I are the only people that have not had it, or fancied they have had here. Some say 'tis a forerunner of the Plague, it begun with the horses ; before I came out of town all our horses had a cold.
[Lord Berkeley of Stratton.]
August 5, 1 7 12.
I hope I may now wish your Lordship joy of My Lord Rivers's regiment, as well as of the Admiralty, and that you are pleas'd with it. His Lordship, whose calculations were as nice as any body^s, thought it more valuable then a troop of guards, and sure nothing can be more honourable. You are now climb'd up to one of the highest branches, and I doe not doubt but you will gain sure footing, and maintaine your- self there. What I wish now, is to see you come over and enjoy your high posts.
Duke Hamilton is a most happy man with the Ordnance, which he says he never ask'd for. I wonder how he forgot it, for it is the first he hath miss'd asking for these four years. He says he is alsoe to goe ambassadour to France, but that I believe is only upon some particular message and not to reside. The Dutch are like to receive a great mortification occasion'd by the heat of Count Rechteren. If My Lord Strafford had happen'd to have done anything of that kind, how some of his friends in England w^ould have magnified it! I have not been at Windsor this good while, but think to goe there next Sunday. They say there are full courts there, tho' there is soe little company in town, that 'tis a wonder from whence they come. I was last week to wait upon My Lady Strafford, who look'd a little pale, but there is noe harm in that as long as one knows the reason. You have so many relations that would take it ill not to be godfathers that I will not offer myself this time, but I will be ready for you at any time, when you doe not care to ask any body else. Mr. Powell hath been very good to me in writing something after the circulars. I am glad that he knows that any account of your Lordship, is the most acceptable thing in the world to, Yours. &c.
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