Folios 172-175. An unsigned letter [from Queen Mary II] to King [William III], dated...

Folios 172-175. An unsigned letter [from Queen Mary II] to King [William III], dated at Whitehall [Middlesex] congratulating him on the victory [at the Battle of the Boyne] but regretting the fleet has done no better [after defeat by the French at Beachy Head]. Expresses the hope that the King will comply with the Lord President's [Carmarthen's] request [to return from Ireland], saying she will prepare Kensington [Palace, Middlesex] to receive him. Requests the King to 'take care of the church in Ireland', since 'everybody agrees it is the worst in Christendom'. Speaks of being keen to pass the burdens of state she has carried to her husband. The Lord President and Lord Nottingham have been in agreement, but the former has 'a great deal of deference' to the latter. Lord Marlborough is with them. All three believe Lord Monmouth tells all to [the Postmaster General] Major [John] Wildmamn, and Mr [Edward] Russell believes Wildman is 'of the Commonwealth party'. Mary notes the past disruption of letter deliveries, and a resumption now beginning. Reports Lord Monmouth's concerns over confidentiality, and his opinion that 'what is said one day in the cabinet council is writ next day to France'. Mentions: the removal of Lord Halifax; Mr Blaithwait; Mr Butler; and Lord Stuard [Steward, the Earl of Devonshire].