How Strong those feelings of jealousy and suspicion were, may be collected from the words in which Admiral Russel, writing to the Duke of Shrewsbury two years before, speaks of a visit with which Lord Sunderland had threatened him.
"1696.I am under some pain about the honour designed me by a great Lord. I confess my fault and folly, that I cannot bring my tongue and countenance to seem satisfied with a man I am not, but I will do as well as I can. It is an old saying that 'when the fox is abroad, look to your lambs.' No man is ever secure from his tricks; but he can play none that are very prejudicial, if he be not too much trusted and relied upon." And Montague, first Lord of the Treasury in 1698, alluding to a financial struggle in which he had succeeded, says, "this contest and some other accidents have freed us from a companion that was intended for us, who would have been worse than all this, but I think we are got clear of that fire-ship for ever. If he annoys us now, it must be by hoisting the enemies' colours, and under that declaration I do not fear him."[1]
Vernon's opinion of Lord Sunderland's ability, and his concern at the loss of him, were justified by
- ↑ Shrewsbury Papers.
