Page:The Annual Register 1758.djvu/136

122 my life, or your own will be at a period before this session of Parliament is over. I have more motives than one for singling you out first upon this occasion; and I give you this fair warning, because the means I shall make use of are too fatal to be eluded by the power of physic. If you think this of any consequence, you will not fail to meet the author on Sunday next, at ten in the morning, or on Monday, (if the weather should be rainy on Sunday) near the first tree, beyond the stile in Hyde Park, in the foot walk to Kensington. Secrecy and compliance may preserve you from a double danger of this sort; as there is a certain part of the world, where your death has more than been wished for upon other motives. I know the world too well to trust this secret in any breast but my own. A few days determine me your friend or enemy.

"You will apprehend, that I mean you should be alone; and depend upon it, that a discovery of any artifice in this affair will be fatal to you. My safety is insured by my silence, for confession only can condemn me."

In confequence of this letter, his Grace went to the place appointed at ten o'clock on the Sunday morning.

He was on horseback, had pistols before him, and, as he was without a great coat, his star was easily to be seen. He was without any attendant, but had a friend in the Park, who kept at such a distance, as scarce to be noticed. When he first came up to the tree he saw nobody, either at it or near it, whom he could suspect to be the person. He continued some time about the same spot, but nobody appearing, he rode away. It happened, that when he came to Hyde Park Corner, and turned his horse, he saw somebody stand loitering, and looking at the water, over the bridge, within twenty yards of the tree; this induced him to ride back, which he did very gently, and, passing by the person, expected him to speak to him, but was disappointed. He passed by him a second time, and the person still taking no notice, his Grace made him a bow, and asked, if he had not something to say to him. He replied, 'No; I don't know you.' His Grace then said, 'I am the Duke of Marlborough; now you know me, I imagine you have something to say to me.' He replied. 'No; I have not:' and his Grace then rode away.

The next day, or the day after, the Duke received a second letter, as follows:

To his Grace the Duke of Marlborough.

",

You receive this as an acknowledgment of your punctuality, as to the time and place of meeting on Sunday last, tho' it was owing to you that it answered no purpose. The pageantry of being armed, and the ensign of your order, were useless, and too conspicuous. You needed no attendant: the place was not calculated for mischief, nor was any intended. If you walk in the west isle of Westminter Abbey, towards eleven o'clock on Sunday next, your sagacity will point out the person, whom you will address, by asking his company to take a turn or two with you. You will not fail, on enquiry, to be acquainted with the name, and place of abode; according to which directions you will please to