Letter from Edmund Prideaux, Rome, [Italy], to Martin Folkes, Queensquare, Ormond Street, London Notes the death of Pope Clement 12th. This, and inflammation in the eyes of Hamerani [Otto Hamerani, Master of the Mint at Rome], will postpone the medals Prideaux commissioned, which had already been delayed whilst permission was sought. The Camerlingo is now cutting dyes for coinage for a new Pope and Folkes can send over the watches with these via an Italian merchant in London. Describes the process of the Cardinals' conclave and the speculation on who may be the next Pope. Prideaux would favour [Pietro] Ottoboni. Clement's previous rival Cardinal [Gianantonio] Davia beat him to Paradise. Prideax describes seeing the body both out of state in bed and lying in state before being processed and placed in a wall where it will lie for a year and three days, also the ceremonies at St Peter's. 20 February 1740