LETTERS,

&c.

LETTER I.

Tuesday Noon,

May 11, 1784.

I AM just returned, my dearest Polly, from the Guildhall at Westminster, to which place the sheriffs adjourned the scrutiny, after much altercation, with my consent, by an agreement that no business of any kind should be proceeded upon, from the shortness of the notice of the change of place. Thus we have gained one day, and only twenty

hours remain to scrutinize 3000 voters. Preliminaries are to be taken into consideration to-morrow morning at eight, every one of which will be debated. I have acute and long-winded counsel, the two qualities almost equally necessary. I saw the famous Dr. Flexman yesterday, who assured me that the sheriffs must of necessity return Mr. Mainwaring and me, if the scrutiny was not gone through, which I hold to be impossible. As by your absence I cannot enjoy the conversation in which I most delight, I give my whole time and attention to this business. Friday's post, I trust, will bring you a very satisfactory account of our proceedings.

There was a most dreadful riot yesterday at Covent Garden. Two men were killed, and eighteen of the ruffians are lodged this day in Newgate.

Three o'Clock.

I thank you much for writing from Dartford, and your charming letter from Dover. I am just setting down to the mackarel, which will restore me after the Chamberlain's fatigue added to the Candidate's; but I am surprisingly well, and this warm weather I find quite genial.

Our neighbours continue to be very obliging, and the Colonel is indefatigable. The number of Mr. Byng's bad votes, which we have detected is amazing. Mess. Wood, Tayler, Dayrell, &c. &c. exert themselves every hour. Mr. Aubrey has carried his election by twentyfour. A scrutiny was demanded and refused.

Prince's Court was very cheerful only last week: now it looks dull and dreary.

I am very glad that you like Made

moiselle Marly. It was an important point for your pleasures.

You managed incomparably well in your journey, and I am easy about every thing, were a tolerable wind to spring up.

Pray lay me at the feet of the Dutchess, and tell her that when I recollect you are at the Hotel de la Valliere, the thought gives me pride and pleasure, and would envy, were it possible to envy those whom we love.

My dearest Polly, adieu.