Folios 57-58. From G [George] Tilson. To [William] Leathes. Place: Whitehall. I lose...

Folios 57-58. From G [George] Tilson. To [William] Leathes. Place: Whitehall.

I lose all patience when I think of the squabble at the South Sea; methinks self-interest thereto be a better guide to people's intellectuals than it appears to be for heat and passion confound their senses and nothing is yet done for our good. The Imperialists love high words but I scarce believe they will bully so much at Cambray [Cambrai]. Their sudden resolution for going thither is what has surprised most people and whether they will be able to draw the good from it they intend I must doubt. Tis always said Lord Polwarth is just on the point of going; he says he is ready when they will dispatch him but I know not whether he has his money and instructions yet; they talk of his going round by Paris. I have sent to Mr Lyell what you writ me about Atkins and I will do him what good offices lie in my power. I wish the desertion of the English may wreck their projects, though I fear they have already taught them too much. Monsieur Bruynina fancies that the clarking [sic] of the projects of [?] M [Marquis] de Prié and C [Count] Windischgratz concerning a regular company will bring the business to nothing which will answer the Marquis's ends better than anything and perhaps be more hurtful to us while the trade is thus in private hands'.