[Lord Batiiurst.]
RiCHSKINS, December 10, 1719. My Dear Lord,
I am but just return'd from a long progress, and the first news I hear is that Lady Strafiford is brought to bed. I am very glad to find she is well, but I do assure you no body (except yourself) can be more concern'd att the disappoint- ment you have mett with ; but no more of that, you must only look upon itt as one year lost, and begin again as soon as you can.
I propose to be in town on Munday, and do myself the honour to kiss your hands, but I cou'd not lett this oppor- tunity slip of putting you in mind of an humble servant, and if you have a leasure moment one line by my servant who returns to morrow to lett me know the Chart du pais wou'd be exceedingly obliging to a poor North-Country Gentleman, who knows nothing that has pass'd on the South side of Trent for a month past.
I pass'd by Boughton and show'd itt to Mr. Lewis and described itt's beauties, and he is much charm'd with itt.
I am quite confounded in my Politicks, and surpriz'd to the last degree that the Ministry shou'd bring in the Peerage bill without a probability of carrying itt. I take itt for granted this Parliament will be soon up, and for good ; but you will laugh att the speculations of a man who has been conversing only with country farmers. Be so charitable as to inform me a little that I may know to talk when I come to town. I won't answer for itt that I think right in any one thing in the world but in this, that I shall always be, &c.
��RiCHKiNGS, August 5, 1720. My Lord,
I received your commands by my brother Ben to attend you at Stainborough. I shou'd do itt with great pleasure if I cou'd spare time, but I have severall little affairs upon my hands which will not sufferr me to be so long absent
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