Lodge and other writers doubt its genuineness. The author of the “Dictionary of National Biography” gives as reasons for doubting it, that Sir Joseph Williamson, to whom it was supposed to be addressed, was not made Secretary of State until 1674; that Anne died in 1675, and that there was no election between these dates; also, that it was not in the style of her correspondence, and the signature was unusual, because she always signed her titles in the order of creation—Pembroke, Dorset, and Montgomery—and not in the order of her two marriages. None of the critics, however, seem to have followed out the correspondence in the Domestic Series of “State Papers” at the Public Record Office, which, though it does not include the contested letter, yet illustrates it in a remarkable manner. The Parliament elected in 1661, 13 Charles II., has been called “The Long or Pensionary Parliament,” lasting till 1678. (_See_ “Parl. Returns,” vol. lxii., part i., p. 530.) John Lowther, Esq. of Hackthrop, and John Dalston, Esq. of Accornbank, were Burgesses for Appleby. John Lowther’s death necessitated a new election, and in January, 1667-8, there was great excitement in and about Appleby. From Anne’s position as High Sheriff of the County, she had the right to nominate a Candidate; from her great goodness and bounty to the place, the Corporation were willing to gratify her by electing whom she would. She determined to have one of her grandsons the Tuftons, sons of her daughter, Countess Thanet, four of whom were over 21, and in need of occupation. Failing them, she meant to have selected her kinsman, Anthony Lowther. But Joseph Williamson, Secretary to Lord Arlington, then Secretary of State, had set his heart on that seat, and by all means in his power, open and underhand, attempted to secure it. He was a native of those parts, and had friends and relatives there, who all bestirred themselves in his favour. Everybody “plied the Countess,” Williamson himself, his brother and friends, the neighbouring gentry, the Justices of the Peace, the Bishop of Winchester, Lord Arlington himself. Her replies at first were very kindly, but they gradually became more and more “definite.” Anne’s first letter, explaining how her interest was engaged, dated Jan. 16th, 1667-8, was addressed to “Mr. Secretary Williamson at Whitehall,” showing that there is no weight in the argument as to Williamson’s appointment not taking place till 1674, as being Under-Secretary, he could be addressed so. Further, it is evident that the contested letter was not addressed to Williamson, but to Lord Arlington, about Williamson, though it may certainly have been re-addressed, and sent to him later, and may have been found among his papers.