20. The Duke of _Richmond_ went to court and resign’d his post of Aid-de-camp to his Majesty; and also his Commission of Captain of a Troop in the Royal Regiment of Horse-Guards blue, commanded by the Duke of _Bolton_. _Robert Coke_, Esq; brother to the Lord _Lovel_, resign’d his commission of cornet in the said Regiment. Several parts of the northern Roads were so cover’d with Snow, that the _Scotch_ peers and commoners in their way to Parliament, were obliged to alight and walk many Miles on foot; and in some places the Snow was so deep, that 50 Men were employ’d to remove it to make it passable. The Snow was deeper in _Lancashire_ than it had been for 20 years past. Thursday, _Jan. 21_. The Parliament met, when his Majesty open’d the Sessions with a most gracious Speech to both houses. The Ld. _Raymond_ was introduced to the house of Peers, between the Ld _Delawar_, and the Ld _Bingley_. Friday, _Jan. 22_. The house of Lords waited upon his Majesty with an Address of thanks to his most gracious Speech from the Throne; to which they received the following Answer. _My Lords_, _I thank you for this loyal and dutiful Address. The enabling me to fullfil my engagements with my Allies in all events, will not only effectually secure and continue to my People the advantages stipulated for them by Treaties, but may greatly contribute to the obtaining a general pacification._ Saturday, _Jan. 23_. About this time a medal was struck at the Tower, having on one side the Head of Sir _Isaac Newton_, with this Motto, _Felix cognoscere causas_; on the reverse a Figure representing the Mathematicks. _See_ p. 64. Sunday, _Jan. 24_. The Rev. Dr. _Birch_ preached before their Majesties, and the Lord _Gallway_ carried the Sword of State, and the Rev. Dr. _Clark_ preach’d before his Highness the Duke, and the two young Princesses. The Ld _Cavendish_ rode a trial (on a hunter) from _Hide Park_ corner to the lodge in _Windsor Forest_, in an hour and six minutes: There was a wager depending between him and Sir _Robert Fagg_, that his Lordship did not perform the same in an hour and five minutes. It is 21 Miles, and upwards of 5000 _l._ betted. [His Lordship performed it on the 7th of _February_.] Monday, _Jan. 25_. Admiral _Cavendish_, lately arrived with his Squadron from _Gibralter_, waited on his Majesty, and was graciously received. Several Prisoners were released out of _Woodstreet_ compter, by Mr. _Webb_, executor to the late Ld. Chief Baron _Pengelly_, who, by his Will bequeath’d 500 _l._ for that purpose.