You will think me the most impudent fellow alive: but I am really
angry with _you_ for not being angry with _me_ o account of my long
and shameful silence. We have had (I do not mean it as any excuse)
the hardest work I have yet known in Parliament. You see that we are
reduced to the humiliation of sueing for peace. I much fear we shall
have the additional humiliation of being rejected. In the meantime
a French war is every day a probable event. I have not yet seen so
very black a prospect. How have you passed the winter, in health, in
spirits and in amusements? For my own part I am perfectly free from
the gout, and notwithstanding the hurry of business and pleasure, I
steal some moments for the Roman Empire. I can assure you with the
utmost truth that I look forward to Easter with such impatience I
_will_ write oftener.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
338.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Almack's, Saturday night, [February, 28th, 1778].
I like your method of proceeding, and I am much relieved to find
that after fighting so long with savage monsters, we have at length
found a being not totally devoid of sense and feeling. Yet I fear
the events which may happen before Michaelmas. With regard to your
other schemes, I think them _hard_: but the times are so: and I must
submit. Hugonin shall not be omitted.
*As to politics, we should easily fill pages, and therefore had
better be silent. You are mistaken in supposing that the Bills are
opposed; some particular objections have been stated, and in the
_only_ division I voted with Government.[389]* Yet I still repeat
that in my opinion, Lord N. does not deserve pardon for the past,
applause for the present, or confidence for the future. You are,
however, perfectly in the right in supposing that the most able men
in the Kingdom will go to America, as a proof of which I must inform
you that Lord Carlisle is certainly appointed first Commissioner.[390]
Caplin enquired about the groom. He is a drunken, worthless fellow.
Adieu. I hear the bell. My Lady is a most aimiable Creature. I
rejoice in her snugness.
[389] Mr. Powys moved a clause to repeal expressly and by name
the Massachusetts Charter Act. This clause was opposed by Lord
North, and on a division was rejected. Lord North, however,
supported a separate Bill for the attainment of the same object.
[390] The five commissioners, appointed on April 13, 1778, were
Lord Carlisle, Lord Howe, Sir W. Howe, William Eden (afterwards
Lord Auckland), and George Johnstone (ex-governor of Florida).
339.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
February 29th, 1778.