119.  To the same, Dec. 24.-Madame S`evign`e’s new letters.  Dr. Browne’s tragedy of “Barbarossa.”  Walpole’s papers in the “World.”  Turning out of Mr. Pitt.  The last new madness.  Macklin’s “British Inquisition".-231

1755.

120.  To George Montagu, Esq.  Jan. 7.-Nuptials of Mr. Harris and Miss Ashe.  Countess Chamfelt.-233

121.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  Jan. 9.-Death of Lord Albemarle.  Story of Lord Montford’s suicide.  Gamesters.  Insurance office for voluntary deaths.  Ministerial changes.  New nostrums and inventions.-234

122.  To Sir Horace Mann, Jan. 9.-Congratulation on his being created a baronet.  Lord Albemarle’s sudden death.  Lord Bury.  Lady Albemarle’s dream.  Lord Montford’s suicide.  The age of abortions.  The Chevalier Taylor.-236

123.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  Feb. 8.-The Russian ambassador’s masquerade.-238

124.  To the same, Feb, 23.-Oxfordshire and Colchester elections.  Sir John Bland’s suicide.  English Opera.  “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”  Walpole at a fire.  Lady Herbert’s providence.  Fire at Fonthill.-239

125.  To the same, March 6.-Prospect of a war with France.  Lord Holderness’s ball.  Dancing senators.-241

126.  To Sir Horace Mann, March 10.-Lord Hertford’s embassy to Paris.  Warlike prospects.  Progress of election trials.  Lord Pomfret’s collection of statues.  Cerberus.-242

127.  To Richard Bentley, Esq, March 27.-Hume’s “History of England.”  Motto for a ruby ring.  Party struggles.  Prospects of war.  Sale of Dr. Mead’s pictures.-243

128.  To the same, April 13.-Prospects of war.  French preparations for invasion.  Lord Chesterfield’s prophecy.-245

129.  To Sir Horace Mann, April 22.-French preparations.  Secret expedition.  Motto-hunting.-247

130.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  April 24.-Political rumours.  M. Herault and Lady Harrington.-248

131.  To George Montagu, Esq.  May 4.-Prince of Nassau Welbourg.  George Selwyn and Lady Petersham.-250

132.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  May 6.-Lord Poulet’s motion against the King’s visiting Hanover.  Mr. Legge’s pun.  The Regency.  Ball at Bedford House.  Great breakfast at Strawberry Hill.  “Anecdotes Litt`eraires.”  “M@,is`eres des Scavans.”  Gray’s observation on learning.-250

133.  To George Montagu, Esq.  May 13.-Invitation to Strawberry Hill.-252

134.  To the same, may 19.-King of Prussia’s victory near Prague.-252

135.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  June 10.-Arrival of Mr. M`untz4.  Deluge at Strawberry Hill.  New gunpowder-plot.  Venneschi apprehended.-253

136.  To Sir Horace Mann, June 15.-The Countess of Orford and Mr. Shirley.  Lord Orford described.  Warlike preparations.  Fureur des cabriolets.-256

137.  To Richard Bentley, Esq.  July 5.-Expostulation on his love of visionary projects.  Mr. M`untz.  Visit to Chaffont.  Bulstrode.  Latimers.  First visit to Greenwich Park.-257