14.  I have been plagued this morning with solicitors, and with nobody more than my brother, Dr. Freind, who must needs have to get old Dr. Lawrence,[14] the Physician-General, turned out and himself in.  He has argued with me so long upon the reasonableness of it, that I am fully convinced it is very unreasonable; and so I would tell the Secretary, if I had not already made him speak to the Queen.  Besides, I know not but my friend Dr. Arbuthnot would be content to have it himself, and I love him ten times better than Freind.  What’s all this to you? but I must talk of things as they happen in the day, whether you know anything of them or no.  I dined in the City, and, coming back, one Parson Richardson[15] of Ireland overtook me.  He was here last summer upon a project of converting the Irish and printing Bibles, etc., in that language, and is now returned to pursue it on.  He tells me Dr. Coghill[16] came last night [to] town.  I will send to see how he does to-morrow.  He gave me a letter from Walls about his old business.  Nite, deelest MD.

15.  I had intended to be early with the Secretary this morning, when my man admitted upstairs one Mr. Newcomb,[17] an officer, who brought me a letter from the Bishop of Clogher, with four lines added by Mrs. Ashe, all about that Newcomb.  I think, indeed, his case is hard, but God knows whether I shall be able to do him any service.  People will not understand:  I am a very good second, but I care not to begin a recommendation, unless it be for an intimate friend.  However, I will do what I can.  I missed the Secretary, and then walked to Chelsea to dine with the Dean of Christ Church,[18] who was engaged to Lord Orrery with some other Christ Church men.  He made me go with him whether I would or not, for they have this long time admitted me a Christ Church man.  Lord Orrery, generally every winter, gives his old acquaintance of that college a dinner.  There were nine clergymen at table, and four laymen.  The Dean and I soon left them, and after a visit or two, I went to Lord Masham’s, and Lord Treasurer, Arbuthnot and I sat till twelve.  And now I am come home and got to bed.  I came afoot, but had my man with me.  Lord Treasurer advised me not to go in a chair, because the Mohocks insult chairs more than they do those on foot.  They think there is some mischievous design in those villains.  Several of them, Lord Treasurer told me, are actually taken up.  I heard at dinner that one of them was killed last night.  We shall know more in a little time.  I don’t like them, as the men said.[19] Nite MD.