the army; but Mr. Lyttelton stood up and moved for another Secret Committee, in the very words of last year; but the whole debate ran, not upon Robert Earl of Orford, but Robert Earl of Sandys:(737) he is the constant butt of the party; indeed he bears it notably.  After five hours’ haranguing, we came to a division, and threw out the motion by a majority of sixty-seven, 253 against 186.  The Prince had declared so openly for union and agreement in all measures, that, except the Nepotism,(738) all his servants but one were with us.  I don’t know whether they will attempt any thing else, but with these majorities we must have an easy winter.  The union of the Whigs has saved this parliament.  It is expected that Pitt and Lyttelton will be dismissed by the Prince.  That faction and Waller are the only Whigs of any note that do not join with the Court.  I do not count Doddington, who must now always be with the minority, for no majority will accept him.  It is believed that Lord Gower will retire, or be desired to do so.  I suppose you have heard from Rome,(739) that Murray is made Solicitor-general, in the room of Sir John Strange, who has resigned for his health.  This is the sum of politics; we can’t expect any winter, (I hope no winter will be) like the last.  By the crowds that come hither, one should not know that Sir Robert is out of place, only that now he is scarce abused.

De reste, the town is wondrous dull; operas unfrequented, plays not in fashion, amours as old as marriages-in short, nothing but whist!  I have not yet learned to play, but I find that I wait in vain for its being left off.

I agree with you about not sending home the Dominichin in an English vessel; but what I mentioned to you of its coming in a Dutch vessel, if you find an opportunity, I think will be very safe, if you approve it; but manage that as you like.  I shall hope for my statue at the same time; but till the conveyance is absolutely safe, I know you will not venture them.  Now I mention my statue, I must beg you will send me a full bill of all my debts to you, which I am sure by this time must be infinite; I beg to know the particulars, that I may pay your brother.  Adieu, my dear Sir; take care of yourself, and submit to popery and slavery rather than get colds with sea-heroes.(740)

(737) Samuel Sandys, chancellor of the Exchequer, in the room of Sir R. Walpole.

(738) Lord Cobham’s nephews and cousins.-D.

(739) This alludes to the supposed Jacobite principles of Murray, afterwards Lord Mansfield.-D.

(740) Sir H. Mann had complained, in one of his letters, of the labours he had gone through in doing the honours of Florence to some of Admiral Matthews’s (il Furibondo) officers.  The English fleet was now at Leghorn, upon the plea of defending the Tuscan territories, in case of their being attacked by the Spaniards.-D.

299 Letter 91 To Sir Horace Mann.  Arlington Street, Dec. 9, 1742.