Letter from Thomas Hanmer, Paris, to an unidentified recipient, 1712 December 4 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning the delayed arrival of Matthew Prior and the peace treaty; saying "Mr. Prior is not yet arrived here but is most impatiently wish'd for which is one mark among others that the Peace is so too, for they hope that he will bring the conclusive resolutions relating to it : I wish there may be that good effect of his long delay which those who are at a distance don't know well how to account for, I confess I receive more comfort from the hints your Grace has been pleas'd to send me than otherwise I shou'd have been apt to flatter myself with. I find your Grace may yet for some time freely enjoy yourself at Richmond without being troubled with summons to Parliament : The publick papers pretend to say that there is likely to be still a farther prorogation; That I suppose is to depend upon the advancement of the Treaty but if there are now any thoughts of it I shou'd be glad to receive some intimation from so good an authority as your Grace's concerning it. For your satisfaction, My Lord, I can't help telling you that among all the fine houses they have show'd me in the neighbourhood of Paris I have seen none which equals Richmond in beauty and I think I speak it without any of that partiality which wou'd make me often wish myself there though the place it self were never so much short of others. Your Grace wou'd be happy enough if you found there & every where else as much pleasure as is wish'd you by / My Lord / Y'r Grace's / most humble & most obedient servant / Tho. Hanmer."