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XXIV. To my Father, from London.
SIR,
I Was now the fourth time at a dead stand in the cours of my fortunes, for though I was recommended to the Duke, and re∣ceiv'd many Noble respects from him, yet I was told by som who are neerest him, that som body hath don me ill offices, by whispe∣ring in his ear, that I was two much Digbified, and so they told me positively, that I must never expect any imployment about him of any trust: while I was in this suspence, Mr. Secretary C•…•…∣way sent for me, and propos'd unto me, that the King had occasion to send a Gentleman to Italy, in nature of a moving Agent, and though he might have choice of persons of good quality that would willingly undertake this employment, yet understanding of my breeding, he made the first proffer to me, and that I should go as the Kings Servant, and have allowance accordingly; I hum∣bly thank'd him for the good opinion he pleas'd to conceive of me, being a stranger to him, and desir'd som time to consider of the proposition, and of the nature of the imployment; so he granted me four daies to think upon't, and two of them are pass'd alrea∣dy. If I may have a support accordingly, I intend by Gods grace (desiring your consent and blessing to go along) to apply my self to this cours; but before I part with England, I intend to send you further notice.
The sicknes is miraculously decreas'd in this City and Suburbs; for from two and fiftie hundred which was the greatest number that died in one week, and that was som fourty daies since, they are now fallen to three hundred. It was the violent'st •…•…t of con∣tagion that ever was for the time in this Island, and such as no sto∣ry can parallell, but the Ebb of it was more swift than the Tide. My brother is well, and so are all your friends here, for I do not know any of your acquaintance that's dead of this furious infection: Sir Iohn Walter ask'd me lately how you did, and wish'd me to re∣member him to you. So with my love to all my Brothers and Sis∣ters, and the rest of my friends which made so much of me lately in the Countrey, I rest
London, 7 Aug. 1626.
Your dutifull Son, J. H.