In the general dissolution you will be anxious to know my fate,
and I wish it were in my power to send you a more agreeable
account. Mr. Eliot, actuated, as it should seem, by the Demon of
Party, has renounced me.[462] I am not without resources; but his
civil ambiguous silence, by feeding my hopes, has encreased my
difficulties. I doubt whether my _real_ friends will be able to serve
me at so short a notice, and I think it more than probable that I
shall not be in the new Parliament, at least in the beginning of it.
A few days however will determine that question, and I still proceed
with perfect composure to prepare for my lying-in. They will be
twins, and I reckon about next February.
I am, Dear Madam,
Most truly yours,
E. G.
Col. H. who came with me Thursday from S. P. darted down to Coventry.
I think he is secure.
[462] The Hon. Wilbraham Tollemache was elected in Gibbon's place
for Liskeard.
[Sidenote: PROMISE OF ANOTHER SEAT.]
403.
_To Colonel Holroyd._
September 7th, 1780.
I shall again breathe the pestiferous air of St. Stephen's
Chappel.[463]--The sagacious Eden whom I accidentally visited
the day after your departure pressed and persuaded me to make a
bold application to the powers above. I fairly stated my public
disappointment and private difficulties, and declared to Lord N.
in the most explicit terms, that notwithstanding my sincere desire
to replace myself in a situation, where I may be serviceable to
his Government, _small indeed_ must be the effort which I shall
be capable of making for that purpose, an idea which I explained
to Robinson in a more familiar tone, by asking for an _almost_
gratuitous seat. After some importunity and delay, I saw the
Secretary yesterday; and he communicated Lord N.'s resolution of
bringing me into Parliament, either for the first meeting, or at
the Re-Elections which will immediately be occasioned by the option
of those who are returned for two places. He did not mention terms;
if any, they must be very light. On my return home I found a letter
from Lord L[oughborough][464] worthy of himself, and may now remain
perfectly quiet and secure. Success produces good humour; and I shall
be very gentle in my answer to the Port, which I do not hurry. This
event, as you will easily understand, decides in a great measure the
rest of my life. You will growl if I lament in some sort that it has
disconcerted a very pleasant scheme, a sweet vision of _Helvetic_
retirement: I know that a prudent man ought not to make himself happy.
While I steal in through a postern, you thunder at one of the great
gates: knock and it shall be opened unto you. Your victory appears
certain, and it will be productive of a lasting conquest. Eden is not
yet returned from Woodstock; I will confabulate with him.
The Westminster battle[465] begins this morning; Rodney will be chose
almost unanimously. It was imprudent to propose Lord Lincoln; he is
disliked by the substantial tradesmen: but they _abhor_ Fox, and
the Patriot, after his appeal to the _People_ of Westminster, must
probably retire to the Duke of R.'s dependent voters of Chichester,
where I am told Keppel[466] will make room for him.
Not a word of news. Adieu.
[463] The newly elected Parliament met October 31, 1780. Gibbon
was elected, at a by-election, M.P. for Lymington, June 25, 1781.
[464] Alexander Wedderburn succeeded Sir W. de Grey (afterwards
Lord Walsingham) as Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, with
the title of Lord Loughborough (June, 1780).
[465] Admiral Rodney and Charles Fox were elected for
Westminster, September 22, 1780, against Lord Lincoln.
[466] Admiral Keppel was returned for Surrey, after being
defeated at Windsor by Portlock Powney. George III. canvassed for
the latter. "The pony with the powerful rider has carried away
the plate" (Warner to G. Selwyn, September, 1780).
404.
_To Mr. Eliot._
B. S., Sept. 8th, 1780.