422 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
2000/. he desir'd nothing else, wch the King accepted, but yet 'tis still reported about the town that Groom of the Stool is still in contention between him and the Duke of Sommersett. If the Duke of Sommerset has not the master of the Horse the Duke of Rutland is to have. The Duke of Argile has the Gold Key by his side as Groom of the Stole to the Prince. I saw him at the Duke of Marlborough's levee wch
is now crowded as much as ever; the D. of A and M
seem'd to be as dear friends as if there never had been any deferrence between them, but I couM not see that General Web cou'd fix upon him. I believe Earle will have all Web's imployments but his regiment, and I believe 'tis what he thinks himself, and his former greatness with the Prince will avail him very little, for the whigs have got so intirely the possession of his ear that he pretty freely speaks his mind to be that there's hardly any but under that denomination in his interest. The Duke of Argile has had a little disappointment that his Brother Iley has missed being secretary in the Room of Lord Marr. Mr. Stanhope has possession of Mr. Bromley's office, but Lord Townsend is order'd to have the Northern provences and knowing those affairs best, and Stanhope that of Spain for the same reason. Mr. Lewis is quite out, so I cou'd not consult him about finding the Print or Author of that Grumb Street paper, but I mention it to day to Mr. Tillson, and he's of opinion that it's making the thing of more conse- quence then it deserves it being so very a grumb that it was no sooner read then forgot, and besides there could be very little done to them if found out, and it must be your own atturney that must trunce them. I cou'd not see Lowman to day but I shall to Morrow and deliver him your letter ; they talk of his being such a favourite that he's to be clerk of the Greencloath, but the act about forreigners must be explained first and so other objections as to his Genteelity. It is said Charles Churchill is refused being a groom of the Bed chamber to the Prince upon the account of his illegiti- mace. I shou'd be very sorry that all the Good Employments shou'd be gone before you come over and they are disposed of so fast that if you be recalled as soon as 'tis reported there
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