Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/378

 362 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.

free in his writings, but he hath had time allow'd him till Thursday next. They talk much of the D. of Argyle's loosing his places, and My Lord Stair's, who hath play'd and lived at such a rate that he will be quite undone if he is turnd out. To return again to Mr. Steele he makes a sad bustle still about Dunkirk, and mov'd yesterday that an address might be presented for all papers relating to that place to be layd before the house, but he and his friends were beat by a great majority. Here are people that will face you down that there is not one bit of the fortifications of Dunkirk demolisht. For my part I cannot but be sory that they are, since I am persuaded it might be of great use by its nearness to the Downs where we have always ships, and should be pleas'd to have some of our ancient footing on the continent. I am apt to think both the French and Dutch are glad to have it demolisht. Upon My Lord Cooper's motion, to morrow is appointed to goe upon the Q.'s speech, when I suppose all the venom will be pourd out. Her Majestic had last week a little fit of an ague, but is very well again.

��[Lord Bathurst.]

April b, 1 7 14. My Lord,

I shou'd have troubled your Lordship with a letter before this time if any thing material had fall'n within my knowledge ; I'm sure your Lordship must have had an account of Mr. Steele's affair in the House of Commons, which is the only bustle that has been there yet.

The House of Lords have been calling for severall papers and last friday enter'd upon some of them. They read a Narrative which was laid before them, in which was contain'd an account of the whole progress of the Peace and what was wanting to make itt Universel, and what obstructions her Maty had mett with during the Negotiation. This was laid before them in pursuance of an Address they had made. My Lord Cooper and My Lord Hallifax debated only of the

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