[306] Memoirs of Tenison, 65–73.
[307] Le Neve’s Lives, part i. 247–254.
[308] Letter from Shrewsbury to Mr. Secretary Vernon (State Papers), December 19, 1697 (?) or 1 (?), acknowledges letter offering him the post of Governor to the Duke of Gloucester, pleads his many defects, but especially his health, which may render it necessary for him to seek a warmer climate.
Shrewsbury to William III.
“Whitehall, 1st Sept., 1696.
“I have not this long while been sensible of so real a joy as I was to find, by your Majesty’s letter of the 24th August, that you were satisfied with my endeavours to serve you. I wish I could please myself better with the effects and that I were not obliged to attribute this opinion of your Majesty’s to your own natural indulgence and my Lord Portland’s kind representation rather than to any merit of mine, beyond sincere intention to promote yours and the kingdom’s interest to the utmost of my power, without being able to contribute much to either.”
In a letter to Lord Hatton, described in the First Report of the Historical MSS. Commission, p. 23, it is said, “The Duke of Shrewsbury would be a greater person than he is, if his health would permit him to stay at Court; but it is wonderful that the laborious diversion of fox-hunting should agree so well with his Grace.”
[309] Burnet, ii. 211.
[310] Stanley’s Memorials of Westminster Abbey; Supplement, 136.
[311] Mr. Shippen.