Adieu, Sir!  I must not tire you with my reflections; but as I am flattered with thinking I have the sanction of the same sentiments in you, it is natural to indulge even unpleasing meditations when one meets with sympathy, and it is as natural for those who love their country to lament its danger.  I am, Sir, etc.

(2) Now first collected.

(3) On the 17th, Mr. Charles Yorke was appointed lord chancellor, and a patent was ordered to be made out, creating him a peer, by the title of Lord Morden; but, three days after, before the patent could be completed, he suddenly closed his valuable life, at the early age of forty-eight.-E.

(4) Lord Chatham, on the preceding day, had made his celebrated speech on the state of the nation, which had the good fortune to be ably reported by Sir Philip Francis, and attracted the particular attention of Junius.  The following is the passage which gave Walpole so much offence:—­“Since we cannot cure the disorder, let us endeavour to infuse such a portion of new health into the constitution, as may enable it to support its most inveterate diseases.  The representation of the counties is, I think, still preserved pure and uncorrupted.  That of the greatest cities is upon a footing equally respectable; and there are many of the larger trading towns which stilt preserve their independence.  The infusion of health which I now allude to would be to permit every county to elect one member more in addition to their present representation.”  Sir Philip Francis’s report of this speech was first printed by Almon in 1792.  Junius, in a letter to Wilkes, of the 7th of September 1771, says—­“I approve highly of Lord Chatham’s idea of infusing a portion of new health into the constitution, to enable it to bear its infirmities; a brilliant expression, and full of intrinsic wisdom.”  There can be little doubt that Junius and Sir Philip Francis were present in the House of Lords, when this speech was delivered.  See Chatham Correspondence, vol. iii. p. 406.-E.

(5) The speeches of Sir George Savile and Mr. Burke, above alluded to, will be found in Sir Henry Cavendish’s Debates.-E.

Letter 3.  To George Montagu, Esq.  Arlington Street, March 31, 1770. (page 28)

I shall be extremely obliged to you for Alderman Backwell.  A scarce print is a real present to me, who have a table of weights and measures in my head very different from that of the rich and covetous.  I am glad your journey was prosperous.  The weather here has continued very sharp, but it has been making preparations for April to-day, and watered the streets with some soft showers.  They will send me to Strawberry to-morrow, where I hope to find the lilacs beginning to put forth their little noses.  Mr. Chute mends very slowly, but you know he has as much patience as gout.

I depend upon seeing you whenever you return this wayward.  You will find the round chamber far advanced, though not finished; for my undertakings do not stride with the impetuosity of my youth.  This single room has been half as long in completing as all the rest of the castle.  My compliments to Mr. John, whom I hope to see at the same time.