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A Memoir of the Reverend Sydney Smith
Letters 1844
Sydney Smith to Lady Grey, [April 1844]
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Author's Preface
Contents
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Index
Editor’s Preface
Letters 1801
Letters 1802
Letters 1803
Letters 1804
Letters 1805
Letters 1806
Letters 1807
Letters 1808
Letters 1809
Letters 1810
Letters 1811
Letters 1812
Letters 1813
Letters 1814
Letters 1815
Letters 1816
Letters 1817
Letters 1818
Letters 1819
Letters 1820
Letters 1821
Letters 1822
Letters 1823
Letters 1824
Letters 1825
Letters 1826
Letters 1827
Letters 1828
Letters 1829
Letters 1830
Letters 1831
Letters 1832
Letters 1833
Letters 1834
Letters 1835
Letters 1836
Letters 1837
Letters 1838
Letters 1839
Letters 1840
Letters 1841
Letters 1842
Letters 1843
Letters 1844
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My dear Lady Grey,

Your account seems good of Lord Grey. I envy him the taste of fresh air after such a long confinement, to say nothing of the fine feeling which cessation from pain produces; not that I would be ill, but
MEMOIR OF THE REV. SYDNEY SMITH.529
that I consider these feelings as some little abatement of evil.

The Government are to have this year, I understand, a very splendid budget; but obtained, of course, by the pernicious auxiliary of the Income Tax.

What a singular event,—these divisions upon the working hours of the common people! The protection of children is perhaps right; but everything beyond is mischief and folly. It is generally believed, that if the Ten Hours Bill is carried, Government will resign. I am a decided duodecimalist. —— is losing his head. When he brings forward his Suckling Act, he will be considered as quite mad. No woman to be allowed to suckle her own child without medical certificates. Three classes—viz. free sucklers, half sucklers, and spoon-meat mothers. Mothers whose supply is uncertain, to suckle upon affidavit! How is it possible that an Act of Parliament can supply the place of nature and natural affection? Have you any nonsense equal to this in Northumberland?

I think I could write a good sermon against war, but I doubt if I shall preach any more. It makes me ill; I get violently excited, and tire myself to death.

—— is gone to Paris. He made a sensation at the Drawing-room, by asking the Queen, at some length, if he could take parcels or letters for her!

I have some thoughts of going to Brighton tomorrow, but I believe indolence will prevail. I pray for fine weather for Lord Grey. It will be his cure when it does come.

God bless you!
S. S.