Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/529

 LETTER OF RICHARD WARDMAN. 5IT

mination. At last it was unanimously agreed upon that the candidates sho'd meet upon the 30th instant, in order to make a final decision, and proclamation was made accordingly ; and the High Sheriff immediately declar'd that Sir Miles had a majority of voices, as your lordship may perceive by the following account — For Sir Miles 7899 ; Mr. Turner 7877 ; Sir Rowland 7702 ; Mr. Wortley 5901.

Mr. Wortley has done singular service to the cause ; and indeed all gentlemen in the interest of their respective candi- dates have excited their best endeavours. Messengers were continually sent into every quarter who brought the halt and the blind in coaches, chairs, and waggons. Mr. Wortley, my Lord, insinuates as if there wo'd be no scrutiny, and that Sir Miles must indisputably be a sitting member, which is the sincere wish of all true patriots and particularly of your lord- ship's most humble chaplain.

Sir Miles was the only candidate that was char'd.

��[Richard Wardman.]

Wentworth Castle, May 24, 1734. My Lord,

I got home last Wedinsday night, God be thankt, and am alive and my poor mare, I doubt I have allmost kild her ; and two horsiss we borrowed, one of John Crawshaw, one of Tomey Walker, and they have broke both their backs and I doubt will both die. Sir Miles has had the honer of being the very first man chose at this great election, and was carried in the chare about York. He outpouled Mr. Turner 17 men and Sir Rowland 109 men, which is a very great afflection to my Lord Malton, and Sir Rowland wants to have a screwta- ney ; but I hope they will consider better of it and will let it end with nine nights wonder. When their hot blud is coold once they will consider that they will bee in the ronge, or at least will consider that mony will grow cost.

My charges will come to about 4 or 5 pounds, and if these

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