Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/186

 i/o the wentworth papers.

[Peter Wentworth.]

London, January g, lyii. Dear Brother,

When I writ to you last I was told that the summons of Lord Galway and Tirlawly was to have been this day, but going to the Court of request Saturday, I found they were then appointed to attend the house, and that there were so many lords of opinion that this affair being such a publick concern that 'twas fitting as many shou'd hear it as cou'd, and in order to keep a good correspondence with the house of Com- mons any member of their house ought not to be refused going into the Gallery, so I knew I cou'd get in with them without troubling any lord. Accordingly I got a first row in the Gallery, and shall give you the best account I can now, I wish my memory was better. As soon as the order of the day was read there was some little debate in what manner they shou'd proceed to question these Lords, 'twas agreed it being a committee of the whole house every lord was at liberty to ask what questions they pleased, but the first question that was to be asked by lord Abington, the Chairman, was settled before lord Galloway was called, and likewise that the two lords shou'd not be call'd in together but one after another. So Lord Gallway was called in first and he was told by Lord Abington that he was commanded by the house to desire his lordship to tell them the transactions of 'Spain from the councils of war before the battle of Almansor and so on as far as he cou'd. Lord Galway made a very modest speech and excused his speaking ill English and the badness of his memory from his age and infirmities, but when he knew what account their lordships required of him he wou'd give them the best he cou'd ; but that it might be the more exact and to their satisfaction he wish he might have the liberty of giving into writing what he had to say. Upon which there was some lords ready to speak to the reasonableness of the request, Lord Rotchester moved since this matter seem'd to be subject of debate that Lord Gallway shou'd withdraw, which he did, then Lord R spoke of the respect he had for the

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