Cleveland Row, March 20th, 1797.
MY DEAREST BROTHER,
Lord Moira persists obstinately in bringing on his motion
to-morrow. I suppose they attach some political importance to the
having had the discussion with us before it comes on in the House
of Commons, for I can conceive no other reason for this
pertinaciousness. The Chancellor will not be there, so that I shall
have the whole battle, or nearly so, upon my shoulders. It is not,
however, the first time that this has happened to me, and most
probably it will not be the last; and I have no uneasiness as to
the result in point of effect or impression, even though the Prince
of Wales should (as is said) be persuaded that this is an occasion
in which it befits his station and prospects to put himself
forward.
There is no news nor much appearance of any, as both armies and in
both quarters seem to want much time to repair the effects of the
last campaign. It is some satisfaction to see that Buonaparte is in
no situation to push his advantages further as yet; and before he
is, I hope and trust the Emperor will have collected an army,
_better generalled_ and able to resist the French, who are,
however, drawing all their strength to that side.
The elections are going on quietly in France. What the result will
be, I believe nobody knows, and it is therefore in vain to guess.
Ever most affectionately yours,
G.
Pray accept our kindest remembrance to Lady B. and yourself, on the
celebration of to-morrow, and convey them to Lord and Lady T.
The motion was brought forward the next day, and negatived by a majority
of nearly four to one. A similar motion brought forward by Mr. Fox two
days afterwards in the House of Common, met with a similar reception.
About this time Lord Mornington was appointed Governor of Madras, in the
room of Mr. Hobart, now Lord Hobart, upon whom that office had been
conferred in the year 1794. The following letters refer to that
appointment, and are explanatory of the circumstances under which it was
made.