to France, fully instructed in all her intentions, and authorized to negotiate every thing necessary for settling the treaty of peace in such a course, as might bring it to a happy and speedy conclusion.  He was empowered to agree to a general suspension of arms, by sea and land, between Great Britain, France and Spain, to continue for four months, or until the conclusion of the peace; provided France and Spain would previously give positive assurances to make good the terms demanded by Her Majesty for the Duke of Savoy, and would likewise adjust and determine the forms of the several renunciations to be made by both those crowns, in order to prevent their being ever united.  The Lord Bolingbroke was likewise authorized to settle some differences relating to the Elector of Bavaria, for whose interests France was as much concerned as Her Majesty was for those of the Duke of Savoy; to explain all doubtful articles which particularly related to the advantages of Britain; to know the real ultimatum, as it is termed, of France upon the general plan of peace; and lastly, to cut off all hopes from that court of ever bringing the Queen to force her allies to a disadvantageous peace; Her Majesty resolving to impose no scheme at all upon them, or to debar them from the liberty of endeavouring to obtain the best conditions they could.

The Lord Bolingbroke went to France in the beginning of August,[18] was received at court with particular marks of distinction and respect; and in a very few days, by his usual address and ability, performed every part of his commission, extremely to the Queen’s content and his own honour.  He returned to England before the end of the month; but Mr. Prior, who went along with him, was left behind, to adjust whatever differences might remain or arise between the two crowns.[19]

[Footnote 18:  “Lord Bolingbroke and Prior set out for France last Saturday.  My lord’s business is to hasten the peace before the Dutch are too much mauled, and hinder France from carrying the jest of beating them too far.” ("Journal to Stella,” August 7th, 1712.  See vol. ii., p. 381 of present edition).  The result of Bolingbroke’s visit was the signing, on August 19th, of an agreement for the suspension of arms for four months.  Torcy’s reception of Bolingbroke was so managed that the bon vivant peer had as pleasant a time as he could well have wished.  How much influence that had on Bolingbroke we can only speculate; but it is certain that he would have made a separate peace with France, after his return, had Oxford been willing.  See Torcy’s “Memoires” (vol. ii., p. 202).  “Bolingbroke avoit conseille a la Reine sa maitresse de preferer une paix particuliere a la suspension d’armes, et d’assurer au plus tot a ses sujets la jouissance de toutes les conditions dont le Roi etoit convenu en faveur de l’Angleterre.” [T.S.]]

[Footnote 19:  There is a long letter from Lord Bolingbroke to Mr. Prior, on the subject of this negotiation, printed in Scott’s edition of Swift, vol. xv., pp. 524-529. [W.S.J.]]