition to the court, still continued to regard the 
 interests of the princess, as opposed to those of the king, and to 
 avail themselves of her countenance, in thwarting the measures 
 of government. 
 
 The parliament, also, being constituted of a majority of tories, 
 was frequently ranged in opposition to the sovereign ; and they so 
 far contravened their own principles, as to exert their chief 
 strength in the abridgment of the prerogative. They entered into 
 a vexatious investigation of the numerous abuses, which existed in 
 the military and naval system, and the administration of the 
 revenue, less from motives of public spirit, than from a personal 
 
1695.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 81 
 
 aversion to the king. By prudence and forbearance, however, 
 this factious spirit was soothed or baffled ; and the supphes 
 being voted, the king prorogued the parhament, appointed a 
 commission of lords justices, of whom the duke of Shrewsbury 
 was one ; and hastened his departure for the continent, with the 
 expectation of giving new strength to his government, by his 
 military successes. 
 
 The correspondence of 1695 exhibits nearly the same features 
 as that of the preceding year. More frequent references, hoAvever, 
 to military affairs, occur in the letters of the king, particularly 
 to the siege and capture of Namur, which was one of his most 
 brilliant exploits ; but they are introduced with that brevity and 
 simplicity which mark the warrior, and which peculiarly distin- 
 guished the character of our great Deliverer. 
 
 Naval affairs, at the same time, form a prominent topic ; and in 
 addition to the attacks on St. Maloes, and other points of the 
 french coast, the attention of the king is particularly directed to 
 the fleet in the Mediterranean, under the command of admiral 
 Russell. On this enterprise, which may be regarded as peculiarly 
 his own, he manifests unabated anxiety. When unwillingly com- 
 pelled to permit the return of Russell, he sent sir George Rooke to 
 supply his place; and laboured to maintain the mastery of the 
 Mediterranean, till the invasion that threatened the british shores 
 obliged him to abandon his grand design, and suffer the french 
 to regain that superiority, which enabled them to break the con- 
 federacy in Italy. 
 
 The affairs of Ireland also, had acquired such interest as to oc- 
 cupy his serious attention. 
 
 In the preceding chapter we have rapidly sketched the different 
 changes which occurred in that government ; and traced the prin- 
 ciple of weakness, which prevailed under all the forms of adminis- 
 tration. As before, it was soon found necessary to recall the 
 commission, of which lord Capel was the head ; and instead of a 
 government composed of jarring elements, to place the supreme 
 power in the hands of a single person, possessed of the requisite 
 sagacity, abilities, and vigour. The matured talents of lord Capel 
 
 M 
 
82 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 recommended him to this office; and in pursuance of his sugges- 
 tions, such changes Avere made in the Irish administration, as were 
 deemed requisite to further the views of the enghsh crown. The 
 new lord deputy did not belie the confidence reposed in him. He 
 risked the critical experiment of convoking the parliament, and 
 succeeded in fulfilling all the instructions which he had re- 
 ceived from the king. He established the english and protestant 
 ascendancy, by procuring the confirmation of the Act of Settle- 
 ment, by annulling the bills of attainder passed in the pretended 
 parliament of James, preventing the prevalent system of foreign 
 education, disarming papists, and settling the estates of persons 
 dying intestate. He likewise eradicated a great cause of religious 
 animosity, by procuring the abolition of the horrid writs for burn- 
 ing heretics. Lastly, he had even the address to obtain the grant 
 of a subsidy of l60,000 pounds. 
 
 He was not, however, totally exempt from the evils attached to 
 divided rule ; for sir Charles Porter, who still retained the seals of 
 lord chancellor, indirectly thwarted all his measures, and proved a 
 zealous and active opponent of the government he served. An 
 attempt was indeed made by the partisans of the lord deputy, to 
 impeach the chancellor, for sowing discord among his fellow-sub- 
 jects ; but the effort was parried by the strength of the party, with 
 which he was connected ; and the weakness of the crown is 
 manifested in the inability of William to remove so obnoxious and 
 refractory a servant. 
 
 The address of the Irish commons, however, sufficiently charac- 
 terizes the administration of lord Capel : " And we must ever ac- 
 knowledge to your majesty, the great benefit we do, and our pos- 
 terity shall receive, by those inestimable laws given us by your 
 majesty, in this session of parliament, held under your majesty's 
 deputy and our excellent governor, lord Capel, whereby, not 
 only our religious and legal rights are confirmed to us, but this 
 your majesty's kingdom of Ireland is firmly secured to the imperial 
 crown of England." 
 
 The remaining part of the correspondence is chiefly occupied 
 with the arrangements for the election of a new parliament. The 
 
1695.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 83 
 
 power and influence of the tories in the House of Commons, had 
 induced the kiffg to retain many of that party in the offices of 
 state; but he continued to feel the necessity of a more inti- 
 mate connection with the whigs ; and at the suggestion of Shrews- 
 bury, he adopted the resolution of profiting by the popularity 
 derived from his military successes, to make an appeal to 
 public opinion, by the convocation of a new parliament. He thus 
 hoped to throw additional power into the hands of the whigs, on 
 whose support he chiefly relied, and to check that spirit of factious 
 inquiry, which the House of Commons had recently manifested. 
 He was indeed so anxious to try the effect of this experiment, that 
 even before his departure from Holland, he dispatched full 
 powers to tlie lords justices, to dissolve the parliament in his 
 absence, lest he should be detained too long abroad ; but he was 
 dissuaded from this resolution, and by the advice of his minister, 
 suspended the design till his arrival in England. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Anxious that admiral Russell should remain till autumn in the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Loo, May 23-June 2, 1695 — I have not received any 
 letters from England since my departure, doubtless on account of 
 the contrary wind. Before this reaches you, you will receive from 
 sir George Rooke, an account relative to the stations of our squa- 
 drons, and how they are to act this campaign. I also trust in your 
 exertions to press the execution of the plan, with as much order 
 and promptitude as possible ; and it will be, above all, particularly 
 necessary to send specific orders for preventing the return of 
 admiral Russell from the Mediterranean, before the end of September 
 or the beginning of October ; and should there be a few ships not fit 
 to keep the sea, for so long a time, they may be dispatched home- 
 ward, and replaced by others from England, as I have settled with 
 sir George Rooke. I shall depart from hence the day after to- 
 morrow, and join the army IMonday evening, near Deynse. I shall 
 see what can be undertaken, and will give you due information." 
 
 M 2 
 
84 CORRESPONDENCIE [Paet I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [On the inexpediency of detaining the squadron too long in the Mediterranean — Opinion of 
 sir George Rooke on the subject — Arrangements for opening the parliament in Ireland.] 
 
 " London, May 31-June 10, 1695. — Sir ; I had not the honour 
 of your majesty's letter of the 23rd, till the 29th of this month, 
 that I returned out of the country, where I had been for four or 
 five days, upon extraordinary occasions of my own ; and finding 
 your majesty's orders were, that Mr. Russell should remain in the 
 Mediterranean till the end of September, or the middle of October, 
 and that you thought a few only of that squadron, which are 
 designed to be here before the winter, must necessarily return by 
 the end of August, but that the greatest part might stay till 
 towards October, I used the best means I could, to inform myself, 
 from the most understanding here, and particularly from sir George 
 Rooke, what the consequence might reasonably be, of great or weak 
 ships returning so late in the season, being unwilling to depend 
 entirely upon Mr. Russell's opinion, though declared in many 
 letters, and particularly that of 16-26 of April, it being a thing in 
 which his own desire of coming home might bias his judgment ; but 
 every body agrees, that it is even safer the ships should remain 
 there another winter, and may better endure the worm (from 
 which I doubt they have sutfered too much already to make that 
 advisable) than return hither so late in the season. Besides, sir 
 George Rooke assured all the lords yesterday, that he expected so 
 much time would be necessary to refit most of the ships expected 
 from the Straits, that unless they were here before September, 
 he doubted whether they could be put into a condition to go to 
 sea early in the summer, and consequently the frefich might be 
 stronger than we, the next year, in these seas; the consequence of 
 which, is very obvious, as well as dangerous. 
 
 " I have received a letter from my lord Capel, who thinks all 
 the removes your majesty has signed, necessary, he having de- 
 manded as few as were consistent with the service, and now he 
 has good hopes of the success of the Irish parliament." 
 
1695.1 WITHTHE.KING. 85 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [State of the army— Intention to advance against the enemy — Surprised at the wish of 
 admiral Russell to return in August.] 
 
 " Camp at Ersele,June 9, 1695 — I arrived here Monday, during 
 the night, and in the morning was so much engaged, that I had no 
 time to write to you yesterday, and to-day I reviewed the infantry, 
 and found them all in good condition, except some english regi- 
 ments, which are rather weak. I cannot, as yet, inform you what we 
 intend to do ; but I hope that we shall not be inactive. As the 
 enemy are inferior to us in number, their movements must direct 
 ours ; and in a few days I shall see what can be done, as I am 
 resolved to march the day after to-morrow. 
 
 " Blaithwayt will have informed you the last post, of my inten- 
 tions respecting the letter from admiral Russell to you. I hope 
 he will not hasten his return, so as not to receive the orders which 
 are transmitted to him. I confess, his thought of returning 
 in the months of July or August, excites my astonishment, as 
 it may be attended with the most fatal consequences." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is anxious for the- king's personal safety — Reflections on the attack against Dunkirk 
 . Danger of detaining the fleet too late in the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June, 4-14, 1695. — Sir; I am almost sorry that 
 your majesty should be satisfied with the condition of the army, 
 if it will encourage you to undertakings that every body must 
 tremble at the apprehension of, that is so fortunate as to know 
 you, and the consequence of the safety of your person. But on 
 this subject I write so like a woman, that I ought not to expect 
 to be regarded. 
 
 " Your majesty will perceive by Mr. Vernon's letter to Mr. 
 Blaithwayt, what the opinion is of our english sea-officers as to 
 the attempt upon Dunkirk. If that service be performed, it 
 must be by Mr. AUemonde, or somebody whose judgment goes 
 along with it. I do not see why the dutch might not do it with 
 their ships separate from our fleet, and assisted by Mr. Meester's 
 
86 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.- Ch. 5. 
 
 machines, and such other vessels as he has purposely prepared 
 here ; but this must be by your majesty's immediate direction. 
 
 " If there be any service designed for Mr. Russell, to be per- 
 formed later than he proposes to come back, as I imagine your 
 majesty has some scheme of, by your earnestness for his stay 'till 
 towards October ; I doubt it will fall out so unluckily, that it can 
 very hardly be complied with, unless it may be performed with 
 the twenty ships he proposes shall stay there all the winter ; and 
 my reasons are, that I suppose all those ships he thinks too weak 
 to remain there the next season, will consequently be much more 
 too weak to be ventured home so late as your majesty proposes ; 
 for he lays it down as a rule, that it is safer for them to stay 
 another season, than to be sent home so late in the year. Ano- 
 ther reason is, that if we are to send ships from hence to relieve 
 that squadron, about the beginning of August, as I doubt it will 
 be necessary for their safety, and to avoid their being disabled 
 by ill weather, and put out of a condition to serve there all that 
 time till November, when the others may be expected home, 
 you are at the mercy of the french, who have between 30 and 
 40 good ships at Brest and Rochfort, which, by calling in their 
 privateers, they may soon put out, and be masters of the sea, to 
 land, and do what other spoil they please upon the coast. 
 
 " Your majesty will be informed that sir Giles Ayres, a judge 
 in the King's-bench, is lately dead ; but I hope you will not hastily 
 engage yourself in any promise for the filling his place." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has reconnoitred the french lines — Is determined to make some attempt against the 
 enemy — dissatisfied with the conduct of admiral Berkeley — Overrules the objec- 
 tions of admiral Russell to remain in the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Camp of Besselaer, June 8-18, 1695. — I have been three 
 days at this place, which is a village three leagues and a half from 
 the lines, between Comines and Ypres. Soon after my arrival, / 
 which was late in the evening, after a long march over bad roads, 
 I went to reconnoitre the hne. As all the infantry cannot arrive 
 this evening, and the heavy artillery till very late, I could not 
 
1695.] WITH THE KING. 87 
 
 then attack them, though I was well aware that on the morrow I 
 should find them much strengthened ; and so it proved ; for on 
 reconnoitring early the next morning, when the roads were pre- 
 paring, I found the army of Villeroy arriving, and did not deem 
 it prudent to make the attack on that day. But I have ordered 
 the elector of Bavaria to advance between the Scheld and the 
 Lys towards the new lines ; and I yesterday sent the duke of 
 Wirtemberg to invest Fort Knock, with a corps of troops posted 
 near Dixmund ; so I hope that on one side or other we shall 
 succeed, or at least that we shall undertake some considerable 
 enterprise. 
 
 " I have to-day received your letter of June the 4th, and I 
 perceive that the attempt on Dunkirk must be made by admiral 
 Allemonde,* for which I will issue the necessary orders ; but, at the 
 same time, he must be assisted from England in what he requires. 
 To confess the truth, I own to you that I am not satisfied with 
 lord Berkeley's letter,-f- since he seems only to raise difficulties ; 
 for although I am no seaman, I flatter myself I know what is 
 right to be done in that department. Neither have I changed 
 my opinion respecting the continuance of admiral Russell in the 
 Mediterranean till September. And I am convinced that there 
 will not be so much danger as he apprehends, in sending home 
 the ships at the end of that month, or the beginning of October ; 
 especially since it is common for the dutch and french, and even 
 our own ships, to return in that season from Spain and the Medi- 
 terranean ; for should our fleet not continue there till September 
 or October, the enemy will doubtless profit by our absence, either 
 by dispatching their squadron from Toulon to Brest, or by 
 making an attempt on the coast of Spain ; so that our whole 
 campaign in those seas will have proved useless, and even preju- 
 dicial. I do not, I confess, much dread the armaments which 
 the enemy are preparing at Brest and Rochfort, particularly if 
 
 * The dutch admiral. 
 
 •f Lord Berkeley this year commanded the fleet in the channel, and made some at- 
 tempts on the northern ports of France. 
 
88 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 we do not send too early the ships destined to relieve those which 
 are to return from the Mediterranean/' 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Sends a general representation from the council for withdrawing a part of the fleet 
 from the Mediterranean — Wishes to resign the lord-lieutenancy of Wales and Here- 
 ford, and recommends either lord Carberry or lord Macclesfield to succeed him.] 
 
 '■'■London, June 21- July 1, 1695. — Sir; I take the liberty to 
 trouble your majesty with this, a little to explain what you will 
 receive by the same post from us all. 
 
 " Ever since we received your majesty's last instructions, and 
 in obedience to them, ordered Mr. Russell not to return till 
 September or October, several of us have more exactly informed 
 ourselves of the danger of such a voyage ; and not one, but every 
 seaman that any of us have discoursed with, do not only say, the 
 hazard is very great, but almost certain ; that ships of the first 
 or second rate have not, till very lately, been ventured to those 
 seas ; and if they are to return in the winter, sir George RookeV 
 expression to me was, " It is a thousand to one several of them 
 miscarry." This concurrence of all persons here, skilful in sea 
 affairs, has frightened us into the representations we have made 
 to-day. If I may presume to guess at your majesty's reasons for 
 keeping the fleet so long there, before you send any of it home, 
 it is either to protect the Spanish coasts, or to make some attempt, 
 with the assistance of landmen, upon the french, towards the end 
 of the summer, and to remain master of those seas, that the 
 french may not have an opportunity to send home their ships 
 from Toulon to Brest. 
 
 " If this secret can be kept, and Mr. Russell have orders to 
 come away with the ships at the time he proposes, leaving the 
 twenty english and the squadron of the dutch, I thmk nothing is 
 more certain than that the french will not be able to fit out a fleet 
 superior to that left, between the time they will have notice of 
 Mr, Russell's being gone with the great or weak ships, and the 
 time they may be reinforced from home with such as are designed 
 to be sent thither. The latter end of July was the time your 
 
1696.] WITHTHEKING. 89 
 
 majesty was pleased to direct the stores and victuals to be ready 
 to go to the Straits ; and though possibly all the ships designed for 
 that service cannot well be spared so soon, because, when they 
 are gone, we have not one ship, besides cruizers appointed by 
 parliament, to carry the name of a fleet in the channel ; yet, if it 
 appear, by our intelligence, that no preparations are making by 
 the french in the Ocean, I do not see why the two first and two 
 second rates, with some less ships, may not be sent with the 
 provisions ; and at the same time, the officer your majesty designs 
 to command in chief in the Straits ; and what other third rates 
 cannot then be spared from my lord Berkeley, may follow as soon 
 as that service is over. I persuade myself your majesty will ex- 
 cuse my offering my notions in a matter of this difficulty, because 
 I hope you will always think they are sincerely intended for your 
 service. 
 
 " I must also take the liberty, Sir, to lay before you another 
 matter, which lies extreme heavy upon me — the lieutenancy of 
 Hereford and North Wales, especially South "Wales : they are 
 countries where I know nobody, and am known to none. The 
 gentlemen make a clamour that commissions are not given out for 
 the militia and array ; at the same time some refuse to serve, and 
 others I am fearful of employing, as not being secure of their 
 truth to your majesty's interest. If this honour and burthen 
 might be conferred upon my lord Macclesfield, or some other who 
 has leisure and opportunities to be acquainted with the gentlemen, 
 it would be a service to your majesty, and a great ease to me. 
 You Avere pleased once to give leave my lord Carberry should have 
 it, which was then dechned, in consideration of my lord Maccles- 
 field. I do not know my lord Carberry's mind, he having been 
 absent in the country for near a twelve-month; but if your ma- 
 jesty should not be disposed to give it my lord Macclesfield, I 
 could soon know my lord Carberry's thoughts; and if he under- 
 take it, he will serve you faithfully and well. 
 
 " Upon the first subject I beg leave to add these few words, 
 that I doubt, if the orders to Mr. Russell are not altered, he will 
 either send home all but the twenty ships, as he first proposed, 
 
90 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 and justify himself upon the opinion, that not one of them could 
 return later in the year with safety, in which case we shall not be 
 prepared to reinforce that fleet so soon as we should be, if we 
 expected their return at that time; or else he will punctually 
 observe orders, and keep most of them, till they are so 
 out of condition, and the season so far advanced, that he 
 will not dare to send them home, but lay them up another winter 
 at Cadiz ; and then most of them will be so weak and worm-eaten, 
 that the refitting which can be given them in that port, I am told, 
 will not make them serviceable next summer here, nor there. 
 The inclosed is from the queen dowager.* Your majesty will 
 pardon this tedious letter." 
 
 " P. S. — Since the writing this long letter, sir Thomas Littleton 
 has read the inclosed to me, and desired me to present it to your 
 majesty. The manner of his service in the House of Commons 
 does more directly entitle him to ask a place in the Treasury than 
 any other man that I know ; and I believe no person your majesty 
 can put there, will be more generally approved ; but, however, 
 I submit it to your majesty ."-f 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Cannot force the enemy's lines — Will undertake the siege of Namur.J 
 
 " Camp at Besselaer, June 17-27, 1695. — I have only time to 
 inform you, that the enemy have united all their forces here in 
 Flanders, and so strongly entrenched themselves, that I have not 
 found any opportunity of undertaking any considerable opera- 
 tion. I have, therefore, formed the design of besieging Namur, 
 and have made all the necessary measures for that siege. It 
 is, I avow, a very great undertaking; God grant that it may 
 succeed. I could not do otherwise, for man}" reasons, which I have 
 not time to explain to you." 
 
 * Katherine, infanta of Portugal, widow of king Charles the Second. 
 •f In consequence of this recommendation, sir Thomas Littleton was appointed a 
 commissioner of the Treasury, May 2, 1696. 
 
1695] WITHTHEKING. 91 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Investment of Nfiraur — Farther remarks on the continuance of the fleet in the 
 
 Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Camp before Namur, July 1-11, 1695. — Since my last, we 
 liave been employed in strengthening our lines, and in making 
 the necessary preparations for our attacks. This night we purpose 
 to open the trenches at the gate of St. Nicholas. Our heavy artil- 
 lery will arrive only to-day, which has retarded the siege two days. 
 Till the present moment the enemy have made no appearance of 
 intending to succour the place ; but they will have sufficient time, 
 and therefore we cannot form any accurate judgment on the 
 subject. 
 
 " You will see what I ordered Blaithwayt to write by the last 
 post to my lords justices. I do not perceive any difference be- 
 tween the orders which have been sent to admiral Russell, and 
 those which they are of opinion ought to be sent. 
 
 " I am willing that you should sound lord Carberry respecting 
 the lord-lieutenancy of Wales, which you now hold ; and that 
 you order his commission to be expedited." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 [Progress of the attack on Namur.J 
 
 " Camp before Namur, July 14, 1695. — I send you herewith 
 the copies of some letters in cipher, from the king of France to 
 marshal Boufflers at Namur, which fell into our hands. I beg 
 you to have them deciphered by Dr. Wallis, and send them back 
 as soon as possible. 
 
 " Our siege advances against the town. We spare our people 
 as much as we can, so that we have not lost more than three 
 men each night, during the three nights that the trenches have 
 been opened. Our breaching batteries of heavy cannon and our 
 mortars, will open to-morrow. We expect every momeht the 
 news of a battle in Flanders, since our intelligence last night 
 was, that marshal Villeroy was marching directly to our army, to 
 
92 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 engage it, and his vanguard was only half a league distant. God 
 give us success." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Successful attack of the outworks of Namur — Farther operations of the siege.] 
 
 " Camp before Namur, July 11-21, 16.95. — I have been so 
 much engaged since my last letter, that I was not able to write 
 to you; but I know that you have been informed of all our 
 proceedings. Two days ago, I was obliged to attack the lines, 
 Avhich the enemy had constructed to cover their works ; and we 
 forced them with vigour. All the troops displayed considerable 
 courage, and particularly the five battalions of guards, the three 
 english, the scotch, and one dutch, who attacked on the right, and 
 also the dutch troops who attacked on the left. We have lost a 
 great number, but the enemy more in proportion. We are at 
 present employed in forming the breaching batteries, and I hope , 
 that we shall soon be masters of the town. The siege of the 
 citadel will be attended with more difficulty, and will take up 
 more time; but if we once obtain possession of the town, no 
 more succours can be thrown in. By the last post you were 
 informed of what was passing in Flanders ; to-day I received in- 
 telligence that the enemy intend to attack Dixmund. I hope that 
 the garrison will vigorously defend themselves, as they amount to 
 no less than eight battalions 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Anxious for the king's safety and success — His majesty's wishes fulfilled in the instruc- 
 tions to admiral Russell — On the transfer of the lord lieutenancy of the welsh counties.] 
 
 " July 12-22, 1695.— Sir; I cannot acknowledge the honour of 
 your majesty's letter of the first of July, without expressing, at the 
 same time, my continual fears for your success and safety in this 
 great design. I hope the event will be glorious and fortunate to 
 your majesty. 
 
 " I believe the last orders we have sent to Mr. Russell are 
 agreeable to your majesty's intentions. I wish he may be able to 
 do any service considerable in those parts before his return. 
 
1695.] WITHTHEKING. 93 
 
 Could it have been foreseen, that those troops he has transported 
 to Catalonia might have been spared for a time from thence, as 
 the Spaniards' success in those parts inclines one now to believe 
 they might, it is possible, in conjunction with what he could have 
 added, they might have been employed to some useful purpose ; 
 but this thought is now too late. 
 
 " As soon as my lord Carberry comes to town, who is daily 
 expected, if his inclinations be the same they were formerly, to 
 desire those Welsh counties, I will so order it, that he shall esteem 
 himself obliged for the trust your majesty reposes in him. If I 
 find him dechne it, he shall not know your gracious intention 
 towards him, but I will fill up the lieutenancy and militia in the 
 best manner I can, and ever acknowledge your majesty's willing- 
 ness to ease me of this burthen, as one obligation added to so 
 many, that I were most ungrateful, if my life should not, every 
 minute, be ventured, as a testimony of the real affection and 
 fidelity of," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREV^^SBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Hopes of the French to relieve Namur — Is surprised at the surrender of Casale to the 
 duke of Savoy — On the appointment of lord Bellamont as governor of New York.*] 
 
 " Sir ; I am extremely glad your majesty's troops have be- 
 haved themselves to your satisfaction, and that the town is soon 
 likely to be reduced. The castle, I doubt, will be of greater diffi- 
 culty; and the Paris letters tell us, the hopes they have of relieving 
 the place is, not by force, but by killing so many men, if you 
 press on the siege fast, that you will destroy your army ; or if you 
 proceed with more caution and security, so to distress you for 
 want of forage, and all sorts of provisions, that the siege must 
 be raised. But these considerations are too plain not to have 
 fallen within your majesty's foresight; and therefore I hope the 
 success will answer your expectation and my wishes, which shall 
 ever be for the increase of your majesty's glory and happiness. 
 
 * Without a date, but written July 16-26, 1695, as appears from the reply of the 
 king, dated August 1. 
 
94 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 " I cannot help expressing my jealousy of this friendly agree- 
 ment at Casale. It looks like such a correspondence as might 
 create a treaty of more consequence to the common cause, unless 
 your majesty's advice and consent have been first had. 
 
 " By this post your majesty will receive a representation from 
 us, concerning my lord Bellamont. I believe, Sir, you are 
 satisfied the providing for that poor gentleman will be for your 
 service. The committee of plantations have advised, and I believe 
 with good reason, that no salary can be depended on from New 
 England ; so that he must either have his subsistence out of your 
 majesty's exchequer, which is an ill precedent, and never to be 
 retrieved, or the expedient we have projected must take, which 
 has no other hardship or difficulty, than the removing colonel 
 Fletcher, who has been there four years, and by many much dis- 
 liked. But knowing nothing myself of his merit, I shall not speak 
 of that, nor had I troubled your majesty with thus much, but that 
 Mr. Blaithwayt, I know, is a particular friend to colonel Fletcher; 
 and therefore, in his discourse to your majesty, upon this subject, 
 you may be pleased to suspect him of some partiality, which 
 perhaps is no fault towards a friend." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is glad to hear of the successful bombardment of St. Maloes — Anxious for the result of 
 the attempt on Dunkirk — Progress of the siege of Namur.J 
 
 " Camp before Namur, July 28, l695. — I yesterday received 
 your letter of the 12-22.* I was glad to hear, that the bombard- 
 ment of St. Maloes had been successful ; and though it were to be 
 wished, that it was more complete, yet we have sufficient reason 
 to be satisfied. I hope also, that the attempt on Dunkirk, will 
 likewise succeed. It is, however, necessary to forward the expe- 
 dition, and to be very positive in the orders which you dispatch 
 on this occasion. 
 
 " Affairs here go on tolerably well, though not as expedi- 
 tiously as I could wish. Yesterday we made our lodgment on the 
 counterscarpe, and I now flatter myself that we shall soon be 
 masters of the town. I cannot sufficiently applaud the finnness 
 
1695.] WITHTHEKING. 95 
 
 and valour of the troops. It is very grievous to lose so many 
 brave men, but it cannot be avoided in a siege like this." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [Lord Galway requests that the fleet might remain another year in the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 23-Aug. 2, 1695.— Sir ; By the last post I re- 
 ceived a letter from my lord Galway,* extremely pressing that the 
 fleet in the Mediterranean might continue there another year, and 
 that something, he believed, might be proposed to be undertaken, 
 early the next Spring, particularly advantageous to England. He 
 said he had taken the liberty to write to your majesty, and he hoped 
 he should receive your orders ; because, if it were resolved they 
 should remain, he would engage the duke of Savoy and the maf 
 to get the Spaniards to request it of your majesty, and dispose them 
 to afford any accommodation to the fleet, in consideration of the 
 benefit they receive by their stay, that your majesty should think 
 reasonable. I have made him no other answer, than that I would 
 put your majesty in mind to send him your orders for his conduct, 
 without explaining whether the fleet be designed to be recalled or 
 no. If it were possible, that any number of the duke of Savoy's 
 troops, being now disengaged from the business of Casale,J could 
 be brought time enough to attempt any thing this summer, with 
 the assistance of your majesty's fleet, that might be, as my lord ex- 
 presses it, more particularly for the advantage of England, it were 
 very happy : but if the sudden unforeseen conclusion of the siege 
 of Casale has not left matters so concerted, that there is no time 
 for such an attempt this year, with great submission. Sir, I hope 
 something will be thought on to be undertaken early the next 
 spring." 
 
 * Commander of the auxiliary force in Piedmont. 
 
 •f- Word illegible ; probably meant for the marquess of Leganes, the Spanish commander. 
 J For the account of the capitulation of Casale, see the correspondence with the earl of 
 Galway, in part 2. 
 
96 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is gratified by the progress of the siege, but alarmed at the success of the french against 
 Dixmund — Wishes the king to return before the intended dissolution of parliament 
 — Recommends means to be used for the election of sir John Houblon, as lord mayor 
 of London.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 26- Aug. 5, 1695.— Sir ; With the honour of 
 your majesty's letter of the 28-18, I am very glad to find the siege 
 advances so well, and that the troops behave as they ought. The 
 misfortune at Dixmund* is very great, and according to my 
 small knowledge, gives me but a melancholy prospect of what the 
 enemy may be able to act, whilst your majesty is employed before 
 Namur. 
 
 " My lord Sunderland came to town two or three days since, 
 and upon the discourse my lord keeper, he, and I, have had, they 
 have empowered me, in their names, to represent chiefly two 
 things ; first, that taking it for granted your majesty continues in 
 the same mind you were in, when we had the honour last to speak 
 to you, that this parliament shall sit no more, but a new one be 
 called against winter ; we hope your majesty will be pleased to 
 return to England as soon as your occasions will possibly permit ; 
 for though it is not to be questioned but the country will generally 
 elect persons well-aiFected to the government, yet your majesty's 
 presence, a little time before the election, and a few things it will 
 be necessary for you to say to some, who, by the employments 
 3^ou gave them, have gained interests it would be very unreasonable 
 they should employ against you and the public good, will make 
 that matter much more secure and easy, than otherwise it M^ould 
 be, the consequence of which is too obvious to enlarge upon. 
 
 * While the king was employed in the siege of Namur, the french commander, Villeroy, 
 endeavoured to effect a diversion, by attacking the line of fortresses which protected Flanders. 
 After making a fruitless attempt on Newport, he attacked Dixmund, which was surren- 
 dered by the governor, general Ellemburg, almost without resistance. He then invested 
 Deynse, which yielded without firing a shot ; and traversing the Lys and the Scheldt, 
 advanced towards Ninove, as if to effect the relief of Namur. We find, by the correspon- 
 dence, that these hostile movements considerably embarrassed the king, but did not induce 
 him to discontinue the siege. 
 
1695.1 W I T H T H E K I N G. 97 
 
 " The second thing is, that the interest in the city being much 
 broke by the imprudence of this present mayor, and some of the 
 aldermen, and by the heat of many of the common council, in a 
 dispute they have had depending two or three years, about per- 
 mitting sheriffs nominated to fine off; it is extremely for your 
 majesty's interest, that a person should succeed the present mayor, 
 upon whose loyalty you may depend, and whose prudence and 
 credit would be able to reconcile those animosities, Avhich the 
 weakness of this man has much contributed to increase. Sir John 
 Houblon is the next in turn, and in all respects the fittest one 
 could choose to act this part ; but it is to be apprehended, if he 
 thinks his being mayor inconsistent with his being of the admiralty, 
 he will use his credit to be past by, and not be willing, for the 
 honour of one year, to lose a good constant employment. What we 
 propose is, that your majesty would allow us to assure him, that 
 you think his being mayor of such consequence to your interest 
 in the city, that without removing him from the admiralty-board, 
 you shall readily excuse his attendance for that year, and think he 
 does you better service being lord mayor of London, than he could 
 do any where else. I shall mispend no more of your majesty's time, 
 but assure you that I am," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREM^SBURY. 
 
 [Is not apprehensive of any secret understanding between France and the duke of Savoy — 
 Hopes the french will not succeed in relieving Namur — Greatly chagrined by the 
 dastardly surrender of Dixmund and Deynse.J 
 
 " August 1. — I received, the day before yesterday, your letter of 
 the 16-36 of July. I do not think that we have reason to fear any 
 arrangements between France and the duke of Savoy ; and I am of 
 opinion, that he has acted right in accepting the capitulation of 
 Casale,* without any previous negotiation. The weakness of France 
 
 * Casale was surrendered, under a secret understanding with France, on the 11th of July, 
 by the french commandant, Monsieur de Crenan, on the conditions, that the fortifications 
 should be demolished, and the town restored to the duke of Mantua. — See the account of 
 the campaign in Savoy, and the conduct of the duke, in the part containing the correspon 
 donee of lord Gajway. 
 
 O 
 
98 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 is evident, from her incapacity in succouring that place, which 
 would have been very easy. 
 
 " I hope, also, that she will be equally incapable of succourino- 
 Namur; and when we are once masters of the town, that Avill be no 
 longer practicable; but till it is taken, we have reason to be alarmed, 
 particularly after the dastardly defence of Dixmund and Deynse. 
 Dixmund surrendered after thirty-six hours open trenches, fired 
 upon by only six pieces of cannon, and three mortars ; while the 
 french themselves did not expect to be masters of the place under 
 six or eight days ; and what is still more infamous, the troops 
 surrendered themselves prisoners of war. I suspect there must be 
 something more than cowardice in this business, and I shall soon 
 know the truth, from the inquiries that I have ordered to be made. 
 As to the troops of Deynse, they would not fire a shot. You may 
 easily conceive my mortification, not at the loss of these two 
 trifling posts, on which I had calculated, but for the dastardly and 
 precipitate manner in which they surrendered; and their not 
 having employed the enemy so long as they ought to have done. 
 
 " In four or five days I hope we shall be in a situation to make a 
 general assault, if they will not capitulate, at least for the town." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Capitulation of Namur.J 
 
 " Camp before Namur, August 4, 1695. — Although you Avill 
 doubtless have heard of the surrender of Namur, before you receive 
 this letter, yet I would not omit informing you myself, that we 
 obtained possession of this place this afternoon. Blaithwayt 
 forwards to you the capitulation. The day after to-morrow we 
 shall open the trenches before the citadel, and I hope that God 
 will also bless this enterprise, and that we shall soon be masters 
 of it." 
 
1695.] WITHTHEKING, 99 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is much pleased at the surrender of Namur — Hopes it is a prelude to that of the citadel- 
 Gives proofs of the infidelity of the governor of Dixmund— Anxious for the king to 
 return, and dissolve the parliament.] 
 
 " Whitehall, JulySO-Aug. 9, 1695.— Sir ; I am very glad to find, 
 by your majesty's letter of the 1st of August, N. S., that my sus- 
 picions of the court of Savoy are groundless, and joyfully submit 
 to your majesty's better judgment and information. 
 
 " The account of the surrender of Namur was extremely 
 welcome, because I hope it will now be difficult for the enemy to 
 relieve th? castle. We wanted some such cheerful news to 
 balance the sad disasters of Dixmund and Deynse. I doubt 
 there is but too much cause to suspect treachery in the first. One 
 hears nothing now but stories of that Ellenburgher's* corruption, 
 cowardice, and disaffection to your service. Mr. Molesworth 
 offered to shew me copies of letters he had writ 'my lord 
 Nottingham, when this man was sent to Denmark to solicit re- 
 cruits, where he represented that he did all he could to hinder 
 what he was sent for, complaining of your majesty's service, and 
 the usage the soldiers had, as such, that they ought not to be re- 
 cruited. Having had some dispute with EUenburgher upon this, 
 and giving notice to the secretary of his ill-affection, and particu- 
 larly that he was an enemy to the duke of Wirtemberg, the next 
 news he heard was, that he was advanced to be a general officer. 
 This I thought fit to acquaint your majesty with, though I doubt 
 it comes too late to be of any use. Other stories there are of his 
 being cudgelled in Ireland, and of his corruption for very mean 
 sums ; but these are reports I cannot answer for the truth of, 
 neither did I ever hear any thing of him, till this misfortune 
 happened. 
 
 " Out of my duty to your majesty, and my true zeal for your 
 service, I cannot but wish that if success attends the attempt upon 
 the castle of Namur, you would not too long delay your returning 
 
 * Commander of Dixmund. 
 o2 
 
100 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 home, but make use of the reputation that success will give 
 your affairs, immediately to summon a new parliament. If 
 the campaign should continue, with your majesty at the head of 
 the army, for any time after that siege, great expectations would 
 be raised ; and if nothing considerable more should be done, the 
 glory of the last action would be dead and forgot. 
 
 " If there be any instructions your majesty would particularly 
 have given to sir George Rooke, I hope you will order Mr. Blaith- 
 wayt to give us directions in it immediately. The Paris letters 
 mention fifty sail of men of war preparing at Toulon ; if it proves 
 true, I doubt it will be difficult for us to hinder their passing for 
 these seas towards the end of autumn." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Leaves the siege to counteract the movements of the enemy against Brussels — Approves 
 the plan for procuring the election of sir John Houblon as lord mayor.] 
 
 " Camp of Waterloo, August 11, 1695. — I arrived here yester- 
 day, because the enemy were making towards Brussels, and I was 
 uncertain, whether they would not leave it on the left, and 
 advance towards Naraur. In such circumstances I deemed it 
 expedient to oppose them with the main army, where my presence 
 was necessary. Yesterday they encamped near Halle; and to- 
 day, after various movements, near Anderlecht. It appears not 
 improbable that they may throw some bombs into Brussels, which 
 we cannot prevent, although the whole army, under the prince of 
 Vaudemont, is encamped in the vicinity of the town. To-morrow 
 I intend to return to the siege of the castle of Naniur, and we shall 
 exert ourselves to the utmost to obtain possession. 
 
 " I have this day received your's of the 26th July, and you may 
 rely, as much as possible, on my return to England. I am glad 
 that you assured sir John Houblon from me, that he shall continue 
 in the board of admiralty, even should he be elected lord mayor, 
 and that I will this year excuse his attendance at the board." 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. 101 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Progress of the siege — Prospect of a battle.] 
 
 " Camp before the citadel of Namur, Aug. 15-25, l695.^ 
 The king having slept little last night, and been on horseback 
 the whole day, has ordered me to tell you, sir, that it is impossible 
 for him to write this evening. Affairs here are at a great crisis. 
 The siege of the citadel advances rapidly, the breach begins to be 
 practicable, and I think a little time will render us masters of it, 
 unless the enemy succour it by gaining a battle, since they ap- 
 proach us with a very numerous army. We will endeavour to 
 render the enterprise as difficult as possible. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Sir John Houblon will be chosen lord mayor — Recommends the dissolution of the parlia- 
 ment.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 16-26, l695. — Sir; By the delays of the post, 
 I had not the honour of your majesty's of the first of this month, 
 before the fourteenth. My lord keeper has spoke to sir John 
 Houblon, and, as I understand, determined him to obey your ma- 
 jesty's commands, in being mayor. I hope, with his authority, and 
 the assistance of a few others, we shall be able to compose the dis- 
 orders of the city, which at present are many, and cause great 
 heats and dissensions. 
 
 " It has been very industriously spread about, that a new par- 
 liament is not intended ; by which your majesty's friends are dis- 
 couraged from making their interest in the several places they 
 have pretensions to be chose in ; whilst others, worse afiected, as 
 warm as ever solicit their elections. This is an evil difficult for 
 your majesty's servants to prevent, unless you would be pleased so 
 far to explain your thoughts, that we might be enabled to give 
 assurances to those that doubt. 
 
 " It is likewise hotly discoursed in the city, where a new parlia- 
 ment is much desired, as if the report of its not being intended 
 this year, would produce petitions to that effect, which, if begun 
 there, will probably be followed by several counties. All these in- 
 
102 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I— Ch. S. 
 
 conveniences would be prevented, if we were at liberty to give 
 those assurances from your majesty, which it were to be wished we 
 might do, if it be, as I hope it is, resolved that a new one be called. 
 Your majesty will excuse this liberty, which, with my zealous 
 wishes for your safety and interest, is all from," &c. 
 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Anxious for the result of an impending battle.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 23-Sept. 2, 1695.— My lord ; It is so fit for 
 me to expect that his majesty should take his greatest leisure to 
 give me the honour of a letter (if he does it at all), that I am only 
 ashamed he should give your lordship any trouble upon my ac- 
 count. 
 
 " The posture of your affairs is so critical, not only to you that 
 are to be engaged in the immediate action, but to us and all 
 Europe, whose liberty and beings depend on your success, that as 
 we are not without our apprehensions, so our wishes and prayers 
 are for your success and safety, and mine particularly for your 
 lordship," &c. &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [Recommends Mr. Molesworth for the post of a commissioner of the revenue in Ireland.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 27-Sept. 6, iGQo. — Sir ; Having received this 
 morning by the post out of Ireland, an account that Mr. Sedge- 
 wick, a commissioner of the revenue there, is dead; I am en- 
 couraged, by my lord keeper's concurrence with me in opinion, 
 humbly to lay before your majesty Mr. Molesworth, as a very 
 proper person to supply that place. We are both fearful some ill 
 impression may have been given your majesty of this gentleman ; 
 but taking the presumption to believe we have had opportunities 
 of knowing his principles and merit, and his zeal for your person 
 and government, better than those who have misrepresented him, 
 we are willing to be answerable for his good behaviour in this em- 
 ployment, if your majesty shall please to confer it upon him. But 
 submitting all to your majesty's better judgment, I remain," &c. 
 
1695.] W I T II T H E K I N G. , 103 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Rejoices at the capture of the citadel of Namur*— Recommends him to return without 
 delay, and summon a new parliament.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 30-Sept. 9, 1695. — Sir ; You Avill receive so 
 many congratulations upon the prosperous event of the siege of 
 Namur, that I am sure your majesty will be tired with the very 
 name ; therefore I am not insensible or forgetful of the glory of 
 the nation, but in respect to your majesty's temper, and my own 
 duty to observe it, will be as silent to you. Sir, as j^ou yourself will 
 be to the rest of the world. But zealously wishing that your ma- 
 jesty's affairs may prosper every where, I presume to remind you 
 of the advantage might now be taken in calling a new parliament ; 
 whilst here every heart is full of gratitude for the labours and 
 dangers you have undergone, and every tongue contending, who 
 most shall proclaim your praise. I know that in reality, two 
 months hence, your majesty will not be less great, nor we less ob- 
 liged ; but whether the same warmth and zeal will then appear so 
 universally as now, is with all humility submitted by your majesty's 
 dutiful subject," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Capture of the citadel of Namur— Authorizes him to announce the intended dissolution of 
 parliament — Offended by a letter from admiral Russell.] 
 
 " Camp of Boquette, Sept. 6, N. S. 1695. — You doubtless re- 
 joiced at the information of our success, by the capture of the 
 castle of Namur. With all its circumstances, it is assuredly a 
 great event, and we cannot sufficiently offer up our thanks to God 
 for this success, from which we shall doubtless derive considerable 
 advantages. You may readily believe, that I have been too much 
 engaged to write to you. Your last letter was of the 16-26 of 
 
 * Namur was surrendered on the 2nd Sept. N S., and the duke received the account just 
 before he wrote this letter to the king, Aug. 30, or Sept. 9, N. S. A letter from the king, 
 of Sept. 6, N. S., announcing the capture, was not received by the duke till Sept. 6, O. S., 
 or 16, N. S., as we find by his of that date to the king. We have therefore placed this letter 
 of the duke before that from the king, though the date is later. 
 
104 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. S. 
 
 August. Since my departure, I have never entertained any 
 other thought, than to call a new parliament on my return : you 
 may, therefore, boldly announce my resolution ; and I trust that 
 declaration will remove the unfavourable impressions which have 
 been so maliciously circulated to my prejudice. 
 
 " Some time ago I received a letter for you from admiral Russell. 
 I opened it, and find it so extraordinary, that I shall keep it till my 
 return, and speak to you upon it. It passed through France, and 
 I do not know whether he sent it that way that it might be opened 
 and read ; but even if that was not his intention, it was incon- 
 ceivably imprudent."* 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Congratulations on the reduction of Namur — Fatigues and exertions of the king.] 
 
 " Camp of Boquette, near Namur, Sept. 6, 1695. — Sir ; Although 
 I know that his majesty has written to you himself, and that Mr. 
 Blaithwayt has acquainted you with all that has passed, I cannot 
 avoid congratulating you, and rejoicing with you, on the capture of 
 Namur, and the citadel, defended by 1 4,000 men, and that in sight 
 of a hostile army of 100,000 men. This is so glorious a conquest, 
 and at the same time so advantageous, that I think it has not been 
 equalled for many years. It will greatly change the aspect of 
 affairs, and put us in a condition to make either war or peace 
 better, without suffering terms to be imposed on us, as France has 
 hitherto done. The English have greatly signalized themselves in 
 this siege, by their share in the vigorous actions which have oc- 
 curred, in which they have been too much animated by the presence 
 of the king himself. But, thank God, he is very well, and I hope 
 this success will shorten the campaign, and that we shall have the 
 happiness of seeing you sooner in England, than in former years, 
 
 * This harsh and disrespectful letter will be found in the correspondence of admiral 
 Russell, dated July 31, 1695. It contains a vehement censure against the supposed par- 
 tiality and subservience of the king to the dutch, and the ill-judged parsimony of the Re- 
 public, which could not fail of wounding the feelings and exciting the resentment of his 
 loyal master. 
 
1695.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 105 
 
 when the king may enjoy a Uttle rest ; for the fatigue he has 
 suffered is incredible, as well as the care and trouble he has un- 
 dergone, and has been able to support. 
 
 " P. S. His majesty has arrested marshal Boufflers till the king 
 of France restores those of his subjects, who have been made 
 prisoners at Dixmund and Deynse." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is glad the king has resolved to call a new parliament — Apologizes for admiral Russell's 
 offensive letter, and answers for his fidelity and zeaL] 
 
 " Whitehalh, Sept. 6-16, 1695. — Sir ; With the honour of your 
 majesty's of the 6th, N. S., I am extremely glad to find you con- 
 tinue resolved to summon a new parliament, and I am confident 
 the nation is disposed to elect persons well-affected to your interest 
 and government. 
 
 " If Mr. Russell has writ any thing to give your majesty offence, 
 I am heartily sorry for it, and dare answer he will be so too, I am 
 sure your majesty will not impute his sending whatever he has writ 
 through France, to any thing but inadvertence ; and if there be 
 expressions more warm, or free, than became him, you will 
 charitably allow for his temper, and the time they were writ at, 
 just upon receiving the first orders to stay, contrary to his own 
 opinion, with regard to the safety joT the fleet, as well as to his own 
 inclination of returning hither, he seeming to think it necessary for 
 his health. Besides, Sir, they were writ to one, whose friendship 
 he is persuaded he may so entirely depend upon, that if any thing 
 were expressed in his letter improper for him to say, it would be as 
 secure from being made public, as if it still remained in his own 
 breast; so that opening his mind to a friend, he reckoned no more 
 than talking to himself; and I, who pretend to know Mr. Russell's 
 heart as well as most men do, will venture to engage, that if your 
 majesty saw it, and every secret thought in it, you would be suffi- 
 ciently convinced of his zeal for your service and government, and 
 of'his respect and affection for your own person. 
 
 " Encouraged by some letters from beyond seas, we flatter our- 
 
106 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I— Ch. 5. 
 
 selves it will not be long before we shall have the happiness of 
 seeing your majesty ; concluding with these pleasing hopes, I 
 shall trouble you no more than to repeat the assurance of ray 
 being/' &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has quitted the army — Inquires whether the lords justices can summon a new parlia 
 
 ment before his return.] 
 
 " Breda, Sept. 16, 1695. — I quitted the army the day before 
 yesterday, as the season was too far advanced to continue our 
 operations, and as the enemy were not in a situation to undertake 
 any thing. I have, however, left my equipage with the army, 
 that I may return, if necessary. I shall go to-morrow to Loo, 
 where I purpose remaining ten or twelve days, to enjoy a little 
 relaxation after my late fatigues, and then I shall pass over to 
 England without delay, as soon as the wind will permit, which 
 I hope will not be so contrary as in former years. I know not 
 whether the lords justices can convoke a new parliament before 
 my return, as if they could, it would be so much time gained- 
 On this subject I should be glad to know your opinion ; and if 
 it be advisable, I think the sooner it can be done, the better." 
 
 • REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is of opinion that the parliament should not be dissolved before the king's return — 
 A squadron has been dispatched to cruize oiF Brest.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 13-23, 1695. — Sir; I received your majesty's 
 letter of the 6-16 so late on Tuesday, that 1 had not time to gain 
 the information necessary to answer your majesty's question about 
 the justices calhng a new parliament before your return; but 
 since, I have thought of it as much as I am able myself, and 
 proposed it to our own board, as well as discoursed it with others, 
 and find there is little question made, but a parhament, so assem- 
 bled and called, would be good in law, and not dissolved by your 
 majesty's return. But such a doubt being raised, and much de- 
 bated in town, it is the unanimous opinion of the lords here, that 
 considering that, and that we are tied up, by our instructions, not 
 
1695.] WITHTHEKING. 107 
 
 to dissolve the old parliament, or call a new one, without an 
 express signification under your sign manual, which we cannot 
 receive but by the letters which answer this, which will probably 
 not be less than ten days, and may be a fortnight or more ; so 
 little time they think will be gained, that it will not be Avorth 
 raising a scruple upon any thing of that consequence, we all 
 hoping, that in very few days after, we shall have the happiness 
 of seeing your majesty here ; and that the least time possible may 
 be lost, your majesty raa:y be pleased to direct a proclamation to 
 be prepared, which may be considered at a council you may 
 please to call as soon as you arrive ; and you may also order the 
 writs to be gpt ready against your coming, and immediately 
 issued, as soon as the proclamation is out. 
 
 " God knows whether we have done right in sending this 
 squadron to cruize off Brest ; but the clamour of so many poor 
 people, almost ruined, was very hard to be withstood, especially 
 when they alleged the ships were to lie useless in port, at a time 
 they might very probably save the nation a million of money. 
 
 Having attended pretty assiduously hitherto, I have the lords' 
 leave to go into the country for about ten days, in which time I 
 hope nothing of your majesty's business, in my province, will be 
 neglected." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has sent full powers to the lords justices to dissolve the parliament, should he be 
 
 detained abroad.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 8, 1 695. — I arrived here last night ; and as 
 the yachts have been here since last Wednesday, I intend em- 
 barking by the first fair wind ; but should I be detained for 
 several weeks, as in the preceding years, which God forbid, 
 I have thought it best to send full powers to the lords justices 
 to dissolve the parliament, in case of necessity, and to call 
 another. I have also given orders for the departure of sir George 
 Rooke by the first fair wind, as you will see by Blaithwayt's 
 letters : this is all I can tell you at present, hoping soon to have 
 the pleasure of seeing you." 
 
108 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 5. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Anxious for his majesty's speedy arrival — Has executed his last orders with regard to 
 
 the dissolution of parliament.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 1-11, 1695. — Sir ; I hope the winds will be so 
 favourable to your majesty's intentions of coming soon, that this 
 letter will not find you on the other side of the water, for which, 
 when the time is computed from the issuing the writs to the 
 beginning on business in parliament, the season appears much 
 advanced. 
 
 " Immediately upon the receipt of your majesty's letter of the 
 8th of October, N. S., which came to my hands late this evening, 
 I caused letters to be writ to the lords justices in town, to desire 
 them to meet extraordinarily to-morrow morning, to execute, 
 with the least delay possible, the several commands you have 
 sent by this express. 
 
 " I returned but two days since, from the country, and can 
 give no exact account what late orders have been given to Hopton, 
 who is now cruizing with part of sir George Rooke's squadron, 
 to secure the East India ships expected ; but to-morrow, when we 
 meet, we shall endeavour to oVjserve your majesty's commands in 
 the best manner we can. 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. 109 
 
 CHAPTER 6. 
 1696. 
 
 Character of the new parliament — Arrangements for the re-coinage of the silver — Depre- 
 ciated state of public credit — Different expedients to raise supplies — Failure of the 
 attempt to establish a land bank — Embarrassments of the king, from the want of 
 means to carry on the war — Defection of the duke of Savoy — Division in the grand 
 alliance — Necessity of peace — Correspondence from May to September, 1696. 
 
 XN conformity with the resolution expressed in the preceding 
 correspondence, and the arrangements adopted before the de- 
 parture of WilHam from the continent, the parhament was dis- 
 solved by proclamation, and writs issued for the new elections 
 immediately on his arrival. As the king and his advisers had 
 foreseen, this appeal was attended with success. His military 
 achievements excited the zeal of the nation ; he was received and 
 welcomed as a conqueror, and the people evinced their anxiety 
 to maintain his government, by the choice of their representatives, 
 a majority of whom were devoted to the whig cause, and the prin- 
 ciples of the Revolution. The advantages of such a disposition in 
 the House of Commons were deeply felt in the ensuing Spring. 
 
 The requisite supplies being granted for the prosecution of the 
 war, the king took his departure from England on the 5th of May^ 
 and, repairing to the continent, renewed his intercourse with the 
 minister. 
 
 The correspondence is considerably heightened in interest by 
 its continual reference to those incidents and embarrassments 
 which mark the year I696. The prominent features which then 
 occupied the attention of government, and which may be classed 
 among the most important transactions in the pages of our his- 
 tory, were, the arrangements for remedying the dilapidated state 
 of the national currency, and the depreciation of public credit. 
 
110 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.-Ch. 6. 
 
 These embarrassments, not only by their direct operation affected 
 our domestic poUcy, but were the efficient causes which suspended 
 the victorious career of WiUiam, and accelerated the conclusion 
 of peace. 
 
 The evils arising from the dilapidated state of the coinage had 
 been so long and deeply felt, that in the preceding year, an act 
 had passed for an immediate re-coinage of the silver money, which 
 was clipped, and otherwise much decreased in weight and value. 
 The measures, however, which were adopted to accomplish so de- 
 sirable a purpose, created a great, though temporary aggravation 
 of the evil ; for such a check to the circulation immediately en- 
 sued, that all the operations of trade were cramped, the collection 
 of public supplies was suspended, guineas were raised to the 
 value of 30 shillings, and paper currency was reduced to an 
 alarming discount ; bank notes falling 20, and tallies and other 
 government securities 60 per cent. By these causes the army 
 Avas deprived of its regular pay and supplies ; and the letters of 
 the king feelingly detail the mischievous consequences which 
 ensued. 
 
 In such a crisis, numerous expedients were suggested to obviate 
 the evil, which it is needless to detail. Among these, we cannot, 
 however, omit the plan of a land bank, because it is frequently 
 mentioned in the correspondence. At a period so fertile in pro- 
 jects as the present, this scheme was conceived by Dr. Hugh 
 Chamberlain, in opposition to the bank of England, then recently 
 founded, and struggling with the difficulties incident to a new 
 establishment. The design Avas patronised by the tories, or landed 
 interest, in opposition to the monied interest of the whigs ; and 
 the object was, to raise a subscription of 2,000,000/. for the ser- 
 vice of government, on the condition of receiving an interest of 
 7 per cent, and the privilege of lending a certain sum yearly on 
 landed securities. It was sanctioned by an act of parliament, in 
 the preceding session, and considerable hopes were fostered by 
 the ministry, of the advantages to be derived from this ephemeral 
 supply ; but when the 1st of August, the period fixed for the 
 advance of the subscription, arrived, the projectors were unable 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. in 
 
 to fulfil their engagements; and the scheme utterly failed, to the 
 disappointment of the hopes it had created. In fact, the govern- 
 ment appears to have been left almost without resource ; for at 
 this juncture we find the minister, in a letter to admiral Russell, 
 observing, " You have left us in the saddest condition that ever 
 people were in : an army abroad, a fleet and army at home to 
 maintain, and neither friends nor money to do it with."* 
 
 From the correspondence, some counter proposals appear to 
 have been made by the bank of England, and by that company 
 the sum of 200,000^. was at length advanced, which was barely 
 sufficient for the immediate payment of the forces, till a new 
 appeal could be made to the legislature. But nothing could 
 eifectually remedy the alarming fall of credit, and the deficiency 
 of the revenue ; and this failure of the sinews of war cramped all 
 the operations of the campaign. The debilitated state of England 
 discouraged many of the confederate powers, and the duke of 
 Savoy, in particular, seceded from the grand alliance, by a treaty 
 signed on the 29th of August. His defection spread such alarm 
 and jealousy, that the fear of farther desertions induced the 
 maritime powers to listen to proposals of peace, and their decision 
 was publicly announced, by a resolution of the states on the 3rd 
 of September, I696. 
 
 William, disgusted with the inactivity of the campaign, quitted 
 the army in the latter end of August, and repaired to Holland, to 
 make arrangements for the commencement of the negotiations, 
 which he could no longer suspend, and to give consistency to the 
 military preparations, which were still deemed necessary for main- 
 taining the interests of the alhance. 
 
 The contents of the ensuing letters impose on us also the necessity 
 of resuming the consideration of Irish affairs. The brilliant and 
 vigorous administration of lord Capel was now drawing to an 
 untimely close, by a mortal indisposition, which carried him to 
 the grave, at Dublin castle, on the 26th of May, I696. The 
 letters of the king and minister bear honourable testimony to his 
 
 * August 8, 1696. 
 
112 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 eminent services ; and if any eulogium of his vigour and impartiality 
 were wanting, it might be found in the censures of the different 
 parties, whose selfish and domineering views he equally opposed 
 and defeated.* 
 
 The loss of his spirit and energy was manifested in the intrigues 
 and divisions which preceded and followed his dissolution, and 
 the want of vigour and harmony which marked the measures of 
 his immediate successors. Feehng the rapid decay of his health, 
 he was anxious to avert the return of the evils which he had re- 
 pressed, and left a sealed commission for the appointment ot 
 viscount Blessington and brigadier Woollesley, to direct the govern- 
 ment during his illness, or in case of his death, till the royal plea- 
 sure should be known. On his decease his nomination was sanc- 
 tioned by his adherents in the council ; but the other party 
 availed themselves of an old statute of Henry the eighth, to 
 transfer the government to sir Charles Porter, his adversary. This 
 successful machination foiled the views of the king ; for when he 
 sent a commission appointing a new Speaker to the lords, to 
 replace sir Charles Porter, the house spontaneously voted an 
 address of congratulation on his elevation to the post of lord 
 justice. Against this strong expression of opinion, it was vain to 
 wrestle, and no less unsafe to suffer the assembly to continue its 
 deliberations. The parliament was therefore adjourned to the 
 fourth of August, and the king, thus compelled to forego his 
 design of confiding the reins of government to a single hand, had 
 no other resource to balance the interest of the chancellor, than 
 to associate with him the earl of Montreath ; but he was obliged, 
 at the same time, to join in the commission the earl of Drogheda, 
 a friend and adherent of the chancellor. 
 
 * Kennet appears to be the only english historian, who treats of his administration 
 with candour and impartiality ; for he neither praises nor censures his conduct, but 
 leaves his acts to speak for themselves. Burnett and Oldmixon, though whIgs, severely 
 arraign his rigour and severity ; and are followed with still more acrimony by the tory 
 historians Ralph and Smollett. The continuator of Rapin likewise accuses him of par- 
 tiaUty to the english interest, and praises his two former associates, for their protection of 
 the Irish, Vol. 14, p. 212. — For farther considerations on Irish affairs, see the corres- 
 pondence with the whig lords, chapter 7. 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 113 
 
 The meeting of the Irish parliament was again deferred, by a 
 new prorogation on the 4th of August ; and while the english 
 government was anxiously employed in devising means to avert 
 the ill-effects of Porter's nomination, they were relieved from his 
 opposition, by his sudden death, which occurred in the following 
 December. That event facilitated a change. Lord Galway, 
 the king's devoted adherent, was intrusted with the government 
 ad interim^ and afterwards associated in a commission with the 
 marquis of Winchester and lord Villiers."* 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Indisposition of lord Capel, lord deputy of Ireland — Candidates for his post — Lord 
 Wharton strongly recommended by his friends — Shrewsbury himself also proposed.] 
 
 ^^ Whitehall, May 12-^2, I696.— Sir; Besides congratulating 
 your majesty's happy arrival in Holland, I am obliged to give 
 you this trouble, upon the account of my lord Capel's indisposi- 
 tion, which has occasioned some pretenders, and much discourse 
 in the town. The duke of Norfolk has engaged me to mention 
 his name to your majesty, and would take it as a particular mark 
 of your favour, and endeavour to serve you in it to the best' of 
 his power ; and conceives it would much contribute to the putting 
 his affairs at ease, and he would apply himself most exactly, that 
 your majesty might not suffer by his administration. 
 
 '* Some of my lord Wharton's friends have mentioned him, with 
 an assurance it is what he would cheerfully undertake. They say 
 he would be extreme welcome to all my lord chancellor'sf party, 
 and his character here would recommend him to the other. Some 
 in town have named my lord Lonsdale, late sir John Lowther, 
 but I have no commission from him, or any of his friends, to 
 mention him to your majesty. Others have named me, and told 
 me. they would write to that effect to your majesty, which obliges 
 me to say, that it is a great honour, but what I shall neither 
 
 * These two last noblemen were afterwards re-appointed under new titles, the first 
 having succeeded as duke of Bolton, and the second being created carl of Jersey. 
 f The late sir Charles Porter. 
 
 Q 
 
114 CORRESPONDENCE 1 Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 ambition, nor decline, but am willing to serve your majesty where 
 you think I may be most ysefiil. If I were to follow my own 
 inclination, it would never lead me to business; but whilst I 
 continue in it, I will submit myself to be disposed of as youf 
 majesty shall think most for your service. But I hope all these 
 pretensions may be disappointed by my lord deputy's recovery. 
 The last post brought me a letter from him of the fourth of this 
 month, that gives great hopes of it. He had resolved to appoint 
 my lord Blessington and colonel WooUesley justices, whilst he was 
 unable to act ; but whether they are in possession of that trust, or 
 no, I cannot clearly understand by the letters, though I find some 
 think them not altogether fit for it, as I suppose would have been 
 said of any body else that had been nominated. I have nothing 
 farther to trouble your majesty with, but the assurance that," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 [On the escape of the french fleet from Toulon— Apprehensions of the admirals from 
 their superiority— Delays in assembling the army— The allies anticipated by the 
 enemy in the field— Requests supplies of money.] 
 
 " Hague, May 12-22, 1696. — ^You have probably heard that 
 I had a good passage. . At present, the only news from France is, 
 that it is not known what is become of the squadron of Chateau- 
 regnaud. It is even reported, that orders have been sent for its 
 return to the Mediterranean, if it was not too much advanced ; 
 so that there are some hopes that Rooke will meet with it. We 
 have here been a little alarmed by a letter from admiral A116monde, 
 informing us, that the squadron which was on the point of sailing 
 from Spithead, is not sufficiently strong to cope with Chateau- 
 regnaud, if Nesmond has joined him. I confess, however, I am 
 not of that opinion, if all the ships are there, a list of which you 
 shewed me before my departure, and those that have convoyed 
 me can also join them. All the men of war here, to the number 
 of ten or twelve, have sailed within the last three days, two only 
 excepted, which are soon to follow them. 
 
 " We have no news from Dunkirk. 
 
 " As I feared, so it has happened, the enemy has anticipated 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N d. llS 
 
 us, by first taking the field, a most unfortunate circumstance, that 
 may produce injurious consequences, and occasion our having a 
 very unsuccessful campaign. The mareschal de Villeroy is en- 
 camped with his army between the Lys and the Scheldt, his left 
 at Deynse ; and the mareschal de Boufflers at Gosseliers, on this 
 side of the Sambre, near Charieroi. 
 
 " Our troops assemble as well as th6y can, but find it difficult 
 to join, because the enemy are so far advanced, and in such great 
 force. 
 
 " There are two reasons that have prevented our armies in 
 Brabant and Flanders from forming sooner. The first, that the 
 Brandenburg troops could not be persuaded to march ; and those 
 in Flanders are so much in want of money, that they can scarcely 
 move ; and if the Treasury do not find prompt means to furnish 
 supplies, I know not how I can possibly act. You will so fully 
 appreciate the importance of this business, that I am convinced 
 you will use every exertion, that all that is possible may be 
 quickly done. 
 
 " To-morrow I go to Loo, and from thence shall join the army, 
 as soon as it can be assembled." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Movements of the French fleets — Complains of the neglect of the admiralty — Discourag- 
 ing prospect of the campaign.] 
 
 (( 
 
 Loo, May 18-28, I696. — According to all appearance, you 
 will know by this time positively, whether the squadron of Chateau 
 Eegnaud has entered Brest. What, at least, is certain, is, that 
 Jean du Bart quitted Dunkirk two days before it was known to 
 our squadron^ which is at Nieuport. 
 
 " This is a specimen of their vigilance, and you know how often 
 I told the admiralty to issue orders for observing both the eastarn 
 and western channels, without which the squadron would be 
 useless where it is, and unable to prevent the enemy's ships from 
 getting out, which will incommode us during the summer, and be 
 of great prejudice to our trade. 
 
 '' I shall go from hence to the army at the end of the week, by 
 
 Q 2 
 
116 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 which time all our troops may be assembled; but I see little proba- 
 bility of undertaking any thing, , as the enemy are. stronger than 
 -we are." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [On the passage of the French fleet through the Straits, and the apprehension^ of their 
 , strength — Depressed state of credit, and difficulty of raising supplies for the army — 
 Recommendation of lord Coningsby as lord lieutenant of Hereford.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May 15-25, I696.— Sir ; What news we have had 
 of the french fleet's having passed the Straits, and how little 
 hopes remain that sir George Rooke will come time enough to in- 
 tercept them, your majesty will have received by the last, and this 
 post. The apprehension of the enemy's being so very strong, 
 with which I perceive admiral Allemonde is also infected, as well 
 as the first mistake of the orders left at Plymouth, has, I doubt, been 
 fatal to that expedition, which, if undertaken in time, might have 
 been of great advantage. Sir, I believe the french will prove to 
 be neither so strong, nor so well manned, as was apprehended in 
 our fleet. 
 
 " Upon the receipt of your majesty's commands this morning, I 
 engaged the rest of the justices, to represent the case of the army 
 abroad, to my lord Godolphin; but found your majesty's new 
 letter to him had made him sufficiently sensible of their condition. 
 We discoursed this morning with several of the most eminent gold- 
 smiths, and with some of the bank, and had the dismallest accounts 
 from them of the state of credit in this town, and of the effects it 
 would soon have upon all the traders in money : none of them 
 being able to propose a remedy, except letting the parliament sit 
 in June, and enacting the dipt money to go again, the very hopes 
 of which, locks up all the gold and good money, and would be to 
 undo all that has been done. So that, for my part, it is past my 
 understanding how we shall avoid infinite confusion ; but 1 flatter 
 myself, your majesty and this nation have not been preserved 
 from so many imminent dangers, to be undone at last, by this acci- 
 dent; and my dependence for the present is upon fate, rather than 
 upon reason. 
 
1696.] WITH THE K I*N G. 117 
 
 " Ever since the death of my lord Macclesfield, nobody has 
 been made Gustos rotulorum of Hereford. I have more there 
 already than I ought, and find my lord Coningsby, whose estate 
 lies in that county, is desirous of it, which if your majesty consents 
 to, I hope you will direct Mr. Blaithwaytto signify your pleasure 
 accordingly. 
 
 " I have sent Mr. Blaithwayt a commission to appoint Mr. 
 Boscawen governor of St. Mawe's, in the place of sir Joseph 
 Redenham, as your majesty was pleased to direct, though it was 
 not before your departure. I hope you will sign it, and that upon 
 the whole matter, a good alteration will be made in that county 
 against the ijext parliament." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Lraments that the Toulon fleet has got safe into Brest — Regrets the escape of Jean Du 
 Bart — Difficulty of finding supplies to encamp the troops.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May 9,%- June 1, 1696. — Sir; It is certain the Toulon 
 fleet got into Brest at the time the french letters report ; for one of 
 your majesty's advice boats, sent on purpose, has seen their fleet 
 riding there. It is certain, that a great opportunity has been lost, 
 by not meeting with them. Du Bart has got out by the same ill- 
 luck, or management, that the others have got in ; and the dutch 
 commander refusing to go along with Benbow, has completed 
 that misfortune, which otherwise might possibly have been re- 
 trieved. Both these errors were foreseen by your majesty's great 
 priidence, and yet, it seems, have not been prevented. 
 
 " The great scarcity of money makes it difficult to obey your 
 majesty's commands, in encamping the troops; but at our next 
 meeting we have ordered the commissioners of transports to 
 attend, and all that is possible will be done, in order to their en- 
 campment, and afterwards to the embarking the ten battalions for 
 the end your majesty directs. 
 
 " We have had no news from sir George Rooke since the 12th, 
 nor from Ireland since the 14th, when my lord Capel was so ill, it 
 was not expected he should live many hours." 
 
lia CORRESPONDENCE [Part f.— Ch. 6. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the arrangements for procuring credit and supplies—Declines conferring the govern- 
 ment of Ireland on the dake>-<-Crais,ures the mismanagement of the admiralty.] 
 
 ^ " Breda, June 4, I696.— I have your two letters of the 12th and 
 15th May to answer. You may easily suppose how painful it 
 must be to me, to see that we are likely to be reduced to such an 
 extremity, if we cannot, in some degree, remedy the evils into which 
 we are falling by the loss of our credit ; and when we plainly dis- 
 cover that we have been in error, the sooner we acknowledge it 
 the better. I own I was strongly of opinion to reduce the value 
 of the guineas to 22 shillings, but I now see, too late, that I was in 
 the wrong, and there appears to be no remedy for obtaining 
 credit, but the acceptance of guineas by the Treasury, at 24 or 25 
 shillings, and giving a premium or interest, so as not directly to 
 violate the laws. But in such extreme necessity, we should not be 
 too scrupulous, for all will be lost, if credit be not soon found to 
 pay the fleet and the armyj especially the troops who are in these 
 parts. As you know all the importance of this business, I flatter 
 myself you will do every thing that is possible, to assemble the 
 parUament in June, for the purpose of remedying this great evil. 
 This measure requires much reflection ; and nothing except the 
 utmost necessity could induce me to recur to it, but that may be 
 such as to force qs to it. 
 
 " I have to-day received a letter from lord Capel, which, how- 
 ever, he was unable to sign. He requests my permission to repair 
 to Bath, an indulgence which I cannot well refuse, though I ques- 
 tion much whether he will have sufiicient strength to take the 
 journey ; so that the government of Ireland will doubtless be soon 
 vacant. You may believe, that I would confer it on you with the 
 greatest pleasure, if you desired it ; but I do not see how you can 
 be absent from England before my return, since it is certain, 
 that the whole weight of the government, in a great measure, rests 
 on you, in my absence. 
 
 " As I foresaw, and have often told you, it has happened^ that 
 the unfortunate counter-order of the admiralty to sir Cloudesley 
 
1696.1 W I T H T H E K I N G. 119 
 
 Shovel, to remain in the Downs, and their negligence in not re- 
 calling that order, which they had sent to Plymouth to sir George 
 Rooke, are the causes tliat we have not prevented the entrance of 
 the squadron of Chateau Regnaud into Brest, which could not 
 otherwise have failed, which would have been the most effectual 
 blow possible, and would, perhaps, have decided the fate of the war. 
 But this fine opportunity has been lost by inconceivable faults, 
 which can only serve to occupy the parliament next winter. 
 
 " To-morrow I am going to a conference with the elector of 
 Bavaria, near Antwerp, and from thence I shall proceed to 
 Flanders, to review the army. I shall then return for the com- 
 mencement of the, campaign, to that which is in Brabant. It is 
 impossible yet to judge what we may be able to do. I own I have 
 little inclination for a defensive war, but, I assure you, I will risk 
 nothing unadvisedly. 
 
 " P. S. On preparing to seal my letter, I received your's of the 
 22nd,* and learn, that the new bank have made some proposals for 
 remitting money, although very unfavourable. In our present 
 necessity, we must not be scrupulous, but must adopt those means 
 which are the least disadvantageous. In the name of God, deter- 
 mine quickly to find some credit for the troops here, or we are 
 ruined." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Difficulty of raising money-^Difi^rence of opinions in the council — Proposal for the 
 establishment of a land bank — Reflections on the state of the government in Ireland.] 
 
 « Whitehall, May ^g-June 8, I696.— Sir ; It has been a great 
 misfortune, at the same time the species of money is for the most 
 part made not current, that the credit of bills is also lost If no 
 way can be found to restore this, it will be absolutely impossible to 
 furnish the occasions of your majesty's government at home or 
 abroad. We have taken what pains we could with the bank, the 
 merchants, and the goldsmiths, exhorting some, and threatening 
 
 * Alluding to the letter of Ma^ lS-22. 
 
120 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 others, to endeavour to make them easy to one another in this 
 common difficulty. Many now appear sensible it is their interest 
 to be so, and were persuaded this morning to agree upon a meeting 
 among themselves, where, if they could conclude upon any thing 
 that might be for the common good, we promised them any as- 
 sistance in our power,; and some among them seemed not to 
 despair, but methods might be proposed, in a good measure, to help 
 this calamity. 
 
 " The proposals of the gentlemen of the new national bank, 
 have been heard, and considered at council, where many of the 
 lords, and I am sure myself for one, should have been most ready 
 to comply with any thing possible, as thinking that the most 
 likely, if not the . only way of raising the money that is now so 
 necessary for the service ; but the attorney and the solicitor 
 general were so positive, that by law we could not. give the direc- 
 tions to the Treasury, relating to the first proposal of receiving 
 part in dipt money, and which the Treasury expected froin us, 
 before they would comply with such a demand, that we were 
 forced to tell them, the first proposal was not in our power. But as 
 to all the others, we did most earnestly recommend to the lords of 
 the Treasury to give them all reasonable encouragement, and I 
 believe they are now, attending there, and conclude my lord 
 Godolphin will give your majesty to-night an account what is to 
 be expected. 
 
 " The letters which arrived to-day from Ireland, report my lord 
 Capel something better, but yet I doubt his recovery is not to be 
 expected. Your majesty's expressions to me are so kind, and so 
 much above my desert, that I were most inexcusable if I did not 
 submit every thing relating to myself, to be disposed of in the 
 manner your majesty shall think most fit for your service. It were 
 to be wished that kingdom might be put into the hands of some- 
 body, that would not let it return to feuds and animosities, which 
 possibly might be prevented, if a prudent man were there, that 
 would take in both parlies, or as many, at least, of them as would 
 unite in your majesty's interest, which I think might be effected 
 better by a single person, than by more, who would be apt to 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 121 
 
 divide, and set themselves at the head of the several parties. My 
 lord Darnley has desired me to mention him to your majesty, in 
 ca^e you send justices, and I am sure you can appoint nobody 
 that more sincerely intends your service. I hear my lord CliiFord 
 and sir Joseph Williamson have the same pretension ; and though 
 neither of them has mentioned any thing to me, I name them, that 
 your majesty may have as many persons in your mind as I can 
 learn are, or will be, pretenders. 
 
 " If your majesty shall not think fit to grant Mr. Russell what I 
 have mentioned to Mr. Blaithwayt, in favour of his brother, per- 
 haps the easiest way of refusing it is, by desiring first to receive the 
 opinion of the committee of Plantations on the new commission of 
 Trade." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Complains of the delays and scruples of the government in England in raising supplies — 
 Urges the necessity of immediate decision.] 
 
 " Camp of Waveren, June 18-8, I696. — In two days, three posts 
 have arrived from England, and I have received your letter of the 
 29th May, O. S. I confess to you, that T did not expect to hear 
 that no resolution v/as yet taken to obtain credit, by some means 
 or other ; as in our present situation, we must not consider whether 
 the conditions are reasonable, but accept them, at any rate ; for 
 money or credit we must speedily have, or all will be lost. If in 
 England they could see as clearly as I do here, I am sure they 
 Avould employ every means in their power, without too closely 
 examining the difficulties. The greatest difficulty is ruin, and 
 that we must encounter, if we cannot speedily obtain credit, to 
 pay the troops in these parts. It is impossible for me, at this dis- 
 tance, to enter into particulars ; all I can say is, that it is necessary 
 to determine which is best, without losing a moment, and not to 
 consider what is reasonable, or difficult, but to pass over things, 
 which we should not do at other times ; for there is no alternative, 
 but to perish, or find credit. This is all I can say for the present, 
 ireferring you for the rest, to what Blaithwayt may Avrite." 
 
 n 
 
122 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Doubts with regard to the efficien&y of the new bank— Exorbitancy of their demands 
 On the measures to be adopted with the county officers who had not signed the asso- 
 ciation — Considerations on the future government of Ireland.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 5-15, I696.— Sir ; I suppose ray lord Godol- 
 phin will give your majesty an account what new proposals have 
 been made by the gentlemen of the land bank, and what answer 
 has been returned to them by the Treasury, and how that answer 
 has been approved by the justices, and the council. The chief ar- 
 gument to induce the lords of the council to be unanimously of 
 opinion, that no farther encouragement should be allowed to the 
 new bank, was not so much the consideration of the exorbitancy of 
 the demand, which being to be laid wholly upon the civil list, the 
 2,500,000/. being all appropriated by parliament to several uses, 
 would have extremely incommoded your majesty's affairs, but 
 chiefly the improbability that the subscriptions would, even upon 
 such an encouragement as they demanded, amount to more than 
 would justserve to constitute them a bank. And half the money 
 only being subscribed upon such large terras, the rest could not be 
 borrowed from private persons, without yet larger, and the appro- 
 priation to repay the credit upon the coal tax, &c., as well as that 
 for the fleet, being to take place of the payments to the army, the 
 necessity of the last could not be relieved, if the Treasury had no 
 prospect of raising the whole sura, and discharging the afore- 
 mentioned appropriations. 
 
 " In the manner it is now agreed, if the gentlemen can procure 
 subscriptions suflacient to make themselves a corporation, the 
 Treasury hope assistance from the credit of exchequer bills, for a 
 good part of the rest ; which help, in the other method, would 
 have become almost ineffectual, by raising the price of loans to 
 such an extravagant degree. 
 
 " In our letter to your majesty you will observe we desire direc- 
 tions in relation to the justices of the peace, the militia officers, 
 and deputy lieutenants, who have not signed the voluntary asso- 
 ciation. If your majesty should continue in the opinion, that all 
 
1696.] WITHTHEKING. 123 
 
 such should be removed from their commissions, it might perhaps 
 be proper, that, at the same time, it were examined, if there were 
 any notoriously disalFected in those commissions, who, though 
 they have signed, might, upon this occasion, be turned out with 
 the rest. For what relates to the non-swearers, I think your ma- 
 jesty's intention was, none should be convicted, or punished by 
 the power given in the last act, but such who, by their insolence, 
 or great indiscretion, should distinguish their disaffection. 
 
 " The warrant sent over for the adding two lives after one who 
 is now in possession of clerk of the hanaper, in Chancery, was 
 what my lord keeper requested, and your majesty was pleased to 
 promise some few days before you left England. Judge Turton, 
 whom my lord keeper recommends as fit to be promoted to the 
 King's-bench, in Gregory's place, lately dead, has been a baron of 
 the Exchequer, ever since your majesty came to the crown, and a 
 man very zealous in your interest. Serjeant Blenko, who my lord 
 keeper proposes should succeed as baron, in Turton's place, is one 
 who, in former parliaments, has served very well, though now not 
 in the house. He is an honest and an able lawyer, and son-in-law 
 to Dr. Wallis of Oxford, who deciphers the letters, and will think 
 any thing done for him at least as great an obligation as if it were 
 to himself. 
 
 " I have been a very true prophet in what relates to lord Berke- 
 ley's proposal. 
 
 " My name having been mentioned for Ireland, 1 am the more 
 unwilling to speak upon that subject; but I cannot forbear saying 
 thus much, that in case my lord deputy die, the proper time to 
 unite that people, will be immediately upon the change ; and if a 
 parliament meet in autumn, with common good management, 
 probably, they will be prevailed on, to grant your majesty a farther 
 supply, and each party will strive to ingratiate themselves, by 
 their forwardness to promote the public business. In Avinter I 
 conclude a parliament cannot sit there, because one will be neces- 
 sary here ; and if it be deferred longer, it will not be so easy for 
 one, or more governors, to carry themselves so to the content of 
 both parties for a year together, that the same union and advantage 
 
 li 2 
 
12i CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch 6. 
 
 might be hoped from a parliament autumn come twelvemonth, 
 that might be reasonably expected this year." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Acknowledges the remittance of 100,000/. from England, but requires farther and 
 regular supplies, as the only expedient to prevent ruin — Death of lord Capel — 
 Expects the opinion of the lords justices, on the intended arrangements for Ireland — 
 Complains again of the failure of the fleet.] 
 
 " Cam]) of Corbais, June 15-25, I696. — I had not time by the 
 last post fully to answer your letter of the 5-l5th of this month. 
 I was much pleased to hear that means had been found to remit 
 for the army 100,000/., which, though a large sum, is, in fact, but 
 little, when you consider what is owing to the troops, and other 
 demands. For this reason, we shall again be involved in the same 
 distress, if you cannot continue to remit large sums, or obtain 
 farther credit. I own this business of the money in England? 
 gives me very great uneasiness. It is, however, necessary to find 
 the least objectionable means to extricate ourselves, and re-esta- 
 blish credit, without loss of time, or we must inevitably perish. 
 
 " Since I received your letter, I have been informed of the 
 death of lord Capel. I wait the answer of the lords justices, to 
 know whom they will recommend me to place in that govern- 
 ment, till I can appoint a lord lieutenant, thinking that I cannot 
 properly do it before my return to England ; though if I could, I 
 am of your opinion, that it would be best to do it immediately. 
 
 " I cannot console myself for the failure of the attempt with our 
 fleet, particularly as I perceive that great armament and expense 
 will be of no avail, and which, as you know, I clearly foresaw. 
 I never considered the last proposal lord Berkeley made, but as 
 a mere gasconade.* I am very apprehensive that our operations 
 by land will not be more effective than those by sea. Provided 
 the duke of Savoy does not make a separate accommodation, a 
 general peace may be hoped for in the course of this winter, which 
 
 * The king here alludes to the expedition of lord Berkeley, against the western 
 coasts of France, which terminated only in the injury of a few petty towns and hamlets, 
 and produced little more effect than to spread alarm. 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 125 
 
 is much spoken of ; but to tell you frankly ray opinion, I see but 
 little probability of it." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Farther expedients for restoring public credit — Difficulty of recommending proper per- 
 sons for Ireland — Peace much desired — Apprehensive of the secret machinations of 
 France.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 23-July 3, 1696- — Sir ; I omitted writing last 
 post, because 1 knew not what to say, in answer to your majesty's 
 letter of the 8-18th, that pressed, with such reason, the necessity of 
 remitting money. I was informed 100,000/. was returned, but 
 was withojit a near prospect of farther supplies, that would sig- 
 nify but little. I am not able now to say much with certainty on 
 this subject ; but the lords of the Treasury are using all possible 
 methods to restore the paper credit, and particularly to esta- 
 blish exchequer bills. What the success of it will be, nobody 
 can yet determine : a httle time will give more light ; but the 
 want of current coin makes every thing difficult, and puts the 
 people to great straits. We have proposals before us for giving 
 some redress to this evil, and the discontents it occasions ; but 
 nothing is yet enough digested, or resolved, to trouble your 
 majesty with. 
 
 " It was very difficult for us to bring ourselves to propose any 
 persons to your majesty, for so great a trust as the government of 
 Ireland ; nor do I believe any one of us is pleased entirely with 
 the persons we have offered ; but I think men are very scarce, 
 that one can satisfy one's self in recommending to any places of 
 trust, and application, but more so upon this occasion, when one 
 could not mention it to any, with a prospect of remaining long 
 there. I presume your majesty has some knowledge of every one 
 of these, except sir Chris. Wandesford, who is wholly unknown 
 to me, but I am told is a person of good estate, sense, and 
 courage. I shall venture to add one thing, as my own single 
 opinion, that I doubt if my lord chancellor* and Drogheda be 
 
 * Sir Charles Porter. — See note to the letter of Jan. 22, 1696. 
 
126 CORKESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 both in the commission, it will put the party that was my lord 
 Capel's, into more despair and rage than may be advisable in 
 the circumstances of that kingdom. 
 
 " Sir Thomas Sedley desires me to put your majesty in mind, 
 that you were pleased to tell him, the day before you left England, 
 that you would let him know to whom he should apply himself, 
 relating to a promise formerly made, but that since that time he 
 has never received any such direction. There is likewise a Report 
 of sir Francis Brewster's, which he desires me to recommend to 
 your majesty's favour, and says the Treasury think it reasonable. 
 He is one who carried himself, the last parliament, with great 
 moderation between the parties, and therefore may be useful 
 the next. He had a very good recommendation also from my 
 lord Capel. I conclude your majesty has very good and just 
 reasons for stopping my lord Bellew's* pardon, and therefore shall 
 press you no farther on that subject. 
 
 " It is certain, as your majesty observes in your's of the 
 l5-25th, that a peace is much discoursed of; a good one every 
 body would desire, and many are so weary as to be content with 
 a bad one. But I think what is most of all to be apprehended, 
 is, that these secret treaties, which we are told are on foot, in more 
 than one place, are only designed by the French to disunite the 
 allies, which perhaps is the best method they have now left to 
 accomplish their own designs, and to ruin your majesty, whose 
 safety, glory, and happiness is the constant and earnest wish of, 
 Sir," &c. 
 
 The ensuing letter from the king merits particular attention, as 
 it announces the defection of the duke of Savoy from the grand 
 alliance ; an event, rendered more mortifying by the secrecy with 
 which it was accomplished, and the fatal effects which it produced 
 to the public cause. It will be more fully developed in another 
 part of this collection .-f- 
 
 * Richard, lord Bellew, an Irish peer, who had been outlawed for his attachment to 
 king James ; he was soon afterwards restored. 
 
 ■f- See the correspondence of lord Galway with the duke of Shrewsbury, and the accom- 
 panying narrative. 
 
1696.] WITHTHEKING. 127 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Defection of the duke of Savoy — Hopes to prevent the neutrality of Italy — Necessity 
 of continuing the war — Superiority of the enemy, and prospect of an bactive cam- 
 paign — P'ressitag necessity of supplies.] 
 
 " Camp of Gemblours, July 23, iGQd. — It is some time since I 
 wrote to you, having nothing agreeable to communicate, nor any 
 answer to give to your letters, but what I could trust to Blaith- 
 wayt. I have now only bad news to impart ; we have certainlj 
 lost the duke of Savoy, who has tricked us. I beheve, however, 
 that we can throw many difficulties in the execution of his treaty, 
 and that at least it will not be concluded before the end of the 
 campaign. I have, nevertheless, sent orders to oppose the neu- 
 trality of Italy, which is the thing, of all others, most prejudicial 
 to us ; and I hope I shall be able to induce the House of Austria 
 to continue the war in Italy, by contributing what I have hitherto 
 given to the duke of Savoy. It will be necessary that we should, 
 on all sides, make the greatest efforts, as I at present see no pro- 
 bability of peace, except on conditions that would be insupport- 
 able. And I am convinced, that if France sees we are resolved 
 to continue the war with vigour, she will at last be obliged to 
 accede to a reasonable peace. 
 
 " I am also very much vexed that I can give you no hopes of 
 undertaking any thing considerable this campaign, the enemy 
 being in too great force to admit of my attempting a siege, with- 
 out too much risk, which, in my opinion, is not at this time 
 advisable, unless, by the movements I am now making, the 
 enemy should give me a favourable opportunity. I am very 
 apprehensive this campaign will pass very peaceably, which to 
 me will be no small mortification. 
 
 " By the last post, lord Godolphin gives me some hopes that 
 means may at length be found to re-estabUsh our credit. I trust 
 this business will be soon terminated in one way or other, suspense 
 being the greatest evil. In this, as in many other cases, it is better 
 to take wrong measures than not to act at all. We are here 
 reduced to greater extremities than ever, for want of money ; and 
 if we do not soon receive some remittances, the army will be 
 disbanded." 
 
128 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Regrets the defection of the duke of Savoy — ^Difficulty of continuing the war, from 
 the want of money — Distress of the country — Necessity of peace.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July ^1-31, I696. — Sir ; I have received the honour 
 of your majesty's letters of the 13-23rd, and wish the duke of 
 Savoy, for an appearance of immediate advantage, had not sold 
 his own reputation, and the interest of his friends, all which, with 
 more patience, might have been preserved. I imagine he has not 
 niade this step, but at the same time, he has agreed vvith France 
 to join his forces, for the quieting of Italy, if there shall be oc- 
 casion, in which case, how successfully the war can l)e carried 
 on in those parts, nobody can judge so well as yourself. 
 
 " I'he posture of affairs in Flanders being such, that I peiceive 
 your majesty has no great hopes of doing any thing considerable 
 there, I cannot see there is a prospect in any other part of the 
 world of more than acting defensively ; so that, in all appearance, 
 this campaign will end in a very discouraging manner for the 
 allies. And how far such circumstances, improved by french 
 money and artifice, may prevail upon other princes to follow the 
 duke of Savoy's example, is to me a very melancholy reflection, 
 and much more so when I consider our own condition at home, 
 encompassed with so many difficulties, from the ruin of all credit, 
 the scarcity of money, the deficiency in the supply for restoring 
 the coin, and other anticipations, that I dare confidently affirm, 
 no remedy so speedy and effectual can be found as will put the 
 nation in a capacity, the next year, to furnish such sums as have 
 been given in former sessions. A willing parliament may pass acts, 
 but I fear the money can neither be raised nor borrowed. 
 
 " I think it my duty to lay this before your majesty, and be- 
 cause I think it of the last importance in this conjuncture, that 
 you should be exactly informed of affairs at home, which might 
 otherwise misguide you in your considerations of those abroad, 
 I hope you will have the opinion of others on this subject, who 
 are much better able to judge than I am. The resolution whether 
 a peace upon such terms as it is reasonable now to expect from 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. 129 
 
 France, be to be wished, or no, is attended with so many consi- 
 derations beyond my search, and so many circumstances out of 
 my knowledge, that it would be too great presumption in me to 
 speak on that subject. I cannot see that a town more or less is 
 very material to your majesty's interest, provided the princes 
 more nearly concerned are contented with it. 
 
 " Above all things, it is necessary the allies should be satisfied 
 with the conclusion of the war ; that, continuing their just opinion 
 of your majesty's unshaken constancy and virtue, they may be 
 ready to engage with you upon any other occasion ; but if they 
 are pleased, though they should be a little more exposed, and 
 not have such a barrier to protect them, as were to be wished, 
 yet, by that weakness, they seem the more necessarily obliged 
 to seek their safety, only from the strength and firmness of the 
 alliance. If the condition of affairs in Europe could give a 
 reasonable prospect, that in a short time the power of France, by 
 sea and land, would be reduced to what it was but forty ye^rs 
 since, a great deal ought to be ventured to attain such a state 
 of quiec and security ; but, under the circumstances before men- 
 tioned, whether that can be hoped, and Avhether any less design 
 be worth the hazarding all, is humbly submitted to your 
 majesty." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [His despondency at being disappointed of supplies — Entreats the ministry to devise 
 some immediate and practicable plan.] 
 
 " Camp of Altere, July 20-30, I696.— The letter from the 
 lords justices of the 14th has quite overcome me, and I know 
 not where I am, since at present I see no resource which can 
 prevent the army from mutiny or total desertion ; for it is more 
 impossible to find here, than in England, money sufficient for 
 their subsistence ; so that if you cannot devise expedients to 
 send contributions, or procure credit, all is lost, and I must go 
 to the Indies. In such great extremities, endeavours must be 
 made to discover extraordinary remedies. As to myself, I cannot 
 point out any ; but you, who are on the spot, can form a better 
 
130 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.-Ch. 6. 
 
 judgment. I am. so convinced of your zeal for my service, that 
 I have no doubt but you will do every thing that is possible to 
 be done, to prevent such fatal evils, on which depends the good 
 of the nation, as well as of all Europe." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Sends the earl of Portland to represent the extremity of his situation — Consents to an 
 
 immediate meeting of parliament.] 
 
 " Camp of Altere, July 21-31, I696.— In the extremity to 
 which we are reduced, I have been obliged to send the earl of 
 Portland to England, that he might represent it to you more 
 particularly, and consult with you, whether, in this great necessity, 
 there is no other remedy but that of convoking the parhament. 
 if so, I give my consent, at the same time I know the difficulty, 
 and even danger, of assembling it during my absence ; but rather 
 than perish, all must be risked. You will, I am sure, justly ap- 
 preciate the importance of this affair, and adopt such measures 
 as you think will be most beneficial to me and the country. 
 
 " For the rest, I refer you to what the earl of Portland will 
 communicate to you, and to the assurances he will give you of 
 the continuance of my esteem." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Necessity of raising money — The lords justices deem it impolitic to assemble the par- 
 lianient.'r-Couimunications from sir John Fenwick to the duke of Devonshire — 
 Thinks he may make discoveries of more value than his life — Hopes of the Jacobites.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 28-Aug. 7, I696. — Sir ; I have had the honour 
 of your majesty's letters of the 30th by the post, and 21st by my 
 loi:d Portland ; and being very sensible of the necessity there is 
 to supply the army abroad, I am sure I have omitted no care 
 nor pains to employ my poor thoughts, and my small credit, to 
 get it effected. Some of those gentlemen, who had procured 
 money for shares in the land bank, seem so convinced 
 of the consequence it would be of, that your majesty's 
 arnty beyond sea, should. not be reduced to extremity, that they 
 promise and hope to engage others to lend a considerable sum 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N G. ISl 
 
 upon a good premium. My lord Portland, my lord Godolphin, 
 and I, are to speak with some of the principals to-morrow, and I 
 have already had good encouragement from Mr. Foley and Mr. 
 Harley, that money will be got, with good words and good ad- 
 vantage. In this exigence I think they will deserve both. If this 
 should fail, which we shall be better informed of to-morrow, we 
 are not without hopes but that a voluntary subscription, beginning 
 with your majesty's servants, and promoted every where, as a 
 distinguishing mark of affection, in this conjuncture, to your go- 
 vernment, may have a good effect. But if the other succeed, this 
 probably may not be tried. 
 
 " Your majesty will perhaps wonder, that in these circum- 
 stances, the parliament should be prorogued so long as to the 
 1st of September ; but it was universally the opinion of all here, 
 that a session in your absence, and in the divisions the nation 
 labours under now, would produce nothing but heat among them- 
 selves, and petitions from all the counties, about the state of the 
 money ; that they could afford little help as to a present supply, 
 but by the expectation they would raise, that dipt money should 
 be current again, or a recompence allowed for it ; that the standard 
 should be advanced, and the price of guineas improved. This 
 would, in the mean time, hinder any specie to be parted with, 
 either for the occasions of the governnient, or the public com- 
 merce ; but every man would keep what he had in his hands, 
 with reasonable hopes of parting with it, after the parliament, 
 upon better advantage. 
 
 " I am not acquainted with the particulars my lord steward 
 has sent your majesty from sir John Fenwick. He is generally 
 reputed a fearful man, and though now he may not offer to say 
 all, yet beginning to treat is no contradiction to that character. 
 I am confident he knows what, if he will discover, may be much 
 more valuable than his life.* If he were well managed, possibly 
 
 * This remark shews that the duke of Shrewsbury had not the least dread or suspicion 
 of sir John Fenwick's disclosures. It proves that he had no fear of the accusation which 
 was afterwards brought against him ; and furnishes indisputable evidence of his innocence. 
 — See the commencement of the next chapter. 
 
 s 2 
 
132 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I— Ch. 6 
 
 he might lay open a scene that would facilitate the business the next 
 winter, which, without some such miracle, I doubt will be difficult 
 enough. An acquaintance of mine saw a fresh letter to my lady 
 Waldegrave from my lord Galmoye,* at St. Germain's, who, I think, 
 is her husband, where he says he has never been credulous in the 
 hopes of king James's coming, but that now he is well assured it 
 will be attempted the end of this year, and with good appearance 
 of success. The same person saw another letter from another 
 hand, he would not say from whom, but from one more likely to 
 know than the former, and spoke in the same language, but with 
 more assurance." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is mortified by the failure of every attempt to retrieve public credit — Hopes there will be 
 no farther defection among the allies — Thinks that a declaration of the inability of 
 England to prosecute the war, will occasion the ruin of the grand alliance.J 
 
 " Camp of Altere, August 6, I696. — Your letter of the 21st 
 July, which I received by the last post, mortifies me not a little, as 
 I see that you have no hopes of being able in England to remedy 
 the disorder of the coinage, nor to re-establish credit in sufficient 
 time to furnish supplies for the continuance of the war the next 
 year. If the enemy know our situation, of which indeed they are 
 but too well informed, there can be no hopes of peace. 
 
 " In regard to the alhes, I own I have no fears of any farther 
 defection, after the base conduct of the duke of Savoy. But I do 
 not think we can oblige the allies to accept the offer of peace made 
 by France, unless we force them ; that is, by declaring that we can 
 give them no farther assistance, which is a declaration hazardous, 
 not only because the House of Austria may anticipate us, by 
 making a separate peace, but also, because after the conclusion of 
 a general peace, there are no hopes of continuing the grand 
 alliance, which is, however, our only security. May God relieve 
 us from our present embarrassment, for I cannot suppose that it 
 
 * Viscount Galmoye, one of the Irish adherents of king James, whose title was forfeited 
 in 1690. 
 
1696.] WITHTHEKING. 138 
 
 is his will to suffer a nation to perish, which he has so often almost 
 miraculously saved, though we have too well deserved it." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [Disappointed of all hopes of assistance from the land bank.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 31-Aug. 10, I696. — Sir ; I hoped I should 
 have given your majesty a better account this post of the progress 
 those gentlemen had made, who having procured money for the 
 land bank, were said to be willing to furnish your majesty with a 
 considerable sum, in this time of necessity, in order to entitle them- 
 selves to your favour, and to that of the parliament the next session. 
 But after some meetings, my lord Portland, lord Godolphin, and I, 
 have had with them, and several discourses that we and others 
 have had with those, who are supposed to have great influence 
 upon them, all they have yet subscribed is, forty thousand pounds. 
 Your majesty will receive so much a better account from the 
 other two lords of this whole proceeding, that I shall not trouble 
 you with a repetition, only I confess they appeared to-night so 
 Avilling to quarrel upon a very slight occasion, that I much appre- 
 hend their performance of what has been so often and so posi- 
 tively promised. I wish I may be mistaken. We have all told my 
 lord Portland he must not stir from hence till this matter be over, 
 some way or other ; I wish it may be soon to your majesty's satis- 
 faction, and am, with all duty," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREV\^SBURY. 
 
 [Regrets the failure of the land bank — Wishes a fleet to be sent out for the protection of 
 
 the Spanish galleons.] 
 
 " Camp of J here, Aug. 14, I696. — I last night received your 
 letter of the 31st July-lOth August. I am very much concerned 
 to find, that, after the flattering hopes which were held out of a 
 subscription for 100,000/., it has not been effected ; as I very much 
 fear, unless some such means are adopted, money or credit will 
 with difficulty be found, sufficient to supply our necessities. 
 
 " I send this express, for the purpose of accelerating the 
 
134 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet L— Ch. 6. 
 
 departure of a squadron to meet and protect the Spanish 
 galleons, in which the english and dutch are more interested than 
 the natives. According to the information I have received, they 
 will shortly arrive, and there is no doubt that the squadrons of 
 Nesmond and Chateauregnaud are destined to intercept them. 
 You perceive the importance of this affair, and I am sure you will 
 do air in your power to promote it, and to counteract the usual 
 tardiness of our admiralty. I also wish that Bembow would put 
 to sea without delay, and sail in pursuit of du Bart, who is likely 
 to do us much harm." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Laments the failure of the land bank — Other proposals offered — Deplorable state of 
 
 public affairs.] 
 
 " IVhitehall, Aug. 4-14, ^69^- — Sir; I am very sorry to ac- 
 quaint you, that after the large repeated promises of those gentle- 
 men of the land bank, the most they are able to procure to be 
 subscribed is, forty thousand pounds ; and that I doubt will not be 
 lent, but upon such terms as makes it of no use to your majesty's 
 present occasions. My lord Portland, lord Godolphin, and my- 
 self, having received this bad answer late this evening, have 
 resolved to summon the lords justices to acquaint them with it to- 
 morrow morning, and to have the Treasury ready to be consulted 
 Avith, as I suppose there will be occasion. Some of my ac- 
 quaintance tell me there is another set of men, who will upon this 
 exigence shew their good will. Any thing that produces such an 
 effect, will be welcome at this time ; but if God delivers us from 
 these present straits, every thing that has happened, in the 
 endeavouring to procure this loan, does more and more convince 
 me, that our condition is no better than I laid before your majesty 
 some time since." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Hopes the bank of England may be induced to advance 200,OOOZ. for the current service — 
 Argues on the impracticability of any other expedient. 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 7-17, 1696. — Sir 4 I am under more uneasi- 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. 185 
 
 ness than I can express, that I am not able yet to give your ma- 
 jesty a positive and certain account, what may be expected in 
 relation to supplying the army with returns of money from hence. 
 Having met with disappointments from the gentlemen of the land 
 bank, we have now applied ourselves to the bank of England, and 
 have encouragement from some to hope, that with good words, 
 and some promises, to recommend to your majesty the directing 
 the losses they have suffered by the returns of money, and other- 
 wise by the government to be stated, and a reasonable considera- 
 tion had of them in due time, they may be induced to advance 
 200,000/., which the lords of the Treasury say, would, in a great 
 measure, carry on the several services, till the meeting of the par- 
 liament. If this should not succeed, God knows what can be 
 done : a general subscription, it is doubted, will come but to little, 
 and has so much the air of a brief, that it will not be much for the 
 reputation of the government, which I believe is one thing to be 
 considered in the present conjuncture. A loan from the city is 
 much doubted also, by the incapacity which has appeared in 
 many to discharge the bills which have been drawn on them from 
 all parts. Either or both of these attempted, and failing, is pro- 
 claiming our misery; yet any thing must be tried and ventured, 
 rather than lie down and die. 
 
 " When my lord Portland returns, he will acquaint your majesty 
 with our circumstances, much better than I can describe in a 
 letter : he has had but too good an opportunity of examining 
 them to the bottom. I desire no more than that your majesty 
 should know the truth, and then nobody can judge so well as 
 yourself. Only in answer to your majesty's of the 6th N. S., I shall 
 presume to offer, that if a peace must not be concluded, till so 
 many humours and interests are contented, as compose this 
 alliance, I shall despair that such a conjuncture Avill ever be found. 
 All people agree, that the states are satisfied by these offers in the 
 most material things they desire. The letters from Vienna say, the 
 emperor and his minister, are fond of the peace on the same con- 
 ditions. These I take to be the most, if not the only important 
 members of your majesty's alliance. It is said the circles of Suabia 
 
136 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 and Franconia, will be uneasy at the demolishing the new fortifica- 
 tions of Strasburgh; but is it reasonable your majesty should 
 hazard your crown, and Europe its liberty, to please those gentle- 
 men, who judge upon expectations from hence, and perhaps from 
 Holland, which possibly neither the one nor the other is able to 
 make good ? 
 
 " It would not be advisable to lay open the state of this coun- 
 try, I own, equal to what I fear is the truth, but yet enough might 
 be said to shew them, that a tolerable peace is very desirable ; and 
 that though we are not in a condition to prosecute the war with 
 that vigour it has hitherto been carried on, yet a trading and a 
 free people, like England and Holland, will, in one year of quiet, 
 recover more strength, than France can in five. The circum- 
 stances here are different from those of any country : suffering 
 makes men dissatisfied ; and how far that, by degrees, may be im- 
 proved to the ruin of the whole, nobody can tell. But I hope I 
 shall be pardoned for the ignorant freedom with which I write, Sir, 
 as it proceeds from the zeal and sincerity of," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Requests the grant of a warrant empowering himself, the lord keeper, and others, fb fit out 
 a ship for seizing pirates — Recommends the king to reserve a share of the prizes to 
 himself.] 
 
 " Aug. 15-25, 1696. — Sir ; I presume to give your majesty the 
 trouble of this letter, and of the inclosed warrant,* at the desire of 
 my lord keeper, and my lord Romney, who being engaged with 
 my lord Bellamont, Mr. Russell, and myself, and some others, in 
 a project of fitting out a ship, which has your majesty's commis- 
 sion under the great seal, for seizing pirates, and has cost about 
 6,000/. the fitting out, though what shall be taken by her will be 
 of no advantage to us, unless we have your majesty's grant, which 
 this warrant is in order to obtain. They have desired it may be 
 inclosed to yourself, being not willing Mr. Blaithwayt should 
 
 * This was the warrant for fitting out a sloop, under capt. Kidd, for the capture of 
 pirates, which afterwards became a subject of parliamentary inquiry. — See the correspon- 
 dence with the whig lords, in 1699 and IT*^. 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. 137 
 
 have knowledge of it, some of the governors in the plantations, 
 who are his friends, being greatly suspected to have made con- 
 siderable advantage by conniving at these pirates. For the same 
 reason the warrant is dated from the time of your majesty's being 
 here, that he might not countersign it. There is a blank for the 
 names of the persons, to whom this grant is to be made, because 
 we are not agreed what names to make use of. If we have any 
 good success in this project, it is likely we shall soon have the 
 news of it, therefore beg we may know your pleasure. Your ma- 
 jesty may remember I mentioned this to you, when the ship was 
 getting ready, and you Avere then pleased to say we should not 
 want your favour." 
 
 " P. S. I take the liberty to add this note, and desire it may be 
 without the knowledge of my partners, that if by reason of the 
 noise these pirates have made of late, and of the great wealth that 
 may perhaps be found amongst them, what we ask may possibly 
 fall out too much, your majesty may please to reserve what share 
 you think fit to yourself, and direct me to send over another 
 warrant to that effect ; or else take time to consider of the grant, 
 and in the interim, order me to assure the partners, that if any 
 thing shall be seized by the ship, which was put out at their cost, 
 you will be very kind in considering not only their expense, but 
 the hazard they have run." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Return of the earl of Portland — The advance of 200,000/. not adequate to his necessities 
 — Suggests the anticipation of the land tax — Remains on the continent to superintend 
 the negotiation for peace.] 
 
 " Aug.24>-Sept. 3, 1696. — The earl of Portland returned yester- 
 day, and has fully informed me of what passed during his journey 
 to England. He cannot say enough in favour of your civilities 
 and frankness, and has acquainted me with your zeal and endea- 
 vours for my service, for which I am obliged to you, being greatly 
 concerned that you are not seconded as we could wish, which 
 would produce more activity in our business than we find. 
 
 T 
 
138 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 " Blaithwayt will have informed you of my answer to the 
 managers of the bank, it being very reasonable that they should 
 be rewarded for the good services they have rendered me on this 
 occasion, which are not inconsiderable, but the sum of 200,000/. 
 will not suffice for our necessities. And as lord Godolphin writes 
 me word, that no more can be expected for the troops, before the 
 session oT parliament, on account of so many other pressing 
 necessities, I wish much that we could carry into execution a 
 proposal that lord Portland informs me had been made, to oblige 
 the commissioners of each county to send duplicates of their 
 registers, to ascertain their effective payments to the receivers of 
 the land tax, in order to employ the money which they have sent 
 to the exchequer, and which they have advanced, without having 
 actually received it from the contributors. This, as I am informed, 
 wouM produce a large sum, and would not be prejudicial to any 
 one, if tallies were given to the receivers. The principal objec- 
 tion to this expedient is, that it would be deemed contrary to the 
 appropriation of the money voted by parliament. But even should 
 that be the case, I doubt not that in the first session an indemnity 
 might be obtained for having acted irregularly in so urgent a 
 necessity; so that if the business is in any way practicable, I 
 desire you would press it ; for I foresee that, without the authority 
 of the lords justices, nothing will be done in this affair, where we 
 are apparently opposed by so many private interests. 
 
 " I am not able to fix an earlier day for the meeting of parlia- 
 ment than the 20th or 21st of October, 0. S., since it is absolutely 
 necessary that I should remain in this country, at least a whole 
 month, in order to put the negotiation for peace in train, without 
 which all things would be in confusion ; so that, I assure you, it is 
 not either my amusements or other views, which oblige me to 
 delay my return to England, where I know my presence is so 
 necessary. I inclose the warrant, signed, which you sent me. If 
 the prizes should be very considerable, I should wish to reserve a 
 part for my disposal, which you may easily have inserted." 
 
1696.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 139 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [DiflSculty of obtaining money from the bank — The anticipation of the land tax illegal.] 
 
 "Whitehall, Sept. 1-11, I696. — Sir; I have not tliis long while 
 been sensible of so real a joy as I was to find, by your majesty's 
 letter of the 24th of August, that you were satisfied ' with my 
 endeavours to serve you. I wish I could please myself better 
 with the effects, and that I were not obliged to attribute this 
 opinion of your majesty's to your own natural indulgence, and 
 my lord Portland's kind representation, rather than to any merit 
 of mine, beyond sincere intentions to promote your's, and the 
 kingdom's interest to the utmost of my power, without being able 
 to contribute much to either. Because the Treasury are not 
 ready to come to an account with the bank as yet, I find they 
 are a little restive in returning more money, till they have some 
 certainty what consideration will be had of their past losses. At 
 the same time the proposition my lord Portland made to your 
 majesty, is by the lords justices and the Treasury, judged neither 
 practicable nor desirable : not practicable, first, in point of time, 
 the commissioners not having yet returned the accounts from the 
 several counties, though pressed to it by letters from the Trea- 
 sury ; and secondly, it is contrary to so many acts of parliament, 
 that though we and the Treasury were willing to venture ourselves 
 upon the mercy of a parliament, yet many of the under officers, 
 who must concur in such a proceeding, having places for life, 
 will never venture their employments upon so doubtful a point, 
 and cannot be compelled to it, because the thing is in itself not 
 warrantable. They say it is not advisable, because the credit of 
 the exchequer will be extremely weakened by any precedent of 
 breaking into appropriations. The lords of the Treasury, in their 
 answer to Mr. Blaithwayt, will enlarge upon these, and other ar- 
 guments. Much was said of it to-day, and at last all agreed it 
 was impossible. 
 
 " I have received the warrant your majesty was graciously 
 pleased to sign. A share shall be reserved to your disposal, and I 
 
 T 2 
 
140 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 wish you had been pleased to declare how much you would 
 command. 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Sept. 4, N. S., 1696." — After thanking his grace for the civilities 
 and attentions he received from him during his stay in England, 
 as well as for his sincerity and frankness, and soliciting the con- 
 tinuance of his friendship, he adds, " I have pressed, as much as 
 possible, the assembling of parliament, and as his majesty has 
 fixed it for the month of October, which is much earlier than you 
 expected, you will see how he feels the necessity of gaining time, 
 and which he could not have done had he not already quitted the 
 army. I arrived here the day before yesterday, and saw the king 
 last night, but I have had no time to speak to his majesty on all 
 the affairs of state, nor does the post permit me to say more to 
 you, than that I am truly your's." 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks the earl for the favourable representation he has made of his conduct — Will 
 
 always speak his mind freely.] 
 
 ''Whitehall, Sept. 1-11, I696.— My lord; I perceive, by a 
 letter the king has done me the honour to write, since your 
 arrival, that your lordship has represented the zeal of my inten- 
 tions, and my poor services, with such advantage to his majesty, 
 that I ought not, nor shall ever forget the obligation. It is with the 
 same goodness, that in your's of the 4th, N. S., you are willing to 
 acknowledge and set some value upon the freedom I used in 
 laying some matters here before you. I can hold my tongue ; 
 but if I speak, it must be in that style ; and knowing your own 
 natural sincerity, and our long undisputed fidelity to his ma- 
 jesty, I did then, and shall upon all occasions for the future, since 
 you are so kind to encourage it, proceed with the same frankness, 
 and open my heart in all things relating to his majesty's 
 service. 
 
 " The town make themselves sure the king will not only enjoy 
 
1696.] WITH THE KING. Ui 
 
 here a peace, but a queen.* If his majesty thinks of going any 
 where into the country after his arrival, and before the meeting of 
 the parliament, it would be a great convenience to me, if I might 
 know which way he designs." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Gratified by the acceptance of his offer of friendship — Regrets that the bank declines 
 
 advancing money to government.] 
 
 " Loo, September 8-18, I696. — Sir ; From the sincere considera- 
 tion and respect which 1 entertain for you, I feel peculiar satisfac- 
 tion in receiving your letter of the 11th of this month, as I per- 
 ceive that you are assured I have done you justice. That is merely 
 the duty of every honest man, and I shall never fail to perform it 
 towards every one. Ever since I had the honour to know you, I 
 have perceived a coldness and reserve towards me, which I wished 
 not to deserve ; but rather than attribute it to you, I have con- 
 cluded that I was myself the cause of it, being sufficiently just to 
 myself, to know part of my failings. But as we cannot control 
 those which arise from nature, and which are born with us, I have 
 deemed the evil incurable, and have merely paid to the minister 
 and secretary of state, the respect which was due to him, without 
 troubling myself farther. But as it is the will of fortune, that you 
 should personally testify to me your approbation of my conduct, 
 and express your satisfaction with it, I assure you. Sir, that I shall 
 return the same cordiality, and that this cold and reserved disposi- 
 tion, which I frankly avow, shall wholly vanish after the candour 
 which you have had the goodness to promise me. I will request 
 some indulgence in regard to my judgment, but none respecting 
 my integrity ; and I shall not solicit your friendship, until I shall 
 have taken the first step to render myself worthy of it. 
 
 " I am sorry to find, by letters from lord Godolphin to the king, 
 that the managers of the bank are no longer willing to continue 
 the supply of money, which they have promised, until the state of 
 
 * At this time the king was much solicited to marry again, and rumour indicated several 
 princesses as destined to share the throne of England. 
 
142 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 their losses be adjusted and admitted. This is shewing very little 
 confidence, after being apprised of the king's order to the Trea- 
 sury. The bank company require interest to be made with the 
 dutch merchants, to induce them to forego, for a year, the 
 payment of the 100,000/. sterling, now due; for without this, they 
 say they are unable to furnish the 200,000/. But since they are so 
 unreasonable, it appears to me, that if these merchants can be 
 persuaded not to recall their money, it would be better for them to 
 lend it directly to the king, after the bank has paid them, than for 
 the government to remain under an obligation for it to the latter. 
 " We returned hither yesterday evening from Cleves,* without 
 any appearance of bringing back a queen, if it be thence that she 
 is to come. As to peace, I think it is still more uncertain, since 
 advices from France state, that after the peace of Savoy is posi- 
 tively concluded, it is no longer desired, and that Callieres is to 
 continue negotiating, in order to amuse us, and thus increase the 
 disposition of the people towards peace, the more to disgust them 
 with war. His majesty purposes to be in England towards the 
 end of this month ; and he has no desire to be at a distance from 
 London, before the session of parliament. I hear no more of the 
 subscription, nor of any other means of raising money, though 
 200,000/. would scarcely serve for the army alone. 
 
 * The journey of the king to Cleves, gave rise to a rumour that he was negotiating a 
 marriage with one of the daughters of the duke. 
 
1696—1697.] WITHTHEKING. 143 
 
 CHAPTER 7. 
 1696—1697. 
 
 Attempts of thefrench to invade England, and plot of the Jacobites to assassinate the king — 
 Seizure of sir John Fenwick — >His accusation against the duke of Shrewsbury and 
 others — Magnanimity of king William — Shrewsbury injured by a fall from his horse 
 — Decision of parliament in hisfavoui — Bill of attainder against Fenwick — Kindness 
 of the king — Shrewsbury repeatedly solicits leave to resign — Correspondence from, Sept. 
 1696 to April 1697. 
 
 J3UR1NG the stay of William in Holland, a disclosure occuiTed, 
 which deeply affected the duke of Shrewsbury. In the course of 
 the preceding year, various machinations had been formed by the 
 Jacobite party, for the purpose of overthrowing the existing go- 
 vernment, and restoring the Stuarts. An invasion was projected 
 with a french force, troops were privately enlisted, to promote the 
 same cause, in England and Scotland, and James himself even re- 
 paired to Calais to superintend the execution of the plan. Some, 
 however, of his more desperate adherents, were too impatient to 
 wait the result of this attempt. They accordingly formed a con- 
 spiracy, without his knowledge or concurrence, to seize or assassi- 
 nate William, as he returned from one of his hunting excursions to his 
 palace at Kensington. From contrition or fear, the plot was dis- 
 closed by some of the minor agents, the design frustrated, and 
 several of the conspirators brought to trial, and executed. The 
 danger with which the monarch had been threatened, awakened 
 the zeal and loyalty of his subjects ; and a general Association, 
 commencing with the parliament, was formed in defence of his 
 person and government, which was signed with equal alacrity and 
 enthusiasm. By this demonstration of public opinion, aided by 
 the vigorous measures of the monarch and the legislature, the 
 french king was deterred from attempting the proposed invasion, 
 and the government acquired additional strength, from the very 
 means employed to subvert it. 
 
Ui CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 Among the conspirators, was sir John Fenwick, baronet, of 
 an ancient family, seated at Wallington in Northumberland, and 
 allied by marriage to the earl of Carlisle.* He was seized at 
 Romney, in June, as he attempted to escape into France, by 
 means of a false passport ; and a letter which he wrote to his 
 wife, being intercepted, was produced at his examination before 
 the lords justices, and furnished unanswerable evidence of his 
 guilt He was ordered for trial, and perceiving escape impos- 
 sible, offered to purchase his life, by disclosing the plots of the 
 Jacobites. He was accordingly visited in prison, at the command 
 of the king, by the duke of Devonshire, lord high steward. To 
 that nobleman he first insinuated, in general terms, that several 
 persons employed in the government, were secretly engaged in 
 promoting a counter-revolution ; and being farther pressed, he 
 embodied the charge in a more specific shape. He delivered a 
 written document, declaring, among other accusations, that the 
 dukeof Shrewsbury and lord Godolphin,while they held oflfices under 
 king William, had entered into a treaty with king James, through 
 the medium of lord Middleton, from whom he received the in- 
 formation. That Shrewsbury, about that period, resigned his 
 employment, as secretary of state, but afterwards resumed it, 
 with the consent of king James, as being thus more capable of 
 rendering him service, and at the same time of avoiding suspicion. 
 Tliat the earl of Marlborough and admiral Russell had employ- 
 ed the agency of one captain Floyd, to make their peace, and obtain 
 the promise of a pardon. That Russell had furnished informa- 
 tion respecting the state of the fleet, and that king James de- 
 pended on the interest of lord Marlborough to secure the army. 
 Finally, that several fortresses were to be betrayed to him by 
 the respective governors, particularly Plymouth by lord Bath, 
 and Sheerness by commissary Crawford.-f The paper containing 
 this important disclosure was transmitted by the duke of Devon- 
 
 * He espoused lady Mary, daughter of Charles Howard, first earl of Carlisle, and 
 aunt of Charles, third earl, who succeeded to the title in 1692. 
 
 -f- This paper is of considerable length, and, with the examination taken by Mr. Vernon, 
 is printed in the Journals of the House of Commons for November 6, 1696. 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE KING. 145 
 
 shire to the king, who was then at the Hague, without any com- 
 munication to the persons accused. 
 
 The correspondence which occurred on this incident, will be 
 perused with interest. It will excite warm admiration of the 
 magnanimity displayed by William, and will do no less ho- 
 nour to the candour of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 So serious a charge advanced against the prime minister, in the 
 very height of his favour, made a deep and general impression. 
 Unfortunately, also, at a crisis which required equal energy of 
 body and mind, he received a serious injury by a fall from his 
 horse, in hunting, which burst a blood vessel, and detained him 
 at his country seat at Eyford. Overwhelmed with chagrin, and 
 debilitated by the consequences of his accident, he earnestly re- 
 quested permission to resign, and was with difficulty induced to 
 retain a post, in which he was surrounded with so much odium 
 and suspicion. He, however, secluded himself as much as possi- 
 ble from public notice, and conducted the business of his depart- 
 ment through his secretary, Mr. Vernon, or his colleagues in office. 
 These brief observations are requisite to elucidate the subsequent 
 correspondence between him and the sovereign. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Sends the communication of sir John Fenwick, accusing him and others of treason — 
 Expresses full confidence in his fidelity.] 
 
 " Loo, Sept. 10, 1696. — I received last week, by an express 
 from sir John Fenwick, which my lord Steward forwarded to me, 
 the paper annexed.* You may judge of my astonishment at his 
 effrontery, in accusing you. You are, I trust, too fully convinced 
 of the entire confidence which I place in you, to imagine that 
 such an accusation has made any impression on me, or that if it 
 had, I should have sent you this paper. You will observe the 
 sincerity of this honest man, who only accuses those in my service, 
 and not one of his own party. I replied to my lord Steward, 
 
 * The accusation of which the substance is given in the preceding page. 
 
 U 
 
146 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 that unless he proved what he has written, and that he moreover 
 confesses all he knows, without reserve, I will not permit his trial 
 to be deferred, which is his only aim. It is necessary you should 
 communicate this, on my part, to the lords justices, since I cannot 
 employ Blaithwayt, who, as you well know, ought to have no 
 cognizance of this paper." 
 
 By the same post the earl of Portland conveyed to the duke 
 similar sentiments, on the subject of sir J. Fenwick's confession. 
 
 " Loo,Sept. 10, 1696."— After observing that his journey to Cleves 
 prevented him from answering the letter of the 21st Aug. earlier, 
 he continues : " I am much concerned for the affair of sir John 
 Eenwick, and you will be equally so, when you see his pretended 
 confession ; for, although you are above suspicion, if it do not 
 remain secret, every one having enemies as well as friends, it will 
 be impossible to prevent disagreeable conversation and reflections, 
 as I know by experience. The httle appearance of sincerity in 
 that man is sufficiently manifest in his accusing persons, on whoni 
 the king has so much reason to repose confidence, though he has 
 had no connexion or acquaintance with them ; and he names 
 none of the Jacobites with whom he has conversed daily, not 
 even that man of quality* whom he states to have been in France. 
 But it is certain that he does nothing without advice ; and had 
 it been possible to prevent access to him, he Avould have spoken 
 quite another language. I even think he would have done so, 
 and would still do so, if he were spoken to as I spoke to lady 
 Mary Fenwick. If he be not obliged to prove what he says, no 
 reliance can be placed on Ms disclosures. These can signify no- 
 thing, since, to save himself, or even prolong his life, he would 
 accuse all the members of government ; and I know not why he 
 should not name me, as well as you, since that would be equally 
 deserving of credit." 
 
 * Probably the earl of Aylesbury. 
 
1696—1697.1 W I T H T H E K I N G. 147 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Is surprised and indignant at the accusation of sir John Fenwick — Candidly imparts an 
 account of his communications with lord Middleton — Is apprehensive of the effect 
 the accusation may produce on the public mind.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 8-18, I696. — Sir ; I want words to express 
 my surprise at the impudent and unaccountable accusation of 
 sir John Fenwick. I will, with all the sincerity imaginable, give 
 your majesty an account of the only thing I can recollect, that 
 should give the least pretence to such an invention ; and I am 
 confident you will judge there are few men in the kingdom that 
 have not so far transgressed the law. 
 
 " After your majesty was pleased to allow me to lay down 
 my employment, it was more than a year before I once saw my 
 lord Middleton ;* then he came, and staid in town awhile, and 
 
 * Thomas, earl of Middleton, was son of the earl of Middleton, who distinguished 
 himself as a leader of the episcopalian, or royal party, in Scotland ; and was confidentially 
 employed by Charles the Second in the highest posts of that government. The son 
 adopted the principles, and imitated the example of the father ; and, after filling various 
 employments in his native country, was made secretary of state in England, by Charles, 
 in August 1684. He was continued in the same office by James, who regarded him with 
 still more esteem and confidence than his brother ; and in the struggles of that short, but 
 eventful reign, he served his royal master with exemplary zeal and fidelity. 
 
 Lord Middleton was among those who attended his person to the last moment ; and at 
 Rochester, while James was deliberating on his flight, joined his instances with those of 
 the gallant Dundee and others, to persuade him not to quit England. He didxiot accom- 
 pany the exiled sovereign on his departure, but remained behind, secretly promoting his 
 cause to the utmost of his power. His attachment to James, however, was so notorious, 
 that he was vigilantly watched by government, and on the threatened invasion in 1692, 
 was, with otherj suspected persons, taken into custody, and confined in the Tower. Being 
 afterwards released, he continued to direct the counsels of the Jacobites, and maintained a 
 correspondence with the court of St. Germains. In 1693 he was sent over with the 
 celebrated declaration, which James was required to sign, as the condition of his restora- 
 tion, and which contained a solemn pledge to preserve all the rights, both civil and 
 religious, of his former subjects. 
 
 From this period lord Middleton renounced his native country, and devoted himself 
 to the service of his exiled master, whose fortunes he shared, and whose counsels he in- 
 fluenced, being his principal agent in his intrigues and correspondence with the Jacobites 
 in England.* 
 
 * Macpherson's Papers, and Life of King James, edited by Clarke 
 
148 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. 6. 
 
 returned to the country ; but a little before the La Hogue busi- 
 ness, he came up again, and upon that alarm, being put in the 
 Tower, when people were permitted to see him, I visited him as 
 often as I thought decent, for the nearness of our alliance.* Upon 
 his enlargement, one night at supper, when he was pretty well in 
 drink, he told me he intended to go beyond seas, and asked if I 
 would command him no service. I then told him, by the course 
 he was taking, it would never be in his power to do himself or 
 his friends service ; and if the time should come that he expected, 
 I looked upon myself as an offender not to be forgiven, and there- 
 fore he should never find me asking it. In the condition he was 
 then, he seemed shocked at my answer ; and it being some 
 months after before he went, he never mentioned his own going, 
 or any thing else, to me, but left a message with my aunt, 
 that he thought it better to say nothing to me, but that I might 
 depend upon his good offices upon any occasion, and in the same 
 manner he relied upon mine here ; and had left me trustee for the 
 smtitll concerns he had in England. I only bowed, and told her I 
 should always be ready to serve her, or him, or their children. 
 
 " Your majesty now knows the extent of my crime, and if I 
 do not flatter myself, it is no more than a king may forgive. 
 
 " I am sure when I consider with what reason, justice, and 
 generosity your majesty has weighed this man's information, I 
 have little cause to apprehend your ill opinion upon his malice. 
 I wish it were as easy to answer for the reasonableness of the gene- 
 rality of the world. When such a base invention shall be made 
 public, they may perhaps make me incapable of serving you ; 
 but if till now I had had neither interest nor inclination, the noble 
 and frank manner with which your majesty has used me upon this 
 occasiotn, shall ever be owned with all the gratitude in my power. 
 
 * His wife, lady Catherine Brace, was aunt to the d«ke of Shrewsbury, being the second 
 daughter of Robert, earl of Cardigan, and sister of Anna Maria, countess of Shrewsbury, 
 mother pf the duke. From this relationship that family intercourse was derived, to which 
 the duke alludes in his letter, and the frequent correspondence <>f his mother, who was a 
 bigotted Catholic, with her sister and brother-in-law, and other agents of king James, 
 always unfortunately exposed him to a considerable degree of embMfrassm^nt and suspicion. 
 
169&-1697.3 W I T H T H E K I N G. 149 
 
 " My lord Steward being at the Bath, nothing was resolved as 
 to sir John Fenwick's trial, till his answer returns." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Arraignment of sir John Fenwick fixed— On the mysterious communication from the duke 
 of Devonshire — Doubtful of the sincerity of France in the proposal for a treaty. 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 11-21, I696.— My lord ; We have this day 
 given orders for sir John Fenwick to be arraigned on Thursday, 
 unless he pursue his majesty's directions, signified to the duke of 
 Devon, and myself. We had once appointed it upon Monday ; 
 but on my lady Mary's earnest request, we have delayed it so long. 
 We were the rather induced to it, because my lord Steward, when 
 he writ to Mr. Vernon, to acquaint us with the king's pleasure, 
 besides a letter inclosed for his majesty, which Mr. Vernon will 
 send by to-night's post, likewise inclosed another sealed up, with- 
 out any superscription or direction, in Mr. Vernon's letter, to 
 whom this unsubscribed letter should be delivered. We not 
 knowing for whom this was intended, and yet not daring to open 
 it, but thinking it possible it might concern this affair, were willing 
 to give time, that this mistake might be rectified by my lord 
 Devonshire, and ordered Mr. Vernon to write immediately to my 
 lord, to know how he would have this letter disposed of. 
 
 " Your lordship speaks so doubtfully upon the king of France's 
 sincerity in desiring a peace, that it has startled me extremely, and 
 so has an account I have from another hand, that the french 
 would not, at the opening of the treaty, yield the point of acknow- 
 ledging the king, though they declare that shall not obstruct the 
 peace, when other matters are agreed. This seems to me so like 
 an artifice, to begin a negotiation, in order to give themselves a 
 better opportunity of breaking the confederacy, that I could not 
 help taking notice of it." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Relative to sir John Fenwick's affair, and lady Mary's attempt to defer his arraignment 
 
 — Proceedings of the lord justices.] 
 
 « Whitehall, Sept. 15-25, I696.— My lord ; I have nothing to 
 
150 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 acquaint your lordship with, but what relates to sir John Fenwick, 
 who is ordered to be arraigned on Thursday next, though some 
 attempts were made again to-day, to defer it longer. The duke 
 of Norfolk had leave to go to sir John, who desired his grace to 
 acquaint the lords justices, that in answer to the account he had 
 received from my lord Devonshire, of the king's letter to him, 
 that he is willing to give all the proofs of his sincerity, in making 
 out, as fully as he can, what my lord Devonshire sent from him to 
 the king. It was observed, this was very short of what his majesty 
 expected, neither giving any hopes of sufficiently proving what he 
 had sent over, but avoiding any promise of declaring his whole 
 knowledge. It appeared the duke of Norfolk was not instructed 
 what the contents of that paper were, which his majesty expected 
 a proof of. He withdrew with the lords answer, that they must 
 follow his majesty's orders, and no longer delay bringing on the 
 trial ; then my lady Mary desired to be admitted, and with many 
 words, pressed sir John might have time till my lord Devonshire 
 returned, and said he was ready to make all the proof he could of 
 what he had already discovered. But being told that though he 
 could give convincing testimony of what he had sent over (which 
 she did not pretend he could), yet that would be pursuing but 
 half the king's directions, unless he were willing to declare his 
 whole knowledge ; she answered, that was more than he had ever 
 proposed to my lord Steward ; that they who told all they knew, 
 told more than they knew, as others had done, and then (I think 
 she muttered out Porter.) * The letter my lord Devonshire sent 
 up, as I acquainted you in my last, without a direction, and 
 which was the chief occasion of the trial being deferred from last 
 Monday till Thursday, it seems was intended for me. If I am too 
 particular on this subject, you will excuse me, but we have nothing 
 else worth writing from hence." 
 
 * Capt Porter, one of the witnesses against Fenwick. 
 
1696—1697.] WITHTHEKING. 151 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is satisfied with his explanation, ia his letter of September 8— Presses the departure of 
 |the squadron for the protection of the galleons.] 
 
 " Loo, Sept. 25, I696. — In sending you sir John Fenwick's 
 paper, I assured you, tliat I was persuaded liis accusation was 
 false, of which I am now fully convinced, by your answer, and 
 perfectly satisfied with the ingenuous confession of what passed 
 between you and lord Middleton, which can by no means be im- 
 puted to you as a crime. And indeed you may be assured, that 
 this business, so far from making on me any unfavourable impres- 
 sion, will, on the contrary, if possible, in future, strengthen my 
 confidence in you, and my friendship can admit of no increase. 
 
 " I very much fear lest the squadron for the protection of the 
 galleons should be delayed. It is, therefore, necessary to press its 
 departure with all possible speed, and not to leave the admiralty at 
 rest, until it has sailed." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is pleased to hear that the time of Fenwick's trial is fixed — Hopes it will be finished before 
 the king's return — The emperor raises objections to the peace.] 
 
 " Loo, September 27, I696, N. S. — Sir ; I am honoured with 
 yours of the 11-21, and am very glad that the time is fixed for the 
 trial of sir John Fenwick. If he had not unfortunately addressed 
 himself to lord Devonshire, and if from the beginning he had been 
 spoken to as he ought to have been, I think he would not have 
 had either leisure or inclination to invent the tales which he has 
 told. At least I hope he will be tried before the return of the 
 king. 
 
 " They have sent us from London, the conditions of peace, in 
 print ; I wish we were in a state to demand such terms. The last 
 letters that have arrived from Vienna by express, are not satisfac- 
 tory. They raise difficulties on several points relating to the 
 peace, which occasion a delay not chargeable to us. It seems the 
 ministers of the emperor are displeased that the negotiation should 
 
152 CORRESPONDENCE [Pabt I.— Ch, 7. 
 
 be conducted here, and that they cannot have the direction of it. 
 I have no news to send you from hence, except that the season at 
 present is much worse than it has been during the summer." 
 
 THE UUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 [Proceedings in the affair of sir John Fenwick.J 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 18-28, I696.— My lord ; The post being not 
 yet come in, all the news we know, is from my lord Carmarthen, 
 who tells us the king will be at the Hague on Tuesday, that the 
 germans have been beaten, and that there is little probability of a 
 peace this winter. 
 
 " Yesterday sir John Fenwick Avas arraigned, and this day my 
 lady Mary has pressed my lord Steward, who is returned from the 
 Bath, to make sir John another visit, giving him hopes, that he 
 will comply with the king's directions. My lord Steward, when 
 he asked leave to go to Newgate, told the lords justices he would 
 receive nothing from him, that he was not willing to say to their 
 lordships, and that ray lady Mary gave him hopes sir John would 
 consent to attend them. I should be much surprised if he should 
 have the confidence to say what he has writ, and yet it will be 
 shameful tor him to do otherwise, considering what has passed. 
 Two or three days will give more light to this matter. Some few 
 packets have passed by the way of Kent, which have been in- 
 spected, as I mentioned formerly ; but so little of consequence is 
 found in them, that I can hardly believe a boat would be sent over 
 on purpose to receive them, but begin to suspect that I am shewed 
 only what is immaterial, and am made a property to pass with 
 security, packets of greater importance. To prevent this, I have 
 put a spy over my spy, and hope, in a very few days, either to get 
 into their correspondence, or discover that I am imposed on." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 [Gratefully acknowledges the king's kindness and confidence.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 22-Oct. 2, I696. — I can but repeat what I 
 have formerly expressed of your majesty's great goodness to me. 
 
1696—1697.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 153 
 
 and your confidence in my fidelity. I assure you, Sir, the sense of 
 it returns often to my mind, and whilst I have breath, shall always 
 be acknowledged with that real gratitude, which so generous a 
 proceeding deserves. 
 
 " Sir Cloudesley Shovel's squadron will be ready to go out in a 
 few days ; they stay only now for the paying some of the men. 
 
 " What relates to sir John Fenwick, I have writ to my lord 
 Portland, desiring him to lay it before your majesty, it being too 
 long to trouble you with." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Has shewn the duke's letters to the king — Approves his mode of proceeding.] 
 
 " Loo, Sept. %4i-0ct. 4, I696. — Sir ; I am honoured with your's of 
 the 15th and 18th. I have shewn them to the king, and Ithinkyou 
 are much in the right to enter into particulars on an affair of such 
 a nature as that of sir John Fenwick. I am not astonished that 
 there should be people who are of opinion that it should be 
 delayed, unless he tells all he knows ; for if it be sufficient to accuse, 
 without proof, which is to-day said by some, it may be said to- 
 morrow by others ; and it is the greatest service which the Jacobites 
 can render to their party, if it were possible for them to cast suspi- 
 cion on the true servants of the king. I own that after the steps 
 which sir John has taken, he cannot well recede, without avowing 
 himself to be a liar ; but, on the other hand, how can he have the 
 face to say to the lords justices, what he has stated in writing, 
 since he is unable to prove it. I hope that no more delay will be 
 allowed him, and that he will be tried before the arrival of the 
 king. 
 
 " I am sorry that the convoy has not yet sailed ; for the wind 
 yesterday shifted to the eastward, and his majesty expects to be on 
 Monday at the Hague, where he intends to remain only three or 
 four days, unless the wind detains him. I know not whether lord 
 Caermarthen be well informed on the affair of peace, but I should 
 be of his opinion, if I judged from the manner, in which the im- 
 perialists wish this business to be treated." 
 
154 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I— Ch. 7. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Mr. Vernon is ordered to send him an account of the proceedings in sir John Fenwick's 
 afiFair — Laments any obstructions to the conclusion of peace.] 
 
 " Eyford, Sept. 27-Oct. 7, I696.— My lord ; I was here in the 
 country when I received the favour of your lordship's of the 17-37. 
 Mr. Vernon has my directions to give you an account of what 
 passes in the business of sir John Fenwick, which will be more 
 fresh and exact, than I am able to do from hence. 
 
 " Your lordship knows my opinion well enough to believe I am 
 sorry for any delay or obstruction that is put to the conclusion of 
 the peace. I may venture to assure you, it is so universally 
 desired, and even thought necessary, by those in the country, who 
 have hitherto been the most forward in carrying on the war, that if 
 such a disposition be once well understood and believed in France, 
 I doubt it will make any compliance there more difficult; therefore, 
 in my poor opinion, delay seems to be the most dangerous thing 
 that can happen." 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Condoles with him on his accident.] 
 
 " Kensington, Oct. 9, 0. S. I696.— I am much concerned to hear 
 that you have been hurt by a fall from your horse in hunting ; I 
 hope you will soon be able to bear the motion of a carriage, and 
 that I shall have the pleasure of seeing you here, where your 
 presence is much wanted. I am very impatient to embrace you, 
 and to assure you of the continuance of my esteem." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Fears that the accusation of Fenwick may become the subject of parliamentary inquiry, 
 and hints that the malice of his enemies may oblige him to retire.] 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. 11-21, I696. — Sir; I am so sensible that this is a 
 most improper time for me to be absent, both in regard to my duty 
 to your majesty, and my own private concern, that nothing less 
 than necessity could have obliged me to it ; but the weakness and 
 
1696— 1967.J W I T H T H E K I N G. 165 
 
 soreness of my breast, as well as my spitting of blood, though not 
 violent, whilst I remain quiet, do so immediately increase, upon 
 the least sudden motion that I have made unawares in my own 
 chamber, and these are followed with such a sickness and faint- 
 ness upon my spirits, that I am next to certain I cannot yet be 
 able to endure the coach ; but I will try as soon as possible, for I 
 am sure there is nothing in the world I more earnestly desire, than 
 to kiss your majesty's hands, and to give you thanks. Sir, for the 
 generosity and confidence you have used towards me. 
 
 " I understand there are some people fully determined to put 
 all in heat and confusion this sessions, and considering the ma- 
 terials they will have, and the usual disposition of a parliament, 
 they can hardly miss their aim ; but when such a thing is once 
 begun, and a maxim settled, that hear-say is ground sufficient to 
 defame any one, how far it may go, or where it may end, they nor 
 nobody but God, knows. I am told the animosity of some persons 
 to me is the great occasion of this. I presume, Sir, you may know 
 who they are, and how little I have deserved it from them. It 
 falls out by my misfortune, and not by my fault, that possibly 
 they have it in their power to cast a reflection on me, that I should 
 be extremely uneasy under, not because I shall be obliged to part 
 with a considerable employment ; your majesty may be much 
 better served, and you are too well acquainted with my thought^ 
 and inclinations on this subject, to believe that the cause; but 
 having all my life acted like an honest man, it will be a severe 
 mortification to be suspected for the contrary, though by a few, 
 and for a little time. I am certain, however, at the end, truth will 
 appear, and I hope I shall shew your majesty and the world, that 
 you were not mistaken in my fidelity, nor I ungrateful for your 
 good opinion, and the many favours I have received. 
 
 " A good cheerful vote about money, or the army, at the open- 
 ing of the sessions, I should think would forward the peace, and 
 might more easily be obtained, to that very end ; for the Avell- 
 affected in these parts desire it extremely, and the others laugh at 
 them, for imagining the french will think of a peace with us, when 
 they know we are no longer able to make war. 
 
 X 2 
 
166 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 " I remember your majesty has often resolved to settle before 
 the beginning of the parliament, what should be the funds which 
 your servants should endeavour to get the money raised upon, 
 for the ensuing year, and hithei'to this could never be so agreed, as 
 to be well pursued. However, I hope that will not discourage you 
 from attempting the same method once more. I have nothing 
 farther, but to wish your majesty long life, glory, and all happi- 
 ness." 
 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Will return to London as soon as his health will permit — Wishes the king to see sir John 
 
 Fenwict.] 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. 11-21, I696. — My lord ; I am extremely obliged 
 to your lordship for your kind concern. You may be sure my 
 own circumstances, as well as my duty to his majesty, will oblige 
 me to make all possible haste to London ; but at present any mo- 
 tion, more violent than gently walking in my chamber, imme- 
 diately occasions my more than ordinary spitting of blood, and 
 brings such a faintness on my spirits, that I am ready to swoon 
 away. Having already this morning writ the inclosed letter to the 
 king, which I desire the favour of your lordship to deliver to him, 
 I find my breast so weak, that I dare say no more, but that I 
 hope his majesty will have the curiosity himself to speak with sir 
 John Fenwick, and, if possible, it were not amiss, he would re- 
 member what has passed this last year or two, as well as he does 
 for four or five before. When he comes to the House of 
 Commons, probably they may not be satisfied with hear-says of 
 people he has had no commerce with, and no information against 
 his acquaintance, but of things so remote, that they are most or 
 all pardoned by the last act of grace.^" 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING.* 
 [Laments the weak state of his health, and desires leave to resign the seals.] 
 " Eyford, Oct. 18-28, I696. — Sir; I have endeavoured to come to 
 
 * Printed also in Dalrymple's Memoirs. 
 
1696—1697.] WITHTHEKING. 157 
 
 London to receive your majesty's commands apd directions, but 
 by what happened yesterday, I find it is impossible for me, and in 
 all appearance will be so for a long time. I am very sensible your 
 majesty's affairs must necessarily receive great prejudice, by the 
 absence of one in my post ; and since it is very doubtful whether I 
 shall ever so well recover this accident, as to be capable of serving 
 in the station I have the honour to be in at present, and most cer- 
 tain it cannot be of a long time, I humbly and earnestly entreat 
 your majesty will allow me to return the seals into your hands. 
 Besides my incapacity upon this illness, I am sure, Sir, you must 
 think it impossible for any man to serve in so nice an employment 
 as your secretary, that has the misfortune to lie under the suspi- 
 cion, though but of a few. I do not doubt but in my private capa- 
 city, I shall have occasions to demonstrate my fidelity and loyalty 
 to your majesty. In the mean time I repeat my request, and beg 
 leave to put you in mind of your promise at my receiving the 
 seals, that I should be at liberty to return them, without your 
 majesty's displeasure, whenever I found the place uneasy. Now, 
 Sir, that it happens to be impossible for me to execute it, and for 
 your disservice that I should, I hope you will accept this tender as 
 designed with all duty to yourself, and affection to your govern- 
 ment ; for inclination, interest, self preservation, every thing that is 
 valuable to an honest or reasonable man, oblige me to be what I 
 sincerely am," &c. 
 
 REPLY OF THE KING. 
 [AflFectionately dissuades him from resignation, and dispenses with his attendance.] 
 
 " Kensington, Oct. 20,* I696.— I hope that the letter, in 
 which you offer to resign the seals, is the effect of chagrin, arising 
 from your unfortunate accident ; as I am sure on reflection you 
 must be convinced, that you could not have chosen a more im. 
 proper time to execute such a design, as well on your account as 
 on mine. I have, indeed, so great a regard for you, that were it 
 in my power, I would never permit you to do what will draw on 
 
 * This date is evidently 0. S., from the letter to which it refers. 
 
158 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 7- 
 
 you SO much blame. I am fully sensible that your resignation 
 would be injurious to my service, but I protest to you that on 
 this occasion, I consider your interest more than my own ; I hope, 
 therefore, that on due consideration, you will think no more of it. 
 Doubtless it is much to be wished that you could have been here 
 before the opening of parliament, but I do not see that my ser^ 
 vice will suffer much by your temporary absence, which will 
 enable you to attend to the re-establishment of your health. May 
 God speedily restore it, that I may have the satisfaction of 
 embracing, and assuring you in person of my sincere friendship, 
 which is greater than you can imagine." 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Combats his resolution of resigning.] 
 
 " Kensington, Oct. 20-30, I696. — Sir ; I was particularly con- 
 cerned, on being informed yesterday, that in your attempt to 
 return hither, the motion so greatly increased your riialady, that 
 you have been unable to continue your journey ; but I must 
 confess that my surprise was very great, on perceiving, by your 
 letter of the 18th, that your intention is, to quit your office. 
 I am not surprised that in your present seclusion, oppressed as 
 you are with illness, the vexatious rumours spread by mischievous 
 people should give you a great deal of uneasiness; but this 
 ought not to affect you so far as to urge you to a step which 
 would be prejudicial to your interest and your honour — pardon 
 this expression from a man whom you have so kindly received 
 into your friendship, after which you must allow me the liberty 
 of speaking frankly on a point so important. I will say nothing 
 of the loss you will occasion to the king's service in retiring; lord 
 Galway will, as it appears, speak to you of it himself; but I in- 
 treat you, Sir, to reflect, whether you will not give your enemies 
 occasion to say, th^t yovi retire ill consequence of what sir John 
 Fenwick has disclosed ; and because the parliament will, perhaps, 
 institute an inquiry on the subject. Should that happen, and 
 should he not prove what he says, can you doubt that your friends 
 have the will and the power to justify you strongly, from an ac- 
 
1696—1697.] WITHTHEKING. 159 
 
 cusation of which you are innocent. This being the case, what 
 will become of the suspicion of the world, of which you justly 
 complain? must it not vanish, and will not the injury devised 
 against you, turn to your advantage, and to the confusion of its 
 instigators? I beg that you will consider this well, and receive 
 the advice of your friends. I am aware that you may say they 
 advise you for their own sakes, as well as for your's ; but observe 
 Mr. Russell, who is in the same predicament ; for he spontaneously 
 takes the same part which we intreat you to take. Leave all to 
 time and your friends, and think only of recovering from your 
 accident, which of itself will occasion you but too much vexation. 
 God grant that the aid of sir Thomas Mellington may relieve you, 
 and accomplish your cure, which is the desire of," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREV\rSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Complains of the malice of his enemies — Conforms himself to the wishes of the king, 
 but urges the expediency of his resignation.] 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. 22-Nov. 1, I696. — Sir; If one could answer the 
 reasons of your majesty's letter, it is impossible to resist the kind- 
 ness and the manner of it.' I therefore entirely submit myself to 
 be disposed of as your majesty shall think best. I did, and do 
 still apprehend, that though the malice and improbability of this 
 story will be plain to many unbiassed people, yet with others 
 there will still remain enough doubt and suspicion, to make so 
 difficult a place as mine impossible to be executed among a ge- 
 neration of people, Avho are much better at finding faults than 
 they are at mending them; and upon this account concluding 
 that before long it would become necessary for me to retire, it 
 would look very odd to keep the seals, whilst my health pre- 
 vented my executing the office, and then quit them when perhaps 
 I might grow better. But if this be judged by your majesty not 
 a sufficient ground, I acquiesce, and will endeavour, as soon as 
 possible, to wait on you myself, though, either by letter, or word 
 of mouth, I despair that I shall ever be able to express with 
 how much gratitude I am," &c. 
 
160 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Revived hopes of the Jacobites — Countenanced more than ever by the french court — 
 Elated by the prospect of an invasion.] 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. ^4>-Nov. 3, I696. — My lord ; Having seen a letter 
 from France, of a late date, that mentions fresh hopes and a new 
 spirit in the late king's court ; the person himself makes the re- 
 mark, that this must proceed either from an assurance they 
 have from the king of France, that he will make no peace with 
 England, or from some prospect of invading us. He says the 
 king of France was never more kind or civil to king James and 
 his queen than now ; that their court, which of late has been 
 deserted, is now crowded with french nobility and foreign ministers. 
 He tells a particular story, that my lady Tyrconnell* was near 
 being sent to prison, for saying the king would own our king ; that 
 she was examined why she gave out such news, and having pro- 
 duced a letter from England, assuring her it would be so, she was 
 not confined, but severely reprimanded, and told, a letter from 
 England was not ground sufficient to spread such a report of a 
 thing the king of France had often declared he would never do. 
 The same letter hints, as if they had conceived some hopes in 
 the french court, by the help of the pope and the duke of Savoy, 
 to begin a private treaty at Turin, for a separate peace with the 
 emperor and the king of Spain, which would bring it to a war of 
 religion, which has long been designed by the bigot party : thus 
 far as to what relates to the peace. 
 
 " As to the invasion, he gives no light ; but I have a letter from 
 Dunkirk, that says the marshal de Villeroy was expected there 
 very soon, which is the same thing Mr. Boufflers did before they 
 intended the last stroke ; and by all the letters I see, both from 
 Spain and France, Chateau Regnaud is not gone to the Straits ; 
 
 * Harriet, daughter of Richard Jennings, esq., and sister of Sarah, countess, and af- 
 terwards duchess of Marlborough, espoused in second nuptials the earl of Tyrconnell, 
 whom she accompanied to France, when he attached himself to the fortunes of his exiled 
 sovereign. 
 
1696—1697.1 WITH THE KING. 161 
 
 so that methinks sir Cloudesley Shovell should not go out of reach 
 of the king's orders, till it be known where that squadron is. A 
 man that writes me accounts from St. Malos, a good while since, 
 said he had something of the last importance to impart, Ivhich 
 he did not dare do in the ordinary method. I sent to Mr. Jurieu, 
 who manages that intelligence, that the man might be put in a 
 way to disclose what he had learnt, but as yet I have not heard 
 from him. 
 
 " I will make no remarks from my sick solitary chamber, but 
 if your lordship will give yourself the trouble to shew this letter 
 to the king, it will receive a right judgment, and you will oblige,'' 
 &c. 
 
 DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF PORTLAND. 
 
 [Hints at the revival of the assassination plot, and recommends the king to be carefiil 
 
 of his person. J 
 
 " By ford, Nov. 10-20, 1696. — My lord ; I have just now re- 
 ceived advice, which very much confirms what I have apprehended 
 for some time, that there are fresh designs, both upon the king's 
 person, and to invade the kingdom. Let us take care of the first, 
 and the second will, I hope, be in no danger. The account I have 
 is, that sir George Barkley is certainly in England, that he 
 lately writ over for a ship to carry him off, but was bid that he 
 was to stay and observe orders, and that king James hoped to be 
 here soon ; that sir George, with some few of those who were to 
 attempt the assassination the last time, and remain still in Eng- 
 land, are now again ordered to undertake it : that Mr. Carryl 
 has lately writ to a correspondent, to give no credit to the peace, 
 but be assured he should see him soon. For God's sake, my 
 lord, beg of the king to take care of himself, and let him know 
 this comes from a hand that I can depend on. I will endeavour 
 to learn more particulars. Care should be taken to put the 
 winter squadron in a good posture, for I am confident, when 
 Chateau Regnaud comes back to Brest, and Ponti's squadron is 
 ready, with the other ships, that are providing at Rochfort, and 
 elsewhere, they hope to be masters for some time of the sea. 
 
 Y 
 
162 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 7. 
 
 " I have many reasons, you will believe, to make me earnestly 
 desire to be in town, but I cannot yet guess when I shall be able. 
 I tried on Sunday to take the air in the coach, and in less than 
 half an hour Avas seized with such a sickness in my stomach, that 
 I was forced to return, and was indisposed all day after it. I 
 would not trouble you with the relation of my health, but that 
 the neglect of my duty at this time needs a more than ordinary 
 
 excuse 
 
 Sir John Fenwick failing to give the information which he had 
 promised, and which Avas required as the price of his pardon, a 
 resolution was taken to leave him to the usual course of justice, 
 and two witnesses, named Goodman and Porter, were found to 
 substantiate his guilt. Unfortunately, however, this purpose 
 was frustrated by the escape of Goodman, at the very moment 
 when the trial was about to commence, which rendered it neces- 
 sary to proceed by attainder, and consequently to bring the sub- 
 ject before the cognizance of parliament. Many objections were, 
 however, started, both to the publicity of such a proceeding, and 
 to the principle itself; and it was not without the utmost reluc- 
 tance that the king and cabinet adopted the resolution. 
 
 Preparatory to the introduction of the bill, the communications 
 of Fenwick underwent a public scrutiny, and he was repeatedly 
 examined by both Houses. His charges were, however, so vague 
 and ill supported, and his prevarication so palpable, that after a 
 solemn and elaborate investigation, they were voted false, mali- 
 cious, and scandalous.* 
 
 As far as regarded his favourite minister, the king took a warm 
 mterest in the decision of the parliament, and greatly promoted 
 it by his exertions. He evinced his confidence by continued proofs, 
 of favour and kindness, and found so much difficulty in supply- 
 ing his place, that he over-ruled all his importunities to resign., 
 No charge or insinuation ever weakened his affection ; and when 
 the investigation was concluded, he not only sent him a kind 
 
 * Additional lights will be thrown on this mysterious transaction, in the correspondenc& 
 with the whig lords. Part 3. 
 
1696—1697.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 163 
 
 message through the earl of Portland, but even honoured him 
 with a letter, highly expressive of his esteem and solicitude. 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulates him on the termination of Fenwick's affair— Urges his return to London 
 
 in the name of the king.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Jan. 20, 1696-7- — Sir ; For some time I have not im- 
 portuned you with my letters, since affairs have been in a state of 
 uncertainty ; and though I have never doubted, that they would as- 
 sume a favourable aspect, I own I never imagined, that in your ab- 
 sence they would go on so well ; but as all is now finished, entirely 
 to your advantage, I could not delay congratulating you. Nothing 
 is now wanting but your presence, and I hope your health will 
 permit you to return. If contentment of mind contribute to 
 bodily health, your's ought to allow you soon to undertake the 
 journey. The king told me he intended to write to you, if he had 
 leisure, but at all events he has ordered me to tell you, from him, 
 that he wishes you could come soon, and would use your exer- 
 tions to do so as soon as you could. Sir, without injury to yourself. 
 I assure you no one will more rejoice to see you again, than, Sir," 
 &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulates him on the favourable termination of sir John Fenwick's affair— Wishes 
 
 him to come to London.] 
 
 ♦' Kensington, Feb. 18, 1696-7- — I have not written to you for a 
 long time, as well because I was constantly apprised of the state 
 of your health, which did not permit you to come to town, and 
 with which I was deeply affected, as because I was conscious, 
 that my letters could be of no other use, than to inform you of what 
 occurred here, of which I knew you received exact intelligence, 
 and which ought to have given you satisfaction, since every thing 
 has passed so much to your advantage. To this I contributed as 
 much as possible. At present, as the season of the year is so 
 far advanced, and the severe cold is past, I hope your health will 
 soon permit you to come to town. 
 
 Y 2 
 
164 CQRIIESPONDENCE [Pakt I.— Ch. T. 
 
 " I assure jou I am very impatient to see you again ; and I 
 perceive that your presence here is necessary for my service. I 
 am therefore confident, that you will use your utmost efforts to 
 come as soon as possible, and I shall have great pleasure in con- 
 vincing you in person, of the continuance of my zealous friend- 
 ship."* 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY IN REPLY. 
 
 [Acknowledges his majesty's kindness and confidence — Hopes to be able to repair to 
 
 London in a short time.] 
 
 " Eyford, Feb. 20-28, I696-7.— Sir ; Though your majesty's letter 
 of the 18th was sent by express from the office at five o'clock, 
 the same evening, it came not hither till this day. I am extremely 
 sensible of the kindness you have been pleased lately to shew 
 upon njy account ; and though I have found more and better 
 friends tha,a I could reasonably expect, yet the chief cause of my 
 success must; ever be a,cknowledged due to your majesty's good- 
 ness, in owning me so particularly as you have done. It is im- 
 possible to express the uneasiness 1 have endured this winter at 
 my being forced to be absent. I hope the weather and my 
 condition will now mend, and I design, if possible, to attempt 
 getting towards London, about the beginning of the next week 
 after this that is coming in. I am sure, when I have the honour 
 to wait on your majesty, I shall then be at a loss, as I am now, 
 to express with how sincere and dutiful a gratitude I am," &c. 
 
 Although the health of the noble secretary was now sufficiently 
 improved, to enable him to wait on the king in London, the same 
 causes still operated to fortify his aversion to public life ; for we 
 soon afterwards find him again renewing his solicitations for per- 
 mission to retire. 
 
 * As no farther reference is made to Fenwick in the king's letters, the details respecting 
 his attainder and execution, and the sentiments of Shrewsbury on that occasion, may be 
 found in the correspondence with the whig lords. Part 3, Chap. 2, 3, 4, and 5. 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE KING. 165 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 " Hyde Park, April 19-29, 1697- — Sir ; In the beginning of 
 winter, after my first relapse, I had such reason to apprehend, 
 that the circumstances of my health would not permit me in a 
 long while, to execute the place of secretary, that I thought it 
 my duty to beseech your majesty to receive the seals ; but you 
 were then pleased to command me to continue, and try what 
 benefit I might receive from time, which I obeyed ; and now, 
 after six months experiment, find myself in a condition as 
 weak, and more desperate than I have yet been, unlikely 
 ever to recover, but very certain not to do it in many months, 
 this unfortunate state of my health is the occasion of my re- 
 newing the same request to your majesty, and Avhich I do the more 
 earnestly, because otherwise, I am sure your business will suffer 
 by my inability to attend to it, and because nothing but a 
 considerable time of perfect quiet and leisure can give me the 
 least hopes of overcoming such a kind of distemper. And 
 though your majesty, in your great goodness, should dispense 
 with my presence in town, and allow me to retire into the 
 country, to follow my cure, yet, by experience, I well know 
 the difference ; for there is an anxiety of thought, and an 
 impatience of mind that I can never shake off whilst I am 
 sensible my master's business suffers by my absence. So that 
 remaining under this burthen can be of no use, but at the 
 same time to neglect your majesty's affairs, and destroy my 
 own health. Many words, I am confident. Sir, will not be 
 necessary, to obtain so reasonable a request. I shall therefore 
 conclude this letter with assuring your majesty, that if (contrary 
 to my own expectation) the utmost care and ease I can take 
 should prolong my days, and restore my strength, they shall 
 ever be zealously employed in your service. My obligations to 
 your majesty are such as I can never forget ; but, whether my life 
 be long, or short, to my last moment I shall, with the strictest 
 fidelity remain," &c. 
 
166 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. fi. 
 
 CHAPTER 8. 
 
 1697—1700. 
 
 Measures adopted for the restoration of public credit— Continued distresses of the country 
 
 Successes of France in the Netherlands, Catalonia, and South America — Negotio' 
 
 tion for peace— Accusation of Price, Chaloner, and others, against the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, for endeavouring to favour the escape of sir John Fenwick — Exposure 
 of their plot — The king again refuses to accept his resignation — Permits him to quit 
 the post of secretary of state — Prevails on him to accept the staff of lord chamberlain 
 — His final resignation, and departure for the continent — Correspotidence from July, 
 1697, to July, 1700. 
 
 3- HE primary care of the parliament, which had assembled in 
 October, I696, was to remedy the deplorable state of pubUc 
 credit, and to provide means for supplying the deficiencies of the 
 revenue. Under the able management of Mr. Montague, chan- 
 cellor of the exchequer, the exchange of the new for the old 
 coinage was gradually effected ; and the national circulation re- 
 stored to activity. In the interim, the want of a medium of 
 traffic, and the necessities of the state, were supplied by an issue 
 of three millions, in exchequer bills, which was a novel experiment 
 in pohtical economy. These securities, which bore a low interest, 
 and were distributed by means of the Bank, were divided into 
 such small sums as to answer the common purposes of trade. 
 Thus the national circulation was gradually brought into its former 
 course, the supplies were more readily raised, and public confi- 
 dence and credit restored. Still, however, as this revolution could 
 not be immediately accomplished, the necessity of peace was 
 deeply felt, and the dangers and distresses which the country had 
 encountered, called forth a general wish for the termination of a 
 long and burthensome war. 
 
 No one more deeply deplored the distresses of the country than 
 William himself, and however unwilling to forego his laudable 
 
1697—1700.] WITHTHEKING. 167 
 
 designs for the reduction of the french power, he felt the necessity 
 of yielding to the exigency of the time, and the wishes of his peo- 
 ple. He saw, that the defection of the duke of Savoy had shaken 
 the stability of the grand alliance ; and enabled the enemy to bring 
 a superior force into the field ; that the principal burthen of the 
 contest would fall on the maritime poAvers ; and that, notwith- 
 standing every effort to establish public credit, the resources of 
 England were too far exhausted, to afford adequate supplies for 
 the maintenance of an active war. While, therefore, he concealed, 
 as much as possible, the secret of his own weakness, and en- 
 deavoured to assume an imposing attitude, for the vigorous pro- 
 secution of hostilities, he continued to listen to overtures from 
 France, and laboured to obtain the most favourable conditions of 
 peace, which circumstances would permit. 
 
 After stimulating the parliament to new exertions, he left the 
 government, as before, in the hands of lords justices, among whom 
 was the duke of Shrewsbury ; and on the 25th of April, departed 
 for the continent. 
 
 From a consciousness of his diminished resources, he had in the 
 preceding year opened a private negotiation with the french court, 
 through the agency of Monsieur Callieres, who had been deputed 
 to Holland by Louis the 14th, and the discussions had been con- 
 ducted by Dykvelt, minister of the states general, and lord 
 Villiers, who, in the preceding April had been appointed envoy at 
 the Hague. At the present period the arrangement was so far 
 matured, that a series of preliminary articles appears to have been 
 adjusted.* In this stage of the negotiation, the military operations 
 of the year commenced. While William was anxiously labouring 
 to satisfy the emperor and the king of Spain, the king of France 
 employed more potent exertions to vanquish their reluctance. 
 On the side of the Netherlands he sent a powerful army under 
 Villeroy and Boufflers, who invested Ath early in the season, and 
 reduced it in the face of the allied army, commanded by William in 
 person. But his chief effort was against Spain, for he dispatched a 
 
 * See the chapters on the negotiations for the peace of Ryswick, m Part 2. 
 
168 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 force into Catalonia, which before the close of the autumn, reduced 
 Barcelona ;• and at the same time directed an expedition under the 
 command of admiral Pointis, against the Spanish colonies, which 
 captured Carthagena, and- spread a general alarm through the pro- 
 vinces of South America. 
 
 The spirit of the court of Madrid, was broken by these accu- 
 mulated disasters, and they now as earnestly pressed, as they had 
 before deprecated the negotiation. This change in their disposi- 
 tion discouraged the emperor, from persevering in his attempts to 
 protract the war, till the death of Charles the second, who was 
 declining in health, should leave the Spanish crown open to con- 
 test. After many struggles, therefore, to obstruct the progress of 
 the negotiation, he reluctantly yielded to the general disposition of 
 the other allies, sullenly acquiesced in the arrangements of William, 
 and agreed to become a party in the negotiation. 
 
 As the duke of Shrewsbury chiefly resided in the country during 
 this negotiation, we find little correspondence with the king on so 
 interesting a subject. The first direct communication with the 
 sovereign does not occur till the 22nd July, when Shrewsbury had 
 made a temporary return to London. 'J'his letter is extremely 
 brief, and merely imparts the news of the approaching peace. 
 
 " Camp near Brussels, Jm/t/ 12-22, 1697- — On taking leave of 
 you, before my departure from England, I told you that I should 
 not write to you, till you returned to London, in order not to 
 divert your attention, when repose was nece&sary for the recovery 
 of your health. I have now great pleasure in hearing that you are 
 returned, and, as I am assured, in perfect health. 
 
 " No one, indeed, can more rejoice than I do, at this intelli- 
 gence, being so much interested in every thing that concerns you, 
 and having so great a friendship for you. To begin writing to yoa 
 upon business, I can tell you news that will not be unpleasant to 
 you, which is, that I believe peace is very near. As to particulars, 
 you will learn them elsewhere ;* and in a short time I shall be able 
 
 * Alluding to his correspondence with the earl of Portland, and the plenipotentiaries, 
 who communicated the progress of the negotiation, for the peace of Ryswick. 
 
1697—1700.] WITH THE KING. 169 
 
 to write to you more fully on the subject. But when one has to do 
 with the frcnch, one can be sure of nothing, till the affair is con- 
 cluded. We must therefore prepare for war, as if we had no 
 hope of peace." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Rejoices in the prospect of peace— Hopes proper care will be taken to prevent the french 
 king from espousing the interests of king James at a future period.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 20-30, 1697- — Sir ; The honour of your majesty's 
 letter of the 12th, is such a continuation of your goodness, after 
 the many proofs I have already had, that I make it my first wish, 
 that before I die, 1 may have some opportunity by my faithful 
 services, to shew your majesty how truly grateful I am for your 
 favours. You will believe. Sir, the likelihood of a peace is welcome 
 news to me, who, for above a twelvemonth, have thought it neces- 
 sary for your service. In the countries where I have been, it is so 
 much wished and expected, that if the enemies should not prove 
 sincere in their intentions, it would be proper the people's minds 
 were weaned from these hopes, and disposed to contribute to the 
 Avar, as well as their condition will permit. It is very happy, 
 therefore, that the method your majesty has put the negotiation 
 into, has brought the business to such a point, that the event can- 
 not long remain uncertain. I must confess, the propositions which 
 I have seen, made by the french, appear so near reason in all they 
 mention, that I should think the agreement undoubted, if they 
 have explained themselves fully and reasonably, relating to what 
 immediately concerns your majesty, and these kingdoms. The 
 king of France having made conscience and glory his pretences 
 for carrying on this war, and for supporting the interests of the 
 late king, one would wish, that such expressions might be used in 
 the articles concerning that matter, as whether king James his 
 name were mentioned, or no, might yet be so strong and so parti- 
 cular, that he should have no excuse to renew the one, or assist the 
 other, without plainly forfeiting his word, and breaking his engage^ 
 
170 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Oh. 8. 
 
 ments ; which no reasonable man will be persuaded ought to be 
 done, upon a motive of honour and conscience. 
 
 " When I came hither I thought myself perfectly recovered ; 
 but within these two or three days, I have had a little return of 
 my shortness of breath, though I am lodged in the most airy place 
 I could find in town. I hope it may go off again, and that nothing 
 will interrupt my endeavours to serve your majesty, as becomes 
 one, who has so many particular obligations, and is with so much 
 zeal, and devotion. Sir," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Remarks on the articles of the peace^On the defect in the stipulations in regard to the 
 king's title — Indicates the want of precise engagements for his successors in the throne.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 27-Aug. 6, 1697.— Sir ; I received by the last 
 post, a letter from my lord Portland, which gave me great satisfac- 
 tion, to understand the peace was in all probability so near a con- 
 clusion. In my answer to him, this night, I have taken the liberty 
 to write my thoughts on the article dictated by marshal de 
 Boufflers,* that I wished your majesty were named William the 
 third, king of Great Britain, to avoid any cavilling interpretations 
 hereafter. In this, I since perceive, my lord chancellor and lord 
 chamberlain agree with me. I also hinted something of king 
 James's removing farther from England, which I remember was 
 formerly in your majesty's intentions. But what occasions this 
 trouble is from another remark, in the same articles, which I think 
 proper to be trusted to no other but yourself, that, if it proceeds 
 from inadvertence, it may be mended, if from another reason, it 
 may be buried in your majesty's breast, as I am sure my having 
 taken notice of it, shall eternally be in mine. What I mean is, 
 that in the article your majesty engages for yourself, and succes- 
 sors, to live in peace with the king of France ; and he engages for 
 ' — ' — -^ — ■■ ■ ' — — t — 
 
 * This alludes to the meetings which took place between the earl of Portland and 
 marshall Boufflers, in which the preliminary articles relating to England and France, were 
 arranged. The letter to the earl of Portland appears in Part II, Ch. 8, dated July 27, 
 O. S. 
 
1697—1700] WITHTHEKING. 171 
 
 himself and successors to do the like to your majesty ; but neither 
 your majesty, nor the king of France, is bound by this article, as 
 now penned, to live in peace with the successors of each other.* 
 What I have said I hope is sufficient to make my meaning intelli- 
 gible. If I have writ too much, I heartily beg pardon, and call 
 God to witness, it proceeds from zeal to nobody but yourself, and 
 that no creature living knows, or shall know, I have writ thus 
 much ; I am, Sir," &c. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Regrets his relapse— Is apprehensive that the French king intends to elude the acceptance 
 
 of the preliminaries.] 
 
 *' Dieren, 17-27 August, 1697- — It is impossible to be more 
 concerned than I am, at the return of your former complaint. I 
 hope the air of the country will completely restore you, and that 
 on my return to England, I shall find you in perfect health, in 
 which no one I assure you, is more interested than myself. 
 
 " AtFairs here are at a great crisis. Next Friday is the day fixed 
 by the french, for accepting their offer of peace, and by their con- 
 duct, it appears as if they were desirous the term should elapse; as 
 they pretend not to have been instructed with regard to the sur- 
 render of Barcelona, and other conditions of less importance, 
 which concern the Spaniards, and without which, peace cannot be 
 concluded. The unfortunate loss of Barcelona, at this particular 
 time, as well as the escape of Pointis, may perhaps be the cause of 
 this extraordinary conduct, on the part of the french, and may 
 prevent the conclusion of the peace, which I thought certain. By 
 next Friday's post you will be more clearly informed. May God 
 restore your health ; no one more sincerely wishes it than I do." 
 
 The anxiety which the duke of Shrewsbury experienced, in con- 
 sequence of the accusations of Fenwick, did not cease with his 
 
 * The objections here stated are ably answered by the earl of Portland, in his reply to 
 the letter of Shrewsbury, of this date, which will be found in the correspondence on the 
 negotiation for the peace of Ryswick, Part II., Ch. 8. 
 
 z 2 
 
172 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I—Ch. 8. 
 
 execution; for at this period another tribe of informers commenced 
 their machinations, and a new charge was brought forward. The 
 principal agent in this scheme, appears to have been one Chaloner, 
 a man of infamous character, long notorious as a coiner, and coun- 
 terfeiter of Bank notes, and connected with a numerous tribe of 
 similar miscreants. This man found a worthy associate in Price, 
 the son of a welch clergyman, who had been apprenticed to an 
 embroiderer in the city, but had equally relinquished all honest 
 pursuits, and had narrowly escaped from justice, for forging the 
 notes of the Bank of England. Price succeeded in introducing 
 himself to sir Henry Colt, a well-meaning, but credulous gentle- 
 man, of considerable property and consequence ; and having per- 
 suaded him, that he was intrusted by the Jacobites, to convey 
 their communications to France, was employed as a spy, to give 
 intelligence of their designs to government. Price soon contrived 
 to gain the confidence of a few imprudent partisans of the Stuarts ; 
 and repairing to Dover, under a feigned name, formed an ac- 
 quaintance with captain Roberts, who then lay under an accusa- 
 tion of favouring the escape of sir John Fen wick. 
 
 The attention he obtained, now encouraged him to take a bolder 
 step. He not only communicated to sir Henry Colt, a pre- 
 tended plot for the surprise of Dover castle, but in a letter, dated 
 August 22, 1697, imparted a distinct and serious accusation against 
 the duke of Shrewsbury. He stated,^ that he had held some con^ 
 versation with one Mrs. Scott, who told him, that the duke was 
 with sir John Fenwick some time before he left London, and that 
 he had furnished him with a private pass, under his own hand. 
 That one Gibbs had confirmed the information of Mrs. Scott. 
 While at Dover he pretended to have learnt from Roberts, that 
 lady Middleton had commissioned him to procure a vessel for con- 
 veying two gentlemen to France, whom he afterwards found to be 
 sir John Fenwick and captain Waugh. Roberts, he added, had 
 farther declared, that lady Middleton had invited him to repair to 
 her house on the 2nd of June, when the duke of Shrewsbury would 
 be there, to receive farther instructions. He accordingly went to 
 Cardigan-house, in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and saw sir John 
 
1697—1700.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 173 
 
 Fenwick, captain Waugh, and the duke of Shrewsbury, with 
 whose person he was well acquainted. Lastly, when Roberts 
 was afterwards taken up, for his participation in this scheme, the 
 duke had manifested much uneasiness during his examination, 
 and appeared to teel great confusion at the presence of his de- 
 pendent, Vernon. 
 
 This letter was sent to the duke by sir Henry Colt, with an offer 
 of its suppression, from delicacy towards his grace. But Shrews- 
 bury manfully disdained such a compromise, and insisted on its 
 communication to the lords justices ; adding, " I desire to conceal 
 no action of this nature from their knowledge and examination." 
 
 These and other communications accordingly became the sub- 
 ject of a formal inquiry ; and, after some preparatory investiga- 
 tion, Chaloner, Price, his servant Morris, Roberts, and others of 
 their dupes, or associates, were taken into custody. The scrutiny 
 opened a singular scene of prevarication and iniquity. Price 
 and Chaloner, the two principal actors, in their separate confes- 
 sions, vied in developing the infamous character and pursuits of 
 each other. Price reluctantly admitted, that some of the pre- 
 tended communications from the Jacobites were fictitious ; while 
 Chaloner declared, that he had dictated the letter written by 
 Price ; and both avowed, that their whole design was intended as 
 a trick on the government, in order to procure rewards and obtain 
 impunity for their trade of forgery and depredation. Mrs. Scott 
 succeeded in evading pursuit, and Roberts denied the information 
 imputed to him by Price, and disavowed any personal knowledge, 
 either of the duke of Shrewsbury, or sir John Fenwick. 
 
 Sir Henry Colt himself at length became ashamed of his own 
 credulity, in submitting to become the tool of such unprincipled 
 wretches ; and the lords justices, after a patient and impartial 
 investigation, treated the plot with the contempt it deserved. 
 The chief projectors afterwards underwent the punishment due to 
 their multiplied crimes. 
 
 It would be irksome and disgusting to enter farther into the 
 details of this scheme of iniquity, which, however absurd, yet 
 deeply wounded the feelings of the noble secretary, while op- 
 
174 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 pressed with disease and brooding over the malicious insinuations 
 to which he had been exposed by the charges of Fenwick. He 
 condescended, indeed, to vindicate himself, by proving, that the 
 arrest of Fenwick was entirely owing to his vigilance ; but the 
 accusation sunk deep in his sensitive mind, and combining with 
 other causes of dissatisfaction, prompted him to renew, with 
 double warmth, his importunities for leave to resign.* 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Urges his indisposition as a motive for retiring — Wishes for the speedy return of his 
 
 majesty to England.] 
 
 " Eyford, Aug. ^5-Sept. 4, 1697- — Sir; It is impossible to be 
 more truly grateful than I am for the honour your majesty does 
 me in your favourable expressions of the 17-27th. I am sensible 
 of your kindness. Sir, to a degree, that at this time makes me 
 uneasy to reflect how useless a servant I am, to a master that 
 deserves every thing from me ; and how improbable a prospect I 
 have of being ever again in a condition to do my duty. Within 
 these two days my bleeding has stopped, but my shortness of 
 breath continues so violent, and troublesome, that I take little 
 rest, but as I sit upright in my bed ; and if, in the free air I now 
 breathe, I shall not be able to overcome this distemper, it is not 
 hard to foresee what effect the fogs and smoke of London will 
 have the next winter, since it is to that air (though in summer) 
 that I must attribute my last relapse. I should not detain your 
 majesty thus long upon so trivial a subject, did I not think it 
 concerned your service to be informed of my circumstances, that 
 you may have it in your thoughts, how to fill a place, that, by 
 your positive commands, I have kept now near a twelve-month 
 without being able to execute ; and I am sure, you will not think 
 it reasonable, or decent, that I should any longer make a sinecure 
 of a secretary's office, which requires more assiduity than my 
 best health could give. 
 
 * Mr. Vernon's correspondence in the latter part of 1697, and thfe letters of Price and 
 sir H. Colt, -with other documents in the Shrewsbury papers. 
 
1697—1700.] WITH THE KING. 175 
 
 " The circumstances of the peace were in so critical a posture, 
 at the coming away of the last letters, that the next post is ex- 
 pected with great impatience. Whatever the event of that treaty 
 be, I hope your majesty will please to return to England, as soon 
 as your affairs abroad wiU admit. In either case the parliament 
 ought not to meet late in the year, and it will be absolutely 
 necessary, you should be here some days to dispose matters before 
 their sitting ; that time is quickly * by the order, and 
 
 method your majesty's presence will put to your affairs. 
 
 " Pray, Sir, pardon the impertinence of retiring from business, in 
 one line, and troubling you with it in the next ; but, whenever I 
 have an occasion of saying what I think may be for your service, 
 my zeal will not let me be silent ; and in all conditions of life I 
 shall ever be the sanie that I am now, most faithfully," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Complains of the malicious accusations of his enemies, that he had favoured Fenwick's 
 escape — Repeats his wish to resign.] 
 
 " Sept. 8-18, 1697- — Sir; Since I had the honour to write last 
 to your majesty, an information has been given to the lords jus- 
 tices, that it was I contrived sir John Fenwick's escape, and had 
 two hours conference with him before he went from London, that 
 very time he was seized- Though sir John Fenwick's manner of 
 using me may be a sufficient proof, that if I had been so much 
 in his power, he would not have spared me ; and that I have 
 many witnesses, of which my lord archbishop and my lord chan- 
 cellor are two, that I was privy to, and advised with them on the 
 methods the people took, who did actually apprehend hini ; and 
 who had, for some days before, engaged to me that he should 
 be seized in the very manner he was ; though these be such con- 
 tradictions to this charge, that I have no imagination I can suffer 
 in your majesty's, or in any body's opinion, upon so impossible 
 an accusation ; yet this may convince me of what I have long 
 mistrusted, that I shall never be allowed to serve with advantage 
 
 * Illegible in the original. 
 
176 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 to your majesty, or with quiet to myself, but be eternally embroil- 
 ing your affairs with these sort of inquiries, and exposing myself 
 to such an uneasiness as I am, of all mankind, the least fit, and 
 the least able to bear. This, Sir, with the continuation of ray ill 
 health, which is such, that I have just now received a warning 
 from sir Thomas Millington, and his opinion, that I shall not 
 be in a condition to bear the town this winter, without a certain 
 relapse, makes me once more earnestly renew my request to your 
 majesty, that I may, either before, or at your return, resign the 
 seals, and be allowed to serve you in such a private state as my 
 health and circumstances will permit; assuring your majesty, that 
 it shall be with the fidelity, zeal, and affection of one, who is very 
 gratefully sensible of the rhany singular obligations he has re- 
 ceived from you ; and is, and ever will be," &c. 
 
 THE KING IN REPLY. 
 
 [Opposes his wish to resign — ^Exhorts him to despise the malicious accusations of his 
 
 enemies.] 
 
 " Loo, Sept. 23, 1697- — If any thing could augment my concern 
 for your illness, it is because you are always thereby induced to 
 wish to resign the seals. I cannot consent to what is so contrary 
 to my inclination and interest ; and, as the peace is now signed, 
 you may execute your office with very little tiouble, and without 
 always residing in London, if your health does not permit. I 
 hope, on my return, to see you at Windsor. 
 
 " Is it possible, that you should be disturbed by the absurd 
 accusations of the greatest knaves in the world. Believe me, you 
 ought to be above it, for they can make no bad impression on 
 any one ; on the contrary, they Avill prove to your advantage ; 
 and you can have no idea of my impatience to see you, and how 
 truly I regard you." 
 
 The first part of the ensuing letter from the earl of Portland 
 relates to the conclusion of the peace, and is inserted in the cor- 
 respondence on that subject. The second part is here introduced, 
 as connected with the affair of sir John Fenwick, and contains a 
 
1697—1700.] WITHTHEKING. 177 
 
 Strong remonstrance against the intention of Shrewsbury to with- 
 draw from office ; in corroboration of the arguments used by the 
 
 king. 
 
 ******* 
 
 " Loo, Sept. 14-24, 1697- — I am surprised at the letter which 
 you have written to the king. Is it possible, that a man of your 
 capacity and rank can concern himself with what a tribe of 
 knaves and forgers may lay to his charge, enjoying so much the 
 confidence and good opinion of the king, whom I have acquainted 
 with what Mr. Vernon has written of the examinations of these 
 wretches. On the contrary, I speak sincerely ; even if I had the 
 intention of retiring, I would not do it, to give occasion to my 
 enemies for saying, that I could not resist this accusation, of 
 which the falsity is so evident, and which, indeed, destroys itself. 
 Do not, however, withdraw from a situation which does not suit 
 you, and from an employment Avhich gives you too much trouble, 
 till you have an opportunity of entering on another, which agrees 
 better with your temper, and for which the king is entirely in- 
 clined. Every one will see, that a party of wretches and Ja- 
 cobites charge you only for the purpose of casting suspicion on 
 him whom they fear, and who is one of the most zealous sup- 
 porters of the present government. For my part, if this should 
 occur to me, I swear to you, that I should laugh at it, and you 
 have cause to do the same. Think only of your health, and the 
 rest will settle itself. I wish, my lord, we had the honour of your 
 company here, where the air is very good ; and I am persuaded, 
 that contentment of mind, joined with it, would do you more 
 service than all the remedies of the best physicians. I beg you 
 to believe, that no one can love or esteem you more truly than 
 I do." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Renews his importunities for leave to resign— Strongly recommends Mr. Vernon for a 
 vacant place in the colonial establishment.] 
 
 " Grafton, Oct. 6-l6, l697. — Sir ; I design to attend your ma- 
 
 2 A 
 
178 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.-Ch. 8. 
 
 jesty at your return to Kensington, and believe I shall be able to 
 convince you, that it cannot be for your interest to continue a man 
 in your service, whom people are resolved shall never be quiet ; 
 and, though the last accusation comes from such scandalous 
 villains, and is upon a subject I can so demonstrably clear, that 
 I am sensible the examination of it must turn rather to my ad- 
 vantage, than prejudice ; yet this may satisfy anybody, that those 
 who will endeavour to perplex your business, intend to do it 
 through me ; so that whilst there is an evidence to be hired in 
 England, your majesty's business will not be easy, nor free from 
 such sort of vexations : and, though every thing they can say to 
 accuse my fidelity will be as false as this, yet it may not always 
 be liable to the same demonstrable contradiction. What advan- 
 tage, therefore, can it be to your majesty to keep a man in your 
 business, upon such inconvenient terms, who, if these objections 
 were removed, is unfit upon all accounts, but absolutely incapable, 
 by reason of extreme ill health. The peace, which I hope will 
 make your majesty's reign happy hereafter, as it does glorious 
 now, has put your affairs in such a posture, that no interested 
 man Avould choose this time to retire from your court; and I 
 solemnly protest, I do it with no other prospect, than that I think 
 it will ease your affairs, and that I myself have such ill health, 
 and am so over-run with spleen and ill-humour, that I ought to 
 avoid appearing in public, where I am sensible I shall make a 
 much worse figure than I have ever yet done. I suppose I need 
 say no more to convince your majesty how necessary it is to allow 
 me the Hberty I have begged ; and in that obscure condition, I 
 propose to live for the future, I shall endeavour to serve with 
 such zeal, as may shew I am your majesty's, faithfully," &c. 
 
 " P. S, Having a very great compassion for Mr. Vernon's cir- 
 cumstances, who has a numerous family, and has lost his place 
 in the prizes by the peace, and will now be out of employment 
 in the secretary's office : I have Avrit to him upon it, and find his 
 modesty such as would be satisfied with Blancard's place in Ja- 
 
1697—1700.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 179 
 
 maica, which I hope your majesty will be pleased to grant him, 
 for I am sure you have not a more faithful, and not many more 
 capable servants, in this kingdom." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 [Again expatiates on the uneasiness of his situation, and renews his request for leave to 
 
 retire.] 
 
 " Kensington, Nov. 18-28, 1697- — Sir ; If I were able to make 
 your majesty sensible — if I knew how to express the distraction of 
 my OAvn mind, since 1 have endeavoured to oblige it to conform to 
 your majesty's commands, you yourself. Sir, would be convinced, 
 that such a struggle, if it continues, can end in nothing, but in 
 destroying the poor remains of my life, without being in any 
 manner useful, or serviceable to your majesty. Between ill- 
 health, spleen, and the disgusts I have received, and may reason- 
 ably expect to meet hereafter, from the villainous attempts of 
 some, who, by false witnesses, and all other base means, are con- 
 triving the ruin of my reputation, I confess I have taken so 
 violent an aversion to public business, that the very thoughts of 
 continuing longer in it, is what I am not able to bear. And 
 though my great deference for your majesty's presence, and 
 commands, makes it very difficult for me to dispute what you 
 personally order, yet I no sooner reflect seriously with myself, 
 what it is I am engaging in, but I become sensible how imprac- 
 ticable it is, with such circumstances of health as I am in, and 
 such a temper of mind. Since retirement, therefore, is the only 
 course of life my bad constitution, and worse humour, Avill suffer 
 me to lead, I earnestly beg, Sir, you will be so charitable to allow 
 it me, with your favour, and that 1 may soon have the comfort 
 to know I have this liberty, and do not offend," &c. 
 
 We find no answer to this letter ; but, from other sources we 
 discover, that his wish to resign was, at this time, over-ruled by the 
 importunities of the king, on one hand, and the strong repre- 
 sentations of the whig chiefs on the other; because the jarring 
 views of the sovereign and the whigs could not be brought to 
 
 2 A 2 
 
180 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 coincide, either in the appointment of his successor, or in a con- 
 sistent scheme of administration ;* and therefore his continuance 
 in office was regarded by both parties as the only means to prevent 
 a dissolution of the ministry. Influenced by this motive, he con- 
 tinued reluctantly to hold the seals, though hourly deploring the 
 irreconcileable jealousies which increased among his friends, and 
 the growing disgust of the king against the whigs. But, at length, 
 the compulsory resignation of Sunderland presented an opportu- 
 nity of retaining him in the public service, in a situation of no 
 official labour, or political responsibility. Of this opportunity the 
 king did not fail to profit, by offering him the vacant post of 
 lord chamberlain. The offer was thus conveyed through lord 
 Portland. 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 "January 7-17, 1697-8. — Sir; You will, no doubt, be much 
 surprised to learn, that lord Sunderland has left us, as you 
 will see by his own letter.-f- I shall say nothing to you of his 
 reasons, nor if any of them be good, as the affair is over; 
 but I am persuaded, that you are as much concerned at it 
 as myself. The king. Sir, has desired me to write to you on 
 his part, to offer you the place, which is certainly, of all others, 
 the most agreeable to your disposition ; as it will not occupy you 
 more than your health will allow, will not oblige you to return to 
 court at this moment, and is, at the same time, the most honourable 
 you can have. My sole apprehension has been, that you would 
 not, perhaps, be very well pleased to enter upon a charge which he 
 quits ; but this ought to occasion you no scruple, since he himself 
 is the first to intreat you very earnestly so to do. I hope, that your 
 desire of retiring with a good grace from that of secretary of 
 state, will at least urge you as much as my wishes, since there is 
 no one in the world whom I so much desire to see in that place 
 
 * See the correspondence with the whig lords, Part S, Chapter 5. 
 
 ■j- See lord Sunderland's letter on this occasion and a more particular detail of the cir- 
 cumstances attending his resignation, in the correspondence with the whig lords, for De- 
 cember, 1697. 
 
1697—1700.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 181 
 
 as yourself, Sir, whom I infinitely honour and esteem, and with 
 whom I should take great pleasure in living as a true servant and 
 friend. I entreat you to let me have your answer, and believe me 
 to be ever," &c. &c. 
 
 Shrewsbury declined the office of chamberlain, but he could not 
 resist the flattering importunities of his royal master and the 
 solicitations of his friends ; and consented to retain the seals, till 
 some arrangement could be effected, which might restore the 
 strength and consistency of government. Still, however, he did 
 not desist from his purpose, and with great difficulty was per- 
 suaded to remain a nominal secretary, till the king's return from 
 the continent. At length he absolutely repelled all farther impor- 
 tunities ; and, on the meeting of the new parliament, extorted from 
 his royal master the release, which he had so long solicited in vain. 
 This favour he thus gratefully acknowledged, in a letter which was 
 delivered by Mr. Vernon with the seals. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREVi^SBURY TO THE KING. 
 
 " Dec. 10-20, 1698. — Sir; I cannot forbear giving your majesty 
 this trouble, to return you my most sincere and humble thanks, 
 for the compassion you have been pleased to have of me, in giving 
 me leave to surrender the seals, which Mr. Secretary acquaints 
 me you have done in so generous a manner, as not to appear 
 angry at my retiring; though at the same time, you expressed 
 yourself with such a kind partiality to me, as to imagine, I might 
 be of some small use in your service, if not in the same employ- 
 ment, in some other. But, as every honest man will have a desire 
 to do his duty both to his master, and the public, whilst he is in 
 an office ; so the uneasiness of being forced so long to neglect 
 what I owe to both, is so fresh in my memory, that I cannot re- 
 solve to undertake another, whilst I am persuaded I have not 
 health to execute it, in a decent manner. One can hardly expect 
 a more convincing proof of inability, than what befell me lately, 
 when I designed paying my duty to your majesty, at your arrival : 
 and, if a man cannot bear the air of London four days in a year, he 
 must certainly make a very scurvy figure in a court, as well as in 
 
182 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 a ministry. Therefore, I hope, when your majesty is pleased to 
 consider my circumstances, you will think what I do, not only 
 reasonable with regard to myself, and my own reputation, but 
 agreeable to that duty, and service, which I owe you, and which to 
 the last moment of my life I will be ever ready to pay, being with 
 as true a zeal and gratitude, as any person in your three king- 
 doms," &c. 
 
 But, notwithstanding his positive refusal to accept an office, the 
 deplorable state of the administration, and the violence of parties 
 which marked the first sessions of the new parliament, induced 
 him at length to yield again to the importunities of the king. On 
 the return of William from the continent, in October, l699, he 
 was accordingly appointed lord Chamberlain, though he received 
 the staff wiih feluctance, and considered himself as a mere cipher, 
 selected to fill the post, in order to prevent farther contention. 
 
 At this period his epistolary intercourse with the king was sus- 
 pended, and we must therefore refer to the portion containing the 
 correspondence with the whig chiefs, for an account of his situa- 
 tion and sentiments, in the momentous crisis, when the contests 
 between the Avhigs and tories threatened the ruin of the country, 
 and the subversion of the throne. His weak frame and timid mind 
 were shaken by the anxiety arising from these storms of faction ; 
 and we find him at one time vehemently importuning for retire- 
 ment, and at another yielding to the solicitations of his royal 
 master, to take a part in the different schemes, which were sug- 
 gested for the formation of an efficient ministry. He was succes- 
 sively offered the posts of lord treasurer, governor of Ireland, and 
 groom of the stole, and lastly, his choice of any emploj'ment under 
 the crown. The government of Ireland,?^ in particular, was strongly 
 
 * These offers are thus coramemorated in the Journal, kept during his stay abroad. 
 
 " May 18, 1702. — Yesterday I had a letter from lord Godolphin, to tell me the queen 
 would keep the place of master of the horse for my return. Now, . I have almost been 
 offered all the great places of the kingdom, since I quitted secretary : once chamberlain ; 
 king William once offered me to be lord treasurer ; often to be president and privy seal ; to 
 be governor to the duke of Gloster ; and last, to be lieutenant of Ireland, and groom of the 
 stole at the same time.'' 
 
1697—1700.] W I T H T H E K I N G. 183 
 
 pressed on his acceptance, conjointly with the vacant office of 
 groom of the stole ; and he once so far submitted to the necessity 
 of the times, as to express a faint acquiescence in the offer. But 
 he was soon discouraged, by the failure of all his attempts to 
 restore harmony between the king and the whigs ; and so much 
 agitated by the struggle between his political fears, and his anxiety 
 to gratify his sovereign and friends, that his health was severely 
 injured, and he earnestly renewed his solicitations, for an absolute 
 release from all public cares. The king at first treated his appli- 
 cation as the result of spleen, and hoped to divert him from his 
 purpose by a letter of raillery. On the representations of Mr. 
 Vernon, he, however, changed his design ; and not only expressed 
 a sincere sympathy in his sufferings, but gratified him with a kind 
 and gracious approval of his earnest wishes. 
 
 THE KING TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Hampton Court, 9.'ind May, 1700. — With great concern I hear 
 that, notwithstanding all the remedies you have taken, you can- 
 not stop the eflusion of blood, which you very much attribute to 
 the uneasiness of your mind, on account of my wish, that you 
 should go to Ireland, and to which you do not feel yourself equal. 
 I assure you I will not press you in any thing, but will leave you 
 entirely at liberty, merely desiring you to attend to only the re- 
 establishment of your health, and should it permit you, I shall be 
 happy to see you here before I go to Holland, about the time I 
 told you, when you went from hence. 
 
 " 1 hope you are well convinced of my friendship, and that you 
 can easily judge, how sensibly I am affected by hearing of your 
 illness. May God soon perfectly restore you." 
 
 The monarch thus kindly desisted, not only from a purpose, 
 which he seems to have had long and earnestly at heart, but finally 
 accepted the staff of chamberlain ; and permitted his favourite 
 minister to withdraw entirely from public life. The duke trans- 
 mitted his key of office, through the hands of his friend Mr. Vernon, 
 then secretary of state, Avho, in two letters to his noble patron. 
 
184 CORRESPONDENCE [Part I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 gives an interesting account of the gracious and feeling manner, 
 in which his resignation was accepted. 
 
 " June 22-July 2, 1700. — I did not write to your grace by last 
 post, since you were like to be from home till next week. I was 
 that day at Hampton Court, and read your letter of the 17th to 
 his majesty, whose answer was, that he could not say he was well 
 pleased with your renouncing all employments, and particularly if 
 you would have gone for Ireland, it would have been of great use 
 to his service, and at Dubhn you would be freed from the dis- 
 quiets people in the ministry are exposed to here ; but he said, he 
 was fully satisfied of your good intentions, that as he was always 
 disposed to. be kind to you, so he knew you would not be guilty 
 of ingratitude. He believed you would do all you could to keep 
 your friends in temper, but he questioned whether you would be 
 able to prevail with them. He remembered you always preferred 
 moderate ways, and endeavoured to bring others to it ; but, he 
 could give twenty instances where people's obstinacy were too 
 hard for your advices ; and he could not persuade himself you 
 would have more power out of employment, than being in it. He 
 rather feared you would give yourself up to the ease of a country 
 life, and be unconcerned at what others are doing. I have hardly 
 omitted any thing of what his majesty said on this occasion, by 
 which you will see his majesty wishes he could have retained you 
 in his service ; but if you can make him amends, by taking your 
 own way, he will forget all disappointments, and be pleased you 
 should follow your own method, whether in business or out of it." 
 
 " June ^5- July 5, 1700. — I delivered your key to his majesty 
 on Sunday morning. He said he heard, that my lord Wharton made 
 a triumph, that they had prevailed with you to quit every thing. 
 I told him, more of those reports would run about, than were fit to 
 be heeded ; that you would never differ in the account you had 
 given of the reason for your resigning. He said, he made no doubt 
 of your integrity and affection. He was satisfied you would do 
 all you could for his service and quiet ; but, he still doubted how 
 
1697—1700.] WITHTHEKING. 186 
 
 far you could influence others to be of your mind. The next day 
 the key was given to my lord Jersey." 
 
 Still, however, wearied with repeated importunities, and disap- 
 pointed in his various efforts to restore harmony in the adminis- 
 tration, Shrewsbury formed the resolution of retiring to the 
 continent ; and his purpose was strengthened by the dread lest 
 the domestic feuds should terminate in a civil war, or produce 
 a new revolution. He lingered in England several months, either 
 to observe the contentions of parties, or to arrange his private 
 affairs. On the return of the king from Holland, he obtained the 
 royal permission to travel, and passed the evening of the 28th of 
 October, at Hampton Court, in close conference with the king, a 
 step which exposed him to the suspicion of having advised the 
 change of ministry, which was then in agitation. The imputation, 
 however, appears to have been groundless ; for the duke had pre- 
 viously declared his decided disapprobation of many measures, 
 adopted by the king, and no less strongly, his determination to 
 abstain from any farther share in the contentions of the day. After 
 taking an affectionate leave of his sovereign, he quitted London on 
 the 1st of November, and on the 4th landed at Calais. He reached 
 Paris on the 19th November, N. S., and paid his respects at 
 Versailles, to the king of France, who, as he says, received him 
 " tolerably civilly." Short, however, as was the term of his visit at 
 court, he did not escape some importunity from the friends of 
 the abdicated monarch. He thus relates the incident : " Nobody 
 was so perfectly civil as my old acquaintance, the duke of Lauzun, 
 for he began to tell me how kindly king James had always taken 
 the civility I had shewn him, when I was sent on the message ; 
 and was grounding upon this some farther discourse, when I cut 
 him short, and told him I confessed I had great compassion at that 
 time for his circumstances, but desired that we might not discourse 
 on that, but on any other subject. An hour after, he took occa- 
 sion to commend the prince of Wales ; and wished that, by any 
 means, I might have an opportunity of seeing so fine a youth. I 
 told him I questioned not his merit, but had no great curiosity. 
 
 2 B 
 
186 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet I.— Ch. 8. 
 
 But if I must see him, I would much rather it were here than in 
 England. This reply dashed all farther discourse of this kind, 
 though he continued extreme civil, walking with me all the time ; 
 invited the ambassador and me to dinner, and offered all civilities 
 there, at Paris, or at Montpellier."* 
 
 After a short stay of four days at Paris, the duke of Shrewsbury 
 proceeded to the south of France, and on the eighth of December 
 established his residence in the vicinity of Montpellier. He 
 remained there little more than three months, and departing for 
 Geneva, spent the summer in that city. In the commencement 
 of September, he traversed the Alps into Piemont, and taking the 
 route through Susa, reached Turin on the 5th. From thence, 
 after a stay of only three days, he continued his journey through 
 Genoa, Lucca, Pisa, and Florence, and arrived at Rome on the 
 20th of November, 1701. 
 
 The retreat of a nobleman so much beloved by the king, so gene- 
 rally respected by men of all parties, and so highly endowed with 
 personal and mental accomplishments, did not fail to occasion 
 numerous speculations and conjectures. Some have supposed 
 that he was more deeply implicated in the intrigues of the 
 Jacobites than he ventured to avow ; others, that his indisposition 
 was merely political, and afiected as a plea for withdrawing from a 
 responsible post at a period when he expected the Stuarts would 
 regain the throne. From the first charge, we . think he may be 
 fairly acquitted ; but it is not improbable that his fears of a counter- 
 revolution, and his abhorrence of party warfare, co-operated with 
 the effects of bodily infirmity to drive him from his country, parti- 
 cularly when we consider the timidity inherent in his character, 
 and the troubled circumstances of the times. 
 
 * Journal of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
PART II. 
 
 No. 1 . — Correspondence with admiral Russell, in 1695, I696, and 
 
 1697. 
 No. 2. — Correspondence with the earl of Galway, in 1695 and 
 
 1696. 
 No. 3 — Correspondence on the negotiations for the peace of 
 
 Ryswick, in I696 and I697. 
 
 2 B 2 
 
PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 1694. 
 
 Naval operations — Intended attack on Brest— Motives which induced the king to dispatch a 
 jket into the Mediterranean — Junction of the Toulon and Brest squadrons — Departure 
 of admiral Russell — His proceedings in the Mediterranean — Compels the french to 
 retire to Toulon, and saves Barcelona — His disputes with the Spaniards, and jealousy 
 of the dutch — Directed to winter in the Mediterranean — His objections and opposition 
 combated by the duke of Shrewsbury — Complains of the king's parsimony and inatten- 
 tion to his services — Correspondence from May, l694, to January, 1695. 
 
 XN the correspondence between king William and the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, the project for sending a fleet to the Mediterranean, 
 and the objections of admiral Russell to winter in that sea, occupy 
 a prominent place. These subjects are still farther developed, in 
 the letters which passed between the duke and the admiral him- 
 self; and this correspondence, which has hitherto be enentirely un- 
 known to the public, will throw a new light on that important 
 branch of the war. It will shew the consequences attached to the 
 mastery of the Mediterranean, by the protection of the British 
 trade, the preservation of Spain, and the maintenance of the duke 
 of Savoy and the other princes of Italy, in the interests of the 
 grand alliance. Collaterally, it also presents an instructive and 
 curious picture of the naval service at that period ; and it furnishes 
 an additional proof of the mortifications and restraints to which 
 the king was reduced to submit, from the great, but froward 
 leaders, who had assisted in effecting the revolution, and on whom 
 he now depended for the support of his throne. 
 
 In proportion as the war extended, the greatest efforts were 
 made by the belligerent parties ; and the naval operations assumed 
 
190 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 a more imposing aspect. The chief object of the french court 
 being, to conquer or intimidate the Spaniards, and awe the princes 
 of Italy, their principal attention was directed to the Mediterra- 
 nean, where they pressed the siege of Barcelona. Hence they 
 formed the design of uniting the fleets of Brest and Toulon, and 
 with this combined force, to threaten the coasts of Spain and Italy, 
 while their powerful army pursued its progress by land. 
 
 The private views which the french monarch was known to 
 entertain on the Spanish succession, the conviction that he was 
 tampering with the duke of Savoy, the discouragement which the 
 defection of Spain would have spread among the members of the 
 grand , alliance, vere the weighty motives which induced king 
 William to endeavour to prevent the junction of the two hostile 
 squadrons from Brest and Toulon ; and when that failed of suc- 
 cess, tP se;nd a fleet into the Mediterranean, and to press the exe- 
 cution of this plan, in despite of the timid counsels of the cabinet, 
 and the more vigorous opposition of Russell himself. 
 
 With this design was connected the expedition against Brest, 
 already mentioned in the preceding correspondence. Had the 
 french fleet been baffled in their attempts to put to sea, this enter- 
 prise would probably have assumed a more important character ; 
 but after that disappointment, it only contributed to obstruct the 
 departure of the fleet to the Mediterranean, and when actually un- 
 dertaken, the means of attack were so inadequate and so tardily 
 brought into action, that both the minister and the admiral per- 
 fectly concurred in anticipating a failure. The event unfor- 
 tunately justified their forebodings.* 
 
 Early in the Spring, preparations had been made for fitting out 
 an efficient fleet; but, from the dilatoriness of the admiralty, 
 Russell was not ready to put to sea before the french had 
 quitted the harbour of Brest, and proceeded to the Mediterranean. 
 Unable, therefore, to prevent the junction of their two fleets, he 
 made a short cruize, in which he destroyed some merchant ships 
 in Conquet Bay, and: then returned, to St. Helens, to accelerate 
 
 * See Part I., Ch. 3. 
 
1694.J WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 191 
 
 the departure of the expedition which was preparing against 
 Bre&t. The arrangements for this unfortunate enterprise being 
 matured, the combined fleet again put to sea. 
 
 The squadron destined for the attack on Brest, under lord 
 Berkley, separated at the mouth of the Channel, and Russell, with 
 the grand fleet, proceeded on his course to the Straits. He was 
 joined on his way by admiral Neville, with the British squadron 
 stationed -at Cadiz, and the dutch admirals, Cajlemberg and 
 Evertzen ; and thus found himself at the head of sixty-three ships 
 of the line. With this fleet he steered directly for Barcelona. The 
 french admiral Tourville, who commanded the combined squa- 
 drons, retired to Toulon on his approach, and the siege of Barce- 
 lona was raised. But, notwithstanding the exultation produced 
 by this unexpected relief, Russell found the Spanish afiairs in the 
 most deplorable condition. Their fleet amounted to no more than 
 ten sail, and of these, only four were ships of the line. The army 
 was reduced to a state equally weak. It scarcely exceeded 9j000 
 men, ill paid and without clothes, provisions, or artillery, and the 
 maritime towns were so destitute of protection, that the inha- 
 bitants had no other resource than flight, when the frendi squadron 
 appeared off their coasts. 
 
 In such circumstances, it was natural that endless disputes 
 should occur between the British admiral, and the timid and im- 
 poverished court of Madrid ; and that the gratification derived 
 from success, should be blended with the chagrin arising from the 
 unreasonable demands, and ineflicient measures of that power, 
 whom he had rescued from destruction. These untoward circum- 
 stances were aggravated by the dilatory and improvident conduct 
 of the British admiralty, and the inability of the Treasury to 
 furnish the requisite supplies, as well as the selfish and limited 
 policy of the dutch. To add to his mortification, the temper of 
 the admiral was soured by ill-health, by the extent of his ex- 
 penses, which were not adequately repaid, by his jealousy of his 
 dutch colleagues, and his suspicions that the king was not suffi- 
 ciently disposed, to appreciate and reward his sacrifices and 
 services. 
 
igg CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 In this difficult crisis we find the duke of Shrewsbury acting 
 the part of a patriotic and discerning statesman. He employed 
 in the pubhc cause, the influence of that intimate friendship, which 
 had long subsisted between him and admiral Russell. He laboured 
 to obviate difficulties, to remedy deficiencies, to soothe the cap- 
 tious spirit of the admiral, and to allay that irritation and disgust 
 which his splenetic effusions excited in the mind of the king. In- 
 deed, to the beneficial result of his mediation, we may principally 
 ascribe the accomphshment of this arduous service, and the ad- 
 vantageous effects with which it was accompanied. 
 
 These brief hints will suffice, to explain the peevish tone 
 which reigns in the letters of admiral Russell, and will develope 
 the causes of those incessant complaints which Shrewsbury was 
 perpetually employed in combating, 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Anticipates the failure of the attack on Brest.] 
 ******* 
 " Britannia, St. Helens, May 3, 1694. — ^I am afraid these two 
 designs, Brest and the Straits, will hinder one another, and may 
 make neither effectual ; but my utmost endeavours, diligence, 
 and care shall not be wanting. I have no very good prospect of 
 success on Brest, that is, if the ships are gone from Brest water. 
 I do not see any considerable service can be done with that small 
 number of men ; besides, in all probability, it will be very late 
 before any thing can be attempted, since all the bomb vessels, 
 store ships, and great part of the provision ships are still in the 
 river; and those all detained with this wind, which blows ex- 
 tremely hard. But I have kept you too long. God bless you, 
 and send us a happy meeting. Pray, at your leisure hours, let me 
 hear from you ; and give me your advice in what you think I 
 want it." 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 193 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Prides himself on his friendship — Is apprehensive that the two expeditions against 
 Toulon and Brest may obstruct each other— Considerations on the plan which it may 
 be advisable to pursue.] 
 
 " May, 5-15, l694. — I often please myself with the thoughts 
 that if there is a man in the world, on whose friendship I can 
 depend, it is dear Mr. Russell's, which, I assure you, I esteem it so 
 good a fortune of ray life, that I should omit no occasion in my 
 po\t^er to improve it, and hope you believe I am as sincerely true 
 to you, as I can wish you should be to me. 
 
 " I have long apprehended, that these two designs* will inter- 
 rupt and spoil one another. I am not enough instructed in what 
 can or cannot be done at Brest, to give a judgment upon that 
 matter ; but I doubt if, after the resolutions have been taken for 
 the Mediterranean, and the instructions you have received there- 
 upon, any great prejudice should happen to that service by delay, 
 people would be apt to impute the faults to you, unless you have 
 positive orders to warrant you in it. If you should go before 
 Brest, and find that squadron not gone yet to the Mediterranean, 
 I suppose you would think it advisable to spend a little time, if 
 any thing could be attempted upon them, either by your ships 
 alone, or with the assistance of the land forces ; but I cannot tell, 
 even in that case, whether you might not think it reasonable to 
 make some detachment which, joined with Neville's ships, might 
 be in a condition to keep their Toulon squadron from giving any 
 assistance to the besieging a Spanish sea-port town, which the 
 french in Catalonia seem to aim at. But that which I think 
 most likely to be the case, is, that the Brest squadron will be 
 gone for the Straits before you come thither, and then, in my poor 
 opinion, all possible haste should be made to follow them. If 
 any thing can be done upon the great ships that are laid up at 
 Brest (which I much doubt), it may be attempted with as good 
 
 * The design on Brest, and the project of sending a fleet to the Mediterranean. 
 
 2 C 
 
194 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 success by the landmen, and a part of the fleet, as with the whole 
 fleet/' 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Anxiety of the king that he should Mow the fleet to Toulon, and leave the enterprise 
 on Brest to be executed by a division of his force.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May 19-29, 1694.— Sir ; This morning I received a 
 letter from the king, dated from Loo, the ] 4th of this month,* 
 which discovers so much impatience for your following the Me- 
 diterranean fleet, that he is pleased to recommend it to me, 
 though not in my province, that you should know his desire, that 
 that service be in the first place considered ; and that the execu- 
 tion of the design upon Brest be committed to the squadron you 
 leave behind. I must only add, that it is the expectation and the 
 wish of all that are concerned with the government here, that you 
 would lose no time in following them to the Straits. The letters 
 from Paris of the 21st of this month report Palamos to be then 
 besieged, and that Barcelona was soon to follow. It is in great 
 haste that I write these few lines, believing that it may be no dis- 
 service to you to know his majesty's mind, as well as the disposi- 
 tion of this whole cruise, not at all mistrusting, however, that you 
 would lose any time which could be gained in the prosecuting this 
 service. I will say no more, but wish you as good success as you 
 had this day two y€ars."-f 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Bitterly complains that the delay in fitting out the ships was likely to frustrate the pur- 
 suit of the enemy— Censures the Treasury for neglecting to pay the fleet — Boasts of 
 his own diligence, and describes his arrangements.] 
 
 " Britannia, St. Helens, May 'i4>-June 3, 1694.— My lord ; When 
 I came to St. Helens, your kind letter was brought me, which I had 
 designed, before now, to have returned my thanks for; but really 
 I had so much business relating to the public, that 1 have hardly 
 
 * See this, and the subsequent letters, in the correspondence with the king, in 1694. 
 ■f- Alluding to his victory off La Hogue. 
 
1694] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 195 
 
 had time to sleep. Yesterday came to me your grace's letter of 
 the 23rd,* in which you are so kind to tell me what the king 
 wishes and expects. I am under the same fear and apprehen- 
 sions he is in, that we shall come too late to prevent the mischief 
 the french design on any part of Catalonia, as also to annoy 
 their fleet ; for, if they be gone into Toulon, I do not know that 
 port enough to make any conclusion of what can be done ; but 
 this delay must lie where it ought, on that driveller, the general of 
 the ordnance ;'\- for had his bomb vessels and stores been here, they 
 might have gone when I first went out, which was a time so 
 advantageous to the design, that the person I sent to Brest, who 
 came to me. the 6th of May, assured me, in Brest, besides the 
 militia of the town, there were only two companies of regular 
 troops. I leave you to judge, had we gone at that time, what 
 confusion most people must have been in, and how great a pro- 
 bability there had been of good success : though I cannot abso- 
 lutely acquit the Treasury, in their part of the delay ; for when 
 I went to sea, the ships I took with me only were paid; and 
 though, probably, had I carried the fleet to sea unpaid, no ill-con- 
 sequence would iwve come of it, as to mutiny ; but what must 
 the clamour have been, ^fter a solemn declaration that the fleet 
 should be paid at the Buoy «f the Nore, before they sailed, and 
 drilling them to Portsmouth, to wiA^h place vast numbers of the 
 seamen's wives, children, and parents, v^d resorted, in order to 
 receive their pay? The disappointment woula «^t only have undone 
 thousands of families, but begot such an odium, i«,cl made such a 
 clamour all over England, that it would have been hardly possible 
 to have retrieved it. I foresaAv this inconveniency, and tWrefore 
 often reminded the king, in the winter, at the committee of coun- 
 cil, that care might be taken to have the fleet paid in time. I 
 will not say where it stuck, but it is not hard to guess ; and 
 pranks of this kind will, some time or other, besides disappointing 
 of services designed, put you to greater hazard, if not looked into; 
 
 * The letter of the 23rd was only a repetition of the duke's former letter of the 19th 
 of May. 
 ■f* Lord Sydney. 
 
 2 C 2 
 
196 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 for, as the navy of England is the most certain security to the 
 country, so it is a service neglected till every petty thing is pro- 
 vided for. 
 
 '* But to the present business : taking it for granted (and as it 
 is really true) that I could hot sail to the Straits, with the ships 
 that went out first with me, not only that the ships were not 
 proper, nor of strength enough, nor provisions to support them 
 when there, nor any orders to the dutch, it must be concluded, 
 that I have made all the haste I could to return to join these ; 
 and since I came, which was on Tuesday noon, found the men 
 embarked, I so ordered the matter with my diligence (if I may 
 say so) that by Wednesday night the men were disembarked, and 
 put aboard the proper ships; the rest watered and victualled, 
 and I had sailed this morning, being Thursday, had the wind been 
 fair, or the weather moderate. I designed to have tided it to the 
 westward ; but it is now a storm of wind at S. W., with much 
 rain ; but I will certainly sail the very first slatch of wind, or fair 
 weather, for I am as impatient to be gone, as the king can be to 
 have me ; for were I not in hopes, that some service might be 
 done, I am far from being delighted to make si'-^^i a journey. But 
 I know you believe I will do my utmo«^j and therefore trouble 
 you with the account, that you m^ know how the whole matter 
 stands, not that I apprehend -^^^ ^ie under any suspicion with you 
 that I would neglect a ptv^ment's time.'' 
 
 THE DUK^ ^^ SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Has communJ«a»**"l ^^^ letter to the king and. queen — Repeats his instances for the pur- 
 suit of the enemy into the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May 2,6-June 5, 1694. — Sir ; By last night's post, 
 I sent your letter to his majesty, and something from myself, to 
 put him out of doubt that you would make no delay, that was 
 not absolutely necessary. 1 have, this morning, read to her ma- 
 jesty some of the passages of your letter to me, which have, 1 
 hope, convinced her, that you have, and will use, all the expedi- 
 tion possible, to pursue the service you design. I do not, in the 
 least, doubt but you observe, in what 1 quoted of the king's 
 
1694.1 WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 197 
 
 letter to me,* in my last to you, that he is not wiUing the Medi- 
 terranean service should suffer any delay by attending upon that 
 of Brest ; and if it were possible to meet with the french fleet 
 upon the coast of Catalonia, before they had effected what they 
 propose there, I should hope this campaign might be as advan- 
 tageous to England as your last was, which I am sure is heartily 
 wished by," &c. ► 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [Laments the death of general Talmash.] 
 
 " Whitehall, June 14-24, 1694. — The particulars of what we 
 have done, and what we are to do, I leave to Mr. Secretary 
 TrenCjiArd, and others, that are men expert in relation,, but cannot 
 deny nyself the weakness to lament with you the loss of poor 
 Mr. T^mash.-f* I have no prospect of any service in the channel 
 that givss me great comfort, so that our hopes are only upon you, 
 to make amends for other misfortunes and miscarriages, and if 
 that prove unsuccessful, I doubt we must expect a difficult cam- 
 paign in wnter." 
 
 Being retarded by contrary winds, the admiral did not reach 
 the coast of Spain till the beginning of July, and his first pro- 
 ceedings are ^us detailed in two letters, one to Mr. Secretary 
 Trenchard, and the other to the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO SECRETARY TRENCHARD. 
 
 "On board the Britannia, July 1, l694. — Sir; Though uiy 
 passage was not very favourable, yet I have no reason to com- 
 plain, having been, since 1 parted with my lord Berkeley % till I 
 came upon my rendezvous, west 15 leagues from cape Spartell, 
 twenty-three days ; and, though in my passage we had a great 
 <leal of ill-weather, and contrary winds, yet no other accident 
 attended us, but the two ketches that tended on my own ship 
 
 * See the correspondence between the king and the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 ■)■ The general who commanded the unfortunate expedition against Brest. 
 \ Commander of the squadron sent against Brest. 
 
198 CORREPPQNDENCE [Part II.—Ch. 1. 
 
 foundering at sea, with a great quantity of water, which has a 
 little disappointed me. When I came the length of the Roick of 
 Lisbon, I spnt the Mary and Adventure to Lagps ; and in case 
 they heard nothing of the french being between that place and 
 Cadiz, the Adventure was then to proceed to Neville, in order to 
 join me in the aforementioned station, which he did the 30th 
 past, with eight english, and vice-admiral Callemberg with eight 
 dutch ships ; so that Ave are now, together, sixty-three ships of 
 the line. 
 
 " The Spaniards came to sea the same night they did, with nine 
 sail, but as yet I have not seen them. I hear the french are 
 seventy men of war, and that they lie in a line from Alfaques to 
 Barcelona. I will not lose one moment's time to get to them, 
 that if they design to stay for us, as I suppose they will, it" they 
 be the number reported, we may soon come to a deciding blow, 
 that when all are killed that are to be killed, the rest ma; return 
 home, before cold weather and Michaelmas storms come ifl, which 
 I apprehend for these three-deck ships." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBUtY. 
 
 " July 1, 1694. — My dear lord ; I have nothing to edd to what I 
 send you inclosed. I believe the french will try their fortune with us 
 in these seas, if their number be as reported. Sureb, a short time, 
 with a fair wind, will put it to the trial, and then I may hope to 
 be coming home again. It is a very pretty thing to be an ad- 
 miral; but I really think, to have three kingdonTS at one's disposal, 
 after one year's fatigue at sea, is not a reward to a man that can 
 live ashore, and has no ambition to be great. Pray God bless 
 you, and send us a happy meeting, and then I will tell you my 
 mind more at large." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Barcelona, Aug. 3-13, 1694. — Ten thousand thanks to you, 
 my dear lord, for your kind letter. I wish I were able to give 
 any hopes of success in these seas, as you desire ; but the french 
 will not let me see them, and I dare not venture to attack them 
 
169*.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 199 
 
 at Toiilon : by what I can inform myself, the place is too strong ; 
 and a mortification or repulse would be of very ill-consequence. 
 With probable hopes of success, I would venture a great deal ; 
 but the time of the year obliges me not to spend much time : 
 besides, the dutch have provision only for the month of Septem- 
 ber. I have promised to spare therri 4 days provision, to prevail 
 with them to stay some few days longer; otherwise, we must 
 have come aWay after seeing the town of Barcelona. I do not 
 know what winter campaign we shall make, but I assure you 
 mine this summer has been very troublesome ; and, I sup- 
 pose, I shall be blamed for not fighting the french whether they 
 will or no. I am very sorry for poor Talmash ; but, before I left 
 him, I foresaw what would happen, both as to the success, and his 
 own life. He is now dead, but 1 never saw a man less cut out 
 to order such a business in my life. 
 
 " I long to be rid of this troublesome affair. I have neither 
 head, body, nor temper to undergo all I do. Pray God bl6ss you, 
 and send you all you wish and desire, and that I may have the 
 good fortune to see you at Christmas." 
 
 The failure of the expedition against Brest rendered the king 
 doubly anxious to counteract the designs of the french in the 
 Mediterranean, not only to retrieve the honour of the British fl^ag, 
 but to rescue Spain, and dissipate the alarms which had seized 
 the princes of Italy. Accordingly, he sent instructions to the 
 queen, directing that orders might be immediately issued, enjoin- 
 ing the admiral to pass the winter in the Mediterranean. This 
 arrangement was considered as so irksome to Russell himself, and 
 at the same time so hazardous, in the existing state of naval ser- 
 vice, that the duke of Shrewsbury accompanied the official dis- 
 patches with a letter of apology ; and the committee of the ca- 
 binet ventured to frame the instruction in such terms, as left its 
 fulfilment to the discretion of the admiral. But the king was no 
 sooner apprised of this alteration than he repeated his commands, 
 in such a manner as to preclude the slightest modificatiom These 
 
200 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 proceedings form the subject of three letters from the duke of 
 Shrewsbury. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 « Whitehall, Aug. 4-14, 1694.— Sir ; The letters which will 
 come to you with this packet, are of the greatest moment to 
 yourself and to England, of any that perhaps fever came to your 
 hand. The state of the whole nation is so exactly laid down, 
 I do not question, in Mr. Secretary's letter,* I will not trouble you 
 with repetition, but only desire, that, in your determination, you 
 will take care to lay aside all the partiality that is natural to a 
 man's returning home, after being so long absent, and so full of 
 the spleen, as your's of the first of July shews you to be,: The 
 first and chief consideration is, to take care of England, and that 
 fleet that is to protect it against the great misfortune. If you 
 think it can be done, and remain at Cadiz, it will, no doubt, be 
 very glorious to interrupt all the king of France's designs this 
 autumn, in the Mediterranean, and ride, the next summer, master 
 of both seas, as you have done this ; whereas, if you come away, 
 he will put in execution, after your departure, whatever he in- 
 tended, and perhaps fright the Spaniards into a separate peace." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 " August 14-24, 1694. — Contrary to what I expected, the 
 letters penned here, by the advice of the committee, are sent by 
 Mr. Secretary to Mr. Blaithwayt. His majesty, I perceive, has 
 given a positive order for your stay in those seas, and at the same 
 time, Mr. Blaithwayt, in a letter to the queen, says, the king 
 gives the orders positive, only to take you out of difficulties that 
 a doubtful order would expose you to. However, this use has 
 been made of the explanation in Mr. Blaithwayt's letter, directly 
 contrary to the king's orders, to get the queen's instructions 
 
 * This letter from secretary Trenchard to admiral Russell, containing the official orders 
 for his continuance in the Mediterranean during the winter, is missing. 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 201 
 
 penned with more latitude ; for it would be a dismal thing if the 
 fate of England and its fleet should depend upon your returning, 
 and that you should be tied up to the ruin of us all, by the too 
 great strictness of the order ; for, by what his majesty has done, 
 in going far beyond any advice, and making your orders positive, 
 it is not hard to discover his inclination. And since the crossness 
 of the winds has so long delayed your voyage, that it will be but 
 just possible for you to look into the Mediterranean, if you return 
 this year, and then leave Spain, that sea and trade, to the mercy 
 of the french, with6ut having had any success, and exposing your 
 fleet, in some measure, by your return in the autumn, I must deal 
 freely with you, that unless your reasons for your coming home 
 be very obvious and strong, it is what will be imputed by many 
 to a desire of seeing England, and not at all relish with the pre- 
 sent humour of the nation, who have looked so much to the 
 benefit of being masters of the sea, that I hope they will, this 
 winter, more than formerly, employ their thoughts and purses to 
 the increasing power and strength that way. 
 
 " I think it is of use to you, plainly to acquaint you with the 
 inclinations of people here, but at the same time you are the best 
 judge, and, as I said in my last, I shall so entirely depend upon 
 your opinion, that I shall not only endeavour to support, but 
 shall think whatever you do, best, because I know you design 
 and can judge right, and so, dear Mr. Russell, believe me sin- 
 cerely," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 " Aug. 26-Sept. 5, 16'94. — Though by your letter of the 3rd, 
 I find you are not in a very good humour, I doubt the orders you 
 have received since will put you in a worse. The doctrine you 
 used to preach to me, that public good ought to be considered 
 before private ease, will now come to your share to practise, in a 
 more tedious and troublesome manner than you could foresee.^ 
 Whether your stay this winter, at Cadiz, will be advantageous to 
 the common cause, may bear many arguments, for and against, 
 which having been laid before his majesty, he is come to so posi- 
 
 2 D 
 
g02 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 1, 
 
 tive a resolution for yom- continuing, that, by a letter I have from 
 him, of the 20th of this month, I find he is in pain, lest the liberty 
 the queen gave in her instructions, that, upon great necessity, you 
 might return, should too much encourage you to do it. He has, 
 therefore, renewed his commands to me to signify to you the 
 importance of your stay ; and I am sure you will so well under- 
 stand his intentions, by this, as not to disagree, if there be a pos- 
 sibility of obliging, without the ruin of the fleet. I have but this 
 more to beg, that if the orders his majesty has sent, be contrary to 
 your opinion or inclinations, that may not so put you out of hu- 
 mour, as not to prosecute them in the most advisable and best 
 manner. It is certainly a counsel of some hazard, but if it suc- 
 ceed, without ill accident, will be so troublesome to the french, and 
 is apprehended at this time, as such, by the court of France, that 
 nothing is more likely to put a happy end to this war, and give 
 us an opportunity of being quiet, as I think both you and I 
 desire 
 
 " Dear Mr. Russell, let a man that truly loves and values you, 
 prevail upon you to practise patience and submission ; and if his 
 majesty is in the wrong in his commands, do you represent what 
 you please; but then obey them, with a prudence you can be 
 master of, if you please. Advice is a thing, you know, against my 
 temper to trouble people with ; part of this is by command, but 
 much the greatest, out of a real concern I have for you and your 
 credit, being what I hope you believe, and will ever find, sin- 
 cerely," &c. 
 
 REPLY OF ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [Peevishly complains of the orders he has received from the king.] 
 
 " Malaga, Sept. 7-17, 1694. — I have received your grace's 
 letter of the 4th of August, and should be very glad if I could 
 follow your advice ; but really I am so surprised at receiving the 
 king's positive commands, to winter with the fleet at Cadiz, that 
 I do not know whether serving six months, as I have done, a 
 ship-board, and six months to be at Cadiz, and six months more 
 
169*.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 203 
 
 a ship board, whether it be not better to put an end at once to 
 a troublesome life, as I have made it, when I might have lived 
 quiet, free from the noise and trouble I hourly undergo ; for so 
 I must call them, since neither day nor night am I free from the 
 cares and troubles that attend the conduct of this fleet. Really, 
 I am not able to undergo the burthen ; all my hours are full of 
 cares, and apprehensions that my labour will be rewarded, as 
 hitherto it has been, with complaints and ill-usage. In short, I 
 will complain to you no more, since it cannot, at present, be 
 remedied ; but this I will conclude with, that the perpetual care 
 and fatigue has brought me under several indispositions, which 
 this winter will increase, doubtless, and then there will be an end 
 of an old story and an old admiral. 
 
 " But to the business : I have writ Mr. Secretary a long letter ; 
 therefore, will make your's shorter. Had I been in England, I 
 should not have advised wintering the whole fleet here ; but ra- 
 ther, as I had proposed to myself, a squadron of 10 english and 6 
 dutch, such as sailed the best, which would have made them very 
 uneasy. Pray God send the service that is proposed by their stay 
 may answer the hazard of leaving them here. I observe in the 
 report made to the king, by which his order to me is grounded, 
 there is this clause ; that in case the french get through the Straits, 
 I should send as many ships after them to join the fleet in Eng- 
 land. That is a thing, if it happens, will bt impossible for me 
 to perform at this time of the year. Can it be thought I can put 
 ships in a condition for the sea, upon an alarm, fit to undertake 
 so long and dangerous a passage as the french can, that come 
 out of Toulon with that intent, fitted for the purpose, with all 
 things necessary ; whereas, I have not ten ships that are in con- 
 dition to be ventured home in October, which the navy-board 
 know or ought to know, (they having the defects of each ship before 
 she came out), and it is reasonable to think she has rather grown 
 weaker than stronger. These are things which ought to have been 
 well considered of; but when I saw the paper sent from the commit- 
 tee to the king, I concluded what would be the event, well knowing 
 the king's passionate desire to have ships in these seas, without 
 
 2 D 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 considering how reasonable it may prove to the other services. He 
 fancies the defects of a ship are as easily repaired as mending a 
 bridle or stirrup leather." 
 
 After complaining that the dutch ships had no supply of provi- 
 sions beyond the 7th of September, and were without money to pro- 
 cure them, he again adverts to the parsimony and neglect of the 
 king. 
 
 " Pray pardon me for troubling you with a foolish story of my 
 own. I chiefly tell you, to shew what pleasure a man has to serve 
 a prince, that has such generous thoughts. Before I came to sea, 
 the king told me he would give me 1,200/. for making my equipage. 
 I found out the money for him, that he would never have had. 
 The money was received by his closet keeper, and he went away, 
 without taking any notice of it to me. Pardon this foolish com- 
 plaint, which is not worth thinking of, especially since, God be 
 thanked, I want it not. I have done, my lord, and am now going 
 up again, as high as Alicante, which is as high as I can prevail with 
 the dutch to stir, unless they have provisions from Garthagena, as is 
 assured by Scoremburg; but I am certain there is not any, nor 
 will they trust the king of Spain for 100 crowns." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Complains of severe indisposition.] 
 
 " Alicante, %ysC Sept. 1694.— My lord ; When the fleet was at 
 Malaga, I was seized with a violent fever, the continuance of 
 which, made me doubt I should not have the happiness to see you 
 again ; and though I am now so far recovered, as to hope the 
 danger of my distemper is over, yet I am so -weak, that I cannot 
 write to your grace with my own hand. When the fleet came to 
 this place, I was obliged to come on shore, and to senxl them to 
 sea under the care of vice-admiral Aylmer, but I hope in a few 
 days to be able to go on board again, and remain," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [Apologises for the king's orders — Professions of friendship.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. %6-Oct. 5, l694.— Sir; Besides the inclosed 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 205 
 
 letter from the secretary of state, this is writ to dear Mr. Russell, 
 from his humble servant and faithful friend, to assure him his 
 surprise could not be greater at the receipt of his majesty's orders, 
 than mine was, when I understood he had sent them so positive. 
 All that ever was intended here was, a liberty to be left to you to 
 act as you should judge best, and when the queen came to send 
 her orders and instructions, the committee of council unanimously 
 represented, that they should not be so positive as the king's, as I 
 suppose you will have observed ; and yet they were much more 
 binding than ever was designed, had not the king before sent his, 
 and directions to us, extreme pressing, to write in the same style. 
 " I am very sensible of the uneasiness it is to you to be so long 
 confined from your own country, and to so troublesome a business 
 as you have upon your hands ; but I hope a little time and some 
 good luck may make us all quiet and happy in private conditions, 
 which I have long thought, and not yet altered my mind, is the 
 only state one can be happy in. All I can add is, that the king 
 must necessarily think himself and the public highly obliged to you, 
 who, being easy in your fortune, to sacrifice so much time and rest 
 upon that account; so that if there be any thing in his power you 
 'Would wish, I think this a time it cannot be refused you." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Will obey the orders of the king, though contrary to his judgment and inclination.] 
 
 " Cadiz Bay, October 8-18, 1694. — My lord; I have received your 
 grace's two letters of the 14th and 26th of August. I find you believe 
 me a man of more passion than ever I was guilty of; but whatever 
 people may endeavour to persuade others, that my passion may 
 lead me to pursue such measures with the fleet as may be con- 
 trary to the orders I have received, will find themselves mistaken ; 
 for as long as I have wherewith to defend myself, I can venture a 
 great deal, though probably what I am doing is contrary to my 
 opinion. Your grace will pardon me, that I do not write to you 
 in my own hand, for my fever has relapsed, and I have not 
 strength ; but in whatever condition I am, I shall be," &c. 
 
206 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Cii. 1. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Concerned at his indisposition — Laments his disappointment, and recommends him to 
 solicit some honour or reward from the king.J 
 
 " Whitehall, October 23-Nov. 2, l694.— Sir ; The news we have 
 received from Alicante of the 10-20 September, that you were 
 then ill of a fever, has frightened all who are strangers to you, if 
 they wish well to England. Imagine, then, how much more your 
 friends are alarmed, who have a double concern for your health ; 
 but I hope this will find you as I wish, and better, I am sure, you 
 cannot wish yourself 
 
 " Nobody can be more sensible than I am, how great the hard- 
 ship is upon you, to be thus long banished your friends and coun- 
 try, who might live so easily at home, and enjoy both, with plenty 
 and pleasure. I am sure, when the merit of this is represented to 
 the king, in the manner it deserves, as I am sure I will endeavour 
 to do, the first time I speak to him, he must be so persuaded of it, 
 as that it will be impossible for him to refuse any thing to you of 
 honour or profit, that a subject may, within any compass of reason, 
 ask. I would therefore recommend to your thoughts, whether if you 
 have any thing of this nature to desire, it would not be proper to 
 lay hold on this conjuncture. I remember once you were ofi'ered 
 a title, which then you refused. I know not whether the same 
 reasons of modesty subsist, and cannot imagine that any ought to 
 hinder your accepting what every body allows so much your due; 
 but if you agree with me, that this is a proper season to obtain 
 any thing of any kind you desire, I hope I need not tell you, you 
 may make use of me in what manner you please, and yOu have not 
 in the world one that is more faithfully and zealously your's," &c. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has been requested by the king of Spain to repair to Barcelona, on the debarkation of 
 15,000 french — Complains of the foolish fears of the Spaniards.] 
 
 " Cadiz Bay, 19-29 October, 1694.— Sir ; I have very little to 
 trouble you with, more than the acquainting you, that I have re- 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 207 
 
 ceived a long letter from the king of Spain, dated the 6-16 of this 
 month, pressing me to go with all speed with the fleet to Barce- 
 lona, in regard the French had landed 15,000 men at Blanos, and 
 that their fleet, consisting of seventy sail, was at Palamos. I do 
 not know where they may be now, but at the time the letter was 
 writ to me, they were at Toulon. I returned an ansAver, that when 
 the dutch had got provisions, I would put to sea. I am like to 
 have a fine time all this winter, by reason of the foolish fears of the 
 Spaniards ; for the time of the year in these parts does already 
 begin to make it too troublesome for a fleet of this consequence to 
 be at sea ; but as I will venture any thing that in reason is fit, so 
 I shall be cautious how I hazard the fleet, unless it be upon a very 
 extraordinary occasion, and in that case, I shall govern myself by 
 the opinion of the flag officers of both nations. For my own part, 
 I have flattered myself these many years, that I had left off" cruizing 
 in November, but I am so far from complaining that I will 
 submit to all things. The queen's orders command I should send 
 home ten ships of the third rate, in the room of those that are 
 designed to come hither. I do very much fear I cannot find a 
 third part of that number fit to be ventured home, by reason of 
 their weakness, but I will put them into the best condition I can, 
 and then see if they can be sent with safety ; however, I think it 
 necessary to acquaint you, that a council of war, which I called 
 the 18th instant, have resolved, that it is not advisable to send 
 away either the said ten ships, or the eight dutch, which his ma- 
 jesty has ordered, till such time as we can have certain intelligence 
 how the enemy do design to dispose of their fleet, least otherwise 
 they should be too strong for us." * * * * 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [His stay in the Mediterranean generally approved — Advantages resulting from it — Will 
 reap the honour of any success, without incurring the blame of any misfortune.] 
 
 " Whitehall, 20-30 Nov. l694.— Sir ; I doubt it is not an infalli- 
 ble sign, that a man is without passion, because he says or thinks 
 so. I wish this may be your case ; but men are apt to mistake 
 themselves, and think they are impartial, when they are otherwise. 
 
208 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.-Ch. 1. 
 
 I always apprehended your continuance in the Straits would be 
 uneasy to you, though I never questioned but when you did stay, 
 you would make the best use of it for the public service. 
 
 " It happens hitherto, that the resolution of the fleet's wintering at 
 Cadiz, has not only met with general applause in Christendom, and 
 extremely disappointed the french designs ; but it is approved here 
 by almost all sorts of people, as the only step that has been made 
 by us this war, that looks Uke a vigour, or a mind to put an end to 
 it ; and I cannot but think that whatever design was inducement 
 sufficient to send the fleet into the Mediterranean this last summer, 
 may be executed* the next spring, with greater probability of suc- 
 cess, when there is time to act, and to return to our ports before 
 the bad season comes on. 
 
 " If any considerable advantage can be attempted against the 
 french fleet, either in their ports or otherwise, it seems more reason- 
 able to hope it in those seas than here, where they can avoid you 
 as they please ; and if a second blow could be given them by the 
 same hand, it would be so happy to England, as well as glorious to 
 you, that I am sure you will spare no pains nor thought to effect 
 it. One cannot help flattering one's self with some hopes of this 
 nature ; but if that should not be practicable, forcing the enemy 
 to lay up their ships, where they are not provided to refit them, 
 sending their men over land to Brest, and the honour we have got, 
 though I know not how rightly, of having saved Barcelona by the 
 countenance of your fleetj, has given reputation to our affairs in 
 those parts, and is one excuse for carrying such a fleet so far from 
 England. Whereas, if you had returned this autumn, done no more 
 than looked into the Mediterranean, and come home in a season 
 dangerous to the great ships, and perhaps with the damage or loss 
 of some of them, the expedition would certainly have been disap- 
 proved, by those gentlemen who are our governors in winter, and 
 censured not only as wanting success, but as undertaken when 
 there was not seen a possibility of expecting any, the time not per- 
 mitting you to go so far as to look upon an enemy's port, and yet 
 constrained to return later in the year, by some weeks, than it is 
 held safe for so considerable a fleet to be abroad in those seas. 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. fi09 
 
 " Speaking with the same ingenuity I have always used to Mr. 
 Russell, and allowing for the trouble and uneasiness of your so long 
 absence, I cannot think but that you are at this time in much the 
 considerablest station of any subject in Europe, and in a circum- 
 stance extreme safe and happy for your reputation : engaged in a 
 project, you did neither advise nor approve, and therefore, not in 
 the least answerable for the event, yet necessarily mitjst have suph a 
 part in the management of any thing, that may succeed, that you 
 will have the greatest share in the glory. I heartily wish it may 
 end to your own satisfaction, and the public good, and to the 
 settlement of every thing here, upon so secure a foot, that people 
 who have a mind to retire and be quiet, may be allowed to do so ; 
 but it is time to release you from this tedious trouble." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the movements of the french — Wishes to have the commission of general — Peevish 
 
 expressions of complaint.] 
 
 ''Cadiz, October 21-31, 1694.— My lord ; I have very little to 
 add to what I have writ to Mr. Secretary TrencTiard's letter. Only 
 this minute is come news to me, that the french only appeared at a 
 distance before the coast, off Barcelona, and the 15^000 men, 
 the Spaniards have been so afraid the french would land, are about 
 4,000 recruits. I am also assured the whole french fleet put to 
 sea, giving out they designed for Barcelona, only to draw me to 
 those parts, that they might take the opportunity of coming down 
 with the Brest squadron on the Barbary shore. This news I have 
 from people I employ ; how true it is I will not answer for. Though 
 the time of the year produces, for the most part, very bad weather 
 here, I will do what lies in my power to prevent their passing, 
 though it is a very hard matter. 
 
 " I must beg the favour of your grace to move the king that he 
 will order my commission to be a general. It was what I designed 
 asking his majesty before I left England, that is, when I knew of 
 my coming to these seas ; for admiral in Spain, is squire in Eng- 
 land, so insignificant a name it is in these parts. It is not a new 
 thing; lord Sandwich, Black Dean, jand several othefs had it ; but 
 
 2 E 
 
210 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Cii. 1. 
 
 I would not have your grace think me fond of the thing ; so far 
 from it, that if the king makes the least scruple, I beg you will let it 
 fall; for I can as well dispense the next summer with admiral 
 Russell, as the last ; therefore, I once more beg your grace not to 
 press it, only just move it to his majesty. If it be possible to serve 
 at sea eighteen months, I may hope to see you again ; if not, my 
 cares about my house and garden will be at an end." 
 
 ADMIRAL EUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Allows that the continuance of the fleet has damped the spirits and lowered the reputation 
 of the french — Complains of the conduct of the dutch, and the king's partiality to 
 them — Laments his unpleasant situation — Considerations on the fixture projects of the 
 firench.] 
 
 " Cadiz, November 2-12, 1694. — I cannot express the joy I re^- 
 ceived at reading so kind a letter from the duke of Shrewsbury, 
 inclosed in that grave one from the secretary.* I am sure it is 
 needless to tell your grace how much I value and honour your 
 esteem and friendship, since you know I was not less ambitious of 
 your favour when out of power ; so that I cannot be thought 
 guilty of flattery, when J assure you, I know no man whose 
 favour and friendship I more earnestly beg, and I please myself 
 with the thoughts, that from your former kindness, and the assur- 
 ance you are now pleased to give me of your friendship, I am not 
 the last man in your esteem. 
 
 " As to what you are pleased to say about the positive orders I 
 received, I will venture to say, there never was the like done, and 
 he that countersigned such a paper was a bad man. I am of your 
 opinion, that the fleet's wintering here, may break some measures 
 the french had taken, and I believe gives them some trouble about 
 their Brest fleet. But since the time of the year is so advanced, I 
 fancy they will keep them all at Toulon, and probably endeavour? 
 this winter and early in the Spring, to join them Avith a number to 
 be superior to ours, and so think of coming down to the place 
 before I am ready; (but in that they will, I believe, be disappointed,) 
 or think to draw the war to these seas. I can raise many objections 
 
 * September 25. 
 
1694] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 211 
 
 to the latter ; for if you are the next summer stronger here than 
 they, it is not to be imagined the prejudice it will do them in their 
 trade, if it be carefully looked after ; and their credit and reputation, 
 by avoiding me, is the most sunk that can be imagined in all this 
 part of the world behind them, that you had no ships, nor durst not 
 meet them, now all people are in admiration of your ships, and 
 have as low esteem of them, if we can hold it. My coming out 
 without any bomb vessels was a great misfortune, and next to 
 that, a number of dutch ships with provisions, only to carry them 
 to Barcelona and home again ; but a certain person* thinks the 
 dutch cannot err, and, God knows, they do nothing else. 
 
 " Now, give me leave to trouble you a little with the uneasiness 
 I have in my letters expressed to lie under. I have not for many 
 years been fond of the sea, and to be kept on board for near two 
 years is enough to try any man's patience, that has less temper 
 than I have. Besides, I had many things in my private concerns 
 that I left at random, expecting my being home by September, and 
 what I suffer will hardly be made up to me by the generosity of a 
 certain person ; and really the expence of being in these seas, if I 
 will live as a man in" my post ought to do, and for the king's 
 honour, is so great, that if you will believe me, I have spent a 
 couple of thousand pounds more than the king allows me as 
 admiral ; and now I come to Cadiz, double that sum will not ex- 
 cuse me, for I will live as an admiral of the king of England ought 
 to live, let me be never so great a sufferer, as I really expect to be. 
 You say this is a time to ask, and certainly I shall not be denied. 
 I will never ask, and he knows not how to give, but I have nothing 
 to ask, for I have no ambition ; all my desire is to live quietly, with- 
 out being forced into such misfortunes as you must believe I lie 
 under, being here. If my services have merited any thing, other 
 people are better judges of that than I am ; and were I in a condi- 
 tion of wanting, I could rather suffer than put the king to the 
 trouble of denying, and myself to the shame of being refused. I 
 know of no favours I have to boast of, and possibly I am prouder 
 
 * The king. 
 
 2e 2 
 
Sl2 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 of being slighted, and (if I may so say), used ill, and persist in 
 doing the best services I can for the sake of my country, than if I 
 had been a favourite, and been rewarded for my endeavours. I 
 can with truth affirm, that since I had the honour to see you, my 
 care and pains have exceeded any day-labourer. I could pass over 
 this, and think my time well spent, if it would produce thanks 
 unasked ; but I know too well, that it is either not believed, or else 
 thought a duty I ought to pay : this I have long perceived, which 
 has made me set my heart more upon my poor country retirement, 
 than otherwise I should have done; If you do not stand my friend, 
 I may be a very great sufferer; for through my foolish notion of 
 living as I think the king of England's admiral ought to do, I 
 shall spend out of my own pocket more than the king allows me, 
 two or three thousand pounds. I shall think it very hard to be ob- 
 liged to what I am, and spend my own fortune for my pains ; and 
 by the taste I had of the king's generosity in my equipage money, I 
 writ you from Malaga, it is much to be feared I may be a sufferer, 
 if some such friend as yourself does not assist me. I must now 
 live as I have begun, let the event be what it will. If you can 
 have the goodness to pardon this long letter, in which I have 
 troubled you with so much relating to myself, I do here promise 
 you for the future to make my letters so much shorter, as what 
 concerns me has filled the paper. 
 
 " But upon the business of thefrench, give me leave to make 
 this conclusion (whether good or bad, you -v^ill be the best judge) : 
 if the french winter with their whole fleet in these seas, one of 
 these things they certainly design : either to hope early in the 
 Spring to pass me, with expectations I shall not be ready ; or else 
 to join a greater force to them here, by sending small numbers at 
 a time, to avoid making any noise, and so be superior to me. 
 Most certainly they will not suffer themselves next year to be in 
 the condition they were in the last. Their reputation in this part of 
 the world is very much lessened. Of the preparations in the west 
 of France I know nothing but from England ; and if the enemy 
 comes to be stronger, I will do as well as I can, but I can fight 
 much better upon an equality. By March, we shall want, at least, 
 
J694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 218 
 
 29 hundred, or 3 thousand men. If 1,500 old soldiers were sent 
 us as part of the recruits, it would do very well. I dread the 
 thoughts of the men the admiralty will send out. If they be young 
 raw fellows, they will presently fall sick ; and if they bring a dis- 
 temper in the fleet, we are undone. I have now done ; I fancy 
 you will be heartily glad of it. What impertinence you find relat- 
 ing to myself, be pleased to pardon, since it comes from a man that 
 is, with all imaginable truth and respect," &c, 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Congratulates him on being in better humour — Wishes him to propose some enterprise 
 against the french — Will mention his extraordinary expenses to the king, who is in 
 good humour with him and his friends — The kbg readily granted him the raidc of 
 general.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Dec. 4-14, 1694, — Sir ; I have received together your 
 letters of the 2nd of October, and the 2nd of November, and 
 desire you will not mistake me so much as to suspect the length 
 of them can be a trouble to one that is so truly your servant. I 
 cannot write a letter as the king's secretary, but at the same time I 
 will write one as Mr. Russell's friend ; and in that tell him how 
 glad I am to find him in a better humour this post than the last. 
 For God's sake consider of what consequence it is to us to do 
 something, if possible, upon the french fleet, before they get Out of 
 those seas, and with cheerfulness propose what yourself approve. 
 The court, the parliament, the people, are in better humour than 
 you can imagine, and one blow now upon France, makes the nation 
 safe and happy for a long time. We have had a great loss in the 
 Archbishop,* but I hope it will be beiter filled than is generally 
 expected. I do not doubt but the first opportunity I can take of 
 laying your extraordinary expense before the king, he will be 
 very reasonable and ready to consider it, for he is in very good 
 humour with you and your friends ; and, though I was extremely 
 surprised, two or three days since, with hearing sir Ralph Delaval 
 had kissed his hands, and since that, Killigrew,-f- the account he 
 
 * Archbishop Tillotson. 
 
 -f- Two tory admirals, who at this time obtained some promotion. 
 
214 CORKESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 gave me of it was so natural, that though I am obliged to secrecy^, 
 I desire you will give me leave so to beg your confidence, as to de- 
 pend upon me, it has nothing of that in it it appears to have. 
 
 " When I proposed to his majesty the giving you the title of 
 general, he made no scruple, and ordered me to search the prece- 
 dents to know in what manner it could be done, which I will take 
 care to do, and by the next post give you a more exact account." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL, 
 [The king hesitates in granting him an additional allowance.] 
 
 " London, the 18-28 Dec. 1694. — Sir; Though by the last post I 
 had a letter from the admiral only, and not one from Mr. Russell, 
 and though I am very much out of humour with the apprehensions 
 of the gout, which will certainly increase whilst I am tied to this 
 hateful, unnatural, sedentary life, yet I cannot omit taking notice 
 to you, that I represented to the king the extraordinary charge 
 you were at, in supporting the character your present circum- 
 stances obliged you to maintain ; and that it would be very severe, 
 if, in addition to your other uneasinesses, you should be forced to 
 run out of your own fortune. I found it had been put into his head, 
 that your command must certainly be very profitable, measuring it 
 upon the advantage that usually attends Straits voyages. I 
 endeavoured to shew him the difference of those cases ; and though 
 then I could not get a positive resolution for a supply to you, yet 
 I have no reason to despair, but when I am able to go abroad and 
 speak to him again, I shall send you a better account of this 
 matter." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Fretful complaints of his own hardships, and the reserve and neglect of the king.] 
 
 " Cadiz Bay, Nov. 28-Dec. 8, 1694. — My lord ; I am extremely 
 obhged to your grace for the very kind letter you was pleased to 
 honour me with, bearing date October 23, and your grace's kind 
 concern for my ill-health, which news arrived with you about that 
 time. I have since troubled you with several letters ; and by the 
 
1694.1 WITHADMIKALRUSSELL. 215 
 
 length of my impertinent epistles, I believe you will conclude I 
 have a large share of health, or rather that the late distemper has 
 turned my brain, and my business now is, to trouble my friends. 
 I am very conscious of my fault, and have asked you a thousand 
 pardons, for taking up so much of your time in things relating to 
 myself; but really I was so full of concern for the public, and ex- 
 treme uneasy that it should fall to my ill-fortune to be commanded, 
 endeavouring to execute, what I fear will never answer what is ex- 
 pected, that my head and heart were so full of grief, that I had no 
 way left to ease me, but by unburthening myself to such a friend as 
 your grace is pleased to allow me the honour to believe. 
 
 " As to what you are pleased to say in your letter, that my 
 confinement here will be thought so meritorious, that whatever I 
 ask either of honour or profit, within the modest bounds of a sub- 
 ject, cannot be refused me ; I must freely confess to your grace, I 
 have been vain enough to think with myself, that before this time, 
 my services have, if not exceeded, yet equalled some that I have 
 seen receive early marks of the king's favour, when I have been 
 wholly unregarded. If I might then have been honoured with 
 any mark of honor, I swear to you, upon the word of a gentleman, 
 I had declined it; and now to desire any thing of that kind, would 
 look to the world as if I took my first rise of receiving a favour or 
 honour from his majesty from this piece of service, as you are 
 pleased to believe it. If my inclinations had so much vanity to 
 hope or expect upon my application, to obtain that mark of his 
 majesty's esteem, I have not a fortune to support it. I can live 
 very well as Mr. Russell ; beyond that, my circumstances will not 
 admit, and I shall be less able after the voyage. 
 
 " But I fear, my lord, you think my service deserves better than 
 the king believes. I ground this thought from never having the 
 honour, in all this time of my being abroad, to have one single line 
 from the king; nay, my orders for remaining here were handed to 
 me under the cover of that never-erring minister Mr. Blathwayt, 
 without ever giving me the least hint of the king's thoughts upon 
 so important a matter ; when at the same time, under my cover, the 
 dutch vice-admiral was honoured with a letter under the king's own 
 
316 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 hand. This, you may please to believe, was no small mortifica- 
 tion to me ; but I have had the ill-fate in this war to meet with 
 many. How well I have deserved them I will not pretend to be a 
 judge in my own case ; but I trust in God I shall get through the 
 many difficulties and hardships I lie under, and yet live a poor 
 honest country gentleman, and make you welcome at Chippen- 
 ham, which is all the honour I desire or have deserved. I hope to 
 enjoy quiet there, a pleasure I have been a stranger to, since the 
 king was pleased to honour me in Holland with his commands to 
 embark in his interest. 
 
 " I have now troubled you with a long letter about myself, and I 
 remember in my last, I promised never to take up your time in 
 what related to my particular concern ; but your grace is in the 
 fault for giving me fresh proofs of your kindness. 
 
 " I am using my utmost endeavours to refit the fleet ; but the 
 weather has been so excessively tempestuous, that has hindered us 
 extremely : no care and pains on my side shall be wanting. I 
 have used the sea 26 years, but in all that time I never underwent 
 half the trouble and fatigue I have done since I saw you. From 
 the 30th of April, to this minute, I have not lain once out of the 
 ship, but continued aboard in all the cruel weather, nor do I know 
 when I shall have time to set my foot on shore, though I have 
 taken and furnished a house. The multiplicity of business does 
 hourly require my being on ship-board, which is a dwelling much 
 worse than a country gaol, but, as the Irishman says, it is nothing. 
 I suppose, when all the dififitcult work is over, the officers of the 
 navy from England, will arrive here to assist me. I am admii'al, 
 commissioner of the navy, victualler, store-keeper, in short every 
 thing but a happy man." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Writes more cheerfully — Dilapidated state of the fleet — Remarks on the intended opera- 
 tions of the ensuing year — Miserable condition of Spain ] 
 
 " Cadiz Bay, Bee. 31-Jan. 10, 1694— My lord ; The last post 
 brought me your grace's letter of Nov. 20. I find by that, you will 
 not allow me to be a competent judge whether my passion has 
 
1694] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 217 
 
 overcome my reason. I confess it was some time before I could 
 relish staying abroad all the winter ; and the world of business 
 that was incumbent upon me, made no small addition to the 
 uneasiness of my mind; but I have called to my remembrance 
 an old saying, ' what can't be cured, nmst be endured/ For 
 the future your grace shall find me make merry. I am using 
 the best endeavours with the commissioner to fit the fleet in time. 
 Many of the ships are in a lamentable weak condition, and the 
 worm — eats terrible ; all these things considered, you must re- 
 solve to have these ships at home early, I mean in August ; but 
 then you will lie under a great difficulty; for if the french con- 
 tinue a fleet here, they will be at liberty, from July to the last 
 of September, to act as they please. In that time they may 
 be masters of all the sea-port towns of Spain. It will be, in 
 my poor opinion, necessary to consider, in time, how to prevent 
 this evil; that is, supposing the fleet of the enemy to remain 
 here, and the summer passes without our being able, by a battle, 
 to decide who shall be master of these seas. If this should so 
 happen, doubtless the argument for a fleet's being here the next 
 winter, will be as strong, if not stronger, than this. I have 
 thought a great deal on the matter ; and the best conclusion I 
 can make is, that when the fleet is at sea in the summer, and 
 the french have no strength in that sea, orders should be 
 given, not to be opened till at sea, for that fleet to pass hither, 
 and then to return, not to stay till the others arrive. This me- 
 thod, I fancy, may be kept so secret, and executed with that 
 diligence, that neither the eneniy nor Spaniards shall know our 
 fleet is returned for England till the other arrives. I may be 
 extremely mistaken in my thoughts on the matter, but I was 
 desirous to otfer my opinion. Certainly something must be 
 timely thought on, to prevent the french having all Spain, or as 
 much as they please ; for, by what I can learn, Spain is, if pos- 
 sible, in a worse condition ihis year to defend itself, than the 
 last: they are a miserable people, purse-proud and ignorant, 
 and amongst them as much knavery as can be found in the 
 north. Pray let me receive your commands in what relates to 
 
 2 F 
 
218 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 1. 
 
 the public. I would fain do some service here, if I knew how, 
 and you may be assured I will not be wanting to seek the 
 occasion. 
 
 " You are pleased in your letter to tell me I am in much the 
 most considerable post of any subject in the world. Please to 
 pardon me, if I think commanding the whole fleet was a greater 
 post than this of part ; but I agree my trouble has been greater, 
 and of longer continuance than any subject's ; but now I am 
 pretty well at ease as to that matter. I do not doubt but 
 your grace and the rest of my friends blame me for having 
 expressed my dislike in staying here. Nobody knows where 
 the shoe pinches but he that wears it. I grow an old fellow ; and 
 as some sort of pleasures have forsaken me, so a little spleen has 
 come upon me." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [Death of queen Mary — Affliction of the king.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Jan. 1-10, 1694-5. — You will excuse my not 
 writing to you with my own hand, which I can scarce do at 
 present. 
 
 " I know you will be as much concerned to receive the melan- 
 choly account, as I am to send it, that the queen fell ill of the 
 small pox, the 20th of December, and died the 28th in the morn- 
 ing. Certainly there never was any one more really and uni- 
 versally lamented ; but the king, particularly, has been dejected 
 by it, beyond what could be imagined ; but I hope he begins to 
 recover out of his great disorder, and that a little time will restore 
 him to his former application to business. 
 
 " The lords and commons have behaved themselves upon this 
 occasion Avith great duty and affection to his majesty, in their 
 seasonable resolutions to stand by him in the defence and support 
 of his person and government." 
 
1694.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 219 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [Has been prevented, by the king's affliction, from pressing his requests.] 
 
 " 1Vi7idsor, Jan. 15-25, 1694-5. — Ever since I received your's of 
 the 28th of November, and for some time before, I have been 
 troubled with a weakness in my eye, Avhich continuing still upon 
 me, I am here now, to try if rest and air will give me any relief. 
 This misfortune of my own, joined with the affliction his 
 majesty has been under, and still expresses, to a passionate degree, 
 has hindered me from making any steps towards what you com- 
 manded me, in your late letters. I dare not yet be too bold in 
 writing, therefore, I hope yjou will excuse this short letter from," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Has not ventured to read his letters to the king, but has communicated their substance — 
 The king expresses an inclination to serve him, but is cold on the demand of an 
 additional allowance — The king reconciled with the princess Anne.] 
 
 " Jan. 29j 1694-5. — Between my OAvn ill health, and the re- 
 tired manner his majesty has lived in, since his last great misfor- 
 tune, I could get but one convenient time to lay before him the 
 contents of your's of the 28th of November. 
 
 " Since y*ou left it to my management, I did not read your 
 letter to his majesty, fearing some expressions in it were too warm, 
 if not too harsh ; but punctually repeated the contents of all 
 your grievances, which were heard with great patience, and an- 
 swered with much kindness ; assuring me, there was no opportu- 
 nity he would not lay hold of to shew his esteem and good 
 wishes to you. I mentioned the expense you were at ; but you 
 know his dry way of answering such proposals, till they are well 
 pressed upon him, which I engage shall not be wanting on my part, 
 when his condition makes it a little more decent. He told me 
 what you took ill in his Avriting in his own hand to the dutch 
 vice-admiral, inclosed in your packet, with the orders to remain 
 in the Straits, was a mistake, which he tells me he has Avrit to 
 you ; and when he particularly directed me to write to you, I 
 think it was the 8th of the last month, concerning what should 
 -H 2 F 2 
 
220 CORRESPONDENCE [Part IT. Ch. 1. 
 
 be undertaken in the next campaign, it was upon heads taken 
 from his own mouth, and which he designed at first to write to 
 you himself, till he recollected you would want an interpreter* 
 to understand his letter. 
 
 " Since the death of the queen, and the reconciliation between 
 the king and princess, her court is as much crowded as it was 
 before deserted. She has omitted no opportunity to shew her 
 zeal for his majesty and his government ; and our friend, -j- who 
 has no small credit with her, seems very resolved to contribute to 
 the continuance of this union, as the only thing that can support 
 her, or both. I do not see he is likely, at present, to get much by 
 it, not having yet kissed the king's hand, but his reversion is 
 very fair and great. This is too long a letter for the Aveakness of 
 my eyes, but I could not stop sooner, and am, Sir," &c. 
 
 < 
 
 * The king usually wrote in french, which admiral Russell did not understand. 
 
 •f- The earl of Marlborough. — See the Memoirs of the duke of Marlborough, Chap. 6. 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 221 
 
 CHAPTER 2. 
 1695. 
 
 Proceedings of the jket in the Mediterranean — Transport of a reinforcement of troops, 
 from Finale to Catalonia — •Russell approaches the french coast, but is driven off 
 hy a storm — Offends the king by his fretful complaints — Military operations in eon- 
 Junction with the Spaniards in Catalonia — Destitute condition of the Spanish army — 
 Second expedition to the coast of Provence — Disappointed in his purpose of attacking 
 Toulon— Resumes his station at Cadiz — Considerations on the state of the fleet, and 
 its disposition after his departure — Returns to England— 'Succeeded in the command, 
 by sir George Rooke — Correspondence from February to September, 1695. 
 
 Admiral RUSSELL employed the winter in refitting and 
 preparing his fleet; and, in the beginning of February, was gra- 
 tified by the arrival of a plentiful supply of provisions. In April, 
 also, he was joined by a body of 4,500 land troops, vmder the 
 command of brigadier Stuart, accompanied by a fleet of vic- 
 tuallers, and twelve bomb vessels. 
 
 Soon afterwards he put to sea, and arriving off Barcelona in 
 May, found the Spanish affairs in that province, in the same de- 
 clining state as before. It being now necessary to adopt some 
 decisive plan of action, admiral Neville was detached with a 
 squadron, to convoy a body of Spanish troops from Finale ; and 
 at the same time was instructed to ascertain the dispositions of 
 the duke of Savoy, with respect to an attack on Toulon, or an 
 invasion of the french territory, with the assistance of the fleet. 
 Finding, however, that no effective co-operation was to be ex- 
 pected from the duke, Neville accomplished the only service in 
 his power to perform, by joining the grand fleet with the Spanish 
 troops under his protection. 
 
 The british admiral, thus left to his own resources, was anxious 
 to annoy the enemy by some attempt on Toulon or Marseilles ; 
 but at this juncture he was earnestly solicited by the marquess of 
 
222 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 Gastanaga, governor of Catalonia, to assist in the recovery of 
 Palamos, with the troops under his orders. He comphed, and 
 the forces were landed ; but the attempt proved utterly futile, and 
 terminated in an useless bombardment of the town and castle. The 
 narrative of this transaction will appear in the subsequent pages. 
 
 Still, however, the admiral did not desist from his design of 
 harassing the enemy ; and, accordingly, stretched across to the 
 coast of Provence, to ascertain the practicability of an attack on 
 Toulon or Marseilles, but he found the enemy far better prepared 
 for defence than Avas expected, and was driven off the coast by a 
 violent tempest, which considerably damaged his ships. As the 
 autumn was then arrived, he despaired of effecting any farther 
 service in the Mediterranean, and, in the latter end of September, 
 resumed his station in the bay of Cadiz, 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks him for procuring the commission of general — Chagrined at the parsimony of 
 the king — Complains of his expenses, and denies that he has made any profit in 
 his command.] 
 
 '■'■ Feh. 10-20, 1695. — My lord; The commission* you was 
 pleased to mention is come to me, and in as good a form, I think, 
 as the thing will admit of ; I am to return your grace many thanks 
 for your favour and kindness in this matter. The having this pom- 
 mission will look better in this country than any other, and pro- 
 duce more respect, which was the only cause of my first moving 
 it to you, and not from any vanity of my own ; though if I may 
 say, without appearing vain, I have, in all outward appearance, 
 settled myself as much in the Spaniards^ esteem, as I could do 
 with all the titles that could be given me. I hope they speak 
 well of me behind my back ; they make great compliments to my 
 face, and in their letters. What you are pleased to say of the 
 king's being possessed with an opinion I should make great profits 
 here, I do not wonder at, these voyages having proved very be- 
 neficial to the chief commanders ; but I cannot bring myself to 
 
 * The commission as captain-general. 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 223 
 
 make the profits formerly practised. I do not share Avith the 
 commanders in what they make, as usual ; nor do I, in any kind, 
 make use of the little ways and means that have been the custom. 
 I will shew the world I am above that ; and in this I considered 
 the king's honour as also in my way of living. I am sure no 
 man out of England ever served more for the honour of his king 
 and country than I have done ; and where any other admiral has 
 spent a pound, I have spent fifty. I do not say this to press you 
 to importune the king, for I am satisfied. Knowing the worst 
 of any thing, I am always easy, and rest satisfied ; but it is na- 
 tural to think a great prince should take care of a subject, that 
 considers his glory more than advantages to himself. This has 
 been the method for kings to oblige their subjects to serve well, 
 and depend on their rewarding them for those services ; but if I 
 can contrive to come home no worse a man in my fortune than 
 I went out, I shall be satisfied. 
 
 " Upon the small encouragement the king gave you, to expect 
 any consideration from him on my behalf, a wise man would 
 retrench his expenses ; but I cannot do that : I must persist in 
 my foolishness, and repent at leisure. If I might meddle with 
 any of the prizes, I could put money in my pocket ; but to this 
 minute, I have not touched or concerned myself with the value 
 of a shilling. Upon the whole, I do assure you, I have not, by 
 any ways whatever, since I came into the Straits, made to myself 
 the advantage of a pistole, and many a thousand it has cost me. 
 I desire you will let that request fall : I shall take some pleasure 
 in saying, I have served thus long abroad for nothing; and, God 
 be praised, I can serve to my mind, in as much plenty as I 
 desire. 
 
 " As to what you say about being vice-admiral of England, I 
 do not know what answer to make to it. You are in the right, 
 I have often said I would not have it ; it is only a feather in one's 
 cap. If I thought, after I came home, I should have any thing 
 to do in the navy, it would incline me more to desire it ; but I 
 know not what I would wish as to that business, but submit 
 myself to your disposal, as to that and all things that relate to 
 
124 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt II.— Ch. 1 
 
 me. You shall never hear any more complaints from me. I stand 
 corrected. Order the fleet and me as you please, I will cheerfully 
 obey ; and though I confess my staying abroad was a great trial 
 of my temper, and judge by yourself, if you had been in my 
 case, it will not appear so very strange a thing, if I should desire 
 to be at home, in quiet ; but I have mastered that folly, as it is 
 thought. I may say, without vanity, no man ever took more 
 pains than I have done, and in some measure I have been suc- 
 cessful, in making the fleet, as much as possible, interrupt the 
 french trade. I hope to make it yet more ; my endeavours shall 
 not be wanting. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [The king desires him to remain another winter in the Mediterranean, but refrains from 
 pressing — The duke requests to know his wishes, and will second them.J 
 
 " Whitehall, March 12-22, 1694-5. — Sir; Since my return from 
 Eyford, I have communicated to his majesty the contents of your 
 three private letters to me, of the 2nd and 31st Dec. and the 13th 
 Jan. In great part he approves of what you propose as to the 
 method of changing the fleets ; and is resolved, in a very few 
 days, to take that matter seriously into his consideration. The 
 number and strength of the ships with you is so much greater 
 than what remains here, that some of those now with you must 
 continue there, or the fleet, next year, in the Mediterranean, will 
 hardly be of force sufficient to be masters in those seas. I find 
 his majesty very desirous you should remain there, with the com- 
 mand of the fleet the next winter, if it continues ; and yet con- 
 siders so much your loss, and the hardship it is to keep you so 
 long in banishment, that he has, with difficulty, thoughts of 
 proposing it to you. His majesty, I beheve, has expected I 
 should be informed of your inclination, which I did not dare 
 absolutely to take upon me to know ; but in my own judgment, 
 incHning rather to believe you will desire to see England, I have 
 prepared him for that choice, in case it should be your's. I desire, 
 by the first opportunity, after the receipt of this, you will let me 
 know, in a private letter, what you would rather do. If you 
 
1695.] ' WITH ADMIRAL HUSSELL. 
 
 come home, sir George Rooke, I imagine, is designed to succeed 
 you in your command in the Straits. I will use no persuasions ; 
 for, between the service you may do there, and the desire I have 
 to see you here, 1 scarce know what I do wish, though, as an 
 engUshman, I well know what I ought to wish. The address of" 
 the house of lords, which I conclude Mr. Vernon sends, will 
 shew you how much the staying of the fleet in the Mediterranean 
 has pleased there. I, who come out of the country, can assure 
 you it has the same approbation there. I hope the success will 
 answer it." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Is glad the commission is to his satisfaction— Has not pressed his appointment as vice- 
 admiral of England.] 
 
 " London, April 9-19? 1695. — Sir ; I am glad the commission 
 was as you desired it. The king himself mentioned something to 
 me of your being vice-admiral, but with his usual inclination to 
 delays, thought it better to be done when you returned'. T would 
 not press too much for the present, because you ordered me not 
 to do so ; nor would I insist upon an absolute promise at your 
 return ; it being what will then be impossible not to be offered to 
 you : and I would not give him the least ground to imagine that 
 would be the sum of your pretensions, who have deserved from 
 him and this nation all that can be given you. 
 
 " The paper you sent of the condition of the ships comes very 
 opportunely, as you will perceive by letters I have writ. His 
 majesty has now the state of both fleets before him, and says he 
 will very soon take a resolution how they shall act next winter, 
 and in what manner the weak ships with them shall be relieved ; 
 but the time of the year presses his going over ; and the french 
 having drawn together, to enlarge their lines, makes him now 
 more impatient for a conclusion of the session ; so that I doubt 
 determinations will be made in a hurry, not proper for a matter of 
 this weight and difficulty. 
 
 " I suppose the public news will have informed you what 
 
 2 G 
 
226 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet Il.-Cir, 2, 
 
 bribery has been proved upon some members of parliament,* and 
 what suspicion upon others ; in short, these inquiries have thrown 
 so much dirt, that I conclude this same parliament can never 
 sit again. I think it fit to give you this hint, that if a new one 
 should be called before your return, you might write to whom 
 you think proper here to secure your own election ; for in one 
 house or other it is certainly necessary you should be." 
 
 REPLY OF ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Is flattered with the king's good opinion, but declines remaining another winter, on ac- 
 count of ill-health — Considerations on the state of the fleet, and future arrangements.] 
 
 " Cadiz Bay, April 16-26, 1695. —* * * * I am extremely proud 
 of the honour his majesty is pleased to do me, in approving of my 
 endeavours to serve him, which shall always be my study ; but I 
 cannot possibly bring myself to have so vain a thought as to 
 believe my capacity or endeavours will make the service more 
 successful, than it would be under another man's management, 
 well knowing my own weakness as to the first ; and though my 
 endeavours are with never so much pains and industry, other men 
 may have a faculty of dispatching with ease what costs me labour. 
 Was my temper or health in such a state as would admit of 9, 
 longer stay in these parts, under the fatigue that the business 
 creates to me, I should be very glad to remain another year, since 
 his majesty has so favourable an opinion of my service (as yoirr 
 grace is pleased to write me) ; but really, without the least dissi- 
 mulation, or making excuses, I am in no condition to undergo 
 the like I have. I will not trouble you with my own private 
 circumstances, which, by my unexpected long stay here, are in 
 a very disordered condition ; that is the least of my concern in 
 the matter of staying abroad another year ; but I am so very 
 much out of order in my health, that unless I can come for 
 England, to receive the benefit of the waters, and the Bath, I 
 
 * The duke alludes to the charges of venality and corruption brought forward against 
 several members of the House of Commons, on the subject of the Orphan Bill and the 
 renewal of the East India Company's Charter, in consec[uence of which, the speaker-; sir 
 John Trevor, was expelled. 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 227 
 
 very much apprehend I shall lay my bones in this country, where 
 you know they will not give us heretics christian burial. But, 
 setting aside raillery, I am so much out of order, that another 
 winter I am not able to live in this country. The business that 
 I may lie under is not what much troubles me, for that every day 
 will grow less and less, here being now all the proper officers 
 to attend the service, and are become very expert at what can 
 be required of them ; so that I am past over the greatest drudgery; 
 therefore, pray believe I have not the least uneasy thought upon 
 that matter ; and what I must farther observe to you, is, that the 
 summer service will be, if not quite, yet in a great measure over, 
 before I shall be relieved ; so that the whole business of whom- 
 ever is to relieve me, will only be to mind refitting the fleet, and 
 to order such cruizers abroad as he shall judge necessary. I say 
 this to shew you how small the business will be to him that comes 
 in my place, though I know the king will make choice of such 
 as will perform and go through with any difficulties, if such should 
 arise (not now to be foreseen), much better than I am able ; and 
 therefore, I must earnestly beg of you to lay this matter before 
 the king in such manner as I may conclude with myself, another 
 will succeed me, and that I may hope to have the honour to see 
 you this next autumn in England/' 
 
 After entering into various details with regard to the state of 
 the fleet, he proceeds : 
 
 " The next thing to be considered is, the time when the ships 
 designed home shall be upon their returning ; this, if not timely 
 resolved upon, may prove of the last ill-consequence ; for if they 
 be not in England before the ill-weather sets in, I fear few of 
 them but will fall in pieces ; for all August, I think, they should 
 be in some port of England. If the time be prolonged, I should 
 be very unwillino- to give my opinion for their proceeding from 
 Cadiz. Whatever can be done upon the enemy, must be over by 
 the last of June, or middle of July ; so that by the latter end of 
 July the ships for England should be retiring, and I think it may 
 be done upon pretence of watering, that hardly any body may 
 know of their being designed home ; and if, as you say, the king 
 
 2 G 2 
 
228 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2 
 
 approves of my notion to have one fleet coming, while the other 
 is returning, I may leave orders with the consuls of the several 
 towns, from Cadiz to Barcelona to be given the officer that comes 
 out, or to whomever he send in, under the obligation of secrecy. 
 By these orders he will know what ships I leave, and in what 
 port they are to be found. I desire I may be fully instructed 
 relating to the dutch ships, whether all, or what part is to con- 
 tinue ; as also the land-forces under brigadier Stewart/* 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [The king earnestly wishes him to use every effort in his power for the defence of Barce- 
 lona, unless he should have formed some design on Toulon and Marseilles.] 
 
 " London, May 7-17, l695. — Sir ; His majesty waits now a fair 
 wind to carry him to Holland, and before his departure has com- 
 manded me to signify his pleasure, that in the first place you care- 
 fully endeavour to protect the trade, and, as much as you can, 
 to secure the coast of Spain, but more especially the town of 
 Barcelonia, which his majesty thinks of so great importance to 
 the common interest, that in case it should be in danger of being 
 attacked by the enemy, he particularly directs that the four re- 
 giments now with you, be immediately put into the town, for the 
 defence of it ; unless, by concert with my lord Gal way, or other- 
 wise, you should have formed some design you judge likely to 
 succeed, either upon Toulon or Marseilles ; and that the four re- 
 giments be thought necessary to assist in the carrying on that 
 attempt : in which case his majesty would not have them diverted 
 from that service; the destroying the power of France by sea 
 being what he would have you chiefly endeavour, as thinking it 
 of the first importance to the interest of England. 
 
 " His majesty is not yet come to so perfect a resolution, as to 
 be able to adjust the time when those ships shall return from 
 you, which are judged too weak to remain there another year, nor 
 when it will be proper to send those from hence, which are in- 
 tended to relieve them. He thinks this must depend upon the 
 intelligence of what is preparing at Toulon and Brest; but in the 
 mean time, care will be taken to put the ships here, designed for 
 
1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 229 
 
 the Mediterranean, in as good a condition as can be for those 
 seas, and orders have been given for the providing stores and 
 victuals to be ready by the end of Jnly." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Is preparing to sail — The french think that no attempt will be made on Toulon.] 
 
 " On board the Britannia, Cadiz Bay, May 2-12, 1695. — My 
 lord ; By this post I have little to trouble your grace with, only 
 acquainting you, that the first day a wind presents, I resolve to 
 put to sea ; and with me sixteen of the dutch squadron. The 
 rest that want provisions, vice-admiral Callemberg designs to leave 
 here, to bring up to the place of rendezvous their ships with stores 
 and provisions not yet arrived. This day I have received a letter 
 from lord Galway, dated March the 3rd, with a draught of 
 Toulon, and observations thereupon. It seems, by that letter, 
 the french think it impossible that Toulon should be attempted. 
 I cannot say what can or cannot be done upon this port; the 
 strength there is very great, by several relations 1 have lately had ; 
 but what can be done, your grace may please to believe shall be 
 performed. 
 
 " I most impatiently long for some opportunity of rendering 
 my king and country service, though I fear (as the gentlemen tell 
 that lately came from England) it will not be answerable to what 
 is there expected ; but I shall hope, if I use my endeavours, his 
 majesty will be satisfied, whatever the success may be." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Arrangements for bringing the troops from Finale— Will attack Toulon, if there is the 
 
 least hope of success.] 
 
 " On hoard the Britannia, in Alimnte Road, May 11-21, 1695. — 
 My lord ; At my arrival at this place, I received the honour of 
 your grace's letter, dated March the 26th, with duplicates of those 
 of the 14<th and 20th, which letters I acknowledged the receipt 
 of in my last from Cadiz. I have very little to trouble your grace 
 withal at this time, only that I am now sailing before Barcelona, 
 where it is resolved, by a council of war, that upon what intel- 
 
230 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 ligence we may have of the enemy's preparations, the transport 
 ships to Finale should either be sent by a detachment, or the whole 
 fleet. I am not able to say whether it is possible to attempt any 
 thing upon the enemy's ports, they having, by all the information I 
 can receive, fortified the several places, with their utmost diligence ; 
 but if any thing can be done upon them, your grace may be 
 assured I will not omit it. I hope to receive some advice from my 
 lord Galway, whether any men in the duke of Savoy^s army can 
 be spared to join with those in the fleet, to make that attempt 
 your grace mentions upon Toulon. I hope by the list of ships I 
 sent you home (that may probably be in a condition to remain 
 another winter in these seas), the admiralty will be able to com- 
 plete a strength superior to what the french have now, that being 
 in my opinion of the utmost consequence in case a fleet stay. 
 
 " The dutch men of war and their victualling ships, are not yet 
 arrived, which they are in great want of. Their whole squadron 
 now consists but of sixteen ships." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREW^SBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Is hopeless of any success from an attack on Toulon — Dilapidated state of the coin — 
 Wishes him to bring bullion on his return.] 
 
 "July 2-12, 1695. — Sir; We have had no letter from you since 
 your's of May 11th, O. S., which, requiring no answer, I gave you 
 no trouble the last post, but cannot omit a second, without assuring 
 you of my concern for your success. One need not repeat the 
 importance it would be to destroy the ships at Toulon ; but I 
 doubt the precautions they have taken, will make it very difficult^ 
 if not impossible ; and the land-forces they have in that town, and 
 Marseilles, and thereabouts, are superior to what we can bring to 
 oppose them, unless the disposition of the landing could be so con- 
 trived, that they could not tell in what place you would go ashore, 
 and so be obhged to separate their men, and the execution would 
 be over before they could join them again ; or, that the duke of 
 Savoy could be prevailed upon to quit all his other projects, and 
 undertake this ; but I do not find that is very likely, though I 
 think it demonstrable nothing else can be proposed that is feasi- 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 231 
 
 ble, so much for the interest of the alHes in general, as the destroy- 
 ing the strength of France by sea. This, heartily undertaken on 
 all hands, might be brought about, and a good peace would cer- 
 tainly follow. 
 
 " One of the main difficulties we lie at present under, is the 
 scarcity of good money, and the quantity of bad. This will, I 
 believe, necessitate parliament to an expense for the regulating 
 the coin for the future, and for the present raises guineas to above 
 thirty shillings : the price of guineas raises gold ; gold raises silver* 
 though not equal. This being the case, makes me put you in 
 mind, that bullion, whether of gold or silver, would never be so 
 welcome to us as in this conjuncture, if you have any opportunity 
 of bringing a quantity, when you return, or sending it by a safe 
 conveyance, that may come upon other occasions." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 [The king has sent him discretionary orders for his conduct.] 
 
 *^ TVhitehall, July 4rl4i, 1695. — Sir; Since the writing mine of 
 the 2nd of this month, the lords justices have received a letter from 
 Mr. Blathwayt, by his majesty's desire, upon which the order sent 
 you of this day's date, is grounded.* I hope it will not be dis- 
 pleasing to you, at least, since as to what relates to your own person, 
 it gives you a greater latitude than before ; and my opinion has 
 ever been, you should not be restrained, but left to your own 
 judgment, because nobody can judge so well what is fit, nor is 
 more concerned for the success," &c. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has approached Marseilles — Driven off the coast by a heavy storm— Complains of the 
 weakness of the dutch squadron — Lord Galway acquaints him that no aid can be 
 furnished by the duke of Savoy— Desertion among the french troops in Catalonia.] 
 
 " On board the Britannia, 6 leagues south from the isles of Hieres, 
 14-24 June, l695.-f — My lord; When I came upon this station, I 
 
 * Allowing him permission to return. 
 
 f In this, as in other instances, we have placed the letters, rather according to the order 
 of facts than of dates. 
 
232 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 ordered several light frigates before Marseilles and Toulon : from 
 both places I have taken boats and. vessels, which assured me 
 their fleet was not in a readiness to come out to sea, and of their 
 having made all imaginable preparations to defend themselves 
 against any attempt I should make. Upon this news, I sent away 
 rear-admiral Neville, with eight ships of war, and two fire ships, to 
 convoy the transport ships to Finale, and to bring the ships and 
 soldiers to this place. In the mean time, that I may not lie idle, I 
 had ordered rear-admiral Mitchell, with a squadron of light 
 frigates, in which was to go the engineer Beckman, and the four 
 land colonels, to view Marseilles, while I stay with the fleet in 
 sight of them, that from their information I might take measures 
 to attempt that place. But the next day I had a most violent 
 storm at north-west, which continued with me three days and 
 three nights, driving me near fifty leagues to the southward. God 
 be praised, the fleet received no other damage than what can be 
 repaired here, besides the terrible complaints, which all the cap- 
 tains made of their ships being leaky. Rear-admiral Neville has 
 now joined me ; and after dispatching a proper convoy with the 
 soldiers, must be forced to water the fleet : when that is done, I 
 shall return to this place, where 1 resolve very well to inform my- 
 self, if any service can be done upon Toulon or Marseilles ; for 
 though I meet with nobody that does not talk of these places, as if 
 it was an enterprise not possible to imagine success ; I will not 
 rely upon hearsay, but as much as can be, will be a judge of the 
 thing myself. Your grace may be assured, I will not lay aside the 
 thoughts of these places upon slight information. At Toulon 
 there are fifty-two ships of the line, at Marseilles were thirty-six 
 gallies, ready fitted, but twenty I saw early one morning going 
 into Toulon. These gallies may make an attempt more difficult 
 with- bomb ships, not having any thing proper to protect them 
 against the gallies ; but if it appears that I can bring the bomb 
 ships near enough to do execution, I will take the best care I can 
 to protect them. 
 
 " I am very sorry that care has not been taken to send the 
 dutch ships and provisions in time. Since I left Cadiz, I have 
 
1695.1 WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 233 
 
 had but fourteen ships of war of that nation ; and being obliged to 
 send ships to Leghorne, Finale, and Messina, I have come before 
 this port with forty ships, great and small. My lord Galway 
 writes to me that I must not expect any assistance of land-men 
 from Savoy, measures being taken to besiege Casale, so that Nice, 
 which was a place very necessary to be regained, must remain in 
 possession of the french, without which they cannot march into 
 Provence. I reckon Catalonia is secure by the help of the men 
 now sent, with those that are expected from Flanders, and the 
 great desertion there is daily of the french army; and to encourage 
 that, I have sent several hundreds of papers, in french, dutch, and 
 english, promising rewards, and liberty to dispose of themselves as 
 they please, to all such as shall repair to the consul of Barcelona. 
 I make no question but it will have a good effect. I have already 
 suppUed the regiments with one hundred and thirty, and have now 
 at Barcelona more than that number waiting for the fleet. Several 
 of them that come are men taken at the battles of Fleuruss, 
 Steenkirk, and Camaret, though many french, germans, and swiss 
 come away also. The french army is not above nine thousand foot 
 and three thousand horse, and those in no good condition. I have 
 nothing more to trouble your grace withal, but that I am with 
 great respect," &c, 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [Is glad he approves what has heen done as. to the commission of vice admiral — The pubhc 
 much discouraged by the report of his return from his command.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 30-Aug. 9, 1695.— Sir ; This is only to ac- 
 knowledge Mr. Russell's letter of the 12th of June, to his humble 
 servant. I am glad you approve my conduct in the matter of the 
 vice-admiral. I did it for the best, and to answer the character I 
 believe you desire always to have, and that which the world does 
 you the justice to allow you. 
 
 " If you have any vanity left, it would rejoice a stoic to see the 
 concern the city is in, upon the report of your coming home, and 
 sir George Rooke's going in your place. I am informed, several 
 turkish merchants that have bought their effects, upon Ithis altera- 
 
 2 H 
 
234 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 tion, resolve not to venture them. The truth of the matter is, to 
 oblige you to stay longer, would have been a barbarity to you, and 
 your not staying is a cruelty to the public. In my own particular, 
 I am a good deal comforted with the expectation of seeing you, 
 which will ever be most agreeable to," &c. 
 
 The next letter is that to which allusion has already been made, 
 in the correspondence between king William and the duke of 
 Shrewsbury. It was sent through Trance, and being addressed 
 under cover to secretary Blathwayt, was opened by the king him- 
 self. The style of reproach in which it was written, and the acri- 
 monious invectives against the dutch, will easily account for the 
 impression it made on the royal mind, and the censures it drew 
 from the duke of Shrewsbury in reply. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Barcelona Road, 21-31 July, 1695. — I herewith acknowledge 
 the receipt of their excellencies, the lords justice's order of the 
 11th of June, which, by the grace of God, I will obey in the best 
 manner I can. I am afraid my temper has been represented to be 
 too firoward and uneasy, which inclines me to make no reply or 
 representations to the orders I receive. But this last order, which 
 comes by his majesty's directions to the lords justices, will prove 
 (as I apprehend) so very prejudicial, that I could not avoid laying 
 my thoughts before them, and I hope your grace will not believe it 
 proceeds from any uneasiness that I lie under, but purely for the 
 public service. 
 
 " I will depend so much on your grace's good nature to forgive 
 me, that I will trouble you in this private letter with what offers to 
 me on the whole matter. 
 
 " Except it be those ships represented to you in my letter from 
 Cadiz, of the 17th April, O. S., there is not any other but what 
 ought to be on their passage to England ; and should I, pursuant 
 to the order, send such ships home, as are not fit to continue longer 
 abroad, I would be glad to be informed of what use the remaining 
 part would be here, till joined by a farther strength ; so that since 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 235 
 
 these ships must remain till the latter end of September, or 
 beginning of October, to perform some Flemish expedition, I do 
 affirm to you, that it is impossible for them to return home with 
 any reasonable hopes of safety. 
 
 " The king might have been pleased to impose what hardships 
 he had thought fit, upon me (as making a winter voyage for Eng- 
 land, is a great one) ; I should have been very well satisfied ; but 
 to expose the fleet to so apparent danger, upon no other account 
 (as I can foresee) than saving the dutch their money, of which I 
 have had many instances this voyage, I cannot but repine at it, 
 to a degree that gives me all imaginable disquiet. It is not hard 
 to guess that this advice comes from secretary De Wield}', of the 
 admiralty of Amsterdam, and I cannot bear the thoughts that a 
 dutch secretary should govern the english fleet. Had there been 
 any one reason given against the representation the lords justices 
 made to the king, for the defective ships returning, I could in some 
 measure have been satisfied ; but, as matters are now ordered, the 
 consequence I fear will be, that the three-decked ships must 
 winter at Cadiz ; and from their own weakness, and the worms 
 eating, it will be almost impossible ever to get them home again ; 
 or if otherwise, and they proceed in October, it being the most 
 tempestuous season in the year, they will perish in the sea. If I 
 am not extremely out in my calculation of this matter, I am sure 
 your grace's thoughts will be no more at quiet than mine are. 
 Had the dutch complied with their quota of twenty-four ships (of 
 which ten considerable ships have been all this summer wanting), 
 as I have said in my letter to the lords justices, I should have sent 
 with the turkey convoy, those of my fleet, that are in the very 
 worst condition, which would have been some ease to my mind. 
 But when these ships will arrive, God knows, and these here, had 
 I not lent them money, must have remained at anchor at Barce- 
 lona all this summer, nor have I had any service from them in the 
 winter. Their constant want of provisions, and their thriftiness in 
 not allowing their ships to be cleaned, has made them of no other 
 service than lying for a shew in the Bay of Cadiz. 
 
 " I must desire the favour of your grace, that I may know 
 
 2 H 2 
 
236 COERESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 whether any ships are coming out of England, that I may leave in 
 the several ports the necessary orders for their proceeding ; and 
 what flags shall be here to govern the fleet after September ; for at 
 present, I know nothing, but that after that month I may be 
 drowned in coming home. . I am not free from the apprehension 
 of an order coming to me to stop me here all this winter, which, if 
 such a thing should happen, I will rather run the hazard of his 
 majesty's displeasure, than remain here; for I am already ruined in 
 my health ; and whatever people may surmise to the contrary, I 
 am very considerably a worse man in my own fortune than when 
 I left England ; nor am I under the least expectation or hopes of 
 that being made good to me by his majesty's bounty or generosity. 
 But pardon this expression, being things that give me no uneasi- 
 ness. 
 
 " I have at last got the turkey fleet, and am sending them to 
 Cadiz, in order to their proceeding home. They will be accom- 
 panied by the Grafton, Edgar, Warspight, and a fireship. God 
 send them safe. 
 
 " I have no news to write to your grace from this place, but 
 that I design to go to-morrow to the coast of Provence, before the 
 vice-king here can propose an immediate service for them. I am 
 ordered to pay the english troops their subsistence, without having 
 any money ; nor is there for their better government any power to 
 place or displace officers. I do not say this, that I desire it, but 
 questionless, for discipline's sake, it should not be wanting in some 
 hand or other. I must beg your grace's pardon, that this letter 
 comes not in my own hand-writing ; at present I have a great 
 lameness in my hand, that it is with some difficulty I hold a pen 
 to subscribe my name." 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 a 
 
 JVhitehall, Aug. 27-Sept. 6, 1695. — Sir ; Your letter of the 
 21st of July, 0. S., came to my hands the 23rd of August, by the 
 way of the Groine ; but a few days before I received that letter, 
 Mr. Blathwayt sent one of the same date from you to the- lords 
 justices, which came inclosed to him through France, and told me 
 
1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 237 
 
 there was one also from you to me, which his majesty had, and 
 would send me by the next post. My lord Portland writ me an 
 excuse from the king, that he had not had time to write. Another 
 post is since come, and I hear nothing from his majesty, which 
 is the less to be wondered at, because the present posture of his 
 affairs in Flanders is perhaps in a greater crisis than ever they 
 were ; but taking it for granted that letter which is in his majesty "s 
 hands, from you to me, is the duplicate of your's of the 21st of 
 July sent by the Groine, it bearing the same date, you may 
 imagine the pain I am in to know how the king will resent some 
 expressions in that letter, a little too free for his perusal. You 
 must give me leave to think you even in the wrong, to send any 
 letter through France, that gave so exact an account of the con- 
 dition of your fleet, and how it was to be disposed of the rest 
 of the summer ; but if that was not very cautious, with respect to 
 the public the inclosing a letter to me in one to Mr. Blathwayt, 
 of the nature of your's, was not more careful of yourself, since 
 curiosity or suspicion might very well invite the king to what 
 has unluckily happened. What sort of effect this will have upon 
 him, I know not; what I shall say, I wish I may, when I do know ; 
 but in the mean time wish you success in what you undertake 
 before you return, and then a safe and speedy voyage to your 
 friends, among whom none will be more glad to see you than, 
 dear Mr. Russell, your's," &c. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Sends an account of his proceedings at Palamos — Complains of the weakness of his fleet — 
 
 Is going to examine Toulon.J 
 
 " On board the Britannia, before Palamos, Jug. 16-26, 1695.— 
 My lord ; In my letter to your grace of the 21st of July from 
 Barcelona, I sent you word fh6 vice-king desired my assistance 
 for retaking Palamos, in order to' which I came with the fleet 
 to this place. The following account is what happened while 
 we lay there. I am now going before Toulon. Probably the news 
 of my having sent several ships home, may encourage them to 
 
238 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 3. 
 
 give me battle, especially being upon their own coast. I am 
 joined by the five dutch ships left at Cadiz, for want of provision. 
 The four others that came with the soldiers are at Barcelona, and 
 I do not find that they design for the fleet, being ordered to 
 convoy back the same ships to Alicant ; and when they are 
 loaded with salt, to take them and those that came with the 
 soldiers from Finale, seeing them to Cadiz ; so I am not like 
 to have any benefit by them. From Toulon I design to go off 
 Alicant, for these seas are too troublesome to be in in September. 
 I know not what to do ; for unless some ships come from England, 
 of which I have not the least notice, it will be impossible to send 
 any more ships home, Avith safety to those that are to remain ; 
 and the time of the year will be so far advanced, that I am in 
 no small fear for the preservation of those that are to go home. 
 Thus I labour under daily inconveniences, which I fear nobody 
 in England thinks of; but I will struggle with them as well as 
 I can." 
 
 [Account of the proceedings from the first time it was desired of me that his majesty's 
 subjects should land in Catalonia — Sent to the duke of Shrewsbury, inclosed in the 
 preceding letter.] 
 
 " On board the Britannia, before Palamos, Aug. 16-26, 1695. — 
 In answer to a letter I received from the vice-king, I promised 
 him the assistance of his majesty's troops, in case he could pro- 
 pose making use of them for any sudden enterprise. Upon which 
 he desired a conference with me at Blanos, which place was near 
 half an hour's riding from his camp. At my arrival there with 
 the fleet, it was proposed to me that I would suffer his majesty's 
 troops to land there, in order to march to besiege Palamos, that 
 being about two days march from Blanos. I, foreseeing the 
 many inconveniences that might attend their landing there, excused 
 it ; but that if they were in condition to lay siege to Palamos, I 
 would land three or four thousand men, in the bay near that 
 place, with this consideration, that I could not answer for their 
 being from the fleet more than seven or eight days ; and that he 
 must order his aifairs after such a manner, that in case the naval 
 
1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 239 
 
 power of France appeared, I must have my men re-embarked ; 
 for that I could not answer their being from the fleet more than 
 the time before Hmited, to all which he agreed. I then sent bri- 
 gadier Stewart on shore, to adjust all such matters with him as 
 was necessary for the troops, and then dispatched away a vessel 
 before Toulon, to endeavour the taking some prisoners, that I 
 might certainly know what the enemy was doing ; after which I 
 sailed with the fleet before Palamos, the Spanish army arriving 
 near St. Feleu, Wednesday the 7-1 7th. The brigadier attended 
 upon him and the Spanish generals, they assuring him all things 
 were ready for the siege ; and that the french army (which was 
 small in number) was beyond a town called Bisbal, four leagues 
 from Palamos. 
 
 " According to their desire, on Friday the 9- 19th, by two 
 o'clock in the morning, I landed three thousand of his majesty's 
 subjects, and five hundred of the subjects of the states-general, 
 under the command of count Nassau. The goodness of the men 
 was such, as the Spaniards stood in admiration of. The same day, 
 by nine in the morning, the army marched, and encamped that 
 night about two miles from Palamos. All this time there was no 
 news of the enemy ; but the next morning, when my men, Avho 
 had the van of the army, marched out of the narrow ways into 
 a defile, the enemy appeared in great numbers, and especially 
 horse ; but that put no stop to their march, but they went on and 
 possessed themselves of the ground near the town, that was de- 
 signed for them. This was a great surprise, all people taking it 
 for granted the enemy was not within two days march of them. 
 
 " After the army was encamped, they endeavoured to secure 
 themselves in the best manner they could; but every thing was 
 wanting that was necessary, and the Spaniards, in a terrible fright, 
 begging my men to stand by them. The next morning the 
 enemy's whole army was drawn up in battalia, the foot upon the 
 hills, and the horse in the valley, about a mile from them. The 
 account the deserters gave, was, that the enemy resolved to give 
 the Spaniards battle, and, as they termed it, ride over them, not 
 knoAving, till that night, that I had landed any men. All this day 
 
240 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2- 
 
 and night the army was under their arms, and my men without 
 bread and wine, which they had promised to provide at their 
 landing; and had they not carried on shore a few poll-axes and 
 hatchets, the Spaniards were not able to provide them wherewith 
 to cut trees and boughs, to make the necessary security for them- 
 selves ; nor Avere there any spades to make entrenchments. At 
 this time the Spaniards were so scared, that they gave the right 
 of the army to brigadier Stewart, and desired him to command 
 and do as he thought fit ; the vice-king sending me word he 
 had intelligence by deserters, that the enemy was to be reinforced 
 by four thousand Roussillions and three hundred horse ; that his 
 whole dependence was upon the troops I had lent him, and ex- 
 pected a battle the next morning, at which time the enemy ap- 
 peared drawn up within half an hour's march, having that morn- 
 ing given wine and brandy to their men, resolving to attack the 
 english brigade; so that if they could beat them, they made no 
 account of the Spaniards. But after marching about two hundred 
 yards, they wheeled about, and marched directly away, which was 
 no small joy to the Spaniards, who were before terrified out of 
 their wits. This was the first time my men had any rest since 
 their first landing. 
 
 " The vice-king sending me word of this with great joy, desired 
 I would the next morning bombard the town and castle, which I 
 accordingly did ; and though the sea was great, and the place a 
 small mark to hit, the town and castle were in a manner de- 
 molished before night, and the fire continued in several places all 
 night. 
 
 " This morning the vessel I had sent upon the coast of Pro- 
 vence returned to me, with two fishermen of Toulon, Avho brought 
 me positive word, the french had sixty ships of the line of battle? 
 ready armed in all respects, except powder, and lay in the road 
 of Toulon, fit for the sea. Upon this news, I sent to marquess 
 Gastanaga to have my troops embarked, that I might go in search 
 of the enemy, lest they should pass the Straits when I lie here ; 
 but the Spanish generals had taken such heart at the enemy's 
 marching ofi", that they desired the king's troops might continue. 
 
1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 241 
 
 in order to lay siege to the town. Here I must observe to you, 
 they had not the least thing necessary to make their approaches ; 
 no shovels, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, engineer, in short, nothing 
 that is usual on such occasions. Notwithstanding this, they were 
 for besieging the town, and very much pressing to have the king's 
 troops remain, which I could not agree to, but sent again for the 
 men, recommending to the vice-king, securing his own army, by 
 marching away at the same time, lest the french should attack 
 him when they were gone ; and he knew how little able he was 
 to make any resistance, laying before them how improbable it 
 was to take the town, in case the king's subjects should remain ; 
 since the strength of their army with the reinforcement I had 
 given them, Was but barely equal to the enemy ; and if the siege 
 had been advanced even to the Avails of the town, the moment 
 the enemy appeared, they must draw off, and possess themselves 
 of the most advantageous ground. Upon this he sent me word 
 he was of my opinion, but all his generals were for besieging the 
 town. 
 
 " In another letter I desired him to consider, if his army was 
 beaten, the country must be lost ; and I also directed the brigadier 
 and the rest of the colonels to argue this matter with the generals, 
 to shew them how indiscreetly they were going to act for their 
 king's service. Upon this occasion some very indiscreet words 
 fell from marquis Greency, Castilliane, and some other officers of 
 the first rank, that the fleet might be of service to England, but 
 was of none to Spain ; that they would make a separate peace, ex- 
 pressing themselves much in the dauphin's favour as to this coun- 
 try. The same thing, or to the same purpose they said to the 
 prince of Hesse,* which made him send me word he believed there 
 was treachery among them, and that he would not suffer the 
 emperor's troops to lie exposed without reason. I have some 
 reason to fear that money, promises, or both, have been given to 
 these Spanish generals. 
 
 * This was the prince of Hesse Darmstadt, afterwards viceroy of Catalonia, who was 
 killed in the attack on the citadel of Montjuich, in 1705. — See Memoirs of the Kings of 
 Spain. 
 
 2 I 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 " This night they agreed the king's subjects should embark, and 
 at ten in the morning the vice-king sent to me, desiring that my 
 boats might land their eight pieces of cannon they designed for a 
 battery, which accordingly was done, before six at night ; and 
 before twelve, all the men were on board their respective ships, at 
 which time he desired my boats might reimbark his cannon again, 
 he resolving to march aAvay the next night, and that I would 
 remain in this place a day or two, to countenance their march, all 
 which I have consented to ; and they are now on their march to 
 Ostalrick, and by what I have observed already, they will march 
 farther in two days from the enemy, than they did in six towards 
 them. God send them well thither ; for nothing but a high moun- 
 tain or an unfordable river is security sufficient for such miserable 
 creatures, with officers at the head of them who are no soldiers. 
 This is a true account, and the most exact that I am able to give 
 of this proceeding. 
 
 " The king's subjects were on shore six days." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has received intelligence of sir G. Rooke being appointed to succeed him — Thinks, how- 
 ever, that he wiU be too weak to undertake any thing — Complains that the dutch 
 admiral is ordered to return — Has surveyed Toulon, but finds it too strong to be 
 attacked — Twice driven off by storms — Apprehension that the weak ships may be lost 
 in their return.] 
 
 " On board the Britannia, in Altea Bay, Sept. 4-14, 1695. — My 
 lord ; The first of September, O. S., I received your grace's letter, 
 dated July the 30th, which brought me the news of sir George 
 Rooke's coming out to command the fleet in these seas, and at the 
 same time, intimation from the admiralty, what time probably he 
 would sail, and with what ships, which number is so small, that I 
 cannot imagine what he will be able to do, in case the ships go 
 home, that I have represented not to be in a condition to continue 
 longer abroad. Upon this consideration I called all the flag 
 officers together, with intention rather to run the hazard of 
 leaving some of the ships, in the best condition, to strengthen sir 
 George Rooke, till others came out, than have him run the hazard 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 243 
 
 of being insulted throught want of strength, or the enemy attempt 
 passing the Straits, and he not able to oppose them. But -when I 
 came to discourse of this matter, the dutch vice-admiral told me he 
 had orders from the king to come home himself, and bring with 
 him the ships mentioned in the margin ;* and so far was he from 
 having any notice of others to come in their place, that he told 
 me, till the ships appointed to return were arrived, no others would 
 be sent. Upon this, I concluded it was to no purpose to leave 
 any other ships of the english, than what were in my former 
 letter represented as fit to remain abroad ; and though my pas- 
 sion for returning home may be thought great, I have had so 
 much consideration for the public service, that I did not think to 
 leave this part of the Straits till the latter end of September, or 
 that I heard sir George Rooke was arrived at Cadiz, lest the 
 enemy should make any attempt on Barcelona, or endeavour to 
 get through the Straits for West France. But since the dutch vice- 
 admiral is of the opinion, that, pursuant to his orders, it is neces- 
 sary to go for Cadiz without, loss of time, that he may make the 
 necessary dispositions for his ships returning, lest they may not 
 be able to get into Holland by reason of the ice ; I have nothing 
 more to do, but proceed homewards, ordering the ships to Cadiz, 
 there to attend sir George Rooke's arrival. Pray God send us 
 well home. It is a terrible season of the year with such ships to be 
 crossing the seas ; and though, by the lords justices' order of July, 
 his majesty was pleased to leave me at liberty to return, I thought 
 since the ships were to stay, I would come with them, especially 
 when I considered what uncertainties the officers must have been 
 under, I not knowing what orders to leave with them ; for then I 
 knew of no ships coming out, nor of any body to command them. 
 
 " I have another very great difficulty upon me. By the number 
 of men I sent your grace in the winter each ship was equipt with, 
 it was visible three thousand men were wanting for the fleet, since 
 which, great numbers are dead, and these soldiers, I thought, 
 
 * The list consisted of 16 ships of the highest rates. 
 2 I 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 2. 
 
 were to put them in the proper condition of ships of war ; and by 
 his majesty's order I am commanded to bring these men home in 
 the last ships, which will wholly disable those I leave behind. 
 What to do in this case I know not : if I leave any soldiers, I do 
 contrary to what I am ordered; if I do not, it is plain the ships are 
 not in condition for service, I have now stated the case of the 
 fleet with as much brevity as I am able. 
 
 " From Palamos I wrote your grace I was then designing for 
 Toulon, which accordingly I did, and stood so far in as to dis- 
 cover their ships, and saw preparations were making to fit them 
 for the sea ; but that night I had terrible weather of wind, rain, 
 thunder, and lightening. The next day proving fair, I resolved 
 again to go in ; but it was calm most part of the day, and at night 
 the same weather as before, only a violent storm, in which one of 
 the advice-boats overset, and most of the men drowned. With 
 this weather I came away from that coast, and since have heard 
 my appearing gave the enemy a great alarm, concluding I had no 
 thoughts of coming on that coast any more. They are certainly 
 preparing their ships, but what to do with them I know not. To 
 fight with me I am sure is not their intention, since they would not, 
 after knowing my strength, and that I had detached home such a 
 number of ships of that force ; so that I conclude their design (when 
 the fleet is retired to Cadiz, or the Levant winds set in to blow 
 hard) must be to pass the Straits. If the Spaniards be not all 
 knaves, fools, and cowards, they can do little this time of the year 
 against Barcelona, considering the army they have ; but I shall 
 leave them to God and themselves ; and if Providence does not 
 protect them, against all their own endeavours, Spain must be a 
 prey to any that will demand it. I should have considered before 
 the length of my letter, and not troubled your grace with this latter 
 part, being nothing to the purpose. After saying this, please to 
 give me leave to assure your grace of my being, with the utmost 
 respect," &c. 
 
 " I suppose sir George Rooke comes oyt fully instructed what 
 
1695.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 245 
 
 to do. I leave no orders of any kind for him, and I suppose he 
 knows how the king would have him move, if the french do, or do 
 not attempt going out of the Straits." 
 
 Towards the close of the year, Russell was gratified in his desire 
 of being released from this distant and arduous service, and leaving 
 admiral Mitchell with the most efficient ships, amounting to 
 twenty-three sail of the line ; he returned to England, with twelve 
 sail, besides the dutch squadron, and was finally succeeded in the 
 command by sir George Rooke. 
 
 We thus conclude the correspondence of admiral Russell, 
 during his expedition to the Mediterranean ; and the result will 
 shew that the movements of the fleet, in an essential degree, 
 decided the fate of the war; for no sooner was the naval force, under 
 sir George Rooke, withdrawn to repel the invasion, which soon 
 afterwards threatened the british shores, than the affairs of Italy 
 and Spain fell into irremediable disorder ; and the conquest of 
 Catalonia, which followed the defection of the duke of Savoy, 
 enabled the french to dictate terms of peace. 
 
2^6 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut II.— Ch. S. 
 
 CHAPTER 3. 
 1695—1696. 
 
 Return of admiral Russell from the Mediterraneans-Entrusted with the command of the 
 jket prepared to repel the projected invasion from France — Blockades the french 
 harbours in the channels-Unable to destroy their armaments — The enemy relinquish the 
 projected invasion — Return of the admiral from his command — Correspondence 
 in February and March, 1696. 
 
 Admiral RUSSELL reached the british coast in NoA^ember, 
 and arriving exhausted with fatigue, decUning in health, and dis- 
 satisfied with imaginary sHghts, was still farther disgusted with a 
 cold reception from the king, who could not overlook his captious 
 complaints, and disrespectful reproaches. 
 
 Soon, however, he was again called into action; and nothing can 
 furnish a stronger proof of his eminent abilities, than the consi- 
 deration, that, notwithstanding all the defects of his unaccommo- 
 dating temper, he was always selected, to serve his country in the 
 hour of danger. Such a crisis now approached ; for at the 
 moment when the assassination plot was ready for explosion, the 
 french harbours in the channel were swarming with ships of war, 
 and a land force was prepared to effect a descent on the british 
 isles. King James had, himself, repaired to Calais, to head the 
 expedition, and it was confidently hoped, that under the pressure 
 of domestic distress, and the dangers of a foreign war, the nation 
 would readily welcome its former sovereign. 
 
 Providentially, a squadron, which had been destined for foreign 
 service, had been detained at Spithead by contrary winds ; and 
 another intended for the protection of the coasts, was ready to 
 sail, though not manned. In this state, admiral Russell was 
 ordered to take the command ; and such was his reputation and 
 popularity in the fleet, that numbers of seamen, who had con- 
 cealed themselves from the heavy press, spontaneously offered 
 
1695—1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 247 
 
 their services ; so that in three days, Russell stood over to the 
 french coast, with fifty sail of the line, and was joined by twelve 
 dutch ships,* making a force of sixty-two. 
 
 In England the most sanguine expectations were formed, not 
 only that the invasion would be defeated, but that the french fleet, 
 which was cooped up in their harbours, would be destroyed, and 
 their marine receive a serious loss. Admiral Russell was not un^ 
 acquainted with the dangers and difficulties to which his fleet 
 would be exposed in this attempt, but with his characteristic 
 activity, he employed all his energies to so beneficial a purpose. 
 
 We find in the subsequent correspondence, an account of his 
 proceedings in this memorable expedition, from the time of his 
 sailing out of the Downs, to his return to England. His instiuc- 
 tions were thus communicated by the duke of Shrewsbury, in a 
 letter dated 
 
 " Feb. 24, 1695-6. — Sir; The king commands me to acquaint you, 
 that in case upon your appearing with part of the fleet, the enemy 
 should find themselves disappointed in their first design, and so 
 betake themselves to some other attempt, either upon the coast of 
 Flanders, Zealand, or Holland, you should observe their motions, 
 and protect those coasts as far as it may be done conveniently, 
 with regard to the safety of the fleet. I am," &c. 
 
 In his reply of Feb. the 25th, the admiral says, " You may 
 depend upon my executing his majesty's pleasure, and I hope to 
 be of strength sufficient to oppose with success any design that 
 may be attempted on England," 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 
 
 [The king uneasy at the delay which has occurred in uniting the fleet — Sends intelligence 
 of the designs and movements of the enemy.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Feb. 25, 1695-1696.— Sir ; His majesty is very 
 uneasy at the unaccountable delays that have happened in the 
 
 * Kennett. 
 
us CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IL—Ch. 5; 
 
 squadroii at Portsmouth not sooner sailing, and does earnestly 
 recommend to you to do what you think may be best for the 
 joining them without delay, and then to go over to the coast of 
 France, as his majesty says you resolved, when you had gathered 
 together your strength. The inclosed extracts will give you an 
 account that the squadron at Portsmouth did not hope to sail 
 before this day noon, and will also give you information of some 
 french ships that are out in several places, and have taken two of 
 our men of war. 
 
 " An Ostend privateer, that lies now at Margate, has sent up an 
 account that 300 sail of transport ships are gone from Dunkirk to 
 Calais. If you think it of any use to be informed more exactly 
 what he says, I have here inclosed a translation of that account, 
 and you may send to speak with him if you please. 
 
 " When England and Mr. Russell are both so nearly concerned 
 in the same success, you will not much doubt what are the hearty 
 wishes of. Sir, your's," &c. 
 
 On the 26th, the admiral informs the duke, that he had ordered 
 a small frigate to reconnoitre the french coast, which brought the 
 information, that ten sail were lying at anchor off Gravelines. 
 " To-morrow," he adds, " God wilhng, I will remove them. I 
 resolve to be under sail by break of day ; but the wind being 
 easterly, and a lee tide, hindered me from stirring to-day. Sir 
 Cloudesley Shovel is on the back side of the Goodwin Sands, with 
 five ships from the North, and those from Yarmouth, which I saw- 
 join him this morning. The ships from Portsmouth (Fmean the 
 EngUsh) are not yet come, which I wonder at ; not that I think 
 I want them ; for without their assistance, I hope to be able to 
 beat any force I shall meet with." 
 
 The next letter from the admiral, which is dated Feb. 28th, 
 gives an account of his sailing from the Downs, and his proceed- 
 ings till his arrival off Gravelines 
 
1695—1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RtJSSELL. 249 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " My lord ; I hope your grace will please to pardon me, that I 
 did not give you an account of my sailing out of the Downs : it 
 blowing hard, and I very busy in working the ships out, Avas the 
 occasion of the omission, concluding that from my lord Romney 
 and several others, you would be informed of the fleet's sailing. 
 The badness of the weather forced me to come to an anchor mid 
 channel over, where I remained all night. This morning I got 
 under sail, ordering sir Cloudesley Shovel, with a squadron of ships, 
 into Boulogne Bay ; my lord Berkeley off Gravelines ; myself 
 and the dutch steering directly for Calais, where we arrived about 
 twelve o'clock, standing so near in, that I could plainly see what 
 they were doing upon the shore, and had two ships within half gun 
 shot of their castles and platforms, from whence they fired several 
 mortars and guns, but did very little or no damage to the ships. 
 Calais is so full of small embarkations, that it is impossible to 
 count them, or to make any right judgment of their numbers, but 
 I cannot think them less than three or four hundred ships, barks, 
 and boats, all of them with their sails to the yards. I, myself, saw 
 the people on shore very busy, drawing artillery from one place to 
 another, which, I suppose, was to raise batteries against bomb- 
 vessels, which, I believe, they took the hoys and smacks that were 
 with me to be. 
 
 " I am now at anchor off Gravelines ; my lord Berkeley midway 
 between me and Dunkirk Sands. I see before Dunkirk in 
 Flemish road, about sixteen or eighteen sail of ships, great and 
 small, which I believe is their whole armament to protect this em- 
 barkation. I cannot send your grace any account what I can do 
 against those ships, being an utter stranger to the place ; but some 
 of the pilots that I have talked with, say, they cannot be attacked 
 in that place. To-morrow morning I will consult my lord 
 Berkeley, and sir Cloudesley Shovel, with the pilots, who have all 
 been upon the coast before; and if any thing can be done, it shall 
 not be omitted. This coast, at this time of the year, is not a place 
 
 2 K 
 
250 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. &. 
 
 to lie long upon ; therefore what can be done must be with ex- 
 pedition. If I had had a bomb-vessel or two, I fancy they might 
 have done some mischief in Calais pier, the ships lie so thick. 
 According to sir Basil Dixwell's desire, I have ordered two ships 
 to cruize off Rye Bay, where, he says, they are very much 
 annoyed with small privateers. 
 
 " I send your grace, inclosed, a list of the ships that are with 
 me, which I take to be a strength sufficient to defend England 
 from any fleet the french will send into these seas, at this time of 
 the year, and therefore think to send the Victory back into the 
 Downs to-morrow." 
 
 In his reply of the 1st of March, the duke of Shrewsbury 
 writes : " I have laid your letter from off Gravelines before his 
 majesty, who commands me to tell you, he is sorry there should 
 be so much difficulty as you are informed there is, in attacking 
 those men of war in Flemish roads, but hopes and recommends 
 to you, if possible, to do something upon the enemy before you 
 return. If those men of war may lie there safe, and can be de- 
 stroyed or removed by no force, and the transport ships are so 
 secured, that they also cannot be burnt, the apprehensions the 
 nation are under can never end till the enemy please. This his 
 majesty commanded me to say to you, not doubting at the same 
 time, but you would, upon this important occasion, act with as 
 much vigour as is consistent with the safety of the fleet under 
 your command, and more he would not expect." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Proceedings on the french coast.] 
 
 " Victory, of Gravelines, March 2, 1695-6.— My lord;**** Upon 
 Saturday last I sent the Centurion to Ostend, with a letter to the 
 duke of Wirtemberg, that he might employ her for England, if he 
 had any occasion, or send her back to me, with what news he had 
 of the enemy's motions, either by land or sea. There is now 
 thirteen sail of ships of war as close in with the pier of Dunkirk 
 as possible, with their topmasts and yards struck ; and I suppose 
 
1695—1696.1 WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. 251 
 
 have got out some of their guns to lighten them to get them so 
 near in. I have had small frigates pretty near them, who judge 
 four of them to be about 70 guns, three between fifty and sixty, 
 and the rest small frigates. These are the ships I told your grace 
 in my last were in Flemish road. I have this morning sent sir 
 Cloudesley Shovel down with all the pilots, to see if they can be 
 attacked by fireships, as they now lie ; and if not, and that no 
 bomb vessels are designed hither (which I believe might annoy 
 the ships at Calais), I think of coming over for the english coast, 
 leaving behind me a sufficient strength to guard these people. 
 
 " The surprise of seeing such a number of ships so unexpectedly 
 will put an end to the business of a descent, at least I hope so. 
 I conclude monsieur Nesmond, with his squadron, is not yet 
 arrived here. When sir Cloudesley Shovel returns to me, I will 
 be sure to dispatch away to your grace the account he brings. I 
 have nothing more to trouble you with, but that you will please 
 to do me the honour to assure the king, I will not be Avanting in 
 any thing that lies in my power to do his majesty the best service 
 I can, remaining, with great respect," &c. 
 
 " As to any landing by the vessels in Calais, I believe you may 
 be assured they cannot stir, and I think you may take your mea- 
 sures accordingly." 
 
 The report of sir Cloudesley Shovel and the pilots did not en- 
 courage the admiral to make any attempt against the enemy, as 
 we find from his letter of March the 3rd. 
 
 " Victory, off Gravelines, March 3, 1695-6.— My lord ; I sent 
 your grace yesterday an account that I had ordered sir Cloudesley 
 Shovel, with all the pilots, into Flemish road, to view the place, 
 and report to me their opinions Avhether the enemy's ships could 
 be attempted there. A copy of the paper I herewith send your 
 grace, by which I do not see it feasible to destroy them ; for if the 
 pilots will not bring the ships to an anchor, it is, to the best of 
 niy judgment, impossible to send fire-ships upon them ; their large 
 
 2 K 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 3. 
 
 boats (of which they have ten) will take the fireships before they 
 can come to the enemy; but if that should not happen, as they 
 have placed themselves with a spring to their cables, and their 
 shrouds lashed to the mast, a fire-ship can have no hold of them, 
 but laying them athwart the hawse, which they may prevent by 
 what I say of having a spring upon their cables. Upon the whole 
 matter, I do not see any way for us (as they now lie) to destroy 
 them ; and for the transport ships at Calais, there is no way of 
 sending in a fire-ship there : what bombs may do against them, 
 lying so thick, I know not; but I would have tried this time of 
 fair weather, had there been any with me. * * * * I beg your 
 grace to believe, that if any thing could be done to destroy these 
 ships, I would venture a great deal to perform it ; but upon so 
 little prospect of success to attempt it, and may be with the loss 
 of a ship or two, besides burning the fire-ships without doing 
 service, will only serve to be laughed at, and lose the ships. Upon 
 these considerations I conclude with myself it is better leaving 
 a squadron to attend this service, and come for the Downs with 
 the rest, where they may lie ready to join, in case the enemy 
 should come into the channel with a greater strength. I fancy 
 the next letters your grace has from this side of the water will 
 give you an account of the design being laid aside, and the men 
 dispersed. Yesterday morning several guns were fired at Calais; 
 about two hours after, guns were fired from a town midway be- 
 tween that and Gravelines : three hours after that the town of 
 Gravelines fired ; just before night Dunkirk fired, from which I 
 imagine the late king James was going from Calais to Dunkirk, to 
 make a visit to that place." 
 
 In conformity with this resolution, admiral Russell quitted the 
 coast of France, leaving sir Cloudesley Shovel to continue on his 
 station at anchor, or to cruise at his own discretion, to use his 
 endeavours to prevent any ships coming out of Calais or .Dunkirk; 
 and to take every opportunity of annoying the enemy by his 
 fire-ships and bomb-vessels. 
 
1695—1696.] WITH ADMIRAL RUSSELL. S58 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Incloses the instructions for sir Cloudesley Shovel, and desires the king's pettnission (o 
 
 return.] 
 
 " Victory, off Calais, March 6, l6"95-6. — My lord ; The inclosed 
 orders are what I left with sir Cloudesley Shovel. I hear it is 
 thought, in London, a very feasible thing to destroy the enemy^s 
 ships : I shall bie very glad it may be found so ; if any service 
 can be done, I question not but he will perform it effectually. I 
 wish they may not meet with any hard storms of wind while upon 
 that coast ; those I have had, though not to any great extremity, 
 make me conclude it very dangerous to have ships there at this 
 time of the year. I send your grace a list of the ships that come 
 away with me ; I suppose my service here is no longer necessary ; 
 I therefore beg the favour of your grace to move the king I may 
 have leave to return ; unless for any service unforeseen by me, his 
 majesty may think my being here of use to him ; in that case I 
 am ready to perform what he is pleased to command. AVe have 
 had abundance of snow, and though not a storm of wind, the 
 greatest sea I ever saw. Several of the ships by rolling have 
 received damage, but only two much disabled. 
 
 " I shall leave more ships upon this station than is convenient 
 at this season of the year ; but in regard they have both Dunkirk 
 and Calais to look after, I could not well leave a less number. I 
 have nothing more to trouble your grace with, but beg I may 
 hear from you in the Downs, to which place I design towards 
 to-morrow." 
 
 In consequence of this representation, the king unwillingly 
 abandoned his hopes of destroying the french armaments in their 
 harbours, and the duke of Shrewsbury conveyed to the admiral 
 his majesty's permission to withdraw from his temporary com- 
 mand. 
 
254 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 Accordingly the hero of La Hogue returned, if not with the 
 honours of victory, at least with the gratification of having made 
 his last effort in the salvation of his country ; for from this period 
 he retired from active service to take a share in the manage- 
 ment of the admiralty, and the direction of public affairs. 
 
1694.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 255 
 
 CHAPTER 4. 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE WITH LORD GALWAY: 
 
 1694. 
 
 Origin and progress of the House of Savoy — Situation and views of Victor Amadeus— 
 His accession to the grand alliance, and subsidiary treaties with the maritime powers — 
 Operations of the war from 1690 to 1694!— Mission and death of the duke of Schom- 
 berg — Lord Galway appointed embassador and commander of the auxiliary forces in 
 Italy — Siege and capture of Casale — Ambigums conduct of the duke of Savoy — 
 Correspondence during the campaign of 1695. 
 
 Among the interesting transactions of the ministry of the 
 duke of Shrewsbury, were the accession of the duke of Savoy 
 to the grand alliance, which gave a new character to the war ; and 
 his secret accommodation with France, which may be considered 
 as the first breach in that extensive confederacy, and one of the 
 chief and immediate causes which led to its dissolution. 
 
 The incessant struggle which had long been maintained between 
 France and the House of Austria, for the mastery of Italy, had 
 given consequence to the princes of Savoy, whose alliance Avas 
 courted by both parties. This family, like an alpine torrent, had 
 risen from a trifling source, and increased into comparative 
 grandeur, by a gradual accumulation of territory, and the pos- 
 session of the chief passes of the Alps, separating Italy from 
 France. Frequent and long animosities, joined to the domineer- 
 ing spirit of the Spanish sovereigns, in possession of the Milanese, 
 had driven the princes of Savoy into a connection with France, 
 which was cemented by several intermarriages. The usual con- 
 sequences attended this unequal union ; for under various pre_ 
 tences, France had reduced her weaker ally into a state of de- 
 pendence, and had secured possession of some of the fortresses ; 
 and of these, in particular, Pignerol was the most important, be- 
 
2S6 ' CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4; 
 
 cause it at once covered the fi'ench frontier, and opened a way 
 into Piedmont. To this they had added the possession of Casale, 
 which they had purchased from the duke of Mantua in 1641, 
 and which enabled them still more to awe the House of Savoy. 
 
 The recovery of these places had long been a darling object 
 with the prince of Savoy. Promises of restitution had been ex- 
 torted from France, but these engagements had been as repeatedly 
 eluded. 
 
 Victor Amadeus, the reigning sovereign, had succeeded his 
 father, Charles Emanuel, at the age of eleven, iti 1675; and his 
 earliest wish, on the expiration of his long minority, was, to regain 
 the barriers of his country, and to assume that consequence to 
 which he conceived himself entitled, by the situation and extent 
 of his dominions. Placed between two mighty powers, he not 
 only owed his existence to their mutual jealousies, but was con- 
 vinced that his hopes of aggrandisement rested on their divisions, 
 by throwing his weight into the scale of either party, from which 
 he could derive the most splendid advantages. His character 
 was well adapted to his delicate situation. He was in the prime 
 of youth and vigour, gifted no less with bodily activity than 
 mental talents, and possessing, in an eminent degree, that profound 
 discernment and dissimulation, which had raised his ancestors 
 above the ordinary race of Italian princes. Though married to 
 a french princess, Anna Maria, daughter of Phihp, duke of 
 Orleans, he had long anxiously watched for an opportunity to 
 shake off the bondage of France ; and this opportunity occurred 
 in the war which spread over every part of Europe, in conse- 
 quence of the Revolution that placed William prince of Orange 
 on the throne of England. 
 
 With his characteristic caution, Victor Amadeus paused till 
 he could ascertain the probable event of the struggle, while he 
 listened to the proposals of both parties. But the advance of a 
 french army towards Piedmqnt, under marshal Catinat, and the 
 peremptory demand that he should disband his forces, and yield 
 the temporary occupation of Verrua and the citadel of Turin, as 
 a pledge of his fidelity, left to so high-minded a prince no other 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 257 
 
 alternative than to put his fate to hazard, by accepting the 
 overtures of the alUes. Accordingly, in the beginning of June, 
 1690, he signed a treaty of alliance with the king of Spain, as 
 sovereign of Milan, and with the emperor Leopold ; and was 
 negotiating a subsidiary treaty with the maritime powers. 
 
 This spirit of resistance drew on him the vengeance of the 
 french court, which was announced in a declaration of war on the 
 13th of June. The duke hastily collected his national troops, 
 and, assisted by the Spaniards, prepared to vindicate his independ- 
 ence ; but, new to war, he was unable to contend with the ma- 
 tured skill of Catinat, and, after a bloody battle, was, on the 13th 
 of August, defeated at Staffarda. His misfortunes were aggra- 
 vated by the loss of Saluzze and Suza, and the investment of 
 Coni, which was considered as an outwork of Turin. At the 
 same time all Savoy was reduced except Montmelian ; and a body 
 of french troops penetrating into the valley of Aosta, threatened 
 to force a passage through the territory of Vercelli into the 
 Milanese. 
 
 In this perilous state, prince Eugene, who commanded a corps 
 of imperiahsts in Piedmont, hastened to Vienna, to demand instant 
 succours ; and the duke himself privately repaired to Milan, to 
 concert some means of prompt deliverance, with the marquess of 
 Leganez, the Spanish commander. King William also had 
 marked with an anxious eye the perils of an ally, whose co-opera- 
 tion was so necessary to the safety of Italy, and sent Charles, 
 duke of Schomberg, who inherited the military talents as well as 
 the honours of his illustrious father, with a retinue of experienced 
 officers, to give energy to the exertions, and direct the councils of 
 the brave but inexperienced sovereign. Schomberg arriving on 
 the 6th of June, I691, found the duke of Savoy returned from 
 Milan, in a state bordering on despondency ; for in the interim 
 Villa Franca, Nice, and Veillane had successively beea captured, 
 and Carmagnola was reduced to offer a capitulation. The 
 people participated in his anxiety and alarms ; for the french 
 partisans had over-run and devastated the country ; and the de- 
 struction of the palace of Rivoli . spread such terror, that the 
 
 2 L 
 
258 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4 
 
 capital itself was deemed in imminent danger. The royal family 
 sought a refuge at Vercelli, while the citizens hastened to remove 
 their most valuable effects. 
 
 In this instance, as in many others, the vigour of a superior 
 mind restored spirit and energy, and changed the aspect of affairs. 
 Schomberg first exerted himself to re-establish discipline among 
 the refugee troops in the pay of the maritime powers ; and en- 
 couraged the duke of Savoy to challenge the enemy in the open 
 field, by attacking the foragers of Catinat, whose army was 
 weakened by the force employed in the siege of Coni. By 
 this success the duke was led to new enterprises. He was 
 persuaded to despise the threatened attack from the side of 
 Aosta, which had hitherto occupied his attention, and to direct 
 his grand effort for the relief of Coni, which was desperately 
 defended, by a small but undaunted garrison. Prince Eugene 
 at this critical moment returned from Vienna, and was intrusted 
 with the direction of this daring enterprise. Skirting the plain 
 in which the place is situated, with ,2,000 horse, he assembled 
 6,000 of the national militia at Mondovi, and terrifying the enemy 
 by his intrepid advance, they hastily raised the siege, abandoning 
 their artillery, stores, and all their sick and wounded. 
 
 In consequence of this brilliant success, the french withdrew 
 from the valley of Aosta ; and Catinat, having reinforced the 
 garrison of Casale, fell back to Villa Nova d'Asti. Soon after- 
 wards a contingent of 18,000 germans arrived, under the com- 
 mand of the margrave of Baden ; and the confederates had not 
 only the satisfaction of driving the french back towards their own 
 frontier, but of closing the campaign, by the recovery of Car- 
 magnola, which surrendered to Eugene on the 2nd of December. 
 This success was, however, in some degree balanced by the loss of 
 Montmelian, the key of Savoy, which opened its gates to the 
 enemy on the 21st of the same month. 
 
 The ensuing year Victor Amadeus joined prince Eugene in 
 an invasion of Dauphine ; but the expedition produced no other 
 effect than the devastation of the country; for the duke was 
 attacked with the small-pox, which rendered him unable to exert 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 259 
 
 himself in the field, and the Spaniards refused to prosecute opera- 
 tions beyond the Alps. The winter was spent in preparations, and 
 the duke again joined the army in the middle of July, 1693. But 
 this campaign also was marked by new disasters. The allies made 
 an unsuccessful attempt on the french fort of St. Bridget, blockaded 
 Casale, and bombarded Pignerol; but at this crisis they were 
 attacked at Marsiglia by Catinat, and defeated with great 
 slaughter. The most fatal loss was, however, the death of the 
 gallant duke of Schomberg, who was mortally wounded, and 
 whose spirit had hitherto given energy and consistency to the 
 military operations. The consequence of this misfortune was the 
 immediate invasion of Piedmont, which was desolated by fire and 
 sword, in re'taliation for the excesses committed during the pre- 
 ceding irruption into Dauphin6. 
 
 In 1694, both parties appeared exhausted with the preceding 
 efforts, and the campaign in Italy, from the same causes, partook 
 of the same inactive character as those on the Rhine, and in the 
 Netherlands ; for the only operation of consequence, was a faint 
 attempt to hasten the reduction of Casale,* which had been so 
 long blockaded. 
 
 We find no documents in the Shrewsbury papers to elucidate 
 the events of these campaigns, but we are fortunately enabled to 
 trace in more detail, the operations of l69o and I696, and in parti- 
 cular, to developc the circumstances which preceded and accom- 
 panied the defection of the duke of Savoy. These lights are 
 furnished by the letters of lord Galway, who was deputed to 
 Piedmont, in the character of embassador, and commander 
 of the auxiliary forces in the pay of the maritime powers, in the 
 room of the duke of Schomberg. 
 
 This nobleman was a native of France, derived from the illus- 
 trious family of Ruvigny ; and after distinguishing himself, as head 
 of the french protestants, had quitted that country on the revoca- 
 
 * Muratori Annali d' Italia, ann. 1690, 1691, 1692, 1693, and 1694.— Kennctt's 
 History of England, and Tindal's Continuation. 
 
 2 l2 
 
260 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IL— Ch. 4. 
 
 tion of the edict of Nantes. He experienced a cordial reception 
 from the prince of Orange, whom he accompanied on his expedi- 
 tion to England ; and after the Revolution was accomplished, he 
 was naturalised, and intrusted with a military command in 
 Ireland. By his skill, courage, and activity, he greatly contri- 
 buted to the defeat of the Jacobite party, and the reduction of 
 that kingdom. His services were rewarded with the rank of 
 lieutenant-general, the command of the refugee regiment of horse, 
 vacant by the death of the duke of Schomberg, and the title of 
 viscount Galway. His frankness and spirit endeared him to 
 William, -^vho employed his varied talents, as well in negotiation 
 as in action. He was accordingly selected for the critical post of 
 embassador to the duke of Savoy, where he united the diplomatic 
 with the military character ; and was considered, not only as the 
 most proper person to give energy to the operations in Italy, but 
 to detect the wiles of so cautious and artful a prince as Victor 
 Amadeus. 
 
 The british government made unusual efforts for the campaign 
 of 1695, in Italy, and anticipated important consequences from its 
 result. The powerful fleet under admiral Russell, which had 
 saved Barcelona, and averted the dangers that menaced the 
 western parts of Spain, was now at liberty. The winter had been 
 employed by the admiral, in putting the ships into excellent 
 order ; a body of 4,000 landmen were embarked ; and Avhile the 
 french squadrons were retained by fear in the harbour of Toulon, 
 the british Hag was triumphant in the Mediterranean, and the fleet 
 appeared off Finale, read}'^ to receive a body of troops, and co- 
 operate in any enterprise on the coasts of France or Italy. The 
 Spaniards, relieved from nearer perils, had re-inforced their army 
 in the Milanese, the emperor had increased his contingent, and 
 the auxiliaries in the pay of the maritime powers, received an ac- 
 cession of streiigth. The duke of Savoy had collected a more 
 powerful and better appointed army, than at any period since the 
 commencement of the war ; and it was hoped, that a sense of 
 gratitude for his past deliverance, as well as his own chivalrous 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 261 
 
 spirit, would prompt him to forego all petty interests, and promote 
 with zeal, the enlarged views of the confederacy, in which his own 
 welfare was essentially involved. 
 
 The two contending parties thus stood on more equal terms 
 than at any preceding period. The french monarch had been 
 compelled to diminish his forces in other quarters, in order to 
 strengthen his army in the Netherlands ; and in Italy his means 
 had been still farther straitened, by the necessity of disposing 
 troops to protect Toulon and Marseilles ; and those points of 
 the Italian coasts which he still occupied. Such was the situa- 
 tion of affairs at the opening of the campaign, when the cor- 
 respondence with the duke of Shrewsbury commences. The 
 first letter from lord Galway, ably delineates the character of 
 the duke of Savoy, presents a statement of the forces employed 
 by the contending powers, and concludes with some general 
 remarks on the proposed operations of the campaign. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp before Casale, May Sl-June 10, 1695. — I am much 
 obliged to you for the honour of your information, that the affairs 
 of this country are, at present, in your department. I shall have 
 great pleasure in sending you an account of what passes in this 
 court, and receiving your orders, for I hope you will have the 
 goodness to give me occasional instructions. 
 
 " You know, my lord, that the duke of Savoy is a prince of 
 great appHcation to war and politics, very penetrating, and very 
 difficult to be penetrated. This last peculiarity of his character 
 would make me appear very bold, if I ventured to answer for his 
 inclination, not only to a separate, but also to a general peace ; 
 but I judge of the sincerity of his words and actions, by his own 
 interests, with which he is well acquainted ; and I think I can 
 assure you, that all the princes of the league may rely certainly on 
 his firmness. He is a prince who wishes to be master, and 
 nothing pleases him like the command of a large army, and many 
 troops at his disposal. He pays, at present, twenty-seven batta- 
 lions, four companies of his guards, two regiments of cavalry, and 
 
262 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 three of dragoons ; and we may estimate his effective force at 
 15,000 foot, and 2,500 horse. The Spaniards have 8,000 foot, and 
 3,000 horse ; the imperiahsts, 8,000 foot, and 4,500 horse. Thus 
 we may reckon on 30,000 infantry, and 10,000 cavalry, of whom 
 we must leave in the Milanese, in the quarters of the imperialists, 
 and in the fortresses of Piedmont, at least 8,000 infantry, and 
 1,000 horse ; so that we may bring into the field, about 30,000 
 men. Under the orders of M. Catinat, in the provinces bordering 
 the Alps, there are 50,000 foot, and 4 or 5,000 horse, without 
 reckoning the " Troupes de la marine," who are in Provence, under 
 the orders of M. de Tourville, and who will not leave the coasts. 
 
 " If our affairs were directed by a single and skilful head, we 
 should at least be able to giVe some annoyance to the enemy ; but 
 although our chiefs are men of great merit, and perfectly well 
 intentioned, they cannot think alike, nor have they the same 
 interests, and it were to be wished that we had generals of greater 
 experience. 
 
 " We are at present engaged in projects for the siege of Casale ; 
 for it is true, that if we do not undertake it, there is great appear- 
 ance we shall spend this campaign, as we did the other, without 
 doing any thing. But it is certain, that if we finish our lines and 
 establish a blockade, as we ought, we shall soon be masters of it 
 without expense, without loss of men, and without risk ; and if we 
 persist in the design of besieging it, we shall encounter many 
 difficulties, we shall lose many men, and much time ; and the 
 enemy in the interim will take Demont, v/hich will give them a 
 third entrance into Piedmont. It is even to be feared that in the 
 later season, they may still farther avail themselves of the weak- 
 ness to which this siege will have previously reduced our infantry. 
 However, since it has been determined to undertake the siege, though 
 I was of a contrary opinion, I urge our generals, as much as possible, 
 to adopt a decided part ; for in speaking perpetually of the siege, 
 we forget the lines, and take no measures elsewhere. I much fear, 
 indeed, that we shall not undertake the siege, that we shall not 
 finish the lines, and shall pass the campaign in the vicinity of 
 Casale. After that, if the enemy chuse to attempt any thing in 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 363 
 
 Piedmont, we shall not find ourselves in a condition to oppose 
 them, because we shall have adopted no measures for our sub- 
 sistence in that quarter. 
 
 " Such, my lord, is the present state of our affairs. I will do 
 myself the honour of sending you a regular account ; and I humbly 
 beg you to impart your sentiments to me, that I may regulate my 
 conduct, for the service of the king, and the advantage and pros- 
 perity of the nation." 
 
 From this representation, a prognostic might have been drawn 
 of the result of the campaign. In fact the discordant views and in- 
 terests of the confederates became daily more developed, as they en- 
 tered into discussion on their intended operations. By the succeed- 
 ing correspondence, it will appear that the duke of Savoy was chiefly 
 solicitous for the recovery of those fortresses, on which the safety of 
 his country depended ; that the austrians and Spaniards were no less 
 attentive to their own peculiar advantage ; and above all, that the 
 english government, who had made an unusual effort in dispatch- 
 ing the powerful fleet under admiral Russell, to the Mediterranean, 
 were less eager for enterprises which involved the interests of 
 Italy, than to profit by their superiority, and ruin the naval 
 power and commerce of France. Hence, lord Galway not 
 only objected to the siege of Casale, but recommended an 
 attack on Nice, and proposed a co-operation with the troops 
 on board the fleet, to effect a descent against Marseilles or 
 Toulon. These suggestions were strictly in unison with the views 
 of his government, as appears from the approval of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury. 
 
 " Whitehall, June 28-July 8, l69o.— My lord ; By the last 
 post, I received your's of the 31st of May, and 3rd of June, our 
 style. You will, I hope, expect no directions from hence ; his 
 majesty, from whom alone all those will come, being in Flanders, 
 to whom I do not doubt but your lordship gives constant accounts, 
 and receives his majesty's orders by the hands of Mr. Blathwayt. 
 
264 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 " Our good wishes attend all your undertakings ; but if any 
 thing could be attempted upon the sea-ports of France, and par- 
 ticularly upon Toulon, Avith the help of any number of your 
 troops, it is so plain it would be more our interest, than any other 
 thing that can be done, that I am sure it need not be mentioned to 
 your lordship ; and I confess, I think nothing could be executed 
 more advantageous to the allies in general, than the ruining the 
 french force at sea, because nothing would more certainly oblige 
 them to a reasonable peace. We are informed by all our intelli- 
 gence, that they have troops both at Toulon and Marseilles, to 
 prevent a descent, which might not only destroy their towns, but, 
 what we are much more concerned to effect, their gallies and 
 ships ; but the question is, whether they have such a force, if the 
 fleet should present . itself before both places at once, in such a 
 manner as they could not distinguish which were intended to be at- 
 tacked, their troops would be so divided, that the whole strength 
 could not be brought to oppose a landing. You will excuse my 
 ignorant thoughts upon this subject, and believe me, with great 
 truth," &c. 
 
 Failing in his endeavours to procure the co-operation of the 
 allies in an enterprise against Toulon or Marseilles, lord Galway 
 next recommended the siege of Nice. His proposal, however, 
 was rejected, and a resolution adopted^ to press the siege of 
 Casale, which, though taken in a council of war, was contrary to 
 the sense of the majority.* The only ude which could now be 
 made of the british fleet was, to alarm the coasts of France, 
 though without attempting to effect a descent. On this disap- 
 pointment the noble secretary thus expresses his extreme regret. 
 
 " Whitehall, July 5-15, l695. — My lord ; I have received your 
 lordship's of the 10th of June, O. S., and with it, an account that 
 the siege of Casale is resolved. I could wish something had been 
 
 * See p. 262- 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 265 
 
 undertaken, in which our fleet would have been useful, and that 
 might more immediately have tended to our chief end, the 
 destroying the french power at sea, and not less to the general 
 advantage of the allies ; but since your lordship's arguments could 
 not prevail to effect that, which would have been so welcome here, 
 we must content ourselves ; and wish good success to the present 
 design. I am," &c. 
 
 In conformity with the resolution adopted in the council of war, 
 the confederate army marched towards Casale, and converted the 
 blockade into a siege. It was expected, however, from the 
 strength of the place, and the number of the garrison, that a con- 
 siderable resistance would be made ; and it was likewise appre- 
 hended that the french might advance to its relief, before the 
 garrison should be intimidated into a capitulation. Great, there- 
 fore, was the surprise of the confederate generals, when the french 
 commandant offered a surrender on the 10th of June, before 
 any breach was effected, and after an attack of only 13 days. 
 
 Such an unexpected result could not but awaken suspicions in 
 the mind of lord Galway, of some secret understanding between 
 the duke of Savoy and France ; and the impression was strength- 
 ened by the terms of capitulation. The town was to be transferred 
 to the duke of Mantua, its original sovereign ; the works of the 
 place were to be demolished by the allies ; and those of the citadel 
 by the french, who were to hold it in garrison till the demolition 
 was completed. Hostages were exchanged for the fulfilment of 
 these conditions, which obviously enabled the french to maintain 
 their footing, by protracting the rasure of the works, while they 
 afforded a pretext to the duke of Savoy for declining farther 
 operations. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp before Casale, July 1-11, l69o. — My lord; I apprised 
 you that I did not expect so great a resistance here, as was appre- 
 hended. The enemy beat the chamade on the 13th day after the 
 opening of the trenches, and we were only at the foot of the glacis. 
 
 2 M 
 
266 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 It is true, thej are allowed the demolition of the whole place, 
 town, citadel, and castle, and they are permitted to remain until 
 all this is done. This extraordinary capitulation was granted 
 without much opposition on the part of his royal highness, because 
 he desires the demolition more ardently than the french. I shall 
 endeavour to send you the articles of the capitulation, if not to- 
 day, by the first post. My lord," &c. 
 
 These suspicious circumstances could not, likewise, escape the 
 serious consideration of the king and minister, nor were they 
 ignorant of the rumours and inferences to which the conduct of 
 the duke of Savoy gave rise ; but, as if unwilling to anticipate cir- 
 cumstances so fatal, they evidently struggled against their own 
 conviction ; and not only calculated on the fidelity of their Italian 
 ally, but fondly dwelt on the prospect of a future and more suc- 
 cessful campaign. These feelings are strongly expressed in a 
 letter from the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 " Whitehall, July 23, 1695.— My lord ; By the last post, I had 
 your lordship's of the 28th of June, and 1st of July, ****** 
 
 " I suppose before this his majesty will have given you an 
 account what he intends relating to the fleet in the Mediter- 
 ranean ; but, least the hurry of business he is in should make him 
 forget it, I have taken the liberty to put him in mind of giving his 
 orders upon that subject. If it could have been foreseen that this 
 business of Casale would have ended so soon, the year is not so far 
 advanced, but something of consequence might have been 
 attempted now, with the assistance of. our fleet; but if the con- 
 certing of measures will take up too much time, to leave us any 
 hopes for this summer, something ought to be laid that might be 
 undertaken early the next Spring ; and the Spaniards ought to be 
 made sensible that the continuing our fleet in those seas, is of such 
 consequence to them, that they ought, for their own interest, to refuse 
 nothing they are able to do to engage the king to it. For my own 
 part, I am satisfied with every circumstance of the conclusion of 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 267 
 
 the siege of Casale, unless the method of treating has occasioned 
 some suspicion. The keeping the town fortified might have 
 given more jealousy among the allies than the place is worth, 
 therefore I am not sorry it is demolished ; but some give out that 
 the treaty Avas carried on between his royal highness and the 
 french, as if it looked like a thing concerted before ; and such 
 private understandings give ground to suspect that this does but 
 forerun another accommodation of worse consequence to the 
 common cause. But your lordship, who is upon the place, and 
 sensible of the importance it is to prevent any such under-hand 
 bargain, will observe, and beside using your own endeavours to 
 stop it, will give notice to his majesty, if you find cause to sus- 
 pect there is any treaty on foot for a separate peace." 
 
 Leaving a corps of 3,000 men for the demolition of the works 
 of Casale, the duke of Savoy rejoined the army, professing a 
 readiness to co-operate in any undertaking for the humiliation of 
 the common enemy. He even assented to the proposal of the 
 british general for detaching 5,000 men to act in conjunction with 
 the troops on board the fleet; but he well knew that such an 
 attempt was now rendered hopeless, by the preparations of the 
 french court; for he still acted on the same system of rendering 
 the operations of the campaign subservient to his peculiar interest, 
 by insisting on the siege of Pignerol, which could not be under- 
 taken till the ensuing Spring. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREVi^SBURY. 
 
 " Camp near Casale, July 19-29, 1695. — My lord ; I write twice 
 a week to the king and to Mr. Blathwayt, from whose letters I 
 receive his majesty's orders. But I know it is also my duty to 
 inform you of what passes here, which I do with pleasure ; and 
 whenever your affairs will allow it, or when matters render it 
 necessary, I hope you will favour me with your instructions. 
 
 " You will, I trust, have seen, my lord, that I have done all 
 in my power to engage the chiefs to use all their efforts toward 
 the sea, to profit by the superiority of our fleet ; but there was no 
 
 2m ? 
 
268 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 arrangement for provisions or artillery in that quarter, and it was 
 too late to make any. Since the capture of Casale, however, I 
 have proposed to give a number of troops to join those in the 
 fleet, and it has been resolved to send 5,000 men. I have in- 
 formed the admiral, that they are offered to him in case he should 
 deem it possible to undertake any thing with this corps. I know 
 Mr. Russell's answer ; it is, that he undertakes to protect them 
 by sea, and carry them to the coast; but it is for the officer com- 
 manding them to form the project, chuse the place for making a 
 descent, and concert with him the measures to be taken at sea. 
 After having well examined the dispositions of the enemy on the 
 coast, I think a descent impracticable. There are fifteen hundred 
 cavalry in the fosses of Toulon, ten thousand infantry in the 
 neighbourhood of that town and Marseilles, and twenty thousand 
 in the rest of Provence or in the county of Nice. You are aware, 
 my lord, that when the enemy are apprised that a detachment is 
 made fi:om this army, to embark at Finale or at Oneglia, they also 
 will advance under Toulon or Marseilles a more considerable 
 corps than ours can be. For as we aim only at those two places, 
 they will think solely of defending them. They are only ten 
 leagues distant from each other by land, and by sea more than 
 twenty. So that the same corps of troops may easily maintain 
 both places, especially if they have a stronger in the rear, to 
 advance only on an urgent emergency ; because the country, far 
 from abounding in provisions, is very poor. We cannot unite for 
 such an enterprise until after the conquest of Nice. I wish that 
 from this moment we should devote all our cares to its accomplish- 
 ment next year. But if we are competent to a great enterprise, 
 his royal highness will ever be disposed for that of Pignerol ; and 
 indeed the reduction of that place would greatly facilitate all tlie 
 other operations. In a few days I think I shall be able to give 
 you a more exact account, for we are to have a council on this 
 business. I request your protection, my lord, and beg you to 
 be assured that I shall ever be," &c. 
 
 The duke of Savoy artfully contrived to waste the season in 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 269 
 
 deliberation, by summoning a council of his generals at Turin, to 
 determine on farther operations. He, however, evinced his deter- 
 mination to persist in the reduction of Pignerol, which was cal- 
 culated to delude the british government into the hope that the 
 possession of that place would lead to the accomplishment of their 
 wishes. He so far succeeded, that Ave find lord Galway express- 
 ing a partial approbation of the design, and the duke of Shrews- 
 bury dwelling on the resumption of the project against the french 
 coast and marine. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 " Whitehall^ Aug. 16-26, 1695. — My lord ; I received your's 
 of the 19th and 25th together. I am sorry the want of prepara- 
 tions, and other defects make any attempt upon the sea coast of 
 France impracticable this year. Since his majesty has resolved to 
 be at the expence and hazard of maintaining a great fleet the 
 next summer in the Mediterranean, I hope some scheme will be 
 laid for the annoying the french power at sea against the next 
 year; and that the duke of Savoy and the other allies will so 
 justly consider the vast charge England is at, for providing their 
 fleet at this distance, that they will concur in some design that 
 may be for our safety and advantage." 
 
 The result of the deliberations at Turin is thus communicated 
 by lord Galway : 
 
 " Turin, Aug. 3-13, 1695. — My lord ; I came hither to be pre- 
 sent at a council of war, composed of all the general officers, to 
 deliberate on what was to be done during the rest of the campaign. 
 There being no news from our fleet, and no arrangement for pro- 
 visions on the coast, it was the general opinion, that nothing should 
 be undertaken on that side ; and there is neither sufficient in- 
 fantry nor artillery for the siege of Pignerol. Hence all agreed 
 that the infantry should be collected : they are much diminished 
 by disease, and cannot amount to more than 20,000 men. We 
 are to endeavour to drive M. de Catinat from the heights, which 
 
270 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 he occupies with 30,000 men, and to attack Susa. I think the 
 latter affair no easier to execute than the former, and consequently 
 do not imagine it will be accomplished/' 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Surprised to hear that the english fleet is to winter in the Mediterranean, as no mea- 
 sures have been taken for that arrangement — The duke of Savoy anxious for the 
 siege of Pignerol— Does not believe the rumour of a treaty between him and the 
 french.] 
 
 " Camp near Casale, Aug. 16-26, 1695.— My lord ; By the post 
 which brought me your letter of the 23rd July, I received one from 
 Mr. Blathwayt and one from M. de la Tour, from which I learn 
 that our fleet is to winter in the Mediterranean. Of this neither 
 his royal highness nor myself were aware, and no measures have 
 consequently been taken, in reference to that arrangement. I 
 wrote to admiral Russell during the siege of Casale, and imme- 
 diately afterwards, but have had no letters from him, since that 
 from Cape Rosas, dated 21st May, your style. The season being 
 so far advanced, nothing can be undertaken until next year ; and 
 we ought to be apprised by what time our fleet may be expected 
 off Nice, or at least off Toulon. His royal highness, as I have 
 already informed your excellency, is wholly bent on the siege of 
 Pignerol, in the hope that he may obtain that place by treaty, 
 if it be not taken before peace is concluded. It is true, if we 
 had Pignerol, we should be at liberty to re-take what we chose, 
 as we should have nothing to fear from Piedmont. It has been 
 resolved to attack Susa, and nothing is wanting but orders from 
 the emperor ; but I think this enterprise impracticable. To effect 
 it, the french must be driven from all the heights between Pignerol 
 and this place, which they occupy with sixty battalions, amount- 
 ing to more than 20,000 infantry : we, I think, can collect no 
 more than 18,000. Respecting the capture of Casale, the same 
 rumours current in England of a secret treaty, have been spread 
 here. I have endeavoured to trace their origin, and I cannot 
 think them true. All that has been said has been so contradic- 
 tory, that I see clearly they rest only on the feeble defence made 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 271 
 
 by the french, and on the conditions too promptly granted. But 
 they were disposed to. ensure its total demolition, and testify to 
 the princes of Italy how much they had their interests at heart ; 
 and perhaps they were not sorry, to create this occasion for dis- 
 sension among the allies/' 
 
 The succeeding letters strikingly display the embarrassment of 
 the british ministry, and the false calculations which they formed 
 on the future co-operation of the duke of Savoy, in their darling 
 design for the ruin of the french marine. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [Hopes that some expedition against the coast of France will be concerted with the duke 
 
 of Savoy.] 
 
 " London, Sept. 6-16, 1695. — My lord ; I doubt your lordship 
 is but too much in the right, that the season of the year was so 
 fiar advanced, before the certainty came of his majesty's fleet 
 being designed to winter at Cadiz, that it was too late to make 
 any considerable project for them to act in conjunction with his 
 royal highness's troops after the taking of Casale. We must, there- 
 fore, now content ourselves with what is possible, and endeavour 
 to lay some scheme for the next summer's service this winter, 
 whilst there is time to concert and agree it with the several princes 
 concerned. Your lordship can judge better what is practicable 
 than any body can here at this distance, and therefore I hope you 
 will employ your thoughts upon it, and endeavour to dispose 
 matters, so that what is intended to be attempted, may turn to the 
 advantage and the security of England, by weakening the french 
 strength at sea, as well as to the benefit of the duke of Savoy and 
 the other allies ; it being very reasonable that the hazard we 
 expose our ships to, and the expense his majesty is at, should be 
 considered so far, as that, in the designs for the next campaign, 
 his majesty's interest should not be forgot. ****** 
 
272 COJIRESPO N D E N C E [Pakt II.—Ch. 4. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Will use his endeavour that Nice should be attacked instead of PIgnerol next campaign 
 — Thinks that the wishes of the duke for the siege of Pignerol should not be too 
 rashly opposed — Duke of Savoy recovered from his indisposition and will join the 
 army — Dispersion of the English fleet by a storm off the coast of Provence — The 
 firench garrison has evacuated Casale.] 
 
 " Turin, Sept. 10-20, 1695.— My lord ; I am honoured with 
 your letters of the l6th and 23rd of August, and shall use all my 
 efforts to cause the enterprise of Nice to be adopted for next 
 year, instead of that of Pignerol. God grant we may achieve 
 one of them. Neither of them is without its difficulties. The 
 latter is much more to the taste of his royal highness, and much 
 more to his interests ; wherefore, I think that no obstinate con- 
 tradiction should be offered to his sentiments. This conquest, 
 also, would be very advantageous to the whole league, though 
 there is no comparison Avith regard to us ; for nothing is so much 
 to our advantage, as that which tends to destroy, or, at least, to 
 diminish the maritime power of France. I shall do all I can 
 for that object. 
 
 " His royal highness is in better health ; I think he will be well 
 enough to go to the army in two or three days. His illness greatly 
 incommoded public business. 
 
 " The garrison of Casale evacuated that place on the 18th, 
 N. S., to the number of 2,200, leaving 300 sick. 
 
 " Our fleet has encountered a terrible storm on the coast of 
 Provence. If the Avind had continued east, it would probably 
 have gone on shore ; but the wind shifting to the north-west, the 
 fleet disappeared, and we have had no certain intelligence of it 
 since the storm. The french still speak of the armaments which 
 they are preparing at Toulon ; but the season is so advanced, that 
 I do not think their ships will go out of port this year." 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GAL WAY, 273 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [Thinks an attempt against Nice preferable to the attack of Pignerol — Will send his 
 majesty's instructions on his arrival in England — Hopes that the duke of Savoy will 
 agree to the attack of Nice, should the king approve it.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 4-14, 1695. —My lord ; I received your letter 
 of the 2nd Sept., our style, whilst I was in the country, and your's 
 of the 10th since my return hither. What I writ of my inclina- 
 tion to the attempt against Nice, rather than Pignerol, was purely 
 ray own private opinion, without orders. When the king arrives, 
 I will endeavour to send you his directions, unless you may per- 
 haps have received them already, by some other hand, or that 
 he will please to take the pains to do it himself. If Nice be more 
 favourable to that which ought to be our main end, of weakening 
 the french force at sea, as you agree it is, and Avill at the same 
 time be of advantage to the duke of Savoy, though it should not be 
 so exactly to his mind as Pignerol ; yet the expense the king is at 
 for maintaining part of his war by land, and the vast charge and 
 jiazard undergone by continuing such a fleet in the Mediterra- 
 nean, ought, in my judgment, to incline his royal highness to some 
 complaisance to his majesty's interest. I do not doubt, when you 
 know the king's thoughts, but you will use arguments that may 
 prevail, much better and stronger than I am able to suggest, and 
 therefore shall at this time trouble you no more than to assure you 
 that I am," &c. 
 
 As the rest of the campaign was inactive, and the troops were dis- 
 tributed at the proper season into winter quarters, most of the suc- 
 ceeding letters possess little interest, and merely refer to the topics 
 already discussed. William, finding it fruitless to struggle against 
 the inclinations of the duke of Savoy, prudently acquiesced in the 
 proposed attack of Pignerol, though he considered it as scarcely 
 practicable. He, like his minister, vainly hoped that this com- 
 pliance would ensure the fidelity of the duke, and eventually win 
 his concurrence in the prosecution of operations against the french 
 coasts. 
 
 2 N 
 
274 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 4. 
 
 We cannot, however, omit to point out a few letters, which 
 evince the artful pohcy of the duke of Savoy, who, while he was 
 secretly caballing with Trance, was endeavouring to extort the 
 government of the Milanese, and pecuniary contributions from 
 Spain, at the same time that he laboured to excite a suspicion 
 that the court of Madrid was treating with France for a separate 
 peace. We confess we cannot restrain our surprise that this 
 double dealing should fail to awaken the suspicions of lord 
 Galway, or escape the penetrating eye of king WiUiam. Such, 
 however, was the case, and we find them doubting, yet still con- 
 fiding in the sincerity of this Avily prince. 
 
 The first of these letters announces the arrival of the papal nuntio, 
 through whose agency the accommodation was arranged; and 
 the profound policy of the court of Rome is displayed in the 
 choice of a minister, who clothed his political intrigues under the 
 veil of a devotion to pleasure, and in the midst of pursuits appa- 
 rently frivolous, was actively employed in settling the terms of a 
 treaty which endangered the safety of the protestant cause. The 
 affected dislike with which he was at first received, is another of 
 those refined arts, that enabled the duke of Savoy to mature 
 his design, without awakening the suspicion of those by whom 
 his conduct was so sedulously Avatched. It is no less striking to 
 observe the art ; with which the duke continued to lure the 
 english government, with the hope of rendering his dominions 
 the center of an advantageous commerce Avith the shores of the 
 Mediterranean. As we proceed, the plot thickens, and every 
 letter furnishes neAv proofs of his consummate duplicity. 
 
 LOUD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 ''Turin, Dec. 31- Jan. 30, 1695-6.— My lord; The count de 
 Vernon* has been with me, by order of his royal highness, to give 
 me an account of his journey; and the purport of his statement is : 
 1st, To shew me the justice of Avhat he has demanded, viz. the pay- 
 ment of the arrears of subsidies, which his highness pretends to 
 
 * The envoy sent by the duke to the court of Spain. 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. " 275 
 
 be due to him, and of the equivalents which he has proposed, such 
 as receiving in payment the cannon of Casale, or the valley of 
 Sesia ; for he told me nothing of the demand he had made of 
 the government of the Milanese. 
 
 " 2nd, How much the ministers of Spain are indisposed to 
 render justice to his royal highness ; since, instead of entering 
 into the consideration of those equivalents, they have denied the 
 greater part of the debt, and have declared that they will never 
 contribute or consent to the aggrandisement of that prince, nor 
 even wish him to command a great body of troops ; and that con- 
 sequently they are resolved no longer to assist with money, 
 but rather, to furnish their own troops, in order to be masters of 
 the operations. 
 
 " 3rd, That the sentiments of these ministers are not so much 
 the effect of a political view for the preservation of the Milanese, 
 as of the party which the french have in Spain, and which, he 
 says, is very considerable ; almost all the council being wholly 
 inclined for peace. Tliis was apparent when the matter was 
 debated : of nine ministers, there were seven for peace ; only 
 one for the continuance of the war, and another who gave no 
 opinion. This point was warmly urged, and M. de Vernon 
 strenuously endeavoured to persuade me that those ministers 
 would at length lead the king to a separate peace. 
 
 " 4th, He spoke much to me of the good offices of the 
 king's ministers, and of the obligation which his royal highness 
 felt to his majesty, for the positive orders Avhich the king had 
 given to support his interest on all occasions. 
 
 " On all these articles I said every thing I could imagine, in ex- 
 cuse for the conduct of the Spaniards ; not with regard to the go- 
 vernment of Milan, but towards his royal highness ; and especially 
 in relation to a separate peace, so contrary to their interests ; and I 
 endeavoured to prove the impossibihty of making such a peace. 
 Lastly, admitting the justice of his master's pretensions, I told 
 him, that as soon as the affair of M. Schonemberg was finished, 
 it would be advisable for his royal highness to let me know what 
 he would desire the king to do, to enable him to obtain his objects. 
 
 2 N 2 
 
«76 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IL— Ch. 4. 
 
 " It was my wish to speak to his royal highness on all this con- 
 versation ; but that prince told me it was not necessary, and that 
 he very well perceived the whole would be settled with the 
 Spaniards ; that he was however very glad I was informed of all 
 things ; and especially of his great obligations to the king, in order 
 to charge me to assure his majesty of his gratitude. I shall take 
 an opportunity of conferring with him more deeply on this matter, 
 though the Spanish envoy does it every day ; for we must endea- 
 vour to destroy the bad impression made on him by the count de 
 Vernon. That minister, perhaps not well disposed, is certainly dis- 
 satisfied with the ill success of his negotiation, and has neglected 
 nothing to render all the Spanish ministers odious to his master. 
 
 " The nuntio has made his entry into this city, and yesterday 
 had his public audiences of his royal highness and the duchesses. 
 He is a man who loves his pleasures better than his profession, 
 and thinks of them much more than of his business, for which 
 his royal highness has shewn him little regard. But the party of 
 Rome and of the inquisition is so strong in this country, that this 
 opposition will be overcome, and the prelate will be so managed 
 as to render himself more agreeable to his royal highness. The 
 Spanish envoy sees him often, and believes that he shall be ac- 
 quainted with his negotiations." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the business of commerce — State of Spain — Duke of Savoy thinks that the king ought 
 to hear any indignity, and not irritate that court — Letter from the pope, exhorting 
 the duke of Savoy to make peace.J 
 
 " Turin, Jan. 4-14, 1695-6. — My lord ; We had yesterday a 
 long conference with commissioners, appointed by his royal high- 
 ness for the establishment of commerce. I send a particular 
 account to Mr. Montague, and shall merely tell you, my lord, 
 that the general of the finances, who is one of the commissioners, 
 appears very adverse to this business. I am sure we shall find great 
 difficulties ; but as the scheme is a good one in itself, and advan- 
 tageous to this country, I hope we shall surmount them. 
 
 " I have conferred more particularly with his royal highness 
 
1695.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 277 
 
 on the state of Spain. He judges by the conduct of that court in 
 the affair of M. de Schonemberg, and by the discourses held with 
 Mr. Vernon, that the french party prevails there. For this he accuses 
 the admiral and the marquis de los Balbases; and thinks the 
 queen is governed by the former. He, however, does not appear 
 much offended at this, and the marquis of St. Thomas has spoken to 
 me upon it, as a minister convinced that the Spanish monarch must 
 be treated hke a friend ill of a frenzy, who must not be abandoned, 
 though he utters insults, and wishes to ill-treat those who serve 
 him." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The nuntio urges the duke of Savoy to agree to a speedy accommodation ; but the 
 duke declines making peace without the unanimous consent of the allies — Rumours 
 concerning the proposed journey of the duke to Milan.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 4, I696. — My lord ; Since my last, I have 
 learned that the nuntio, in his last audience of his royal 
 highness, had much pressed him to promote a peace ; and 
 had strongly represented to him the miseries of his people, and 
 the misfortunes of all Italy, from which he intreated him to deliver 
 her ; and that his royal highness's answer had been such as we 
 could wish, for he concluded, that peace could not be made without 
 the unanimous consent of all the allies. 
 
 " His royal highness is to go to Milan towards the end of 
 this month, N. S. This journey gives rise to much discussion, 
 and it has long been spoken of; but I think it merely a journey 
 of pleasure, which this prince takes annually. I shall not deem 
 it proper to go, unless he tells me, and I do not imagine he will 
 speak of it. 
 
 " The french intelligence still adverts to the armament at 
 Toulon. 
 
 " M. Catinat returns to command the french army in this 
 quarter, with eight lieutenant-generals, and ten marshals de camp. 
 The french are making greater magazines of corn, flour, and 
 oats, at Pignerol and Fenestrelles, than usual." 
 
278 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 5. 
 
 CHAPTER 5. 
 1695—1696. 
 
 Recall of the british fleet from the Mediterranean — Developement of the private machina- 
 tions of the duke of Savoy — His secret intelligence with France, and pilgrimage to 
 Loretto — Projects for the ensuing campaign, and artifices employed by the duke to 
 deceive the allies — Correspondence from February to April, 1696. 
 
 An the midst of the perplexity which paralysed all the efforts of 
 the confederates in Italy, the extensive preparations of France 
 for a descent on the english coasts, and the machinations of the 
 Jacobites to prepare the way for a counter-revolution, obliged 
 king William to recall the fleet from the Mediterranean, and to 
 leave the french masters of that sea. This measure furthered 
 the purposes of France with the duke of Savoy; and we soon 
 find the wily prince resorting to new and more active intrigues, 
 to obtain his darling objects, and effect his secession from the 
 grand alliance. 
 
 In reviewing the campaign of 1695 we find every symptom of 
 approaching defection in the duke of Savoy. No active measure 
 was undertaken, except the siege of Casale ; and the surrender 
 of that place was owing, not to the exertions of the allies, but to 
 connivance with the french. From the letters of lord Galway it 
 appears that a total want of concert reigned among the con- 
 federate chiefs ; and that the whole season was spent in forming 
 projects, either impracticable in themselves, or never intended 
 to be carried into execution; for the duke of Savoy in particular 
 would listen to no proposal, except the siege of Pignerol, which 
 he evidently expected to obtain in the same manner as Casale, 
 by his negotiation with France. 
 
 Having at length matured his scheme, and procured the terms 
 which he expected, the duke resorted to a new and more refined 
 
1696—1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 279 
 
 artifice to ensure the accomplishment of his purpose. Convinced 
 that all his movements were observed by lord Galway, and fearful 
 of confiding even in his own ministers, he prepared for a pil- 
 grimage to Loretto, under the pretence of a religious vow, made 
 during his late sickness, in order to conclude the preliminary 
 treaty, the terms of which he had previously settled. He thus 
 delivered himself from the presence of lord Galway, whose reli- 
 gion offered a plausible pretext for declining his attendance ; and 
 though the british minister employed spies to watch the move- 
 ments of the court, and even gained some of the subordinate clerks 
 and secretaries, the conclusion of the accommodation was clothed 
 Avith the same veil of mystery, under which it had been com- 
 menced. 
 
 At Loretto the duke met a french agent, probably the count de 
 Tesse, under the disguise of a friar, and with him arranged a 
 series of preliminaries. The terms were equal to his most san- 
 guine expectations ; for the king of France deemed no sacrifice 
 too great to detach an enemy, who diverted 50,000 of his best 
 troops, and whose defection would spread jealousy through the 
 alliance. He was to obtain the restitution of all his towns and 
 territories conquered by France ; the cession of Pignerol rased, 
 and the honours of a crowned head ; and above all, his pride 
 was flattered by the arrangement of a future marriage between 
 his eldest daughter and the duke of Burgundy, lineal heir of the 
 french monarchy. 
 
 Secretly exulting in the success of his machinations, he returned 
 to Turin, after an absence of fifteen days, and began that system 
 of art and dissimulation, which was necessary to eifect his perfect 
 disentanglement from his connection with the alhes, without ex- 
 posing his person and territories to their indignant vengeance. 
 His conduct is minutely described in the letters of lord Galway, 
 whose frank and honest nature was far from suspecting the guile, 
 it was intended to cover. 
 
ago CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. S. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 (Naval armaments at Toulon — Impatient for the arrival of reinforcements to sir George 
 Rooke — The duke of Savoy preparing for a pilgrimage to Loretto— Military pre- 
 parations.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 7-17, I696.— My lord ; All the advices from 
 Genoa, Leghorn, and France continue to speak of the armament 
 at Toulon. There are already thirty vessels in the road, and they 
 pretend that all the fleet will be ready to sail in the beginning of 
 March. The public, ill enough informed, speak of attacking 
 Barcelona by sea and land, or of passing the Straits. I am 
 impatient to learn that the squadron detained by adverse winds 
 at Spithead is arrived at Cadiz, and has joined sir George Rooke.* 
 
 " His royal highness goes, in a few days, to Milan, and thence 
 to Loretto, to fulfil a vow made during his severe illness. It is 
 here thought that this journey must be somewhat mysterious ; 
 that the prince will perform another, and that the supposed 
 pilgrimage is merely a pretence. 
 
 " The enemy proceed with their magazines at Pignerol, Susa, 
 and Fenestrelles. I think they aim rather at the defence of Pignerol 
 than at entering Piedmont. His royal highness orders the works 
 of the arsenal to go on night and day, and this keeps up the 
 apprehensions of the enemy respecting the intended siege of that 
 place. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The emperor approves the siege of Pignerol, and will augment his infantry for that 
 object — Tardiness of the imperial recruits.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 8-18, 1 696.— The marquis of St. Thomas 
 yesterday read us the dispatches which his royal highness 
 had received from Vienna, in which his embassador gives an 
 account of the conference held on the war, in Piedmont. 
 Lord Lexington, -f- who was present, has given you a better ac- 
 
 * Sir George Rooke had at this time succeeded admiral Russell in the command, 
 ■f British minister at Vienna. 
 
1695—1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 281 
 
 count of it than I can. It appears that at Vienna they are 
 satisfied with the enterprise on Pignerol, and to promote its 
 success, the emperor is willing to augment the infantry he has 
 here to 9,000 men, for which purpose he proposes to supply the 
 means of raising 2,500 men, the greater part to be furnished by 
 the dukes of Wirtemberg and Reventlaw. The latter has already 
 declared his inability, and the duke of Wirtemberg prefers giving 
 his men to the Venetians, who pay him fifty crowns, to sending 
 them hither to his regiment, where the emperor pays him only 
 four and twenty. Besides, the season is already so far advanced, 
 that we cannot calculate upon the recruits (however successful 
 they may be) before the end of July, or the beginning of August. 
 The two regiments are promised, which went last year into Cata- 
 lonia ; they were then only 2,000 men ; they have lost many in 
 Catalonia, and cannot return into this country without the pro- 
 tection of our fleet. They could not quit Finale last year until 
 very late in the month of June. You see, therefore, my lord, 
 that we cannot have them here before August. The prince of 
 Baden gives us hopes of a regiment of 1,200 men, to replace that 
 of Commercy. This is our best dependance. As to the 
 gunners and bombardiers, the pretended design of the imperialists 
 for a siege in Hungary will prevent them from forwarding all that 
 are demanded : yet I think they will send them ; but I am very 
 apprehensive that they will be useless here as well as in Hungary. 
 " The day of his royal highnesses departure is not fixed. They 
 say that M. de Leganes is also going to Loretto. They are ex- 
 pected at Venice. It is still surmised here that there is some 
 mystery in this journey : I do not believe it. We shall know 
 after some time whither they go, and what they are doing. If I 
 am not mistaken, they will be merely trifling ; and it will be of 
 no consequence to know the motives of this journey, which will 
 not fail to create speculation." 
 
 2 o 
 
282 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 5. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [Laments that the contrary winds have prevented a reinforcement of ships from joinina 
 sir George Rooke, and that the preparations at Toulon have obliged the king 
 to recall him.J 
 
 " TVhitehall, Feb. 11-21, 1695-6.— My lord ;*** * This 
 morning waiting upon his majesty, he was pleased to command 
 me to let you know, that contrary winds having blown for 8 or 
 10 weeks, and stopped the reinforcement of english and dutch 
 ships, which have many of them so long been expecting to sail 
 in order to join sir George Rooke, his majesty has thought it 
 necessary, upon intelligence of the great and sudden preparations 
 at Toulon, to recall sir George Rooke, and to stop the ships till far- 
 ther orders, that were designed to go from hence to him. Nothing 
 could have happened more unlucky than the perverseness of these 
 westerly winds, for otherwise there might have been a squadron 
 at Cadiz, strong and time enough to have disputed the enemy's 
 passing the Straits, which at present his majesty thinks sir George 
 Rooke will not be in a condition to do ; and therefore chuses 
 rather to order him home, than to expose that squadron and our 
 coast to what the french may attempt, especially when they shall 
 have joined their Mediterranean fleet with what they are now 
 fitting out in the Ocean. I am sorry I have no better news to 
 send you, and remain,^' &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [Armaments at Dunkirk and Calais — Information that king James has arrived at the 
 
 opposite coast.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Feb. 28-March 10, 1695-6.— -My lord ; Yesterday 
 I received your lordship's letters of the 1st, 7th, and 8th. The 
 alarm we are in at present, from the preparations the french 
 make about Dunkirk and Calais, in order to a landing, gives 
 his majesty and every body so much business, that I have 
 not had an opportunity of receiving any directions, if any 
 shall be thought necessary upon them. His majesty's fleet, 
 under the command of Mr. Russell, is in so good a condition, 
 
1695—1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 283 
 
 that I think there is no reason to apprehend any ill conse- 
 quences from this attempt; but, on the contrary, that we shall be 
 able to disappoint their design with advantage to his majesty's 
 interest. A little time will shew the success, since I conclude 
 at this hour Mr. Russell is upon the enemy's coast. His majesty 
 is certainly informed that king James is at the sea-side, with the 
 marshal de Boufflers, who is to command the troops they can 
 land." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The journey of the duke of Savoy retarded by indisposition — Armaments at Tou- 
 lon — Preparations for augmenting the army.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 11-21, I696.— My lord ; Since my last letters, his 
 royal highness has been indisposed, which has retarded his journey 
 to Milan and Loretto. I still think there is no mystery in the 
 business. 
 
 " The armament at Toulon continues. Letters from Genoa 
 state, that on the 10th of this month there were twenty-six vessels 
 in the road, that others were fitting out, and advices on all 
 hands affirm, that the fleet will be ready for sea by the beginning 
 of March, N. S. 
 
 " M. Catinat must have arrived at Oulx. The gendarmerie 
 who were in Tranche Comte have orders to hold themselves in 
 readiness to enter Sa!voy early in March. The enemy continue 
 the formation of magazines at Pignerol, Susa, and Fenestrelles ; 
 and are not making any either at Corp or at Sablons, where they 
 used to have stores for 3,000 horse encamped during the two last 
 campaigns, which they passed on the defensive. From this it is 
 obvious that they design, to act ofi'ensively in this country, during 
 the present year." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The duke of Savoy has farther deferred his journey to Loretto— Has desired the decision 
 of the emperor on the siege of Pignerol — Preparations for the continuance of hostilities.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 15-25, I696.— My lord ; His royal highnesses 
 journey to Milan and Loretto is deferred till Lent, and will per- 
 
 2 o 2 
 
284 CORRESPONDENCE [Part ILt-Ch. 5. 
 
 haps be wholly abandoned. He has ordered his embassador at 
 Vienna to obtain instantly a positive answer on the siege of 
 Pignerol, because he will not continue the expense of vehicles for 
 transporting the ammunition which is at Finale, and elsewhere, 
 without being sure of this expedition. I represented to him the 
 advantages which would arise to the allies, from continuing all their 
 preparations, even were it resolved not to form this siege. He 
 seems to think it not convenient for him to incur great expense, 
 simply to attract the enemy into this country, without any useful 
 prospect ; yet he assured me he would continue to carry on the 
 works in the arsenal, with the same diligence, and they are 
 actually working there day and night, to prepare every thing that 
 may serve for all occasions, and be applied to other uses, as the 
 casting of cannon, and making of carriages, and every thing else 
 to put the artillery in good condition. By all intelligence from 
 Pignerol, and the enemy's quarters, it appears to me that they are 
 preparing to succour that place, if attacked, rather than to act 
 offensively. They talk, however, of entering the plain before we 
 take the field. They could do us no harm if we opened the cam- 
 paign early ; but that will be somewhat difficult, because we have 
 no stores of corn, nor indeed is there any in the country. The 
 last crops were very bad. Besides, there will be great difficulty in 
 drawing the imperialists out of winter quarters, and the Spaniards 
 will never quit the Milanese, before all the troops of the emperor 
 have passed. This makes me apprehensive that the enemy will 
 profit by our tardiness ; and that the season being far advanced, 
 they will enter the plain by the beginning of April, with a corps 
 of cavalry from the troops destined for the Rhine, and bombard 
 Turin, or perform some similar enterprise, being masters of the 
 field ; and that they will afterwards retire, before we are assem- 
 bled, and send their cavalry back to the Rhine, before the prince of 
 Baden has profited by its absence. All our intelligence proves 
 that Catinat strongly menaces this country, and that he has not 
 availed himself of his superior advantages during the course of 
 this war, because he had orders from the king^his master, to spare 
 the states of his royal highness, and is now enjoined to spare no- 
 
1695—1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 286 
 
 thing, but to put all the country to fire and sword, to avenge him- 
 self on his royal highness, for having made so many proposals of 
 peace without any effect. These are mere words : we shall judge 
 better by their military dispositions." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The duke departed for Loretto — Sends Mr. de Vernon to the pope, at Rome— French 
 prepare to pass the mountains into Piedmont.] 
 
 " Turin, Feb. 29-March 10, I696.— My lord ; * * * * His royal 
 highness sent me, on the first of this month, to Vercelli, to reform 
 one of the battalions in the service of the king. He departed the 
 next day for Milan, and two days afterwards set out for Loretto ; 
 he traversed Parma, Modena, and Bologna. He told me, on 
 passing through Vercelli, that his journey would occupy fifteen 
 days, so that I do not expect him here until the fifteenth of this 
 month. However, the enemy have taken the necessary measures to 
 pass the mountains and enter the plain ; their gendarmerie and 
 cavalry, who were in winter quarters in Tranche Comte, are 
 ordered to be in readiness to march on the commencement of this 
 month. I hope his highness, on his return to Milan, will send 
 hither a detachment of the imperial and Spanish troops, which 
 will suffice, with his own, to prevent, at this season, the enter- 
 prises of the enemy. 
 
 " By this time the Toulon fleet must be at sea, according to the 
 last advices from Marseilles. Letters from Lyons announce that 
 the french have collected at Calais a large armament of fishing 
 vessels and small craft, to transport the troops for the invasion of 
 England ; and that king James has posted from Paris to Calais. 
 It is long since I informed you that in Italy they affirmed, that 
 the main design of France this year, was to invade England. I 
 hope we shall be prepared to receive them." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Laments the recall of the fleet from the Mediterranean — Return of the duke to Turin.] 
 
 " Turin, March 7-17, I696.— My lord ; * * * * The measure 
 which the king finds it necessary to adopt, of recalling his fleet, 
 
286 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 5. 
 
 is a misfortune to our affairs in general; as the french are thus 
 reheved from the greatest embarrassment which they have hitherto 
 experienced. It is even to be feared that Spain, being aban- 
 doned, will take some evil part, for she is wholly exposed to tlje 
 enemy. * * * * 
 
 " His royal highness arrived yesterday evening ; I did not see 
 him, as he retired, on his arrival, rather feverish." * * * * 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [The general zeal of the people has encouraged the loyal — Funds settled — The king will 
 
 soon depart for the continent.] 
 
 «' Whitehall, April ^1-May 1, I696— My lord; The zeal that 
 has been shewed throughout the whole kingdom upon the dis- 
 covery of this horrid conspiracy* is so general, and so hearty for 
 the preservation of his majesty's person and government, that it 
 is a great encouragement to the honest party ; so no doubt it 
 must leave the contrary effect upon the ill-inclined. The par- 
 liament will be soon up ; the funds all agreed ; his majesty at 
 liberty to go over as soon as he pleases, to prosecute the war 
 in Flanders. We want nothing but news of sir George Rooke's 
 safe return, to say every thing in these parts has a most favour- 
 able aspect, and I hope a few hours may quiet our minds upon 
 that subject." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Recommends the return of the fleet to the Mediterranean as the only expedient to 
 encourage Spain, and preserve the trade of the Levant.] 
 
 " Turin, April 4-14, I696. — * * * * My lord ; permit me to 
 represent to you, that the most important affair is, to think of 
 the fleet which the king Avould have in the Mediterranean. We 
 must ensure the return of the trading vessels which we have iu 
 the Levant ; we must ensure all Spain, which is in a great con- 
 sternation, believing itself abandoned to the discretion of the 
 
 " * The assassination plot. 
 
1695^1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 287 
 
 french ; and we must maintain our credit throughout Italy, 
 which is well established; but we must not suffer the french 
 to recover their's by our weakness. I speak not of the ad- 
 vantage of protecting our trade to the Levant ; you hear 
 enough of that in England, where so great a number of 
 vessels are waiting tyily a favourable opportunity to pass thither, 
 any more than of the necessity of continuing to interrupt the 
 french commerce." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The french pretend to send detachments into Piedmont, and remain on the defensive 
 elsewhere — Ti^inks, however, that their principal effort will be made in the Nether- 
 lands.] 
 
 " Turin, April 18-28, I696. — My lord ; By the last advices 
 from France, the gendarmerie, and a part of the cavalry 
 in Tranche Comt6, have received orders to march on the 
 24th of this month into Savoy. It appears that the french 
 intend to send into Piedmont about ten or twelve thousand 
 horse, which, as they pretend, are to include the four thou- 
 sand horse they had in Catalonia, (where they do not propose 
 to have an army in the field this year), Avith three thousand horse, 
 hitherto under the orders of M. de Catinat during the last cam- 
 paigns, and encamped in Dauphine. They will take the rest 
 of this cavalry from the troops, which were destined for the 
 army of the Rhine, where they propose to act solely on the de- 
 fensive ; and with this view they are there augmenting their 
 infantry, and diminishing their cavalry. They can join to that 
 which they profess to have in this country, a great corps of in- 
 fantry, having still more than one hundred battalions under the 
 orders of M. de Catinat. Yet I do not think they are prepared 
 to make any great progress in Italy, though they will waste it, 
 and prevent us from besieging Pignerol. However, they will not 
 diminish their troops in the Netherlands; and it seems that 
 their principal attention is directed to that country, and to this." 
 
288 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.—Ch. 6. 
 
 CHAPTER 6. 
 1696. 
 
 Campaign of 1696— Advance of the French into Piedmont—Movements of the Allies- 
 Continuation of the delusive conduct of the duke of Savoy — His negotiation with mar- 
 shal Catinat, the french commandei — Accepts the offers of France — Concludes a treaty 
 of neutrality — Joins the french army in invading the Milanese — Compels the allies to 
 accede to the neutrality, and the Germans and auxiliaries to withdraw from Italy — 
 Retreat of lord Galway — Correspondence from April to November, 1696. 
 
 W E now reach the campaign of I696, which, though not fertile 
 in military events, is yet rendered highly important, by the public 
 defection of the duke of Savoy from the grand alliance. It is 
 curious to observe the gradual developement of the profound 
 plot, which he had been so long employed in maturing ; and the 
 singular fertility of resource which he evinced in devising pleas 
 for obstructing all military operations, while he testified the 
 greatest alarm at the threatened devastation of his country, and 
 no less eagerness for the reduction of Pignerol, and the prosecu- 
 tion of offensive operations against the enemy. The partial con- 
 fessions which he affected to make of his negotiations with the 
 nuntio and french generals, are specimens of that dissimulation 
 which the Italians considered as the essence of political science. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The enemy prepare to enter Piedmont — The Austrlans approach the Milanese — Thinks 
 that the french will anticipate the allies in the field.] 
 
 " Ivrea, April 21'May 1, I696. — My lord ; By all the accounts 
 received yesterday, the enemy continue their march towards Pied- 
 mont. The gendarmerie are to be on the 6th inst. N. S. at 
 Chambery ; besides which, there are thirteen regiments of cavalry 
 and three of dragoons coming from Tranche Comte and Savoy. 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 
 
 Infantry and cavalry are also arriving from Catalonia, where the 
 enemy seem to expect no campaign ; yet I do not think they will 
 be in a state to undertake the siege of Coni. We cover Turin 
 with the army ; but I apprehend they will advance and burn all 
 the country beyond, to the gates of Coni, which would be a great 
 inconvenience, by preventing his royal highness from levying the 
 taxes of that country, the most productive in his dominions, and 
 from putting his troops into winter quarters. I came hither to visit 
 those of the king, and prepare them for taking the field. This day 
 the imperialists enter the Milanese, and cannot reach Piedmont till 
 the 20th. If our fleet were in the Mediterranean, it would make 
 a diversion on the coast of Provence, capable of saving this 
 country." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Military movements — Comparison of the forces preparing to take the field.] 
 
 " Turin, April 28- Mar/ 8, I696.— My lord ; I had the honour 
 to write to your grace some days ago from Aosta ; two days after- 
 Avards I received his royal highness's orders to march the king's 
 troops: they will be at Pancalle on the l6th, and most of the 
 imperialists, with the troops of his royal highness. The Spaniards 
 will not arrive till four or five days afterwards. The enemy 
 profess to enter the plain with ninety-three squadrons. There are 
 fewer battalions under Catinat than I thought : I supposed them 
 to be more than a hundred ; but by the lists which we have re- 
 ceived, there are only ninety. Yet even this force will be too 
 much for us. If the Spaniards are correct, we shall be able to bring 
 into the field about twenty-seven thousand infantr}', and nine thou- 
 sand horse : the enemy will have twelve thousand horse, and forty- 
 five thousand infantry, of which they will keep perhaps ten thou- 
 sand in the rear ; so that they will have eight thousand foot and 
 three thousand horse more than we." 
 
 2 P 
 
290 CORRESPONDENCE [Part. II— Ch. 6. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Advance of the enemy towards Susa — The allied troops assembling— Doubts whether the 
 Spaniards will join the army — Laments the superiority of the enemy.] 
 
 " Tuririy May 2-12, I696. — My lord ; By all the advices we 
 have received, the enemy continue their march. The gendarmerie 
 were, on the 10th, at Modane, three days journey from Susa. 
 All the cavalry are following, namely, that of Tranche Comt6 
 and Savoy. We are not yet informed whether that from 
 Catalonia has passed the Rh6ne, or even entered Languedoc. 
 The infantry are preparing to join the cavalry. I calculate that 
 in eight days their army will be collected in the plain. 
 
 " We are also assembling. All the troops of his royal highness 
 will be at Carignauo on the 6th ; to the number of fourteen batta- 
 lions and seventeen squadrons. He places eleven battalions in 
 Coni, with five companies of cavalry. These eleven battalions 
 will send a detachment to Demont. He leaves only one batta- 
 lion in the citadel of Turin. The imperialists will have joined 
 about the same time. There are already some regiments near 
 Moncallier : the last will arrive on the ] 8th ; but we do not yet 
 know when the Spaniards will advance, nor indeed whether they 
 will join us. Hitherto they have always wished to form a separate 
 army. If we cannot persuade the marquess de Leganes to act 
 otherwise, we run great risk. I do not think we can venture to 
 remain on this side the Po ; if we post ourselves on the other 
 we abandon Turin to a bombardment ; but if they are as strong 
 as is reported, they will probably offer us battle, and we must 
 avoid them. I cannot believe they will undertake the siege of 
 Coni, if we are not beaten. The place is in good condition, with 
 a strong garrison, and well stored with provisions and ammunition. 
 
 " Such, my lord, is our situation. If we are skilful enough to 
 avoid an engagement, I think we shall escape with a country 
 ruined and burnt. Yet it were to be wished, that advantage were 
 taken on the Rhine and in Catalonia of the weakness of the 
 enemy ; for they have no considerable army, except in the Ne- 
 therlands and in this country. 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 291 
 
 " The princess of Carignano lay in on the 10th of a prince, to 
 the great joy of this house and the whole country, his royal high- 
 ness having no sons. 
 
 " The viceroy of Naples, on his return to Spain, arrived here 
 yesterday evening. His royal highness sent the count de Vernon 
 to monsieur de Leganes, to desire him to bring up his troops as 
 expeditiously as possible ; and repair hither himself in order to 
 concert the necessary means. I will transmit you an account of 
 all that passes," 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 [Motives which induced the king to withdraw the fleet from the Mediterranean.] 
 
 " Whitehall, May %^-June. 1, I696.— My lord ; «* « It is of 
 so great importance, that the king should be master in the Medi- 
 teri-anean, as well upon account of the trade and reputation of 
 this kingdom, as for the encouragement and advantage of the 
 allies, that nothing could have induced his majesty to have with- 
 drawn his ships from Cadiz, but the disappointment he received 
 in several ships, some english, but especially dutch, not being 
 ready so soon as was designed ; their being afterwards stopped 
 by long contrary winds, and, lastly, the account of the intended 
 invasion, which was reported to be designed much stronger than 
 it afterwards proved. We hear the french arrived the- 6th at 
 Brest, their ships much shattered, and their men very sickly. * * * 
 
 " The enemy having directed so great a force towards Pied- 
 mont, gives us great concern for the success in those parts : if you 
 can be able to stem so violent a stream as seems to be let loose 
 upon you, it is all that can be expected, from your present cir- 
 cumstances. That your success may equal your own desires is 
 the sincere Avish of," &c. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The army assembled — The duke of Savoy abandons his design of covering the capital- 
 Consultation on the post to be taken by the troops.] 
 
 " Turin, May 9-19, I696. — My lord ; I think, as I have had the 
 honour to inform you, that the enemy will be assembled on this side 
 
 2 p 2 
 
292 .CORRESPONDENCE ' [Paet II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 of the mountains about the 25th of this month. Their advanced 
 posts, are already near Veillano, and the gendarmerie will arrive, 
 it is supposed, this day at Susa. The Spaniards are all encamped 
 on the counterscarp of Turin : the imperial cavalry is also all 
 arrived, but the infantry not entirely. His royal highness sends 
 the cavalry forward in two corps, one at Orbassano, and the other 
 towards Rivalta, to consume the forage on the side of the enemy, 
 and preserve our own. They cannot long remain there. It was, 
 as I have mentioned, intended to construct lines before Turin, to 
 prevent a bombardment ; but after having well examined this 
 design, it has been found that whatever measures were adopted, 
 we could not obstruct the enemy in bombarding that place from 
 the farther side of the Douro ; and that in order to embrace the 
 ground between that river and the Po, we must have extended 
 ourselves too much, and incurred the risk of a battle in those 
 lines, without being able to avoid a bombardment, if it was de- 
 signed. His royal highness yesterday morning assembled the 
 general officers. It Avas then resolved to post the army on 
 the other side of the Po ; but it is not yet determined, whether it 
 shall all be stationed at Montcallier, or whether the infantry shall 
 be placed behind Turin, in the mountain, to maintain that posi- 
 tion and the capital, and the cavalry behind, between the Douro 
 and the Po, firom whence it may annoy the enemy by de- 
 tachments. It will be proper to remain in this situation till we 
 see the course adopted by the enemy," ^ 
 
 In the mean-time the secret negotiation had continued Avith 
 France, and the terms were reduced into the shape of a prelimi- 
 nary treaty. A new and unexpected difficulty, however, now 
 arose. Either from unwillingness to relinquish Pignerol, or from a 
 suspicion of the duke's sincerity, the french objected to the pro- 
 posed cession, and insisted on retaining that fortress until the 
 conclusion of a general peace ; and Grubel, the agent of the dukei 
 of Savoy, was induced to consent to this change, and sign the 
 treaty with Tesse, on the 30th of May. The instrument being 
 communicated to the duke, he was indignant at this attempt to 
 
1696]. WITH LORD GALWAY. 293 
 
 Avithhold tlje prize for which he had sacrificed his good faith : he 
 disavowed his agent, refused to affix his ratification, and -an- 
 nounced his resolution to prosecute the war. 
 
 New measures were now adopted to work on his apprehen- 
 sions.. The negotiation was transferred to Catinat, who had re- 
 sumed the command of the army, and threats of the most exem- 
 plary vengeance were employed to extort his consent. A private 
 communication is even said to have been opened by the 
 agency of St. Thomas, to whom alone the secret was communi- 
 cated, and who repeatedly repaired, in disguise, to Pignerol, to 
 treat with Tess6 and Catinat. At all events, these curious docu- 
 ments were imparted in affected confidence to the ministers 
 of the allies, as a proof of good faith, at the same time that they 
 Avere still kepi in ignorance of the preliminary arrangements. 
 The conduct of the duke, in this instance, was a master-piece 
 of duplicity and address ; and he displayed singular art in ca- 
 joling the confederate powers, at the very moment when he was 
 meditating their expulsion from Italy. 
 
 THE DUKE of" SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [The british nation are dissatisfied with the operations in Piedmont — Is gratified to he4r 
 that his lordship does not believe that any treaty is in agitation.] 
 
 ' *' Whitehall, June 9-19, I696. — My lord ; I have received your's 
 of the 15th, 18th, and 22nd May, O. S., at which time the enemy 
 had made no motion. But I must inform your lordship we are a 
 sort of people here, that are neither satisfied when they advance, 
 nor when they lie still. When they do the first, we apprehend 
 for you ; when they do the last, we are concerned for ourselves, 
 lest it be the effect of some private treaty. I do not observe in 
 any of your lordship's letters, that you have any jealousy of such 
 in agitation, which, nevertheless, we are told is much discoursed 
 and credited at Paris. I give your lordship many thanks for the 
 constant accounts I receive from you, which, at this time, are 
 particularly welcome, from a place where we expect and fear so 
 much." 
 
mi CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [A negotiation opened between the french and the duke of Savoy— Indoses letters w^oh 
 had passed between Catinat and St. Thomas.] 
 
 " Camp of Montcallier, June 6-16, I696. — My lord ; I send you 
 the copies of a letter Avhich M. Catinat has written to the mar- 
 quis de St. Thomas, and of the answer of that minister. The 
 marshal has since written another more pressing, by which he de- 
 mands a decision : I will send you also a copy of it, and the reply. 
 
 " His royal highness demurred to gain time, and this reason 
 induced him not to give a positive answer to the first, as he is 
 pleased with an opportunity to prolong the business, and engage 
 in some negotiation, because he cannot prevent the enemy from 
 executing their threats of devastating his country. The french, 
 however, publicly boast that a peace is already concluded with 
 his royal highness ; and the Piedmontese, who desire it ardently, 
 speak in the same style. His royal highness is much offended by 
 these rumours. I believe he is too firm and too wise to take a 
 step so injurious to his glory and interests. 
 
 " The enemy are still encamped between Rivoli and Rivalta. 
 They have constructed ovens, collected much grain, and are not 
 in want of forage. It is supposed they will remain there some 
 time longer. We also are in the same position as when I had 
 the honour to write." 
 
 Our pages are too limited to introduce the correspondence to 
 which reference is here made. "We shall only observe, that the 
 letter of Catinat contains the most unqualified threats should 
 the duke of Savoy reject the proffered conditions of peace, and 
 concludes with offering the restitution of his territories, and pro- 
 posing his co-operation with France in an invasion of the Milanese. 
 The reply of St. Thomas conveys a refusal of the offers, and 
 repels, with affected disdain, so dishonourable a proposal as a 
 joint attack against the allies of his sovereign. To give weight to 
 the declaration conveyed through his minister, the duke soon after- 
 wards addressed a letter to king William, apologising for his nego- 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 295 
 
 tiation with France, and requesting the return of the british fleet 
 in the Mediterranean. He concluded with soliciting the arrears 
 of his subsidy," 
 
 THE DUKE OF SAVOY TO KING WILLIAM. 
 
 " June 17, 1696. — I doubt not that my lord Galway, whom 
 I have acquainted with what passes here, has sent a very accu- 
 rate report to your majesty. My duty and inclination, however, 
 impel me to inform you of it myself by this letter, which incloses 
 copies of one from marshal Catinat, and of the answer I ordered 
 to be returned, with his reply and mine. The sentiment of the 
 allied chiefs here, has been, to gain time for keeping the enemy 
 in suspense. This is my view also ; and of what shall ensue, I 
 will render a faithful account to your majesty, who will allow 
 me to represent, that if your service would permit rt, the return 
 of your fleet to the Mediterranean would be very advantageous 
 to your majesty, and to the good of the common cause, particu- 
 larly to whatever related to the affairs of this country. 
 
 " I humbly intreat your majesty to give the necessary orders, 
 that I may receive, as soon as ^jossible, the subsidy which I enjoy 
 from your royal generosity, assuring you that I never was under 
 so pressing a necessity. It shall be applied solely for the service 
 of your majesty, and of the common cause in this country. I 
 solemnly profess that I will cherish the most ardent zeal for both, 
 and my strongest desire will ever be to endeavour to merit, on afl 
 public occasions, the continuation of your majesty's powerful pro* 
 tection, and the honour of declaring myself, with the highest 
 respect and truth," &c. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 {Anxious for a fleet in the Mediterranean — Progress of the negotiations b«tweeH the duke 
 of Savoy and the frenoh — Requests a supply of money for the duke of Savoy. J 
 
 « Camp of Montcallier, June 9-19, l696.— * # « * I am glad, 
 my lord, that you are well convinced of the necessity of having a 
 fleet in the Mediterranean ; and I am thence induced to hope that 
 the king will send one. The enemy have laid up the squadron, 
 
S96 tORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 which Sailed from Toulon to Brest, with the exception of twelvd 
 ships ; so no more than 25 or 30 of their ships are left on the 
 ocean, in three squadrons. Why, then, do we keep in your seas 
 a fleet of 80 sail, and not send a squadron of 25 or 30 into the 
 Mediterranea:n ? If it should please his majesty to Order on board 
 only two battalions, he will divert a force of the enemy equivalent 
 to 20,000 men ; and change in his favour the aspect of affairs in 
 this country and all Italy. 
 
 , "Since my last letter marshal Catinat has again written to the 
 marquis de St. Thomas, to which this minister has replied in the 
 manner best calculated to prolong the negotiation. The enemy 
 entered Piedmont with the sole view of engaging his royal high- 
 ness in a treaty. They are not indeed in a condition to take any 
 fortress ; but if they resolve to ruin the whole country, it will be 
 difficult to prevent them ; and his royal highness is consequently 
 justified in endeavouring to amuse marshal Catinat, and elude th^ 
 execution of his threats. However, that prince positively pro- 
 mises not to enter into any separate treaty. I used my utmost 
 endeavours to obtain from him an answer declining all negotiation, 
 that I might never be charged with having consented to the en- 
 gagement, which appears to be commenced ; but I was unable 
 to succeed. And, in fact, his royal highness seems to act rightly, 
 for he will gain every thing, if he can succeed in amusing M. de 
 Catinat three weeks only, in order to give time to the peasantry 
 for collecting their harvest. After that the evil will be trifling ; 
 and without it we risk a famine in the country, where the last 
 crops were bad, and the present, which is still on the ground, and 
 of which the harvest is begun, is very good. 
 
 " The enemy are still between Rivoli and Rivalta. Should 
 they march even to-morrow, they will be too late to pass the Po 
 and prevent the harvest on this side. On the other side, however, 
 the work is performed at the risk of losing the crops and the Cattle 
 employed. I have here a bridge constructed for the retreat of the 
 peasantry; but I cannot protect them in their labours, because 
 they are too distant and too much scattered. 
 
 " I will send you a faithful account of pur military movements 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 297 
 
 and political negotiations. His royal highness is in great want 
 of money, as is very natural, for he has never been obliged to 
 incur so heavy an expense. The collection of his revenue has 
 been much retarded by the presence of the enemy ; and the pay- 
 ment of his subsidy has never been so long suspended. He has 
 written to the king on the subject. I think, my lord, it is highly 
 important to assist him, if possible, on this occasion, with a 
 prompt supply of money." 
 
 In the interim the correspondence between Catinat and St. 
 Thomas continued, and the plot was gradually developed. On 
 the 14th of June the french commander peremptorily required a 
 more specific reply to his former proposals ; and in answer, the 
 minister of Savoy, after repeating his refusal of the conditions, 
 proposed a neutrality for Italy, which comprised the virtual seces- 
 sion of his master from the alliance. This overture was 
 promptly accepted, and an offer made to dispatch an agent for a 
 specific explanation of the terms ; but from a wish still farther to 
 delude the allies, the reception of the agent was deferred. 
 
 The british government, indeed, was so far deceived by the opi- 
 nion of their own embassador, and the specious declarations of their 
 treacherous ally, that, even at this period, we find the noble secre- 
 tary of state acquiescing in the negotiation, and expressing his 
 confidence in the good faith of the duke of Savoy. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 " Whitehall, June 30-July 10, I696. — My lord ; I have received 
 your's of the 6-l6th and 9-19th,and am glad to find it your lordship's 
 opinion, thatthe duke of Savoy will not conclude any separate peace 
 from the rest of the allies. It was so much his interest to gain time, 
 that he is not to be blamed for hearkening to the proposals the 
 french have made, if he permits the temptation to work no farther 
 on him. I confess I should have been better satisfied in my own 
 judgment, if in that letter where the marquis de St. Thomas men- 
 tions the emperor and the king of Spain, with the obligations his 
 royal highness has to them, his majesty's name had been added 
 
 2 Q 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 also ; but there may possibly be good reasons for that omission. 
 I am/' &c. 
 
 The negotiation with Catinat now rapidly assumed a dis- 
 tinct and consistent shape. He offered, in the name of his master, 
 to purchase the secession of the duke of Savoy, by the surrender 
 of Pignerol rased, and the marriage of his daughter with the duke 
 of Burgundy. He concluded with hinting at other advantages 
 which he declined specifying. These offers Avere accepted, and 
 St. Thomas was instructed to announce the acquiescence of his 
 sovereign. The duke of Savoy requested either a delay of forty 
 days, or a passport to communicate the information to the courts 
 of Vienna and Madrid. Meanwhile, he pledged himself to retain 
 his own troops and those of the allies on the farther bank of the 
 Po ; and proposed to the french commander to confine his forces 
 to the opposite bank ; expressing, at the same time, full confidence 
 that he would abstain from any act of hostility. 
 
 As the developement of the plot approached, the wily prince 
 redoubled his asseverations of attachment to the allies. On the 
 4th of July he sent to the emperor a pathetic statement of his 
 deplorable situation, lamented the fatal necessity which had re- 
 duced him to accept the offers of France, and artfully argued, 
 that the arrangement he had concluded was no less advantageous 
 to his imperial majesty than to himself. This apology was clothed 
 in the most servile terms of devotion to the Head of the empire ; 
 and concluded with a solemn declaration of the lively gratitude he 
 should ever retain, for the obligations he had received from the 
 empire, and a profession no less solemn of a cordial attachment 
 to the interests of his imperial majesty. 
 
 His professions are, however, strikingly belied in another epistle 
 addressed to the pope the following day. In this he manifests bis 
 real sentiments ; for, after adverting to the favourable offers which 
 had been obtained through the medium of his Holiness, he declares, 
 that if the House of Austria will not accede to the proposed neu- 
 traUty, he will join his forces with those of France to extort their 
 consent. It is no less remarkable, that, although he had obtained 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 299 
 
 a passport for a messenger to proceed to Madrid, he did not com- 
 municate the intelUgence of his change of policy to the king of 
 Spain before the 10th of Jul3^ 
 
 But the most revolting of all his artifices was, his conduct to- 
 wards the king of England. Grasping to the last moment, he 
 had made an insidious effort to obtain the arrears of his subsidy 
 from the maritime powers, as we have seen by the preceding 
 letter. Before, however, he received a reply to his application, he 
 suddenly threw off the mask, and avowed the conclusion of a 
 treaty, which, under the specious name of a neutrality, bound him 
 not only to quit the allies, but to assist France in the conquest of 
 the Milanese, should they refuse to abandon Italy. The veil 
 which had hitherto blinded the eyes of the british general, was thus 
 abruptly withdrawn; and, in a letter to the duke of Shrewsbury, 
 we find him lamenting his past confidence, and recollecting a 
 long train of duplicity of which he had been an unconscious 
 spectator. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " July 7-17, 1696. — My lord ; I forward you the letters which 
 "were written by M. de Catinat and M. de St. Thomas, since the 
 last which I had the honour to send you, with that of prince 
 Eugene to his royal highness, and his answer. They will inform 
 you of our present state, and of the sequel of a negotiation con- 
 certed long ago, as appears from the letters of M. de Catinat and 
 M. de St. Thomas. You will also see that his royal highness had 
 promised fifty days truce, and that Catinat does not chuse 
 to give more than thirty ; but this did not hinder the duke from 
 proceeding to discharge the hostages on the 12th. Probably M. 
 de Tesse is now negotiating on the manner of executing a treaty 
 concluded long ago, which is not unattended with embarrassment, 
 for I do not think there can be much confidence on either side ; 
 yet our situation here is wretched enough. 
 
 " I should be glad to be informed, my lord, what was given in 
 
 2 Q 2 
 
300 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 the last place to M. de la Tour,* what quantity of tallies, and 
 when any are to be paid. Also, whether any subsidies are still 
 due to his royal highness. I have never been informed of these 
 details, though it would have been well that I had known them 
 from the beginning, but at present it is of the highest importance, 
 therefore I beg you, my lord, to inform me. I am," &c. 
 
 The affair being thus far matured, the next object was, to regu- 
 late the terms of the armistice, till the decision of the allies could 
 be known ; and to settle the time arid mode in which the duke of 
 Savoy should concur with the french, in extorting their acqui- 
 escence, and compelling them to withdraw the foreign troops from 
 Italy. These points were rapidly adjusted in the correspondence 
 of Catinat and St. Thomas, between the sixth and fourteenth of 
 July. The letters, like the preceding, were communicated with 
 affected frankness, by the duke of Savoy to the chiefs of the allied 
 powers , 
 
 In the first letter, dated July 6th, Catinat applauds the readiness 
 of the duke to accept the favours of his master, professes his incli- 
 nation to facilitate the communications with the courts of Vienna 
 and Madrid, accedes to the proposal of an armistice, making the 
 Po the line of division between the two armies, on condition that 
 it should extend to the imperial and Spanish troops, and as a 
 pledge for its observance, requires a mutual exchange of hostages. 
 He demands, also, that this suspension should comprise the in- 
 surgent Vaudois. These conditions were communicated to the 
 commanders of the allied powers, who professed their readiness 
 to obey the orders of the duke of Savoy, in observing the truce, 
 but refused to concur in the exchange of hostages.-f- 
 
 Accordingly, on the 9th of July the duke announced his ac- 
 quiescence in the proposals of Catinat, through his minister, St. 
 Thomas; requested that the armistice should be extended to the 
 term of 50 days, and- in consequence of the refusal of the allies. 
 
 * Minister of the duke of Savoy in England. 
 
 f Letter from prince Eugene to the duke of Savoy, dated July 9- 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 301 
 
 offered as hostages two of his own colonels. In reply, Catinat ac- 
 cepted the exchange of hostages, and tendered, in return, the count 
 de Tess6 and the marquis de Pouroli. " I have," he observes, 
 " voluntarily selected the count de Tess6, because, while we wait 
 for the answers from Vienna and Madrid, you may begin with 
 him to form the project of a treaty/' He, however, confined the 
 term of the proposed truce to thirty days from the exchange of 
 hostages. 
 
 Four days afterwards, Catinat announced the receipt of a new 
 communication from his court. In the name of the king of 
 France, he recapitulated the conditions, which had been already 
 offered and accepted ; and required, in case the House of Austria 
 should not concur in the terms of the proposed neutrality, that 
 the duke of Savoy should join in attacking the state of Milan, 
 either to enforce its acceptance, or to obtain a general peace. He 
 concluded with refusing to extend the ai'mistice beyond a month, 
 observing, that, if necessary, it might be prolonged at the desire of 
 the duke. No answer arriving from the allies, to the proposed 
 terms of neutrality, the duke, in the beginning of August, re- 
 newed his application for an extension of the armistice ; and 
 after some objections, Catinat affected, from personal respect, to 
 risk a departure from his orders, by prolonging the truce to the 
 end of August, on the condition that he should be permitted to 
 pass the Po, and even the Douro, in search of forage and provi- 
 sions, but, in reality, to be at hand to support the forces of 
 Savoy, when it became necessary to separate from the allies. 
 
 These proceedings are briefly recapitulated in the letters of lord 
 Galway, who seems no less disconcerted than surprised at his 
 own want of foresight. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp of Montcallier, July 21-31, I696. — Since I had the 
 honour to write last, great changes have taken place in this 
 country. The truce still continues, and it seems probable that his 
 royal highness may prolong it to the end of August. This prince 
 seems to desire ardently that the allies should consent to a peace 
 
§03 C R R E S P O N D E N C E [Part II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 or neutrality for all Italy, of which he would willingly be a 
 guarantee with the other princes. 
 
 " We are .to quit this post the third of next month, and retire 
 behind the Stura, which is two miles beyond Turin, towards the 
 Milanese. At the same time his royal highness has conveyed an 
 insinuation to the french to withdraw farther from Turin, behind 
 the Pelice, which is ten miles distant from that capital ; where he 
 has announced his intention to wait till he has received the an- 
 swer of the allies. He, however, gives us to understand, that a 
 refusal to enter into a neutrality will not prevent him from going 
 farther, being resolved to risk every thing rather than refuse 
 Pignerol rased. * * * 
 
 " Your letters of the 30th June or 10th July are just arrived, 
 by which it appears that you have received the copies of those 
 from M. de Catinat and the marquis of St. Thomas. It is true 
 that the king ought to have been named in them, and such was 
 the opinion of the marquis of Leganes, prince Eugene, and myself; 
 but his royal highness and the marquis de St. Thomas repre- 
 sented to us that the mere name of his majesty would have been 
 sufficient to apprise the enemy, that this negotiation was under- 
 taken only to anmse them, and that it was certain the king would 
 never enter into it. So that if we wished to attain our object, 
 we must consent that his majesty, without being named, should 
 be comprised with the rest, in what was done for the emperor 
 and the king of Spain, who are particularly interested in all the 
 affairs of Italy, which is a part of the empire, and of which the 
 greater portion belongs to his catholic majesty ; especially the 
 state of Milan, which, from proximity, is most concerned ; and 
 the Montferrat, to which the queen of Poland, the sister of the 
 emperor, is heiress.* Thus, my lord, I thought it for the service 
 of the king not to insist on this matter, which in fact is of little 
 importance. 
 
 * Eleonora Maria, daughter of the emperor Ferdinand the third, and widow of Michael 
 Viesnovitzky, king of Poland. In December, 1697, she espoused Charles Leopold, duke 
 of Loraine ; and from her the emperor Francis the first was descended. 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. 303 
 
 " Moreover, my lord, I have long had reason to suspect the 
 design of his royal highness, and you will perceive from all the 
 letters of M. de Catinat and the marquis de St. Thomas, that 
 they were not written without concert ; but you will judge, at the 
 same time, of the protestations to the contrary, by the copy I 
 send you of the last letter which this prince wrote to the king, 
 before he declared that he was determined to accept the proposals 
 of France. Only two days intervened ; for the letter was written 
 the 17th, and the proposals made the ipth of June. 
 
 " I will do myself the honour, my lord, to give you an account 
 of the progress of this business ; and beg you to continue your 
 protection." 
 
 Alarmed by these proofs of defection, the allies made an effort 
 to retain the duke of Savoy in their interest. Conceiving that his 
 chief temptation had been the prospect of so high an alliance 
 for his daughter, the emperor deputed the count of Mansfeld to 
 lure him with advantageous offers, among which the most pro- 
 minent was, the marriage of Joseph, king of the Romans, with 
 the princess of Piedmont. The attempt, however, seems to have 
 produced no other effect than a specious declaration from the 
 duke, that he would endeavour to confine the neutrality to his 
 own territories. But this affected compromise was immediately 
 and peremptorily rejected by Tess6, who declared that the views 
 of his master would not be fulfilled without the general neutrality 
 of Italy ; and he disclaimed any hostile design against the Mi- 
 lanese beyond the attainment of that object.* 
 
 The effects of this negotiation will be more fully developed in 
 the correspondence. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Aug. 3-13, 1696. — Count Mansfeld, the emperor's envoy, 
 reached Turin two days ago ; but I know not whether he will be 
 able to obtain from his royal highness the time necessary for ne- 
 
 * Letter from Tesse to St. Thomas, Aug. 18, 1696. 
 
304. CORBESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 goliating an affair of such importance. I am, however, well 
 assured, or at least I strongly believe, that he will not bring him 
 to back our interests. Indeed I am alarmed at all negotiations ; 
 for it is to be feared that the House of Austria will accept the 
 neutrality, although it may lead to the los^ of Milan. This would 
 be the greatest evil that could happen, after the separate peace of 
 the duke of Savoy with the french. It is for the service of the 
 king and the grand alliance that the war in Italy should be con- 
 tinued, but this will require money. I have at this moment 
 twelve or thirteen battalions, amounting to 8,000 men, without 
 any means of paying them. I borrow from all parts for the 
 purpose ; but my credit will soon fail, and I must suffer the 
 troops to disband, who will then join the enemy, unless the king 
 sends me supplies to support them. I beg you, my lord, to see 
 what can be done in England. The money due to his royal high- 
 ness for the rest of the subsidy should be employed for this pur- 
 pose, but it must be sent hither, I impatiently expect the re- 
 mittances. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 
 [Thinks it unreasonable that any subsidies should be granted to the duke of Savoy, which 
 ought to be appropriated for the payment of the king's troops.] ■ 
 
 " Whitehall, July 28-Aug. 7, I696.— My lord ; Since the re- 
 ceipt of your lordship's of the 7th, I have endeavoured to inform 
 myself from the lords of the Treasury, whether there be any thing 
 due to the duke of Savoy from hence, and in what posture that 
 is; and am told sir Joseph Hern has tallies in his hand, which 
 he has given a note to deliver to the president de la Tour's order, 
 to the value of ninety-two thousand pounds, out of which he has 
 given M. de la Tour a power to draw bills immediately for 25,000/. 
 If the matter in Savoy be as bad as we have cause to expect, I 
 tliink it is very unreasonable this should be thus disposed of, but 
 rather for the support of the king's troops with you, who may 
 be serviceable in any other place." 
 
 New offers were made through the count Mansfeld, but the 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 305 
 
 attempt only drew from the duke a more explicit declaration 
 of his intentions. Convinced that he had now effected his pur- 
 pose, he assumed a language as dictatorial as his new ally. 
 Lord Gal way thus communicates the unwelcome intelligence to 
 the noble secretary. 
 
 " Camp of Civasso, Aug. 6-16, 1696. — Since I wrote last, count 
 Mansfeld came hither with new proposals from the emperor to his 
 royal highness ; but he found him too deeply engaged to be 
 shaken in his resolutions ; for he declared that at any price he 
 must have Pignerol, and would treat only with those who could 
 put it immediately into his possession. He asked him " Will the 
 allies, without delay, restore me that important place, for which I 
 will admit no equivalent.''" adding, " since you know they cannot, 
 I am determined to accept the proposals of France, who can 
 restore it, by the treaty I shall conclude with that crown, the 
 conditions of which are, that the allies shall accept a neutrality 
 for Italy, and withdraw their troops." M. de Mansfeld represented 
 that his orders from the emperor were, to do nothing without the 
 consent of all the aUies, who were too distant to arrange an affair 
 of such importance in so limited a time. His royal highness, 
 apparently impressed by these just reasons, at once offered to 
 procure from M. de Catinat a prolongation of the truce to the 
 end of September, which the marshal refused. We were apprised 
 of the course of this negotiation before the arrival of count Mans- 
 feld. The question is reduced to the acceptance of the neutrality 
 before the 20th of September, or a renewal of the war. The first 
 alternative is injurious to the c^^mon cause, the second dangerous 
 for the Milanese, where the magazines and other preparations for 
 the prosecution of the war are in a bad state ; and the army, 
 which ought to defend the country, is weaker by 15,000 men 
 than that by which it will be attacked." 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp at Saluzze, Aug. 17-27, 1696.— My lord ; Since my 
 last, M. Mansfeld, after several conferences with the marquis de 
 
 2 R 
 
306 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 St. Thomas, has formed or admitted several projects, which I 
 send you.* I think them very futile. Probably not one will 
 succeed. They wish for a neutrality, and mask it, that they 
 may induce us to accept it. Yet the french and his royal high- 
 ness, who have their designs, and do not suffer themselves to be 
 amused, are embarking their artillery, and making all their pre- 
 parations for a great enterprise. The french will march as early 
 as the first of September. His royal highness is not to join his 
 troops until the 15th, because their dispositions will not be earlier 
 made ; and unless the House of Austria, in spite of the allies, 
 accepts a ruinous and shameful neutrality, we shall have a war 
 in the Milanese, very difficult for us to maintain, if we be not 
 powerfully supported, and promptly succoured. To-morrow we 
 march with our infantry towards Casale ; our cavalry will remain 
 there as long as possible. The troops of his royal highness being 
 joined to those of the enemy, they will have in the field more 
 than thirty thousand infantry, and at least twelve thousand horse. 
 We have not at present more than eighteen thousand infantry, 
 and seven thousand cavalry, with which to garrison five wretched 
 places, of considerable extent, very ill provided. I know not 
 what course M. de Leganes will take. If I judge rightly, we 
 shall place all our infantry in the fortresses, and shall use our 
 cavalry to incommode the enemy in their convoys and foraging 
 parties. The season being far advanced, they will not perhaps 
 succeed in their enterprises. 
 
 " I am here without money. M. de la Tour has tallies for very 
 considerable sums, and the duke of Savoy defers paying me, 
 under the pretence that the king is indebted to him, to the 
 amount of all that his royal highness owes his majesty's troops, 
 those of Brandenburgh, and some others, in which I have 
 refused to acquiesce, on the authority of your letter of July 
 28. I shall have to make great advances for the troops in 
 the king's pay. If I had not charged myself with their pay- 
 
 * These projects comprised various arrangements for a particular neutrality, on the part 
 of Savoy only, but they were all rejected by Prance. 
 
1696] WITH LORD GALWAY. 307 
 
 ment, the neutrality could not have been rejected by the allies ; 
 and it is even now not so absolutely rejected, but that there is too 
 much reason to fear it will at last be accepted. 
 
 " His royal highness declared to me two days ago, that he 
 would sign his treaty. I deemed it my duty to tell him, that since 
 he was resolved to do it, I thought a minister of the king could 
 no longer remain with him, unless his majesty sent me other 
 orders, which I should wait for at the army ; and I took my leave 
 of him. I am sending to Milan the effects and equipage which 
 I had at Turin." 
 
 In conformity with his declarations, and without waiting for 
 any farther proposals from the allies, the duke of Savoy entered 
 into a formal treaty with France, which, on the 29th of August, 
 was signed at Turin, by the marquis de St. Thomas and count 
 Tess6. In return for the renunciation of his connection with the 
 allies, and an engagement to concur in obtaining a neutrality for 
 Italy, he was rewarded with the cession of Pignerol, St. Bridget, and 
 Perugia rased, and the restoration of all conquests and dismem- 
 berments since the time of Louis XIII. A marriage was arranged 
 between his daughter, Mary Adelaide, and the duke of Burgundy. 
 His embassadors at the court of Versailles were also to receive 
 royal honours, and he was himself invested with the supreme 
 command of the french and Piedmontese troops in Italy. 
 
 The treaty was not to be publicly acknowledged till the end 
 of September, that the duke might announce his secession to the 
 allies ; but he immediately proceeded to act in conformity with 
 his new engagements. The confederate troops continued their 
 retreat into the Milanese, the french passed the Po on the 3rd of 
 September, and advanced to Casale ; and the l6th, the day on 
 which the contract of marriage between the duke of Burgundy 
 and the princess was signed, a junction took place between the 
 armies of France and Savoy. The duke assumed the com- 
 mand, and, at the head of nearly 50,000 men, entered the 
 Milanese, to besiege Valenza. The effects of this fatal change 
 form the subject of the ensuing correspondence. 
 
 2 R 2 
 
308 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 6'. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp of St. Mazaro, Sept. 5-15, l696.— My lord ; Since I 
 had the honour to write to you, we have retired hither by short 
 marches daily,. to avoid the enemy, and not expose ourselves to 
 an engagement. Being in the state of Milan, we have visited 
 the places which form a frontier of nearly sixty miles. We have 
 found them in bad condition, and ill-provided; and having an 
 arniy destitute of cannon, and almost of mortars, and inferior to 
 the enemy, all we could do was, to station our infantry in those 
 places, and be ready with our cavalry to molest them in their 
 enterprises. They are still near Casale. To-morrow his royal 
 highness will be at Vercelli. The time granted for all the truces 
 is expired. M. de Leganes pretends that the emperor consents 
 to the particular neutrality of the states of his royal highness. 
 M. de Mansfeld declares he has no orders, except for an armistice. 
 The french are disposed neither for a neutrality nor an armistice, 
 but on condition that the troops of the allies quit Italy. I know 
 not how these different interests will be reconciled. 
 
 " I have described to you the manner in which I withdrew 
 from the duke of Savoy, after the declaration he made to me that 
 he would sign his treaty with France at the end of August, and 
 denounce war against the allies on the 17th of September, if the neu- 
 trality were not accepted. It seemed to me that his majesty could 
 no longer have a minister in the court of that prince, after a treaty 
 signed with the enemy, and a resolution taken to declare war 
 against the allies, unless they accepted a neutrality, to which his 
 majesty is adverse. Since I have quitted his states, his toyal 
 highness has sent me a present, which, not thinking proper to 
 accept, I refused, with much submission, desiring the master of 
 the ceremonies to keep it until he should know whether the king 
 would permit me to receive it. As soon as I am apprised what 
 course the french take, I shall dispatch a courier to the king, 
 and by the same opportunity let you know all that passes. 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 30& 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD GALWAY. 
 [A supply of money will be forwarded.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 15-25, I696.— My lord ; Sir Joseph Hern 
 having this evening acquainted Mr. Vernon, that lie will dis- 
 patch, by this post, credit for ten thousand pounds, I only send 
 this to accompany the good news, and to assure you all possible 
 diligence shall be used, that more may follow in time. I wish it 
 were in our power here to do any thing more for your service." 
 
 Thus betrayed by their ally, and menaced with a superior force, 
 the confederates availed themselves of the interval employed in 
 the siege of Valenza, to accede to the proffered neutrality, by a 
 convention, Avhich was signed at Vigevano, on the 7th of October, 
 by the plenipotentiaries of France, Savoy, Spain, and Austria. 
 
 The articles were : A neutrality in Italy, and a suspension of 
 arms, till the conclusion of a general peace. The Spanish forces 
 were to take up their quarters in the Milanese ; and the french, 
 as well as the imperialists, and foreign auxiliaries, were respectively 
 to withdraw from Italy. As an indemnification for the winter quar- 
 ters, which the Italian princes had engaged to furnish to the impe- 
 rialists, the emperor was to receive 300,000 pistoles, one-third 
 before his troops began their march, and the remainder at a time 
 prefixed, with sufficient security fqr the payment. 
 
 King William was deeply mortified by the base, as well as con- 
 temptuous, treatment which he experienced from his former ally ; 
 for his name was purposely omitted in all the diplomatic corres- 
 pondence relating to this transaction, and he was not distinguished 
 by a .written apology for the desertion of the duke of Savoy, which 
 had been made even to the elector of Brandenburgh and the 
 duke of Bavaria. A prince of such lofty sentiments could not 
 fail to feel the warmest indignation at this unworthy treatment ; 
 he, therefore, received the communication from the count de 
 la Tour, the minister of Savoy, with silent contempt; and 
 
310 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 directed lord Galwaj to remonstrate with the duke in such 
 terms as his ingratitude and duplicity deserved. 
 
 In reviewing the progress of this clandestine negotiation, we 
 cannot but be surprised at the blindness of lord Galway, and the 
 overweening confidence of the imperial and british courts, who 
 appear to have paid little attention to the machinations of the 
 duke of Savoy, though the marquis de Leganes, as early as May, 
 apprised his own sovereign, as well as the emperor, the king of 
 England, and the states, that the duke was in treaty with France, 
 and demanded aids of men and money, with the presence of a 
 british squadron in the Mediterranean, as the only means of keep- 
 ing that prince true to his engagements, or defending the Milanese 
 against him in case of his defection.* 
 
 The subsequent measures are briefly recapitulated in the 
 letters from lord Galway, which will supersede the necessity of 
 any farther detail .-f 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp near Pavia, Sept. 18-28, I696.— My lord ; Since I had 
 the honour of writing to you, the conferences have been continued 
 between M. de Mansfeld, M. de Leganes, and the marquis de 
 St. Thomas, but without leading to any conclusion. The last 
 returned yesterday to the enemy's camp. He is to send a courier 
 to acquaint us whether his royal highness will quit the siege of 
 Valenza and go to Turin, and the french withdraw from the 
 Milanese. If any thing induces them to take this resolution, it 
 will be the rain ; and if that happens, M. de Mansfeld will again 
 repair to Turin to resume the negotiations. 
 
 " However, his royal highness, at the head of the french army. 
 
 * Justificatory apology of the marquis de Leganes, mentioned in Ralph's History of 
 England, vol. 1, p. 671. 
 
 ■f- We have elucidated the history of these events by consulting Diplomacie Fran- 
 gaise— Koch, Histoire des Traites de Paix— Barre Histoire d'AUemagne — Muratori, 
 Annali d'ltalia— Ralph's History of England, vol. 1.— Tindal, vol. 14; and Lamberti. 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GALWAY. 311 
 
 opened the trenches the night between the 24th and 25th. Their 
 cannon began to fire this morning. The rains also commenced to- 
 night. If they continue, they will much distress the besiegers. M. 
 de Leganes and prince Eugene departed from hence this morn- 
 ing with the cavalry, and left me to cover Pavia. If we can 
 undertake any thing, I will join them with six battalions, which 
 I have here, and the artillery. They have left also their heavy 
 baggage. 
 
 " With regard to the peace of Italy, or a suspension of arms 
 till a general accommodation, we are still in the same state. The 
 french will not withdraw from Italy, except at the same time as 
 the forces o,f the allies. His royal highness would not other- 
 wise deem himself safe ; but he does not chuse to be charged 
 with the maintenance of their troops, and would willingly throw 
 it on the Milanese, to which M. Leganes will not, and, indeed, 
 cannot consent. The imperialists cannot depart till they have 
 received the 300,000 pistoles, and the princes of Italy cannot 
 pay them. You may judge, my lord, that so many different 
 interests cannot be speedily reconciled. So that if it is for the 
 service of the king to continue the war in Italy, it may be done, 
 provided we are assisted. We shall lose a few places ; but, if by 
 the help of bad weather, we can prevent the enemy from taking 
 winter quarters in the Milanese, and if they are obliged to repass 
 the mountains, I think we shall make war very advantageously 
 next year, if there is any occasion to do it, for we hear of nothing 
 but a general peace. I am," &c. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The gennan army commence their march for the evacuation of Italy— Lord Galway, 
 
 also, preparing to retire.] 
 
 " Milan, Oct. 17-27, 1696. — My lord ; I send you the copy 
 of an article annexed to the treaty of Vigevano, which appears 
 better than the rest. The imperialists received, on the 25th of 
 this month, thirty-five thousand pistoles : it is affirmed that they 
 are still to receive fifty-eight thousand more, and they content 
 themselves with the obligations of the princes of Italy, and the 
 
312 , CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 6^ 
 
 pledge of his royal highness and M. de Leganes for 207,000 still 
 deficient. The emperor's troops begin to march to-morrow, the 
 28th, and will be all out of Italy before the 20th November. The 
 Spaniards behold us here with pain. If we remain longer, it will 
 cost the king more to no purpose. There will be more trouble in 
 withdrawing the troops in bad weather, and they will arrive later 
 in the Netherlands, and will with greater difficulty be prepared 
 for service next year. I shall do all I can to march from hence, 
 and quit this country myself as soon as possible. I beg, my lord, 
 you will continue to assist me with your protection, that money 
 may be remitted to me, to enable me to act for the king's service. 
 No one is with more respect,'' &c. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Signature of a treaty of neutrality — Arrangements for the evacuation of Italy.] 
 
 " Milan, Oct. 19-29, I696.— My lord ; I did myself the honour 
 to give you an account of the treaty which has been signed. The 
 siege of Valenza has in consequence been raised. The enemy 
 have repassed the Po, and are at present on the banks of the 
 Sesia, at Candia. Much difficulty occurs in the execution of this 
 treaty. The princes of Italy are neither able nor willing to pay. 
 The great duke and the republic of Genoa are among the last : 
 The duke of Mantua, for the Mantuan and Montferrat, with many 
 other petty princes, among the first. The dukes of Modena, and 
 Parma offer their quota for the first 100,000 pistoles, but that 
 amounts only to 27,000. However, the french require forage, for 
 which the state of Milan is unable to pay. It is said that the 
 maintenance of the allies and the french costs this state 3,000 
 pistoles daily. If the rain continues as it began three days ago, 
 our army will be obliged to retire quickly, or be ruined."* * * 
 
1696.] WITH LORD GAL WAY. S13 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Farther preparations for a retreat, and separation of the armies.] 
 
 ''Turin* Oct. 31-Nov. 10, I696.— My lord ; I no longer do 
 myself the honour of writing to you so regularly, because no- 
 thing occurs here, which is worthy of communication. All that 
 now remains to be done, is to withdraw the troops from Italy. 
 'J'hose of Franco have already quitted the Milanese; and I do 
 not think the duke of Savoy will keep them long in Piedmont, 
 M. de Leganes and prince Eugene are still at Turin. The 
 ratification of the treaty of Vigevano by the emperor is most 
 probably arrived there." 
 
 The defection of the duke of Savoy was attended with the 
 natural consequence of creating jealousy among the allies. We 
 find lord Galway, whose suspicions were awakened by the de- 
 ception of Avhich he had been the dupe, suddenly conveying 
 intimations that the emperor, or at least his minister, count 
 Mansfeld, was secretly disposed to follow the example of the 
 duke. 
 
 LORD GALWAY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Milan, Nov. 7-\7, I696. — My lord; I am much concerned 
 at the continuation of your disorder, and cordially wish you a 
 speedy and effectual recovery, for your own sake and that of 
 the public. 
 
 " The french are not sorry to circulate the rumour of a se- 
 parate treaty, projected and negotiated at Turin, to cause dis- 
 union among the allies, and console their own people. How- 
 ever, this report was not entirely without foundation, I am 
 persuaded that M. de Mansfeld used all his endeavours to draw 
 the negotiation of a general peace to Turin. This minister has 
 been here two days, and is going to Vienna. He inserted an 
 
 * Mis-dated by mistake for Milan. 
 
 2 s 
 
S14 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 6. 
 
 article in the treaty of Vigevano, which tended to refer to the 
 duke of Savoy the negotiation of a general peace. The emperor 
 ratified the treaty, with the exception of this article ; and re- 
 jected the other, in Avhich this article remained, and which was 
 sent to Vienna without my knowledge. The king of Spain 
 sent two ratifications, with an order to M. de Leganes to give 
 me the ratification which was conformable to that of the em- 
 peror. While M. de Mansfeld remains in this country, we ought 
 not to be without some suspicion, more however from his own 
 views, than from the design of the emperor. This minister would 
 be pleased to be charged with the negotiation for a general 
 peace ; and I think nothing but this has influenced his conduct ; 
 for I have always heard the emperor praised for his good faith. 
 Those who know him do not think him capable of perfidy. 
 
 " I thank you, my lord, for the continuance of your protec- 
 tion. I have at present money enough; I only beg that the 
 merchants who have intrusted their property to me may not be 
 ruined." 
 
 With this letter we close the correspondence of the british com- 
 mander, from Italy ; for soon afterwards he marched with the 
 remnant of his forces, to join the army in the Netherlands. About 
 the same time the imperialists retired beyond the Alps, leaving 
 the Spaniards in the Milanese, and the duke of Savoy to exult in 
 his duplicity. 
 
 The consequences of this neutrality were soon and deeply 
 felt. The retreat of the allies from Italy relieved the enemy from 
 the charge of defending their south-eastern frontier; and liberated 
 an army of 50,000 men, to swell the french ranks in Flanders, 
 and accelerate the conquest of Catalonia. 
 
 Louis the Fourteenth exulted in his profound and successful 
 policy. He announced his gratification, by causing a medal 
 to be struck, allegorically figuring the conclusion and conse- 
 quence of the treaty. On one side was Minerva, bearing a 
 javelin in one hand, and an olive branch in the other, with 
 the ^gis at her feet. Near was Hymen, sitting with a lighted 
 
1696.} WITH LORD GAL WAY. Slfi 
 
 torch, and leaning on a shield, bearing the united arms of France 
 and Savoy. The motto was " Minerva Pacifica," and the exergue 
 bore the inscription " Pax Sabaudiae, 1696"* 
 
 * Diplomacie Ftangalse, t. 4, p. 135, note.-^Koah, Histoire des Tmt^s.— Bane, 
 Histoire d'AUemagne. — Kennett's HistQry (if fioglaod-TTJlalph, vol. 1. — Tindal, vol. I*. 
 —Memoirs of the Secret Transactions in Savoy during the War.— Memoires de Tesse. 
 
 2 s 2 
 
316 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 CHAPTER 7. 
 
 NEGOTIATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE 
 
 PEACE OF RYSWICK: 
 
 1696—1697. 
 
 Commencement of the negotiations for peace— Pretensions of the respective parties — 
 Preliminary discussions and arrangements — The mediation of Sweden accepted — 
 Appointment of Plenipotentiaries — Assembly of the congress at Ryswick — Obstructions 
 arising from the hesitation of the french to acknowledge king William, and to abandon 
 the cause of James — Correspondence with lord Villiers and sir Joseph Williamson, 
 from August, 1696, to July, 1697. 
 
 -T EW portions of english history have furnished more scope for 
 conjecture and controversy, than the mysterious negotiations 
 Avhich terminated in the peace of Ryswick. To this transaction 
 we have already adverted, in our remarks on the correspondence 
 with the king ;* and the caution with which the subject is treated 
 by his majesty, will suffice to shew the mystery observed, 
 both towards his cabinet ministers and the public. The cor- 
 respondence with Lord Villiers, sir Joseph Williamson, and the 
 earl of Portland, who were employed in different periods of the 
 negotiation, will not only serve to develope its commencement 
 and progress, but will still farther manifest the principle of exclu- 
 sion adopted in the preliminary stage of the transaction, as well 
 towards the english negotiators, as towards the secretary of state. 
 Prom these and other sources, it appears that the first overture 
 was made by Louis the Pourteenth, who took advantage of the 
 jealousy and alarm excited by the defection of the duke of Savoy, 
 and employed the agency of his minister D'Avaux, for the purpose 
 of engaging Charles the Eleventh, king of Sweden, to offer his 
 mediation between Prance and the allies. This apparent inclina- 
 
 * Part I, ch. 6. 
 
1696-1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 317 
 
 tion was readily encouraged by William, who felt the inability of 
 England to continue the contest ; and in the autumn of I696 the 
 count de Callieres, a confidential secretary in the department of 
 foreign affairs, was deputed by Louis to Holland, to open a direct 
 communication. In the absence of William at the army, and in 
 England, the negotiation was principally conducted by lord 
 Villiers, who appeared at the Hague, in August, the same year, 
 in the character of envoy from England, and by Dykvelt, one of 
 the ministers of the states. 
 
 " Many of the preliminary points appear to have been ar- 
 ranged in the course of the Winter and Spring, though considera- 
 ble difficulties still arose, from the endeavours of the emperor, the 
 empire,, and Spain, to recover those rights and territories, which 
 had been recently usurped by France. The chief of these 
 usurpations were comprised under the title of re-unions, a plea 
 which Louis had advanced for the purpose of appropriating every 
 member and dependency of those towns and provinces, which he 
 had acquired by the treaties of Westphalia and the Pyrenees. 
 For this purpose, tribunals, or chambers* of re-union, had been 
 established, and every town or territory, which, from antiquated 
 records, or traditional evidence, appeared to be connected, how- 
 ever remotely, with the ceded countries, was claimed as a de- 
 pendency, and required to acknowledge the sovereignty of France. 
 Many of these dismemberments had been consolidated by the 
 peace of Nimeguen ; but such acquisitions appeared only to excite 
 new cupidity ; and, after the conclusion of that peace, the plan 
 of re-union was resumed with increasing activity .-f- 
 
 The recovery of these rights and territories- was, however, a 
 darling object with the emperor, the german princes, and Spain ; 
 and, though obhged to yield to the necessities of their situation, 
 they did not neglect this opportunity of reviving and enforcing 
 their demands. 
 
 * Three chambers of re-union were established at firisac, for Alsace ; at Metz, fo? the 
 three bishoprics of Metz, Toul, and Verdun ; and at Besangon, for Franche Comte. 
 
 ■f- For a more detailed account of the various usurpations of Louis XIV, see the His- 
 tory of the House of Austria, from chap. 63 to 67. 
 
318 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 At length these jarring claims were reduced into shape, and the 
 mediation of Sweden was formally solicited by the belligerent 
 powers. To avoid the direct acknowledgment of William, as 
 king of England, a series of preliminaries was dictated to 
 Lillienroot, the minister of Sweden, by Callieres, in behalf of the 
 king of France, on the 10th of February, 1697- The greater 
 part of the articles related to the restoration of Strasbourg and 
 Luxembourg, and other places wrested from Spain and the empire, 
 by the system of re-union ; and with regard to England, a specific 
 clause was introduced, promising to recognise the title of the king 
 at the conclusion of peace. 
 
 After many discussions and objections on the place of meeting, 
 Hyswick, a palace belonging to the prince of Orange, near Delft, 
 was selected for the assembly of the intended congress, and its 
 proceedings were opened in the month of May, 1697. On the 
 part of England the earl of Pembroke and sir J oseph Williamson 
 were associated with lord Vilhers. On that of France, messieurs 
 Harlai and Creci were joined to Callieres. On the side of Hol- 
 land appeared Boreel, Heinsius, and Dykvelt ; while the emperor 
 deputed the counts of Kaunitz and Straatman, and the baron de 
 Seilern ; and Spain Don Joseph de Quiros, and the count de 
 Tirlemond. The jarring pretensions of France, the emperor, the 
 empire, and Spain, gave rise to innumerable discussions and 
 difficulties, of which the correspondence will supersede the neces- 
 sity of a detail. 
 
 Although the attention of all parties was apparently fixed on 
 the negotiation, they did not the less actively pursue their warlike 
 operations. In this respect, however, the french regained the 
 ascendancy which they had lost in the campaign of 1695 ; for 
 while William was shackled by the disorder in the british 
 finances, they made the most vigorous efforts in the principal 
 theatres of the war. As we have already observed, to vanquish 
 the repugnance of Spain, they sent a powerful army into Cata- 
 lonia, and fitted out an expedition under admiral Pointis, against 
 the Spanish colonies in South America. At the same time they 
 accumulated a superior force in the Netherlands, under the com- 
 
1696—1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 319 
 
 inand of Boufflers ; and William had the mortification to be re- 
 duced to the defensive, and to witness the capture of Ath, which 
 surrendered in the beginning of May, 1697, after a siege of only 
 a few days. Thus circumstanced, he had no other resource than 
 to occupy a position, for the purpose of covering Brussels, which 
 was next menaced ; and in this he fully succeeded. Collaterally 
 with these operations the french profited by the vacancy which 
 had occurred in the throne of Poland, on the death of John 
 Sobieski, to bring forward the prince of Conti as a candidate, in 
 opposition to Augustus, elector of Saxony, whose cause was 
 espoused by the emperor and the allies. These projects and 
 events materially influenced the progress of the negotiation. 
 Among other cavils, the acknowledgment of William's title, which 
 had been apparently conceded, was again brought into discussion, 
 under another shape ; and the demand of a liberal allowance for 
 king James was advanced by the french king, under the plea of 
 requiring the payment of his queen's jointure. There was the 
 strongest reason also to fear, that the king of France was only 
 amusing the allies with a feigned negotiation, while he prose- 
 cuted his advantages, and that he would seize the first favour- 
 able opportunity of breaking off" the treaty. 
 
 The details of this part of the negotiation are amply given in 
 the correspondence. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Is anxious for information concerning the peace.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 28, 1696. — Every body is in great expectation 
 of the event of a treaty for a general peace, much talked of here. 
 As any thing comes to your lordship's knowledge, that may be 
 properly communicated, I confess myself very curious, and it will 
 be a great obligation to," &c. 
 
320 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The defection of Savoy has not broken off the negotiation — The stay of Callieres at 
 Rotterdam still gives hopes of a peace — The conditions uncertain.] 
 
 " Hague, Aug. 10, N. S. I696. — * * * Your grace sees that 
 the peace of Savoy has not broke off the treaty, though it may 
 have lessened the advantages of it. CalHeres is at Rotterdam, and 
 as long as he stays in these parts there is reason to hope a peace 
 may be effected. Did I know any certainty of the conditions, '\t 
 should have been no secret to your grace. I have heard, in general, 
 that the great difficulty is about Strasbourg : some say the french 
 will not give it up, others say they will, but demolished ; either 
 one or the other is not of consequence enough to England, to 
 hinder our accepting of a peace, rather than prolonging a Avar, 
 which, I fear, in a little time, we must sink under so far, as not 
 ever to be able to hold up our heads against our neighbours." 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Thanks him for his information.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 7-17, I696.— My lord; Your's of the 10th, 
 N. S., requiring no answer, I shall only give you thanks for it ; 
 and for the pains you give yourself to inform one, who is more 
 ignorant than you can believe. The continuance of the same 
 favour, and your friendship, will alwajs be very much esteemed 
 by," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Want of money has compelled the king to accept the overture of France — Meetings 
 
 between Dykvelt and Callieres.] 
 
 " Gamaries, Aug. 25, N. S. I696. — My lord; The manner in 
 which your grace has laid your commands upon me is so obliging, 
 that I shall always esteem it a happiness to have it in my power to 
 obey them : the little turn I have made to the army (where I had 
 the honour of your grace's of the 7th) will something contribute 
 to it. I am assured that the difficulties of our money has made 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 321 
 
 his majest}'^ resolve to accept of the peace ; but I find whatever 
 clamour the allies make against it, that England must answer for 
 it, whose necessities have occasioned it. I hear that monsieur 
 Dykvelt, since his return to the Hague, has had several conferences 
 with monsieur Callieres, and is to meet the king at Breda ; but I 
 suppose there are no more difficulties very material, for I am told 
 that Spain, by reason of its distance, has already notice to prepare 
 embassadors to treat. My lord, though I do not write what you 
 should not know, your grace will not think fit that any body else 
 should know that I do it ; I can assure you that I have never 
 writ so particularly to any body living. I hope your grace will 
 excuse this caution, since I am, with a very sincere respect," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Will be cautious not to divulge his information.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 25-Sept. 4, I696.— My lord ; I esteem the 
 favour of your confidence so much, that I shall not fail to take 
 all the care possible on my part, that it may never turn to your 
 prejudice. 
 
 " If the allies clamour that our necessities force the peace, and 
 would make us answerable for the consequences, if the conclu- 
 sion be not good; the difficulties here do so demonstrably proceed 
 from our zeal to support them, beyond our abilities, that if they 
 do not take that for a good excuse, they are unreasonable, and 
 we must another time manage our stock with more caution." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The king of France has declared his willingness to enter into a treaty on the basis of 
 those of Munster, or Westphalia and Nimeguen.J 
 
 " Hague, Aug. 31, N. S., I696. — My lord ; I can now with 
 more certainty write to your grace concerning the peace. The 
 Pensioner, by the king's command, has imparted to me the steps 
 which have been made in it ; but with all imaginable caution of 
 secrecy. The conditions are chiefly founded upon the treaties of 
 Munster and Nimeguen ; as to what regards Strasbourg in parti- 
 
 2 T 
 
322 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 cular, the only diiference is, whether the empire shall be allowed 
 to re-fortify it after it is in their hands. I think there is no dispute 
 as to what regards England, and I hope we shall not lose a peace, 
 in our necessity, for a german trifle. Though the business is not 
 yet owned, I think it so far advanced, that I may take the liberty 
 to speak a word to your grace, in favour of Mr. Prior.* He is here 
 in quality of the king's secretary, and I think he will have a great 
 deal of injustice done him, if he is not secretary to the embassy. 
 Your grace is to judge of his capacity by the business that has 
 gone through his hands ; and I hope when you think it a fit time 
 to speak to the king about the peace, you will be pleased to 
 recommend him to his majesty. I am,'' &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 4, N. S. 1696.— My lord ; What I have lately 
 entertained your grace with, is now no longer so great a secret : the 
 Pensioner yesterday morning acquainted the ministers at the 
 congress, that the king of France was willing to enter into a treaty 
 of peace upon the foot of those of Westphalia and Nimeguen, 
 and desired them to write to their masters concerning it, in order 
 to have their answer as soon as possible. I presume this first 
 public step would not have been made, if the conclusion were not 
 already pretty well assured. The place most likely for the treaty 
 is either Maestrich or Breda, the french having refused to let it 
 be in any town belonging to the emperor or Spain." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Expresses his satisfaction on the probability of peace — Hopes that the articles relative to 
 England will be adjusted before the conclusion of a general treaty.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 1-] 1, I696.— My lord ; Your letters of the 31st 
 August and 4th Sept., N. S., came together, and, in my opinion, 
 bring good news. I hope care will be taken that every thing re- 
 lating to us may be well adjusted and declared, that there may be 
 
 * Matthew Prior, the celebrated poet. 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 
 
 no possibility, after the public treaty is begun, of breaking it off, 
 and deferring the peace, upon any dispute of the king's title, or 
 other articles that might be proper for us to insist upon. 
 
 " I shall write by this post concerning Mr. Prior, in the manner 
 your lordship desires ; and do it very willingly, because you re- 
 commend it, and at the same time I think his pretension very just, 
 and himself very well qualified for the place." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The pacification suspended by the demands of the emperor — No dispute likely to arise 
 on the acknowledgment of the king's title.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 18, N. S. I696.— My lord ; I did not answer 
 your grace's of the 1st, last post, in expectation of having, by this 
 time, something more to tell you relating to the peace ; but the 
 emperor's answer to the first overture is not yet come, and I fear 
 when it does, there wJll be occasion of a farther delay ; for I am 
 told that he will insist upon having the place of treaty in the 
 empire, which the french will never consent to. Such punctilios 
 are not worth the delay of a quarter of an hour, in an affair of 
 this consequence, but I believe there will be trouble enough before 
 they are adjusted. The pensioner told me yesterday, that he 
 thought it was time to have instructions prepared, for those that 
 were to act on the king's side in the treaty. I was glad of the 
 opportunity, and have writ both to sir William Trumbull and 
 ]VIr. Blathwayt about it ; by their answers I shall be able to tell 
 your grace what care will be taken of England. I understand by 
 monsieur Dykvelt, that there will be no dispute of the king's 
 title, but he will not own to have entered upon any other parti- 
 cular that relates to it. My lord, Mr. Prior will thank you in 
 better style than I can, for your goodness to him, and I shall 
 always think myself extremely obliged to your grace for it." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Exorbitant demands of the emperor — Hopes the king will obviate the ill effects of his 
 
 opposition.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 25, N. S. I696.— My lord ; The emperor's 
 answer is at last come, with the same difficulties, and more than 
 
 2 T 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 I foretold in mj last to your grace. He directly nominates Aix-l"a- 
 Chapelle as the place of treaty ; he demands the entire restitution 
 of Loraine, and appeals to the Recess of Nuremberg for the 
 giving back the ten imperial towns, which the french claim, by 
 the treaty of AVestphalia. This he asks as a foundation for a peace, 
 and would oblige the king of Sweden for a guarantee of it, so far 
 as to make him furnish his 6,000 men to carry on the war, in 
 case he cannot bring France to these conditions. I doubt if, upon 
 these terms, we shall either have mediator or peace ; and I find 
 that it is much desired by those who manage this business here, 
 that the king should come quietly hither, to prevent, by some 
 vigorous resolution, the delays which must necessarily occur, by 
 these proceedings of the emperor, and which may cause us the 
 expense of another campaign. I cannot tell how far the king 
 will enter into this project against an ally. 
 
 " I came this morning from Loo. I find they think it there not 
 safe to make any step in this affair but by the joint consent of the 
 emperor; and (what I like worse) that England wants nothing 
 but a good will to carry on the war. But this is what I shall 
 never trust with any man living but your grace, who, I am sure, 
 will make no other use of it, but for the advantage of the nation. 
 I find the king intends to refer the instructions for his plenipo- 
 tentiaries to his cabinet council, which, I believe, will hardly be 
 done before his coming into England. I have reason to think that 
 the king designs me the honour of being one of his plenipoten- 
 tiaries, but has not declared it enough for me to own it. In 
 whatever circumstances his majesty may place me, I shall always 
 continue, with great respect," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Regrets the obstacles to peace.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Sept. 22-Oct. 2, I696.— My lord ; Three posts 
 have arrived together, and brought me two letters from your 
 lordship, one of the 8th, and the other the loth,* of this month. 
 
 * 25th N. S. 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 325 
 
 You know my opinion so well, that you will believe I am not well 
 pleased at the difficulties that arise upon the peace ; but when 
 all is done, if it must not, or cannot be, we must make war as 
 well as we can; and though we are not so rich, nor so able as 
 some may think or represent us, yet I hope we shall be found in 
 a better state and incHnation to proceed, than is imagined at 
 Paris. 
 
 , " I think there can be very little doubt but that whilst your 
 lordship continues in the station you are, it is impossible but you 
 must be one of the plenipotentiaries ; who the others will be, I 
 have not known nor inquired." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Alarm among the allies at the rumour that the king of Spain had declared the second son 
 pf the dauphin his successor — Hopes that England wiU not neglect its own interests.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 9, N. S. I696.— My lord ; I did not design to 
 trouble your grace with my acknowledgment of your's of the 
 22nd past, till the return of the courier from Vienna, but that I 
 have heard some news from Madrid unexpected and considerable 
 enough. The king of Spain, in his late illness, is said to have 
 declared, by will, the second son of the dauphin his heir and suc- 
 cessor, and left the regency, during the child's minority, in the 
 hands of the french faction. Your grace may easily imagine that 
 this very report alarms some of our allies already, as the confirma- 
 tion of it will do most of the princes in Europe. Every body 
 thinks what he shall gain in this general scramble ; and the dutch, 
 I am pretty confident, reckon upon their share in the West Indies. 
 I hope we shall not be the only people that neglect our affairs 
 in a point that concerns us so nearly, and I take the liberty to 
 mention it to your grace, who thinks more particularly of the 
 good of the nation than any man." 
 
326 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Oh. t 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Contradictory claims of the imperialists and french, relative to the cession of Luxembourg 
 — Explanatory articles offered by the ministers of the allies to Callieres, preparatory 
 to any farther negotiation.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 26, N. S. I696. — My lord ; We are still wrangling 
 ill the congress about the preliminaries; and though the imperialists 
 are come oflFfrom some of their difficulties, there are yet enough be- 
 hind to retard us : there is one of a new nature on monsieur Callieres' 
 side, who pretends now not to have offered Luxembourg other- 
 wise than demolished. Your grace will easily imagine that this 
 occasioned a very great heat in our Spanish minister, and I do not 
 find but that the whole congress were of opinion, that this doubt 
 is of too great a consequence not to be absolutely cleared, before 
 any other step be made. Monsieur Dykvelt, therefore, was de- 
 sired yesterday, by the congress, to let monsieur Callieres know 
 that this was their opinion. There will not be much difficulty in 
 the rest of Callieres' declaration as to the preliminaries. I will take 
 the liberty to repeat it to your grace, because monsieur Dykvelt 
 yesterday undertook to carry it to him, as we understand it. 
 
 " The treaties of Westphalia and Nimeguen ; 
 
 " His majesty to be acknov/ledged ; 
 
 " Strasbourg to be restored in the condition it was, when France 
 took it ; 
 
 " Luxembourg in the state it now is ; 
 
 " All in general to be restored, that has been taken by the 
 re-unions, since the peace of Nimeguen. When the place is 
 agreed on (which the imperialists insist to have in the empire), 
 monsieur Callieres is required to dictate to the mediator, before 
 witnesses, the declaration as I have stated it. The imperialists 
 think it would lessen the duke of Loraine's title to have it com-, 
 prehended as a part of the peace of Nimeguen, and will not there- 
 fore consent to have it mentioned in the preliminaries." 
 
1696—1691] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 327 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Indisposition occasioned by a fall from his horse — Is surprised at the new pretensions 
 
 advanced by Callieres.J 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. 24-NotJ. 3, 1696. — My lord ; I am detained here 
 in the country, by an accident that happens more than ordinarily 
 unfortunate to me, since it hinders my waiting on the king, and 
 attending the parliament. Nor am I yet able to judge how long 
 this restraint is like to continue upon me. The same indisposition 
 has hindered my acknowledging some of your lordship's letters, 
 they requiring no other answer than my thanks, and writing being 
 a little uneasy to my breast. 
 
 " Monsieur Callieres' new explanation of his offer is very sur- 
 prising, and I hope will not be insisted on by him ; certainly those 
 who have treated with him could not misunderstand him in so 
 material a point. I wish all may end happily .'' 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Regrets his indisposition— Callieres persists in his demand relative to Luxembourg- 
 other points likely to be adjusted.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 30, N. S. I696. — My lord ; I was very much sur- 
 prised to hear from Mr. Vernon the ill accident that detains your 
 grace in the country. I hope this will find you recovered and in 
 town, where I am sure your presence is very necessary at this time. 
 
 " Monsieur Dykvelt has brought us monsieur Callieres' answer, 
 that he cannot consent to the point of Luxembourg, till he has 
 farther orders from France. He has consented to what the im- 
 perialists proposed, of not having Loraine mentioned in the 
 preliminaries, and he likewise consents to dictate the preliminaries 
 to the mediator, as soon as they may be adjusted. There is yet 
 some dispute about the re-unions, but such as I imagine will not 
 be of any great consequence. As to the place, the emperor insists 
 pubhcly to have it in the empire. I hear his ministers here have 
 private orders to consent to a town in the provinces, so that I 
 think the treaty will begin, provided the difficulty of Luxembourg 
 be once adjusted. The success of the whole affair will depend 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet tl.— Ch. 7. 
 
 upon the good resolutions of the parhament, which I hope will 
 be an argument to them, to take such as may purchase a peace, 
 ^hough indeed we must pay excessively for it/' 
 
 These various difficulties seem at length to have been so satis- 
 factorily adjusted, that the french court demanded passports for 
 their plenipotentiaries, Avhich proposal was, however, declined 
 by the allies, till a place was selected for the meeting of the con- 
 gress. At this juncture a new and unexpected embarrassment 
 arose, concerning the mode in which the title of king William 
 was to be acknowledged; and we find that the difficulty occa- 
 sioned an immediate suspension of the proceedings. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Hague, Nov. 23, I696, — My lord ; I am sorry to tell your grace 
 that the french chicanent every day, more and more ; and now, in 
 the only point that concerns England, which is, the manner of their 
 owning his majesty, they have always said that they would de- 
 clare to the mediator, in the preliminaries, that they would own 
 him in the treaty; but now, though Callieres still continues to say 
 he will own the king in the treaty, he refuses to declare it in the 
 preliminaries. The ministers in the congress took this as they 
 ought, and have resolved to proceed in no other points till this 
 be settled. I told monsieur Dykvelt, who acquaints Calliei-es with 
 our proceedings, that speaking of me, he might say, that I re- 
 garded this chicane not worth the king's consideration, or any 
 answer from me ; and I hope this way of slighting it was what I 
 ought to do. I must own to your grace that this change in their 
 negotiator, and their preparations at Brest, make me fear some 
 design like that of last vear, which we cannot be too much aware 
 of. 
 
 " I am very well informed frota France, that though they have 
 actually named their plenipotentiaries for the peace, there is 
 reason to think they design nothing less, but have a particular 
 regard against England. 
 
 " I have seen a letter from Geneva, of the 6th of this month, 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 329 
 
 which says, that they are informed from France, that Fenwick* 
 had discovered several persons of quality to have been in the 
 late conspiracy. Your grace will please to mind the date, and 
 make your reflections how they could know at that time, what 
 was doing in England, unless their correspondents in France 
 knew before what Fenwick would do." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Thinks Callieres is instructed to start difficulties — Supposes sir J. Fenwick's plot to be 
 partly instigated by France — Expects an attempt at invasion.] 
 
 " Eyford, Nov.21-Dec. 1, I696.— My lord; I am still kept 
 here very unfortunately and very uneasily; I hope a little pa- 
 tience moxe will bring me to London, where I have long and 
 earnestly desired to be. 
 
 " I suppose Callieres has directions to raise cavils, that his 
 master may have time to see what we can or will do here : the 
 last he may already be satisfied of; the first will take up more 
 time to clear itself. 
 
 " I believe sir John Fenwick's plot, like all the rest we have 
 had, is part french and part engUsh ; let it begin where it will, 
 there is a goods hare of impudence, as well as villainy in the con- 
 trivance. I have, for some time, been of your lordship's opinion, 
 that we ought to expect something from France before the sum- 
 mer. Their preparations, and the discourses of some of the most 
 reasonable among them, convince me of it, and we have a pre- 
 cedent out of history for such a sort of proceeding ; for in queen 
 Elizabeth's time, in 1588, commissioners were in Flanders, nego- 
 tiating a peace, on stricter amity with Spain, and at the very same 
 time the Spanish armada came into the channel, and the news of 
 that broke up the treaty." 
 
 * This observation is worthy of particular remark ; it shows the nature and ori^n of 
 those accusations which were brought forward by Fenwick. 
 
 2 u 
 
330 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Change in the language of Callieres — Professes the readiness of France to own the king 
 —Thinks the negotiation will proceed slowly — Difficulties on the part of the impe- 
 rialists.] 
 
 " Hague, Det. 11, N, S. I696. — My lord; I have the honour 
 of your grace's of the 21st past from Eyford, which gives me 
 hopes that this may find you in town. Callieres has changed his 
 note, and acknowledges his orders from France to own the king. 
 He is to meet with our negotiators, to agree on Avhat terms he is 
 to do it to the mediator, when he declares to him the other pre- 
 liminary points. I look upon this difficulty as quite removed ; 
 and, though there be no other considerable one in the prelimi- 
 naries, I am of opinion we shall not go very soon to a place of 
 treaty. The king and states have a mind to conclude as much of 
 the whole affair as they can in this private manner ; for the truth 
 of it is, our mediator is too much french to have any thing trusted 
 in his hand, that can be done without him. Your grace may 
 imagine that this is managed here with the greatest circumspec- 
 tion ; for some of our ministers, as well as our mediator, have a 
 great mind to go to a congress." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Rejoices at the news conveyed in his last letter.] 
 
 " Eyford, Dec. 12-22, I696'.— My lord ; The good news I find 
 in your letter of the 11th, N.S. is a comfortable cordial in this 
 cold, melancholy cottage. May the same disposition continue till 
 the work be perfected. 
 
 " I have flattered myself so often with the expectation of re- 
 moving, that I am ashamed again to mention any thing like it ; 
 but my spitting blood is so visibly decreased of late, that I am 
 in hopes it may now soon stop. 
 
 " It would be hard for a man that has lived quiet like me, to 
 leave the world just when it is ready to enjoy so great a blessing j 
 but death is a destiny we are not masters of; till that hour, I am, 
 with great truth," &c. 
 
1696—1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 331 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The manner of owning the king's title adjusted — Imperialists raise difficulties by insist- 
 ing on Luxembourg, and the mention of Loraine in the preliminaries — They likewise 
 demand the immediate acceptance of the mediation.] 
 
 " Hague, Dec. 14, N. S, 1696- — My lord ; The manner about 
 owning the king is thus adjusted. After CalUeres has declared the 
 other preliminary points to the mediator, Dykvelt and Boreel are 
 to say that they have agreed, that at the signing of the peace the 
 king of France shall own the prince of Orange king of England, 
 which Callieres is to confirm at the same time, in the name of his 
 master. Your grace will know, that this method is sent to his 
 majesty, and that we wait his answer. In the mean time the 
 imperialists, according to their custom, make difficulties. The 
 most considerable are, that Jthey insist upon Luxembourg, and 
 now desire to have Loraine named in the preliminaries ; though 
 before, they thought it better not to have it mentioned before the 
 treaty. They would likewise have the mediation accepted im- 
 mediately, though I may tell your grace I believe they would 
 gain very little by it, for I fear he is more pre-engaged to the 
 french, than either the emperor imagines or we desire. 
 
 " I do not apply myself to you as a secretary of state, but I 
 wish you would contrive that instructions may be given for what 
 concerns our nation in the treaty. I may venture to tell your 
 grace, that our friends here are not backward in what concerns 
 themselves, though I dare not tell it to any body else." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [The emperor retards the conclusion of the peace.] 
 
 " Hague, Dec. 25, N. S. I696.— My lord ; The last letters from 
 England brought us his majesty's approbation of the manner of 
 his being owned. I believe there will be no difficulty in the points 
 of Dinant and Luxembourg ; that of Loraine, if we cannot get it 
 included in the preliminaries in the manner we would, will be the 
 first point decided in the treaty, as the emperor did once agree 
 
 2 u 2 
 
332 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 to ; but that court does every day bring difficulties of little weight, 
 but such as serve to make us lose time. One would not think 
 that those people were in earnest for a peace, but by the little pre-r 
 parations they make for a war. They take no care of the Rhine, 
 and are not at all alarmed, though the french seem to threaten 
 them on that side. An accident any where will be a great pre- 
 judice to our treaty, and the good disposition in which our nation 
 may be, rendered fruitless. I am very desirous to hear that your 
 grace is in health, and safe arrived at London ; for no man is with 
 more truth than myself," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE UUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Disputes concerning the place of meeting for the congress — -Proposal to offer to France 
 the choice of Nimeguen, Maestricht, or Breda.J 
 
 " Hague, Jan. 1, N. S. 1697- — My lord ; The point we are 
 now debating is the place of treaty : if we cannot agree amongst 
 ourselves that it shall be at the Hague, we propose to offer France 
 three places, Maestricht, Nimeguen, and Breda, of which they 
 are to chuse one, which, most probably, will be Breda. Your 
 grace will have heard that the king has declared the honour he 
 designs me of being one of the plenipotentiaries. In this I shall 
 have a particular satisfaction, by doing what I think will be 
 agreeable to your grace, being, with very great truth and respect,'^ 
 &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS., 
 
 [Regrets the objections raised by the imperialists— Congratulates him on his appointment 
 
 as plenipotentiary.] 
 
 " Eyford, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 1696-7- — My lord ; I am sorry you 
 perceive the emperor's ministers affect difficulties, because it looks 
 as if that court were not so well disposed to the peace as I could 
 wish. However, I hope you will get over all difficulties, and be 
 one of the instruments to make this nation joyful for the present, 
 and happy for the future. 
 
 " I think I need hardly trouble you to say that I am glad you 
 are nominated one of our plenipotentiaries. It was so mwch yaur 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 333 
 
 due, that it could not be otherwise; and I hope you beheve me 
 so much your friend and servant, as to rejoice at all marks the 
 king gives you of his confidence and favour." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREV^^SBURY. 
 
 [The french propose Ryswick as the place of congress — -Will be readily accepted by all 
 
 the allies, except the emperor.] 
 
 " Hague, Jan. 18, N. S. l6"97- — Since I received the honour 
 of your's of the 26th, we have had Callieres' answer as to the 
 place. Instead of naming one of the three we proposed to him, 
 he offers Ryswick, the french to live at Delft, and the allies here. 
 I had orders ,to consent to this proposal, and every body here 
 gives in to it very readily, except the imperialists, whose instruc- 
 tions exclude the Hague : they have writ to have this difficulty 
 removed, and I hope we may have the thing effected, since we 
 shall evidently gain time by being all ready upon the place, and 
 that the treaty may be on foot before the armies are in the field." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The emperor has conceded in some points, but has not yet consented to the place of 
 meeting — Resolution taken to require Callieres to declare the preliminary points to 
 the mediator, and to prepare the counter-declaration of the allies.] 
 
 " Hague, Jan. 29, N. S. 1697. — A courier, who has been long 
 expected, is at last arrived from Vienna. He brings orders to the 
 emperor's ministers, to desist from the difficulties they make in 
 the preliminaries ; and if the business of Lorraine cannot be ad- 
 justed in the preliminaries, as is desired, then to content them- 
 selves with a promise from the allies, that nothing shall be pro- 
 posed in the treaty till that point is first agreed on. The emperor 
 has given his consent to Breda, amongst the other towns he for- 
 merly proposed, but says not one word of the Hague ; and, as 
 the season advances, we think the necessity yet greater to have 
 the treaty here, so that we shall come to no conclusion in this 
 point till we have an answer to those letters to Vienna of the 
 18th, which more particularly pressed this affair. I am sorry to 
 mark to your grace that these delays show little confidence iu one 
 
COHEESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. t 
 
 another, which at last must turn to the advantage of the enemy. 
 It is a good while since we have had any letters from England. I 
 hope the first will bring me news of your grace's better health ; 
 nobody wishes it more than," &c. 
 
 " Since I ended my letter to your grace, I have been at a con- 
 ference, where it was resolved that Callieres should now declare 
 the preliminary points to the mediator, that the allies should pre- 
 pare their contra-declarations, to preserve thdir pretensions, and 
 that the mediation should be required. I hope, by the time that 
 this is done, we shall have the emperor's consent to stay at the 
 Hague." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Is concerned at the delays and want of union among the allies — Hopes they will agree 
 either to make a vigorous war, or a speedy peace.] 
 
 " Eyford, Jan. 30-Feb. 9, 1697.— My lord ; I have several 
 letters to acknowledge from your lordship. The last was of the 
 29th Jan. N. S., by which I perceive affairs move slowly, and not 
 with such a cheerful agreement as I apprehend is necessary for a 
 happy conclusion. I heartily wish they may mend, and that it 
 may either turn to a steady resolution of making a vigorous war, 
 or a speedy peace ; for in the circumstances that such an alliance 
 must be, no advantage is to be hoped from them by a tedious 
 negotiation, and many things, in my opinion, may be feared. 
 
 " By the place from whence I write, you may conclude I am 
 not well, though the physicians assure me, that with patience 
 there is no danger. I am sure there is a great deal of uneasiness 
 in this confinement, with all its circumstances; but I will not 
 make it so to you by dwelling long on the subject." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The belligerent powers have formally solicited the mediation of Sweden — Difficulties 
 raised by Spain — The decision of the emperor expected on the place of meeting.] 
 
 " Hague, Feb. 7, N. S. 1697- —My lord ; At last we have 
 made a step in form towards the general peace. Yesterday the 
 
1696—1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 385 
 
 emperor's minister, in the name of the congress, required the me- 
 diation of Sweden, of the minister of that crown here, without 
 prejudice to the guaranty of the peace of Nimeguen, and that of 
 Wratphalia ; and as the other ministers of the aUi.^ reserved the 
 liberty to do the same, in the name of tiieir masters, I have aheady 
 required the mediation of Sweden in the name of his majesty. 
 The ministers of the allies residing at Stockholm are to do the 
 same there. The Spanish minister does not concur in requiring the 
 mediation, not being yet satisfied in the point of his r?-unions : 
 he would have this affair decided in the preliminaries, and the 
 french offer to do it in the treaty (its proper time). I hope the 
 Spaniard will yield, or we are again at a stand ; for till this busi- 
 ness is agreed, we cannot have Callieres dictate the preliminaries 
 to the mediator, which might be done with some regulations of the 
 ceremonies, whilst we expect the news from Vienna concerning 
 the place. I have nothing more to trouble your grace with, but 
 to repeat my being, with very great truth and respect," &c. 
 
 On the 12th of February lord Villiers was enabled to transmit 
 the preliminary articles proposed by the french minister, which 
 were dictated to the mediator on the 10th. This declaration was 
 in substance : The treaties of Westphalia and Nimeguen to form 
 the basis of the peace ; Strasburgh to be restored to the empire, 
 in the same state as occupied by France ; and Luxembourg to 
 Spain, in its actual condition, as well as Mons and Charleroy, and 
 the places in Catalonia. The same principle of restitution to 
 take place in respect to the town and castle of Dinant, belonging 
 to the bishop of Liege ; the re-unions since the peace of Nimeguen 
 to be restored, and Loraine to be rendered to the duke, accord- 
 ing to the stipulations of the same treaty.* These articles were 
 accompanied with a promise on the part of the king of France, 
 that he would acknowledge the prince of Orange as king of Great 
 Britain, at the signature of the peace. 
 
 * From the copy of the articles, transmitted by lord Villiers to the duke of Shrews- 
 bury. 
 
330 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II^Ch. T: 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury thus expresses to lord Villiers his satis- 
 faction on receiving this intelligence :— 
 
 " Eyford, Feb. 27'March 9, 16.96-7.— My lord ;. I am glad so 
 considerable a step is made towards the peace, as I find by your 
 lordship's of the 12th ; and I think it very advantageous to his 
 majesty, that the world may see what relates to him will be no 
 obstacle to the conclusion, when other matters are adjusted. 
 
 " In two or three days I shall endeavour to remove to London, 
 finding myself much better since the warm weather is come, 
 though my bleeding is not quite stopped/' 
 
 We pass over minor objections, which were successively raised 
 by both parties, and either satisfactorily adjusted, or referred to 
 future deliberation. Nor shall we dwell on the death of Charles 
 the Eleventh, king of Sweden, who acted as mediator, because 
 this event caused no delay in the negotiation, which was still 
 continued by the regency, during the minority of his son Charles 
 the Twelfth. After much discussion, Ryswick, a palace of the 
 princes of Orange, situated between Delft and the Hague, was se- 
 lected for the meeting of the congress, and the primary pro- 
 ceedings are thus described, by the british plenipotentiary, lord 
 Villiers, in a letter to the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 " Hague, May 10, N. S. 1697- — My lord ; Yesterday our con- 
 gress was opened at Ryswick; the pleinpouvoir of all parties was 
 shewn to the mediator. In that of the french was only specified 
 the emperor, king of Spain, and states-general, as those with 
 whom they were to treat; but a general clause followed, which 
 comprehended all those who were in alliance with them. This 
 distinguishes his majesty as little as possible, since his titles could 
 not be acknowledged. The rest we did was only to consent to 
 an act, formed by the mediator, that any prince's assuming a title, 
 should not prejudice another prince's right. The mediator gave 
 the Spanish embassador the answer to his list of re-unions, and 
 to-morrow morning we are to meet again." 
 
1696—1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 337 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Fearsthe siege of Ath will create obstructions to peace — The french have refused a cessa- 
 tion of arms— The negotiation languishes.] 
 
 " Hague, May 31, N. S. 1697-— My lord ; I am glad to find 
 by your grace's letter from Eyford of the 8tb, that you are in a 
 better state of health than you was. I fear the siege of Ath may 
 make an alteration for the worse in our negotiation at Ryswick : 
 the french have already given a proof of it, in refusing a cessation 
 of arms, which was privately proposed to them ; and if the town 
 be taken (which I beUeve is unavoidable), I fear the king will 
 hazard too much to repair this loss, as soon as the forces he has 
 sent for from Germany may join him ; and if the success be not 
 altogether as we wish, it may cause a deplorable hindrance in the 
 peace. Our Ryswick affairs are so much form, and contribute so 
 little to the reality of things, that they are not worth my troublirlg 
 your grace with." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Hopes the attack on Ath will not retard the peace — Is apprehensive of bad news from 
 
 Catalonia.] 
 
 " Grafton, May 29- June 8, 1697. — My lord ; I have your lord- 
 ship's of the 3 1st, N. S. I doubt your affairs of peace at Rys- 
 wick do not advance so fast as those of Avar do before Ath ; how- 
 ever, if nothing unadvised be attempted to relieve the place, I 
 hope it will not prove of such importance, as to occasion any con- 
 siderable alteration in your affairs. If those who pretend to de- 
 sire a peace be sincere, they will not change their minds upon 
 so small an advantage ; and methinks it iftight be a proof to our 
 friends, that the continuing the war would not be so advantageous 
 as some would flatter themselves. I wish the next news from 
 Catalonia does not give us a clearer and more fatal testimony of 
 this truth. 
 
 " The warm weather has agreed so well with me, that I hope 
 in less than a month to return to London. 
 
 2 X 
 
338 CORRESPONDENCE [Part. II— Ch. 7. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Slow progress of the negotiation — Demand advanced by the french for the payment of 
 the jointure settled on the queen of James 2nd — Their conduct with regard to the 
 acknowledgment of the king's title.] 
 
 " Hague, June 11, N. S. 1697 — By the papers which Mr. 
 Prior sends Mr. Vernon, your grace will see in what state our 
 negotiation is. The last answer which the french gave our im- 
 perialists appears more reasonable than what they said before, 
 which gives me hopes that they will continue to have a mind to 
 the peace. This treating by way of writing is not thought proper 
 to bring any thing to a conclusion, and therefore the germans 
 have been persuaded to put their differences into the management 
 of the mediator. The dutch ministers often see the french, and 
 do their utmost to finish this affair ; though little appears visibly 
 to be done in it, yet, considering the nature of the thing, I believe 
 it is so far advanced, as at least we shall quickly know what we 
 have to trust to. The english embassy is now complete.* We 
 have had a conference to-day with the pensioner, where our own 
 concerns were talked of; those of America the french are willing 
 to establish upon the foot they were in before the beginning of 
 this war : if they do not recant, they once said that they would 
 neither directly nor indirectly assist king James by name. They 
 ask that the queen's jointure should be paid her, which I take to 
 be another way of asking an allowance for king James. They 
 will hold to what they said in the preliminaries, as to the owning 
 of the king's title." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Rejoices that a less objectionable mode of treating has been adopted — Hopes the frenclv 
 
 are sincere for peace.] 
 
 " Grafton, Jwie 12-22, 1697. — My lord ; There are two points 
 in your letter of the 11th, that appear both very comfortable to 
 
 * By the appointment of lord Pembroke and sir Jos^eph Williamson, the latter of whonj 
 at this period reached the Hague. 
 
1696—1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 339 
 
 me ; first, that the germans have been persuaded that the method 
 by writing was improper to bring things to a conclusion, and had 
 therefore put their differences into the hands of the mediator. 
 This looks as if they would no longer affect delays, which was 
 one thing I feared. The second gives good hopes that the french 
 are still in earnest, and desire a general peace, which I confess I 
 apprehended more than the other. If these two things remain, 
 as we hope and wish, I cannot see what can prevent a conclu- 
 sion, unless some great success on one side or the other, which 
 may alter their minds. 
 
 " I am, as I have been from the beginning, a very well wisher 
 to peace ; but if it cannot be obtained, I do not question but we 
 shall be able to maintain the war, if not so well as some of our 
 friends flatter themselves, yet much better than our enemies are 
 persuaded we shall be able to do." 
 
 The hope which the duke of Shrewsbury here expresses for 
 the speedy conclusion of the peace was far from being realised ; 
 for discussions now arose, which deeply involved the dignity and 
 interests of the british throne. The following letters from the 
 plenipotentiaries will obviate the necessity of any farther detail. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Difficulty of obtaining from tlie french a specific promise not to assist king James — They 
 
 propose to send him to Avignon.] 
 
 " Hague, June 21, N. S. 1697- — My lord; I have received the 
 honour of your's of the 29th May. I very sincerely thank your 
 grace for the good news you send me of your being better. 
 Now that Ath is taken, the warlike affairs seem to cease, and give 
 time to our negotiations at Ryswick. The concerns of England 
 are actually on foot, and in the arrangement of our private nego- 
 ciators ; the difficulty in this is to get the french to promise not 
 to assist king James by name ; they offer to do it in any other 
 terms that can be thought of; and for a proof that they intend to 
 abandon him, they have already resolved to send him to Avignon; 
 
 2x2 
 
340 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 When this point is adjusted, we shall have nothing to do for our- 
 selves that can raise difficulty ; and then our allies will be pushed 
 to come to a conclusion, which I believe will not be upon better 
 terms. The whole is already in the preliminaries. The Spanish 
 embassador here does not seem much alarmed for Catalonia ; but 
 I fear he rather depends upon a neutrality, than upon any de- 
 fence that Barcelona can make, which, according to advice, is 
 now besieged both by sea and land/' 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Communicates the secret project for a peace— DifiSiculties in regard to the recognition of 
 the king's title, and the insertion of the name of king James — The french require 
 the restoration of the Jacobites.] 
 
 " Hague, July 2, l697. — My lord ; Though my colleagues are 
 of opinion that this project* should not yet be communicated to 
 any body, I venture to send it to your grace, and should be ex- 
 tremely glad if you would honour me with your opinion of it, 
 whether there is any thing in it unnecessary, or any thing omitted 
 proper for our circumstances. The article in which the french are 
 to promise not to help his ma.}esty's enemies, is not inserted, be- 
 cause we will insist upon having king James's name in it, which 
 I believe we shall not obtain. On their side they demand to 
 have those who have followed king James's party restored to their 
 estates, which our laws will not allow of. The king has sent for 
 the pensioner to the army ; I have reason to think it is to consult 
 with him, how to put an end to our tedious negotiation. I believe 
 our aifairs will not allow of delay, but that it is better forcing 
 France to declare its intention, and hazard the entering a-fresh 
 into the war, than to be in the uncertainty we are. At the pen- 
 sioner's return 1 shall be able to give your grace a more exact 
 account of this affair, and at present assure you that I am, with 
 the greatest truth and respect," &c. 
 
 * A project for a treaty, which had been offered to the fteneh, and which was afterwards 
 superseded. 
 
1696—1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 341 
 
 " The project was given yesterday to the french by the dutch 
 embassadors ; they would not receive it from the mediator, the 
 king's title being in it, whom they say they are not obliged to 
 own till the signing the treaty." 
 
 Sir J. Williamson arrived at the Hague in the beginning of 
 July, as joint plenipotentiary with lord Villiersj and in his two first 
 letters communicates to the duke the state of the negotiation, of 
 which the main point was the acknowledgment of king William^s 
 title. He, however, complains that the french peremptorily offer 
 unreasonable terms, and hopes that their disappointment in the 
 election of the king of Poland, and their failure in an attempt 
 on Brussels, will induce them to relax in their demands. 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Hague, July 2-12, 1697- — My lord ; I have received the 
 honour of your excellency's of the 23rd past, and return you 
 most humble thanks for the favourable construction your grace 
 is pleased to make of the poor respects I have at any time been 
 able to pay your grace's name and interest, for which I beseech 
 your grace to believe, I shall every where have that honour and 
 regard that becomes me. 
 
 " Your grace will see, by the account I send Mr. Vernon, at 
 what point the business of the general treaty sticks, I mean that 
 part which is to make the peace between France and the emperor 
 and empire, and between France and Spain ; for as to this coun- 
 try,* the points lie in a small compass, and are such as relate only 
 to commerce. 
 
 " There remains of the whole general peace, only what con- 
 cerns our master, which, as your grace knows, consists princi- 
 pally in one point ; the rest will be but articles of common form, 
 of which we formed a project, which has been lodged in the french 
 embassador's hands now near a fortnight, and, we doubt not, are 
 under consideration at their court. What kind of answer we shall 
 
 * Holland, 
 
342 C H il E S P O N D E N C E [Part II.— Ch. 7. 
 
 receive, as to the main article, will dep'end a good deal on the 
 event of three or four great things, which France seems to have 
 in their expectations at present, one of as material a consequence 
 to the whole frame of their affairs as any other, to wit, the elec- 
 tion in Poland is fallen miserably cross to them ; for though it is 
 now said that the election was double, and that the french party 
 did proclaim the prince of Conti, as well as the other did the 
 elector of Saxony, yet it is not doubted here, but this latter will 
 freely be settled on the throne. The siege of Barcelona falls out 
 much otherwise than was reckoned upon at Paris. In Flanders 
 they lose their time and their honour, by the wise and vigilant care 
 of the king, who has gotten himself a most wonderful increase 
 of reputation and love amongst all the allies, by that great de- 
 liverance of Brussels from being besieged, and their canal (the 
 life of that and those countries) from being totally ruined, and 
 laid even with the ground (for that appears to have been the 
 great and secret design of France, in their last movements). 
 
 " We only want to be secured in one other hazard, the galleons, 
 whereof we impatiently expect the news from England, which 
 God grant us. I hope this will meet your grace, in full recovery 
 of health, at London, where I shall presume (since I have your 
 leave for it) to trouble your grace with the sequel of what passes 
 in this place, and remain ever, with great respect,'^ &c. 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 *' Hague, July 6-16, 1697.— My lord ; * * * « The sum of all 
 our matters seems to be this, that as the fortune or expectations 
 of France now stand, the allies, that is, the emperor, empire, and 
 Spain, are not to expect beyond the peace of Nimeguen, in which 
 that of Munster, as they say, is for so far included and confirmed, 
 together with the points first offered by France in the prelimi- 
 naries, and beyond this it is not expected the french, in their 
 intended project, will go : at least so they give it out beforehand. 
 Nay, they add farther, that their master, since he finds himself 
 thus hard pressed, to say his utmost conditions^ will make them 
 such as the allies must not expect, that he will admit any the least 
 
1696-1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 340 
 
 change or arguings upon them, or any part of them ; but to have 
 their choice to accept or refuse the whole. 
 
 " Whether the events of those great things they pretend to 
 have in their present expectations will justify to the world so 
 peremptory a jSroceeding, time must shew us. In the interim 
 there wants little more than the good news we are hoping for 
 from England, of the total disappointment of Ponti's design on 
 the galleons, to bring that king to speak more reason : for, as to 
 Barcelona, they themselves give that enterprise for lost ; and the 
 king, by his wonderful conduct, keeps them at such a bay in 
 Flanders, that their three great chosen generals know not, in a 
 month's time^ which way to turn them. 
 
 " As to our own matters, your grace knows we have but one 
 main point, which, hitherto, they much stick at ; but with good 
 appearance, that finally (all other things on all hands agreed) that 
 neither shall break the work. This we hope, and this we labour 
 for. God grant a good event to all, and, above all, preserve his 
 majesty's person, in which all the world are now especially sensible 
 how great an interest they have." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Wishes to have the french strictly bound not to assist king James — Impatient to hear of 
 
 his removal to Avignon.J 
 
 " Whitehall, July 13-23, 1 697-— My lord ; I have not troubled 
 you a great while, though I have received several of your lord- 
 ship's letters. 1 have expected, with impatience, to hear some- 
 thing of the late king's journey to Avignon, pursuant to what 
 your lordship hinted in your's of the 21st of June. I should 
 be glad to see so considerable a step made towards peace, though 
 I confess I shall always wish him farther fk-om hence than even 
 that place. I did not importune you with any thoughts of mine 
 relating to the project you were pleased to send me for the peace. 
 The only things of chief concern to us are, the manner of ac- 
 knowledging the king, and the engaging not to assist king James 
 by name; but since glory has been the pretence the king of 
 
344 e R R ES p G N D E N C E [Paet II.— Ch. 7, 
 
 France has made, to give us all the disturbance we have received 
 from him, I hope care will be taken, that some expressions may 
 be used, to engage that glory to suffer us to be quiet ; and that, 
 after the peace is signed, he may not be at liberty to attack us 
 without forfeiting his word, and that honour he rtow pretends to 
 be so tender of. 
 
 " We are impatient for the news we expect in three posts, 
 which are now wanting." 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 345 
 
 CHAPTER 8. 
 
 1697. 
 
 Continuation of the negotiation, under the immediate superintendence of the king Private 
 
 conferences between the earl of Portland and marshal Bouffiers — Arrangements relative 
 to the acknowledgment of William's title ; to the conduct to be pursued by France towards 
 
 king James and his followers, and to the jointure of the exiled queen Proceedings at 
 
 Ryswick — Discussions on the german and Spanish claims— Correspondence, from June 
 to August, 169T. 
 
 W E now reach the second and most interesting period of this 
 memorable transaction. WiUiam was not of a temper to con- 
 tinue a negotiation which afforded so Httle chance of a speedy 
 and honourable issue. Aware that the delicate points in contro- 
 versy could never be regulated at a public congress, where every 
 proposal was to be discussed by the intervention of a mediator, 
 he resolvedto adopt a confidential mode of communication, which 
 would at once enable him to ascertain the real disposition of France, 
 and either facilitate a treaty, or terminate an injurious suspense. 
 With this view, he proposed to the french monarch a meeting of 
 two of their most trusty servants, who were to be guided by pri- 
 vate and specific instructions. The overture was accepted by 
 Louis, who had been disappointed by the failure of his attempt 
 to place the prince of Conti on the throne of Poland, and consi- 
 dered, that a temporary peace would best enable him to divide 
 the members of the grand alliance, and realise his views of se- 
 curing the Spanish succession in his family. Accordingly, he 
 authorised marshal Boufflers to enter into a private treaty with 
 the earl of Portland, who was deputed on the part of William. 
 The negotiators met on the 7th of July, N. S., in the vicinity of 
 the two camps; and, in five conferences, succeeded in obviat- 
 ing the difficulties which had suspended the public discussions. 
 
 2 Y 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch, 8- 
 
 The preliminaries thus arranged, were signed with the same se- 
 crecy, on the 3rd of August, in the suburbs of Halle. 
 
 The motives on which this mysterious proceeding was founded, 
 the effect it produced, and some details of the discussion itself, 
 will be best related in the words of the principal actors. 
 
 The first hint of this clandestine negotiation was conveyed by 
 lord Villiers to the duke of Shrewsbury, in a letter dated Hague, 
 July 12, N. S. 1697 :— 
 
 " My lord ; I have the honour of your grace's of the 12th of 
 June, from Grafton. By the letters we have just now received 
 from England, I have reason to hope this will find you in perfect 
 health at London. We have not yet received any answer to our 
 project : the french expected to have found in it the article against 
 king James, but his majesty rather chose to have that matter treated 
 by word of mouth, and there is nothing yet agreed on about it. 
 
 " The pensioner is returned from the army, and I find by him 
 that his majesty is of opinion, that this negotiation must be quickly 
 made an end of, one way or other : the imperialists seem to be 
 of this opinion, but the great difficulty will be, to bring them to 
 like of those terms,* which we had rather accept than carry on the 
 war. The french seem resolved to give nothing beyond the peace 
 of Nimeguen, and I doubt if they would have given that in every 
 point, if their designs this summer had succeeded. The king dis- 
 appointed them, when he marched to cover Brussels, and there 
 is great hope that they will have no better success upon Barcelona. 
 There is no certain news of Pointis, which makes every body 
 believe that he has done nothing. The elector of Saxony's being 
 chosen king of Poland is a great blow to their ally, the Turk. 
 There is a party that has proclaimed the prince of Conti king ; 
 but so inconsiderable an one, that it will come to nothing, the 
 elector having a body of 10,000 men of his own, to maintain his 
 right, besides the greatest part of the Polanders. These considera- 
 tions, my lord, I hope will make the french more complying. 
 
 So in the original. 
 
1697.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 347 
 
 " The mareschal de Boufflers has lately had a meeting with my 
 lord Portland, near Halle. I am told it was about the peace, 
 though I do not know the particulars ; as soon as I do, I shall 
 certainly communicate them to your grace, and upon all occa- 
 sions shew myself, with very great respect," &c. 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the meetings between lord Portland and marshal Boufflers.] 
 
 " Hague, July 9-19, 1697.—* * * * We find, by the account 
 the king has been pleased to send us of what passed between my 
 lord Portland and monsieur de Boufflers, in the two interviews 
 they had, that his majesty, being made sensible of the great wrong 
 done him every where, by the false and dishonourable insinuations 
 of the french, as if he had not really an intention or design for 
 peace, (as that has been notoriously their business to spread 
 abroad, in all these countries, these many weeks,) did at once 
 resolve, and (as all people here think) with great reason and 
 wisdom, to push the thing to a point, and at once as to do him- 
 self right against so venomous a poison as they endeavoured to 
 infuse into the world, by declaring his real desires for a peace ; 
 and his resolutions, if it could not be had, no longer to be amused 
 with a pretended negotiation of it at Ryswick ; so on the other 
 hand to put it hard and plain upon France, to discover how far 
 all this pretence on their side is well and sincere ; which is the 
 very point all we, the ministers in this assembly, have been saying 
 and wishing the thing might be at once brought to. And this 
 step of the king's is the more reasonable, in that we are now come 
 to the time (for to-morroAv is the day) that the french are to give 
 in their project for the peace they propose, between them and the 
 emperor and the empire. This is wjiat we are now this evening 
 going to say to the imperial embassy, which has desired from us an 
 account of what passed in these interviews. We have reason to 
 hope that these things falling in thus luckily together, may for- 
 ward us in the desire and design we have all along had (as your 
 grace may have seen in our former accounts) to come to a true 
 
 2 Y 2 
 
348 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt II.— Ch. 8, 
 
 discovery of the mind of France as to the peace ; and how far 
 they are sincere, in what they so hberally give out, every where, of 
 their desire of it," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Farther account of the interviews between lord Portland and marshal Boufflers.] 
 
 " Hague, July 19, N. S. 1697- — My lord ; I hear you are 
 come to town and in perfect health. I assure your grace that 
 nobody can receive that news with more satisfaction. The french 
 have promised us positively to give in a project of peace to- 
 morrow : the interview between my lord Portland and the 
 mareschal de Boufflers will, I hope, contribute to its being rea- 
 sonable. My lord Portland, by his majesty's order, desired the 
 first meeting, and in it told monsieur de Boufflers that his majesty 
 had heard that the french imputed it to him that the peace was 
 not made ; that his majesty thought himself obliged therefore to 
 satisfy the world, that he really wished a peace, provided it might 
 be honourable, and such as might last ; but that he first took this 
 way to let the king of France know his sentiments, and desired to 
 be informed if that king did really design a peace ; for that, 
 otherwise, his majesty could not resolve to continue a negotiation 
 which must be prejudicial to the allies. The rest of the discourse 
 was what particularly concerned the king, as to the naming of 
 king James, the followers of his party, and something relating to 
 the principality of Orange. 
 
 " In the second conference monsieur de Boufflers told my lord 
 Portland, that having writ to court, and received the king, his 
 master's answer, he could assure him that that king was glad to 
 hear that his majesty was so well disposed to a peace ; that the 
 king of France was wholly in earnest for it ; and had given in- 
 structions to his ministers at Delft, to act to that effect ; that he 
 was resolved to give his majesty all possible satisfaction in the 
 point relating to king James, except the direct naming him, which 
 he thought could not be expected, considering the manner in 
 which he had hitherto used that prince. As to what concerns his 
 
1697] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 349 
 
 followers, they seem not so much to insist upon it; and as to 
 Orange, monsieur de Boufflers said, that his master would not 
 think it reasonable, that it should be a place of refuge for the pro- 
 testants, which, indeed, in a manner, is demanded in the article. 
 This seems, my lord, to give us a fairer prospect of our affairs than 
 we have had yet ; I hope some good news from America may 
 bring us to a speedy conclusion," &c. 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The french have delivered a project of peace with the emperor, Spain and Holland — Con- 
 siders the moderation it displays as attributable to the firm declarations of king Wil- 
 liam, through the agency of lord Portland.] 
 
 " Hague,' July 23, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; By my last, which 
 was of the 9-19th instant, your excellency will see the expectation 
 Ave were in here of the project which the french had promised. 
 Accordingly, the next day, at the conference at Ryswick, the 
 mediator came into the assembly of the allies, and there delivered 
 the project; adding, as from the french, that it was not indeed 
 altogether in the exact form of a project ; but that it wanted not 
 much in form : and, as to the matter of it, it contained the sub- 
 stance of such articles as concerned three of the puissances in war ; 
 to wit, the emperor and empire, Spain and this State. That there 
 might possibly be found some particulars wanting, and some 
 expressions not so exactly weighed ; but that whatever was want- 
 ing might be supplied ; and whatever in the wording might be 
 found amiss, might easily be rectified. That, as to them, they 
 were in great earnest, and most sincere in their desires of the 
 peace, qfin d'etre hors d' affaire ; and that the sooner it could be 
 done the better. This was the substance of what the mediator 
 reported, as said by the french, upon their delivering him the 
 project. After which he gave it into count Kaunitz's hand, who, 
 by-the-bye, is observed on all such occasions to be the head of 
 the assembly, and, as such, even to put himself forward, and to 
 speak, and be spoken to. 
 
 " Yesterday, after the hours of devotion, the several parties 
 sent their secretaries (as had been agreed the day before) to count 
 
350 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 Kaunitz's house, and there took x;opies of it, a transcript of which 
 I have sent by this post to Mr. Secretary Trumbull, to be pre- 
 sented to your excellency, and take leave, in the mean time, to 
 inclose an abstract of it* (such as in this short time could be got 
 ready) for your grace's perusal. There has not been time yet to 
 understand what the several parties think of it ; but, in the ge- 
 neral, I perceive men think France has come nearer reason, in 
 several points, than it was expected they would at this first step ; 
 and this is attributed to the seasonable and wise declaration his 
 majesty was pleased to make, by my lord Portland, to monsieur 
 Boufflers, which we find plainly, by the pulse of the world about 
 us, hath had a very good effect, and has turned to great advantage 
 of his majesty's honour and integrity in several respects," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The french have delivered tneir project of peace — Resolved to fix a period for the accept- 
 ance or refusal of the terms — New conference between lord Portland and marshal 
 Boufflers.j 
 
 " Hague, July 25, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; I am glad to tell your 
 grace, that the french, according to their promise, gave in their 
 project of peace to the allies last Saturday. Mr. Prior sends it 
 this post to Mr. Vernon. You will find it to be on the foot of 
 
 * The principal conditions of this project were — 
 
 The treaties of Munster and Nimeguen to form the basis of the peace in general. 
 
 All the re-unions made by the chambers of Metz and Besangoij, and the council of 
 Brisach, since the treaty of Nimeguen, to be restored to the emperor. Strasburgh to be 
 ceded in perpetuity to France, in return for the cession of Friburgh, Old Brisach, Philips- 
 burgh, and Kehl, with their dependencies ; and the Rhine to form the boundary between 
 France and the empire. 
 
 Loraine to be restored to the duke as in 1670, on the condition that the fortifications of 
 Nancy should be demolished, and a military passage through the duchy reserved to 
 France. 
 
 Dinant to be restored to the bishop of Liege. 
 
 Treves to the elector, and the palatinate to the elector palatine, reserving the rights of 
 the duchess of Orleans, as heiress to her brother, the late elector. 
 
 All the re-uruons dismembered fi-om Spain to be relinquished, and all conquests, both 
 in the Low Countries and Catalonia, to be restored, except Luxemburgh, which was to 
 be retained by France, in consideration of an equivalent. All captured colonies in 
 America, and the West Indies to revert to the rightful proprietors. 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. S51 
 
 that of Nimeguen. I believe we shall not get better terms from 
 them, and shall have difficulty enough to bring the imperialists 
 to accept of these ; but I think, my lord, their necessity must 
 oblige them to take the measures which England and Holland 
 prescribe to them. I have heard secretly, that France designs 
 suddenly to set a time for making the peace upon this project, 
 or absolutely breaking off the negotiation.* I must own this 
 method is a little unmannerly, but it is the only one that can bring 
 us to any conclusion in this tedious affair. 
 
 " My lord Portland had, last Saturday, another meeting with 
 monsieur de Boufflers ; but it ended only in fair Avords from the 
 french, without any thing determined in it," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Hopes that the interview between lord Portland and marshal Boufflers will bring matters 
 to a speedy conclusion, either for peace or war — England is now more capable of 
 continuing hostilities.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 16-26, 1697- — I have received your letters of 
 the 12th and 19th, N. S., and hope my lord Portland's interview 
 will bring matters to a conclusion one way or other. If the french 
 are in earnest for a peace, it will be very welcome ; if they are 
 not, it is necessary the world should see it ; and particularly so 
 with relation to his majesty's affairs here, that people may not 
 too long flatter themselves with such deluding expectations, but 
 prepare to carry on the war ; which, I am confident, when we set 
 our minds to it, we shall be in a better condition to do, than we 
 were the last year, money growing much more plentiful in the 
 country, and credit in town beginning now to recover. 
 
 " The french have had the fate of many projects to expect, 
 and, therefore, it is not to be wondered, if they have not been 
 forward to come to an agreement, whilst such prospects were in 
 view. It is to be hoped, when they find themselves disappointed 
 in all or most of them, they will grow more sincere ; and if they 
 offer what is safe and honourable, I heartily wish they may be 
 taken at their word," &c. 
 
 * This report was soon afterwards realised. 
 
Sm CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON, 
 
 ("Approves the design of obtaining from the french an explicit declaration of their views 
 
 with regard to peace.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 18-28, l697. — Three posts arrived yesterday, 
 and brought me your excellency's of the 12th, l6th, and Ipth, 
 N. S. It is plain the french have been unwilling to come to any 
 immediate conclusion, expecting the success of the several pro- 
 jects they had on foot. I hope the event will dispose them to 
 be more sincere hereafter in their intentions for a peace. How- 
 ever, it was certainly well advised to push them to a declaration ; 
 which, I perceive, was the end of my lord Portland's interviews 
 with the marshal de Boufflers. Uncertainties may be dangerous 
 to his majesty's affairs abroad, and I am sure they are prejudicial 
 to his interest at home. 
 
 " If the war must be continued, it is time the thoughts of the 
 nation were disposed to it ; and that they did no longer flatter 
 themselves with the deluding expectations of a peace, but turn 
 their minds to support the war with vigour and resolution ; which 
 I am sure they are better able to do this year than they were the 
 last ; and I do not doubt but they will be as willing, when they 
 see no other means left, to save all that they have been thus long 
 contending for. No man alive could more sincerely rejoice than 
 I should, at a safe and honourable agreement ; but if the enemy 
 will give so much credit to the false accounts of their corres- 
 pondents here, that it cannot be obtained, I hope they will find, 
 though we wish a peace more than they, we do not want it 
 so much," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Thinks the french project for peace reasonable, and ought to be accepted.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 20-30, 1697.— My lord ; Your's of the 23rd, 
 N. S., has brought the best news I have seen a great while. The 
 project of peace, which Mr. Prior has sent Mr. Vernon, seems so 
 reasonable, that, in my poor opinion, it ought not to be rejected 
 by any concerned, provided those matters which relate to the 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 363 
 
 concerns of the king, and the safety of the nation, be sufficiently 
 explained and provided for ; which, being not mentioned in that 
 paper, I suppose are agreed in some other manner. Having said 
 something to your lordship, in a former letter on that subject, I 
 shall conclude with what has been my constant wish, that your 
 negotiation may be short and successful. You can be employed in 
 nothing more useful and agreeable to these kingdoms, nor more 
 honourable to yourself." 
 
 The anxiety awakened in the mind of the noble secretary by these 
 general hints, which he received from the plenipotentiaries, was 
 now relieved by a brief, though authentic, relation from the earl 
 of Portland himself; who, at this period, had considerably ad- 
 vanced towards the completion of the important work, in which 
 he was engaged. 
 
 EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " July 19-29, 1697- — My lord ; I had great satisfaction in 
 hearing that you had returned from the country in such good 
 health ; may God continue this blessing. 
 
 " Lord Sunderland can give you an account of what I wrote 
 to him, concerning my interview with the marshal de Bbufflers. 
 At the last he dictated this article, that the king of France con- 
 sents to have it inserted in the treaty, that, for the security of his 
 majesty, he will give no assistance to king James, or to the Ja- 
 cobites. There is no farther difficulty with regard to what con- 
 cerns the king in particular. The king of France conveyed a 
 solemn protestation, that he was sincerely desirous of peace, after 
 the king, our master, had caused the same profession to be made 
 to him. A term is fixed at the Hague for its conclusion or 
 rupture : we shall, therefore, soon have it, or know to whom we 
 are to ascribe the blame of the failure. If the business of the 
 campaign do not indispensably oblige the king to remain here, 
 I think he will approach the Hague, to hasten the negotiation as 
 
 2 z 
 
354 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 much as he can, although it would not be very becoming in him 
 actually to appear there. I am," &c. 
 
 " I beg you not to render this article public. I have just re- 
 ceived your's of the l6th, but too late to answer it." 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury was too zealously attached to the 
 Protestant Succession to peruse this important communication 
 without a considerable jealousy of France, and an anxious desire 
 to obviate all causes of future trouble. We have already seen, 
 in his letter to the king,* the objections he suggested to one pro- 
 vision of this memorable article ; and we shall now find him no 
 less frankly scrutinizing points of secondary consequence, in his 
 reply to the earl of Portland : — 
 
 " Whitehall, July 27-Aug. 6, 1697- — My lord ; I have received 
 your lordship's of the ]9-29th, with the enclosed articles dictated 
 by the marshal de Boufflers ; by which, I perceive the matters 
 in dispute between the king (our master) and the king of France, 
 are in great measure adjusted. I hope the allies, some way or 
 other, will be prevailed with to be reasonable on their parts ; and 
 when they consider what a share of the expense England and 
 Holland bear in the war, allow them to be the best judges 
 when it is time to put an end to it. The article seems very 
 strongly worded to prevent the king of France's fomenting any 
 private rebellions, as well as assisting in any open invasion of 
 these kingdoms ; and the words " that he will not disturb the king 
 of Great Britain in the possession of his kingdoms," ^c. can only 
 relate to our present king. Yet, since, out of decency, they make 
 a difficulty to name king James, in which, impartially speaking> 
 they appear to have reason, I see no objection why they might 
 not name the king by name, William the Third, king of Great 
 Britain ; which would, more unquestionably, take away any un- 
 
 See page 170. 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 355 
 
 reasonable cavil that might hereafter be made, that, by the king 
 of Great Britain, king James was only meant. I mention this 
 as my present private thought, and in which it is very probable 
 there may be little weight, but that you allow me to write with 
 the freedom of a friend, as well as an humble servant. 
 
 " I must farther observe, that there is no care taken in this 
 article to remove king James to some farther distance than Paris. 
 I imagine the king of France will not think it proper or decent 
 for himself, that he should live at St. Germains, or in that neigh- 
 bourhood, whilst our king has an embassador at the french court : 
 but I am sure it would be. of very dangerous consequence to the 
 king's affairs bere, that king James should be permitted to live in 
 any place, so near these kingdoms, that letters and messages might 
 frequently pass, and that persons of consideration might have pre- 
 tences of going, where they would have opportunity of discoursing 
 with him, without its being visible that was their errand. To be 
 convinced of the consequence of this, one needs but reflect on the 
 advantage the present king, when prince of Orange, made of 
 such a free intercourse, as was then between London and the 
 Hague. 
 
 "Since I have writ thus far of my letter, I have discoursed my 
 lord chancellor and chamberlain upon the article your lordship 
 enclosed; and they both are of opinion, that the mentioning the 
 king by name, WiUiam the Third, king of Great Britain, is of 
 consequence for preventing future cavils. I am," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Thinks peace cannot fail— Honourable to the king to have settled this business in a fort- 
 night, which could not have been concluded in many months at the congress of 
 Ryswick.J 
 
 " TVhitehall, July 30-Jug. 9, 1697.— My lord ; I have your's 
 of the 30th of July and 2nd August, N. S. If your journey to 
 Breda was to hasten the conclusion of peace, I hope it will have 
 the effect designed. I have had, within these three days, a re- 
 lapse of my distemper, which ought to put me more in mind of 
 
 2 z 2 
 
S5G CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 another world than it does ; but I am charitable enough to this, 
 whether I am to stay in it or not, to wish it were at quiet ; for, 
 after eight years war, one may be allowed to own peace would be 
 welcome ; and I think it is brought to a pass that it can not, it 
 must not fail. For, as it will be counted one of the greatest actions 
 of his majesty's life, to have settled that in a fortnight, by a 
 method of his own, which he saw could not have been concluded 
 in many months at Ryswick ; so, if this agreement should now 
 break off, he will have introduced a separate way of treating, 
 which may prove infinitely hazardous to his own interest, if the 
 precedent shall be followed by other princes ; since all the allies, 
 I doubt, are not so well to be trusted, upon the honour of their 
 words, as they have had experience he is." 
 
 Lord Portland having formally imparted the terms which he 
 had settled with marshal Boufflers, the communication was re- 
 ceived by the allies with less satisfaction than had been expected, 
 for the emperor and empire appeared to suspect that their interests 
 were about to be sacrificed. On this point sir Joseph Williamson 
 observes to the duke of Shrewsbury : — 
 
 " Hague, Aug. 9, N. S. 1697- — My lord; Since my last, which 
 was of the 6th, we find, plainly, how little the world have ex- 
 pected so great an advance on the matter of the peace, as hath 
 happily followed upon lord Portland's conferring with M. de 
 Boufflers ; and, indeed, how little some of them desired it. Tlje 
 emperor and empire appear most infinitely concerned at the like- 
 lihood there is, that the proposition from France for equivalents 
 to be accepted for Strasburgh and Luxemburgh, should take 
 place : not but that, secretly, the emperor is more than willing 
 that it should proceed as to the first, the equivalents for that 
 being such places as would fall into the emperor's own hands. 
 And, therefore, we find these last days that the great cry is turned 
 upon the other, that is, upon Luxemburgh ; which is alleged by 
 all those of the empire to be of that fatal consequence to them, 
 that if it should, for any consideration, be left in the hands of the 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 357 
 
 french, they were undone ; lost wholly in their liberty and safety ; 
 and that they must, in that case, be necessitated to seek it from 
 France alone. This has been strongly exaggerated to us by the 
 imperial embassy yesterday (the news of which, as they could be 
 remembered afterwards, I send to Mr. Secretary Trumbull,) and 
 this afternoon we are told we shall have a like attack from the 
 body of the ministers of the empire, with desire to have their 
 representations transmitted to his majesty, for his farther consider- 
 ation, as a thing which they look upon to be of the last consi- 
 deration and importance to them. 
 
 " As to our business, the french embassadors have not yet re- 
 ceived from court, what they are to return as an answer to our 
 project, but expect it daily ; though they do, beforehand, speak 
 of it to the embassadors of this State, who deal for us, that they 
 look upon it as a thing that can have no great difficulty in it. 
 Something they speak as to the point of the pension, or yearly 
 sum settled heretofore on the late king James's queen, which 
 they do not well know how it stands in fact, and therefore are 
 not distinct nor clear in what they would propose as to that 
 matter. 
 
 " The answer of the emperor and empire to the french project 
 was given in by the ministers on Tuesday morning, but is of that 
 length, that the french were not able to give any distinct answer 
 to it on Wednesday, at the conferences at Ryswick, only they gave 
 the allies to understand, by the mediator, that the king, their 
 master, was very sincere in his desires for peace ; and that the 
 time pressed extremely to finish it : that, as to the point of Alsace, 
 and the ten towns, it was a thing long since settled, and could 
 not be admitted to be spoken of in this place. And, as to the 
 term for accepting of the conditions, the mediator gave us to 
 understand, that the french look upon it that they have sufficiently 
 made the declaration of it, so as that it will be taken by them as 
 the time beyond which they will no longer be bound to the same 
 conditions," &c. 
 
358 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Acknowledges the receipt of his information on the terms of peace — Hopes the preten- 
 sions of the emperor, empire, and Spain, will not retard the conclusion.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. 3-13, 1697. — My lord ; I just now received 
 your excellency's of the 9th, N. S. by which I understand one of 
 the chief difficulties that will remain in the conclusion of the 
 peace, is, whether France shall restore Luxemburgh or give 
 an equivalent; the emperor and empire will be for the first; 
 some of the other allies may, perhaps, hope a better security from 
 the second. It is impossible, where interests are so different, to 
 agree upon a point of this nature, unless all would generously 
 consent to what should be thought best for the good of Europe, of 
 which nobody can be so impartial, nor so exact a judge, as our 
 master, whose name is glorious for his adherence so many years 
 to the common cause. 
 
 " If the french will be stiff as to the day, beyond which they 
 will be no longer bound to the conditions offered, I doubt that 
 time is so very short, that it will be hard to get all agreed, espe- 
 cially if all are not willing, as may be apprehended. But I hope 
 that and all other difficulties will be overcome to give us a good 
 peace, which is earnestly desired in these nations." 
 
 The objections which the duke of Shrewsbury had frankly 
 advanced to some clauses in the preliminaries, both in his letter 
 to the king, and in that of 27th of July, to the earl of Portland, 
 drew from his lordship an able and sensible reply, which will 
 throw additional lights on the motives by which William was 
 actuated. 
 
 THE EARL OF PORTLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Loo, Aug. 2-12, 1697. — Sir ; I am honoured with your's of 
 the 27th, and am very glad that you approve the article which I 
 sent you. It is as strongly expressed as could be expected ; and. 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 359 
 
 as to what regards the future tranquilUty of England, it remains 
 to be considered, whether it would not be better that this expres- 
 sion should have a general bearing, namely " to aid no one without 
 exception or reserve ;" or, whether, if king James should be therein 
 named, (he being old, and not likely to live long, but as a pre- 
 tended prince of Wales may live long,) it is certain that he is 
 included in that general period. Your remark, that the king of 
 Great Britain is not mentioned by name, would be well founded, 
 if that article were to be secret or separate ; but as it is to be 
 inserted in the general treaty, at the head of which the king 
 is entitled William III. &c. &c., and as it is not customary to 
 repeat the nq,me at length in each article of a treaty, I think 
 you will be of my opinion, that this cannot be otherwise than as 
 it is. 
 
 " Of the necessity that king James should retire from France, 
 I have spoken very urgently, even from the first interview. But 
 the answer of marshal Boufflers was, that, as this could not be 
 stipulated without naming him, it was not to be expected that 
 the king of France would accede. Upon which I told him, that, 
 in consideration of the king, his master, this stipulation should not 
 be demanded ; but I declared that the king, my master, expected 
 the same regard should be paid to him ; and that they should 
 cause king James to depart, as soon as a peace should be concluded, 
 without the appearance that, the king of France was obhged to 
 adopt this measure. And if this were not done, it must be con- 
 cluded that he cared not for the duration of peace ; since the 
 king, my master, could never suffer king James to be so near 
 England, as this would foment cabals, which the king of France 
 promised, by this article, not to countenance. I even desired him 
 to state this very positively in writing. 
 
 " He has since spoken to me of it, adverting to the place 
 whither he might be sent, and even mentioning Avignon as the 
 fittest for his residence. Hence I doubt not he will be removed 
 from Paris, if France is sincere for peace. You will, doubtless, 
 agree with me, that as it was necessary to conciliate France, I ought 
 
360 COERESPONDENCE [Paet. II— Ch. 8. 
 
 not to expose myself to a decided refusal, unless I were able to 
 maintain the point ; and that it was better to take the thing as 
 verbally granted, when I could obtain no more. 
 
 " Respecting the point on which you have written to the king, 
 it is true that this article, separately considered, has no relation 
 to the successors ; but it is still to be remembered, that, at the 
 head of the treaty, when the kings are named, it is also men- 
 tioned that they conclude this peace for themselves and for their 
 successors, according to the contents of the present treaty. I beg 
 you to consider that this article was sent from France, that mar- 
 shal Boufflers could not alter a word ; and that, in the existing 
 state of things, I was glad to have it as it is ; yet I have spoken 
 of it to the pensionary, who was here yesterday ; and if he can, 
 he will endeavour to insert in the draught of the treaty * now 
 pending, the word successors in the article itself. 
 
 " I am much obliged to you. Sir, for having done me the 
 honour to transmit me your opinion, with that frankness which I 
 beg you will continue, and I assure you that you cannot practise 
 it towards a man more devoted to your service ; but I also re- 
 quest you to consider the difficulty which I had in negotiating any 
 thing, when there is such risk in speaking positively ; and yet, 
 when no weakness should be shewn. I intreat that you will con- 
 tinue to tell me your sentiments, and believe me respectfully," 
 &c. 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Hopes the emperor and the german princes will desist from their opposition.] 
 
 " Hague, Aug: 3-13, l697- — My lord ; The dissatisfaction of 
 our german allies at the equivalents proposed for Strasburgh and 
 Luxemburgh, must be allowed to vent itsfelf ; and we take care 
 what we can, to manage their heats and vehemence in these 
 matters, ever and anon reminding them, how far their past per- 
 
 * This point was not granted, as Louis did not give any pledge in regard to the suc- 
 cessors of William, nor did James remove from France. 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 361 
 
 formances are from giving us and the alliance any hopes of 
 mending our case by continuing the war ; and, therefore, on all 
 sides, and most especially on that of the empire, it is become 
 necessary to think of a peace. These reflections we find plainly 
 do make the proper impressions, only a little patience must be 
 had, till these ministers (who dehght in long dispatches) may have 
 shewn their masters what zeal and eloquence they have employed 
 on this occasion. But, after all, the thing will be done ; and, 
 indeed, the french press us every day more warmly to do it, within 
 the month, which is the term they insist they had declared to the 
 mediator at the first, as the peremptory term, within which the 
 allies must takg or leave the french offers."' 
 
 ****** 
 
 SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The german princes seem to relax in their opposition — The great point at issue, with 
 regard to England, is the demand of the french, for the payment of the jointure of 
 king James's queen.] 
 
 ''Hague, Aug. 6-16, 1697- — My lord; We see, plainly, that 
 now the imperialists, thus finding there will be a peace, and that 
 the principal parties seem agreed to hasten it all that is possible, 
 conclude it to no purpose longer to use any arts (as it is not un- 
 likely but hitherto they have done) to delay it ; and, therefore, 
 have given into this way of personal conferences with the french 
 at Ryswick, which is Avhat they peremptorily refused to agree to 
 some weeks ago. And, as to the points themselves, in which they 
 have any considerable interest to be different, we think they will 
 all be reduced to that one of the equivalent for Luxemburgh, (for, 
 as to that of Strasburgh, plain it is, that they must rather wish 
 an equivalent should be taken, though they dare not say so:) 
 and, as to this of Luxemburgh, the opposition of the princes 
 of the empire continues very high ; though we find, daily, that 
 they are more tractable in it, and, in a manner, prepared, when 
 they have done and said what they can, to yield to the necessity 
 
 3 A 
 
362 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 of the conjuncture. All that we have to say in it is, to convince 
 them, that whatever the king (our master's) mind is, in this, or 
 indeed, in whatever else can come in question, relating to the 
 general and common interest of the alliance, in what part soever 
 of Europe the thing lies, upon which the question arises, it cannot 
 be suspected to be grounded upon any other consideration than 
 what is best and most conducing to the preservation of the peace 
 and liberties of Europe, from the ambitious designs of the common 
 enemy. And that, in this point of Luxemburgh especially, his 
 majesty, as head of this State, ought to be considered as most 
 concerned, and, consequently, the most proper judge of the rea- 
 sons for, or against, the equivalent in question. And, these 
 representations, with a little patience, will, we hope, qualify that 
 mighty heat this matter at first raised in them. 
 
 " We are now arguing with the french about the rest of our arti- 
 cles, in which nothing appears of much diflSculty, only as to that 
 of Hudson's Bay business, (which, at the bottom, is a branch of 
 private interest of trading companies,) w^e are left without the 
 necessary informations of fact, much more without able and full 
 proofs of what is said, as to the original right, upon which all will 
 turn. And, as to the late king James's queen's jointure, Avhich 
 the french stick hard upon to be made good, it is a point of that 
 deUcacy, that we are not willing hitherto to entertain it, as any 
 matter of our present business. If she have by law a right, *she 
 be to enjoy it; if not, we are not here empowered to stipulate 
 any thing for her. And so we endeavour to stave it off from being 
 received, as any part of what we are here to negotiate. However, 
 it seems to be of use, if Mr. Secretary can do it, without noise 
 or observation, to get an account of all that matter, how it now 
 stands, what settlements were to be made by the marriage articles, 
 if any ? What of any kijid have been made on her, and how far, 
 according as the law now stands, those that have been made 
 will take ? &c. A private knowledge of this, if we could get it 
 
 * So in the original. 
 
1697.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 363 
 
 in time, might be of good help to us, to staYe ofF the point, 
 which, as we think, cannot so much as be openly treated on by 
 us, without inconveniencies that will follow." 
 
 We pass over the discussions concerning the restitution : or 
 equivalent of Luxemburgh and Strasburgh, to direct the attention 
 of the reader to points of more immediate interest to England, 
 contained in a frank and manly letter from the duke of Shrews- 
 bury to the earl of Portland : — 
 
 " Eyford, Aug. 18-28, 1697-— My lord; What I took the liberty 
 to write to his majesty and your lordship has not, I hope, given 
 either of you a suspicion, that I disapprove what has been treated 
 towards a peace. No man alive more earnestly wishes it con- 
 cluded than I do, and would less raise any trivial disputes to 
 obstruct or delay it. What your lordship says for the not naming 
 the king in that article, is so just an answer, that I have nothing 
 to reply. What I mentioned of the removing the late king far- 
 ther off, will, I suppose, be done in the method it is in ; but I 
 was so far right, that I perceive you would willingly have put it 
 upon a greater certainty, but that there were inconveniencies in 
 the pressing of it, that could not be overcome. The objection I 
 made in my letter to the king, will, I fear, be generally thought 
 one, when the article becomes public : not only the persons who 
 seem the most nearly concerned, but every body else, will Avish 
 the addition made, which I proposed, for the sake of future 
 quiet. I am glad, therefore, it is in a way of being done, if 
 possible ; and I can hardly conceive the french will make a 
 difficulty of adding words, the sense of which is already in the 
 agreement, if they mean fairly. 
 
 " My illness, before I went out of town, and being three or 
 four days upon the road hither, is the reason I did not answer 
 your lordship's of the 2nd sooner; and, upon this occasion, I 
 cannot forbear mentioning my OAvn uneasiness to be in a post 
 that does necessarily require a strict attendance ; and all the 
 
 3 A 2 
 
364 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 8. 
 
 while in a circumstance of health, that will not permit my doing 
 it, nor give me a prospect of being capable, for a very long time, 
 if ever. I know his majesty's goodness will forgive, and per- 
 haps pity such infirmities ; but the being obliged to neglect the 
 service of so indulgent a master makes the affliction more 
 sensible." 
 
 ****** * 
 
1697—1698.] ONTHEPEACtOFRYSWICK. 365 
 
 CHAPTER 9. 
 1697—1698. 
 
 Progress and conclusion of the negotiations for the peace of Ryswick — Signature of the 
 treaty/ hy the maritime powers and Spain — The Germans abandoned by the other allies, 
 and compelled to submit to the terms dictated by France- — Correspondence from August 
 to October, 1697 — Obseriiations on the first partition treaty, as connected with the 
 peace of Ryswick— Dissatisfaction of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 At this period of the negotiation, a series of events occurred, 
 which threatened once more to frustrate the hopes of peace. 
 
 In Catalonia the french had continued to prosecute their ad- 
 vantages. An army under Vendome had marched against Bar- 
 celona, and vigorously attacked the place. The viceroy of Cata- 
 lonia was defeated in his attempts to obstruct the approaches ; 
 and, after an obstinate defence, the garrison was reduced to the 
 last extremity. This arduous conflict, which had long awakened 
 the hopes and fears of all parties, was now brought to a close ; 
 for the court of Spain, to save the place from destruction, issued 
 orders for an immediate surrender. 
 
 At the moment when the french were thus masters of Catalonia, 
 and threatened Madrid, the Spanish colonies were visited with 
 a similar disaster; for the fleet under admiral Pointis captured 
 Carthagena, and spread a general alarm throughout the defence- 
 less provinces of South America. 
 
 The prospect of these misfortunes, which had vanquished the 
 aversion of the Spanish court to a peace, encouraged the french 
 to rise in their demands. They availed themselves of the oppor- 
 tunity, to insist on the retention of Strasburgh, while they renewed 
 their claim to the jointure of the queen of James the Second. 
 They also succeeded in engaging the emperor in a direct nego- 
 tiation ; and laboured to concihate the Spanish court, by advanta- 
 geous offers. The hints which escaped on this subject, in the 
 
366 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 9. 
 
 letters of king William, are still farther expanded in those of the 
 plenipotentiaries. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [The business of the queen's jointure ought not to be introduced into the public- treaty.] 
 
 " Hague, Aug. 16, N. S, 1697-— My lord ; I have received the 
 honour of your grace's of the 30th past. I am very sorry for 
 your relapse, but I hope it proceeded only from some little irre- 
 gularity, which it will always be in your power to redress ; and 
 you ought to contribute to it as much as you can, my lord, for 
 the sake of your friends. 
 
 " The Pensioner has been at Loo, and since his return the dis- 
 patch of our affair is more pressed than ever : your grace will see 
 the state of it by what Mr. Prior writes to Mr. Vernon. I cannot 
 forbear telling you, that I hope we shall not have orders to give 
 any other answer, relating to the settlement made on the queen 
 in France, than that which we have already given ; for I think 
 we ought never to consent to have her name inserted, for her 
 advantage, in the treaty, since king James has protested against 
 it ; and that the king of France took such care not to have him 
 named in it to his prejudice. 
 
 " We expect the czar to be here in two or three days : the king 
 will come hither to see him.* I believe his majesty heartily wishes 
 the visit over ; for, from what we hear, his muscovitish majesty 
 is but scurVy company." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREV^SBURY. 
 
 [Conferences of the imperialists and Spaniards with the french plenipotentiaries — Unfa^ 
 vourable news from Catalonia and South America.] 
 
 " Hague, Aug. 20, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; Since I had the 
 honour to write to your grace, the imperialists have had a parti- 
 cular conference with the french, the mediator being present. 
 They went through their whole project, but concluded on no one 
 point but that of Philipsburgh ; which could not admit of a dis- 
 
 * The reader scarcely needs to be reminded, that this was the period of the visit paid 
 by Peter the Great to Holland, and afterwards to England. 
 
1697—1698.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 367 
 
 pute. The Spaniards have hkewise been in conferences with the 
 french : the dutch ministers assisted, with the mediator, towards 
 the making these two parties agree, which I beheve will be done 
 without much difficulty. I wish I could say as much of the impe- 
 rialists, who, I find, are resolved to be forced : I hope to see that 
 quickly put in execution ; though, indeed, the news of Barcelona 
 and Pointis comes very untimely. I am not to acknowledge the 
 favour of your grace's of the 3rd, without taking the freedom to 
 acquaint you, that his majesty has been pleased to shew me a new 
 mark of his favour, in making me an earl. I presume your grace 
 will sign the bill for it as readily as you have done me many pre- 
 cedent favours ; . and believe," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Impatient to hear of the conclusion of peace — Doubts if the allies can obtain better 
 
 conditions.] 
 
 " Byford, Aug. 18-28, 1697.— My lord ; IMy indisposition 
 whilst I was in town, and my journey hither, have hindered me 
 from answering your's of the 16th and 20th, N. S. till now that I 
 am in the country, free from compliments and advice, which took 
 many hours of my time when in London. I cannot say I am yet 
 much better, but having found myself not worse with removing, 
 I begin to hope the fresh air may have the same good effect it 
 had at the beginning of the summer. 
 
 " I hope we shall soon hear the business of the peace is con- 
 cluded, or that the french have consented to prolong the term 
 they had set, beyond which they hold themselves no longer en- 
 gaged to perform what they had offered. The first would put me 
 most at ease. I fear the allies will never get much better condi- 
 tions ; and, since the misfortune of Barcelona and Pointis, they 
 themselves ought, in reason, to despair of it ; so that then the 
 question will only remain, whether it is for the common interest 
 to have peace, on the terms offered now, or renew the war, with 
 a prospect to obtain better. The resolution, one way or the other, 
 ought quickly to be taken; and if all were of my mind, it would 
 admit of a short debate." 
 
368 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Ch. 9. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The French refuse to allow the imperialists the option of Strasburgh, or an equivalent ; 
 and insist on retaining Strasburgh — The king declares against the equivalent.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 3, N. S. 1697.—* * * * My lord ; I thought I might 
 have sent your grace word that the business Avas concluded ; but 
 the unreasonableness of the freneh has put an ill delay to it. The 
 Spaniards, dutch, and we, were ready last Saturday to sign, if the 
 freneh Avould have given a convenient time to the imperialists to 
 come in; but this they have refused, and gave in a new project 
 last Sunday, with the equivalent for Strasburgh, which I send you 
 enclosed.* The step that his majesty has thought most proper 
 to take on this occasion, is to declare against the equivalent, 
 as well to shew his dislike to the proceeding of the freneh, as 
 to let the world know he will not leave his allies, except he is 
 forced to it by their own wilfulness. It is a good deal their fault 
 to have brought things to this pass ; and what the king does now, 
 is move for his own reputation than that they deserve it. I am 
 told that there is no danger in making this seeming resistance ; for 
 if the freneh persist in keeping Strasburgh, our friends here will 
 have power enough to persuade us to comply ; so that I hope 
 there is no greater hazard in the business, than the loss of some 
 lime, and that I may yet tell you, before the winter, with how 
 much truth," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [All business suspended — Distressed state of the emperor — Deprecates the continuance of 
 
 the war.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 6, N. S. 1697- — My lord ; At this great crisis, I 
 cannot forbear troubling your grace, though I wrote to you last 
 post. I find every body here (some out of a desire to the war) 
 very angry at the proceedings of the freneh, which indeed are 
 far from being reasonable. Every thing seems at a stand. 
 Since my lord Portland left us, we have had no orders from his 
 
 * This equivalent consisted in the restoration of Friburgh and Brisach. 
 
1697—1698.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 369 
 
 majesty : I hope those we expect will be such as will not let us, 
 in the least, hazard our engaging again in a war, which I am sure 
 has not hitherto been his majesty's intention ; and, as I believe 
 no new resolution of this kind will be taken, without consulting 
 your grace, I take the freedom to tell you, that, in my opinion, 
 we should close with these terms, unless it were in our power to 
 oblige the french to better them. Since the taking of Barcelona 
 they are entire masters of Spain ; and the best we can hope from 
 that kingdom is a neutrality. It will be impossible for the impe- 
 rialists to do better than they have done : they have made no 
 recruits this year for want of money. The prince of Baden was 
 not able to take the field in time, for want of 300* pistoles from 
 Vienna, Avhich at last the commissary of the dutch troops was 
 obliged to advance him : their officers in Hungary are driven to 
 the last extremity for want of pay. You will jiidge, my lord, if 
 these people are to be relied on, and if England and Holland will 
 not bear the burden of a new war more than ever. 
 
 " Your grace does best know how England would like it, for 
 the sake only of Strasburgh, or if the parliament would even think 
 we were in earnest for a peace. I hope all this will be considered 
 on this side the water, and that means will be found to overcome 
 this last difficulty ; but it is natural to fear while we are in doubt, 
 and to complain to those who we think can prevent it. I shall 
 be glad in a post or two to tell your grace, that these reflections 
 proceeded only from my concern for the repose of England ; in 
 the mean time you will make that use of them which you think 
 necessary, and give me leave to desire you to burn this paper." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Interview between the czar and king William— The mission of the earl of Portland to 
 Brussels has not advanced the negotiations.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 13, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; I have been at 
 Sandyke, and have had the opportunity of seeing the czar with 
 his majesty. The interview between these two great princes was 
 
 * So in the original, probably a mistake for 300,000. 
 3 B 
 
370 CORRESPONDENCE [Part II.— Oh. 9. 
 
 in a very dirty tavern, from vs^hence the czar would not be got out, 
 for fear of seeing too much company. The same reason hindered 
 him from dining the next day with the king, though his majesty 
 invited him. The behaviour of this man is very singular and 
 capricious, though in some things he seems to have the genius of 
 a great prince ; but he is at too great a distance for us to concern 
 ourselves about him. 
 
 " I wish I could give your grace some good account of what 
 more nearly concerns us. My lord Portland is expected back 
 from Brussels to-morrow. I have received letters to-day, by 
 which I fear that his journey has not much advanced our affairs. 
 I find the king wishes this business had been ended the last of 
 August, for he apprehends that the conditions from the french 
 will every day grow worse and worse, and their behaviour more 
 insolent. At my lord Portland's return, I believe we shall make 
 an attempt to conclude, by which we shall put the french more 
 in the wrong, if we are so unhappy as not to be able to get out 
 of this war, towards the doing of which, I know your grace'^ 
 opinion has a great sway. I have only to add my wishes for 
 your health," &c. 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 {Ineffectual meeting between Portland and Boufflers — The conferences renewed, with hopes 
 of success — The Spaniards ready to sign — The affairs of England and those of the 
 Dutch on the point of arrangement.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. IT, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; This last conference 
 between the generals has had no effect, and I believe one gentle- 
 man of Delft contrived their being brought together, to do nothing, 
 to be revenged, in some measure, for what was done in the former 
 coriferetidies ; but, provided, my lord, that our business is done, 
 the manner of doing it is not very important. 
 
 " Since Sunday last our negotiation has been on foot again, 
 and the Spaniards have done all but signing. Our affairs are also 
 concluded, and this afternoon the embassadors of the States are 
 with the french to finish their's, and to adjust the whole, as well 
 for the imperialists coming in, as for a general cessation of arms ; 
 
1697—1698.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 371 
 
 so that I hope, if the french really design making peace, we shall 
 be wise enough to conclude it in a few days. The next satisfac- 
 tion that I propose to myself is, to find your grace in perfect 
 health at London, and to assure you then, that I am," &c. 
 
 We have already hinted that William almost wholly excluded 
 his english ministers from any previous knowledge of his secret 
 negotiations with France ; and the ensuing letter to lord Villiers 
 will prove, not only that this exclusion extended even to the duke 
 of Shrewsbury, though the negotiation was properly in his de- 
 partment ; but that his grace felt a degree of disappointment in 
 the preference and confidence shewn, on this occasion, to the 
 foreign favourites and agents. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 " Grafton, Sept. 8-18, 1697.— My lord; I have.your's of the 
 3rd and 6th, and am very apprehensive we may repent our civility 
 and complaisance for people, who appear to me unreasonable and 
 unaccountable. Delays in a matter of this nature are very dan- 
 gerous ; and when one considers how much better the french 
 affairs look now, than they did six weeks ago, one may fear they 
 may prove prejudicial in this conjuncture; and unless the peace 
 be concluded two days hence, or another short time appointed, 
 for my part I shall despair of any success in the treaty. But if 
 people are not prepared, and mind rather the manner than the 
 matter of things, I do not see that the french have made a consi- 
 derable change by their last memorial ; since I always understood 
 an equivalent for Strasburgh was more agreeable to the emperor 
 and the great allies, than to the city itself. 
 
 " I so entirely agree with what you write in your's of the 6th, 
 that if I could lay hold of any occasion, I should certainly deliver 
 my opinion in the sense you wish, but having never had any thing 
 communicated to me, (except M. de Bouffler's article, which my lord 
 Portland sent me,) I know not how to be so impertinent to thrust 
 myself into a business of so secret a nature. Besides, it may be 
 more unfit than ever, since the circumstances of my health will, 
 
 3 B 2 
 
372 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Gh. 9. 
 
 in all probability, oblige me to retire from public business ; and 
 my physicians assure me I shall not be in a condition to bear the 
 town a long while." 
 
 At length the discussions involving the interests of England, 
 Spain and the States were terminated ; and three successive 
 treaties were signed on the 20th and 31st of September3 between 
 the french plenipotentiaries and those of Spain, England, and 
 Holland. 
 
 To Spain France restored all her conquests in Catalonia, and in 
 the Netherlands, together with Luxemburgh, and relinquished a 
 considerable portion of those territories which had been usurped 
 under the plea of re-union. By these sacrifices Louis obtained his 
 purpose of conciliating the court of Madrid, and prepared the 
 way for securing to his own family the reversion to the Spanish 
 crown. 
 
 He satisfied king William by acknowledging his title, and en- 
 gaging not to assist his enemies, or trouble him in the possession 
 of his throne ; but, notwithstanding the representations of the 
 duke of Shrewsbury, the name of king James is not found in the 
 treaty ; nor Avas any clause inserted to restrain the king of France 
 from disturbing the successors to the british crown. 
 
 A restitution of conquests was also the leading feature in the 
 peace with the States, who were still farther conciliated by a fa- 
 vourable treaty of commerce. 
 
 The emperor and empire were thus abandoned by the other 
 allies, and having exceeded the term assigned for their accession, 
 were left to struggle alone against the chicanery and encroaching 
 spirit of the enemy. The succession to the crown of Spain, which 
 ought to have formed a prominent feature in the arrangement, was 
 thus passed over in impolitic silence ; for the other allies having 
 voluntarily renounced their right to enter into the question, all 
 the attempts of the emperor to introduce it were peremptorily 
 repelled by France. 
 
1697—1698.] ONTHEPEACEOFRYSWICK. 373 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, FOR THE INFORMA- 
 TION OF THE LORDS JUSTICES. 
 
 [Peace signed with France and Spain.] 
 
 " Ryswick, Sept. 20, N. S. 1697 .—My lord ; We send Mr. Prior 
 to acquaint your excellencies, that this moment we have signed the 
 peace with France and Spain, and the States have done the same. 
 I wish it may be a lasting one, and that your grace may have 
 much satisfaction by it," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 [Rejoices at the conclusion of peace.] 
 
 " Grafton, Sept. 22, 0. S. 1697.— My lord ; I have several letters 
 from you to acknowledge, but the last, of the 10-20th, brought so 
 good news that has rejoiced all the world, and I hope will make 
 liis majesty happy and safe the rest of his reign. I heartily con- 
 gratulate the great share you have had in the conclusion of this 
 affair, and wish you may always have the same success, in what 
 you may hereafter undertake; being, with great truth,". &c. 
 
 The earl of Portland, who had been so active an agent in this 
 arrangement, did not, however, partake in this unmixed joy 
 which the return of peace inspired in England ; for we find a 
 manly letter from him to the duke of Shrewsbury, in which he 
 disapproves the conditions, and unequivocally condemns the im- 
 prudent eagerness which had been manifested in the negotiation. 
 In justice to a nobleman, who has borne so large/ a share of na- 
 tional odium, we cannot withhold this candid expression of his 
 sentiments : — 
 
 " Loo, Sept. 14-24, 1697. — Sir ; I congratulate you most truly* 
 that peace is at length made ; such as it is ; for, in my opinion, 
 though it is not much to the advantage of France, who pur- 
 
 * The other part of this letter, which relates to sir John Fenwick, is introduced in the 
 correspondence with king William, page 117. 
 
374 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 9. 
 
 chases it dearly enough, yet we might have made it in a better man- 
 ner, without permitting France to assume that haughty demeanor 
 which she has manifested since the last of August, had we not tes- 
 tified an immoderate desire, and even a necessity, of making this 
 peace. However, it will ease our affairs in England, provided we 
 do not rely on, and trust to it too much, and we place ourselves 
 in a condition to ensure and preserve it as it should be ; which 
 Heaven grant." 
 
 LORD VILLIERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Peace concluded against the wish of the other allies, particularly the germans — Regrets 
 the intention of his grace to retire.] 
 
 " Hague, Sept. 24, N. S. 1697- — My lord ; I have received the ho- 
 nour of your grace's of the 8th. By this time, I hope you have the wel- 
 come news of the peace. At last it was made against the will of 
 most of our alhes, though it is certain that these last conditions were 
 more agreeable to the emperor than the former ; but peace never 
 was the design of the gertnans, but to keep England and Holland 
 in an expensive war, whilst they made the best market they could 
 of their troops. A point of honour had like to have made us 
 their dupes, but Providence has taken better care of us. The 
 germans, who must be forced to every thing with much ado, have 
 consented to a cessation of arms upon the Rhine, and within the 
 time, I believe, will conclude their peace. It is to be wished they 
 would do the same in Hungary, which their late success may 
 likely procure them. 
 
 " I hope it is more your inclination than any want of health 
 that makes your grace talk of quitting business. If that should 
 happen, without flattery to yourself, I am really sorry, both for 
 the king, and all those who wish the government well. If you 
 cannot bear the air of the town, methinks you might that of 
 Hyde Park ; I wish I had a better place to offer your grace, or 
 any thing that I think could contribute to your health ; being, 
 with the most sincere respect," &c. 
 
1697—1698.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 375 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD VILLIERS. 
 
 [Thinks the germans will be forced to conclude a peace — Hopes the king and his allies 
 will continue united — Desirous of some stipulation for the removal of king James.] 
 
 " Grafton, Oct. 6, 0. S. 1697.— My lord ; I have your's of the 
 24th Sept., and though I believe it was not the real intention of the 
 germans to conclude the peace, yet I suppose they will not think fit 
 to continue the war alone. The emperor, I imagine, is well satisfied 
 to be forced to take the equivalent, rather than Strasburgh ; and is 
 willing to bear the ill grace of being forced, when he might have 
 it his free cjioice, to gain a poor excuse to the princes of the 
 empire. However, I hope they will at length complete the peace 
 6f these parts of Europe, and that the king and his allies will 
 conclude this war Avith so good satisfaction of each other, that 
 they may join in some agreement to maintain this peace, if pos- 
 sible ; and when that is no more so, that they may be in a readi- 
 ness to enter upon a war, without the disadvantage of divisions 
 among themselves. 
 
 " I should be glad to hear something were agreed upon about 
 removing the late king farther from Paris. I should think it would 
 be disagreeable to him to be so near, when our king has an em- 
 bassador at Paris : I am sure it will have an ill grace for the king 
 of France, and will very much disquiet our affairs. I am sensible 
 this could not properly be inserted in the public treaty ; but yet 
 some care might possibly be taken of it. I mention this, the 
 rather, because the uncertainty of his removing, and something 
 about the Hudson's Bay company, are the only objections I have 
 heard yet could be raised, by any of those who are most disposed 
 to cavil ; and I would fain have a treaty, which I am satisfied is 
 so much for the interest of England, please every body as it does 
 my lord, your's," &c. 
 
376 COKRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 9. 
 
 THE EARL OF JERSEY* TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Objections of the french to the title of king of France introduced in the english form of 
 
 ratification.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 18, N. S. 1697.— My lord ; I thought our afFair was 
 finished, when 1 wrote last to your grace. Mr. Vernon will have 
 acquainted you since with the difficulties which the french made 
 in receiving our ratification, with the king's title of king of France 
 in it ; and I am glad to tell your grace that this matter is adjusted 
 by a declaration of our's, that if this was not the usual style in 
 ratifications of treaties of peace, and particularly in that of 
 Breda, we would oblige ourselves to change it, which I suppose 
 we shall never have occasion to do. Mr. Vernon will send you 
 the act which explains the time of the peace taking place in the 
 several seas ; so now, my lord, I think we have nothing else to do, 
 which makes me very impatient to be in England, where I hope 
 to assure your grace that I am, with most entire respect," &c. 
 
 " My lord Portland waits here for a wind to go for England, 
 /in his way to Paris.-f The king is not expected till the beginning 
 of the next month." 
 
 THE EARL OF JERSEY TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The french advance new claims, with regard to the pretensions of the duchess of Orleans 
 on the palatine succession — Hopes for cordiality with the germans — Wishes measures 
 may be taken to obtain the removal of king James.] 
 
 " Hague, Oct. 22, N. S. 1697-— My lord ; I have the honour of 
 your grace's of the 6th. Our germans have not quite done; there 
 yet remain the pretensions of madame,t upon the palatinate, to be 
 
 * In recompense for his services in this negotiation, lord Villiers was raised to the title 
 of earl of Jersey, on the 13th of October, 1697. 
 
 ■\- As embassador. 
 
 J Charlotte Elizabeth, sister of Charles, the last elector palatine of the line of Zimmeren, 
 on whose death, in 1685, a contest arose for his succession. The electorate being trans- 
 ferred to Philip William, of the collateral line of Neuburgh, the allodial property was. 
 elaimed by the duke of Orleans, her husband, in her behalf. The personals were pur-. 
 
1697—1698.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. S77 
 
 determined. The french insist that the lands she pretends to, 
 should be put in sequestration till the whole is decided, which 
 the elector will not consent to, looking upon a sequestration as 
 a dispossessing himself of the electorate. What makes this seem 
 more unreasonable from the french, is, that they have once 
 offered, that the elector should be in possession of the lands, and 
 that madame should plead her pretensions in the ordinary courts 
 of justice of the empire. I wish this business may end well ; the 
 french going from their word, shew what they would do if they 
 had an opportunity, and how little we are to rely on any treaty 
 made with them, longer than we are in a posture to secure our- 
 selves. I believe that necessity will make the germans desire an 
 alliance with us ; but I doubt if any thing will ever unite them 
 so amongst themselves, as to make that alliance useful to us, unless 
 the emperor concludes a peace with the Turks. 
 
 " I agree with your grace in thinking that king James should 
 be removed. I believe that will be a part of my lord Portland's 
 negotiation ; and the engagements his majesty lies under, that the 
 queen shall have a maintenance, will be the best means to get it 
 effected. Provided we have satisfaction in this point, I shall be 
 less concerned about that of Hudson's Bay, and shall not much 
 matter what many can object, since I find that the treaty in gene- 
 ral is not displeasing to your grace." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF JERSEY. 
 
 [Censures the chicanery of the firench— Complains that they boast of having obliged 
 England, Spain, and Holland, to enter into a separate peace^Repeats his wish that 
 the allies may remain united.] 
 
 " Eyford, Oct. 2S-N.ov. 2, 1697.— My lord ; By your's of the 
 22nd, which I had two days since, with another of the 18th, N. S., 
 1 understand the french are making the most unhandsome cavil 
 
 chased by tKe new elector ; but a claim was still advanced to the principalities of Zim- 
 meren and Lauteren and the county of Sponheim, as allodials, which was warmly supported 
 by France. The question had been long the subject of a negotiation, which was suspended 
 by the war, and, consequently renewed on the conclusion of peace. 
 
 3 c 
 
378 CORRESPONDENCE [Part. IJ— Ch. 9. 
 
 with the elector palatine; of ^ny I have observed them to attempt 
 in the whole negotiation : I hope they may be persuaded . to be 
 more reasonable. I have seen letters from those parts, which say 
 that the king of Prance's ministers do value themselves extremely 
 upon having obliged us, the Spaniards, and dutch, to sign sepa-- 
 lately from the empire, and think it will occasion a less confidence 
 among the allies for the future. I should be sorry; that they 
 should so soon have those thoughts in their head ; but if we act 
 as weought to do, and put ourselves in a good posture of defence, 
 I believe- they 'will have no inclination to engage themselves in 
 haste in a new war. Nothing will tempt them to it but our ap- 
 pearing an- easy prey; add, -therefore, that I hope the nation will 
 have the wisdom to avoid. 
 
 " I am preparing to go to London to attend the king at his 
 return, and I hope you will have concluded so absolutely, that 
 we shall meet you therCj and give you joy of having had so con- 
 siderable a share in procuring the happiest news that England 
 has seen of some years. I am," &c. 
 
 Louis the Fourteenth had already found the advantage of de- 
 taching the duke of Savoy from the grand alliance, and to this 
 advantage was now added, that of luring England, Holland, and 
 Spain, into separate treaties ; for the emperor was thus left 
 almost to his mercy ; and, after a fruitless protest against the de- 
 sertion of his allies, had no other resource than to submit to the 
 terms dictated by France; These, as might naturally be expected, 
 were sufficiently detrimental to his interests and those of the 
 empire. 
 
 France retained Strasburgh, in return for the relinquishment of 
 Friburgh and Old Brisac, and consolidated the possession of 
 all Alsace, by a stipulation to restore only the re-unions effected 
 beyond the bounds of that province. The ground which had 
 been occupied by military works in the islands and on the right 
 bank of the Rhine, opposite Saar Louis, Huningen, and Stras- 
 burgh, was to be restored ; but the forts and works themselves to 
 
1697—1698.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 879 
 
 be demolished. To this was added, the restitution of Kehl and 
 PhiUpsburgh, and all the other conquests in the empire, to the 
 respective states. 
 
 The re-unions out of Alsace, and others, recapitulated in a list 
 delivered by the . french embassador, as made since the peace of 
 Nimeguen, were to be restored. 
 
 But the spirit which had dictated these terms was more fully 
 manifested in the article concerning Loraine. That duchy was 
 indeed nominally restored, but on such conditions as rendered 
 the sovereign a mere vassal of France, and the country itself an 
 Outwork for the invasion of the empire. The duke was to demolish 
 all his forts ,and fortresses, while France retained the two strong 
 posts of Saar Louis and Longwy, and. the privilege of a military 
 passage through the duchy at all times, and on all occasions. 
 
 But the treaty, though signed, was not so easily ratified ; and 
 both lord Villiers and sir Joseph Williamson mention a serious 
 difficulty, which arose from a tacit agreement between France 
 and the emperor, contrary to all former treaties, for suppressing 
 the protestant churches in Strasburgh and some other parts of 
 the empire, where they had formerly enjoyed toleration. Nor was 
 it possible, notwithstanding all the attempts of William, to pre- 
 vent the fulfilment of this clandestine engagement, and to restore 
 the protestants to. their former privileges, particularly as it was 
 arranged with the connivancy of the elector palatine and other 
 catholic princes. With great difficulty, therefor^, the protestant 
 deputies were successively persuaded to sign the treaty, without 
 obtaining any redress for their lost rights ; and were obliged to 
 content themselves with an empty protest, which was recorded 
 in the register of the diet.* 
 
 Thus was concluded a treaty, which, instead of insuring the 
 stability of the Protestant Establishment, and preserving the gene- 
 ral tranquillity of the continent, created merely a pause in hosti- 
 lities, and was little more than a disturbed and teniporary 
 armistice. Nothing, indeed, but the most urgent necessity could 
 
 * See the History of the House of' Austria, ch. 65. 
 3 C 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet II.— Ch. 9- 
 
 have justified king William in the acceptance of the terms to 
 which he acceded, or in the mode in which they were concluded ; 
 and this necessity we think fully established by the tenour of the 
 royal correspondence, which we have submitted to the reader. 
 
 He yielded, indeed, to difficulties, which he considered as in- 
 surmountable, and if there was a fault in his policy, it consisted 
 in the manifestation of too great eagerness to ensure his object, 
 and the vain persuasion, that his british subjects could be induced, 
 in time of peace, to maintain a naval and military establishment, 
 sufficient to cope, on the first emergency, with the standing forces 
 of France. He was the dupe to these generous feelings and 
 plausible opinions : the consequences were, personal mortification 
 and disappointment, and the burthensome and injurious inherit- 
 ance of a new war for the Spanish crown, which was entailed on 
 his successor. 
 
 The manner in which this negotiation was conducted and ter- 
 minated, was perhaps not less objectionable and impolitic than 
 the conditions of the arrangement itself. The cautious exclusion 
 of the english ministry from a transaction in which England was 
 so deeply interested, was unjust towards them, as well as towards 
 the country to which they were constitutionally accountable, for 
 the engagements the monarch was supposed to form with their 
 advice and participation. That the duke of Shrewsbury in par- 
 ticular, was mortified by this reserve, his letters sufficiently shew ; 
 and we cannot doubt that the aversion he felt to become responsi- 
 ble for proceedings, over which he had no control, essentially con- 
 tributed to increase that dislike to public hfe, which breaks forth 
 in every part of his correspondence. 
 
 One error in policy, however, usually generates another, and if 
 William can scarcely be excused for the conclusion of this un- 
 favourable pacification, his conduct is still less to be commended 
 in the negotiation for the first treaty of partition, which may be 
 considered as the natural and almost inevitable consequence of 
 the peace of Ryswick. 
 
 Having abandoned the interests of the House of Austria, he had 
 no plea for interference in the future disposition of the Spanish 
 
1697—1698.] ON THE PEACE OF RYSWICK. 381 
 
 monarchy ; and was therefore compelled to accept the propositions 
 of France, on a subject so important to theT welfare . of Europe, 
 with little power of modification or control. This negotiation 
 was commenced in the same clandestine manner as the discus- 
 sions for the peace of Ryswick, and was prosecuted with a degree 
 of mystery and reserve, sufficiently indicative of the opposition 
 it was expected to create in England. So far was the king from 
 recurring to the advice of his english ministers, that it was con- 
 ducted through pensionary Heinsius and the earl of Portland, 
 and imparted only to the principal members of the cabinet, 
 when it became necessary to pass a commission under the great 
 seal for its conclusion. Even then the sole communication was 
 through lord Portland and secretary Vernon to the lord chan- 
 cellor, who was empowered to open the matter only to such as 
 he thought proper.* 
 
 We shall enter no farther into the details of this . negotiation 
 than as the duke of Shrewsbury was concerned. It appears that 
 he received from the lord chancellor a communication on the 
 subject ; and that Mr. Montague and lord Orford were likewise 
 consulted. But Shrewsbury seems to have prudently abstained 
 from giving any specific opinion on so delicate a point ; or, at 
 least, no trace of his sentiments can be found in the papers still 
 extant. From the few letters of Mr. Vernon, we discover that 
 an interview took place at Tunbridge, between the chancellor, 
 Mr. Montagu, and Mr. Vernon himself; and the result of their 
 deliberations was, a letter from the chancellor to the king, expa- 
 tiating on the difficulties to be apprehended from the intended 
 arrangement ; the objections which would unavoidably be raised 
 in England to many of the conditions ; and lamenting the fatal 
 want of spirit which prevailed throughout the country. He did 
 not, however, venture to oppose the conclusion of the treaty, but 
 
 * The history and details of this partition treaty are too well known to need recapitu- 
 lation, and the only correspondence of any value relating to it has already been printed in 
 Rapin and the contemporary historians. The few particulars concerning the duke of 
 Shrewsbury are taken from Mr. Vernon's correspondence with the duke, August 20, 23, 
 and 30, 1698, and the chancellor's letter to Mr. Vernon, August 20. 
 
382 CORRESPONDENCE, &c. - [Part II.—Ch. 9. 
 
 dispatched the blank warrants^ and submitted the final decision 
 to the superior wisdom and political experience of the king. 
 0ri these grounds the negotiation was brought to a conclusion, 
 without any farther communication with the english ministry. 
 
 This treaty was soon rendered nugatory, by the death of the 
 electoral prince of Bavaria, to whom Spain and the Indies were 
 assigned ; but the general dissatisfaction it created,* added to the 
 mortification arising from the want of confidence manifested to- 
 wairds the duke of Shrewsbury, appears to have been another 
 cause whidh accelera;ted his retirement from office. 
 
 The caution which he displayed on this occasion is a striking 
 proof of his increasing aversion to the part he reluctantly conti- 
 nued to act, and at the same time it contributed to screen him 
 from that persecution which Somers, Orford, and Halifax after- 
 wards underwent, for the limited and secondary share they were 
 permitted to take in a treaty of such vital importance. 
 
 * The conditions of this celebrated treaty were : — Spain and the Indies, with the Ne- 
 therlands, were assigned to the electoral prince of Bavaria, and the Milanese to the arch- 
 duke Charles ; but, as a compensation for the claims of the Bourbon family to the Spanish 
 succession, the dauphin was to receive Naples and Sicily, with the dependencies of Spain 
 on the coast of Tuscany, the marquisate of Finale, and the province of Guipuscoa, includ- 
 ing the towns of Fuentarabia, St. Sebastian, and Port Passage, which were eveiitually to be 
 annexed to the crown of France. 
 
PART III. 
 
 Correspondence with the Whig Leaders, and lord Sunderland, 
 
 from 1695 to 1700. 
 
PART III. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 1695. 
 
 Characters of Lords Sunderland, Somers, Orford, and Wharton, and Charles Montague, 
 afterwards lord Halifax — Correspondence on the proposed convocation of a new par- 
 liament. 
 
 XXAVING exhibited the character and feeUngs of the king, and 
 traced the motives of his conduct, in the foregoing pages, we now 
 advert to the feuds in the cabinet, and the details of ministerial 
 arrangements, as developed in the correspondence of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury with lord Sunderland and the whig chiefs. 
 
 To elucidate these documents, we shall here briefly sketch the 
 characters of the writers. 
 
 Robert, earl of Sunderland, who forms a prominent figure 
 in the subsequent pages, was son of Henry, first earl of Sunder- 
 land, who fell at the battle of Newbury, in the royal cause, of 
 which he was a zealous and distinguished supporter. The ser- 
 vices of the father produced a predilection in favour of the son, 
 and after the Restoration he was distinguished by marks of royal 
 beneficence. His natural abilities being improved by a liberal 
 education, and polished by foreign travel, he was initiated at an 
 early period in pubHc business, being sent, in 167 1, as embas- 
 sador to the court of Madrid ^ From the satisfaction which he 
 gave in this post, he was, in the following year, selected to fill 
 the embassy to Paris, at a time when the negotiations with the 
 court of Versailles were of the most secret and confidential na- 
 ture. He was deputed as one of the plenipotentiaries to the 
 
 3 D 
 
286 ' CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 1. 
 
 congress of Cologne in l673, and soon after his return to Eng- 
 land, in the ensuing year, was made a privy counsellor. 
 
 In 1678 he replaced Mr. Montague* in the embassy at Paris; 
 and having acquitted himself greatly to the satisfaction of the 
 sovereign, during the negotiations for the peace of Nimeguen, he 
 was, in 1679? promoted to the office of secretary of state, in coa- 
 j unction with sir Wilham Temple. A contemporary historian, who 
 knew him well, observes, " He was a man of great expense, and, 
 in order to the supporting himself, went into the prevailing coun- 
 cils at court ; so he changed sides often, with little regard either 
 to religion or the interest of his country. He raised many enemies 
 to himself, by the contempt with which he treated those who 
 differed from him. He had, indeed, the superior genius to all 
 the men of business that I have yet known ; and he had the 
 dexterity of insinuating himself so entirely into the greatest de- 
 gree of confidence, with three succeeding princes, who set up on 
 very different interests, that he came by this to lose himself so 
 much, that those who esteemed his parts, depended little on his 
 firmness."')- 
 
 A nobleman of so subtle and insinuating a character could not 
 fail to acquire and retain power, under the crooked policy, which 
 marked the reigns of the two last Stuarts. Accordingly, though 
 he had, on several occasions, favoured the popular party, and 
 at one time had even taken an active share in supporting the ex- 
 clusion bill, he contrived to regain his influence; and, on the 
 accession of the duke of York, under the title of James the Se- 
 cond, we find him in full possession of the royal favour, and 
 holding the post of prime minister, with the two offices of pre- 
 sident of the council and secretary of state; He even sacrificed 
 his religion to his politics ; and gratified his bigotted sovereign, 
 by embracing the roman catholic faith, and by taking a leading 
 part in the prosecution of the seven bishops. His sagacity led 
 him, however, to foresee, that the precipitate counsels of James 
 
 * Ralph, afterwards duke of Montague. 
 -|- Burnet's History of his Own Times. 
 
1695.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, &c. 387 
 
 would speedily tern)inate in ruin ; and we find the Proteus states- 
 man caballing with the prince of Orange, and betraying to him 
 the secrets of the cabinet. His infidelity being suspected, he was 
 removed from all his offices, a short period before the Revolution. 
 
 At that crisis he continued his secret correspondence with the 
 prince of Orange, till the fear of detection prompted him to 
 embark for Holland, at the moment when William was about to 
 land in England. Here he gave a death blow to the cause of 
 James, by publishing his celebrated justificatory letter,* in which 
 he developed the plans of that misguided monarch, and his roman 
 catholic advisers, for subverting the religion and liberties of his 
 country. 
 
 He was, however, so unpopular, that, notwithstanding his ser- 
 vices, he was arrested by the States ; and, though liberated by 
 order of the new sovereign, was excluded from the benefit of the 
 act of indemnity passed in I69O. Having involved his fortune, 
 bv his expensive habits, he was reduced to great streights, in con- 
 sequence of the loss of his lucrative offices ; but his interests were 
 supported by the earl of Marlborough, and other friends who 
 had assisted in the Revolution, and who, by their influence with 
 William, procured him a share of the royal bounty. 
 
 During this part of his exile, his political sagacity, sound judg- 
 ment, and intimate acquaintance with the character of his coun- 
 trymen and the temper of parties, won the confidence of William, 
 who was chiefly guided by his advice, in the critical period which 
 succeeded the abdication of James. On the change of sovereigns 
 he again returned to the protestant church ; and, as soon as a 
 favourable opportunity offered, was recalled to his native country ; 
 and, by his suggestions, contributed to the reconciliation between 
 Wilham and the whigs, which led to the introduction of several 
 of that party into the administration, and the subsequent appoint- 
 ment of Shrewsbury as secretary of state. 
 
 He thus succeeded in concihating the whigs; and, though he 
 remained for some time in a private capacity, was supported by 
 
 * Printed in the History of Europe, and other periodical publications. 
 
 3 D 2 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III._Ch. 1. 
 
 a pension of 2,000/. per annum from the king. He continued 
 to increase in favour, acted as mediator between the king and 
 the whigs, on various occasions, and, in 1695, was honoured 
 by a royal visit at Althorpe, his country seat. This distinction 
 was the prelude of his appointment to the office of lord chamberlain, 
 in April, l697» in which all the members of administration appear 
 to have concurred, from a sense of the advantages likely to be de- 
 rived from his personal influence and interposition with the king. 
 
 From the ensuing correspondence we shall find him in the 
 closest habits of intimacy with the duke of Shrewsbury, whom 
 he resembled in political discernment and amenity of manners, 
 as well as in timidity of character ; but he could never vanquish 
 the suspicion which the whigs naturally entertained of a nobleman 
 who had been the favourite and confidential minister of James ; 
 and of whose influence with the actual sovereign they were 
 jealous, even while they experienced its beneficial effects. 
 
 Of this we have a remarkable proof, in the observations of 
 admiral Russell to Shrewsbury, as early as August, I696, in reply 
 to the information of the duke, that Sunderland was about to pay 
 him a visit, and that he would find him " in good humour, mighty 
 right, and more than ever for the whigs :" 
 
 ^^ 'Chippenfiam, Aug. 11, I696. — I am under some pain about 
 the honour designed me by a great lord. I confess my fault and 
 folly, that I cannot bring my tongue nor countenance to seem 
 saitisfied with a man I am not; but will do in it as well as I can. 
 You say he is very much for us ; it was plain tha:t was his design 
 to appear, when he writ to' Fel ton about coming hither, and com- 
 plaining of some friend of his wanting friendship. It is an old 
 saying, ' when the fox is abroad, look to your lambs.' No 
 man is ever secure from his tricks ; but he can play none very 
 prejudicial, if he be not too much trusted and relied upon. If I 
 had lord Marlborough's art, I could use him in his own way ; but 
 I will do my best to learn as much as I can frotn the lord, ahd 
 not let him know my thoughts ; after which, you shall be sure to 
 know what has passed between us." 
 
1695.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 389 
 
 John Somers, so distinguished for his patriotism, politeness, 
 talents, and legal knowledge, was born at Worcester, on the 4th 
 of March, 1650. He was the son of an eminent attorBey of 
 that city, who, during the civil troubles, had served in the army 
 of Cromwell, but quitted the military life, after the battle of 
 Worcester, and returned to his professional practice and the 
 enjoyment of a competent fortune. 
 
 The son acquired the rudiments of learning at a private school,* 
 and completed his education at Trinity College, Oxford ; where 
 he distinguished himself by his class^ical attainments, and is men- 
 tioned as author of several productions both in verse and prose. 
 Entering at the Middle Temple, he prosecuted the study of the 
 law with his characteristic assiduity, and became eminent as a 
 counsel at the early age of thirty. 
 
 The employment of his father, as agent for the Talbot property 
 in Worcestershire, appears to have introduced him, at an early 
 period, to the knowledge of the young nobleman, who was after- 
 wards duke of Shrewsbury ; and a similarity in principles, talents, 
 and pursuits, led him also to an intimacy with lord jRussdl, 
 Algernon Sidney, and other patriots of the time. 
 
 Though he did not enter into the plots and machinations which 
 were so fatal to his two friends, Sidney and Russell, he "employed 
 his pen in exposing the arbitrary measures of Charles the Second, 
 and published several political tracts, which made a considerable 
 impression. From his known hostihty to arbitrary government, 
 his zeal for the protestant establishment, and his legal celebrity, 
 he was selected, in 1688, to plead the cause of the seven bishops ; 
 and his m,anly and pathetic speech on this memorable occasion, 
 to use the Avords of a contemporary writCT, " will remain among 
 those memoirs of our english constitution, which shall transmit 
 the fame of Worthy men to all posterity ."'"'f* 
 
 * So little of the early age and educjation of this great man is known, that all attempts 
 to discover the register of his birth, and the seminary in which he was educated, have 
 been fruitless, though it is generally reported that he was first sent to a private school 
 in Shropshire. 
 
 j- Peerage of 1715, art. Somers. 
 
390 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.—Ch. 1. 
 
 Nor did he belie, in his public conduct, the principles of which 
 he was the advocate. He concurred in promoting the Revolution ; 
 and the conjfidenCe reposed in his zeal and patriotism was marked 
 by his election, as one of the representatives of his native city, 
 in the convention parliament. He took a leading share in the 
 discussions on the new settlement; and, as one of the managers of 
 the House of Commons, ably defeated the machinations of those 
 who laboured to prevent the elevation of Wilham to the throne. 
 To his legal acuteness, and profound reasoning, we may chiefly 
 attribute the insertion of the word abdicated, in the act of 
 settlement, which was the foundation of William's title to the 
 crown. 
 
 Such services, joined to his high integrity, multifarious acquire- 
 ments, influence with his party, and legal reputation, ensured the 
 gratitude and esteem of our great deliverer. Accordingly, Mr. 
 Somers was appointed solicitor-general in May, 1689, and attor- 
 ney-general in May, 1692. These promotions were the prelude 
 to a higher elevation ; for in l693, when William was desirous of 
 shewing his returning confidence towards the whigs, he gave a 
 satisfactory proof of his favour to their party, by conferring on 
 Mr. Somers the office of lord keeper, with the honour of knight- 
 hood. 
 
 At the period when the correspondence commences, Somers 
 was regarded as the leader of the whig party; and while his 
 prudence and mildness checked the intemperate zeal of his 
 more ardent colleagues, his rectitude, candour, and capacity for 
 business, secured the confidence of the sovereign. His early 
 acquaintance with the duke of Shrewsbury, now prime minister, 
 had also mellowed into friendship; and their mutual esteem is 
 marked in every page of their epistolary intercourse. 
 
 Edward Russell, afterwards earl of Orford, was second son of 
 Edward, earl of ^Bedford, and brother of the celebrated lord 
 Russell. He was born in 1652, and, being bred to the sea, at- 
 tracted the notice of the duke of York, and became one of the 
 gentlemen of his bedchamber. On the execution of his brother, 
 he quitted the court in disgust, withdrew from the service, and 
 
1695.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 391 
 
 entered into correspondence with the prince of Orange, pre- 
 paratory to the^Revolution. For this purpose he removed to Hol- 
 land, and accompanied the prince on his successful expedition to 
 England. 
 
 In reward for his attachment and services, he was nominated 
 a privy counsellor by the new monarch. In 1688 he was ap- 
 pointed admiral of the blue, and soon afterwards created treasurer 
 of the navy, and intrusted with the command of the fleet, on 
 which the safety of the nation depended. He defeated the in- 
 tended invasion from France, by his celebrated victory off La 
 Hogue, in 1692 ; but, on the transfer of the administration from 
 the whigs to the tories, his great services did not exempt him 
 from sharing the fate of his party. 
 
 The want of his energy and skill was, however, soon felt in 
 every department of the naval service ; and in restoring him to 
 the command of the fleet, in 1693, the king did not less consult 
 the public welfare, than his own wish to regain the confidence of 
 the whigs. This proof of royal favour was soon followed by his 
 appointment as first commissioner of the admiralty ; and he was 
 selected by the king to fulfil the arduous and responsible tasks of 
 regaining the naval ascendancy in the Mediterranean, and of 
 repelling the threatened invasion from France, in the year I696 ; 
 both of which services he accomplished with equal abilit}' and 
 success. 
 
 Impetuous, aspiring, and interested, Russell continually of- 
 fended the king, by his blunt and craving temper ; and was him- 
 self an unceasing prey to fretfulness and discontent. Hence his 
 frowardness frequently marred the merit of his great services ; 
 and, he so far manifested his spleen, that he was suspected of 
 maintaining an occasional correspondence with the exiled family ; 
 though the actions of his life, and the frankness of his temper, 
 perfectly exonerate him from the imputation. 
 
 A t this period he was esteemed by his party as their most dis- 
 tinguished leader, next to lord Somers; and united in his own 
 person the incompatible oflSces of first lord of the admiralty and 
 
392 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III.-Ch. 1. 
 
 treasurer of the navy ; though no one could have been selected, 
 more competent to fill such important posts, nor more justly en- 
 titled to them by his eminent services. 
 
 A long and intimate friendship had subsisted between him and 
 Shrewsbury, which was cemented by a similarity in political prin- 
 ciples, and by their joint labours in the cause of the Revolution ; 
 to which they were both, no less ardently than inviolably at- 
 tached. 
 
 Thomas, afterwards baron, earl, and marquis of Wharton, was 
 descended from a noble family, being the eldest son of Philip, lord 
 Wharton. He was born about 1640, and brought up in the prin- 
 ciples of the dissenters ; while from his father, who had em- 
 braced the cause of the parliament, during the civil troubles, he 
 imbibed notions of government approaching to republicanism. 
 Conforming, however, to the established church, he served in 
 several parliaments after the Restoration ; and, though a compa- 
 nion in the revels of Charles the Second, he figured in the ranks 
 of opposition to the court. In fact, he manifested so much 
 violence, that in 1677 he was committed to the Tower, with 
 the duke of Buckingham and the earl of Shaftesbury, for 
 questioning the legality of the sitting parliament. With such a 
 character he could not fail to be a warm, strenuous, and dangerous 
 opponent of the arbitrary measures of James the Second. 
 Accordingly, he was among -the first who made overtures to the 
 prince of Orange; and is said to have assisted in drawing up the 
 plan of the celebrated declaration, inviting him to England. He 
 joined the prince at Exeter, and took an active share in the set- 
 tlement of the new government. ^, 
 
 His zeal and services were rewarded in February, 1689, with a 
 seat in the privy council, and the post of comptroller of the house- 
 hold, and he zealously supported the whig administration. But 
 on the introduction of the tory ministry, he was so offended with 
 the dismission of his friends, that he sent an anonymous letter to 
 the king, penned in the most vehement style, and reproaching 
 him with his ingratitude to those who had placed him on the 
 
1695.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 393 
 
 throne.* Notwithstanding the revolution in the ministry, he, how- 
 ever, still retained his office in the royal household ; and was con- 
 fidentially consulted by the king, when he determined to make a 
 new change, in favour of the whigs, and was anxious to restore the 
 seals to the duke of, Shrewsbury. Wharton vigorously supported 
 all the measures of his party, and, in particular, was selected to 
 carry up to the lords the impeaphment against the duke of Leeds. 
 On the , 24th of February, 1695-6,: he took his seat in the 
 House of Peers, in consequence of the death of his father .-f- 
 
 Wharton was of an ardent and impetuous temper, ambitious 
 of distinction, and anxious to fill an elevated post in the state ; 
 for which he was doubtless qualified by his energy and abilities. 
 He was a bold, able, and fluent, though coarse and turbulent 
 speaker ; but a master of the passions and prejudices of those 
 whom he addressed, and calculated to shine in the tumult of elec- 
 tions and popular assemblies. He, however, disgusted the more 
 sober part of mankind, by his open profession of infidelity ; and 
 he was disliked by the advocates of monarchy, for his .tendency 
 to republican manners and republican principles. 
 
 Such a character sufficiently accounts for the antipathy con- 
 ceived against hira by William ; who, though conscious of his 
 talents and services, yet dreaded his aspiring temper, and was 
 disgusted with his haughty demeanor. 
 
 Notwithstanding his defects, Wharton stood high in the estima- 
 tion of his party, who admired his inflexible adherence to their 
 principles, and appreciated his abilities and activity. Hence we 
 cannot wonder that they supported his pretensions with indefati- 
 gable zeal and perseverance, and even sacrificed their own in- 
 terests for the gratification of his wishes. 
 
 Far different in temper and character was the last correspondent 
 
 * This letter was found in the king's cabinet after his death, and is justly ascribed to 
 Wharton, by Dalrymple, who has printed it in the second volume of his history, 8vo. 
 edition, appendix to v. 2, p. 187. 
 
 •f Journals of the Lords. 
 
 3 E 
 
394 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 1. 
 
 whom we shall have occasion to notice. Charles Montague, after- 
 wards so honourably distinguished, under the title of earl of 
 Halifax, was the grandson of John, duke of Manchester. He 
 was born at Horton, in Northamptonshire, in I66I ; and as his 
 father, George Montague, was a younger son, no attention was 
 spared, to enable him to maintain that rank by his talents, to 
 which he was entitled by his birth. He comrhenced his educa- 
 tion in the country ; and afterwards removing to Westminster, 
 he acquired the favour of the celebrated Dr. Busby, by his 
 ready wit and classical attainments. At the university of 
 Cambridge he was placed under the care of his relation, Dr. 
 Montague, master of Trinity College, and formed an intimacy 
 with sir Isaac Newton, which continued unabated till the death 
 of that great philosopher. 
 
 Attracting the notice of the earl of Dorset, the general patron 
 of merit, he was introduced to the most celebrated wits of the 
 age; and, among his other productions, joined with Prior, in the 
 composition of the " City and Country Mouse," a parody on 
 Dryden s Hind and Panther. 
 
 Soon afterwards he sacrificed literature to politics, and, join- 
 ing the other branches of his family, signed the invitation to 
 the prince of Orange. He was chosen a member of the con- 
 vention, and devoting himself to pubhc life, purchased the place 
 of a clerk of the council. 
 
 He speedily distinguished himself in the House of Commons, by 
 his splendid eloquence, sound judgment, and knowledge of 
 finance. His solid acquirements were embellished by elegant 
 taste, social qualities, and captivating manners ; and he was no 
 less beloved than esteemed by his party. 
 
 After taking an important share in the debates on the new law 
 for trials of high treason, he was appointed, in I69I, a commissioner 
 of the Treasury, a post for which he was eminently qualified by 
 his genius for finance. From the talents and diligence^ which he 
 displayed in this subordinate station, he was raised to the second 
 place at the board ; and appointed chancellor of the exchequer, in 
 
1695.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 395 
 
 the year l694, when the new ministerial arrangement was made 
 in favour of the whigs. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fervid eloquence of Wharton, Montague 
 was regarded by his party, as their ablest champion in the House 
 of Commons, and considered as their most skilful opponent to the 
 tory leader, Harley, on questions of domestic economy and 
 finance. Next to Somers, he was the whig most esteemed by 
 the king, not only for his sterling sense, and useful talents, but 
 for that amenity of manners, which his majesty so much admired 
 in the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 After these brief sketches, a single observation will suffice to 
 shew the character and value of this correspondence. The duke 
 of Shrewsbury, to whom these eminent statesmen addressed 
 themselves, on all occasions, was selected by the king as the head 
 of the administration ; from the conviction that he was beloved 
 and respected by all parties, while he was regarded by the whigs 
 as identified with themselves, and ostensibly their leader. Hence 
 he was continually employed as a mediator between the sovereign 
 and his whig friends ; and, in all cases, both parties confidently 
 referred to his judgment and decision. 
 
 The correspondence of this year, though brief, is yet inte- 
 resting, as it relates to the dissolution of the last parliament, 
 convoked before the death of queen Mary, and exhibits the diffi- 
 culties of these distinguished statesmen, at a critical period of our 
 annals. 
 
 The first letter in this series is an elegant effusion of friendship. 
 It accompanied some mark of royal favour to the lord keeper 
 Somers,* and shews that this disinterested. patriot, and consummate 
 lawyer, had repeatedly refused a title. 
 
 * This letter is printed in the Hardwicke collection, and is supposed to have accom- 
 panied the warrant of a barony ; whereas, it appears, from the Journals of the House of 
 Peers, that sir John Somers then sat in that house, as lord keeper, and was not raised to 
 the dignity of baron till the 2nd of December, 1697, in which quality he was introduced 
 into the house on the 14th. The warrant mentioned in this letter was probably some 
 grant. 
 
 3 E 2 
 
396 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 1. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD SOMERS. 
 
 " May 8-18, 1695. — My lord ; I had his majesty's commands 
 liast night, to have waited on your lordship this morning with the 
 inclosed ; but being informed that you are not at homie, I take 
 the liberty to send it you. I had directions to have said every 
 thing I could imagine, to persuade you to accept of a title, and 
 the king is really convinced it is for his service you should. I 
 beg the answer I may have may be a bill for the king's signing. 
 As for arguments, I have used all I have already ; and by your 
 objections, you may give me leave to tell you, that you are as 
 partial and unreasonable, with too much modesty, as some are 
 with too much ambition. I hope you will not only pardon me 
 for teUing you your fault, but that you will correct it ; and believe 
 me, with great truth," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD SUNDERLAND. 
 
 [Has written to the king on the business of sir John Houblon— Receives an equivocal 
 answer relativp to the convocation of a new parliament.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Aug. Vl-Tl, 1695.— My lord; Upon Wednesday 
 last I received an answer to the letter I wrote beyond sea, by the 
 direction of your lordship and my lord keeper. The person* 
 says he will return as soon as ever his occasions will permit, and 
 has consented to what was proposed concerning sir John Houblon; 
 but, as to the empowering us to give assurances that the main 
 question-f- will be determined, as we wished, and as we hoped 
 we might take it for granted was his intention, and to prepare 
 accordingly for it, he says not one word, which I confess puts me 
 in great pain, lest his mind is altered, and he waives the owning 
 it till his arrival. Upon this jealousy, I have taken the liberty 
 to write by the last post, and represented the consequence it is 
 
 * The kmg. 
 
 f The dissolution of the parliament,— see the correspondence with the king at the same 
 period. 
 
1695.] ♦ WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 397 
 
 of, that it should be known to his friends, that they may prepare 
 to serve him.* 
 
 " I give your lordship this account, knowing that since you 
 wish the same that I do, a line from you will have more weight 
 than from any other body ; and am," &c. 
 
 LORD SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has written to the king, on the intended dissolution of parliament, and expects his 
 
 acquiescence.] 
 
 " Altkorp, Aug. 24i-Sept. 3, 1695. — My lord ; I beg your 
 pardon for not answering your letter of the 17th till now. I in- 
 tended it last post, but had so great a head-ach I could not see. 
 I have writ into Flanders, as you desired. I can give no account 
 why that person -f- did not explain himself more, but I am posi- 
 tively sure he is of our mind in the main ; for he ordered him if: 
 who often writes for him, to let me know he was of our opinion 
 in both those things we writ about, as we agreed to do. I take 
 it so much for granted, that I talk and act accordingly." 
 
 LORD SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Proffers his services with the king — Wishes for a firm union among the whigs.] 
 
 '' Althorp, Sept. 8-18, 1695.— My lord; I hope you do not 
 doubt but that I will do all the service I can. I intend to be at 
 London about three weeks hence, and sooner, if the king returns 
 before that time. I think the great point is, to keep our friends 
 as much united as is possible. If that could be more than has 
 yet been, it would make every thing else very easy." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Agrees with his grace in disapproving the dissolution of parliament before the king's re- 
 turn — Observations on the subject.] 
 
 " Sept. 11-21, 1695. — My lord; My servant overtook me this 
 
 * See the letter to the king, page 101. 
 f The king. J Lord Portland 
 
398 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Gh. I. 
 
 afternoon, with your lordship's letter. The objections suggested 
 in it are sufficient to prevail with any one, against pretending to 
 issue out writs till the king comes. Those who have a mind to 
 make difficulties have not been wanting, to say the present par- 
 liament is dissolved by the queen's death ; and therefore we ought 
 to be the more careful, not to furnish them with pretences to cavil 
 at the next, I must own I am not convinced that there is any 
 great reason for the doubt, because the writs are in the king's 
 name; but, however it be in point of law, yet, in prudence, so 
 great an instance of regal power should never be put in practice, 
 but by the king, unless in case of extreme necessity. Were his 
 circumstances such, that he could not be here, till after the meet- 
 ing of the parliament, there might be an act made to declare that 
 it ought to continue, though he should return, as was done in 
 Henry the Fifth's time. But here will be no time, in a manner, 
 gained, nor any fruit arise from sending out the writs, unless to 
 make the lords justices liable to all the disorders, which may 
 happen at elections, and during the fermentation which attends 
 contests of that nature. 
 
 " Your grace sees I wholly agree with you in opinion, so that I 
 hope, since I am advanced on my journey, this occasion will not 
 make it necessary I should return before Monday, which was the 
 day I proposed to myself. If your grace goes out of town before 
 that time, I hope you will do me the honour to let me find a line 
 or two of your's at Powis House, telling me what is fit for me to 
 know, and directing me what I ought to do in your absence. 
 
 " I was told this morning that all our endeavours in the city are 
 like to come to nothing. I am in some pain about it, and wish 
 the business of the sheriffs well over, 
 
 " Forgive my impertinence, if I return to the business of the 
 parliament, so far as to say, that I am apt to think the king may be 
 willing to avoid being solicited to take care of elections, and to 
 that end, proposes the writs may go before his return. If your 
 grace thinks it fit to mention my opinion to-morrow, I hope you 
 will mention no reasons but your own, which will be the right 
 ones, and forgive me for pretending to ofier at any." 
 
1695.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 399 
 
 The ensuing letter from the duke of Shrewsbury to lord Somers, 
 alludes to an inquiry, which had taken place the preceding session, 
 in consequence of a charge advanced against the duke of Leeds, 
 president of the council, and several other persons of conse- 
 quence, who were accused of receiving large bribes from the 
 members of the old East India company, to prevent the establish- 
 ment of a new company, which was then in agitation. It created 
 great warmth and animosity in the House of Commons, and the 
 scrutiny was terminated only by the prorogation and dissolution 
 of the parliament. The embarrassment, of which it was so fertile 
 a source, may be estimated by the anxiety of the minister to pre- 
 vent its revival : — 
 
 " Welbeck, Oct. Sl-Nov. 10, 1695.— My lord; I have left the 
 commission your lordship sent, to make Mr. Recorder a welsh 
 judge, in his majesty's closet, which he says he will sign to-night; 
 which, if he does, it will be returned you by this post. 
 
 " The king spoke to me this evening above half an hour, upon 
 the business of the East India company, and the apprehension 
 that that examination, which occasioned so many heats, and took 
 up so much time, at the end of the last session, should be again 
 revived, and disturb his affairs in this. He said he had done a 
 hardship to my lord president,* in hindering him coming to 
 council, which he could not easily persuade himself to do ; and 
 had, in a manner, commanded the master of the Rolls not to come 
 into the House of Commons, on purpose to prevent the incon- 
 venience the reviving that matter would occasion ; that he hoped 
 we would do all we could amongst our friends to the same end. 
 I confess I am so much of the king's mind, that I think, if that 
 be begun at the opening of the parliament, the session will not 
 be long enough to go through that one examination alone ; there- 
 fore, I think it were better looking forward, and doing something, 
 if possible, to prevent the like corruption for the future. In order 
 to which, the king himself has proposed the same expedient 
 
 * Duke of Leeds. 
 
400 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 1. 
 
 which I formerly mentioned to your lordship, of having a bill 
 prepared, to be offered at the beginning of this parliament, 
 against all sorts of bribery and corruption ; and the end of his 
 majesty's discourse to me this evening, was a command to write 
 to your lordship; that you, either with Mr. Attorney, or who 
 else you think proper, would prepare some bill to that effect." 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Remarks on the propriety of introducing a bill to prevent the resumption of parlia- 
 mentary-inquiries — Recommends Locke as a candidate for the mastership of the 
 Mint, which was intended for Newton^Hopes that admiral RusseU will stand for 
 Middlesex.] 
 
 " Nov. 4-14, 1695. — My lord ; I cannot but agree in opinion 
 with your grace, that the beginning this parliament with the same 
 inquiries with which the last ended, must, in all probability, spoil 
 the session ; but if this be to be prevented, it is the king himself 
 who must enter into it ; otherwise, it cannot be brought to pass ; 
 at least, not without one's exposing himself, and that upon a 
 prospect of no great success. However, I will endeavour to pre- 
 pare something- suitable to the king's pleasure, as to a preventing 
 bill ; but when the matter comes to be considered particularly, it 
 will appear difficult enough. 
 
 " I acknowledge the favour of returning to me the bill signed 
 for the recorder. 
 
 " I am this day desired by Mr. Locke to commend him to 
 your grace's favour, that he may be comptroller of the Mint. I 
 need say nothing of his character, which is not unknown to you. 
 I did also deal so clearly with him, as to tell him that Mr. Newton 
 had been recommended as proper for that place. He owned he 
 had nothing to say against his worth, and spoke very modestly 
 (as he does always in what relates to himself) ; but I found him 
 still very desirous that his name might be mentioned to your 
 grace.* 
 
 * Soon after this period Mr. Locke was appointed a commissioner of trade and 
 plantations. 
 
1695.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, 8w. 401 
 
 " As to the Middlesex election, it remains just as it did. We 
 have heard nothing since the first letter from Mr. Russell, but that 
 he was seen off Portland ; and, if he should decline to own the 
 standing, I fear many of his friends will be out of humour with 
 him ; but of this he may be the judge ; nor will I pretend to say 
 how far it may be fit for your grace to give any opinion to him, 
 though nothing can hinder people from saying, that you were 
 willing to encourage it at the beginning, amongst other of his 
 friends. 
 
 " I cannot but wish the king here, because I think he will find 
 there is too little time for him to dispatch the consideration of 
 what must necessarily be done before the parliament." 
 
 3 F 
 
402 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 CHAPTER 2. 
 1696. 
 
 Accusations of sir John Fenwick against the duke of Shrewsbury and others — Preparations 
 for his trial — Indisposition of the duke of Shrewsbury/, and his retirement into the 
 country — Proceedings on the bill of attainder in the House of Commons^Account of 
 Smith the informer, and his accusations — Correspondence on the subject, and on the 
 transacti(ms in parliament, from July to November, 1696. 
 
 X HE letters of this year are particularly valuable, from the de- 
 velopment which they afford of the mysterious accusations made 
 by sir John Fenwick ; accusations implicating the character and 
 affecting the feelings of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 In the correspondence with the king, we have adverted to the 
 communication which Pen wick delivered to the duke of Devon- 
 shire, and to the impression made by that disclosure.* But not- 
 withstanding the contempt with which it was treated, various ru- 
 mours were in circulation, and different persons indicated, as in- 
 cluded in the charge. In fact, a general alarm prevailed; and 
 many, who had imprudently engaged in the slightest intercourse 
 with the court of St. Germain's, or its agents, appeared to consider 
 themselves as objects of suspicion. 
 
 Two circumstances contributed to increase the public anxiety. 
 The first was, a new examination of Fenwick, by Mr. Vernon, 
 under the authority of the lords justices, on the 23rd of Septem- 
 ber ; and the second the consequent order for the suspension of 
 his trial. The new confession made by the prisoner in this exa- 
 mination, contained, however, only a slight and cautious reference 
 to his former paper ; and comprised merely a vague and confused 
 account of the various machinations in which he had himself been 
 
 * See Page 144. 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 403 
 
 engaged, with lord Aylesbury, sir James Montgomery, and other 
 notorious Jacobites.* 
 
 Meanwhile, the first and essential charge, which had been con- 
 fided to the duke of Devonshire, was veiled in the most profound 
 secrecy ; for Shrewsbury was unacquainted with its contents, till im- 
 parted in the letter from the king, of the 10th of September, above 
 a month after the confession of Fenwick had been transmitted to 
 the Hague. Admiral Russell remained in equal ignorance, till the 
 return of the king from the continent, when he received the in- 
 formation in a private audience; and even Mr. Vernon, though 
 employed to take the second examination, was unapprised of the 
 subject of the first, till the 12th of October, when he appears to 
 have received a hint of its nature from his noble patron.-]- 
 
 This mysteriotis reserve arose from the embarrassment felt by 
 the king and his confidential servants, in regard to the course 
 which it was proper to pursue. It was found impossible to smo- 
 ther the accusation ; and yet, in appearing to deem it worthy of 
 serious attention, they were apprehensive of giving it too much 
 weight in public opinion. To add to their perplexity, the acci- 
 dent which befel Shrewsbury detained him in the country ; and 
 prevented him, who was not only the principal minister of the 
 crown, but the chief party concerned, from giving his personal 
 advice and assistance. 
 
 After much hesitation, the recommendation of the noble secre- 
 tary induced the king to examine Fenwick in person. It was 
 hoped that the opinion of the sovereign would satisfy the parlia- 
 ment and nation, without a public scrutiny ; and that the pri- 
 soner might then be left to the ordinary course of justice. But, 
 as we have already observed, this plan was frustrated at the mo- 
 ment of its adoption, by the escape of Goodman ; and the exa- 
 mination of Fenwick, by the king himself, elicited no farther 
 explanation of the charges. 
 
 * The copy of this examination is printed in the Journals of the House of Commons, 
 Nov. 6, 1696. 
 -f- Mr. Vernon's letters in September and October, 1696. 
 
 3 F 2 
 
404 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. S. 
 
 As the sole proof of treason now rested on the single evidence 
 of captain Porter, who appears to have been employed as a spy, 
 no alternative remained but to proceed against FenAvick by a 
 bill of attainder ; and, consequently, to incur the risk of submit- 
 ting his communications to the scrutiny of both houses. Accord- 
 ingly, this important proceeding was opened in the Commons, on 
 the 6th of November. Admiral Russell then acquainted the House 
 that sir John Fenwick, in his examinations, had named him and 
 several other persons of quality, as concerned in designs against 
 the government; and that his majesty had given leave to lay 
 that information before them. He, therefore, moved that these 
 papers might be read, in order to afford him an opportunity of 
 justifying his character. His request being granted, he entered 
 into a full and satisfactory vindication of himself and the duke of 
 Shrewsbury ; and was followed by other members, who spoke, 
 either in their own behalf, or in defence of their friends- Fenwick 
 was afterwards examined in person, but his replies evinced such 
 prevarication, that no hesitation appears to have occurred, in 
 passing a vote of censure on his charges. The house, therefore, 
 unanimously resolved, " That the papers read as sir John Fen- 
 wick's information, reflecting on the fidelity of several noble per- 
 sons, divers members of this House, and others, only by hearsay, 
 are false and scandalous, and a contrivance to undermine the 
 government, and create jealousies between the king and his sub- 
 jects, in order to stifle the real conspiracy.* 
 
 A motion was next made to bring in a bill of attainder, which, 
 after a warm debate, was carried by I69 against 6I ; and an 
 order was passed to allow the prisoner the advice and assistance 
 of counsel. It was read first on the 9th of November, and se- 
 condly, on the 13th, in the presence of the prisoner, who was 
 permitted to enter on his defence. The principle of the measure, 
 and the evidence on which it rested, underwent the strictest 
 scrutiny ; and in the course of the debates, different friends of 
 the noble persons who were accused, made attempts to ascertain 
 
 I "^ ' 
 
 * Journals of the House of Commons, Nov. 6, 1696. 
 
lC9t>.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 405 
 
 the grounds of accusation. Among them were Mr. Vernon and 
 Mr. Brydges, who demanded of sir John, " what proof he had 
 that the duke of Shrewsbury was in treaty with king James, 
 before he went out of office ; and what that he returned to office 
 by the operation and consent of that king." These questions, 
 and many others tending to a similar purpose, were repeatedly 
 evaded by the prisoner, under the frivolous pretence, that his 
 replies might turn to his own prejudice. Such continued prevari- 
 cation essentially contributed to injure his cause. 
 
 The bill, however, was not only strenuously resisted on party 
 motives, but occasioned a considerable diversity of opinion, even 
 among the -adherents of the court and the friends of government. 
 At length, on the 25th of November, it was read a third time ; 
 and, after an opposition unusually vigorous and persevering, was 
 carried by a majority of thirty-three, or 189 votes against 156.* 
 
 In the midst of the perplexity arising from Fenwick's trial, the 
 duke of Shrewsbury was exposed to a new embarrassment, which 
 is frequently alluded to in the succeeding letters. Among the 
 numerous tribe of informers, who at that period endeavoured to 
 work on the fears and curiosity of the government, was one 
 Matthew Smith, nephew to sir W. Perkins, who had been cap- 
 tain of an independent company at Windsor, and afterwards 
 held a commission in the regiment of the duke of Norfolk. On 
 his dismission from the service, he associated with the Jacobites ; 
 and appears to have, been admitted to some of their secret coun- 
 cils. Affecting disgust, however, at their violence, and horror at 
 their plots for the assassination of the king, he addressed himself 
 to the duke of Shrewsbury, through the under secretary, Mr. 
 Vernon, giving vague hints, and doubtful accusations, and pro- 
 mising more specific information. But as his disclosures were con- 
 fused in themselves, and always coupled with importunate de- 
 mands for money, ?nd with the condition that he should not be 
 
 * Trial of sir John Fenwick. — Debates of the Commons — Tindal and the other english 
 historians. — Hansard's State Trials, vol. 13, p. 538. — Vernon's letters to the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, from October, 1696. 
 
4-06 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IIL—Ch. 2. 
 
 adduced as a witness, the noble secretary, after occasionally re- 
 warding him with pecuniary supplies, and communicating his 
 intimations to the king, gradually disregarded his advices, though 
 the informer succeeded in entangling him in a correspondence. 
 
 In resentment for this neglect, Smith next appUed to lord Mon- 
 mouth, whom he persuaded, that he had given the duke of Shrews- 
 bury important information relative to the machinations of the 
 Jacobites, and even to the assassination plot. In evidence 
 of this assertion he produced copies of his letters, which, after 
 the conspiracy had exploded, bore the appearance of an im- 
 portant and authentic disclosure. He not only complained that 
 his zeal was discouraged by the duke of Shrewsbury, but even 
 adduced his grace's temporary absence in the country, from indis- 
 position, two days previous to the intended execution of the plot, 
 as a proof of his secret connivance in the designs of the conspi- 
 rators. Monmouth imparted these communications to the king ; 
 and his information made such an impression, that Smith obtained 
 the notice of lord Portland. His disclosures were again sub- 
 mitted to the duke of Shrewsbury, the lord keeper Somers, and 
 other members of the cabinet ; and, with their concurrence, he 
 was supplied with occasional sums of money. He was even pri- 
 vately introduced to the king; but no farther advantage could 
 be drawn from his discoveries, though he assumed great merit 
 from the notice he had attracted ; and absurdly boasted that he 
 should receive 6,000Z., and be raised to the dignity of an earl. 
 
 These communications happened in the early part of 1696 ; 
 and, as the king was on the point of repairing to the continent, 
 no farther notice was taken of the informer; but his letters were 
 sealed up, and left in the custody of sir William Trumbull, secre- 
 tary of state. 
 
 In this situation the affair rested, till the disclosure of Fenwick 
 roused the public attention. Of this incident Smith availed 
 himself; and endeavoured to extort new contributions, by renew- 
 ing his insinuations against the duke of Shrewsbury, at a time 
 when he laboured under public suspicion. The informer again 
 found Monmouth too ready to aid his designs, and there was 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 407 
 
 great reason to fear that his information would be brought to 
 the notice of parliament, while the affair of Fen wick was pending, 
 From the correspondence it appears that various attempts were 
 made to check the malicious zeal of Monmouth, but in vain ; for, 
 at the final examination of Fenwick, such reference was made to 
 the communications of Smith, that he was called before the House 
 of Lords, and underwent a strict examination.* At their request 
 also, the noble secretary gave a full account of his intercourse with 
 this spy, in a letter addressed to the lord keeper, which will be 
 found in the correspondence. This scrutiny, however, developed 
 the jeal character of Smith, and he was treated by the House, as 
 a mercenary informer, whose views were iniquitous, and whose 
 object was gain.-f- 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Declines his invitation to repair to London— Declares that he is without influence.] 
 
 " Althorp, July 19-29, 1696.— My lord ; If I could be of any 
 use to the public, or my friends, I would certainly have been at 
 London before this time ; but, thinking as I do, and as you know 
 I have done a great while, that I am entirely insignificant, this is 
 the best place for me. Men are so unwilling to be thought good 
 for nothing, that when they say it themselves they may be be- 
 lieved ; and I suppose they are. But whatever I am to the rest 
 of the world, either here or any where else, you may absolutely 
 dispose of me for your service, if I could be so happy as to be 
 capable of doing you any ; for I am, with all possible truth," &c. 
 
 REPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Complains of the embarrassed state of public affairs— Claims his assistance.] 
 
 " Whitehall, July 21-31, I696.— My lord; It being decreed that 
 nobody shall be infallible, your lordship, in your opinion of your- 
 
 * See the abstract of the three papers delivered by the lady Mary Fenwick, in the en- 
 suing chapter, note to letter from lord Somers, December 24. 
 
 f For a farther accoimt of Smith, see note to letter of June 20, 1696-7, at the close 
 of chapter 3. 
 
408 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 self, has committed an error, that is more commendable than if you 
 had judged right ; but if it be excusable to think worse of your- 
 self than you deserve, pray do not believe so ill of your friends, 
 as that they are disposed to join with you in your mistake. I am 
 sure I am one who shall always be glad of your assistance ; and 
 I think there never was a time in which help was more wanted. 
 The particulars are too many for a letter, or rather so melancholy 
 that I cannot endure to relate them ; I shall, therefore, conclude 
 with a wish, that every body that desires to be in business were in 
 it, and fit for it ; and that those were excused who hate it, for 
 they can never be so proper as if they loved it. If this prayer of 
 mine were granted, you, perhaps, would remain at Althorp ; and 
 you might; for there would not want some of our acquaintance 
 sufficiently to supply all stations." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the imprudent conduct of lord Monmouth— Sir J. Fenwick's trial deferred.] 
 
 " Sept. 24-Oct. 4, 1696.— My lord; The person* who was to 
 dine with me this day, has, as I find, entered into a foolish busi- 
 ness, beyond what I could have thought. I have had much dis- 
 course with him, and I think he is resolved to stir no more, at 
 least till he shall discourse with your grace ; to which end he will 
 wait upon you, when you come to town. 
 
 " Mr. Vernon will acquaint your grace that sir John Fenwick's 
 trial is put off till the king's coming ; which, I am apt to think, 
 upon the whole matter, is the least exceptionable way." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREW;SBURY. 
 
 [Considerations on sir John Fenwick's affair— Perplexed how to act — Necessity of his 
 grace's return to London— Recommends the impeachment of lord Aylesbury, as the 
 means of stopping inquiries into the plot.] 
 
 " Oct. 15-25, 1696. — My lord ; There is no one living who does 
 more lament the mischance which befel you, or more heartily 
 
 * Lord Monmouth. 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 409 
 
 ■wish your perfect recovery from all the ill consequences of it than 
 I do. Nothing could have fallen out more unlucky for the king 
 and for us all at this time ; nay, give me leave to say, it is very 
 unfortunate for yourself, I have been so ill myself, that I could 
 not wait upon the king till yesterday ; and I was very glad he did 
 not enter into any particulars with me,^ in relation to sir John 
 Fenwick, for I should not have known what to have said to him, 
 because I was ignorant what your grace's sentiments were, as ta 
 the method which ought to be taken. 
 
 " I persuade myself your grace has no doubt but that I would 
 sincerely and heartil}' act in this matter, as should be most agree- 
 able to ydli, and best for your service; but the circumstances of 
 this matter are such, that what is ever so well intended may have 
 an ill event ; and, therefore, without some light from you, I dare 
 not make a step in it. My lord Portland has been with me this 
 afternoon, and has said a great deal to me of the discourses of the 
 town, and would have taken it for granted, that I knew the con- 
 tents of the paper,* and have talked to me upon it; but I pre- 
 vented him as to that, by disowning it, and chose to take the 
 other way of discoursing the matter, upon what my lady Mary 
 has published to several people. I do own my thoughts were, 
 that the king should hear sir John Fenwick, and that one or two 
 persons should be by : that he should freely tell him his mind of 
 the pretended confessions ; that it was a malicious contrivance, by 
 hearsays, to create jealousies of those who were the truest in his 
 interest ; and a shuffling account of the plots of his enemies, by 
 concealing the late transactions, and the most considerable per- 
 sons of those who were concerned, and only telling old stories 
 before the act of grace ; and then direct him to be examined 
 anew in his presence. 
 
 " This matter I did only hint to my lord very lightly, and he 
 said the king was of opinion, that to send for sir John Fenwick 
 was to give weight to what he said. -Whether that notion be 
 right or not I will leave to your consideration. But I think the 
 
 * The paper delivered by sir John Fenwick to the duie of Devonshire. 
 
 3 G 
 
410 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 other way (if, in the conclusion of the examination, the king 
 woul dgive direction, or rather consent, that my lord Aylesbury* 
 should be impeached) would be the most likely way of diverting 
 the parliament from troubling themselves with entering any 
 farther into the inquiry after the plot. I confess there may be 
 much of accident in this way ; but if nothing be done before the 
 session, in relation to sir John Fenwick, I do not see but the 
 examination of the whole plot will come into parliament, una- 
 voidably, and confound the whole business. 
 
 " After all this confused talk (for I write in as much hurry as 
 it is possible) I beg of your grace, that you would come to town 
 as soon as your health will possibly allow. Give me leave to say, 
 I hope you will not unnecessarily delay one hour. I am confident, 
 were ypu here, it would be easy to give the right turn to this busi- 
 ness, which I fear will not otherwise be possible. If this cannot 
 be so soon as I wish, let me but receive any intimation of your 
 thoughts, and how I should act, and you may be assured I will 
 proceed accordingly, witli more concern and tenderness than if 
 the case were my own. I am sensible what uneasiness it is to 
 your grace, to be talked of upon such a subject, thoug hit be but 
 talk, and must vanish whenever it comes to be looked into. I 
 think your appearing in town will go a great way towards putting 
 an end to it ; and therefore you may judge how heartily upon this, 
 as well as all other accounts, I pray for your being recovered and 
 returned to London. 
 
 * Thomas Bruce, second earl of Aylesbury, after signing the declaration of support to 
 the prince of Orange, returned to the interest of king James, from an aversion to concur 
 in the breach of the hereditary line of descent. He, consequently, abstained from taking 
 the oath of allegiance to king WiUiam and queen Mary, and was soon implicated in the 
 intrigues of the Jacobites. Being suspected of a participation in the plot, for which sir 
 John Fenwick suffered, he was taken into custody in February, 1696. The whigs were 
 anxious to bring him to trial, but the king, ever lenient to those who had been his sup- 
 porters, in the early period of the Revolution, would not consent. Accordingly, he was 
 liberated, on bail, in February, 1697 ; and, by permission, retired to Brussels, where he 
 established his residence. He died there, in 174!l, at the age of 88; and, as he had not 
 been attainted, his title and honours devolved on his son Charles, who was one of the 
 twelve peers created by queen Anne in 1711, under the title of lord Bruce of Whorlton. 
 
1696.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, &c. 411 
 
 " Good my lord, forgive me for writing in this confused manner, 
 I cannot stay to read over what I have writ, my lord Sunderland 
 and some of the Treasury being impatiently waiting all this while; 
 and whatever is wrong be pleased to ascribe to my over much 
 zeal, and pardon that and all other faults in, my lord," &c. 
 
 THE EAllL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is much concerned at his accident — Mysterious hint relative to sir John Femnck's 
 
 affair.] 
 
 " London, Oct. 15-25, I696. — My lord ; Though I have not 
 troubled you with letters, I am sure no man, without excepting 
 any, is so rnuch concerned at the unlucky accident that has hap- 
 pened to you as I am, both on a public and a private account. We 
 do not know how to move without you ; and for that reason, and 
 for the assistance you may have, so much better here than in the 
 country, I hope you will come hither as soon as you can, without 
 danger. 
 
 " The king is gone to Windsor, and at his return, which will 
 be to- morrow, he has ordered my lord keeper, Mr. Russell, and 
 myself to attend him, to acquaint Mr. Russell with what he did 
 you,* and to advise what way is best to treat that matter, which 
 he will do just as your friends like best. Nobody knows any 
 thing of it yet, but my lord keeper and myself, and those first 
 acquainted with it; so that the person -f- I told you a wonderful 
 story of, thinks himself principally concerned. I wish it might 
 continue so, if it were possible, which, in my opinion, it is. If 
 you have any thoughts of this, or any thing else that I can further, 
 I will believe you will let me know them, being, with the greatest , 
 sincerity imaginable," &c. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Anxious for his return to town — Deprecates his resignation of the seals, as impolitic and 
 injurious to his honour — On the conduct of lord Monmouth.]. 
 
 " Oct. 19-29, 1696.— My lord ; I am much troubled at the ill 
 
 * The communication of sir John Fenwick. -f- Lord Monmouth. 
 
 3 G 2 
 
in t:ORRESPONDENCE [Paut III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 success of your attempt to get to this town, and I do most 
 heartily wish, that none of the ill consequences of it may con- 
 tinue upon you. I cannot but think your being here would have 
 contributed to the speedy recovery of your health, as I am sure 
 it would to the putting an end to that matter, which gives you an 
 uneasiness, as well as it must do to every one, who has a true 
 honour for you, as I have. You cannot oblige me more than in 
 seeming to believe it ; and I could wish the knowledge you have 
 had of my little capacity in judging did not make it much more 
 hard for you to give credit to my opinion, than to judge favorably 
 of my meaning; for I never was more concerned in my life than I 
 am now, to convince you, that you are infinitely in the wrong, in 
 entertaining any thoughts of delivering up the seals at this time. 
 
 " I will not at present enter into the dispute of what may be 
 proper hereafter, but I will positively affirm, that all the enemies 
 you have in the world cannot stain your honour so much as such 
 an action would. The world could say nothing else but, either 
 that a consciousness of guilt made you do it, or else, that the king 
 believed the accusation, and called for the seals. Forgive me for 
 speaking after this free manner, for I do own I can scarce be 
 temperate in this matter. There can no possible good come of 
 your quitting : it will not stop the coming of the business into 
 parliament, but will make it infinitely worse there, than it can be 
 upon the foot it is. It will increase the discourse of it abroad. 
 It will bring a real prejudice upon Mr. Russell. It will take 
 away from your friends the possibility of giving a right turn to 
 this affair, which I do not despair may be done, with a good deal 
 of ease, if your grace, after you have heard Mr. Vernon tell you * 
 all that has been discoursed of among us, would let him be so 
 far informed, as that he might suggest to us what has occurred to 
 you, as proper to be done, when it comes to be started in parlia- 
 ment, if that must be. 
 
 " I have not pfetended to use any arguments at present, with 
 
 * Mr. Vernon was sent to Eyford to communicate personally with the duke of Shrews- 
 bury on this perplexing affair. 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 413 
 
 relation to the public (which would sujBfer inexpressibly if you 
 should lay down in this manner), because I am so very full of 
 the thoughts of what relates to yourself; and though I have 
 expressed myself very confusedly, yet, if your grace from thence 
 will infer with how passionate a concern I write, it is as much as 
 I pretend to. I am," &c. 
 
 " P. S. Though Mr. Vernon stays for my letter in some haste» 
 yet I will add a word about my lord Monmouth. The report of 
 his being named by sir John Fenwick, transported him again to 
 great extravagancies in talk ; but after some days treating with 
 him, he canre to a positive promise to say no more of the matter, 
 till he had first discoursed with your grace; and I think he is 
 sensible of what a ridiculous and dishonourable part he would be 
 acting, if he should do any thing he has been talking of." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Disapproves his intended resignation.] 
 
 " London, Oct. 19-29, 1696.— My lord ; I think I need not tell 
 you, that I am infinitely concerned at your being so unable to 
 bear the journey your friends desired you to make ; and, there- 
 fore, I will leave all that, and take the liberty to differ with you 
 in every thing you say about giving up the seals. If it were 
 allowed you could not serve the king, after the reflections which 
 you think will be made, yet it would give your enemies great 
 advantage against you to quit now. But I am far from thinking 
 any reflections can be made that you ought to mind, and that 
 this will have a very contrary effect to what was intended ; and 
 I think it impossible to imagine any advantage to you, to deliver 
 up the seals before you see the king. This is the opinion of the 
 king, of my lord keeper, of my lord Portland, and of Mr. Russell, 
 for which there are a hundred arguments. Many of them I have 
 made use of to Mr. Vernon, though I believe they will be unne- 
 cessary ; for, upon second thoughts, I conclude it impossible you 
 should differ from so many of your friends, in a matter that appears 
 so plain to them." 
 
414 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt HI.— Ch. 2. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Wishes him to soothe lord Monmouth — Consultations on the mode of bringing Fenwick'« 
 
 discovery before parliament.] 
 
 " Oct. 27-Nov. 6, 1696.— My lord ; At present ray lord Mon- 
 mouth seems very unreasonable ; but if your grace would take 
 occasion to. mention, in general terms, that one of the uneasinesses 
 your confinement brings upon you, is the delay which it gives to 
 your meeting with him, I believe it would be very proper ; and if 
 something of that nature Avere written, as to me, among other 
 things, I would take care to shew it to him immediately. 
 
 " My lord Sunderland, lord Wharton, lord Edward Russell, 
 Mr. Montague, Mr. Felton, and myself, met last night. Mr. 
 Russell was not there; the news of his brother's death obliging 
 him not to go abroad. 
 
 " Our discourse was upon the subject of sir John Fenwick's 
 pretended discovery, and though I cannot say any thing was 
 resolved upon, yet we considered the hints your grace was pleased 
 to suggest, in Mr., Vernon's paper, and what else occurred to any 
 of us, for the present ; but the particulars being new to some of 
 the persous, we agreed to meet again to-morrow, upon the same 
 occasion, and, in the mean time, every one was to form his thoughts 
 as well as he could. Two things were principally talked of: 
 the time, and the manner, of this thing's coming into parliament ; 
 for it was taken for granted that it could not be kept out, and 
 that the endeavouring it would do mischief. 
 
 " As to the time, we were generally of opinion, that if it were 
 too long delayed, we had reason to fear our being prevented in 
 directing the manner of its coming in, or the governing it there. 
 As to the manner, though we all wished it might come in from 
 the king, because of the turn he might give it, yet we thought 
 there would be a difficulty in what manner he could do it; for, 
 if he slighted it, as he ought, perhaps it would be hard to answer 
 the question, why he brought it to the House ; and, if otherwise, 
 it would give a weight to it. 
 
 " This is the principal matter under our consideration. I would 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 415 
 
 suggest to your grace, whether such a course as this would do 
 well ; that Mr. Russell should speak of it in the House, and 
 should declare the king's goodness, in being satisfied entirely of 
 the falsehood and malice of sir John Fenwick ; but yet, for his 
 own vindication, desired that the House would take notice of the 
 thing ; and that, thereupon, some other privy counsellors should 
 be authorised to acquaint them with the king's sentiments ; but 
 yet, at the same time, declaring themselves willing to have it 
 come into the House. My meaning is, that what Mr. Russell 
 says for himself, either he, or somebody else, should be empowered 
 to say in your grace's name. 
 
 " I could wish we had your grace's own thoughts of the way 
 of its coming in, and I should be glad this point Were settled, 
 that we might be at liberty of talking with some of the best in- 
 tentioned and most sensible of our friends, in general terms, of 
 the matter, that so they might not be surprised too much, nor 
 think themselves too much neglected. 
 
 " My lord Sunderland is engaged again in the old business of 
 
 removing my lord G ,* which he told Mr. Wh*** and me 
 
 was now wholly intended for your grace's service. You will make 
 the best reflections on this matter yourself. Perhaps at this time 
 it may not be inconvenient as to your part, and Mr. Russell's, in 
 sir John Fenwick's paper, that the king makes such a distinction. 
 
 " I do most sincerely and passionately desire your grace's per- 
 fect recovery, and presence amongst us, and am, with all my 
 whole heart," &c. 
 
 ■** P. S. I have written in such haste, that I fear you cannot 
 read the paper, or guess at the meaning." 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 27-Nov. 6, I696.— « * * * There is a good 
 deal of impatience in a great many honest gentlemen of the House 
 
 * Godolphin, first lord conunissioner of the Treasury. 
 
416 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. % 
 
 (of Commons) to be getting at this matter of the plot ; and it is not 
 very hard to perceive who* it is they imagine (I may say hope) 
 they shall have some opportunity of attacking, by inquiring into 
 it ; so that I cannot, for ray part, see any thing in this matter so 
 difficult as to be able to give that turn that is necessary, in the 
 distinguishing those, that every honest man will be ready to think 
 well of, from those that they may, perhaps, have another opinion 
 of. My lord steward's being out of town (to whom it is known 
 this discovery was only made) doth, I believe, satisfy gentlemen 
 that it is not so proper to stir this matter till he comes up. I 
 fancy he is so confounded with the part he hath acted, that he 
 will bury himself in Devonshire." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 [Intended proceedings on the accusation of sir John Fenwick — Sohcits hmi to return to 
 
 town.J 
 
 " October 29-Nov. 8, I696. — I avoided giving your grace the 
 trouble of a letter, since Mr. Vernon was to be with you, and could 
 tell you, not only my poor thoughts, but those of your friends, that 
 had been consulted relating to the affair last night. All people 
 concurred in your notion in having the king tell the council his 
 sentiments of it ; and this night more are to meet, to resolve, 
 finally, how it shall be managed, when brought into the Commons 
 House, of which lord Wharton will give you a full account. He 
 tells me so, as which makes me close this paper before we meet. 
 But for many reasons, if your health will permit it, your being 
 in town would be of great service to yourself as a friend. It is 
 resolved, Thursday next, the king shall open the business to the 
 council, and the next day I am to take notice of it to the House. 
 It is not doubted but the paper will meet with the usage it de- 
 serves. But, before I conclude,, let me tell you once again, if 
 with safety you can come to town, it is the opinion of all your 
 friends and servants you should attempt it. I hope it is needless 
 to assure you, that no friend, servant, or relation you have in the 
 Avorld, is more faithfully your's," &c. 
 
 Alluding probably to lord Godolphin. 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 417 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " TVhitehall, Oct. 29-Nov. 8, I696.— IMr. Russell tells me that 
 he hath this evening writ to your grace, just before he went to my 
 lord keeper's, from whence I am just come ; there met there (be- 
 sides the gentlemen I named to you in my last) Mr. Boscawen, Mr^ 
 Smith, sir Thomas Littleton, the attorney-general,* Mr. Clark^ 
 and IVIr. Russell himself. The methods I wrote your grace word 
 of, in my last, seemed last night to be liked, and resolved on by 
 the persons I first named ; but when the whole matter was opened 
 to-night, those gentlemen to whom it was new, seemed to foresee 
 a great many difficulties in the methods proposed. It is much 
 doubted by them, whether information of this kind, being once 
 laid before the House of Commons, may not probably run into 
 such a length of examinations and debates, as may be very uneasy 
 for your grace and Mr. Russell to submit to ; and, in short, are 
 parted this night, without coming to any resolution what methods 
 to proceed in, or what the consequences may be of those that 
 were proposed. On Saturday, in the afternoon, they will be all 
 desired to meet again. Your grace will consider your health 
 above any thing, but as soon as that will give you leave, I would 
 beg that you would come up, which is all the post will give me 
 leave to say." 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Oct. 31-Nov. 10, 1696.— **** It was with a 
 good deal of uneasiness to myself, that I could give your grace no 
 better account by last post of any resolutions taken that evening. 
 The matter that was considered of being new, and of the greatest 
 consequence, it was not much to be wondered at that gentlemen 
 were not quick to give their opinions, or to come to any resolu- 
 
 * Sir Thomas Trevor. 
 3 H 
 
418 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 tions ; but there were others, besides myself, who were not with- 
 out some apprehensions, that there might be some other reason 
 given for it; and that some of the members of the House of 
 Commons, having no very great acquaintance, or perhaps not an 
 entire confidence in a certain nobleman* they might, for that 
 reason, not speak their minds so freely, as otherwise they would 
 have done. It was, therefore, resolved upon yesterday, that be- 
 fore we should meet this afternoon, at my lord keeper's (as was 
 resolved on Thursday night), we might have an opportunity of 
 discoursing with a little more freedom together ; and, accordingly, 
 there met at Mr. Russell's, this morning, all the gentlemen that 
 had been at my lord keeper's before, except lord Sunderland and 
 Mr. Felton." 
 
 He then proceeds to state the resolutions adopted, which will 
 be more fully detailed in the next letter from lord Somers, and 
 continues : — 
 
 " This afternoon the gentlemen that had been together in the 
 morning came all to my lord keeper's, where were also lord Sun- 
 derland, Mr. Felton, Mr. Palmes, and Mr. Chadwick. What 
 had been thought of in the morning was broke by degrees^ and 
 my lord Sunderland gave in to every part of it as readily as could 
 be imagined ; and did as good as say, that he did, not doubt but 
 the king would do in every thing as was desired. 
 
 " My lord steward is not yet come to town, but is expected 
 before the birth-day ; and I am not sorry he will not be there on 
 Monday ; though it may very well be said that the king deferred 
 this examination hitherto for his coming up ; but it could not be 
 put off any longer, the business of the supply coming on in the 
 House of Commons on Tuesday, and the state of the nation on 
 Wednesday, which may, probably enough, lead into debates, that 
 may tend to this matter." 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 * Lord Sunderland., 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 419 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Farther deliberations on Fenwitk's affair — Resignation of lord Godolphin.] 
 
 " Oct. SX-Nov. 10, 1696.— My lord ; This morning some of 
 your grace's servants met at Mr. Russell's, and a greater number 
 at my house this afternoon. We have had the paper read amongst 
 us, and I think we are come to make a right judgment of it, that 
 though your grace and Mr. Russell are named, yet the charp-e is 
 upon the whole body of the whigs ; and that the sole managing 
 of king James's business has been in their hands, ever since my 
 lord Middleton's going over, even the assassination itself. When 
 men are thus persuaded, that the party is involved in the accusa- 
 tion, it may be easily believed, that no part which touches their 
 friends will have the least credit. 
 
 " The opinion which they have all fallen into at present is, that 
 the king should have sir John Fenwick brought to him ; and 
 should be pleased to tell him his sense of the pretended confes- 
 sion ; but that, if he was willing to be ingenuous, and without 
 reserve, to tell things of his own knowledge, to let him know he 
 would have his examination taken instantly in his presence. That 
 when this was done, the king should inform, the council of what 
 was said, together with his sense of it; and afterwards, at Mr. 
 Russell's request, to allow him to take notice of it in the House 
 of Commons. And the gentlemen who were present have all 
 declared themselves resolved then to use their utmost endeavours 
 to get the whole treated as it ought to be, and to press for a vote, 
 to address to the king, that the trial may proceed. 
 
 " It was concluded that, as the matter now stands, this exa- 
 mination was unavoidable; for, sir John Fenwick having pre- 
 tended to reserve things for the king's particular knowledge, if 
 the king would not hear them, it was impossible to think other- 
 wise but that the House would do it. It is to be hoped if the 
 king approves of this method, and he be sent for on the sudden, 
 and be made sensible that his design is seen through, his heart 
 may fail him, and the truth may come out, even whose contriv- 
 
 3 H 2 
 
^0 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 ance his paper was. However, in such an unhappy perplexed 
 matter somewhat must be done, and this is the only method 
 which we could unite in ; and this shall be managed with the best 
 caution we can use. 
 
 " I will trouble your grace with no more particulars, but apply 
 myself only to beg you to come to town, which is what I now 
 think so necessary, that nothing but a direct impossibility of 
 coming can excuse your stay : for, my lord Godolphin having 
 quitted his employment this day, and retired to Windsor, the 
 world wilt not fail to make ill constructions, if your grace should 
 not appear among us quickly. And, since the king is willing to 
 jnake so remarkable a distinction between you and Mr. Russell, 
 and my lord who is gone out, I think you should not let any 
 thing on your part give people occasion to imagine, that the cases 
 are alike. 
 
 " Give me leave to say, that, in my opinion, my lord Godol-. 
 phin is directly tricked in this matter, and has suffered himself 
 to be cozened into an offer to lay down, and is surprised in having 
 his offer accepted ; and, I have reason to think, sees it and re- 
 pents of it. 
 
 " My lord, let me once more beg you to venture (as soon as 
 your health v/ill bear it) to begin your journey. Every one, who 
 wishes you well, does impatiently desire your coming." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Fenwick appears before the king — His equivocating conduct — Considerations on the mode 
 of submitting the question to parliament.] 
 
 " Nov. 3-13, 1696. — My lord ; I remember very well it was 
 your grace's opinion, that the king should speak with sir John 
 Fenwick ; and it was mine so much,, that I proposed and pressed 
 it from the beginning, because, without that was done, I always 
 thought it was impossible to keep the House from entering into 
 an examination of him. I am now to tell your grace what passed 
 last night. The persons who Avaited upon the king were, the 
 archbishop, lord privy seal, lord chamberlain, lord Portland, the 
 two chief justices, the attorney and solicitor. I did previously 
 
169&] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 421 
 
 acquaint my lord chamberlain and my lord chief justice Treby, 
 and also discoursed it in part with Mr. Secretary, to whom I 
 believe it was not new. Sir John Fenwick was brought away on 
 a sudden, and is since kept close. 
 
 " The king told him he had received a paper from my lord 
 steward's hands, and had, since that, seen another, which he gave 
 in to the lords justices ; that he was wholly dissatisfied with both, 
 in respect as well to the matter as the manner. That the first, 
 instead of discovering his accomplices, was a general, uncertain, 
 and useless account of persons who were strangers to him, and 
 only hearsays said of them, without an account of time, or place,, 
 or authors, and seemed only a contrivance to beget suspicions of 
 those, who were nearest to him, and of whom, for very good 
 reasons, he had the most assured confidence. That the other was 
 trifling, and related to things before the act of grace, or to such 
 as were charged before two witnesses ; so he was directed, without 
 regard to his papers, to give an entire and natural account of his 
 whole knowledge. He said he knew nothing but what was in his 
 papers, and desired time till my lord steward came to town, in- 
 sisting that he was surprised. It was plainlj^ told him that it was 
 intended he should not have time to prepare another paper ; that 
 what he knew before, he still knew, and could tell if he would. In 
 short, he refused to say any thing, even so much as to explain, or 
 make certain his papers, or to tell what he reserved for the king, 
 unless it might be allowed to tell it to the king himself. This the 
 king absolutely refused ; and also told him, that he would neither 
 hear him, nor hear from him again ; and so he was sent away. 
 To-morrow morning the several persons who met before, at my 
 house, are agreed to meet again, in order to propose what is 
 proper to be done next. 
 
 " I think (at present) it would be fit for the king to. give an 
 account of this at council, and to declare his opinion of the 
 maliciousness of the contrivance ; and then, if Mr. Russell, and 
 any one upon your grace's account ask leave, that upon occasion 
 they may make mention of this matter, that the king would be 
 
422 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III— Ch. 2. 
 
 pleased to allow of it. But this is entirely to be submitted to 
 better opinions. 
 
 " I suppose your grace will have heard that Goodman* is gone 
 away, which I take to be a most unhappy thing at this time. We 
 never heard of it, till after it was agreed to send for sir John 
 Fenwick; and I believe, that his knowledge of it, gave sir John 
 Fenwick the more confidence. 
 
 " I think all, who were present with the king, have formed to 
 themselves a right notion of the design of the Jacobites, in this 
 pretended discovery, or at least they pretend so. I have, as by 
 
 your order, acquainted the M. of W -f with as much as 
 
 was expedient, of this matter, and he desires me to assure your 
 grace of his hearty zealous service. I am altogether for having 
 
 Mr. Vernon acquaint the Sp ,J Mr. H ,|| and Mr. B ,§ 
 
 but I think it ought not to be, till after we see what will be agreed 
 upon to-morrow, and then I will take the liberty of speaking with 
 some others, who I hope may be useful. 
 
 " I am most sensibly afflicted to read your melancholy account 
 of your health, which I will take no notice of, but will heartily and 
 constantly wish for the re-establishing of it, as that upon which the 
 good of England does very much depend. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Greatly mortified by Fenwick's accusation, though he thinks all will see its injustice — 
 Considerations on the mode of proceeding — Is himself to lay it before the House of 
 Commons.] 
 
 " Nov. 5, Thursday night, 11 o'clock. — After expressing his satis- 
 faction that his grace was better, he adds : 
 
 " Ease and quiet is the best medicine to restore your health. 
 As to the business of Fenwick, I am afraid it gives you more 
 disturbance than will suit with your present distemper, though I 
 cannot wonder at your being concerned at so villanous a design ; 
 
 * One of the two witnesses against sir John Fenwick. 
 f Marquis of Winchester. J The Speaker, Mr. Foley. 
 
 II Mr. Harley. § Mr. Boyle. '^ . "; 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 423 
 
 and though I am in health and strength, I am so mortified, that I 
 wish for nothing so much, as a fair occasion to quit all, and live 
 quietly while the french king will let us. I conclude these con- 
 trivances will be daily practised by the Jacobites, against those 
 persons, who are able and zealous to this government ; but, in my 
 poor opinion, that must not be thought on, till after this winter be 
 over, and I hope you do entirely agree with me. This night the 
 king brings it to the council. I suppose Mr. Vernon* has given 
 you an account that the villain was before the king, and what past, 
 therefore I wont trouble you with repeating it; but certainly you 
 are in the right, that the king ought to have seen him the moment 
 he came ov^. To-morrow I bring it into the House of Commons ; 
 what will be the event there I know not, for amongst a number of 
 people,, it cannot be doubted but you and myself have enemies; and 
 if we do not meet with a justification from all, it will not, in my 
 opinion, take off the slur thrown upon our reputation, though I 
 think what he says so preposterous, that no man injustice can believe 
 it. What the House will do about the papers cannot be judged, or 
 whether they will examine him at the bar. From what I have 
 learnt of his behaviour, when with the king, it is pretty plain the 
 papers he then gave in are not his own, but put into his hands, for 
 he would say nothing, but referred to his papers. By Friday 
 night I shall be able to give you a more perfect account, whether a 
 farther inquiry is to be made. 
 
 " I am this night come from Kensington, where the king has 
 laid the affair before the council. He behaved himself as I could 
 wish, and the lords seemed to hope the paper to be a designed 
 thing, as I cannot doubt every body will that hears it. I have leave 
 to acquaint the House with it to-morrow morning. When I asked 
 that permission I presumed to tell your thoughts as well as my own. 
 The secretary is to acquaint the House, before he delivers the 
 papers, with the king's sense of it. 
 
 " Lord steward, out of countenance, made, like himself, a 
 foolish speech, asking your's and my pardon, he had not acquainted 
 
 * Mr. Vernon, in his letter of Nov. 3, gives no account of the examination, but refers 
 to the preceding letter of the lord keeper.. 
 
42* CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 2. 
 
 US with the matter ; but he was under an obligation to tell only the 
 king with it. I returned his compliment from you and myself, as 
 he and his speech deserved. It is now eleven o'clock, and I can 
 say no more." 
 
 A letter from Mr. Vernon, which we here subjoin, contains some 
 account of the proceedings in the House of Commons, when 
 admiral Russell vindicated himself and the duke of Shrewsbury 
 from the accusation of sir John Fenwick. 
 
 MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Nov. 6, two in the morning. — I thank God I can now send 
 your grace the joyful account of this day's success, that has been 
 carried as well according to my expectations as wishes. Your grace 
 and your friends, and some others, for your sakes, are not only ho- 
 norably acquitted, but sir John Fen wick is likewise to be proceeded 
 against by bill of attainder, and this they have got by conveying 
 away Goodman ; and it hath made your grace's justification so 
 much the more remarkable, as the House of Commons have had a 
 proper occasion to shew their resentments against this man. 
 
 " I refer your grace to the enclosed copy* of the proceedings, 
 which I likewise send abroad, with some other additions, to all 
 your grace corresponds with beyond sea, and it being late, I reserve 
 myself to acquaint you with some other particulars. 
 
 " Mr. Russell opened the matter pretty early in the morning, 
 before the House filled, being necessitated to it, by reason they 
 were going into a committee, according to the order of the day, upon 
 the new bill for the corn ; but Mr. Secretary Avas not then come 
 with the papers, so the House went into that committee; and about 
 an hour after, when the secretary was come, and there was a com- 
 petent number, Mr. Mordaunt broke up the committee, and the 
 secretary acquainted the House with the orders he had from the 
 king, to lay Fenwick's papers before the House, if they thought fit. 
 He told them the king's sense of them, and the little satisfaction 
 
 * This paper is lost. 
 
1^96.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 425 
 
 he received, when he examined Fenwick upon them, and that he 
 looks upon his first paper as intended only to raise distrust, and 
 to embroil his affairs ; and he took the occasion to instance it, 
 only in relation to your grace and Mr. Russell. I suppose he 
 spoke then by rule, and was not to say much to raise the House, 
 and I observed he told them, he came lately into the knowledge of 
 any thing that related to sir John, as if the matter would have been 
 mended, if more of it had passed through his hands. The papers 
 were then carried up and read, as well the examination I took, as 
 sir John's paper. Mr. Russell then spoke handsomely and mo- 
 destly for himself and your grace, and put himself upon the justice 
 of the House, to stand or fall by their opinions. Crawford and 
 Delaval spoke next, and denied the charge laid upon them, or 
 that they had any knowledge of sir John. 
 
 " One Mr. Morley, a member, stood up next, who it seems is 
 nephew to Dick Morley, one of the select number. He vindicated 
 the loyalty of himself and father, and since his uncle was guilty 
 of being in conspiracies, for his part he renounced him. Mr. 
 Howe took him up, for being so easy in deserting his relations : he 
 would do well to stay till the matter was proved, for if the papers 
 were false, as to any others named in it, it would not be true with 
 respect to Mr. Morley. Mr. Smith and he fell to words about 
 that, and Howe was very high in his answers, that since he was 
 made a judge of what these papers contained, he had a right 
 to be satisfied, as to the innocence or guilt of those he was to 
 acquit or condemn. Sir Thomas Littleton shewed very well, that 
 there might be a judgment made of what was fit to be believed 
 or not, though spoke by the same man. 
 
 " Sir Edward Seymour said, if a man were falsified in one thing, 
 it was but just it should abate his credit as to the rest. The 
 House not appearing to be in any great disposition to go far in 
 that way, my lord Coningsby very dexterously moved, that 
 J'enwick might be sent for, and prevented the others doing it. 
 
 " Lord Cutts and Mr. Norris, who have been both zealous in 
 this matter, were ordered to fetch him, with a strong guard. The 
 
 3 I 
 
426 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. «. 
 
 gross of what passed afterwards, your grace will please to see under 
 Mr. Rowley's hands.* 
 
 " I spoke to Mr. Boyle early this morning, at his lodgings ; I 
 spoke to Mr. Harley in the House, who came late ; but I might as 
 well have let them both alone ; they were very well in their answers 
 to me, but neither of them shewed any thing of it in the debate, 
 perhaps they thought it sufficient to be silent. But, in the bill of 
 attainder, Harley spoke against it, and both of them staid together 
 at that division. The speaker,-|- I think, did his part, and was 
 ready to frame fit questions. He gives his service to your grace. 
 
 " Mr. Boyle would have made some kind of excuse to me, that 
 he saw the business go on cleverly, and nobody said any thing 
 that needed an answer ; but Mr. Howe's petulancy might have 
 furnished occasion, if he had thought fit. Sir Joseph Williamson 
 said something, but less than I expected from him. 
 
 " Montague, Smith, Littleton, Clark, sir Robert Rich, lord 
 Coningsby, and some others, stood to it resolutely, more parti- 
 cularly the first, who did great right to Mr. Russell, your grace, 
 and my lord Marlborough, by name, shewing how improbable this 
 fiction was, as to any of you. 
 
 " I should not have omitted Mr. Bridges,J who employed both 
 industry an4 judgment'in the debate. Howe would fain have had 
 the examination run upon the papers, that he might have owned 
 them, and gone about to prove them, no matter which way; that 
 which made the question stick pretty long was, that the whigs 
 came but slowly into the censuring the whole paper, and that 
 which drove on the others to make an end of it was, Mr. Montagu's 
 throwing out some words about the attainder, which they would 
 gladly have avoided, and so shewed themselves easier in this. 
 
 " Temple first gave up sir John for a calumniator, and that his 
 paper was to be declared scandalous. Then the question was 
 immediately stated, lord Coningsby adding the tale to it, that this 
 was a design to stifle the real plot. There was not above one or two 
 
 * This paper is also missing. f Mr. Foley. 
 
 I Afterwards first duke of Chandos. 
 
1696.1 WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 427 
 
 cried no to it, but they kept their strength for the attainder. Then 
 Musgrave,* Harcourtj-f Dike, Temple, and Williams laid them- 
 selves out, but there was a great spirit against them, of those that 
 remained, for the House was grown considerably thinner. Seyraourj. 
 did not come in the afternoon ; the attorney§ did his part. 
 
 " I hope 3'our grace will find your satisfaction in this day's 
 proceedings, and I am confident the king's business will fare the 
 better for it, though I hear he had great doubts upon him, to the 
 last, about bringing it into the House. It hath made no division 
 among us, for those that opposed the attainder are the same that 
 oppose the supplies, and I hope their courage will grow still less." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREV7SBURY. 
 
 [On Fenwick's affair — The kindness of the king towards admiral Russell and the duke — 
 On the proceedings in the House of Commons — Conduct of lord Monmouth — 
 Affair of Smith.] 
 
 " Nov. T-lTj 1696. — My lord ; I was so extremely ill of a cold, 
 and it was so late before I came from Kensington, Thursday, that 
 I did not write to your grace then, and I thought it the less neces- 
 sary, because I doubted not but you would have the account from 
 other hands. I will only observe to your grace, that which is really 
 a justice due to the king, that he expressed himself Avith great regard 
 and distinction, as to you and Mr. Russell. I will not trouble you 
 with an account of the proceedings yesterday, in the House of 
 Commons, because you will hear of it from persons who were 
 present. But this is most certain, that nothing but the fixed opi- 
 nion, that our friends have of your grace and Mr. Russell, could 
 have brought them, with so much unanimity, to join in a vote, to 
 which, as your grace did observe, they are not very naturally 
 
 inclined. 
 
 " This morning my lord Monmouth has been with me, and 
 
 pretends great difficulty to keep Smith from the House of 
 
 * Sir Christopher Musgrave. 
 
 f Sir Simon Harcourt, afterwards attorney-general ; lord chancellor, under the admi- 
 nistration of Harley ; and finally created earl of Harcourt. 
 
 + Sir Edward Seymour. § Sir Thomas Trevor, attorney-general. 
 
 3 I 2 
 
428 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.-Ch. 2. 
 
 Commons. I have talked very freely to him upon the occasion, 
 and have desired him to consider what work this might make at 
 such a time ; and, withal, have given him such a view of sir John 
 Fenwick's paper, that he is much startled, and convinced that he 
 and every whig is as much concerned in it, and as open to an 
 accusation, as the persons who are named. 
 
 " It is a great comfort to me to hear that we are allowed to be 
 in hopes of your being able to see London in some time. The 
 king told me my lord president and others had been talking of 
 bringing this matter of sir John Fenwick into the House of Lords, 
 (but it was before the king's mentioning it at council,) and he was 
 of opinion, that, if you were in town, it would never be attempted; 
 and that, otherwise, it was not unlikely ; and that he was in pain 
 to think how it would be managed there." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulates him on the issue of sir John FenwicFs business in the 'House of 
 
 Commons.] 
 
 " London, Nov. 7-17, 1696. — My lord ; I am sure you will have 
 a very particular account of what passed yesterday. I hope you 
 will like it as well as your friends do, and think of nothing but 
 your health, and coming to us as soon as that will give you leave. 
 I wish the word hearsay had not been in the vote ; and that sir 
 John Fenwick had been left to the law, that the king's business 
 might go on without interruption." 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulates him on the decision of the House of Commons — Conjectures on the fate 
 of the bill of attainder — Suspicions of lord Sunderland.] 
 
 " Whitehall, Nov. 10-20, I696.— Mr. Vernon hath, for these 
 two last posts, promised me to make my excuse to your grace, 
 that I have not been able to write to you ; and hath, I am sure, 
 given you a better account of every thing that hath passed than I 
 could have done. I was so satisfied myself with the business of 
 Friday, and with the spirit and warmth that was shewn in that 
 day's debate, that (if it hath been well represented to your grace) 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 429 
 
 I will not doubt but you thought well of it too : I mean partis 
 cularly as it related to yourself and Mr. Kussell ; for it must be 
 understood, that nothing but that consideration could have put 
 so easy an end to that business, in relation to other persons. I 
 am pretty well assured the noble lord* that quitted his employ- 
 ment, some days before, is sensible now that he was not very well 
 advised in it; and I am apt to think there never was more ma- 
 nagement than in bringing that about. 
 
 " I wish to God your grace were well enough to think of 
 venturing up ; and do hope that you yourself are so much of the 
 opinion, how convenient it were for you to be here, that it is very 
 unnecessary to make use of any arguments to persuade you to it. 
 
 " I am very apt to think the business of the attainder will go 
 through the House of Commons, though I find a good many of 
 our friends very good-natured, or scrupulous, in it. What fate 
 it will have in the Lords I cannot guess; that will certainly 
 depend very much on the weight will be laid on it at Kensington ; 
 and, if I am not mistaken, Mr. Felton's friend -f- in your Square is 
 very uneasy and dissatisfied with it. 
 
 " I hope there is no question but your grace will be here before 
 any thing that concerns yourself can be brought before that 
 House ; as it probably will be, if the bill comes up. But I never 
 wish for your being here, so much as I do when I think of the 
 gentleman I mentioned last. I confess I cannot think what he 
 is doing, or what it is he is driving at. I am perhaps too much 
 given to be jealous, especially of some people, and if J do him 
 wrong, I ask his pardon ; but I think, in niy conscience, he is the 
 same man he was always.'' 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND. 
 [Orateful for his kindness is ihe Jbuisiness of Fenwick.J 
 
 " Eyford, Nov. 10-20, I696. — ^My lord ; I am extreme sensible 
 that the business in the House of Commons, hitherto, has gone 
 
 * Lord Godolphin. f Lord Sunderland. 
 
430 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IIL—Ch. 2, 
 
 as well as I could desire ; and much of it is owing to the industry 
 of my friends, among whom none had a greater share than your 
 lordship, to whose prudence, as well as kindness, great part of 
 this success is due. I hope you will not suspect me of so much 
 ingratitude, as not to own this obligation upon all occasions. If 
 the king's business will suffer much interruption, by this method 
 of proceeding with sir John Fenwick, I am sorry for it ; but I do 
 not see how he could be brought to a trial any other way. Cooke* 
 is so shatter-brained a creature, that, if he were pardoned, it is 
 very hazardous depending upon him ; and perhaps, this way will 
 meet with a good deal of opposition in our House. I will not 
 fail to make all the haste I can to town, but I have small hopes 
 it will be very soon ; for on Sunday I tried to take the air in my 
 coach, and found I could not endure it yet." 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Kindness and concern of the king — Anxious for his immediate return to town, before 
 Fenwick's business be brought into the House of Lords.] 
 
 " TVhitehall, Nov. 12-22, I696. — I was yesterday at Kensington, 
 at the king's dinner, who called me to him afterwards, and talked 
 a good deal to me of several things that concerned your grace ; 
 both of what passed in the House of Commons, and of what 
 might probably be the consequence of the same matter when it 
 came into another place ; and seemed pretty solicitous to know 
 how you were in your health, and when it might be reasonably 
 expected that you would be here. He expressed himself with as 
 much concern and kindness upon this subject, as can be imagined ; 
 and at last commanded me to let your grace know, from him, 
 that it was his desire and opinion, that you should try all the ways 
 
 * Mr. Cooke, son of sir Miles Cooke, one of the six clerks in chancery, was implicated, 
 with others, in the same plot as Fenwick and lord Aylesbury. He was brought to trial 
 on the evidence of Porter and Goodman, and, being found guilty, received sentence of 
 death. He was, however, retained in prison, with the hope of extorting from him some 
 important disclosures, and, perhaps, of making him an evidence against sir John Fenwick ; 
 but, although th& ministry were disappointed in this object, his sentence was finally com- 
 muted for transportation. — Rapin, v. 14, p. 312. 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 431 
 
 you can think of, to get hither ; and bid me tell you that the 
 easiest and safest way you could take of coming -up, would be on 
 horseback, on some hunter that walked well, which perhaps is 
 not ill-judged, if the weather be tolerable. 
 
 " I have said all this, more out of obedience than out of any 
 imagination I have, that you want any argument to prevail with 
 you to come up, or to make you wish yourself here ; your grace 
 knowing better than any body of what consequence it will be, 
 that you should be in the Lords' House whenever your name 
 may be used there. When any thing of the kind will be brought 
 thither, is very uncertain, till to-morrow is over in the House of 
 Commons. That House did yesterday agree (on sir John Fen- 
 wick's letter to the Speaker) to allow him three counsel and a 
 solicitor; and this day have agreed that his counsel should plead 
 at the bar ; which doth not seem to me (as it doth to some) to be 
 done in favour to him ; but rather that there may appear all sort 
 of fair-dealing in the judgment, which (I fancy) the House will 
 send up against him." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Anxious for his return to town — Kind expressions of the king — Uncertain how the busi- 
 ness of sir John Fenwick may be taken in the House of Lords — Affair of Smith, 
 and conduct of lord Monmouth.] 
 
 " Nov. 19-29) 1696. — My lord ; I have not given your grace 
 the trouble of my letters, since I had nothing to say to you, but 
 what others (who were present at the debates of the House of 
 Commons) were much better able to give you an account of, and 
 who assured me I might depend upon their care that it should 
 be done. The melancholy letter I had once, as it made more 
 impression upon me than I can express, so it still makes me 
 resolve against saying one word more, in order to persuade you 
 to think of a journey to this place. Yet, I cannot but own to 
 you, what my thoughts are (without failing, in some degree, as to 
 the concern I profess to have in all that relates to your grace) 
 that nothing but a very extraordinary endangering your health 
 ought to hinder you from making a trial, whether, by small 
 
432 CORUESPONDENCE [Paet IIL—Ch. 2. 
 
 journeys, you might not get hither. For, as the whole business in 
 the House of Commons has proceeded as well as could be wished, 
 and will, undoubtedly, end so in that House, so I am fully satis- 
 fied, if you were here, it would take what turn we had a mind to 
 in the House of Lords, which is more than I can yet pretend to 
 say, if your grace be absent, when that debate is to come on. The 
 explaining of this matter is not very convenient for a letter, but I 
 believe I do not judge wrong in what I say. The king never sees 
 me, but he expresses a very passionate desire you would be here ; 
 and this is always attended with as kind expressions, in respect 
 to you, as can be used. He took occasion to say, three or four 
 times this night, how much he was pleased to hear that my lord 
 Wharton was gone out of town, with an intent to see you, because 
 he hoped he would encourage you to make another tiial, if it was 
 possible for you to come to town. 
 
 " As to the business of Smith, having had an intimation that 
 the king had been told that story, I took occasion to speak to him 
 of it ; and he told me that he had been acquainted with it, very 
 frankl}"^ ; and that he had promised to see him, in order to prevent 
 his making a complaint in the House of Commons. Havino- 
 learnt that story from your grace, and more particularly from 
 Mr. Vernon ; and, withal, knowing the turn which had been con- 
 trived to give to that tale; I was well prepared to talk upon it, 
 and was able to bring to the king's mind that passage about 
 seizing him at Kensington ; and how he spoke of that very thing 
 when he first opened the business of the plot to the Lords, at 
 Kensington, and then said he had it from you ; but that neither 
 he nor you had much regarded it. This, by degrees, he perfectly 
 recollected, with other circumstances of that matter ; and, since 
 that time, he has told me, that he told Smith, that he had been 
 acquainted with that whole matter by you ; that, though he had 
 been made acquainted with the matter, yet that did not take 
 away from his good meaning, in the discovery of what he had 
 heard of that conspiracy, and that he would take care that he 
 should not be unrewarded. 
 
 " Not being satisfied with my lord Monmouth's proceedings in 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 433 
 
 this and other matters, I did not give him the compliment, which 
 I think you intended for him, by your last letter. But, my lord 
 Wharton desiring me last night, that I would endeavour to put 
 him in good humour, as that which he was informed he was in some 
 degree inclined to, and what he thought would be of use, I have 
 spent some time with him this day, and shall, in another conversa- 
 tion, learn what is to be expected from him, as to his carriage in 
 the House of Lords, in relation to sir John Fenwick's business. 
 
 " It is grown very late, and I have already exceeded the length 
 of a letter, and, therefore, shall conclude very abruptly," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD KEEPER SOMERS. 
 
 [Has received a summons to appear in the House of Lords— Will attend if his health 
 
 permits.] 
 
 " Eyford, Nov. 2l-Dec. 1, 1696. — My lord ; I have received 
 your lordship's letter of the 14th* of November, with the com- 
 mands of the House of Lords, that I should attend them on the 
 23rd of this month. I have always been ready to pay that duty, 
 when I have been able ; and assure your lordship I never had a 
 more earnest desire to do it than at this time, if the circumstances 
 of my health were such as would allow me, in any manner, to 
 endure the journey : I hope, therefore, I shall have their lordships' 
 excuse, if I do not wait on them punctually at that time, since I 
 hope it will be soon ; and I assure your lordship I shall not neglect 
 the first hour, that it is possible for me to be removed to London, 
 that I may give my attendance on the House; and assure you 
 that I am," &c. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Considerations on Fenwick's business — Wishes him to repair to London.] 
 
 " London, Nov. 24-I>ec. 4, I696. — My lord ; Your grace will 
 
 * This letter is not extant, but was the regular official summons to attend in the House 
 of Peers, at the time when the bill of attainder against Fenwick was expected to be sent 
 up from the House of Commons. In fact, we learn from the Journals that extraordinary 
 means were adopted to enforce the personal attendance of the peers on this occasion, when 
 proxies were not admitted.— Journals for Nov. 14 and 23, 1696. 
 
 3 K 
 
434 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III—Cii. 2. 
 
 believe that, between sir John Fenwick's business and that of the 
 admiralty's miscarriages, I have but httle time ; I am almost dead 
 with the fatigue. These reasons, I hope, will plead my excuse for 
 not writing, and not to think it is want of respect to you, when 
 I swear I have all imaginable duty, service, and respect. I know 
 you had daily accounts from other hands of all that passed. I have 
 often considered the papers you sent me, and though, in my own 
 opinion, I thought some use might be made of them, at a proper 
 time, I would not venture on my own judgment, but depended 
 upon lord keeper's friendship to you and myself, therefore shewed 
 them to him. This night we have read them over carefully, and 
 he is of the same mind, that if sir John comes to be examined, 
 some use may be made of them, and thinks, though they have 
 contrived to pen it cunningly, it is plain that the whole shews 
 an artifice ; but, by your letter to Mr. Vernon, he hopes, as well 
 as all your friends and servants, that your health will admit of 
 your coming to town, in a little time, when we may consider 
 farther of this affair. I know your desire to be here is equal 
 to what all your friends have: it is certain if you were in town, 
 he would find as little favour with the lords as he has done with 
 us, but receive a just punishment for so foul and villanous a 
 design. 
 
 " I will not send you any news, for the aforesaid reasons ; but 
 this being a secret, as I am made to believe, from a lord you will 
 guess at,* that president of the council is what he knows will 
 please you better than any thing ; for in the summer you told 
 him you could not serve in this office. I suppose lord Wharton 
 is now with you : I wish you all the health you desire for your- 
 self, and beg you will do me the justice to believe I am," &c. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 [On the business of Smith, which is satisfactorily settled — The House of Lords have 
 excused his attendance— The king seems inclined to support the bill of attainder in 
 the House of Lords.] 
 
 " Nov. 24-Dec. 4, I696. — My lord ; I am at present at great 
 
 * Lord Sunderland, 
 
1696.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 435 
 
 ease as to Smith's matter, and think the right course is taken in 
 it. I mean that nothing less ought to have been done, and no- 
 thing more (as things stand) can be done safely. I Avill watch it, 
 as well as my little intelligence will enable me, and will do 
 every thing I can to stop any new motion of it, though I hope 
 it will not stir again. 
 
 " Since I wrote to your grace I have had an opportunity of 
 speaking again with the lord* you mention in your letter. He 
 told me he would act as I would have him, and was in haste to 
 be instructed, as he called it ; but I have not seen him since. 
 He also told me he expected the king would declare himself, 
 as to the bill, which I let him know, and am told I may tell 
 my lord, he will do it to the utmost, so that I am prepared for 
 that lord, when he gives me an opportunity. 
 
 " Your grace was excused by the House, as to the day pre- 
 fixed, before your letter came to me, upon the calling of your 
 name. 
 
 " I am most unfeignedly glad to hear of the good effect of 
 the Bath waters, which I hope you will be every day more 
 sensible of, and I cannot express how much I am pleased with 
 having some prospect of your coming to town, which, I think, 
 would make every thing go well. 
 
 " I am told my lord S ■f begins to be of opinion, that 
 
 the bill will pass in the House of Lords. The king does now 
 concern himself that it should pass there, and if he goes on to 
 do so, I do not see but it will be likely enough to go through. 
 In all probabihty it will be brought up on Wednesday. The 
 opposers pretend to try their strength upon the first reading. 
 
 " I have troubled you with this, because you seemed to in- 
 quire after it in your letter. I shall only add that I am," &c. 
 
 * Lord Monmouth. -f Sunderland. 
 
 3 K 2 
 
436 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 CHAPTER 3. 
 
 1696—1697. 
 
 Decision of the House of Lords on the hill of attainder — Disclosure of the insidious prac- 
 tices of lord Monmouth with Fenwick and Smith — Farther proceedings in parliament 
 on this subject, and disgrace and imprisonment of Monmouth — Correspondence in De- 
 cember, 169G, and January, 1697. 
 
 -Having thus developed the principal features of the proceed- 
 ing against sir John Fenwick, in the House of Commons, we now 
 offer to the reader the correspondence which occurred, during the 
 progress of the bill of attainder in the House of Peers. 
 
 The bill was introduced on the 26th of November, and 
 read the first time on the first of December, and the second on 
 the 18th. Penwick was again personally examined, and again 
 displayed the same prevarication as before ; but so hostile was 
 the bill represented to the spirit of the constitution, that the sup- 
 porters of it gradually diminished, on each division, until it was at 
 length carried by a majority of only seven, on the 23rd of De- 
 cember-2nd of January. 
 
 This measure was accomplished principally by the spirit and 
 activity of lord keeper Somers, and the whig chiefs ; who were 
 prompted, not only by an imperious sense of public justice, but 
 by private friendship for the duke of Shrewsbury and admiral 
 Russell. In the Lords, as in the Commons, however, many ad- 
 herents of government, and personal friends of the king, were 
 adverse to the principle of the bill, and the duke of Leeds, pre- 
 sident of the council, was one of forty peers who signed an able 
 protest.* We cannot, however, wonder at this diversity of 
 
 * I think it proper to mention that, in the Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough, chap. 6^ 
 I have erroneously asserted that lord Sunderland was among the opponents of the bill. 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 437 
 
 opinion ; for even the king, though fully convinced of the guilt of 
 Fenwick, evidently acquiesced with reluctance, in a measure which 
 was chiefly grounded on the deficiency of legal proof. 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Recopimends him to recur to other medical advice — Proceedings in the House of Lords 
 on the first reading of the bill of attainder — Declarations of lords Marlborough, Bath, 
 and Godolphin — Singular conduct of lord Monmouth. ] 
 
 " Whitehall, Dec. 1-11, I696. — I cannot tell your grace how 
 concerned I was to find your coach at Woodstock, on Saturday, 
 and to be there told of the misfortune that hindered you from 
 continuing your resolution of being there yourself. I wish to God 
 those, that "have your cure in hand, do pursue the proper methods 
 in order to it ; and though I have all the reverence in the world for 
 the physician you have sent for, yet it is not impossible but that 
 he may mistake your case, and may, perhaps, be set right, by 
 advising and discoursing with others. My lord Montague was 
 very earnest with me upon this subject to-day, to write to you, 
 that you Avould send for a french surgeon, whose name is De 
 Rusiere, and I am inclinable enough to think that it may be more 
 in the surgeon's way to deal with your distemper, than in that of 
 the physician's, at least it cannot be improper that you advise with 
 some of them, before you let this matter go too far; and I cannot 
 but put you in mind, that there is one CoUbach, (of whom I am 
 sure your grace has heard,) who is so particularly famous for the 
 stopping of blood, that I cannot but wish you heard at least what 
 he says to you . 
 
 " What hath passed in the Lords' House this day is hardly worth 
 giving you an account of. The House was first called over, and 
 an order made out, that no lord should go out of the House without 
 le^ve. There appeared 119 lords. The bill was then read, and 
 presently after, the paper sent by sir John Fenwick to the king, 
 and the examination taken by Mr. Vernon. After which lord 
 Nottingham, lord Normanby, and lord president insisted upon it, 
 that before sir John Fenwick was called in, the House should have 
 satisfaction, whether there had been no other papers^ letters, or 
 informations sent to the king, besides those produced, and that a 
 
438 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 message should be sent to the king, to be resolved in that par- 
 ticular. This debate took up a good part of the day, my lord 
 steward and the other lords justices not making the matter so clear, 
 as some thought they might have done, but at last it was ordered 
 that the king should be sent to by the white staves, as soon as the 
 House was up, and in the mean time sir John Fenwick should be 
 called in. 
 
 " My lord keeper had then orders to tell him, that whatever 
 confession he should make there, should not be made use of to his 
 prejudice, either there or elsewhere. The papers were then carried 
 down to him, to know if he owned the one, and if that were his 
 hand-writing, and if the other were the examination, taken of him 
 by Mr. Vernon ; and he was told, that if he was in a disposition to 
 make any confession relating to those papers, or to any thing else, 
 this was the proper time to do it, if he had any thing to say, that 
 were of his own knowledge, or that he could make good by proof. 
 To which he said, he was ignorant of the laws, and of that which 
 might do him good or hurt ; that he desired he might be heard by 
 his counsel against the bill, and that the House would allow him 
 counsel, and his solicitor, and an order for his witnesses. After 
 which he was called in again, and told, that what was expected of 
 him, was only of facts, that none knew but himself, and in which 
 counsel could not advise him. To which he said he had nothing 
 more to say, but what he had said ; and then desired that sir Thomas 
 Powis and the barrister Shore* might be assigned his counsel, and 
 that sir Francis Pemberton might have leave to come to him, to 
 advise him, and named Mr. Dyson for his solicitor, and desired 
 time to name his witnesses. After which, Tuesday next was ap- 
 pointed for his counsel to be heard against the bill, and then the 
 debates will be, whether the bill shall be read a second time. 
 
 " I forgot to tell you, that after the reading of the paper, my 
 lord Marlborough first stood up, and spoke to this purpose : ' that 
 he did not wonder to find a man in- danger, willing to throw his 
 guilt upon any other body ; that he had some satisfaction to be 
 owned in such good company ; but that he assured their lordships 
 
 * Sir Bartholomew Shore. 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 439 
 
 that he had no sort of conversation with him, upon any account 
 whatsoever, since this government, which he said upon his word 
 and honour/ My lord of Bath now made solemn protestations oi' 
 the wrong he did him, in what he said concerning him. After 
 which my lord Godolphin said, ' that he found himself named in 
 two places, first, as having been looked upon as being in king 
 James's interest, from the beginning, and afterwards, as having 
 entered into a negotiation, as was expressed in the paper. As to 
 the first, he confessed he was one of those that had, to the last, 
 continued in king James's service, and he did not know, but from 
 that, king James and his friends might imagine him to continue 
 in that interest, but as to the latter part, there was nothing in 
 tlie world so false.' 
 
 " There was, after sir John Fenwick was Avithdrawn, a complaint 
 made of Fells, the keeper of Newgate, that he allowed him pen, 
 ink, and paper, contrary to the express order of the House. Upon 
 which he was committed to the gate-house, and sir John Fenwick, 
 and the other prisoners of state in Newgate, were put into the 
 charge of the sheriffs of London. 
 
 " My lord Monmouth was observed to be pretty easy and fa- 
 vourable to the prisoner, and to give him all encouragement, to 
 have made out the accusations in his paper ; but when he found 
 him resolved to do nothing of the kind, seemed to shew a good 
 deal of zeal against him afterward. 
 
 " I am apt to think all the delays in the world will be made use 
 of in this matter, and if your grace can make a little haste to be 
 well, you may come befqre it is over." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Money given to Smith — Considerations on that affair — Brief remarks on the transactions 
 relative to the bill of attainder — The king concerned for his grace's relapse, and 
 desists from pressing his journey to town.] 
 
 ''Dec. 10-20, 1696. — My lord; I hope your grace is so just 
 as to think, that the reason why 1 have not, for some time, given 
 you the trouble of my letters, is, because I had nothing of any 
 moment to acquaint you with. 
 
440 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 " This morning, understanding that Smith grows troublesome 
 again, upon pretence of wanting money, and finding that my lord 
 
 P * had given him but five guineas, this second time, upon his 
 
 importunity, and not knowing how that might be improved, I 
 ventured to tell my lord, that I made no doubt but that Mr. Vernon 
 would pay twenty or thirty guineas to any servant of his, in case 
 he would find a time to give it to Smith, as from himself. This I 
 presumed to do, upon what Mr. Vernon had said to me before, and 
 in this manner I thought it was not possible to turn it to any in- 
 convenient interpretation. My lord agreeing to this, I told Mr, 
 Vernon of it, who will pay twenty guineas to my lord's servant, 
 Van Dorp, and my lord will dispose of it accordingly. 
 
 " I am so particular, that your grace may judge if any step in 
 this transaction be wrong, that we may mend it hereafter; for I am 
 not sure but that once again there may be such another occasion, 
 by reason of the delays this business is like to meet with in the 
 House of Lords, which, joined to the necessities of the man, and 
 the temper of those who transact with him, may make him presume 
 yet farther. 
 
 " This gives me an occasion of mentioning a proposition, which 
 my lord Rochester made to my lord Marlborough, of endeavouring 
 to get a vote in the House upon the paper. I told my lord 
 Marlborough my thoughts very freely, which I am sure I need not 
 repeat, because I doubt not but he will write the whole matter to 
 you at large. But give me leave to say, that as I think my lord's 
 meaning was, to make this matter help towards the rejecting of the 
 bill, so I think, till the bill has a farther progress, such a proposal 
 would be as certain not to succeed, and so divide those, who at 
 present seem to be united for the bill, as it will be necessary to have 
 it pressed in the proper time. 
 
 " It is so very late, that I am come from Kensington, that I am 
 afraid Mr. Vernon may be gone from the office, which obliges me 
 to write in great baste. 
 
 " The king told me this night the account he had from sir 
 
 * Portland. 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 441 
 
 Thomas Millington, of your grace's condition, that with care and 
 quiet there was great reason to hope well, but that to stir would 
 endanger your life ; and he is thereupon as much concerned to 
 command you not to attempt coming to town, as he was before 
 desirous to have you here." 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the danger of a french invasion — Ill-provided state of the fleet, and inability of 
 government to obtain supplies of money. J 
 
 " Dec. 15-25, 1696. — My lord ; I have for some time been so ill 
 in my health, and at the same time forced to attend, to prevent 
 the malice of knaves, that would undo me, that ; I have not had 
 time to write to your grace, and have contented myself with asking 
 after your health, of those people that had frequent accounts of it. 
 And I hope you will believe me, when I assure you, that no servant 
 you have is more sincerely glad at the news, that you will do well 
 again, provided you give yourself ease and quiet, which I confess 
 is a hard matter to do, considering the villainy that is set on foot, 
 and carried on by ill-designed men. All I have to comfort myself 
 with, is, that knavery will have its reward, and I question not but 
 the baseness and villainy of these men will be detected ; and, 
 therefore, let me beg your grace not to suffer yourself to let their 
 designs make any impression on you, which will gratify them in a 
 most sensible manner, and as they wish and desire. 
 
 " I believe it is no longer a question, but the french have 
 a formidable design against England. Whether what we are doing, 
 an4 the king will have done, is the way to prevent it, time 
 must shew, which is to have a squadron of ships sent to cruise oh 
 the french coast, and off Brest. For my own part I dread their 
 being disabled by storm, and England left naked, and if they 
 should not go, and the french should land, I do not know who 
 can answer for their lying at Spithead. But what is of more fatal 
 consequence, we have no provisions for the ships that are otherwise 
 ready, nor have the government any money to give for that service, 
 
 3 L 
 
442 CORRESPONDENCE [PaeT lit— Ch. 3. 
 
 or the — — * credit for a barrel of beer. These are melancholy 
 reifections, and, for my own part, I can see little more to help on 
 but Providence. 
 
 " The king has not yet resolved to send for any men, out of 
 Flanders, without which, if the enemy should land, I know we are 
 not in a condition, as to numbers, to make any head against them. 
 If fortune carries us over this business, I fancy we may expect 
 quiet afterwards, but what will be the fate of the attempt, God 
 knows. 
 
 " I say nothing of this day's business in the Lords' House, 
 because I know you will have it from those that will be very 
 particular, nor have I any thing more to add, but that I am with 
 the greiatest truth and respect imaginable," &c. 
 
 Hitherto we have abstained from troubling the reader with um 
 necessary comments, but the succeeding correspondence contains 
 such extraordinary disclosures, that we cannot omit to recommend 
 it to particular attention. It will there appear, that lord 
 Monmouth,+ who has already been described as taking a warm 
 and mysterious interest in the fate of sir John Fenwick, had 
 
 * Illegible. 
 
 f Charles Mordaunt, earl of Monmouth, was the eldest son of John, lord Mordaunt, 
 and viscount Avalon, who was second son of John, first earl of Peterborough. 
 
 This nobleman, who was afterwards so well known under the title of the earl of Peter- 
 borough, was bom about 1658, and at an early period was distinguished for his gallant 
 and martial spirit. He commenced his career in the sea service, during the war with the 
 state of Algiers, and afterwards assisted in the siege of Tangier, then the great theatre of 
 british valour. During the reign of king James, he stood foremost among the zealous 
 opponents to the arbitrary measures of the court : and repairing to Holland, under the 
 plea of entering into the dutch navy, was one of the first who offered his services to the 
 prince of Orange, by whom he was treated with a degree of confidence, which neither his 
 years, nor his eccentric character seemed to warrant. 
 
 In 1688, he accompanied the expedition to England, and, on the accession of William, 
 was sworn of the privy council, made one of the lords of the bed-chamber, and placed at the 
 head of the Treasury. That he might be enabled to assist at the coronation, he was, in 
 April, 1689, created earl of Monmouth. He was removed from the Treasury on the 
 dismission of the whig ministry, in November, 1690, but continued to retain his posts in 
 the royal household. 
 
1696-.1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 443 
 
 prompted him in his different charges ; and had even employed the 
 agency of his aunt, the duchess of Norfolk, to furnish lady Mary 
 Fenwick with papers and suggestions of farther imputation^, in the 
 hope that some of these hints, which were partly true, might give 
 a stronger colour of credibility to the rest, and raise suspicions 
 in the mind of the king, against the duke of Shrewsbury and the 
 other persons accused. He also encouraged Fenwick to avail 
 himself of these insinuations, by offering his assistance, in obtaining 
 an acquittal ; but finding him too honourable to adopt his infor- 
 mations, he evinced the bitterest enmity against him, and sup- 
 ported the bill of attainder with greater vehemence, than even 
 those who were personally implicated in the charges. Such 
 unmerited enmity provoked lady Mary Fenwick ; and with a view 
 to expose his treachery, she instigated her nephew, "the earl of 
 Carlisle, to move that her husband might be examined, with respect 
 to the advices which he had received from other persons, in framing 
 his accusations. The conduct of Monmouth was thus unex- 
 pectedly developed ; and the farther disclosures, which occurred 
 on the examination of Smith, who was another of his instruments, 
 excited such indignation, that a vote was readily obtained for his 
 committal to the Tower. 
 
 LORD WHARTON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 After lamenting that his grace was prevented from repairing to 
 London, by another relapse, and recommending farther medical 
 advice, he proceeds to describe the final reading of the bill of 
 attainder, and the unexpected discovery of lord Monmouth's 
 machinations : — 
 
 " Dec. 24<-Jan. 3, 1696-7. — Some other of your grace's hmnble 
 servants have undertaken to give you their opinions of what hath 
 
 Being of a restless, enterprising, and aspiring temper, he caballed with all parties, 
 and was suspected of entertaining a correspondence with the exiled monarch, though at the 
 same time he was treated with unabated consideration by king William, and enjoyed the 
 honour of frequent and confidential audiences. The motive of his aversion to the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, we are unable to trace ; but, from the levity of his character, and the nature 
 of the plot itself, we can scarcely attribute it to any other cause, than his passion for 
 notoriety, and predominant disposition to intrigue. 
 
 3 l2 
 
444 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 passed in the House of Lords, for the two days last past, and 
 have commanded me to give you as good an account as I can re- 
 member of matters of fact. 
 
 " On Tuesday last, the 22nd, it was ordered, that the bill for 
 attainting sir John Fenwick should be read the third time. Then 
 the House was called (which was done every day that the debkte 
 hath been about this bill). The lord Jefferys presented a petition 
 from sir John Fenwick, by which he desired he might be heard 
 before the third reading of the bill (which was granted without op- 
 position), and the House adjourned till he was brought from New- 
 gate. When he came to the bar, he said to this effect : That he had 
 a desire to clear himself- as much as possible. That the bill, as it was 
 drawn by the king's learned counsel did not say he was guilty ; that 
 the word guilty was put in as an amendment, in the House of Com- 
 mons, from which he inferred, that the king's counsel, who drew the 
 bill, did not think him guilty. That when he went to the King's-head, 
 in Leadenhall-street, he went not with any intention to send an 
 invitation to king James of coming hither with any french force, 
 nor did he consent to any such message, by any words he said. 
 That he had no knowledge of the late intended invasion from 
 Calais, nor knew any person that had, nor was he prepared with 
 horses or arms, then or at any time for these four years last past. 
 (All which he declared with the most solemn asseverations.) And 
 last of all, that what he had written in the paper he gave to the 
 duke of Devonshire, was truth, as far as he knew. 
 
 " My lord keeper then asked him, if he had any thing more to 
 say, or if he were inclined to confess any thing to the House. To 
 which he answered, that he had no more to add, but submitted 
 himself to their lordships, only desired doctor White might come 
 to him, and his wife. 
 
 "When he was withdrawn, lord Carlisle desired he might be called 
 in, and asked, if he received any directions, either by message or 
 writing, how to govern himself on his trial ; to which he ansAvered, 
 that he had received no advice but from his counsel. Lord Carlisle 
 desired then, that he might be called in again, and asked him, if he 
 had not received any such directions from some member of the 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 445 
 
 House of Commons, or of this House ; to which he said, he had 
 not received any such, since he had been at the bar of the Lords. 
 After man}' questions and answers, he owned at last, that whilst 
 he was before the House of Commons, he had received a paper, 
 brought by his wife, which (as she said) was given to her by the 
 duchess of Norfolk,* from my lord Monmouth ; that he had it 
 not, but had returned it to his wife again. Upon this lord Mon- 
 mouth desired the duchess of Norfolk might be sent for; and 
 lord Carlisle desired Mrs. Lawson might be sent for, and lady 
 Mary, who was sent for. 
 
 " It was then moved, that sir John Fenwick might be called 
 in, and asked, if he were willing to make any explanation of 
 those things which he offered to explain to the king; and lord 
 steward pressed him to explain, when called in. He then ob- 
 jected, that he wanted a security that nothing that he should 
 say should prove to his prejudice. The House then passed a 
 vote, that nothing that he should say at the bar of the House 
 should prove to his prejudice; which, when he was acquainted 
 with, he objected that the security of a vote continued no longer 
 than during the session. The House upon this voted an address 
 to the king, that nothing which sir John Fenwick should say at 
 the bar of the House, should be made use of as evidence against 
 him, in any other place. He then objected that the address might 
 be either granted or refused, and that he had no security till the 
 king returned an answer. Upon which the House adjourned, 
 till I took a journey to Kensington, and brought back the king's 
 answer, which was in the affirmative. 
 
 " When he was acquainted with it, he said, that when he first 
 spoke with the duke of Devonshire, he insisted upon two things, 
 which were,^ that he should have a general pardon, and that he 
 should not be niade an evidence : to which he said the duke told 
 him, that there was no objection made to his demands ; upon 
 which he depended that they were granted. But his grace de- 
 
 * Mary, daughter of Henry, second earl of Peterborough, and wife of Thomas, duke 
 of Norfolk, who was then separated from her husband, on a charge of adultery. 
 
446 CORRESPONDENCE [Part. Ill— Ch. 3. 
 
 clared that he gave him no answer at all, when he made those 
 demands ; but acquainted the king with them ; who returned 
 answer that he would not capitulate ; with which he acquainted 
 sir John Fenwick, and received his paper. Sir John said he 
 heard no such words ; but lord steward pressing him at last, to 
 say whether he ever made him any promise of either of thiese 
 things, he confessed he had not, but yet he made no objection. 
 
 " After this, my lord keeper had orders to tell him, that the 
 House did not think fit beforehand to make him any such pro-' 
 mise; but that they would intercede with the king for him, if 
 they found the discovery he made deserved it ; but that it was 
 more proper that he should trust the House, than that the House 
 should trust him. But he was very positive that he would say 
 nothing till he. had that security, and was, therefore, sent away, 
 being told that this was the last time he should have an oppor- 
 tunity of speaking. 
 
 " The messengers that went for the three ladies, returned with 
 lady Mary, but brought word they could not find the duchess and 
 Mrs. Lawson. 
 
 " Lady Mary said she had received three papers at several 
 times from the duchess, which (she said) came from lord Mon- 
 mouth ; that she had shewn them to sir John, but had kept them 
 herself; and had brought them with her; two of which papers 
 were only copies, (the originals being desired back,) but the third 
 was the original. She said she had desired to speak with lord 
 Monmouth herself, but he refused it ; but that he had offered to 
 speak to sir Thomas Powis, which sir Thomas refused. It was 
 by this time near twelve o'clock, and the House adjourned the 
 reading and debate of the bill, till the next day. 
 
 " I will not entertain your grace with the particulars of this 
 debate. It lasted about six hours, and was managed by. lord 
 Nottingham, lord president, lord Normanby, bishop of London, 
 lord Torrington, lord Ferrers on the one side ; and the archbishop 
 of Canterbury, bishop of Sarum, lord Tankerville, lord Mon- 
 mouth, lord Cornwallis, lord Haversham, on the other. At the 
 close of the debate, the duke of Devonshire made a motion to 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 447 
 
 change the penalty of the bill, from loss of life to perpetual 
 imprisonment ; with which lord Rochester closed (and it looked 
 as if concerted betAveen them) ; but the question was soon after 
 put, which went as you will find in the inclosed paper.* 
 
 " At six o'clock the duchess of Norfolk and Mrs. Lawson 
 came to the House, and, after the question of the bill, the duchess 
 was called in. She seemed to turn the matter as much to the 
 advantage of my lord Monmouth as she well could. When the 
 papers were shewed to her, she said she knew them not, nor of 
 whose hand-swriting they were. Being desired to read them, and 
 to recollect herself, if they were to the same effect with any papers 
 she had seen before ; she said she could not, for though perhaps 
 she might have read them, yet she did not at all mind them, nor 
 remember the substance, they being matters in which she had no 
 sort of concern. She owned that she conveyed two or three 
 papers from my lord Monmouth to lady Mary ; but whether these 
 were the same, or copies of them, or to the same effect, she could not 
 tell. She owned she had had some discourse with lord Monmouth, 
 of advice to sir John on his trial ; and that, out of compassion 
 to him, she had employed herself in carrying the same to lady 
 Mary. She was upon this examination near an hour, in which 
 she behaved herself with more good sense than ever I saw ; and 
 my lord Normanby carried it on with his usual kindness to the 
 lord concerned, who behaved himself with more disturbance of 
 mind, than I thought he could have been capable of. 
 
 " When she was gone, (Mrs. Lawson was not at all examined,) 
 he said to this purpose, that he had indeed talked with the 
 duchess upon this subject, which was occasioned by the discourse 
 was spread abroad, that he was in sir John Fenwick's first paper, 
 of which the duchess gave him assurance to the contrary, by order 
 of lady Mary ; that what he advised and designed was only to 
 persuade the discovering of the truth ; and that they had made 
 a collection of several things, from several people, which they 
 seemed to lay all to him. He was so confused in what he said, 
 
 * riie bill, as we have already mentioned, passed by a majority of only seven. 
 
44.8 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III— Ch. 3. 
 
 and it was so late, and the House so weary, that it was hard to 
 make either head or tail of what he said ; and so that matter 
 rests ; the papers being left with lord keeper. He will, perhaps, 
 give you an account of them, which I cannot well do ; only that 
 they were heads of advice, by what methods to make, good and 
 prove the information he had given in, against the four first lords 
 in the first paper ; and several arguments to persuade him of the 
 reasonableness of his taking those methods to save himself. I 
 must have tired your grace by this time. I am in the country 
 till towards Twelve-tide, and wish I could learn there was any 
 hopes of meeting your grace in town about that time." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERa TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Proceedings in the House of Lords on passing the bill of attainder — Astonishment excited 
 
 by the conduct of lord Monmouth.] 
 
 " Dec. 24-Jaw. 3, 1696-7. — My lord ; I never trouble your grace 
 but when I think something which has happened may give me a 
 reasonable occasion; and, therefore, I hope you conclude that 
 when I do not write, it is because I have nothing worth writing 
 about ; or because I take it for granted, that you have informations 
 from persons, who can give you a more particular account. 
 
 " The thing I hinted at in my last, which I supposed my lord 
 Marlborough would give your grace a particular account of, 
 because he said he would do so, was a proposition from my lord 
 Rochester, that an attempt should be made, to have the same 
 vote in the House of Lords, or to the same effect, as was made 
 in the House of Commons, expressing their opinion of sir John 
 Fenwick's paper, which we judged to be wholly improper at the 
 time he proposed it, and designed pHncipally to obstruct the 
 passing of the' bill, by dividing some who were likely to be earnest 
 for it. 
 
 " I will not pretend to give you an account of j^esterday's 
 business in the House of Lords, because 1 assure myself you 
 have it at large from my lord Wharton. The majority of 18 upon 
 the former divisions was reduced to 7 ; when the question was 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &6. 449 
 
 put for passing the bill, the lord steward, lord chamberlain,* lord 
 privy seal,f and the duke of Ormond voting against it: the prince :J; 
 voted for it, but came late, and was brought with difficulty (though 
 not proceeding from himself) as I understand. 
 
 " The business of my lord Monmouth, which was started on 
 Tuesday, to divert the business of the bill, and was carried on 
 yesterday, after the bill was passed, and stands now adjourned to 
 the first day when the House meets again, is so very amazing, 
 that people are at a loss what to think of it. We had heard of 
 it before, in general, and, amongst other things, that he had en- 
 couraged sir John Fenwick to name Smith, upon a pretence that 
 he would produce original letters, to justify his paper, which we 
 took to be a contrivance to bring Smith before the House. And 
 since your knowing it would perhaps make you uneasy, and 
 could be of no service, I was utterly against making any mention 
 of it to your grace. But now the bill is over, and that it is not 
 possible it should hurt any body but himself, I think it seasonable 
 to acquaintjyou, that on Wednesday it was introduced by a ques- 
 tion of my lord Carlisle to sir John Fenwick, whether he had not 
 received instri^ctions how to manage himself at the bar, from a 
 member of one of the Houses. To this he said, my lady Mary 
 Fenwick had brought him some papers, and told him she had 
 them from the duchess of Norfolk, who had them from this lord. 
 
 " My lady Mary, upon oath affirmed the same thing in effect, 
 and produced three papers, two of which she said were copies, 
 and the third the original. The duchess would not own those 
 to be the papers, pretending she was not nice in considering or 
 reading them, the business not being her own, and she acting 
 only out of compassion ; but she owned she had papers from my 
 lord, and did transmit them to my lady Mary. 
 
 " That your curiosity may be fully satisfied in this matter, I 
 have sent you copies of the papers, (which I must oblige you not 
 to own -you ever saw, because I doubt it is not to be justified. 
 
 * The earl of Dorset. •{■ The earl of Pembroke. 
 
 J Prince George, of Denmark. 
 
 3 M 
 
450 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 they being put by the House into my hands ;) the two first were 
 given to my lady Mary, when the bill depended in the House of 
 Commons.* 
 
 * This communication consisted, as has been already stated, of three different papers. 
 The first was written in Fenwick's own name, and contained various demands, which he 
 intended to offer, for the purpose of substantiating his charges. Thus : lords Portland 
 and Romney were to be questioned concerning intelligence given to the king, of the cor- 
 respondence held with king James, by persons of consequence in England. The duke of 
 Norfolk was also to be questioned on the same subject ; and particularly as to the informa- 
 tion, which he had received from captain Smith, and communicated to the king. The 
 king himself was to be requested to impart the information laid against lord Marlborough, 
 when he was dismissed and sent to the Tower ; and likewise respecting letters from king 
 James, and his queen, to lord XJodolphin. Lastly, captain Smith was to be examined as 
 to his correspondence with the duke of Shrewsbury, and to be required to produce some 
 of his original letters. 
 
 The second paper was evidently intended as a species of "supplement to the first, and 
 chiefly consists of arguments in support of the probability of his charges. A new and 
 distinct insinuation, is, however, 'brought forward against the duke of Shrewsbury and 
 admiral Russell, in these words : " Insist on the manner and time of Shrewsbury's laying 
 down, and Russell's laying down, when the three admirals came in ; and the surprising 
 and sudden coming in of Shrewsbury again, which could not then be voluntary ; and what 
 could constrain him, but the king's having some discovery of his dealings, by which means 
 he was in his power." Against lords Marlborough and Crodolphin, the insinuations con- 
 tained in the first paper are also renewed in another shape. 
 
 This paper is written partly in the first, and partly in the third, person, in a crude and 
 incongruous style ; and is evidently a series of hints furnished to the prisoner, by another 
 hand, rather than the suggestions of his own mind. It is introduced with the following 
 singular observations : — 
 
 " I insist on the improbability of my falsely accusing the great men of several parties- 
 for my safety. 
 
 " That, allowing any part of what I have said upon hearsay to be false, it may, never- 
 theless, be true, that such were the informations given to me, by those that governed 
 party." 
 
 The last paper was drawn up after the bill had passed the House of Commons, and con- 
 tains a series of considerations addressed to the prisoner, as to the best mode of defeating 
 It in the House of Lords. He is earnestly urged to make an ingenuous confession, and,' 
 above all, to prove the truth of his charges, with the proviso that " he could, with truth, 
 abide by it ; and, if so, his conscience, his reputation, and safety, are equally concerned in 
 It. This argument is enforced in a variety of forms, and particular stress is laid on the 
 consideration, that he would thus neither alienate or endanger any of the Tory and Jacobite 
 party, while he would inevitably divide and weaken those who were hostile to his cause.* 
 
 * From the papers, as printed in the Journals of the Lords, January 9, 1696-7. 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 451 
 
 " I will pass no censure upon them, but leave your grace to 
 your own thoughts upon such a subject, and will only add, how 
 very heartily I wish an entire recovery of your health, and how 
 very sincerely I am," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD KEEPER SOMERS. 
 
 [Death of sir Charles Porter, lord chancellor of Ireland, a fortunate event — Strongly re- 
 commends Mr. Methuen to succeed — Uncertainty as to the fate of sir John Fenwick.] 
 
 " Eyford, Dec. 24<-Jan. 3, l6'96-7 ; My lord ; this post having 
 brought the news of sir Charles Porter's death, I cannot but look 
 upon it a great good fortune to the king's affairs in Ireland,* to 
 be rid of a-raan, who had formed so troublesome a party in that 
 kingdom, which may now easily be set right again, if the govern- 
 ment be put in good hands, and his employment filled with an 
 honest and prudent person. I hope your lordship's recommenda- 
 tion, as it ought, will have the principal influence on the king's 
 choice, and, therefore, I might rest satisfied, that it will be well 
 supplied. However, having here more leisure to think than I know 
 how usefully to employ, I too often busy my head with what I 
 am sensible I do not understand. One instance of this kind is 
 my venturing to offer Mr. Methuen's name to your lordship's 
 thoughts, to be chancellor of Ireland. I take him to be a man 
 of good temper and prudence, and, by all I could ever learn, 
 perfectly well affected to his majesty's interest. How able he 
 may be in his profession, what other objections, or what other 
 person may be offered much more fit, I submit ; but know this 
 gentleman is one the king has a good opinion of, and think he 
 has behaved himself very prudently abroad. This would probably 
 open a way for disposing of sir John Rushout, much to his satis- 
 faction ; but though I should be glad to serve sir John, yet would 
 not wish to do it, so much to the king's expense, as to endeavour 
 to promote a person to the great seal of Ireland, who was not well 
 qualified for so considerable a station. 
 
 • For an account of Irish affairs, see the correspondence with the king, p. 109 ; and 
 the next chapter. 
 
 3 M 2 
 
452 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch; ^. 
 
 " We are yet here in uncertainty about sir John Fenwick's fate. 
 You have been so tired with that business, that it is scarce civil 
 to name his name ; and for the same reason, much less mention 
 my own health, which is so very inconstant, that three days ago 
 I thought myself near well ; but this thaw has made such a change 
 for the worse, that gives me cause to apprehend my condition is 
 far from being so well as I hoped ; but let it be what it will, whilst 
 I am any thing, I must be, with great truth," &c. 
 
 We here present a few additional details on the third reading 
 of the bill, which are found in a letter from Mr. Vernon, because 
 they contribute to shew the extreme difficulty, which attended its 
 passage through the House of Lords. 
 
 MR. VERNON TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Dec. 24i-Jan. 3, 1696-7. — 1 shall first acquaint your grace that 
 the Lords sat till nine ; the bill of attainder was passed between 
 seven and eight : it was carried only by a majority of seven, and one 
 would wonder it passed at all, when one considers who they were 
 that voted against it, particularly all the lords justices who had 
 voices, except the archbishop of Canterbury^ Avho spoke for the 
 bill to admiration. My lord Godolphin, being of that opinion, 
 was the less wondered at, since it was consistent with his former 
 vote against the second reading; but my lord privy seal, lord, 
 steward, and lord chamberlain, renounced their former vote, as 
 also did the duke of Ormond, duke of Somerset, lord Willoughby 
 of Eresby, lord Fitzwaters, and some others. 
 
 " The bishops stuck as they were, the prince and lord Bradford 
 stayed it out, and voted for the bill ; lord Chesterfield, who would 
 have been against it, was absent. The lords who were against 
 the bill thought to have cast a reproach upon the bishops, for 
 differing from them, but my lord of Canterbury wiped it off, and 
 justified their opinions from Scripture, reason, and whatever else 
 was proper to support it. The former day's proceedings did not 
 hinder, but the earl of Monmouth spoke and voted for the 
 bill." 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 453 
 
 The conduct of Monmouth seems to have excited no less 
 abhorrence than surprise. Indeed, nothing could equal the 
 a,trocity of the charge, except the effrontery with which he dis- 
 avowed it, when he was disappointed by its failure. An extract 
 from a letter of Mr. Vernon will display the contemptible evasions 
 with which he endeavoured to justify and gloss his attempt : 
 
 " Dec. 29-Jan. 8, 1696-7- — I hear of him, in other conversations 
 that he denies the giving any papers, or particular advices ; that 
 he rails at the duchess, says she is perjured ; and his lady doth the 
 same, and yet hath sent to the duchess to know when she may wait 
 upon her ; so that no stone is to be left unturned, to bring this 
 matter off one way or another ; and some are to be disposed for 
 public considerations to let the prosecution fall. If they do it, I 
 hope they will be satisfied, that he be first made to understand he 
 receives a grace, and not bestows one. He was with the king on 
 Sunday near two hours. I do not believe he hath convinced his 
 majesty, that he hath kept within bounds in this matter." 
 
 It is, indeed, singular to observe Monmouth treated with this 
 extraordinary consideration by the king, at the very moment when 
 he laboured under a charge so disgraceful ; and no less singular to 
 find lord Sunderland interesting himself in his behalf, and striving 
 to promote his reconciliation with the duke of Shrewsbury, and 
 those whom he had so insidiously endeavoured to injure. This 
 interference, as will hereafter appear, gave great offence to the 
 whigs. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Congratulates him on the conclusion of Fenwick's business.] 
 
 " Dec. 29-Jan. 8, 1696-7.— My lord ; All your friends are so 
 well pleased with the conclusion of sir John Fenwick's affair, in 
 what relates to you, that I cannot but join with some, who I 
 believe have let you know their sense of it already. I was always 
 of opinion it could have no other end, and we are now more 
 
454 CORiRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ck: 3. 
 
 impatient than ever for your perfect recovery, that we may see 
 you here. I hope you are so just, as to beheve I yield to none in 
 being most truly," &c. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the affair of sir John Fenwick— Lord Monmouth wishes for an accommodation, and 
 is supported by lord Sunderland— Presses the Duke of Shrewsbury not to resign.] 
 
 « Dec. 31-Jan. 10, 1696-7.— My lord ; I am extremely con- 
 cerned to find, by Mr. Vernon, that your health is not like to be 
 restored to you, so soon as I was in hopes it would. I know you 
 have so particular an account of our proceedings here, that I shall 
 trouble you with but little on that subject, only this I must tell 
 you, as a piece of news, that is come only to my knowledge as yet, 
 that the lord* that has made all this bustle, has been this morning 
 with our pretended friend,t and proposes peace, and that friend of 
 ours seems inclined that way. The answer I made was, that I 
 would endeavour to drive it as far as it would go, as I supposed 
 the rest of the persons named by him would do the same, for since 
 he had run about the town, to all people that would give him the 
 hearing, to asperse us, and now seeing he could do nothing, 
 in order to justify himself, he desires to have this matter made up 
 and his villany concealed. I could not help saying this with 
 some heat, and I believe it is right, for they are all knaves alike ; 
 God delirer honest men out of their hands. I long to see you, 
 and had not this foolish report happened about a descent, I had 
 resolved to a-laid coaches, to a come down to you. 
 
 " Whatever you resolve to do, I will do the same. I find the 
 party will not hear of any body's talking of your quitting ; but this 
 is a subject too large to write on ; but upon the whole matter, if it 
 be agreeable to your judgment, before you take your resolution, 
 give me leave to have some discourse with you : not that I am so 
 vain to think myself a proper man to prevail with you, but this I 
 assure you, whatever you resolve on, I will take my fortune in it. 
 I have nothing more to trouble you with, but that I am," &c. 
 
 ._,) —, , ' : 
 
 * Lord Monmouth. f Lord Sunderland. 
 
1C9G— 1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 456 
 
 Although the fate of Fen wick may be said to have Uttle con- 
 nection with the duke of Shrewsbury, yiet we cannot dismiss the 
 subject, without observing that the bill of attainder received 
 the royal assent on the 1 Ith of January. Attempts were made 
 to procure a reprieve, or commutation of punishment, but with- 
 out effect; and he was beheaded on Tower-hill, on the 28th 
 of January, 1696-7. He behaved with great firmness at the place 
 of execution, and delivered a sealed paper to the sheriff, solemnly 
 disavowing any share in the assassination plot, and denying the 
 charge of conspiring to promote an invasion from France, but 
 strenuously professing his loyalty to king James, and testifying the 
 most fervent hope of his speedy restoration. 
 
 The subsequent letters detail the consequences which arose out 
 of the accusations of Fenwick, and in particular relate the pro- 
 ceedings against lord Monmouth. They shew also the result of 
 the examination of Smith, whose accusations against the noble se- 
 cretary, at first assumed the most serious character, and awakened 
 the deepest interest; but, on inquiry, proved no less frivolous 
 than unfounded. " 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the proceedings of lord Monmouth, and the afPaix of Smith — Thinks that these pre- 
 tended disclosures cannot turn to the prejudice of his grace.] 
 
 " Jan. 5-15, 1696-7. — 1 was extremely desirous of sending your 
 grace something more material, when I wrote, than this is like to 
 bring ; yet the time of the meeting of the House of Lords coming 
 near, I would not defer longer to tell you my thoughts of what 
 my lord JVIonmouth's business is likely to end in. At first (as I 
 am told, for I did not see him) there was a war declared, and it 
 Avas to be expected how it would break out. Since that, overtures 
 of accommodation have taken place, and some, \yho are not 
 unknown to yo4.ir grace ; have thought it not unreasonable, that 
 people should be easy in it, because no one could be responsible 
 to what a degree such a temper might be driven. To tell you very 
 freely my opinion, I think, and I have some reason for it, that the 
 party himself has no hopes of doing any thing of that kind, which 
 
456 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. S- 
 
 is material. And I believe he is sufficiently informed of the 
 consequences, so as not rashly to run himself upon what must 
 turn upon himself only, and upon this ground it is that I believe 
 the flag of truce has been hung out. 
 
 " My lord M * and Mr. R— j- will be with me to- 
 morrow morning, and I shall then know their thoughts, as I 
 -suppose, and learn what informations they have got. But I think 
 all the discourses, which have been given, out are in hopes to prevail 
 for some moderation, and not to have things pushed to extremity 
 against the person concerned. 
 
 " As to the business of Smith, it is not possible it should 
 turn toany the least disadvantage to your grace ; for, if that matter 
 should be any way mentioned, the king will say, he was informed 
 of it by your grace, from time to time. As to the original letters, 
 I dare say you may depend upon it, as a mere artifice, to bring sir 
 John Fenwick to call upon Smith ; which he would never have 
 done, if he had thought the letters had imported no more than 
 what those notes your grace wrote to Smith, do concern ; so that, if 
 I am able to judge, 1 think this whole matter (as far as I can yet 
 see into it) does not deserve to take up your thoughts any longer, 
 because whatever disposition there may be, there is no power to 
 do mischief; and I hope my next to your grace will inform you 
 that my conjecture is become a certainty. 
 
 " Upon what Mr. Vernon said to me from your grace, I did 
 send to have the accusation made by Pean inquired into, and I 
 find there is nothing in it more, than that the man he pretends to 
 charge, has absconded upon it. 
 
 " As to Mr. Methuen s business, I am sure I shall be willing, in 
 that and all other things, to go along with your grace ; but, as I 
 have no sort of objection, so I can say nothing particular as to his 
 qualifications for that part of the business which relates to the 
 chancery. I am sure I have nobody else to propose, and, if I had, 
 I would never do it, when I knew you had one in your thoughts." 
 
 * Marlborough. f Russell. 
 
1696—1697.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, &c. 457 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Examination of Smith, and proceedings of the House of Lords on his communications.] 
 
 " Ja7i. 12-22, 1696-7. — My lord; I was in full expectation 
 to have sent you word this night of the entire determination of all 
 those things, which have created some uneasiness to your grace, 
 whilst you have been confined by your illness, at such a distance 
 from this place ; and, indeed, I did not intend to have given you 
 the trouble of another letter, till I could have given you such an 
 account. But the House of Lords having ordered IVIr. Vernon to 
 send a messenger to your grace, to know if Smith's letters to 
 you, in February last, are extant, and if so, to desire that you 
 would find a way to have them laid before the House on Friday 
 next, I thought it absolutely necessary to give you some infor- 
 mation on the grounds of sending that message, and also of Avhat 
 has been doing for these three or four days. 
 
 " On Saturday, the House came to a vote, that the three papers 
 delivered into the House by my lady Mary Fenwick, contained 
 matters of a scandalous nature, and that the contrivance of them 
 was a high crime and misdemeanour. They also ordered, that 
 Smith should be taken into custody. 
 
 " Your grace will easily suppose that my lord Monmouth found 
 himself concerned in the first of these votes, and was not idle on 
 Sunday, and that (as is his manner) he tried all ways to avoid the 
 censure, which must fall upon him, if this contrivance should be 
 applied to him. But the king did directly refuse to interpose 
 in his behalf; since which he has seemed to acquiesce, if he might 
 come off with a censure for indiscretion, but applies himself to avoid 
 the having the papers adjudged to be his. 
 
 *' Yesterday, after the king had passed sir John Fenwick's bill, 
 the House went again upon the adjourned debate, and my lord 
 Monmouth desired he might examine Smith, as to several things 
 which might make for his defence ; and he spent a long time in 
 this, but I think very little to his advantage. When this was done, 
 the farther consideration of his business was put off till to-morrow, 
 
 3 N 
 
458 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Cfi. 3. 
 
 he having, as he alleged, some witnesses to examine, which I fancy 
 will do him but little service. 
 
 " The House proceeded to examine Smith, as to the original 
 letters, and the correspondence so much talked of, and upon his 
 oath he declared, that he never had, nor kncAV of any original 
 letters or papers, relating to any correspondence with king James, 
 nor that he knew of any correspondence with king James, carried 
 on by any persons concerned in this government, nor that he knew 
 who the persons were, whom sir John Fenwick had named in his 
 paper, otherwise than by report of the town; and farther that 
 the original letters which he had of your grace's, related only to 
 the transaction between your grace and him, as being employed by 
 you to get intelligence. 
 
 " Then he was asked, if he knew any thing against my lord 
 Marlborough, or Mr. Russell, or my lord Godolphin, or my lord 
 Bath, and he said he did not. But being asked, if he knew any 
 thing against your grace, he said he knew nothing against you, but 
 your ingratitude to him, for his services. This set the House 
 a laughing, and all appeared to be ended there. But I know not 
 how my lord Rochester, after some time, moved that Smith's 
 papers, which he. said he had left in Mr. Secretary's hands, shovdd 
 be sent for, and the House of Commons should be desired to give 
 Mr. Vernon leave to attend, and also that Hewit, who was named 
 by Smith, should be sent for. The occasion for this was given by 
 a question asked of Smith, what his services were. 
 
 " Accordingly, this morning, Mr. Vernon did attend, and gave 
 an account of all he remembered, relating to Smith and his intelli- 
 gence, and after that, we had so ordered it, that it was well enough 
 introduced to have my lord Portland own, that Smith had pre- 
 tended to give intelligence to him, for these six weeks ; and, that they 
 might see of what consequence the man was, he was willing to«hew 
 them the letters ; and they were produced and read, and relating to 
 things, fresh in every one's memory, the impertinence appeared to 
 the last degree, and gave every one a proper character of the man, 
 and that his whole design was to get money. 
 
 Thereupon he was called in and examined, and owned that he 
 
1696-1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 459 
 
 had no other intelligencer but Hewit, and thatHewit gave him that, 
 which he pretended to be a.copy of Melfort's* letter to my lord 
 Portland ; then Hewit was called in, and he swore he collected 
 that letter out of the Penny Post,-)- and then they were confronted, 
 and, upon the whole matter, made a great deal of sport for the 
 House. 
 
 " One might have thought that this would have put an end to 
 any farther consideration of such an intelligencer, especially after 
 the House had been informed by the king's leave, that he remem- 
 bered that your grace had several times acquainted him with the 
 accounts you had from this fellow, and several lords declared that 
 they remembered the king made mention of it, at the cabinet 
 council, when he first told them of the plot. But my lord Ha- 
 versham would not rest till the letters of Smith, in February last, 
 were read. That made it necessary that the rest of the letters 
 (which contain mere impertinences only, and a perpetual craving 
 of money) should be read also ; for those will shew how little 
 ground your grace had to expect any thing from him, and upon 
 this, the consideration of the matter was put off till Friday, and in 
 the interim, the message was ordered to go to your grace. 
 
 " Some of the lords are of opinion, that the letter of the ipth of 
 February, being very particular, has been mended by Smith in his 
 copy, and therefore were the more earnest to see the original. That 
 your grace may judge of it, I have sent a copy of it, which I 
 have transcribed out of Smith's book, which he gave the king, and 
 which the king put into my hands to read, for Smith's papers are 
 sealed up in the House. I cannot pardon myself for giving you 
 this tedious trouble, but my meaning is good in it. I would not 
 only have you safe and vindicated, (which I can see no doubt of,) 
 but perfectly easy, and I wish I may soon see you perfectly well, 
 
 * James Drummond, viscount and afterwards earl of Melfort, was secretary of state for 
 Scotland in 1685, and attached himself to the fortunes of king James. At the Revo- 
 lution he accompanied him in his exile, and was one of his principal ministers and agents 
 abroad. 
 
 ■f The title of a newspaper published at the time. 
 
 3 N 2 
 
46*0 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 that I may give you yet a more tedious account of passages, proper 
 for you to know, though not proper for a letter." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD KEEPER SOMERS. 
 
 [For the information of the House of Lords, on his intercourse and correspondence with 
 
 Smith.] 
 
 " Eyford,* Jan. li3-23, 1696-7- — My lord ; having received the 
 commands of the House of Lords, to lay before their lordships, what 
 letters I received from one Smith, in February last ; or, in case I 
 kept none, then to acquaint the House with what I remember was 
 contained in them ; I am very sorry not to be able so fully to 
 comply with their lordships directions, as I could wish ; for having 
 heard, long since, that this man did pretend to great merit for his 
 discoveries, and had, on several occasions, in a very unhandsome 
 manner, complained of me ; I did then endeavour to collect what 
 letters he had sent me, that I might judge, how his intelligencje 
 appeared, when put together, for as it came to me, I could make 
 little of it. But I found I could retrieve so few, and those generally 
 of an old date, (when I had more value for his intelhgence than I 
 had afterwards,) that I am almost certain I have none of those 
 letters left, which their lordships desire to see. I shall therefore 
 apply myself to give them the best account I can, of what he did 
 inform me, that was most material at that time, which I am the 
 better able to recollect, because several things he then mentioned, fell 
 out so true, that I was surprised, how he could send them, and not 
 more, till I understood he had his intelligence from one Hewit, a 
 youth, that lived with major Holmes's brother, (I think,) and was, 
 about that time, employed to wait on sir George Berkeley, by 
 which means he had opportunities to guess, or overhear particulars, 
 which otherwise, I suppose, he might not have been trusted with. 
 I remember, that in the winter. Smith wrote very positively of an 
 invasion, intended from France, which was to break out at the 
 
 * This letter has been ahready printed, but to preserve the chain of correspondence it is 
 inserted here. 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 461 
 
 arrival of the Toulon fleet, and that many gentlemen of quality, 
 and officers, were sent from St. Germains, upon that design. He 
 named Mr. Henry Brown, my lord Montacute's brother, at one 
 time ; at another, sir George Berkeley, Holmes, Counter, and 
 others. Then he gave hints of some great design, which he should 
 soon discover the bottom of, and afterwards grew more particular-, 
 that it was to seize the king's person, and named Berkeley, Char- 
 nock, Holmes, Counter, and others as employed in the villany ; 
 and that at the same hour this was to be executed, a general rising 
 was to be in all the counties of England. He was different in his 
 accounts about the manner of seizing the king. Sometimes Mr. 
 Latin's Lod^e, near Richmond, was to be attacked, and the walls 
 scaled by foot, whilst his majesty was there ; sometimes an attempt 
 of a like nature was to be made on Kensington House ; and at 
 other times, the king was to be set upon, going to or coming 
 from hunting. 
 
 " Near to the day the assassination was intended, he was very 
 earnest for money to buy a horse and equipage. Upon which I 
 desired Mr. Vernon to talk with him, to see if he knew, of his 
 own knowledge, any person engaged in such a design ; for being 
 never able to bring any thing in confirmation of what he asserted, 
 from whom he had it, how he came by it, or at what time it was to 
 be executed, I suspected either there was no truth in the story, or, 
 if there were, I might possibly fit him out to be engaged in it. 
 He gave Mr. Vernon no satisfaction, upon discoursing Avith 
 him, but proceeded in his promises to him, that nothing could 
 be attempted, but he would give him or me an account of it. 
 When the whole was brought to light, and it appeared he was not 
 enough in the secret to have prevented it ; I intended, notwith- 
 standing, to do something for him, and, at his own desire, concealed 
 his name, to give him an opportunity, as he pretended, to appre- 
 hend Chambers. In the mean time I had an account, that in very 
 public places, he began to threaten he would complain of me to 
 the parliament, whereupon I thought it neither safe nor decent to 
 have more to do with him. What I received, relating to the 
 
462 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 attempt on his majesty's person, or the invasion, I always gave the 
 king an account of, whilst I was in town, and able to wait on him ; 
 but being much indisposed, I had his majesty's leave to go into the 
 country for a few days, where I remained till I was commanded 
 back, upon the happy discovery of that horrid design. 
 
 " This, my lord, is all I can recollect on the subject their lord- 
 ships are pleased to command. I beg the favour it may be com- 
 municated to the House, and am," &c. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Proceedings and decision of the House on the conduct of lord Monmouth — His commit- 
 ment to the Tower — Farther considerations on the afiPair of Smith.] 
 
 " Jan. 16-26, 1697. — My lord; Last night the business of my 
 lord Monmouth came to a conclusion. I have not the vote by 
 me ; but the effject of it is, that, upon the depositions, it appeared 
 that he had such a share and part in the contrivance of the three 
 papers, delivered into the House by the lady Mary Fenwick, that, 
 for that offence, and the undutiful words, which were sworn to 
 have been spoken by him of the king, it is ordered that he be 
 committed to the Tower, there to remain during the king's plea- 
 sure, and the pleasure of the House. They have also appointed 
 a committee to draw up a short representation of what they have 
 done, to the king. The thing at first insisted on, was, to have 
 voted him the contriver ; but this way was accepted of at last, 
 as not being altogether so hard. I can hardly remember a ques- 
 tion insisted on, when there were so few negatives ; six or seven 
 at most were the number. 
 
 " It was very late before this was over, and I did not think it 
 proper to take notice to the House of your grace's letter, till they 
 had finally discharged themselves of the other business. But, as 
 soon as it was over, I acquainted them that I had the honour of 
 a letter from you, which I was desired to communicate to the 
 House ; but they were all so weary, that they desired to adjourn 
 till Monday, and then the letter to be read, and Smith's papers 
 considered. 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 463 
 
 " I think I may pretend to say that last night has put a clear 
 and satisfactory end to this business of Smith's ; but Monday will 
 determine whether I judge right. I did not know till Thursday 
 that Smith was that infamous fellow that pretended, about five 
 years since, to marry a pawnbroker's widow, and the next day 
 broke open her house, and took away her goods, as her husband ; 
 when it appeared, upon examination, that he had trepanned the 
 woman to a tavern, and made her drunk, and got one of his com- 
 panions to say the words of marriage, and then went to bed to 
 her, when she was insensible. The consequence was, that he was 
 fined in the King's-bench, and the marriage declared null in the 
 ecclesiastical court. 
 
 " This I have taken care to acquaint such as I thought most 
 proper with, though I think it to be unnecessary. 
 
 " I hope the next post will bring your grace the satisfaction, 
 that there is an end of this fellow's charge of ingratitude, which 
 is ridiculous already. 
 
 " I am almost dead with this tedious examination of my lord 
 Monmouth's, and have not seen the king this week ; but I did 
 take care to send him the account of sir James Rushout's pre- 
 tences, as soon as your letter came to me. 
 
 " I have taken up a kind of course of being tedious, and you 
 ought to check me, lest it should grow to a prescription. I 
 am," &c. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHI^^EWSBURY. 
 
 [Decision of the peers on the communications of Smith — Full vindication of the dule of 
 Shrewsbury — Impatience of Monmouth in his confinement.] 
 
 " Jan. 20-30, 1696-7- — My lord ; This morning has put an end 
 to Smith's business. After the report from the committee, which 
 was little more than the pointing to the particular letters, which 
 were thought most to deserve a remark, with some observations 
 that were kindly enough made, by my lord Rochester (who was 
 the chairmap,) the House came to iwo votes, to the effect fol- 
 lowing ; 
 
464 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 8. 
 
 " That Smith, upon his examination, having alleged some- 
 what in the nature of a complaint against the duke of Shrews- 
 bury, upon account of some intelligence given by him to the 
 duke, which he said would be made out by his papers, given 
 into the House; the House was of opinion, upon examination 
 and consideration of the papers, that there was no ground for the 
 complaint ; and, upon consideration of the whole matter, the 
 House was of opinion, that Smith did not deserve any farther 
 reward.* 
 
 " The first of these questions was proposed by my lord Wharton, 
 the second by my lord Rochester. 
 
 " I think I ought to confess to your grace that, how little 
 soever this thing is in itself, yet I know the depenclence of it was 
 an uneasiness to your grace ; and, therefore, I am guilty of de- 
 siring Mr. Vernon to send the account of it, by a particular 
 messenger, in which opinion my lord Wharton did entirely agree 
 with me. 
 
 " The whole of this transaction has succeeded entirely accord- 
 ing to the desires of those who meant your service; and if it has 
 not been right in any thing, it must be attributed to their mistake ; 
 for I did not see but that what Ave aimed at we had. These two 
 votes passed without any question put, and, I persuade myself, 
 will be to the full satisfaction of everj" body without doors ; the 
 malice and design of the whispers and insinuations which were 
 spread abroad, being now much more the discourse than those 
 whispers themselves did ever give rise to. I will not pretend to 
 enter into the particulars of this matter, and how much a fool 
 and a knave Smith appeared ; but I will mention a turn that Avas 
 generally given to the thing, that Smith was resolved to be in 
 on either side, as the success was : he would be a discoverer, if 
 
 * Smith was not discountenanced by this repulse ; for he still continued to importune 
 tTie king and ministers with his menaces and solicitations ; and was secretly encouraged 
 by many who were hostile to the duke of Shrewsbury, or desirous of embarrassing the 
 affairs of government. Hereafter we shall find him re-appearing on the stage, and again 
 claiming the notice of parliament. — See chapter 9, note to the letter from lord Somers, 
 Dec. 16-26, 1699. 
 
1696—1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 465 
 
 the assassination failed ; and would have had a horse for the 
 service, if it succeeded. 
 
 " I am not able to tell your grace how my lord Monmouth 
 bears his imprisonment : some say, beyond measure impatiently ; 
 some qualify it ; but all agree, my lady has no bounds in what she 
 says. He has sent me a letter, wherein he desires leave of the king, 
 that he may petition the House. I returned answer, that I should 
 not see the king till to-morrow night, and was so ill, that I did 
 not know if 1 could go to Kensington then. He sent me word his 
 desire was, I would send the message by somebody else, and there- 
 upon I told my lord Portland of it. This quick proceeding is, as 
 I think, like all the rest. What it will produce I know not. My 
 lord S * was to visit him on Monday, and my lord Port- 
 land yesterday, but I do not hear what either of them said, though 
 I believe you guess that cannot be a secret long. 
 
 " I wish your grace the full restoration of your health, and am 
 most entirely," &c. 
 
 The letter from Mr. Vernon, to which reference is here made, 
 enters more into detail, but contains nearly the same in substance, 
 as this from the lord keeper Somers. One remark, however, deserves 
 to be submitted to the reader. 
 
 " For my part, I expected the matter should have held a long 
 debate ; and, perhaps, not gone off so cleverly at last. But the 
 malice, folly, and insincerity that Smith shewed yesterday, at the 
 committee, turned almost every body against him. I thought my 
 lord Normanby and lord Haversham would at least have given 
 some obstruction : but the first went away, observing no dis- 
 position of the House to dwell on this business ; and the other 
 said notliing, having nobody either to lead him into it, or to second 
 him." 
 
 * Sunderland. 
 
 O 
 
466 -,, , i , , C R R E S P G N D E N C E , . [Pakt III.— Cb. 3. 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 £C;ongratuJ^es^him;on the dpcision.in Smith's business-:— Inquires whether lord Siinderland 
 . . is authorised tQ declare his willingness to accept the post of lord president — CornHQends 
 
 : the conduct of lord Rochester.] , • 
 
 ::i'; , :.:.\^. ' '' ' ■ "^ \' ■ ■ ; ■ 7 ' " • ' ' '■ 
 
 „ " Jan. 25'Feb. 4, 1696-7.— My lord ; I shall not take up your 
 time, inisaying- any thing of the malicious business, that was set on 
 foQty in order, to :pTejudice your reputation, and some of your 
 friends^, knowing you have had a very particular account of every 
 step of that matter. But since it is come to a conclusion, and I 
 think such a conclusion, that we could not wish or desire any thing 
 more to be done, than what has been, our enemies have had the 
 opportunity of exposing themselves and malice, and-our innocency 
 does with more brightness appear. I am not partial, being a party 
 concerned, but I find all people of the same opinion. To the best 
 of my remembrance, in some former letters, I told your grace that 
 
 lord S * had often talked to me, that in the summer, you 
 
 had told him, you could not serve in the place of secretary ; he has 
 very often, since this business has been on foot, repeated it to me, 
 and that he was sure you would not serve in that office, had not 
 the affair been upon the stage ; and that, therefore, his thoughts 
 was for your being president, and that he was sure that would 
 please you, being a place of less trouble, attendance, and clamour. 
 If I am not taking too great a liberty, in asking questions on this 
 matter, you will obhge me in letting me know, whether he has 
 wrote to know your mind, otherwise I must wonder at his taking 
 upon him, so positively to know your mind ; and since his practice 
 in the world gives one just reason to believe he has a design in 
 what he says and does, so it ought to make every body upoh 
 their guard, to prevent mischief. You will easily guess at my 
 troubling you in this matter; and you will, I fancy, conclude 
 with me, that by his never naming who is proper to succeed you, 
 in case you resolve to remove from one place to the other, that he 
 
 * Sunderland. 
 
1696^1697.] ' WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 467 
 
 has somebody in his thoughts, that to some people will ndt be vei*y 
 agreeable. Possibly I may be out in my suspicions, but, if I am^ 
 ■there is no hurt done', since it goes not farther than to ydurself and 
 lord keeper. - - " • '-"■ '" "■■ '- " '■ '- ' -' -^ - ' ^ 
 
 * " What I have farther to say, is to beg of you, as I have done 
 itl a fcyrmer letter, that yoii will not come to any resolution With 
 yourself, till you have seen your friends, and heard thdr o^inidlis, 
 whether you will stay in the place you have, remove into another, 
 or quit the service. Those are things, as matters now stand, as 
 nicely to be well considered, before you resolve, as it is possible 
 to imagine ; and though I know your own judgment is much 
 superior to. any you can talk with, yet considering what has 
 happened, they are most proper to lay every thing before you, for 
 your consideration. I therefore beg, you will give me leave by 
 your next, to satisfy some of your friends, who are afraid of your 
 taking resolutions in the country, that will be impossible for you 
 to alter afterwards, though you see cause. 
 
 " I despair of seeing you here till the weather sets in to be warmer, 
 nor would I advise you. to attempt it, till you are past the danger 
 of being thrown back by a relapse, that may hold you a great 
 v/hile. I have taken the liberty to tell lord Rochester I had 
 your orders to return him your thanks for his friendship and 
 justice. I concluded you Avould approve of this, since I was the 
 man he made that compliment to, when this business was first 
 talked of, and indeed his behaviour has been very gentleman-like. 
 Several others would have been glad of occasion to shew their 
 teeth ; most of them I beheve you expected ill from. I shall never 
 be able to tell you how much you are obliged to lord keeper, Avhose 
 thoughts, zeal, and application exceeded the strictest rules of 
 friendship and service for you, all which I know you are truly ac- 
 quainted with. 
 
 " I have troubled you with a long letter, but, if I have said 
 nothing you disapprove of, I hope you will pardon me, for taking 
 up so much of your time, especially since it proceeds purely 
 from the service I have for you, which I will, on all occasions, 
 
 3o 2 
 
468 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 3. 
 
 demonstrate, as becomes a man, that is most faithfully yours,"^ 
 &c. 
 
 " This letter was wrote yesterday, but did not send it, in ex- 
 pectation I should be honoured with one from your grace ; but, 
 since I have not any, I hope I have done well in what 1 said to 
 lord Rochester. It is agreeable, I suppose, with what you have 
 wrote to him/' 
 
1697] WITH THE WHIGLEADERS, &c. 469 
 
 CHAPTER 4. 
 
 1697. 
 
 New plot of lord Monmouth — Account of his connection with Brown, the highwayman and 
 informet — Ministerial changes, and arrangements in favour of the whigs — Somers 
 appointed chancellor, and Montague frst lord of the treasury — The whigs attempt to 
 secure the promotion of lord Wharton to the office of secretary of state.-~Opposition of 
 the king— Conduct of Sunderland, and embarrassments of the duke of Shrewsbury — 
 Machinations of Price, Chaloner, and other informers — Correspondence from January 
 to September, 1697. 
 
 JijESIDES the affair of Fenwick and Smith, which created so 
 much uneasiness to the duke of Shrewsbury, we find hi§ anxiety 
 awakened by a new plot. 
 
 While lord Monmouth was confined in the Tower, he received a 
 notice from the king, that his name was struck out of the privy 
 council, and that his place in the bed-chamber would be disposed 
 of. This disgrace deeply affected his haughty spirit ; and to Black- 
 land, an agent of lond Sunderland, who visited him in confinement, 
 he expressed his resKntment at the severity with which he was 
 treated. He solemnly denied the accusation of his disrespectful 
 behaviour toward the king, and testified his surprise, that his 
 majesty was not satisfied with his explanation. He farther dis- 
 avowed any improper motive, towards either the duke of Shrews- 
 bury or Admiral Russell. 
 
 "While he was thus irritated at his disgrace, and brooding in 
 solitude over his projects, his fertile brain conceived a new plot, 
 still more singular than that which had already failed. He took 
 advantage of an adventure, which was not uncommon at that 
 period, when the laws were too weakly administered, to restrain 
 the licentiousness of the depredators, who swarmed in the vicinity 
 
470 ' CO R It E S P O N D E N C E [Pakt III.— Ch. 4. 
 
 of the capital. A short time before his imprisonment, he had been 
 attacked near Chelsea, in his way to his house at Parson's Green, 
 by a gang, who stopped his carriage, and plundered him of 
 his hat, peruke, and six shillings in money. Perceiving them 
 to be above the vdgar class, he expressed liis regret at their 
 desperate courses, and requested information by what channel 
 he could present them with ai gratuity. Most of the robbers, 
 who were men of respectable connections, were struck with his 
 generosity, and instantly restored their booty, except the trifling 
 sutn of moneys which he refused' to receive. A - - 
 
 Soon afterwards one of the party paid a visit to his lordship. 
 Th« name of this man was -Brown. He was an Irishman, of re- 
 spectable parentage, who had originally served as an officer in 
 the army, and had afterwards entered as a student at the Temple ; 
 but, being reduced to necessity by the forfeiture of his father's 
 estate, who was a Jacobite, he had gained a precarious and dis- 
 honourable livelihood by gaming, fraud, and robbery. Lord 
 Monmouth expressed his surprise at this proof of hardihood ; 
 but, admiring the spirit of the man, he made him a trifling pre- 
 sent, encouraged his visits, and met him frequently, and privately, 
 ^t different places. - When'employed in the project, which; he had 
 attempted ' to' execute- by means of Fenwick, he selected"" this 
 desperado," as a fit agent for an underplot J He endeavoured to 
 persuSide-Brdwrt to iappear, and declafie, that the design of the gang 
 with whoiii'he was engaged, in the robbery at Chelsea,^ was to seize 
 and Carry off his lordship to France, where; he Avas to be held 
 as a hostage for lord 'Aylesbury, who had been recently committed 
 oh' a charge of treason.^ With the- same mischievous^^ ingenuity 
 which Monmouth had shewn in the case of Fenwick^ he furnished 
 Brown with written instructions, and dictated letters, - which he 
 was to address to several of the ministers. .'He also lured him 
 witli the hopes of a considerable reward, both from, the crown 
 and from hiniself; ^nd added threats'of prosecution and punish- 
 ment, if he hesitated to forward his scheme. ^ In the' interim^ an- 
 other of the footpads, named Davies, was engaged in the same 
 plot, and,' being imprisoned for another robbery, was assiduously 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIQ READERS, &c. 471 
 
 visited both by Monmouth and Brown, in Newgate, and tutorecj 
 to serve so nefarious a purpose, by his testimony. 
 
 During his seclusion, the mortified peer conceived the design 
 of bringing forward this project, as the means atonce of redeem- 
 ing his own character, and proving that he was persecuted by the 
 Jacobites. Brown, however, either from compunction, of the hope 
 of indemnity, hesitated to undertake the part assigned him, and 
 disclosed the plot to colonel Talbot ,the nephew of sir John Talbot, 
 with whom he had served in the army. It was communicated 
 to the ministry by sir John Talbot himself, and a day appointed 
 to take Brown's examination, by the lord keeper ; Mr. Vemon, 
 from delicacy to the duke of Shrewsbury, declining to interfere. 
 Monmouth was apprised of the expected examination, and i^ said 
 to have manifested great confusion ; but Brown, from fear, or 
 some other motive, did not make his appearance, though he 
 affected to have some mysterious secret, which he should be 
 enabled to disclose. Through sir John Talbot, he requested a 
 promise of securityyin case he should appear, and stated, that lord 
 Monmouth had sent his mistress, to induce him to quit the king- 
 dom, by threats of a prosecution, offering, at the same time, to 
 procure him a passport for that purpose, under a feigned name. 
 
 At this juncture, Brown was arrested, by a warrant from the 
 secretary of state; but, from a tenderness which some of the 
 ministers felt towards lord Monmouth, his examination was de- 
 layed, under various pretences, till, at length, it was taken; 
 through the instances of the lord keeper. In this inquiry, he 
 described his communications with lord Monmouth, and gave a 
 detailed account of the plot in which he was to have been en- 
 gaged. The disclosure, however, greatly embarrassed the ministry; 
 for they were reluctant to act on such grounds, against a noble- 
 man who was already in disgrace; and yet fearful of expos- 
 ing themselves to the accusation, that they had smothered the 
 discovery. 
 
 After some delay, Brown was liberated on bail, rewarded with 
 occasional gratifications ; and endeavours were used to induce 
 him to quit the kingdom, that he might not, by his confessions, 
 
472 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 4. 
 
 aggravate the disgrace of lord Monmouth, whom the king was 
 desirous to spare, for the services he had rendered at the Revolu- 
 tion. The informer, however, acquired additional audacity, from 
 the attention which he attracted ; and continued to embarrass the 
 ministers and the duke of Shrewsbury, by his threats and impor- 
 tunities, till the interest he had excited was lost in that of more 
 important transactions. He finally fell into such contempt, that 
 we cannot trace his subsequent adventures and fate.* 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREV^^SBURY. 
 
 [Dissuades him from returning to town — On the singular behaviour of lord Monmouth 
 
 and his connexion with Brown.] 
 
 " Jan. 2,6-Feb. 5, I696. — My lord ; I had the honour of your 
 grace's letter last night, and am very glad to hear that you have 
 found no prejudice by your attempting to ride ; but I am alto- 
 gether of your grace's opinion, that you ought not to venture 
 rashly upon a journey, till the weather be milder, and till your 
 health does appear to be in some sort confirmed, lest it should 
 prove fatal. 
 
 " I will deal freely; I think if there were not so much danger 
 as really there is in removing, yet you should not do it at present, 
 for people might make a construction as if you could have come 
 sooner if you pleased ; and the king, perhaps, be brought to be- 
 lieve, what has been all along insinuated to him, by a certain 
 lord,f that it was not your illness which detained you at Eyford. 
 What designs and schemes that lord has now on foot, I am abso- 
 lutely a stranger to, which, perhaps, your grace is not. However, 
 being no better informed than I am, I hope your grace will de- 
 termine nothing till you come to town, more than just to enter 
 upon business, in the same manner as if you had never been 
 absent one day. Mr. Russell and I have often talked on this 
 subject, and we agree so entirely in it, that I am persuaded we are 
 
 * This account is drawn from Mr. Vernon's letters during the year 1697 ; from the 
 letters and examinations of Brown himself, and from those of sir John and colonel Talbot, 
 f Probably lord Monmouth. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 473 
 
 in the right. The business of sir John Fenwick, and that of 
 SmiUi, is so perfectly well over, that nothing but somewhat arising 
 from yourself can raiise the least thought of them again. 
 
 " As to my lord Monmouth, his discourses are so very various, 
 and, if those were of the same tenor, his resolutions are so change- 
 able, that what he will do must be left to chance. His main 
 business is to get out of the Tower, and, in order to that, he is 
 ready to do any thing. But I do not find the king is willing he 
 should come out so soon : I suppose, because he doubts that he 
 will not take the removal from his places very patiently. Amongst 
 the other strange parts which he has been acting, he has been 
 dealing with one Brown, (who, it is said, was one of those who set 
 upon him on the road,) to swear he was engaged to carry him oif 
 to France. I thought I had put this matter into a way of being 
 made appear to the world ; but it did not succeed, and I am sure 
 your grace will forgive me, for being more than ordinarily cautious 
 how I have any thing to do with such sort of creatures. It would 
 be too long to tell you the particulars of this transaction. 
 
 " I shall trouble you no farther than to wish you perfect re- 
 covery, and that you may bring your friends some hopes of it, 
 when you come to town." 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the proposed mission of sir James Rushout to Portugal— The king prefers retaining 
 
 Mr. Methuen.J 
 
 " Feb. 6-16, 1696-7.— My lord ; On Thursday night I pressed 
 the king to let me know his determination, as to the affair of Por- 
 tugal, and he told me, that he could not agree that sir James 
 Rushout should go. He said Mr. Methuen had made some pro- 
 gress, in relation to the demand of a sum of money, due to 
 England from Portugal, and that all which he had done would 
 be lost, if a new person was sent. He added, that when he sent 
 a minister into Italy, he would be willing sir James should go ; 
 but I was sufficiently cooled by the first part of what he said, to 
 pretend to profit by the latter, and, therefore, said nothing to the 
 mention of Italy ; and, had it been otherwise, I would not have 
 
 3 p 
 
474 CORaESPONDENCE [Part III.— CB. 4. 
 
 pretended to say any thing in it, because I did not know but 
 your grace might have placed your thoughts upon some other 
 person for that country, I told sir James Rushout of what the 
 king said, and I did not find but that he would be enough dis- 
 posed to go to Italy. But I proceeded not to say any thing to 
 him, but that, when your grace comes to town,. that matter will be 
 best concerted. 
 
 " J hope you mend a-pace. We hear you do, and, therefore, 
 I think your grace ought not to delay too long your coming to 
 town " 
 
 ADMIRAL RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 {Censures the popdupt of some nobleman^— Promises to be guided by the duke of Shrews- 
 bury in bis dejneapour towards him.] 
 
 "JFe^». 11-21, 1696-7.— My lord; Your grace's letter of the 
 10th* came this night to my hands. I am not a little surprised 
 at what you wrote me, not having, in any kind, given the least 
 reason to ground such a story. I believe that lord's name-j- has 
 not been mentioned by me this two months, and when I did, it 
 was far different to what you have been writ to ; therefore, your 
 grace may, with great safety, answer for me, that I shall not shew 
 the least ill will or dishke to him. But, at this time, we are so full 
 of tricks and designs, that a man ought to walk with great pre- 
 caution, lest the malice of one's enemies does not bring a man 
 upon the stage; but I am above their malice, and scorn their 
 friendship, if they would give it. But certainly, what you say 
 comes from the old hand at roguery,:]: in order to fright him. I 
 suppose he is, or Avill be, better advised. You may depend upon 
 iny doing just as you would wish, and, therefore, when you have 
 occasion to write to the person, that gave you this account, my 
 answer will be agreeable with what you have promised for me. I 
 am glad to hear you mend, and I hope this thaw will not make 
 any alteration for the worse. We do extremely want you. I 
 
 * This letter Is missing. -f Probably lord Sunds'land. 
 
 X Probably lord Monmouth. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 475 
 
 know you have motives enough to bring you to town so soon as 
 your health will permit. I am sure nobody will more heartily 
 rejoice to see you here, and in health, than," &c. 
 
 LORD KEEPER SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Examination of Bfown.J 
 
 " Feb. m-Mafch 2, 1696-7.— My lord ; After a great many 
 delays, and with a good deal of difficulty, I got Mr. Secretary 
 and my lord chief justice last night to my house, where we exa- 
 mined Browti. He has been a great while in custody, and I was 
 very uheasy at the thoughts that he might have been tampered 
 with ; for, from the first time I heard of this fellow, and what he 
 pretended, I have not been without apprehension, that some mis- 
 chief might come from such a dark business. But I think I may 
 now send your graCe word, that we have gone so far in the exa- 
 mination, that no hurt can come to any body but the person 
 himself, ti'ho (if Brown says true) would have tempted him to 
 have turned a design of robbing the lord, to a design of catrying 
 him into France, at the instigation of some great persons. 1 
 cannot send the particulars at this time, and perhaps it is not of 
 much consequence ; but I will Write more largely about it, when 
 I see the deposition, which is now putting into writing. I have 
 had no little task to bring it so far. 
 
 " On Thursday, the king told me, he had writ to press your 
 grace to hasten to London. I hope this very fine weather will 
 not only tempt, but enable you to venture upon a journey, for 
 you were never more wanted. 
 
 " I Was unwilling to write sooner, because I could not, till now, 
 send you any account of Brown ; but, if I had troubled you with 
 any Idtters, I could not but have said, in every one of them, that 
 your absence is a great uneasiness to us all." 
 
 Soon afterwards lord Monmouth was liberated from the Tower, 
 and experiericed the same attention from the king as before. In 
 fact, from a fear of irritating his restless and enterprising spirit, 
 or from some other motive, he was remunerated for the losS of his 
 
 3 p 2 
 
476 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 4. 
 
 offices, by the private grant of a pension of 2000/. a-year. He 
 long retained his enmity to the duke of Shrewsbury ; for we find 
 many traces, in Mr. Vernon s papers, of an attempt, as late as 1699, 
 to revive some of those accusations, of Avhich sir John Fenwick 
 had been made the agent. The subject, however, appears to have 
 become so trite, that it attracted no public notice; and the 
 turbulent peer received no encouragement to renew his malicious 
 and unjust attempts. 
 
 In 1697, lord Monmouth succeeded to the title of earl of Peter- 
 borough, which devolved on him, by the death of his uncle Henry^ 
 the fourth earl, and by this title he is more generally known. 
 
 In this collection we find no letter, either to or from the duke 
 of Shrewsbury, during the interval between February and May, 
 1697, and, therefore, have no means of tracing his conduct and 
 views, except from a few scattered hints in the papers of Vernon. 
 The period, however, was extremely critical, as great changes 
 were now rendered necessary in the administration, by the rcr* 
 tirement of lord Godolphin, which left a vacancy at the head of 
 the Treasury board ; by the death of sir Charles Porter, one of the 
 lords justices of Ireland ; by the expected dismission of the duke 
 of Leeds, lord president of the council, who was menaced with 
 an impeachment, on the imputation of receiving bribes from the 
 East-India company ; by the resignation of the earl of Dorset, 
 lord chamberlain ; and by the expected retreat of sir Stephen 
 Fox and Mr. Smith from the Treasury, the first, because he was 
 disappointed in not being placed at the head of the board, and 
 the second, from resentment at the king's supposed coldness to- 
 wards the whigs. Other changes in the inferior branches of the 
 Excise and Customs were also expected. 
 
 In this predicament the king, as usual, consulted lord Sun- 
 derland, who, though without a responsible office, was his con- 
 fidential counsellor, and was so anxious for Shrewsbury's advice, 
 that be prevailed on him to repair to court. The result of the 
 duke's audiences was, however, unsatisfactory, as we find from 
 the letters of Mr. Vernon ; and, it appears, he was disappointed 
 in his efforts to promote the cause of the whigs ; for he complains 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. ' 477 
 
 of the reserve of the king, and hints at the coldness with which 
 many of his representations were supported by Sunderland. In 
 fact, he abruptly retired from Windsor, to Woburn, and evinced 
 a decided reluctance to any farther interference. One of his 
 letters, addressed about this period to the lord keeper, and pre- 
 served in the Hardwicke state papers,* is submitted to the reader, 
 as throwing some faint light on the causes which had occasioned 
 his disgust : — 
 
 " April 14-24, 1697- — My lord ; I am extremely sorry for your 
 lordship's indisposition, but hope it will not prove so troublesome 
 as a quartan ague often does. My lord Sunderland and I 
 were attending on the king when your letter came. His majesty 
 discoursed with us on the several heads we had formerly men- 
 tioned ; but deferred coming to any resolutions till your lordship 
 could be present. The naming a deputy, or deputies, for Ireland, 
 was the first point considered. Lord Sunderland named only my 
 Jord Villiers, and it had as quick a negative. Then, I perceived, 
 he looked upon me, and expected I should name my lord Whar- 
 ton. I paused some time ; but, being pressed by the king to 
 name some person, I said I had two in my thoughts ; the first, I 
 knew was very desirous to go, had very particularly deserved well 
 of his majesty, and was in great straits in his fortune, and that 
 was my lord Winchester. The second, I was confident every body 
 would agree to be fit, but I could not be sure how agreeable it 
 ^vould be to his inchnations, and that was my lord Wharton. 
 The king objected to my lord Winchester's qualifications, but 
 agreed to the other arguments I had used for his being qualified ; 
 but wished it might be done some other way. Lord Sunderland 
 agreed entirely with the first part of his majesty's discourse ; but 
 he said not so much as I expected to the second. 
 
 " Then the king came to consider my lord Wharton, and spoke 
 of him with very particular kindness and esteem ; but he could 
 not imagine he would be easy in being one of the three ; that he 
 
 * Vol. 2, p. 429. 
 
478 CORREStONBEKr^fi £Part III.— Ch< 4. 
 
 was sure, when he reflected my lord Capel had beeti alofiej it was 
 impossible he should, even though hi this time it hiight Satisfy 
 him, yet that thought would charige him ; atid, said he, ' my lord 
 Wharton has very good parts, but I think nO more of his liking 
 to be one of the three in Irelatid, than I ishoiild to have two joined 
 to me here/ No resolution was taken on this point Biit 1 said, 
 I thought my lord Wharton might be tried how it would please 
 him ; so that I think that affair is in a posture to receive what 
 turn shall be thought fit to give it. 
 
 " Mr» Wharton was agreed to be in the Admiralty^ without 
 difficulty, and Mr. Pelhatn in the Treasury. Some objections 
 were made by the king to Mr. Montague's being first in the com- 
 mission, but not long insisted on. Then his majesty acquainted 
 us, there would be one vacancy more, if not twoj at the board ; 
 Mr. Smith having asked an audience of the king, and told lord 
 Portland he was resolved to resign ; and the same was expected 
 from sir Stephen Fox, though nothing lately had been said of it. 
 We., being unprepared to offer others for the Treasury, were di" 
 rected to consider further of it. Then his majesty said, sOme 
 alterations were necessary in the Customs and Excise ; and parti-* 
 cularly named sir Robert Clayton,* as one who neither attended 
 the board, nor encouraged his service iji the cityj by loan or sub- 
 scription ; and) upon that Occasion, declared, that several had so 
 behaved themselves this Session, that, if no punishment were 
 made, no government could be expected for the future ; and 
 said, this mUst not be extended partially to one kind of men, but 
 some should be displaced of different denominations. In general, 
 I agreed with this ; but submitted, that a distinction was reason- 
 able to be made, between persons who had done wrong only once* 
 through ignorance, and those who, in the whole course of business, 
 had continually opposed. 
 
 " This argument met with so cold a reception, that I think it 
 is not hard to guesS what was meant by that speech ; though, I 
 
 * Afterwards well known as lord Sundon, and husband of the favourite lady of queen 
 Caroline. 
 
J69T,] WITH THB WHIG LJIAD^RS, &c. 479 
 
 think, if it be intended against sir Walter Ypung anci Mr. Clarke, 
 we are obliged (I am sure I think myself so) to stand by them. 
 
 " This sort of discourse naturally brought on that of my lord 
 president, &;c, and I was surprised to find how easy the king was in 
 parting with him and his consequences. He §aid, the whole family 
 of the Berties were against him, and declared himself not satis- 
 fied even with the vice-chamberlain, but lord Sunderland e^^cwsed 
 him, J perceive aU that, as to the vice-chamberlaiuj is so prepared, 
 that it may be done as is thought best. 
 
 '* I have given your lordship this long account, because a 
 meeting will very soon be pressed by my lord Sunderland. It 
 were very convenient, your lordship, Mr. Russell, Mr, Moftt^gne 
 and myself could have half an hour's discourse first ; but how pos.. 
 sible that is with your other business must be submitted, by, my 
 lord,'' &c. 
 
 It is not diflScult to perceive, that the chief embarrassment alluded 
 to in this letter, arose from the dread which the king entertained 
 of the preponderance of the whigs, and in particular from his un- 
 willingness to raise to any office of trust and influence lord Whar- 
 ton, whose domineering spirit he sufficiently characterises in his 
 remarks. This aversion was secretly fortified by Sunderland, who, 
 though he favoured the whigs in general, and had pledged himself 
 to support their interest, did not venture to oppose the prejudices of 
 his royal master, by unequivocally recommending the appointnient 
 of Wharton. 
 
 The difficulty which attended all attempts at an arrangement, 
 was increased by the decided resolution which Shrewsbury had 
 manifested to resign, for his office of secretary was coveted by 
 Wharton ; and the king, who could not tolerate that over-bearing 
 peer, even in the distant post of joint governor of Ireland, was not 
 likely to consent to admit him to an office, which gave him constant 
 access to the royal person. To avert this dreaded change, no elfprt 
 was spared to retain Shrewsbury in the administration. He was 
 first offered by the king the post of lord chamberlain, recently 
 vacant by the resignatipn of the earl of Dorset ; and afterwards in- 
 
480 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. i 
 
 direct overtures were made by Sunderland, to induce him to accept 
 the presidency of the council. On the other hand, he was no less 
 strenuously pressed by the whigs, to forego his intention of re- 
 tiring ; from the conviction, that he was the chief bond of union, 
 which preserved the strengtli and consistency of the administration. 
 
 At length, after much hesitation, a species of compromise was 
 effected. Shrewsbury consented to retain the seals, till his place 
 could be filled, to the satisfaction of all parties ; and the whigs 
 were partially gratified, by the favours conferred on some of their 
 chiefs. On the 22nd of April, Sir John Somers was appointed 
 lord chancellor, with the promise of a peerage, the grant of the 
 two royal manors of Ryegate and Howlegh, in Surrey, and a pension 
 of 2100/. out of the fee-farm rents of the crown. Montague was 
 placed at the head of the Treasury, retaining the chancellorship 
 of the exchequer ; and admiral Russell, created earl of Orford, 
 permitted to enjoy his two posts of first lord of the admiralty, 
 and treasurer of the navy, and nominated one of the lords jus- 
 tices, in the absence of the king. Lord Wharton received the 
 lucrative office of lord chief justice in Eyre, on this side of the 
 Trent, and his second son was introduced into the commission of 
 the admiralty. 
 
 After some time, the duke of Leeds was suffered to retain the 
 presidency of the council ; and the government of Ireland was 
 vested in the marquis of Winchester, lord Gal way and lord Villiers, 
 as lords justices. The favour of Sunderland was also publicly an- 
 nounced, by his appointment to the post of lord chamberlain. He 
 was nominated a privy counsellor, and one of the lords justices. 
 Sir Stephen Fox and Mr. Smith were pacified, and consented to 
 remain in the Treasury. This arrangement, however, proved the 
 germ of dissension. The whigs were provoked by the want of zeal, 
 which Sunderland had evidently manifested in behalf of their 
 views, and, particularly by his suspected opposition to lord 
 Wharton ; and, fi-om this period, we trace in their letters, the in- 
 crease of that decided antipathy to him, which was soon aggravated 
 into an open feud. 
 
 With these explanatory remarks we resume the correspondence. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 481 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The magistrates of Plymouth oppose the appointment of general Trelawney to the com 
 
 mand of the Plymouth militia.] 
 
 " May 15-25, 1697.*— My lord ; if Mr. Vernon had not told me 
 that I might write sometimes, without any great trouble to your 
 grace, I would not have ventured, though the occasion be such, 
 which induces me at this time, that it deserves and needs your help. 
 
 " I find by sir Francis Drake, and all our western friends, that 
 the news of major-general Trelawney's coming in, to be lieutenant 
 of the militia of Plymouth, puts such a damp upon them, and his 
 being in that employment, will be so fatal to them, that what your 
 grace has helped to do, in getting their charter, and all which 
 has been built upon it, in that part of England, (which is 
 considerable,) will be utterly lost. The militia of Plymouth has 
 been settled, the same men are in the magistracy there. This en- 
 couragement has given such a life to that party, that, notwith- 
 standing the diligence and violent temper of the bishop,-)- if a new 
 parliament be chosen, it will appear to have a great effect. But, if 
 I am truly informed, the magistrates of Plymouth will not only 
 lay down, but will leave the place, if the militia be put under 
 Trelawney, and, though they should not do so, there will be a con- 
 tinual war between the civil and military power. How absurd this 
 is, in the thing itself, and how unlucky influence so ever it will 
 have in that part of England ; yet, if there be no remedy for it, it 
 must be acquiesced in, as other things are. However, I thought 
 it fit to be represented to your grace, and since I have run out so 
 far upon this occasion, I will put an end here, with adding only my 
 most sincere wishes for your perfect health." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Illness of the lord chancellor — Wishes for his presence.] 
 " London, June 3-13, 1697- — My lord ; I did not intend to have 
 
 * This letter, though on a subject of comparatively trifling importance, is introduced, to 
 shew the extreme jealousy which agitated the two contending parties. 
 •f- Sir Jonathan Trelawney, brother to the general. 
 
 3q 
 
482 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 4>. 
 
 troubled you so soon, but we hear so much of your health, and 
 good intentions, that I cannot but congratulate both, which I do, 
 at least as heartily as any man in the world. 
 
 " My lord chancellor is very sick, so you may imagine whether 
 we want you ; but I will not enlarge upon that subject, it being 
 contrary to the rules we agreed to. 
 
 " I hope Ath will be the uttermost of the french efforts on this 
 side of the world, and then I believe this campaign will make no 
 great change. 
 
 " I nm with great sincerity and respect," &c. 
 
 LORD ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On thie attempts of lol-d Sunderland to mediate a reconciliation between the persons accused 
 
 by Fenwick, and lord Monmouth.] 
 
 " London, June 10-20, 1697- — My lord ; I have so much consi- 
 dered your grace's ease and quiet, that I have not followed my own 
 inclinations in writing often, though I had nothing to say, but to 
 assure your grace, how much I am your servant, and how happy I 
 wish you in all respects. For news, if I knew any, you would have 
 it more exact from Mr. Vernon's pen ; and the state of your health, 
 he does me the favour to tell me, so tliat my writing would only 
 draw from your good nature, the trouble to you of answering my 
 letters. 
 
 ****** * 
 
 " I know a man makes a very ill compliment to his friend, in 
 going about to dissuade him from what he has most inclination to ; 
 and, therefore, I will shew myself a good courtier, in saying very 
 little on the subject you closed your letter with, ' in continuing still 
 at the labouring oar;' though all mankind that has the honour to know 
 your grace, as I do, for their own sakes, and their country's service, 
 must wish you to continue at that oar, where you will always shew 
 how justly you deserve the opinion the world has of you. I have 
 often heard it said, mankind was not born for themselves, but foj 
 the good of their country : it is a doctrine I do not agree to, 
 therefore will conclude on this subject If I can guess, by a great 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 483 
 
 man's* behaviour, at what he hopes to bring about before winter, 
 it is to make a perfect reconcihation between your grace and your 
 friends, with a certain lordj-f- who has justly deserved your anger, 
 or rather disdain. That peace-maker, who values himself on that 
 talent, thinks he fools me, and I am contented he should believe it 
 for the present. Should I make you as many excuses as I ought* 
 for troubling you with so long a letter, I should fill another sheet of 
 paper, but, to avoid that, I will conclude, with what you shall 
 upon all occasions find me to be," &c. 
 
 It has been already observed, that the king, on raising lordSomers 
 to the officaof chancellor, conferred on him a pension out of the 
 fee-farm rents of the crown, and the grant of two royal manors, for 
 the support of his dignity, which his private fortune was too scanty 
 to maintain. This gift, however, was opposed by the 6arl of 
 Portland, who advanced pretensions to the fee-farm rents, in virtue 
 of a prior promise, or grant. The question created considerable 
 embarrassment, and Shrewsbury evinced his friendship, by inter- 
 fering, to reconcile their jamng pretensions. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Difficulties with lord Portland, about grants from the crown.J 
 
 ^^ June 15-25,1697. — My lord; your grace's letter, comingata time, 
 when I was ill of a violent and dangerous fever, was not delivered 
 to me for a great while. As soon as I was in a condition to read 
 it, I resolved, the first time I Avas able to use a pen, it should be in 
 expressing the great sense I had of your obliging condescension, in 
 allowing yourself to think of my concerns, and in requiring me to 
 acquaint you, how the grant, which the king once intended for 
 me, stood at this time, that you might endeavour to remove the 
 objections. 
 
 " I am sure I ought to obey you, since you require it, though 
 otherwise^ I should not have had the confidence to have troubled 
 you with a long story of a thing of this nature. 
 
 * Lord Sunderland. f Lord Monmouth. 
 
 3 q2 
 
484 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 4. 
 
 " Your grace can give the best account how the king came to 
 think of giving any thing to me. But, after the king had agreed 
 upon what Mr. Montague had represerited tohim,that if Icould find 
 any ungranted fee-farm rents, I should have them, my lord Port- 
 land was acquainted with it, and to make the charge easier to me, 
 consented that tallies should be struck in the privy purse; and did 
 not only do other things of this kind, but sent his servant Smith to 
 me, to advise me as to the manner of my proceeding. For all this 
 I gave him thanks, in the best manner I could. The king signed the 
 warrants, and the contracts were going forwards, till Mr. Vernon's 
 return from Margate. Your grace knows the messages which Tie 
 brought. I confess I was somewhat surprised, but I should have 
 been far from being troubled, if 1 had been so lucky to have seen 
 Mr. Vernon, when he called upon me, on Wednesday, which might 
 have prevented what was put in the Gazette, the next day. 
 
 " I sent word to my lord Portland, that, if he had given me the 
 least hint of disliking what the king had been doing, or that he 
 had any farther thoughts of fee-farm rents, he would have done me 
 a favour, more valuable than any thing, which I had a prospect of 
 gaining by the grant. I also wrote to the king, that I had put a stop 
 to all proceedings, not knowing any other way to comply effect- 
 ually with what I understood, by Mr. Vernon, to be his pleasure, 
 and which I perceived I had mistaken before, as apprehending that 
 he told me such a grant would not interfere with any purposes of 
 my lord Portland. 
 
 " Some time after this, I had a letter from my lord Portland, in 
 which he seemed very earnest, that my grant should go forward ; 
 but, by comparing what he then wrote, with what I had heard 
 from Mr. Vernon, I found his meaning to be, that I should first 
 find out some good rents for him, and afterwards, if any were left, 
 I might take them for myself Thereupon, I sent him word, that 
 I was obliged to him for desiring me to proceed in perfecting my 
 contracts with the Treasury, if he was willing I should retain 
 to my own use such effectual rents, (if there should be any such,) 
 as should be comprised in those contracts ; but if he did expect 
 that I should assign any of them to him, to make good such 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 485 
 
 rents as were comprised in his grant, and had not proved good, 
 I did much rather chuse to sit down as I was, than to be at a 
 great expense, in passing grants, and at a much greater in gratify- 
 ing agents, who must be employed ; and to be at the trouble of 
 soliciting, and being obliged, and, after all, to have nothing but 
 the name of a bounty from the king. 
 
 " My lord chamberlain told me, that my lord Portland wrote 
 to him, complaining that he thought I was angry with him, and 
 had sent him a copy of his letter to me, and (as I believe) of mine 
 to him. I did tell my lord chamberlain that I meant and desired 
 him to tell my lord Portland, that I was not so unreasonable as 
 to take it ill from him, that he did not quit any thing in which he 
 thought his interest concerned, upon my account : since which 
 time, and during my sickness, I received another letter from my 
 lord Portland, which,, that your grace might apprehend it the 
 better, I have sent inclosed. 
 
 " I am now to beg a thousand pardons for this tedious story, 
 and I do desire your grace not to suffer any favourable inclina- 
 tions, which you may have for me, to induce you to do any thing, 
 which is not entirely proper in your own judgment ; for I do 
 most seriously protest, I am extremely at ease in this matter, and 
 qan hardly tell whether I ought to wish it to go forwards or not. 
 
 " Give me leave to add one thing, (because the king sent word, 
 by Mr. Vernon, that what was wanting should be made up here- 
 after ;) Mr. Montagu told the king, that, besides Richmond, (which 
 he was not willing to give away, and, I think, with very good 
 reason,) and these rents, there was nothing remaining, but some 
 of the queen dowager's lands, the particulars of which he men- 
 tioned to him. The only valuable part of those, the king, before 
 he went away, gave to D'Allonne. 
 
 " Having been sick so long, I do not know what is become of 
 Mr. Palmes ; but I saw him the day after the great storm, and, 
 if he did not mis-inform me, that matter might have been set 
 right, without giving him any wound, or occasioning any loss to 
 the king. 
 
CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt. Ill— Ch. 4. 
 
 " It is not possible for me to tell your grace, hoAv very glad I 
 am that your health improves so much. 
 
 " I dare say you are of opinion that I do, above all things^ 
 desire your return to London. But yet, I cannot forbear putting 
 you in mind of the danger of entering upon business too soon, and 
 cautioning you against presuming too much upon your strength. 
 
 "I have a monitor about me; for, with writing this long 
 scribble, my head aches so, that I can scarce see to write that I 
 am, with all possible respect," &c. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Renewal of the attempt to implicate the duke in the a£Fair of Fenwick— Examination 
 
 of Price.] 
 
 " Sept. 4-14, 1697.* — My lord ; I was not wiUing to give your 
 grace the trouble of a letter, in acknowledging the honour of 
 your's of the 28th of August, till some more steps were made, in 
 the examination of that affair, which was necessary to be brought 
 to some issue immediately. I suppose Mr. Vernon acquainted 
 you with what manner the ridiculous story was received by the 
 lords.-f- 
 
 " I do very well remember your grace's telling me of the two 
 considerable persons you were endeavouring to intercept, upon 
 intelligence tbat they were going to France ; and that, afterwards, 
 you said, you thought one of them would be taken with a post 
 warrant in his pocket; and this I thought fit to declare imme- 
 diately upon the reading of the letter of sir H. C..|. 
 
 " The archbishop also called to mind the concern your grace 
 expressed upon Kitson, the messenger's, intercepting sir John 
 Fenwick, lest it should prevent the two persons being taken, of 
 which he was one. 
 
 * For an account of the machinations of Price and his associates, see part 1, ch. 8, 
 p. 172. And also die duke's letter to the king, Sept. 8, 1697. 
 
 i" The information contained in these letters will be found in the narrative of chapter 8, 
 above alluded to. 
 
 X Sir Henry Colt. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG JLEADERS, &c. 487 
 
 " This day we have spent six hours in examining Price, and 
 the others, taken up upon his examination, 
 
 " I think it was very happy that no time was lost, in driving it 
 to a conclusion ; for, though it appears, very plainly, that some 
 people were drawn in by him, and looked upon him as one 
 employed to go to France ; yet we have direct proof against him 
 of his endeavouring to impose on us, by making his man write 
 letters, which he was to deliver to sir H. C. ; and we find him to 
 be in the hands of Chaloner, Roberts, and others, who, perhaps, 
 were capable, in time, to have brought this to a notable business. 
 
 " Price is in custody, and so is his man, and Porter, Gibbs, and 
 Gargrave, HorsnaU, and Lewin. 
 
 " Mrs. Scott is not taken, which I am sorry for. Roberts and 
 Lansfield are sent for. Chaloner is committed to Newgate, upon 
 the coining act, he having been dabbling at it, since the recom- 
 mendation of the House of Commons, which falls out well. 
 
 " I will trouble your grace with no more particulars at present, 
 because Mr. Vernon will write at large; but you may depend 
 upon it, that this malicious design, as to your grace, must prove 
 entirely abortive, and cannot be worthy another thought of 
 your's. 
 
 " I shall say nothing, as to the indignation, which such an 
 attempt must necessarily raise in you at first, nor will I at present 
 trouble you with my poor opinion, of the use which you 'seem to 
 think it fit for you to make of it. I shall only add, that you will 
 have a farther account of this examination from me by Tuesday's 
 post, if it turns to any thing, which may deserve to be men- 
 tioned. 
 
 "J. heartily wish the restoring of your health, and am, without 
 reserve," &c. 
 
 LORD ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the conduct of sir H. Colt — Is glad his scheme is defeated — Thinks it might other- 
 wise have created trouble in parliament.] 
 
 " Sept. 7-17, 1697- — My lord ; I hope your grace will believe 
 me so much your servant, that I need not take up much of your 
 
488 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 4. 
 
 time to assure you, what degree of concern I lay under at the 
 ill news Mr. Vernon tells me of your health. I wish you would 
 have been prevailed upon, before you left London, only to have 
 had some other doptors discoursed with sir Thomas Millington, 
 of your distemper. I see, by the letter lord chancellor received 
 from you, you have some thoughts of going into a warmer climate: 
 wherever you go, my sincere well wishes shall always attend you; 
 and if you think my prayers may be of service, they shall not 
 be wanting. As to the noble design* sir Colt has been in quest 
 of, I know you are particularly acquainted from Mr. Vernon, 
 therefore, will only say it was very happy it appeared so early ; 
 for, though the matter is as foolish as false, had it lain working 
 till the meeting of the parliament, under the management of 
 those, that I believe are at the bottom of it, God knows what 
 work they would have made for a month at least. But now, I 
 think, it can do nobody but themselves any hurt ; though I really 
 think they have drawn in two or three of these foolish and 
 zealous Jacobites, to trust them with enough to endanger them- 
 selves, but we shall make an end of it in two meetings more. 
 
 " As to the peace, I believe you do not like the delays, unless 
 you know more of the secret than I do. I swear I dread this 
 breaking. I have flattered myself with the hopes of being quiet 
 at least for a few years, and that I might please others, by my 
 leaving all public business, as I am sure it would myself. 
 
 " Monday, I am told, we may expect lord chamberlain. I 
 hear lord Wharton is in town, but have not seen him. I have 
 troubled you too long, and will, therefore, conclude with assuring 
 you of my being, with the utmost respect and service," &c. 
 
 * The affair of the informer, Price. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 489 
 
 CHAPTER 5. 
 1697- 
 
 Irksome situation of the duke of Shrewshurj/, in consequence of the pialicious insinuations 
 of Price and others — Offers to resign — His resolution strongly combated by his friends 
 — New attempts of the p)higs to obtain the seals for lord Wharton — Preparations for 
 assembling the parliament — Shrewsbury persuaded to retain the seals — Sudden resigna- 
 tion of sir William Trumbull, and appointment of Mr. Vernon, as secretary of state — 
 Resignation • of lord Sunderland — Correspondence, from September to December, 
 1697. 
 
 X HE accusations of Price and his associates, however frivolous 
 and unfounded, did not fail to aggravate the uneasiness of Shrews- 
 bury, notwithstanding the kind sympathy of the king, and the 
 earnest representations of his friends. In fact, at this period, he 
 suddenly resumed his intention to withdraw from office; and, 
 without any previous intimation ta the whig chiefs, again im- 
 parted his wishes to the king, by his letter of September 8th.* 
 This step he at the same time communicated to Somers and 
 Orfbrd, repeating the same reasons for his determination. , 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS. 
 [On the accusations of Price — Has taken the resolution to resign.] 
 
 " Grafton,-]- Sept. 8-18, 1697.— My lord ; By your lordship's 
 of the 4th, and by Mr. Vernon's of the same date, I have received 
 an account of the continuation of your kindness, by the pains 
 you have taken in examining this business, which is an accusa- 
 tion so impossible and ridiculous, that, before it be thoroughly 
 inquired into, I am well satisfied it can, in no manner, nor in any 
 
 * See the correspondence with the king, part 1, chapter 7. 
 ■f A seat belonging to the duke of Shrewsbury, in Worcestershire. 
 
 3 R 
 
490^ CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 5- 
 
 place, reflect upon me. However, since it is a proof I am the 
 mark to be aimed at, by such fellows, and their abettors ; and that 
 I must not expect to be quiet in this, or any other employment 
 of trust or credit, in the government ; it is much better for toe 
 to take this occasion of my ill health to retire, which is so justi- 
 fiable a pretence, that, by the last post, sir Thomas Millington 
 writes me these very words : ' I need not now repeat the cautions 
 ' I have so often given you, concerning the treacherousness of 
 ' your distemper ; your own experience is sufficient ; and, since 
 ' this last relapse, I cannot reasonably hope, that you will be in 
 ' a condition to bear the town the next winter/ 
 
 " I shall, therefore, take his advice, and, if I do not go beyond 
 seas myself, settle myself so entirely to a country life, that, by 
 the grace of God, I will not see London of many years, unless it 
 should be thought so necessary for me to wait upon the king 
 myself, to resign the seals, that the inconveniencies and danger of 
 a long journey could not excuse me. I have writ to his majesty 
 by this post, to acquaint him Avith my resolution, and have 
 nothing now in debate with myself, but whether it be more proper 
 for me to stay in thd country, or go beyond seas : the first is most 
 with my inclination, and the second, I believe, would be more 
 convenient for my health ; but I would govern myself in this, as 
 might have the best appearance to the king and my friends." 
 
 This sudden and unexpected resolution equally mortified and 
 perplexed the whig chiefs, who flattered themselves that, through 
 his interposition, they should finally vanquish the objections of 
 the king to lord Wharton. The chancellor, on receiving from 
 Mr. Vernon the letter, announcing his intended resignation, 
 peevishly exclaimed, that the duke put the matter beyond deli- 
 beration, and complained that so peremptory a step had been 
 taken, without that previpus notice, which he and his colleagues 
 had been led to expect.* In fact, both he and lord Orford 
 delayed, for several days, to reply to the communication ; and, 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, Sept. 16, 1697. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 491 
 
 when they did reply, they employed every argument to persuade 
 their noble friend, that he ought not to consider his purpose as 
 absolutely fixed. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Earnestly dissuades him from resigning — The falsehood of Price's accusation too palpable 
 to make any impression to his prejudice.] 
 
 " Sept. 16-26, 1697.— My lord ; I have not acknowledged the 
 receipt of your grace's favour of the 8th, so soon as I ought. My 
 lord Orford and 1 have had many discourses upon the subject of 
 that letter, which you cannot but think gave us trouble enough. 
 But we could not well determine in what manner we should write, 
 for as, on the one hand, it seemed hard to pretend to combat a 
 resolution, which you expressed to be so much fixed ; so, on the 
 other hand; we were both of a mind, that we should not be just, if 
 we did not deal so clearly with your grace, as to say we thought 
 you in the wrong, in taking such a resolution, as well as in giving 
 the king an account of it, before his return. 
 
 " The impertinent and frivolous story of Price was known to be 
 absolutely false, by the archbishop and myself, before it was in- 
 quired into. The thing itself is, to the last degree, absurd and 
 impossible, and the fellow is detected of having endeavoured to 
 impose upon the Justices ; and sir H. C. himself is satisfied he was 
 ill-used and imposed upon by Robins, who recommended Price and 
 Chaloner to him, as honest men, and fit to serve the government ; 
 whereas, if Price be to be credited, as to Chaloner, or he, as to 
 Price, 'there cannot be worse sort of men. I think, therefore 
 it being detected, that this matter moved originally from one,* who 
 had such a hand in the management of Smith, formerly, your grace 
 should look upon the mentioning your name by Price, as a lucky 
 thing, rather than as an occasion for your retiring. Besides, the 
 peace being now made, it is reasonable to think, that, in whatsoever 
 post you like best to continue, there will be more ease for you, 
 
 * Lord Monmouth, now lord I'eterborough, who was suspected of being the instigator 
 of this machination. 
 
 3 R 2 
 
492 C0RR:ESP0NDENCE [Part III.— Ch. S. 
 
 SO as you may be allowed to favour your health ; and Kensington, or 
 Chelsea, or any other place, which you may like better, may do 
 altogether as well as if you fixed yourself in town. 
 
 " I have promised you not to be troublesome with ray impor- 
 tunities, however strong my inclinations are, and how clear soever 
 my opinion is, that you should continue in business ; but I cannot 
 help saying, I think it would be very wrong for you to go abroad at 
 this time. I think, whenever you part with the seals, you should 
 yourself deliver them to the king. And the reason of my thinking 
 so is, because I remember the doing it otherwise, was blamed in 
 your grace, the last time. Give me leave to add, that I think a 
 sudden resolution, taken up, without the concurring opinion of 
 any of your friends, ought never to be looked upon as so fixed, 
 but that you should allow them to be heard upon it. My lord 
 Orford says, he will write to your grace this day, and will endeavour 
 to persuade you to this. 
 
 " My lord chamberlain is come to town ; and my lord Orford 
 and I told him of your letter to us, and of your intent to write to 
 him, to the same purpose, and I suppose you will hear from him 
 by this post." 
 
 THE EARL OF ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has communicated his intention of retiring to lord Sunderland— Concurs with the chan- 
 cellor, in dissuading him from his purpose — Advises him to deliver, the seals in 
 person.] 
 
 " September 16-26, 1697.— My lord ; I have not troubled your 
 grace with any answer to your letter of the 8th, believing it was ne- 
 cessary to obey your commands to lord Sunderland. This morning 
 I told him your resolutions, and that you had written to the king, 
 and designed the same to him, so soon as you knew of his being 
 come to town. He was very much surprised and concerned at the 
 news, and told me, he was resolved this night to write you his 
 thoughts upon the matter. He might have spared his desiring 
 me to write, for I was resolved to offer my poor thoughts to you, 
 so soon as I had talked with him. I had done it before with lord 
 chancellor, who, I suppose, has wrote to you. He is concerned at 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 493 
 
 the resolution you have taken, but is under some doubts, whether 
 you will not believe his advice to you for staying in, is moreout of 
 consideration to himself, than your own ease and satisfaction. I 
 have several times, in company, begun the discourse of your ill 
 health, and that I found you would not be able to come to London, 
 and, consequently, not possible for you to serve the public. It 
 was, in all places, received with trouble, which may serve to shew 
 you how desirous people are to have you in business. I, that 
 know your mind, do not know how to offer arguments to you, that 
 will not seem to look like flattery or self interest ; but as to the latter, 
 I can be little concerned in it, though I flattermyself with your friend- 
 ship, since I conclude the kinghas a good inclination to be rid of me^ 
 and if so, I am sure y<m conclude our white staff will readily run in 
 to give me a mortification, which I do positively resolve not to bear. 
 From these reasons, your grace will believe the advice I shall offer, 
 proceeds purely from a design to serve you, without the least 
 regard to myself; therefore, not to take up too much of your time, 
 a peace is concluded, which will put it out of the power of those 
 villains, who study mischief and destruction, to hurt honest men, 
 at least to any degree to. trouble people. As for this foolish plot 
 of sir Henry Colt's, I think it has been, so well managed, that? 
 whenever it comes to be talked of, it will so redound to your credit, 
 as to shew the world there are some cruel-minded men, that have, 
 if possible, a mind to prejudice your reputation ; and, for the futurcj 
 whatever they may say, will be so taken, and receive no manner of 
 countenance, even from sir Colt. 
 
 " Should you continue in the resolution of quitting, I really think 
 it will not be by any means with a good grace, to send the seals 
 by any hapd to the king, but to give them with your own compli- 
 ment to him. This I find lord chancellor and lord Sunderland 
 concurring in, and therefore, in my poor opinion, if your health will 
 in any degree admit of it, I should wish you would see the king 
 when he comes first over. You have so often reproached me, for 
 pretending to advise you to do what is not easy to you, that really I 
 am afraid to tell you what I think, that you should continue, if you 
 can bring yourself to it Avith any satisfaction; butifnot,do not pre- 
 
494 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 juclice your own health, to gratify any one, or all your friends. 
 But if you can bring yourself to be easy in this, or any other 
 employment, it will be a pleasure to all your friends, but to none in 
 a more particular manner, than to, &c. 
 
 " Whatever you resolve upon, as to staying or going, I find you will 
 be blamed, if the seals are given by any other hand than your grace's/' 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Rejoices at the peace, and at the conclusion of Price's affair — Thinks this accusation 
 
 cannot affect his grace.] 
 
 " London, Sept. 16-26, 1697. — My lord; I met upon the road 
 with the good news of the peace, and I find it has made this a 
 new world. I always thought it would have a very good efiect 
 upon men's minds, but I could not have believed what I see, if I 
 did not see it. 
 
 *' I have, since I came, been acquainted with the fine plot the 
 lords justices have been troubled with, since I left them, which they 
 are tired with, and will, I think, rid themselves of very soon. 
 What has been said of you is so absurd, and so demonstrably false, 
 that it is not worth saying any thing to you of it, which I hope you 
 will believe, and that I would not deceive you. I am sure I do not 
 intend it, when I tell you that I am extremely concerned, that you 
 are still troubled with a shortness of breath, though I cannot imagine 
 it to be so ill, or so dangerous, as sir Thomas Millington tells you. 
 Let it be so, not to argue with him, who ought to know much 
 better than I. 
 
 " All your friends hope you will meet the king at his return, 
 and not leave him, or them, till they can once speak with you. I 
 hope you will not refuse them this. Chelsea, or Hyde park, is as 
 good air as Worcestershire, and your health cannot be hazarded 
 by coming for a few days to one of those places. 
 
 " I hope you will forgive this trouble, and believe that no man 
 in the world is more really than I am," &c. 
 
 The meditated resignation of the noble secretary, renewed the 
 crisis, which had occurred at the commencement of spring. As it 
 
1697.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, &c. 495 
 
 was foreseen, that the whigs would resume their efforts to obtain the 
 seals for Wharton, Sunderland, who even in the preceding winter, 
 had cast his eyes upon Mr. Vernon, to succeed in the post which 
 would be left vacant by his patron, communicated his purpose to 
 him, and earnestly pressed him to accept the office. Nor was he 
 moved by the reluctance of Vernon himself, who felt so strongly 
 the peril of the obnoxious and dangerous post, that he observes to 
 the duke of Shrewsbury, " I had better do as Temple did, fill my 
 pockets with stones, and leap into the Thames.*" 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury imparted, in strict confidence, this 
 proposal to the lord chancellor alone ; but, though he foresaw the 
 feuds, which were likely to ensue for the reversion of his office, he 
 persisted in his purpose. He, however, consented to repair to 
 London, and deliver the seals to the king, in compliance with the 
 instances of his friends, who hoped, by personal remonstrances, to 
 attain the end, which they could not gain by their epistolary 
 representations. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND. 
 
 [Rejoices at the peace — Complains of mental and bodily incapacity for business — Persists 
 in his intention to retire — Will repair to town to resign the seals.] 
 
 " Grafton, Sept. 22-Oct. 2, 1697.— My lord ; I have, for this last 
 year, thought the peace would be generally very acceptable It 
 is Extreme pleasing to these counties, and I am glad to understand 
 it is the same in town. I confess it is the most welcome news to 
 me, that I think I ever received. 
 
 " I waited your lordship's coming to town, to acknowledge a 
 former letter I had from you, with an enclosed of my lord Portland's, 
 which I now resume, and to acquaint you with a resolution, which 
 I perceive my lord chancellor and my lord Orford have discoursed 
 with 3'ou about. I know, generally, men are so ill judges of what 
 concerns themselves, that I shall not be positive I am in the right ; 
 but, in my case, there are so many concurring circumstances, to 
 persuade me that I am, that I declare it will be very hard to alter 
 
 * Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, Sept. 16, 1697. 
 
496 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 my purpose. My inclination has always been to lead the life of a 
 private gentleman, and a small mortification is sufficient to disgust 
 me from public employments ; for I cannot think it reasonable 
 to make a struggle and be uneasy, to prieserve what I should live 
 much happier without. But, above all, my ill health "has made my 
 body and my mind wholly incapable of the care, thought, or atten- 
 dance of business. It is a great satisfaction to me, that I shall retire 
 at a time, when his majesty's affairs are in a better posture, than 
 they have been for some years ; and I heartily wish, that he and those 
 about him, may enjoy happiness and advantage, from a lasting 
 peace. 
 
 " Since it is your lordship's opinion, that I ought necessarily to 
 come to town, I shall only now desire to know, when you think it 
 most proper ; for I would not willingly continue there long." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS. 
 [On the same subject — Complains of being exposed to the calumnies of spies and informers.] 
 
 " Grafton, Sept. 9.2-Oct. 2, 1697- — My lord ; I have received your 
 lordship's of the l6th, and will not contest but you may be in the 
 right,and thatitisgreat weakness and folly to leave an employment^ 
 and the world, when peace has put a cheerful prospect upon our 
 affairs, and ease and quietmay be probably expected. Butlmust,at 
 the same time, freely confess to you, that,! have taken such a disgust 
 to all public business, that it is become almost an antipathy, as 
 unreasonable to the full, and as hard to overcome. It is therefore 
 in vain for any body to argue with me, or for me to argue with 
 myself: my temper carries me away, and I would much rather not 
 live at all, than lead a busy, unquiet Hfe. If my health Avere as 
 good as it has been, I might possibly master my inclination, as I 
 have formerly done; but that being weak and uneasy, my humour 
 is grown froward, and much fitter to be concealed than exposed. 
 
 " This being the true state of my mind, your lordship can do 
 no greater act of friendship, than to assist me to come off with the 
 king and my friends, in such a manner, it may not be resented, 
 as proceeding from disrespect, or disaffection ; but from a perfect 
 inability to serve, partly of body, and partly of mind, though my 
 heart and good wishes are ever constant to the same cause and 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADER Si &c. 497 
 
 interest, which I shall endeavour to promote, in the little sphere I 
 design to move in for the future. 
 
 " Since your lordship thinks it proper I should come to town, 
 I shall submit to the^hazard and inconvenience of the journey, 
 and, though it should cost me a relapse into my bleeding, I shall 
 not think that price too dear to pay a decent respect to the king ; 
 I beg only to know the time you would have me be there. But 
 I must observe, that if I was blamed for not personally delivering 
 the seals, the last time, it was very unjustly ; for I carried them 
 four or five times, and would have left them in his majesty's 
 closet, but he still positively commanded my taking them back ; 
 so they continued for some days in my possession, without my 
 acting, till at last I was seized with so violent a fever, that nobody 
 thought I could live,* and, when the king went for Ireland, was 
 too weak even to turn myself in my bed, and, of a month after, 
 could not walk the length of my chamber. My lord Portland 
 knows, that when he came to speak to me upon that subject, he 
 found me almost speechless, and so weak, that he confessed he 
 did not expect I had been so ill, and, going away, forbore trou- 
 bling me, out of merq pity. 
 
 " As for Price, I never was concerned at the information itself. 
 It happens luckily that the contrary can be proved several ways, 
 insomuch, that if Roberts and ten more had sworn it, I might 
 have been suspected to trepan sir John Fenwick ; but, to design 
 to effect his escape, and yet suffer him to go where I knew he 
 would be apprehended, are too great impossibilities. And now, 
 Roberts's testimony, and the manner the whole thing has been 
 examined in, by your lordship's justice and kindness, has cleared 
 that beyond dispute, let the first invention light where it will. 
 
 " But it is very unpleasant to find that one is the subject of these 
 fellows' malice and villany, and, indeed, unsafe, if they have got 
 the secret they pretend to, of counterfeiting hands, or washing out 
 part of a writing and filling it up, leaving as much of the rest to 
 remain as they see they may make convenient ; sign passes and 
 
 * See page 16. 
 3 s 
 
498 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 orders, and what they please for me, whose name has necessarily 
 been subscribed to so many several papers as run abroad. 
 
 " I will conclude this tedious letter, with repeating my request 
 to your lordship, that you will help to disengage me from this 
 condition of life I am so extreme weary of, and unfit for. I shall 
 take it as a very kind and considerable addition to those many 
 obligations you have already laid upon," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD ORFORD. 
 [Will deliver the seals to the king in person — Declares his aversion to public business.] 
 
 " Grafton, Sept. 22-Oct. 2, l697.— My lord ; I have received 
 your lordship's of the l6th, and since it is thought absolutely 
 necessary that I must come to town, will wait upon you there 
 for a few daj's, about the time of the king's return, or, at what 
 other you shall think most convenient, though 1 hate the journey, 
 not only for fear of a relapse, which I have good reason to 
 apprehend, but, for the importunity I shall meet with from 
 twenty people, that one cannot argue with, because, upon so nice 
 a subject, one must not speak one's mind.. I should be very 
 cruel to make your's or my lord chancellor's suspicion reasonable, 
 that I could mistrust your advices of self-interest. I have had 
 too sure a demonstration of your two friendships to be jealous of 
 either of you for such a part. But, as men, in the counsel they 
 give to themselves, regard their own inclinations too much, so 
 their friends are apt to consider them too little. You certainly 
 advise right, in the common acceptation of the world, who will 
 never think obscurity so valuable as I do; and, I know the way 
 I am taking is not the method to be rich or great. But spleen 
 and ill health have so much increased my natural fondness to 
 retire, and my aversion to dependance and restraint, that I am 
 no longer capable of this course of life ; and, to be in business, 
 with my present infirmities of body and mind, would but expose 
 me more than formerly ; therefore, dear lord Orford, help me to 
 my liberty, and it will be the kindest thing you can do to," &c. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 499 
 
 LORD ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is glad he has resolved to deliver the seals in person — States that he will be much pressed 
 to continue in the service, particularly by lotd Sunderland, of whose tnotives he 
 suggests suspicions.] 
 
 " London, Sept. 24i-Oct. 4, 1697- — My lord ; I am not able to 
 tell your grace whether I am glad or sorry at the resolution you 
 have taken, in coming to town at the king's return ; for, as I shall 
 be extremely glad to see you, and think, if you are able, it is right 
 to see the king, and to delivei* the seals to him ; so I should be 
 as much concerned, if any ill accident should attend you, by the 
 journey, as to your health. What you seem to apprehend of the 
 application that will be made to you by numbers of people, to 
 continue your employment, will certainly happen ; nor can you 
 wonder at it, since those that are your friends will think them- 
 selves doubly concerned, as to yourself and themselves. You 
 know so well my thoughts, that I need not trouble you with a 
 repetition, for I swear, without any regard to myself, I would have 
 you do what may, in your own opinion, contribute most to your 
 present and future quiet and satisfaction. I think your stay or 
 leaving business, does, from your friendship and kindness to me, 
 more particularly affect me. I shall always abandon my own 
 interest to the satisfaction of a man I profess so much service and 
 honour for, as I do to your grace ; and, though I will never press 
 you to do what you so much dislike, you must prepare yourself 
 to withstand many solicitations from your friends and acquaint- 
 ance ; and, by what I perceive, lord Sunderland does not doubt 
 of your being prevailed upon to continue in business. Whether 
 his desire in this matter is a real kindness to you, or otherwise, 
 I will not pretend to determine. It is not unlikely that, before 
 you think of coming to town, I may learn some news fit for your 
 knowledge, which I shall acquaint you of; for I would be glad 
 you were fully apprised of matters here, when you come up to 
 town. I have nothing more to add, but that I am, with the 
 greatest respect," &c. 
 
 3 s 2 
 
500 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Desists from withstanding his desire to resign — Mutual accusations and villany of Price 
 
 and Chaloner.J 
 
 " Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 1697.— My lord ; I had, yesterday, the 
 honour of your grace's letter, and am very much satisfied with 
 your resolution of coming to town, if your health will admit. I 
 will never be uneasy to you with my importunities, and, as ray 
 opinion can have but little weight, at any time, so I will never 
 be so impertinent to press it to your disquiet. I am too sensible 
 myself of what it is to be perplexed with business against onei's, 
 inclination, and with no good health, to be very unreasonably in 
 another man's case. But what my sense is of your grace's re- 
 tiring, with respect to yourself, to your friends, and to the public, 
 I have troubled you with so often, that it need not bie repeated. 
 
 " The time of coming to town, in my lord Orford's wishes, as 
 well as mine, should be, at least, some days before the king comes 
 hither. 
 
 " We have sent to the Treasury Chaloner's accusation of Price, 
 and Price's accusation of Chaloner, and what other informations 
 we have got against either of them, about counterfeiting exchequer 
 bills. This day Price told us that Chaloner had sent him a letter, 
 which he shewed us, in which Chaloner pretends to tell Price 
 how kindly he carried himself, upon his being examined, with 
 respect to him ; and desires to know how Price behaved himself, 
 when he was asked about' Chaloner ; and says, if they can come 
 to a right understanding, he will put him into such a way as shall 
 bring them both ofi", in spite of all things. We were desirous to 
 see if any thing can come of this, and have consented that Price 
 should write to him, to learn the meaning of it, if Chaloner will 
 send it to him, in writing, under his own hand, otherwise, we 
 told him, it would not be regarded. 
 
 " The fellow is in a great fear, and knows how villanously 
 Chaloner has spoken of him ; and, I am apt to think, will set his 
 wits to work to draw this secret from Chaloner, in hopes to make 
 
1697.] With the whig leaders, &c. soi 
 
 his own case better. It is not impossible but this may lead us 
 to a discovery of who set these people on work. 
 
 " 1 have only to add my heartiest and sincerest wishes for your 
 health," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Announces the time of the king's return.] 
 
 " London, Oct. 19-29, 1697- — ^My lord ; The king having named 
 the first day of November for his embarking, he will probably be 
 here soon after, and your friends and servants hope you will be 
 here some days before him. Every thing that relates to the 
 public looks very well, and I wish most earnestly your health may 
 allow you the share you ought to have in its prosperity, being 
 most truly," &c. 
 
 For above a month, affairs continued in this uncertain situa- 
 tion, the whigs caballing to obtain the seals for Wharton, and 
 Sunderland pubUcly affecting to favour tueir wishes, though se- 
 cretly yielding to the prejudices of the king, and pressing Mr. 
 Vernon to accept the office. Shrewsbury, in the mean time, 
 persisted in his intention to resign ; but was prevented from repair- 
 ing to town, to deliver up the seals to the king, either frona a 
 relapse of his complaint, or from a desire to avoid the importuni- 
 ties of all parties. On the 23rd of October, Vernon thus describes 
 the state of this political cabal: — 
 
 " I suppose you will now be thinking of drawing towards the 
 town. You are coming into a strange intricacy. My lord chamber- 
 lain, in sbme companies, declares for my lord Wharton, and knows 
 there is no such thing intended. My lord Wharton shews a 
 willingness to accept it ; and, at the bottom, has no mind to it ; 
 or, as your grace foresees, will soon be weary of it. Your grace 
 will be vehemently pressed to stay in, and you resolve against it. 
 
502 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. I>. 
 
 You know one* is secretly designed for secretary; and he is 
 utterly incapable of it. What will all this end in at last ?" 
 
 In one expedient alone all parties seemed to concur, namely, 
 the continuance of Shrewsbury in the administration, either by 
 retaining the seals, as secretary of state, or, by accepting the 
 office of president of the council, which was expected to be 
 vacated by the duke of Leeds. Indeed, the whigs were particu- 
 larly anxious for this species of compromise; because, on the 
 meeting of parliament, when the arrangements for the peace were 
 to be taken into consideration, it was currently reported, that the 
 tories would offer large sacrifices for the purchase of the royal 
 favour. This opinion is strongly expressed in a letter from lord 
 Orford, dated October 21-31, 1697:— 
 
 " My lord ; — I have been so few days in town, that I am not 
 able to send your grace any account how the world goes ; but I 
 find endeavours are used to persuade the whigs, that if they are 
 not willing to do the king's business, as it is called, in the parlia- 
 ment, the tories are resolved to bid for the king. How far this 
 way of talking will prevail, to make them zealous or backward, 
 is hard to guess at present ; but I found, by the few that are in 
 town, that one party of people expects and prepares to be ill- 
 treated. I do not much trouble myself about the matter, not 
 caring how soon they are rid of me ; but I resolve to do it my 
 own way, and not to gratify those who I know underhand are my 
 enemies. I was spoke to last Tuesday, by lord Sunderland, to 
 write to your grace to come up as soon as you can ; but really I 
 had so violent a pain in my head, I was not able ; and, now I do 
 obey his commands, I must ask your pardon for my presumption, 
 ^n pressing you to do what I am sure you are the best judge of. 
 The king will certainly be over, if the wind permits, by the be- 
 ginning of next month ; so that, if you come, to be in town before 
 he comes, you must be here next week. 
 
 * Meaning himself. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 503 
 
 " I find, by some, it is taken for granted, if the king has a mind 
 you should, that you will remain with the seals all the winter, so 
 that you may be at liberty to be in the country, as you please. 
 This I find you will be pressed to consent to. I know this will 
 please the whigs, that if they cannot prevail with you, to con- 
 tinue, they may have time to fix another, that may be a friend 
 of their's, though I steadfastly believe no such shall have the 
 seals. Lord Wharton has been thought on, and I have had some 
 discourse with him of it ; but he does not frankly declare himself to 
 me, nor do I believe, if he comes to have a mind to it, others will 
 approve of his being in that place, however consenting they now 
 seem. I know you have long considered this matter as to your- 
 self, and after hearing you express your dislike to that degree, it 
 would be the height of impertinence in me to press you to what I 
 know is so much against* your inchnations, nor will I say any 
 think on the subject, till I have the honour of seeing you. Only 
 this far I may say, that if you could bring yourself to endure the 
 place, I should be rejoiced at your -sfay, though, I believe, I shall 
 be the first of your friends that leaves the court ; but, as to your 
 coming to town, I should think your being here, when the king 
 comes, will have the best grace ; and this your friend lord Sunder- 
 land longs for, that matters, as he calls it, may be adjusted, before 
 his arrival. I will not trouble you more at this time, than to 
 assure you of my being, with the greatest truth and respect," 
 &c. 
 
 We have no documents relating to the interval, which elapsed, 
 before the beginning of December, during which time the king 
 landed in England, and arrangements were made for assembling 
 the parliament. Doubtless, however, the same struggle continued, 
 and the diflSc^lties increased, in consequence of the expected dis- 
 cussions, relative to the terms of peace, and the extent of the 
 military and naval establishment, which the king was desirous to 
 maintain. As the crisis therefore approa:Ched, the anxiety of aU 
 
504 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 parties was raised, and, by their joint importunities, the partial 
 consent of Shrewsbury was extorted, tq retain the seals for a yet 
 farther period. 
 
 In the midst of the importunities, with which he was assailed, a 
 new turn was given to the contest, by the sudden resignation of 
 sir William Trumbull, the other secretary of state, who had oiFended 
 the whigs, by the doubtful part which he had taken, during the 
 examination of Fenwick and the other informers. Whether his 
 retreat was, as he alleged, occasioned by the mortifications which 
 he experienced from the lords justices, or, whether he resigned 
 to avoid his dismission, cannot be determined ; it is at least certain, 
 that this change was little expected by those who were most 
 deeply interested in a new arrangement. On this occasion the 
 same vigilance as before was shewn, to baffle the hopes of lord 
 Wharton and the whigs ; for, Sunderland executed the design he 
 had long meditated, by overruling Mr. Vernon's unwillingness to 
 accept the office. 
 
 The particulars of this occurrence are best explained in the 
 words of Vernon himself, to the duke of Shrewsbury, in a letter 
 dated Dec. 2, 1697^ 
 
 " The thing I have so long dreaded is fallen upon me, and so 
 suddenly, that it hath been impossible for me to make any appli- 
 cations, or use any means to Avard it off. Mr. secretary Trumbull 
 resigned the seals yesterday, upon what motives I know not, only, 
 in general I hear he hath been troubleaomely uneasy of late, and 
 the matters he complained of, I hear, were levelled at the lords 
 justices ; that he had been treated more like a footman than a 
 secretary, and had been sent to for blank warrants, which was 
 about the men Price accused, and that I had countersigned some- 
 thing belonging to him, relating to the separate article of the 
 treaty. I know not what that should be, unless it were the warrant 
 for affixing the seals, which my lord chancellor expected for his 
 justification, and he was out of town when it was dispatched. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 505 
 
 This is told me by Mr. Van Huls, sir William having laid open his 
 grievances to my lord Albemarle, that he might make them known 
 to the king. 
 
 " I heard not a vrord of his being removed, till this morning, 
 that my lord chamberlain told me of it at the Office, adding, that 
 the king would acquaint the cabinet council, which was to meet 
 after sermon, that he intended I should succeed. He took as much 
 notice of what I could say to the contrary, as he used to do 
 formerly. 
 
 " When the cabinet was up, my lord Portland, told me the 
 king had declared his intentions, and directed I should attend him 
 at Kensington, at eight this evening. I came now from thence, 
 and am unhappily loaded with the seals. I said all I could to 
 excuse it, that his majesty might understand my weakness and 
 unfitness, in a truer character, than I am afraid hath been given of 
 me, and when that could not be admitted, such as I must submit. 
 I could not meet with my lord chancellor, or lord Orford, 
 before I went (they being at my lord Romney's), to have desired 
 their interposition. I saw them only just as the council rose, and 
 they gave me joy, with such pleasant countenances, that I believe 
 the matter was very new to them. I cannot but think the manner 
 of coming in, is as unaccountable as the rest. God knows I have 
 little joy in it, and would infinitely rather have preferred your 
 grace's service, which by your goodness, I could sooner hope to 
 give satisfaction in, and have more reason than ever to beg you 
 will not withdraw from me your patronage and protection ; and 
 be pleased to thipk, when the time comes, how to make my 
 fall easy, for meteors raised on a sudden, were never designed to 
 last long." 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is surprised at the transfer of the seals from sir William Trumbull to Mr. Vernon — The 
 whigs recommend lord Wharton, and are offended by the arrangement, but acquit the 
 duke of Shrewsbury of any share in it — Presses him, if he resigns, to recommend 
 lord Wharton — Suspicious of lord Sunderland's interference.] 
 
 " Dec. 9-19} l697.— * * * * My lord ; I own myself to have been 
 
 3 T 
 
506 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 very much surprised at the change of secretaries, though, the 
 minute I heard the first was out, I concluded who would be his " 
 successor, from what your grace had formerly mentioned to me. 
 We have all of us endeavoured to convince my lord Wharton, 
 that we had not the least notice of this change, and I think he 
 believes it ; but I will not fail to tell him, when I see him next, 
 how much your grace was surprised at the news, and how abso- 
 lutely ignorant of the thing. 
 
 " I have been confined to my chamber for a week, upon 
 account of the stone, or gravel. Last Tuesday night, my lord 
 chamberlain, my lord Orford, my lord Wharton, and Mr. Mon- 
 tague came to my house, upon my lord chamberlain's appoint- 
 ment. The design of the meeting was to communicate your 
 grace's letter to him, and to tell us what he Avas to write to you, 
 by the king's direction. We all wished that might prevail with 
 you, but could not but think the case was altered since your 
 going out of town. 
 
 " In conclusion, he had ordered it so, to have it proposed, if 
 you were immoveable, who was to succeed ; and it was easily 
 agreed my lord Wharton was the man to be desired. From all, 
 I conclude, that if you are determined, unalterably, to give up 
 the seals, either it is settled in favour of my lord Wharton, or 
 directly the contrary ; and all this is a grimace, to let him see 
 what that other lord's* wish is, though he could not prevail. 
 
 " If you will allow me to guess, 1 shall do it upon a veiy ridi- 
 culous ground. But my lord Tankerville having been named of 
 late, with much praise, by that lord, and upon the first news I 
 had elsewhere of the quitting of one, and the choice of another 
 secretary ; and the reason given, amongst others, that the new one 
 was the only proper person in the House of Commons, though 
 others might have been thought of in the House of Lords, and of 
 those, my lord Tankerville being narned first, I dare say he has 
 been the first thought of, though he may not succeed. 
 
 " I should be very glad to go along with your grace's inclina- 
 tions in serving Mr. Walsh, in any of his pretensions." 
 
 * Lord Sunderland. 
 
1697] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 507 
 
 The letter from lord Sunderland, to which an allusion is made 
 by the chancellor, is here subjoined, with the reply ; both of Avhich 
 will serve to shew the anxiety as well of the king as of the whigs, 
 to retain the duke of Shrewsbury in the administration. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has laid his offer to resign before the king, who desires him to delay it, and is pleased 
 with his inclination to accept another office.] 
 
 " London, Dec. 7-17, 1697- — My lord ; I laid your letter before 
 the king, thinking it the best way of serving you, as you desired ; 
 but his majesty is very unwilling you should yet part with the 
 seals, and has commanded me to let you know as much ; and 
 that he earnestly desires you will keep them as long as you in- 
 tended, when you went out of town, leaving it to you to make 
 use of them as you shall think fit. He ordered me also to tell 
 you, that he is extremely pleased with what you write, of serving 
 him in another employment, which I wish you, with perfect health 
 and happiness, being most truly," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND. 
 
 [Urges him to solicit the king again for leave to resign — Will retain the seals some time 
 longer, in obedience to his majesty's commands— Declines accepting another office.] 
 
 " Eyford, Dec. 11-21, 1697- — My lord ; I have received your's 
 of the 7th, and am out of countenance to give you so much 
 trouble ; but, continuing still very uneasy at being charged with 
 the care of an office, that I am sensible is not at present supplied 
 with persons, capable of doing the duty of it, I cannot but renew 
 my request, that you will consider yourself in my case, and, if 
 you think I have reason, that you will so represent it to his 
 majesty, that I may have leave, rather to resign now, than to 
 continue longer. But I submit the whole, first to his majesty, and 
 next to yourself; and, if it be any inconvenience to the king's 
 affairs, am content rather to suffer, than be the least occasion that 
 they should ; but I can hardly imagine that possible, because 
 already all the world looks upon me as out. 
 
 " As to another employment, my ill health, and temper, neither 
 
 3 T 2 
 
508 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 incline me, nor make me fit for any. I have no relish for power 
 or riches, but am convinced none can be happy who set their 
 hearts on either. I am grown fond of the diversions and retire- 
 ment of the country, and have lost some other passions, that have 
 formerly reconciled me to the town. These being sincerely my 
 thoughts, nothing could dissuade me from immediately pursuing 
 them, but those obliging, kind commands, which his majesty was 
 pleased to lay upon me, and which I will obey, if my health, and 
 other circumstances permit. But this being an act, rather of 
 obedience than choice, I desire it may be understood that, when 
 I am out of the secretary's place, I shall not be so in haste 
 to be in another, that I need put the king to the least inconve- 
 nience, to make a vacancy for me, but shall be as ready, at all 
 times, to attend his person, his counsels, or serve him in any other 
 manner, he shall think me capable of, not being in a place, as 
 if I were in one. If this end in the manner I wish and propose, 
 I shall esteem myself happy ; but, let the event be as it will, I 
 shall ever acknowledge your kindness, and be most kindly," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [The king is pleased that the duke of Shrewsbury will continue to keep the seals.] 
 
 " London, Dec. 16-26, l697. — My lord ; I have laid your letter 
 of the 11th of December before the king, who is extremely satis- 
 fied with it, and continues to desire you will keep the seals ; and 
 does believe you will receive no trouble or inconveniency from it, 
 on any account " whatever. I need not tell you of any kind 
 things he said, for you know his favour and esteem for you, best 
 of any body." 
 
 The appointment of Mr. Vernon disconcerted the whig chiefs, 
 who saw the promotion of lord Wharton rendered still more 
 remote than ever ; because he could not now be forced into office, 
 without the resignation of Shrewsbury, which they deprecated as 
 earnestly, as they pressed his appointment. Indignant, therefore, 
 at such an unexpected frustration of their hopes, they became 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 509 
 
 still more irritated against Sunderland, to whose machinations it 
 was justly attributed. 
 
 He was accordingly assailed in parliament, as the corrupt and 
 secret adviser of his royal master; and every incident of his 
 former life was vigilantly scrutinised, for topics of accusation and 
 reproach. In particular, his conduct before the Revolution was 
 severely arraigned, and invidious charges were urged, that he was 
 betraying and ruining the present, as he had betrayed and ruined 
 the former sovereign. He was at the same time held up to 
 public odium, as the chief adviser of the unpopular attempts^ 
 which were now made, to obtain the consent of parliament, to the 
 maintenance of a standing army ; and threats were even used, of 
 addresses to remove him from the king's presence and counsels. 
 In the midst of these multiplied attacks, he was not only aban- 
 doned by the whigs, but exposed to the secret machinations of 
 Wharton and his adherents. 
 
 The king himself, indeed, condescending to mediate in his 
 favour, made a personal appUcation to lord Wharton, and on his 
 cold and repulsive denial, even solicited the interference of Shrews- 
 bury. But all these efforts failing, Sunderland was terrified with 
 such overwhelming attacks, and as the only expedient to escape 
 an impeachment, resigned his office, to the extreme reluctance of 
 his royal master. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY.* 
 [Has resigned his place of lord chamberlain, which he desires the duke to accept.] 
 
 " London, Dec. 28-Jan. 7, 1697-8. — My lord ; I beheve you will 
 not wonder that I have laid down the place of chamberlain, you 
 have known too much of my thoughts upon that subject; but the 
 king, as I am told, desiring extremely you would take it, as a place 
 of no constraint, and yet near him, I cannot but hope you will 
 comply with him. I do, from my heart, wish it, Avith all the 
 
 * This letter is referred to in lord Portland's letter to the duke, January 7-17, 1698, 
 in which he notifies the desire of the king that he would accept the office of chamberlain.— 
 See the correspondence with the king, chapter 8, page 180. 
 
510 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ck. 5. 
 
 earnestness imaginable, and if the perfect friendship I have for you 
 could contribute any thing to persuade you to it, I should be ex- 
 tremely pleaded with it, as being fitted to your circumstances," 
 
 The extraordinary incident, which the principal actor thus briefly 
 imparts, is detailed, with all its concomitant circumstances, in a 
 letter from Mr. Vernon to the duke, dated Dec. 27-Jan. 6, 1697-8. 
 
 " I make the more haste to acknowledge the honour of your 
 grace's letter of the 25th, because I would not delay acquainting 
 you, that my lord Sunderland Avould not stay to be addressed 
 from court, and, therefore, last night, he delivered up his key and 
 staff. He was with the king about a quarter of an hour, before 
 the cabinet sat, and when he came out of the closet, he took me 
 down to his lodgings, and said he had pressed the king he might 
 resign, not being able to bear any longer the hfe he had led. That 
 the king did not think fit he should leave his key there, but gave 
 him leave to put it into my hands',, which he accordingly did, 
 cutting it off from his side. 
 
 " When I came up stairs again, I found those were not the 
 directions, but what he would absolutely do ; for the king would 
 not have the key thus delivered, much less through my hands, 
 and when the cabinet was up, I was sent to him to Erles-court,* to 
 desire he would take his key again, but he would not endure 
 to' hear of it. I begged only he would suspend his resolu- 
 tion till next day, that he had spoke to my lord chancellor, who 
 had not then been at council, acquainting him, that the king 
 had told it to my lord Orford, who very much disapproved 
 of what he had done. He was unalterably fixed to hear no 
 more of it, and never to meddle with that, or any other public 
 employment. I put him in mind that he would give contrary 
 advices, to those who were as uneasy in their employments, as he 
 might be ; and since he did it in consideration of the king's service, 
 whether the same considerations ought not to prevail on him, 
 
 * The seat of his friend Mr. Guy. 
 
1697.] WITH THE WHIG LEADEaS, &c. 511 
 
 when the king found himself in such distress, by being forsaken of 
 those, whom he placed the greatest confidence in, and I hope 
 whatsoever disgusted him might be made easier. He said it was 
 not on account of the parliament only, that be came to this xeso- 
 lution i for he had otherwise led die life of a dog, having done all 
 that Was in his power for the service of a party, whom he could 
 never oblige to live easily with him, or to treat him with (Common 
 civility^ He came out with one expression, Avivich I drall never 
 mention, but to your grace, that there was no rack like to wiiat 
 he suffered, by being ground as he had been, between lord 
 Monmouth and lord Wharton. As soon as it was out, he recol- 
 lected himself again, and said he would not have opened himself so 
 far, to any body but me. Your grace, therefore, will please to keep 
 his secret, if it be one ; he added the troubles he had undergone 
 
 with the e of P ,* only for the service of your grace 
 
 and my lord Orford. I put in a word then, and said the e of 
 
 P would now let himself loose again, remembering what 
 
 he had told to my lord Portland ; but he slighted, saying, what can 
 he do or signify ? 
 
 " The king is very much concerned at his going off: he hath been 
 pressing for it these three Sundays, successively, and all endeavours 
 used to turn him from it. The king finds himself in great want of 
 some he may be free with. He doth not see he hath any but my 
 lord chancellor, and he hath business that keeps him from attending 
 as often as it would be necessary. 
 
 " I canliot but be concerned at these changes, and do not see 
 what good consequences they can have. This was certainly an able 
 and an active man, and, I believe it was not impossible to remove 
 the jealousies, that were taken up on both sides. How far he will 
 act hereafter, behind the curtain, I know not ; but his inclinations, 
 I fear, are wholly turned from any thing that may be called a whig. 
 
 " I must tell your grace, in confidence, that I believe my lord 
 Wharton wishes to see that staff in your grace's hands, and I am 
 sure it cannot be in better, and what all people ought to be satisfied 
 
 * Earl of Peterborough. 
 
512 COKKESPOIVDIENCE [Part III.— Ch. 5. 
 
 with, if any thing can content them. But I do not like the manner 
 it comes to be made void, and I should be glad first to see, what is to 
 ensue upon it, and how this news will be received by so many 
 divided interests. We are coming upon a ticklish point, which is 
 the keeping up a greater number of forces, than the parliament 
 seems yet to intend. I am afraid our safety requires it, and if it 
 cannot be complied with, we shall find ourselves in a very ill con- 
 dition, more ways than one. If we are possessed only with the 
 imagination of future danger to our liberty, we shall fall into some 
 fatal crisis. 
 
1698.] WITHTHEWHIGLEADERS, Sic. 613 
 
 CHAPTER 6. 
 1698. 
 
 Parliamentary proceedings on the military establishment— The ministry unable to prevent the 
 reduction of the army to 10,000 men — Dissatisfaction befween the king and the whigs — 
 Attempts to effect an accommodation, by the promotion of Wharton as secretary, the 
 appointnunt of Shrewsbury as chamberlain, and the admission of Sunderland into the 
 privy council — Jpplication of both parties for the mediation of Shrewsbury — Ineffectual 
 meeting at Newmarket, between the king and the whig chiefs — The whigs refuse to 
 coalesce with Sunderland — Endeavour to strengthen their cause, preparatory to a new 
 election — Project for a new Kast India Company, carried through the House of Commons 
 — Dissatisfaction of the king on his departure to Holland — Continuation of the cor- 
 respondence, from January to July, 1698. 
 
 JL HE effects of the feuds in the cabinet, were deeply felt in the 
 parliament, even before they were rendered public, by the resig- 
 nation of lord Sunderland. 
 
 Perhaps, at no time, could such a misunderstanding, among 
 those who directed the helm of state, have been more fatal than at 
 this particular period. By the distresses of the country, the 
 king had been reduced to sign an unfavourable peace with France, 
 at the moment when the decease of Charles the second, king of 
 Spain, was hourly expected, and when a new contest was likely 
 to arise for the Spanish succession. He deeply felt that such 
 an accommodation was nothing more than a temporary pause in 
 hostilities ; but he trusted that the zeal, which the british nation 
 had invariably manifested, for its honour and independence, would 
 induce the legislature to maintain such a force, as might suffice to 
 repel the aggressions, which the king of France was evidently 
 meditating. 
 
 He had not, however, sufficiently calculated on the strength of 
 party feeling, nor on the jealousy which the nation fostered against 
 a standing army, in time of peace. In such a situation it was 
 
 3 u 
 
S\i CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 doubly incumbent on him to maintain a perfect confidence with 
 his ministers, and particularly to conciliate the whigs, who were 
 regarded as the champions of public liberty, and the supporters of 
 the new settlement. Unfortunately, however, his impolitic 
 aversion to the preponderance of either of the two great parties, 
 and his personal dislike to some of the whigs, had created an 
 alienation, which had been inflamed almost into open hostility, by 
 the late contests for the secretaryship of state. 
 
 The arrangements arising from the conclusion of peace, had 
 excited great interest in the public mind, and the fate of the army 
 in particular had been warmly canvassed. A paper warfare had 
 already commenced on this subject, and the question was agitated 
 with extreme virulence ; the adherents of the government labouring 
 to prove the policy of maintaining a standing force, in the actual 
 circumstances of the country, and of Europe, and their opponents 
 dilating on every topic, calculated to inflame the public mind, 
 and stigmatizing the troops with the names of Praetorian Guards, 
 and Turkish Janissaries. 
 
 In such a state of general irritation, the king landed in England, 
 and the parliament opened on the 3rd of December, 1697- The royal 
 speech was unfortunately calculated to increase the ferment ; for, 
 after recommending the finances to the consideration of the legis- 
 lature, the king adverted to the obnoxious topic, by declaring, 
 that the country could not be safe, without the maintenance of a 
 considerable force, as well by land, as by sea. 
 
 This expression was instantly made the theme of declamation 
 and invective. It was bitterly censured, as an unconstitutional 
 attempt to influence the votes of the House ; the speech itself was 
 invidiously compared with those of king James ; and the clamours 
 against a standing army, were renewed with increasing acrimony. 
 The lords, indeed, voted a loyal answer ; but the commons waited 
 six days, and then replied in an address, replete with compliments 
 and congratulations, yet cautiously abstaining from any reference 
 to the express request of the king. 
 
 Instead of being prepared to meet the opposition, which was 
 evidently meditated, the king maintained a sullen reserve towards 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 515 
 
 the whigs, and they, in return, not only evinced a reluctance to 
 compromise their principles, and risk their popularity, but mani- 
 fested a considerable degree of discontent, at the failure of their 
 attempts to procure the promotion of lord Wharton. Indeed, that 
 nobleman and his adherents, as well as many of the most ardent 
 of their party, were more intent on procuring the dismission of 
 Sunderland, than on devising means to support the interests, and 
 further the views of the crown. 
 
 From such a beginning, the event may be readily anticipated. 
 In a committee of the Commons, on the ipth of December, a 
 proposal was made to disband all the troops, raised since I68O, or, 
 in other words, to reduce the army to 8000 men. Though warmly 
 opposed, it was carried without a division. The decision being 
 reported to the House, the friends of government endeavoured to 
 evade it, by moving for a recommittal, but lost the question, by a 
 majority of 186 against 148. To obviate the danger, to which 
 the country would be exposed, by such a diminution of the 
 regular forces, a motion was carried by the opposition, for a bill 
 to render the militia efficient. In the committee, however, the 
 supporters of government again attempted to elude the execution 
 of the former vote, by proposing the sum of 500,000/. for guards 
 and garrisons, which would have sufficed for the maintenzmce of 
 nearly 20,000 men ; but their adversaries were still too powerful, 
 and too united, to be baffled, and the supply was reduced to the 
 sum of 350,000/. The ministry had now no other resource, than 
 to enter into a species of compromise, and, after much contention, 
 the military establishment was fixed at 10,000 men, with 3,000 
 marines. Fortunately, however, for the country, the adverse party 
 were unable to carry their design into immediate execution, by the 
 previous necessity of raising funds for discharging the arrears due 
 to the troops, and the expenses of disbanding them ; and thus, 
 the accomphshment of the measure was deferred till the ensuing 
 session. 
 
 To reconcile the king to this disappointment in his military 
 views, the whigs so vehemently exerted themselves, that they 
 obtained a grant of 700,000/. for the civil list, during his life, a 
 
 3 u 2 
 
516 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.- Gh. 6- 
 
 measure which he considered as requisite for his honour and inde- 
 pendence,and which he had before repeatedly sohcited in vain. But 
 no concessions could soothe the mortification he felt at the intended 
 reduction of the army ; and the alienation between him and the 
 whig chiefs was greatly aggravated, by their inability or unwilling- 
 ness to afford him efficient support, for though some of them had 
 made a manly stand against the designs of the opposition, they 
 were faintly seconded by many of their own body. 
 
 Meanwhile, attempts had been made to restore cordiality, and 
 to obtain the recall of Sunderland, either to his former post, or 
 to some official situation. But, though the duke of Shrewsbury, 
 the lord chancellor, the earl of Orford, and even Mr. Montague 
 were sensible of the mischiefs which this division had created^ 
 and laboured to promote a reconciliation, the ardent whigs would 
 not be satisfied, without the appointment of Wharton, as a test of 
 Sunderland's sincerity. The feuds, at this time, were aggravated 
 by personal pique and resentment. The adherents of Sunderland 
 were suspected of instigating the attacks, which were made in the 
 House of Commons, against Montague and others ; and the vic- 
 torious result of the struggle, rendered the whigs still more averse 
 to an accommodation, from the presumption that they were suf- 
 ficiently powerful, to dictate to the king, without the assistance 
 of the excluded favourite. Every attempt, therefore, became 
 more and more abortive, though Sunderland made repeated ad- 
 vances, though several of the whig chiefs professed a corresponding 
 sentiment, and though the king himself condescended personally 
 to interfere. 
 
 In fact, Sunderland was placed in a critical-«.nd embarrassing 
 situation, in which he could not fail, either to incur the displea- 
 sure of the king, or to' offend the whigs. His influence over the 
 royal mind was certainly great, and he had, in many instances, 
 exercised it with effect, in promoting their views. But he knew 
 that the king's abhorrence of party bondage was insuperable, and 
 that it was fruitless to combat his disUke of subjecting himself 
 to the personal dictation of a nobleman, so overbearing as Wharton, 
 He was fearful of risking his own favour, by urging proposals 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 517 
 
 which he was aware would be indignantly repelled ; and, at the 
 same time, unwilling to confess his waiit of influence! Hence, 
 he was continually entangled in promises, which he had as httle 
 power as inclination to perform ; and, consequently, his perpetual 
 vacillations, and apparent inconsistencies, were daily urged, as 
 new proofs of his insincerity. 
 
 From the moment that Sunderland had quitted his office, it 
 was repeatedly and pressingly tendered to Shrewsbury, in the 
 hope that he might be induced to accept a station of so little 
 responsibility and attendance. This scheme was still kept in 
 view, and, among the proposals which were subsequently can- 
 vassed, was the expedient, that he should be chamberlain, lord 
 Wharton secretary, and lord Tankerville president of the council ; 
 while Sunderland declared his readiness to be satisfied with a 
 place at the council board, without any official situation. But 
 this overture, if sincere, was frustrated by the aversion of the 
 king, on one hand, to acquiesce in the promotion of Wharton ; 
 and, on the other, by the opposition of Mr. Smith, sir Thomas 
 Littleton, and other leaders, who possessed great influence in the 
 House of Commons, to any reconciliation with Sunderland, whom 
 they accused of inveterate hostility to their cause. 
 
 In this predicament, all parties appealed to the mediation of 
 Shrewsbury. The king and Sunderland importuned him, through 
 the agency of Mr. Vernon ; and the whig chiefs made him the 
 confidant of their hopes and designs, and expressed their reliance 
 on his support, and their readiness to abide by his decision. With 
 great reluctance, he was at length persuaded to take a share in a 
 negotiation, from which he evidently augured little success. He 
 was, therefore, privately invited to wait on the king ; and, to 
 obviate any suspicion of partiality, it was settled, that Sunderland 
 should be absent from the capital at the time of his arrival. But, 
 either from indisposition, or timidity, Shrewsbury repeatedly 
 postponed the journey ; and, at length, it was decided that he should 
 meet the king at Newmarket, in the beginning of April, with 
 Somers, Orford, and Wharton. 
 
 The greatest hopes were conceived, that his personal interposi- 
 tion would remove all difficulties, and pacify a feud, which pro- 
 
518 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 duced such fatal effects. The event, however, justij&ed his fears. 
 Many conferences were held, but the refusal of the king to accept 
 Wharton as secretary, and the determination of the whigs to 
 submit to no other alternative, disappointed his endeavours, and 
 he suddenly quitted Newmarket, still more hopeless of an accom- 
 modation than before. In fact, the pretensions of both sides 
 were incompatible, artd their mutual complaints and recrimina- 
 tions will shew the impracticability of any adjustment. The 
 whig chiefs expatiated on the cold reserve of the king, and the 
 ingratitude which he manifested for their services at the Revolu- 
 tion, and their subsequent support of his throne. They arraigned 
 his pertinacity, in rejecting the only measure, which could strengthen 
 their party, and give efficiency to bis own government. On the 
 other hand, the king condemned their domineering spirit, and 
 their desire to monopolise all the offices of state. He declared, 
 that if they had offered three candidates to his choice, he would 
 have acceded to their request, but as they had dictatorily confined 
 their recommendation to one nobleman, and represented all other 
 expedients as inadmissible, he considered that his honour and 
 dignity would have been equally compromised, by such a forced 
 compliance. Hence, the attempt at accommodation served only 
 to Aviden the breach, and to inflame the animosity of the ardent 
 whigs against Sunderland, notwithstanding his humble professions 
 of zeal for their cause, and the solemn asseveration of the king, 
 that he had in no way influenced his decision. 
 
 An accommodation being thus hopeless, the whigs laboured to 
 fortify their own interest ; and, among other expedients for the 
 purpose, Montague brought forward the plan of a new, and more 
 extended East India company, which he had previously suggested; 
 and the triumphant manner in which it was carried through par- 
 liament, inspired them with fresh confidence in their own strength. 
 As a dissolution was also expected to follow the close of the 
 session, they were still more averse to risk their popularity, on 
 the eve of an election, by proclaiming an identity of interests 
 with so obnoxious a favourite as Sunderland ; and, therefore, all 
 proceedings towards a reconcifiation were suspended, as if by 
 mutual consent, to the great dissatisfaction of the king. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 519 
 
 As Shrewsbury decidedly repelled every proposal to accept the 
 office of chamberlain, and, as no other alternative remained, to 
 prevent a farther breach, he reluctantly consented to hold the 
 seals, as a temporary deposit, but, at his own earnest request, his 
 name was omitted in the commission of lords justices. 
 
 Soon after these fruitless attempts, William departed for the 
 continent on the 20th of July, with renewed disgust towards the 
 whigs, and with redoubled confidence in his excluded favourite, 
 whom he considered as unjustly persecuted.* 
 
 LORD ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Wishes him to accept the post of lord chamberlain.] 
 
 " London, Bee. 28-Jan. 7, 1697-8.— My lord ; This letter comes 
 to ask after your health, and to wish your grace a merry Christ- 
 mas. I will not pretend to tell you the present news of the town, 
 Mr. Secretary Vernon telling me, he had wrote you at large on 
 that subject. I have been asked by two or three of your friends, 
 particularly lord Montague, whether you would not like the place 
 that is now vacant. I could make them no other answer, than 
 that I wished you in any place you liked ; that I knew nothing 
 of your mind, but I feared you had taken a surfeit of a place at 
 court. Give me leave only to say thus much, without your think- 
 ing me tro\iblesome or impertinent. I wish you have not taken 
 the resolution, and that you could bring yourself to bear being 
 here ; but you are the best judge what will suit with your inclina- 
 tions, and, therefore, will only add, that wherever you are, or 
 whatever you do, I shall be, my lord," &c. 
 
 This indirect solicitation was seconded by Mr. Vernon, at the 
 command of the king, and at the instigation of the whig chiefs, 
 in a letter, dated also Dec. 28-Jan. 7, 1697-8 : — 
 
 " My lord Portland, returning this day from Windsor, gives me 
 
 * These remarks are principally taken from Vernon's correspondence with the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, from January to June, compared with the parliamentary journals and 
 debates. 
 
520 CORRESPONDENCE [Paiit III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 the occasion for sending another messenger to your grace, that 
 • you may know how desirous the king is, that you should succeed 
 my lord chamberlain. lean only acquaint you with it, at second 
 hand, though I am directed likewise to write on this subject. I do 
 not doubt but the king is entirely satisfied, that this disposal of the 
 key, would be for his service. I wish it might be as easy to prevail 
 with your grace to accept it. My lord Sunderland, I find, en- 
 dea,vours to remove one of your scruples, and Avould have it 
 understood, that, if you have any consideration for him, it should 
 rather be shewn in taking the staff, than in declining it. If the 
 nation were to be polled, you would have a thousand to one 
 voting for it ; and, if you should withstand the joint wishes of all 
 good men, in this particular, thcy must ever despond of seeing 
 you give a helping hand to the public, which, I fear, stands in as 
 great need of it now, as ever it did, when you ventured so much 
 for the saving it. You will not only satisfy your friends, but pre- 
 serve them ; for, Avithout such a cement and support, they must 
 inevitably moulder away, and sink in their credit and usefulness, 
 and I know not what catastrophe may ensue. 
 
 " I saw my lord chancellor to-day, before I knew I should have 
 this occasion to write to you; and he saw nothing but ruin, if your 
 grace could not be prevailed with to step in and prevent it. I 
 am glad to, hear that your grace's condescending in such an 
 exigency, would not oblige you to come to town, sooner than your 
 health would permit. The opinion only, and expectation, that 
 3^our grace will once more appear, and act with 3'^our friends, will 
 give a new life to affairs, and encourage men to carry on . the 
 common concern. We shall certainly be shipwrecked, though we 
 have a peace, and the storm be over, if one of your grace's cha- 
 racter do not help at the steerage. I would not be tedious, and it 
 hardly becomes me to say so much, to one who judges better of 
 all things, and that wishes equally well to the king and your 
 country. 
 
 " I cannot but take notice, that those the world begins to talk 
 of for this employment, are the duke of Newcastle and earl of 
 Jersey. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 521 
 
 " I hear nothing of the earl of Peterborough : I think his threats 
 may be safely despised. I wish my lord Sunderland hath not 
 too much humoured his vanity, and made him imagine bow 
 formidable he was, by the pains he took to manage him. 
 ****** 
 
 " My lord Sunderland carried his lady to Windsor yesterday) 
 and came back himself to-day Avith my lord Portland. I hear he 
 thinks of going very soon to Althorp, but does not design any 
 long stay there. 
 
 " I had an occasion to write last night to the king. I omitted 
 nothing that might shew your grace's concern for my lord Sun- 
 derland. I should not, therefore, be sorry that he was then 
 acquainted with it ; and, lest he should not, I will make him a 
 visit to-morrow for the same purpose." 
 
 ****** 
 
 Shrewsbury had, however, still greater difficulty to withstand 
 the importunities of the chancellor, who assailed him with every 
 argument, which could be drawn from the motives of private 
 friendship, or party interest. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Dec. 29-JQn- 8, 1697-8. — My lord; There have so many 
 unexpected things happened, since your grace went out of town, 
 as would make a wiser head than mine turn round. The last of 
 all, which is that of my lord chamberlain's quitting, is, above all, 
 surprising to me. Several things concurred to it, most of them 
 unnecessarily brought about, by endeavouring to be over-sure in 
 being supported, in case any attempt should be against him. It 
 is too long to make a deduction of the whole in writing ; but your 
 grace would, perhaps, think the tale worthy hearing, if one could 
 be so happy to wait upon you. 
 
 " I dare not say how far any body is innocent ; but the greatest 
 measure of guilt is laid at my lord Wharton's door, as I find, by 
 ray lord Sunderland ; and he added, that, if your grace had been 
 in town, this could never have come to pass. Having said this, 
 I cannot but say, I think the king is left extremely destitute; 
 
 3 X 
 
Sn CORRESPONDENCE {^aet III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 indeed, in such a circumstance, that it is utterly impossible for 
 him to transact any longer with our party, unless you can have 
 health enough to relieve us. 
 
 " The way is now entirely open, and I cannot but tell you, 
 your country and friends call for you, in a manner which is not to 
 be denied. The chamberlain's office is, above all others, con- 
 sistent with your having allowances for the air, and for country 
 sports; and yet does most naturally bring you near the king, when 
 your health will admit. The king will hear of nobody else. My 
 lord Sunderland owns, that it would be a most unreasonable 
 niceness in you to decline it, unless you have taken a resolution 
 never to meddle again with the king's business, which is contrary 
 to what you have promised him. You are not under a necessity 
 of entering upon it presently. Let the king but hope you will 
 be brought to accept it : at least, do not refuse to deliberate upon 
 the thing. 
 
 " I write to your grace in a more pressing manner than be- 
 comes me; but my excuse is, that I think you have a great 
 opportunity of doing good to England, without the toil and 
 danger of a secretary's place, and without the ruin of your health. 
 Should your grace hearken to the king's desire, in taking this 
 place, it would be the greatest turn of things, and the most 
 notable disappointment of a scheme formed ; and that without 
 any act done, at least on our part, to contribute to it, that has 
 happened in many years." 
 
 * * * * * , « 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Presses him to accept, at a future period, the office of chamberlain, and considers his con- 
 tinuance in the administration, as the only means to prevent the ruin of the whig 
 party— Suggests suspicions of lord Sunderland — Endeavours to tranquilUze his fears 
 of any farther charge in parliament.] 
 
 " Ja7i.6-l6, 1697-8. — My lord; I acknowledge the honour of your 
 grace's letters of the 30th and 31st*, of the last month, and since 
 you are pleased to require me, to tell you my thoughts plainly, a& 
 
 * These letters are missing. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 5^ 
 
 to your complying with the king's desire, in accepting the white staff, 
 I thought myself obliged to consider of it, with all its circumstances, 
 and to talk at large about it, with my lord Orford, that I might 
 see how far we agreed in our sentiments. This is the reason I 
 have deferred writing so long ; and there is this, at least, of weight 
 in what I now say, that it is entirely his opinion, as well as my 
 own. 
 
 " Your grace's answer ta the letters, was certainly right, and 
 the scruple you made was formed upon proper grounds, so far as 
 it respected the present acceptance of the office ; but those dif- 
 ficulties are so very easily solved, that they cannot give so much as 
 a pretence to decline it totally. 
 
 My lord ch'amberlain's quitting was so very sudden, that at first 
 every body was at liberty to assign what causes he pleased for it. 
 But now, all men agree he could no longer bear the coarse usage 
 he was to expect every day, in speeches in the House of Commons, 
 and was very doubtful it would come at last to votes. The turn 
 he desires to give to this is, that the silence he observed in those of 
 the party he had been serving, in the House of Commons, when 
 he was refiected upon, and the coldness of those, who were not of 
 that House, in undertaking to serve him, in ease he should be 
 attacked, shewed him that it was impossible for him to oblige the 
 party, and to clear himself of their distrust, and that, therefore, it 
 Avas time to give over struggling. But, as to all these things, he 
 did most entirely acquit your grace, taking all occasions to let 
 every body know, that there was a perfect good understanding 
 between you, and that, if you had been in town, it had been im- 
 possible he should have been brought to this necessity of quitting, 
 and that he will never meddle with business in England, unless in 
 conjunction with your grace. 
 
 " I mention so much of this, because you may see it is become 
 impossible for him, or any of his creatures, to give a turn to this 
 affair, as if any thing had been underhand countenanced, and 
 you cannot suspect, that any other body would be inclined to 
 give it such an interpretation. 
 
 3x2 
 
Sm: CORRESPONDENCE [Part. Ill— Ch. 6: 
 
 " But I must tell yon, the expression in your letter tomy lord 
 Portland, which seemed to allow such a jealousyj in some sort 
 reasonable, because of the occasion given by his correspondence 
 with my lord Peterborough, put him to some uneasiness, and had 
 not an ill effect on others. 
 
 " Since I have been so long on this subject, I will add this, 
 that ray lord Sp ,* Overt ,-f and others, who are his con- 
 fidents, all say, that Dune— — ,t G , and Tr , did so per- 
 petually alarm him, with stories of his being delivered up by the 
 whigs, in order to engage him to change his side, and these stories. 
 
 were aggravated in such a fiery manner, by my lord P —^ §, 
 
 that the physic was too strong, and operated quite contrary to, 
 their design; so that he durst not stay the time of turning out 
 others, but shifted away himself. 
 
 " As to the other thing, which your letter mentioned, the report 
 which had reached you, as if your name might probably be men- 
 tioned again in parliament ; I am to tell you, that I have, with all 
 the care, which the nature of such an inquiry would admit of, 
 endeavoured to satisfy myself, if there was the least ground for such 
 a report, and I assure you, I can find none. My lord Orford, my 
 lord Wharton, and Mr. Montague, are all of the same opinion. 
 We think there is nothing more likely to prevent such a design, if 
 there ever had been any such, than my lord Sunderland's going off. 
 If any thing of that kind was formed for this session, it was the 
 aiming to blemish Mr. Montague, about the business of the ex- 
 chequer bills, but that has been examined into, and they are utterly 
 disappointed. 
 
 " It does not seem there is a disposition, in either House, to enter 
 into amy thing of that nature. However, you yourself cannot be 
 more tender of any thing of this nature, than I would be, and, 
 therefore to remove this thought entirely, nothing is requisite but 
 a little time. For my own part, I see nothing likely to arise, if the; 
 
 * Probably lord Spencer. ■ f Overton. 
 
 t Buncombe, Guy, and Trevor. § Petexborough. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 525 
 
 debate of the land forces were tolerably well over, which might 
 occasion heats, or put men into a temper to bear such kind of 
 things. 
 
 " Having thus declared my thoughts, as to the two points your 
 grace did particularly take notice of, I will proceed in giving my 
 poor opinion, that you should not decline this proposal of the 
 king's, which he seems very much concerned you should not. 
 As to what relates to yourself,' not only those who are particularly 
 your friends, do all allow of your desiring to leave so troublesome 
 a place as secretary, because of your uncertain health ; but, I do 
 really apprehend, that if it were once publicly known, that you 
 would no more meddle with any thing, I believe, not only the king 
 but others, would be apt to put, a very wrong construction upon it. 
 
 And, I cannot but tell you, my lord S *' has endeavoured 
 
 to form such a notion, both in the king and others, that he did 
 apprehend your refusal, principally upon that ground, that you 
 would have no- more to do with things as they stood now. This 
 is the state of the case, as to the place of chamberlain, which is 
 laid down, to have so little objection to it, that it must be con- 
 cluded, if not that, nothing can be accepted. 
 
 " As to the other part, that of the minister, it must not be dissem- 
 bled, but that your friends hope you will take so much of it as your 
 health will admit. You know so much of my thoughts, that, 
 without your help, all the pretences of that party must be at an 
 end, that I will not pretend to add to what I have said upon that 
 subject, more than to say, that this is a very critical time, that 
 unless you will be contented to bear so much of it, as your health 
 will admit, all the pretences, of the party, which seems now to have 
 the possession, must be at an end. It is a very critical juncture. 
 That which could not be effected by a dispute,, is come to pass of 
 itself, and some things have fallen out since, which make any 
 return ofhis-j- more difficult, than, perhaps, he thought at first. I 
 think you may make large allowances for .your ill health, when 
 you maybe so certain, as, I think. you are, that you will have all 
 
 * Sunderland.. i" Lord Sunderland. 
 
S26 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III,— Ch. 6. 
 
 the help, and all the concurrence you can desire, from the friend- 
 ship of those, with whom you act, without any underhand 
 dealing. 
 
 " I will not enlarge upon this part : you see it in its whole extent. 
 I think this to be a juncture, in which your grace may do great 
 service to your country. If we are deceived, there will be no 
 
 wonder, nor no ill consequence, if my lord ch — 's* ill health 
 
 obliges him to go into the country, after he has endeavoured to 
 serve in all the stations he could. 
 
 " I am quite ashamed of the tediousness of this, and will therefore 
 say no more, but that I am, with all possible truth," &c. 
 
 " P. S. It was no little satisfaction to me, to learn, that all your 
 papers were saved from the fire.-f- There are some stories my 
 lord Orford and I have to tell you, that would entertain you ; 
 but, having told him, that I had made an end of a letter to you, 
 which I was just sealing, he would oblige me, before I did it, to 
 add that he hoped you would make all the haste to town which 
 your health would admit." 
 
 THE EARL Ob SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Viadicates himself from the accusation of influencing some of the members in the House 
 
 of Commons.] 
 
 . " Windsor, Jan. 15-25. — Sir ; I will take the liberty to write 
 freely to you, as to an old and a good friend, who will excuse me. 
 I am informed that some in the House of Commons, who usually 
 were thought to be influenced by me, have gone wrong of Jate, in 
 particular sir WUUam Trumbull, Mr. Duncombe,and Mr. Methuen. 
 For the two first, I think people need only consider one moment, 
 the difference between men in good places and good humour, and 
 out of them, angry and unsatisfied. I believe nobody has seen 
 or heard of any in those circumstances, that have not changed a 
 good deal. I dare say there is no one example : I myself shall 
 
 * So in the original. He appears to speak of the duke of Shrewsbury, by anticipation, 
 as lord chamberlain. 
 
 •f- At the office of the secretary of state. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 527 
 
 make the first ; for I will alter, neither as to persons nor things, 
 wherever I am, which I hope my friends will believe, till they 
 see the contrary. If I were among you, in the same condition 
 I ^tas two months ago, I could influence men, whose condition 
 and dependence are quite changed ; but as I am, I cannot influence 
 any at all, nor am I such a fool as to think of it. As for Mr. 
 Methuen, nobody was more amazed than I was, at what I heard, 
 but I believe there is not a man alive that thinks I liked it. At 
 Althorp and at Kensington, I shall always be of the same mind. 
 I beg of you, that as it comes in your way, you will set such 
 things as these right, with a little care, which will be a great 
 obligation to," &c. 
 
 " P. S. I have set Thursday next for my journey to Althorp, 
 and my wife is so mended, since a few days, that she hopes 
 to go with me." 
 
 We cannot introduce the letters of Mr. Montague, who at this 
 period was first lord of the Treasury and chancellor of the Ex- 
 chequer, without expressing our regret, that his interesting cor- 
 respondence with the duke of Shrewsbury, should have been so 
 limited. The two following letters were written at a period of 
 peculiar interest, no less with regard to himself, than to the public, 
 for they shew the progress of those jealousies, which led to . 
 the dissolution of the whig ministry. The hostility, which 
 Montague had manifested against Sunderland, was resented by 
 some of his adherents, who, in conjunction with the tories, attacked 
 the conduct of Montague, in parliament. He, however, not 
 only defended himself with spirit and ability, but retaliated by a 
 counter attack on the partisans of Sunderland. Among these 
 •was Mr. Duncombe, Receiver-General of the Customs, who, with 
 others, was accused of having defrauded the government of consi- 
 derable sums of money, by forging indorsements on exchequer 
 bills, to obtain the interest, which such securities were entitled to 
 bear, after being received in payment of the revenue. The charge 
 was successful in the House of Commons, where bills of pains and 
 
528 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 penalties were passed against the delinquents, but thrown out in 
 the Lords, by the interest of the king's friends. 
 
 In retaliation, a counter-attack was soon afterwards directed 
 against Mr. Montague, by an attempt to revoke a grant of fines 
 and forfeitures, amounting to above 22,000/., in Ireland, to a 
 person of the name of Railton, in which he avowed himself 
 to be inte;rested. , But this attempt, though made unexpectedly, 
 was baffled by his own eloquence, and the influence of the whigs 
 in the House of Commons, and he had the address even to obtain 
 a vote, declaring him entitled to the royal favour. 
 
 Collaterally with those topics, the letters advert to the cabals 
 of parties in the cabinet, and particularly shew the resentment 
 fostered by the zealous whigs against lord Sunderland, though his 
 son, lord Spencer, as well as his friend, Mr. Methuen, and several 
 of his adherents, had supported Mr. Montague, in the debate on 
 the Irish grant. They at the same time prove the anxiety of the 
 party to gain the confidence, and employ the interest, of the duke 
 of Shrewsbury. 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Thanks the duke for his confidence and support — Will retaliate on his enemies.] 
 
 " Jan. 18-28, 1697-8.— My lord ; I had the honour of your grace's 
 letter of the 6th of December, in behalf of Mr. Walsh,* and 
 being, by my own inclinations, beTore I received your commands, 
 to serve him, I thought the best answer I could make, in the hurry 
 of business I am in, was, to do what you desired, without telling 
 you so in writing. But, finding, by your letters to Mr. Vernon 
 and Mr. Bridges, that you are pleased to shew a particular con- 
 cern for me, 1 could not omit returning my thanks, in the most 
 grateful manner I can express. The malice of my enemies has 
 been very remarkable, but I can assure you, it has not given me 
 one unquiet hour; and, before many days are past, you will hear 
 
 * Author of several whig political poems, particularly " The Golden Age Restored." 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 529 
 
 f 
 
 I have carried the war into their own country. I wish any use 
 could be made of these maUcious attacks ; for, when rage proves 
 impotent, advantages are easily taken. I am sure I should have 
 had no quarter, and I will give none, unless you command me. 
 You will wonder, perhaps, to hear a man under prosecution talk 
 at this rate ; but I have all along had the utmost contempt for 
 their endeavours, and I have more reason, since yesterday, than 
 ever ; for I think Ave are again united to all the mistaken friends 
 that left us. Great overtures of reconciliation are now making, 
 if it were possible to know whether peace or war would make the 
 white staff* most acceptable to you, that should be my choice; 
 but, since I despair of knowing that, I wish all health and happi- 
 ness may attend you, wherever you are, and beg you would 
 believe I would do any thing to serve, if you would let me know 
 what would most please you." 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO MR. MONTAGUE. 
 
 [Has supported Mr. Montague in parliament — Dissuades him from resenting the attacks 
 of his enemies, and from opposing the reconRiliation with Sunderland — Wishes lord 
 Wharton to have the seals — Is doubtftil whether he shall continue in a public em- 
 ployment.] 
 
 " Eyford, Jan. 22-Feb. 1, 1697-8.— Sir ; I never designed that 
 Mr. Secretary, or Mr. Brydges, should give you the trouble of 
 seeing my sense of the unjust methods by which a reflection was 
 intended against you, nor did I ever imagine your enemies could 
 hurt or affect you, upon so unreasonable a pretence ; but I was 
 not willing that any friend of mine should forget how really I have, 
 and ever shall profess myself to be your's, which made me write 
 to them, and to some others, in the manner I did ; and I had 
 sent to more, but that I feared so clear and maintainable a cause 
 might be prejudiced by appearing too much concerned, 
 
 " I doubt not but your success has, by this time, answered my 
 expectation; and, as for carrying the Avar into the enemy's 
 country, I can give no opinion how fit it may be, not being ac- 
 
 * Of lord chamberlain. 
 3 Y 
 
53a CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 quainted with the particular circumstances. But I make no 
 question but you will judge calmly of the matter, and consider 
 the public and your own interest, before any private resentment ; 
 and, especially, be cautious not to alienate the king's mind from 
 yourself, or your friends, by doing any thing to confirm the opinion 
 some have laboured to give him, that the whigs have a natural 
 sourness, that makes them not to be lived with. 
 
 " Upon this occasion, I cannot forbear mentioning the overtures 
 of reconcilement, which I understand have lately been made by 
 a great man* now in the country, some of which seem to me, at 
 this distance, and in the ignorance I am of particular circum- 
 stances, to be reasonable, provided there be not such a prejudice 
 in many of our friends, that one cannot live fairly with him 
 without losing them. I conceive such terms might now be made, 
 as, if it were in his will, Avould not, for some time, leave it in his 
 power to do much mischief; and, I think he Mdll ever be so ill- 
 esteemed by the country gentlemen, that, when he begins to 
 play tricks, you have it always in your hands to be rid of him ; 
 and, if he be wise, he will see his own footing, and be cautious. 
 And, perhaps, it is no unlucky circumstance, for those who are to 
 be at the head of a king's council, to have one joined with them, 
 of whom the nation has so ill an opinion, that, whatever may be 
 advised, contrary to their liking, they are most inclined to lay the 
 blame on him. 
 
 " But what I chiefly apprehend, if the treaty should break off, 
 on your parts, is, that the king will attribute to you his being 
 forced from him, which is a loss he will esteem irreparable ; but 
 I am sensible how unfit a man at this distance is to judge, and, 
 therefore, all I say on this occasion, is entirely submitted to you, 
 and to the opinion of the rest of our friends, who have formerly 
 discoursed on this subject, to whom I am willing my thoughts 
 should be communicated, if you think it proper. Only, if any 
 treaty be concluded, I should hold it necessary to insist that my 
 lord W 'I- have the seals, if he consent to be troubled with 
 
 * Lord Sunderland. f Lord Wharton. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 531 
 
 them ; for I doubt you would not find your account in the other 
 person proposed. 
 
 " You see I speak to you of others with freedom and confidence, 
 and shall tell you my thoughts relating to myself, with as little 
 reserve, as to any man living. My lord S/s returning to court, or 
 not, will have no manner of effect, one way or other, upon me, 
 who, if I come there, can either live well with him, or without 
 him, as shall be thought most advisable. But what keeps me at 
 present undetermined, as to myself, is a doubt whether the cir- 
 cumstances of my own humour, and health, will ever permit me 
 to appear in a public employment. A constitution that will 
 endure neither business nor pleasure, can have recourse to nothing 
 but that otium, which I know not how to express well in english ; 
 and I should not struggle one moment against my own inclination 
 to retirement, had I not a sensible regret to leave some friends, 
 who have behaved themselves to me with a sincerity not common 
 in a court. If you believe iny sense of their kindness, you will 
 not doubt my being, Mr. Montague's,^' &c. 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. ^ 
 
 [Endeavours to inspire him with a jealousy of Sunderland — Thinks a cordial union be- 
 tween his grace and the whigs would enable them to form a new and permanent 
 administration— Exults in the disgrace of Duncombe — Presses his grace to accept 
 the post of lord chamberlain ; and add his weight against Sunderland — Plan of 
 Wharton to make the new favourite, lord Albemarle, minister — Anxious for the 
 duke's return to town.] 
 
 " Feb. 1-11, 1697-8.— My lord ; I have the honour of your's of 
 the 22nd January, and am very much obliged to you for the con- 
 fidence you express towards me, and do assure you, it could 
 no where be more safely placed. Our circumstances are such, 
 that I think the nation had been long ago ruined, but for the 
 unalterable friendship and union that has been maintained be- 
 tween some of us ; and I think at this juncture, if we can per- 
 fectly know one another's mind, without any reserve, sound 
 measures may be taken. I must own myself to be one of those, 
 that all along thought the duke of Shrewsbury had some uneasi- 
 
 3 Y 2' 
 
532 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 ness in business, from several circumstances that attend my lord 
 Sunderland's power and conduct, which would be removed with 
 him ; and this had more weight with me, to wish it so, than any 
 other consideration; for I thought, with you, we could always 
 make a stand, and, without you, we should be lost by piece-meal. 
 The old scheme, whatever it was, is confounded, and he is to begin 
 the world again ; and, if you will allow yourself to be made the 
 corner stone, we will raise such a structure, as shall not easily be 
 destroyed, especially when we have taken away his tools and 
 engines. Buncombe's fall will niore disable him, and cut off his 
 power to p|ay tricks, than any thing else could have done. He 
 was the cement that kept Peterborough, Bolton, Seymour, and 
 the rest united. He was the lago of the whole villany, and 
 nothing can keep them together, but such a busy temper, joined 
 with a faculty of helping those that have money, to dispose of it, 
 and those that have none, to borrow. 
 
 " Trevor has been for some time laid aside, and Guy may be 
 made, either to be subservient, and break off his underpart, or, 
 if he cannot be trusted, I think he may be still blasted, and sent 
 after Duncombe. So that, if you would declare, and accept the 
 staff, it would not be eas}'^ for him to break the terms that shall be 
 agreed upon in the new treaty ; but I would have that concession 
 from you a preliminary. Were this settled, the agreement should 
 be, that we would have but one common interest, the same friends, 
 and the same enemies. No measures to be kept, no friendship 
 maintained, with those that are at defiance with the rest ; and for 
 proof of their sincerity in this point, the king's displeasure should 
 be immediately shewn, on those that have been, underhand, fostered 
 and nursed up to supplant us. Let this blow be given by the 
 hand which has skreened, and afterwards let them patch up as 
 they can. 
 
 " I enter into no particulars, because I think this allowed, in 
 general, would remove all obstacles in men, though I believe some 
 are great ; for, if the king has his coldness, our friends have their 
 aversion, and pains must be taken on both sides. For ray part, 
 I will take my share, when I hear from you, and, till then, I will 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 533 
 
 not meddle. Lord C * and lord f seem to like such 
 
 an accommodation. Lord ^Y .|. wishes it otherwise, but I 
 
 am sure he will hear reason. Mr. Smith, sir R. Rich, and most 
 of the House of Commons, are determined against having any 
 thing to do with him. Whether they can be mollified is uncertain, 
 for I do not know that^ny endeavours have been used to persuade 
 them ; for men must first be resolved before they convert others. 
 
 " My lord W^ has been framing a new scheme, in concert 
 
 with a fair lady,§ to make my lord Albemarle || the minister. On 
 
 Sunday my lord C , lord , and I, met him at dinner 
 
 with that lord. It was designed' they should have entered upon 
 
 business, and taken measures immediately, but my lord C- 
 
 had no disposition, either to the thing, or to come to it, at the first 
 interview. It is difficult to make a right judgment of this affair. 
 The young man, either by his own inclination, or her persuasion, 
 does affect it, and thinks this is the juncture to press it. He 
 renounces the absent, and pretends the king approves of the steps 
 he makes. On the other hand, to think his youth can attend, 
 or his experience convince, and enforce business, or his favour 
 allow him to contradict and oppose, is hard to conceive. How- 
 ever, the meeting went off very easy : there was something of a 
 mixture of gaiety and business, that suited with the humour and 
 the present design of the lord. He liked those two, he did not 
 
 know before, extremely. My lord was very well pleased, 
 
 but the other seems to think this too light for the great seal. 
 
 " On Thursday we dine with my lord Orford, and I think it 
 will do some good to make them acquainted. If the king desires 
 it should go farther, he may easily have it. 
 
 " My lord, by what I have writ, you may see how desirous I 
 am to have you again amongst us, that the hopes of that make 
 me think there may be safety in my lord Sunderland's return ; 
 and, if there be, I value not what risk I run. But, if my lord 
 
 * Chancellor. f Orford. j Wharton. § Probably Mrs. Villiers. 
 
 I) A young dutch nobleman, who had recently supplanted lord Portland in the king's 
 favour. For an account of him, see "the latter end of the following chapter 8. 
 
534 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 Shrewsbury would embark without him, I am confident it were 
 better for the pubhc. Empower your friends to let the king 
 know what you would have, and I do not despair of obtaining it ; 
 but, if it be possible, let us either see you here, or come within 
 distance of being spoke to, and all will go well. If I would be 
 responsible for any thing in parliament, I could assure you, all 
 the iU humour of the session will be spent in the matter of ex- 
 chequer bills ; and 1 do wish to see you before the end of the 
 parliament, and the country shall see the face of business mend 
 upon your return. Let me know your thoughts, upon what 
 condition we may have you, either to be kept private, or made 
 known, and your opinion shall be mine. I will have the same 
 sentiments, and I will enter upon any measures, whatever con- 
 sequence they may have to me, in the end, if they can restore me 
 to the duke of Shrewsbury, in the beginning," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Thanks him for his friendship.] 
 
 " Althorp, Feb. 5-15, 1697-8.— My lord ; I know so well, that 
 you do not care for any thing, that looks like compliment, that if 
 I could forbear, I would not now trouble you ; but I have heard of 
 late so much of your favour to me, that, without being quite brutal, 
 it is impossible not to tell you, at least, that I am as sensible of it, 
 as I can be of any thing in the world, and that, as long as I live, 
 I will be, most truly and cordially, my lord, your's," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is willing ta return to the administration, with no other post than the place of privy 
 counsellor — Would be greatly mortified if his grace should retire — Asseverations of 
 his zeal and sincerity towards the whigs.] 
 
 " Althorp, Feb. 24>-March 6, 1697-8. — My lord; I have received 
 your letter of the l6th,* with very great satisfaction, being so 
 particular a mark of your favour and kindness, which I always 
 
 * Not extant. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 585 
 
 have, and ever shall, value as I ought. In answer to it, I must 
 own, that when I laid down the place of chamberlain, I did it with 
 a desire never to have any thing to do again in public business, 
 for sure it was the wrongest step that could be made, if I had not 
 been very positively of that mind. My judgment and my inch - 
 nation are still the same ; but I submit both to the king, who was 
 more displeased and angry at what I did, than I imagined, and took 
 it with less indifferency, in relation to his affairs, than I could have 
 thought, without presumption, which obliges ihe, who owe him so 
 much, to be disposed of as he pleases, provided that he gives me 
 leave to serve him as a privy counsellor only, without a place, which 
 would now be insupportably ridiculous, after having quitted one so 
 lately. I must add to this, that I do not know what the king's 
 mind is, but I do know, that if it be to make use of me in business, 
 and that you retire from it, I shall think myself the most unhappy 
 man alive ;-for there will be nothing but disorder, confusion, and 
 groundless fears, and jealousies. 
 
 " I can say, with exact truth, that for five or six years, that I 
 have had the honour to be near the king, I have assisted the party 
 I joined with, and every individual man of the party, according to 
 my dealing with them, to the best of my understanding ; but if 
 nineteen things are done, and the twentieth remains undone, 
 though it is impossible, you know how it is ; and yet my politics 
 are not changed, nor shall they, no more than the sincerity with 
 which I am, and will for ever be," &c. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Solicits his support for Mr. Walsh — Conversation with the king on the necessity of some 
 ministerial arrangement, and the impolicy of rejecting lord Wharton— Hints of the 
 adherents of Sunderland, that the king would not accept the services of the whigs, 
 without his agency.] 
 
 " May 3-13, 1698. — My lord ; I was much out of countenance 
 for having made my visit at Woburn so long, when I came to 
 know your grace intended to set forward for Eyforth, the same 
 day. The evening was extremely cold^but I hope it had no ill 
 effect upon you. 
 
536 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 " I have seen Mr. Walsh, since I waited upon your grace, and 
 iind he is very desirous to serve for the county*, if he thought he 
 might succeed. He intends to sound the gentlemen, who are in 
 town, severally, and then he will let your grace know their incli- 
 nations. The papers inclosed, were delivered me by my lord 
 Coningsby, Avith a desire I would transmit them to your grace. 
 The writing is Mr. Norbury's, ofWych. 
 
 " On Sunday was s'en night, I had some discourse with the king 
 on the jealousy and dissatisfaction Avhich was amongst our friends, 
 of my lord Wharton, and the unhappiness it would be to his majesty, 
 if he should look upon himself as refused, upon the account of 
 particular and personal objections ; of the necessity of taking men 
 of business into his service, which could not be carried on, as things 
 now stood, with much other discourse of this nature. I know not 
 what effect it will have, but the present answer was much to the 
 effect of what I had heard from your grace. 
 
 " Since that, he appointed my lord Orford to attend him, on 
 Tuesday last, and Mr. Montague, on Thursday, and spoke to 
 them both, upon the same subject, I had talked to him of before. 
 But yesterday, I was strangely surprised with a very frank discourse 
 
 from Mr. Overton, that my lord S -f was indeed in the 
 
 ■wrong, in quitting in the manner he did, but that he could not 
 imagine, that the whigs could have been so overseen, as not to 
 have sent for him again, in a fortnight. But now they must see 
 their error, though it was late, for the king had shewed plainly, he 
 would not transact with them, unless by the means of my lord 
 Sunderland, and that the meaning of his conduct, in the manner 
 it has been, is to let the whigs understand, they must solicit him to 
 bring that lord back, if they hope he should go on with them. 
 This was all said to be his own judgment, without any authority 
 to say it, and that is not impossible, by the indiscretion of it ; but 
 yet I could not but think it extraordinary enough, to trouble you 
 with the relation of it. 
 
 " There are discourses of other intrigues carrying on, but if I . 
 
 * Worcestershire. f Sunderland. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 537 
 
 should mention them, it were to seem to put more value upon 
 them, than J do. 
 
 " If your grace would resolve to give yourself up to the re-estab- 
 lishment of your health, it would be of more consequence to your 
 country, and of more advantage to your friends, than can ever be 
 hoped for, from your being perpetually importuned with business, 
 in such a state of health as your's at present is, unless things 
 proceeded more smoothly, and reasonably, than I expect to see 
 in any short time." 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On election arrangements — Promises to support the duke's friends — Offers his interest to 
 obtain for his grace a grant of the territory of New York — The king confines his con- 
 fidence to lord Sunderland.] 
 
 " Mai/ 26-June 5, 1698. — My lord ; I give your grace very 
 particular thanks, for your favourable intentions to my brother 
 Cocks.* Mr. Bromley says, the persons, who are named to 
 depend upon him, by Mr. Norbury, are all disposed already, as 
 as can be desired. 
 
 " I have mentioned Barrett to my lord Orford, who says, he will 
 take care he shall do as your grace directs. I think nobody can 
 vote, who has not taken the oaths. 
 
 " I have a promise from the Treasury, that is, from a majority, 
 that there shall be no retrospect, so that your grace may make 
 what use you please of that matter. As to the county ,•!• all I can 
 acquaint you with, is, that the gentlemen here, have met often ; 
 but the difficulty of proposing first, makes their meetings come to 
 nothing. They are universally agreed to go along with your 
 grace ; and if, upon discoursing with persons in the country, you 
 would determine who were preferable, I dare say they would very 
 zealously enter into your thoughts, and unite in promoting their 
 
 * Charles Cocks, of an antient family in Herefordshire, who had represented Worcester 
 and Droitwich in several parliaments, married Mary, the sister, and afterwards co-heiress of 
 lord Somers : he is the ancestor of sir Charles Cocks, who was raised to the title of 
 fcrd Somers, of Evesham, in 1784. 
 
 ■^ Worcestershire, for which county sir John Packington and Mr. Walsh were returned. 
 
 3 z 
 
538, CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 election. Mr. Lygon and sir James R-ushout have been named to 
 me, by most of those who have spoken on this subject ; but I am 
 utterly a stranger to the latter, having never once seen him. 
 
 " Having entertained you so much with elections, I must ask 
 your leave to tell your grace of a thing, which sir John Talbot 
 mentioned to me. It 'was in relation to New York, which 
 was granted by king Charles to the duke of York, and which he 
 thought might be a proper thing to be given to your grace. I should 
 think myself the happiest man in the world, to be instrumental in 
 any degree to serve your grace, in any thing of this nature. About 
 two hours since, he sent ftie the grant to the duke of York, which, 
 I find, contains a grant of the whole country, and of royal powers 
 there. How far (since the late complaints against the proprietors 
 of other plantations) it may be proper to desire a grant of the 
 government, or whether the grant of any thing in the plantations, 
 be what is desirable to you, I should be very glad to know, that, if 
 it Vvcre so, I might set rtiyself to know, what difficulties we might 
 be likely to meet with, to the end to lay the whole before you, 
 and as soon as I had your licence, to use all the best means I 
 could think of, in promoting this, or any other thing, which 
 might be acceptable to your grace. 
 
 " I am more than ever confirmed in my opinion, that my lord 
 Sunderland is to return ; and,' if one may believe Mr. Methuen,. 
 he is now the only person to whom the king talks of business, or 
 trusts in his affairs, till the return of that other lord.* I had 
 almost forgot to acquaint you, that Rudge is not to be depended 
 upon, if he be not mistaken by our friends." 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Electioneering arrangements — Offers his own and his friends' cordial support.] 
 
 " June 9-19, 1698. — My lord ; I shall not pretend to stir in the 
 matter, which sir John Talbot mentioned, without leave from you ; 
 but, whenever you will allow me to do it, in that or any other thing, 
 I hope you will not only believe, that I shall enter upon it with 
 
 * Lord Portland, who was then about to return from his embassy at Paris. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 539 
 
 the utmost satisfaction, but, as far as I am capable, will manage 
 it, so as may be most easy to your grace, and without your 
 appearing. 
 
 " It will, I doubt, be hard to find two such men, as were to be 
 wished for, to serve for the county ; but your grace will have the 
 gentlemen with you, and it will not be very difficult to find out 
 who are most likely to succeed. 
 
 " Mr. Bromley went for the country last week; sir John 
 Rushout, as I am told, goes this week; and Mr. Walsh will be 
 there shortly. 
 
 " My lord Herbert says, he will act wholly by your direction, 
 and Mr. Lechmere left the town on Monday, and intends to wait 
 upon your grace, as soon as he can, after he has got home. My 
 brother Cocks is gone, very ill, to the Bath. Mr. Dowdeswell is 
 entirely at your disposal, and so, I am told, is sir Thomas Rouse, 
 W'hom I have not seen of late. 
 
 " It were to be wished, that somewhat were agreed upon, as soon 
 as possible, not only for the reason your grace mentions, that while 
 the deliberation continues, the others get ground ; but because 
 the parhament may be called perhaps sooner than was expected. 
 The king seems enough disposed that way ; and, therefore I should 
 be very glad of your grace's thoughts, whether it be not desirable 
 to have the writs go out quickly, rather than to have the nation in 
 a ferment all the summer, and, that during the king's absence, and 
 the elections to be made, at a time when the taxes are levying, 
 and, perhaps, when there may be a want of money to pay 
 quarters. 
 
 " The two million project is likely to succeed, and, I am apt 
 to think, that may interrupt some things, which were resolved 
 upon. However it be, it will make this session less burdensome 
 to the body of the people, than could have been hoped for, by any 
 other method, and, consequently, our friends may be more bold in 
 venturing the sooner on the new choice," &c. 
 
 3z2 
 
540 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Election business — On the proposed dissolution of parliament — Return of lord Portland 
 from his embassy — Doubts the sincerity of the french ting. J 
 
 " June 23-Juli/ 3, 1698. — My lord ; since you are pleased to 
 have it so, I have told sir John Talbot, you have judged the -thing 
 improper, and have delivered back to him the letters patent* and 
 instructions. 
 
 " I cannot but think it requisite, Mr. Walsh should be in the 
 country, if your grace has any intentions of recommending him, 
 especially if the elections be immediately after the conclusion of 
 this session, which our friends here (who are fit to be trusted with 
 such a question) seem universally to wish. Your grace's opinion 
 has absolutely determined me in the point, and upon my using 
 to the king those arguments, which it was most likely he would 
 taste best, he seemed to give into it so far, as to say, if our friends 
 thought it best, he would be persuaded. 
 
 " If the project for the East India trade succeeds, I believe it will 
 be thought necessary to keep some measures with old friends ; but, 
 there is a wonderful agitation in behalf of the old Company, so 
 that, though this day the bill is ordered to be engrossed, I think it 
 is not to be depended upon that it will pass. 
 
 " My lord Portland is come back, oppressed with civilities, but 
 I do not find that, beyond outward respects, he has brought any 
 proofs of the sincerity of the french king's good meaning to our's. 
 This is remarkable, that Madam Maintenon, who governs all abso- 
 lutely, declined to see him. 
 
 " I have been much indisposed for some days, and this day 
 confined to my chamber, so that I cannot give your grace so 
 good an account of things, as I desire." 
 
 * Alluding to the proposed grant of New York. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 541 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 .[Prorogation of the parliament preparatory to a dissolution — Election arrangements— Has 
 recommended Mr. Walsh to the king — Considerations on the object of lord Sunder- 
 land's proposed return to town— The whigs not inclined to unite with him.] 
 
 " July 5-15, 1698. — My lord ; This day the parliament was 
 prorogued to the second of August, but with a purpose, as we 
 are told, of dissolving it by proclamation, the next council day, 
 and in the same proclamation, to give notice of issuing out writs 
 for a new choice. 
 
 " It is possible your grace may see proper to take resolutions, 
 as to the Worcestershire elections, according to this information, 
 
 unless it may be supposed my lord S 's* coming to town, 
 
 on Thursday next, may produce something new. I do not find 
 our friends disposed to enter into any measures with him, though 
 I hear your grace is extremely of opinion, it is necessary to be 
 united, and that my lord Orford and I are for it, though against 
 our inclinations, to serve our interests. 
 
 " Mr. Foley told me the whigs were setting up against him in 
 Worcestershire, and that your grace would propose two new 
 knights at the meeting at the sessions. I said, I knew not of any 
 such resolution, nor did pretend to meddle in j;hat country ; but, 
 if your grace interposed, and thought my concurrence of use, I 
 should certainly be of your mind. He said, he hoped your grace 
 Avould give his character at that meeting, and that I would ac- 
 quaint you with his request, which I promised him. When this 
 was said, he told me, that he was likely to be disturbed in the 
 country, and his son at Stafford ; and, therefore, I ought to con- 
 sider that they must come in at Wych,-f- which would turn the 
 difficulty upon my brother Cocks, and so we parted. 
 
 " I have taken an occasion of speaking of Mr. Walsh to the 
 king, in the most advantageous manner I could express myself; 
 and have told him your good thoughts of him, and think there is 
 such an impression made, that, upon the first good occasion, one 
 
 * Sunderland. f Droitwich. 
 
1542 CORRESPONDENCE ., [Pa ex III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 may expect success ; and I am of opinion Mr. Walsh cannot do 
 more for his advantage, than to aim at some employment abroad. 
 
 "I should wonder at my lord S coming to town so 
 
 immediately after the rising of parliament, if I did not think there 
 was a good deal of impatience on both sides ; one having as much 
 mind to be sent for, as the other has to send. 
 
 " This tendency of things does not seem to be very suitable 
 to the advancing subscriptions upon the East India bill, nor to be 
 calculated for one sort of elections for the next parliament. But, 
 as far as I can observe, your grace's old servants are determined 
 to do all they can, to have a good parliament, whatever else is 
 like to ensue. 
 
 " I am so exceedingly worn out with the parliament, the Term, 
 and a great degree of indisposition, that I must ask leave to con- 
 clude abruptly, as being scarce able to write what I am, with the 
 most sincere respect,'' &c. 
 
 The subsequent letter from Mr. Montague relates to his scheme 
 for superseding the old East India company, whicli had long been 
 exposed to the hostilities of the whigs. Proposals being made 
 to the governors for advancing a loan to governinent, on the con- 
 dition of receiving a parliamentary sanction of their charter; 
 they offered 700,000/. But, before they came to a decision, a 
 body of moneyed men in London, at the instigation of Mr. Mon- 
 tague, tendered an advance of two millions, on the condition of 
 an exclusive trade to the East Indies. The respective proposals 
 were submitted to parliament, and the offer of the merchants was 
 warmly supported by Mr. Montague. The East India company 
 in vain represented their sacrifices and services, arid in vain made 
 a tardy offer of the same sum as their opponents. The scheme 
 espoused by the first lord of the Treasury was afterwards carried 
 through the Commons, notwithstanding the most powerful oppo- 
 sition ; and it experienced the same success in the House of 
 Peers.. 
 
169a] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 543 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the views of lord Albemarle — Success of the new scheme for the East India company 
 -^The opposition beyond his expectations — Exults in the persuasion that the views 
 of lord Sunderland are baffled.] 
 
 " July 16-26, 1698. — My lord ; I was very glad, on many 
 accounts, to receive the honour of your letter of the 4th July, for 
 I had omitted answering your former so long, that I was ashamed 
 to acknowledge them ; but the session is now at an end, and I 
 would gladly atone for my faults. I never could hear there was 
 any intention of the king to buy Combury, and I suppose you 
 hear my lord Albemarle has agreed for Twittenham Park, and 
 then there can be no farther danger ; for, if there was any thing 
 in the report, it was designed for him. I. believe he will affect 
 the contrary party to his rival,* and seem to make a fine seat and 
 settlement in England. 
 
 " I gave your letter, recommending an Oxfordshire gentleman, 
 to Mr. Clark, to have him employed. I have not heard what 
 they have done, but I pressed it as much as I could. I am sorry 
 to hear you have not been of late so well as formerly. I was in 
 hopes great quiet, and the country air, would have perfected your 
 cure, and made you able, though you continued unwilling, to 
 serve the public ; but, for that matter, I have promised, and I will 
 keep my word, x)f not speaking to you any more about it ; and, 
 indeed, the toil and vexation we have, that are engaged, Avill not 
 tempt those that know it, and are lookers on, to enter the lists 
 again. 
 
 " For my part, since I saw you, I have been in such a storm 
 of business, as never blew out of any quarter before. I was not 
 ignorant of what I undertook, nor insensible of the opposition I 
 should meet with, from such a set of men, as the East India com- 
 pany ; but, really, the dispute was more obstinate than I did 
 expect. I saw no other way, but something of that kind, to make 
 any tolerable end of the session, and fix the civil list ; and, thel'e- 
 
 * Lord Portland. 
 
544 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 6. 
 
 fore, I thought it ought to be risked ; but, in the progress, the 
 contest ran so high, I repented, heartily, it was ever attempted. 
 But, notwithstanding all the opposition, that the wit or malice of 
 the party could give in the House, we kept our scheme entire ; 
 and though, since the act passed, there has been more industry 
 used to run it down, as a chimera and an idle notion, the sub^ 
 scriptions began on Thursday, at one, and w6re completed to- 
 night, at seven. 
 
 " I must confess I always thought it could not fail, if the act 
 passed, but the success is beyond all expectation ; and it is certain 
 there might have been another million taken on the same terms. 
 This contest, and some other accidents, have freed us from a com- 
 panion* that was intended us, who would have been worse than 
 all this ; but I think we are got clear of that fire-ship for ever. If 
 he annoys us now, it must be hoisting the enemy's colours ; and, 
 under that declaration, I do not fear him. 
 
 " As the winter has been very bad, the nature of our supplies 
 are such as will make the summer more easy ; therefore, I hope 
 you will suggest how we may spend a few days together, and I 
 Avill contrive how to comply with it. I am sorry you are out of 
 business, for my own and country's interest ; but the pleasure of 
 your conversation is no small reason of my desiring to have you 
 Avith us, and, if you will allow me some share of that, I will more' 
 Avillingly part with the other," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Lord Sunderland's visit to London — Thinks he is dissatisfied, and disappointed in the 
 king's decision not to engage him in public business — Cbndoles with him on some 
 uneasiness — Blames the king for wishing him to retain the seals, and, at the same 
 time, omitting his name in the commission of lords justices.] 
 
 " July 16-26, 1698. — My lord ; I am unresolved whether I shall 
 rejoice or condole with your grace, at the news Mr. Secretary tells 
 me, of your having the gout. I have heard that long life attends 
 that distemper, though with the uneasiness of some pain. I 
 
 * Lord Sunderland, 
 
1698.J WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 645 
 
 heartily wish you the first, but no servant you have will be more 
 truly afflicted, should you have the latter. 
 
 " I know you receive from better hands the news of the town, 
 as also of the court : I cannot say either has afforded much. Lord 
 Sunderland's coming to town made a great deal of discourse for 
 four days ; that is, till it was known he was not to come into 
 business, then the application, which was before in abundance, 
 fell, and, like good courtiers, he is dropt, and his lordship has his 
 quiet hours, like those that it is known can do neither good or 
 harm ; though I do not know whether that be perfectly his case 
 as yet. He was with me after he had seen the king the last time, 
 and told me, he had a joy, greater than it was possible for him to 
 express, that the king had been pleased to shew so much goodness 
 to him, to suffer him to retire to Althorp, and never to think of 
 business, which he Avas so unfit for. But it is very discernible in 
 his face, but much more in my lady's, that this resolution and 
 favour of the king's was not expected, and not at all liked of. You 
 will make your own reflections of this matter. He has said a 
 great deal to me of you, but that will be too tedious in a letter : I 
 will endeavour to remember it, when I have the honour to see you, 
 which I am told I may hope for in August, either at $ ^ 3^,* or 
 Winchendon.-f I shall like either, so I may have the good fortune 
 to see you, and to assure you, how much I am your servant. 
 
 " Thus far I had wrote, when I was honoured with your letter. 
 I am heartily sorry to hear the gout is in so many places, and so 
 painful; and I find, by the style of your letter, you are not with- 
 out a good deal of the spleen, but I am far from blaming you to lie 
 under it. Most men in health, that can distinguish, have too 
 often occasion given them, to fall under the like distemper of spleen, 
 but, I must confess, what you complain of would make any body 
 uneasy ; and, in my poor opinion, it is the most ridiculous thing 
 I ever heard of, after resolving you should keep the seals, for a 
 few weeks longer, to expect you should continue with them after 
 he had left England. This I think is a very ridiculous thought ; 
 
 * Illegible. f The seat of lord Wharton. 
 
 4 A 
 
546 eORRESPON D E N C E [Paet III.— Ch. 6/ 
 
 but what he* has done to-day makes it much more, or, rather, 
 impossible for you to keep them, or he to expect it, which is, 
 naming the justices, and seeing your name out ; so that, I think, 
 Avhen this is represented to him, he must yield to what you desire. 
 I will not fail, to-morrow, to speak to him about it, as from myself, 
 in the best manner I can. You know so well my interest, that I 
 need not tell you, that I cannot promise my reasoning will prevail ; 
 but, I can assure you, my representation shall be with all imagina- 
 ble intentions for your pleasure and service, which I hope you 
 believe, in this or any commands you have for me, I will execute 
 it with a zeal that becomes the professions I have so often made 
 of being," &c. 
 
 * The king. Lord Orford was not, at this time, informed that the duke of Shrewsbujyr 
 was omitted in the commission of lords justiceSj.at his own particular request. 
 
1'6'98.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 547 
 
 CHAPTER 7. 
 1698. 
 
 Offer of the embassy to Spain rejected by lord Whdrton — Contest for the new elections^— 
 Declining influence of the whigs — Scheme of Mr. Montague to secure the auditorship 
 of the exchequer, in reversion — Protracted stay of the king abroad — The whigs jealous 
 of )iis majesty's returning partiality to the tories — Shrewsbury perseveres in his resolu- 
 tion to resign^ in opposition to the joint efforts oftheking and the whigs — Embarrassed 
 situation of affairs in Ireland — Correspondence from July to October, 1698'. 
 
 "A-LL hope of effecting a reconciliation between Sunderland 
 and the whigs being frustrated, by the failure of the conference 
 at Newmarket, no farther attempt was made, except an oifer of 
 the Spanish embassy to lord Wharton, which he peremptorily 
 declined. 
 
 On the dissolution of the parliament, the attention of the two 
 parties was deeply engrossed by the contests of a new election. 
 The whigs, hoAvever, to their mortification, found their credit 
 considerably diminished, and lost much of the interest which had 
 hitherto given them preponderance. Censured as the advocates 
 of a standing army, accused of partiality and oppression, in the 
 support of their darling project of a new East India company ; 
 maligned as the imposers of the burthens, which the war had ren- 
 dered necessary, and unsustained by the confidence of the sove- 
 reign, they Avere disappointed in their appeal to public opinion ; 
 and Wharton, in particular, was unsuccessful in most of the elec- 
 tions, where he had hitherto exercised uncontrolled influence. 
 
 The king, in the mean time, protracted his stay abroad, not- 
 withstanding the national clamour at his absence ; and^ after the 
 elections were terminated^ deferred the meeting of parliaments 
 under various pretences, with the evident purpose of observing 
 the struggle for pre-eminence, and waiting the event. At length 
 
 4 A 2 
 
548 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 he returned to England, on the 3rd of December, apparently 
 uncertain which party to favour ; and it was even suspected by 
 the whigs, that he would countenance the choice of a tory speaker, 
 against sir Thomas Lyttleton, the whig candidate, who had dis- 
 tinguished himself by his enmity to Sunderland. Indignant at 
 this supposed opposition to their wishes, they cast their suspicions 
 on Mr. Vernon, who had maintained some intercovirse with 
 Harley and Foley, the leaders of the tories, and was considered 
 as subject to the control of Sunderland, to whom he owed his 
 appointment. The marked attention which Vernon experienced 
 from the king, on his arrival at Kensington, gave colour to their 
 jealousy, and we trace hints, that they did not spare even Shrews- 
 bury himself, with whom Vernon was more closely connected than 
 with Sunderland. 
 
 Disappointed in his various efforts to mediate a reconciliation, 
 and conscious that the assistance of Sunderland was absolutely 
 necessary, to form an efficient system of administration, Shrews- 
 bury had cautiously abstained from any direct interference, either 
 with the king or the whigs. Holding the seals with reluctance, 
 and considering himself a mere cypher in the ministry, he had 
 anxiously sought for an opportunity to withdraw, that he might 
 avoid any entanglement in the midst of the factious struggles 
 Avhich were likely to occur. He persevered in his importunities 
 for leave to retire, till he silenced the objections of his friends, and, 
 at length, nothing remained but to determine the particular mode 
 and time of his resignation. With unfeigned reluctance he con- 
 sented to wait the return of the king from abroad, and when that 
 period approached, he repaired to London, for the purpose of 
 delivering the seals in person. But a nearer view of the political 
 theatre increased the alarm Avhich already agitated his timid mindvj 
 and, from the dread that he should again be overcome, by the 
 solicitations of the sovereign, he hurried back to Eyford, without 
 ful611ing his purpose; though with an increased determination to 
 obtain a speedy deliverance from the cares and responsibility of 
 office. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Has obtained the king's consent to decline all share in public business.] 
 
 " London, July 21-31, 1698. — My lord; when you were so kind 
 as to write to me, before you met tlie king, at Windsor, I then 
 let you know what my thoughts were, in relation to business. 
 
 " They have continued to be the same, and since I have seen 
 the king, he does not think me much in the wrong, so that, upon 
 the whole, I intend to go to Althorp, next week, and design to bu 
 there, all winter, and never more to trouble myself, or any body 
 else, with pubhc business. The king is very kind, my friends 
 seem to be so too, and I hope you will believe, that I am, and 
 shall ever be, to the public, to my friends, and, in my opinion, as 
 I have often professed to you, and to yourself most sincerely, and 
 most constantly, a most faithful, obedient, and humble servant," 
 &c. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has again . mentioned to the king the duke's wish to retire^ Advises his grace not to 
 decline the embassy to Spain, which had been offered him by his majesty — On 
 election business.] 
 
 " July 26-Aug. 5, 1698. — My lord ; I have so very just excuses 
 for not acknowledging sooner, the favour of your grace's, of the 
 1 1th, that I am sure you would be so good as to allow of them, and 
 yet I think I must want a greater excuse, if I should go about to 
 set them down. 
 
 " Immediately after I knew your mind, I spoke to the king for 
 Mr. Yard,* and took the liberty to use your grace's name. The 
 king yielded to it very readily. I wish Mr. Yard may find his 
 account in the employment. 
 
 " I told the king, the concern your grace had of having the 
 name of secretary, when you were not able to attend the service 
 of the place, and that you thought the office had continued too 
 
 * One of the under secretaries in the office of secretary of state. 
 
550 CORRESPONDENCE {Paet III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 long already in the nature of a sinecure, and that it would not be 
 possible it should be kept in this manner, another winter ; and yet, 
 perhaps, it might not be for your honour, to give up the seals upon 
 his return, which would be upon the opening of a session. I 
 could get very little answer at that time, I suppose, because it was 
 thought, a concession that your grace's opinion was reasonable, 
 might have given me a pretence to have solicited for a disposal of 
 the place. 
 
 " Some time after Mr. Secretary had mentioned the business 
 of Spain to your grace, the king took occasion to speak of the 
 great consequence it would be to England, that a man of quality and 
 ability, one, that was known abroad to have credit with him, and 
 had a fixed credit at home, should be sent to Spain. I had no 
 suspicion of what it meant, and readily gave in to the notion. He 
 then told me, he had ordered it to be proposed to your grace, not 
 only as having all the qualifications, but as a thing, which would 
 contribute, in your own opinion, to your health, and would be a very 
 easy employment. He added, that the two last considerations had 
 encouraged him to propose it to you, and that he expected your 
 answer the next morning, and that, if you declined it, he should 
 be of an opinion, that your grace (as he had long apprehended) 
 would enter no more into his business. This last saying of his, 
 made me heartily wish I could have had an opportunity of writing 
 this passage to your grace ; because it might have given you an 
 occasion of expressing yourself somewhat differently in your 
 answer, but there was no time for it, and you always write with 
 that circumspection, that there was no occasion. 
 
 " The same proposition is made to my lord Wharton, and I am 
 to propose it. \ 
 
 " My lord Orford is gone into the country. My lord Wharton 
 is about his elections. Mr. Montague is sweating at his poll,* with 
 Mr. Secretary j-f- against their great antagonist,|. 
 
 " As far as we yet hear, the elections are not for the worse. I 
 hope things will succeed in Worcestershire, as you wbuld have 
 them. 
 
 * For Westminster. f Mr. Vernon. | Sir Henry Colt. 
 
1698. WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 551 
 
 " I owe you a thousand thanks, for thinking of such an im- 
 material thing to every body, as my health; but it is so very much 
 impaired, that I must endeavour to recover it by some little 
 retreat from my continued toil, at present, in hopes of an entire 
 retirement to follow." 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Anxious to meet him — The elections unfavourable.] 
 
 " Aug. 11-21, 1698. — My lord ; I am very much obliged to your 
 grace, for the several rendezvous you have given me, and since 
 you intend to be at Winchendon, the latter end of this month, I 
 will endeavour to wait upon you there. I had not much satisfaction 
 in seeing you at a horse-race lately, but I hope Rainston will 
 make an atonement for Newmarket. Lord Montague* has a 
 design of inviting your grace to go from thence to Boughton, 
 I have promised to be of the party, in hopes, since you are so 
 idle, you will go a ramble, to see his water-works. These two 
 rambles are as much as I can take this year, and if I can be so 
 happy as to enjoy your company at these two places, I wiU 
 take some other season to wait upon you, at your own houses. 
 
 " Lord Orford and I have not had an opportunity yet of dis- 
 coursing what you commanded us. He has been in the country, 
 and I have been confined ; but, you may be assured, I shall give 
 you my opinion, whenever you ask it, with all the freedom and 
 friendship that I can., 
 
 " The elections have made a humour appear in the countries., 
 that is not very comfortable to us, that are in business,^ for if the 
 taxes have been so heavy, in a war against France and popery, they 
 will be very uneasy, when the danger is thought farther off, with the 
 expense that is necessary for an ordinary security; and if the king 
 of Spain dies, Avho, I think, nobody hopes can live, Lord have mercy 
 upon" us !. But, yet, after ^11, the present members are such as will 
 neither hurt England, or this government,, but, I believe, they must 
 be handled very nicely. I should be heartily, glad to hear Walsh 
 had succeeded. 
 
 " If I hear nothing to the contrary, I shall live in hopes of 
 
 * Ralph, afterwards duke, of 'Montague,', 
 
552 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 seeing you at Winchendon and Bough ton, and then 1 am sure I 
 shall think them both very pleasant/' &c. , 
 
 THE EARL OF ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY^ 
 
 [Approves his mode of resigning the seals — Wishes to retire himself — Fearful that the 
 kingdom is ill prepared for the expected event of the king of Spain's death.] 
 
 " August 16-26, 1698. — My lord ; I was in the country when I re- 
 ceived the honour of your grace's letter, of the 23rd of the last month. 
 Upon my coming to town, I discoursed my lord chancellor on the 
 subject you commanded, as to the time of your giving up the 
 seals. He told me, he had received a letter from you, that you 
 wrote him word, you had sent to the king, to know into whose 
 hands the seals should be given. He did not beheve, people 
 would make the observations you apprehended they would, either 
 if you had quitted the seals at the king's going, or if you kept them 
 till near his return, but concluded, it will have a better air to do it^ 
 as you seem to determine, in your letter, between both. I believe 
 every body must be of that mind. I have heard nothing bad of 
 your health, therefore conclude you are well, which, I assure you, 
 I rejoice at, as much as any servant you have. I shall wait on 
 you at lord Wharton's, the 23rd. I never had more mind to 
 follow your example, in quitting, than at this time, for I am 
 quite weary of serving; but of this I will trouble you, when I wait 
 on you. 
 
 " Here is no news, but that Ave daily expect to hear the king of 
 Spain is dead. What will become of us then, God knows ! I do 
 not see the king has made any provision for such an accident, 
 though often pressed to it, the neglect of which, in my poor opinion, 
 will prove very fatal to England ; and those people in business 
 blamed, who could not help it. But I will not trouble you with 
 this stuff, nor a longer letter, but conclude, with what you shall 
 ever find me to be," &c. 
 
 " To-morrow, lord chancellor goes for Tunbridge. The king has 
 done nothing about the duke of Glo'ster's settlement,* which 
 makes lord Marlborough not a little uneasy." 
 
 The settlement of the household for the young duke of Gloucester, presumptive heir to 
 the throne, to whom the earl of Marlborough had been recently appointed governor. See 
 Memoirs of the duke of Marlborough, ch. 6. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 553 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Complains of the toil of business — Thinks that the most eligible time for his grace's 
 resignation will be before the meeting of the parliament — Lord Wharton has declined 
 going to Spain — Some of the duke's letters, when read to the king, had produced an 
 unfavourable effect — Has in vain remonstrated against sending the french refugee 
 troops to Ireland — The result of the elections more unfavourable than was expected.] 
 
 " Aug. 16-26, 1698. — My lord ; I cannot but begin Avith my 
 thanks, for your obliging injunction to me, to get away from 
 business. I hope to obey you in a few flays, by trying if I can 
 find any quiet at Tunbridge. The truth is, the Chancery business 
 (which ended but this day) is a toil, too great for any man to 
 undergo, who has not much more strength of body and mind than 
 I have. 
 
 " Since my lord Orford's coming to town, he acquainted us 
 with your grace's letter. We all agreed in our thoughts, that since 
 you had determined to part with the seals, the most proper time 
 might be neither too suddenly, nor too near the parliament. What 
 the king said about your decHning business, was before he had 
 your grace's answer, though he repeated it again, after.* 
 
 " Upon this occasion, allow me to say, what nothing but my " 
 nice concern for you could engage me to mention, that, perhaps, 
 your grace does not think some of your letters should be read to 
 the king, though the effect of them is to be told. I am sure, if any 
 mistake of this kind has been committed, it was without any ill 
 meaning, and, therefore, there must be no ill use made of it. I 
 dare say the person-f concerned, has the most true respect and 
 duty to your grace, that it is possible for one man to have for 
 another. But this hint may sometimes be a reason for you 
 to change an expression in a letter, when it may probably be 
 shewed. 
 
 " I was really afraid, my message to my lord Wharton :|; would 
 have the effect, Avhich your grace apprehended ; and, therefore, in 
 
 * See page 550. f Mr. Vernon. 
 
 J The offer of the embassy to Spain. 
 
 4 B 
 
554 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 concurrence with my lord Orford's opinion, to whom alone I 
 mentioned the thing, I would not write what I had in charge, but 
 reserved myself to tell it him, with the circumstances, and (as I 
 thought) he did not take it altogether so ill, as I doubted he would, 
 but directed me to make his excuse, upon the account of his 
 family concern, his lady being big, and not far from an expect- 
 ation of lying-in. 
 
 " The ordering the french troops for Ireland, is a most un- 
 accountable thing. It was never owned, but I took occasion, 
 frorh the common reports, to speak of it, in a manner, which, I 
 believe, gave offence. Your grace mentions a great many unan- 
 swerable arguments against it. Amongst the reasons I used, one 
 was, that I foresaw, it would certainly ruin my lord Gahvay, 
 which I thought would have had some weight, but, I find other 
 reasons were stronger. 
 
 " I am very much pleased with Mr. Walsh's success. I could 
 not have imagined Mr. Bromley would have had so great a struggle 
 for his coming in.* 
 
 " I am infinitely surprised to hear, it was possible to have a 
 wrong impression made of your interposing in the Worcestershire 
 elections, and shall be glad to have that matter explained, when I 
 have the happiness of seeing you. 
 
 " My lord Wharton has met with but ill success in all his elec- 
 tions, which I am very sorry for. Upon the whole choice, I fear 
 the parliament will be somewhat difficult to be dealt with, though 
 several of the leading men of the opposite party are left out." 
 
 A letter from lord chancellor Somers, dated October 25, will 
 shew that the affairs of Ireland were still in a no less embroiled 
 situation than those of England. The difficulties which attended 
 that government have been sufficiently manifested, by preceding 
 observations, and by the correspondence with the king; and, 
 though little reference to the subject has hitherto appeared in the 
 letters of the whig chiefs, the state of Ireland proved a source of 
 constant embarrassment. 
 
 * For the city of Woi-cester. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 555 
 
 The commission appointed after the death of sir Charles Porter,* 
 was not less inefficient than any of the preceding ; for lord Villiers 
 was absent, as plenipotentiary, at Ryswick, and the marquis of 
 Winchester not only delayed the assumption of his irksome office, 
 but even, when he arrived in Ireland, evinced a deficiency of those 
 talents, which were requisite for its execution. The whole burthen 
 of the government, therefore, rested on lord Galway, who, besides 
 his disadvantages as a foreigner, was better fitted to superintend 
 the discipline of camps, than to sway the contentions of party. 
 
 To remedy this weakness, the office of chancellor was, at the 
 recommendation of lord Sunderland, conferred, by the king, on 
 Mr. Methuen, a gentleman eminent for political knowledge and 
 legal abihties, plausible in manners, and sanguine in disposition. 
 Though great the difficulties which surrounded his predecessors, 
 he was placed in still more critical circumstances ; for, in addition 
 to the frowardness, which formerly marked the conduct of the 
 Irish people, they had recently shewn an unwonted spirit of 
 independence; and this principle had been strongly asserted, in 
 an able, but violent, publication, written by Mr. Molyneux, of 
 Dublin, who was distinguished for the vigour of his style, and the 
 acuteness of his arguments. Such pretensions awakened the 
 jealousy of the english legislature, and not only a vote of 
 censure was passed against this obnoxious production, but the 
 refractory proceedings of the Irish parliament, in the former 
 session, were strongly condemned, as emanating from the same 
 source. Farther, to check the competition between the woollen 
 fabrics of the two kingdoms, an address was presented, requesting 
 the king, to take measures for the protection of the woollen manu- 
 facture, which was considered as the staple branch of the british 
 trade. To make some amends, however, for this restriction, a 
 recommendation was annexed, that similar regulations should 
 be adopted, for the advantage of the linen manufacture, which 
 was regarded as the peculiar and natural fabric of Ireland. 
 
 * See pp. 112, 113. 
 4 B 2 
 
556 CORRESPONDENCE , [Faet III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 To the embarrassments which were hkely to arise from these 
 jarring interests of the two countries, was added another source 
 of perplexity, derived from the anxiety of the king to keep on 
 foot the foreign refugee regiments ; for which purpose he had sent 
 them into Ireland, in opposition to the remonstrances of the duke 
 of Shrewsbury and lord Somers. It, therefore, required a man 
 of no less discretion, than energy, to manage the Irish parliament, 
 during the discussion of these delicate topics; and the sanguine 
 temper, and confident promises, of Mr. Methuen had chiefly 
 induced the king to appoint him chancellor, and to rely on him 
 for the direction of Irish affairs. 
 
 The result did not fulfil the hopes, which had led to this arrange- 
 ment. On the meeting of the Irish parliament, in the beginning 
 of October, Mr. Methuen was alarmed by the powerful opposi- 
 tion, which was formed against the government, and not only 
 hesitated to press the new regulation, relative to the linen and 
 woollen manufacture, but laboured to throw the responsibility 
 on the lords justices in England, by representing this obnoxious 
 bill, as origmating from them, and in opposition to his advice. The 
 lords justices, on their part, endeavoured equally to avoid re- 
 sponsibility, by referring the decision to the king himself. A 
 series of perplexing and acrimonious debates ensued, and the 
 opposition attempted to thwart the measures of the chancellorj, 
 by anticipating the intended regulation relative to woollens, by 
 opposing the grants for the pay of the troops, and by moving for 
 the dismission of the foreign regiments. Their designs were, 
 however, partially baffled. A supply of 138,000/. was obtained 
 with some difficulty, but the regulations relative to the linen and 
 woollen trade, were not carried to the extent, which appears to 
 have been contemplated by the english government. The king 
 was also mortified, by the rejection of a clause in the bill, for the 
 preservation of his person, which reduced the act itself almost to 
 a nullity. 
 
 The event of this stormy session was considered so unfavourable 
 to England, that it was thought necessary to prorogue the Irish 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 557 
 
 parliament. Mr. Methuen, who had so confidently promised 
 success, was, soon afterwards, dismissed from the post of chan- 
 cellor, and the seals were put in commission.* 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On Irish affairs — On the bill for the encouragement of the linen manufacture — Opposi- 
 tion to the plan adopted with respect to the refugee regiments — Complains of the 
 coldness of the king towards the whigs — Thinks the king and lord Sunderland are 
 waiting to see what party will prevail — Objects to Mr. Montague's appointment as 
 auditor of the exchequer — Solicits the advice of the duke.J 
 
 " Oct. 25-Nov. 4, 1698. — My lord ; I have been very desirous 
 of some tolerable pretence of troubling you with a letter, and, 
 therefore, it is easy to believe, I Avas pleased to receive one from 
 your grace, by Mr. Stone.f 
 
 " Since that time, Mr. Secretary shewed me what you wrote 
 to him on the same subject. I understood your grace's sentiments, 
 in the same manner they were explained to him, and endeavoured 
 to pursue them, by prevailing with the lords justices to send over 
 the two bills, under distinct great seals, which was all that could 
 be done ; for they were, before, both agreed to at council, and 
 ordered to be sent together, and were already ingrossed, and the 
 warrant for the great seal signed. To bring this about, I was 
 necessitated to shew my letter, from my lord Winchester and lord 
 Galway, and to let Mr. Montague read your grace's, which I hope 
 you will not be displeased with. 
 
 " The chancellor of Ireland wants, extremely, a pretence where- 
 upon to Jay the blame of the miscarriage of this session. He 
 alone advised, and undertook for it, unless he had my lord Galway 
 privately concurring with him. It is said my lord Coningsby 
 came into this counsel at last; and, that his agreeing to go over, 
 and make it effectual, got him to be sole paymaster. But I know 
 
 * From Kennett's History of William the Third, and Vernon's Correspondence with 
 the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 •f Mr. Stone had been sent by the lords justices, and chancellor of Ireland, to state the 
 proceedings In the Irish parliament, and to request instructions for their conduct. 
 
558 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 not how true this is, and, if I am rightly informed, the part he 
 acts there is not very clear. 
 
 " This I am sure of, that, during the last session, by encou- 
 raging the king, that the french regiments should be provided for, 
 and the new-formed establishment of a military list in Ireland 
 should be made good, (which, I am told, amounts to 300,000/.) 
 Mr. Methuen had more credit than any body, though the king 
 knew he was equally the aversion of the whigs and tories, both 
 here and in Ireland. 
 
 " At the same time the lords justices sent the bills for Ireland, 
 they wrote a letter to my lord Winchester and lord Galway, in 
 which they observed to them, that the bill for the impositions on 
 the woollen manufacture did not take its rise here ; that it was 
 never heard of, till the chancellor mentioned it to all the lords 
 justices here, as a thing in a sort agreed to, and, therefore, the 
 most proper bill to be offered, for excluding the pretence of the 
 sole right. That they told him, they could, in no sort, pretend to 
 judge of that, and were only to let him know the king would have 
 some one money-bill, transmitted in form, but it was left to the 
 lords justices, and council in Ireland, to determine what it should 
 be. The letter added, that we had no opinion of this bill in 
 England, it being plain, that the duties were in no sort sufficient 
 to bring the manufactures of the two kingdoms to a par ; and 
 that they were as capable of judging as we were, whether the bill 
 for encouraging the linen manufacture was such a money-bill, as 
 would, according to the king's intention, preserve his prerogative. 
 We have also sent copies of their letter to us, and our answer 
 to the king, desiring he would be pleased to send his orders 
 upon the present prospect of things, in Ireland. 
 
 " Whether this will be enough to save us from the blame of 
 spoiling the session in Ireland, I know not. But, I ought to tell 
 your grace, what a sort of money-bill, that, about the linen, is. It 
 grants nothing to the king, but lays some few pecuniary mulcts ' 
 upon offenders, and directs the grand juries of the several counties 
 to assess sums for building workhouses, which are to be levied in 
 the usual manner, with other county payments. It is hardly to be 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 559 
 
 imagined, that tlie Commons of Ireland did ever pretend to the 
 sole right of beginning such bills as these. 
 
 " By letters from Ireland, which came last night, it is said, that 
 before the Commons went into the committee for the supply, there 
 was a very hot debate, concerning an address for disbanding the 
 french regiments, which was rejected by 29 votes, Then they 
 went into the committee, where, with much opposition, it was carried 
 for the sum asked, being one hundred and thirty-eight thousand 
 and odd pounds. When this came into the House, the debate of 
 the french was renewed, and it was carried by 30, for agreeing with 
 the committee. 
 
 " On the other hand, in the committee of the whole House, 
 upon the bill for the preservation of the king's person, it was carried 
 by ten, to disagree with the first clause, which is the loss of the 
 bill, unless it be rectified in the House. It is, in all appearance, a 
 very ill omen of the session, to find such contests, ?ind near 
 divisions. 
 
 " As I understand, the first step they will make in the ways 
 and means, is to lay the duties on the woollen manufacture, 
 and you will be amazed (I fancy) to hear, that this is done by a 
 secret management of the chancellor's, who pretends, nnderhand, 
 that this bill is contrived in England, and was opposed by him, 
 and that there is no other way to prevent its being sent to them, 
 but to do the work themselves. 
 
 " I heartily ask pardon for taking up so much of your time with 
 Ireland. Your grace's letter, on that subject, can only make an 
 excuse for me. I will only add, it has long been my opinionj that 
 I should not see that kingdom tolerably settled, till I saw your 
 grace at the head of it. 
 
 " I do not mention this, with an impertinent design, to draw 
 you from your retirement, much less to engage others to renew 
 those sort of importunities, which have made you often uneasy, but 
 to vent a thought of my own. But I hope you will allow me, since 
 I have the misfortune to be yet engaged, to beg your advice for 
 the pubhc, and for myself. I ought to make great apcdogies for 
 such a freedom, but I must own, it is only founded upon the hopes 
 
560 CORRESPONDENCE [PAet III.— Ch. 7. 
 
 I have, that your grace thinks I mean well, and am not capable of 
 making an ill use of such a favour. 
 
 " Your grace knows how resolutely the king declined speaking 
 of his business, to any in his service, all the winter, and that^ in 
 such a manner, as if he was not unwilling it should be known. I 
 am sure it was known, and that it was an occasion of encouraging 
 opposition, so as to make the session some months longer, than, in 
 all probability, it otherwise would have been. He would in no sort 
 declare himself before his leaving England, and, perhaps, upon 
 a good reason, to see, first, which faction would have the majority 
 in a new parliament. 
 
 " Whether the choice be such as that the same reason will oblige 
 him to sit still longer, till he sees which party will prevail, upon 
 the struggle, is not easy to determine. It is a nice question, 
 in what temper the session will open. The choice was upon a very 
 ill foot; the complaints of taxes and offices, may mislead many 
 well-intentioned gentlemen. There is not, at present, a face of 
 government ; and every body seeing the little credit those have 
 with the king, who are in employments, are naturally invited to 
 endeavour to ruin or expose them. 
 
 " If we had our wishes, it were hard to find men of business. 
 But, when the prejudices to some are considered, and the fond- 
 nesses for others of a different party, it seems ridiculous to attempt 
 things, manifestly impracticable. And the temper of our friends, 
 added to all other considerations, makes one quite despair. 
 
 " Were not the difficulty equal, in finding a number of 
 tories, capable of uniting, I take it for granted, the whigs 
 would, long since^ have been laid aside. But that my lord Sun- 
 derland has not yet found, at least of such a party, as could join 
 with him., 
 
 " The business of Mr. Montague gives me great disquiet. 
 It was done much on the sudden, without the advice or know- 
 ledge of many of his best friends. I wish it may turn well for 
 himself, but I do not see how it can turn well for the public. If 
 he quits the Treasury, soniebody , wholly of another sort, will succeed. 
 If he keeps both places, I fear it will be a new subject of envy. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 561 
 
 " I find myself running an without end. I will choose to 
 leave off, before I have said half I wish to do, upon this reason, 
 that you know our case much better than I can tell it. If your 
 grace will have the goodness to let me know some of your thoughts 
 upon our present circumstances, what is to be attempted, in general, 
 and what part I ought to take in it, it would be an inexpressible 
 favour. If I have gone too far in my request, I heartily ask your 
 pardon, and shall ever be," &c. 
 
 An allusion is made in this letter to a singular and unexpected 
 proceeding of Mr. Montague. Apprehensive that the whig ministry 
 Avas hastening to a dissolution, he was desirous to secure an honour- 
 able retreat, whenever he should deem it prudent to withdraw from 
 his active duties. The opportunity which he had long anxiously 
 sought, presented itself, on the death of sir Robert Howard, 
 auditor of the exchequer, in the beginning of the preceding Sep- 
 tember. This lucrative office being, however, incompatible with his 
 post in the Treasury, he formed the design of vesting it in a repre- 
 sentative, till the change, which he contemplated, should take place. 
 As it was in the gift of the Treasury-board, he addressed himself to 
 his colleagues, sir Thomas Lyttleton and Mr. Smith, and, with their 
 concurrence, granted it to his brother, Christopher Montague, 
 without any previous application to the king, or communication 
 with the other ministers. This precipitate measure astonished his 
 friends, who readily divined his object, and, doubtless, occasioned 
 equal surprise to the king, who naturally expected to have been 
 consulted. Montague possessed, however, too much influence to 
 be defeated in his purpose. His friends, who were satisfied with 
 his promise, that he would not immediately withdraw from the 
 Treasury, strenuously exerted themselves in his favour; and, ac- 
 cordingly, after some delay, the king was induced to confirm 
 an arrangement, which he could scarcely approve, and yet was 
 unable to prevent. The ensuing letter, from Mr. Montague, 
 himself conveys a request, that the duke of Shrewsbury would 
 interfere to obtain the royal consent to this arrangements 
 
 4 c 
 
562 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III— Ch. 7. 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Will not press him to defer his resignation— Solicits his interest with the king, for the 
 
 auditorship of the exchequer.] 
 
 * " My lord ; I cannot forbear adding one word, to what my 
 lord Wharton will say to you by this post. Your grace may 
 observe a great nicety in your friends, to press you to any things 
 contrary to the assurances they have all given you, but you may 
 easily know their inclinations ; but, for myself, you may judge of 
 what consequence it would be, that you were here, but to speak 
 one word to the king, when ray fortune may be easily settled, 
 if he pleases. Why should you not come to some place, vrithin 
 a convenient distance, and not into London. If you liked Hampton 
 Court, you might be very well accommodated ; see your friends, and 
 the king ; suffer nothing from the air of the town, and stay as 
 long, or as little time, as you thought convenient. If any thing of 
 this kind would please you, I will contrive it shall be perfectly 
 easy to you, but I must beg of you, that if it will not hurt your 
 health, you will give me your assistance at this juncture, in which 
 every thing looks so fair, that if I am not very ill used, I shall be 
 as easy as I desire. Pray, if I have suggested any thing that you 
 like, give me your commands. You may be lodged, either in 
 the house, or in the under-keeper's house, where the duke of 
 Bolton used to be." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thinks lord Peterborough will scarcely venture to resume his cabals against the duke — 
 Assures his grace of the support of the king and government — Regrets his retirement 
 from office, and thinks his intervention might have formed a practicable system of 
 administration — Will fix himself at Althorp.] 
 
 " AltliorpyNov. 25-Dec. 5.-f — My lord ; I was in hopes your 
 new doctor would have had better success, than I find by your 
 letter, of the 21st; but what remedies will not do; I believe 
 
 * Without date, but evidently written in the beginning of November ; because, from 
 the endorsement, it appears to have been answered on the 12th. 
 
 f Without the date of the year, but probably writtetfin 1698. 
 
1698.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 563 
 
 country air and quiet will. I cannot imagine my lord P * 
 
 can be so mad as to revive a thing, Avhich, when new, had such 
 a reception as that had. If he should, it is certain it will hurt 
 nobody but himself] but I agree entirely with you, that nothing 
 can recompense for such uneasinesses, but I think they are to l?e 
 prevented, by safe and honourable means, with the king's help, 
 and, I believe, you may be sure of the uttermost protection in 
 all cases, that he and the government can give. I dare say you 
 cannot doubt him, nor, I think, any body about him, and, Avhen 
 there is such a concurrence, it is very strong. 
 
 " If you had been able to have continued, and that five or 
 six could have trusted one another, in their common interest, 
 which one would think not impossible, many things might 
 have been offered, in such cases, as well as in others, to have 
 carried on the public business, and to have made people, that 
 are engaged in it, easier than I have ever seen them. But you 
 are gone, and, I am sure, that unless that changes, I will think of 
 nothing but dispatching my own private affairs, as soon as is 
 possible, and fix here, where, if I can be quiet, I shall envy no 
 man . 
 
 " Five or six weeks ago, I had a letter brought to me from 
 
 my lord P' — -—^ -.f It had no date of time or place, but 
 
 in it he said, he was in this country, and mentioned coming 
 hither, as what he would do, if he considered only himself: that 
 he avoided! company, was a philosopher, and very easy in his 
 own concerns. To which I answered, that I was fit for nothing, 
 for many reasons, but that his circumstances were quite different, 
 &c. I heard no more, nor did he appear any where, but he cer- 
 tainly wa? about Drayton. j. 
 
 " In the beginning of the summer, I had two letters from him, 
 about a man he had a mind to take, who had served me. There was 
 in them, besides, a good deal against the present men employed, 
 but nothing particular, and much of comphment to me and kind- 
 
 * Peterborough. f Probably lord Peterborough; 
 
 I A seat belonging to lord Peterborough in Northamptonshire. 
 
 4 c 2 
 
564 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch, 7. 
 
 ness, which I have deserved, if giving good and friendly advice 
 were the way, for that I have done very plainly, and very often, 
 which, though he seldom follows, I cannot yet think it possible, 
 he should again fall into what he suffered for so many. ways. 
 
 ",I hope nobody will ever press you again to venture your 
 health, or to live uneasily ; but I will not despair of seeing you 
 both healthy and easy, since you do not go out of England." . 
 
1698-1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c 565 
 
 CHAPTERS. 
 1698—1699. 
 
 Resignation of the duke of Shrewsbury, and his refusal to accept the staff of chamberlain — 
 Meeting of the new parliament — Choice of a whig speaker — Continued mieunder standing 
 between the king and the whigs — Discontent in the lower House, at the conduct of the 
 king — Farther reduction of the forces — Dismission of the dutch guards — William 
 forms the resolution of withdrawing from England. — His interview with lord Somers — 
 Dissuaded from his purpose — Fruitless efforts of the whigs to prevent the reduction of 
 the army — Ineffectual appeal of the king, to avert the dismission of his dutch guards — 
 Lord Orford attacked by the tories — Appointment of lord Jersey as secretary of state — 
 Overture from the king to the whigs— Shrewsbury solicited to mediate, and accept a 
 post in a new system of administration — Waits on the king at Newmarket and 
 Windsor — Discontent and sudden resignation of lord Orford — Retirement of lord 
 Portland, and favour of lord Albemarle — Intended retreat of Montague from the 
 Treasury-board — Cdmpromise. effected by the mediation of Shrewsbury — Ministerial 
 arrangements — Correspondence from December, 1698, to March, 1699. 
 
 X HE first event, whix^h now claims ournotice, is the retirement of 
 the duke of Shrewsbury from the office of secretary. On the arrival 
 of WilHam from the continent, on the 3rd of December, he again 
 renewed his solicitations, through the agency of Mr. Vernon, but 
 his purpose was still resisted with the same pertinacit}^ as before. 
 After repeatedly refusing to permit his resignation, unless he would 
 accept the vacant post of chamberlain, the king at length desisted 
 from fruitless importunity ; and on the 12th his badge of office 
 was formally delivered by Mr. Vernon. No successor, however, 
 was indicated,, for the king was unwilling to excite a new feud, hy 
 an immediate choice ; and the whigs, from wounded pride,; ab- 
 stained from resuming their project for obtaining the appointment 
 of Wharton.* 
 
 * See the correspondence with the king, chapter 8, p. 184i 
 
566 CORRESPONDENCE [Part IIL—Ch. 8. 
 
 A few days before the resignation of the duke of Shrewsbury, 
 the new parliament assembled. In the choice of a Speaker, the 
 first and most important proceeding of the session, the whigs were 
 gratified. However offended with their party, the king could not 
 give his countenance to a tory candidate, while the helm of state 
 was directed by a whig ministry : and sir Thomas Lyttleton was, 
 accordingly, called to the chair, on the 9th of December, not, 
 indeed, without opposition, though no competitor was named, but 
 by a majority of 242 against 135. 
 
 The first session of the new parhament opened under the most 
 gloomy auspices ; and, as on the former occasion, the state of the 
 army engrossed the hopes and fears of both parties. Unfor- 
 tunately, the conduct of the king had tended to increase, rather 
 than dissipate, popular clamour. Confident in his own integrity, 
 sensible of the necessity of a powerful military force, to balance 
 that of France, and relying on the gratitude of the nation, for his 
 services, in preserving its rehgion and liberties, he had not only 
 taken no measures to comply with the vote of the preceding ses- 
 sion, but had even evinced a disposition to evade it, by sending a 
 part of the foreign troops to Ireland. 
 
 Notwithstanding his dissatisfaction with the whigs, and the 
 unfavourable result of the elections, he still hoped that they 
 would successfully exert themselves, to prevent the reduction of 
 the forces ; though, with singular impolicy, he manifested towards 
 them the same sullen reserve as before his departure ; and did 
 not even condescend to specify the number of troops he wished 
 to maintain. In his speech to the parhament, he adopted a 
 more guarded style than at the commencement of the pre- 
 ceding session. After expressing his conviction, " that they were 
 met together with hearts fully disposed to do what was neces- 
 sary to the safety, welfare, and happiness of the kingdom," he 
 simply recommended two subjects to their consideration. " First, 
 the strength which ought to be maintained at sea, and the force 
 kept up by land, the ensuing year; and, secondly, the proper 
 measures for accelerating the discharge of the public debt, con- 
 tracted during the war." 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 567 
 
 But William had little calculated on the temper of the times; 
 and the jealousy of a free people, presumptuously confident in 
 past successes, and misled by the artifices of faction. The first 
 proceedings proved the fatal error into which he had fallen. 
 Though the peers, as before, replied in a loyal address, the 
 Commons, instead of following the example, proceeded, without 
 their usual attention to the sovereign, to consider the state of the 
 army. On the l6th of December, the dreaded retrenchment was 
 carried, on a motion, by Mr. Harley, for reducing the military 
 force in England to TjOOO, and in Ireland to 12,000 men. The 
 servants of the crown, having no proposition to offer from the 
 king, submitted in silence ; though it was generally supposed, that 
 an intimation of the royal wish, might have induced the House 
 to consent to the estabhshment of 10,000 men for England, 
 granted in the preceding year. The jealousy of the commons 
 was still farther evinced, by the exclusion of all foreigners, under 
 the express specification, that the army should consist only of 
 natural-born troops. 
 
 These preliminary observations, for which we are principally 
 indebted to Mr. Vernon's letters, will serve to supply the informa- 
 tion wanting in this part of the correspondence. We cannot, 
 however, omit adverting to another subject, to Avhich allusions 
 will occur. We mean the affair of the pirate, captain Kidd, 
 already mentioned in the correspondence with the king, and 
 which, at this time, caused the utmost embarrassment to the duke 
 of Shrewsbury and the ministry. 
 
 The frequent depredations committed in the seas of the East 
 and West Indies, by pirates, who found encouragement in the 
 American colonies, had long been a source of complaint. Re- 
 peated representations had been made on the subject ; but the 
 british government was too deeply engaged in the french war, to 
 take efficient precautions for the suppression of the evil. When, 
 however, lord Bellamont was appointed to the government of 
 New York, he, in conjunction Avith colonel Livingston, a distin- 
 guished ofllicer of the colony, suggested the plan of fitting out a 
 private ship of war, against these lawless depredators. They 
 
568 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III— Cia. 8. 
 
 selected, for the conduct of the enterprise, captain Kidd, an 
 active and spirited seaman, of respectable character and connec* 
 tions, who had formerly commanded a privateer, and was then 
 settled at New York. 
 
 The scheme was communicated to the lord chancellor Soniers, 
 the duke of Shrewsbury, and lord Orford, and received their 
 approbation. Accordingly, they joined with lord Bellamont, 
 colonel Livingston, and Kidd himself, in raising a subscription of 
 6,000/., for the purchase and outfit of a ship. At the instance 
 of the duke of Shrewsbury, the royal sanction was obtained ; and 
 the king even consented to defray one half of the expense, but 
 he never advanced the money, though, as usual,' he reserved to 
 himself one tenth of the profits which might accrue. 
 
 Kidd sailed to the eastern seas, in I696 ; but, instead of fulfilling 
 the instructions of his employers, he captured two vessels, chiefly 
 manned with moors, and said to belong to the subjects of the 
 Great Mogul. Being, soon afterwards, deserted by a part of his 
 crew, who joined other bands of pirates, he burnt his own ship, 
 and sailed in one of his prizes to the West Indies, Having ob- 
 tained provisions and supplies from Curacoa, he purchased an 
 American sloop, and, leaving his prize, with a part of the goods, 
 under the charge of some of his crew, he coasted the American 
 shores, disposing of his cargo. In this traffic he finally reached 
 Boston. 
 
 As soon as his piracies were discovered, orders for his seizure 
 Afere issued by the british government. He, however, so far 
 relied on his former connection with lord Bellamont, as to 
 make some attempt to obtain indemnity for his offences : but he 
 was lured into a negotiation, and, in June, 1699, taken into 
 custody. Information of his arrest being transmitted to the go- 
 vernment, the Rochester )vas dispatched, to convey him and the 
 plundered property to England, but was driven back to Plymouth 
 by contrary winds. In the mean time the affair attracted public 
 attention, and the feeling it excited was heightened by the cla- 
 mours of the old East India Company, who did not neglect so 
 favourable a plea, for casting odium on the ministry, in resentment 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 569 
 
 for their patronage of a rival establishment. As the duke of 
 Shrewsbury foreboded, it became, in the next session, a subject 
 of the most serious inquiry. 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Sir Thomas Lyttleton chosen speaker — Reconciliation of the whigs with secretary 
 Vernon — Has apologised to the king, for the departure of the duke, without delivering 
 the seals in person — Manly advice to his majesty, on his conduct towards the 
 ministry — Kidd's affair — Misunderstanding among the whig chiefs.] 
 
 " Dec. 15.* — My lord ; Since I had the honour of your grace's 
 of the 3rd, sir Thomas Lyttleton's affair is over, with great success, 
 and (which I am not a little pleased at) so much to Mr. Secretary's 
 advantage,f .as I have turned it, that he has had the particular 
 thanks of my lords Orford and Wharton, and of Mr. Montague 
 and Mr. Smith; and I think, all sort of suspicion is so far removed 
 as never to revive, but upon new occasions, which, I am well 
 assured, Mr. Secretary will cautiously prevent. 
 
 " The natural consequence of such a success, was, from thence 
 to take occasion to say, every thing that was aimed at might be 
 effected. I have endeavoured plainly to rectify that error, by 
 saying, though gentlemen with indignation rejected a proposal 
 so openly to his dishonour, as to put an avowed enemy J at the 
 head of the House of Commons ; yet they would be at liberty in 
 other things, and that I knew no way of dealing with a new 
 House of- Commons, but proceeding nicely, and letting them 
 conceive much was left to themselves. Our friends have spqken 
 after the same manner, but with little effect. 
 
 " I acquainted the king, according to your command, of your 
 coming to town, with a purpose of waiting upon him, and of 
 your great trouble, when your health would not suffer you to stay 
 long enough to see him. That I found your purpose was, to put 
 
 * Without the date of the year, but endorsed by the duke of Shrewsbury " Lord 
 Chancellor Somers, Dec. 15th; — answered 19th." It evidently belongs to the. year 
 i698. 
 
 •|- Mr. Vernon. See the introduction to the last chapter. 
 
 I Either sir Edward Seymour, or sir Christopher Musgrave, both violent tories. 
 
 4 D 
 
570 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 8. 
 
 the seals into his hands yourself, as you thought was most decent. 
 He expressed himself much concerned, and spoke with great 
 kindness and respect of you. He said, he would not dis-ease you, 
 but that he knew not what to do. He asked, twice or thrice to- 
 gether, what he should do with the seals. I said, I had formerly 
 troubled him with discourses upon that subject, which did not 
 seem to please him ; that I had nothing now to say, but that the 
 government suffered, at present, manifestly for want of vigour ; 
 that he had not enough men of business about him ; that he had 
 need to make his administration as strong as he could ; that this 
 could not be done, till the people saw that the men he employed 
 had the credit with him ; and that it was better he should take 
 any sort of men, with whom he would exert himself, than to let 
 things languish, as they now seemed to do. 
 
 " I understand he has talked since to my lord Orford, about 
 the secretary. I should be very much pleased to know your 
 sentiments, what is proper to say, and whom to mention, if occa- 
 sions offer. It was my great misfortune to expect some good 
 opportunity, before you went back into, the country, and by your 
 sudden journey to be disappointed. But, for the general good, 
 as well as in charity to myself, I hope you will let me receive 
 your instructions, which I shall esteem an invaluable kindness. 
 Nothing can seem to be more kind than the king is at present to 
 all our friends, but I fear the business of the army will change all 
 that again. 
 
 " As to Kidd's business, 'it is certain the old East India Com- 
 pany are contriving to make the most malicious use of it they can. 
 Upon your grace's letter, I got my lord Rumney and my lord 
 ©rford to meet Harrison at my house ; and we agreed in directing 
 him, according to your grace's notioii, to own freely, if he were 
 sent for by the House of Commons, who were concerned with 
 him, and to tell the whole fact sincerely, in which we hope there 
 can be no crime, though perhaps we may appear somewhat ridi- 
 culous. We also intend to injform some of our friends of the 
 circumstances of fact, that they may be a little prepared to speak 
 to it. 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 571 
 
 " The king seems well disposed in Mr. Montague's affair,* if 
 it can be brought about, without breaking his business, which I 
 fear will be very difficult. 
 
 " There does nothing as yet appear, from whence the least 
 umbrage can be observed in my lord Wharton. As to Mr. Mon- 
 tague, my lord Orford and I have talked of that matter, and we 
 think, that, if my lord Orford took an opportunity of dropping a 
 caution to him, against being surprised into a suspicion of his 
 friends, it might be of service ; and yet, if he should go farther 
 than was fit or prudent, in speaking of it again to the person, 
 nothing could be applied to your grace. You will be pleased to 
 say if this method be right. I must beg pardon for this unreason- 
 able length. ' I am, with the utmost truth," &c. 
 
 We now offer to the reader one of the most important docu- 
 ments in this interesting collection, which is no less remarkable, 
 as it regards the character and feelings of William, than as 
 authentic evidence of an historical fact, which is not the l6ast 
 singular in our domestic annals. 
 
 By the former narratives, and the preceding letters, the reader 
 is acquainted with the embarrassed situation of the cabinet, the 
 mutual irritation which subsisted between the king and ministers, 
 and the temper manifested by the new House of Commons, on 
 the reduction of the army. 
 
 The disappointment and chagrin, which the king conceived at 
 the preliminary steps of that measure, were greatly aggravated in 
 its progress. However offended with the whigs, for the exclusion 
 of Sunderland, and for the perpetual bickerings created by the 
 pretensions of Wharton, he had fondly cherished the hope, that 
 they would secure the maintenance of a military force, sufficient 
 to rescue his government from danger, and his name from con- 
 tempt; and this hope was much strengthened by the triumphant 
 majority, which had placed sir Thomas Lyttleton in the chair of 
 Ihe House of Commons. Great, therefore, was his mortificationj 
 
 * His scheme for securing the auditorship of the exchequer. See p. 561. 
 
 4d 2 
 
572 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet. III-^Ch. 8. 
 
 to observe, either their unwillingness or inability to prevent the 
 threatened reduction ; to find that the resolution of the Ilouse of 
 Commons was embodied into a law, with unusual rapidity; and, 
 that not only the foreign troops, in general, but even his brave 
 arid faithful dutch guards, were to be ignominiously dismissed. 
 In the height of his indignatibri, he did not spare the most 
 vehement censures against the whigs, at whose instances he had 
 accepted Ihe crown ; and he formed the hasty, though natural, 
 resolution of abandoning a country, where he had experienced 
 such a shameful desertion ; aud of leaving to their own wilful 
 passions, a people who had ungratefully humbled him in the eyes 
 of Europe, This resolution he communicated, with all the 
 warmth of wounded honour, to lord Somers, who thus relates the 
 interview : 
 
 " Dec. 29, l698.-^My lord ; Your grace did extreme rightly 
 jtidge where the difficulty would lie upon our friends, that is, in 
 the point of the army. Their success in the Speaker gave occasion 
 to some to say, every thing was possible, which they would attempt 
 in good earnest. And the same persons are hearkened to, when 
 they say, that their conduct, upon the debate in the House of 
 Commons, Wks so |^far from aiming at what the king desired, that 
 it was a downright deliveririg him up. 
 
 " This has put the king upon great extremities in his purposes, 
 as I doubt not your grace may have heard T)efore this time. I 
 have not acquainted you with his resolution sooner, because I 
 thought it Could not be taken up in good Earnest. But I have 
 had, this morning, such a sdrt of confirmation of it, that I cannot 
 thirik it possible t6 have it carried on so far, if it be meant but 
 as ah appearance only, and to provoke us to exert ourselves. 
 
 " His resolution is, when the next Wednesday's business is over, 
 to come to the parliarrient, and tell them, that he caine over to 
 rescue thie nation frOih the ruin impending over them, in which 
 he succeeded, and had brought th6m to the end of a dangerous 
 war, without any great misfortune ; that now they had peace, and 
 might provide for their bVri safety ; that he saw they were enter- 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 573 
 
 taining distrusts and jealousies of him, so as not to do what was 
 necessary for themselves ; that he was, therefore, determined to 
 leave England, but, before he went, would consent to any law 
 they should offer, for appointing commissioners of both Houses, to 
 administer the government, and, then they would n©t be jealous 
 of themselves. 
 
 " When he first mentioned this to me, I treated the notion as 
 the most extravagant and absurd, that ever was entertained, and 
 begged him to speak of it to nobody, for his own honour. He 
 heard me patiently talk against it, for two hours, but concluded at 
 last, as of a notion he still retained. 
 
 " He has spoken of it to my lord Marlborough (which one 
 would wondci' at, almost as much as at the thing itself), Mr. 
 Montague, and to my lord Orford, and, I believe, to divers others. 
 The last time I saw him, he would not suffer me to argue with 
 him, telling me plainly, he saw we should never agree, and he was 
 resolved. I told him, I hoped he would take the seal from me, 
 before he did it; that I had it from him, when he was king, and 
 desired he would receive it from me, while he was so. 
 
 " I should tell your grace, that, upon a meeting with Mr. Secre- 
 tary, lord Coningsby, and divers others of the House of Commons, 
 we all agreed in an opinion, that this business of the army could 
 not be carried higher than 10,000, and that with the utmost dif- 
 ficulty, and not unless the country gentlemen would enter into 
 the debate, which they would never do, unless it might be said to 
 them, that it would be an acceptable service to the king, and 
 that he ^vould make the best of that number. 
 
 " When this was told him, he Avas very much dissatisfied, and 
 said, he could not say a thing, which was but to. deceive us, that 
 be would leave all to Providence, having taken his resolution, and 
 would go to Windsor, and stay till Saturday. 
 
 " What fruit the king is made to believe he may expect from 
 such a proceeding, I know not, nor who are the movers to it. I 
 think it infinitely prejudicial to him, and ruinouis to the wh6te. I 
 think, also, there is an extreme difficulty upon all our friends, who 
 will, in the conclusion, fall under censure, howeverthey act in this 
 matter. 
 
574 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 8. 
 
 " I never wished for a thing, so passionately, in my life, as to 
 have half an hour's discourse with your grace, upon the subject. 
 Is it not possible that I might receive a line or two of your's, before 
 this critical business is to come on ? This is so considerable an 
 incident, that I do not, at present, enter into the giving you my 
 particular thanks, for the good advice in the last letter, which I 
 had the honour to receive from your grace. I am sensible of it, 
 as I ought to be, and will endeavour to make the best use of it, 
 if the. king's purpose does not put me upon the necessity of being 
 in no capacity of making any use of advice of such a nature. 
 
 " I do not know what Monsieur Tallard has said to the king, 
 upon the news from Spain. He had an audience on Friday last. 
 But I am told, from a very good hand, that at the court of France 
 it is said, this resolution of the catholic king's will make void 
 the late treaty.* Whatsoever the french king may have in his 
 purpose, I take for granted, will not appear till after the winter is 
 over. I am with all possible sincerity and respect,'^ &c. 
 
 The following is a copy of the speech, Avhich king William 
 intended to make to the parliament,'!^ inclosed in the preceding 
 letter from lord Somers : 
 
 " I came into this kingdom, at the desire of the nation, to save 
 it from ruin, and to preserve your religion, your laws, and liberties. 
 And, for that end, I have been obliged to maintain a long and 
 burthensome war, for this kingdom, which, by the grace of God, 
 and the bravery of this nation, is at present ended in a good peace, 
 under which you may live happily and in quiet, provided you will 
 contribute towards your own security, in the manner I had recom- 
 mended to you, at the opening of the sessions. But seeing to the 
 contrary, that you have so little regard to my advice, that you 
 take no manner of care of your own security, and that you expose 
 
 * Alluding to the first partition treaty, which was signed Oct. 11, 1698; and to the 
 resolution consequently adopted by Charles the Second, king of Spain, of bequeathing his 
 whole succession to the electoral prince of Bavaria. 
 
 "I" Printed in Dalrymple, part iii. b. 7, p. 180, but could not be omitted here, from its 
 connection with the preceding letter. 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 575 
 
 yourselves to evident ruin, by divesting yourselves of the only 
 means for your defence, it would not be just or reasonable, that I 
 should be witness of your ruin, not being able to do any thing of my- 
 self to prevent it, it not being in ray power to defend and to protect 
 you, which was the only view I had in coming into this cauntry. 
 Therefore, 1 am obliged to recommend to you, to choose, and 
 name to me, such persons as you shalljudge most proper, to whom 
 I may leave the administration of the government, in my absence, 
 assuring you, that though I am at present forced to withdraw 
 myself out of the kingdom, I shall always preserve the same incli- 
 nation for its advantage and prosperity ; and when I can judge 
 that my presence will be necessary for your defence, I shall be 
 ready to return, and hazard my life for your security, as I have 
 formerly done, beseeching the great God to bless your deliberations, 
 and to inspire you with all that is necessary for the good and 
 security of the kingdom." 
 
 The intrepid and manly remonstrances of the chancellor, induced 
 the king to forego his hasty resolution of withdrawing from Eng- 
 land ; but no representations could soothe his resentment against 
 the whigs, for suffering their opponents to carry so odious a 
 measure, as the reduction of the army. A deep sense of the 
 royal displeasure, appeared to stimulate their zeal, but, when 
 brought to the trial, they again shrunk from the contest, and 
 suffered the bill to proceed, without a division. An attempt was, 
 indeed, finally made to raise the intended establishment in Eng- 
 land to 10,000 men, by proposing, that the number should be 
 reconsidered in the committee : but this effort was feebly sup- 
 ported, and the proposal" treated with contempt by the king, who 
 considered so inadequate an addition as totally inefficient. At 
 the last reading of the bill, however, an unexpected revulsion 
 of sentiment appears to have taken place, among the independent 
 members, and the measure encountered greater opposition than in 
 any stage of its progress ; but its advocates were still triumpliant, 
 for it was carried, on the 19th of January, by a division of 221 
 against 154. • 
 
576 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 8. 
 
 While the bill was making its progress through the Lords, 
 measures were adopted by the Commons, for carrying its provi- 
 sions into effect. A sum of 300,000/. was granted for the expenses 
 of disbanding the troops, and a vote of credit passed for raising 
 that supply, without delay. 
 
 Hopes w€re entertained, that the bill would be arrested in the 
 upper house, where a spirit of genuine patriotism still prevailed ; 
 but, although many of the peers expressed their disapprobation 
 of the measure, they were deterred by the fear of a controversy 
 with the Commons, and it ultimately passed, without a division. 
 
 Unable to stem the torrent of faction, the king stifled his in- 
 dignation, and submitted to a disappointment, which he could 
 not prevent. But, in announcing the royal assent, he testified a 
 deep sense of the ingratitude he had experienced, and made an 
 earnest appeal to the loyalty of the nation, by throwing on the 
 authors of the measure the awful responsibility, which they had 
 incurred.* This manly and indignant appeal made a considerable 
 impression, both on the parliament and the country ; and hopes 
 seem to have been entertained, that the Commons might be per- 
 suaded to acquiesce in the continuance of the dutch guards, which 
 would have removed the appearance of personal insult to the 
 sovereign. But the victorious party were too vigilant to suffer 
 this impression to work its effect. For, on the 9th of February, 
 Harley anticipated the design, by proposing the consideration of 
 the royal speech, and persuaded the House to agree to an address 
 of unmeaning compliment, without the slightest reference to the 
 request of the king. To obviate the complaint, that the nation was 
 left in a state of insecurity, he brought forward his plan for ren- 
 dering the militia more effective. 
 
 Notwithstanding this indication of the temper of the House, th6 
 king, contrary to the advice of his ministers, made another effort 
 to save the dismission of his dutch guards. On the 18th of March, 
 he sent a message to the Commons, through Mr. secretary Vernon, 
 written in his own hand, stating, that he had made preparations for 
 
 * See his speech of the 1st Feb. 1698-9, Journals. 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 577 
 
 dismissing the guards, who had accompanied him to England, 
 unless, from consideration to him, the House would find a way for 
 continuing them longer in his service, which his majesty. would 
 take very kindly. But the result of this affecting, though humili- 
 ating address, was such as the ministry had foretold. It was 
 opposed by Harley, the organ of the opposition, and a reply was 
 voted, not only rejecting the request, but conveying an indirect 
 reproach to the king, for his want of confidence in his english 
 subjects, and the breach of his promise to dismiss all foreign 
 troops, contained in his declaration, soon after his landing. A 
 vigorous attempt was, indeed, made, to prevent this glaring 
 insult, but, on two successive divisions it was carried by a small 
 majority.* 
 
 While these stormy discussions were pending, a vigorous attac'k 
 was made against the whigs, in the person of the earl of Orford, 
 by an inquiry into the conduct of the admiralty. In the course 
 of the debates, reflections were not spared on the two incom- 
 patible offices of treasurer of the navy, and first commissioner 
 of the admiralty, which he united in himself; but the tories 
 having gained their principal object, in the reduction of the troops, 
 appear to have become lukewarm in the pursuit of inferior points, 
 and the charge was finally repelled, though by a majority of only 
 four, Harley withdrawing before the division, and Foley voting in 
 favour of the admiralty-board. 
 
 The events of the session, and the dangers into which the 
 country Avas plunged, by the struggles of faction, made a deep 
 impression both on the king and ministers. The king seems to 
 have been fully convinced, that he could not carry on his govern- 
 ment, without the assistance of the whigs; but, even this consi- 
 deration did not induce him to gratify their wishes in favour of 
 Wharton. He, therefore, precluded all farther importunities, by 
 announcing his intention of conferring the vacant seals of secretary 
 of state, on the earl of Jersey, who had lately filled the office of 
 
 * A motion for the recommittal of the address, negatived by 175 against 156. Another 
 on the expression, relative to the king's declaration, negatived by 163 against 167. 
 
 4 E 
 
578 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. S. 
 
 plenipotentiary at the Hague, and embassador in France, with 
 great credit, but was ranked among the most ardent of the 
 tories. 
 
 Having evinced his- inflexible resolution on this critical point, 
 he made an overture to the lord chancellor, by declaring his 
 conviction, that the hostilities of the tories, in the House of 
 Commons, had been levelled against himself, and expressing a 
 wish for some arrangement, which might give strength and consis- 
 tency to his government. Shrewsbury, as before, was appealed to 
 on this occasion, and requested to accept a post in the intended 
 ministry, or, at least, to assist by his advice and mediation. 
 Though discouraged by the unfavourable result of all his former 
 attempts, and though fully appreciating the difiiculty of the task, 
 he yielded to the commands of the sovereign, and the importunities 
 of his friends, and consented to wait on the king, at Newmarket, 
 in the beginning of April. No definitive settlement being then 
 accomphshed, the negotiation was continued at Windsor, whither 
 Shrewsbury repaired,, towards the beginning of the ensuing month. 
 As if by mutual consent, the pretensions both of Wharton and 
 Sunderland seem to have been superseded. The great difficulty 
 now lay in the arrangement of a new board of admiralty, and 
 this was, apparently, as impracticable a task, as that of reconciling 
 the jarring claims to the post of secretary. Notwithstanding 
 the meritorious services of Orford, he had given offence, by 
 uniting, in his own person,, the posts of first commissioner of the 
 admiralty, and treasurer of the navy ; and, though he had, with 
 such difficulty parried the attacks made against him, in the House 
 of Commons, the joint efforts of his friends scarcely sufficed to 
 extort from him a consent to relinquish the inferior, but more 
 profitable office. His ungovernable temper, however, was no sooner 
 curbed in one instance, than it sought its gratification in another. 
 A series of perpetual disputes, between him and sir George 
 Rooke, a tory admiral, who had also a seat at the board, had been, 
 recently inflamed into irreconcileable animosity, by the lukewarm 
 conduct of the latter, during the late attacks on the admiralty. 
 Orford, therefore, was determined to compensate for the sacrifice- 
 
1698—1699] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 579 
 
 which he had reluctantly made, by insisting on the power of 
 nominating a new board, with the view of excluding his rival. 
 
 This question now became the hinge, on which the arrangement 
 turned, and at the time, when the union of the whigs was so 
 essentially necessary, Orford manifested his characteristic intracta- 
 bility, and did not conceal his resolution to resign, if he could 
 not accomplish his object. In fact, while Shrewsbury, the chancel- 
 lor, and Mr. Montague, were labouring to effect some compromise, 
 he suddenly frustrated the whole scheme, by repairing to Ken- 
 sington, on the loth of May, and resigning his office, though the 
 king himself condescended to apologise for, sir George Rooke. 
 This resolution was executed with such secrecy, that the lord 
 chancellor, and even Mr. Montague, who accompanied him to 
 Kensington, disavowed any previous knowledge of his design.* 
 
 A change which, about this period, took place in the private 
 circle of the king, gave a new aspect to the court, and created 
 additional difficulties. Lord Portland, Avho had enjoyed the royal 
 confidence, and who had espoused the interest of the whigs, had 
 been recently supplanted in favour, by Arnold Joost Von Keppel, 
 a nobleman of Guelderland, who, after distinguishing himself in a 
 military capacity, had risenfrom the office of private secretary of the 
 king, to great distinction, and was elevated to the british peeragiej 
 by the title of earl of Albemarle. His amenity of manners was 
 strongly contrasted with the reserved and repulsive deportment of 
 Portland ; and he speedily became the channel of court favour, 
 and the organ of communication with his royal master. Though 
 he affected impartiality^ he was secretly inclined to the tories, and 
 had essentially contributed to the elevation of the earl of Jersey, 
 with whom he was in habits of the strictest intimacy. Portland 
 feeling it useless to struggle against his superior interest, at this 
 period, resigned his confidential post of groom of the stole, and 
 thus left his rival in undisputed possession of the royal favour. 
 
 Albemarle was too important a personage to remain neuter 
 
 in the present crisis ; and we find him expressing the greatest 
 
 respect for the integrity of the duke of Shrewsbury, and offering 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the ^uke of Shrewsbury, May 16, 1699. 
 
 4 E 2 
 
680 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IIL— Ch> 8. 
 
 his assistance in the promotion of any scheme, which his grace 
 might be enabled to suggest, for the service of the king. 
 
 Before, however, the business of the Admiralty could be set- 
 tled, a new difficulty arose, with regard to the Treasury. Mon- 
 tague, who had foreseen the approaching dissolution of the whig 
 ministry, now disclosed the motive for his eagerness to secure the 
 reversion to the place of auditor of the exchequer, by announcing 
 his intention of withdrawmg from his seat at the head of the 
 Treasury Board. The mischiefs of such a change, in the present 
 unsettled state of the government, were, however, so obvious, that 
 he was persuaded to suspend his design, and consented to remain 
 as first Commissioner of the Treasury, on condition that his friend 
 and colleague, Mr. Smith, should be appointed chancellor of the 
 Exchequer. 
 
 By the assistance of Shrewsbury, a species of compromise was 
 at length effected, which, though it promised little stability to the 
 government, and little satisfaction to the parties concerned, was 
 yet the only settlement, which could be effected, between the 
 jealousies of the king, and the demands of the whigs. The pre- 
 sidency of the council was transferred from the duke of Leeds, 
 to the earl of Pembroke, and the privy seal was given to lord 
 Lonsdale. Lord Tankerville was solicited to accept the first seat 
 at the board of admiralty, but, declaring that " he would prefer 
 being drawn through a horse pond,"' it was reluctantly taken by 
 the earl of Bridgewater, at the earnest entreaties of the king. 
 The remaining places at the board Avere consigned to lord 
 Haversham, sir George Rooke, sir Robert Rich, and sir David 
 Michel. A new and unusual constitution was given to the Trea- 
 sury, by the appointment of the earl of Tankerville, though a 
 peer, as second commissioner under Mr. Montague, and Mr. 
 Smith was confirmed in the office of chancellor of the exchequer.* 
 
 * Beatson and Musgravefix the appointment of Mr.- Smith onthe 15th of November; 
 but> by Vernon's letters, we are infornjed that he kissed hands on the 30th of May ; and, 
 from the. Journals of the Treasury, we find the new board established on the 1st of June, 
 and the warrant of Mr. Smith's appointment, as chancellor, passed on the 27th. By favour 
 of Clayton Freeling, esq., private secretary to the chancellor of the exchequer. 
 
1698—1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 581 
 
 Sir Thomas Lyttleton was removed from the Treasury, to fill the 
 vacant office of treasurer of the navy, which he was permitted to 
 hold, with that of Speaker of the House of Commons. Before 
 these arrangements were completed, the parliament was prorogued, 
 on the 4th of May, and the king, having nominated a commission of 
 lords justices, in which lord Lonsdale, lord Bridgewater, and lord 
 Jersey were introduced, in place of the earls of Dorset, Romney, 
 and Orford, departed for the continent, on the 2nd of June, leaving 
 the government in the hands of a more feeble and motley adminis- 
 tration, than had existed since the commencement of his reign.* 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has recommended -the dean of Worcester to be bishop of that see — The king considers 
 the attack of the tories as levelled against himself — Is anxious for, the return of the 
 duke, of Shrewsbury to office.] 
 
 '' March SO^April 9, 1699.— My lord; I had your grace's 
 letter of the 1 8th instant, and was exceedingly pleased that it gave 
 me a pretence of troubling you with one of mine, which I long 
 had a great desire to do. I took the first opportunity I could 
 
 get, of mentioning the dean of W-- f to the king, and told 
 
 him what your grace thought of him. The king expressed himself 
 very sensible of the necessity, of having a good man in that coun- 
 try, indeed, beyond what I expected from him, as to his opinion 
 of the county; and bid me discourse. the archbishop, when I saw 
 a proper time. Not long after I made the archbishop a visit, on 
 purpose to introduce a discourse of this subject ; and, by all that 
 I could infer^ I suspect he will not be forward to enter into this 
 matter. He said this, ' the dean was very young, and Worcester 
 ' too good a bishopric to begin with.' He was, as I thought, un- 
 usually cold, but put it off upon the account of the bishop's being 
 in some measure recovered, and that, therefore, it was improper 
 
 * We have, as before, chiefly drawn this narrative from the letters of Mr^ Vernon ; and 
 it is singular, that these transactions should either have been passed over in silence, or im- 
 perfectly represented by most of our national historiaps. 
 
 ■|- The dean of Worcester, Dr. Talbot, who was promoted, on the translation of 
 Dr. Howe, to Litchfield and Coventry. 
 
582 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.~Citt. 8; 
 
 to be disposing of his bishopric. But the bishop* falling, soon 
 after, extremely ill again, I began to talk with him another time ; 
 and, though he was in no sort clear with me, I believe his thoughts 
 are fixed otherwise ; that the bishop of Litchfield and Coventry 
 
 should remove to W , the bishop of Oxford succeed him, 
 
 and Dr. Wake to supply his place. This change, I think, will 
 not be right ; the bishop of Litchfield and Coventry being so old, 
 and the bishop of Oxford's relations, and acquaintance, in Staf- 
 fordshire, not well disposed to the government, as I am informed. 
 
 " The troublesome trials I have been engaged in (and which, 
 in truth, almost killed me) have made it impossible for me to have 
 an occasion of speaking with the archbishop, since the death of 
 
 the bishop of W^ , which I will not fail to do, as soon as I 
 
 can go abroad. 
 
 " I made your grace's excuse to the House, according to your 
 commands, as soon as I had your letter. I will beg leave to add 
 a few words of what is of great importance, if any use may be 
 made of it. 
 
 " The behaviour of one partyi^ of men, this session, has convinced 
 the king, (as he says very often, and very plainly J that he himself 
 is aimed at ; and not ministers, or party, otherwise than in order 
 to prejudice him. You may easily believe, when he thinks of this 
 matter seriously, he cannot but begin with thinking of yourself; 
 and I have been often asked, if nothing would be enough to engage 
 you. I could not rest, without mentioning this whole matter to 
 you. I am persuaded he is convinced all is lost, unless some 
 spirit be recovered to his government, and that he is, in good 
 earnest, determined to do almost any thing in order to it. If any 
 thing will do, and what that is, you are the best judge, I know, 
 and I hope you will be so good as to let me have your thoughts, 
 of which I will never make any other use than as you direct. I 
 should observe to you, that this mind was never clearly discovered 
 till the business of the secretary was declared. 
 
 * The celebrated Dr. Stillingfleet, who died in March, 1699, and was succeeded by 
 Dr. Lloyd, bishop of Litchfield, 
 ■j- The tories. 
 
1698—3699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 583 
 
 " I need not mention Mr. Yard to you. He was told, that my 
 lord Albemarle had recommended Mr. Tucker to my lord Jersey ; 
 but I have found a way to stop that. I believe one word in his 
 favour, from your grace, would fix him in the office ; but how fit 
 that is for you to do, I submit to your own consideration," &c. 
 
 " P. S. My lord Orford's mortifications, this session, in both 
 Houses, are got pretty well over. I hope he will be of opinion to 
 ■part with his Treasury place, and to keep in the Admiralty ; 
 otherwise, I think he will quite lessen his character, if he should 
 aim at parting with neither, or both." 
 
 HEPLY OF THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Is glad the king has manifested a more favourable disposition — Declines accepting any 
 employment — Conjectures on vacancies and promotions.] 
 
 " Grafton, April 3-13, 1699- — My lord ; I am extremely obliged 
 by your lordship's favour to the dean of Worcester, but I doubt 
 the archbishop is not only resolved upon another scheme, but, 
 some way or other, set against him ; which, I am confident, he 
 neither deserves from his grace, nor from the public ; and, without 
 his favour, it is to no purpose to pretend to this preferment, nor 
 any other ; and he must have patience. 
 
 " I am infinitely overjoyed, that his majesty is in those disposi- 
 tions your lordship mentions. If this session has thoroughly 
 convinced him, it is the happiest he ever had since he came to the 
 crown ; and I did not take it to be so, till I heard it had that effect. 
 I conclude the king goes into Holland this spring, and thought it 
 would be decent for me to pay my duty to him, when he went 
 to Newmarket, or Windsor, or to any place Avhere I can be, and 
 breathe. I acquainted Mr. Secretary with my intention, who 
 sent me word, the king would be glad to see me ; and I under- 
 stand, it will be most acceptable at Newmarket: so thither I 
 design to go in the Easter-week, if that be the time of his majesty's 
 being there. It is not very probable I shaH have any discourse 
 with him, unless in public; however, in case I should, I should 
 
584 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 8, 
 
 be glad to receive some instructions, ilvhat I am to say. I have 
 been so long out of the world, and know so little what is wished, 
 that I may likely mistake ; and, as I have little prospect of ever 
 being able to do good, I would be the more cautious to do no 
 mischief, 
 
 " As to what your lordship inquires concerning me, when 
 you reflect, you will easily answer yourself, that a man who 
 cannot live four days together in a great town, can be capable 
 of nothing. I know not what shift some men, who are in love 
 with business, or power, might make ; but I, who could scarcely 
 endure the uneasiness of it, in my best health, can have no 
 thoughts of engaging again, at least, till I am free from that 
 disadvantage, which I much question whether I shall ever quite 
 master. 
 
 " I know not what my lord Orford's thoughts are, having 
 had no letter from him this winter ; but, if I can guess, by his 
 former discourse, he would incline to quit the Admiralty, and 
 keep the treasurer's^ place. But, probably, he will be advised 
 by his friendsj who, I suppose, will not be for his continuing in 
 both. I doubt that vote will have an unlucky effect upon what 
 your lordship and I concurred in^, as to Mr. Montague. My 
 common letters say, he quits the Treasury to be auditor, Mr. Smith 
 to be a teller, lord Orford the Admiralty, to keep treasurer of the 
 navy. Mr. Priestman has resigned, and sir Robert Rich, it is 
 said, designs it. This makes such vacancies, that it is above my 
 comprehension, how they will be well supplied. I hear my lord 
 Lonsdale comes to town, who, I suppose, is designed for some- 
 thing. If these removes should make room to get Mr. Walsh 
 into any thing, I beheve he would be capable and faithful. I 
 hope he has behaved well this session. He writes me word, Mr. 
 Montague has been kind to him, which 1 take to be a good sign, 
 because he sees what he does. 
 
 When I congratulated my lord Jersey upon his being declared 
 
 * Of the navy. 
 
1698^1699.] \yiTH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 385 
 
 secretary, I recommended, in general, to him, the clerks he would 
 find in the office, but in particular Mr. Yard. 
 
 " It was good luck that these tedious trials happened at the 
 end of your fatigue. I have this winter often inquired after your 
 health, and, when I have heard you have held out well, I have 
 truly rejoiced, as I should at all good fortune that befals your 
 lordship," &c. 
 
 4v 
 
^m CORRESPONDENCE [Pabt IIL— Ch. 9.' 
 
 CHAPTER 9. 
 1699. 
 
 Confidential communications between the duke of Shrewsbury and lord Sunderland — New and 
 ineffectual attempt of Shrewsbury to mediate a reconciliation between that nobleman and 
 the whigs — Accepts reluctantly the post of lord chamberlain — Decreasing influence of the 
 whigs — Montague retires from the Treasury-board, and accepts the auditorship of the 
 exchequer — Arrangement in consequence of this change. — Correspondence from May t» 
 December, 1699- 
 
 W HILE the king was absent, the correspondence of Shrews- 
 bury with the whig chiefs appears to have been suspended, or, 
 at least, no traces of any epistolary intercourse remain in the 
 family papers. During the same period, the letters of Vernon 
 are barren of incident, and afford no clue to trace the conduct 
 and feelings of his noble patron. From the subsequent letters 
 of lord Sunderland we are, however, enabled to ascertain, that the 
 duke visited that nobleman at Althorp ; and that they entered 
 into a confidential communication of their sentiments on public 
 aflFairs, which was transmitted to the king. This visit seems to 
 have inspired Shrewsbury Avith the hope, that a reconciliation 
 might yet be effected. With this view, he repaired to London in 
 July ; but he was far from receiving that encouragement, which he 
 expected from the whigs, Avhose animosity against Sunderland 
 appears to have increased, and to have been principally stimulated 
 by lord Orford. In fact, their jealousy was carried to such a 
 height, that the king, after his return from the continent, requested 
 Sunderland to abstain from visiting the capital, though he was 
 anxious to conclude the preliminaries of a marriage, between his 
 son, lord Spencer, and lady Ann Churchill, second daughter of 
 the earl of Marlborough. 
 
 Disappointed and chagrined at the failure of this attempt. 
 
1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 587 
 
 Shrewsbury returned to his country seat, but still maintained a 
 confidential correspondence with Sunderland. With the hope, 
 however, of effecting some kind of compromise, which might 
 restore harmony to the administration, he, at this time, yielded to 
 the importunities of the king, and, though with undisguised reluc- 
 tance, consented to accept the staff* of lord chamberlain. 
 
 The unsettled state of the government, and the difficulties which 
 were expected to arise, in the approaching session, had induced 
 the king to return from the continent, at an earlier period than 
 usual, and soon after his arrival at Kensington, about the middle 
 of October, he was gratified with the attendance of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, whose appointment as lord chamberlain, was an- 
 nounced on the 25th. The duke, however, had scarcely accepted 
 the office, when, either from indisposition or disgust, he retired 
 into the country, and, as we find, from the letters of Mr. Vernon, 
 manifested his determination to resign. 
 
 A sufficient motive for his vacillation may be found in the 
 temper of the king, the situation of the ministry, and the- 
 irritation of the public mind. The last arrangement of the ad- 
 ministration was, as we have already observed, merely a temporary 
 expedient to prevent an immediate dissolution of the government^ 
 but was far from giving the ministry, either the confidence of the 
 king, or the means of conducting public business, while the tories, 
 flushed with their victories, and encouraged by their increased 
 strength, had successfully wrought upon the popular feeling, and 
 ardently anticipated the downfall of their opponents. 
 
 To add to the perplexity of the moment, Montague scarcely 
 waited for the king's return, before he withdrew from the manage- 
 ment of the treasury, by taking the place of auditor of the exchequer, 
 and thus reserved to himself the power of acting a cautious and 
 doubtful part in the stormy discussions, which were expected in 
 the House of Commons, The earl of Tankerville, who succeeded to 
 the head of the board, was a member of the Upper House, and 
 possessed little influence ; and the principal weight of business 
 therefore rested upon Mr. Smith, chancellor of the exchequer, who, 
 though an able speaker, was unequal to contend with Harley and his 
 
 4 F 2 
 
688 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 9. 
 
 associates, or to stem the torrent of faction, which was, at this time, 
 turned against the throne. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Rejoices in the prospect of receiving him at Althorp — Anxious to converse on the state of 
 
 affairs.] 
 
 " A Ithorp, May 29- June 8.*— My lord ; there is no time nor place, 
 in which I should not be extreme glad to wait upon you, and, there- 
 fore, I must be infinitely pleased to do it here, which I will not 
 only hope for, but depend upon, after the expectations you have 
 been so kind to give ; for it would be now cruel to disappoint me. 
 Though I am quite out of the world, it is impossible not to be 
 concerned for the whole, and not to be sorry, when breaches are 
 made in the government, that may endanger the general quiet, 
 which is precious to those, who are retired only to enjoy it ; so 
 that however incapable I am of contributing to what I wish, I 
 should be very glad to know your thoughts on some things, which 
 I am persuaded I shall, when I see you, having been so long, and 
 resolving to be, for ever, &c. 
 
 *' P. S. I cannot but think, that ill health, or being left by one's 
 friends, are either of them better reasons for retiring, than any my 
 lord Orford has." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Has referred the king to the duke, for his sentiments — Wishes to decline the honour of 
 waiting on the king, on his return from Holland — Disavows any resentment against 
 the whigs.] 
 
 " Althorp, July 1-11, I699. — My lord ; I did not pretend, when 
 you were here, to tell you how sensible I was of your favours, 
 neither will I go about it now, but in three words, that I am en- 
 tirely yours. I have acquainted the king with your being here, 
 and that, however insignificant my thoughts were, I had opened 
 them to you, without reserve, of things and persons, and of hia 
 
 * Without thedate of the year, but evidently written in 1699. 
 
1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 6«9 
 
 affairs in general. I let him know, likewise, that I had told you, 
 though to nobody else, of his intentions concerning my attending 
 him, at his return, which I begged he would not resolve, till he had 
 seen you, who would be best able to lay before him, all that 
 relates to that matter, which is so little important, I am almost, 
 ashamed to mention it to him, or to you. But, if people lay 
 weight upon what does not deserve it, it is their fault. 
 
 " I will trouble you no longer, but to tell you, that as to public 
 affairs, I am of the same opinion I have been of, since we first 
 talked of them ; that I can never be of any other ; that I have no 
 resentment,* so much as against my lord Orford, for whom I 
 wished all the last winter, though he was pleased to say to my 
 
 lord G , what I told you, that I would serve my lord 
 
 AVh ,f if it were in my power; and, for all others, I never 
 
 had any reason to be angry, and to yourself, I will be for ever," 
 &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Does not intend to wait on the king — Leaves his grace to communicate his sentiments to 
 the whig chiefs — Will be perfectly governed by his opinion — Conveys assurances of 
 support, from his friend, Mr. Guy.] 
 
 " Althorp, July 15-25, l699.— My lord ; I know not that I shall 
 see the king at his return, though you do ; but I am sure, if you do 
 not, I Avill not stir from hence. You are master of all that I said 
 to you, to communicate what you think fit, to my lord Wharton 
 and Mr. Montague. Every thing of that kind may easily be 
 turned wrong, and exposed, if it is only by talking of it. But, I 
 believe, if they should be so inchned, the consideration they ha.ve 
 for you will restrain them. I am apt to think my lord Orford will 
 not meet you. If he should, you know how I told you, that he 
 had distinguished himself from the rest of the world in relation to 
 nie, and, therefore, I do not desire to have any thing to do with 
 him, but, however, even that you shall govern as you please. 
 
 * So in the original, probably the word even omitted, 
 f Lord Wharton. 
 
590 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch^ 9. 
 
 " If any thing occurs to me, that I shall think important, I will 
 not fail of acquainting you with it ; but I do not believe there will, 
 for we talked of most things. You know my thoughts of them, 
 and they will not change. I am entirely your's, and will never be 
 less so," &c. 
 
 " P. S. Mr. Guy* came hither last Tuesday, and went away on 
 Friday, which, I think, is a great action this hot weather, for an old 
 man, coming and going through in a day. But it is not for this 
 that I name him to you, but to tell you, that he is truly your 
 servant, and wishes extremely that you would come again into 
 business ; which, if you do, he Avill serve you, not only in every 
 thing in his power, that can any way relate to your personal in- 
 terest, but just as you shall direct, in what concerns the public, 
 with all his friends. I asked him, if he would make this good, and 
 if I might answer for it. He said yes, and that he would never 
 fail the duke of Shrewsbury. All which he said so in earnest, 
 that I think I ought to let you know it, and so I told him I 
 would.'^ 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 >[Has not changed his sentiments, with regard to the whigs — Lord Orford will meet his 
 grace at Boughton — Commends the duke's moderation, and is anxious for due confi- 
 dence between the king and his servants.] 
 
 " Althorp, Aug. T-Yl, 1699- — My lord ; I write now, only to let 
 
 * Mr. Henry Guy, who had been employed under Charles the second, and James, and 
 held the post of secretary of the Treasury. He was intrusted with the confidential office of 
 distributing the secret service money, and was twice subjected to the charge o£ bribery: 
 first, for taking 200 guineas for the payment of the arrears, due to a regiment, and secondly, 
 in the transaction, relative to the renewal of the East India Company's charter. For the 
 first of these oflPences, he was sent to the Tower, and expelled firom the House of Coihmons ; 
 but official corruption was so common, and so little regarded in those times, that he appears to 
 have lost none of his personal interest, by the stigma. On the contrary, he evidently pos- 
 sessed great weight in the House of Commons, and was among the few admitted to the convivial 
 society of the sovereign. He is always spoken of as a devoted partisan of lord Sunderland. 
 He held an official, though subordinate, situation in the reigns of William and Anne. He 
 died extremely affluent, and left the bulk of his fortune to William Pulteney, afterwards earl 
 of Bath. Burnett ; Bapin's continuation, and the other historians of the times. 
 
1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 691 
 
 you know, that I have received yours of the 29th of July, for as 1 
 desired you to say just what you think proper to lord Wharton, 
 Mr. Montague, and lord Orford, so I do still. I believe the last will 
 meet you, for I heard from my lord of Bedford, since he came to 
 Woburn, where they expect my lady Orford, when my lord goes to 
 Boughton. It is said, that he rails excessively, and personally at the 
 king, which I hope is not true, for I will always wish him well, for old 
 acquaintance sake, and the sake of the family, and sure nothing 
 can be more indecent, if it is, as it is related. But, perhaps, he 
 does not yet think himself safe, without such helps. I believe 
 nothing is more certain, than that the moderation you mention, and 
 intend, is the only means to do good, provided the true measures 
 are carried on steadily, which is not practicable, unless there is first 
 established, a confidence between the king and those he chiefly 
 employs, that no jealousies may be of either side ; for, without that, 
 every thing will be spoiled, though never so well designed. I have 
 thought a great deal of this, since I saw you, and am so satisfied 
 w^ith it, though perhaps without reason, that I wish extremely I 
 could see you, for an hour only, if it were possible, but I know not 
 how it can be. 
 
 " When you write, I beheve the best way of sending your letters 
 is to Mr. Vernon, being least likely to miscarry. I desire to hear 
 when you receive this, and am unalterably," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Hopes the king will prevail with him to return to office — Will take no part in business 
 
 without him.] 
 
 " Althorp, Sept. 9-19th, 3699- — My lord; I am very sorry your 
 entertainment has given you any pain, for I hope you will not be 
 so unjust as to accuse the air of London. I wish you had met 
 with more encouragement, than I find you have done, but I hope 
 the king will overcome all the objections you can make, and that 
 you will be persuaded to yield to his desire, and that of all honest 
 men. 
 
 " I have received an answer from him, to the letter I told 
 you I would write. He expresses a most extraordinary concern, 
 
592 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 9. 
 
 that you would return to business, and does expect it. He will 
 have no thoughts of me, but as you shall advise ; therefore^ I most 
 earnestly desire, that, if you intend being in the country, you will 
 persuade him from commanding my attendance, for I shall obey 
 with great unwillingness, and can be of no use, I am sure, without 
 you, whatever I may be with you. I do not write this, out of 
 modesty, or to be contradicted, biit as my true thoughts, which 
 I never have disguised to you, nor ever will, being, with the 
 utmost sincerity," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Announces an intended marriage between his son and lady Ann Churchill — The king had 
 expressed a wish that he would return to London, but he does not intend to comply 
 without a positive command.] 
 
 " Althorp, Sept. 26-Oct. 6, 1699- — My lord ; I have received 
 your letter of the 20th with great satisfaction, being very glad 
 to be so mistaken, as you tell me I was. Since you went from 
 London, my lord and lady Marlborough have been here, and we 
 have agreed a marriage between my son and lady Ann Churchill,* 
 as soon as it can be, before the writings are drawn, and without 
 the king's leave. It is yet a secret, though it has been talked of, 
 but it ought not to be so to you. This will certainly be turned 
 to the politics, as every thing is. If it can have any relation to 
 them, it shall only be to pursue those measures, for the present 
 a,nd the future, which we discoursed of when you were here ; for 
 I will never change in any particular of what I then said to you^ 
 and have since writ. My lord Marlborough told me, that the 
 king had said to him, before he went away, that he thought it 
 would be proper for me to come to London at his return, and he 
 believed he would speak to him again of it, as soon as he saw him, 
 and, therefore, desired to know what he should say. I prayed 
 him to assure his majesty, that I would always obey his com- 
 mands ; but that, if any objections were to be made, I knew he 
 would hear them. I said nothing to him of the king's having writ 
 
 See "Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough,'" ch. 7. 
 
1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 593 
 
 to me, or of any thing that had passed between you and me, upon 
 that matter. 
 
 " I am so far from intending to be at London at the king's 
 arrival, that I do not think of it at all, unless he commands it, 
 which I am persuaded he will not do, when he has considered 
 it, and knows how it is apprehended by some, who ought to hke it, 
 if it were of much importance. But I said enough of this, when 
 you were here, and, therefore, will now only beg of you to do 
 Avith me as I desired in my last letter. 
 
 " I depend entirely on your judgment and friendship, and will 
 for ever be," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Rejoices at his acceptance of the post of lord chamberlain.] 
 
 " AUhorp, Oct.2S-Nov. 7, 1699. — My lord; I rejoice extremely 
 at the news IVLr. Secretary sent me, and which you confirmed by 
 your letter of the 26th. It is good for the public. It will be of 
 great satisfaction to the king, and, I dare say, the air of Kensing- 
 ton will agree with you, as well as that of Worcestershire, if you 
 will live regularly, as you have done there. I wish you all happi- 
 ness, and am, most sincerely ,'' &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks him for his visit to Althorp — Refers to their confidential communications — Will 
 obey the commands of the king to remain at Althorp — Anxious to repair to London^ 
 to conclude the nuptials of his son.] 
 
 " Jlthorp, Nov. 4-14, 1699- — My lord; You give me such 
 encouragement to be free, that I should be it, though it were not 
 my inclination, which I think I shewed it was, when you were 
 here; for we talked of many persons and things, and I exposed 
 my thoughts as plainly as I could, which are not changed in the 
 least, and so I will continue to do, as long as you are so kind as 
 to like it. Whatever the king's mind is, in relation to me, I will 
 ever submit to. I hope he does not doubt it; and shall most 
 willingly stay here, not only till after Christmas, but for seven 
 years, if he thinks fit ; though I have a great concern at this time, 
 
 4g 
 
to 
 
 ^i, CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III—Ch. 9. 
 
 being most extremely desirous to see my soa married, which 
 cannot be so much as advanced, without my being in town. 
 Before Christmas is a certain time, which after Christmas is not, 
 but may be lengthened for ever, as men's humours or jealousies 
 move, if the king give way to them. Before a sessions, though 
 a man is never so insignificant, he may be said to influence the 
 mea^urepi the king thinks fit to take ; and the same may be said 
 after a sessions, because, commonly, changes are then made ; but 
 all other seasons are pretty indifferent ; so that, if I might be in 
 to\Yn just before the holidays, it would suit very well Avith this 
 affair 1 have so much at heart. 
 
 " Endeavouring to marry a son to one's mind is so good a 
 reason for being in town, and shall be so public, that I suppose 
 it may satisfy the most extravagant jealousy. But every thing 
 that relates to me, ought, and shall yield to what the king likes 
 best. 
 
 " 5y what I have writ, you will see my thoughts, which I beg 
 of you to manage ^s you shall think fit; fori depend upon your 
 judgment and your favour entirely, and shall like whatever you 
 do, for I am, most entirely,"' «&c. 
 
 " P. S. The king having said to ray lord Marlborough, and to 
 Mr. Guy, the same as _you have writ to me, I have let them know 
 my thoughts of it, just as I have to you, which I acquaint you 
 with, because perhaps they may speak to you of it." 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Concerned at hi& relapsp — Has no intention to return to business, since the duke proposes 
 to retire — Hopes he will not go abroad.] 
 
 " AUhorp,,Nov. Xl-21, I699.— My lord ; I am most extremely 
 tro^ubled to hpar of your being ill, for you, for the king, and for 
 the public. If I may be allowed to nam© my own concern, I 
 lose by it all the ease I could ever hope f^r, any where but here, 
 Avhere, if it please God, I will for ever take up my rest, as soon 
 as my son is njiarried. If I could have this house full of gold, I 
 would not be in bw^mess, with any uneasiness to the ministers ; 
 
1699.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 595 
 
 and, if they liked it, now you are going, I would as soon be in 
 the galleys. And I am sure I will never be engaged against atiy 
 one of them, .directly or indirectly ; but I would be glad, for the 
 little time I shall be in town, to live easily with them all, and with 
 every body of that kind, and especially with my lord chancellor, 
 upon several accounts, and my lord Wharton, though he has been 
 unjust to me, for two reasons, that I think he is truly a friend to 
 you, and to the public. Therefore, I will desire of you, since you 
 have given me such leave, that you will let them two know how 
 you found me, when you were here, adding what you think fit, in 
 order to what I wish. 
 
 " I cannot imagine why you should go out of England, being 
 so well here, when you are quiet in the country. The inquisition 
 of Portugal, and the bigotry of France, cannot agree with your 
 circumstances ; but, whatever you do, I Avish you all happiness : 
 as to rny own soul, I owe it to you, for your justice and kindness 
 to me, and will be, to the last moment of my life, with the utmost' 
 sincerity," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Again dissuades him from going abroad.] 
 
 " Althorp, Nov. 15-25, 1699- — My lord; I give you many 
 thanks, for the care you have taken to let me know the king's 
 pleasure so soon. I hope it will be of no prejudice to him, nor 
 uneasy to those about him. I cannot but wish still that you 
 would choose Eyford or Grafton, rather than France, to recover 
 in. I think it is plain that regularity and quiet are sufficient for 
 your cure. I have desired Mr. Secretary to speak to you about 
 a small aifair, when you are most at leisure, being unwilling to 
 trouble you more than is fitting," &c. 
 
 At this period we find it necessary again to advert to one of 
 those causes of disquietude, which so essentially contributed to 
 alienate the duke of Shrewsbury from public life. 
 
 The informer, Smith, as we have already observed, long conti- 
 nued to assail the king and ministers with his importunities and 
 
 4 G 2 
 
596 CORRESPONDENCE _ [Paet III.— Ch. 9. 
 
 intelligence. At length, to divert this annoyance, he was sent 
 abroad, under the plea of employing him as a spy on the Jacobites. 
 After a short stay, he returned to England, but, not being suffi- 
 ciently gratified in his pecuniary demands, again resumed his 
 attacks on the duke of Shrewsbury, and was again instigated by 
 .lord Peterborough, with the hope of exciting new odium against 
 the duke, at the time when the affair of captain Kidd became 
 the subject of a public scrutiny. With this view Smith published 
 his correspondence with the duke, under the title of " Memoirs 
 of Secret Services," and added a scurrilous commentary on the 
 letter from his grace to the chancellor, and on the proceedings 
 during the former investigation. This production he at the same 
 time delivered in manuscript, to the chancellor, to be communi- 
 cated to the House of Peers. 
 
 The event, however, did not answer his expectations ; tor, 
 instead of listening to his calumnies, the. House immediately 
 ordered him to be taken into custody, \yhen he appeared at 
 the bar, even lord Peterborough seemed as if ashamed of so un- 
 worthy an agent ; and the decision mentioned in the following 
 letter, from the chancellor, was adopted, almost without a discus- 
 sion. Being committed to the Gate-house, for a breach of privilege, 
 Smith remained in prison a considerable period, because he 
 would not so far acknowledge the justice of his punishment, as to 
 petition for his release. He was, for some time, liberally supplied 
 by lord Peterborough, and others ; but, being found useless, as an 
 instrument of mischief, he was finally neglected. 
 
 After his release, he again importuned the government, and 
 sent a new production, in manuscript, to the king, through the 
 hands of lord Jersey, secretary of state, with the hope of obtain- 
 ing a considerable gratuity for its suppression. But he had no 
 longer to work on a timid mind, like that of Shrewsbury ; for his 
 application was treated with contempt, and he is finally lost in 
 that oblivion, which best befitted his character.* 
 
 * Mr. Vernon's letters, passim. — Journals of the Lords. 
 
1699] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 597 
 
 LORD CHANCELLOR SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulates his grace on the decision of the House of Peers, relative to Smith* — Pro- 
 ceedings on the subject.] 
 
 " Dec. 16-26, I699. — My lord ; I take the liberty to congratulate 
 your grace upon the putting an end to the trouble you will have 
 in either house, this session. 1 shall say nothing of what passed in 
 the House of Commons, where I had the honour to be named with 
 your grace. It is a good Avhile since, and you have had full 
 accounts of that day's work ; but, I think myself obliged to give 
 you a. short account of what has been done in the House of Lords, 
 in relation to Smith. 
 
 " On Monday last he appeared at the bar, after having been 
 taken into custody. He avowed his book, and said he could justify 
 it, with other things, like a mere madman. That night the House 
 went no farther than to vote him guilty of a breach of privilege. 
 Yesterday the House came to a resolution, that the written book, 
 sent to the House by Smith, as also the printed book, being a 
 copy of it, was a false and scandalous libel, reflecting on your 
 grace's honour, and the honour of the House, and have ordered it 
 to be burnt by the hangman, on Monday morning next. 
 
 " I will not pretend to give your grace an account of particular 
 men's carriage, in writing, though it may very well deserve to be 
 known. That which I am most pleased with is, that a certain 
 lord,-]- after much ado, was brought to tell his long-threatened 
 story, and, I think, it is not possible a thing should come off more 
 poorly. 
 
 " You know inquisitiveness will prevail, and, accordingly, be- 
 tween the censure, and the vote for burning, Smith was called in, 
 and examined as to the person who gave him 100^., and employed 
 him beyond sea ; and he charged it upon Jack Arnold. He was 
 also asked, who the great man was, Avho hindered the lady Perkins 
 from presenting the petition. He said, he supposed it was your 
 grace ; but, before we had done examining him, the Avhole House 
 
 * See the account of Smith, Part I. p. 405. f Lord Peterborough. 
 
598 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 9. 
 
 was sensible of the falsehood and folly of his pretence, so that I 
 believe your grace will never more have occasion to be troubled 
 with the mention of Smith. 
 
 " I hope this very mild weather will contribute to your recovery, 
 which none can wish more heartily than I do. I know you have 
 more particular accounts of what passes here, than I can give 
 you, and, therefore, shall only add, that I am, with all possible 
 truth and respect," &c. 
 
1699—1700] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 599 
 
 CHAPTER 10. 
 1699—1700. 
 
 Proceedings in ■parliamtnt un the affair of captain Kidd, and on the resumption of the 
 ■Irish grants — New attempts to mediate a reconciliation between Sunderland and the 
 whigs — Mediation of the duke of Shrewsbury solicited — Disappointment of the king 
 and lord Sunderland — Dismission of lord Somers — Resentment of the whigs — Vacilla- 
 tion of the king — Various and contradictory overtures to the whigs^Proposal to lord 
 Somers to return to offce, rejected — Ineffectual attempts of the king to conciliate the 
 whigs — Meeting of Shrewsbury with the chiefs of the party — Alarming state of the 
 country — Shrewsbury extorts the royal permission to resign — Offends the whigs by his 
 intimacy with Sunderland — Refuses various offices of state — Retires to the continent. 
 
 J-/EEPLY as the king had been mortified, in the preceding 
 session, by the peremptory dismission of his dutch guards, he had 
 still deeper humiliations to endure, in the second session, which 
 commenced on the l6th of November, 1699? and presented a scene 
 of violence and faction, scarcely to be paralleled, except in the 
 conduct of the long parliament. 
 
 He opened the proceedings, with a speech, recommending due 
 provision for the safety of the kingdom, exhorting the Commons to 
 make good the deficiency in the funds, and furnish the requisite 
 supplies ; and soliciting the restoration of harmony and confidence. 
 But the Commons, to use the words of a tory historian,* " were 
 now become wanton in their disgust." The leaders of the successful 
 party, flushed by recent victories, and emboldened by the weak- 
 ness and dismay of their opponents, seized every pretence to 
 degrade the crown, in the public eye. and evinced a determination 
 to demolish the whole fabric of government,, erected at the Re- 
 volution. Even the mild recommendation to mutual confidenue, 
 
 * Smollett, 
 
600 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 which formed so gratifying a feature in the royal speech, was 
 instantly made the theme of acrimonious invective, and furnished 
 a plea for a sullen remonstrance. A reply was voted, complaining 
 that jealousy and distrust had been excited against the duty and 
 affection of the Commons, and desiring that his majesty would 
 visit, with his displeasure, those who had presumed to misrepresent 
 their proceedings. 
 
 In their subsequent deliberations, they fully manifested the 
 spirit which had prompted this unbecoming and captious remon- 
 strance ; for they exerted their whole power to vilify the sovereign, 
 both directly and indirectly, and omitted no pretext to harass and 
 persecute their whig opponents, whether in office, or retirement. 
 No one Avas, at this period, a more marked object of hostility, than 
 that honest and upright statesman, the lord chancellor Soniers, 
 whom they singled out, as the leader of administration. Unfor- 
 tunately the affair of captain Kidd, which had created unusual 
 clamour, presented an opportunity to assail him, as one of the 
 chief patrons of so unpopular a scheme, and, at the same time, to 
 impugn the king, for giving the sanction of the royal authority to the 
 acts of a notorious pirate. 
 
 So eager were the opposition to bring this subject under the 
 cognizance of parliament, that they scarcely suffered the royal 
 speech to be taken into consideration, before they adverted to the 
 charge. In a Committee, on the subject of trade, Mr. Moore un- 
 expectedly turned the discussion to the depredations of pirates, 
 and, alluding to Kidd, bitterly complained, that he had plundered, 
 with a commission under the great seal, and was encouraged by 
 those who shared his spoils, and who had procured a grant of all 
 he should steal. These expressions were a signal to the party, and 
 Mr. Howe and sir Christopher Musgrave vied, in giving strength to 
 the charge, by new exaggerations. They urged, that those in autho- 
 rity were not content to sweep away, by grants, all, which could 
 be obtained in England, but sent out their thieves to rifle abroad. 
 The friends of the accused ministers offered no defence, and an 
 order passed, for communicating to the House the warrant of Kidd, 
 the grant of his captures, the indenture with the Treasury, relative 
 
1699—1700.] With the whig leaders, &c. eoi 
 
 to the share reserved by the king, and other papers connected with 
 the transaction. 
 
 On the 6th of December the discussion was resumed in the 
 same spirit. A strenuous effort was made by the party to elicit 
 a vote of censure against the warrant, as illegal, dishonourable to 
 the king, and contrary to the laws of nations, without reference 
 to the merits of the question, as developed in the other papers, or 
 to the names of the parties concerned. But even the malice of 
 faction could not reconcile itself to the palpable injustice of so 
 partial a decision. Mr. Vernon was permitted to give a full 
 account of the whole transaction, and named the persons con- 
 cerned ; and his candid explanation made a deep impression on 
 the House. The whigs then resumed their spirit, and^ in an 
 animated debate, in which Mr. Montague distinguished himself, 
 ably vindicated the principle and legality of the grant. The dis- 
 cussion was protracted from noon till nine in the evening, when 
 many of the accusers shrunk from the attack, and the motion was 
 negatived by a majority of 56, or 189 against 133. This triumph 
 baffled the grand object of the party, who had prepared to follow" 
 the intended vote of censure, with an address to the king for 
 the removal of the chancellor. 
 
 Notwithstanding the vehemence and acrimony with which this 
 charge was urged, the letters of Mr. Vernon shew an evident 
 bias among some of the tory leaders, in favour of the duke of 
 Shrewsbury ; but his grace manfully resolved to share the fate 
 of his former colleagues, and appears to have been relieved from 
 great anxiety, by their triumphant acquittal. 
 
 Kidd was, subsequently, brought to England, underwent a 
 trial, and suffered the punishment due to his crime. 
 
 In this transaction the king was chiefly attacked in the persons 
 of his ministers ; but, in. another proceeding, which occupied the 
 attention of parliament, for the greater part of the session, he was 
 insulted as a man, and humbled as a sovereign. This was the 
 resumption of the Irish and other grants, with which he had re- 
 warded the services of his friends and adherents.' 
 
 4 H 
 
602 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 Soon after the reduction of Ireland a bill had passed the 
 Commons, attainting those who had taken up arms against the 
 government, and confiscating their estates, two thirds of which 
 were to be appropriated for the payment of the public debts, and 
 one third left at the disposal of the crown. Some demurs, how- 
 ever, occurred in the house of lords, which appearing likely to 
 protract the measure, the king prorogued the parliament, leaving 
 the matter in suspense, but promising to take no farther step, 
 till the two houses could come to a decision. The ensuing 
 session passing v/ithout any revival of the question, or even 
 any mention of the bill, he deemed himself at liberty to exercise 
 his undoubted prerogative; and began to grant these lands to, 
 his favourites, dependants, and servants. Several sessions passing 
 over in the same silence, he continued to exercise the same power, 
 till the Avhole of the confiscated property was alienated. Among 
 the persons who were thus rewarded, his dutch adherents Avere 
 ^conspicuous ; and a considerable portion of the lands belonging to 
 king James was conferred on Mrs. Elizabeth Villiers, now 
 countess of Orkney. 
 
 These Irish grants^ however, furnished too plausible a theme 
 for party clamour to be overlooked, and, on various occasions, 
 they were severely censured in parliament, and through the 
 medium of the press. As early as 1697, an attempt had been 
 made for their revocation ; but it appears to have been parried 
 by a counter proposal to carry the inquiry back to the grants 
 made in the reigns of the two last sovereigns of the House of 
 Stuart, in which many of the considerable tories were themselves 
 deeply interested. At length, when the victorious party began 
 to feel their ascendancy, and the financial embarrassments gave 
 scope to their efforts, the attack assumed a more regular shape. 
 In the preceding session a commission had been appointed for an 
 inquiry into the grants of forfeited estates, under the present reign ; 
 and the task was assigned to seven members, chosen by ballot. 
 Of these, the earl of Drogheda, sir Richard Leving, and sir 
 Francis Brewster, were considered as moderate whigs ; and the 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 603 
 
 remaining four, namely, Mr. Anneslej, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. 
 Hamilton, and Mr. Langford, were zealous tories, and, conse- 
 quently hostile to government. 
 
 These commissioners proceeded to Ireland, and the inquiry was 
 prosecuted, according to the opinion even of Smollett,* " with more 
 zeal than justice, and more resentment against the court than 
 abhorrence of corruption." A difference of opinion, as might 
 have been expected, arose between the two parties in the com- 
 mission ; and the four tory members delivered a report, fraught 
 with extreme exaggeration, raising the value of those forfeitures 
 to a million and a half, and dwelling with peculiar, and even per- 
 sonal warmth, on the grants made to the foreign favourites, and 
 to the countess of Orkney. The other three commissioners not 
 only refused to sanction this report, but sent over a counter me- 
 morial, stating their reasons for dissenting from their colleagues. 
 
 On the 15tli of the preceding December a bill was ordered for 
 the resumption of these forfeitures, in aid of the public service; 
 and, when it was presented to the House, on the 13th of January, 
 1700, a debate arose, on the question of printing the report of 
 the commissioners; but this was so warmly and ably opposed by 
 Mr. Montague, and his coadjutors, that the movers of the bill did 
 not venture to press it to a division. 
 
 In the heat of the discussion, Mr. Montague asserted, that a 
 member of the House had written to the commissioners, urging 
 them to carry their inquiry into the private estate of the king, 
 as the means of rendering him still more odious. This imputa- 
 tion creating a great ferment, it was made the subject of a debate 
 on the loth. Mr. Montague was imperatively required to indicate 
 his informer; and, after a fruitless endeavour to evade the ques- 
 tion, was reduced to acknowledge that he received the information 
 from Mr. Methuen, then lord chancellor of Ireland, who, in his 
 turn, declared, that he had been misunderstood by Mr. Montague; 
 and that he had merely stated such a purpose to have been the 
 subject of conversation among the commissioners themselves. 
 
 * Smollett, vol. 1, page 342. 
 4 H 2 
 
604 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 Accordingly, those commissioners who were in England were 
 ordered to attend, and, on the l6th, after hearing their explana- 
 tion, the conduct of the four, who had signed the report, was 
 formally approved, the imputation in question voted scandalous 
 and unfounded, and sir R, Leving, from whom it originated, 
 committed to the Tower, for aspersing his colleagues. 
 
 On the 18th, the bill was read a second time, and the tories 
 availed themselves of the impression produced by the preceding 
 debate. Unfortunately, the king himself furnished an additional 
 pretext for their violence, by commanding Mr. Vernon to claim 
 the third of this property, reserved to him by the original bill. 
 This impolitic proposal, which was made in opposition to the 
 advice of all his ministers, produced such an effect as might 
 have been expected, in the temper of parties; for the motion 
 was over-ruled without a division, and Mr. Montague did not 
 venture to take a share in the debate. Encouraged by this 
 triumph, the opponents of the court proposed and carried a vote 
 of censure, declaring that these grants had been the cause of heavy 
 burthens to the people, that they were dishonourable to the king, 
 and that those who were concerned in passing them, had highly 
 failed in the performance of their trust and duty. Though this 
 censure so strongly reflected on the ministers, Montague and 
 Smith were so far daunted by the spirit and strength of their 
 opponents, that the first merely urged that he was no more ac- 
 countable than lord Godolphin, lord Lonsdale, or any other 
 member of the Treasury-board ; artd the second plainly avowed 
 his opposition to these obnoxious grants. 
 
 When the bill was committed, the ministerial party and the 
 whigs were so hopeless of success, or so fearful of public odium, 
 that they withdrew from the deliberation, and left the movers to 
 model it according to their pleasure. A committee of ways and 
 means being likewise appointed, the tories developed their design 
 of appropriating these grants in aid of the supplies, and the 
 motion being proposed by Harley, on the 15th of February, was 
 carried without a division. As the discussion proceeded, the 
 tories became more elated, and the friends of government more 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 605 
 
 depressed : " We are a dispersed and routed party/' observes Mr, 
 Vernon, " our opponents bear hard upon us, and we use" nd 
 means to help ourselves." 
 
 The strongest indication which can be given of the temper of 
 parties, is the proceeding on the presentation of the votes of 
 censure passed on the 18th of January. These insulting declara- 
 tions being embodied in an address, and carried, in triumph, by 
 the tory leaders, the king could not refrain from expressing a dig- 
 nified disapproval of their proceedings. He replied " He was 
 not only led by inclination, but thought himself obliged, in justice, 
 to reward those who had served well ; and particularly in the 
 reduction of Ireland, out of the estates forfeited to him there." 
 He added, " as the long war had left the nation burthened with 
 debt, proper measures for its liquidation, and for the support of 
 public credit, would best contribute to the honour and welfare of 
 the kingdom." 
 
 This reproof was too just and too well merited not to excite the 
 most lively resentment, though the character and spirit of the 
 king inspired a momentary feeling of awe and respect. When 
 his reply was reported by the Speaker, a pause ensued. Mr. Howe, 
 who had proposed the votes, first rose, but under the impulse of 
 ^oubt and trepidation, and evidently apprehensive that he should 
 not be supported by his colleagues. Sir Christopher Musgrave 
 then addressed the House ; and complained, though with less than 
 his usual warmth, that the answer of the king conveyed a censure 
 on their proceedings. Harley next spoke, in a tone of banter 
 and equivocation; and Mr. Howe, finally perceiving that the 
 friends of government remained silent and embarrassed, at length 
 ventured to resume his usual energy, and concluded with proposing 
 a vote, that the person who had advised the answer was an enemy 
 to die king and kingdom. Some apprehensions, however, still 
 prevailed, that such a censure would be strenuously resisted ; and 
 it was modified by sir Christopher Musgrave into a resolution, 
 " That the adviser had used his utmost endeavours to create a 
 misunderstanding between the king and his people." 
 
 The next step of the party was to mark the sense of the House 
 
606 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 on theconduct of the Irish commissioners. It was at'first proposed to 
 vote a recompence to the four who had signed the report, but this 
 being overruled, lord Drogheda, who stood first on the list, and the 
 four authors of the report, were rewarded with 1000/. each for 
 their good services; but sir Richard Leving and sir Francis 
 Brewster received only 5001. each, which was granted merely as 
 a compensation for their expences. 
 
 In the interim, the bill of resumption had undergone the usual 
 forms, and, on the 2nd of April, being read the third time, was 
 sent to the, Lords, tacked to the money bill for the service of the 
 year. 
 
 Though the agitation of the public mind was extreme, and the 
 friends of government divided and dismayed, the king still hoped that 
 this obnoxious bill would either be defeated, or modified in the House 
 of Lords, by the united interest of the ministry, the whigs, and his 
 own dependants. He was, however, grievously disappointed. 
 On the first reading a strong disposition, indeed, appeared for its 
 modification, and an attempt was even made to oppose the second 
 reading ; but the motion was negatived by a majority of 70 against 
 23. The whigs seem to have been divided on the occasion, lord 
 Tankerville and lord Orford favouring the bill, the duke of Devon- 
 shire, lord Lonsdale, and lord Haversham opposing it ; but lord 
 Wharton took a middle course, disapproving the bill, while he 
 expatiated on the mischiefs, which might attend its rejection. 
 The chancellor, whose weight would have influenced the course of 
 proceeding, absented himself from the House, during the whole 
 period, from real or feigned indisposition, and his place, as Speaker, 
 was feebly supplied by the earl of Bridgewater. 
 
 "While the bill was examined in a committee, threats were held 
 out in the Lower House, of aur impeachment against the earls of 
 Portland and Albemarle, with a view of intimidating the king, and 
 deterring his friends from obstructing its progress. 
 
 Indeed, as the sense of the Upper House had been decidedly 
 manifested against throwing out the bill, the only expedient, which 
 remained to defeat it, was, by proposing amendments, which it 
 was natural to expect the Commons would reject, as an infringe- 
 
1699—1700.] AVITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 607 
 
 ment on their privilege of granting supplies. On this occasion, 
 lord Wharton took the lead, and was warmly seconded by lord 
 Lonsdale, privy-seal. 
 
 The proceedings, of the Lords were, however, vigilantly watched 
 by the leading party in the Commons, who, without waiting the 
 result of the deliberation in the Upper House, resumed their 
 attacks, and laboured to keep up the ferment they had raised. 
 On the 8th of April, the principal leaders brought the subject into 
 debate, and expatiated, with great acrimony, on the conduct of the 
 Peers, whose obstinacy they declared would involve the nation in 
 ruin. The army, they stated, was on the point of being disbanded, 
 from this obstruction of the supplies ; the navy would equally be 
 left without support ; the public credit would be ruined, and the 
 faith of parliament forfeited. All these mischiefs, they added, 
 were to be incurred, for the sake of preserving the grants made to 
 those, w^ho would beggar the kingdom to enrich themselves, and 
 who, being foreigners, and without the bowels of englishmen, 
 would desert a country, which they could no longer plunder. They 
 then turned their invectives against the ministry, who were ac- 
 cused of seconding such nefarious practices. At length the lord 
 chancellor was singled out, as eminently culpable, and they did 
 not scruple to arraign even his legal character, and to stigmatize 
 him, for want of religion. 
 
 These invectives were heard by the ministerial party in silent 
 astonishment, and the tories carried, without opposition, a vote for 
 printing the report of the Irish commissioners, their memorable reso- 
 lutions of the 18th of January, the king's reply, and the subsequent 
 censure of the House, on that occasion. To these were added, the 
 resolution of the Commons, in I69O, laying claim to the forfeited 
 estates, and the promise of the king, not to dispose of these for- 
 feitures, without the consent of parliament. Emboldened by 
 success, and the dismay of their adversaries, they also carried a 
 vote, which had before been defeated, declaring, that any privy 
 counsellor, Avho had passed or procured, or should pass or procure, 
 any grant, to his Q\yn use, was guilty of a high crime and misde-» 
 
608 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 1 0. 
 
 meanour. This censure was evidently aimed at the chancellor, 
 and intended as a foundation for farther proceedings. 
 
 Scarcely had this torrent of invective and censure subsided, 
 when the bill was returned from the Lords, with the proposed 
 amendments. These clauses, though not contrary to the principle of 
 the bill, and merel}' intended to preserve the royal prerogative, were 
 severally rejected, without a dissenting voice. The usual reasons 
 against the amendment of a money bill, were then embodied by a 
 Committee, and transmitted by lord Hartington, to the Lords, 
 leaving them responsible for the consequences of obstructing the 
 supplies. The Upper House having purposely adjourned, the 
 Commons postponed their farther deliberations, but, not without 
 intimating, that if the bill of resumption was not passed, in its 
 original state, they would render themselves justice, by recurring to 
 impeachments. 
 
 The ensuing days presented one of the most interesting spectacles 
 which, perhaps, had ever occurred within the walls of parliament. 
 A conference having taken place between the two houses, sir Ed-^ 
 ward Seymour stated, that he and his colleagues had delivered the 
 reasons of the Commons, and expressed his hopes of a favourable re- 
 sult. But, while the House anxiously awaited the decision of the 
 Peers, a report was brought, that they had resolved to persist in 
 their amendments, by a majority of 47 against 34. This unex- 
 pected intelligence produced a deep impression, and there was 
 reason to fear, that the disappointment would be followed by still 
 more violent resolutions than before. New hopes were, hoAvever, 
 communicated, that a compromise might be effected, in another 
 conference, and Harley prudently prevented farther discussion^ 
 by a timely proposal for adjournment, till the following day. 
 
 The House being again assembled, a conference took place, and 
 the Lords delivered their reasons for persisting in the amendments. 
 These being read, a new conference was readily agreed to ; but the 
 members who were deputed on the occasion, were enjoined to 
 declare, that the Commons persisted in their sentiments, and 
 would, on no account, permit any amendment. A repetition of the 
 
.J699— 1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 609 
 
 former violence appeared likely to occur, and some of the most 
 ardent members began to clamour for impeachments, tiaming, par- 
 ticularly, the earls ojf Portland and Albemarle. The doors of the 
 lobby were ordered to be locked, and no member was permitted 
 to depart, till the fate of the bill was decided. . 
 
 At this moment secretary Vernon was called out of the House, 
 and informed b}' lord Jersey, that he had prevailed on the king to 
 request the archbishop of Canterbury, and his friends, to desist from 
 their opposition. This information diffused a momentary calm ; 
 but the general expectation was speedily damped, by the report, 
 that the Lords still adhered to their amendments. " This," observes 
 Mr. Vernon, " struck us all with consternation, and, I believe, 
 there was not 'a man in the House, who did not think the nation 
 ruined." 
 
 In the midst of a general ferment, Harley rose. He said, the 
 country was reduced to the most deplorable situation ; the army 
 disbanded, credit destroyed, and the civil list swallowed up, by an 
 enormous issue of exchequer bills. He concluded, with proposing a 
 declaratory vote, that the army should be no longer maintained, as 
 contrary to the Bill of Rights, and recommended the House to adopt 
 such other resolutions, as were suited to the emergency. He was 
 followed by Mr. Howe, who observed, " It is time to lay aside all 
 animosities. Whatever faults we have found, we ought now to remem- 
 ber that we are all englishmen, involved in one calamity. We must 
 unanimously exert ourselves, to preserve our liberties and country, 
 if there is yet a way left for their preservation." These declarations 
 too evidently indicated the revival of those scenes, which marked 
 the proceedings of the long parliament ; and the speeches and 
 conduct of the leading members, could be considered in no other 
 hght, than as an incitement to a new revolution. 
 
 Fortunately, however, the country was rescued from the precipice, 
 to which it was driven, by a turn, as singular as it was unexpected, 
 for Wharton, the author of the amendments, prudently departed 
 from the scene, before the House of Lords came to a final resolution. 
 On the division, the amendments Avere supported by 40 votes 
 against 37, but, on counting the proxies, the numbers were found 
 
 4i 
 
610 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 equal. By the rules of the House, this constituted a negative ; but 
 a question arising, whether it applied to the amendments, or to the 
 bill itself, some of the dissenting peers and bishops withdrew, and 
 the bill passed by a majority ot hve. 
 
 With equal energy and promptitude, the leaders of opposition 
 availed themselves of the crisis. When apprised, that the bill had 
 passed, they expressed their satisfaction at their escape from the 
 danger, with which the country was threatened, but urged, that to 
 prevent its recurrence, they must secure themselves against an evil 
 ministry, and the influence of foreigners. At the motion of sir 
 Bartholomew Shore, the vote of censure against privy counsellors, 
 who passed, or procured grants, for their own benefit, was read, as 
 well as the list of the privy council. The conduct and character 
 of the ministers were next subjected to a scrutiny. At the name 
 of the lord chancellor Somers, a debate arose, and that great and 
 able statesman was loaded with the most acrimonious abuse. 
 His grant was declared exorbitant, and his ministry partial and ojj- 
 pressive; he was held up to public odium, as the author of the 
 unfavourable replies, received from the throne : and, though he 
 had absented himself, during the discussions on the bill of resump- 
 tion, he was accused as the principal promoter of the opposition 
 it had encountered. He was ably defended by several of his 
 friends, among whom we distinguish Mr. Cowper* and lord Har- 
 tington. A vote of impeachment was, however, proposed by sir 
 John Leviston, and changed, at the motion of sir Christopher 
 Musgrave, into an address for his removal . from the king's 
 presence, and counsels, for ever. But the movers of the ques- 
 tion had miscalculated on their power of leading the House into 
 such a glaring act of injustice ; for, on a division, the proposal was 
 negatived by I67 voices against IO6. 
 
 Not discouraged by this failure, the scrutiny was continued. At 
 the name of the duke of Leeds, who enjoyed pensions and grants 
 to the amount of 5,500/., some hesitation appeared to prevail, and 
 a motion was made for an adjournment. But, as the whigs them- 
 selves were not unwilling to mortify the foreign favQurites, wh'o 
 
 * Afterwards lord chancellor. 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 611 
 
 were known to be the next objects of attack, it was lost by a ma- 
 jority of eleven. 
 
 Lord Hartington then accused the foreigners, on the plea of their 
 opposition to the bill of resumption, and concluded with proposing 
 an address, for the exclusion of all persons, not natives, except prince 
 George of Denmark, from the royal counsels, both in England 
 and Ireland. This motion, which passed without opposition, was 
 directed against the duke*of Schomberg and the earls of Portland 
 and Galway. A similar motion, with regard to the army, which 
 xvas intended against lord Albemarle, was then suggested ; but the 
 leaders being satisfied with their victory, it was suffered to drop, 
 and the House adjourned till the following day. 
 
 During the whole of these stormy discussions, the king had ma- 
 nifested the utmost uneasiness and indignation. He was no less 
 offended with the apparent timidity and lukewarmness of the 
 whigs, than with the violence and perseverance of the tories, and 
 conceived himself deserted by those, who were interested to support 
 him. With great reluctance he consented to withdraw his oppo- 
 sition to the bill of resumption ; but, perceiving that this compliance 
 did not save him from farther mortifications, he adopted the reso- 
 lution of proroguing the parliament, to prevent the presentation of 
 the unwelcome addresses, which had been voted by the Commons. 
 Accordingly, on the 11th of April, he suddenly repaired to the 
 House of Lords, gave his assent to sixty acts, including the 
 bill of resumption, and dismissed the parliament, without the usual 
 speech, from a dignified aversion to express his satisfaction for a 
 grant of supplies, which he considered as invasive of his prero- 
 gative, and unjust towards his faithful servants and dependants.* 
 
 The alarming portents, which had marked the commencement of 
 this session, inspired Sunderland with the hope, that the whigs 
 
 * This narrative is exclusively taken from the letters of Mr. Vernon, compared with the 
 Journals of the Lords and Commons. It not only presents a distinct view of those memo- 
 rable transactions ; but is necessary to explain the ensuing correspondence, and to develop 
 the motives which influenced the conduct of Shrewsbury, during the latter period of his stay 
 in England. 
 
 4i 2 
 
gl2 CORRESPONDENCE [Part, III— Ch. 10. 
 
 were now taught to feel their own weakness, and might be disposed 
 to a reconcihation. He seems to have infused a similar sentiment 
 into the mind of the king, who had never ceased to regret his 
 absence. The interdict, which had been laid on his approach to 
 the capital, was, therefore, withdrawn, and he was permitted to 
 avail himself of the marriage of his son, to appear at court. To 
 facilitate the projected accommodation, a correspondence had 
 taken place between the countesses of Orford and Sunderland, 
 Avith the expectation that their interference might soften the as- 
 perity between their respective lords ; and sir James Forbes, a 
 friend of Sunderland, had been also employed in a similar manner. 
 In conjunction with these proceedings, a confidential corres- 
 pondence had been maintained between Sunderland and Shrews- 
 bury ; and, at the invitation of the king, the duke repaired to 
 Hampton Court. 
 
 But, on entering the theatre of politics, he found, to his regret, 
 that an accommodation was still hopeless and impracticable : and 
 he dreaded to entangle himself in a negotiation, which, while it 
 promised no success, might, perhaps, draw on him the resentment 
 of the victorious party, in parliament, or the jealousy, even of those, 
 whom he intended to serve. Accordingly, he did not wait the 
 arrival of the king at Hampton Court, but, on the 8th of January? 
 the very day preceding the royal visit, he departed abruptly, under 
 the plea of indisposition, and returned to his country seat. 
 
 The king, Avho had calculated on the beneficial effects of his 
 intervention, was severely disappointed. He lamented his departure 
 to Mr. Vernon,* because he had a scheme to propose, by which he 
 might enjoy the advice and assistance of the duke, without loading 
 him with business, or placing him in the ministry ; and hinted his 
 suspicion, that he had fled frorn his presence, in order to avoid an 
 explanation. He seems, however, to have readily appreciated the 
 delicacy of his situation, and graciously accepted an excuse, for 
 his abrupt departure, expressing regret at his indisposition, as the 
 cause, though he considered it as the prelude to his resignation. 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, Jan. 9, 1699—1700. 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADER S, &c. 613 
 
 Meanwhile, Sunderland appeared at the levee, at Hampton 
 Court; and being ordered by lord Albemarle to attend his majesty 
 privately, the ensuing Sunday, was received with marks of parti- 
 cular kindness. Two letters, which he addressed to Shrewsbury, 
 at this period, are still extant, and, though brief, display his disap- 
 pointment at the loss of his grace's expected interposition. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 " London, Jan. 13-23, 1699-1700.— My lord ; If I had not con- 
 cluded we should have seenyou at Kensington, I wouldcertainly have 
 waited on you, at Hampton Court, though it might have furnished 
 matter for schemes and jealousies, as other harmless things have 
 done. I hope you will be well and quiet where you are, which, 
 I confess, is hard to be here. I beg of you to let me know how 
 you are, and what you design, in relation to being, or not being 
 here ; for, though I cannot say, that if you were at Kensington 
 J would be at London, I can positively say, if you are not there 
 1 will be at Althorp, and, in all places, most truly," &c. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " London, Jan. 25-Feb. 4, 1699-1700.— My lord ; I am extreme 
 glad to hear that you are better, though you ventured a good 
 deal for it. Every thing here is so confused, that I envy your 
 retirement, and wish you out of it. At the same time some men 
 are humbled, who were insolent, and others are ready to take both 
 their places and behaviour. What I like best, is, that the sessions 
 will be short, as most people think. I will not now argue against 
 any part of your letter of the 1.5th, not that I agree with one 
 word of it ; but because I believe you ought not to think of any 
 thing but your health, till it is perfectly settled, which, with all 
 other happiness, I wish you most heartily and sincerely," &c. 
 
 No farther steps appear to have been taken ; for Shrewsbury 
 not only cautiously abstained from any interference, but re- 
 peatedly expressed his own anxiety to resign, while Sunderland 
 was too much disliked and suspected by the whigs, to gain their 
 
614 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 attention to any proposal, of which he was the author. A cessa- 
 tion of their correspondence with Shrewsbury ensued, till the 
 middle of March, when we again find the duke pressed with new 
 sohcitations to attend the king, and resume his mediation. 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY, 
 
 '' London, March 21-51, 1699-1700.— My lord; It is so long 
 since I have heard from you, that I must inquire of yourself 
 concerning you, whether you intend to be at Newmarket, Ken- 
 sington, or Hampton Court. My lord Marlborough says, that at 
 the last, since you were there, many things are changed, beyond 
 what anybody can think at a distance ; but I am still of the same 
 opinion I was of, when I saw you, in every particular, though 
 folly and jealousies increase daily." 
 
 " P. S. I have had so much mind to talk of some things, that I 
 was tempted to speak of them to my lord Wharton, but I resisted, 
 considering that I had little credit, as you know." 
 
 In this situation affairs remained, till near the termination of the 
 stormy discussions in parliament. At that period, the peril to 
 which the crown was exposed, by the excesses of faction, seems 
 to have overcome the aversion of Shrewsbury to public business? 
 and he consented to wait on the king once more. But, while he 
 was preparing for his journey, the controversy, relative to the bill 
 of resumption, arose between the two Houses, and the king pru- 
 dently dispensed with his immediate attendance, that he might 
 not be entangled in the contentions of the hostile parties. 
 
 The prorogation of parliament, on the 11th of April, had sus- 
 pended the torrent, which threatened to overwhelm the throne ; 
 and the momentary pause gave the king an opportunity of reflect- 
 ing on the difficulties of his situation, and his future conduct. 
 On the one hand he saw that the whigs were too weak and divided, 
 to resist the attacks of their opponents; and that, in a new ses- 
 sion, the tories would realise their threats against his foreign 
 friends and dependants, and, perhaps, rob his crown of its dearest 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 615 
 
 prerogatives. On the other, he suspected that a party, which 
 had proved so hostile in opposition, would not, when in power, 
 desist from their purpose of restricting his authority ; and he 
 feared that, at a crisis which required the utmost vigour in the 
 government, they would not consent to restore that military force, 
 which they had so much reduced, and which was still so necessary 
 to counteract the ambitious purposes of France. In such a pre- 
 dicament, it is no wonder, that his conduct was indecisive and 
 vacillating ; and, though he so far yielded to necessity, as to shew 
 a desire of gratifying the tories, he felt no less reluctance to 
 offend the whigs. In conformity with this feeling, the best expe- 
 dient which presented itself, was to sacrifice lord Somers, who, 
 during the wTiole session, had been singled out, as the principal 
 object of hostility ; and he hoped, that the whigs might be recon- 
 ciled to the change. He, therefore, privately and repeatedly, 
 exhorted the chancellor to avoid the mortification of a public 
 dismission, by a voluntary retiEement ; but the upright and dig- 
 nified statesman firmly refused to relinquish the seals, from the 
 conviction, that his retreat would be construed into an acknow- 
 ledgement of guilt. No alternative was therefore left, and the king, 
 on the 17th of April, sent lord Jersey, secretary of state, to demand 
 the seals, which were delivered without hesitation. 
 
 This measure was hailed by the tories as a favourable omen ; 
 and sir Edward Seymour availed himself of an intended journey 
 to Ireland, to wait on the king at Windsor. The unexpected 
 appearance of this great leader of opposition at court, excited 
 general surprise. On kissing his majesty's band, he ven- 
 tured to congratulate him on his late deliverance. The king 
 coldly replied, he was doubtful whether it was a matter of joy, or 
 not, and expressed his disapprobation of sir Edward's conduct, 
 during the late session, though he admitted, that he had acted with 
 more calmness the last day. « But," he added, " it is useless to 
 reflect on what is passed, we must look forward, and I hope we 
 shall be better friends in future." Sir Edward Seymour, who had 
 little reason to be flattered with the commencement of this 
 
616 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. !0. 
 
 colloquy, confidently replied, " I have no doubt we shall ;" and 
 took his leave.* 
 
 But although the dismission of Somers raised the hopes, and 
 softened the asperity of the tories, it did not diminish the embar- 
 rassments of the king. Among the members belonging to the, 
 higher departments of the law, he in vain endeavoured to find a 
 man of sufficient rank and character to fill the vacant post ; and 
 thus the change, which he had fondly hoped would assist to 
 extricate him from his embarrassments, was likely to prove, not 
 only a source of perplexity to himself, but a serious injury to the 
 interests of justice, and the service of the public. 
 
 In this crisis, we again find Sunderland resuming his activity. 
 During the progress of the bill of resumption, he had offended the 
 king, by his endeavours to allay the opposition, which it expe- 
 rienced in the House of Lords, and, for a short period, ceased to 
 appear at court ; but, on the present occasion, habit, no less than 
 inclination, induced the sovereign to recur to his advice. 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury was again invited to attend the king, 
 and, accordingly, repaired to Hampton Court, in the latter end of 
 April, or beginning of May. The purpose of this sumiBons was 
 to press on his acceptance the government of Ireland, and the 
 office of groom of the stole, with the hope, that he might again 
 be induced to take a share in public affairs. He, in fact, so far 
 listened to the proposal, that he was congratulated by his friends 
 on the probability of his appointment.i- But, whether he was 
 fearful of resuming the helm of government, in so tempestuous a 
 sea, or whether the anxiety of his mind produced a return of his 
 complaint, we cannot decide. From one or both of these causes, 
 he again suddenly departed, on the 9th of May, without seeing 
 the king, and repaired to Woburn, the seat of the duke of Bedford, 
 where he seems to have met some of the whig chiefs. He soon 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, April 16, 1700. 
 
 f On the 11th of May, the earl of Marlborough thus addressed him : " I am told, if 
 ydur health will give you leave, you are to be lieutenant of Ireland, and groom of the 
 stole, which I do, with all my heart, wish you, and the king and kingdom, joy of." 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 617 
 
 afterwards conveyed his decided resolution, not only to decline 
 the proffered honours, but to relinquish the staff of chamberlain. 
 
 Sunderland, who had sanguinely calculated on his favourable 
 interposition, was greatly disappointed by so abrupt a departure. 
 He, therefore, employed the intervention of Mr. Vernon, to propose 
 a plan, which he hoped would satisfy the king, and re-establish 
 a confidence, between himself and the whigs. This was, to 
 put the great seal into the hands of Commissioners, approved by 
 lord Somers, who was to resume it, either immediately, or wait till 
 the termination of the next session of parliament, that he might 
 avoid a repetition of the same insulting attacks, as during the last. 
 He requested his grace's interposition with Mr. Montague, lord 
 Whartpn, and other friends; who might prevail with lord 
 Somers ; and answered for the acquiescence of his royal master. 
 He disavoAved all share in the dismission of lord Somers, but^ 
 on the contrary, protested, that, had he not himself offended 
 the king, by supporting the bill of resumption, he could have 
 prevented so fatal; a measure. He also expressed his full convic- 
 tion, that the services of the whigs Avere essential to the support 
 of government, and declared that his royal master was fully 
 impressed with the same sentiments. 
 
 Shrewsbury imparted the proposal to Mr. Montague, who im- 
 mediately repaired to town, to communicate it to lord Somers ; 
 but, even if no other cause of jealousy had existed, the subse- 
 quent conduct of Sunderland was likely to create doubts of his 
 sincerity. For he had scarcely made the proposal, before, to use 
 the words of Mr. Vernon, " he seemed half afraid of his own 
 project,'' and clogged it with so many reservations and restrictions 
 to secresy, as seemed to imply, that he had either over-rated his 
 influence with the king, or was conscious he was not entitled to 
 the confidence* of the whigs. 
 
 The opinion of Montague afforded little prospect of success, 
 as Ave find from the folloAving reply of the. duke of ShrcAVsbury to 
 the communication of the secretary : — 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, May 9, 1700. 
 4 K 
 
618 CORRESPONDENCE [P <> kt III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 " Eyford, May 12-23, 1700, two in the afternoon. — ^This morn- 
 ing I received your's of yesterday, and may truly assure my lord 
 Sunderland, and yourself, that there is nothing in which I would 
 more joyfully and zealously employ my endeavours, than to restore 
 a confidence, between his majesty, and that sort of people, who, 
 hitherto, have chiefly, if not singly, adhered to his interests, and 
 particularly between the king and my lord Somers ; who, setting 
 aside my friendship or partiality to him, is, unquestionably, the 
 most considerable in the party. But it would be presumption in 
 me, singly to determine, whether such a matter might be effected 
 upon the terms now proposed, or not. The thing, in itself, is 
 difficult; if it should hot succeed, there may be inconvenience in 
 the attempt ; and it may fail, by being endeavoured unseasonablj. 
 Of all this, I am an ill judge, who know less of my lord Somers' 
 mind, than several others, it having been my fortune not to see 
 him, but with company, these many months ; and, at this distance, 
 I have no opportunity of being informed from himself; for, to 
 negotiate an affair of this nice nature, by letters, were certainly to 
 spoil it. 
 
 " There are a thousand difficulties in this business, obvious to 
 every body. But that which offers itself, at the very entrance, is, 
 how to get any light, whether it be seasonable or not, withoujt 
 opening more of this secret than may be advisable, if it should 
 not succeed ; for, unless one discourses with some freedom on 
 this subject, with those who are intimate with my lord Somers, 
 and have had opportunities of discovering what his resolutions 
 arfe, since he parted with the seals, one cannot be enough informed, 
 what his present disposition is, to make a probable judgment 
 what hopes there may be of prevailing with him to resume. 
 
 " Though every honest man is interested in the success of this 
 matter, and in the punctual performance of all that shall be 
 founded upon it ; yet, the proposal arising originally from my 
 lord Sunderland, he is principally concerned in the well-keeping 
 the secret : wherefore, it is reasonable, he should have the direction, 
 how far, and to whom, it should be communicated ; so that, if 1 
 am to make any step in this affair, I desire to be punctually 
 
1699-1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 619 
 
 instructed. If it be a concern, one is not likely to do much good 
 in, I would be very careful not to do mischief." 
 
 The result of the overture, which was made through Mr. Mon- 
 tague, justified these forebodings, and proved the deep-rooted 
 antipathy, which the whigs fostered against Sunderland. The 
 communication of the proposal, and its mortifying result, are 
 given in the ensuing correspondence. 
 
 MR, MONTAGUE TO LORD SOMERS. 
 
 [Imparts the proposal made by lord Sunderland, through the duke of Shrewsbury, for 
 restoring the great seal to his lordship.J 
 
 " May 12-23, 1700.— My lord ; I came to town last night, 
 upon a very extraordinary occasion, and, finding you out of town, 
 must give you an account of it. After I had taken my leave of 
 the duke of Shrewsbury, which was at dinner, he sent to speak 
 with me. He seemed much surprised with a letter he had just 
 received from Mr. Secretary, which he shewed me. In it, Mr. 
 Secretary tells him, that lord Sunderland has found out a method, 
 whereby the seal may again be put into your hands ; that my lord 
 Sunderland would have acquainted him with it, if he could have 
 seen him on Tuesday, (for he was then sick,) and desired he would 
 stay till to-morrow, at Hampton Court, that he might inform him 
 of it. He advised with me what he should do ; he- had taken leave 
 of the king, and had no pretence to stay. This seems only like 
 a shift of lord Sunderland, to lessen the odium, and to be an 
 attempt you probably would not Hke. I did not know what to 
 make of it; but, upon the best consideration I then had, I made 
 no great account of the proposal, advised him to go to Woburn, 
 and to write to Mr. Secretary, to explain the proposition, and, if 
 he thought fit, to let me know what it was ; and promised, that, 
 if he did, and I thought it likely to succeed, I would come over 
 there to-morrow night, and fetch him to finish it. 
 
 " This he approved, and wrote immediately to the secretary, 
 and, before he went away, sent the inclosed to me. I know not 
 what to make of all this, only one thing is plain, that it is not 
 
 4 K 2 
 
620 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet IIL— Ch. 10. 
 
 settled who is to succeed you. I am come to town, only to tell 
 you this, and shall return to-morrow morning. I should be glad 
 of a line from you, if you think there is any occasion for it." 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Failure of the overture made to the whigs by lord Sunderland.] 
 
 " Mm/ 18-29, 1700. — My lord ; "When we parted, I understood 
 that affair was put off, or, at least, laid aside by them, till you and 
 
 n)y lord S * could meet, and talk it over. If ray memory 
 
 does not fail me, Mr. S 's-f- last letter Avas to that effect. 
 
 You afterwards, indeed, mentioned my writing to 3^ou, either out 
 of curiosity, or, that you might be better prepared for such a 
 meeting. Upon my coming to town, I did give as full and parti- 
 cular an account of what had passed, as I could to ourfriend,J and 
 did so far obey your orders, as not to speak of it to any body else; 
 and I think it should be a secret, between you and me, that he 
 ever heard of it. When I came to the conclusion of ray tale, and 
 
 told him, that Mr. S — ^ 's last instructions enjoined you not to 
 
 make mention of it to my lord W ,§ or me, for my lord 
 
 S" — was afraid of his own project ; he replied, he was of 
 
 opinion, all along, as I was telling my story, that it would have 
 some such ending, and that those gentlemen could frame no 
 scheme of beginning such an affair, which, upon second thoughts, 
 they would not reject themselves ; and so he broke off the disr 
 course, without explaining himself any farther. I did not press 
 him to renew it, for some reasons you heard at Woburn, and for 
 others which I met in town, which are not proper to be put in 
 writing. Thus the matter stood, when I received your last letter, 
 by which, I understand, the attacks are rencAved, which I did not 
 expect would have been done by letters ; and I protest, I cannot 
 offer my opinion upon it, unless you were master of all the parts 
 of their scheme, and we had an opportunity of reasoning upon 
 every particular." 
 
 * Sunderland. f Meaning secretary Vernon. 
 
 i Lord Somers. § Wharton. 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c 621 
 
 THE EARL OF SUNDEJILAND TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [The king will not press him to continue in office — Wishes to see him, to converse on the 
 
 project for restoring lord Somers.J 
 
 " London, May 23-June 3, 1700. — My lord ; I am extremely 
 sorry to hear that the remedies, from which you used to find benefit, 
 have so little effect ; but, since it is so, I believe the king will press 
 you to nothing, but what is agreeable both to your health and 
 inclinations ; and, I hope, that when you come to Hampton 
 Court, though to take your leave of all business, we may talk of 
 what Mr. Secretary has writ to you. It is certainly feasible, and, 
 I dare say, it will appear so, if I have the honour to wait upon you. 
 Seven years ago, there was as little faith as now, though many 
 things were brought to pass, which seemed impossible." 
 
 While this negotiation was pending, the king found it necessary 
 to adopt a I'esolution respecting the great seal, which, since the 
 6th of May, had been placed in the custody of the two chief 
 justices and the chief baron. Accordingly, having determined to 
 appoint a lord keeper, on the 21st of May, he delivered it to 
 sergeant Wright, a violent tory, whose acceptance of the charge was 
 obtained through the medium of lord Rochester. Although this 
 promotion was ill calculated to further the proposed arrangement, 
 or conciliate the whigs, the king did not desist from his attempts to 
 retain the support of that body, nor did Sunderland entirely 
 relinquish his project of accommodation. Assurances were con- 
 veyed to the whig leaders, by Sunderland, that the appointment of 
 sir Nathan Wright Avould not obstruct the return of lord Somers to 
 office, that no farther changes should be made, and that the same 
 parliament should be continued. As little did the king spare his 
 attempts to preserve the attachment of the whigs ; for he lavished his 
 promises and professions of confidence on lord Haversham, Mr. 
 Smith, lord Macclesfield, and others of the party, who, in their turn, 
 replied by assurances of support. He took still more pains to con- 
 ciliate Mr. Montague, whose influeace he justly apprecia^ted. In an 
 
622 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 audience, at Hampton Court, about the middle of May, he 
 entered into a vindication of his conduct, in the removal of lord 
 Somers. After alluding to the current reports, that he had ill- 
 treated so meritorious a servant, he added, " His lordship had long 
 complained, that he was a weight on public business, and his 
 complaints increasing, I was not unwiUing to accept his resignation. 
 I, indeed, met him half-way in his design ; but I do not see why 
 this change should have created so much umbrage, or have been 
 considered as the first step towards dismissing the whole party. I 
 disavow such an intention, and declare that those, who manifest a 
 zeal for my service, may be assured of my favour ; and as you 
 have essentially contributed to the support of my government, I 
 shall be displeased -to find you now become cool, and slacken in 
 your efforts."* 
 
 So imperfect an apology was not likely to satisfy a man, who 
 participated in the feelings, and felt the disgrace of his friend. 
 Montague conveyed a cold assurance of the same vigilance and 
 zeal, which he had ever manifested, but observed, that he hoped 
 nothing would be expected from him, which was inconsistent with 
 his friendship and obligation to lord Somers. The king was evi- 
 dently mortified by this discouraging reply, yet he added, " that is 
 far from my intentions ; on the contrary, I hope lord Somers will 
 join with you in promoting my service, and the public good, so 
 that nothing may arise to destroy our mutual confidence."'!- 
 
 The king experienced a still more severe repulse from lord 
 Orford. When he addressed him with similar apologies and pro- 
 fessions, and added a declaration, that he did not intend to displace 
 the whigs, the uncourtly seaman bluntly replied, " I did not know 
 that your majesty had a whig in your service."' 
 
 The effect of this equivocal policy is indicated in the following 
 letter : — 
 
 MR. MONTAGUE TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 May 25-June 6, 1700. — My lord ; I have received your grace's 
 
 * Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, May 18. f Ibid. 
 
1699— nOO.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 623 
 
 of the 20th, and, yesterday, shewed it to my lord Somers. My 
 lord Wharton was in town, since I received it, but I took no notice 
 of it to him, because I understood, the Uberty you gave me, ex- 
 tended only to my lord Somers. I believe my lord designs to write 
 to you himself, and shall therefore say no more, as to him, but 
 that I will not fail of meeting you, when I hear you will be at 
 Hampton Court, and will endeavour to settle any other parlies as 
 you would have me. Indeed, till we do meet, 'tis impossible to un- 
 derstand any thing, for how to reconcile what we have been told, 
 with what was transacting, with Mr. Attorney,* when we were at 
 Woburn, and with my lord keeper,-f since, is beyond my capacity. 
 Something of the same game is carrying on by several hands. 
 Our master himself has spoke to many. I wish all may have a 
 good effect, but I do not see much probability of it yet. This I am 
 confident of, nothing effectually can be done without you. I am 
 mighty sorry to hear you are so ill, for I value my own interest 
 so little, I rather Avish you well in any part of the world, than 
 have your assistance and favour in business, at the expense of 
 your health," &c. 
 
 In such mysterious transactions we cannot expect to trace the 
 real motives and real views of parties. But the discrepancy 
 which we observe, in the conduct and professions of the king, 
 compared with those of Sunderland, who had so long enjoyed his 
 confidence, leads us to suspect, that they were both acting on a 
 different system. William appears to have been desirous of ac- 
 complishing his favourite plan of government, by effecting an 
 union of such members of the two parties, as were likely to 
 coalesce, while the discarded statesman consulted rather his in- 
 clination than his power, in labouring to effect a reconcili- 
 ation with his former friends, and restore them to the confi- 
 dence of the sovereign. Whatever was the real design, both the 
 king and Sunderland looked, with peculiar solicitude, to the 
 counsels and assistance of Shrewsbury, whose influence, with both 
 parties, would render him the bond of union, whatever system of 
 
 * Sir Thomas Trevor. f Sir Nathau Wright. 
 
634 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 administration was established. He was, therefore, repeatedly 
 and earnestly pressed to accept the government of Ireland, and 
 take the lead in administration. He, indeed, used his endea- 
 vours with the whigs, to overcome their antipathy to Sunderland, 
 and to form some efficient system; but, finding his eiForts fruitless, 
 and aware that his acceptance of office would expose him to their 
 jealousy, he prudently declined that, and every other post, which 
 was proposed to him, though the king graciously tendered to 
 his choice any employment under the crown.* He even expressed 
 the same anxiety as before, to resign the staff of chamberlain, and 
 was with difficulty induced to hold it, till the reluctance of the 
 king should be overcome. Sunderland, who had lingered in 
 London, till the latter end of May .-f with the expectation, that the 
 mediation of his noble friend would have proved effectual, now 
 considered his design as hopeless, and withdrew into the country, 
 though he expressed an earnest wish for another meeting, and his 
 full conviction, that the interposition of the duke would vanquish 
 all difficulties. 
 
 Still, however, the king dreaded an entire breach with the whigs, 
 and prevailed on Shrewsbury to resume his negotiation with their 
 chiefs. In compliance with the royal order, the duke, in the begin- 
 ning of June, repaired to Winchenden, the seat of lord AVharton, 
 where he renewed his overtures, in the name of the king, though 
 on what precise terms, we cannot ascertain. But, every new 
 effort tended more and more to convince him, that their antipathy 
 to Sunderland Avas unconquerable ; and, on the other hand, the 
 favours, which the king bestowed on the tories, equally satisfied 
 him, that any endeavour to restore harmony between his majesty 
 and the whigs, would be ineffectual. Wearied, therefore, with 
 an ungrateful and hopeless task, and averse, to use the words 
 of the king himself, " to be ground between the two parties, as 
 between two mill-stones," :[. he reiterated his entreaties for leave to 
 
 * See the extract from his diary, in the correspondence with the king, page 182. 
 t Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, May 28, 1700. 
 I Mr. Vernon to the duke of Shrewsbury, May 30, 1700. 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 625 
 
 'resign, with such earnestness and perseverance, that the king 
 could no longer withhold his assent; and on the 22nd of June, 
 the key was delivered by the hands of Mr. Vernon.* 
 
 Disappointed in the hopes of Shrewsbury's mediation, AVilliam 
 again recurred to Sunderland, and earnestly required his presence 
 at court. But the veteran statesman was now himself discouraged 
 from all farther interference ; and, to avoid the blame of having 
 recommended such measures, as his royal master was disposed to 
 adopt, he positively declined to obey the order, though several times 
 repeated, and finally by a letter in the king's own hand. This 
 conduct is a strong proof of his good faith in the preceding trans- 
 actions, and evinces the sincerity of his declaration that if he could 
 not conciUate the whigs, he would, at least, suffer with them. 
 
 Thus, deprived of the counsel of two noblemen, on whom he 
 placed his chief reliance, the king consulted his fears, rather than 
 his inclinations, in bringing more tories into office, and shelved 
 himself influenced in his arrangements, by the advice of lord 
 Rochester, the head of the party. He gave the key of chamberlain 
 to lord Jersey, intending to chuse a new secretary, on his return 
 from his usual excursion to the continent. He conferred the office 
 of solicitor general on Mr. Harcourt, and he destined lord Godol- 
 phin, for the head of the Treasury ,f on the removal of lord Tanker- 
 ville, to whom he intended to transfer the privy seal, vacant by the 
 recent death of lord Lonsdale. W hile, however, he rendered the whigs 
 desperate, by these and other changes, with all the inconsistency 
 of divided incHnations, he offended the tories, by not only evincing 
 a latent aversion to discard all their opponents, but by giving the 
 latter the preponderance in the commission of lords justices, and 
 by delaying to call a new parliament. His health, which was now 
 declining, was still more impaired, by the agitation of his mind ; and, 
 having completed his imperfect arrangements for the government, 
 during his absence, he hastened abroad, in the latter end of June, 
 that he might breathe his native air, and enjoy a short repose from 
 
 * The circumstances of his resignation have already been detailed, in the correspondence 
 with the king, Part 1 , chapter 8. 
 
 f This appears from a letter of Mr. Vernon, as early as July. 
 
 4l 
 
626 CORRESPONDENCE [Pakt III.— Ch. 10, 
 
 the, party contentions in England. Even, after the departure of 
 the king, the hopes of gaining the whigs, were not finally aban- 
 doned ; for we find a cold and formal letter from lord Somers, to the 
 duke of Shrewsbury, adverting to the proposal made through Mr. 
 Vernon, and declining a meeting, though he disclaimed any hostile 
 feeling towards his enemies. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " London, July 9-20,1700. — My lord; I have been several times 
 wilting to your grace, upon the subject Mr. Montague mentioned 
 to me, by your order, and which you after took notice of, in a 
 letter to him, which you allowed him to communicate to me ; but, 
 whenever I went about it, I found I should say too much, or too 
 little, and, therefore, I resolved to reserve my thoughts of that 
 affair, till I had the honour to see your grace. That is a happiness 
 I shall be overjoyed at, when a meeting may be, without the 
 danger of drawing your grace into a suspicion of caballing, but 
 when that time will come, I cannot foresee ; for, though I neither 
 do, nor ever will meddle with public affairs, nor have the least 
 I'esentment imaginable, against any persons, who may be imagined 
 to have been most active in getting me displaced ; yet, I find it is 
 very hard, to convince men that it is so. Time, I hope, will do it, 
 and, as I have had patience to go through the persecution of the last 
 session, so I will prepare myself, as well as I can, for what is yet to 
 come. I am sensibly concerned at the continuance of yourgrace^s 
 ill health, which I think is a public misfortune. I hope you will yet 
 allow me the honour of being amongst the number of those who are 
 really and faithfully your servants. I am sure I shall never be 
 wanting, upon all occasions in my power, to shew that it is a great 
 truth/' &c. 
 
 We have not documents to trace the details of this long and 
 intricate negotiation, but we have evident proof, that, even after 
 this period, Shrewsbury still persevered in his applications to 
 the whig chiefs; and that he was present at a meeting of the party, 
 which took place in August, at Boughton, in Northamptonshire, the 
 
1699-1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 627 
 
 seat of lord Montague. The result of this final effort was, however, 
 as vain as any of the preceding, for, lord Somers and lord Orford, 
 not only refused to attend the meeting; but even Mr. Montague 
 declined accepting any responsible post, from a fear, lest he should 
 be exposed to the hostile attacks of the tories. He soon afterwards, 
 indeed, withdrew from the House of Commons, and accepted a 
 seat in the Upper House, under the title of lord Halifax. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the proposed meeting of the whigs at Boughton.] 
 
 " July 18-29, 1700.— My lord ; Though I ought to be very 
 reserved in troubling your grace with letters, Avhich can have 
 nothing in them, yet I am pleased to lay hold on any pretence 
 for writing. That which I now make use of, is to desire to know, 
 if your grace intends to honour my lord Montague, with your 
 company, at Boughton, the 10th of August. He has asked me to 
 be there; and, I could easily resolve what to do, if I knew your 
 purpose. I must not omit to make my acknowledgments of the 
 most obliging favour of your last kind letter; and to assure your 
 grace, that there is no man alive, who does more truly honour 
 your grace, or is more entirely devoted ta your service, than 
 yours," &c. 
 
 LORD ORFORD TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Complains of the cessation of their correspondence — Professions of zeal and friendship — 
 Declines visiting lord Montague, at Boughton.J 
 
 " Chippenham, July 20-31, 1700.— My lord ; The last post 
 brought me the honour of a letter from your grace, for which I 
 return you my humble thanks. I confess, for some time, I have lain 
 under a behef, that either you had taken something unkindly of 
 me, or that my acquaintance Avas rather troublesome than other- 
 wise. As to the first, I was not in the least conscious to myself, 
 that I had been wanting in any part of friendship, or service 
 to your grace, that lay in my power to perform, from the first 
 minute I had the honour to be known to you. Tor the other, I 
 
 4 L 2 
 
628 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut III.— Ch. 10. 
 
 pretend to know myself so well, that I could not blame any body 
 that thinks my acquaintance of no use or satisfaction to them'. 
 With these thoughts I afflicted myself, and resolved not to trouble 
 any body else with them ; but, since you are pleased in your letter 
 to give me reason to believe I am still in your good opinion, I 
 have nothing to complain of, but my ill fortune, which, I fear, 
 will not allow me the pleasure of waiting on you, this year, at 
 Boughton, and so I have wrote lord Montague and lord Somers. 
 As for the numbers he says will be with him, I agree with your 
 grace that they are rather of the most ; for I cannot be of the 
 mind with the old saying, ' the more the merrier,' the other part 
 possibly may be true. 
 
 " If I have not the good fortune to meet your grace before the. 
 winter, it Avill be a very sensible affliction to me ; but I will use 
 my endeavours, that I may have the opportunity to tell you how 
 much I am," &c. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Expresses his reluctance to attend the whig meeting at Boughton.] 
 
 " July 9.1 -Aug. 7, 1700. — My lord ; As soon as I had the honour 
 of your letter, I Avent to look for Mr. Montague, to learn what 
 he said to my lord Montague, on my part ; for he told me, he 
 had taken upon hirn to make a final answer for me, upon my 
 lord's going into the country, I being myself out of town at that 
 time. I did not find him till yesterday, and, upon my opening 
 to him the subject of your grace's letter, he grew extremely con- 
 cerned, and told me plainly, that the matter was gone so far, with 
 respect to me, that my lord Montague would not only be finally 
 disobliged, but would downright quarrel with him, should I fail 
 to be at the meeting. 
 
 " I had no more to say after such a declaration ; but it is with 
 ihe utmost reluctance, that I think of going into a throng, as I 
 nnd I am like to do, especially when there was a possibility for 
 me to have had the happiness of seeing your grace more privately, 
 which I had no hopes of, till your letter told me otherwise. ' 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 629 
 
 " I have writ to my lord Orford, desiring to know, if he does 
 not intend to be at Boughton, and have not yet received his 
 answer. He is but lately returned to Chippenham, out of Lin- 
 colnshire, as I understand. 
 
 " Mr. Montague is come to me, Whilst I am writing this, and 
 is very positive, that I ought not to decline the journey to 
 Boughton, and full of hopes that your grace will not. It is very 
 unlucky that mistakes should engage me so far in a thing, that will 
 possibly occasion much discourse, and give no satisfaction ; when 
 all that I aimed at by it might have been obtained a much easier, 
 and better way, at Winchendon. I am, with the greatest truth," 
 &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD ORFORD. 
 [Justifies himself against the imputation of coldness and reserve.] 
 
 " Grafton, Aug. 5-l6, 1700. — My lord ; I look upon the letter 
 I writ to you, some time since, as the most fortunate thing I have 
 done a long while, since it has removed a very hard opinion you 
 had of me, in which your lordship will give me leave to say, you 
 were in the wrong doubly ; first, for suspecting any alteration of 
 my kindness and friendship to you, upon such surmises as, I am 
 sure, could have no reasonable foundation : secondly, for con- 
 tinuing in that belief, and never taking the least notice of it to 
 me. Friends, who have lived as we have done, should not fall 
 into coldness or distrust, without giving an opportunit}^ of explain- 
 ing what may have been misconstrued, or rectifying what may 
 have been misrepresented. I solemnly protest, I cannot accuse 
 myself of having done, or omitted, one thing that should give your 
 lordship reason to suspect a change in me. I have, from our first 
 acquaintance, upon all occasions, been sincerely and zealously 
 your friend, and am so this moment ; and, if you are so kind 
 to allow the expression, I faithfully assure you, that there is not a 
 man in England I love better than my lord Orford. If you had 
 continued silent, how unjustly would you have censured," &c. 
 
 The death of the duke of Glocester, which happened on the 
 
630 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 1.0. 
 
 30th of July, soon after the departure of the king, aggravated 
 the dangers which menaced the country ; for, as the health of 
 WilHam was now dechning, the princess Anne, who was withou 
 the prospect of issue, appeared to be the only barrier to the re- 
 storation of the Stuarts. The House of Brunswick was, indeed, 
 the next of the protestant line, in succession ; and the king him- 
 self appears to have been induced to extend the settlement of the 
 crown to that family, and was strengthened in his desires by the 
 advice of Sunderland ;* but it was evident,, that the project would 
 be firmly opposed by the tories, and even many of the principal 
 whigs evinced a reluctance to call another foreigner to the throne. 
 At the same time, there was the utmost reason to apprehend, that 
 the domestic troubles of England would be aggravated by a foreign 
 war, from the contest which would probably arise for the Spanish 
 succession, the very apprehension of which had already been 
 sensibly felt on the funds. 
 
 The prospect of the troubles which were likely to spring from 
 these and other sources, not only deterred Shrewsbury from 
 mingling in public life, but prompted him to withdraw from the 
 storms which threatened his native country, particularly as his 
 health was again deeply affected by the anxiety and agitation of 
 his mind. 
 
 He accordingly seized the earliest opportunity, on the return 
 of the king, to solicit leave for his intended departure ; and the 
 permission was as readily, as it was graciously, granted .•^- 
 
 During the continuance of the duke in England, we find no 
 farther correspondence between him and the whig chiefs. The 
 cause appears to have arisen from the avowed attachment he 
 had manifested to lord Sunderland, and the zeal he had shewn, 
 in vindicating his sincerity. In fact, the last visit which he paid 
 before his departure, was to Althorp ; and, to the latest moment 
 of his stay, he did not hesitate to proclaim his friendship for that 
 
 * From Mr. Vernon's letters, it appears, that lord Sunderland was one of the earliest 
 promoters of the new act of settlement, in favour of the Hanover family. 
 ■f See the correspondence with the ting, p. 185. 
 
1699—1700.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 6S1 
 
 nobleman, and to blame the unjust suspicions which had been 
 thrown on his character and conduct. This frankness was too 
 contrary to the prejudices of the leading whigs, not to produce 
 considerable dissatisfactioij among them ; and we find the duke 
 of Bolton, in a letter to lord Somers, labouring to involve Shrews- 
 bury in the same censure which had been cast on Sunderland.* 
 The appearance of harmony, indeed, was preserved between him 
 and his former friends ; but, after his departure for the continent, 
 we shall find that he cautiously abstained from taking any personal 
 share in the transactions in which they were implicated, though he 
 still professed the same zeal for their cause, and the same friend- 
 ship for their persons. 
 
 * The duke of Bolton to lord Somers. — Hardwieke's Collection, vol. 2, page 437. 
 
(^32 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet TIL— Ch. 11. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 1700—1705. 
 
 Brief account of the conduct of the duke of Shrewsbury, during his residence at Rome — He 
 refuses to accept a post in the administration, after the accession of queen Anne — Falsely 
 supposed to have been privately reconciled to the church of Rome — Justifies himself 
 against the imputation — His correspondence with lord Godolphin, the duke of Marlbo- 
 rough, and the whig chiefs, from 1702 to 1705. 
 
 W ITH the departure of the duke of Shrewsbury for the con- 
 tinent, this Selection would naturally close, because its object is, to 
 exhibit him as a minister and statesman, and to develope the cabals 
 of party, during his administration. We cannot, however, take 
 leave of so distinguished a character, without adding a few notices, 
 Avhich may serve to gratify the curiosity of the reader, as to his 
 conduct during his stay on the continent, and on his subsequent 
 return to England. Beyond that epoch, the family papers do 
 not extend ; and, therefore, the details of his political life, in the 
 reigns of queen Anne, and George the First, must be sought in 
 the pages of our national history.- 
 
 The coldness which began to prevail between Shrewsbury and 
 his whig friends, even before his departure, was evidently increased 
 after his estabhshment on the continent. On the impeachment 
 instituted against lords Somers, Orford, and Halifax, in conse- 
 quence of the conclusion of the first partition treaty, he certainly 
 manifested some sympathy in their behalf; but it was combined 
 with a great degree of caution, and seemed rather complimentary 
 than real. This is strikingly marked in the following letter, which 
 he addressed to lord Somers : 
 
 * " Rome, June 17, 1701. — "When first I received the news of 
 
 * Printed in the Hardwicke Collection, vol. 2, p. 440. 
 
1700—1705.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c, 633 
 
 the proceedings against your lorcJship, and the rest of the lords, 
 I had writ a letter to you, and to my lord Halifax, upon the 
 subject ; but, reflecting, before they were sent, what had happened 
 some time before, upon my lord Bellamont's letters, I thought it 
 more advisable to burn mine, than to send them ; and, not daring, 
 at this distance, to write all I wished to say, I chose rather to be 
 silent for a time ; being then in expectation it would not be long, 
 before I should wait upon you in England. But this last relapse, 
 with the assistance of very ill weather, and not a little spleen, has 
 proved so obstinate, that I have not been able to get the better 
 of it, with the help of a vast quantity of vitriol, which I have 
 taken these last eight days, in hopes to patch me up for a journey, 
 insomuch, that I am feverish, with several other bad symptoms, 
 and am forced to quit this remedy. This state of my health 
 making it very doubtful when I shall return to England, I can 
 no longer omit assuring your lordship of my most sincere concern 
 for what has happened. The above-mentioned caution hinders 
 me from all I have a mind to say ; only, I conclude, for good 
 reasons, that no trial now, or at any other time, will follow upon 
 the charge against you. Though this, I know, is a mortification 
 to you, yet you may comfort yourself with the thought, that, in 
 a little time, mankind will come to itself, and learn truth and 
 justice; but, however, I cannot help referring to my old opinion, 
 which is now supported with more weight than I ever expected ; 
 and wonder that a man can be found in England, who has bread, 
 that will be concerned in public business. 
 
 " Had I a son, I would sooner breed him a cobbler than a 
 courtier, and a hangman than a statesman. 
 
 " I have constant relations from Mr. Yard, of matters of fact ; 
 but, at this distance, those accounts cannot be so exact or parti- 
 cular, as to give a true hght how affairs stand. If I could be 
 serviceable to your lordship, lord Halifax, and even my lord 
 Orford, by writing to any friends, or by coming myself, if you 
 think that useful to you, there is nothing in my power I should 
 not be ready to do, that might shew how sincerely I am concerned 
 
 4 M 
 
634 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 11. 
 
 for you, how much I value your' friendship, and with what esteem 
 and truth I will ever remain," &c. 
 
 He seems, however, to have taken no farther interest in this 
 memorable transaction ; and the correspondence, which was still 
 maintained between him and his friends, at this time, is con- 
 fined to matters of taste and ordinary civility, without any of 
 those warm expressions of attachment, which are observed in 
 his former letters. The cause may evidently be traced to the 
 disappointment he still felt, at the failure of his repeated endea- 
 vours to vanquish their hostility to Sunderland, added to his fears 
 of awakening the enmity of the tories, who were now predominant, 
 and who evidently laboured to spare, both his feelings and his 
 honour, by making a marked distinction between him and the 
 vfhig chiefs. 
 
 On the accession of queen Anne, Marlborough and Godolphin, 
 who guided the helm of state, hoped to secure his support, by the 
 offer of the post of master of the horse, which was conveyed to 
 him, in the most flattering manner, and with the most gracious 
 expressions from the queen herself. 
 
 LORD GODOLPHIN TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " April 5, 1703. — I have taken the liberty to write one letter 
 to your grace since the king's death, but 1 doubt whether it has 
 come to your hands, or whether this will do so, your friends here 
 being full of hopes, you have been some time upon your joilrney 
 towards us. 
 
 " I should be very glad, if any thing I could say would con- 
 tribute to bring you here sooner. The queen's government is 
 established, with much applause, and her revenue is given for her 
 life, as the late king had it. Her family is not yet settled, nor 
 will it be entirely done, till after the coronation, which is appointed 
 the 23rd instant. She desires to keep the place of master of the 
 iiorse open till you come, that it may be in your power, if you 
 have the same inclination for that place, which you have formerly 
 
JTOO—nOS.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &.c. 
 
 had. I shall not enlarge upon this subject, at present, but it is 
 not to be conceived what good you might do, in our present cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 " The uncertainty 1 am in, whether my letter will find you, 
 saves you from any farther trouble, at this time, from, my 
 lord," (Sec. 
 
 If Shrewsbury, however, had been inclined to quit the retire- 
 ment at Rome, which he had so deliberately chosen, he was still 
 too much identified with the Avhigs, to break his long connection 
 with that party, by accepting a place in an administration formed 
 on a.tory basi^. But he was evidently flattered by such a testi- 
 mony of public respect to his character, and, in his Diary, records 
 the offer in terms of exultation.* 
 
 His reply to this proposal, evinced his usual aversion to public 
 life :— 
 
 f^^July 1, 1702. — You have long deserved the best employ- 
 ment in England, and now I heartily congratulate you, that you 
 have it. At the same time, I think it is much more happy for 
 the public than for yourself, that a person, every way so capable 
 and acceptable, is in a place of such trust and importance. I 
 make no question but your great ability will make it easier to 
 you, than it would be to any man living ; and I hope you will have 
 as much content, as I understand the nation generally expresses 
 upon this promotion. I renew my petition to you, that you 
 represent to her majesty, my declining the honour she designed 
 me, as not proceeding from any want of zeal for her service, but 
 from a certain incapacity, both of body and mind, never to 
 engage more in a court life. I have troubled you so often with 
 my own thoughts, upon this subject, that I believe you know ray 
 mind, better than I do how to express it. I am sure it is very 
 sincere in wishing well to England, and all glory and happiness 
 to her majesty's reign," &c. 
 
 * See page 182, note. f "^^'^ ^^"^'' '* ^^ *^^ Blenheim Collection. 
 
 4m 2 
 
636 CORRESPONDENCE- [Paet III.— Ch. 11. 
 
 Although the duke of Shrewsbury thus positively declined 
 taking a share in the new administration, he effectually employed 
 his influence with the ministers, in procuring the place of teller 
 of the exchequer for his friend, Mr. Vernon, who, at this period, 
 Avas removed from the secretaryship of state. He also maintained 
 an intimate correspondence with both Marlborough and Godol- 
 phin, and testified, on all occasions, a patriotic exultation, in the 
 success Avhich crowned the arms of the british general. Of this 
 Ave have many proofs, in the letters which occurred during the 
 eventful year of 1704. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH.* 
 
 [Congratulates him on his success at Schellenberg.J 
 
 " Rome, July 26, 1704. — My lord ; If it be long that you have 
 had none of my letters, I hope you have done me the justice to 
 conclude it was because I would not be troublesome, when I could 
 not be serviceable ; and not for Avant of that true respect and 
 kindness I have long, and will ever profess to the duke of Marl- 
 ^borough, which noAV occasions in me so lively a transport of joy, 
 that I cannot forbear congratulating Avith your grace, on your 
 late success, so glorious, and so wholly owing to yourself. If the 
 affairs of Europe are reduced to any tolerable posture, it is en- 
 tirely due to the justness and secrecy of the measures you have 
 taken this campaign, and to the vigour Avith Avhich you pursue 
 them. I will not mis-spend your time Avith political reflections, 
 Avhich you can make much better than I, but must tell you that 
 your name is so terrible in these parts, that, in this holy, ignorant 
 city, they haA-e an idea of you as a Tamerlane; and, had I a 
 picture of old colonel Birch, Avith his whiskers, I could put it off 
 for your's, and change it for one done by Raphael." 
 
 * In the Blenheim Collection, 
 
1700—1705.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 637 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks him' for his congratulations — Exults in the victory at Blenheim — Loss of the 
 
 enemy.] 
 
 " Camp at Sefelingen, near Ulm, August 30, 1704. — My lord ; It 
 was with great pleasure, that I received yesterday the honour of 
 your grace's letter of the 26th past, and am particularly obliged to 
 you, for your kind congratulation, upon our success at Schellen- 
 berg. Our latter victory, at Blenheim, I am confident, must have 
 given you much more satisfaction, as it is of greater consequence 
 to the public, and the enemy's loss more than we could have 
 expected, or indeed have ventured to wish for. The elector of 
 Bavaria has been obliged to abandon his country, and by several 
 letters, intercepted, going from the enemy's camp at Rutlingen, to 
 Paris, dated the IQth instant, they own that this battle has cost 
 them upwards of forty thousand men, killed and prisoners; and by 
 the desertion since, upon their hasty march, or rather flight towards 
 the Rhine, IVIons. de Tallard's army, we reckon, in a manner, 
 entirely cut off, besides the loss sustained by the marshal ]V[arsin, 
 and the elector of Bavaria's troops. We leave general Thungen 
 here, to besiege Ulm, as the chief key into these countries,' and, 
 with the rest of the army, are marching towards the Rhij^, where I 
 hope God Almighty has farther blessings in store for us, before the 
 end of the campaign. 1 beg your grace will let me have the satis- 
 faction of hearing sometimes from you, under cover to Mr. Rave- 
 nant, the queen's resident, at Frankfort, and that you will do 
 me the justice to believe me, Avith the greatest truth and sin- 
 cerity," &c. 
 
 " Besides what has been taken by prince Eugene, and the 
 Germans, I have 107 colours, 34 standards, and 44 pieces of 
 cannon, which were all taken by the troops I have the honour to 
 command, as also the inclosed list of general officers, which are 
 all to go for England." 
 
638 CORRESPONDENCE [Part m.^CH. 11. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSB^JRy. 
 
 [Thinks him for his correspondepce — Anxious for his return to Engl^ijdr-TlVlilit^Ty mpve- 
 ments subsequent to the battle of Blenheim — Requests his opinion respecting a nego- 
 tiation for an alliance with the Venetians.] 
 
 " Camj^ at Weisembourg, Sept. 30, 1704. — Mj lord; J have 
 already owned, by mine of the 28th past, the receipt of your grace's 
 letter of the 26th of July, as I must do that of the 30th of August, 
 which Mr. Stepney, who has been so kind as to come and make 
 me a visit from Vienna, delivered to me the last week. I cannot 
 be enough thankful for the obliging terms you are pleased to use, 
 nor can I express the gratification I have, in the hopes you seem to 
 give of seeing you in England ; it is what I have longed for, a great 
 Avhile, as well as many other of your friends, but, I dare say, none 
 would enjoy more real pleasure in it, than myself. 
 
 " By my last, I told your grace we were hastening towards thfe 
 Rhine. We passed that river, at Philipsbourg, sooner, by some 
 days, than the enemy expected. However, they pretended to givq 
 us battle, on the Spireback, and had actually posted and fortified 
 themselves on the Queik, in order to dispute our coming' to 
 Landau, but, upon our approach, they always retired with great 
 precipitation, and left us, at last, entire masters of the siege, which 
 the king of the Romans is carrying on, while prince Eugene, and 
 myself, cover it. As your grace will already have been informed, 
 the continued rains, we have had, for several days past, have been 
 some obstruction to us, but, now that fair weather seems to be set 
 in again, the siege will be carried on, with greater vigour, so that we 
 hope to be masters of the place, in about three weeks. After which, 
 if the season favors us, I shall endeavour to seize Traerback, and 
 extend our winter-quarters to Treves, and along the Mozelle, and 
 so end the campaign. 
 
 " 1 have a letter, by the last post, from Mr. secretary Harlqy, in 
 which he gives me his private thoughts, that this might be a 
 proper juncture, to set on foot a negotiation with the Venetians, 
 for bringing them into the grand alliance, wherein I am confident, 
 if you would give yourself the trouble, your knowledge and interest 
 
1700—1705.] WITH THE WHIG LEA1)ERS, &c. 639 
 
 in those parts might be of great use, and I am as sure her majesty 
 would readily come into any measures you should propose ; therefore? 
 I beg that, by your next, you will please to give me your opinion 
 of this matter, with what hopes there may be of success, and the 
 most likely means of bringing it to pass. 
 
 We have been kept a long time in suspense about the success of 
 the engagement between the two fleets in the Mediterranean, and 
 are still without any relation that can be depended on; but by 
 what we have from France, we have reason to believe, the advan- 
 tage has been on our side." 
 
 Meanwhile, Ihe duke of Shrewsbury continued to maintain an 
 interchange of" letters with the leading whigs, though the corres- 
 pondence was, at first, chiefly confined to subjects of taste, and 
 the arts. But, in 1704, when his former friends were endeavouring 
 to force themselves into the cabinet, this intercourse assumed a new 
 character* Conscious of his influence, they laboured to interest 
 him in the political affairs of England, and spared neither per- 
 suasion or argument, to secure his support. Jealous, also, of his 
 communications with the treasurer and general, and even with 
 Harley, who had been recently appointed secretary of state, the 
 more violent of the party gave countenance to various rumours, 
 which were industriously circulated against his character. Cardinal 
 Jatlson, the french agent at Rome, having sent him, by means of a 
 hermit, some indirect and vague proposals, relative to the negotia- 
 tion of a peace, he was accused of caballing with the papal court, 
 for the purpose of promoting an accommodation with France, 
 which was then regarded, in England, with abhorrence. To this 
 was added a malicious inference, derived from his continuance at 
 Rome, and the attention, with which he was treated by the pope, 
 that he was unfaithful to the religion he had embraced, and secretly 
 reconciled to the roman catholic church. 
 
 These rumours, however idle, made such a deep impression even 
 on lord Somers, the most faithful and upright of his friends, that he 
 could not refrain from addressing him on the subject, and exhorting 
 
640 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.~Ch. 11. 
 
 him, either to return to his country, or adopt some effectual 
 method of refuting such injurious calumnies. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 * " My lord ; I did myself the honour of writing to you, from 
 Bath, last October. I sent another letter about Christmas, in 
 which, according to your order, I mentioned what your grace had 
 formerly said was the price the gentleman required for his Guido, 
 and took the liberty to renew my suit for that, or any other 
 picture, you might meet with, and thought well of. There being 
 now nearly half a year gone, since my last trouble of this kind, I 
 venture to write again, for I cannot content myself totally to lose 
 a privilege, I have formerly had of corresponding with your grace. 
 I shall always use it very modestly, being sensible my letters are as 
 little useful as diverting. The present humour of our counti'y 
 affords few pleasant subjects for a letter ; and if I could write of 
 things of consequence, I believe, by what I have seen in your 
 former letters, you would not approve of it, considering the hazard 
 of the miscarriage of letters. 
 
 " We were in a very general expectation of seeing you here, this 
 spring, and you cannot imagine how uneasily the disappointment 
 was borne by your friends, and what construction was put upon it, 
 by those, who do not deserve that name. This is a very foolish 
 liberty I take, and I do a violence to myself, in breaking through 
 that natural shyness (for modesty is too good a name for it) which 
 restrains me too often from dealing so freely as I ought, with those 
 I love best; but, as I do it this once, so I shall not be guilty of it 
 a second time, nor had I gone so far, but that the talk and the 
 censures, that passed, upon this last disappointment, were so very 
 much more general, than formerly, and (in the ferment we were in) 
 you cannot but believe, they were worse natured. Those that 
 honour you most, did not content themselves, without saying, you 
 _owed something to your country, and that you had been long 
 
 * Without date, but probably written in June, 1704<. 
 
1700—1706.] "WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 641 
 
 wanting to it, in very critical times. I never was wanting, upon 
 any occasion, to shew I had a true honour for your grace, and I 
 never gave a greater proof of it, than in this freedom I have taken ; 
 and I am not sure I shall have confidence to let this letter go at 
 last; but if it does, I persuade myself, you will not interpret it 
 amiss, because it is impossible I should have an indirect end 
 in it, how much soever I am mistaken, or how ill-bred soever I 
 appear. 
 
 " Never man w^as wearier of a place, than I have been of this 
 country, for many years, nor any one reckoned you happier than 
 I have, for being out of the reach and hearing of all the malice 
 and baseness, and violence, that men are practising upon one 
 another ; and I'had not put you in mind of coming among us, but 
 that I thought your honour began to be so much concerned. Give 
 me leave to say, that if your health will not permit you to come, or 
 if you think this continues to be too inhospitable a soil, I think you 
 should not raise an expectation of your coming, because it always 
 raises a new discourse, and every time more. spiteful. 
 
 " Since I have begun to be thus foohsh, in giving advice to one 
 of the wisest men I ever knew, I will commit another folly, which 
 I hope will, without any apology, shew itself to be very well 
 meant. There are some, to whom you have writ of business, 
 relating to public matters ; I mean persons of consideration. To 
 my knowledge, these things have been spoken of, in a manner you 
 would not wish, and a turn given to your letters, that, I dare say, 
 you did not mean. I shall say no more, for, if you do write to any 
 such persons, you know them : if you do not, the injury is some- 
 what greater. 
 
 " I had written thus far, when Mr. Yard came to me, and I told 
 him, amongst other things, that I had been writing to you ; but 
 that it was an impertinent letter, and I would not send it. He 
 told me, I had not writ to your grace a great while, and he would 
 not go from me, without it ; and so, at last, I determined to seal it 
 up, and put it into his hands, and to beg you to interpret, favour- 
 ably, the confidence I should never have taken, if I were not with 
 the greatest sincerity," &c. 
 
 4 N 
 
642 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 11. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY TO LORD SOMERS. 
 
 " Rome, July 5, 1704." — After sending him an account of a pri- 
 vate sale of pictures, he proceeds : " I shall now thank you for the 
 favour of the last letter, and most infinitely, for the kindly freedoia 
 you have taken in it. Your lordship would have completed the 
 obligation, and may do it still, if you will acquaint me what are 
 the censures people cast upon my absence. If it be, that they say, I 
 have changed my religion, I can assure you, I take care nobody shall 
 believe it here, and it is hard, after what I have done, and ventured 
 for the P. R.* that I should be suspected there. But so false a 
 calumny, I know, will soon vanish at my return,, and, therefore, 
 will trouble me the less. If, as your lordship mentions, they 
 think I have been any way wanting in critical times, they might re- 
 member, I was not wanting, in much more critical and dangerous; 
 trials ; when, to preserve the liberty and religion of my country, 
 I ventured my life as freely, if not more, than any body, my 
 house being the place, where most of the considerable meetings, 
 were held, in order to call in his late majesty. If people are angry 
 with me, that I will not serve, they might consider my want of 
 health, and impossibility to bear the air of London ; my natural 
 aversion to, as well as incapacity for, business ; but, above all, 
 that I look upon ours, as a country that will not be served, satisfied 
 neither with those in affairs, nor with those who decline them ; 
 and if, necessarily, I must fall under their censure, I am much 
 more desirous to do it for the last, than the first. However, since 
 your lordship says, that people grow every year naore malicious, 
 upon the deferring my return, I will delay it as little, as well I can. 
 
 " It is now, not five days since my spitting of blood has ceased. 
 I am just entered into a course of waters, and the season is now so 
 hot, that travelling would be very dangerous for me. I am not 
 inclined to begin my journey in the autumn, because the heats do 
 not end here, till the middle of October, so that I must make a 
 winter journey, and come directly out of this hot climate^ to pass 
 a very cold moist winter in England. The time I would chuse, 
 
 * So in the original, meaning, doubtless, the Protestant Religion. 
 
1700—1706.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 643 
 
 as best suited to my health, should be to arrive early in the spring, as I 
 will certainly do the next, and so surely, that nothing but death shall 
 hinder me ; and if your lordship thinks it were necessary for me to 
 come sooner, I desire you will so far continue your friendship, as im- 
 mediately, on the receipt of this, to let me know your opinion, and I 
 will forthwith depart, let the season, or my health, be what they will, 
 " I can recollect no letter, I have writ, that could give a just 
 occasion to any maUcious turn. If I knew upon what subject it 
 is pretended, I might remember better, whether there be the 
 least ground or no. I am sure I trouble my OAvn head very little 
 with thinking on politics, and I hope I have not been so foohsh as 
 to trouble others with them. The weakness of my breast, and 
 uneasiness of my hand, put me in mind, that this tedious scrawl 
 will be intruding too long on your lordship's patience, and, 
 therefore, begging the continuance of your friendship, and free 
 advice, I conclude;,"' &c. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREW^SBURY. 
 [States the censures circulated against him — Approves his resolution.] 
 
 " July 21, 1704. — My lord ; By your grace's letter of the 5th of 
 July, new style, I find, that, though some of mine have miscarried, 
 the last came to your hands, which I am glad of; for though I am 
 out of countenance, when I think of it, yet it was so truly well 
 intended, that I cannot repent it was written, and should have 
 been vexed, if it had fallen into other hands. I am sorry, if I said 
 any thing to give you an uneasy moment. I have always treated 
 the first thing you mention, as the greatest calumny ; and as to the 
 second point, it will not be hard to believe, I am sufficiently 
 convinced you have the right of the argument, on the side of 
 your choice, after what has passed in relation to myself. 
 
 " I cannot but think it would be useless to your grace, as well 
 as the most painful thing in the world to me, to be recapitulating 
 the spiteful things, which have been said, in reladon to your 
 abgjence, so long. I will mention one thing, which put me out of 
 patience, and was the true occasion of ray writing. A report 
 
 4n 2 
 
6U CORRESPONDENCE XPart III.— Ch. 11. 
 
 went, that an overture for a peace with France had proceeded from 
 you, and that you were thought a fit person, on that side, to under- 
 take the negotiation, and that you were not averse to it. This 
 passed from one to another, till it gained some credit with people 
 of the very best quality. 
 
 " You may easily think what effect it must have with that party, 
 who believe the utter destruction of England Avill be the inevitable 
 consequence of such a peace, while France is master of the Spanish 
 dominions. And, I assure you, another party endeavoured to 
 make as perverse a use of this report, as can be imagined. For my 
 own part, I have, with all the industry I could, endeavoured to 
 treat it as a downright lie ; but I looked upon it, however, to be, 
 in a greater degree, malicious, than any thing I had heard before, 
 and that thought produced the letter you received, of which I am 
 sure you will make no wrong use as to me. You can easily recol- 
 lect, if ever you said any thing, which might give the least colour 
 for the rise of such a story. 
 
 " I am the last man living, Avho would persuade you, to endan- 
 ger your health, by an unseasonable journey ; besides, I think a 
 few months difference to be of very little consequence. I believe 
 your reason against coming, to be here first, in winter, is unan- 
 swerable. 
 
 " I give your gnice a thousand thanks for the account of the 
 fine pictures. I am not capable of judging of what I do not see, 
 nor, indeed, could I pretend to determine of them, if I saw them. 
 But, if your grace thinks there be any one, or more, among them, 
 or elsewhere, very good, and at a reasonable price, I could be 
 extravagant enough to lay out about two or three hiindred pounds, 
 and should be very proud of having something, chosen by you. I 
 am, with all possible sincerity,"' &c. 
 
 LORD SOMERS,TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On the same subject.] 
 
 " OcL 5, 1704. — My lord ; I should not give your grace this 
 trouble, were it not to tell you, that I have the two letters of the 
 
1700—1705.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 645 
 
 13th and 20th of September,* with which you have honoured me. 
 They were both brought by the same packet-boat, and I had them 
 not till yesterday. I am glad I can now, upon occasion, with 
 certainty, confute that groundless, malicious story ,-f- which I was 
 sure, before, was untrue ; and did, as far as I could before, expose, 
 as well as contradict. But give me leave to hint to you, that the 
 story took its rise from a letter to the same purpose, which you 
 wrote to soniebody else than him you mention, or we are mistaken 
 here. We are just upon the opening of a session of parliament, 
 which I hope our great success abroad will make easy. 
 
 " I ought to ask many pardons for mentioning, so often, the 
 desire I had for a picture of your chusing, and shall say no more 
 of that matter.' 
 
 " I dare not pretend to send you any intelligence, because I 
 know you are better informed ; so that I shall only wish you 
 may get your health confirmed before you leave Italy; and may 
 find every thing here, at your return, just as you wish. In the 
 mean time, I shall think myself very happy to be honoured with 
 any of your commands," &c. 
 
 Shrewsbury himself was far from treating these rumours with the 
 indifference which they deserved, and, in particular, he was greatly 
 affected with the charge of apostacy. In compliance, therefore, 
 with the recommendation of Mr. Vernon, with whom he still 
 continued in correspondence, he wrote a letter to Dr. Talbot, 
 bishop of Oxford, repelling, with manly disdain, the imputations 
 on his religion, and expressing the warmest attachment to the 
 principles of the church of England. This protest produced the 
 fullest effect, not only on those who were jealous of his reputation, 
 but on the public at large, as will appear from the correspondence 
 of lord Somers. 
 
 * These letters are missing. 
 
 t Alluding to the report that he was employed in negotiating a peace. 
 
646 CORflESPONDBNCE [Pakt IU.— -Ch. 11. 
 
 JLOED SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Thanks him for some books which he sent to him from abroad — The letter to the bishop 
 
 of Oxford has had a good effect.] 
 
 " Dec. 1704. — My lord ; I am to acknowledge the honour of 
 two of your grace's letters,* the one of the 8th, and the other of 
 the 15th of November. A thousand thanks are due for the 
 books you have been pleased to send, and I cannot help being 
 out of countenance, whenever I reflect upon the confidence 1 
 have used, in giving you trouble, when your grace has not ho- 
 noured me with any commands in this country. 
 
 " As to the affair mentioned in your later letter, I have so indus- 
 triously spoken of it, upon all occasions, and exposed the malice 
 and the falsehood of it, that I may, with truth, assure you, there 
 does not the least suspicion remain with any body I know ; and 
 have not heard, that it is so much as mentioned anywhere, of 
 late, since it is known your friends are so well prepared to 
 confute it. 
 
 " I must also acquaint your grace, that a letter, sent to the 
 bishop of Oxford, has had a very good effect ; and I find, in 
 my conversation, has given great satisfaction to several, who 
 (without any reasonable ground) were under wrong impressions. 
 I dare say, with assurance, your grace will be received by all your 
 friends, upon your return, with as much respect and satisfaction, 
 and with as entire a confidence, as your own heart can wish. I 
 shall take the liberty to speak of the pains you have been at, in 
 exposing the book mentioned in your letter, in all companies. 
 
 " It is foolish for me to pretend to tell 3"ou of what passes 
 amongst us. The matter of supply has gone forward as fast as 
 the forms will admit : but we had like to have lost all, by an 
 attempt to tack the land tax to the bill against Occasional Con- 
 formity .f But the court exerted themselves in that matter, for 
 
 I ■ - ■ " ■ ' . ' I. -... II ■ _ ■■■■■■■ I . ■ . ■ i^ ^ ! ■ ■ ] ■ ■ 
 
 * These letters are also missing. 
 
 f This attempt was made in December, 1704. — " Memoirs of the Duke of Marlbo- 
 rough," vol. 1, ch. 32. 
 
J70a— 1706.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 647 
 
 the first time, and brought such a number to join with, the whigs, 
 that the attempt was baffled by a very great majority. 
 
 " The Lords are engaged in the proceedings in Scotland, which 
 seem to tend to an exclusion of the Hanover succession, rather 
 than the coming into it. I hope it will end well at last, but I find 
 that, in any reign, and with any success, there will be little cause 
 to envy any one who has a share of the ministry in England. 
 
 " I am persuaded the session will be over early this year, which 
 cannot but be well for the common cause. 
 
 " Having asked pardon for having said so much about it,, and 
 repeated to you, how very earnestly you are desired by all your 
 old servants,, to be amongst them ; I will add no more, but that I 
 am,, with all possible sincerity and respect," &c. 
 
 LORD SOMERS TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On parliamentary proceedings — On the expected result of the pending elections.] 
 
 " London, Feb. 23, 1704-5.— My lord ; I had the honour of 
 your letter of the 17th of the last month, Avhieh brought the un- 
 welcome news of a relapse of your bleeding ; but I was comforted' 
 with the thoughts that it was not violent, and, therefore, it was 
 to be hoped, would be soon over. Our parliament continues still, 
 though, if they had desired to dispatch, it might have been over 
 before this time. The last money bills are out of the House of 
 Commons, and then we are not used to be any great while toge- 
 ther. Asi soon as the session is aver, the kmgdom will be in the 
 wonted ferment, upon the account of elections, and there is much- 
 expectation,, how the weight of the court will be turned upon 
 that occasion. They have felt,, severely enough, what it is to have 
 one party so great an overbalance for the- other, (though it was 
 their own party,) and would have felt it much more, without the 
 assistance of the House, of Lords, to stem some of their extra- 
 vagancies. Beii^ upon this subject, I will be so foolish, once 
 more, as to mention to your grace, that it has been asked several 
 times of late, in my hearing, if the duke of Shrewsbury's, interest 
 
648 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 11, 
 
 would go wrong now, as it did at the last elections. I took the 
 liberty to say, I did not know that the fact was so, but I durst 
 answer, if it was so, that it was not by your direction. I hope 
 you will pardon me for taking the liberty of giving this hint, which 
 you may take notice of, or not, as you think proper. 
 
 " There is much discourse of some alterations Ave shall have, 
 at the. rising of the parhament; but, as I take it to be very un- 
 certain, I will not entertain you with reports that go about. 
 
 " Mr. Yard told me, this day, your grace was still at Rome ; 
 and that your bleeding was not yet stopped. I hope, as it has 
 not been to any great degree this time, so it will cease of itself, 
 as the weather mends. But, I cannot but say, you ought to be 
 sure it be stopped before you begin yourjourney, least the motion, 
 and the disorders which must happen, should occasion a relapse." 
 
 Notwithstanding the jealousy which was fostered, by the Avhigs, 
 of the interference of Shrewsbury in political negotiations, he still 
 continued his confidential correspondence with the ministers, and 
 cordially assisted them with his advice. On this subject we find 
 a letter of acknowledgment from the duke of Marlborough. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [On the proposed negotiation with the Venetians — Agrees with his grace, that such an 
 overture would not be expedient in the actual state of aiFairs. j 
 
 " London, Jan. 12, 1704-5. — My lord ; I am not much surprised 
 to find, by your grace's letter of the 6th past, that what I did 
 myself the honour to write to you from Germany, in answer to 
 yours of the 24th of October, was not come to hand, there 
 having been frequent miscarriages of letters, to and from your 
 parts. I then told your grace J was entirely of opinion with you, 
 that while our affairs in Italy had so ill an aspect, and the duke 
 of Savoy reduced to so low an ebb, it would be no ways season- 
 able to press the Venetians to declare for the allies ; but I am in 
 good hopes that the succours that are hastening to Italy, -and 
 wherein her majesty has been so generous as to give her farther 
 
1700—1705.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 6*9 
 
 assistance to his royal highness, may soon put new Hfe to the war 
 on that side, and even put him in a condition of acting offensively ; 
 especially, considering how much the' enemy must have suffered 
 this winter campaign, before Verrua. Then I hope the Venetians 
 may be brought to open their eyes, and embrace their true inte- 
 rest ; in the mean time, I believe it will be to little purpose to 
 make any offers at it. 
 
 " I am extremely rejoiced to see, by your grace's letter to my 
 lord treasurer, the hopes you give us of seeing you soon in Eng- 
 land. I could wish it might be before I return to the army ; how- 
 ever, when I am there, if your grace will give me the least 
 intimation of the road you take, I will certainly spare no pains 
 to come and' embrace you, since no man living can be, with 
 greater truth and sincerity than I am," &c. 
 
 4 
 
650 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 12, 
 
 CHAPTER 12. 
 1705— 1718. 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury departs from Rome — Arrives at Venice — Proceeds to Augsburgh 
 — Marries the marchioness of Paleotti — Attempts of the ministry and the whigs to 
 engage him in the administration — Correspondence on the subject — State of parties in 
 England — His interview with the duke of Marlborough, at Frankfort — He declines 
 all proposals to return to office — Lands in England — Alienates his whig friends — 
 Correspondence and intimacy with the duke of Marlborough — Joins Harley and the 
 tories, in procuring the disgrace of the whig administration — Supports the protestant 
 interest at the close of Anne's reign — His subsequent conduct and death. 
 
 After repeated intimations of his intended return to England, 
 it is not improbable that the timidity of Shrewsbury would still 
 have prevented him from revisiting a country, where he could not 
 fail of being entangled in the contentions of party. But his letter 
 to th6 bishop of Oxford having been industriously circulated in 
 manuscript, was at length made public, through the medium of 
 the press. Such a protest, from a proselyte, against the rehgion 
 of the country, where he resided, rendered it highly impru- 
 dent to prolong his stay in the capital of the papal dominions. 
 He, therefore, now carried into execution the design he had so 
 repeatedly announced; and, early in the spring of 1705, took 
 the route to Venice, with the intention of passing into Germany, 
 as soon as the advance of the season permitted him to undertake 
 the journey. His departure from Rome awakened the hopes, no 
 less of his former friends, than of the existing ministry ; and the 
 feeling it produced strongly appears in their correspondence. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Anxious for an interview with his grace — Laments the failure of the expedition to the 
 
 Moselle — Military operations.] 
 
 " Maestricht, June 30, 1705. — My lord; I was very much con- 
 
1705—1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 651 
 
 cerned to find, by your's of the 18th of May, that I was like to 
 be deprived of the satisfaction I promised myself, of seeing your 
 grace in these parts, and, I assure you, my concern was much the 
 greater, since the disappointment was caused by your illness. But, 
 having now received advice from Davenant, that your grace 
 intended to set out from Venice, about the 20th of this month, in 
 your return home, I am very much rejoiced to find that your 
 distemper had no farther consequence, and witli the hopes of 
 seeing you soon in the army, which, by the failure of our friends, 
 in all they promised me on the Moselle, I have been obhged to 
 march back to the Meuse. I was fifteen days together in the 
 camp of Elft, without being joined by any troops, but what were 
 in the english and dutch pay, though I was to have been consi- 
 derably reinforced by the germans, immediately upon my taking 
 the field ; and finding already a scarcity of forage, by the unsea- 
 sonable cold weather, which had destroyed all the grass and oats, 
 with no manner of hopes of being supplied, in any reasonable 
 time, with horses and carriages, promised for bringing up our 
 great artillery, for the siege of Saar Louis ; where, if we had been 
 once posted, we should have been plentifully supplied with sub- 
 sistence out of Loraine : all these disappointments obliged 
 me to yield to the pressing instances of the States, and their 
 generals, to come hither to their relief. Monsieur de Villeroy 
 had already taken Huy, and was come before Liege, where he 
 had begun to raise his batteries, and was threatening Limbourg 
 and Cologne, by detachments, at the same time. But, upon our 
 approach, he drew off his cannon, and sent it back to Namur, 
 retiring, with his army, to Tongres, where it was resolved to have 
 marched directly to him, to-morrow. But I have just now advice 
 that he is marched this morning to Montenac, towards their 
 lines, so that the first thing we shall do, will be to retake Huy. 
 When I marched from Treves, I left there sixteen battalions of 
 foot, and fifteen squadrons of horse, for the security of that place, 
 in hopes I might have been able to have returned to the Moselle 
 in five or six weeks ; but I have received advice, that those troops 
 have already abandoned the place, without being attacked. Wheu 
 
 4 2 
 
653 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 12. 
 
 have the satisfaction of seeing your grace, I shall tell you a great 
 deal more of the usage I have met with ; in the mean time, I 
 heartily wish you a good journey, and am, with the greatest truth, 
 and sincerity," &c. 
 
 LORD HALIFAX TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 [Congratulations on the probability of his return— Reflections on the successful event of the 
 struggle maintained by the whigs — Earnestly invites his grace to join the party — 
 offers his advice on the state of politics.] 
 
 " July 24, 1705. — ^My lord ; I am overjoyed to hear your grace 
 is on this side the Alps, but am very sorry you have met with so ill 
 a welcome into our northern air. But I hope the first impression 
 is the worst, and that, when the fatigue of your journey is over, 
 and you are more used to our climate, it will agree better with 
 your health, than the first change promises. Thus we flatter our- 
 selves, who are impatient to see you, after a tedious absence, and 
 I hope we shall meet as friends do, who have been separated by 
 a storm, when the winds begin to fall, and the heavens to clear up. 
 Chance, or your own lucky stars, drove you upon the warmer 
 shore, and the more peaceable seas ; but I am satisfied you were 
 not without difficulties for yourself, and concefrn for your friends. 
 My fortune has been to stand the shock of all the elements, in 
 company, and alone ; and I think our escape has proved, that our 
 vessels were pretty tight, and not so full of leaks, as our enemies 
 maliciously pretended, and our friends ridiculously believed. I 
 will not brag much of the seamanship we have shewed, for three 
 or four years together, but I will say, we have weathered some 
 points that were thought impracticable ; and I will add, that, if 
 your grace can have confidence enough in us, and you will ven- 
 ture to risk our fate, and give your helping hand, we will stretch 
 it as far as the changeableness of weather in these parts will 
 permit. 
 
 " Pardon a long-winded allegory, for the good intention of the 
 mora], which may be of some use to you, against you see lord 
 Marlborough. Your grace is come at a time that even we are 
 well used, and you may expect all the caresses and courtship that 
 
705—1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 653 
 
 you can desire ; and I hope you will entertain them in such a 
 manner, as may be for the service of the queen, the satisfaction 
 of her ministers, and the advantage of yourself and your friends. 
 
 " I never troubled you with any business while you were in 
 Italy. The letters went through too many hands, and the affairs of 
 England change so fast, that the politics that were sent to you at 
 Rome, would be of no use by the time you could come here. But 
 now you are come so near, if you give me to understand that you 
 think I could give you any lights, or that my notions could be of 
 any use in your conduct, I will give them with the same frankness, 
 the same sincerity, and inviolable friendship, that I ever pro- 
 fessed. 
 
 " I return your grace a thousand thanks for the pictures you 
 bought for me. I have paid the money which you drew on me. 
 I spoke to sir Cloudesley Shovel, to order the commodore to take 
 care of our cargo, at Leghorn. I wrote to Dr. Newton, on the 
 same subject ; but I believe your grace may give more effectual 
 orders to get them shipped aboard the men of war, or in a vessel 
 under their convoy. 
 
 " I believe you may very easily see lord Sunderland, in his 
 passage, who can give your grace a very good account of the 
 situation of our affairs. . He is a mighty honest man. I am/' Sec. 
 
 The reply of Shrewsbury to the letter of lord Hahfax, which 
 may be regarded as an overture for a coalition of interests, evinces 
 the same timid and cautious spirit, as his former correspondence, 
 and the same aversion to public life. Indeed, he appears to 
 have been doubtful, even at this period, whether he should pro- 
 secute his journey to England. 
 
 THE DUKE OF SHREV^^SBURY TO LORD HALIFAX. 
 
 " Aug. 24. — My lord ; I heartily rejoice to find, by your lord- 
 ship's, of the 24th of July, that public affairs have so good a face, 
 and sincerely wish they may long continue in that state, for the 
 sake of those who are to have a share in them, as well as for the 
 common good ; because we know, that as sunshine follows clouds, 
 
664 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. IS. 
 
 so clouds do, in England, as surely succeed sunshine. It is a 
 climate so inconstant, that whoever will be active in it, must 
 provide against all weathers. Had I a strength of body or mind 
 capable to resist such hardships, I should be more tempted to try 
 in company I so truly esteem and love; but, indeed, my lord, I 
 am extremely unfit for such a task, and, therefore, I beg my 
 friends will permit me to be an insignificant cypher, rather than a 
 bad figure. I shall always wish success to lord Halifax, and to 
 what he shall undertake, because 1 know he will act for his own 
 honour, and the good of his country : two things I as sincerely 
 wish well to, as I do to my own body or soul. 
 
 " The state of my health is such, that I am wholly unresolved 
 Avhat to do, or whither to go : I am only determined not to return 
 to Italy. But, if I go forwards, shall probably groAV worse in my 
 journey, and be obliged to stop in the bogs of Holland, which 
 Avould soon make an end of me. To pass the winter here, I believe 
 it is very cold, and the solitude great, though the town* is pleasant, 
 and the houses good. I have, sometimes, thoughts of going to 
 Vevey, the wariiiest protestant spot I know in Europe, but it is 
 far out of the way to England, where I hope at last to lay my 
 bones. In short, I am doubtful what I shall do, and shall be 
 governed by the strength I feel ; for, in Italy, my bleeding has 
 always stopped of itself; here vitriol, salt, the other remedies I 
 can use, have no effect, and I am grown weak, and so tormented 
 with a cough, that I get no sleep o'nights, but what I am beholden 
 to opium for. By this description, you may believe it is uncer- 
 tain whether I shall see the duke of Marlborough, or no. I the 
 more easily bear the disappointment, since I hear from several 
 hands, it is discoursed of a scheme I am to propose to him, and it 
 is observed, how ready I am to come in in fair, and go out in stormy 
 weather. Many, I am sure, will do me the justice to say, they 
 have, at no time, seen me so greedy to come in, as to go out ; and 
 if people knew how little I think of schemes, or court employments, 
 they might spare their censure for some, who will stand more in 
 their way, than I shall do. I am," &c. 
 
 * Augsburgh. 
 
1705-1718] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 655 
 
 The tone of this letter was so different from the anticipations 
 conceived, on the hopes of his return, that it produced a deep 
 sensation of disappointment, which is expressed in the reply of lord 
 Halifax. 
 
 LORD HALIFAX TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 * " My lord ; To shew the uncertainty of our climate, I am 
 not half so sanguine as when 1 wrote last to your grace. Your 
 letter of the 24th August, has put me so out of humour, that I have 
 thrown away all the notions and schemes, I had framed against 
 your arrival. I am quite out of conceit of England, since the air 
 of the country, and the temper of the people, will not suffer one to 
 live here, that any other country would be proud of. I confess, I 
 always thought there was too much fine silver in your grace's tem- 
 perament : had you been made of a coarser alloy, you had been 
 belter fitted for public use. Your mind is too tender, you lay too 
 much weight on the rude, unmannerly treatment every body meets 
 with in England, and you suffer too much from the idle, ill- 
 natured stories you Hear. I was so sensible of this, that I did 
 what I could, to hinder some reports from reaching you, which 
 could be raised,' from no other design, but to vex and torment 
 you. Since we cannot enjoy your grace's company, I am sorry you 
 are not in Italy. I think you should consult your own health and 
 pleasure, and not be driven from them, by any people's malice. 
 
 " I send you Jervois his opinion, under his own hand. I 
 could wish my statues may take the fate of your grace's things, and 
 I would not have them separated. Mr. Vernon tells me, your grace 
 wants to know where the house is building at Woodstock. I am just 
 come from thence, and will give you the best description I can of it. 
 
 " The house is placed on the hill next the town, over against the 
 hill, where the great lodge stands. The front is within 400 feet of 
 the brow of the hill, towards the old palace. By this situation, 
 they are under a great difficulty how to make an approach. The 
 precipice is 70 feet high, and if your grace can help them to a con- 
 
 * Without date, but written in the autumn of 1705. 
 
656 CORRESPONDENCE [Part III.— Ch. 12. 
 
 trivance, how to mount this hill, you will do a very acceptable 
 service. There are many projects, but none of them good. Lord 
 Montague is for making a stone front to face the hill, and make a 
 winding passage on each hand, by what they call un Escalier de 
 Giron, which he says is at Meudon. If they had got over this 
 difficulty, I think the situation very well, for there lie the meadows 
 under the front and one side, the gardens run on the bottom of the 
 meadows, and the offices lie towards the town. Wise has done 
 his part very well, the gardens are in great forwardness, and will 
 make a great shew next year. 
 
 " Tliough your grace's health will not allow you to come to the 
 duke of Marlborough, I believe it is not wholly impossible he may 
 come nearer you. I hope you will stay a little the longer at 
 Augsburgh, for I know he would make a little tour to meet your 
 grace ; but you will take no notice of this, till you hear it from 
 others. I am," &c. 
 
 While the attention of all parties was thus directed to the 
 movements of the duke of Shrewsbury, he had quitted Venice, 
 and, taking the route of Germany, repaired to Augsburgh. Here he 
 was joined by Adelaide, marchioness of Paleotti, an italian widow 
 of high rank, with whom he had long lived in habits of intimacy, 
 at Rome. Having consulted the magistrates of the city, on his 
 intention of espousing her, she made a formal declaration of her 
 religious sentiments, before one of the principal senators. On 
 the 20th of August, the ensuing day, after a solemn abjuration of 
 the roman catholic religion, before the Lutheran minister, they were 
 privately married in the presence of two of the patricians, and their 
 respective retinues.* He communicated the intelligence to the 
 duke of Marlborough, in a letter, which is not extant, but to which 
 he received the following reply : — 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 
 " Camp at Arscott, Sept. 27, 1705. — My lord ; I have received 
 the honour of your grace's letter, and must confess, I was not a 
 
 * Journal of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
1705—1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 657 
 
 little surprised at what you are pleased to tell me, though I agree 
 entirely with you, that we ought to marry to please ourselves, and 
 not others. I am infinitely obliged to you for the early intimation 
 you give me, which I take as a particular mark of your friendship, 
 and dare venture to assure you, no man living can wish your 
 grace more satisfaction and content in it, than I do. 
 
 " By the last post, I received very pressing letters from the 
 emperor, and his ministers, to come to Vienna, in order to settle a 
 project for the next campaign, before I go over. You will believe 
 I am not sufiiciently at my own disposal to undertake such a 
 journey, Avithout the queen's leave, which I am apt to think may 
 meet with some difficulty, since I know her majesty expects me 
 early in England. This I have acquainted the court at Vienna 
 with ; but in case her majesty should think fit to lay her commands 
 upon me, I shall undertake it, with the more satisfaction, in hopes 
 of having the pleasure of seeing you, either going or coming, 
 whereof I shall be sure to give you timely notice. We are now 
 come very near the end of our campaign, having demolished all 
 the enemy's lines, from the Mehaigne to this place, and shall 
 endeavour to spin it out as long as we can, to give prince Louis 
 the more time for his operations on the Rhine. I am ever, with the 
 greatest truth and respect," &c. 
 
 The duke of Shrewsbury remained at Augsburgh, till the 
 10th of October, when he resumed his journey, and took the route 
 to Frankfort, which he reached on the 17th. During his con- 
 tinuance in this city, his wife was introduced to the calvinist 
 minister, from whom she received religious instruction ; and on the 
 following Sunday he appeared with her at the french protestant 
 church, to give a public proof of her conversion. Some days after- 
 wards, at the conclusion of divine service, she made a solemn 
 recantation of the catholic faith, before Mons. Autun, the most 
 antient minister of the reformed church, in the presence of two 
 elders, and Mr. Davenant, the british envoy.* 
 
 * Journal of the duke of Shrewsbury. 
 4 P 
 
658 CORRESPONDENCE [Paut III.— Ch. 12. 
 
 At Frankfort he received the expected visit from the duke of 
 Marlborough. As this interview had been long desired by the 
 british ministers, as well as by the whigs, we must here advert to 
 the state of political affairs in England, which at this period ren- 
 dered the conduct of the duke of Shrewsbury an object of such 
 great solicitude to all parties. 
 
 Marlborough and Godolphin, who, at the commencement of their 
 administration, had identified themselves with the tories, soon found 
 that they could not vanquish the prejudices of their own party, 
 against continental connections and foreign war ; and that their 
 measures were cramped by the incessant machinations of those 
 whom they had associated in the business of state ; while, on 
 the other hand, their chief support had been derived from the whigs, 
 notwithstanding the invidious exclusion of that party from ofhce. 
 The consequence of this peculiar situation of affairs, was a bias in 
 their minds, in favour of the whigs, and a partial alienation from 
 the tories. Notwithstanding the obstruction they experienced 
 from the tory partialities of the queen, they had so far mo- 
 delled the ministry, as first to exclude the two great chiefs of 
 the party, the earls of Rochester and Nottingham, from the offices 
 of lord lieutenant of Ireland, and secretary of state, and afterwards 
 the duke of Buckingham from that of privy seal. They had also 
 recently removed sir Nathan Wright from the post of lord keeper, 
 and placed the seals in the hands of Mr. Cowper, a zealous 
 partizan of the whigs. The whig interest was likewise predomi- 
 nant in the new parliament, which met at this particular period ; 
 for Mr. Smith was placed in the chair of the House of Commons, 
 in opposition to the tory candidate, Mr. • Bromley, and in a 
 great degree by the influence of the ministers. They had thus 
 now formed a species of motley administration ; and as their 
 policy was, to preserve a balance between the two parties, they 
 were influenced by the same feeling as king William, in wishing 
 for the assistance of the duke of Shrewsbury, who was equally 
 esteemed by both. At the same time the whigs were no less anxious 
 for his return to office, because they considered him as identified 
 with themselves ; and through his interest hoped to forward their 
 
1705—1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 659 
 
 views for gaining the superiority in the cabinet. The object of this 
 interview was, therefore, to vanquish the repugnance, which 
 Shrewsbury still continued to manifest to public life. The details 
 of the conference are not preserved, but the result is thus commu- 
 nicated, in a brief note from the general to the treasurer, dated 
 Frankfort, Nov. 1, 1705 :— 
 
 "*****"** I have had some discourse with the duke of 
 Shrewsbury, and do not find him very adverse to his coming into 
 the queen's business, his great objection being, that he fears his 
 health will not permit him to live at London. I have not yet had 
 the honour to see his duchess, but am to dine with them to-day."* 
 
 Notwithstanding the hopes, which Marlborough here expresses, 
 he utterly failed in his attempts to vanquish the objections of his 
 noble friend, and left Frankfort disappointed and dissatisfied. 
 
 In the mean time, the duke of Shrewsbury proceeded leisurely 
 through Germany, and reached the Hague, nearly at the same 
 time, that Marlborough returned from his long journey to Vienna, 
 Berlin, and Hanover. During their stay in Holland, they appear 
 to have visited each other, on the most intimate terms, and 
 Shrewsbury was confidentially acquainted by Marlborough, with 
 the important affairs then in agitation. No farther attempt, however, 
 seems to have been made, to engage him in public business, though 
 from his journal, we may infer, that his sentiments perfectly cor- 
 responded with those of the ministers, and the whigs, respecting 
 the proposals then in agitation for a peace Avith France ; and that 
 he concurred with them in disapproving any accommodation, 
 which might leave a- french prince in possession of the Spanish 
 throne. Early in January, 1706, he embarked on board one of 
 the vessels, belonging to the squadroii, which convoyed the duke 
 of Marlborough, and returned to his native soil, unfettered by any 
 political engagement. 
 
 The hopes, which the whigs had fondly cherished of the renewal 
 of their connection with the duke of Shrewsbury were thus com- 
 pletely disappointed ; and the mortification was the more deeply 
 
 * Blenheim Papers. 
 4 P 2 
 
660 CORRESPONDENCE [Paet III.— Ch. 12 
 
 felt, because they anticipated the full success of their application. 
 They, consequently, now relapsed into that jealousy, which they 
 had formerly entertained of his change of principle, and again 
 accused him as a fair-weather pilot, who shrunk from his post in 
 seasons of danger and difficulty. They received him Avith coldness 
 and reserve ; and he was suffered to retire into the country, without 
 farther notice, or solicitation, from any of his former friends. 
 
 Still, however, he appears to have continued his correspondence 
 and intercourse with the duke of Marlborough, whom he in- 
 trusted with his proxy in the House of Peers, accompanied with 
 a declaration of the most perfect confidence. " Since," he observes, 
 " your grace was pleased to accept of the trouble of my proxy, it is 
 in so good hands, 1 think it much more sure to vote for the 
 public good, than were I present to give it ; and, if any thing could 
 give me a tolerable opinion of my own judgment, in these matters, 
 it would be the reflection, that in, any parliament, I have had the 
 honour to sit with you, I cannot recollect that we ever differed."* 
 
 The reply of the duke of Marlborough is written in the same 
 amicable style : — 
 
 "London, Dec. 26, 1706. — My lord ; The honour you have done, 
 in sending me your proxy, deserved earlier thanks. 1 hope I shall 
 make such use of it, as may be entirely to your satisfaction ; but if 
 any thing should happen, Avherein I may have the least thought, 
 that Ave might differ in opinion, you may be sure I shall not 
 make use of it, without your grace's advice and direction, but 
 rather be governed by your better judgment. The queen has 
 granted your request, in behalf of Mr. Stoner, whose warrant 
 of leave to come over is already signed, and passing in the forms. 
 I go next week to St. Alban's, for three or four days, and, if the 
 weather be favourable, hope I may soon have the satisfaction of 
 waiting on you, and my lady duchess in Oxfordshire. In the mean 
 time, I pray you will make my compUments to her grace. I 
 
 * Written in December, 1 706.— Printed in the Memoirs of the duke of Marlborough, 
 chap. 89. 
 
1705-1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADtlRS, &c. 661 
 
 wish you both many a happy new year. I am, with much truth, 
 my lord," «Scc. 
 
 About this time, also, if we may credit the assertions of Harley, 
 as recorded in the Diary of lord Cowper, Marlborough com- 
 plained to the duke of Shrewsbury, of the tyranny which he 
 experienced from the whig junta, and made some advances with 
 him towards a new political arrangemeat, which appears to have 
 been soon abandoned, without any visible reason.* But, whatever 
 degree of credit may be attached to this information, it is at Ifeast 
 certain, that Shrewsbury still continued on the most intimate terms 
 with the british commander; and we find, in the family papers, 
 traces of a correspondence maintained between them, during the 
 year 1707. We here submit to the reader the letters which prove 
 the continuance of their cordiality. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [On military aifairs, particularly on the invasion of Provence and siege of Toulon.J 
 
 " Meldert, July 27^ 1707.— My lord; I have forborne returning 
 your grace my thanks for your's by Mr. Irons, in hopes to have 
 had some good news to have sent you from this army ; but the 
 force of the enemy has made us so very cautious, that I despair 
 of doing any thing considerable this campaign ; and having re- 
 ceived an express yesterday, from prince Eugene, I would not 
 lose any time in letting you know, that they have entered Pro- 
 vence Avithout any loss, and have resolved to begin with the siege 
 of Toulon. If that succeed, France will be a great while reco-, 
 vering this blow. We shall know by to-morrow's letters from the 
 Rhine, if it be true that the marshal de Villars has detached 30 
 squadrons and 24 battalions, that, joined with what may march 
 trom Roussillion, must make the marshal de Tesse's army stronger 
 than the duke of Savoy's. But, as the duke of Savoy is like to 
 have one month's time, before these detachments can join the 
 
 * Memoirs of the duke of Marlborough, ch. 89, v. 5, p. 2l0j8vo. 
 
662 COERESPONDEMCE [Paet III.— Ch. 12. 
 
 marshal, I hope his royal highness will have taken the town, by 
 which he may be in a good condition to venture a battle ; the 
 gain of it may hasten my waiting on you, to your new building, 
 for I long to be at quiet in Oxfordshire. I have had it in my 
 * to make Mr. Irons a captain, without doing much injus- 
 tice. I beg my most humble respects may be given to the 
 duchess of Shrewsbury, and that you will believe me, what I am 
 with much truth," &c. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Expresses regret that he had not appeared at court — On military events.] 
 
 " Soignies, Aug. l6, 1707. — My lord ; I received last night 
 the honour of your grace's letter, and would lose no time in , 
 returning my thanks for it. I cannot help wishing, when you 
 were so near, you Avould have made your compliments at court, 
 being sure it would have been taken kindly, and am sure none 
 that knows you could have put any sinister construction upon it. 
 I hope you will allow me leave to make the best use of what you 
 write to me on that subject. We have been marching for five 
 days together, with a design to bring the enemy to battle ; Ave 
 were twice in hopes of it ; one of them was the anniversary of 
 Blenheim, and, if the enemy would have stood, with the blessing 
 of God, we might have had the like good success. But they 
 continually retired before us, and yesterday got to the camp of 
 Cambron. But this march has cost them above two thousand 
 deserters, besides what they suffered by the fatigue of their march, 
 for want of bread for three days together. Fearing your house 
 may be ready before mine, I have consented that the east part 
 may be made habitable, so that I may have the honour and hap- 
 piness of being near you. I am very much obliged to my lady 
 duchess for her remembrance, and pray you will assure her grace 
 of my most humble service. I am, with truth and respect," &c. 
 
 * Probably power. 
 
1705—1718.] WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 663 
 
 THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH TO THE DUKE OF SHREWSBURY. 
 [Will attend to his recommendation in favour of Mr. Walsh.] 
 
 " Dusseldorp, Oct. 18, 1707. — My lord ; I did not receive the 
 honour of your grace's letter of the 22nd past, till the evening 
 before I left the army, so that I could not well acknowledge it 
 sooner. I am glad to see you so much concerned for Mr. Walsh ; 
 for, besides the desire I shall always have to oblige those who 
 deserve your friendship, I have a particular inclination to serve 
 him, and, therefore, shall be very plain with you, on his account. 
 As to the vacancy of the commission of trade, the same post 
 brought me notice that it was disposed of to Mr. Moor ; and the 
 post at Brussels and the Hague is so expensive, that, as a friend, 
 I would not advise him to it, though I shall be no ways engaged 
 to any person till my return, by which time, I am apt to think, 
 both Hanover and Turin may be open ; and I believe your grace 
 will be of my opinion, to advise him rather to one of those, wherein 
 he may be sure I shall readily do my part, and will discourse him 
 about it as soon as I come to London, 
 
 " I left the camp the I5th, and am hastening to Mayence, to 
 meet the elector of Hanover, and if Wratislaw be not ill of the 
 gout,,! believe I shall find him there too. I intend to stay but 
 two or three days, and shall return post, either to the army or the 
 Hague, according to the news I meet with here, as I come back, 
 and shall embark for England as soon as possible; and if I have 
 not the happiness of meeting you at London, it will hasten my 
 coming into Oxfordshire, being, with truth and respect," &c. 
 
 The aversion of Shrewsbury to office seems at length to have 
 yielded to the persuasions of the two ministers ; for, in 1708, he 
 appears to have expressed a willingness to accept the government 
 of Ireland. But his inclinations were now strenuously opposed 
 by his former friends, who were become powerful in the cabinet, 
 and whose alienation had been increased, instead of diminished. 
 He seems to have deeply felt his disappointment on this object, 
 
664 Correspondence [Pxet iil— ch. 12. 
 
 as well as in some other favours which he expected from the 
 crown ; and from this period we may date the commencement of 
 his coldness with Marlborough and Godolphin, whom he consi- 
 dered as identified with the whigs. 
 
 Having no farther documents in the family papers, to develope 
 his conduct, we shall not repeat what we have already stated in 
 the Memoirs of the duke of Marlborough ; but merely observe, 
 that he eventually united with Harley, was appointed lord cham- 
 berlain, without the participation or knowledge of the ministry, 
 and became the chief instrument, not only in procuring the dis- 
 mission of the whigs, and the disgrace of Godolphin and Marl- 
 borough, but in effecting that change of policy, which so fatally 
 marked the four last years of queen Anne. He, however, in a 
 considerable degree, redeemed his character and consistency, by 
 supporting the protestant interest in Ireland, whither he was sent 
 as governor, as well as during his embassy in France, and by 
 frustrating the schemes of the Jacobite part of the ministry. 
 
 At the crisis of the queen's last illness he was recommended 
 to fill the post of lord treasurer, by the party who were favourable 
 to the protestant succession ; and, for the happiness of England, 
 their recommendation was eflfectual. The staff was placed in his 
 hands by the queen, on her death-bed ;* and to his co-operation 
 and influence may, in a great degree, be ascribed the measures 
 which facilitated the accession of the Hanover line, and baffled 
 the machinations for restoring the pretender. 
 
 ' On the accession of George the First, he Avas continued in the 
 place of lord chamberlain, and his duchess was appointed lady of 
 the bedchamber to Caroline, princess of Wales. He remained in 
 this post till 1715, when he resigned, either from disgust or indis- 
 position. He died on the first of February, 1717-18, in the 
 fifty-eighth year of his age; and protested, in his last moments, 
 
 * Collins, and some other authors, say that, at the queen's death, he united, in his own 
 person, the three great offices of lord chamberlain, lord treasurer, and lord lieutenant of 
 Ireland; whereas it appears that he was appointed lord lieutenant, Oct. 27, 1713, and that 
 the goverhment was again put into commission on the 14th of April, 1714. 
 
1705—1718.] 
 
 WITH THE WHIG LEADERS, &c. 
 
 665 
 
 his sincere attachment to the doctrines of the Church of England. 
 Leaving no issue, his dukedom became extinct, and his title of 
 earl, with a portion of his estates, devolved on his relative, 
 Gilbert Talbot, who was descended from John, tenth earl of 
 Shrewsbury. The rest of his landed and personal property, with 
 his family papers, came into the possession of his nephew, George, 
 third earl of Cardigan, father of the late duke of Montagu, 
 and grandfather of Elizabeth, duchess of Buccleuch ;* to whose 
 liberality I owe the materials of this historical monument, which 
 I have endeavoured to raise to his memory. 
 
 * The relationship of Her Grace the Duchess of Buccleuch to the Duke of 
 Shrewsbury, is shewn in the subjoined Table : 
 
 Robert, = 2nd wife, Anne, daughter of 
 
 second Earl of Cardigan, 
 b. 1607, d. 1703. 
 
 Thomas, Viscount Savage. 
 
 Francis, . . == .... Frances, 
 
 Lord Brudenell. 
 
 daughter of James, 
 Earl of Essex. 
 
 K Anna Maria == .... Francis Talbot, 
 
 Earl of Shrewsbury. 
 
 George, .... :=: .... Elizabeth, 
 
 3rd Earl of Cardigan, 
 d. 1732. 
 
 Charles, 
 
 daughter of Thomas, Earl and Duke of Shrewsbury. 
 
 Earl of Aylesbury. 
 
 George, 
 
 4th Earl of Cardigan, 
 
 in 1776 created Duke of 
 
 Montagu. 
 
 \ 
 
 John, 
 
 Lord Montagu of 
 
 Boughton, 
 
 b. 1735, d. 1770, 
 
 unmarried. 
 
 Mary, daughter and 
 co-heiress of John, 
 Duke of Montagu. 
 
 Elizabeth, 
 
 widow of Henry, 
 
 Duke of Buccleuch. 
 
 4 Q 
 
Printed by T. C. Hansard, Peterborouf>;h-court, Fleet-street, London. 
 
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