Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/483

 that would be soon had. I find the people in general are glad to have a stroak with the French, but how the people at the helm are disposed I know not, but do not doubt but they will take the best and wisest course, for the honour and safety of the nation.

I have not been at court since I knew of Mrs. H being

Countess of Suffolk, but by some gentlemen I hear she's so well pleased that she hears better already. In the Prints 'tis said she's made Groom of the Stole to the Queen, for out of the Bedchamber it seems 'tis resolved she shall not go. I heard that my Lord Suffolk had arrested the body of the late Lord, but what he means by that I know not, nor could the person that told me the news tell me.*

London, July 15, 1731. Dear Brother,

.... The author of the true Briton's name is Arnold a shamby {sic) atturney of new Inn ; and he may swear him- self black in the face that he's set on by nobody, he gains credit by very few. The courage and boldness he puts on in owning himself the author of those Pamphlets, is an argu- ment there are great people assist him, for the fellow is a known coward. The King's going to York races is yet uncertain ; if he does go 'twill be going post, for he's to be out but 7 days, so it can't be called a Progress into the North. Sir Charles Wager is made Admiral of the blew ; before he and Lord Torrington had a great dispute but about what I know not.

The malcontents triumph much upon the tryal of Franklin being put off till next term, which happened by the accident of one of the jury not appearing. The counsell for the King moved that a talis de circumstantibiis might be choose, and Lord Cheif Justice allow'd to be law ; but the counsell for

wife was Henrietta, daughter of Sir Henry Hobart, a great favourite at court and with the wits ; to her Swift addressed the well-known epigram, in allusion to her deafness. Her correspondence with the most notable of her contemporaries (including Lords Bathurst and Strafford) was edited by J. W. Croker, in 1824.
 * Charles Howard had just succeeded his brother in the title. His

2 H

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