It was now that Mr. Budgell commenced author, and was partly concerned
with Sir Richard Steele and Mr. Addison in writing the Tatler. The
Spectators being set on foot in 1710-11, Mr. Budgell had likewise a
share in them, as all the papers marked with an X may easily inform the
reader, and indeed the eighth volume was composed by Mr. Addison and
himself[2], without the assistance of Sir Richard Steele. The
speculations of our author were generally liked, and Mr. Addison was
frequently complimented upon the ingenuity of his kinsman. About the
same time he wrote an epilogue to the Distress'd Mother[3], which had a
greater run than any thing of that kind ever had before, and has had
this peculiar regard shewn to it since, that now, above thirty years
afterwards, it is generally spoke at the representation of that play.
Several little epigrams and songs, which have a good deal of wit in
them, were also written by Mr. Budgell near this period of time, all
which, together with the known affection of Mr. Addison for him, raised
his character so much, as to make him be very generally known and talked
of.

His father's death in 1711 threw into his hands all the estates of the
family, which were about 950 l. a year, although they were left
incumbered with some debts, as his father was a man of pride and spirit,
kept a coach and six, and always lived beyond his income,
notwithstanding his spiritual preferments, and the money he had received
with his wives. Dr. Budgell had been twice married, and by his first
lady left five children living after him, three of whom were sons,
Eustace, our author, Gilbert, a Clergyman, and William, the fellow of
New College in Oxford. By his last wife (who was Mrs. Fortescue, mother
to the late master of the rolls, and who survived him) he had no issue.
Notwithstanding this access of fortune, Mr. Budgell in no wise altered
his manner of living; he was at small expence about his person, stuck