I congratulate you on being relieved from the long and painful state of political suspense, or rather, despair, in which the country has been lately involved. The Ministers, the House of Commons, and the country have all of them done their duty; and we may look forward to a speedy and triumphant passing of the Reform Bills with great confidence. We have certainly been on the brink of a precipice: and after what has passed, we may perhaps experience some trouble yet.
1 On the 8th of October the House of Lords had thrown out the Reform Bill by a majority of 41. |
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| Sir James Mackintosh |
They will be very narrowly watched by the Court intriguers; and an opportunity may be taken in some unguarded moment, and when the people are no longer excited (after the Reform Bills have been carried) to dismiss the Whigs and re-establish a Tory Government. It will be a rash and hazardous experiment, but the Court party are very capable of trying it. One cannot but be sorry for the poor King, who I really believe, though deficient in firmness, has good and honest intentions, but who is surrounded by able and active intriguers, and I hear is personally alienated to a considerable degree from the Whigs. It is fortunate that he remained constant to them for so long; and again I must say we must hope for the best.
You will be glad to hear that most of our friends are well; but, alas! there is one great exception in poor Sir James Mackintosh, who now lies dangerously ill, and indeed past all hope. His health has been declining for some time past, and he has been unable to attend Parliament; but it was not till a few days ago that he was attacked by a mortal illness. He will be a great public and private loss, upon which a great deal might be said, but the subject is too painful for me to enlarge upon at present.
