Lansdowne thinks they have some design by these reports; I cannot guess it.  Did I tell you that Sacheverell has desired mightily to come and see me? but I have put it off:  he has heard that I have spoken to the Secretary in behalf of a brother whom he maintains, and who desires an employment.[11] T’other day at the Court of Requests Dr. Yalden[12] saluted me by name:  Sacheverell, who was just by, came up to me, and made me many acknowledgment and compliments.  Last night I desired Lord Treasurer to do something for that brother of Sacheverell’s:  he said he never knew he had a brother, but thanked me for telling him, and immediately put his name in his table-book.[13] I will let Sacheverell know this, that he may take his measures accordingly, but he shall be none of my acquaintance.  I dined to-day privately with the Secretary, left him at six, paid a visit or two, and came home.

23.  I dined again to-day with the Secretary, but could not despatch some business I had with him, he has so much besides upon his hands at this juncture, and preparing against the great business to-morrow, which we are top full of.  The Minister’s design is that the Duke of Marlborough shall be censured as gently as possible, provided his friends will not make head to defend him, but if they do, it may end in some severer votes.  A gentleman, who was just now with him, tells me he is much cast down, and fallen away; but he is positive, if he has but ten friends in the House, that they shall defend him to the utmost, and endeavour to prevent the least censure upon him, which I think cannot be, since the bribery is manifest.  Sir Solomon Medina[14] paid him six thousand pounds a year to have the employment of providing bread for the army, and the Duke owns it in his letter to the Commissioners of Accounts.  I was to-night at Lord Masham’s:  Lord Dupplin took out my new little pamphlet, and the Secretary read a great deal of it to Lord Treasurer:  they all commended it to the skies, and so did I, and they began a health to the author.  But I doubt Lord Treasurer suspected; for he said, “This is Mr. Davenant’s style,” which is his cant when he suspects me.[15] But I carried the matter very well.  Lord Treasurer put the pamphlet in his pocket to read at home.  I’ll answer your letter to-morrow.

24.  The Secretary made me promise to dine with him today, after the Parliament was up:  I said I would come; but I dined at my usual time, knowing the House would sit late on this great affair.  I dined at a tavern with Mr. Domville and another gentleman; I have not done so before these many months.  At ten this evening I went to the Secretary, but he was not come home:  I sat with his lady till twelve, then came away; and he just came as I was gone, and he sent to my lodgings, but I would not go back; and so I know not how things have passed, but hope all is well; and I will tell you to-morrow day.  It is late, etc.