Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/397

 of Estates in Land have and ought to forfeit them to the next Protestant heir. What consequences may follow upon this I can't tell ; but I think itt is necessary the Act shou'd be made perfectly clear and intelligible which att present itt is not. Itt seems Jack How brought it in in K. William's time to endeavour to throw Popery att his Head, and by that means itt past in a Hurry, and nothing has ever been tried upon itt before the case I have mention'd.

Your Lordship may judge of the Dearth of news when I have been forct to fill a letter with the report of a Cause, but there is one thing I must give you an account of, tho' I don't know what ground there is for itt. Itt is reported all about town to day that the D. of Cambridge is coming over imme- diately and they say that letters came in last night to some Whigg Lords with positive assurances of itt. Your Lordship will know more of the truth of this matter on your side of the water and I beg you will lett me know your opinion of itt when you are next att leasure to give me a line.

I have not heard any thing of Lord Paget's going, tho' itt was said att first that he wou'd go in a few days. I don't doubt but your Lordship's intelligence will prove true, tho' I'm att a loss att present to account for your quick alteration. I know your Lordship must have had an account of the Queen's illness from better hands ; I hope she will in a short time be perfectly recover'd. I have now nothing more to add in relation to publick affairs, and therefore beg leave now to congratulate you upon your hopes of a son which I doe assure you no body (not excepting my Aunt Wentworth her self) does more heartily wish for. My Wife was brought to bed of one last week, and I think, besides the satisfaction of having two strings to one's bow, 'tis so great a comfort that 'tis not a Daughter, that I have the utmost desire your Lordship may have the same success.

The Courier has not yet brougt me the Snuff, but I return your Lordship ten thousand thanks ; and as to the other parcel, if your Lordship will send over a pound when you have an opportunity that will keep me a great while and I shall be extreamly thankful.

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