“[Dr. Lushington] conceives that if it were made to appear to Mrs. Leigh that the consequence of this sort of controversy, begun by the circulation of a Memoir, followed by an answer, and ending in publication on both sides would inevitably be at last the disclosure of everything which she was most desirous to conceal—that such a letter or communication from her to him would be sent as would be as likely to operate in deterring him from the commencement of this attack as any other means you could employ. This would depend upon her communicating to him pretty faithfully what you should write to her. Lushington seems to think there would be no doubt of this. . . .
“I think the great point to effect is that Lord Byron should be aware of the extent of the information you possess, and be made to believe that the consequence of commencing an attack which would lead necessarily from one thing to another, would be the ultimate disclosure of everything. If this could be done through Mrs. Leigh it perhaps would be the best course, and you can best judge of that. . . .
“If you think that you can make Mrs. Leigh the instrument of conveying that sort of intimidation to Lord Byron that may deter him from the course he is about to enter—I think you should not be prevented by any consideration for her immediate feelings on receiving a decided letter from you on the subject—as, to her as well as to all concerned—it is of so much more importance that things should be left undisturbed—than that present feelings only should be consulted.”
