218 'OLD q' 



The racing performances of the Duke of Queens- 

 berry's stable for the year 1802-3 may be briefly 

 summed up — two engagements incurred, result nil; 

 in the subsequent year he did not run a horse, though 

 he still kept a few in training. 



On March 10th, 1803, the Duke of Queensberry was 

 reported dangerously ill ; and the following day a 

 statement was current that he was dead. This 

 caused some members of the press to make inquiries 

 at his grace's house, when they were informed that, 

 though he was still alive, little hope of his recovery 

 was entertained. A few days later, his grace is re- 

 corded as being still alive 'and merry,' indeed, had 

 eaten a very hearty supper the previous evening; 

 while he was so much better during the day that, 

 with his wonted gallantry, he had sent a footman to 

 the Opera House to inquire if Madame Rolla had 

 arrived. Later on the improvement was still main- 

 tained, and he was reported as laughing heartily at 

 those newsmongers who would prematurely send him 

 to that ' bourne from whence no traveller returns.' 



Further reports set forth that it was that scourge, 

 the influenza, that had laid his grace low, but he man- 

 aged, at near eighty, to elude its grasp. Indeed, the 

 Duke was so much better toAvards the end of March 

 as to 'sport his nightcap' to the promenaders in 



