Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/342

 326 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.

Last Thursday the Duchess of Richmond was Lady of it, and this Thursday the Duchess of Buckingham is to be.

��[Lord Berkeley of Stratton.]

March 31, 17 13.

I was not a httle surprised yesterday at the sight of Mr. Powell, but overjoyed to hear he had left your Lordship in good health soe lately, for I believe noe body ever came from Holland in soe little a time ; and that your great work was drawing near to an end. He tells me you have thoughts of having My Lady Strafford over, which I am glad of, because I think you will both be pleas'd with it but I would rather see you here together, then hear of your being soe anywhere else. I am alsoe to thank your Lordship for your favour of last week and sending me the account of the King of Sweden, an account exceeding all romances. It makes one impatient to hear what is become of him since his imprisonment. I hope the parliament will now sit next week, in good earnest, after soe many times being put off, and that those who are so fond of the war, will think fit to be peaceable. Your Lordship is soe tormented with publick matters that I will venture to tell you of what relates only to myself. My Lady Bellasyse was ever the most obliging to me in the world, but I never knew I had half one share of her favour that she hath expres't in her Will, where she hath left me joynt executour with her nephew Sir John Wodehouse, which is likely to prove a considerable advantage to me, and will help to portion my daughters. Your Lordship sees how much I rely upon your friendship, that I venture to entertain you with such a subject. My Lord Winchester is to be the happy man that marries My Lady Anne Vaughan. They say it is concluded. My Lord Peters dyed lately of the small pox much lamented, tho' a Papist, I was very well acquainted with him, and lik'd his humour extreamly. My Lady Strafford is just gone from hence looking better then I ever saw her. I have had a sight of your daughter who I believe will prove a great beauty. That

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