360 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
London, March 12, 17 14. Dear Brother,
Last Tuesday 'twas expected by the Whigs that there wou'd have been some debate in the house of Lords, but they, and we without doors, were baulk't, for what they proposed was carried without any opposition, an Address to the Queen to ishue her proclamation, with a reward to any person, that wou'd discover the Author of the Spirit of the Whigs, a Pamphlet so call'd, that answers the Crisis. We were too wise to devide the house in a matter where we were sure to have the Scotch to a man against us. Yesterday when they came to report to the house, the address from the committee appointed to draw it up, Lord Gernsey proposed some words to be added, upon wch the house devided ; the house consisted of 88. The words as I heard them were to this effect, that the Author wou'd have it believed he was a person that was in the secreets of her Majesties administration.
I hear the Debate lasted some time, and am sorry I knew nothing of it till to day, that I might have had some thing to entertain you, for by the letter I received from you to day, you seem to be very desirous to [know] what the houses do more then is related in the votes. All I can tell of this matter at present is, that they divided but 33 for those words being incerted, and 58 against them. The Duke of Kent and Lord Longville was with the 33, the first vote they have show'd
themselves against us courtiers
{ Yesterday Dr. Alburtenot said the Queen was taken about noon as she was at Windsor with a shivering. He set up with her last night, but he and they all say she's much better then she was the second day at Windsor. I hope by the next post to give you a better account God long preserve her Majesty. The Dutchess of Sommerset has been for some days out of order and keep't at home, but now is well enough to be abroad at St. James's again.
To morrow the house of Commons is to be upon Mr. Steel. To day Sir Thomas Hanmer show'd the house a letter that was left with his Portor with a letter for him to offer him a
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