INTRODUCTION. XXiX Robert, the Earl of Oxford : Edward, the Auditor of the Imprest : Nathaniel, a merchant, who died at Aleppo : Brian, who died young : And Abigail, who died unmarried 1726. Lady Frances Vernon Harcourt's collections contain many letters of Sir Edward, but none written to his Mother, or during her life-time. They were, no doubt, all preserved and treasured up by one who loved him so fondly, and must have perished, with many valuables, in the ruin of the castle, when a considerable library of MSS. and printed books was destroyed. Portraits remain of Thomas Harley, Esq., Sir Robert Harley by Oliver, and Sir Edward by Cooper, all engraved by Vertue, and published in Collins's Historical Collection; and there is a portrait of the Lady Brilliana Harley still in the pos- session of her descendant, Lord Rodney, and now at his seat at Berrington, in the county of Hereford. In addition to the originals, the Editor has had the use of a com- plete transcript of them, made by the Lady Frances Vernon Har- court, and illustrated by her own notes; and it would be unjust to his friend and neighbour, the Rev. John Webb, of Tretire, whose accu- rate knowledge of the history of the times to which these letters refer is well known, if he did not here gratefully acknowledge the ready and valuable advice he has at all times received from him in the preparation of this Introduction and the notes which accompany the Letters. Bridstow Vicarage, near Ross, 2 Dec. 1853.
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