I have not attempted to shake your decided resolutions nor shall I
presume to arraign the consistency of the Electors of Leskeard, whom
you so gravely introduce. You are undoubtedly free as air to confer
and to withdraw your parliamentary favours, and I should despise my
own ingratitude were I capable of forgetting my past obligations to
you because you are not disposed to render them more perfect, or
more permanent. I am still ignorant what will be the consequences
of your refusal; but I declare upon my honour, at the date of my
last letter that they appeared to me exactly in the light in which
I represented them, that I had never formed any hopes much less
any claims of ministerial support, and that I never opened my lips
on the subject to the noble friend whose character seems to extort
the praise of his political enemies. Since your absolute refusal, I
have been encouraged to hazard an application which has been kindly
entertained. If it proves unsuccessful the principal difficulty will
arise from the lateness of my request. I am asked why Mr. Eliot, who
re-elected a placeman last year, maintained to the last moment an
ambiguous silence without condescending to inform me that I must not
depend on his friendship at the General Election. I confess that I am
at a loss for an answer.
[Sidenote: DEFENCE OF HIS CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT.]
I am equally at a loss how to answer the part of your letter, which
in polite language represents my parliamentary conduct as the cause
of your displeasure. You will not expect that I should justify
the grounds of every silent vote which I have given, or that I
should write a political pamphlet on the eventful history of the
last six years. But I may fairly rest my apology on the truth of
one single assertion, that I have never renounced any principle,
deserted any connection, or violated any promise. I have uniformly
asserted both in private and public the justice of the American War.
I have constantly supported in Parliament the general measures of
Government, except at one particular crisis while it was doubtful,
after Bourgoyne's defeat whether they would offer terms to the
rebels. I agreed with you in a speculative opinion, almost equally
rejected by both parties, that after the substance of power was lost,
the name of independence might be granted to the Americans. I have
often and severely censured the faults of administration, but I have
always condemned the _system_ of opposition: and your judgment will
allow that in public life, every man is reduced to the necessity
of choosing the side which upon the whole appears to him the least
reprehensible. The mere acceptance of a seat at the board of trade
does not surely convey any reproach or disgrace, since you yourself,
my Dear Sir, have held the same disqualifying place under several
successive Administrations, without any of those domestic reasons,
which, if an excuse were necessary, might be alleged in my favour.
You revive an old conversation between us concerning Mr. Peachey's
election, which passed, if I am not mistaken, in the garret of
the House of Commons. At that time I had never given a single vote
against the actual measures of Government, and the indiscreet opinion
which you urged me to declare must apply to your sentiments, not
to my own. I thought and I still think, that, were I master of a
Borough, I would not from motives of interest, elect a _stranger_
whose political principles were repugnant to my own.
Thus far for my own honour, I have been forced into this unpleasant,
though I hope not intemperate explanation, but I perfectly concur
with your wish to avoid all future complaints or apologies. I most
willingly embrace the offer of your private friendship, and I shall
always cultivate a cordial intercourse with a person who is entitled
to my esteem and gratitude.
I beg you would present my kindest wishes and compliments to Mrs.
Eliot and the rest of your family. I suppose Mr. Edward will succeed
me at Leskeard.[467]