BUTLER. 294 for subsistence. He was not long in France, (where he had taken the title and name of Colonel Comerford,) before he had an invitation from the court of Spain, who were eager to embrace so brave and skilful a commander, and it is reported, that he commanded a body of troops destined to make a descent upon England; but this infor- mation rested not on good authority. His grace had, from the court of Spain, a pension of 2000 pistoles, and he chose Avignon for his retreat, where he lived completely secluded from the world. He was here, in 174, solicited by the court of Seville to accept a command, but he excused himself by alleging his great age and infirmities. His grace was here, (as throughout the whole course of his long life) remarkable for his bene- volence and hospitality. He had divine service performed in his house twice every Sunday, and on every Wednes- day and Friday morning throughout the year, at which all his protestant tenants were obliged to be present. The sacrament was administered to the family once a quarter. He never prepared for bed, or went abroad in the morning, till he had withdrawn for an hour in his closet. He had public assemblies twice a week, at which, though he assumed great cheerfulness and pleasantry, it was evident to all, that it was merely assamed through respect to his visitorS. In October 1745 he complained of a loss of appetite, and at length grew too weak to walk, which complaints increasing, the physician who attended him sent for two others from Montpelier, and after a consultation, con- cluded on taking some blood from him, and in two days afterwards (Nov. 16), about seven o'clock in the evening, he quitted this world with the consoling hope of enjoying a better. His body was embalmed, and brought, the May following, through France to England, lodged in the Jeru salem chamber, and soon after interred in the vault of his ancestors in King Henry VIl.'s chapel, the bishop of Rochester, attended by a fall choir, perforiming the cere- mony.
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