Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/560

 542 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.

London, ya;zz^(3:rj/ 9, 1739.

I heard yesterday that Lord Lemister my Lord Pomfret's eldest son is dead in France of convulsion fits which he has had very frequently for a great while. Master Douglas the Duke of Oueensbury's nephew dyed a Sunday morning of the small pox ; they had phisicked him in order for his being inoculated. The Dutchess is in vast concern, for he was a great favorite of hers. Mr. Handel rehearsed yesterday a new Oratorio call'd Saul, and Mr. Hamilton thinks it a very good one ; and for a chief performer he has got one Rusell an Englishman that sings extreamly well. He has got Francisschina for his best woman, and I believe all the rest are but indifferent. My Lord Deerhurst gave me an account of the Ball at Norfolk House last Saturday ; it consisted of five couple, first. Miss Selwyn and Lord Darnley, Miss Hamilton and Mr. Pit, Miss Windham and Mr. Lyttleton, and two Miss Cooleys with two men whose names I did not hear. The Princess of Wales play'd at Lottery, the Prince walked about and talked to the company. There was a great deal of good company and a great deal of mob at the King's court that night, my sisters did not get parteners. The Duke danced with Lady Caroline Sackville, and I with Miss Hubart.

LO'NDOi^, January 13, 1739. My Lord,

I had the pleasure of receiveing yesterday a letter from your Lordship dated the loth, with the account of the Duke of Hamilton's dining with you. As for the dinner I am sure his grace never eat a better or a more genteel one ; the only thing I question being well done was the soop, which generally women cooks dress sadly, but my mother says Mr. Tod understands cookery as well as his wife, so perhaps on such an occasion he might help her. I dare say the duke was mightily pleased with his entertainment, but I wonder how poor Lord Clydsdale could keep his eyes open so long, for I conclude

�� �