Six north country diaries - The MAN & Other Families

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same.'
166
all the writings, etc. Cousin Toui's wife would have me have
cousin Polly
1721/2. Feb. 28th. [To X 'If you would not think
*
me vain, I w-ould tell you what my father proposes, to induce me
'
to go and live with him.
*
many years, but Avould
He has been in the Commission of Peace for
never act,—he has been once more pressed
"
to act, but declined it as usual, but said that he had a son which
'
would come down shortly, and if he would, he might. But no bait
'
shall catch me, but my dearest lady—I'm all hers, heart, estate, etc'
1721/2. March 8th'. Writt to father. Had received his kind
letter, for which returned most hearty thanks. Most people say that
even according to a Smithfeild bargain for 1,000/., she ought to
have 100/. per annum joynture. As for the rest we shall decide
when we meet, I shall be willing to submitt to any thing reasonable,
and that can be expected. If I succeed I shall have the eldest
daughter and brother the younger
1721/2. March 9th. Writt to uncle last Sunday, that the duke
had putt me of till Monday—am almost out of patience, but will try
once more—' would have follow^ed you, but fear the duke will be gone
'
ere Wednesday,' etc
'
1721/2. March 13th. Writt to Sir Christopher Musgrave —
(relating
to his recommendatory letter to the duke of Wharton—has
had no success) ' I went often, but always found liim abroad or busy,
and desired I would come another time. The next day it was the
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Some of my freinds did not approve of it, because
'
they say his grace has changed sides. But out of respect to you
* (sir) I was resolved to pursue it so far as that no blame should
remain upon me. I had another motive, which I thought to have
^
'
kept secret, but shall acquaint you with, and that was the
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ambition or desire of my mistress (for I have gott one south of
'
Cumberland) that I should wear a scarfe. I dare scarce presume
'
to ask you, but if you would please to procure me that favour (I
*
desire only verbal leave to wear one) from any nobleman, you
'
would lay a lasting obligation upon sir, etc. My uncle thinks there
'
is no necessity for my coming down upon this election, since I have
^ no vote—but if I thought I could do you any service, nothing should
'
hinder my journey.'
1721/2. March 17th I went to make enquiry about
bishop of Durham's daughter, and uncle said, somewhat angrily,
Mvhat, w'ould you have any of that vile whig's daughters,' etc., so
I proceeded no farther
1721/2. March 19th. Writt on 17th also to Mr. Fetherston :—
was glad he would admitt my excuse—he rightly called
courtship a
])roper exercise for lent, and I wished it would end wdth that season.
— I intended to be there to jireach for Charles on April 1st, but could
not make an absolute promise
1721/2. March 22nd. Mr. Farrington said that Dr. Ellison's
librarv- was a collection of excellent books— my uncle's not to be