Lord Huntingtower wrote to offer his father eight thousand pounds of Charlotte’s fortune, if he would give them one thousand a-year in present, and settle a jointure on her.  The Earl returned this truly laconic, for being so unnatural, an answer.  “Lord Huntingtower, I answer your letter as soon as I receive it; I wish you joy; I hear your wife is very accomplished.  Yours, Dysart.”  I believe my Lady Huntingtower must contrive to make it convenient for me, that my Lord Dysart should die—­and then he will.  I expect to be a very respectable personage in time, and to have my tomb set forth like the Lady Margaret Douglas, that I had four earls to my nephews, though I never was one myself.  Adieu!  I must go govern the nation.

Letter 50 To The Earl Of Strafford.  Arlington Street, October 26, 1760. (page 96)

My dear lord, I beg your pardon for so long a silence in the late reign; I knew nothing worth telling you; and the great event of this morning you Z, will certainly hear before it comes to you by so sober and regular a personage as the postman.  The few circumstances known yet are, that the King went well to bed last night; rose well at six this morning; went to the water-closet a little after seven -, had a fit, fell against a bureau, and gashed his right temple:  the valet de chambre heard a noise and a groan, and ran in:  the King tried to speak, but died instantly.  I should hope this would draw you southward:  such scenes are worth looking at, even by people who regard them with such indifference as your lordship and I. I say no more, for what will mix in a letter with the death of a King!  I am my lady’s and your lordship’s most faithful servant.

Letter 51 To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, Tuesday, October 28. (page 97)

The new reign dates with great propriety and decency; the civilest letter to Princess Emily; the greatest kindness to the duke; the utmost respect to the dead body.  No changes to be made but those absolutely necessary, as the household, etc.—­and what some will think the most unnecessary, in the representative of power.  There are but two new cabinet counsellors named; the Duke of York and Lord Bute, so it must be one of them.  The Princess does not remove to St. James’s, so I don’t believe it will be she.  To-day England kissed hands, so did I, and it is more comfortable to kiss hands with all England, than to have all England ask why one kisses hands.  Well! my virtue is safe; I had a gracious reception, and yet I am almost as impatient to return to Strawberry, as I was to leave it on the news.  There is great dignity and grace in the King’s manner.  I don’t say this, like my dear Madame de S`evign`e, because he was civil to me but the part is well acted.  If they do as well behind the scenes, as upon the stage, it will be a very complete reign.  Hollinshed,