eived your thirteenth. I got to town between
twelve and one, and put on my new gown and periwig, and dined with
Lord Abercorn, where I had not been since the marriage of his son Lord
Peasley,(1) who has got ten thousand pounds with a wife. I am now a
country gentleman. I walked home as I went, and am a little weary, and
am got into bed: I hope in God the air and exercise will do me a little
good. I have been inquiring about statues for Mrs. Ashe: I made Lady
Abercorn(2) go with me; and will send them word next post to Clogher. I
hate to buy for her: I am sure she will maunder. I am going to study.

29. I had a charming walk to and from town to-day: I washed, shaved and
all, and changed gown and periwig, by half an hour after nine, and went
to the Secretary, who told me how he had differed with his friends in
Parliament: I apprehended this division, and told him a great deal of
it. I went to Court, and there several mentioned it to me as what they
much disliked. I dined with the Secretary; and we proposed doing some
business of importance in the afternoon, which he broke to me first, and
said how he and Mr. Harley were convinced of the necessity of it; yet he
suffered one of his under-secretaries to come upon us after dinner, who
stayed till six, and so nothing was done: and what care I? he shall send
to me the next time, and ask twice. To-morrow I go to the election at
Westminster School, where lads are chosen for the University: they say
it is a sight, and a great trial of wits. Our Expedition Fleet is but
just sailed: I believe it will come to nothing. Mr. Secretary frets at
their tediousness, but hopes great things from it, though he owns four
or five princes are in the secret; and, for that reason, I fear it is no
secret to France. There are eight regiments; and the Admiral(3) is your
Walker's brother the midwife.

30. Morn. I am here in a pretty pickle: it rains hard; and the cunning
natives of Chelsea have outwitted me, and taken up all the three stage
coaches. What shall I do? I must go to town: this is your fault. I
cannot walk: I will borrow a coat. This is the blind side of my lodging
out of town; I must expect such inconveniences as these. Faith, I'll
walk in the rain. Morrow.--At night. I got a gentleman's chaise by
chance, and so went to town for a shilling, and lie this night in town.
I was at the election of lads at Westminster to-day, and a very silly
thing it is; but they say there will be fine doings t