St. James's Square, June 21st, 1792.
MY DEAREST BROTHER,
Although I have as yet no tidings of my travellers, I feel so
confident of their being here before the day fixed for the Address,
that I think I run no risk in promising to be there _at all
events_. I have, however, no idea that the noble Marquis will give
us the meeting; though I will own to you, there are few things
which I should like better. I think the Address perfectly
unexceptionable as it now stands; but I should wish to add a
sentence somewhere, expressing the satisfaction and concurrence of
the county in the sentiments expressed _by Parliament_ on this
subject, because I think it may not be indifferent to future
debates, to have to quote expressions of this sort, in order to
show that, on a great occasion like this, the sense of the people
was immediately and completely expressed by Parliament. I enclose
you the Devonshire Address, which Fortescue sent me. It was drawn
by him; and I think singularly well put together.
It appears to me, that you ought certainly to move the Address
yourself; this not being a case where the common objections apply,
but rather the contrary. In that case, perhaps, some person of
higher rank ought to second than Drake, Duke of Portland, or Lord
Chesterfield, or Lord Inchiquin, or Lord Hampden. If, however, you
have actually applied to him, it must be managed as well as it can.
Do you advertize the meeting in the London papers? I think you
ought to write to Lord Chesterfield. When you return me the
Address, I will put it into Tom's hands for the Duke of Portland. I
think this meeting ought by no means to supersede the idea of the
Grand Jury presentment. If you still think that right, I will
contrive that Lord Loughborough, who goes your circuit, shall have
a hint to prepare the way for it by his charge. You will, of
course, be very civil to him. Whether it will come to anything I
have not; but there is reason enough to be civil to him, as I will
explain when we meet.
The Berlin news is nothing more than the common story of a squabble
between Mistress and Favourite, in which, contrary to custom,
Favourite has this time got the better of Mistress. As far as it
goes, it is unfavourable to the Jacobins; for the whole project of
French interference is Bishopwerder's; and the crime imputed to the
other, is a leaning towards the democrats.
I need not tell you how much I feel the kindness of what you say
about my domestic concerns, and the near approach of my prospects.
I am sure you do me the justice to think that I am not insensible
of all your affection to me on that subject, as, indeed, on every
other. Till they arrive, I can form no guess of their plans, nor,
consequently, of my own; but, as I shall certainly see you so soon,
either here or at Aylesbury, we shall be able to talk about it;
and, till then, I think you had better not write to Lord C. on the
subject of Stowe, for a reason which you perhaps guess.
Ever most affectionately yours,
G.