Now for part the second.  On the first day, in your House, where the address was moved by Lord Hilsborough and Lord Suffolk, after some wrangling between Lord Temple, Lord Halifax, the Duke of Bedford, and Lord Gower; Lord Sandwich(353) laid before the House the most blasphemous and indecent poem that ever was composed, called “An Essay on Woman, With notes, by Dr. Warburton."’, I will tell you none of the particulars:  they were so exceedingly bad, that Lord Lyttelton begged the reading might be stopped.  The House was amazed; nobody ventured even to ask a question:  so it was easily voted every thing you please, and a breach of privilege into the bargain.  Lord Sandwich then informed your Lordships, that Mr. Wilkes was the author.  Fourteen copies alone were printed, one of which the ministry had bribed the printer to give up.  Lord Temple then objected to the manner of obtaining it; and Bishop Warburton, as much shocked at infidelity as Lord Sandwich had been at obscenity, said, “the blackest fiends in hell would not keep company with Wilkes when he should arrive there.”  Lord Sandwich moved to vote Wilkes the author; but this Lord Mansfield stopped, advertising the House that it was necessary first to hear what Wilkes could say in his defence.  To-day, therefore, Was appointed for that purpose; but it has been put off by Martin’s lodging a caveat.(354) This bomb was certainly well conducted, and the secret, though known to many, well kept.  The management is worthy of Lord Sandwich, and like him.  It may sound odd for me, with my principles, to admire Lord Sandwich; but besides that he has in several instances been very obliging to me, there is a good humour and an industry about him that are very uncommon.  I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due.  Nobody but he could have struck a stroke like this.

Yesterday we sat till eight on the address, which yet passed without a negative — we had two very long speeches from Mr. Pitt and Mr. Grenville; many fine parts in each.  Mr. Pitt has given the latter some strong words, yet not so many as were expected.(355) To-morrow we go on the great question ’of privilege; but I must send this away, as we have no chance of leaving the House before midnight, if before next morning.

This long letter contains the history of but two days; yet if two days furnish a history, it is not my fault.  The ministry, I think, may do whatever they please.  Three hundred, that will give up their own privileges, may be depended upon for giving up any thing else.  I have not time or room to ask a question, or say a word more.

Nov. 18, Friday.