3.  I was at Court to-day to look for a dinner, but did not like any that were offered me; and I dined with Lord Mountjoy.  The Queen has the gout in her knee, and was not at chapel.  I hear we have a Dutch mail, but I know not what news, although I was with the Secretary this morning.  He showed me a letter from the Hanover Envoy, Mr. Bothmar, complaining that the Barrier Treaty is laid before the House of Commons; and desiring that no infringement may be made in the guarantee of the succession; but the Secretary has written him a peppering answer.  I fancy you understand all this, and are able states-girls, since you have read the Conduct of the Allies.  We are all preparing against the Birthday; I think it is Wednesday next.  If the Queen’s gout increases, it will spoil sport.  Prince Eugene has two fine suits made against it; and the Queen is to give him a sword worth four thousand pounds, the diamonds set transparent.

4.  I was this morning soliciting at the House of Commons’ door for Mr. Vesey, a son of the Archbishop of Tuam,[17] who has petitioned for a Bill to relieve him in some difficulty about his estate:  I secured him above fifty members.  I dined with Lady Masham.  We have no packet from Holland, as I was told yesterday:  and this wind will hinder many people from appearing at the Birthday, who expected clothes from Holland.  I appointed to meet a gentleman at the Secretary’s to-night, and they both failed.  The House of Commons have this day made many severe votes about our being abused by our Allies.  Those who spoke drew all their arguments from my book, and their votes confirm all I writ; the Court had a majority of a hundred and fifty:  all agree that it was my book that spirited them to these resolutions; I long to see them in print.  My head has not been as well as I could wish it for some days past, but I have not had any giddy fit, and I hope it will go over.

5.  The Secretary turned me out of his room this morning, and showed me fifty guineas rolled up, which he was going to give some French spy.  I dined with four Irishmen at a tavern to-day:  I thought I had resolved against it before, but I broke it.  I played at cards this evening at Lady Masham’s, but I only played for her while she was waiting; and I won her a pool, and supped there.  Lord Treasurer was with us, but went away before twelve.  The ladies and lords have all their clothes ready against to-morrow:  I saw several mighty fine, and I hope there will be a great appearance, in spite of that spiteful French fashion of the Whiggish ladies not to come, which they have all resolved to a woman; and I hope it will more spirit the Queen against them for ever.