perhaps the expectation be gave them of the queen's concurrence in that
project was the ground of their engaging in that unfortunate design. As
to his coming into England, I must own myself to have been of a different
opinion from my friends on that point. I always thought that when his
power was taken from him, and all his commissions recalled, he would do
less hurt abroad than at home, and so I think still it will be found; but
I don't at all wonder you should like him better any where than with
you.

"I think what you say of Erle's staying, and the king of Spain's com-
manding, are both very right; and, I believe, as soon as our next Lisbon
letters arrive, the queen will take the resolution of allowing Lord Galway
to return; but if Erle be to stay there, I doubt it will be necessary for
you yourself to write to him on that subject, for I don't think any body
else has credit enough with him to make him do it willingly, as we must
do to serve well."

To Lord Godolphin.

"Meldert, July 18. -- Having this safe opportunity by brigadier Macart-
ney, I shall write with more freedom than I durst do by the post. I am
very sorry to tell you, but it is most certainly true, that if the king of
France would offer the same conditions as he did the last winter they
would be thought by the Dutch sufficient for the beginning of a treaty;
but the king of France seems positively resolved that the duke of Anjou
must have Spain and the Indies. It is as certain that the Dutch will
never more this war venture any thing that may be decisive, being of
opinion that they have already enough in their possession for their secu-
rity, and that France will assist them in disposing of this possession as
they shall think best for their security; and you may be assured that
every step they make for engaging the queen in joining with them, to
show the world that the emperor is in the wrong, is for no other end but
to excuse themselves when they appear for peace.

"The queen's letter from the king of Sweden is very discouraging;
however, I am persuaded he does not make these wrong steps, intending
to favour France, so that I can see no inconveniency in my writing, when
you have corrected it, such a sort of letter as I have sent you; for if we
can engage him we may yet have a good peace.

"As to the elector of Hanover, I think in the offer that has been made
him he acts more like a merchant than a generous man: so that I am
apt to think we shall get very little advantage by it.

"When my brother spoke to you about his renewing, I could wish you
had encouraged him in his resolution of being quit; for it would be very
disagreeable to me to have him receive a mortification; for I can't be
unconcerned in that matter, after the contempt of Lord Halifax, not
answering my letter I meant with all the kindness imaginable. I shall
not be surprised at the hard usage any for whom I am concerned shall
meet with. I can't, on this occasion, hinder saying so much to you,
whose quiet I wish as much as my own; but I fear neither of us can
have any, till we are at Woodstock, so that I could wish some practicable
scheme could be made, by which her majesty might be well served, and
we both out of the ministry.

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