The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 11/From Jonathan Swift to William King - 8
TO ARCHBISHOP KING.
I AM most unhappily engaged this night, where I cannot write to your grace so long a letter as I intended: but I will make it up in a post or two. I have only now to tell you, that Mr. Harley has given me leave to acquaint my lord primate and your grace, that the queen has granted the first-fruits and twentieth parts to the clergy of Ireland. It was done above a fortnight ago; but I was then obliged to keep it a secret, as I hinted to your grace in my last letter. He has now given me leave to let your grace and my lord primate know it; only desires you will say nothing of it until a letter comes to you from my lord Dartmouth, secretary of state. All I know yet is, that the bishops are to be made a corporation for the disposal of the first-fruits, and that the twentieth parts are to be remitted. I will write to your grace the particulars of my negotiation, and some other amusements very soon. I humbly beg your grace to acquaint my lord primate with this. I had your grace's letter last post; and you will now see that your letters to the archbishop here are unnecessary. I was a little in pain about the duke of Ormond, who, I feared, might interpose in this matter, and be angry it was done without him: but Mr. Harley has very kindly taken this matter upon himself. It was yesterday I dined with him, and he told me all this; and tomorrow I dine with him again, where I may hear more. I shall obey your grace's directions, whether my stay here be farther necessary, after you have had the letter from the secretary's office. I know not what it will be; but, if any forms remain to finish, I shall be ready to assist in it as I have hitherto done. I have all the reason in the world to be satisfied with Mr. Harley's conduct in this whole affair. In three days he spoke of it to the queen, and gave her my memorial, and so continued until he got her grant. I am now in much company, and steal this time to write to your grace. The queen was resolved to have the whole merit of this affair to herself. Mr. Harley advised her to it; and next to her majesty, he is the only person to be thanked. I suppose it will not be many days before you have the letter from my lord Dartmouth; and your grace will afterward signify your commands, if you have any for me. I shall go to the office, and see that a dispatch be made as soon as possible.
I am, with the greatest respect,
my Lord,
your grace's
most dutiful and most
obedient humble servant,