ng remedies; pray God the patient is
able to bear them. The last Ministry people are utterly desperate.

Jan. 1. Now I wish my dearest little MD many happy new years; yes, both
Dingley and Stella, ay and Presto too, many happy new years. I dined
with the Secretary, and it is true that the Duke of Marlborough
is turned out of all. The Duke of Ormond has got his regiment of
foot-guards, I know not who has the rest. If the Ministry be not sure of
a peace, I shall wonder at this step, and do not approve it at best. The
Queen and Lord Treasurer mortally hate the Duke of Marlborough, and to
that he owes his fall, more than to his other faults: unless he has
been tampering too far with his party, of which I have not heard any
particulars; however it be, the world abroad will blame us. I confess
my belief that he has not one good quality in the world beside that of
a general, and even that I have heard denied by several great soldiers.
But we have had constant success in arms while he commanded. Opinion is
a mighty matter in war, and I doubt the French think it impossible to
conquer an army that he leads, and our soldiers think the same; and how
far even this step may encourage the French to play tricks with us,
no man knows. I do not love to see personal resentment mix with public
affairs.

2. This being the day the Lords meet, and the new peers to be
introduced, I went to Westminster to see the sight; but the crowd was
too great in the house. So I only went into the robing-room, to give my
four brothers joy, and Sir Thomas Mansel,(5) and Lord Windsor; the other
six I am not acquainted with. It was apprehended the Whigs would have
raised some difficulties, but nothing happened. I went to see Lady
Masham at noon, and wish her joy of her new honour, and a happy new
year. I found her very well pleased; for peerage will be some sort of
protection to her upon any turn of affairs. She engaged me to come at
night, and sup with her and Lord Treasurer: I went at nine, and she was
not at home, so I would not stay.--No, no, I won't answer your letter
yet, young women. I dined with a friend in the neighbourhood. I see
nothing here like Christmas, except brawn or mince-pies in places where
I dine, and giving away my half-crowns like farthings to great men's
porters and butlers. Yesterday I paid seven good guineas to the fellow
at the tavern where I treated the Society. I have a great mind to send
you the bill. I think I told you some arti