But, whatever may have been Orrery's private opinion of Swift, that should not invalidate any information as to fact of which he had the knowledge to speak.

Writing in that book of the History, he says: "Dr.Swift left behind him few manuscripts.

Not one of any consequence, except an account of the peace of Utrecht, which he called 'An History of the four last Years of Queen Anne.' The title of an history is too pompous for such a performance.

In the historical style, it wants dignity and candour: but as a pamphlet it will appear the best defence of Lord Oxford's administration, and the clearest account of the Treaty of Utrecht, that has hitherto been written."[3] [Footnote 3: Second edition, pp.

206-207.] The most ardent and devoted of Swift's admirers could hardly find a juster criticism of the work.