| Content Description | Says that Mr [Greyt?], whom Portland sent into enemy quarters, has been with Lord Sydney; he will accompany the letter and explain matters to Portland; comments that the majority of the enemy would wish to come to an accommodation but cites reasons against this course of action; for example, advises waiting two months, when the enemy will 'inevitably fall ... without conditions'; says no peace is ever kept by the Irish for long; believes the Irish will expect free exercise of their religion, but feels this should not be tolerated; thinks the Irish have never been so near to entire submission, and that if they are given time to recover, they will surely do so; refers to Irish alliances with France or Spain, depending on who was 'most powerfull to assist them'.
Comments that on the other hand, there are reasons why an early settlement might be useful, for example, being able to turn the whole force of England against France; bringing England to an internal settlement; allowing England time to recover; concludes by apologising for 'riting thus tediously'. |