IGGS.] THE RACES AND THE CUP. 267 



son at Whitehall : " This is to let you understand 

 that after the death off a Fox & Leass off pj^^j.igg jj 

 Hares besides a brave Horse race at New- 1668. 



, . October. 



market, I am to tarry at this town on my way 

 to Kimbolton, where I entend to solace my selfe till 

 Monday, the day his magestie intends to return to 

 Newmarket when I hope to return thither. Pray fail 

 me not to Lett me have a report of your Ofhcer to- 

 morrow night, It will be at Kimbolton upon Sunday. 

 If this come not time enough then pray write back to 

 Newmarket. Oh deare Ld. Thomond hath won the 

 great Race, I betted 2 guineas for you & as a frollic to 

 C. Castle, we have won. 



" Thy Armourer brings for you, and himself, two 

 gunnyes w'^'' was improved on Thump's victory ; won 

 but a yard and soe straight the entire six miles ; The 

 King [is] highly pleased with all his Newmarket 

 Recreations, by candle light yesterday morning, and 

 this morning hunting y® hare ; this afternoon he hawks, 

 and courses with greyhounds ; To Norwich to-morrow, 

 on Monday here againe. The Cup ridd for here next 

 week before y^ Queene. As thou prizes Earthly Para- 

 dises, bringe a Mayde of honour behind thee next 

 week." * 



This quaint epistle gives a very meagre account of 

 what, in all probability, turned out an interesting October 

 meeting. We must put up with the information im- 

 parted, and congratulate Sir Nicholas on his modest 

 winnings ; Thumps on his victory ; Newmarket on its 



* State Papers, Dom., Charles II., Bundle 253, No. 25. It seems the 

 Maids of Honour travelled to Newmarket, at this time, a la pillion. 



