128 'OLD q' 



Georsfe iii. — tlie office of Vice- Admiral of Scotland. 

 The technical knowledge his lordship possessed for 

 this office was nil. Perhaps the influence of his 

 ducal relative (who had held the appointment some 

 years previously) was brought to bear. March's 

 knowledge of the office was then, as now, of little 

 importance, as it is generally admitted that the 

 administration of some Government offices is best 

 effected by lay persons. 



While the flat-racing season was in the dim future, 

 and other chronological facts in the career of his 

 lordship are yet out of view, recourse must be again 

 had to the March-Selwyn correspondence. 



On January 12th, 1767,^ March addresses Selwjm 

 from ' White's,' and, after alluding to the ' Rena,' 

 endeavours to put his friend in good -humour by 

 stating that his Majesty had related a bon mot of 

 Selwyn's while dressing. By this, Selwyn's wit had 

 penetrated the walls of the palace, and reached King 

 George's ear. What the ' good thing ' was, his lord- 

 ship does not say, as he leaves this subject and turns 

 to the topic, ' la cara Luisina ' ; an effort which 

 appears to have created an appetite, as he then 

 leaves reference to French affairs, and wants his 

 dinner some four hours before the now fashionable 



^ Appendix K 1. 



