to them, of which, as you have seen, the two Earls did not make use; but old Balmerino did, and demanded council on it.  The High Steward, almost in a passion, told him, that when he had been offered council, he did not accept it.  Do but think on the ridicule of sending them the plea, and then denying them council on it!  The Duke of Newcastle, who never lets slip an opportunity of being absurd, took it up as a ministerial point, in defence of his creature the Chancellor; but Lord Granville moved, according to order, to adjourn to debate in the chamber of Parliament, where the Duke of Bedford and many others spoke warmly for their having council; and it was granted.  I said their, because the plea would have saved them all, and affected nine rebels who had been hanged that very morning; particularly one Morgan, a poetical lawyer.  Lord Balmerino asked for Forester and Wilbraham; the latter a very able lawyer in the House of Commons, who, the Chancellor said privately, he was sure would as soon be hanged as plead such a cause.  But he came as council to-day (the third day), when Lord Balmerino gave up his plea as invalid, and submitted, without any speech.  The High Steward then made his, very long and very poor, with only one or two good passages; and then pronounced sentence!

Great intercession is made for the two Earls:  Duke Hamilton,(1248) who has never been at court, designs to kiss the King’s hand, and ask Lord Kilmarnock’s life.  The King is much inclined to some mercy; but the Duke, who has not so much of Caesar after a victory, as in gaining it, is for the utmost severity.  It was lately proposed in the city to present him with the freedom of some company; one of the aldermen said aloud, “Then let it be of the Butchers!"(1249) The Scotch and his Royal Highness are not at all guarded in their expressions of each other.  When he went to Edinburgh, in his pursuit of the rebels, they would not admit his guards, alleging that it was contrary to their privileges; but they rode in, sword in hand; and the Duke, very justly incensed, refused to see any of the magistrates.  He came with the utmost expedition to town, in order for Flanders; but found that the court of Vienna had already sent Prince Charles thither, without the least notification, at which both King and Duke are greatly offended’.  When the latter waited on his brother, the Prince carried him into a room that hangs over the Wall of St. James’s Park, and stood there with his arm about his neck, to charm the gazing mob

Murray, the Pretender’s secretary, has made ample confessions:  the Earl of Traquair(1250 and Dr. Barry, a physician, are apprehended, and more warrants are out; so much for rebels!  Your friend, Lord Sandwich, is instantly going ambassador to Holland, to pray the Dutch to build more ships.  I have received yours of July 19th, but you see have no more room left, only to say, that I conceive a good idea of my eagle, though the sea] is a bad one.  Adieu!