Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 11.djvu/184

172 any thing that any chief governor pleased; and so it would be a needless trouble.

We reckon for certain, that Mr. Hill with his fleet is gone to Quebec.

Mrs. Masham is every minute expecting to lie in. Pray God preserve her life, which is of great importance. I am, with the greatest respect, my lord,

J. SWIFT.

The queen has got a light fit of the gout. The privy seal is not yet disposed of.

MY LORD,

ERHAPS you will be content to know some circumstances of affairs here. The duke of Somerset usually leaves Windsor on Saturday, when the ministers go down thither, and returns not until they are gone. On Sunday sevennight, contrary to custom, he was at Windsor, and a cabinet council was to be held at night; but, after waiting a long time, word was brought out, that there would be no cabinet. Next day it was held, and then the duke went to a horserace about three miles off. This began to be whispered; and at my return to town they had got it in the city; but not the reason; which was, that