Notes and Queries, Number 180, April 9, 1853 | Page 3

reality as stability in our
politics. Dyson has carried his persecuting bill against the East India
Company through the House of Commons, in spite of the Secretary of
State and Chancellor of the Exchequer, both of whom helped us to
make up a miserable minority of 84 against 151. Charles went at one
o'clock in the morning, when the House was up, to dinner with a set of
our friends, at Sir Lau. Dundass's, and there talked a big language of
resigning the seals the next day. The next day came, and we rallied the
majority upon this state of independence with great success, both
Charles himself, Wedderburn, and I; and he invited himself, Charles I
mean, to dine with us again that day at Lord Gower's. Again the same
language of resignation; but the spirit has subsided since, and we hear
no more of it. If Conway and he will take such usage, the Court will
certainly let them keep their places; for where can it find better tools?
The East India Company pursue the bill, with the council and evidence,
to the House of Lords, where matters run much nearer; for on the same
day we were so beat in the House of Commons, Lord Gower's motions
in the House of Lords, touching America, were rejected only by a
majority of {351} three, two of which were the king's brothers. The
Duke of York was absent. If we should succeed in that House, so as to
reject this bill, possibly the ministry may break to pieces; otherwise I
rather think it will hobble lamely on, through the summer, with

universal discontent attending it. Chatham is certainly as ill as ever; and,
notwithstanding all reports to the contrary, Lord Holland has not been
sent to by the Court. He is arrived at his house in Kent, and comes, but
of his own accord, to town to the birthday. On that day, the clerks,
Watts, and I go down to Lynch's for five or six days: I wish you was of
the party. It would have been very kind indeed in Mr. Harvey, the
six-clerk, to have tipped so soon. Your Lord Lieutenant says he is to go.
God help the poor man if he does. I am sorry for your account of the
disorders in the college. I do not like anything that may throw reflexion
on Andrews, and I will press him to come homewards. Adieu, my dear
Bob.
Most faithfully yours, R. R.
* * *
Pay Office, 2nd May, 1769.
Dear Bob,
After I wrote to you last Saturday morning, I went to the House, where
I found a petition presented from fifteen tailors or tinkers, freeholders
of Middlesex, against Lutterell. The opposition wanted a call of the
House for Wednesday fortnight. We insisted on hearing it next Monday,
and divided 94 against 49. This business retards the prorogation till this
day or to-morrow se'nnight: but we are adjourned till Monday; so
nothing but hearing this nonsense remains. Wilkes' stock falls very fast
every day, and upon this measure there was such difference of opinion
amongst his friends, that Sawbridge and Townsend would not attend on
Saturday. Serjeant Whitacre has desired to be Lutterell's counsel gratis,
in order to deliver his opinion at the bar of the House on the legality of
Lutterell's seat; and says he shall insist, if the House should be of
opinion that Lutterell is not duly elected, that he himself is, as having
been next upon the poll of those who were capable of receiving votes.
No news yet of your secretary. Some people are impatient to hear his
report of the state of parties, and their several dispositions to support
government, on your side the water. He must certainly be a most

competent judge, after so long a residence there, and after such open
and frank discourse as every man there would naturally hold with him
upon critical matters. Some better judges than him, lately arrived from
Ireland, make no scruple in declaring there will be a majority of forty
against the Castle at the opening the session. Adieu, my dear little Bob:
my love to the Provost.
Yours ever, R. R.
P.S.--I shall get the Journals of the House of Commons for you
certainly.
* * *
Lawford, Saturday Evening, 4th Nov., 1769.
Dear little Bob,
It would be ungrateful in the present company here not to take some
notice of you, just as they had finished the last bottle of an excellent
hogshead of Burgundy, which you sent into my cellar, I believe, seven
years ago. What has come since we will avoid mentioning. A few
bottles, however, of the former were reserved for the divine Charlotte,
and she, and Caswell, and I have this day finished them; and the