Mr. chute and I intend to be with you on the seventeenth or eighteenth; but as we are wandering swains, we do not drive one nail into one day of the almanack irremovably.  Our first stage is to Bleckley, the parsonage of venerable Cole, the antiquarian of Cambridge.  Bleckley lies by Fenny Stratford; now can you direct us how to make Horton(302) in our way from Stratford to Greatworth?  If this meander engrosses more time than we propose, do not be disappointed, and think we shall not come, for we shall.  The journey you must accept as a great sacrifice either to you or to my promise, for I quit the gallery almost in the critical minute of consummation.  Gilders, carvers, upholsterers, and picture-cleaners are labouring at their several forges, and I do not love to trust a hammer or a brush without my own supervision.  This will make my stay very short, but it is a greater compliment than a month would be at another season and yet I am not profuse of months.  Well, but I begin to be ashamed of my magnificence; Strawberry is growing Sumptuous in its latter day; it will scarce be any longer like the fruit of its name, or the modesty of its ancient demeanour, both which seem to have been in spencer’s prophetic eye when he sung of

“The blushing strawberries
Which lurk, close-shrouded from high-looking eyes,
Showing that sweetness low and hidden lies.”

In truth, my collection was too great already to be lodged humbly; it has extended my walls, and pomp followed.  It was a neat, small house; it now will be a comfortable one, and except for one fine apartment, does not deviate from its simplicity.  Adieu!  I know nothing about the world, and am only Strawberry’s and yours, sincerely.

(302) The seat of the Earl of Halifax.

Letter 163 To Sir David Dalrymple.(303) Strawberry Hill, July 1, 1763. (page 227)

Perhaps, sir, you have wondered that I have been so long silent about a scheme,(304) that called for despatch.  The truth is I have had no success.  Your whole plan has been communicated to Mr. Grenville by one whose heart went with it, going always with what is humane.  Mr. Grenville mentions two objections; one, insuperable as to expedition; the other, totally so.  No crown or public lands could be so disposed of without an act of parliament.  In that case the scheme should be digested during a war, to take place at the conclusion, and cannot be adjusted in time for receiving the disbanded.  But what is worse, he hints, Sir, that your good heart has only considered the practicability with regard to Scotland, where there are no poor’s rates.  Here every parish would object to such settlers. 
                  This is the sum of his reply; I am not master
enough of the subject or the nature of it, as to answer either difficulty.  If you can, Sir, I am ready to continue the intermediate negotiator;