member of the Whig party of any note whom he has not traduced by false allegations, it is difficult to acquit him of intentional misrepresentation. The last few years have brought to light several works which illustrate the reign of Charles the Second. The Life of King James, great part of which is written by himself, and Evelyn's Memoirs, are the most remarkable. With the assistance of these materials I conceived that it was possible a narrative might be formed of the domestic history of Charles the Second, not altogether uninteresting. And although I have been obliged sometimes to lose sight of Lord Russell, he is always closely connected with the subject; for the opposition made to the designs of Charles the Second began with his entrance into public life, was continued with his aid, and was totally extinguished at his death. And I have de The principal sources from which the present work is derived, are the well known histories, and memoirs, written by persons who lived at the time of which they treat. But it would be ungrateful in me not to acknowledge the great obligations I owe to the late Mr. Howell, the editor of Cobbett's State Trials. The new Parlia mentary History has also been of great use to me. rived most useful lights from the observations on this reign, contained in the introductory chapter of Mr. Fox's History; a work which contains more sound constitutional opinions than any other history with which I am acquainted. Some information was gained from the letters of Secretary Coventry, in manuscript, at Longleat. A few letters and papers are preserved at Woburn Abbey. But by far the most valuable assistance I have received, has been from the original letters of Lady Russell, which the Duke of Devonshire had the kindness to let me see. They will, I hope, be given to the world as soon as this work, accompanied by all the illustrations they require. In this place I beg to return my best thanks to Lord Sidmouth, for the permission to see some papers concerning Lord Russell, in the State-Paper Office. And to Lord Granville Somerset, for the research he desired to be made into the books of the Treasury. It is here proper to state, that since the enquiry mentioned in page 182., respecting the death of Lord Essex, I have been informed that the books of payments and receipts for the period to which my investigation relates, in the offices of the Auditor of the Exchequer, and Clerk of the Pells, are in such confusion, that it would be very difficult to examine them. So that the question, whether the valet of Lord Essex received after his master's death a gratuity from the Court, must still remain undecided. The style and composition of the following work require much apology, which, I trust, the indulgence of the public will supply. a 2 иш а unfortunate in appearing at the place charged with a crime of the blackers, & wickedest natur & that intermixed & intrecated i the treasonable, & horrid practic And the & speeches of other men : Kings learned Councell taking advantages, improving, circumstance against mee! Lawyer, a very every, noe &heigthin a And I myselfe, unready speaker, & altogether stranger to proceedings of this ki Wiki J FACSIMILE OF THE WRITING OF LADY RUSSELL. сах yo frinds believing I car de you for fervise, at ye tryal ame extrem wiling to try my resolution wil hold out pray Let yours; but it may pray ye Court wil not let me Lowever do Let you me try; I think however to meet you at Richisons, & ther refolve; yr brother red wil be with & fister marget: me |