348 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
August 17, 1713.
Sir J. B took his stall before Lord Peterborough, for you
was elected long before him, and the Knights of the Garter has their precedence from their election not their quality; but the town will have my Lord Peterborough had like not to have been installed at all, for he had not paid his fees that amount to near 300/., which is by the Statutes first to be paid, but of this I saw nothing, tho' I am creditably inform'd they were forc't to take his note. The like dispute I hear they had with the Duke of Argile, who wou'd not pay his mony till all was over. Without a jest you was wish't for, tho' 'twas con- fest if your Proxy had been drest he wou'd have made as good a figure as the best of them. This Munday has been a day of sattisfaction to some and a day of disappointment to many more.
Saturday I saw Mr. Lewis who told me in a day or two he shou'd be able to tell me if the report was true that Lord Dartmouth shou'd change his place, but it is known by
everybody that Lord D is Privy Seal, and Mr. Bromley
secretary. Lord Landsdown treasurer of the household. Sir John Stonehouse Controler, Sir William Windham Chancelor of the Exchequor, Frank Guine secretary of war. Lord Bing- ley treasurer of the chamber, Lord Denby teller of the Ex- chequor. They tell a story that Lord Bingley sent to the Herald's office for supporters, and they shou'd send him word they cou'd find no arms to be supported. He sent them word that Lord Sommers had no arms or supporters, till he was made a lord. They sent him word that was a mistake, for he wisely foresaw what honour was coming to him, and a little before he had a Privy Seal from the King for the Heralds to give him arms ; and after that he might have supporters.
Sir Thomas Hanmore is to be Speaker, so now I think all the places are disposed of but Master of the Ordinance and Master of the horse. I hear no talk now of the postmasters to be remov'd. 'Tis talk too that Ned Nicolas * is to have Mr. Compton's place, treasurer of the pensions. Lord Wil-
- Edward Nicholas, member for Shaftesbury.
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