The great pleasure I receive from your letters is a little abated by my continually finding that they have been opened.  It is a mortification as it must restrain the freedom of our correspondence, and at a time when more than ever I must want to talk to you.  Your brother showed me a letter, which I approve extremely, yet do not think this a proper time for it; for there IS not only no present prospect of any further alterations, but, if there were, none that will give that person any interest.  He really has lost himself so much, that it will be long before he can recover credit enough to do any body any service.  His childish and troublesome behaviour, particularly lately (,but I Will not mention instances, because I would not have it known whom I mean), has set him in the lowest light imaginable.  I have desired your brother to keep your letter, and when we see a necessary or convenient opportunity, which I hope will not arrive, it shall be delivered.  However, if you are still of that opinion, say so, and your brother shall carry it.  At present, my dear child, I am much more at repose about you, as I trust no more will happen to endanger your situation.  I shall not only give you the first notice, but employ all the means in my power to prevent your removal.

The Secret Committee, it seems, are almost aground, and, it is thought, will soon finish.  They are now reduced, as I hear, to inquire into the last month, not having met with any foundation for proceeding in the rest of the time.  However, they have this week given a strong instance of’ their arbitrariness and private resentments.  They sent for Paxton,(558) the solicitor of the treasury, and examined him about five hundred pounds which he had given seven years ago at Lord Limerick’s election.  The man, as it directly tended to accuse himself, refused to answer.  They complained to the House, and after a long debate he was committed to the sergeant-at-arms -, and to-day, I hear, for still refusing, will be sent to Newgate.(559) We adjourn to-day for ten days, but the committee has leave to continue sitting. .  But, my dear child, you may be quite at ease, for they themselves seem to despair of being able to effect any thing.

The Duke (560) is of age to-day, and I hear by the guns, is just gone with the King, to take his seat in the Lords.

I have this morning received the jar of cedrati safe, for which I give you a million of thanks.  I am impatient to hear of the arrival of your secretary and the things at Florence; it is time for you to have received them.

Here!  Amorevoli has sent me another letter.  Would you believe that our wise directors for next year will not keep the Visconti, and have sent for the Fumagalli?  She will not be heard to the first row of the pit.

I am growing miserable, for it is growing fine weather-that is, every body is going out of town.  I have but just begun to like London, and to be settled in an agreeable set of’ people, and now they are going to wander all over the kingdom.  Because they have some chance of having a month of good weather they will bury themselves three more in bad.