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By this time I conclude, you are return'd to Cambridge: tho' I thought it a long time, before I heard of you from Thrandeston, and could have wish'd you had stay'd longer with Palgrave: perhaps you are in Hertfordshire, however I write at a venture. I went to Mr. Mann's, and (tho' he is in Town) not finding him at home, left a note with an account of my business with him, and my direction. I have had no message in answer to it: so possibly he has written to you, and sent the papers. I know not.
Mr. Precentor is still here, and not in haste to depart, indeed I do not know whether he has not a fit of the Gout: it is certain, he had a pain yesterday in his foot, but whether owing to Bechamel and Claret, or to cutting a corn, was not determined: he is still at Stonhewer's house, and has not made his journey to Eton and to Bath yet, tho' he intends to do it.
We have had no mobs, nor illuminations yet, since I was here. Wilkes's speech you have seen; the Court was so surprised at being contemn'd to its face,
and in the face of the World, that the Chief in a manner forgot the matter in hand, and enter'd into an apology for his own past
conduct, and so (with the rest of his Assessors) shuffled the matter off, and left the danger to the officers of the Crown, that is
indeed, to the Ministry. Nobody had ventured, or would venture to serve the Capias
upon him. I cannot assure, it is done yet; tho' yesterday I heard it was, and (if so) he comes again
to-day into Court. He professes himself ready to make any submissions to the K., but not to give up
his pursuit of Ld. HI. The Delavals attend very regularly, and take
notes of all that passes. His writ of Error on the Outlawry must come to a decision before the House of Lords.
I was not among the Coal-heavers at Shadwell, tho' seven people lost their lives in the fray: Nor was I in Goodmans Fields where the Bawdy-house was demolish'd. The Ministry (I believe) are but ticklish in their situation: they talk of Grenville and his Brother, again. Lord forbid! it must be dreadful necessity indeed, that brings them back.
If you are at Cambridge, pray let me know.