[2] His lordship was created Earl of Glamorgan a few days prior to his departure for Ireland, and Carte, who in every point in which Charles was concerned, invariably concealed whatever tended to cast a stain on the king's character, and whose gross partiality in this particular instance we shall hereafter more fully notice, has even questioned the propriety of the Marquis's assuming the title of Earl of Glamorgan. To support this argument, it is said that his Majesty ordered Secretary Nicholas to acquaint the Earl of Ormonde, "that, the patent for making Lord Herbert Earl of Glamorgan had never passed the great seal;" and the apologist for Charles, anxious to make the most of this equivocation in the king, adduces it as an objection to the authenticity of the Irish commission. Sandford, however, who in an intimate acquaintance with the history of the royal grants was surpassed by none, says, "that there now remains in the signet office a bill, under the royal sign manual at Oxford, if a patent did not thereupon pass the great seal, in order to his creation into the honour of Earl of Glamorgan." Who, it may be asked after perusing this document, will be hardy enough to pronounce with Hume that "the king was incapable of dissimulation?" especially when coupled with his Majesty's subsequent declaration to both Houses of Parliament; in which he expressly says, that the Marquis, having made an offer to raise forces in Ireland and conduct them into England for his service, had a commission to that purpose; "but then," adds the king, "it was to that purpose only, and not to treat of any thing else without the privity and direction of the Lord Lieutenant." What degree of credit ought to be given to the latter part of his Majesty's declaration, is pretty plainly shewn by the following letter to the papal legate, which fully accords with the instrument we have just quoted of the twelfth of March: SIR,