Records of the Old Charlton Hunt 



me leave to advise you not to have many att the same time 

 in the Pen for they will dye with the Stench, and for want 

 of Liberty. 



As to PoHtick News you have certainly heard all I can 

 possibly say, by other hands. Except that Lovel in a Day or 

 two is to have his Wishes ; but what ; he will not reveal, at 

 least to me, as soon as I know, I will not fail to acquaint 

 you with it. 



There is a Spirit got up againt the Dominion of M"". 

 Handel, a subscription carry 'd on, and Directors chosen, 

 who have contracted with Senisino, and have sent for 

 Cuzzoni, and Faninelli, it is hoped he will come as soon as 

 the Carneval of Venice is over, if not sooner. The General 

 Court gave power to contract with any Singer Except 

 Strada, so that it is Thought Handel must fling up, which 

 the Poor Count will^not be sorry for. There being no one 

 but what declares as much for him, as against the Other, so 

 that we have a Chance of Seeing Operas once more on a 

 good foot. Porpora is also sent for. We doubt not but we 

 shall have your Graces Name in our Subscription List.* 

 The Direct", chosen are as follows. D. of Bedford, 

 L'^^ Bathhurst, Burlington, Cowper, Limmerick, Stair, 

 Lovel, Cadogan, DeLawarr, & D. of Rutland, S"". John 

 Buckworth, Henry Furnese Esq., S^ ]\Iic\ Newton ; There 

 seems great Unanimity, and Resolution to carry on the 

 Undertaking comme il faut. I propose to set out for 

 ^F. Brights the latter End of Next Week. Various are 

 the Reports about the D. of ISIontagu, some say the 

 Gentlemen Pensioners, some the Governm''. of the Isle of 



* The Duke was a prominent patron of the Opera and formed one of the 

 Syndicate whose names occur in the next paragraph. 



123 



