I wish it was in my power to keep touch with you all, but when I came into the Treasury I found a vast arrear and the expenses have increased, and th… - Henry Pelham

What does the king say? Does he make no observation upon that silence on all business, in the duke of Bedford's letters? I am sure he sees it, and, if he does not take notice of it, it proceeds from the apprehensions he has of another rupture; and, as I have long seen, quiet is what he loves better than all of us put together. If the idleness or ignorance of any one does not give him personal trouble, he will take no notice of it.

P. Charles has repass'd the Rhine, and gone with his whole army into Bohemia. This may be bad for the King of Prussia, but it leaves us att the mercy of the French; and shews plainly, that without some stipulation by way of treaty, and with the Dutch being partys, we can have no certainty as to the operations of the present war. £150,000 is given in order to keep the Prince in Alsace; and he is gone before the Court of Vienna can receive the money, tho' not before we have paid it. The same will be the case with every sum of money we advance. The Allys will take it, and then act, as suits their own convenience and security best.

I am not so apprehensive of the strength or zeal of the enemy, as I am fearful of the inability or languidness, of our friends. I see, the contagion spreads in all parts; and, if your Grace was here, you would scarce, in common conversation, meet with one man who thinks there is any danger from, scarce truth in an invasion, at this time. For my part, I have long dreaded it; and am now as much convinced as my late friend lord Orford was, that this country will be fought for some time before this year is over. Be that as it will, we must do our best.