Stanhope Street, Dec. 11th, 1788.
MY DEAR LORD,
The scene here is a very busy one, and I never was so interested in
any public measures in my life as in the support of Mr. Pitt and
the King at this moment, looking upon it as my duty to do all in my
power to stem the torrent of profligacy which the Opposition and
_their King_ seem determined to hazard with the good sense,
decency, and character of the country. I really do see such things,
and hear of such doings, that my tolerant spirit cannot forgive,
and if you had not very good information of them, I should think
myself bound to treat you with them. The Nevilles, Fortescues,
Jemmy, and the General, being in town, we make a very strong corps
together; and we are sent to White's every night to gain
intelligence for our ladies, who are not a little animated in
favour of the good cause. Charles Fox and Pitt were at issue
yesterday in the House, when the former advanced the most
extraordinary doctrines, considering his former opinions in the
Whig Club and in Parliament on constitutional points. I hope the
nation will see what lengths he is capable of going when it answers
his purposes. I do not hear of many rats running as yet, except the
Duke of Queensbury, Lord Brudenell, and W. Gerrard, Hamilton, and
Sir Robert Smyth, but probably some more dirty dogs will follow
them. The Chancellor seems very sour and crusty, and certainly does
not like Pitt, but I cannot believe he will do otherwise than right
on this momentous occasion.
* * * * *
We sat yesterday till eight, in the Lords, and thought Lord Camden
imprudent in touching upon what had passed in the Commons the day
before, as it gave the Opposition an excuse for being violent; it,
however, had one good effect, that the Chancellor opened enough of
his sentiments to show that he means to stand by his colleagues.
His speech was not long, but one of the finest I ever heard, and
made so strong an impression, that we gave him a merry "Hear,
hear," which you know is not very frequent in the House of Lords. I
think we shall carry the question of restrictions very powerfully
in the Lords, as I hear of no rats but the Duke of Queensbury, the
Duke of St. Albans, and Lord Rodney. In the Commons, a great deal
will depend on the state of the King's health at the time the
question comes on, and on the previous activity of Pitt and his two
secretaries, in talking a little to dubious friends, which they
have not time nor inclination to do, notwithstanding so much
depends upon it.
Adieu, my dear Lord. Our joint and kindest love and remembrance
attend you both.
Yours ever, &c.
Pray order your secretary to send me word of the number and income
of the tide-waiters' offices which you can spare me, as I have
dependants enough if they are as highly paid in Ireland as in
England. In the meantime I give you the name of John Thomas, for
one of them. Did you ever promote one Alexander Gammach,
tide-waiter at Belfast? Pray do before you quit Ireland.