_Earl of Oxford's Patent_ (Vol. ii., p. 194.).--M.'s quotation from the
_Weekly Oracle_ relates to Harley's having been stabbed at the
council-table by the Sieur de Guiscard, a French Papist, brought up for
examination 8th March, 1711. The escape of the Chancellor of the
Exchequer was the subject of an address from both Houses to the Queen;
and upon his being sufficiently recovered to resume his seat, the
Speaker delivered to him the unanimous congratulations of the House of
Commons. Harley was shortly after created Earl of Oxford, by patent
bearing date 24th May, 1711, which recites, _inter alia_,--

"Since, therefore, the two Houses of Parliament have declared
that the fidelity and affection he has expressed in our service
have exposed him to the hatred of wicked men, _and the desperate
rage of a villanous parricide_, since they have congratulated
his escape from such imminent dangers, and put us in mind that
he might not be preserved in vain, we willingly comply with
their desires, and grant him who comes so honourably recommended
by the votes of our Parliament, a place among our peer," &c.
&c.--Collin's _Peerage_, vol. iv. p. 260. edit. 1789.

Guiscard died in Newgate of the wounds which he received in the scuffle
when he was secured.

BRAYBROOKE.

[O.P.Q., who has kindly replied to M.'s inquiry, has appended to
his answer the following Query:--"Is Smollett justified in using
the words _assassin_ and _assassinate_, as applied to cases of
intended homicide, when death did not ensue?"]