From my own Apartment, June 10.

I have so many messages from young gentlemen who expect preferment and distinction, that I am wholly at a loss in what manner to acquit myself.  The writer of the following letter tells me in a postscript, he cannot go out of town till I have taken some notice of him, and is very urgent to be somebody, in town before he leaves it, and returns to his commons at the university.  But take it from himself.

#"To Isaac Bickerstaff, Esq., Monitor-General of Great Britain.#

“Shire Lane, June 8.

I have been above six months from the university, of age these three months, and so long in town.  I was recommended to one Charles Bubbleboy[291] near the Temple, who has supplied me with all the furniture he says a gentleman ought to have.  I desired a certificate thereof from him, which he said would require some time to consider of; and when I went yesterday morning for it, he tells me, upon due consideration, I still want some few odd things more, to the value of threescore or fourscore pounds, to make me complete.  I have bespoke them; and the favour I beg of you is, to know, when I am equipped, in what part or class of men in this town you will place me.  Pray send me word what I am, and you shall find me,

“Sir,

“Your most humble Servant,

“JEFFRY NICKNACK.”

I am very willing to encourage young beginners; but am extremely in the dark how to dispose of this gentleman.  I cannot see either his person or habit in this letter; but I’ll call at Charles’, and know the shape of his snuff-box, by which I can settle his character.  Though indeed, to know his full capacity, I ought to be informed, whether he takes Spanish or musty.[292]

St. James’s Coffee-house, June 10.

Letters from the Low Countries of the 17th instant say, that the Duke of Marlborough and the Prince of Savoy intended to leave Ghent on that day, and join the army, which lies between Pont d’Espiere and Courtray, their headquarters being at Helchin.  The same day the Palatine foot was expected at Brussels.  Lieutenant-General Dompre, with a body of eight thousand men, is posted at Alost, in order to cover Ghent and Brussels.  The Marshal de Villars was still on the plains of Lens; and it is said, the Duke of Vendome is appointed to command in conjunction with that general.  Advices from Paris say, Monsieur Voisin is made Secretary of State, upon Monsieur Chamillard’s resignation of that employment.  The want of money in that kingdom is so great, that the Court has thought fit to command all the plate of private families to be brought into the Mint.  They write from the Hague of the 18th, that the States of Holland continue their session; and that they have approved the resolution of the States-General, to publish a second edict to prohibit the sale of corn to the enemy.  Many eminent persons in that assembly have declared, that they are of opinion, that all commerce whatsoever with France should be wholly forbidden:  which point is under present deliberation; but it is feared it will meet with powerful opposition.