Catalogue description [PEREGRINE BERTIE*] to his brother [the MARQUIS OF LINDSEY].

--" I saw Mr. Harley yesterday at the House, when we talk'd over the affair of the title of Oxford, which he thinks is in the Crown to dispose of, when they please, and the Queen's Councill are of the same opinion. I told him I differ with them, but the result of all our discourse was that he hoped I would take care that your Lordship nor none of your family (for whom he protested great service) should take it ill of him, since it was not his seeking, and he assured me he would not take it amiss from your selfe and family that you enter'd a caveat, being sure that would not stop the patent, and would preserve a show and colour of right to the heir general. I told him I would order the caveat to be enterd in the Chancery, beliefing it would give you a little more time to think before it got to the Great Seale. Mr. Cross went thither last night and brought me word this morning that Lord Keeper sent for him in and told him he should not stop the patent an houre, for the caveat, and desired to know if his Lord had council ready to defend the entring of the caveat, which he said he should heare. There is yet noe caveat entred, for Mr. Cross went to Hackerley to draw one, but he could not tell how to doe it, uppon which he went to the Keepers, thinking the secretary there would have shewd him how they were drawne, but he did not, and told his Lord your servant was there, who sent for him in presently. Mr. Cross told me alsoe that Mr. Hackerley said you had noe right, soe I fancy you will not employ him in it. I should think you cannot have a better man than Sir Peter King, if you designe to have it argued. I desire you will consider this matter with your friends. . . .

" One thing more I should tell you, which is that Harley told me yesterday that he was sure that some body else would have the title in a month if he had it not, which is a signe there will be more honours granted. I send you here inclosd the letter I had from Mr. Harley, which I desire you will return me. If you think it best to be quiet in this affaire, I should think we should tell Harley what steps have been made to procuring you another title, and try to ingage him to assist in it, uppon giving him noe trouble in this point."

Postscript.--" I have shew'd your warrant for the rooms to Lord Abingdon, and told the Speaker yesterday you would accommodate the House of Commons. I have not delivered the warrant yet, for I fancy there should be some words in it to signifie her Majesty's pleasure, and also a warrant to the Wardrobe to furnish them. Let me know in your next if I am under a mistake." Dated only " Saturday, 12 a clocke."

* Cf. his letter of May 17, in Report on the Portland MSS. iv. 689.