472 THE WENTWORTH PAPERS.
by him. I cou'd likewise tell the Queen I wou'd undergo the fatigue purely to serve her and the R. F. The business of the house wou'd be far from a fatigue to me, for 'twou'd be a pleasure, you know I have often crouded into the house when I had no business, and I shou'd not be so preposterous to neglect it when I had, and if I had not made a full resolution never to be concern'd in liquor again, having full employment in business wou'd keep me from it. My Lord Grantham, who was one of the idle tattlers against me, told me yesterday that he had observed me ever since I came here I had been very sober, and wish't me joy. I thank't his Lordship and told him as I had promised the Queen so I wou'd him, that he nor no man shou'd see me the least concern in drink, that as by the Queen's goodness to me I had some prospect of having my affairs easier, I shou'd have no occation to drown and stupifie my thoughts. You may remember when Coll. Negus* proposed to you in the late King's Reign, to bring me into Parliament, he wou'd get me 500/. from Court, and if there was any occation for't I don't doubt but I could get the same sum now,but it wou'd be better if it cou'd be done without troubling them for mony, and show your interest the greater. If you don't approve of me for your member, I shou'd be glad you wou'd use your interest for my son, who is a very sober man, and will make a very good Member of Parliament, but as I have more experience I have the vanity to think I shou'd make as good a one. I beg the favour of your thoughts and answer soon, for till I hear from you I shall do nothing but think of it.
The news of the Peace is as we cou'd wish, and Sir Robert will not prove such a blunder as some people wou'd make him. Franklin reckons he has obtain'd another Victory, for when he had given bail, the Atturney Generall proposed he shou'd be bound to his good behaviour, but Lord Raymond said that untill he was found guilty, in the Eye of the law Mr. Franklin was an innocent man, and therefore cou'd not bind him to his good Behaviour.
- Francis Negus was returned for Ipswich in August, 1727.
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