Page:The Wentworth Papers 1715-1739.djvu/201

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up for your Regiment. Then he told me he knew very well how all that matter of your Regiment was managed, and he cou'd have told the Duke another reason why he wou'd not want any of his number, for the twelve pence in the pound he was to have. But that matter is all over, 'tis too late to talk of that now.

You'll see in the Gazett the account Capt. Cosby gives of our misfortune in Spain, but in his discourses in coffee houses he blames the Marchal more plainly, and some that have talkt to him say he says he believes he lett Stanhope be lost out of a Pique, not knowing the enemy was so numerous, and tho' he might have had a cheaper Victory over them.

London, March 9, 17 11. Dear Brother,

T'other day the Duke of Argile had a duell with Coll. Cout, who has a company of Guards. The accation on't was this, the Duke of Argile had a penny post letter sent him from an unknown hand that the night before his health was proposed to be drunk and that Coll. Cout said, damn him he wou'd not drink the health of a man that had changed sides, and one that had sold his country for a shilling and wou'd sell his god for half a crown. Upon this letter the Duke went to him to know if he had said any such thing ; Cout said he was in drink, but cou'd not deny but he might have said some such thing, so they faught in Hide Park, the Duke disarm'd him and there's an end of the business ; but some think it worth the Duke's while to find out who the person was that sent him the penny post letter, for 'twas doubtfull whether 'twas a friend or an enemy.

What happen'd yesterday all the town is so full of that no doubt but you'll have it from several hands, but as there's no other news stiring I shall tell it to you as the Duke of Argile told it me in the evening at Wills Coffee house. Count Guiscard was walking the Park between 12 and i and was sent for to the Committee of Council at the Cock- pit, when he was examined upon a discovery Mr. Harley

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