[540] George Berkeley, afterwards Bishop of Cloyne, but then a young man of twenty-eight, came to London in January 1713. He was already known by his New Theory of Vision and Treatise on the Principles of Human Knowledge, and he brought with him his Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous. Steele was among the first to welcome him, and he soon made the acquaintance of Addison, Pope, and Swift. On March 27, Berkeley wrote to Sir John Perceval of the breach between Swift and the Whigs: “Dr. Swift’s wit is admired by both of them [Addison and Steele], and indeed by his greatest enemies, and . . . I think him one of the best-matured and agreeable men in the world.” In November 1713 Swift procured for Berkeley the chaplaincy and secretaryship to Lord Peterborough, the new Envoy to Sicily.
[541] Forster reads, “all oo sawcy Ppt can say oo may see me”; but the words are illegible.
[542a] Possibly “see,” written in mistake for “say.”
[542b] “J” (MS.).
[544a] Obliterated. Forster imagined that he read, “Nite dee logues. Poo Mr.”
[544b] There were two General Hamiltons at this time; probably Swift’s acquaintance was Gustavus Hamilton (1639–1723), who was created Viscount Boyne in 1717. Hamilton distinguished himself at the battle of the Boyne and the capture of Athlone, and was made Brigadier-General in 1696, and Major General in 1703. He took part in the siege of Vigo, and was made a member of the Privy Council in 1710.
[545b] The History of the Peace of Utrecht.
[545c] This is Forster’s reading, and appears to be correct. The last word, which he gives as “iss truly,” is illegible.
[545d] Belonging to Ireland.