Through Sir George Lyttelton’s influence, Gilbert West was reinstated in his office at Chelsea, which from the change of parties would lapse to the paymaster. The following letter from Sir George hints at the trifling coolness between himself and West:-- “Hill Street, December 13, 1755. “MY DEAR WEST, “My endeavours to serve you, which from Lord Dupplin’s goodness have proved successful, are indeed marks of affection, but not of _returning_ affection. Mine for you has been constant and uniform. What variations may have happened in yours for me I can’t tell. Your behaviour has certainly indicated some, and I could not but observe it. However, I can most truly assure you that one of my greatest pleasures in my present situation has been it’s enabling me to show you that my heart will ever be most eagerly warm in your service. Indeed no Friend you have can more honour your vertue or more affectionately desire your happiness than I,” etc. The last letter of the year, December 31, to West from Mrs. Montagu, contains this mention of Sir George Lyttelton’s son, Thomas[115]-- “Master Lyttelton paid me a visit yesterday morning, it gave me great pleasure to find he had an air of health and strength beyond what I had ever hoped for him; every sentence he utters shows an understanding that is very astonishing. Mr. Torriano and Mr. Stillingfleet came in while he was with me, the share he took in a very grave conversation surprized them very much.” [115] Afterwards 2nd Lord Lyttelton. [Page heading: DEATH OF MR. WEST] 1756 begins with two letters of West’s. At the end of January he moved to Chelsea; soon after this a stroke of the palsy brought him to the grave on March 26. [Page heading: MR. WORTLEY MONTAGU’S PAMPHLET] On March 30 Mrs. Montagu writes to her sister-- “Ye 30th March.