RADCLIFFE. 147 had either her majesty, or those in commission next her, commanded me so to do. You may tell Sir John as much, and assure him from me, that his zeal for her majesty will not excuse his ill-usage of a friend who has drank many a hundred bottles with him, and cannot, even after this breach of a good understanding, that ever was preserved be- tween us, but have a very good esteem for him. I must also desire you to thank Tom Chapman for his speech in my behalf, since I hear it is the first he ever made, which is taken the more kindly ; and to acquaint him, that I shall be glad to see him at Carshalton, since I fear (for so the gout tells me) that we shall never sit any more in the House of Commons together. " I am, dear Sir, " Yours with the greatest friendship " And observance, " John Radcliffe." The tide of popular feeling was, however, against him ; and he was not without some appre- .hension of suffering even personal violence, in case he ventured out, as will appear from this letter, addressed to his friend Dr. Mead, at Child's Coffee- house, in St. Paul's Churchyard. " Carshalton, Aug. 3, 1714. " Dear Sir — I give you and your brother many thanks for the favour you intend me to-morrow, and if there is any other friend that will be agree- able to you, he shall meet with a hearty welcome from me. Dinner shall be on the table by two, when you may be sure to find me ready to wait on L 2
