LETTERS OF PETER WENT WORTH. I9I
business was carried very oddly and some people think that tho 'tis absolutely in the Queen to give to whom she pleases, yet 'twas usual to consult the Ambassador that the Person might be agreeable to him ; but things have been so carried that now 'tis too late to make any objections if any shou'd occur to you. But what he thought was necessary to advise you was that you shou'd be extreame carefull who you take for your Secretary, for 'tis plain Watkins has and will have '
particular attachment to the Duke of M and those that
have join'd with him to get him this employment. The caution he wou'd advise you to, he protests he does not mean against Mr. Harrison, for he does not know but he may be such a man as he cou'd wish you, one intirely in your interest and wou'd depend upon you, so that you might put any con- fidence in him. I wou'd have known who he meant by his some People that thought this peice of management so extra- ordinary, but must pardon him for that he never named names ; but by his discourse I found he wou'd have me think the Persons were no inconsiderable ones. This he wou'd tell me, that there was a world of intriguing going forward and one cou'd not tell well who was who. I believe when I can get any more time with him I shall be able to give you some better account of this affair, for by some Avords he dropt I guess there's one Person in't, that is one of your corre- spondence, but I dare not name his name till I am more sure. Mr. Tilson told me t'other day for news that Mr. St. Johns had recommended Mr. Harrison for your Secretary, and as he was his relation he had promised to assist him with the best intelligence. I told him I had heard of this recom- mendation some time ago about the town, and ask't him if he had any answere from you upon that subject, and he said no not as yet, I know Harrison dependence upon it for he tell ever>'body he's preparing for his journey to the Hague. The man has a very good Character for a very ingenious man, and a good clerk, wch all Scholars are not, for some are so affected with their learning that they bring it in were they shou'd not, for in business the most short and expressive plain words are best.
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