I RECEIVED your's of the 23d, by last packet. I was aware of what you observed, when the letter to his grace was signed; but it was before I received your's of the 4th instant, wherein you tell me, that the business was in effect done; nor could I have any certain prospect that it would be done from any intimation that I had before from you. You must know, that this was not the only thing displeased me in the letter; it was drawn and signed by some before I saw it. I looked on it as a snare laid in my way; nor must you wonder that some are better at making their court, than serving the church; and can flatter much better, than vote on the right side. Those that had rendered themselves justly obnoxious by deserting his grace's[1] friends and interest in notorious instances, think they have salved all by this early application, and perhaps it may prove so.
But if the matter be done, assure yourself it will be known by whom, and what means it was effected.
In the mean time, God forbid you should think of slacking your endeavours to bring it to perfection. I am yet under an obligation not to say any thing of the matter from your letter; and while so, it would be hard for me to refuse to sign such a letter as that you mention, or find a pretence for so doing: but when the business is done, the means
- ↑ 'The duke of Ormond, who was declared lord lieutenant of Ireland, Oct. 19, 1710.'
