ss; then as long with Lady
Oglethorpe,(17) who is so cunning a devil that I believe she could yet
find a remedy, if they would take her advice. I dined with a friend at
Court.

13. I was this morning with the Secretary: he will needs pretend to talk
as if things would be well: "Will you believe it," said he, "if you see
these people turned out?" I said, yes, if I saw the Duke and Duchess of
Somerset out: he swore if they were not, he would give up his place. Our
Society dined to-day at Sir William Wyndham's; we were thirteen present.
Lord Orrery and two other members were introduced: I left them at seven.
I forgot to tell you that the printer told me yesterday that Morphew,
the publisher, was sent for by that Lord Chief-Justice, who was a
manager against Sacheverell; he showed him two or three papers and
pamphlets; among the rest mine of the Conduct of the Allies, threatened
him, asked who was the author, and has bound him over to appear next
term. He would not have the impudence to do this, if he did not foresee
what was coming at Court.

14. Lord Shelburne was with me this morning, to be informed of the state
of affairs, and desired I would answer all his objections against a
peace, which was soon done, for he would not give me room to put in a
word. He is a man of good sense enough; but argues so violently, that he
will some day or other put himself into a consumption. He desires that
he may not be denied when he comes to see me, which I promised, but will
not perform. Leigh and Sterne set out for Ireland on Monday se'nnight: I
suppose they will be with you long before this.--I was to-night drinking
very good wine in scurvy company, at least some of them; I was drawn in,
but will be more cautious for the future; 'tis late, etc.

15. Morning. They say the Occasional Bill(19) is brought to-day into the
House of Lords; but I know not. I will now put an end to my letter, and
give it into the post-house myself. This will be a memorable letter, and
I shall sigh to see it some years hence. Here are the first steps toward
the ruin of an excellent Ministry; for I look upon them as certainly
ruined; and God knows what may be the consequences.--I now bid my
dearest MD farewell; for company is coming, and I must be at Lord
Dartmouth's office by noon. Farewell, dearest MD; I wish you a merry
Christmas; I believe you will have this about that time. Love Presto,
who loves MD above all things a thousand times. Farewell again, dear