t, as usual. Lord Shelburne has sent to
invite me to dinner, but I am engaged with Lewis at Ned Southwell's.
Lord Northampton and Lord Aylesbury's sons(17) are both made peers; but
we shall want more. I write this post to your Dean. I owe the Archbishop
a letter this long time. All people that come from Ireland complain of
him, and scold me for protecting him. Pray, Madam Dingley, let me know
what Presto has received for this year, or whether anything is due
to him for last: I cannot look over your former letters now. As for
Dingley's own account of her exchequer money, I will give it on t'other
side. Farewell, my own dearest MD, and love Presto; and God ever bless
dearest MD, etc. etc. I wish you many happy Christmases and new years.

I have owned to the Dean a letter I just had from you, but that I had
not one this great while before.

DINGLEY'S ACCOUNT

Received of Mr. Tooke.. 6 17 6
Deducted for entering the letter of attorney. 0 2 6
For the three half-crowns it used to cost you, I don't
know why nor wherefore.. 0 7 6
For exchange to Ireland.. 0 10 0
Forcoach-hire.. 0 2 6
--------
In all, just 8 0 0

So there's your money, and we are both even: for I'll pay you no more
than that eight pounds Irish, and pray be satisfied.

Churchwarden's accounts, boys.

Saturday night. I have broke open my letter, and tore it into the
bargain, to let you know that we are all safe: the Queen has made no
less than twelve lords,(18) to have a majority; nine new ones, the
other three peers' sons; and has turned out the Duke of Somerset. She is
awaked at last, and so is Lord Treasurer: I want nothing now but to
see the Duchess out. But we shall do without her. We are all extremely
happy. Give me joy, sirrahs. This is written in a coffee-house. Three of
the new lords are of our Society.

LETTER 38.

LONDON, Dec. 29, 1711.

I put my letter in this evening, after coming from dinner at Ned
Southwell's, where I drank very good Irish wine, and we are in great joy
at this happy turn of affairs. The Queen has been at last persuaded to
her own interest and security, and I freely think she must have made
both herself and kingdom very unhappy, if she had done otherwise. It i