Item 16 (Speech), p.16[rev]

Her Majesty's Answer to the Address of both Houses of Parliament Desiring She would Entertain Thoughts of a Second Marriage.

The frequent marks of duty and affection to my person and government which I receive from both Houses of Parliament must needs be very acceptable to me.

...

The subject of this address is of such a nature that I am persuaded you do not expect a particular answer.

Item 21 (Speech), pp.11-13[rev]

The Sovereign's Answer to the Gloucestershire Address.

Gentlemen | The Queen accepted your address very graciously which 'tis necessary for you to report, though she was not pleased to say so.

...

you could not but observe her close to the Queen's chair where she always very modestly places herself, whither in waiting or not; and now most heartily joins with me in her thanks to you for this address.

Item 60 (Speech), pp.62-63[rev]

July the 11th. The French Ambassador's Speech to the Queen at His Public Audience.

Madam. This opportunity is very illustrious for me: in the most happy and brightest of conjunctures, I have the honour to render to your Majesty, on the part of the King my Master, public testimonies of all the sentiments which engage him to your sacred person.

...

These virtues so rare and uncommon in negotiations, have been reciprocal in the course of this last treaty; and are a presage and foundation of a firm and durable union; which puts into your Majesty's and my Master's hands the balance of all the powers in Europe.

I take the pains to transcribe this, for whoever lives twenty years hence may be pleased to see it.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 11 (Speech, Political writing), pp.[10-15][rev]

A Speech made by the Famous Earl of Shaftesbury in the Reign of King Charles the Second.

My Lords, in this great debate concerning the King's speech, the sad state and condition we are in, and the remedies thereof, I have offered you my opinion, and many lords have spoken admirably well to it, with great freedom and plainness as the case requires.

...

He hath it before him and may take counsel as he thinks fit.

Item 38 (Speech, Political writing), fols [90r-91v]

The Speech of William Cowper in the House of Commons in Captain Kidd's Affair

Sir I entirely agree in one particular with the Gentleman who {...} spake last.

...

And therefore I am against this question

This was taken in short hand, by a person who gave it to one that helped me to a sight on it. I do believe W.C. knows not there is any copy about, nor does he know of my having this S C.

November 19 1701

[

The William Cowper mentioned here is Sarah Cowper's son.

Preceded by blank fol.[89v].

Item 46 (Speech, Political writing), fols [100v-102r]

Her Majesty's most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament on Saturday the 27th of October 1705.

My Lords and Gentlemen. I have been very desirous to meet you as early as I thought you might be called together without inconvenience to yourselves.

...

And they who shall concur zealously with me in carrying on these good designs, shall be sure to find my kindness and favour.

I have transcribed this speech because 'tis generally said, my son had at least a hand in composing of it.

Glad am I, he's not to help make any more such sham speeches. November 15, 1710

Item 58 (Speech, Narrative), fols [54v-56r][rev]

A description of a speech made on behalf of Titus Oates

A Speech said to be made by the Lord North and Grey

The first that appeared to honour the cause was the noble peer Charles Lord North and Grey.

...

he really was a witness on my side and confirmed Mr Grey's testimony destroying the doctor's plea.

Item 60 (Speech, Political writing), fol.[58v][rev]

What the Lord Haversham said at the free Conference betwixt the Lords and Commons

One thing there is though I can't speak to it because I am bound up by the orders of the House:

...

This is a thing I was in hopes I should never have heard asserted when the beginning of it was from the House of Commons.

Item 14 (Speech), pp.61-68

An Harangue made to the King at Versailles by the Lord Daniel of Cosnuc Bishop and Earl of Valence and Die 1685.

This is the second time I have had the honour to speak to your Majesty in behalf of the clergy of your kingdom.

...

I ought I confess (to execute well this glorious commission) to have said nothing but what was worthy of so great a king, and nothing which no other king could be worthy of: | Finis

Upon reading this harangue it puzzled me for some while to think whether the man were in earnest or in jest, and upon seriously pondering the matter I am apt to conclude the last, and that it is most like he spoke not from zeal but as an atheist for it seems to me that infinite goodness would not suffer any one who had a sincere intention for his glory, to be misled by such a delusion as to really believe so inhumane cruelty as that prince has acted to be acceptable to God. S.C.

[Followed by blank p.68.]

Item 19.3 (historical, Speech), fols 8r-15v

Some speeches uttered upon the summoning and her appearing before the Lord Commissioners

[Mary finally agreed to appear at court on Friday. They read out the evidence against her. On the second day she continued to protest her innocence and part of her oration is written here. This section seems to contain additions by later hands (see fol. 12v). More evidence was brought forward against her. A speech spoken by the Dean of Peterborough (Dr. Richard Fletcher ) at Fotheringhay Castle at the time of her execution, on 8 February 1586/7, turned into a sermon, urging her to repent. The portions on Mary Queen of Scots have been written around some earlier material, written on fols 9r-12r, and 13r (see msItem 20).]

Item 19.4 (historical, Speech), fols 15v-16r

The description of the Queen of Scots both of her person as also for the manner of her apparel as she came to suffer death the 8th of February 1586

[This section describes her physical appearance, including what she wore, in great detail.]

Item 6.23 (Speech), p. 73 rev.

Out of my Lord Chief Justice Scroggs's speech

Have we so soon forgot our reverence to the late king

...

that whosoever after that departs from his judgment, had need have a very good one of his own, to bear him out

[This is a speech of Sir William Scroggs to the Commons urging them not to forget the example of King Charles I, who was ""truly A DEFENDER of the FAITH"".]

Item 6.25 (Speech), p. 71 rev.

The humble address of the House of Commons to the Queen, March the 7 1710

Most gracious sovereign We your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects

...

all that is dear to us in defence of such inestimable blessings

[This petition to Queen Anne expresses the Commons's support of her prosecution of the radical preacher Dr. Henry Sacheverell. The tract does not appear to be extant.]