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LETTER II.

Friday, May 14, 1784.

I AM sure that I shall give my dearest Polly a singular satisfaction, when I acquaint her that the scrutiny is at an end in my favour. This morning the sheriffs, candidates, and counsel, &c. attended by eight, and Mr. Erskine, the leading counsel of Mr. Byng, began an objection to a John Decker, the first of my votes on their list, as not duly qualified under Powys's Act, as the statute is called That question would have determined many others. The sheriffs decided that the vote was good; in consequence of which, Mr. Erskine, and Mr. Douglass, another gentleman from the north, counsel for Mr. Byng, desired to give a few valedictory words.

Somebody cried out, maledictory. The sheriffs were then violently abused by Messrs. Byng, Baker, the counsel, &c. and justified by Mr. Dayrell, Mr. Tomlins, and our other friends. In conclusion, Mr. Byng declared that he would give them no farther trouble, and the sheriffs appointed Monday morning at nine once more to look over the books, and then to declare Mr. Mainwaring and myself duly elected. Mr. Byng threatened a petition to the House of Commons, under which we are perfectly easy. Mr. Dayrell has acquitted him.. self in the ablest and handsomest

manner.

I gave the postillion a crown yesterday for the careful manner of his driving, James half-a-crown for his punctuality.

I have just sent you a little packet under cover to Mr. Guyon at the White

Bear in Piccadilly. The gold pen is in it, and the whole is carefully done up. I had the pleasure of four letters from you, but you cannot judge of my impatience for a fifth, dated from France, although I have no apprehension from the account James gave me of the wind and weather when you embarked.

I have desired Mr. Faden to get me the book which Mr. Fector wishes for, and I will send it to him with a letter of acknowledgment for his civilities to

you.

I am sorry for Trevanion, and young Boyd is likewise out of Parliament. The city petition goes on, but nothing is yet determined about Westminster.

This great fermentation of parties never fails to turn them all sour; but as an individual I have kept my good humour through, although I have treated

Sheriff Skinner with an asperity not usual with me.

My brother Israel is, I hear, returned, and called yesterday upon me. I was from home. The reason of his return I have not learnt, and the fact surprises me; but I cannot doubt it, from what the servants mention, and of Dominica.

Your account of Mademoiselle Sophie is truly interesting, and with such a person and character I should hope every thing would be perfectly agreeable to you, especially as she is a Protestant, for we have seen many inconveniences attending the other persuasion in that situation of life. I should like to see some of her verses: sensibility is an excellent qualification for the sentimental strain of poetry.

The mackarel were very fine, and gratified the palate of two epicures here, who dined with me.

Les bouts de mes oreilles commencent, à se retablir.

The good Moravian breakfasted here, and left some letters, which are in your packet. You paint the view from the bow-window of the City of London inn so well, that I think I am in view of the castle, and part of the cliffs. We go on quietly, but dully, without

you.

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The Gordons, Bs, &c. &c. desire their compliments. Sir William grows quite wild about the Westminster election; and since the good news from Lady By, the little Bantam struts about at least an inch taller than he

was.

Has my cross fait fortune with the Dutchess? and how does the Castilian Benedict look? I long for all the details, and your reception, &c. &c. ; but above all the state of your health, which I

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