Genealogical fragments

n.
GARDNER PEERAGE.
The following letter, from the first Lord Gardner to
Robert Beatson, Esq., the compiler of that useful work
the " Political Index," and who was collecting ma-
terials for a Peerage, is interesting. The candid
admission of " humble " descent, on the part of a new
Peer, is so very uncommon as to merit special notice :
" Cove House, Ireland,
" May lOth, 1802.
" Sir,
" I duly ì'eceived your letter of the 12th of
March, acquainting me of your having been employed
a considerable time in forming an accurate statement
of the Peerage of Ireland, requesting me to communi-
cate any particulars respecting my family which may
not be already known to the public. In answer thereto,
I must acquaint you that I have very little claim to
your attention, being myself a Soldier of Fortune, turn'd
out into the world in the year 1755, at the very early