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HISTOEICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 

MANÜSCEIPTS 

OF THE 

EAEL OF EGMONT. 

DIAEY 

OF 

THE FIRST EARL OF EGMONT 

(VISCOUNT PERCIVAL). 

VOL. II. 1734—1738. 

LONDON : 
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EAEL OF EGMONT. 

DIAEY 

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VOL. II. 1734—1738. 

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• 1 

CONTENTS. 

INTRODUCTION 

DIARY 

PAGE 

V 

l 

Wt. 6606. 1000. 11/23. H.T. Ltd. 

 £ 

£ 

\ 

3'·· 

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\ 

This Volume has been edited and passed through the 
press, on behalf of the Historical Manuscripts Commissioners, 
by Mr. R. A. ROBERTS, one of their number. 

In the series of Reports this volume should be numbered 63. 

ÍNTEODÜCTION. 

The present volume continues Lord Egmont's diary for the five 
complete years, 1734 to 1738. As regards its subject matter, 
Parliament having been dissolved early in the first named year, 
Egmont himself ceasing to sit as member for Harwich, and his 
son, whom he proposed as his successor, having failed to be elected 
in his stead, there is no longer that full chronicle of proceedings 
and debates in the House of Commons which was so marked a feature 
of the previous volume. The circumstances of the election at 
Harwich, the intrigues, the plots and activities to counteract them, 
the local political strife of the borough intimately connected with 
the personal advancement of members of the small body of the 
electorate, are disclosed in numerous and lengthy entries. The 
passion engendered in Harwich itself in the course of the struggle 
may be gathered from the fact that one of young Percival's opponents 
was so overjoyed at the result that he exclaimed, " Lord, now let 
Thy servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation !" 
In the view of Lord Egmont and his friends, the loss of the election 
was to be laid to the charge of Sir Robert Walpole, however much 
the Minister might express his concern at the result, and notwith 
standing the efforts he made to disabuse Lord Egmont's mind of 
the idea. In other respects the great Minister's political conduct 
and private life come from time to time under review and some 
scandalous sallies at his expense are given a place. 

Lord Egmont's freedom from Parliamentary attendance gave 
him the opportunity, of which he copiously availed himself, of 
recording the proceedings of the Trustees and Common Council of 
the Society to which was entrusted, with the aid of a grant 
from Parliament, the administration of the province of Georgia 
in America. The diary becomes increasingly, therefore, a valuable 
source of information for the early settlement and history of the 
Colony, which may be consulted with advantage side by side with 
the official records of the Society preserved among the Colonial Office 
Records in the Public Record Office in London.* Among the 
matters referred to in the diary which may be specially instanced 
in this connexion are the visit of an Indian Chief to England, with 
his wife, son, and a retinue of followers in the summer of 1734, 
and episodes in the lives of the brothers Wesley and Mr. Whitfield 
connected with their evangelistic services in the Colony. John 
Wesley returned from Georgia to England in 1738 and Whitfield 
left for the Colony in the same year. 

Other matters of interest which appear in this section of the 

Wt. 5606. 

* P.R.O., Colonial Office, 5. Nos. 666-692. 

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diary are the circumstances of the marriage of the Prince of Orange 
with the Princess Royal ; the strained and unhappy relations of 
the Prince of Wales with his father and mother, the King and 
Queen ; Lord Egmont's own intercourse with the Court, and 
particularly his conversations with the Queen ; the illness and 
death of the Queen in 1737 and the King's attitude on the occasion, 
and many notices of the intimate life of the Court. The general 
social conditions of the period receive constant illustration, while 
the daily events of Lord Egmont's own family life, his occupations 
and amusements, including his own private winter concerts and 
visits to opera and play, his assiduous attendance at church, dis 
cussions of ecclesiastical positions and gossip about ecclesiastical 
persons, subjects in which he took a very lively interest, are all 
duly recorded. The negotiations for the marriage of his only 
son, essayed in more than one direction, and ultimately happily 
successful by a union with the Salisbury family, stand out as 
particularly important in the domestic history of the Percivals 
and demonstrate the social ideas and conventions of the period. 

The next volume will complete the extant diary and contain 
the index to the whole. 

March, 1922. 

R. A. B. 

DIABY OF THE 

FIKST EARL OF EGMONT, 

FIKST VISCOUNT PEECIVAL, 

ETC. 

VOL . II. 

1734. 

[1733-4], January 1, Tuesday, New Year's Day.—I went early to 
Mr. Hill, and asked him if Mr. Leathes had writ to him on Thursday 
night ? He replied, not that he knew of, but possibly the letter 
may lie at the Custom House. 

I told him they writ me word that the adverse party had gotten 
the affidavit of Davis made that he had not used his name to 
John Philips. 

He answered, he was sure that was not true, for he had it in 
his scriptore, and scarce remembers if he shewed it him. And 
thereupon he took it out and read it to me. 

I told him the keeping back Peck's deputation ; he advised 
I should write to Mr. Carteret to know the reason of it. 

I told him that sometimes I suspected my Lord Lovel, out 
of caution lest his brother should not be chosen for Norfolk, 
had a design to set him up also at Harwich. 

He replied, that could not be, for Sir Robert would not use my 
son or any gentleman in so ill a manner. He then told me he 
had some conversation touching me with Sir Robert, Sunday last, 
who spoke very handsomely of me, as also Mr. Walpole does, 
and that he has, since this affair, seen him use Mr. Leathes with 
great cavalierness, telling he talked like a child. That indeed he 
seems to talk more ministerially than Sir Robert, but is as open, 
only more hot. 

I told him Mr. Walpole told me on Saturday night that he 
believed John Philips was sent to Wells already. He replied he 
wondered he could say so, but it would be done in a little time. 

I went afterwards to Court, where the Queen made great com 
pliments to me on my brother Parker's account for offering his 
house at Weston, near the Bath, to the Prince of Orange, who 
sets out to-morrow, and desired me to bring my brother to Court 
to thank him. She spoke the like to my wife. 

Wt. 5606. E I 

 2 DIAEY OF THE 

Jan. 1-8 

My son and daughter Hanmer and Mrs. Masham dined with us. 
In the evening I went to the Haymarket playhouse to see " The 
Silent Woman." 

January 2, Wednesday.—This morning I went to Charlton, and 
returned at night. 

I visited brother Parker, to tell him the Queen's message. He 
replied he could not go to Court to wait on her, for that to-morrow 
he goes with his family to Arwarton. 

I wrote to Mr. Carteret, Post Master General, to desire Tom 
Peck might have his deputation sent him down, as all the Packet 
Masters had long since. He sent me back word, that his 
deputation was signed and sent him down in October last, and he 
would write to-morrow to him about it. I suppose Sansom the 
Agent received it and kept it back, but I shall write to-morrow 
to Clements to know. 

Thursday, 3.—Visited Mr. Clerke. This evening I wrote to 
Clements what Mr. Carteret informed me of Peck's deputation. 
I stayed at home the evening. 

Friday, 4.—This morning I returned the visits of Dr. Couraye 
and Mr. Bagnal, and Colonel St. Hipplite. Then went to Court, 
where the King and Queen spoke to me. 

I met Sir Robert Walpole and his brother there. I asked the 
latter if he had writ to Sansom to come up ; he replied, no, and 
that he thought it sufficient if he writ to him in my son's favour, 
and if I liked of it, he would shew me the letter he would write. 
I replied nothing, but afterwards asked the same question of 
Sir Robert, who replied Mr. Carteret had the gout, and he could 
not see him, but he would order the man up. I desired to know 
if I should remind him of it by a memorandum, or whether he 
would write to Sansom and I would send the letter down to him ? 
He answered, it was not necessary, for he would remember it, and 
it was better to send for him up than to write. 

I passed the evening at home. Mr.Ven came to see me, to whom 
I presented 20Z. for his zeal and service in the Irish nobility's affair, 
for which he was very thankful. 

He told me that one Dr. Rundell, chaplain to the new Lord 
Chancellor Talbot, has been strongly recommended by his patron 
to the Bishopric of Gloucester, vacant by the death of Dr. Sydall. 
But that he was promised the Bishop of London to oppose his 
consecration in Bow Church, as an unbeliever and profane person, 
having with his own ears heard him say that Abraham was a 
cunning politician who, to carry his designs, pretended to hold 
discourse with God. Mr. Ven added that as there must at least 
be two Bishops at the consecration of a Bishop, he believed there 
are not above that number on all the Bench who will consecrate 
a person of Rundell's character. 

Saturday, 5.—This morning I visited cousin Southwell, whose 
letters from Ireland informed him that my Lord Lieutenant had 
lost all interest in the House of Commons of Ireland by reason 
of his Secretary Cary's behaviour, and the design of repealing 
the Test ; and also in the House of Lords, who resent the not 
allowing the Irish nobility their right of walking in public 
processions here. 

I then went to the Georgia Society, where were present Mr. Vernon, 
Sir William Heathcot, George Heathcot, White, Dr. Bundy, 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

3 

1733-4. 

Mr. Lapotre, Mr. Frederick, myself, Mr. Smith, and Dr. 

Bedford. 

Mr. Vernon being in the trustee chair, we read a letter from 
Mr. Oglethorp, dated 15th November, advising us of his speedy 
return for England, that he should leave the Colony in good con 
dition, but could not make up accounts as he wished, because 
Hughes, in whose hands,* was dead, and the books not to be found. 
He drew on us for 1,100?., and said he should draw again for 

more. 

We read the Jews' letter to us, wherein they make a civil, 
but trifling excuse for sending some of their nation to Georgia 
without our knowledge. We ordered a letter to them to return 
our commissions, and to make us satisfaction by endeavouring 
to recall those Jews or send them to some other place. We 
impressed 600Z. to Mr. Heathcot for increase service. 

I received a letter this night from Clements, acquainting me 
that Sansón the Agent is speechless and in a desperate way, and 
desiring me, if I could not recommend an Agent, to take care that 
one of the other side be not the man, or at least that he acknow 
ledged his place as much to me as to Mr. Leathes. 

Sunday, 6.—This morning I went to Chelsea, where I hoped to 
find Sir Robert Walpole, and intended to ask for "Clements to suc 
ceed Sansón in the Agent's place at Harwich, in case he should 
die, but he was gone to Richmond. 

I therefore, at my return home, writ him a letter to that effect 
in my brother Parker's name and mine, to desire the same favour, 
with assurance that Clements and his friends should do as he would 
have them ; and he sent me back a letter as follows :— 

January 6, 173f. 

My Lord, 

If what you expect happens, I will certainly oblige your 
Lordship in the manner you desire, for I am very truly, 
My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient 

humble servant, 

R. WALPOLE. 

After prayers and sermons at home, I went to Court, where 
the King spoke to me. I also waited on the Prince. Mr. Clarke, 
of Spring Gardens, dined with me. In the evening I went to 
Chapel. 

Monday, 7th.—This morning I visited my brother Percival and 
son Hanmer, also Mr. Schutz. 

Mr. Fra. Clerke dined with me. I spent the evening at home. 
Tuesday, 8.—This morning I went to Sir Robert Walpole's 
Levée, where Mr. Bacon Morris, Governor of Languard Fort, 
came up to me, and proposed to me that Captain Hayes, his deputy 
Governor, might succeed to the Agent's place at Harwich in case 
of Sanson's death, which he said would for ever effectually secure 
my interest there. 

I replied, I knew not what relation Captain Hayes had to 
Harwich. 

He replied, a great deal, for he had allowed him 501. a year to 
spend in order to keep up an interest there, which was very strong, 
for there was good shooting rabbits near the Fort, and the Harwich 

* Sic. 

 l-«l 

VOY 

4 DIABY OF THE 

Jan. 8-9 

voters were at all times welcome to come over and shoot them, 
and bring their families to junket there. But more than that, 
he had himself so good an interest there, that he might have been 
chosen when he would. 

I let him run on at this rate, and then told him that I had much 
respect for Captain Hayes, but the Agent's place was already 
given if Sansón should die, and I had a promise of it for a 
friend. 

He seemed surprised at this, but, recollecting himself, said 
Captain Hayes should still support his interest there. 

To which I replied, he was in the right of it, and so I left him. 

But finding him put himself near the door in order to be as early 
as I in speaking to Sir Robert, so that he would overhear our con 
versation, I left the room and went the back way to Sir Robert, 
whom I found in his nightgown, and taking no notice that I had 
seen Mr. Morris, I told him I came to thank him for his promise 
made me yesterday by letter, and to ask one favour more, which 
was, that he would, always believe what I told him till he found 
it otherwise, and not hearken to the tittle tattle of others. 

He replied, he never did : that he had wished two of my family 
had stood, but when Mr. Leathes was to come in, and a difference 
had fallen out between him and me, he thought he could act no 
otherwise than he had done. 

I said I would not take up his time, but was come to thank 
him, and would write down to-night to Harwich. 

He asked if Sansón was dead ? 

I answered, not yet, for he had last post signed orders to the 
Packets. 

Well, said he, 'tis very well. So I left him. But shall be curious 
to know what Bacon Morris said to him, with his answer. 

I then went to Lord Grantham to consult him on what had 
passed between Sir Robert and me, and to have his advice whether 
I should not have the King spoken to, and made acquainted that 
Sir Robert had promised me this thing, in order to prevent the 
Post Master General from suddenly putting in an Agent without 
Sir Robert's knowledge. 

He answered, they would not take that step without consulting 
Sir Robert, who, since he had made me the promise for my friend, 
would not break it. However, it were not amiss that I spoke 
to him at Court this morning. 

Accordingly, I went to Court for that purpose, but he was not 
there. The King and Queen spoke to me. 

The Queen said a great deal, and particularly of Ireland, and 
in a low voice asked me between us what is the reason the Irish 
Parliament did not allow of a motion to repeal the Test ? 

I replied, for several reasons, neither Lords nor Commons would 
consent to it because the Papists are not so numerous as 
represented, nor the Dissenters. Besides, they loved the loaves, 
and were afraid the Scotch would get all the places there. 

She answered with a smile, I give you my word the Scotch 
are not to be satisfied with so small things, they would have no 
danger from that quarter. 

After this, my Lord Carpenter told me the Earl of Inchiqueen 
desired a book about the Peerage to give the Prince, but he thought 
it not proper. 

Ï1BST EABL OF EGMONT. 5 

1733-4. 

I replied, his Lordship was certainly in the right, it would inflame 
matters to give the Prince a book ; besides, I was sure he had already 
seen it by the hand that conveyed it to the Princess Royal. 

His Lordship then making an apology for telling me what he 
was going to say, for which he first begged my pardon and then 
enjoined me secrecy, said, that this morning Bacon Morris had 
told him he was going to Sir Robert Walpole to get a thing done 
which would effectually destroy my interest in Harwich. That 
thereupon his Lordship asked him what he could mean against 
me, and whether there was any personal quarrel ? Morris replied, 
no, but it was a matter of Election. Then I told him I met Morris 
at Sir Robert's, and that I valued not his malice, for I had got 
Sir Robert's promise for my friend to succeed the Agent, who 
now is dying, and which place Morris wanted for one Captain Hayes, 
which was the affair that Morris had hinted to his Lordship ; that 
Morris had desired my consent in favour of the Major as a thing 
that would secure, not destroy, my interest. 

He replied, it must be so, and that Morris was an infamous man, 
and a spy, so known, that yesterday, being at the Duke of Marl- 
burow's, and pressing him to know if such and such things were 
his Grace's opinion, the Duke in a heat replied, I say again it is, 
and you may go if you please and tell it Sir Robert. 

I dined at home, with Dr. Couraye, whom I bid to wait to 
morrow at seven at night on the Queen, who this morning ordered 
me to send him. 

I passed the evening at home, and writ to brother Parker and 
to Clements .touching Sanson's death. 

Wednesday, 9.—This day I visited Sir Thomas Hanmer on 
his coming to town, as also my son Hanmer. I went to Court 
to speak to Sir Robert Walpole about his promise in favour of 
Clements to succeed Sansón. I spoke also to Horace Walpole. 
To both I said my apprehensions of a possibility of some surprise 
upon him, either that the King's promise in favour of another 
might be surreptitiously obtained, unknown to Sir Robert ; or 
that the Post Masters General, who would be the first to know 
of Sanson's death, when that should happen, might put a man into 
his place before Sir Robert had news of it, which was the case three 
years ago, when I lost a Packet which Sir Robert had promised me. 

Horace replied that as to the King, none would speak to him 
of such matters, and as to the Post Masters, he would remember 
when Lord Lovel came to town to bid his brother speak to him. 

Sir Robert said this matter was of too small a nature ever to 
reach the King's ear, and, smiling when he spoke of the Post Masters, 
said he believed they would not put in a man without consulting 
him, and what could he say more ? He had promised me this 
thing. I came therefore away very contented. 

Mr. Aldersey and his wife dined with us. I had letters this day 
from brother Parker and Tom Peck. My brother earnestly presses 
that if I can't get the Agency for a friend, that I should insist 
on some stranger's having it. That Sansón is dying. He added 
tos desire that I would write to Mr. Rebow, as he had done, that 
Clements might look after the lighthouse at Harwich for him. 

Peck writes me that he never had his deputation from 
Mr. Carteret, as Carteret had told me, and desires my advice what 
to do, seeing the Quarter Sessions is on the 15th. 

J 

 O DIAKY OF THE 

Jan. 10-16 

Thursday, 10th.—This morning I writ again to Mr. Carteret to 
enquire after Peck's deputation ; he was out of town, but 
Mr. Rouse, the Secretary, told my servant the deputation was 
signed the 7th of September last and sent away ; he sent for three 
clerks to give him some account of it, but they knew not who it 
was delivered to ; so he said he would enquire and inform me 
in a day or two. 

I writ to Mr. Eebow, of Colchester, to endeavour to get Clements 
the care of his lighthouse at Harwich, as also to Peck and brother 
Parker and Clements. 

While I was out this morning, Mr. Bacon Morris came to see me, 
which can be for no good. 

I visited Mr. Fra. Clerke and Mr. John Temple. 
Mrs. Bertoldi and Signer Scalci, the Opera singers, dined with 
me, as did the son of Dean Percival. 
I passed the evening at home. 

Friday, 11.—I visited Mr. Duncomb and Dr. Couraye, which 
last was an hour and half last night in private with the Queen, 
who asked him if What she gave him was sufficient for his support ; 
he replied, he desired nothing more but the continuance of her 
favour and protection. She bid him come again a fortnight hence. 
I called at the Speaker's, then came home, and passed the evening 
within doors. 

I received a letter from Clements that Sansón continues to 
mend. He thanked me for my favour. Will follow my directions, 
but the other party still carry themselves ill against my friends. 

Saturday, 12.—This day I visited at Mr. Tuffnall's, Governor 
Morrises, Colonel Schutz, and brother Percival's. Dined and 
stayed the evening at home. 

Sunday, 13.—This morning prayers and sermon at home. Went 
to Court. In the evening went to prayers, and passed the rest at 
home. 

Monday, 14.—Visited Mr. Clerk, of Spring Gardens, cousin 
Betty South well and cousin Le Grand. They told me Mr. Henry 
Kelsal, clerk of Treasury and member of Parliament, was broke 
and run away, which was a false report, for at my return home 
I found a letter from him of this morning's date to be at a meeting 
at Sir Robert's house at seven to-morrow night. 

I visited Mr. Drummond, a director of the East India Company, 
to desire my cousin Percival, at the Fort St. George, might enter 
the Company's service. He said there were so many noblemen's 
relations already in the service that it could not be, and that his 
going out on a private account was what disabled him, for he 
would not have liberty even to stay there. But on my desiring 
that favour at least might be shown him, he said he would do 
what he could, and bid me give him a note of my request before 
Wednesday. 

I then desired my cousin might have a hogshead of claret sent 
him ; he answered it was impossible, for all the advantages the 
ship captains are allowed by the Company is to carry wine thither 
and sell it, and there is an order against their carrying goods for 
others ; but if I would pay for a hogshead to the captain, which 
would come to 40 guineas, perhaps the captain would do that. 
I said I would pay the freight, but this wine was a present to him 
from another. He answered then the wine will be spoilt, for 

ÜBST EARL OF EOMONT. 7 

1733 4. 

the wine which the captains carry must be opened some time 
before it goes and suffered to be dead, or it will be good for nothing 
when it gets thither: besides, freight pays nothing. 

I then talked of public affairs, and he told me elections go every 
where well. That the angry party are resolved to oppose 
everything the Government proposes this Session, and to be 
troublesome the first day of our meeting. That the Duke of 
Hamilton lias embarked with the Jacobite party, but having 
secretly offered to be for the Court if the King will make him a 
hereditary English Peer, the Jacobites, who have learned this, 
have renounced him, as a man unsettled, but all for his own 
interests. That the King recalled him from Rome, where he 
was too busy with the Pretender's party, of which Baron Stoch, 
our spy there, gave notice ; yet at his return the King made him 
Lord of the Bedchamber, which place he slighted, though kept open 
a year for him. 

This day I had two letters, one to be at Sir Robert Walpole's 
to-morrow at seven at night, the other to be at the Cockpit on 
Wednesday at the same hour ; but I intend to be at neither. 
The-business is to be made acquainted with the King's speech for 
Thursday next ; the meeting for to-morrow is of a select number, 
at the other meeting all who please may come. 

Tuesday, 15.—This morning I went to Charlton, and dined 
there. In the evening I visited Mr. Gumly, who told me the angry 
gentlemen design among other things to bring into Parliament 
the ΙΟΟ,ΟΟΟί. per annum which they say the King ought to allow 
the Prince. I heard from others that my Lord Cholmondeley, 
Master of the Horse to the Prince, and son-in-law to Sir Robert 
Walpole, had refused to move for an address of thanks to the 
King's speech, on account of his near alliance to Sir Robert, and 
his being the Prince's servant, which he thought rendered him unfit 
to make such motion, and would come better from a country Lord. 

Wednesday, 16.—This morning I visited Dean Berkeley to 
congratulate him upon being designed Bishop of Cloyn in Ireland, 
but he was not at home. I visited the Bishop of London to recom 
mend Mr. Cornwallis to his interest for a living in Essex. The 
Bishop told me he never promised, but he believed one Mr. Richards 
will get it, who was curate under the late incumbent, and was 
recommended by Sir Charles Wager and Mr. Clayton, on account 
that Mr. Richards is related to the head bailiff of Westminster, 
whose interest they want for Parliament men. He spoke with 
encomiums of Sir Robert Walpole, who, he said, he never found 
false to his word. He said a Triennial Bill will be pushed for in 
the House of Commons this Session, which if it be carried will pass 
the House of Lords. 

He said also that it is intended to push for procuring by address 
of Parliament, that the Principality of Wales may be settled on 
the Prince, which the King now keeps in his own hands, because 
of the power that follows it, though the income is but Ι,ΙΟΟΖ. 
per annum. He talked against the Bribery Bill, and against 
the Pension Bill. He wished the King would declare publicly 
a preference of the Church of England to the Dissenters. I visited 

Tu1 Scllutz> Lord Carpenter, and daughter Hanmer. 

My servant brought me word from Mr. Rous, Secretary of the 
1 ost Office, that he could not find what became of Peck's deputation, 

 I-Ul I 
ΥόΥ 

/ 

^l 

8 DIARY OP THE 

Jan. 16-19 

but he would soon send him down another, and Mr. Carteret 
was still out of town. It is evident from this that the deputation 
was kept back to tempt Peck to vote against the Mayor I set up, 
and that they will not own so much. 

Dr. Bearcroft dined with me. I stayed the evening at home.* 
Thursday, 17 January, 173f.—This morning Mr. James Clements 
came to town, with news that Sansón, Agent for the Packets at 
Harwich, died on Tuesday last. I went immediately to Sir Robert 
Walpole, and got his letter to Mr. Carteret, of the Post Office, to put 
Clements in that place, and then went with Clements to the Post 
Office, where Mr. Rouse, the Secretary, told me he would acquaint 
Mr. Carteret and Lord Lovel with it when they came to town, 
and he believed in about a week the commission would be made 
out. He said if the letter had been directed both to Lord Lovel 
and Mr. Carteret it had been better. 

I replied, Sir Robert was in doubt whether the commission were 
to pass by deputation from the Post Office or by commission from 
the Treasury. He answered that when Sansón was put in, it was 
by commission from the Treasury, because Mr. Walpole put him 
in, but the Post Masters had the right to commission the Agents. 

Then he confirmed to me that Tom Peck's deputation should 
be speedily sent him, and that he could not recollect how it came 
to pass the· former deputation miscarried, which had been sent 
him. He showed me a memorial in favour of Bickerton to succeed 
to Sansón, signed by twenty voters' hands, which arrived this 
morning. 

My Lord Grantham came to see me, and asked if Sir Robert 
Walpole had satisfied me. I replied he had, at which he expressed 
great pleasure. Mr. Doddington came to see me ; he is the great 
counsellor, or we may say premier Minister of the Prince of Wales, 
and charged by the Ministry with making mischief between the 
King and Prince, who of a long time have not conversed together 
except on New Year's Day that the King spoke to him in the 
drawing room, which was much observed. 

I went to the House, which began this day to sit. The King 
opened the Session with a long and handsome speech, and the 
Commons agreed to heads of an address of thanks without a 
division, but Shippen, Sir Jo. Cotton, Sir William Windham, 
Waller, Lord Colerain, and Will Pulteney would not suffer matters 
to go off too glibly, wherefore they objected to some words in 
our heads of Address, and would have some other words added 
by way of explanation. Some apprehended our general expressions 
of supplying the King as worded, might be made use of to obtain 
a vote of credit, and others insinuated that by engaging to defend 
his Majesty's possessions, might be meant his Hanover dominions. 
But on Sir Robert Walpole's assurances that neither of those 
things were intended to be offered at from the words of our 
Address, but that if they were necessary they would be the subject 
of a particular proposal to debate, those gentlemen desisted from 
their opposition, only four or five gave a loud No to agreeing, 
that it might appear the Address was not voted unanimously, 
thus shewing their teeth where they could not bite. 

* Here the fourth volume of the manuscript diary ends. It is carefully 
indexed. 

FIRST EABL OF EGMONT. 9 

1733-4. 

At my return home to dinner, which was between five and six, 
I found Dean Berkeley, who acquainted me that this morning 
he had the King and Queen's hands for the Bishopric of Cloyn, 
which gave me inexpressible pleasure, for besides that he is my 
intimate friend, my estate is in his diocese. The Bishop of London 
told me the bishopric was designed him a week ago, and that there 
was no doubt of it, the Duke of Dorset having recommended him 
from Ireland, Sir Robert Walpole consenting, and the Queen 
and Lord Wilmington and himself very much approving it. The 
bishopric passes for 1,300Z. a year, but is effectually Ι,ΙΟΟΖ., and 
has a good house on it. 

I passed the evening at home, and reflected on the advantage 
I have gotten by procuring Mr. Clements the Agency of the Packets 
at Harwich ; for my interest with the Government must needs 
appear very great to the voters there, that the best employment 
for honour, power and salary should, by my means, be conferred 
on a person cruelly misrepresented to Sir Robert Walpole as his 
worst enemy. This action has reconciled me to Sir Robert and to 
Mr. Walpole, and all suspicion I justly had, that at the bottom my 
son was not designed to be member for Harwich if the Government 
could hinder it, is now ceased ; the enemies I had there will pull 
in their horns, and no third person offer to stand candidate there 
in opposition to my son and Mr. Leathes, which will save great 
trouble and expense. Besides, it is a stop to Mr. Leathes' ambitious 
view of making himself sole master of the borough, as also to 
his insolent carriage towards my friends. 

Friday, 18 Jan.—This morning I visited Mr. Temple and Mr. Clerke. 
Went to the House, where on the report of the Address of thanks to 
his Majesty for his speech, notice was taken by Mr. Sands, Plummer, 
Gibbons, and Shippen that the Address exceeded the heads for 
framing it, in passing an approbation of the Ministry's adminis 
tration by the following words—Prudence of your Majesty's counsels 
and measures on every occasion, which they objected to, as not 
fitting for many gentlemen to acquiesce in who did not approve 
every thing and measure taken by his Majesty since he came 
to the Crown. They called on Mr. Campbell to answer why he 
put in words to the Address which were not contained in the heads 
agreed to yesterday. Whereupon he said something to justify 
himself, but did not deny the liberty he had taken. Hereupon 
Mr. Henry Pelham said that it was usual for the Chairman to take 
that liberty when it did not contradict the heads of the Address, 
and Mr. Walpole supported him. At length Sir Robert Walpole 
gave way that the words objected to should not stand part of the 
Address, declaring he had no more desire of being screened for 
things past than ever to have recourse to an act of grace. So 
those words were expunged, after which the Address passed in 
a manner _ wem. con. It must be owned the Ministry thought to 
have slid in an approbation of their measures unawares. I dined 
at home, and with me Mr. Aldersee and one Mr. Newnham, of 
the City. I passed the evening at home. 

Saturday, 19th.—This day I visited my son Hammer, Sir Charles 
isunbury, Sir Thomas Hanmer, and brother Percival. Sir Edward 
Dermg visited me. I attended the Commons' Address to Court, 
Mid then the following gentlemen dined with me: The Speaker; 
Bishop of Bangor, Dr. Sherlock; Dr. Seeker, minister of St. James's 

 \ 

\ 

«03° 

9 I 

\ 

10 DIABY Of THE 

Jan. 19-23 

parish ; Dr. Couraye, Mr. Longvile, Mr. Temple, and the Earl of 
Tyrconnel. They stayed with me till nine o'clock. 

Sunday, 20.—This morning I went to Chapel, and afterwards 
to Court. I visited Mr. Francis Clerke, who told me there would 
be no ball to-morrow on occasion of celebrating the Prince of 
Wales's birthday, who was this day 27 old. The reason is 
that the Queen is ill of the gout, so that she has kept her bed 
two days, but others say it is so ordered that it may not appear 
how many persons intended to appear at the ball and show their 
respect to the Prince at this time of misunderstanding between 
him and his father. 

After dinner I went to Chapel, and then visited Sir John Evelyn, 
whom I acquainted with the satisfaction made me by Sir Robert 
Walpole in my Harwich election of a Mayor, and therefore I did no 
longer insist that John Philips should be recommended to the 
Wells station. Sir John said he had wondered how it came that 
Sir Robert had acted so, but he was glad I had satisfaction, and 
as to John Philips, they should let him alone until they found in 
him some fresh fault. 

Monday, 21.—This being the Prince of Wales's birthday, he is 
27 years old. I put on new clothes and went to his Levée, and 
told him I wished him to live to see many, and many, and many 
such days. He smiled and very obligingly thanked me, and added 
he was convinced I loved him. 

Bacon Morris, Governor of Landguard Fort, near Harwich, 
came to see me, and talked a great deal of rattling stuff of his 
Deputy Governor's interest in Harwich, and if it had not been 
too late would have convinced me how much it was for my interest 
that he should have Sansón the late Agent's of the Packets place 
at Harwich. But since, as he understood, I had got it for Clements, 
he would desire I would concur with my interest that his Deputy 
might succeed to something on a new occasion. 

I 'told him the thing was now out of my power, for Clements 
had it, that on another occasion I should concur with him to serve 
Captain Hayes, provided he showed himself my friend and assisted 
my interest, since he said he had one there ; but it was unlucky 
his deputy should at the last election be a bustler against my 
friend Clements' election. That I knew nothing of Captain Hayes' 
desire to have Sanson's place, but when Sansón died was desirous 
the person who lost his election should succeed him, to redeem 
his credit, and mine too, it having been represented there that I 
had lost my interest with the Government. He said Captain Hayes 
has five voters there at his beck, and may have all the town. I 
replied that I wondered then twenty voters should have signed 
a petition for Bickerton to have the place, and none sign for Hayes, 
since Hayes was sent for to the town an hour after Sanson's death, 
and had an opportunity of asking his friends to petition for him. 
That I suppose he had heard of such a petition come up, which 
Mr. Leathes delivered. He replied he knew nothing of Mr. Leathes, 
and did not regard petitions, though signed by the whole town, 
and Captain Hayes disregarded going by way of petition since he 
knew him to be his friend and a relation of Sir Robert's. He 
asked me why I insisted on Clements for being Mayor, since all 
the town had promised me their votes for my son, if I would give 
him up. I answered, because I had promised him my interest 

BTßST EABL OB' EGMONT. 

11 

1733-4. 

for Mayor two years before, and he could no more wonder that I 
stood by my friend than I wondered he stood by Captain Hayes. 
He asked me if the Packets would serve under Clements ? I 
smiled, and said every one, and what I drive at, is to reconcile 
all differences there. 

Dr. Hollings and his family dined with us. Passed the evening 
at home. 

Tuesday, 22.—Went to Sir Robert Walpole to ask for the Clerk 
of the Pipe's place for my brother Percival. I told him it was 
both fit for him, and he for it. Sir Robert replied he had given 
it long ago to another, that it was a patent place for life, and a 
sinecure, and under my Lord Chancellor. I told him I hoped 
he did not think me troublesome, for he had been so kind as to 
promise to do for my brother. He replied, far from troublesome, 
for he had promised me to take care of my brother, and would ; 
besides, he had obligations to me which he should always acknow 
ledge. I went to the House, which rose soon, and then dined 
with Mr. Temple, in company with the Bishop of Bangor, 
Dr. Couraye, Dr. Clerk, a chaplain of the King's, and Dr. Seeker. 
Spent the evening at home. 

Wednesday, 23.—This morning I visited Mr. Carteret, of the 
Post Office, to know what progress was made in Mr. Clement's 
deputation or commission for the Agency of the Packets at Harwich. 
He told me my Lord Lovel had taken the memorial in favour of 
Bickerton to show Sir Robert Walpole, and if Sir Robert, not 
withstanding that memorial, would still have Clements to succeed 
to that office, that no time should be lost. He added that if, 
when I saw Sir Robert, he should tell me that Clements, notwith 
standing that memorial, should have the place, it would do as 
well, if I writ him a line to that purpose, as if Sir Robert should 
personally or by letter repeat his recommendation. We after 
wards talked of Mr. Carteret's being afflicted with the gravel, 
and I recommended to him laudanum, as a medicine that relieved 
the pain of his distemper, by relaxing the passages. 

Then we returned to the business of Clements, and he told me 
that he heard he was a farmer. I replied, he had farms, but always 
lived in Harwich, and had two years ago been Mayor. That he 
was a man of the best sense in Harwich, and of good substance. 
He said since Sansón had died 100Í. in debt to the Government, 
that for the future all Agents of Packets should give security for 
their honesty, notwithstanding they are bound quarterly to return 
the money due from them, which arrives from passengers. That 
this is more necessary since members of Parliament recommend 
their voters for such places, which is to the hazard at least, if not 
to the prejudice, of Government's service. That had the matter 
been left to the Office, he should have been for letting qualified 
persons rise gradually as vacancies happen, as an encouragement 
to under officers to do their duty, besides that they are presumed 
to be better qualified than other persons. I told him I took it 
ω of Sansón that he kept the captains of the Packets on shore to 
vote against a Mayor I had set up, contrary, as I understood, 
to an order of his masters. He replied, if he did, it was without 
orders ; that Mr. Leathes had indeed been at the Board to desire 
tnat favour, and made use of Sir Robert Walpole's name, to which 
ne answered that the Board would not give that order, but if 

Sft 

 12 DÎAEÏ· 0F Tfflffi 

Jan. 23-25 

Sansón did, they would wink at it. Then he acquainted me how 
ill my brother Parker had used him in recommending me to the 
borough, after the great friendship between them, and his defending 
him against the ill-will of GaLfred Walpole, at that time joint Post 
Master, but assured me that he never had any ill-will for it against 
me. I thanked him, and so we parted with great civility. 

I then went to the House, where an unexpected debate happened 
upon two questions moved by Sir Jo. Rushout and Will. Pulteney, 
namely, the first that papers might be addressed for relating to the 
Treaty of Seville, and secondly, papers relating to the Treaty of 
Vienna. 

Sir Robert Walpole opposed both, on account that we are now 
in negotiations not yet finished. He also justified that the present 
situation of affairs in Europe is not owing to the measures taken 
by our Court. This would be proper when we debate the state 
of the nation. 

Mr. Pulteney said his Majesty's Speech desires our advice, but 
we cannot give it till .we know who advised the measures formerly 
taken by him, for we must first know that before we can tell how 
to get Europe out of this scrape. He knew from what critical time 
to date our ill situation. No reason to refuse papers out of fear of 
disobliging some foreign Princes. He acknowledged that if our 
negotiations are not over, it is not fit to call for papers, but he 
thinks them over, but what is now doing abroad is our Ministers' 
ill management. He would know what instructions our Ministers 
gave in favour of our merchants, before the introduction of 6,000 
Spanish troops into Italy. The weakness of the Emperor and 
strength of France may prove our own handiwork. We are a 
shifting Ministry. We are called upon to lay our finger on a blot, 
but he desires the papers to know what blot to hit. 

Sir William Windham and Shippen spoke on the same side, 
and Pelham, Horace Walpole, and Sir William Young on the 
other. 

Mr. Danvers said we all agree that the public Treaties shall 
be laid before the House, but what advantage can we get by calling 
for the papers relating thereto ? It had been said the voice of the 
nation was against the Ministry, but in his two neighbouring 
counties he found the judgment of both parties was only that 
this contest is who shall be Minister. He concluded that this is 
a critical time, and it may be dangerous to have particular papers 
before us. 

Then the question was put, and we divided upon it, whether 
the papers relating to the Treaties of Seville and Vienna should 
be called for. The Ayes who went out were 104. The No's were 
195. 

I saw Sir Robert, and asked him whether Lord Lovel had shewn 
him a memorial in favour of another person for to succeed Sansón. 
He answered Lord Lovel was not yet come to town ; I said if he 
pleased to confirm his resolution to Mr. Carteret it would do well. 
He replied he would write to him, and since he had promised me 
the place, to be sure he would keep it. I said it was unnecessary 
for him to write, but I would let Mr. Carteret know it. 

This morning, before the House met, I called at the Georgia 
Board, where we reasoned about moving the House about the 
Palatine money in Queen Anne's reign, and about sending Vaudois 

FIRST EABL OF EGMONT. 

13 

1733-4. 

to Georgia. A letter was read from one of their agents at 
Rotterdam, desiring an allowance for a minister, but that we 
could not afford. We were a Board of Trustees. Dr. Bundy 
in the chair, the other members were Lord Tyrconnel, Sloper, 
Egmont, La Roch, White, Smith, Towers, Alderman Kendal, 
More, Sir William Heathcot, Hucks. Dined at home, and went 
in the evening to the Haymarket playhouse. 

Thursday, 24.—This morning I wrote to Mr. Carteret what 
Sir Robert told me yesterday, who sent me back word that the 
deputation for Peck should be made out as soon as Lord Lovel 
came to town, which would be this day se'nnight, and that 
Clement's commission should be immediately ordered. 

I wrote to Clements upon it, as also to Page, who had sent me 
an angry letter for being disappointed of the Agent's place. 

I visited brother Parker, who arrived from Arwarton last night. 
I went to the House, where nothing passed material. Dined at 
home, and in the evening went to the play. 

Friday, 25.—This morning I visited Sir Charles Bunbury, 
Sir Thomas Hanmer, my brother Percival, son Hanmer, Mr. Temple, 
the Bishop of Cloyn, Dr. Berkeley and Mr. Southwell. 

Mr. Southwell showed me a letter from Dr. Coghill, that the 
Parliament of Ireland apprehending the displeasure of the Court of 
England (on acccount of the resolution they had agreed in, to 
communicate all heads of Bills to each House before they presented 
them to the Lord Lieutenant to be transmitted for England) had 
purposely raised a dispute between the two Houses for a pretence 
to repeal that their resolution, so that on occasion of an affront 
done the House of Commons by the Lords in rejecting heads of 
a Bill that were sent up by the Commons, without a debate or 
giving a reason for that rejection, the Commons by a majority 
of 100 against 25 voted they would communicate no more heads 
of Bills to the Lords. 

My brother Percival told me the breach between the King and 
Prince of Wales, his son, is made up, which I afterwards heard 
confirmed to me, which gave me great joy. 

Mr. Temple told me that the reason why we have hitherto kept 
out of war, is that the Queen is much against war, lest the King 
should go abroad, which if there be war he will certainly do. This 
is the secret history why Sir Robert Walpole, who depends on the 
Queen, has shifted so often and made so many treaties to avoid 
our embarking in war. 

I went not to the House, imagining there would be no business 
of moment, but they sat till five o'clock, and had a division upon 
a motion made by Mr. Sands to address the King for the instruc 
tions given to our Ministers in Poland since the year 1729. The 
Court carried against addressing by a majority of 202 against 
114. There was another division on another motion made by 
Mr. Sands, to address the King to acquaint us what applications 
had been made to his Majesty by foreign Powers in consequence 
of treaties and engagements entered into with them. On which 
the previous question being put, the Court carried it against the 
motion, 192 against 102. 

I had a letter from Mr. Leake, bookseller at Bath, that 2,500 
copies of my pamphlet entitled Thoughts of an Impartial Man 
tad been disposed of, a very great number. 

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14 DIAKY OF THE 

Jan. 25-28 

I dined at home. In the evening Mr. Gumly came to know 
what service I had for liim in the East Indies, where he goes next 
week head merchant to Bengal, which will soon entitle him to 
be of the Council, and is better than to go factor. I told him 
I would give him a letter to my cousin Will Percival at Fort St. 
George, and thanked him for promising to show my cousin what 
countenance he can, for Mr. Gumly will touch at Fort St. George. 
I passed the evening at home. 

Saturday, 26.—This morning I visited brother Parker, who told 
me Coleman was five days ago in town. I wonder he did not 
call to visit my son. 

I visited Lord Grantham ; I found by him that the Duke of 
Dorset is not yet well esteemed at Court. That the coolness 
between the King and Prince is pretty well made up, but still 
that Mr. Dodington, who was his principal adviser in matters, 
is not well approved of, though I suppose he has been instrumental 
in the reconciliation. 

I visited Mr. Cox, .the clergyman, of Ireland. I heard this day 
that the Whig discontented Lords had set up a club at the King's 
Arms, of which the Duke of Bedford is the first chairman. 
Lord Cobham, Stairs, Montrose, etc., are of it. They will not 
suffer a Tory to be of it, and the members are such as have been 
at Court, but not spoke to when there. How vain and ridiculous is 
mankind ! 

After dinner I went to Covent Garden playhouse. 

Sunday, 27.—This morning I went to Chapel. Mr. Walpole 
visited me this day, and explained several transactions of the 
Ministry in the late King's time in a different light from what 
they are laid down in the late pamphlet, entitled, Tim Politics on 
Both Sides, a book much cried up by the discontented party. He 
also denied himself to be the author of A Letter to the Craftsmen, 
attributed to liim. 

He told me the Rump Steak Club, lately set up, has its name 
from an expression of my Lord Falmouth, who, coming up to town, 
and going to the King's Levée, was not spoke to, whereupon he said 
the King had turned his rump to him. 

Cousin Scot and Dr. Couraye dined with me. I passed the even 
ing at home. 

Mr. Walpole told me they think of paying off a million of the 
Navy debt out of the Sinking Fund, rather than to mortgage the 
nation ; and that it was uncertain whether a vote of credit, or 
a vote of confidence, would be demanded ; the former is a sum 
given not to "be accounted for ; the latter is expressive of the pur 
poses it is to be employed in, and account given thereof to 
Parliament. He believed it would be the latter. He further 
told me that the breach between the King and Prince was made 
up after some sort, and he hoped would grow better still, but he 
wished the King could have been brought to give him some money. 
I had heard the King had promised to augment his allowance, 
and pay his debts, for which he was to give up the influence he 
has on the Cornish boroughs, and to forbid Mr. Pulteney and his 
lady from visiting Mrs. Vane. 

At parting I desired to know if he had lately seen Mr. Leathes. 
He replied no, but had my man got the Agency ? I answered 
not yet, but I supposed it would be done. Yes, said he, I told 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 15 

1733-4. 

Mr. Leathes it must be so. I said my friends should be for him, 
and Mr. Leathes should be spoke to that his should be for my 
son ; he replied it must be so, it must be so. Then, laughing, 
he asked if my wife was reconciled to him. I said, yes, all past 
things are forgot ; well, said he, I must come and drink tea with 
her, and pray tell your son I came to see him. 

The town says the King has given the Prince the Principality 
of Wales, and thereupon the Prince immediately put in the Sheriff 
of Cornwall, whom the King desired. 

Though the Court gives out that the Prince of Orange recovers 
daily at Bath, all the letters from thence say the contrary ; that 
he is so weak as not to be able to deliver the cards he deals, which 
are taken out of his hands by another ; that he sees little company, 
but reads alone, contrary to liis physician's advice, and is exceeding 
low-spirited ; that he is helped upon his horse, etc. ; in a word 
that he is not better than when he went first down ; yet his physician 
writes that he improves much in his health, and that he now knows 
the Prince of Orange again, whom he had not seen since his landing 
in England, meaning he has the health again he enjoyed when in 
Holland. 

Monday, 28.—This morning I went to the House, where after 
a debate of an hour and half, we resolved ourselves into a 
Committee of Ways and Means, and voted 20,000 seamen ; 
Mr. Sands, Heathcot, Will Pulteney, Waller, and Lord Tyrconnel 
were for delaying this resolution till we see further into the affairs 
of Europe ; but Clutterbuck, Sir Charles Wager, Scroop, 
Winnington and Sir Barnard were for the motion, and Captain 
Vernon for 30,000 seamen. 

Mr. Sands said we know not how tilings stand abroad, nor have 
we papers yet laid before us. We may vote either too many 
seamen, or too few ; if too many, we unnecessarily charge the 
country, and alarm our neighbours ; if too few, we touch the King's 
honour and safety. Let us therefore postpone this affair, and 
not go into a Committee till we see further, at least for a week. 

Mr. Clutterbuck : The motion will be only to go into a Com 
mittee of Supply, it is the order of the day. What number of 
seamen, whether few or many, will be there properly debated, 
but is not now. 

Lord Tyrconnell : Affairs are so difficult as to puzzle the wisest 
head. We are all agreed to support the King, but the point is in 
what manner and how far. The original of tliis war did not relate 
to England ; who is King of Poland is no more to us than who 
is Mayor of Chester. No powers have broken with us, but hasty 
proceedings may involve us in a war as long and expensive as the 
former, but without the same alliances. The King in his Speech 
has promised to do nothing but in concert with Holland ; we 
should know how they are disposed before we engage too far, 
and he hoped we should not stand single. He was for delay. 

Sir Charles Wager : I am surprised the motion for going into 
a Committee should be put off, seamen are long in getting, and 
now is the season. The French are beforehand with us, they 
are actually fitting out forty-two men-of-war, and the Spaniards 
have twenty ; besides, he is informed the French have bought 
several ships in the Thames to make privateers of. The French 
do not fit out ships against the Emperor. If we don't provide 

 \ 

\ 

„03° 

\ 

"iff 
* 

16 DIAEY OF THE 

Jan. 28 

seamen in time, we shall want them when we seek for them. I 
am sure 99 in a hundred without doors are for our voting a great 
number of seamen, and the security of our trade may require it. 

Will Pulteney : I am not for going so soon into a Committee. 
Let us know what part we are to act before we vote for seamen. 
I wish gentlemen may treat each other with candour, and think 
that it is our judgments, not animosity, that makes us take different 
sides in this question. We only desire a small delay to look about 
us, and see what we do, and the nation will then be satisfied. 
Papers have not been communicated to us ; the House was pleased 
last day to think it not proper to ask for them, but a little time 
may make it necessary for his Majesty to communicate them to 
us, and there are precedents of it. We know not yet to what 
our treaties oblige us. It is said other nations are putting them 
selves in a condition to hurt us ; and then it is asked, shall not 
we arm for our defence ? Yes, we will, when we see what we are 
to do. The number of seamen we raise will depend on our being 
on the offensive or defensive side. Again, if we act in concert 
with the Dutch, as I hope we shall, or not at all, one number will 
be necessary, if otherwise a greater number. If we act not at all, 
the same number as last year, or a few more, will be sufficient to 
guard our coast. A great armament will alarm Spain and France. 
They may think we intend to partake in the war against them, 
for certainly we fit no fleet against the Emperor. Spain may 
seize our merchants' effects in that kingdom and in the Indies, 
and France, taking advantage of our unhappy divisions at home, 
may be tempted to increase them. The design I hear is to vote 
20,000 seamen : perhaps you may not find them, we are not sure 
of getting them, so much have we neglected and discouraged the 
sea service in favour of a standing army. Again, 20,000 seamen 
will cost the nation 5 or 600,OOOZ. more than the present number. 
We owe at present fifty millions ; let the Ministry consider what 
a load they take on themselves in involving the nation in further 
debt, only perhaps to as little purpose as in former years, expeditions 
to Spithead and the like. However, as we are in the most difficult 
situation that ever I knew, I am as unwilling to give a negative 
as I am afraid to give an affirmative to the question, and therefore 
will not vote at all. 

Mr. Winnington : Every reason given by the gentleman who 
spoke last against going into a Committee, is a reason for it. The 
King, in his speech, has desired us to put the nation in a state of 
defence, and this no Englishman can refuse. It is said if we fit 
out a fleet, we shall disoblige France and Spain, and they may 
prejudice our trade. Judge if the way to protect our trade is not 
to have good fleets at sea. It is said the French may increase 
our divisions at home ; the gentleman means, clap the Pretender 
upon us. What more able to defend us against invasions than 
a good fleet ? It is said it will be hard to get seamen, then it is fit 
we set about getting them as early as possible. As to trifling 
expeditions, he hoped to God that may be the case again, and 
we shall be well off ; but whether our going into a war can be 
avoided or not, it is necessary to have seamen. 

Pulteney: I desire but one word. That gentleman can 
turn the meaning of other's words as well as anybody. But here 
he mistakes the question. The question is whether we are to be 

FIBST EARL OF EGMONT. 

17 

1733-4. 

in a state of offence or defence ; if the latter 10 or 15,000 seamen 

are enough. 

George Heathcot : The French will take as much umbrage 
at a proper as an improper number of seamen raised by us. We 
only desire time that we may not hurry the nation into an 
unnecessary expense. Let us first know everything before we do 
anything. 

Mr. Waller spoke to the same purpose. 

Then the question was put for going into a Committee, and scarce 
five No's against it. 

Mr. Scroop moved for 20,000 seamen for the year 1734, begin 
ning at 1 January, 1733. 

Captain Vernon : Now we act more like a British Parliament 
than formerly. A powerful navy is the natural security of 
England. I wish the gentlemen at the helm had steered clear 
of France for some time past, which is now grown so considerable 
at sea. It is we who have cherished and nursed up France to this 
vigour, but now I hope we shall resolve with vigour. Those false 
miracle-mongers who can, as the Scriptures tell us, deceive even 
the very elect, can only be formidable to us, and I wish our great 
steersman had not been so fond of the Cardinal. We have for years 
past betrayed our King by strengthening France to put upon us a 
son of a whore ; while our fleets lay idle. There is a gentleman in 
my eye (Sir Charles Wager) whose consummate courage, conduct, 
and generosity had rendered Mm the darling and glory of his 
country ; what vexation must he have felt in his breast to be forced 
to submit to those dishonourable orders he received to idle away 
his time at Spithead in doing nothing for his countiy's service 
but feasting and keeping a Bartholomew fair on board ; but his 
friendship to others made him acquiesce, which, had he generously 
refused, his character had stood in a more amiaUle light. I am, 
Sir, a prophet of what France would do, and has done. Our trade 
will be undone by France. We are guarantees for the Emperor's 
dominions in Italy, and he is guarantee for the Protestant suc 
cession ; shall we see his dominions lost in one campaign ? Let 
France get the superiority at sea, and this kingdom will also be 
lost in one campaign. Port Mahone would be lost in a trice, 
and so would all our islands in the West Indies within one year. 
The least augmentation of seamen must be understood by France 
as designed against her ; therefore, if we do it at all, let it be to 
purpose. Why have the Dutch accepted a neutrality ? Because 
they could not depend on us ; let us act with vigour, and they will 
come into all our measures. This motion for 20,000 seamen only 
is ridiculous, weak, and contemptible. Send the whole number 
to the Mediterranean, they will be beaten back, and what then 
becomes of the Indies ? If these should be found not sufficient, 
you must raise more, but by that time the Session will be so 
advanced, you must be forced into a vote of credit. Let us show 
ourselves true friends to his Majesty and his family. Who is 
there would not expose his ufe and fortune to support them and 
their honour? I propose an amendment, that we grant 30,000 
seamen instead of 20,000. 

Sir John Barnard : According to the reasons given for 
demanding 20,000 seamen, I think that not a sufficient number, 
tor should we go into war, we must have more for that purpose, 

Wt. 5606. Β 2 

 \ 

18 DIAEY OF THE 

Jan. 28-Feb. 4 

and at the same time for to protect our trade, but if we intend 
only to act defensively they are enough. I see every day more 
and more the ill-effects of past administration, but I cannot agree 
that this nation can be in danger from the French, although we 
wanted the assistance of our neighbours. The affection we bear 
the present Royal Family is too rivetted and general to make 
us fear anything from the Pretender. I see no reason why we 
should apprehend the French powers destroying the balance of 
Europe ; his hands are full. The Emperor, in alliance with Saxony 
and Russia, is a match for him without us. Stanislaus will certainly 
not continue King of Poland, and the charge of the Italian war 
will distress France, who to my knowledge is now in want of money. 
If we lie by, we shall grow rich and the French nation poor, for 
their trade must suffer. I am for 20,000 men, but I lay in my 
claim that we do not act precipitately, nor on any account engage 
in war but in conceit with the Dutch, and that they bear their 
part, otherwise they will run away with all the trade, and then 
if we do go to war, let us do it vigorously, that it may be sooner 
over. It will indeed occasion a heavy land tax, which may dis 
please the people, but I shall be for raising at least five or six 
million. 

Sir Charles Wager : I agree 20,000 seamen are not enough to 
carry on a war, but that number will, I hope, prevent a war. 

Then the question for 20,000 seamen was put and passed 
without a division, there not being heard above three No's. 

I dined at home. My son told me he had been with Mr. Walpole 
this morning, who talked freely to him of many things and the 
characters of several gentlemen in the House, which showed much 
cunning or much confidence in my son. I passed the evening at 
home. I received a letter from Clements that he was appointed 
Agent of the Packets. 

Tuesday, 29.—This morning I visited Mr. Clark, of Spring 
Gardens, and Frank Clerke. Went to the House, where we 
agreed to the Committee's report of 20,000 seamen. Dined at 
home, and then went to Hendel's opera, called " Ariadne." 

Wednesday, 30.—This day I received a very angry letter from 
Robert Page, threatening to desert my interest if I do not get 
Clements to allow him 501. a year out of his place, advertising me 
also that Mr. Leathes has taken Sanson's late dwelling-house, 
and will not have to do with my friends, and that a third body is 
to come to stand, and will carry it against my son by a wager of 
500/. Mr. Clements also writ me that Mr. Leathes carried it with 
my friends in the same strange way as before, and bids me look 
about me ; that Page had refused my present to him, and his wife 
said he should be no more for me. It was but yesterday that my 
cousin Fortrey was told young Philipson would stand at Harwich, 
but not without the Government's interest. 
I passed the day at home. 

Thursday, 31.—I visited Lord Wilmington, Lord Bathurst, 
Sir Edmund Bacon, brother Parker, and Mr. Walpole. 

I told Mr. Walpole how Leathes acts at Harwich : that he went 
thither Sunday last and has taken a house, that he continues to 
shew himself cool to my friends, that wagers of 500/. have been 
offered to be laid by some of his friends that my son shall lose 
his election; that one has offered 2,000/, to be chosen, who I 

FIRST EAKL OF EGMONT. 

19 

1733-4. 

1733-4. 

Ijelieved was Heath ; that they say young Philipson will stand. 
That as I am very sincere for Leathes, he ought to shew himself 
so for my son. He replied it was needless in Leathes to take a 
house there ; that I ought not to mind what voters write up from 
corporations, nor the factions in them ; that when Leathes came 
up he would invite him and me and my son to dinner and make up 

differences. 

Sir George Sa vile visited me, and I went with him to the House, 
where Sir Jo. Barnard presented a petition for the hindering 
the running of wool from England and Ireland, and of woollen 
manufacture from Ireland to foreign parts. The petition was 
referred to a Committee of the whole House for Tuesday next. 

My son writ this post to Page to come up. 

I went this evening to the public meeting of the Vocal Society, 
which was much crowded. 

Friday, 1 February.—This day I visited Sir Edward Dering, 
and Mr. Hucks ; then went to the House, where in a Committee 
we voted the malt tax. I dined and remained the evening at 

home. 

Saturday, 2.—This day I visited the Bishop of Cloyn, daughter 
Hanmer and brother Percival. I went to Court. Dined and 
passed the evening at home. 

Sunday, 3.—Went to chapel, then to Court. Dr. Couraye dined 
with me, and told me he was on Thursday last above two hours 
with the Queen, but the impertinence of Lord Harvey's staying 
all that time in'the room prevented his speaking to her so fully 
as he intended about his translation of Father Paul's history. 
In the evening I went to chapel, and then to the coffee house. 
Monday, 4.—This morning Lord Wilmington visited me. He 
told me the Parliament of Ireland had done well to recall their 
resolution of communicating their heads of Bills to each other's 
House before they presented them to the Lord Lieutenant, for 
that if they had not the matter had been highly resented here ; 
and that even yet some of the Ministry are for passing some severe 
censure to deter the Parliament from ever attempting the same 
again, but he hoped to get them to be quiet. He said the method 
they were going in would have so lengthened business that their 
Parliament must have set the whole year. 

He said there are yet but four Bills come over. That as to the 
Bill for relieving the creditors of Burton's Bank, it would pass here, 
unless petitioned against by any who might think themselves 
aggrieved thereby, which petitions must be heard, and their reasons 
debated. He also said the Popish Solicitors' Bill is come over, 
and that two petitions have been presented to Council against 
it, one in the name of the Papists in general, the other by a lawyer 
here, named French, who petitioned in the behalf of the Protestants 
of Ireland, as falling hard on the new converts who practice as 
solicitors. 

I visited Sir George Savile and Lord Palmerston. 
I went to the House, where Sir John Barnard presented a petition 
ot the dealers in tea, praying to be relieved from the Excise laws. 
Alter the same was read, he moved to refer it to a Committee of 
the whole House. 

Γ ^WaS ^PP01*^ therein by Perry, Pulteney, Sands, Gibbons, 
U>ckburn and Plummer, and opposed by Winnington, Sir W. Young, 

 f 

\ 

\ 

fc 

20 DIABY OF THE 

Feb. 4 

Pelham, Sir Robert Walpole and Danvers, and in the division 
we carried it to let the petition lie on the table, 233 against 155. 
The debate lasted three hours. 

On one hand it was alleged that the Excise laws have not 
answered their end with respect to tea, the duty of which since 
it was put under the Excise has answered less to the Revenue than 
before, while at the same time since the consumption is much 
greater ; why then should the druggists and retailers of tea be 
shackled with inquisitions and penalties that distinguish them 
from the rest of their fellow subjects, and render them perfect 
slaves, when the Revenue would increase if the Excise were taken 
off, and tea subjected only to the laws of the Custom House. This 
is the only commodity the duty of which is followed to the retailer, 
therefore those who are fond of Excises need not fear that other 
petitions will come to ease the Excise of other things now subject 
.fco Excise laws. We are told the designed shortness of the Session 
will not admit of treating this affair, and that it will come better 
next year, but the evil requires a more speedy redress, for smug 
gling is become so great and so bold as to be inconsistent with the 
safety of civil government. We see bodies of 50 or 60 men at a time, 
well horsed and armed, who put both the officers of the Revenue 
and the Dragoons who assist them at defiance ; all the idle men of 
the country join them, and are kept in constant pay ; half a crown 
a day is their reward only for keeping themselves in readiness, 
and a guinea to assist when the tea is landed. The tea they run 
comes into the retailers' hands, and at least 200,OOOZ. per annum 
is lost to the Revenue. How can it be otherwise, when the duty 
on tea without distinction of good and bad is five shillings, though 
it cost us but sixpence in China, and but two shillings in Holland ? 
nevertheless, the common price in the country is but five shillings. 
Reject this petition, and the Dutch will thank you. Receive it, 
consider it in a Committee, and lower the duties, and then all 
running must cease of course, for none will venture to run when 
it is no longer worth their while to do it. If all the tea should 
pay a moderate duty, the Revenue will amount to more than now ; 
that half what we consume is run ; besides, we shall keep our money 
at home, and honesty will be countenanced. If the Session be 
too short to consider this matter, why did we not meet earlier ? 
Can we answer it to our country, to meet only to continue the most 
oppressive taxes and laws upon them, and not give them even 
a faint hope of redressing them ? We are content the Ministry 
should not regard the public, and only think of supporting the 
Revenue, but surely we might expect they would have so much 
regard to the Revenue as not to let 200,OOOZ. a year slip through 
their fingers. The druggists offered this petition last year, but 
they were told they were not unanimous, and besides, if the House 
then received it, it would look as the effect of clamour, but it 
should be done next year. Now they are come again, you put them 
off to another year. But what member can say (even the greatest 
man here) that he himself shall be in Parliament next year, 
at least that he shall have the power he has now ? Former 
Parliaments would not postpone the grievances of the subject 
at such a rate, and leave the honour of redressing them to future 
assemblies. It were indeed fit that all things were eased of Excise 
laws ; all men's houses, from the greatest to the least are liable 

ÈÎBST EARL OS1 EGMONT. 

21 

1733-4. 

to be entered, and the Excise is more immediately under the power 
of a Minister than the Customs. It is to be feared that last year's 
clamours against that wicked project of excising tobacco will 
revive, and some mischievous effect follow the rejecting this 
petition. Suppose you should not wholly remove the Excise 
of this commodity, but lower the duty only, or leaving it as high 
as now it is on the best teas, lower it on the worst, so as to make 
the several teas pay ad valorem, would not this be worth your going 
into a Committee, would this take up much time, and would it not 
raise the Revenue by taking away the advantages of running this 
commodity ? Upon the whole, if you reject this petition, it will 
be impossible to think you do it for any other reason than to pre 
serve an influence on the Elections of the approaching Parliament. 

On the Court side, it was said that notwithstanding the great 
quantity of teas now run, the lowest year's Revenue since tea 
was under the Excise has proved more than the highest while 
under the Customs only. That it is not the manner of collecting 
the duty, but the greatness of the duty, which occasions the smug 
gling, so that unless the duty be lessened, the throwing the 
collection again entirely under the Customs will not mend the 
matter; while therefore the high duty remains, the addition of 
Excise laws to those of the Customs must be of service to the 
Revenue. But is this a time to lower any duties ? Besides, these 
duties are appropriated to the aggregate fund, and may be hazarded 
by hasty and immature conclusions. Should we now alter the 
course of the collection of this revenue, or lessen the duties, it possibly 
might lessen the Revenue, when, if we should go into a war, there will 
be rather occasion to increase it ; besides, the countenance shown 
this petition by receiving it, will unavoidably draw petitions from 
the dealers in all other commodities now under Excise, and it 
would be a partial procedure not to give them equal encouragement, 
but where should we be then ? 

The Excise has been laid on tea seven years and half, and it is 
confessed that one year of that time the duty did amount to little 
more than the highest year while tea was only under the Customs ; 
this was the year 1729, when eight China ships, four French and 
four Dutch, brought great quantities of tea into Europe, which 
lessened our export of that commodity, but they were obliged 
to sell it so cheap that they had little encouragement to do the 
same again, and now having disposed of what they brought, our 
teas for foreign export will recover its price. The thing proves 
itself, for the practice of smuggling here begins to abate, nor did 
it begin to be very notorious till the abovementioned year 1729. 
It has been urged that in 1723, the year before tea was Excised, 
that the duty yielded 214.000Z., and that now last year it yielded 
but 120,000i., but to this we ought to add the profits by seizures, 
which amounted to 27,OOOZ., as also the duty of that vast quantity 
oí tea in the East India Company's warehouse, amounting to some 
millions of pounds, which pays no duty till come to be sold, and 
ol which great part must be put to the account of last year. Take 
Ron fuv>6n y-ears and k*1^ together at an average, and you will find 
oW.OOO gained to the Revenue, more than the Revenue yielded 
|or seven years and half before, while tea was only under the 
Customs. It is said they run now with violence and an armed 
orce ; this proves the goodness of the Excise laws, which are effectual 

 ni" 

22 

DIARY OF THE 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

Feb. 

where force is not used, and therefore prudence will require to 
strengthen these laws rather than to weaken them. As to appre 
hensions of clamour for rejecting this petition, there is no danger 
of it, if artful insinuations are not again made to poison the people 
as last year, when they were made to fear things that never were 
intended. The Excise intended last year would have been of the 
greatest advantage to the nation, and the time will come when 
the nation will think so ; but gentlemen may set their hearts at 
rest, for he that proposed it will never propose it again. He has 
renounced it entirely. You talk of shackles and slavery, yet 
let any one say who has been grieved these twelve months past 
by any one Excise officer, or did any druggist or retailer of tea 
complain of the severities of the Excise laws till last year, when 
with all the villainous acts that could be used, they were spirited 
up to clamour ? As to who will be Minister next year, or who will 
be hi the House, it is speaking in the air, and the assistance of 
Excise officers will not be wanted in the future elections. To 
conclude, those who wish a short Session, and that the future 
Parliament should meet early to advise his Majesty in the difficult 
situation we are, those who wish well to the Revenue, and not to 
burden the people anew, which must be the case if we should by 
altering the present state of this tax, diminish the value of it ; 
those who think unanimity in this House necessary at this time 
to give weight to his Majesty's negotiations abroad, and who 
wish peace and quiet among the subjects at home, those who 
wish one day to see the soap or candles or some other of our 
manufactures eased, which can never be hoped, if this revenue 
on tea should be lessened by any hasty mistakes at this time com 
mitted — all these gentlemen will be now for rejecting the motion 
for referring this petition to a Committee which ought to be con 
sidered with great coolness, must require more time than we have 
to spend on it, and may produce great misunderstandings and 
animosities. 

These were the principal arguments used by each side in the 
debate. 

At my return, I found John Smith at my house, who is come 
up with a petition in favour of the British fishery, and desired 
I would back it in the House. I bid him go to Sir Jo. Barnard 
and know his opinion ; he said he would go to-morrow, and the 
Speaker favoured it. He told me he believed Bickerton would 
be brought to act under Clements, for that he was angry that 
Captain Hayes, who had pretended friendship, had interposed 
to get the Agency for himself. He believed that by Mr. Clements 
having the Agency, my son's election is secured. 

My son had a letter from Page, still insisting on fifty pounds a 
year out of Clements' place ; and I had a letter from Clements 
that Bickerton had refused to sign an affidavit sent down from 
the Post Office relating to Sansón. 

Tuesday, 5. — This morning I went into the city to receive bank 
stock and three per cent, annuities. 

I went to the House, and, returning in the evening to dinner, 
went afterwards to the Opera at the Haymarket. 

Wednesday, 6.— This morning I visited the Bishop of Cloyn, 
and then went to the Georgia Society, upon a summons for the 
Common Council to meet to order the payment of bills drawn by 

1733-4. 

Mr. Oglethorp, and for a Board of Trustees to grant a commission 
to the Rector and Churchwardens of St. George's Parish, Hanover 
Square, to collect benefactions. 

Mr. Hucks was in the chair, and we were a very numerous 
assembly : Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Tyrconnel, Earl of Egmont, 
Sir Will Heathcot, Mr. Digby, Lapautre, Thomas Towers, White, 
La Roche, Dr. Bundy, Vernon, Holland, Moore, Hales, Sloper— 
16 Common Council ; Captain Coram, Mr. Smith, Christopher 
Towers—Trustees, 3. We refused paying or accepting a bill 
drawn on us by Mr. Oglethorp for want of advice. We impressed 
500Ï. to Mr. Heathcot for the answering bills which were accepted 
by us or of which Mr. Oglethorp gave us advice. 

We also took into consideration the great sums collected for the 
Palatine refugees in Queen Anne's reign, which never was paid into 
their use, or had yet come out of the hands of the collectors. We 
resolved to petition the Parliament to enquire into the abuse, 
and then to apply for all or part to be given us for the use of our 
Georgia Settlement, which must be done by Act of Parliament. 
Dr. Bundy was desired to frame a form of petition to be shown 
at our next meeting. We appointed on our anniversary day that 
Mr. Anderson should bespeak a dinner for 36 heads, and that 
Mr. Hales should preach the sermon at St. Bride's, where in the 
vestry we are to meet at eleven o'clock. 

I was very much disgusted that Dr. Rundell, whose preferment 
to the Bishopric of Gloucester is so much contested, should have 
been desired to preach the sermon for us next Sunday se'nnight 
at St. George's Church, as also that he should have been desired 
to be one of our trustees when we next meet to choose new persons 
in. This was done officiously by Mr. Martin, our Secretary, 
without any direction of our Board. 

This Dr. Rundall was tutor to the present Lord Chancellor 
Talbot's children, and is now his chaplain. The late Bishop of 
Durham (Talbot) first preferred him. Upon the death of 
Dr. Lydall, Bishop of Gloucester, the Lord Chancellor, even before 
he had kissed hands, applied to her Majesty that Dr. Rundall 
might succeed him, which the Bishops of London, Chichester and 
Bangor violently opposed, and so continue to do, avouching that 
Dr. Rundall is not orthodox in the faith. There is scarce a Bishop 
besides who is not likewise against him on the same account, and 
at his consecration, if the King should think fit, notwithstanding 
what is alleged against this gentleman to confer the bishopric 
upon him, there are two clergymen of reputation who will object 
thereto—Mr. Ven, a London minister, and Dr. Stebbins, one of 
his Majesty's chaplains. They will accuse him of speaking con 
temptibly of the Books of Moses and of Abraham, and lay to his 
charge the principles of Toland, which he justified in a sermon 
he some years ago preached (and afterwards printed) on the fifth of 
November. The Bishop of London, says he, has been accused of 
being a Court Bishop, in view of succeeding to Lambeth, but he 
will show the world on this occasion that he prefers the cause of 
Christianity to all worldly considerations, and if this man be forced 
upon the Church, he will retire to Fulham, and have no more to do 
m public matters. 

Now, for our Georgia Society to draw on ourselves the ill-will 
ot numbers of people and particularly of the clergy, by showing 

 24 DÍARY OP THE 

Feb. 6-10 

Dr. Rundall the respect of desiring him to preach a sermon for 
us, and afterwards taking him into our body, is, I think, a very 
indiscreet step, but I fear it is gone too far, thanks to our Secretary's 
forwardness. 

After the Board was up, I went to the House, where I found 
them entered into the debate for raising 1,800 soldiers to supply 
the place of three regiments, part of the British establishment 
now at Gibraltar. By which means the full number of the standing 
army granted for Great Britain will (as it was at first designed) 
be made up 18,000 men, and the garrison of Gibraltar be 
effectually made a distinct establishment ; whereas at present 
the absence of the three regiments abovementioned renders the 
establishments for Great Britain weaker than was designed, and 
consequently our security is so much less ; which is not safe to 
allow at this time, when we know not how we may be obliged to 
act and take part in the present war, and what insults or invasions 
may be made on us in case we are unprovided of defence, besides 
that our mediation abroad to procure peace will have more weight 
when it shall be seen that we are disposed to act on one side or 
the other, in case our mediation should prove unsuccessful. 

Sir William Wyndham and all the anti-courtiers were content 
not to reduce the army, but opposed augmenting it, unless the 
Ministry would let them see the necessity of it, and therefore 
moved and insisted on an amendment to the question, namely, 
that the garrison of Gibraltar should be included in the full number 
of 18,000 men. 

After four hours' debate, we rejected the amendment by a 
hundred majority—262 against 162. The speakers against the 
Court were : Shippen, Sir W. Windham, Palmer, Pulteney, 
Plummer, Digby, Vernon, Sir John St. Aubin. 

Those who spoke for the Court were : Pelham, Sir Robert 
Walpole, Sir William Young, the Speaker, George Heathcot, 
Danvers, and Sir Joseph Jekyl, who yet voted against us. Then 
the main question was carried without a division; but I returned 
home before, and after dinner went to our Wednesday Club, where 
I engaged the gentlemen to come as usual to my music. 

Thursday, 7th.—This day I visited Mr. Blackwood, to return his 
visit, then went to the House, where I expected the affair of pre 
venting the running of wool would come on, but it was put off to 
Tuesday next, I dined and passed the evening at home. 

Friday, 8.—This morning I went to St. James's Vestry to 
consider of my Lord Craven's desire that we would join in his 
petition to the Lords for a Bill to grant him the Pest fields, in lieu 
of other land he will set out for the same purpose. I left them 
undetermined what to do, being obliged to go to the Georgia Society. 
We were a full board of Common Council at the Georgia Society, 
viz., Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Tyrconnell, T. Towers, Moore, 
George Heathcot, Sir Will Heathcot, Digby, Sloper, Lapautre, 
Bundy, Lord Carpenter, Hucks, White, Egmont, and Mr. Holland 
in the chair. 

We read a petition from the subscribers to the Palatines in 1709, 
complaining that one Walker had taken out a great number of briefs, 
by which, as they have been informed, near 20,OOOZ. had been 
collected for settling those Palatines in America, but that the 
money had not been applied to that use, wherefore they desire the 

tTRST EABL OP EGMONT. 

25 

1733-4. 

Parliament will enquire into the abuse, and that the money may go 

to furthering the Georgia Colony or to some other public purpose. 

Dr. Bundy told us there are persons will prove to the Commons 
the fact alleged in the petition, wherefore we gave the petition 
to Mr. Douglas, a solicitor, to get proper hands to it, after which 
we intend to offer it to Parliament, the Speaker having seen and 
approved the petition. 

We also resolved to send some mill-wrights over upon an 
application from a principal maker of mills for sawing timber 
now in Georgia. 

Mr. Martin, our Secretary, told me Dr. Rundall had assured 
him that he will preach a sermon for Georgia on Sunday se'nnight 
at St. George's Church, near Hanover Square. So we cannot 
prevent it, now the matter is gone so far. We had some discourse 
of the expediency of appointing a Committee of Correspondence, 
which is referred to the next meeting. 

I dined at home, with cousin Cornwallis and brother and sister 
Percival, and spent the evening at home. 

Saturday, 9th.—This morning I visited Mr. Man, tutor, governor 
and companion of the late Marquis of Blandford, who in the summer 
had presented me with a very learned and ingenious book of his 
composing, entitled, Of the True Tear of the Birth and Death of 
Christ, wherein he proves that Herod was a Jew and not an 
Idumean, and that the mission of our Blessed Saviour was not as is 
commonly thought three years, but only one. There is much 
learning, reading and judgment appears through the whole work, 
and a style suitable to the subject with great perspicuity of 
expression. 

I went to Court, and at my return to dinner found Robert 
Page, for whom my son had wrote down to Harwich to come up, 
that we might by showing him a true state of the case convince 
him that he was in the wrong to take it ill that he had not the 
Agent's place. This my wife and my son did explain to him, and 
he remained satisfied that he was under a mistake. In the even 
ing I carried him to the Opera. 

Sunday, 10th.—This morning I went to chapel, then to Mr. Clerke's, 
then home. Sir Edmond Bacon visited me. Then I went to Court, 
where I was pleased with what the Prince said on occasion of the 
poverty of France, of which Brigadier Gore gave him account. 
Turning to me he said : " See the effect of arbitrary power ! A 
country the best seated in Europe for trade, and abounding with 
industrious inhabitants, is yet beggarly. This can only proceed 
from arbitrary government." I replied : " Sir, the people of England 
are very happy that your Royal Highness has such sentiments." 
Jx> which he readily said : "My family have such obligations to 
JSngland that I ought to have them." " Sir," answered I, " it is 
certain God never designed that 99 men in a hundred should lie at 
wie absolute pleasure of one man to destroy them." I then placed 
•rage in the King's dining-room, to see the Royal Family at dinner, 
and returned home. In the evening I took Page to the chapel, 
and then took leave of him, wishing him a good journey to 
Harwich. He told me he had seen Mr. Heath yesterday, and 
discouraged him from standing at Harwich. 

After this I visited Sir Thomas Hanmer, Colonel Schutz, 
«tf· Schutz, son Hanmer and brother Percival. I learned the 

 1 '"*;>, 

./,«'*' ·>- 

\ 

26 DIAEV OP THE 

Feb. 10-12 

Prince of Orange will not return so soon as was expected from 
Bath, which some say will be three weeks hence, and that the King 
has ordered an enlargement of the wooden gallery for the pro 
cession at the marriage. 

Monday, 11.—I went to the Georgia Board, where at a Board of 
Trustees we met as follows : Lord Tyrconnell in the chair, 
Mr. Moore, White, Hucks, Vemon, Egmont. We ordered a Com 
mittee of Correspondence, consisting of Common Councilmen and 
Trustees, to open letters and prepare drafts of answers to be laid 
before the Board. Dined at home, and in the evening visited 
Jack Temple. 

Tuesday, 12.—I visited Mr. Hill, of the Custom House, and 
gave him a memorandum for a boatman's place at Harwich, in 
the room of one James Smith, deceased. Page, when in town, 
had recommended to me one Bryant, but yesterday John Smith 
recommended one Walker. I preferred the former, because he was 
first mentioned to me. This boatman's place being under the 
Custom House on the old establishment, is to receive his com 
mission from the Treasury ; wherefore I called there upon 
Mr. Scroop, the Secretary, and gave him a like memorandum 
in favour of Bryant abovementioned. 

This day came on the affair of the wool, and Sir John Barnard 
was made chairman of the Committee. But nothing was done, 
and he was directed to desire leave to sit again. The reason why 
nothing was done, was the various sentiments gentlemen were 
of, and many were for not going at all into a Committee. 
Sands was for reviving the Bill which two years ago miscarried 
in the House of Lords, the chief purport of which was to take off 
the duty on Irish yarn. 

Sir John Rushout was of the same opinion, but if this last were 
not agreed to, yet several other parts of that Bill might be 
revived. 

Mr. Walpole was for going into a Committee to see what could 
be done ; he approved taking off the duty of Irish yarn, as the best 
means to prevent running wool and woollen goods from thence, 
but should not be for it now, lest the Lords should again throw 
out the Bill. Something must be done, for the Irish increase in 
their clandestine export of woollen goods to Lisbon, of which 
he has a list of eighteen ships, with their cargoes, arrived at Lisbon 
last year, amounting to no less than 14,000 pieces of woollen goods. 
The sloops lately built have done some good, but not all that was 
expected. 

Mr. Whitworth was for leaving the chair and doing nothing, 
and read a letter from Minehead, setting forth that since the fitting 
out the sloops, more Irish wool has come in thither in one year than 
in the three preceding years. 

Mr. Palmer was for Sir John's leaving the chair in case the taking 
off the duty on Irish yarn should be insisted on, otherwise for a 
Bill. 

Mr. Thompson, the Commissioner of the Customs in Ireland, 
said he had lately been in Ireland, and could speak with certainty 
of the condition of that country, having been employed to make 
a progress there for that very purpose. That he must do the 
merchants of Cork the justice to say that they were very candid 
and open to him ; they did iiot conceal that they run woollen 

FIRST EABL OS EGMONT. 

27 

1733-4. 

1733-4. 

goods to Lisbon, but complained necessity drove them to it since 
England would not take off the duty on their yarn. That they 
proposed England should buy their yarn at a certain price, and 
then the poor of their kingdom would be supported by the spinning 
their wool, who otherwise must starve. That the sloops cost 
yearly 25,000i., but ΙΟ,ΟΟΟί. added more would buy up all their 
yam, which England might put into storehouses, to be sold at a 
higher price than the same yarn sells at now, which would help 
to supply our weavers in England, after all the English yarn is 
consumed, as happens before a year is out. And what loss could 
this be to England, if by this means we deprive France of Irish 
wool, and Lisbon of Irish manufactures, which would be the case ; 
we should then soon wish that Ireland had more wool and yarn 
to send us. The raising the value of Irish yarn so bought, when 
come to be sold out of the warehouses, would be an inducement 
to our weavers to buy English yarn while it lasted, but when that 
is gone, would be a fresh supply ; at the same time that the French 
manufacture must decline for want of materials from us. If this 
method were taken, he believed the assurances the merchants gave 
him were sincere that nothing would be run from Ireland, nor 
could be, for the spinners would be all spies and detectors of those 
who should run wool abroad ; but if this method be not taken, 
it is not a hundred sloops will answer our ends. 

Captain Vernon said our laws against running wool and woollen 
goods are sufficient if well executed : wherefore he moved Sir John 
Barnard might leave the chair, and that the House might resolve 
on a Bill to reinforce the laws in being. 
Sir Abraham Elton rose to second him. 

Giles Earl, a Commissioner of the Revenue in Ireland, said 
this was an affair of the greatest consequence to the trade and 
well being of England ; the laws are already as severe as can be, 
and make what others you will, the people of Ireland will not 
execute them, the penalties are so severe no jury in Ireland will 
find a person guilty, as was the case in England when it was made 
death to run. The only method to prevent it is to let Ireland 
into some small share of the trade, for their poor must be subsisted, 
and he knew nothing so capable to prevent their running as to 
take off the duty on their yarn. We ought to let others live, and 
make it the interest of Ireland to answer our desires. We ought 
to look on the Irish as part of ourselves, as Englishmen. We 
complain of their running woollen goods to Lisbon, that was 
of service to us, for the French undersold the English till the Irish 
took it up, and beat out the French ; besides, it is the London mer 
chants who have the advantage of it, for it is they who buy those 
manufactures by their Agents, and send them abroad. He wondered 
nobody had mentioned the running of wool from England, which 
is of equal bad consequence to our manufactures. 

Mr. Danvers said we have not yet experienced the thorough 
advantage of the sloops lately built, and should wait with 
patience a few years ; besides, Ireland should have time allowed 
her to alter the manner of stocking her lands. But to talk of 
bringing over Irish yarn duty free, is to send all our spinners to 
•Ireland for want of employment at home. He hoped no English 
man would turn Irishman by going over thither. He reflected 
much on Ireland, adding that means should be found to prevent 

 28 DIABY OF THE 

Feb. 12-13 

their growing wool more than necessary for their home consump 
tion, and seeing gentlemen were so unprepared to talk of this 
matter, moved for leaving the chair. 

Mr. Neal said there was a sure method to prevent the running 
.of wool both from England and Ireland, namely, for the Parliament 
to buy all the wool and yarn of both kingdoms, and sell it again 
at a proper price. 

Sir John Bushout : The House, in expectation of a call, was 
very full when Sir John Barnard took the chair, and now it is 
very thin, a melancholy observation when so important a point 
is in debate. We passed two years ago an extraordinary good 
Bill, which by the lateness of the Session was lost in the other 
House. It were well to revive that Bill, perhaps the Lords will 
pass it ; the best thing in it was the taking off the duty on Irish 
yarn ; but if we think a new Bill will have the same fate as that 
other on this account, let us drop that thought and think of some 
thing else, but to say the Irish shall grow no wool is ridiculous. 
It may seem a paradox, but it is true in fact, that the more wool 
England will have at market, the dearer it will be because worth 
more. For the increase will be what usually is run to France, 
of which when they are deprived, their woollen trade must of course 
decrease, and that will set ours on a better foot, but manufacture 
will have a greater demand, and that will raise the value of our 
wool. What ought we not to do to hinder the running of our 
wool to France when every hundred pounds' worth when thoroughly 
manufactured is worth 600Z. ? Let us think of some heads for the 
foundation of a Bill. I should propose :— 

1. That provision be made against the fraudulent exporting 
raw wool from Great Britain, under pretence of its being 
manufactured. This deceit was discovered two years ago, when 
at the Committee we were shown the method in use of crossing 
coarse threads of wool, not a quarter spun, and shipping the same 
off to France, as stuff manufacture ; which, when arrived at port, 
was afterwards taken to pieces and spun over again. 

2. That no wool be carried from one port to another but in canvas 
bags. 

3. That the provisions against running wool in England be 
extended to Ireland. 

These and other things, which may be thought on, will be of 
some considerable service, and are worth a Bill, though they should 
not answer all the good we hoped for from this Committee. 

Sir W. Young : The taking off the duty on Irish yarn would 
be most advantageous, yet I am not for renewing the former Bill, 
lest a negative should be again put on it in the other House, and 
so all our labour be lost. However, I am for doing something ; 
indeed, from the inattention of the House I should be for Sir John 
Barnard's leaving the chair, but surely we ought to think of some 
answer to give our country. There is a great abuse in false packing, 
that may be remedied. 

George Heathcot was against doing anything in so thin a 
Committee, and moved for leaving the chair ; he declared himself 
against taking off the duty of Irish yarn. 

Mr. Sloper : This is purely the concern of England, and Ireland 
should not be mentioned or thought of. No member of this House 
will speak for the advantage of Ireland but as it concurs with the 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

29 

1733-4 

interest of England, and yet we ought to look on that people as 
part of ourselves, nor are Englishmen less what they were by 
going into that kingdom. What millions have been lost to 
England by the prohibition of Irish manufacture 36 years ago. 
Should the duty of Irish yarn be taken off, that people would 
cease to run, and there would be no danger of English spinners 
settling there ; if they did, it would be to mend their condition, 
but who would go to spin for half the wages they earn here ? That 
fatal prohibition I speak of, carried to foreign countries above 
20,000 skilful hands from Ireland, and it is no wonder the Irish 
run their wool, for the material will always follow the manu 
facturer. If England bought up all the wool and worsted of 
Ireland, England would grow the richer. This is so plain that I 
wonder gentlemen will not own it, for they must see it. But the 
House is so thin, I hope you will take another opportunity to 
consider this matter. Wherefore, I move the Chairman may rise, 
and desire leave to sit again. 

In this the Committee agreed, but my belief is that we shall 
hear no more of the Committee this Session. ' 

I returned about five o'clock to dinner, and in the evening went 
to the Haymarket playhouse. But first I writ to Clements, Page, 
and John Smith. To the first, to congratulate him on his place, 
his deputation being sent down him last Thursday. I also advised 
his making Pelham his clerk, if Bickerton will not act under him. 
To the second, that I had observed his recommendation of Bryant 
to be a boatman, and laid my request before the Treasury. To 
the third, that I would have served his relation Walker, whom 
he recommended for that place, if Page had not prevented him 
by applying first. 

Wednesday, 13.—This day I went to the Georgia Society, where 
we met in Common Council as follows : La Röche in the chair, 
Bundy, Hucks, Sir William Heathcot, Digby, White, Egmont, 
T. Towers, Moore—Common Council ; Coram, Smith—Trustees. 

Some bills, of which Mr. Oglethorp gave us advice, were 
accepted. Other bills also to the value of 2501. were also accepted, 
though we had no advice of them; by reason if we did not they would 
have been protested, which would have brought great scandal 
on our Colony, as well as have proved very detrimental on several 
accounts ; besides that the charge of protesting our bills would 
be 30 per cent, less to us, so we ordered they should be paid, not- 
• withstanding an order we lately made against accepting any bills 
not advised. 

Our Secretary, Mr. Martin, acquainted us that we have been 
under a mistake as to the brief money collected for the Palatines 
not being paid in, for that Mr. Bendish, Secretary to the Com 
missions of Briefs, had told him near 20,OOOZ. of that money had 
been paid into the Chamber of London, who repaid it to the 
merchants who transported the Palatines. That a Committee 
of the Commissions for the Palatines was reported to look into 
the return of the briefs, to whom he showed it, and afterwards a 
Committee of the House of Commons had seen it. We resolved 
to enquire further into it. 

After this I went to the House, where Lord Morpeth moved for 
a Bul to make all officers of the Army above the degree of a Colonel 
to hold their commissions for life, and be only removable by a 

 30 DIAEY OF THE 

Feb. 13-20 

Council of War, or by address of both Houses of Parliament. This 
was opposed as destructive of our Constitution and received with 
great indignation, so that although debated four hours and a half, 
it was rejected without a division. 

Mr. Sands then moved to address the King to know his reasons 
for removing the Duke of Bolton and Lord Cobham ; but on a 
division we rejected the motion by a majority of 252 against 
151. 

The same motions were made in the House of Lords this day, 
and rejected by a majority of 100 against 62. 

I returned home to dinner at seven o'clock, and passed the 
evening in my study. 

I received a letter from Clements that he had invited all the 
members of the Corporation and other principal inhabitants to 
an entertainment upon his being made agent, but none of the 
adverse party came to it, except William Richman and young 
Captain Wimple, who both drank success to my son and 
Mr. Leathes' election. 

I admire at the obstinacy of Mr. Leathes' friends. He also 
advised me that Bickerton still refuses to be his clerk, but talks 
of going for Ireland ; that he intended to make Pulham easy for 
not being his clerk by giving him the clerk's pay, and thought of 
making Pelham his clerk, if he can satisfy Rolf in not choosing his 
brother for that service. 

Thursday, 14.—I visited my daughter Hanmer, sister Percival, 
brother Parker, and Mr. Edward Walpole ; then I went to the 
House, and returned to dinner ; after which Colonel Selwyn called 
on me to go with him to the Sun Tavern in Holborn, there to meet 
several annuitants of the York Building Company, to consider of 
means to secure ourselves from any hardship that may be put 
on us by the Bill now depending in the House for relieving that 
Company. For the Bill as it stands suspends our receiving any 
rents out of the lands made over by the Company for our security, 
and puts the lessors of certain lead mines in Scotland to the Com 
pany upon an equal foot with ourselves to be secured out of our 
lands, though by adjudication in the Courts of Scotland our 
annuities are prior to the demand of the lessors of those mines. 
To remedy this injury the annuitants have prepared a clause to 
be inserted in the Bul. 

Friday, 15.—I stayed all day long at home. In the evening 
I had my winter's concert for the first time. The performers were : 
On the violoncello, Signor Caporalli, Mr. Pain, Mr. Withington ; 
on the violin, Mr. Needier, Mr. Mulso, Mr. Mellan, Mr. Sambroke, 
brother Precival, son Hanmer, Mr. Verner ; on the hautbois, 
Mr. Bothmar: the great bass, Mr. ————. The singers were 
Mr Matheis Mrs. Bertholdi, daughter Hanmer, and daughter 
Helena, and Signor Aragoni ; the harpsichord, Mr. Bagnall. The 
company were the Duchess of Kent, Lady Nassau, Lady ____ 
Nassau, Baron Hatolf's Lady and daughters, Lady Hanmer, 
rf iy ~r——— g> Mrs· MinsnuU, sister Percival, cousin Scot, 
Duke of Portland, Sir Thomas Hanmer, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Mr. Hill, 
Mr. Baker, Mr. Clerk, Count de Leck, cousin Fortrey, Sir Charles 
Bunbury. . 

I heard that this day the Commons ordered a Bill for regulating 
tne number of officers in the House, upon a motion of Mr. Sands, 

FIRST BAEL OF EGMONT. 

31 

1733—4 

which met with no opposition, but Sir Robert assured the House 

he would oppose it in the Committee. 

Saturday, 16,—I visited my cousin Whorwood and the Duke of 
Portland ; afterwards went to the Crown Tavern to hear the 
practice of Hendel's Te Deum, and other music to be performed 
at St. Paul's on Tuesday next at the Festival of the Sons of the 
Clergy. I dined with my brother Percival, and passed the evening 
at home. 

When the Duke of Richmond was lately down in Sussex to make 
interest for his relation, Sir Thomas Pendegrast, to be chosen 
member of the new Parliament, his adversaries merrily ordered 
the bellman of the town to pass with his bell at one o'clock in the 
morning under the window where the Duke was entertaining 
his company, and to repeat these lines with his usual tone— 
" Great men make promises and mind them not ; 

The service done, the promise is forgot." 

Thus he proceeded through other streets, so that the morning 
following the whole inhabitants diverted themselves with the 
Jest. 

Sunday, 17.—Prayers and sermon at home. Then went to Court, 
where the Queen desired me again to send her some more books 
of my printed heads. Son and daughter Hanmer dined with 
me. Went in the evening to chapel. 

Monday, 18.—This morning I went to the House. In the 
evening visited cousin Ned Southwell, cousin Betty Southwell, 
cousin Le Grand. 

Tuesday, 19.—This morning I visited Mr. Holland, the Bishop 
of Bangor, and Counsellor Forster, and Lord Carteret. Then 
went to the House, where we had a long debate upon the new 
Qualification Bill, brought in [by] Mr. Rolls, and which was flung 
out upon the second reading, on a division of 208 against 127. I 
voted with the minority. 

Sir William Young, Sir Robert Walpole, Mr. Neal, and Mr. Glanvil 
spoke against it. Mr. Pulteney and Sir W. Wyndham spoke for 
it. The arguments for and against the Bill I have put among 
my letters. I voted for the Bill because I would have the 
Parliament do something popular to please the nation, and not 
give a handle to the discontented party to confirm them in the 
scandal they have thrown upon us, which they will assuredly do. 

This day Mr. Sands' Bill for limitation of officers to sit in the 
House was read the first time. He said when it came into the Com 
mittee he doubted not but the limitations would appear so reason 
able that the Bill would pass into an Act ; but Mr. Walpole told 
him he would not promise to be for letting it go so far. 

We also censured a person at our bar for saying in public com 
pany that Sir William Milner, member for York City, has a pension 
of 500Z. a year, and that he knew who paid it. The person owned 
he said the words, but denied he said he knew who paid it. I 
returned home to dinner, and then went to Drury Lane playhouse. 

This day the Treasury signed the warrant for Page's friend 
to be a boatman, of which my son writ Page word. 

Wednesday, 20th.—This morning I went to the Georgia Office 
to a summons both of a Common Council and Trustee Board. 
The members present were : Lord Shaftesbury, Lord Tyrconnel, 
Lord Egmont, Dr. Bundy, Alderman Kendal, Captain Eyles, 

 \ 

32 DIABY OF THE 

Feb. 20-22 

Mr. Digby, Mr. La Roche, Mr. Sloper, Mr. Vernon, and Mr. Moore. 
Captain Coram, Mr. Smith, Mr. Burton, Mr. Anderson ; Dr. Bundy 
in the chair of Trustees. The Board desired me to tell my 
Lord Bathurst that Sir Francis Bathurst should have fifty acres 
allowed him for each servant he carried, and that his son being 
sixteen years old should be allowed for a servant. I acquainted 
the board Sir Francis had two daughters to carry, and that my 
Lord would give Sir Francis a hundred pounds. Mr. Anderson 
acquainted us that a broker in Exchange Alley, deceased, has left 
us a hundred pounds. We ordered the same should be advertised 
to encourage others to do the same. Mr. Burton presented us with 
ten pounds and acquainted us that the benefactor, who desires 
his name may be concealed, promises to continue it for five years, 
with design it may go towards maintaining a Catechist in our Colony. 
Mr. Miller, a surgeon, attended. He was recommended by 
Sir Hans Sloan to succeed Mr. Houston as collector of drugs and 
plants of use to be gathered from other countries and planted in 
Georgia. He accepted of Mr. Houston's agreement with us, and 
will set out in two months. Mr. Houston died in Jamaica the 
14th of August, 1733, and left a considerable collection, which we 
ordered to be secured for the use of our Colony. There is 185Í. 
subscribed by the Duke of Richmond, Sir Hans Sloan, the Earl 
of Derby, Lord Petre, and others, and our Board are engaged to 
make it up to 2002. per annum. 

Mr. Douglas, a solicitor, reported that the Palatines were sent 
to the West Indies about Lady Day, 1710. That the letters patent 
for collecting money for their use were in force till the Michaelmas 
following, but that from the time they went away no printed 
briefs were returned (as required under a severe penalty) to the 
office, nor any money paid into the Chamberlain of London's office. 
But the money collected before those people were sent amounted 
to near 21,0002., private gifts included, which was disbursed upon 
them. This he had from Mr. Bendish. In a board of Common 
Council, Mr. Vernon in the chair, some bills of which we had 
advice were accepted. We ordered a letter to Mr. Oglethorp, 
desiring him to advise us of all bills he draws for the future, or 
in his absence to Mr. Scot and Mr. St. Julian. 

I then went to the House, where we had some hours' debate, 
whether towards raising the supply of this year we should give the 
salt duty for seven years ending 1742 to raise a million for this year's 
service, and we carried it by a majority of 219 to 121. I returned 
to dinner and passed the evening at home. 

Thursday, 21.—This day I visited son Hanmer, brother Perceval, 
Sir Roger Mostyn and Frank Clerke. 

Sir Roger Mostyn, who is my relation by the Derings, told me 
a story of one of my great aunts who was married to Sir Daniel 
Harvy. She was a woman of very high spirit and lived on ill terms 
with her husband. When Sir Daniel was appointed by King 
Charles the Second Ambassador to Constantinople, the King told 
her he hoped he now had pleased her, for he had sent her husband 
far enough from her. To which she immediately replied, she must 
acknowledge his goodness, and wished it was in her power to return 
it by sending the Queen as far from his Majesty. The King, turning 
about, cried, "Oddsfish, I had better have let my compliments 
alone." 

FIRST EABL OF EGMONT. 

33 

1733-4. 

I went to the House, where, among other things, we dropped 
the Woollen Committee for this year, because many gentlemen 
thought whatever we should do by reinforcing the laws in being 
against running wool and woollen goods from Ireland would be 
ineffectual, unless Ireland affectionately and sincerely co-operate 
with us, which they cannot do till our proposals on that head 
should meet with a Parliamentary concurrence on that side. 

I dined at home, and remained the evening at home. Mr. Temple 
and Cousin Ned Southwell came to see me. 

Friday, 22.—This morning I visited brother Percival and then 
went to the House. Dined at home : in the evening went to "The 
Island Princess " at Drury Lane play house, where was shown the 
tallest man of all that I have seen. He is seven feet ten inches 
and half in height, a German by birth. 

This day the Earl of Scarborough gave up his place of Master 
of the Horse, and would have given up his regiment also, but the 
King obliged him to keep the last, telling him he commanded him 
to do so, and that it was not in his 'power to quit it without his leave. 
It is said the Earl of Falmouth will likewise surrender to-morrow 
his place of Vice-Treasurer of Ireland, which he holds jointly with 
Mr. Edgcomb. His half is worth 3,0002. per annum. It is also said 
that as soon as the Duke of Dorset comes over, both he and the Earl 
of Wilmington, President of the Council and Paymaster of the Forces 
(I think) will resign. All this proceeds from two causes ; the King's 
coldness to those who in Parliament vote against Sir Robert Walpole's 
schemes, and to a personal hatred of Sir Robert. I dread the 
issue of these things. But as to the Earl of Scarborough's quitting, 
Mr. Doddington told me the reason was an ill judged and unnecessary 
punctillio of honour ; in that having formerly entertained some 
notions, and expressed himself by word, and voting against the 
inclination of the Court, and being now convinced of his error, he 
would not have the world think that his adhering to the Court 
measures should be owing to his employments. Whether the world 
will take it so is a question, but should he go Lord Lieutenant 
to Ireland next year, it will be thought he played a game. He 
put in for that employment when his intimate friend the Duke of 
Dorset went over. 

Richard Earl of Scarborough was from his youth firmly attached 
to the Protestant succession in the House of Hanover, which when 
it obtained on Queen Anne's death, and the Royal family landed, 
upon the settling of the Prince of Wales (now King) his household, 
this Lord was made Master of his Horse, and so continued until 
ms master succeeded to the Crown on his father's death, and then 
he was appointed Master of the Horse to his Majesty ; he was a 
genteel personable man when young, and still keeps much the air 
ol a man of quality, dressing well, and entertaining the nobility, 
both-domestic and foreign, frequently and magnificently, notwith 
standing which he is a good manager of his fortune, which is now 
sunicient for all his desires, having abandoned play and other 
extravagancies -for many years, so that with his fortune he has 
recovered his reputation, which he had for a time impaired by 
7ou*}\ful extravagancies. The last vice he left was gaming, which 
fie did of a sudden, having in one night lost 7,0002., and this was 
about seven years ago. He had an elder brother who died in 
and succeeded to his honours and estate in 1721 upon his 

Wt. 6606. 

E 3 

 \ 

34 DIAEY OF THE 

Feb. 22-25 

father's death. In 1715 he was made Colonel of the First Regiment 
of Horse Grenadiers, and the same year called up by writ to the 
House of Lords, having while a Commoner served in two Parlia 
ments, and always showed himself a firm friend to the constitution, 
as also to his master, for when that unlucky breach fell out between 
him and his father the late King, and the order came out that 
obliged all who had employments in both Courts to choose which 
they would adhere to, and resign the places they held under the 
other, he chose to. adhere to his master the Prince, which rivetted 
him in his affection, and occasioned the speech the King made 
him this day upon his quitting his place, that he had for nineteen 
years looked on him as a friend more than a servant. In 1722 he was 
made Colonel of the Coldstream regiment of foot guards, and in 
1724 honoured with the blue Garter. In 1727, the first of this 
King, he was appointed, as has been said, Master of the Horse, 
sworn of the Privy Council, and had besides the lieutenancy of 
the county of Northumberland and the vice-admiralty of Durham. 
These with his regiment he still holds. It is said Sir Robert Walpole 
was three times with him to persuade him to keep his Mastership 
of the Horse, and was more than ordinarily earnest with him, 
telling him had he flung up a year or two ago it had not been so 
much, but now that the people have resented so much the removal 
of the Duke of Bolton and Lord Cobham, his surrendering that 
employment would prove very prejudicial to his Majesty's affairs, 
but his Lordship could not be prevailed on to hold. 

Saturday, 23.—I learned to-day that by direction of the Queen 
the Princess Royal writ to the Prince of Orange at Bath to suspend 
his return to London till after her Majesty's birthday is over, 
to prevent the fatigue which the solemnization of that day may 
give him, whereupon he so far complied that he will not arrive 
to-morrow as was expected, but his impatience will bring him up 
on Thursday night, and his marriage will be that night in private, 
but, to say the truth, the mind of the Court has varied so often, 
on this head, and so many things are differently reported, that 
I know not when it will be consummated. I heard this day that 
the cold reception Mr. Spencer, brother to the Earl of Sunderland, 
and his lady met with at Court this week has highly disgusted 
several great families. That gentleman having a few days ago 
married a daughter to the Lord Carteret, they with several of their 
relations went to pay their Court. The Lord Carteret and his 
Lady, the Earl of Sunderland and his Countess and several others 
attended on the occasion, and as is usual expected the honour to 
kiss hands, but the King turned his back to them all, nor did the 
Queen (who usually makes amends for the King's reservedness) 
say anything to them, only after a considerable neglect of them 
all, at last came up to Mr. Spencer, and only said to him, " I think, 
Mr. Spencer, I have not seen you since you was a child " ; to which 
he answered as coldly, "No, Madam, I believe not," and so they all 
came away displeased. It were to be wished the King had more 
affability, and that the sincerity in showing his resentment where 
he is displeased with his subject's conduct did not prejudice his 
Majesty's affairs after this manner. For the nobility of England 
are proud, and presently take fire at any slight the Crown casts 
upon them; besides, there are conjunctions of time when Kings 
should take some pains to please. These Lords Carteret and 

ÏÏKST EARL OF EGMONT. 

35 

1733-4. 

Sunderland have affections for his Majesty's family, but are no 
friends to Sir Robert Walpole, but it appears whoever are not friends 
to him are not to be countenanced at Court. 

Great alterations are expected in employments. It is said my 
Lord Harrington, Secretary of State (who though he has acted 
in concurrence with Sir Robert Walpole was never right with him), 
has been desired to quit, and take on him an Embassy to France, 
but that he refused it and offers rather than be commanded thither 
to lay down. It is said also that the Duke of Newcastle, the other 
Secretory, is to resign to Mr. Horace Walpole, and will be made 
Master of the Horse in Lord Scarborough's room. The making 
Mr. Walpole Secretary of State is what Sir Robert has for some 
years been aiming at, and could the Duke of Newcastle have been 
prevailed on to accept the lieutenancy of Ireland when the Duke 
of Dorset went, it had been then done. 

I hear also that Mr. Doddington, Commissioner of the Treasury, 
will have the place of Secretary at War, and that Sir Will. Strickland 
will be removed, which I believe will prove so, for Mr. Doddington 
is an ambitious man, and seems to have much merit in pacifying 
the resentment of the Prince of Wales for his treatment at Court. 
Sir William's guilt is his disapprobation of the late excise scheme, 
which he positively refused to bring into the House though urged 
to it, nor did he once appear in the House during the debates on 
that affair, for which we are told he suffered" so much in his Majesty's 
opinion, that when afterwards the business of his place obliged 
him to wait on the King, the King said something in the German 
tongue which Sir William did not understand ; but remarking 
the words he went to a friend to desire he would explain them ; 
that friend told him he did not pronounce to him the words exactly 
right, but they meant either get you out or get you out, you rascal. 
Upon this Sir William resolved to wait no more on the King, but 
has pretended himself ill of the gout ; so that he has not appeared 
abroad. 

I stayed the evening at home. 

Sunday, 24.—I went to chapel, and then to Court, where I 
thought the King did not look pleased. Dr. Bearcroft, Mrs. Schutz 
and her daughter dined with me. In the evening I visited the 
Bishop of Cloyn and Sir Thomas Hanmer. 

I hear the English officers are highly disgusted that two Scotch 
men, my Lord Crawford is one, have been this week promoted 
to commands in the Army over many of their heads, and complain 
that out of nine employments given this week eight have been to 
Scotchmen. 

Monday, 25.—I visited my son Hanmer, and then went to the 
House, where Mr. Clayton offered a petition in behalf of the 
Proprietors of the Charitable Corporation who are excluded from 
relief because they could not swear themselves after their losses in 
that Company to be worth under 5,0001. None supported the 
petition but Sir Charles Wager and Colonel Bladen, but they did 
it faintly, and though none spoke for rejecting the petition but 
M?· vvuinington and Mr. Sands, it was unanimously rejected, and 
With reason, for the Act which passed for relieving the Proprietors 
last year was founded on the persons being undone who were 

t J ·"«<» »r t*»J *\jΙΛ.1 Λ.\Λ.\ΛΛ \JLL \Jii\j JJ^iDV/AAO RJV^JLU^ \*.*.*.-^-*->*.*.^j «ι *-.·^ 

intended to be relieved, but no person still worth 5,000?. can be 
Judged undone ; besides that if these last were to be consic 

considered 

 ill 

36 DIARY OF THE 

Feb. 25-27 

there would be some relieved who yet are worth from fifty to a 
hundred thousand pound. The House then proceeded to enact 
that the distribution of the relief should be in proportion to the 
sums of the sufferers as given in by the Master in Chancery, but 
I did not stay to the end. 

I dined and passed the evening at home. 

Tuesday, 26.—This morning I went and dined at Chariten. 
In the evening at my return I learned that Mr. Sands' Bill for 
limiting the number of officers in the House of Commons was on 
the second reading this day rejected by a majority of 230 against 
191. The debate held till half an hour after six o'clock ; the 
difference was but 39. 

Wednesday, 27.—I went to the Georgia Board, where the trustees 
sat and signed commissions to London ministers to preach and 
collect for us. Trustee board, Egmont in the chair, Hucks, Holland, 
Bundy, Moore, Thomas Towers, Sloper, Vernon, Shaftesbury, 
Lapautre, White, Tyrconnel, Digby, Frederick, Coram, Smith, 
Page. Lord Tyrconnel paidin 225Z. Is. 6d. collected at Dr. Rundall's 
sermon in St. George's Parish, Hanover Square. 

Mr. Gordon, one of our bailiffs or chief magistrates of Georgia, 
lately come over to be cut for a fistula, attended us, and gave us 
a general account of the Colony which he left November last, at 
which time there were about 500 souls, and of them 100 fighting 
men. He told us a great deal of Mr. Oglethorp's indefatigable 
zeal in carrying on our affairs, conducting the building of the town, 
keeping peace, laying out of lands, supplyingthe stores with provision, 
encouraging the fainthearted, etc. He also produced a sketch of 
the town and adjacent country, as it was when he came away in 
November last, which we ordered to be engraved for the satisfaction 
of the subscribers to the undertaking. He said that 40 houses 
were then already built of timber and clapboard with shingle roofs, 
but Mr. Oglethorp still lay in the tent set up before the houses were 
built ; that the town is intended to consist of six wards, each ward 
containing four tithings, and each tithing 10 houses, so that the 
whole number of houses will be 240. That we have a battery of 
twelve guns on the river, over which is the guard room, and there 
are besides two blockhouses at the two angles of the town with four 
guns each. That there is a town house erected in which Divine 
service is said by Mr. Quincy, whom he very much commends for 
his care and good example. That under the town, the river is 
twelve foot at low water, and rises with the tide seven or eight 
foot, but the bluff on which the town stands is forty foot higher 
than high water. 

That the kitchen roots and herbs we sent over did not succeed 
so well as was expected, nor have the people applied themselves 
so much as we expected in clearing their lands for sowing and 
gardening, being taken up with building their houses, which is a 
bad account, because I fear they will not be able to maintain them 
selves after the year is out as we expected, but will fall a charge on 
us. That he has great hopes the cultivating the modern grape 
will bring great employment and profit to the people by making 
wine, as well as the silk business. That the Indians of the neigh 
bouring town are forty souls, and live in great friendship with us, 
as we do with them. That several of our people had fallen sick 
by drinking, as was supposed, the river water, but Mr. Oglethorpe 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 37 

1733-4. 

had sunk a well in the middle of the town that produced good 
water, and sufficient quantity. That the river had a great quantity 
of several sorts of fish, and particularly sturgeon. That when he 
came away the people were healthy and orderly. 

Mr. Bendish, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Palatines 
in Queen Anne's reign, attended, and showed the disbursement 
of many thousand pounds advanced by-the Treasury for sending 
those people to our Colonies, but it appeared that Mr. Walker, 
collector of the brief money, had still above 1.300Z. unaccounted 
for by him, and not paid in by him to the Chamber of London, 
which we thought proper to apply to Parliament for. 

Mr. Douglas, our solicitor, acquainted us he had writ to Mr. 
Walker, who had returned no answer. Mr. Smith acquainted us 
that a parish in London had collected for us 621. We desired he 
would return our thanks ; and we also ordered a minute to be 
taken to desire some of our body to wait on my Lord Chancellor 
and desire him to give some living to Mr. Smith which he might 
hold with his living in London. 

In the Common Council, Lord Tyrconnel was in the chair, when 
we put the seal to two grants. One was to Mr. Hetherington. 
We also agreed with Mr. Robert Milles to succeed the late Mr. 
Houston in collecting plants etc. for Georgia. 

I returned to dinner, and after passing an hour at the coffee 
house, returned home for the evening. 

I found by discourse with the two Mr. Towers that they yesterday 
purposely avoided being at the House because they were in their 
Judgments for the Bill to limit the number of officers in Parliament, 
but yet were not willing to disoblige the Ministry who warmly 
pressed the rejecting that Bill. Mr. Moore also told me he would 
not be there, because though he liked the Bill, he did not know 
if the passing it at this time might not embarrass the King's affairs 
as we are going into a war, when it will be necessary the next 
Parliament should consist of members that will concur in the Court 
measures as Placemen will be sure to do. Mr. Page told me he 
left the House as the question was going to be put, because he 
could not oppose so reasonable and popular a Bill. 

My brother Parker did the same, and I was informed that of 
those present at the debate there were counted twenty friends of 
the Court who left the House, for the eyes of men are very searching 
on such occasions. I own I avoided being there because I really 
rkfk-** *s i*100118!8*611* with our Constitution, and dangerous to our 
liberties, that so many Placemen should have seats among us, 
no less as is pretended than 180 ; besides the sons and fathers of 
Placemen, suitors for employments, and perhaps, secret pensioners, 
so that if some stop be not put to it, in a few Parliaments more 
Itnan] two-thirds of the lower House may consist of absolute de- 
Foidants on the Court ; whereas the true Constitution is that the 
Ring's prerogative should be preserved entire, and the House of 
Commons free and independent. 

But though I must in honour as well as conscience have voted 
lor the Bill had I been present, for otherwise having no employment, 
mJ opposing so reasonable a thing might be interpreted as if I 
were a secret pensioner, yet I apprehended some danger might 
arise from passing it, because parties are now so high and 
envenomed against each other, that were the new Parliament 

 [Pi 

38 DIAEY OF THE 

Feb. 27-Mar. 1 

almost entirely independent of the Crown, I know not how violently 
they may behave against the public measures next year, when 
we shall be perhaps engaged in war, especially considering the 
characters of Sir William Wyndham, Mr. Pulteney, Shippen and 
others who are the promoters of this Bill, some of whose principles 
are suspected to tend to a Commonwealth and others more than 
suspected to be Jacobites. 

But I think it had been more decent, popular, and wise, if the 
Ministry had given way to a committal at all of this Bill, and then 
opposed it, on pretence the limitations intended were too many. 
It had been easy to find objections at that time, and so have thrown 
the Bill out as unreasonable and impracticable, and then the 
gentlemen who should oppose it might have some excuses to make 
to their electors, but the throwing the Bill out upon a second reading, 
before the limitations intended to be proposed were known, is a 
stretch of insolence of power, that I really think does no service 
to the Ministry, but shows their view is to have the House filled 
with all the officers they can, and that they care not what the 
country thinks so as they can procure a majority of dead votes, 
which as it still provokes the nation against them, lessens besides 
the interest of their independent friends who offer to stand for 
next Parliament. Such labour to increase the power of the Crown 
over the Parliament is very contrary to the honest principles of 
the Whigs, who value themselves on being friends to the liberty 
of their country, and it is very unfortunate that to please the 
Court the Whigs must desert their principles and turn Tories, 
whose principle is to advance the power of the Crown. But though 
some Ministries disallow the Tory principles of government to be 
de jure, yet all Ministries like the exercise of it de, facto, for what 
they want is power by which they please their Princes and secure 
themselves. 

Thursday, 28.—This morning I went to the House, where at the 
request of divers subscribers to the Palatine refugees, who came 
over in Queen Anne's reign, Sir Roger Meredith presented a petition 
complaining that a brief had been granted for collecting money 
for the relief of those Palatines to which they had subscribed; 
and that near 20,OOOZ. had been collected as they were .informed, 
that R. Walker, gent, of Staffordshire, had undertaken the 
collection, but had not paid in a considerable part of that money 
so collected by him and his agents to the Chamber of -London as 
he was obliged, neither returned the briefs into the proper office 
as by Act of Parliament required. They therefore desired that 
the Parliament would take the matter into consideration, and 
expressed their wishes that what might be recovered might be 
applied to the support of the Colony of Georgia, or to such other 
purpose as the House should think proper. A committee was 
appointed to look into it and we chose Sir Roger Meredith our 
chairman, who on Tuesday next will sit, and wrote to one Ward 
to attend, and also ordered a letter to Walker. 

When the House was up, Sir Robert Walpole came and sat by 
me, and asked me what I thought of the Triennial Bill, which the 
opposers of the Court intend to move for ? I answered, I was 
totally against a Triennial Bill, and had ever been in my judgment 
against it, but more especially at this time a day, when there are 
such heats and parties in the nation ; that all neighbourhood and 

WEST EARL OF EGMONf. 

39 

1733-4. 

friendship would be lost if every three years gentlemen were to 
renew their contests for elections, besides the insolence of the 
electors to the nobility and gentry which would daily grow upon 
us on account of courting them for their votes, and the ruinous 
expense to our fortunes, for such short Parliaments would render 
every year of our lives as troublesome and chargeable in order 
to keep up our interest as an election year. Yes, said Sir Rohert, 
and if it come to that of spending money, the Crown will certainly 
get the better and tire the gentry out, for ΙΟΟ,ΟΟΟΖ. a year spent 
by the Crown will in a little time drain the gentry's pockets. " How 
will Sir Philip Parker do in it ? " " He thinks," replied I, " as ill 
of the Triennial Bill as I do." At this Sir Robert seemed to 
express an unusual satisfaction, repeating several times, he was 
glad of it, he was extremely glad. 

I then asked him if he apprehended any other opposition this 
Session ? He answered, " No, except on paying the Navy debt." 
"I suppose," said I, "it will be out of the Sinking Fund ? " "I 
believe so," said he. " I think (said I) it will be right, for though I 
was last year against it, as you know, yet now the case is different, 
for the Navy debt must one day be paid, and till it be, carries five per 
cent, interest, whereas the other national debts carry but four, 
so that your applying a million of the Sinking Fund to the Navy 
debt will be saving ΙΟ,ΟΟΟΖ. to the nation." 

I returned home to dinner, and in the evening went to the ballad 
opera called Achilles at Covent Garden playhouse. 

Friday, 1 March.—This being the Queen's birthday, there was 
an extraordinary appearance of nobility and gentry both morning 
and afternoon to congratulate her. My wife, son, and both my 
daughters went in new clothes ; and in the evening they went also 
to the Ball, where my son and daughters were called out to dance 
according to their rank of nobility, without infringement of their 
Irish rank. The King and Queen were observed to be more pleased 
and attentive to my son and daughter Helena while they danced 
than on any other dancers there. I went not, but passed the day 
at home, only some few visits in the morning I made. 

Dr. Ven came to see me, and presented me with a pamphlet he 
printed in the heat of the Preston rebellion, Anno 1715, entitled 
King George's title, asserted. He at that time published it to preserve 
the_ subjects in their loyalty, and now hath reprinted it to show 
he is no Jacobite, of which they have scandalized him because he 
opposes the making Dr. Rundall a Bishop, and offers to witness 
against him that he does not believe the Scriptures. He told 
we that he can prove Dr. Rundall has every year manifested a 
contempt of the Scriptures, and that what is objected to him of 
disbelieving that God commanded Abraham to offer up his son 
Isaac is true, that he did not (as is said in his excuse) speak it 
Jocularly and by way of argument, but held a serious discourse 
about it in the presence of many ministers, who were much 
scandalized therewith. He is veiy warm on this occasion, and 
tears that infidelity has infected above half the nation, and much 
the greater part of the nobility. He also told me that when Crellins 
the son (now the head of the Socinians in Europe) was two years 
ago m England this Crellins affirmed to him that our famous Dr. 
opencer, who writ De legibus Hebreorum, owned himself to him 
When formerly in England to be a Socinian, and at taking leave 

 40 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 1-3 

gave him his hand with these words—Te et causam tuam Deo com- 
mendo ut préservât et precor: I pray God preserve you and your 
cause. 

Saturday, 2.—I visited Mr. Clerke in Pall Mall, who told me 
the Prince of Orange will be certainly in town Monday night, but 
nobody knew at Court when he would be married, nor in what 
manner, only that the Lord Chamberlain told him there will no 
tickets be given out, and he believes there will be no other walking 
than as the nobility proceed to Chapel every Sunday. 

I visited Cousin Moll Bering, who, though all day with the 
Princess, could not tell me how or when the wedding is to be, 
wherefore several who made clothes on that occasion wore them 
yesterday at the Queen's birthday, saying that since the Court 
thought fit to be so secret in the matter, perhaps it might not be 
till summer, and then their winter suits would not be fit to be worn, 
and to buy new would cost too much. I afterwards went to the 
House, and then to Court, where the King and Queen spoke a 
considerable time to me. 

After dinner I went to the Haymarket playhouse, where among 
other representations I saw the strong man show one of his feats. 
Two chairs were placed on the stage at such a distance as that 
laying himself along, his head and a small part of his shoulders 
rested on one, and his feet on the other, so that his body and legs 
were suspended in the air. Then six grown men (two of whom 
I observed to be remarkably tall) go up, and stood perpendicular 
upon his body, two on his chest, two on his body and two on his 
legs. He bore them all a quarter of a minute, and bending his 
body downward till it almost touched the ground between the 
chairs, with a surprising spring and force raised his body with all 
that weight upon it, not only level as he lay at first, but higher 
in the air. The mob of the gallery not satisfied with this, hissed, 
whereupon he refused to show any other of his tricks. This man 
is about thirty years old and married. He was born in a neigh 
bouring village and by trade a carpenter. His father was 70 years 
old, and his mother 52 when they begot him. When 13 years of 
age he beat at boxing boys of 19. He is very fond of music and 
goes a note lower than Montagnana, the deep voiced Italian now 
here, wherefore he is now learning to sing. He will bend a kitchen 
poker round his neck like a withy, or break it by a blow on his 
arm. He formerly ran vastly swift, till resisting the draught of 
three cart horses, they by a sudden Jerk pulled him over, by which 
accident he broke his thigh. 

Sunday, 3.—This morning I went to St. James's Church, where 
the Bishop of Norwich preached a very good sermon on the 
innocency of sociableness, and the advantage to the world by 
men's living free and easy together, provided we break not the 
commands of God. He did not omit St. Paul's example of becoming 
all things to all men that he might gain some. This is the gentleman 
whose promotion to the see of Norwich occasioned much uneasiness, 
for it was the unanimous desire of that diocese to have Dr. Tanner, 
a learned man, who had been Chancellor of it and Prolocutor of 
the Convocation. But by the interest of Lord Harvey, Dr. 
Richard Butts (that is his name) obtained the bishopric last 
January was twelvemonth, on the death of Dr. Baker. Dr. Butts 
being minister of Bury in Suffolk, was serviceable to Lord Hervey 

FIRST EABT, OF BGMONT. 

41 

1733-4. 

in his election, who returned the favour by advancing him first to 
the deanery of Norwich and then to the bishopric. 

After church was over I went to Court, and on my return found 
Nicholas Richman of Harwich, who said there is no likelihood of 
opposition to my son's election. 

I learned that this night it is to be resolved whether the marriage 
shall be public or private ; if public, the gallery is to be enlarged. 
In the evening I went to chapel, and after some time spent at 
the coffee house returned home. 

In the morning, when at Court, Mr. Vernon, one of the members 
of our Trustee Board, took me aside to express his concern at the 
behaviour of some gentlemen of our body. I find this gentleman's 
character in the memoirs of John Macky, Esqr., given to the Princess 
Sophia, 1703 : Mr. Vernon, Envoy to the King of Denmark, is son 
of Mr. Secretary Vernon, Teller of the Exchequer ; a young gentleman 
who hath had a fine education, is master of abundance of learning ; 
is very modest and sober, speaks little, not 25 years old. To this I 
will add that he is a man of great honour and sense of religion, 
and employs all the time he can spare from his public offices, which 
are Clerk of the Council and Commissioner of the Excise, in pro 
moting the cause of Christianity both at home and abroad, being 
a member of the Christian Society for Promoting Christian Know 
ledge, and also a member of the Georgia Society, wherein he 
constantly attends. 

In the first place he complained to me of the neglect Mr. 
Oglethorp shows in not corresponding with us frequently, and 
thereby keeping us in great ignorance of his proceedings in Georgia 
and the state of the Colony there, he not having writ to us since 
December last, and never once in any full and satisfactory manner, 
though by all accounts from thence writ occasionally by others 
he is very indefatigable in the settlement of the Colony. Moreover, 
- his drawing bills upon us without advice is a dangerous negligence, 
for thereby we are subject to be cheated by false bills, which if 
We pay, then we are liable to be questioned for squandering away 
the public money, and if we do not pay them, then the reputation 
of our Board is blown up, and the Colony put under great distress 
on future occasions, for nobody will supply them when their bills 
are not answered punctually by us. 

He next complained of the behaviour of several of our young 
members, as George Heathcot, Mr. White, Thomas Towers, Hucks 
and Moore, who seem in his opinion to be carrying on some particular 
schemes, and on that account to neglect the general good of the 
Colony, and also to have too little regard to the religious part of 
our designs, leaning to the new opinions that are unorthodox. 
He took it ill that they separated the Colony affairs and the 
members of it from the care of Mr. Dalone's legacy for converting 
blacks, and Dr. Bray's improvement of that design, of which others 
of the Trustees for Georgia are Trustees ; with these he put Mr. 
Martin, our secretary, who he thinks leads the gentlemen I have 
mentioned. 

He next complained of the coldness with which those gentlemen 
Prosecute the recovery of the Palatine brief money, of which they 
gavera mark last Wednesday, when the Board agreed to support 
petitioning the Parliament to call the brief gatherers to account 
lor the money they had collected, and had not paid in. Several 

H 

 \ 

rSSr ff 

«&*/ 
«•«V 

st*>* 

42 DIABY OB' THE 

Mar. 3-5 

of them spoke faintly and discouragingly on that subject, and 
on Thursday but few appeared, when Sir Roger Meredith presented 
the petition, for there were none in the House but Mr. Moore, 
Mr. Hucks, Mr. White and myself, and after they had laboured 
with the Speaker and Sir Boger to defer presenting the petition, 
all but myself left the House to avoid being put on the Committee 
that was appointed to consider of the petition. The reasons they 
gave me were that the session was too short to make any progress ; 
that Walker of Staffordshire, the brief gatherer, was eighty years 
old and grown a natural fool ; that the Ministry had not been 
acquainted with the design of preferring the petition that day, 
and therefore would discourage it, having before shown their dislike 
of it ; that it is likely no money will be recovered, it being certain 
that above 19,00(M. had been paid in by the brief gatherers into 
the Chamber of London, and if a Bill should pass for forcing the 
brief gatherers to account for any remaining sum, what might 
be so recovered might not answer the cost and charges of the Bill 
and prosecution, which might amount to many hundred pounds ; 
and who should pay it ? To this I answered that we had reason 
. to believe near 2,0001. is yet not paid in by the brief gatherers, 
as appeared to us last Wednesday at the Georgia Board, and we 
ought to encourage the petition, because by the prayer of it the 
subscribers of that petition who were subscribers to the Palatines 
desire the money so recovered may be given to our Colony ; that 
the House had been prepared to receive the petition favourably, the 
leading men were for it, and the Speaker approved it. That as we 
were not the petitioners, we might remain in the House, and by 
not speaking on the occasion, should only act the part of the 
other members who approved the appointing a Committee. That 
the Committee would be mostly made up of members who were 
not of the Georgia Board, and if the Session should prove too short 
to do anything, a foundation might be laid for prosecuting the · 
matter next Parliament. 

However, notwithstanding what I said, Mr. Moore, Hucks and 
White retired behind the Chair, and after consulting together, 
without advising again with me suddenly went all three out of the 
House before the question was put for a Committee, and returned 
not till the matter was over, whereby all of them but Mi·. Moore 
escaped being named of the Committee. 

Mr. Vernon told me he suspected Mr. Martin had influenced 
them to act in that manner, and gave me for reason that the town 
of Stafford was formerly in subjection to the late Lord Chancellor 
Macclesfield, and he imagined that Martin, to compliment the 
present Lord Chancellor, has put into his head that, his Lordship 
should succeed to that influence over the town in the crfoice of 
members, to which this Walker, the brief gatherer, would be 
instrumental, as he was in serving Macclesfield, his being the 
controlling interest in that town, and by which the members used 
to be chosen. Thus to serve his own interest with the Chancellor, 
Mr. Vernon believes that our Secretary sacrifices the Georgia 
Board, and being very great with our gentlemen abovementioned 
has influenced them to discourage a pursuit that will bring reflection 
on Mr. Walker and lessen his influence in Stafford. 

Another distress we are in is how to go on with the invitation 
we have made to the Vaudois in Holland, and the Saltsburgers 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

43 

1733-4. 

we have writ for to settle them in Georgia, seeing that by the 
ill management in settling the English now there, the expense has 
greatly exceeded what we imagined, and we know not how much 
it may cost more, especially since they have not cultivated their 
lands as was expected, so that they will be another year charged 
upon us to maintain them, which was not in our scheme, for after 
the first year they were to maintain themselves out of the produce 
of their lands, but that cannot be since they have spent their time 
in building houses, and not in reducing the land. 

I told him these were all things to be considered seriously, and 
in the meantime the foreigners we are in treaty with to send should 
by prudent means be delayed. I perceive a division growing up 
among the trustees of Georgia, which I must labour to stifle, or our 
affairs will go on very heavily. 

Monday, 4.—I visited son Hanmer, brother Percival, Mr. Tuffnell, 
Sir Edmond Bacon, Lord Bathurst and Mr. Howard, formerly 
painter. Lord Grantham told me that the King is positive to 
have the marriage of the Prince of Orange performed in the manner 
first intended by a procession through the wooden gallery, notwith 
standing Sir Robert Walpole, Duke of Grafton, Harry Pelham 
and others were warmly against it as a thing that will disoblige his 
subjects. ' Indeed there is not a man or woman but speaks against 
it. I told Lord Grantham, who is likewise much against it, that 
I must condemn it with both my hands, that it must displease the 
subject, and makes his Majesty look stubborn, and at the same 
time childish to us all, and as to the Irish Peers, we could not 
appear at all, if we may not preserve our rank in the procession. 

Coleman of Harwich dined with me. He is hearty for my son, 
and hopes the most opposite will come round at last. I had letters 
from Harwich this day that the packet masters blame me that 
they have been informed against for smuggling, and are cruelly 
angry with Davis the collector for obeying the Commissioner of 
the Customs' orders to acquaint them in what manner their men 
do smuggle. I told Coleman it was very hard to blame me for a 
thing I know nothing of, but I supposed my enemies there took a 
handle to censure me, though unjustly, that the party against me 
may keep out. He said it was all Phillipson's doing. 

After dinner I carried my wife and daughter Helena to the 
public music at the Crown Tavern, and then went to the Georgia 
Society, on a summons from the Trustees of Dalone's legacy for 
converting the blacks. We were Egmont, Coram, Hales and 
Dr. Bedford. We referred some matters to a subsequent meeting, 
and report was made that we have 1,0001. in cash, but owe 90Z., 
which, when paid as we expect in three years, we then shall resolve 
m what manner to dispose the Ι,ΟΟΟί. principal for converting 
negroes according to the intent of Monsieur Dalone. We adjourned 
to the anniversary meeting this month, when Mr. Hales promised 
to preach the sermon. 

Tuesday, 5.—This morning I went to the Committee appointed 
to consider of the petition relating to the Palatine money, of which 
Committee Sir Roger Meredith is chairman. I was concerned to 
see among our Georgia members only Mr. Moore, White, La Roche, 
and Sir Will. Heathcot were present, and that the first three 
rather made objections to the enquiry than forwarded it, the 
mystery of which I cannot yet unravel, unless that the great lawyers 

 44 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 5 

should have influenced them to discourage an enquiry that will 
bring reflection, and perhaps censure, on some law offices, as 
particularly the office for registering briefs, where by law all briefs 
returned should be entered, to serve as a check upon the brief 
gatherer that they defraud not the principals, sufferers, or others, 
in whose behalf the brief is granted, and in the 4 and 5 of Queen 
Anne it was enacted that the collector of the briefs should pay 
501. for every brief received of the King's printer and not registered 
in the office. It had been customary for those in whose favour 
briefs were granted to sell their rights in the money to be collected 
by them to persons who made it a trade to pay down some ready 
money, after which all they collected was their own, and when 
the only person interested in those collectors' faithful accounting 
for the profits was previously satisfied by the purchase of his right, 
the collectors declined returning their briefs to the Register Office, 
because that would have obliged them to account before a Master 
in Chancery on oath, which was attended with some charge, and 
would have discovered the great and unreasonable profit made by 
them in farming of briefs. Now if the briefs had been returned 
to the Register Office, and the office made no entry of them, there 
was a scandalous neglect in the office, and if none were returned, 
there must still lie a neglect somewhere, perhaps in the Masters of 
Chancery in not returning the account passed before them by the 
collectors, and as they are officers of the Chancery Court, the Lord 
Chancellor very possibly may have discouraged this enquiry, to 
save the reputation of his Courts, and therefore may have employed 
Mr. Martin, our secretary, who is great in his Lordship's family, 
to influence the gentlemen abovementioned to clog the enquiry. 
But this I own is bare suspicion. The reason they gave me was a 
concern for the Trustees of Georgia's money, which they said might 
be squandered away by this pursuit, for if nothing should be 
recovered, but a Bill pass in consequence of this enquiry, it would 
be a private Bill, and they had known private Bills cost 1,400Z. 

In answer to. which I said that if nothing came of our enquiry, 
we would have no Bill at all, but if gross abuses came out, the 
Parliament would certainly make some public Act, and then no 
charge would fall on us. That I never understood private Bills 
cost more than a hundred pounds, that on this occasion the Speaker 
said he would give up his own fees, and Mr. Douglas said he would 
undertake to satisfy the remaining charges for 301. They replied 
that by computation of the brief money, and comparing what 
the collectors had received, and what they had paid into the 
Chamber of London, there appeared but twelve pounds for which 
the collector Walker was accountable. I replied their computation 
might be erroneous, for Sir William Young this morning told me 
the collectors owned they had money in their hands unaccounted 
for, which they are ready to pay when called upon by proper 
authority. That I heard this money amounted to 1,300?. and 
upwards, which certainly is worth our enquiry, since the Parliament 
is disposed to give that money to Georgia. That if nothing did 
come, then the reputation of Walker would be cleared, and the 
Parliament would still have the honour of enquiring into abuses 
which would have a good effect for times to come. 

It appeared in our examination that the Register Office of Briefs 
had no returns whatever of briefs issued on account of the Palatines. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

45 

1733-4. 

The Registrar produced a book of entries from the year 1706 to 
this time, where no entry was made of Palatine briefs, and owned 
that if any had been returned they must have been entered in that 
book, for the briefs were issued in 1709 or 1710. There was indeed 
a memorandum of 13,000 briefs, received of the King's printer by 
Mr. Walker, and signed by Walker with witnesses thereto, and 
this tallied with the King's printer's book, wherein was a receipt 
under Walker's hand of 13,000 briefs received of him, of which 
number 340 were ordered by the Lords Commissioners of the 
Brief Money to be delivered by Walker to one Bromley for the 
use of the City of London. So here was a plain proof that Walker 
is charged with 12,660 briefs, of which he made no return, and 
consequently is chargeable with so many 501. penalty for not 
complying with the Act of Parliament. The Clerk of the Chamber 
of London produced his book, wherein all moneys paid in on account 
of the Palatines and disbursed for their use was entered, and it 
appeared the Chamber had received from June, 1709, to December, 
1711, 22,038?. 5s. 6J<Z., and had disbursed 22,025?. 11s. Id., so that 
12?. 14«. 5Jd remains still in their hands. But as many sums 
were paid in by voluntary gifts, and not by Walker on account 
of the brief, we could not distinguish how much Walker paid, and 
consequently Walker may still be chargeable with very great sums 
collected by him, and not accounted for. We therefore desired 
the Clerk of the Chamber of London to distinguish Walker's pay 
ments from others and attend us this day sennit, which he promised 
to do as well as he could, but these transactions being long ago, 
before he was in the office, he could not be certain in the matter. 

The son of Mr. Walker, a clergyman, attended, who acquainted 
us that his father is 75 years old, and bedrid, being three times 
attacked by the palsy, which has impaired his reason. We ordered 
him to go down to Stafford, and bring up his father's books and 
papers that might give satisfaction to the committee, which he under 
took to do in a fortnight. We then adjourned to this day sennit. 

I then went to the House, to speak to Sir Charles Wager about 
some Harwich affairs, and afterwards went to the Rose Tavern 
in Cursitor's Alley, and dined at the anniversary meeting of the 
Society for promoting Christian Knowledge. The most remarkable 
transaction of last year is an account that in the kingdom of Tanjore 
we have made 1,430 proselytes from heathenism to Christianity, 
where a few years ago we had no mission at all. Several letters 
were read from our missioners in those parts, in one of which 
account is given of a dispute between a heathen and a papist. The 
former accused the papist of not being true to his profession, 
for, said he, your law pretends you should not worship idols, but 
we see you worship many, while the Protestants worship none, 
nor do we worship more Gods than one, for the idols we bow to 
are only a signification of the divers attributes of the one only 
God, whereas you do not pretend your idols are God. In another 
letter a gentleman writes us that he saw a black Marabow or heathen 
priest, whose colour seemed artificial, and who had an European 
face. This person owned to him he was a priest of the Church of 
Rome, and· was sent with eleven others to hinder the progress the 
Protestants made in converting the heathen. 

At my return home, Lord Bellement came to see me, and urged 
that the Irish Lords should make another struggle to preserve 

 ι, "Hill 

46 DIAKY OF TH£ 

Mar. 5-7 

our rank on occasion of the wedding. I agreed with him to send 
to the Irish Lords to meet at the Half Moon Tavern in Pall Mall 
on Thursday at twelve o'clock to debate how we should proceed. 

Wednesday, 6.—This morning I visited Mr. Anstis at the Herald's 
Office, to know if he had any new orders for the procession on the 
Prince of Orange's wedding, or knew what day it is to be ; he 
neither had orders, nor knew the day. 

He showed me the order where Peers and Peeresses of Great 
Britain only are mentioned. 

I then visited the Earl of Tinley, Lord Carlow, Lord Viscount 
Tyrconnel, to desire they will meet the Irish Lords to-morrow at 
the Half Moon in Pall Mall at twelve o'clock to consider on what 
we shall do to preserve our rights of precedency, being left out of 
the procession. At night I went also to Lord Gaze, Lord Limerick, 
Lord Orrery and Inchiqueen, to desire them to be there, and 
employed others to recommend it to other Lords their acquaint 
ance. I went to the Georgia Board, which was numerous, but 
I came so late that most of the business was over. They told me 
they had agreed to ballot for new persons to be chosen at the 
anniversary meeting, and that if any two members objected to the 
election of another they should have a week's time to give their 
reason. We appointed the first meeting of the committee of 
correspondence to be this evening. I declined to be of it, because 
I could not attend it punctually. 

Thursday, 7.—This morning I went to the Admiralty Office 
and procured protections from pressing for John Smith and John 
Fennings' vessels, as also for a Scotch ship that is coming with 
persons who go for Georgia. 

I then met several Irish Peers to discourse and resolve on what 
should be proper for us to do in relation to the procession on the 
Princess Royal's wedding, which it is said is fixed for Tuesday 
next. 

The Lords summoned to meet at 12 o'clock this day at the Half 
Moon Tavern, Pall Mall. The Lords who came to the meeting are 
marked (x). 

Earl of Thomond, Earl of Inchiqueen,x Earl of Orrery, Earl of 
Arran, Earl of Bellement,* Earl of Tinley,* Earl of Egmont,x Earl of 
Anglesea, Viscounts Kilmurry,* Viscount Windsor, Viscount Vane,x 
Viscount Blundel,* Viscount Gaze,x Viscount Limerick,1 Viscount 
Tyrconnel ,x Viscount Grimston,* Viscount Bateman, Viscount 
Galloway,x Barons Ranelagh,x Southwell,x Catherlogh,x Carpenter,* 
Kinsale.x Besides the Lords on the other side, the following were 
in town, as we conceived, but were not summoned, the dwelling 
of some not being known, and others we knew not disposed to 
come if sent to : Earl of Thomond, Earl of Burlington, Earl of 
Abercorn sick, Viscount Shannon sick, Viscount Fitzwilliams, 
Viscount Bulkley, Viscount Lisburne, Viscount Chetwynd, Baron 
Colerain, Baron Aylmer, Baron Baltimore, Earl Shelburn, Lord 
Carberry. 

We deliberated what was to be done ; I acquainted the Lords 
with the occasion of their meeting, and told them that in November 
last I had been deputed by several of their Lordships to present 
a memorial to his Majesty, praying we might not be excluded 
our right of walking in the procession on the marriage of the 
Princess Royall, but be allowed a place therein according to our 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 47 

1733-4. 

several ranks, to which his Majesty replied he would do what he 
could in it, but from that day to this we had received no intimation 
of his Majesty's pleasure, but understood from those who had seen 
the order of the ceremonial that only Peers and Peeresses of Great 
Britain were to walk. We were therefore met to consider if anything 
could be resolved on for further maintenance of our rights, and 
if so in what manner we should conduct ourselves. If we resolved 
to proceed, it must be by application to his Majesty, or to some 
nobleman near his person. If the former, then we were to resolve 
whether it should be by a new memorial presented in a body, or 
by a select number, and then whether that memorial should be 
signed by all, or not signed at all. If to some nobleman near his 
person, then who that nobleman should be pitched on. 

That there were difficulties on all hands, the whole body of 
lords now in Ireland, though informed by us of our proceedings 
in the common defence of their privileges when in England, have 
not thought fit to thank us, or acquaint us with their thoughts ; 
and of more than 34 Irish peers now in London, we found this day 
but 16 present, many of the rest though informed of our meeting, 
refusing to come : we have reason therefore to be cautious of 
what we determine, lest we draw upon us the censure of those who 
are absent. Should we deliver in a new memorial, and his Majesty 
thereupon give a formal answer in writing or even in words, whereby 
he excluded us the claim we make to walk, that would be an absolute 
determination against us for time to come, and the English lords, 
taking advantage thereof, would deprive us of our rank in all 
places and on all occasions ; and though the King at Arms told 
me yesterday that our not walking now is no precedent for the 
loss of other rights we claim, of carrying the sword, of our 
Countess's wives being visited by the Queen etc., yet the English 
lords might interpret it so, who have the power in their hands and 
seem besides to have his Majesty's judgment in their favour, and 
after a formal determination against us will affront us on divers 
occasions. But should we get a favourable determination, they 
may revive their addresses, made against our claim in former 
reigns, and even make an Act to take our privileges away, which 
by anything we see the King would comply with. So that on the 
whole, to desire a formal answer by a new memorial, may produce 
many evils besides a formal denial of the privileges we claim. 
Then, as to applying to his Majesty by the medium of any great 
man to know his intention, there are none about him who are not 
our enemies in this thing. The proper person is either the Duke 
of Newcastle, Secretary of State, within whose province Ireland 
lies, or the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain, but they are both 
against us, and will certainly influence his Majesty to give an 
answer displeasing to us, so the risk this way is very great. On 
the other hand, it must be owned that nothing under the sun is 
so clear as that we have a right to bear a part in the procession : 
it must be remembered his Majesty answered me he would see what 
could be done ; which shews he does not design to take our rights 
away : we have already stirred in this affair, and it seems becoming 
of us to make some further step to shew that we still adhere to 
the opinion that we have a right to walk, otherwise we give the 
matter up too calmly : some lords think we cannot be worse 
than we are, but by some further struggle we may obtain 

 48 

DIARY OP THE 

Mar. 7-8 
at least we shall justify ourselves to our absent 

our ends : 
brethren. 

These considerations I laid before their lordships with this con 
clusion, that if they thought it proper to insist on knowing his 
Majesty's pleasure whether we shall walk or no, I would not be the 
man to present a new memorial, or to ask an audience, for after 
the usage I had met with in not having an answer made me in all 
this time, though I went in the name of all the peers of Ireland, 
I thought it unbecoming and beneath me to apply again either to 
his Majesty or any nobleman about him. 

Some lords were for proceeding no farther, because we have so 
little encouragement either from his Majesty or our absent lords, 
besides that they had seen the order of ceremonial which is fixed 
and has excluded us from walking. 

To these other lords adhered, because Mr. Anstis had told me 
yesterday in private conversation that this ceremonial is only a 
precedent against us in cases of like nature, but not as to right of 
another sort, as walking before the King to chapel, carrying the 
sword etc., so that these rights are still continued us. That the 
King may order precedence as he pleases, and may on another 
occasion of like nature order us to walk. To these also joined 
my Lord Gage, who said that in truth we have not a right of any 
precedence at all in England, but from an order of Council, which 
order in matters of marriage has settled nothing. That the present 
ceremonial has excluded walking to the eldest sons of dukes, and 
consequently Irish lords cannot pretend to walk who are on the 
same foot with them, and therefore we cannot complain, unless 
those eldest sons were seen to walk. I added to this that if we had 
been set down to walk in our ranks, and the English lords had 
opposed it, then we should have just reason to complain that our 
rights were disputed, but since his Majesty might order who should 
walk and who not, and we were in a body as Irish lords deprived 
only by him of the liberty to walk, we could not claim a right to 
walk, though we might complain of a hardship : that we had 
already made this complaint, and his Majesty has shown we must 
suffer it, therefore I thought it better to contend no more, lest we 
should contend with his Majesty to force him to do a thing, which 
though perhaps unkind in him, he has a positive right to refuse 
us if he pleases. 

Some lords still express their apprehension that this will be a 
precedent made use of to deprive us of our rank on all occasions ; but 
in conclusion we all agreed to stir no more in the affair, lest any 
ill consequences should be laid at our door by the absent lords ; 
however, we proposed a question that none present should go to 
Court on the wedding day, neither our wives, which was unanimously 
agreed to, and that the following day we would appear at Court 
to wish their Royal Highnesses joy and kiss their hands. But 
such lords as were upon any duty of office, or in the service of the 
Court, as also their wives, we thought proper to exclude out of 
our motion. Lord Blundel moved that we should not go to Court 
so soon as the following day, that our resentment might be more 
evidently seen, and that we should enter a protest signed by us all 
at the Herald's Office for being refused to walk : to which I 
answered that the first would shew too much pique, and the last 
could not be done till the ceremonial is over, and then any single 

FIRST EARL OP EGMONT. 

49 

1733-4. 

lord might protest, but none could be obliged to do it. Besides, 
it must be first enquired whether the Herald's Office will receive 
and enter a protest of this nature. 

When we broke up I went to the-House, and returned to dinner. 
Afterwards went to Mr. Clerke's, where I heard that the courtiers 
give out the Irish lords have no injury done them since the courtesy 
peers walk no more than they, viz. the eldest sons of dukes, we 
being on the same foot. But the Irish lords say they are peers of 
the King, in their own right and not by courtesy, and therefore 
are on a higher foot than dukes' sons. Witness the right that 
Irish peers have to carry the sword before the King to chapel, 
which dukes' eldest sons have not. 

Friday, 8.—This day I went into the City to sell Bank Stock, 
and visited Mr. Carteret, Postmaster General. I asked him what 
was done in the complaint made by the Commissioners of the 
Customs against the packets of Harwich for smuggling. He 
replied he knew not what to do, more than to warn them to be 
severe in not suffering their men to smuggle, and yet it must needs 
be hard to prevent it, since the Post Office is not able to allow 
genteel and sufficient wages to their servants. That he took all 
the pains possible to keep all under his charge strictly to their duty, 
but complaints must come, and he believed it was a very little 
matter that those servants of the packets could do that way. I 
said Mr. Clements, the agent, had writ me something of the matter, 
but I hoped the matter would not grow too serious, to the prejudice 
of the packet masters, who were excellent seamen. This I said 
to keep my word with Page, that I gave him last post, that I would 
speak in the packets' favour to their master. I then told Mr. 
Carteret that his postmaster at Harwich is threatened sometimes 
by enemies there that they will have him turned out ; he replied 
he never turned men out without just complaint. I then asked 
him how he liked his agent Mr. Clements ? He answered, very 
well at first, that he wrote him a very sensible letter promising to 
do his best to secure Sanson's debt, but since that he has writ in 
so odd a manner that he fears that debt will not be recovered. 
I told him Clements desired nothing more than to obey his com 
mands, that he had writ to me on the subject, and informed me 
that he could not get admittance into the house to seize the goods. 
I then went to the House, and afterwards to Court, which was 
extremely crowded. 

Dr. Ven dined with me. He told me he believed Dr. Kundall 
would not get the Bishopric. That all the Bishops the Lord 
Chancellor could muster up for to recommend him are five, viz. 
Dr. Hoadley, Bishop of Salisbury ; Dr. Egerton, Bishop of Hereford, 
who is under Hoadley's influence ; Dr. Chandler, Bishop of Durham ; 
Dr. Blackburn, Archbishop of York, and Dr. Wileox, Bishop of 
Rochester. That the Bishop of London had fairly put the matter 
on this issue, if those Bishop would certify under their hands 
that Dr. Rundall was a fit person to be made Bishop he would 
contend no longer, but those Bishops had refused so to do. That 
this puzzled the Queen what part to take ; the Duke of Newcastle 
was against the Dr. and Sir Robert Walpole too. 

Talking of the Bishop Burnett's History, and the merit he therein 
ascribes to himself of procuring from Queen Anne the giving up 
to the poor clergy the right of the Crown to the tenths and first-fruits, 

Wt. 5606. 

E 4 

 50 DIABY OF THE 

Mar. 8-10 

Dr. Ven told me the Bishop might possibly concern himself 
therein, but the secret of that affair was as follows. At the time 
her Majesty made that grant the Pretender had wrote over that 
if he came ever to wear the Crown he would restore the first fruits 
and tenths to the clergy. This happening when a new Parliament 
was to be called, the Ministry apprehending that the clergy would 
bestir themselves in elections in favour of disaffected persons to 
her Government, advised her Majesty to do the thing herself. 

Dr. Ven told me also that the famous Dr. Lesley, chaplain to 
the Pretender, was so abandoned by him because he would not turn 
Papist, but had written against Popery very strongly; that he 
wanted bread, which obliged him to address himself to Lord 
Sunderland for leave to return to England on promise of never 
more concerning himself in politic affairs. Lord Sunderland 
granted his request, and so he laid his bones in England anno 1722. 

In the evening I had my concert, and a great deal of company 
came to hear it, viz. Earl of Shaftesbury, Sir Thomas Hanmer, 
Sir Charles Bunbury, Sir John Evelyn, Sir Philip Parker Long, 
Mr. Man, Mr. Hill, Mr. Southwell and his brother, Dr. Ven, Captain 
Whorwood, Mr. Le Grand, Lord Carpenter, Mr. Temple, Count 
de la Lecque, Lady Leusham and her daughter, Lady Evelyn 
and her daughter, sister Percival, Mrs. Donellan, Mrs. Minshull, 
my niece Parker, cousin le Grand and her daughter, Lady Carpenter, 
daughter Hanmer, Mrs. Southwell. 

The performers were : On the violoncello, Mr. Dobson ; Signor 
Caprara, the great bass ; on the fiddle, Mr. Needier, Mellan, Thomas 
Withrington, brother Percival, son Hanmer ; Sambrote, tenor 
fiddle ; on the hautbois, Baron Bothmar and another ; on the 
harpsichord, Signor Aragoni, Mr. Bagnal ; singers, daughter 
Hanmer, daughter Helena, Signora Bertholdi, Mr. Matines. 

Lord Carpenter told me that Lord Harvey had acquainted the 
King with the resolution the Irish lords took yesterday not to go 
to Court on the wedding day, and he doubted not he represented 
it in the worst light ; that he heard the Prince of Orange expressed 
much concern at it. He feared the King might resent it ; that my 
Lady Suffolk told him the King was for us at first, but this might 
set him against us, and make him come to some resolution against 
us. 

I answered I did not apprehend it : we had done no more than 
consistent with our honour and prudence, for since we had no 
place in the ceremonial it was wise not to appear, lest any disorder 
should happen on our account. We could not be there without 
insisting on our right of walking, and since I had no answer from 
his Majesty to the memorial I gave in November last, nor his 
Majesty had signed the order of the procession, we should be obliged, 
if present, to assert our rank, which would cause disturbance. 
That it was the desire of the Court we should not appear that day. 
That by going the next day we should show all the respect in 
our power. 

His Lordship feared the House of Lords might come to some 
resolutions against us. I said that would come to nothing if they 
did, for his Majesty would certainly not decide in a formal manner 
against us. 

I asked Mr. Hill what proceedings his Board had taken with 
relation to the packets running goods. He said Da vis, the collector, 

STRST EAEL OP EGMONT. 

51 

1733-4. 

had written a complaint against them that their men going for 
no wages were connived at in smuggling. That the Commissioners 
made complaint thereof to the Post Office, and had thanked Davis 
for his zeal for the service. I said they threatened to get him turned 
out for this, but I hoped the Commissioners would protect their 
own servants in doing so honestly their duty. 

He told me the Board had suspended' Captain John Philips for 

sailing with Mr. Leathes into Norfolk, but taken it off again at 

Mr. Leathes' desire, but that Samuel Philips' suspension continued. 

I had this night a letter from Page that Mr. Heath intends to 

stand, and says Mr. Leathes joins him. But I do not believe it. 

Saturday, 9th.—This morning I went to St. James's Vestry, and 
from thence called on Mr. Temple, who carried me to the Prince 
of Orange to pay our respects to him. Then I went to a general 
meeting of the Chelsea Waterworks, where we agreed to give time 
till the 3rd April for the proprietors of shares to subscribe further 
on their said shares in hopes to raise 20,000?. among ourselves to 
pay off our bond debts, which are above 19,000?. When that 
is done, the original subscription of 40,000?. with this additional 
one of 20,000?., in all 60,000?., will receive out of the profits of our 
undertaking 3 per cent. There is at present but 7,000?. subscribed 
of the 20,000?. I moved that a printed list of the proprietors 
with the place of their dwelling might be given to those who have 
already subscribed, that we might know who among our friends 
are concerned in the Company in order to apply to them to follow 
our example in subscribing on their shares, which was agreed to. 

After this I went to Court, where the Queen told me I had forgot 
her ; I replied the greatest pleasure I wished for was to receive and 
obey her commands, but that, having not been in the country 
since August last, I had no more heads put into order to show her 
Majesty. She replied, " Then I can't expect it, but you know I 
am extremely pleased in looking them over ; they really give me 
a particular delight." 

I was told at Court of a design to impeach Lord May, but I do 
not believe it. I returned to dinner and spent the evening at 
home. 

My son read to us a pamphlet of his printed last year against 
the Excise Scheme, which had two editions. He told me Mr. 
Blackwood had said he heard I had writ a pamphlet for the 
Government which was a very good one. 

Sunday, 10.—This morning I went to chapel, afterwards to 
Frank Clerk, who told me the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain, 
swears he knows not how the procession upon the marriage is to 
be, nor will ask one question, but do as he is bid when orders are 
given. His Grace thinks the boards of the wooden gallery through 
which the procession passes belongs to him of right as his fees, 
but will not ask for them because the King has said they shall be 
returned to the Board of Works. 

The same morning I visited Mr. Clerk of Cecil Street, who had 
very kindly offered his service to me in promoting a match between 
my son and Mrs. Le Bas, a lady of 70,000?. fortune. I told him 
the reason I did not renew that conversation was that my son was 
^611 in pursuit of Mrs. Delmee, and it would not have been honour 
able to carry two such affairs on at one time ; but now this was 
off I was at liberty to make proposals to Mrs. Le Bas, and I would 

 r-1 

Ν If 

)t 

II 

52 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 10-12 

settle the same on my son as I proposed to do in case the former 
proposal had succeeded. He said he would see me in a few days ; 
in the meantime advised my son's getting acquainted with the 
lady and that my wife should get acquainted with Mrs. Jennings, 
her aunt, with whom she lives, and on whom she has a great 
dependence. 

I then went to Court, and afterwards visited cousin Mary Bering. 
I told her the whole world cried out against the order of procession. 
She answered it was true. I asked if she did not know some about 
their Majesties who might yet influence them to alter it ? She 
answered no, that Mrs. Clay ton herself said all the world was 
against this procession except one man who only could alter it, 
meaning his Majesty. I said I wished two things : that on this 
great occasion his Majesty would fling open the opera and play 
houses to entertain those who could not see the procession, and that 
he would discharge out of prison all the debtors who lie confined for 
their fees only. She said that would be right, but she could assure 
me it would not be done ; that several things of that sort had been 
hinted, but were not hearkened 'to. 

Brother Percival and Coleman and Nicholas Richman of Harwich 
dined with me. 

In the evening I went to the Coffee House, where I heard on 
good authority that when the Prince of Orange passed through 
Bristol a fellow came up to his coach, and said to him, " God bless 
you, Sir, you have many friends here, and God damn you, you 
have as many enemies " : a strange speech. 

I was told also that he is much concerned that the Irish peers 
do not walk and that his wedding should be the occasion of the 
loss of our rights. 

I heard also that the Speaker and Commons of England are 
displeased that no particular place is assigned them to sit as 
members of Parliament and view the procession, and thereupon 
the order of the procession is altered, and the peers of England 
are not to walk, only the peeresses, and that the box assigned in 
the chapel for Irish peers and peeresses is ordered also to contain 
the lords, meaning as is supposed English barons, who are to go 
by a private way into the chapel at six o'clock, there to wait till 
the procession begins and the ceremony is over. 

Hugh Fortescue, Lord Clinton, has flung off his garter as Knight 
of the Bath, saying it is not fit for a gentleman to wear ; and when 
asked, why then he accepted it ? he answered it was forced upon 
him. This action is universally condemned, and is an affront 
to the Duke of Cumberland, who wore it, and to all the Peers of 
the Order who now wear it. 

Monday, 11.—This day the Attorney came to tell me the effects 
of Morris the linendraper come out five shillings in the pound. 
I gave him an order to receive my share of the dividend, which 
comes to one-fourth of 85?. He told me he believed there would 
come one shilling more in the pound, which I bid him pay the wife 
of Morris, who must be in distress. 

I went to the House, where without a division we voted 1,200,000?. 
of the sinking fund to pay part of the Navy debt, which is 1,800,000?. 
The reason of this was clear, it being better to pay off a debt that 
carries 5 per cent, than other national debts that carry but 4, 

The Bishop of Cloyn dined with us. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 53 

1733-4. 

In the evening Counsellor Forster brought me the foul draft of 
an annuity I am to purchase of Mr. Evans, son to my Lord Carbery. 
I give him 1,200?. for an annuity of 200?. on the joint lives of him 
and me, with liberty to him after one year to pay back the purchase 
money, giving half a year's notice. My security is 1,400 and 
odd pound a year rent charge estate in Ireland etc., together 
with his bond. 

I heard this day that it is but a few days ago the King heard of 
the beef rump club consisted of discontented Lords, as Lord 
Falmouth, Stairs, Chesterfield, etc. The King was very angry 
and said, " Quoy ! est qui se moque de moi ? " 

Tuesday, 12.—This morning my steward Mr. Taylor, lately arrived 
from Ireland, breakfasted with me. 

I went to the Committee which sits on the Palatine Brief money. 
One Walker of the town of Stafford is charged with having taken 
out 13,000 briefs for collecting money for the poor Palatines in 
1709, and the Committee are now enquiring what he has done with 
the money. By Act of Parliament, 4 and 5 Reg. Anne, collectors 
on briefs are obliged under a penalty of 50?. on each brief to return 
their briefs into the Register's office of the Court of Chancery as a 
check upon the gatherers, after which the Masters in Chancery pass 
the accounts of the gatherers. We enquired of the Register above- 
mentioned, who replied none were returned to his office on account 
of the Palatines. Consequently Walker has passed no accounts 
for the money he collected. Mr. Mellan, Clerk of the Chamber of 
London, brought us again his book of payments on account of the 
Palatines, and a fair book of the receipts of the Chamber branched 
into their several particulars, the totals of which are as follows :— 
From London Parishes, 10,277?. 8s. 9d. ; Eglinham, 2?. 10s. 6d. ; 
foreign churches in London, 44?. Is. 4fd. ; meetings, 376?. 13s. &\d. ; 
free gifts, 265?. 13s. Od. ; commissioner, 38?. 12s. 6d. ; Will. Green 
and others, 657?. 12s. 9d. ; Henry Walker (the collector charged) 
and others, 10,375?. 13s. Id., [total] 22,038?. 5s. 6Jd. The 
Chamber paid out for the Palatines 22,025?. 11s. Id. ; remains in 
the Chamber, 12?. 14s. 5¿d. 

After this I went to the House, where Lord Carpenter found 
me out to deliver me a copy of an answer the Duke of Grafton, 
Lord Chamberlain, made yesterday to an Irish peer relating to our 
being refused to walk in the procession. The words were these : 
The peers of Ireland have no real injury done them now ; they 
never had any place in any processions but when the courtesy 
mixed with them. They have now a place in the chapel to which 
none but people of quality are admitted, and I advise them to 
study their convenience, for, by God, if they pretend to struggle or 
make any differences or disputes with the peers of Great Britain 
they will find themselves in so wrong a box, that the whole body 
as well as every particular person will have reason to repent it, 
so they had better be contented. This I know from the King, 
ü they are wise let them be contented. 

I hear'this day that on the wedding morning the Queen will have 
a drawing room, at which she says she does not expect the English 
Peeresses because they will be employed in dressing themselves in 
order to walk in the procession at evening, but she will expect the Irish 
«eresses, that she may see their clothes. I believe none of them will 
go except such whose husbands have places under the Crown. 

 54 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 12-13 

After dinner I went to the Oratorio at Lincoln's Inn playhouse, 
composed by Porpora and entitled " David and Bathsheba." 

Wednesday, 13.—This morning upon a message from the 
Earl of Orrery I waited on him. His business was to discourse 
me upon the pretensions of the Irish peerage. He said since his 
father had walked at the present King's coronation as Baron Boyle 
of England, and since the Earl of Thomond is resolved to walk on 
this occasion as Viscount Tadcaster of England, he would walk 
too as an English baron, having a great desire to see the sight. 

I told him if Ms judgment led. him to do so I had nothing to say, 
but I could not answer for it how the Irish peers would take it. 

I was told this day the Queen had laid by her design to have a 
drawing-room to-morrow morning, being informed the Irish 
Peeresses would not appear there. I was further told that the 
English Peeresses take it ill they have no message sent them how 
they are to walk. That Lady Byron and others will not be there. 
That there is great confusion in this affair, and several of the House 
of Commons displeased and have sent back their tickets. 

I then went to Counsellor Forster in Boswell Court by appoint 
ment of Mr. Evans, son to my Lord Carbery, who agreed to granting 
me an annuity of joint lives (his own and mine) on his Irish and 
English estate which was settled upon him by marriage. His 
Irish estate is above 1,400Z. per annum rent charge and his English 
estate, as he told us, 8001. per annum rent besides 300Z. per annum 
in his own hands. I am to pay him l,200i. for 200Ï. per annum. 
To-morrow we are to sign. 

I then went to the Georgia Board, where we met first as Trustees, 
Mr. Moore in the chair, Dr. Bundy, Vernon, White, La Pautre, 
Hucks, Digby, Lord Egmont, Lord Tyrconnel, Lord Shaftesbury, 
Frederick, Coram, Smith. We proposed two bye-laws for approba 
tion the next general meeting to-morrow sennit in the Vestry of 
———— Church. 

1. That all new members be balloted for. 

2. That upon any question proposed a member may have leave 
to enter his dissent in writing. 

Mr. Vernon proposed a bye-law, that heirs, female daughters or 
collateral branches may succeed to the lands by will of the deceased. 
He said many persons were discouraged from going over on account 
of our not permitting this, and an instance was given me of Mr. 
Pennifeather's abandoning the Colony and fixing himself at 
Purysburg. It was doubted whether this matter did not lie in 
the breast of the Common Council, and the charter was read : 
I concluded it was not left to the Common Council ; the charter 
seeming to leave the making bye-laws to the Corporation. We 
agreed to refer the consideration of it to the Common Council. 
Lord Tyrconnel proposed a recommendation of our Secretary to 
the government for some recompense of his labours under us. 
A letter was read dated from Purysburg, 7th January last, from 
one Peter Flower ; he says there are about 600 persons in Georgia. 

Ten families at Toby Island, where a Tower of 90 foot high is 
intended to be erected for a mark to guide ships safely up the 
river Savannah. Ten families at Thunderbolt, six miles up St. 
Augustin Creek, four miles below and as many by land journey 
from Savannah. Ten families at Augutches, 40 miles by land 
behind Savannah and 80 miles by water. Ten families at Cornhouse 

ÈTRST ΒΑΒΙι OJT EGMOKT. 00 

1733-4. 

Creek, eight miles below Purysburg. 40 houses begun for a village 
at Cape Bluff, called Oglethorp, lying 10 miles below Purysburg. 
Ten families at Highgate, four miles in the country about Savannah, 
and forty houses intended to be built a village above Purysburg. 
By another letter from Charlestown dated 17th January last, we 
learn, that Kilbeny, the most active man we had, died 8th December 

last. 

That the first people we sent work now quietly and industriously ; 
that there are 48 houses in Savannah town, and good bricks are 
made at Purysburg. 

A letter drawn up by our Committee of Correspondence to 
Oglethorp was read and approved by the Board. In it we complain 
of his neglecting to write frequently to us, whereby we are not in 
a condition to acquaint the Parliament (nor the Great Officers 
as obliged by our charter) with our proceedings. We desire him 
to find out a proper person to correspond with us, and assure him 
of a recompence. We also complain of his drawing bills to the 
value of 250Z. without sending advice. We also desire some account 
of the Jews who went thither. 

A letter also of the Committee was read directed to the Vaudois 
at Rotterdam, discouraging their coming over to settle at Georgia, 
for want of money. Then resolving ourselves into a Common Council, 
Mr. White in the chair, we signed a grant of 75 acres of land to one 
Bateman. 

I then went to the House, where Mr. William Bromly, who 
serves for Warwick (son to my wife's uncle, Speaker in Queen 
Anne's reign), moved to repeal the Septennial Act that passed in 
the first of the late reign ; we should then return to triennial 
Parliaments. He was seconded by Sir John St. Aubin, and others 
who supported the debate on that side the question were Lord 
Noel Somerset, Mr. Harley, Shippen, Watkyn Williams Winn, 
Plummer, Cholmondeley, G. Heathcot, Sir John Cotton, Sir 
John Barnard, Sir William Wyndham, Sir Edward Stanley, and 
Pulteney. The opposers were Mr. Conduit, Sir Thomas Robin 
son, who serves for Morpeth, Cornwallis, Colonel Bladen, Attorney 
General, Sir William Lowther, Sir W. Young, Henry Pelham, the 
Privy Councillor, and Sir Robert Walpole. 

It was said in behalf of the" motion that the Prerogative was 
grown to a monstrous size arid increased thereto by means of long 
Parliaments ; that King Henry VIII, an arbitrary Prince, began 
them as knowing they would be more under his influence than 
Parliaments of a shorter date ; succeeding reigns followed the same 
steps, till King Charles the Second continued one so long that 
it acquired the name of the Pensioned Parliament. This occasioned 
struggles, till at length in King William's reign we obtained the 
Triennial Act, which subsisted till in the first of the late King the 
then Parliament continued itself for seven years, but that was on 
a particular occasion. There was a rebellion which made it 
necessary, but the occasion being over, we ought to have reverted 
back to Triennial Parliaments. Long Parliaments are a burden 
on honest representatives, whose private affairs may suffer them 
to serve three years, but not seven. They give Ministers time to 
find out the weak side of members, and to corrupt them. They 
occasion large expense when a new election comes for seven years 
longer, especially if the Court spends money against the country 

 66 DIAEY OB' THE 

Mar. 13 

gentlemen. They lose their esteem and authority with the people ; 
they fix bad Ministers in their station seven years. Long Parlia 
ments either grow too formidable or despicable. They occasion 
the filling the House with placemen, for it is observable that of 
late years all places are given to members of Parliament, which 
gives the Crown too great influence in our debates and resolutions. 
Many bad Acts are owing to Septennial Parliaments as the Treason 
law, the Riot Act, the multitude of taxes laid and heavy national 
debt increased, standing armies in time of peace, the salt duty 
laid in a manner for ever, and application of the sinking fund 
this very Session to pay the Navy debt to the injury of the creditors 
of the public funds. Septennial Parliaments prevent many young 
gentlemen of great families and fortune from serving their country, 
for if they want but a month of being of age they cannot be chosen 
for seven years. A learned man, the Lord Bacon, compares 
Parliaments to a pack of cards ; long Parliaments have of course 
too many Court cards in them. 

But short Parliaments are more free from these inconveniences. It 
is not so worth the Crown's while to give employments to members 
who sit for three years as when they sit for seven, there will not be 
so many secret placemen and pensioners ; gentlemen when they 
enter the House bring with them some honesty and public spirit 
and it requires time to make them abandon their integrity. Some 
hold out one year, some two, some three, and these last remain 
good servants of the public ; but perhaps their virtue would not 
last for seven years, so a Triennial Act would prevent them from 
being spoiled. Short Parliaments will keep gentlemen warm in 
their zeal for liberty and attentive how the prerogative of the 
Crown advances itself, knowing how soon they are to have a new 
election, and there be answerable for the neglect of the people's 
interest. Elections will be cheaper in proportion to the short 
duration of Parliaments, and the Court will advance less to have 
their creatures returned for three years than for seven, so country 
gentlemen will have a better chance to be elected, and the sin of 
bribery and corruption be in part diminished. The Triennial Bill 
passed under our great deliverer King William, who as he came 
to restore us to our liberties, so by that Act declared himself desirous 
to continue them to us. He had then no Prime Minister, the 
Administration was in the hands of seven, and the great Lord 
Somers advised the passing that Bill. It is not designed to abridge 
the Prerogative of the Crown, but only to lessen its influence upon 
the legislature ; there is reason for it, since we see his Majesty 
will grant no place for life as of old, that he may [make] his men 
more dependent on his pleasure. It is generally observed that the 
Popish interest is now joined to elect Court members : if we are to 
have a Parliament that Papists wish for, it is better it be a short 
than a long one. Parliaments were originally every year. We 
should return to our ancient Constitution ; if not, go back to it as 
near as we can. The Constitution like all other things gathers rust 
by age. We should rub off that rust. Let us at least return to 
the Constitution as repaired by the Revolution, the fruits of which 
are in a great measure lost. It is the interest of the Crown to have 
frequent Parliaments, for if the people find arbitrary designs carried 
on, they will bear it in prospect that a new Parliament will redress 
things, but if they dispair of this under a long corrupt Parliament 

FIRST EARL OE EGMOKT. 

57 

1733-4. 

they will rebel, having no other way to preserve themselves, for this 

government is founded on resistance. 

On the other side it was said that the ancient Constitution was 
the most slavish government in the world and not to be desired 
by Englishmen. The famous Pryn tells us that our Kings till the 
reign of Henry VIII had a right to call Parliaments when and how 
they pleased. Sometimes they appointed by name who should be 
returned by the Sheriff, who should not, though elected, and the 
King's menial servants were thought the fittest to sit in Parliament. 
The House got strength in Henry VIII. reign. We applaud the 
reign of Queen Elizabeth, yet under her one Parliament sat eight 
years, from 1572 to 1580. The Act of Edward IV. only enacts a 
Sessions of Parliament every year, not the summoning a new 
Parliament. The claim of right made when King William came 
to the Crown is only that Parliaments should be frequently held, 
not frequently called. Whatever objections lie against the first 
Septennial Parliament in the late King's reign, because that Parlia 
ment continued itself to that term, the subsequent ones met on that 
foot regularly, and the electors chose their members for that term. 
If the corruptions of the people rendered the late Bill against 
bribery and corruption necessary, the avoiding a frequent repetition 
of bribery and corruption by choosing Parliaments for seven years 
instead of three years is wise and wholesome. Long Parliaments 
are no advantage to an arbitrary Prince, for we see under a just 
and cautious one minorities increase towards the conclusion of 
Septennial Parliaments, disappointments and several incidents 
sour gentlemen and fling them over to the party who oppose the 
Court. The Triennial Bill itself was an alteration of the Constitu 
tion. Triennial elections are as expensive as Septennial ones. 
Every year in that case is an election year, and animosities were 
never higher than in those times. Seven years abates the fury 
and zeal of party and contest, which the hopes of being elected 
in two or three years keeps up, destroying all neighbourhood and 
society. The longest Parliament that ever sat stood strongest 
for the people's rights and welfare. There is some partiality due 
to Septennial Parliaments because the first of them prevented a 
second rebellion. Foreign Courts that are not in good measures 
with us, have always their eyes on us expecting eagerly new elections, 
in hopes of a change of Councils and change of Ministry. We 
have heard of Spanish money and French money sent over to 
bribe elections. If such things have been, they may be.again, and 
the_more frequent Parliaments we have the more frequent oppor 
tunities these Courts will have to practice it. There is no telling 
what the ancient Constitution was before the Conquest ; since, 
we know it was no good one for the people ; by degrees we have 
gained upon the Crown, and from childhood under wardship are 
grown up to ripe manhood, so that now the Constitution is safe 
and good, and we should not be so forward for reformation, for it 
is not wanted, and all changes are hazardous. The eyes of Europe 
are on us, and no State will deal with us but on prospect that the 
agreements made between us and them will last at least seven 
years. ^ Our liberties are as safe under a Septennial as under a 
•Triennial Parliament, and even now it is pretty well understood 
that as meanly as gentlemen talk of placemen in the House, the 
same will be chosen again. There never were annual elections. 

 58 DIARY OS1 THE 

Mar. 13-14 

King James the Second for three years never called a Parliament. 
Had annual Parliaments been the Constitution the Bill of Rights 
at the Revolution would have taken notice of it. Members of 
Parliament when chosen must be as independent of their electors 
as of the Crown, otherwise they will be under an influence that 
may be prejudicial to the general good of the nation, for the desires 
of a Corporation may thwart the good of the whole, and contending 
particular interests would be an eternal discord to measures of 
Parliament. Septennial Parliaments in a great measure prevent 
that influence, for he who is not to return under an obligation 
to ask the favour of his voters to be speedily chosen again will 
act more freely for the general good than if he is, and the common 
people will not ride the gentry. As frequent elections corrupt the 
voters in little boroughs, so they in their turn corrupt their voters, 
besides those mean fellows who are ignorant may be practised 
upon by ill-designing persons to load their representatives with 
commands pernicious to the general welfare. Gentlemen talk 
much of the Prerogative of the Crown, that it is exorbitant, and 
yet they are willing to let it rest on the foot it was at the Revolution, 
but the prerogative is not increased since that time. In times of 
heat and party, as is the case now, it is safer not to come to an 
election before seven years than three times in seven years, which 
would be the case in Triennial Parliaments ; besides, we all know 
that during the election year all the electors are idle, to the ruin 
of their families, and get such a habit of idleness that they return 
late and unwillingly to their wonted diligence. This is a great 
complaint and under Triennial Parliaments would be the case 
every year to the great injury of trade. It is a mistake to think 
bad Ministers are easier come at under Triennial than Septennial 
Parliaments ; the long Parliaments show the contrary. Much 
has been said of Ministries corrupting electors. Suppose that 
were the case, what country gentleman could stand against a 
Court recommendation ? The money of the Crown spent against 
him would beggar him, and would frequent elections in such 
circumstances be desirable ? We know many gentlemen would 
vote against this motion, but for fear of their electors who desire 
to be feasted at their cost or otherwise make their market of them. 
This proves the corrupt disposition of our boroughs, but that corrup 
tion will increase with frequent elections, and every election you 
give an opportunity to the corrupt minister, whenever there is one, 
to increase the influence of the Crown over the Parliament in the 
choice of the members who compose it. The question being called 
for, the motion was rejected by a majority of 247 to 184, the 
difference 63. I returned heartily tired at eight o'clock, the de 
bate having lasted five hours and a half. 

This day I heard that as the Prince of Orange came out of Somerset 
House one of the stone rails over the door fell down, and would 
have crushed him, but that happily he was just passed into his 
coach. I also was told for certainty that about the same time a 
vile fellow threw a turnip into his coach, and hit him on the chin. 
The villain escaped among the crowd, and is not discovered. 

Thursday, 14.—This morning I visited Sir Thomas Hanmer, 
who told me there was a design that after the wedding supper is 
over the Princess and Prince were to sit up in their bed to receive 
the compliments of the nobility who walk, but the Prince was to 

EARL OS1 EGMONT. 

59 

1733-4. 

have a curtain drawn before him by way of distinction, as being 
only Prince of Orange, but the Princess daughter of the King. 
He also told me that last Sunday the King would have had the 
Prince to stand behind his chair while he was at dinner among the 
English noblemen, which he scrupling to do, the King said, " What 
is the Prince of Orange till he has married my daughter ? " The 
Prince had no excuse but that he was too weak and so escaped 
the disgrace as he apprehended it. I was also told that when the 
Queen and Princess Royal desired the King some time ago to suffer 
the wedding to be private, on account of the Prince's late indisposi 
tion, his Majesty answered, it should be public or not at all. I 
visited Mr. Temple, who told me several of the English nobility, 
Lords and Ladies, would not be at the procession, because no 
summons had been sent them and they would not be treated as 
porters to be sent for at a minute's warning, but the case at present 
is worse, for they have not been sent at all to, nor informed what 
to do when they come. All the Portland family intend not to go. 
He also had heard, as I had from several, that few or none of any 
fashion would be in the wooden gallery ; several had sent back 
their tickets to the Lord Chamberlain's Office, and others gave 
them to scrub people. A footman last night was selling tickets 
at St. James' Coffee-house. While I was with him his apothecary 
Garnier's son told us he had sixteen sent him. 

My steward Mr. Taylor dined with me, and told me that this 
morning the Earl of Orrery went out of town till Monday next to 
avoid walking at the procession as Lord Boyle ; that he took his 
resolution upon the discourse he had with me yesterday, though 
he did great violence to his inclination and even judgment, but he 
was loath to act counter to the. pretensions of the Irish peers. 
The Earl of Inchiqueen had written him that the Irish lords expected 
he should not appear at Court this day, but that my Lord Orrery 
said he did not regard. So I find the only Irish peer that is also 
an English peer, but whose Irish title is superior to his English 
one, who will walk is the Earl of Thomond, who will walk as Viscount 
Tadcaster. And the only English peeress who will appear this 
day at Court and sit in the box prepared for us in the chapel is the 
Countess of Londonderry. I mean such peeresses as have no 
obligation to be there, for as to some others who are in post or 
whose husbands are in post, we do not expect they should stay 
away, as Lady Carlow, Lady Tirawley and Lady Southwell, but 
even of this last set there are some who will not go till to-morrow, 
as Lady Carpenter, Lady Midleton etc. 

Early this morning George Evans, esquire, son to my Lord 
Carbery, came to my house and signed a deed by which he conveyed 
to me an annuity of 2002. per annum to be paid me quarterly (the 
first quarter due Midsummer next), chargeable on his estate in 
Northamptonshire and his estate in Ireland settled on him at his 
marriage. The former he told me is 1,1002. per annum, 3002. of 
which is in his own hands, the rest let to tenants, and his Irish 
estate being an annuity from his father, appears by the marriage 
settlement to be above 1,4002. per annum. This annuity is for 
our joint lives, and I paid him down 1,2002. Mr. Coronel, a Jew 
broker, and my servant Trassier are witnesses to the writings. 

Mr. Cornellis of Ipswich and Mr. Taylor, together with my son 
and daughter Hanmer, dined with me. Mr. Cornellis told me 

 l 

60 DIAEY OF THE 

Mar. 14-16 

Mr. Rolf and Alderman Leucas are in town, and wondered they 
had not been to see me. He added that both Leucas and Alderman 
Baker were disappointed in not getting the agency of the packets. 
He also told me that Alderman Philipson was very angry with 
him for representing him a Tory, to which he replied that he had 
known him to be one 26 years, and thought he would have taken 
ill to be represented otherwise. He added that Captain John 
Philips is so idle a man that were it not for me he would be out 
long ago, and now the Commissioners wait only till the election is 
over to turn him out ; that the Commissioners have desired him 
to make a report concerning him and his brothers, which he was 
to do in four days. He thinks the man mad, that he has not been 
for some months at sea, owes everybody, had no new sails till lately 
he was some way or other enabled to pay for them. That Philipson 
is at the bottom of the position against me purely to bring his son 
into Harwich. He very kindly proffered his service to attend 
my son at his election at Harwich and invited him to his house, 
four miles distant from thence. 

Friday, 15.—This morning I visited Frank Clerke and the Earl 
of Grantham. Afterwards I went to Court, which was more crowded 
than I ever saw at any time, and not a person there who were not 
in new clothes, most of which were exceeding rich and costly. 
My wife and two daughters and my son were there likewise. After 
waiting on the Prince of Orange, I went to the King's side to make 
my bow, and then placing myself where the whole Court were 
obliged to pass into the great drawing room, the Queen asked me 
after my wife, and upon my telling her she was in the crowd to 
testify her joy for the wedding, she replied, "I'm glad to see those 
here who love us so well as you do." The Princess of Orange 
following, she asked after my wife and (I think) she thanked me 
for being there, and added that she knew how much all my family 
loved her. I replied, I always did, and ever should. The Princess 
Carolina also made me a compliment, but in the hurry of passing 
I lost her words. 

I found by this that it was not resented that I did not appear 
last night in the box appointed in the chapel for the Irish peers 
and peeresses, which was very empty, none of us going by agree 
ment, except four peeresses on whom we could not prevail to 
prefer their honour and due regard to their rights before a 
momentary curiosity. These four ladies were the Countess of 
Londonderry, the Lady Tirawley, Lady Carlow and Lady 
Bateman. 

The only Irish peer who was at Court last night were the Lord 
Baltimore, who was excusable because he walked in his place of 
Lord of the Bed Chamber to the Prince, and the Earl of Thomond, 
who by walking as Viscount Tadcaster of England when Earl of 
Thomond in Ireland, gave up our rights as far as in him lay. But 
the Earl of Arran would not be there (which he excused to the 
Queen in my hearing as having a cold), neither the Lord Viscount 
Mount joy, because unwilling to walk as English barons, neither 
the Earl of Orery, who is Baron Boyl of England, nor were any 
other Irish peers. But this morning many of us were there. 

The particulars in brief of what passed yesterday, as I heard 
them, were as follows. The ceremony of the procession began about 
seven o'clock. The British peers were called over by name according 

FIRST EAETj OF EGMONT. 

61 

Γ/Λί-*. 

to their respective ranks and the date of their patents, but because 
it would cost too much time to do the same by the peeresses they 
were only called according to their ranks as Duchesses, 
Marchionesses, Countesses etc., and they placed themselves. 

The Prince of Orange went first through the wooden gallery, 
and seated himself in the chapel half an hour before the Princess 
Eoyal, before whom went the Knights of the Bath and noblemen. 
She also stayed about half an hour in the chapel, and then went 
the King and Queen, proceeded by the peeresses. I suppose there 
will be a printed account of this procession, and that I shall find 
it more exact than I here relate it. The courtesy peers did not 
walk, i.e. the sons of British peers, neither the courtesy peeresses, 
only their unmarried daughters. 

The procession began and ended very regularly, but many British 
peers and peeresses stayed away, being apprehensive of the fatigue 
of the ceremony, nor was the gallery full, there being great vacancies, 
and though some few people of distinction accepted their tickets 
and went into the gallery, yet almost all were very mean persons 
as appeared by their garb. 

About ten o'clock, some say eleven, the procession returned 
from chapel through the gallery in the manner it went, and the 
Royal Family went to the ball room to supper, after which the married 
couple retired to their bedchamber, where sitting up in their night 
gowns those of the procession who cared to see the end of the 
ceremony were admitted into the bedchamber to wish them good 
night. At twelve the whole ceremony ended ; but as soon as the 
return out of the gallery, the King ordered the door to be locked, 
and the spectators there were obliged to stay till they could get 
at their coaches and chairs, so that it was six o'clock this morning 
before the last of them got out. In the meantime they ran great 
hazard of sitting many hours in the dark, if they had not bethought 
themselves of managing the candles, by putting out half OÍ them, 
to light again when the other half were burnt out. It is no wonder 
the gallery had such bad company, for footmen were seen at coffee 
houses offering tickets to any who would purchase them for three 
shillings. 

Mr. Taylor and cousin Scot the page dined with me ; and I 
remained the evening at home. 

The King, Queen, and Princess Royal spoke to my wife, who 
answered very coolly, which she did purposely, and she believes 
they took notice of it. She was willing to show that though she 
would not be wanting in her duty, yet that she was displeased 
at the injury done the Irish peerage in not giving us a place in 
the procession. 

I spent the evening at home, nor did any of my family go to the 
ball. 

This day my cousin Scot entered waiting on the Princess of 
Orange. There is but one other gentlewoman of the bedchamber. 
The Princess excuses her waiting at night because at my house. 

Saturday, 16.—This morning I visited Mr. Clerk of Cecil Street, 
and gave him my proposals in favour of my son. He told me the 
lady's fortune is Ι,ΙΟΟΖ. per annum in Northamptonshire, with under 
wood of the yearly value of 380Z., and timber valued at 8,OOOL, besides 
which the Lady Moyer left her ΙΟ,ΟΟΟΖ., so that in the whole she is 
reckoned worth 57,OOOZ., but they choose to callit 50,OOOL The lady's 

L 

lillH 

 •I I'll III 

62 DIAEY OF THE 

Mar. 16-18 

aunt, Mrs. Jennings, is esteemed worth 30.000Z., and it is almost cer 
tain she will leave her that money, but that is no part of the 57,000i. 
Mr. Clerk said the lady's friends looked more to settle her happily 
than greatly, that the character I bore in the world, and what they 
also had heard of my son disposed them to favour my offers, but 
it would depend on the old lady's humour, who has twice put off 
very good proffers without giving a reason. 

I made some visits, and among the rest I visited the Speaker, 
who told me he had great difficulty to secure Mr. Oglethorpe's 
election at Haslemere, but, cost what it would, he would do it, 
though he disobliged many friends thereby. He desired me to 
send him my book of precedents in favour of the Irish peerage (that 
which I gave the King), as also the order of ceremonial at the 
entrance of King George I from Greenwich to London, which I 
did. Sir Thomas Hanmer, to whom I lent it two days ago, thought 
nothing clearer than that the prétentions we make are just. 

Mr. Schutz dined with us and I passed the evening at home. 

Sunday, 17.—Went to chapel, afterwards to Court, where Lord 
Harvey desired me to carry the sword before his Majesty to chapel, 
so I heard service twice. I was not displeased at it, it being the 
day of our St. Patrick, and the first Sunday after the Prince of 
Orange's wedding. I suppose that lord, who occasioned the peers 
of Ireland having no place in the procession, thought fit to give 
us this for a sugar plum; however, considering the timing this 
compliment, it has its use, for carrying the sword before his Majesty 
is one of those things that distinguish us from courtesy lords of 
England, the eldest son of a duke of England not having that 
privilege. The other thing that distinguishes us is her Majesty's 
visiting countesses of Ireland, which she does not do by English 
viscountesses. 

Dr. Peploe, Bishop of Chester, preached a sermon upon 
mortification, which was an odd subject for a new married company. 
The text was as odd—Blessed are they that mown, for they shall 
be comforted. The Queen and Princess Royal spoke to me on the 
occasion, which was gracious enough, and the King smiled on 
me, which is a great thing. He did not do so on the Earl of 
Stairs and Lord Falmouth on the wedding day, though they walked 
in the procession, because they vote against his measures in 
Parliament. 

Dr. Couraye and cousin Will Dering dined with me. I passed 
the evening at home. 

One Green, belonging to the Herald's Office, came and gave me 
a printed order for the procession of King George the I from 
Greenwich at his entry September, 1714, wherein the Irish peers 
had their places allotted them, and even Irish baronets. 

Monday, 18.—This day I remained at St. James's Vestry from 
ten o'clock till one, when we prepared a petition in the name of 
the churchwardens and overseers of the poor, to be presented to 
the House of Lords by Lord Wilmington against my Lord Craven's 
Bill, which we apprehend we cannot comply with, without breach 
of trust to the parish ; and therefore pray to be heard by counsel. 
The subject is of consequence, for the purport of the Bill is to 
exchange the Pestfield ground in our parish for an equal quantity 
of land in Paddington. These Pesthouse acres were formerly 
granted by the old Lord Craven to trustees for ever for the use of 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

63 

1733-4. 

three parishes, of which St. James's is one, for a burial place in 
time of plague, and were formerly built up with conveniences for 
physicians and apothecaries, and lodging rooms for unhappy 
persons visited with that distemper. The buildings were formerly 
very large, but of late years have been taken down, and my Lord 
Craven has let out the ground to builders greatly to his own 
advantage. He could not secure his building tenants a property 
in their houses and leases, without the consent of the parishes to 
whom these fields were granted for ever, and therefore our consents 
were asked. St. Martin's and Covent Garden parishes made no 
difficulty, but our parish made two objections. 1. That the 
buildings to be erected on the new ground given to us in exchange 
of the old are not described as fully as they ought to be as to the 
dimensions, heights, etc. 2. That there is no provision in the 
Bill for keeping the buildings in repair. 

Mr. Plumtree and I were deputed to wait on my Lord Wilmington 
to desire him to present our petition this day to the House, but 
when we sent for him he brought Lord Craven with him, and we 
presently found Lord Wilmington did not care to present our 
petition. He said the Committee had this morning been reported 
and the chairman, Lord Bathurst, had reported that all parties 
concerned therein had acquiesced and were satisfied, so that it 
was too late for us now to declare our dissatisfaction, but it would 
be proper to petition the House of Commons. At the same time 
Lord Craven said he was ready to describe the new buildings and 
follow the old buildings on the former ground, of which a plan 
had been preserved, and as to repairing the houses when built, 
he would give us what security we desired, for which end he desired 
we would speedily call a vestry, and his agent should attend us, 
and all things he hoped would be amicably adjusted between us 
without the expense of hearing by counsel. This did pretty well 
satisfy us, and we took leave of their Lordships. 

I then went to the House of Commons, where Sir Robert 
Walpole moved a congratulatory address to his Majesty on 
the Prince of Orange's nuptials, which §ir Joseph Jekyl 
seconded. 

Then other addresses of congratulation were ordered to her 
Majesty and Princess Royal. Then Mr. Pulteney moved for a 
Bill to remove the impediments of a Naturalization Bill of the 
Prince of Orange, and Lord Gage moved for a Bill to relieve prisoners 
for debt, that every part of his Majesty's subjects might rejoice 
on this occasion. 

The Bishop of Cloyn and Mr. Masham dined with us. Lord 
Carpenter came to acquaint me that he had private information 
that his Majesty intended there should be a procession to Greenwich 
to honour the Prince of Orange at his departure for Holland, and 
that the ordering the ceremony was to be left to the Princess of 
Orange and Mr. Anstis, King at Arms, upon which I told him 
I would try with a friend at Court what could be done to preserve 
our place in the procession. 

At night my wife acquainted me that my son does not intend 
to pursue the proposal I made to Mr. Clerk in his favour, because 
he thereby found that there would be no ready money for his 
setting out in the world, nor did he think the land to be settled 
in present would maintain him and the lady in the handsome way 

 ΐ !l I »III 

64 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 18-21 

he proposed to live. I afterwards went to see my son Hanmer, 
who was confined by a cold. 

Tuesday, 19.—This day I waited on Mr. Clark in Cecil Street to 
put off the proposal, much against my judgment, but my son 
desired it might be so. 

I went to the Palatine Committee, where the clergyman, son 
to Mr .Walker of Stafford, appeared, as also Mr. Ward ; the clergyman 
brought a book of his father's relating to the Palatine briefs, which 
gave no satisfaction. We ordered the Register Office to be again 
searched for Palatine briefs, and adjourned to this day sennit. 

In the House we passed the Naturalization Bill of the Prince of 
Orange, after reading it three times, and Mr. Pulteney carried it 
to the Lords. Mr. Medlicot and Dr. Bearcroft dined with me. 
In the evening cousin Tom Whorwood came to tell me that my 
aunt Whorwood will claim Mr. Gérard Bottomly as a madman, 
if he her son would act for her, which he told me he would, and 
I promised to go with my cousin Will Dering to my Lord Chancellor 
to get an order for putting this madman into her power, for we 
apprehend he will do himself or some about him mischief. The 
poor, man says he has discourse with God, who will damn him, 
which is very hard, for he never created a juster man than him, 
but he values not being damned. I desired Dr. Turner, the 
physician, might go with us to the Chancellor's. Mr. Bottomley's 
mother and Sir Edward Dering, my grandfather, were brother 
and sister's children. I spent the evening at home. 

Wednesday, 20.—This day I went to the House to attend some 
Committees. In the House I seconded the second reading of the 
Debtors' Bill. 

It was expected we should have some contest with the House 
of Lords in relation to the Bill exhibited to their Lordships yester 
day for passing a Bill to naturalize the Prince of Orange. Mr. 
Pulteney being the person who moved it, and an ungrateful man 
to the Court, and their Lordships having also the same design 
as we had of preparing the two Bills above mentioned, they were 
loth we should carry away the honour of the compliment, and 
therefore when Mr. Pulteney yesterday carried up the Bill, which 
was attended by almost all the members of the House, they made 
us wait above an hour while they were dispatching their own Bill. 
At length Mr. Pulteney and the rest of our House being admitted, 
he (which is very unusual) prefaced the tender of the Bill with 
words to this effect, " My Lords, the Commons of Great Britain 
have waited above an hour at your door to offer to your Lordships 
a Bill for naturalizing his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange." 
Objections might have been taken to his procedure, but the Lords 
were quiet. They had engrossed their Bill, and thought to have 
sent it down immediately to our House, which the Speaker being 
aware of, adjourned the House so that their Bill came too late 
to be offered to us. In the meantime our Bill was left with 
them. 

It was apprehended that if their Lordships had insisted on their 
Bill, a contest would have happened between both Houses, which 
had not been for the honour of the Prince of Orange, wherefore 
the Ministry consulted this morning upon it, and came (as Mr. 
Walpole told me) to a compromise that the Lords should return 
our introductory Bill with their concurrence without amendment, 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

65 

1733-4. 

and they should have the framing the Act for naturalization which 

we would pass. 

At my return to dinner my wife acquainted me that my son 
thinking better on it had been with Mr. Clark this morning to 
tell him he would go on with a treaty with the lady, which gave 
me much satisfaction, for a lady of good character and person, 
of suitable age and worth 57,00(M. of her own, besides 30,0(XM. ex 
pectation, is not what the greatest family can hope to attain once 
in three generations. 

Thursday, 21.—This morning I went to Mr. Walpole's to acquaint 
him that Captain Jo. Philips was like to die, and that would 
occasion a vacancy in the corporation, which I thought would best 
be filled up by one Bagnall, storekeeper at Harwich, for by that 
means the Government's power would be strengthened by having 
an employment man elected. And as to a successor to Captain 
Philips in case he should die, I should desire a friend of mine might 
have it ; if not, that the place might lie vacant till the elections for 
a new Parliament are over. 

He said that as Mr. Leathes and I ought to act in concert, he 
would speak to him, for he did not know but when I obtained so 
principal a place as the agency for the packets for Clements, his 
brother Walpole might have promised the next place that fell to 
some friend of Mr. Leathes. 

I said I was very willing he should speak to Mr. Leathes, and I 
had no desire but that Mr. Leathes should succeed at Harwich ; 
that indeed Mr. Leathes and I had occasionally talked to each other 
in the House, but he was shy, and I always begun the discourse. 
That I had brought all my friends to a man to be for him, and he 
ought to do the same by his friends for my son ; but Mr. Heath 
had lately boasted he had a bish in his sleeve to be elected, which 
could not come from my friends, but from some of Mr. Leathes', 
who I knew had writ to encourage Heath to stand, and were never 
for me. That the misfortune is Mr. Leath (sic) had founded his 
interest on Philipson, who had some friends there, and who I believe 
influenced Mr. Leathes to do what he did, but my son was ready 
to join with him if he would make the advance. 

He said he knew Philipson was a Jacobite and had often told 
Mr. Leathes so. That he should see him and discourse him. He 
desired I would not write to favour Bagnall till he spoke further 
with me, and as to Captain Philips' sloop, in case he were dead, 
I should write to my friend who had asked it that he (Mr. Walpole) 
had promised it long ago. I said I would, but if Mr. Leathes should 
recommend one Oliver to that place, I should oppose it, because 
that man always opposed me ; wherefore if neither of us were to 
[be] favoured in that matter, it were best to give it to some third man 
who is no voter. He replied he thought it would be right to give 
it^to a voter, but he remembered a poor sea captain who had met 
with losses to whom he should be glad to give it. I said, with all 
my heart, and it was worth accepting, being, as I have been informed, 
worth 1501. per annum to a diligent man. 

He then desired I would not go out of town, for he believed the 
government would ask a vote of confidence or a vote to enable 
wie King to increase the army if he saw occasion, and he did not 
know what assistance the Dutch might ask if the war goes on. This 
ne desired me not to speak of, which I promised. 

Wt. 6606. E 5 

!..fJ,J 

 iiiiilllii 

66 DIAEY OF THE 

Mar. 21-23 

I returned home, and bid my son go this morning to Sir Robert 
Walpole's levee and desire that he would do nothing in the affair 
of Captain Jo. Philips till he had spoke with Mr. Walpole, his 
brother, with whom I had been this morning. This I judged 
necessary, because it is not to be doubted by Mr. Leathes would 
be with Sir Robert this morning to lay in for the sloop. 

I then went to the anniversary meeting of the Georgia Society 
to St. Bride's Church in Fleet Street, where Mr. Hales, one of our 
Common Council, gave us an excellent sermon, which we desired 
him to print. We chose in new trustees, viz. Dr. Rundall, who 
preached a sermon for us at St. George's Church in Hanover Square, 
and now sent us 2/01. with a promise of 201. for four years more. 
We also chose Mr. Woollaston of the House of Commons, member 
for Ipswich, and his brother, Mr. Richard Coope, a director of 
the South Sea Company, Thomas Archer, and Henry Archer, esqs., 
brothers, Mr. Talbot, son to my Lord Chancellor, Robert Ayres, 
eldest son to my Lord Chief Justice, and Robert Tracey, esq. 
We also passed a bye-law to ballot for elections of members, and 
to permit any member who approved not of any resolution to 
enter his dissent in writing but without giving his reasons. 

Mr. Hucks and after him Mr. Holland were in the chair of trustees 
which passed these matters. 

And I was in the chair of Common Council when we ordered a 
bill of 160Z. drawn upon us by Mr. Oglethorp to be paid, and also 
impressed 500Z. to Mr. George Heathcot to answer other bills we 
expect. The secretary laid before us an account of our expenses 
since June last, which amount to upwards of 6,100Z. It also 
appeared that above 600 souls are now in Georgia, reckoning 
foreigners and others who went upon our charity or on their own 
account. We afterwards dined at the Castle Tavern and were 
twenty-one in number, our secretary and accountant included, 
viz. Egmont, Carpenter, Digby, La Roche, Holland, Tyrconnel, 
White, Vernon, Thomas Towers, Bundy, Hales, Chandler, 12 
Common Council ; Bedford, Coram, Anderson, Smith, Burton, 
five trustees ; Mr. Wilson, a stranger, son to the Bishop of Man. 

In my return from dinner I stopped at the Vocal Music Club, 
and then returned home for the night. 

Friday, 22.—This day my son told me he had been, as I desired, 
with Sir Robert Walpole yesterday to tell him my request that he 
would not dispose of Captain Jo. Philips' sloop, lately deceased, till 
he had spoke to his brother Walpole. Sir Robert replied he had 
already promised it to Mr. Leathes for a friend of his that very 
morning. 

This morning John Smith came up from Harwich, having 
travelled all night to acquaint me with Jo. Philips's death, and 
to desire his sloop. I told him Mr. Walpole had answered me 
yesterday when I asked the sloop for him, that he had long ago 
promised that sloop in case Philips should die or be removed, to 
a friend of his own. John Smith was much disappointed, but did 
not take it ill of me, seeing I had made so early application for 
him. He made me promise to lay in in time for the next vacancy, 
which I promised him, and so he returned home. 

The same day came a letter from Robert Page that I would 
procure the sloop for him, so it happens lucky that I did not get 
the sloop for anyone, for it had disobliged some others. 

FIRST BAEL OF EGMONT. 

67 

1733-4. 

Smith told me that -Alderman Baker was coming up to get the 
sloop for himself or for his brother Samuel Philips, and that Orlibar 
was also actually in town to get it for himself, so that whoever 
Mr. Leathes should get it for (as he supposed the promise might 
have been made to him) the others would be disobliged. 

I went to the Vestry at St. James's, where my Lord Craven's 
agent Mr. Burroughs appeared, and we agreed to alter the Bill 
to mutual satisfaction. 

I visited Mr. Jo. Temple, and then went to the House, where 
I told Mr. Walpole his brother's answer to my son, and then I 
desired that the next vacancy might be for a friend of mine. He 
seemed not pleased that the person he intended for the sloop had 
missed it, and answered, that if that person got it, he would not 
promise that a friend of mine should have the next vacancy, because 
it would be reasonable Mr. Leathes should be pleased, but if Mr. 
Leathes' man got it now I should have it. 

I returned to dinner, and had my concert, at which were present 
Mrs. Walpole, Lady —— Scot, Lady Torrington, Mrs. Minshull, 
Mrs. Monpesson, Mrs. Whorwood, Sister Percival, Mrs. Donellan, 
Mrs. Temple, daughter Hanmer, Mrs. Schutz, Mrs. Schutz her 
daughter, Mrs. Le Grand, Earl of Shaftesbury, Duke of Portland, 
Sir Thomas Hanmer, Sir Charles Bunbury, Sir Philip Parker, Mr. 
Man, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Mr. Jo. Temple, Mr. Cornwall, August Schutz, 
Mr. Le Grand, Dr. Couraye. 

The performers were : On the fiddle, Mr. Needier, Thomas, 
Mellan, JSambroke, Hanmer, Verner, Pereival ; bass viol, Mr. 
Withrington, Payn ; harpsichord, Mr. Bagnal, Aragoni ; singers, 
Aragoni and my two daughters. 

My cousin Le Grand told me that the Viscountess Fitzwilliams 
of Ireland was in private with the King and Queen a day or two 
before the marriage procession, and that the Queen asked her, 
" Don't you intend to walk in the procession ? ' ' She replied, " I don't 
know that I am to walk." " Yes," replied the Queen, " if you please." 
" But, Madam," said she, " I don't [know] where I'm to walk." 
" Where the rest do," said the Queen. " I don't know where that is," 
replied she, "if I am not to walk as an Irish peeress." To which 
the King said, " I don't know why you do not walk as an Irish 
peeress, but I know nothing of the matter." 

Great offence is taken by the City that when my Lord Mayor 
and Aldermen with the Common Council presented their address 
to his Majesty upon the wedding, that they had not the honour 
of kissing his hand, and I am told they met that very night and 
agreed to put up Alderman Barber in nomination for a member 
at the ensuing election, who is an acknowledged enemy to the 
Government. 

. Mr. Schutz told me it was Lord Chamberlain's fault that he did 
not instruct the City to desire to kiss his Majesty's hand, but that 
after all the King is not pleased with the City nor their address. 

Saturday, 23.—This day I visited the Earl of Ailsford, who in 
conversation told me that when the late King came to the Crown 
the Earl of Nottingham was as violent as any to turn out the Tories, 
and in a great wrath with him (who was then in the House of 
Commons) for voting with the Tories. My Lord told him he was 
sorry it displeased him, but that his violence [would] soon turn him 
out himself, which soon came to pass. I then went to Court, where 

 in"«1' 

68 DIAEY OP THE 

Mar. 23-27 

the King spoke considerably to me. After dinner I went to the 
Opera House in the Haymarket to hear Hendel's Serenata com 
posed in honour of the marriage, called " Apollo and Daphnis." 
The Royal family was all there, the Prince of Wales ex- 
cepted. 

Sunday, 24.—Prayers and sermon at home, then went to Court, 
where the King again spoke to me, which is much for him who is 
so reserved. Dr. Couraye, with my son and daughter Hamner, 
dined with me. In the evening I went to Chapel, then to the 
Coffee House and so home. 

Though several days have been named for the Prince of Orange's 
departure, it is not yet fixed, by reason the States of Holland 
have written to desire that he may not land in Holland, but in 
Friesland, which coast being unknown to our English pilots, his 
Majesty has writ back to prevail on the States to admit the Prince 
to land in Holland. Till this is settled the Prince will not go. 
Mr. Burchet, Secretary of the Admiralty, told me there is not 
a man in England acquainted with the Friesland coasts, which is 
full of sands and a very narrow channel ; that if any knows it, it 
should be Sir Charles Hardy, who told him he knew it not. 

Lady day, Monday, 25.—This day I went to Charlton, where I 
dined. 

I received a letter from Harwich to favour the election of one 
Gray Cockeril to be a capital burgess in the room of Captain Jo. 
Philips, deceased. But Pvobert Page had wrote before in favour 
of his son Dagnet. This makes it necessary for me to leave them 
to their own choice. 

Tuesday, 26.—This morning one Ridley, commander formerly 
of a Custom House sloop, came to me to acquaint me that he had 
been unjustly turned out on account of a smuggler, who being 
secured on board his vessel had made his escape. That the Com 
missioners had upon due information certified in his favour to the 
Treasury, but his ship being disposed of, he was left remediless ; 
that Mr. Hugh Williams, of the House of Commons, and Lord 
Cholmly were his great friends, and had obtained a promise long 
since that he should come again into the service. That he had 
therefore applied for to succeed to Captain Jo. Philips, deceased, 
in the Otter sloop, but Mr. Leathes had obtained it for William 
Philips at Alderman Baker's desire. That, however, Lord Chumly 
and Mr. Williams were resolved not to give the matter over and 
were to be this morning at Sir Robert's to get the sloop for him, 
notwithstanding the promise made to Mr. Leathes, he (Ridley) 
having an earlier promise. He desired therefore that he might 
acquaint Lord Chomly that I had no objection to him. He added 
that Mr. Leathes had represented to Sir Robert that he (Ridley) 
was wholly unacceptable to the gentlemen of Harwich, and that 
any man living would be more agreeable to them than him, which 
only proceeded from his being a friend to Davis and my interest, 
and frequenting our club. I answered that since I could not get 
the sloop for a friend of mine, he might assure Lord Cholmly I had 
no objection to him. 

I asked him if he thought Grey Cockeril would succeed if my 
friends set him up for a capital burgess; he replied, he believed 
he would, but it was doubtful whether he would be our friend 
because mate to Captain Dean. 

FIRST EARL Oír EGMONT, 

69 

1734. 

/o*. 

I went with my son this morning and signed a deed at Counsellor 
Annesley's, by which I conveyed to him a freehold estate in England 
to qualify him for member of Parliament. What I gave to him 
and his heirs for ever is as follows :— 

I s. d. 

My house in Denmark Street, let for, per ann. .. 40 0 0 
Mountpleasant at Tunbridge Wells .. .. 65 0 0 
The George Inn, on Snow Hill, London, and the Blanket 

Warehouse .. .. .. .. .. .. 214 12 0 

£319 12 0 

I went afterwards to the House, where Mr. Thompson, Com 
missioner of the Customs in Ireland, told me he believed there 
were such difficulties attended the Bill for the relief of Burton's 
creditors that the Council Board will not return it. That the Bill 
for better making Irish woollen and worsted yarn to be imported 
into England he believed would pass because the Bristol people 
who chiefly take it off desire it should, but the clauses in that Bill 
for better making broadcloth in Ireland will be dropped for fear 
the goodness of that cloth should be such as to tempt the Irish to 
run their cloth. That the Bill for prohibiting in Ireland the wearing 
East India silks is opposed by the India Company, but desired by 
the silk weavers of Spittal Melds and the Turkey merchant, and 
he intended to speak vigorously to it on Thursday next, when the 
Committee of Council sits. 

I dined at home, and Mr. Wolley, my son's last tutor, dined with 
me. In the afternoon I went to the opera, and so home. 

Wednesday, 27.—This day we had a meeting at the Georgia 
Board, both of Trustees and of Common Council. Mr. La Roche 
in the chair of trustees ; present, La Roche, Digby, T. Towers, 
Hales, Bundy, Egmont, La Potre, White, Tyrconnel, Alderman 
Kendal, Shaftesbury, Captain Eyles, Sir William Heathcot, Chr. 
Towers, Smith, Bedford, Belitho, Woolaston, Burton, Captain 
Coram, trustees. A letter from Mr. Oglethorp, dated the 17 Sep 
tember, was read, the chief contents of which was that he had built 
a fort, called Arguile fort, furnished it with cannon and a garrison, 
and placed six families in it. That he designed to come away 
when Fort Tiby should be built, which he hoped would be in a few 
days. That there were then 400 people at Georgia. Another 
letter from him of same date to Mr. Thomas Towers was read, 
recommending the widow Warren to the Board's consideration, 
who went over with the first embarkation and had lost there her 
husband and two children. She came over to be cured of the 
flux. She told us she had five acres for her cows within half a 
mile of the town Savannah, and forty-five acres more two miles 
distant well timbered. That the land was very good and brought 
all sorts of garden stuff. That some had begun to plough and 
sowed English grain, but the cattle had got in and spoilt it. That 
she had the misfortune to have all her goods, clothes, tools etc. 
burnt when the magazine took fire ; that her house is in her absence 
converted into an infirmary, and that Mr. Oglethorp had preserved 
the timber on her land for her son's use. 

After this we called in Captain Daubuz, who carried over some 
of our people, who told us that after her husband's death she had 

Ν,,.'Π!,,. 

 I Mill··" 

1. 

70 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 27-28 

contracted herself to a seaman, who since his arrival is pressed on 
board a man-of-war now at Portsmouth. Upon which we told 
the woman we would get the man discharged and she should return 
to Georgia with him. In the meantime, because^we could not 
charge the Trusteeship with money for her relief, she being now 
in England, we clubbed most of us our guineas apiece, which rose 
to eleven or twelve pound, and ordered her to come from time to 
time to us till she shipped herself off. 

A letter was also read without date from Mr. Colton at Georgia 
(it must have been in the month of January), wherein he sent us 
the names of those born and deceased since the first embarkation 
to this time :— 

Born. 

On board ship 
In Georgia .. 

Deceased. 
1 On board ship 

7 Boys in Georgia .. 

— Girls in Georgia .. 

8 Women in Georgia 

— Men in Georgia .. 

2 

4 

4 

8 

15 

33 

Mr. Warren acquainted us that they attributed their mortality to 
the river water, which gave them the flux, but they were wonderfully 
mended since the spring was discovered and a pump made. But 
Mr. Oglethorp writes that it is very difficult to keep the people 
from drinking strong waters. 

Mr. Ven, minister of St. Antholin's and St. John Baptist, brought 
us upwards of 34Z. collected by him in his parish, for which he had 
our thanks. 

Afterwards we resolved ourselves into a Board of Common 
Council and Mr. Digby was in the chair. We impressed 5001. 
more to Mr. George Heathcot for the Colony use, and then upon 
debate ordered our Committee of Correspondence to prepare a 
letter in answer to one wrote to us by Mr. Dumont, a foreigner, 
wherein he complains of the inconvenience and great discourage 
ment our not permitting females to heir estates in Georgia is to 
the settlement. 

We ordered the letter abovementioned for his satisfaction, and 
to tell him that it is in our power to let females heir estates when 
we think it proper, and would do it in the general, but it would not 
be convenient to put that matter entirely out of our power by 
making an order to do it always. That, our aim was to fix numbers 
of residents in the Colony, and if the girls of parents grew up and 
married, their husbands should have lands given them ; and as 
to married women, they, by the laws of England, do succeed to 
the thirds of their husbands' estate, and that the law is the same in 
Georgia. 

Afterwards I went to the House, where Mr. Walpole promised 
I should have the next vacancy at Harwich for a friend, Mr. Leathes 
having obtained Captain John Philips' ship for Samuel Philips, 
his brother. 

I dined at home with my cousin Captain Whorwood and his wife, 
and passed the evening at home. 

Davis writ me this day that the dispute of our friends for electing 
a new capital burgess lies between Grey Cockeril and Dagnet, 

FIRST EARL OÏ EGMONf. 

71 

1734. 

1734. 

Mr. Rolf being positive for the first, and Page for the other. That 
if either would comply we should carry it, there being nine of a 
side, i.e. for young OUver. 

Page also wrote to me again for Dagnet and thanked me for 
not intermeddling. He desired he might get the place of Clerk of 
the Check when the present officer should die or be removed. He 
says Rolf is obstinate for Cockeril that he will not be denied, when 
Dagnet might carry it with pleasure. 

Thursday, 28.—This morning I attended the Palatine Committee, 
where Mr. Appleby, Secretary to the Lord Chancellor Harcourt, 
was examined whether he remembered anything of the Palatine 
briefs in 1709 or afterwards, and particularly that Mr. Walker 
presented a petition to that Chancellor in 1712 that a Master in 
Chancery might be appointed to pass his account, as Mr. Walker, 
a clergyman, son to the former, told us. Mr. Appleby replied 
it was a transaction of twenty-three years ago, and he remembers 
nothing of it, but had such petition been presented, my Lord 
Chancellor would have received it if proper. On the contrary, 
when improper petitions are offered, his Lordship's orders to him 
as Secretary was to return the petition with an endorsement 
written under his own hand—rejected. That all petitions for 
briefs if received are entered in a book kept for that purpose, which 
he would search to-morrow or against Monday. Either therefore 
the petition will be found there if received, or it was not a proper 
petition if rejected, and if, as Mr. Walker affirms to us, his father 
did present a petition in 1712 and the same was returned with an 
answer that my Lord would do nothing in it, it must have been an 
improper petition. 

The Committee having made all the progress we could to find 
out the roguery in this affair, concluded that Sir Roger Meredith, 
Chairman, should draw up a report of our proceedings to lay before 
us Monday next, to which time he adjourned us. Our order from 
the House is to report the matter as we find it, but not our opinion. 
After this I went down to the House, where Sir Robert Walpole 
read a message from the King desiring the House would enable 
him to augment his forces for the honour and safety of his kingdoms 
during the recesss of Parliament if necessary, promising to lay 
before the next Parliament his proceedings. The message may 
be read in the votes of this day. 

Sir Robert moved we might consider this message to-morrow, 
which was opposed by Sir William Windham, Sbippen, Sands, 
Tom Windham, Plummer, Gibbons, Lord Colerain, Sir J. Barnard, 
Sir Jo. Rushout, and Sir Joseph Jekyl, who desired further time, 
because many gentlemen were gone into the country, trusting 
that the public affairs of the kingdom were over ; that the House 
was not full enough to consider an affair of this consequence on 
our concurrence to which might depend our engaging in the war 
or not, and they insinuated that Sir Robert Walpole did not keep 
faith with the Parliament, who in the beginning of the Session 
Promised (as they pretended) that there should be no vote of credit 
desired of the House. 

They were answered by Pelham, Sir Robert Walpole, Horace 
Walpole, and Sir Charles Wager, that the House appeared even 
this day reasonably full, and would be fuller to-morrow. That 
it was of consequence to the credit of his Majesty abroad that his 

 κ Hi 

72 

ÖIAEY OÍ1 THÉ 

EABL ΟΓ EGMONT. 

73 

Mär. 28-30 

message should be taken the next day into consideration, and this 
was a respect had always been shown to messages from the Crown. 
That there was no promise made at the beginning of the Sessions 
against making a motion of this sort, that his Majesty had reason 
to make this demand, and our foreign affairs required it. Sir 
Charles Wager also acquainted the House that the French are 
fitting out all their ships, and all along their coast have laid an 
embargo on shipping in order to use them for transports. That 
they are embarking their forces, and say their fleet is going for 
Dantzic, but that by our intelligence they have not engaged one 
pilot for that place, so it is possible they may land in some part of 
England and attack us unprovided, which would be of sad conse 
quence now that the kingdom is going to an election. 

Upon the division, the Ayes, who went out and were for taking 
the message into consideration to-morrow, proved 211 ; the Noes 
were 121, so that we carried it by a majority of 90. 

I returned home to dinner, and afterwards went to the meeting 
at the Sun Tavern to propose members to represent the City of 
Westminster. There was a very thronged appearance, above 
500, and many of the nobility and principal gentry, who all agreed 
with great acclamations to set up Sir Charles Wager and Mr. 
Clayton. 

Afterwards I went to the Vocal Club at the Crown Tavern. 
Friday, 29.—This day Mr. Ridley, who applied for Captain Jo. 
Philips's sloop, came to see me to tell me that Mr. Leathes had 
represented him to Sir Robert Walpole as a person whom the 
whole Corporation of Harwich detested, by which means Sir Robert 
was induced to give that sloop to Samuel Philips at the recom 
mendation of Mr. Leathes. That he (Ridley) had nevertheless 
a recommendation of him signed by eighteen of the Corporation, 
of whom the present Mayor, Alderman Baker, and others were 
in the number, which paper being shewn by Mr. Hugh Williams 
to Sir Robert, Sir Robert expressed himself with great passion, 
saying he had been imposed upon. 

I also received a letter from Clements, dated 28th instant, of 
some hazard my son is in of his election. But my son had a letter 
from Page, giving better hopes, though intimating danger too. 

I afterwards went to the House, where we had a debate from 
two o'clock till eight, whether to address the King in answer to 
his message of yesterday, and to place the confidence he expected 
from us by his message. At length we carried the motion for 
addressing and confiding in him by a majority as follows :—The 
Ayes that went out, 248 ; the Noes, 147 ; difference, 101. 

This I believe the last struggle of the discontented party. Those 
who spoke against the motion were Shippen, Lord Colerain, Lord 
Morpeth, Digby, Gibbons, Waller, Palmer, Sands, Tyrconnel, 
Sir Thomas Saunderson, Sir William Windham, Sir John Barnard, 
Thomas Windham, Sir John Cotton, Pulteney. Those who spoke 
for it were Sir Thomas Robinson, Pelham, Sir Robert Walpole, 
Horace Walpole, Tuffnell, Sir William Young, Danvers, Solicitor 
General. It was acknowledged by those who opposed the motion 
that the King can, by his prerogative during the recess of Parliament, 
do what he pleases for the defence of his kingdoms, and yet they 
were very obstinate to oppose this confidence we place in the 
Crown ; but since that is the case, I thought with the majority that 

1734. 

we ought to be pleased with his Majesty for desiring the advice 
' and" concurrence of his Parliament before he took any steps for arm 
ing himself for his and the kingdom's defence, especially as he 
promised by his message to be accountable to the next Session for 
his proceedings. I thought this a gain to the people, instead of 
a great hazard we run of our liberties, which the other party argued. 
Moreover, this appearance of putting great confidence in the King 
(which as has been said is none, since by his prerogative he might 
without any consent during interval of Parliament have taken the 
same measures for our defence as we have allowed him) must have 
effect abroad in raising his Majesty's character and giving more 
weight to his measures for pacifying the broils of Europe, when 
foreign. States shall see so great a confidence, and so straight a 
conjunction, between him and his people. 

The House of Lords had a debate of the same nature, which lasted 
as'long as ours, but the Court carried it for addressing by a majority 

of 47. 

Saturday, 30.—This day I had discourse with Mr. Walpole and 
exposed to him the strangeness of Mr. Leathes' behaviour ; that 
since the beginning of this Session, though we meet often in the 
House, he affects not to take notice of me, and when I speak to 
him it is forcing conversation upon him. That he does the same 
part in Harwich, encouraging his friends to keep at a distance from 
mine. That even last post I had two letters that showed he was 
not united in interest with my son, and knew of some opposition 
to be given him which he would not tell us. That the report of 
the country is, two candidates are to start up against my son at 
present not named ; that Mr. Heath's agent at Harwich, Collings, 
offered one of my voters 100?. not to vote for Cockeril to fill up the 
vacancy in the four and twenty made by Captain Jo. Philips' 
death, and then he said young Olivar would be chosen, who would 
vote for Mr. Heath, and it would be carried. That Alderman Lucas 
is influenced by old Philipson : that I believe the two candidates 
mentioned were Heath and young Philipson, or perhaps two Tories. 
That I thought it high time all this should be provided against, 
and that Mr. Leathes should explicitly and roundly declare to 
Mr. Walpole what his intention is, and publicly Join my son, for 
which purpose I thought it would be right that Mr. Walpole should 
himself draw up a letter to be sent to the Corporation in Mr. Leathes' 
name and my son's, which they should both sign, and also that a 
particular person should go immediately from the Post Office to 
Harwich to intimate privately to the packets that they should 
be for none but Mr. Leathes and my son. 

Mr. Walpole approved both these thoughts, and said he would 
go immediately to Mr. Leathes and discourse him. I told him 
Mr. Leathes would certainly labour to assist young Oliver to be 
chosen a member of the Corporation, but I could never consent 
to that, for his father was at all times my capital enemy, a creature 
of old Philipson, and had actually invited Mr. Heath to stand in 
opposition to my son, but Cockeril was in the Government's service 
and would vote for Mr. Leathes. Mr. Walpole replied that might 
be reconciled by pitching upon some third person. 

I then showed him a copy of the address I would send down 
this night for our Corporation to send me up that I might present 
it to his Majesty, which address he approved. My reason was 

Va. 

 ,.„. lililí 

74 DIARY OF THE 

Mar. 30-Apri] 3 

that if Wimple, the Mayor, and his friends should refuse to accept 
it, Mr. Walpole might see what sort of fellows they are. 

I then went into the city and paid a visit to Mr. Carteret. My 
errand was to secure his not ordering the packets to stay on shore 
to vote in the election of a capital burgess. He told me he would 
not, unless he had a superior order. 

I then went to Court, where I had much discourse with the Queen. 
" My Lord," said she, " I saw my Lady Egmont last night at Court, 
and was glad to see her look so well, but she was very ill placed 
the crowd was so great, and I had not opportunity to speak to her 
but as I was going out. Your daughter was with her ; she is mighty 
handsome, I can tell you, you won't keep her long." "Madam," 
said I, " your Majesty is pleased to favour me in this, but indeed she is 
very good." "Goodness indeed," replied she, " is better than beauty. 
I wonder people don't marry for goodness ; that brings more 
happiness than anything." " Those," said I, " who have the honciur 
to come to your Court see so great examples of goodness that they 
cannot but endeavour at some imitation. Your Majesty shows 
your goodness many ways, particularly in the patronage you give 
Dr. Couraye." " Oh," said she, " he's a very worthy man ; pray how 
does his book go on ?" " Madam," said I, " extremely well : I have 
myself got him 100Z. in subscriptions, and it would be of great 
service if you would please to recommend his book at your Court." 
" I will," said she, " I design my children shall subscribe ; I can't do 
it myself, you know, but I will give him 200Z." 

" That's extremely kind," replied I, "and if your Majesty would 
please to speak to Sir Robert to recommend it it would be of great 
service." " I will," said she ; then turning the discourse she asked me 
if I did not want to go into the country ? I answered, " Yes, it pleased 
me extremely that the Parliament was to end so soon, as it is 
talked it will." "How do you do," said she, " after yesterday's long 
debate ? " "Very well, Madam," I replied. 

Mr. Treby being by, said Mr. Palmer had spoke himself sick 
against addressing, and was obliged to leave the House before the 
question was put, and that Sir William Windham did the same, 
and was obliged to sit down in the middle of his speech. I said 
it was a small affair to make oneself sick for, at which the Queen 
smiled. 

I dined and passed the evening at home. 

My brother Parker came to discourse of the Harwich affair and 
said no time was to be lost in sending down a man to Harwich 
from the Government. I told him Mr. Walpole had mentioned 
one Bell of the Post Office that should find him a proper messenger. 
He approved the address which I sent this night to the Mayor. 

Sunday, 31.—I went to chapel, then to Court, where the Prince 
asked very kindly of my niece Bering, and repeated that he had 
that value for my brother Bering he must always love his child. 
Br. Couraye and Mr. Edmond Clerk of Cecil Street dined with me, 
who told me proposals were to be carried in my son's behalf last 
Thursday by Sir William Jollyf. That Mr. Northy and Mr. Green, 
the other guardians, were all inclined; that by all accounts the 
young lady has very good sense and would make a very excellent wife, 
but all depended on the Aunt's disposition. In the evening I 
visited my brother Percival, and then returned home. My brother 

Ï1KST EABL OF EGMONT. 

75 

1734. 

showed me a mighty good drawing, the last the Princess of Orange 

has done, and which she presented to him. 

Monday, 1 April.—I attended the Palatine Committee, dined 
and passed the evening at home. 

Tuesday, 2.—I visited Sir Roger Mostyn, the Bishop of Cloyn, 
Earl of Orery, Sir Baniel Molineux and Bishop of Litchfield. Then 
went to the House, where Sir Robert Walpole and his brother 
Horace told me Mr. Leathes had declared to them he would joyn 
my son. Mr. Walpole added that it was needless to draw up a 
writing for my son and Leathes to sign, or to send a person down 
from the Post Office, for he should set out on Saturday next for 
Holland, and as he passed through Harwich would tell old Captain 
Lucas and others he should see that my son and Mr. Leathes were 
the persons and no other the Government servants should vote 

for. 
I dined at home and in the evening went to Hendel's oratorio 

called Deborah. 

I had letters from Harwich that Will Philips was come round 
to us again and would remain firm, and that young Captain Lucas 
would vote for Cockeril set up by my friends though his father fell 
out with him on that account, so that we have now a majority 
against young Oliver, the other candidate for capital burgess. 

Wednesday, 3.—I this day had letters from Harwich that old 
Captain Lucas is so inveterate against his son-in-law Rolf for 
espousing Cockeril's interest against young Oliver that he has 
threatened to arrest him for a 2001. debt if he continues in the same 
resolution, and therefore I am desired to lend 100Z. towards paying 
the same upon good security, which Clements will answer for. 
They also write that young Lucas still remains firm. 

Mr. Walpole this day also repeated to me that he should soon 
be down at Harwich, and would speak to the Government's servants. 
He added that Mr. Leathes had told him he would bring his friends 
over. 

I went this morning to the Georgia Office, where Mr. Vernon 
informed us the Saltsburgers declined going to Georgia, and that 
the collectors of money for their relief had thereupon agreed to 
expend that money upon Vaudois who are willing to go. We 
therefore resolved to send over Mr. Poyers and forty of those people 
now in Holland, and approved a letter to be writ to Mr. Dumont, 
French minister at Rotterdam, wherein we cleared up some 
difficulties objected to us relating to our method of not letting 
lands descend to heirs female. A letter was produced, writ by 
Mr. Bofin of Purisburg to Mr. Symons, our merchant, dated from 
Purysburg the 23 of January last, wherein he gives a very 
advantageous account of Savanah town and our settlements, 
and highly extols Mr. Oglethorp's diligence in ordering all matters 
there. 

I then went to the House, where we had a division whether the 
King should make use of the money appropriated for this year's 
service, for the purposes of his message to us, if he has occasion. 
We carried it by 155 against 60. 

After dinner brother Parker came, but we could determine nothing 
upon Harwich affairs. 

if, J „Φ 

 76 DIARY OP THE 

April 4-5 

Thursday, 4.—This morning I called on my Lord Tirconell, 
and with the Earl of Shaftesbury and Mr. Digby waited on my 
Lord Chancellor in Lincoln's Inn Fields to speak to him in favour 
of Mr. Samuel Smith, bachelor of law and lecturer of a church in 
London, that his Lordship would be pleased to give him some 
living in or near London compatible with his attendance on the 
Georgia Society. My Lord was abroad, but Lord Shaftesbury 
promised to deliver our message to him in the House. 

I then went to Sir Robert Walpole, where meeting Mr. Leathes 
he seemed not desirous to catch my eyes, but I made up to him, 
and told him I was glad to know by Mr. Walpole that misunder 
standings had been cleared up between us ; he replied it was at 
any time in my power to make him my friend. I said I had ever 
been so, though he had suspected otherwise. He replied, shaking 
his head, Yes, with a great deal of reason. I said he might think 
so, but I would assure him it was true what I told him. We then 
talked of indifferent matters, when my son came in, and, making 
up to us, he asked if he heard that -young Oliver stood to be chosen 
capital burgess ? Mr. Leathes said, Yes, but he heard Cockeril 
would carry it. That he should be for Oliver because his friends 
set him up, but would give himself very little trouble about it, 
since Cockeril was in the Government's service. My son then 
asked when he would go to Harwich ? He replied, not above two 
or three days before the election. 

After this went away before Sir Robert came out, but my son 
stayed, and Sir Robert, taking him by the hand., said he hoped now 
all differences with Mr. Leathes were settled. My son said, Yes, 
and he was glad of it, for it was on a very ridiculous foot 
before. 

I then went to the Committee for relief of poor prisoners, and 
we filled up the blanks, on the foot of last Bill in 1728. Sir Roger 
Meredith desired me to adjourn the Palatine Committee till to 
morrow, he not being well, at which time he would bring the report. 

I dined at home, and with me the Bishop of Cloyn, Mr. Taylor, 
Cousin Percival, son to the Dean, and Mr. Fortrey. 

I found letters from Davis and Clements, that my friends, being 
twelve in number and consequently a majority, had on the 1st 
instant sent to the Mayor to call a hall for filling up the vacancy, 
who accordingly sent them a written summons to meet him for 
that purpose the 8th instant. 

Whereupon they, thinking the time to be too long, and uncommon 
to defer the election, which on these occasions was never known 
to be above 24 hours, did by advice of Counsellor Loyd, my deputy 
recorder, summon the rest of the capital burgesses the following 
day (which was the 2nd instant) together with Mr. Powel as steward, 
none of whom appeared, neither would the Mayor let them have 
the keys of the guildhall to assemble in their council chamber ; 
whereupon they assembled at the hall door, and from thence 
adjourned to Tom Peck's and made their election for Gray Cockeril, 
all exactly according to Mr. Loyd's directions. That the Mayor 
had by a verbal order sent John Bryant, a constable who was 
appointed to deliver the summons, to Brydwell, but soon after 
released him by another verbal order delivered by another constable. 

FIRST EABL OF EGMONT. 

77 

1734. 

That they had sent again to Counsellor Loyd for directions how 
to proceed in getting Cockeril sworn in and would exactly follow 
his directions. 

Clements wrote me word that old Lucas was so intent to bring 
Rolf off from supporting Cockeril, that he had offered to settle on 
him 10(W. a year at his death and forgive him his 200/. debt ; that 
Rolf now insisted that I should present him the 100Ü. which last 
post he only desired should be lent him on good security. Upon 
this, I advised with my brother Parker, and we concluded I should 
answer former letters, but take no notice of these last. And he 
would write to Fisher to meet Clements at Shotley Gate on Sunday 
morning next, and to offer that Clements should take Rolf's security 
for the money he lent him to pay old Lucas, and assign that security 
to my brother, who would pay Clements back his money. The 
presenting a voter money so near an election may be interpreted 
a breach of the late Bribery Act, although it were only for securing 
the choice of a capital burgess, and old Lucas may perhaps lay a 
snare in Rolf's way, who appears by this procedure to be either a 
fool or a corrupt dog. 

This day I heard that the Parliament will not rise as was intended 
on Thursday next, but Wednesday sennight, the reason given is 
that the private bills cannot be sooner dispatched, but the true 
reason is reported to be that they think it necessary the Parliament 
should sit till llth of April is over, when divers people of the City 
insolently intend to have public rejoicings for the fall of the Excise 
Bill, it being the anniversary day, to the great affront of the 
Legislature, and perhaps occasioning tumults, which may be 
prevented by the awe of a· Parliament sitting, whereas if the 
Parliament were up and dissolved before, many will say the joy 
shown was burning the Rump, as was done at the Restoration. 

Friday, 5.—I went this morning to the Palatine Committee, 
where we finished our report. In the House we passed the Bill 
for regulating the right of electors for members of Parliament in 
Scotland by a division of 44 against 35. I was with the minority, 
but the Courtiers carried it. 

I then went to Court, where the Queen told me she had taken 
care of Dr. Couraye by doing her part, and I must now do mine with 
the members of the House of Commons in getting subscriptions 
to his History, of the Council of Trent. 

In the evening I had my last concert for the winter, when Dr. 
Couraye, who came to it, told me that he knew her Majesty had 
busied herself in his favour ; for a friend of his having asked the 
Duke of Chandos to subscribe, the Duke replied the Queen had 
sent him three subscriptions and he had desired two more. 

The performers at the concert were Needier, Mellan, Sambroke, 
my son Hanmer, my brother Percival, Captain Cornwall, Verner, 
on the fiddle ; Washington, Payn on the violoncello ; the great 
basse, Botmar ; Verner on the hautbois ; Aragoni, Bagnal on the 
harpsichord. Aragoni, Mrs. Bertholdi, Mr. Matheis and my two 
daughters singers. 

The company present were as follows : Duke of Portland, Earl 
of Shaftesbury, Lord Guernsey, Sir Thomas Hanmer, Sir Philip 
Parker Long, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Sir Roger Mostyn, Ned Southwell 

 78 DIARY OF THE 

April 5-9 

and his brother, Mr. Kelsal, Edward Walpole, Edmond Clark, 
Colonel Schutz, Cousin Scot, Lady Ailsford, Lady Pontefract, Lady 
Mary and Lady H. Cholmondeley, Lady Hanmer, Lady Evelyn, 
Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Cornwallis, Mrs. Molineux, Mrs. Minshull, Sister 
Percival, Mrs. Donellan, Mrs. Le Grand and daughter, Mrs. Scot. 

Saturday, 6.—I went this day to Charlton, where I dined and 
then returned. 

Sunday, 7.—This morning I went to chapel, then to the Prince 
of Orange's levee, who asked me several questions about Ireland. 
Then I went to the Prince of Wales' Court, who asked me if my son 
was sure at Harwich. I replied, Yes, if no tricks were played me. 
He said it would be hard indeed that so good a friend to the 
Government as I am should have tricks played me. I dined with 
my Lord Tyrconnel in company of the Earl of Shaftesbury, Captain 
Coram, Dr. Rundle, Mr. Vemon, and Mr. Martin, our secretary. 

I was called from thence by Cousin Ned Southwell to go to 
Wotton the Painter's, to see some noble large hunting pieces made 
by him for the Earl of Sunderlarid to be set up at Althorp. He 
is the best painter of horses in England. 

I passed some time at the coffee house, and then returned home. 
My son returned from Maiden, where he and Mr. Cross took up 
their freedom. One Maiden of the place, an apothecary, told my 
son that his brother-in-law, Alderman Rudland of Harwich, would 
to his knowledge vote for my son. This morning Mr. Horace 
Walpole went to Harwich in order to embark for Holland. 

Monday, 8.—This morning I visited brother Percival and went 
to the House, where Sir Robert Walpole repeated a message from 
the King that we would enable him to give 5,000?. per annum to 
the Princess of Orange to be secure to her for her life after his 
Majesty should die ; this money he would give during his life out 
of his civil list, but the civil list dying with him, it was necessary 
that the Parliament should give it in reversion. It was opposed 
by the Tories and discontented Whigs (Sir John Barnard excepted), 
but on the division we who went out carried it by 139 against 57. 
I was one of the Tellers. After this we had a division upon a breach 
of privilege complained of by Mr. Lewis of our House. The case 
was : An order of the House had been issued to bring up one Rees 
Griffis. The order was served on him by one Turner, but Griffis 
instead of obeying the order beat him. It was moved that Griffis 
should be taken into custody, which the Tories and discontented 
party opposed, but on the division we who went out were 74 against 
54, so he is ordered into custody. 

At my return to dinner I found letters from Harwich that my 
Lord Lovel had ordered all the packets to stay on shore to vote 
for Oliver against Cockeril, which shews the falseness of Mr. Leathes, 
who after having joined my son has obtained this order in favour 
of Oliver, who is my declared enemy, though Cockeril is in the 
Government's service and has promised to be for him as well as 
for my son. My friends hereupon are advised not to appear at the 
hall, and being a majority of the capital burgesses, they hope thereby 
to put a stop to the Mayor's election of Oliver, in whose favour 
he called a hall to meet on this day. I shall hear next post how 
Mr. Walpole has behaved on this occasion. 

FIRST EARL ΟΓ EGMONT. 

79 

1734. 

In the evening I went to the concert at the Crown tavern, where 

I received a message from my brother Parker to come to him. 

Accordingly at 9 o'clock I took him in my way home and he showed 

me a letter from Mr. John Dixon, parson of Shotley, dated 

26th inst., wherein he acquaints him that one of the principal 

voters at Harwich had been with him, to desire he would acquaint 

the Earl of Bristol that eighteen voters, would be against my son, 

so that if his lordship's second son would stand they would carry 

it for him. The letter is as follows :—" Last week one of the principal 

men in the Corporation of Harwich (I hope you will excuse me for 

not giving his name) told me (not knowing that I was under any 

obligation to you) that the majority of their body was entirely 

against choosing my Lord Percival for their representative, and 

that he had heard one of my Lord Bristol's sons had some thought 

of standing candidate, which if he did, and could but prevail on 

Sir Robert so far as to leave them to their own choice, he would 

certainly be the man ; for there were eighteen who would be glad 

to set their hands for any one that would oppose my lord, if he had 

but an equal share of favour with the ministry. This worthy 

gentleman at Harwich, knowing that I was curate to one of my 

Lord Bristol's chaplains, and likewise that I had some acquaintance 

with his steward, was very pressing to have me acquaint them 

with it, but I abhor treachery and ingratitude as the worst of vices 

and am very sure that you are as tender of his lordship's interest 

as your own. I would not have done any such thing if I might have 

gained the world by it. Instead of that, I thought it my duty 

to inform you of it, that my lord might strengthen his interest with 

the ministry if he was not secure enough already. I know that 

my Lord Bristol's son wants a borough, and was very much vexed 

that he did not make interest at Harwich before Mr. Leathes got 

footing, but whether or no he will ever hear of the present temper 

I cannot tell, because I believe there are very few that dare write 

to him. I am sure he that spoke to me dare not, for fear my Lord 

Percival should have bettej interest at Court. If this notice be 

of no service, as it is real truth, I hope you will not take it amiss 

of your most obliged, most obedient and humble servant, John 

Dixon." 

Tuesday, 9.—This day I went to Court, and at my return my 
son, who had been at Sir Robert Walpole's levée, told me that he 
complained to him of Mr. Leathes procuring the packets to be 
kept on shore, at which Sir Robert seemed surprised, and said he 
would speak to Lord Lovel upon it. 

I then went to the House of Lords, where, finding Lord Lovel, 
I told him I was come to expostulate with him why he would order 
the packets to be kept on shore to vote for one Oliver, a dead 
enemy of mine, against one Cockeril, a mate of a packet, and 
consequently a servant of his own, who was a declared friend of 
Mr. Leathes as well as of mine. He answered, Mr. Leathes had 
desired it of him, and he had promised it readily and inadvertently ; 
that he had done the same if I had desired it and thought it was 
our joint desire. That he was sorry Oliver was no friend of mine, 
for he should endeavour to make my son's election and Mr. Leathes 
jointly secure. That indeed he should naturally be for Cockeril 

 „,,, kill 

I 

f 

* 

80 DIARY OF THE 

April 9-11 

as he was a servant of the Post Office, but having given his word 
he could not go off of it, and that he understood the election was 
to be on this day, so that writing a counter order if he would do it 
would signify nothing. But he begged me to believe it was not 
with design to prejudice my son's election, for besides that Mr. 
Leathes was but a new acquaintance of his, and I an old one, he 
knew Sir Robert Walpole and the Court had a very great friendship 
for me, and it should be his study to favour gentlemen who had 
been experienced. That he wished he had known of the affair 
before Mr. Leathes stood, for he should have been glad his own 
brother or Sir Marmaduke Wyvel, his brother-in-law, had come in 
there. Then he asked how Mr. Leathes came recommended there. 

I told him the whole story, how he came in by my consent on 
promise he should not hurt my interest, but that ever since he did 
what he could to hurt it. I added that now he knew the whole 
affair, which Mr. Leathes had concealed from him, he might perhaps 
get off his engagement, and be suffered to countermand his orders, 
which might come time enough, since if my friends did not appear 
this day on the hall, no election could be. 

He went immediately to the House of Commons to speak to 
Mr. Leathes, and returning told me that Mr. Leathes insisted on 
his promise, but had assured him that Oliver would vote for my 
son. But his lordship added his orders only were that the packets 
should stay on shore on Monday, and that Mr. Leathes had desired 
only they might have leave to do as they would. I asked his 
lordship if he meant with respect to this election, or that of a 
member of Parliament. I then desired he would send to Bell of 
the Post Office to furnish him a proper person to send down to 
Harwich to whisper the packets that they must vote for my son, 
and his lordship promised he would. 

I dined at home and then went to the play. 

Wednesday, 10.—This day I received letters from Harwich very 
unsatisfactory, both as to the minds of the people and Mr. Walpole's 
cool encouragement he gave my interest, also that the Mayor 
having called a hall had sworn young Oliver in a capital burgess, 
though there were but eleven of them there, which are not a majority 
of capital burgesses, consequently the election was naught, as 
Counsellor Floyd, my Deputy Recorder, wrote me. That my 
friends had agreed to club towards the expense of a mandamus 
to support their election of Cockeril. That Mr. Walpole arrived 
on Sunday at six at night, and it was Fuller's turn to go to sea, 
but he and his mate hid themselves so that they could not be found, 
so Dean was forced to go with him that night, who, taking Cockeril 
his mate with him, prevented our friends producing him the next 
day on the hall in order to have him sworn in. Clements also 
wrote his opinion that Mr. Walpole behaved as cool as Mr. Leathes 
to my interest, which last, notwithstanding he has joined my son, 
has not acquainted his friends with it, though I had been very early 
in doing it. 

Upon this my brother Parker and I went to the Committee of 
Council to speak to Sir Robert, to whom I showed Davis's letter. 
He desired to know what we would have him do, and he would do 
anything. I replied he should send immediately down a person 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

81 

1734. 

1/0*. 

from the Post Office to acquaint the servants under it that my 
son and Mr. Leathes are the candidates they must vote for. He 
said he would do it to-morrow, but I should give him a memorandum 

of it. 

Thursday, 11.—This morning I sent Sir Robert Walpole my 
memorandum, while my son waited on Lord Lovell and got him 
to promise to see Sir Robert on this affair to-day. My son then 
went to Sir Robert, who told him he had my memorandum, and 
would do it, but could not till to-morrow, because of his great 
business. He added he would speak to Lord Lovell on it. I went 
then to our Parish Vestry, where were my Lord Wilmington, Sir 
Thomas Webster, Mr. Plumtre, Mr. Walker, Mr. Scowan, Mr. 
Clayton, and other principal inhabitants. My Lord proposed electing 
the Duke of Kent a vestryman. I proposed John Laroche, Esq., and 
Mr. Clayton proposed Mr. Dalton to supply vacancies, which were 
unanimously agreed to. Some other of lower rank were also 

chosen. 

After this I went to Court, and presented our Harwich address, 
which the King received graciously with a smile. It had not the 
Corporation seal, and was only signed by twenty-one of the 
Corporation, none of my friends being of it but Clements. The 
reason why my friends did not sign it was because they could not 
be present at that Court without approving the election of young 
Oliver for a capital burgess, who was that day chosen by eleven 
burgesses only and sworn in by the Mayor contrary to the charter, 
which will have the major part of the capital burgesses to elect. 

At Court I saw Lord Lovell, who told me he had seen my son, 
and that he had been to look for Sir Robert Walpole upon the 
request I made that he would signify his pleasure to the packets 
in favour of my son ; he also repeated his promise that he would 
do it. 

After dinner I visited Mr. Carteret of the Post Office, and passed 
near three hours with him. We appear to be good friends. He 
told me he knew nothing of the order to keep the packets on shore, 
that indeed Mr. Leathes had been to ask it, which he refused, but 
since Fuller had orders for that purpose, Fuller was not to be chid. 
I told him Mr. Leathes' usage of me and my proceedings all along, 
to which he said he had been an absolute stranger, only he had 
heard that I had endeavoured to stand with my son and throw out 
Mr. Leathes. That Mr. Heath had been twice or thrice with him 
to tell him he would stand for Harwich, to which he answered that 
he did not intend to meddle with the election one way or other, 
for the Government would order that as they pleased ; that he 
asked him if he had the Government's interest, which Mr. Heath 
Could not say he had. 

Mr. Carteret added that several of the packets had been with 
him to desire him to recommend a person, but he had refused 
them. 

I told him I was come to acquaint him that Sir Robert and 
Lord Lovel had both assured me they would find some way to 
acquaint the packets that they must favour my son, which I thought 
I was obliged in honour to tell him, that he might not believe I 
would take a step with his office unknown to him, but I did not 

Wt. 5606. 

E 6 

 82 DIAEY OF THE 

April 11-15 

desire Mm to be active in it knowing his nicety that way. He 
replied he was glad Lord Lovel had taken it upon him. He was 
a lord and might do what he pleased, but for himself he would 
not burn his fingers in a matter manifestly contrary to his duty 
and an Act of Parliament. We parted good friends and extremely 
easy. 

Among other things he told me he had no acquaintance with 
Mr. Leathes and never saw him but twice ; that though his Christian 
name is Carteret, he is no way related to him, nor has any concern 
for him. 

Another thing he told me was that when I stood it was not he 
but Mr. Harison who gave me all the trouble I met with, for Harison 
designed to have brought in a son of my Lord Townshend's ; yet 
he had borne the blame of opposing the King's inclinations towards 
me on that occasion, and felt the ill effects of that mistake concerning 
him both from the King and Sir Robert Walpole for many years. 

This night the mob assembled in the city in several places and 
committed riots, this being the anniversary day of the defeat of 
the excise scheme in the House of Commons. The Lord Mayor, 
who had timely notice of it, took what care he could to prevent it, 
but they broke his windows, as they did by many others who put 
out no lights, whereupon my Lord went out to repel them and 
was wounded in the head. I hear he was obliged to fire upon them. 
Some of them are seized. The next day, driving to Sir Robert 
Walpole's to acquaint him with what had passed, his coachman 
unfortunately passed over a child and killed it. 

Good Friday, 12.—This morning I went to St. James' Church, 
and at three a clock also to evening prayers. Then I visited 
Mr. Tuffnall, after which I returned home, where I received letters 
from Clements and from Councillor Loyd, touching the election 
of young Oliver, but I was surprised they neither of them mentioned 
anything of further proceedings. 

Saturday, 13.—This morning I visited Mr. Hill of the Custom 
House to desire him to influence the officers under them at Harwich 
in favour of my son's election. He told me he was last Thursday 
at Sir Robert Walpole's, who gave him a letter I wrote him for that 
purpose, and bade him take care of my son : whereupon, when he 
went to the Board that morning he advised with the Clerk in what 
proper and safe manner to signify the Government's pleasure to 
these officers ; that the Clerk told him the two Philipses were such 
rogues they would betray him if a letter were writ down to 
them, wherefore he ordered a letter that night to the Collector 
Da vis to come up and receive orders by word of mouth. I thanked 
him and exposed to him the unfairness of Mr. Leathes to my son, 
who, after having proffered to join him a fortnight ago, told him 
on Thursday last that indeed Sir Robert had joined him, but he 
could not promise that one of his friends would join my son, for 
he was under their direction. This, said I, is a strange sort of 
joining. Why don't you tell Sir Robert this ? Mr. Leathes (said 
I) has so engrossed his good opinion, and is so serviceable in the 
Norfolk election, that he will not believe anything[to^ his'prejudice. 
Indeed (replied Mr. Hill), he is a man of skill and good parts, and 
has a very plausible way of telling his story. He was the other 

FIRST BABL OF BGMONT. 

83 

1734. 

1704. 

day at our Board to request that Samuel Philips, for whom he got 
the Walpool sloop, late Captain John Philips'», might quit the 
Aldborow station and be on the Harwich station : we refused it 
as long as we could, but at length he prevailed ; yet we told him 
Samuel Philips should not keep that boat, to which he answered 
he would give us no more trouble about him when the election 
was over. Said I, he then gave up his friend when his own interest 

should be served. 

After this I went to my Lord Lovel's, to know if he had seen 
Bell of the Post Office, and obliged him to send a proper person 
down to Harwich to intimate to the packet that they must vote 
for my son and Mr. Leathes. He answered that he dined yesterday 
with Sir Robert Walpole, who bid him take care of that affair, 
and accordingly he had sent for Bell to come to him, but Bell was 
out of town ; however, he would be returned on Monday, when 
himself should be at the Post Office, and then he would speak to 

him. 

I told him the time drew on so near that I was sorry he had not 
seen him, but I would send a servant on Monday to his lordship to 
know what he had done. I desired the packets might all be 
ordered to stay on shore for the election, which he said he would, 
and that my son had given him a list of those the messenger was 

to speak to. 

After I left him I went to my brother Parker, who liked what 
passed between Mr. Hill and me, but was very suspicious of the 
delay my Lord Lovel acquainted me with. He said Mr. Bristow 
of the Green Goth had told him young Philipson had a good stroke 
at Harwich and also Mr. Heath, and that my son was not sure to 
be elected as he thought for. He added he would get Sir Charles 
Wager to write that very night to Baker to be for my son, which 
Sir Charles afterwards did. 

I then visited Cousin Ned Southwell, who said he was told by 
a gentleman, whose name he had forgotten, that Mr. Heath would 
stand at Harwich, and it would not be disagreeable to the Govern 
ment. I replied if that should be true, the Government would 
use me very basely and treacherously, but I would suspend my 
belief till I saw it. 

After dinner I visited Sir Thomas Hanmer and my daughter 

Hanmer. 

Sunday, 14, Easter Day.—This morning I communicated at the 
King's chapel, where I never saw a greater crowd, thank God. 
My son did the same. The Royal Family and the Prince of Orange 
took the Communion there, too. 

I then went to Court, where I met Coll1 Armstrong and 
desired him to write Tuesday next to William Richman to vote 
for my son and Mr. Leathes, which he promised. Dr. Couraye 
dined with me. In the evening I went to chapel. 

Monday, 15.—This morning I visited Counsellor Annesley, who 
upon my discourse about my son's election doubts Sir Robert 
Walpole's sincerity. 

I then went to the House of Lords to find my Lord Lovel, and 
«now of him if he had spoken to Mr. Bell. His lordship replied 
he was prevented by being obliged to go to Court to thank the 

 I 

84 DIARY OF THE 

April 15-16 

King for making his wife Baroness of Clifford ; but he had writ 
to him to be with him at 11 o'clock to-morrow, and he would 
certainly give him the necessary orders. I told him I wished I 
might see the messenger to-morrow at five o'clock before he went, 
which his lordship said I should. 

I spoke to the Earl of Rochford to desire the favour that he 
would write to Captain Stevens, whose son is his lordship's tenant, 
to be for my son, which he not only promised, but of his own accord 
told me that Dr. Newell was his immediate tenant, and he would 
also write to him. According at night his lordship sent me the two 
letters for my perusal open. 

In the House of Commons I spoke to Sir Robert Walpole, telling 
him that Mr. Leathes stood my enemy. He said he had done 
what he could for us, that he had spoke to Lord Lovel, who had 
promised to send a man down. 

I dined at home, and in the evening went again to the House 
of Lords. 

I had letters this day from Davis and Page. The former dating 
his letter from Harwich on Saturday, and taking no notice of any 
order to come up which, if wrote (as Mr. Hill told me on Thursday 
must have been with him on Friday), I grow suspicious of some foul 
play, but where to charge it, whether only on the Clerk or Secretary 
of the Customs or higher I know not ; however my son waited on 
Mr. Hill to complain of it. Both Davis and Page wrote that 
Cockeril being returned, those who elected him are resolved to 
sign a command to the Mayor to call a court to swear in Cockeril, 
which Davis doubts if he will comply with, but Page says if he 
does not they are resolved to prosecute him. 

Davis adds that Heath's agent had offered John Smith anything 
he would ask provided he would be out of the way at the time of 
election, and that both Smith and Fennings were desirous to go 
to Norway for lobsters, which Davis had put them off of, for that 
is a voyage of a month, and would occasion the absence of them 
both. They pretended they might be back time enough. On 
this news I sent away immediately an express to the agent, which 
express promised to be at Harwich by 6 o'clock to-morrow : in 
which letter I acquainted Clements that the election will be certainly 
Monday next or to-morrow sennight. 

This day the Lords passed the Bill for granting his Majesty a 
vote of confidence by suffering him to make use of the appropriated 
money given for this year's service to other uses if he sees a necessity. 
The Bill was passed by a majority of 11 only. 

Tuesday, 16.—This morning I acquainted Mr. Hill of the Customs 
that his orders for bringing up the Collector were not arrived as 
expected ; and I desired he would cause a letter to be writ this 
post, but soon after the Collector came into my room, upon which 
I writ Mr. Hill of his being arrived. It seems Mr. Manly's letter 
for his coming up was not writ until Saturday last, whereas 
Mr. Hill gave orders for it on Thursday. He was also writ to, 
to set out only as on Thursday next, which he had done but for the 
postscript of my letter to Clements. 

Soon after Mr. Hill came in from Sir Robert Walpole to tell 
me he had been with him, and, calling for Davis to be witness to 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

85 

1734. 

I/O*. 

what he should say, he bid him acquaint separately the Phiiipses 
that while he was at my house he Mr. Hill came in from Sir Robert 
Walpole's and that Mr. Hill told me Sir Robert Walpole would 
have the officers of the Customs to vote for Lord Percival and 
Mr. Leath. Mr. Hill added that if they refused Mr. Davis should 
send up an express of their refusal. He cautioned that his name 
should not be used if possible as directing anything, for what he 
did now was more, by G——, than he would do for anyone beside. 

Mr. Davis told him he questioned if the Philipses would yet 
obey, unless Mr. Leathes and my son joined in some letter to that 
purpose : to which Mr. Hill said it were reasonable such a letter 
should be written. My son said if such letter were written he 
believed Mr. Leathes would privately write to them not to mind 
it, for he pretends he is under the direction of those below. Nay, 
said Hill, if it be so, there is no fence against treachery, but do 
you and my Lord Egmont go to Sir Robert and tell him Mr. Leathes 
must write or openly declare for you. 

Accordingly I went with my son and saw Mr. Leathes at Sir 
Robert's, but, taking no notice of him, I sent in to desire to see 
Sir ^Robert before he came out to the crowd that attended his 
levee. Accordingly my son and I were called into his closet while 
he was dressing himself, and I told him the strange foot Mr. Leathes 
and we were upon : that a fortnight ago we were joined, but last 
Thursday he told my son coolly that Sir Robert indeed had joined 
him, but that he could not promise that any one of his own friends 
should join him. That this was a sort of joining I never heard 
of ; that Mr. Leathes added he must do as they would have him 
below ; he was under their direction. Now, Sir, said I, it is visible 
either that Mr. Leathes is not sincere or that Philipson, who has a 
number of voters under his influence, is resolved to maintain a 
party that shall be independent of the Government and oppose 
even the Government's recommendation, and will not therefore 
let Mr. Leathes join my son. To discover a truth (replied Sir 
Robert) they have sent to my Lord Harrington to offer him the 
choice of a member if he will send one down, but I told my lord 
he should not accept it, for I desired your son should be chosen. 
Sir, said I, Mr. Leathes is without ; I wish you would send for him 
in that we may talk things together before you. No, replied he, 
dp you withdraw a moment and I will send for him and discourse 
him privately, and then I will desire you to come again. 

Whereupon my son and I left him, and Mr. Leathes was sent 
for, and after a quarter of an hour's discourse we were sent for in. 
Well, said Sir Robert, Mr. Leathes says he will now heartily join 
your son, and you are to assist each other all you can. 

Sir, said my son, I assure Mr. Leathes I never meant him any 
prejudice, and now my friends are all declared for him I hope he 
will bring his to do the same by me. 

Mr. Leathes, who seemed disconcerted and cold, could not 
however avoid saying he would do all he could and expected my 
friends would do the same, but as to never having designed him a 
prejudice he was going on when Sir Robert said, "Come, come, 
what was formerly is past, and now you are joined give your hands." 
So he and my son shook hands. I then said it might be proper 

 86 DIARY OF THE 

April 16-19 

that my son and he should sign some short paper to own their 
Joining to their friends : but Mr. Leathes with some heat and 
precipitation begged of Sir Robert and me not to insist on that, 
for now there would be no opposition, and he would speak to all 
his friends to be for my son. 

So we left Sir Robert, and Mr. Leathes was the first who hastened 
out of the room, I suppose to avoid speaking to us ; by which, 
as by all the rest of his conduct, it appeared what he liad done 
now before Sir Robert was much against his grain, and only as 
obliged by Sir Robert, and when I came home and told Davis all 
that passed he said he had been told that Mr. Leathes was linked 
with Mr. Heath underhand to eject my son. 

I met Sir Charles Wager at Sir Robert's, who told me he would 
send me before dinner a letter to recommend my son and Mr. Leathes 
to Alderman Baker, which he accordingly did in very handsome 
and strong terms. I also saw there Mr. Bell of the Post Office 
who told me he had been by Lord Level's order at my house this 
morning ; that he would go down in his coach on Thursday to 
Harwich and speak to all the packets to be for my son and Mr, 
Leathes. That he was waiting to speak to Sir Robert to have his 
leave to use his name. He said he knew Philipson's character 
and Bickerton's very well and they were both staunch Tories. 
He knew the name of all the packets, and their dispositions. That 
they would have Heath, a lousy fellow, in if they could, or anyone 
to my son's prejudice. But he would do all he could for my son 
and at his return acquaint me. I thanked him, and on his telling 
me he liad a house at Greenwich made him promise to visit me 
at Charlton. He said he saw a very good pamphlet of my writing, 
and liad Sir Robert's orders (who liad perused it) to print 3,000 of 
them and disperse. I told him I wondered he knew the author, 
for I liad charged the bookseller not to discover me. 

After my return home, the Bishop of Bangor came to wish me 
a good Journey into the country, and my son good success in his 
election. 

Davis dined with me, and I gave him letters for Newell and 
Stevens from Lord Rochford, and for Baker from Sir Charles Wager. 
Davis was pleased with what passed this day, and believes all 
opposition will now cease, which Mr. Leathes had so far encouraged 
at the first that now his party drive him. My son returning from 
the House said he saw Mr. Leathes there, who told him he would 
bring his friends to him, but was really under a great difficulty. 
He did not explain what it was, but I guess he meant his having 
Joined himself to Heath, whom he now must drop, to the great 
resentment of Philipson, Oliver, old Lucas and other violent men 
of his party, among whom Davis told me it has of late been 
currently said and owned at Harwich that Mr. Leathes and Mr. 
Heath had Joined. 

I writ to Clements and to my brother Parker (who went this 
morning to Arwarton) a short account of these affairs. 

This day the King came to the House, and after passing all the 
remaining Bills, prorogued the Parliament to the 14th May next, 
which will be followed by a Proclamation to dissolve us to-morrow, 
and the writs for a new Parliament will bear teste on Thursday. 

FIBST EARL OF EGMONT. 

87 

1734. 

In the evening I went to the play called the Funeral. 

Wednesday, 17.—This day I visited my daughter Hamiier, the 
Bishop of Cloyn, the two Schutz's, brother Percival, Frank Clerke, 
and Lord Grantham asked me if I went to Fjssex. I replied, No, 
but my son would. I then went to Court, where the King and 
Queen spoke to me, and the Queen took notice to me that she heard 
I would not stand for next Parliament, but set up my son. I 
replied it was true, that I was going out of the world and my son 
coming in. Don't say that, replied she ; I hope you will live many 
and many years. Besides, Madam (said I), he will do better than 
I. Oh (said she), shaking her head, I wish he may do half so 

well. 

My brother and sister Percival, son and daughter Hanmer, 
Aunt Whorwood, and Mr. Taylor dined with me. 

This evening the express returned with an answer from Clements 
expressing his joy at the news I writ him, and desiring I would 
•write to Demaresque to come to Harwich from Yarmouth. 
Thereupon I writ to Sir Charles Wager to desire he would order 
Dumaresque away, and Sir Charles returned me a letter for him 
to that purpose. He wrote me at the same time that young Philip- 
son liad been with him this morning, and promised that he would 
write to his father to be for my son and Mr. Leathes, which he 
doubted not he would do. 

This is a finishing stroke I did not expect, and must be to the last 
degree mortifying to Leathes and his party. 

I suppose this may be contrived by Mr. Leathes, in order to 
keep the friendship of his party, who cannot take it ill that he gives 
over his opposition to my son when even Philipson himself will 
declare for him. Or it may be that young Philipson, who stands 
for Shoreham, wants the Government's help, and therefore to 
gain it makes this step to show that he merits it by doing what 
lie can to prosper the election of any person set up in Harwich 
by the Government. 

Thursday, 18.—This morning my son set out for Harwich. I 
waited on the Bishop of Cloyn to present him to Sir Robert Walpole 
upon his going for Ireland. I then took an opportunity to recom 
mend my brother Percival again to Sir Robert for some place, 
which he assured me he did not forget. I visited Lord Rochford 
and called to see Mr. Dandridge's paintings, who I think an excellent 
face painter. I dined at Cousin Ned SouthwelPs with Counsellor 
Annesley. In the evening Mr. Taylor and the Bishop of Cloyn 
came to see me. 

Friday, 19.—I was taking coach this morning for Charlton, 
when Sir Robert Walpole sent his footman to desire me to come 
immediately to him. It was to show me a representation signed 
the 18th by twenty voters and directed to Mr. Leathes, wherein 
they earnestly pressed his naming any other than my son, or that 
oír Robert would recommend one, for they were determined not 
to choose my son. I remarked to Sir Robert that Captain Robert 
Lucas was firm to my son, and that the hands of some who were 
absent must have been put to it. He offered me the paper to 
make my use of, but I did not want it. He told me Mr. Leathes 
had brought it to him that morning. I did not know what to say 

 t vil 

88 DIARY OB' THE 

April 19-21 

to him, but took time to consider, and proceeded to Charlton, 
where, when I arrived, I sent an express to acquaint my son of 
that letter. 

Saturday, 20.—This morning I returned early to town, and not 
finding Sir Robert Walpole I went to Court, and desired an audience 
of the King, wherein I told him my son was now at Harwich upon 
his election, and met with opposition ; that I desired he would be 
so gracious as to order his servants to vote for my son. His Majesty 
very readily said he would speak to Sir Robert Walpole as soon 
as he see him, and would do all in his power. I replied, Sir Robert 
was out of town, and I should be obliged to send an express away this 
night, the election I believed coming on Monday or Tuesday next. He 
said, Then find Sir Robert out, and bid him from me to take 
particular care of your son, and that my servants vote for him ; I will 
do all that is in my power. I thanked his Majesty, and immediately 
writ a letter to Sir Robert, of which a copy is among my papers. 

In this letter I acquainted him how the borough of Harwich 
stood, that of the twenty subscribers to the letter of the 18th, one 
was a disputed vote, one absolutely at Mr. Leathes' disposal, being 
his servant, one I was sure had his hand forged to it, and may be 
more, the packets being some of them abroad. That I was come 
to town to wait on him, but missing him, had waited on his Majesty, 
whose answer was as I have mentioned above ; that I begged him 
to write to Mr. Bell, who I believed was yet at Harwich, that it 
was his Majesty's pleasure his servants vote for my son. The 
rest may be seen in the letter. This I sent by my servant express 
to Richmond at 3 o'clock, having missed of Sir Robert at Chelsea. 

My servant whom I sent to Richmond at his return told me 
he found Sir Robert on horseback with company, that he took 
my letter and put it in his pocket without opening it, saying he 
believed he knew the contents, and if it required an answer he 
would send one ; he should.see me to-morrow. 

This was I thought extremely odd, not to read it when he knew 
from whom it came, and those about him remarked it, for my 
cousin Southwell told me that on Monday a gentleman expressed 
to him his concern for my son and that Sir Robert was not hearty 
for him, because I had sent a letter to him express on Saturday 
and he did not so much as read it. 

I writ to my son my transactions of this day by the post, and 
acquainted him Mr. Leathes was not yet gone down. 

Sunday, 21.—I went to chapel. 

My postillion returned with a long letter from my son, dated 
the 20th, giving account of the disposition of the voters, that the 
Government's servants (except Battney) had promised that if 
he had the Government's interest they would vote for him, and 
assuring on his honour there was no danger to Mr. Leathes or him if 
they joined. That there could not be near so many as twenty who 
with their own hands signed that paper of the 18th and, particularly, 
young Lucas's hand was forged. 

I enclosed this letter to Sir Robert, which he did not return to 
me, and desired he would oblige Mr. Leathes to declare openly 
his joining with me, who thereupon wrote Mr. Leathes as follows 
from Richmond, though he dated it from London :— 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

89 

1734. 

London, 21 April, 1734. 

Sir,—Since I saw you last, the accounts received from Harwich 
are so positive that if Lord Peroival and you join and declare it 
in the town, there is no possibility of any opposition arising in the 
town, or the least apprehension of either of your running any 
hazard in your elections, that I cannot forbear keeping the engage 
ments that I made equally to you both, and desiring that you will 
both persevere in that conjunction, which has twice or thrice been 
mutually confirmed and renewed in my presence. I gave you 
my assurances on the foot of Lord Peroival and your being joined 
in interest ; nothing should have prevailed on me to have dropped 
you, and my honour is equally engaged to Lord Percival. I hope, 
Sir, you will put an end to this troublesome affair where I am not 
at liberty to act otherwise than I do. 

I am, Sir, 
Your most obedient humble servant, 

R. WALPOLE. 

This letter Sir Robert enclosed to me in another to the following 

purpose :— 

April 21, 1734. 

My Lord,—I send you the enclosed to Mr. Leathes, which when 
you have perused, you will be pleased to seal with some common 
seal, as a head or the like, and forward it to him. 

I did not receive your letter of yesterday till it was too late to 
give your lordship an answer ; it would have been very difficult 
for a man in my station to have wrote in the manner you then 
desired, but I hope what I now send will put an end to this disagree 
able affair. 

I am, with great respect, 
Your lordship's most obedient humble servant, 

R. WALPOLE. 

P.S.—Since I wrote what is above, I have this minute heard 
that Mr. Leathes was in town yesterday, and intends to see me 
to-morrow morning. If so, your lordship will not send the letter 
forward till I see him to-morrow morning. 

Before the return of my servant who brought me these letters, 
I went to Court, and carried the sword before the King to chapel. 
I took leave of the Prince of Orange, who sets out to-morrow for 
Holland. Dined with brother Percival. At night my wife, seeing 
I was detained in town, came up. 

Sir Charles Wager told me it was he desired young Philipson to 
write to his father to be for my son, who promised he would, but 
doubtless he did not, nor did I believe he would. 

In the evening came an express from my son in nine hours dated 
this morning, that Mr. Mussenden, brother-in-law to Mr. Leathes, 
was arrived there on Friday night to stand candidate, as was 
reported, and Philipson would try it when Leathes arrived, who 
was expected Sunday or Monday. That eight persons in the 
Government's service had most of them promised to be for him 
if Sir Robert insisted on it, namely, Baker, Samuel Philips, Will 
Philips, Fuller, Dean, Captain Wimple, junior, Batten and Alder 
man Lucas. He, therefore, desired Sir Robert to use his influence 
with Leathes to declare openly his conjunction with him. 

 90 DIARY OF THE 

April 21-22 

I answered the letter, and enclosed him a copy I had taken of 
Sir Robert's letter this day to Mr. Leathes and of Sir Robert's to 
me that enclosed it. 

Monday, 22.—I went early to Sir Robert Walpole's, and showed 
him my son's letter of yesterday ; in return of which he showed 
me a fresh representation signed by twenty with the same hands 
to it as the former. It was dated yesterday morning, the 21, 
and sent express to Mr. Leathes, wherein the subscribers declare 
they will not be for my son, Lord Egmont, Sir Philip Parker or any 
of the family who had used them ill, broke promises &c., and were 
odious to them. They therefore begged him to name some other 
person, or that Sir Robert would, whom they would choose, and 
thereby with satisfaction and pleasure show their zeal for the 
Government. 

I remarked to Sir Robert that this is only the old story over 
again, that he saw my son had fourteen votes, so but seventeen 
could sign it, except Oliver, who is a disputed vote, that Captain 
Lucas' hand is forged to it, and that others must be so too. 

He answered, I see Mr. Leathes is not sincere, and that he will 
be your son's enemy, which you may depend on, and will do you all 
the hurt he can. I see that Charles Stanhope is to be the man. 
Lord Harrington was with me yesterday again to desire his brother 
might stand, but I told him I was engaged in honour to your son, 
and he was with me when I wrote Mr. Leathes that letter you was 
to send to him if gone for Harwich. You will find Mr. Leathes join 
him. I know it is his intention, for this last representation against 
your son was sent enclosed to Mr. Blair, who does business for 
Lord Harrington and who is Mr. Leathes' friend. As for myself 
(continued he), I have done all I can, except to write under my 
own hand, which I dare not, nor should the King's name be used, 
but your son may freely use my name and tell all the Government's 
servants that if they will in anything oblige me, they will vote for 
him, being joined with Mr. Leathes in my presence. That I might 
go again to Bell, Sir Charles Wager and Mr. Hill, and see what 
they could do, and my son might do anything his honour and con 
science would permit him. I said, Suppose my son Join with 
Mr. Heath if he should stand, or our friends gave single votes ? 
He replied if he did, then Mr. Leathes must be allowed the same 
liberty, and it must be understood that the joining with Leathes 
is dissolved. I desired still that he would send Mr. Leathes the 
letter he wrote him, which he said he would. 

I went to the Westminster election, where Sir Charles Wager and 
Mr. Clayton, Lord of the Treasury, were chosen without opposition. 

And afterwards repaired again to Mr. Hill at the Custom House. 
I told him what passed. He said he could do no more ; he could 
not write under his hand, and if the Philipses would not mind the 
order given by the Collector there was no help. But if Sir Robert 
would direct him, he would immediately suspend them. I said, 
Sir Robert, I believed, would scruple that, being so near the election. 
He said, then he could not help it, that Bacon Morris had desired 
him yesterday to dine with Charles Stanhope at Mr. Leathes', but 
he declined it. He admired at all, and thought it very ill judged 
in Sir Robert to let things go so far, for Sir Robert knew Charles 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

91 

1734. 

Stanhope was secretly his enemy for not having preferred him these 
several years past, but, added he, if I were your son, I would still 
stand it out. 

I then called on Collector Bell at the Post Office, who was returned 
from Harwich, and had twice called on me when I was abroad to 
tell me how things went there. He said he found the Government's 
servants there very refractory, that Battney, mate to Dean, was a 
brute and obstinately bent against my son ; that he turned his 
back upon him, and had declared he would lose his place rather 
than vote for my son. That he thereupon advised the agent to 
send him to sea with the packet, but he refused to go, upon which 
the agent writ up an information, but Mr. Carteret took no notice 
of it. That Fuller was surly, but at last said, if the Government 
would have it so, he would vote for my son. That the Mayor 
Wimple was more civil, and said he would pay all imaginable 
regard to Lord Lovel's recommendation. Dean was at sea, and 
Alderman Lucas asked why, if the Post Office would have him be 
for my son, they did not both write to that purpose, to which he 
replied, he had Lord Lovel's orders, but Mr. Carteret would not 
meddle or make. He added, he could not speak very openly to 
them, being a direct servant of the Post Office, but he had carried 
with him Justice Philips, a practiced man on such occasions, who 
knew the best of any man how to talk with them. That Alderman 
Lucas complained of ill usage from me, to which he replied that 
was nothing to Lord Percival ; finally, that afterwards the Alderman 
came to him and assured him of his, his son's and his son-in-law 
Rolf being for my son. Yet afterwards, this rascal was one of 
those who signed the second representation against my son, and 
forged his son's hand to it. 

I told him how gracious his Majesty had been in this affair, and 
desired he would send Mr. Philips to me immediately that I might 
get him to go again to Harwich. 

He answered, Mr. Philips had been at another election since and 
was not yet arrived, but when he was he should come to me. He 
advised that Sir Robert should give him leave to use his name, 
as a material thing. In the meantime I sent to Sir Charles Wager 
to desire him to write a second time to Alderman Baker and let 
him know I had the Government's interest, and that he insisted 
with him to vote for my son if he expected my favour, to which 
Sir Charles returned me an answer, with a letter for Baker desiring 
him to vote for my son as a thing that would much oblige him, 
but he did not write so strong as I desired, for the reason following. 

My lord, I have no knowledge of Mr. Baker, and what he has 
^ Trinity House is not given by me, but by thirty-one people, 
and is but a small matter, that I think it will not be proper for 
me to say more than I have, for such letters are sometimes read in 
the House of Commons. 

Your lordship's most humble servant, 

CHA. WAGER. 

I then hastened to Court, where I applied again to Sir Robert, 
who told me that he sent the letter to Mr. Leathes as I desired, 

 92 DIABY OP THE 

April 22-24 

who came immediately to him, but refused to declare he would 
join my son ; that he said all he could to persuade him, but he would 
not ; that he had done all he could, and appealed to me if he had 
not. I said there was one thing he might still do, which was to 
acquaint Mr. Leathes that since he broke his word of joining my 
son he should not have the Government's interest. To which he 
only shrugged his shoulders, from whence I augured ill success to 
my son. I desired I might bring Colonel Bel again to him to have 
his commands to go down again. He answered, " To what purpose ? 
He knows my mind. I spoke before to him to do all he could." 
However, I insisted on it. This backwardness gave me more cause 
of diffidence, and at night I despatched an express to my son, to 
acquaint him with what had passed, and let him know my appre 
hensions that he would lose his election. 

Tuesday, 23.—I waited at home all this morning in expectation of 
Justice Philips, who at 3 a'clock came, and I carried him to Sir Robert 
Walpole's, who in my presence told him he might go down and 
tell the Government's servants in his name that Mr. Leathes and 
my son were joined in his presence ; that he had given the Govern 
ment's interest to both, and it was his earnest desire his Majesty's 
servants would vote for them, to which he had obliged his honour ; 
that if they would oblige him they would do it. Mr. Philips desired 
again that he might use his name, which he bid him do. 

At coming away Mr. Philips said he had now full instruction, 
and he would set out this evening part of his way and counted to 
get no farther than Chelmsford. 

I wrote this account to my son at night and enclosed a resignation 
of my Recordership in a letter to the Mayor, for him to deliver 
in case he lost the election, and to do it with all speed before some 
one of the other side should propose to remove me, which 
I counted they would certainly do, and to give it to Lord 
Harrington. 

I dined with Dr. Hellings, and went at night to the opera 
Ariadne. 

Wednesday, 24.—This morning at 1 a'clock came .an express 
from my son, dated Tuesday morning from Arwarton, wherein he 
mentions his suspicion of treachery in Sir Robert ; says the election 
is notified for Saturday next. That Sir Philip Parker thinks he 
should however stand it out to show the villainy the greater, for 
he should plainly prove he lost it by the Government's servants 
voting against him. That he should not determine what part to 
act till Mr. Philips came down again (which I had in a former letter 
told him he would do) and until he had tried every game, which 
was now only to come off with honour, and to maintain a just plea 
for resentment. He thought nobody could suffer for serving him 
but Mr. Clements, the agent, who would certainly lose his place 
one way or other. He thought it might be of some service to 
suspend the Philipses one way or other, but did not believe I should 
obtain it. Upon this I wrote to Sir Robert Walpole to desire his 
letters to Mr. Hill of the Customs, and to the Post Office, that 
Baker, the two Philipses, Puller, Battney and Dean might be 
sent for up to be out of the way during the election, to which he wrote 
me the following answer :— 

Έ1Ε5Τ EARL Off EGMONT. 

93 

1734. 

London, 24 April, 1734. 

My Lord,—I think it impossible for me to do what you desire, 
and those to whom I was to give my orders would think it too great 
a hardship to be put on them, to send for a number of officers the 
day before the election. In my station where what I do or do 
not do, everything is imputed to me, makes this too dangerous to 
venture upon. I have with great honour and truth kept my 
engagements to your lordship, and declared so to all persons con 
cerned, and must beg you will excuse me taking this step. 

I am, &c., 

R. WALPOLE. 

I writ, however, to Mr. Hill and Mr. Bell to the same purpose, 
though I had little hopes of their compliance, and accordingly the 

former wrote me as follows :— 

Wednesday. 

My Lord,—I have communicated your lordship's letter to Sir J. 
Evelyn, Sir John Stanley and Mr. Fairfax, the gentlemen your 
lordship names in your letter, and we must beg your lordship's 
pardon for not complying with your request, since we think we 

cannot be justified in it. 

I am &c., 

JOHN HILL. 

And Colonel Bell sent me a verbal message by my servant that 
Lord Lovel was out of town, Mr. Carteret would not concern himself, 
and therefore the thing desired could not be done. 

I had the same evening other letters by the post from Page 
and Davis that if I did not obtain this the election will be lost. 
Davis said that he had delivered Mr. Hill's message, when he 
went down, to the Philipses, from whom he had civil answers, 
but they would go against us, as also the packet men, except some 
thing more strenuous from the Post Office than what was delivered 
from Colonel Bell came down ; so that the election depends on 
Sir Robert's steadfastness and Mr. Leathes' honour. 

My brother Parker also wrote me by the same post from Arwarton 
that the Mayor had told him that Mr. Leathes wrote to him not to 
promise till he had heard from him. That an express was sent 
away early that morning (Tuesday) to Mr. Heath as reported, 
who they say may carry it ; that Heath will make a push for it 
unless Sir Robert oblige Leathes to declare heartily. That it is 
impossible to describe the malice of the other side, so that some of 
them seem as if they would sacrifice their employments. That 
Captain Dean was expected in on Thursday, so they should see 
what effect Horace Walpole's conversation with him in the passage 
had. That letters from Sir Charles Wager, Lord Rochford and 
others, they signified nothing. That we are full of schemes and 
he much fatigued. That my letter enclosing the copy of what 
Sir Robert wrote Mr. Leathes was come last night by the express ; 
he wished it may be sincere. 

My son also sent me a second express from Harwich written on 
Tuesday night 10 a'clock, to press the sending up for the Govern 
ment's servants, but if we cannot obtain it for all, then to ask it 
for none, because his business will then be to show that by so 

many Government's servants voting against him he lost the election. 

 94 DIAEY OF THE 

April 24-25 

That all the thirteen and Cockeril, the disputed vote, stand firm. 
But as I could not obtain the sending up for the Government 
voters, I returned the express with a letter to come off as well in 
honour as he could ; that all my hopes lay in Mr. Philips's negotia 
tions, who I find was not arrived, but had instructions from 
Sir Robert by word of mouth, and set out yesterday. That it 
would be well if he could keep him until the election is over. I 
also reminded him to present the Mayor my letter of resignation 
of my post of Recorder, least after the election the taking it from 
me, as I was confident they would, to give Lord Harrington, should 
be an article in the news to disgrace me. 

I dined with brother Percival and went afterwards to the 
Music Club at the Crown. 

Thursday, 25.—This morning an express came in at six a'clock 
from my son, dated Wednesday, ten at night, to acquaint me that 
Mr. Leathes being arrived yesterday night he had visited him, 
did not enter into any debate about the affair, only told him he 
expected he should Join him according to his promise. That he 
replied, he was ready to Join him if he could prevail on his friends 
or a sufficient number of them to make a majority with his ; that 
he would endeavour to prevail on them. 

But he is told Mr. Stanhope is in the house with Mr. Leathes at 
this very time, though it is not certain if he is yet come. That 
it is not imaginable how ridiculous a farce they play, and at the 
same time a very cunning one ; his friends declaring they will Join 
my son if he will, and he declaring the same if they will. That 
he was a very little while with Mr. Leathes, and told him, if after 
what had passed he did not join him, he should be obliged to take 
any measures to secure himself. That he knew not how to direct 
his conduct but according to the steps they take, but he should 
take care in everything he did, whatever happened, the just censure 
should fall on them. He hoped I had got orders for the Govern 
ment's servants to come up, that he had other irons in the fire, 
and hoped yet he should succeed. 

This was a private letter to me. At the same time he wrote 
me a more ample one to show Sir Robert, wherein he takes notice 
of the farce Mr. Leathes and the Government's servants play, 
at the same time that last night they sent away an express to 
invite Mr. Stanhope down. That he believed they used the same 
practice of forging other persons' names ; that he had hopes of 
getting Newel and Bridge over, which would make sixteen, so that 
it would not be prudent to let Mr. Stanhope go down least he should 
meet with disgrace. He therefore desired me to speak to Sir Robert 
to discourage Mr. Stanhope from going as an act of friendship. 
That an artful insinuation had been spread as if my son intended 
to join Mr. Heath, wherefore he had sent up a declaration signed 
by his declared friends as follows, to clear himself and his friends 
from that imputation :— 

" Whereas it hath been reported that the Lord Percival and Thomas 
Heath, Esquire, are joined or intend to join as candidates to repre 
sent this corporation in the ensuing Parliament, 

" We whose names are underwritten having nothing more sincerely 
at heart than union in this borough and success to Lord Percival 

BIRST EAEL OF EGMONT. 

95 

1734. 

I/o*. 

and Carteret Leathes, Esquire, do hereby declare that there is no 
ground for that suggestion, and that we will serve Lord Percival, 
and Mr. Leathes if he shall join the said Lord Percival, and 110 
other person.—J. Smith, Griffith Davis, M. Richman, Jo. 
Fennings, Thomas Peck, Robert Lucas, James Clements, Francis 
Pulham, Jo. Dumaresque, Edward Clements, Jo. Coleman, Robert 
Page, Richard Rolf, Grey Cockeril. Harwich, 24 April, 1734." 

My son adds that Sir Robert may from hence see how secure he 
is, if he continue to support him, as he is confident he will, for 
there are seven Government servants more now against him. 
That at the worst he shall have fought a good fight. 

I received a third express this day, written on Wednesday at 
twelve at night, about laying the last mentioned letter before Sir 
Robert. He tells me he worked and lost no ground, so that he 
should certainly, if he loses it, expose the administration most 
confoundedly. That if he only did this and keep his friends steady 
he believed the Government's servants would not care to push 
the point for fear of a great person's indignation. That he heard 
nothing particularly yet of Mr. Stanhope, who was not there, nor 
was Mr. Philips yet come down. He would follow my directions 
in regard to him, having Just received my letter by post acquainting 
him of his coming. Sir Philip was now with him and of great service ; 
that he came that morning, and was going to Ipswich election 
to-morrow. That he wanted more money, and would not keep his 
friends together without treating them though in an artful manner. 
He feared he could not return before Tuesday or Wednesday, 
and would be glad to hear something of another affair. That 
Fortrey is with him, and Mr. Cornelius visited him last Monday, 
for which he desired I would thank him. That Mr. Loyd continues 
to assure him young Oliver's vote is not good. He says he has 
other irons in the fire, and hoped yet he might succeed. 

I answered his express that came at six a'clock, that I had done 
all I could and left the rest to him, for I could not procure sending 
up for the Government servants ; my whole dependence was on 
Mr. Philips, who went down Tuesday last. 

I answered his second express that came in at nine, that I could do 
no more ; he must act for himself, and if Mr. Heath came down and 
would give him four new votes they both might be chosen. That every 
body was out of town, and Mr. Stanhope had left his house yesterday 
morning with two servants and was not to return until Sunday or 
Monday, as his servant informed mine, by which I concluded he 
was set out for Harwich. I returned him therefore that paper 
signed by his friends as being of 110 use in town since Mr. Stanhope 
was gone, to prevent which it was calculated, and should I have 
shown it to Sir Robert it might have tied them down not to vote 
for Heath, which yet it is possible he may be driven to join with. 
That if he had got Bridge and Newell over he should by all means 
keep them. I enclosed to him a letter to Sir Charles Wager, received 
from Baker, wherein he excused his being for my son, because 
engaged to Mr. Stanhope. 

And here any further writing between my son and me ended, 
for I had nothing to send him by an express the following day, nor 
did I hear further from him. I look on the election as lost, since 

 96 DIARY OF THE 

April 25-29 

Sir Kobert would not let Mr. Leathes know after the tricks he playu 
that he should not have the Government's interest, since also he 
would not order any of the Government's voters to come up, and 
lastly, since Charles Stanhope is gone down, who being the Secretary 
of State's brother will undoubtedly by promises secure all our 
enemies to him, if not gain some of our friends, for Harwichiœ 
omnia venalia. 

However, I writ to Mr. Ven, rector of St. Aiitholin's, to write 
this night to some friends he had to influence those he could for my 
son, which he promised to do. My friends have seen this game 
long ago, and are extremely angry with Sir Robert, and will not 
allow him to have acted a sincere part, for they say Mr. Leathes 
is his creature, with whom he might do what he pleased, and since 
he had put him upon me by asking my consent, he ought in honour 
to support my son, which he has not done to the utmost of his 
power, and it is certain his suffering Mr. Loathes to depart from 
his engagement whereby he promised not to oppose" Clements being 
Mayor, which yet he did to the utmost, and his continuing his 
friendship to him even after, and giving Sam Philips the Walpole 
sloop, are marks that Mr. Leathes was still to be preferred to me, 
though I have acted so handsomely by the Court, and wrote for 
them, as also my son had done more than once. But Mr. Loathes 
is a Norfolk man, and useful to Sir Robert at this time in the 
impending election, and present services are to be regarded more 
than past by him, although I was so well at Court, and had, as you 
see, the King's desire that my son should be chosen, so all the base 
tricks used by Leathes are passed by, which any other than Sir 
Robert would have scorned to countenance. 

My friends say this is never to be forgiven, and are angry with 
me for not being as openly furious in my discourse against Sir Robert 
as they are. They say if Sir Robert uses his friends so, what 
must others expect, and if independent men of large fortunes and 
remarkably attached to the Government are to be debarred 
entering the Parliament, what bad designs must not the minister 
have, what work to do in the ensuing Parliament ? They say 
that it is not enough that independent gentlemen vote with the 
Court out of a principle, for if they have no other attachment 
but their judgment, they may happen to be of a different judgment 
from the Court measures in a following Parliament. 

I tell them the thing speaks itself, that I need not run about 
complaining and scolding as women do, but I know my own thoughts. 

When I had writ my letters, I went to the Vocal Club, and my 
wife paid a visit to Mrs. Jennings to know the success of the 
negotiations about her niece. Mrs. Jennings replied she thought my 
son had his answer long ago, that her niece could not think of it. 

Friday, 26.—This day I visited Mr. Clerk of Cecil Street and 
told him of my wife's visit to Mrs. Jennings, and her answer, which 
surprised him, because Sir William Jolyff, who had carried the 
proposals, brought back word that the young lady seemed rather 
to like them than not, and when he asked the old lady whether 
she liked them not, she told him she would not say that. He still 
advised my son getting acquainted with the young lady, though 
he did not much depend on success. 

FIKST EARL OF EGMONT. 

97 

1734. 

tot. 

I took leave of Dr. Moore, and Lady Roch, my aunt Whorwood, 
and my son and daughter Hanmer, and after dinner went to Charlton 
with my family. 

Saturday, 27.—This day I received the following letter from 
my son at Harwich, which must have been written on Thursday, 
Mr. Philips, who set out that day from thence, leaving it at my 
house in town yesterday evening :— 

Dear Sir,—My uncle wrote this advertisement and thinks it 
of great importance to be inserted in all the papers on Monday, 
that the world should know our story first in this manner, before 
the other party tell it in their own way, which they will do 
immediately upon their success. We are in horrid confusion here ; 
lies, perjury stick not with our antagonists. Mr. Philips has been 
abominably treated on my account, and in danger almost of a 
duel, but he will inform you of particulars which I have no time 

to do. 

I am most dutifully yours, 

PEECIVAL. 

My uncle and Fortrey desire to be remembered to you. Don't 
hint to Philips that we suspect the Government. I am sure he 
has suffered sufficiently for us. 

Colchester, 26 April. 

We hear that the election of members of Parliament for the 
borough of Harwich comes on to-morrow, and that the Hon 
ourable Charles Stanhope, Esquire, brother to the Right 
Honourable the Lord Harrington, one of his Majesty's Principal 
Secretaries of State, joins with Carteret Leathes, Esquire, in 
strong opposition to the Lord Percival, son to the Right 
Honourable the Earl of Egmont, and that the two former 
will certainly be chosen. 

I ordered this advertisement to be inserted in as many papers 
as Parker the bookseller could get of Monday next, though the 
letter came to me half an hour after nine, so that I doubt if they 
can have it in so soon. I also wrote to Mr. Philips to thank him 
for his trouble, and desired him to dine with me Monday or 
Tuesday. 

It may be laid to Sir Robert Walpole's charge that the continual 
countenance he gave to Mr. Leathes notwithstanding Mr. Leathes's 
continual breach of faith to my son, of which Sir Robert was sensible, 
lost my son his election. 

Sunday, 28.—Went to church morning and afternoon. In the 
evening Mr. Dawney visited me ; stayed at home. 

Monday, 29.—This morning my son and Mr. Taylor came down 
to dinner. My son came from Arwarton yesterday and gave me 
an account of his manner of losing his election. He polled thirteen 
single votes, but young Captain Lucas and Rolf, who voted for him, 
also voted for Mr. Leathes. My son obliged all the voters to swear 
the bribery oath. Clifford, William Philips, Esquire, was in danger 
of a duel from old Philipson, who affirmed he was come down and 
had offered a bribe of 500Z. to Newell to vote for my son, whereupon 

Wt. 5606. B 7 

 98 DIARY OP THE 

April 29-May 3 

Mr. Philips obliged him to go with him to several persons to trace 
out the truth (for the thing was false) and everybody Philipson 
mentioned denied they ever saw Mr. Philips, so far was he from 
bribing any, only he affirmed to Mr. Leathes' face that Sir Robert 
Walpole sent him down and had told him that my son and he 
were joined ; to which Leathes replied the voters would not let 
him, and besides he did not know if Sir Robert had sent him. 

On the poll, Mr. Leathes had twenty-one votes, Mr. Stanhope 
nineteen, · and my son thirteen. Six captains of the army were 
come down to countenance the election against my son, and were 
before the election made free of the Corporation out of compliment 
to them. 

As Newell and Bridge came into town whom they went out 
to meet, their creditors arrested them, but Captain Hayes, Deputy 
Governor of Landguard Fort, drew his sword and rescued them. 
Bridge owed his creditors 250?. and Newell 400?., and were offered 
unknown to my son to be forgiven in case they would vote for him 
but they refused, from which my son inferred that they had greater 
presents made them. 

On the election my son offered Cockeril to be sworn, being legally 
elected by a majority of the twenty-four capital burgesses, but the 
opposers made such a noise they could not proceed. The Mayor 
also caused the bye-law to be repealed which ordered that the 
voters should vote in their proper order, the last chosen in first, 
although two days' notice was necessary to be given for such repeal. 
The reason was that they feared by the number who would vote 
for my son, that some of their own might stagger. Philipson was 
so overjoyed that my son had lost it that he said, " Lord, now let 
Thy servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Thy salvation." 

Dumaresque, Page and John Smith were in a particular manner 
exceeding zealous and so was Edward Richman. Dumaresque, 
apprehending from the officers coming down and the strange 
disposition our enemies were in, that some tumult might be raised, 
had privately ordered twenty of his seamen to mix among the 
crowd to protect my son. 

My son returned this evening to town, and I sent by him letters 
to Mr. Carteret to desire he would not turn out Peck and Clements 
for voting for my son, and I also writ to Mr. Hill of the Customs 
to desire he would keep in Coleman and Da vies. 

Tuesday, 30.—This day Justice Philips came down and gave 
me a full account of his transactions at Harwich. He was accused 
there by old Philipson of tempting Alderman Newell with a bribe 
of 500?. to vote for my son, and that he could prove it. Mr. Philips 
obliged him to prove it and to name the persons he had employed 
therein. Philipson did name several one after another, to whose 
houses Mr. Philips went, but all declared they did not know his 
face or had seen him before. At length Philipson laid his informa 
tion on Newel himself who was out of town, whereupon Philips 
told him he was a base liar, and if he did not Uke the word he was 
at liberty to resent it. This had produced a duel but for the 
interposition of my brother Parker and others. He told me my 
thirteen friends stand firm, and are resolved to prosecute the Mayor 
for swearing in young Oliver, and that my brother Parker resolved 

FIRST EARL OP EGMONT. 

99 

1734. 

Hut. 

to take advice of counsel, whether Philipson's saying that he 
(Philips) offered to bribe Newell were not actionable, and to prosecute 
Philipson for it if it be actionable. That my brother was also 
resolved to complain roundly to Sir Robert, who is now in Norfolk 
attending the county election. 

He added, he forced Mr. Leathes (after frequent denials) to own 
that he had joined my son before Sir Robert, but Mr. Leathes said 
it was conditionally that the majority of the voters were for my 
son. Mr. Philips said to him that were ridiculous, for if they were 
my son had no need to join him. 

He said he and Mr. Bell had resolved to consider a full state of 
the case and lay it before Lord Lovel, and then to tell him that the 
measures taken had lost the Government the borough and thrown 
it into Philipson's hands. 

That if any of my friends lost their places for having voted singly 
for my son, it were a just cause for me to be outrageous and even 
to turn Tory. That Clements the agent would vote singly for 
my son, though he (Philips) had advised him not, but Clements 
said, if he lost his place he could live contentedly without it. That 
as my friends are a majority of the capital burgesses, there is still 
hopes in time to recover the borough as vacancies happen and 
they are resolved to stick together. That he doubted not but 
my adversaries have great promises made them, and that they 
shall have the places my friends now possess, but he did not believe 
the Government would displace them. That if Sir Robert had 
more heartily espoused my son, the Government's servants would 
still have been for him, but they did not believe it was Sir Robert's 
design he should succeed, and Sir Robert began too late to espouse 
him, and this had been the case he knew of several other gentlemen. 
I presented him 40?. for his trouble, which I had all the trouble 
in the world to make him accept. 

This day my wife went to town and returned at night. Her 
errand was to find out Lady Burlington or Lady Carteret to tell 
of our usage, and to see if they, by the Duchess of Marlborough or 
Lord Carteret's means, could get my son into a borough, but missing 
them, she visited Cousin Betty Southwell and Mrs. Pulteney, wife 
of Will. Pulteney, who said she knew a fortnight ago that Sir Robert 
did not intend my son should be chose, and Cousin Ned Southwell 
said he knew of a truth (but he would not name his informer) that 
Mr. Walpole when he passed through Harwich settled matters to 
prevent my son's election. My wife said Lord Grantham and 
Lord Winchelsea had called at my house this morning, doubtless 
to know the particulars of my son's usage, which already rings in 
the town. 

Wednesday, 1 May.—This day my son writ me he was in 
eager pursuit of another borough, and hoped to succeed with 
honour. 

Thursday, 2.—Stayed at home. 

Friday, 3.—This day Dr. Couraye came down to pass the summer 
with me. He told me he saw Mr. Charles Stanhope two days ago, 
who is chosen at Harwich. 

He told him that he had a letter from thence signed by twenty, 
to desire him to stand, if not, that the same express was to find out 

 100 DIARY OF THE 

May 3-13 

Mr. Heath and offer him the borough. That he had no acquaint 
ance with Mr. Leathes nor any thought of standing there, until 
the Corporation sent to him. That the reason they rejected my 
son was that I had put a person into the agency of the packets 
who was odious to them all, meaning James Clements, and had 
represented several there to be Jacobites. That he had not the 
assistance of the Government ; Sir Robert Walpole, indeed, had 
sent down to recommend my son, but left the Government's servants 
to do as they pleased. This was confirmed to me by Lord Wüming- 
ton, who told me Sir Robert said he was for my son until Lord 
Harrington put up his brother, and then he concerned himself no 
more in the matter. That my son had six Government's servants, 
and himself but five. That as soon as the election was over, five 
or six of the voters cried out, "Liberty ! we are free from the tyranny 
we were under fourteen years past." 

I told Dr. Couraye, Mr. Stanhope said falsely that he had thoughts 
before of standing there; that Lord Harrington had more than 
once applied to Sir Robert in his favour, and Mr. Stanhope had 
dined with Mr. Leathes in town ; that I had but five Government's 
servants and he seven. 

Saturday, 4.—Went with my wife to town after dinner. 

Sunday, 5.—After morning church returned to Charlton to 
dinner. In town Mr. Clerke told me that the general reason he 
heard given by those who attend about Court why my son lost his 
election is that the ministry could not trust him in the House. 
Nobody in town but believes the Ministry are false to me. 

The King, when he was told my son had lost it, was much sur 
prised and said it was impossible, for I had his servants. And the 
Queen said she was sorry for it. Ned Southwell said he knew 
from undoubted hands that when Mr. Walpole went for Holland 
he absolutely ruined my interest in Harwich, giving the voters a 
hint to be against my son, though he had taken upon him to settle 
them all for my son. My brother Parker told me he had the same 
suspicion. 

My son I found was endeavouring to get into the House by means 
of some double return, and by the interest of some anti-courtiers. 

My brother Percival said he had been at Sir Robert Walpole's 
levée, who told him he was sorry my son had lost it, but he had 
done all he could, though he knew he should be blamed. 

Lady Roch came down for a night. 

Monday, 6. Tuesday, 7.—Stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 8.—Stayed at home. Received a letter from 
Cousin Mary Dering that the King expressed himself vexed at the 
loss of my son's election. If she hears anything at Court about it 
will write me. Mr. Taylor came down to lay some nights here. 
He told me that the town rings of Sir Robert's ill-usage of my 
son. 

My wife went up and visited Lady Burlington upon it, knowing 
she would tell it to the Duchess of Marlburow, who possibly may 
bring my son in at some borough. My son also writ to Lord 
Bathurst, our relation, to hint that if Mr. Woodhouse, his son-in-law, 
should be chosen, he should be desirous to come in at Ciceter, 
where he is likewise chosen. My son had seen the Earl of Winchelsea 

FIRST EARL Ôf ÉGMONT. 

ioi 

Í734. 

Hot. 

our relation, who was sorry for it, but doubted if there were any 
opportunity now to choose him, it being so late. 
Thursday, 9.—Stayed at home. 

My wife told me that Courtevil the son (organist of St. James' 
Church, and a hired writer of Sir Robert's, the publisher of the 
Daily Journal) had said to Davis, who keeps the Half Moon tavern 
in Pall Mall, that my son was an enemy of Sir Robert's, and had 
wished him out, as an Alderman at Harwich had writ up word, 
and that Sir Robert did right to prevent his being chosen. That 
I was indeed a friend to the Government, but my son was not, 
though he had written a pamphlet in its favour, which had received 
honour enough, for the minority had ordered 3,000 copies of it to 
be printed and dispersed, and my son had been well paid for it. 

My wife also told me that Mr. Blackwood was in company with 
the wife of Bacon Morrice, Governor of Landguard Fort, which 
lady said that my son was an enemy of the Government's, that 
he spoke against it here, and in Ireland put himself at the head 
of the Jacobites. 

Thus villainously does Sir Robert's creatures asperse my son 
with the blackest falsehoods ; but hence it appears plain that 
instead of excusing Sir Robert, they Justify him in treacherously 
excluding my son after all his professions, owing it, which is more 
than he offers to do. 

Friday, 10.—My .son writ me this day that he had visited 
Lord Grantham, who told him he was extremely sorry he had lost 
his election, and the Court was so. That Sir Robert insists he did 
all he could for him and lays all the blame on Lord Harrington. 
His lordship added, they must make amends by giving him a 
borough somewhere else. My son replied, nothing should ever alter 
his attachment to the royal family, but he should never forget 
Sir Robert's treatment. 

My son adds that my friends in the Government's service cannot 
possibly suffer, for that would be a manifest declaration that the 
Government intended to rout him, which they labour all they can 
to conceal. 

That my brother Parker is for prosecuting a mandamus in favour 
of Cockeril against young Oliver, at our expense. That he was 
this morning with Mr. Annesley to procure his influence over a 
gentleman who has a place in his power by a double return. He 
also called on Mr. Pulteney, who has an influence over the same 
gentleman, but he was out of town. 

That he knows nothing yet of my son Hanmer's election for 
Castle Rising. 

I had also a letter from brother Parker to come to town on 
Tuesday to meet Counsellor Loyd about the mandamus. 

f Sunday, 12.—Communicated at church. Captain Hughes dined 
with me. 

Monday, 13.—My son came down. He told me that all the town 
rings with indignation of Sir Robert's usage of him, as also of 
Lord Carlow's usage, much of the same nature, who, having given 
his interest in Kent to Sir George Oxenden and Sir Edward Dering 
at the ensuing election upon promise of being elected at Sandwich, 
found himself deceived by the Government, who have caused 

 ¡ι II"1 

102 DIARY OF THE 

May 13-22 

Sir George Oxenden to be chosen there, to secure his being in the 
House in case his election for the county should be lost. My brother 
and sister Percival came to dine with us. 

Tuesday, 14.—This day I went to town and met my brother 
Parker and Counsellor Loyd to discourse of a mandamus or 
information in the nature of a quo warrante to turn young Oliver 
out of the Corporation of Harwich as not being duly elected. We 
agreed that Counsellor should see Mr. Masterman of the Crown 
Office, and give him instructions to put two queries to Serjeant 
Darnel : 1. whether Oliver is duly elected ; 2. whether Cockeril's 
election by our friends is not good. 

I was most disagreeably surprised at my arrival in town to hear 
that my brother Percival was this morning at four o'clock burnt 
out of his house and had lost all his furniture, except his plate, 
some pictures, and some books. The fire began, as he told me, 
at the next house, lately taken by Mr. Cantülon, the rich banker, 
whom I knew at Paris, who was but lately come to the house, and 
was burnt in his bed, of which there are varying reports, some 
saying he came drunk home at twelve at night, and fired his curtains, 
others that he read himself to sleep and the candle fired his bed, 
others that his servants murdered him and then fired the house 
to conceal their crime. He was a debauched man, and his servants 
of bad reputation, so being very rich it is thought they were tempted 
to commit this fact, for which informations were taking when I 
visited my brother on this great loss, amounting as he tells me 
to 700Z. I desired him to go to my house in Pall Mall. 

Mr. Hanmer came to see me and told me his brother, my son-in- 
law, was chosen in Castle Rising in Norfolk, though absent at his 
house at Fens in ——. 

This day my son went down to Maidstone in order to vote to 
morrow for Sir Edward Dering and Lord Vane for members for 
the county against Lord Middlesex and Sir George Oxenden. The 
former carried it by near 1,000 majority. 

Wednesday, 15. Thursday, 16.—I stayed at home. 

Friday, 17.—My son returned. I joined with my son in a lease 
of Egmont, alias Ballimacow, to my steward, Mr. William Tayler, 
renewable for ever. The lives he put in are his own and his brothers 
Richard and Robert. The rent for their time continues at 101. 
a year as before, but after their deaths it rises to 111Z. per annum, 
and while any of these three lives last, upon a renewal 40Z. is to be 
paid for fine, and when they die, the fine upon a renewal is to be 
the half of 111Z. 

This day I made the Rev. Downs Conron my chaplain. 

Saturday, 18.—My wife went to town and renewed her acquaint 
ance with the Duchess of Marlborough, her godmother. 

Sunday, 19.—Went to church morning and afternoon. Dr. Stubbs, 
Archdeacon of St. Alban's, visited me in the afternoon. 

Monday, 20. Tuesday, 21.—I stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 22.—I went to town to the Georgia Board, but we 
were not a Board of Common Council to do business ; we were 
only, myself in the chair of trustees, Dr. Bundy, Mr. Hucks, Mr. 
Frederick, Mr. Chandler, Common Council; Captain Coram, Mr. 
Bedford, trustees. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

103 

1734. 

734. 

Mr. Bedford made report that the Society for Promoting Christian 
Knowledge declined assisting us with money towards the expense 
of the Vaudois to be sent over ; all he could obtain was that they 
would take no resolution till Mr. Vernon should come to town. 
Mr. Poyas, the undertaker for the Vaudois, appeared. He said 
he had chosen out forty proper persons out of the number now in 
Holland who understand the silk trade as well as vines and agricul 
ture, but they are unwilling to go over unless their wives and 
daughters may succeed to their grants as well as their sons. All 
the gentlemen present were for allowing this, Mr. Hucks excepted 
and myself, who were of opinion that the alteration of the nature 
of our grants in favour of these Vaudois would create envy among 
the English and others who are gone over without the liberty of 
admitting females to succeed. Besides, Mr. Towers, Mr. White, 
and others of our Board who were absent, and much against females 
succeeding, would have reason to take it ill, that after so many 
debates as we have had on this head, we should, in the midst of 
summer, when almost all are absent, and they in particular, alter 
the manner of our grants contrary to their known sentiments. 
I added that I had always been against letting females succeed, 
out of apprehension that in such case the female might marry a 
person who would not live on the land, but neglect the culture, 
and that the islands have lost their small freeholders, which was 
their strength, merely on account of this liberty to females to 
succeed, and to part with their possessions, which would be the 
consequence of it. That this would make our grants become a 
bubble in Exchange Alley, and seemed unnecessary to be insisted 
on by the Vaudois, because we have it in our power, if a female 
successor takes our consent to grant her land, which we never 
should refuse in case she married a person who would settle there. 
Mr. Chandler replied that he doubted if our restraining females 
from succeeding were good in law, being contrary to the law of 
England, which admits not of lands going in perpetuity. 

Captain Coram and Dr. Bundy said the Vaudois seemed 
peremptory on this head, and it would be a great pity to lose the 
sending such a number of useful and experienced hands in the 
silk trade. They were sensible that without we were eight Common 
Council men we could not come to a resolution, but they thought 
we who were present might engage to be for what was requested 
by the Vaudois. That it was indeed worth consideration in that 
the English now at Georgia would expect and insist on the same 
favour, but they looked on it as certain that if it be not granted 
them they will all go away as soon as the year's maintenance we 
give them is ended, and they will be tempted so to do by the 
neighbouring colonies, who have large tracts of land uninhabited. 
We concluded to refer this matter to the next Board to be 
summoned Wednesday next, and in the meanwhile ordered letters 
to be wrote to Mr. Digby, Towers, Holland, Lord Tyrconnel and 
others for their opinion on this nice affair, enclosing at the same 
time the letters we received from Mr. Dumont in Holland, where he 
very rationally argues in favour of female succeeding. 

Mr. Martin acquainted us that we have received no letters from 
Mr. Oglethorp since I was last at the Board, but we had an account 

: I 

 "'r1 

l' ι:"Κ 

104 DIARY OF THE 

May 22-June 6 

that he was got to Charlestown in order to embark on board a 
man-of-war for England on February last. It was, however, 
believed he was gone back to Georgia on news that the Saltsburgers 
we sent over were approaching the Savannah river. 

I wrote to Lord Bathurst about Six Francis Bathurst's going 
to Georgia. 

I dined with my son at Davis's and returned at night to 
Charlton. 

Thursday, 23. Friday, 24. Saturday, 25. Sunday, 26.— 
Stayd at home. I read in the news that my son stood candidate 
in Lord Vane's room (who died this day sennit) for the county of 
Kent. There is no truth in it. 

Monday, 27. Tuesday, 28.—Stayed at home. 
Wednesday, 29.—I went to town to the Georgia Board, where 
not being eight Common Council men we could not give an answer 
to Mr. Poyras, agent for the Vaudois, but we acquainted him that 
the poor people who are still at Rotterdam in great want should 
have a weekly allowance of 8Í. (being men, women and children 
about fifty) till such time as we could give them an answer. 

For the same reason of not being a Common Council Board, we 
could not dispatch Sir Francis Bathurst's grant. We were as 
follows : Mr. Thomas Towers, in the chair of Trustees, Dr. Bundy, 
Egmont, La Roche, Frederick, Chandler and Hucks, seven ; Trustees, 
Captain Coram, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jo. Page. We had much discourse 
concerning the Vaudois' desire that their females might inherit, 
and two letters were read from Lord Tyrconnel and Mr. Digby 
giving their opinion thereon. The former was strenuous for allowing 
it, the latter much against it. At our Board Captain Coram and 
Dr. Bundy were for it, Mr. Hucks and Mr. Towers against it. 
Mr. Towers was severe on Captain Coram for occasioning the 
dissatisfaction that appears against the exclusion of female heirs 
succeeding to the grants. He told him he was only a trustee, and 
ought not to have vilified to the public a resolution taken by the 
Board of Common Council. That we should hear his opinion 
always with pleasure, but he ought to think himself bound by the 
opinion of the Board. That it was strange the Vaudois who are 
banished naked out of their country for religion should scruple 
to take lands in Georgia on the same foot as the English and 
Saltsburgers have done. That our present grants are only to 
settle people till a body of laws shall be made, which very likely 
may alter those people's tenures more to their mind and advantage, 
but these laws must take some time and consideration to make, 
and must also pass the King and Council's approbation; but to 
grant what the Vaudois desire would be giving them estates 
absolutely in fee simple, which might not be approved by his 
Majesty and Council hereafter. Nevertheless Mr. Towers hastily 
drew up some further encouragements to be conisidered of at the 
next meeting, and to be shown to Mr. Poyras for his opinion whether 
that would satisfy the Vaudois, such as granting fifty acres of 
land to the widow, over and above her third of her deceased 
husband's fifty, in case she marry again to a person that will settle 
on the land, as also fifty acres of land to every daughter when 
she, marries. The 81. per week which we ordered for the subsistence 

ÍIEST EARL OF EGMONT. 

Í05 

1734. 

of the Vaudois does not go out of the Company's cash, but out of 

50Z. promised by Lord Tullamore for this or other purposes. 

I dined with brother Parker, who told me Sergeant Darnel was 
positive that Oliver's election is void, but he was not so clear that 
Cockeril's election is good. He showed me a letter from Clements, 
that Rolf had served the Mayor with an Order from the Courts, 
who was surprised ; but that party threaten they will prosecute 
all Oliver's friends for perjury in not attending the Mayor at Court 
Hall the day that Oliver was chosen. I advised my brother to 
take counsel on that point. Clements added in his letter that 
our friends stand firm, but Parson Cornwallis told my brother he 
believed they would out of fear break off. 

My brother informed me that Mr. Leathes was chosen Recorder 
in my place. I expected they would have elected a person of 
greater figure, but I suppose they intend to put him to all the 
charge of theix defence. 

I took leave of Mr. Taylor, who sets out to-morrow for Ireland. 

My son told me he had been extremely diligent in discovering 
Cantillon's murder, which comes plainer out every day, and his 
cousin Cantillon, a banker, together with a Popish counsellor and 
another who did business for the deceased, are extremely blamed 
for theix behaviour on this occasion, they being (while admitted 
at the examinations of witnesses and of the persons suspected) 
too favourable to the latter. My son was from ten o'clock in the 
morning till four next morning present at examinations, and believes 
that if he had not stirred in it the suspected persons would have 
been admitted to bail and all the prosecution dropped. 

Thursday, 30. Friday, 31.—Stayed at home. 

Saturday, 1 June.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, 2, Whit Sunday.—Communicated. 

Monday, 3.—Lord Grantham, Frank Clerke, and Captain Hilesley 
came and dined with us. There passed nothing between us relating 
to Harwich affairs nor touching my going to Court. 

Tuesday, 4. Wednesday, 5. Thursday, 6.—Stayed at home. 

This day Mrs. Minshull came down to stay some time with us. She 
told me Sir Robert Walpole gives it out that if my brother Parker 
and Lord Egmont would lose the election of my son, we might 
thank ourselves. 

I draw several conclusions from these words. 

1. That Mr. Leathes, to colour his base behaviour to my son, 
has told Sir Robert that on no account the voters would be for him, 
so that Six Philip Parker and I must have clone some stxange things 
to have lost the affections of the borough. 

2. That Sir Robert (if he believes Mr. Leathes) has an implicit 
credit in him, for the truth is otherwise, and I had frequently 
informed Sir Robert so. Even at the election the Government's 
servants told my son they would vote for him if the Government 
would have them, and if three of them out of seven had done so 
my son would have carried it. 

3. That if Sir Robert does not believe Mr. Leathes he would 
have the world think that he had done all he could in my son's 
favour, thereby to avoid the scandal of breach of faith and. 
ingratitude to me. This is probable because the Queen said at 

 I 

1θ6 DÍARY OF THE 

June 6-11 

Court in relation to this affair that it was a strange thing Secretaries 
of State should interpose in elections. 

Friday, 7.—This day I went to town and returned Lord 
Grantham's visit. He began the discourse of my son's losing his 
election and assured me the King or Queen had no hand in it, and 
that Lord Scarborow assured Mr. Clerke that Sir Robert Walpole 
had no hand in it neither, though he heard I was very angry with 
him, to which Mr. Clerke replied that I was not of a warm temper 
and he had not heard me make much complaint. I told my lord 
it was not my way to run to public coffee houses and make com 
plaints of injuries past redress, but when I was asked the story I 
told the truth. Then I told his lordship some principal circum 
stances of it and left him to judge whether both Sir Robert and 
his brother Horace ever meant at the bottom my son should be 
chose. 

His lordship asked me what I imagined could be the reason ? 
I replied, I knew not, unless that he had rather have a man in 
employment in the House than my son, and had rather oblige a 
Secretary of State in admitting his brother than me in admitting 
my son. 

He asked if my son would not endeavour to be chosen ? I 
replied he would hardly apply to Sir Robert for it, and that it 
would be a difficult matter, all the double returns being secured 
by others as I feared. 

I then called on brother Parker and showed him a letter I had 
received from Robert Page giving account of an accusation laid 
against his wife for calling a servant maid of young Captain Wimple at 
Harwich " whore " in return for that jade's calling my son scoundrel. 
Page denied his wife called her "whore " ; nevertheless she has sworn 
it, and got another as bad as herself by hearsay to do the same. 
The Mayor, old Wimple, and the Town Clerk encourage the prosecu 
tion. Page, at his wits' end, desired my advice what to do, fearing 
they will make his wife stand in the white sheet. My brother 
Parker advised taking a proctor's advice, this being a matter to 
be tried in the Bishop's Court of Norwich. 

Accordingly (going from thence to my brother Percival), I desired 
my brother Percival to find out a proctor and have his advice what 
Page must do. 

The same letter acquainted me that Samuel Philips, who by 
Mr. Leathes' means had obtained the Walpole sloop, is deprived of 
it, and the same given to Captain Wall, of Alburow, to the mortifica 
tion of many of Mr. Leathes' party ; but they have the injustice 
to turn it on my son as his doing. He was afterwards put in 
possession of it. 

I then went to the Georgia Board, where, being eight Common 
Council men, we passed Sir Francis Bathurst's grant, and rejected the 
application of the forty Vaudois to go to Georgia, because in their 
last memorial, which they would not recede from, they insisted on 
the descending in fee simple on the female heirs, together with 
other articles which we could not yield to without causing a mutiny 
among the English and Saltsburgers, who have accepted grants 
on a different tenure. However, out of charity we ordered those 
poor people a complete month's subsistence at 9Z. a week and 

JflKSt EARL OP EGMONT. 

107 

1734. 

j.i<ne. 

paid the charges of coming and going back of Mr. Poyras, their 
agent, whom we civilly dismissed, after exposing to him that though 
he was sent for over by a letter wrote in April last, it was on sup 
position that he would agree to the present tenure of lands in 
Georgia. 

In" this dismissal we were all unanimous, only Mr. Bedford gave 
a good character of these Vaudois out of the Book of Revelations, 
and wished something could be done for them. I dined with 
brother Percival and returned at night. 

Saturday, 8.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, 9.—Communicated at church, being Trinity Sunday. 
Dr. Warren dined with me. 

Monday, 10.—This day Mr. Clark, of Spring Garden, dined with 
me, and confirmed that Sir Robert Walpole never designed my 
son should be chosen, for he was so assured by a gentleman of 
Essex a month before the election, who is in the Court's interest ; 
nay, that Sir Robert would oppose my son all he could, though he 
would carry it fair to me, and that it was a thing settled long ago 
that Mr. Stanhope should be elected at Harwich. 

Tuesday) 11.—I went to town at my cousin Le Grand's desire 
to give my consent to an estate her son has sold to the Duke of 
Beaufort, to which estate I am a trustee, but it was put off until 

to-morrow. 

My son told me he had seen Lord Grantham, and told him the 
story of his defeat at Harwich ; that Sir Robert Walpole had no 
reason to be jealous of him, for he has acquainted him that if he 
would be his friend, he would be his. Mr. Barbut came in and took 
me aside to apologise for Mr. Walpole's dealing in that affair. He 
said Mr. Walpole expresses great concern that my son lost it ; that 
it was not Eis fault nor Sir Robert's. That Lord Harrington 
pressed the admitting his brother Stanhope, which Sir Robert 
refused because he was bound in honour to me, and that Lord 
Harrington left him in a pet. That as to himself, when he went 
to Harwich to pass over to Holland, he had recommended my 
son to the chief person there, and made him promise for my son, 
and had told him that if the Government's servants did not vote 
for him they would disoblige the Government and it would be 
taken very ill. That he would give it under his hand that he did 
all he could for my son, arid William Sansón, who went with him, 
could witness it ; that I may have heard otherwise, but would not 
have me believe it. 

I knew Mr. Barbut to be a creature of Mr. Walpole's and believed 
he was purposely sent by him to know the degree of my resentment. 
I therefore was on my guard. I told him that nobody will believe 
that I could miss of the Government's servants' votes if the 
Government had pleased. That they were promised me over and 
over, but yet seven voted against my son, and if but three of those 
seven had been for him he would have carried the election. That 
instead of serving me when he went to Harwich, he took away 
with him a voter newly chosen on my side the very day before 
he was to have been sworn in, by which means the Mayor, who is 
. my enemy, admitted of another person who was elected unfairly 
by a minority and swore him in, and this was one of the votera 

 1θ8 DÏAEY OF THE 

June 11-16 

against my son. That this gave the town reason to believe his 
friendship to me was all grimace ; that the Government's servants 
by observation of many things concluded, as they well might, 
that the Government was not sincerely for my son, and told my 
son so, adding that if he had the Government's interest they would 
vote for him, which they had good reason to do, I never having 
disobliged them, but saved some of them from ruin. That the 
making me lose my Mayor was a stabbing stroke, which I told 
him at the time, but he was jealous that my interest was too great 
in what he called a Government borough, and had rather a person 
in employment should be chosen than an independent gentleman. 
That he and his brother all along gave an undue preference to 
Mr. Leathes before my son, because, being a Norfolk man and 
busying himself in the Norfolk election, they were resolved to 
cherish so great a favourite, though they perceived he was not 
true to my son after all his pretended engagements to join him, 
as afterwards came out at the election, when he not only refused 
to join my son, but when a man went down from Sir Robert to 
recommend my son to them (which yet was for appearance only) 
Mr. Leathes discouraged instead of co-operating with" him, and 
asked him what business he had there ; he knew of none, and 
denied he had promised Sir Robert to Join my son, when that 
messenger affirmed it. That, indeed, I have heard since the election, 
and was told it also before, that Sir Robert was resolved my son 
should not be chosen, and his management for a year past showed 
it, only I was blinded by his and Mr. Walpole's professions, for 
when Mr. Leathes had anything to ask it was done without con 
sulting me, but when I applied the answer always was, I must 
first consult with Mr. Leathes. That, however great my dis 
appointment was, which had made me and my interest in Harwich 
a jest to some, yet I should always preserve the same zeal for the 
royal family that I ever had. That since my son was not to be 
chosen, it had been kind to have let me know it early, that I might 
have provided for him in some other place, and not to have lulled 
me asleep. He said that he always heard Mr. Walpole speak of 
me with the greatest regard as a person who was for supporting 
the Constitution, and he believed he did not know when he went 
to sea that he took with him the person I mentioned who was to 
have been sworn the following day. I replied, my love to the 
Constitution was sufficiently known, but when men are out of the 
way of doing further service they are forgotten and discarded. 
That he knew very well he took the person above mentioned away 
with him, for my friends told him of it ; besides, when the captain 
who carried him over returned he was very warm against my son, 
as all my enemies were from the time he went, though he promised 
to take that opportunity to settle matters, and on that pretence 
declined taking measures in London that I proposed to him which 
would have secured him. 

Mr. Barbut had nothing to reply but that he wished he might 

be an instrument to make up matters ; and to that I answered 

with thanks for his concern and regard to me, but nothing more. 

I could not but reflect on the absurdity of sending such a mean 

fellow to discourse with me on so grave a subject. 

FIRST EAEL OF EGMONT. 109 

1734. 

Wednesday, 12.—This day I went to town and signed my consent 
at Mr. Ward's chambers to selling an estate in Wiltshire to the 
Duke of Beaufort. My cousin Ned Le Grand sells it to pay the 
fortunes of his brother and sister. Mr. Stanton, an attorney, 
acted for him. The money, being 3,600Z., is to be laid out in the 
four per cent, annuities. 

I dined at Cousin Le Grand's, where I heard for news that the 
Princess of Orange is not to come over as was expected ; that the 
King will go abroad this summer, and the Parliament therefore 
meet suddenly, choose their Speaker, and then be prorogued. 
That the Duke of Dorset and Sir Robert Walpole are like to fall 
out about the place of Collector of Cork, which the former gave 
to Mr. Dixon, Recorder of that town, and Sir Robert to Mr. Love, 
Collector of Mallow. The former says there is no doing the King's 
business if members of Parliament who usefully serve the Court 
are not provided for, and besides, the place is actually given him, 
and he has entered on his employment, but Sir Robert says it is 
dangerous to trust so great a collection to a man of broken circum 
stances ; besides that, all places in the Revenue of Ireland are in 
the gift and disposal of the Treasury of England. 

I believed the Duke of Dorset would as poorly give up the Contest 
as he did dishonourably my Lord Carlow, who by agreement with 
his Grace declined standing for the County of Kent, on promise 
to be brought in by him to serve for Sandwich ; but Sir Robert 
Walpole, having a pique at Lord Carlow for his behaviour in Parlia 
ment last Session, wrote over to the Duke of Dorset when in Ireland 
that he should not support Lord Carlow, but Mr. Burchet, and 
upon the receipt of the letter the Duke served Mr. Burchet. The 
Duke, however, so insisted that Mr. Dixon kept the employ 
ment. 

I received a letter from Clements that the Mayor, aldermen and 
voters for Oliver, together with the Serjeant, had made affidavit 
that Oliver's election was legal, and intend to prosecute Cockeril's 
voters of perjury for not attending the Mayor's summons on the 
Court day, when Oliver's friends only appearing, he was elected by 
a minority and sworn in. I wrote the next day to brother Parker 
to advise with counsel upon it. 

My brother Percival told me the Prince, hearing my brother's 
loss by the fire, had ordered him a turning lathe, which with the 
things belonging to it will come to 50?. or 80?. I returned home 
at night. 

Thursday, 13. Friday, 14. Saturday, 15. — I stayed at 
home. 

My cousin Percival and his wife came from Eltham to see us. 
He told me the secret reason why my son lost his election at Harwich 
was that I had given some votes in Parliament the Ministry did 
not like, though the public reason is that I insisted on making a 
person Mayor last year who was disagreeable to the majority of 
the Corporation. He said he had this from very good hands, and 
particularly named Sir Jacob Ackworth. 

Sunday, 16. — Went to church. In the evening Mr. 
Dawney^s sisters and Mr. Bennet, Master in Chancery, came to 
visit us. 

 110 DIARY OF THE 

June 17-19 

Monday, 17.—Stayed at home. Great complaints of the 
arbitrary proceedings of the Ministry in the election of a Court 
lists of sixteen Peers to serve in Parliament. The protests of the 
Scotch Peers who failed in being chosen are worth reading. These 
things add to the fuel. 

I received a letter from Clements that the Mayor of Harwich, 
upon receipt of a letter from Mr. Leathes the night before, held a 
great Court, where the mandamus was read requiring him to swear 
Gray Cockeril a capital burgess, or to show cause to the contrary ; 
after which Powell, the Town Clerk, read an order ready entered 
in the Court book, containing that it was the opinion of the Court 
that Gray Cockeril ought not to be sworn in, to which the Mayor 
with twelve more and young Orlibar (the person unjustly sworn 
in in the place of Cockeril) signed. But ten of Cockeril's friends 
who were present objected against that order and refused to sign it. 

That Powell also endorsed upon the mandamus the form of the 
said order, with the opinion of the Court not to swear Cockeril 
in. 

That Rolf had wrote this proceeding to our Council. That 
there is a bye-law inflicting a penalty of four shillings on every 
alderman and half a crown on every burgess for not obeying the 
Mayor's summons. 

That all our friends are fast as to a new election, but without a 
rule of Court for all the voters to attend the election our enemies 
will get the advantage of us by giving the packet officers—Captain 
Fuller, Battney his mate, young Captain Wimple—who have 
votes, leave to stay on shore and will carry it. 

That, as to the custom of electing a burgess, when the Mayor 
does not call a Court before the majority are agreed, they, the 
majority, have at several times demanded a Court and set the 
time, which the Mayor has been used to comply with, and ordered 
his sergeants to warn the Court at that time ; but if not complied 
with, then the majority sent two men and warned the company, 
after which the Mayor sent his sergeants and warned the burgesses 
again, but set the same time the majority had given notice of. 

As to other matters he wrote me. 

That he hears that the Walpole sloop is to continue at Harwich 
(I suppose in Samuel Philips' possession). That Alderman Baker 
is in London and has been introduced to Sir Robert Walpole and 
Sir Charles Wager, and he presumes he will not spare my son nor 
himself (Clements) in his way. That as to Mr. Walpole's insincerity 
to my son, Captain Fuller said he saw Mr. Walpole in Holland, 
who in a familiar way said to him, " You rogue, you would not see 
me at Harwich nor carry me over ; " to which he replied, "You knew 
that before you came from London," and so were very merry together. 

That he finds what he feared from the first to the last is too 
true. 

I also received a letter from brother Parker, that he had been 
with Mr. Masterman, Clerk of the Crown, Counsellor Floyd, and 
Counsellor Strange, our counsel, upon the mandamus for swearing 
in Cockeril. That Orlibar's friends prayed a week's time to show 
cause why they rejected him, which is granted. That we shall 
carry our point of laying Orlibar aside, and no apprehension for 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

Ill 

1734. 

the perjury they pretend to lay to the charge of my friends for 
not obeying the Mayor's summons. 
Tuesday, 18.—Stayed at home.* 

DIARY BEGUN 19 JUSTE, 1734. 

Wednesday, 19.—This day I went to the Georgia Office. The 
yearly account of the receipts and disbursements was offered by 
our accountant, Mr. Vereilst, but we were not a Board of Common 
Council to pass it. We were only Mr. Vernon, in the chair of 
Trustee Board, Mr. Frederick, Hucks, La Roche, La Pautre, Lord 
Egmont, and Mr. Smith of the Trastees. It appears by the annual 
account that to the 9th instant (at which time it is made up) there 
are three hundred and forty-one souls at Georgia, of whom one 
hundred and four are foreigners, but this is as by old letters received. 
That we have received from the beginning, which makes now two 
years, 15,226Z. 12s. lOd. and have expended last year 6,848Z. 2s. Id. 
and this year 2,269Z. 16s. Qd. (9,117Z. 18s. Id.'), so that there remains 
in cash 6.108Z. 14s. 3d But Mr. Oglethorpe having drawn for 
3,700 and odd pounds not brought into this account, our cash is 
now reduced very low, and we shall be aground unless the Parlia 
ment give us more money, for we have (as appears by a letter of 
Mr. Oglethorp's, wrote about January last) 437 mouths to feed. 
* End of fifth volume of the manuscript diary. This volume is then 
partially indexed, alphabetically under names, with short précis of subjects, 
the headings " Georgia Affairs," " Harwich Affairs," " Irish Affairs " and 
" Parliament " being further arranged chronologically under the respective 
months, January to May. The last page of the volume has memoranda as 
follows :— 

Mr. Samuel Bell, Irish broker at the Lyon and Key near the Custom House. 
Mr. Coronel, broker, over against Majr. Faubert's in King Street, or Baker's 
Coffee House, Exch. Ally. 

Blanket Makers Company, of Whitney in Oxfordshire : enquire for them 
in Goswel Court beyond the Charterhouse. 

Counsr. Annesely's Intst. due half-yearly, 9th Oct. & 9 
April, each J year .. . . . . .. . . 175/. 

Ed. Simpson's Intst. due 3 Oct. & 3 April .. .. 251. 

Bi. of Cloyn, Intst. due 1 Aug. & 1 Feby., (Irish money) 75Z. 
My niece Bering's Intt. due 29 Sept. & 25 March .. 66Z. 
Will Pullen in my niece Bering's behalf for rent, 29 Sept. 

& 25 March .. .. .. .. .. .. 46Z.Qs.Oi/. 

Richd. Loyd, Esq, my Deputy Recorder, at his Chambers in Lamb's 
Buildings in the Temple, or at the Widows Coffee House in Devereux Court. 
Hayes, painter, in Durham Yard, 3d. door on the right hand. 
Mr. Barbut in Bury Street, near St. Mary Axe. 

Daughter Hanmer's annuity—due quartly, Michs., Xmass, 

Lady Day, Midsr. (the quarter) . . . . .. 30Z. Os. Od. 

Rent due to me from ye Blanket Compy., J yearly, 29 Sept. 

& Lady Day (ye \ year) .. .. . . .. 27Z. 10s. Od. 

Rent due to me from Williams, tent, of ye George Inn, Burd 
Hill, quarterly at Michs., Xmass, Lady Day & Midsumr. 
(ily) .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 39Z. 18«. Od. 

Annuity due to me quarterly from Geo. Evans Esq., pay 
able 14 Septbr., 14 Decbr., 14 March & 14 June .. 100Z. Os. Od. 
Mr. Steven Winthrop, Mercht. in London near Stocksmarket. 
Gold & Nesbit, Merchts. in London : their correspondents, Harpur 
& Morris, of Cork. 

Messrs. Knox, Craghead & Knox, Merchts. behind the Royall Exch., the 
properest men to give my bills to on Mr. Taylor when I draw for money. 

Mr. Nisbit, at the Carpenters Arms, the upper end of Hedge Lane, paints 
letters on pictures, at a penny each letter in gold, and a halfpenny in black : 
figures of number at a halfpenny each. 

Os. 
Os. 
Os. 

5s. 

Od. 
Od. 
Od. 

Od. 

 112 DIARY OF THE 

June 19-July 3 

The settlement at Georgia is as follows : Souls settled in Savanah 
town 259, at Ogekie 22, at Highgate 3, at Hamstead 39, at Aber- 
corn 33, at Skidaw 18, at Hutchinson's Island 5, at Tybee 21, at 
Cape Bluff 5, at Westbrook 4, at Thunderbold 28 (437 souls). 
These are all villages we have settled. About forty of those we 
sent over were dead about September last. 

A letter was read from Mr. Oglethorp dated the 16th instant, 
giving account that he was landed at the Isle of Wight after six 
weeks' passage, and that he had brought over the Chief of an Indian 
nation settled near Savannah town, with others of his companions, 
to be instructed in the Christian religion and English language, 
which they are very desirous of. One of the letters gave an account 
that an Englishman had by the present of a blanket seduced an 
Indian married woman to lie with him, of which the Indians com 
plained, the punishment with them for that crime being to cut the 
adulterer's throat. That they had punished the woman by cutting 
off her ears and hair, but they would be contented if we whipped 
the man. I returned home to Charlton to dinner. 
Thursday, 20.—Stayed at home. 

Friday, 21.—Went to town with my wife, and gave some directions 
for fitting up my house in town, late Gumly's, whose lease expires 
this mid-summer, after which she quits it. 

I went, according to summons, to the Georgia Board and con 
gratulated Mr. Oglethorp on his arrival, he being come that 
morning from his house in Surrey. We were a more numerous 
Board than of late, probably in expectation of meeting Mr. 
Oglethorpe. Common Councillors, Mr. Chandler, in the Trustee 
chair, Mr. Vernon, Egmont, Mr. Hucks, Mr. La Pautre, Alderman 
Kendal, Thomas Towers, George Heathcot, Mr. Hucks, Mr. Ogle 
thorp, Mr. Frederick, in all 11. Trustees, Mr. Smith, Mr. Anderson, 
Mr. John Gunston, Mr. Page, Mr. Ayres. 

Our business as Trustees was not great. Mr. Chandler thanked 
Mr. Oglethorp for his great care in forwarding the affairs of the 
Colony. 

We afterwards resolved ourselves into a Board of Common 
Council, Mr. Vernon in the chair. We read over and approved 
the annual accounts of our receipts and disbursements, which is 
to be laid before the Lord Chancellor and Master of the Rolls. 
We also impressed 5.400Z. to Mr. Heathcot to answer the great sums 
drawn upon us by Mr. Oglethorp for the use of the Colony, which 
amount to very near that sum. 

I was directed to write to Lord Bathurst concerning the difficulty 
Sir Francis Bathurst makes to sign the counterpart of his grant 
unless some slight alterations are made in it. 

Mr. Oglethorp acquainted us that he had brought over Toma- 
keeky, the Chief of the Yamacree nation, together with his man 
of war (which is in other countries the principal man next the 
Sovereign), Toma-chihi's wife, his grand nephew and five other 
Indians, his followers. They are come to learn English and the 
Christian religion and to confirm the peace we made with that 
and the eight nations their Allies last year. The Chief is ninety 
years old and a sensible, cunning man. We ordered they should 
be sent for from on shipboard and lodged in two garrets in our 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

113 

1734. 

offices, and our Porter had direction not to let the mob in to see 
them, and to ask no money of gentlemen. 

It was near ten a'clock when I returned to Pall Mall. 
Saturday, 22.—This morning I visited brother Percival and 
Mr. Frank Clerke, who thought I should go to Court since the 
King had expressed himself sorry for my son's losing his election ; 
but I told him I could not do it with honour, since I lost it by the 
King's own servants. 

I went with my wife to Leisterfeilds and bought some furniture 
for Gumly's house, and returned home to dinner at Charlton. 

I received a letter from Robert Page that Powell, the Town 
Clerk, was come for London with the charter the beginning of the 
week ; he had no court to empower him to take the charter. 

That old Orlibar was likewise set out. That Samuel Philips 
would keep his boat, the Collector having received a new order not 
to take the Walpole from him until further order. That he finds 
the other gentlemen don't know Cockeril was elected over again 
the same day they elected members of Parliament. 

Sunday, 23. Monday, 24. Tuesday, 25.—I stayed at Charlton. 
Wednesday, 26.—I went with my wife to town and dined at 
home. In the evening I went to the Georgia Board, where we 
ordered 200 blank bank forms of receipt to be printed, and that 
the Indians should be brought from Gravesend to our office, viz. 
Toma-Chihy, Chief of the Yamacrees, his chief warrior, Toma-Chihi's 
wife and grand nephew, the Chief of the —— nation, and four 
others. We ordered eight blankets to be bought for their bedding, 
and that our accountant should go to the Custom House to desire 
the wine they brought over should not pay duty. 

Present Mr. Chandler in the chair of Common Council, Lord 
Egmont, La Pautre, Lord Carpenter, Vernon, Oglethorp, Hucks, 
Alderman Kendal, La Roche. Mr. Smith. 

Thursday, 27.—We dined at brother Percival's, bought furniture 
for Pali-Mall house, late Gumly's. 

I visited Frank Clerk and Mr. Annesley. The former told me 
Lord Grantham is very urgent I should appear at Court, for since 
the King affirms he had no hand in the loss of my son's election 
and is sorry for it, and since I also acknowledge the same, the King 
and Queen will think at last that I am unreasonable and take it ill. 
That it matters not how I resent the Minister's usage, but it is not 
prudence because I am angry with them to express resentment 
at the Court. 

Friday, 28. Saturday, 29. Sunday, 30.—Stayed at home. 
Monday, July 1. Tuesday, 2.—Stayed at home. 
Wednesday, 3.—Went with my wife to town, and attended the 
Georgia Board. I saluted the nine Indians who came over with 
Mr. Oglethorp and who are lodged in the garrets of our Office. 
They are : 

1. Toma-Chiky, the Chief of the Yamamcraws, a small nation 
seated near Savannah town, but who intend to remove three or 
four miles further upon lands they reserved to themselves when 
they resigned the country to us where we now are settled. This 
they did by a fair and formal Treaty last year, some account of 
which appeared in the newspapers, but will be more fully published 
Wt. 5606. B 8 

 114 DIARY OF THB 

July 3-9 

in the book we are preparing. He is a very old man but of good 
natural sense, and well behaved. 

2. His wife, an old ugly creature, who dresses their meat. 

3. His grand nephew who will succeed him when he dies, as 
chief of the nation, a handsome brisk boy of fifteen years old. 
The uncle designs he shall learn the English tongue, to write and 
read and be a Christian. 

4. The Man of War, who is the next person in power, and carries 
the youth out to fight, while the Chief or Beloved Man as they call 
him, Toma-Chiky, stays at home to preserve the people in order. 
The other five are attendants. They are all brisk and well trimmed 
people, and would make a good appearance in our habits, but they 
dress themselves fantastically, will not put on breeches, and wear 
the shirts we gave them over their covering, which is only a skin 
that leaves their breasts and thighs and arms open, but they wear 
shoes of their own making of hides that seem neat and easy. 

I took the chair of Trustees, it being my turn, and the Board 
consisted of Egmont, Carpenter, George Heathcot, Vernon, Alder 
man Kendal, La Pautre, Hales, Hucks, Ayres, Smith. 

When we were set Tomachiki advanced to the lower end of the 
table, the rest of the Indians present, and made us a formal speech, 
which at proper periods the Interpreter explained. He began 
by excusing himself if he did not speak well and to right purpose, 
seeing when he was young he neglected the advice of the wise men 
(so they call their old men), and therefore was ignorant. That 
he was now old and could not live long, and therefore was desirous 
to see his nation settled before he died. That the English were 
good men and he desired to live with them as good neighbours, 
wherefore he resolved to come over and talk with us, but he would 
not have done it but for the sake of Mr. Oglethorp, whom he could 
trust and had used them kindly. That he thanked God (at which 
he pointed and looked up) that he brought him safe thither and 
he hoped would carry him safe back. 

I answered him paragraph by paragraph, and concluded we all 
had the same God and feared him. That we lived under a good 
and gracious King, who does Justice to all his subjects and will 
do so by his friends and allies, as we would on our parts ; that we 
will look upon their children to be ours, and our their's, and shall 
be ready to hear any propositions they will make when they think 
proper. After this we all rose and took each of them by the hand, 
which I saw delighted them, and then we called for wine and tobacco 
to entertain them. 

This nation is not above fifty fighting men, but they are a branch 
of the Crick Indians, who make above 600. They have lately been 
much reduced by the small pox. They are in alliance with eight 
other nations something like the Swiss Cantons, each governing 
themselves after their own manner. They are in their nature 
revengeful, but not apt to be the aggressor, and the reason why 
they take their own revenge is that they have no laws to punish 
by the magistrates' hand. Were we without such laws we should 
be as revengeful. Adultery they punish in the wife by cutting 
off her ears and hair, and in the man by cutting his throat. They 
live by hunting when the season is proper, and sow corn for other 

FIRST EAEL OF EGMONT. 

115 

1734. 

parts of the season. They are of so charitable a temper that they 
cannot bear to see a man want and not give him what he asks for. 

In the evening I called on Mr. Masterman, Clerk of the Crown, 
who told me that yesterday the trial whether O.iver the apothecary 
is duly elected came on, and by what he can find his election will be' 
adjudged void ; a rule was made that the Mayor shall show cause 
why he signed the poll paper of that election by which it appears as 
if he pretended a right to act in the election of a capital burgess, 
which my Lord Chief Justice will not suffer, being directly against 
the charter. The adverse party with Mr. Leathes, who was present, 
were very desirous the rule should not go, saying the Mayor 
pretended to no such right, but my Lord Chief Justice said that 
was not enough, and it was necessary that pretended power should 
be disclaimed in a legal way. 

Mr. Masterman desired me to send some person to enter into 
recognizance to prosecute this suit, and said he doubted whether, 
though Oliver be outed, that Cockeril's election can be good, 
for though his friends elected him over again at the day of 
election for member of Parliament when the whole Corporation 
was present, there had not been a general summons sent as the 
charter requires. 

There were nine voters, friends of Leathes and Oliver, at the 
trial, but not one appeared on the side of Cockeril. Price, Recorder 
of Colchester, and Marsh were counsel for Oliver, and Strange for 
our friends. Mr. Masterman told me he overheard Mr. Leathes 
and Alderman Newel talk of prosecuting Davis for perjury, he 
having made affidavit that the Mayor acted as a capital burgess 
and voted for Oliver, whereas at the time when the eleven burgesses 
elected Oliver the Mayor was in another room, and only came into 
them when the election was over and signed the paper with them. 
He added that he might think he swore true, not having been present 
at that election, but seeing the Mayor's hand with the eleven who 
signed the paper, and no distinction of place left, which ought to 
have been, and which my Lord Chief Justice himself observed 
in Court, and laid great stress on, that he therefore thought it 
necessary the Mayor should be called upon to give his reason why 
he did so and what he pretended by so doing it. 

Thursday, 4.—After giving directions for furnishing the next 
house we set out for Charlton to dinner. 

Friday, 5. Saturday, 6. Sunday,?. Monday, 8.—Stayed at home. 

Tuesday, 9.—I went with my wife to town and dined there. 
Lord Abercorn visited me. He complimented me more than I 
deserved for my public spirit, as he was pleased to call it, in pursuing 
when in Ireland the linen manufacture, which is now the support 
of that kingdom, but had not come to perfection but by mine 
and his diligent attendance at that Board. Also my appearing 
in defence of the Irish Peers' rights in cases of pub'.ic ceremonies 
in England, and lastly, my care of the Georgia affairs, to which he 
promised me a present of 200Z. when his bills came over. He said 
he heard how ill Sir Robert Walpole had used my son, and wished 
he and Lord Bolingbroke might both be hanged together. He 
told me an instance of Sir Robert's insincerity in the case of his son, 
George Hamilton, who is now chosen a member for Wells. He 

 116 DIARY OF THE 

July 9-10 

said he was as fairly chosen last Parliament, and when he came 
to town (knowing there would be a petition against him) waited 
on Sir Robert to desire he would not oppose him in the House, 
but assist him if it appeared that justice was on his side. Sir 
Robert promised he would be for him, and accordingly when the 
trial on the petition came on voted for him, but he allowed all the 
Government's servants and his dependants to vote against him, 
by which means through party his son lost the election. 

We dined at home and in the evening went to North End near 
Kensington to Sir John Stanley's to visit Cousin Donellan. It 
is a neat house and garden though small, and has some good pictures 
of Rosa of Tivoli and others. 

Wednesday, 10.—This morning I went to wait on the Court at 
Kensington. Lord Grantham was rejoiced to see me, took me 
aside and said I did mighty right. I replied, though Sir Robert 
had used me ill I had no quarrel with the Court, for whom I had 
the same dutiful respect I ever had, not believing the King or 
Queen had any hand in my son's disgrace. He replied, Sir Robert 
had no hand in it, but he would say nothing as to Horace Walpole, 
and the Queen had said she had not yet forgiven Lord Harrington's 
procedure in that affair. I smiled at his saying Sir Robert had 
no hand, and put him in mind of several things I formerly had 
told him. 

I attended the King's levee, who said nothing to me ; neither 
did he at the Queen's room, though he had fair opportunity to 
speak if he had pleased. 

The Queen came soon up to me, and talked a good deal after 
the following manner : 

" My Lord, I have not seen you for a great while. Where have 
you been ? " " At Charlton, madam." " How does my lady 
do ? " " Madam, she has been ill this two months of great flushings 
and sweats." " I'me sorry for it." Then, panting a little while, 
and looking me very earnest in the face, " My Lord," said she, 
" I assure you I knew nothing of it ; I had no hand in it. All that 
heard me speak of it will own I was very sorry and surprised your 
son lost his election. Pray how was it ? " " Madam," replied I, 
" the story is too long to tell your Majesty." " True," said she, 
" 'tis not well in the drawing room, but I must know it. Pray, 
how came it to pass ? " " Madam," replied I, " I dare not tell you. 
It is sufficient that my son lost it by the votes of seven of your 
Majesty's servants, persons of small employments, and some whose 
places I obtained for them. If but three of them had voted for 
my son he would have carried it, and they all told my son that if 
the Government had been for him they would vote for him." " But," 
said she, " how came they to do so, who bid them ?" I was aware 
that she would draw me in to name Sir Robert, which had been 
very indiscreet in me to accuse a first Minister to his mistress and 
protector, and therefore replied, as I had done before, that I dared 
not say it, by which I gave her well enough to understand who I 
meant. I added that I had great obligations to her Majesty for 
many favours received which I should never forget, though it was 
a great shock to me that my son should upon entering the world 
meet with such a disappointment from her Majesty's own servants, 

SïRST EARL OF EGMOttT. 117 

1734. 

who had in no way deserved it. Said she : "I hear from several 
hands a very good account of your son, that he's a young man of 
very good parts, but he is too warm. I wish he had half your 
coolness." " Madam," said I, " if your Majesty means his behaviour 
in Ireland, I assure you he did nothing against the Government, 
and yet I hear lie was misrepresented. It is a difficult thing for 
me to be believed in my son's behalf against the reports of many 
to his prejudice. If he was anything warm in Ireland, it was in 
matters that the Government is not concerned in, as to the enquiry 
into the abuses of some law offices which had raised their fees 
unreasonably ; and he might resent a little the behaviour of the 
Duke of Dorset, who used him ill, but he never did anything, I 
assure your Majesty, in prejudice of the Government." " That," 
said the Queen, " was very right, but why did he go down to the 
Kentish election and behave himself so warm there ? " " Madam," 
replied I, "he only went thither with a servant and voted for 
Sir Edward Dering, who is the nearest relation he has in Eng 
land, with whom we have always lived well." " Aye, but," 
said she, " he was, I'me told, very warm," and at the same time 
waved her hand over her head, to express his having worn a 
cockade. 

" Madam," replied I, taking her meaning, " he did nothing but 
what he was forced to do ; otherwise he had been knocked off his 
horse." " Well," said she, " give him some advice, pray do," and 
then the King entering the room she very obligingly and with a 
good-natured smile withdrew to the other side. Sir Robert was 
all this time at a distance in the room, and eyed us. He could not 
hear what passed, but I am confident she told him, for when the 
King and most of the company withdrew, I saw she made up to 
him and entered into a long discourse, which opportunity I took to 
withdraw, being unwiEing Sir Robert should speak to me, it 
being my resolution to avoid both him and his brother all I can. 
I met him at the King's levee just by the door as he went in. We 
exchanged bows and that was all. 

Before I left the room the Prince, who stood next to me, asked 
me privately what satisfaction had been made me, meaning in my 
son's affair, and whether my son was more reconciled, to which I 
replied I had received none, and he was not reconciled. 

I returned to my brother Percival's, where I dined in the evening. 

I went to Georgia, where we were only a number sufficient to 
make a Board of Trustees. 

Mr. Heathcot in the chair, and afterwards Mr. Oglethorp. Mr. 
Vernon, Lapautre, La Roche, Chandler, myself, Mr. Smith. 

We chose Mr. Oglethorp a member of the Corresponding Com 
mittee, but did little other business. 

The Indians' new clothes came home, and they tried them. 
The King's is a fine scarlet bainan or well shaped frock without 
slits because they wear no breeches. It is edged everywhere with 
rabbit's fur, white, and has a gold galloon lace down the edges. 
The others are of like make, only blue. The Queen's was a sort of 
scarlet Rosetti in the make of our English wrappers. Mr. Oglethorp 
thinks he has settled with the Government that they shall be 
allowed one of the King's coaches. 

 118 DIARY OB' THÉ 

July 11-Aug. 7 

Thursday, 11.—I visited Frank Clerk, who told me Lord Grantham 
was last night with him to tell him the pleasure he had to see me 
at Court. 

I returned home to Charlton to dinner, and at night my servants 
would keep my birthday with masquerade and dancing. I am 
now entered into my 53rd year and, blessed be God, in good health 
and free from gout or stone. 

Stayed at home till Monday, 22. 

Tuesday, 23.—I went to town on summons from the Georgia 
Board to issue money to Mr. Heathcot for the trustees' use. Present, 
Mr. La Potre, Chairman of the Common Council, Oglethorp, 
Egmont, Dr. Bundy, Mr. Hales, Hucks, Lord Carpenter, La Roche, 
Mr. Vernon, and Mr. Frederick. We ordered l,500i. to be impressed 
to Mr. Heathcot, and found we have but 400Í. left. 

We drew up a memorial to the Treasury representing that our 
accountant, Mr. Harman Vereist, has served us from the beginning 
without a salary, and that we are not able to allow him one, where 
fore we desire the Treasury to provide for him. After this we 
passed a grant. 

I dined at Cousin Le Grand's, and after some turns upon the 
water, my wife and I returned to Charlton, where I stayed till 
Tuesday following. 

Tuesday, 30.—This day I went with my wife to town to dinner. 
I called in the City on Mr. Knox, Cragie, and Knox, three merchants, 
partners, in Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, behind the Royal 
Exchange. 

Wednesday, 31.—My son returned from Harwich, where this 
day the election of a capital burgess was to come on, but he, finding 
that Oliver (whom we had outed at law) would be re-chosen, he 
thought it fruitless to stay, and therefore left the place yesterday 
after dinner. 

If young Lucas and Peck had stood firm we should have carried 
it for Cockeril, but the packet servants had orders to go for Oliver, 
and for that purpose to stay on shore, and Lucas and Peck were 
threatened to be turned out if they voted for Cockeril and not 
for Oliver, and Mr. Leathes made use of Lord Harrington's name 
on that occasion, to whom he, with his pen in hand, threatened 
to write the refusal of all who did not comply, which obliged these 
two place men to comply sore against their wills. So now the 
borough is quite lost to our family, and become absolutely a 
Government borough. 

I dined with brother Percival, and in the evening went to the 
Georgia Office, where we met on Trustee business, and were only 
Mr. Frederick, in the chair, Mr. Oglethorp, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Smith, 
and myself. Mr. Oglethorp acquainted us that the King had 
ordered the Indians should wait on him to-morrow, whom he 
would receive in a grand manner, and use them while they stay on 
the same foot as the Irocquois Indians were treated in Queen Anne's 
reign ; that he would order a sum of money to maintain them while 
here, with coaches to attend them. One of them has the small pox, 
but is under Sir Hans Sloan's care, and is like to do well. The others 
were falling sick by reason of their confinement, so different from 
their usual manner of life, but by bleeding and vomiting are recovered 

Í734. 

FIRST EARL OB' EGMONT. 

119 

IUTJC. 

Mr. Oglethorp further acquainted us that one of the Jews settled 
at Georgia has desired to become a Christian and be baptized. 

We had an account that the Saltsburgers went laboriously and 
prosperously on, and had cut a road from Ebenezer, their settlement, 
five miles in length, to Fort Abercorn, one of our new towns. 
Mr. Vernon acquainted us that the Society for Propogating Christian 
Knowledge had resolved to send for fifty more Saltsburgers, to 
pay their charges to Holland and transport them, if we would 
only give them lands and maintain their minister, and that the 
sum they would allot for this purpose would come to 2.500Í. We 
ordered thanks to be returned them, and the proposal is to be 
referred to the next Board of Common Council, they only having 
the power to dispose of lands. 

In the evening I went to the Play. 

Thursday, August 1.—Stayed at home till Wednesday, 7th. 

This day I went to town, dined with my brother, and in the 
evening went to the Georgia Office. We had a Board of 
Trustees, and there were present Egmont in the chair, Vernon, 
La Roche, Ayres, Smith. Baron Van Reck, who conducted the 
Saltsburgers to Georgia, and is since returned to carry others over, 
was at the Board and promised to be serviceable in bringing fifty 
more Saltsburgers, whom we expect in a month or six weeks at 
Rotterdam, having writ for them on the strength of a large con 
tribution which the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 
have gathered for the settling the Saltsburgers in Georgia. 

He told us that near 253000 Austrians have declared themselves 
Protestants very lately. 

Mr. Lownds sent us a proposal to raise a considerable sum with 
out applying to Parliament, which, if we effect, he desires 8 per 
cent, of the sum obtained for acquainting us with the scheme. 
We received the proposal in order to offer it the next Board of 
Common Council, which if accepted, he will disclose his scheme. 

A German gentleman who had got money at Batavia and settled 
in Anhalt, being oppressed there, has resolved to leave it and go 
to Georgia with servants on his own charge. He appeared at the 
Board, and we acquainted him that if he submitted to our manner 
of settlement he should have 500 acres if he took ten servants. 
He desired a form of our grants, which we ordered. 

Mr. Verelts acquainted me that the King Toma-Chiki and the rest 
of the Indians was very well satisfied with their audience at Court, 
but were much afflicted with the death of their comrade, who was a 
cousin of the King's. On that occasion they sat up all night, crying 
and bewailing his loss. Toma-Chiki told Mr. Verelts, our accountant, 
that his relation was gone to God, that he would see us no more, but 
he should see him, and believed he should be the first ; that all he 
desired was that one of the company here might live to carry back 
our King's answer to his countrymen. Mr. Verelts asked him 
how he was pleased and what he observed at Court, to which he 
replied that they carried him through a great many houses (he 
meant rooms) to make him beleve the King's Palace consisted of 
many, but he was much surprised to find he returned by the same 
stairs he went up, by which he found it was still one house. He 
added that he found we knew a great many more things than they, 

 120 DiABY OP THE 

Aug. 7-10 

but he doubted if we were happier, since we are worse livers than 
they, and they more innocent. 

The Queen called for the boy, his nephew, after the audience 
she gave them all was over, stroked his face, and told him he must 
come again to see her, for she had a present for him. He answered 
her in English, and is forward in his learning, Mr. Smith, of our 
Society, coming three times a week to instruct him in the principles 
of Christianity. He can say the Lord's Prayer, Belief, and Ten 
Commandments, but I fear all this will be lost at his return. They 
went on Friday last to Mr. Oglethorp's in Surrey to dissipate their 
sorrow for the death of their friend, and returned this night. 

The King has ordered they shall be treated while they are in 
England on the same foot the Indians were in Queen Anne's time, 
whom Governor Nicholson brought over. 

Thursday, 8.—This morning I returned to Charlton and found 
my Lord Vane, whom my son brought down to stay for some 
days. 

Saturday, 10.—Lord Vane and my son returned to London. 
Sunday, 11.—Communicated at church. Dr. Warren and his 
wife dined with me. In the evening Mr. Harrang and Captain 
Bronker came in. 

Monday, 12, Tuesday, 13.—Stayed at home. 
Wednesday, 14.—I went with my wife to town, dined at home. 
Captain Dumaresque came to me. He told me it were a folly to 
spend any more money upon Harwich, being entirely lost. I 
agreed with him. He added that it was notorious if the Govern 
ment had been sincere for my son, he would have had the Govern 
ment's votes. 

In the afternoon I went to the Georgia Society to consider of 
Mr. Lownds' proposals referred to a Common Council, but we were 
not eight Councillors, so we only made a Board of Trustees, where 
were present Mr. Oglethorp, in the chair, Mr. La Roche, Egmont, 
Vernon, Hucks, La Pautre, Towers, and Mr. Ayres and Mr. Smith, 
Trustees. 

A Representation was read from the Governor and Assembly 
of South Carolina to his Majesty, dated 9th April last, setting forth 
the great encroachments of the Mississippi French, and the danger 
to that province if not timely assisted by his Majesty, they not 
having money or men to defend.themselves in case of a war with 
the French, who endeavour to debauch the Creek nation from us, 
which if they effect will bring certain ruin on the Province. They 
also inform his Majesty of the great protection the Georgia settle 
ment gives them, and thank his Majesty for wisely and carefully 
establishing our Province. 

Then we ordered an application to be prepared to his Majesty 
for subsisting the Indians now here, and making them presents 
to secure them to us. . It was referred to Mr. Oglethorp, Vernon, 
and Towers to prepare. Mr. Vernon acquainted us that Baron 
van Reck was set out for Germany to conduct more Saltsburgers 
to Georgia. 

I this day insured Gumly's house in the London Insurance Office 
for one year from fire at 1,000?. value at 11. per arm. It begins at 
Michaelmas next. 

FIRST EABL OF EGMONt. 121 

1734. 

Thursday, 15.—I went this morning to Court, where the King, 
Queen, and Prince spoke to me. I was informed that the Prince 
of Orange wrote his Princess word yesterday that the French were 
retiring from before Prince Eugene, who marched after them, by 
which it should seem that the French have no purpose to pursue 
their conquests this campaign. 

I dined at home and returned at night to Charlton. 

Tuesday, 16, Saturday, 17.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, 18.—Stayed at home. Mr. August Schutz and his wife 
dined with us. He told me the substance of the Prince of Wales's 
audience about three weeks ago. The Prince desired his Majesty 
would consider his age, and think of marrying him. The King 
replied he was impertinent ; that he would do it when he saw 
proper ; that he should expect no regard from him while he was 
uncivil to those who were in possession of his favour, and received 
all those who were under his displeasure. One might think this 
were to be depended on for truth, coming from the lung's Privy 
Purse, and who is everlastingly at Court ; but Cousin Bering, who 
has also a place there and who has much of the Prince's confidence, 
told me the audience asked was to desire his Majesty to allow his 
Highness's servants a table, which his Majesty refused. He added 
that thereupon the Prince offered his servants to pay for one out 
of his own pocket, which they, knowing his lowness of cash and 
debts, as generously refused. See how difficult it is to know truth 
at Court. Either of these accounts, if the other were unknown, 
would be readily related by a memoir writer. 

Monday, 19.—The seven Indians with their interpreter, Mr. 
Oglethorp, Mr. Vernon, and Mr. Verelts, came and dined with me. 
I diverted them in the best manner, walked them into the wood, 
had music and dancing. I made also some presents. They behaved 
with great decency, and were well pleased. At parting the King 
Toma-chiki made me a speech to tell me he came down to see me 
in good will and returned in friendship. That God above would 
continue it, and he hoped we would take care to breed their children 
Christians. 

I made him a suitable return. 

They were yesterday to see the Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
were extremely pleased with their visit. They had apprehensions 
that he was a conjuror, but the kind reception he gave them altered 
that imagination. The Archbishop would have put some questions 
to them concerning their notions of religion, but they have a super 
stition that it is unfortunate to disclose their thoughts of those 
matters, and refused to answer. They attributed the death of 
their companion to having too freely spoke thereof since they 
came over. Nevertheless the King was so taken with the Arch 
bishop that he said he must come again alone to talk with him. 
At coming away he said he now really believed they should 
have some good man sent them to instruct them and their 
children. 

He showed his politeness in that visit. The Archbishop refused 
(out of respect to them) to sit down, though so weak as to be sup 
ported on the arms of two servants all the time they were with 
him, whereupon the King, who saw him in pain, forbore to make 
him a speech he had prepared, and said he would speak it to his 

 122 DIARY OF THE 

Aug. 19-27 

servants, meaning Dr. Linch, Dean of Canterbury, the Archbishop's 
son-in-law and other clergyman there present. At tab-e I asked 
as usual what dish he would be served with. His answer was to 
eat whatever was set before him, meaning thereby a civility not 
to refuse what I should proffer him, as Mr. Oglethorp explained it 
to me. When I presented him a large gilt carved tobacco box, 
he told me that he would get a ribbon and hang it at his breast 
next his heart. His nephew, as he calls him, but who is grandson 
to his wife, reads already very well, and with a good accent, and 
comprehends a great deal of English. His father was taken by 
the Spaniards and burnt because he would not be a Christian. 

Of all these Indians there is but one who can be tempted to 
drink too freely, and they complained to us that their interpreter 
is too much given to it. When they went upon the water they 
heard some of the rude multitude swear, which they told Mr. Verelts 
was very naughty. Their modesty is very great. They cannot 
ease nature when another is in sight, and it offended them when 
being to see the Tower, the flap of Harry the Eighth's codpiece 
was taken up. There were many women that crowded in and 
liked the sight, but the Queen turned her head away. The King's 
reflection on it was that to be sure that man had more wives than 
one. The custom of their country allows polygamy, which may 
prove an impediment to the making them Christians, but the 
King has all his life contented himself with one. Adultery is with 
them a heinous crime, but fornication is tolerated to the young 
unmarried men. They live in villages, and their houses are built 
of young trees and wattles, which they shingle over with split 
ends of board, and plaster on the inside with mud, over which they 
lay a white washing of powdered oystershells. They are about 
thirty foot long, and twenty deep, but their public building is four 
houses put together in form of a square, with a court in the middle, 
and in this house they transact their affairs, each person according 
to his dignity having a place assigned to him. They have a chief 
man over whom is the King, and next to the chief man is the chief 
warrior, who has likewise another warrior under him. Whatever 
is of public nature must have the King's approbation and consent, 
otherwise the proposal takes no effect. 

I have in another place mentioned their notions of religion ; 
their belief of one God who resides above, their wishes that He 
will prosper them, which implies a Providence, and a happy place 
for souls departed. They have desired we would banish rum 
out of our settlements as what kills them, and only produces quarrels. 
In a word, if we can root out that spirit of revenge which possesses 
them, and convince them of the impropriety of having a multiplicity 
of wives; there is great hopes of making the nation Christian, but 
all will depend on the discretion and virtue of a minister to be 
sent among them. It is pretty extraordinary that they have an 
ancient tradition that there will come a time when they shall receive 
knowledge from a white man. This time they think is near at 
hand. They have a sort of type of this great event, an annual 
ceremony handed down by their ancestors, that has the resembJance 
of sacrifice, but they slay no animal nor offer any fruits of the 
earth. They are so far from blood that they think it a fault to 
kill anything that has life, except when engaged in war, or to take 

Í1EST EARL OB' EGMONT. 

123 

1734. 

satisfaction for injuries. The custom I have mentioned is as 
follows. They once a year build a sort of altar with stones, and 
lay faggots thereon, then the person among them jpho is known to 
have lived the most innocent and virtuous life is chosen out to 
set fire to it, for this reason : he is generally a young lad that has 
not drawn blood ; him they paint all over white, and when every 
thing is prepared he takes two sticks, which being rubbed together 
take fire, with which he kindles the faggots ; when they are burnt 
he gives the lighted brands to the assembly, who carry them home 
and look upon them as holy. 

They say God will, when He pleases, reveal knowledge to them, 
but they expect it wúl be to their youth, for the grown men having 
killed an enemy are polluted and must not expect it. They have 
a dépendance on God, that He will do what is best for them, and 
that He knows better what is fit than they ; wherefore they look 
on it as foolish to tell God their wants, or pray to Him. When the 
Lord's Prayer was explained to them, they said the first part was 
very well, and Thy kingdom come they explained by the revelation 
of His knowledge which they expected. Give us this day our daily 
bread, they said was not necessary, for God was too good to need 
being asked. But forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that 
trespass against us, they liked ; for they said the way to please God 
was to do to others as they would be done by. These are at present 
the notions they entertain, whereby it seems as if Providence had 
prepared them to become Christians; at least they are as well 
disposed thereto as the ancient heathens were when the Gospel 
was preached to them, and their expectation of a revelation to be 
made them has something like that the wor!d had of an extra 
ordinary person to appear in the East related by Tacitus. Moreover, 
they believe it a great fault to pray to images, as they see the 
French and Spaniards do, and imagine the Cross to be some bad 
spirit to whom they pray. 

The King made a sensible reflection since he came over. He 
said he saw we knew a great many more things than they, but he 
thought we were not the better men for it, and that they were 
more happy and innocent in their ignorance. 
Tuesday, 20.—Stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 21.—Went with my wife to town, dined with Frank 
Clerke. In the evening went to the Georgia Board, where we 
were not enough to make a Common Council ; Mr. Vernon was 
in the chair of Trustees. The rest were Alderman Kendal, Egmont, 
Lord Carpenter, Thomas Towers, Oglethorp, and Mr. Smith. We 
determined that Mr. Towers, Oglethorp, and Vernon should meet 
Friday next to have a conference with Toma-chiki and know of 
him what are the things he desires of his Majesty and us in order 
to perfect the treaty and amity he has entered into with us. 
Thursday, 22.—We returned home to Charlton to dinner. 
Friday, 23. Saturday, 24. Sunday, 25. Monday, 26.—Stayed at 
home. 

Tuesday, 27.—My wife and I went to town and passed through 
the city, where I met Francis Clerke, Esq. of Pall Mall, who gave 
me 1,060?. 10s. Qd. with which I bought 1,000?. in the old annuity 
4 per cents. It stands in my name, but is his, and I gave him 
accordingly a letter of attorney to dispose of that stock, and receive 
the dividends, as also the receipt for the stock. 

 il 

,,'Π 

124 DÍAEY OF THE 

Aug. 27-Sept. 11 

I afterwards called on Knox arid Craghead, Merchants, in Angel 
Court, Throgmorton Street, who paid me 300?. for my bill on Mr. 
Taylor at 12 per cent. 

Mr. Clerke dined with me at home. In the evening I visited 
brother Percival. 

Wednesday morning, 28.—I called 011 Lord Graiitham, who was 
not at home, and visited Mr. Hunter ; dined with my brother 
Percival. In the evening went to the Georgia Society, where we 
made only a Board of Trustees. 

Alderman Kendal in the chair, Oglethorp, La Roche, Hucks, 
Vernon, Egmont, Thomas Towers ; Mr. Ayres, Mr. Smith, trustees. 

They informed me that on Thursday last they had a meeting 
with Toma-chiky to inform them what particular things they 
desired by way of explanation of the treaty made with him and 
his nation. That he replied he desired in their behalf two things, 
that we would make their youth Christians and settle conditions 
of trade. 

As to the first, that the effectual way would be by sending over 
a youth who would learn their language and instruct his nephew 
in our religion, whose example would be followed by their youth. 
As to the second, that we would take care that our people use 
equal weights, for that they are apt sometimes to give twelve 
ounces to the pound, other times but eight. That we would forbid 
the selling of rum ; that we would furnish them with English stockings, 
garters, knives, scissors, needles, thread, brass pots, hatchets, 
naüs, powder, guns, flints, strong beer and small, etc., at reasonable 
rates, and favour them more than other nations in the price, as 
being nearest neighbours; present them with the picture of the 
great Lion they saw at the Tower, to set up in a Town Hall which 
they would erect, and lastly, mend their firearms at our expense, 
having no artists of their own. This was all very reasonable, and 
we shall agree to it. 

I then proposed Mr. Thomas Lounds' desires that if he should 
offer to us a project for gaining a large sum of money, he might be 
awarded with 8 per cent, of the money so gained, if the project was 
approved by us, pursued and effected, otherwise that he expected 
nothing. The Board very readily agreed to it and that unanimously, 
of which orders were given to our officers to inform him. Mr. 
Oglethorp told me the Chattes, a powerful nation of Indians, 
which can bring 7,000 men into the field, and all use firearms, had 
sent ambassadors to Savannah to treat with us. This nation have 
been in the French interest and much courted by them, and if we 
can secure them to us it will be a point of great consequence. 

I understand by Mr. Oglethorp that our Indians of the upper 
and lower Creeks have a tradition that there once was a great flood 
occasioned by the waters in the earth breaking forth, which occa 
sioned the mountains, before which the earth was plain. That 
after that great rains fell from Heaven. That an old wise man 
was informed of this by Sunataughy, God, who thereupon built 
a great canoe, which rested on a hill, and in which he saved all 
who followed him. That this was occasioned by God's anger, 
but a white eagle brought the sprig of a tree, which declared peace, 
and ever since their nations have used eagles' feathers in passing 
from one country to another, which declared they were in peace 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

125 

1734. 

That in old time God had talked with men, and they would write 
and read, and their writing was on skins, but God was angry with 
them, and they have lost the art, but that still they can whiten the 
skins. That their ancestors came a great way from the west, 
and rested so many cuttings of corn (by which they marked time) 
in one station and so many in another, till they arrived where they 
are. These stations they at this day name. 

Mr. Oglethorp added that he believed they learnt this from 
some Jews who may easily have come there westward from Japan, 
where there have been many. 

Thursday, 29.—This morning the widow Buchanan came and I 
gave her a certificate of her late husband's fidelity to the present 
Government, who was a Minister of the Church of Ireland and 
Justice of Peace, and had been zealous in opposing Popery, uniting 
Protestants, and discovering rebellious practices, for which he 
hazarded his life and inconvenienced his private fortune, so as to 
leave her an object of compassion to all who are generously 
inclined. 

After this I returned home to dinner at Charlton. 

Friday, 30, Saturday, 31.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, September 1.—This day my son came from London 
and acquainted me that my cousin Dr. William Percival, Dean of 
Emely in Ireland, is lately dead of a total corruption of his blood, 
from a bruise he got by riding. He was son to Arthur Percival, 
younger brother of my grandfather, and married Mrs. Pritty of 
the County of Tipperary in Ireland. He was a fine scholar, a 
noted preacher and writer, and took great pains in a parish of 
Dublin of which he was minister. He routed all the whores out of 
it that came to his knowledge, and last year erected an hospital 
for the poor, which I suppose will fall at his death. He left several 
children, of whom he gave me very advantageous accounts. Two 
of them are bred to the Church, and one he designed should be a 
lawyer, for which purpose he sent him to the Temple, where he 
behaved with discretion. 

Monday, 2. Wednesday, 3, to Tuesday, 10.—I stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 11.—I went with my wife to town, received my 
niece's half year's pension due at Midsummer last, dined with 
Mrs. Minshull, and in the evening went to Board of Trustees at the 
Georgia Office, where were only Mr. Oglethorp, Mr. La Roche, 
Mr. Smith, and myself, and I was in the chair. I presented Mr. 
Lownds' proposal to us for finding money to carry on the Colony's 
design without the assistance of Parliament, which is to apply to 
his Majesty for permission to erect a lottery in Edinburgh, or some 
town in North Britain. We ordered it to be entered in our minutes 
to be referred to the consideration of a Common Council, and 
noted it the first proposal of the kind, as Mr. Lownds desired. 
We passed the evening in conference with the Indians about settling 
our trade, as the weights, measures, goodness, prices and quality 
of the things we traffic in, wherein we found them very sagacious 
and reasonable. They also desired there might be but one dealer 
for each of their towns, and he licensed, that they might know 
who to complain of, and more easily have redress in case of ill-usage. 
They said multitudes of dealers only bred confusion and misunder 
standings. They told us when they came over they expected 

 126 DIARY OF THE 

Sept. 11-Oet. 2 

Mr. Oglethorp would return with them, but, since that could not 
be, they desired our King would send over some gentleman, or 
that one of our Board would go. to assure the other nations that 
the word they brought from England was all true, otherwise those 
nations would not believe them. 

We replied that could not be, nor was necessary, for the magis 
trates Mr. Oglethorp left there had all the necessary power to 
make good our agreements, and were besides obliged to follow our 
directions, and the Interpreter then with us should himself go to 
all those nations. Mr. Oglethorp added that if any of our people 
abused them, and they found no redress, he would go over on 
purpose, and punish the guilty. They were for then settling the 
prices of goods, but we told them it could not be, for what we shall 
send passes through many hands before the goods are made, each 
of whom must be gainers, after which the freights must be con 
sidered, and the living profits of the person who sells to them. 
They said they desired that both sides might have a living profit. 
That in England they saw nothing was' done without money, but 
with them, if they had but two mouthfuls they gave away one, 
so he who should sell to them would not be at great charges while 
with them, which they desired we would consider. 

Then the chief warrior of the Yamacraws told us he had news 
that the vice warrior is dead, and has left only two daughters, 
his children, who are helpless, and without clothes, that therefore 
they are become his children, and he wished he was at home to 
provide for them ; that he knew he could not go but by ship, but 
if the way was by land he would make nothing to go on foot though 
all the way were woods, and the night as dark as now. 

We understood his meaning was to show his love to those children, 
and a genteel way of asking some blanketing for them, and therefore 
promised to give him clothes for them. 

Little Tonoway also asked five guns for his brothers, by which 
he meant the five Indians and himself, for we asked what brothers 
he has who are but four in number. I was much pleased with him. 
He took a book that accidentally lay on the table and read tolerably 
out of it, and afterwards of his own accord repeated to me the 
Lord's Prayer and the Creed. 

Thursday, 12.—This morning I paid Mr. Masterman, of the 
Crown Office, his bill of charges in the ejecting young Oliver out 
of his pretended burghership the first time he was elected at 
Harwich. It came to 521. 13s. 6d., and is, I hope, the last expense 
I shall be at on that ungrateful town, the statute books excepted, 
which I promised them three years ago as soon as they should be 
published, wherein I will keep my word. 

At twelve a'clock I left London to return to Charlton. 

Friday, 13, to Tuesday, 17.—Stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 18.—Went to town, dined with brother Percival, 
and afterwards went to the Georgia Board of Trustees. .Mr. Thomas 
Towers in the chair, George Heathcote, Oglethorp, Egmont, Ander- 
son, Coram, and Smith present. There was nothing very material 
this day. We promised 500 acres of land to Mr. Lamb, a merchant. 
Mr. Oglethorp told me he despaired of getting a person rightly 
qualified to accompany the Indians home to dwell with them and 
instruct them in Christianity. 

FIKST EAEL OF EGMONT. 127 

1734. 

Mr. Tillyard.with a clergyman and Mr. Newman, attended us from 
the Christian Knowledge Society to know on what terms the 
Saltsburgers they engaged at that Society's expense to send to 
Georgia may go. We told them it would cost them at least 20Z. a 
head, but referred them for particulars to Mr. Oglethorp, who 
should wa it on th em next morning. I returned home at nine o'clock. 

Thursday, 19.—I returned back to Charlton to dinner. 

Sunday, 22.—Brother and sister Percival and Miss Donellan 
dined with us. 

Wednesday, 25.—I paid off Trussler, my valet-de-chambre, and 
dismissed him. The same day my wife and I went to town, and 
brother and sister Percival dined with us. In the evening I went 
to the Georgia Office to a Board of Trustees. Myself in the chair, 
Mr. Oglethorp, Mr. Bolitho, Captain Coram, and Mr. Smith. 

A letter was read from our minister at Georgia, Mr. Quincy, 
that he was on his return from New England, where he had been 
. to see his friends. Among other things he tells us that the English 
of that country do not deserve the general character fixed on them 
of being hypocrites. That the town of Boston increases, there 
being now 20,000 inhabitants, 600 horse and 7 or 8,000 foot, fit 
to defend themselves on occasion. 

A letter from Mr. TUsperger, Lutheran pastor at Augsburg and 
correspondent with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 
was brought us by Mr. Henry Newman, Secretary of that Society, 
informing them that 54 chosen Saltsburgers had entered their 
names to go to Georgia, and were set out the 23rd of this month, 
new style, in their way to Rotterdam, in order to be brought to 
England, and from hence transported to their brethren in Georgia. 
That he had disbursed on their account already 1,000 florins. 

Mr. Newman desired we would give the Society an account of 
the expense to send these people over, which we ordered our 
accountant to do next Friday. We also acquainted him that we 
expect to have them here and send them with the Indians next 
Tuesday se'nnight. Some persons applied to go to Georgia. 

My cousin Le Grand acquainted me that her son had laid out 
the money arising from the sale of the lands, to which my consent 
was necessary as being a trustee for her younger children and 
which I gave, had been by him laid out in the four per cents, in 
the name of cousin Ned Southwell, who is a trustee with me. 

Thursday, 26.—I returned to dinner to Charlton. Stayed at 
home till 2 October. 

Wednesday, 2 October.—I went to town, to the Georgia Society 
summoned for the morning on special occasions, requiring a Common 
Council, but we could not make eight. We were therefore only a 
Trustee Board, and Mr. Oglethorp was in the chair, Egmont, Hucks, 
George Heathcote, Mr. Hales, Mr. Vernon. Captain Coram, Mr. 
Andersen, Common Council. We dined together, and spent the 
evening till eight at night discoursing matters, and resolved to 
meet next Monday. Our accountant acquainted us that the war 
rants are gone from the Treasury for his Majesty to sign, Ι,δΟΟΖ. 
to be restored to us which we disbursed out of our money to secure 
his Majesty's dominions in those parts by forts we have built and 
furnished, and 1.800Z. ordered for the maintenance of the Indians 
while here, 4001, of which to go to them in presents. 

 128 DIARY OF THE 

Oct. 3-10 

Thursday, 3.—I returned to Charlton. 

Monday, 7.—Went with my wife to town, dined at Georgia 
Office. This morning I called on Messrs. Knox and Craghead and 
took up 200Z. for my bill on Mr. Taylor and paid lOf exch. 

Tuesday, 8.—This morning I went to Kensington. The King 
spoke to me, but seemed out of humour, which I suppose proceeded 
from the foreign letters which came in this day. The Princess of 
Orange, Princess Caroline and Prince of Wales were very gracious 
and talked much with me. 

I dined with brother Percival, and carried him to the play called 
The Miser. 

Wednesday [Monday], 7.—This morning I went to the Georgia 
Board, where we first were a Board of Trustees, and afterwards of 
Common Council. Trustee Board : Mr. Oglethorp in the chair, 
George Heathcot, Vemon, Egmont, Lapautre, Hales, Captain Eyles 
Alderman Kendal. We agreed that it should be proposed to the 
Common Council that Henry Bishop, a youth of the Charity School, 
should be sent servant to Mr. Balstius, one of the Saltsburg ministers 
in Georgia. Then we resolved into a Common Council, and Alder 
man Kendal was in the chair. We signed a charter party with 
Mr. Simons, the merchant, for the carriage of 75 persons to Georgia, 
including the Saltsburgers expected from Rotterdam, who will 
be about 75 persons. We signed a grant to Sir Francis Bathurst 
of 200 acres. To Mr. Bullfinch Lamb for 500. To Mr. Decies, a 
German of Anhalt, of 500. To Edward Wade, a broken cheese 
monger, 100. To —— Cal way, 50. And that Millige should have 
his brother's house in Georgia (the brother having consented thereto) 
till the brother come of age. 

The baggage on board to be allowed each head, quarter of a ton. 
We also agreed to Bishop's going apprentice and that three of our 
four magistrates or bailiffs should have a servant allowed them 
each, because the attendance on their duty took them off 
from cultivating their lands. Our affairs took us up the whole 
day. 

N.B.—By mistake I have set this down as our Wednesday's 
work, but it was on Monday. 

Wednesday, 9.—I went to the Georgia Office, where, after some 
business done, we dined together at the Horn Tavern, and returned 
in the evening to our business. In the morning we were only a 
Board of Trustees : present, Captain Eyles in the chair, Egmont, 
Vernon, Oglethorp, Lapautre, Kendal, Hales. We signed a letter 
of attorney to Mr. Verelts to receive of the Treasury his Majesty's 
order for 2,500Z., but made it for 2,561Z., expecting the Treasury will 
remit us the odd pounds, which are the sixpence in the pound 
fees. 

In the afternoon Mr. George Heathcot came, and then we were 
a Board of Common Council. We gave directions for several 
necessaries for Georgia to be put on boaid, as powder, bullets, etc., 
and agreed with Mr. Simons for to leave six cannon, three pounders, 
for the use of the Saltsburg settlements. 

A Scotsman who had been nine years a linendraper in London, 
but failed, a fair behaved man, offered himself to go to Georgia 
on his own account, with a servant, and promised to satisfy Alder 
man Kendal that he goes not away in debt. He said he had 30Í. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 

129 

1734. 

to take with him. We agreed he should go if he gives the Board 

that satisfaction. 

We then entered upon the most serious affair of all, which is 
settling a tariff of trade with the Indians, for which purpose we 
sent for them down, but the Interpreter was drunk and we could 
not understand one another. We have ten or a dozen articles 
to settle with them, as blankets, guns, powder and shot, garters, 
saddles, etc., and we begun with blankets. We had found by 
enquiry that the Indians had been much imposed on in their trade, 
for the blankets which cost the Pedlar (who furnishes them with 
English goods) but 80 pound of leather, consisting of 16 blankets, 
is sold by that Pedlar to the Indians for 160 pound of leather, 
which is cent, per cent, profit to the Pedlar, including his charges 
of sending for those goods to Charlstown. We therefore, taking 
this into consideration, enquired how low the merchant of England 
can furnish blankets at Georgia, and Mr. Simons offered to do it 
75 or 80 pound of leather the piece. Then we proposed to our 
Interpreter Musgrove that if Mr. Simons delivered blankets to 
him on the spot at Georgia for that price he ought to be satisfied 
with a less price from the Indians than 160 pound, seeing his charge 
of bringing from Charlstown would be saved, as also the risk of 
rogues running away with his goods in their passage between 
Charlstown and Georgia, which sometimes happened. Musgrove 
then said he would ask of the Indians but nine, but being 
in drink so confounded the Indians that they did not understand 
our proposals. He also bolted out that the Indian pound is 
a pound and half of ours. So then we found that it was 
too great a gain to allow 6 pound of leather (of our weight) 
upon 5 pound English weight which he paid the English mer 
chant. 

Hereupon we desired Mr. Oglethorp to see what he could 
settle with the Indians to-morrow when Musgrove should be 
sober. 

When this business was over Mr. Hales, Mr. Vernon and I, trustees 
for Mr. Dalone's legacy by Dr. Bray's appointment, agreed to send 
10Z. worth of Dr. Bray's books to the two Scots missioners sent to 
convert Indians on the borders of New England, which is a present 
we make them for carrying on that good work, and requested of 
us by Governor Belcher. 

Thursday, 10.—I returned with my wife to Charlton this morning, 
but yesterday cousin Ned Le Grand (who some months ago had 
by mine and Ned South well's leave sold land that his father had 
secured for younger children's portions by will) came to me to tell 
me that he had bought South Sea annuity stock four per cents, 
with the greatest part of it; that cousin Southwell had accepted 
it in his own name, and was in possession of the receipt of 
the purchase thereof ; all which was orderly. He therefore 
desired to sign my acquittal to him of so much of that money 
as he had so disposed of, and put us in possession of. The 
money he sold the estate for was 3,600?., but 500Z. he kept 
back, and being part of his brother's portion, who had some 
debts to pay, and will be of age next June, we consented 
thereto. 

The money was thus laid out :— 

Wt. 5606. B 9 

 130 DIARY OF THE 

Oct. 10-28 
I. s. d. 

2,OOOZ. to South Sea annuity stock at four per cent., 
bought for 105 .. .. .. .. .. 2,100 

400Z. ditto bought at 104£ 

This cost 2,522Z. 10s. Od, and so 22Z. 10s. Qd. is to be 

returned to him. 

600Z. to ditto stock bought at 104J .. .. 
This cost 6271. 

0 0 

400 0 0 

600 0 0 

£3,100 0 0 

Remains by him to account to us 500Z. 

For this we gave him the following discharge :— 

25 September, 1734. 

To 2.000Z. South Sea annuities bought at 105 
To 400 ditto bought at 104J .. 

I. s. d. 

.. 2,100 0 0 

.. 422 10 0 

£2,522 10 0 

We do acknowledge to have received and accepted from Edward 
Le Grand, Esquire, the above South Sea annuity stock, being in 
full discharge of the sum of 2,500Z. which was left to Miss Helena 
Le Grand as her portion by the will of her father Lewis Le Grand, 
Esquire, and we do promise to be accountable for the same as 
tier trustees. 

EDWARD SOUTHWELL. 
EGMONT. 

M.D.—The odd 221. 10s. Qd. is to be repaid Mr. Le Grand by 
his mother. 

25 September, 1734. I. s. d. 
To 600Z. new South Sea annuities stock bought at 104£ 627 0 0 

We do acknowledge to have received and accepted from Edward 
Le Grand, Esquire, the above new South Sea annuity stock in 
part of discharge of the sum of 1,500Z., which was left to Will South- 
well Le Grand, Esquire, by the will of his father Lewis Le Grand, 
Esquire, and we do promise to be accountable for the same as his 
trustees. 

EDWARD SOUTHWELL. 
EGMONT. 

Wednesday, 16 Oct.—I went to town to the Georgia Office, 
where we spent the whole day and did business both as Trustees 
and Common Council. The members present were Mr. Oglethorp in 
the Chair of Common Council, Egmont, Hales, Thomas Towers, 
Hucks, Lapautre, Vernon in the chair of Trustees, Eyles, Mr. Smith 
and Dr. Bedford. Mr. Vereist, our accountant, reported that he 
had received from the Treasury 2,561Z. and paid it into the Bank ; 
that the fees of offices through which it passed had come to 140Z., 
but all the officers forgave them. We could not settle a tariff of 
trade with the Indians for want of a good interpreter, but we 
presented Musgrove, who came with them, 100Z. sterling for his 
trouble. 

We signed a grant of 2,500 acres to the Saltsburgers now going 
over and also a charter party with Mr. Symons, who carries them. 
Above 1,700Z. being drawn on us from Georgia, we ordered part 

FIRST EARL, OF EGMONT. 

131 

1734. 

thereof to be paid, because we knew the uses for which our magis 
trates there took it up ; the rest we have referred till further advice. 

We took a fortnight's time to consider of a proposal made us 
by the unladers of coal at London, who being oppressed in their 
wages by a set of ale house keepers, who have erected themselves 
into a society, have offered us in case we will procure them an 
Act of Parliament to regulate their affairs a certain sum on every 
chaldron, which will amount to 26,OOOZ. per annum, which they 
desire may be applied to the uses of Georgia. After other business 
of less consequence was settled, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Hales, Mr. Smith, 
Dr. Bedford and I, as Trustees of Dr. Bray and Mons. Dalone's 
Charity, signed a petition to my Lady Harrold, Mr. Lamb, and 
Mr. Cook to grant us some money out of the late Lord Thanet's 
Charity for to be employed in the instruction of negroes. We 
also signed another petition for money to augment parochial 
libraries. 

Thursday, 17.—I returned to Charlton to dinner. 

Monday, 21.—Upon special summons from the Georgia Board 
to make up a Common Council this day, it being the last of our 
meetings before the Indians embark, I went up and spent the 
whole day in drawing up a letter to our magistrates approving 
persons who go over etc. 

The Duke of Chandois having invited the Indians to Cannons to 
dinner, Mr. Oglethorp asked the King what he liked best there. 
He answered politely, the Duke's countenance. 

He saw a picture there of Adam newly created, with the beasts 
of the field about him, and being asked how he liked it, he answered 
very well : but that their tradition says Adam was a red man. 
The word Adam in Hebrew signifies red earth. 

Tuesday, 22.—I returned to Charlton to dinner. 

Wednesday, 23.—Dr. Couraye left my house for the winter. 
This day my niece Dering is ten years old. 

Monday, 28.—I went to town to sell out my niece's stock in the 
funds and my own, apprehending stock will fall, but it was a holiday, 
and I returned, without doing anything therein, to dinner. 

This evening Mr. Papillion, member for Dover, came to see me, 
and said he was descended from a Cardinal, nephew to Pope Nicolas 
the fifth. He forgot that then his ancestor was probably a bastard, 
since Cardinals are not allowed to marry. 'Tis true many have 
been made Cardinals after they married and their wives dead, 
but then he should have said so. I was unwilling to make him 
tell me more particulars. I hope he does not fancy himself sprung 
from a Pope's line because the first syllable of his name Pap-illion 
resembles the Latin word Papa. 

I stayed at Charlton the remainder of this month and the 
beginning of the next. 

On the 25th of this month died Hugh Boscowen, Lord Viscount 
Falmouth, of an apoplexy fit as he came downstairs, a blundering 
honest man, so that what was facetiously said of him many years ago 
upon a foolish speech he made in Parliament, ProcumMt humo Bos 
is now literally true. He had been always a zealous man for the 
succession in the house of Hanover, and had much hurt his estate, 
which was not above 3.000Í. per annum, in elections. He had 
once great employment at Court, and great power in the country, 

 132 DIARY OF THE 

Oct. 28-Nov. 16 

till Sir Robert Walpole stripped him of the latter by making Mr. 
Edgcomb the disposer of the Government's money for buying the 
Cornish elections for members in Parliament and thereupon my 
Lord flung up the former. Oliver Cromwell went out in a memorable 
storm, this Lord in an earthquake which frighted multitudes in 
Hampshire, Derbyshire .etc., but did no hurt. I doubt if there 
will be a poet that will compliment his Lordship upon it, as Waller 
complimented Oliver. He was unhappy in his family, his eldest 
son not behaving in the manner he expected with regard to him. 

Sunday, 3 November.—Mr. Gay visited me. Among other 
things he told me that lately Mr. Rider, surgeon to Greenwich 
Hospital (a very eminent man in his profession), gave four pound, 
one immediately after another, to a gentleman who had the twisting 
of the guts, and that the last pound forced a passage. He also 
told me that quicksilver is the only thing that helps him in his 
asthma. 

Monday, 4.—I went with my wife and daughter to town for 
some days. In the morning I stopped at Georgia Office, where 
I was summoned to meet the Trustees of Dr. Bray and Dalone's 
Charity for conversion of negroes. There were present Mr. Smith, 
Mr. Bedford, Mr. Anderson and Captain Coram. We signed two 
petitions to the Trustees of the late Lord Thanet's Charity, one 
for money to increase parochial libraries, the other for money for 
conversion of negroes. 

Mr. Vereist, our accountant, told me that when the Indians went 
on board, Mr. Oglethorpe asked the Micho or King, Tomachiki, 
whether he was not rejoiced to return to his own country ? to which 
he replied that he. was very glad to go home, but to part tvith him was 
like the day of death. An answer thought very elegant (being 
offhand) by all to whom I have told it. My daughter Hanmer 
and son dined with us, and passed the evening at our house. 

Tuesday, 5.—I went to the city, to sell my niece's stock, which 
being all but 100Z. at three per cent., I judged it prudent to let it 
lie by rather than run the hazard of that stock falling, which must 
certainly be the case if we should go into war, for then those who 
now have but three per cent, will sell out to get a greater interest 
from the Government ; besides that, of course, all old funds sink 
in time of war. But I found nobody would buy. I sold, however, 
my niece's 100Z. in the four per cent.'s, with 3001. of my own, and 
left a letter of attorney with Mr. Wright to receive the money, who 
is to lodge it with Mr. Hoar the banker. 

_ At my return out of the city I went to Court. The Queen con 
tinued so ill as not to have a drawing room. I dined at home, and 
in the evening went to the opera, where I heard the finest voice 
that Europe affords, Faranelli, lately come over. 

Wednesday, 6.—I made a new resignation of my trust to Dr. 
Henry Moore's children and sent it to him at his desire to Dublin. 
I went to the Georgia Office upon a summons of a Common Council 
to pay divers tradesmen's bills, but instead of the number 8, we 
were only Mr. Lapautre, Mr. Vernon, and myself. As Trustees, 
Mr. Lapautre being in the chair, we wrote a letter to the Baron 
Van Reck to stop the coming of 100 Moravians, whom he wrote 
word to the Society for Promoting Knowledge were coming under 
his conduct for England to embark for Georgia. Of this we had 

FIRST EARL OF BGMONT. 133 

1734. 

no manner of previous notice, nor had he when he left England the 
least encouragement to do this, neither have we money to defray 
their embarkation. By information of one of the Society for 
Promoting Christian Knowledge we learned that these Moravians 
are a lot of enthusiasts, the descendants of the ancient Hussites, 
who, having been miserably persecuted by the Papists, are now 
under the protection of a Baron Sindersdorf, himself an enthusiast, 
who, though a layman, preaches. They desired only land, and 
that we would defray the charges of their passage, intending to 
convert the Indians, and relying on Providence for subsistence. 
If we had money we should not have settled them in Georgia, for 
there is no knowing how to manage enthusiasts who take it in 
their head that everything which comes uppermost is the immediate 
impulse of the spirit of God. 

I dined at home, and in Jhe evening went to the Wednesday's 
Music Club for the first time this winter. 

Thursday, 7.—This morning I visited my son Hanmer, my brother 
Percival, and Mr. Clerke, and then returned home to Charlton to 
dinner. 

The mystery of the Princess of Orange's return so suddenly 
from Colchester in her way to Harwich is unfolded. Sir Robert 
Walpole had news from the merchants that the Prince, her husband, 
had had a duel with a Prince of Baden wherein both were wounded. 
He would not acquaint their Majesties with it whilst the Princess was 
at Court because they might too suddenly have imparted it to her, 
but after her setting out he did, on which they sent after her to 
return back, on pretence that the Prince did not design to be in 
Holland so soon as he had writ some time before. Soon after 
came letters that he was well, and then she set out again for Harwich. 
This duel was occasioned by an accident. The Prince being a hunting, 
his horse ran away with him and jostled the Prince of Baden. 
Every one saw there could be no design in it, and the Prince of 
Orange made his excuse. Nevertheless, the other, like a brute, 
soon after set spurs to his horse and purposely rode against the 
Prince of Orange, and almost unhorsed him. This the latter could 
not bear, and, like a man of honour, challenged him. They fought 
and he was slightly wounded, but he wounded likewise the other 
in his sword arm and disarmed him. It was a shame almost to 
encounter so weak a made and little man as the Prince of Orange, but 
he got the greater glory by it. 

Friday, 8.—I had letters this week from Harwich that Alderman 
Baker and Alderman Dean set up for Mayor, and that they are 
like to fall out about it, Baker using Dean and his father-in-law, 
Philipson, as ill as he did use Clements. 

Saturday, 9.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, 10.—Communicated at Charlton. 

Monday, 11.—Summoned up to Georgia, but could not go, my 
harness being in town. 

Tuesday, 12. Wednesday, 13. Thursday, 14. Friday, 15.—Stayed 
at home. 

Saturday, 16.—Stayed at home. I had an account from London 
that the Countess of Suffolk (Henrietta Hobart) has totally retired 
from Court, which is a great surprise, she having been all the time 
she was a dresser there esteemed the greatest favorite their Majesties 

 'I 

ι 

134 DIARY OP THE 

Nov. 16-Dec. 11 

had, and it is known the King would spend hours alone with her 
when none else were admitted, insomuch that she suffered (though 
very unjustly) in her reputation by it. It was her good sense and 
agreeable carriage that made the King so distinguish her, and 
though she was at that time very handsome, it gave her Majesty 
no jealousy or uneasiness. When her husband, then Colonel 
Howard, came to the Earldom, she was promoted to be Lady of 
the Bedchamber, and he being a surly, incompatible man com 
manded her to leave the Court, but she chose to disobey him, and 
remain there, whereupon he abandoned her to the day of his death. 
It is probable that Six Robert Walpole has worked her out of favour, 
she not being of his party. It was observed that the King did not 
speak to her from the time she returned from Bath. 

Sunday, 17. Monday, 18. Tuesday, 19.—Stayed at home. 

Wednesday, 20.—Went with my wife to town and attended the 
Common Council at Georgia. Mr. Vernon in the chair, Mr. Ogle- 
thorp, Lord Egmont, George Heathcot, Dr. Bundy, Mr. Hucks, 
Thomas Towers, Lord Carpenter. We ordered a gratuity of 50Z. 
to our accountant, Mr. Vereist, for his trouble attending the Indians 
whilst here, and 12 guineas to Adderton, our housekeeper, and 
impressed 400Z. to Mr. Heathcot, our treasurer. I dined at home, 
and visited Mr. Clerke, who put into my hands his will to keep. 
He told me he had left a legacy to Lord Grantham in acknowledg 
ment of his favours to him, but everything else to me, and added 
abundance of kind expressions, wherein he professed that I was 
the raiser of his fortune, having laid the foundation of it by my 
friendship and generosity to him when he entered the world. 

I have put this will with Colonel Schutz' and my own in my 
wainscot press drawer, the 7th, entitled ——. 

Afterwards I visited brother Parker, who told me that Baker 
and others are fallen out with Philipson about the election of a 
Mayor ; that he had written to Baker to offer him his assistance ; 
who had returned his thanks to him, and set down on paper who 
would be for him, who against, and who would not declare, as 
Captain Dumaresque, Captain Lucas, Coleman etc. 

Thursday, 21.—This morning I visited Colonel Schutz, son 
Hanmer, and brother Percival, and then with my wife returned to 
Charlton by dinner time. 

Tuesday, 26.—I stayed at home till this day. The Queen con 
tinues still ill, and there are various reports about it. Some say 
she takes it to heart that the Countess of Suffolk is retired from 
Court, because the Countess of Tankerville being to succeed her 
in the place of Wardrobe, she is not a person proper to preserve the 
good correspondence between the King and herself that is necessary 
for her influencing his Majesty in the manner she has been used 
to do ; and others say that Sir Robert Walpole, who would have 
the Countess of Suffolk removed because not his friend, has advised 
her Majesty to seem concerned at this removal that no odium 
may lie upon him for it, it being known that he governs by his 
interest in her Majesty, so that what she shows may be taken also 
for his sentiments. 

Wednesday, 27.—I went with my daughter Helena to town, 
who set me down at the Georgia Society, where I was summoned 
to a Board of Trustees. Mr. Holland in the chair, Mr. Oglethorp, 
Vernon, Thomas Towers, Archer, Egmont, Hucks, and Smith present. 

FIRST EARL OP EGMONT. 

135 

1734. 

A letter from Lord Harrington, Secretary of State, enclosing another 
from Mr. Walpole from the Hague to him, was read, importing that 
fifty families of Swiss were come to Holland with resolution to 
embark for England in hopes to be sent to Georgia. His lordship 
desired to know what should be done with them. 

We drew up an answer that they came unsent for by us, who 
when we sent for foreigners took care to condition for them ; that, 
however, we would do what we could for them if his Majesty should 
think of sending them to Georgia, and enable us thereto, we having 
spent all our money in the late embarkations. 

A letter was also read from the Baron van Reek, acquainting us 
that on receipt of our letter of 6th inst. he had stopped the Moravian 
Protestants from coming, in hopes that next spring we should have 
money to carry them to Georgia. 

No letters yet arrived from Georgia, which is strange. 

I dined with my daughter Hanmer, and then carried her and 
Helena to our public music at the Crown and Anchor, where the 
crowd of auditors was very great ; Faranelli, Curona, and Mr. 
Matheis were our singers, and we had 24 perfoimers on instruments. 
107 wax candles lighted the room, and all came away contented. 

Thursday, 28.—This morning I visited Mr. Frank Clerke and 
Lord Wilmington, who told me he foretold my son would lose his 
election last year. I replied, I remembered it and suspected it, 
but could scarce believe it would in the end prove so. That I had 
not only been hardly used, but very badly. He said he was sorry 
for it, and that Sir Robert Walpole said he had no hand in it, and 
meant to serve my son (which he added might possibly be true), 
but when Lord Harrington was resolved to have his brother in, 
Sir Robert said he would -not meddle or make. I said Sir Robert 
had told me that if a thiid body interposed he would drop Mr. 
Leathes in favour of my son. That, replied my lord, he might 
indeed have done. 

At twelve I returned with my daughter home to dinner at 
Charlton. 

Friday, 29. Saturday, 30.—Stayed at home. 

Sunday, 1 December.—This day I could not go to church by 
reason of a cold that confined me till the week following at home. 

Monday, 2. Tuesday, 3.—This day I had an account of the Earl of 
Abercom's death in London, which is a great loss.to the Georgia 
Corporation, he having promised 100Z. a year to it while he lived. 
He was a man of great honour and sincerity, courage and breeding, 
and of as much public spirit as I ever was acquainted with, but 
passionate and of no great depth of understanding, yet very passable 
with mankind by reason of his virtues. 

This day my son and daughter Hanmer came to stay with us a 
fortnight. 

Stayed at home till Wednesday, llth. 

Wednesday, 11.—Went to town on a summons of the Georgia 
Society to issue money for payment of a bül drawn by Jenys and 
Baker for 238Í. 9s. 8d., and other affairs. Mr. Lapautre in the 
chair of Common Council, Dr. Bundy afterwards in the Trustee 
chair, Mr. Vernon, Hucks, Oglethoip, La Roche, Egmont, Thomas 
Towers, George Heathcot. We ordered money to be paid on divers 
accounts, and particularly to Mr. Simmons for freight of passengers, 

 "V1 r- 

Í36 DIAKY OF THE 

Dec. 11-25 

awning, cabin for the Indians, alterations etc., on board ship ; 
suspended payment of a bill which was drawn as per advice, but of 
which advice has not yet come. Ordered that Bullfinch Lamb 
shall have his 500 acres laid out so as part may touch a river, he 
intending to build ships. Ordered that Mr. Quincey, minister of 
Savannah, send us constantly duplicates of the account he sends 
to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, of the 
state of his parish, and likewise send us copies of that duplicate 
by the next ship. Ordered also that 2001. being paid to us for the 
religious uses of Georgia, the glebe land of Savannah be railed in 
out of that money. 

I dined at the Horn Tavern with Mr. Oglethorp, La Roche, 
Vernon and Mr. Vereist. In the evening I visited the Bishops of 
Rochester and Lichfield. They told me it will be decided in a 
week whether Dr. Rundle shall be a Bishop or no. The Court 
inclines for him, and the Chancellor persists to demand it, but 
the Bishop of London is peremptory against him, and the rest of 
the Bishops, one or two excepted, adhere to him. He is a generous, 
charitable man, has learning and agreeable conversation, but has 
always passed for an Arian. The Bishop of London says, if he will 
clear himself of that, he will have no objection to him, but he has 
not done it. He is likewise accused of having ridiculed the history 
of Abraham's intention to sacrifice Isaac, but this was about fourteen 
years ago, a matter in private conversation. He was preferred to 
the livings he holds and a prebendary in Durham by the la,te Bishop, 
Dr. Talbot, who was himself suspected of favouring Arianism by 
reason he disposed of preferments to some who were professedly 
Arians, and his second son died one. A schoolmaster known to 
be such and complained against was still kept in his employment, 
and he preferred Mr. Lawrence, the same who writ upon gardening, 
to a living of 500Z. after he had preached that it was downright 
idolatry to pray to Christ. His parishioners accusing him thereof 
to the Bishop, he so far obliged them as to remove him from their 
parish, but thereupon gave him the living first mentioned, which 
was a much better one. 

The Bishop of Rochester promised me to remind the Bishop of 
London to present Dr. Bearcroft, my son's first tutor, to the Duke 
of Grafton to be made King's Chaplain. 

Thursday, 12.—I visited Mr. Francis Clerke and brother Percival, 
and then returned to dinner at Charlton. I heard that the rebel 
negroes in Jamaica have lately defeated the white inhabitants 
who went out against them in two parties, and that a negro priest 
among them had writ to the Court of Spain that they desire her 
protection, having never submitted to the English ever since the 
conquest in Cromwell's time, but kept their mountains in defence 
of the right which Spain has over that island. That the Ministry 
have forbid the newspapers to insert this. 

Wednesday, 18.—I had a summons to Georgia. The business 
was to consider of paying a bill drawn by Cotton, one of our bailiffs 
at Georgia, of 501. for provision taken up, of which no advice is 
come ; but its being very bad weather, and my cold not entirely 
clear, I stayed at Charlton. 

Friday, 20.—This day my son and daughter Hanmer returned 
to town. 

FIRST EAEL Of BGMONT. 

137 

1734. 

Saturday, 21.—This day my wife is forty-five years old. 

Wednesday, 25.—This being Xmas Day, the Georgia Board 
did not meet. I stayed in the country and communicated. Dr. 
Warren, our minister, preached and dined with me. He told me 
what I have since heard confirmed, that his Majesty lately desired 
my Lord Chancellor Talbot's private opinion touching an article 
in the late King's will, whereby, as is said, was left to Lady Walsing- 
ham, his bastard daughter (now Lady Chesterfield), 30.000Z., a 
large sum of money, not yet paid. My Lord Chancellor, disgusted 
at the disappointment Dr. Rundle, his friend, has met with in not 
succeeding to a bishopric, replied he hoped his Majesty would 
excuse him from giving his private opinion since it would come 
before him in court. Thereupon his Majesty said to him, " My 
Lord, you are but a young lord and a young Chancellor. Consider 
what I have done for you in making you Chancellor over the head 
of my Lord Hardwick, who was your senior in the law." 

To which my Lord Chancellor replied, " Sir, I neither asked to 
be a lord or Chancellor, and as to doing for me, does your Majesty 
then think you have done too much ? I have lost more by accepting 
the Chancellorship than any of my predecessors." 

To soften my lord, two intimate friends of his have been 
nominated Bishops, Dr. Seeker, minister of St. James's, and Dr. 
Bentson, Prebend of Durham. He had been offered before the 
recommending any other person than Dr. Rundle, to show him 
that it was the character only of that gentleman that obliged his 
Majesty to decline his promise, which was made sans connaissance 
de cause. But his lordship would recommend nobody, nor wish 
these two Bishops joy when they came to wait upon him after 
their nomination above mentioned ; and when his Majesty desired 
him to give him back his promise in favour of Rundle, he replied 
he could not do it, but his Majesty was master to do as he pleased. 

Dr. Seeker I knew nothing of till he came to be minister of St. 
James's, the parish I live in. He was at that time and is still a Pre 
bend of Durham ; his preaching gained him reputation in that 
remote city, and he lost nothing of his fame by coming to London 
and preaching to more refined auditories. His agreeable person 
and outward behaviour, civility of manners, and discreet behaviour, 
together with the graceful delivery of his sermons, do all contribute 
to make him friends and give a lustre to his learning, so that his 
nomination to the bishopric of Bristol has given universal satis 
faction, not only to the laity, but to the clergy also, though he was 
bred a dissenter. He told me that with his bishopric he keeps 
St. James's Parish and his prebendary. The revenue of Bristol 
being no more than 360Z. a year, out of which he is to pay 271. a 
year tenths, and maintain a steward, so that the true profits are 
but 300Z. per annum, and there is QOOl. to be paid first fruits. 

Dr. Bentson is a prebend of Durham and has besides some living. 
He is nominated to the see of Gloucester, a man of good reputation 
for learning and morals. He had before asked for the Deanery 
of Carlisle, but could not get it. When this bishopric was offered 
him he declined it on account of his ill-health and love of a more 
private life, and recommended Dr. Mawson, head of a College in 
one of the Universities, thereto, who likewise refusing to be a 
Bishop, the Court returned to Dr. Bentson and obliged him to 

 "il 

138 DlAEY OF THE 

Dec. 26-Jaii. 2 

accept it, telling him there was a necessity to look out persons of 
his merit to make Bishops of, besides that it might be a means 
to pacify his friend my Lord Chancellor for the disappointment he 
met with in respect to Dr. Ruiidle. 

Monday, 30.—To-day I went with my wife and daughter to 
town and remained there till Thursday. 

Tuesday, 31.—I visited Mr. Clerke, August Schutz, my son 
Hanmer, Lord Graiitham, brother Parker, and went to Court, 
where the King and Queen and Prince spoke to me. The Queen 
talked with me at least half an hour upon my collection of printed 
Heads, Dr. Couraye, the history of France, gardening, painting, 
flattery, and divers political and moral subjects. She said she had 
not seen me a great while, which was a rub for my not being so 
frequently at Court as usual. I replied I was not now so much 
in town as formerly. She asked me how far I was come down 
with my Heads. I said to the year 1660. " Then you are come," 
replied she, " to the fine gravers, Naiiteuil, Masson, etc. Well, 
it is a great curiosity that your collection, and very useful too, in 
calling to mind all the great people of past time ; those gravers 
lived in Louis 14th time, and he was a great encourager of arts." 

" Yes, Madam," said I, " great Princes are so. I wish we had 
academies here such as he set up, that our youth might learn at 
home such things as are ornaments to our country, and bring 
honour to our Princes. It is the proper business of ministers to 
put these things into their masters' heads, and Louis the 14th 
knew how to choose his ministers." " Yes," said the Queen, 
" he had great men under him. Moiis. Colbert was one, and so was 
Louvois." This led up into the characters of the great men of 
that reign. Then we fell insensibly on the subject of flattery, 
and I told her flatterers were fools, for generally Princes see through 
it. " True," said she, " and therefore it must be done very gently 
and fine." Soon after which Sir John Rushout telling her that we 
owe our best tact of gardening to her, she replied, " Yes, indeed, 
I think I may say that I have introduced that, in helping nature, 
not losing it in art." It were too long to write the rest of the 
conversation. 

I dined at home, and in the evening visited Cousin Le Grand 
and other acquaintances. 

This day a soldier was hanged for murder near Somerset House ; 
the wretch died drunk and blaspheming. 

1734-5. 

Í-IEST EARL OP EGMONT. 

1735. 

139 

1 January, 1734-5, Wednesday.—This morning I visited Colonel 
Brown of the Guards, who two or three days ago agreed with me for 
my house, late Gumly's, in Pall Mall. He takes it for his brother, 
Sir Robert Brown, a rich Venetian merchant, now on his return, 
and member of Parliament for Ilchester. His rent is certain from 
the 6th of this month for six months at 1501., with liberty to hold 
it a year for 200Z. I then visited Sir John Evelyn to speak in 
favour of Davis, Collector of Harwich, who wrote me a week ago 
his apprehension that he should be turned out by the malice of 
young Philipson and Manley, Secretary of the Customs, for having 
voted for my son. 

I dined with brother Percival, and in the evening went to the 
club at the Crown Tavern. 

My brother Parker told me he was this morning at Court, where 
there was a great deal of company to congratulate their Majesties 
on the New Year. That Sir Robert Walpole spying him, pulled 
him by the button to the window and told him he had not seen 
him since the affair of Harwich, and then fell to swearing so many 
horrid oaths that he did all he could for my son's election as made 
my brother's hair rise on his head. He told him it was my Lord 
Harringtoii's doing alone. He would fain draw from my brother 
a confession that he believed him, but my brother made no other 
reply than, " Sir, I have had obligations to you," and so with a cool 
bow left him. I am sorry Sir Robert should swear at that rate ; 
whoever peruses my narrative of that proceeding will judge whether 
he swore true. 

My brother also told me that Mr. Hill, the Commissioner of the 
Customs, endeavoured to persuade him that none but Lord Harring- 
ton and Mr. Leathes were in fault. In a word, all Sir Robert's 
creatures endeavour to excuse him, but they do it very awkwardly 
and on different grounds. Sometimes they say Sir Robert really 
favoured my son to the last ; others only for a time ; and Sir Robert 
himself tells the story differently, for to Lord Wilmingtoii he said 
he intended my son's service until Lord Harringtoii interposed, 
and then he desisted ; to the Court, that he was sincere to the end, 
and you see how he swore to my brother Parker. 

Thursday, 2.—This day I visited Mr. John Temple, who told 
me my son lost his election for some words he spoke against Sir 
Robert Walpole when at Harwich, whereupon the voters invited 
Lord Harringtoii's brother down, and Sir Robert would not from 
that time serve my son. I told him my son said nothing against 
Sir Robert there or anywhere else ; he was not such a fool, since he 
hoped for Sir Robert's assistance, but the scheme of Mr. Stanhope's 
being chosen was settled long before, and I know that Mr. Leathes 
and he had dined together to settle it. He replied my son had, 
however, been too free in talking his sentiments, and if I had stood 
I should have been chosen without trouble. I replied nothing 
could excuse Sir Robert's carrying so fair with me to the last, that 
he was satisfied as to my son who had waited on him, and yet under 
hand broke my interest by means of Mr. Leathes, whom yet he 
promised me to drop in favour of my son in case a third body should 

 140 DIARY OF THE 

Jan. 2-8 

stand. That Sir Robert does not pretend to dislike my son, but 
lays the only fault on Lord Harrington, though he did all he could 
to break my interest, and his brother Horace at Harwich set the 
voters against my son. That Sir Robert's creatures do give out 
different reports in order to justify his proceeding, and think it 
proper to accuse my son of indiscretions : because knowing the 
truth of the thing they would by a lie excuse Sir Robert's purpose 
to defeat my son, but I should take it very ill of any friend of 
mine who would not believe the story as I tell it, rather than Sir 
Robert's creatures. Sir Robert himself swears he had no hand 
in it, but really intended my son's service : his creatures say ho 
did not intend it and pretend to give the reason and justify him 
therein. Which is to be believed ? But my story is one and 
hangs together. He asked me if I don't, however, go to Court ? I 
answered yes, but not to Sir Robert. 

I returned this day to Charlton to dinner, and stayed there till 
the 6th. 

Monday, 6th.—This day I went with' my family to town, and 
dined there. In the evening I visited Dr. Rollings and brother 
Parker. My brother told me that General Wade informed him 
he dined some time before the present Parliament was elected with 
Bacon Morris at my Lord Harrington's, and that Morris offered 
the borough of Harwich to my lord. I afterwards went to the 
French play. 

Tuesday, 7.—I visited Dr. Hunter and then went to the Georgia 
Society on a particular summons relating to Swiss and Germans to 
be sent at his Majesty's expense to our Colony. Present : Mr. Hucks 
m the Trustees' chair, Egmont in the Common Council chair, Lord 
Limerick, Lord Carpenter, Mr. Heathcote, Dr. Bundy, La Roche, 
Vernon, Oglethorpe, Lapautre, Chandler, Captain Eyles. Upon 
application made to his Majesty from the gentlemen concerned 
in supporting the Colony of Purysburg, he was pleased to order 
1,200Z. to be lent towards sending thither and to Georgia 200 Swiss 
and Germans, for which he allows the transport of 61. per head, 
but this money is to be repaid as the people for whose use his Majesty 
advances this sum are able. His Majesty desired our Board would 
take the care of transporting them as being best used thereto, 
but when the money is paid back he is pleased it shall go to erecting 
an English school at Purysburg, of which our Board has the direc 
tion, and the money is therefore to be paid by the Purysburgers 
to us for that end. 

We thereupon agreed this day with a captain to carry them, 
which is all expected of us. Colonel Johnson, Governor of Carolina, 
having prepared means for their subsistence, about 80 persons are 
already here, and will embark in a few days. The rest are daily 
expected. There go over to Georgia at the same time ten 
Protestants of Lusatia, or Moravians, with a minister, the subjects 
of Count Sinzendorf, a Protestant nobleman of that country 
who being overburdened with people who, to avoid persecution 
from the Papists, retired on his land, has desired a grant of 500 acres 
to place some of them in Georgia. They are the remains of the 
Fratres Bohemice, descendants of Huss and a pious people. They 
will be followed by more. His steward came with them to see 
them embarked, and then to return to give his master an account. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 141 

1734-5. 

We ordered forthwith a grant of 500 acres to the Count, and next 
Thursday our Common Council will meet to pass it in the usual 
form. We also acquainted them that their minister for his 
encouragement should have a garden and plot to build on in 
Savannah town, and that when they had improved their master's 
land, or were dismissed his service, they should have twenty acres 
of land each for themselves. 

We imprest 400Í. to Mr. Heathcote to pay some bills of which 
we had this day advice. Our cash grows very low, having but 
700Í. left, of which this 400Í. is part, as also three presents reported 
this day, viz. from the Dean and Chapter of Westminster 201., 
from Mr. Watts 501. and from John Temple, esq., 101. 10s. We 
depend on the Parliament for money. 

The accounts of Mr. Chardon, our merchant at Charlestown, 
came this day, and we referred them to the Committee of Accounts 
to examine ; as also an answer to his letter to the Committee of 
Correspondence. 

The case of John Roberts, Esq., was read, setting forth that he had 
a just claim to a barony within the province of Georgia consisting 
of 12,000 acres. We resolved unanimously that his prétentions were 
not good, and approved of reasons drawn up to show the contrary. 

Some letters were read from Mr. Eveleigh, a merchant in Charles- 
town, acquainting us that he had been at Savannah and found 
80 houses already built and 40 more building, besides additions 
making to some already built. That the houses let for 151. sterling 
per annum, though they cost but 151. to build, and the garden lands 
20 shillings per acre. That the people are in good health but 
uneasy that they are not allowed the use of negro slaves. That 
the Lacys and Etheringtons seated at Thunderbolt have built a 
fort mounted with cannon and go on successfully in making potash. 
He advises the building several forts and particularly on the south 
of the river Atamahala, but that being without our limits (for 
that river is our southern boundary) it cannot be done. His reason 
is an apprehension that the Spaniards wiïl otherwise erect a fort 
there, which may annoy our own if we should build one on our own 
side of the river. He further tells us that a Spanish captain with 
soldiers had been seen thereabouts, probably to observe our pro 
ceedings. He advises the removing some Indians nearer to our 
town. That he had found out a way to preserve the eggs of the 
silkworm, that above 100,000 of mulberry trees planted by us 
come up, that there is vast quantity of wood for masts, and crooked 
timber for building ships. Finally, that one Watson, the partner 
of Musgrove, who came over interpreter to the Indians, hath kept 
one of our Indian warriors in his house till the poor wretch drunk 
himself dead, which may prove of dangerous consequence, the 
rest of the Indians alleging he was killed by him and demanding 
satisfaction, which Causton, our bailiff, is unwilling to give them, 
by putting the Englishman into their hands, but is desirous to 
punish him according to our own law. 

I dined at home with my brother Percival's family, and at 
night went to Covent Garden playhouse to see The Plotting Sisters. 

Wednesday, 8.—I visited Mr. Temple, Mr. Vernon, Dr. Seeker, 
Bishop of Bristol, and Colonel Schutz. Son and daughter Hanmer 
dined with me. 

 142 DIARY OF THE 

Jan. 8-21 

This day as violent a storm as I have seen did much mischief 
in town to numbers of houses, and many lost their lives in the 
streets by the fall of chimneys etc. Also, last night, a violent fire 
broke out at St. Catherine's beyond the Tower, which burnt above 
thirty houses and many persons in their beds, besides two ships 
in the river. 

Thursday, 9.—I went to St. James's Vestry and returned to 
Charlton to dinner. 

Sunday, 12.—Communicated at Charlton. 

Monday, 13.—Went to town and dined there. Dr. Bearcroft 
dined with me. I promised that if a lecture were set up against 
Popery in the manner of Boyle's lecture against Atheism, I would 
contribute one-third. He said he would mention it to the Bishop 
of London. 

Tuesday, 14.—I visited Frank Clerke, Mr. Duncomb, son Hanmer 
and brother Percival. Went to Bartlet Buildings to a meeting 
of the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, where were 
present the new Bishops of Gloucester and Bristol, Archdeacon 
Den, Mr. Vernon, Sir John Gunston, Sir John Philips and 
others. 

Wednesday, 15.—I called on Mr. Soley and desired him to dispatch 
the renewal of my lease from the Crown for my two houses in 
Pall Mall. 

I visited the Speaker to compliment him on his being re-chosen 
unanimously by the present Parliament. He told me there were 
452 members took the oaths that day. 

Afterwards I went to the Georgia Society, where were present 
Mr. La Röche in the chair of Trustees, Mr. Oglethorp in the chair 
of Common Councñ, Lord Tyrconnel, Lord Carpenter, Lord Egmont, 
George Heathcote, Hucks, Captain Eyles, Thomas Towers, Mr. 
White, Holland, Moor, Vernon, Dr. Bundy. Some benefactions 
were reported. A petition to the Treasury was read and debated, 
for granting us the house the Treasury now meet in, for to be our 
office when they enter the new building, but we thought fit to lay 
it aside lest we should appear too importunate for favours at a 
time when we expect greater matters from the Parliament. 

A letter was read from Mr. Lownds, proposing to discover to us 
a project for raising a great sum of money both in present and 
annually for the benefit of our Colony, conditionally that he have 
6 per cent, of the money when obtained by us. It was not to be 
at the expense of public, but an advantage to it. It was referred 
as desired by him to Mr. Vernon, Sloper, Oglethorpe and me to 
discourse him upon it. 

The Swiss designed for Purysburg having, as we were informed 
by Mr. Oglethorpe, objected to the terms on which his Majesty 
lends them 1.200Z. to pay for their passage thither, we suspended 
concluding the charter party for their passage till satisfied of their 
resolution. One of their objections is that they do not care to be 
bound one for t'other for repayment of the money, in which we 
resolved we would make them easy and take their private bonds. 
Another, that they did not like the double penalty of their bonds, 
which, being the English form, they'are unacquainted with. A 
third, that it is too hard to pay 10 per cent, interest, when the 
English interest is but five, but that interest is Carolina money and 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 143 

1734-5. 

as the money is to be recovered, if necessity be, by law there, we 

are bound to follow the interest of that country. 

I dined at home, and afterwards went to Handel's Opera. 

Thursday, 16.—I returned to Charlton to dinner and stayed 
there tül the 20th. 

Monday, 20.—This morning I went early to town with Mrs. and 
Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Dawney and Lord Mansel, who desired I would 
appear with them as a friend to countenance their cause which 
was this morning to be determined by the Lord Chancellor, who 
should be guardian of Lord Mansel, now fourteen years old. Mrs. 
Blackwood, his mother, desired earnestly that she might be one, 
and Mr. Dawney another in conjunction with Mr. Ivory Talbot, 
knight of the shire for Wiltshire, who has petitioned to be the 
alone guardian as next relation to my Lord, being his uncle-in-law, 
for the Mansel family did not like that the mother, being married 
a second time, should be guardian, and Bushy Mansel, my Lord's 
uncle on the father's side, declined the trouble. My Lord Mansel, 
who had experienced his mother's care to be as great since her 
marriage to Mr. Blackwood as before, earnestly desired she might 
be one, and thought it a reflection on her and her husband's reputa 
tion if she should be excluded. Neither did she care that Mr. 
Talbot, whose wife is mad, who has two young daughters of my 
Lord's age, and is himself given to -drink, should have the sole 
management of her son's education. Besides, my young Lord will 
at eighteen years old be able to make a will, and having a con 
siderable personal estate, if the Mansel family should prevail on 
him to make one in favour of his uncle Bushy Mansel's children, 
then the children which Mrs. Blackwood has by her second husband 
will lose that personal estate which otherwise would fall to them, 
and it was reasonable, as she was a great fortune to the Mansel 
family, that something should come to her children by Mr. Black- 
wood. She therefore proposed that Mr. Dawney should be joined 
with Mr. Talbot in case she might not be herself allowed one of 
the guardians, to prevent the mischief she apprehended from 
Mr. Talbot, if he were alone appointed. 

My Lord, having heard counsel on both sides, appointed that 
Mr. Talbot and Mr. Bushy Mansel should be two for the Mansel 
famuy and Mr. Dawney and Mrs. Blackwood the others. 

I afterwards went to the Prince's Levee, being his birthday, 
where there was a very great crowd. He very obligingly thanked 
me for coming, adding he knew I did not appear there like many 
others out of form, but because I loved him. 

I dined at home, and then went to the French play. 

Tuesday, 21.—I visited Frank Clerke and Cousin Le Grand, 
and then went to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 
at Bartlet Buildings, where there was a deliberation about 
reprinting some controversial tracts against Popery. I com 
plained of a New Testament reprinted about three years ago by 
the Papists, without name of the printer, under the name of G. W——, 
with Popish notes on all the texts which they make use of in their 
controversy with the Protestants. That this Testament was sold 
by Protestant as well as Popish booksellers, and must needs do 
greater harm than other books of controversy, because few people 
embark into a vast reading in comparison of those who read the 

 " , ,1.' 

144 DIAEY OF THE 

Jan. 21-27 

New Testament, which is in every family. I therefore proposed 
that the Society would engage some learned clergyman to make 
Protestant notes on controversial text in the same manner the 
Papists had done, and to publish the New Testament. It was 
ordered to be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, and I 
was desired to send them -my copy of the book I complained of. 

I then went to the Georgia Society, summoned to execute the 
charter party for embarking the Swiss and for other business. 
It was my turn to be both in the Common Council and Trustee 
chair. There were present Egmont, Tyrconnel, Carpenter, Mr. 
Digby, Mr. White, Mr. Moor, Sir William Heathcote, George Heath- 
cote, Mr. Hucks, Mr. Digby. We put the seal to the charter party 
for sending 87 Swiss to Purysburg and 10 Fratres Bohemice to 
Georgia, which last go on their own account to cultivate the 500 
acres granted to Count Sinzendorf's people. His Majesty having 
altered his mind and resolved to send but one hundred Swiss instead 
of two, as he first designed, and for that end having lent those Swiss 
600?. instead of 1,200?., we passed a -letter of attorney to our 
accountant Mr. Vereist to receive at the Treasury 600Z. 

Our cash being now almost all expended, and there being divers 
presents of money made the Trustees to be applied to particular 
uses, it was thought proper to order a ledger to be added to our 
account books, that it might be distinctly seen what sums were 
paid to us for such particular uses and how much thereof expended, 
in order to avoid the diverting those particular sums to the general 
use of the Colony. 

At four o'clock I returned home to dinner and in the evening went 
to the French play. 

The late high wind had blown down Sir Robert Walpole's kitchen 
in St. James' Square, on which occasion, on the first day of the 
Sessions, which was Tuesday last, Sir John Hind Cotton, meeting 
Sir Robert Walpole in the House of Commons, said to him, " Your 
foundation is bad and won't stand," alluding both to the fall of the 
kitchen and Sir Robert's administration. Sir Robert replied, " I 
know what you mean, my kitchen ; I've no concern in that house, 
but I've a new one at the Cockpit which will stand all weathers 
(meaning the new Treasury and his house adjoining), which I want 
your advice to furnish." Sir John answered, " You can't be at a loss 
to furnish that house, that have furnished this so well," which set 
the standers-by a laughing, for they knew he alluded to the number 
of creatures Sir Robert had filled this House of Commons with. 

Wednesday, 22.—This day I went to St. James's vestry, on 
summons from the Trustees of King Street Chapel, to consider 
whether it is possible for us to continue the early and late prayers 
there. We were five of us, Bishop Seeker our Rector, myself, 
Mr. Clayton, Mr. Plumtree, and Major —— and Mr. Ludby our 
churchwarden was with us. 

This chapel was erected by the late Archbishop Tennison, who 
gave 5001. for supporting it after he had expended 3 or 4,000?. 
in buying the ground, building it etc., and morning and evening 
prayers were to be said therein. Afterwards, for the benefit of 
servants and labourers, he gave another 100?. towards maintaining 
early and late prayers, so that prayers have hitherto been said 
four times a day, and the minister was allowed 20Z. per annum for 

FIRST EAEL OF EGMONT. 145 

1734-5. 

officiating the latter. But as the Trustees could not defray this 
201., the church of St. James's had for nineteen years paid him out 
of the Chest, and then the Trustees took it on themselves and 
so have continued for nine years, but now that the rents of the 
pews are greatly sunk and that the repairs of the said chapel fall 
very heavy, we find ourselves not able to defray the expenses of 
the early and late prayers, and therefore resolved to put them down. 
The Bishop is desired to prepare a resolution for that purpose, to 
be passed next meeting Saturday next. 

I then visited Sir Thomas Hanmer and Sir Robert Brown, who were 
not at home, and afterwards went to Court. The King did me the 
honour to speak to me. I dined at home and so passed the evening. 

Thursday, 27.—I visited Colonel Horsey and gave him a 
memorandum of the necessary utensils, with their prices and where 
bought, for the use of the persons he designs to send to his Colony 
in Carolina. In return of that favour, he gave me a written case 
concerning forfeited lands settled to Popish uses, which may possibly 
be recovered by the Trustees of Georgia. The lands amounted, 
when enquiry was made therein in King William's reign, to 12,000?. 
a year, and may now be worth 20,000?. per annum. The donors 
and trustees thereof were outlawed, but some obstructions have 
been to the further recovery of them, to the great prejudice of the 
gentlemen who prosecuted that affair, amounting to near 7,000?. 
expended therein, and those in whose hands the case has been and 
are yet living would make over their interest therein on our giving 
them one third of the profits. It is a matter deserves our con 
sideration, after we see what the Parliament will this Session give 
to our Colony. I returned to Charlton to dinner. 

I had an account sent me of a debate in the House of Lords this 
day, which was carried by 89 in the Court side against 37. It 
must, I believe, have been concerning his Majesty's speech which 
he this day made. 

At the Ball or masquerade in the Haymarket Tuesday was 
sennit there was an incident that has made a good deal of noise. 
After the King had been there some time (for whose pleasure these 
masquerades were first set up, and have been hitherto continued 
during the winter) there came in a Harlequin and Punchinello, 
followed by divers others in different dresses, with bundles of 
printed play bills in their hands, one of which Harlequin gave the 
King, and then all throwing down their papers disappeared. The 
King read the bill, which was as follows :— 
"By permission. 

This is to give notice to all gentlemen and ladies and others that 
at the Opera House in the Haymarket this present evening will 
be presented 

The Comical and diverting humours of Punch, 
And on Thursday next by the Norfolk Company of Artificial 
Comedians, at Robin's great Theatrical Booth, in Palace Yard, 
will be presented a comical diverting Play of Seven Acts, called 

Court and Country, 
In which will be revived the Entertaining Scene of 

The Blundering Brothers, 

with the Cheats of Rabbi Robin, Prime Minister to 
King Solomon. 

Wt. 5606. E 10 

 146 DIARY OF THE 

Jan. 27-Feb. 5 

The whole concluding with a Grand Masque called the Downfall 
of Sejanus, or the Statesman's Overthrow, with Axes, Halters, 
Gibbets, and other decorations proper to the Play. 
To begin exactly at 12 o'clock. 

N.B.—These are a new set of Poppets as big as the life, chief 
part of which have been brought up from all parts of the country 
at a very great expense." 

Those who know the times know the satire of this. 

This day I came to town to dinner. In my way I passed through 
the city to order my niece's stock in the 3 per cent, annuities to be 
sold, because I apprehend the stocks will fall. 

I also left the Popish Testament at the Christian Knowledge 
Society, as I promised. 

I also accepted my cousin Le Grand's 3,000 four per cent, 
annuities, as Mr. Southwell had done before, we being joint trustees 
of the younger children. 

Passed the evening at home. 

This day the Commons sat till seven o'clock upon their vote of 
thanks for his Majesty's speech. Mr. ' Hedges made the motion 
and Mr. Campbell, of Pembrokeshire, seconded it. Sir William 
Windham proposed two amendments to it. One was to promise 
to support his Majesty so soon as proper information be laid before 
the House. 2. To engage for no more than to proportion our 
interposition in the present war to the effort of our allies not 
engaged in the war. Sir Joseph Jekyl spoke against the former, 
but insisted on the latter, whereupon a division ensued, which 
was carried by the Court, 265 against 185. It was surprising to the 
Court that in the beginning of the Parliament, and when the affair 
was only to address his Majesty, the minority should be within 
16 of the number that approved the Excise scheme. 

Tuesday, 28.—I signed an order for cousin Le Grand's receiving 
the interest due last Christmas on 3,OOOZ. stock four per cent. 

I visited Cousin Ned South well, Cousin Betty Southwell, brother 
Percival, Sir Robert Brown, Sir Edward Dering, Sir George Savil 
and Colonel Brown. Dined at home and so remained the evening. 

Wednesday, 29.—I went into the city this morning and sold my 
niece's three per cent, annuities at 921 exclusive of her dividend, 
because I apprehend the stock will fall. 

Then went to the Georgia Office. We could not make a Board 
of Common Council, but of Trustees we did, Lord Carpenter in the 
chair, Lord Tyiconnel, Egmont, Shaftesbury, Lapautre, Mr. Smith. 

Report was made of the shipping 122 Swiss and Germans, making 
in all 100 heads (sic). 

Dined at home and so passed the evening. 

Thursday, 30.—This day I visited F. Clerke, and then 
returned to Charlton to dinner. 

Monday, 3 February.—This day I came to town and stopped 
at the meeting of Dr. Bray's associates. Mr. Oglethorp in the 
chair, Mr. Vernon, Mr. Bedford, Mr. Hales, Mr. Smith, Egmont, 
Mr. Anderson, Captain Coram. 

Myself, Dr. Bundy, Mr. Bedford, Mr. Hales and Mr. Smith were 
desired to wait on the Bishop of London, with an order of the Board 
to apply to him to engage the Society for Propagating the Gospel 
in Foreign Parts to assist us in procuring his Majesty's letters to 

FIRST EAKL OF EGMONT. 147 

1734-5. 

his Governors in the Plantations to encourage the establishing 

Catéchiste in those Colonies for converting negroes. 

We agreed to desire Dr. Bundy to preach the anniversary sermon 
on Thursday, 20 March, at St. Bride's Church. Agreed to present 
Mr. Secombe with a handsome Bible for his zeal in converting the 
Indians to Christianity bordering on New England. He is one 
of three missioners sent over by the Scots. 

I dined at home, then visited daughter Hanmer, and so home. 

Tuesday, 4.—This morning I visited brother Percival and Frank 
Clerke, and then went to Court. I also visited brother Parker, 
who told me that Clements, the agent of the packets at Harwich, 
is entirely gone in with Philipson's party and is of his club ; which 
Davis, Page, and other of my friends dislike, but they should 
consider how ticklish he stands in his place, being liable to their 
malice to invent lies of him. and turn him out ; his heart is not 
with them, but he is obliged to swim with the stream. Clements 
wrote me this day as follows :—We have more animosities than ever. 
Baker and several more resolved to put Mr. Leathes for a capital 
burgess to see who witt oppose him, and at the same time pretend not 
to know whether he will accept of it. TJiey demanded a Court of the 
Mayor to choose him, which he refused until he knew Mr. Leathes' 
mind, and desired that he might write to him in the name of the Cor 
poration to know, which they refused, but he did write ; but I can't 
hear that Mr. Leathes has answered him. We are all at a k>ss what 
to do, except Page, who is very strenuous for Mr. Leathes. 

My brother Parker explained to me that Philipson has a mind 
to set up his barber, and Baker and others are not for it. 

My son and daughter Hanmer and cousin Celia Scot dined with 
me. 

I spent the evening at home. 

Wednesday, 5.—This day I visited brother Percival, and then 
went to the Georgia Office. There were present Thomas Towers 
in the Trustee chair, Mr. Digby in the Common Council chair, 
Lord Limerick, Lord Tyrconnel, Lord Carpenter, Earl of Shaftes 
bury, Mr. Vernon, Sir William Heathcot, Mr. Chandler, Egmont, 
La Roche, Mr. Holland, Mr. Oglethorp, Mr. Hales, Mr. La Pautre, 
Dr. Bundy. Trustees not Common Council men, Mr. Smith, 
Captain Coram, Robert Tracey, member for Tewkesbury. Mr. 
Oglethorp delivered his accounts of money received and disbursed 
by him on account of the Society, which was referred to a Committee. 
He also read over a short account of the state of the Colony, which 
being not perfected was referred back to him to finish. A power 
was given to collect money in a certain parish. 

Dr. Bundy excused his not preaching on our anniversary day, 
but said he would endeavour to engage Dr. Thomas. 

Captain Coram moved that a day might be appointed to debate 
the expediency of not permitting the Georgia estates to descend 
to heirs female, but he was not seconded, ib being the unanimous 
sense of every member present besides himself not to alter the 
tenor of the grants, and that for good reasons given by Mr. Ogle 
thorp and Mr. Vernon. So the Chairman, Mr. Towers, left the 
chair without putting the question. 

I dined at home with Dr. Bearcroft and so passed the 
evening. 

 148 DIARY OF THE 

Feb. 5-17 

Yesterday Mr. Walpole arrived in London from the Hague, 
without any satisfactory account I can hear of as to the success of 
his negotiations. 

Thursday, 6.—This day I visited Lord Palmerston, Lord Bathurst 
and Mr. John Temple. 

Dr. Rundle, being disappointed of a Bishopric in England, has 
been offered that of Derry in Ireland, vacant by the death of Dr. 
Downes. He has referred it to his patron, the Lord Chancellor, 
whether he shall accept it, who I am told will not let him. 

I returned home to Charlton to dinner. 

Sunday, 9.—Communicated. Dr. Warren in his sermon showed 
himself strongly of the same opinion with Dr. Scot and some other 
writers, that the temper of our minds are not altered in the other 
world, so that could we suppose a very wicked man capable of 
being mounted into heaven, he would not like the conversation 
and employment which good men find there, but would pronounce 
himself unhappy, wherefore he pressed our gaining the love of 
God and habit of Christian virtues, our'imitating Christ while we 
live and always going on to perfection, that we may relish the 
joys of Heaven if we ascend thither, there being a necessary con- 
gruifcy between happiness and the mind of man receiving that 
happiness, which mind in us will retain its own nature and dis 
position after the separation of the soul from the body which it 
had before. As to idiots and madmen, he said they would not 
enter Heaven or Hell, but be referred to some other state, for their 
minds would still remain disturbed and confounded and therefore 
incapable of heavenly joys, and not deserving the torments of 
Hell. 

But what if madness and idiotism should proceed from defects 
of the body to which the soul is nearly allied ? May not the soul 
when freed from that clog return to a regular way of thinking ? 
If so, the Doctor is not as favourable as he ought to be to such 
unhappy persons. 

Monday, 10.—I went and dined in town, where I learned that 
Friday last the House of Commons debated on the Minister's 
proposition to raise 30,OOOZ. for this year's service. They sat till 
after seven o'clock, and on the division the Court carried it by 
73, 260 against 187. After dinner I went to Drury Lane Play 
house. 

Tuesday, 11.—This morning I visited Mr. Frank Clerke and 
Lord Grantham. I waited also on Dr. Bundy, Mr. Smith and 
Mr. Bedford to the Bishop of London, but he was not at home. 
It was to execute the commission mentioned page 63.* 

I then visited Counsellor Annesley at the Temple, who informed 
me of the reports of the town that Lord Cartwright, who has for 
some time been at the head of the Opposition, had betrayed the 
Scots noblemen, who next Thursday present their petition com 
plaining of corruption from Lord Islay in the election of the Scots 
Peers to serve in this Parliament. That the Duke of Roxbery and 
Marquis of Tweedale had likewise been gained, to desire their names 
might be scratched out of that petition. That Sir Robert intended 
to lay down the Ministry and be a Duke, and had recommended Lord 
Carteret to succeed him. But this is mere report without foundation. 

* i.e. of the Manuscript Diary. See p. 146 supra. 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 149 

1734-5. 

I dined at home, and my son and daughter Hanmer with me, 
and so passed the evening. 

Wednesday, 12.—This day I visited brother Percival and then 
went to the Georgia Office, where we made not a Board of Common 
Council. Mr. La Röche was chairman of the Trustees, and we 
were present, La Roche, Lord Limerick, Lord Tyrconnel, Mr. Hucks, 
Vernon and Egmont. A letter was read from one of Georgia to 
Mr. Hucks, giving account of the good condition of the Colony, 
and a duplicate of Cotton, our Head Bailiff's accounts being sent 
over, we referred them to a Committee. 

I was sorry to find this day that the Bishop of London's clergy 
do not design to preach against Popery because the Dissenters 
have begun it before them, a poor and unjustifiable excuse. 

The report of Lord Carteret's betraying the Scotch Peers in their 
design of petitioning to-morrow is false, and was occasioned by 
that Lord in conjunction with the Earl of Winchelsea, Marquis of 
Tweedale and Duke of Roxburow's not approving the form of the 
petition as at first drawn up, whereby the petitioners intended to 
claim a right of being returned, and by setting aside the ten Peers 
now sitting, to be members of this Parliament in their place. The 
four Lords first mentioned thought it a vain design, but were for 
contenting themselves with making the petition a foundation for a 
Bill to remedy corruption in the choice of the Scotch Lords for 
the future. This occasioned for a time some difference, but I hear 
to-day they are reconciled by altering the petition in a manner 
to please all. 

I returned home to dinner. Mr. Arragoni, Madam Bertoldi and 
Mr. Wolley dined with me. I passed the evening at home. 

Thursday, 13.—Visited Mr. Tuffnell and Mr. John Temple, who 
told me that to-morrow Dr. Rundle is to kiss the King's hands for the 
Bishopric of Derry in Ireland. To which I said that either the Lord 
Chancellor had interest to make a Bishop of Ireland, not of England, 
or that it mattered not who was a Bishop of Ireland, since one 
who was rejected for his religious principles from being an English 
Bishop was yet thought good enough for that kingdom. This day 
the Scotch Lords present their petition. I returned to Charlton 
to dinner.· 

Friday, 14.—This being my daughter Helena's birthday, on 
which she enters into her 17th year, my servants put themselves 
into masquerade as usual. 

Monday, 17.—I went to town as usual on this day. Before 
dinner I went to Court, where the Queen asked very kindly after 
my wife, said she had not seen her this long time, but my daughter 
came sometimes. She also asked how I went on with my printed 
heads, and said I had quitted her, which was a double entendre, 
I not going so often to Court since my son's disappointment as 
before, nor my wife at all. I replied, my wife had been of late 
worse again than ordinary, that her illness and being subject to 
catch cold hindered her from dressing suitably to appear at Court. 
She replied, she heard she was ill in her head as well as stomach, 
which might be also a double entendre for resenting so warmly 
my son's usage from Sir Robert, which occasions my wife not going 
to Court. She added she was very sorry for her. I thanked 
her Majesty, and said it was true she could not dress her head for 

 150 DIARY OF THE 

Feb. 17-19 

Court without catching cold. That as to me, she might command 
me anything, but my Prints were in the country. 

I dined at home, and in the evening my son Hanmer and brother 
Parker came in. They told me that Friday last the debate on the 
augmentation of the Army with 8,040 men lasted till half an hour 
after ten, when the Court carried that motion in the Committee 
by 261 against 208, besides Tellers, so that the majority was but 
53. That the speakers on the Court side were Sir Robert Walpole, 
who did his part extremely well, Mr. Walpole, Sir William Young, 
Mr. Pelham, Mr. Townshend Andrews, who as Deputy Secretary 
at War made the motion, and another. Their main arguments 
were that an Army will give weight to our mediation of Peace and 
influence the Dutch, if our mediation should not succeed, to join in 
a war to assist the Emperor. 

The Opposition side had many more speakers, and Sir William 
Wyndham shined. Their argument was that this number of new 
raised troops is either too many or too few, too many if we do not 
engage in the war, too few if we do ; that the money they cost 
would pay twice the number of foreign troops. That if we assisted 
the Emperor with money, it would answer his end as well as if we 
lent him troops. 

I hear the Court is not pleased at seeing so small a majority, 
and on this occasion Mons. Chavigny, the French Ambassador, 
told my son what the late Lord Sunderland once told him, namely, 
that whenever an English Minister had but 60 majority in a House 
of Commons he was undone. 

My son told me his steps to be chosen at Hindon in Wilts which 
the gentlemen in the Opposition are much for. Mr. Stephen Fox 
and George Fox are now members for it, but the former is likewise 
chosen for Shaftesbury in Dorsetshire, for which last place he 
designs to make his election to-morrow, when he upon petition 
is sure of turning out Mr. Philip Bennet. This will make a vacancy 
in Hindon, into which Mr. Fox intends to bring his younger brother, 
now abroad because of his debts, but my son understands the 
town are not inclined to choose him, and therefore intends to go 
down and try his fortune. Lord Shaftesbury, Lord Weymouth, 
Mr. George Heathcote, and Mr. Bennet abovementioned -design to 
give him letters to the voters, who are 113 in all, and my son counts 
upon 70 of them. 

Tuesday, 18.—I visited Lord Wilmington, Lord Bathurst, 
brother Percival, Sir Thomas Hanmer and Frank Clerke, who told 
me that Sir Robert Walpole, being asked how he could go through 
the fatigue of his post, answered it was a great fatigue indeed, but 
he had so many pleasures with it that he still liked it. Lord Bathurst 
told me the reason why Lord Carteret, Lord Winchelsea, the Marquis 
of Tweedale and Duke of Roxburow are displeased with the Scots 
petition is that the three first are friends to the last, who when he 
was Secretary of State for Scotland bribed for the election of the 
Scots Peers as much as my Lord Islay did on this late occasion, 
and the present complaint will necessarily discover it. 

This morning at Lieutenant Thomas Bury's desire a tin case 
locked up, containing writings, were sent me by my sister Percival 
to keep safe for him till called for. I put them in my wainscot 
scriptore, in the drawer marked "papers to be carefully preserved." 

FIRST EARL OF EGMONT. 151 

Í734-5. 

I dined and passed the evening at home. 

Wednesday, 19.—This morning I visited Mr. Clerke of Spring 
Gardens and cousin Le Grande, and then went to the Georgia 
Office, where we were not enough to make a Board of Common 
Council, but as Trustees we ordered a petition to be drawn up to 
Parliament for money to support the Province. The doing it 
was referred to a Committee. Present: Lord Limerick, in the 
chair, Lord Tyrconnel, La Roche, Egmoiit, Oglethorp, Hucks, 
Sir Will. Heathcote, Lapautre, Mr. Smith. 

I dined at home and so passed the evening. 

My son being informed that Hindon is a more mercenary borough 
than he at first imagined, and that the returning officer is under 
the direction of a Government man, wisely resolved to quit his 
intention of standing there. 

This day Lord Waldegrave set out for France to communicate 
the plan of accommodation agreed on between the Dutch and us, 
to the French Court. What it is we know not yet, but Sir Robert 
Walpole owned in the House that he did not expect it would be 
accepted. Should the French and Spaniards approve it, it is sup 
posed the Emperor will not, in which case I suppose we shall leave 
him to shift for himself, but then he will be overrun and the balance 
of Europe be lost, and what extremities this may drive the Emperor 
to is to be dreaded. 

Last Saturday Dr. Rundle kissed his Majesty's hand for the 
Bishopric of Ireland, worth 3,200Z. per annum, and for which he 
quits Ι,δΟΟΖ. church livings in England. The town saith thereon 
that my Lord Chancellor has interest to make an Irish Bishop, 
but not an English one, and that a person unfit to be a small Bishop 
in England is good enough for Ireland. That the Bishop of London 
would not suffer him to be an English Bishop because he could not 
subject him to his pleasure, but acquiesces in his being a Bishop 
in another country, so that whatever he pretends it is not the 
unorthodoxy of the man that made him really his enemy, but the 
incompliableness. It is also said by some that the Bishop of 
London, who is very high in Church matters, had it in his view to 
get rid one day of the prcemunire which is over the heads of Bishops, 
in case they refuse to consecrate such Bishops as the King nominates, 
and so to take the nomination out of the Crown and restore it as 
it was in the early tunes to the Bishops and clergy, and as he is well 
with the Court, thought no opportunity more proper than this by 
objecting to Dr. Rundle, who is suspected of heterodox opinions, 
and therefore that his desire was at the bottom that the Crown 
should have persisted in the first intention of making Dr. Rundle 
Bishop of Gloucester, after which he would have opposed his 
consecration and had a trial at law, wherein he would have ventured 
the consequence of a prcemunire if cast, depending on his power 
with his Majesty and the Ministry, and then if he succeeded in this 
instance, it would be a rule to Bishops for the future to do the like 
whenever they had objections to persons nominated by the Crown, 
so that at last the clergy would recover their ancient rights. But 
by making this Doctor a Bishop in Ireland, against which he declares 
his dissent though he cannot help it, the view he had is lost, and 
all the satisfaction that remains to him is that a person whom he 
could not govern is not a member of the House of Lords in England. 

 152 DIARY OF THE 

Feb. 20-24 

Thursday, 20.—The Lords this day sat on the Scots petition 
which was presented a week ago, and referred to be now considered. 
But whereas it was couched in general terms, and the purport of 
it was to complain of corrupt practices in the elections and returning 
the sixteen sitting Peers, which the six subscribing Lords offered 
to make out without specifying who had corrupted them, the 
Duke of Buccleuch got up and desired to know whether the aim 
of the petitioners was to dispute his seat, as did the Duke of Athol, 
to which the Duke of Bedford, who delivered the petition, replied 
he had authority in writing from the petitioning Lords to declare 
they did not mean to dispute the sitting of those Lords or any 
other of the sixteen, but to set forth the evil practices used in the 
choosing them. Then my Lord Hardwick, Lord Chief Justice, 
said the petition was so framed that he could not tell what it aimed 
at, for there were three ways of taking the petitioners' meaning, 
and though he had all the regard that was due to the Duke of 
Bedford's declaration, yet the Lords as a House could not rest 
satisfied with it, and therefore proposed the consideration of this 
matter should be put off till'to-morrow, and that in the meantime 
my Lord Chancellor should write to each of the six subscribing 
Lords to desire them to mend their petition in such a manner as 
to specify directly what their Lordships' view was. Upon this 
there was a division whether my Lord Chancellor should so write 
or no, which was carried m the Court favour by a majority of 39, 
besides proxies 90 against 51. The Lord Fitzwalter voted for the 
first time with the minority, and the Duke of Somerset took the 
oaths this morning in order to vote with the minority. 

In the House of Commons, after a hearing of three days at the 
Bar, Mr. Philip Bennet was voted not duly elected for Shaftesbury 
without a division, and then the question was carried that the 
petitioner, Mr. Steven Fox, was duly elected, 203 against 88. 

I dined and passed the evening at home. 

I went this morning to see Mr. [Joshua] Ward, who does such 
famous cures with his drop, pill and powder. His rooms were all 
full of poor people, with a few of better sort, who came to be cured 
of blindness, deafness, cancers, king's evil, and other disorders 
wherein the physicians could not help them. I talked with several 
persons who had been a long time blind, but by his means had in 
a great measure recovered their sight, and one lady told me she 
had the palsy that took away her speech for seven years, and it 
had cost her 200 guineas to five doctors, who successively treated 
her in vain, among whom were Sir Hans Sloane and Dr. Jurin, 
but in taking Mr. Ward's medicine 14 times she was perfectly cured, 
as I might see by her telling me her story. 

Afterwards Sir Edward Lawrence told me of his own knowledge 
that a gentleman who had been several years blind now sees by 
the help of Mr. Ward as well as ever. Some who were born deaf 
and dumb have been made by him both to hear and to speak. 

Friday, 21.—Returned to Charlton to dinner. 

Monday, 24.—This day my son is 24 years old. I went to town 
to dinner. Dr. Bearcroft, Cousin Will Dering, Cousin Scot, Cousin 
Fortrey and Griffith Da vis, collector of Harwich, dined with me. 

Davis told me that it is said at Harwich Mr. Leathes' election 
cost him 1,700?.. but Mr. Stanhope gave him a bank bill of Ι,ΟΟΟΖ., 

tTßST EARL OS1 EOMONf. 153 

1734-5. 

telling him at the same time he owed his election to him, not to 
the town. That the vote of Cyprian Bridge alone cost Mr. Leathes 
500Í., for 200Í. of which he gave a maltster his bond, who had 
arrested Bridge, and which bond he cleared last Christmas. That 
Will Philip also was bribed, with Will Ri