128.
To J. B. Holroyd, Esq.
Feb. 21, 1772.
Dear H.,
An exact man should acknowledge the receipt of Letters, Papers, &c. How do I know for instance whether my Hampshire Acres, the long expected fruits of my Anabaptist's Labours, may not be sunk, irrecoverably sunk in the Sussex Dirt? *However, notwithstanding my indignation, I will employ five minutes in telling you two or three recent pieces of News.
1. Charles Fox is commenced Patriot, and is already attempting to pronounce the words Country, Liberty, Corruption, &c.; with what success, time will discover. Yesterday he resigned the Admiralty.[168] The most probable account seems to be, that he could not prevail on Ministry to join with him in his intended repeal of the Marriage Act (a favourite measure of his father, who opposed it from its origin,) and that Charles very judiciously thought Lord Holland's friendship imported him more than Lord North's.
2. Yesterday the Marriage Message came to both Houses of Parliament. You will see the words of it in the Papers; and, thanks to the submissive piety of this Session, it is hoped that the Princes of the next Generation will not find it so easy as their Uncles have done to expose themselves and to burthen the Public.
DR. NOWELL'S SERMON.
3. To-day the House of C. was employed in a very odd way. Tommy Townshend[169] moved, that the Sermon of Dr. Knowell, who preached before the House on the 30th of January (id est, before the Speaker and four Members,) should be burnt by the Common Hangman, as containing arbitrary, Tory, High-flown doctrines. The House was nearly agreeing to the Motion, till they recollected that they had already thanked the Preacher for his excellent discourse, and ordered it to be printed. Knowell's Bookseller is much obliged to the Right Honourable Tommy Townshend.
When do you come to Town? I want Money, and am tired of sticking to the Earth by so many Roots.* No news from Fleet Street. Embrassez de ma part la Sainte famille. Adieu.
Ever yours,
E. G.