We have at last got a spring-tide of good luck.  The rebels turned back from Derby, and have ever since been flying with the greatest precipitation.(1147) The Duke, with all his horse, and a thousand foot mounted, has pursued them with astonishing rapidity; and General Oglethorpe, with part of Wade’s horse, has crossed over upon them.  There has been little prospect of coming up with their entire body, but it dismayed them; their stragglers were picked up, and the towns in their way preserved from plunder, by their not having time to do mischief.  This morning an express is arrived from Lord Malton(1148) in Yorkshire, who has had an account of Oglethorpe’s cutting a part of them to pieces, and of the Duke’s overtaking their rear and entirely demolishing it.  We believe all this; but, as it is not yet confirmed, don’t depend upon it too much.  The fat East India ships are arrived safe from Ireland—­I mean the prizes; and yesterday a letter arrived from Admiral Townshend in the West Indies, where he has fallen in with the Martinico fleet (each ship valued at eight thousand pounds), taken twenty, sunk ten, and driven ashore two men-of-war, their convoy, and battered them to pieces.  All this will raise the pulse Of the stocks, which have been exceedingly low this week, and the Bank itself in danger.  The private rich are making immense fortunes out of the public distress:  the dread of the French invasion has occasioned this.  They have a vast embarkation at Dunkirk; the Duc de Richelieu, Marquis Fimarcon, and other general officers, are named in form to command.  Nay, it has been notified in form by the insolent Lord John Drummond,(1149) who has got to Scotland, and sent a drum to Marshal Wade, to announce himself commander for the French King in the war he designs to wage in England, and to propose a cartel for the exchange of prisoners.  No answer has been made to this rebel; but the King has acquainted the Parliament with this audacious message.  We have a vast fleet at sea; and the main body of the Duke’s army is coming down to the coast to prevent their landing, if they should slip our ships.  Indeed, I can’t believe they will attempt coming hither, as they must hear of the destruction of the rebels in England; but they will probably, dribble away to Scotland, where the war may last considerably.  Into England, I scarce believe the Highlanders will be drawn again:—­to have come as far as Derby—­to have found no rising in their favour, and to find themselves not strong enough to fight either army, will make lasting impressions!

Vernon, I hear, is recalled for his absurdities, and at his own request, and Martin named for his successor.(1150) We had yesterday a very remarkable day in the House:  the King notified his having sent for six thousand Hessians into Scotland.  Mr. Pelham, for an address of thanks.  Lord Cornbury (indeed, an exceedingly honest man(1151)) was for thanking for the notice, not for the sending for the troops; and proposed to