You and my father know already that I have not obeyed your summons,
but you do not know that it was impossible for me to obey it. Your
letter was received at the Cocoa-tree yesterday afternoon, but was
not sent to my lodgings till after I was gone out to dinner. I dined,
went down to the House of Commons, staid out a very long debate, &
was not in bed till four o'clock this morning. When I got up about
twelve, I perceived your letter; but it was then much too late, since
had I set out immediately I could not have reached Petersfield before
ten o'clock at night. If this accident has prevented any meeting, I
am really sorry for it, & will readily come any other day that it
can be adjourned to. But I still flatter myself that my father found
himself better than he expected.
The debate I mentioned was upon the Remonstrance:[131] it was
carried, 284 against 127, that questioning the legal existence of
Parliament is highly unwarrantable, tending to sedition and an abuse
of the right of petitioning. To-day they go upon a most loyal address
of lives & fortunes, after which a severe censure of the Mayor &
Sherifs is expected; but as the nature of that Censure has not
transpired, so the consequences of it cannot be foreseen.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
[131] On March 14 the Lord Mayor (Beckford) presented to the King
at St. James's "an Address, Remonstrance, and Petition of the
Lord Mayor, aldermen, and livery of the city of London," praying
for the dissolution of Parliament as not representing the people,
and for the removal of "evil ministers." On March 15 a motion was
carried by 271 to 108 for a copy of the Remonstrance to be laid
on the table of the House. On March 19 it was resolved by 284
to 127 that the Remonstrance tended to disturb the peace of the
kingdom. Beckford died June 21, 1770.
79.
_To his Stepmother._
Pall Mall, April 19th, 1770.
A good voyage to the Nabob.