(1395) Galfridus Mann, twin-brother of Horace Mann.

(1396) William, Viscount Pulteney, only son of Lord Bath.  He died in his father’s lifetime.-D.

(1397) Holkham.

(1398) Shakspeare, Henry IV.-,, “Cast many a northern look to see his father bring up his powers.”

539 Letter 244 To Sir Horace Mann.  Arlington Street, Nov. 10, 1747.

I came to town but last week; but on looking over the dates of my letters, I find I am six weeks in arrear to you.  This is a period that ought to make me blush, and beyond what I think I was ever guilty — but I have not a tittle to tell you; that is, nothing little enough has happened, nor big enough, except Admiral Hawke’s(1399) great victory and for that I must have transcribed the gazettes.

The Parliament met this morning, the House extremely full, and many new faces.  We have done nothing, but choose a Speaker, and, in choosing him, flattered Mr. Onslow, who is rechosen.  In about ten days one shall be able to judge of the complexion of the winter; but there is not likely to be much opposition.  The Duke was Coming, but is gone back to Breda for a few days.  When he does return, it will be only for three weeks.  He is to watch the French and the negotiations for peace, which are to be opened-I believe not in earnest.

Whithed has made his entrance into Parliament; I don’t expect he will like it.  The first session is very tiresome with elections, and without opposition there will be little spirit.

Lady Middlesex has popped out her child before its time; it is put into spirits, and my Lord very loyally, cries over it.  Lady Gower carried a niece to Leicester-fields(1400) the other day, to present her; the girl trembled-she pushed her:  “What are you so afraid of?  Don’t you see that musical clock?  Can you be afraid of a man that has a musical clock?”

Don’t call this a letter; I don’t call it one; it only comes to make my letter’s excuses.  Adieu!

(1399) Admiral Edward Hawke, afterwards created Lord Hawke, for his eminent naval services.  On the ]5th July 1747, he met a large fleet of French merchant-vessels going from the ports of France to the West Indies. and guarded by a strong force of ships of war.  He completely routed them, and took six ships of war. -It was in his despatch to the Admiralty on this occasion, that he made use of the Following remarkable expression:  “As the enemy’s ships were large, they took a great deal of drubbing."-D.

(1400) Where the Prince of Wales held his court.  Lady Gower was Mary Tufton, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Thanet, and widow of Anthony Gray, Earl of Harold, who became, in 1736, third wife of John, second Lord Gower.-D.

539 Letter 245 To Sir Horace Mann.  Arlington Street, Nov. 24, 1747.