"Sent me, by the late Earl of Portland, the manuscript I had given
his Queen, found in her cabinet; where, upon the back of it, she
had writ with her own hand the promise she had made me of showing
it to nobody without my consent."
In addition to the extract from Monmouth's _Diary_ given in my former
communication, Welwood publishes a letter of the Duke's to the brave and
true Argyle, which is perhaps more creditable to Monmouth than any other
memorial he has left. The letter, as Welwood suggests, appears to have
been written shortly after the death of Charles II. I copy it; but if
you think this paper too long, omit it:--
"I received both yours together this morning, and cannot delay you
my answer longer than this post though I am afraid it will not
please you so much as I heartily wish it may. I have weighed all
your reasons, and everything that you and my other friends have
writ me upon that subject; and have done it with the greatest
inclination to follow your advice, and without prejudice. You may
well believe I have had time enough to reflect sufficiently upon
our present state, especially since I came hither. But whatever
way I turn my thoughts, I find insuperable difficulties. Pray do
not think it an effect of melancholy, for that was never my
greatest fault, when I tell you that in these three weeks'
retirement in this place I have not only looked back, but forward;
and the more I consider our present circumstances, I think them
still the more desperate, unless some unforeseen accident fall out
which I cannot divine nor hope for. [Here follow sixteen lines all
in cyphers.] Judge then what we are to expect, in case we should
venture upon any such attempt at this time. It's to me a vain
argument that our enemies are scarce yet well settled, when you
consider that fear in some, and ambition in others, have brought
them to comply; and that the Parliament, being made up, for the
most part, of members that formerly run our enemy down, they will
be ready to make their peace as soon as they can, rather than
hazard themselves upon an uncertain bottom. I give you but hints
of what, if I had time, I would write you at more length. But that
I may not seem obstinate in my own judgment, or neglect the advice
of my friends, I will meet you at the time and place appointed.
But for God sake think in the mean time of the improbabilities
that lie naturally in our way, and let us not by struggling with
our chains make them straighter and heavier. For my part, I'll run
the hazard of being thought anything rather than a rash
inconsiderate man. And to tell you my thoughts without disguise, I
am now so much in love with a retired life, that I am never like
to be fond of making a bustle in the world again. I have much more
to say, but the post cannot stay; and I refer the rest till
meeting, being entirely
"Yours."
Monmouth's ill-concerted and ill-conducted expedition following, at no
distant period, the prudent resolutions expressed in the above letter
places the instability of his character in a strong light.