MY LORD

We have been under very great doubts concerning your Lordship’s well-being, till your letters of the 22 and 28 of July from Alicante eased us, and from them we have reason to hope you have ere this been and dispatched at Algiers, and now upon return thence. The several I have writ (though I fear few yet have reached your Lordship’s hands) have as well as I could informed your Lordship with what hath occurred most worth your notice; of which the latest hath been my Uncle the Captain’s death, and disposal of what he had to my father and me (though with many cautions); the illness and recovery of my Lord Hinchingbrooke and his setting out this week toward France; and lastly my Lady’s happy delivery of a young lady.¹

The present season is generally sickly both here and in the country, even to a contagion or very near it. Among whom the known Dr Fuller (of the Holy War) is dead. All but Church-matters are very quiet; and them especially in Scotland make great noise, the common-prayer book being (they say) openly refused.

Money still scarce; of which evil the court, city, Navy (and your Lordship’s own wardrobe concernments) do much labour.

The fleet however waits the King’s commands to sail, but through want of tidings from Portugal matters are not ready at court, nor can we guess when they will; especially, if they go on to send preparations to Tangier (as ’tis said) by this fleet, I cannot think it can be this three weeks.

Hinchingbrooke-matters proceed I hope to your Lordship’s contentment. Mr Edward Mountagu² is busy in his preparations for Portugal, though I fear the allowance from the King is much less than your Lordship expected. With daily prayers for your Lordship’s health (in which I never was so anxious as now) I humbly bid your Lordship Adieu, and am