| Content Description | Has shown 'Grooby' [5th Earl of Stamford, nickname taken from his courtesy title of Baron Grey of Groby] the duke's letter; writes that Grooby received the duke's letter of 24th November, and sent a copy to Mr John Pares; because Mrs Pares is ill, explains that Mr Pares could not wait on Grooby until 25 January; adds that Grooby has now sent the duke Pares's reasons for wishing to be excused from the office of sheriff; thanks the duke for his attention to Grooby, who believes that the duke will do all his can to help his friend; suggests that as John Pares's father and elder brother are living and most of the landed property is in their possession, it would be difficult for Pares to serve in that office with his brother as under-sheriff; offers congratulations for the 'happy escape' of the duke's grandchildren at Welbeck, which 'our sister' [Elizabeth Thynne] informed him of. |