(701) His father, Lord Torrington, had made a great figure there against the Spaniards.

(702) It was at that time believed that General Blakeney had acted with great spirit; but it appeared afterwards that he had been confined to his bed, and had not been able to do any thing.

331 Letter 190 To George Montagu, Esq.  Strawberry Hill, July 12, 1756.

When I have told you that Mr. Muntz has finished the drapery of your picture, and the copy of it, and asked you whither and how they must be sent, I think I have done all the business of my letter; except telling you, that if you think of conveying them through Moreland, he is gone a soldiering.  All the world is going the same road, except Mr. Muntz, who had rather be knocked on the head for fame, than paint for it.  He goes to morrow to Kingston, to see the great drum pass by to Cobham, as women go to take a last look of their captains.  The Duke of Marlborough, and his grandfather’s triumphal car are to close the procession.  What would his grandame, if she were alive, say to this pageant?  If the war lasts, I think well enough of him to believe he will earn a sprig; but I have no passion for trying on a crown of laurel, before I had acquired it.  The French are said to be embarked at Dunkirk—­lest I should seem to know more than any minister, I will not pretend to guess whither they are bound.  I have been but one night in town, and my head sung ballads about Admiral Byng all night, as one is apt to dream of the masquerade minuet:  the streets swarm so with lampoons, that I begin to fancy myself a minister’s son again.

I am going to-morrow to Park-place; and the first week in August into Yorkshire.  If I hear that you are at Greatworth, that is, if you will disclose your motions to me for the first fortnight of that month, I will try if I cannot make it in my road either going or coming.  I know nothing of roads, but Lord Strafford is to send me a route, and I should be glad to ask you do for one night—­but don’t expect me, don’t be disappointed about me, and of all things don’t let so uncertain a scheme derange the least thing in the world that you have to do.  There are going to be as many camps and little armies, as when England was a heptarchy.  Adieu!

332 Letter 191 To Sir Horace Mann.  Strawberry Hill, July 24, 1756.

Because you desire it, I begin a letter to-day, but I don’t fancy I shall be able to fill to the bottom of this side.  It is in answer to your long one of the 3d.  In answer?—­no; you must have Patience till next session before your queries can be resolved, and then I believe you will not be very communicative of the solutions.  In short, all your questions of, Why was not Byng sent sooner?  Why not with more ships?  Why was Minorca not supported earlier?  All these are questions which all the world is asking as well as you, and to which all the world does not make such civil answers as you must, and to which I shall make